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.)