EDSA Dos Story 5: An Afterthought Of A Revolution In Our Generation

“We shall not become free by retiring into the private sphere and saying ‘Count me out.’ Nor shall we become free by conforming to a society that holds its generals and millionaires in particularly high regard. We shall become free when we learn to work for peace actively, deliberately, militantly.” – Dorothy Scolle, Of War and Love

            Once again we did it. We ousted a sitting President out of office. And hardly I could enjoy the pervading celebration all over the country because 14 years ago, we had this same euphoric passion for and promise of change. Instead, I tremble in the musing of the days to come. (In the 17^th day of the new Arroyo administration, Ka Popoy Lagman, a staunch labor leader was murdered, and finally a Vice-President was named after almost brewing the country apart in the choice of VP. Earlier than that, a premature resignation and withholding of appointments in the Cabinet had rocked the young government. Rumors of impending coup continued to hover, gripping everybody in standstill.

            With the ouster of Erap begins the trek on the arduous road to renewal and reform. It has founded a stronger call that the more we should not cease from seeking our own great destiny as a nation. Whatever we gained from EDSA does not guarantee us of getting there. Still we have to master to take risks, catch on with our preferred changes, challenge the newly born yet spiteful opposition, brave the future with faith and confidence, and recoup the EDSA spirit till it becomes ingrained in us. After all, democracy and love for country bind us together.

            The deposed President has taught us the leadership style this country did not need nor want, what the people can do when faced with abstrusely adamant leader who expressly pledges to help the poor while implicitly helping his friends and families at the same time, and that sincere commitment to serve the people especially the poor is beyond eating with them in bare hands, shaking and waving hands, displaying that patented Erap smile before the camera, and bringing showbiz stars for cheap entertainment and gimmickry.

            However, the newly installed President is deep into political indebtedness. She was put to power physically by the frequent faces we saw on TV or heard over the radio, or so she thought. She witnessed first hand who were the people she had to give credit to, or at least be thankful for. It is that kind of indebtedness that is hard to repay. That is why Arroyo's administration is laden with appointments here and there, and disappointments here and there. This early inner circles of power are starting to shape in their own dangerous proportions, jockeying for vital positions in the government. What else is new when we have the same names who had been seated before yet here we go again reciprocating them for doing nothing of worth-replicating in the government? It looks like these people can not win in the election anymore that is why they are doing the backdoor entry to the government through dubious appointments.

            In her inauguration speech, the President said, “This (People Power) we owe to every Filipino.” Before that, she said, “We are the stones, and the Philippines is our edifice.” True enough, stones are of no equal distinction. There are good stones as bad stones, corroded ones and smooth ones, big and small, rolling and rooted. What we have right now are mostly rolling stones, and Sommerset Maugham wrote something like, “Rolling stones gather no moss.” If we really are for a new beginning where we are going to heal wounds of our afflicted society, and build a new edifice of the Philippines, we need to cast away despicable breed of traditional politics of patronage and personality, and brace the alternative breed of politics defined by ability, service, integrity, and faith in God.

            The backdrop of our Constitution indicates the course toward political and maturity. Every three years for most of the elected public officials and six years for the other half of the senators, the vice president and the president will be subject to the people’s will in an election. So any, elected public official whom we believe errs gravely against the people will be voted out of office into oblivion – aptly called nowadays, “kangkungan.” That is the spirit and intent of our Constitution but I think with so much consideration and evaluation that we are far from that end. Election, time and again, is an opportunity for the people to be active and involved to the most significant political process of democracy, be vigilant in their rights, be discerning in the choice among good, less, lesser, and pure evil, and we always missed that opportunity knowing however that there will be next time to right the wrong. Sadly, we never learn and that next time is no good waiting for. That is why election becomes a mere exercise like waking up every morning after a dreamless night sleep.

            People Power II has given us too many good things. To appreciate the value and merit of it, we need to toss away a lot of things in the past that stifled our energies to advance towards that dreamed development. It there is a thing that is being taught, it is how our system rots, and how to make it work for and against us. Indubitably, every Filipino loves our dear Philippines but that ends in the ouster of Marcos and Erap. When all things clear, we find ourselves fighting the same enemies again.

EDSA Dos Story 4: From Isarog to EDSA Shrine

          Leaning on the left side window of Naga-bound bus as it made its ascent on the Ortigas fly-over, I saw Edsa Shrine. It was a Monday evening of January 22nd of 2001.

