A Reaction to "Scared to speak one’s mind" by Ramon Tulfo of the Philippine Daily Inquirer: Bigotry Has Friends

A Philippine Daily Inquirer online editorial posted on February the 18th, 2016 entitled "Scared to speak one’s mind" by Ramon Tulfo posted caught my attention. This editorial piece is all about the author's condescending opinion about homosexuality, the whole Manny Pacquiao bigoted opinion, and the LGBT community. Let's break it down and share a different and more rational take on it.


Let me get this out of the way first, I am for the equal civil rights for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community or more commonly known in the shorthand LGBT or LGBTq. Now after that statement, you have either click out of this opinion piece because of (1) your mind is so closed off that you no longer welcome any other opinions disregarding if there is any merit or logical reason behind such opposition; (2) you share the same mentality that discriminates and dehumanize the LGBTq as exhibited by Pacquiao or as he simply put it *is the only 'absolute' truth as seen from the Bible and God'; or if you are still here, then congratulations for having an open mind willing to hear what other people has to say about the matter.



What I will be doing here is I will be quoting Ramon Tulfo's editorial piece online entitled "BScared to speak one’s mind" in the February 16th, 2016 Editorial section of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. I will be addressing the article and present my reaction as if I was talking directly to Ramon Tulfo, thus the use of the second-person pronoun 'You' in the entirety of the "Editorial Reaction". A littler disclaimer, I do not own nor claim ownership of the article and this will simply be a commentary that aims to dissect, provide rebuttals, and hopefully a more rational take in this condescending Inquirer opinion piece as protected by the Fair Use and Freedom of Expression. I will be addressing him. Let's get started.

I was laughing and nearly fell off my chair as I was reading a story about world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao being driven to the ropes by a flurry of jabs, hooks, and uppercut and straight punches from various groups for his comment about homosexuals.

Hala, bay, ayuha ug panagang sa mga bayot ug tomboy (You have to reel from the punches of homosexuals, my friend)!

You started out strong by laughing at the backlash received by Pacquiao in his 'Bilang Pilipino' political series interview that asked him 'What is his stance on the issue on 'same sex marriage' which Pacquiao made his controversial seemingly demeaning and dehumanizing remark that 'LGBTq is worse than animals'.

Manny Pacquiao on same-sex marriage

"Mas masahol pa sa hayop." Senatorial aspirant and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao had this to say when we asked him for his stand on same-sex marriage. #BilangPilipino

Posted by Bilang Pilipino on Monday, February 15, 2016

In your local dialect, you stated that you find it humorous that Pacquiao is receiving punches from 'homosexuals'. We have not gone far and you already committed an mistake. The criticism thrown at Pacquaio did not only came from 'homosexuals' but from straight individuals who has better understanding of their plight and the cause they are fighting for. But you could argue that this is just a 'figure of speech' and I'll give you the benefit of doubt. Let's continue....

Pacquiao said two persons of the same sex who copulate are worse than animals.

“Would you see any species of animals engaging in male-to-male, female-to-female (sexual) relations? Animals, then, are better than humans. They know how to distinguish males from females,” said The Champ.

I said I was laughing not because I find his comment outrageous or hilarious—it’s not—but because he’s getting flak for speaking his mind.

What is so funny for receiving flak for reacting to something? As far as we are all aware, there is nothing in the constitution that limits us from reacting negatively from anything. If Pacquaio can share his negative opinion, then why can't we. PAcquaio did say something 'negative' right or don't you find anything inherently 'wrong' with such dehumanizing remarks? Do you also find it true, then?

Most full-blooded males and females would find sex between two men and two women repulsive.

But they are just too scared to speak their minds.

I have to commend you for not falling to a fallacious generalization when you used 'Most'. Although I find it quite interesting and curious as to where did you get that 'interesting fact of "Most full-blooded males and females would find sex between two men and two women repulsive." do you have any scientific journal or at least reference that documents such statement?

Well here is an actual scientific reference for your consideration which does not assume without proper evidence - An article entitled "All Women Are Attracted To Other Women, New Study Says" which shared a US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health research on Sexual Arousal and Masculinity-Femininity of Women.

They are too scared to speak their minds? What are you saying, man? Just a quick glance at every social media 'news' post that pertains to Manny PAcquiao's 'same sex marriage' debacle will give you a ridiculous amount of people freely speaking their minds that Pacquiao is right'. I shouldn't even cite links. Just go on and check your preferred local news channel social media page and you'll see that you are terribly mistaken, Mr. Tulfo.

To gays, lesbians and transgenders: The public understands you because ours is now a tolerant society.

By “public,” I mean the majority of the population, that is straight or heterosexual.

