A call for change
The events that happened last November 29, 2007 marks an important day in these our modern times. It was an event that has been downplayed as another foiled coup attempt or presented as the Manila Pen siege by different sides, but at the basic sense it stands to be called the Manila Peninsula Standoff: a clash between Senator Trillanes et al and the state’s security forces. A clash that has seen the resounding call for the ouster of the current administration made by the group of Senator Trillanes, the aggressive armed response of the government in neutralizing these dissidents and the highly questionable actions taken by the government with regards to the media and the general populace.
On the actions perpetuated by Senator Trillanes et al, condemnations have sprouted from all over highlighting the inappropriateness and even naivety of the senator and his group in forwarding their agenda. While we can only hypothesize what the true agenda of the senator are and if ever the Manila Pen Standoff is part of a grander scheme to overthrow the government, we are disturbed by the lack of positive discussion on the value of the actions taken by Senator Trillanes and his group.
While debates and the court may continuously weigh and pass judgment on whether the actions by the senator was right or wrong and whether these should be commended or condemned, we must understand the situation not just on the basis of the rule of law and how these dissidents broke it, but on a much broader level: the state of our country where the very guardians and implementers of the rule of law, i.e. the government, has been hounded by strong allegations of lawlessness itself. Focusing on the errors of the methodology distracts us from focusing on the valuable message Senator Trillanes and his group is trying to evoke to us which ultimately is a call for change.
We therefore commend Senator Trillanes et al for their actions. Radical and illegal as they may or are alleged to have been, we see that what the senator has done was an important shattering of the glass. It was a loud clang of the gong of social consciousness, which might have irritated many, but has certainly showed us how silent the greater Filipino majority has become in addressing the varied political issues that abound.
This leads us to put focus on the present administration. The strong heavy-handed response by the police during the stand-off has been called as overkill by many but claimed to be appropriate by the security forces. We note that the validity of the tactics of the operation orchestrated by the security forces is debatable. Nonetheless, the arrest of media persons covering the event, including handcuffing them and quite clearly, forcibly inviting them for debriefing by the police is a blatant showcase of the disregard for freedom of expression and the human rights of the media personnel. The consequent apparently illegal imposition of a curfew, for reasons the people barely know of, also further paints a sad picture of how insignificant the administration views our civil and human rights and liberties. For all of these, we condemn the administration’ s action in the standoff.
It is important however for us to clearly stand against any effort of a military lead power grab, whether in connivance with the opposition and the left or not, that would only seek to propel themselves to power. At the same time, we continue our indignation against the arbitrary and excessive use of force by this administration in quashing all forms of dissent even those genuine ones, only to hang on to power. On both sides, in the Manila Pen Standoff and in the bigger picture, there are serious threats to our rights and to our democracy; Threats that we have seen in the recent years and in the standoff that we can no longer turn a blind eye to and threats that we can only imagine and wait in anticipation for.
The Assembly believes in the freedom of expression and in the safeguarding of basic human rights and therefore support moves towards the strengthening of our democracy where such values are present; however, in our present context today, genuine democracy can only be achieved through a thorough change in the way leaders are governing the people and the people are engaging the government.
Senator Trillanes has contributed necessary friction to spark the passion once again of the Filipino people; the passion that we direly need now if efforts to build a better nation, a better democracy are to succeed. We join the call from the Manila Pen Standoff for change: a change that at the very core must revolve around the accountability of our government officials and increased participation of civil society in governance in ensuring that democracy will be maintained.
Two people power revolutions have swept the nation and vowed to restore and fight for democracy and yet these have proven that there are lessons we have to remember; primarily, that fighting for democracy will always be a continuing fight that does not provide for freedom-loving Filipinos to let down their guard.
We therefore call on the Ateneo community especially the organized groups, the Sanggunian and the school administration to remain informed of all that is happening in our government. Let us without hesitation, engage in information awareness and discussion with regards to the allegations confronting our government. Let us continue the fight for accountability and the search for truth. Let us not be disillusioned by advances that the administration has accomplished in the economic front that still leaves much to be desired in the equitable distribution of wealth. Let us not join in the debate of the rule of law and breaking it, rather let us involve ourselves in reflection and discernment on what is radical yet right and what is grossly wrong with our nation. Most probably, the hardest thing and the right thing are the same. We definitely need sacrifices along the way, let that sacrifice not include our own democracy.
