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REFLECTIONS ON EDSA II EVENT* By Erme R. Camba Be sure that the [one] you choose to be [a ruler] is the one whom the Lord has chosen. He/she must be one of your own people; do not make a foreigner your [ruler] The [ruler] is not to have a large number of horses for his [her] army, and he [she] is not to send people to Egypt to buy horses, because the Lord has said that his people are never to return there. The [ruler] is not to have many wives [husbands], because this would make him[her] turn away from the Lord; and he [she] is not to make him[her]self rich with silver and gold. (Deut. 17: 15-17, paraphrased from Todays English Version ) Introduction I am glad that I was able to join the people at the EDSA Shrine even for a few hours in the afternoon of Wednesday and the evening of Thursday, January 17 and 18, 2000. The participants of NCCP National Consultation on Globalization decided to take Wednesday afternoon off so all of us could be with the people at EDSA. After the meeting of the Ecumenical Bishops Forum late Thursday afternoon hammering out a strong pastoral-prophetic letter to President Estrada where we said that he does not have any other option but to resign for the sake of the country, we went back to the EDSA Shrine to join the people in the historic event. I observed that it was not only the young people and organized sectors who were at EDSA, but families who brought their children to participate in the unfolding of new events in Philippine history. The presence of thousands upon thousands of people was electrifying. Even when I left EDSA for a while and continue to watch the footages of the rallies in various cities I could sense that the whole country was in uproar. I wished very much to have joined the peoples ten kilometers march to Mendiola, that symbol of peoples sacrifice for the sake of freedom and democracy. On January 22 we celebrate the Mendiola Masacre where 13 farmers were killed in 1987. Being part of the leadership of the Erap Resign Movement in Dumaguete City, I continued contact with leaders in Dumaguete since the EDSA Event started in Manila. I eager told friends that the people of Dumaguete City were participating in common struggle of the Filipino people. I am very glad that prayer rallies and evening prayer vigils were being held. For we were participating in the opening of yet another chapter in the history of the struggle of the Filipino people. Let us congratulate all of us for the downfall of a corrupt government. We have shown the world that a peaceful change in political leadership can be done without shedding a drop of blood. This is unthinkable in other countries. EDSA gives one the feeling of genuine solidarity of people who do not even know each other but who have the same purpose, and that is, to remove a President whose life and actions symbolized the deterioration of morality in public office, the betrayal of public trust and graft and corruption in government. The so-called EDSA II was triggered by the spontaneous peoples outrage over the attempt to hide the truth by a vote of 11 senators who did not live up to the expectations from supposedly senior statesmen and women of the country. ________________
This article is a revised version of a sermon originally delivered at the Chapel of the Evangel Fellowship, Silliman University, Dumaguete City, January 21, 2001. The original format has been preserved. Bishop Camba is former General Secretary of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. He is presently the Dean of the SU Divinity School. Having been in the forefront of the struggle against Marcos Dictatorship, Bishop Camba is a veteran of EDSA I.

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The EDSA II should make us reflect on the changes in our Filipino political life brought about by those events that unfolded in rapid successions within four days. My own reflection on various issues is affected by previews similar experiences, a recollection of EDSA I and its disappointing results. As one TV commentator put it: EDSA II happened because we Filipinos have not learned from our first EDSA experience. Now that EDSA II is over, I am starting to have mixed feelings. This is so because in two recent addresses I delivered in the past two months, I mentioned my concern on how the then Vice President and our two-day old President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo would respond to the current socio-economic and political situation we find ourselves. For we know very well that President Macapagal Arroyo was the major sponsor of the Philippines entry to the World Trade Organization. After EDSA I, I knew that we were only returning to the old traditional politics and leadership of the "trapos" (traditional politicians). I spoke about this in several occasions. I have joined the first and second annual celebration of EDSA I, on the stage with President Cory and the then National Defense Secretary Fidel Ramos. After that I stopped coming. Within the first year of the Aquino Administration, the token appointment of some human rights leaders who were in thick of the struggle against the Marcos Dictatorial Regime, were dismissed one by one. The biggest number of human rights related killings of members of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) happened during the time of President Aquino. The Bill on Agrarian Reform that was supposed to be the corner stone of the Aquino Administration was so emaciated that the original authors resigned from sponsoring the bill. We were back to where we were before Marcos and fast going into the same deterioration of politics and economy. I am glad that EDSA II took place for our people have learned a lesson from EDSA I. We cannot participate in a moro-moro. Congressman Arroyo and his group of prosecutors deserve our congratulations. They did the right thing. God has even used the vote of the 11 Senator-Judges to trigger EDSA II. Let me call your attention to the positive Legacies of EDSA II. For these legacies show the maturing of a people in bringing about a peaceful democratic process toward political change. I am taking off from commentaries of tri-media people who faithfully reported and commented as the EDSA II events unfolded.

Positive Legacies of EDSA II 1. EDSA II Was a Direct Action of the People A UCCP Statement on the elections of 1992 urged the church people to get involved and take initiate discussion linking the election to the basic issues affecting our society. EDSA I was initiated by the people, specially the organized sectors: students, labor, peasants, indigenous peoples, church people and professionals 15 years earlier. It was started by the student ferment in the so-called First Quarter Storm (FQS). The big traditional Churches strongly criticized and even condemned the initiatives of the students and the peoples movements. I am glad that the leadership of the UCCP did not agree with the majority of its congregations. The 1970 Statement on Social Concerns praised the students and the trade unions for spearheading the movements for change and urged the church people to participate. The Makati business people did not agree with the peoples movements because they were deestabilizing society and it was not a good climate for business. They could not criticize the dictatorial government for they, too, were benefiting from the economic decisions of Marcos. It was only when their business were beginning to be affected, that they started joining the peoples movements. The assassination of Ninoy Aquino broke the camels back. Then EDSA I was called. The 15 years of work of the organized peoples movements were sidelined and those who criticized or persecuted the peoples movements including the military recognized heroes of EDSA I.

I was afraid that EDSA II will again be coopted. This is why I am glad that the people on vigil at EDSA did not obey the request of Cardinal Sin to stay put at the EDSA Shrine. I am happy that the marched to Mendiola took place. For Mendiola signified the sacrifices of lives of farmers, laborers and students who were killed in the struggle against dictatorships and the corrupt leadership at Malacanang. If they did obey, it can be told once again that Cardinal Sin, and Cory, and Ramos, and the military, and the politicians who started to come in droves to the stage at the EDSA Shrine are the heroes of EDSA II, as it is again beginning to be reported. In this wise I would like to give emphasis to the comments of Dr. Randy David when the first congratulatory letter from the American government was read over ABS-CBN with the phrase saying that President Estrada resigned. Randy made it very clear (and spoke in English so that the American people will understand!) that President Estrada did not resigned. President Estrada, himself, confirmed this in his last statement before leaving Malacanang. That is correct. President Estrada did not resign. He was removed by the direct action of the Filipino people, an action that is permitted by the Philippine Constitution. Our Constitution says sovereignty resides in the people and all government emanates from them. Nobody called EDSA II. People were glued to their TV monitors when the vote to deny the opening of the second envelope was taken. And spontaneously people went to EDSA and started the vigil until President Estrada left Malacanang Palace. Cardinal Sin and the others joined later. The rest is history. Women Took Over the Governments Whose Leadership Have Lost Their Moral Ascendency to Govern Secondly, I would like to pay tribute to the women who led in the downfall of a corrupt official and government. One commentator noted that the first two women Presidents of the Philippines took over governments that were in shambles: President Aquino from the Dictatorship of President Marcos and President Macapagal from President Estrada. Both have to face the needed economic and political repairs: President Aquino, guided the return to democracy and President Macapagal, the return of confidence to government. This is a recognition of the capacity of women to govern and administer amidst and in spite of the culture of patriarchy in the Philippines. Let us recognize the women who testified in a situation of threats to life which brought about the downful of Estrada and his government: Emma Lim, Carmencita Itchon, Annie Ngo, Emma Gonzales, Shakira Yu, Rosario Bautista, Clarissa Ocampo and the other brave women, including Loren Legarda, and the TV women reporters and commentators. From this time forward this country cannot anymore place women on the sidelines. May their tribe increase. 2. EDSA II Showed the Religiosity of the Filipino People and the Power of Prayer EDSA II recognized once again the religiosity of the Filipino People and the power of prayer. Like EDSA I worship services and the catholic mass were part and parcel of the expression of the sociopolitical struggle of the Filipino people. There was no EDSA Shrine during EDSA I. But walking on EDSA during that time, one found many small pockets of people praying. This was aside from the masses and other big religious services. The peoples gatherings were called prayer rallies. The nuns, priests, ministers and seminarians marched together with the people showing a strong church solidarity with the various sectors of society, a true ecumenical and inter-faith gathering of people uniting the Filipinos to one cause: freedom and national democracy. Ours is a religious culture. We praise God for the participation of church people at EDSA I and II.

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4. Peaceful Process of Political Change Again, the Filipino people have shown democratic maturity and have demonstrated to the world that changes in political leadership can be done without bloodshed even when the issues are bitterly contested. The Daily Inquirer on Sunday, January 21, 2001 bannered World Praises Bloodless New People Power. This is a far cry compared to the many conflicts within and among nations. Commentators and social and political analysts will have a field day in the next few days about this phenomenon. Historians will write about praising this event. For now, let us praise God for EDSA II and celebrate the Filipino tenacity in their struggle for true national freedom and democracy. Let us pray that even in the long process of economic recovery, the poor and the marginalized will find support in their struggles. Responsibility of Leadership While we are still in euphoria on the EDSA II Event, I would like to bring your attention to Deuteronomy 17:15-17 as paraphrased above. This passage was used by the UCCP Statement on the elections of May 1992, entitled God, Guide Us in Choosing a Leader. I thought we should look at the passage again as our country embark in the new Presidency and as the new Cabinet is being formed so that we are reminded of the kind of national leadership we need and pray for. Without going into the background of the Biblical passage, let the passage speak directly to our current Philippine situation where we have just sworn into office a new President. 1. Gods Chosen Leader In choosing a ruler, the passage says: Be sure that the (one) you choose to be (a ruler) is the one whom the Lord has chosen. The people chose Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Vice President although she does not belong to the Party of former President Estrada. In the Constitution she is the legitimate successor. As far as we are concerned she is our anointed one for the office of the President. But is she chosen one of God? Who are we to judge? That she is the chosen one remains to be seen. After that harrowing experience with former President Estrada, we can only pray that President Gloria will prove to be the chosen one of God. I like to believe that she is sincere when she seeks the support and guidance from the Church. Let us pray that the church leaders do not mislead her. We will certainly know if she is the chosen one of God as she serves as administrator of this nation. I am glad that when it became apparent that she was going to be President, she called together leaders of the National Council of Churches in the Philippines, heads of churches and POs and NGOs for a dialogue about their concerns. Just like what we told President Ramos before his inaugurated, the leaders of the church and peoples organizations told the then Vice President Macapagal that they will support her administration as long as she works for the good of the majority of the people. I am happy to hear her pledge in her inaugural address tht she will give emphasis to the marginalized Filipinos. We will certainly lend our help. But the Filipino people, after this EDSA II experience, will certainly criticize President Macapagal if she works against the concerns of the people. She should be warned that it is not be far fetch to have an EDSA III. Let us, therefore, pray for her that, with the peoples support, she is able to perform her responsibilities to bring truth, justice, peace and prosperity to our land.

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2. A Ruler From Your Own People, Not Foreigners

It is interesting to note that the writers of Deuteronomy is able to speak to us Filipinos directly. The passage says: He/she must be one of your own people; do not make a foreigner your (ruler) Our Constitution forbids the election of non-Filipino citizens. So we do not have foreign officials. We do not need them because we have among us Filipinos who think and act like foreigners. Many of them have come under the tutelage of foreign companies. So they act for the Americans, the Japanese, the Europeans, the Australians. the Canadians. These national leaders do not only help in exploiting our land for the foreign companies, but they also cause the enactment of laws favoring foreigners. Some of our government officials help foreign companies to siphon accumulated Filipino capital out of the country. This is my continuing heartache of the Aquino Administration. When the Philippines was a darling of the world after EDSA I, the foreign firms were expecting the request for the non-payment of debts specially the once incurred by Marcos and his cronies. But true to form, Mrs. Aquino went immediately to Mother America and spoke at the American Congress pledging that, by all means, we will pay all the Philippine debts. The Americans were greatly relieved. That is why until now 40% of our national budget is automatically appropriated to pay our foreign debts most of which benefited only Marcos and his cronies. Within a month after her inauguration, the UCCP sent a warning to Mrs. Aquino (March 19, 1986) about our concern in a: A Statement of Protest Against U.S. Interventionist Policy Towards the Philippines. One of the first letters of congratulations sent to President Macapagal came from the American Embassy re-iterating the friendship that must be maintained. My reading, of course, is that the new President is being reminded that she must not forget the WTO and the transnational corporations. In her inaugural address President Macapagal promised to provide safety nets to safeguard our economy. Of course, she is speaking of the WTO Agreement since she was the major sponsor of its approval in the Senate. She was the one who said that we will surely benefit from WTO but that we should be able to provide safety nets. As of today, the intended safety nets have not been adequately provided. Let us pray that President Gloria will have the political will to even go against her own friends in the business and industrial community who are clearly exploiting labor and destroying the environment. That might be long shot. I pray very hard that EDSA will not be repeated for a long long time! The President needs all the help from the people. Paraphrasing the UCCP statement in 1992 let us get involved in the discussions of the social issues that confronts us and initiate programs to change the economic situation of our people and help our people reverse the globalized values of consumerism and environmental degradation. 3. Not to dependent on military and military equipment

