Is it really to "Build" or to "Brag"?

Is it really to "Build" or to "Brag"?

(Thoughts after the government's debt-driven
infrastructure program "Build Build Build"
and the idea of “development through public works”)

I

As of this present, what the government tries to "show to everyone" is that the country is becoming a construction zone. 

Reminiscent of Greece where former Junta member Stylianos Pattakos put the first cement to an edifice, the present administration's Build Build Build program is driven by the thought that development as all about accessibility- and with making infrastructure this meant chances of providing access to markets, investments, job opportunities, even "the right to brag" as a developing nation the way Pattakos did. 

However, this kind of hell-bent development isn't entirely coming from Duterte himself nor his circle, but rather a continuity of carryovers from past administrations, all but repackaged with the same interest seekers trying to profit from it. For as Build Build Build is presented to be the foundation of Duterte administration's economic development plan "in pursuit of having a comfortable life" focusing primarily on infrastructure, is heavily dependent on debt with its projected economic gains comes at a staggering price. 

It is not surprising for knowing that the regime is really embarking in a construction spree of roads, bridges, to those of sea and air ports, expect this kind of boom be as if again ushering another "golden age" to curry both domestic and foreign investors, establishments to engage in business and of course to usher the Philippines to become a newest economic superpower in South East Asia. 

However, this program, like those from the past, is heavily dependent on debt with its projected economic gains comes at a staggering price. It is not surprising, for knowing that the regime either doesn't know the repercussions or simply shrugging it off for the sake of what they think as part of a greater program for national development- that requires borrowing billions for various projects and borrow again for another-plagued by poor planning, red tape, right-of-way issues, engineering problems and cost overruns.

Perhaps, the country's journey towards a fully developed country will remain debt-trapped even it attained gaining ground. True that the neoliberal economist Bernardo Villegas stated that it would take "light-years ahead" compared to the past administrations in terms of implementation, but at what cost as people will take for generations forcing to pay the loans, debt from various moneylending agencies and countries involved in this kind of ambition. 
And to think that there is truly a need for massive infrastructure to uplift especially farmers through farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, but at what cost? And farmer being talked about? The lowly farmer depends on the mercy of the landlord and of the moneylenders? In fact this writer remembers how these farmers wanted more than just roads, bridges, and irrigation canals, but also tractors and equipment, farm technologists, and production, not just post-harvest, production facilities to support the needs of the growing megalopolis and its well-paved, bragged roads. Also suddenly remember how Larry Henares chided Villegas for urging businesspeople to "farm" to justify his variant of development as to preserve the pastoral nature of the country that benefits commercial interests. 

But to think that orderists who suddenly talking about development is using infrastructure building enough to "brag" or to "veer" away people from the tragedies of "Tokhang" and "Double Barrel" perhaps the purpose of building such numerous infrastructures is not making jobs, accessibility, or simply "promote development"; but rather to upheld the pastoral-commercial nature of the national economy. Of course the order will also say that it will provide modernity such as infostructures, machineries, everything that mimics those of developed countries. But again, the intent is not to elevate from being pastoral-commercial simply because there is no strong industrial base other than producing consumer goods to those from the export processing zones making assembly-line products. 

From this no wonder why IBON Foundation and other concerned economists disagreed with the view brought by Duterte, Dominguez, Villar, or even Bernie Villegas. Yes, those infrastructures are indeed beneficial, but at what expense? Will it sustain or save costs? The government would have to increase its spending or resort to more loans, both of which would increase the country’s external and government debt. An external debt, is the total debt a country owes to foreign creditors such as commercial banks, foreign governments or international financial institutions. Meanwhile a government debt is when government spending exceeds government receipts. And since Villegas said it would take light-years ahead this development, then it may also take light-years to pay the national debt to various creditors. 
Yet apologists would insist all these projects under "Build Build Build" as a showcase of national development, no matter the fact that some of these are actually carryovers from past administrations only to be modified or altogether replaced by the present. Yes, find nothing wrong to admit that the program is a continuity of those from the past with blueprints being uncovered, "updated" and given relevance, what worries rather is the risks brought about by debt, corruption, and various forms of self-interest. the country's journey towards a fully developed country will remain debt-trapped even it attained gaining ground. True that the Neoliberal Bernardo Villegas stated that it would take "light-years ahead" compared to the past administrations in terms of implementation, but at what cost as people will take for generations forcing to pay the loans, debt from various moneylending agencies and countries involved in this kind of ambition. 

