Archive for May, 2009
May 29th, 2009 by bp
Senator Richard Gordon wants our Muslim ancestors honored for fighting for Philippine independence. I’ve been told that this has been an advocacy of the senator since 2003. Well and good. That shows that this is probably not just a ploy to get himself noticed.
But, pardon me for being a little too suspicious of the timing. The senator is, after all, a politician who has already made it clear that he will be gunning for the presidency. As most of us already know, presidential aspirations can make a person do crazy things.
So, is the senator courting controversy? It’s possible. He is, after all, proposing to give our Muslim ancestors recognition by way of a modification to the Philippine flag. Gordon’s proposal is to have a ninth ray added to the sun in the Philippine flag. This, he says, would symbolize the Muslims who fought against foreign invasion of the Philippines.
In fairness to Mr. Gordon, the idea of getting Muslims who fought off foreign invaders honored is commendable. But, with just months away from the elections, Mr. Gordon’s proposal may just make him look like he is trying to attract attention. If there’s any lesson that can be learned from Martin Nievera and all the other singers who made the Philippine National Anthem their own it is that any and all attempts to tinker with this country’s national symbols is a sure-fire way of eliciting indignation from just about anyone who claims to be the protector of this country’s cultural heritage. And, where there’s indignation there is noise.
But, then again, if getting talked about is indeed the objective, Mr. Gordon couldn’t have picked a worse time to stir controversy. Doesn’t he know his proposal may just go unnoticed since everybody and his uncle is still very much entranced by the scandal (which I am trying hard not to talk about)?
Perhaps, I’m just reading too much into the senator’s move. For all I know, he came out with this proposal with the sincerest of motives. But, then again, Mr. Gordon is a politician and, as with all politicians, his actions are all open to malicious interpretations.
In any case, I would prefer that Mr. Gordon get himself noticed through his handling of senate committee hearings, which is way better than how one of his colleagues is heading the senate probe on the scandal.
May 28th, 2009 by bp
I seriously hope everyone has had their fun now that the main characters of the sordid affair that has taken this country by storm has already come out to say their piece before what I can only describe as the most ridiculous institution in this side of the world.
The mainstream media and the blogosphere have been abuzz over this salacious issue. Not a few net surfers have scoured cyberspace for what could be this year’s hottest set of home videos.
Fortunately, there are a few people out there providing some semblance of sanity to the already frenzied atmosphere. I share in their clamor for a return to more important matters. Hasn’t this issue already gotten more than its fair share of attention?
I apologize if this post seems a little too cryptic. I purposely avoided filling in the details because it would be the height of irony if I provided them while I call for silence on the issue.
May 27th, 2009 by bp
There’s no doubt about it: One of the biggest problems in this country is poverty. Our upcoming leaders should find a way to address this once and for all. Hopefully they would do so with long term solutions not just with stop gap measures such as emergency employment programs and dole-outs.
It is said that there there is nothing blessed about being poor. Filipinos especially those in the lower income brackets should rid themselves of the notion that there is virtue in being poor. Being poor is just not a good state to be in.
Now there are those who say that “poor” is a state of mind. If you see yourself as being poor you will feel like one regardless of how much money you have. To a certain extent that could be true. But, when financial demands come to bear at a time when money is simply elusive you will know that no amount of mindsetting will help you pay the bills. At the end of the day being poor simply sucks.
Bestselling author Robert Kiyosaki wrote something about how current educational systems produce not entrepreneurs but employees. To drive home his point Kiyosaki even came out with the provocative statement that also became the title of one of his books — “If You Want to be Rich and Happy: Don’t Go to School.”
The author of the “Rich Dad Poor Dad” book series may just be oversimplifying. I don’t think he really meant to recommend that people do away with formal education. Having an education after all still works as an access pass to many financial opportunities.
Kiyosaki merely wants to point out that being an entrepreneur (specifically an investor) is the best option. He belabors the point that employment is not the path to true financial freedom.