            Five days ago, people swarmed this momentous place. Sparked by the infamous decision of the impeachment court, the throng swelled to multitudes of Filipinos disowning a President, the 11 senators, and those who believed in the impeachment process. The Shrine was the most metaphorical place for that collective anguish and dismay, being the birthplace and living witness to the peaceful People Power revolution not so long ago. As if Mother Mary, both hands open sideways, were calling Her flock to assembly and take Her refuge in times of grief to the death of the national search for truth and justice. Like a true Mother whose patience and understanding preceded any rationale of the situation finally said, “enough is enough, come to Me and We will do it again.”

            “Viva La Virgen! Viva!” Our Ina, the Lady of Peñafrancia, was with us all the way and all the time from Bicol to Edsa. With Ina, history would be good, history would be kind to us.

            A roaring cloud of enlightened heads massed at the intersection of Ortigas and Edsa blackening the whole area, waiting to burst like a storm sending signs of its impending strength and power. The clamor was clear, the portent was an ominous end of the sitting duck, the cry was resounding, and the direction certainly was Malacañang.

            Edsa was just the meeting point, the Gethsemane where people prayed to gather internal and external forces to sustain the fated culmination. The Shrine was the rock, all absorbing the people’ sentiments, disappointments, and the bid to the will of the Lord. And those who went to Edsa Shrine, physically or spiritually, were called to act to save the nation.

            The new President was being sworn in by the Chief Justice. Our new President is a daughter of a former President. Somewhere across the Pacific, another President was being sworn in. he was the son of a former President. All at the same day.

            Fourteen years ago, I was just 11 years old. We had no TV then but the people and radio kept us abreast of what was happening then at Edsa. They wanted to oust Marcos from office while all I wanted was to oust the can out from the circle. I was playing a kid's game- tumba-lata in Bikol or tumbang preso in Tagalog. When finally I hit it with my slipper, it tumbled down many times too far from the circle and my playmates who waited for me expectedly all went frenzy over that incident. They could finally run back to the base. (Hawaii, I suppose, is far enough) I could say, I made that happen. The joy of causing others to be free was felt at my young age.

            Two days ago (Jan. 20), I was part of the Bicol caravan that left Naga City at around 6 A.M. to join our fellow Filipinos at Edsa. We ventured into an eight-hour trip to be part of national struggle against corruption, nepotism, and cronyism. It was exactly the same time and day our Bicolano Senator Raul S. Roco had set for the march to Mendiola. If 14 years ago I was denied to hit that great point in our history to target, this time I would make sure that I would be there, or so I thought.

            Sad enough, I was almost there at Edsa when the furor was still hovering, when the thumb-down sign would still matter, when my scream would reverberate with the thousand voices of one call, probably also at the Jerichoan march to Mendiola when the people decided to besiege the standing block to the road to reformation and renewal, but I together with the contingent from Bicol arrived when Erap had already resigned and Gloria had already been sworn in for the Precidency. Nonetheless we caught up the thanksgiving mass being celebrated by Cardinal Sin.

            We were not late. No time was prescribed for us to be there. Who would have thought that Erap would give up so soon? He must have heard about our coming. He could have been scared, frantic, panicky and drunk. Understandably, who would not? Not unless Jose Velarde surfaced at Edsa.

            Many battles were won not necessarily due to the actual number of victors but to the cognizance of the fallen leader that legions of resolved people were coming to get him. That was our consolation to our journey from Isarog to Edsa Shrine.

            Seemingly unmindful of the historic event two days ago, the rush of shoppers and buses along Edsa affront the Galleria indicated that things were back to normal. I tilted back to my seat, my seatmate asked me in Bikol language – saen ka sa Bicol? (Where do I stay in Bicol). As my senses suddenly dawned on me, I became aware for the first time that I was going to Bicol, Camarines Sur, Milaor – home, as the bus made its descent on the Ortigas fly-over.

Edsa Dos Story 3: Impeachment Trial in the Senate

             An impeachment complaint is officially brought to Senate for a trial. Of course, President Erap denies the charges, among others, of receiving payola from jueteng, of owning a bank account where millions were deposited. A trial would be able to determine the culpability of the accused. The whole country is treated to an afternoon of legal and political drama on television and radio. 

