Black Thursday

As we blame Sulpicio Lines for that sea disaster (the 5th time!), the world waits for the announcement of the US Federal Reserve on the fate of the US economy. This Thursday, the Fed will announce the first quarter economic performance of the economy. This is quite important, since the Fed is also expected to announce the impact of rising crude prices, unemployment and food prices. Technically, the US is suffering a mild recession and it could worsen into a depression if left unchecked.

What the US, and the rest of the world is most concerned about is the "free falling" state of global oil prices. Today, oil prices reached a ridiculous US$ 143/barrel, a US$ 3 rise from last week's price. Markets reacted negatively, with the Dow Jones falling nearly 11 percentage points today. Speculations are rife that crude price could reach US$ 160/barrel, even if Saudi Arabia continues its plan to increase production.

Many analysts blame oil speculators for this rise in oil prices. Many even see these oil speculators using the "Global Warming" scare to justify the increase in fuel prices. With the purported "depletion" of oil reserves around the world, speculators have created a scenario where they justify oil as a threatened or "rare" commodity, hence, rising price of resources to satisfy demand.

World leaders and CEOs are now meeting as we speak in Europe at the World Petroleum Conference. The meeting aims to address key issues such as this affecting the global oil economy. However, many are pessimistic since oil-producing countries such as Iraq continues to reject foreign oil contracts. Also, many oil companies have decreased oil exploration activities due to economic pressures. So, we may still expect oil prices to go up in the next few months. Analysts say, we would probably see a US$ 160-200/barrel price of crude in December 2008.

Analysts are also looking at the dismal performance of the job market in the US. Siemens, one of the world's largest companies, have announced the lay off of more than a thousand workers. Other smaller and medium-sized companies have also announced job cuts. This could lead to a sharp rise in unemployment rates in the US, expected to double digit by mid-August.

Lastly, inflation seems pretty vulnerable now with food prices reaching ridiculous levels. Analysts blame food speculators, even noting those based in the Philippines. A recent news report says that the Philippines actually created an artificial increase in the price of rice with its international bidding. Inflation could reach double digits for both the US and the Philippines by August or by mid-September. I am not surprised if it already reached double digits for the Philippines.

What government should do at this point is implement a contingency plan. Safety nets should be implemented to protect critical sectors of the economy. I believe the Philippine economy is not resilient enough to weather an Asian financial crisis similar to the late 80's. If this is the case, then, short-term solutions should be done, like targetted financial assistance to would-be hardest hit sectors. Export industries are extremely vulnerable at this point and government should be particularly attentive to their needs. Likewise, manufacturing and the services sectors could also be affected by the worsening US recession.

Lastly, government should fast-track the implementation of Salceda's Noah's Ark plan. Some of us would probably think this is just a dole-out, but a similar program succeeded in arresting the economic slide of Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore. Government should protect the further deteriorating state of almost 5 million poor families, especially in the National Capital Region (NCR) to (1) prevent social unrest caused by economic difficulties and (2) enable the economy to still float and survive this slowdown of the global economies.

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Towards an Epistemological Understanding of Filipino Revolts

In his study on revolutions, Sociologist Walter Goldfrank summed up his observations by listing four prerequisites for revolutions to occur: a favorable world context, an administrative and coercive crisis of the state, widespread rural rebellion and dissident elite movement(s). The first three, says Goldfrank, synthesized to form a revolutionary situation. The fourth, given the near-automatic existence of alternate contenders, emerges to effect political and social transformation after military superiority is proved.

Political scientist James Davies meanwhile said that revolutions occur during a short period of sharp reversals; when people are jolted from their seats and realize the imminent threats to their very lives caused by ineffective governance. Various statistics—as on rural uprisings, industrial strikes, unemployment and cost of living—may serve as crude indexes of popular moods. Yet, these are pre-eminent indications of a rising undercurrent of dissent among affected classes.

However, we find in history that such conditions, though existing, did not necessarily lead to a revolution. In the Philippines, such preconditions only ripen to a full-blown revolt only when led by the intellectual classes. Marx theory of the leadership of the proletariat and Theda Scocpol’s agrarian uprisings do not apply in the Philippine context. Our history is replete with pseudo-revolutions or roughly incomplete revolutions that explain why we are still unable to truly progress towards complete state development.

Less I be accused of distorting history, yes, we do find pockets of agrarian-based revolts in our historical experience; but these are aberrations rather than stages in a continuing revolution. Idealists among us are quick to say that such incidents are interlinked. Close study reveals that causes may be the same, but we find no unified agenda among groups who led these incidents. Our failure to grasp this historical realities is the true cause of our failure to launch genuine revolutions of such magnitude as to effect real change in our society.

Towards an Epistemological approach to revolutions

True revolutions, as Clifford Kroeber wrote, need a comprehensive and general theory or strategy. The lack of such a model causes disruptions and failures in effecting strategy. We may launch thousands of rallies against the state but it will not lead to total change. We may organize the Filipino proletariat, yet, this will not lead to their emancipation nor the establishment of a dictatorship of this class.

Our present situation calls for an epistemological examination of our history through what I call the "synthesis of causes." We are caught, as Thomas Kuhn described, in our own individualized world views or “paradigms” that reflect on invididual accumulations of social norms and reward processes that prevents us from considering certain actions for change. We are being held back by our very situation to truly push for a liberating strategy against this parasitic state.

A re-examination of what is Filipino and what is his concepts of change may contribute towards an epistemological solution. However, we need to create social cycles that would lead to a psycho-social evolution marked by the dominance of the intellectual entrepreneur. It is this class that would lead a genuine People's Revolution. A social cycle allows one collective mindset--a class--to emerge, set up and assume a dominant position whenever a former collective mindset or class has been corrupted or has degenerated. The exigency of such a strategy is pre-eminent given the present condition of the Philippine state.

Miriam to run for president

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago says that she'll run for president if she does'nt land a post at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). She was quoted during a lull in the presidential entourage in Washington DC.

"I'll just put fear in the hearts of my enemies, if I decide to run as president," says the feisy former QC judge who was elected under a platform of good governance and an anti-corruption stance.

Are you threatening us? Surely, the ICJ is not as masochistic as some of us Filipinos. If we can tolerate characters such as you because we simply don't have a choice, then, it's different with other countries.

Well, Miriam, it will not be your enemies who'll be afraid of your candidacy. It is the whole goddamned country whom you have been terrorizing since you became a legislator.

Yes, Miriam, like Gloria, you're living in your own fantasy world (Gloria's world is her version of Enchanted Kingdom). You're the Snow Queen who thinks everybody have pea brains and you're the only genius.

The very idea of Miriam running for president makes one seek refuge, even in loony bins. If Miriam do become president, inside Mandaluyong seems more live-able than outside its walls.

If Miriam becomes president, the AFP should get ready. They should quickly modernize their stuff because chances are, we'll find ourselves going to war with China. Or Russia. Or Malaysia. Or even Singapore.

And if indeed the good senator becomes president, let us free those living in asylums. That way, Miriam can definitely say, I'm the Snow Queen of Enchanted Kingdom.

16 more typhoons to go

PAGASA announced that 16 more storms or typhoons are expected to hit the country this year. Now that we know, it's time for government and institutions to work together and prevent such disasters from happening. I was listening to Joel Reyes-Zobel's program over DZBB today and one of his resource persons said that his organisation have made what he called a "spatial map", that identified certain areas believed to be disaster-prone (I think it was the Greenpeace spokesman, forgot the name, was driving kasi for a meeting).

That's a good way to start.

Government should also implement an annual crisis/disaster contingency plan since we all know that it is this time of the year when we face either El Nino or La Nina or that meteorological anomaly called "Habagat." It should have been incumbent upon government to start institutionalizing measures that would save a lot of lives. Pro-activeness is the word to remember.

