JUST GIVE ME 5 MINUTES

No one thought Leslie can do such a thing. She was a very timid lady, a lonesome and always keeping thoughts to herself but what on earth did ever get to her to do that.

One sunny afternoon, after she laid her books on the bedside table. She scurry downstairs with a newspaper in her hand and went directly to the nearby jeepney station. The jeep was not yet fully packed so she has to wait for a few minutes before leaving.

Upon arrival to the court, she ran directly to the courtroom where her friend was one of the accused of being terrorist by the government. Liza was a victim of red tagging. All her friend did was to pour out her disapproval to the current administration in social media. But right here and then after 48 hours of posting, she was arrested.

Is this a democratic government? Why is that we are not allowed to criticize them. It’s as if this country is run by a communist. Leslie thought to herself.

The interrogation already started when she arrived. She saw her friend in the left side of the panel sitting in the defendants table. She is quite nervous and is about to cry. She wanted to run and comfort her but she knew she is not allowed to do that. So she sat at the back of the spectator’s seating area and listened as the jury is questioning her friend. Liza is trying to defend herself that she is not a terrorist, she is just a concerned citizen trying to make people realize the mistakes of the leaders. Her statement is often interrupted by the jury asking continuously about the post.

Soon, one man on the witness stand stood up and said that she is a spy hired by the terrorist to spy on the government and circulate it in social media. On that moment Liza finally stood and shout at the top of her voice “IT’S A LIE!!!!” and went on crying.

Leslie cannot deal with it anymore, she stood and walk in the aisle with grace, grab a microphone and signaled Liza to return to her seat. Without a glimpse of nervousness, she held her head high and started saying “You may not know me but as a citizen of this country, I think I am entitled to voice out my opinion in this jury. Liza was illegally arrested, there is no proof that she is a terrorist. If her post reached a million shares, that is because everybody believes her. She believes this government needs a change. The change that could benefit very living being in this planet. As a citizen, we are not here to fight we are here to support you that is why we need you to hear our voices. If you just listen to the voices of the poor, the victims of injustice, the oppressed and all the people living in this country, you will understand that we need you to help us. WE need your help. All the criticisms in her post is for you to realize that you have to change your ways, your values. You have to prioritize the needs of the people not just yourself. We can achieve economic progress and development and we can solve every problem if we are united. Let us not be divided by our ideals and differences because we are one and the same. We are all human beings, we made mistakes, we forgive, we forget and we can start anew.”

After Leslie finished her five minute speech, there is dead silence. Soon the judge stood up and gave her an applause, then everybody stood up and clapped their hands. The judge made his verdict, Liza is acquitted, she is not a terrorist, she is just a normal teenager opening the eyes of the millions about unlawful, corrupt and ruthless administration.

Liza is relieved, her nightmare has ended. She can now sleep in peace and can eat well. She just hope, all things will go well.

Leslie on the other hand, came to talk to the town’s officials and plotted her plans but the leaders are hesitant, telling her there is no budget for that, her suggestions are insane, they have already plans of their own, she has no right to just go there and present it. But Leslie is determined, she insist, she won’t stop. She will go to the every public officials and talk but every time her plans are rejected, she did not get discouraged, hence, it motivate her to try even harder. Her experiences dealing with difficult people gave her the courage to talk to higher officials of the country.

Until she heard one senator is visiting her town. She scheduled an appointment but the secretary said the senator’s schedule is full. Leslie’s unwavering drive did not stop her. She must find a way.

That night she sneak in the hotel where the senator was staying. On her way to the room across the corner, she bumped into a man and when she looked up, It was the senator.

“Oh my God senator, I am so sorry but if you can give me your time I have important matters to tell you. Please senator, you are the reason why I sneak in this hotel. It is very important. I promise I won’t do that again, just give me five minutes.”

“Look like it’s urgent, well your time starts now”

“Oh thank you so much senator”

And Leslie presented her plans and finished it in five minutes.

“You are an interesting lady. You have a brilliant mind. I will bring your papers back in the office and we will tackle this in our senate hearing. God bless you.”

Two years later Leslie and Liza are having picnic in the park enjoying themselves, not worrying for anything.

“I think everything now is in order”

“ Well that’s because of you, Thank you Leslie, we are now enjoying Low tax rates and that means more food in our table, free education to all from primary to college in all public schools in the country, Healthcare program for everyone. Free hospitalization and medicine to every senior citizen and infants. Free check-up and laboratory annually for every member of the family. Financial assistance to farmers, fisher folks, drivers and vendors. A clean and greener environment.  A safer and peaceful community where everyone is in harmony. No victims of injustice, Jobs for everyone and most of all we are free to voice out our opinions and complaints, well not in social media but in our government hotline. I like it they take actions quickly. You are really my hero!

“Thank you Liza for your motivation. If not for you, I wouldn’t do such a thing.”