Three years ago, I first heard of the phrase, “the people’s act.” It was a term thought of by a young leader of a well-known organization with a massive presence in the Philippines as he was brainstorming with one mentor from the field of education.
The People’s Act tried to capture the essence of both patriotism and volunteerism. While discussing how to harness the idealism of the young and the innate love for the motherland of Filipinos, a topic that must have been the subject of intellectual exchange for several decades by patriots, a name was evolved for a possible movement – The People’s Act.
There was another political move which was called the “people’s initiative,” one that was clearly formed and used to promote Constitutional change through assembly (Con-Ass) or convention (Con-Con). Because the general mood of the people then, as continuing today, was not in favor of any change of the Constitution, the People’s Initiative failed. Powerful personalities in politics, business and media lent their support to the People’s Initiative but they sorely misread the temper, or distrust, of the people. Somehow, Constitutional change by whatever method was interpreted by most Filipinos as a legal power grab or avenue to perpetuate power.
2008 was close enough to the May 2010 elections which many politicians nationwide were preparing for, and the administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was still half-serious about pushing Constitutional change. Launching The People’s Act for the non-partisan message of accepting one’s obligation as a citizen and contributing one’s share to country would have subjected it to doubt at that time. Though the moment was also ripe for the awakening spirit of volunteerism, those who were thinking of The People’s Act believed they could not launch and successfully sustain the movement then.
They were right and they were wrong. Yes, it seemed doubtful that a no-partisan and idealistic movement for nation could survive its purity in a moment when national and presidential elections were just around the corner. At the same time, the presidential elections that did take place was defined less than the contest of political parties but the confrontation of politics and volunteerism. Volunteerism won. The candidate of volunteers won. Noynoy Aquino was, and is, part of the Liberal Party but had won his congressional seat, his senatorial seat, and now the presidency not so much by affiliation to the Liberal Party but by his affinity to Ninoy and Cory – and the direct support of enough Filipinos to deliver victory.
As it was uncomfortable between volunteers and politicians during the presidential campaign, it remains uncomfortable between volunteerism and partisan politics today. For example, the Liberal Party, believing that the P-Noy is a member, seeks priority position in appointments to government positions. Furthermore to their advantage, and to the resentment of everyone else, the Liberal Party wants their pork barrel ahead of the political opposition, even political allies. It matters less What is important, it matters more Who is important.
Politics is politics, and many arrogant attitudes and remarks have been born from the people or party in power. Who can forget these statements, “What are we on power for?” and “Weather-weather lang,” Philippine versions of the old saying, “To the victor belongs the spoils.” Many forget that the past would have victories in the battlefield first before taking the spoils and looting the defeated countries. They think that being democratically elected by the people remains basically the same as physically winning a war. It is too bad that many politicians reveal their true appreciation of politics as the exercise of power more than the exercise of democracy.
Thank goodness, though, that the emerging importance of people empowerment is getting special protection from the “no wang-wang” president. Truly, the traditional posture of politics to which many politicians in power today cling is exactly the meaning of “utak wang-wang.” The spirit behind “utak wang-wang” is entitlement, which means those in power are in no way the servant of the people but the masters of all. Because they have the legal authority through political superiority, they feel they have first use of the people’s money, first use of roads and public facilities (using their sirens and police/military escorts), first place in all lines (walang pila).
By publicly calling the people as his “boss,” P-Noy gives a chance for people to be empowered. And true to the pure spirit of volunteerism, many Filipinos are not insisting that P-Noy or government listen and follow them, just allow them to contribute what a good citizen should, and at the very least, not stand in the way. Traditional politicians will be surprised, some pleasantly, and others rudely, when they realize that the spirit of volunteerism will not be denied in the term of P-Noy but even encouraged by the him.
It is the moment of The People’s Act, a collective effort to manifest a collective angst for change. Many Filipinos who carry the determination to their their share for country have been doing so whatever the political environment. Most, though, will begin only now where the political leadership in the person of P-Noy tries to clear the way for their good deeds. It is clear that some who are allied with P-Noy politically remain determined to take advantage the traditional way, even the trapo way, but that is a cross that those who want change will have to bear for a while.
Docility and tolerance have been the patterns of a conquered race. Poverty and corruption have been the bitter fruits of those patterns. The Filipino must brave the storm of change, especially change that starts from within and then seeks collaboration, not competition. Democracy, and leaders who try to promote a people’s government, will need a citizenry both brave and wise.
It is our tipping point. We can now change the course of our history, but we must be brave and wise, even in our ordinariness. It is the challenge of our race wherever we are – to rise above shame, to find our dignity, and attain honor.