All the Small Things... PART 2

We are only limited to what the mind can conceive. In order words, anything is possible in our lives. Whether change or revolution in the individual or in the bigger context only means we can achieve anything.

This means that as far as I am concerned, I can manifest in my being the importance of being an example and beacon of light to others. I should walk the talk and breathe life into what I preach.

The light is simple. I can make a difference. So can you. The only difference is the time when you will appreciate it and let it manifest in your life. The first step is to self-realize the aspect and dimension of making a change. That change of course should be positive. A positive change towards positive actions that would give us positive results.

The time is now. Not tomorrow, not later not tonight! The time is now.

All The Small Things... PART 1

What is to be a citizen? What is to be a Filipino? Most of us would not even bother to think about the answer to this questions for various reasons. Some deem it as totally irrelevant but some plainly just cannot appreciate the right context when we talk about being a citizen.

For me, the simple answer is that it's the small things that count. We do not become good citizens by sacrificing our lives for the grandest of ideals. We simply must acknowledge that we can make a difference. After this first step, we can move on to deciding where and how we can contribute.

It is our natural birth right to be citizens of this nation. We were Filipino first before we were able to utter our first words or take our first footsteps. We were Filipino first even before we knew the word Filipino--- way before we could spell the word citizen.

There is no struggle in doing what you are ought to do with excellence. Be it studying in a university preparing to be good leaders in the future or as simple as a market vendor selling their goods at the right prices.

Unless we see being a citizen a natural manner of the universe to unfold us in "becoming"--- that is the only time we will "become."

"Not the First No-El"

Just when I thought only a handful had the fear of having no elections next year, it has come out that even COMELEC is not sure that the current administration would want the natural process of the law to take its course.

Maybe this is natural to do for a president who felt the need to secure her position almost a decade ago. A president whose grown tired and weary about the opposition thrown at her for her questionable form of governance. But one thing is clear-- the people had enough of her and everyone wants to make sure that she would vacate the position next year.

Let's just hope there is a little delicadeza left of GMA. Let us be united in making sure she would leave and let us not fall again to her traps.

Let us bid her farewell.

Goodbyegloria.

Tama na ang Marin Nievera Issue!

Nakakatawang isipin na maraming mambabatas ang hanggang ngayon ay sumasakay sa issue tungkol sa pagkanta ni Martin Nievera sa laban ni Manny Pacquiao. Tila ang ginawa ni Martin ay di kapatapatawad at nakaririmarim.

Subalit ang mas malaking dapat pagtuunan ng pansin ay ang lalong dumadami pang mga pulitikong nanunuod mismo sa Las Vegas ng mga laban ni Manny. Kung suporta lang ang pag uusapan ay pwede namang ipagdasal na lang ito ng mga mabubuti nating mambabatas. Ngunit nakita nating mas mahalaga para sa kanila ang makapagbakasyon at gumastos ng daang libo para sumawsaw sa "media circus." Libre nga naman ang paglabas nila sa TV at sosyal pa ang bakasyunan.

Kasabay nito ay ang daming nasalanta ng bagyong Emong sa Central at Northern Luzon. Maraming naghihirap ang muling maghihikahos para magsimulang muli. Ilang de lata at kaban ng bigas sana ang nabili ng pamasahe ng isang mambabatas kung mas piniling magpakapilipino sa sariling bansa.

Sana ay mamulat ang taong bayan sa mga klaseng lider na pinipili nating mamuno ng ating bansa. Talo pa nila si Emong pagdating sa pinsala.

Would there even be an election? A reflection on the proposed CHACHA referendum

The importance to know what people think with regards to Charter Change, is a critical and pivotal move for the part of the government to open its doors to the "sovereign" people.

The better question here is that, would this mean that whatever the people would vote for would really be the basis? Or would this be another political circus where in we are the clowns and the government would "just" be the laughing audience?

With how the lawmakers are running the show, I cannot help but notice that they are trying different maneuvers to start the process of changing our constitution. This means that they were trying to do it on their own before they even thought about the referendum that would show what the sovereign people would want to support.

Before we go any further with the debates of ideas and the actual execution of the referendum, let us be certain that there would still be an election next year. Let us be vigilant that we would not fall victims again to GMA’s political trickery.

Securing Her Future

The last time GMA had an "official" trip to China, ZTE Scam was exposed. It is hard to imagine that she did not know anything about the deal since she was and is our president. If we have a leader who does not have the accountability and the authority then she cannot, in idea, even be, our president.

