IN FEBRUARY 1986, the Filipino people overthrew a dictatorship, one which held the entire nation in its oppressive grip for twenty years. This peaceful show of power at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) came to be known as the People Power Revolution, believed to have been won using, yes, the power and persistence of the people and their prayers. It was undeniably a shining display of courage of a people commonly believed to be an indifferent lot. We swore to ourselves that this kind of oppression will never again exist in the country.

But apparently, we didn't vow that there will no longer be a need to stage another People Power Revolution. Almost 15 years later, for the past few days, the spirit of EDSA was revived. This time, People Power 2 wasn't staged to overthrow a dictator, but to express unequaled disgust for a corrupt administration and to force the president to his knees.

This new revolution has been nothing short of fantastic. It was truly unexpected, born out of the people's collective rage in the middle of the night. The events unfolded very quickly. It shook people from their apathy and opened their eyes to the reality of the country's floundering state, stirring them to action.

However, for all its glory and nobleness, People Power 2 was still unnecessary. This could have all been avoided had we truly worked for change in the systems operating in the country. It would have been even better if we didn't let the Marcoses and their friends get away scot-free, not owning up to their crimes against the Philippines and continuing to live lavish lifestyles. By sinking back into complacency after People Power 1986, we sent government officials a message saying, yes, we'll fight the forces working against the people and drive you out, but that's all we'll do. We'll run you out of the country, and after a few years, you can come back and gradually gain power.

We lost the rage we felt. We remember the abuses and numerous wrongdoings, but we lost the resolve to improve our situation.

This time, we clamored for the resignation of President Joseph Estrada. I certainly hope people realize he is not the problem, but that he is only a festering pimple caused by every ill of society that we have been tolerating all these years. We need to realize that he is not the only cause of our country's problems, but that we are all at fault for letting our guards down in the first place.

It is time to reiterate our forgotten vow of 'Never Again'. Now, more than ever, we should not only swear that never again are we going to allow a corrupt regime to exist and its key figures to get away. Never again will there be a need to take to the streets in protest, and that never again will there be another sequel to the People Power drama. We cannot allow even a People Power 3 to take place. Two episodes are already enough for the Filipino people to go through. Isn't it time we learned to be wise in electing our country's leaders, to be vigilant and watch their actions carefully and to finally unite as one?

I pray that we will never again forget these lessons.

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