A letter of concern

Much has been reported about the topic of my write up - the charter change. The developments were very rapid not the least reason of which was the report (almost simultaneously denied by government pr people) that Malacañang tasked a government agency, Department of Interior and Local Government to lead the massive solicitation of signatures from among the citizens.

Despite the denials from the Office of the President, I think there is indeed a central office orchestrating this massive movement of manpower and concomitant expense. The uniformity of the forms peddled house-to-house throughout the country can never be attributable to many sources. The reported presence of DILG personnel in many of these fora only means that the official pronouncements of the department's not having anything to do is incredible as it is useless. Indeed, there must be a sinister motive for the huge expenditure wasted in this exercise.

These questionable acts of the government of Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leading to this effort to effect a back-door revision of our constitution insult more than embarrass our people. I just received a faxed letter which, by somehow repeating the things I have written, serves to validate my humble observations. I will yield further space to this letter.

"Recent events in the country have led us, concerned citizens, to question the very foundation of democracy we have strived to uphold since the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship. Those who have experienced the dark times of Martial Rule know how frightening and hard it was. Many believed that it was the worst it could get. How wrong we were!

"We sat back and watched unnerving events unfold, first with the disclosure of alleged 2004 electoral fraud, the unanswered charges of massive corruption, to the proclamation of a state of national emergency marked by unconstitutional warrantless arrests, media censorship, repression of legitimate political dissent and the curtailment of the freedom of expression. All these, without a declaration of martial law.

"We have always stood for the rule of law, with the fervent hope that justice will eventually prevail. But as conditions worsen each day, we are faced with a question we cannot just readily dismiss: As a citizen of this country, what is my obligation to the promotion of the welfare of this besieged nation?

"We are faced with a challenge - a challenge that calls us to rise for the truth, justice and peace. We may not necessarily agree with each other's thoughts, but we must, in all determination, stand united for the constitutional right to think them and express them. We know that it is wrong to arrest someone for wearing a shirt the government disapproves of, to suppress legitimate political dissent. We know that it is wrong to arrest and condemn people without the benefit of due process. We know that it is wrong to censor the media which has the obligation to share truth and knowledge to the people. But must we just sit and watch things unfold? What then must we do when confronted with this challenge?

"We say, history need not repeat itself. Let us join hands in solidarity with our fellow Filipino and help steer the nation back to its path towards genuine democracy. Let us touch the hearts of those in our social circles. Let us make a stand and discuss these issues with our friends and peers. Let us wear pins, shirt and ribbons to dramatize and express our sentiments. Let us show in our own little and creative ways that we will not allow our civil rights to be taken away from us. Let us create a movement of concerned citizens to defend and uphold civil liberties.

"With ardent hopes, we appeal for your support and commitment to uphold the ideals that could make this nation free, democratic and progressive.

"Should you have any suggestion or opinion as to how we can make this campaign more effective, please let us know.

"For a truly free Philippines!"