Reform?

25 February 2011. Today is the 25th anniversary of the EDSA People Power. It's been a week long commemoration of the 'momentous' event.

Let me start off by saying that I am a cynic and a skeptic. I didn't know what happened during the Marcos regime because apparently, I wasn't born yet. And I don't recall any horrific stories about that time told to me that I distinctly remember. Maybe because we were living in the province. Far from the direct effect of the regime that everyone so despise. I don't know...

Just basing on my limited knowledge of the past, the EDSA People Power would have been a great opportunity for our country to effect reforms. We have 'struggled' for twenty (20) years or so under a dictator. A man who was so intelligent and has brought such prestige and class to the Philippines but at an expensive cost, was finally toppled down his post. They all clamoured for reform, change, and a new beginning. But what was done instead? Swore in a president that has no background whatsoever to run the country! (No disrespect meant to the late President Cory Aquino.) Apparently, it was a decision done in haste and of convenience. She had the sympathy of the public because of the assassination of late husband a few years back. In fairness to Ninoy Aquino, I think he would have been a great president. He would have effected the reforms the country needed at that time. Side note: I watched a television program that featured his life sometime last year. And I have to say, the man gained my respect. He was eloquent and is so full of conviction.

Fast forward to roughly fourteen (14) years, there was another People power. Opposite of what happened before. Just two (2) years into the presidency, people wanted former President Erap Estrada out of Malacanang. They said they've had enough and that it's time to move on to a better leader for a better Philippines. They swore in another lady to replace him -- Former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2001. But this time she had so much experience in politics. Once again, the country was hopeful. She was intelligent and has an impressive CV. But maybe the power swallowed her that she wasn't ready to step down. She allegedly used her influence and power to make sure she won the 2004 presidency. Lucky for her, she survived all attempts of bringing her down.

After nine (9) years or so under GMA's leadership, the public once again clamoured for reform, change and new beginning. They all were saying 'at last'. They just couldn't wait til GMA steps down. 2010 elections happened. President Nonynoy Aquino won and was sworn into office. Another president of convenience. He has the sympathy of the public because his mom died a few months before he announced he was running for presidency (which caused Mar Roxas to slide down to vice president). And not to mention the very popular sister of his. But barely a year into the presidency, there has been murmurs of his incompetence.

This has really saddened me. We have had several opportunities for reforms but we have failed to utilize it. Our scream for reforms is just that. A scream. We haven't thought farther than wanting for it. No concrete plans. We allowed ourselves to settle for what's there and what's convenient. And that's what we are now getting exactly. =(

Makes me wonder, what do we really mean if we speak of reform?