"Let them rejoice after claiming they've won"

"Let them rejoice after claiming they've won"

(Or "All after the recent election")

Let them rejoice after claiming they've won

Yet the flames of struggle will never gone

Let them rejoice, as they slander, heckle

But this doesn't stop the voice of a concerned people

Yes, the silence doesn't mean acceptance and satisfaction

As hearts been broken yet this doesn't stop action

For as long as we say "hello" this cherished nation lives

But beyond saying "hello" a nation's honour relieves

In reading their posts yes it is worth disgrace

Despite their "success" their character debase

They tried to be that of a "nation" but theirs driven by delusion

As their leaders and their circle selling patrimony like any other possession

Never believe my folk that this nation is alone

For we've been together for generations and is quite known

For as long as we say "hello" this cherished nation lives

But beyond saying "hello" a nation's honour relieves

But if the banner so cherished has been soiled away

Like our hopes, aspirations end theirs be downplay

How nice their call for unity when in fact we hear heckle

From the voices of those foolish beings like rattles

How glad at first appearing to be patriotic

Despite fact that they're misled by someone that's pathetic

With this one would wonder another six years of infamy

As threats and delusions, together branded as "unity"

For six years of delusion adding six years of repression

Altogether twelve years of disorder, corruption

Pretending there's development just to hid degradation

As interest seekers enjoying that soiled "satisfaction"

They'll talk about roads bridges, pretentious conveniences

Trying to hide the truth that's full of inconveniences

If not claiming their "victory" as if destiny

Will that society called "new" a renewed impunity?

Expect rephrased terms yet same intentions

If not old personages with same illusions

Claiming change as they consistently spew

Every old thought rephrased as new

Expect bankers offering exorbitant loans

Only to and carried by taxpayers what a painful groan

While papers and newsreels like angels sing

Praising fools whose messages appear enticing

If not seeing the continuity that is, stained red

Brought by thugs in uniform beating the concerned till bled

While pretending they're bringing hope and peace

When in fact they want those words ripped into pieces

They treated everything as if games to play

While the poor, oppressed be like Judgement day

Until when they will give up those pretensions?

And instead face the actually existing ostracisation?

If they're glad in their oppression then so be it

Expect a million actions, protests, different songs and beat

Altogether drowning their delusions of "unity" as in fact meant submission

To that of their beloved tyrant and its false impression

We will wash thy sacred banner with our tears

As our actions, together shatter the atmosphere of fear

For as long as we say "hello" this cherished nation lives

But beyond saying "hello" a nation's honour relieves!

"Vivere Pericoloso" indeed.

"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!

***

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.”

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.

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.

*** 

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.

 

The demand for accountability than "moving on" after elections

The demand for accountability and fairness
than simply "moving on" after elections

from Bishop Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" David 

With all due respect to those who are saying, "Let's move on..."--moving on doesn't mean shutting down those who are asking for answers from the authorities about the following:

- all their questionable behavior before, during, and after the elections

- the garapalan* vote-buying graphically recorded on cam

- the illegal campaigning

- the suspicious surveys that went beyond the prescribed period

- the breakdown of so many VCMs

- VCMs rejecting ballots

- the corrupted SD cards

- the no-issuance of receipts

- the long delays in the voting precincts and the suggestions to leave their ballots behind

- the no-extension of voting hours, which may have disenfranchised many voters

- the speed with which the ballots were counted despite all these problems 

- the Lanao incident where intruders barged in and destroyed machines and ballots - whatever happened to that?

- the troll farms that delivered for the supposedly "winning" candidate and the fathomless supply of money that was paid them

Comelec had an FB page where you could report voting problems but they didn't even bother answering any questions (last I looked), so was that just for panakip butas?**

For those who support Leni, go ahead and move on if you want to but please make room for those who want to stay put and keep asking questions because both groups can serve a purpose. Leni herself said to "Continue to stand and fight for the truth." She also said, "...we have a lot to fight for. So do not give up. Let the communities stay active." Yes, there are many things to fight for and there are also many ways to fight this many-faceted evil. Quietly building upon Leni's successes is one way--please do so, because we need that! And continuing to loudly and openly seek for the truth is another way; and we need that, too! We need to support each other with our prayers.

