Why is it always axiomatic for some of our journalists to consider a person a mental case whenever someone does something out of the ordinary?
News reports depict Flora Pineda--the woman who packed a pistol just to scare Pnoy and ask him to step down--as a mental case. I mean, the woman is even more sane than the rest of us!
First, she had the courage to tell everybody, even the President, that she is sick and tired of what's happening around her and she's concerned with the condition of the poor and the poorest of the poor, especially those kids forced as beggars due to poverty.
Don't tell me that a woman who went pass strict Presidential Security Group protocols armed with a loaded 45 caliber pistol is a nutcase? I had the privilege before of covering Malacanan and mind you, it is not as easy as it looks going pass those metal detectors and eagle-eyed presidential guards. Yet, Flora Pineda managed to elude those and was caught inside the palace grounds. Of course, Pineda probably does not know that Pinoy does not reside in that area, but what if she knew?
Pineda had the courage to do what she intended to do and that, to our mind, is psychotic?
I remember several years ago, of this tragic incident that happened when a man occupied the airport signalling tower at the Ninoy Aquino international airport. Actually, this man was a retired government official.
Armed with only a pistol, this man occupied the tower and demanded that former president Gloria Arroyo steps down from power. During that time, this man even called broadcaster Arnold Clavio and expressed his disgusts against Arroyo and her way of managing things. While he was talking with Clavio, heavily armed airport assault teams barged into his room and gunned him down. It was all recorded on audio.
I also remembered how a man took several kids hostaged inside a bus in Manila. This man, who built a school for children, was armed with an assault rifle and I think several other people assisted him in holding hostage several school children for several hours. Eventually, a friend of his, a legislator, managed to convince him to stand down and surrender. He did, but not after getting half an hour of exposure on air which he used in lambasting government to smithereens.
These people did what they did probably out of sheer frustration over what is happening in our society today. I don't think they were out of their minds when they did those things which shocked the Nation.
Random acts of violence committed by ordinary Filipinos are tell-tale signs of an undercurrent of dissent being felt by majority of the people. There is a brewing revolt among the people, now feeling the tremendous pressure and strain caused by high prices of goods and of everything and the obvious lack of support coming from government. There is an evident breakdown of law and order. Systems are now suffering severe neglect and services are getting worse by the minute. And all because most, if not all of those elected or appointed by the People to manage the government are now busy trying to secure their futures post-Aquino.
Everything is getting nuttier by the second and expect more dramatic incidents such as these in the future because the people are really tired, frustrated and angry over what is happening in their country today.It is just a matter of time before things get out of hand and the crowd's passions boil over.
Showing posts with label Filipinos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Filipinos. Show all posts
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Friday, May 11, 2012
Anti-Chinese government rally in Philippines shows True Filipino Unity Against Imperialism
This day is both historic and significant. May 11, 2012 will be one of the most important watersheds in Philippine history for one thing alone--we have re-discovered the Katipunan within us.
While hundreds of Filipinos protested against the Chinese government's actions in the Spratlys, it also shows how politically mature we have become as a people. That peaceful action against the Sino government in Beijing shows clearly what we really want to express before the world--that we are opposing the imperialistic actions of the Sino government because it harms or puts in harm's way other countries in the region.
China's overreaction when it issued an advisory to its citizens staying here in the Philippines to stay indoors shows China's insecurity and immaturity.
Probably, the Chinese government fears that riots would explode in the capital against Chinese residents and tourists here. IN other countries in Asia and in another time, yes, riots broke out against the Chinese because of perceptions that the Chinese have gained significant economic wealth and advancement than others. The 1969 riot in Malaysia is one such incident.
In the Philippines, there is no such thing and there will never be such a thing. Filipinos are militating against actions by the Chinese government, not by the Chinese people. We are not even angry at their government. What we are militating against is their imperialist ambitions in the region, which truly places regional security under great risk.
The Chinese people and the Filipino people both share a great historical legacy. When the Filipinos launched their revolution against Spanish power, the Chinese were there, as allies and as warriors. When the Chinese militated against their own government, the Filipinos were likewise there, by their side.
The Chinese people and the Filipino people share the same heart, the same goal, the same vision and mission--to create change in their respective societies. This explains why the 1949 Chinese Revolution remains an inspiration to hundreds if not thousands of Filipino ideologues and idealists.
It pains us, Filipinos, that China is now threatening us and even considers us an enemy. Filipino-Sino ties have existed for centuries. It remains strong because both peoples respect each other. Without respect, nothing good emanates from it.
The Chinese government must exercise restraint and show respect to its neighbours. If China wants to be the foremost leader in the region, it must show respect towards its neighbours. Leadership and power comes from respect, not from fear. We all know what happened to imperialist and totalitarian leaders--history destroyed them.
IN the modern age, leadership does not proceed from the barrel of the gun but from the virtue of benevolence.
While hundreds of Filipinos protested against the Chinese government's actions in the Spratlys, it also shows how politically mature we have become as a people. That peaceful action against the Sino government in Beijing shows clearly what we really want to express before the world--that we are opposing the imperialistic actions of the Sino government because it harms or puts in harm's way other countries in the region.
China's overreaction when it issued an advisory to its citizens staying here in the Philippines to stay indoors shows China's insecurity and immaturity.
Probably, the Chinese government fears that riots would explode in the capital against Chinese residents and tourists here. IN other countries in Asia and in another time, yes, riots broke out against the Chinese because of perceptions that the Chinese have gained significant economic wealth and advancement than others. The 1969 riot in Malaysia is one such incident.
In the Philippines, there is no such thing and there will never be such a thing. Filipinos are militating against actions by the Chinese government, not by the Chinese people. We are not even angry at their government. What we are militating against is their imperialist ambitions in the region, which truly places regional security under great risk.
The Chinese people and the Filipino people both share a great historical legacy. When the Filipinos launched their revolution against Spanish power, the Chinese were there, as allies and as warriors. When the Chinese militated against their own government, the Filipinos were likewise there, by their side.
The Chinese people and the Filipino people share the same heart, the same goal, the same vision and mission--to create change in their respective societies. This explains why the 1949 Chinese Revolution remains an inspiration to hundreds if not thousands of Filipino ideologues and idealists.
It pains us, Filipinos, that China is now threatening us and even considers us an enemy. Filipino-Sino ties have existed for centuries. It remains strong because both peoples respect each other. Without respect, nothing good emanates from it.
The Chinese government must exercise restraint and show respect to its neighbours. If China wants to be the foremost leader in the region, it must show respect towards its neighbours. Leadership and power comes from respect, not from fear. We all know what happened to imperialist and totalitarian leaders--history destroyed them.
IN the modern age, leadership does not proceed from the barrel of the gun but from the virtue of benevolence.
Sunday, February 19, 2012
RP never recovered after World War Two
Sixty seven years ago, Manila, once the toast of European architecture in Asia, lay in rubbles. The second most destroyed city during World War two, Manila was a scene of carnage. Huge buildings were levelled to the ground, lifeless bodies, some rotting, lie along sidestreets. These scenes of horrific inhumanity were evidence of how fiercely both the Americans and the Japanese troops fought against each other.
Smoke bellows in all parts of the city. Moans, cries and shrills of horror waifed in the air. Those who survived the carnage lived yet told no one of how outrageous life became because of war. Thousands of souls walk along Taft avenue and saw a desert full of adobe and cement, and sand.
Manila never really recovered from the war. We never did.
Manila remained a patchwork. The wounds of war struck deep into our psyche that it shows during tragedies and calamities. As they say, Filipinos sometimes or most of the times, think only of himself to survive. We also see it every single day of our lives.
Now, what we experience is an economic crisis. Instead of us, uniting and urging others to sit and think of how to mitigate the effects of this crisis in each of our lives, and of how to strategically solve these problems, we decide to do it individually.
That post World War two reconstruction should have been the saving grace of this country. It should have resulted into a better Philippines. What we never did, harmed us and our successor generations.
The elites of this country are to blame for this. Instead of them sitting together and planning to build something out of the rubble, they decided to do things alone. These elites scampered to get and partake of the spoils of war. Some got rich. Others, wealthier than before.
Fact is, we are still under a period of reconstruction. What we did as a nation during these past sixty seven years were all patchwork. The lack of strategic thinking harms this country even now.
Smoke bellows in all parts of the city. Moans, cries and shrills of horror waifed in the air. Those who survived the carnage lived yet told no one of how outrageous life became because of war. Thousands of souls walk along Taft avenue and saw a desert full of adobe and cement, and sand.
Manila never really recovered from the war. We never did.
Manila remained a patchwork. The wounds of war struck deep into our psyche that it shows during tragedies and calamities. As they say, Filipinos sometimes or most of the times, think only of himself to survive. We also see it every single day of our lives.
Now, what we experience is an economic crisis. Instead of us, uniting and urging others to sit and think of how to mitigate the effects of this crisis in each of our lives, and of how to strategically solve these problems, we decide to do it individually.
That post World War two reconstruction should have been the saving grace of this country. It should have resulted into a better Philippines. What we never did, harmed us and our successor generations.
