Tired Of People Power?
I was with my daughter at Chocolat and we were waiting for our slice of choco cake and frozen hot spanish chocolate when the headline of Manila Bulletin, March 2, 2008 issue, caught my attention. Bishops: Not Taking Sides On Politics . And to quote:
Catholic bishops are neither “pro” nor “anti”-Arroyo, Lingayen-Dagupan (Pangasinan) Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a former president of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said yesterday.”As shepherds of the Church and people, bishops, who provide moral and spiritual guidance to people, do not take sides when it comes to the issues involving politics”
I was kinda surprised because the leadership of the Catholic Church has made known their guiding principle. That their primary role is to guide the flock spiritually and not to take sides on politics. They affirmed their respect for the separation of the state and the church. This, I believe should silence their critics. The present crop of Bishops deserve a pat on the back for resisting pressure.
This is a complete turn around from the 1986 era leadership. Though we still have bishops, maybe followers of a late Cardinal, who strongly believe on the interference of the religious leaders to state affairs and governance.
As I checked the local blogosphere, the 4 corners are rocked by the call for GMA to resign. I took note of a comment from Bendz from one of the blogs I visited. To quote, he said
Manila should always put to mind that they are not the only people living in this country
So far, the only dissenting opinion I read on the issue is his. And I am assuming that he felt imperialist Manila is forcing her will on his.
Yesterday, I also shared my insights about democratic processes and mob rule. I have a feeling that the People Power culture inculcated on us are turning our democratic institution into mob rule or mobocracy. The elements are there:
- Pressure is exerted to the military and police to withdraw support from the constitutionally elected official.
- There were pressures too, for the CBCP to do ala the late Cardinal, to call on the people to be on the street and support ouster calls.
- One of the reason why there is a call for the President to resign is to avoid bloodshed, a threat that if she will not leave voluntarily, she will be ousted by force.
- Those who have a dissenting opinion are not respected. I read a comment about the inconvenience the rally has caused, and a barrage of criticism followed.
- People being agitated to join, rather than convince them of the merits.
- Judgment without due process
EDSA
As a young dude back then, (1st year college) I am one of the warm bodies at EDSA (1). After Marcos agreed to be evacuated to Paway, Ilocos, he was taken to Hawaii. This paved the way for the peaceful transfer of power. Being the first in the world, Filipinos were admired and respected everywhere. However, we failed to keep this admiration. Soon after that, farmers were shot at Mendiola, the bloodiest coup’s were recorded in history, and since most of the good projects of the former President was set aside, the country in (energy) crisis was turned over to another leader.
(Un)fortunately, EDSA has set the precedent and a culture of people power was inculcated.
At ERAP’s downfall (2nd EDSA) while we believe we were triumphant, we were laughed at by the democratic world because a constitutional process was terminated in favor of mob rule, but it does not share the sentiments of the majority (the violent people power 3 is a proof of this). Pressured by the mob, constitutional authorities defected or withdrawn their support from ERAP. Though ERAP left Malacanang, he did not resign. Though power was taken from him, the legality of “constructive resignation” is still being questioned.
My reservation for mass actions
- It is guided by emotion, rather than rule of law and due process. If not careful, this can turn into mob rule.
- Politicians have their own agenda
- We rally behind half truths (also lies, by the way).
- Rights of the minority may not be respected.
Learning from history
- Because Cory’s gov’t was founded by rebellion, her administration was also rocked by rebellion. Trouble is coming from both the rightists and the leftists groups.
- Because the legitimacy of the transfer of power from ERAP to GMA is in question, we ended up in this present predicament.
- Surprisingly, the only President who enjoyed a time of stability is FVR, though he is a minority President, the legitimacy of his election brought peace and stability.
In short, if a government is established by rebellion, it will also reap rebellion. If GMA will resign, it’ s good for the country. But let kabayan Noli serve as President until 2010. But some of the protagonist does not want a Noli presidency. We’ll have another round of mass actions, by then. Right?
If GMA will not resign, shall we oust her by force? What will happen next?
I hope people will exercise their rights with utmost care, and the future of the next generation will be given proper consideration.
I still believe on our democratic rights and freedoms to peacefully asemble, express our grievances, etc. I also believe on the rule of law and due process. Let a case be filed in the proper court. People may play around the loop holes of the law for a time, but their own web of lies and deceit will trap them. Justice may be slow, but it will certainly overtake and catch the wrongdoer.
