Happy Eid Fit'r!

Bismillahi rahmaneer-rahim!

Happy Eid Fit'r to every one! This is one of two most important dates in the Islamic calendar. Ramadhan is the holiest month of Islam because it is the period where the Pious does the edict of Allah Subhana Wa Ta'Alah---purify yourself. 


From sunrise to sundown, the Pious Muslim does his purification---neither eating nor supping any liquid, to cleanse his body from all free radicals and fill his soul with the Noble sayings and learnings of the Holy Qu'ran. This is a period of intense reflection, of the things the Pious did for Allah's sake and of thinking only of the Noblest and Purest Intentions. The Muslim prays unceasingly and honestly to Allah, Who Is the Lord of the Worlds. 


Allahu Akbar!


Let me replicate the speech of my good friend, Amina Rasul for this Holy day of breaking the fast.


Let us give worship to the One True God---the MOst Holy, the Lord of the Lords, The God of all gods.


Salam! Greetings of Peace!

Today, billions around the world celebrated the end of the Holy month of Ramadhan. Our Muslim brothers and sisters in the Philippines celebrated the Eid’l Fit’r, the Feast of the Breaking. And so it is my pleasure to greet you all “ Eid Mubarak”, “ Hariraya Puasa!”

During the Ramadhan, our Muslim brothers and sisters spent a month of fasting from sun up to sundown, studied the Holy book or Quran, occupied themselves with inner reflection, prayers and participated in pious activities such as charitable giving and peace-making. It was a time of intense renewal for those who observed it.  The month of fasting ended with the celebration of Eidl Fitr, also known as Hariraya Puasa in Muslim Southeast Asian countries.

Eidl Fitr is one of only 2 major religious celebrations in the Islamic World.  It is also the grandest and most joyously celebrated event.  During the Eid, after the early morning congregational prayer, Muslims visit each other and share their best foods, give gifts, and have fun.  The mood is much like New Year or Christmas. 

I have wondered why this important Muslim Holiday is not more widely celebrated in the Philippines, which is a home to over eight million Filipino Muslims.

Although the Eidl Fitr has been declared a national holiday, there is not much activity devoted to it apart from the “Salaat” or the congregational prayer performed by our Muslim brothers and sisters.  I had thought that if our retail, hotel and restaurant industries could celebrate Chinese New Year enthusiastically, then why haven’t we done the same with the Eid’l Fitr.   

Eidl Fitr holiday is considered a spectacular tourist event in neigbouring countries. In Singapore tourism websites, for instance, Eidl Fitr or Hariraya Puasa is listed as a holiday.  There are suggestions on what tourists can do and malls have sales.  Thus, this important Muslim religious holiday has been a driver for economic activity for the tourism and retail industries.

We have been developing our tourism master plan, not just for the international visitors but more so for local visitors.  Festivals are an important component.  Considering there are some 8 million Filipino Muslims, the Eid is a potential blockbuster for our tourism and retail industries.

This, when former Senator Nina Rasul proposed that the Department of Tourism support the 2011 Eidl Fitr Festival, I endorsed the idea wholeheartedly.  Not only do we strengthen the relationship between our Muslim and Non-Muslim communities, but we also develop a festival that has the potential to contribute to the national economy.   

Given the negative image that the Philippines has had due to the war on terror and the armed conflicts in the South, the celebration of the Eidl Fitr shows the world that the Philippines does celebrate its Muslim heritage. The 2011 Eidl Fitr Festival here in the SM Mall of Asia, one of the largest malls of Asia, is the perfect venue to present the rich, diverse and beautiful cultures of our Muslim tribes.

The Muslims of the Philippines are a significant part of our history and our nation. Despite this, many Filipinos are still unaware of the Muslim peoples’ innate artistic skills and rich culture.  We lose a part of ourselves if we do not embrace the totality of our diverse cultures and history.

Unfortunately, at the national level, there is lack of positive coverage of the contributions by Muslims in the social, cultural, and economic areas.  We do need to change that.  The celebration of a festival is a wonderful way to address this failure.  The Eidl Fitr Festival  is a cultural bridge for our nation.

In 1993, former Senator Santanina T. Rasul spearheaded the first of the series of celebrating the International Eid’l Fitr Festival. The festival was a venue to create awareness on the art, culture and history of the Filipino Muslims as part of the Filipino heritage.  Activities during the festival included cultural exhibits, showcase of Muslim artifacts and cultural presentations brought in by the different embassies that have annually supported the event, as well as music, dance, and food. 

