Tomorrow (February 25) marks the 22nd year anniversary of EDSA revolution. It was one of the most historic events in the Philippines because democracy won over dictatorship. It showed the solidified unity of Filipinos to oust a greedy and corrupt leader. The Filipino nation rejoiced. We were freed! We should be happy, shouldn’t we? We were once dubbed as the second happiest people in Asia, after all.
Ironically, we can’t feel that so-called happiness right now. The current political crisis we are experiencing – the NBN controversy only proved the ongoing deception and corruption of our political leaders – is no reason to be happy.
In an article from The Philippine Daily Inquirer, analysts said that the Filipinos are still unhappy after 22 years since the fall of Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos no matter how the present administration is boasting about economic growth, which has improved the lives of many because of Pres. Arroyo’s policies.
One reason cited for this unhappiness was the Filipino has become disillusioned with a political system that is fundamentally flawed and only benefits the few. Many Filipinos have become tired of street politics as nothing fundamentally changes. Erap, who was accused of grave corruption, was ousted because of people power. Hope for a non-corrupt and better governance filled the Filipinos. However, it turned out worse and as disappointment.
We couldn’t be happy because we are governed by deceitful leaders – remember the 2004 electoral fraud? We were considered the most corrupt country in Asia according to a survey done earlier in 2007. We are made to believe that the economy is growing, but only the high class were benefited. The less fortunate still remain as is and were taken advantage of.
Tomorrow, demonstration rallies are expected to take place. This might be another turning point in every Filipino’s life. We hope that justice be served to the guilty.
P.S. I don’t know if I made some sense in my post. Pardon me for my political ineptness.