Sunday, May 30, 2010
PARDON
Folks pardon if there are grammatical mistakes in my postings. Most of the time, I have to publish the post right away, afraid as I am that my blog would be blocked at any time. I beg your forgiveness for my "praning" complex brought about by constant fear of critical ideas being shot down one after the other by insecure intel agents. BTW, I have stopped using the internet at home because it is too costly. I spend forty pesos only to be able to read three mails. Very funny indeed!
OPTIONS
For those who have been keeping watch over Philippine politics, those who joined in the campaigns, and others who maintained their distance, we have many options open to ourselves. Number one, we can apply for a post under Noynoy's admin, whether or not we campaigned for him. I think that his administration has to be open to every qualified Filipino man and woman to serve the country within the government (we can also serve from outside, Folks), not only to the members of Hyatt 10, The Firm, and the Liberal Party. So this is actually an open call to Noynoy, please heed the call for openness -- to allow everyone who loves this country and who wants to serve the people, to give them the opportunity to be of service to the country.
Let us stop picking people (leaders especially) who had had their taste of being in the government for many many years. A new face with a new perspective of running an agency or a department is very much needed at this time.
Number two, we can strengthen our foundations, seek funds for us to conduct our own program and projects distinct from what the government will do but which have an impact on the lives of the people. We can carry out our own projects, whether economic, cultural and even political. In this way, we are in touch with the people. Then of course, we need to reach out, not only here in Luzon, but also in the Visayas and Mindanao. Let us give our brothers and sister in Mindanao a good show that we "imperialistic" Manilenos and Manilenas are not out to dominate them but to treat them as equals.
Number three, let us create stronger transparency groups. Let us move heaven and hell to make Congress pass the Freedom of Information Act so that we can unearth all kinds of disbursements especially those that Gma had spent and is currently spending, down to the last centavo.
Number 4, let us have huge billboards in every public market showing the expenditures of the government. The readers will be agitated by how much a bridge could cost when built -- can you imagine, one million per meter? Yes one bridge was worth P40Million and it was 40 meters long.
Number 5, let us have a pool of lawyers that we can maintain to help us prepare all our complaints and briefs against those corrupt officials and departments that are misspending.
Numer 6, let us ask for video cameras to be placed inside Land Registration branches, BIR, and all financial institutions that have public transactions.
Btw, one time, I went to the 2nd floor of a BIR office in Intramuros to buy doc stamps for my filing papers at the Comelec. The person in charge was not by her table. A long line of seated buyers was there. And so I asked if there was anyone next in rank who could sell me the stamps. One woman came. I suggested to her to bring down the table to the first floor. And she said, smiling, "We have to sell here on the second floor to prevent their being stolen." You know what I replied? "Ms., you should not be afraid of the people stealing stamps. We have always given away this country's coffers to thieves." Her smile turned into a frown.
When I left the office, she screamed from another corner, "Magpasalamat ka." No I did not look back; just left smirking. Later on I figured, she might have felt alluded to. Is it my fault if she became sensitive about my comments?
Need I say more?
Let us stop picking people (leaders especially) who had had their taste of being in the government for many many years. A new face with a new perspective of running an agency or a department is very much needed at this time.
Number two, we can strengthen our foundations, seek funds for us to conduct our own program and projects distinct from what the government will do but which have an impact on the lives of the people. We can carry out our own projects, whether economic, cultural and even political. In this way, we are in touch with the people. Then of course, we need to reach out, not only here in Luzon, but also in the Visayas and Mindanao. Let us give our brothers and sister in Mindanao a good show that we "imperialistic" Manilenos and Manilenas are not out to dominate them but to treat them as equals.
Number three, let us create stronger transparency groups. Let us move heaven and hell to make Congress pass the Freedom of Information Act so that we can unearth all kinds of disbursements especially those that Gma had spent and is currently spending, down to the last centavo.
Number 4, let us have huge billboards in every public market showing the expenditures of the government. The readers will be agitated by how much a bridge could cost when built -- can you imagine, one million per meter? Yes one bridge was worth P40Million and it was 40 meters long.
Number 5, let us have a pool of lawyers that we can maintain to help us prepare all our complaints and briefs against those corrupt officials and departments that are misspending.
Numer 6, let us ask for video cameras to be placed inside Land Registration branches, BIR, and all financial institutions that have public transactions.
Btw, one time, I went to the 2nd floor of a BIR office in Intramuros to buy doc stamps for my filing papers at the Comelec. The person in charge was not by her table. A long line of seated buyers was there. And so I asked if there was anyone next in rank who could sell me the stamps. One woman came. I suggested to her to bring down the table to the first floor. And she said, smiling, "We have to sell here on the second floor to prevent their being stolen." You know what I replied? "Ms., you should not be afraid of the people stealing stamps. We have always given away this country's coffers to thieves." Her smile turned into a frown.
When I left the office, she screamed from another corner, "Magpasalamat ka." No I did not look back; just left smirking. Later on I figured, she might have felt alluded to. Is it my fault if she became sensitive about my comments?
Need I say more?
Saturday, May 29, 2010
PRAY
PRAY, PRAY HARD THAT OUR LIVES WILL BE MARKED BY COMPLETE CHANGES, CHANGE OF OFFICIALS, SINCERE, HONEST, HINDI PLASKTIK, HINDI MANGUNGURAKOT, MAKATAO, MAKATARUNGAN, AT NANINIWALANG MAY BATHALA.
The current canvassing of votes gives us the view that our destiny is slowly being carved -- as the next set of officials who have been elected are being unraveled as the leaders of the nation. All these show that our democratic procedures are being followed, are being institutionalized to become the models for future elections. Never shall we have another Hello Garci, although the perpetrators are still around.
Peace shall come about only after those who committed crimes against electoral procedures are charged in court and penalized -- through incarceration and payment of danyos perhuwisyos to the people of the Philippines. We deserve nothing less.
The current canvassing of votes gives us the view that our destiny is slowly being carved -- as the next set of officials who have been elected are being unraveled as the leaders of the nation. All these show that our democratic procedures are being followed, are being institutionalized to become the models for future elections. Never shall we have another Hello Garci, although the perpetrators are still around.
Peace shall come about only after those who committed crimes against electoral procedures are charged in court and penalized -- through incarceration and payment of danyos perhuwisyos to the people of the Philippines. We deserve nothing less.
Monday, May 24, 2010
BEING IN GOVERNMENT
QUALITIES OF ANYONE WHO WANTS TO BE IN GOVERNMENT:
1. Realize there are two kinds of people in it: the corrupt and the incorruptible. It is not all corrupt, but sometimes it happens that the corrupt are more numerous than the latter. However, don't be disheartened. Always have a glass of water with you when seated in your seat of power.
