Monday, February 27

Rules of (Dis)Engagement

Somewhere in the metropolis, in an unnamed building, along a dark hallway sometime after lunch, we ran into three goddesses, who warned us about protesting. Here's their advice:

1. Yes, the University of the Philippines is a free zone. Armed and uniformed police and military cannot come in and arrest you. However, if you publicly announce or call for the downfall of the government, they can haul you off for sedition. Counter measure: Call them panget, call them whatever name you want, but don't say "Ibagsak si *toot*!"

2. Yes, the University of the Philippines is a free zone. Pero bawal ang prayer rally sa UP Diliman, sabi ng Chancellor. Bawal daw kasi ang any form of rally sa bansa lalo na't state of emergency. Kaya kahit sina Cory Aquino, di puwedeng mag-gather para mag-rosary at mag-pray over. Counter measure: Call it a "teach-in," call it a "congress" and it sounds so much more impressive than a rally.

3. Yes, the University of the Philippines is a free zone. Black is fashionable and it's the default color of protesters--para di kita ang blood stains, among other things. But it's too too obvious. Counter measure: Wear pink. It's girly and incongruous. Nobody would ever think you're anti-anything. Gentle subversions are the way to go.

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