In any case, Kiyosaki’s observation about the non-entrepreneurial thrust of current educational systems or currricula is worth examining. The government should seriously look into this and consider implementing major reforms that would ensure that the next generation of Filipinos would be more entrepreneurial.
Those of us who are already sufficiently educated tobe employees should also explore other means of wealth creation. Again, entrepreneurship is the key. Having one’s own business enterprise is highly recommended.
Of course, this is not to say that setting up a bricks-and-mortar business is easy. With all the details such as salaries, supplies, space rentals etcetera, going into business is obviously one big challenge in itself. Fortunately, there is another option, an easier one at that.
If you’re reading this blog then you already have the most basic skills needed to get into an online business. Yes, you read it right. This is a pitch for online businesses, of which there are quite a number of models to choose from. One need only learn how to make them work.
You might want to read Willie Crawford’s “20 Ways To Make $100 Per Day Online” if you want to know more about possible online businesses. I’ve just started reading it and I can honestly say that I’m now beginning to see a number of real online opportunities to make some extra cash.
Going back to the real topic of this post. There’s just no justification for people to remain poor. It is in our personal and national interest to be as rich as possible.
May 25th, 2009 by bp
Isn’t it strange that in advertisements promoting Philippine tourism the word ‘mabuhay” is standard but in normal conversations it is never used. That being the case, why then do we use it at all when addressing a foreign audience?
“Come visit the Philippines. Mabuhay!”
Don’t we have any other conversational words that we can use in lieu of “mabuhay”?
Is our use of this word indicative of something deeper?
Share your thoughts, please.
May 21st, 2009 by bp
Let’s all take time to pray for our country’s safety against the deadly Influenza A H1N1 virus.
The Department of Health has confirmed the country’s first infection. The patient has been described as a 10-year old girl who came from a trip to Canada and the United States.
Prayers for the little girl and the rest of her family is also in order.
On a more practical level, let’s all take extra precautions. The DOH advises keeping our immune systems strong. We may also consider avoiding huge crowds for the meantime.
May 21st, 2009 by bp
Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is ready to defend his “Makati” infomercial, which critics say is a not so subtle pitch for his presidential bid.
In an Inquirer.net report, Binay is said to have welcomed the petition filed by partylist group Abakada Guro asking the Comelec to investigate the infomercials of perceived presidential aspirants.
Binay already has his excuse — that his TV ad is all about Makati and the benefits its residents are receiving.
I know I wasn’t born yesterday so I’ll just go ahead and call out what the good mayor is doing: “nagpapalusot.”
The same could be said of Senator Mar Roxas and Manny Villar should they also claim later on that their ads have nothing to do with the upcoming elections. Although, unlike Binay, Roxas and Villar will probably have a harder time defending their infomercials as anything other than campaign advertisements. But, who knows, Villar might claim he was just promoting duck-raising as an enterprise while Roxas might say — er. I can’t even think of a flimsy excuse for this one. I guess you’re on your own Mr. Roxas.
In any case, the general public need not hold their breath for a “palusutan” showdown anytime soon. No less than Comelec Chair Jose Melo has said that they cannot act on these ads. Apparently, the relevant laws and rules are cancelling out each other.
So, what’s a Comelec official to do? What else but pass the responsibility of determining if a violation had been committed to the voting public. What a disappointment. It would have been more interesting had he said “bahala na si Batman” (let Batman figure it out).
Levity aside, there’s a surrealistic quality to this whole situation that is worth examining. It’s like when you see a mound of shit and you call it as such because the fact of the matter is it really is a mound of shit. But then here comes someone challenging your belief, telling you it’s not shit but a tasty, delectable cupcake.
Now, I don’t know about you but I don’t plan on eating shit anytime in my near or distant future. I hate pastries as well.