May I congratulate the Magbassa Kita Foundation Inc, the Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy and the Festival Steering Committee for successfully organizing this festival.  Now that I am a private citizen, I look forward to viewing the exhibits, watching the dances – maybe even learn a few dance steps and how a man can use the malong – and buy halal coffee. 

President Aquino should certify as urgent reforms in the Anti- Human Trafficking Law

Susan Ople and Amina Rasul are just two of the leading luminaries in the fight against human trafficking. Yesterday, the world recognized the Anti-Human Trafficking Day, a fitting reminder that this scourge of humankind continues to affect thousands of people every single day. Human traffickers continue their activities, unmindful of the different U.N. protocols calling for their abolition, and acting like modern day slave traders. 


Thousands of Filipinas are being victimized by these human traffickers, most of whom, were given promises of jobs in Haiti only to turn up in various prostitution dens and some, workers in sweat shops. Filipinas as young as 14 years old were reported to have fallen victim in these schemes and an amendment to the Anti-Trafficking Laws of the Philippines should probably ease the seriousness of the issue.


Ople, alongside Amina Rasul who heads the Philippine Council for Islam and Democracy (PCID), are calling for President Aquino to certify as urgent reforms needed in the Anti-HUman TRafficking law. The proposed amendments include:

The proposed amendments to the anti-trafficking act, as proposed by civil society groups, include the removal of the confidentiality clause on the identity and modus operandi of the accused in trafficking cases, provisions regarding attempted trafficking in persons, and acts of trafficking for involuntary servitude and forced labor. The amendments also address the issue of child trafficking to include the barter, sale, and trade of children.

Children from Muslim communities are mostly victimized by schemes by human traffickers. Many of those rescued from the hands of human traffickers belong to poor families in Mindanao. Instead of studying, these children decide to work abroad, only to find themselves working in either difficult conditions or worst, in the illegal sex trade. Being undocumented, some reports say these children are killed, or bartered like cattle in different places in the world.


We should stop our Filipinas from getting victimized by these demons. If you know of a human trafficker, report it to the local police. Local policemen, especially Patriots, you know what to do with these scums.

Atty. Adel Tamano---elect as our Muslim representative to Senate

Last night's HARAPAN was revelatory--it convinced me that Atty. Adel Tamano, a Muslim brother, deserves at least a seat in the new Senate. I would even be glad if two Muslims, Tamano and Yasmin Lao win and serve as Senators. They deserve it especially Lao who sacrificed her entire career and life uplifting the lives of fellow Muslims in Mindanao. Lao reminds me of another equally deserving Muslimah---Amina Rasul--who is now actively involved in bringing peace and stability in Mindanao. Rasul, who is a Harvard graduate, deserves to be Senator, much the same way as Adel and Yao.

Opps...my readers will be puzzled. Before, I wrote negative articles about Tamano and here I am urging my colleagues to at least consider him.


There is one factor that convinced me---when Tamano told the crowd that he is a Muslim and it is time to elect a Muslim representative in Congress. I was waiting for him to do just that and when he did, that sealed the deal for me. 

Tamano is a brilliant lawyer. He's a young and dashing debonaire of a lawyer. He fought for the rights of fellow Muslims, especially those accused unjustly for crimes they did not commit. Like Lao and Rasul, they represent the new generation of Muslim leaders ready to sacrifice their lives and their futures for the sake of the Muslim community.


At last, Tamano recognized that he has to own that category of being the only Muslim candidate worthy of being elected to the Senate. Tamano has clearly recognized that he needs the support of his fellow Muslims, not the support of a discredited beauty consultant. 


The only thing left to do is for Tamano to deepen his iman--and only God knows that. Tamano must go the rounds of mosques here in Manila and in Mindanao. May the One True God guide him towards a deeper involvement in the Ummah. 

My 12 Senators (if the elections pushes thru)

Honestly my friends, I only voted once in my life---and it was for Jovito Salonga as president. Salonga lost but at least I stood up and counted myself in those millions who believed in him.

Now, should the elections push thru as planned, though I still believe that elections are being used as social tranquilizers to lull the great masses to sleep, if asked, I'll vote for these people. I remember my colonel friend asking me if I have a list of people in my mind who deserves the support of the masses. His request was about two or three months ago. I decided now is the time for me to reveal my list.

Brigadier General Danilo "Danny" Lim deserves to be elected either as a Senator or a Vice President. He fits into what our group, the Maginoo Movement, describes as the New Patriot. He has Integrity. He has a very good track record of government service. He has a good platform of government and his chances of winning is high. Should Gen. Lim really participates in the 2010 elections, I'll vote for him. We deserve someone who has the fortitude of Spirit and the Vision to lead this nation to glory.

