"Vivere Pericoloso" indeed.
It is not surprising that the upcoming term of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. means another six years of living dangerously.
That from continuing the policies of his predecessor to that of appointing presumptive Vice President Sara Duterte as his education secretary (along with her promise to restore military training in schools), this upcoming regime doesn’t change at all let alone a consolidation of interests, especially after rigging the automated election system, vote-buying, armed coercion, systematic disinformation, mind manipulation, political deceit, and even historical distortion.
And it is quite an anticipated scenario, for all after reading reports to that of commentaries in social media sites, would say that this upcoming regime, by pretending there’s a “need for unity” will be as same as that of his predecessors- all at the behest of imperialism, feudalism, and bureaucrat capitalism, and which will cause gross suffering on the broad masses of the people. Both Marcos and Duterte took much time to disinform whether by whitewash the crimes of plunder, corruption, and gross violations of human rights perpetrated during the Marcos dictatorship; or that of slandering its political rival Leni Robredo, equating her to that of incompetence regardless of her actions especially assistance to the needy, disaster preparedness, and the promotion of volunteerism especially in this time of pandemic.
But regardless of their "victory" this coming regime doesn’t escape the fact that issues like ill gotten wealth and human rights violations will ever haunt them. Since 1988, to reestablish and cultivate again political loyalties and financial ties with local bigwigs and banksters, the Marcoses used their billions of pesos from illegally acquired wealth to capture local political power in Ilocos Norte and Leyte, run and win seats in congress, and again repeating the same process of cultivating further relations between local bigwigs and banksters. Of course apologists would try their bests to downplay this whether by calling their return as that of a "national destiny", that Bongbong Marcos deserves to follow that of his father, to that of telling Martial Law victims as rebels who deserve those consequences, worse, justifying atrocities and treating human rights as that of weakness.
They would repeatedly glorify the past right or wrong, as achievements like Cultural Center Complex, Heart Center, and other showcase of development downplays the atrocities against the opposition and the likes- that even the banning of "Voltes Five" or closing down video arcades means promoting discipline and curbing down violence and delinquency!
They would repeatedly glorify the past right or wrong, as achievements like Cultural Center Complex, Heart Center, and other showcase of development downplays the atrocities against the opposition and the likes- that even the banning of "Voltes Five" or closing down video arcades means promoting discipline and curbing down violence and delinquency!
***
Even other countries joined in the recognition, especially that of the United States and China, both countries trying to influence policies in the country particularly in economic and military relations. The United States did acknowledge the “victory” of Marcos-Duterte duo as if it “looks forward” to strengthen relations regardless of the controversies related to the victors. In a statement from the White House it said that "President Biden underscored that he looks forward to working with the President-elect to continue strengthening the U.S.-Philippine Alliance, while expanding bilateral cooperation on a wide range of issues, including the fight against COVID-19, addressing the climate crisis, promoting broad-based economic growth, and respect for human rights." And this runs counter to its call for justice, particularly after the 2011 U.S. district court in Hawaii ruled that he and his mother were in contempt of an order to provide information on assets in connection with a 1995 human rights class action suit against Marcos Sr. The court fined them $353.6 million, which has never been paid and may complicate his future visits to the United States.
Meanwhile, China followed the "acknowledgement" of Marcos-Duterte victory, that according to Xi Jinping in his letter, that both China and the Philippines are “at a critical stage of development, posing important opportunities and broad prospects for our bilateral relations.”, as he is ready to build a “good working relationship” with the new president. Not surprising especially that Marcos has been vague about his foreign policy goals, although in interviews he has stated that he wants to strengthen ties with China, which includes overturning a 2016 verdict by a tribunal in The Hague that invalidated almost all of China's historical claims to the South China Sea, and even positively said Duterte’s policy of diplomatic engagement with China as “really our only option.”
Meanwhile, China followed the "acknowledgement" of Marcos-Duterte victory, that according to Xi Jinping in his letter, that both China and the Philippines are “at a critical stage of development, posing important opportunities and broad prospects for our bilateral relations.”, as he is ready to build a “good working relationship” with the new president. Not surprising especially that Marcos has been vague about his foreign policy goals, although in interviews he has stated that he wants to strengthen ties with China, which includes overturning a 2016 verdict by a tribunal in The Hague that invalidated almost all of China's historical claims to the South China Sea, and even positively said Duterte’s policy of diplomatic engagement with China as “really our only option.”
