Airing of Seven Last Words Controversy

I prefer Bach or Chopin instead of listening to any radio station in Vigan but during Lent, while monitoring for lectio (The sorrows of the Virgin Mary traditionally sung in a crying or wailing tempo.) one commentator has gone reckless.

Piecing the ropes together, I understand that Fr. Roque Reyes of the St. Paul Cathedral refused permission to a radio station for them to air the "Siete Palabras". If my understanding is accurate, the priest said “no” because the station has been attacking the Church and the clergy unfairly. (I stand corrected for this.)

In turn, the station informed the audience that the Seven Last Words coverage will emanate from St. Augustine’s Parish in Bantay but also negated by Fr. Magdaleno Ruelos, Jr.

The Lenten religious event is for the public and therefore, I don’t think that seeking permission to air it is necessary in the same way as permission for radio or television coverage for the feast of Christ the King is necessary.

The story does not end there.

Unenlightened remarks poisoned the minds of listeners when it was said that the job of priests is to look for sinners and lead them to conversion “instead of” not catering to their religious needs.

Did the priests ban some faithful in participating the sacraments or tell them that they should not go to Church to fulfill their obligation? I don’t think so.

For years, the seven last words of Christ have been aired on radio but I don’t buy that. Faithful should go to the Church instead of listening from the radio or watching it from TV unless there is a valid reason. To be Christian is a 24/7 business and not just during Christmas, Lent, wedding, funeral or baptism. After all, on Good Friday, how many are busy drinking or preparing food or their trip for the Sabado Gloria festivities?

Priests year in and year out and not only during Lent perform their tasks to nourish the souls of the faithful by offering Mass and performing sacraments. Priests teach moral issues such as the evil of artificial contraception, the evil of the abuse of the environment, greed, graft and corruption and others consistent with the teaching authority of the Church that attack the dignity of human life in whole.

Then the commentator asked the priests “After this life, where shall we meet? In heaven or in hell?”

How did the argument end there?

Well, these days, Philippine clergy is occasionally attacked from all directions because of its consistency in fighting for what is right and what is moral. I agree that there are some priests who are not good or even worse than an ordinary person but they are still priests, sinners like us. Bad priests are better than no priests at all. When there are no priests, there are no sacraments and when there are no sacraments, where is salvation?

Now is Eastertide, a time to rejoice and be glad for Christ has conquered death. One way to rejoice is never to be serious with childish commentaries.

Happy Easter!

Osama bin Laden is Really Dead

It has been a long time since posting my last article and boy; I missed a lot of issues worth discussing. Hopefully so long as time is gracious, I will attempt to share my opinion on stories that hit the headlines lately.

First off, a lot has been read or heard since US Pres. Obama reported to his country and to the world the death of Osama bin Laden by a surgically precise covert operation of the US Navy SEAL. Despite the American president’s pronouncement, less than 24 hours later, the world is skeptic if the number one terrorist has indeed met his end. As of this writing, there is no available proof that bin Laden is really dead aside from what Mr. Obama’s world report.

Here in the Philippines and rightly so elsewhere in the world, millions of doubting Thomases want to see physical evidence such as the remains of the al Qaeda founder. Somewhere, probably there are videos or still pictures of the assault showing the 9/11 mastermind lying on his pool of blood with a bullet wound in the head but authorities look not ready to present gruesome pictures or videos to the public.

Personally, Pres. Obama’s television statement serves as a proof that bin Laden is really dead. How could a US president lie before the world on an issue of global interest? If Mr. Obama is lying not only to his fellow Americans but to the world, what  good does he get out from that? Besides, media outlets are now saying in “details” (if that is an accurate word) how the operation was executed starting from the first stages of the mission.

What makes the news “unbelievable” is how bin Laden is found and killed.

It was just like finding a pin in hay. The United States has spent a good fortune and time in finding its foremost nemesis for a decade. During that time, some quarters even believed that bin Laden has been dead for a long time but only to be resurrected perennially by his recorded video broadcasts.

Bin Laden’s custom-made lair is just a few kilometers away from military installations and Pakistan is a nuclear-powered country with sophisticated radar capabilities. Obviously they were overpowered by American technology. SEAL commandos were able to penetrate the area while “invisible” reinforcements were on standby in international air space and waters just in case.