2. Remember that the government is a hierarchical, petrified institution, meaning, it has set rules and regulations for individual employees and officials to be working under it. Ergo, you cannot circumvent them, unless you get the topmost official to approve your act. For example, a secretary of the DA wanted to get a lawyer who would initial all disbursement checks of the department. His friend demurred because he was afraid that someone would present a check which would cover expenses that would be very hard to justify. A few months after, the Fertilizer Scam exploded and the sec is in hot waters. Until now, the scam has not been investigated and the guilty ones are still scot free. Jocjoc Bolante even tried to run in his province to have immunity. Fortunately, he lost.
3. It would be good to have some skills in community organizing. In this way, you could rally the people around certain educational issues that would uplift their consciousness from lethargic acquiescence to assertive and positive behaviors.
For example, give seminars on climate change, or provide incentives for those who are always prompt in submitting reports, or any other work. Employees are so downright bored with the routine that they would welcome a change of their activities.
4. For the financial sections, rotate the individuals to avoid getting used to the job and then demanding "lagay" from those transacting with them.
5. Put a camera in every financial room to make it transparent.
6. PRAY A LOT == TO BE FREE OF MALEVOLENT INFLUENCES.
7. Move about a lot. In this way, people will see you as highly attuned to the work of the office.
8. Have creative programs and projects.
More next time, Folks.
1. Realize there are two kinds of people in it: the corrupt and the incorruptible. It is not all corrupt, but sometimes it happens that the corrupt are more numerous than the latter. However, don't be disheartened. Always have a glass of water with you when seated in your seat of power.
2. Remember that the government is a hierarchical, petrified institution, meaning, it has set rules and regulations for individual employees and officials to be working under it. Ergo, you cannot circumvent them, unless you get the topmost official to approve your act. For example, a secretary of the DA wanted to get a lawyer who would initial all disbursement checks of the department. His friend demurred because he was afraid that someone would present a check which would cover expenses that would be very hard to justify. A few months after, the Fertilizer Scam exploded and the sec is in hot waters. Until now, the scam has not been investigated and the guilty ones are still scot free. Jocjoc Bolante even tried to run in his province to have immunity. Fortunately, he lost.
3. It would be good to have some skills in community organizing. In this way, you could rally the people around certain educational issues that would uplift their consciousness from lethargic acquiescence to assertive and positive behaviors.
For example, give seminars on climate change, or provide incentives for those who are always prompt in submitting reports, or any other work. Employees are so downright bored with the routine that they would welcome a change of their activities.
4. For the financial sections, rotate the individuals to avoid getting used to the job and then demanding "lagay" from those transacting with them.
5. Put a camera in every financial room to make it transparent.
6. PRAY A LOT == TO BE FREE OF MALEVOLENT INFLUENCES.
7. Move about a lot. In this way, people will see you as highly attuned to the work of the office.
8. Have creative programs and projects.
More next time, Folks.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
AFTER SIX YEARS
Everyday that passes by before the final proclamation of the president sends us the jitters. It is as if we had never known how it is to have a new president. By the way, when was it since we had a new one who won honestly? Wasn't it during the time of Erap, when he was sworn in inside the Barasoain Church? it was memorable because for the first time, he swore in Pilipino and inside a historical edifice. Too bad, his term was cut short.
I have an idea, why not give him his last two years afer Noynoy's term ends? Noynoy will be the stabilizer of democratic institutions in our country. Erap will ascend into power to restore his self-respect, to give him what is due him, and hopefully for him to forget his womanizing ways. Yes, we can always make the government turn into the way we want it to be -- legal, courteous, respectful of the rights of every official, and upholding the will of the people.
But you know what friends, I notice something in the facial auras of the people nowadays-- they seem happy, no longer having those anxious looks. It is because the keys of government will be handed over to one who was dutifully and honestly elected by the people. It is so unlike that time when the intrusion of a fake president happened. Then the people felt afraid, as if the Marcosian ghost had been resurrected.
So now we try to heave a half-sigh of relief that slowly we are carving our own destiny, handing over our future to the next set of officials. And hopefully they would perform according to the people's expectations, improving the quality of life of everyone, especially in bringing down the costs of utilities -- water, communications, and oil. Now, why has it been so difficult to do that? I will answer that in another blog, Folks, or rather give my opinion on that.
But I truly believe that Erap should be given a chance to finish his term after Noynoy, after six years. Right now it is impossible because our institutions are so unwieldy. Anyone can manipulate it very easily to suit his or her liking, and we have seen how disastrous it had been. By giving Erap his due, we shall be making classes C and D see us, those with higher education and perhaps higher in the socio-political ladders, as real Kababayan, knowing how we can take hold of history in our hands, and give it the real pull that it needs for them.
However, whenever I broach the idea of the womanizing of Erap to them, they just look down, as if they could grant him that prerogative so long as he has the poor people in his heart. But then the poor should also see the role of a president as a model for marital behavior. If a president like him would be seen kissing a woman, not his own wife on TV, then it would be making him the model for all men doing the same to their wives. And so I can foresee buckets of tears flowing inside the homes, from a poor folk's wife's and children's eyes, and all other wives. I cannot stand that scene at all.
I am not saying I am holier than Erap, but I believe that there are some values, traditions and customs that we have to uphold.
Erap could try divorce or legal separation to show that he is true to his heart the way his movies project him. After all, we need reel and real lives to merge in every person, official or the common tao.
I have an idea, why not give him his last two years afer Noynoy's term ends? Noynoy will be the stabilizer of democratic institutions in our country. Erap will ascend into power to restore his self-respect, to give him what is due him, and hopefully for him to forget his womanizing ways. Yes, we can always make the government turn into the way we want it to be -- legal, courteous, respectful of the rights of every official, and upholding the will of the people.
But you know what friends, I notice something in the facial auras of the people nowadays-- they seem happy, no longer having those anxious looks. It is because the keys of government will be handed over to one who was dutifully and honestly elected by the people. It is so unlike that time when the intrusion of a fake president happened. Then the people felt afraid, as if the Marcosian ghost had been resurrected.
So now we try to heave a half-sigh of relief that slowly we are carving our own destiny, handing over our future to the next set of officials. And hopefully they would perform according to the people's expectations, improving the quality of life of everyone, especially in bringing down the costs of utilities -- water, communications, and oil. Now, why has it been so difficult to do that? I will answer that in another blog, Folks, or rather give my opinion on that.
But I truly believe that Erap should be given a chance to finish his term after Noynoy, after six years. Right now it is impossible because our institutions are so unwieldy. Anyone can manipulate it very easily to suit his or her liking, and we have seen how disastrous it had been. By giving Erap his due, we shall be making classes C and D see us, those with higher education and perhaps higher in the socio-political ladders, as real Kababayan, knowing how we can take hold of history in our hands, and give it the real pull that it needs for them.