May 20th, 2009 by bp
Nakarating sa aking atensyon ang isang Facebook entry na ito mula sa isang taga-suporta ni Senador Francis Escudero. Mula ito sa isang Annie Reyes. Narito ang buong tugon niya sa aking blog entry na ginamit ng inquirer.net para sa kanilang Being Filipino blog.
To LPGD:Dahil hindi patok sayo ang mga sagot ni Chiz sa forum at pinalakpakan siya ng masa, mga bobo na ang mga supporters niya? Hindi ikaw ang pinaka-matalinong tao sa balat ng lupa.
Mahirap aminin para sayo na malakas talaga si Sen Chiz kasi ang manok mo nakahilera kay GMA, Gi Boo! Mantakin mo maski tingin mo walang kwenta ang mga sagot ni Chiz , pero sayo na rin nanggaling, malakas ang palakpak sa kanya. Dapat mag-isip ka ng mas malalim at hindi para kang bobo na konklusyon na sayo, bobo ang supporters niya.
Bakit? Simple lang yun, mas naniniwala at nagtitiwala ang karamihan kay Sen. Chiz. Mas madali maunawaan ang mga sagot niya. Abot niya ang kamalayang pinoy . Sambot ng masa ang gustong ipunto ni Sen Chiz sa mga tanong na ibinabato sa kanya. Sinasagot lang niya ang tanong sa magaang na pangungusap at madaling maintindihan ng masa.
Sa mga sagot at simpleng sundot ni Sen. Chiz laban kay GMA, na kung saan malakas ang palakpak ng tao, hindi kasalanan ni Sen. Chiz na palakpakan siya ng manonood dahil totoo namang maraming galit kay GMA ngayon, ah? Totoong ginalit ni GMA ang sambayanang Pilipino kaya mas marami ngayon, nais makiaalam at makisali para sa pagbabago sa taong 2010.
Consistent lang si Sen Chiz, mula noon hanggang ngayon, na siya ang kinikilalang tunay na kaalyado ng taumbayan laban sa maling gawain ni GMA. Uhaw ang tao sa tunay na kaalyadong lider na lumalaban sa mga mababangis sa pwesto, swapang sa pera ng bayan, nanggigipit ng mga maliliit na mamamayan at kung magkaminsan, pinipitik rin ang may mga sinasabing mamamayan na lumalaban sa tropa ni GMA. At nakikita naming ang katauhan iyon kay Sen Chiz. Iyon ang partida niya.
Kaya pag buka ng bibig niya sa bawat sagot sa tanong, bawat pagsaltik niya, sa pagtahimik niya, pag ngiti niya sa bawa’t katanungan, nakukuha ng masa ang ibig niyang sabihin at kaisa niya ang tao.
Likas na magaling mag-isip, magsalita at makakuha ng atensyon si Sen Chiz, kaya pasensiya ka kung mas marami naniniwala sa kanya. Hindi lahat ng masa nagbabasa ng blogs. Mas malakas pa rin ang sigaw ng taumbayan sa lansangan, palengke, iskinita, kalye, barong-barong , eskuwelahan, kaya pasensiya ka kung mas marami ang bilib kay Sen. Chiz pag dating sa mga gayang usapan.
Walang kasalanan si Sen Chiz, na ng nagsabog ng karisma ang Maykapal, ay nakasalo siya ng malaking porsyento nito, na wala kay Gi Boo at kapos ang iba . Hindi rin niya kasalanan na sa paraan ng pagsagot niya ay magpalakpakan, magsisipol at magsigawan ang manonood, kasi likas niyang talento iyon na alam niya kailan niya gagamitin. Marami sa kanila kapos sa karakter na ito, kaya hindi kataka taka na ang iba di patok sa masa.
