What a march can do

During the first trillion-peso march in September, it felt like the attendees were caught in a limbo. Many came up to me to ask where the venue really was, as they were confused about whether they should go to Plaza Independencia or head straight to Fuente Osmeña. Apparently, different groups with different causes had caused this mishap, resulting in a fewer turnout than what organizers had hoped for. It’s also notable that the head of Cebu Archdiocese was mum at that time, noting that his attendance was more needed at a fiesta celebration than at the people’s clamor to end corruption. Yesterday, however, showed a completely different picture, almost like Cebu finally found its footing.

We saw how many individuals clad in white marched from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño toward the heart of the city. They were united and fully understood what needed to be done --no ifs, and, or buts. The optics were amazing, like a long and steady trail of pure individuals demanding that they be given more than what they currently receive. They asked for honesty, for transparency, and for those involved in the scandal to step down, as it is already high time.

However, as many months have already passed since the flood-control scandal broke out, we are only hearing about warrants of arrest sans the actual arrests. In my many quiet moments, I already feel hopeless that someone will truly be behind bars for what they did. Sure, there is the course of due process, but the subject merits being expedited. The clamor of the majority is simple: for their taxes to be returned to them through better projects. People are tired of waiting, tired of seeing headlines that go nowhere.

Now, here comes another event for a mass action. We often forget the power of a march. During the time of Andres Bonifacio, their feet took them to greater heights in advancing their causes. Their voices awakened a revolution, one that had been sleeping for so long and concealed in the guise of impressive events and distractions. During the overthrow of dictator Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the march of the nuns along EDSA Avenue became iconic in shaping the democracy we enjoy today. The collective act led to the reclaiming of their freedom. Imagine if they protested individually; history might have taken a completely different turn.

It is high time we recognize that joining marches and protests is part of our freedom as enshrined in the Constitution. It is not something to fear nor be hostile about, such as tagging participants as suspected rebels. Anyone who thinks that way is clearly not schooled in what mass action can do in the most trying times. I’m glad Cebu was not left behind among the many developments we are facing. We have always been part of history, and the way we continue to include ourselves today is truly commendable.