The Grand Reunion

By Rolo B. Cena
Arabian Diaries
Dumaguete Star Informer
27 December 2009

In the last quarter of 2007, Former president Fidel V. Ramos urged former presidents Joseph Estrada and Corazon Aquino (along with himself) to meet President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to collectively draw up a strategic plan for the future of the country.

The move, which Ramos said was his own initiative, was intended to set aside individual differences and focus on what was best for the country.

In one of the reports of the United Nations, it was noted that the Philippines is lagging behind the fast-moving economies of other Asian countries. As of even date, the country registered the worst in history – the Ampatuans or the Maguindanao Massacre brings us back to the list of the worst countries in Asia. Our economy is again dramatically affected even without mentioning it in the open. Figures can tell.

The proposed reunion of sort would have been a nationalistic and intelligent move. It would have been the right time to think about the Filipino people; the right time to work something for the country and to forget selfish motives and interests.

Sadly though, Madam Corazon Aquino is out of the picture now. This is no longer the period of Ramos and Estrada; no longer the time to decide whose administration was the best and who is for the people. To judge one’s performance entails a lot of time and requires a manifold of key performance indicators. And today is no time for it.

If push comes to shove, the proposed reunion can still be held by the three of them if they all agree. This is an unsolicited advice but, out of my wildest imagination, I strongly believe this will work.

Ramos is right; our next generation must be assured of a better future than the present. National hero Jose Rizal advocated the same in the past.

If the present government has been plagued with a lot of scandalous transactions prompting each one to “look out for a brother’s activities,” this time should be the right time to forget about “self” and instead focus on the “whole” community of Filipino people.

After all, whose administration we could say was not plagued by the same woes. While each one of them has the best record to boast for, each one to them has had “gray” areas to clear during their prime, too.

True. This is the best opportune time for the three of them to talk, lay down their best of strategies, unite their best of efforts selflessly, and synergistically purge their forces to make a better government and a better Philippines.

Pride of whatever form and nature should be discarded this time. We need but one pride – the pride as a genuine community of peace loving Filipinos that we have lost since EDSA 1. It is the same pride that brought Rizal, Bonifacio and Aguinaldo to the spotlight; the same pride that Ninoy Aquino has ever placed in the heart of every Filipino.

We all know that the two former presidents and the incumbent have their own unique way of expressing themselves – either favorably or unfavorably against the other, but as a matter of national interest, it is urged that they once again commune and make the grand reunion realized.

As in the customs of Filipinos, family reunions are mostly celebrated in the month of December to put an end to all differences, grudges, ill-feelings, and negative impressions. Usually during this period, the feeling is always jolly and festive, free of worries and negative vibrations; the best time to reconcile and map out plans for the next day, or the future.

Arguably, the three can meet and do the same. Since these political figures have once caused “change” in the country, the reunion to plot change initiatives for the country should be their gift to the entire Filipino people.

As a year-ender reminder, let me quote Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you want the world to be.”

As the new year comes, let’s begin the change process from within!