Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos, during his term as head of
state, allowed the Marcos family to return to the Philippines after having been
exiled at Hawaii as the eventual outcome of the 1986 EDSA Revolution. Settling
themselves in Philippine politics, they succeeded in gaining the favor and
trust of Filipinos to place them in power by electing them for certain
positions in the Philippine government. This practice might have even inspired
the attitude of Filipinos reelecting disfavored or condemned politicians for
certain offices; if not the latter exhibiting a “self-righteous” conceitedness
to disregard their guilt/shame and run for office again. Two examples of these
are former presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who were detested
when they were in power; but now are the Mayor of Manila and a congresswoman in
Pampanga, respectively. Perhaps this behavior or attitude regarding Philippine
politics was instigated by the Marcoses?
When the Marcoses finally found a stable foothold in the Philippines,
having regained their influence over, and the trust of, the people; they made
the slow climb back to power establishing themselves in the Ilocos region where
they are most favored by the citizenry. They were fortunate enough to gain the
favor of current president Rodrigo Duterte so that they could carry out what
they had long been making a stand for: the burial of Ferdinand Marcos at the
“Libingin Ng Mga Bayani”. Besides acquiring the consent of the president, they
audaciously disregarded the procedures of the Supreme Court and the rights of
those contesting the issue; and clandestinely/surprisingly placed the corpse of
the tyrannical head of state at the LNMB.
The outcome of this subject matter is the prevalent conflict between
Marcos supporters and those who oppose them. They treat this so-called “Motion
for Reconsideration” like a ‘volleyball’; striking back at their opponent who,
in turn, will do the same. If not by this standard, there are other laws and
amendments which can be used for the interests of both factions. The question
now that must be asked is “When will all this finally end?”
When the current situation of the Philippines is taken into
consideration; what can be seen is a country in dissent and chaos. ‘It happens’,
as many would say, just as in other nations which have experienced anarchy and
civil war. But those of Ghaddafi, Idi Amin, Adolf Hitler etc have overcome
their share of the burden. For the Filipinos; they must find a way to solve
their current predicament as much as a dilemma as it might be.
For one, anti-Marcos and anti-Duterte factions could initiate an uprising
to oust the current head of state and have their way with their intended leader
in office. They could expel the Marcoses ultimately or, as extreme as it may
sound, efface all of them from the face of the earth; thus trampling the human
rights of the latter. In addition, they could do away with whatever Rodrigo
Duterte has began to establish for the country if these individuals do not find
them agreeable or favorable by their standards.
For another, the Duterte/Marcos faction can unite and find a mutually
beneficial agreement; then rid themselves of their detractors and adversaries;
and then THEY can have their way. Either one being severely extreme and leaving
out any consideration for the masses standing on the sidelines; merely looking
on at the chaotic disorder and hoping for some form of prosperity to ensue from
it.
This is the price of democracy, in relation to the Philippines.
Everybody has a say. Everybody is free to impose, declare, amend, etc.
Everybody can choose. Freedom of speech is abused. The terms of the ‘right to a
peaceful assembly’ are not respected. Majority wins even if majority is errant.
Actors, celebrities, under-educated sports personalities, municipality tough
guys who do not deserve to be in office are elected because of their influence
and/or charisma. Professors and instructors in educational institutions have
the freedom to inspire activist principles and outlook upon their students via
their lectures. The youths, as it is evident with the social issue of the
Marcos burial, eventually take part in something they did not really
experience; but which was instllled in them through academic methods. They
have the potential to become radicals concerning other future social/political
matters and stir up conflict and anarchy; confident with the presumption that
democracy gives them the right to do so. Order and discipline are taken for
granted, hence there is always discord and conflict: those which not only
concerns unlawful methods of carrying out the law; the streets and thoroughfares;
the business and economic sector; up to the very depths of the government and
its officials! Not to forget the political personalities
rejected/scorned/condemned at first and then are recycled into the government like
a dog eating its own vomit. This is because everything, and anything, is
possible and feasible in an abused democracy: right or wrong; decent or indecent;
moral or otherwise.
I am not in favor of Communism, Fascism, Utilitarianism and other such
manner of governance which can be too stern, or inspire despotism. But when a
people are given too large a berth to exercise their rights; they can destroy
themselves just as a spoiled brat can bring hardship on himself.
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