1Ang Pamilya: Secures Pinoy families, communities

One of the most important reasons why everyone must participate in the elections is to safeguard not only our country’s democracy but as well as to ensure the future of every Juan Dela Cruz and his family. As everyone is so enticed with the coming polls, a lot of political personalities, including party list groups are on the verge of getting the public’s attention through good-for-nothing political chitchats that serves nothing but their own personal interests. These and other political dramas have made the voting public doubtful about electing Party List groups in Congress.

As they say, no two people (or group for the matter) are the same. This elections season, political groups just emerged here and there like mushrooms. Some lay their political platforms that are deceitfully crafted in such a manner that would entail people succumbing from their “propaganda” while others simply offer make-believe policies that make the electorates sick of hearing white lies and disgusting promises. However, amid these “sickening” party list groups, which are by the way being used by political personalities with ill-fated personal interests, one Party List group has stood up and proven to everybody that there is still a good reason to believe about positive change- 1Ang Pamilya takes the lead to bring about optimism while it gives realistic formula to various communal issues.

1Ang Pamilya introduces a whole new kind of politics as it tries to give doable solutions to the emerging problems Filipino families are confronting. It aims to initiate reforms and amendments concerning the betterment of the Filipino family in both its financial capability and wellbeing. The group is concerned with promoting better parentage intended to bring a feasible solution to both overpopulation and poverty. More so, the group is hoping to bridge the obvious gap between genders in their venture towards a much profitable and competitive career as they equally provide for their families. Specifically, 1AngPamilya would focus on the firm implementation of the family code to include some constitutional alterations that would benefit Filipino family at every known social stratum.

Unlike other party list groups, 1Ang Pamilya has no political inclination with any political groups and personalities for fiscal leverage or any “indecent” favor. As it aspires to serve every Pinoy family and defend their interests, it also plants the seeds of goodwill and moral reformation starting within the four corners of each home. The group also advocates the importance of familial relationship as the basic foundation for a better and hopeful society that is bounded by love, respect, compassion and trust. Most of the present Partylist groups are concerned with the superficial problems of the community and not on its root-cause.

This party list group is an emblem of true Filipino family- valuing individuality and acceptance, while it nurtures one to become productive citizen of the country. Moreover, it also pushes for modification of the family code including the addition of provisions involving child care, penalties on domestic abuses and securing Filipino families from financial debts and forced violence. It also believes that in order for a society to be productive, it has to be dwelled by families whose values are anchored with positivism. That is why the group propels for the respect to the sacredness of marriage and views an equal respect to gender and other societal relationships. It is in these premises that the group could truly represent the Pinoy families in Congress and the only way to which root-causes of various societal issues could be properly addressed. We all belong to one family. Let our voices be heard.

LOAD, AIM, FIRE! (Red solons deceitfully infesting the Congress)

The not-so-lucky seasoned Red personalities who invaded the Lower House for quite sometime and lost their bid for the senatorial race in the May 10, 2010 poll automation- in the persons of Liza Maza and Satur Ocampo are now simply showing their true colors and turned their backs on their former ally- Senator Manny Villar and the rest of their former political “haven” , the Nacionalista Party by urging their fellow progressive solons in the Congress to be “united” in advancing their cause to champion their political struggle with the government.

Accordingly, Quezon City Congressman Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte’s bid for the speakership in the Lower House is backed by various political groups in the Congress including the rumored support to Congressman Belmonte by Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza and their minions such as party list representatives of Bayan Muna, Gabriela, Anakpawis, Kabataan and the Alliance of Concerned Teachers. Does this mean total withdrawal of support to NP - the political group that harbored these two Red solons during the hype of the campaign period, especially that NP’s Iloilo Representative Ferjenel Biron who is believed to be interested in the position?

Progressive groups as abovementioned have time and again lambasted President-elect Noynoy Aquino for his supposed lack of stand on the Hacienda Luisita issue. And having to support one of Noynoy’s strong allies-Congressman Belmonte is somewhat out of the usual norm a “principled” group (as they always claim it) is propagating. As such, one can’t help but think that theirs is an ill-fated political interest which only serves their own personal agenda.

As sourced, Ocampo stated that members of the militant bloc including himself had supported for the speakership of Jose De Venecia Jr in 2004 in exchange of various positions in the Lower House- the same tactic which will be used in gagging Committee posts in the 15th Congress alongside their support and “alliance” to Congressman Belmonte. The same trend has been in the offing by left-leaning political groups in the Congress to trade for committee positions and attain a win-win solution for both parties.

The ulterior motive of the Reds in assuming posts in the mainstream politics is already unfolding which is the extreme opposite to their so-called “principle”. They are just too willing to do everything just to get what they want. Accounts have it that they had once gulped-in their “pride” as they forged an alliance with the NP during the elections together with the son of their nemesis, Bongbong Marcos. These are all part of Red’s ploys to gain eternal power in the government- a desperate move to advancing their political struggle at the expense of the very fibers of our democracy.

In some way or another, politics is more than just a process- it’s a game that one gambles his interests, responsibility and sometimes dignity. Nothing stays the same that is why allies suddenly become your nemesis and vice versa. Congressman Belmonte and even President-elect Aquino would surely be part of the messing game Ocampo and Maza are currently playing just to ensure support from the ruling party. Once gotten their respective “chances”, the Red solons will sooner or later use such power to attack the former if things do not turn to their favor. No wonder Ocampo and Maza shall load up their weapons and aim their guns at the very “lord” they once served.

THE HACIENDA LUISITA CONTROVERSY (Noynoy saving his own mess)

Who else could better defend one’s controversies other than his very own family? Yes, a very typical Filipino culture of preserving familial relationship and family-ties but if it causes one to intimidate others and deprive them of their rights is another story. And Liberal Party (LP) standard bearer Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is just so gullible of doing it, which for sure runs a total opposite to the “government reform” he has been offering the voting public.