II

Source: The Asean post

Speaking of moneylenders,  countries like Japan and China offered funds for Duterte's grandiose infrastructure program.

Similar to the United States and the European Union with its agencies, as well as those from the Asian Development Bank and the IMF-WB, China and Japan offers cheap loans that for Duterte would say "better than the politically-laced offers" especially those brought by the European Union in the eve of extrajudicial killings. At those times, the president, in embarking in his infrastructure program is seeking for countries willing to fund projects including those that has repercussions.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last 2017 announced it would be bank rolling US$1.36 billion worth of road and bridge projects, the majority of the funds going towards reconstructing nine roads and bridges that were damaged during a 2013 earthquake. JICA is also funding three-quarters of the Metro Manila Subway with a US$5.28 billion loan. This first intercity underground railway, through the first three stations of the Metro Manila Subway is expected to be running by 2022 and all 15 stations should be fully operational by 2025.

Source: Nikkei Asian Review

On the other hand, China has provided US$398 million in grants and US$273 million worth of soft loans for the ‘Build Build Build’ program according to the Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Zhao Jianhua, in September – with another US$421 million worth of grants to be provided over the next three years.

These moneylending agencies would say that it offered Duterte a juicy deal that to him "better" than the "politically-laced" economic offers from west. But on the other hand, this also brought serious concern especially when China's promised investment bonanza has also come in quiet exchange for Duterte’s strategic acquiescence in the West Philippine Sea, where the two countries’ have competing claims with China militarizing its controlled features like in Scarborough Shoal. But for Duterte and the entire order doesn't matter the consequence of that venture especially those of China's increased interference in domestic affairs to those of seeing generations of Filipinos paying debt to China and other moneylenders.
Besides, the government once promised about funding its infrastructure projects through its "reformed" tax program, so where are the funds coming from nation's taxes leading to? Is it towards these grandiose projects? Paying debts to both China and other moneylenders? Or the same old bloodied venture through the president's Intelligence fund and bigger budgets for both Military and the Police?

III

Perhaps this program and others, regardless of numerous infrastructures built and services made, will remain same as its predecessors: trying to "promote development" that is, without any industrial, economic, or even bureaucratic capacity to embark on a really sound initiative. It doesn't matter if that initiative is short term especially those of employment; what more that the government itself knew from the beginning that their envisioned "comfortable life" needs an easy, fast, and huge funding knowing that its own funds isn't enough what more those from the private sector. 

Of course, people can expect to see positive outputs in the next few years, but how about the debt? Will it again take generations after generations of Filipinos to pay for it? Also to think that since there is a need for massive infrastructure to uplift especially those of farmers and other rural folks through farm-to-market roads, irrigation systems, and post-harvest facilities, then at what cost? Will it truly benefit the farmer or the kickback yearning bureaucrat? Again, there are bureaucrats who wanted to exploit this kind of development for their entrenched interests-and this may cost the program badly at its worst. And it is the same bureaucrat, along with the technocrat who has the same entrenched interests who prefers seeing a country rather remain agricultural, pastoral, and commercial with roads and bridges enough to say "development". In fact, what Duterte did was as same as Salazar of Portugal, trying to retain its pastoral/commercial nature of the economy and at the same time trying to make it attractive to foreign investment.

And since Duterte also did promised to stamp out corruption and promote efficiency of his promised programs and projects, the very same entrenched interests, be it bureaucrat or even the technocrat continue to do wrecking enough to slow down the progress of their works; and despite this assurance to the folk, then how come these same interest seekers such as those behind recent scandal over the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and other agencies in the government continues to persist? Wouldn't be surprised if  that same corruption also affects other socioeconomic programs under Duterte himself aside from "Build Build Build".

