‘Mañanita protests’ scheduled today

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‘Now, the left, human rights advocates and the opposition in the Congress will try to push the quarantine rules to the limit, citing the Sinas experience.’

MAÑANITA is an old practice among Cursillo adherents during the 1970s. Friends and relatives would serenade a colleague who has just finished his Cursillo course, with the gathering or party done at the break of dawn. Of course, there would be music, breakfast, and festivities with religious undertones.

This is no longer done at this time, since the Cursillo movement, just like other movements inside the Catholic church, has lost its luster.

But Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas put this practice/idea/word in harness when he tried to explain the presence of his officers and men greeting him a “happy birthday” one early morning a few weeks ago. The event was a clear violation of the government’s strict quarantine protocols, and would even merit the punishment of hefty fines and imprisonment.

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Sinas not only retained his post, his rank in the Philippine National Police, and other privileges, thanks to his bosses General Archie Gamboa and President Duterte. The reason given is that Sinas is a very important operative in the government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, the left, human rights advocates and the opposition in the Congress will try to push the quarantine rules to the limit, citing the Sinas experience. They will hold a series of rallies nationwide today, Independence Day, to protest government policies during the pandemic and beyond.

The rallies will include fun, parlor games, and other activities to complete a genuine “mañanita.”

Aside from delivering their message, the protesters’ use of this party-like mass mobilization will taunt General Sinas and the government about the injustice and sense of entitlement which pervades our society.

A rather timely and relevant message this Independence Day, our 122nd.

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