However, whenever I broach the idea of the womanizing of Erap to them, they just look down, as if they could grant him that prerogative so long as he has the poor people in his heart. But then the poor should also see the role of a president as a model for marital behavior. If a president like him would be seen kissing a woman, not his own wife on TV, then it would be making him the model for all men doing the same to their wives. And so I can foresee buckets of tears flowing inside the homes, from a poor folk's wife's and children's eyes, and all other wives. I cannot stand that scene at all.
I am not saying I am holier than Erap, but I believe that there are some values, traditions and customs that we have to uphold.
Erap could try divorce or legal separation to show that he is true to his heart the way his movies project him. After all, we need reel and real lives to merge in every person, official or the common tao.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
MEANINGFUL THOUGHTS BEFORE THAT FATEFUL DAY, MAY 17
"NI MINSAN HINDI AKO NATAKOT. TALO O PANALO (SA ELECTION,) SA AKING TINGIN, KALOOB NG dIYOS. Kung ako'y matatalo, magpu-fulltime pastor na lang ako. Dadami ang mga nananampalataya sa Quezon.
...Itinaas ko ang kanang kamay ko -- Panginoon, pagpalain ang lalawigan ng Quezon. Ngayon hindi na tumatama ang bagyo. Hindi na kami binabagyo. When the righteous rule in authority, kapag matuwid ang mga tao, nagsasaya. Kapag masama, matamlay ang ating bayan.
Kailangan pumasok sa puso at isipan ang salita ng Diyos. Nababago ang iyong pakiramdam. Pati pagsasalita, lahat mabuti, maganda.
Anuman ang iyong hilingain, aking ipagkakaloob, ayon sa Book of John. Magkakaroon ng pagbabago kung susunod ka sa Diyos.
Naging tindero ako ng isda, shoe shine boy, aktibista. Nagpunta ako sa Norte, sa Bicol. Pero nagbago ang aking buhay.
Dati kong sinisigaw, "Ibagsak ang gubyerno." Dapat pala, "Ibangon natin ang bansang ito."
Nagsimula ako ng kumpanya, one man at ngayon ang kumpanya ay malaki na, gumagawa ng industrial battery (his own invention, Ed's note).
Nang ako'y madapa nang madapa, nang madapa, tumayo ako, tumayo. Humingi ng tawad sa Diyos. Ang anak ng Diyos hindi tayo pinababayaang nakadapa. "
MEANINGFUL THOUGHTS AT THE EVANGELICAL ARK MISSION INTERNATIONAL ANNIVERSARY, APRIL 10, BY GOVERNOR RAFAEL NANTES WHO DIED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH, THIS WEEK, MAY 17, 2010 IN QUEZON, AFTER THANKING HIS SUPPORTERS DESPITE HIS DEFEAT AT THE POLLS.
...Itinaas ko ang kanang kamay ko -- Panginoon, pagpalain ang lalawigan ng Quezon. Ngayon hindi na tumatama ang bagyo. Hindi na kami binabagyo. When the righteous rule in authority, kapag matuwid ang mga tao, nagsasaya. Kapag masama, matamlay ang ating bayan.
Kailangan pumasok sa puso at isipan ang salita ng Diyos. Nababago ang iyong pakiramdam. Pati pagsasalita, lahat mabuti, maganda.
Anuman ang iyong hilingain, aking ipagkakaloob, ayon sa Book of John. Magkakaroon ng pagbabago kung susunod ka sa Diyos.
Naging tindero ako ng isda, shoe shine boy, aktibista. Nagpunta ako sa Norte, sa Bicol. Pero nagbago ang aking buhay.
Dati kong sinisigaw, "Ibagsak ang gubyerno." Dapat pala, "Ibangon natin ang bansang ito."
Nagsimula ako ng kumpanya, one man at ngayon ang kumpanya ay malaki na, gumagawa ng industrial battery (his own invention, Ed's note).
Nang ako'y madapa nang madapa, nang madapa, tumayo ako, tumayo. Humingi ng tawad sa Diyos. Ang anak ng Diyos hindi tayo pinababayaang nakadapa. "
MEANINGFUL THOUGHTS AT THE EVANGELICAL ARK MISSION INTERNATIONAL ANNIVERSARY, APRIL 10, BY GOVERNOR RAFAEL NANTES WHO DIED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH, THIS WEEK, MAY 17, 2010 IN QUEZON, AFTER THANKING HIS SUPPORTERS DESPITE HIS DEFEAT AT THE POLLS.
DAWNING OF THE POLITICIZED FILIPINO PEOPLE
What do the May 2010 elections reveal about the Filipino people's politics?
1. We are a patient lot when truly invigorated to do something for our country. These elections were important to us to insure that the present administration does not stay one more day in office after June 30, and hence, each vote counted a lot.
2. We are willing to share resources wherein our destiny is concerned. This is why we had seen people coming in droves, helping each other find their names in the voters' list just so everyone could vote.
3. The Catholic Church had seen the folly of dipping her hands directly into politics -- or choosing the candidates for the positions. They did not entirely endorse Kapatiran but instead allowed the laity to decide for themselves. Unfortunately, the people have this view of separation of Church and State and so did not vote for the K candidates.
4. The Filipino people are also liberal in terms of accommodating people of different colors to vie for positions, except that the experienced politicians have been able to lord it over at the polls. Independents hardly made a dent.
5. The Filipino people though are still not that tough to assert their right to choosing the people who should be the candidates. They did not question why the Comelec had to reject certain candidates and approve dubious ones like Acosta, who was later on proven to be unregistered but whose name was even printed in the ballots.
6. The Filipino people neither do not still question why only a few women could vie for the highest positions like those in the Senate and Congress.
Here then we shall see that the people could widen their political work and influence and question Comelec for its questionable decisions from the first step of accepting candidates down to the counting of the ballots truthfully.
I foresee the day that our patience shall be rewarded with a new set of Comelec Commissioners who shall be more prudent, humane and pro-Filipino people in the approval of candidates for the next elections. Then that day will truly be the dawning of the new politicized Filipino people.
1. We are a patient lot when truly invigorated to do something for our country. These elections were important to us to insure that the present administration does not stay one more day in office after June 30, and hence, each vote counted a lot.
2. We are willing to share resources wherein our destiny is concerned. This is why we had seen people coming in droves, helping each other find their names in the voters' list just so everyone could vote.
3. The Catholic Church had seen the folly of dipping her hands directly into politics -- or choosing the candidates for the positions. They did not entirely endorse Kapatiran but instead allowed the laity to decide for themselves. Unfortunately, the people have this view of separation of Church and State and so did not vote for the K candidates.
4. The Filipino people are also liberal in terms of accommodating people of different colors to vie for positions, except that the experienced politicians have been able to lord it over at the polls. Independents hardly made a dent.
