Political unrest a-brewing… again?
The kickbacks scandal that allegedly involves First Gentleman Mike Arroyo is brewing renewed calls for the resignation of President Gloria Arroyo. Business leaders, primarily the Makati Business Club, have spoken out. Though they have stopped short (for now) of calling for the President to step down, they have released this very telling statement (emphasis mine):
“We must see to it that those who are revealed to have broken the law, no matter how high up, must be made to account for their transgression”
Protesters have taken to the streets, bearing displays of their sentiments. Meanwhile, the government has called for calm and fairness:
“There is no cause for the president to resign,” said Lorelie Fajardo, a spokeswoman for Arroyo, stressing that the public should “exercise sobriety and fairness” over the revelations.
Fajardo said that while Arroyo’s husband has been named in the investigation, it has not “directly linked the president in any way.”
The military has also been heard, with leaders warning their troops not to take part in any coup attempts against Arroyo.
With the anniversary week of the original People Power Revolution almost upon us, will we hear once again cries of “Tama na! Sobra na!” in the streets of Manila?
I have honestly lost count of how many EDSA revolutions there have been. I don’t want to see another one, if it will only lead to a name-change in government. Where is the real change we hoped for back when the streets were covered in yellow confetti? Or is People Power so common these days that it has lost its true power?
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