Nakalimutan na ba talaga natin ang EDSA?

Ano ba talaga ang EDSA "people power revolution"? At bakit sinasabing tila yata nakalimutan na natin ang diwa ng EDSA? Totoo bang nakalimot na tayo o baka yung iba, lalo na yaong mga namumuno sa ating gobyerno?

Kung sasabihin nating laban sa diktadurya ang EDSA revolt, naganap at natapos ito nang mapatalsik ang Pangulong Marcos. Sa dalawamput siyam na ulit mula 1986, ginugunita natin ang makasaysayang araw na ito. Pinutol natin ang diktadurya at nanumbalik ang kalayaan. Ngunit, pansinin nating maigi ang pahayag na ito---ang panunumbalik ng kalayaan.

Anong kalayaan ang naibalik? Una, ang kalayaan ng pamamahayag. Limitado noong batas militar dahil sa naturalesa o natural na kalagayan noon--siyembre batas militar ang umiiral, natural na limitado ang pamamahayag batay lamang sa gusto o nais ng nakatataas o yaong nasasa kapangyarihan.

Pansinin---nanauli nga ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag ngunit ito ay pinalitan ng pagsisikil naman sa karapatan ng mga mamamahayag. Noon bang panahon ng batas militar, ilan ang naging biktima at binusalan ang bibig? Ikumpara ito mula sa 1986 hanggang sa kasalukuyang panahon na kung kailan hindi lamang bibig ang binubusalan kundi maski buhay ay kinukuha sa atin.

Ilang libong mamamahayag na ang nagbuwis ng buhay mapanatili ang kalayaang ito. Ano ngayon ang naging pagkakaiba noong batas militar at sa kasalukuyang panahon kung ating kikilalanin na patuloy pa rin ang pagpatay at pagsikil sa pamamahayag? May nagbago ba?

Isa sa kalayaang nanumbalik ay yaong tinatawag na kalayaang pang-ekonomiya na kung saan, malayang nakapagnenegosyo ang mga tao. Tama yan sa isang kapitalistang sistema na ang basehan ng yaman ay ang kalayaan ng kapital.

Nabuksan nga natin ang ekonomiya mula sa pagsikil ng iisang grupo tungo naman sa isang kalagayang kontrolado pa rin ng iilang pamilya. Mayroong positibo at negatibong epekto ang pananauli ng kalayaan sa pagnenegosyo.

Isang malaking negatibo ay ang pag-aaportion ng ekonomiya sa mga elitistang pamilya. Pansinin--noong panahon ni Marcos, mayroong matatatag na industriya ang Pilipinas. Ngayon, anong industriya ang nasasa pagmamay-ari ng mamamayan? wala. Lahat na halos ng industriya ay ibinigay sa mga dambuhalang kumpanya o mga elitistang pamilya. Tanong--ito ba ang sinasabi nating pagbabago--ang ilagay sa balag ng alanganin ang kinabukasan ng mga mamamayan kapalit ng dominasyon sa ekonomiya ng iilang naghaharing pamilyang elitista?

Binabalik-balikan natin ang EDSA people power revolution at sa dalawamput siyam na beses, pinapaalalala sa atin ang mapait na katotohanang walang naging pagbabago kundi ang pananauli ng mga sakit at suliraning naging dahilan nga bakit lumala ang sitwasyong panlipunan na naging sanhi ng deklarasyon ng batas militar.

Nakalimutan na ba natin ang EDSA?
Dinurog na ba ng panahon ang ating pag-asa?
Ginawa na bang manhid ang ating mga mata
Napagod na ba ang ating mga paa
sa katatakbo sa
lubak-lubak na kalsada.

Nakalimutan na ba natin ang EDSA?
Isang kabanata kung saan
pinatalsik ang isang pamilya
at ipinalit ay isa ring pamilya
ngunit katanggap tanggap sa elitista.

Nakalimutan na nga ba natin ang EDSA?
nang tayo'y nagkaisa, itinaas ang mga idolo't
ideolohiya at
ipinakita ang tibay ng madla
laban sa mga tangke't sundalong
may dalang baril at batuta

Walang kulay ang linyang kita sa Roxas boulevard
kinain na ng dilim ang mga dilaw

Senate probe on DAP--it's like a briefing

The DAP "architect" lecturing those who
received those sinful funds

Yesterday's Senate invitation of Budget secretary Butch Abad, to put it mildly, is another wastage of the people's monies and time. It was like a briefing---the supposed architect of the illegal Disbursement Acceleration Program or DAP using the occasion to "illuminate" or provide sufficient alibis for those who benefitted from his hair-brained scheme.

The hearing even turned Abad into a "witness", with Senate president Franklin Drilon acting like a defense counsel. I can't describe Senators Antonio Trillianes IV and Bam Aquino as "counsels". They were more like choir boys, who sang Hallelujahs every single time Abad opens his mouth and when Drilon shares his perversion before the very eyes of millions of televiewers and radio listeners.

Yes, Abad used History as defense and likened DAP (to my mind) to a prostitute---she was used repeatedly by several presidents, so, why would we be different? It's like saying that an old and wrongful act, when repeated several times over, becomes legal in the eyes of those who do it.

Abad just provided ammunition to law-breakers in this land, particularly smugglers---continue your smuggling ways and eventually, your act will become custom, therefore, legal. Or jueteng lords--continue your jueteng ways, and eventually, government will intervene and legalize everything.

What has happened to our sense of propriety, of Rightness and of adherence to the Rule of Law, when the very ones expected by the People to follow it, are themselves tearing apart every, single shred of these democratic principles?

Are we now saying that the Power of the Purse, which is given to Congress as a form of check and balance, now lodges in the Executive? Logical if you think about it. Right now, there is no more separation between the Executive and Congress, since the Executive has become a tool of politicians in their desire to advance their personal interests.

We claim to be "democratic", when the very ones occupying the Palace think of themselves as more learned than the 200 plus legislators elected by the people.

Lawyer Romy Macalintal is correct---let's abolish Congress since these Congressmen and Senators are useless. Sans the power of the purse, what powers do Congressmen are left with?

Why do we even go thru the budgetary deliberations process when, eventually, the Executive will order his henchmen to generate "savings" in order for those funds to be used elsewhere?

This practice mocks the very democratic and republican character of the State, when eventually, it is the Executive that wields not just police powers, but the Power to toy with the funds of this land?

It is that reason why we, the People, went to EDSA twenty five or so years ago--the realization that one man controls all levers of governance.

Haven't we forgotten that the main thing which sparked this thing called EDSA revolution was our anger against one man's control of the people's funds? That he once arrogated not just the Power to create laws but the Power to use the people's monies for his own personal interests?

