Enrile’s EDSA dare: Just do it

Enrile’s EDSA dare: Just do it | Daily Tribune

Ageless Juan Ponce Enrile, the man who has survived more political shifts than a cat has lives, has decided to play Nike ambassador and told would-be People Power revivalists to “just do it.” Except, instead of sports, he’s talking about coups — because why jog when you can attempt to overthrow a government?

The 100-year-old Enrile, now serving as Chief Presidential Legal Counsel to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recently addressed the pesky protesters gathering at the EDSA Shrine.

These activists, presumably fueled by memories of the 1986 revolution, have been grumbling about a litany of grievances against the younger Marcos. Their grievances range from inflation and questionable governance to the deeply existential dread of being stuck in traffic for two hours on EDSA.

To these hopeful rabble-rousers, Enrile has a simple message: Stop whining, and start revolting.

In typical Enrile fashion, his challenge came with a hearty serving of snark. “What coup?” he asked.

This is the same man who, in 1986, dramatically defected from the Marcos Sr. regime, helping ignite the first People Power Revolution. Apparently, once was enough for him, because now he seems more amused than alarmed by these mini-rebellion attempts.

Enrile’s “just do it” moment is almost poetic. It’s like he’s telling protesters: “If you’re going to throw the country into chaos, at least be efficient about it.” And if you’re considering taking up his dare, be reminded that not every coup d’état is created equal. A successful uprising requires more than just outrage and placards.

In Enrile’s playbook, you’ll need a carefully curated recipe, foremost of which is one charismatic leader who should be able to unite people across political, social, and economic lines.

You’ll also need 100,000 angry people. A crowd smaller than the BTS Army is unlikely to intimidate the government. Make sure these folks are passionate, organized, and good at chanting slogans for hours.

Include 10 disillusioned generals. Military support is non-negotiable. Without it, your “revolution” is just a flash mob with extra steps.

Then think symbolic props like yellow ribbons, roses, or perhaps a viral dance challenge. Anything that can galvanize public sentiment.

Include a pinch of timing because the element of surprise is crucial. Announce your coup plans too early, and the government might preemptively arrest your entire crew.

You must also have a good public relations team. Because you’re not just overthrowing a regime; you’re selling hope. Make sure your messaging hits the right emotional notes.

Preheat public sentiment. Start with months (or years) of simmering discontent. Rising food prices, corruption scandals, and TikTok influencers running for Congress all work well to raise the temperature.

Gather your ingredients discreetly: Secure your generals and charismatic leader without setting off government alarms. Remember, group chats are not as private as you think.

Simmer outrage into action: Turn your protest into a movement by staging well-attended rallies. Avoid the temptation to give long speeches; no one wants to hear them.

Add your secret weapons: This is where your roses, ribbons, or viral dance challenges come in. Get the public emotionally invested.

Strike while the iron is hot: Timing is everything. Make your move when the government appears weakest — preferably during a crisis or scandal.

Warning: Failure to follow this recipe to the letter may result in exile, imprisonment, or worse — irrelevance.

But back to Enrile. His dismissive attitude isn’t just the snark of an elder statesman who has seen it all; it’s a reminder that EDSA’s magic isn’t something you can replicate on command. The original revolution worked because it was the culmination of decades of suffering, a tipping point born of desperation and solidarity. Today, the political landscape is fragmented, and outrage is diluted by memes and trending hashtags.

Enrile, ever the political survivor, probably knows this better than anyone. His “just do it” dare isn’t an endorsement of rebellion but a wink at the futility of today’s fragmented movements.

So, will another EDSA happen? Probably not. But hey, at least we got a decent recipe out of it.

e-mail:mannyangeles27@gmail.com