Senator Serge Osmena Will Run as an Independent

For the last two years, the Liberal Party touted Senator Mar Roxas as the most qualified from among their ranks to be President. Then, President Cory Aquino passed away, the crowds came out in droves to pay their last respects, and somebody thought, wait, maybe Senator Noynoy Aquino was the more qualified after all. (wink! wink!) And so, they thought of how to “connect” the crowds that mourned the death of Mrs. Aquino to the possible election of Noynoy as President and while they were at it, why not revive the assassination of Ninoy Aquino to complete the “trilogy” or “trinity” or whatever, and come up with some sort of “passing of the torch” never mind it’s ambiguity. In fact, the more ambiguous, the better, though one viewer of Noynoy’s recent infomercial frightfully thought that the carrying of the torches by Noynoy and the “multitude” behind him meant the return of brownouts if he were to win. That, of course, was not the message of the infomercial… but that’s another story.

As for the Liberal Party’s Senatorial line-up, for want of Vilma Santos on their side, they were somewhat “forced” to include former NEDA head Ralfh Recto in their Senatorial slate and in the process, lost former Senator Serge Osmena who could not stomach being in the same ticket as Ralph – one who ran under the administration ticket the last time around and after losing, was appointed by GMA as  Chairman of NEDA, no less. Two months ago, Recto quit that position to prepare for the coming elections but unabashedly  “jumped ship” from the Lakas-Kampi Party and joined the LP together with his wife Governor Vilma Santos. His joining and acceptance into the LP was for no other reason than political expediency on both sides. It is easy to understand Mr. Osmena’s sentiment towards that “political deal” and even easier to praise him for bolting the LP slate, in disappointment if not disgust, and running as an independent instead — true to  form, if we may add. As for the LP? As we’ve said in a previous article, they are as trapo as trapo can get. And we will again sift more of that stench coming from their camp in the coming months. Let’s call a spade a spade.

Filipino Efren Penaflorida bagged the CNN Hero of the Year Award 2009 besting nine other nominees from all over the world, all equally deserving of the award in their respective advocacies and programs. His Kariton Klassroom program brought basic education to poor out-of-school children who would otherwise have missed the boat of education our government has sorely neglected or mismanaged these last decades. We still don’t seem to get the direct connection between education and poverty alleviation that our neighboring countries like Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Malaysia, have well understood and have positive results to show for it. When asked by an interviewer after receiving the award at the CNN event held at the Kodak Theatre, Hollywood Ca. whether he would consider going into politics upon returning to the Philippines, his answer was, definitely, a highly educated one: “no!”  Now, there’s a hero not wanting to be a politician as opposed to the common politician posing as a hero. Kudos to Mr. Efren Penaflorida, young educator and true Filipino hero!

Chiz Escudero’s ambition for a higher political office via the elections of May 2010 turned into “cheese-melt” when he announced last 24 Nov. that he would no longer be running for a higher office next year. It seems realpolitik got the better of his ambitions. In other words, “no money, no honey.”

Former President Ramos said in an interview that the people should wait three months more or less before he declares his choice for President and Vice-President. Someone will have to remind the people about this when the time comes because we doubt if anyone will be holding their breaths waiting for his announcement. The problem with becoming irrelevant, similar to when you’re spouse cheats on you,  is you’re usually the last to know. He should know that.

Senator Aquino Cannot Ride on the Coat-tails of His Parents? Watch!

Opponents of Senator Noynoy Aquino warn him that he cannot ride on the coat-tails of his parents and expect the voting populace to elect him based on that and not on his record in public service. Well, Senator Aquino’s campaign happens to be where it is now precisely and only because he is the son of Ninoy and Cory Aquino and his on-going efforts in winning the Presidency will continue along the path of reminding the Filipinos who his parents are (the highly exaggerated version of course): “patrons of democracy in the Philippines;” and, the father a “hero,” and the mother a “saint.” And based on that, he will most probably win in the coming elections or, at the very least, be the man to beat. Is that a rational way of choosing a candidate? No; but since when did “rational” come into the picture in our present level of electoral maturity? For our democracy to flourish and be more meaningful, we must first educate the minds of our voters not in “knowing” who to vote for but in knowing what to look for in a candidate. We are still in that stage where we, media in particular, can actually brainwash our people on “what to think” – as opposed to teaching them how to think — by manipulating their emotions, exploiting their frustrations, creating new myths and rekindling old ones, and generating unrealistic expectations. Only when we have reached a higher educational level (where the vast majority of voters are at least high-school graduates) can we begin to choose our candidates for the “right” reasons and even then, mistakes can be made. Meanwhile, we’ll have to trudge along with what we’ve got.  So, “cannot ride on the coat-tails of his parents,” they say?  Watch! Oh, and add to that, “brother of Kris” – how could we forget?

