Praises and New Beginnings

For the coming new year, expect something different here at New Philippine Revolution. Before I go to specifics, let me thank my friends for always reading and for being with me in the past months.

RJ Marmol...thanks my friend. I admire you because you're really a true-blue online journalist. Keep it up! To Cocoy Dayao...your posts always make me smile and think. Mabuhay ka!

To Leslie Bocobo, you are one super phenom online journalist. To Noemi Dado, keep on writing phenomenal stuff. To Dean Jorge Bocobo, always enrich us with your thoughts.

To Arlene dela Cruz, always keep on fighting. Our country needs more of you.

To Manuel Buencamino, you always make me wonder, smile, hate, smile, and think. Mabuhay ka! To Carlo Ople, strive towards strengthening New Media.

To Paul Farol and the Victorina guys, keep up with your advocacy for Richard Gordon. Mabuhay kayo!

To Trixie Angeles, nawa'y palakasin pa tayo tungo sa Bagong Umaga, and of course, Atty. Argee Guevarra, gumawa pa ng mga hakbang para mabago ang ating kondisyong panglipunan.

To Nick of FilipinoVoices.com, I love the new theme. Keep it up man!

To my colleagues over at FilipinoVoices, continue making us proud. To Sparks, continue on writing. To Marocharim, you're a young thinker. Forward to more enlightening stuff. To Jester-in-Exile, my man, I pray that you finish your law studies without sacrificing your blogging.

To all those I met online thru Facebook and other media, I appreciate your friendship. You are all valuable.

Now, let's be specific.

I intend to write more expository stuff in the future. To do just that, I would need to go out of my shell and indulge in political work. That I intend to do over the next few months.

Now, New Philippine Revolution will cease to exist after 2010. Yep, as soon as the Filipino People elect somebody worthy of the presidency, I will close this site and open a new one---New Philippines!

New Philippines will be a site where I will write positive things. Transformative Democracy, which is still in its infancy, will be the core philosophy of the new site.

I believe a New Era is in the offing--an era where democracy allows the individual to transcend to a higher stage of evolution, where common ground and common causes are always sought for and where Conscientization is considered a necessary ingredient for the improvement of one's DNA.

I have high hopes that the new year will be different. It will get worst before everything gets better. Our country will experience a tumultuous era lasting for most of the year as we transition from the Arroyo administration to a new administration. Whoever gets elected as Arroyo's successor faces a tough war ahead, against Principalities, against conventions and against traditional forces out to preserve the Old way of life.

The Change we seek and we so long for these past nine years, will definitely happen. The participation of a new set of political leaders, with newer and fresher perspectives particularly on good governance, will enrich our political system. The ascension of New Entrepreneurs and of the scions of past magnates will alter the way we do business.

Next year, we fight the demons of traditional thinking. Next year, New Patriots will be stronger and tougher against those who promote the old way of life. The fight is not about good and evil. The fight will be against the Old versus the New, the Traditional vs. the Modern, the Status Quo vs. Change Agents. The triumph of those who seek change will definitely come.

And New Philippine Revolution will always be there to write History and witness the dawn of a New Morning.

Gilbert Teodoro's "Galing at Talino" Para sa Tao o Para sa Cono? Judge for yourself

Gilbert Gibo Teodoro’s handlers say their candidate possesses two distinct “talents” or “attributes” that no other candidate have–simply “Galing” (which means superb performance or capability) and “Talino” (wit or “intelligence”). I don’t doubt that. And simply, even other people do not doubt Gibo has the brains and probably the performance as a former Cabinet member to buttress his “stake” in the presidency.

At face value, Gilbert is an ideal president. He's handsome, looks intelligent and has a commanding voice. However, beneath that veneer, what lurks deep into that brain of his?


The question really is—is Gibo really thinking about the common welfare and not only the welfare of a particular class of people and did he serve the interests of the people, not those who nurtured his career as a public servant?


To answer this, let’s look at how Gilbert Gibo Teodoro views the world. His philosophical world-view can be found at http://www.gibo.ph.


Let’s discuss how he plans to manage our country.


First off, Gilbert Gibo Teodoro wants charter change. Gibo blames the 1987 Constitution for the lack of synergy between and among government agencies. He says that the Charter was crafted to lift the vestiges of dictatorship. Now that all the marks of the former regime are already gone, the Charter has already fulfilled its goal. It’s time, says Gibo, to change the Charter, from a hamstrung-ed Constitution, to a more flexible one.


Gibo toys with the idea of changing the political structure, from a presidential bicameral to a presidential unicameral. Gibo does not favor a parliamentary shift; rather he wants to change the Constitution to institute a presidential unicameral system, so that power is actually concentrated in just one entire Executive-Legislative system.


Doing so would mean the perpetuation of the tyranny of elite using a unicameral system and dominated by just one big political party. This model of governance has already been repudiated by other countries. For Gibo, this is the best solution to the current problem we face on our political system.


Obviously, a unicameral form of government would allow Congress to dominate the entire superstructure. If this is instituted, it would be easier for government to sell lands, particularly real estate, to foreigners. Gibo is in favor of allowing foreigners to own lands without cap.


And for a sustainable development, Gibo wants Congress to grant autonomy only to certain areas, where he defines as ready for autonomy. Gibo thinks the country is not yet ready for a Federal form of government.


On the Economy


Gibo provides two views about the economy: we lack innovation, therefore it is time to nurture human resources to be able to create newer and more responsive economic model and two, we need to pay our huge international and domestic debts. For Gibo, the solution to the growing disillusionment about the economy is simply introduce innovation and pay debts.


He avoided discussions on trade liberalization, on agrarian reform, on rural and urban growth and other things about the economy. In fact, his view about the economy can be summed into one paragraph only.


On Education


Gibo wants to push for the expansion of benefits under the Student Loan program. Tertiary level students will be allowed to loan their way to college. For Gibo, these loans are to be deemed “salaries”, therefore, students are given SSS membership cards, a sign that they are earning “salaries”. Meaning, if a student is given an SSS membership, government will be able to deduct a certain percentage in the loans of the student. Wow.


So, if you’re a student wanting a loan, you have to be an SSS member so that government will get a slice off your loan. That’s Gibo’s brilliant suggestion on how to help struggling students pay their college education.


On Disaster Management


Gibo claims to be an expert in disaster management. He proposes that government implements a more responsive disaster management program. There’s a slight problem though—his proposal was the same one he implemented when he was defense secretary and we all know what happened in the entire Metro Manila during the Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. He says, and I quote:

“…I support pending bills on National Disaster Act. Both versions state that local government units shall be authorized to use not less than 5% of their revenue for disaster risk management, which includes not merely response relief but also preparation and mitigation efforts.


The events [Ondoy, Pepeng] have really shown the fact that indeed local government units must take the lead in disaster risk management even in rescue and relief because the different topographies, the different conditions of the local governments cannot be managed and cannot be foreseen by the national government. So we have to rely on the different local government units to be our guide in case LGUs cannot handle the situation. And we have to rely on the state of LGU preparations. And take the risk also that these preparations maybe inadequate. And that’s the risk that we take when you make decisions everyday.