But again, both "loyalists" and "Diehard Duterte Supporters" will try their bests to downplay each controversy, that even the message from the White House means absolving their idol from the crimes being committed or how China's assistance to developing countries did improve their standards of living regardless of its controversies and disputes. It is not surprising, for as these orderists they're clinging to their narrative that "change" will still ever continue under the coming Marcos-Duterte administration just like their "build build build" narrative to that of justifying the oppressive actions during Martial law. They would try to be as radical as the radicals, flaunting revolutionary phraseology such as "oligarchs", "political liberation", "economic emancipation", and the likes that for sure they failed to understand. Bluntly speaking, how can they speak those words when at the same time wholeheartedly accepting neoliberalism and globalisation; sometimes would wonder "what the heck are they talking about?" Fighting the oligarchs and yet accommodating banksters that forces everyone to pay debts?
***
Whether in foreign relations or that of economic policies, the regime rather kowtows to banksters and foreign overlords. To them better to make compromises with these entities while being cruel against the oppressed. They would feign development with its showcase of growth while depriving justice to those who are dispossessed. They would claim they're strong yet remain subservient as certain agreements stunted the need for real national development such as that of industrialisation, agrarian reform, and an real independent foreign policy. They want to portray the nation as that of a weaker state that, backed by a powerful country, goes to "great lengths" to temporarily refrain from opposing a neighboring great power through economic and diplomatic rapprochement and compromises, while limiting its strengths to that of internal security and development to that of the dictates of the "world market".
For sure one would never forget how housing projects being treated as a façade, a propaganda with empty insides and be abandoned except for some crumbs for people to live in. It only took a group of homeless folks to occupy abandoned lots not just to live in it but to expose the corruption and the failure to create a sound housing policy while demolishing urban poor communities to benefit that of the "haves." People also cannot forgot how farmers disagreed with the passage of the Rice Tariffication law as it benefited smugglers while planted the seeds to many problems, like starvation and indebtedness, while retail prices remained elevated for poor consumers. And people will never forgive those who kill innocents or outspoken whether in the name of "drug war", "counterinsurgency", or any other catastrophe brought about by the order.
For sure one would never forget how housing projects being treated as a façade, a propaganda with empty insides and be abandoned except for some crumbs for people to live in. It only took a group of homeless folks to occupy abandoned lots not just to live in it but to expose the corruption and the failure to create a sound housing policy while demolishing urban poor communities to benefit that of the "haves." People also cannot forgot how farmers disagreed with the passage of the Rice Tariffication law as it benefited smugglers while planted the seeds to many problems, like starvation and indebtedness, while retail prices remained elevated for poor consumers. And people will never forgive those who kill innocents or outspoken whether in the name of "drug war", "counterinsurgency", or any other catastrophe brought about by the order.
But regardless of their statements and actions many of the concerned folks rather treat today's setting with a grain of salt. As they're trying to keep the flames burning if not "raging" against the dying of its light. Regardless of the threat and slander, it is their duty to make their homes, schools, even coffeeshops and the community itself more hospitable to the ever-growing idealism from both young and old and to make it more relevant to the true priorities of the society- making themselves responsive instruments to the irrepressible clamour of the people and for the rapid transformation of the nation, especially as people themselves increasingly concerned, recollect from past experiences, and all trying to create better directions for the future. And these things are of a paramount importance in this continuing struggle- a struggle which is essentially a journey, process, movement.
Especially for a nation under siege, and a people whose order want to destroy, the nation has to keep its head above the ocean of degradation from local and international reaction, requiring a revolution that must save a nation's body and spirit from attacks from every direction: from within, without, any direction. And now as people sought Marcos and Duterte victorious, then this must be a test- as foreign overlords, the local reaction altogether barking, hooting, screaming! But the struggle must go on regardless of their barks and threats, "even the coward can fight" as one quote say, as many who "seek truth from facts" will make the way.
