Join rallies against corruption

I have a thesis: If the Filipino people lose once again in the latest fight against corruption, specifically the multi-billion-peso flood-control projects, then it will take generations before we can collectively defeat this cancer.

In the face of incontrovertible evidence of massive plunder, what more do we need to be truly angry and translate this anger into concrete action? We experience flooding every day, and we once used to lay the blame solely on people who throw their garbage everywhere until one morning, we woke up to the reality that there is a deeper reason: DPWH, contractors, and politicians had a field day.

The investigation on the matter by the Blue Ribbon Committee led by Senator Rodante Marcoleta succeeded in exposing the horrid details of the evil scheme. Yes, the investigation was halted or at least slowed down through a maneuvering via Senate coup. But it was already too late, the skeletons in the closet had come out. I hope Senator Panfilo Lacson, the new chairman of the committee, can continue the momentum of the investigation.

The resignation of Speaker Martin Romualdez shows that the Palace and the House of Representatives rattled, like a boxer on the retreat and who no longer knows where the punches are coming from. Rattled, yes, but very much alive. Pushed against the wall, these corrupt politicians are expected to fight back like it's a fight for their lives. Their political survival rests on how they can effectively fool the public once more. So expect no end to their maneuvering. There will be sacrificial lambs.

Some heads will roll, but mostly, they will be subordinates.

So what should the public do now? We have to utilize our constitutionally-protected freedom of speech and expression. Let this sink in, folks: Politicians, very well know, clever as they are, that our Facebook posts, our online anger, and our stinging words do not amount to anything, until we march in the streets and do not leave there until victory is achieved.

Get out into the streets. Come in great numbers. Bring your friends, your family, your classmates, your fellow employees, everyone who cares for this country, who abhors corruption, who is sick and tired of dirty politics. Yes, all men and women of conscience.

Join rallies against corruption, but not just any rally. If a rally does not want to hold accountable the administration of President Bongbong Marcos, then that rally is empty, completely bereft of moral high ground. We demand punishment for those responsible for this massive corruption. Otherwise, the problem will return again and again.

Consider this the ultimate battle between good and evil. Consider this the greatest battle for the survival of this nation. Let no one retreat. Allow the politicians to witness our righteous indignation. It is said that there is no fire like passion, then if that is so, let us all be like fire that burns everything in its path --this time, every evil of corruption in its path.

We either collectively lose, or the corrupt-to-the-core politicians will prevail.

Choose.