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Monday, July 11, 2005
Mongaya: FVR and GMA
By Anol Mongaya
FORMER president Fidel V. Ramos practically saved President Arroyo last Friday afternoon when his appearance at the Malacañang Palace, to put it mildly, cushioned the impact of former president Cory Aquino’s call for the President to resign.
Had former president Ramos remained at the sidelines at such a critical moment, the momentum of the snowballing calls for President Arroyo’s resignation could have disintegrated her base of political support and drove the pro-Cory critical mass to the streets.
I just want to note that the Cabinet coup plotters are not just mere individuals without a base of support. Former social welfare chief Dinky Soliman and peace process adviser Teresita Deles have their ties with social democratic tendency of civil society. Former education chief Butch Abad has links with the Liberal Party and enjoy support from liberal democrats. These former Cabinet men plotted with the leadership of the Liberal Party, namely Senate President Franklin Drilon. Their calls for GMA’s resignation found support from influential sections of the business community.
In past Edsa uprisings, the soc dems and liberals played crucial roles in the initial critical mass of protesters. The Makati rally Friday afternoon of Leftist militant and pro-Erap groups could have easily swelled with Cory sympathizers, soc-dem groups and the liberals.
Moreover, Cory Aquino’s dramatic call for resignation could have provided direction and mobilized even the Catholic laity while their bishops were still reflecting on how best to guide them.
The Cabinet coup, along with the resignation calls of the Liberal Party and Mrs. Aquino, was obviously an attempt to preempt the development of a people power mass movement dominated by an alliance of Leftist militants and pro-Erap groups. But it could have succeeded.
However, the entry of former president Ramos abruptly stopped the momentum of resignation calls Friday night. Aside from being a former president, Ramos is an important personality in past Edsa risings. Perceived as an Amboy, FVR’s stand is a crucial barometer. His support for or against a regime is a signal to significant sectors especially among active and retired military men.
Friday night, it seemed the entry of Ramos dampened the support for the crucial Makati rally, which fizzled out as the evening wore on.
Looking at events since, the Ramos support was the turning point in expressions of support including that of Visayas businessmen that is now giving President Arroyo the confidence to meet people outside Malacañang but within Metro Manila.
When the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines did not call for the President’s resignation, much of the tension the crisis generated eased.
But what were GMA’s concessions for FVR’s support? Just her go signal and leadership in the move towards charter change? I definitely don’t think so.
(superbalita@sunstar.com.ph or anol.blogs.friendster.com/anols_blog)
(July 11, 2005 issue)
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