If at all, I am in full support that local government units take the lead. We can be guides by trying to build up [LGU's] capacities by placing some sort of a rational framework or technical framework for decision making. We have partner agencies that do that, too. With us are the United Nations, the OHA and the rest. However, the most important thing is to give LGUs the freedom and the leeway to use more funds for capacity building in so far as disaster risk management is concerned. And the proposed law which I support totally will give that. “

If elected, what would Gibo do in his first 100 days?


Gibo wants all infrastructure projects finished. He is also thinking of strengthening issues regarding security. Why is Gibo interested on pursuing those unfinished infra road projects? Simple. That's the best way to compensate those local officials who worked hard for him to win.


He will then craft his legislative agenda that includes: the constitutional convention law, a new education road map and the enactment of a Universal health care law. He will also try to convince Congress to enact a revolving student loan program, which funds are to be sourced from the Bangko Sentral and parked at SSS.

Meaning, if you elect Gibo, you are defining electing what he represents, which is cha-cha. And who benefits from cha-cha? You guessed it right---Gloria Arroyo of course.

So, there's a basis for people saying that Gibo is simply Gloria's stooge.


The Mindanao problem


Like other traditional politicos, Gibo parrots the already oft-repeated line of enforcing the law in Mindanao. Gibo wants the implementation of a tough-as-nails kind of policy, which resorts to deployment of more soldiers in the conflict areas. He will then try to implement disarmament, then afterwards, promotion of civic works to spur development. We all know these tactics failed in the past already since no insurgency group would allow government to disarm them. Gibo’s perspective in this lacks a deeper appreciation of the real security situation in Mindanao. In fact, this is just a superficial assessment of the situation, which is a disappointment since Teodoro served as defense secretary for many years.


Political Dynasty bill


Teodoro included this issue as one of his “visions” since he is being accused of being one of the beneficiaries of the non-implementation of a anti-political dynasty bill. Instead of directly addressing the issue, Teodoro blamed the non-implementation of the election finance law. Teodoro says that dynasties can be beaten if there is an efficient implementation or strict adherence to the finance campaign contributions. By levelling financial capabilities, Teodoro sees the defeat of political dynasties. This is a very simple analysis of the prevailing situation. It may be true that the hold of political dynasties are stronger due to their more improved financial status; yet, the fact remains that it would still take a great deal of money before a minority party can defeat a dynastic family.

Net---Gibo's Galing at Talino not for the Common Tao but for his fellow Cono.


To summarize—Teodoro’s prescriptions are no different from the cut-and-paste solutions presented by the elites in the long history of the Republic. Teodoro’s philosophical world-view is simply not transformational enough. In fact, it is simply reactionary. Teodoro’s platform or “vision” you might say, is actually a palliative meant to perpetuate elite domination over all spheres of Filipino life. There is nothing new with what Teodoro is saying, nothing extraordinary for us to get excited and nothing remotely effective in addressing the root causes of our ills and miseries.


Like his cousin, Noynoy Aquino, Teodoro avoided having a concrete stand or solution to the agrarian problem, trade liberalization, issues about the environment and even social injustices.


For me, Gibo’s so-called “Galing at Talino” is nothing more than Genuine Traditionalism or Grossly Trapo. Disappointing since I expect him to honor what he said that service is to the people, not to the Self. Yep, his visions are surely not for him, but for the class which he represents—the elite class whose interests is merely the perpetuation of their domination over the rest of the Filipino People.


What a waste of “Galing” and “Talino”.
By decentralizing efforts in disaster preparedness AND management, Gibo wants local government units to be responsible. The question really is–will this lead to more confusion since we all know what happens to ERAs devoted to LGUs?

Manny Villar's Platform: A No-nonsense Social Pact

Satur Ocampo, former Nationalist Democratic Front (NDF) head and Lisa Masa, the recognized women’s rights activist, are running under the Nacionalista Party as guest senatorial candidates. In an interview, Satur said that the reason why they aligned themselves with the Nacionalista, a traditional political party headed by no less than billionaire Manny Villar were for two reasons: first, other parties are not interested in adopting the Makabayan platform of government and only Villar says the party is ready to accept these points as part of the Nacionalista platform.


I secured for myself, a copy of the Nacionalista Party platform and read it. I also have a copy of the platform of the Liberal Party, the main political rival of the Nacionalista in the forthcoming elections. Armed with these two documents, I am trying to put them into a matrix, comparing their points and seeing if these are responsive to the current social needs.


Based on data culled from the National Statistics Coordinating Board (NSCB), the Bangko Sentral’s Consumer Confidence Index and the current AC Nielsen reports, Filipinos’ top five (5) concerns are:


1. Stability of the local economy
2. Job security
3. Increases in bills (electricity, power, water)
4. Increases in gasoline prices
5. Good governance issues (re: graft and corruption)


The Nacionalista Party platform focuses on two main points: the issue of poverty and social injustice. Reading the document, the platform provides concrete solutions to the issue of poverty—develop the rural sector and enhance or strengthen local industries. Their anti-poverty program is the most concrete and the most responsive since it addresses the root causes, and presents not just cosmetic solutions.


For one, the Nacionalista Party wants to create a self-reliant and independent local economy. In order to do just that, the Nacionalista Party intends to improve the conditions in the countrysides by implementing agrarian reform, increase rural productivity and develop and strengthen local industries.


The Nacionalista Party believes in the concept of land-to-the tiller, the main essence of true agrarian reform. The Party also seeks to provide CARP beneficiaries of funds support thru rural finance and also provide technical supports. It seeks to compensate small and medium-sized land owners who were previously not given any by the government.


For the Nacionalista party, development of both the rural and the urban sectors of the economy should go hand-in-hand and results to job generation. While developing the economy, the Nacionalista Party hopes to involve the stakeholders in preserving the national patrimony, by introducing the National Land Use policy and infusing ecologically-sound practices on farm production. Fisherfolks will be involved in conserving marine resources.


Micro-financing, strengthening rural finance infrastructures, safety nets against the onerous effects of trade liberalization, promotion of subsidies and SMEs loans are just some of the support mechanisms propounded by the Nacionalista party. This shows a very close involvement of government in supporting both the rural and urban economies. However, it is curious to know though how the Nacionalista Party would address the budget deficit problem that may arise in the implementation of these programs.


In addressing social injustice, the Nacionalista Party encourages the involvement of all sectors. The platform recognizes the strengthening of human rights, promote involvement of stakeholders in preserving people’s and individual rights and likewise highlight the role of the Youth, women and labor sectors. Social injustice is viewed on two levels: domestic and foreign. In the domestic front, the Nacionalista wants to review onerous contracts entered into by government, prosecute officials who committed graft and corruption, liberalize the social sphere by respect of human rights and shield the people from grave injustices. Transparency in government transactions and the promotion of integrity are some of the solutions being offered by the party.

In the foreign affairs sphere, a review of the Visiting Forces Agreement and some trade pacts entered by the previous dispensation is offered. The Nacionalista Party says that these onerous trade agreements and foreign cooperative ventures should be scrutinized and reviewed.