Ang simple ng mga tanong sa forum, hindi na kailangan ng malalimang sagot yun. Halimbawa, ano ang huling napanood mong sine. Nagsabi lang siya ng totoo, Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo. Ano ba yan, pati ba naman dun dapat magpakaseryoso pa si Idol ng papanoorin niya. Ang panonood ng sine ay pag aaliw, pagtakas pansamantala sa kasalukuyang pangayayari sa buhay buhay , alangan naming limitahan pa rin niya ang sarili niya sa panonood ng mga pelikulang magbibigay ng leksiyon “Paano ang pagiging presidente, ang pamamahala bilang presidente, eh kung hindi naman yun ang huling pinanood niya. Malay ba natin, noon ay napanood na niya ang mga ganoong pelikula. Nagpakatotoo lang siya sa oras na yon iyo ang huli niyang napanood. At na pick-up ng masa, na simpleng tao pa rin siya na kailangang mag-aliw, na pwede siyang makausap sa kanto, maka-talamitam sa mga isyung magaang at di kumplikado para sa araw araw na buhay. May buhay at pamilya siya pagkatapos ng maghapong pagtatrabaho sa senado, huwag iyon ipagkait sa kanilang mambabatas.
Sa tanong na kung sasama siya sa lapian ni Manny Paquiao kung saka-sakali? Sumagot lang si Sen. Chiz , na ayon sa dikta ng gusto niya, Oo kung ito ay angkop sa paniniwala niya at ito ay makakatulong sa ikagaganda ng bayan pero wag lang isasama. ang nasa Malacanang.. Hindi niya minenos ang kakayahan ni Manny P. bagkus kinilala niya ang kakayahan at pwedeng kontribusyon ni Manny sa bayan. Subalit, sinabi rin niya ang gusto niya na ayaw niya kasama ang nasa Palasyo. May mali ba don? Wala di ba? Ayaw niya kasama si GMA, kasi may foresight at consistent lang si Sen Chiz. Hindi niya kailangang makisakay sa limelight ni Manny P., gaya ng ginagawa ng iba. Simpleng tanong simpleng sagot lang ang binigay niya.
Ano pa? Kung susuportahan niya ang prosecution ni GMA? Tama naman ang sagot ni Sen Chiz na hahayaan niyang managot ang may sala at gumulog ang hustisya sa magiging administrasyon niya kung sakaling tumakbo at manalo siya .
Bakit hindi direktang sinagot yon ni Among Ed, sa halip iniliko niya ang sagot sa kaso ng mga ibang tao na sana raw gumulong ang hustisya rin para sa kanila. Ang tanong lamang ay ang kaso ni GMA. Simpleng tanong simpleng sagot lang dapat.
Ano naman ang sagot ni Gi Boo? Oo, susuportahan niya ang imbestigasyon , KUNG hindi haka haka at kuro kuro ang kaso. Putek, sisihin pa ang mga hapong sila HAKAHAKA at KUROKURO. Lumabas na si Garci sa tape, nalimas na ni Jocjoc ang pera sa fertilizer fund scam bago ang election, kumanta na si Lozada,bumigay na si Abalos at Jdv sa Chinese deal nila, sila HAKAHAKA at KUROKURO pa rin pala ang may kasalanan. Walang pag asa kay Gi Boo na mananagot pala si GMA kung ganon! Patay tayo kay Gi Boo.
Ayan ba ang magandang sagot ni GI Boo? Kala ko matalino siya? Ganyan ba ang matalino, kayhina sa pulsuhan sino ang tama at sino ang gusto ng masa. Sipsip siya at puro pagtatanggol lang kay GMA ang kaya niya. Kahanga hanga ba yun? Na ang dinidiyos niya, uunahin niya si GMA na isang mandaraya, kunsintidor sa mga magnanakaw at isang pambansang sinungaling. Aba, pag siya ang malas na naiupo sa Palasyo sa 2010, itutuloy lang niya ang pagpapahirap ni GMA sa bayan. Ded ang taumbayan kay Gi Boo.
