In which direction is the Philippine society going?

By Katleah Iskre Ulrike

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Our country is on the verge of critical times. From the early days of the republic to the present day, the main characteristic of the political and social situations is the acceleration of crisis, and its results and merging of internal and external social and political contradictions which produce complications in the society. As evident by the semicolonial, semifeudal modes of production, the growing class and national struggles between ruling and lower classes, rampant corruption from Government officials (Bureaucrat-Capitalists), growing contradiction and conflicts within the political arena, continuous interference of the Imperialist United States and its cohorts , and other related anomalies are the links of the chain of contradictions which are directing the society towards a brink of political and social crisis. We ve witnessed the elections last year, and with a hodge-podge of guns, goons, gold, populism, pseudo-progressivism and frequent use of propaganda and even blessing of the United States obviously shown how the Pilipino people, despite yearning for change, instead were given the same actions that usually shown like the past regimes of long ago. From the populist appeals of the Liberal, Nacionalista and the Estradaista (sorry for the term, referring to the Partido ng Masang Pilipino of Joseph Estrada) to the fascistic actions laid by the AFP and its cohorts, lies the obviously created mess that affected the modern, automated elections. So is the current regime of Benigno Aquino III, he spoke that the people are his bosses, that he spoke of certain changes from investigating Arroyo s alleged corrupt practises to private-public partnerships, yet the land question remained unanswered so is the situations regarding poverty and other related anomalies that remained questionable. The continuous interference of the United States still dominates the Political, Economic, and other Social aspects that are detrimental to the society in itself.

And as we have spoken about the nature and result of each of these contradictions around the society, both past and present, Now we want to know in what direction are these contradictions, including Aquino s straight path leading and what is the role of the ruling class and even the people in this trend?

THE REAL DIRECTION OF THE SOCIETY An important matter that all the forces, revolutionary, middle and reactionary, are agreed upon is the crisis and conditions of the country. Even the ruling power like Aquino himself and his cabinet are denying the present conditions in the country (except the kidnapping made by the late Mendoza and the Corruption charges made by the AFP generalship) while promised the people a bright future , yet still stuck in a middle of a crisis and realizing that they are still in a condition that is, Critical all despite the rise of GDP and GNP in the economy. Proven that the increase in prices of commodities, oil, and the proposed privatization of State-assets contradicts what the administration supposedly speaks of to the people. The fundamental point of Aquino, as well as its allies speeches consists of this and the obvious expression of situations of the country. Actually, the crisis in the condition which has worried the ruling power is nothing more than the intensification of widening gaps between the rich and the poor and the controversies surrounding the society itself-the recent corruption within the reactionary forces, the proposed hikes in State-owned mass transport system and its attempt for privatization, the tuition free increase and the budget cuts in State Colleges and Universities, all despite the current administration s increase in GNP and GNP rates created a series of scenarios that is, a struggle which in each step consists of a more aggressive tendency toward the semifeudal, semicolonial system and the current regime. To the Aquinocrats and its rivals (Nacionalistas, Estradaistas, Arroyocrats, etc.), the so-called change advances continuously while trying to throw every obstacle that stands in its way. So is in the economic situation. Given that Aquino spoke of Public-Private Partnerships and other related ones as its showcase, it also meant catering everything to foreign domination in a guise of investment and other similar rhetoric just to curry favor with them-particularly the West; yet there are still problems to be discussed upon, like the agricultural problem that remains one of the basic problems ought to be faced upon for many years, all despite decrees from the Social Justice Program of Quezon, Land Reform Code of Macapagal, the presidential decree 27 of Marcos, CARP of Aquino 2

and today s CARPER, all calling for land reform remains nothing but a series of paperworks never been seriously implemented upon, worse being manipulated by the system itself, composed by the landlords and the compradores who controlled political, economic, cultural, and perhaps the military base of the nation. And speaking of these people dominating made the country increasingly dependent on foreign aid and massive influx of imported goods that weakened the domestic economy in itself. Yes, the GNP and GDP rates are high yet the gap between the rich and the poor remained too distant despite these hell-of-a-kind trends the current administration had taken upon. As according to an earlier writeup with the same title, made by the Iranian revolutionary group Peykar , it said:

The ruling power cannot be undisturbed due to this trend, between the political future of the present regime and the disturbed social economic system which as become like a dirty abscess on our restless society, the dependent capitalist system, is the main key to this fear and anxiety growing from the present trend of ongoing events in the country.

Sorry to say about it, but compare the Philippines, a semifeudal, semicolonial society still prevailing nowadays and post Islamic Revolution situations in Iran, interference from the system, particularly from the United States and its domestic allies like the administration itself, further increases the plight of the people in general-the domestic economy, further disturbed by the influx of imported goods and intense competition, and interference from foreign interests and comprador bourgeoisie left near-bankrupt, the way how products from Cosmos Bottling end up as a subsidiary of Coca Cola Bottlers Products. Further dependence on foreign credit and support left the majority of the working class unemployed or low paid thanks to the policies being taken upon by the system itself. And since it continues to prevail, where are the reforms being undertaken by the present administration? In the last few years of the Arroyo administration and the first few years of the present regime, such movement has continued with ups and downs like Arroyo s last ditch effort to cling into power in midst for calls to step down, being intensified due to the military actions taken upon all in the name of counterinsurgency and anti-terrorism , that end up abducting those from the legal left. The same procedure is still being prevailed, worse? Intensified by the recent arrest of consultants from the National Democratic Front, some local members of the Communist Party in midst of the ceasefire 3

agreements, using alibis all in the guise of warrants of arrests issued by the system; yet the center of the struggle are expanding by movements and also are spreading their roots deeply all due to the counter-actions taken by the Communist Party and its armed wing, the New People s Army. During the year of it s existence, the present regime as experienced a series of convulsive shocks. Thus to be able to stop the crisis through a hodge-podge of promises and reforms, it end up at the behest of the ruling class and its cohorts; the bus hostage of PNP s Mendoza shocked the Chinese community due to incompetence from the national police itself; followed by the rise in prices of commodities such as oil, rice, sugar, and other commodities that they even don t approve increase in wages from the workers; calls for a genuine land reform program remained inevitable, especially since Aquino himself is a landlord who also controlled a share in Hacienda Luisita and the Central de Azucarera de Tarlac; the military this time shifted from police action to a hearts and minds one, yet the same actions prevailed due to the recent arrests of NDF consultants and members of the Communist Party in midst of the cease-fire and Peace Talks between the GRP and the NDF, worse? The military itself, as an institution became a den of corruption due to the recent events made by the members of the AFP generalship, the alleged conversion process coming from the national budget that end up in the pockets of these people, as evidenced by the reports from Auditor Heidi Mendoza and Lt. Col Rabusa. These events happened created a wide range of criticism against the regime-from negligence to the misresponsive actions to the crisis while the government, aside from trying to create a wide-range of reforms, still kept on applying carrot and stick policies like what the military did in operations Bantay Laya I and II , both using propaganda (in the guise of civic action programs) and police actions (like those of the Morong 43, forced disappearances, and other similar matter). But still, they could not put out the fire which rising from the ashes. Yes, as the regime itself, like the last administration difficultly respond from the call of the people for reform and instead bannering it; yet resulted from incapacity and the growing criticism pointed against them and the system itself. As proven by the protests against the increase in mass rail transport fares, tuition and other fees, highway tolls, prices on commodities and even the corruption within the bureaucracy shows how the current administration failed to create a straight path for its people. That despite their messages for peace and reconciliation , unity , their actions that is detrimental for the people s well being rather nothing but escalates popular discontent both against the regime and the system itself. In order to change the direction of the national and class struggle, putting some factions of the people, 4

groups, individuals in front of the others or putting people, fueled by mere government propaganda in front of revolutionary forces creating an atmosphere that is creating an absolute struggle within a provocative and fascistic scene that is, against the revolution. ANAD s Alcover and BANTAY s Palparan, being rabid right-wingers and stooges of the earlier administrations kept on venting rage against activists and sympathizers of the National Democratic struggle-including the means to persecute them in the name of Democracy. One of which example is calling the New People s Army as Communist Terrorists. Once, Alcover spoke of the insurgency itself as the cause of poverty, yet, like any other rightwinger who is ignorant of the status of the society, he insist much about it, hence: Insurgency breeds poverty not the other way around They even oppose the peace process between the system and the enemy, and instead: No to peacetalk, Yes to surrender Or according to its allies: Calling for an all out war