For me, the Nacionalista Party platform is responsive. It gives no motherhood statements, no broad strokes solutions and no bull-shit phrases and promises. It is not a slogan merely to satiate the reformist tastes nor a program which offers the same old and tired strands of pseudo-nationalist propaganda. It is well-thought out and direct to the point.

Barack Obama is tired

Just after a year in office, US president Barack Obama admits that he's already tired. And its showing in all his new photos. Surprising for the youngest American president? Not exactly.

The US presidency is not your typical kind of job. Yes, its the most powerful and yes, its also the most stressful. Imagine yourself dealing with petro-billionaires now and talking with pet owners the next, who would not be tired?

And he's on his 10th state visit. His popularity has somewhat diminished after his decision to re-deploy troops in Afghanistan, his budget which many think would cause inflation, and more of his decision to bail out banks instead of people.

And imagine the stress that Nigerian bomber gave him some days ago. That young pious religious bomber hailed from the same country Obama got his surname from. Symbolic? Maybe.

That's what I'm talking about here---why is it that young men, like Obama, want to be president of their respective countries. I mean, like, here in the Philippines, we have a fortish in the person of JC delos Reyes and Gilbert Teodoro who want nothing more than sit at the centuries old chairs in the palace. We have fiftish people like Noynoy Aquino and Dick Gordon all waiting for that chance to meet those dignitaries and convene their own Cabinet. And of course, we have sixty plus men like Villar and Erap, all dying to prove that they are still politically virile and can still govern this country of 90 million people.

To be prince is a tough job, ask Machiavelli who wrote many things about power at the time when he was out of the power circle. What urges these people have that makes them work hard for the presidency?

As others know, the presidency is a thankless job. Officially, you get a salary of a young executive of a multinational corporation. You sign foot high  papers every day, shake hands every day and must always have that perpetual smile on your face, like Arroyo does every, single day. You're like Batman's nemesis, the Joker, except that you wear a clean tuxedo and he does not.

Is it the money or the power?

For Barack, it is basically the power to change things, while receiving a huge paycheck. Being US president is really something--you get to change things not just in America but around the world and get a humongous pay for doing so.

Here in this beautiful side of the Pacific, being president is like having to suffer numerous critics while officially getting a salary fit for a junior manager.

Expect your critics to mangle your reputation and your family's during the time of your administration. And definitely you'll try very hard to defend each and every thing that you do even if its not necessary to do so.

Is it the reputed billion peso a month kickback jueteng lords reportedly give the president that attracts men of beautiful reputations to bid for it? Or the novelty of having a dedicated group of men armed with sophisticated weapons following you and your family around? Or, that sense of being important in every function you attend, and being treated like a veritable King or the strongest Sultan everywhere you go?

At the end of the day, being president is something of a burden. It is a burden which men of fine character want. It is what JC delos Reyes wants. And definitely, it is the dream of Noynoy Aquino too.

How about Manny Villar? I doubt very much if Erap dreams of changing things when re-elected. He knows for a fact that no one here is strong enough to repulse traditional forces. That calling for change and including that in one's platform of government is just sloganeering. That's why Gibo Teodoro, for all his boasts that he's witty and intelligent, did not even mind drafting one. Why call for change when you could very well live with the same things now?

Obama is tired. And he wants to play golf.

Why some people are greedy

Greed. That's one of the things which we love to have, but hate it when other people have it. Greed may mean "money" or it may mean other things, like greed for power. But what motivates people to exceed what is expected of them and hurt other people as a consequence?

Marcus Aurelius in his "Meditations" says that greed is one of the things common to man and beasts. (quoted from the Third book, XVII)

"To be capable of fancies and imaginations, is common to man and beast. To be violently drawn and moved by the lusts and desires of the soul, is proper to wild beasts and monsters, such as Phalaris and Nero were."

So, if greed is one of the things which we inherited when we were still yet, but beasts in the wild, how then that not all of us show this in our daily actions? How then that only those who are rich and wealthy and occupying powerful posts show this despicable trait?

Machiavelli has one answer. In his book " The Prince" , he says that people expect Principalities to be "greedy" since they have control of all resources. Short of being hated by the people, Princes show greed because it is their very nature to be greedy.

Mark Twain says greed is actually a symbol of our inward wants and the reason why we always act like greedy men is simply to satiate our momentary lusts for things.

Over time though, as what my favorite philosopher said, Nietzche, taking possession of the things our souls love, loses value. The possession, by itself, diminishes possession. There will come a time when it is not good to have anything, says Blaise Pascal. We get bored, says Malcolm Muggeridge. And the tighter we hold on to these world possessions, the less we have, says Thomas Morton. And why is that? Because the things we hold dear, the very things which we so greedily aspired for will never be enough. Even if we own the world, there is still the universe which we simply and cannot possibly, own.

Greed just shows how stupid some people are because they failed to recognize that things, as possessions, are temporal objects subject to momentary wants and desires. The more we amass things for ourselves, the more stupid we become because more possessions mean more temporal things subject to our disposal. The more we have, the lesser we become because we set a higher standard to ourselves.

This, I think, also applies to those greedy for Power. Power is temporal and sometimes, illusory. Why do I say so? For example, the power of the President. Those so-called powers are stated in the laws. When the President does not act, she does not exercise power. When she's inside the toilet, is she exercising power? No. When she's asleep, is she exercising power? No. When she's walking, is she, exercising power? No.

Power is only power when given and when recognized by a group of people. If a group of people does not recognize such power and authority, then, the holder of the power loses it.  Legitimacy is what causes power. Without it, any semblance of power loses value.

The value therefore of Power is equivalent to the amount of trust given by those who does not have power. When those who does not have  power, gain power for themselves, the previous holders of power ceases to be valued and relevant.

Exposed! Close Sumalipao Associate Reportedly Behind Planned Automated Cheating in 2010

A group of Muslims, reportedly close associates of Comelec official Atty. Ray Sumalipao, has been tasked to repudiate the candidacies of several anti-Arroyo and known critics of the Arroyo administration. This group is reportedly the same one led by a Comelec official who reportedly made a fortune in their extortion activities with some partylist groups who petitioned the poll body for accreditation.

An investigation is being conducted by several cause-oriented groups to further expose the so-called "automated cheating" and "partylist accreditation extortion activities" being undertaken by this group.

Based on an initial probe, the group is reportedly led by a Maranao by the name of "Patrick" who reportedly had dealings with former Comelec legal head Alioden Dalaig (assassinated in 2007. His murder remains unsolved). Patrick hails from Marawi City and has a brother who will be running for an elective post in Mindanao. He has been working in the Comelec for several years already and is known as an insider involved in several "project fixes".

Patrick is allegedly very close to Atty. Ray Sumalipao (now acting Regional Director of Region 12) and Comelec Executive Director Jose Tolentino. Insiders however said Tolentino's name is just being used by "Patrick" to buttress his claims that he is well-connected within Comelec. Sumalipao's association with Patrick remains highly verified. This space however, welcomes Sumalipao's side.

