‘Dull’ Edsa commemoration showed scared P-Noy, allies

This year’s commemoration of Edsa People Power 1 was very dull as if there was no real intention to really celebrate it. Apparently this was because of the fear in the minds of President Benigno Aquino III and his allies that a simple crowd gathering might turn into a huge mass demonstration calling for his ouster. That was the reason for the massive traffic gridlock ordinary working Filipinos had to bear with last Feb. 25.

While the reports on coup and destabilization plots may just be a “script” prepared by the Aquino administration itself, there is nothing wrong in preparing for the possible execution of such plots. The anger sparked by the Mamasapano massacre and the widespread, public disapproval of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law are very real and they have not died down. In fact, these have only intensified, even enraging the senators who conducted an inquiry into the massacre, as the government peace panel displayed its overwhelming sympathy for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

People power is not yet dead. Maybe the Filipinos just want President Aquino to admit his culpability on the deadly Oplan Exodus before he steps down from office. He cannot simply sweep his accountability for the tragedy under the rug. He cannot simply close main roads to prevent people from converging. He cannot avoid the wrath of the people.

—ALBERTO MANALILI, [email protected]