Editorial - Confederation of 90 million tiny republics

The Philippines observes today the 25th anniversary of the Edsa People Power Revolt that toppled the Marcos dictarship. Each Filipino has his own interpretation of that event. And from that he draws his own conclusions, which in turn form the basis for his expectations.

It is therefore best not to attempt to take away from each Filipino his right to form his own take of that event. And with 25 years having passed since, history ought to come as a handy tool in formulating that judgment.

But whether these expectations sustained or failed the Filipino, at least two facts stand out for their unassailable truth and relevance: The Edsa People Power Revolt restored democracy, imperfect though it may be, and its bloodlessness remains the untarnished model for the world.

This is of particular interest to the world at this time when various countries in North Africa and the Middle East have risen in upheaval over traditionally authoritarian regimes, often with devastating human and economic losses.

Maybe it has something to do with culture. Or maybe it is just the way Filipinos are. But one thing is clear. Those who are now asserting their rights in that troubled region could be looking at the Philippine model in wonderment.

Of course the fortunes of countries that rise up in upheaval will vary greatly. Some will rise from the experience to become mature, developed and sophisticated nations. Others will go in the opposite direction and be worse off than before. Still others will just stagnate.

Again, it is best to leave the matter of determining where we are now to the individual Filipino. After all, no one is a better judge of his own personal lot than the person concerned himself.

To insist on what is or isn’t, or could have been, will only turn out to be a divisive endeavor that is of no use and consequence to what the truth each to each individual. This country, it seems, is so free it is like a confederation of more than 90 million tiny republics.