Among the four serious Presidential candidates (Villar, Gibo, Noynoy and Erap), we  have two of them with wives that are Congresswomen, one whose girlfriend is a councilor, and a fourth has a wife that’s a Senator. But mind you, all are against political dynasties, in principle. Whatever!

The Lakas-Kampi leadership announced its Vice-Presidential candidate and running mate of Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, naming Edu Manzano as its choice. If this team were to win in next year’s May elections, then we would have seen the most dramatic come from behind victory in the entire history of Philippine elections. As Senator Gordon would say: Wow!! And that would seal Secretary Puno’s reputation as the most astute political strategist / campaign manager this country has seen in the last two decades or so.

During the question and answer forum held last Nov. 13, 2009 at the UST auditorium with Secretary of State Hilary Clinton as guest of honor, a student asked Mrs. Clinton how much longer did she think it would take before a woman would finally get elected President of the United States. She replied, gamely, that “God knows I tried” but said that she should instead be asking us, Filipinos, the answer to that question and would herself like to know from us the “secret” in electing a woman President, having already elected two here in the Philippines. The secret, Madame Secretary? [Press: PLAY] “Hello, Garci….”

This month commemorates the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. That and the subsequent domino effect on the rest of the Soviet bloc countries of yesteryears has been one of the most dramatic if not glorious events of the last century. For someone that’s visited Berlin several times when the wall was still up, the fall of the Berlin wall has been an event many like us thought would never occur in our life time. Still, there are other walls to break, for sure, and not as visible and “concrete” as the one that divided the east from the west in the great city of Berlin. The challenge now for the world community is to continue to break down these other walls — “invisible walls” — that divide the rich from the poor, the educated from the illiterate, Muslims from Christians, and in still many areas, the women from the men.

Manny Pacquiao did it again. His display of amazing speed, awesome power, and focused determination proved too much for the Puerto Rican pugilist. Days before the fight, Manny had already booked an outlet at the Hotel of Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas, for the evening of fight day to party with his friends and celebrate with a mini-concert where he planned to sing eight songs with his newly formed band. Pre-fight confidence? You bet! Mabuhay si Manny Pacquiao! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

The impact of yet another Pacquiao victory has brought again a positive unified energy Filipinos could use in their daily lives to help our country move forward. It’s got greater power than we think. And…let’s forget what the politicians have to say about the Pacquiao win so as to keep the victory “pure.”  You know what we mean.

Famous quotes of past and present Filipino leaders:
“There are many things we do not want about the world. Let us not just mourn them; let us change them. ” – Ferdinand Marcos
“The youth is the hope of our future.” – Jose Rizal
“Brotherhood is the very price and condition of man’s survival.” – Carlos P. Romulo
”The great ‘legitimizer’ of government is the ballot not the bullet.” – Ninoy Aquino
“Sue me.” – Congressman Mikey Arroyo

Erap, Noynoy, Gibo, and… Conyo (!?)

ANC cable news channel is to Noynoy Aquino what FOX News Channel is to the US Republican Party…but 100 times more! Some people even believe ANC stands for: AQUINO, Ninoy & Cory. Who needs expensive infomercials? Eat your heart out, Senator Villar, et al.

Have you seen the “Akala Mo” music-video infomercial of Senator Villar? The second line goes “Akala mo CONYO yung pala, laking Tondo.” The word CONYO alludes to the often used “expression” of “tisoys” (Spanish mestizos) in this country; in short, in the context of the infomercial, Conyo means  “tisoy-bourgeoisie,” hence, “akala mo ‘conyo,’ yung pala laking Tondo.” We wonder if the producers of this video are aware of what that Spanish expletive  literally means and what it translates to in Tagalog or English. In English, the equivalent of Conyo would be, plain and simple, the most “private part” of a woman but in its most crass English slang — c_ _ _ (rhymes with “blunt”). We’re surprised no one has given Senator Villar or his handlers flack for this.

