*If you hate politics, then don't read this.
On January 20, 2001, through People Power, then Vice President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn into office as President of the Philippines. The Filipinos once again made history by ousting a corrupt leader through peaceful means. At that time, being part of EDSA 2 was something everyone could be proud of. But things have changed since then. With what has been going on with the administration of President Gloria Makapal Arroyo, Just like most of us, I regret helping this 4'11” woman become our nation's leader.The EDSA Dos experience
I was at EDSA shrine during the first day of EDSA dos. I went there not only as a campus journalist who was asked by his editor to cover the historic event. I trooped to EDSA as an idealistic youth who believed that ousting ERAP and installing GMA would make the Philippines a “better place.” With the help of my ever-reliable campus press ID, I was able to go up the stage and interview Jim Paredes, Solita Monsod, Richard Gordon and other personalities who were all outraged by the decision of 11 senator-judges not to open the controversial second envelope. I agreed in everything they said. “Eto na ang panahon para magsama-sama tayo at baguhin ang Pilipinas,” an activist said. “Tama kayo sir,” I replied. I admit that I was biased at that time. While doing my job as a campus jounalist, I went on chanting “sobra nang pahirap, patalsikin si Erap” with the crowd. The mood at EDSA was so festive. It was amazing to watch a sea of people united for the betterment this poverty-stricken country.
As days passed, while writing my Pro-PGMA, Anti-ERAP article for our campus paper, I was glued to the TV watching the history unfold. And when PGMA was finally sworn into office, I rejoiced. Everyone was full of hope at the time. Some even dubbed PGMA as the savior — the leader that would save us from poverty. Unfortunately, we got it all wrong. Six years after we united and chose GMA to be our “savior,” look at where we are now. Pareho pa rin. Wala pa ring nagbabago. Mahirap pa rin ang Pilipinas. Corrupsyon pa rin ang numerong problema sa gobyerno — ang pangunahing dahilan ng pagpapatalsik natin kay Erap at pagluklok natin kay PGMA.
The small and terrible PGMA
I regret being part of EDSA-Dos. I'm no longer proud of helping GMA become our president. I despise you Gloria. Why? Because you are a liar. On the death anniversary of our National Hero Jose Rizal in 2003, you said you weren't joining the 2004 presidential election. Less than a year after your "ultimate sacrifice" speech, what did you do? You recanted and happily said “Tatakbo po ako bilang pangulo sa darating na eleksyon.” At nung 2004 election anong ginawa mo? You utilized government funds and called a dirty COMELEC commissioner to ensure your win. Why? Because you were too addicted to your presidential powers. And when people got dismayed of your Hello Garci scandal, what did you do? You gave out orders that were unconstitutional and ought to destroy the sovereignty of the people. E.O. 464 para patahimikin ang mga taong gobyerno na ilabas ang baho ng pamamahala mo at Proclamation 1017 para patahimikin ang mga taong sawa na pamamalakad mo. And when you had realized that people were already sick and tired of your administration, you seek the help of your pets in the Lower House to railroad your version of charter change. Ilan lamang yan sa mga katarantaduhang ginawa mo. Kung ilalagay ko lahat baka tawagin mo rin akong rebelde at may planong mag-organisa ng coup laban sa ‘yo. The list of your boo-boos just keeps getting longer. Ano pa kaya ang gagawin mo sa darating na eleksyon? Mahiya ka naman. You should be dubbed as the small and terrible Gloria. You suck big time.
During EDSA Dos, one banner caught my attention. “Resign all – SANLAKAS” inscribed in that banner. Sana ito na lang ang sinuportahan ko para hindi ka na naupo sa pwesto. Siguro, mas maayos na ang katayuan ng Pilipinas ngayon…
