"give me a second chance "- Erap

Impeachmen, Plunder, and Jueteng among others are merely terms related to the name of former President Ejercito “Erap” Estrada. After Erap’s impeachment, he was put on house arrest for quite some time.




This 2010 election, he expressed his intention of running for public position. He expressed his desire to be the Republic of the Philippines’ president…again. He asked the Filipino people if he be given another chance… Will you risk the Philippines' future for the second time?

Let's support Education

Education is a way of life. It is an essential thing in life that's worth more than gold and silver. Our parents usually tell us to go to school and study hard as it is the only treasure we can inherit from them. The importance of education has been imparted to each and every generation. However, in the Philippines, education has become a privilege anymore and not a right. Various children have been denied of their chance to learn and step into classroom. Many children were pressured to work instead of reading and writing. Though it was not their fault, they have no choice but to follow their parents and the flow of their life. Through time, the rate of uneducated individuals increased.

The importance of education has been realized by Efren Penaflorida. He felt for those who cannot afford to go to school. As his share, he formed the Dynamic Teen Company. The purpose of which is to bring education to those who were deprived. Every Saturday, he and his group reach the children along the streets of Quezon City. The only weapon they have is pushcart full of books. Along the streets, they teach group of children how to read and write, English and Math. Despite the simplicity of their equipment, they were able to give the most important thing to every human-education.

With Efren’s spectacular and zealous objective, he was chosen by CNN as among the top ten CNN Heroes. The candidates are ordinary people yet sharing an extraordinary impact to the society. As a Filipino and an individual who was amazed and inspired by his endeavor, I realized that I can also share in educating more students by helping him win in the search for CNN Heroes.

If you are a Filipino or a human who share the same passion, you can surely help. Click here and vote for Efren Penaflorida. The voting runs until November 19, so please cast your vote as soon as possible. Share this also to your friends. I believe that with the prize he’ll bag by winning, he and his team can surely help more children achieve their dreams.

My foolish thoughts about Typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng and SONA

Few months ago, pres. Arroyo delivered her State of the Nation Address. In her SONA she highlighted her major accomplishments. Some of which includes development of infrastructure, irrigation projects, flood control projects, establishment of many schools for students, lowering of poverty rate, lowering of unemployment rate, and practically, she bragged about her projects of progress. She also made sure that her critics will be slapped by her indirect yet insulting words.

Few months after she delivered her SONA, typhoon Ondoy and Pepeng visited the country. Typhoon Pepeng have not left the country yet but its wrath is causing suffering to the people of affected areas specifically in Nothern part of Luzon. More than a week has also passed, yet residents of Marikina, Laguna, Quezon, Pasig, and Rizal, among others are still experiencing the fury of typhoon Ondoy. Now, thousands of victims depend on the relief goods from public and private entities. With the destructive rage of typhoon Pepeng, not only lives were lost but millions of agricultural and infrastructures were left useless. Redemption may even take long because of the massive damage caused by both typhoons.

In merely a span of 9 hours, two typhoons were enough to take what were bragged about by the president. It is even doubtful whether the flood control projects, infrastructure and other projects were sturdy and quality-guaranteed because flash flood in few hours is enough to ruin it. With the unemployment and poverty rate, I guess the rate has ballooned because more and more lost their properties, businesses, and jobs.

Meanwhile, as to her statement against those living in glass houses, there is no doubt that she and her family are among those people she pointed out. Few months after her SONA, the first family’s wealth ballooned. There are mansions discovered to have been bought millions of dollars. Foreign visits have also been regular that even family members were with her. The dinner was more than enough to qualify for the criteria of a glass house life.

With the typhoon Ondoy and Pepng, we are reminded of the president’s vision for the country. It also ruined the progress that the president mentioned in her SONA. Sometimes, I foolishly think that maybe Ondoy and Pepeng came to tell the Filipino that she was lying in her SONA. But, beyond that, the aftermath of the typhoon is clear proof of the administration’s failure to protect the country and the Filipino people from calamities. This failure puts the people in doubt whether the government can be an entity to be help upon in times of need or whether it will cause a hell kind of life.

Typhoon Ondoy and my grievances

from Time.com

Sadly, our country has been visited by a devastating typhoon and unforgettable calamity. The typhoon Ondoy that destructed lives, properties, dreams and hopes of our fellowmen is really unforgiving. The situation of the victims has really stricken every witness’ heart to feel for the victims. As for me, I wanted to give millions of money or lots and lots of foods but I do not have that amount and capacity.

One thing, however, that we can be thankful is that the incident happened before election. This unfortunate event really calls for a united cause of helping the victims. But as we have observed, the help has poured liberally through the additional help from the politicians. For many instances, Erap has been shown in the television visiting the affected places and giving stubs for relief goods. Noynoy and Mar have also made their share by spending their campaign funds for the basic needs of our affected fellowmen. Manny Villar, on the other hand, used his properties in giving away foods for the victims. This was time also for Gibo to be made known more in the general public through the NDCC. Well, of course, it is his responsibility to respond during these kinds of incidents. Many more politicians have reached out but their names were not that noisy in the media and press.

