COMMENTARY The
Lessons of People Power 2 Perhaps
it is now timely to reflect on the lessons of People Power 2, so that we
will continue to be empowered. These lessons should add to our arsenal for
reforms and renewal, and to remind this country's institutions that they
had better ensure progress and prosperity for the people. By PROF. ROLAN SIMBULAN The
recent "people power" that toppled an arrogant president did not
only prove that lightning does strike twice. The world witnessed once
again the power of the Filipino people creatively harnessed and mobilized
for political change. Unlike
People Power 1, People Power 2 clearly drove home the point that an
awakened people -- not the military or any charismatic leader -- are the
decisive force in history. In
People Power 2, we saw not a repetition but an improvement of People Power
1, of people power in its pure form: the people taking direct action to
unseat a leader who, up to this day, still refuses to resign even though
he has lost all his powers, the recognition of its vital institutions and
the respect of the people. Here, we saw citizens spilling out to the
streets to recall the power it had given to its president two years ago. Perhaps
it is now appropriate to reflect on the lessons of People Power 2, so that
we will continue to be empowered. These lessons should add to our arsenal
for reforms and renewal, and to remind this country's institutions that
they had better ensure progress and prosperity for the people. People
Power 2 was our second chance at pushing the real people's agenda, which
had been missed, sidelined and ignored by the three post-People Power 1
administrations. If People Power 1 had become a symbol of our dashed hopes
and dreams, it is hoped that People Power 2 will propel the realization of
our true aspirations. People
Power 2 came on the heels of the Senate impeachment trial, dubbed as the
"greatest tele-novela of our times," which also provided
the most effective political education for Filipinos. The vigilant and
independent Philippine press asserted its right to cover the impeachment
trial -- even live on TV and on cable television. The cellphone and its
texting capabilities, e-mails and the Internet provided the technological
back-up for citizen action, for the
people to assert themselves. The unity of people's organizations, NGOs,
civic, religious and business organizations and opposition political
parties provided the core of the critical mass that converged at the EDSA
Shrine and made it once again the symbol of our people's greatness. People
Power 2 showed that when our much-revered institutions are defiled and
their credibility shattered, the people can always recall the power they
have delegated to these institutions and leaders. In this case, when the
11 senators annihilated our hopes by suppressing vital evidence, the
people went out to the streets. Citizens who cannot be bought, citizens
who have had enough, citizens seeking justice and good government
mobilized themselves as though proclaiming "Vox populi, vox dei!”
The people ultimately showed that they are the best fiscalizers and
watchdogs of our institutions and leaders. Let
me now outline the lessons of People Power 2: ·
The
unity of the broadest sectors in society is imperative for achieving
victory on specific issues. The unifying factor was the call for decency
and good governance. I would have wanted to see this broad unity during
the campaign against the Visiting Forces Agreement. ·
The
organized sectors of "civil society" comprise the core of every
activity for the mobilization of society. People Power 2 brought people's
movements and nongovernment organizations to the forefront of the
political process. People's movements and NGOs now form a formidable
pillar not only for political mobilization but also as an important
autonomous counterweight to the abuse and misuse of government power. From
now on, all national and local officials, elected or appointed, had better
watch out because they will be held accountable for every decision and
action by a vigilant public. No government or administration claiming to
be "for the masses" will be exempted from the scrutiny and
fiscalizing by the people. ·
Do
not underestimate an informed and politicalized population. Real
empowerment comes initially with the free flow of information to educate
the people on issues facing them. This is why, additionally, the
independent media play a pivotal role as watchdog and fiscalizer of the
state's abuse of power. The exercise of state power needs to be watched
against possible abuse and the misuse of privilege. The impeachment trial
became the best political education we ever had precisely because it was
closely and minutely covered by the media. In this light, I strongly
suggest that one of our government or state-run channels,
e.g. Channel 4, be devoted to airing live the proceedings and
public hearings of our legislature on significant issues and problems,
similar to US cable TV's C-span. ·
The
real fruits of People Power 2 will be attained when changes are initiated
in Philippine society. The real revolution begins when these changes begin
to improve the lives of the majority, especially the poor. ·
More
than the political parties or institutions of government, people's
movements and NGOs play a crucial role for the empowerment and
transformation of the people. We should devote more time in strengthening
these autonomous expressions of grassroots political power. These allow
people more room for creativity, initiative and mobilization. (The author is a professor at the University of the Philippines.)
|