Patrick also has as his accomplices several staff members of Commissioner Yusoph's office and Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer, Commissioners of the Comelec second division. This group is reportedly selling Comelec accreditation to several partylist organizations.

A Comelec accreditation reportedly fetch between 700,000 pesos to 3 million pesos. Those with pending petitions are being asked to cough up 5 million pesos for a signed resolution.

Patrick, based on initial probes, is also tasked by the group to coordinate with officials responsible for the automated elections and find out possible strategies on how to cheat in the forthcoming elections. One of their group members said that one of the possible means being entertained now by the group is selective sabotage---destroying physical structures to derail the conduct of the elections.

Another strategy is the tampering of source codes. Source code are machine readable language which commands computers certain tasks.

I asked the Commission on Elections to make an internal investigation about this matter and immediately exposed the illicit activities of this group before it blows over the media. This is a very serious allegation which must be looked into not just by the poll body but by Malacanang itself.

Patrick also dragged the names of several Malacanang insiders working closely with several Commissioners. The official reportedly transacted with several close associates of the First Gentleman.

This official was put under the radar after reportedly causing the accreditation of several Muslim and non-Muslim partylist groups owned by Mindanao-based politicians and close associates of the palace. The groups were not legitimate partylist organizations.

Exposed! Maranao Comelec Official Behind Partylist Extortion Racket, Part I

A Maranao, working in one of the departments of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is behind the on-going multi-million peso extortion racket happening inside the electoral body. This Maranao election official is reportedly the bagman of several high-ranking Comelec officials.

The Maranao, a close associate of former Comelec official Atty. Ray Sumalipao, formerly regional director of the ARMM, is the mafiosi of the extortion group who reportedly forced some partylist groups to cough up money just to secure the Comelec's approval.

Atty. Sumalipao is one of three Muslim lawyers involved in the Hello Garci scandal. The Maranao extortionist is also the one suspected of having deals with Alioden Dalaig, the Comelec legal chief, who was brutally assassinated in 2007.

An on-going probe is being conducted as I write this.

The Maranao, whose codename is "Patrick", is reportedly in hiding as I write this. He is being blamed for the rejection of a big partylist organization and other legitimate partylist groups. These groups did not give in to the extortion of Patrick's group. This "Patrick" whose sibling is running for an elective post in Lanao del Sur, also name dropped Atty. Boy Macarambon's name as one of his closest associates inside the Comelec.

According to reports, the Maranao reportedly counts as accomplices four lawyers working in the second division of the Comelec, another Muslim staffer of Muslim Commissioner Yusoph and Commissioner Nicodemo Ferrer. The official, whom I will name in the next few days, also dropped the name of Atty. Boy Macarambon, as the one supporting his illicit activities. Comelec insiders however cleared Macarambon from complicity.

The Comelec official reportedly ask some partylist groups to give their "insider" group between 700,000 pesos to 3 million pesos to secure accreditation. Comelec has not released its decision on the petitions of some partylist groups because certain lawyers working in the divisions refused to release them because these people are reportedly waiting for the monies promised to them by "Patrick".

Patrick reportedly, did not give the monies and is now in hiding.

I asked Comelec chairman Jose Melo to look into this case very closely. This scandal will really destroy the integrity of the poll body and put the entire electoral process under very serious ill-repute.

I also ask my Maranao friends, especially Samira Gutoc, to help victims of this "Patrick" seek justice. This is a very serious accusation which affects the integrity of other Maranaos working in the Comelec.

IN the past, names of Muslims working in the Comelec have been dragged into very serious scandals in the poll body. Those involved in the Hello Garci scandal and others are Muslims. And the illicit activities of this Patrick would really destroy the reputations of other honest Muslims working in the Commission.

Noynoy's Social Contract without the fine print

I just finished a table which compared the platforms of the Nacionalista and the Liberal Party. You can see this in this link.

Noynoy Aquino's "Social Contract with the Filipino People" is entertaining because it is a contract without any fine print. Meaning, you don't know what you are supposed to sign for.

For example, the "Contract" (download Platform 75 at http://www.noynoy.ph/)  talks about addressing poverty thru transformational leadership, with emphasis on addressing graft and corruption. From there, the platform seeks to address the issue of poverty through job creation but nothing specific as to what would generate jobs or what is the role of government in terms of generating local jobs.

It talks about the economy and the importance of strengthening the rural sector but says nothing about how to actually strengthen it. Curiously though, the Contract does not even talk about agrarian reform, nor agricultural productivity or even the issue of developing rural industries.

Noynoy Aquino and the Liberals want us to sign for change, but how to actually do it, remains still, under a cloud or realm of contemplation (?) or study (?). No concrete stand on trade liberalization nor of agrarian reform. No concrete foreign policy issues discussed and even on the issue of peace and order, the platform lacks concrete solutions on how to address the insurgency problem. There is, however, a phrase on the Mindanao issue, which lacks comprehension--a broadly supported peace initiative---a meaningless term devoid of any explanation whatsoever.

Read it and you'll find that it is peppered with "motherhood statements" and hasty written conclusions and ad-hominems that shows an amateurish treatment of the very serious societal issues the country is currently facing. 

What the people need least is another document which promises a broad-strokes solution to problems which need concrete answers. We need substance, not empty promises that links this to that.

Even in the issue of ecological preservation, the Social Contract is wanting. It does not say what are the means to actually preserve our natural resources or what would be the role of the people in this.

The absence of any stand or position regarding agrarian reform nor a review of onerous trade pacts or agreements shows that Noynoy Aquino's platform is not transformational nor as revolutionary as most of us hope. The platform refuses to make a concrete stand on these vital or core societal issues because probably, it wants to preserve the interests of those behind the party, namely, the landed gentry and Big Business.

I felt betrayed, simply because I expected a Contract that presents solutions, not motherhood statements or stirring up phrases or sloganeering or emotionally laded ones. Probably,  Noynoy Aquino expects us to jump in a crevice without even him telling us why or why not? We need leaders who not only inspires, but also provides us with concrete answers. We don't need someone to tell us we are poor or that government has corrupted our morals and has stolen billions from us. We know that as a fact already. What we
need is someone who will tell us how to actually lift ourselves from this morass and how will he address the issue of corruption or how to deal with those who already committed graft and corruption.

Again, it is curious to note why Noynoy and the Liberals did not even tackle the issue of prosecuting Mrs. Arroyo and her gangster members. Unlike in the Nacionalista Party platform, the Aquino platform is silent about the prosecution of Mrs. Arroyo.

I felt like Noynoy Aquino just threw us that social contract for us to read and sign and just support him and when he wins, that would probably be the time that Noynoy and the Liberals will sit down and hammer concrete solutions to our most pressing problems.

The question really is---is Noynoy Aquino really ready on the task of steering us or commandeering the entire Filipino People towards nation-building? I ask him and the Liberals to reform this Social Contract, make it more responsive and then, maybe, I'll be able to answer with firmness, that, indeed, Noynoy Aquino deserves to be our leader.

Top 10 Scandals on the Pinoy Net

Sex, golf and eating binges--these are the stuff that Pinoys talked about all year over the Net.  I've been reviewing these scandals that happened in the Internet and this is, for me the top 10 scandals to hit the Philippine internet.