It is in this regard that we believe that the laws of a nation must not define how the people should live rather it is the people in their lives who collectively must continuously define the law. Our penultimate goal for all our actions should always be the welfare of the Filipino and the building of a better nation. Let us do this and fight against those that misconceive the rule of law as their own way of preserving or attaining power. After all, the power rests on the people and the government should serve the people, and we Filipinos do not deserve anything less.
In our reflection let us ask ourselves what our own great alumnus, Dr. Jose P. Rizal, would say about the great intensity of our inaction. The same message goes to all Filipinos. Let us be informed. Let us discern on our principles and passion. If need be, let us be ready to actively participate in genuine mass mobilizations and movements clamoring for accountability and fighting for truth.
The time for passive intolerance is over. We echo the message: dissent without action is consent.
Aaron Marc Misa Dimaano
President
Ateneo Political Science Organization
Ellen,
In terms of substance, this letter is completely the opposite of the letter written by the Ateneo Sanggunian president, Karl Vendell M. Satinitigan, following the Pen incident and published in Uniffors.
Heh! Two opposing thoughts by two current Ateneans but Aaron Dimaano’s letter displays a far more sensibility, maturity and intelligence by a long way than the one by the Ateneo Sanggunian’s Mr Satinitigan.
Incidentally, Sanitinigan’s arguments in his letters were punctured by Manuel Buencamino in http://www.uniffors.com/?p=1240 — I posted Manuel’s and Sanitigan’s letters as one whole piece under “Manuel Buencamino’s Jacques Danton lecture to Ateneo’s middle-of-the-roaders” www. manilabaywatch.blogspot.com/2007/12/manuel-nbuencaminos-danton-lecture-to.html
Oops, http://www.manilabaywatch.blogspot.com/2007/12/manuel-nbuencaminos-danton-lecture-to.html
Aaron: “Fly high Blue Eagle fly and carry your flag across the sky!” Fly high! Many who studied in Ateneo have real good ideals and values…Jose Rizal, Evelio Javier etc. True Ateneans and true to the teachings of St. Ignatius of Loyola.. May your tribe increase!
The letter includes the sentence “We therefore call on the Ateneo community especially the organized groups, the Sanggunian and the school administration to remain informed of all that is happening in our government.”
I’m sorry, what on earth are they talking about, are they blind to see all the information coming out on a daily basis – it’s action thats required because this evil woman is not ashamed at what information is collated, she will just deny any adverse comments even internationally – it’s action from a large group (or groups) of “people’ that this evil woman can’t cope with. She’s scared of street action of large crowds not talk.
Invariably the TRUTH hurts, but it should be told at all times.
If members of Ateneo need information just view my blog, there’s enough information there to write a book on corruption. Mind you its so unbelieveable it would qualify to be a fairy story – smile.
Another Wait and Blink members from Ateneo.Toyang is running the country under the code of kalantiaw.
Cocoy:
If we are truthful Ateneo are not alone, there are the many military, police, judiciary academes and the like covering up for their own bad eggs. The Generals are a prime example, but not alone either – such a small percentage of the population have a responsiblity to be TRUTHFUL and expose the bad eggs, not promote them!.
Did Sen.Trillanes break the law or break the glass?
In any edifice, one will notice fire extinguishers or fire hoses installed in housings with glass panels on which these words are painted sometimes etched: “BREAK GLASS IN CASE OF FIRE”. So,if someone breaks the glass when there is no fire, that is a violation, an infraction, a “damage to property” but if there is a fire anyone who “breaks the glass” will be commended and might even become a hero.
Was there a “fire” or not?, is the bone of contention regarding the Nov.29 incident at the Manila Pen. There are those(the government and the pro-GMA people) who
believe that there was no fire and Sen.Trillanes violated the law, there are those who believe that there was a fire and Sen.Trillanes must be commended for what he did because it was an emergency case, there are also those who believe that there was a fire but it was not an emergency case,he should have asked for the key(rule of law hence the wrong method)and open the glass panel instead of breaking it.
So, did Sen. Trillanes break the law or break the glass? I say he broke the glass because there was a fire and who will agree with me? The next president I hope. Of course,barring unseen circumstances and hoping against hope that the incumbent president who sometimes is called a “lame duck” will not be the “same duck”.
My kind of Ateneans!
Go ADMU Pol Sci students! Nag-iisa lang kayo dyan! Go against the tide! Commend Trillanes and you commend idiocy/lunacy/stupidity!