5. The Filipino people though are still not that tough to assert their right to choosing the people who should be the candidates. They did not question why the Comelec had to reject certain candidates and approve dubious ones like Acosta, who was later on proven to be unregistered but whose name was even printed in the ballots.
6. The Filipino people neither do not still question why only a few women could vie for the highest positions like those in the Senate and Congress.
Here then we shall see that the people could widen their political work and influence and question Comelec for its questionable decisions from the first step of accepting candidates down to the counting of the ballots truthfully.
I foresee the day that our patience shall be rewarded with a new set of Comelec Commissioners who shall be more prudent, humane and pro-Filipino people in the approval of candidates for the next elections. Then that day will truly be the dawning of the new politicized Filipino people.
Monday, May 17, 2010
FEEDBACK MAY 12 , 10
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Writing in the Age of Transitions":
On the hindsight, you belong to a thousand Pinoy writers I have read trying to say the same thing about a repressive Philippine government. Most often trying to demonized GMA in everything negative that is happening in the Philippines. Yet until now still able to do whatever they want and freely write their stuffs. I think the Philippine government is not repressive but too lenient in tolerating protest. Look at how anyone can easily assemble themselves on the streets to do protest. Its demo-crazy at its best.
I've been living in the UK for almost a decade now, but if one is writing stuff against their government like this, expect to have some sort of a backlash using anti-terrorism laws. Now that we have a new Philippine president installed, trust me it will all still be the same skepticism and carping all around. I rest my case.
On the hindsight, you belong to a thousand Pinoy writers I have read trying to say the same thing about a repressive Philippine government. Most often trying to demonized GMA in everything negative that is happening in the Philippines. Yet until now still able to do whatever they want and freely write their stuffs. I think the Philippine government is not repressive but too lenient in tolerating protest. Look at how anyone can easily assemble themselves on the streets to do protest. Its demo-crazy at its best.
I've been living in the UK for almost a decade now, but if one is writing stuff against their government like this, expect to have some sort of a backlash using anti-terrorism laws. Now that we have a new Philippine president installed, trust me it will all still be the same skepticism and carping all around. I rest my case.
FEARS OF THE UNKNOWN
Wilhelmina S, Orozco
Our fears of the unknown are coming back. We are afraid of what will happen after June 20. Will Noynoy turn out as the president we have been looking for or not?
Some people's fears could turn into cynicism and say "I have told you so" even before the whole new administration has been filled up with new people, new faces, new public servants in the real sense. Yes, we are looking for genuine public servants, civil servants, public administrators who will watch our coffers honestly and give to the people what we truly deserve.
Is it too much to say that we must maintain our trust of the positive things that will happen here? Is it too much to ask that our role shall not be as fencesitters but active partners in rebuilding our society whose moral fiber had been torn into pieces through ten years of misrule and intentional acts to make money?
No, we don't surrender our right to be vigilant even if how many administrations should come and go in our country.
Just this afternoon I was in Alabang and under the scorching heat of summer, I walked through the railtracks to ride the airconditioned train to Quezon City. One train had just left, I was told by a woman who was picking the lice of her friend. I asked when the next one will be? The other woman entered a small alley, and the busy woman told me she would ask the time of the next trip. "Maupo ho muna kayo rito. Mainit ho diyan," she welcomed me.
I was so touched by her gesture of accommodating my request for info which should have been provided by the Philippine National Railways. Why, there is hope, our people are genuinely, and spontaneously humane. Earlier, I asked a girl vendor about the next train, and she answered, "Ay, kaaalis pa lang ho nung isa, hindi ko ho alam kung kailan yung susunod." What does that say of her response? Nanghihinayang siya at na miss ko yung tren at ako'y maghihintay na naman.
Nakakaiyak, our own people are ready to help a stranger, me, find my way to the train to get back to QC.
Then I was told that at Bicutan, I could get more chances of riding as the PNR trains there always stop, as some do not proceed to Alabang anymore. At Bicutan station, I asked the ticket manager, "Bakit ganito ang istasyon ninyo? Ang init nang papunta sa istasyon, walang shed. Walang upuan (As I had seen men sleeping on the cemented floor of the waiting station.) Worse pa sa Alabang. Naglakad ako sa railtracks sa ilalim ng init ng araw."
He replied, "Kinapos ang budget, nakurakot."
Folks, we don't stop believing in our ability to change our society because the majority of the Filipino people know what is good, what is honest, what is sincere public service. Let us continue helping them, intellectually, emotionally, physically, organizationally. Let us never forget that many generations more are waiting for a better Philippines.
Our fears of the unknown are coming back. We are afraid of what will happen after June 20. Will Noynoy turn out as the president we have been looking for or not?
Some people's fears could turn into cynicism and say "I have told you so" even before the whole new administration has been filled up with new people, new faces, new public servants in the real sense. Yes, we are looking for genuine public servants, civil servants, public administrators who will watch our coffers honestly and give to the people what we truly deserve.
Is it too much to say that we must maintain our trust of the positive things that will happen here? Is it too much to ask that our role shall not be as fencesitters but active partners in rebuilding our society whose moral fiber had been torn into pieces through ten years of misrule and intentional acts to make money?
No, we don't surrender our right to be vigilant even if how many administrations should come and go in our country.
Just this afternoon I was in Alabang and under the scorching heat of summer, I walked through the railtracks to ride the airconditioned train to Quezon City. One train had just left, I was told by a woman who was picking the lice of her friend. I asked when the next one will be? The other woman entered a small alley, and the busy woman told me she would ask the time of the next trip. "Maupo ho muna kayo rito. Mainit ho diyan," she welcomed me.
I was so touched by her gesture of accommodating my request for info which should have been provided by the Philippine National Railways. Why, there is hope, our people are genuinely, and spontaneously humane. Earlier, I asked a girl vendor about the next train, and she answered, "Ay, kaaalis pa lang ho nung isa, hindi ko ho alam kung kailan yung susunod." What does that say of her response? Nanghihinayang siya at na miss ko yung tren at ako'y maghihintay na naman.
Nakakaiyak, our own people are ready to help a stranger, me, find my way to the train to get back to QC.
Then I was told that at Bicutan, I could get more chances of riding as the PNR trains there always stop, as some do not proceed to Alabang anymore. At Bicutan station, I asked the ticket manager, "Bakit ganito ang istasyon ninyo? Ang init nang papunta sa istasyon, walang shed. Walang upuan (As I had seen men sleeping on the cemented floor of the waiting station.) Worse pa sa Alabang. Naglakad ako sa railtracks sa ilalim ng init ng araw."
He replied, "Kinapos ang budget, nakurakot."