10. Pangandaman golf incident

Agriculture secretary Pangandaman's son was playing golf when he got into an altercation with another golfer. Pangandaman and his boydguards reportedly manhandled the father of the golfer. The daughter of the golfer reported the matter to the police and posted an entry in her blog. The blog caught fire. Local media got wind of it. No Malacanang investigation. Pangandaman remained in the Cabinet and now looking for a way to win a Congressional seat.

9. Pacquiao-Krista Ranillo tryst

The first hint of a romance came when a Filipino online journalist reportedly exposed the illicit affair between boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao and starlet Krista Ranillo. Both camps denied it although there were reports about Jinkee and Manny's alleged confrontation in the States. Now, reports are rife that Manny Pacquiao wants to "hook up" with another starlet by the name of Michelle Madrigal.

8. Belo sues Facebook user

Dr. Vicki Belo, owner of Belo Medical Group, sued Atty. Argee Guevarra for his alleged "libelous remarks" over Facebook. This is the first case filed in the Philippines against "libelous or scurry" remarks of a Facebook user. The case is pending in the courts.

7. Cory Aquino funeral

It was not a scandal , but it enjoyed scandalous coverage over the net. People from all walks of life joined in to cover the most celebrated funeral cortege in Philippine history. Crowd estimates were between 200-600,000 people, not counting the millions watching the scene online.

6. Hayden Kho-Maricar Reyes sex scandal

This video was reportedly taken by Hayden at the time when he and Maricar Reyes were "sweethearts". During the scandal, Maricar was tight-lipped and survived the public flogging. Hayden, meanwhile, was charged in court and his license as a doctor revoked.

5. Hayden Kho-Brazilian model sex scandal

After the release of the initial video of Dr. Hayden Kho having sex with Katrina Halili, another video showed up in the net, this time, between the horny doctor and a Brazilian model (reportedly the model in the Argentina corned beef TV ad). The model reportedly left the country after the leak.

4. AkoMismo campaign

AkoMismo campaign, an initiative to promote the candidacy of Nacionalista party presidential bet Manny Villar was creamed online for acting and being a phishing site. A phishing site is a place where people register their information online. The campaign got a lot of flak from people, accusing it of being pretentious and obviously

3. DSWD mishandling Typhoon Ondoy relief goods

An online journalist volunteered to help DSWD in its relief efforts after the devastation wrought by Ondoy and Pepeng. What she saw was shocking---piles upon piles of relief goods from donors abroad rotting inside the DSWD warehouses. The DSWD denied it. But photos don't lie.

2. Mrs. Arroyo's expensive dinners

Mrs. Arroyo, together with her Cabinet members and some hangers-on, went on an eating binge in New York and Washington. They spent close to 5 million pesos. A US-based newspaper reported the incident and it caught fire in the Philippines. Mrs. Arroyo's entourage was

1. Katrina Halili-Hayden Kho sex scandals

The most scandalous thing to hit the Internet. Katrina Halili, a GMA 7 talent was caught on tape having sex with Hayden Kho. At that time, Kho was having an affair with Vicki Belo. The tape was reportedly released by one of Kho's friends. It spread like a virus in the Internet. Halili came out and filed charges against Kho and Belo. Hayden lost his license as a doctor while Belo took the time off to heal her wounded heart.

Latest is, Kho and Belo have been seen together in Bohol, again, as lovers (?). Hayden Kho is on the PR offensive, trying to get back his license and trying hard to project that he already reformed from his deeds. There was one Inquirer interview which quoted him as saying that people will eventually forget what happened.

Hayden, you wish! The cases are still in court and until now, Halili is still suffering from the traumatic experience.

Noynoy Aquino Platform of Government

Seems some people online are enjoying themselves, bashing Noynoy Aquino. And why not? These people are still clueless and misinformed, and about what?

What's the platform of your government, Mr. Aquino? When your father ran for Senator and president, he presented a very clear Nationalist-inspired platform, something concrete, lucid and palatable to the tastes of the electorate. In your case Mr. Aquino, nada. Are we, the people, not deserving of your attention? At least during this Christmas break, please find time to sit down with your advisers and hammer out a platform. That way, people will not say that the Noypi campaign is all fizz no substance.

That's what people are saying online about Noynoy. This just shows that these people failed in research.

Noynoy Aquino has 16 very simple "points to ponder" in his site http://www.noynoy.ph/. If Gordon has his transformative politics, Noynoy has his "transformative leadership". The platform has sixteen (16) points, namely:

1. A government headed by a President who will be the foremost crusader against graft and corruption.
2. Job generation is top priority to realize or concretize economic gains or data before the people.
3. Education as central strategy, meaning the Noynoy administration will surely invest in enhancing the skills or the potentialities of human resources to combat poverty.
4. Advancement or improvement of public health.
5. Enhancement of the justice system
6. An Executive department that dispenses equal justice and fair to everyone.
7. Recognition of farms and rural enterprises as key engines for achieving food security.
8. Anti-poor programs that widens economic opportunities for the poor.
9. A government that promotes conditions for growth of all economic sectors, big or small.
10. A government that promotes local employment opportunities and takes care of Filipinos who decide to work abroad.
11. Political appointees chosen based on integrity, competence and performance.
12. Professionalization of the government bureaucracy.
13. A government that promotes gender equality in all spheres of life.
14. " A broadly supported peace initiative" in Mindanao--whatever that means.
15. Allow the building of "Inclusive urban communities"--whatever that means.
16. Sustainable use of natural resources for the betterment of the country.

Notice some familiar key phrases and concepts? Yes, you guessed it---every single word in Noynoy's platform of governance has been reflected in previous State-of-the Nation (SONA) addresses of every single president since Marcos. In fact, read the Medium Term Development Plan of the government---each and every item there is uncannily similar with those found in Noynoy's platform of Government.

Words or key phrases such as "sustainable use of natural resources", " broadly supported peace initiative in Mindanao", "professionalization of the government bureaucracy", "job generation", " equality", and "education as central strategy".

So, do we expect things to change if we elect Noynoy Aquino into office?

Profiling the 2010 Presidentiables

Yesterday, I had the time to write about the psychological profiles of at least four (4) Presidentiables, namely: Noynoy Aquino, Manny Villar. Gibo Teodoro and Joseph Estrada. Read it at http://pinoyobserver.com. These posts are very interesting because these look at the psychological aspect rather than qualifications or what-have-you. In political analysis, political psychology is an important tool since this looks at how personalities would react in certain situations.

For example, Noynoy Aquino will suffer from some sort of a physical reaction when faced with a stressful situation. He is a strong-willed individual, believes in what he is fighting for, and has a genuine concern for his fellowmen. Under his administration, Noynoy will definitely allow the present crop of business elites to remain the same, and only those areas or fields that need to be changed will be attended to. Noynoy is also a revolutionary. He will welcome a change in the technological landscape. He loves to be with people and listen to their problems. He also has a philosophical mind.

