A Fil-Am's View

Filipino-American is wrong on Philippine politics

Inquirer News Service

I READ Rina David's column, "A Filipino-American's view." (Inquirer, 7/29/05) I live in the United States, and from what I see and hear, Filipinos are also divided on the issue that is President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Not everyone shares the view of JP Paredes. Frankly, Paredes is looking through an "American" looking glass, thus he applies a different set of standards with regard to Philippine politics. If he turns his sight on the opposition, he will see how terribly underhanded and ruthless the opposition has been, how it has been responsible for most of the troubles we are now facing. It is easy for him to demand President Arroyo's resignation, as he would be far removed from its effects. Calling the President and her family "stooges" and "squatters" already makes his opinion suspect, malicious and below the belt.

A lot of people in the media have already decided what the "truth" is. Just like Paredes, they have already acted as judge, jury and executioner, peppering their arguments with such nonsense as "moral ascendancy" and "moral regeneration" from a high perch. I think their arguments are all hogwash, intended to make them feel righteous and important.

These are not the martial law years, where people are being killed left and right simply on suspicion of being a communist or a criminal. People should be able to defend themselves. Joseph Estrada was given a chance to defend himself. I think Ms Arroyo deserves that chance, too, regardless of the opinion of any "high and mighty" Filipino-American. I also think Ms Arroyo should be given the chance to finish her term without the constant sniping from the opposition. She won that election and she should be able to complete her term.

ARIEL TORRES (via e-mail)