The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) circus that erupted (then fizzled out) on EDSA is a sign of things to come. Granted that it was an outcome of an internal INC agenda that could, if we are to follow the logic of the INC mob, only be resolved by inflicting damage upon a public already broken by the relentless wretchedness of Manila’s traffic gridlock. But the times make the Philippines a veritable tinderbox for these sorts of “activist” firestorms. It’s election campaign season and just about anything that could be used to cause a stir — and rake in media mileage for everyone who has a stake in this quaint democratic exercise — is fair game for those who could spin the outcomes to their advantage.
Indeed, as a commentor in one of our online assets quipped recently: It’s 2005 all over again!
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2005 is the epicentre of a period marked by idiotic street antics organised by one or the other “activist” group to make so-called “statements” on their position on the latest indignation fad making headline news of the moment. Back then, street ocho-ocho “revolutions” were the Filipino’s political opium. It was a perverted interpretation of the notion that the “voice of the people” is what legitimises political power. Sure. Of course it is. Democracy poetry tells us so. But do think that through again, this time with a more modern mind.
In the same way nuclear energy can be both destructive (if unleashed in an uncontrolled manner by detonating an atomic bomb) or productive (if harnessed through a controlled process housed within a nuclear power plant), normal healthy democracies need democratic “power plants” to harness people power to productive ends. Those power plants are called democratic institutions. Democratic institutions housed in grand bricks-and-mortar edifices channel that so-called “voice” in an orderly manner — via referenda, elections, and representation in the state legislature. Release that “power of the people” outside those institutions in an uncontrolled explosion (like the way the INC did in recent days), and you reap nothing more than death and destruction.
As many motorists and ordinary folk looking forward to a long weekend rest last week will attest to, plans were destroyed, moods were ruined, money was lost, and even lives possibly put at risk thanks to the people power bomb detonated by the INC in the middle of one of Metro Manila’s busiest arteries and most densely-populated areas. Both the motivation and the targetting was borderline terrorist in flavour — fuelled by religious righteousness and aimed at where maximum damage could be inflicted.
But unlike George W Bush’s albeit-misguided “War on Terror” in the aftermath of Osama Bin Laden’s levelling of New York City’s World Trade Center twin towers in 2001, the President of the Philippines, rather than hold to account those responsible for the destruction wrought, got in bed with the bomb detonators. Indeed, President Benigno Simeon ‘BS’ Aquino III seemingly struck an under-the-table deal with the terrorists. Again.
Rather than continue to pursue the intel that clearly pointed to the possibility of a heinous crime committed under the transparent glow of due process, the discussion between parties was masked under a veil of dark secrecy.
So, ganun na lang.
It is likely that Filipinos will never know what exactly was agreed between Malacanang and the INC.
What else could the ordinary Filipino schmoe do at this point other than seek the wisdom of her favourite Media behemoth:
Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.
[Photo courtesy Philippine Star.]
benign0 is the Webmaster of GetRealPhilippines.com.
Sabi sa news (GMA News and Inquirer.net) wala raw deal… Deal or No Deal na naman sila.
Yup, INC is in the same wavelength as the ISIS. The only difference are the controlling parameters. The inside is the same; the outside environment masks/ covers the sameness.
Welp, looks like Eli Soriano is right all along about his statements against INC all these years. No wonder INC want’s him to be convicted.
Aquino has the character; not to confront his adversaries; he appeases them. Look at the MILF/ISIS/AL QUEDA problem in Mindanao.
In time of crissis, Aquino will jump into his hole, and hide. Look at his behaviour , during the Luneta Hostage crissis.
So, Aquino has to apprease the INC; inspite of the fact that, they have broken Philippine’s Laws. He sends the Amorous De Lima, to apprease them more.
Every Politician is afraid of the INC Block Voting Machine…
“Takot silang lahat na maTiwalag…”
“I have weighed the faults and virtues of the Filipino people and I have come to the conclusion that the Filipinos are worth dying for.”
– Democracy, tsk tsk. I can imagine the man who said this scratching his head now. To top it all, his only son and his friend’s son were less of a help.
I can also imagine the man he staunchly opposed then telling him: “Sabi sa’yo, brod, martial law ang kailangan e.”
Hey guess what, the same man who said we are worth dying for has this to say about democracy:
“I believe democracy is not just majority rule, but INFORMED majority rule, and WITH DUE RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS of the minorities.” (Emphasis supplied) (A Testament from a Prison Cell, N. Aquino, 1984)
I think those who participates in street protests nowadays are neither informed nor are ready to respect the rights of others. It was obvious from the last big rally.
Another fact got clearer from the INC experience: Filipinos have a wrong definition of democracy.
There is hyperbole, then there’s this. Terrorists, benign0? I mean, I’m not a member of the INC, and the rally was a huge inconvenience to commuters and businesses along EDSA and beyond, but they’re exercising their consitutional right to gather up and protest.
Really, benign0? Really?
Yes, really. It’s an analogy. If you choose to see it as hyperbole then that’s your opinion (graciously taken on board).
I was very specific about what aspects of this INC circus (I cited two) makes it a mirror of a terrorist act. The difference lies in degree with which it impacted lives, yes, but the impact is there nonetheless.
What such people miscall their religion, is a vent for their bad humours and arrogance.
Terrorism: the word that means nothing, yet justifies everything.
benigno,I am one of your avid readers, but sad to say, you are more like a terrorist than the INC by inciting hatred and bigotry. I’m so wrong about you.
What makes benigno being a terrorist when he’s just stating the obvious incompetence of those isis minded inc cultists who does nothing but trouble?
You and the rest of the bloggers here owes it to the 86′ EDSA demonstrations. Never forget most of those in power in the government right now owes it to the people who caused trouble in the streets to bring back democracy. Demonstrations brought down a sitting president, reforms in the AFP was made possible because of these brave souls. Are they all terrorists? I think you are.
No wonder you’re just a blogger.. you make no sense at all. I’m not sure if you’re just least educated or just want to get attention.