IN THE WEEK of February 21-26, the mix of political stories in the Philippines was like a long-simmering “sinigang” now very close to not just scalding but exploding, the “palayok”.
There’s the 40th anniversary of EDSA People Power on the 25th as the mostly new gens in the 3rd Trillion March shared with the tireless veterans the yellow-ribboned highway. “We got a dictator out, then who elected a criminal, then a son who still has to put in prison the officials embroiled in the flood control corruption, then possibly a daughter with impeachable issues.” Anyare?, Bishop Pablo “Ambo” David asked in the celebration, in a broader context.
‘I love how Bishop Socrates Villegas spoke sharply to all Filipinos at the closing mass on EDSA 40. “We do not bask in the EDSA nostalgia… today, we celebrate not faded yellow ribbons, but a call to reclaim the fire which we wasted to corruption, trolls, dynasties, vulgarity, forgotten dignity”.’
In front of a wide tv screen or a tiny cellphone for three days, Filipinos at home as well as in other countries also broke their routines glued to the preliminary ICC confirmation of the charges on the human rights crimes of a former president. “Tatay Digong” as how the Defense called Rodrigo Duterte or“Halimaw Digong” after Prosecution showed gripping video clips of the EJK atrocities he ordered.
As if these are not sufficient headline-hoggers, a few more stories sprung. Sara Duterte, announced her intent to run for president in the 2028 election, the earliest to declare. With a footnote: 6 years is not enough for a presidency, 30 years is her vision. Loony, but aside from confidence in leading candidate surveys, that must be a veiled threat to congressmen to think of their political future, a week before the House of Representatives start the renewed impeachment process on March 2.
And further, the accusation by 18 ex-marines of congressional recipients of the “maletas” containing billions of pesos from escapee Rep. Zaldy Co, a key figure in the flood control corruption that angered citizens. Incredulous list, bad script!
There were more news, but these four alone should make us worry hard about the future of our country.
A POSSIBLE FUTURE
I love how Bishop Socrates Villegas spoke sharply to all Filipinos at the closing mass on EDSA 40. “We do not bask in the EDSA nostalgia… today, we celebrate not faded yellow ribbons, but a call to reclaim the fire which we wasted to corruption, trolls, dynasties, vulgarity, forgotten dignity.”
I had to digress from my column’s regular focus on the environment for the big picture. No apology for what the heart spoke. And with eyes wide open, I also fear the environment will be a major casualty in a future under another immoral and criminal leadership. Impunity has no conscience to spare the fruitful forests and the abundant marine resources, as it disrespects human life. Corruption can turn over our sea and islands to an imperialist power. Greed will allow oligarch allies to reclaim more lands and mine more mountains increasing our climate vulnerability. The Duterte regime already showed us. Another Duterte is similarly wired.
So we can only choose to remain genuine, self-respecting Filipinos. And one reward, not insignificant at all, is for the country to stay green and sustainable.