"Continuing the Supremo's legacy of unwavering Nationalism"

"Continuing the Supremo's legacy of unwavering Nationalism"

(A message for Bonifacio day)

This note firmly join the Filipino people in commemorating one of the country's national heroes, Gat Andres "Maypagasa" Bonifacio, whose life and that of his Katipunan reflects the dreams and aspirations of the Filipino masses in its quest for National and Social liberation. 

Bonifacio's quest for freedom was not a typical civic affair. Like Mao Zedong and his actions in China, or that of Ho Chi Minh and his Vietnam's journey to liberation, his revolution was not a dinner party nor an embroidery session. And for sure everyone would even disagree the Supremo's direction, dismissing it as "hopeless" and "costly", no matter how it was driven altogether by the reality of Filipino society that's marred by repression, the emancipating influence of western liberal thought with its "liberty, equality, and fraternity", and the aspirations of the common folk ranging from civil rights to the basic right to land and sustenance.

The latter aspiration was of course, closer to the common folk as they themselves endure hunger and deprivation than that of the ilustrado and the principalia that some mock their plight. After all, does the word "freedom" and "rights" fill a hungry stomach? Yes, these common folk did fought under these ideals, but their desire to till in their own land, and to live with dignity forced them to take the bolo.

And to think that Bonifacio tried to indigenise the ideas of "liberty, equality, and fraternity" such as that of his "Haring Bayan" as referring to a "Republic", this did appealed further to the common folk who had enough of repression, injustice, and disenfranchisement brought by the Spanish-led order and its minions. Through his Katipunan, his works like "Pagibig sa Tinubuang Bayan", "Ang Dapat Mabatid ng mga Tagalog" and others upheld the aspirations of the Filipino working class, peasants and other democratic classes- even at the expense of those who initially supported him, only to choose looking after their own interests than that of their homeland. That until today the oppression, intrusion of foreign interests continue making a society stuck in its/ ever-continuing past. Like Bonifacio, those who criticise against the order are being labeled as "terrorist" the way the supremo was labeled as a traitor, filibuster, heretic, and various words trying to discredit him and his struggle.

At the same time the order, as trying to be as patriotic especially when their statements praising him, claiming his day to be "an auspicious occasion to reflect on his legacy" to that of  encouraging all walks of life to love and fight for the country". Indeed, such statements truly encourage the people to become patriotic like the Supremo and his folk, overcoming their weaknesses as they jump into the abyss. But, this doesn't deny the fact that the order's self-interest runs contrary to the Supremo's message of serving the people wholeheartedly; that the legacy of being subservient to foreign interest and local tyranny while "claiming to be they're for democracy" doesn't stop the folk from igniting the spark for real, meaningful change even at the expense of their lives. 

Perhaps, amidst the pandemic and the still prevailing socioeconomic crisis, of reprisals by the order and its apologists, the Great Plebeian's legacy, just like other heroes will always be a rallying light that will guide the folk. His passionate nationalistic spirit has inspired the youth and the oppressed in its quest for social emancipation, steeled every mind and sinew with the fiery love of country that makes as one people willing to advance an aspiration and to upheld justice and liberty. 

"When 'Red' is more than just commemorating, but also dedicating lives"

"When 'Red' is more than just commemorating, but also dedicating lives"

(Thoughts after "Red Wednesday") 

Churches in the Philippines "turned red" as Catholics honoured persecuted Christians and those who offered lives for the faith. 

Popularly known as "Red Wednesday", this campaign Initiated by the Papal Charity "Aid to the Church in Need", and approved by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines in remembrance of and as a day for prayer for persecuted Christians, as well as to encourage Christians to stand up for religious freedom and their faith. 

However, this occasion also end reinterpreted by some as a political gimmick as they failed to understand the significance of the occasion, with Red as its featured colour- especially as the 2022 elections draw near- with some aspirants also use the colour in their campaigns and sorties as part of their branding, like those of Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and of Leody de Guzman. 

Perhaps the event is all but misunderstood by many especially when everyone saw various colours used in political campaigns. And to think that "red" has been synonymous to the Marcoses, there are those who reinterpret the occasion as the church supporting the late dictator's son who's running for the presidency. What a coping mechanism then. 

