THEY say the youth (ages 13 to 35 years) is the hope of our nation, and it is believed that we comprise 40 percent of the population. Hence, it is imperative that we should take a stand on matters that concern our society.
Let me share my opinions, and maybe also share the sentiments of my fellow youths. Let me point out to both the administration and opposition, and even to the Filipino people at large, that the youth is not ignorant and passive about the issues confronting us every day (i.e., Charter change, political repression, even specific issues of the broad masses, such as genuine land reform and an increase in daily wages, etc.)
However, the administration and the opposition fail to see us and hear from us. Most of their platforms and agenda are outdated and very archaic to the ears of the electoral body.
They keep on promising a lot, but what do we get once they are in position? President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo failed to fulfill her responsibility after she was put in position by EDSA People Power II. Where is her promise to give priority to education and lift its quality now that the premier state university is facing a 300-percent tuition rate increase?
Shame on Arroyo for protecting the asses of Raul Gonzalez et al. after they pose terrorist threats inside campuses!
Let us also not forget the deaths of three student leaders from a progressive youth organization, the League of Filipino Students, in just one year.
The Arroyo administration continues to promote globalization and liberalization of our economy, while scheming to change the Constitution in a way that will risk all Philippine natural resources to foreign exploitation and ownership.
Hence, let it be known to the Filipino people that a vote for the TEAM Unity ticket of the administration is also a vote promoting all these anti-people acts of the government.
A word of warning to the opposition: Traditional politics is causing you to lose the people’s primarily trust.
If the oppositionists’ reason for running for election is their gripes against the present administration, then they are abusing democracy and destroying its sanctity.
Maybe that is why I always believe in the reforms of the genuine political and economic agenda of the progressive party-list groups (i.e., Kabataan party, Suara Bangsamoro, and others).
I believe that the Philippines will progress amidst all these political crises only if the tyrannical Arroyo government will be overtaken by the toiling masses and the Filipino people. Long live the people’s democratic mass movement!
– LEAN PORQUIA, University of the Philippines in the Visayas (via e-mail)
June 12th, 2007 at 10:03 am
I would disagree with this blog.THIS MORE OF A PROPAGANDA TO BLAME GMA more. GMA cannot solve all problems at once specially with these groups GO and the progressive party lists groups waging anti-GMA decisions. You cannot run an office with people against you.
LEAN PORQUIA, I suggest to cooperate for the country’s progress rather than blocking it.
Sad this blog would’t have much of the opinions because most bloggers here are anti-GMA, the talk more than listen. I am not on either side because I can see both sides(TU-GO) have their own way of getting sentiments from the masses.
June 10th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
The blog above is just a gauze on a blood oozing economy of the Philippines, needless to say a waiting shed for people waiting for a bus in a storm; still far away from home. Is GO, then the solution? Impeach the President, is that it? Ousting Arroyo is not the solution for Filipinos’ predicament. Same accusation was thrown to Marcos and look where we are after 20 years?
She mentioned charter change. Is a change in this 1987 Constitution evil by itself? Is this constitution perfect had been drafted only by 24 members, the first in Asia? Yes, it was approved by the people in a plebiscite but it doesn’t mean it’s already perfect. Two sides of the coin, presidential aspirants like many senators would block any amendment and likewise, prime ministerial aspirants would push for it. Either we change the constitution or not, there will always be people who would take advantage. Grow up, people, go away from this endless debate issue rather focus if charter change would benefit the whole nation on other issues like revising the multi-party system in a presidential form of government (the reason many Filipinos, including bloggers, are acting as presidentiables), proposing federalism (since Filipinos are divided) and reviewing the limitation of foreign ownership in the country. Enough with the obsolete idea of anti-globalization since progressive nations even in Southeast Asia proved the scheme otherwise. What is wrong is Philippines did not cope and is not coping up with globalization. Enough with the thinking that we are underdogs. We have proven to the world that we can survive without the American military bases. Now we must and should prove that we can compete with the others also.
Don’t be fooled by the myth that removing Arroyo from office will benefit the country. Let her finish her term, anyway what is 3 years? GDP is climbing, investors confidence is coming in to picture. I would rather have debates on revising the constitution rather than grandstanding in impeachment process. Disturbing the still waters will just sink the paper boat. Instead, focus on transforming the boat into a ship. Although it is painful and irritating, but with the ways things are going, the net effect for Arroyo to stay in office is for good of the country, so better she should be doing her job properly and that’s where the Filipino must be: Guard her actions. Debate on ISSUES, not on PERSONALITIES. THIS IS NOT A MOVIE HOUSE. THIS IS PHILIPPINES.
June 10th, 2007 at 11:12 am
“progressive party-list groups” ? hardly, regressive maybe. “Long live the people’s democratic mass movement!”? hey look at Russia, former Eastern Block Countries of Europe even China. You’re wasting your youth and state scholarship (people’s money) for these? I was in your shoes then, what a waste.
May 26th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Maybe that is why I always believe in the reforms of the genuine political and economic agenda of the progressive party-list groups (i.e., Kabataan party, Suara Bangsamoro, and others).
I wonder why in the world we call ‘communist front organizations’ as ‘progressive groups”?
Mind you, Lhen, do you know how many youths have lost their lives as communists combatants in the hinterlands. Because after joining LFS, they were ‘integrated’ in the barrios to do ‘mass works’. And yet you call these group as ‘progressive groups’.
Please, once and for all, we call a spade a spade.
Stop exploiting our YOUTHS!
Communism sucks!
May 21st, 2007 at 1:20 pm
Im sorry to say but I think everybody who run for elective position individual/partylist have their own vested interests in mind.Partylist has been used as a backdoor to congress,because I dont think Satur Ocampo can win a congressional seat if he run as himself.