Call it "a continuity of what happened in 86", for contrary to what apologists said, the struggle for a national rebirth continues. It did happen in Pugad Lawin, in the mountains of Sierra Madre and Cordillera, in the countryside of Southern Tagalog and Bicolandia, even in EDSA and Mendiola. The struggle for national rebirth continues when people trying to learn about a nation's history and society, its hardship, of being vassal to foreign overlords and its domestic vassals; but until when people will just stay put as policemen start to raise their batons against folks who demand justice? Recently these policemen beat folks near the Commission on Human Rights in Diliman- and apologists clapped their hands as they want to see rallyists beaten down in the name of "order". But again, the struggle goes on.
Especially for a nation under siege, and a people whose order want to destroy, the nation has to keep its head above the ocean of degradation from local and international reaction, requiring a revolution that must save a nation's body and spirit from attacks from every direction: from within, without, any direction. And now as people sought Marcos and Duterte victorious, then this must be a test- as foreign overlords, the local reaction altogether barking, hooting, screaming! But the struggle must go on regardless of their barks and threats, "even the coward can fight" as one quote say, as many who "seek truth from facts" will make the way.
Call it "a continuity of what happened in 86", for contrary to what apologists said, the struggle for a national rebirth continues. It did happen in Pugad Lawin, in the mountains of Sierra Madre and Cordillera, in the countryside of Southern Tagalog and Bicolandia, even in EDSA and Mendiola. The struggle for national rebirth continues when people trying to learn about a nation's history and society, its hardship, of being vassal to foreign overlords and its domestic vassals; but until when people will just stay put as policemen start to raise their batons against folks who demand justice? Recently these policemen beat folks near the Commission on Human Rights in Diliman- and apologists clapped their hands as they want to see rallyists beaten down in the name of "order". But again, the struggle goes on.
***
But how? People must take lessons from past experiences, determine the direction for the future. Past experiences, no matter how bitter it was, must inspire the people to set new and right directions for the future. Never once in a bitter experience can break a nation-have a heart, for a bitter experience can become a motivation, all to make corrections and to set the right path, and press forward on that right path! A struggle can become violent, no matter it appears to be peaceful, for the flames of struggle resorts them to cry freedom and willing to die if possible. If people do not carry the flames, of notion of romance, then no struggle can become strong. No struggle can defend its soul if people cannot accept every attack and repelling it as a "romance" of struggle. No struggle can keep its head up if its people are not ready, or unwilling to carry out the necessary sacrifices; but with their heads held high and smiling, they're all willing to face the consequences just because they consider their sacrifices a romance of the struggle. Danton went to the guillotine with a sense of romance, Rizal went to Bagumbayan to be shot with a sense of romance, Russian fighters strongly defended Stalingrad against the enemy with a sense of romance, People of China in did subdue the river Yangtse with a sense of romance.
And now in this period when 6 years of injustice is continued with another 6 years of that same word would make one not just to reflect, but to renew. After all, will everyone just "move on" after the recent defeat of Leni Robredo or Leodegario de Guzman? Nope, certainly not, but instead they will move forward by fighting on. Call it a dangerous task especially as protests end responded by beatings from riot police and heckles from the administration's apologists, but still that "flame", that "romance" keeps these concerned folks fighting no matter what the regime is trying to "control" the situation. Otherwise, people may end contented to their so-called "happiness"- but devoid of hopes and aspirations such as for a country yearning to be free and abide by principles.
That somehow reminds of Tandang Basio Macunat by Fray Miguel Lucio Bustamante argues that education and urbanity is undesirable to the 'Indios as it would mean rebelling against god and the king, or in the case of Prospero, arrogance and hedonism; but instead better to remain in the farms like Basio and contented in their lives. For the friar maybe he thinks that "Indios" were well-contented and happy in their "natural setting" (such as that of being a sharecropper in the farm) even tho they're exploited whether by corvee labour, tribute, or by increased taxes. If to use Bustamante's work, will that "Indio" who's longing to be free and have a true sense of happiness remain contented? No wonder why the work of Balagtas did inspire the folk and its yearning for freedom that until today continues to resonate as that of Rizal and others- while Bustamante's work becomes a challenge as his message urges the folk to take the contrary to his view of contentment, but instead, struggle as words like "love", "hope", becomes flames that drives one to break away from subjugation and into freedom with a true purusit of happiness.