For those on the other side who wish for us to move on, this will never completely happen for as long as the issues above remain unanswered and swept under the rug. And the biggest questions that need to be answered are for Marcos Jr. to answer and I hope not a day goes by that people will not remind him that he owes the nation some answers; that not a day goes by that people won't remind him he needs to account for his family's past. And if he should use the full force of his gov't to shut down those who will question him, then it will only prove to everyone that he truly only ran for president to shield his family from accountability.

Lastly, I truly pity him. By winning dirty, he has only upped the ante with God, as if daring God to fight him. I pity this man who has no fear of God in him; who thinks he has won the war against accountability; who thinks he will live forever and that there is no day of reckoning before the Almighty. By winning dirty, he has only sank deeper into Satan's clutches and has only added more sins to his already monumental pile of unrepented sins. Where does he think he will end up? Does he even think about it? He's not young anymore. Can he grasp the impending reality of spending an eternity in Satan's foul presence? Can you?

*Flagrant in Filipino

**literally means "covering holes" 

Thoughts on the recent 2022 election results (and how concerned folks disagreed in it)

Thoughts on the recent 2022 election results
(and how concerned folks disagreed in it)

Contrary to the official statements from government sources, it seems that the "peaceful" and "orderly" elections are tainted by scandals. For as the Marcos-Duterte duo, in collusion with those from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), are manipulating the 2022 elections right before the people. 

As shown by recent reports, of malfunctioned machines to that of vote buying sprees, this bullshitry brought by the duo is being carried out brazenly and supported by its apologists to justify the return of the Marcoses to power. 

However, such bullshitries ain't accepted by many. Except for a few who chose to concede, people demand for the truth. The almost nightly mass demonstrations across the country showed that Filipinos demand transparency for the elections, if not expressing how their bet, that of Leni Robredo and Kiko Pangilinan are the real winners of the election. 

Especially after the recent junking of the remaining disqualification charges by the COMELEC, the great number of people further expressed outrage, that along with thousands of malfunctioned voting machines, vote buying incidents, preshaded ballots, to that of harassing people, the biggest steal, Thus, a great number of people are justified in their outrage against the Comelec over the thousands of malfunctioned vote counting machines. The bigger steal, however, was carried out by the Duterte-appointed Comelec preprogramming of the Smartmatic vote counting machines that shaved and padded votes in favor of that Marcos-Duterte 'uniteam'.

Such bullshitries ain't a proof of peaceful and orderly elections. With Duterte appointees in the COMELEC, Dennis Uy for  logistics, or even Imee Marcos as chairwoman of "Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms", isn't it undeniable such first impression that an opportunity to turn votes into their favour may happen? What more that since votes are automated chances of manipulation courtesy of some programmers may happen till enough to appear that Marcos won by a "wide margin" with apologists claiming it to be a "landslide victory" over their detested Robredo!

But will the folk just accept that preprogrammed victory? Nope. As shown by recent events, the Filipino folk have enough of tyranny from its policies and actions alike. Of course, apologists would cry populist alibis like "fighting against the dreaded oligarchs" that supported Robredo, or demanding a "revolutionary government" this time under Marcos, in some comments in social media sites like Facebook there are those who wished for Martial Law to happen, if not blaming the "pink crowd" for their arrogance and "toxicity"; but the broad masses of workers, peasants, unemployed, small professionals alike are all fed up with corruption, half-baked promises, empty rhetoric, overspending on police and the military, extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests, abductions, torture, uncontrolled government borrowing, increasingly burdensome taxes, low wages, unemployment, rising prices and economic crisis due to neoliberal policies.

On the other hand, there are those from the middle class who tend to blame on "the masses" for "voting a thief", of arrogantly asking why do they vote for Marcos, and yet failing to urge the same masses to vote for a better candidate other than him. 

