Filipinos need a Rizal for political 'reset'

The situation is ripe for regime change. Filipinos are fed up with P1.7-trillion fake flood works and other plunders. Investigations are going nowhere. The system is rotten to the core.

- GOTCHA JARIUS BONDOC

Retired generals, bishops, professionals and youth have linked arms. Plans are being fleshed out and dates set. Protest actions will escalate.

All elements are ready - almost. Only one item remains missing: who is to lead? Around whom shall people rally for change?

Once that's settled, people will press "reset."

The charismatic role of that Rizal is pivotal. History proves it.

Filipinos couldn't have staged La Revolucion without Jose Rizal. The passwords "Anak ng Bayan" and "Gomburza" were used to join the lowest and middle ranks of the Katipunan. "Rizal" was the codename for the highest echelon.

Rizal disapproved of insurrection unless sufficient arms were stockpiled. Still, Katipuneros sparked the Cry of Pugad Lawin on Aug. 26, 1896, then four days later attempted in vain to take El Polvorin, the Spanish gunpowder bodega at San Juan del Monte.

Five thousand Filipinos were massacred during and up to two weeks thereafter. Though in Dapitan exile, Rizal was blamed for the unrest and executed at Bagumbayan at year-end. A year and a half later, the Katipunan declared independence in Kawit.

On Aug. 21, 1983, hitmen of the Marcos dictatorship slew Ninoy Aquino. That further enraged Filipinos. Two and a half years later, they swept Ninoy's widow Cory to power.