But being tolerant doesn’t mean our society encourages same-sex marriage or passionate kissing between two men or two women in the open.

The first two lines was passable, but then you went down with "But being tolerant doesn’t mean our society encourages same-sex marriage". Wait, okay so what is the limit of your 'tolerance' towards the LGBTq, what made you become tolerant towards them in the first place? Why is it not tolerable for society to encourage same sex marriage?

Then you continue with an equivocation (fallacy) "...or passionate kissing between two men or two women in the open". The cause of same sex marriage is not the same as passionate kissing of LGBTq in open so don't lump them in one statement as if that is what is the issue here. The issue here is same sex marriage or the state recognized civil union among the members of the LGBTq. They are not asking for tolerance or approval to kiss "in the open" they can freely do that now whether you approve of it or not. Remember, what you said earlier, Tolerant society? This is one of the sneak peak of how ignorant and uninformed you are to what the LGBTq are fighting for.

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A little lesson about Equivocation. Additionally from our dear good old 'partially' reliable Wikipedia, Equivocation ("to call by the same name") is an informal logical fallacy. It is the misleading use of a term with more than one meaning or sense (by glossing over which meaning is intended at a particular time). It generally occurs with polysemic words (words with multiple meanings)...

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If most Filipinos are scandalized by straight couples kissing passionately in public, more so gay couples petting in public.

They find the latter an abomination.

Please do your thing in the privacy of your bedroom.

This is a classic form of 'slippery slope' fallacy (see definition below). How did it became a slippery slope? Well, The topic we are talking here is about 'same sex marriage' and now you have stray away from he topic and imply that the LGBTq is actually asking for approval to commit sex in public.Then you went on blabbering about most Filipinos being scandalized by public display of affection (PDA), then connects that with PDA that may be practiced by the LGBTq, which you then say an 'abomination'.

I ask you again. Why do most Filipinos get scandalized by couple passionately kissing in public? What is your basis? Where are you coming from when you made such 'prejudice' that the LGBTq's version is an 'abomination'?

"Please do your thing in the privacy of your bedroom.". Again that is not the issue here Tulfo. Oh, another fallacy, 'non sequitur" or "it does not follow".

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Slippery slope fallacy'. Wipedia states, A slippery slope argument (SSA), in logic, critical thinking, political rhetoric, and caselaw, is a consequentialist logical device in which a party asserts that a particular result will probably (or even must inevitably) follow from a given decision or circumstance, without necessarily providing any rational argument or demonstrable mechanism for the likelihood of the assumed consequence....

Non sequitur. Wikipedia states, Non sequitur (Latin for "it does not follow"), in formal logic, is an argument in which its conclusion does not follow from its premises.[1] In a non sequitur, the conclusion could be either true or false, but the argument is fallacious because there is a disconnection between the premise and the conclusion. All invalid arguments are special cases of non sequitur. The term has special applicability in law, having a formal legal definition. Many types of known non sequitur argument forms have been classified into many types of logical fallacies....

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You cannot and should not impose your homosexual norms on a society which is still “primitive” by your standards.

Oh hey, look you are trying to be sarcastic by doing the "QUOTATION thing". Cute, but not smart or proper. Philippine society is truly primitive in the sole basis that amidst having The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines declaring The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable, here we have church and religion having a hand in state affairs. Of having no fangs against the violations pertaining to religious organizations. Why is divorce, medically-assisted abortion, medically assisted euthanasia, and legalization of prostitution not being considered or comes close to passing into laws? Who are the usual opponents of such progressive laws? What are their usual basis? Isn't that NOT in violation of separation of church and state? What is holding that back? The answer, a primitive source which is now being questioned by the critical thinkers something that you might not relate to.

If you can’t stand our primitive society that frowns upon same-sex marriage, you should migrate to the United States and Europe where most states now allow same-sex marriage.

What a very 'mature', 'rational', and 'understanding' remark; 'zero-bigotry'. See you are also not the only one who can use sarcasm and quotations effectively. Let's see, historically there was a time when women do not have any rights to vote or held positions in the government. There was also a time, when 'Blacks' or any darker skinned race where considered as slaves. Now, did any of them leave their country to fight for their rights: Right to vote or hold position; rights to be free men? Did the Filipinos simply left the country when Colonizers occupied the country and commit all sorts of atrocities in the name of the Roman Catholic church? No. They fought for it in our very own freaking country, which bigots like you would probably have exiled them or issued statements like "If you don't like how we ran things here, then leave".

Please do not display your homosexuality like a badge of honor because it’s not.