I also have a proposal for government---start investing in rescue and retrieval equipment. It took 4 days before a full-blown relief operation was conducted re: Sulpicio Lines tragedy.

Also, strengthen please the National Disaster Coordinating Council. Make it a full department so that its budget is not tied with the defense budget. Hey, we're hit with freak storms, earthquakes and natural calamities and it's better to prepare for them now instead of waiting for another tragedy to happen.

Malacanang should propose a bill that would make the NDCC a department instead of just being a line agency. The palace should make it as one of their priority bills when Congress opens this July.

With the same thick skin

A colleague of mine once said that more people wrote about Ces' kidnapping incident than this latest tragedy involving Sulpicio lines. I just visited www.filipinovoices.com and found his observation false. Both incidents got equal attention. And both should be condemned as signs of government negligence.

However, I find very disenheartening opposition's silence about this latest incident. It seems that their mouths were suddenly gagged. They probably think that this incident is not political at all. It's a tragedy and like their counterparts in the States, they should keep their big mouths shut.

As usual, the opposition is misinterpreting the situation. If they're really dead serious in toppling this government, now is the time to do it. People are mourning. People know that the cause of their suffering was government negligence. First, government still allowed a recidivist like Sulpicio Lines to still operate despite its dismal record as a carrier. Second, the DOTC, Marina and Coast Guard erred in handling Sulpicio Lines with kid's gloves. And third, government just acted after four days, it is as if they allowed all those people trapped inside the ship to die first before undertaking retrieval operations (note: its retrieval, not rescue).

Look at the depth of the people's despair. Any revolutionist would probably exploit this situation to push for his cause. To hell if people would accuse a revolutionist of being a manipulative and exploiter of bad fate. Hey, this is a struggle. And this is an opportunity that should not have been passed by those who want Gloria's head.

That's the problem with the opposition. Their sights are directed at 2010. This fact highlights one thing--they are no different from those who illegally occupy Malacanan. They have the same skin, the same hide as those whom they publicly despise.

Hottest places in RP

Here's my take on the hottest places in this country:

1. Romblon. Go see those floating cadavers. You'll know you're in the Philippines.

2. Iloilo. Go, see what Nature has wrought against men who abused it. Imagine, some government officials telling people to accept their fate since they swept the mountains of trees anyway.

3. Boracay. Now is the time to go. That'll tell you how Nature can destroy a paradise such as this one.

4. Lingayen Pangasinan. Go see the butandings there. And find their carcases lying in the beach.

5. Mulanay, Quezon. Look at those people buried in those black coasts. They are fine specimens of how governments disdain the poor and side with the rich, like the owners of Sulpicio Lines.

6. Sulpicio Lines offices. This is a nice place to see how Pinoys wail in despair but doing nothing to solve their situation. After the wailing, nothing.

7. 4 provinces of Bulacan. Inundated rice fields. Fallen electric posts. Destroyed bridges and roads.

8. Sarangani province. Visit the girl who got caught in the crossfire of men's greed.

9. Jolo. Bask in the midday sun while being ogled by armed men, thinking of making a fast buck out of your head.

10. Malacanan. Think of all those men and women washing their hands from the filth of irresponsibility. And finding erudition from suggestions of "let's not allow ships to sail when it's signal number one." What crap! But, as they say, this place still gives us nostalgia, of an era when true leaders walk its grounds at night, thinking of ways to solve problems instead of causing them.

Frank reminders

While Gloria was hobnobbing with Washington royalty, "Frank" went on a killing spree, slaying hundreds and destroying property worth 4.3 billion pesos. Thirty eight provinces were laid waste and made desolate. The devastation is widespread, from as far as Pangasinan to the Southern provinces of the country. It is as if God has judged us for our omissions.

More that these raw stats, the devastation wrought by Frank is worth more than that. Thousands or even millions face the prospect of hunger and depression. To prevent things from turning worst, Gloria ordered the flooding of NFA rice to affected areas. But, this is just a stop gap measure.

You can't eat raw rice. You have to cook it. But, how could you when you don't have electricity? You don't have gas? These areas were rendered disabled due to the storm.

International help should be pouring in right now. The United States says it will give US$200,000 as aid to those affected areas. They even lent their precious military rescue hardware to retrieve those bodies off the coast of Romblon.

As more bodies are being recovered from the sunken ship, Malacanang's men are in a frenzy as to who should conduct that probe of Sulpicio lines. (In) Justice Secretary sRaul Gonzales says it should be a probe initiated by Malacanan with the Marina and the Coast Guard made to inhibit themselves for an impartial investigation. DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza meanwhile said, it should be his department since it is mandated by law. This is the first time that a non-lawyer remarked with legal authority on a matter which the chief enforcer of the law should have known in the first place.

While they're pointing fingers, all the Vice President can suggest is disallow ships from cruising when there's a storm signal. What a whimp of a leader. Those footages showing VP Noli conducting a cabinet meeting should remind us even more not to elect him in 2010.

IN these times, we need someone who will lead us. Mar Roxas went to Iloilo to assess the damage and provide some solutions to the problem. That's the way to do it. Go to the people, see these things not from a distance but from close range. And provide intelligent solutions.

Some things are very clear in all of these things:

1. Government should have a comprehensive disaster contingency plan in place to address natural or man-made disasters such as these.
2. A clear organisational chart or command responsibility should be effected in case the president goes someplace else, and not allow a whimp such as the Vice President to command such a crucial Cabinet meeting.
3. Remember not to vote for the Vice President come 2010.
4. As a leader, go to the people and attend to their needs and not spend time finger-pointing, least a non-lawyer reminds you about the law which you ought to enforce.

Senate Probe on Loren Legarda

Loren Legarda, the presidentiable is in deep s...h...i...t. She has a lot of explaining to do.

Now that the PNP has charged Mayor Isnaji and his son Haider of complicity to the kidnapping and even received ransom money as what this photo is showing, the PNP and the Senate should call for an investigation into the extent of Senator Loren Legarda's participation in the kidnapping negotiations.

Loren was the one who announced the "unconditional" release of Ces Drilon. She said that the kidnappers released Ces "without paying any ransom money" to the kidnappers.

Now, this. The photo shows wads of bills being counted by the Sulu Vice Governor and Mayor Isnaji calling the kidnappers, telling them that the money has just arrived. The PNP said that the family of Ces Drilon paid 5 million pesos in ransom money and 3M pesos went to Mayor Isnaji.

Question---how about Loren Legarda? How much pork barrel funds did she commit to the kidnappers in exchange for the life of Ces Drilon? Sources say that this was the tactic used by Loren in previous releases. Loren allegedly promise a part of her pork barrel funds to kidnappers of Arlyn dela Cruz and even when she negotiated for the release of an AFP officer hostaged by the CPP-NPA-NDF.

Loren should be made to explain this thing before the Senate. There could be ethical violations on the part of the legislator.

This is a big scandal which could rock the very foundations of Congress. Or, quite possibly, affect the career of Loren.

This is why other presidentiables, such as Mar Roxas, avoided being enmeshed in this controversy. They recognized early on that politics has nothing to do with police matters, such as this high-profile kidnapping.

Politics complicates police operations since politicians are not trained to be negotiators. Over at Filipinovoices.com, Nick pointed this out and surely, Loren should have been advised not to involve herself with this. She may have earned "ganda" points, but what about this latest development? Surely, her name would be dragged into this controversy.

I hate to say it to a friend, but Loren has a lot of explaining to do.

Crisis convergence

As I wrote in previous entries, June and July are critical months for the Filipino people. One, food prices are expected to rise further, due to food and oil price speculations in both the global and local markets. Two, despite the expected decrease in electricity rates, water rates are sure to rise due to the falling peso ranged against the green buck. Three, these months are campaign periods for the ARMM elections. With the number of candidates for the ARMM gubernatorial posts and the resumption of armed hostilities against the ASG and criminal elements in Sulu, things could turn really ugly. Lastly, Congress will re-open the ZTE probe and other controversies which definitely would again heat up the political scene.

