An Open Invitation to All in Commemorating and Giving Tribute to Ninoy Aquino and to All Victims of Political Killings under Arroyo Regime
“Filipinos are worth dying for” is the most famous quotation from Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino who was shot dead last August 21, 1983. Ninoy is the most prominent anti-dictatorship victim of political killings and three years after his death the first people power dismantled the Marcos dictatorship that provides a democratic space in the Philippines.
Today more than twenty years have passed and almost all what Filipinos have gained in building a democratic society has been taken away by a new tyrant government under the current Arroyo regime. As of this day 717 Filipino journalists, lawyers, church people, activists and others who works for human rights were killed.
Last July 31, 2006 alone three political killings took place in a day. A pattern of killings bearing the same pattern with motorcycle riding masked assassins, with high caliber guns, anti-Arroyo as the target, and only those with huge resources and mechanism like a government can implement such systematic politically motivated killings in nationwide scale.
The Philippines is now known as the killing fields in Asia and the Filipino nation is under state of hunger and poverty more than before. The Arroyo government has nothing to offer for the impoverished but promises of building dams, roads and bridges courtesy of foreign donors. Prices of gasoline and commodities increased on day to day basis that even Filipino migrant abroad including here in Japan bears the cost and hardship faced by the love ones in the Philippines.
Filipinos are really worth dying for and each life is sacred and no tyrant should take their lives away if they cry for land to till, foods to eat and jobs for decent lives as basic human rights. More so, extrajudicial killing of human rights workers and advocates who stand for the poor in such high scale being tolerated and not being stopped by Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as the Commander In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is condemnable in the highest form.
Therefore we the undersigned Japanese organizations and coalition of Filipino organizations in Japan are inviting you to share your time in remembering and giving tribute to Ninoy Aquino and to all victims of political killings under the rule of Arroyo regime on August 20, 2006 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at Musashikoyama. (This symbolic gathering coincides the launching day of the petition signing campaign of Amnesty International-Japan that we wish your presence). Together let us share our ideas and arrive into common unities and understanding about the petition signing campaign and other program of actions to stop the political killings in the Philippines.
Please come and be counted to say “Filipinos are worth dying for” and have our voices in Japan be heard.
Sincerely yours,
Amnesty International-Japan
Friends of the Earth-Japan
Coalition of Enlightened Filipinos in Japan
To commemorate victims of political killings under Arroyo regime, yes. Giving tribute to Ninoy Aquino, I’m not sure. Here’s why:
There’s no doubt and it’s an undisputed fact that political killings under Arroyo’s government is worse than all past administrations combined. Even at the time of Marcos, it was not this bad.
Many of the political killings blamed on Marcos were later found to be untrue. These lies were intended to bring down the Marcos government. Here’s a couple of examples:
Congressman Satur Ocampo was reported to have been killed by the Marcos men. Later, people learned Ocampo escaped to join the Communist movement. Ocampo was then a young journalist. Another one: Luis Jalandoni was formerly a priest and reported to have been killed by Marcos. It was later learned that he eloped with a nun and flew to Netherlands.
As for Ninoy, I don’t question his patriotism and love for the country. But to call him a hero or martyr, I have not made up my mind yet if I should agree. Many are of the opinion that his assassination and death were exploited by forces out to grab power. Until this date, there is no hard evidence to prove that Marcos was the mastermind. In fact, many including his detractors and enemies now don’t believe he’s guilty. So, on what basis should Ninoy be declared a hero? Even naming the international airport in his name is controversial to say the least. Again, I’ve nothing against Ninoy.
Of course I do expect opposition from my above comments and opinion. I just hope I shall be respected of my position. Thanks!
Thanks Ellen for putting this in your blog. We are hoping to get supporters to this campaign by using this commemoration of the death of Ninoy Aquino to launch this campaign to stop the political killings in the Philippines and call for freedom of speech and assembly with an international organization as Amnesty International (Japan) and a Japanese NGO, which is in fact very active in helping environmentalists in the Philippines, taking up this cause.
Surely, we cannot afford skeptics at this time, especially when we see what this fake government has done to try to stop Filipinos from demanding to be granted what they are in fact privileged to have in a democracy but cannot because of this repression and suppression of their human rights and even perhaps their human dignity.
At least, over here in Japan, Filipinos are given the opportunity to understand the various freedoms guaranteed in a democratic Constitution, even the freedom from want and not being hungry, and most of all, the freedom to express oneself as long as one knows what he/she is talking about for rights and freedoms surely go hand in hand with duties and responsibilities.
It is pathetic that this simple principle in fact is being ignored and even abused by people who are supposed to have been tutored and trained in a democracy, which is a government FOR, OF and BY the people.
Now indeed is the time to prove that the “Filipinos are worth dying for.” We urge all Filipinos in the Philippines and around the world to take up that challenge!
Let me put on record that I’m not against this campaign in Japan. It’s a worthy cause. If the purpose is to stop all these killings by this abusive Arroyo regime, I’m 100% for it. But let’s not commit the mistake of connecting Ninoy’s death to Marcos and his Martial Law. Doing so would only further divide those who still believe in Marcos and those who believe in Ninoy. The failure to unite the opposition is partly due to this division. And as long as these two groups, Marcos and Cory, don’t learn to reconcile and together fight this evil Arroyo, I’m afraid it’s going to be a lot more difficult to achieve this goal.