And now the controversy over the Hacienda Luisita begins. Noynoy Aquino is simply living up to the standards of his clan, which normally includes “territorial protection” and “asset-clinging” with absolute abuse of authority. They remain defensive on the accounts of Luisita division as they intend to continue their control over the 4,000 hectare sugar farm land.

Just recently, Noynoy defended his cousin, Fernando Cojuangco, the chief operating officer of the holding company that owns the Luisita plantation from various criticisms here and there. Accordingly, he had publicly disproved and indicted the New York Times of misquoting his cousin saying that the Cojuangcos have no intention of giving-up Luisita. Isn’t this a very biased judgment over the issue? To note, Noynoy after acquiring power in the Congress, has been instrumental in the dismissal of the Luisita Farmer’s case and managed to keep silent over his clans’ affairs and the Tarlac farmers. This simply shows his disregard to the people’s (masses’) welfare and good governance- and the Luisita massacre in 2004 is enough proof of Noynoy’s political prejudice.

The Cojuangco clan, who owns and operates the Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) and the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT), has legal obligations of distributing some 4,000 hectares to their tenants as stipulated under the former Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) ruling. Accounts from the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) show that the late Don Jose Cojuangco loaned some US $2,128,480 from Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) and Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to purchase Luisita on March 31, 1958 and subsequently entered into an agreement to distribute some parts of the land to his tenants pursuant to the social justice program under the Marcos regime. However, Don Jose held back on his end of the agreement saying that there were no tenants inside Luisita. Ten years later, the public was surprised when CBP released an investigation which disproved Don Jose’s claim. Report on the conducted inquiry stated that there were about 100,000 residents in the 10 barrios making-up the entire hacienda; and that this overwhelming population is under Tadeco’s payroll.

On December 2, 1985, a court decision from the Manila RTC was out instructing the Cojuangcos to finally distribute the land to their tenants as stipulated in the 1958 agreement. But this wasn’t materialized when the Cory Aquino took power as president and implemented the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) which actually stalled the land-distribution by turning its farm workers into stockholders or co-owners of the azucarera turned corporation – Hacienda Luisita Inc. Instead of land, Cojuangco gave them shared capita, which now faces bankruptcy as stressed by Noynoy.

This is indeed an obvious and a glaring form of greedy governance. The Cojuangcos practically poked fun at and exploited the 1958 Agreement at the expense of the toiling farmers. If this is how Noynoy saves his own clan’s mess from the bulks of scams and fraud, then he may also have no remorse to subjugate the government with riddling political hoax that will ultimately lead Juan Dela Cruz to his own grave.

CPP NPA, UNTI UNTI NANG NALULUSAW

Tila isang masamang panaganip ang unti unting nagkakatotoo sa grupong komunista na matagal ding nanghahasik ng karahasan at pang aabuso sa ibat ibang panig ng bansa matapos na tahasang suungin ang larangan ng pulitika nung nakaraang eleksiyon.

Matagal nang pinasok ng mga rebeldeng grupo ang sistemang pampulitika ng gobyerno sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaroon ng kalahok sa party list at pag suporta sa mga kandidatong napipisil ng grupo. Subalit, nitong nakaraang eleksiyon lamang naging lantaran ang CPP NPA sa pagsuporta at paglahok ng kanilang miyembro sa isang mabigat na posisyon sa gobyerno gaya ng kanilang pagsuporta sa kandidatura ni Manny Villar sa pagka pangulo na kanila pang isinapubliko at ang pagtakbo ng ilang kilalang miyembro na sina Satur Ocampo at Liza Maza sa pagka senador. Hindi pa nakuntento sa panggagamit ang rebeldeng grupo sa eleksiyon sa pamamagitan ng panghihingi at paglikom ng limpak-limpak na salapi gamit ang kanilang permit-to-win at permit-to-campaign sa mga kandidatong pumupunta sa kanilang nasasakupan, ninais pa ng mga ito na makakuha ng pwesto sa gobyerno upang dahan dahang masakop ang pamunuan ng bansa.
Marahil ay naging agresibo sa pagbitaw ng desisyon ang lider ng komunistang grupo at tila hindi napag isipang mabuti ang ginawang hakbang. Sa kanilang pagnanais na mapadali ang pagwasak ng gobyerno ay mas lalo pa tuloy silang nasira sa mata ng sambayanan dahil nitong nakaraang eleksiyon ay kakapiranggot lamang ang nakuhang boto ng mga kilalang maka-kaliwa taliwas sa inaakalang malaking suportang makukuha mula sa taong bayan.

Sa ganitong sitwasyon ay tila unti unti nang namumulat ang diwa ng mga taong dati ay tumatangkilik sa mga rebeldeng NPA at nabubulag sa kanilang huwad na mga pangako. Marahil din ay sapat nang pruweba para sa kanila ang panlilinlang at panggagamit ng rebeldeng grupo sa mga kandidatong nauto at natalo tulad ni Villar na gumastos ng napakalaking halaga nitong nakaraang eleksiyon. Sa kagustuhang masiguro ang kanyang pagkapanalo sa pagka presidente ay nakipag-alyado si Villar sa komunistang grupo ngunit sa halip na siya ang makinabang ay siya pa tuloy ang pinakinabangan ng grupo sa pamamagitan ng kanyang salapi.

Ito rin umano ang naging dahilan kung kayat tumaliwas ang ilang grupo ng NPA dahil sa hindi pag sang-ayon sa kagustuhan ng kanilang liderato. Matatandaang napabalita kamakailan ang pagtiwalag ng grupo ni Benito Tiamzon sa hanay ni Joma Sison dahil sa mahigpit na tinututulan at kinukondena ng nasabing grupo ang pagpapatupad ng permit-to-campaign at permit-to-win. Hindi rin sinang ayunan ng grupo ang pakikilahok ng ilang kilalang miyembrong NPA sa eleksiyon at pagbibigay ng suporta sa mga tumatakbong kandidato na ayon kay Tiamzon ay isang direktang pagtalikod sa kanilang layunin at ideolohiyang pinaniniwalaan.