We experienced the power of the military during the Marcos Dictatorship. We do not want to repeat that dark years of military regime. Our Scriptural passage speak directly to us when it says: The (ruler) is not to have a large number of horses for his (her) army, and he (she) is not to send people to Egypt to buy horses, because the Lord has said that his people are never to return there. The phrase large number of horses means the acquisition of war equipment, as horses and chariots were in ancient times. Going to Egypt to buy the horses is like our going to the US and Europe to buy military equipment. Never to return to Egypt would mean not going back to slavery of Egypt. I

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wonder how the Macapagal Administration will parry American military intervention even as the political crisis was taking place, 200 American troops arrived for war games under the Visitng Forces Agreement (VFA) in an operation called Teak Piston 01-2. (The Philppine Daily Inquirer, Jan. 18, 2001) One of the plusses in EDSA II was the action of the military. In contrast to EDSA I, the military showed that it was subordinate to civilian authority. This is a big change. In Marcos time, the military was politicized. They even staged several coups during Corys Administration. I heard from a general who was interviewdec that this change is a result of the effort to professionalize the military and the inculcation of value of respect for civilian authority. My concern, however, is that our government continue to put a big budgetary outlay to the military compared to social service. Certainly we should modernize the military to serve the people and defend the Republic, but never again should we succumb to martial rule. Any threat of martial rule will be strongly opposed by the people. In this wise, we need to remind our President that the best solution to the problem of insurgency is not military operation, an option that President Estrada took in solving the problem in Mindanao. The solution is to improve the economic situation of the poor, the priority of which are the indigenous Filipinos, our brother Muslims, the urban poor, the peasant and all the marginalized sectors of our society. We know very well that this is easier said than done. But with concerted national effort we can move towards change for the better. This will now depend on how the President can mobilize national resources for the good of the nation. This is where graft and corruption must be stopped by all means. President Macapagal and her cabinet and friends should learn from the Estrada experience. After the Impeachment proceedings and EDSA II, Im sure that the people will now be on the watch for corrupt officials. EDSA II is a warning to national political and economic leadership. 4. Moral Credibility of Leadership Our passage from Deuteronomy clearly says: The (ruler) is not to have many wives (husbands), because this would make him(her) turn away from the Lord; amd he (she) is not to make (her/himself rich with silver and gold. One of the major reasons for the downfall of President Estrada is his personal life style. For a time, he was able to hide his nightly drinking spree with his midnight cabinet. The people around him hid this from the public. But bad smell will certainly come out. And it did within a year of his presidency. The people might have given him a second chance for they knew about his multiple mistresses and families before he was elected. But the sense of immorality went to the extreme in an astronomical accumulation of wealth for himself and his families. It is highly immoral for a President who advertise his pictures with words Pigilin! Supilin! Sugpuin! And Graft and Corruption only to be found that he is the biggest grafter and corrupter in government. While the conditions of the poor continue to deteriorate, he was accumulating billions of pesos in bank accounts. While the poor are homeless, he was building mansions. And his cohorts in Congress and the Senate who were also benefiting from the practice, were defending him tooth and nail. The Impeachment Proceedings and EDSA II bared opened the proverbial pandoras box. I know that the people will now be very vigilant and watch for the life style and actions of the people they voted into responsible positions in government. Government officials must now be on the lookout to prevent an EDSA III. Im sure that the vigilance of the people will be on all levels of government from the national to the local. I believe the local churches, POs and NGOs have a continuing role to play on the grassroots level.

Concluding Words One of the commentators observed that EDSA II happened because we have not learned from recent history. He was correct in the sense that we went back to pre-EDSA situation. The political leadership was the same. The corrupt practices were the same. But we have learned a lot from EDSA I. We learned and have stronger conviction in the power of prayer. We learned that change can be effected by the sovereign power of the people. We learned that change can be done in a peaceful way. But we learned that people power can be coopted by the small dominant class. EDSA II has shown that we have learned our lesson very well. For EDSA II has proven once again that people can bond together for a common cause for change without the prodding of some feudal leadership symbolized by a Cardinal and a former President. We still have to work on finer points of peoples power because I feel that EDSA II is being coopted. The peoples movements can still be sidelined. We learned from EDSA II that women are strong alternative leaders for change and that EDSA came about because of the brave testimony of women at the Impeachment Court. We learned that leadership must have moral ascendency to govern. We learned that people can guide their own destiny. We learned that civilian authority is above the military. We learned that the Filipino people can work together to change their situation and work for a better life for all. Because ours is a Christian nation with a strong religious culture, the Church has a role to play in socio-political arena. If we are to follow the ministry of our Lord, we must participate in the establishment of a meaningful and just social order. If we would like to see the new Presidency work for the people, we must be vigilant to lend our pastoral and prophetic voice and action in all levels of governance starting from where we are. The little things we do to improve the life of our people on the grassroots level are our contributions to the wider work to bring abundant life for all. May God bless the gains of EDSA I and II for the sake of the Filipino People. MABUHAY!