A look at the Philippines in the 1800s

Events during the last few months have reawakened in many Filipinos the feeling of patriotism.

- ELFREN S. CRUZ

We have come to realize that the Philippines is really a beautiful and rich country that is suffering poverty because of the corruption of its leaders, especially its political elite.There are events that have awakened in us this feeling of pride. There is the unexpected victory of social democrats like Chel Diokno and Akbayan and courageous reformers like members of the Liberal Party, Kiko Pangilinan and Leila de Lima.

There are, of course, events that have made us feel that this is going to be a difficult struggle to remove the network of corrupt family dynasties. One such event is the resignation of former DPWH secretary Babes Singson. However, even with such setbacks, the fight must continue.

One way of recapturing our momentum is the inspiration of our past history, which is a witness to our exceptionally beautiful geography and the rich natural resources we are blessed with.

In recent history, the Filipino people has always redeemed themselves as a people from any accusation of lack of love of country. The most vivid examples of this are the People Power movements which have actually been led, not by family dynasties and elitist groups, but by the youth, religious sectors and the middle class which have led to the overthrow of corrupt and dictatorial regimes.