He must think of something, do something to ensure people’s “ratification” of MC. Let’s wait and see - something is bound to come up and this is really going to be something!
5 JAN
FM has come up with his latest gimmick — referendum through “citizens’ assemblies.” I’m afraid that this referendum will take the place of the plebiscite. Since he is a seguristaand will not take any chances, the so-called referendum will probably be held through the barrio councils under the very watchful eyes of the military. For who is the brave barrio captain or councilor who will dare speak against the desire of FM while the country is in a state of martial law? Most probably, whatever voting will be held will be through open vote and so we can rest assured that FM will get what he likes.
The way the making of the MC has developed should not surprise the genuine activists. They were already telling the people (even before the ConCon convened) that this MC was going to be the hoax of the century. And I believe them. Only the naive and innocent souls held high hopes on “reforms” that would be introduced in the new Constitution.
I can almost see Marcos proclaiming the Marcos Constitution as a product of, and in compliance with, the sovereign will of the Filipino people. Ugh! It is enough to make one sick in his innards!
6 JAN
FM has mobilized his political machinery for the referendum. He has also withdrawn the concession granted to those against the MC. Henceforth, anybody who speaks against the MC can be charged with subversion and may be picked up and confined in the stockade. This is the kind of atmosphere that will prevail during the entire period of the referendum.
But why did FM bother with such thing as a referendum when he could easily ignore public opinion since he has the military under his thumb? Probably for foreign consumption. To convey an impression of legitimacy to his arbitrary and unconstitutional acts.
The fellow needs as many dollars as he can lay his hands on. His main problem is economic and he must show real economic achievements to the people within the next few months. But his problems are monumental, foremost of which is the very vital prerequisite: the people’s faithand trustin him.