But before the 20th..in fact it would be tomorrow, exactly 61 years have passed that a single weapon of mass destruction, “ironically” named “Little Boy”, was dropped from a lone B-29 Bomber plane and was detonated over Hiroshima. It was followed after 3 days by the dropping of a 2nd atomic bomb so “aptly” called “Fat Man” that scorched the city of Nagasaki. The devastations brought about on both ifrastructure and human terms by these two bombs caused the “unconditional” surrender of Japan to the Allied led by the United States of America.
Let’s all HOPE that we would never see that kind of destruction again. 🙁
Now…now…going back to our own topic….hehehe. npongco, with much respect to your comment about the late Benigno S. Aquino Jr., you said that “you don’t consider him a HERO?”…and that all the “praises”, even the naming of the int’l airport on him…blah…blah…don’t “suit” him at all? Whoa!!!…hhhmmmmmm, then maybe you can kindly explain how and what makes a hero a hero?
While I am waiting for your answer @npongco, let’s “play” the “what IF” scenarios again…here it goes. What IF, Ninoy was not “assasinated”, then the “repressed” Filipino masses would not have “cried” Sobra Na! Tama Na! Palitan Na!..then IF, Ferdinand Edralin Marcos died while still “in power”, the next successor would have been Imelda Romualdez Marcos? IF not Imelda, would it be Imee? Bongbong Marcos? Irene Araneta Marcos might be stepping in, but my guess would be Favian Ver 1st before Irene would even think of “fillin’ in” the shoes of her dead father. What IF, it was Imelda who would be “in charge”? Surely, she would still be “our queen” ’til now, because as you see, she’s still very much “active” and “alive” dancing the cha-cha and the waltz. Would we be “better off” with the Marcoses still the “top dogs” in our politics? Better meaning economically, peace and order, living conditions, and most importantly our country’s political and moral values. IF it was still “them”, do you think we would not be behind Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand in terms of economic and industrial status? There are hundreds of IFs, but one thing is for sure, the NAIA would be the FMIA (Ferdinand Marcos Int’l Airport), now…do you think it’s a better name than what we currently HAVE now?
Spartan, you have some good points. I appreciate you brought those up. Being a Hero depends on who’s side you are with. For the Ilocanos and Marcos loyalists, Marcos is a hero to them. For those who are with Cory; and this includes the Civil Society, the Catholic Church led by then Cardinal Sin, the exclusive Catholic schools and their students, the elite, the Makati businessmen, Ninoy Aquino is a Hero. Ironically, I think it was during the term of Cory that he was made a Hero and the airport was named after him. Some look at this move as self-serving. For the young ones today, their hero is the young actor Hero Angeles, former partner of Korean idol Sandara Park.
Come to think of it…why did the last attempt to oust GMA by Cory’s group and the Hyatt 10 not successful? Partly because of Imelda’s relationship with Gloria as well as the remaining Marcos loyalists that still command quite a large number. Had the Marcos loyalists joined forces with Cory’s group, things might have turned out differently.
The point that I would like to raise is it’s high time for the two groups to join together. To me, that’s one of the missing links in ousting this Gloria. Please be reminded that even Erap used to be a Marcos loyalist. And the late FPJ and Susan’s wedding sponsor was Marcos. Therefore, the two idols of the masses command a huge following composed mostly of the poor. Many are themselves still or former Marcos loyalists.
Did Ninoy really die for the country? If you ask some, he died for something else other than the country. That something else is the answer to the question why and how he was killed. Some even say the CIA hand was on the case. As long as the real mastermind is not known, his death shall remain a mystery. And as long as there’s mystery, there would be some who are skeptical about this annual tribute.
Npongco, 100% I agree with your opinion about Ninoy. Not all Filipinos considered him a hero. I don’t believe even for one second that because he was murdered and became the rallying point of the opposition against Marcos makes him a hero. What I believed is he was used and his death was manipulated to the maximum, calling him a hero to promote their self-interest and to gain power. Dying a martyr does not always make one a hero. In fact he didn’t even know that he is going to be a martyr, and if he knew beforehand what is going to happen, can one with all honesty say that he is willing to sacrifice himself? You also have to consider the past accomplishments during his lifetime, and what are these? It was even alleged that he was a coddler of the underground movement in Central Luzon. And if we consider him a hero just because he was murdered for a cause, then we may also call those victims who were killed fighting for a cause at Mendiola Bridge as heroes.
Also Spartan, I agree with you that if Marcos was not ousted, Imelda could have replaced him. In fact, it was her ambition. BTW, some people told me that the real mastermind at that time were Imelda-Ver-Danding, the dangerous Trio. But this has never been proven. Some even pointed finger at FVR. Please take note that FVR at that time was the PC Chief as well as Deputy AFP Chief of Staff second in command to Ver. Certainly, Ramos knows who the mastermind is and knows so many things about the assassination. Or he himself was the brain or part of the group. The only thing that frees him from suspicion is his difference with Ver. The two were not in the best of terms. FVR hoped and wanted to be the AFP Chief but Marcos picked Ver who occupied the position for so many years.
Marcos was very sick during those last years. He knew he would not live long. He agreed to snap election not only to boost his ego and get a fresh mandate; but he was really looking for a replacement. One of the reasons why Ninoy returned home was to talk with Marcos. Contrary to people’s perception that the two were enemies, the truth was they were not. The ones who were threatend by Ninoy’s return was not Marcos but people around him and these people wanted to get rid of Ninoy. Another thing that aroused many’s interest was in one foreign interview in the US, he told the reporter that he would be shot in the head; and people had to be quick because it would only take a few seconds. Indeed, it happened exactly as what he said. Also, how did he get his passport to travel first to a second country, then change the passport to another in a different name in coming to Manila? Who issued him the passport in the US? Was he helped by the US?
After Ninoy’s death, his dead body still with his bloodied clothes on and dried blood on his face was paraded throughout Metro Manila. I personally thought this was a disrespect for the dead. A dead’s clothes need to be changed and his faced washed clean. But, they didn’t do this to Ninoy. For several days, Ninoy’s body in that appearance was paraded to attract more sympathy from the people. Was his death and dead body not exploited? Who really benefited from his death?
florry, I’m glad you shared my opinion. Ninoy indeed had no significant accomplishments other than being a great young journalist in his time. He was the youngest Senator ever elected. He is an eloquent speaker. That’s why Marcos also admired Ninoy’s public speaking ability. Yes indeed, he was identified with the Left. Then, the Communists suspected Ninoy to be a CIA agent too. That made Ninoy a double agent. Remember the Plaza Miranda Bombing that was blamed on Marcos? Why wasn’t Ninoy there? It was a gathering of the Liberal Party candidates where he belonged. Was it just a coincidence? That Plaza Miranda bombing triggered street protests and riots before Marcos declared Martial Law. His enemies used the Plaza bombing to cause chaos and they said it was planned by Marcos to declare Martial Law. Decades later and long after his death, Victor Corpus confessed that it was the work of the Communists and Marcos had no hand in the bombing. Corpus was in the best position to know since he was part of the communist movement at that time. This blame on Marcos is similar to the blame on Erap in the Rizal Day’s bombing that killed many. Erap’s enemies blamed Erap and that was the period before Chavit Singson made his expose. A clear orchestrated plan to oust Erap. They applied the same strategy that was used at Marcos. After Erap’s ouster, it was learned the culprits were the Muslim rebels and not Erap.
Speaking of Hero, if Erap dies today while in jail, he sure deserves to be called as one.
Spartan:
Prophets of old have prophesized the destruction of this world by the hands of men because they always have Satan and his legions to blame for their natural ways.
With the likes of the Bushes for example leading the world to destruction, we may as well resigned to the fact that the world is bound to go through a baptism of fire just as it was a baptism of water during the time of Noah.
I have actually just finished watching the beautiful story of the Constant Gardener starring Rachel Weisz who won an Oscar for it. You should watch it, and perhaps, be inspired to do what we, for example, in this movement to stop human trafficking, etc. are doing at the peril of our lives.
I am no fan of Ninoy Aquino myself, especially because I do believe that my uncle, the late President Marcos, did his best to be a good president that when you talk to the slum dwellers at Tondo, for example, you’ll be surprised to know how many of them say none of the presidents after 1986 can match him.
There is no doubt that Marcos meant well, for there was discipline during the first years of Martial Rule until the US started pressuring him, and his programs got heywired also because of his ailment. Unfortunately, he was surrounded by evil men, the very same people who have run the Philippine government since 1986.
Let’s face it. Ninoy was killed for his beliefs, and whether or not my uncle has anything to do with his death, I feel sorry for him to be sacrificed for his beliefs even by the very people, I guess, who pretended to support him. There is no denying that he died for his country and his people regardless of whether or not he was used by some super power that wants to control the world.
He deserves to be a symbol still of the present struggle of the Filipino people to be free from tyrants like the Pandak and her minions, especially since she has not been properly elected by the people of the Philippines to that august hall at the palace by the murky river, and by law, should be removed by disqualification, not even by impeachment, if indeed they will enforce the law.
I am glad that Ninoy’s wife has taken that challenge likewise to make sacrifices in order to fight for what is right regardless of whether or not she is doing it for hers and her own family own vested interests. For me, that is UNITY and RECONCILIATION in the making.
I am no longer a Philippine passport holder, and I have pledged allegiance to the Japanese flag, but no one, and I am not going to allow anyone to insult me for this (or Tangna nila lahat!), but deep in the core of my heart, I have reserved a place in my heart for the land of my birth. Mind you, it is causing me a lot of fortune to do what I am doing to show that.
It is a scary world indeed, but it will be much scarier if we don’t do anything. It imperative that the whole world should know what is happening to the Philippines and the Filipino people. The human trafficking from there should be stopped once and for all!
Definitely, we credit Ninoy Aquino for standing firm against and keeping alive the movement against Marcos at the time when almost everybody was cooperating with the conjugal dictatorship.
There’s no doubt that his death galvanized protests against Marcos which culminated in the Feb. 1986 People Power.
But I think, hero, is too noble a word for him. That’s my sentiments.
But I respect others who look up to him as their hero.
As for Estrada, to be a “hero”. I do not agree.
He should be allowed his freedom. That’s all. But definitely not a “hero.”
Accdg to my “close” [*feeling close!*] friend, Mr.Webster:
HERO:1 a : a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability b : an illustrious warrior c : a man admired for his achievements and noble qualities d : one that shows great courage
2 a : the principal male character in a literary or dramatic work b : the central figure in an event, period, or movement
3 plural usually heros : SUBMARINE 2
4 : an object of extreme admiration and devotion ://///
Bakit ganun? Hindi nadala yung iba?….Di bale, TAKE 2:
NINOY was killed as he stepped out of the plane.
He was a THREAT to imelda and company, becoz marcos was dying at that time. He knew he will be killed so he prepared by wearing a bullet-proof vest [kaya po nasabing ‘kailangang sa ulo siya patamaan,para siguradong kkrrrkk!] He knew what he was about to do was a risk to his LIFE….
OK: Question: was his death NOBLE?
Did it spark something? I mean lit something in the hearts and minds of the populace?
Did we accomplish something out of his death/sacrifice?
WE all know that multitudes attended his funeral march:>
wala pong hakot doon. Wala ring bayad sa mga uma-attend.
My Nanay herself went there [sa may Quipao Blvd. sa may Cinerama] and people all over said no other multitude was seen since Ramon Magsaysay’s death. People were crying, including my own mother.
And don’t forget EDSA 1: Ninoy’s death sparked that great gathering of people from all walks of life. No hakot, no bayad….people just trooped to that place and stayed.
CAN ANYONE BEAT THAT!????
As to ERRap’s:
Did he do some NOBLE things aside from entertaining the masa in his boksing/butangero image?
Re Marcos: OK na sana….kaya lang, may sumobra. Nagkaroon ng desparecidos [disappeared] gaya ng rehimeng gloria.
Nangurakot rin… nagkamal ng salapi at inubos ang Kaban ng Bayan.
Si arte glue: Kapag nagawa ni gloria na bumadera sa kalsada ng Beirut o ng Southern Lebanon at iwagayway ang Bandila ng Pilipinas, baka palakpakan ko pa siya.
Wala namang magawa yan kundi magsi-arte at magpa-photo-op…
Ngayon, pili po kayo kung sino sa apat, kasama si glue kung sino sa kanila ang HERO.
Sey?
Mea culpa!
BUMANDERA dapat:
Si arte glue: Kapag nagawa ni gloria na BUMANDERA sa kalsada ng Beirut o ng Southern Lebanon at iwagayway ang Bandila ng Pilipinas, baka palakpakan ko pa siya.
Wala namang magawa yan kundi magsi-arte at magpa-photo-op…
Gusto ko yung si Ale Glue babandera sa kalsada sa Southern Lebanon habang bumubomba ang Israel.
Papalakpakan ko ang Israeli bombers.
Ms. Ellen, if Erap is not a hero to you, he is to his millions of fans. At the outset, I did mention that it all depends on who’s saying and on whose side one is with. Marcos who his followers want to be buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani is a hero to them. Florry well put it saying that those killed in that Mendiola massacre during Cory’s regime should be called heros.
What is a hero? The word is easier said and used but the definition is left to who is defining it. I would like to be educated on what it is…please.
Dominique:
sabay tayo, pauulanan ko naman siya ng palakpak pag plumakda na siya sa kalsada ng Beirut na walang meyk-ap kundi pulburang sumabog….
Tutal “hands-on” ang gusto niya, db?
Sa halip na mag-pa^photo-op kapag may kriminal na nahuli,
bakit hindi subukan ng magaling na presidentita na pumunta at siya mismo ang humakot sa mga OFWs?
Tingnan ko lang, kundi maapakan ng mga isrel armies yang pandaka pygmy na yan.
ERRap has millions of FANS.
Bow ako diyan. No doubt about that, sir noel.
But being a FAN, as in FANATIC is different, I believe
from having a HERO.
Again, accdg. to my [feeling] close[ he’s always beside me…]friend, Mr. Webster:
>>>>fanatic
Main Entry: fa·nat·ic
Pronunciation: f&-‘na-tik
Variant(s): or fa·nat·i·cal /-ti-k&l/
Function: adjective
Etymology: Latin fanaticus inspired by a deity, frenzied, from fanum temple — more at FEAST
: marked by excessive enthusiasm and often intense uncritical devotion
– fanatic noun
Furthermore, allow me to reiterate what I earlier mentioned that “if Erap dies today in jail, he shall be called a hero by his fans.” So clearly it is after one is dead when such noble recognition is usually given; not when one is still alive. If Erap dies in jail fighting for his beliefs, then he could be a hero and the same tribute would be accorded every year.
I agree with Taipan that the crowd who participated at Ninoy’s death from parade to his wake at Sto. Domingo Church
were people who went out voluntarily. The same can be said to FPJ’s wake and burial. The same can be said to Erap after he dies. Popularity plays an important factor. The impact of emotions contribute to drawing such a huge crowd. Many were curious onlookers and just wanted to be part of the great event. Filipinos are known for such interest to be counted as “in” and among the crowd; not necessarily all who believe in it. At 1986 Revolt and even during the Edsa Dos, students from the Catholic schools were asked by the late Cardinal Sin to gather at Edsa. In Edsa One, Sin used Radio Veritas to call for the faithfuls and Catholics to gather. Who were visible in those two Edsas? Among them were nuns, priests, seminarians. We don’t call these “hakot” just invitation right?
I don’t want to spoil the event and tribute to Ninoy who is undoubtedly a great man. Since I have already presented my honest views on the issue, I think I should now close this book and allow you and the others to commemorate the event. Thank you for respecting my opinion. The bottom line is, we are all Filipinos including those abroad who have been aways for a long time. We all care for the country. We are a “hero” in our own little way.
My Nanay was taking her Masters at UP during EDSA one and she wasn’t even an activist. She was just an ordinary student. Despite my father’s warning, she still went there and stayed the whole two days ON EDSA..in the middle of the street where the rich and the poor mingled!