Ang ganitong mga indikasyon ay nagpapakita lamang na nagiging marupok na ang samahan ng rebeldeng grupo maliban pa sa unti unting pagkawasak ng tiwala ng mamamayang minsan nang nalason ang pag iisip. Nagsisimula nang magising ang mga sumusuporta sa kanila dahil na rin sa mga pangakong ni minsan ay hindi nila napatupad bagkus ay lumilitaw ang totoong kulay ng pananamantala at panggagamit para sa kanilang sariling interes.

EMPOWERED BANGIT AGAINST LEADERSHIP POLITICKING

After the Congress evaded on the appointments of General Delfin Bangit together with the 301 officers this week, the public speculates the political mudslinging will create negative swing to the country’s strongest and oldest institutions. Regrettably, this egotistic exploitation of so-called civilian leadership over the military could produce alarming demoralization within its ranks; intentionally endangering state security and possibly destabilizing the leadership of newly-elected Pres. Noynoy Aquino. Even the innocent would discover that the bypass was intended to curtail Bangit’s control over the military; making his position as appointed Armed Forces Chief of Staff abolish. This is what the Congress said to be big surprise for the now “useless” administration of Gloria. This is said to be the expensive punishment Gloria appointees have to suffer before the Arroyo administration turns-over the presidency.

But do we think that this political punishment is unknown? Honestly, the controversial appointment of Bangit in the AFP hierarchy came as a source of inevitable “surprise” to most already tag the 2010 elections as a cooked-up plot for the “Gloria” people to sabotage it prolonging her term for office. At the later, they were shocked unfolding the automation that turned-out swift in favor of the supposed newly hailed Juan dela Cruz’s champion. The more we think that the influential pawns of Bangit that would see to it that the automation fails only would tell us that this is only all dished-out political propaganda against PGMA. If not of political bigotry, Bangit should have least won the public’s trust and the military confidence through the outcome of election. Ironically, this threat against the AFP particularly on its leadership will back-fire on us; leaving us afloat and trudging unstable military forces amid the growing number of insurgents and terrorist menace. Leadership after all is the key in maintaining a stable and solid institution. The newly elected officials should know that.

The Congress owes their bragged-about “social status” or political names to the people who casted them votes. They sleep on secured air- conditioned offices with their pockets and pork barrel intact while these generals and colonels journeyed enemy based camps and sleepless patrols, their badges and ranks won with the fight of their very lives. The Constitution derogated the armed forces compared with the self interests of elected heads is not just a reason to distract the institution to which 19 million Filipinos depend on for the safety of their freedom.

Bangit was accurate when he asked that the AFP should stay clear of lethal political adventurism. He was right when he asked that the other 301 officers be not bare-off their ranks, which they fought for fair and square in service of state’s well-being. If the Congress will continue to this again and again that they think was just in the eyes of the legal and civil servitude that they tend to expand it to the AFP then politicking has yet to commit its most heinous crime.

WB lauds Region XII, ARMM antipoverty campaign

After conducting its month-long assessment of the Department of Agriculture’s Mindanao Rural Development Program (DA-MRDP), the World Bank (WB) has recently rated the antipoverty campaign in Regions 12 and ARMM satisfactory. Other regions which surpassed WB’s rating critiques are Northern Mindanao (Region 10), CARAGA (Region 13), 11 and 9.

Covering 225 of the 420 towns all over Mindanao, DA-MRDP is long term poverty alleviation program for Mindanao jointly funded by the World Bank, the national and local governments, and the project proponents. Now on its third year of implementation, MRDP has accomplished over 131 million worth of agricultural infrastructure of which close to 66 kilometers of farm-to-market roads have been established, 39 linear meters of bridge and four units of potable water systems erected serving over a thousand households. With the counterpart of beneficiaries, about P87.01 million worth of various agri-based livelihoods were created benefiting mostly women and Indigenous Peoples and P42 million had been invested for environmental conservation and protection.

Accordingly, the evaluation was based on the increase of incomes of the benefited communities and the institutionalization of a decentralized agriculture and fisheries services delivery mechanism from which the program has shown well both in achieving its development objectives and its implementation progress.
To date, 164 towns has availed of and benefited from the infrastructure, livelihoods and environment projects of the program and that the good performance could be attributed to the active participation and counterpart of the various local government units (LGUs) in Mindanao.

Included in DA-MRDP program are the Rural Infrastructure (RI) projects such as farm to market roads, irrigation systems, single lane bridges and post-harvest facilities; and the livelihood component called Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) which employs community driven development (CDD) approach where the peoples organization themselves identify and implement their project with the help of the LGUs.

With such an overwhelming result, WB assured that bulk of developmental funds are ready for the LGUs and subsequently urged them (LGUs) to avail more of the projects under MRDP especially on agricultural infrastructure projects which will boost the economy of their respective area. It also vowed to support the developmental initiatives of every LGU so that a sustainable development shall reach especially those economically-challenged communities.

NPA CONTINUES TO SOW TERROR IN SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES

Despite major setbacks within the Maoist-inspired terror organization following series of armed confrontations with the government forces, the New People’s Army (NPA) was up to initiating intermittent retaliatory offensives against military troops in the restive Mindanao region.

In Cotabato Province, two military officials and one enlisted personnel were wounded after a CTM-initiated landmine explosion in Arakan town a week prior to the automated elections. According to reports, the government troops in convoy were utilizing the Arakan National Highway when the incident transpired. The recent blast was the fifth incident in the Province since January 2010. As sourced-out, two more roadside bombings are yet to be initiated by the Reds against unsuspecting military troops in the Province, anytime.

Having succumbed to their unrelenting desire to obliterate the country’s democratic fibers, the NPA rebels on May 10 engaged in a fierce armed confrontation with the government troops which at that time were securing the automated elections in the hinter areas of Makilala in Cotabato Province. The almost 3-hour battle ultimately affected the safety and security in the area, especially the innocent civilians who were exercising their democratic rights of suffrage. In fact, local government units, private sectors and even International humanitarian watchers condemned in strongest terms the election-related violence perpetrated by the NPA.

