What's with the RH Bill??

Why doesn't the church like families have an extra choice called the Reproductive Health Bill?? Why does the church hate it so much that even the son of an all-out devout Catholic, who had no other intentions but the welfare of his countrymen, will be subject to excommunication?

I haven't read the entire text, but as far as I have read it, there is nothing highly contentious with the bill. It simply gives the family the freedom to choose more options. What is wrong with that??

Here's the text of the bill from JLP Law:

http://jlp-law.com/blog/full-text-of-house-bill-no-5043-reproductive-health-and-population-development-act-of-2008/

And since when did we forget this particular text from the Constitution:

Article II, Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

What part of this text is difficult to understand?

It's about time we start opening up our options. Time is running out. We need to make a change. Noynoy is trying to infuse some changes, and one of the major groups that pledged to support him in this change is turning against him.

So when do we pledge to start with our development?

Presidential Inauguration - June 30, 2010

I witnessed my first live Presidential inauguration this morning, June 30, 2010. A little over half a million Filipinos joined President Benigno C. Aquino III and Vice President Jejomar C. Binay in their first-ever public audience as the highest and second-highest leaders of the country.

Music filled the inauguration program as Apo Hiking Society, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, The Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, Charice Pempengco, Noel Cabangon, and others gave their share of music to serenade the new President and Vice President.

My dad and I planned to go to Quirino Grandstand to witness this historic event. Travel to the venue was a breeze. I was afraid that traffic would be terrible. Fortunately, the only traffic we experienced on the way to the venue was in Lagusnilad because the Burgos side of the Manila City Hall was closed to traffic. Thank God it was a holiday.

I just hope he wasn't over-promising this morning. Definitely the "wang-wangs" will be difficult to eliminate, unless we do an embargo of such products. :)

Notable was the first-ever oath-taking of the Filipino people as we embark on a new journey as a nation. I also hope the half-million people who pledged change and commitment fulfill their oaths faithfully.

We Were There!

P-Noy as he delivers his first-ever speech as President

Wide view of the stage

Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

The PCOS Anomaly: Neverending Story

And now, the election controversy has gotten even spicier. We got a whistleblower dressed up as a cuddly Australian mammal.

And we got "Hello Garci" part 2: "Hello Nico?" This time, it's PGMA's loyal pawn, Sec. Ronnie Puno, allegedly talking to COMELEC Commissioner Nico Ferrer over the phone to manipulate the elections. Too bad the lead was too big and uncheatable, or else, we'll see another "too good to be true" scenario in the Presidency.

Ayos talaga. God save the Philippines...

What Now?

The longer the canvassing gets delayed, the more errors they will find in the recently-concluded automated elections... Why can't we get on with it??

Well perhaps we are not really used to having a speedy election result. Something has to be wrong all the time. We love digging holes on our selves. And the more we dig the deeper we get and the more deeper a hole we are in. Quite a sadomasochistic breed, aren't we Filipinos? :)

The longer we keep the public waiting for the official results of the elections, the more detrimental it would be to our development. Let's all get this over with.

Eleksyon 2010: after 36 hours

It's crunch time for the ballot-counting! We are about to reach 90% of our counting. Hopefully we get the Visayas results soon to minimize the tension. Who will it be? M or B? Basta ang sigurado, ang Bise-Presidente ko may A. :)

Presidentiable Nicanor Perlas says he won't concede. He'll wait until all the ballots are counted. JC de los Reyes took back his acceptance of defeat because he got reports of fraud. May punto sila.

Leon Guerrero is still the hero of the Senate! Hoepfully they won't cross paths with the Pacman of Congress.

The only two newbies in the magic twelve of the Senate Race are Bongbong Marcos and TG Guingona! And they both belong to their respective powerful political clans! Years ago, we got pissed of traditional politicians so the voters shifted to actor-politicians. Then, we got pissed of the lack of competence of the actor-politicians so we shifted back to trapos. Now, we have a Senate roster that is a combination of both! whapak! :)

The political clans are back... The actor-politicians are back... Padaca and Among Ed are out. What's happening??

