Come to think of it, the polarization of our people can come full circle any time.
Tapang at Malasakit is the latest people-driven, mass based organization that has presented itself in support of the programs of the incumbent government.
Mayor Sara Duterte is the lead convenor of TM who she says was not organized to meet head-on the politically-based Tindig Pilipinas group put up by leaders and stalwarts of the Liberal Party.
TM is more involved in lending people support to government projects initiated by the Duterte administration including the institution of nationwide reforms in the socio-economic and political spectrum.
While TP is more centered on pre-empting the present leadership into veering towards dictatorial rule, TM leans towards pushing federalism, constitutional change and meaningful infrastructure to benefit the huge grassroots population.
Evidently, these two blocs are opposites, squarely different in their objectives.
TP has more politicians its fold with a mix of the religious, civil society units originally associated with Cory Aquino and anti-Marcos people.
TM is a blend of ordinary folks, OFWs who supported the candidacy of – and continues to back – Duterte, community and political leaders, ethnic and indigenous peoples and those belonging to the lower middle class, C, D and E classes.
Basically, this reminds us – students of history – of the American civil war during the presidency of Abraham Lincoln when the US was divided on the issue of slavery.
When the smoke of battle cleared, there lay nearly 270,000 dead soldiers – young and old – fighting for both the North and the South.
Since this happened in the 1860s, the world’s population was not yet as big as today, so we can consider these deaths as hugely monumental.
Now, what I’m driving at might just be clear to you.
If TP is intending to launch any counter-government attacks, whether violent or peaceful, there is a TM waiting in the wings to defend the Duterte regime.
Dear readers, let’s not be naïve nor be ignorant of what is going on.
We know in our hearts that ever since Duterte came into the national scene during the 2016 presidential campaign, there have been efforts to discredit him, however small and unnoticeable.
Ever since his assumption as the Chief Executive, there have been unceasing attempts to dislodge him from the throne of authority.
His independent foreign policy stance has created a break in diplomatic protocols with the US, specifically during the tenure of former president Barack Obama, whose predilection towards imposing America’s human rights policies did not sit well with PRRD.
TP is basically based in imperial Manila because when it creates a stir, the yellow media in Metro Manila comes hollering like paid rah-rah boys to discredit the present administration.
Undeniably, the organization of TM is very timely.
While it does not have the main stream media on its side to echo its pro-people objectives, it can gain headway because the greater mass base of the Filipino nation clearly supports the remarkable changes being slowly but surely installed by the Duterte regime.
Majority of Filipinos feel safe walking in the streets today. The commission of crime has decreased as police visibility and efficiency have been enhanced.
People are now beginning to think positively of the kind of government they need and deserve to get. Unlike before when problems and concerns were swept under the rug to make the nation believe everything is under peaceful government control, the present circumstances today are telling the people the real reasons for the situation the country is undergoing today.
TM should continue making its presence felt not only in the South but should march up towards the North where millions of common folks are waiting to see a renaissance.
This is a battle of integrity and credibility. This is a battle for CHANGE.
Tapang at Malasakit should not remain just an acronym. (Email your feedback to fredlumba@yahoo.com.) 2 Tim.1:7. “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.” GOD BLESS THE PHILIPPINES!