In Davao Region, the rebels on May 24 attack an army unit securing a road construction project in Banaybanay town in Davao Oriental. Report disclosed that the military troops were deployed in the project site after the construction firm complained the communist rebels for extortion and illicit taxations. The Monday attack left three soldiers killed and wounded eight others while two of the communist guerillas were reportedly killed during the encounter.

On May 22, three government soldiers were killed while another one was injured following an ambush perpetrated by the NPA rebels near a civilian community in Toril, Davao City. In another event, four soldiers, an election officer and a poll watcher died in an ambush staged by the same gang on May 12 in Maragusan town, Compostela Valley. According to reports, the military troops, in convoy with civilian vehicles were escorting the election materials when the attack ensued. Various communal groups censured the NPA-initiated carnages saying these were a treachery and utter disregard of the NPA to human lives particularly to innocent civilians whose lives, safety and security are at stake.

The Maoist-inspired NPA has been waging an insurgency since 1969 that claimed thousands of lives. It has also stepped up attacks in and around Southern Philippines since the year started. Indeed, these communist rebels have no qualms in destroying the lives of every Juan Dela Cruz as they believe that the only way to championing their cause is through bloody and illogical armed struggle.

Are we to suffer another unending cycle of terrorism and violence? It is high time for us to take active role in eliminating communist insurgency through resistance from their deceitful and treacherous “games”. Let us be vigilant. Ours is to build a stronger republic for our children’s future. Theirs is to persuade people with their deceptive norms. Be wise. Discern. Let us act now!

NO MORE STABILITY WITHIN CPP-NPA (Power struggle between Sison and Tiamzon)

Social Democrats’ penetration in the limelight governance seems to create havoc to the now divided Communist Party of the Philippines- that is between Benito Tiamzon group and Jose Maria Sison’s minions- following the “unexpected” defeat of its favored senatorial bets- Satur Ocampo and Liza Maza under its infant political group, the Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan or MAKABAYAN. It could be noted that the SOCDEM had time and again opposed the CPP-NPA’s commitment to Nacionalista Party forerunner Manuel Villa and rallied behind Noynoy Aquino’s presidential race.

Accordingly, among the plots include Tiamzon forcefully withdrawing support to known MAKABAYAN party list groups including votes supposedly favoring Ocampo and Maza. This is evidenced as AKAPBATA and the two Red senatoriables had garnered little expected votes particularly on Tiamzon-led guerilla fronts in Visayas and Mindano areas. More so, this explains why cadres underground claim that the insufficient support towards AKAPBATA prompting its defeat last poll automation is due to the fact that there is a lack of Party directive ordering them otherwise. Thus, most aver that the New People’s Army (NPA) who has first-hand control underground is left with tight hands under the orders of Tiamzon, while a few members of the Central Committee insist on implementing Sison’s electoral line of attack.

The defeat of the two seasoned Red ambition in the Upper house, to include the MAKABAYAN-supported PLGs had accordingly ignited the conflict between Tiamzon and Sison. The ambitiously expensive political misfortune of Maza and Ocampo and other left-leaning political party did not only affect the “future” of the revolution but had also swilled-out the loyalty and confidence of the guerilla members towards Sison. The so-called political struggle of Sison which was regarded as “ambitious” which gratifies only a few of its members by Tiamzon and the rest of the Reds is the very threat to the Communist Founder’s leadership within the CPP-NPA. This could also be the very reason why Tiamzon takes the lead in their supposed power struggle and stood for the interest of the NPA unlike Sison who just favored and preferred cadres like Ocampo and Maza that greatly lost his “credibility” among his ranks.

It’s all in the wasted time. Stability within the CPP-NPA seems out of hand. Sison is simply losing the battle against Tiamzon. Sison’s way of corrupting the NPA logistics which demoralized key guerilla units awakened the front’s yearning to end his dodgy leadership. It’s about time that Sison relinquishes his post or else stay on top powerless and act as a mere Communist trophy. Majority in the Party thinks of Sison’s “silent ouster” as a contingency plan after the recent “rift” and power wrestling. But this is quite impossible. Sison may not like to gulp down Tiamzon’s ascension to power. On the other hand, Tiamzon would not want Sison to stay atop and continuously corrupt not only the Party’s finances but the very foundation and “cause” of the CPP-NPA, as well.

VOTERS SAY NO TO MUDSLINGING, THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX!

Philippines’ election season has been riddled with various political hullabaloos and unabated electoral dramas which noisily filled every part of the media leaving the voting public bombarded with loads of doubts, uncertainties and skepticism over political personalities’ integrity and capacity. In their haste to publicly malign their rivals and increase their chance at the presidency, candidates such Noynoy Aquino, Manny Villar, Richard Gordon, Jamby Madrigal and Joseph Estrada have all engaged themselves into political bickering that openly and in one way or another discredit their opponents

Aquino’s mental health status and his “raw” leadership capacities are often being questioned by his close contender-Villar whose recent plunder case filed by one of Noynoy’s cronies, not to mention his C5 road controversies, unexplained industries among others are being subject of “retaliatory” propaganda bombed in return by Noynoy’s camp. Erap, on the other hand, may have seemed to ride on political bickering through frequent press conferences stating Villar’s involvement on various graft and corruption activities which in turn had made the latter so enticed about divulging to public the seemingly ancient history of graft practices, personal controversies and scandals and the polygamous stance which the former had been so involved with. Jamby Madrigal and Richrad Gordon have, by and large, trodden the same path and indulged themselves on similar activities.