Despite his public persona, Manny Villar has an independent streak in him. He loves life. He is a calculated risk-taker. He values freedom and is an incurable Optimist. He cherishes new ideas, will try them out, yet, will probably come up with one concrete solution after discussing the others. He is quite an adventure seeker and loves to travel to learn on new things. Definitely, under a Villar presidency, expect more foreign travels with him. Yet, society will be freer and more democratic under his stead.

Gibo, as I learned, has similarities with former president Fidel V. Ramos in terms of management and leadership styles. He is very intelligent, a quick thinker and very creative. He is somewhat a Noynoy Aquino opposite since Gibo will probably be more flexible in terms of welcoming new ideas rather than opposing them.

If you closely look at the psychological profile of former president Joseph Estrada, he surely is destined to be the President of our country. He has all the attributes of a Leader. He is bright, a risk-taker, a zealot, and possesses natural managerial skills. He loves action and hates routine. That's why expect a revival of midnight Cabinet meetings should we elect him back.

I have three more profiles to write---Richard Gordon, JC delos Reyes and Eddie Villanueva. Read them all at PinoyObserver (http://pinoyobserver.com/ or at http://www.pinoyobserver.wordpress.com/).

Advance the Cause of New Democracy

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is celebrating its 41st anniversary today. The statement issued by the CPP Central Committee-National Democratic Front (NDF)  says that within the next five years, the stage of the protracted people's war under the theoretical guidance of Marxism-Leninism-Mao Tse Tung would have reached strategic stalemate, from its current stage of strategic defensive. Meaning, with the expected increase of armed fronts from 120 to 180, the CPP hopes to achieve a practical, instead of a theoretical "levelling off" of its forces with the AFP.

It is so comforting to know that the CPP now acknowledges the concept of tactical "wave" offensives, a concept which I propounded late in 1991 in the University of the Philippines or what I described as MAO or Mass Advance Offensive. MAO contemplates the State as a living organism, with different cells (cells=cities, government units) working together to repulse the advancement of revolutionary impetus. The strategy therefore, is for revolutionaries to slowly penetrate these cells and cause it to implode upon the weight of tactical initiatives. This is faster than relying on battalion-size formations, since it requires the activation of city partisan units (cpus) which will be deployed with tactical objectives.

The reason why the revolution continues to age and enters a maturity state is it is being pressed down with inactivity, caused by the imposition of CC of shifting focus from political-military work to mainly building armed forces. The abandonment of political work in the Cory years is now bearing the organization down, since the instant shift from regularization of the NPA to the reinvigoration of pol-mil did not go as smoothly as what the CC thought then. Pol-Mil is very important in strengthening and growing revolutionary movements. It must go hand-in-hand in advancing the Cause of the Revolution.

Armando Liwanag recognized the error and has ordered its rectification sometime in 1997 and it should be noted that the new statement by the Party suggest an intensification of recruitment efforts directed at increasing the number of revolutionaries within the ranks of organizers in organizations. This is the right direction. However, aside from re-organizing and strengthening legal front organizations and real-time recruitment, the Party, in order to advance to the next higher state, should utilize newer tools, like the Internet, in spreading the correctness of the Marxist-Leninist-Mao Tse Tung line. As I read the statement of the Party, it continues to provide a correct analysis of the local and international situation and this should be aligned with the current revolutionary strategy. The analysis needs some refinements to resonate with people fed up with the system.

Dominance in the ideological sphere is what the Party needs in order to widen or enhance its party base. This is the real cause why Party influence waned in recent years.  It is not the theoretical line that is being debated upon---it is the correctness of the methodology to advance the revolution that is mainly disputed.

For example, the Party still insists that the current political economy of the Philippines is that of a "semi-feudal and semi-colonial" state. A re-analysis of the current pol-eco is necessary since it is not reflective of reality. Most cities and towns in this country have now entered a stage of "semi-industrialization" brought about by the infusion of capital from the city centers to the towns. There are more small and medium sized enterprises now, and more global brands entering or establishing business in provincial cities and towns. Yes, there are still agrarian-based economies around, mostly in areas where the Party dominates, but these areas are not the reflection of the current economic state. Accepting this shift would mean a change in the direction of the armed struggle.

An implied recognition of this can be gleaned from the Party statement which indicated that it is now growing partisan operative units in urban areas to cause "demoralization" among the enemy ranks. This is a correct tactic.  The re-activation of urban guerilla units is essential not just as a part of the overall revolutionary strategy but also as a sign that the Party is still alive and undertaking great initiatives along the line of the protracted people's war.

If the analysis now is that the State is weaker now than before, all the more relevant or significant is the deployment of such forces in the urban areas. A weak state is susceptible to small scale attacks, particularly assassination, neutralization of specific state industries through partisan work or just plain and simple symbolic attacks against key officials. The work of the ABB at the height of the Marcos regime caused the speedier downfall of the dictatorship.

It is important also for the Party to strengthen its ties with other revolutionary movements. The Party needs to "open itself up" to criticism and self-criticism to be able to hammer out a more correct line that is acceptable to all those working for a New Democracy. The dominance of the Marxist-Leninist-Mao Tse Tung line will actually be felt by other organizations through active debates, not in imposing it upon them. The lack or absence of debates is what caused the demoralization of some adherents to the cause. If the Party totally adheres to the very nature of a revolutionary organization, it must be able to open itself up, spur debates and discussions particularly on the direction of the PPW and "modernize" itself up. The bolder and more correct line should result from these discussions. The protractive nature of the struggle is a repudiation of the current strategy.

A Prayer to the Nation and to my friends

Holy Father, the Maker of all things
The Originator of the Worlds, the God of all gods
The Lord of all lords, the Creator of the Universe
I praise you and worship Your Most Holy Name

Father, Who Made Everything living and non-living
Who Caused the Times and the seasons to change
Who gives mercy to those who believe in Him
Who punishes those who sin continually
Who rewards those who continue in faith
I praise you and give you all the praises and worship.

Forgive me of all my sins.
Forgive me if I violated Your precepts.
Forgive me if I ever harmed other persons.
And cleanse me of all filth, of all sin.

Father, bring us back to Your Kingdom.
Father, heal our Nation and impress upon every heart
the Fear of You, the God of every gods.

Father, illuminate the minds of our leaders
Let them serve based on what you teach them.
Imbue them the Spirit of Truth and give them Wisdom
to serve our People well and in truth and honesty.

Father, put the Fear of the Lord in their hearts
so that they will always be reminded of You whenever they get evil offers
to steal, to cheat and to make lives hard for our people.

Father, set order in our House.
Let Your Justice reign in our land.
Heal those sick. Save those whose lives are lost.
Give the widows the comfort they deserve.
Take care of the orphans. Give peace to the poor.

Father, use Your Servants, those who believe in You
to help those widows in their affliction,
to give comfort to those orphaned
to feed the hungry and comfort the poor.

Father, for our brothers and sisters sick and in deathly despair,
comfort them. Heal them of their sickness. Put your Spirit into them.
So that they may testify of Your Great Power and Strength.

Father, to those who use Your Great Bounty
to those who trade the things You created
Let Your Wisdom and Spirit be upon them.
Put the fear of the Lord in their hearts
so that they may not cut down the trees
carve the mountains for more ore
or destroy the reefs just for oil or exhaust the seas
of fishes and marine animals.