Yes you echo the message right. Your action is your stand! If Rizal could only come back from the dead….
(Despite that, I still hold the Ateneo in high esteem)
go-go-go ateneo pol sci.. ateneo…one big fight..men & women for others..sana wag magiging others nalang hehe…i missed lampoon issue..nuknukan ng pagka sinungaling ang gobyernong ito…grrrrrr
Sa aking pag-unawa, ang himagsikan–Revolution- ay ang unos ng mga tao upang bigla at sukdulang ibahin ang kapangyarihan ng bayan – ang pamunuan, ang batasan, at ang litisan o hukuman. Kung ang pag-iiba ay mahinahon at mabagal, ito ay tinawag na pagbabago -evolution-. Sa turan kong unos ng mga tao, sinadya kong kinakailangang daig-karamihan ng mga mamamayan ang maghangad at magsikap ng pag-iiba. Ang panawagan at pagsisikap ng pangkat-pangkat lamang, para sa ikauunlad ng sila-sila na rin, ay hindi dapat tukuying himagsikan, ni hindi pagbabago.
Minimithi ng lahat ng nilalang, kanya-kanya o sama-sama, na mapagbuti ang kanilang kalagayan, kaya masasabing ang himagsikan ay karaniwang tinatangka ng mga taong mahigpit na kailangang tulungan ang mga sarili.
Ngunit laban sa mithing ito ng pagbubuti ang kailangang pagtatanggol sa sarili at mga kasama, na sadyang sumusuway sa karahasan ng mga tao, nagpa- pakita sa kanila ng pagdurusa at dalamhati na nagiging bunga nito, at nagpa- pagunita sa kanila na may mga sinungaling at taksil na gumagamit ng dunong at yaman upang magsamantala sa mga dukha at walang muwang, mapagbuti lamang ang mga sarili nila, kahit na ikalunos sa halip na ikabuti ng mga tao.
Malulunasan itong paghahamok sa mahinahong pag-iisip, na pipili sa dahan- dahang pag-iiba na mabagal man ay makakaiwas naman sa dusang ibubunga ng karahasan, at gaya lamang ng unti-unting paglaki ng tao. Karaniwang pasiya ng mga mamamayan na maghintay nang matagalang pagbubuti dahil, una, tugma ito sa kanilang mga hangarin, at pangalawa, ang mga ligalig na nagmumungkahi ng aklasan upang maging sikat sila ay laging nagkukubli at lumilitaw lamang kapag galit na ang mga tao.—-Apolinario Mabini–
“Go ADMU Pol Sci students! Nag-iisa lang kayo dyan! Go against the tide! Commend Trillanes and you commend idiocy/lunacy/stupidity! ” -ASIII
************
In the eyes of a crazed person, he is normal and the rest of the world is not …
What about the flying blue pig named Mike Pidal Arroyo, Joke-Joke, Genuino, et al?
Aren’t they product of the same school of thought?
Just asking…
“In the eyes of a crazed person, he is normal and the rest of the world is not …”
which explains why trillanes did what he did! what he did was perfectly ‘normal’!
Just like any other events deserving the “breaking news” tag, much had been said regarding the Manila Pen standoff. If I hear (or read) anything in condemnation of either the supposed intended outcome of such a move or the manner in which it was done, that’s expected. What I find extraordinary in this case, are public pronouncements actually commending either or both the intended outcome and the manner in which it was done- even from beyond Senator Trillanes’ circle.
Gringo had his adventures, and practically none of those gained commendation from people outside Gringo’s circle. If people supportive of Gringo back then had expressed support for him, these expressions were done in hushed tones.
What conclusions can be drawn from this observation?
If I were to fit this observation to Tongue’s AIDA theory, are we now experiencing the transition from A(ttention) to I(nterest)?
These are indeed extraordinary times.
a wise judgment cannot be bought by any amount and will not succumb to any pressure.
Sen. Trillanes et al are formidable characters. They are uncompromising, and courageous enough to defy the most powerful people in the country.
Now some people, mostly the courage-impaired, you see them in high school or college, always hiding in the corner, antisocial, weirdos, actually fear these men and in their fear become outwardly critical. So they hide behind words and titles but you could smell the fear, the country does not need these type of men, not men really, but mice…
During the time of the Americans, the officers were taken from the rich families, but these men turned out to be mice, in those days the kano thought Filipinos were effeminate, sobrang konyo kasi, malambot. But let them speak and they could castigate you with words and concepts we find alien…But you can still smell their fear, thats why they hide…
Fearless is what we call the action of these Magdalos and Gen. Lim, hindi takot mamatay for the sake of the mother Pinas.