Now, given the economic crisis and the swine flu, she still decided to push through with her 5-day trip to the Middle East. I just faithfully hope and pray that she will not use this time to further protect her personal and economic interests.

While millions are still left in the Philippines without food on their tables, millions all over the world without jobs, a few who is fighting and dying from swine flu... Here is our president---- all smiles, waving her hands to the press, eager to have her "official" trip at the expense of all of us.

All I can think about is that, maybe she is securing her future. For we all know she has to go on 2010 or the Philippines would go crazy. Not another decade, not another term of this president.

I just hope she did not forget to take her shots and medicines. She should be quarantined when she gets back!

BALIKATAN? o BALIKTARAN?

Naging malaking issue ang pag alis ni Cor. Daniel Smith matapos siyang palayain ng Court of Appeals (CA).

Ngunit hindi katanungan kung si Smith ay guilty or hindi sa kasong rape. Hindi na natin malalaman pa ang katotohanan. Ngunit may isang bagay tayong puwedeng matutunang muli sa mapait na nangyaring ito.

Dapat ay ibasura na yang BALIKATAN na yan upang maiwasan ang mga gulong ganito. Tayo pang mga Pilipino ang lumalabas na kahiya hiya?

Kawawa ang batang babae. Maaaring siya ay na-rape, maaari siya ay napilitan magbenta ng aliw. Ang malinaw ay kahit saang angulo mo tignan ay siya ang talo. Damay tayong lahat ng Pilipino.

Bakit nga ba kailangan natin ng BALIKATAN? Kelan ba tayo maninindigan na ayaw na nating maging laruan ng mga Kano?

Napabuti na noon ng napalayas natin ang mga Kano at natanggal ang mga kampo nila sa Pilipinas upang ngayon ay pabalikin sila bilang mga bisitang tinatanggap natin ng maayos. Pero kapag nagkaipitan na, tayo at tayo rin ang kawawa.

Ilang mapapait pa bang karanasan ang kailangan nating pagdaanan para matuto tayo? Tayo ang ginagahasa ng bansang Amerika. Tayo ang patuloy na nagiging biktima.

Kelan ba tayo magigising? Kapag huli na ang lahat? Hoy! Gobyerno, kelan ka matututo! Hoy! Pilipino, kelan ka magbabago!

Chachacha, the Second Dance

The issue of Charter Change can be really beneficial for our country and for our future. The only concern here is the question: Would it be effectively executed under the current GMA Administration?
I can say it can be if: 1. The tenure of the president would be maintained or even shortened (like the 4 year president's term in USA) 2. If weare assured that the leader would make a transition
and not maintain power.

By common sense, GMA is not the person for the job. However, we are faced by problems within and outside the government that calls for change or revolution for some. Chacha could be the venue for that. But with this, we need a catalyst to lead. If GMA lost the trust and confidence of millions of Filipinos then the ideals of Chacha would not be achieved.

This brings us back to the point: We need a strong leader that could garner support and assure us that Chacha's ideals would push... not the selfish political interests.

If I would choose between ERAP and GMA, I would choose the one that the only drive is to redeem himself and give back to the masses what is due them. A person who wants nothing less than make sure if Chacha would push through, that this person could act as a unifying factor, a formidable force and someone who has the confidence of the people. The choice is simple: A president who was deposed and was not able to finish his term, or another president who showed us what she can do to maintain herself in power.

Chacha is for the people. Not for the politicians or other political actors, but SOLELY for the people. Let us choose right.

The Church, ERAP and the People

Just yesterday, former President ERAP bares his plan to run for the 2010 presidential elections. This is in reaction to call from the people of the church to abandon his plans. It is clear with what Bishop Martin Jumoad said, that they would prefer "new breed" of political leaders than stick to a deposed president.

However, there is one thing clear here. ERAP is still being considered by the people. There is clamor that is why he is considering the possibility to run for 2010. I must admit, I was never really a big fan and supporter of ERAP, but through the years I can say that he really is an icon to millions of Filipinos. In a democratic world, we cannot discredit the millions who voted for him- at least not in idea and not in essence.

In this aspect, I would agree with ERAP to say to those Bishops and religious leaders that in the end, it is the people who should decide. Not the church, not ERAP... the people.

