Demonstrations, still a catalyst for change?

Today is D-Day, a day to demonstrate for change. I am writing this article as I prepare to go to EDSA together with a dear friend and soulmate, plus probably thousands of other Filipinos sick and tired of what’s going on, to express our collective frustration over what is devouring our country, which is engulfed in an air of hopelessness and utter spite for the abuses of a corrupt few.

Let me share with you below a short narrative and reflections on the Trillion Peso March.

As we approached EDSA at about half past noon, what immediately struck us was that the road leading to the rally point, the People Power Monument, was not clogged, unlike the previous Trillion Peso rally months back when the corruption scandal first erupted. Then, we had to disembark on Ortigas and walk the distance all along EDSA to the monument which we didn’t even reach because of the massive crowd.

This time around, our initial impression and concern, judging from the tepid reactions of family when we asked them to join us, of a low turnout was confirmed when our car was even able to drop us off right at the foot of the monument. It didn’t take us too long to inch our way to the stage.

Hmm, protest fatigue already? Are the people back to a demoralized state of indifference? The “ganyan talaga tayo … wala naman mangyayari” complacent attitude?

The speeches, however, were, as expected, fiery and did not disappoint with crowd pleasers like Party-list Representative Leila de Lima and political economist commentator cum rapper Cielo Magno taking center stage.

De Lima, a symbol of political persecution, also noted the smaller crowd but courageously declared that the numbers were not important nor did it diminish the political impact of her message, which was an against all odds dogged persistence and determination to stand for what is right and to call out the abuses of the powers that be.

Her incarceration during the previous administration was Exhibit Number One. I guess today she meant the newspaper banner headlines for a few days and the perpetual images that will forever be available on YouTube. But, I wonder, are those visuals enough to effect change?

Magno’s politically inspired rap and its bouncy tune staying in the memory banks of people, particularly the youth and the grassroots Pinoys, is my own bet that the messaging will be remembered for a long time. I love the catchy lyrics. “Tax ng ina mo, bantayan mo. Huwag hayaang lustayin ng mga pulitiko. Yang perang yan, pinaghirapan mo. Isusubo mo na lang, ninakaw pa sa iyo.”

It was a simple, gut-wrenching message of “P...ang ina mo” that resonates with millions of Filipinos trying to eke out a decent livelihood, yet seeing on the other hand the mindless extravagances of political dynasties, which forever seem to be in perpetual control of their lives.

Short of a violent upheaval, this rap song of Magno can be a political musical rallying cry against corruption that should be aired over and over again until 2028 to effect real change.

Unfortunately, we were not early enough to catch Cardinal Ambo David’s message, but thankfully I was able to watch it on the internet later that evening. The gist of his message was unambiguous and straight to the point. Cardinal Ambo’s call was for transparency and accountability. He did not agree with any unconstitutional measures or immediate demand to force the incumbent to resign but pushed, however, the administration for concrete action, not just promises, to follow through on what BBM started, that the culprits will be charged, arrested, jailed and the stolen money returned.

To ensure that the bind we are in will never happen again, he called for a long-term resolution for the moral and spiritual reset of the people, for an institutional change to rid us of the bane of political dynasties.

For those who still recall the critical personalities of People Power 1986, Cardinal Ambo’s call today differs from Cardinal Sin’s cry in 1986 to support and defend General Fidel Ramos and Juan Ponce Enrile from the arrest orders given by President Marcos and to oust the incumbent.

Ironically, Cardinal Ambo’s plea today achieves the opposite. Let his son stay until the next election. I guess the then alternative leader was clear and widely acceptable, Cory. Today, the constitutionally designated successor, Sara, in the event of BBM’s resignation, is clearly not as acceptable and will still be tumultuous for the country.

The critical question, of course, is, unless constitutional changes are effected before 2028, similar types of political dynastic successors could very well still emerge as the nation’s leaders. In other words, more of the same and we will find ourselves in the same hole again after several years.

Are demonstrations still a catalyst for change? I believe they are. It’s the only way ordinary citizens can peacefully vent their anger, anguish, and express their cries for change. So when the next rally comes around, join and be counted. It’s the only country we’ve got.

Until next week… OBF!

For comments, email bing_matoto@yahoo.com.