Q&A on the November 2009 Political Massacre in the Philippines

1. I'm sure we are all witnesses to their unending call for justice through all forms of media. Through the years, as my teacher said, their cries are the same. This only proves that whatever they are calling for is still not achieved, right? On the brighter side, this greatly ignites the fire of awareness and social responsibility. 2. No, I think she will postpone and postpone the case even until she's in Congress. Assertive as she is and will always be. 3. Not quite sure. As always, there is a hidden agenda involved. 4. More warlordism? I am not sure. In my belief, it's the government that stirs up the trouble there. Who knows what 'magic' are they trying to conjure next? It will be the Maguindanaoans who will eventually suffer the most since they are at fixed points between two (or more) clashing rocks.

1. It's easier to assess the responses of individual politicians than political parties, as Philippine political parties tend to have very malleable stances. Alliances change at the convenience of politicians, which is why Philippine politics tend to be based more on personalities than on platforms. That said, there has relatively not been much response from politicians; at least not in the media. Party-list groups and non-government organizations and journalists in particular have been more vocal about denouncing the massacre. My feeling is that politicians are playing it very safe because of the coming elections. 2. The Ampatuan case has moved to the courts, where it remains to be seen whether or not justice will be served. Arroyo's involvement in resolving the case will have to be "behind the scenes." It's unlikely that she will publicly bring the powers of her office to bear on the case, as she is quite aware of her unpopularity, and is probably eager to avoid a flashpoint that could result in a popular uprising against her. Still, one senses invisible powers at work -- the Commission on Elections office in Maguindanao was broken into and robbed a few days ago, in what seems to be a naked attempt to remove evidence of electoral fraud (supposedly orchestrated by the Ampatuan political bloc) during the last presidential elections. If she were to remain in power over the next few years, a typical strategy might be to wait a few years after a conviction to pardon the criminals (as she has done in the past). However, she is probably going to play it very safe during her last few months as president, and lie very still. Most Filipinos believe she's strategizing for a congressional post and a planned shift to a parliamentary government so she can be elected prime minister. 3. A number of raids have been conducted on the Ampatuan residential compound, and a trove of firepower has been seized. Much of this activity seems designed to create the illusion that something is being done. However, only Maguindanao is in the hot seat, and only the Ampatuan clan in particular, and there are numerous other private armies scattered throughout the Philippines. The current efforts constitute a stone in the ocean of warlordism in the Philippines. 4. A conviction could dislodge them from power in Maguindanao, certainly. However, it's likelier that relatives are going to work very hard to retain or regain the clan's power. This process may take years, but is not impossible in the Philippines, as the rehabilitation of the Marcoses shows. Imprisoning a handful of individuals only means that an army of loyal supporters are still free to further the clan's political interests. It is highly unlikely that the clan is going to be abandoned by the president, as she owes her presidency to their loyalty.