Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has by far showcased the funniest moro-moro ever during his time in the senate after he had plunged-off significant political figures implicating them with various accusations here and there; like that of his colleague in the senate-Senator Manny Villar and his former Chief Executive Erap Estrada. Could this be Lacson’s way of redeeming himself from his “soundless” responsibilities and intangible accomplishments in the senate? Or machinating a “magical” fiasco that would affect electoral activities in 2010?
Presently, Villar is facing an ethics probe at the Senate after he was accused by Lacson of double insertion in the 2008 national budget to finance a road project that would benefit the housing projects in Las Piñas and Parañaque City that he owns. After Villar, the good senator pointed out the ousted President as behind the principal suspect in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, and just as to continue the fight from one to the other, Lacson had recently dragged Villar’s name accusing his fellow senator of conspiring to produce a new witness that would link Lacson to the Dacer-Corbito double murders.
It is this simple- such actions are obviously Lacson’s ploy of orchestrating a no election scenario in 2010. As sourced, Lacson is actually kicking off the other side of his plotted Transitional Revolutionary Government or TRG by igniting possible fiascos that could hammer-down one presidential contender to the next. This in a way sabotages the nearing elections by obviously riddling all-possible elected presidents with criminal liabilities that could altogether incapacitate their administration. More so, this could be a venue for another Senate-led inquiry that could only distance the president from its governed. If this had been the case, a caretaker government would no less be fitting excuse of Lacson to come into power.
Another plan is “nipping- the bud- tactic by way of aligning himself with the so-called “love of the crowd” in the person of no less than the LP standard-bearer, Sen. Noynoy Aquino. With this, abandoning his former presidential plans and muster the courage to endorse another candidate instead of pursuing his own ambitions was all for a show. This would in a way make him indispensable to Noynoy’s future political career once he bags presidential race.
Apart from attacking strong presidential wanna-be’s and devising a no-election scenario in 2010, Lacson could seem to be so tireless in lambasting the current administration with his personally ill-motivated issues purposely to cast President Arroyo out of Malacañang. If this happens, a caretaker government believed to be ruled by members of the military would assume leadership. This was part of the 2008 TRG proposal believed written by an influential Opposition solon where a certain Transitional Council involving Lacson as a shadow-head.
The political drama Lacson is currently portraying as the lead-actor could somehow bag him the best actor title, just as his “fans clubs” would grow in numbers. But he has yet to act realistically. Juan Dela Cruz truly knows the true essence of government and what it stands for. Government isn’t a castle in the sky. It is a truthful leadership and selfless social responsibility that does not put the welfare of its citizenry to peril.
Friday, October 30, 2009
THE PELAEZ-LACSON STORY: ENEMY TURNED LOVERS?
Political dramas invade Philippine politics as it also harbors political figures whose principles and their so called “political authority” have been tainted with rotten injustices and integrity issues.
Blanquita Pelaez, who dragged the good Senator Panfilo Lacson on a 3 million dollar anomalous handcuffs purchase in 1996 against the Alameda County and subsequently revealed multi-million mansions listed under Lacson’s name, wittingly came out into the open and dubiously clean Ping’s name into such a scam. It could be recalled that such a caboodle transpired during the tenure of Lacson’s former Chief Executive –ERAP, which he later on claimed with raucous transactions and credibility issues.
Is this a simple drama or just a deceitful electoral ploy? Whichever the case may be, political spotlight has yet again earned Lacson another milestone in perpetuating himself into power. The agenda behind the Pelaez-Lacson collusion is obviously orchestrated to clear the good senator’s name from countless scams so as to make it acceptable for the people. Such a “political cleansing” would inevitably charm the public which is apparently intended to feed his way to Malacañang through an unconstitutional takeover. Pelaez would actually be queued on Lacson’s pre-planned stunt to give him political immunity. Henceforth, the 1996 fiasco is over; and Pelaez who was Ping’s “enemy” thirteen years back has apparently realized her “worth” in this kind of controversy, and whatever it is, only the two “enemy-turned-lovers” know pretty well.
In order to save himself from the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, implicating ERAP would be the sweetest move for absolution sake. His so called “substantially crafted narration” on his former boss’ involvement in the double-slay case was for him an explosion to discredit the Estradas. Winning the hearts and minds of the people and especially the tribunal was his ultimate intention. But of course, that would not eventually end there. Lacson needs substantial proof to lure public’s favor on him especially as the courts scrapped his petition to prohibit the conduct of investigation on him. If Lacson will not win the trial, he will then have it by public’s “mandate”. As Pelaez clears Lacson’s name on the PNPN handcuffs acquisition mess, the people is left to speculate on Lacson’s “heroism” and unstained career as this will somehow earn him political merits.
All these and more are part of Lacson’s political tricks and propaganda moves. But his ultimate maneuver is his intention for power-grabbing through the seditious Transition Revolutionary Government (TRG) which accordingly came out mid of September last year. Accordingly, the 12-paged TRG urged the active AFP and PNP units to stand against the Arroyo administration and subsequently install a caretaker government the minute PGMA vacates her position. Under the said temporary government, a Council where administrative powers emanate would elect a Head of State likely crafted for Lacson.
But before establishing such a transitional council, a critical event through propaganda or diversionary armed commotion must happen in order to get public’s attention. It could be recalled that the August bombing in the metropolis Luzon was believed to have been perpetrated by the group called “August Moon”. Accordingly, said group is a disgruntled faction out to bomb distinct locations in Metro Manila which would later be blamed on Arroyo so as to grant her emergency power. Such scenario was a calculated move especially that the elections are nearing. The people will be left in no choice but to rally along the streets and wonder over a possible Martial Law rule. And the picture speaks so clearly: that the basis of provisional military rule is through an escalated mobilization coupled with a coup d’etat. The so-called “Council” shall come in to the scene and from the power takeover; they would eventually determine the provisional “head” under a Transitional Revolutionary Government.
This is what our political system looks like: struggling towards “perfection” but still nailed with several political figures with marauding ill-fated self-interests and devilish intentions at the expense of democratic authority in its truest sense. And Lacson is by far the obvious predator that eats our struggling democratic foundations.
Blanquita Pelaez, who dragged the good Senator Panfilo Lacson on a 3 million dollar anomalous handcuffs purchase in 1996 against the Alameda County and subsequently revealed multi-million mansions listed under Lacson’s name, wittingly came out into the open and dubiously clean Ping’s name into such a scam. It could be recalled that such a caboodle transpired during the tenure of Lacson’s former Chief Executive –ERAP, which he later on claimed with raucous transactions and credibility issues.
