Lukewarm over EDSA

Former President Fidel Ramos is said to be sulking because nobody seems to be interested in making a big celebration for the 20th anniversary of the EDSA Revolution. I am referring, of course to the original bloodless uprising staged by the Filipinos at what used to be known only as the Epifanio de los Santos Highway. Few remember, or even know who Epifanio is now, I think he was a general who was honored with a highway for some heroic deeds. But I do remember that the place used to be known as Highway 54, lined on both sides with thick cogon reeds.

***

FVR must feel bad about the relegation of the EDSA event to the unmemorable happenings in the country. Those who remember how it had been, on that first EDSA, will also acknowledge that Ramos was one of the central figures in it, one of the pair who took the lead roles, the heroes in the cast. Of course we know who the villain was, he was the one the crowds were trying to drive away, and the wobbling military was trying to help retain his hold.

***

I heard lately, though, that some attempts are being started to present a decent commemoration of the historic February day in 1886 when the Pinoy had his moment of glory and got noted and admired all throughout the world. Perhaps that is what FVR wants to point out, so we can regain some of our lost national pride, and realize once more what we, working together, can accomplish. Anyway, I'm sure there will be a celebration, for one, the Catholic church will schedule masses there, and showbiz personalities will put up some performances to entertain the crowd.

***

But don't expect Malacañang to make a big fuss over it, or even for the President to come and make speeches. Knowing the temper of the times, especially with her Executive Order 464 hanging over the country, one can't blame her if she finds something else to do or some other place to go. And let's not blame her if she does those instead. Some people might get ideas upon seeing her there, you know.

***

As for EO 464, it was supposed to have been calendared by the Supreme Court yesterday, but the chances of its being take up were virtually nil since too many other cases were also reportedly on the day's program. I don't think the temporary restraining order being sought by some solons had been granted yet, either. But perhaps it just hadn't gotten into the news yet? What seems fixed is that Feb. 21 has been set for hearings on it. Well, let's cross our fingers again, and hope nobody from Malacañang takes it upon himself to whisper something.

***

It was no whisper, since it was even aired to the media, but SandiganBayan Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio has also been pouting because a Malacañang bright boy has been inching into their turf. Villa-Ignacio was quoted as saying that the new Chief of Staff of the President shouldn't have chattered about the chances of former President Estrada's getting more freedom to leave his luxurious detention resort. Villa-Ignacio thinks that indicated Palace meddling in Court affairs.

***

And that's not all. Yesterday, former DENR secretary and now the faithful and ever loyal presidential chief of staff, Mike Defensor, was even reported to be telling Erap to apply for bail, and then to ask the head of the Iglesia ni Cristo, Eraño Manalo, and Cardinal Ricardo Vidal of the Catholic church to lobby for him. I can't wait to hear how Villa-Ignacio will react to that. By the way, hasn't he already indicated that he is getting out of that office for health reasons? It might not be healthy, either, to tangle with somebody so indispensable to GMA.

***

I only learned about the death of a very dear friend when I saw the draft of her obituary at the office Sunday night. It was such a painful thing to know that dear, sweet and lovely Lilia, the truly devoted partner of one of local media icons, Rene Corcino Tan, had passed away. Seems it was only days ago when I met the two of them, inseparable as ever, at a local mall. Dear, dear Rene, I can't imagine how this has hit him. At the moment all we can do is pray for this beautiful and wonderful person, that she meets her Creator and is welcomed by Him.*

back to top