We want to hear solutions, not persecution
By Willie Galang
Published 25 July 2010, 23:25 • Tweet
© Reuters
In a few hours from now, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III, will deliver his first ever State of the Nation Address (SONA) before Congress and the Filipino people. Noynoy, as he is referred to by everyone here, vowed recently that he’ll deliver a “shocking” SONA, a statement which raised some concerns from some that his address will be nothing but a full-force bashing of the previous administration, a strategy that worked perfectly for Aquino’s election campaign.
Let’s blame Gloria Arroyo for everything!
The Palace said that it won’t be entirely about blaming former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. But I don’t buy their statement. So what do I expect to hear from Noynoy’s first SONA? Here are things that I expect Aquino to say before the Filipinos: (1.) demonize Arroyo; (2.) demonize Arroyo again; and (3.) demonize Arroyo further. Did I mention that Aquino will demonize Arroyo over and over? And the sad thing is, a lot of people won’t have problems with that.
Media is here to lend a helping hand
The trouble is, Aquino’s hate campaign against the Arroyo administration can only go so far. And all this vilification will amount to nothing if his government will fail to prove before the proper courts his predecessor’s alleged crimes. The thing is, looking at recent Philippine history, some people won’t be surprised if Aquino would eventually enter into “deals” with the Arroyos. (I think that’s how members of the ruling class treat each other here. One wouldn’t have to look far back to see an example. Just look at what happened to former Philippine President Joseph Estrada.) The sad reality is that Noynoy Aquino “needs” Gloria Arroyo. He needs a scapegoat when things don’t go well in his government. (Unfortunately, we have a populace that’s willing and ready to lap up that excuse.)
But really now, how long will Noynoy be able to blame Arroyo for all the problems plaguing the nation? Realistically, he could probably get away with it for a few months. But Aquino has a very powerful ally to help him continue with the blame game: the Philippine press. Yes! The Philippine press that hounded and scrutinized the Arroyo administration with every move it made now seem to be content acting like they’re all part of the Aquino Communications Group! Even some of the so-called “citizen journalists” in “new media” appear to have cuddled up to the new government, they appear ready to gang up on anyone with anything critical to say against their beloved Noynoy. So now, we have a pretty much useless Fourth Estate. The watchdogs all have turned into Aquino lapdogs. They will all make sure that every little thing Aquino does is acceptable to the Filipino masa.
Things are not likely to change?
It is unlikely that a president who is among the families of oligarchs that willingly contribute to the criminally widening gap between the rich and the poor here in the Philippines will serve as the catalyst to introduce genuine social changes to help lessen the atrociously high levels of poverty in the country. As an example, the late former President Cory Aquino’s land reform was a big joke. Why would Noynoy veer away from the approach his mother took and run counter to the interests of the rich families including theirs? But a lot of people have placed high hopes on Aquino’s shoulders, which is why they voted him to office. They have no choice but to give him a chance.
Truly, what choice do I have? Aquino is my president too. I am willing to give him a chance. Let’s see what the man can do. He’s barely a month into his new role as the country’s leader. But the blame game needs to stop. Aquino needs to stand up, be a man, and take responsibility for everything else that follows. People need solutions, Aquino. Solutions.
Now let’s hear your first SONA, the ultimate Gloria Arroyo-bashing address. Will react as soon as I can.
This article originally appeared here at williegalang.com at this specific URL:
http://williegalang.com/2010/07/25/solutions.not.persecution
About this Weblog
My name is Willie Galang and I’m based in Manila. I comment on current events and popular culture plus share some personal stories as well.
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