***

To cut this thought short, the desire to become a developed country isn't just having world class infrastructure, education system, nor good governance; but also the capability to go beyond dependency by harnessing brain and brawn for socioeconomic independence; hence, the need for rural empowerment, industrialisation, and a sound policy on the accessibility of social services as necessary.

"Is it really for them?"

Why the need for rural empowerment? Why industrialisation? One cannot return to the province without an empowered countryside. The order may brag much about new roads, bridges, and facilities enough to say "empowered" but for the peasant, they demand land to till and support for their agricultural and social needs and their families, education for their children, electrification and better communications network for their communities, to those removing the wage boards that caused unfair wages in factories and to address concerns of the workers especially those of wages and working conditions; these other than the roads, bridges, and facilities that the order tend to brag than a means to support these downtrodden folks; and since the order spoke about "urging" citydwellers to return to countryside, at first, why not empower the countryside first before talking about returning especially those of removing the wage boards that brought unfair wages? Why not heed first the basic needs of these rural folks and those from the city in making a countryside that's empowered and developed other than roads and bridges to the markets? Why not as well industrialise the countryside to support efforts in self-reliance  and maximise its productive capabilities?
Or does these bureaucrats, being "landed" by nature and are feigning concern have that kind of disdain for developing the countryside for it "disrupts" order especially those coming from entrenched entities? Yes, there may be well-paved roads, bridges, or granaries, yet so long as the countryside remains at the hands of these entrenched entities cannot make a rural community, the countryside truly developed. And with this would say it is not surprising that the "development" bragged about by the order is more of preserving the same pastoral/agricultural setting that benefits the city than those of truly expanding what perceived as progress, if not using these roads and bridges to expand further age-old exploitation such as those of resource extraction and cheap labor for a pittance. 

"A 'new normal' based on fear? Never!"

"A 'new normal' based on fear? Never!"

Today is the 48th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law in the Philippines. Known as the start of the 14-year dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos, this commemoration marks the day with a vow from the Filipino people to "never again" from the atrocities brought about by that "new society" and to do an outmost prevent a return to that dark days of martial rule. 

And this also echoes stronger as the Filipino people also faced another tyrant so cruel, this time under Rodrigo Duterte. 

For with this regime trying to create a new normal that's based on repression, it is unsurprising that the order is again trying to draw example from the Marcos dictatorship especially in wanting to silence those who oppose their moves and by doing anything to cling to power. With the same ploy of appointing former military officials to civilian positions, as well as by increasing budgets to both police and in the armed forces, it seems that as in the past, this order as wanting to perpetuate power, aggrandise greater wealth all at the expense of the working folk. Of seeing gross abuses of human rights, unbridled corruption, cronyism, subservience to foreign interests, burdensome debt, and an ever prevailing economic crisis, this tramples the supposed "change" that's parroted by the administration.

Also from this note pays tribute to those who fought and died for freedom, democracy, and justice. Tens and thousands suffered detention and torture, if not abducted, summarily executed, or disappeared all because of a belief in national liberation, people's democracy, and in social justice. Their sacrifices did nurture the nation's resistance because of this, and hope with their contributions, both fallen and survived, to draw inspiration for the coming generations that no tyrant can ever tread on those who truly love independence, freedom, and justice. Especially in this time of growing repression and tyranny Duterte has trying to manifest. 

At present, this regime is becoming worse especially in this time of pandemic. With thoughts of having a new normal based on their idealised order of "iron fist", the regime extended for another year this state of emergency, if not still toying with martial rule as the administration threatens those who oppose its soiled moves with further repression. It is the same "new normal" with more loans for its grandiose programs, while shunning those who demand for subsidies and support for their return to workplaces. It is also the same "new normal" with thoughts of silencing the opposition, like in the case of the closure of ABS CBN by removing its right to broadcast in radio and in television. This regime still respects unequal agreements be it from the United States and China, and that by freeing the convicted Pemberton and the still-control of China over the disputed isles in the West Philippine Sea this "new normal" has mocked the people over.
It is not surprising this kind of antic the system has done to its people. That while feigning they are for democracy, freedom, and development they want to restrain each and every Filipino with their view of order that tramples people's rights and freedoms. With or without this pandemic would say that Duterte is having an itchy hand to pursue that kind of direction while his supporters fanatically yearning for their idol's bloodied venture. Like Marcos would say that Duterte is trying to embark on development, but that development comes with a price-either of blood or passing debt from one generation after another, while hearing the government claiming there's "progress" in its kind of order. 