Father, to those who trade money
make their hearts honest. Let Your Spirit guide them always.

Father, to those who aspire to lead
Let Your Spirit guide them to the right direction.
Let them be blessed. Let them serve without thinking of money
nor of their families, but serve as the public servants.
Anoint only those deserving of Your Will.
Frustrate those whose desires are but personal not for our Nation.

Father, bless Noynoy Aquino and his family and friends.
Bless Manny Villar, his family and friends.
Bless Gibo Teodoro, his family and friends.
Bless Richard Gordon, his family and friends.
Bless Joseph Estrada, his family and friends.
Bless JC delos Reyes, his family and friends.

Father, continually bless and keep safe, Mar Roxas, his family and friends.
Bless and keep safe, Senator Loren Legarda, her family and friends.
Keep safe and take care Bayani Fernando and put the Fear of the Lord in his heart and wash away his boastfulness and take away his ego.
Keep safe and take care Jojo Binay. Let him always remember where he started and increase the love for the poor in his heart.
Keep safe and take care Edu Manzano.

Father, anoint and bless my friends
Joey de Venecia, his family and friends. May he continue to be the Joey I know, honest and determined to make a change.
Susan "Toots" Ople, family and friends. May she continue pursuing the cause of Labor and continue helping our fellow Filipinos suffering in sweatshops abroad.
Alex Lacson, Father, keep him safe from harm and continually bless him. May he continue giving inspiration to the Youth.
Yasmin Lao, Father, though I have not met her, but give her the strength and the Wisdom to be always be Your Servant.

Father, keep safe, General Danny Lim and Col. Ariel Querubin. May You strengthen them and their families to continue the fight of the Filipino People.

Father, to Satur Ocampo and Liza Masa. May You keep their hearts pure and give them more years to serve our People.

Father, to Atty. JV Bautista, strengthen him and anoint him as one of your servants.

Father, bless and keep safe, Ruffy Biazon, Teofisto Guingona III, and Riza Hontiveros-Baraquel. May you anoint them as your servants in the Senate.

Father, please hear my plea and my prayer.
For the soldiers of the People to always keep faith and protect the Filipino People.
For the police of the People to always be honest and serve the People with integrity.
For the doctors of the People to always be honest and serve the People continually.
For the lawyers of the People to always be of the highest integrity and serve the People continually.
For the businessmen of the People to be fair.

Father, give food to the Laborers,
give more time to the Call center agents
give a bountiful harvest to the farmers
give more fishes to the fishermen
and give respite to those who work in construction sites.

Father, keep safe and continually bless my friends,
Ding Gagelonia, strengthen him and cure him of his illnesses and sickness
Keep him from harm and bless his children.

Father, bless and continue to give abundance to Atty. Bonifacio Tan, Atty. Bayani Tan, Atty. George Garcia, Atty. Jojo Flamiano, Atty. Trixie Angeles,  Noynoy Tan, Precious Tan, Peter Co, Jim Co, Candy Co, Mike Co, Stanley Tan, Emil Ong, Alliett Cue, Kristel Cue, Peter Chua, Bobby Tenchavez, Rudy Chua, Willy Chua, Yvette Mae Yap, Sally Co, John Go, John Peter Go, Sally Go, Menchie Te, Jenny Tan, Co Teo, Co Te Chan, Joey Chan, John G, Nick D'Cruz, Wilford Mensch, Anthony Soros, and Sultan Abdul Karim.

Father, bless Arlyn dela Cruz, strengthen her and give her peace.
Father, keep and bless Melo del Prado and his wife,
Anthony Taberna and his lovely wife, let him be the instrument of your love
Gerry Baja and his family, let them be safe and be the instrument of your love
Zander Cayabyab and his family, may they always be faithful to You, O Father.
To Nelson Lubao, Father, give Him strength and wisdom.

Father, bless and keep safe Maryann Reyes, Joel Reyes-Zobel, Manolo Quezon, Joseph Parafina, Zony Esguerra, Noel Cabangon, Jun Icban, Tony Katigbak, Marigold Haber,Ricky Alegre, Robert Requintana, Gerry Lirio, Doris Dumlao, Sandy Araneta, Kiko Cueto, Buddy Oberas, Jay, Ferdinand Abella, Diego Cagahastian, Daxim Lucas, David and his brother Gani Oro, Norlyn Temblor, Tina Panganiban-Perez, Juliet, Cocoy, Nick, Dean Jorge Bocobo, Dean dela Paz, Bobby Capco, Tony Abaya, Roy Cabonegro, Benigno, Marck Rimorin, Sparks, Noemi Dado, Carlo Ople, Paul and his wife Arlene Lim-Farol, George Tamondong, Rainier Ronda of Philippine Star, Juliet Fernandez, Boy Fernandez, Carlo Osi, Carlo Mateo,  Arnold Clavio, Sam Nielsen, Marichu Villanueva, Rommel Lara and to others whom I failed to mention here but serve the People as Journalists.

Father, bless and keep safe Col. Diosdado Valeroso and his family. May You Always make their lives wonderful and relevant to You, O God.

Father, bless Dante Lagman, Don Flordeliza, Roy Cabonegro, Alvin Aguilar, Dodong Encanto, Ka Mariano, Ka Silvestre, Ka Norman, Ka Gordon, Ka Mely, Ka Arnold, Ka Jose, Armando Liwanag, Ka Ferdie, Ka Ferdy, and Ka Florida.

Father, bless my mother and my sister. They are the only treasures I have.
Bless my wife and my kids. Keep them safe from harm and from the diseases. Father, strengthen their bodies and their minds.

Lastly, Father, bring Your Holy Hand to Our Land
Heal us, make us go back to You, bring Justice, Love and Peace
and keep me and my family safe, free from sickness and give us prosperity
to tide us over whenever there is a crisis.

To this I ask in the Name of the Lord, Amen. (ameen)

Eleven Things to do Before The New Year

Here is a list of things you should do before the new year:

1. Rummage your old stuff. Those still good but you rarely use, put it in a bundle. When you're done, call ABS-CBN, GMA Kapuso Foundation or any group you trust and give the bundles to them.

2. Food that you did not consume in last night's Noche Buena, put them in clean containers. Go out of your homes and bring food to the needy. They need you this Christmas.

3. If you still have time, spend it with the lolas and lolos in the Home for the Aged. For those who want to bring cheer to kids, go to Boys and Girls Town in Mandaluyong. You are needed there.

4. If you have some money left, give it to your favorite foundation. It will help a lot.

5. For those living near evacuation centers, please, at least spend an hour of your time today, and bring them food and some clothes. Or, if you don't have it, like me, just sing them a song and cheer them. They need your lovin today.

6. Visit your parents. Spend quality time with them. Tell them how much you love them.

7. Make a list of friends you argued with, those whom you severed your ties with, and give them a gift. Don't forget to light the fuse. :-) Just joking. Ask for their forgiveness and heal your rifts with them.