We don’t know how quick the mission was carried out but the unbelievable that we see in movies sometimes happen in real military operation.

It was a sophisticated job but it is done. And what’s the proof?

The American president said it.

Japan, You Are Not Alone!

I have seen the terrifying and heart-rending footages of the big quake and tsunami that hit your country and your people. I share with your grief and suffering and fervently pray to the Almighty that you can quickly recover from the  cataclysmic devastation. May the world community pinch in to help for a friend in need is a friend indeed.

Japan, you are not alone!

Tsunami and 8.9 Quake Message: "I'm Omnipotent"

This blog condoles the Japanese government and the Japanese people for the devastation and lose of lives and properties they suffer from the effects of a massive earthquake and tsunami.

While monitoring the global community and our archipelago when tsunami warning was in effect, the world stood still and I am sure many prayed.

I must be honest and I do apologize.

While spending time before the internet and television, I laughed sarcastically not because of the devastation and human suffering of our Japanese neighbor but the deep lethargy of man who is only awaken when God “speaks”.

It is Lent, a time to reflect the Paschal mysteries in which our Lord proved that he truly love us by dying on the cross unconditionally and willingly with open arms. If the Lord is really a loving God, why the 8.9 destructive quake and tsunami?

I am not a Theologian and I don’t assume to be one but our finite mind cannot comprehend the infinite will of God. The Lord surely has a message. And the message reminds us how powerful He is that no one can stop Him. At the same time He  invites us to go back to Him.

Our country, still fresh from Ondoy and Pepeng nightmares know what flood is. Together in the last 12 hours or so, as a people and as a nation chaining together through Prayer Power, once more, we were one. We deep gratitude, the Philippines is spared.

Prayer works and is so powerful.

Going back to my sarcastic laugh which I again apologize, it is foolish to only know God when  danger is at the tip of the nose. In good times in bad., we take refuge in Him. Christ alone can listen and act to our needs (forget the government and government officials) with mercy and compassion.

How would one, accused of stealing millions of pesos and properties, murder and other grievous sins again man feel when a seven-foot tsunami is just several meters away from his mansion that he stole and has nowhere to go? Would he think first how to safeguard his stolen wealth or ask God’s forgiveness? In that hypothetical scene, in a matter of minutes if not seconds, everything that he worked for hardly through graft and corruption; his life and of his family are to be called history.

The moral is that one should be always ready to face an incorruptible Justice and material wealth cannot save anyone.

This is the first Friday of Lent. As a brotherly reminder to our corrupt officials and those living as if there is no more God, please do an examination of conscience and search your soul (if you believe in soul) that life is short compared with an infinite glory or damnation.

As we walk on our Lenten Journey, we Filipinos must be contented that Christ knows the meaning of suffering. He was homeless; he was rejected, falsely accused and murdered. His closest friends were the poor --- simple fishermen --- one of them ask Him, “Where do we go? You have the words of eternal life?”

“Despite our lukewarm attitude and sinfulness, thank you very much for sparing our country and please continue to do so from the hands of our fellow Filipinos.”

To Japan and our Japanese friends, all we can share is our prayers. We are a third world country.

Maria Aragon, A Canadian With Filipino Roots

It is only now that I came across with this 10-year old Canadian with Filipino descent. This video with 18-million hits and still counting has pushed her into the the limelight of the international entertainment industry. Thanks for her recent duet with Lady Gaga who was moved into tears by the talent of the young Canadian --- it adds a punch to the headlines.

Comparing with another talent, my personal opinion is that Maria is much better in her expressions and "stage presence". She is kiddy because of her age but there is no doubt that she has an enormous talent, most of which are still dormant. In comparing Maria,  language issue out of the topic but strictly her "presence" while singing and in dealing with the press.

Filipinos must be happy that Maria Aragon is of Filipino descent. She has never been to the Philippines. Accolades and honor she receives are strictly hers and for Canada.

But sometimes, we, Filipinos are in dire need of heroes and on an unending quest looking for someone who could raise the Philippine flag to show that despite the graft and corruption the government endures, Filipinos are still proud with their talents.

Let us be contented that the roots of Maria are from the Philippines.

She has a long way to go and has much yet to be reaped and be proud of!

Imelda Marcos Urges Gadhafi to Step Down?

