From Bad to Worse...

In February, 1986, Filipinos shocked the world by ousting a dictator without bloodshed, an event that signalled a new chapter in our nation's history.

Sad to say, 20 years after the uprising, there remains disappointment and frustration at where the country is headed. Filipinos continue to wait for things to change as corruption and patronage continues to exist. No government has been able to make reforms vital to encourage investment, increase tax collection and narrow the gap between the wealthy and the underprivileged.

Unemployment has forced millions of Filipinos to seek greener pastures abroad. Our economy, which was one of the most promising in Asia decades ago, is now among the poorest. And even if democracy has been restored with Marcos' ouster, the institutions that were his instruments during his tenure have not been dismantled.

People power left a legacy of shortcut democracy, the easy abandonment of legal processes in favor of removing unpopular leaders by mass protests. The year 2001 saw the ouster of ex-President Estrada after the collapse of his impeachment trial for corruption stirred the people to revolt.

President Arroyo's critics are now agitating for her removal using the same techniques used before. Yet, even if the conditions for another uprising are ripe, Filipinos have grown weary of people power as they have seen that changing political leadership without guarantees does not lead to long standing changes.

If Filipinos truly desire reform, solidarity is the solution. We need to sacrifice for the sake of our beloved country and learn some selflessness.

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!