But again in one twitter post, Fr. Fiel Pareja said that "red is the symbol of blood of killed Christians, and not of its killers." (roughly translated from Filipino).

Indeed. But since Fr. Pareja said those words that red is not the colour of its persecutors, isn't it that also political and not merely spiritual? "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church", tis reminds of "the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots & tyrants". But since fools like those complaining online think that "Red Wednesday" as all but a political gimmick just like how they enjoy reading fake quotes supporting their idol, then how about the much traditional Gaudete and Laerete Sundays? This did require the colour pink and blue in their vestments, so does these also meant supporting Robredo and Domagoso because of those colours also synonymous with themselves and their campaigns? How stupid their interpretations isn't they. But to think that this occasion is political, then yes, it is a political not just a spiritual sentiment- for red signifies the blood of the martyrs whose call was simple: the right to worship Christ as their lord and saviour in a time everyone was worshipping the god-emperor or the gods like "Vulcan" or "Jupiter". Yes, it was a political sentiment that out of their belief in Christ meant death, and their lives a sacrifice the way Christ sacrificed himself in the Calvary being accused that of disorder against both the empire and its vassal king, if not against the faith he saw as corrupted

This may sound controversial as any other event tainted by politics, that even the most religious would madly disagree on it that the occasion was also political; but the reality that those who cling to their belief that "faith, hope, and love" is also a political sentiment then why deny it? It is the same bible that says "Faith without Action is Dead", what more that it is the same bible that Christ didn't came in peace but a sword. After all, those who belief in the afterlife is also driven by the fact that they had enough of ever-present repression and injustice. That those who follow Christ wasn't just driven by "going to heaven and be happy", but preparing to face the consequence especially in serving God's people irrespective of their belief even at the expense of their lives. 

And it is the duty of a Christian to rise up and assert what is right and just the way it clings to its belief and its vision of a society where faith, hope, and love reigns. Pardon for the thought but since there are those fools cried "red" as political as the other colours, and this religious occasion didn't escape the heckling, then expect those to see this "red Wednesday" not as to commemorate the martyrs who died for their faith, but also to dedicate lives in helping the repressed and persecuted- and that includes the will to resist. 
After all, here are those who are deeply religious, but their religious conviction made them to "rebel" against the system that even their church is also affected!  

"The Quest to Conquer the state amidst catastrophe and crisis"

"The Quest to Conquer the state amidst catastrophe and crisis"

by Kat Ulrike

At first, this note bid greetings in commemoration of the Great October Socialist Revolution. 

This revolution, led by Vladimir Lenin, was considered a major turning point in world history. For this broke through the yoke of tsarist repression, established the first state of the dictatorship of the proletariat in the world and opened a new era of struggle by the working class. This kind did shocked the world as the proletariat didn't simply change the leadership nor the form of government but rather dismantle the old order in favour of a new society- driven by the cause of the emancipation of humanity.

And it is still remains significant in today's modern world. In its 104th year, the working folk continues to engage in the struggle despite the fall of the Soviet Union decades ago, as well as the changing direction of China into a capitalist state pretending to be "socialist". Facing the challenge brought by capitalist neoliberalism as well as the crisis brought by the COVID19 pandemic, these hindrances doesn't stop the working folk from asserting its just calls and its advancement. 

For sure the prevailing order will continue to parrot the rhetoric that socialism failed, that there is no alternative to capitalism, that neoliberalism brought development, and others reality showeth its contrary. The more they deny the struggle the more it continues as poverty, disenfranchisement, injustice remains. China's capitalist venture showed a monstrous betrayal of the revolution started by Mao Zedong as well as that of the October Revolution. They claimed China as moving towards socialism, and yet poverty especially in the countryside remains the country's major issue to be addressed, but instead like the Soviet people in the past, came under the rule of a new privileged bourgeois stratum as what really happened.

And to think that this October Revolution has awakened the working class and opened up wide possibilities for the emancipation against imperialism, this brought fear to the existing orders that even today's 21st century continues to resonate. After all, Lenin's action justifiably carried out with greater determination and much more rapidly, boldly and successfully, and, from the point of view of its effect on the masses, much more widely and deeply, than the French Revolution or the Paris Commune of the past. This was no ordinary change of government structure nor change of leaders, but that of dismantlement of the social order the laboring masses saw as oppressive and unjust. 

