Make them pay

In our class' discussion on semiotics, we grappled with defining signs and their meanings. Roland Barthes, who pioneered this study, talked about the signifier or the thought is wrapped around certain signs. It was a different experience to be able to identify hidden meanings and codes in the way we live our life. Much more in the context of the upcoming elections. However we want to avoid it, there is no denying that the shape of the political climate in the country is slowly taking its form.

However, I still am casting my doubts on the people who call themselves aspirants to lead the country for the next six years. We are seeing a diverse group with different intentions and promises for the motherland. There is a son of a former dictator, the current vice president, a city mayor, two senators, and many more. Others term us as the circus in politics. I wouldn't be so shocked if scholars abroad would peer into the dynamics of our politics. It is a shame and an honor at the same time.

I was taken aback when Senator Bato dela Rosa was asked on a television interview about Senator Bongbong Marcos and the sins of his father. He said that Marcos Jr. should not, in any way, pay for what his father has done for he was not part of all the transgressions during martial law. However, when asked about his own father, Dela Rosa said he will say sorry on behalf of him. It is the same question but lodged to two different persons. Where is the consistency in that?

Other than that, we should also ask ourselves, do we have to make the Marcoses pay? I just recently saw this documentary on Imelda Marcos as part of our class requirement. It was titled "The Kingmaker" banking on the thought that he turned her husband into one. I haven't finished it yet but I am a quarter into the film, I already saw the lavish lifestyle of this family. Indeed he was considered a hero in his own right. But when it came to everyone else's life that was taken away during his regime, they could only stare in silence. As if waiting for time to forget the question asked.

Have we also forgotten what happened during this time? For sure, we are presented today with the greatness that this family did during their time. But was the greatness for everyone? Or only those who bowed to them? We are also told that whatever the father has done, the son is not guaranteed to repeat it. These are all ideas that have not been proven yet. We can take a leap and prove it but it would risk another six years of our country.

By this time we ask ourselves, is it worth it choosing a leader whose father has made a significant historical impact on the country? Is a take two, worth a shot? It is up to you.