Besides, I don’t think she’d go there at the behest of her pastor or even Cardinal Sin. She went there becoz she said she felt she HAD TO, AS A FILIPINO.
I have gone over her papers, books and photo-copied volumes from books banned by the conjugal dictator….even her diaries at that time. She told us her feelings and the situation. I feel her heart whenever she recall those days….
I believe we, as Filipinos made the world see that we can have a PEACEFUL TRANSITION, a BLOODLESS one, if we just put our minds and hearts to it. My father’s friends sent us telegrams from all over the world, congratulating us for a peaceful EDSA Revolution…becoz they knew Tatay was married to a Filipina.
In my heart and in my mind, Heroes can be ordinary citizen, like you and me, who care and DO something FOR Inang Bayan.
Hush, Sir Noel….It is OK to share your sentiments and we respect those, in the same manner we e xpect you and the rest of us here to do likewise.
Peace to all men and women of goodwill!
But none for those who kill!
What’s the difference between Mustafa Kemal Attaturk and Ho Chi Minh?
One is pro-western and the other is pro-eastern. But there is no such thing as “pro-eastern” concept.
Nationalist???
Well it depends in Philippine setting. If you are againts the oligarchic interest you are villain or kontrabida to the masa. Because the economic and business interest of this oligarch are serving(kuno) the masa.
And if you are defending the interest of the rich, powerful and the elite you are definitely a hero for them!
What if I choose Vo Nguyen Giap than Vang Pao?
Marwan Barghouti or Mohammad Boudiaf instead of Ahmed Chalabi?
Sabi nila ang mga OFW daw ay bagong bayani?
Malamang marami ang mag-re-react kapag sinabi ko na mga nagsisipagtakas sa bansa nila?
Dahil walang makuhang trabaho sa Pinas kaya naging “bagong bayani”!!!
Who’s calling Ninoy a hero? We defnitely are not calling him as one.
What we say is he represents the many Filipinos being killed presently for their principles and ideals like him, and we see it just fitting to honor him on the occasion of the launching of the joint campaign we are having against this present-day tyranny.
The invitation is open to all concerned Filipinos. We can do without the sarcasm or the skepticism of people who do not definitely have faith in their own people and their ability to really do what’s right, with or without outside help.
We are not likewise dreaming with our eyes opened. We know our limitations, but we have seen miracles when things are done with faith and will to do what is right and yes, what is necessary and imperative, and right now, it is the removal of a crook and her minions who called themselves “legion” like that of Satan’s.
My friends and I are in this movement because we have faith that good will eventually triumph over evil. It is always that way. God has provided the means for that to be so, and yes, even with courage without such illusion of a dream of becoming heroes!
ystakei, ang point ko dito ay iyong “hakot crowd” sa popular protest noong February 1986?
Ano na lang ang saysay ni Evelio Javier sa sinasabi ni Ellen?
Kung fanatic ang pag-uusapan? Ano iyong kay Ka Lando Olalia?
Ano na lang ang buhay na naialay ni Lean Alejandro? Post-Edsa of what??????
Ang pakikipag inuman ni FPJ bago sya mamatay?Fanaticsm ba yun?
Kung ganon bayani din ba ang mga biktima ng December 30,2000 bombing?
share ko lang sa inyo ang isa sa mga natutunan ko dito –
(1)JUDEO-CHRISTIAN TRADITION:
mula sa external link ng wikipedia(Judeo-Christian)
…” In The Myth of the Judeo-Christian Tradition (Harper & Row, 1970), Jewish theologian-novelist Arthur A. Cohen questions the theological appropriateness of the term and suggests that it was essentially an invention of American politics. Three cheers for that earlier political use, for it grew out of an effort to promote interfaith concord and to put an end to ageless prejudices. Now that the “Judeo-Christian tradition” is back for a second round in American politics, give it at best one and a half cheers, for its use can also license or disguise mischief. Criticism of the term will not and probably should not abolish its use (though I, for one, believe a better historical case can be made for referring to “the biblical tradition”), but it may encourage citizens to regard it with suspicion. ”
from dictionary.com
– SELECTIVE AMNESIA –
n : amnesia about particular events that is very convenient for the person who cannot remember; “why do politicians always develop selective amnesia when questioned about their transgressions?”
applying the two above mentioned definition:
DEFINITELY THE LATE ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA IS ALSO A HERO!!!
Sorry, Nelbar, not being Catholic myself, I do not adhere to the teachings of Sin, who for me impersonates his name!!!
Christ in fact clarified His Teachings as being the fulfillment of that of the Mosaic Laws we call the Ten Commandments. Even the Moslems for your information adhere to that rule since the God of Abraham, whom they worship but call by some Arabic name, is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
It is in fact ignorance of the Rules of Heaven that we have this kind of confusion in the world today, especially when the leading religion is more Roman than true Christian since in accordance with the Ten Commandments of God, which Christians and even Moslems for that matter should abide by, in fact prohibit the worship of “any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:” (Ex. 20:4)
I, myself, don’t abide by the worship of any so-called “heroes.” I may respect them, but it does not necessarily mean I revere them. These are two different words and meanings.
I don’t believe in the EDSAs because they are the invention of even unrighteous men with vested interests. Otherwise, if they have been good and done for the benefit of all, things would have become better. On the other hand, I believe in community action. I have joined a lot of them in Japan, and it surely gives me some sense of fulfillment when the movements I am in succeed in achieving the things that we work hard for.
