Another Edsa?

It's the evening of February 25 and once again, the Philippines commemorated the first Edsa Revolution. I was still in high school when the 1986 revolt happened though I was able to join Edsa 2 and was even part of the people who cordoned off a certain part of the stage in Edsa. GMA was there being interviewed on one side, Bong Revilla came with his barangay-load of guards, and many other well-known personalities. I was also at Edsa when GMA was sworn in as the new president. I saw the ceremony with my own eyes.

I have not attended any of the rallies against GMA held recently because of the ZTE-NBN Deal. I wanted to but my other commitments were in conflict. I also have questions to ask myself and I guess the rest of the Filipinos. Because, as much as I hate, detest, abhor the oppression the government is doing to Jun Lozada for his desire to speak the truth, I have unresolved issues and points to raise:

1. If we replace GMA, will this end the corruption in our country? I don't think so. As Jun Lozada said, the system is subject to corruption. We have to change how the system works if we want corruption to stop. Meaning, there must be checks and balances. For example, in the bidding of contracts, we need to apply what Jun Lozada said about the loopholes in it.

2. I have nothing against rallies, picket lines and marches. I have done that when I was a student or even after I graduated. But the right to express oneself also accompanies a responsibility that we on our own live out the good that we desire. For example, we want to oust GMA because of her involvement (or at least for turning a blind eye), to corruption being done by family and friends. At the same time, do we also bribe others? Do we give a little grease money to the police so that we won't be ticketed (wrongly or rightly)? Do we allow our votes to be bought? Do we pay our taxes?

3. Okay, just for the sake of argument, we have a new president, Noli or someone else. Afterwards, do we continue to bicker, put down ourselves and our fellow Filipinos, only support projects that belong to our party-mates? How long will our unity continue? Can we not agree to disagree, to have rational and intelligent discussions and arguments without us taking these things personally? Can we live with constructive criticism?

These are just three things that I can think of right now. What we as Filipino people will choose to do or not do will have an effect on our future as a country and as a people. My prayer is that the Lord grant us wisdom to know what is right, the courage to choose it, and the perseverance to continue on that road till the end.