By Tongtongan Ti Umili
October 20, 2007

The people cannot forget and the people know the truth. Though propping itself with all the trimmings of political stability and economic growth, the Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo government is wracked by self-destructive scandals and activities that point to a morally bankrupt leadership.

Despite the first impeachment case that failed in Congress, the people will continue to ask GMA to come clean from all the accusations of a rigged presidency in 2004 involving her AFP Chief-of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon and then COMELEC Commissioner Garcillano as proven by the “hello Garci” tapes.

Other sins of commission by the GMA government have been swept under the rug but these are so foul and vile that we shall pursue investigation.

The recent controversial ZTE broadband bribery scandal involving an astounding amount where the First Gentlemen Miguel Arroyo and resigned COMELEC Chair Benjamin Abalos played major roles laid bare the shameless shenanigans of people close to GMA, if not the president herself. And just when another wave of impeachment efforts came about, a blatant “fixing” or suhulan of administration officials in Malacanang happened, a clear sign that GMA will not hesitate to consolidate her minions to stay in power. Presently, we see cracks and we hear rumblings in the ruling coalition party as GMA desperately tries to rally her supporters to block a substantial impeachment complaint to be filed by the opposition.

All these are happening in the midst of deepening poverty of the great majority of the Filipino people. The rosy economic indicators of growth and prosperity bandied by the Arroyo government does not come close to the growing unemployment, the stark reality of neglect among the health and education sectors, and a restive military.

The very recent bombing of Glorietta Mall in Makati where nine innocent people have been confirmed dead and close to a hundred wounded is seen by both people on the street and political analysts as either a genuine terrorist attack or a diversionary tactic plotted by those who wish to distract the nation from political controversies involving the president. These are so familiar scenes in the country’s past and current history that occur when a beleaguered presidency is on the verge of declaring a state of emergency or martial rule. The tragic incident is also viewed as an excuse to implement the Human Security Act that remains controversial to date.

The uproar is once again getting louder. The influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has stated that the Arroyo government has no moral ascendancy to go on. The wide range of opposition forces are one in calling for GMA to step down and let constitutional process in the person of the vice-president to prevail.

One thing is certain. This government is digging deeper into its own grave with all the scandals and immoral activities it is getting into. Its self destruction is imminent. But we the people must stay vigilant and tireless because a presidency hungry for power will exhaust all means to remain. Let us make it clear that we do not need a corrupt and illegitimate president. Let us bring our voice to Malacanang and let it be known that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo must step down NOW! #