A.M.D.G.
7 February 1975
Maritess, my child,
It was 19 years ago today that you were born in our nipa hut, in our 8BCT camp atop a hill, beyond Baras, Rizal, beside Laguna Bay.
And I recall those days because until last Sunday, we were "allowed" to be free for 14 days from your birthday up to the 21st (from 7 to a number divisible by 7) to discuss this coming referendum on 27 February (ending in7).
When I think on it, Iget mad. That the exercise of our freedom of thought, opinion and conscience should depend on but one man. As if we owe our inalienable rights to any mortal on earth. As if man, created in the image and likeness of God, did not have freedom and human dignity as his birthright.
And I feel sad. Very sad. For no one else is to blame but ourselves as a people. We act today as if freedom should be given on a silver platter. And not, as it should be, asserted precisely when threatened and despite the odds. As if we are not descended from the Filipinos of 1896. As if we were not the first people to establish the first republic in Asia. And yet, all that was required was but a vote in conscience, from the heart.
What caused this change in our people? Now cowed into silent submission and surrender of our human dignity like dumb-driven cattle? We share the blame for that infamous and ignominious' citizens assemblies' of January, 1973, without which that nefarious proclamation of 17 January 1973, 'announcing the ratification' of the 1973 constitution, would not have been. Consoling, though, is the fact that the Supreme Court --- the 'Concepcion Court' as distinguished from the court now, for Chief Justice Roberto Concepcion and Justice Calixto O. Zaldivar have, since then, retired --- categorically ruled that the 1973 Constitution "WAS NOT VALIDLY RATIFIED". In other words, not legal. Illegitimate.
Could it be that this is the reason for the secessionist movement of our Muslim brothers? That they are ashamed to be one nation with us now? For we have bartered away our legacy of freedom --- from Lapu-lapu at Mactan to all the heroes and patriots we honor --- for selfish expedience? And have blinded ourselves---for none are so blind as those who refuse to see---to truth?
During my days in the Huk campaign, we were not fighting kindergarten troopers but forces seasoned during the guerilla warfare of World War II. Towns and cities were being raided and occupied by them. The HMB camps we would attack and seize in the Sierra Madre were with well-armed concentrations of 50 and up. Eventually, we won that campaign. Because the people supported us. Inspired by the leadership of a sincere man, the beloved guy, President Magsaysay. And this was done, without martial law.
No NPAs ever had the stregth to capture towns and cities. In armed confrontations, they had been pathetically annihilated. But, we had martial law. We are told peace and order has tremendously improved. Public safety is secure. This, we see. But still, we have martial law.
Yet many would want us to say "yes" to the continuation of martial law! To the appointment of even our local civil officials by Malacanang! To the perpetuation of this one-man rule! Good Lord, are we still Filipinos?
On the other hand, there is a reaction on the part of a growing many to boycott the referendum in conscientious protest against the restraints upon our basic freedoms. This I respect. But this, I can not agree with. It is like a retreat, without a fight, when the odds are high; since democracy still is the quantitative rule of 50% plus 1. And to a soldier, it is unthinkable.
Speaking of soldiers, why be unreasonably afraid of the military? There are more men with a conscience in the AFP than in the civil government, where our real foes are. They who would want to perpetuate themselves by sycophancy to the appointing power. Who bully and bluff us, and exploit martial law for their own ends. These, we shall watch. We shall cover barangay meetings, teachers "seminars" and government "conferences"; gather evidence against any barangay official, principal, supervisor or superintendent, or any other public officer intimidating their subordinates or any voter, whether directly or indirectly; and any AFP or police personnel influencing this referendum in any manner in violation of PD 229. This, the Camarines Sur Joint Churches-Integrated Bar Committee on Human Rights has explicitly committed ourselves to do. And we of the Integrated Bar shall prosecute them.
Yes, the prosecution proper is in the hands of Comelec lawyers, but I can speak for these members of the Camarines Sur Chapter, IBP. I say with full faith that our Comelec members will discharge the duties of their office as well as of their oath as lawyers, honestly and well. But, should there be an exception, we shall disbar him.
A boycott is passive. In Naga City, labelled by the President as "the Plaza Miranda of Bicol", we who voted NO in July, 1973, were about 20%. We are easily triple that number now. We shall take the offensive. And vote: (a) FOR ELECTIONS; (b) NO to this one-man rule; and (c) with more reason, NO to its continuation. We are asked questions; we shall answer; and write our NOs big ang clear, and watch the tally, monitor the reporting, and make the results known to all our people.
Suppose we lose? Because the majority will still persist in being "lahing alipin"? Serves them right. There can be no tyrants where there are no slaves.
Nevertheless, this is but a battle. More than February 27, what counts is tomorrow. And we who fought for freedom in war and dedicated our lives to democracy in peace shall carry on. Until we win. And we shall not fail. For we go with God; since our cause is righteous and just. And you, our children---our treasure and our tomorrow---are counting on us.
God bless you on this, your birthday, and always.
Love,
Papa
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J ANTONIO M CARPIO, Christian, Filipino, married, father of one dozen (with Bonus No. 1 on the way), Comelec No. 3776731, UP Vanguard '53, 085720 Inf, Major, PA, Inac, Lawyer, PTR No. 0390699, 15 Jan 75, Vice-Chairman, Csur Joint Churches-Integrated Bar Committee on Human Rights, President, Camarines Sur Chapter, Integrated Bar of the Philippines, law office, 508 PNB Bldg., IBP chapter office at the provincial capitol, residing at 165 Jacob St., Naga City, Philippines 4701.
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