P-Noy's first SONA

The Filipinos had mixed reactions last Monday when they heard President Noynoy Aquino’s first public address after his Inauguration.  What was reported to be a surprise turned out to be, a real surprise, from the customary public speech that was the barometer for all heads of state, or republic, in this matter.

P-Noy’s first State Of the Nation Address, personally, is tolerable.  After all, that is why it is called STATE of the NATION, not some chimera of hope and promise of fulfillment as a response to a concerning issue coming from a letter full of grievances from the underprivileged Filipinos.

P-Noy positively identified the problems that the entire Filipino faced coming from a 9-year administration presided over false conditions of economic development, governance, and political stability.  This time the problems that beset the entire Filipino was not written on a piece of paper and sent as a miraculous “paper boat”.  The problem is the government itself, and this time, there is actually no paper to hold as evidence from all those problems created by P-Noy’s predecessor.

Sometimes, in solving a problem, one must properly identify the problem first.  P-Noy’s SONA is the first that I know of that made an admission that there were traces of mis-governance, although in a very low-security risk of manner by keeping the names of the involved confidential.  P-Noy may have omitted names, but he certainly did enumerate some of the reasons why there was a low perception of public trust in the previous government.  He certainly did not have a definite plan to correct those problems, but he at least did not make empty promises.  There was no concrete development plan for the country in his SONA since he probably believes that finding a solution to all the problems he inherited would have his hands full.

So what if his SONA lacks substance?  It is outright better than the entire fictional novel blurted over the past nine years, which when compiled, could perhaps rival the Harry Potter or Twilight series in terms of fantastical embellishments.

I too, was disappointed with the over-all content of his first SONA but I admire his ingenuity for eliminating the Filipino people’s extremely high dependence for the government to do all the work.  Less promises, less expectations.  Therefore, there would be minimal disappointments on the point in time when the entire country will judge P-Noy on his failures and achievements.   

It’s about time that the people should not rely too much on the government to work for them.  That’s what the previous administration did.  Now, who’s got the majority of the pie’s share – the taxpayers’ money?  One province received 105 million calamity budget allocations for 3 million worth of damage from a typhoon that did not directly hit it, while the other province which was hardest hit was allocated 5 million for 6 million worth of estimated damages.  

Perhaps P-Noy knows that putting concrete proposals at this moment might not be a good idea.  After all, those problems he enumerated might just be the tip of the iceberg.  He never mentioned any 6-year economic agenda or something like a Millennium Development Plan or a 2015 goal.  At least he was honest enough not to reach for the moon, the stars, and the sky. Perhaps he wants us to think that before we can fly, we need to fix our wings.

Milli Vanilli says Blame it on the rain

As of the moment, typhoon Basyang (international name Conson) had already left the country after “storming” into Luzon.  And as expected, it brought devastation from some of the areas that it has passed over.  The second typhoon to hit the country and certainly an addition to the list of disasters experienced this year, the typhoon was again another reminder for us about the cruelty of nature if we disregard the signs our only planet has been giving us, after years of exploiting and abusing its resources.

The aftermath of typhoon Basyang left us blaming – again for the hundredth time – our weather bureau for what we have perceived as their mistake in predicting the weather accurately.  The funny thing is, we all know how hard it is to predict weather correctly, and yet we cannot forget the mistakes made by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – our one and only weather bureau.  Worst of all, we don’t listen to weather precautions or reminders given to us whenever each of these typhoons approaches.  Look at Ondoy last year, we treated it as a regular occurrence and yet it left us frail and suffering from its wrath up to this day.  Basyang tells us to take her seriously, but we just don’t care.

And after the rain (and the strong winds for this matter), we put our blame and pointed our finger quickly at our old, reliable but hateful weather bureau.  It came even to the point that the newly-proclaimed president became upset at the inability of PAGASA to give accurate predictions.  The outburst would have been justified if only the weather bureau has overflowing budget at their disposal and state of the art equipments.  I am not even sure if they have upgraded the operating system that they use to relay and store data into a user-friendly interface.  

As I see it, we don’t really need to blame the weather bureau that has been using equipments older than the date of birth indicated in our birth certificate.  We had a president who spent nine years building roads and infrastructures but neglected to maintain and upgrade equipments who’s just a little bit younger than most PAGASA employees.  And this is what they call the road(s) to progress - the vision blurred by the heavy downpour of corrupt practices prevalent in most of their government transactions.  They’d rather build roads and bridges to nowhere than upgrading one necessary and fully functioning agency that informs and alerts the citizens from any possible catastrophe, whether natural or man-made.

It is always easy to blame PAGASA.  We blame them for the heavy rains when we expect the sun to shine brightly on us.  We blame them for the floods but we throw our garbage in the streets.  We blame them for the landslide but we are the ones cutting down trees from the mountains.  We blame them whenever we get surprised at the sudden change of direction that our typhoons had made while ravaging our country.  We blame them when we suspend classes for students on a sunny day.  We blame PAGASA for ignoring their warning to us to prepare for the worst even with their limited resources.