Folks, we don't stop believing in our ability to change our society because the majority of the Filipino people know what is good, what is honest, what is sincere public service. Let us continue helping them, intellectually, emotionally, physically, organizationally. Let us never forget that many generations more are waiting for a better Philippines.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Writing in the Age of Transitions
This is the third time I am starting to write this article. The computers I have used continually revert to the desktop. Is it any wonder that in the last months of this administration, it should still continue to harass the critics?
Again, it happened. This is why I sent the above paragraph right away to cyberspace because it seems someone wants to interrupt my writings or forever stop my fingers from creating ideas. Why are these people so afraid of ideas? Have they run out of them?
Again it happened. Folks,it is so difficult for intellectuals to live in this country. I own a Tattoo but in my own home, whenever I use the Tattoo USB to get to the internet, the screen very slowly crawls. I am able to open a website after 5 to 8 minutes. In half an hour,I am able to read only at most three emails. Yet when I go out of the house and go to the Globe office, I am able to access the Internet very easily, except...
One day, I went to the Globe office to test the Tattoo and lo and behold, I was able to read my emails in a breeze, until suddenly it started to slow down and stop altogether. I looked around and saw the guard playing with his celphone. So I requested him to stop it and hedid. I was able to resume my writing afterwards.
Then suddenly my laptop went blank and so I looked around and saw a guy playing with his celfone also. I shifted seats, nearer to the counter and then restarted my laptop. I was able to write my stuff again. But then after about 15 minutes, the screen started hanging and I looked around. A young guy with a baseball cap and usingwith his celfone was marching to and fro to my direction. Whenever he neared me, the laptop would hang and so I requested him to move away and so he did. But he looked at me, not with amazement but with a certain look as if to ask,"Why does she know?"
Folks, I am able to write continuously now because the counter guy in this internet kiosk has disabled this computer from the network, meaning it is standing alone. See? Someone could read my stuff when this was still connected to the rest.
Well, this is the Philippines, and I can't be choosy when it comes to equipment. This is better than writing at home. What do I want to write about?
Actually, I am able to distance myself away from the political scene now and really see my life as a writer vis-a-vis society. Writing here is a lot different from writing in the west. There, the institutions are solidly established and they can't easily crumble due to ideas. But here, the current powers are so insecure that every movement of the critics are tracked down and they are also harassed to prevent them from speaking out or writing.
Well, we learn to do guerrilla writing -- write in the most unlikely places and do it in the quickest way. But I think that in this age of transitions we should not expect an elegant reception of our ideas. We just have to plod on and do our thing rather than rue and rue over this and that kind of harassment. The more important thing is to be able to share our ideas, with our countryfolks and with everyone in the whole world -- how we have been wanting to recover our humanity.
Again, it happened. This is why I sent the above paragraph right away to cyberspace because it seems someone wants to interrupt my writings or forever stop my fingers from creating ideas. Why are these people so afraid of ideas? Have they run out of them?
Again it happened. Folks,it is so difficult for intellectuals to live in this country. I own a Tattoo but in my own home, whenever I use the Tattoo USB to get to the internet, the screen very slowly crawls. I am able to open a website after 5 to 8 minutes. In half an hour,I am able to read only at most three emails. Yet when I go out of the house and go to the Globe office, I am able to access the Internet very easily, except...
One day, I went to the Globe office to test the Tattoo and lo and behold, I was able to read my emails in a breeze, until suddenly it started to slow down and stop altogether. I looked around and saw the guard playing with his celphone. So I requested him to stop it and hedid. I was able to resume my writing afterwards.
Then suddenly my laptop went blank and so I looked around and saw a guy playing with his celfone also. I shifted seats, nearer to the counter and then restarted my laptop. I was able to write my stuff again. But then after about 15 minutes, the screen started hanging and I looked around. A young guy with a baseball cap and usingwith his celfone was marching to and fro to my direction. Whenever he neared me, the laptop would hang and so I requested him to move away and so he did. But he looked at me, not with amazement but with a certain look as if to ask,"Why does she know?"
Folks, I am able to write continuously now because the counter guy in this internet kiosk has disabled this computer from the network, meaning it is standing alone. See? Someone could read my stuff when this was still connected to the rest.
Well, this is the Philippines, and I can't be choosy when it comes to equipment. This is better than writing at home. What do I want to write about?
Actually, I am able to distance myself away from the political scene now and really see my life as a writer vis-a-vis society. Writing here is a lot different from writing in the west. There, the institutions are solidly established and they can't easily crumble due to ideas. But here, the current powers are so insecure that every movement of the critics are tracked down and they are also harassed to prevent them from speaking out or writing.
Well, we learn to do guerrilla writing -- write in the most unlikely places and do it in the quickest way. But I think that in this age of transitions we should not expect an elegant reception of our ideas. We just have to plod on and do our thing rather than rue and rue over this and that kind of harassment. The more important thing is to be able to share our ideas, with our countryfolks and with everyone in the whole world -- how we have been wanting to recover our humanity.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
WHY EUPHORIC?
It had been a long saga of the Filipino people to elect our own president, without anyone being able to manipulate the election results easily. Now finally we have a new president, Noynoy, a very humble individual with a firm idea of how our country should progress, reared as he was in a family that had seen great political upheavals in our country impinging on their personal lives. Prof. Melba Maggay (interview over DZAS 702 am) said that Noynoy comes as a different product of the elite as his family, his parents suffered from victimization of the state. So, the perception that he would display arrogance and be dismissive of the poor's problems is not accurate.
I feel quite euphoric, a sense of calm and security that our country will be going in the right direction already. Having a top official or officials as upright is really a good thing. I remember during the time of past not good presidents, the ordinary folks, like the vendors did not have any qualms about not giving exact change, or even cheating by selling poor products.
Even, now, under gma, our people suffer from double perceptions of what a Christian life should be -- good in the sense that we are kind to our fellow beings. Some of them feel that "ang makaisa," is also a good philosophy. Hence, many would sell their souls to the devil, so to speak.
But now, with a change of leadership, we can look forward to a new moral regeneration of the youth and everyone.
Would you believe that even the elderly came to vote? A friend revealed that an 82 year old woman came to vote. A non-literate maid voted also, using only numbers as her guide, as each candidate had a number on the left side of the name in the ballot.
The turn-out of huge number of voters all over the country showed that we, the Filipino people are freedom-loving. We will work, act and try very hard to shape our future under our chosen leaders. We will exist best under that situation.
Now I can even think of writing a new comedy, producing a video drama, of finishing my animation concepts, of composing songs. I had this feeling way back in 98 when Erap won in a landslide, although I did not vote for him then but for Miriam. Yet, because I had felt that the people were happy with him, especially the ordinary folks, I felt good and so inspired to finish a film, Pangarap Ko, Saluhin Mo, about a woman impregnated by her husband yearly in order to have a son who would carry his name.
