“It will depend on how people will move. But the Church has already called for a type of people power, calling it communal action. Whatever you call it, the call now is for everyone to unite. We should not just watch those expose on television, as if they are soap operas. We should take action. It is our children’s future that are at stake. How are you going to answer a child who asks you, ‘Is it all right to lie? Is it all right to steal? Is it all right to cheat?’ No mother or teacher can justify or defend that kind of action.”
Prof. Luz Ilagan, partylist representative, Gabriela Women’s Party
“I don’t think so because several attempts did not push through.”
Edgar R. Ibuyan, city councilor, Davao city first district
“I really don’t know. It depends on how the people react if the persons and government officials involved are found guilty.”
Paolo Z. Duterte, president, Association of Barangay Captains (ABC)
“Lozada is just relating the events of the NBN deal. He is credible because he was an actual player, his advice sought by Sec. Neri. The effect on the country is loss of faith in the government, which can lead to anarchy, more protests, more coups, more NPAs, more Trillanes.”
Myrna G. Dalodo-Ortiz, city councilor, Davao city third district
“Yes, maybe, if the issue can galvanize a critical mass.”
Atty. Carlos Zarate, sec.gen., Union of People’s Lawyers in Mindanao
“Not yet in the short term.”
Atty. Manuel Quibod, president, Integrated Bar of the Philippines- Davao city chapter
“While some say there is already people power-fatigue, the Lozada expos might be the spark that might rekindle another uprising, considering the credible and straight-forward testimony of Lozada. The greed of the powers-that-be is just too gross for a poverty-stricken nation to ignore.”
Lawyer Glenda Buhion-Campoamor
“Plunder is an issue that greatly disturbs Filipinos. It is the most tangible expression of bureaupathology. Like Estrada’s plunder, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s scenario is another glaring act of betrayal of public trust and a question of accountability. If the middle and upper classes influence public opinion, the masses feel the support for positive change–basic change, not on personality.”
Mae Fe Templa, RSW convenor, Initiatives for Peace in Mindanao