Now, we see this country being run by a group of people who think of themselves as more learned, more conscientious and more upright than the rest of the 100 million souls in this land.

If we like this system, then, institutionalize it. If we think that there should be one body that determines where those trillions of pesos would go, then, why not change the Charter to reflect it?

EDSA twenty eight years later

He was just a young lieutenant when the people called upon him for service. Together with two others, he formed a movement that ultimately led to this widespread revolt called EDSA. The two men who were with him in that clandestine meeting up in the mountains of the PMA academy grounds went on and found their political niche. He remains still, unbowed, and with clenched fists, openly defying the very people who replaced a dictator, but are dictators themselves.

Twenty eight years later, and the young lieutenant is now a one-star general. A few years from now, and he will leave the service. The circumstances that convinced him to tread the revolutionary path, even went to jail for his beliefs, remain. The question is---will he continue his revolutionist path or be content with reposing his legacy to the Young Generation?

I was just 15 when the revolt broke out. My aunts and uncles went out of our house and together with them, went straight to EDSA before the Camp Crame gate.

We were met by a huge throng of people. All kinds of people were there--the burgis, the taong grasa, the cloaked ones, the bagets ones, and the armed ones. Some were crying. Some were defiant. Some were shouting. Some were praying.

The soldiers armed with M-16s approached us. One man called for vigilance and immediately a line was formed, people with arms interlocked, ready for anything. When those soldiers got near, one of them cried. I saw him cry, his tears flowing from his very eyes. I cried too.

Why did these things happen, Filipinos going against Filipinos. Is this the kind of society I want to live in, a society wrecked by various interests?

Fortunately, nothing happened. No soldier fired his gun, the muzzle of which was blocked by flowers from the very masses he was ordered to shoot at.

Twenty eight years later, and I don't know what happened to that soldier. Is he still alive? Is he now a general? Is he now a politician? Or, is he now living a quiet life with his own family.

Twenty eight years ago, EDSA was just a straight line, with grasslands on both sides. Now, the landscape has completely changed. Skyscrapers dot the landscape, with malls even eclipsing the tall statue of Mary, the mother of Christ.

I looked at that statue some days ago, and thought that this scene sums everything up after EDSA. Shortly after EDSA, we were able to allow society to change, by opening ourselves up to capitalism. Capitalism blossomed shortly after EDSA, yet, what it failed to change was the political infrastructure. From a dictatorial setup, we allowed a few to dominate our entire State.

While we change economically, we never allowed ourselves to fully develop spiritually. Our spiritual growth got stunted. We never really understood what God wanted us to do when we got there at EDSA.

When we allowed a capitalist system to thrive, we failed to change the bad political values that go with it. Greed became a norm. Stealing people's monies became our motivation. We threw out the best that God wanted to convey to us and that was, Love.

Love for others will surely prevent many of us from stealing the people's monies. Love for country will surely prevent us from loving other cultures other than our own. Love for our very families will surely convince us to go out of our comfort zones and struggle, and struggle hard against forces that threaten the very futures of our generations.

The very landscape now at EDSA shows us the twenty eight years of wranglings, of wars and mini-wars, of oligarchic domination, of elite domination, of poverty of our souls and the human sufferings of heroes and living ones.

Let Love dominate us as we continue our struggle towards a just and humane society. Let Love once more urge us to make the ultimate sacrifice and mete justice to those who have sinned.

Twenty eight years, and only EDSA's landscape changed. Those outside of this road remain in their primal states, the very thing that condemns us and the very thing that invalidates our sacrifice.

EDSA--26 years ago and EDSA now--let the Enlightened Indio start a brand-new EDSA!

"The True Power of the People"

Twenty six years ago, I was in the cradle of my grandmother, watching, with bated breath, what will happen to the soldiers who had encamped themselves in Camp Aguinaldo and Camp Crame. Many of us back then, saw a glimmer of hope when two of the closest friends of the Dictator, were, themselves leading this brazen act of deviance. 


Those few hundreds turned into thousands and those thousands peaked into a million, as the People themselves went out of their homes and unto a small portion of this 23 kilometer highway just to tell everybody in their government to end what they're doing and pack their bags and go. The million man prayer was heard and the ailing dictator and his brood packed their bags and left in a jiffy.

" The Mestizo revolt"

Twenty six years had past and we now know that the late dictator's son, wife and daughter are serving government. Twenty six years and none of the late dictator's bunch of cronies ever spent a single minute in jail nor the government recovered an estimated multi-billion dollar worth of ill-gotten wealth. Those millions recovered went to fund the farmer's efforts to modernize the agricultural sector and fund the agrarian reform efforts only to see these millions being converted into ghost fertilizers by an Arroyo man.


The closest crony of Marcos now heads the biggest and most successful business enterprise in the Philippines. Eduardo Cojuangco heads the very first company which prys its hands on everything government. IN practically all sectors, Cojuangco and his gang cast their shadows. Make an audit of government assets and those which are earning millions, you'll find a Cojuangco in there. 


Those who even hold the umbrellas for Meldy are now titans in their own industries, quietly working for more money from the capital which they stole from the people's coffers during their hey-day as part of the chuwariwah squad. 


Nothing much has changed these past twenty six years. I would not go to stressful specifics, I would just offer EDSA as an example.

The EDSA HIGHWAY REPRESENTS THE RESULTS OF THAT MOMENTOUS JUNCTURE IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY. Look at it now, and EDSA reflects the primary ideology that remains the dominant paradigm of what this concept of change is. 


From Pasay to the Patriot's monument in Caloocan, that stretch should have reflected what the Supremo intended change to be---a change in the lives of the People. The reason why EDSA ends exactly at the very monument of Bonifacio is the intention of the previous strategic thinkers of this country--that the future generations may always realize that the core pillar, the core ideological basis of change should be that of what the Patriot from Tondo founded several decades ago in the persona and principles of the Katipunan.


Change should have benefitted the collective, not a small group of propertied elites. Change should be for the benefit of the entire polity, not a small privileged few. Change should point to the North where this monument stands, meaning, that the straight path which our forebears intended for us to tread is the Katipunan route, not the other way around.


Notice that EDSA ends at the very corner of Roxas Boulevard in the South. Notice that there is a stark difference, that the builders of EDSA intended us to go North towards Bonifacio and not South, towards what "Roxas" symbolized, which is elite-dominated rule. 

EDSA symbolizes the Filipinos taste for order in chaos

IN between these two points lies the symbol of oppression that for centuries, the Filipinos look into both with hatred and admiration--the EDSA icon. 


