Like any ordinary and humble netizen and citizen of the Philippines, I have but a few thoughts and opinions on the latest issue that has plagued our country. Plagued. Am I still allowed to use that word?
Everyone has been quoting Article I of the Bill of Rights which basically states that every Filipino regardless of who they are, what they do and where they come from, has a right to Life, Liberty and Property. They CANNOT be deprived of these rights unless there is due process of law.
There have also been posts about the right to freedom of expression in whatever form, manner or medium. I am not a student of law, nor do I practice it. I cannot admit to fully comprehending the laws of our country but I, like all other citizens of our country, have access to the information on the latest schemes and sad excuses for bills that our government shits out.
There is a new act that steps on the rights of Filipinos.
I do not intend to expound on its legality, pros and cons. It is enough to know that this particular act does not respect and uphold the Filipinos' rights. I'd like to know, what do they want to get out of this? I am all for eradicating cyber bullying, cyber sex and all other online acts that are detrimental to the general welfare of society. But to hinder and block us from expressing what we want, however harmless they may be, and to stop us from publishing posts? That's borderline idiotic and quite frankly, atrocious.
I do not want to bash any more on this joke of a law. You get enough of that on the internet. No. I would like to contemplate on the ideals of the common Filipino which they have been deliberately trampled to dust. On the historical events of our nation's great legacy that have become absolutely meaningless to so many today, including persons in the government. On the future of our country that I imagine what with the bonehead "public servants" that "serve" us.
We celebrate Rizal Day, Bonifacio Day, Independence Day, Edsa Revolution Day, and other events that commemorate the victory and triumph of the Filipinos throughout history. We celebrate our great heroes to remember what they did and who they are. Along with this remembrance, we can only hope to embody their ideals and become who they are--heroes, brave men who fought for freedom, ideal Filipinos. Nowadays, celebrating these great events and heroic men of Filipino history merely means regular holidays and no class days. What the hell happened?
The people standing up to the Cybercrime Prevention Act reminds me so much of Rizal standing up to abusive people of power of the Spanish colonial period with Noli Me Tangere and El Filibusterismo; of Ninoy and Cory Aquino's fight for democracy; of the Katipuneros' actions for freedom. All of these boil down to the fact that the people in government no longer care. Although the actions of our great heroes and those who have voiced out their opinions on our right to freedom of expression are not of equal magnitude, they are basically the same. Fight for freedom, fight for justice, fight for our rights.
In my travels in other countries, I can only hope and dream that one day, we will be able to reach an equal level with our brothers in foreign seas. Educated citizens, less pollution, a responsible government, an active work force. All these seem like pipe dreams that are but lingering in the recesses of the minds of dreamers of a better Philippines.
The rash actions and fogged mentality of our government have brought nothing but shame to our country and constant suffering for our countrymen. They concentrate on those that don't actually need their immediate actions. They do not seem take their work seriously. They lack empathy and compassion for the people who have been robbed of their dignity, rights and protection.
Expressing oneself encourages intellectual stimulation. It invites individuals to become better thinkers, speakers, writers, especially with a wide avenue for sharing ideas. (Ideas -- one of my favorite words.) But if the government attempts to shut us out and dampen opportunities to expound on the issues of our country, then the few free thinkers will not be able to reach out to people who have lent their ears to ideas that are about Filipino ideals. What are still staying in school for if we cannot become original thinkers and creators?
Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012; so many issues and conundrums can stem from it. So many more branches of the same tree stretching outward only to bear no fruit and vegetation. The many social, economic and cultural issues that have befallen on our country bring me to tears. What happened? We have become the laughing stock of the whole world. We have lost the Filipino identity. We have forgotten what it means to be a Filipino.
I know this will not reach out to a lot of people or less likely, the government. But I don't care. I am but a small voice struggling to be heard in a country that is being attempted to be silenced.
Respect our rights. Or shun yourself from the position you were entrusted to commit to by the people who put you there.