For those that would make Erap’s age an issue (we think he’s qualified to run — let the people decide if they want him) in the coming Presidential elections, here are some adages you might consider before coming to a conclusion: “age is all in the mind;” “you’re only as old as you feel;” “age is relative;” and “older but wiser.” On the other hand, you may also wish to ponder these facts: for those that have just turned 18 years old (voting age), multiply that by 2 and you’re still only half Erap’s age; Erap is more than three decades older than his youngest opponent; Elvis and Erap are about the same age; if you’re between 18 years old and 25 years old, Erap would still be decades older than your mom; and, the job of a President requires, at least, a twelve to fourteen hour work day (mostly day time, not night time) requiring physical and mental stamina.

When Erap over-heard a teenager greet his friend with, “Hey… Dude!” he tried to impress the youngsters by telling them that he, “too,” was aware of that Beatles’ hit song and even knew the words to the song as he sang, “Hey, Jude…take a sad song, and make it better.” The youngsters gave him a bewildered smile and went their way. Erap: minus two votes.

Erap is to “Erap para sa mahirap…” as Dick Gordon is to “Mt. Pinatubo…” as Noynoy Aquino is to “ang aking mga magulang…” as Manny Villar is to “nang galing ako sa mahirap….” Besides their personal mantras and hackneyed “motherhood statements,” we still have to hear from them their platforms of government and their vision for the country. “Huh, what for!?” Sorry…

A lot of people lament the fact that Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro is arguably the most qualified among those aspiring to be President but, sadly, is running under the “wrong” party. It would be interesting to see how he can manage to run under the administration party yet distance himself from it as he must if he is to win; looks like he’s in a stalemate. Meanwhile, Secretary Puno has backed out from his plans to seek the Vice-Presidency; the “political guru” must have found out something that has made him change his mind. Survey says!? And who could be leading the pack for Vice-President? As long as Chiz Escudero stays away from seeking the Vice-Presidency, Mar Roxas will be the man to beat for Vice President.

Before the death of President Cory Aquino, the Liberal Party did not think much of Senator Noynoy Aquino as a candidate for President, or even Vice President for that matter, simply because they did not think he had the credentials, experience, ability and wisdom to lead the nation. Those attributes, they saw in Mar Roxas and rightly so. After the death of the late President Aquino and seeing the large crowd that came out to mourn her death, the very same people that considered Noynoy lacking in qualification to be the next President suddenly saw in him not only  the one  most qualified but  the savior, the messiah this country had been waiting for. This sudden “enlightenment” and “illumination” that brought about the revision in the Liberal Party’s choice for it’s standard bearer begs these questions: how did Cory’s death bring about the “realization” that Noynoy was, after all, not only qualified but  the more qualified (more than Mar) to be the Liberal Party’s standard bearer? Would this “realization” have come about if the former President had not passed away when she did and what on earth does one have to do with the other? Or, is the Liberal Party about fielding the candidates that have the best chances of winning, irregardless,  rather than fielding the most competent within their ranks? Let’s hear it from the… Spinners!

A group of rich Germans has launched a petition calling for their government to make wealthy people (with fortunes of more than half a million Euros) pay higher taxes. The group says they “have more money than they need.” Germany could raise 100bn euros (!) if the richest people paid a 5% wealth tax for two years, they say. One signatory, a Peter Vollmer, told AFP news agency he was supporting the proposal because he had inherited “a lot of money I do not need.” He said the tax would be “a viable and socially acceptable way out of the flagrant budget crisis.” The group held a demonstration in Berlin about twenty days ago to draw attention to their plans. They obviously realize it’s better to be wealthy in a wealthy country than to be wealthy in a “poor” country.
Let’s not hold our breaths expecting the rich of this country to do likewise. Chances are, they’re busy with their accountants finding more ways to lessen the taxes they have to pay.

Chiz Escudero lobbed a big surprise at the crowd that attended his press conference when, instead of formally declaring his candidacy for President as was expected,  he announced that he had quit the NPC and the “party system” – the need for a Presidentiable to run under a political party. He then asked his supporters to give him time to think things over. It seems he may be too young after all.