EDSA uno happened at the very crossroads of this historical highway, as if to say, that the People chose not the Katipunan nor the Ilustrado way, but Its Way. Had it chose the North, the people would have chosen the Katipunan route, the straight path envisioned by Jacinto. Had it veered towards the South, the people would have expressed its intention of being ruled by the very same oppressors that the colonialists use to subdue the freedom spirit of the People.


By choosing the middle way, the architects of EDSA only showed how mestizo they are. This explains why we, twenty six years hence, is treading a path that is neither here nor there. This explains why EDSA remains a pathwork, and why it is so confusing when, if you look at it very closely, it is an ingenius product, an excellent highway, showing the Filipino ingenuity and technical excellence. 


EDSA is a larger version of Divisoria. In fact, EDSA is our own Divisoria, made bigger and made even more confusing than the first because it signifies order in the midst of chaos, our interpretation of what democracy is and what capitalism is.


We chose the middle route because it shows you the character of the people behind those who claimed to have engineered this caper. They did not realize the consequences of their actions--that this middle road is fraught with errors. That change, to be really what our forebears intend for us to have, is change from chaos to order, and not a mixture of order and disorder.


EDSA, TWENTY SIX YEARS HENCE, HAS NOW BECOME A TOOL OF THE VERY SAME ELITES WHICH THE KATIPUNEROS WANTED EXPUNGED FROM THIS SOCIETY. 


By being claimed and trademarked by those now in power, EDSA has lost its efficacy. It has now become a discredited animal, something of a creation of pseudo-revolutionaries who want nothing more than the continuation of elite domination.


The true EDSA should never be mestizo, or never a mixture of politics and religion. The next EDSA, I still don't know what name to describe it, should be pure struggle---a struggle from the very loins of the still enslaved and still chained Filipino People.


The true EDSA should emanate from the very bowels of this society's most neglected parts. Gone are the days when priests or priests turned rebels, lead this movement. It is time for the enlightened Indio to lead the true revolt, resist the temptations of becoming an Ilustrado and effect a program of governance that will truly pursue the very demands and aspirations of the suffering people.


EDSA was never intended to be institutionalized. Change can never be institutionalized. It goes against the laws of nature. 


The true EDSA uno is not an EDSA uso. True struggle will never go out of style. Change will never go out of style.

EDSA UNO: TRUTH, JUSTICE AND PEACE

Strange that people associate the word " reconciliation" with the first EDSA revolt. The sight of nuns, priests and ordinary people giving flowers and food to hungry soldiers were interpreted as gestures of friendship and "reconciliation." The "presence" of God was also interpreted as a sort of sign that every Filipino back then, united under the banner of God.


Yes, I agree. People from all walks of life, among them my family and I went to EDSA to join forces with the idealistic military. We went there after Cardinal Jaime Sin sounded the call for the people to protect Enrile and Ramos. We went there because we are sick and tired of Marcos and we wanted nothing more than change.


We, the People, went to EDSA to end a regime and for Marcos to account for the harmful things he did against the People.


We were not there to forgive those who looted the public coffers and corrupted our government, no. We were there seeking Justice from all these harmful things Marcos and his cronies did to our country. We felt then, that Marcos already did enough to destroy this country. The economy was in a very bad shape. The countrysides were burning with nationalist fervor, while the urban areas were deteriorating and in chaos.


The people trooped to EDSA seeking Justice against the oppressive regime. God was even there with us as a God of Justice, not just a God of Love.


We want nothing but achieve peace afterwards, but not without Justice. 


Twenty five years had past and we see the cronies of the old regime still enjoying the perks and privileges of their former dispensation, unrepentant and still spending monies which they got from the people.


Twenty five years and we see former Marcos cronies even bankrolling campaigns of politicians and even occupy sensitive posts in government.


Twenty five years and the trillions lost during the dictatorship are still being recovered and only a handful used for the benefit of the farmers.


Twenty five years and one of the biggest cronies of Marcos still lives and continues to exert a great influence in our government.


Twenty five years and graft and corruption have been institutionalized. 


Instead of Truth, Justice and Peace, the leaders of this so-called revolt forgot all about the people's aspirations and went about their business, "reconciling" with the elites who backed Marcos and probably even asked these elites how to systematically loot the coffers of this country without getting prosecuted.


This is the real Truth behind EDSA. EDSA was love of country, never about loving those who prostituted this Nation. EDSA was about truth, never the truth being peddled by the elites. And EDSA was about peace, but peace with justice. These ideals were never really realized during these twenty five years we celebrate this event. This must end now, and the people must regain EDSA from the dictatorship of the elite.  

Corazon "Cory" Aquino and The Purity of Our Struggle as a People

Corazon Cojuangco Aquino died a year ago. When she was still alive, Cory accomplished what no other Filipino hero did to this country.

In our misery, Cory united us. In our triumphs, Cory was there to lead us forward. In unjust times, Cory was there, with us, championing the cause of Right. And in our suffering, Cory suffered and led us to the Light through her unceasing prayers and supplications to our Almighty God.

I was still a high school student when this humble housewife ascended the Heights of Power. No one really thought that a mass of people who supported her would actually defeat a Strongman with his army and his blue supporters.

When I saw her leading a massive throng of Filipinos along that historical avenue, I thought that this was a repeat of the Katipunan revolt which toppled a regime many a century ago. In 1896, Filipinos of all shapes and sizes, of all social classes, went out of their homes and rallied behind a poor Plebian whose only weapon was his grit and belief in the strength of a Mighty and Just God. These Filipinos were armed only by the Cause of Reason, a Cause that espouses the equality of all men under heaven.

A century past, and the Supremo metamorphosed into a female, whose Cause is Just, Mighty and Right. Like the Supremo, Cory was armed only by the Will of Heaven, whose God has said that enough is enough.

Cory Aquino showed the world that, through the strength of collective Will and the powerful belief in a One True God, change is possible.

Guns melted when people put sunflowers in its barrels, while people with their hands up stopped tanks and APCs in their advance.

No single person can adequately explain the phenomenon. Many wrote about it, some even said that it was a bogus revolt. That it was actually an orchestrated coup saved by the people.

Whatever it is, the first EDSA that Cory led was something out of the ordinary. It was the people speaking as One, the people exercising their Power as One, and the people advancing the Cause of Freedom, as One.

In its purity, it is the People empowering People with Love.

Atty. Alex Lacson with
former president Cory Aquino

Cory was the first Citizen to nurture true People Power. She was the first to come out of her sheltered life and sacrificed her life for the poor, the simple folk and even those who have wealth.

Cory's life is an inspiration, her name, a Mantra of Love and Change.

One small step, a catalyst of change.