Basyang and other upcoming storms are not just reminding us to brace ourselves for Mother Nature’s wrath.  The devastation also wants to remind us to be on alert, for ourselves at most.  We don’t have to rely so much on a weather bureau that is undermanned and left to age - from its equipment down to its personnel.  All we have to do is to rely on ourselves to survive such disasters, and with the hope that the wind will blow the bad weather away… from us.

The Struggles

It has been more than a century when our so-called heroes proclaimed our independence.  A hundred years and we still cannot fathom the idea of full independence.  Yes, we are an independent nation based on the conditions of self-governance and sovereignty but most of our policies - particularly the ones pertaining to our economy – are, at most, dictated. 

Who dictates oil prices in the market?

Who dictates the costs of basic services (Water, Electricity, etc.)?

Who dictates the prices of basic commodities?

I agree there are factors but I think the government MUST protect the interests of the people and not of those businesses.

So which entity really dictates our policies?  Our so-called democratic government with our leaders?  Or those influential oligarchs?  But most of our leaders belong to the core of those oligarchs that has always “whispered their preferences”, whoever sits on the throne in Malacañang. 

Bonifacio must have been smirking in his grave to Rizal while our National Hero must have been fuming mad at how their sacrifices where treated with mockery by the not-so-young generation who has inherited the nation’s struggles both have started.  Imagine Bonifacio blaming Rizal even at eternal life and telling him “I Told You So!” when Rizal rejected joining the Katipunan and the arms struggle for Philippine Independence.

A hundred years later, the country still struggles for genuine independence – from the heirs of the oligarchs of the Kastilaloys from Europe who colonized us for more than three centuries, to our modern compatriots who has inherited the same old medieval motto:

If you have the gold… you have power, you have the influence.

If you don’t have those, your struggle may be futile, unless a miraculous act from the heavens above brings the entire nation into sublime change our dead heroes longed for.

Party Filipinas – a short opinionated list of significant Political Parties in the Philippines

Political Parties has always been the core of a politician's achievements and even failures.  Since 1901 when the first political party was established in order to lobby for Philippine Independence from American rule, most of their objective was to promote political freedom and to campaign from individual political platforms, whether nationalistic or for autonomy.

Below is the list of what I considered political parties which had made an impact on the Philippine political scene, whether positive or negative:

Nacionalista Party(NP) – the oldest political party founded in 1907, 8 of our past presidents were members of NP when they won in their positions, including Marcos in 1965.  The party is guided by its conservative and nationalist ideology, hence, the name Nacionalista.  Unfortunately, after its political hiatus from the Martial Law years, the emergence of KBL, the 1992 multi-party system and other historically significant parties and even politicians who adhere to butterfly politics or balimbingan, the party was reduced to a minor political party which contests positions on local level, until its apparent “BUY-OUT” from its current standard bearer who doesn’t even wear the original party colors of red, white, blue, or green.

Liberal Party(LP) – nothing much to say except a breakaway of the NP, the party was founded in 1945.  Synonymous to the Plaza Miranda bombing, LP is often compared to the US Democratic Party with regards to its ideology.  In 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal changed his mind and decided to run for re-election(talk about dejavu 2004) while the Liberal Party was set to endorse Ferdinand Marcos as its standard bearer in the coming elections.  Marcos bolted to the NP and eventually won against Macapagal.  Today it is a third generation political party, with Noynoy Aquino(Ninoy Aquino’s son)  and party president Mar Roxas(a grandson of founder Manuel Roxas) as standard bearers.

Kilusang Bagong Lipunan(KBL) -  a supposedly unilateral party founded by president Ferdinand Marcos during the Martial Law years, it is now a laughing stock of the present political party system and is sometimes considered a nuisance for some of its election strategies.  Often, the party is used by nuisance candidates who are either mentally or politically incapable of governing the entire country.  It is also used by nuisance candidates with similar or familiar surnames in order to confuse the voting public from legitimate candidates.  Its only remaining reputable candidates are Presidential son Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and the entire Marcos clan who still holds vast political influence in Ilocos Norte.

United Nationalists Democratic Organizations(UNIDO) -  the opposition party founded by former vice President Doy Laurel in the 80’s.  He was the party’s standard bearer when Marcos called for a snap elections in 1985.  He was even endorsed by Cory in June 1985 Party Convention, but after 5 months, she changed her mind and also announced running for president.  Doy said that he will only give way to Cory if she will run under the UNIDO party.  Cory rejected the offer first, and later again, for the second time, changed her mind and thus the opposition was united in the 1986 elections.

Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino(LDP) – the most dominant party in post EDSA era and was founded in 1988.  The party was the stepping stone of politicians with bigger ambitions.  It is the most bolted party and the root of the other emerging parties.  Fidel V. Ramos lost the party nomination, bolted, and founded Partido Lakas ng Tao(which would later become Lakas-NUCD-UMDP then Lakas-CMD and then later merged into Lakas-KAMPI) and was proclaimed president in 1992.  Gloria Arroyo and Peping Cojuangco were members of LDP when they bolted and founded KAMPI in 1997.  In 2004, the party was divided into 2 wings - the Aquino wing which supported Panfilo Lacson as standard bearer and the Angara wing which later became KNP(Kabalikat ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino) with Fernando Poe Jr. as presidential candidate.

Lakas - KAMPI(Kabalikat ng Mamamayang Pilipino) -  an “alliance” party founded by president Fidel V. Ramos after losing the LDP party nominations in 1992.  It was originally Partido Lakas ng Tao then later changed into Lakas-NUCD-UMDP after merging with NUCD(National Union of Christian Democrats) of Raul Manglapus ang UMDP(United Muslim Democrats of the Philippines) of Ambassador Sanchez Ali.  Later, it changed its name into Lakas-CMD(Christian and Muslim Democrats), and in 2008, it changed again into Lakas-KAMPI after merging with the KAMPI of Gloria Arroyo.  The party is often associated with HUNYANGO, a reptile which has the ability to change its color as a way of camouflage, depending on the environment (making an alliance with its surroundings).

Nationalists People Coalition(NPC) – the illustrious party founded in 1991 only to pursue the oligarchs’ ambitious bid for political power.  Its standard bearer in 1992 was Danding Cojuangco and is still the party’s influential leader with regards to its affiliations.  Its political power is derived from its unlimited source of funds for political campaigns.  The party then joins coalition with the majority in order to gain political clout.  This coming election, its standard bearer is labeled a “political prostitute” and the party is allied with anybody who has enough influence for the party to survive.  There is no known clear ideology except to follow the leader, whoever that is.

Epilogue:

The Philippine political party system is a unique party system.  It promotes weak party loyalty and defections are almost normal occurrences particularly in the weeks nearing the deadline of filing of candidacy.  Even secret alliances are in the works until the evening before Election Day.  Party affiliations change almost at the same time the blow of the wind changes.  Even the politicians running for elective post will sometimes drop some of their party-mates secretly for a considerable political favor, so ideological stand in any particular party does not carry a big weight come Election Day.

 

24 years and worst than ever

I was already 10 years old in 1986.  I was a bumming grade-schooler when the chaos started at exactly the 7th of February during that year.  It was Election Day and majority who exercised their right of suffrage complained the whole day.  Days had passed and a lot of surprising events led to what we generally call People Power Revolution or EDSA Revolution.

Before 1986 I was contented even with a mere peso in my pocket.  Would you believe you could spend that with gulaman, a piece of monay, and a couple of candies?  They say that life was hard but jeepney fare was below 1 peso. 

In 1965, the president then was a visionary. He built roads and bridges throughout the country including a generator with an electric power capacity of one million kilowatts (1,000,000 kW), and water services to eight regions and 38 localities.  Twenty years after, the man was merely reduced to a decrepit, corrupt, and power-hungry dictator, struggling to keep a failing economy and besieged by the opposition group for his numerous atrocities and human right violations.

If there was a legacy to remember in 1986, it should be the resilience of the people to have a united front fighting for hope, sovereignty, and nationalism.  Everyone was proud to be a Filipino, irregardless of class and distinction.  The rich were rubbing elbows with the poor at that grand celebration in EDSA because we have shown to the world how to lead a revolution without even firing a single gun.

And 24 years after that fateful day, we are worst than ever.  We simply do not have anything to celebrate anymore.  There is another economic crisis intentionally hidden by the government itself to deceive people that our country remains strong.  Our network of roads are either dilapidated or leads nowhere except to the lands of the oligarchs.  Our one and only railroad network became at one time a dumping place for unnecessary trash and human shits inside plastic bags.  Our tollways, power lines, water lines, and basic services are owned by big private corporations.  Instead of the government providing basic services to the people, the people are at the mercy of those scrupulous corporations, who have indirectly influenced and dictated the country’s policies after 1986.  After EDSA, our military personnel became great businessmen, our businessmen became influential autocrats, our showbiz entertainers became adequate politicians, our politicians became great entertainers, and our leaders are procrastinating and just waiting for their Return of Investments hidden on some secret deals somewhere with some investors.

When Fidel Castro and company won the Cuban Revolution, one certain revolutionary shouted “We won the revolution!  Let’s go home!” to El Commandante Che Guevara.  Che then answered with a straightforward reply: “No, you idiot! The revolution begins now…”

24 years after EDSA, where are we right now?  What is there to celebrate in EDSA?  Do we still hope for the better for this country even while doing nothing?  Or do we still hope that we experience another EDSA Revolution-like scenario?  I believe it is too late.