The former flamboyant First Lady, Imelda Marcos advices the Libyan dictator to step down and urges him to follow the example of her husband to avoid bloodshed.

I am not sure if the octogenarian Ilocos Norte House representative’s memory is failing or the news story is accurate.

Ninety per cent of the story delves with the current unrest in Libya and related international stories but there is no direct quote from Imelda (House representative from Ilocos Norte and not Ilocos Sur) urging Gadhafi to step down.

Ferdinand Marcos did not step down. The world knows that. He was ousted by the Filipino people he oppressed in an almost bloodless People Power. He clung to power till the end for like any dictator, Marcos planned to be president for life with her immediate family members as successors in a botched dynasty-institution attempt. When told to "cut it and cut it clean", Mr. Marcos said that he was so "frustrated".  Said differently but with the same meaning, he did not want to leave office.

If Marcos was not indeed interested in bloodshed as his wife now claims; the contrary proves correct.  Victims of his brutal rule now starts collecting $1,000 compensation per head for the suffering and bestiality they endured.

They are 7000 plus souls of young and  old; rich and poor; senators and common tao. Some of them were summarily executed, tortured, imprisoned without due process, disappeared from the face of the earth, raped and treated worse than a dog.

But what else is new for a revisionist who wants to rewrite history?
 

Filipinos are not dumb.

They know the real score.

And so the world does.

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Photo Credit:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Marcos_Clark_Air_Base_cropped.jpg

Marcos Rule Victims Receive $1000 Each

Seventy five hundred Filipino victims of the brutal dictatorship start to receive roughly PHP 44, 000 as compensation to the trampling of their human rights. The amount is morsel but frankly; it tells that the Marcos dictatorship is guilty in abusing the rights of its citizens when in those dark nights, human life and dignity were taken for granted.

Political killings do still happen these days but they cannot absolve the cruelty of the dictatorship of Mr. Marcos nor it is logical to say that Marcos years were better than now.

How could Ilocano Marcos fanatics explain that when their idol was in power, Filipinos suffered vicious acts from the hands of the government instead of being protected? Mr. Marcos was the ruler with an iron fist and it is foolish to blame others in the commission of the atrocities that made a Filipino life cheap.

Now there are clamors that the former president deserves to be buried in the Libingan (National Heroes Cemetery).

Is that not an insult to the real heroes and heroines interred in there? If Mr. Marcos is buried at the Libingan, would it not desecrate the ground? Consider 7,500 victims of that brutal regime.

As one of the more opinionated men in the Senate, hopefully, in the days ahead, Sen. Bongbong Marcos gives his side on why a huge number of his countrymen were dehumanized during the reign of his Dad.

For sure, the nation is interested to listen.

Never Again to Martial Law ( A Repost)

Thirty eight years ago, Martial Law was declared throughout the Philippines “to save the Republic and to build a New Society” according to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.

On that momentous day, however, democracy was murdered. Right there and then, Marcos metamorphosed into a dictator. Not just an ordinary dictator but a brutal one!

We remember today and forever the victims of Martial Law: senators, lawyers, the intellectuals, members of the academe, students, activists, farmers, tribal leaders, the clergy, the religious and ordinary citizens regardless of sex, young and old; widows and orphans.

To those who survived and had the courage, strength, determination and will to fight an evil regime amidst the constant threat of imprisonment and death; “a job well done”! To those who did not survive the long and dark night of oppression and brutality; you who gave the ultimate sacrifice, your blood, sweat, tears and suffering fueled and inspired us in 1986 to say enough is enough to an unwanted and evil regime.

For some of us who literally hand in hand faced the tanks and the forces of the dictator ready to shed our blood for the country we love, let us never forget the critical days when we truly experienced the meaning of Filipino spirit and brotherhood. At the top of our voice, we asked for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law without resorting into violence. Oh yes, we cried together and we prayed together in a sea of people where there was no rich or poor. "Walang iwanan" (No one left the company of the other.) till we found victory.

We must not forget Martial Law and its brutality. Never again that we allow ourselves to be subjected to a dictator and never again that we will live in fear and be imprisoned in our country by a despot!-30-

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NB: Original post is found here.   -COR INVICTUS

Filipino People Power

This is not a movie scene and the shot is not scripted. It really happened. Filipinos willing  to die for their country demanding freedom are fighting the tank of the dictator with their bare arms.