However, regardless of their statements a concerned would say that tyrants will always be tyrants. And with this kind of setting would say that calls for removing the tyrant has gone aloud despite the imposed restrictions. That rallies such as in UP Diliman did kept the flame alive no matter authorities trying to threaten them with arrests and truncheons. And since people suffer more amidst this pandemic and socio-economic crisis, it is unsurprising that various forms of protests occur, with the will to make the necessary sacrifices to resist against tyranny and to assert the necessary changes in the society. Let no pandemic nor tyranny can block the way in attaining peace, justice, and freedom in the country.

"Thoughts after a growing Capitalist Dictablanda"

"Thoughts after a growing Capitalist Dictablanda"

As time goes by, today's capitalism has turned "democratic" societies into a dictablanda. 

For if to analyse the nature of capitalism one would say that it becomes totalitarian contrary to its "liberal" nature, that, despite pretending there is freedom and choice, capitalism reveals itself to be illiberal and totalitarian in its nature. 

As in the past, Capitalism prescribes its ideology: Individualism, "liberal" democracy/apolitical centrism, market-based orderism, consumerism, and the likes as something mandatory to every country, and supporting organisations especially the International Monetary Fund/World Bank and the World Trade Organisation imposes policies and agreements that consolidates further the primacy of finance capital especially in underdeveloped and developed countries. In most cases, Economic and Political violence, even Moral and Institutional Violence has increased under capitalism, be it in the global city to those of the global countryside. 

It is not surprising, for to think that capitalism has used both "freedom" through consumerism and "order" through imperialism and the "police state" to sustain its survival, today's society has becoming similar to those of 1984, Brace new World, Hunger Games, and V for Vendetta. 

But despite this, will people remain contented in that kind of dictablanda? That dictablanda of course provided some semblance of civil rights so long as it is accepted by the order, even a semblance of "social welfare and development" as shown by mass housing projects, conditional cash transfer, some subsidies for the effected employees, everything "meant to ensure" as one may say; but expect the right to speech, press, assembly as to be "intervened" and on some cases, "replied" no matter it exposes and asserts the truth as gathered from facts. That kind of dictablanda has been shown during the past especially during the height of Marcos administration where unpotemkin dissidence was ruthlessly punished which includes the "Arrest, Search, and Seizure Order" and the "Presidential Committment Order" that acts as a "Lettres de Cachet" from the chief executive giving license to arrest those who dissent against the regime. Even the "Calibrated Preemptive Response" of the Arroyo administration also expressed the same actions as such as protest actions were punished badly by the attack dogs of the order.

And this time, under Duterte would say that the regime that's still toying with dictatorship is trying to curry support from both local oligarchs and multinationals alike, promising development in exchange for his version of order. Recently the European Union pushed for trade sanctions due to human rights violations brought about by the regime; but Duterte's hardheadedness would say that he and his administration is unfazed by EU's response to his policy while his allies cried about "sovereignty" if not the sudden concern about "globalism". If one may ask, since these Filipinos talked about sovereignty, then how come they can't think about standing up for themselves and instead contented in their Dutertopia and apathy? Perhaps, right to hear that political, moral, and institutional violence has increased under this semifeudal/semicolonial setting.
And to think that they had that sudden concern about "globalism" then why are they optimistic about globalisation and neoliberalism? "Free markets leads to free people" as one may say regardless of its unfairness to the underdeveloped and developing countries especially those of negating the will to be economically independent from multinational moneylenders and exploiters alike. If Duterte's fanatics afforded to unfazed on EU's statements, or even those from the United States, then why mum about China? Because China is a growing economic giant? That Duterte is a "socialist" opposing globalist interests? Don't think so- for as far as a concerned person knows that the regime is as same as its predecessors: sworn to upheld the same old order while throwing crumbs to the people especially those yearning for some petty hopes. This semifeudal/semicolonial setting would say that it has also coopted the characteristics of an authoritarian capitalist "dictablandic" nature, all for feudal ends. 