Maybe it is time for us to realize, that this country, since the time of Cory Aquino, has been majorly influenced by the Catholic Church. Given that most of Filipinos are Roman Catholics, we still have not been able to differentiate in practice, the interests of the secular political dimension of politics to that of the socio-moral stand of religion. There is indeed a conflict of interest here.

We need to learn the lessons of the past and mature as a country, as a nation. But if we are always dictated by the church, what else could be the power of the people? If it is their right to vote and choose their best candidate, then the church should respect that right- whoever they may choose.

Let us not let these self-righteous religious people rob us of our right and freedom to choose. Let us make a stand that not everything should be dictated by the church.

Forcing the moral movement?

As much as I want to admire Puno for his group's initiative I cannot stop thinking the awkward timing of this movement. To add to the controversy, he is even one of the viewed heads or leaders here.

Morality seems like an overused word nowadays. The funnier thing here is that this word is not coming from our religious leaders but from our political actors. In this instance a member of the Supreme Court justices.

The timing is in question here. How can we believe this man's initiative when there are rumors that he is running for a national position? How can he wish to be part of something he sees as "immoral" or "evil?" Before he supports a movement, it is imperative that he check his position and stand on matters.

In a politically hyped country, it is always hard to inject religious stands or moral grounds on something that is amoral. What I want to see is for this movement than bashing the government and making a name for their religious denomination, would show us tangible and practical solutions in combating corruption. Moral grounds are just wallpapers. It solves nothing.

Truth for Easter

I used to think GMA utilized government funds to go golfing or scuba diving on a weekend. Now, I wonder why I am not surprised that even the name of God and Easter can be used for her "advantage."

If GMA is like Mother Theresa or Cory Aquino who has been really religious then I could give in and appreciate the message. But from a president whose legitimacy is in question, whose integrity is beyond questionable, it just did not work.

How can you say stop corruption and seek truth when her administration and her trained dogs would do everything to protect the "image" of the president and the first gentleman? How can you preach when your government oppresses the same people that your government is "trying" to save?

GMA should be decent enough not to use religion to beef up her image. Afterall, she has proven to us she is "untouchable" for a number of times already. All she has to do now is go to confession and do soul searching. And if she listens to God's call and heed to advice, then she has to resign now or make sure that at 2010 it would be her time to go.

A decade with GMA is like penance. We are punished for our sins. We played democracy in EDSA DOS and we paid the price. Someday she will pay for her sins. That is the Easter truth I could believe and hold on to.

The New Martial Law

The essential part here is the question of the modern day "version" of martial law. Many would agree that this government is even worse than the time of Marcos. The fundamental flaw and characteristic here is that GMA's government is cloaking in the ideas and concepts of a working democracy where there is accountability from the government and the cooperation of the people.This leads us to the better question are we better off as a people?

The issue here is whether or not a typical Juan dela cruz is for or against the idea of martial law but the greater concern for real political and economic progress. Why would Filipinos even think about issues when they cannot even have 3 or simply a decent meal for 1 day? Before it was the galunggong for the masses now its just a five peso pack of noodles and the 25 pesos per kg of rice that would be divided amongst the whole family.

We could see families sacrificing their mothers or fathers to work abroad and these parents sacrificing to provide a better future for their children. They are apart, far and alone. Because our government cannot give better alternatives to us.

Are we better off as a people? Do we have a better government? I leave this to you to answer.

There is the need to put people who really are for the masses and Who really are for the people. This is where we could make a change. I still believe in the power of leadership in this country. With someone who could lead. We all would follow.

Dancing Chachacha

As a college lecturer, I am often asked about how CHACHA would or could work. With the questions of students come their comments as regards to how the president's tenure could be affected. Our officials make it appear that CHACHA is but a simple matter. Certainly it is not.

With CHACHA, we could give the Parliamentary-Federal form of government a chance in the Filipino setting. However, we need to demand from our law-makers transparency and accountability in providing information on these matters.

This is important for the youth and for all citizens. So that we can all better grasp and understand the need for CHACHA beyond merely possibly extending this president's term.

We are talking about progress and development here. As we continue clamor for truth, we must not let our traditional politicians use to further entrench themselves.

I say to our leaders, show the Filipino people what really is your idea of CHACHA. Stop using the issue for mere selfish and personal political gains.

Keep the Faith!

Recently, former President Joseph Estrada asked Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio to resign from the priesthood if the latter runs in the 2010 elections. This issue must be clarified for indeed the Constitution provides for the separation of the State and the Church.