The difference, my dear, in fact is the unselfish dedication and commitment that I don’t see in a lot many Filipinos in the Philippines, not even those soldiers who call themselves
“tagapagtanggol ng bayan.”
Those are the things they lack and still have a lot to learn! Oh yes, Filipinos have yet to learn to do things unselfishly as a matter of fact! And this is perhaps why they love to talk of heroes and heroines.
They actually just want to be declared heroes and heroines when they get involved. Otherwise, they’d rather stay away and be indifferent!
I’m not saying all, though, because there are exceptions to the rule. Unfortunately, they are banished away before they can do something! It is for them that we are having our meeting on August 20th.
We can actually survive and do what we believe to be right and true without the sarcasms and skepticisms of some who seem to find pleasure doing just that and nothing more! Pathetic, eh?
nelbar says: >>>”applying the two above mentioned definition:
DEFINITELY THE LATE ARCHBISHOP OF MANILA IS ALSO A HERO!!!”
THAT is only the definition given by Webster.
It would be better if we can get another from a better source to better understand the real parameters for the category.
Besides, Ellen specifically stated that: “Ninoy is the most prominent anti-dictatorship victim of political killings and three years after his death the first people power dismantled the Marcos dictatorship that provides a democratic space in the Philippines.”
It’s Yuko’s statement. And she is right.
Also, the event that Yuko is organizing is admirable. They are bringing to international attention the cruelty and the moral bankruptcy of Arroyo administration.
The choice of the occasion , death anniversary of Ninoy Aquino, is fitting. Ninoy fought the dictatorship. He never wavered even when almost everybody was collaborating with marcos. He lost his life while fighting the dictatorship. We owe it to him to continue the fight. Especially at this time when our freedom is once again in danger.
Yuko, I wish you success.
on fanaticsm and “crowds” as a metrics for being a ‘hero’ in “hampas palayok politics” inda pilipins.
-isama ko na si Rico Yan sa listahan!
what a hero!
I stand corrected, Ellen. Sorry and thanks.
I agree that the event will help foster awareness of the arroyo’s regime and its illicit activities, esp the desparecidos.
ystakei-san:
Much as I want to attend the said event, I can’t. I am presently taking care of my old Lolo who needs attention 24/7. Mou boke desukara, hanarerare dekimasen desuyo.
But rest assured I am with you in spirit. Good Luck po.
I also like Ninoy’s words: The Filipino is worth dying for.
Whatever our shortcomings are, I love this country, I’m proud of being a Filipino.
Thanks, Ellen. I know you do love the Philippines. Your country and people need you. I am praying for you always that God will preserve you.
Taipan:
You say “Hanarerarenai” or “Hanareru koto wa dekimasen.” Ganbatte ne. Ojiisan no ho ga daiji desukara, konakutemo, yoi. You may try to organize over there where you are.
We’re planning a nationwide affair in September with a demo in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya.
I’d like to, but I don’t know how. Oshiete kudasai.
Besides, Ji-chan can’t be left alone.
May I bug in? I thought we were talking about “Hero” here. True, the article Ellen put in this blog didn’t mention “Hero”, but by paying tribute and commemorating Ninoy’s death, it’s treating him as one. There are many of Ninoy’s followers here and out there who consider Ninoy as hero and martyr. But if you ask the other side (Marcos loyalists), Ninoy is not. I’ve the impression that even our beloved moderator Ellen was once anti-Marcos and a pro-Ninoy/Cory. The reason why we’re all together in one group here is due to our common goal to oust GMA. But let not this difference in opinion and past affiliation affect our present desire for something far more important; that is, to make the difference by supporting this event/campaign. Both Ellen and Ystakei’s purpose is to help foster awareness of Arroyo’s illicit activities. And I’m sure we all share the same aspiration.
It’s high time to join forces to kick this Gloria out of Malacanang where she’s been occupying for six years now. If different groups were able to join together as one in ousting two presidents who were legitimate and duly elected by the people, why can’t we do the same today to this current fake leader who is illegitimate and so much hated by most people?
The post is about the Aug. 20 event that Yuko and her group are organizing to protest the culture of impunity being fostered by Gloria Arroyo.
The arbitrary killings being perpetrated now reminds us of the killings during Marcos regime which Ninoy Aquino fought.
Ninoy was killed on Aug. 21, 1983.
Thanks. That’s what I was trying to point out. That when we commemorate Ninoy’s death, it’s inevitable not to connect it to Marcos. And this causes further division between the two groups. The question is, when do we commemorate something to remind us of the killings unders this Arroyo regime which are worse than Marcos’? For me, it’s okay to commemorate Ninoy’s death to remember his accomplishments (?), sarcrifices and love for the country. But, let’s refrain or limit this event by blaming all those killings to Marcos. In my first comment posted above, some of the killings were found out to be untrue. Having said that, I sincerely support the campaign and event in Japan because I believe in the sincerity of the organizers. It’s a matter of placing things in the right perspective.
I believe some may be missing the point altogether. This event is not all about Ninoy, its about the senseless killings that has been taking place since the prentender took office. Ninoy is the most prominent victim of a senseless killing and therefore is the best person to link this action to. That’s all there is to it.