Today we are celebrating EDSA day.  We are reminded of the spirit of EDSA 1986.  Yet, since 1986, EDSA is the most pissed main thoroughfare in the whole world, one of the dirtiest street, and one of the most smoke-belched street in the world.  What is there to celebrate for???

Noontime Syets...

It has been more than a week since I engrossed myself into watching local channels.  I don’t have a cable connection in our room at the moment, and I plan to be connected before the Formula 1 season begins.  I am definitely looking forward to Michael Schumacher’s comeback into racing, but as of the moment, I have to endure those boring stuffs the local networks can offer.

Aside from an overdose of product advertisements, info-mercials(they are not campaign ads as they say) by politicians who dreams big in the coming election are lording it over at high noon.  We cannot blame them since strategically, this is the best time of the day to be visible in the television.  Majority of the masa crowd are glued at the top 2 shows since both are able to give a glimpse of false hopes about improving daily lives by merely taking chances in winning instant prizes instead of working hard enough to earn.

Whatever show you choose to watch, whether it is the longest running noontime show or the number 1 killer show(ULTRA stampede, in case you have forgotten), both shows seems to have common elements in them; sexy dancers, large amount of cash prizes, humor, and the most important of all, the drama.  Most of the time, the show could not seem to justify giving away large amounts of prizes unless the contestant is not suffering enough from poverty.  It’s disturbing in a sense that people line up patiently, sometimes even as early as 4 in the morning, just to have a chance to join these contests, and yet they have short fuses when it comes to other matters like city hall documentations, licenses, loans, payment of bills, and other important transactions which are usually done in a hurry with a lot of help by bribery or in aid of fixers.  While I heard a lot of complains during the COMELEC registration, I haven’t seen anyone complain of long lines in a contest.  And as what I have heard on the ULTRA stampede years ago, the people are coming towards the venue instead of escaping away.  I’ve always thought that stampedes happen when groups of people flee from the place of conflict, and yet here in the Philippines one stampede happened while the crowd was forcing themselves further into the venue instead of running away.  And yes, let us not forget the drama: whether the family has nothing to eat, nothing to sleep on, no money for education, no means of paying off health services, etc.  I wanted to join but I am discouraged since probably my reason for joining is that I am qualified to join.  First, I have to make up a good dramatic story: something about a favorite dog that died because I wasn’t able to feed it because I was poor would not even suffice.

I have always preferred Eat Bulaga over the other.  Well, the show has been part of the daily lives of the Filipino for three decades.  I am only a few years older than the show.  I already know how to operate a television when the show started, so I pretty much knew how the show has evolved as time went by.  And besides, nobody can beat Joey’s quirky mind when it comes to inventing most of the parlor games they play in Eat Bulaga.  The rival show host even had to record an album composed by a novelty song composer just to compensate on his lack of talent.  Mr. De Leon was way above him – a singer, a composer, a painter, a writer, and a collector.  I love his collection of shirts and jackets, and I always look forward in seeing whatever statement shirt he wears during the time that I watch the show.  Well, the other is also a collector – of Ferrari’s and sexy girlfriends, that is.  Both have been known to be offensive in some ways with their humor, but Joey can ably squeeze himself out of those insults with style while the other tactless loudmouth had to deal with it by insulting the rival show.

Lately there is a game portion that sickens me.  There is a greater chance of getting the jackpot prize since they would just give the jackpot prize anyway.  This is not really a game of chance, since winning the jackpot prize relies merely on your chances, although being the contestant also relies on how good their chances are.  And even if you merely won the lowest prize given away, at the end of the hour you’ll still be given all the major prizes as long as you re-live your dramatic life of poverty in front of the cameras.  If we scrutinize closely, this has all the markings of political gimmickry.  The orange theme, the check, the background song – aren’t those similar to one of the presidential aspirants’ campaign?  I can tolerate those politicians with their fake crusades in their ads but giving away money in a game show is too far, even if they fully deny any involvement with the said contest.  I am not blind as what they would want me to be, but I can clearly see from the deception they have created, and I will keep reminding myself of this matter come election time.

Television had its finest and worst hours.  It even shaped the course of history for this particular country – sadly - down the drain.  We had always relied in the television to influence our way of life.  We relied so much that we even turned our back in our customs and traditions for the sake of progress.  Before the television was invented, people would wake up early in the morning to plant crops so that they’d have something to eat come supper time.  Now, they would wake up early in the morning to have a chance of winning and getting instant money so that they would have something to eat by supper time.

Television changes lives.  I admit.  It’s scary, though.

A Day (or Two) in the Life of a Newly-Registered Voter

Maaga akong gumising at nag-gayak.  Kung tutuusin, hindi naman masyadong importante ang araw para paghandaan.  Ang naka-ugalian na alas sais na pagtayo upang buksan ang water heater, ang jetmatic, at patayin ang ilaw sa bodega ay mas napaaga pa.  Pinilit kong gumising ng alas singko, isang oras pa bago sa itinakdang normal na oras ng pag-alarm ng cell phone dahil binigyan ako ng payo ng isang kaibigan.