What is more challenging is the way the local economy has been "fucked up", as described by Economic adviser and Governor Joey Salceda. Recently, in a news report, he bewailed the rising numbers of poor people, estimated to be around 4 million to date, which could be extremely difficult to manage. Cash subsidies could provide some relief but this cannot ultimately solve the crisis. And despite early opposition to government's plan to subsidize some food costs, this could be a feasible solution, given that the real issue behind all of these is the decreasing purchasing power of Filipinos.

Malacanang should pursue Salceda's Noah's Ark plan to at least address the rising economic concerns of the poor. Eliminating VAT is not the answer, since big firms and wealthy individuals are also expected to gain from this instead of the poor. There should be a mechanism to give back VAT to those critical sectors of the economy. Short of subsidies, government should strictly enforce socialized services within a period of six months at the least, to enable poor families to at least weather the socio-economic storm.

Likewise, Malacanan should suspend the ARMM elections to save money and prevent a possible escalation of hostilities in Mindanao. I am glad that Gloria decided to resume peace negotiations with the MILF with some solutions on the thorny issue of ancestral domain. That is the way to go.

By the way, I'm extremely glad that the US will build a US$ 3 million port in Sulu. Kenney is right. That will surely provide enough jobs for the Tausugs there and deter them from doing criminal and stupid things like kidnappings.

ARMM elections and Ces Kidnapping

There's a new TV commercial out there called "Bagong Simula". It's a collaborative work done by various artists and bands. See it and you'll probably appreciate it. Or, maybe not.

While ANC was airing this material, Gloria Labandera was busy trying to launder the dirty image of her political party. She's out there in Davao convening her allies and anointing Zaldy Ampatuan, the LAKAS-KAMPI bet for the ARMM elections. At the pulpit, she lambasted the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and ordered the forces of evil to annihilate their fellow devils. So, this war in Sulu will just be between the forces of Shaitan ranged against the forces of Beelshebub. Lovely.

Informants told the NewPhilRevolution that Ces was released at that time to coincide with Gloria's foray in Mindanao. Notice how things developed truly fast after the kidnappers decided to pass on the deadline?

Did they paid money (probably not 15M as reported) upon strict orders from Malacanan since the president is arriving in Mindanao? Was that the reason for those two duffel bags which were handed by an attorney to an unnamed ASG member?

Do you notice the uncanny connection between the kidnapping and the ARMM elections? Is this what an ABS-CBN reporter referred to when she said that one of the reasons for Ces kidnapping is this ARMM elections?

Was Ces kidnapping a ploy by local politicians to get that presidential blessing? Or was it a fund-raising activity? Was it to highlight the plight of Suluanons before the global stage? Was the "betrayal" that Ces was referring to initiated by combined elements of the military and local politicians and used as bait to pressure Gloria to annoint the vice governor as ARMM candidate?

Going back...I don't see this ARMM elections as bagong simula for the peoples of Mindanao. Admit it..it's a fucked up place.

Who betrayed Ces Drilon?

Rom wrote a very relevant piece over at http://www.filipinovoices.com. What I like about her is she writes in a very simple way (not simplistic, there's the difference) that underscores the relevant points instead of writing pieces considered as "deep shit writing". You can be deep without using words that most of us don't understand.

Rom's questions are quite important to shed light on this kidnapping of Ces. What I would like to add to some of Rom's questions is just one query:

Who betrayed Ces Drilon and facilitated her abduction?

Prof. Dimampo invited Ces to this interview. He accompanied the crew to Sulu, in a far-off place off the beaten track. Why?

I still suspect that it was this Biyaw who orchestrated this caper for the money. Note that this character disappeared almost as if he's a ghost. Was he being protected by the Marines in Sulu? Possibly.

Who fed that info that Hapilon intends to surrender and wants an interview?

During my days as a broadcast journalist, I went to these places in Talipao and Patikul and even swam in the waters of Jolo. I was'nt kidnapped. Why? Because I befriended the ulamas and the influential religious people there. I even made some real friends there.

When armed men flagged down our vehicle (a Tamaraw) and out came one of the ASG's leaders (the one-armed Dr. Abu), they never kidnapped us. Why? Because like I said, I showed that I was there just for the story, nothing more. I don't care about their "cause". I just went there for the story.

That's why I wrote here previously that I really don't believe that the ASG is behind this kidnapping. They know Ces Drilon as a serious journalist. And it would be fool-hardy for any ASG member to kidnap a potential ally.

Who masterminded all of these things?

Full-scale war begins

Now that Ces and her crew are now safe in the hands of the authorities, security forces should run after the perpetuators of this crime. PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. vowed to arrest and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.

What would be the effects of a full-scale operation against these thugs in Jolo?

First, it would discourage other armed groups in the area from undertaking such stupid things again. However, before they do that, they need to evacuate all media members out of the island. With Ces' kidnapping, this shows that everybody is fair game already.

Second, a military operation could arrest the development of these thugs from ordinary criminals to hard-core terrorists. They must be taught a lesson that crime does not pay.

Lastly, a military assault would show to the world that this administration does not condone illegal acts.

However, security agencies should be forewarned on the long-term effects of such a war, given that some groups are on the war footing. There were indications that armed groups have banded together and are expecting a war against the PNP and the AFP. This operation should be done with some civilian relations aspect to avoid alienating other Tausugs and maintain the support of neutrals in Jolo.

On the Sulu Question, Part 2

After the controversial death of ASG leader Khadaffy Janjalani, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered the AFP to step up more attacks and obliterate the ASG from the face of the earth. It was in 2005 when she said that. Now, sixty soldiers dead and many more sent to dangerous missions there, the Abu Sayyaf Group continues to terrorize the Tausugs and even inspired young Muslims there to take up arms for an unworthy cause.

The ASG continues to remain a menace and a disgrace to the Bangsamoro struggle for independence.

No amount of pride and braggadocio can defeat this group of reckless thugs. Arroyo should be counseled by her numerous advisers not to shoot herself in the mouth again. Despite her vaunted influence over military generals, groups such as the ASG continues to humiliate her before the eyes of the world.

Arroyo remains the weakest link in the regional fight against terrorism. In fact, Arroyo is the best recruiter of destabilizers and terrorists due to her weak leadership, both in the economic and political fronts.

With poverty slowly engulfing most of Mindanao, the prospect of an outbreak of war and violence remains a strong possibility. As I've said in previous posts, regional terrorists could exploit this. A resumption of hostilities between Bangsamoros and Philippine security agencies in Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and other impoverished provinces in Mindanao could break the tenuous peace in that part of the Asia-Pacific region.

There's a very strong possibility that Mindanao could turn into the region's security flashpoint. The JI is just waiting to exploit this. A war could offset efforts towards Mindanao peace and development.

Worst, terror groups are starting to indoctrinate and exploit the young minds of Tausugs in the area. Paupers both in body and soul, these are potential insurgents being trained for more kidnappings, more assassinations and worst, more bombings.

I call upon the US State Department to intervene and assist the Philippine government in resolving this potential crisis. Let's prevent this from spilling over the rest of the country.

On the Sulu Question

Watching veteran journalists and colleagues Jim Jalbuena and Tanjunsay over at Pia Hontiveros show "Strictly Politics" over at ANC brings back old memories. Like Jalbuena, I was one of those who covered the Sipadan hostage crisis back in 2000. Jalbuena's accounts brought back memories of those fateful days when hard-core members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) kidnapped foreign vacationers off the Malaysian resort of Sipadan. That incident brought the ASG to the global centerstage of notoriety. The incident lead to a release of all the hostages, but not without paying the ASG some "board and lodgings", allegedly to the tune of 200 million pesos.