The never-ending unscrupulous and malicious attacks from one candidate to the next have made the public so sick and tired about “politicking”. They now seek to view a much competitive and holistic approach to politics which would make their votes really worth the cast. Among those who have taken this less traveled road are only JC Delos Reyes and Gilbert Teodoro. As observed, the two just went on their own ways trying to lay down clear and transparent platforms of government for the electorates to see and contemplate on. This is why more and more people have succumbed to seeing political personalities engaging in a strictly clean politics which Delos Reyes and Teodoro have been upholding.

The dark horse comes victorious

In Cebu, the recently concluded youth forum initiated by a non-partisan organization called the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc.'s Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (RAFI-EASDC) showed a high percentage of trust and confidence rating from 69 out of the 149 students who were asked in the ad hoc survey. Their votes were weighed based on presented facts that involved the presidential candidate’s political track record, achievements and tangible accomplishments. Indeed the teens realized how track record and leadership capability like that of Teodoro would really help unite our slowly dividing Republic.
Religious icon Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, having believed in G1BO’s track record and capacities had finally expressed his support for G1BO to be the country’s next President. The announcement was made during an evangelical program among his 5,000 strong followers converged at the “Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name’s” headquarters in Buhangin District in Davao City.

Meanwhile, some 10,000 urban poor masses from Parola, Tondo in Manila jam-packed Gibo Teodoro’s campaign sorty on May 3, 2010. Being referred to as the “silent majority”, the Urban Poor masses officially recognized G1BO as “the adopted son of Tondo”. This is a glaring fact that surveys do not necessarily represent the entire electoral population and do not necessarily entail “sure win” of those who have emerged on top of the surveys.

Thinking outside the box

Evidently, there are indeed electorates who continue to think ahead and outside the box amidst the riddling power thug and political bickering here and there. More and more people including those in the media, show business, political analysts, academe, religious groups, businesses and youth sectors have grown in numbers and expressed their full support to G1BO.

We are all indeed fed up with political chitchats and nonsense personal attacks. We must bear in mind that this election season is for the furtherance and betterment of our country’s governmental fibers and not for political drama. Obviously, some TRAPOs and political groups used this event to perpetuate themselves to power at the expense of the voting public. We’ve had enough. And it is time for us to choose a leader which would make our country’s hope a reality.

BEHIND 2010 POLLS: MANIPULATIONS AND SCAM

The 2010 automated polls had been riddled with various issues and controversies that affected not only the credibility of our government to manhandle orderly elections but the mere essence of democracy and sovereignty, as well. One political group, as sourced was rigging the recent elections through outside sources just to be sure pulling a supreme power in governance. With this, glaring facts have it that such a plan aims at perpetuating certain individuals to power, manipulating our country’s governance and eventually self-drive and shape situation favorable to their interests.

The truth behind this “plot” was seemed left to fester as there was no enough representation to uncover the electoral fraud that has been bombarding the multi-media. However, reliable source revealed that the “manipulation” of the election machines (PCOS) was materialized to perpetuate Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, aknown social democrat, to Malacañang and subsequently take over Nonoy from the post. This scenario simply explains the sudden “victory” of Binay who only ranked second during pre-election surveys and suddenly inched-off Senator Mar Roxas in the actual vice-presidential race.

Accordingly, the social democrats have been doing extra efforts just to bag government posts since the regime of Presidents Aquino and Ramos. Source further disclosed that the group was also behind the successful impeachment move against former President Joseph Estrada and for the subsequent succession of then Vice President Gloria Arroyo. However, their attempt to rein in President Arroyo according to their whims apparently became futile as she proved her own tenacity and willful power to stay for ten years in the Palace and rid herself of their ministrations and beguiling political “advices”.

Ineffective in impulsively halt the present administration, the group tends to lie-low from their plans and content themselves with sneaky ploys to regain their “political aura” and ultimately gain mileage from various communal entities. That “dormant” stance gave them the opportunity to execute their plans through various personalities as in the COMELEC and the so-called “Noynoy-Binay” collusion. This could be the very reason why SMARTMATIC- a business group linked to a famous social democrat Hugo Chavez of Venezuela won the bidding to automate the 2010 polls.

It could be recalled that COMELEC Commissioner Rene Sarmiento, also a social democrat and was among the “spokesperson” of SMARTMATIC had constantly defended the company amid the alleged “controversies” weeks before the elections and was even sure that the elections will push through as scheduled. This simply goes to say that something “magical” could have happened during the automated polls. Smells fishy, right?

OCAMPO AT MAZA, NAGTATAGO NGA BA?

Maaring nagtataka kayo kung nasaan na nga ba sina Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo at Gabriela Representative Liza Maza? Bigla na lamang silang naglahong parang bula matapos ang isinagawang eleksyon noong nakaraang Mayo 10 kung saan sila ay kumandidato bilang senador sa ilalim ng Nacionalista Party. Totoo bang tinanggap na nila ang kanilang pagkatalo o sadyang pinagnilay-nilayan nila rason sa ang kanilang pagkatalo noong nakaraang eleksyon? Nakakapagduda lamang dahil hindi na sila aktibo ngayon lalo na sa isyung kinakaharap na resulta noong nakaraang eleksyon. May dapat bang ipangamba ang taong bayan sa hindi nila pangingialam?

Simula’t sapol ay nababatid natin na lagi na lamang nakikialam ang dalawang kongresista lalo na usaping patungkol sa pagyurak ng administrasyong Arroyo. Kaliwa’t kanan rin ang mga protesta at rally saan mang panig ng bansa para mabigyan ng boses ang mga naapi lalo na patungkol sa kawalan ng benepisyo sa trabaho, mababang pasahod, pagmamay-ari sa mga lupain, korapsyon sa gobyerno at marami pang iba. Ngunit, isang malaking tanong ng karamihan ay kung bakit hindi nararamdaman ang presenya nina Ocampo at Maza lalo na ngayong may malaking dayaan sa nakaraang halalan.