By the way the low scores given to two people from the religious sector, shows to us that the people are not really taken on by that allusion to the God Almighty when it comes to earthly matters. What really is important to the people is the person, the individual not what he stands for. This shows the maturity of the people in gauging the leaders that should rule our country. Our people truly have matured politically, as they see beyond the physical, but rather the over-all existence of the person, and his or her vision for us.
I guess, the people are still into having a kind of spirituality but not exactly to be led politically by one from an organized religion.
The new leader shows promise of an administration of good governance because we know the people around him. The other candidates did not have that and that was sad.
I guess the people had been looking for a kind of stability that is by an organized group, no longer by just one person. They must have seen how Erap, although charismatic as a person, was easily deposed by forces in society. This time, the people did not want that to happen. And so they, we voted for one who came wholly with a group with similar vision for the country. I must say, I am impressed by the quality of leadership that we shall have after June 30.
I hope that they make good all their promises. We also need to help them achieve their aims, for the sake of the people.
And so Folks, the next 100 days after June 30, is honeymoon period -- no criticisms, nothing negative.
I feel quite euphoric, a sense of calm and security that our country will be going in the right direction already. Having a top official or officials as upright is really a good thing. I remember during the time of past not good presidents, the ordinary folks, like the vendors did not have any qualms about not giving exact change, or even cheating by selling poor products.
Even, now, under gma, our people suffer from double perceptions of what a Christian life should be -- good in the sense that we are kind to our fellow beings. Some of them feel that "ang makaisa," is also a good philosophy. Hence, many would sell their souls to the devil, so to speak.
But now, with a change of leadership, we can look forward to a new moral regeneration of the youth and everyone.
Would you believe that even the elderly came to vote? A friend revealed that an 82 year old woman came to vote. A non-literate maid voted also, using only numbers as her guide, as each candidate had a number on the left side of the name in the ballot.
The turn-out of huge number of voters all over the country showed that we, the Filipino people are freedom-loving. We will work, act and try very hard to shape our future under our chosen leaders. We will exist best under that situation.
Now I can even think of writing a new comedy, producing a video drama, of finishing my animation concepts, of composing songs. I had this feeling way back in 98 when Erap won in a landslide, although I did not vote for him then but for Miriam. Yet, because I had felt that the people were happy with him, especially the ordinary folks, I felt good and so inspired to finish a film, Pangarap Ko, Saluhin Mo, about a woman impregnated by her husband yearly in order to have a son who would carry his name.
By the way the low scores given to two people from the religious sector, shows to us that the people are not really taken on by that allusion to the God Almighty when it comes to earthly matters. What really is important to the people is the person, the individual not what he stands for. This shows the maturity of the people in gauging the leaders that should rule our country. Our people truly have matured politically, as they see beyond the physical, but rather the over-all existence of the person, and his or her vision for us.
I guess, the people are still into having a kind of spirituality but not exactly to be led politically by one from an organized religion.
The new leader shows promise of an administration of good governance because we know the people around him. The other candidates did not have that and that was sad.
I guess the people had been looking for a kind of stability that is by an organized group, no longer by just one person. They must have seen how Erap, although charismatic as a person, was easily deposed by forces in society. This time, the people did not want that to happen. And so they, we voted for one who came wholly with a group with similar vision for the country. I must say, I am impressed by the quality of leadership that we shall have after June 30.
I hope that they make good all their promises. We also need to help them achieve their aims, for the sake of the people.
And so Folks, the next 100 days after June 30, is honeymoon period -- no criticisms, nothing negative.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Thy Will Be Done
Our greatest problem now revolves around the government bureaucracy. It is not responsive enought to the needs of the people. It can also be manipulated easily by those with sleek hands, materialistic intentions, and organizing capabilities to round up supporters for their devious aims.
How did we arrive at this kind of government? Way back in the 50's our elders are saying that we were even ahead of Japan in terms of economic prosperity? I must venture my opinion that the study of political science, of law and philosophy in our country ran short of addressing the needs of the people. There has been a tendency to intellectualize problems and solutions, to think that putting down everything on paper can rationalize and even legalize everything. Unfortunately, after so many decades of American rule bringing about education, and neo-colonial rule allowing the feeding in of imported knowledge, our government has been run according to rules but with hidden secret deals of those in power. Thus the corrupt and political gangsters have been able to lord it over there and swing the country's wealth to their pockets.
In the sixties, the ideas of Mao came to the country and what we have had was a philosophy that was transplanted here by the Left. It was a change from the Spanish Bible to the Maoist red book. But then the Left was also totally mistuned to the people's needs. They came with a blueprint for progress without tracing the origins of their ideas to the Philippine situation. Many other intellectuals have averred that, contrary to their claims, the Philippines is not a semi-feudal, semi-capitalist country. In fact, according to Fe Mangahas, the country has a large middle class -- the professionals serving as props to the ruling economic classes.
Meanwhile, what philosophy was moving in the academes? Either Christian philosophy, fundamentalist, and in UP, logical positivism, completely misinterpreted in the light of Philippine realities.
But the theological revolution in the Catholic church happened which necessitated a view of the poor as our brothers and sisters, and the need for the church to have a liberation theology. How to liberate the poor from being oppressed and deprived. Thus we have had progressive religious group leaders who questioned why this government seems to be callous to the calls for reform of society.
When martial law was declared, our search for meaningful lives became stagnant. The left grew strong underground but it also became the raison d'etre of Marcos to perpetuate himself in power. The Communist bogeyman became a good excuse to suspend human rights, etcetera. And worst of all, when Cory came with her Cory's crusaders, and the onset of the new Philippine women's movement, and called for snap presidential elections, the Left boycotted. Why? For many reasons -- but mainly because they were not the major runners.
Now, it's 2010. Where are the Left people? Two are with a party with Marcos' son running for senator.
Truly our politics is very confusing. But not perpetually. We know with whom we shall side -- the real great masses of women and men who comprise the working groups, here and abroad, whose views of politics is that it is an elitist's or a materialistic endeavor of those who want to enrich themselves at the expense of others.
Anyway, from these elections shall spring new heroes and heroines who will bring our country to real honest prosperity through a sincere and morally upright government.
Let they will be done, O God!
How did we arrive at this kind of government? Way back in the 50's our elders are saying that we were even ahead of Japan in terms of economic prosperity? I must venture my opinion that the study of political science, of law and philosophy in our country ran short of addressing the needs of the people. There has been a tendency to intellectualize problems and solutions, to think that putting down everything on paper can rationalize and even legalize everything. Unfortunately, after so many decades of American rule bringing about education, and neo-colonial rule allowing the feeding in of imported knowledge, our government has been run according to rules but with hidden secret deals of those in power. Thus the corrupt and political gangsters have been able to lord it over there and swing the country's wealth to their pockets.