The same applies to you, Pacquiao, and some religious fundamentalist conservative's bigotry and discrimination which dehumanize fellow human beings for being different from what you think and believe is true, when in reality it is now a subject for debates and discussion. No religion, deity, or ancient scripture is free from criticism and analysis.

Haven’t you noticed?

Lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender have formed themselves into a party-list group led by Danton Remoto, a professor at Ateneo de Manila University.

The public loves gays because, well, they’re happy and gay.

What is your point when you cited LADLAD and the leadership of Ateneo de Manila University Professor? The public love gays? It is kind of inconsistent in your 'book' given that all your previous statements seem to antagonize the LGBTq or dehumanize them. Let me help you by saying that "Most of the public loves gays..." which you are in the minority.

Gays make good entertainers and beauticians.

Many of them are talented and intelligent.

This is you trying to save face by simply stating the obvious. Cute, but of course nothing good will come out of pretentious and hypocritical bigotry.

But has the LGBT party-list group ever won in any election? No.

Why? Because our society still can’t accept homosexuality as normal, pardon my saying so.

Pouring salt in a wound. How very understanding of you. You ask the question"Why". I ask you back "Why can't society accept homosexuality as normal"? What is its sole basis? By now I think you know where I am getting at.

And lest I be misconstrued as a bigot, I have many gay friends.

I respect them as much as they respect me.

Well, at least this time, you didn't commit a fallacy. Just a hypocritical argument. Ladies and gentlemen, I present you with the "Friend Argument"...

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The friend argument is an argument used by people who want to claim knowledge about and/or sympathy with a group, by referring to their "friends" belonging to this group. It is commonly used to clear and absolve oneself from suspicion of racism, xenophobia or other kinds of prejudice. It is a particular form of the "Not prejudiced, but..." statement.

It is one of the easiest ways to try to worm out of accusations of prejudice. The thinking is that someone cannot be prejudiced if they have friends of that demographic; if they had a real prejudice against a full group, then none of them would be okay to hang around. In a rather absurd example, someone can cite a specific example that excuses their general behaviour, for example "how can I be a misogynist, I love my mother."- or, in an even more absurd example "I'm not sexist- after all, all of my girlfriends have been female." While this line of reasoning might be true for someone who genuinely doesn't have a general prejudice, it isn't a good argument to prove it - and it certainly doesn't absolve someone who actually does hold such a belief. Such argumentation can be used as 'evidence' that someone is not prejudiced, but this alone does not amount to 'proof'. The underlying fallacy is that one single point of data, this one "friend," completely overrides any other bits of evidence we have to assess someone's views. This is simply not valid reasoning. The presence (or not) of a prejudice is determined by what follows the "But..." in those above examples, not what comes before.

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And we don’t talk about their sexuality.

I don't have that many close gay friends. I have that former co-worker who I think is gay or probably transgender. Never really ask how he identified himself. We also don't talk about their sexuality or what they do in their intimate moments with their chosen partners, but guess what, I am for giving them civil rights and the option to be protected by the Philippine constitution just like any straight couples out there.

To also educate your ignorance about the 'Same Sex Marriage, I will leave you with a very informative post from Ella Espinosa:


Transcript:

Same Sex Marriage:
Ano bang akala niyo mga te? Gusto naming makasal dahil gusto lang naming mag gown at lumakad papunta ng altar? Very wrong po kayo dyan. Uulitin ko, Maling mali po.
Unang una, hindi namin hinihiling ikasal sa simbahan. Malinaw bo ba un.
Bakit nga ba gusto namin ikasal?
1. Puede na naming ideklarang dependent yng partner para naman nde malaking tax ang kinukuha ng gobyerno. Kakahiya naman, mas malaki yng tax na babayran namin kasi pareho kaming single ang status?! Nasan ang hustisya!
2. Sa health insurance, kasama mo ng halos 10 taon pero nde mo din sya puedeng maging dependent kasi nga nde kayo magasawa sabi ng batas?! Makatatungan ba un?!
3. Mga desisyon pang financial. Pareho ninyong pinundar ang kabuhayan niyo. May di inaasahang mangyaring masama sa partner mo. Sino makikinabanag?! Yng magulang, na baka itinakwil pa nya dati yng anak nya?!
4. Nde ka puedeng magdesisyon para sa partner mo kasi nde ka immediate family sabi ng batas. Eh sino pipirma kng sakaling kailangan ng desisyon tulad sa hospital?!
Huwag po kayong makasarili. Huwag ninyong ipagdamot kung ano man ang nakukuha ninyo benepisyo kasi kinikilala ng batas ang pagsasama ninyo.

Let's defining Bigotry..

Bigotry is intolerance toward those who hold different opinions from oneself:

Well, Bigots have families and friends who they they think does not deserve to have equal civil rights for the mere basis of their limiting divisive and questionable belief system which they have never questioned all their lives; even amidst such claims, they are still bigoted.

