NOW SHOWING: Gloria Labandera episode X

The Philippines is paving another trail when its Democracy was put into test during the Makati incident last August. Many points have been raised. The Armed Forces of the Philippines was even shook by the Ideologies of the Magdalo group- soldiers being accused by the Arroyo government for an alleged mutiny. Although the incident ended up with the negotiations through the help of Cimatu, the proclamation of the President marked that the battle is just the beginning of another episode of Gloria Labandera X.

The National security adviser, as well the NBI chief would point to one question; that is “who’s the mastermind?” Now, the index finger would point to Senator Gregorio Honasan. Hence, certifies this movie as box office action film showing with its characters- no other than the major politicians of today’s Philippine government. The plot includes the ailing economy accompanied by massive rallies, the Mindanao Peace Situation, the upcoming 2004 elections, and the like. As part of the acting element, Politicians would ride unto this environment by series of press conferences airing now their analyses on the situations of the country and suggesting some of the solutions to alleviate the problems. It sucks but this system has been with us for a very long time.

Christian Monsod during an interview on “Why coups keep repeating itself in the country” mentioned that “Filipinos could tolerate poverty but they could not tolerate injustice.” manifests that the problems of the yester years, although investigations and recommendations were made, were not solved and resolutions failed strongly. The show goes on with even more conflicts, some so-called advocates like Speaker Jose De Venecia would catch attention giving life to another sequel of Cha-cha because it could facilitate in solving the worsening scenario of Philippine politics.

Yes, Filipinos are indeed immuned with the Political situations of the country: “Putakan dito, putikan doon.” With the effort of Senator Panfilo Lacson’s expose on Mike Arroyo as Jose Pidal involving the first gentleman’s alleged kick-back on the so-called most expensive road project in the country. Issues rested for the last few months before the president’s State of the Nation Address were revived to add sweet, sour, and salty spices on the status of graft and corruption involving government projects.

More and more conflicts came out when Laarni Enriquez shed her tears on television expressing her grief when she was pointed as the mastermind of the Makati incident. What’s ambigious about it was that there was no search warrant in the townhouse where the evidences were found. Analysts, as extras suggest that GMA’s declaration of “State of Rebellion” might add points on the government’s side to win the case but the special appearance of not so important personalities counter the declaration as unconstitutional. This is just one of the few alibi that was mentioned on TV which might endanger the life of the claimed un-accessible Honasan. The declaration was thought to be a mark of a martial law declaration. Whew! Funny thing, former president ERAP on one of the scenes had a joy-ride during the Oakwood take-over which made a bad screen editing of the bloodless action movie.

And who are the GUARDIANS? These are just few of the stuntmen and extras involved in the “kaek-ekan scene” of the chief of staff’s press releases.

The spheres of both Senate and Congress proclaimed their own investigation on the Oakwood Incident beside the other committee appointed by GMA.

Few weeks later, the “state of rebellion” lifted and the business people rejoiced and expressed their greatfulness. Gordon rejoiced for a moment for it would give new hope for Wow Philippines. This action signaled a positive outcome for the sector while U.P. is no longer one of the top-performing Universities in Asia.

What is so noticeable on the movie, is the “papansin” and ride-on artistic expressions of the show-biz circle making the Oakwook incident as themes in comedy series, concerts (remember the rock for peace?), interviews to trying hard starlets, and part of the daily conversations of variety shows as well as show-biz talks. Ewww, exists only in the Philippines.

The climax of the movie leaves the Filipino audience hanging for a while when the Marcoses gave an extra scene on the Swiss phenomenon. The bad movie in the making clouded the audience when the succeeding scenes got distorted and an episode of Ninoy’s Death re-open the appeal of his convicted assassins’ to reduce their sentence. Cory Aquino recalled her courage under fire.

Bad ending, the last scene was with Ramos raising his thumbs signaling for another sequel wherein he will be playing as one of the few good men.