The Philippines today – is it really free? You be the judge.
Musings on the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence
By Teodoro ‘Ted’ Alcuitas
Editor, philippinecanadiannews.com
As Filipinos in the diaspora celebrate the 122nd anniversary of Philippine Independence today, June 12, 2020, let us look at our country of birth and see how our kababayans back home are showing their anger at the state of the nation. The anniversary came on the eve of the passing of the draconian Anti-Terror Bill amidst a lockdown due to the coronavirus and just two days before the case against Maria Ressa and Rappler, Inc. will be decided on Monday (June 15). Ressa could be the next high profile woman to be imprisoned next to Senator Leila de Lima if the verdict goes against her. And lest we forget, President Duterte closed ABS/CBN last month.
For us, there is no freedom in the Philippines right now but a ‘de-facto’ martial law.
Filipinos have the right to rise today in anger. But is the Diaspora listening?
Do we hear the people cry?
The mural depicts the beginning of the Philippine revolution against Spain in 1896 led by Andres Bonifacio. The mural is known as the Cry of Balintawak or Cry of Pugad Lawin. The painting is a Photo on Canvas by Photographer David Fabros based on the original Bonifacio Mural.
Scenes from the Philippines, yesterday (June 12, 2020)
(Photo: 7News)
Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ)