Is this a simple drama or just a deceitful electoral ploy? Whichever the case may be, political spotlight has yet again earned Lacson another milestone in perpetuating himself into power. The agenda behind the Pelaez-Lacson collusion is obviously orchestrated to clear the good senator’s name from countless scams so as to make it acceptable for the people. Such a “political cleansing” would inevitably charm the public which is apparently intended to feed his way to Malacañang through an unconstitutional takeover. Pelaez would actually be queued on Lacson’s pre-planned stunt to give him political immunity. Henceforth, the 1996 fiasco is over; and Pelaez who was Ping’s “enemy” thirteen years back has apparently realized her “worth” in this kind of controversy, and whatever it is, only the two “enemy-turned-lovers” know pretty well.
In order to save himself from the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, implicating ERAP would be the sweetest move for absolution sake. His so called “substantially crafted narration” on his former boss’ involvement in the double-slay case was for him an explosion to discredit the Estradas. Winning the hearts and minds of the people and especially the tribunal was his ultimate intention. But of course, that would not eventually end there. Lacson needs substantial proof to lure public’s favor on him especially as the courts scrapped his petition to prohibit the conduct of investigation on him. If Lacson will not win the trial, he will then have it by public’s “mandate”. As Pelaez clears Lacson’s name on the PNPN handcuffs acquisition mess, the people is left to speculate on Lacson’s “heroism” and unstained career as this will somehow earn him political merits.
All these and more are part of Lacson’s political tricks and propaganda moves. But his ultimate maneuver is his intention for power-grabbing through the seditious Transition Revolutionary Government (TRG) which accordingly came out mid of September last year. Accordingly, the 12-paged TRG urged the active AFP and PNP units to stand against the Arroyo administration and subsequently install a caretaker government the minute PGMA vacates her position. Under the said temporary government, a Council where administrative powers emanate would elect a Head of State likely crafted for Lacson.
But before establishing such a transitional council, a critical event through propaganda or diversionary armed commotion must happen in order to get public’s attention. It could be recalled that the August bombing in the metropolis Luzon was believed to have been perpetrated by the group called “August Moon”. Accordingly, said group is a disgruntled faction out to bomb distinct locations in Metro Manila which would later be blamed on Arroyo so as to grant her emergency power. Such scenario was a calculated move especially that the elections are nearing. The people will be left in no choice but to rally along the streets and wonder over a possible Martial Law rule. And the picture speaks so clearly: that the basis of provisional military rule is through an escalated mobilization coupled with a coup d’etat. The so-called “Council” shall come in to the scene and from the power takeover; they would eventually determine the provisional “head” under a Transitional Revolutionary Government.
This is what our political system looks like: struggling towards “perfection” but still nailed with several political figures with marauding ill-fated self-interests and devilish intentions at the expense of democratic authority in its truest sense. And Lacson is by far the obvious predator that eats our struggling democratic foundations.
PANGANGAMPANYA NG MGA MAPAGSAMANTALA
Sa paghagupit ng bagyo Ondoy sa ating bansa, matindi ang pinsalang idinulot nito kabilang ang pagkawasak ng hekta-hektaryang pananim pang agrikultura, milyon milyong halaga ng inprastraktura at ari-arian at higit sa lahat, daan-daang buhay ang nawala. Hindi pa man nakakaahon ay isa na namang bagyo ang nagdulot ng mas matinding paghihirap lalo sa mamamayan. Sa ngayon, nasa “state of calamity” ang bansang Pilipinas dahil sa matinding pananalanta lalo na sa parteng hilaga.
Sa kabila ng pinsalang natamo ng ating bansa at ng mga taong lubos na apektado ng nasabing mga bagyo, ang senaryong ito ang naging dahilan upang ipadama ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino ang pagkakaisa at pagdadamayan lalo sa oras ng kagipitan. Marami mga kababayan natin ang nagsilbing bayani na hindi inalintana ang sinusuong na panganib sa malakas na agos ng tubig, mailikas at mailigtas lamang ang maraming buhay. Ang iba nman ay iminalas ang kanilang pakikiramay sa pamamagitan ng pag ambag at pangongolekta ng mga donasyon at pamamahagi ng pagkain, damit, gamot at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta ng baha. Sa kabilang banda, may magandang naidulot ang nasabing trahedya sa iilan nating kababayan sapagkat nabigyan sila ng pagkakataon upang kumita sa gitna ng kahirapan gaya ng talyer at pagawaan ng mga nasirang kasangkapan. Ngunit may iilan ding mga taong nananamantala ng pagkakataon. Sa halip na tumulong ay nakuha pang pagnakawan ang mga naabandonang kabahayan na naapektuhan ng baha. Katulad ng mga ito ang mga politikong sinamantala ang kalamidad para sa pansariling kapakanan. Ginagamit ang pagkakataon upang mapabango ang kanilang mga pangalan sa mga taong kanilang inabutan ng tulong para sa darating na eleksyon.
Dahil sa papalapit na ang eleksiyon, dumarami ang hanay ng mga pulitikong nagnanais tumakbo sa darating na eleksiyon ang puspusang naghahatid ng tulong sa mga biktima ng trahedyang dulot ng mgkasunod na bagyo. Lingid sa mga taong kanilang tinutulungan, ito ay pagpapakitang-tao lamang at ginagamit lang ng mga mapagsamantalang politikong ito ang pagkakataon upang mapaganda ang kanilang imahe.
Hindi bat nakapanlulumong isipin na me iilan paring mga taong mas binibigyan ng prayoridad ang kanilang pansariling interes habang ang buong sambayanan ay abala sa pagtulong at pagdamay sa kanilang kapwa. May mga pulitikong nag abot nga ng tulong ngunit halatang may bahid ng pamumulitika ang tulong na iyon. Kung talagang taos sa puso ang pakikiramay at pagbibigay-tulong, hindi na kailangan pang ilagay ang pangalan sa nasabing tulong upang malaman kung saan at kanino nanggaling ang mga iyon. Hindi na kelangan pang malaman ng buong bansa ang nagawang kabutihan at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa.
Mayroon ding mga pulitikong nagiging abala na sa pangangampanya sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng mga banners, posters at iba pang mga campaign paraphernalia sa ilang probinsiya pagkatapos humagupit ang bagyong Ondoy at Pepeng. Ang mga ganitong gawain ay nagpapatunay lamang ng kanilang pagiging makasarili at kawalan ng pagpapahalaga sa kapwa. Hindi man lang nagawang isantabi ang sariling interes upang bigyang daan ang pag intindi sa kapwa na nagdaranas ng kahirapan sa panahong ito.
Katulad na lamang ni Sen. Noynoy Aquino na kung saan mayroong kumakalat sa internet na nagpapakita ng kanyang mga banners at posters sa ilang probinsya bilang pagkampanya sa darating na eleksiyon. Tila nga ba nawawala na ang pagpapahalaga ni Noynoy sa kanyang kapwa at nagiging makasarili na? Oo ngat may iniabot na tulong ang Senador sa mga nasalanta ngunit hindi ito sapat upang ipabatid ang kanyang pakikiramay. Sa halip nagiging abala siya sa pangangampanya at pagpupulong sa ibat ibang personalidad at kinalimutan ang mga taong higit nangangailangan sa kanya.
