Semantics of the 'revolution'

Former UP president Francisco Nemenzo and Rep. Risa Hontiveros Baraquel of Anakpawis yesterday, for the second time, projected through ANC their "Marxist" idea of Utopia which included the formation of the Transitory Revolutionary Government.

It was good that Dr. Nemenzo clarified that he is a "Marxist." But he stressed that he was not a member of the Communist Party, making a clear distinction between the goals of the CCP and a Marxist. Then he espoused a transitory revolutionary government. In effect, although academically acceptable as an alternative to the present messy situation, Dr. Nemenzo then explained that the TRG is to be distinguished from the military junta espoused by former defense secretary Fortunato Abat and company.

In short, other than selecting who would compose the TRG, he would have appended a provision to its charter that would bar any TRG member running for any elective position in two or three balloting. That reportedly would do away with politicos stealing the thunder from the "sacrosanct" TRG members.

But the slip showed later with Rep. Baraquel. She reiterated her previous position that the landowners who had already earned enough from their lands over the years should accelerate the implementation of the distribution of lands to the tillers.

She even would have the multinationals and big corporations part with their profits with the beneficiaries. And there was not a hint at how they would be recompensed for what they will lose or be deprived of. But the way that interview by Ricky Carandang went was an eye-opener. It gives the viewers a glimpse of what these democratic voices intend to do once they gain public support.

Later, in another interview by Tony Velasquez, an Anakpawis list leader from Bicol immediately blasted the "mercenary soldiers" and the government as trying their best to paint them as linked with the CCP-NPA.

Jaris Vida of Bayan Muna charged that the Arroyo administration has been using "doctored evidence" to stamp out the political party and aim to protect the big investors against the "hunger of the small man."

Anyway, the series of interviews proved enlightening. They virtually betrayed their anti-government and anti-military bias. Neither did they, as they contend about government charges against them, come up with proof about government shenanigans more than the alleged assassination of Bayan leaders and followers.

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It is also good that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines kept its hands off Presidential Proclamation 1017 as well as the call for resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

That must have been a big disappointment for Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra who had earlier told Negros mediamen that that was the collective wish of Negrenses.

But I suspect that CBCP chairman Jaro's archbishop Angel Lagdameo must have also monitored the poor turnout during the prayer rally at the Bacolod Plaza last weekend. The 8,000 estimate was admitted by local mediamen as "kind", i.e. not to embarrass the organizers too much. But definitely it was far below the 20,000 earlier predicted by the rally organizers.

Anakpawis provincial chairman Eric Carino stressed that their militant party was only focused on improving the plight of the small farmers, the fishermen, etc. PDSP's lawyer Ricafrente pointed out that one factor behind the suspicion that they are linked with the CPP-NPA is that they have not succeeded in their programs and platforms. They reportedly had not had their bills approved by the Congress plus the more important biography of the leaders.

Tony Velasquez elicited the questions that the former underground leaders had shifted to parliamentary struggle. This is a question that will occupy the debate in the country for quite a while. But it is good that it is now in the open and not talked about in whispers. Nor through innuendoes and intelligence leaks.

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Belated salute to former Negros Press Club president Angel Lobaton Sr. He was a journalist par excellence. He was fearless and hard-hitting. He remained also unflinching in his advocacy of Filipino values.

Angie used to be my idol, although we remained at a distance because he remained here in Negros Occidental while I took up my journalistic career in Manila.

In short, we both came from the same place - Sagay City. That was another reason why we remained close to each other despite our separation in terms of time and space. In some way, we belonged to the same mindset. He sired fifteen children. Nene and I had 11.

I know that he had forgiven me my failure to attend the necrological service for him by former NPC presidents. But then, knowing Angie, he must have understood that I had to prioritize attending my religious commitments.

But although absent from both occasions, I wish to salute Angie, the complete journalist and good father and husband.*

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