The elites of this country are to blame for this. Instead of them sitting together and planning to build something out of the rubble, they decided to do things alone. These elites scampered to get and partake of the spoils of war. Some got rich. Others, wealthier than before.
Fact is, we are still under a period of reconstruction. What we did as a nation during these past sixty seven years were all patchwork. The lack of strategic thinking harms this country even now.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Hongkongers and Filipinos are brothers
Hongkong, that tiny little island state, grew from the strength and contributions of poor expatriates and Filipinos. When the Chinese red revolution overcame the Chinese kuomintang in 1949, most Chinese migrated to the British colony. These were poor, unlettered yet highly industrious folk. With some Filipino help, the colony was able to contain the extraordinary rise of its population.
Back then, Hongkong was poorer than the Philippines. The island was then, not a favorite tourist destination because of the high tension between the island and Mao's Communist regime. Foreign assistance especially coming from the United States and the Philippines helped Hongkong what it is now---a cosmopolitan state, with a booming economy.
Relations between Hongkong and the Filipinos go back centuries. Hongkong traders visit the Philippines to trade. Filipinos, especially Ilustrados considered as enemies of the Spanish regime, migrate to Hongkong as expatriates.
Back then, Filipinos had Chinese amais as domestic helpers. When the revolution broke Spanish rule in these islands, these Chinese amais were able to extricate themselves from their condition, and made a name for themselves in this country.
Hongkongers must not forget that we Filipinos are truly their brothers. When the chips are down, we, Filipinos support them with whatever we have. We expect sana the same treatment from them.
Back then, Hongkong was poorer than the Philippines. The island was then, not a favorite tourist destination because of the high tension between the island and Mao's Communist regime. Foreign assistance especially coming from the United States and the Philippines helped Hongkong what it is now---a cosmopolitan state, with a booming economy.
Relations between Hongkong and the Filipinos go back centuries. Hongkong traders visit the Philippines to trade. Filipinos, especially Ilustrados considered as enemies of the Spanish regime, migrate to Hongkong as expatriates.
Back then, Filipinos had Chinese amais as domestic helpers. When the revolution broke Spanish rule in these islands, these Chinese amais were able to extricate themselves from their condition, and made a name for themselves in this country.
Hongkongers must not forget that we Filipinos are truly their brothers. When the chips are down, we, Filipinos support them with whatever we have. We expect sana the same treatment from them.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Filipinos are World's Greatest Assets
Look around you, and you’ll realize that everything you see are wondrous works of Filipino creation. Travel abroad, and expect to find at least one Filipino bravely holding himself up before the rest of the world. Look at the tee-shirts you’re wearing, and you’ll find that even its threads are probably Pinoy and even if its “Made in China” or “Made in the USA”, chances are one of those who sewed it and made it the best tee-shirt in the world is a Filipino.
When the world wakes up every morning, they use a product that is Filipino made. The bed they lie on, the soft and nice pillows they rest their heads on and even those comforters they wrap their bodies to keep warm, at least one Filipino invested his time and skills to make it.
When the world rise from their beds, and put on those slippers, at least a billion wears those made from the Philippines. They go to their comfort rooms and brush their teeth and probably not just a billion feels great using toothpaste and a toothbrush made by Filipinos. They clean themselves up using soaps which probably came from a factory somewhere in Laguna or in Subic. And they wash their hair using shampoos promoted by top Filipino marketing managers and professionals.
Filipino hands made those excellent cuisines now being enjoyed by the world’s rich and uber famous. Some of the world’s greatest chefs are Pinoys, while most of the hotel staff of top 5 and 6-star hotels around the world are Pinoys. The world is slowly warming up with the Filipino’s version of the adobo and chicken tinola. Filipino cuisines are starting to dominate the world’s kitchens, with uniquely Pinoy creations being served at millions of homes around the globe.
When the world goes to work, they ride on modern cars powered by Filipino minds and ingenuity. Filipino hands and intellect power the world’s greatest cars. Pinoy engineers now design the most sophisticated machines inside our Ferraris, BMWs, Chryslers and Mercedes Benz. From the headlights down to the suspensions and wheels, there is some speck of Filipino there for the entire world to appreciate. Fact is, those modern designs we now see in our cars, even if it’s a Toyota or a Mitsubishi, are mostly inventions by Filipino car designers.
You’ll find a Filipino in the top universities in the world, pitting his brains against some of the world’s best. Nowadays, it’s entirely common to hear a Filipino graduate from Harvard or Oxford. Ivy League schools in the United States are full of Filipinos; same goes to the top European institutions. We have some Filipinos graduating at the top of their classes in the US military academy and commanding battalions as officers of the world’s greatest army. And we have great Filipino academicians teaching the world’s business titans how to run their companies.
We have Filipinos at NASA and Pinoy scientists over at BERN. We see Filipinos tinkering with sophisticated technologies in Japan, the United States and Europe. Filipinos are also working as inventors of newer technologies. Those who don’t know must know that Filipinos are also active in the fields of bio-technology, neuroscience, and information technology. We have bio-engineers who are now involved in developing creative and useful technologies for the rest of the world to use and enjoy.
We have young Pinoys such as Brian Quebengco who spearheads Inovent, a young startup company that invented the world’s first interactive television. Despite working with meager resources, Quebengco and his gang of Innoventors are on the verge of unveiling this television which will revolutionize the way the world watches TV.
When the world’s businessmen enter hotels, they are welcomed by Pinoys. When they rest in those comfy beds, a Filipino attends to their needs. When someone enjoys a cool daiquiri in an Ibiza-inspired pool in some resort, a Filipino probably made it for him. Those warm meals served are Filipino made. When they leave their hotels or resorts, a Filipino gives them his most precious and warm smile to enliven them. Surely, millions of them when they arrive home, a Filipino will be there to arrange their meals and iron their clothes.
Some Filipinos command great armies of workers around the world. They serve as managers, supervisors and field commanders in some of the world’s top manufacturing companies. In the Middle East, most of those who work to harvest that black gold are Filipino engineers. While those fields of gold in the United States, South America, Asia and Europe are being attended to by hardworking Filipino workers. Even our oceans are populated by Filipinos either as sailors or captains, or in some places, Filipinos are themselves commercial fishermen.
We see Pinoy art bringing joy to millions, and Pinoy writers weaving words into art in advertising copies around the world. We enjoy a Mickey Mouse drawn by a Filipino animator and an almost realistic Spider-man or a Superman flying over rooftops and skyscrapers made by a Filipino computer animator. Some of the world’s top comic’s characters came alive from a Filipino sketch book, while the creepiest villains and admirable heroes spring forth from the mind of another Pinoy.
Those games we enjoy in our PS3’s, Nintendo and PC games are most likely produced and inspired by Filipino game creators and animators. Even some cell phone games are Pinoy inventions.
Pinoys even dominate the martial arts world, what with Pinoys competing in URCC and in wrestling matches. We see a Pinoy making history as the most multi-titled pugilist in world boxing history. We have a Pinoy legend in billiards, another one in professional bowling. Someday, Filipinos will dominate fencing, wushu, amateur wrestling, swimming, even football.
Even at the world political scene, Filipino diplomats stand toe-to-toe with the world’s greatest minds. We are considered the world’s best in diplomatic circles. The first United Nations head is a Pinoy. The first ever Asian to head the International Labor Organization is a Bulakeno. And most staffers of the United Nations are Filipinos.
It is most unfortunate though that despite all of these, we have a government that is as corrupt, as chaotic and as direction-less as an African or South American government.
Yes, we are critical players in stabilizing the world, yet, we are as destabilized in our own country. We give order in the world, yet, in our own soil, we are as disorderly and disorganized as some petty state in an obscure place in the world. Our compatriots abroad distinguished themselves as the best law-abiding citizens, yet, in our own country, most of us distinguish ourselves as one of the world’s dirtiest and the most despicable thrashers in history.
We spread and give light to human civilization, yet, our country is still under a state of extreme darkness.
Our country stands at the crossroads. One road leads to greatness while the other, perdition. That road to greatness is fraught with dangers and sufferings. While the other, is as easy as crossing the street, yet the end of it, damnation.
We are the creators of our future. We are the creators of our own greatness. We are great when we think and believe that we are great. When 90 million Filipinos think great every single day, we will achieve what no other country ever did---propel this nation to First World status by six years.
We can do it. We can achieve what we want—a better quality of life for all Filipinos. Let us all be engineers of our great future. Let us all be part of this great enterprise of nation-building. Let us share this vision to everyone who wants nothing but a better future for himself, for his family and for his successors.
Look around you, and you’ll see a very promising landscape. Just go to Makati and Pasay, and you’ll see the Marriott group of hotels near one of our international airports. Try to go to Ayala and you’ll find a Raffles hotel being built beside Landmark. Go out of Metro Manila and you’ll find great resorts and hotels being established. Check out our new airports, and bridges and roads. These are infrastructures of our future.
Even look at yourself in the mirror and you’ll find that there is something new, something dynamic, something promising in you that is worth sharing with other Filipinos. Find that new thing within you and spread it around. Instead of just being a passive observer, be an intellectual entrepreneur. Spread that new thinking, your intellectual invention with other Filipinos and within a short period of time, you’ll be the leader of a great enterprise.
Look around you, and you’ll see a silent revolution, the entrepreneurial revolt, spreading in every direction, in every nook and cranny of the Metropolis and even in the remotest barangays throughout this great nation. From thinking of just being laborers and employees, a great majority of Filipinos are transforming themselves into entrepreneurs. Yes, we are emerging into an entrepreneur’s hub in Asia.
What’s great, I sense that a great social infrastructure is slowly emerging from the loins of the Filipino masses. This infrastructure is Pinoy bayanihan, the realization that every one is a patriot in his own right, and the recognition that, as a Patriot, he is a substantive part in that human infrastructure.
We are slowly transcending the old philosophical world-view of individual-centric, into mass or social-centric. This is made possible by an infusion of new thinking. This new thinking is slowly permeating the public sphere and infecting every one! The new thinking is information-driven, and being exchanged every second. This is the new promise, the new Hope, the new Future!
Let the new administration nurture this and serve as a guide. Guide us towards greatness. Be an example of greatness and the rest of the country will rise up and follow.
Rise up, o Motherland! Rise up from centuries of lethargy and be inspired by the work of your Patriotic sons and daughters! There is a great enterprise rising over the horizon of despair. A new Sun has taken over the darkness. A new race of Filipinos are taking over. Let the millions of Filipino patriots seize this moment, create a new page in History and build a great Nation from the ashes of disbelief and despair. Time to re-build this Nation from the ground up! Time to create a Golden age where Filipinos are once again proud of their heritage and of their race! We are Filipinos and we are great.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Jose Rizal is Filipino, not Anti-Pinoy
Though I agree on some of the points raised by Blackshame in his article, it is largely inaccurate.Jose Rizal is the quintessential AntiPinoy. He is my hero and probably yours too. His two novels are considered by Leonie Guerrero (himself a translator of the novels and prizewinning biographer of the Hero) as the “Gospels of its [Filipinos] nationalism” While we may think that the two novels are anti-friar, it is also anti-Pinoy. Part of the basis of our national identity is being AntiPinoy!
First, in Rizal's time, there is no such term as "Pinoy". There is, however, a term "Filipino" which was a reference to half-bloods. These half-bloods were sired by Castillians married to indigenous elites.
Second, the term "Pinoy" is of recent origins. It probably became popular during the 60's or 70's when the Second Enlightenment or "Propaganda Movement" occurred. Pinoy is street lingo, which many mean "Filipino".
What Blackshama tried to do is make a philosophical distinction between these two terms, and spark a debate similar to the ones which Rizal and other Ilustrados did in their time.
The debate I am referring to was the one which somewhat divided the nation back then--the debate between the half-bloods and the pure blooded.
The half-bloods and "nationalist" pure blood described themselves as "Filipinos", or Spaniards living in a place considered as part of the Spanish regime. They were proud to be called "Filipinos" because the term glorifies the name of one of Spain's most beloved and most powerful monarch--King Philip.
Those not of noble birth or do not enjoy property rights back then were called "indios", a term which Rizal and his bunch of moneyed intellectuals disdain. "Indio" was a derisive term not for the indigenous folk who do not care less if they were called such, but for those who thought of themselves as educated and moneyed enough to be considered "Filipino". People back then were satisfied to be called "Pampangos", "Ilokanos" or Cebuanos.
Like Blackshama and those who consider themselves now as superior over most Filipinos (especially those spending time writing polemics or political pieces over the Net) wanted to say that they are anti-Pinoy, as if it really means much, or is really substantive enough to be discussed online.
Rizal was an accidental hero. He became one not because he suffered at the hands of those cruel or brutal Spanish soldiers but because he wanted to become Filipino. Like others in his time, Rizal was desirous to be one of those pure-blooded weak-minded Spaniards solely because being a Filipino was a "status". The term was not invented to describe a nation--it was used first as a classification. It classified people based on the nobility of their birth or what we now describe as a colonial caste system. If you're born poor, you're an Indio. If you're born in Spain and lived in a colony, you're a peninsular. If you were a half-blood bastard (or not), then you're insulares.
Rizal was neither--he was not born a Spaniard nor was he a son of a pure-blooded Spaniard. He was a Chinese born in the Philippines. His parents were second or third generation Chinese who elected to live in the Philippines, who embraced Christianity and the Western-inspired life.
That was Rizal's problem--he was seeped in Christian and Western philosophies and was so good at that that he agonized over the very fact that in the colonial caste system, his very own person do not count for anything. In his milieu, status was everything.
Rizal was undoubtedly superior over his Spanish classmates but lacked one thing---status. He cannot claim to be an insulares though his maternal grandmother Regina Ochoa was described as "Spanish-Chinese", because to be called one means being born from a union between a pure-blooded Spaniard and an indigenous elite.
Rizal suffered an identity problem, unlike his other Ilustrado buddies such as Antonio Luna and others who were pure insulares.
Insulares such as Luna considered themselves of a different stock. They, themselves, invented the term Filipino, derived from its etymological source "Las Islas de Filipinas". Those born in the Philippines, of half-blood, were described as "Filipinos".
It is inaccurate though to describe Rizal as the "quintessential" Anti-Pinoy because, for the record, Rizal's struggle was exactly one that was directed at owning the very category of being "Filipino." He wanted everybody to be called "Filipino" and not "indio" to spur a sense of nationalism and for everybody to unite and form a "nasyon" or nation. That way, his status was made certain and concrete and his place in society secured.
Now, if Blackshama is trying to distinguish the terms "Pinoy" and "Filipino" differently, ascribing a derisive meaning for the term "Pinoy", cutting it from its original etymological umbilical cord, his attempt falls flat on the floor.
If Blackshama wanted to say that being "Pinoy" is being of an ill-natured brute, uneducated, immoral, un-cultured and wanted the term to serve an anti-thetical purpose, wittingly (or unwittingly) Blackshama is creating a sociological divide that has no rational basis.
If Blackshama wanted to say that being "Pinoy" is equivalent to an "Indio" of Rizal's time, then, his postulate is historically inaccurate.
BY saying that Rizal criticized the "Pinoy" (in Blackshama's world, the term is equivalent to the "Indio" of Rizal's time), Blackshama was actually telling us that Rizal exhibited the same racism as that of the Spanish colonists. That Rizal was a pseudo-hero, even an anti-hero, was something irreverent for Blackshama or by anybody for that matter.
Rizal loved the indios much as he loved the Ilustrados because he desired for everyone to be called "Filipinos." Fact is, the struggle was for the Ilustrados and the insulares to destroy the colonial caste system so that everyone enjoys equal rights and for what? To protect the interests of the moneyed, the intellectual and the propertied classes not of pure Spanish birth from illicit or illegal seizure of property and from cruelty. Had the Spaniards studied sociology back then and did not build a colonial caste system, probably, we would still be a Spanish colony.
Now, if Blackshama wanted to describe those who criticized the attitudes or mindsets of ordinary Filipinos as “Anti-Pinoy” and likened them to Rizal, Blackshama, for all his posturings, is mistaken. These so-called “Anti-Pinoys” are different from Rizal. Fact is, they are not Filipinos.
They are half-bloods who wanted to impose their so-called “intellectual superiority” over ordinary Pinoys. Or, if they are not bastards or sons or daughters of a foreigner with a Pinay wife, or a Filipino married to a foreigner, and just had the chance to live abroad courtesy of their education or were given a job offers, or were granted immigrant status and think of themselves as superior, then, they are not “anti-Pinoys”. They are derisively bastards of their own race.
Whoever rejects the very ethos of the People living in this revered land, whoever says that Western or Eastern ways are superior than us, or whoever says that the Pinoys are the epitome of crassness or that the problems of this Nation stems from the negative attributes of the People are stupid, idiots and racists. They don't know what they are saying and they are only glorifying a term which means absolutely nothing.
The Pinoy is an intelligent one. He is a hard-worker, a follower of the law and a lover of justice. It is the elite of this country that creates these problems, with their brutish natures, a lover of anything easy, a corrupter of morals and a veritable dictator.
It is the Pinoy elite that is the cause of this country's problems. It is they who exploit the resources of this country, it is they who impoverish the people with their anti-people policies, and it is they who think of themselves as messiahs when all they are are false prophets.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Pinoy. Yet, there is something terribly wrong with the elite. And for us to really move forward, let us destroy the elites of this country and build a government that will create an equitable and just society.
Lest I be misinterpreted, I love being called Pinoy and for every blemish that these people see, for every non-civilized manner, for every so-called "crass-ness" of the Pinoy, being called such is still a badge of honor.
Beginning this day, it is better to be called an Anti-Elite, instead of an anti-Pinoy.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Writ of Habeas Corpus and Why we must act now
There are only two legal prerequisites in the declaration of martial law in the Philippines. Under Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution, the President as Commander-in-Chief may declare martial rule only if either of these two conditions exists: a state of rebellion or invasion.
Let's not discuss about invasion since this does not and will not happen in the future. Let's just discuss about rebellion. What are the legal prerequisites that define the existence of rebellion?
Philippine jurisprudence defines rebellion or insurrection as an act:
Now, then, I would not delve into how the Supreme Court defines or construes the crime of rebellion, for the law is clear on that. What I would like to expose here is the immediate effects of such a declaration. In our jurisdiction, the most obvious effects of a declaration of martial law is the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Under our laws, a suspension of the writ or questioning the rationale behind the suspension is at most a political question (Barcelon vs. Baker; Montenegro vs. Castaneda). President Elpidio Quirino did just that in suspending the writ of persons in Central Luzon to quell a rebellion there. The Supreme Court did nothing to intervene.
However, in Lansang vs. Garcia, the Supreme Court declared that it has the power to determine whether the decision to suspend has factual basis. This is a reversal from the two earlier decisions in which the Court practically said that the president has the sole and ultimate discretion.
Writs are automatically suspended when the government declares martial rule, being, as what the Supreme Court said in Aquino vs. Enrile, that "it has the right to protect itself against those who want to destroy it." Having said so, the Supreme Court again reverted back to the Barcelon and Montenegro decisions when it said that the rationale behind such suspensions are solely exercised by the Chief Executive in Garcia-Padilla vs. Enrile.
Yet, when the Marcos regime ceased to exist, the SC again went back to its ruling in Lansang and declared that it has the power to determine whether the suspension is, in fact, based on factual and existing conditions of rebellion.
Effects of the declaration of martial rule
The immediate effects is the suspension of the writ. The second effect is the calling out of the Armed Forces to quell the rebellion by arresting and prosecuting those who are taking part or took part in the event. In People vs. Hernandez, the SC says that people arrested during a rebellion may not be charged with any other offense except the crime of rebellion. For example, if a rebel killed a police officer at the height of the rebellion, he may only be charged with the crime of rebellion and not complexed with homicide or murder (this is the prevailing doctrine, revisited in Enrile vs. Salazar case)
The writ of Habeas Corpus, says US Constitutional expert Paul Mishkin, is a writ of liberty, whereby it allows a person to exercise the fullest freedoms and rights guaranteed under a democratic state. No one, not even government, may arrest and detain a person , except if that person is committing or has committed a violation of the penal statutes of that state.
Therefore, a suspension of such writ allows the State to impose measures against its citizens. It may conduct arrests, occupy private businesses and momentarily suspend the workings and processes of democracy. All rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights are suspended. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, however, civil courts remain in operation even during the period of martial rule.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the suspension may only be within a period of sixty days. However, during this period, any citizen may go to the Supreme Court and question its validity. The Chief Executive is also required and specifically directed by the Constitution to report to Congress within 48 hours the factual basis for such a declaration. Congress, in turn, votes whether to sustain such a declaration or quash it.
The fears of people
What the people fear about this is the reality that this present administration exercises its powers in the most tyrannical and in wanton fashion that defies reason. There is a factual basis for such fears.
In Presidential Proclamation 1107 when Mrs. Arroyo availed of such powers to quell the purported "Oakwood Mutiny" rebellion, she did it without considering the real construction of Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution. Clearly, the rebuke she got from the Supreme Court in David vs. Macapagal-Arroyo says much about her tendency to do things in a reckless fashion that violates the very democratic principles of our society. PP 1107 says much on how this administration resorts to legal perfidy or constitutional innocuousness to justify its stay in power.
In the case of the Oakwood mutiny, the very name of the event speaks for itself--it was a mutiny allegedly committed by a group of soldiers. What these idealistic officers occupied was a posh hotel in Makati. They never occupied a naval facility nor a military camp. They never really called for people to rebel. It was just a glorified or bizarre way of doing a press con.
There was even no "armed public uprising" in the first place, since those who only inside Oakwood had arms. I did not see any other person bearing arms outside Oakwood, except maybe a few soldiers guarding the hotel.
So then, when Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita threatened to declare martial law in case protestors against House Resolution 1109, was it just a hollow threat or a real one?
If, for example, protestors carry sticks and brooms during Mrs. Arroyo's SONA, would that justify a declaration of martial rule? No.
If, say, they shout invectives against Mrs. Arroyo and mass themselves infront of that brass statue in EDSA, would that, be interpreted as rebellion? Again, no.
If, say, Patricio Mangubat and all cyber activists really went out of their perfumed rooms and flood the streets and join those thousands of warm bodies calling for the removal of Mrs. Arroyo from power, would that be rebellion? Of course, no.
That's different when we protest not just by using our laptops or shout ourselves out hoarse but we also carry machetes or guns or armalites or we have bombs or grenades in our hands, that would really be rebellion. And, of course, we'll surely and like lambs, meekly line up for jail.
But, of course, like I said, this administration is different from the others, not just in the way they steal our monies, but also in the way they bend the rules and the law in order to get what they want.
I would not be surprised that, if they see a Bayan Muna flag bearer or a Sanlakas member holding a stick pole, Ermita and Mrs. Arroyo would team up and proclaim martial rule the minute they see these people in the streets. Ermita would say that stick is a bladed weapon and a threat to democracy.
Or, when they see the face of Satur or Teddy Casino in their TV screens down that dark garrisoned monitoring basement of theirs inside the palace, Ermita and Mrs. Arroyo, along with her fat hubby, immediately think of declaring martial rule and call out the armed forces. Those words of Satur really hurt. And these conos don't want nothing of this.
More vigilance and More Actions
So, now, what I'm trying to say is simply this---let's heed what Senator Kiko Pangilinan urged us to do---remain vigilant and even heighten our campaign against this despotic regime.
Don't follow other people's call for sobriety. No. You don't act calmly when you're being killed or you're being raped. No.
I hate to say this but all the more do we fight this government, a menace of democracy. You just don't retire to your rooms and just type your anger away---you need to join those mass of people out there in the streets and protest how things are getting fucked up and how this government shows irreverence on the state of things.
These people who call for sobriety, of the Gandhian way of showing dissent, are clearly mistaken. Or they're simply members of the conscience block of the elite. As I wrote some entries ago, these people are stooges of the elite class. They don't want an authentic revolution. They simply want us to toe the line and not change things up because that would surely affect their economic status.
All the more you kick, you protest, you shout, you holler, you type those word bombs and you hold those stick and poles ever tighter. "No cause is left but the most ancient of all, the one, in fact, that from the beginning of our history has determined the very existence of politics, the cause of freedom versus tyranny" says Hannah Arendt.
"The objector and the rebel who raises his voice against what he believes to be the injustice of the present and the wrongs of the past is the one who hunches the world along" adds Clarence S. Darrow.
And what Ralph Waldo Emerson clearly wrote a century ago, " Every actual state is corrupt. Good men must not obey laws too well."
And I say, let's push forward so that tyrants will never ever think of ever occupying that Palace and never ever dream of destroying the very institutions of governance and never ever tinker with our democracy.
Let's not discuss about invasion since this does not and will not happen in the future. Let's just discuss about rebellion. What are the legal prerequisites that define the existence of rebellion?
Philippine jurisprudence defines rebellion or insurrection as an act:
There must be two conditions present for rebellion to exists: an armed public uprising must be present and the purpose must be of removing allegiance from the government "or any part thereof, of any body of land, naval or other armed forces, depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature, whooly or partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives.""committed by rising publicly and taking arms against the Government for
the purpose of removing from the allegiance to said Government or its laws, the
territory of the Philippine Islands or any part thereof, of any body of land,
naval or other armed forces, depriving the Chief Executive or the Legislature,
wholly or partially, of any of their powers or prerogatives. (As amended by R.A.
6968)." (Article 134 of the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines, ACT NO.
3815," AN ACT REVISING THE PENAL CODE AND OTHER PENAL LAWS")
Now, then, I would not delve into how the Supreme Court defines or construes the crime of rebellion, for the law is clear on that. What I would like to expose here is the immediate effects of such a declaration. In our jurisdiction, the most obvious effects of a declaration of martial law is the suspension of the writ of habeas corpus.
Under our laws, a suspension of the writ or questioning the rationale behind the suspension is at most a political question (Barcelon vs. Baker; Montenegro vs. Castaneda). President Elpidio Quirino did just that in suspending the writ of persons in Central Luzon to quell a rebellion there. The Supreme Court did nothing to intervene.
However, in Lansang vs. Garcia, the Supreme Court declared that it has the power to determine whether the decision to suspend has factual basis. This is a reversal from the two earlier decisions in which the Court practically said that the president has the sole and ultimate discretion.
Writs are automatically suspended when the government declares martial rule, being, as what the Supreme Court said in Aquino vs. Enrile, that "it has the right to protect itself against those who want to destroy it." Having said so, the Supreme Court again reverted back to the Barcelon and Montenegro decisions when it said that the rationale behind such suspensions are solely exercised by the Chief Executive in Garcia-Padilla vs. Enrile.
Yet, when the Marcos regime ceased to exist, the SC again went back to its ruling in Lansang and declared that it has the power to determine whether the suspension is, in fact, based on factual and existing conditions of rebellion.
Effects of the declaration of martial rule
The immediate effects is the suspension of the writ. The second effect is the calling out of the Armed Forces to quell the rebellion by arresting and prosecuting those who are taking part or took part in the event. In People vs. Hernandez, the SC says that people arrested during a rebellion may not be charged with any other offense except the crime of rebellion. For example, if a rebel killed a police officer at the height of the rebellion, he may only be charged with the crime of rebellion and not complexed with homicide or murder (this is the prevailing doctrine, revisited in Enrile vs. Salazar case)
The writ of Habeas Corpus, says US Constitutional expert Paul Mishkin, is a writ of liberty, whereby it allows a person to exercise the fullest freedoms and rights guaranteed under a democratic state. No one, not even government, may arrest and detain a person , except if that person is committing or has committed a violation of the penal statutes of that state.
Therefore, a suspension of such writ allows the State to impose measures against its citizens. It may conduct arrests, occupy private businesses and momentarily suspend the workings and processes of democracy. All rights guaranteed under the Bill of Rights are suspended. Unlike the 1935 Constitution, however, civil courts remain in operation even during the period of martial rule.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the suspension may only be within a period of sixty days. However, during this period, any citizen may go to the Supreme Court and question its validity. The Chief Executive is also required and specifically directed by the Constitution to report to Congress within 48 hours the factual basis for such a declaration. Congress, in turn, votes whether to sustain such a declaration or quash it.
The fears of people
What the people fear about this is the reality that this present administration exercises its powers in the most tyrannical and in wanton fashion that defies reason. There is a factual basis for such fears.
In Presidential Proclamation 1107 when Mrs. Arroyo availed of such powers to quell the purported "Oakwood Mutiny" rebellion, she did it without considering the real construction of Section 18, Article 7 of the 1987 Constitution. Clearly, the rebuke she got from the Supreme Court in David vs. Macapagal-Arroyo says much about her tendency to do things in a reckless fashion that violates the very democratic principles of our society. PP 1107 says much on how this administration resorts to legal perfidy or constitutional innocuousness to justify its stay in power.
In the case of the Oakwood mutiny, the very name of the event speaks for itself--it was a mutiny allegedly committed by a group of soldiers. What these idealistic officers occupied was a posh hotel in Makati. They never occupied a naval facility nor a military camp. They never really called for people to rebel. It was just a glorified or bizarre way of doing a press con.
There was even no "armed public uprising" in the first place, since those who only inside Oakwood had arms. I did not see any other person bearing arms outside Oakwood, except maybe a few soldiers guarding the hotel.
So then, when Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita threatened to declare martial law in case protestors against House Resolution 1109, was it just a hollow threat or a real one?
If, for example, protestors carry sticks and brooms during Mrs. Arroyo's SONA, would that justify a declaration of martial rule? No.
If, say, they shout invectives against Mrs. Arroyo and mass themselves infront of that brass statue in EDSA, would that, be interpreted as rebellion? Again, no.
If, say, Patricio Mangubat and all cyber activists really went out of their perfumed rooms and flood the streets and join those thousands of warm bodies calling for the removal of Mrs. Arroyo from power, would that be rebellion? Of course, no.
That's different when we protest not just by using our laptops or shout ourselves out hoarse but we also carry machetes or guns or armalites or we have bombs or grenades in our hands, that would really be rebellion. And, of course, we'll surely and like lambs, meekly line up for jail.
But, of course, like I said, this administration is different from the others, not just in the way they steal our monies, but also in the way they bend the rules and the law in order to get what they want.
I would not be surprised that, if they see a Bayan Muna flag bearer or a Sanlakas member holding a stick pole, Ermita and Mrs. Arroyo would team up and proclaim martial rule the minute they see these people in the streets. Ermita would say that stick is a bladed weapon and a threat to democracy.
Or, when they see the face of Satur or Teddy Casino in their TV screens down that dark garrisoned monitoring basement of theirs inside the palace, Ermita and Mrs. Arroyo, along with her fat hubby, immediately think of declaring martial rule and call out the armed forces. Those words of Satur really hurt. And these conos don't want nothing of this.
More vigilance and More Actions
So, now, what I'm trying to say is simply this---let's heed what Senator Kiko Pangilinan urged us to do---remain vigilant and even heighten our campaign against this despotic regime.
Don't follow other people's call for sobriety. No. You don't act calmly when you're being killed or you're being raped. No.
I hate to say this but all the more do we fight this government, a menace of democracy. You just don't retire to your rooms and just type your anger away---you need to join those mass of people out there in the streets and protest how things are getting fucked up and how this government shows irreverence on the state of things.
These people who call for sobriety, of the Gandhian way of showing dissent, are clearly mistaken. Or they're simply members of the conscience block of the elite. As I wrote some entries ago, these people are stooges of the elite class. They don't want an authentic revolution. They simply want us to toe the line and not change things up because that would surely affect their economic status.
All the more you kick, you protest, you shout, you holler, you type those word bombs and you hold those stick and poles ever tighter. "No cause is left but the most ancient of all, the one, in fact, that from the beginning of our history has determined the very existence of politics, the cause of freedom versus tyranny" says Hannah Arendt.
"The objector and the rebel who raises his voice against what he believes to be the injustice of the present and the wrongs of the past is the one who hunches the world along" adds Clarence S. Darrow.
And what Ralph Waldo Emerson clearly wrote a century ago, " Every actual state is corrupt. Good men must not obey laws too well."
And I say, let's push forward so that tyrants will never ever think of ever occupying that Palace and never ever dream of destroying the very institutions of governance and never ever tinker with our democracy.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Chip Tsao as Chi-Tae
Chip Tsao (a Hongkong based journalist writing on some unknown publication) seems to be losing sleep nowadays over some scattered rocks on the disputed Spratlys islands. He was able to sleep soundly when the Japanese put their flag over at Diaoyu Island. That, to him, is okey. Chip Tsao is a Japanese spy, a lover of Japanese anime and a veritable lover even of Japanese slapstick and Japanese porno. For a Chinese like him, Japanese are superior race. He would probably even appreciate if his mother would change partners and partner with a Japanese fisherman. That's why BBC probably kicked his butt. He's Chinese yet he wants to change his race. Chip Tsao is a racial cross-dresser.
That's why Chip Tsao became incest when Filipinos raised their flag over what has been their islands and possessions since the days when Tsao was still house tsa'a. For one who has been with a Filipina assistant for quite some time, whom he treats as his veritable slave, Tsao must have thought that the race of his Filipina assistant will forever be subservient to foreign tastes. He is. He's a lover of everything Japanese, yet he's Chinese. And he wants even his assistants to be like him, a racial cross-dresser.
For Chip Tsao, a slave is a slave forever, just like him, a slave of everything Japanese. He would like Japan to even pin their flag on Hongkong soil or possibly pierce his behind with that Japanese stick. That's why BBC love to can his reports since most of them are rubbish and fit only for octogenarians to see.
It's inconceivable for Chip Tsao to think that his government, a known bully in the South China seas and an exporter of everything dangerous to humans, to have been humiliated by this slave race. He can't seem to buy that idea that Filipinos now, as he describes as those who clean his toilets, to now tell him, straight in his pimpled face " Up Yours!"
Maybe Chip Tsao fears that Filipinos would stop patronizing cheap Chinese products. Maybe Chip Tsao fears of becoming Chi-Tae, a classic comedic character every Filipino loves.
Chip Tsao is losing sleep nowadays. He's in a fit of envious frenzy. He's even near neurotic. For someone who can't do what he pleases under a pseudo-socialist regime, Chip Tsao should probably worry. When the Chinese government learns that he's a cross-dresser and a war-monger, he'll probably be tasked to clean those toilets in the Kalayaan islands.
That's why Chip Tsao became incest when Filipinos raised their flag over what has been their islands and possessions since the days when Tsao was still house tsa'a. For one who has been with a Filipina assistant for quite some time, whom he treats as his veritable slave, Tsao must have thought that the race of his Filipina assistant will forever be subservient to foreign tastes. He is. He's a lover of everything Japanese, yet he's Chinese. And he wants even his assistants to be like him, a racial cross-dresser.
For Chip Tsao, a slave is a slave forever, just like him, a slave of everything Japanese. He would like Japan to even pin their flag on Hongkong soil or possibly pierce his behind with that Japanese stick. That's why BBC love to can his reports since most of them are rubbish and fit only for octogenarians to see.
It's inconceivable for Chip Tsao to think that his government, a known bully in the South China seas and an exporter of everything dangerous to humans, to have been humiliated by this slave race. He can't seem to buy that idea that Filipinos now, as he describes as those who clean his toilets, to now tell him, straight in his pimpled face " Up Yours!"
Maybe Chip Tsao fears that Filipinos would stop patronizing cheap Chinese products. Maybe Chip Tsao fears of becoming Chi-Tae, a classic comedic character every Filipino loves.
Chip Tsao is losing sleep nowadays. He's in a fit of envious frenzy. He's even near neurotic. For someone who can't do what he pleases under a pseudo-socialist regime, Chip Tsao should probably worry. When the Chinese government learns that he's a cross-dresser and a war-monger, he'll probably be tasked to clean those toilets in the Kalayaan islands.
Friday, May 23, 2008
Breakdown Leads to Systems Loss
There's a noticeable increase in crime rate over the past few weeks. This phenomenon validates an earlier PNP intel report which predicts a sharp rise in crime due to the food crisis. However, I do believe that things will turn from bad to worse given that oil prices are starting to get unreasonably high. A higher oil price means higher commodity prices. Higher commodity prices means greater impact on inflation, which affects overall economic growth.
In Indonesia, people are starting to rise up against high fuel and food costs. In some countries in Africa, riots have broken out. In the United States, a rise in property-related incidents have been observed.
Some would say, this is inevitable since the crisis has now reached global proportions. Local market reactions do reflect current global sentiments. However, compared with the handling of our neighbours, we pale considerably especially in food and energy security.
We have the resources and the wherewithal to weather this crisis. We were insulated from the Asian financial crisis during Ramos time. This time though, too much government inaction to fundamental flaws in the system have weakened our state considerably. Too much legislation but too little implementation have exposed us to these dangers. We now face the prospect of an economic breakdown of the entire state economic apparatus. This could lead to a systems loss.
Imagine a situation where people can't buy enough food because of low wages. I expect a widening gap between the rich and the poor. I expect a situation where more and more members of the middle class going down the social stratum due to high inflation.
More than ever, we need a strong government that promotes national welfare instead of a few aristocratic interests. We need a government that creates rather than destroy enterprises. We need a government with a strong political will that will fight the enemies of the state with the full force of the law.
Sadly, our system right now is a decrepit one. Its nature is that of a patronage system where the rich enjoys more privileges than the rest of Filipinos. Whatever other theorists might say, this system can be described as semi-capitalist with neo-feudalist tendencies. Aristocrats hold too much power, which affects the democratic processes.
There's a big chance that an implosion might occur in the immediate future. Implosion means internal forces gobbling up the state. This, surely, will result to a system-wide breakdown. If diesel prices reach 50 per liter leading to higher food costs, expect subtle yet dangerous forms of dissent showing up in the crime rate radar.
In Indonesia, people are starting to rise up against high fuel and food costs. In some countries in Africa, riots have broken out. In the United States, a rise in property-related incidents have been observed.
Some would say, this is inevitable since the crisis has now reached global proportions. Local market reactions do reflect current global sentiments. However, compared with the handling of our neighbours, we pale considerably especially in food and energy security.
We have the resources and the wherewithal to weather this crisis. We were insulated from the Asian financial crisis during Ramos time. This time though, too much government inaction to fundamental flaws in the system have weakened our state considerably. Too much legislation but too little implementation have exposed us to these dangers. We now face the prospect of an economic breakdown of the entire state economic apparatus. This could lead to a systems loss.
Imagine a situation where people can't buy enough food because of low wages. I expect a widening gap between the rich and the poor. I expect a situation where more and more members of the middle class going down the social stratum due to high inflation.
More than ever, we need a strong government that promotes national welfare instead of a few aristocratic interests. We need a government that creates rather than destroy enterprises. We need a government with a strong political will that will fight the enemies of the state with the full force of the law.
Sadly, our system right now is a decrepit one. Its nature is that of a patronage system where the rich enjoys more privileges than the rest of Filipinos. Whatever other theorists might say, this system can be described as semi-capitalist with neo-feudalist tendencies. Aristocrats hold too much power, which affects the democratic processes.
There's a big chance that an implosion might occur in the immediate future. Implosion means internal forces gobbling up the state. This, surely, will result to a system-wide breakdown. If diesel prices reach 50 per liter leading to higher food costs, expect subtle yet dangerous forms of dissent showing up in the crime rate radar.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Contemplation
Yesterday, OFW groups commemorated the death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion. Some years ago, Flor was made a symbol of the OFW struggle. Her life was shown in full color before the eyes of her suffering people. She died in the gallows but remains as a living spirit in all of us.
I myself, was an OFW. I worked for many years in Singapore. And being there, I saw none of the hardships of Flor. In fact, I found Singapore a true haven of good opportunities for those with a stout heart and will to see oneself rise above everything. Singapore gave me a new lease of life. The lessons I learned from Singapore, I will keep in my heart forever.
In the next few days while we celebrate the passion of Christ, let us take a rest for a while and contemplate. Be it be in Boracay or in your own home, it's time for us, everyone, to discover God. God does now dwell in man-made structures, like Churches. The Bible says that the Spirit of God does not live in temples because one cannot contain the Spirit of God.
God exists everywhere. And for us to really know God, we must discover God within us. How do we do that?
Prayer. Don't pray if you only want to ask for something. Use prayer like a personal wireless communication device. Pray to communicate with God each and every facet of your life now. Pray even when you feel high spirited. It's your own small way of thanking God for all the blessings God has given you.
Meditate. Go to a silent corner. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Imagine that you're in a comfortable place. Imagine that you are in the presence of God. While you're in that state, seek for the Light. You'll find that in that state of meditation, there's a tunnel of Light before you. Go to that Light.
Do good. Keep the Commandments. Go beyond what is expected of you by God. Just remember the original message of God--help the poor, the orphans and the widows in their time of affliction. By following this, you'll surely not be swayed in the wrong direction.
Spread the message of God. The message of God is simple--Worship the One True God. Salvation comes from the One True God. There is No God but One God. And that God exists in proto-reality. I know. I have experienced it. I was an Atheist for eight years. I broke my Atheism because of my personal experience. Share your experience with God and do so without being "spiritual". Tell your friends about your personal story. And they, like you, will definitely experience God.
For the next few days and weeks, take part in the movement for contemplation. Together, let us re-discover our hiya, our morality, our decency as a people. We lost this valuable treasure due to our materialism. Do away with this. Do away with greed. Show the world how it is to be Filipinos, not a Macabebe.
I myself, was an OFW. I worked for many years in Singapore. And being there, I saw none of the hardships of Flor. In fact, I found Singapore a true haven of good opportunities for those with a stout heart and will to see oneself rise above everything. Singapore gave me a new lease of life. The lessons I learned from Singapore, I will keep in my heart forever.
In the next few days while we celebrate the passion of Christ, let us take a rest for a while and contemplate. Be it be in Boracay or in your own home, it's time for us, everyone, to discover God. God does now dwell in man-made structures, like Churches. The Bible says that the Spirit of God does not live in temples because one cannot contain the Spirit of God.
God exists everywhere. And for us to really know God, we must discover God within us. How do we do that?
Prayer. Don't pray if you only want to ask for something. Use prayer like a personal wireless communication device. Pray to communicate with God each and every facet of your life now. Pray even when you feel high spirited. It's your own small way of thanking God for all the blessings God has given you.
Meditate. Go to a silent corner. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Imagine that you're in a comfortable place. Imagine that you are in the presence of God. While you're in that state, seek for the Light. You'll find that in that state of meditation, there's a tunnel of Light before you. Go to that Light.
Do good. Keep the Commandments. Go beyond what is expected of you by God. Just remember the original message of God--help the poor, the orphans and the widows in their time of affliction. By following this, you'll surely not be swayed in the wrong direction.
Spread the message of God. The message of God is simple--Worship the One True God. Salvation comes from the One True God. There is No God but One God. And that God exists in proto-reality. I know. I have experienced it. I was an Atheist for eight years. I broke my Atheism because of my personal experience. Share your experience with God and do so without being "spiritual". Tell your friends about your personal story. And they, like you, will definitely experience God.
For the next few days and weeks, take part in the movement for contemplation. Together, let us re-discover our hiya, our morality, our decency as a people. We lost this valuable treasure due to our materialism. Do away with this. Do away with greed. Show the world how it is to be Filipinos, not a Macabebe.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
The US recession and its Impact on US
Arroyo has just called an emergency energy summit. She needs to. The threat of high oil prices will impact greatly on the country's economy. One of the things which this summit achieved is lower the tariffs imposed on oil prices. It was a decision which sectors have been wanting for Arroyo to do since last year when oil players jacked up petrol prices.
But what Arroyo must actually do instead of calling for an energy summit is an economic summit. Why? There is a strong possibility that the slide of the US economy into recession will affect Philippine economic growth this year. The high 5% unemployment rate and the sluggish pace of the economy will surely affect the flow of net foreign portfolio and foreign direct investments. Investors, both local and foreign, have shown nervousness and apprehension, not because of political talks, as what "eminent" stock analyst Astro del Castillo said yesterday. The Philippine stock market will perform poorly in the next couple of weeks or even months until this US recession boils over.
Surely, those companies involved in the call center, export and those closely linked with retail or consumer goods will find it extremely hard to compete in the US due to this recession. There will be less demand for locally-based call centers because companies in the US will surely slash their customer service budget. When things turn worse, companies look at their books and erase those which they consider to be dispensable expenses.
What I fear is the fate of fellow Filipinos in the US. Surely, with unemployment high, the first sector to be affected by it would be the minorities. There will be less jobs available for them. When this happens, some or many of them would be unable to send dollars into the country or worst, entertain thoughts of going back. The exodus of incoming expats would surely strain our own economy.