Sa ngayon, hindi pa man tayo lubos na nakakaahon sa pagkalubog dulot ng nasabing kalamidad, dapat nating isaalang alang ang tamang pagpili ng isang lider na mamumuno sa ating bansa. Huwag nating hayaang samantalahin ng mga mapaglinlang na mga politiko ang paghihirap na nararanasan natin sa ngayon. Sa panahong ito natin makikita at mapapatunayan ang sinseridad ng mga totoong nagmamalasakit at may pagpapahalaga sa kapakanan ng sambayanan. Hindi kailangan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang pinunong ganid at uhaw sa kapangyarihan bagkus isang pinuno na may pagmamalasakit sa kapwa at magbibigay ng magandang kinabukasan sa buong bayan.
Sa kabila ng pinsalang natamo ng ating bansa at ng mga taong lubos na apektado ng nasabing mga bagyo, ang senaryong ito ang naging dahilan upang ipadama ng bawat mamamayang Pilipino ang pagkakaisa at pagdadamayan lalo sa oras ng kagipitan. Marami mga kababayan natin ang nagsilbing bayani na hindi inalintana ang sinusuong na panganib sa malakas na agos ng tubig, mailikas at mailigtas lamang ang maraming buhay. Ang iba nman ay iminalas ang kanilang pakikiramay sa pamamagitan ng pag ambag at pangongolekta ng mga donasyon at pamamahagi ng pagkain, damit, gamot at iba pang pangangailangan ng mga nasalanta ng baha. Sa kabilang banda, may magandang naidulot ang nasabing trahedya sa iilan nating kababayan sapagkat nabigyan sila ng pagkakataon upang kumita sa gitna ng kahirapan gaya ng talyer at pagawaan ng mga nasirang kasangkapan. Ngunit may iilan ding mga taong nananamantala ng pagkakataon. Sa halip na tumulong ay nakuha pang pagnakawan ang mga naabandonang kabahayan na naapektuhan ng baha. Katulad ng mga ito ang mga politikong sinamantala ang kalamidad para sa pansariling kapakanan. Ginagamit ang pagkakataon upang mapabango ang kanilang mga pangalan sa mga taong kanilang inabutan ng tulong para sa darating na eleksyon.
Dahil sa papalapit na ang eleksiyon, dumarami ang hanay ng mga pulitikong nagnanais tumakbo sa darating na eleksiyon ang puspusang naghahatid ng tulong sa mga biktima ng trahedyang dulot ng mgkasunod na bagyo. Lingid sa mga taong kanilang tinutulungan, ito ay pagpapakitang-tao lamang at ginagamit lang ng mga mapagsamantalang politikong ito ang pagkakataon upang mapaganda ang kanilang imahe.
Hindi bat nakapanlulumong isipin na me iilan paring mga taong mas binibigyan ng prayoridad ang kanilang pansariling interes habang ang buong sambayanan ay abala sa pagtulong at pagdamay sa kanilang kapwa. May mga pulitikong nag abot nga ng tulong ngunit halatang may bahid ng pamumulitika ang tulong na iyon. Kung talagang taos sa puso ang pakikiramay at pagbibigay-tulong, hindi na kailangan pang ilagay ang pangalan sa nasabing tulong upang malaman kung saan at kanino nanggaling ang mga iyon. Hindi na kelangan pang malaman ng buong bansa ang nagawang kabutihan at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa.
Mayroon ding mga pulitikong nagiging abala na sa pangangampanya sa pamamagitan ng paglalagay ng mga banners, posters at iba pang mga campaign paraphernalia sa ilang probinsiya pagkatapos humagupit ang bagyong Ondoy at Pepeng. Ang mga ganitong gawain ay nagpapatunay lamang ng kanilang pagiging makasarili at kawalan ng pagpapahalaga sa kapwa. Hindi man lang nagawang isantabi ang sariling interes upang bigyang daan ang pag intindi sa kapwa na nagdaranas ng kahirapan sa panahong ito.
Katulad na lamang ni Sen. Noynoy Aquino na kung saan mayroong kumakalat sa internet na nagpapakita ng kanyang mga banners at posters sa ilang probinsya bilang pagkampanya sa darating na eleksiyon. Tila nga ba nawawala na ang pagpapahalaga ni Noynoy sa kanyang kapwa at nagiging makasarili na? Oo ngat may iniabot na tulong ang Senador sa mga nasalanta ngunit hindi ito sapat upang ipabatid ang kanyang pakikiramay. Sa halip nagiging abala siya sa pangangampanya at pagpupulong sa ibat ibang personalidad at kinalimutan ang mga taong higit nangangailangan sa kanya.
Sa ngayon, hindi pa man tayo lubos na nakakaahon sa pagkalubog dulot ng nasabing kalamidad, dapat nating isaalang alang ang tamang pagpili ng isang lider na mamumuno sa ating bansa. Huwag nating hayaang samantalahin ng mga mapaglinlang na mga politiko ang paghihirap na nararanasan natin sa ngayon. Sa panahong ito natin makikita at mapapatunayan ang sinseridad ng mga totoong nagmamalasakit at may pagpapahalaga sa kapakanan ng sambayanan. Hindi kailangan ng mamamayang Pilipino ang pinunong ganid at uhaw sa kapangyarihan bagkus isang pinuno na may pagmamalasakit sa kapwa at magbibigay ng magandang kinabukasan sa buong bayan.
Why Am I Here???
Crowded makeshift shanties, flies and cockroaches, children whose faces are griming in pain with some of them can not even wash their faces, but their eyes seems to glow in the presence of these foreigners, children, parents and old constituents mostly women are smiling, all smiling because just a few meters away from their makeshifts houses are three (3) ten wheeler trucks loaded with rice, cooking oils and ready –to-eat noodles with canned goods. These are just a few sights I encountered during the recent visit of European Union delegations in different evacuation centers of IDPs in Maguindanao Province.
In the midst of this “Operation Tulong sa Bakwits” lies a big question among the delegation of the EU, “Why the IDPs are still in the evacuation centers”? and why does their numbers increased in-spite of the pronouncements from the MILF hierarchy of their “Suspension of Military Actions” (SUMA) and the AFP of the Suspension of the Military Operations” (SUMO).
In response to these questions, the representatives of the political leadership of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao cited that, the IDPs prefers to stay in the evacuation centers because they (IDPs) can not hold on to the pronouncement of SUMO and SUMA, and that their houses were been burned by the operating government troops in their areas of origin.
This kind of irresponsible media pronouncements/responses coming from our very own local government officials put the AFP and the government in general in bad light, it seems to me that the AFP units deployed in the war-torn areas were responsible for the IDPs not returning home, but if we just analyzed and dig deeper into this problem, there is something fishy about it, first and foremost, most if not all of these evacuees/IDPs were families and relatives of MILF regulars. Since the skirmishes began between the government forces and the MILF, there were no reported burning incident done by the military, however, feuding families who are both elements of 105th and 108th Base Commands of the MILF burned about 10 shanties in the outskirts of Talayan, Maguindanao sometime in the month of March 2008. Secondly, the pouring-out of donations and cash from donor countries seem to-be “sobra-sobra” in which case, some of these relief goods are being sold-out to public markets surrounding the evacuation centers. Thirdly, some politicians are making good money out of these evacuees, kung baga eh pinakikinabangan nila ang presensya ng mga bakwits bakit nila ito pauuwiin? Ano ba yan???
I understand that there are peculiarities in the areas dominated by the MILF however, this question remains in my mind, “Are they used to easy money? Or it is just a part of their culture of being lazy? Letting the government feed them? Or its just a plain and simple manipulation of the rich over the poor inhabitants surrounding the Liguasan Marsh ? ? ?
In the midst of this “Operation Tulong sa Bakwits” lies a big question among the delegation of the EU, “Why the IDPs are still in the evacuation centers”? and why does their numbers increased in-spite of the pronouncements from the MILF hierarchy of their “Suspension of Military Actions” (SUMA) and the AFP of the Suspension of the Military Operations” (SUMO).
In response to these questions, the representatives of the political leadership of the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao cited that, the IDPs prefers to stay in the evacuation centers because they (IDPs) can not hold on to the pronouncement of SUMO and SUMA, and that their houses were been burned by the operating government troops in their areas of origin.
This kind of irresponsible media pronouncements/responses coming from our very own local government officials put the AFP and the government in general in bad light, it seems to me that the AFP units deployed in the war-torn areas were responsible for the IDPs not returning home, but if we just analyzed and dig deeper into this problem, there is something fishy about it, first and foremost, most if not all of these evacuees/IDPs were families and relatives of MILF regulars. Since the skirmishes began between the government forces and the MILF, there were no reported burning incident done by the military, however, feuding families who are both elements of 105th and 108th Base Commands of the MILF burned about 10 shanties in the outskirts of Talayan, Maguindanao sometime in the month of March 2008. Secondly, the pouring-out of donations and cash from donor countries seem to-be “sobra-sobra” in which case, some of these relief goods are being sold-out to public markets surrounding the evacuation centers. Thirdly, some politicians are making good money out of these evacuees, kung baga eh pinakikinabangan nila ang presensya ng mga bakwits bakit nila ito pauuwiin? Ano ba yan???
I understand that there are peculiarities in the areas dominated by the MILF however, this question remains in my mind, “Are they used to easy money? Or it is just a part of their culture of being lazy? Letting the government feed them? Or its just a plain and simple manipulation of the rich over the poor inhabitants surrounding the Liguasan Marsh ? ? ?
IDPs FEAR MILF DESPITE CEASEFIRE
Despite a temporary truce in effect in Central Mindanao, some 200,000 villagers who fled their homes are still too scared to return to their homes saying that evacuation centers are the safest haven for them. Their fears persisted even though local officials tried to persuade them that it was safe to go back to their homes in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato following the declaration of temporary ceasefire.
“Fear and apprehension still hound us”, said Nohalima Sambolawan, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where many villagers remain in evacuation centers. “We feel that anytime soon, the MILF will again wreak havoc on our villages, burn our houses and loot our animals. we still We feel we are not safe to go back to our houses and we’d rather stay here in the evacuation center”, she added.
Combined reports and data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regions 12 and ARMM show that there were about 200,000 people displaced by the fighting that broke out in August 2008 after guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occupied several villages in this downtrodden Southern Philippines.
Evacuees who flocked several evacuation centers in Maguindanao are complaining that the Moro rebels have been occupying their farmlands, looted livestock animals and burned several houses. “How can we go back to our houses when our safety and security are at stake? The rebels had gotten everything from us…what else is left for us?” said Abdullah Paguital in teary-eyes and trembling voice.
The statements of Nohalina Sambolawan and Abdullah Paguital ae in total contrast to the statement of Atty. Zainudin Malang of the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network (BLN) who earlier accused the government forces of emotional, physical and economic abuses against the evacuees in the restive South. Malang made such statement during a conference with the European Union envoys in Cotabato City, recently.
Various local and international aid groups and humanitarian watchers, including local government officials said that apart from their apprehension on the possible outbreak of MILF-initiated carnages against civilian populace, cases of rido-related conflict could seem inevitable to occur. “There will be a renewed fighting between feuding families once they get back to their places and this would eventually lead into another mass displacement”, says an international crisis monitor.
Aside from these reasons, local government officials noted that the evacuees have found a new business venture inside the IDP camp where food rations from different aid groups and local government units are sold at “affordable prices”. "Our assistance is not enough and we are aware of that, but our evacuees took advantage of the situation and made this a part of their daily routine now for whatever it’s worth”, the Municipal Social worker of Mamasapano said in an interview.
The World Food Programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) as well as the international and Philippine offices of the Red Cross have helped the government by distributing food, water, and other relief supplies to the evacuees.#
“Fear and apprehension still hound us”, said Nohalima Sambolawan, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where many villagers remain in evacuation centers. “We feel that anytime soon, the MILF will again wreak havoc on our villages, burn our houses and loot our animals. we still We feel we are not safe to go back to our houses and we’d rather stay here in the evacuation center”, she added.
Combined reports and data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regions 12 and ARMM show that there were about 200,000 people displaced by the fighting that broke out in August 2008 after guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occupied several villages in this downtrodden Southern Philippines.
Evacuees who flocked several evacuation centers in Maguindanao are complaining that the Moro rebels have been occupying their farmlands, looted livestock animals and burned several houses. “How can we go back to our houses when our safety and security are at stake? The rebels had gotten everything from us…what else is left for us?” said Abdullah Paguital in teary-eyes and trembling voice.
The statements of Nohalina Sambolawan and Abdullah Paguital ae in total contrast to the statement of Atty. Zainudin Malang of the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network (BLN) who earlier accused the government forces of emotional, physical and economic abuses against the evacuees in the restive South. Malang made such statement during a conference with the European Union envoys in Cotabato City, recently.
Various local and international aid groups and humanitarian watchers, including local government officials said that apart from their apprehension on the possible outbreak of MILF-initiated carnages against civilian populace, cases of rido-related conflict could seem inevitable to occur. “There will be a renewed fighting between feuding families once they get back to their places and this would eventually lead into another mass displacement”, says an international crisis monitor.
Aside from these reasons, local government officials noted that the evacuees have found a new business venture inside the IDP camp where food rations from different aid groups and local government units are sold at “affordable prices”. "Our assistance is not enough and we are aware of that, but our evacuees took advantage of the situation and made this a part of their daily routine now for whatever it’s worth”, the Municipal Social worker of Mamasapano said in an interview.
The World Food Programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) as well as the international and Philippine offices of the Red Cross have helped the government by distributing food, water, and other relief supplies to the evacuees.#
TRAPOS ARE TESTING THE WATERS FOR NOYNOY-MAR CANDIDACY
As we feel the heating beat of 2010 polls, we also see personalities running here and there in order to cope up with the electrifying rhythm of the forthcoming electoral process, especially those that prey on “winnable tandems” such that of Senators Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas. And the picture speaks so clearly: frustrated financial backers of Roxas who went beyond their means are out to pin-down Noynoy’s ascendancy to Malacañang while the displeased members of the Liberal Party (LP) doubted Noynoy’s motivation in bagging the executive post.
Accordingly, the financial backers of the former presidential hopeful Sen. Manuel Roxas is out to pin-down Noynoy Aquino with the supposed blessing of an influential civil society group. Disgruntled members of the LP had one way or another helped in the glitch of Aquino’s career, doubting Noynoy’s motivation in assuming the highest political seat was all for Aquinos’ sake.
The decision of Roxas to quit from the presidential race was not just for the sake of “reform”. Obviously, LP accepted the fact that having the Noynoy-Mar tandem would be invincible that it could eventually take a political victory over Erap Estrada and Manny Villar. This political ploy by no less than the “struggling” LP gives the public a far better clear picture that indeed TRAPOs are simply testing the waters to see how long the Cory “magic” will last and as to how far Roxas will ride on the Party’s decision to cast him aside.
Sources further disclosed that the monetary supporters of Roxas wanted more than cheating a “second best”. They actually yearn to bag the presidency and they will have it one way or another and even at the expense of the Aquinos. The groups are determined to divide LP’s resolve on Noynoy’s candidacy. And they are having the “charitable” funding of renowned civil society groups to include the ones under Dinky Soliman.
Philippine politics is yet again tainted by ill-fated political personalities who are enticed with rotten self-interests- and even purists like members of the civil society are not an exception; especially those with superfluous monetary machinery used in tossing up one presidential bet like Roxas. They insinuate that Noynoy’s motivation in running for the presidential race was made out of his family’s will and not with what the LP has orchestrated and imagined- evidently, backstabbing the Cory’s “only begotten son”. Such a scenario is inevitable, especially that it’s all about power and authority to lead a state. Obviously, the “Noynoy mania” was not made out of public’s confidence but instead drawn from his mother – the well-regarded former President Cory Aquino, whose charm greatly influence most of the Filipinos. The fluidity of people’s trust on Noynoy not as the son of Cory but a probable president at his own right is now being goaded by Roxas’ frustrated supporters. They plan to abuse Noynoy’s weakness and use it to boost Roxas’political maneuvering.
Almost every election, politicians and their preying advisors are up to show their best and “magnificently” persuade the voting public with their “out-of-this-world” political platforms. Undeniably, ours is a kind of politics with various political rhythm dubiously composed by no less than opportunist TRAPOs. And sadly, Noynoy and Mar unwittingly dance in this fiasco with us drowning for instability and vague future. Will you allow this to happen?
Accordingly, the financial backers of the former presidential hopeful Sen. Manuel Roxas is out to pin-down Noynoy Aquino with the supposed blessing of an influential civil society group. Disgruntled members of the LP had one way or another helped in the glitch of Aquino’s career, doubting Noynoy’s motivation in assuming the highest political seat was all for Aquinos’ sake.
The decision of Roxas to quit from the presidential race was not just for the sake of “reform”. Obviously, LP accepted the fact that having the Noynoy-Mar tandem would be invincible that it could eventually take a political victory over Erap Estrada and Manny Villar. This political ploy by no less than the “struggling” LP gives the public a far better clear picture that indeed TRAPOs are simply testing the waters to see how long the Cory “magic” will last and as to how far Roxas will ride on the Party’s decision to cast him aside.
Sources further disclosed that the monetary supporters of Roxas wanted more than cheating a “second best”. They actually yearn to bag the presidency and they will have it one way or another and even at the expense of the Aquinos. The groups are determined to divide LP’s resolve on Noynoy’s candidacy. And they are having the “charitable” funding of renowned civil society groups to include the ones under Dinky Soliman.
Philippine politics is yet again tainted by ill-fated political personalities who are enticed with rotten self-interests- and even purists like members of the civil society are not an exception; especially those with superfluous monetary machinery used in tossing up one presidential bet like Roxas. They insinuate that Noynoy’s motivation in running for the presidential race was made out of his family’s will and not with what the LP has orchestrated and imagined- evidently, backstabbing the Cory’s “only begotten son”. Such a scenario is inevitable, especially that it’s all about power and authority to lead a state. Obviously, the “Noynoy mania” was not made out of public’s confidence but instead drawn from his mother – the well-regarded former President Cory Aquino, whose charm greatly influence most of the Filipinos. The fluidity of people’s trust on Noynoy not as the son of Cory but a probable president at his own right is now being goaded by Roxas’ frustrated supporters. They plan to abuse Noynoy’s weakness and use it to boost Roxas’political maneuvering.
Almost every election, politicians and their preying advisors are up to show their best and “magnificently” persuade the voting public with their “out-of-this-world” political platforms. Undeniably, ours is a kind of politics with various political rhythm dubiously composed by no less than opportunist TRAPOs. And sadly, Noynoy and Mar unwittingly dance in this fiasco with us drowning for instability and vague future. Will you allow this to happen?
AFP LAUNCHES AAGAPAY LIVELIHOOD PROGRAM
The 6th Infantry Division, Philippine Army recently launched its countryside development and livelihood enhancement programs through the “Aagapay sa Kalinaw Invitational Shootfest Shoot for a Cause”, a 6-staged, PPSA sanctioned level 1 match, which was aimed at generating funds for its different developmental and livelihood programs across Central Mindanao.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is shifting its gear towards poverty alleviation and livelihood enhancement, as its main thrust against insurgency and terrorism.”, 6ID spokesman Col Jonathan Ponce said.
Ponce further said that through the Aagapay program, several livelihood cooperatives have already been established in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat which benefit the families of former rebels and families in war-torn areas. Among these, he said, is a cooperative in Paglat town in Maguindanao, which produces muscovado sugar, and another in Pigcawayan town in Cotabato, which is engaged in farming and hog-raising. Ponce added that these cooperatives are being supported mainly by the local chief executives, the Cooperative Development Authority and the National Economic Development Authority.
The Aagapay sa Kalinaw Invitational Shootfest was attended by more than 200 shooters from all over Central Mindanao, who showed their support for the AFP’s projects.
“This is a paradigm shift from the AFPs search and destroy tactics, and I think this is actually what our brothers in the countryside need right now. The Aagapay lends a lot of credence to the whole government bureaucracy’s poverty alleviation programs”, Mr Faizal Ungakay, President of the Cotabato City Pistol and Rifle Association, which co-organized the event, added.
COL POMPEO V LIMBO FA (GSC) PA, Assistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, fires the inaugural shot during the AAgapay sa Kalinaw Invitational Shootfest.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines is shifting its gear towards poverty alleviation and livelihood enhancement, as its main thrust against insurgency and terrorism.”, 6ID spokesman Col Jonathan Ponce said.
Ponce further said that through the Aagapay program, several livelihood cooperatives have already been established in Maguindanao, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat which benefit the families of former rebels and families in war-torn areas. Among these, he said, is a cooperative in Paglat town in Maguindanao, which produces muscovado sugar, and another in Pigcawayan town in Cotabato, which is engaged in farming and hog-raising. Ponce added that these cooperatives are being supported mainly by the local chief executives, the Cooperative Development Authority and the National Economic Development Authority.
The Aagapay sa Kalinaw Invitational Shootfest was attended by more than 200 shooters from all over Central Mindanao, who showed their support for the AFP’s projects.
“This is a paradigm shift from the AFPs search and destroy tactics, and I think this is actually what our brothers in the countryside need right now. The Aagapay lends a lot of credence to the whole government bureaucracy’s poverty alleviation programs”, Mr Faizal Ungakay, President of the Cotabato City Pistol and Rifle Association, which co-organized the event, added.
COL POMPEO V LIMBO FA (GSC) PA, Assistant Division Commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, fires the inaugural shot during the AAgapay sa Kalinaw Invitational Shootfest.
DEPED to Improve Basic Education for Children in ARMM
The Department of Education has strengthened its campaign to improve the quality of education in the impoverished region all over the country. In Mindanao, with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID) through the Basic Education Assistance for Mindanao (BEAM), poor access of children to basic education especially in ARMM has been responded with the Distance Learning Program (DLP) in the region.
Recently, BEAM and with some DepED officials distributed an independent and self-paced modules and school supplies under its Component 3-Increasing Access project which seeks to grant opportunities for the school age children in the elementary level starting at grade 3 to grade 6 from far-flung and poor areas. There were eight elementary schools have benefited by the said project namely Datu Gumbay Piang Elementary School of Datu Piang, Dapiawan Elementary School and Libutan Elementary School of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Kalumamis Elementary School of Guindulungan, Pandan Elementary School of South Upi, Malangit Elementary School of Mamasapano, Bobo Elementary School and Piagapo Central elementary School of Piagapo Lanao del Sur. More than 500 larning modules were given to every school, 5 copies per learning area (English, Math, Science, Filipino and Makabayan), per grade level (grade 3 to 6) and per grading period (1st to 4th grading) with a total of 35,000 modules were already distributed.
This approach serves to support the government’s effort to improve the standard of learning and to provide better education by enhancing the quality of knowledge of students mainly in poor and conflict-affected areas. Such undertaking will address those school children who were mostly in drop out cases and absenteeism due to their distant residences from school or working in farms with their parents. Children with physical difficulties and impairments are also eligible with the program.
DepEd also recognized the region’s need of additional school buildings and furniture because of the increasing population of students as well as the replacement of classrooms damaged by internal conflict in the area. DepEd secretary Lesli Lapus emphasized the immediate implementation of the project as part of the pump-priming program of the national government as mandated by Pres. Arroyo to all government agencies implementing infrastructure projects.
Moreover, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan recurrently lauds the said efforts in helping the regional government on its quest for affordable, accessible and quality education to poor students in remote areas in the autonomous region.
Recently, BEAM and with some DepED officials distributed an independent and self-paced modules and school supplies under its Component 3-Increasing Access project which seeks to grant opportunities for the school age children in the elementary level starting at grade 3 to grade 6 from far-flung and poor areas. There were eight elementary schools have benefited by the said project namely Datu Gumbay Piang Elementary School of Datu Piang, Dapiawan Elementary School and Libutan Elementary School of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Kalumamis Elementary School of Guindulungan, Pandan Elementary School of South Upi, Malangit Elementary School of Mamasapano, Bobo Elementary School and Piagapo Central elementary School of Piagapo Lanao del Sur. More than 500 larning modules were given to every school, 5 copies per learning area (English, Math, Science, Filipino and Makabayan), per grade level (grade 3 to 6) and per grading period (1st to 4th grading) with a total of 35,000 modules were already distributed.
This approach serves to support the government’s effort to improve the standard of learning and to provide better education by enhancing the quality of knowledge of students mainly in poor and conflict-affected areas. Such undertaking will address those school children who were mostly in drop out cases and absenteeism due to their distant residences from school or working in farms with their parents. Children with physical difficulties and impairments are also eligible with the program.
DepEd also recognized the region’s need of additional school buildings and furniture because of the increasing population of students as well as the replacement of classrooms damaged by internal conflict in the area. DepEd secretary Lesli Lapus emphasized the immediate implementation of the project as part of the pump-priming program of the national government as mandated by Pres. Arroyo to all government agencies implementing infrastructure projects.
Moreover, ARMM Regional Governor Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan recurrently lauds the said efforts in helping the regional government on its quest for affordable, accessible and quality education to poor students in remote areas in the autonomous region.
FEAR PERSISTS IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES DESPITE TEMPORARY CEASEFIRE
Despite the deferment of military offensives in Central Mindanao, some 200,000 villagers who fled their homes were still too sacred to return to their respective homes saying that evacuation centers are the safest haven for them. Their fears persisted even though local officials tried to persuade them that it was safe to go back to their homes in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato following the declaration of temporary ceasefire.
“Fear and apprehension still hound us”, said Nohalima Sambolawan, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where many villagers remain in evacuation centers. “Despite good gesture of the MILF in reciprocating government’s suspension of military operations (SOMO), we still feel we are not safe to go back to our houses and we’d rather stay here in the evacuation center”, she added.
Combined reports and data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regions 12 and ARMM show that there were about 200,000 (44,000) families) people displaced by the fighting that broke out in August 2008 after guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occupied several villages in this downtrodden Southern Philippines. These displaced villagers are still staying in the 65 evacuation centers or with relatives despite assurances that it is safe to go home.
Evacuees who flocked several evacuation centers in Maguindanao have complained that the moro rebels have been occupying their farmlands, looted some livestock animals and burned several houses. “How can we go back to our houses when our safety and security are at stake? The rebels had gotten everything from us…what else is left for us?” said Abdullah Paguital in teary-eyes and trembling voice and actually refuted the statement of Atty. Zainudin Malang of the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network (BLN) who earlier accused the government forces of emotional, physical and economic abuses against the evacuees in the restive South. Malang made such statement during a conference with the European Union envoys in Cotabato City, recently.
Various local and international aid groups and humanitarian watchers, including local government officials said that apart from their apprehension on the possible outbreak of MILF-initiated carnages against civilian populace, cases of rido-related conflict could seem inevitable to occur. “There will be a renewed fighting between feuding families once they get back to their places and this would eventually lead into another mass displacement”, says an international crisis monitor.
