Why is our country perpetually mired in political paralysis
and economic stagnancy? We take giant strides backward sooner
than we complete one small step forward.
Our best moments (when we vow to work together and take our
collective destiny in our hands) are only at the start, thereafter
moving in fits and starts, before finally fizzling out in
a grand rout.
The July 27 mutiny highlights the ignominious Filipino tendency
to sabotage himself, even at crucial moments.
The Oakwood siege, whatever the declared intentions of its
instigators and its outcome, could not possibly address the
problems it seeks to rectify. This has become clear as the
political machinations behind such a clumsy outburst are slowly
coming to light, and the real characters of the absurd theater
are emerging from the behind the curtains. They have shown
themselves to be the same persona wearing different masks,
claiming to champion enlightened political agenda which they
should have better sense to contest unarmed in the elections
less than 250 days away.
“It was not a coup but a demonstration,” sounds
like a limp excuse for an intemperate display of machismo
that scared off investors and tourists at a time our economy
badly needs them.
The mutineers’ subsequent howl of corruption now sounds
like a feeble attempt to sanctify plain mischief, if not crude
power grab.
This is unfortunate, since corruption is an absolutely valid
complaint. Whether brandished by armed or unarmed men, it
is a cause that every ordinary Filipino can identify with,
especially when told that the generals’ secret commerce
of munitions to the enemies has resulted in the death of his
uniformed fathers, brothers and uncles.
Why didn’t a critical mass of Filipinos form a barricade
to boost the mutineers’ noble cause? Is Makati too upscale
for the mutineers’ proletarian cry, too self-satisfied
for their desperate attention-begging?
The answer perhaps lies in the issue. Madonna would be pelted
with tomatoes smack on her face if she preached chastity.
Corruption, by its nature, stinks. Whoever raises it as a
compelling reason to unseat a legitimate government must himself
have unsoiled hands. But even before we could rally behind
this heroic battle cry, from the shadows step out the political
schemers who are themselves dirtied by these same charges.
Corruption stinks. But what’s really foul in this mutiny,
as with all our politicking, is that the messenger and the
message don’t fit.*
