There is no turning back for vigilant Filipinos wanting to know the truth behind the canceled anomalous $329-million national broadband deal of the Philippine government with China’s ZTE Corp.

Church critic Manila Archbishop Oscar Cruz, who has called for the ouster of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after the exposé on alleged anomalies, said the crusade continues even if former President Corazon Aquino is currently battling the pains of colon cancer.

Certainly, the presence of Mrs. Aquino in calls for change against the corrupt practices of the Arroyo government means a lot. This time it will be a tough battle for all Filipinos who search for peace and truth as one of the proponents of unity and democracy in the country is suffering from a deadly disease.

But with Cruz backed by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines and other concerned citizens’ groups, their quest for truth is raging more than ever. There is no giving up and the battle is up to pin down the abusers and corrupt in the government.

In the turn of events, I am overwhelmed by the might of my fellow Filipinos going out of their way in the streets to show their disgrace to the wrongdoings of the Arroyo government. Democracy really plays a big role in the Philippines. However, it is saddening news to hear that Mrs. Aquino is sick. Her stature at the age of 75 contributes a lot to her emotional dilemma. I hope she survives this trial in her life.

Without her, corruption in the country could have bloated out of proportions. But her mere participation in rallies and prayer conferences is a heroic act of confronting the bigwigs of corrupt officials in the government.