“pre, dapat mas maaga ka pa sa alas syete kung magpapa-rehistro ka.”

At dahil masunurin naman ako sa mga mababait kong kaibigan, maaga akong umalis ng bahay.  Ginising ko lang ang anak ko upang sabihan na kailangan niyang maghandang mag-isa dahil may importante akong lalakarin.  Hindi ko na kailangan pang ipaliwananag na ang gagawin ko ay mahalaga para sa kapakanan ng inang bayan.  Marahil ay hindi pa niya lubusang naiintindihan kung bakit alas sais pa lang eh palabas na ako ng bahay.

Nakasakay agad ako ng traysikel, at pagdating sa kanto ay hindi rin nahirapan mag abang ng jeep.  Mabilis din ang byahe dahil siguro wala pang masyadong pasahero, yung iba nga pupungas pungas pa.  Meron pa ngang naka-idlip sa unahan ng jeep, dun sa may tabi ng drayber.  At pagdating ko sa munisipyo, mali ang sinabi ng kaibigan ko.  Dapat pala mas maaga pa sa alas sais ang punta ko.  Punyeta!  Ang haba na ng pila, tapos dalawa pa!  Pero imbes na panghinaan ng loob, pinilit aliwin ang sarili upang hindi ma-distract at magdalawang-isip na magparehistro. 

Nagtanong ako sa mga nakapila, ayos naman at medyo malinaw ang sistema ng pagrehistro dito sa amin.  May dalawang pila silang ipinairal.  Yung isang pila ay bibigyan ng number para sa query/validation at pagbibigay ng kaukulang form.  Pagka-validate ng pangalan mo at nabigyan ka na ng kaukulang form, pipila ka naman dun sa ikalawang pila at kukuha ng numero para sa tinatawag nilang biometrics, submission ng form, picture taking, fingerprint scanning, autograph signing este signature sample pala, at ang pag designate ng voting precint.  May sistema naman pala ang Comelec kahit papano.

Maaga akong dumating sa munisipyo pero sa maniwala kayo at sa hinde, pang singkuwenta ako sa pila.  Kung dun siguro ako natulog sa harap malamang una ako.  At yung numero ko eh para lang sa query yun.  Pero mabuti na rin yun, kasi nung nagbukas na ang opisina ng Comelec, 300 lang ang nakalaan na form para sa araw na yun dahil 300 ang tantya nilang mapo-prosesong dokumento sa buong araw. 

Pero minsan kahit anong ganda ng sistema ito ay pumapalpak din.  Sinabihan kami na makakakuha lang daw kami ng form ngayong araw at kinabukasan na lang daw kami kailangang bumalik upang ma proseso ang biometrics (BIOMATRIX ang nakasulat sa sign lols, pinagsamang BIOMAN at NEO ANDERSON).  Katwiran ng mga namamalakad eh dahil sa dami ng backlog sa biometrics, yung mga hindi na process ng mga nakaraang araw ay nakapila sa ngayong araw, hindi kakayanin ma process lahat kaya wala kaming magagawa kundi umuwi pagkakuha ng form at makipagsapalaran na lang ulit kinabukasan.  Umugong tuloy ang mga usap-usapang dahil meron inihatid na isang trak na mga botante upang iparehistro noong mga nakaraang araw kaya may backlog sa processing ng mga forms.  Ang masama pa dun hindi raw pinapila ang mga nasa trak at idineretso na raw ito sa loob.  Pagkakuha ng form mga bandang alas onse, umuwi na lang ako at doon sa bahay nag fill up ng form.

Kinabukasan, same drama pa rin.  Gumising ng alas singko, umalis ng alas sais, at dumating sa munisipyo na may mahaba nang pila.  Isa pa uling tumatanginting na punyeta dahil nung makuha ko ang number, pang 115 na ako!  Tinanghali na pala ako nung lagay na yun.  Ang kagandahan lang sa sistemang ipinairal nila, mahirap makasingit kasi limitado lang ang numero, hanggang 300 lang gaya ng nasabi ko kanina, at magkaiba ang numero ng kahapon ang ngayong araw.  Mahirap sumingit ang nagbabalak sumingit kasi kahit magpanggap kang may numero, yung form mo may numero rin tapos may pirma pa kaya dalawa ang numero mo para alam yung mga sumingit at may lehitimong numero sa pila.

Ang nagpapatagal lang sa pag proseso ay dahil 2 lang ang computer na gamit ng Comelec laban sa libo-libong nagpaparehistro.  Kung nung 1997 wala pang isang oras rehistrado na ako sa barangay hall, ngayon lahat ay sa comelec office lang magpapa rehistro.  Isipin mo na lang na lahat ng nakatira sa isang third class municipality eh ganyan na kahaba ang pila, papano na yung nasa siyudad? 