At bakit naman kami matutuwa sa mga sagot ni Gi Boo, ang mga porsyentong contribution ni GMA? Talaga naman dapat yun ang unang gawain ni GMA bilang presidente, ang paangatin ang kabuhayan ng gobyerno at mamamayan. Lahat ng pangulo dapat mag- accomplish ng ganun. Walang extra ordinary dun sa sagot ni Teodoro na yun at sa gawain na yun ni GMA, hindi dapat hangaan yun. Mababasa natin yun sa intenet at mga diaryo, pero ibang usapan kung papaniwalaan natin yun.
Sa totoo lang, nakakabanas ang sagot niya, dahil hindi nararamdaman ng maliliit na tao ang mga porsyentong sinabi niya kung akma sa araw-araw na takbo ng buhay natin. Marahil sa taas ng EVAT nila, ang kaban ng bayan umaapaw, pero kinukupit din ng mga namumuno.
Zero karisma si Gi Boo. Hindi siya nakaka- inspired pakinggan. Bagsak si Gi Boo para sa akin. Pero hindi ko idadamay ang mga naniniwala sa kanya na memenosin ko sila at sasabihang bobo ang naniniwala kay Gi Boo. Lahat tayo may karapatang mamili sino ang papanigan, papaniwalaan at pagtitiwalaan.
Marami sa supporters ni Sen Chiz, hindi mahilig mag-participate sa mga ganitong blogs dahil, una, may napili na kaming magiging lider sa 2010, at iyon ay si Sen Chiz. Magbasa man sila ng mga ganitong usapan, hindi na rin naman mababago ang aming paniniwala at pagtitiwala kay Sen Chiz. Habang tinitira si Sen Chiz ng mga ganitong blogs, lalong lumalakas siya sa mata namin, kasi binabato talaga ang mabungang puno.
Kaya pasensiya ka kung kakaunti lang ang mapapaniwala mo laban kay Sen Chiz. Kasi kami desidido na kay Sen Chiz para sa 2010 Presidency.
Mabuti pa paangatin mo ang manok mo sa pagsasabi ng magagandang nagawa niya kaysa batuhin mo ang mga presidentiables at supporters nila na hindi patok sa panlasa mo, baka sakali makakuha ka pa ng maniniwala sayo…maski konti!
Naiintindihan ko kung saan nagmumula si Annie. Naiintindihan ko na hindi maganda sa kanyang pandinig ang mga pinagsasabi ko sa aking blog entry dahil taga-suporta siya ni Escudeo. Maaari kong respetuhin iyon. Hindi ko nais makipag-away sa mga tagasuporta ni Escudero o kanino man.
Sinimulan ko ang blog na ito na ang layunin ay ang bigyang pansin ang mga bagay bagay tungkol sa ating bansa na maaari pa nating ayusin. Nagbibigay ako ng aking mga obserbasyon at mga suhestyon. Sa lahat ng ito iisa lang naman ang aking pakay ang makatulong sa sarili kong paraan para sa ikauunlad ng ating bayan at ang naisip ko ngang paraan ay ang magsimula ng mga diskusyon tungkol sa mga isyu.
Hindi naiwasan na mahagip ko maging ang mga politikal na usapin lalo pa’t iyan naman ang mainit na isyu ngayon dahil nalalapit na nga ang halalan. Sa totoo lang ayaw ko nga sanang makisawsaw sa mga usaping politikal ngunit narito na tayo kaya’t panindigan na lang natin. Naisip ko na lamang na gawin kong advocacy ang manghikayat ng mga botante na maging mas mapanuri.
May ilang bagay na kailangan linawin sa puntong ito. Sana mabasa mo ito Annie. Kung nais mo ring magbigay linaw bukas din para sa iyo ang blog kong ito.
Una. Kung babasahin mo ang lahat ng mga blog entry ko kahit saan wala kang makikitang indikasyon kung sino nga ba ang aking sinusuportahang kandidato.
Pangalawa. Sino nga ba ang manok ko? Ako lamang ang nakakaalam at wala akong intensyon na ipangalandakan kung sino ang aking iboboto.