Ocampo at Maza, may pinagtataguan ba kayo? Bigla na lamang nawala ang dalawa pagkatapos ng eleksyon kung saan nabigo silang makuha ang kahit isang posisyon sa senado. Matatandaan na ang Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) ay naglaan ng malaking pondo para sa pangangampanya ni Ocampo at Maza. Kung susuriing mabuti, ang pinag- uusapan dito ay paggasta ng malaking halaga ng grupo na nauwi lamang sa wala dahil sa pagkatalo ng dalawa. Hindi kaya may kaugnayan sa pera ang dahilan ng pagtatago nina Ocampo at Maza? Kung tutuusin, may malaking posibilidad na maari ngang nagtago sila dahil binigo nila nag partido dahil na rin sa sakripisyong ginawa ng mga miyembro ng buong CPP para sa kanila.

Malamang natatakot ang dalawa ngayon sa kanilang mga kasamahang rebelde dahil sa kanilang binibitiwang pangako sa mga ito na magkakaroon sila ng posisyon sa senado at pagiging miyembro ng gabinete kapag nanalo ang kanilang sinusuportahan. Siniguro pa ng dalawa na mababawi nila ang kanilang ginastos sa pangangampanya. Ang lahat ng pagsusumikap ng rebeldeng grupo sa pangangampanya at paglustay sa pondo ng partido ay hindi lamang sapat upang magluklok sa kaninuman sa posisyon. Marahil ito lamang ay nagbigay- daan upang mismo masira ang pagtitiwala at respetong ibinigay ng kasamahan nila sa grupo.

PAGKAMPI SA KOMUNISTA: ISANG MALAKING KAHANGALAN

“Kung hindi uukol, hindi bubukol”- isang kasabihan ng mga matatandang Pinoy na tugmang- tugama sa kinalabasan ng paglahok nina Satur Ocampo at Liza Masa sa senatorial race nitong nakaraang eleksyon. Hindi nakaguhit sa pulitika ng Pilipinas ang dalawang representante ng Bayan Muna at Gabriela ang pagiging senador ng ating bansa dahil malinaw na talagang napag- iwanan na sila sa bilangan ng kanilang mga katunggali.

Tama namang ang malaking agwat o maliit na bilang ng boto na nalikom ng dalawang kongresista ay nagpapahiwatig lamang ng papaliit na papaliit na mundo ng makakaliwang militanteng grupo tulad nila? Maari din senyales ito na nagsasabing nagsasawa na talaga ang taong bayan sa kaliwa’t kanang pagsisigaw sa mga kalye at sa kanilang walang katapusang mga rally laban sa gobyerno kung kaya’t naiisip nila na wala na ngang maibibigay na bago para sa bayan ang dalawa.

Suntok sa buwan ang ginawa ni Satur at Liza sa kanilang pagsabak sa pagka-senador lalo na ang ginawa nilang pakikipag-alyansa sa anak ng dati nilang itinuturing na kaaway na si Bongbong Marcos. Marahil ito ang dahilan kung bakit naging mapakla ang panlasa ng taong bayan sa dalawang kandidato dahil ito ay nagpapahiwatig lamang na hindi tunay ang pakikipaglaban para sa karapatan ng taong bayan bagkus ay mas importante pa ang pagpapalabas ng kanilang ngiping pulitikal na karaniwang nakikita natin sa mga tinatawag na TRAPO.

Umuwing luhaan din ang ibang kaalyadong partylist group nina Satur at Liza sa ilalim ng tinatawag na MAKABAYAN. Hindi nakakuha ng tamang boto ang mga grupo tulad ng KATRIBU at AKAP BATA samantalang halos tig-iisang posisyon lamang ang nakuha ng ilang kakamping partylist groups. Isa sa mga pahiwatig na patuloy na lumiliit ang suporta ng taong bayan sa mga makakaliwang ay ang malaking pagkatalo ng presidentiable na si Manny Villar. Kung matatandaan na inendorso mismo ni Communist Party of the Philippines Chairman Jose Ma. Sison ang nasabing kandidato tulad na din ang pag- endorse nito kay Satur at Liza. Sa madaling salita, kung sino man ang kumapi sa mga komunista at paniguradong natatalo sa anumang larangan. Kakampi pa ba kayo sa talunan?

DYSFUNCTIONAL REBELS IN THE PHILIPPINES

What is the difference between rebels and revolutionaries?

Rebels are known for what they are against, while revolutionaries are known for what they are for—simple enough? In the Philippines, there are too many identified rebels but one can hardly notice any revolutionaries. Indeed, we have no shortage of rebels- people who can keenly express what they are against, but when asked what they are exactly for, they were less likely give you any specifics. Suddenly, the air become abstracts and motherhood statements abound. It gets far worse when they pressed to give anything regarding how they would accomplish this in greater detail.

Revolutions require more thinking than rebellions, since not only do revolutionaries need to work through the same processes that rebels do in order to bring down the present system, they also need to provide a better working alternative to the system they intend to replace–not necessarily in that order. There seems to be this naive tendency to expect that dismantling the present system automatically defaults into a better one simply by letting things take their course, as if burning down or destroying a building would automatically grow a better building like a phoenix rising out of the ashes without a strong follow-through or real effort to rebuild one. In regime changes, reformers tend to focus on solutions to the evils of the old system—evils they may correctly identify. However, as they turn out, we find a worse kind of evil in their place. Especially in the absence of planning and foresight and no real grasp of principles, like terrible chess players, when reformers are not too keen in covering all their bases, there will be serious consequences in areas that actually haven’t been anticipated.

The leaders a society chooses reflect very much on who or what the society is. In other words, leaders tend to be the projection—the very image of the collective than elected them into office. When a society is unable to weigh the situation soundly- logically or reasonably- and has a shallow grasp of equally sound governing principles, then they easily and quite naturally fall for the same type of leader. A results-oriented society who believes in personal accountability would choose the same type of leader. A society who falls for leaders lacking in accomplishments in their history of service is not a results-oriented society. A society who falls for leaders who spent most of their time opposing without offering a sounder alternative is likely to be simply a society of whiners and complainers. A society who supports rebels and not genuine revolutionaries is an anarchic society. A society who elects a leader with no viable platform or solution to its ills is a society with no realizable promise as a collective. A fickle and dishonorable society is a society who ousts a leader and yet re-elects the same leader for a sack of rice.
Which society are we?