Yes, expect outcomes like this recent thermidor led by Marcos and his camarilla. But expect protests that would show popular opposition to that another 6 years of discontent and rage. Whether in streets or in social media, popular discontent over the coming regime is more than just "trying to show Democracy is still alive", but, "to show that the folk have enough of their nonsense." It did happen in EDSA when the concerned exposed the Marcoses and its bullshitry brought since 1972 and its "new society", what more today when Marcos, together with Duterte and its allies "calling for unity" when in fact demanding conformity into their distorted view. Words like "Economic Emancipation", "Political Liberation", "Revolt of the Poor", and other terms borne out of "Constitutional Authoritarianism" and "revolution from the center" are but shallow phrases meant to snare people by the order- but at the same time phrases that ought to be taken back by the people whose romance of struggle drives them to fight and fight again in this dangerous times.
***
Again, "Vivere Pericoloso" indeed. But the people will chose to fight back, rather than move on as if nothing happened for this. Freedom, as a concerned sees it, is more than just restoring a nation its liberty. But rather a fulfillment of hopes and aspirations in its fullest form. If that hope includes bread, land, and peace then that should be included in its fulfillment. After all, why on earth should the people deprive these?
Thus the right path for freedom and justice is through a more determined and intensified struggle. “By any means” as what Malcolm X said, especially in this regime that pretends to side with the masses and yet trying to fool them, dilute their messages, or by simply silence them in voicing out their pleas and clamours, then it is not surprising that the masses themselves will take back power from them- which can be done by those truly concerned being in one with the masses and their mobility; to strive for genuine democratic rights and freedoms, full self-determination as a nation, and to promote true, human-centred development in pursuit of making intended changes to happen.
Why did this note expressed this as such in a time people continue to live dangerously? Seeing the folk’s passion, of a renewed vigour in struggle overturns the dangers brought by the order as they all wished to see a society where injustices be no more. That sounds impossible yes, but time and again people will continue to carry their torches and pitchforks so long as the order oppresses them with their unkind words and unjust deeds. Marcos felt that popular anger that made him think "the revolt of the poor" has to be controlled, and yet his actions fail to suffice the anger, what more it aggravated. It did happen in the succeeding regimes, making carrot and stick actions only to make the people suffer further, what more angrier as prices gone high, unemployment rose, wages remained low, agrarian unrest worsen, what else would the current order would say "they're addressing it with reforms" when in fact served as toilet papers for the privileged few and its minions? Again, regardless of their words and actions hopefully that the folk will ever continue to seek truth from facts, to get concerned in its surroundings, and gain the will to resist in this dangerous times.
To others may dismiss it as sheer nonsense as they prefer “looking and feeling the future” as presented by the orderists without understanding it- but this reminds of Germany during Hitler or Austria before the Anschluss. Both countries presented a future wherein messages of peace and order been taken seriously all at the expense of people’s rights. So is in the Philippines, where words like discipline and development, along with the raped term “change”, just like the former two countries, been blared throughout alongside series of infrastructure and “paper reforms”- all to impress the world that “constitutional authoritarianism” is as normal as that of “liberal democracy”: having businesses, banks, schools open and people “going to their respective roles in the society”, yet at the expense of people’s rights and welfare while benefiting that of entrenched interests.
Why would this note expressed this kind of thought? It's obvious that after six years after Duterte, another six years of living dangerously under Marcos has brought concern to each and everyone. Some however would have taken a grain of salt the words Marcos and Duterte had expressed these past days trying to placate the people to "accept their mandate". But will most accept it despite scandals, controversies, and the likes? In these concerning days to be frozen and dead calm is unnecessary- for what reality demands is dynamism, action, activism! Expect numerous challenges brought by the order through its coming regime, and its obvious continuity of disquiet and rage- whose popular response is simple: resistance in various forms, fanning further the flames of struggle. Being concerned doesn't limit to that of the ballot box alone, but in various means to the extent of sacrificing lives to assert social change.
Just like the ocean waves pounding passionately or the ricefields being wayed by the winds; so should be the people even in this dangerous times.