This early, questions about the resiliency of our economy are animating every boardroom and every coffee shops. People are edgy. And when people are uncertain about things, they are bound to do the inevitable--strategic retreat. I, myself, am thinking of pulling out certain investments linked with the stock market, for fears that the value of my money will be diluted due to this impending recession. I am not encouraging others to do so. But, if they assess the situation, they would empathize with me when I say this: When the sky is littered with dark clouds, it's time to rush to the nearest shelter for rain.
But what Arroyo must actually do instead of calling for an energy summit is an economic summit. Why? There is a strong possibility that the slide of the US economy into recession will affect Philippine economic growth this year. The high 5% unemployment rate and the sluggish pace of the economy will surely affect the flow of net foreign portfolio and foreign direct investments. Investors, both local and foreign, have shown nervousness and apprehension, not because of political talks, as what "eminent" stock analyst Astro del Castillo said yesterday. The Philippine stock market will perform poorly in the next couple of weeks or even months until this US recession boils over.
Surely, those companies involved in the call center, export and those closely linked with retail or consumer goods will find it extremely hard to compete in the US due to this recession. There will be less demand for locally-based call centers because companies in the US will surely slash their customer service budget. When things turn worse, companies look at their books and erase those which they consider to be dispensable expenses.
What I fear is the fate of fellow Filipinos in the US. Surely, with unemployment high, the first sector to be affected by it would be the minorities. There will be less jobs available for them. When this happens, some or many of them would be unable to send dollars into the country or worst, entertain thoughts of going back. The exodus of incoming expats would surely strain our own economy.
This early, questions about the resiliency of our economy are animating every boardroom and every coffee shops. People are edgy. And when people are uncertain about things, they are bound to do the inevitable--strategic retreat. I, myself, am thinking of pulling out certain investments linked with the stock market, for fears that the value of my money will be diluted due to this impending recession. I am not encouraging others to do so. But, if they assess the situation, they would empathize with me when I say this: When the sky is littered with dark clouds, it's time to rush to the nearest shelter for rain.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Political Differentiation
Political differentiation is a term which means being different. That's the secret of Trillianes' victory at the Senate race. And that's what's lacking in our list of presidentiables now.
What would constitute political differentiation?
In branding speak, this is what we call brand equity or positioning. Nowadays, the people lump all politicians together in one category: trapo. Surveys upon surveys reveal the people's desire to see a non-traditional politician ascend the rungs of power. What would define such a politician? What would be a non-traditional politician be like?
A Non-traditional politician espouses the people's cause. And what's the people's cause? The people's cause is a better life. And what would define a better life? Improved economic conditions for every Filipino family, peaceful co-existence, better opportunities, etc. For a Filipino, a roof over their heads, three square meals a day and a secure job constitutes a better life. This is the end-all and be-all of Filipino existence. For Filipinos, whatever it takes to get these things is irrelevant. If it means struggle, then, so be it. If it means going to the streets or voting for a politician, then, let it be so.
A non-traditional politician should have this cause in mind when he or she crafts his/her platform of governance. That platform should have an ideological construct, the kind that inspires and yet, delivers the goods eventually. To be different, a politician must be able to prove that his platform works based on his years' of experience in public service.
Judging from the list of political parties constituting the political spectrum, the Liberal Party holds the most promise. It has a fresh image. However, its posturing is not enough to qualify it as a non-traditional political party. Until now, Mar Roxas has not communicated the reasons why people should vote for Liberal Party or for him come 2010. Yes, he has his palengke tours. Yes, he has remonstrated his opposition in some of the palace moves. Yet, Mar Roxas still lacks political differentiation because he has not been as maverick as Trillianes is in the minds of the public.
Likewise, Mar Roxas shows no "halos" so to speak, that the public saw with Erap and Ramos. Roxas should command a stable following and the public should see it. Roxas should be seen as a rebel with a cause, the kind that inspires and not just for publicity sake. He should do it by 2008. Otherwise, he'll lose momentum and probably could suffer the fate of one of LP's stalwart, former Senator Salonga.
What would constitute political differentiation?
In branding speak, this is what we call brand equity or positioning. Nowadays, the people lump all politicians together in one category: trapo. Surveys upon surveys reveal the people's desire to see a non-traditional politician ascend the rungs of power. What would define such a politician? What would be a non-traditional politician be like?
A Non-traditional politician espouses the people's cause. And what's the people's cause? The people's cause is a better life. And what would define a better life? Improved economic conditions for every Filipino family, peaceful co-existence, better opportunities, etc. For a Filipino, a roof over their heads, three square meals a day and a secure job constitutes a better life. This is the end-all and be-all of Filipino existence. For Filipinos, whatever it takes to get these things is irrelevant. If it means struggle, then, so be it. If it means going to the streets or voting for a politician, then, let it be so.
A non-traditional politician should have this cause in mind when he or she crafts his/her platform of governance. That platform should have an ideological construct, the kind that inspires and yet, delivers the goods eventually. To be different, a politician must be able to prove that his platform works based on his years' of experience in public service.
Judging from the list of political parties constituting the political spectrum, the Liberal Party holds the most promise. It has a fresh image. However, its posturing is not enough to qualify it as a non-traditional political party. Until now, Mar Roxas has not communicated the reasons why people should vote for Liberal Party or for him come 2010. Yes, he has his palengke tours. Yes, he has remonstrated his opposition in some of the palace moves. Yet, Mar Roxas still lacks political differentiation because he has not been as maverick as Trillianes is in the minds of the public.
Likewise, Mar Roxas shows no "halos" so to speak, that the public saw with Erap and Ramos. Roxas should command a stable following and the public should see it. Roxas should be seen as a rebel with a cause, the kind that inspires and not just for publicity sake. He should do it by 2008. Otherwise, he'll lose momentum and probably could suffer the fate of one of LP's stalwart, former Senator Salonga.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Disturbing signs for 2008: GMA Administration--Hard headed or just plain stupid?
ZTE to be re-bidded in 2008
Government has just announced that they will be re-bidding the NBN project (dubbed ZTE deal) to local telcos in 2008. I bet my bottom Sing dollars that the one who will get it will still use ZTE technology. What the public does'nt know is that the technology being used by most local telcos came from ZTE. ZTE has been in operation in the Philippines since 2000. It is the major supplier of telecommunications equipment to most local telcos.
What this government will do is still award the contract to a local telco with strong tieup with ZTE. And the end result will still be harmful to the pockets of the Filipino People.
PR Contract worth US$ 50 Million
Senator Mar Roxas has just exposed another anomaly this administration entered into---a US$ 50 million worth of PR contract. That's roughly P 2 billion guys. A US-based lobby group has been tapped to improve the image and reputation of this government before the eyes of the Americans. And for what? To justify the illegal occupation of Malacanan by the conjugal republican monarchy? Some years ago, Filipinos militated against the Venable deal which could have cost the People 50 million pesos. Now, its at it again, spending billions for image reputation management.
Exports to grow only 6 percent
While government continually harp on the economic gains so to speak of the government, they are neglecting an important sector which is the export sector. Analysts say that the export industry will only grow by 6percent which is truly depressing considering the important role it plays in every country's national development. The BSP said that by 2008 it will relax forex controls to ease the burden of volatile forex rates to the people. That's good news for exporters whom I believe is having their worst year to date. However, government should take care of this very important sector since export industries are the key to sustained economic growth, not just sporadic growth which we are experiencing today.
40 now, 45 next year
Forex experts are predicting that the peso will slide to its comfortable level of 45 by next year. So, for those speculators out there or for some who want to earn some quick buck from their dollars, its better to buy dollars now then wait for next year to convert it. You'll earn at least 5 pesos more for every peso you spent buying those green bucks.
Filipinos still optimistic, says surveys
For all of these things, Filipinos are still optimistic that Christmas will be good for them. I don't know about that. For all I know, prices of commodities have increased substantially since last week. People are feeling this. And I don't think that government is capable enough of explaining why people are not buying enough stuff for their noche buena feasts. A year ago, 2,000 pesos is a lot. Now, it's a pittance. I really don't know what to be thankful for except perhaps that we are still alive despite the horrendous performance of this government. And I don't want to thank Arroyo for that. I am thanking God for that. Don't tell me that I owe every shred of my existence to Arroyo. Doing so would be blasphemy. And a lie.
Government has just announced that they will be re-bidding the NBN project (dubbed ZTE deal) to local telcos in 2008. I bet my bottom Sing dollars that the one who will get it will still use ZTE technology. What the public does'nt know is that the technology being used by most local telcos came from ZTE. ZTE has been in operation in the Philippines since 2000. It is the major supplier of telecommunications equipment to most local telcos.
What this government will do is still award the contract to a local telco with strong tieup with ZTE. And the end result will still be harmful to the pockets of the Filipino People.