Now, with Cory among those in our pantheon of heroes enjoying God's nurture, it is up to us, the present generation, to make alive, what Cory lived and died for.

Cory's life can be summed up in just one---be a good citizen.

Love your fellow Filipino as you love yourself. Love God above all others.

Love your country as much as you love your parents. Make your country the best place to live in.

Fight for what is Right, struggle for what is Just.

The People's Welfare is the supreme Cause. The Cause of the People is the supreme struggle.

Be proud of being a Filipino, by your actions, by your words.

In everything you do, be proud and be responsible.

Do not steal even a centavo from the public coffers. Do not even pluck a flower or a grass in public parks and get even a paper clip from any public office.

The Power of the People resides in every soul and comes to life every single day that a Filipino does the right thing.

Re-branding EDSA

Before I publish this, let me just say that I have nothing against Mar Roxas. Fact is, I voted for him. Whatever negative things you'll find in this entry are actually connected with one proposition--the re-branding of EDSA.

Its already a foregone conclusion--that between thirty five to forty percent of the present electorate have jaundice in their minds. Yes, they all prefer yellow as their favorite color. Only about 10 to 12% of the electorate probably are Communists--they simply don't vote at all, consistently since 1987. Or, they are Marxists. Marxists dont believe in elections.

Its expected though. Most of the members of this so-called "Yellow Army" were teenagers during Cory's time or they simply joined that great social experiment called EDSA uno. Some, our present generation of "enarians" or senior citizens were probably victims or hate the Marcoses so much, they erased blue from their minds and stuck with yellow. Yellow, they say, represents the color of delivered mail. And you know what retirees always expect at the end of the month. 

More than this though, Kris Aquino also did a lot in bridging the generational gap and kudos to ABS-CBN too. Kris and the bunch of creative writers over ABS-CBN succeeded in re-creating the conditions that justified collective action. Social vigilance was resurrected from its lethargic state during the time of Arroyo to a vanguard position. Its now simply part of Filipino street fashion to be caught wearing Che Guevarra or those Filipino maps plastered in poloshirts.

Behind these published statements and actions though lie a far deeper, even sinister reason--the silent reconditioning of the minds to accept that this social experiment called EDSA is simply owned by just one group--the Liberals.

We all know who really worked very hard in creating that social phenomenon. In the original EDSA, majority of the people there simply wore RED, not yellow. Some activists in the Social Democratic mold, yes, they wore yellow. Yet, the post-mortem analysis was simply stark mad--this was the experiment of socially conscious members of the petty bourgeois and the nationalist bourgeosie who seriouly studied and tinkered Filipino consciousness and conspired to create a more acceptable mode for regime change. And they had pure-blooded rebels as counsels.

Yes, in pre and post-1986, it was vogue to be a dissident, a dissenter, even a rebel. That's why from a mere 67, the NPA ballooned to 23,000. From just one person, the MNLF grew close to a million.

Those who are simply too weak to hold a gun or simply too lazy to go to street demonstrations, made themselves content with just wearing yellow teeshirts or flashing those Laban signs. Behind those pretensions lie a deeper social conscience or a personal yearning to be part of something that would eventually change society. Those whose conscience never went beyond Constantino, satisfied themselves with just watching those rallies on GMA Channel 7 and within the confines of their homes, chanted themselves hoarse. Or simply curse Marcos to death. (That explains why he contracted lupus.:-)

There were no Facebook or Twitter accounts back then nor cellphones with texting capabilities. Engagement was simply too personal more than social. That deeper engagement we find during those times recorded themselves as memories. These memories or experiences are what made those lines longer last May 10. People wanted nothing more than oust Arroyo from power. And since there are no NPA armies in sight, they chose a Yellow Army instead.

EDSA, the original one, is a people's fight. Yes, it was inspired by songs and marches created in mountain bases of the CPP-NPA and most, if not all who worked for the downfall of Marcos at least found time reading Marx's Manifesto and Amado Guerrero's PSR. It was the people who made it happen, never mind if Enrile's Gringos claim all the fame, the fact simply is the People trooped infront of Camps Aguinaldo and Crame just to save their sorry asses from Ver's firepower.

EDSA, to the minds of many simply equates collective action. It is a weapon of the People, a democratic exercise operationalizing several concrete provisions of a Freedom Charter. Never mind if, after the assumption of Cory into power, the only basic operationalizing principles of EDSA was simply an approved mechanism of veto-ing a law passed by Congress. (to be continued. Have to leave. Read more on my book)

The De Quiros' Call and Our Thirst for True EDSA re-awakening: Noynoy Aquino should pursue Transformative Governance

Conrado de Quiros is like a man alone in the desert crying,

The Noynoy campaign began not with the Liberal Party, the Hyatt 10 and the Firm but with the volunteer groups. It succeeded not because of the Liberal Party, the Hyatt 10 and the Firm but because of the volunteer groups. Noynoy’s government should begin not with the Liberal Party, the Hyatt 10 and the Firm but with the volunteer groups. It should succeed not because of the Liberal Party, the Hyatt 10 and the Firm but because of the volunteer groups.


Or so if there is justice in this world. Or in this government. (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20100518-270618/Quite-another-story)

De Quiros is definitely right, but who among the prophets of old succeeded in convincing his own people of the propriety and the righteousness of his call? None. Fact is, death follows those who spoke about the right things.

And Noynoy Aquino should listen. His silence these past few days is deafening. Is he being isolated and insulated by these scums who now salivate for the billions they'll be getting as soon as Noynoy reclaims his mother's throne? Is Noynoy now being turned into another Arroyo, who started as a promising proposition only to become an over-achieving monster after nine years?

Noynoy Aquino's victory is definitely not because of the Hyatt 10, nor the Kamaganak Incorporated or less, the Firm. The 15 million or so people who trooped to the polls, despite the heat and the long lines, were there because they want to do their duty to their country--they believed in the promise of pagbabago by the elites. They believed that the elites mean it this time. They believed that the elites saw the signs of an impending catastrophe. The People believed that the elites just woke up one fine morning, saw the rising smoke over the horizon and decided to get their acts together.

Noynoy Aquino represents the elite generation. Nonoy Aquino represents the one True Hope of the people--that all of these sacrifices during the nine turbulent years will end with a stirring note. It is very hard for all of us to grit our teeth and clench our fists for these nine years. Voting for Noynoy means voting for change, change that will benefit the majority, not the few.

The People gave the Aquinos another chance to redeem their legacy. Noynoy will be heading the Second Aquino administration. This should not be a restoration  of the old order; rather it should be a transformation of the old order. (not this statement made by Liberal party spokesperson Cong. Lorenzo Tanada III implying that Aquino is poised to appoint members of the old Arroyo order: "Liberal Party spokesperson, Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III, said Aquino may retain some members of the Arroyo Cabinet although this would depend on what the search committee decides.")

