We Want Truth Not Power

Power is not a means, it is an end. One does not establish a dictatorship in order to safeguard a revolution; one makes the revolution in order to establish the dictatorship.

George Orwell cannot be truer with what he said about power. His prophetic voice has much to tell us in the current national crisis. Ever since the Hello Garci tapes came into the scene, many people have clamored for the truth. Did GMA ask Garcilliano to cheat for her? Did she use the COMELEC and the military to achieve her victory in the presidential elections? How much did she really spend in her campaign? Did she use jueteng money to fund her campaign machinery?

It has been months since the issue came to be. Unfortunately, we still do not have the answers. It is unfortunate that both the executive and legislative branches of our government are not so concerned about uncovering the truth as an end. The relentless politicking and mud-slinging and not to mention character assassinations are engaged because power is in the minds and will of our politicians. GMA wants to stay in power. Her allies want her to stay in power so as to ensconce themselves in power. EO 464 is not designed to protect our democratic institutions but to strengthen GMA's already shaky hold on power.

The opposition wants to discredit her so as to grab power and enthrone themselves in the seats of power which they failed to do in the last elections. They pine for another people power revolution so that they could take over the reins of governance (read: graft and corruption).

Let's face it. This whole damn national crisis is a battle for power and not for the truth. It is not surprising then that we cannot find any champion for the truth. Our politicians must be warned though that if they will not take the challenge to uncover the truth as the end of all their political maneuverings, then the people who suffer from their power struggle will take the quest in their hands. It is all a matter of proper timing.