Believe it or not!

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Photo Credit:  www.allvoices.com

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8207226-philippines-people-power-revolutions-25th-anniversary-1986-revolution-photos

The Powerful Rosary

"Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid!" -  Matthew 14:27

O Rosary, how small but powerful you are!

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Photo Credit:  www.allvoices.com

http://www.allvoices.com/contributed-news/8207226-philippines-people-power-revolutions-25th-anniversary-1986-revolution-photos/content/73122887-1986-people-power-revolution

Pres. Ferdinand Marcos' Economic Record

Happy Silver Anniversary Philippines for the historic and patriotic EDSA People Power of 1986. A warm handshake and an embrace to all who survived the Marcos fascist dictatorship. To those who did not make it, rest peacefully. You and your efforts are not forgotten that indeed inspired us to go to the streets 25 years ago to demand change, freedom and democracy. We especially remember you today with fond memories acknowledging your heroism and your sufferings. Rest assured that your blood spilled on the same ground where our heroes of the past are spilled bore much fruit. I believe that we still have a lot of things to do if we want next generations to inherit a country that really works and serves the people’s need.

Okay, we read a lot about EDSA-1 these days not only from the dailies but comments from You Tube and social networking sites comparing Marcos’ Martial Law iron regime and the present or previous administrations. Some entries say that Filipinos were more disciplined during those years. (Disciplined or in tremendous fear of the possibility of being summarily executed or jailed without due process?) Another believes that Mr. Marcos is the best president this country had so far. (Best in what?) For sure the former president is smart but objective and honest Filipinos know that he used that  gift to oppress and dehumanize the country. Most of my fellow Ilocanos are very very proud (if I can use that phrase) in saying that when he delivers a speech, he speaks spontaneously without a script. Somebody should explain them what a teleprompter is.

Some say that the economy at that time was much better and that he had a lot of projects. I may agree with that but let me say that world economy during Martial Law is totally different from now or in the recent past. For the projects like the Cultural Center, the Philippine International Convention Center or San Juanico Bridge, Filipinos are very grateful but never on the kickbacks and  millions if not billions that disappeared during the Marcos regime.

Sen. Bongbong Marcos hints that if his father was not people-ousted, the Philippines today would be at par with our economically progressive neighbor Singapore.  The good senator is positive-minded.  On the darker side, I guess we are interested in knowing what would be the state of human rights, freedom, democracy and massive graft and corruption issue should the Marcoses remained in power and established a dynasty.

For the economic record of Pres. Marcos during the oppression and incarceration of Filipinos in their homeland under his tyranny, with a written permission and a favorable response from Mr. Manuel F. Almario, a fellow Ilocano and a Visayan, I am reprinting here in full his letter to the Philippine Daily Inquirer which tells the truth. I am sure that he extensively researched to support his facts.

I am thankful to Mr. Almario for giving me his valuable permission. 

___________________

Even as Filipinos commemorate the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Marcos dictatorship, there seems to be a growing impression that despite gargantuan corruption and human rights abuses, Marcos’ 20-year rule, including 14 years of martial law, produced remarkable and unequalled economic and social gains for the nation. This impression has more and more assumed the semblance of truth as years pass and memories fade, and as post-Marcos administrations perform just as, or even more, badly.

To begin with, poverty drastically increased during the Marcos years. In his Pulitzer prize-winning book “In Our Image, America’s Empire in the Philippines,” Stanley Karnow wrote: “A World Bank study estimated that the proportion of people living below the poverty line in cities had risen from 24 percent in 1974 to 40 percent in 1986. The countryside was no better.”

This is explained by the regime’s pitiable economic growth. Penn World Tables reported that while real growth in GDP per capita averaged 3.5 percent from 1951 to 1965, under the Marcos regime (1966 to 1986) annual average growth was only 1.4 percent. Thus even as the population grew, national income shrunk.

Between 1982 and 1986, the real wages of unskilled labor in Metro Manila declined annually at 5.8 percent, and those of skilled laborers at 5.2 percent. Agricultural wages also declined at the same rate, according to James K. Boyce, associate professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts in his book, “The Political Economy of Growth and Impoverishment in the Marcos Era.”