Chinese proverb: “If at first you don’t succeed, perhaps, sky-diving wasn’t meant for you.”

Politics in the Midst of Typhoons

The weekend of September 26, 2009 saw the Philippines experience one of the deadliest typhoons (typhoon “Ondoy”) to ever hit the country. It was not, at first, as dramatic as many typhoons past because the winds were not gusty enough to bring down trees and other structures as we’ve seen previous; but the volume of rain that poured over the country proved to be the “killer.” Most of Metro Manila experienced the worst flooding in recent memory. Landslides in Pampanga and Bulacan buried houses situated at their paths. More than three hundred people perished and hundreds of thousands saw their homes and belongings destroyed by the floods.
The following week, it was the turn of Northern Luzon – a double whammy from “Ondoy” that lingered on longer than was bearable; then, followed by another typhoon, “Pepeng,” that put the last nail in the coffin, literally, in the cases of hundreds of people. Extensive floods the likes not seen before covered most of central and northern Luzon starting from parts of Pampanga, Tarlac, and all the way up to Ilocos Norte. (Damn! Damn! Damn!) In Benguet, landslides buried houses leaving hundreds dead. Damage to property and crops climbed into the billions of Pesos. Somebody lamented that, indeed, the Philippines was doubly plagued: 1) too much rain in the Philippines; and 2) two mutts reign in the Philippines. (Mrs. and Mr.)

The total rain from “Ondoy” that contributed to the Metro Manila deluge fell in only one day; the rubbish that we’ve been dumping on the rivers and streets of Metro Manila has been on-going for decades. “God, grant us the serenity to accept the things we cannot change, the courage to change the things we can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Malacanang Palace opened its’ doors to some of the victims of typhoon “Ondoy” and allowed them to sleep over until they could be relocated or their houses re-built. They were given food and clothing as well as blankets and pillows to make their stay more comfortable. But suggestions that they be given some of the shoes of Imelda stored at the Palace’s museum was rejected. They can experience living in the Palace but to experience being “in Imelda’s shoes” is a bit asking too much. There can only be one “Madame Imeldific.”

Lessons to be learned from typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng:” 1) climate change is a real problem that affects all of us and is critical in the short and long run, as we’ve just witnessed; 2) clogging our rivers and canals with waste products that aggravate flooding is our own doing and NOT an act of God; 3) denuding our forests (attention: wooden hearts) causes mud-slides that causes death as we’ve experienced once again…and again…and again; 4) we must learn how to listen more closely to early warnings – weather forecasts (more Doppler Radars needed); and, 5) our government needs to enforce the evacuation of people living in “vulnerable” areas (some areas should not be inhabited at all at anytime!) BEFORE a calamity strikes and not only after the fact; it must also equip itself with appropriate gear, provisions, and tools in dealing with such disasters more effectively.

The prime minister of Taiwan, Liu Chao-shiuan, resigned last September 28, 2009 after widespread criticism of his government’s response to a deadly typhoon that hit a month before, August, and left at least 700 people dead or missing after three days of heavy rain. He said that his successor would immediately replace the entire cabinet. Here in the Philippines, in the aftermath of typhoons “Ondoy” and “Pepeng,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno are likewise ready to resign their posts…uh, to run for President and Vice President, respectively.

One for the legal minds: Senator Jinggoy Estrada accused Senator Ping Lacson of illegally wire-tapping phone conversations between him and a “jueteng lord” and a former Cabinet member… that, according to Senator Estrada, never took place?! Is it illegal to tap a private phone conversation…that never took place?

Noynoy COJUANGCO (Hacienda Luisita) Aquino and Mar ARANETA (Araneta Coliseum/Cubao) Roxas are passing the “can” around asking the “man on the street” to donate one peso (Piso-Piso) to their campaign – what’s wrong with that picture?

The legal “illegal” and official “unofficial” campaign period has begun and the reason Senator Noynoy Aquino has been catapulted to the top of the surveys in the race for the Presidency is attributed to his perceived honesty. Other candidates would be well advised to heed the call of the electorate for HONESTY in government. So, in the coming elections, expect the politicians to be campaigning knowing that the trait voters will be looking for in a candidate, primarily, will be HONESTY… and whoever candidate can fake that best has got it made! (Good grief.)

Senator Noynoy Aquino has appointed his sister, Kris, as Official Spokesperson for….whoever wants her. Now Na!!