8. Meditate for at least one hour. Clear your mind of negative thoughts and visualize what will happen to you and your family next year. Don't forget to visualize a clean and honest and violence-free elections, okey?

9. Visit a nearby park or nature preservation. Have a picnic. Appreciate the beauty of what God gave us and thank God for giving us this world. This is the only earth we have. And tell yourself that I will help preserve it.

10. Read the Bible or the Koran for my fellow Muslim brothers or the Bhadgavat-gita for my Hindu friends. Be illuminated with God's light. Ask for God's guidance. Seek His Wisdom. And pray for those who are in need, who are orphaned, who were widowed and who were seeking justice. Pray. It helps.

11. Smile. And share that smile with the world.

Friends are blessings from God

This year has been a blessing for me and for my family. For one, I met new friends, strengthened those old ties and deepened my faith with God. It was also a year of frustrations, of unmet expectations from people and of deeper contemplation about life and about the future. All in all, this year, I would say, brought me to a higher plane of consciousness, of realization and of a deeper appreciation of things.

Compared last year, I was richer now than before, richer and wealthier in the sense that I met new friends. Some of my new friends include Susan "Toots" Ople, whom I find to be very sincere and really dedicated to the Cause of Labor. Others include Vince Dalingan of Bulacan, RJ Marmol (whom I just met this year), Roy Cabonegro, and Don Flordeliza. I share affinity with this people because they all aspire for the same things that I just dream of.

Arlyn dela Cruz of Inquirer fame, Trixie Angeles and so many others who share the same aspirations, the same dreams, of finally having a society that is freer than the others, that does not tolerate corruption and a society of love, democracy and peace.

These dreamers, of the New Patriot mold, are like me--poor in terms of money but plenty of dreams and work for the betterment of our society.

My old friends, Ding Gagelonia and all the rest, continue writing stuff that inspires and enlightens. Ding, take care of your health.

After many years of absence, I also re-united with my buddy, Dado V. Also, let me mention other ideological and personal buddies whom I shared a big part of my life, now continuing the struggle we so gave our lives before.

A few days ago, I also re-united with my "kuya" Alex Lacson. He is still daring to change things in his own way, his own fashion. I will help him realize that.

Of course, who would forget Joey de Venecia III? I just hope that our friendship deepens despite our differences.

To all those whom I berated in this spare, commented against, and humiliated, let me just tell you one thing---REPENT and RECTIFY the wrongs you so wrought to our people. By doing so, you will earn not just my praise but the praise of the Filipino People.

To all those who still dream of a Better and More Prosperous Philippines, I say---be patient. Our longsuffering will surely end.

To all those who dream of owning this country for themselves, I say--dream on! This country belongs only to the Filipino People, and where tyranny exists, there will definitely be thousands who will sacrifice their lives to defeat it.

For God favors those with kind hearts and men of Peace.

Ako ay Pinoy--regalong tula para sa aking Kapwa Pilipino

Ako’y Pinoy



Ni Patricio Mangubat



Ako’y Pinoy
Pinanganak ako sa gitna ng Asya
Magulang ko’y Kastila’t timawa
isinilang ako sa gitna ng kawa
inihangong may lakas at
may angking ganda.


Ako’y Pinoy
Sanggol ng mga Intelligentsia
Anak sa labas ng mga taga Espana
Kinamuhian ng Masa noong una.

Ako’y Pinoy
Inuyayi ako ng mga palahaw ng Indipiendensya
Binuo ako mula sa dugo ng Indio
Tawag sa aki’y hilaw na Asyano
Tubong Kanluran, pinanganak sa Silangan.

Ako’y Pinoy
Lumaki sa yaman ng kalikasan
Ngunit alila sa sariling tahanan
Inalipusta ng mga Dayuhan
Ikinulong sa kahirapan
Isinumpa sa kagutuman
Iginapos sa kamangmangan.

Ako’y Pinoy
Dugong Tsino samahan pa ng Amerikano
Hapon, Ingles, Dutch, Pranses at Italyano
Ang dumadaloy sa ugat ko


Samahan pa ng dugong Negrito
Iyan ang Pilipino.


Ako’y Pinoy
Lahi ng mga Bayani
Mutya ng mga Binibini
Pinuno ng mga salinlahi
Anak na Pinili.

Ako’y Pinoy
Anak ako ng aking mga magulang
Ang ama ko’y si Kanluran.
Ang ina ko’y ang Silangan.
Binhi ako ng lahing Maharlika
Mula sa kawa ng Indiong Timawa.


Ako’y Pinoy
Muslim ako at Kristiyano.
Hindu at Katoliko.
Ang Iglesia Ko ay Sambayanang Ninuno
Pinili ng Dios mula sa kawang bato.


Ako’y Pinoy
Batan ang aking pinagmulan. Ilokano ang aking kamusmusan
Pangalatok ang aking kaisipan. Bulakenyo’t Davaoenyo ang
Aking kagandahan.
Panlasa ko’y hango sa Katagalugan
Kasipagan ko’y waring galing sa Cagayan.
Katapangan ko’y dili’t iba’y Bikolano
Walang dayuhang nakatalo
Sa Batangenyong may dalang bolo.


Hibla ng aking buhok, galing sa Mindoro
Balat ko’y angking Cebuano
Mata ko’y hango sa mga Zamboangenyo
Paniniwala ko’y tubong Suluano.


Salita ko’y malambing na Ilonggo
Ilong ko’y tiyak Pampango
Isip ko’y Leyteno
Mga kamay ko’y tubong Iloilo.

Ako’y Pinoy
Walang problemang hindi ko kayang lusutan
Walang balakid sa piniling kapalaran
Kaya kong wasakin ang kulungan ng kahirapan
Basta’t tangan ko ang ilaw ng tamang Kamalayan.


Ako’y Pinoy
Puri ako ng mga dayuhan
Sa boksing at kantahan
lakas ng kamay ko’y gumagawa ng mga
lipunan
dunong ko’y nagpapanday ng
kinabukasan.

Ako’y Pinoy
Bida ako sa mga umpukan
Serbesa ko’y ang aking karunungan
Pulutan ko’y ang aking kagandahan.


Ako’y Pinoy
Galit ako sa mga kawatan
Muhi ako sa kawalang katarungan
Suklam ako sa kahirapan
Sumpain ko ang kagutuman.


Ako’y Pinoy
Pinalaki akong may
Takot sa Dios
Ngunit kung may kasamaan
Handa akong makipaglaban.


Ako’y Pinoy
Sa salin Diwa papandayin ko ang Malayang Lipunan
Sa lakas ng aking tinig, papalahaw ako ng isang malakas na sigaw
Na yayanig sa mga taong ulila’t nangangatog sa ginaw
Papawiin ko ang kanilang mga gutom
Aalisin ko ang mga sapot ng kanilang kaluluwa
Palalayain ko ang Inang Bayan
At itatayo ang Bagong Bayan!

Ako'y Pinoy
hikahos, nakagapos, pero huhulagpos!
itatayo ang Pag-Asa mula sa pagkabusabos!
at papandayin ang kinabukasang
may laya, may katarungan, may kapayapaan!