| 14 March 2010
Rey Valera, one of the most talented Filipino composers and musicians, has composed another memorable and moving song entitled “Sa Aking Panahon”. He is referring to the generation that brought the concept of “People Power Revolution” to the world. This was the generation that barricaded roads, rallied, demonstrated and exposed corrupt leaders and tyrants.
It was the time when different ideologies abound and the youth of that generation chanted anti-imperialist and pro-Mao Tse Tung propaganda. It was the generation that saw the rise of the New Peoples’ Army. The youth started the change in our society by toppling down a tyrannical ruler but had nothing revolutionary to replace it with.
In the end we got stuck with the same system where power rested on the rich and powerful instead of on the people. Meantime, corruption flourished in all walks of life. The examples of lawlessness mentioned by Rey Valera are just results of a deeply corrupt people and government.
The 1987 Philippine Constitution provided for an “Initiative and Referendum Act” so that the people could initiate amendments to the constitution. However, it left the power to the Senators and Congressmen to draw an enabling act to implement it.
So since 1987, our leaders have been sitting on it; and in effect, denying the people the right to initiate changes to the laws that will affect them.
So, when Rey Valera’s child asked why our generation allowed the lawlessness, his answer should have been _ “We started the change but did not finish it”.
LET US NOW FINISH WHAT WE HAVE BEGUN FOUR DECADES AGO! OUR GENERATION SHOULD FINALLY PLANT THE SEEDS THAT THE YOUNG GENERATION WILL NURTURE AND HARVEST.
Experience tells us that if we just let our elected leaders to write and pass the laws, the rights of ordinary citizens will be trampled on. If the people has the final say as proposed in a Jury System, our leaders cannot commit crimes with impunity. The Jury system establishes people’s rule and teaches them how to rule.
How do we tell our leaders that we want a change in the way our government is run?
We could start with a “Snowflake Campaign” as suggested in the article, “NOYNOY VS VILLAR”. Allow me to remind you.
- Each of us will send a letter, as shown below, to whoever we decide to vote for.
Dear Candidate,
After years of waiting for a leader who could solve the problem of corruption in our desperately poor country, I have come to the conclusion that you might be this leader.
However, I believe that you can fight corruption more effectively if the power of government is shifted from the rich and powerful to the ordinary people. Therefore, I will vote for you or have voted for you in the hope that you will actively support the INCORPORATION OF A JURY SYSTEM IN OUR JUDICIAL LAWS.
Please do not let us down!
Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! It is the only one we have got.
May God Bless You,
Your signature.
- Address this letter to your candidate at SANDIGANBAYAN, CENTENNIAL BUILDING, COMMONWEALTH AVE., BATASAN ROAD, QUEZON CITY, PHILIPPINES.
This letter will be like a “snowflake”. One on its own will disappear and be forgotten in seconds. Several will disappear in the same way, but will be remarked upon. More will remain but will have no effect apart from looking pretty. Even more might cause pedestrians to slip but will have no effect on cars. Even more will require salting of the roads. Even more will have a significant effect on the use of the road just like the recent snow storms in the UK and America.
Many letters that say the same thing will be recognised by the politicians and the media especially those from OFWs. Please pass on this letter by post or email to all your friends and relations. This is your patriotic duty to your country
- Carry on with this “Snowflake Campaign” even after the election.
Another campaign was suggested by Atty Berteni (Toto) Causing. Atty Causing was one of the speakers in the Leaders’ Conference and Launching of our Philippine affiliate _ Katarungang Pangsambayanan Inc. Toto is the leader of Hukumang Ng Mamamayan, another PhilJury group based in the Philippines. Please click the link below to read his invitation.
Do one or do both but do something! Here is your chance to prove your love for your country.