Principled unity: Lessons from history

The recent arrest and extradition of former President Rodrigo Duterte to face trial for alleged crimes against humanity has reignited deep divisions in Philippine society.

- SONNY COLOMA

Some view this as a long-overdue act of justice, while others see it as politically motivated. As a Rotarian for over four decades, I have always held steadfast to the Four-Way Test: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Through this lens, I believe that justice, truth, and fairness must prevail, but they must also lead to unity rather than further division.

History offers profound lessons on how nations heal after turmoil.

One of the most compelling examples is the leadership of Abraham Lincoln in the aftermath of the American Civil War. Lincoln faced a deeply fractured nation, yet he pursued a course of reconciliation rather than vengeance.

His call for "malice toward none, with charity for all" was not just rhetoric it was a guiding principle that sought to mend the wounds of war through justice tempered with mercy. While he remained committed to holding the Confederacy accountable for its actions, he understood that unity was paramount to nation-building.

In our post-EDSA experience, seven coup attempts were mounted against the Aquino government, even after the people had ratified the 1987 constitution overwhelmingly, with more than 90 percent voter participation. The new government focused its efforts on rebuilding the democracy that was supplanted by 14 years of authoritarianism. President Corazon Aquino tapped her erstwhile defense secretary Fidel Ramos one of two main heroes of EDSA - as her candidate in the 1992 elections.