But despite this fiasco those who are truly concerned about the country cannot yield to their delusion of “unity” with those of the corrupt and the despot. Yes, the urge for unity is urgent, but to be led by a coterie of corrupt and despotic men seems to spoil the hopes and aspirations especially that of the common folk. For sure last Saturday the atmosphere of unity in Makati did truly resonate not because of the free food, songs, artists involved, or the fame brought by Robredo and her team; but that of the folk themselves had enough of the bullshitry caused by the regime’s half baked promises, corrupt practises, and various forms of oppression and injustice. Sometimes yours truly wonder: how could those from the other side of the fence chose to heed Bongbong Marcos’s rambling? Or by accepting the social divide with one group staying together in an air conditioned tent, enjoying sumptuous buffet while the rest wanting to go home after given crumbs? Wouldn’t be surprised if they will cling to their idol right or wrong- especially that they gain some bucks at the expense of principles. To be honest this election means a renewed, intensified resistance. Especially with the fact that the president on the first place represents the order that person meant to defend, no matter how rotten it is. And through the years, by seeing the Marcoses rehabilitated both politically and economically, includes distorting information, glorifying their "legacy" as the country's "golden days" despite tarnished by injustice and indebtedness. They tried to remove the fact that the Marcoses have evaded punishment despite conviction over a number of cases accusing them of corruption and human rights violations, only to be defended by Duterte who himself admitting he's admiring the late tyrant.

Perhaps, right was Malcolm X that struggle is by “any means necessarily”. Until when people just accept the totality of the ballot when same corrupt, despotic men will rule?

"Hopefully, that even ain't 'one last time'"

"Hopefully, that even ain't 'one last time'"

(Thoughts after the recent miting de Avance in Makati City)

Source: Manila Bulletin

Need not to explain further, but that Saturday's event is somehow more than just promoting a presidential candidate, but rather a time for at least to enjoy ”one last time”.

For as rumors of another pandemic lockdown been overheard some weeks ago, this writer, in seeing those events including that in Makati would say that the people’s aspirations, desires, and creativities been out and out shown in response to Leni Robredo’s promise of hope as a presidentiable.

That from seeing pink banners to that of participants themselves chanting and singing songs, the concert-like atmosphere is both protest and fiesta, maybe because of the majority having a long overdue of wanting to attend supposed events, that of December's Paskuhan in the University of Santo Tomas, if not the Lantern Parade or the week long February fair in the University of the Philippines. Sorry for the thought but since during the pandemic-marred years these events were stopped altogether making frivolities either restricted or just simply not celebrated.
But since the government did least trying to provide some “semblance of normalcy” for the coming elections, it is not surprising that wave after wave of actions been shown just to express opposition to the current regime not just to rally behind the person who promised to fulfill their hopes such as Leni Robredo. Yes, wave after wave of actions that despite spited by trolls and government apologists shows a growing mass of people having enough of half-baked solutions, of institutional gaslighting, including that of shallow “unity” that’s being expressed by the other side. Other “opposition” candidates did even joined in that spiting, cussing Robredo for the people adored her so much with all her immediate actions and the like. Isn't it that amazing? From this no wonder the one whom they dismissed all for goddamned sakes remained stronger than ever- all thanks to the people who had enough of those bullshitry. 

Why did this writer express this? For from those actions shows no matter how fiesta-like with all the music and art, are all intertwined with expressions of anger, despair, and a yearning for change- and this can become a wave that can topple the order and its soiled desires. It did happen at 86, as well as in 01, and therefore the order is trying "best" to control the situation by any means. It did even counter theirs with their concerts, or even wall paintings just to prove "they have the artist-supporters", and yet to be honest has no community spirit that's been shown by these pink-clad crowds they criticised.

But despite threats that trying to overshadow this atmosphere, this writer hopes that the event is not meant to be “one last time” before windows and doors again closed down "in the name of community quarantine" or whatsoever just to justify their brand of "order", but of a start when everyone has the right to go out safely into their jobs, businesses, all to a renewed, improved life.

"Still, there's a world to win."

"Still, there's a world to win."

(A message for the International Worker's Day)

by Kat Ulrike

Warm, Patriotic greetings.

This note greets the labouring folk in commemorating the First of May, the International Worker's Day. From this occasion shows that amidst this continuing crisis and worsening forms of exploitation that the labouring people will rise and resist against oppression all across the world.

By looking back and be inspired by the history of working class resistance, that from these people, the so-called "sons of sweat", "sons of toil", all being called as "makers of history" has showed numerous contributions, endured hardships, and spurned forms of action, all from the uprisings in Europe to the Revolutions in Asia, in a desire to free from the clutches of repression and injustice as well as establish a just society that unjust established orders feared about.