          Prior to the trial, there was a suggestion of having the President to file a leave of absence not to exert undue influence on the process. For me it should be a leave of conscience. However, neither should be a question nor an option. Which is which is not purely a selection of greater returns to the peoples. It must be a decision founded on the aspiration of our dear nation, based on the call for justice, truth and probity.

            While the senate holds our eyes of interest inferring altogether, each senator tries to come up with a brilliant idea of dubious display of impartiality. Two senators have suggested the filing of leave of absence from any political parties that categorically identified itself either pro or anti of which a senator a member. Others already bolted from the administration party hoping those act alone signified singularly impartiality. And a solitary yet stentorian voice boldly predicted the fate of the trial, and in a way the doom of the disgruntled masses in the hands that rocked the nation.

            In the world of possibilities, these are welcome prefaces. In the preface of the world, this is possible. And in the possibility of prefaces, welcome to the world.

            No matter what we, the people do, either on the street, Internet or elsewhere, the entire affair of critical politics and economics is reduced to simple mathematics. In the Senate, it’s eight and in Malacañang, it is one.

            The sorcery of eight votes in the Senate that means acquittal is less intricate than the magic of fifteen which spells guilt. Never there will be a dramatic close than the senators’ votes sealing the end of a Constitutional process or selling the people’s trust and perseverance in the process.

            If all of us are wise as much discerning just the same, we need not drag the controversies besieging the country into the bottomless pit of shame and crisis. Unfortunately, all of us include someone in Malacañang. One noble resignation will have sufficed the discontent and dissatisfaction of the growling masses.

            It is reported that the defense team is hatching to quash the impeachment case even before it files its answer to the charges. What a way to say that the president is not guilty!

            Let us expect more of intellectual spectacles from the luminaries of our law regarding the issue. Like in the movies, we will grope in the dark, we will be entertained, we will learn and we will pay. Each day that passes by, may we master the art of optimism, hoping and endurance and the “power of one.” For these, as we wait, we pray.

            On December 7, the historic impeachment trial begins.

            Whether history will be good or otherwise to us, let us keep the words of Candid that all things are for the best, for now.

Edsa Dos Story 2: Why Ateneo?: Role of a University in the National Political Scene

“…it articulates truth and error, right and wrong, justice and injustice, and the imperatives of conscience sensitive to the dignity of human beings, especially the poor.” – CORPLAN 2010 of Ateneo de Naga University

            What was Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) doing when it spearheaded the October 20 and November 17 rallies calling for the resignation and supporting the impeachment of the president? Not exactly the same question but of the same breath goes to those who feared to come out and take position on the critical issue plaguing our country today – what were you doing, and intending to do?

            We are having a political, economical, social crisis now. Any indecision on the part of those who are expected and moved to act on the matter would take a toll on the people particularly the poor. Our failing country cannot afford to have irresolute public officials, who up to this day still weigh not the interest of the country but the future political ambition and the ties to Malacañang. Astute politicians, nonetheless, know where to position themselves in pursuit of their higher political career. And it is causing the people a lot. (For the time being, please think of your country first before yourselves).

            In fact, most of these officials renew or strengthen their association with the president by declaring here and there they unwavering support to the beleaguered lord of them. Foremost in their mind of course is their reelection or election to a greater office. I just hope they have really thought deeper or at least consulted their constituents on the issue at hand otherwise they are committing political suicide. It is noteworthy that these manifestations of support flock like firemen responding to an incident of fire without knowing where the fire is. Forced more by instinctual rather than discerning move, these politicians have run to the side of the president without confirming the unfolding events before their eyes and undoing something that is familiar to the people - political survival is above anything else.

            Before Ateneo's active participation, several dialogues and information campaigns with the different sectors of the University were held. In 2000, the October 20 and November 17 rallies, believed to be the biggest political rallies in Naga City, demonstrated the core of the CORPLAN 2010 of ADNU, its spirit in the formation of men and women, its commitment to social change and justice, and its lived faith for the greater glory of God.

            Though there are those who question the legitimacy of the university to spearhead such rallies – why Ateneo, I cannot help but ask back, why not Ateneo?

