Past evils

Ben Contreras

IT all began in 1983 when people felt they have had enough of the oppressive Marcos regime. There was nationwide unrest that culminated in “People Power,” better known as the Edsa Revolution. It was a peaceful revolution that ousted Marcos. Amid the new hope for the nation and its people, we might as well take a closer look at how we have changed, or have we really changed for the better?

Was President Corazon C. Aquino the better President? She was once the subject of a joke for becoming an “accidental President.” Corazon? Si! Aqui (pointing to the head), no! Still, she was heaven’s instrument to remove Marcos from power.

How did history judge her? The pragmatists seem to have judged her as someone who lacked real accomplishments. But some, as a “consuelo de bobo,” would say: “At least, she restored democracy.”

President Fidel V. Ramos stepped down without fanfare and he has been living a quiet life amid controversial projects involving billions.

President Joseph “Erap” Estrada was not able to finish his term when an impeachment trial against him was cut short by the refusal to open an envelope that turned out to have nothing material in it. The rest is history and Vice President Gloria Arroyo ascended to the presidency.

Arroyo sought an election–she broke a promise not to do that. When Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) ran against her, it was clear that FPJ would have the upper hand. Thus, there was a need to cheat. The “Hello Garci” became part of the darker side of our election history. Many vested interests and educated people would rather have FPJ cheated.

President Benigno Aquino Jr. rose to the presidency via the death of his mother. His motto “Daang Matuwid” was more of “Daang Natuwad” that many of those who voted for him have either expressed regret or became his enemies.

Thirty-three years after Edsa I, after five Presidents, people still continue to hate the President Marcos when he could have just been left to the past and forgotten. Why?

I have come to think that the leaders after Marcos have learned to use FM as a convenient excuse for their own failure in bringing changes.

This year’s election was no different. Sen. Bongbong Marcos was the subject of attacks because of the evils seen during the rule of his father. I have no problem with that as it is expected. But why are the attackers silent on the evils of the Presidents after Marcos? They would rather attack Duterte whose presidency has yet to start but silent on the evils of the other presidents before him.

Why, are they less evil? Were they less corrupt? Were there no disappearance and murders/massacres? Were they more honest? I don’t think so. Perhaps, some people think accusing Marcos of evil would make them look less evil if not, holier.

I voted for Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano who ran for vice president. But if I were to choose between Leni Robredo and Bongbong, I would choose Leni. If however Leni won because somebody out there doesn’t like Bongbong to win and had to cheat for Leni, then it was wrong.

Mar Roxas was fourth in the ratings. All of the sudden, we saw his votes surpassing Poe who was consistently teetering between No. 1 and No. 2. For me, it was meant for Mar to save face.

Bongbong was a consistent winner in surveys. The sudden overtake of Leni was a good subject for suspicion. Was this a fruit of the alleged Plan B of LP? Who knows?

If we allow this just because we hate Bongbong, then how would Poe feel for her cheated father?

I, too, am afraid of a Bongbong vice presidency. But if we are to justify cheating just because we hate Bongbong, then we might as well not have elections at all.

If we are to agree that the sins of the father are the sins of his children, then we all are sinners.

People accused Bongbong of using the stolen wealth of his father for his campaign activities, but who didn’t?