At least, at this time of disaster, some politicians are making their share. However, it is so sad hearing the grievances of some victims who were not reached by any government agencies for immediate response. The Malacanan has even soliciting for more aids, particularly foreign aids, in order to have more for the victims. It is also sad to know that after 4 days from that horrifying day, the victims have not recovered yet. Many have lost their houses and properties and beginning life from zero have been difficult for them.

During this time of disaster, why is it that, the government lacks hand to help and lacks resources to share. The government has been entrusted to be the protector and savior of the people. The people in position were entrusted to sit where they are sitting right now to help when needed. Then why is it that help is not adequate and we still have to beg from other countries for help. Can’t the government release at once an amount that will cover the finances of those in need? Is losing life still not enough before they act? It is so sad that the institution we have entrusted is failing to save us from these kinds of disasters. Thanks, however, to the private institutions that have been active and effective in reaching for the victims of the flash flood. Without them, more could have been included in the list of casualties.

Well, what should we expect from some Congressmen like this one

("Was buying food for keeps... then we saw Mikey Arroyo in Rustans Liquor Section asking the salesman for a brand of hard alcoholic drink. Effin Crazy! Just a few kilometers... away from Katipunan, people are needing help for search and rescue, and there he was buying bottles of alcohol"- person who took this photo.)
This already circulated in facebook, taken on the day typhoon Ondoy devastated our fellowmen. There are really some heartless people who still managed to enjoy life despite many lives have been shouting for help!

Lacson vs. Erap vs. Filipino people

The saying, “your best friend may be your number one enemy” can best describe the current relationship of Erap and Panfilo Lacson. Last week, Panfilo Lacson surprised the country with his revelation about his president, Joseph “Erap” E. Estrada. The revelations Lacson made during his privilege speech were dark secrets of Erap while he was still president. According to Lacson, Erap has micromanaged bureaucracy when he was still the president. From jueteng, smuggling, to even killings, Erap was involved.

SMUGGLING

According to Lacson, Erap ordered for the smuggling tons of rice. Though Erap denied Lacson’s allegations, some have corroborated to Lacson’s statement. But truth or not, smuggling cannot be denied. If only truth speaks, it can reveal the politicians’ linkage to smuggling and other kind of illegal activities. If the statement of Lacson will be relied upon, where could Erap disposed the rice? Have it contributed to the skyrocketing price of the rice today? But then, truth or hearsay, Lacson confirmed that smuggling is a favorite source of funds of some powerful politicians.

JUETENG

Lacson’s revelation about Jueteng cannot be doubted. Erap also confirmed that he really lobbied for the legalization of it. Jueteng has also been the reason why Erap was ousted from presidency but made Chavit Singson, Erap and others rich and powerful. On the second part of Lacson’s revelation, Erap and his son has been receiving payolas. This is not new. This was revealed during the impeachment against Erap. As to Erap, his desire to legalize Jueteng was to help those unemployed to have source of decent meals. If this was the reason of Erap, then it was worth shouting out in the streets to have him ousted. This only means that he cannot think of any decent means of resolving the unemployment rate in the Philippines.

As to Lacson, he said that he was against it. The PNP is the major agency that fights against jueteng. However, they are also the reason why jueteng is still the reigning number game in some provinces. Jueteng continued to fill in the policemen, politicians, and gabling lords’ pockets while the ordinary people continue to be a victim. Lacson can also be one of them. Jueteng payolas have probably the monetary machine that made the Estradas and other prominent politicians in power. With this, Filipino people bear the burden because they are being ruled by wicked people. Kawawang Pinoy.

ABUSE OF POWER

Lacson’s revelation about the forceful selling of PLDT stock shares may not affect much ordinary people. That is a matter between rich people. However, this will give a relieving feeling. In the hands of powerful and evil person, it is not only the poor people that suffer but also the rich. Sometimes, in the eyes of the wicked person, the rich and the poor are the same. What a pathetic logic.

DACER-CORBITO MURDER CASE

After ten years, the Dacer-Corbito Case was revived not only because of Dumlao and Mancao’s “the return” to the Philippines but also through the speech of Lacson. From the news, both Lacson and Erap are implicated in the murder case but both denied their contribution. Lacson cannot deny that behind his revelation is the desire to influence the people and even present himself as innocent and clean, as he always say. Unfortunately for him and for Erap, the truth cannot be bent by any sacrifices or heroic statement. Despite any statements that Lacson and the Estrarada’s will make, truth and justice will surely reveal.

With the present situation of bickering and exchanges of allegations and defenses, there is only one statement that we should pray for, “May God spare the Philippines from Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Estradas.”

Mar: I retreat. Noy NOy: I need retreat

Mar’s political career turnout has indeed shocked the country. Mar’s act of giving up his political ambition this 2010 in favor of Senator Aquino has really led the political future of Philippines to the path of hope. The decision made by Mar Roxas is indisputably a great sacrifice. His political ambition for presidency has already been known at the first showing of his million worth of commercial. Apart from that, his marriage to Korina Sachez also spiced up to his popularity tactics. Undeniably, the efforts he had earlier made worth millions. However, this September 1, he renounced his ambition and gave way for Se. Aquino.

The act of Mar Roxas is indeed an example of great sacrifice. A great sacrifice for the greater success of his plans for the country. Though in my own political analysis, he has relinquished his ambition because he already knew that Sen. Aquino would win if the latter runs, his deed is still worthy of applause. It cannot be denied that he was filled with frustrations. Yet, he managed to stand firm to his political decision. Apart from that, knowing the he is the real kin of the person who established the Liberal party, he is still the one who gave way.

With his political decision, we hope that Mar Roxas’ sacrifices will bear fruit. We hope that the people’s dream of real change will be achieved by 2010. Though, up to this moment, Sen. Aquino has not yet confirmed his candidacy, it is much expected that he will stand the fight for the Liberal party. With this unexpected political U-turns, hopefully the Philippine will finally have a clean government.

Hopefully, Sen. Aquino will be guided by the Holy Spirit as to his political decision. It is true that millions of people are pushing him to run for presidency for his clean political characters. Corruption may also his least thing to do while in position. However, according to political analysts, he does not have control over the Congress. Unfortunately, the Congress is still ruled by the party of the administration. But then, among the Filipino masses, character comes first before power of political organization. This is the asset of Sen. Aquino that he can be proud of. Needless to say, it is still early to say the turnout of the 2010 election. But then, hopefully, the Filipino people will unite in supporting the right leader this 2010. And, hopefully, the person to be crowned as president will not fail the Filipino people. Instead, he will lead the country towards prosperity and peace.

Dinner that Incited Hunger for Good Governance

The administration is again being criticized for the controversial dinner that worth a million. On the said evening, Pres. Arroyo and her husband, who were celebrating their wedding anniversary, were invited to a dinner in an expensive restaurant, Le Cirque. One Congressman Martin Rumualdez of Leyte was pinpointed by the administration to have paid the bill which amounted to almost a million pesos. Another bill amounting to P700,000 at Bobby Van's Steakhouse restaurant was again released by The New York Post. The administration’s defense was full of lies and denials and has gone too far to questioning the ethics of media instead of proving that the money was not taken from the blood and sweat of Filipino people.

The dinner news may have satisfied the presidents and other officials’ gluttony but it has incited hunger for Filipino people who strive to work morally to have a decent meal in a day. The sumptuous and expensive meal was not appealing to the poor country. Instead, it incited hunger for good governance. It incited hunger and cravings for a clean and corrupt less president. It did not also fill the people with peace, but created alarms and excursions because the act of the public servant was out of moral and ethical virtue of a public official. It has proven heedless and doubtful commitment of the public officials involved in helping the country and the people prosper.

Given the side of the administration to explain itself, Romualdez denied that he paid for the meal. Press Secretary Remonde said that the amount was exaggerated but failed and persistently hid the true amount of the bill. Atty. Macalintal was also obviously angered and blamed the media, instead, and questioned the morality of the media. Eventually, they are pinpointing at each other as the one who paid for the bill. After what everyone has said, only one thing is clear- they are all lying and trying to cover the president about the issue.

Be that as it may, the President and the officials did not acted according to the moral and ethical virtue of a public servant. It may have not violated any law of the land, but has violated the expectations of the people of their leaders. It has violated the virtues that has been expected of them and violated their pact to God when they were put in the position. The leader of the country did not act like a good father to his family.

According to some law experts, having accepted the “dinner treat” is tantamount to indirect bribery. A million worth of dinner have strings attached to it. Denying would be beyond possible, unless that person is a complete fool. Let’s say that there is no strings attached, but accepting a million worth of dinner attests the existence of greed. With that, the president did not demonstrate the virtue of a conscientious mother advising the right thing to her son. As a president, she should have refused and resisted the dinner which cost an arm and a leg and advised the particular person to use it in s useful manner.

Before spending millions of pesos just for a meal, they should have reflected for a moment about the real situation of the country. Millions of Filipino is suffering from hunger. Hunger is also considered among the causes of death. With a second of prayer before eating, God could have bestowed them the spirit of realization. But with the excitement and hunger, maybe they forgot the prayer before meal.

If the meal was paid by Congressman Romualdez, as the administration asserted, he then should prove that his constituent does not need improvement and that every people in his province does not need money at all. However, he denied to have paid for the meal. The meal has clearly demonstrated hypocrisy. They lived a life in glass houses while the people paying for their salaries are living a life beyond redemption.

Public officials are accountable for their acts. As public figures, they are open for criticisms. The people also have the right to question every act of public officials. And if the people question them for doing the wrong thing, they owe us only explanations not shallow questions. Atty. Macalintal, in defense, questioned the morality of the media. With his tactic, I believe that he is a good lawyer but not that good. Instead of directly answering with yes or no, he raised a new issue which is beyond the topic. If the people would judge him, his alibis are surely denied. Has he also forgotten that the media is the fourth department of the government and the protector of the people? Thanks to media, instead, for they have informed us of the hypocrisy and gluttony of the public officials who ate at Le Cirque and Bobby Van's steakhouse.

here is the news from Washington Post