That’s true, Mr. Schumey. But please take note that the focus is on Ninoy and his death on Aug. 21. The senseless killings and Ninoy’s assassination are all attributed to Marcos. If the intention was to wake up the people against the killings under this brutal Arroyo government, I think the relationship between the Marcos era and GMA’s is obviously emphasized by no less than the author of the above article. Of course this is not to say that the event organized by well meaning people is wrong per se. And the timing couldn’t have been better. On the other hand, some groups particularly those who are still loyal to Marcos might be offended if the killings continue to be blamed on him. In fact, if we really want to achieve true reconciliation and patch up the two groups between those of Cory’s and Marcos, I think we should now refrain from calling Marcos as dictator. Just calling him the late Marcos would have been better. Dictator is unpleasant to one’s ear; but those who are familiar with history and politics would agree that dictatorship per se is not too bad. Sometimes, a country without discipline needs a strong hand and strong leadership. Marcos started out right even during the early days of Martial Law. But he screwed up later that led to his downfall.
Ang isang bayani ay depende sa kung sino ang may sabi. Kung sa bagay, tutoo naman. Kadalasan ang kabayanihan ng isang tao ay nakikita lang pagkaraan ng maraming taon. Tulad ni Dr. Jose Rizal. Ang lider ng Hezbollah ay bayani ang turing ng mga kasamahan niya pati na ang karamihan na Lebanese. Buhay pa siya bayani na ang turing. Samakatuwid, hindi porke natawag na isang bayani ang isang tao ay nangagahulugan na tunay siyang isang bayani. Si Osama Bin Laden ay numero unong terorista ayon sa Amerika at mga kakampi pero sa mata ng mga Muslim na naniniwala sa ipinaglalaaban ni Osama ay isa siyang bayani kahit buhay pa.
Hindi natin minamaliit ang mga magagandang ginawa ni Ninoy para sa bayan. Ang dapat natin suriin ay kabayanihan ba ang pagpatay sa kanya? Hindi porke pinatay ng mga kalaban ay matatawag nang isang bayani. Napakarami sa atin ang napatay ng mga kaaway pero nananatili pa rin ordinario lang.
Ang isang magandang halimbawa ay kung paano nating maiikumpara ang isang bayani sa isang rebelde. Kung nagkataon na nagwagi ang Magdalo at mga grupo sa pagtalsik kay PGMA, sila man ay matatawag na mga bayani. Pero ang nangyari hindi sila nagwagi kaya’t ang turing sa kanila ng gobyerno ay mga rebelde. Kinasuhan at ikunulong. Ibalik natin ang nakaraan: Kung hindi bumagsak si Marcos o kahit na namatay siya pero kakampi pa rin ni Marcos ang pumalit, magiging bayani kaya si Ninoy? O baka siya sampu ng mga grupong maka-Cory ay matawag ding rebelde?
Taipan,
If you can tell us where you are and gather some of your friends, we can go there and help you organize. We can show some documentaries likewise to imbue people there to get interest in this cause. You may also call on Japanese NGOs in the area to support you.
We have actually formed a group of Japinos born in the Philippines who are now in Japan. You may perhaps tie up with them for better Philippines.
Schumey:
You said it. I am not a fan of Ninoy myself, neither am I blind to the defects of the Philippine government under the leadership of Marcos, who should have stepped down in fact after his second term. Discarding of the Constitution of 1946 regardless of whether or not it fit the Filipino mind was his greatest mistake I guess.
The Japanese had a Constitution tailored by the Americans likewise, but people here are wiser in that they have made the Constitution fit them and learn to suppress their warlike traits and try to live in peace. Translating the Constitution in the language they have understood much more than if they have adopted English as their national language to please the Americans, they have understood and interpreted the word democracy better than how the Filipinos have understood it, for over here, we have managed to live by the rule that the government is LITERALLY a government FOR, OF and BY THE PEOPLE, not by a handful of oligarchs and land-owners/landgrabbers!
The Constitution based on US democracy has guaranteed us likewise our basic freedoms, even such freedom as from want, speech, assembly and press, and reason why the Communists and Socialists are likewise represented in our government over here. Free speech and assembly likewise are never interpreted as rebellion if done peacefully and with proper permits from the Commission on Public Security, which knows how to abide by the same rule that such permits are prescribed and provided for.
In a nutshell, Schumey, that is what democracy is all about! It is why Japan is what it is today. Too bad that the Philippines has not evolved that way, and may never will if Filipinos are not able to remove the Pandak, who is proving to be a hindrance to Philippine progress, soon, even now! PATALSIKIN NA, NOW NA!
What and who makes a hero? SiJose Rizal ay bayani ng mga nais ng reporma sa pamamagitan ng pluma. Si Andres Bonifacio ay bayani ng mga anakpawis at inspirasyon ng mga armadong nakikibaka. Si Ninoy Aquino? Hindi ba siya maaring ihirang na bayani laban sa diktadurya noon ni Marcos? Kabilang rin ako sa tinatawag na mga bagong bayani that is a bull shit! na pakunsuelo de bobo ng pamahalaang nabubuhay sa pawis at dugo ng mga migranteng Pinoy. Now who really have the right to proclaim a hero? Ang masasabi ko lang bilang isang ordinaryong mamamayan, ang nagbuwis ng buhay para mapaglinkuran ang mamamayan ay kinikilala kong bayani.
What’s this the SiRaulo is talking about that it is okay to kill the Reds? And that he will not allow foreign organizations to pry on the death of those he and his minions have labelled as “commies”! Masaya siya.