In the sixties, the ideas of Mao came to the country and what we have had was a philosophy that was transplanted here by the Left. It was a change from the Spanish Bible to the Maoist red book. But then the Left was also totally mistuned to the people's needs. They came with a blueprint for progress without tracing the origins of their ideas to the Philippine situation. Many other intellectuals have averred that, contrary to their claims, the Philippines is not a semi-feudal, semi-capitalist country. In fact, according to Fe Mangahas, the country has a large middle class -- the professionals serving as props to the ruling economic classes.
Meanwhile, what philosophy was moving in the academes? Either Christian philosophy, fundamentalist, and in UP, logical positivism, completely misinterpreted in the light of Philippine realities.
But the theological revolution in the Catholic church happened which necessitated a view of the poor as our brothers and sisters, and the need for the church to have a liberation theology. How to liberate the poor from being oppressed and deprived. Thus we have had progressive religious group leaders who questioned why this government seems to be callous to the calls for reform of society.
When martial law was declared, our search for meaningful lives became stagnant. The left grew strong underground but it also became the raison d'etre of Marcos to perpetuate himself in power. The Communist bogeyman became a good excuse to suspend human rights, etcetera. And worst of all, when Cory came with her Cory's crusaders, and the onset of the new Philippine women's movement, and called for snap presidential elections, the Left boycotted. Why? For many reasons -- but mainly because they were not the major runners.
Now, it's 2010. Where are the Left people? Two are with a party with Marcos' son running for senator.
Truly our politics is very confusing. But not perpetually. We know with whom we shall side -- the real great masses of women and men who comprise the working groups, here and abroad, whose views of politics is that it is an elitist's or a materialistic endeavor of those who want to enrich themselves at the expense of others.
Anyway, from these elections shall spring new heroes and heroines who will bring our country to real honest prosperity through a sincere and morally upright government.
Let they will be done, O God!
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
CHOICES WILL DELIVER
Wilhelmina S. Orozco
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Tonight is the eve of the first automated elections in the country. Everyone is agog over how it will turn out – for better or for worse in Philippine politics?
Somehow, the presidential candidates are gallant enough to come together to forge a unity of adherence to peaceful and honest elections. Not one demurred, not one hesitated in signing the covenant, thereby showing an ounce of maturity on all.
Even the do’s and don’ts – what people cannot bring, cannot wear, cannot say while inside the polling precinct are quite clear, or else, the offender or violator will be charged in court, by whom, or when, the Comelec does not say.
Foreign observers too have come to watch how we will conduct ourselves.
1998 was memorable because for the first time in history, a president won a landslide victory, Erap Estrada. Unfortunately, he was unjustly deposed, treacherously treated by his AFP chief of staff. A nightmare.
2004 should have been a deciding period for us to boot out all fakeries in elections but the main contender, FPJ died rather mysteriously. “hello Garci” became a byword in all media and among the public. Another nightmare.
Now, here we are with another presidential elections – we have quite a good list of candidates, each with a trait of his and her own worthy of displaying to the world, “Hey we don’t run short of good people,” except for …
How come we have many contenders now but in 2004, only FPJ remained at the forefront fighting GMA? I think that the Filipino people are now very much aware of the importance of presidential elections, and we don’t want a president who is corrupt, who manipulates elections, who has a coterie of equally corrupt officials, and who is “manhid” to public opinion of her low moral governance capabilities. For that we need to thank GMA for having awakened the people about having another “Marcos” figure wearing skirts.
How did the people arrive at such high political consciousness? For that we must credit the media – especially the radio people, who can simplify all those 4-to 5-syllabic English words into simple Pilipino understandable to the real “masa.” Everyday, on radio, the people listen on who has committed this and that, who amassed wealth, who uses government vehicles to go to nightclubs, which official is this who …etc.etc. In other words, in terms of researching for corruption, the radio people are very good, aided also by the printed media. We can hear radio people quoting from printed newspapers and tabloids, thereby showing us that we are all one for seeking the good state for our people and country. Even the entertainment people are politicized, with not a few running for local, and Rey Langit for senatorial positions. Angelo Palmones is for Agham Partylist, Ogie, a writer, is running for a QC local position. We can no longer ignore the fact that what happens in the country requires our attention.
So the next set of officials need only stabilize our democratic institutions. No one should no longer be able to manipulate them to suit their selfish ends. The people should finally profit from giving their votes to people who can save them from poverty, loneliness over the absence of their loved ones working abroad, from lack of opportunities for decent and cheap housing, from a climate that brings about floods, hot temperature, and unfertile lands, and many more.
Yes, we deserve the attention of the world – on how we face our problems squarely. And we are starting now with a very big step – choosing the best candidates that will address our problems.
May our choices deliver.
PLEASE PASS ON. THANKS
Thursday, May 6, 2010
SIFTING THE SANDS OF TIME
What are the signs that the Philippine elections today will be peaceful and honest? Peaceful? We will know that on Monday. Honest? It's 50-50. It was only today when the cards honestly counted the votes and delivered them to the right names. But in terms of scoring the Comelec, we can give the grade of C for effort and E for results. Why are they testing the machines on the last week before the elections? Is that appropriate managerial planning, with billions of pesos already spent for the elections?
Come on, Folks, we are up against a brickwall that is so very hard to knock down to make all its transactions transparent, honest, and up to par with what is called good governance. But our own efforts are very good -- whereby all sectors are truly moving to make this unique opportunity for us to choose our leaders be the best one we have had after so many decades.
But right now, I am worried about the words that people have been dropping -- Kris said she wanted "to stab" someone who had been commenting on Noynoy, whereas another said a similar violent statement against her brother. And these are both women speaking words that can tear apart anything. What does this augur for us? We need to vote as a group to prevent others from harming anyone, or someone who has a contrary view of politics. I think that riots occur because harsh words have been exchanged and so people feel so sensitive about those they hear that they try to strike back. And some people can also be insensitive to drop statements that they may or may not know could hurt people.
One thing I know is that many people have spent a lot of money, energy -- physical, mental and emotional-- to their campaigns in order to win. Their supporters have also egged them on to persist hoping that with their candidate in power, that could get reflected on them, as well. But at this time, out of 7 or 8 candidates for a position, only one will win.
So here is my advice to everyone. Think of your next plan should you win. Well that is easy because then winning means you will have all the resources in your hand and all the promises you made will have o be fulfilled within the term for which you were voted.
On the other hand, those who will not win, or have an inkling that they won't, then they can do the following:
1. consider 2010 as their dress rehearsal;
2. consider running for a seat in the Constitutional Convention;
3. consider running in the next elections and plan the campaign well; and 4. have another job waiting for you -- something creative, therapeutic, and wholesome for you to regain yourself again. Have a good space and time for retooling your perspectives to gain more knowledge of yourself. Look at the electoral exercise as a chance for you to know the Filipino people, to know the government, to know yourself and how you have coped with the stresses and tensions of joining the elections.
Time never runs out till the last sands fall, that is what I believe in. And every human being can still do something great till that time. What is necessary is for us to know what we really want in life.
However, one thing I would like to give as a reminder -- let us not lose our faith in working for a government that is based and will work on the bases of truth, honesty, justice and equality. The Filipino people deserve that and more.
Come on, Folks, we are up against a brickwall that is so very hard to knock down to make all its transactions transparent, honest, and up to par with what is called good governance. But our own efforts are very good -- whereby all sectors are truly moving to make this unique opportunity for us to choose our leaders be the best one we have had after so many decades.
But right now, I am worried about the words that people have been dropping -- Kris said she wanted "to stab" someone who had been commenting on Noynoy, whereas another said a similar violent statement against her brother. And these are both women speaking words that can tear apart anything. What does this augur for us? We need to vote as a group to prevent others from harming anyone, or someone who has a contrary view of politics. I think that riots occur because harsh words have been exchanged and so people feel so sensitive about those they hear that they try to strike back. And some people can also be insensitive to drop statements that they may or may not know could hurt people.
One thing I know is that many people have spent a lot of money, energy -- physical, mental and emotional-- to their campaigns in order to win. Their supporters have also egged them on to persist hoping that with their candidate in power, that could get reflected on them, as well. But at this time, out of 7 or 8 candidates for a position, only one will win.
So here is my advice to everyone. Think of your next plan should you win. Well that is easy because then winning means you will have all the resources in your hand and all the promises you made will have o be fulfilled within the term for which you were voted.
On the other hand, those who will not win, or have an inkling that they won't, then they can do the following:
1. consider 2010 as their dress rehearsal;
2. consider running for a seat in the Constitutional Convention;
3. consider running in the next elections and plan the campaign well; and 4. have another job waiting for you -- something creative, therapeutic, and wholesome for you to regain yourself again. Have a good space and time for retooling your perspectives to gain more knowledge of yourself. Look at the electoral exercise as a chance for you to know the Filipino people, to know the government, to know yourself and how you have coped with the stresses and tensions of joining the elections.
Time never runs out till the last sands fall, that is what I believe in. And every human being can still do something great till that time. What is necessary is for us to know what we really want in life.
However, one thing I would like to give as a reminder -- let us not lose our faith in working for a government that is based and will work on the bases of truth, honesty, justice and equality. The Filipino people deserve that and more.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
BEFORE COUNTING BEGINS
Who is the best citizen of the world? This should be our question, that which needs to be answered. Unfortunately, as we plod along, day by day to survive, to eke out a living, sometimes to enjoy an artwork or two, we forget that there are fundamental questions to answer before we kick the bucket, so to speak.
I came upon this question when I was walking through the streets of London in the eighties. I had felt so rootless then and I could not make out where I should belong. I was deep into getting funding for a film about OFWs in Europe, and writing a draft of the script, but my feet had wanted to touch down in the Philippines again. Yet I did not know, could not really feel secure if I would want to experience being under martial law again after having experienced a very democratic space.
Today, however, it is not rootlessness attacking my conscience but the definition of a world citizen. Whether we are in the Philippines or elsewhere in this world, does it mean that we still have to wave our flag and say, "I am a Filipino nationalist," or do we put up our flag and say, "I am a world Filipino citizen?"
I do think that the next president should be able to give us an answer - whether we shall be proud to be Filipino and Filipina citizens under his administration (sorry Jamby but I think there is a backlash against women attaining the highest position again) or we shall be continuing the diaspora and say that we are the world citizens caring for other nationalities -- their economies, their societies, their citizens.
Yes, there is a great difference in terms of our looking inward, as the migration of our relatives, friends, and people abroad have brought about a rethinking of "what is really best for us," a good life but separated from our loved ones, or a so-so life but still immediately in touch with them?
Yet, I do think that the next president has to tackle the question of broken homes, of children not knowing their parent/s upclose and personal, but vicariously, through that webcam as well as couples finding warmth not from their original partners, or someone that they don't really value as a partner. It is high time to make it a priority to look into the viability of labor migration in our country.
Hence if a candidate is able to give us an answer that can make every child give a bright smile, that can make graduating students no longer carrying that anxious look about the knowledge they have acquired from their studies to be reserved only for jobs abroad that can pick up dollars while their families would be left behind,or simply that can make parents always feel secure because their children will be with them in their twilight years, then he can earn our great YES all the time.
Let us not delude ourselves that all the changes we want will happen overnight. Winning is only the first step in the series of changes that we have to make in life. The next steps will still have bitter struggles, within and outside the circles of power. One thing remains, our openness to change without going beyond the boundaries of the principles of democracy, equality, prosperity for all and peace.
Let the counting begin.
I came upon this question when I was walking through the streets of London in the eighties. I had felt so rootless then and I could not make out where I should belong. I was deep into getting funding for a film about OFWs in Europe, and writing a draft of the script, but my feet had wanted to touch down in the Philippines again. Yet I did not know, could not really feel secure if I would want to experience being under martial law again after having experienced a very democratic space.
Today, however, it is not rootlessness attacking my conscience but the definition of a world citizen. Whether we are in the Philippines or elsewhere in this world, does it mean that we still have to wave our flag and say, "I am a Filipino nationalist," or do we put up our flag and say, "I am a world Filipino citizen?"
I do think that the next president should be able to give us an answer - whether we shall be proud to be Filipino and Filipina citizens under his administration (sorry Jamby but I think there is a backlash against women attaining the highest position again) or we shall be continuing the diaspora and say that we are the world citizens caring for other nationalities -- their economies, their societies, their citizens.
Yes, there is a great difference in terms of our looking inward, as the migration of our relatives, friends, and people abroad have brought about a rethinking of "what is really best for us," a good life but separated from our loved ones, or a so-so life but still immediately in touch with them?
Yet, I do think that the next president has to tackle the question of broken homes, of children not knowing their parent/s upclose and personal, but vicariously, through that webcam as well as couples finding warmth not from their original partners, or someone that they don't really value as a partner. It is high time to make it a priority to look into the viability of labor migration in our country.
Hence if a candidate is able to give us an answer that can make every child give a bright smile, that can make graduating students no longer carrying that anxious look about the knowledge they have acquired from their studies to be reserved only for jobs abroad that can pick up dollars while their families would be left behind,or simply that can make parents always feel secure because their children will be with them in their twilight years, then he can earn our great YES all the time.
Let us not delude ourselves that all the changes we want will happen overnight. Winning is only the first step in the series of changes that we have to make in life. The next steps will still have bitter struggles, within and outside the circles of power. One thing remains, our openness to change without going beyond the boundaries of the principles of democracy, equality, prosperity for all and peace.
Let the counting begin.
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