Trials of fate
Protest actions reflect the collective determination to address grievances. They strike at the heart of our societal values. For many, the rally serves as a platform to voice their frustrations.
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Protest actions reflect the collective determination to address grievances. They strike at the heart of our societal values. For many, the rally serves as a platform to voice their frustrations.
Forty years ago, in 1986, there was EDSA I, the People Power Revolt, driven primarily by Catholics. The late Jaime Cardinal Sin was the sole voice on Radio Veritas that urged people to gather at EDSA and support those fighting to restore our democracy.
Today, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC), another religious group, held a rare gathering of its members at the People Power Monument on EDSA. They protested massive government corruption, particularly the multibillion-peso flood control projects scandal and the expected arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, a member of their organization.
The Office of the Ombudsman was discussing the likely filing of a non-bailable plunder case over the P75-million campaign donation that Marcoleta allegedly received and failed to declare in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth (SALN).
It seems unlikely that the INC will be able to orchestrate a people power movement as substantial as the one during EDSA 1. The circumstances back then were unique, characterized by an almost divine outpouring of emotion and catharsis.
For sure, the INC cannot replicate the historic 1986 event. They want to be seen and heard in expressing their anger and disappointment over the trials of fate, the political events, the timing of cases filed against individuals, and the personalities being targeted.
Protest actions reflect the collective determination to address grievances. They strike at the heart of our societal values. For many, the rally serves as a platform to voice their frustrations.
However, the display of solidarity must transcend individual interests and pave the way for collective action — action necessary for democracy to thrive.
Regardless of religious beliefs, personalities, or political views, we should not frown upon temporary inconveniences as long as such displays remain within legal boundaries. Not everyone is apathetic amid the political noise and the scandalous misuse of government funds.
In small dissent comes big change.
This is where the media must come in. DAILY TRIBUNE, now on its 26th year, continues to fight for what is right, for free, uncensored speech, and an accurate chronicle of history, without fear or favor.
Voices of discontent may rise and fall each day as politics falter, but dreams of being free should never fade away. Massive corruption is around us; silence is complicity. Taking no action merely empowers those who engage in dishonesty. By not speaking out or standing up, we slowly lose our freedom.
The echoes of protest should always be welcomed. They should be allowed to resonate beyond the streets and into the hearts of our governing institutions until they listen.
In two years, we will finally have the power to replace those we no longer need. Doubts may have brought us down, but we must keep hope alive. Will the people unite once again and reclaim the wealth that has been looted, without faltering, by 2028? That is a decision each Filipino has to make.
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