On the other hand, why are Filipinos allowing a lunatic to head the Philippine Justice Department? Ang bobo naman nito! Doesn’t he know that even criminals are entitled to due process unless of course he and his boss have turned the Philippines into some jungle like those countries in Africa where they no longer follow the rule of law.
Over in Japan, we provide free lawyers, etc. even to the members of the most notorious Yakuza group, or the AUM, which caused terror ten years ago when it caused the Sarin poisoning in Tokyo’s subway, or even the members of the Red Army which sympathized with the PLO, and engaged in terrorist acts against the Israelis and even against their fellow Japanese.
I have not heard of any Japanese official making threats like those of the fake president of the Philippines and her appointees in the Philippine Justice Departments.
But what a crap! They have gotten rid of the death penalty, and pride themselves of being devoted Catholics and Christians (kuno!) but have no qualms to gun down people they deprive of their rights to free speech, press and assembly. Now, tell me, where is justice there?
The senseless killings of anti-Gloria Arroyo critics and political activists have no place in a democratic society. It seems that a mere suspicion to have links with leftist organization is enough justification for state -sanctioned extra-judicial executions and state-sponsored abductions. Malacanang Palace is desperate the quick passage of the Anti-Terror Bill to justify police and military-sanctioned summary executions and abductions of Arroyo regime dissenters. I believe the U.S. global war on terrorism is a contributing factor to activate the anti-communist crackdown in the Philippines. The bogus President Gloria Arroyo wants to impress her American masters to gain financial and military support. The CPP/ New People’s Army is listed as a foreign terrorist organization in the U.S. State Department. The discredited Arroyo government wants to end the communist insurgency in two years. Military solution alone will fail to end the 37 years old insurgency. Learn a lesson from the Viet Cong nationalist revolution. The superior U.S. military power failed to save the corrupt South Vietnam government of Nguyen Van Thieu. GMA and her loyalist generals badly need U.S. military aid and support. A one billion pesos additional fund for counter insurgency plus U.S. aid is an opportunity to get rich. The military establishment is one the most corrupt government agency. The economy and the human rights violations have deteriorated since Gloria Arroyo-General Reyes grabbed power in 2001. Grand scams, cover ups and massive cheating in the 2004 presidential election further divided our nation. Oust corrupt and abusive Gloria Arroyo-De Castro regime!
Diego, there’s a much deeper reason for all these talks and campaign against the NPA/Communists as well as the Muslim rebels in the South. Uncle Sam’s hand is quite evident on all of these. Arroyo’s government is acting like another South Vietnamese leader Cao Ky, another Chiang Kai Sek, another Israel. These are long term plans and strategy to control the Pacific region and the Philippines has become a very valuable strategic area militarily. The Philippines is America’s first line of defense in the Pacific. Will the Philippines someday become another Vietnam or Lebanon? It remains to be seen but the possibility is great especially with a puppet like GMA in the government.
The bogus Arroyo regime is playing Uncle Sam’s global war on terror. U.S. military intervention in the Philippines started after the defeat of Spanish armada by U.S. Admiral Dewey in Manila De Bay. Philippine-American War which began in 1899. U.S. military units are reinforced for extensive counter-insurgency operations against remnants of General Aguinaldo’s nationalist army. The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) introduced death squads in Central Luzon provinces, in the early 1950s to crush agrarian rebellion known as HUKS. U.S. counter-insurgency called “Operation Balikatan” began in January 2002. U.S.-Philippine joint military exercises covered by RP-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement. The CIA operatives are active in Mindanao Island to hunt down Muslim radicals.
I absolutely agree with you, Diego. But do you know that there are self-proclaimed nationalists some of whom are here in this blog who still refuse to accept the US factor?
Kuyako:
You’re right. To be a hero one needs to sacrifice his life, but to call all OFWs in fact is a big fallacy.
I cannot see the Japayukis being heroines especially when they cause their countrymen such embarrassment when they engage in prostitution, and break an important law of God—the law against adultery and fornication, which prostitution is all that!
And I doubt if all Filipinos overseas are doing so for country and people, but more for family and themselves. What is nauseating is when this accolade came from a government that has no intention in fact to honor, respect and value their lives in times of emergency as in the case of the OFWs stranded in Lebanon presently, and deliberately want them out to free these crooks in the Philippine government to take the responsibility of providing them with decent and good paying jobs in the country and not away from their families.
My friends and I in fact have made a study for example of Filipinos working and residing in Japan legally and illegally. The number of broken homes among them is just alarming, in fact nauseating. 80 percent in fact of Filipinos married to Japanese nationals who have worked in bars and clubs have children out of wedlock and come from broken homes.
We are told in church for example that good laws are inspired of God. Looking at these marriages and broken homes make me wonder if it was not divine wisdom mainly that the founding fathers of the Philippines were imbued to adopt a no-divorce law, but for some reason is being replaced by a treacherous law about some annulment that in other countries is granted only when the marriage is not consummated.
Kawawang bansa! Just where is it heading to?
BTW, it seems that Ramos dipped his fingers too in the OWWA cookie jar! Tarantado din ano?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I am 25 years old and was only 2 yrs old when Ninoy was assassinated. Even so, I consider Ninoy my Hero. He makes me proud to be a Filipino, to not be afraid of speaking out against an administration which is corrupt and unjust. Whether or not he was assassinated by FM or Danding Cojuangco etc etc… It really doesn’t matter. It doesn’t change the fact that this man (Ninoy) saw a soiled government and gave his all to fight for democracy. For me, that is heroic.