Natapos ang pag proseso ng dokumento ko mga banding alas dos.  Tiniis ang pagod, pasensya, at inip para lang sa karapatang bumoto.  Hindi na masama, lalo na sa mga katulad kong naghahangad ng pagbabago at pag-alis ng mga bulok na sistemang ipinaiiral ng mga kasalukuyang namumuno sa atin.  May mga nakilala rin bagong kaibigan, kasi kelangan kang makipagkilala para i-save yung pwesto mo sa pila kung sakali na magutom ka o mag CR ka.  Nakakalibang din naman yung mga kwentuhan at pagpapa cute sa mga nag-gagandahang dilag na malapit sa aming pila.

Nakakapagod man, panatag na ang loob ko na makakaboto na ako at magagamit ko ang kapangyarihan ng aking pagpili upang makamit ang inaasam kong pagbabago.  Hindi ko sinisisi ang sarili ko dahil late na ako nagparehistro.  Pwede ko naman sabihin na ito lang ang ibinigay sa akin na pagkakataon.  Sa totoo lang kaya kong magpa rehistro sa at least 4 na lugar dito sa Pilipinas.  Hinintay ko lang ang pinakahuling option ko.  At kahit mahaba ang pila, handa akong magtiis, kahit na isang beses lang tuwing 3 taon nagmamakaawa ang mga pulitiko sa mga ordinaryong taong katulad ko.  Kahit na pagkatapos ng eleksyon ay alipin tayo ng mga buwitreng namumuno sa atin sa loob ng 3 taon hanggang sa dumating ang susunod na eleksyon ay gagamitin ko ang kapangyarihang ipinagkaloob sa akin ng batas para sa kinabukasan ng bayan.  Naalala ko tuloy yung isang babae na sa sobrang inis sa nakitang pila ay umalis na lang bigla at nagsambit ng mga katagang… “Wala nang pag-asa ang Pilipinas!”  Ang masasabi ko lang sa kanya ay ganito: “Ineng, mali ka dyan… hanggang maraming nakapila dito, may pagasa pa ang bansa.  Ang sarili mo siguro wala nang pagasa pero kaming nagtitiis upang makaboto at mapalitan ang umiiral na sistemang bulok para sa kapakanan ng susunod na henerasyon, hindi mawawalan ng pagasa.” 

Where there is hope, there is pagasa.  Where there is pagasa, there is a typhoon!

Napa-praning na naman ako nyan… excited lang ako kasi makakaboto na ako sa darating na eleksyon!

ang dambuhalang Dam...

Sa mga hindi nakaka-alam, ang San Roque Dam ang pinakamalaking dam sa buong Pilipinas at Timog-Silangang Asya, ikalawa sa buong Asya at pang ikalabing-dalawa sa buong mundo, ito ay ayon sa mga factual na impormasyon.

Inaprubahan ang pagpapagawa ng dam noong panahon ng termino ni Pangulong Fidel V. Ramos at itinuring itong isa sa pinakamahal na proyekto noon.  Ang magiging pakinabang daw nito bukod sa patuloy na supply ng kuryente ay ang pagre-regulate ng tubig sa irrigation system papunta sa mga malawak na sakahan sa Pangasinan at ang pagpigil ng tubig baha na rumaragasa sa ilog ng Agno tuwing panahon ng malalakas na bagyo at ulan.

Mula sa panukalang Build-Operate-Transfer scheme na kadalasang proposal sa mga infrastructure projects dito sa Pilipinas upang mabawasan ang gastos ng pamahalaan, inumpisahan ang paggawa ng dam noong 1998, at natapos noong 2003.

Bumaba kaya ng singil sa kuryente ng Napocor dahil merong karagdagang imprastraktura na magpapabuti ng kalagayan ng sector ng elektrisidad ng bansa?

Hindi, dahil hanggang ngayon ang Pilipinas pa rin ang isa sa may pinakamataas na singil sa serbisyo ng kuryente, mas mataas pa nga tayo sa ibang mauunlad na bansa kung tutusin.

Umunlad ba ang mga pamamaraan ng mga magsasaka ukol sa pagkakaroon ng maganda at masaganang ani sa kanilang mga bukid?

Hindi, dahil hanggang ngayon ang pangunahin pa rin nating solusyon sa kakulangan ng supply ng pagkain ay ang pag-import ng mga gulay at bigas sa mga karagtig bansa habang ang mga lupang sakahan ay ibinibenta at iginagawad sa mga ganid na kapitalista na ginagawa itong Mall o kaya sa mga pulitikong kunyari nag SIPAG at nagTIYAGA at ginagawa naman itong SUBSTANDARD LOW COST SUBDIVISION.

Napigilan ba ang pagbaha sa Pangasinan? 

Kayo na siguro ang makakahusga nitong mga nakaraang mga araw kung ano talaga ang naging epekto ng isang makabagong proyekto sa ngalan ng pekeng kaunlaran.  Sino ba talaga ang umunlad?  Ang mamamayan o ang mga nakaupo sa kanilang de-aircon na opisina na walang alam o marahil walang pakialam sa tamang pagpapatakbo ng isang sensitibo at higanteng makinaryang makakapagdulot ng malaking kita at pera o trahedya?

