COMING HOME FOR P-NOY: Tales from the 2010 Inauguration

Monday, 23 August 2010 00:00

Written by Jess Ang

My wife and I came to Manila last June 27, 2010, to attend the inauguration of President-Elect Benigno Aquino III as the 15th President of our Philippine Republic. There were about 200 delegates from the US and other countries who arrived to celebrate his victory and attend a 2-day conference on good governance. US Pinoys for Good Governance hosted this conference which invited local speakers and Fil-Am conveners to discuss ways in which OFWs can help the new government to alleviate poverty and institute genuine democratic reforms in our country.

During the inaugural event, we were able to sit near the center stage of the Luneta Grandstand. President Aquino arrived along with outgoing president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA). When GMA shook Pres. Aquino’s hand and began to exit towards her car, the audience showered her with catcalls wishing her, “Goodbye and good riddance!” The lack of civility of the invited guests was probably inflamed by nine years of corruption and disregard for human rights. A few minutes after President Aquino appeared on stage, Vice-President Elect Jejomar Binay violated protocol by distracting the crowd when he arrived later with his multicolored jeepney. This was a clear example of grandstanding on his part, adding to his declaration a week earlier of wanting the DILG post without it being offered by the President.

The inaugural events presented more evidence to show the wide gap between the haves and have-nots of our divisive society. When the program ended, most of the invited guests in their impressive barongs and Filipiniana dresses walked to the Manila Hotel, where they found comfort in an air-conditioned lobby. They indulged themselves with cold halo halo and mingled with politicians, movie stars and the high and mighty. Meanwhile in the scorching sun, the average Juan de la Cruz took refuge in the Luneta Grandstand savoring for a brief moment the VIP center stage.

I attended a US Pinoy reception, where I had the chance to talk with some local civil society leaders. One of our topics was about depression among the poor. I stated that depression is probably high among the poor due to lack of basic necessities and stress of making ends meet. A former international beauty queen disagreed claiming that the poor have less incidence of depression due to their extensive social support from family members and “tsismis” from their neighbors. I was tempted to respond by suggesting she live in the slums for one month and tell me then if she still feels the same.

One event sought to pose a challenge to Fil-Ams and OFWs everywhere. Three TV Broadcasters were asked to discuss the role of the media in nation building. Mrs. Che Che Lazaro, a popular ABS-CBN broadcaster, suggested that now that we are successful, why not share our time, our talents, and our money to rebuild the land of our birth and reservoir of many good memories. To my fellow Fil-Ams, what is your response???

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