TOP TEN WORDS AND PHRASES POLITICIANS MOST OFTEN USE DURING ELECTIONS: 10) if I win, my door will be open to all of you…(if you can get passed through my bodyguard-goons); 9) provide jobs; eliminate graft and corruption; 7) …your public servant; 6) you can count ……on me; 5) because we owe it to our children…; 4) I promise…; 3) education; 2) we need leaders (like me)…; and number 1) [Drum-roll please] God….

Water or no water in the moon, just be glad there was no one there with the mind to retaliate and fire back at us a “moon made” rocket; you can never tell with those, uh, “lunatics.”

The birth of “Noynoy Aquino for President”

The Liberal Party is claiming Senator Noynoy Aquino’s campaign will be conducted in a non-traditional manner – volunteerism, “people’s initiatives,” street fund-raising, participation of “reform organization’s,” etc. Their intended message in doing so is to create an image of Noynoy as the antithesis of a Trapo, of a “leader” that will not be beholden to any special interest group or party, and one that is incorruptible. Before the death of President Cory Aquino, the Liberal Party did not think much of Noynoy as a candidate for President, or even Vice President for that matter, simply because they did not think he was ready nor did he have the credentials, experience, and wisdom to lead the nation. Those attributes, they saw in Mar Roxas, and if you compare Noynoy to Mar, they were right to pick Mar and completely disregard Noynoy as their candidate. Noynoy himself admits to having had no plans or inclination to be the Liberal Party’s standard bearer, perhaps, because he himself did not feel he had it in him – not yet, at least. Another reason he did not even bother to make himself available for a higher position was because his mother (mother knows best?), while alive, would not have allowed him to do so, and this we know from the earlier statements of his sisters.

But all of a sudden, the landscape changed with the passing of Cory where an outpouring of affection from a great number of people materialized in the streets leading to the final resting place of the former President. It was a manifestation for Cory the simple, the religious and the honest leader in the face of, and in contrast to, a succession of widespread corruption scandals, deceit, and profligacy involving the first family. Though Cory stepped down from the Presidency with a not very high approval rating, people now appreciated the fact that she, at least, did not try to hold on to power as they’ve seen the present leadership repeatedly scheme and attempt to do so.

This outpouring for Cory “alerted” and elated the politicians, the “Kamaganak,Inc.,” and the Cory For President ‘86 remnants, who all dreamed and reminisced of crowds such as the one that came out for the wake and funeral of the late President. The mourners, “assisted” by broadcast media, remembered how Cory had lost her husband through an assassin’s bullet and who, after her rule as President, had continued to support causes against corruption while continuing to live simply and piously — often seen in the presence of nuns and priests.

Meanwhile, the big crowds that poured out continued to mesmerize the politicians and “political handlers” and what they saw was too precious to let pass without anyone (alive) “owning” it…and leading it to the polls next year. Since the crowd was for a dead person, the closest one, perhaps, the only living one, to “logically” lay claim to it was Cory’s only son, Noynoy, and that’s how the “Noynoy for President” idea was born. Never mind that he was not even in the Liberal Party’s radar up to the day his mother passed away; never mind that he was, up to only recently, not considered qualified by his own party-mates; never mind that they already had a candidate (Mar Roxas) who was, arguably, the most qualified among the “Presidentiables;” and, never mind that some people might see it as political expediency and opportunism – “trapo” traits to be sure. The “campaign scenario” (as contrived as Cory’s in ‘86 was spontaneous) that would see their “instant” candidate lodged in Malacanang next year was plausible, available, and too tempting for them to let pass. This was the “spark” all “Presidentiables” had been hoping for and it was within the grasp of the Liberal Party to foster and claim it as their own, through Noynoy.  Alas, never mind what the Liberal Party was supposed to stand for; their “spinners” would take care of that by declaring from the onset that this was not a “traditional” campaign or candidacy (give us a break!) but rather, a “groundswell clamor” for Noynoy to be President.

This sudden “enlightenment” and “illumination” that brought about the revision in the Liberal Party’s choice for it’s standard bearer have posed questions begging to be asked: how did Cory’s death bring about the “realization” that Noynoy was, after all, not only qualified but  the more qualified (more than Mar) to be the Liberal Party’s standard bearer? Would this “realization” have come about if the former President had not passed away when she did and what does one have to do with the other? Or, is the Liberal Party about fielding the candidates that have the best chances of winning rather than fielding competent leaders that are ready to lead this country in these most difficult times?

