Reflections on
people power

Again we confront the concept and/or dimensions of "people power", the original happening of which sent a hated dictator scurrying to the island of Hawaii where he was stuck until the day he died.

The two terms, people and power come together like Siamese Twins. People without power, like the time Marcos wielded his whip, suffered although not totally in silence, since there were protesting voices, some of the owners of which were thrust into jails. Many were tortured. The bulk of us were prudent, hating but not shouting, the religious praying for early deliverance.

But for how long can one deprive the people of their supposed power? As the days go by with its inevitable abuses, the misery deepens. Like the pressure inside a pressure cooker, time comes when it has to either dissipate or else explode. The case of Marcos is a study of sudden collapse. The collapse was sudden, but the erosion took time.

As the crowds in the streets thicken, the powerful generals and other props of the regime consider their options. Shall they side with the brewing revolution or should they cast their lot with Marcos? Maybe it a quirk of history, or maybe we're still a lucky people that guys like Ramos and Enrile deserted their leader. We can only speculate on the scenario if they clung to their beleaguered principal, Marcos.

Yet for all the glorious nostalgia and gratitude for those who contributed their all to "people power", there is a creeping sense of weariness. Worse, people are beginning to be cynical --- is this all we get after daring to face the tanks? The people (or many of them) literally chased REAP away, forcing him to take a boat and hie to safety.

The original and constitutional basis for people power is through elections by which leaders are chosen. It seems to me, however, the way things are, it's almost impossible to dislodge a sitting president by electoral process. Consider the last election wherein many millions, possibly billions, were expended to aid the incumbent. The local elections frankly are financial contests. People power is obviously an illusion. What we have is "Politician Power". The phrase "people power" has become a meaningless shibboleth.

We are therefore keeping our fingers crossed that there are still people who cling to the traditional concept, as expressed by our constitution. Our senators are boldly challenging the threatened erosion of their right to question public officials, now banned by GMA in an executive order to appear in Senate Hearings. The matter is before the Supreme Court.

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As usual after every great tragedy like the one we just had in Leyte, voices are raised to the heavens: where is God? When millions of Jews were in German concentration camps during the Second World War the same wail was sounded. Why does God if he exists, permit the mass slaughter of peoples? We don't have to go far. Today millions are starving to death in Africa. It's good Europe and the U.S. are giving substantial aid but whether this is enough, and on time, is another matter.

And so as the world turns, we are witnesses to floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, fires, cave-ins, pestilence, etc. It really doesn't look like an orderly world. The world is a dangerous place.

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INDIA DIARY: I've always had a yen to visit India. For what country contains the architectural jewels of the past, cheek by jowl with abject poverty? However, as everyone is informed, India, like China, is on a high road to development. India's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is something like 8 percent to 9 percent which, if sustained, can allow it to join the ranks of developed nations. Its manufacturing sector is booming.

There was a time when this appeared unlikely. Population growth was negating development so much so that Indira Gandhi tried to force Indians to undergo birth control systems. She was booted out of office due to the anger of the people.

I looked down from the plane at the lights of new Delhi. It was our first glimpse of India. We will be staying four days, a kiss-kiss bang-bang four days in Northern India. (India is such a big country that one probably needs two months, even more to completely visit every big city. I used to dream of taking a two month train excursion of the country until I realize that such a trip is for the young).

Anyway, we motored to our hotel in Delhi, the DeeMarks. There was a wedding reception in the hotel grounds. Of course, the guests glittered, the Indian women in colorful get-ups. I was startled to notice, partly hidden by trees, a highlighted statue of a female Hindu God. Of course, I didn't know who she was. What I remember now is that she had a cobra by her side. This is India. Incredible.

Ok. We had to check in. After that six-hour ride from Hongkong, we were bushed and ready for bed.

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As I was writing the last paragraphs on India, I got a call from Fe that Bert Pefianco just died. Bert, of course is a well-known personality in this city. This column extends its condolence to Inday Pefianco. Many will miss Bert who was such a capable businessman and good friend.*

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