So are the Leftists like those of AKBAYAN and its leading personalities such as Risa Hontiveros, Walden Bello and other social capitulationists who also kept on venting rage against the activists whom once they belonged with, of careerism and urging activists to capitulate to the rotten system using pseudo-progressive sentiment like Lend Reform , Wage Increase that in fact, taking it as a mere rhetoric. Both of them, despite its contradictions often united in a cause just to counter the communist threat like the rabid Right-winger Alcover praising the Leftist-made and sponsored CARPER as: Victory for Farmers and Democracy But then instead of creating a degree of social peace through reforms, lobbying and any other actions it remained nothing but a mere propaganda work, or a declamation piece trying to curry favor with the people yet persecution against those who oppose continue to prevail. Yes, that despite the passage of CARPER, of building farm-to-market roads and any other infrastructure and other related acts, the agrarian question remained unanswered-as evidenced by the call for the people for genuine agrarian reform, of giving away Hacienda Luisita, Lo-oc, Yulo, and other farms directly or be under farmer s control as its solution. 5

Worse, applying such new anti-people or pseudo-progressive policies along with statesponsored suppression which has accelerated in the recent weeks is a reflection of its earlier commitments to preserving the rotten system as the present administration, like the earlier ones finds itself in order to enforce its dominance on the country. In the events in the universities and colleges, the Commission on Higher Education neglects its stance ensuring welfare for its students in favor of leaving it to mere technocrats sponsoring policies detrimental to the studentry and even the working people. The increase in tuition and other fees, budget cuts, student repression and other related risks signaled the widespread opposition to the extent of attempting to take over the Commission building in Diliman, Quezon City. The anti-student and people approach laid by the current administration, at the behest of the system itself benefited from this approach and policy, of scattering centres of student power-like the state-controlled UP Visayas and the privately-owned UE Recto for example. But then, Despite the repressive policies laid upon to by the system and sponsored by the present administration, struggle for Patriotic, Scientific and Mass-Oriented education, Genuine Land Reform, National Industrialization and Progressive Fiscal Social Policy still continues to prevail amongst students, workers and farmers as the intensive propaganda-education campaigns continue to be intensified despite the attempts laid by the system to repress and destroy through their counterpropaganda campaigns to agitate the people against the revolutionary forces and its supporters who rose and fight against the reaction in different centers, which still is ongoing, the AFP s Civic Military Operations Battalion tried to entice people to support the government s ill-fated policies, yet failed as they themselves also sponsored anti-people acts that tarnished their image as part of the people. The propaganda and other related actions laid by the system, along with the desperate actions of the Left and Right opportunists tried enough to dissuade the people away from the growing

revolutionary fervor made by the growing crisis. Yes, that they became recruiters to the cause they re against with since their repressive anti-people acts, obviously shown their paranoia in everything that is progressive and radical. In Albay, the AFP recruited certain individuals to become hold-uppers all in the guise of Civilian Armed Units , targeting people and invoking fear in the countryside-putting blame on the New People s Army as part of its psychological warfare, so in Mindanao wherein back in the late 80s, of creating groups coming from criminal syndicates and be guised as Surrenderees fighting for Democracy but in fact, a mockery. Yes, these actions, from the use of Brigandage to the use of Socio-Civic Operations obviously trying to play with the masses, its feelings, and its outcomings. 6

In regards to the members of the AFP, they became tainted with corruption thanks to the large chunk coming from the National Budget the present administration use to carry upon with. That according to their proposals last 2010 that: Under a government proposal by the Philippines Department of Budget and Management, the FY11 military expenditure will soar by 81 per cent to PHP104.5 billion (USD2.3 billion). And within it, it includes: PHP82.3 billion for personal services, which includes military operations, PHP17.1 billion for maintenance, and PHP5.1 billion for procurement And under that plan made last year, the Philippine Army will receive PHP33.6 billion, while the Philippine Air Force and Philippine Navy will receive PHP10.1 billion and PHP11.3 billion respectively. Upon noticing it, it shows that the system least emphasizes on Education, Social Services whilst bannering Public Works, but in case of the Defence Budget , it clearly states the system s importance of having the military a large budget-worse? For their pockets as the recent moves given by the AFP generalship made upon to, as according to the article from the Philippine Revolution.Net: The most striking among their exposs are the hundreds of millions of pesos worth of "sendoff gifts," "welcome gifts" and many other perks and privileges enjoyed by AFP chiefs. The whistleblowers exposed the depth and breadth of corruption in the military and its systematic nature, where various military officers collude with each other and with officials of the Commission on Audit, the courts, the Ombudsman and other high-ranking government officials. Corruption within the AFP has long been out in the open. There have been longstanding complaints of how officers have even stealing funds earmarked for military operations and soldiers' rations, salaries, insurance and pensions. Funds are skimmed from money meant for weapons, ammunition and other military equipment, as well as that meant for the operations of paramilitary forces and "rebel returnee" programs. Even funds provided by the United Nations for peace-keeping forces have not been exempt from the grimy hands of greedy officers of the AFP.

In doubling the AFP budget, the Aquino regime has merely doubled opportunities for corruption. Well alongside the scores of State Terrorism, corruption prevailed in the AFP. That the people sought how the system, in making the Defence budget bigger meant bigger pockets for the officials, of additional funds for State Terrorism and other related acts. And aside from the military, the granting of concessions to the Private sector, all in the guise of Public-Private Partnerships unveiled the State s attempt to implement a Laissez Faire policy in terms of economics and related acts all for the sake of austerity measures. From the last few months of 2010 to early 2011, increases in mass transport systems were being discussed upon-that from 15 pesos be increased to 60 or 80 pesos all despite the huge numbers of people frequently using MRT lines 1 and 2, and the MRT, advertisements posted on walls and the like-unveiling such contradictions that how come despite a large mass of people frequently using the MRT and the LRT having its fare be increased, all for the sake of Privatization schemes in the guise of Public-Private Partnerships? The people think too differently about the schemes laid upon by the present Administration regarding this Public-Private Partnerships . Obviously, it is giving away concessions to the Private sector the way the State-controlled University of the Philippines gave land to the Ayala Corporation for setting up a Science and Technology hub but in fact, full of Call Centres being built upon, same as one of the buildings in Manila, also owned by UP be carried upon by a privately-owned hospital? Such policies are being sugar-coated much as helpful for the Nation, but it also increases discontent-especially when it come to increasing charges yet no increase in wages. Worse, as the Philippines itself as a nation retains its rottness as a semicolonial, semifeudal society; everything is tied upon to the soil all despite the modenity given by influx of foreign goods and assembly-line production in selected cities and vicinities around the country. The peasant problem, as stated from earlier discussions stops the national advancement that all despite such land-related reforms and amendments are end up as waste paper and toppings for further preservation of Feudalism for Capitalist interest. For sure most Filipinos recalled the tragedies in Tayug, Maliwalu, Mendiola, Hacienda Luisita, even Hacienda Yulo wherein all these are participated by the state in a guise of pacification , that fighting for genuine land reform and social upliftment is equivalent to what they ve call as terrorism , yet having no concrete, comprehensive and true solutions all except in the paper. And thus, These conditions further accelerate the current conditions for civil war as expected by many. That despite coercion, repression, disenfranchisement even execution against those who opposed the 8

earlier and present regimes, rather push forward, accelerating such conditions of the war itself, or what others ought to be called as an insurgency. We ve expected much events and drew lessons upon it, that we sought every unconscious masses being pitted against conscious factions of people and revolutionary forces, with agitation and conspiracies, all by the efforts of the current system and its allies that, will give a better chance to maintain its own prestige under their protection and to revive their strength, sharpen its means of suppression and get its own prepared for another move to stabilize the basis of their dominance in the society. All from paper reforms to gunpoint actions, these policies made by the current regime, based from the present conditions of the society, will inevitably move the society in such a direction, will push toward an internal struggle, intensity of contradictions that may further ignite the present civil war.

GROUNDS FOR THE ACCELERATION OF THE CONFLICT 1.) The current crisis which the Philippines is experiencing through is the continuation of the crisis which has continuously been going on through the years from the Spanish regime to the PostMarcos era. Such changes in power are rather centralized in the hands of the Liberal or Conservative Comprador Bourgeoisie, Landlords and Bureaucrat Capitalists all supported by the Imperialists, this crisis which was deeply embedded in the rotten, semifeudal, semicolonial system by no means is finished and has continued with its ups and downs. This legacy trying to instill the minds of every people has and still not left the society. A conclusion of this crisis has only one solution which these gentries are not able to offer, so are the opportunists whose fascination with mere idealism couldn t support the realities except by seeing and not analyzing the conditions. A definite solution for the crisis relies on the change in the foundation of a progressive society and an establishment of a new, revolutionary system; this will not be possible except if the masses, united by the proletariat and the peasantry continue its objective of pursuing the National Democratic Revolution with a Socialist Perspective. The Petit-Bourgoisie and the National Bourgeoisie may have also supported it as the growing trend of revolutionary fervor and the crisis they experienced (oil and commodity price and tuition hikes, intense competition, rampant corruption, repression and Imperialist intervention) continues to prevail through as the ruling gentry, supported by the Imperialists tries to prevent such progressive, revolutionary changes by maintaining and rebuilding the features of a semifeudal, semicolonial system in which they benefited through its foundations although it is as if willing to establish a new society like those of the Marcos 9

regime in any possible way. Some groups or individuals (like the Liberals, Conservatives and Left opportunists) tend to act as if trying to put some major changes yet limited to an individual rather than social point of view while other members of the Petit-Bourgeois and or National Bourgeoisie are rather getting contented in what the society was and is going on; being tied to the future of the present system, not only are not able to establish the society (despite its desire to) all because of dogmatic tendencies they usually drew upon with. In the University of the East, a yellow student political party often spoke of anything should be in accordance to standards such as lobbying and negotiations yet failed to heed the genuine need of the studentry such as having a tuition freeze and reexamining the financial statements of the University, so are the others who are kept describing as activists yet failed to act as part of it. In summing, these are manifested due to its backward characteristics, and historically due to their system of thought and praxis that is, reactionary. And obviously, these pseudo-progressivists aloofness to change , all due to their reactionary system of thought while having contradictions with the system also, (superstructurally and minor structurally) destroying a system which it partially shares and also responsible with, all despite seeing a fact that they are frightened of such a destruction. That whilst recognizing a certain anomaly or a crisis, they also disregard it or taken as a minor matter. All for the sake of preserving the order, regardless of the ravaging effects in the society, especially in the economy and the people itself. According to a certain writeup, it clearly states how crisis especially in increasing prices served as a basis for a surge in opposing the system-that the pseudo-progressivists tried much in silencing them. The rising prices of oil, food and other basic commodities are a signal for a brewing political storm that in other countries and regions of the world is already raging. But on the other side, they had tendencies to gain a tactical alliance carrying a certain topic that both sides (left and right) agreed upon with. But then, their contradictions fail to undertake such policies that instead of paving way to certain changes rather disregarding it or bannering it instead; in case of the land problem the Aquino regime may ve favored the CARPER and promised to give the Hacienda Luisita estate to the tiller, yet they failed to meet the demand and at the same time blaming the radical groups, especially peasant organizations in fighting for their right to till for themselves and for their families. The Aquino s yearness to 10

change is not serious enough to undertake such action whilst bannering it in front of the people all due to their dogmatism and obviously, despite its sentiment and rallying every people around the nation still, impossible to establish a new system given the constraints of the present dominant forces of political power (such as the Left opportunists and Right-wingers) and stabilization (that the Philippine economy allegedly grew stronger); and the people, in experiencing such anomalies and crisis around may not be able to overcome the present politico-economic crisis while the society rather continuously advance toward interruption and intensification of the contradiction, breaking up the existing system, promote increasing instability of the Government and intensification of Revolutionary convulsion. As according to the message of the Communist Party Central Committee to the NPA:

The Aquino regime is bound hand and foot to the US policy of neoliberal globalization. Its so-called Philippine Development Plan hews closely to this policy and serves to further violate the political and economic sovereignty of the people and auction off our natural resources and the rest of the national patrimony in order to let the foreign banks and firms and the big compradors and landlords like the Aquino and Cojuangco families rake in profits.

The Philippine economy continues to be ravaged by the neoliberal policy of denationalization, trade and investment liberalization, privatization of public assets and deregulation. It is being made ever more dependent on the export of cheap raw materials and cheap labor, on low value-added processing for reexport on call-center employment and rising levels of foreign and local public debt.

Signified by the increase in oil and commodity prices, fare in tollways, tuition and other miscellaneous fees, the unresolved land problem, growing unemployment, rampant corruption and foreign intervention in politics, economy and culture further generates the struggle that, as signified by the continuous political and armed action of the Communist Party of the PhilippinesNew Peoples Army and National Democratic Front for years, pushing towards the dismantlement of the system that is, degenerated. 2.) As said from above, concerning the rampant economic crisis and the worsening conditions of the masses which still brought rampant poverty, discontent and other related socio-economic symptoms, gives obviously a characteristic to the class struggle of the masses against the 11

current dominant system. It will not be surprising if every event such as in both areas, both namely San Roque in Navotas and in Quezon City happens in the form of riots caused by demolitions and unrealized, impossible promises of housing and support from the

Government as well as the series of mass actions against oil price hikes and commodity increases in Metro Manila. Aquino, like Arroyo who slightly knew about the crisis would rather deny it, or telling again the people a solution that seemingly too contrary to the wishes of the people- Public Private Partnerships everyone? His appeal for change failed as policies such as those are nothing but a showcase for an influx of foreign investors, or intervention itself. Or this:

You are my boss

That obviously, not us as his bosses; with the continuous economic disaster both here and abroad, while its main weight is on the shoulders of the masses, both worker and peasant in the society distinguishes it, with segments of classes affected by the socio-economic crisis possibly having a larger role and increase the class characters of the general people s struggle. According to the statement from the Communist Party s Ang Bayan made last March 29 2011:

The Philippine economy continues to be ravaged by the neoliberal policy of denationalization, trade and investment liberalization, privatization of public assets and deregulation. It is being made ever more dependent on the export of cheap raw materials and cheap labor, on low value-added processing for reexport on call-center employment and rising levels of foreign and local public debt.

In this writeup, the administration s policy, despite its so-called goals, failed much as they tolerated what is accordance to the plutocrats, leeches trying to make the society endure the crisis more. That despite putting band-aid solutions still worsen the problems being faced much by the people, like facing every commodity increase and fewer wage while the elite got much bigger shares from its profits all from trade to the manufacturing sector that is, more of assembly-line and light ones, especially controlled by foreign interests and domestic stooges. That, according to the same issue:

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No cap whatsoever is effectively restraining public borrowing from abroad and from local sources. At the same time, the Aquino regime has an entire program of raising taxes and fees on social services. It has adopted a policy of austerity. It has allowed the prices of oil, food and other basic commodities to soar. The people are already fed up with the regime in such a short time because of their growing poverty and hardship, the failure of the regime to offer solutions to their basic problems and its obsession with gimmickry and triviality. They are endlessly insulted by claims that the popularity of the regime rises on the basis of manipulated poll ratings even as the prices of basic commodities are rising.

Obviously, the actions of the present Administration or rather, the entire rotten system itself put much burden that, as earlier stated expands the struggle. That the current status, characterized by the rampant anomalies, failed financial actions all despite the strong peso and increase in GNP and GDP rates, will cause the working people further advancing the struggles (on land, employment, rights) against the system and at the same time that the reactionary and/or the apathetic majority has not yet been turned away from the current regime and still in an idealistic Utopia of Facing the Impossible . This condition even resort to an inevitable confrontation in a definite, but not lasting period, between these two sectors, classes of the society (like the recent elections, or earlier, the Arroyo regime). 3.) Rampant State-supported terrorism, repressive anti-people policies alongside the continuous socio-economic crisis and disillusionment with the regime and its supporting allies (still, regardless of the surveys) also manifest a characteristic that is, intensifying the struggle. Worse, there are still parties, groups, individuals desperately trying to counter the Revolutionary upheaval yet failed and instead contributing to repression than upliftment. In our society, another characteristic of the struggle is the rampant Fascistic actions from continuous spread of propaganda against the National Democratic struggle, Socialism, and issues such as Education reforms, Land reforms and the like to sponsoring Armed means in pursuit of silencing opponents to the system. And such actions laid by the rotten state, both "Left" and Right tried much just to dissuade the people to continue the struggle by carrot and stick, hook or crook. However, tremendous numbers of the masses felt the confusion as rampant propaganda from both "Left" and Right bogged them over, that some end unconsciously defending the present administration, the system and even following its policies like AKBAYAN. 13

They tend to banner themselves as "Leftists", "Socialists" fighting for social reform etc. yet they are obviously bannering Aquino to the core like Sturve (a Russian Marxist turned Liberal) all just to counter the growing National Democratic struggle that according to them as a "threat". Same as the Right wingers, again, obviously speaking, their distaste for "Socialism", "Communism", "Militant Struggle" all in the guise of "Defending Democracy" desperately enticing the people to defend the system that most of their followers are consisted of Soldiers, Paramilitary men, even Lumpenproletarians and pseudo-religious organizations like Alsa Masa (a gang guised as an AntiCommunist group in Davao), Tadtad, etc. Both of them, as expected by many took the administration as an opportunity to spread their desperate ideas all for the goddamn sake of countering the struggle, but instead of lessening, it further increases, intensifies the Revolutionary situation since repressions, crisis continue to prevail in the society regardless of their efforts to put such "Solutions" that failed to solve a perennial problem. And since they actively involved in Government affairs, defending the system and knowing themselves as its defenders and supporters since they think that the administration, or rather the system who controls the Government has the capacity to create Reforms, to change itself and the country (a la "Revolution from the Center") and obviously, can still fulfill their needs especially material ones. 4.) And last, but not the least, the crisis that continues to prevail around the world, starting with the United States, and its allies. Obviously, the crisis, started from the United States continues to swept all over the world, especially those who are forced to be dependent on their aid. There, around 30 million workers are unemployed and underemployed, while tens of millions more are having their wages lowered or are entering or re-entering the workforce at poverty or near-poverty-level wages. Union busting is also rampant that in order for Capitalism to survive includes union busting, decreasing of wages, tax cuts, and of course, layoffs of workers. It somehow affected Overseas Filipino Workers that, they are being compelled to return home or face the trials all in the guise of looking for alternatives to escape the crisis. The crisis also reminds of the Great Depression in the 1930s that like last year is getting more and more severe, with big business spin masters notwithstanding. The long-term unemployed or more workers out of a job for 27 weeks

rose 414,000 in March to 6.5 million, or 44 percent of the official number (according

to the Worker s World). It is also quite possible for Filipinos affected by the crisis in the U.S to return as they felt its effects worse than the second Bush regime. 14

It also somehow manifests the essence of capitalism that it is a system of class exploitation. All despite meager measures, reforms to counter the growing tide of crisis, instead increases the tension, contradiction further that the U.S. Imperialists, in pursuit of controlling its interests and to counter the crisis, resorted to war and control of its natural resources-like in the Middle East and nowadays, Libya. Such exploitative means also showed how U.S. Imperialism unveils its rottenness that, according to V.I. Lenin as a last stage of Capitalism. Since the ruling class owns everything that the working class needs to live and survive the factories, the mines, the farms which sit at the

and fields, the offices, the stores, the hospitals, transportation and the banks

summit of society because they control the money (according to the Worker s World). And their means to survive as profiteers also meant something-to dig on their own graves as the growing hatred of the people hastingly grows in response to their repressive, anti-people actions all in pursuit of profit and their benefit. Their failure to mend the problem further generates tension that the Third World, especially the Philippines felt its long-term effect severely despite its recovery , that poverty remained rampant, prices increasing, and the like. And speaking of Reforms , Measures that in fact, mere toppings, these failed much to counter the growing crisis, of easing the contradictions. But rather creating more discontent as the current administration rather creates much concessions to the ruling gentry, and to its foreign overlords who, tried to do its best to stop the crisis perpetuated from them. That every nation affected by the crisis around the world, along with rampant police-ization, is enough to advance their struggles as expected, that the U.S. itself felt the warning signs of bankruptcy that is, due to overproduction, rampant funding for wars, of peace through strength that steers the nation, and even the rest downwards and backwards. All of such catastrophes, actions coming from the laws of capitalism, which have become an absurdity, are responsible from start to finish, from the poorest countries to the most powerful ones. So far, the socio-economic crisis conditions, still prevailing at present, are favorable for advancing the protracted people's war from the current stage of strategic defensive to the strategic stalemate. The Communist Party is correct, favorable in setting the line of march for the Revolutionary Movement in the medium term same as the duty of the New People s Army to wage the People's War and advance from the present stage to stage in order to realize the people's aspirations for national liberation and democracy all despite such attempts (like Oplan Bayanihan and other related Operations) from both Left and Right trying to destroy the Revolutionary Movement and its allies both Urban and Rural areas in the country, but instead, It 15

further increases the buildup of struggle in countering the system, as the People s War, improved by continuous efforts, advances.

II
DID THE GOVERNMENT NOWADAYS KEEP ITS WORD? As time passes, such conditions nowadays remained as-it-is. As-it-is, as most workers haven t got a healthy wage from the owners despite having longer hours for work, that the farmers still fighting for land reform and the rest questioning about the credibility of the present regime, that they also oppose such increases in the prices of commodities, oil and gas, even tuition and other fees especially after the education budget hath been slashed. Such conditions, all despite Government interventions and promises so to speak instead increases tensions between the two especially as the former failed much to enact its very own promises. But then, thanks to the media, that as expected by many that they kept on defending the current social order, especially the administration itself that still has enough popularity and the fading of post-Arroyo euphoria as ongoing; yet still its remnants are exhorting efforts to cling to their chairs-often resorting to opposing the administration. That, as Lakas CMD (Arroyocrats rather) s Edcel Lagman said: The Aquino administration s agenda of vengeance and fault-finding, as well as populist propaganda cannot replace resolute performance and meaningful solutions. It somehow obviously trying themselves to do critical collaboration, yet as expected by many that they defend Arroyo on all sides, all from the charges that the part administration ought to be blamed; otherwise, resorting to a near-degree of adventurism that they themselves ought to deny as possible. In regards to the economy, there has been scant progress for over 25 long years. As according to Ibon Databank: 25 years of five post-Marcos administrations embraced and implemented free market policies of neoliberal globalization trade and investment liberalization, privatization and

deregulation. Economic growth, foreign investments and exports were treated as ends in themselves rather than the mere means to development that they are. Profits and commerce 16

were hyped while the State s responsibility to deliver real social and economic development was disparaged. And all despite the measures, like the 7.2% annual growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in 2010 or even the average 4.5% growth during the previous Arroyo administration from 2001-2009, still not enough to call it a recovery-that there has also been rising joblessness, persistently severe inequality and growing numbers of poor amid economic decline. Having a massed ranks of unemployed increased to 4.4 million (11%) in 2010 regardless of the rising Outsourcing industry and the like. So far, we have discussed of having an intensified conflict with factors behind its intensification and we have also shown how the ruling class are tending to expand such contradictions that instead of pulling the struggle backward making it rather its contrary; in an instance, the criticisms laid by the Bourgeois Opposition against the prevailing policies and the like, as well as the mass actions against the regime. However, The Bourgeois Opposition is opportunistic rather in venting sentiment against the current policy. Arroyo for instance speaks of angst against the price increases, yet most of the policies prevailing in the current administration are mainly a rehash of her's and earlier ones, that Aquino, like Arroyo, speaks of Free Trade. It may sound weird to a common man to hear Gloria opposing policies also came from her's being amended by Aquino! According to the news issued last April 13, Mikey Arroyo, son of former President and current Congresswoman of Pampanga, speaks of angst against the increase in oil prices and even calling for suspending the 12 percent value-added tax (VAT) on petroleum products. He even also criticized the Aquino for failing to address the oil price hikes, and the rising prices of electricity and basic commodities after the Bureau of Internal Revenue slapped him with P73.85-miilion tax evasion charges. As Mikey Arroyo said: "I believe the government is in a good position to sacrifice a bit for the people without crippling the government's financial standing. President Aquino could suspend the VAT on oil temporarily as his financial team could draft a long-term program to ease the impact of oil price increases in the future in the event the global situation turns for the worst...What is important is that the government at least

17

ease the burden of the people brought about by this almost daily round of increase of the price of petroleum products." Obviously, Arroyo and the rest of the gang are doing an opportunist position as widespread protests against the Oil price hike speaks of angst against a policy also implemented by her mother also! As according to Vencer Crisostomo, in regards to comparing Aquino to Arroyo in regards to the rising Petroleum prices, said: "The overpricing of petroleum products has been a recurring grievance under Gloria Arroyo. But it seems the current administration is not keen in being different from its predecessor, at least in this issue...We doubt that his Cabinet is as stupid as they presently appear. We are sure the Aquino administration is aware of the impacts of the oil price hikes, coupled with the fare and toll hikes, have on the Filipino people. But despite that, Noynoy isn t taking any action against the increases." Most people would think that Arroyo, or any other turncoatists, opportunists tend to join the angst against polices they favor with. I even noticed that how come an adherent of free trade speaks of suspending VAT on oil? They even once imposed that VAT in prices of commodities and even Oil too! Well... Such tendencies happened this time around creates disintegratement amongst the ruling gentry within the system whilst advancing the mass struggle. Arroyo or any other Bourgeois Oppositionists, or Independent-minded ones within the Aquinocrats joining the fray of angst against the present regime are rather taking it as an opportunity, a politically-initiated than socio-politico-economic ones the laboring people had of. Back in history, during the last years of the Marcos regime, Bourgeois oppositionists formed alliances, pacts like the FTS/STS and the NUC with separate programs of action ought to be initiated after the fall of the regime, but having different perspectives like the NUC's pro-US Bases stance for example and the FTS/STS staunch opposition in it. But in assessing both of them, they are still Bourgeois oppositionists regardless of its own stance especially against the Marcos regime, yet they still insist in preserving the status quo whilst bannering sentiments such as the word "Change" and "Transition." So is today that Noynoy Aquino speaks about "Daang Matuwid", a "Straight Path" towards Peace, Stability, and perhaps Progress, yet still failed to undertake as most of its policies are rather a rehash of past ones that made the people disagree upon him, including politicians like the Estradaistas and the Nacionalistas, Arroyocrats who taking the people's will as an opportunity for their goals similar to Aquino's. After all, they are still Bourgeois oppositionists so to speak. 18

However, these days, the ruling class has been saying that "In order to improve stability in the economy, to ensure the well being of the people, improve peace and order, etc." needs "National Unity" and preventing "Division" and "Convulsion." In addition they even speak that having an "Internal Clash" or any action "destroying the social order" are often pointing against corrupt officials, or even Activists, ofen called as "Communists" and Communists that often called as "Terrorists." Alcover once spoke that "Terrorism created poverty not the other way around" but the ones imposing order are doing the other way around of that imposing order in the country; that, they threaten that those who are against the policies of the state, whether armed or not be considered as an enemy of the state, liable for target, abduction, and oppression. They even ask people to join with them and stand against "Terrorists" who are in fact, "Revolutionaries" who impose justice in the provinces. And as expected, Etta Rosales, Jun Alcover, Jovito Palparan, Joel Rocamora, and others from "Left" and "Right", including Arroyo and her clique within the system are the most consistent advocate of "Unity" and "Oppression." If we look into these concepts deeply and also look at their practise up until now we can unhesitatingly say that behind all these words, sentiments there is a policy that we have discussed and wittnessed before. Venting such sentiments such as "National Unity" and calling people to avoid "Disorder" are to accomplish nothing but to create discipline and enforced unity under the ruling class and secondly to prevent the advancement of mass struggle. The "Peace and Development" strategy like Oplan Bayanihan is an example of that idea being put upon into practise by the system through the Armed Forces. But despite their so-called achievement cases of Fascistic activities remained still especially in the provinces that the Army, in imposing order includes forming death squads, hiring Lumpens and create highwaymen-Civilian Volunteers, everything that is tantamount to State-Supported Terrorism. In the Cities, the laboring people, regardless of working overnight, of having low salaries in midst of the crisis and increasing prices of commodities, resorting to strikes regardless of the policies that may harm their employment. The massed ranks of the unemployed are opted to revolt against the system that makes the system tremble into fear unexpectedly. It is likely to say that Rampant State Terrorism, a growing Social Crisis, Foreign interference and other similar actions clothed in the guise of "Unity and Development" really meant a tendency ensuring the Semifeudal, Semicolonial society as alive despite rotting. Aquino, in saying to us that the people are his bosses, are rather unrealized as these manifestations are rather steering the country backwards in

19

traversing a "Straight Path" towards peace and stability. How come he opted to solve it by mere series of band aid solutions than a major overhaul of the system? Once, in his speech in UP Diliman in its Commencement Exercises after conferring Doctor of Laws Honoris Causa, he spoke of fixing the rusty machine of the society as he compared the society to an IKOT Jeepney in UP Diliman! And somehow fixing a rusty engine rather resulted still to nothing. As one writeup regarding his speech said: "If so, especially in fixing that machine in a rusty state, why not replace it with a new one instead? Most people, especially the toiling masses would think that how come you ought to fix it even thou it is rusty to the core? Will it run better? I doubt." Manifested by not seriously examining the present situations such as rise in oil and commodity prices, of widespread unemployment ranging from the current unemployed to the newly graduated individuals seeking for decent employment, the peasant problem and other related affairs the current administration had to seriously focused through, the administration thinking of it as a joke, a game, easy for short. Otherwise as Senator Joker Arroyo said: Malacaang runs the government like a student council. If some decision is wrong, they change it. What s that? It s a hit-and-miss situation, like Boys and Girls Week. There s a boy mayor and a girl mayor...They should wake up. This is the real thing. This is no longer a student government, Joker may have said that last year, but it mirrors the current situations that the administration failed to seriously undertake and create solutions out of it. That as if everything is a mere game than a serious business to undertake-leaving everything to technocrats? Like the LRT and MRT to certain Capitalists like the Cojuangcos, Ayalas and Manny Pangilinan? Is this the way to uplift the society and support people's well being? Again, it is a sort of pulling the society backwards due to negligence regardless of the paper reforms set forth by the past and present regimes. That Noynoy's aloof with the worker's call for a wage increase and venting alibis out of it is an act of desparacy to escape from the crisis.

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III
AGAIN, IN WHICH DIRECTION IS THE PHILIPPINE SOCIETY GOING? Sorry for repeating the question. In assessing the events passed during the current administration, it shows that there are certain confusions rising amongst people in regards to the situations prevailing especially in present time. The government still kept on justifying, whitewashing, denying everything in regards to the measures made to counter the crisis or creating something in order for the people not to know about the crisis. Spratly islands for example. Such issues nowadays tackle still about government s aloof on the people s agenda as well as its dependence on foreign aid such as its attempt to use the US-RP Mutual Defense Treaty just for the sake of Defending the Country after the rift with China about the Spratlys issue. Worse, those from the Right-wing spectrum taunt the Left for not being responsive, as David Michael San Juan said: Some have idiotically taunted Philippine leftists who are known for their really tried-and-tested fierce nationalism (since the time of the communist-led Hukbo ng Bayan Laban sa Hapon/People's Army Against the Japanese, to the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army's fierce anti-Marcos stance, and to the broad Left's anti-Military Bases stance) to volunteer themselves as combatants in the "war against China." The issue seemed to be like those of the bomb scares during the Arroyo administration, the Glorietta explosion in Makati for example was a mean to stay away from the problem involving Arroyo; and same goes to the Spratlys issue that in fact, despite taking it as a major problem involving Philippine sovereignty, is also a means to stay away also from the problems, crisis like those of the usual fare hikes, rise in commodity prices, and the like; the problem even took it as an opportunity for the stupidity of the Right-wing to call for aid, to be dependent as possible or worse, to revive the U.S. Military bases for the goddamn sake of security; such issues nowadays created a series of obstacles blocking away the straight path as Benigno Aquino III stated during his campaign speech, ranging from socio-economic to political ones, creating a massive discontent amongst the people including those from his own Liberal Party.

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And since the media continuously play the Spratlys issue, how about the real tangible issues such as crisis on education, social services and even the economy? The Right-wingers again and again vent their rage discreetly against Communist, Red China yet aloof in regards to budget cuts, tolerating neoliberalism and even state-sponsored terrorism in the provinces and in Manila as well. In regards to education, in the University of the Philippines, Almost 1/4 or 1,011 of the 3,826 UPCAT passers didn't enroll in UP, citing financial constraints as reasons for not enrolling. The Socialized Tuition Fee Assistance Program of the University didn t even support the studentry in general as the new changes have resulted in a 50 to 65 percent tuition increase. From charging P600 to P1000 per unit, UP now charges P1000 to P1500 per unit according to Vencer Crisostomo. In Social Services, particularly in housing, commercialization of land became prevalent as local government units like in San Juan and in Navotas forcefully evicted people from their houses citing government property or squatting as its main cause; worse, in the affected area of Corazon de Jesus, the entire lot was given by the government to the people through Executive order (from Cory Aquino) and Presidential proclamation (From Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) yet the local government, whilst bannering its populist rhetoric forcefully evicted its residents regardless of the Statutes to build a new City hall in it, or worse, a commercial complex in a guise of residential areas of a condominium type? They even insisted that the inhabitants be settled in Rizal wherein there is lack of sufficient support whilst having a lot and an unfinished house of course; worse if they are compelled to pay monthly or to be evicted in that settlement. So is the peasant question and the need for a bigger salary for workers. That the peasants in Haciendas Luisita, Looc, Yulo, and others controlled by individuals or by companies continue fighting for genuine social justice by a genuine land to the tiller campaign. The government remained aloof to these while bannering to them again and again the sham land reform program that catered much to companies and to Hacienderos as well; taking the farmers in Sumilao for example, but how about the farmers in Luisita and in Yulo? Most of them even killed, imprisoned, accused of subversion as they fight for a genuine land to the tiller campaign marching from Tarlac, Cavite, Batangas or any part of the Philippines fighting for it, while those at Sumilao were given much media attention of having themselves marching from Bukidnon to Malacanang and end up satisfied from a program that is sham so to speakthat San Miguel Corporation still insisted having a land in Sumilao for a piggery farm! The workers, on the other hand, are still fighting for a real wage increase as they aren t satisfied at the increase given by the government-a small alm so to speak to counter the growing prices of oil and basic commodities even 22

utilities such as water and electricity, and of course for the needs of their children like education. Last May, they said nothing, then 13 and lastly, 22 pesos to counter the growing prices and fares, debts to be paid regardless of hardwork and even savings as expected-will a farmworker or an industrial worker, who worked for long hours, having 400-500 peso and hath it budget for how many days? 5, 4, 2? Desperate indeed! The neoliberal policies of the present system, being a rehash of past policies issued decades ago favors dependency on foreign investment and fewer budgets on services and obligations stated by the fundamental law of the land. That commercialization of urban, rural land and education resulted to mass eviction of Urban Poor inhabitants (from their houses with squatting as its cause) Workers (for strikes and means of protests for a greater fare increase), Farmers (out of discontent for low wages as well as for fighting for genuine agrarian reform) and Students (due to the perennial Tuition and Other Fee Increases and rampant student repression) while at the same time accumulating profits from those who gain from both assets especially through kickbacks and other manifestations of a Bureaucrat Capitalist. And still the government tackles about the Spratlys issue never minding the hungry people outside Malacanang.

In facing the current crisis of the nation, and upon discussed the inevitability of the civil war with factors involved which will accelerate this war and we have also shown how the ruling class are using to expand the civil war as only to dilute people's struggles like corporatism and national chauvinism. In the following pages we try to elaborate on the tasks of the revolutionaries to dea with such a situation. As stated in the first part, the ruling class, trying to evade people from the current domestic and international crisis, has been saying much about "National interest" such as the Spratlys issue and of course the desperate need for foreign aid especially from the United States; same goes as the call for "National Unity" and "Traversing the straight path" that obviously, leading to nowhere. The Rightwingers, venting rage against the Left oftentimes uses the Spratlys issue and tell very much that China is a "Communist" state whilst benefiting from "Made in China" goods and even recognizing China itself so to speak; after all they are ignorant enough that the country whom they condemned much as a "Communist state" is also condemned by the Left as "Capitalist" and "Neoliberal" as China itself, despite posing as a Socialist state created under Mao Zedong be capitulated to Western interest and be a part of 23

the World Economic Forum and the like, even supplied the bankrupt United States with money during the global financial crisis! How mainstream media, the halls of congress, and even Malacanang wonder disregarded social crisis in favor of an issue exaggeratedly being interpreted. Yes, the matter being discussed is serious in regards to protecting Philippine territory, but how come others tend still to call for American support against China instead of reviewing earlier diplomatic accounts such as De Venecia's plan for a joint Philippine-Chinese-Vietnamese project involving the islands? According to ABS CBN News, it said: "De Venecia said the proposal, which he has discussed with leaders of China and Vietnam, involves the declaration of an open seas policy and the demilitarization of the area with the pullout of military garrisons. He said all claimant parties may instead opt for tourism and other modes of economic development as well as declaring the area a zone of peace, friendship and development." But will the diehard chauvinists who disregard social crisis in favor of this issue respond? The proposal was once proposed by Deng Xiaoping with Cory Aquino as a means to lessen tensions and to generate peace in the west seas, but to a Right-winger, he may've insisted still the necessity of having U.S. Aid plus assailing China for being "Communist!" And since they are chauvinist so to speak, of being too nostalgic about the past, how come they settle for Sabah and Spratlys how about the Marianas and the islands situated in the Philippine Sea? The once part of the Spanish East Indies so to speak? Well... again and again, they disregard much of the time about what comes into the community, what is near, especially if it is situated in Manila and in the provinces such as rampant poverty, tension between the rich and poor, if they speak about it, then who's to blame, the Communists? Rallyists for being critical against the rotten social order dependent on foreign support? Such tensions continue to prevail and as expected that the reigning class and of course U.S. and foreign imperialists benefited from it. That, despite the administration's call for "National Unity", "Traversing the Straight Path" or any kind of nonsense propaganda vented, are merely nothing but to create "Unity" and "Discipline" within the ruling class and also, most importantly to prevent the formation and expansion of class struggle, particularly from the lower and oppressed masses both urban

24

and in rural areas fighting against class and national oppression. We refer to the Semifeudal, Semicolonial system, and its political representatives. And somehow we expect that one important factor giving energy to the ruling class, supported by the imperialists, is raising the false flag of struggle against the Chinese in regards to the "Spratlys issue" and domestic "Terrorism"-pointing directly against those who are against the system and its repressive policies. Some tend to be against U.S. Imperialism, but their "Struggle" are rather in the paper than into practise-the ones too romanticized with their "Ideals" for example, tend to say "National Greatness" and wanting to revive the nation, but few or none took the task of that struggle seriously except for "drawings" of course; or even those who speak of having a "Fencesitter stance" or saying "Neither Peking or Washington" and vice versa, but will they do so? Most of them benefited from U.S. Imperialism through its aid and dollars same as having the cold war hatred for Communists including China; or worse, accepting U.S. Imperialism like the obviously past equivalents such as Roxas or Magsaysay! People don't know much totally about the issue since they aren't into it-what is the connection of the issue to our stomachs anyway? Will it help in having a bigger wage? Giving land for free? Destroy corruption? Again, the issue is made much to evade people from the current social crisis prevailing nowadays. And pushing these policies, especially those of neoliberalism and catering to foreign interests as well as National Chauvinism means raising the minor and false contradictions in the society, creating a deviation and clash within the struggle and while expanding domestic crisis, calling people to stop their revolutionary aspirations, cover the true contradictions in the society and trying to create security for foreign capital. These factors made by the administration and its cohorts, both "Left" and Right preventing the acceleration of class struggle on the other hand also serves to attract inconsistent politicos, whether Liberal or Conservative, Right-Wing "Democrats". Incidentally, they also have "Mass" support. Akbayan, the Arroyocrats (Lakas-CMD) and the Estradaistas (PMP) had "Mass" support so is ANAD and BANTAY, it also serves to isolate the Revolutionaries and Progressives who are consistent in order to destroy them, when the situation is right. So, they have taken policies in pursuit of keeping the ruling class intact, stabilized and in order regardless of the domestic crisis prevailing in the society; but, on the other hand their actions further accelerating the conflict, through the Civil war while they are putting the blame on the Revolutionaries and the Progressives. Black propaganda for instance became widespread from series of truths to 25

fabricated ones made just to discredit the people's struggle. And on the other hand, with the knowledge of hatred for Progressive thought, Anti-Imperialism and even people affected by the conflict and developing the minor, false contradictions using certain quotes and events, frightening the democratic but inconsistent forces, they are trying to stop or submerge the class and national struggle, and get the Democrats out of the struggle in order to stabilize their shaky position. Social-Democrats for instance, tend to do so in trying to get potential Revolutionaries and Democratic allies out of the Revolution. Worse if opportunists guised as "Democrats" or "Antifascists" help the Reactionaries in laying out their Reactionary tactics, guised as "Progressive", "Pro-people" or "Democratic" programs and strengthen such policies detrimental to the advancement of the people. Pseudo-progressives such as Akbayan for example, applauded by the Fascist Armed Forces of the Philippines yet repressing the National Democratic movement; same as those who use the Spratlys or any other issue to justify repression against the left in the name of "National Unity" that obviously, Chauvinism.

***

The direction of our society requires more knowledge, investigation and analysis to develop the policy and tactics of the Revolutionary forces, continuous Social Investigations with Class Analysis create certain means to justify arduous struggle, of calling for major overhaul of the society not just reforms alone. And as the ruling class still controls the entire society predominantly, and with having a long-term socio-economic crisis prevailing, the clamor for a total change will still be prominent especially amongst the masses that are greatly affected by everyday situations of the society. Obviously, in investigating things and events as well as in analyzing every background lies correct understanding and being conscious of the direction of the growing social contradictions-for these leads to improving strategy and tactics upon action. Without a correct evaluation and understanding, of analysis, no word can be said on improving tactics and policy, same as in rectifying matters concerning it, any deviation from a correct policy and tactics to the "Left" or Right, despite our will, will change the direction of the contradictions from the one we would want to the direction which the reaction wants.

26

And thus, as expected, it means advancing Revolutionary action- with the civil war of the oppressed and oppressor camps, inevitable both national and in class; and as the contradictions within the society growing, especially amongst the reactionaries, is also meant the advancement of people's struggles sensing discontent within the ruling class, continuous socio-economic crisis, all despite means to silence it by the ruling order. Yes, others may seen it as separate, civil war and brother killing in one hand and class struggle on the other; but in reality, these are mixed together since civil war is a major manifestation of class struggle; sensing that the inevitable relationship between these two will lead to the final joining of the two, that in order to win means winning the people and strengthening, expanding a bloc of progressive classes willing to counter against those supported by the system. A small revolutionary movement has broad-based popular support can be one of them pointing against a state's power with a large and well-equipped army in Mao Zedong's perspective. And since the present administration, venting such sentiment of traversing a straight road towards an eternal illusion yet steering every common being backwards made every people felt a sense of discontent especially when it comes to socio-economic policies that should be materialized with; for sure most would think that if there s really a major breakthrough in the present Aquino administration, is also a mean to break the cycle of a semifeudalsemicolonial type? Once, in a documentary made by the British Broadcasting Corporation during the Marcos regime, former Senator Diokno, acting as its narrator, reveals government's distorted view of development one that

prioritized patronage over the welfare of its citizens like public health and social amelioration; one of which is on building infrastructure supposedly for creating possible markets, but what markets? For the masses or for foreign investment like those of Hacienda Luisita: turning some into an industrial, commercial zone catering to foreign investors, entities instead of leaving it agricultural and be administered directly by the farmers and farmworkers? Well Sounds weird enough and desperate to speak of major change from a working class individual; yet they didn t notice much is that their actions are merely a faade for a reactionary circus such as paper reforms and the like, venting sentiments such as Pantawid Pasada (a subsidy-like program for drivers), job fairs, and given an emergency cost of living allowance of 22 pesos yet solving the land problem and giving of a real wage hike, haven t been materialized yet also meant massive discontent 27

same as those who are affected by demolitions, insufficient distribution of social welfare after workfare, and victims of military aggression. More and more criticisms would come this time around same as goes in analyzing everything related to the current situations of the society, which contradictions are growing, expanding further, enough to create demise of the regime and of the system itself.

conflicts became spontaneous due to the growing contradictions as well as the crisis prevailing in the country. Manifested by strikes coming from factories for wage increase and scrapping contractualization, farmlands for genuine agrarian reform and rise of prices of produce, to schools fighting against tuition hikes and subsidy increases, these actions somehow becoming a tendency to grow, not because of the administration's swift, fascistic responses, but also of the rapid increase of discontent towards the administration made out of issues detrimental to their so-called "cause." Using the right-wing's statement calling the People's Democratic Revolution as "fake", the present administration's promises are also seemingly turned out to be fake, fraudulent, hoax as instead of realizing goals, problems rather erupted from the start to the following years of the rule; how wonder why people felt the bouts yet still contented, or rather say numb out of media's very own propagandists, of short term programmes being made, or rather having a rotten system such as a semicolonial, semifeudal one. Such promises made by the ones in the system, even calling it a "Revolution" is a fake one for it has no mass support, nor it is not even according to the aspirations laid by the people; it is merely a facade, a topping for widespread reaction. After all, despite the unpleasant situations the issues, facts within the rotten social order causes heightened struggle of the toiling masses; it is inevitable so to speak, that make Revolution justifiedespecially as more and more will take arms and accept armed struggle as its main approach; and having everything in a rotten society determined, leading to an heightened conflict in it. The system will try to stop everything one at a time, but regardless of its moves the struggle will continue to advance. But in midst of the widespread conflict lies enough room for unity. Unity that doesn't mean preventing the entire conflict or adhering to have peaceful transition, but rather unity guided with a common program of action while developing class struggle and finding the true struggle against Class and National aggression; a united front so to speak, that is led by the Proletariat, no longer by the Bourgeoisie as in the old type. It is to complete the people's 28

revolutionary struggle for National Liberation and Democracy against Imperialism and the local exploiting classes. It leads consequently to the Socialist Revolution upon the complete seizure of political power from the joint class dictatorship of the big Compradors and Landlords.

Left opportunists tend to do means to "prevent Civil War" and change in the direction of the society preventing the masses from developing class struggle and aggression like those of Akbayan and other fools guised as "Civil Society" groups, CARPER for instance is a mean to deviate the Peasantry from promoting the Agrarian Revolution and of strengthening the mass base while promises of "Relocation with development" are being vented upon to the slums in order for the residents not to stay further in areas near basic social services such as hospitals or schools and employment, or blindly being said so all for the goddamn sake of turning their residency into complexes far from being described as residential; such tendencies so to speak are bannered much by the system or any aligned with not only keeps the masses from a Revolutionary struggle, all in a guise of unity, it also allows, despite the will of these people, a better chance to the reaction to grab the opportunity in this Civil War in a more expanded way, and will give a better chance for them to attack the People's Revolutionary War and the masses' Class and National struggle in different ways; especially when it comes to calling the masses to back off in front of the reaction under the banner of "Preventing Civil War", "Peace and Order" will allow the reaction to build and enforce "upheaval" and worsen conflict like those of the attempts made by the past regimes, will allow them to have hysterical attacks (like what Alcover, Palparan or any other opportunist do) upon the People's Revolutionary gains and their genuine struggle.

On these bases, the responsibility of the conscious forces, of Revolutionaries, regarding the current and coming situations of the Semifeudal, Semiconolnial society is as follows: 1. The active participation in the current struggle against Imperialism, Feudalism and Bureaucrat Capitalism. This requires creation and strengthening the mass base, opposing moves by the reactionaries and participation in the conflict that is, a struggle between Revolution and Counterrevolution. And as expected, the revolutionary armed struggle is the principal form of struggle. As according to Jose Maria Sison: 29

It answers the central question of the revolution which is the seizure of power. It is the principal method for smashing the bureaucratic-military machinery of the counterrevolutionary state. But the legal forms of struggle are important and indispensable even if these are secondary inasmuch as they are not the direct means for seizing political power." And somehow these actions are being laid within this kind of conflict against the ruling class and its cohorts while at the same time pushes through every people the consciousness that drives them to unite with the Revolutionary forces and participate regardless of the actions the reactionaries would do so. Just like the June 29 statement of the Communist Party, said: The CPP central leadership has directed the New People's Army (NPA) to continue intensifying guerrilla warfare nationwide in order to overcome the setbacks, surpass past victories and fulfill the requirements of advancing the people's war to the next strategic stage. The revolutionary armed struggle is bound to absorb thousands of Red fighters as the people's mass struggles intensify in the coming years. On the other hand, the victories of the armed revolution in scores of guerrilla fronts will continue to inspire the people to further intensify their mass resistance. This shows the active participation of the masses in intensifying armed struggle and advancing it further in response to the growing socio-economic crisis and rampant State Fascism and Black Propaganda unleashed by the system, including organizing, educating the backward leaning ones in order to win like those of the advanced ones willing to join the cause. 2. As the administration continues to keep its rule, so are the contradictions, both "Left" and "Right" trying to outdo one after another. Recalling the past administrations of long ago, cabinet revamps became prevalent due to the rigid "Left"-"Right" drifts from Malacanang to Batasan. As expected they tried to hamper the advancing mass struggle being counterrevolutionaries so to speak, thus regardless their desperate calls for unity drifts continue to worsen further all due to the growing mass struggle and the worsening social crisis. That, according to a writeup entitled:Growing opposition and Social Crisis fuels strife within the System: Regardless of justifications, of its so-called successes, changes, or any other sentiments trying to be realized is rather created in pursuit of escapism. The ruling classes and its cohorts have never really learned from history. They may've blamed everything that may call as the root causes of poverty, but as the rotten social order tries to remain intact despite its 30

desintegration, and the opposition continues to grow and strengthening its rampart, all despite the programs or any actions made by the system in pursuit of curbing popular sentiment that is, doomed to fail; the ruling classes indeed can never be expected to admit that it is, their own oppressive, exploitative rule as the root of popular discontent and unrest. As we all know these would affect actions within the struggle, that through studying and analyzing, reviewing would ease as possible and instead to advance Revolutionary action in midst of repression, anti-Fascist unity should be strengthened through struggle so is its advancement as everything within the society, particularly its policies are merely toppings for State Fascism; and thus the people are greatly opposed to such measures the Reactionary State likely to do so. 3. We all know, despite the growth of mass struggles, movement in different parts of the country, and achieved a degree of nationwide responses, there are certain problems that ought to be seriously studied upon especially those of actions being taken; especially those of the studentry and the urban poor. Like the Pesantry and the Workers and even some of the Progressive intellectuals they also ought to be carried upon, guided in midst of the possible repressive actions created by the State as well as the growing tensions out of Civil war and allowance of the acceleration of division and separation by the ruling class. In order to neutralize their actions and counteract such problems or weaknesses, we must try to advance militancy against the system: all against excessive profiteering and fascistic actions of the Educator Capitalists and unjustified mass expulsions, disenfranchisement due to demolitions and means to lose their employment, considering their level of consciousness and struggle. This prevents the aggression from the regime centering in one of few amongst these sectors as they tried so back then (like the Urban Poor Association that obviously a scheme made by the system). Stable and new camps have to be formed in order to facilitate the active ones in the struggle, of arousing, organizing, and mobilizing them as it continues to advance and gain further and more rapid (Class Struggle manifested by the People's War). But, it does not mean to hasten further clashes, premature rather between Reactionaries and Revolutionaries, particularly the masses. 4. Educational work and exposing the reaction within the masses, with an explanation of the inevitability of the Civil war, a war which the Reaction tries enough to ensure its survival against the expanding force of Revolutionary progression. As to integrate with the masses, it is an important task of the forces. Otherwise, the masses would lead to such dangerous alternatives 31

including narrow Pacifism and Anarchism resulting from further conflicts and crisis. They may also become careless about their backgrounds as well as to struggle within it. In order to stand against such dangerous tendencies, the characteristics of the present time have to be taught to the masses and the direction of the society has to be explained to them. The divisive, conspiratorial policies of the ruling class and opportunists also have to be exposed. It has also to be explained that the means to resist the reactionary semifeudal, semicolonial state is to expand class struggle through the National Democratic Revolution, as well as to isolate the reaction. 5. The political and organizational alertness in dealing with this situation is another important task of revolutionaries. As expected, Reaction is trying to accelerate the civil war for themselves, creating a frightening and terroristic atmosphere against the growing Revolutionary tide and the people. It also tries to isolate them further in order to destroy as swiftly as possible. The Oplan Bayanihan, like other operations served as an example same goes in creating series of black propaganda and aloof for peace negotiations. In situations like this, the masses have to be aware further of this actions against Revolutionaries and these forces had to be protected from the Reactionaries and its terroristic attacks with proper organizing policies. On the other hand, these policies have to be able to work within the masses all due to the instability of reaction and the growing mass movement, and confronting the two-faced, bipolar, terroristic and destructive policies of the ruling class with a proper organization. At this time the situation for such activities is getting tighter for every Revolutionary, that make frequent, continuous mass work and actions be advanced further to stand against oppression, terror and being separated from the masses.

However, expect much that the development of the conflict on the basis of false and minor contradictions being pushed by the Administration and its cohorts in order to submerge the direction of protest and Revolutionary movement of the masses, and, in a result, its defeat must be prevented. This kind of action must be initiate neither with "staying away from the conflict" nor questioning "mass line" with "class" against the reaction, but with an active participation of conscious elements in this struggle.

Taken into consideration that the ruling class is in dismay regardless of its palliative actions and achievements, it is the mean and opportunity for the Revolutionary Movement to put forward and strike 32

against the Reactionaries, win the People and accelerate the struggle as it develops into a one that is "Big and Strong" from a one that is "Small and Weak." Recalling the actions of China during its Protracted People's War, having a strong mass base, liberation army (both men and arms, actions) and a united alliance of masses (under of course, the Communist party and its allied groups) were means to develop a strong revolutionary force against the enemy; so is in the Philippines that is predominantly Agricultural, with limited approach to Industry and backward regardless of the system s Development that is, still in the paper and failed to be undertaken. The people, particularly the toiling masses are willing enough to join and its bulwarks as its zones of National Liberation. To others, particularly the Left and Right opportunists may think of it as too desperate, yet in this inevitable Civil War, the people guided, united, and armed will set forth Flames spontaneously and coordinately against the ruling class as opportunity breaks through; like China in the latter years of the conflict, Vietnam, Kampuchea or in Cuba, the growing Revolutionary fervor and a weakening Reaction plus continuous Social Crisis and Repression by the system expands the struggle till it becomes well enough to go forward, smash the Rotten, Reactionary State and grab Political and Economic power, greater than the EDSA Uprisings of 1986 and 2001. The actions of the present administration, if likely to defend and preserve the rottenness of the social order may rather doom to fail, as Oplan Bayanihan, regardless of its so-called successes and perhaps increasing body count, deaths amongst the Revolutionaries, are doom to fail same as its so-called reforms as every socio-economic crisis and various contradictions, cracks within the system expands further that worsens, rather than uplifts the Pilipino way of life, making the vast majority of masses be discontented towards policies and likely to advance the interest of the National Democratic Revolution, as according to the same July statement: The rapid fall in Aquino's popularity shows that the stark realities of poverty, mass unemployment and hunger have exposed Aquino's chicanery and illusions of reform to the Filipino people. Aquino and his regime are being increasingly isolated from the people. Aquino sits on top of the Philippine social volcano that is threatening to explode with intense revolutionary fury. It is only a matter of time before the Filipino people rise up in their millions against the puppet and reactionary Aquino regime. What else would the Aquino administration would get except for having much rhetoric and palliative, paper reforms and measures? Such realities around the Filipino society made the people think that the 33

illusions of the present regime is more of a rehash of past administrations promising a better life with foreign investment and aid as its support, yet speaking of those kind made the nation still sunk into poverty regardless of what is being undertaken to-including the infrastructure that obviously caters much to foreign or comprador markets than to the masses itself; and with the succeeding months, years encompassing with the administration would rather expect similar but worser events that, ranging from corruption, financial difficulties, state-sponsored terrorism, and failure for direct action of anti-poverty and other similar projects meant greater opposition regardless of achievements and other means to lessen public opinion similar to the efforts laid by the last administration and earlier ones. As according to the same June 29 statement, said: Because of his antipeople, pro-imperialist and repressive policies, Aquino's hold on power has become increasingly tenuous, even after only a year in power. He is bound to be consumed by the raging fires of the Filipino people's resistance. It makes enough justifications that as we traverse the straight path allegedly said by the administration itself, perhaps we re walking on a wrong way as directed by that same maker.

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