***

For the developing and the underdeveloped countries, the October Revolution became an inspiration to rise up against imperialism both the lord and its vassals. Regardless of the imperialists' attempts to cower them with fear or coercing them with false hopes, the October Revolution and its succeeding revolutions like the Chinese and the Indochinese revolutions has shaken imperialism with struggles for national independence and social liberation, as the laboring masses takes the lead of its quest for freedom- that even the imperialist themselves notice the growing power of the working class taking the lead in its struggle and thus trying to control with that of carrot and stick moves. But will the colonies and semicolonies content with decades, if not centuries-old oppression that hinders development? No! Whereas they desire liberation from colonialism, so is also the desire to liberate from domestic exploitation under imperialism- and countries like China during Mao, Vietnam under Ho, showed that their revolution, like that of 1917 wasn't like the liberation movements of the slaves nor the uprisings of the serfs. This was no driven by mere idealism but that of the realities of poverty, injustice, and vassalage of their countries to imperialism. After all, what Stalin said: The proletariat cannot emancipate itself unless it emancipates the oppressed peoples.

For as in the past, the imperialists still looked upon the underdeveloped and developing countries as the basis of their prosperity. Be it because of its natural resources or its labour power, the imperialists, both west and from the east itself have never ceased to think of the third world whether to extract its wealth, needing obedient young lads, or to dump them with its surpluses. People accept this kind of truth although dangled by first-world consumerism, would also tend to deny this. How come? They would insist that it is imperialism that brought development, modernity, everything what a "developed" country can offer- especially in downplaying a growing social movement that's opposed imperialist domination and local subservience to the latter's wishes. They would claim every produce is a product of imperialism, even brands they enjoy is also a product of imperialism, even the skyscraper, the modernity people enjoy in general is a product of imperialism. Yes indeed- with labels like "Made in the USA" or Made in China", but the question is, did these people who downplay patriotic alternatives also offer a sound, "based" alternative to dependency? Most likely can't as they're contented, if not happy to see a "borderless" world ruled under "free market" rules. The words Fukuyama described as "end of history" turns out to be another phase for both patriots and globalists alike: the former with its struggle for survival and revival, the latter with its ever-prevailing dominance despite decline- with words like "freedom", "liberty", "democracy", all reduced to just totem poles trying to appease an ever-growing social hatred like what happened in 1917. 

As of today, this part of history has continued to be a major factor in shaping the aspirations of the labouring folk- that even those from the right did recognise how the power of the laborer can create changes in the society, only to find them as a rival. In a writeup entitled "Lenin's Italian understanding" published in 1931 at the "La Conquista del Estado", Mussolini's Fascism tried to be like Lenin, as it said:

"The Duce is a peasant and a worker, whose deep obsession is not Bonaparte (bourgeois myth), but Lenin (worker myth)..."Fascism" is the only policy that has openly tried to follow more closely the Bolshevik method, the dictatorial leadership of the Russian proletariat."

And yet that once member of the Socialist Party rather chose to collaborate with the old order he detested, only to regret during his desperate days at Salo. Again, he tried to be like Lenin, or even Stalin, even applied a former communist to make Fascism "progressive" in everyone's eyes. But, did he succeed? Not even, but rather only to end hanging upsidedown by the folk who had enough of his frustration- if not seeing how that fascism was all about, that of oligarch and state power intertwined pointing against the labouring folk in the name of bastardised 'nationalism'. Sometimes it was quite wondering why on earth Mussolini, while trying to be like Lenin chose to compromise his supposed "radical" beliefs by collaborating with the system he detests? Was it in the name of national interest even at the expense of the struggling proletariat and the peasantry? It made Mussolini more of an orderist as Dollfuss, Szalasi, Franco, Hitler, or any leader who trying to be as progressive, if not revolutionary as their rivals- that made radicals within the ranks like Rossoni seriously express concern if not criticism after principles gone compromised.