PR Contract worth US$ 50 Million
Senator Mar Roxas has just exposed another anomaly this administration entered into---a US$ 50 million worth of PR contract. That's roughly P 2 billion guys. A US-based lobby group has been tapped to improve the image and reputation of this government before the eyes of the Americans. And for what? To justify the illegal occupation of Malacanan by the conjugal republican monarchy? Some years ago, Filipinos militated against the Venable deal which could have cost the People 50 million pesos. Now, its at it again, spending billions for image reputation management.
Exports to grow only 6 percent
While government continually harp on the economic gains so to speak of the government, they are neglecting an important sector which is the export sector. Analysts say that the export industry will only grow by 6percent which is truly depressing considering the important role it plays in every country's national development. The BSP said that by 2008 it will relax forex controls to ease the burden of volatile forex rates to the people. That's good news for exporters whom I believe is having their worst year to date. However, government should take care of this very important sector since export industries are the key to sustained economic growth, not just sporadic growth which we are experiencing today.
40 now, 45 next year
Forex experts are predicting that the peso will slide to its comfortable level of 45 by next year. So, for those speculators out there or for some who want to earn some quick buck from their dollars, its better to buy dollars now then wait for next year to convert it. You'll earn at least 5 pesos more for every peso you spent buying those green bucks.
Filipinos still optimistic, says surveys
For all of these things, Filipinos are still optimistic that Christmas will be good for them. I don't know about that. For all I know, prices of commodities have increased substantially since last week. People are feeling this. And I don't think that government is capable enough of explaining why people are not buying enough stuff for their noche buena feasts. A year ago, 2,000 pesos is a lot. Now, it's a pittance. I really don't know what to be thankful for except perhaps that we are still alive despite the horrendous performance of this government. And I don't want to thank Arroyo for that. I am thanking God for that. Don't tell me that I owe every shred of my existence to Arroyo. Doing so would be blasphemy. And a lie.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Slower Economy, Higher Prices in 2008 and the Sumilao Model
NEDA has just raised the bar of economic growth for the Philippines in 2008: from 6.1 to 6.7%. Compared this year, this is lower than the nearly 7% growth the economy achieved. NEDA's projection is still higher than the projected 6% growth of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the Asian Development Bank.
Whether its 6% or 7%, there's one undeniable fact--the growth rate of the Philippines is catching up with its neighbours. However, there's a catch--slower growth, higher prices of commodities. And government is helpless to stem its rise.
It may be good news for foreign and local investors. It's surely bad news for 89 million Filipinos. Without a rise in pay, Filipinos will surely find 2008 as one of the hardest, if not the hardest year to date.
Government should form a task force that would address the issues Filipinos will confront in 2008. For example, with the rising strength of the peso, how many hundreds of thousands of Filipinos will join the under and unemployed? Will our export industries also catch up with their strong foreign counterparts? What safety nets would government setup to protect the poor?
The World Bank says agriculture is the best bet of the Philippines in 2008. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap should now plan ahead to make agriculture a prime engine for growth. The rise in agriculture production in 2007 is still not competitive because there's still a gap or a shortage between local and foreign demands. Food security levels are still not stable. Chinese agricultural products continue to flood the market, yes, threatening local agri companies. These and some other threats continue to affect millions of rural-based Filipinos, making them a fertile ground of insurgencies and terrorism.
Net of discussion
The agricultural sector is the poorest sector of Filipino society. Almost 65% of Filipinos still get their livelihood from the fatness of the land. Without a safety net, government will surely have their hands full containing pockets of resistance and dissent from the countrysides. It is not surprising that millions of Filipinos are dying due to hunger in the rural areas precisely because of the disparity in their incomes with that of the commodity prices. A stronger economy in the case of the Philippines does not mean a better life for the Filipino. In fact, we are the only country who continues to grow economically but slowly stagnate because the people who's supposed to benefit from these economic gains continue to be in the end of the bargain. Such inequality will eventually "catch up" with us in a form of a revolution.
Whether its 6% or 7%, there's one undeniable fact--the growth rate of the Philippines is catching up with its neighbours. However, there's a catch--slower growth, higher prices of commodities. And government is helpless to stem its rise.
It may be good news for foreign and local investors. It's surely bad news for 89 million Filipinos. Without a rise in pay, Filipinos will surely find 2008 as one of the hardest, if not the hardest year to date.
Government should form a task force that would address the issues Filipinos will confront in 2008. For example, with the rising strength of the peso, how many hundreds of thousands of Filipinos will join the under and unemployed? Will our export industries also catch up with their strong foreign counterparts? What safety nets would government setup to protect the poor?
The World Bank says agriculture is the best bet of the Philippines in 2008. Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap should now plan ahead to make agriculture a prime engine for growth. The rise in agriculture production in 2007 is still not competitive because there's still a gap or a shortage between local and foreign demands. Food security levels are still not stable. Chinese agricultural products continue to flood the market, yes, threatening local agri companies. These and some other threats continue to affect millions of rural-based Filipinos, making them a fertile ground of insurgencies and terrorism.
Net of discussion
The agricultural sector is the poorest sector of Filipino society. Almost 65% of Filipinos still get their livelihood from the fatness of the land. Without a safety net, government will surely have their hands full containing pockets of resistance and dissent from the countrysides. It is not surprising that millions of Filipinos are dying due to hunger in the rural areas precisely because of the disparity in their incomes with that of the commodity prices. A stronger economy in the case of the Philippines does not mean a better life for the Filipino. In fact, we are the only country who continues to grow economically but slowly stagnate because the people who's supposed to benefit from these economic gains continue to be in the end of the bargain. Such inequality will eventually "catch up" with us in a form of a revolution.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Measuring Economic Success
Gloria Arroyo just boasted before the European royals that "shes an excellent economist but the worst politician". She claimed that she's the one responsible for the strong economic showing of the Philippines.
Bull. And a lot of horse shit.
In a way, she IS responsible for the "phenomenal growth" of the economy. By really messing up here, making life intolerable and unbearable to millions of Filipinos, Arroyo prompted an exodus of workers and intelligent Filipinos. Their monies help stabilize the economy. It is no secret that the only thing that keeps this economy alive are billions of dollars worth of overseas remittances every month.
Also, she just happened to be president when the REGIONAL ECONOMY is having a blast. The emergence of China as an economic powerhouse, the excellent showing of other ASEAN countries and the influx of investments are natural occurrences of globalization. Investors have no choice but to go to the Philippines because it's one of the largest markets around--85 million people. Whether it's Arroyo or Erap or whoever, no investor will gloss the importance of the Philippines as a consumer market.
What then is the measure of economic success?
Arroyo can only claim to be an economist if the standard of living has improved. If the average salaried employee can own a house or if the amount of savings put by at least a fraction of Filipinos have increased, we can say that, indeed Arroyo has succeeded. If her government manages to lower the price of oil despite its increasing price in the global marketplace. If she manages to lower inflation and keeps the GDP in its strongest levels, then, we can say that indeed, the Philippines has achieved economic stability. And oh, by the way, if majority of Filipinos can say for sure that they are eating at least three times a day, everyday for a month, and not just noodles and tuyo mind you, but quality, healthy, nutritious food, that'll be the time that I can truly say, with certainty, that Arroyo is a consummate economist.
For now, all I can say is that Arroyo is a dreamy economist. I remember one of her speeches when she told the people to build an "enchanted kingdom" Well, Arroyo probably has dreamt of being queen. Yes, we do have an "enhanted kingdom" right now, with her as queen and FG as king. The only problem is, it only exists in the minds of the First Couple.
Bull. And a lot of horse shit.
In a way, she IS responsible for the "phenomenal growth" of the economy. By really messing up here, making life intolerable and unbearable to millions of Filipinos, Arroyo prompted an exodus of workers and intelligent Filipinos. Their monies help stabilize the economy. It is no secret that the only thing that keeps this economy alive are billions of dollars worth of overseas remittances every month.
Also, she just happened to be president when the REGIONAL ECONOMY is having a blast. The emergence of China as an economic powerhouse, the excellent showing of other ASEAN countries and the influx of investments are natural occurrences of globalization. Investors have no choice but to go to the Philippines because it's one of the largest markets around--85 million people. Whether it's Arroyo or Erap or whoever, no investor will gloss the importance of the Philippines as a consumer market.
What then is the measure of economic success?
Arroyo can only claim to be an economist if the standard of living has improved. If the average salaried employee can own a house or if the amount of savings put by at least a fraction of Filipinos have increased, we can say that, indeed Arroyo has succeeded. If her government manages to lower the price of oil despite its increasing price in the global marketplace. If she manages to lower inflation and keeps the GDP in its strongest levels, then, we can say that indeed, the Philippines has achieved economic stability. And oh, by the way, if majority of Filipinos can say for sure that they are eating at least three times a day, everyday for a month, and not just noodles and tuyo mind you, but quality, healthy, nutritious food, that'll be the time that I can truly say, with certainty, that Arroyo is a consummate economist.
For now, all I can say is that Arroyo is a dreamy economist. I remember one of her speeches when she told the people to build an "enchanted kingdom" Well, Arroyo probably has dreamt of being queen. Yes, we do have an "enhanted kingdom" right now, with her as queen and FG as king. The only problem is, it only exists in the minds of the First Couple.
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