The Second Aquino administration should be a transformative government, one that would buckle all odds, fight those who stole monies from the public coffers, put them behind bars and push for pro-people legislation. The People expected that from the First Aquino administration, but they never got it because the First Aquino administration was prostituted by the Old Boy's Club--the elites of the militarist and the worst kind.

This Second Aquino administration has the chance this time to prove that it is neither being manipulated by Big Business nor of traditional politics.

This early, a US-based risk consultancy shows a pessimistic view of Noynoy's administration. Pacific Strategies and Assessment (PSA) says that the change people are clamoring for, would probably not be realized under the 2nd Aquino administration due to overwhelming pressure from interest groups.

“Politically, there is simply no basis for celebration or indication that the 2010 election will produce the shifts in governance that the country so desperately requires...

“Without question, Noynoy (Aquino’s nickname) will face the realities of Philippine power interests and indestructible corruption that will limit his ability to impact change...

“No Philippine president has really tried, much less succeeded, at making any serious inroads into the culture of corruption and most justifiably doubt Noynoy is cut from a much different cloth.”

PSA also based its assessment on the composition of the incoming Senate which elected traditional politicos and none of the promising Senatoriables. The PSA report actually reflect the popular sentiment about the election of non-performing assets in the Upper House.

"PSA said traditional politicians and political butterflies, including actors turned politicians, dominate the incoming Senate, many of whose members “are just a roll call of returning politicians.”

Iloilo Archbishop Lagdameo proposes that for Aquino to avoid the mistakes of the past, he should appoint members of the Cabinet who shares his vision.

How then, will the 2nd Aquino administration behave or act to the best interest of the Filipino People? How then will Aquino avoid the pitfalls of the previous administrations?

First, Aquino must issue an Executive Order (EO) creating a Council of Advisers. These Council will be composed of members of the academe, civil society and former presidents. Their tasks will just be two-fold: first,a review of the Constitution and the laws and second, a recommendatory body for the Chief Executive. The Council is a great proposition because it will stabilize the political situation and allow the Chief Executive a wider perspective of Philippine reality. (The Bodel Model should be adopted by the new President)

Second, Aquino must concentrate on appointing career government officials to sensitive government posts. Career government officials know the terrain more than political appointees. Second, this will drive the campaign for professionalization of the ranks and increase morale. Career officials without graft cases filed against them and who shares the EDSA vision, and transformative governance, should be at the forefront of the bureaucracy.

Those positions of trust, like the Defense portfolio, the Education department, the DSWD, the DILG, DOTC and the DOH should be occupied by new faces. (By the way, I agree with Ted Failon that Aquino appoints Atty. Pers Acosta to the DOJ post)

Third, Aquino must rectify the contentious succession issue in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Bangit's appointment created deeper fissures in the military organization. It is best for Aquino to accept Bangit's resignation letter, appoint a more senior member of the organization as Chief of Staff and then, after the term of the New C-S expires, let Bangit succeed him.

Fourth, let Aquino retain PNP Chief Verzosa to his post since there was no issue against him in the police organization. However, Aquino must persuade Verzosa to try and put to jail those responsible for the Russian international scandal which smeared the international image of the Philippines.

And fifth, Aquino must immediately convene an independent commission which will try Arroyo and her mafia for the alleged crimes they committed against the people. This is one campaign promise that Aquino should not forget.

The Cory Aquino Legacy: Cory's weaknesses were our strengths

Many people criticize Senator Noynoy Aquino for harping on the accomplishments of his dearly departed mother, Cory. Many say that the administration of the former president (who is celebrating her 77th birthday today) was fraught with violence, instability and economic turmoil. That it was not necessarily an administration above scrutiny and above reproach.

Many people, in fact say that Cory's administration was marked with human rights violations, economic instability, political troubles and restiveness in the military. The only bright spot, so to speak, of Cory's administration was the restoration of democracy.

It is unfair for one to peer into history and say that Cory failed in her time as our Leader. For one, her administration came shortly after the fall of a monolith. Cory's task was not easy. Every one knows that dismantling the tentacles of a twenty year dictatorial regime takes a gigantuan effort. It takes someone with a big heart to fight the counter-revolutionaries of that age.

Cory fought against the entrenched elites who fed from the hands of a dictator. Cory struggled against a military with a different mindset. Cory fought hard against the big and well-established cartels and syndicates which were nurtured by the regime. And Cory did that in such short a time.

Cory did her job as a citizen---she stood up against a Giant and won. With the help of God and those who bravely stood up beside her, Cory did what no other president accomplished---she steered the country safely amidst choppy waters.

For a housewife whose only desire was to live comfortably with her husband and children, Cory's sacrifice was an act beyond compare. Who among us would have the strong will and the fortitude to go against an establishment at the risk of putting her entire family's life in extreme danger?

Who, among us, would have the strength to fight the minions of a discredited regime armed only with rosaries and a phalanx of nuns, priests, laborers, fisherfolk and youth?

Who, among us, would have the gall to sacrifice everything, even the sanctity of her family, just to fight for love?

Cory did what she was supposed to do as a Filipino citizen, more than what Jose Rizal did in his time. Rizal never sacrificed his own family. Cory did. Rizal died without seeing the dawn. Cory was blessed by God to see the fruits of her labors.

More than this though, Cory did all of these things because she loved Ninoy. Her enormous love to the good senator gave her that strong will to do what was Right and Just.

Just think---instead of taking care of her children, Cory took care of us, unknown souls. Instead of just retiring from public life after the death of Ninoy and like her cousin, Danding, just went to business and probably build something out of her stature as an elite, Cory treaded the path least taken.

Cory decided to follow the love of her life. Cory decided to love those whom her husband loved. Cory Aquino decided to follow the destiny of those who truly love God.

Cory Aquino sacrificed her family for the Nation whom her husband loved dearly, with all his life.

Noynoy is not in the business of necro-politics. No.

Noynoy is proud of his parents simply because they gave their lives to the service of the Motherland. What better way to honor their sacrifice than continue what they fought for?

Yes, Cory has her faults. Like the rest of us, Cory has her failings and weaknesses. Yet, her weaknesses and faults are our strengths. And her strength, simply our weaknesses.

Cory's strength lies in her unflinching desire to put things in order and her willingness to sacrifice her life and her family's personal comforts for the sake of the many.

Cory's faults and weaknesses lie in her forgiving character, a trait which opens the possibility of corruption. In corruption, in most of us, this is our strength.

