Breakout September 16, 2008
Posted by francesgm in Uncategorized.Tags: inquirer, opinion, youngblood
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Breakout
I’d like to write about my admiration for people like Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., who, despite his fear of testifying before the Senate and despite the desperate attempts of influential people to control him, mustered the courage to reveal what he knew, even if it also meant admitting his own dirt.
I’d like to express my disgust with the people behind Lozada’s short disappearance, for moving heaven and earth to fabricate story, complete with documents, ending up exposing themselves as part of a cover-up. I find it very insulting that Malacañang thinks we are so idiotic as to believe this bunch of ludicrous lies.
I’d like to write how much I detest people who only think of themselves. Assuming that the controversial ZTE national broadband network (NBN) deal pushed through, these selfish people would only have to rest in their mansions while waiting for their billion-peso kickbacks. I hope they visit the slums around the country and see that there are people who hardly eat at all.
I’d like to write about my dismay with the Cabinet member who chooses to remain silent. I have no idea what’s keeping him from talking further. When the time comes that he finally finds the guts to speak out, whatever he may have to say, I will appreciate it greatly
I’d like to write about my disappointment with someone who used to be an honorable man, and who is now a staunch defender of an audaciously corrupt administration.
I’d like to write how I find it ridiculous that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo skipped the Philippine Military Academy Alumni Homecoming because of an assassination plot. Don’t presidents get death threats all the time? How funny that the alleged plotters, the Jemaah Islamiyah, carelessly left their documents in a parking lot! How amusing that on the day of the Philippine Military Academy homecoming, the President went out of town anyway. Malacañang’s capacity to produce incredible excuses and bizarre pieces of evidence is impressive.
How I wish to expound on the issues revolving around prominent government officials. But a simple enumeration of these issues would already fill a room. Then the ranting will need a much bigger space.
So I’ll tell you instead that while I am not one of those fuming street protesters outside the Senate or on Ayala Avenue, my rage is just as intense. I’ll tell you that between the pressure of academic deadlines and the pressure of having a life, I still find time to sit down and ponder the administration’s every move. My rage gets stronger every time I read and watch the news. I am getting more and more dismayed. For the very first time in my 20 years of existence, I am no longer an apathetic observer of this political circus. This national issue has stirred the Filipino blood flowing in my veins.
Other people my age would probably think I’m too much concerned with these events. But of course! I am a part of the youth. Our future leaders belong to my generation. I don’t want to reap the fruits this government is planting. I do not wish my generation to inherit the practice of corruption, shameless lying and other sinful things.
It is said that the people get the kind of government they deserve. But I am sure we are aware that we don’t deserve what we have. We Filipinos are getting wiser in choosing our leaders. That is why we have elected a few good men like Antonio Trillanes IV, Grace Padaca and Ed Panlilio. Their victory in the elections is a manifestation that little by little we are taking steps to get the kind of government that we truly deserve. We are improving, because in the recent elections, we did not re-elect traditional politicians; we did not elect entertainment personalities to the Senate and a boxing hero to a local government post. These are proofs that we have learned our lessons.
They say that we should not ask Ms Arroyo to step down for the sake of our developing economy. After all, 2010 is fast approaching. In two years, we will have a new leader.
I used to say the same thing. But the issues against her continue to pile up. I hardly see any credibility left in her. Her leadership is full of anomalies and saying “I’m sorry” does not suffice. If we wait for two more years, the government will be morally broke, perhaps beyond repair. The remaining years of her term may be tolerable for the well-off, but two more years is an eternity for those who are suffering.
There is another question her critics always bring up: Will she step down in 2010? While I know she might try to stay in power, I have faith in my fellow Filipinos and I know they won’t let this happen. If it does happen, we won’t only have a new people power uprising, but a bloody revolution.
The President is lucky that she can stay in power because Filipinos are suffering from so-called “people power fatigue.” But her luck seems to be running out. The recent Ayala Avenue protest tells us that bigger things are yet to come. Further investigations and future revelations will push more Filipinos to move out of their comfort zones and make their voices heard. Observing events from the sidelines has made the people weary. If these protests are the only way to let Ms Arroyo know that the people will no longer allow themselves to be bullied by her administration without fighting back, then expect more rallies ahead. Like Lozada, the people will be unstoppable when they finally decide to break their silence.
I am sure of it, and I will be among them.
Frances G. Mangosing, 20, is a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism senior at the University of Santo Tomas.
Occam's Razor 