$1000 award to human rights claimants, business lang

"It's a matter of business na ito."-- Imelda Marcos

Napanood ko sa isang early evening TV news program si Imelda nag-react ng tanungin ng mga reporters sa kanyang reaction sa pamimigay ng $1000 award para sa mga human rights abused victims noong panahon ng kanyang asawang diktador na si Ferdinand Marcos. Ang sagot ni Meldy, it is just business.

Muntik akong mahulog sa inuupuan ko. Well, you've gotta to take it from her, after all, she probably knows more about business than I am.  Documentaries abound, showing how the conjugal dictatorship made it a business to harass, anyone who annoys their regime, their family, and their cohorts; and maim, kill, and forced disappear, those who were against their oppression, repression, and corruption; it was the Tyrant & associates' business to grab others peoples' business--wealth, and possession.

 ~ Aldo

In this land of short memories, the award should also serve as a reminder of the atrocities committed by the forces of a man who cloaked himself with absolute power. (Editorial, Philippine Star, 4 March 2011)

Related links:

• "Giving the lie" (Philippine Daily Inquirer)
• Libingan ng Mga Bayani for FM? (BusinessWorld)
• Never forget (Philippine Star)
• We want our right to self-determination back (Business Mirror)