"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

ICON OF DEMOCRACY DEAD BUT NOT DEMOCRACY

On this very day, i received a confirmed news that former President Corazon Aquino is gone. With the death of Cory, the whole Filipino nation will mourn for the loss of one of the presidents loved by the Filipino people.

COry Aquino is considered as an icon of democracy because of her zealous part during the EDSA I and in fighting the administration of Marcos or the administration of tyranny. Cory is also known for the yellow ribbon and color yellow per se as a symbol of democracy.

At age of 76, God has put an end to Cory's life. With the death of Cory the fight for democracy will experience changes- but definitely for the better. Cory has also been active in fighting the previous and the present fraud and misgovernance of the previous and present administration. Cory has also been praised for her courage in standing for the people during the height of Marcos era. And, at the point of her death, Cory continued to leave the Philippine a legacy of good governance and an exemplary values of a good president.

Despite the death of the icon of democracy, let not democracy die with her. Instead, let the spirit of democracy burn among Filipino people let us be inspired by the deeds of the late Pres. Corazon Aquino.

May her soul rest in peace.

MORE DISCUSSIONS ABOUT CHA-CHA AND CON-ASS HERE

Understanding CON-ASS

The words Cha-Cha, Con-Ass, and Constituent Assembly have been reverberating in everyone’s ears due to the heating opposition and dissent from the people. Just recently, the protest against Con-Ass has also assembled thousands of protesters in Makati City to strongly air their sentiments against the president’s Con-Ass. Thereafter, several protests against Cha-Cha have been performed in public streets of Manila and in other cities. It has also been regularly covered in all print and broadcast media. However, despite the popularity of the opposed Con-Ass, probably some have no clear knowledge about it and some may have no interest at all about the issue.

Historically, the attempt to change the Constitution has already been proposed even centuries ago since its ratification. There have also been various politicians or presidents who attempted to initiate to change the Constitution. However, the 1987 Constitution remained untouched.

HR 1109 and Role of Senate

Under the 1987 Constitution, the revision or amendment of fundamental law of the land may only be proposed through a Constituent Assembly and through Constitutional Convention. The present proposition of the House of Representative falls under the Constituent Assembly wherein amendments or revisions may be made by a vote of two thirds of the Congress. In the House Resolution 1109, it contained the call for a Constituent Assembly wherein the proponents have called to assemble the member of Congress to revise and amend the Constitution even without the Senate approving it.

The Congressmen have clearly relied upon the words of the Constitution which states; “Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed by: (1) The Congress, upon a vote of three-fourths of all its Members.” To further support their proposal, the Resolution further states;

“WHEREAS, it is to be emphasized and underscored that some essential words and phrases in the aforequoted 1935 Constitution were deleted and no longer contained in the aforequoted 1987 Constitution, such that the “amendments by deletion” are as follows:

1. The phrase “in joint session assembled” in the 1935 Constitution was deleted;

2. The phrase that the Senate and the House of Representatives, voting separately” was also deleted;

3. The percentage of voting three-fourths of the respective membership of each House (the Senate and the House of Representatives) treated separately has also been deleted and substituted with a vote of three-fourths of all the Members of Congress (i.e., ¾ of the “members of Congress” without distinction as to which institution of Congress they belong to).

In several interviews also, the Congressmen who passed the resolution were determined and adamant in their stand that CON-ASS may pursue even without the Senate. Clearly, they emphasized that even if the Senate will not participate, it is still enough for them to pass any revision or amendment.

However, in the words of Constitutional guru, Fr. Joaquin Bernas, the Congress being referred to is composed necessarily of both the House of Representative and the Senate. The Constituent Assembly also pertains to the House of Representatives and Senate. Other constitutionalists also interpret the law as such. Hence, in revising or amending the Constitution, participation of Senate is indispensable. Nevertheless, even if the Senate will join the Con-Ass, their votes would be outnumbered by the number of Congressmen proposing for amending the Constitution.

With this kind of situation, the Con-Ass may successful and changes may be made in the Constitution.

Changing the Constitution is not illegal, bad or wrong per se. But the protests around the country may raise a question as why is it being opposed due to different reactions I have heard personally. While watching the news inside a bus, I heard someone saying "rally na naman, hindi ba sila nagsasawa?" During the rally in Makati, the news reporter received the same answer from their correspondents- that Con-Ass is being opposed to prevent the extension of the term of GMA.

Though this is true, there are other reason why the Con-Ass should be prevented and strongly opposed for the time being. As has been said, changing the Constitution is not bad. However, the time is not right.

The proposed Con-Ass is being opposed because it may be used by the administration to implement its plan to change the government into federal form. Eventually, the term of GMA may also be extended.2010 election may not pursue. In addition, they may also proposed that foreign investors/businessmen may own 100% ownership of his company in the country. Real and present danger is, hence,attached to the plan of changing the Constitution.

For some, the Con-Ass may mean nothing. But, in reality, every Filipino is directly affected by it. Be it noted also that the Congress' act of passing the bill in only a split of hours suggests doubt and controversy. Though there is nothing wrong with the resolution per se, the action of the Congressmen towards it is suspicious. Several personalities from administration also reiterated that 2010 will pursue and that CHA-CHA will not include term extension, HOWEVER, these politicians who uttered such words or promise are barefaced liar. So, how could they be trusted? Will they ever stand for the truthfulness of their statements?

Hence, in order to erase the fears, doubts, suspicions, and to fully establish that the proposed amendments will benefit the people, it should be done after the 2010 election. Allowing CHA-CHA after election is the acid test for the objectives of the Congressmen behind it.

(N.B. this is based on my limited knowledge about Con-Ass and if you have additional info please share it to me ^-^).

A devastated COMELEC and the destroyer TIM

The news yesterday and headline in newspapers today about the withdrawal of TIM from its engagement in the automated election is very disappointing and devastating. Apart from that, COMELEC Chairman Melo expressed that this incident cannot be repaired and the nation has no choice but to return to manual election. Notably, right after the resignation of Abalos and the divulging of the Hello Garci tape, the nation initiated to clean the election process for the purpose of ensuring a clean election. Automated election was found as a solution. Millions of pesos have also been spent for such purpose. However, while election is nearing, more and more problems have started to arise and bother the nation.

Today, the worst problem has bombarded the nation. With the withdrawal of TIM, the 2010 election will be done manually. Such changes has created a doubt, speculations,and political perceptions about the real reason for such event. Many thought that it may have been politically motivated and related it to Cha-Cha while others think that it may have been due to other reasons which I cannot figure out. Although it may be unsafe to conclude that TIM's withdrawal has been caused by political pressures, it is also difficult to think of any reason for a reputable company to just withdraw from a big and important contract such as this one.

Despite any reasons, the withdrawal of TIM corp. from the automated poll is no joke. It did not only put its partner, Smartmatic, in an embarrassing and disadvantage position but also put the COMELEC in a formidable position because of strenuous adjustments that it had to undergo. More significantly it failed the people's hope to have a clean, honest, and credible election on 2010. In going back to manual election, the possibility of fraud and other dirty tricks may likely happen. With this possibility, the Filipino people will continue to suffer from the malicious manipulation of selfish and corrupt dirty politicians. All left is for us to be vigilant and do our part in intelligently casting our votes and hope for the better even if it is almost hopeless.

Supreme Court's decision on HR 1109 does not end everything

A few days ago, the Supreme Court handed down its decision on the petition against Hose Resolution 1109. HR 1109, in particular, calls for the convening of Constitutional Assembly even without the participation of the Senate. According to the SC, the dismissal of the petition was because the petitioners, Atty. Lozano and Louis Biraogo, have no legal standing and that the resolution is not a threat or not ripe for adjudication. Meanwhile, legal standing simply means the legal right to initiate a lawsuit.

Since HR 1109 does not necessarily involve spending taxpayer's money, the petitioners are not actually affected by the issue. Hence, they lack legal standing. In addition, the SC said that HR 1109 is not ripe for adjudication as it only calls for the convening of Constituent Assembly.

The decision of the SC does not end the fight against Constituent Assembly. It does not also give assurance to the proponents of Con-Ass that they can freely go with their plan. So far, the decision of the SC impacts either sides. As for me, the SC decision should not stop people from analyzing issues about Con-Ass and continue to be vigilant watcher of government's plan for the country. After all, its us, Filipino people, who can really protect and design the future of our beloved country.

It's Election Time!

It's barely a year before the 2010 election yet the environment dictates that it's election time. The creation of the political condition has been marked by the tv ad of Sen. Villar showing himself helping several OFW's being abused by their foreign employers to get back home to Philippines. The tv ad was followed by other ads showing faces of politicians extending help to those in need. Some showing their future plans and aspirations to a particular cause. The other one was aiming to promote his city by showing the beauty and the kind of life that his constituents are enjoying. Through these advertisements several unforgettable phrases has instilled in the mind of the people. Among these phrases includes, "Ganito kami sa Makati", "Anak itabi mo", and "Ganito kami noon..." But all the ads have common denominator- appealing to people to vote for them in the coming 2010 elections.
Undeniably, the ads have violated the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines which requires that campaign period should done within the 90 days period before the election day. It is also noteworthy that such ads were questioned by several critics. Though some have acceded to the criticisms, the ads still continued and new ads still continued to flash on tv screens. This proves one culture in Philippine politics which is "whatever it takes" in order to win.
Apart from the tv ads, there are several aspirants making noises just to win the attention of media and eventually make their name unforgettable until the coming 2010 election. Several politicians just can't get their hands off the cookie jar. Political parties also started to form their strategies in making their party strong in the coming election. Everyone implies that they are good, they are kind, and they deserve to be voted. With the intensity of politics at present, it can then be said that it is election time.