Para sa mga nasa likod ng pamunuan ng San Roque Dam sa Pangasinan, ito lang ang tanging masasabi ko sa inyo:

DAM YOU!

CHE - A Revolutionary Life

Forty-two years ago today, Ernesto “Che” Guevara was shot in the village of La Higuera in the mountains of Bolivia after he was caught by the Bolivian government and the CIA.  To those people who have no idea of Che and yet continuously wear that famous portrait of his face in their fashionable shirt, allow me to share some insights on the man they called “the True Revolutionary”.

This is not another boring-to-death lesson like what we had imagine our history class was during our schooldays.  Instead, this is an independent review of sorts of the biographical film, which has received critical acclaim since it was presented in 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

The film, directed by Steven Soderbergh, was produced by Laura Bickford and its lead star Benicio Del Toro, who portrayed the revolutionary leader himself.  The biopic depicts Che’s revolutionary involvement in the successful Cuban Revolution until his tragic assassination in Bolivia.  This was supposed to be a single 5-hour film highlighting his exploits within both Latin American revolutions, plus some partial interviews and his speech at the United Nations.  Instead, it was split into two parts.

PART 1 – The Argentine

The first part of the movie depicted Che’s involvement in the Cuban Revolution.  From the famous dinner/meeting with Fidel Castro in Mexico, to that journey in that overloaded (almost like in terms of ratio but not as tragic as MV Doña Paz) boat Granma, to the mountains of Sierra Maestra were Fidel, Raul, and the Cubans discovered his ruthlessness as well as his intelligence.  It showed how an outsider like him were able to instill discipline and single-mindedness to a person who is in the forefront of a revolution, his health struggles, the racial barrier (he was often called Argentine instead of comrade), as well as the compassionate traits this doctor had that the Cuban common people had learned to loved throughout the years.  Part 1 also highlighted some of the revolution's key points, including the Battle of Santa Clara which turned the tide in favor of Castro and Che.  It also depicted one of his dark sides, where he executed one revolutionary for committing a very heinous crime to the Cuban people that has always supported them throughout war against US-backed Cuban president Fulgencio Batista.  The film ends as Che leads the revolutionaries to Havana to meet Fidel Castro and the thousands of Cuban supporters that ended Batista’s dictatorship.

One unforgettable highlight of the film is near the end where one of his comrades shouted something like they can go home now since they already won the revolution.  Che answered back with words like "we only won the war, the revolution starts now".  Watch out also his speech at the U.N. where the words “Patria o muerte!(Homeland or death)” were exclaimed.

PART 2 – The Guerilla

After the success of the Cuban Revolution and the Cuban were slowly reaping the benefits of the government that Fidel Castro has dreamed of for the Cuban citizens, Che disappears from Cuba and re-emerges in the mountains of Bolivia to start his dream of a Latin American revolution.  Hiding within the mountains with assumed names together with some Cuban comrades and some Bolivian recruits, he tried to enlist the people of Bolivia to the revolution but was unsuccessful enough for the Bolivians were not very much cooperative to the revolution unlike the Cuban people.  Due to the lack of arms, funds, medicines, and support from the poor Bolivian that he wants to emancipate, he was captured at the Yuro ravine when his troops encountered the Bolivian army.  He was later brought to the nearby village of La Higuera, and was shortly executed and his body mockingly displayed.

Part 2 tells of the sacrifices, idealism, Che’s unparalleled guerilla warfare experience, as well as the failures which brought him to his untimely death.  

Throughout the whole film, it is believed that Steven Soderbergh and the producers, including Del Toro, would help us come to understand how and why Che remains a symbol idealism and heroism, that lives in the hearts of the people around the world, and as well as a murderer in the eyes of those spiteful and with limited understanding to all idealists and sees them as a threat to worldwide capitalism.

Overall, the movie promises a very good account from historical facts that happened during those tumultuous times, including superb production of re-enactment of historical events.  Personally, I love the country side shots that were reminiscent of the Cuban revolution more than 50 years ago.  The natural lighting that was most used on the film depicted the environment was good, including the simplest and the complicated scenarios expected in the any jungle warfare.  The Spanish setting of the towns, buildings, roads, and even the train was superb and had complimented the film's depiction of Che and his comrades.  Del Toro's acting and make-up was excellent that sometimes it is even hard to differentiate the actor from the real Che Guevara.

To every idealist, this movie is a must-see and a must collect, along with another Che Guevara biopic, The Motorcycle Diaries which starred Gael Garcia Bernal.   To every fashion victim who wears the Che shirt proudly, this movie will help you learn information on who is that famous guy on your shirt.  This film maybe boring in terms of Hollywood Blockbuster Standards, but most history books are somewhat dictated by whoever dictates their country’s economy.  Expect the critics to criticize the movie as bad as they can, since the movie followed the historical facts and not those overblown blood and action-hungry scripts moviegoers would love to see.