Aside from these reasons, local government officials noted that the evacuees have found a new business venture inside the IDP camp where food rations from different aid groups and local government units are sold at “affordable prices”. "Our assistance is not enough and we are aware of that, but our evacuees took advantage of the situation and made this a part of their daily routine now for whatever it’s worth”, the Municipal Social worker of Mamasapano said in an interview.
The World Food Programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) as well as the international and Philippine offices of the Red Cross have helped the government by distributing food, water, and other relief supplies to the evacuees.
It could be recalled that MILF rebels led their forces in a deadly rampage across several mostly Christian to include Muslim towns and villages in central Mindanao in August. They claimed the attacks were in retaliation for a Supreme Court order freezing an MILF-government deal that would have given them control over an expanded autonomous region in the south. From then on, moro secessionists rebels looted homes and businesses, burned down houses, displaced hundreds of thousand of individuals and left some hundreds of people dead.
Despite the fighting, the government said it will still pursue its peace efforts with the 12,000-strong MILF which has been fighting for an Islamic state in the south of the largely-Christian Philippines since 1977.
“Fear and apprehension still hound us”, said Nohalima Sambolawan, an Internally Displaced Person (IDP) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao where many villagers remain in evacuation centers. “Despite good gesture of the MILF in reciprocating government’s suspension of military operations (SOMO), we still feel we are not safe to go back to our houses and we’d rather stay here in the evacuation center”, she added.
Combined reports and data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regions 12 and ARMM show that there were about 200,000 (44,000) families) people displaced by the fighting that broke out in August 2008 after guerrillas of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) occupied several villages in this downtrodden Southern Philippines. These displaced villagers are still staying in the 65 evacuation centers or with relatives despite assurances that it is safe to go home.
Evacuees who flocked several evacuation centers in Maguindanao have complained that the moro rebels have been occupying their farmlands, looted some livestock animals and burned several houses. “How can we go back to our houses when our safety and security are at stake? The rebels had gotten everything from us…what else is left for us?” said Abdullah Paguital in teary-eyes and trembling voice and actually refuted the statement of Atty. Zainudin Malang of the Bangsamoro Lawyers’ Network (BLN) who earlier accused the government forces of emotional, physical and economic abuses against the evacuees in the restive South. Malang made such statement during a conference with the European Union envoys in Cotabato City, recently.
Various local and international aid groups and humanitarian watchers, including local government officials said that apart from their apprehension on the possible outbreak of MILF-initiated carnages against civilian populace, cases of rido-related conflict could seem inevitable to occur. “There will be a renewed fighting between feuding families once they get back to their places and this would eventually lead into another mass displacement”, says an international crisis monitor.
Aside from these reasons, local government officials noted that the evacuees have found a new business venture inside the IDP camp where food rations from different aid groups and local government units are sold at “affordable prices”. "Our assistance is not enough and we are aware of that, but our evacuees took advantage of the situation and made this a part of their daily routine now for whatever it’s worth”, the Municipal Social worker of Mamasapano said in an interview.
The World Food Programme and UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) as well as the international and Philippine offices of the Red Cross have helped the government by distributing food, water, and other relief supplies to the evacuees.
It could be recalled that MILF rebels led their forces in a deadly rampage across several mostly Christian to include Muslim towns and villages in central Mindanao in August. They claimed the attacks were in retaliation for a Supreme Court order freezing an MILF-government deal that would have given them control over an expanded autonomous region in the south. From then on, moro secessionists rebels looted homes and businesses, burned down houses, displaced hundreds of thousand of individuals and left some hundreds of people dead.
Despite the fighting, the government said it will still pursue its peace efforts with the 12,000-strong MILF which has been fighting for an Islamic state in the south of the largely-Christian Philippines since 1977.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Opposition’s Political Campaign thru Ondoy’s Aftermath???
The unprecedented destructions caused by typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila and its suburban areas have brought about the modern day essence of “Bayanihan” among Filipinos who were the victims and survivors of said calamity.
In the midst of these horrifying and agonizing moments however, political oppositions particularly those identified with the progressive party list representatives still managed to pin-point their finger to put the blame on the government.
It is a fact that we lack the essential equipments for this kind of situation brought by “Mother Nature” but there are still worthy people in the government who had performed more than their sworn duties and had sacrifice their lives for these people who have loose hope of being rescued while on top of their roof houses suffering from colds and hunger and yet their heroism were never valued by these political oppositions particularly those representatives of the progressive party list.
Donations in terms of cash and in-kinds have been pouring in from every individuals and organizations all over the country and abroad to include the United Nations donor countries in responds to the immediate needs of thousands of victims of this disaster however, some of these relief goods have been marked with political advertisement like the Bayanihan ng Masa and Gabriela Women’s Party who have launched relief drive since September 27 together with Makabayan Coalition who had involved the clearing of city streets. Same is true with the presidentiable hopefuls like Senators Aquino and Mar Roxas whose relief goods donations were marked with “Piso-piso para kay Noynoy” while Senator Villar keeps on airing the deployments of his 26 dump trucks to evacuate the flood victims to different evacuation centers and packed meals marked “Tulong mula kay Manny Villar”.
Generosity is one characteristics of Filipinos that one can not be doubted however, a simple thinking Pedro or Juan or Maria could not help asked questions regarding the moves of these politicians, “It is coming from their heart to help their kababayans or it is their manifestation of EARNING the VOTES of these poor flood victims comes 2010 electoral process???
In the midst of these horrifying and agonizing moments however, political oppositions particularly those identified with the progressive party list representatives still managed to pin-point their finger to put the blame on the government.
It is a fact that we lack the essential equipments for this kind of situation brought by “Mother Nature” but there are still worthy people in the government who had performed more than their sworn duties and had sacrifice their lives for these people who have loose hope of being rescued while on top of their roof houses suffering from colds and hunger and yet their heroism were never valued by these political oppositions particularly those representatives of the progressive party list.
Donations in terms of cash and in-kinds have been pouring in from every individuals and organizations all over the country and abroad to include the United Nations donor countries in responds to the immediate needs of thousands of victims of this disaster however, some of these relief goods have been marked with political advertisement like the Bayanihan ng Masa and Gabriela Women’s Party who have launched relief drive since September 27 together with Makabayan Coalition who had involved the clearing of city streets. Same is true with the presidentiable hopefuls like Senators Aquino and Mar Roxas whose relief goods donations were marked with “Piso-piso para kay Noynoy” while Senator Villar keeps on airing the deployments of his 26 dump trucks to evacuate the flood victims to different evacuation centers and packed meals marked “Tulong mula kay Manny Villar”.
Generosity is one characteristics of Filipinos that one can not be doubted however, a simple thinking Pedro or Juan or Maria could not help asked questions regarding the moves of these politicians, “It is coming from their heart to help their kababayans or it is their manifestation of EARNING the VOTES of these poor flood victims comes 2010 electoral process???
