In early January, former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio wrote a critique on government’s budget priorities, which he sees as a betrayal of the Filipino people. He lashed out on the government’s decision to cut funding for education and healthcare while increasing spending on programs like AKAP (Ayuda sa Kapos ang Kita Program) and for prioritizing short-term political gains over the long-term well-being of the nation, particularly the children and poor. He called for public outrage and action, urging us to hold our leaders accountable and reclaim the nation from corruption and neglect.
He urged us to break our silence and actively resist the government’s actions as he believes that the power to change the situation lies with the people, and that only through collective action can we reclaim our nation and demand accountability from our leaders.
Fast forward a week later.
Today, the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) will mobilize millions of its members across the nation for a National Rally for Peace amid the confusion escalating in Manila that is further dividing the people . The peace rally is viewed by some as being multi-layered even as it seems to reflect the hopes and dreams of the ordinary people.
The yearning for peace, the desire for unity, and the frustration with political turmoil are sentiments shared by many.
After the peace rally, the question remains: what does this massive display of unity and political influence mean for the future of the Philippines? Will it usher in an era of peace and stability, or will it further entrench existing power structures and exacerbate social divisions?
Only time will tell.