And all because of these sorts of repressions, then wouldn't be surprised that popular resistance has becoming beyond the limits. If anticommunists tend to see communism as "dystopia" and theirs as "utopia", then that capitalism being praised for its "future" filled with future technologies is all about transforming into a surveillance state as envisioned by modern-day dictatorships in connivance with multinationals seeking for exploitation in the name of capitalist efficiency. The fact that capitalism is totalitarian reveals itself when there is no more competing illiberal form of "democracy" brought about by capitalism. Whereas apologists of capitalism talks about freedom as if those from the French revolution? Nope, most likely the freedom they enjoyed during the era of trusts and the desires of nightwatchman statism. And it is not surprised that the totalitarian essence of capitalism be fully grasped - when there is no more comparison with illiberal forms.

Outright destruction, Façadism, and an ever yearning for preserving old Manila

Outright destruction, Façadism, 
and an ever yearning for preserving old Manila

The recent pseudo-developments in Manila is seemingly ranging from mocking heritage through façadism to those of compromised promises to revive the city's cherished identity.

For in the past few weeks, people saw this kind of trend such as destruction of various historic buildings-of those sanctioned by the very institutions meant to uphold RA 10066. And from these same authorities would even add salt to the wound by insisting "consolation to the loss" by letting a facade retain while the rest as demolished "to be with a totally new structure." To some would say it is a necessary compromise, despite the fact that it mocked heritage as these skins in fact trying to drap actually monstrous structures and claiming there is some continuity in it, enough as a "token to the past".

Be it Juan Nakpil's Capitol Theatre of calle Escolta or the Gibbs building  in Dasmarinas of William James Odom, these prewar buildings are in itself witnesses to the development that was happening in Manila. 

And in speaking of Gibbs building, these was distinguished by concrete window awnings and facade pilasters with Ionic capitals all made of reinforced concrete as it replaced old masonry techniques in the early 20th century. And this was along with Kneedler Building in Santa Cruz; the Masonic Temple, Gaches (Natividad) Building, and the old Heacock Building in Escolta; as well as the Insular Life Building in Plaza Cervantes. These reinforced concrete structures were all designed by Odom and highlighted as edifices of modern Philippines. 

But despite this kind of prewar beauty these doesn't escape the threat of being gutted by interests. Developers, especially who wanted to accommodate clients especially those from mainland China, would say that "Manila is the premier place for real estate" and thus wanting to remove old structures to and fro and claiming that "development is in full swing." And to think that regardless of a growing trend of reviving old buildings and making it relevant in this changing setting, these developers rather feigning concern if not obviously doesn't matter about heritage; and to make compromise with the community such as those of façadism is but feigning that they care about heritage when in fact wanted to give way for a high-rise condominium for their moneyed clients.

Its demolition was once halted in 2017 pending consultation with the cultural agencies, but these scrupulous developers rather eager to destroy as the wrecking ball had since permanently made its mark in gutting the building inside leaving an empty shell and an aspect of the city’s history into dust.

Quite worrisome isn't it? For sure one would remember what happened to the Admiral and Angela apartments, to those of old houses near San Sebastian end demolished for some accommodation And to think that those who preach about that goddamn development will treat it as any other optimistic delusion of seeing high-rise structures over the world's densely-populated city instead of promoting real and sound development in the countryside. 

And to think that these demolished structures also coincide with the "promise" of reviving Manila such as those from the underpass would say what is Mayor Francisco Domagoso doing? For sure he promised about reviving and preserving Manila's heritage; but silent in regards to the these threats and demolitions of prewar structures? Perhaps, since there are "trying to be concerned" developers are tinkering with façadism over these heritage buildings as a compromise between demolition and heritage conservation, it may take a matter of time as these remaining walls as still be retained amidst the modern high-rise construction, otherwise, to see these same property developers decide on their eventual demolition and irreversible removal from the city’s physical landscape and urban memory, with people thinking it as "come and go".

But for the concerned would say that neither façadism nor outright demolition for the sake of high-rise delusion will improve Manila's image. This is not an appeal to nostalgia tho, but more like the need for a sound planning the way those who wished to revive Escolta as a vibrant yet rooted district wanted as such. 

"Two poems for August"

"Two poems for August"

"With Pickaxe and Rifle"
(Inspired from the Albanian song with the same title)

Through the hills, ricefields, towns, and cities
The struggle renewed us, awaken
For the homeland like a spring flower
Blooms more beautiful by the day
Foes greedy and cruel in their nature
Trying to hinder our direction
But the folk will fight till they're no more
And freedom will bloom once again

chorus
A pickaxe in one hand will build our nation
A rifle in other will serve to defend
Together in step forward to serve the motherland
Taking back the future, freedom is at hand

Children singing songs like nightingales
With words full of love, hope, and peace
And growing up like lilies, smiling
For their loved ones gave love and joy
And if ever our foes whose envy
Wants to erase this joy forever
The folk will beat them fire to fire
And freedom will bloom once again

As we together build the nation,
Our legs and arms hurrying forward
Striving to increase our production
Showing to the world what is ours
We'll water the fields with our efforts
We'll forge the future with our hopes
We strive, learn strongly to transform
A nation that deserves to be free

"That crazy want to kill my nation"

That crazy want to kill my nation

Day after day promising yet corrupting

Now he is betraying while the homeland is down

While here at the corner I no longer thinking

Dreaming of seeing my homeland under him rising

Seeing edifices of glass and steel

Of roads and bridges of stone and concrete

Carryovers from past, so much to brag it on

When in fact trying hide "so strong"

The shantytown and the barren field gone wrong?

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

God! Those crazies want to kill my nation

Like their leader promising yet corrupting

Thinking about the carryovers to brag when doing nothing

And with the pandemic while assuming they're concerning

Like their leader while the homeland is down they're betraying

Seeing wonders of contemporary modernity

Various forms from science and technology

Even in past continuing, so much to brag it on

When in fact trying hide "so strong"

The feudal order that's gone wrong?

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Fools! Those crazies want to kill my nation

day after day they're promising yet corrupting

Like their leader betraying while the homeland is down

While here at the corner I'd rather thinking

Dreaming of fighting back my homeland from them corrupting

A homeland sold by the river, and a nation send to the dogs

All for pieces of silver by that self-interested horde

They dreamed of "peace" and "progress" while sowing chaos

To those who dare to oppose, those victims of the order ages old

Wouldn't surprised to see actions from those who end sold

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

Who would not come with a gun in hand?

To break free, fight back the land

When he and his minions killing chickens and scaring monkeys (and calling it as "change" and "hope")

When he and his minions killing chickens and scaring monkeys

(and calling it as "change" and "hope")

Or "Thoughts after Duterte's brand of order 

from Tokhang to this Pandemic
through the news and their statements" 

Initially, most people accepted Duterte. For despite his flaws and controversies, one would seem that this man of action is willing to be more than just "attacking the yellows" but also to steer the country to its greater heights, of promoting development, of cultivating national awareness, and the likes that would say breaking the country from its cycle of dependency both from domestic oligarchs and foreign overlords.

However, as weeks and months passed, his promises were turned out to be empty rhetoric while some of his actions as carryovers from the past. This person would say that time and again Duterte is on the first place, sworn to upheld and protect an order people would detest with; no matter how he make "compromises" with the folks who happened to be "promised" to have some semblance of change. Those times would also say that the administration "tries" to be "one with the people" with Mariano, Taguiwalo, Lopez, Ridon, Maza, and others concerned as trying to make a difference.
But, that "difference" was cut off by the interest-seekers also within that administration. That in a time when people got a savour of hope that same administration was also behind those string of killings be it war on drugs or land disputes. And Duterte, the man who promised hope and change, end choosing those who upheld their interests and contented in continuing the carryovers no matter how "controversial" would it be. And his supporters simply accepted the way things are despite thinking that their idol can still bring those changes without those who truly matter: Lopez, Taguiwalo, Mariano, Ridon, and Maza end sidelined and booted out afterwards, and from their places are those of former generals with Duterte himself justifying as "because they obey what he wants."