Pangatlo. Bakit nga ba hindi ko sabihin kung sino ang sinusuportahan ko? Dahil hindi mahalagang ipangalandakan ko iyon at nais kong maipagpatuloy ang aking layunin na makapanghikayat ng mga botante na maging mapanuri kahit sino pa man ang kanilang napupusuang kandidato.
Pang-apat. Patas ako sa lahat ng mga kandidato at politiko. Lahat sila hindi ko pinagkakatiwalaan. Di tulad ng ibang blogger (at marami sila) hindi ako tagapagsalita ng sinumang kandidato o politiko. Wala akong interes na pinoprotektahan. Sa katunayan makailang beses na rin akong inalok na tumulong sa cyber-campaign ng ilang politiko ngunit tinaggihan ko kahit pa makakatulong sa akin ang perang ibabayad. Hindi ako bayarin ganoon kasimple.
Pang-lima. Ayaw ko ba kay Escudero? Hindi ko masasabing ayaw ko kay Escudero. Sa katunayan ibinoto ko rin siya noong tumakbo siya sa pagka-senador. Ang hindi ko lang gusto sa kanya sa ngayon ay ang patuloy niyang pagsakay sa sentimyentong kontra kay Pangulong Gloria Arroyo.
Bakit hindi ako sangayon dito? Simple lang Annie. Ang eleksyon ay tungkol sa kinabukasan, hindi sa kasalukuyan at lalong hindi sa nakaraan. Ang pinakamahalaga sa eleksyon ay ang makapaghalal tayo ng lider na magdadala sa atin sa mas magandang kinabukasan. Sa kadahilanang ito, hindi ba’t mas nararapat na ang ipinangangalandakan ng ating mga kandidato ay ang kanilang mga plano para sa bayan?
Wala akong planong gamitin ang blog na ito para tirahin si Escudero. Wala akong personal na galit sa kanya. Ngunit plano ko talagang gamitin ang blog na ito para punahin ang lahat ng mga diskarteng politikal na wala namang naitutulong para iangat ang antas ng pagboto ng mga mamamayan.
Pang-anim. May sinabi ba akong bobo ang masa? Wala. Kahit ulit-ulitin pang basahin ang blog entry ko wala akong sinabing ganoon. Pero para wala nang haka-haka sasabihin ko ngayon kung ano ba talaga ang tingin ko sa masa kung saan ako mismo ay kabilang sa maniwala ka man o hindi Annie. Heto ang tingin ko: may matatalinong masa pero may mga bobo rin; may mga nagsisikap mag-isip pero may mga kuntento lamang na magsunud-sunuran; may mga totoong masa pero meron ding nagkukunwaring masa.
Huwag mo sanang gamitin laban sa akin ang isyu tungkol sa kabobohan ng masa. Kung susuriin ang aking blog makikita mo naman na layunin kong magbigay ng mga obserbasyon at suhestiyon. Bakit ko papagurin ang sarili ko sa bagay na ito kung tingin ko bobo ang masa sa pangkalahatan? Ginagawa ko ito dahil naniniwala akong may isip ang maraming tunay na masa.
Pang-pito. Hindi ako kontra kay Escudero per se. Kung tutuusin pa nga mas nakakatulong pa ako sa kanya sa pagpuna ko sa kanyang diskarte. Mas matalino na ngayon ang masa Annie. Marami sa kanila ang hindi na nagpapa-uto. Hindi kaya’t mas nakakasama pa nga ang diskarteng isinusulong mo para sa kandidatura ni Escudero? Hindi kaya’t mas nasa interes pa nga niya na pagbutihin pa ang kanyang diskarte sa pamamagitan ng pagtutok na lamang sa mga plano at plataporma?
Sa isyu ba ng kahirapan ang magiging tugon na lamang ni Escudero ay ang mga pambabatikos sa administrasyon?
Sa isyu ng ekonomiya ito pa rin ba ang magiging tugon niya?
Sa korapsyon ganoon pa rin?