Lastly, let me share you something very personal.

During that time, days after the EDSA Uno revolution, I remember everybody smiling and talking freely inside jeepneys and buses. I was then, a high-school student. Every one was in high spirits, even talked with strangers and shared their experiences in EDSA.

This kind of experience never happened again. Fact is, no one right now even talk inside jeepneys and buses. See those faces. The smiles have faded.

Let us put those smiles again.

Let us revive that Spirit again.

I do believe in my heart that after this May 10, 2010 and whatever happens, the Pinoys will again smile, the Pinoys will again chatter with one another and the Pinoys will definitely be proud of his heritage again.

For the past nine years, we have lived like direction-less souls, trying to survive against a very harsh environment.

Let us write a new page in our Country's History.

Isulat natin ang Bagong Istorya ng ating bansa ngayong Mayo 2010!

Leap-frogging thru The Ninoy-Cory Phenomenon

When Jose Maria Sison, the founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines broke away from the PKP after debating on revolutionaty strategy, the concept of "leap-frogging" came into the realm of public discourse. What this leap frogging idea means is creating the necessary conditions for a revolutionary situation. It is mixing numerous actions together to create a "broth" that is, a situation of adverse consequences. Actions are undertaken to achieve a particular result or condition instead of allowing events to naturally ascend the higher stage.

This has been the widely accepted idea during the Marcos dictatorship. And this, my friends, is what characterized the length and breadth of the EDSA revolution. However, current historical interpretation of EDSA seems to just center on the twin legacies of Senator Ninoy Aquino and his wife, Cory, and consciously eradicated, albeit, isolated the big contributions of revolutionary groups, such as BAYAN, CPP-NPA-NDF, MNLF, MILF and the RAM-SFP-YOU.

It seems that people behind this are deliberately creating a somewhat "cultist" interpretation of History, by ascribing the success of the EDSA revolution only to the efforts of LABAN-UNIDO and center its success on the sacrifices of Ninoy. That there is a deliberate attribution only to those in the legal opposition seemed contrary to the events that shaped this revolution.

This revolution is part of the ongoing process which started way back in 1898 when the First Sons of the Morning united together and formed the Katipunan. The Katipunan legacy is what shaped the consciousness of Ninoy and his fellow Laban-UNIDO.

The part that Ninoy played cannot be over-ly emphasized. Everyone knows that his death emboldened 2 million people to go to the streets and rally. Yet, how about those in the provinces? How about those events in the rural areas where the deaths of people's organizers' sparked mini-revolts? And how about those thousands who died fighting with their lives that former menace to democracy?

Neither August 21, 1971 nor that of August 21, 1983 were crucial milestones in viewing this EDSA revolution. Those were the milestones accepted by politicians.

Right now, there is a conscious attempt to replay the same emotions and the same perspective we had back then in the period 1983-1986. That period was never the length and breadth of this revolution, no. That period started way, way, way back. Events just tapped the underlying current of dissent within the Filipino soul, which just burst asunder when the right conditions were created.

Those millions who trooped to EDSA in 1986 were there not as a disorganized lot, no. People's organizations played a big part in the entire revolt. What is now being devoured as staple public idea is that only the LABAN-UNIDO led this massive outpouring of anger. This is not the correct interpretation of what had transpired. EDSA was a conscious collaboration of disparate forces joined together in a fight against a strongman.

Ninoy's legacy is that he sacrificed his life so that middle forces are made fully aware of their bondage. Those middle forces were key to the EDSA formula. With their participation, the paradigm of struggle that is EDSA was completed.

We all know that we cannot really re-create the conditions that led to EDSA. We exist in a totally different political environment where we don't have the formal structures of a dictatorship, only a pseudo-dictatorship. A totally different strategy is needed to defeat the current Arroyo regime. If we are to say that we need another Ninoy, that is a wrongful interpretation. We need a new breed of Ninoys and Corys, of Jomas and Saturs, of Nur Misuaris and of Dado Valerosos, who will sacrifice their lives so that others may truly live decent lives. Theirs are incomplete legacies of revolts, not revolutions. The true revolution is still upon us. The True Filipino Revolution is still being nursed from the loins of the Filipino masses, waiting for the right time to show itself once again, like a Bernardo Carpio. And this time, there is no leap frogging.

YOU Fight For What is Right (Part 2): The Unfinished Revolution

One of the many things that middle aged professionals like me wanted to know is--what really were the reasons why people went out to fight Marcos. When Ninoy died, I was then 12 years old. And when the first EDSA revolution broke out, I was in high school. Though I tagged along with my aunt when she decided to go there on the very first day.

Yet, when the Young Officer's Union or YOU surfaced in 1989, I was then studying at the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

Admittedly, my ideological persuasions were quite different from what these young officers fought for when they unleashed those attempts against President Cory Aquino.

However, in the last EDSA, I was fortunate to be close buddies with one of them when I covered the tumultuous EDSA dos as a journalist. I think it was God's plan since my thoughts about revolutions and revolts crystallized. For me, the synthesis of my original thoughts on Mass Advance Offensives or MAO as a strategy with that of the original YOU line is one perfect example that revolutionary platforms are one and the same which is the pursuit of the Cause of the People. As we often say, the Supreme Law is the Cause of the People.

I can liken our relationship with that of an acolyte learning the arts from Scipio. All throughout these learnings I learned and cherished one thing---iustum enim est bellum quibus necessarium et pia arma ubi nulla nisi ni armis spes est.

Undeniably, the revolution which started in 1988 is still an unfinished business. Despite two decades of civilian rule, the same problems we had before still face us like festering boils. And the reason is clear---we allow nincoompoops to govern our affairs. We allowed the domination of the elite, a class so vicious and rapacious that the direction of our Fatherland is nearing a precipice. We must save the Fatherland from complete and utter destruction. And only ones who can do that is us, the successor generation. The onus is upon us. The weight of the responsibility is borne by us. There is no better time to fight for what's right than Now.

A New EDSA is upon us

You ask—bakit kami umalis ng bahay to march for the last time with Cory?Simple.

We want those who occupy Malacanang right now to shit in their pants in fear. We want to shake the very foundations of evil that lurk inside the palace and tell them that the Filipino People honors those worthy of it.

That we don't honor those heroes for a mere eight minutes. That we don't grieve just for ten days. And it's not enough anymore for us to stand and watch our country burn and pillaged by Mrs. Arroyo and her minions.

Because we know deep in our hearts that Cory deserves our support. We feel deep within that we are unworthy of her because when she asked for our support in 2006, we were never there. We were afraid.

