Wilfredo G. Villanueva
July 28, 2019
Corregidor is that tadpole-shaped island guarding the entrance of Manila Bay. Called Fort Mills, it was the last stand of the United States Armed Forces in the Far East or USAFFE against the Japanese onslaught in 1942.
Vice President Leni Robredo is our Corregidor in 2019, being the last stand of the organized opposition against the evil regime of President Rodrigo Duterte.
The battle begins on August 9 at the Department of Justice. Every Filipino and Filipina worth his or her salt should pray on-site or in their homes, or show up in the area for a demonstration of support while the Vice President and other opposition figures explain their side vis a vis the charges of sedition on testimony of a reinvented witness called Bikoy.
If Leni falls, BBM will take her place and the script will be concluded with the resignation of Duterte. President Bongbong Marcos, feel it in your bones. And shiver.
But unlike in Japanese times, we cannot hope for a return of democracy as we know it. The country will be cut up into states under a federal government and there will be no term limits for elective officials.
We have no more time. The enemies of our values, tradition, history, flag, are fast advancing. It will be open season for the Marcoses, GMA, Dutertes AND China. Kiss the Philippines goodbye.
What can we do, given that:
We have no murdered Ninoy Aquino to rally around;
Our opponents have studied the People Power playbook and have plugged all loopholes, making another instantaneous EDSA an uphill climb, if not an impossibility;
We have no singular message or spokesperson;
We are a sad people, we wake up and sleep with hopelessness.
Here’s what I think we can still do:
Pray. Returning to God is 51 per cent of the agenda, or we will just be like a “poor player, that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.” Let God show the way out of this morass.
Act. Begin by using social media as a bulletin board only. Views and opinion are still welcome but posts of this nature must ring with pride and optimism for the cause, otherwise keep your thoughts to yourself and your loved ones.
Act. Show up in rallies if able. Hong Kong is everyone’s dream of a malawakang protesta.
Act. Campaign, just like for Ocho, but this time for Leni. Create awareness on what’s happening to her, start conversations wherever you are centering on “last stand,” “Leni the tireless government official still addressing the needs not only of the laylayan ng lipunan but also of our need for a beacon in stormy seas, an inspiration, grace under pressure, family values, beauty inside and out in the face of bako-bakong pamunuan.”
Yun lang muna. Please share away. No need to ask for permission. Thanks.
