Remembering People Power

I barely four years old when the first People Power occurred. I remember watching it on the television but not really understanding what it meant. I would only know and understand what it is from the history books I would read as a student.

Years later, as a college student, I became part of People Power 2 in EDSA. It was an exhilarating experience to be part of a historic event. It is not often that a bloodless revolution would occur. It was something I was proud of, that I was one of thousands of Filipinos who didn’t sit and watch while an injustice occurred. I was part and is still part of People Power.

Today, we celebrate the first People Power that toppled a dictator. We celebrate and remember amidst the chaotic reign of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo whose “presidency” was never confirmed to be legitimate, and whose administration has suffered countless accusations of cheating, lying, and stealing.

Today, we face the commemoration of People Power with questions and doubts. Is People Power still relevant? Is it still effective in making the voice of the people heard? Does People Power still truly represent the voice of the people?

While the true voice of the Filipinos are drowned out by the noisy chatter of bitter ex-allies, opportunists, hypocrites, and turncoats, People Power will always be relevant. We have a crisis in leadership. And no, this does not just pertain to the beleaguered Arroyo. Most leaders in the administration, in the opposition, and even those in civil society have proven to be unworthy of the support of the Filipino people.

Not only have most of them shown that they are not true representatives of the Filipino sentiment, they have acted contrary to the real interests and voice of the Filipinos. Most talk and protest as if they really, truly care for the Filipino people. But when you examine their lifestyle, their businesses you will realize how much they truly care for the Filipinos.

Despite this, I still believe in People Power. One legacy of People Power is democracy, that is something that can never be changed. Yes, times might be hard, politics is getting dirtier by the day, and a lot of Filipinos have not progressed, but at the very least, we live in democracy. We might be a poor chaotic country, but we are a democratic country. And at the very least, we are free to complain as much as we want.

Do I still believe in the potency of People Power to bring about change? Yes. But not just by making noise and protesting when allegations are thrown and we are at the brink of a crisis. The essence of People Power is in people practicing democracy, voicing out their opinions, participating in governance, voting, working hard not just for himself and his family, but also for his country. Real people power is in believing in the Philippines and the Filipinos, fighting for them, and living for them.

One Response to “Remembering People Power”

1. ryan says:

   March 6, 2008 at 1:19 am

   I was in Grade 5 when EDSA I broke. I was in Manila when EDSA II happened. But I think, we need to rethink people power. Politics should not be about power. It should be about freedom. The reason why our people are still unfree is because EDSA I and II were all about power, as you said, i.e. same circle of politicians. But democracy is not about power. It is about freedom. It is because the moment power is held by someone, he gets corrupted by it, absolutely!