“Fearless is what we call the action of these Magdalos and Gen. Lim, hindi takot mamatay for the sake of the mother Pinas”
not fearless. utter stupidity
at least i’ll give them credit for realizing that ‘a strategic retreat is always preferable to a grand funeral’
“Two opposing thoughts by two current Ateneans.” This reality is reflective of how divided Filipinos have become. Question is, which voice is more credible and faithful to what happens. It seems natural for many from the elite to favor the status quo, preferring evil rather than good. Why, they don’t want to lose those privileges they acquired by foul means. Those who stand up and challenge these pigs masquerading as “good men” are simply called stupid.
Thanks, Ka Enchong for bringing up AIDA, and for taking me seriously on that theory.
I will also go with Juggernaut that we need people whose unrelenting derision of Trillanes and Lim will work against their own purpose for it will only rouse the giant from its deep slumber, angered by the continuous barrage against one of its own, until it finally decides to take matters in its own hands.
That will bring us to level “D”.
“Yes you echo the message right. Your action is your stand! If Rizal could only come back from the dead….”
Nice talker…but where’s the action? still sat in the corner!
a pig is a pig…hindi lumilipad- mahilig lumangoy sa putik! miki ni?
“Nice talker…but where’s the action? still sat in the corner!”
the studes’ action is their ‘stand’. thats action enough for them!
yes, you should ask them – where’s their action? the same question goes to all who swear by Gen. Lim’s ‘immortal words’
tongue,
Just got a confirmation of that, I had lunch with some officers yesterday, one is a general, they did not like the way Gen. Lim was treated and in their opion Sen. Trillanes must be allowed to function as a full fledged senator. They too are hopeful of his reforms…
And problema kasi ng ibang tao diyan, hanggang pang asar lang. Go out, talk to the police and the military, huwag ka masyadong nagtatago sa iyong lungga.
ASIII,
I’m calling you out, if you have character, meet me at EDSA Shang tomorrow after lunch by the big christmas tree. Short haired, naka barong, with an IBM laptop…
sa shangrila tomorrow?
shall i position myself where i can pull the trigger and hit the target bull’s eye?
maybe on top of the christmas tree?
he he he heeh!
Jugg:
No doubt he’ll be there, sat in the corner he he he.
Anna:
Have a good one, don’t get too hit & missed he he he.
juggy,
“I’m calling you out, if you have character, meet me at EDSA Shang tomorrow after lunch by the big christmas tree. Short haired, naka barong, with an IBM laptop”
why do i suddenly think of the words ‘sheep willingly entering a slaughterhouse’?
sorry my friend, i won’t. call me what you want. i won’t lose sleep if i don’t measure up to your own definition of character. if me not measuring up to your own standard of character would make you feel better don’t worry i won’t stand in the way of your happiness.
judging from your (and some other’s) posts towards me, you’re no different from the members of the iglesia ni kristo on how they treat those whom they cannot beat in debates.
but hope springs eternal, just as trillanes (and the rest of the trillanic and guingonic opposition) is still hoping gloria will be kicked out before 2010, for sure you will keep on hoping that i show up at that hotel. malay mo, baka nga magpunta ako. kaya, always be there! be ready! sama mo na lahat ng bloggers dito!
as3: speaking of hope, what is your hope beyond 2010?
Para sa kin, walang karapatan at credibility ang mga Atenista sa ano man ipaglalaban nila. Ateneo has produced the most number of crooks in the government led by FG Mike Arroyo. Nani Perez is also an Ateneo product. Hindi nakapagtataka dahil ang mga Jesuits kahit noon pa ay notorious na sa kalokohan. So, the students under their care turn out to be the likes of Mike Arroyo. Hindi ko naman nilalahat ano…may iilan din matitino.
norpil,
my hope rests not on the presidency anymore. this is not a cliche – i am hoping on an enlightened Filipino citizenry who finally realizes that progress of the country lies with them, not with the president.
an enlightened citizenry that does away with trillanic and guingonic methods
an enlightened citizenry that is self-reliant, self-starting, sacrificing, patriotic willing stay a Filipino no matter what
an enlightened citizenry not affected by the pessimism of other Pinoys
an enlightened citizenry that cast its lot with the country and not with a first world nation
an enlightened citizenry that takes to heart what John F. Kennedy said, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”
an enlightened citizenry that is finally free from colonial mentality
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”
this should have been told to gloria and her circle of thieves for them to realize what they were and been doing did no good for the country.
they just turned the people their milking cow and nothing more.