EDSA Dos Story 1: Erap Presidency in 2000

“That which depends on me, I can do; that which depends on the enemy cannot be certain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

            In 2000, two years of Erap presidency hardly makes any impression on the plight of the poor (yet) – the same people who put him to power and in turn he must be indubitably biased for. His catapult to the highest office was seen as a messianic mission for the poor, by the poor.

                 His strategy to fulfill the role he has superciliously projected was contained in the Erap Para sa Mahirap Program. It would select the 100 poorest families in every city and province and direct the programs of the intervening government agencies like the DOH, DSWD, NHA, CDA and others to those families. The hope is to bring about a multiplier-effect thereby reducing the poverty incidence into a measurable figure. But the poor people are not numbers to be manipulated, and poverty is not a statistics. That is why I join those who appraised the program as dubious and superficial to its true objective of poverty alleviation. I agree with the many urban poor groups and NGOs that instead of pursuing a selective direction of program implementation, why not have a national framework where every poor family can be a subject, not mere object?

            The World Bank suggests that goals should not be imposed, rather to be embraced. The yawning gap between the rich and poor is swallowing any effort towards poverty eradication or alleviation of the government. That I wish is enough to cause hard-packed actions just like in the president’s previous movies. The people expect him to live up to his billing otherwise he might be acting without an audience.

            In the last SONA of the President, he asked Congress of the same laws he wanted prioritized way back in his first SONA. Doesn’t he have the majority of both houses? Where is the party loyalty? If it is expediently needed by the administration to fulfill its promises, by all means it has to go all out for it. I suspect the Congress truly sees the urgency of the matter.

            Now Mr. Estrada is asking for special powers to hasten the rehabilitation and development he envisions in Mindanao. Among the powers he sought are the CBA moratorium and the suspension of TROs for project implementation. Is he going to build a bridge without water underneath? Or is it creating a river to have a bridge built? In other words, are the special powers exceptionally called for at this point of time? Is the presidency lacking of powers? Has he already exhausted other means and measures that will result to the same end? Or, is he just indifferent to the powers available which are already mandated by law? Worse, is he conceding to his inadequacies and helplessness in solving the Mindanao conflict? These are the questions posed to the administration and to us citizens who are concerned with the possible scenarios if we let this come to pass.

            Then I have discovered the answer when I heard that various NGOs, the church, other civic-minded groups and individuals are reaching out to the victims of the war. They need not ask for any power, be it special or not. They simply do what has to be done. More than the special powers can give, I think what is needed is a heart, and a will to do things right.

2011 Population of the Philippines and Reproductive Health Bill

Year 2011 started with a news that the Philippine population is estimated to reach 95.8 million this year. This is according to Commission on Population using the 2007 growth rate of 2.04 percent.

I see two remarkable mistakes in this news.

First, statistically, the use of 2007 population growth rate is NOT accurate and NOT appropriate to estimate the current population. Since the late 1970s, the Philippine population growth rate has been steadily declining, except in 2000 level which increased a bit from the 1995 level. However, after that disruption, the trend of steady decline continues. In fact, the United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) projects that the Philippines has a population growth rate of 1.9 percent in the period of 2005-2010. Then, it will be 1.67 percent in 2010-2015 period until reaching 0.5 percent in 2045-2050. (See the UN report here).

With a steady declining population growth rate, using the 2007 rate to estimate the 2011 population is totally incorrect and uncalled for. The Commission could have waited for the 2010 census to announce its official population count. This mistake leads me to the second mistake which may be inadvertent, somehow.

The second mistake is to augur the a new year with this fallacious and misleading figure to push for the Reproductive Health Bill (RHB). With this bloated figure, fear is being used by the Commission to drum up support for the Bill ahead of the announcement of the 2010 official census.

(We need to act now because population is exploding. Hmmmmm. Think of one or two million people of exaggeration in this population figure. Then think of Estonia which becomes the 17th member-country to adopt the Euro currency with only 1.4 million total population in 2010).

One of the major arguments of the Reproductive Health Bill (RHB) is that the growing population of the Philippines must be controlled in order to reduce poverty in the country. Proponents and supporters of this RHB sees the population as the major problem to development. They see the Philippines as overpopulated country with the sights of slums in the metropolis.

Let us show facts of the Philippine population.

Is the Philippines overpopulated? What is the measurement of overpopulation?

