It’s Not About the Money
June 13th, 2008 at 12:32 am (General, Human Rights, National Politics)
The US Court has ruled in favor of the Philippine government regarding an account of former President Ferdinand Marcos. The case will now be settled in the Philippine courts with some $35 million dollars on the line. Human rights victims during the Marcos regime have been fighting to get the account as part of their $2 billion claim against the Marcos estate. The Philippine government, however, claims that the money belongs to the government.
It is my opinion that the money (partially or wholly) should be given to the human rights. It’s not about the money per se. The money will not erase the pain and suffering of the victims and their families. It sure won’t erase the scars of my father’s, nor will it bring him back from the dead. But the money will, for me, at least, be a symbol that justice has been served. Once the victims receive, even a small amount, that is vindication that people have been killed, tortured or otherwise victimized by the Marcoses and the Martial Law regime.
Imelda, her family, and their cronies can continue to pretend that they did nothing wrong, but once some amount has been given to the victims that, for me, is enough to signify that crimes against humanity have been committed. It is a victory for human rights victims once some money has been awarded.
It really is not about the money. It’s about justice being served. And it pains me so much that our very own government, that one that is mandated to serve us, is trying to take part of that justice away from us. I realize that there is a dim chance of my family being awarded the full amount in this lifetime, but I see the account in contention as a glimmer of hope, that justice can be had in this country.
As part of the human rights claimants, I am asking for vigilance if and when the Philippine court do settle this case. Whether it be given to the human rights victims, or not, the money should be appropriated and used with prudence.
This account might not be given to us. Justice might not be had or tangible in this country right now, but let it not be forgotten that people were killed, tortured, and victimized by the Marcoses and their regime.
LET US NEVER FORGET!
Disclaimer: This is entry reflects the opinion of nobody else but me. This does not reflect the opinion of the entire group of 10,000 claimants, nor does it reflect the opinion of my family or relatives.
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