“this should have been told to gloria and her circle of thieves for them to realize what they were and been doing did no good for the country.
they just turned the people their milking cow and nothing more”
as i said, the hope lies not on the presidency.
it just occurred to me – that famous JFK quote should also have been told to the thousands of ex-pinoys who have abandoned their country and migrated to a first world country
“as i said, the hope lies not on the presidency.”
we do not depend our hopes on the presidency. we are holding this bogus president accountable to her “stolen responsibilities”.
we cannot count on her because she’s only killing our hopes.
ASIII,
You can only operate from a hidden corner somewhere, from time to time, breathe fresh air, not just the stink from Gloria’s ass.
“we do not depend our hopes on the presidency. we are holding this bogus president accountable to her “stolen responsibilities”.
oh really? your posts sing a different tune
“we cannot count on her because she’s only killing our hopes”
even if shes not killing your hopes you must not count on her
juggy,
“You can only operate from a hidden corner somewhere, from time to time, breathe fresh air, not just the stink from Gloria’s ass”
i really benefit from your experience of being in someone’s ass also. thanks a lot.
if you prefer to stay inside trillanes’ greatly stinking, stupid, lunatic, idiotic ass, well thats your choice
ASIII,
your arrogance is amusing. speaks a lot about who you are. if you’re tough and all that, why havent we heard of anything significant for the country from you. your like other so called pragmatic oppositionist thinkers, you really cant give constructive statements to the movement to restore dignity in government, instead, criticize and find holes. youre a typical crab-minded freak. merry christmas. im sorry for the pseudo comments, i guess we’re all just frustrated.
hope you can live with yourself, with your conscience and with your beliefs. and sleep soundly at night knowing the kind of person you have become.
azcarraga_times,
“your arrogance is amusing.”
and your ignorance, as well. if only you can read how juggy, piping dilat, and sampot, among others, respond to my posts, you’ll realize that not only am I the only ‘arrogant’ person, but arrogance has long been a mainstay here long before i blogged here
“speaks a lot about who you are”
oh thank you. maybe im the juan manual marquez of blogging – the best counter-puncher
“if you’re tough and all that, why havent we heard of anything significant for the country from you”
why, are you willing to give the eyes and the ears to witness anything ‘significant’? especially if you’ll perceive it as adding feathers to gloria’s cap?
im humble and modest enough to admit that i cannot create change in messianic proportions
“your like other so called pragmatic oppositionist thinkers,”
me, like the ‘pragmatic opposition’? please don’t insult me! in the first place, the opposition does not think. and the opposition is the reason why gloria is still seated. trillanes is the opposition personified – hindi nag-iiisip, bobo, gago, estupido, lunatic, not even united with himself
“you really cant give constructive statements to the movement to restore dignity in government,”
well, do you have any of those ‘constructive statements’ other than kicking out gloria?
“instead, criticize and find holes”
isn’t that what 99.8% of bloggers here do all the time?
“youre a typical crab-minded freak”
aren’t we all?
if you think i will let anyone from the opposition take over the government, then you’re wrong. yes, like a crab, i will do all means to prevent the opposition from doing that (unless that opposition is Lacson…)
“merry christmas”
same to you
“im sorry for the pseudo comments,”
me too
“i guess we’re all just frustrated.”
with what that @#$%$#@!! trillanes did, who wouldn’t be?!
i voted for him
“hope you can live with yourself”
oh i can, thank you very much. how about you?
“with your conscience and with your beliefs. and sleep soundly at night knowing the kind of person you have become”
sorry if you can’t do it yourself
oops make that “…not only am I not the only ‘arrogant’ person…
“even if shes not killing your hopes you must not count on her.”
never shall i!
Ang turo sa atin ng mga Kastila ang magpakumbaba kahit na inaapi na.
Ang mga English naman palaging astig angas at laging kompiyansa sa sarili.
Mas pipiliin ko na ang British. Kung pagsasamahin mo, BRITNOY ang dating.
Pero hwag lang ang nakakababatang kapaid ni Britnay da Inday. Disi palang buntis na agad.
Ayan ang nakakatakot na basura, este pasura na hinihintay ng mga Los Felipeños mula sa mga kanluraning bansa.