By Jan Vicente B. Pekas
A lot of people in the Philippines has a crush on the United States. As such, the major event that is the US elections would naturally make its way into our conversations. And just like republicans, many Filipinos are dumbfounded at the what they are now calling the “Blue Tsunami”. Ever the imitators of anything American, some are now talking about the possibility of recreating a historic shift in our own lands. To break away from the chokehold that “DDS-ism” has over the Philippines and turn more progressive.
The labels have now come to the forefront again. The liberals vs the conservatives, pinklawans vs the DDS, left vs right, all the banners are being propped up and for now, one side is happier than the other, of course only so until the next conservative wave hits and the seesaw of dominance continue between the 2 parties. One side wins for now, but in time, the other will have their day.
We are focusing too much in mere labels. In the Philippines whether it’s a candidate that claims to be on the progressive camp or a conservative one, most of them come from the same powerful backgrounds, dynastic families, and the same circle that exploit this nation for their gains. To borrow from Fred Hampton, there is only the oppressed and oppressors. The fight between the working class and the upper is all that matters. Yet right now, unnecessary division is being created by parties, labels, and camps. All these merely divide the oppressed, crippling them from making meaningful change. All the while, the people at the top connive, making up new methods to reinforce their influence, to further impair the capability of the masses to organize.
The Philippines has had their fair share of back and forth between politicians with opposing ideals. One side became elated when their preferred candidate won. But after years, another will take his place and the other side became the happier bunch. One side’s joy only ever lasted after some time. No meaningful changes for the poor ever came to pass. The poor are still suffering and the suffering of the working people is still rampant.
When we back a certain charismatic candidate, we get caught up in their victory as if it was our own. We let the temporary adrenaline cloud our eyes from seeing that parties are only labels and means to get votes. Chances are, a pinklawan and a DDS share the same issues. Low wages, lacking government services, lack of opportunities, poverty and yet both claim as if their backed candidate will solve all of them. Millions from each side can gather and wear their colors and demand a better government yet receive only temporary and superficial response. But only when party loyalty is erased and all sides come together will power truly form. True power that can bring the changes so desired by Filipinos across multiple generations. **