It is not how Panlilio would act on this that matters, but also the other "religious" leaders who are posturing for the presidency-Bro. Mike Vellarde and Bro. Eddie Villanueva. What will these 3 prominent men of the Spirit do to be faithful to the Constitution?

I believe that it is imperative to understand that they need to commit to the State and the Nation above their religious beliefs and denominations. To my mind, if they claim to be Messengers of GOD, I think they are more useful in their churches than in the secular machinery of the State.

Modernong Nasyonalismo 4/5/09

Ano nga ba ang nasyonalismo? Ano nga ba ang pwedeng gawin ng mga kabataan para sa ikauunlad ng bayan? Marahil may mga magsasabing ang dapat magsimula sa pagsusumikap mag-aral at magkaroon ng magandang pangarap para sa sarili, sa pamilya at sa bayan.

Ngunit hindi sapat ng ganito lang ng ganito palagi. Tila matatamis ng mga salita na wala naman talagang halaga kung susukatin ang pagmamahal sa bayan. Hindi ko naman sinasabing mamatay kang parang si gat jose rizal kung hindi maging bayaning walang pangalan sa inyong sariling kakayanan.

Ang ibig kong sabihin ay maging praktikal at matalino. Ang simpleng pagtapon ng basura sa tamang basurahan ay malaking bagay kung ginagampanan natin ito araw-araw at nang tuloy-tuloy. Marahil mas importanteng matutong pumila ng maayos para ipakita na may pagkakaisa para sa kaayusan. Siguro'y kasama na rito na magkaroon ng integridad sa lahat ng aspeto ng iyong buhay. Sa inyong mga pamilya, kaibigan, kaklase o katrabaho importanteng ipakita na tunay na meron tayong integridad.

Hindi siguro sapat na bumoto lamang, hindi sapat na kumanta lang ng lupang hinirang, hindi sapat na pumapasok lang sa eskwela, hindi sapat na kabisado ang panatang makabayan.

Ang kailangan ng ating modernong bayan, ng modernong kabataan, sa modernong panahon, ay ang modernong nasyonalismo. Yung praktikal at matalino. Yung may integridad.

On the Freeing of Mary Jean Lacaba 04/03/09

The freeing of Mary Jean Lacaba after 78 days came as a surprise. I firmly believe that once again we have seen how our government could be ineffective and even irrelevant in times like these. I feel sick to my stomach that it took 78 long, grueling, painful and traumatic days for one of the three captives. The sad part is we will never really know the truth behind this. We wonder if government or private individuals paid ransom for Lacaba or if this is another “circus” carefully orchestrated by the government for any political gains. The fact still remains: We have a government and a military that cannot even protect our civilians.

I really cannot stop wondering why negotiations could take that long. Only last year, Ces Drilon was also held as captive by Muslim rebels for 10 days. Maybe circumstances were different but the process and the ends were clear. In the absence of firm government policies against kidnappers in Jolo, we cannot really say that this will not happen again. From time to time, we even affirm what they are doing and we give them resources by paying ransom. The failure of the government to assert authority is an indicator that none of the lessons of the past were really ever learned. I haven’t even started with the issue of corruption.

The people are tired of hearing and seeing the same things. It is time to reconsider our positions and policies in Mindanao and the Muslim rebels. It is time for our current leaders to assess performance and redirect resources we give our military. Is it even worth our tax money to fund the military that cannot even protect us? I demand that they really do their jobs.

The Latest SWS Survey

The current results of the SWS Survey showed us names of potential political figures that people deem fit to succeed GMA, who we hope would have the decency to step down at the end of the term. I came to notice a prominent name that still pops up. At first I was surprised but then I realize it was just natural that former President ERAP Estrada still got 13% from the survey. Given all the negative issues thrown at him, we could still see that people supports him and believes in him.

We can never deny the fact that ERAP is still a formidable candidate. People still views him as viable leader in our country. Being that leader can denote a lot of things. But the same truth remains: ERAP still has the support of the people. I was wondering why. Then I realized many things could be attributed to this phenomenon. I could start with one.

I remember those days when ERAP ordered the camps of Muslim rebels to be seized. The all-out-war gave us a sense of security in Mindanao during his time. We saw how the government troops pushed the rebels out of their comfort zones. With the way our current government handles the conflict in Mindanao, I could only say two things:

1. ERAP had the political will that is imperative for any leader to cause change
2. GMA lacks that political will to have positive results

“Siguro mahirap talagang magbayad ng utang na loob”