Income inequality worsened. In “The Marcos File,” Charles C. McDougald noted that in 1980 the top 12.9 percent of the Filipino population received 22.1 percent of total income, while the bottom 11 percent just received 16.6 percent. In 1983, the top 12.9 percent received 45.5 percent of total income, while the bottom 11 percent received only 6.4 percent. Hence the Marcos regime made the rich richer and the poor poorer.

The financial situation deteriorated. The peso-dollar official exchange rate was P3.90 to the dollar in 1966 when Marcos became president. It fell to P20.53 to the dollar in 1986. The Philippines’ foreign debt rose from $360 million in 1962 to $28.3 billion in 1986, said Boyce.

The insurgency under Marcos significantly increased. Not only did the communist insurgency strengthen, the Muslim insurgency erupted and a protracted war forced the Marcos government to sign the humiliating Tripoli Agreement, giving concessions to the Moro National Liberation Front.

By all standards—economic, political and social—it is crystal clear that the Marcos 20-year regime from 1966 to 1986 was a total disaster for the nation. It showed definitely that dictatorship is not the path to progress, a lesson now being learned by the Arab nations. For the Marcos family, it raised a great fortune that now finances a flourishing political dynasty, which could have another stab at the presidency in six years’ time.

Well said!   -COR INVICTUS

Rep. Ronald Singson is Jailed for 18 Months

Knowing that our congressman in the first district goes to jail, I cover my face with shame! How would I react if told from the busy streets that my congressman is locked up for 18 months in a Hong Kong jail because of drugs?

In a movie scene after the verdict, the found guilty is led away by guards to immediately start serving jail term.

It looks like Rep. Singson played the role of the guilty live!

So, do we expect the drug trafficking-convicted congressman to resign in the House or we expect him to be expelled by his colleagues?

We hope that while Rep. Singson is in prison, like his uncle Bingbong Crisologo, he will find God. God for sure has already found him but Ronald is “good in hiding”.  I pray hard that my governor Chavit  during these difficult times also encounters God.  If the encounter is similar to what Saul experienced while on his way to persecute in a Damascus road, so much the better.

Any piece of mind worth sharing to the youth of Ilocos Sur and the entire country and elsewhere?

“Don’t follow the example of Rep. Ronald Singson. He is a drug user and convicted because of drugs.”

Ligot Has No Condo in Taguig; Wife Soon to Appear in a Hearing

If a 5th grader reads the story and understands the right against self-incrimination, an immediate answer that Mr. Ligot is lying is expected when asked if the former military comptroller is telling the truth or not.

Sen. Drilon’s icing of the cake “Why are you selling it (the property in question) to the principal? If he is the owner, he should not have paid P25 million?” is enough for Mr. Ligot to look like a steamed crab. He thinks that the public buys what he says although I believe, deep in him; he knows that he is lying and he knows that he is cornered by Sen. Drilon’s jab.

I keep on wondering if professional soldiers are still role models for the youth. In the elementary grades, we were taught that a soldier is a person of courage and integrity and is ready to shed his/her blood for the welfare of the country in time of war or in time of peace and youth should look at them as a model of patriotism. I don’t talk in general terms but it seems that some of our military officers are an insult to the military profession. Are they there to serve the country or to enrich themselves at the expense of the people?

oOo

Mrs. Ligot is in the hospital because of headache if what I heard from her husband is accurate. She has a high blood.

When I was in high school and prefer to sleep the whole day instead, I used to tell my Dad that I have a headache. After all, who can tell or what doctor can diagnose a headache? If it is true that Mrs. Ligot has a high blood, what a coincidence that when she is needed in the hearing, she forgot to take in a dosage of garlic not only to lower his blood pressure but to drive away the "aswang" (evil) as well.

Is she reluctant to appear in the hearing as a matter of fact?

But why is she reluctant if she did not do wrong? As a multimillionaire, there is no reason for her not to appear in the next hearing bringing along with her her nurse, doctor and hire an ambulance if not helicopter should her health worsen in the course of the hearing for a quick hospital transport.

In the hearing, I can guarantee 100 per cent that she will also invoke her right against self-incrimination many times and selective in her forgetfulness.  She will try her acute luck to avoid questions. 