This is the very last time to tell her, to impress upon her, that we are one with her in spirit and in struggle. That each and every one of us share her suffering, her passion and her conviction. That’s why, after this day, we will struggle hard to oust the very cause of our monumental malady, this lady who rules us with impunity and utter immorality.

The millions who has shown their love for her, shared the ideals of the Spirit of EDSA. I believe that, the next time we march again, our ranks would swell by the millions because the old warriors and the veterans of the streets now share the same passion as those who first saw, and felt, the sheer power of the Spirit of EDSA. The fusion of the old and the young, the synthesis of the aspirations of the rich and the poor, will again manifest itself right after we lay Cory to rest today.

Cory's life was God's gift to us--it was a learning experience, meant to teach us a lesson about citizenship.

Citizenship is not just a piece of paper nor something attached to one's passport. Neither is it something we jot in an application form.

Citizenship is being there when the Motherland needs your help. Being a citizen requires more than just paying your taxes or following the law.

It requires the courage to stand for the Truth. It necessitates the sacrifice of one's life for the sake of the many. It requires bravery; of telling and condemning a corrupt politician or a government official and cutting his head off (figuratively, of course) when proof of his transgression shows. And it means giving up one's own future to correct the wrongs.

The millions who went out of the streets today were not there to gawk at celebrities or pump hands with politicians. They were there to take part in the strongest message of condemnation against the prevailing order. They were there to show this administration that enough is enough and millions of us Filipinos are ready to act against the depravity and evil that this regime represents.

Enough of Joc-Joc Bolantes (who, unfortunately, is still free thanks to Richard Gordon!). Enough of NBN-ZTEs. Enough of Hello Garcis. Enough of deceptive elections.

Let's do the right thing. Act with dispatch and oust this regime from power before the elections. If we value elections, make it very credible. At this point, we are not sure if we can get a fair and clean elections, while Mrs. Arroyo and her evil minions sit in power.

Cory's Funeral March: Biggest in 21st Century

It was the biggest funeral march of the 21st century, a fitting tribute and a huge expression of love and thanks to the one woman, the only one, who taught us how to be Filipinos again.

More than a million Filipinos witnessed Cory's funeral march. At exactly 11 in the morning, after an elaborate and heart warming send off, the casket bearing the remains of the Philippines' greatest democracy icon was given full military honors and laid to a truck decked with thousands of flowers. The distance between Manila Cathedral and the Manila Memorial Park is just 22 kilometers, enough for an hour or so of drive.

Yet, the cortege took nearly eight to ten hours to reach the park. The sheer number of people who turned out to bid Cory goodbye easily reached millions. Authorities tried to fool us by saying that those crowds were just a fraction of a million, an attempt by this government to lessen the historical significance of this event. But, we cannot be fooled this time.

Everyone saw how thousands upon thousands went out of their homes to see Cory and utter a prayer for her. Millions watched her on television and millions more read about the event and followed her on twitter and the net. ABS-CBN said that they got more than 80,000 tweets from 11am to 2pm and I'm sure that by the time it ended, tweets would have reached a million too.

There were a million clicks of cameras, a million prayers uttered and millions more of chants of her name. The sheer banality of it all leaves one thinking if there will still be another one such as this.

Cory touched every one of us because she's the exact opposite of the one who rules us now. People even remarked that Cory deserves this huge expression of love. Hindi lang natin maisip ngayon kung ilan ang dadalo sa libing ni Gloria Arroyo. Baka nga wala.

These numbers here, in the streets, is also the clearest expression of rage, of disgusts and of silent anger against the Arroyo administration. Many people here vowed never to go to Arroyo's wake nor her burial.

Lahat tayo, mamamatay.

Let me share with you some scenes which I took when the cortege went pass our house in Makati. For my fellow Filipino Patriots who live abroad---bumalik na kayo sa Inang Bayan. Panahon na para itama ang kamalian.

Cory Magic: Nation-building after burial

Malacanang says sorry to Aquino family for the reported "military bureaucratic lapse" re: withdrawal of Cory's military escorts while she was still confined at the Makati Medical Center. Cerge Remonde, the main tuta of Gloria, sheepishly expressed the palace apology yesterday. And yet, many people doubt Gloria's sincerity.

Gloria has been lying since Day One, that's why people don't believe her anymore. She lied when she announced her candidacy for the presidency at ginamit pa si Rizal. Gloria lied when she apologized for the Hello Garci scandal. Gloria even lied when she presented a rosy picture of the Philippines during her SONA.

Cesar Buenaventura, former Aquino economic adviser, remarked that he was overtaken by emotions when he saw how big the crowds were yesterday. Almost a million people lined up yesterday, from Greenhills to Intramuros just to express their support for Tita Cory. And millions more witnessed the funeral cortege in the comforts of their homes and viewed it online.

"Cory magic is back," headlines the Inquirer. Many people, this writer included, felt the power of Cory's presence at La Salle and even at the entire stretch of Ayala and Roxas Boulevard.

It was like 1983, all over again. I don't agree.

It took us three more years before we were able to oust Marcos from power. I think that after Wednesday, we will see a `quickening' that will lead to the eventual demise of this regime. People are angry. Many people are thinking that, after Cory's burial, they will then attend the work of nation-building.

Cory Aquino:

We were fortunate enough that the cortege which bears the remains of President Cory Aquino went pass our building today. As I'm too weak to go outside of our house (I got sick after lining up for more than 5 hours yesterday at La Salle Greenhills), my wife and two kids saw Cory and thousands of those who believe in her march infront of our building along Buendia Avenue, Makati City.

Let me share this video to all my fellow Filipinos around the world, especially those who are living abroad. The Spirit of EDSA is alive my friends! Time for all of you to come home and create a New Society with us!

I waited for five hours yesterday in line with thousands of others to pay my last respects to the lady who redefined our concept of Citizenship. My memory of Cory was during my days as a broadcast journalist. I was fortunate to had a chance to converse with her when she was still alive. Yet, those precious 30 seconds, seeing her smiling, will forever be etched in my mind.

I was too young then to march with her at EDSA, but my struggles and the rest of those who believe in what she and her husband fought for continues.

I hope that these people, fellow Filipinos, who now march with her today, will not flinch nor waiver in the work that lies ahead. We have a long way to go. Cory's legacy should continue. Let those who feel the Spirit of EDSA and those who marched along side with her on that historic avenue, share their experiences with the younger set, eager to create history themselves.

More than 30,000 people are now marching infront and behind the convoy. People from all walks of life are joining the march. I, well, am inside my house, sick. They're now proceeding towards Manila Cathedral.

EDSA is unfinished business: LABAN NI CORY!

Even in death, Cory Aquino continues to inspire and lead us to struggle for a Truly Just and Humane society.

