Destabilization plot

The so-called destabilization plot against the Duterte administration is only a figment of imagination concocted by those who move heaven and earth to stifle dissent in the country in order to pursue their hidden agenda without any opposition. It is a litmus test to probe if the people will be cowed into submission or if they offer stiff resistance. It’s an old ploy to cover up their hidden agenda.

From all indications, the legal opposition has no capability to destabilize a sitting government supposedly supported by 80% of the country’s population. Unless, of course, the military has its hidden agenda to intervene which is unlikely at this time considering that they have all the perks and privileges bestowed upon by its commander-in-chief.

Marcos did the same destabilization trick many years ago. He clamped down the media, shut down Congress, and jailed opposition leaders. He suspended the privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus. He faked the ambush of Defense chief Juan Ponce Enrile at Wack-Wack club in Mandaluyong. Under the pretext of combating the so-called “lawlessness and dissidence”, he declared martial rule throughout the country. Thus, the people experienced 14 long years of our dark ages in history.

With no more avenues for peaceful reform, thousands of student activists, some of whom were the “best and the brightest” of the generation, left their comfort zone, took to the hills and joined the armed struggle. The rest is history.

In a democratic society, the freedom of expression for redress of grievances against the government is enshrined in the Constitution. To stifle dissent will only polarize the masses of people until it reaches the tipping point wherein the military will be forced to intervene. It’s gonna be a helluva bloody end.

Rene F. Antiga

Banilad, Mandaue City