Senator Ferdinand Marcos II?

It’s been exactly fifty years (half a century!) since a Ferdinand Marcos was elected to the Philippine Senate and, now, the son, Ferdinand II, is embarking to be the next. Bong-Bong Marcos, presently a Congressman from the 2nd district of Ilocos Norte, feels he is ready to move on to the Upper House of Congress. He brings with him a background of a total of twelve years as Governor of his province, Ilocos Norte, and by election time next year, would have served his second term as Congressman and House Deputy Minority Leader. Even those opposed to him cannot deny that he has been an exemplary Governor of his province as can be seen in the advancement of Ilocos Norte in the fields of agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, energy and the environment (the first wind-farm in Southeast Asia supplying half the energy needs of Ilocos Norte) and education.

To begin with, he transformed a third-class province into a first-class one (based on income) within his first term. With some 70% of Ilocanos dependent on agriculture (as in many other provinces), he raised agricultural productivity by focusing on rice production and cash crops and investing in hybrid seedlings production thereby succeeding in making his province self sufficient in rice instead of “importing” from other provinces. He set up one of the most if not the most successful program for “cooperatives” development in the entire country. He turned his province into a model for public health care by providing 100% of his province mates with health insurance. He “brought” Ilocos Norte to China by participating in International Tourism Conventions in Shanghai even when the Philippines as a country failed to participate in them. He lobbied the Chinese government to open a Consulate in Laoag City (the consulate opened two years ago) to make travel from China to Ilocos Norte easier and more convenient, capitalizing on Laoag City’s proximity to China and it’s being the northern international gateway into the country.  In education,  students from high schools of his province have become consistent “1st placers” in national student competitions in math and science. And in energy, he oversaw the creation of the first wind farm in Southeast Asia providing his province with half of its energy needs. The biggest proof of his sterling performance as governor is the fact that, in his last bid for Governor in 2004, he ran unopposed, and again, unopposed for Congressman in 2007.

His educational background? Enough to be hired for a top position in any multi-national company anywhere in the world. He has earned degrees from: Worth School (High School), England; Political Science/Economics, Oxford University, England; and MBA, University of Pennsylvania, USA. And then, there’s that other aspect to his “education” that does not award any diploma: the experience of having lived abroad during these many years of schooling (plus his years spent in exile with his family). These are invaluable years of “education” not awarded any certificate but, nevertheless, significant and important as it indicates possession of a broad-minded perspective lacking in not a few of our present parochial and narrow minded Senators and Congressmen.

Just as important as his educational attainment and his performance in governance is this: that while in office and to his eternal credit, not once has he been involved in any corruption anomaly or political scandal whatsoever. This past decade has seen a President (President Estrada) ousted from office (albeit, illegally) due to charges of corruption, betrayal of public trust, and plunder; followed by impeachment charges against his successor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, likewise for graft and corruption involving her husband as well as allegations of cheating in the 1994 Presidential elections, and a host of other scandals that has outraged a good number of Filipinos — Fertilizer Fund scam, China Broadband deal, Jose Pidal account, ‘Hello Garci’ tapes, profligate spending,  etc.

The mood today is one of distrust of politicians and government officials and the outpouring of affection seen at the wake and funeral of the late President Cory Aquino was exactly that: a longing for non-corrupt and honest leadership after a decade of never ending government anomalies, corruption scandals and eroded credibility of politicians in general. So, Bongbong’s performance as public servant, his educational background, his vast experience, his name recall, and his record of clean and honest governance should make him a shoo-in for Senator. But with him or more accurately, with his name, there could be more to it than those we’ve just mentioned. Fairly or unfairly, there will be those that will continue to judge him not for what he’s done but for what his father has done and that can work both ways, for or against him, depending on the “sentiment of the moment” come election time. What he should hope for and strive to communicate to the voters to ensure his election is for them to vote or not vote for him based purely on his competence, capability and  his track record the last 18 years spent in public service. If he is judged on those criteria, then we will surely see another Ferdinand Marcos (II) elected to the Senate next year as we first did fifty years ago.

