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 “THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE has already acquitted me,” former President Joseph Estrada reiterates on the eve of judgment day while his co-accused, son Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, denounces the security preparations as “paranoia.” INQUIRER PHOTO
I try to avoid talk of politics. After all, politics, along with religion, is one of the taboos if one intends to have a civilized, non-offensive conversation.
However this reluctance stems not from any desire to not offend any ideology, but from an experience of being burned.
Let's get this straight. I do not vote.
It can probably be quickly dismissed as a sign of deep apathy, but hear me out first.
Back in 2001, I was one of the jubilant mob at EDSA Dos.
Looking back, my fuel for going there was not one of outrage, but one of love for the country. If it were merely for or against Erap, I'd probably outright regret going there. Because, six years later, things aren't much different.
Economy is a bit better, but there seems to be more killings than before.
I hate the fact that Erap stole from the people, but I don't hate him. In many ways, I do admire him. He literally climbed the political ladder. He's charismatic, and honest to a fault.
On the other hand, PGMA seems to think EDSA Dos was for her. No it wasn't, little woman, it was for the Philippines. We didn't really support you; we supported the future, the idea you represented.
What makes it difficult to sleep at night is the thought that six years ago, you and Erap were as different as night and day, and now, I can't really tell your politics apart. As Erap dismisses EDSA Dos, you dismiss EDSA Tres. No wonder our country's in shambles. Both sides insist on dividing it. Neither wanting to let the other speak.
Maybe I'm just ignorant. Or maybe naive.
This is because deep-down inside, I sort of believe that in every politician is the clear desire to serve. It's just that somewhere between wanting to serve and actually being elected is a path bathed in blood money.
This is why today, as a strong surge of emotion swelled within me as the verdicts on Erap were being read, I felt the need to say something. It was a moment I felt connected with the rest of the Filipinos - like EDSA Dos, or even Flor Contemplacion's execution - and I needed to do something. But to what end?
One of the problems is that we Filipinos support individuals, not ideals. As long as voters keep voting and politicians keep campaigning on this premise, we will never have a president we will support.
And I step up from my armchair and topple over from my soapbox.
 | "On the other hand, PGMA seems to think EDSA Dos was for her. No it wasn't, little woman, it was for the Philippines. We didn't really support you; we supported the future, the idea you represented."
AMEN. :) |
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One of the problems is that we Filipinos support individuals, not ideals. 