“I don’t know if this will lead to another people power. It will lead to people power if it will gain momentum especially in Manila. Manila is crucial because that’s the seat of power, the capital. If protests in Manila will fizzle-out… But I think this will snowball because it is like a repeat of Edsa 1. After the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, what is happening in Manila right now is almost the same thing during that time. Almost everyday, there were mass actions. This coming week, there will be prayer rally in Luneta. That is the litmus test. If they can gather almost a million people, that’s a kind of a headway towards people power. ”
Don Pagusara, Literature Professor, Ateneo de Davao University
“I don’t think the Lozada expos will lead to another people power. The Filipino nation has become tired of being spurred into mass uprising intended to unseat PGMA while there is evident lack of a credible replacement. Another people revolt will only serve the interest of those who want to seize power. All these will only create a negative impact on the economic growth that has been achieved by the current administration.”
Renea M. Cruz, musician, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in Davao City
“If we really want PGMA to abandon her post, it’s something we should work on. It should be a product of alliances, collaboration between and among the sectors. The educational institution should have a better role because it should not be a bastion of tradition, it should not be an institution that should support the status quo. For it to be a critical agent of nation building, it should provide alternative. I think a corrupt administration can never be an alternative.”
Jerome Serrano, chairperson, social sciences and education division, Ateneo de Davao University
“It will definitely result to that. Arroyo will be ousted because she is so corrupt. We suffer because of her corruption. It is better to remove her from office, while it is still early. We shall not wait for 2010. I am already old, and I could no longer wait for 2010. We could no longer taste the benefits because they’ve taken everything. For me, she really should be removed. If she can be pulled out, then, let’s pull her out. She should be removed from her position.”
Miray, 59, dressmaker, Buhangin District, Davao City
“We find Lozada a credible witness and we believe that what is going on is already a build-up for another people power Since 2005, SAMIN has been calling for GMA to step down. She has let in the US troops and has been involved in corruption scandals, not just the ZTE.”
Sr. Elsa Compuesto, RGS, executive secretary, Sisters Association in Mindanao (SAMIN)
