Ingat, Halong, Amping

We've said "ingat," "halong," "amping" instead of "goodbye" to friends and loved ones years before the covid pandemic. But it has borne a heavier, deeper sentiment the moment Duterte is sworn into presidency. I remember reading, at the start of his term, about people who lived through the Marcos dictatorship, saying they fear it will be Martial Law once again. That was disturbing. Now, just a few days ago, Sotto was quoted saying there won't be a need for Martial Law when the Anti-Terrorism Bill is passed. Doesn't that say much about their real intention in drafting this Terror Bill?

We continue living our sheltered lives in eerie calmness while thousands are robbed the right to say "ingat" to their loved ones one last time. We've been living in fear all this time as greedy politicians destroy our country from the inside while giving away our sovereignty to imperialists left and right. Can you really say you live free when you craft your words, actions, opinions to appease those in power? Because mere dissent can cause you your life?

This year's June 12 doesn't inspire poetry nor nostalgia about hard-fought independence nor fiery national pride. But there's a spark of wrath slowly building inside the people who have been used and prostituted long enough. There's a glimmer of hope that true patriotism (untainted by blind allegiance to political oligarchs or manipulative politicians) is not totally snuffed out from the people's core.

So what I'm trying to say is fuck the Terror Bill.

Oh and Happy Independence Day, I guess.