The Search for a Rallying Point

I’m still in a state of shock at today’s events (see ABS-CBN News’ Timeline).  With the numerous calls for resignation, things are coming to a head for the President.  She has lost the support of the very sectors that first brought her to Malacanang and she has becomea political pariah.

The time is now ripe for people to take action.  The only problem is that no rallying point has emerged.  During EDSA 1, the stretch of highway dividing Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo was the logical choice.  The purpose was to protect Juan Ponce Enrile and Fidel Ramos from violent retaliation by then President Marcos.  In EDSA 2, the marian shrine became the rallying point largely because the mass action stirred up memories of the first EDSA revolution  - the ouster of a sitting President in a military-backed civilian coup. 

This time, the rallying point is not so clear. 

People Power fatigue rules out EDSA (although this has not stopped Bro. Eddie Villanueva).  The opposition it seems has taken to the Central Business District instead. I think neither will catch on for the simple reason that there’s no compelling or symbolic reason to go to either place.

That being the case and given the President’s increasing isolation, she will, I believe, provide the venue — Malacanang Palace.  Unless something dramatic happens in the next few days, the people massing in different places will find themselves converging towards Malacanang for a siege that may force her to step down.