A letter to Filipinos

Here is a good article sent by Dr. Arsenio Martin of Fort Arthur , Texas …
Enjoy reading.

THE DIFFERENCE
The difference between the poor countries and the rich ones is not the age of the country:

This can be shown by countries like India & Egypt , that are more than 2000 years old, but are poor.

On the other hand, Canada , Australia & New Zealand , that 150 years ago were inexpressive, today are developed countries, and are rich.

The difference between poor & rich countries does not reside in the available natural resources.

Japan has a limited territory, 80% mountainous, inadequate for agriculture & cattle raising, but it is the second world economy. The country is like an immense floating factory, importing raw materials from the whole world and exporting manufactured products.

Another example is Switzerland , which does not plant cocoa but has the best chocolate in the world. In its little territory they raise animals and plant the soil during 4 months per year. Not enough, they produce dairy products of the best quality! It is a small country that transmits an image of security, order & labor, which made it the world’s strongest, safest place. Or Finland a small country with small population who is known the world over as the maker of the cellphone brand NOKIA
Executives from rich countries who communicate with their counterparts in poor countries show that there is no significant intellectual difference.
Race or skin color are also not important: immigrants labeled lazy in their countries of origin are the productive power in rich European countries.
What is the difference then? The difference is the attitude of the people, framed along the years by the education & the culture & flawed tradition.

On analyzing the behavior of the people in rich & developed countries, we find that the great majority follow the following principles in their lives:
1. Honesty, as a basic principle.
2. Integrity.
3. Responsibility.
4. Respect to the laws & rules.
5. Respect for the rights of others
6. Creativity & Work ethics.
7. Strive for savings & investment.
8. Will of super action.
9. Punctuality.
10. and of course…Discipline

In poor countries, only a minority follow these basic principles in their daily life.

The Philippines is not poor because we lack natural resources or because nature was cruel to us. In fact, we are supposedly rich in natural resources.

We are poor because we lack the correct attitude. We lack the will to comply with and teach these functional principles of rich & developed societies.

If you do not forward this message nothing will happen to you. Your pet will not die, you will not be fired, you will not have bad luck for seven years, and also, you will not get sick or go hungry.
But those may happen because of your lack of discipline & lazinessm,
your love for intrigue and politics, your indifference to saving for the future, your stubborn attitude.
If you love your country, let this message circulate so that many Filipinos could reflect about this, & CHANGE, ACT!

Marcos-Aquino Reconciliation

The death of President Corazon C. Aquino has once again revived suggestions of reconciliation between political families, most notably, the Marcoses and the Aquino’s. The animosity, quarrel, acrimony, loathing even, between these two families began as early as the late sixties during the second term of President Marcos and the election of Ninoy Aquino in 1971as the youngest senator of the Philippines. Marcos was to finish his second and last term as President in 1973 while Ninoy was, for all intents and purposes, preparing to be his successor. The late sixties leading up to 1972 were tumultuous years in as far as political street activism was concerned. This was true not only in the Philippines but in most other countries, the United States in particular due to the growing anti-Vietnam war sentiment among the youth as well as assassinations, in quick succession, of Bobby Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. Violent street demonstrations had become frequent in the capitals of the world from Paris to Tokyo to Manila, New York, London, etc. In the Philippines, grenades were lobbed at the stage of the final political rally of the Liberal party at Plaza Miranda (1971 mid term senatorial and local elections) ensuring the victory of all but two in the Liberal party senatorial slate. Ninoy Aquino topped that race but curiously, was not present when the grenades exploded. He had sent word at the last minute that he would be arriving late so was saved from the harm of the explosion. Many others were hurt, some seriously. Blame was placed on Marcos by his opponents which he vehemently denied suggesting it was the work of the communists. The following year, amidst more street demonstrations, sporadic bombings, and more vilification of the Marcos administration by the local media, the “lame duck” Marcos declared Martial Law and jailed some of his opponents including Ninoy Aquino. The rest, as they say, is history.

Fast forward to the wake of Mrs. Aquino: after some indirect communication between the Aquino and Marcos “children,” finally, Bong-Bong and Imee are in the church face to face with the eldest of the Aquino daughters, Balsy, and a couple of the grandsons. Both “sides” behave graciously and appropriately.