***

Sorry to cite "La Conquista del Estado", but noticing its earlier articles as trying to be revolutionary, would think that the situation was ripe for the oppressed folks to stand up and fight just like in 1917. Of course, there were those who truly recognise the struggle and therefore wanting to transform it into a revolutionary moment; while on the other other hand, there are those who rather diffuse it from the start all in the name of peace and order. In today's setting the order tried its best to diffuse the growing sentiment by trying to compromise that of the people's want with that of their interests, treating "reforms" and "programs" of various sorts primarily to continue being obedient and "satisfied young lads" if not threatening them with the big stick. 

At first would say that "nothing's wrong" with reforms or the programs involving it, but for the order these meant to shut people up from complaining further. Agrarian Reform in the Philippines for instance, it wasn't meant to resolve the peasant question and promote justice for these hardworking farmers and their communities, let alone trying to avert a growing dissent in the countryside. Housing, which is meant a human right, is itself treated as a propaganda feat especially for politicians hungry for "legacy" despite being substandardly built. Politicians even promised wages be increased to the workers, or controlling prices of commodities, and yet mum as they faced a group composed of big businesses in it, even promising less taxes to these fatcats while burdening the folk with rising costs of commodities and services! Is this the reform being brought about by the order? This note certainly doubt their thought especially when first and foremost sworn to upheld the system people detests. 

Perhaps as time goes by the folk will never stop in its desire to "conquer the state". The difficulties are indeed immense, but everyone is accustomed to grapple with immense difficulties. That even this pandemic caused by COVID19, imperialists trying to maintain their foothold as they're the ones having the capacity to produce medicines, especially that of vaccines the world greatly needs. They use "Vaccine Diplomacy" to strengthen regional ties and enhance their own power and global status, and countries like the United States and China are using Vaccines and "altruism" as cynical ploys for diplomatic advantage. Meanwhile, vassal countries are using the pandemic to impose draconian laws, of treating the situation as that of their repressive orderism with checkpoints and curfews than that of ensuring people's health and well-being by providing immediate, necessary support for the health care system. The folk, just like in the pre-pandemic periods faced retrenchment if not unemployment, low wages and paycuts, rising costs of commodities and services, and even insufficient support by the government! This catastrophe brought by COVID19 as well as other existing matters under neoliberal capitalism would say that this create situations that provokes popular discontent as in the past, and the order itself already felt the tremors that neither carrot nor stick will resolve the problem. Will the folk just get content on this catastrophe brought by the pandemic? Not even, as they had enough of tyrants imposing lockdowns nor curfews; nor despots imposing paycuts, retrenchments, and rising costs of commodities and services; but again, everytime is accustomed to grapple with immense difficulties with the tendency of having the will to resist the order's wishes. 

Again, the order still felt the tremor left by 1917 and other revolutions of the past. And in this catastrophe it is expected to see them "trying their best" to control the situation, especially when the people really had enough of the bullshit and willing to "conquer the state" to dismantle it. As what Lenin said in 1921: No matter at what cost, no matter how severe the hardships of the transition period may be—despite disaster, famine and ruin—we shall not flinch; we shall triumphantly carry our cause to its goal.

Remembering October 1917, Rekindling its struggle!

Remembering October 1917, Rekindling its struggle!

by Kat Ulrike

At first, on the occasion of the 104th anniversary of the October Revolution, this note bid greetings. 

For many years ago, this revolution initiated a new epoch in world history. It did really shook the world, for unlike revolutions of the past that simply change leaders, this revolution was an out and out dismantlement of an antiquated social order, all driven by the people whose dream of building a society in which there would be no exploitation of man by man. This may sound strange to some and fear provoking to most as existing orders around the world felt the tremor of people's action, proving that without those who hinder, the people are completely capable of building a free society both under their mind and sinew, blood and sweat. 

In those past years the Soviet people have traveled a hard road. They were surrounded by enemies inside and out, trying by many means to destroy the worker's republic; factories encountering problems, farms having low output of produce, but in the end thoroughly smashed its attacks while at the same time building further its productive bases by organising further workers and farmers. It did surprised its rival neighbours too, that with its economic plans brought new factories, power plants, dams, farms, to that of airplanes, automobiles, housing projects, at a speed of which the capitalist countries are incapable and inspires the labouring folks of various countries to stand up and fight against its oppressive systems and its upholders. Such wonders has changed the Soviet Union from being a relatively backward both economically and technically into one of the world's first-class industrial powers. 