So many things happened after that, with some of the foreign hostages recounting their ordeal and even writing about it. Tales of rape, of abuse, of forced starvations, etc., stories which could have happened or could have been just inventions of fertile minds. What's certain though, the ASG lived to scout for other unsuspecting victims, thus started a spree of kidnappings and ransom-paying.

Some say the ASG institutionalized kidnapping in Sulu. They could have. However, kidnappings and abductions are not entirely new in that part of the world. Historically, Muslims kidnap Christians or "outsiders" but not for money. No. At the time of the Spanish rule over these islands, kidnappings were mostly religious or military in nature. Kidnappings were used as leverages especially at the height of wars or skirmishes between hostile forces.

Now, if you look at it, kidnappings have become cottage industries, with young armed groups like the ones who abducted Ces Drilon and her crew, joining the frenzy. Prior to Ces' kidnapping, a Chinese businessman was abducted there and released after paying ransom. Others were also victimized, and the local media did not report about them since these are not high-profile cases.

And you can't entirely blame them. Centuries of neglect and poverty have transformed Sulu from a bustling trading post to a desolate and poor island. Those born in that island faces a bleak future. No job. No life. No comfort. Just a daily struggle to survive.

Sulu is a beautiful gem floating in the tranquil seas. During the Spanish era, Sulu was the center of indigenous Islamic power, with Sayyid Abu Bakr establishing the Sulu Sultanate in 1450, whose power stretched over Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

Historically, Mindanao has been the hotbed of an Islamic insurgency. In 1596, the Spanish colonial government launched a pacification campaign, mobilizing 50 ships, 200 Spaniards and 1,500 Christianized Filipinos. It failed. Three years after, Maguindanao datus launched their retaliatory attack, reclaiming Muslim communities from the hands of the Spaniards and even brought back 800 captives to Mindanao.

In 1692, Sultan Kudarat, the supreme Islamic leader in Maguindanao, defeated a Spanish force and even captured its leader. Between 1656 to 1658, Sultan Kudarat led an Islamic army composed of Muslims from Sulu, Ternate, Brunei and Makassar. Succeeding raids in the Visayas forced the Spaniards to retreat in Manila. Sultan Kudarat nearly defeated the Spaniards where it not for the outbreak of civil war between Muslims of Maguindanao and Sulu.

Muslims continued attacks against communities in the Visayas and Luzon, but superior firepower repulsed them. Attacks continue well in the 19th century, where it not for the Americans who even invented the 45-caliber pistol to defeat the Muslims. The establishment of American sovereignty over Mindanao lead to the marginalization of Islamic power. Using superior military technology, the Americans successfully pacified the region and integrated it into the Philippine state.

The American policy of integration was the reason why Muslims stopped their raids against Christian communities in Centtral and Northern Philippines. The Americans respected the culture, traditions and religion of Muslims. They also gave opportunities to Muslim leaders to ascend the rungs of mainstream Philippine life. During the first Philippine Congress, we saw some representation from Mindanao-based Muslims.

The US government also allowed barter trade to flourish in the area, especially in the islands of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-tawi. That's why during those times, Sulu flourished and families there earned enough to sustain a comfortable life.

It was just during the time of strongman Ferdinand Marcos that Tausugs began to rise up against colonial Manila. Barter trade was disallowed and because of the pressures and "tributes" brought by the Lobregats in Zamboanga, trade shifted from Sulu to Zamboanga peninsula. Sulu rose up in revolt, leading to a decades-old war led by the MNLF.

Now, Sulu continues to struggle against the weight of extreme poverty. Many youngsters such as the ones who orchestrated this kidnapping caper, live a life of recklessness and violence. They were raised in a time of repression and economic disfranchisement. The Tausug youths of today live precariously, without hope and full of hatred against those who ruled Manila.

What they don't realize is this---the more they do these stupid things, the more they isolate themselves from the rest of the world. Sulu can't survive without outside help. It's an island. If they continue to isolate themselves, they risk further economic stagnation and poverty.

Government and other groups, especially the United States, should cooperate and assist Suluanons. Give them some development. Give Tausugs some jobs. That way, they will reject the un-Islamic practice of kidnappings and abductions. And hopefully, we will see the complete defeat of the Abu Sayyaf Group in that part of the world.

Dramatic Ending on Ces Kidnapping Caper?

PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. is reportedly in Zamboanga City right now. He's monitoring the situation. There's a lot of buzz that, within the next few days, Ces and her TV crew will be "rescued", courtesy of the PNP. And for what?

For Razon's "senatorial" campaign? Since the start of the year, there are talks that Razon is being primed as a senatorial bet come 2010. I have nothing against Sonny Razon. In fact, he's one of those "nice" guys I would love to see debating against the likes of Lito Lapid who, incidentally celebrated this day as his first day when a bill of his was passed into law (Mark this day--17 June 2008 as the day when Lito Lapid became a legislator). Or, it would amuse us even further to see Razon debating against the erudite Miriam, probably even daring Miriam to go jump over that fabled bridge in Sta. Ana Manila.

Seriously, there's something brewing out there and I think that within the next few days, we will see Razon escorting a tired and stressed out Ces to be presented in Malacanan. Ces has become hot property right now, thanks to a "silent" media. Despite legitimate appeals from Malacanang and Teresita Ang-See, journalists still scrambled to go to Sulu and Zamboanga to cover Ces' kidnapping.

I am sure that within the next few days, Ces, his cameraman and Prof. Dimampo will be released by their young captors. Like those before her, Ces will be hauled immediately to Zamboanga to board a plane for Manila. There, like the rest of the kidnapped victims under this administration, they'll be presented to the president for that precious photo op.

And surely, Razon, the would-be senator, will be there.

Will we see Mayor Isnaji also in Malacanan? Possibly. Or that Vice Governor becoming governor through the funds of Malacanan? This kidnapping stunt added more pogi points for them. The more these things happen in their island, the more powerful these two will become.

Expect surprises, my friends.

Millions worth of shabu went up in smoke

A fire destroyed millions of pesos worth of confiscated drugs. It happened yesterday in a PDEA warehouse in Quezon City. PDEA immediately said that the fire will not affect the cases they filed against their arrested drug suspects.

Question--have they inventoried the drugs there in the warehouse?

I hope I'm wrong but there's a pretty good chance that some amount of drugs disappeared there. There should be an internal investigation on the cause of the fire. If it's arson, then, the PDEA should do a thorough and deep investigation.

We often hear cops "recycling" drugs which they already confiscated. I hope my instincts are wrong.

Heating Up The Sulu Hostage Crisis

News reports validated our earlier research on who exactly kidnapped Ces Drilon. Mayor Isnaji confirmed our earlier fears--a group of young Tausugs kidnapped the journalist. They are demanding 20 million pesos as ransom money.

As this was going on, the military pounded on some areas of the island. More than 25 bombs were unleashed by the military. At first, the AFP leadership denied it. Afterwards, they admitted conducting those shelling which already wounded one Muslim woman.

This is stupid. Why would the military do such a thing? They are endangering the life of Ces, right? But, come to think of it, these shelling are just to frighten these young thugs so that they'll release their hostages.

Or, it could be the military's way of telling the people that they don't have anything to do with Ces kidnapping. It is beginning to dawn upon people that, indeed, some elements of the military are behind the abduction of Ces because these shellings are diversionary tactics aimed at showing that the AFP is doing something to solve the situation.

Tsk, tsk, tsk, sir, your slip are showing.

It is now very clear that:

1. The military agent helped in the abduction of Ces. This Biyaw character should be arrested and meted Islamic justice.
2. The surrounding information about the abduction clearly showed counter-intelligence tactics which could only emanate from the AFP. These young Tausugs could not have done this sophisticated operation without any "backer".

We are not fools. The AFP masterminded this caper. They should be exposed, whoever are behind this kidnapping of a respected Philippine journalist.

Remembering Father

Today, we celebrate Father's Day. Throughout the world, millions go to the malls to buy something for their fathers. I am an exception. I lost my father years ago.

And I don't fret about it.

Since I was born, I just saw my father a few times. When I entered the university, I'm supposed to see him on a more regular basis. I did not. He was so busy that even at the point when I nearly died due to a serious illness at the dormitory, I saw none of his shadow.

When he left, tears rolled down my eyes. My relatives from my father's side told me that he was looking for me. He wanted me at his bedside. But, I was not there. He died without seeing his son.

Something in me died when I saw him lying at his coffin. Years of pent-up emotions suddenly burst in that one night with him, his final night in this cold earth.

When he was lowered to the ground, tears rolled down from my eyes. He still lives in me, though memories blur.

Now, I am also a father.

I told myself, I'll never be my father. He lived his life for himself. He enriched himself and lived for pleasures.

The Fates, however, gave me a different direction. The muses of Zeus played with my life.

I have committed myself to father revolutions.

Late in my 30's I had an epiphany. I realized that men live once and their lives should be dedicated in the service of the poor, the orphans and the widows in their affliction. This life that God loaned to us should be for those who never saw their fathers, who never met their mothers and who never got the chance to have justice in their lives.

As fathers, we have a responsibility. And that responsibility is to make this world a better place for our kids.

Fathers everywhere, especially here in this country, should realize that their duty includes standing up for what's right. That they must act to save their kids and their future progeny against injustice, against repression and against oppression.

It is not enough that they provide comfort to their families. It is not enough that they work their asses off just to make ends meet or to see their kids attending private schools, while millions suffer under the weight of poverty and neglect.

No.

Filipino fathers should do what is right--nurture an action, a revolution now that would ensure a stable and more equitable future for everyone.

Happy Father's Day.

Equally influential bloggers

Oh, I forgot to include Kevin Ray's blog and this blog on Mar Roxas. I read them with interest. Also the bloggerkapihan site is very interesting indeed. I haven't read JLo's blog. However, those who launched it should not lie to the public because it's not the first time that JLo wrote a blog. The first time he did so was in the Black and White Movement site.

I also read the blogs of Mon Palatino. Mon, keep the fires burning. You're one of the young ones who continue to fight for our people. Work for the people and commit your entire life to them. It's well worth it.

Mon Casiple's blog is also a great read.

Despite my occasional digs at Mar Roxas, I could still see that he's one of the most eligible candidates for the presidency in 2010. However, I would like to see the day when he stands up and lead us, all consumers, to a rally against rising oil and food prices. Enough of this palengke tours. Roxas should be like her grandfather who stood up against our oppressors for the benefit of the people.

Mar, lead us. Be presidential, like Barack Obama.

I also read Philippine Commentary and all the other blogs of my colleagues over at www.filipinovoices.com. Sorry I did'nt include filipinovoices.com because it might be viewed as self-serving.

Great Story Angles May not be sensationalism Butch

I grudgingly accept Butch's take on the changing face of journalism (read it now at www.filipinovoices.com). Like the Inquirer (which is number 1 in a recent Nielsen survey), ABS-CBN 2 leads all networks because of its interesting content and packaging of its stories. Yes, people view it as "sensationalism" and ABS-CBN people would probably say "so what"?

Question--why would ABS-CBN go to such lengths as "sensationalizing" their content? Are they really doing it?

What other people would deem "sensationalism", may not be the case really for ABS-CBN 2. Consider.

Watch TV Patrol and its content follows very strict journalist principles. You'll find that its a complete rendering or presentation of the facts involved. What, I think people see is how they presented it--with scoring, tight shots and scripts written in a fast-paced style. Is that sensationalism? No.

Butch, it's what in the industry calls, " presenting news in a different light". ABS-CBN, like the Inquirer, goes after great story angles. That's the secret why they always trounce the competition because, in the case of GMA 7, they don't present the angle that people of all ages and across the economic spectrum would understand.

The core of communication is being able to communicate effectively. That is what ABS-CBN is doing and also Inquirer. Gone are the days when a network would just present the news "Newswatch" style and still be able to attract viewers. People should take notice. And the only way to nudge people from their seats is present news in an interesting way.

That's what ABS-CBN and the Inquirer are doing.

And people like Ces Drilon, journalist of the old tradition, goes out of their way to give the people news that matter.

Top-Of-The Mind Blogs for 2008

Let me digress a little bit and write my nominations for Janette Toralba's Most Influential Blogs for 2008. These are blogs which I read and have taken a great interest in for the past few months.

1. Nick's www.tingog.com: This man writes with sober passion. His writings inspire and always imbued with reason. There's a quiet satisfaction reading his stuff. Delight is such an underrated statement.

2. Manolo's www.quezon.ph: Manolo's entries are great pieces of academic literature that no one in his right mind should pass off. Truly, he belongs to that great tradition of historians who write relevant pieces that not only satiate one's thirst for knowledge but amuzes one's senses.

3. Ding Gagelonia's At Midfield: At 50 years of age, Ding writes with authority and like Nick, with sober passion. His entries are a delight to read.

4. Benigno's blog: Despite what others say about him, I find Benigno to be a comrade and a friend. I haven't met the guy but I am sure am quite impressed with his take on life.

5. Ellen Tordesillas blog at www.ellentordesillas.com: There's always a gem there. Her vigilance for the Tanay boys and those Patriots who risked their lives for the sake of future generations is commendable. I would love to see Ellen working for the next administration of true Patriots.

6. smoketalk.wordpress.com. I love the prose of this blogger. She writes very well. Like her, I can't write that well if I don't smoke. Smokers of the World, unite! You only have your stubs to prove your commitment to the struggle!

7. Uniffors. Always great commentaries from an equally great blogger.

8. Rom's blog. There's a unique attraction to this blog because I always feel that it reflects reality. She writes with passion.

9. Jester-In-Exile. An advocate, a great and passionate blogger and truly, an accomplished Jester.

10. Ricky Carandang's blog. I sometimes read him, sometimes don't. Nonetheless, I read him for his insights on the goings-on in local journalism.

Funny Twist on Ces kidnapping

At last, one of the TV crew of Ces Drilon has been released--unharmed. Initial reports say government negotiators paid P 2 million for the release of Valderrama. There's also some relief that ABS-CBN 2 is in close and constant contact with Ces Drilon.

And I would like to take this chance to apologize to the members of the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Jolo. It seems that, from the information being gathered so far, the group is not really the ones responsible for this kidnapping caper. No.

Based on current information, there's some credibility to the news that other groups, possibly belonging to a military asset, kidnapped Drilon and blamed it on the ASG. The fact that no statement has been issued by the terror group indicates that they are not really behind the abduction.

Nonetheless, I stand by my earlier posts demanding for the obliteration of the name "Abu Sayyaf". I still believe that Muslims everywhere should do their duty to cleanse the name of Islam in Jolo and those of the kind people of Sulu and the Tausugs.

The "brand name" of the Abu Sayyaf has been tarnished beyond repair. Imagine, every lawless element there could just claim to be Abu Sayyaf members and demand a high ransom.

Preserve the purity of the Bangsamoro struggle by forming another group that would push the idea of independence without resorting to terrorism as a means of struggle.

Tipping Point

Governor Joey Salceda, Gloria's fair haired Boy (?) responsible for keeping the economy afloat, says that we're still lucky. Only 4.3 million families are affected by the worsening economic crisis. However, he told us that the worst is yet to come. The full-blown effects of the global economic recession has'nt been fully felt yet. If government fails to act immediately, he said, the entire nation could face a catastrophe worst than the Chinese quake.

We actually are facing three big problems: one, rising food costs. Two, rising unemployment. And three, rising oil prices. These things are interlinked, in the sense that oil prices dictate inflation. A rise in inflation means some businesses closing, resulting to unemployment.

We are in a very precarious situation. We are surviving in the barest of threads. Consider that people are suffering now when we have'nt felt the full-blown effects of the US sub-prime crisis. I shudder to think of what will happen to us if we're hit by a strong earthquake or a typhoon. What if a natural disaster destroy our critical infrastructures? Will we be able to rise above it?

And how about a war in the South? Can we afford such an event from happening?

As I've said in previous entries, this country faces the most challenging situation in its history. This government could fall under the weight of this economic crisis. It would not be very long before we see the entire superstructure self-destructs.

What's the solution to all these things? Do we need a change in government now? Or do we stick with this government while we weather this man-made calamities?

There are no hard and fast rules to this.

What's clear is this---things would get worse before it gets better. That's the natural cycle of things. Question remains--is government strong enough to survive the worse effects of these multiple crises?

Erase the Abu Sayyaf from the face of the earth!

Muslims everywhere should fight the Abu Sayyaf Group

Terrorism is condemnable in all its forms— be it an armed attack against innocent civilians or economic terrorism done in the name of profits. There is simply no justification for the use of terror as a mode of struggle by revolutionary groups. Why?

Terrorism dilutes support from mass bases and alienates any revolutionary group from potential support of the powerful neutrals. Revolutions are more of processes, of a series of armed assaults against state security agencies to weaken defenses. These assaults can be undertaken by small, specialized revolutionary units (as what Lenin suggested) or by regular army formations.

The use of urban insurrectionary activities such as bombings and assassinations are to be selectively chosen based on strategic or tactical necessity; never the centerpiece of any war plan. Nowhere do we find revolutionary leaders advocating terror as a mode of struggle. There is simply no place for terrorist actions in the arsenal of tactics employed by genuine revolutionary movements.

Worst, actions that place innocent civilians in harm’s way and done with money in mind are not only condemnable; it is simply abominable. Codes of conduct and ethics still exist even in war. Revolutionary work done in the name of money is pseudo-revolutionary. Terror tactics, such as kidnappings, are works of thugs, of syndicates, not revolutionaries.

That’s why I cannot understand why some of our Muslim brothers allied with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) would even think of supporting the Abu Sayyaf. Those Muslims who do believe in the Abu Sayyaf Group and support them, think. A pious Muslim should not support evil acts even if done by fellow Muslims. Supporting the Abu Sayyaf will not in any way contribute to the furtherance of the Bangsamoro struggle for total independence.

Whatever other Islamic scholars would say about this group, the ASG has no place in the Bangsamoro struggle. The ASG is an aberration, an anomaly of history, a relic pushing for a distorted and un-Islamic interpretation of the holiness of the Moro struggle.

Since it started its kidnapping campaigns against innocent civilians, the purity of its struggle against Philippine imperialism has been tarnished. Islam has ceased to be the ASG’s main ideology. Its members have degenerated into bandits, monsters and thugs, who claim to worship Allah SWT but has since prostrated themselves before the altar of Baal. They have become men who eat their own vomit.

Throughout its years of existence, did this group ever contributed to the success of the Bangsamoro struggle? None. Their actions not only damaged the image and reputation of Moros everywhere—they are mainly responsible for the total degeneration of the correct Islamic life in the island of Jolo.

Inquirer journalist Arlyn dela Cruz reminded us of a conversation she had with a Tausug leader sometime in 2002. That Tausug leader lambasted journalists for writing bad stuff about Muslims in Jolo. He says that journalists are part of the problem since journalists should write something to help Tausugs improve their lives in Jolo.

I pose a question to that Tausug leader—how would we, journalists, or even anybody, write about the beauty of Jolo and even the beauty of Islam when all we see are these thugs masquerading as mujaheddins? What good would come from these stupid kidnapping capers, such as this recent one involving a respected journalist such as Ces Drilon?

Let me also condemn some journalists who blame Ces Drilon for making that trip to Jolo. Do not be misled. We must condemn and use the strongest possible words we can write against the Abu Sayyaf Group who did this cowardly and idiotic kidnapping, not lambast our colleague. Ces Drilon did what she was tasked to do—go after the story.

I urged every pious Muslim to rise up and obliterate the Abu Sayyaf Group from the face of the earth. The only ones, who can cause the death and destruction of this mockery of an Islamic group, should be those who fully understand Islam.

Pray for the help of Allah SWT in erasing this menace from Jolo and if you are dead serious in your struggle against Imperialist Manila, form a new group that would undertake genuine revolution under the Banner of Islam.

Followup on Ces kidnapping

Malacanang did the right thing when it enjoined other media outlets to keep their silence on the kidnapping. That's a correct move. Terrorists like the ASG want nothing more than publicity. Money is just a secondary thing for them.

That's why its most imperative for bloggers to be responsible also like mainstream media. Everyone who knows something about this abduction should cooperate with government in solving this issue, if this, indeed, was an abduction. If Ces was abducted by the legitimate ASG members, chances are, she's okey. However, if pseudo members of the group masterminded this caper, then, its a totally delicate situation which must be approached with extreme caution by everyone. Why?

Because Ces could be used as a political pawn by those who want to destabilize the government. She could be killed. Or she could be harmed.

I ask our fellow Muslim brothers in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan--help secure the safety of my friend Ces Drilon. Help convince her abductors to turn Ces over to the civilian authorities in that area. Tell her to call the ABS-CBN desk and assure her bosses that she and her crew are safe and sound.

A safe and unharmed Ces Drilon will prove to the world that in that part of the world, civility and humanity are still being exercised by the Slaves of Allah SWT.

Insights on the "kidnapping" of Ces Drilon

Last Saturday, ABS-CBN anchor Ces Drilon and her TV crew went missing somewhere in Kulasi town in Sulu. Initial reports say they were kidnapped by the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Ces is the third local journalist to be kidnapped by the group, the first one being another ABS-CBN crew covering the Sipadan hostage crisis in 2000 and the next was Inquirer correspondent Arlyn dela Cruz. Former journalist and now Vice President Noli de Castro was himself nearly kidnapped by the ASG when he, along with several other media personalities, visited the camp of the ASG at the height of the Sipadan hostage crisis. The kidnapping of dela Cruz was, I think, the longest one. Reports say Dela Cruz was actually kidnapped by military agents posing as ASG members. That’s the reason why she was allegedly given the water treatment and subjected to both physical and mental torture. No legitimate Islamist group would ever subject their hostages, especially a female, to inhumane treatment since this is prohibited in Islam.

I shudder to think the same thing happened to Ces, since initial reports indicated that she was taken by a certain Pader, a local ASG commander, and Jundain. Jundain is a former MNLF integree who recently joined the ASG, reports say. If this is the case, then, the kidnapping is probably a move to counter a possible interview with the legitimate ASG group.

However, I do believe that all indications point to a release within the next few days. It could be that Ces was made as an unwilling pawn in the ASG’s publicity efforts. Since the death of Khadaffy Janjalani and other more prominent ASG leaders, no news has since been reported about this group. With this alleged kidnapping, the world has, again taken notice. The news could further increase funding for the group and for what?

All indications point to a resumption of open and more serious hostilities between Philippine security forces and the ASG. After the break in the peace process, Mindanao is again starting to become a flashpoint in the entire region. Reports indicate a possible convergence of forces among various Bangsamoro groups in the area. The MILF has been beating their war drums, preparing for war. After a much-publicized independence call, nothing much has been heard of the MNLF. Reports show that some MNLF fighters have joined the ASG, a not surprising development since most ASG fighters did emanate from the ranks of the MNLF.

With the kidnapping of Ces Drilon, it is again imperative for ALL security analysts to train their sights on Sulu. Another note-worthy indication—this kidnapping occurred after the release of Nur Misuari. Is there a connection?

Another note--could this be a precursor to pressure Congress to pass the disputed ancestral domain provision of the peace agreement between the MILF and the government? This is the purported snag in the peace talks. The kidnapping could highlight the problem in the Mindanao peace process.