I am for a change and leadership by example. However, change can only be achieved thru a total culture and systemic overhaul. A change in watch will not change the system and culture. It should start from the individual. From parents, to their children. From our homes to our educational institutions, businesses and every segment of our society.
To get a grasp of what took place on the peaceful yet festive Makati rally, you may read the following blogs:
9 Responses to “Tired Of People Power?”
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[...] Sonnie’s Porch, and What Do We Care?, and Bayen’s Living Room, and I’m A Baby! and Ang Kape Ni LaTtEX express the reasons behind their misgivings concerning People Power. A Simple Life takes up the cudgels for loyalists. smoke has an interesting entry on what she perceives to be a war of political attrition. Peryodistang Pinay on image-making on media. [...]
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[...] had happened here and now is also happening in [...]
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Vox Populi, Vox Dei
You know what it is, “the voice of the people is the voice of God” who made the laws? From whom does the government and state derive its authority and power?
From the people. A reminder my good friend, “Ang batas ang nag-aadjust sa tao, hindi ang tao ang nag-aadjust sa batas.”
Let’s just hope that this would be the start of the overhaul change you speak of.
jhay’s last blog post..Interfaith rally: 3 Makati, pagharang at panggigipit sa mga taga DLSU-Dasmariñas
Hi Jhay,
2 items:
1. You’re right, democracy is the rule of people. The laws may change if the majority wants it. Achieved thru open discussion, consultation and confirmed thru a democratic electoral reforms.
2. Mob rule is different. A change is achieved by noise and force. But the noisiest and violent group does not necessarily represent the majority.
Hello Kuya Sonnie,
1) Open discussion, consultation and democratic electoral processes have long been used and exhausted but are now corrupted to all-time lows by the current administration. Our experience last Friday at the hands of Arroyo’s police forces is indisputable proof of this.
2) Which mob would you pick? Arroyo’s or the students, priests, nuns, civilians and ordinary folk gathered at Makati and blocked at various check points in the provinces?
jhay’s last blog post..Interfaith rally: 3 Makati, pagharang at panggigipit sa mga taga DLSU-Dasmariñas
She just has to step down on her own. I too don’t believe in mass actions but it doesn’t mean I won’t join rallies and have my voice heard. How can the rule of law work right now? In the next two years, she will slowly erase evidence of their corruption. Her people are with her. At the very least, her cabinet and other appointees should resign. Then wheels of law may work then.
This is what I can do now. Just blog, write about how I feel, join rallies, take one day at a time, discern and adjust my opinions to latest news. Nothing is set in stone.
At least, I am doing something instead of just watching the scene unfold. At least my kids see that I am doing my share. I do what I can.
noemi’s last blog post..Interfaith Rally in Ayala Avenue, Makati City
I can’t see anything wrong with a “mob rule” if this “mob rule” is for the better of the democracy.
spliceanddice’s last blog post..Easy Come, Easy Go
@ Jhay, Noemi & Spliceanddice –
Hi,
It’s healthy to have dissenting discussion as this, it broadens the readers perspective.
I am for the constitutional process. I still believe there are good people in the government, military and police who can make a difference. You can not correct one error with another. Laws exist for a reason.
I believe those responsible for preventing and harassing the rallyist, based on what I read on news, will be filed case(s). These people should learn to respect civil liberties
If GMA resigns, we can easily move forward. If she will hang on to power, let the wheels of justice take it’s proper course. While the freedom of speech and assembly is guaranteed, and I believe we should exercise this. I am careful, however, that people will not use my opinion, voice and presence for his/her own agenda.
Civil liberties yes, but I am not for any mob rule. It taints democracy. Agitated mob will bring this country nowhere.
Cheers!
my take: i do not care if lozada himself is corrupt, we can take care of him later. i want answers whether or not the person holding the highest office in my country is indeed making money in the expense of her people. gloria should answer those accusations. if it need to be in the proper forum then to the proper forum it is. anywhere is fine as long as she answers.
if ever kabayan replaces her as president, i think the most that he can do for the country is to formulate and introduce constitutional reforms before 2010 comes. honestly, im having second thoughts if democracy can do well in this country. democracy sounds appealing but it seems that it gets us nowhere but in the streets.
iRonnie’s last blog post..Our Flowerhorn And The Manila Ocean Park