At this present time would say that the socioeconomic crisis has continue to worsen the labouring people around the world. In Sri Lanka for instance, the deepening economic crisis and its mishandling by their government has steered people widespread anger as shortages of food, fuel, and other essentials continue to worsen them. Or in Ukraine, wherein the contradiction between imperialists over spheres of influence and control created a proxy war over that disputed land.

But how about the Philippines? For due to the COVID19 pandemic like those of other countries, unemployment remains an issue even with last year's decline. That insufficient subsidies for the unemployed, along with insufficient wages, contractualisation, and repression towards workers and unions by management in connivance with state authorities remains top issues regarding the state of the country's working class- all alongside corruption, rising national debt, unjust socioeconomic policies, and a still agrarian unrest. These realities shows the truth that's way contrary to what Duterte said about: that his administration "committed to providing the people with opportunities." 

But regardless of the challenges, that the working masses have seriously and militantly expressed the need for genuine social justice even to the extent of the need to seize political power by any means. For sure apologists of the order would downplay that truth such as a growing worker's dismay and anger towards the repression and injustice brought by those assuming to be "for progress and development" or claiming to be "providing people with opportunities", but that anger brought from these blunt realities is more than just demanding a just wage, good benefits, or better workplaces; but for a desire for "another world" that's possible. And at every opportunity words like "arouse, organise, and mobilise" are to be taken seriously as to strengthen genuine unity amongst workers and other oppressed sectors in its struggle of social and national liberation. Again, the order and its apologists may find ways to downplay this as shown in social media sites, but this failed to extinguish the truth that the crisis and the repression brought by the order has brought unity to those who worked for long hours in their entire lives all for a measly pay.

For as shown by recent events, oppressed and exploited masses are rising up in defiance of their respective oppressive orders all to fight for their class interests. As Unions, Mass Organisations, and other concerned groups increasingly organised in every workplace or community, actions ranging from community pantries to that of strikes and other mass actions to demand better wage increases, just benefits, and better working conditions clearly shows that the desire for a "comfortable life for all" is not based on the paper/or half-hearted promises of the current government nor its rabid apologists. 

Again, another world is possible for the laboring people. 

The people have nothing to lose except chains, surely there will be a world to win. 

Is it really to live dangerously in a "really developing country"?

Is it really to live dangerously in a "really developing country"?

The event brought by the Duterte administration seemingly made the people rethink their initial decision. For last 2016 people heard much about his promise of change, and almost saw "unity" despite his blood-soiled record, what more of promoting "inclusive" development particularly that of his infrastructure program, free education, and even subsidies targeting the needy.

However, as months passed, these "changes" he promised turned out to be carryovers from past administrations, with rephrased terms and some further editing, all enough to say that the regime has its own program that's trying to be "distinct" than those of its predecessors. Be it "Build Build Build" or the TRAIN law, the desire for a "comfortable life for all" turns out of a continuity of what's was. 

How did this note say so? By hearing those apologists claiming about the progress, and the "justness" coming from various unpopular laws and policies makes one say no wonder why people chose to protest in the streets for they have enough of rising costs of commodities, high taxes, and a government pretending to be for the people and by the people. Some time ago, Duterte said that the TRAIN law did helped the people most, but that same TRAIN law is all but a rehashed, rephrased laws including that of VAT that still carries much burden to the side of the taxpayer. Even that "Build Build Build" program the administration boasted much is all but a continuity of past infrastructure programs including those initiated by the private sector such as San Miguel, what more that this supposed to be supported by TRAIN end depending on foreign loans same as that of his predecessors. Unsuprising for the fact that these rehashes are debt and interest driven. Of course there will be a semblance of growth as jobs created, new bridges and roads been built, but again brought by loans and of interest-seekers trying to make profits from a presidential promise. Let that example be a part of a desire to create a “comfortable life for all” even for a moment- for again as any other administration every walk of life will carry the debt that’s growing. 