Mga katanungan ito na maaaring hindi naitanong sa katatapos lamang na ANC Leadership Forum ngunit sigurado ako ito ang mga tanong na hinahanapan ng kasagutan ng mga tunay na masa.
Mataas ang pinag-aralan ni Escudero kaya sigurado akong may ibubuga pa siya maliban sa mga batikos. Hindi ako naniniwala na hindi niya kayang maglabas ng malinaw na mga plano para sa ating bansa. Naniniwala ako na kaya niya at oras na gawin niya iyon ang taongbayan na ang maghuhusga kung nararapat ba siyang ihalal sa pagka-pangulo o anumang posisyong nanaisin niya.
May 18th, 2009 by bp
Philippine Star columnist William M. Esposo makes an interesting point about why we, as a nation, fail to eradicate corruption. He raised his idea in his column yesterday May 17, 2009.
Esposo sums up the reason why corruption remains a problem in the Philippines in the following paragraphs. Highlights are mine:
Not to suggest that we don’t convict corrupt public officials but the truth is – catching one will only stop one thief but it will not end corruption. Catching a hundred crooked public officials will stop those 100 thieves but that will not end corruption…
….Eradicating corruption is all about reforming values. No matter how many crooks we catch, the corruption will not stop because the culture that spawns it persists.
I wanted to post a comment on Mr. Esposo’s blog but I couldn’t find a way to do it so I’ll just post my reactions here.
First off, assuming that eradicating corruption is all about reforming values, the question is whose values are we talking about? The public’s, the officials’ or everyone’s?
Second, if Mr. Esposo and everyone else who strongly believe in the idea of eradicating corruption in this manner stressed the point ad infinitum will it result in a change in values on a national scale?
Third, how do we get people to reform their values exactly?
Fourth, do you honestly believe “reforming values” will stop the corrupt government official from stealing?
Fifth and last, do you honestly believe people — with the exception of very little children — will heed such calls for value reforms?
Usually when I pose a question I also try to answer it myself. But, in this case, I think it’s best to leave my questions unanswered. Hopefully, Mr. Esposo or anyone else who subscribes to this idea would care to provide some enlightenment.
I genuinely want to know if eradicating corruption is just all about reforming values. I’m afraid, without specifics to back it up, this whole idea is nothing more than just another motherhood statement.
May 18th, 2009 by bp
Not a few bloggers have heaped praises on ANC newscaster Tina Monzon Palma for asking the participants of the first ANC Leadership Forum if they plan to support the investigation of President Gloria Arroyo after the 2010 Elections. Perhaps they thought Ms. Palma showed balls by asking such a question. Perhaps she did.
I’m just wondering was that question really difficult to ask? Was it anywhere near being the toughest question to ask of our presidential hopefuls? Was it even worth asking in the first place?
If you’re idea of a good candidate is someone who does nothing but criticize the incumbent then perhaps that would be the question.
“Will you support an investigation of the Arroyo family for corruption allegations?”
Personally, I think it wasn’t even worth asking. In the first place, if there really is reason to investigate shouldn’t that be automatic regardless of who is in charge? The fact that it was asked and that many saw it as a defining moment of sorts only shows that many of us don’t realize what elections are for. I’ve always thought elections are about plans and the future.
Many would argue that giving the incumbent her just deserts is a real issue. Of course it is. I’m not saying it is not. But — and this is a very big but — is the election period the time to focus on retribution? I think we shouldn’t burden our candidates with this issue anymore. Doing so would only distract them from the more important task of providing us with clear, definite plans (complete with timetables) on how they would lead our country out of the sh_thole it is in. Perhaps we should just ask them about retribution after they get elected. Then again that may not also be a good idea but let’s reserve that for another post.
Going back to the question. “Will you support an investigation of the Arroyo family for corruption allegations?” It’s not as tough a question as many of us would like to believe nor is it the most difficult to answer just ask Senator Francis Escudero.