While it is true that the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, the population density per square kilometer of the country is only 307 persons in the 2005 estimates, thus ranking 43rd in the world. (For comparison purposes, Singapore has 7,023 person per square kilometer, Taiwan has 639 persons, South Korea has 407 persons, the Netherlands has 401 persons).

Then, the  answer is NO, the Philippines is not overpopulated. Metro Manila is, and other big cities.

The significant question should be, is the population of the Philippines productive? Thus, population control will not answer this question, rather the state of education and employment opportunities will.

Another significant question is, are the national resources distributed to regions? Or few regions corner much of the national resources? The answer is not about population; it is about distribution of resources.

Post-script: Anyhow, exactly how will the RHB control the population growth? Among its ways, one is to make contraceptions accessible and available to all including married and unmarried, young and old couples; Second is to conduct reproductive health education sessions with young people who are enrolled in secondary schools in the hope of containing unwanted teen pregnancies; Third is to encourage an ideal family size of having two children for every family.

Laboring Poor

“In recent times the working people of the capital have become impossible to deal with, because they have read in our books truths too potent for them.” -          Restif de la Bretonne, quoted from the Enlightenment by Hampson

The renaissance of labor unrest in the cities especially Metro Manila in the Philippines evinces the long standing workers’ universal struggle for recognition of their rights to living wage, humane working condition, collective bargaining, and security of tenure. It is universally accepted that a strike is a legitimate weapon of the workers to push for their rights. Or else they will be left at the total mercy from capitalists.

While recognizing the right to strike, the Constitution has laid two conditions for a strike; it must be peaceful and it must be in accordance with the Labor Code has supplemented the conditions, that it must be consistent with the national interest. A peaceful strike is a strike all right but how can a message get across? I know that a heavy man leaves a deep footprint and that of the light man is wiped by a sweeping wind. Like the cases LRT, Meralco, manila hotel workers, through organizing they became big brick but they were facing bigger wall. As a result, they got laid off. A strike in accordance with the law is preposterous in the intent which is rooted in the injustices of the capitalists---violations of the same law which is supposed to protect the workers. The consistency with the national interest is never a question in the event of the strike since labor issues are always of national interest. Therefore any inconsistency with the labor sector’s concerns become inconsistent also with the national interest.

In a country where workers are overwhelming and capital is scarce, coupled with the aggression of globalization in the system, the government is rendered powerless in the might of capital. Government policies seem to sympathize with the capitalists’ problems especially in times of crisis but not the labor problems. It is easily swayed to favor the employers and readily willing to sacrifice the labor side. This was manifested in the pal crisis, LRT, Meralco, and manila hotel labor disputes. And now it is evident even in the proposed emergency or special powers asked by the President where there will be a moratorium in the CBA. The labor sector is found battling against two formidable enemies – the unjust capitalists and the capitalist government that is supposed to protect and promote the rights of the workers because they do not have the means to protect themselves. Generally the labor groups are offered a compromise which is short of selling their souls to the employer or make them bite the bullet. They are forced to accept harsh conditions which are unjust but made legal by the state.

Commonly the capital always inequitably claims the profits and products and leaves the smallest minimum to labor. The minimum wage law that could have appropriated a just share of labor in the production becomes stagnant even in depressed times. The Regional Wage Boards are set up primarily to determine the just and fair wage in each region but it becomes a ploy to divide and conquer the labor sector. The undying P125 nationwide wage increase is a dead-end in the RWBs so the advocacy efforts are geared toward the legislated process. But Congress cannot accommodate this since election is just around the corner. What more can the laboring poor do in the midst of plain injustices happening before their justice-seeking eyes? I dread the portent of Bastille. Even the Son of a laborer who was once denied of justice can find heaven in the earth of the struggle of the working class.

All Is Well That Ends Wealthy

“You must admit that there is happiness man alive because he is superior to all he possesses; but it is an empty life where nothing gives pleasure.”

                                                                        - Voltaire, Candide

            The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) report on the wealth of President Estrada just confirms the long standing stain on the faces of the public officials now and then – graft and corruption. But not on the presidency please. I have this little glimmer of hope that somewhere in the public office there is still upright and unadulterated space, and I generously reserve that to the presidency. If there is any effort to influence, it must start from the top down to the bottom. I think it would be easier that way than the other way around but I am not denying the latter of its own course and I am not going to judge which way is better because more or less each one has a reason to think that way. With all the forces of doubts steering e closer to the truth, I am tempted to shed a light why people think public officials do conceal and keep the silence of wealth in office or after office.