Whatever the reasons for this kidnapping, one thing is definitely apparent--government should seriously address the worsening security situation in the region. Publicity stunt or not, the ASG continues to be a threat to the stability and security of the entire region.

Art Yap Did'nt Get it

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap was interviewed yesterday on the rising costs of rice. He's surprised why are we complaining when the price of a kilo of rice here costs "only" 35 to 45 pesos a kilo when overseas, he says, a kilo costs an average of 40 pesos. We should be thankful, he says.

Mr. Secretary, that is the most stupid and idiotic statement I have ever heard since the outbreak of this crisis. That, Mr. Secretary, is pure and simple callousness. It shows your lack of understanding of what's happening in this country today.

The issue, as your principal Gloria The Devil Infant says, is an issue of price. Yes, price. Why is it price? Because the average Pinoy can't afford the price of commercial rice, even if its "only" 35 pesos.

One needs at least 3,000 pesos just to eat enough rice for a month. This means that if I'm just being paid 10,000 pesos, I spend 30% of my income just for rice. How about electricity? How about viands? How about transportation? How about house rent? Or, how about the daily baon of my kids to school?

You and the rest of those who belong to the elite class would probably frown at 3,000. It could just be the equivalent of a day's restaurant bill. Or a fancy shoe.

For most of us, it's a struggle to get 3,000 pesos.

You are the worst agriculture secretary this country ever had. You don't know the issue. And you're simply too naive to even think that there's a majority of people right now who can't afford to eat what you're eating. You're simply not cut out for this job. Worst, you even have the gall to put yourself among the roster of senatoriables?

The people are not that stupid to vote a person like you in the senate. Or even in their barangays.

For those Filipinos Who Want To Hear

"Only he is truly a patriot who, whatever his post, high or low, tries to do the greatest possible good to his countrymen. A little good done in an humble position is a title to honour and glory, while it is a sign of negligence or incompetence when done in high office. True honour can be discerned in the simple manifestations of an upright and honest soul, not in brilliant pomp and ornament which scarcely serve to mask the deformities of the body.

True honour is attained by teaching our minds to recognize truth, and training our hearts to love it. The recognition of truth shall lead us to the recognition of our duties and Of justice, and by Performing Our duties and doing justice we shall be respected and honoured, whatever our station in life. Let us never forget that we are on the first rung of our national life, and that we are called upon to rise, and can go upward only on the ladder of virtue and heroism. Above all let us not forget that, if we do not grow, we shall have died without ever having been great, unable to reach maturity, which is proper of a degenerate race."

--Apolinario Mabini in his book, "The Philippine Revolution"

Written more than a century ago, Mabini's words continue to find relevance. In our society today, honor is interchanged with positions of responsibility in government. We, the Filipinos of modern times, find honor in pompous titles. We give leis to those who bear the title, " president", "Congressman," Senator", etc. We honor them with streamers whenever they visit us in relocation centers or in depressed areas.

Honor, as written by Mabini, cannot be found in brilliant pomp and ornament, which he says, "scarcely serve to mask the deformities of the body".

True honor rests in the truth lodged in one's soul. It is through the liberation of the mind from apathy and ignorance that we find truth. When we find enlightenment, we then recognize our duties to pursue justice and human rights, even at the cost of our very lives and futures.

Greatness comes when men of enlightenment stand up to fight for other men's rights. It is that action that define honorable men.

As a postscript to Mabini, let me add that those of us who want to hear these things and resolve to ourselves to act in defense of the Motherland, let us act with enlightenment. Let us shatter this political patronage system that represents our bondage as a people.

The first act that we must do as enlightened individuals is to liberate ourselves from thinking that those who are in government, who think of themselves as honorable or excellent due to their titles, ought to be given what is due to them. Those who are tasked with the delicate duty of government should be held accountable for the ignominy that they wrought against the people.

Those who seek honours but have ugly souls should be purged from government and replaced with those whose souls are pure and seek not honor but justice.

Cheap Tricks

Yesterday, Gloria signed the Cheaper Medicines bill. It aims to bring down the costs of medicine. Senator Mar Roxas was there. He witnessed the signing of his pet bill. After that, he was interviewed, along with Gloria, and said that the bill will help Filipinos buy cheaper priced medicines.

Question to Mr. Roxas--how diluted is this approved version? I mean, Gloria thumbed down the "generics only" provisions of this bill. Now, based on your assessment, will this affect the prices of medicine? In the next few weeks or months, we will see if this bill will indeed, bring down the costs of medicines.

Two days ago, the DSWD and Meralco started giving 500 peso dole-outs to lifeline users of electricity. Question---how long will government give cash subsidies to the poor? Reports say its only for the month of May. Succeeding months, consumers will have to bear the brunt of high electricity rates. It's okey, says the apologists. At least, government extended some help to ease the burden. After this month, what then?

Gloria also ordered the Department of Energy to extend a 5-peso diesel subsidy to jeepney drivers and operators. Energy secretary Angelo Reyes says this is all there is to it. While Reyes was saying this, prices of gasoline and diesel shoot up to 1.50 pesos per liter. Diesel prices are now close to 50 while gasoline prices are nearing the 60 peso mark. Reyes can't do anything? And he says that he's a former Chief of Staff? What a wimp!

Question---why is Gloria's gang not touching Petron, Caltex and Shell? I mean, now is the time for government to intervene, but they are not? Marcos did regulate these oil companies before. Why can't we regulate them now?

The truth---oil companies probably give billions worth of lobby funds to silence government opposition. That's the only reason I see at this point.

Lastly, Gloria's gang are targeting telecommunications companies to lower text and call rates. That's commendable, to say the least. However, there's a catch--government will still continue getting VAT-related costs from them. So, the costs will still be considerable for the Filipino consumer.

Anyway, I had enough of this. Let us allow government to do its thing with all these cosmetic and palliative solutions and let's just see what will happen next.

There's one thing that is very evident in all these--government did not do its job properly during the last eight years of its administration.

Rise of the Filipino Caudillos

History is replete with instances where men of extraordinary character rise whenever their country experience great challenges. In Asian countries, for example, Mao Tsetung rose from the ruins of China after World War 2. It just took a few years before the Red Army marched towards the fabled Forbidden City and smashed the Bamboo Curtains. Malaysia has its Tung, while Singapore rose from being a Third World, dirt-poor, vice-ridden country into Asia's finest and most advanced society, courtesy of Lee Kuan Yew.

Yes, God is great. He sees everything with an All-Seeing Eye.

Now, will God abandon this piece of paradise called Filipinas and allow these evil men to perpetuate themselves in power.

No.

The people's misery will soon be over. Just now, I've talked with a lot of people, mostly taxi drivers, common people, middle class and even some elites and they are all in unison--everyone must act to solve these problems, not in 2010, but NOW.

Now is the time for enlightened Filipinos to rise above personal interests and unite for the national welfare. We are not talking here of just ousting Gloria because of political differences nor graft and corruption. No.

We are talking here of a campaign, a movement, for National Salvation. We are talking here of a revolution to oust these pseudo-leaders who want to drag us all down to hell. These pseudo leaders did not do their homework for 8 years. They did'nt prepare. Because of this, we are now suffering.

Let those who have ears and eyes and the will to fight rise to the occasion and save the Motherland from destruction.

Political Ads and their Messages

There seems to be a steady proliferation of advertisements by politicians. Observing all of their publicity stunts, let me take a dig at all those messages they are sending to us, the public.

Loren Legarda's Lucida-Ds and Luntiang Pilipinas TVC---fake. Comm. Points: Loren wants our country to be beautiful. Flipside: Under a Loren presidency, what the people will get are cosmetic changes. Whoever advised Loren to go this route should be fired from his/her job. Since her victory in 2004, nothing substantial has been heard of her. No laws filed under her name. No substantial statements from her on relevant issues. Hence, we'll just get white and green if we allow her to become president.

