Cory + Erap = Power Power Fatigue

I grew up admiring Pres. Cory Aquino. I was awed by People Power I when I was a kid. I remember those yellow headbands and shirts worn by my sisters during that time. I was too young to know what was going on at that time. All I knew was a housewife drove out an evil person from Malacanang and became the country's president.

I was part of People Power II, when Cory and Cardinal Sin again asked people to troop to EDSA to ask for the resignation of Pres. Erap. It was another glorious moment for the Philippines. Erap resigned and Gloria Arroyo became the president. It shows the magic of people power.

Why is there people power fatigue then? I guess, with Cory and Erap leading the interfaith rally last Friday sums it all up.

I cannot understand why Cory has to stoop down to the level of Erap. I cannot imagine why a God-fearing and incorruptible Cory would share the stage with a convicted grafter and a womanizing ex-president. Let's be straight about it. A thief cannot ask another thief not to seal. The scene speaks for itself. It speaks a lot about compromise and transactional politics. Cory represents the oligarch while Erap represents the "masa". It shows that politicians are willing to compromise principles for the sake of power. So, in the end, it is all about power grab.

I guess, we should put people power in context. Cory has only herself to blame. People are wise enough to see the motives behind their moves. Until a genuine people power is put in place, there is no choice but for the protagonist to slug it out in 2010.

Unfortunately, while all these things are happening, it is the country that is suffering. In the end, we just have to accept that we are mere pawns in this chess game.