State of Opposition in the Philippines

Opposition forces in the Philippines against the perceived abuses of the Arroyo administration are varied and quite vibrant. While street demonstrations and rallies have been reduced somewhat by the alert actions of the police and the military, it should be noted that Philippine society is still populated with men and women with conscience, patriotism and dignity. When President Arroyo talked about moral renewal in government right after the successful thwarting of efforts to turn a Senate hearing on World Bank report of corruption as an expose on the shortcomings of the Arroyo government, many in the opposition belittled Arroyo's ability to inspire a moral renewal in government and in Philippine society general. Evidently, it goes to show that many are still convinced that the tentacles of corruption and deceit still grapple the country. Some are already talking of a possible regime change, especially when there is a vigorous attempt to proceed with Charter change, which is clearly a ploy by administration forces to extend its term after 2010. This machination is unacceptable to the opposition, especially to a disgruntled portion of the military. To demonstrate their uneasiness and disgust, militant groups in the military, active and retired have banded together and signed to encourage a jailed military officer to run for public office. This move is unprecedented. The Palace had to conduct immediate investigation to know more details about this sudden pooling of resources from various militant groups in the military to create a strong energy to oppose the abuses of the current regime. Although it has been shown that the sparks for a successful regime change always originates from a politicized and awakaned portion of the military, some other sectors of Philippine society should never be discounted. The spark could start from a group of vendors in Manila who have been abused over and over by MMDA operatives clearing the city sidewalks. It could start from an anger generated by a pitiful scene of farmers lying on the street pavement and being hosed away by atrocious and abusive firemen. Which means that you'll never really know when the next EDSA will start and who will start it, or even if it will start at all. But for sure, any attempt to force through a Charter change will precipitate a spark that will spell regime change. This possible due to the existence of an unextinguishable opposition force in the Philippines.

The US Stimulus Bill

The gargantuan $787 billion US stimulus bill passed by the US Congress and scheduled to be signed by President Obama next week promises to be a boon to all, -- even to thousands of Filipino veterans who fought side by side with the American forces to prevent Japan from invading Asia and the Pacific during World War II. It is a credit to Democrats in the House, especially Rep. Daniel Inouye, for inserting this small provision in the bill that recognizes the valuable participation of aging Filipino veterans in the defense of liberty by giving them financial compensation so that in the twilight of their years, they will feel appreciated by the country that they served with in the last world war. These Filipino veterans can therefore live in comfort for they deserve the generosity and gratitude that United States has granted to them. The Filipino Veterans Equity bill that has been languishing in the US Congress becomes moot and academic. Those Republican legislators who continue to block this bill from becoming a law are probably now wondering how these Filipino veterans became one of the recipients of the US Stimulus Bill. Thanks to the Democrats in Congress and to President Obama for their high regards to the bravery and loyalty of Filipino veterans.