Editorial

There’s a war going on in the Philippines – but no bullets are flying.

A “virtual reality” battle for the hearts and minds of the people is at play here; while the dehado (underdogs) are pushing the limits (of their Constitutional freedom), the llamados (odds-on favorites) are pushing the same back. No question about it; something’s got to give, if not sooner then later.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, presidential chief of staff Mike D, police director general Arturo Lomibao and Army chief Hermogenes Esperon, all on war footing, are manning the ramparts for the Queen as a horde of “infidels” are banging at the doors of the Palace, this even after the Queen has thrown away the scarecrow of 1017 that had so frightened the horde in the last days of February.

As usual, while all these are going on in “imperial Manila”, the provinces sleep peacefully. Indifferent? Fatalistic? Contented? Cowardly? Or plain tired of it all?

Could be the latter. Surviving two (three?) Edsas and seeing not much has changed in Officialdom since must now be taking its toll on people’s idealism.

Besides, people now see that those who were loudest at Edsa I when Imee’s father and mother had to leave posthaste while an angry and mean mob marched towards the Palace, have since been occupying the very posts of Marcos’ minions – and loving every minute of the “sacrifice”. Just look around at the figures now defending the throne in Manila and in the provinces.

Still wonder why Ruralandia and Suburbania sleep the sleep of the damned?

As Mad’s Alfred Newton with his silly grin would say, What-me-worry?

Yeah, why-me-rally?