Such bullshitries would think that Duterte's way of administering makes the country in a state of 'Vivere Pericoloso'. How is it? For the fact that the order clings to their view of things, people see it as a continuing past that's repressive, disenfranchising, unjust. It's more than just the debt, the extrajudicial action, the mishandling of the situation, profiteering, or the threats being babbled by the president who once spoke of "change". Everyone has to live "dangerously" even in this time various coalitions with their standard bearers trying to take Duterte's place. Of course, those who supported their "dear father Digong" will support Bongbong Marcos and Sara Duterte all because of loyalism to both two leaders "whose political will involves defying the odds"- that again will continue the majority of the folk living dangerously.
But does it mean other candidates will follow suit? Maybe save for De Guzman and probably Robredo, familiar ones would rather chose "continuity" while pretending to make some "changes". The latter of course, are just "offering crumbs" meant to satisfy people "even for a time" as they consolidate interests and upholding an ever-rotting order, that again, makes people live "dangerously". They have to "mellow Dutertism" and yet retaining the aspects of "Neo-Arroyoism" in economic matters. Of course, they would say best that the press, including social media and its comments shows how these folks having a noble right to complain about the regime including that of how people having living dangerously under Duterte or its handpicked successor(s), "It has every right to do so" as one may say, the way they condone its own ranks with their trolling, red-tagging, "alternative facts", and the likes just to defend their idol and its soiled legacy.  

But until when that condoning? With the passage of the "Anti Terrrorism Act" and the creation of the "National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict" that "condoning" becomes a time for the apologists of the order to harass people who strongly against the views of their "dear father Digong" and his policies. The law, being passed in a time people restrained in their movements due to the pandemic, has made the latter an alibi to disrupt protests, "tag" individuals, reminiscent of the "Congressional Committee on Anti-Filipino Activities" of the past, and claiming they’re defending the republic and democracy. Cannot also forget how these apologists harassed writers like Maria Ressa, wrongly arrested individuals like Dr. Natividad Castro, or killed like Chad Booc. These would say are all “in the name of order” as envisioned by Duterte, what more this may be continued under his handpicked successor if elected.

With this somehow would say that in a "really developing country" like the Philippines, people has to live dangerously. The "semifeudal-semicolonial" character, with the oligarchs, banksters, and bureaucrats all collaborating just to make things difficult for the labouring folk. They would curb the law just to maintain their interests, what more they would fool the folk by means of piecemeal "reforms" and half-hearted programs (including infrastructure and welfare programs) all meant for political patronage pretending that of "public service." 

Perhaps to be honest, there are some people from the other camp who is sensible to talk to, and at times they talk about being against the oligarchs, if not yearning for radical reforms that would trigger social changes; however, the more they look positively in their idol this makes them look they’re too tied to “continuity and order” than that of fostering real changes they envision especially in a goddamned society. Marcos once babbled against the oligarchs of old, yet, did he replaced them with his own allies while apologists claiming about nationalisation. And now with Duterte trying to mimic that of his idol, describing ABSCBN's closure as "defeating oligarchs" and the like, how come he was mum over Lucio Tan and the Ayalas? Is the "Build Build Build" program really succeed its purpose despite forcing the folk to carry further the debt brought about by the program? Did Rice Tarrification Law benefited farmers when in fact made smugglers to smuggle more rice from abroad? Was Duterte's implementation of agrarian reform law did benefited farmers in a time landlords cling to their interests like those of Lapanday/or those threatened by Villar and its Subdivision seeking spree? True that there are laws passed during this administration that did benefited all, even the subsidies did benefit despite not enough to sustain everyday needs; but the fact that the regime left this country in debt, isn't it that shameful for any public official to leave trillions of pesos in debt, what more that it is justified by claiming it is for development? Of course everyone wants a developed country- but at what cost?

For now the “legacy” the administration talks about (and observed by many) is all about debt, corruption, and repression- and this is what the next generation will inherit. What’s the point of passing a tax reform law only to found out that a big chunk of the national budget is meant to pay loans? Maybe next would be letting foreign-sounding bigwigs, as local interest-seekers alike take over utilities if not the entire economy and stop acting "being for the people altogether". That again unsurprising that while pretending inheriting a better Philippines, that the next and coming generations will inherit its own trillion dollar debt. "Vivere Periculoso" indeed, as expect bureaucrats and its groupuscle of trolls justifying two and fro their idol's "legacy" only to found that an angry folk is difficult to bring the "legacy of debt" to everyone’s graves.