Greed & Betrayal by Cecilio T. Arillo [BOOK REVIEW]

Greed & Betrayal by Cecilio T. Arillo

 

A Country of "Yellow Fever" Victims

Cecilio T. Arillo's Greed & Betrayal delves into the intricacies of the Aquino regime, which, through its elitist image, managed to influence the entire society. The regime's propaganda experts skillfully crafted a political landscape that transformed many unsuspecting citizens into supporters of its particular brand of illiberal democracy, symbolized by the ubiquitous yellow banner, ribbon, and confetti.

About the Author:

Cecilio T. Arillo is a notable Filipino historian and author, known for his critical writings on Philippine history and politics. His work often challenges mainstream narratives and provides a deeper, more nuanced perspective on the country's political landscape. Arillo's books, including Greed & Betrayal and A Country Imperiled: Tragic Lessons of a Distorted History, are influential in encouraging readers to critically examine historical events and the narratives surrounding them. His scholarship is respected for its thorough research and its willingness to address controversial topics head-on.

Greed & Betrayal [BOOK SUMMARY]

Arillo’s book revisits the key events that characterized the flawed presidency of the Aquino administration. It sheds light on how the regime systematically and repeatedly blamed figures such as Marcos, Enrile, Honasan, Laurel, Mitra, and others. These individuals were used as scapegoats to obscure the administration's own incompetence, failures, and deceit.

The thorough examination provided in Greed & Betrayal not only critiques the Aquino regime but also sets the stage for Arillo's subsequent work, A Country Imperiled: Tragic Lessons of a Distorted History. Inspired by the revelations in Greed & Betrayal, Arillo continues to explore the consequences of a distorted historical narrative on the nation's trajectory.

Analysis

Arillo's Greed & Betrayal offers a critical perspective on the Aquino regime, challenging the commonly accepted narratives and highlighting the impact of political propaganda. The book serves as a potent reminder of the importance of scrutinizing political leaders and the narratives they propagate. Arillo’s meticulous recounting of the regime's actions and their fallout is both enlightening and provocative, encouraging readers to question the simplistic attributions of blame and to seek a deeper understanding of political dynamics.

Conclusion

Greed & Betrayal is a significant work for those interested in Philippine politics and history. It provides a comprehensive critique of the Aquino administration and underscores the necessity of a nuanced understanding of political propaganda and its effects on society. Arillo's ability to connect past political maneuvers to contemporary issues makes this book a compelling read for both scholars and general readers interested in the intersections of politics, history, and media.

BOOK DETAILS:
TITLE: Greed & Betrayal
AUTHOR: Cecilio T. Arillo
GENRE: History
FORMAT: Kindle | Paperback
RATING:  5 of 5 Stars!