But for the sake of fairness, those carryovers somehow tries to prove that the country is steering towards development no matter the fact that the ones who benefited are not the folk but the interest-seekers, if not intended to outweigh the controversies that darkens the administration's image. Like Hitler who one would say was behind the Autobahn and the Volkswagen Beetle yet also behind the Holocaust, Duterte's "Build Build Build" and the Mobile Kitchen for hungry kids is the same Duterte who is behind  Operations "Tokhang" and "Double Barrel." 

And the fact that these could only govern by the permission of the landed gentries and the military, these semblance of development, regardless of its achievement has rather led to a huge income disparity between the haves and the have-nots in the country. With this, somehow the idea of "change" turns out to be a half-baked rhetoric brought by a ruler whose "action-oriented" politics meant consolidating further interests in the guise of realising people's hopes. Even those who are concerned about their country would say realised how they are fooled by that ruler who once promised land for the landless, houses for the homeless, sovereignty for the nation, empowerment for its people.

What more in these past weeks where people's expression is those of concern.

***

Speaking of concern, this COVID19 pandemic would say has become a challenge for the country under Duterte.

Basing from articles involving the way the Duterte administration treats this pandemic sitation, one would say that the administration thinks much about interests even at the expense of people's health. The initial reluctance to impose travel restrictions from those coming from China, the failure to control pandemic using medical means and instead by military/police antics, the enforced "lockdowns" to control movements from the opposition (including the closure of ABS CBN and the passage of the AntiTerrorism Act), and even the recent killings of those who strongly against Duterte in a time of pandemic has shown something that's simply a case of killing chickens to scare the monkeys.

Why is it that case? For an orderist like Duterte, using the pandemic as a chance to create a "new normal" based on restricting movement. Like "Operation Tokhang" and "Double Barrel", he sees something to provoke fear and in fear meant putting people in order. That he makes an example out of something or someone in order to threaten others be it the intensified anti-drug operations, the passage of the anti-terror act, or the closure of ABS CBN even in the middle of the pandemic in order to scare the rest into submission; that he doesn't care calls from human rights groups or the opposition, or worse, seeing the pandemic in itself as an opportunity to push through his agenda- that by imposing lockdowns, mobilising his police and military, to those of his treatment of the entire situation as a "peace and order" issue, this meant to provoke people into a state of fear, making way to a normalcy that's according to the president's whim.

For his supporters would say that "it's better to be feared than being loved" in a manner of Machiavelli, that "to keep is no benefit and to lose is no loss" in a manner of Pol Pot, and his treatment of the pandemic, is as same as his other controversial programs- more like a catharsis to remove their perceived undesirable from their "perfect society". It also doesn't matter for them that the regime they lived and loved is itself a vassal of both Americans and the Chinese, for "it is none of their business" no matter these bigwigs has done to its vassal be it its trade agreements, multinational companies, to those of the disputed islands in the West Philippine Sea- yet they're the ones who once appalled by that goddamn leader's "sense of patriotism" after promising will put the flag after riding a Jetski towards Scarborough Shoal.

But despite their "dream" of total order the more those who really expressed concern about the order these fanatics and their idol wanted upon.

***

As a writer, such concern about this pandemic situation is becoming more than just seeing the news and making an analysis. In a time when the order trying to use a situation using a silent enemy people seemingly not just thinking about their health and well-being, but also those of others and their society- especially when the very order who promised about ensuring the folk its well-being is actually using the entire situation as a means such as to silence dissent.