10 Things We Learned in Eleksyon 2010

10. Highlighting your humble beginnings does not necessarily convert into votes from the masses.

9. Surveys do not reflect the outcome of the elections. Of course not…

8. It is ALMOST possible to re-elect an ousted, convicted plunderer, then, pardoned Ex-President.

7. Big campaign budgets don’t result to favorable results.

6. The counting was real fast! The indelible ink is still visible in my finger and the results are already out!

5. Jamby was right: celebrity endorsers are not necessarily helpful in gathering votes. Wowowee!

4. Abra should be relocated to Mindanao.

3. Every SONA year will now look like the annual FAMAS awards (with Bong and Lani, Tito and Helen, Ralph and Ate Vi, Jinggoy, etc.)

2. Always bring your glasses so you won’t forget to vote for your running mate.

1. Manny Pacquiao will no longer be part of the SONA speech. He is now part of the SONA crowd! Welcome, Congressman Pacquiao!

Here's my bonus learning: Leon Guerrero is still the country's most famous local folklore... He still keeps the Senate seat (for now, given th 80% counting)!!! :)

Thank God for a successful May elections. We also have a lot of things to thank God for in this elections. Thank God for:

1. No brownouts before, during and after the polls

2. Less election violence

3. Less glitches than expected

4. No failure of elections

5. Stock market rebound today!

Now, we have to monitor what happens next. I just pray that my vote was not wasted. Cheers to the presidentiables who conceded earlier today for their statesmanship and courage to face defeat. We hope to see them support the coming administration.

Transition begins immediately...Good luck!

Power Crisis 2010

When we say history repeats itself, we don't mean to take it literally. This year, we are back in the power-crisis status, after escaping it in 1992. What happens next? A Former Defense Secretary as President? :)

We are now experiencing rotating brownouts around Metro Manila. 2 hours of brownout per day per group just to avoid power shortage. This is in the midst of an extremely hot summer weather. No one's enjoying this, except the exporters and retailers of power generators. Business for them is once again blooming.

I have already heard this crisis around 7 years ago. In 2004, there was a feature article in an investigative magazine, Newsbreak, about the possible power crisis in 5 years time. 6 years hence, the power crisis is here. It was brought out 6 years ago and people in government did not react. Now, in the most crucial, unprecedented period in Philippine history, the period when we are about to test a long-awaited automated elections, authorities will not tell us that we have insufficient power. Coincidence? Perhaps. As our dear Secretary of Energy said, "It's Force Majeure. Act of God. If you want to blame somebody, blame God."

Sir, with all due respect, I can't blame God on this one. God has given us the signs of power crisis several years back. God has given us the brain to process the problems. And now, we have to blame it on force majeure? I don't get it...

Now, there are talks of emergency powers to fix the crisis. First, Mindanao. Then, if things get worse, emergency powers will be necessary in Manila. What happens then to the May elections?

If Sec. Reyes wants to keep a good legacy in the cabinet, he should make things happen in the next few months, the last few months remaining in his term. The first thing to do in solving the problem is accepting it. We should first accept this problem and not blame it on the Supreme Being. We have a few months left before the elections. Time is running out...

Election Period Starts January 10, 2010

It's election time again. Just last Sunday, people who are not policemen, nor soldiers are no longer allowed to carry guns outside of home. Yes, even the Ampatuans. Once again, candidates have started to become the new commodities. You will see, hear, and even dream about their ads in all of the tri-media. Ladies and gentlemen, the show has begun. Presidentiables have already started their mudslinging. And life goes on...

We hope to see a cleaner, more credible elections this year with the implementation of the automated elections. I pray that this is no planned sabotage as other doomsayers are predicting. no matter how crooked the system is, it is still a system and we have to abide by it. We have to believe. As the famous movie "The Secret" has been trying to point out, believe what you want to happen and it shall happen. This time, Filipinos' most treasured virtue, faith, is our only way out of this mess.

God bless the Phlippines.

December 1, 2009 - Deadline!

A lot of things have passed and I have not been writing lately. :) I'll try to keep up with the things I haven't wirtten about in the past 2 months or so.

The filing of certificates of candidacy has just come to an end, with all the expectations and surprises coming into play. Just to highlight a few:

• There's Bayani Fernando who swore not to become anybody's VP ending up under Sen Dick Gordon's party.
• A flurry of stars and starlets diving into the realm of politics, an industry closely related to theirs since their offices are filled with character actors.
• Senator Jamby Madrigal finally filing for a Presidential candidacy... Nuissance?!? Nah. With Judy Ann again on her side, she might get at least a thousand votes from Juday's avid fans.
• Edu shouts "Game Ka na Ba?" for the Vice- Presidency. The Filipino people shout back: HINDE!
• Buboy, Goma try local politics. I hope Goma doesn't fence with or shoot voters into voting for him, nor will Buboy do the singing bee or buy a fabricated proclamation in Recto.
• Ate Vi and Ralph jump ships from Lakas to Liberal. And now, Luis (The son formerly known as Lucky) is totally confused on who to support.
• Ebdane bids goodbye to his Presidential hopes for lack of funds. Blessing in disguise ain't it Secretary?
• Ampatuans allegedly massacred 56 people including the family of Vice Mayor Ishmael Mangudadatu in what is believed to be the worst election related violence in the country. It's just so confusing to see a grieving Mangudadatu smiling in front of the camera beside Gibo Teodora, just a few days after his wife was massacred in his hometown. This just earmarked the Philippines as the most dangerous place for a journalist, beating the war-torn Iraq!
• ...and the best highlight of the 2010 elections is the utter demotion of our beloved President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who decides to vie for a Congressional seat in the 2nd district of Pampanga. Another first from the Philippines!

And this is just the beginning!

God bless the Philippines.

"Lalaban Tayo" no more...

I thought I shall never see a modern-day Filipino statesman. Today, we just witnessed Mar Roxas announcing the "heaviest decision" he has ever made in his entire political career, and that is giving in for fellow Liberal Party member, Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III. Whatever his reasons were for his sudden backing out, what matters is that in the eyes of the Filipino people, he chose the harder side, the more righteous, and that is to give way to a colleague whose popularity has risen after the demise of her of her mother, former President Cory Aquino.

Initially I was a silent, informal supporter of the Mar-Roxas-for-President-moves. He was one of the most ideal Presidentiables, backed with exceptional credentials and political blood. A few wrong moves here and there somewhat tainted my support, one of which was his public cursing at the current administration during a rally in Makati. Another is his public display of affection for TV announcer Korina Sanchez. Okay, they have every right to be happy, but please! You're almost 50 for the love of... Oh well. Love knows no boundaries.

I was about to abhor Mar for his ill-advised "Lalaban Tayo" and "Padyak" commercials over radio and television, but with this most recent development, I am back to admiring this guy. The fact that he is about to give up the power that he has long cherished is simply astounding. Admirable.

I have never seen genuine statesmanship like this in my generation. With this, we can see his true intentions for genuine change, and that it was his primary aim at Presidency. He gave up his ambitions for this objective. He already has a stable and solid political machinery. I hope he lends this to Noynoy, should he decide to run for President. I heard he is backed by very bright, optimistic, service-oriented supporters so probably he could get things done.

Just like in the United States, the Philippines needs change. In order to have this change, we need people who shall initiate change. Today, Mar has started a change. A change in the political landscape. A change in the seemingly rotting political system. A change that no other politician dare touch. I sure hope this change does not end here. I also hope this is no gimmick. Let this change start and spread now. Mar did the right thing and he'll be remembered in history books for all eternity.

Cheers to Sen. Mar Roxas for showing the younger Filipinos how it is to retreat and accept, how it is to be a true gentleman and a true statesman' and for showing the older ones that there is still a light in this very very long tunnel.

Le Cirque (de Soleil?!?)

Is eating in a posh restaurant really big a crime for a Philippine President? Personally, there's really nothing wrong with the President eating in some high-end food places in the United States. She's a President for crying out loud!

For me, I'd say that she's just in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Wrong place: All eyes are with the President these days. With tons of controversies hounding her and her "beloved" husband, anything that involves big money, lavish spending and socializing ires the Filipino populace. Taking off from the Hello Garci, ZTE Broadband Deal, Jose Pidal, and all other controversies involving money, another one like spending millions of pesos in a high-end New York restaurant is a big hit among rumor mongers and investigative journalists. This is a simple case of piling on.

Wrong Time: We are now in the crossroads of recession. Millions of Filipinos go hungrier. Jobs are harder to find. Development was slower. Could this have been Erap during his "mabango" years, the media would have just disregarded the news. If it was Fidel Ramos during the "Tiger Economy" years, no one would have highlighted this incident. But no. She is now in a situation where the Philippines is not in a very good state. But despite that, she and her cabinet were able to eat out. Eat with a million-buck bill. The people will see the irony of it all: People get hungrier while the President has a $2,000-meal on her plate.

It seems like the media and people is in close watch. Every action is one big spectacle. Every move (especiall the bad ones) is front-page material. The Administration needs to act more carefully especially towards the end of the term.

Typo?!

At first, her name was misspelled to a Spanish term for “robber” in a 2007 version 100-peso bill. Just a side story, this blunder pushed me to collect not just erring local bills, but also rare, collector’s edition bills. Now I expanded to collecting foreign bills. :)

There is really something about President Gloria that makes her the darling of typo errors. This time, Manila Bulletin has mistaken President Cory’s funeral march for President Gloria’s! The editor must be one of the four Honor Guards who stood in the four corners of President Cory’s coffin during the 7 1/2 – hour procession. Or maybe he was just plain tired when he proofread this.

Is it plain human error, or is it an honest slip that reflects the subconscious of the common Filipino? I sure hope it’s the former.

August 5, 2009 - Paalam, President Cory

Thousands have once again flocked the streets. But this time, not to protest against a tyrant administration, but to pay last tribute to the country's most sincere, most loved President, President Maria Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino. Up to this writing, the funeral convoy has just reached Manila Memorial Park. The procession/convoy started at around 11:00a.m., but due to thousands of people who want to see the President for the last time, the procession took more than 6 hours.

Good thing President Gloria Arroyo declared today a holiday or else traffic would have been worse.

It has been a while since we saw this massive outpouring of support and prayers towards a major political icon. And it was sad to say that we have once again lost one of the symbols of that peaceful revolution heard around the world.
I had my share of attempt to view the Former President for the last time. Unfortunately, though, I was only able to see the church from afar because the line going inside the church spanned from the Cathedral to I don't know where. I didn't attempt to look at the end of the line because it was reached even past through the old Comelec building. I figured I did not have enough time since I was supposed to pick Bubbles up from the airport. :) Ivan and I instead took a few pictures and just observed how people of all walks of life lined up just to see the remains of one of the most influencial Filipinos of all time. People from all age ranges, all social status, have lined up to pay their last respects to their idol, their symbol of freedom, independence, democracy, hope. May the next generation of Filipinos remember how Cory Aquino fought for and saved the Philippines from tyranny and oppression. May she be remembered as the leader who knew nothing much about governing, but had a gargantuan heart to lead a country towards freedom and democracy.
May your light shine upon the Filipino people forever.

President Corazon C. Aquino, 76

Former President Corazon C. Aquino succumbed to Colon Cancer at 3:18 this morning, August 1, 2009. She was 76.

The whole world mourns the death of a truly sincere leader.

Pangandaman vs. Dela Paz

I have no idea why this issue is considered newsworthy. The family of a wealthy businessman gets involved in a fight with a political family, whose patriarch is the Secretary of Agrarian Reform. What is so newsworthy about that? Where is the national interest in this issue? Did it bring social awareness or did it change the lives of the almost 90 million Filipinos?

The only points newsworthy in this controversy are:
1. A Cabinet official and his sons, also public officials in their own provinces, get involved in a golf course melee. And you tell us that we have a set of mature politicians?!

2. We are debunking the statement posed by some basketball trashtalkers: "If you don't want to get hurt, play golf." I thought Tiger Woods' ACL injury is the most surprising phenomenon in golf! Hopefully, we won't see two politicians getting involved in a fist fight because of chess.

Also, I do not see the reason why I talk about this. I shall stop now.

Thy will be done...

Gov. Ed Panlilio is doing a magnificent job in cleaning up the corruption-stricken Pampanga. And what is his prize for doing such? A signature campaign for his ouster. There were rumors of overflowing cash gifts to various cities and municipalities to support such a campaign. It seems like Among Ed has stepped on very powerful, brutish and superlatively corrupt people for him to be receiving such campaigns.

As a person of God, although "on leave," Among Ed firmly believes in the Beautitude, "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness; the Kingdom of God will be theirs." That is why his struggle to bring back the integrity and honor of the government is very much intact. He undermines any form of attack even the ones coming from his Vice Governor, or league of provinces. He believes in what is right, and what should be done. He fears nothing and no one because he knows who is on his side.

I am not much of a religious person but I strongly believe that persons like Among Ed are God's way of helping the Filipino people experience change in governance and public service. What we as Filipinos have to do is to stand up behind him and give him the opportunity to make that change. We are a few notches away from the poorest countries in the world, and one of the main reasons for such is corruption and greed. It is about time we experience that change before it's too late.

Fancy that!

While rank and file soldiers, non-commissioned and junior officers relentlessly fight in Mindanao with substandard artillery and extreme lack of supplies, another General is once again facing a controversy involving sums of money. P7 million worth of contingency fund money? For what?

If I were caught with lots of money in my hands, I would either keep mum about the reason behind it, or think thoroughly of the most realistic excuse or alibi. I would never ever say that I had a friend who is asking me to buy a watch in Moscow. Watch in Moscow?! Am I not reading the papers anymore? Has Moscow turned into a watch haven now? Or maybe the officers will make a side trip in Switzerland or Japan? Whatever is the reason behind this outrageously hilarious alibi is yet to be seen. The person who asked a favor to buy him/her a watch should come out in the offing and tell the Filipino people how sorry he is for giving big bucks to a general who is NOT on a vacation, but on a "business" trip. It was a 2-day Interpol meeting! How the heck can you have the time to purchase a 7-million buck watch? Oh well. All of our questions are still about to be answered. I'm sure the next scenario would be a Senate investigation and lots and lots of grandstanding.

After all these fiascoes and controversy surrounding Generals, I can never blame groups like Antonio Trillanes and several other junior officers and regular soldiers for staging coups and for breaking the chain of command. In the Military, leadership by example is very very important in getting the respect and trust of your followers. When will they ever learn??!

In the midst of occuring crises in the world economy, a controversy involving large amounts of money adds ire and dismay from the populace. People, especially those holding delicate positions in government, should be extra careful and wary of the repercussions of their actions. times like these, you should "moderate your greed."

So what is the real story behind the money? Is it really a contingency fund, as what the PNP has mentioned in their statement? Or is it a personal request for a watch purchase, as what was previously stated?

Remembering Ninoy

Today marks the day that spurred a peaceful revolution that was heard around the world. It was on that fateful afternoon of August 21, 1983 when one man fell down, which led millions to stand up to fight an abusive dictatorship.

It is sad to hear that 25 years hence, fewer Filipino children know the personality and achievements of Benigno Aquino, Jr. If I were to be asked who is Ninoy, I would say that he is the very reason we are in our absolute freedom. This is to put it in the context of the younger generation, I wouldn't be able to write anything in this blog if it weren't for him. People will not be allowed to take their protests to the streets if not for him. Without him, we will not be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of The Fort, Eastwood, Metrowalk, Greenbelt, or Rockwell.

Let his memory remain in every Fillipino homes because he is the only one who had faith in saying that "The Filipino is worth dying for."

The Dark Knight

A lot has been written about The Dark Knight's sudden rise to success. After topping the all-time record for US opening weekend gross ticket sales and breaking the all-time record for 2nd weekend sales (Formerly held by Spider-Man 3 and Shrek 2, respectively), The Dark Knight is now on the brink of breaking the all-time box office sales (currently held by Titanic). With the combination of excellent script, exceptional direction by Chritopher Nolan, and a powerful roster of stars led by Christian Bale as the Batman, the late great Heath Ledger as the Joker, Maggie Gyllenhaal as Rachel Dawes, Aaron Eckhart as Harvey Dent, Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox, and Michael Caine as Alfred. I have watched the movie two times and am still planning to watch it again if given a chance.

