Saturday, March 15, 2008 Libre: We are lost in the woods By Mel Libre
The Philippines is lost. Our leaders have generally failed to bring us to the summit that has been mapped out in the basic charter of the nation: the Constitution.
We have been changing the persons handling the steering wheel---some through pressure, some by force of circumstance, some due to lack of a better alternative. Though they had sworn to the Constitution, the drivers had plans of their own; others simply didn’t have any at all.
Many a time, attempts were made to amend the Map of the Nation, its proponents convinced that the current Charter won’t bring the Republic towards stability, peace, freedom and prosperity. Yet there was no consensus on changes, with many doubting the motive behind the proposals.
Let us revisit the living leaders that at one time or another took on the steering wheel and brought us to the current crossroad our country is situated.
Imelda Marcos. The other half of the conjugal dictatorship---glamorous and ambitious---wanted to make modern day pyramids, festive urban and rural canvasses amidst the poverty of the people. Financing her lavish lifestyle and Imeldific vision out of foreign loans, the costly dream was put to an end by people power. Yet with Mr. Marcos long dead, Imelda remains free and regarded innocent of all the charges brought against her twenty years past. The general perception though is that she is as guilty as her corrupt and oppressive deceased husband. She belongs to the dark past of our history and has nothing good to offer to the future.
Corazon Aquino. The widow of murdered opposition leader Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., Cory contributed to the restoration of the democratic foundation of this nation. Her greatest act was the appointment of a number of idealists to write a new constitution well aware of the lessons from an abusive regime and reflecting the genuine aspirations of the Filipino people. Through the years though, she has lost some of her aura, by her failure to make wise stands on important issues that affect the government and the governed. By standing side by side with ex-president Joseph Estrada calling for the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo, Aquino failed to recognize what is best for the country at the moment.
Fidel Ramos. The president, the officer and the gentleman that he is, Ramos remains highly regarded for his statesman demeanor. He has stayed clear of political mudslinging all over the place and remains level headed despite the changing of guards in Congress and the protest marches in the streets. The Ramos presidency brought back the pride of that long eluded Filipinos for decades. He remains to be a cheerleader of his people who have all the potential of greatness if not for politics as usual. If given a senior role in government, Ramos has still something in his sleeve to offer to his countrymen.
Joseph Estrada. He brought the Philippines back to the dark ages with his incompetence, dishonesty and indiscretion. Convicted of plunder and should have been incarcerated, Estrada was brought back to life by President Arroyo who needed a bargaining chip to her dwindling popularity. But instead of keeping himself out of politics for good, he has returned to haunt the lady who “stole” the rest of his term. If there is honor left in him Estrada should refuse the carrot offered by the opposition for he has done damage to this country once; twice will be a disaster.
President Arroyo is currently taking the steering wheel and the nation has gone a zigzagging route. There are just too many distractions and plenty of ambitious crabs pulling her out of the driver’s seat.
The nation is lost in the woods, and if we don’t turn around now, our people will fall into deeper trouble.