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FILIPINO TO STEP UP AND LEAD

The Philippines’ Commission on Election has done a tremendous responsibility as been observed in today’s National and Local Election. It overcame the hexes cast upon by the shamans in the Philippine media and the parties they supported, and stepped up in the face of overwhelming disapproval. The COMELEC stands tall as a lone beacon of modernism in our backward society.

It is indeed very ironic that the COMELEC, for so long being the blacksheep institution of the Philippine public sector, has rocketed to the top of civil service excellence on the back of a feat of technology implementation, while the stalwart relics of 1980’s emo politics now stand under the stern gaze of a public that have all but caught on to the con operation they had subject Da Pinoy to for the last twenty five years.

If Cory Aquino brought pride to the Philippine nation in 1986 for leading the people power “revolution” of that year, Noynoy Aquino, her eldest now, now stands to the same twenty-four years later--- by standing aside the institution he sought to undermine stands tall and casts a gloating shadow on his ironic win in legitimate polls.

We see the dawn of a government headed by a person who cannot lead as an opportunity for the Filipino to lead the way they were meant as the most IMPORTANT elements in ay truly democratic society.

It is now the time that Filipinos should take accountability beyond being mere voters. Being constituents of a democratic government entails responsibility beyond the vote. Electing a president is not the end of our role. It is the beginning of it.

The measures of a president’s success are quite simple: a president must have:(1) A clear understanding of his country’s most pressing issues – the As-is State;(2) A lucid view of what he envisions his country to look like by the time he steps down six years later – the To-be State of the Philippines in 2016.; and, (3) A roadmap to get us there — The Plan.

Yes, Mr President, it becomes more real now — especially to the people you’ve made promises to. The countdown to 2016 is on. And we will be watching — and leading your government.

So what’s the plan, Mr. soon-to-be President?

IT IS NOT OUR GOVERNMENT: IT IS “WE” THE PROBLEM OF THE PHILIPPINES

It was quite obvious seeing the authoritarian and conformist culture pervaded in the country made lives miserable. One writer explained how Filipino authoritarian and old- school parenting is apt to produce wimps. It is also reasoned that the voters are heavily influenced by the media and mostly by anti- intellectual messages because some of our collective behavior appreciates that.

My saying “not the government” is because people are saying “patalsikin si Gloria” (kicked-out Gloria) or “patalsikin siya”., whoever is in power. People now are focusing on the wrong things as “patalsik”. Who we elect is our fault. It is a product of our culture.

Some Filipinos would primarily say how proud they are with their culture because it is caring, loving, and beautiful culture. Yet when one deeply analyzes that it somehow possesses intolerant, inflexible, anti- intellectual and oppressive, and therefore ugly collective behavior. Some may find a doing right because of majority is doing the same when it is in fact all wrong. Then, suddenly they scratch their head wondering what they’ve done wrong.
Proof of this is seen everywhere.

When Erap became the president, some people were claiming that a gambler, drunkard, womanizer and crime lord was elected to the highest office of the land. But what does it tell to our collective behavior? We elect a leader who believe will follows people’s will, but later on, the people will go on the streets wanting he president to resign. So when Erap left, GMA took over and now nearly everyone wants her out. It’s funny since GMA had even more votes than Erap when she was elected for vice- president.

We have a culture of hypocrite masculinity. We have a religious culture, and we have men who can pray the rosary and go to mass everyday. Yet on the later part of the day, they get drunk, they hit the neighbor’s wives, bear many children, and then blame the government for not supporting them.

Children today, when they grow-up wanted to be like an artistas instead of becoming true blooded artists, graphic designers, computer engineers, and doctors. All thanks to local TV entertainment shows that are manipulative in molding kids to become stupid.

We have a behavior wherein shouting is the only means to use a cellphone when inside a public vehicle or even the mass or service is going on. Moreover, we, instead of excellence, still pursue “pwede na yan” “bahala na” and impunity.
And thus we have a behavior wherein we blame the government for our problems, but we fail to realize that we ourselves have corruption and thus responsible for our condition.

Yes, there are some Filipino culture that itself one of the most tyrannical elements of the country and is helping keep it backwards. We should realize to use our will to decide which collective behavior is right and wrong. Don’t blame anything or anyone for our misfortunes; it is in our hands we can help contribute in the development of our country- PHILIPPINES.

Making the Right Choice for your family- 1Ang Pamilya Partylist

The May 2010 National and Local Election will be the most hypocritical event in our Philippine History. Other than being anxious of who will the next president to be (troubled or fascinated?), the Partylist system has already stretched its remark by serving the interest of few who want power at a lesser cost and faster process is their point of concern. Yet the voting public remained ignorant on the essence of voting a partylist group for the Congress.

But not all Partylist group is seeking for self- idolatry. Here comes 1Ang Pamilya who is worthy of your votes and a promising start for public service. This partylist group chose to make a representation of which most of us often ignored. 1Ang Pamilya will soon introduce reforms and amendments to our Filipino family to become more productive in both financial capability and wellbeing. The group will promote responsible parenthood intended to bring a feasible solution to both overpopulation and poverty. Moreover, the group is hoping to bridge between the gap of the genders towards a profitable and competitive career as they equally provide their families. Specifically, the 1Ang Pamilya would focus more on the proper implementation of the family code to include some constitutional alterations that would benefit Filipino family at every known social stratum.

In other words, this initiative will be the boldest way to display our effort of political renewal. The 1Ang Pamilya partylist does not need any favor of some political parties nor is it seeking TRAPO’s assistance or allegiance in return of their favor. This would only mean that Filipinos should vote outside of their box and try to defend their own interest. As the group seeks the need of moral reformation starting to the four corners of each home is a real in advocating a realistic approach to state progress we all seek. Ethics has been diminished through time that can be only saved by the very fabric of societal assembly that is bounded by love, trust and blood. Most of the partylist is only concerned with the superficial problems in our society and not discussing the root- causes of such problems.

