She sits in her chair, almost catatonic, a friend of hers related. She lost several pounds. She's frail, and rarely speaks, unusual for someone whom Times Magazine once referred as one of the most powerful women of the world.
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo rarely eats nowadays, says her doctors. She reportedly lost her appetite after her third surgery. Someone close to her said that she should not have allowed doctors to operate on her because surgery is really not required as a solution to her back pains.
Doctors know best, and knowing Gloria, she always follow what an expert tells her. That's part of her leadership style. She listens and dispenses decisions based on expert advise.
I once shared supper with her in 2002, two years before that historic elections where she now stands accused of rigging. I, along with several other people's organisations, presented a twelve point agenda for change. I represented the Youth and after I spoke, she asked me if I was a graduate of the University of the Philippines which I answered yes.
After that dinner, she spoke with me and alongside several others, including former Congressman Pichay and former security and defense chief Bert Gonzales. She promised to implement several of what we proposed to her. To her credit, she did order several government agencies to implement some, not all, of our recommendations.
A year later, I saw myself militating in the streets and publishing the first labor newspaper calling for her ouster. I did it along with Sonny Melencio. We were the very first ones who called for her ouster from power, two or three years before anyone did.
History now prove that we were right. Shortly after the 2004 elections, several of her strongest allies resigned and militated against her.
I was one of the last ones to sign the last impeachment complaint against her, with Edwin Lacierda. That impeachment complaint was historic because it involved members of the growing online community.
Before the 2010 elections, there were rumors that Gloria wanted to announce martial rule. It was averted.
Gloria, for nine long years, dominated the political scene. She, along with her husband and sons, flaunted extreme power. They are game changers yes, but in a most difficient and most venal way.
Gloria used her power for her own advancement. It was nine long years of darkness. Next month, President Aquino promised to file several charges against her and her family. Will justice be served this time around?
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sits in her hospital chair, ready to face the verdict of History. She's weaker, and thinner than usual. She rarely speaks. For someone whom even the most vile gentlemen of this country consider as the strongest woman alive, seeing her unable to speak is still, unbelievable.
Like what a cab driver told me, God is All-Knowing. Look, most of our politicians, those who betrayed the people's cause, died either violently or thru a lethal disease. Those senators who died, they died due to cancer. Those who served government but betrayed the purse of the people, died either by a lingering illness or violent means. That is God speaking.
Will Gloria finally speak with her God?
PGMA last got everything now lose it all.
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