And regardless of criticism and attacks by various means, the soviet people continue to defend, while at the same time forge, plough, build as its living standards rising. The scale of educational, scientific, and cultural development also surpasses as that of its neighbours as well, with its first atomic power station, jet planes, rocket-powered defence systems, to that of its space program with its satellites paving way to space exploration led by Gagarin, Tereshkova, and its cosmonauts. From these contributions did surprised the capitalist west that compels the United States and Europe to take seriously its own programs. But for the Soviets, this was more than just a contribution of the Soviet people themselves but of the proletariat around the world in its struggle against the reactionary bourgeoisie. The revolutionary spirit started in 1917 has contributed various wonders that for its rivals a threat to their interest. Even those from the right recognise the power of the proletariat that they tried to create theirs yet can't surpass. Hitler, Mussolini, tried to make war against Stalin but the latter, looking back at the past, chose to resist regardless of being surrounded and almost beaten. In his speech last 1941, he said:

"There were times when our country was in a still more difficult position. Remember the year 1918, when we celebrated the first anniversary of the October Revolution. Three-quarters of our country was at that time in the hands of foreign interventionists. The Ukraine, the Caucasus, Central Asia, the Urals, Siberia and the Far East were temporarily lost to us. We had no allies, we had no Red Army—we had only just begun to create it; there was a shortage of food, of armaments, of clothing for the Army. Fourteen states were pressing against our country. But we did not become despondent, we did not lose heart. In the fire of war we forged the Red Army and converted our country into a military camp. The spirit of the great Lenin animated us at that time for the war against the interventionists. And what happened? We routed the interventionists, recovered all our lost territory, and achieved victory."

Those words would say that the revolutionary able to defend their struggle so as to invoke it over and over. They will fight so is to forge, they will resist so is to plough the field, they will withstand any attack so is to learn and become better especially in times enemies trying to undermine efforts in building the socialist homeland. However, amongst the ranks there are those who stand in its way, of being interest-driven that corrupts the fabric of the homeland, hearing words like wrecking, sabotage, to that of revisionism? Such problems did really hinder, and even make a homeland stagnant, decline, and eventually dissolve as what happened in 1992. Quite saddening isn't it? But while those who upheld the prevailing social order under capitalism rejoice and claim that there lies the "end of history" in which western-style "democracy" triumphs with its consumerism and the likes, will the working people just stay put, forget, and move on? No! For from these folk they looked at the Soviet Union as a homeland that brought immense developments like what said earlier, regardless of the problems, crises, and catastrophes that did they encounter. True that there are those who will disown the legacy all because of its mistakes and shortcomings most of which exaggerated by its enemies, but the fact that this socialist homeland did shook the world, then not surprising that those who carried the flames will again provoke another as to create a new path towards socialism like what happened 104 years ago. 

Again, the Soviet Union and the eastern bloc was dissolved years past, that China or Vietnam faced revisionism, and other socialist countries that out of pragmatism forced to adopt the diktat of the market. But, regardless of these, this doesn't stop the folk around the world to demand the future, that their revolutionary energy, diligence, innovation, and deep patriotism and internationalism will realise what the aspirations of those pasts set forth in the future, of rectifying its errors, reaffirm principles, and to move forward. 

"When book censors using dialogue to justify their impunity"

"When book censors using dialogue with the university
 to justify their impunity"

(Or: "thoughts after the recent dialogue between NTF-ELCAC
and the UP Visayas administration")

This note expresses concern as recent news about  the University of the Philippines- Visayas (UPV) administration was hosting a dialogue with the regional branch of the National Task-Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) through NICA Regional Director Ana Liza Umpar at the university’s Miag-ao campus last October 29, 2021. This dialogue, made days after an earlier statement "not handing over books" to the NTF-ELCAC, justified the talks as an "opportunity to exchange ideas and promote freedom of expression."

