The Name of Democracy

My condolences to President Aquino's family.

The nation weeps for the death of the supposed icon of democracy. The nation cries as if democracy was carried on to the tomb of the President. It was a time-stopping moment, when everything seems to have numbed itself for one agonizing moment. She, indeed, touched the hearts of many. Through the years, she was known as a power to reckon; a legacy that changed the system of dictatorship for something better. And now she is gone. I wonder what are the things that she carried on with her as she moves on to a new beginning.

I am not one of the youths that marched on the People Power Revolution to oust the dictatorship that oppresses the Filipino people and I doubt if I should ever be worthy for a comment. I am just one of the youths that are victimized by the system of colonialism and bourgeoisie; hence, who am I to judge? Several cry of her death, because the icon of democracy died. I started to feel confused what the fuss is all about.

As I age, I learned about the fundamental elements of Philippine society and revolution. The revolution that dismantles the status quo; the revolution that liberates my beloved mother land.

I have no personal grudge about the former president. It is just that I feel the need to separate emotions from reality. Traditional politicians keep on telling the media how great President Aquino was followed by their remarks that she was nonetheless the greatest president the Philippines ever had.

She was great, because she stood against the dictatorial rule of Marcos. But I wonder why the people who fought with her was never mentioned. It was a People Power Revolution, not her own revolution. The credit should be given to all those who sacrificed for our freedom from the dictatorship. It was not her revolution; it was the People Power Revolution.

They say she was the best president. She was the one who freed us from oppression. But whatever happened to solve feudalism, imperialism and bureaucrat capitalism I never know.

They say that she was the best president. But whatever happened why Lino Brocka's masterpiece "Ora Pronobis" was never shown in the Philippines I never know. And I suppose no one would ever tell me why it was never shown. I guess, I have to find out for myself.

She was probably a figure of democracy, but the icon of democracy is not solely her but the entire Filipino people who fought hard and even sacrificed their lives for dictatorship to surrender.

She was probably great, but not the best. I am still waiting for a president who would be one with the people. And the people who would be needing help most -- the farmers, workers, and other marginalized sectors of the society.

Thank you, President Aquino. I hope you would soon tell all of them to give credit to the Filipino people -- the true heart of People Power Revolution.