Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth

The bitter battle between Ambassador Lauro Baja and former Chief Justice Davide, for the position of Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, is a sad spectacle to behold.

Two old men. Both overaged. Jousting each other for a position that they should cede to the younger generation of Filipinos -- whether career diplomat or political appointee. Without a doubt, both Davide and Baja are brilliant men. They held sterling records, speaking of their eloquence and erudition. But now they are old as the hills.

Their tug-of-war is undignified and does not befit their social and intellectual status. Worse, it exposes, for the whole world to see, how dirty and politicized our government has become.

The uncivil disservice of the Philippines.