There are at least two rallies happening this September 21, the 53rd anniversary of the declaration of martial law — a big one in Luneta, and a likely smaller one in EDSA.
A huge number of people are expected to show up, if only to be counted. People are emotional. And angry.
And we all get it. The revelations of the past few weeks have been staggering — a corruption scandal so massive, so shameless, that it managed to shock a country that many thought unshockable. Worse, we all know it’s just the tip of the iceberg.
You can feel it — the undercurrent of discontent this time is different. People are seriously asking: what can WE do?
It would be a shame to lose this chance and let this desire for change dissipate instead of channeling it into something truly transformative, and meaningful. Yet, as the anger continues to build and fester — on social media, in conversations, in the tone of protest announcements — I keep coming back to one uncomfortable question:
Where is this all supposed to lead? What do we really want or expect to happen?
Is it retribution? Do we want names named, heads to roll, people to actually go to jail for once in their lives?
Is it resignation? Pressure someone (or everyone) to step down? Collapse the current government and start fresh?
Or is the goal bigger than individuals? Are we talking about a full reboot — rip up the Constitution, change the rules, rewire the whole way we’re governed?
Or maybe it’s none of those.
Maybe it’s simpler: ride out the next few years and elect someone better in the next elections. Someone clean, brave, principled. Someone with the guts and courage to take this mess on. We tried to do that, unsuccessfully, in 2022. Maybe we’ll have better luck in 2028.
There is no consensus.
We are gathering around the bonfire of our anger, but no one knows who will, and where to take the flame. No one is stepping up. There is no one right now who captures our imagination and helps to define the way forward.
All we can do – at least for now – is vent. And that is a dangerous path.
Anger without direction is simply running on fuel without a map. It burns hot. It draws a crowd. But eventually, it dies out and we are left stranded, lost and out in the cold. Or worse, the fire spreads in ways no one can control.
In 1986, we knew what we all wanted: oust the dictator, install the rightful winner, begin again. There was clarity. There was a rallying figure.
Today, it’s just rage — justified, to be sure, but fragmented nonetheless.
Our real challenge isn’t just to march, or protest, or tweet, or demand. It’s not just about asking what are we fighting for?
We can no longer be satisfied with the abstract. Not just “justice,” or “accountability,” or “good governance.” Those are values. Aspirations.
They’re not blueprints.
It’s about figuring out - what do WE do?
So, I sincerely hope we find that leader who can offer a real answer that we can get behind, and is willing to take risks and lead – RIGHT NOW, instead of playing it safe. Because who ever figures out this question — clearly, credibly, and with courage — and steps up, won’t just win in 2028. He or she will deserve to.
Until then, I will continue to do my part. I will vent. I will write. I will shout, demand, protest. I will continue my work with CANVAS - at least, that is the one thing I am doing that feels right.
And, I will continue to try and figure out the question we all should keep asking.
What is MY end game — and what am I prepared to do to help get us there?
See you all on Sunday!
Good article. May I ask who's the artist who did the fine illustrations?