Bring Home… Who?

The surge of voices from the people is evident. We see more and more Filipinos participating in rallies against corruption, gathering to strengthen and amplify their collective will. Yet, amidst the public outcry; despite the struggle to be heard, another voice echoes—bring him home. 

On September 21st, people gathered not only to mourn and remember the tyranny of Marcos Sr., but also to call out those consumed by greed, knowing that the people of this country are starving—both in food security and justice. Yet there are opportunists taking advantage of this, their message enveloped in fanaticism and their chants resonating nothing but the name of a person whom they worship like a saint. Their movements reek of empty longing for someone whose actions are beyond questionable. His offensive remarks, riddled with his rancid personality, were dismissed by his followers as jokes. Yet those who lost their lives because of his childlike wrath haven’t received a single ounce of sympathy. 

This begs the question: If there was a rally against his name, would people still fight with the same energy? Would people demand accountability against corruption the same way? Or would they stay complicit and turn a blind eye as they praise his name? Words flow out with ease when it comes to speaking against people like Marcos and several DPWH contractors, yet when it comes to his name, there is a hint of hesitation—as if the scales of justice are tipped in his favor and people are too scared to speak up. People exclaim, “Marcos, Duterte, walang pinag-iba!” Yet where was this energy when he was shamelessly robbing not just the money of the people, but also of their lives?

The recent death of far-right activist Charlie Kirk shook the internet space as it became a breeding ground for discourse. Duterte’s supporters called out those who “celebrated” his death, stating that no one deserves to die at the hands of another. But they cannot share the same sentiments towards the victims of his heinous crimes. Instead, they justify the violence and continue to worship the ground he once walked on. Narratives shift, and suddenly those who have stone-cold hearts become saints with their selective sympathy. 

Now that the International Criminal Court has released a document declaring that Duterte should face trial over three counts of murder, one would expect accountability. But despite the facts—despite the legality and validity of this document—they still praise his name, dedicating prayers as if he’s a walking saint among us. Their moral compass is broken, and you can’t help but laugh—banal na aso, natatawa ako pero mas naaawa ako sa mga hindi talaga mamulat ang kanilang matang pikit.

“Duterte pa rin!” they exclaim. Yet the father is accused of grave crimes, making comments towards women that make your stomach churn, and raising the debt of our country as if we aren’t poor enough. His son busied himself with a boxing match that didn’t happen. His daughter slandered, as the fuel used for her trips comes from the pockets of the people. Their slogan, UniTeam, promised unity amidst the chaos, yet they couldn’t even keep that promise as we witnessed the divergence of Bongbong and Sarah. His other daughter posts and flaunts her bread as she wakes and bakes, even as the police force during his term rummaged through homes and claimed innocent lives—based solely off of allegations.

Irony truly plagues this whole endeavor, for those who are often red-tagging activists are the same ones begging on the streets to bring their idol home. They label those who actively call for change as NPA, and those who speak of truth as terrorists. 

The clock never stops ticking. We remember the past, and we can change the present. Activism is not terrorism. True treason lies in turning a blind eye to the cancer that plagues this country, all for the sake of fulfilling one’s own false prophesies.

To those who participated and are actively advocating for change—we are on the right track, yet we are still far. The next election may still be far away, but we must keep our eyes open. We must stray away from fanaticism and give the seats to those who are qualified, not just solely based on their personalities but also the strength of their resolve. Color me gray as I advocate for the eradication of crayon politics—after all, we want our country to be saved, not riddled with false hope. Let us open our eyes to the truth, to justice, and to change. May we all keep our passions burning as we strive for a better tomorrow.

Column by Cassie Long-legs

The surge of voices from the people is evident. We see more and more Filipinos participating in rallies against corruption, gathering to strengthen and amplify their collective will. Yet, amidst the public outcry; despite the struggle to be heard, another voice echoes—bring him home. 

On September 21st, people gathered not only to mourn and remember the tyranny of Marcos Sr., but also to call out those consumed by greed, knowing that the people of this country are starving—both in food security and justice. Yet there are opportunists taking advantage of this, their message enveloped in fanaticism and their chants resonating nothing but the name of a person whom they worship like a saint. Their movements reek of empty longing for someone whose actions are beyond questionable. His offensive remarks, riddled with his rancid personality, were dismissed by his followers as jokes. Yet those who lost their lives because of his childlike wrath haven’t received a single ounce of sympathy. 

This begs the question: If there was a rally against his name, would people still fight with the same energy? Would people demand accountability against corruption the same way? Or would they stay complicit and turn a blind eye as they praise his name? Words flow out with ease when it comes to speaking against people like Marcos and several DPWH contractors, yet when it comes to his name, there is a hint of hesitation—as if the scales of justice are tipped in his favor and people are too scared to speak up. People exclaim, “Marcos, Duterte, walang pinag-iba!” Yet where was this energy when he was shamelessly robbing not just the money of the people, but also of their lives?

The recent death of far-right activist Charlie Kirk shook the internet space as it became a breeding ground for discourse. Duterte’s supporters called out those who “celebrated” his death, stating that no one deserves to die at the hands of another. But they cannot share the same sentiments towards the victims of his heinous crimes. Instead, they justify the violence and continue to worship the ground he once walked on. Narratives shift, and suddenly those who have stone-cold hearts become saints with their selective sympathy. 

Now that the International Criminal Court has released a document declaring that Duterte should face trial over three counts of murder, one would expect accountability. But despite the facts—despite the legality and validity of this document—they still praise his name, dedicating prayers as if he’s a walking saint among us. Their moral compass is broken, and you can’t help but laugh—banal na aso, natatawa ako pero mas naaawa ako sa mga hindi talaga mamulat ang kanilang matang pikit.

“Duterte pa rin!” they exclaim. Yet the father is accused of grave crimes, making comments towards women that make your stomach churn, and raising the debt of our country as if we aren’t poor enough. His son busied himself with a boxing match that didn’t happen. His daughter slandered, as the fuel used for her trips comes from the pockets of the people. Their slogan, UniTeam, promised unity amidst the chaos, yet they couldn’t even keep that promise as we witnessed the divergence of Bongbong and Sarah. His other daughter posts and flaunts her bread as she wakes and bakes, even as the police force during his term rummaged through homes and claimed innocent lives—based solely off of allegations.

Irony truly plagues this whole endeavor, for those who are often red-tagging activists are the same ones begging on the streets to bring their idol home. They label those who actively call for change as NPA, and those who speak of truth as terrorists. 

The clock never stops ticking. We remember the past, and we can change the present. Activism is not terrorism. True treason lies in turning a blind eye to the cancer that plagues this country, all for the sake of fulfilling one’s own false prophesies.

To those who participated and are actively advocating for change—we are on the right track, yet we are still far. The next election may still be far away, but we must keep our eyes open. We must stray away from fanaticism and give the seats to those who are qualified, not just solely based on their personalities but also the strength of their resolve. Color me gray as I advocate for the eradication of crayon politics—after all, we want our country to be saved, not riddled with false hope. Let us open our eyes to the truth, to justice, and to change. May we all keep our passions burning as we strive for a better tomorrow.

Written by Cassie Long-legs