Loren, we know you're pretty, but we don't need a pretty president. We need someone hard-working, strong willed and has a vision for the country. Besides, your cosmetic proposition is pretty expensive.

Cheez Escudero's ampalaya food supplements--bitter. Under Escudero's presidency or vice-presidency, what we get are bitter pills to be swallowed. Life will continue to be bitter, brutish and hard.

Noli de Castro's Pabahay TVC--25-30 year loans. How would one possibly get a house during these times of great financial and economic distress? Kabayan, the people are hungry. You'll be sending them to the pits if you offer them those 30 year loans.

Lacson's Facial Treatment--Like Loren's, Ping's administration will be a "pabanat" one. I mean, artificial or cosmetic changes.

Villar's OFW TVC--fake help. Hey, Mr. Senate President, hundreds or even thousands of our citizens are being enslaved by foreign brutes in foreign shores. Help them now, yes. But help them find jobs here, not continue to encourage them to go abroad.

Mar Roxas' Mr. Palengke TVC--ineffective. Look, you've positioned yourself as a consumer advocate since you started your campaign for the Senate. During those times that you're there, what did you actually do to lower commodity prices? None. Prices continue to rise, Mr. Palengke. Hey,hey,hey, what are you doing?

Net--politicians should be very cautious in their commercials. They are sending wrong messages to the public with these advertisements. They should be more responsible in their acts. People expect them to act like legislators or leaders, not showbiz personalities. Yes, these are tools to reach out, but it's better for them to do it by advocating something really concrete and socially relevant, instead of promoting a dubious facial treatment or bitter food supplements or an uncertified whitening pill.

Teodoro--RP's New Obama?

Barack Obama is now the official Democratic presidential candidate, besting White America's finest, Hillary Clinton. This is phenomenal considering that, four years ago, Obama was a relative unknown. What's the secret of Obama's campaign?

First, Obama's handlers avoided the tendency of traditional politics by giving the campaign some "inspiring" taglines. That's genius. Most Americans are depressed due to the high costs of food and fuel. They need someone who'll inspire them with the vibrancy of youth and new ideas. Obama represented that. He was packaged as the Black version of JFK (John F. Kennedy), armed with wit and a serious mien. His words are always emotion-driven. You'll see and hear his inspiring words on traditional and new media.

That campaign was based on lessons in political history. In US history, men of such character emerge whenever America encounters extreme depression, such as what's happening now. Western societies need men of substance whenever they face tremendous socio-economic challenges. Obama filled that void.

Now, can we produce our own Obama? Yes. We already did.

In the 2004 elections, a veritable unknown in the person of Senator Antonio Trillianes IV emerged as one of the top senatorial winners. He did not campaign. His handlers used the internet as his launching pad. He did not use any traditional method of campaigning, just a few posters and stickers here and there. However, the electorate heard of him through traditional media, what with his digs at Gloria. The people loved it and voted for him, a vote which some political analysts say is a vote of anger against the prevailing dispensation.

However, is it possible for Trillianes to campaign for the presidency using non-traditional tactics? That's possible. With more than 13 million Filipinos going online daily, that's a huge constituency. The internet is the most cost-effective tool in launching any brand or product or even electoral campaigns.

There's a catch though. Trillianes is a realist and would probably think twice before dipping his fingers in the presidential pool. if Trillianes is not interested, then, who could possibly be his alternate?

I'll give my Singdollars to anybody who'll oppose Gilbert Teodoro, our defense secretary. Of all the candidates out there, Teodoro is the singular person who can probably inspire us and rouse us from mediocracy and apathy.

Teodoro is young, has a vision for the country and has that electrifying personality. He's one of the most hard-working members of Gloria's mafia gang. Reason why people in the civil society hesitate to go full-blast against Gloria is the fact that some well-meaning people continue to work their asses off and that includes Teodoro. Teodoro is a stark contrast to the likes of Agriculture secretary Arthur Yap or Energy secretary Reyes, who are publicity-hungry without concrete accomplishments. Teodoro exemplifies an Obama and has the potential of getting the people's nod come election time.

I believe that early campaigners such as Loren, Mar, Cheez, Villar and Noli will eventually neutralize themselves. They will turn irrelevant, leading the way for Teodoro to shine.

If the same tactics employed by Trillianes in getting the senate post be applied to Teodoro, there's a strong chance for him to win. Some people think that he does not have the physical strength to go on a national campaign since he has asthma or some respiratory ailment. To hell with it. Teodoro can always sit in his chair and ponder on solutions to national issues while his campaigners dominate the discussion sphere thru traditional and new media. You'll be surprised at the results.

Bribing the Poor

Gloria says she'll be giving cash support to more than 4 million poor families in the Philippines. At first, this is for the havoc caused by her rice trading buddies when they spiked the price of rice up. Then, she announced that tuition fees should be lowered after all schools have already raised them. The latest in the string of publicity stunts was her announcement saying that government intends to subsidize those "lifeline" users of electricity by giving them 500 pesos to pay for their Meralco bills.

Question is--how about us in the middle class? We also need support. Go to the supermarket Mrs. Arroyo, and you'll know what I mean.

Do you know that a kilo of commercial rice cost 50 pesos per kilo now in the supermarkets? If your consumption is 2 kilos a day, one family needs 3,000 pesos per month just to be able to eat rice.

Electricity rates have gone up. Diesel prices are now within 46-47 pesos per liter. With the pronouncement of these oil companies, prices will shoot up to even 60 pesos per liter in the next couple of days. That's nearly 3,500 pesos per full tank!

Infant milk has gone up too. Prices of fish, meats and even processed ones have tripled since last week. Where's those price controls when you need one!

Everyone needs some support from the government, not just the poorest of the poor. It's time for government to look for long-term solutions, instead of dole-outs. Though I understand where Mrs. Arroyo is coming from, nonetheless, there should be some drastic measures that government should be able to implement to avert a possible outbreak of violence due to higher prices of food stuffs.

We know that it's election time and this administration seems to be bribing the poor. Well, in realpolitik, that's something which the opposition does not have---resources. However, Mrs. Arroyo would probably be surprised with the outcome in 2010. Those results would be quite a shocker for Mrs. Arroyo since people are just waiting for that election to express their anger against her.

JDV's Protracted War

Former Speaker Joe de Venecia yesterday revealed that a golf game changed the complexion of the ZTE deal. He says that Gloria changed her mind when she played golf with the ZTE officials over at Shenzhen. He then cut himself short, saying that he needs to recover from his illness first before he can reveal other "juicy" details of the cancelled deal.

JDV is sick. JDV needs to recover. JDV is preparing for an all-out, long-drawn out war against his former principal, the lady beside the murky river. He wants to be physically fit before he cross swords with the devil infant.

Will he succeed in finally taking down this regime? Will groups traditionally opposed to Gloria finally sit down together and rally behind JDV?

Question---will this protracted war reach what it intends to achieve--strategic victory over the forces of evil? Will it finally put an end to a regime's lust for more power? Have these groups put their heads together and come up with a solution to the problem that is Gloria's mafia gang?

Let me propound some suggestions since this is the third jab at Gloria regarding this deal:

1. Groups need to reconsolidate their forces, especially those responsible for the Youth sector. They need to train and indoctrinate these groups to follow ONE specific agenda for change.
2. Groups need one media coordinating body that will manage info flow. Campaign should be uni-directional. Media cooperation should be paramount concern.
3. Groups need to solicit the support of traditional political groups such as the Liberal Party and business groups to strengthen the movement for change. Calls should not be change in 2010, rather, it should be change now to reflect the urgency of the call.

People are looking out for solutions. They already know that this regime seems to be promoting problems rather than solutions. Cosmetic changes are surely not the order of the day. There is a need for real change initiated by enlightened individuals. Let the New Class, the Intellectual Enrepreneurs, lead this charge this time.