MOTHER NATURE RETURNS WITH VENGEANCE
“People pay for what they do, and still more, for what they have allowed themselves to become. And they pay for it simply: by the lives they lead.” This passage holds true when Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng recently devastated our country over the weekend by claiming at least 300 lives while dozens are still missing. It has also shattered the homes of hundreds of thousands of families in Luzon and destroyed millions worth of properties in the infrastructure and agriculture sectors, respectively.
But such a catastrophe doesn’t change the seemingly corrupt attitude of some of our kababayans who unscrupulously and selfishly took the event as opportunity to showcase their ill-motivated self-interests in the guise of politicking and finger-pointing as to who should be blame what. People who have been at the midst of danger and whose lives were hanging by a thread brought about by the raging Ondoy and Pepeng are not at all interested about who led the rescue and retrieval operations. All that mattered to them are selfless efforts in giving a hand in times where and when they need help the most.
Unscrupulous sectors of our country castigated the government of their “shortcomings” in disaster management which allegedly raised death tolls, destroyed millions worth of properties and left nearly half a of million families homeless. News bleaks here and there highlighted government’s insufficiencies on supplies and equipment to aid our helpless kababayans. And finger-pointing started to burgeon just as fast as the typhoons razed down our country in less than a day. Isn’t this lack of cooperation as well and trying to dignify their being unconcern?
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.
Militant groups which normally crowded some of the busy streets of metropolis Luzon lambasting the government and bringing issues about the “plight of the masses” magically disappeared when typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng visited the country. Some of the residents which these militant groups represent were dismayed about Bayan Muna and Karapatan’s noticeable absences during search and rescue operations conducted in areas heavily affected by Ondoy.
Instead of appearing during these trying times, Bayan Muna which has three solons in the lower house (with each of them receiving more than P40-million in their Priority Development Assistance annually) disappeared from the scene and left all the hard works to their so-called adversary- our country’s security forces whose personnel risked their own lives to ensure their fellows are saved from mother nature’s wrath. Their heroism was further proven by the death of seven (7) members of our country’s defense force.
The sincerity on leadership and responsibility of these sectoral groups over their so-called constituency remains dubious. Shouldn’t the sitting representatives of Bayan Muna feel a moral obligation to dignify their transparent allocations of people’s funds especially in these trying times? Or should its armed components in the countryside do its worth as “people’s army” by at least sharing even a small portion of their alleged 1-billion peso campaign funds or extorted wealth from multi-national companies?
Noticeably, most of those who ridicule the government failed to look at the other side of the coin. Haven’t they realized that it takes more than just a sworn duty to swim across raging floods and gamble one’s safety for another? Sadly, our men in uniform who have been on the ground were never valued so as our millions of government workers who spent sleepless nights extending their help to their fellow countrymen. We could have lacked costly rescue materials and equipment but we never fall short of individuals who are willing to risk their lives and give a hand.
MOVING ON.
Though easy as it may seem to be, moving on in life could be the hardest part especially when all of us grieve over our losses- the lives of our loved ones who were helplessly trapped within Mother Nature’s wrath.
The calamities that wrecked our country reminded us of our individual shortcomings and lack of respect to both Mother Nature and our children’s future. Nobody willed such a catastrophe, not even God. The most logical and sensible reason of such a scenario: it was simply the nature taking its course and we made it possible to happen. Had it not been of our complete disregard and disrespect to Mother Nature, all these things could’ve not transpired. We should not be making another mistake by paying no attention to those who courageously risked their lives amid these calamities.
Let us do our part as citizens of this struggling country. Let’s take full responsibility in taking good care of our environment and let’s act now!
For our true modern day heroes who extended selfless services to our kababayans at the expense of their lives, our prayers and life-long gratitude go out to all of you!
But such a catastrophe doesn’t change the seemingly corrupt attitude of some of our kababayans who unscrupulously and selfishly took the event as opportunity to showcase their ill-motivated self-interests in the guise of politicking and finger-pointing as to who should be blame what. People who have been at the midst of danger and whose lives were hanging by a thread brought about by the raging Ondoy and Pepeng are not at all interested about who led the rescue and retrieval operations. All that mattered to them are selfless efforts in giving a hand in times where and when they need help the most.
Unscrupulous sectors of our country castigated the government of their “shortcomings” in disaster management which allegedly raised death tolls, destroyed millions worth of properties and left nearly half a of million families homeless. News bleaks here and there highlighted government’s insufficiencies on supplies and equipment to aid our helpless kababayans. And finger-pointing started to burgeon just as fast as the typhoons razed down our country in less than a day. Isn’t this lack of cooperation as well and trying to dignify their being unconcern?
NOWHERE TO BE FOUND.
Militant groups which normally crowded some of the busy streets of metropolis Luzon lambasting the government and bringing issues about the “plight of the masses” magically disappeared when typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng visited the country. Some of the residents which these militant groups represent were dismayed about Bayan Muna and Karapatan’s noticeable absences during search and rescue operations conducted in areas heavily affected by Ondoy.
Instead of appearing during these trying times, Bayan Muna which has three solons in the lower house (with each of them receiving more than P40-million in their Priority Development Assistance annually) disappeared from the scene and left all the hard works to their so-called adversary- our country’s security forces whose personnel risked their own lives to ensure their fellows are saved from mother nature’s wrath. Their heroism was further proven by the death of seven (7) members of our country’s defense force.
The sincerity on leadership and responsibility of these sectoral groups over their so-called constituency remains dubious. Shouldn’t the sitting representatives of Bayan Muna feel a moral obligation to dignify their transparent allocations of people’s funds especially in these trying times? Or should its armed components in the countryside do its worth as “people’s army” by at least sharing even a small portion of their alleged 1-billion peso campaign funds or extorted wealth from multi-national companies?
Noticeably, most of those who ridicule the government failed to look at the other side of the coin. Haven’t they realized that it takes more than just a sworn duty to swim across raging floods and gamble one’s safety for another? Sadly, our men in uniform who have been on the ground were never valued so as our millions of government workers who spent sleepless nights extending their help to their fellow countrymen. We could have lacked costly rescue materials and equipment but we never fall short of individuals who are willing to risk their lives and give a hand.
MOVING ON.
Though easy as it may seem to be, moving on in life could be the hardest part especially when all of us grieve over our losses- the lives of our loved ones who were helplessly trapped within Mother Nature’s wrath.
The calamities that wrecked our country reminded us of our individual shortcomings and lack of respect to both Mother Nature and our children’s future. Nobody willed such a catastrophe, not even God. The most logical and sensible reason of such a scenario: it was simply the nature taking its course and we made it possible to happen. Had it not been of our complete disregard and disrespect to Mother Nature, all these things could’ve not transpired. We should not be making another mistake by paying no attention to those who courageously risked their lives amid these calamities.
Let us do our part as citizens of this struggling country. Let’s take full responsibility in taking good care of our environment and let’s act now!
For our true modern day heroes who extended selfless services to our kababayans at the expense of their lives, our prayers and life-long gratitude go out to all of you!
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