Now, everyone has an opinion on the manner in which a reconciliation of both families should proceed, if at all. There are some that remember the words of Mrs. Aquino: “there can be no reconciliation without justice.” Well, as far as we know, besides the soldiers that accompanied Senator Aquino down the tarmac and who have served time in jail for over twenty years, there has been no court that has found anyone else guilty. In other words, the “who masterminded it” remains unresolved. To assume the Marcos children know who masterminded it is being naive. If  (and this is a big IF because in fact, Marcos was heavily medicated and at his death throes around the time of  Ninoy’s flight back to Manila) the assassination of Ninoy was indeed hatched in the palace, we doubt if this was a subject discussed with the children over family dinner. In the same manner that the decision to disallow Marcos and his family to return to Manila (every Filipino’s right) was not an Aquino family decision made during Sunday lunch but a decision of her advisers and herself with the full cooperation of the Americans.  All other aspects of the “feud” (media thrives on feuds) between these two families have really nothing to do with the children on either side. Nobody will sue Chelsea Clinton in the future for her father’s sexual indiscretions of the past and nobody will go after the Bush twins, after their father has gone, for having invaded Iraq,

Again, it was not Bong-Bong or his sisters that declared Martial Law. It was their dad with the help of Senator Enrile, President Ramos, Cory’s cousin Danding Cojuanco, etc. and the Filipino’s allowed it. Subsequently, with Cory at the helm, democracy was restored. Observe that those of us that put democracy “above all” are the same ones that marvel with envy at the economic growth of non-democratic Singapore, China, Malaysia and even Vietnam. The principals involved in the Aquino-Marcos political battle are now gone. Having said that, our question is: what changes can we expect from a reconciliation between the remaining members of both families in as far as reconciling the fact that a handful of families control the wealth of this country while half the population starve? What changes in our corrupt culture will be effected if Bong-Bong and Noynoy decide to shake hands and go out for  a beer? If Imee and Balsy were to decide to put the past behind and celebrate that with an outdoor barbecue, will that end the existence of political dynasties and patronage politics? Perhaps we are again putting too much importance on something that will have very little effect in solving the deeper problems of our nation. Next….

State of the Nation Address…and take that (POW!!)…and that (Boink!!)…

Her State of the Nation address sounded more like a harangue to “fellow politicians” rather than what it should have been. She spent a lot of time defending accusations against her by throwing back the same at her accusers. Her defense that others do it (too) is no defense, in court or in public.

When she spoke about the Cheaper Medicine Law, she was more emphatic about who the “real” authors of the bill were as opposed to who were not (said with matching smirk and a sideswipe at a particular politician) than the benefits of the said law. Cheeky.

She insinuated that she should be thanked for not declaring Martial Law – she would have if she had to; at least, that much we know about her. (It’s like a thief telling his victim: “be thankful I only robbed your house and not killed you.”)

She lashed back at those that accused her of stealing by pointing out the opulent and extravagant lifestyles, again, of her accusers forgetting that 95% of those that accuse her are not politicians and are poor and cannot possibly be living in comfort much less opulently. But, I guess, accusations coming from the poor don’t even deserve a response directed at them.

The speech as a whole had a mixed-flavor of chest (implant and all) beating, pugnacity, finger pointing and, yes, economic figures the man on the street can relate to as much as the anniversary of the landing on the moon.  Hardly an accurate picture of THE STATE OF THE NATION.

Surrealistically, the whole affair looked like a convention of thieves with the Chief-Thief berating the opposing faction of thieves interspersed with the presentation of economic figures and numbers while everyone mentally computing 30% to 40% and “knowing” to whose pockets they went to and congratulating and thanking each other for it.  And all hoping to get more from next year’s share of the spoils… and the beat-ing goes on.

Former Defense Secretary Cruz

Former Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz asked soldiers to “disobey patently unlawful orders” that would subvert the Constitution. This was part of his speech at a forum of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting in Ortigas, where he said that the public should also be prepared to “stand in the way of any attempt” by the administration to stay in power. Cruz was a senior partner of the law firm that GMA and her husband used extensively over the years. He is privy to many things the first couple would rather he keep to himself. In that speech, he cited other factors that point to GMA’s plans to stay in power. He obviously knows more than he cares to divulge. Perhaps, now is the time for him to state everything he knows and publicly announce where he personally stands and what he is prepared to do.