Quite reasonable at first for UPV Chancellor Clement Camposano to justify such words, as he hosted the NTF-ELCAC "in the spirit of dialogue." However, knowing the nature of the group as known for its rabid anti-leftist sentiment, it is not surprising that they take the talks as an opportunity to defend their idol not just from the left but also from the opposition in general in the face of controversies surrounding him; if not asking the UP administration to retract from its initial statement.

And in speaking of universities "handing over their books" to the NTF-ELCAC, one university in Cordillera justified this as their "moral consciousness not to allow youth to be engrained with peace-detrimental ideologies", if not in Aklan that "academic freedom as always subject to control and supervision by the state." Ridiculous isn't it- especially that they claim to be uphelding academic freedom and democracy while condoning book censorship under the Duterte administration, which he compared to state forces repressing feelings and ideas that are not acceptable to those in power. But administrators in UP Visayas will say that they allow them "in the spirit of academic freedom" to come and make their stand even most would describe that dialogue as a retreat from its initial statement, no matter how it tries to maintain some critical stance over the matter. 

Worse, to hear a statement from the Chairperson of the Commission on Higher Education J. Prospero de Vera III telling that "It would be best for the Chancellor of UP Diliman and their officials to be more prudent, circumspect, respectful, and discerning in issuing statement especially involving the exercise of academic freedom of other higher education institutions." Sorry for his thought but by telling UP Diliman officials "should respect how other higher education institutions run their campuses amid the decision to remove 'subversive' from their libraries" he seems to be condoning witch hunts and book burnings reminiscent of Nazi Germany to that of the former "Committee on Un-Filipino Activities" that targeted professionals especially in the academe. Will the Philippines' premier "national university" simply sit down and relax for this? After books, what's next? The persons who happened to be against Duterte and his camarilla within the academe? It did happen during the time of Prof. Ricardo Pascual in the mid-50s, and this may also happen in the present. 

So much for claiming to be they're defending democracy from the scourge of subversion, when in fact these orderists produced subversives in various forms. If not for the pandemic hard protests would happen anytime in the streets of Metro Manila all because of an incompetent boss-chief who tolerated corruption and impunity while claiming about "order" and "integrity". Of course, that boss and his apologists will use the subversion or rebellion card to justify their actions, including that of confiscating "subversive books" and claiming "they're saving children from the clutches of subversion and rebellion" despite horrid realities forced the poor and the young to fight and take arms in various forms.
And wouldn't be surprised that just "to clarify it all", that the vague term 'State Colleges and Universities' may end be replaced by a much clearer term: "Government-Owned and Controlled Higher Education Institutions" straight from the orderist's mouth, making it frank that those who studied in government-paid schools should be at the service of those who run the state's affairs, with academic freedom as any other constitutional right be controlled and regulated by authorities even it appears to be repressive.

"Of 'Goons' rather than 'Ghosts': Halloween over Manila"

"Of 'Goons' rather than 'Ghosts': Halloween over Manila"

As the night grows near over 'tis I recall dear

The time old folks remember the day both liked and feared

Calling upon the ancestors whose stories told

That end as legends old books as called

Strange as one may think as the bonfire lit

Followed by spells, incantations for this sacred meet

O'er the sacred fire, feast and celebrate

The new dawn as everyone awaits

With kids enjoying sweets after trick or treats

And jack o' lanterns glowing outside after a backyard feat

The moon glows so full as the owls hoot

If not seeing trees bearing ripening fruit

The magic of love resonates as couples together

Once creating sparks now casts a single power

Triumphs over fear and that of sorrow

As from this eve make way to a once-tomorrow

However the actual horror is not of ghosts

But rather of the order and its ghastly hosts

Exploiting thy home and those of the others

Reminiscent of nightmares that our sleeps bother

The attack dogs in uniforms and thieves in garb

Hamletted our villages with walls barb'd

The nation at hell- for sure the order can't tell

For it's hidden behind the beauty steered by their spell

If not the thieves this time in suit
Stealing every fruit, work, and leaving us like shit
Distorting the law by circumventing the article
To justify their trick as if making them unstoppable
As if they're concerned when in fact they are not
Even invoking the almighty even their hearts rot
Especially in facing the folk this time had enough of their spell
As their hearts hardened wiling to rebel

