(Editor’s note: After the 1986 snap election there was little or no hint at all that the government in power would suffer permanent stain and defeat as noted by the author.)

This week, there were hints – or threats – from political, religious/business leaders that people power could rise again if elections on May 10 fail to elect the following: 1) New president and vice president, 2) 12 senators, 3) all members of the House, and 4) all provincial, city and municipal officials.

New government

Let’s have a fresh reminder from the first people power, February 22-25, 1986: 1) The new government changed the 1973 “children’s” Constitution to Freedom Constitution, 2) the Batasan elected in 1984 was dissolved, 3) the Supreme Court was reorganized with Senior Justice Claudio Teehankee named as Chief Justice, 4) All justices and judges were ordered to resign, 4) new faces took over all Cabinet departments, 5) new local officials nationwide were named OICs, and 6) the AFP, PC, and police were reorganized.

Among the jobless

Among the Batasan members rendered jobless were Justice Cecilia Muñoz-Palma and Bert Romulo who were freely elected QC representatives. Muñoz-Palma was elected 1986 Con-Com president and Romulo was appointed DBM secretary and elected senator in May, 1987, in the Cory government.

Rebellion or people’s defiance

To this day veteran analysts still maintain it was doubtful if the military rebellion alone led by Enrile and Ramos could succeed against an entrenched dictatorship the two once supported and served.

Without the open march against tanks, armored carriers and foot soldiers, of close to, or more than, 1,000,000 Filipinos who had stopped all forms of troop movements on EDSA.

Cardinal Sin had risked countless lives and his own by calling on all Filipinos to resist/defy the dictatorship in a gesture verging on open uprising.

Rough words

As the summer heat breaks old records hot words were also exchanged by candidates to promote themselves.

The “operations baklas” has a funny side: Baklas is done from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (eight hours) but new padikit is resumed openly from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. (12 hours) It’s like cleaning our creeks and river near San Juan and Mandaluyong. Basura is removed, cleared 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (eight hours) but fresh trash is dumped between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. (12 hours). It’s a kind of fun/game pursued without any foreseeable end.

Like a road rage

Suddenly, a former household help (with a lawyer) held a “prescon” detailing grievances against Korina Sanchez – Roxas. The ex – Tsimay left Korina’s employ eight or nine years ago. The TV cameras showed that the restaurant table was covered by an orange table cloth and TV reporters disclosed that the prescon food and drinks cost P27,000. It was not revealed if someone won a lotto to pick up the tab.

The next frame showed Mar Roxas making a comment: “My wife Korina is not running for any office. I’m the one to answer any question.”

Isn’t the above a kind of sit-in organized by a party-list group representing Tsimays? This happens only in RP.

Ladlad in, disabled still out

The Supreme Court lectured Comelec on human rights in general, and the Bill of Rights is ever ready to be invoked to protect associations that are not illegal assemblies.

What’s the fate of the disabled who formed a party-list party? This author cited a great man disabled by polio for 11 years, but was elected US President four times (1932, 1936, 1940 and 1944).

More focus

In fact, most persons suffering from physical deformities can develop deep concentration and focus to solve complicated problems. Roosevelt’s first 700 days in office saw the fast adoption of legislation to minimize the ill effects of the Great Depression.

Roosevelt had defeated the incumbent, Herbert Hoover, an engineer from Stanford U, chief engineer of various firms, veteran government administrator and Secretary of Commerce under Presidents Harding and Coolidge, 1921 – 28. Hoover came to the White House with more dazzling visions of achievements and left with shattered illusions. President William Howard Taft referred to him: “Hoover does not speak the language of politicians.”

More tricks?

More dirty tricks can be expected from candidates between now and May 10, without any hint or doubt that gimmicks can defeat or destroy their promoters.

The more patient ones may be blessed with unexpected results or triumph after a hard day on the hastings. (Comments are welcome at roming@pefianco.com)