Dashed to pieces

FERDINAND MARCOS called for a snap election in order precisely to get a new mandate from the Filipino people. From his pronouncements, he wanted to prove to the world that his regime still had the resounding support of the citizenry. With that mandate, Mr. Marcos could then call upon the international community and the foreign governments to extend all out cooperation to his government in rebuilding the Philippines’ shattered economy.

Events after February 7 proved Mr. Marcos wrong. Instead of getting a new mandate, his regime unmasked itself before the world as discredited and unworthy of the Filipino people’s trust. The world itself was shocked over the brazenness by which Mr. Marcos’s minions trampled upon the constitutional process. The uproar over the fraudulent polls has resulted in foreign governments and institutions denying the Marcos regime their support and recognition.

The repercussions for the Filipino people can only be harsh. It seems that the citizenry will have to continue groping in the dark as they search for that elusive way out of economic and social stagnation. There are also no indications that the immediate future of the country will be reassuring. As result, the national will and spirit are expected to remain distressed and despairing.

The atmosphere of gloom prevailing in the country is the best evidence that hard times are ahead for the Filipino people. Unless the primary cause for the prevailing uncertainty and instability is excised, disaster will, sooner or later, come upon the entire nation.