If I were one of the senate inquirers, I only have one question.

“How and where did you get the resources in buying your houses in the States when you did not have income per Bureau of Internal Revenue records?"

That would be enough to make her nurse and doctor busy and the ignition switches ready for a hospital trip.

Handog ng Filipino sa Mundo: Kabayanihan!

Gusto ko po lamang pugayan ang ating mga kababayan, yumaong o buhay na dumalo sa EDSA People's Power noong 1986.  Isa rin pugay na paggalang kina  Sec. Juan Ponce Enrile, Gen. Fidel Ramos, Col. Gringo Honasan para sa kanilang makabayaning gawa sa pagsulong ng isang makasaysayan pagkalas upang maibalik ang tunay na demokrasia sa ating bansa at muli, taas-noo na naman ang Filipino kahit saan sa mundo.  Ikinalulongkot kong sabihin na sa kasalukoyan, nangangailangan pa po tayo  ng mga lideres na maghamon sa atin na gumawa para sa kabutihan ng ating bansa at para sa mga kababayan natin.

Taos pusong pasasalamat din kay yumaong na Cardinal Sin sa kanyang paghimuk ng mga ordinariong mamamayan upang bigyan suporta ang "ating mga kaibigan" sa Aguinaldo.

Tayo po lahat na umayaw sa diktadura at marahas na regimen at lumahok sa EDSA ay bayani rin.  Kung wala ang sambayanan Filipino, lalong-lalo na ang tulong mula sa itaas, hindi po nagtagumpay ang EDSA.  Sa ganitong  panahon na naglalabasan ang mga katiwalian, sana maging bayani po tayo ulit na magkaisa at magkaroon muli tayo ng pag-asa at lubos na pagmahal sa atin bansa sa pamamagitan ng isip, salita at gawa.

Wag po natin walain ang ating tiwala sa Panginoon at wag po itigil ang mga panalangin natin para sa isang maliwanag na kinabukasan para sa mga susunod na henerasion.

Sa pamamagitan ng video, gusto ko po gunitain ang mga araw na iyon noong sama-sama po tayo sa mga kalsada na lumaban maski wala po tayong sandata  kundi matindi lamang na pagmahal sa ating bansa. Di ba umiyak tayo?  Di ba mano mano tayo?  Di ba iisa tayo sa hirap at panganib?  Di ba iisa tayo sa panalangin?  At di ba iisa tayo na handang mamatay para sa inang bayan?

Huwag po natin kalimutan ang mga makasaysayan na araw na iyon at huwag po natin kalimutan ang pagkakapatid na binuo natin --- walang mahirap, walang mayaman.

Masarap talaga ang maging Filipino!

ANG BAYAN KO
Tikik at Musika:  Freddie Aguilar


Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag


At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa

KORO

Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
Ang 'di magnasang makaalpas


Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

Enrile, Honasan and Ramos: “No Regrets”

That’s the voice of the three key heroes who started to liberate the chained Philippines in 1986. Without them, the grip strangling this nation would still be tight and we would still be under a Marcos.

The trio, the Reformed Armed Movement (RAM) and Cardinal Sin are not the only heroes of the revolt although they played pivotal roles but the citizenry as well. Without the rich and poor supporting and ironically defending the soldiers fighting for liberty and justice, the uprising was not successful. Millions of Filipinos who faced the tanks and possible violent death are co-heroes. They risked their lives confronting an unwanted and brutal regime but in the end gallantly bagged victory in an almost totally non-violent means.

As Sen. Honasan says, it was our shining moment. It is us who taught the world to resort into people’s power when an elected regime no longer serves the interests of the citizenry; when that same regime that’s supposed to serve the people is itself the one who persecutes and oppresses where it owes its mandate.

What should made the three regret is it took them too long before saying enough is enough without regrets and without looking back.

Sadly, the spirit of EDSA-I is tremendously weakened. The vibrant hope and ambitious dreams we used to have now sing a melancholic tune in the wilderness pondering if there is still hope for a better tomorrow this country and its people deserve.

EDSA-I was an excellent opportunity for us to move on but we prefer not to otherwise, we as a nation should have already metamorphosed into what we expected to become. EDSA-I did not fail us. It is us who failed EDSA-I and now, with deep regrets . . .

Philippines, quo vadis?