Points Of View Ep.13: Last Monday was a holiday due to the celebration of the 22nd anniversary of People Power 1. I was only one year old during that time. I’ve just read and studied about it back when I was in elementary. I have also seen video footages of the said peaceful revolution. I know that it somehow made us proud to be able to have a peaceful revolution.

In 2001, the world witnessed another “people power” here in the Philippines. It succeeded to oust President Joseph Estrada. That was in January. In May of the same year, the supporters of Joseph Estrada attempted to grab the power from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, but they did not succeed. We don’t know if we can call it People Power 3.

After the two “so-called” people power, where is our country going? Whether we admit it or not, the spirit of People Power 1 doesn’t live in most of us anymore. Why? Because it seems like we still don’t learn our lessons. Many are disappointed with the second so-called people power. Most of us are already tired of resorting to another people power as a fast solution to the problems of our country.

Do we think that people from around the world will still admire us if ever we will have another people power? Will this always be the solution if we don’t want someone who is in power? Our country is really divided right now. There will always groups of people who will oppose who is in position. They will always try to put those people down.

I am not a pro-Gloria. I also want to know the truth behind all the controversies her government is facing right now. I join the Filipinos who are seeking for truth. But it seems like I am starting to be confused in a “people power” solution. If ever Gloria will be ousted, what will happen next? Noli De Castro as the next president? For sure, many people will still oppose. It is never ending. Eddie Villanueva wants a snap election. Will this be the best solution?

It is pretty obvious in the rally held in Makati last February 29, 2008 that there was an attempt to grab the power from the president. I heard someone saying, “Papayag ba kayo na uuwi tayong hindi natin nakukuha ang gusto natin? (Will you allow that we’ll go home without getting what we want?)”. Whether they admit it or not, it is pretty obvious that they want something more than knowing the truth behind all the controversies.

I am no in the position to say what is the best thing to do to solve the problems our country is facing right now. But I am still hoping to see a brighter and more peaceful Philippines. I know that there are still other solutions aside from another people power. The thought of having so many people power revolution in our history is tiring. Maybe once is enough. We should learn from our lessons. I hope that someone will come who can heal the wounds of our nation. I don’t think that there will come a time when there will be no more pro-administration and opposition. Actually, it is a good thing, just as long as both parties are doing their job honestly to serve the Filipino people who placed them on power.