Pardon for the thought, but in seeing people becoming concerned on these issues then these issues affecting entirely their lives and communities outweighs the projects of various sorts the order has bragged about. Come to think of this, which is important: the aerotropolis in Bulacan or the much needed hospitals and schools? The skyscrapers to be built in Makati and Bonifacio Global City or the much needed mass housing structures similar to the flats of Hong Kong and Singapore? Of course the system will say "these are included in the Build Build Build program" only to find out these as empty promises if not getting corrupted by those in self-interest. Some even left empty, deteriorating, and if "squatted", why the hate when these occupiers occupy a neglected project? Who is to blame: the homeless or the ones who promised houses for the poor only to be neglected afterwards?
For sure their supporters would disagree such harsh criticisms and insist about people's concerns in the programs of the administration. That schools, houses, hospitals are side by side with toll-paying roads, airports in once-ricefields, and others to be bragged by the order to its subjects.  But worse, that by seeing people's concerns gone into thin air by the corrupted, then fuck! Will people believe in the promises of the administration? Again, the carryovers from the past were supposed to be to continue development, but turned to be meant to brag over by one administration after the other while the people remained "as-it-is."

Again, in this time of pandemic, or rather say with or without this pandemic and regardless of who is the leader be it from Duterte or the traditional opposition, the people are increasingly becoming concerned and in need of solidarity. And if getting concerned also means to investigate further from facts and offer down to earth alternatives-

 Then this includes thinking beyond the imposed parameters.

Is it really "revolutionary"? Or CounterReactionary?

 Is it really "revolutionary"? Or CounterReactionary?

It turns out to be a yearning for a palace coup those who wished for a "revolutionary government" with Duterte as its leader.

Ranging from comments in social media to those of actions brought about by Duterte's supporters, the idea of a "revolutionary" government is seemingly presented as a panacea to various social ills, of having Duterte prolong its term to steer further their perception of development-even it meant sacrificing their civil rights for a pittance. 

The zealots, especially those describing themselves as the “Mayor Rodrigo Roa Duterte National Executive Coordinating Committee” as rather disguise their agenda by calling their proposal a “revolutionary government” to confuse the people. By claiming that theirs as "revolutionaries", complete with manifestoes and at sometimes mobilisations, would say trying to appear themselves as "radicals" within the government, and at times mimicking their really-radical adversaries with the same sentiment of advocating changes-but sans the militancy. 

But the question is, what makes them revolutionary? Is it by simply removing the oligarchs? leveling the playing field? Social justice and at the same time obeisance to rule of law?

Such sentiment of theirs echoes the language of Marcos with his "democratic revolution from the center" and their actions as "revolt of the poor." Especially when the once-radicals-turned-orderists (like Nilo Tayag who supported both Marcos and Duterte) has even willing to create a radical image of Duterte by despicably appropriate for the regime the language of change and reform when in fact all but to conceal the obvious aim of consolidating interests and to preserve the ever-prevailing order under their idol.

And to think that despite their written and vocal sentiments, of "removing oligarchs and of the corrupt" if not "that Duterte is currently deprived of the “necessary powers” he needs in order to fulfill his campaign promises", there is absolutely nothing "revolutionary" but instead employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the folk. 

As far as this person knows that a revolution But, despite their actions, there is absolutely nothing "revolutionary" but instead employing the tired old tactic of demagoguery used by Duterte to misrepresent the interests of the people. For sure one would remember how most of Duterte's diehard supporters aren't there to support their idol let alone for a free porridge and cash.

But obviously, this "revolutionary" sentiment of theirs boils down to their hatred against the opposition. And since they wanted a change in the charter and preempt the possible need for constitutional succession, or an outright declaration of martial law, again, does not foster "change" let alone a delusion. Wouldn't be surprised if amongst these fanatics wanted an incident similar to the Reichstag or the Gestapu of Soeharto and claiming there's a "revolution" initiated by the government. 

To call it "revolutionary" is nothing but using the word with a quote-unquote. But to be led by an orderist and supported by those sworn to upheld the order while playing themselves as willing to accomodate the people? Then it's nothing but a counterreaction to an existing reaction- especially in the face of its incompetence and bungled response to today's Covid-19 pandemic and other existing socioeconomic problems gone aggravated.