I want to give our candidates the grilling of a lifetime or maybe I just want to see them squirm and pee in their pants trying to avoid a direct answer. So for me the toughest question is: Have you ever stolen public funds?
Of course, we already know the answer to that.
May 15th, 2009 by bp
Recent events have inspired me to think of what else can be done for the country aside from blogging for change.
Well, since movements for change seem to be in vogue these days I thought I might as well join the bandwagon.
So here’s my humble attempt.
“Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” Movement
“Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” Movement aims to encourage all Filipino voters to be more discerning in scrutinizing politicians who will run in the 2010 elections.
The discerning voter:
1. is able to see beyond pandering political statements
2. will ignore politicians who do nothing but criticize other politicians to make themselves appear better
3. will avoid all variety shows masquerading as campaign sorties
4. will not accept gifts whether in cash or in kind from politicians
5. will not be content with campaign promises not backed by well thought out, detailed, and clear plans of action
6. will not support candidates who will run their campaign on the strength of song and dance numbers, pageantry and statements pandering to the public’s anger
7. will vilify political ads that offer nothing but motherhood, feel-good statements
8. will support only candidates who are able to provide well thought out and clear platforms or plans for the country
9. will demand from all candidates a clear plan of action to fight government corruption
“Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” Movement believes that by observing the aforementioned ideas the voting public will be able to force political candidates to raise the level of campaigning in this country.
There is no need to sign up with any group to be part of this movement. Just put the ideas stated above into action.
*You may not make changes to this document but you may change how you assess the candidates of your choice.
*You will not receive any fashion accessory in exchange for your cooperation. Be content with the thought that you helped ensure a better future for the Philippines.
www.betterphilippines.com
And here’s the Tagalog version.
“Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” Movement
Layunin ng “Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” Movement na hikayatin ang mga botanteng Pilipino na maging mas mapanuri sa pagkilatis sa mga politikong kakandidato sa halalan sa taong 2010.
Ang botanteng hindi uto-uto ay:
1. hindi nagpapadala sa anumang pambobola mula sa mga politiko
2. hindi makikinig sa mga politikong wala nang ibang ginawa kundi ang manira sa iba pang mga politiko para palabasin na mas matino sila
3. hindi dadalo sa anumang miting de abanse o kampanya na nagmimistulang variety show
4. hindi tatanggap ng anumang regalo — pera man,gamit o produkto — mula sa mga politiko
5. hindi makukuntento sa mga pangakong hindi suportado ng mahusay, malinaw at detalyadong plano ng implementasyon
6. hindi susuporta sa mga politikong idinadaan ang pangangampanya sa pasayaw sayaw, pakanta kanta, pagpapa-cute at pagpukaw sa galit ng mamamayan
7. mapagkutya sa mga political ads na walang laman maliban sa mga mapang-utong pananalita
8. susuporta lamang sa mga kandidatong nakapaglalahad ng malinaw at mahusay na plataporma o plano para sa bayan
9. hihingi sa mga kandidato ng malinaw na plano para sa pagsugpo sa katiwalian sa pamahalaan
Naniniwala ang “Hindi Ako Uto-Uto” movement na sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa mga nabanggit na ideya mapupuwersa ng mga botante ang lahat ng mga kakandidatong politiko na itaas ang lebel ng pangangampanya sa ating bansa.
Walang kailangang salihan para maging bahagi ng pagkilos na ito. Gawin lamang ang mga nabanggit sa itaas.
*Hindi mo maaaring baguhin ang nilalaman ng dokumentong ito ngunit pwede mong baguhin kung paano mo kikilatisin ang mga napupusuan mong kandidato.
*Wala kang matatanggap na anumang borloloy bilang kapalit ng inyong kooperasyon. Makuntento na lamang sa ideyang nakatulong ka sa pagtitiyak ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa Pilipinas.
www.betterphilippines.com
I have uploaded a pdf version of this on Scribd. Feel free to download and distribute.
