With the election looming in just few days, I thought I'd like to share my thoughts to my friends back in the Philippines.
I was once a fierce supporter of Marcos. A die hard loyalist who believed that Marcos era was the golden years of our country. In fact, during my university days, before and after the People Power, I have debated with my classmates every chance I got. Most of the time, I was presented stories of abuses, unlawful imprisonments, unexplained disappearances, the killings! And my response was “Hindi naman ako apektado” believing that those people probably deserved what happened to them and that I’m a good citizen and has nothing to worry about.
What a haughty little me! That was my attitude for a very long time, until somebody asked me “okay lang sa yo na me pinapatay dahil hindi ka naman apektado?” That caught me tongue-tied! But it got me thinking...
It took me years to fully accept that the president I looked up to as the best president that the country has ever had or will ever have, a genius, someone the Filipino people could be proud of, someone I looked up to like a Lolo, was indeed nothing but a liar! A liar who fed the nation with lies, myths and fantasies, delusions that both he and his conniving wife concocted in their crooked minds. A liar who controlled the news with a lonesome newspaper that he heavily censored. Nothing were ever published without his approval. All news were about his "greatness", his "intelligence", his "bravery"... But all were lies. Nothing was even close to the truth. That was a painful pill to swallow for a loyalist.
I know that there’s a rabbit hole out there that would open doors to all these fantastical stories about the Marcoses. I’ve seen them, watched some of them, I’ve read them and I almost fell for it- again. But after seeing how these conspiracy theories, memes and what-have-yous in social media are destroying the norm and truth in our society, I've learned to be vigilant. "Check the facts!"- I always remind myself!
Most of us are Christians and as a Christian, I believe that the Bible presented us the TRUTH. So, it is our responsibility to always seek for the truth!
First, let me clear that this election is not about the feud between the Aquinos and the Marcoses, far from it! Because there was never really a feud between the two families. Yes, the Aquino family wanted justice for Ninoy, but that's just right. I mean, other families wanted justice for their loved ones who were killed under the Marcos regime, but do we also say they have a family feud with the Marcoses? It's a petty argument... Maybe with the Marcos family? After all, it was a murdered Aquino who inspired the nation to rise up and topple the tyrant. And it was a widowed Aquino who beat him in an election despite the heavily rigged result already in place. So, no! This is not about the Aquinos getting their revenge on the Marcoses! Whoever suggested that idea was either ignorant of our history or simply enabling Marcos! This election has nothing to do with the Aquinos! Are you seeing any Aquino running for presidency?! This election is about Marcos and our country! This election is about the truth which the Marcos family is now trying to erase from our history. This election is a fight for the truth, justice and freedom that was suppressed for 21 years under the conjugal dictatorship of Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos! We can’t let that happen because our history is essential in shaping our future.
In this election, Marcos is spending millions, which they embezzled from our country, to make him look meek and gentle to the public. You've ever wonder why he won't go to any debates or major interviews? I could think of so many reasons but the number one is to avoid answering questions that he'd rather not answer, like the Tallano gold that his family promises to give to every Filipino! (wow! but first you have to vote for him?!)... His school credentials (why can't he just admit that he never finished school because his father was giving him government positions he never won or chairmanship that he never worked for)... The martial law years where many were unlawfully arrested, tortured and killed (when asked if he would apologize to the Filipinos, he answered "why should I?" why indeed?! He has no remorse for those people his family killed because he doesn't care! we are not human to them)...
History would tell us that the Martial Law was used and abused by Marcos to gain ultimate power to control the country. History would show us that Marcos used his presidency to own every industry in the country, thus enriching him, his family and his cronies. History would show us that freedom of speech was suppressed during Martial Law. This is the reason why most of us were kept in the dark. The reason why most of us only have good impression of the the dictator, while corruption, killings were being covered up. History would show us that there were killings and people would disappear and never be seen again. Families were lucky if they find the dead bodies of their loved ones while some have to wonder forever what happened to their missing husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter. History would tell us that police brutality was rampant and that Marcos used the agency as his own private militia. History would tell us that it was not just Marcos Sr or Imelda who abused the presidency but also the children, particularly Imee and Bongbong. History would tell us that rape, drugs, sex trafficking were widespread. History would tell us we were not a great nation under the Marcos era. On the contrary! We were oppressed, abused, brainwashed, tortured...The country’s progress was stymied for 21 years because the “great” president only wanted to keep the power, the money for himself and his cronies!
Those were historical facts!
I don't get how people could still believe the lies that their family is weaving by paying a company that uses a system to influence voters. It's working! At least, to those who don't know our history, who relies on hearsay or would rather stay in the dark because they have closed their minds to the truth. It's working only to those who have chosen to stay blind when all they need to do is open their eyes.
This election is the most important election our country will ever have after the ousting of the dictator and his family. This election would define our country. This election would either usher us to a new, bright, future or would throw us back to a dark, uncertain years ahead of us.
To those who still believe that Marcos is your president- think again! Ask yourself- do I want a liar who deliberately lied to my face about his education? Do I want a leader who won't acknowledge the suffering of the country caused by his family? Do I want a candidate who never worked his entire life? Do I want a president who is strongly and openly associated with the past presidents who were convicted of crimes not to mention others who have ongoing cases? Do I want a president who won't pay his taxes while I diligently pay mine? Do I want a president who skipped all the debates and major interviews because "the questions are tough"?! Do I want a president who only wants the position because of power, money he could get out of it?!
WHAT ARE YOUR VALUES AND BELIEFS?! Because your choice of president reflects your own!
And to those who are still undecided- Please don't vote for the "leading" according to a survey... don't vote for the one from your province... don't vote because of the name he carries... don't vote because of popularity!... don't vote because of their looks or gender... don't vote because you made a bet... don't vote for the one who give away envelopes and boxes... most of all don't vote based on lies! Check your facts! Seek for the truth. I don't know how many times I should put emphasis on the TRUTH!
Because TRUTH WILL SET YOU FREE!
Vote based on the FACTS! Vote for the person who is qualified! Vote for the one with no taint of corruption! Vote for the one who has genuine respect and love for the people. Who wants to serve and has proven to have served even when there's no election or there's no personal or political gain.
NEVER AGAIN must we allow ourselves to be fooled by sweet lies of blood sucking TRAPOs. NEVER AGAIN must we bow down to a tyrant and his power and wealth hungry family! NEVER FORGET those who died fighting the dictator. NEVER FORGET those who died senselessly during a drug war that was nothing but a fun fare to a godless man! NEVER FORGET how we kept choosing the wrong presidents- Marcos, Estrada, Arroyo and Duterte!
Lastly, I lay down this election to our Almighty God. I pray that He would open the eyes of those still living in the dark. Enlighten those who are brainwashed by all these propagandas to advance some unworthy candidates! Give us wisdom as we choose our next leader. I pray that He would raise up the true servant-leaders that our country need. Strike down those who have been impoverishing your people. Bring to justice those who have no respect for the law. Show Your mercy to our land and free us from the curse of the past dictator who have been stopping us from moving forward. Lead not our country to destruction and deliver us from the devils. This I pray in the mighty name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus'!
Mabuhay tayong mga Pilipino!
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