The story of the most recent Batman has been the most realistic one. Chris Nolan was generous enough to provide the background for all the three main characters, Bruce Wayne, the Joker, and Harvey Dent. Bruce Wayne, rich and arrogant, but kind-hearted and noble inside, trying to make Gotham City a better place by being the masked vigilante Batman at night. Batman takes care of the night crime-fighting, while his alter-ego, Harvey Dent, fights crime in the morning by being the City's District Attorney. Most often people branded him as Gotham's White knight. All was well until they finally face a new breed of criminals, headed by a ruthless, nameless, psychopathic by he name of Joker. And his task was not just to wreck havoc in Gotham, but also to prove to himself and to all the people that power and justice corrupts in the most dire circumstances.

Heath Ledger played the most memorable Joker ever, if not the most memorable super-hero villain on the big screen. He mixes humor with rage and fear, making his character stick to viewers. He will make you scared, angry and laugh at the same time. This guy really deserves the posthumous Oscar award.

Filipinos are fond of watching superhero flicks like Batman. And surely, we can very much relate to the story of The Dark Knight. Our country nowadays is ruled by anger and fear, and the only hope we have rests on the White Knight icons like The Dark Knight's Harvey Dent. However, there are some people who try to scheme on noble men like what Joker and his cohorts did. Unfortunately, power and wealth corrupts, and even people as noble as Harvey Dent, if given a circumstance, may be vulnerable to such attacks. Filipinos long for superheroes like Batman, brave, noble, incorruptible. Thus, our fascination for the movie. If only we could have a Dark Knight that could help us tame the corrupt, put criminals behind bars, restore peace and justice in the streets, this country could be a better place.

Then the Dark Knight would eventually run for President, win, and people will start asking for pro-poor reforms, jobs generation, decent housing, farm-to-market roads, etc. All will be expected of him, while the Filipino populace rests at their homes playing dama, drinking red horse, making babies, etc. Then, when the Dark Knight does not deliver enough reforms, the people will then rally against him. Effigies will be burned, Mendiola will again be flooded by protesters from all over... Ooops...

109 Claps for the 2008 SONA

Amidst all the protests, walkouts and dressing up a la red carpet premiere, the recently concluded State of the Nation Address had a simple message: government is doing something.

As I always say to my jaded, disoriented, and dismayed colleagues from the private sector, in fairness to PGMA, the SONA is really telling the truth. It is true that we reached new highs in the fiscal and monetary side of the economic spectrum, it is true that NFA rice is still the cheapest in Asia. It is true that our credit rating has remained stable this year. As this is one of the most anticipated days in the Philippine political system, the last thing that this administration would do is report false facts. Thus, the 109 claps that highlighted 109 achievements and pledges, are true to its form.

What went wrong then? Of course, there are always to sides to every story. And obviously, the administration would only highlight the good points and definitely be silent on the bad points. Would you report your misgivings to a thesis defense? Would you report your failures and lapses in an investigatory project? That is precisely what just happened in SONA. Unfortunately, it failed to highlight points that really mattered to the masses, which is the majority of the Filipino population. What happened to free education? What's the progress of social projects? How is poverty being alleviated? How can we counter inflation? How do we improve job generation?These and a few more points are what some of our masses were expecting from an hour of speech. Unfortunately, there is only too few to highlight on these points, thus they deem the SONA uninteresting. Lying and failuer to mention are two different things. The only problem of the last SONA was that it failed to say things that mattered most to the majority of the population (except of course for the 90-day texting discount!)

Another thing is the usual highlighting of best practices and isolated events. Just like what Sen. Mar Roxas mentioned (I cannot recall the exact words), there are some accomplishments in the SONA that were too isolated. We just hope that these isolated events become the general picture in the near future.

The next two years will be very crucial for the President. These two years will be the defining years of her political career. If anyone would recall the President's ten-point agenda and BEAT THE ODDS, these two years are teh culminating years for them. Hopefully there is still enough time.

Despite all these bickerings and one-sided accomplishment reports, I still believe that there is hope for this country. As long as the President receives claps from the selected audience, that means there are still developments in the country that is worth listening, that is worth applauding. We just hope that in the next SONAs to come, there will be applauses coming from more than just the seating capacity of the House of Representatives.