‘Suffocation in Sanctimony’
Richard Nations’ article (Editorial Pages, March 17), “Suffocation in Sanctimony,” is both confused and cynical. He first depicts Corazon Aquino as an “aloof saint” who blessed the Filipino people with a democracy. Then, he asserts that the Aquino government is a “tyranny of good intentions.” Why? Because he is convinced that President Aquino’s personal popularity hinders the “check and balances” in the Philippine system.
What the heck is he talking about? For one thing, this miracle during the February, 1986, revolt was not only Cory Aquino’s handiwork. It was also millions of brave Filipinos who peacefully defended their choice of leader before the tanks and gun barrels of Ferdinand Marcos’ troops. People power ended Marcos’ aging dictatorship--certainly not by an act of “grace” bestowed on Aquino.
Nations’ whim was pricked by his timid Filipino writer friend who praised the “Cory order.” Apparently, Nations overlooked the 20 Manila dailies and their columnists who constantly prophesy the government’s doom with their scoops of palace intrigues, official corruption, and coup plots.
The Aquino government does not impede the various opposition factions in their daily tirade of charges and rumors on radio and TV talk shows. For example, the deposed dictator (via taped messages) and several seditious commentators lambaste her government on radio. This goes on while the extreme left stages provocative public rallies to embarrass. If these are not “checks and balances” to Nations, he must have written about another country.
Contrary to his belief that a “suffocating blanket of sanctimony” exists among Filipinos, there is the opposite: an overabundance of irreverent critics (militarists, rightists, secessionists, and communists). Democracy exists not because of Aquino, but to challenge her people with endless opportunities.
When more than 75% of the Filipino electorate ratified the new constitution last February, democratic institutions like the legislature and the courts were strengthened despite what pessimists like Nations would call an “East European-scale yes vote.”
Finally, it is by her popular mandate that Aquino has prevailed over the violent left and right. No provocation from cynics of whatever hue shall sway President Aquino from her patient commitment to peaceful reforms. The Filipino people are better off because of her refusal to be an “ordinary, power-craven mortal,” as Nations would like her to be.
By the way, Mrs. Aquino’s middle name initial is a “C.”
ERIC FURBEYRE
Los Angeles
Furbeyre is information officer at the Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles.