INBOX
Continue the SELDA spirit
I was detained, not once but four times, during the dark days of the Marcos regime. I went underground when martial rule was imposed to be able to continue education and organizing work among the poor sector of society.
I now join in the celebration of the 20th anniversary of SELDA (Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detention at Para sa Amnestiya) in Iloilo this September 2006. The theme will be: CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND MEANINGFUL PEACE TILL VICTORY.
SELDA was established in September 1986, right after the success of the first EDSA uprising that drove the Marcos conjugal dictatorship out of Malacanang. It came about due to collective resolve among its members to participate in the fight against the vestiges of fascist, feudal and colonial dominance in the country.
Under the climate of euphoria, then, we thought that victory was just around the corner . Little did we know that we will arrive this far and see a worse situation. Our economy is sinking even if the present dispensation bombard us with their sunny evaluations and predictions. The proof is that the have- nots still can not eat three square meals a day. Even our more enterprising neighbors can not afford to send their children to college.
The haves are feasting on the people's money in many government owned and operated corporations. Worse we have a president who is considered to have won the seat through massive cheating. Her refusal to step down has fragmented even those who have opted to wage their battle in the parliamentary arena. Most unacceptable of all, in the middle of a state of the nation address, praise a retiring general who is considered the mastermind of many of the political killings that is happening almost everyday around the country.
But I am celebrating, though, because the SELDA spirit to fight till victory is still very much alive especially among those who have persisted in the struggle alongside the poor and the powerless. And I am happier even because I see new and younger warriors for democracy and independence. MABUHAY.
—Luisa Posa (mlpd@skyinet.net)