There is a bitter irony in Philippine President Gloria M. Arroyo. She ascended the presidency, or shall we say it was handed to her on a silver platter in 2001 in a milder version of People’s Power (EDSA revolt) when
a group of elitist politicians, religious, military leaders and other mish-mash of society masterminded the ouster of then President Joseph “Erap “ Estrada.
Perceptibly corrupt and a poor administrator, Erap. although idolized by the “jologs “ or the “masa” , incurred the ire’s and dislike of the ruling
business elite of the “Makati crowd, “the so-called meztisos and the burgis of Forbes Park, Dasma, Urdaneta, Bel-Air and other exclusive rich enclaves who refused to accept the fact that a mere kanto boy and movie actor can lord it over their turf.
These were also the same people who played a role in the historic, world-shaking and original People’s Power revolution of 1986 or known as EDSA I that toppled the 20-year Marcos dictatorship.
Mrs. Arroyo, herself an heiress of the late president Diosdado Macapagal, to the manor born and where she grew up in Forbes Park never had a hint that she would later be the recipient of this second edition of People’s Power now known as EDSA II . Her girlish face in deep prayer was splashed across newspapers and television around the world as soon she was proclaimed as the new president as if to thank the Gods for this unexpected presidential bonanza.
But today, Mrs. Arroyo said “The world will not accept another EDSA “
saying it might create a perception that the Philippines is an unstable country that changes leaders at every turn.
She also did not attend the traditional People’s Power commemorative rites at the EDSA shrine and instead chose to grace a job fair event at a nearby government labor office some 100 meters away.
Speculations are rife that Mrs. Arroyo “had demonized “ this very important part of Philippine history because she fears that she could be the next object of another EDSA upheaval. Theories says that if this happens, she and her family would be facing a lot of charges ranging from plunder to massive corruption, hence her statement against EDSA.
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DESECRATION ; Many felt President Arroyo’s statement had denigrated if not desecrated the memory of EDSA I, and is a great disservice to the millions of Filipinos who struggled and underwent untold hardships in the 20 years of Marcos rule.
An obviously infuriated former President Fidel V. Ramos, one of the EDSA Heroes who never fails to attend each year’s rites, criticized the president and her vice president Noli De Castro for putting little importance to the event. De Castro came during the ceremonies but left hurriedly for another engagement .
Explaining her absence, President Arroyo said her presence at the job fair is part of the EDSA I event to place emphasis and support to the many jobless countrymen at this time of financial crisis.
De Castro meanwhile said his hasty exit from the EDSA rites was needed because of an earlier commitment. He said he had always made it a point to
be at the EDSA celebration every year.
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CHASING OBAMA: My advice to the organizers of next year’s
People’s Power EDSA I commemorative event: be sure to invite US President Barack Obama and guaranteed, President Arroyo will come pronto.
That would also save the Philippine government a lot of travel dollars
representing plane fares, five-star hotel bills and shopping bills for Mrs. Arroyo and her entourage whenever they set out on chasing President Obama all over the US for that much-needed photo op.
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REMITTANCES DOWN: Did you know that Filipino expats, majority of them OFWs or Overseas Filipino Workers like caregivers have been sending money from Canada to the Philippines to the tune of $300,000 each day.
This figure, according to Feliciano “Jun’ Miranda of PNB (Philippine National Bank) remittance office represent only those sent through regular channels or those that are monitored via legitimate and registered companies engaged in the remittance business.
He said if we add those that are sent through “padalas “ or through friends or relatives going home to the Philippines, the figure would add up to $1 million daily or an estimated $30 million monthly.
Miranda spoke before the monthly Philippine Press Club of Ontario (PPCO) Kapihan forum at Casa Manila in North York where he gave an assessment of the movement of remittances in the light of the global financial crisis.
For the year 2009, Miranda said he expect remittances from North America (Canada included ) would go down to as low as 30 percent.
From the daily $300,000 being sent to the Philippines from Canada, Miranda said this will probably decreased by as much as $150,000 daily or 50% .
To assist OFWs such as caregivers during this present crisis, Miranda said the PNB is launching by the middle of this year a lending program that would give out low interest loans ranging from $10,000 to $50,000 .
“Applicants may use as collateral even properties in the Philippines to qualify for the loan “ said Miranda.
Remittances from OFWs totalling almost $19 Billion annually from some 8 million Filipinos scattered in different parts of the globe is keeping the Philippine economy afloat and serving as a shield against recession, according to official sources.
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STATE OF THE FILIPINO UNITY: As we go to press, a student –led one-day symposium initiated by the Migrante Youth of Canada led by Mithi Esguerra, the Kapisanan Philippine Centre (KPC) of Caroline Mangosing and the Filipino Students Association of Toronto got underway . We will keep you posted next issue on what transpired during that groundbreaking
Symposium wherein students and their elders engaged in a free and no holds barred discussions on the issue of Filipino unity, racism, integration and other relevant subjects on Filipino immigrants.
MILESTONES: Congratulations to entrepreneur Rolly Mangante of the Philippine Consulate on the opening of his “first Filipino club “ in Scarborough last February 21 at the Rex Saigon buffet resto located Sheppard East near Brimley east Scarborough. The club opens every Fridays and Saturdays with featured live bands and singers.