However, Danny Lim and his group should not allow join Villar's Nacionalista Party. No. If they decide to do so, then, I'm sorry sir, I just have to set my sights somewhere else.

I would also vote for Cong. Darlene Antonino-Custodio should she decides to run for the Senate. Custodio has the brains, not just the beauty. What more, Darlene has the right political attitude. However, I hope she does not go the Chiz Escudero route. She must always be consistent on pursuing the Cause.

Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga is one such guy who deserves our support in case he runs for the Senate. Meloto's work is world-class. He could provide valuable knowledge in solving our housing problems. His insights into poverty alleviation are gems that deserve national attention.

Teddy Casino says he wants to run for the Senate. I will support him because he has the right frame of mind and he has the fortitude of Spirit, just like General Danny Lim.

Susan "Toots" Ople deserves a Senate slot due to her relentless passion for the plight of the Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW). Its high time that a pro-labor Senator be elected in the Senate.

For all his faults as a pro-Gloria, Gilbert Gibo Teodoro actually deserves a Senate slot. If he abandons his ambitions for the presidency, Teodoro is a fine addition to the roster of senatorial luminaries.

Ka Satur Ocampo is also a revolutionary all his life and deserves to leave a lasting legacy as a Senator. He has passed so many laws that improves the lives of his people and voting for him is both a responsibility and bears urgency.

Atty. Harry Roque is a fine example of a principled barrister. He fights for the weak. He has so many ideas on how to reform this country. He deserves to complete his service in the Senate.

I heard so many good things about Cong. Roilo Golez and analyzed all his statements and concluded that he deserves a chance for the senate.

Another person who deserves a Senate slot is Amina Rasul. She ran for the senate once and lost because she does'nt have enough funds. Nonetheless, we deserve someone like her who fights for the Bangsamoro. She's very intelligent and has the right nationalist frame of mind. She deserves support.

Of course, re-electionists Jamby Madrigal and Juan Ponce-Enrile, should they decide to run for re-election, deserves our support. Madrigal is a fighter of lost causes. Madrigal deserves another term.

Enrile has been doing the right things lately and he deserves another term.

Peace, The Ulamas, PCID and Vagni Update

The recent releases of foreign hostages thru the intercession of ulamas in Jolo, Sulu is testament of the efforts made by a small non-governmental organization. Called the Philippine Council on Islam and Democracy (PCID), this organization founded by long-time peace advocate Amina Rasul, has made significant progress in peace in Mindanao, especially in those war-torn areas such as Basilan, Sulu, Lanao and Tawi-Tawi. PCID has been in the forefront of peace initiatives, silently working their way to the hearts and minds of the Bangsamoros in Mindanao.

Ulamas are highly respected authoritative figures in the Bangsamoro homeland. They educate the Bangsamoros in the ways of Islam. Many advocate for the separation of the homeland from the clutches of imperial Manila rule; yet, there are many who also want this to be a peaceful transition instead of armed struggle.

Peace, as some analysts surmise, can only come about if the Manila government recognize the uniqueness of the Bangsamoro culture and grant full independence. There is no compromise. For decades, Bangsamoros have staged numerous campaigns and even war, to show that what they want is self-governance.

Self-governance is a sensitive thing, especially if you ask those hawks in the palace. For them, the only response is war. That's why, as we speak, there are hundreds if not thousands of soldiers fighting the Bangsamoros for that precious real estate called Mindanao. War brings only misery and more apathy to victims and combatants. It makes matters worst.

What is so problematic is when third parties enter into the picture, spoiling the broth and making it more difficult for both the Bangsamoros and Imperial Manila to enter into a peaceful settlement. Here is where the PCID enters into the picture.

PCID strives to unify the disparate forces within the Bangsamoro Republic to arrive at one common agenda for peace. Ulamas are critical members of this striving since they serve as both religious and proto-political advocates within their own respective territories. That's why, for the first time, PCID organized a fully united Ulama Council which aims to continue the Bangsamoro struggle within the parameters of peaceful resolution and mediation.

This is where PCID has been a success for numbers of years. Governments such as the United States, Britain and other European nations have supported PCID's efforts in the region. And the PCID will continue serving and striving for the complete unification of the Bangsamoros.

.By the way, foreign hostage Vagni is still missing. Some reports say he has been abandoned in a desolate area to die. Military sources are confirming this as we speak. Vagni, reports say, is sick. He's been suffering from hernia. Ulamas are also actively trying to determine the location of Vagni and convince the ASG to hand the hostage over. However, complications reportedly arise. Vagni is nowhere to be found