            It is empirical to note that no public official retires from office forcibly through time or through legal mandate poorer than he was before taking office except a handful of the few that risked the resources of the known rich family for the service for the marginalized. One inspiring example would be former President Sergio Osmeña who sold some of the family’s assets to cover some costs of basic services to the people. However, during and in the post-Marcos era, the public belief was reaffirmed by the frenzied activities of the cronies or kamag-anak or mistahs and now the kumpadres and the first families. It is believed now that more critically-decided ventures of the government are made in the nocturnal sessions with the close “friends” of the president than in the usual cabinet meetings. Recently, one brave soul in the person of Sister Tan divulged the monopoly of the first family in the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) projects that, though seemingly legitimate, were expended mostly in the hands of the first family, Privilege indeed resides in the seat of power and emanates from the people who take the seat.

            Sadly, people nowadays engage in politics due to the mundane endeavors-prestige, power and wealth. Gone are the days when one seeks office due to his calling to serve faithfully. The vocation to public service becomes secondary or even non-existent to the mind and soul of the public officials. The idea of public service is reduced to attending weddings, neurological wake, birthdays and baptisms, year in and out. What happens now to the popular saying, public service is a public thrust? I remember Dolphy starting this when asked if he would run for an office, he said, “madali tumakbo, paano kung manalo?” I truly admire the guy’s response because there is no question of his winning ability but precisely, what is he going to do there? Exactly the same question goes to the people now in office who have barely 9 months to go, what have you done and what are you doing? It is hoped that they should not forget their accountability to the people. The people especially the oppresses are the main reasons why there are where they are. I suppose that they do not contribute to the dehumanizing of the oppressed instead join in the struggle to liberation. But I usually see them on the other side with the unscrupulous impeding the road to access education, health, social services and justice. Then I have come to understand and meet the natural evil of man. The “I” speaks on himself, wanting to own the world, be superior, in the process neglecting the social responsibility to others. The issue of graft and corruption as I am told is the fight between good and evil. I think we know which side belongs to public officials.

            In the World Bank report, 20% or 1/5 of the national budget is lost to corruption every year. That sizeable amount could have built a hundred thousands of classrooms or could have raised the public employees’ wage to a decent and living one or could have fed the many starving evacuees in the Mindanao war. And the lists can go on and on but it will not be taken back like the air we exhale. The report shows that the government is weak in setting up at least regulatory framework resulting to barely provision of basic services to the people, much less in strategic development planning. This, I believe, has prompted the President to wage war against graft and corruption in the SONA.

            Is the President ready to confront familiar faces in this war? Is he prepared to see himself just like in the mirror?

            In the same report, it is said that 22% of the public were victimized and only 8% complained. I think the hardly hit here are the poor people and I believe they are now ready to complain. But who will listen?

Mindanao Bites

“Mizpah!  The Lord watch between me and thee when we are absent from one another,”

  - Og Mandino, The Christ’s Commission

            In Mindanao, we have seen the faces of painful exodus of half a million Filipinos, we have heard the agonizing cries of the living and the dead, we have read their writings inscribed on the land of promises asking ‘why us’ from both the fighting and the victims, and we have talked literally about the pictures, words, and sounds of decades of conflict. Have we anyhow felt their trembling emotions of emptiness, having taken everything from them by war except pieces of questions and hope?

             During the Gulf war in 1990s, I followed the events, at that time, with awe and amazement of the new, high-tech artilleries of the American forces. It was how I saw the events just like in the movies, missing entirely the core message of war. One rocket-missile costing for about, I don’t know how much, but could have fed a hundred hungry children once hit the target causing deaths to the enemies, destruction of homes, seeding fear and trauma to the victims. Death which meant loss of father to a son, son to a father, brother to a brother, bred hatred, anger and revenge tarrying its time.

             Wars are essentially of the same kind of evil. They differ just in the fronts and they end just the same – no victors. When the government troops overran Camp Abubakar, I found it unacceptable to claim victory being a peace advocate and knowing that there is something more to come, waiting to exhale. True enough, it did come when a lesser jihad for all Muslims was called. Since then unlike in the movies, I do not see the ending or the plot of the story. As in chess, threats are more telling in sowing fear of losing that their execution.

