February 1986: A date with history

I was a personal witness to the happenings of history during the first week of February 1986. It was a time of tumult and adventure, of danger and exultation, as millions of Filipinos walked and marched in the streets, in their gallant effort to topple a dictatorship.

I myself was in the streets of Metro Manila -- at EDSA, at Mendiola bridge and J.P. Laurel street, and in various other places -- in a frantic effort to keep pace with the raging events and to record for history what was happening. Here is how I described in my newspaper column the impending downfall of the Marcos dictatorship, as recounted in my book, Walking Through the Pathways of Life:

The Marcos regime looked pathetic as it gasped its last breath. Ferdinand Marcos' curfew order effective six p.m. became a big joke as millions of Metro Manilans cheered their hearts out, danced in the streets, or revelled in celebration over the departure of an unpopular regime.

Marcos sounded like a ghost as he was forced to utilize a raspy telephone to try to reach out to an angry people. And when he was finally able to appear on Channel 9 at eight p.m., he was a ghost of his old self. His voice slurred, his heroic image was gone, a figure no longer feared but instead pitied. As Marcos spoke, word filtered out from Washington that the US government was demanding that Ferdinand Marcos step down.

Marcos' woes were compounded when his men began to defect to the Ramos-Enrile camp or to get sick. Some of his political lieutenants were trying to affiliate with the new government; others were taking the first available flights out of the country.

But what really hurt the Marcos regime was the rebel's takeover of the hated Channel 4 and its radio stations. Gone was the once-potent propaganda arm of Marcos. And as the walls of Channel 4 came tumbling down, a fake Filipino was seen running away. The propagandist looked white as a sheet.

The day after, the Marcos regime finally fell. And here is my written account of that historic happening:

The long nightmare is over.

The 50 million cowards have finally awakened, found their hearts, and toppled a tyrant. Their awakening was slow and painful. But when it finally came, it was like a bursting dam.

The powerful dictator, like many of his colleagues elsewhere, will no longer be around to haunt the people. Peace and prosperity will once more prevail in this troubled land.

Congratulations, Filipino people. You were truly great and outstanding. You have every reason to stand like a giant and to wave the Filipino flag all over the world.

Times may be hard now. But sooner than you expect, a better life will come to all of you. Through People Power, you will certainly be able to rebuild your ravished land.

It will be a gigantic task that Cory Aquino and Doy Laurel will carry out to rebuilt the country from the ruins of misrule. But they have to die trying. The Filipino people have given the country a new lease on life. It is now up to Cory and Doy to make the people's dreams a beautiful reality.

COGEO is an acronym that has become a byword in the public service. It stands for Confederation of Government Employees Organizations, and it has, through its 50 years of existence, become a revered and highly respected institution among the country's public servants. Among its presidents who worked hard to put COGEO in the forefront are infrastructure consultant Aber P. Canlas, former Malacañang exec Fernando C. Santico, and printing specialist Ruben L.Tiangco.

COGEO's good work is being continued by its present leaders led by President Florino O. Ibañez and Vice Presidents Bayani A. Aquino, Lourdes T. Demetria, and Jose C. Sumangil Jr. These incumbent officers are now working double time to make its Ruby Anniversary truly meaningful with a committed Outreach Program.

I wish to thank the COGEO leadership for deciding to work with my Good Samaritan Foundation in extending help to our less fortunate fellowmen. COGEO's donation of P10,000 (LBP Managers Check No. 1259) will certainly go a long way in easing the plight of the sick, the handicapped, and the poor whose survival depends on the help extended to them by thoughtful individuals and entities like the COGEO.

Performing Artists International and Saling Lahi are staging a two-night Valentine presentation at Maynila, Manila Hotel, featuring "The Power of 3 Loves" on February 12, and "Love Heroes and Heroines" on February 14. Tickets are available at all Ticket World-National Bookstore branches. For other particulars, contact 891-5610.

Here are excerpts from letters I received during the past several days:

PAUL LAWRENCE, chief executive officer of HSBC Philippines: "In a quiet hour over the weekend, I indulged in Walking Through The Pathways of Life, and found a level of clarity and integrity sadly lacking in much of today's world. I look forward to continuing to read your column and will keep your insights in mind as HSBC contributes to the community in which we do business."

CLARO SALVO: Thank you for helping out Michelle Acosta Bobadilla of Mogpog, Marinduque. Currently, we have sent e-mails to the Mayor of Mogpog to locate the couple, and we are evaluating how to disburse whatever money we can collect. There have been many pledges for financial donations, one offer to adopt the child, two or three offers to find employment for the husband of Michelle, and one of our kababayans is going to explore how the social services of VP Gloria Macapagal can be availed of."

FREDDIE BANGUD: "I strongly agree with your comments about Stanley Ho. I can attest to this because I have been here in HK for the past five years, and I have not heard any news linking him to any unsavory issues. Take note that HK has an independent body, ICAC, that deals with graft and corruption issues. And they don't spare anybody. Let us give this guy a chance, with his credentials and business influence. He might help, in some ways, to provide additional jobs and more future investments."