As I write this, more than 30,000 Filipinos are milling along Ayala avenue, specifically at the corner of Makati avenue and Ayala, before the monument of Cory's slain husband, Ninoy Aquino.

Chants of "Cory, Cory,Cory!" filled the air as thousands of Filipinos show their respects and support behind the leader of the EDSA revolution.

Numerous flags and banners particularly of the August 21 Movement or ATOM dot the landscape, while other Filipinos hold yellow colored balloons which they release into the air shortly after the hearse bearing the remains of Cory pass them by.

Confetti rained all throughout the stretch of Ayala avenue, reminiscent of those times when Filipinos stood up against a dictator. Thousands raised their hands, forming the "L" sign, the symbol of resistance against any form of dictatorship, tyranny and oppression.

This is proof enough, that the Spirit of EDSA remains within all of us. It resides in all our hearts. It shows that Filipinos love freedom. It shows that we treasure our liberties more than any other thing in the world.

I urge every Filipino to continue the fight of Cory, that is, a fight against tyranny, a struggle against oppression and domination and a war against graft and immorality.

The Spirit of EDSA is still alive. And those who are in the wrong side of History should quake in fear and trepidation, knowing that the Filipino is now an awakened dragon, ready to end all forms of oppression and deception.

Tita Cory---I remember

Tita Cory, are you in pain? Don't be. God is looking at you, up there. He's sending His angels to take care of you, as you fight it. I know you can do it. For you have God's spirit.

Tita Cory, are you in pain? If you are, be happy. For millions pray for your recovery. I know it's difficult. We know it's hard. But, bear it a little longer. God is looking at you, up there. You still are being used as His vessel of love, of peace, of happiness.

Tita Cory, here, eat some honey. It would take your worries away. You have'nt eaten for a while. I'm scared that you actually told one of your closest friends that you want to be with Ninoy. Ah, yes, that man who gave his life so that others may live, yes, I remember him.

I remember seeing him on television, sprawled at the airport pavement, lifeless, with a gunshot wound on his face. I remember how his brother cried and how you, Tita Cory, bravely faced the media, still shocked at what happened.

I remember how Macoy denied that he had a hand on that despicable crime and blamed the Communists for killing Ninoy. I remember how Meldy just danced the night away as if no tragedy, no crime so foul had happened.

I remember how thousands of Pinoys braved the curfews and trooped to your husband's wake. You must have been so tired shaking all their hands. But, never did I see you harangue, for I think you pulled all their love and used it as your strength. But, I know, that, you broke your heart that day, for God took your precious love away.

I remember how millions mourn as Ninoy's casket went by. I know. My tita tugged me along to see for myself how a young man who bravely told the world, " The Filipino is worth dying for" has now been a victim of injustice himself. I saw you, you as radiant as Joan of Arc, wearing that yellow dress, a symbol of serenity.

I remember listening as you speak calmly over Radio Veritas, urging Filipinos to boycott San Miguel products. I remember how I deliberately threw my cigarette and vowed never to light one again since it came from Lucio Tan's company, a known Marcos crony.

I remember my tita telling me to dress up coz we're going to EDSA. I thought we're just going to VV Soliven building, owned by her friend. But, nay. We went to Camp Aguinaldo and we're the first to be there, before the tanks and the soldiers and the helicopters came.

I remember your sweet voice as you swore allegiance to the Constitution, give justice to every man and invoked the name of God. That was your vow and you never waivered.

I remember when you faced the throng of soldiers and I was then living in one of UP's dormitories and how you bravely stood your ground against them.

I remember you smiled when you attended Ramos oath-taking and how you calmly and silently faded from the public scene and devoted your time with God and His Causes. I never heard your sweet voice again.

I remember you stood up and asked the people to decide on where they want their future to lie. When you stood up against Erap, everybody clapped and went straight to EDSA. After the smoke had died down and Gloria took her oath, you, again, faded into the darkness and went back to your God.

I remember I heard your voice again when Gloria admitted fooling the people and admitted that she did, indeed, called a COMELEC commissioner. You went out of your comfort zone again and this time, with the nuns behind you, you stood up and challenged Gloria. It was a sight to behold. Rally after rally, you were there, though your health was failing.

When my friend Joey and his friend Jun went out of their comfort zones, you were there, with them. When idealistic soldiers stood up and say "Enough is enough! Oust Gloria", you were also there, with them, praying and giving them courage.

Now, my love, my Tita Cory, you're fighting the battle which only God can conquer. Rest, my Tita Cory. I know you still want to fight because there's still no one out there to replace you at the frontlines.

Rest easy, my Tita Cory. Someday, some one will stand up and fight this evil regime. Someone, somewhere will emerge and like you, brave the darkness for Light to shine once again in this blighted land. And it will not be just one. It will be many. It will be a legion. It will be millions who'll bravely say that Enough is Enough, we need our freedoms back! And that would be the day, my Tita Cory, that God will close your eyes and say, " You have done enough, my sweet daughter. Go back home in peace."

Puno says nothing about Independence

Chief Justice Reynaldo Puno is getting angrier every after single controversy happening in our body politic. In Independence rites celebrations before the Bonifacio monument in Caloocan, the Chief Justice said that there's no reason to celebrate since we are still not free.

Honestly, Puno deserves all the attention he's getting especially from the middle class and the elite who tries to prop him up as an alternative presidential candidate. Yet, despite his bravado and his nationalist slants, the Masses have not given him the accolade he deserves. His trust rating is somewhat low and people don't really make sense in all that he's saying. What's wrong?

Puno is saying the right things at the right time, but people are not really taking it seriously. The Masses are just shrugging him off, as if they're saying that Puno's speeches are all air?

It's easy to get angry, but perhaps the reason why people don't associate themselves with that righteous angst is the fact that they see all talk and no action from the Chief Justice. Likewise, they see him as the candidate of the counter-elite, not the one they prefer. But, who is that one person whom the masses really prefer as their candidate?

According to recent studies, the masses prefer a leader who is both conscientious and a man of action. People want leaders who have rock solid integrity, a track record of service to the nation, a program of government and is capable of winning. People hate losers. They don't warm up to the weak, which is a natural human instinct. They flock to the Strong.

In the next few weeks, I, along with some personalities, will ask the People---who do you think deserves to be our leader? Do you prefer those you see on television, mouthing both platitudes and attacks against government? Do you prefer that young turk with a sweet tongue or that young former banker with a beautiful girlfriend? Or, you want to go back to the arms of a disgraced leader? Or you want a new one who'll gobble up thousands of acres of our land and make them into low-cost housing units? Or, a man with a booming voice?

Let the masses decide for us.