I was six years old when I first heard the word people power,
too young to fully grasp what it means but the memories poignant that I can
still vividly remember.
I knew that it was the day liberty was given back to the
people after suffering for a long time from the hands of tyrannical Marcos regime wherein martial law was implemented.
It was in a news magazine, Reporter, which I first saw the
pictures of Edsa People Power 1 that toppled the
oppressive government of Marcos. Former President
Cory Aquino was in the front page surrounded by millions of
Filipinos.
Men and women including children from all walks of life
filled the streets…soldiers and priests holding hands and nuns clasping tightly
their rosaries…all marched for truth and freedom…amidst the threat of bullets
to silence the truth. It was the time that Filipinos astounded the whole world
with the courage to end a cruel administration thru a peaceful revolution.
It also became the inspiration of the second uprising against
government’s suppression of the truth. I was in college when for the first time
I joined a peaceful revolt in the street. My fervor to be part of the rally was
fueled with anger when again the country was tainted with corruption and
never-ending list of dirt in the government.
I have monitored closely the impeachment trial then hoping
that the truth would come out about the alleged ill- gotten wealth of
former President Joseph Estrada. My idealism with
regard to the system was ruined when the law makers themselves tried to hide
the truth.
The envelope containing the evidences against him was forever
sealed when his allies voted not to open it. It was the start of rebellion that
ousted him from office. It was a sweet victory knowing that I became part of
history which freed Juan Dela Cruz from that kind of leadership.
Many years later, Estrada was arrested and imprisoned (house
arrest in a comfortable house) and not long after his life sentence for plunder, he was granted
presidential pardon. Now, is that what we call justice? You tell me…
On February 26, the country will commemorate the 22nd
anniversary of Edsa People Power 1. A very long time since freedom was
reclaimed…
Apparently, with the current situation now of the country,
Filipinos are in turmoil again…for the umpteenth times. The administration is
facing numerous scandals which many are predicting would be the end of Arroyo
government.
As the whole country venerate the time of liberation from the
iron hand of Marcos regime, many are plotting the People Power 3. Another
revolt to topple the present government…
Freedom and unity has been the main theme of the People Power
1 while healing was given emphasis in the People Power 2. If indeed the plan to
overthrow the current regime succeeds, what would be the focus?
Healing, I believe should begin with freedom and unity. With
the turmoil we are facing now it’s obvious that we were never healed with the
wounds of the past. It continued to haunt us which disintegrates our hope for
change.
How then can we make the remnants of the past become the hope
of our future? How many revolts more do we need for us to learn? Do we need to
have the third people power? Or maybe fourth? Fifth? Endless search for peace
and truth…
I am no longer
the innocent six-year-old kid during the Edsa People Power 1. I’ve grown and
have been a silent witness of how leaders governed the political arena. I am 28
and my idealism was contaminated with corruption, bribery, and countless filth
by the system…hope for change is still elusive but my love for my country
remains.
-->
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comment here!