A government that does not care about the people

This is in reaction to Manuel L. Quezon III’s “In aid of extermination” (7/22/20). I was one of those who, despite noticing the “grand plan” of Rodrigo Duterte and his cohorts to destroy the Lopezes through taking away ABS-CBN, continued to hope things would go differently.

I thought that after the pandemic reminded people of what is really important in life, things like politics, hurt egos, and selfish interests would take a backseat. I think I underestimated our politicians, led by the President himself, because it is clear now that they do not care.

Nothing can get in their way, as they have proven after 12 one-sided hearings where they used their positions to make lies appear as facts, and render the testimonies of relevant government agencies as useless. Not to mention the constant bullying by anti-ABS-CBN lawmakers of representatives of the network, which has probably done more good for the country than anyone in this administration.

While thousands of ABS-CBN workers began facing the reality that they had lost their jobs due to the nonrenewal of the franchise, the so-called “Big 5” thought it wise to even add insult to injury. Via a Zoom teleconference streamed live on social media, they defended the House committee on legislative franchises’ decision to their minions, and even discussed taking over ABS-CBN for all the world to see and hear. And you thought if they could not be good public servants, they could be at least decent human beings.

But if there is anything to be positive about what is going on, is that more people are realizing we are being governed by clowns who would only do the bidding of their master. More and more people are speaking out and joining the protests and noise barrage activities.

More importantly, however hard they try to turn ABS-CBN employees against the Lopezes by insisting that the latter are part of the “evil” oligarchy, the Kapamilyas seem to be very solid and intact.

And if this government continues to stifle media, like banning them from important events like the State of the Nation Address, then the more the people will understand that this is an issue of press freedom. Hopefully, the people wake up soon. Because the only way to beat a government that does not care about its people, is for the people to actually start caring and doing something about it.

With talks on Charter change starting to pop up, I hope Mr. Quezon will continue to write about this issue and keep the public informed and engaged.

Gregorio Manalastas
Novaliches, Quezon City
[email protected]