by Andoni L. Valencia
Senior VP, Political Science Society
University of St. La Salle-Bacolod
"MAY PAG-ASA PA!"
This was Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s battle cry during the launch of Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement last March 28, 2009 at the jam-packed Araneta Coliseum. It was indeed a historic and inspiring night, the fervor for change that was planted in our hearts last 2004 was once again coming back like a thunder roaring in our hearts and minds willing to wage war against the established status quo that change is an impossible dream to be realized in a country like the Philippines.
I flew all the way from Bacolod just to attend the launching and show my support for Bro. Eddie, the person who was very instrumental to the person that I have become. He inspired me so much and taught me the importance of loving this country and doing your own share for the betterment of the people. I will forever be grateful to Bro. Eddie for taking a stand last 2004 and inspiring millions of people to be modern day heroes with a mission to transform this country.
Now that the 2010 presidential elections is just around the corner, a lot of traditional politicians who have been in power for quite a time already are offering themselves to lead the nation with a promise of a better life. TV Ads are already aired on TV, would-be candidates talking about governmental and societal problems such as corruption, injustices, bribery, poverty, extra-judicial killings, etc., watching their TV ads, I cannot help but laugh and feel disgusted because I ask myself, why are these people talking about such problems and yet what have they done to address these problems? Isn’t it the main reason why they are in government to better the lives of the people? What have they been doing in lofty government positions? I’m sorry to say this, but come 2010 elections, I will not allow myself to be fooled by these people and much more I will not allow the millions of people to be fooled by them as well. I will try my best to be an instrument in educating them to vote wisely and to choose what is right. Inform them that there’s still hope or “may pag-asa pa!”.
Indeed there is hope for the Philippines. It was trumpeted last 2004 and it was again cried by people from all walks of life, from different sectors of society who attended the launching. Much more I had an unexplainable feeling, the hair on my body stoop up while watching the TV advertisement of Bro. Eddie carrying a little girl scavenging for food in the trash pile, he carried the little girl in his arms and wearing his signature yellow shirt with all sincerity and passion uttered the words:
Walang Pilipino na dapat magutom.
Walang Pilipino na dapat maghirap.
Disenteng trabaho.
Sapat na kita.
Pagkain sa mesa.
May Pag-Asa Pa!
Watching Bro. Eddie speaking these words from his heart, I cannot help but be emotional because once again I saw that change and righteousness is not a forgotten battle. But people are still willing to risk their lives for the sake of this cause and for the emancipation of our people from poverty, injustices and corruption. I was very excited that this man is willing to face the challenges and criticism head on. His love for God and country is greater than his own life. Who can forget, that Bro. Eddie during his college years in PUP was already an active militant student leader fighting for the rights of the oppressed up to the point of being imprisoned twice during Martial Law because of his love for the poor who were victims of injustice.
After how many years, Bro. Eddie has always been a part of molding Philippine society. He has supported administrations; he has also gone against them especially when the principles of truth, justice and righteousness can no longer be found in the government and its political leaders. But now, I know in my heart that Bro. Eddie is more than prepared since 2004 he is not hesitating to lead this nation and our people who are hungry for genuine change to fight at all cost for the establishment of a righteous and good government that will truly serve the people and not just the powerful few.
I am with Bro. Eddie all the way and I know millions of right thinking Filipinos here and abroad are with him as well in this fight. We will never allow traditional politicians to dominate the government anymore. It is high time that good and righteous men and women will be the people who will steer the wheel towards genuine change and transformation.
This coming 2010 presidential elections please do vote for righteousness, because if you vote for righteousness, you are choosing what is right.
MAY PAG-ASA PA ANG ATING MINAMAHAL NA BANSA!
BABANGON ANG PILIPINAS!
Submit Comment
Follow us on: