Said freedom seemed to be absolute. On the other hand, it is not. While the country was rocked by incensed political rallies, the same appears to be the trend again.
Street parliamentarianism has been lately, drastically observed.
The recent interfaith rally at Makati, concocted by political cries, has manifested the coherence of people mostly from the opposition and from the religious.
Many were surprised to see political figures on stage to what was supposed to be an interfaith rally or aptly perhaps a religious activity.
Even the heavens must be confused on the purpose of the activity which was held on the most bustling commercial district of the Metro Manila region.
The area is the said show window of our economy. Incidentally, it is also the seat of an opposition mayor in the person of Jojo Binay.
Don't wonder why rallies initiated by the rivals of the administration and coup d'etats are born and die there too.
While our law enforcement authorities considered it a peaceful movement, it was viewed as indignation or dissatisfied political kingpins, backed up by religious groups and other cause oriented organizations.
The star, Rodolfo "Jun" Lozada Jr., an overused personality who grabbed the limelight by talking out loud on an alleged irregularity by Malacañang.
Other characters either had their cause for the country demonstrated or just got a piece of their publicity mileage. Same faces, new teammates, old interests.
Opposition leaders while they themselves are disunited, temporarily banded together to raise their bows and pointed their arrows to the air.
They fell on earth, I don't know where. Palace detractors have invested so much to the "probinsiyanong intsik", Lozada now enjoying popularity while begging for sympathy.
Up to now, he can be seen in exclusive schools in Metro Manila hugging both students and his being an instant celebrity.
Lozada may or may not be telling the truth, we may or may not believe him. Further, it is his right, and so the rights too of others who took the opportunity to launch tirades against the presidency and administration officials.
The right to express, no matter how the state assures it, is a relative right that can be regulated. We need to think on when, where, how to use it.
The emotional masses were flabbergasted to the "heroic" accusations and revelations of the whistleblower. I question the timing. Dissent with a delayed action is consent.
Joey de Venecia if, on the other hand, was awarded the contract (which I need not discuss further), would you think he be singing the same tune?
Would he not be singing praises or rather kept mum if he became the multi-million dollar contractor to the deal? Sad to note, he left the former House Speaker into bad light.
He prejudiced his father's speakership by chanting sharp discordant notes which eventually dismayed pro-admin reps.
Now the father has metamorphosed too. He changed tenors of his words. Call it sour graping or gripping sour.
It's a product of his son's exercise of freedom of expression anyway. He used to give praises and now throw diatribes.
Again, while we recognize the rights of Malacañang detractors of their rights to express, there are always the proper forums.
Passé are the kangaroo courts. Outmoded are the street trials. Di na pinapatulan ng mga tao ang mga ganyan.
Instead of challenging the presidency, why not prove their worth by 2010 and they can start working for it right now.
Arroyo has illustrated time and again the trait of a true blooded kapampangan. Palaban at walang atrasan sa laban.
Her Excellency has expressed herself too, that she will finish her term until 2010.