Quite true those horrors as seen in the newspapers

All made by ghouls whose reality they're attack dogs of the order

Some years ago we heard news about a young lad Kian

Who died accused of a crime, shot as he ran

Followed by another- this time about collateral damages

Justified by those uniformed living garbage

If not in the countryside whose just calls end silenced

By the bullets, and statements of the order's violence

But I know that the curse goons presented cannot last

For the folk now risen wanted to break the enforced past

Neither "hell" nor their "heaven" will vanquish the oppressed

Folks had enough of being subjugated, minds repressed

Expect fire and blood to exorcise the nation's soul

As the folk uprise till the rotten order’s fall

Like the old who said "there be dragons"

Yes, but this time of armed masses with cannons!

Pardon if my poem sounds political

Despite celebrating the day that's macabre and mystical

Especially as the moon shines so bright

Shattering the darkness that made the day blight

Perhaps the anger of the folk is what the order feared

Especially after decades being repressed, subjugated, or sneered

Not surprised as they all rise with torches, pitchforks, guns

Willing to burn tyrants at the stake till their souls gone!

No matter what most belittle this

Some if not few would surely miss

For on this day lies joy, and strength renew

'gainst the times of disquiet quite so true

I hope folks who passed, fallen guide my way

In every trials set day by day

For through their wisdom it gives enough light

In a time when darkness prevails, and tyrants fright.

“Still, the ghosts of victims kept haunting him”

“Still, the ghosts of victims kept haunting him”

Regardless of what his apologists deny or justify the result of his actions, particularly that of harassments, threats, and killings, it seems that the "change" that once promised in 2016 is but of blood and bullets. 

For many years past since "democracy" was restored in the country, the Duterte administration has left a legacy that outweighs those of his achievements: that of his drug war, his "war on terror", and that of his half-hearted response to this COVID19 pandemic. This may sound "political" especially when the folk are deeply affected by these problems, what more on the treatment brought by the state: that of fear than of hope, especially those who had enough of the cycle of poverty be it those from the shantytown to that of the countryside enslaved by local rural despotism. What more with the coming into effect of various unjust actions like "Tokhang" or "Double Barrel", to that of a controversial anti-terror law and the formation of a "task force" against the growing left-wing movement; and all these has brought back ghosts of Ferdinand Marcos' martial law (1972-81), especially when dissent was punished and silenced by force.

From these situations it wouldn't be surprised that this may continue. Especially when there's failure to strengthen democratic and republican traditions in the country, and with elected leaders with its allies as shamelessly transgressing justice and the rule of law as it tilts balance of power all to favor those from the executive branch. 

And in the case of Duterte, his apologists even justify it by claiming "they are for human lives", that his actions as a necessary measure, that "fear" is necessary to create order, or worse, provoking threats on those who disagree with their idol's view of "justice." They would even downplay innocents killed by the order, if not sharing the same thought of Dela Rosa that "shit happens" when it comes to operations against crime. "Human Rights"? It becomes a taboo issue for them if not claiming it as "coddling rebels and drug addicts" alike.
And to claim they're for human lives? Bullshit!  Even Duterte himself orders Dela Rosa to blame him for the drug war that caused both innocent and those falsely accused. Will people just accept it? Unless that person is a remorseless fanatic, expect the concerned seriously disagree that kind of narrative the administration is peddling to the folk. 

To cut this thought short, regardless of what apologists may insist, the ghosts of his victims continue to haunt him and even his camarilla. Not surprising especially that as calls for investigations resonate, Duterte's silence over the issue is itself an acquiescence of ICC's Bensouda's urging guised as self-denial if not remorseless over his actions. And since that the country has a "functioning judicial system and a vibrant democracy", then ask those who were imprisoned or killed due to false charges brought by some overzealous policemen claiming to be "for order and the rule of law" even it becomes contrary to it; what more of the arrests led by some judge who issues warrants simply because they are "subversives" in the eyes of the present administration and thus requires some basis to justify it no matter it is trumped-up nor its evidences as planted to justify further. 

***

Pardon if the title tends to be of a ghoulish nature, but for those victims of extrajudicial killings, of collateral damages, of falsely accused, and being planted by some "evidences", such actions created ghosts that haunts a regime that uses "justice" in its distorted form for their own interests.