LUAD, NOELYN N.

BSCRIM 1- ALPHA

“EDSA 1 AND 2 REACTION”

EDSA Revolution was indeed a historical situation which showed how Filipinos are
badly desperate of detaching the chains clutched onto their hands, feet and even
their necks. It portrayed a very inspiring peaceful justice claimed by their faithful
and courageous spirits. And getting to know the reality behind the epic moment
which has happened in the Philippines has got me thinking.

It is just what I have realized while trying to internalize the historical background of
the EDSA Revolution and seeing myself now, living in the current situation of the
Philippines. The past was way too far beyond from we are experiencing now that by
the time of Marcos it was his traumatic presidency that terrified the people. His
dictatorship which was caused by his selfish ego that overthrown his responsibility
as a server for all the citizens of the Philippines is already eradicated and
revolutionized to democracy and freedom of all. However, although the way of
ruling has changed, still, some dismaying practices and behavior subsists; graft and
corruption.

This is a very good example as to how money and power can toggle someone’s way
of thinking into a different scheme. It is already universally proven how these two
things can change someone. We may say that during the time of Marcos is already
different from what we have now; we may say that things have changed now for
democracy and freedom is already attained, but graft and corruption continues to
exist. Yes, we can say that dictatorship is already over but the shadows behind it
continue to dwell. Our political system, even up today, is still suffering from a very
dreadful disease. Politicians still have it, and even us normal citizens of the
Philippines, we are doing it. That although we know it is wrong; we still do it for we
think that we can’t beat it. We think that we can do nothing about it. We continue to
matter how corrupt they are, we continue to complain how unjustifiable their actions
are but still nothing changes because no one even minds it, no one takes a big deal
of it and no one takes action to it. So perhaps it is the reason why most of us do the
same way in the end.

While, EDSA 2 for me, was a sight to behold, as the power of the people is not just
manifested by the numbers but by the sheer resolve for social change. It is
unfortunate that, at present, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo does not have the
political will to effect social change. The promises of EDSA are conveniently
forgotten as the chronic crisis still exists. If there is one lesson that can be learned as
we commemorate EDSA 2, it is the people’s commitment to social change and their
resolve to act and contend when necessary. Indeed, revolution remains an option for
those who are deprived, especially in a situation where societal structures and
institutions fail to look after the welfare of the marginalized.

Our political system through already in a liberal position, still obviously portrays
bad image. Politicians are still corrupt, we are still corrupt. That in this case, it can
be said that it is like nothing has changed. Because of these things, we continue to be
poor. I do not mean that we never improved; that we never learned something, it is
just that if we really learned from the past, we should never do it again. If I am to
give an opinion, we should think correctly now. We may have attained freedom
already, but why is it that we still carry out from this illegitimate behavior which we
already know that they will never do good. If we want progress, we need to think
correctly already. From now on, we should not let our selfish ways, our selfish
needs, and our egos to wrap what obligations not for ourselves but for everyone we
should perform. Because by trying to do that even in a simple way of being honest,
achievements are already attained. If we want change, we do not start it by
complaining, we do not start it by muttering, and most especially we do not start it
by pointing others of their flaws, their mistakes their unreasonable action, but we
start it within ourselves. The system during the time of Marcos and the time of
Arroyo’s system has no big difference if I am to compare and be asked. That is
because to actions which are done are so close and very the same. People are
remaining blind of what they are doing although they already know what is really
the righteous and what is an immoral act. They never try to open their eyes to see
what they really is; they keep themselves be deceived by money and power.