This group doesn’t only rely on the lip service but to whatever group we identify ourselves with, we could only belong to one family, human enough to commit mistakes and rational enough to accept the change within.1Ang Pamilya is not taking this political renewal alone but the 14 million Pinoys wanting the better future for themselves and the people they care about; an initiative that seek self-change and charity other than poltical mudslinging between groups and TRAPOs. They set themselves to a mission- to promote responsible parentage and providing a safer environment for our family and others precipitates the idea of cohesion other than the disunity that politics is now facing.

Other than just by providing amendments to our family code including provisions to specific areas like childcare, penalties to domestic violence and securing Filipino debts and forced violence, 1Ang Pamilya is also tasked to reintroduce values re-integration to include Filipino reverence to the sanctity of marriage else the observance of equal respect to other communal relationships. If we could provide enough political representation for our families in Congress, then sooner or later we could help establish the progression towards the absence of marginalized sectors in our society.

ABS- CBN’s ETHICAL STANDARD AT STAKE; NOYNOY GUILTY OF GRAFT

The end of Philippine journalistic ethics and the advent of capitalism than tends to influence our bureaucracy is about to start. This is because of the all- out campaign for Liberal Party bet Noynoy Aquino on May 9th is being sponsored by ABS- CBN. Try to imagine the support given by the station management and this favor will end- up when their bet will snag Malacañang. How will be the presidential bet keep- up the station’s supposed return of investments? Will this one way of the Lopezes to take back MERALCO? This only make sure that Juan dela Cruz be on front seat witnessing how this influential capitalists and clans including the Cojuancos make use the presidency the second time around.

The “interest” of the Lopezes on Aquino’s presidency has already diminishes the ethical judgments of their reporters and media practitioners to the point that they molded news reports in favor of the interest of Aquino and the management. In fact, the media streaming scheduled on May 9th only incite the participation of partisan press by ensuring true-blooded capitalists and hungry clans like the Conjuancos have the control of power. This only proves the practice of “corruption” outside the state government. When Nonoy enjoys the lavish amount of control over ABS- CBN’s reporters and celebrities serves only the beginning of the series of graft LP has perfected under his leadership. And this only includes the powerful use of media in influencing the public standpoint.

As the ethics of professionalism, the press should always remain neutral not only in politics but also to everything else that are connected to social welfare and interests. For the media was functionally created and continually patronized by the populace. Their broad prospective as well as limiting their selves with politics and governance made them the only ally of the community between poverty and governance that encountering graft controversies. The press should stay flawless and uninfluenced. But the Lopezes with the interest for expansion of their empire together with the Cojuancos that enjoying their immunity over the exploitation of Hacienda Luisita only made Noynoy a political insult.

Corruption is not just about robbing taxpayer’s money as Noynoy thought about. Having pleasure at the expense of one’s interest itself is an example of fraud. The part when Noynoy make use ABS-CBN’s undeniable power of the mass media only to pursue his candidacy was more than pocketing public funds. Aquino had known for the fact that they maximize the use of TV and radio ads and going beyond this is a big form of “cheating”. He execessively use his “connections” within the network to help him organize the suppose campaign”fraud” on May 9th. If Aquino is open to the idea of exploring the leniency of COMELEC and the loopholes of election rulings, what will then stop him from doing the same when he finally heir the presidency?

As Noynoy and his ally remain ignorant on his slogan “Kung Walang Corrupt, Walang Mahirap”, they still remain blind on practicing this graft in their own advantage.

Priest: for good or for evil?

The world now is a dangerous place to live and the people are difficult to trust. Yet we look forward on reforming ourselves to become better individual by listening and acting to the word of God through our priests. But what is this erring connotation that other priests are openly used by the enemies of the state? Are they’re for God or pretending to be for God?

The ordained minister fulfills his threefold work as a priest, prophet and minister (king) and in the community the priest presides is a community formed by the Word of God- a Eucharistic, prophetic and ministerial community. He brings the Good News to all conditions and status of human life, reaches out to the sick and disabled community, the poor and victimized in society. He makes real to the Christian community the Christ’s love of preference for the poor.

But how come some priests neglect their responsibility? The ongoing issue was held with regards to some priests of who are allegedly favoring the policies of the leftists group. We all know that these so-called “revolutionist”, even saying they are for the good of the people, yet they still radiating war and violence in our society. They implement violence in order to get what they want and have the power to control it. They are self- praising individual who always disagree to the government but they still do nothing to help the society. They are enemies of the state and only ensuring that all people will believe in their lies and deceiving actions.

“While priests must distance themselves from politics in order to favour the unity and communion of all the faithful, thus becoming a point of reference for everyone", a quote from Pope Benedict XVI instructing our priest to be neutral and function responsibly to our society. The priest should not allow themselves be used for communism. How will they able to unite people if they are also allowing violence to happen? How will they tell themselves “disciples of God” if they allow evil to eat their souls? How will they able to function well if all they do is to deceive people claiming that they are holy but the truth is that they demons in disguise? They become rotten flesh and their names will soon be disappeared that no one would able to remember it.

It only proves the saying “keeping the enemies closer”. Communist used our priest to stay enclose to the community to be able to gain control of it. Or let me say priest are allowing themselves to be possessed by the demons of our society. How could we trust them if they let all of this happen? Priest may have those weaknesses for they are human like us but they possess human reason to distinguish what is right to what is evil. They should know better for they are chosen people of God to lead nation for good and be close to Him.

Let priest be faithful to their responsibility as God gave it. Let their names be holy and their soul be blessed. Let not them be painted with grave sins and be of high moral. If they want to be part of this violent- related group, stop calling your names as “disciples of God”. Beware of them!