As Che had said during his final moments that he is only a man and the revolution shall not die with him, I agree that this film will relieve the revolution as the world should have seen it sans the prejudicial violence and racial slurs, and the idealism that Che has imparted will forever inspire those who want a better world to live.

Viva El Comandante! Viva Revolucion!

Please... not another Kabalen in Malacañang...

Gearing up for 2010 presidential elections as of right now are cousins, Secretary Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro and Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.  If luck would go along with one of the two, there will be another Kapampangan president within the span of 30 years.  A historical record in a sort of way, but somehow a miserable failure in terms of governance.  Whenever we have a Kapampangan in Malacañang, the country has almost knocked itself in the brink of economic meltdown and political instability.  And if we look into our history, there has been a Kapampangan that has shaped the history of this nation, for better or for worse.

THE POOR MAN FROM LUBAO AND THE DAUGHTER

I cannot believe that Diosdado Macapagal is hailed as the poor man from Lubao, while their ancestor, the first Macapagal, is a datu from Arayat and a relative of Lakandula.  He betrayed his own people at the Spanish revolt and was rewarded a license to steal, cheat, and plunder (encomienda).  It could have been a conflict in interest to say that the heir to the Maestre Campo General of Candaba, Arayat and Apalit region during the Spanish era would be a poor man by the time the Spanish relinquishes possession of the Philippines to the Imperialist of the modern century.  He also floated the Philippine currency to the wishes of his “influencial advisers” which has contributed to the gradual economic disaster starting from his term.  It is not possible for a developing country to float its local monetary unit and maintain the stability in the rate of exchange for its currency in the exchange market.  He also tricked the people by announcing not to run for presidency for a second term, and reneged on his promise.  

Sounds familiar?  Yes, because this scenario was repeated in 2004 elections by Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, twice stealing the presidency from the mandate of the people.  The daughter of the poor man from Lubao first stole the presidency from a semi-stupid, pro-poor president by a coup conspired with all the high ranking officials of the armed forces and the police.  Next, she broke her promise not to run for president, and conspired again with the military in cheating another popular pro-poor icon “winning by 1 million votes” through a telephone call.  The self proclaimed “economist” also promised economic stability by entering into “business agreements” disguised as Memorandum of Agreements and Economic and/or Military Treaties to other countries.  

COUSINS BY BLOOD

Well, the Cojuangcos and the Aquinos are from Tarlac, but historical and geographical facts tell that Tarlac does not have its own regional identity.  The Northern part of the province speaks Ilocano or Pangasinenses while the South part speaks, well, Kapampangan because of it’s proximity to Pampanga.  

I think Teodoro (believed to be the most favored nephew of Danding Cojuangco) may have adopted some negative Kapampangan traits.  This “Harvard graduate” has somehow played a loyal part of Gloria Arroyo and her cohorts in helping the country be the most corrupt government in Asia at the present.  He was believed to be instrumental in turning a blind eye for the interest of the people and has been supporting “influential pro-imperialist advisers and friends”.  Remember, he graduated in Harvard and has studied and learned the American way.  The US government already cannot support GMA since supporting her would be an insult in America’s “Advocacy for Democracy and Freedom”.  Since GMA is ineligible for another presidential term sans Charter Change, the US is believed to be supporting whoever she unanimously anoints as successor to her grand “imperial” ambition, and it would be Teodoro.

About Noynoy, perhaps his only advantage was his mother’s political integrity until her death.  Cory was known to be a symbol for democracy and integrity, and Noynoy plans to follow his mother’s path of righteousness, if elected.  And yet, Hacienda Luisita is in the midst of Agrarian Reform conflict from the Agrarian Reform Law instituted during his mother’s presidency.  Also, let us not forget the thousands of farmers who died in Mendiola.

Whoever wins from the Cojuangco clan will cater to the elite members of the society, and will probably ignore the poor.

RELEVANT OTHERS

Others have helped shaped Philippine history by theirs acts.  Remember the Macabebe spies, who helped American forces capture General Emilio Aguinaldo thereby ending the revolution and a chance for a genuine Philippine Republic after the Spanish era.  Well perhaps, this was payback time for Aguinaldo for his treachery to Bonifacio and the Katipunan.  Earlier historical accounts would have it that Aguinaldo instructed a certain Lazaro Makapagal(surname derivation) to execute Supremo Bonifacio and his brother Procopio.

Perhaps everything was mere coincidences, but still, I am not hoping for another Kapampangan to run this country into bankruptcy.  I believe their contributions have helped shaped our country in some ways, more negative and slightly devastating than we have hopes for.  It is time for us to look beyond their treachery and inconsistent political intricacies in the hope of attaining peace, progress, and development.

So please… I beg you… not another Kapampangan in Malacañang…