            Since Bicol is many seas and islands away from Mindanao, I could barely empathize with our brothers and sisters who are directly or indirectly victims of the war. Not until I met a classmate in college whose husband was part of the team that overran Abubakar, until I heard the tale of a mother whose son is still there in the thick of action, and until I read a letter from a new mother who has just delivered a baby boy without a husband beside her. I saw their worries, fears, anxieties, and prayers in the guise of the seemingly cheerful faces, reserved in their eschewed looks in the eye, and in-between lines of the letter. Finally I had Mindanao through them, vivid, real, disturbing, piercing and ripping.

            Whether we admit it or not, the Mindanao question has ranged over us one way or another. Every day we are gaping witnesses to the tragedies, massacres, ambushes, crimes of our recent times that are either explicitly or obliquely expressions and forms of Mindanao question. A theory in psychology would point out that external events are attributed to the way we behave. Troubled, agitated yet defenseless. Jean Anouilh used to say, ‘there is nothing to do but scream.’

            Aray! (Complaint of pain).. Mosquitoes, rainy days are here again. (I feel a sudden lump in my throat when I read the Department of Health (DOH) report indicating that there have already been 24 dengue cases around the country.)

          Shhhhhh.... At once I need not move composure and poise under pressure are invoked to lure mosquitoes to come over to my side. Composure, poise and restraint under pressure to retaliate and get even are needed in conflict resolution and prevention.

             But mosquitoes bite randomly.


           Plak!! I think I’ve crushed the little things so hard. Now I have blood marked on my numb palm and shin. Of course, bites hurt.

           I have yet to learn from these mosquitoes. I want no more blood on my hand. 

"Who Owns Handiong's Land?"

When Israel was in Egypt’s land –

  Let my people go.

Oppressed so hard they could not stand
Let my people go.   - Margaret Walker, Jubilee

            This was the question of the 2000 symposium in Bicolandia’s agrarian history relative with the celebration of the Jubilee Year on a theme, “return the land” for the month of July with Professor Danilo M. Gerona of Ateneo de Naga University as the lecturer-speaker.

            Basically, the symposium laid down the historical background embodying the question back to the past. It was the same question that brought us back to the pre-colonial and colonial period and introduced us to the significant-elite people who virtually owned the whole peninsula during those times. We relived the eventful moments when quintessential ties with the friars would spell influence and riches. Interestingly, those elite landed people belonged to the families of non-Bicolanos in origin, flesh and blood.

            That was before as it is now. These landed influential families cling to the land supposedly to be enjoyed by all humanity with all its bounties and fruits. Only the few who, by the god of their grace, have shared with the blessings of creation while the many who, by the grace of their gods, religiously pray the supplications of their ancestors hoping that there is indeed a heaven. After the silence of centuries, the situation of landholdings in the region relatively abides at the expense of the fortunate few whom, by reason alien to earth but known to man, remain untouched.

            According to the 1995 unofficial data from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) among the top 10 provinces with large land distribution balances, Albay and Camarines Sur occupied the first two slots with the most of backlog (Gono, 1996). On the 12^th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) which would have set reforms in the centuries-old unjust structures this year, the Department claimed to have distributed 55% of the target 1,688,887 hectares since 1988 (Philippine Peasant Institute, 2000). The program envisions the Philippines as a nation of family-sized farms tilled, developed, and most importantly owned by the ordinary citizens who wanted all their lives a piece of land on their own homeland. Twelve years of hoping, of waiting in vain, many farmers cultivate laboriously the lands of others to fill the cups and plates of their masters while opting to be silent with the drizzle of generosity from the masters. Silence and discontent like those of lambs and caterpillars are hovering around the air wanting to be something, to have something to complete their existence.

            Moreover, the program was instituted to humanize the dehumanizing state of the tenant-farmers but the lack of political will on the part of the government, the delay of land distribution to the rightful beneficiaries, the arrogance and undue deference to the landlords have contributed to the dehumanizing process of the landless.

            And the question still persists today. But the die is cast and the river is crossed. The torch is lighted and the flame is burning. We can go nowhere but here. Let us stand and dig together to clear mountains. Let us all be Handiong, a hero who surmounted difficulty and won victory. Anyway, who is afraid to answer the question?

            Who really owns Handiong’s land? The answer lies in our hands.