A Reaction to "Beware of the real bobotantes" An Editorial by Tonyo Cruz: Will the Real "Bobotante" Please Stand Up

A Manila Bulletin online editorial entitled "Beware of the real bobotantes" by Tonyo Cruz caught my attention. This editorial piece is all about the author's condescending opinion about Miriam Defensor-Santiago, her choice for Vice-President, and the voting public who chose her as their president whom he refers to as "bobotante".


Let me get this out of the way first, my primary candidate whom I have clearly expressed my support to upon the announcement of her candidacy this coming 2016 Philippine election is Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Now after that statement, you have either click out of this opinion piece because of an instant allergic reaction to (1) Senator Santiago in general, (2) the Santiago-Marcos tandem, or opinion against Tonyo's piece; or if you are still here, then congratulations for having an open mind willing to hear what other people has to say about the matter.



What I will be doing is quoting Tonyo Cruz' editorial piece online entitled "Beware of the real bobotantes" in the October 16 Editorial section of the Manila Bulletin website. I do not own nor claim ownership of the article and this will simply be a commentary that aims to dissect, provide rebuttals and counter-arguments in this condescending Manila Bulletin opinion piece. I will be addressing him. Let's get started.

Miriam Defensor Santiago gave the nation – especially the intellectuals – a much-needed reality check on Philippine traditional politics after she unapologetically announced Bongbong Marcos as her runningmate in the 2016 elections.

The announcement turned the tide of support for Miriam into a tsunami of frustration and disappointment.

Right from the start, you start off strong by indirectly implying that there is something awfully wrong about Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago's preference as her Vice-President running mate, Senator Bongbong Marcos. You imply that this will be problematic to the voting public, with the special mention of the intellectuals who have chosen her as their (our) President for the 2016 Philippine election.

You generalize that after such announcement that seemingly ALL supporter's perception of Santiago changed to frustration and disappointment. While some are true as I observed this myself, this was not the complete picture as a good majority are still supporting her candidacy as President of the Philippines for 2016. There is a reason for that... her achievements and performance as a lawmaker.

Because never mind that Filipinos can split the ticket, as we often do. What irks us is this: How could this highly intelligent and one of the nation’s brightest political superstars wittingly help deodorize the Marcoses and present a Marcos as a qualified vice president or president-in-waiting?

Why should we not mind that fact? Why are you discounting that the voting Filipinos can always opt out of Marcos and chose a different Vice-President candidate? We then find out what causes all this frustration and disappointments for him; Santiago choosing the son of the dictator Ferdinand Marcos who was held responsible (as how the chief of staff should be) for the atrocities committed during the Martial Law era.

Those who audaciously defend Miriam and Marcos are the real “bobotantes.” They are in the same league as those who defend Mar Roxas and Len Robredo, and Jejomar Binay and Gringo Honasan. Let me tell you why.

You then proceed to make a very bold and condescending statement that those who support Miriam and Marcos are the real "bobotantes". "Bobotantes", the combination of two Filipino word "bobo", a condescending insult which means stupid and "botante" which means voters; therefore "stupid voters". What is interesting here is that he mentions other Presidential and Vice-Presidential candidates like Mar Roxas and Len Robredo, and Jejomar Binay and Gringo Honasan.

We'll start to see who Tonyo may support in the 2016 Philippine election; the Presidential candidate Grace Poe and her Vice-Presidential running mate Chiz Escudero. One can argue that he has only named those who have officially filed their Certificate of Candidacy, but come on! We all know that Poe-Escudero will be in the game, so why not call them out? Well, why indeed; unless he finds no faults in them. He supports them. We'll get back to this one later on his piece.

The apologists of Miriam and Marcos are intellectual and moral orphans who want us to believe nothing is wrong in the tandem, and that nothing is wrong with Miriam’s vice-presidential battlecry “Marcos pa rin.”

I am a Santiago supporter, but I am not blind to the flaws and blunders committed by Santiago, nor turn a blind eye on the atrocities committed by Bongbong's father in the past. So basically this one is not for me, right? Or is it?! You continue on implying that these Apologists makes them (those non-supporters) think that there is nothing wrong with the tandem. I am aware of my candidate’s flaws, but amidst all of that I am still in support of Santiago. Like your awareness of the flaws of your candidate and still voting for her.

Well, I just hope that you are not making a fallacious statement as hasty generalization is not a good argument. I am referring to your statement that these Apologists are intellectual and moral orphans. Hmm curious, what do you mean when you used the term "intellectual orphan" and "moral orphan"? Is there an absolute parent of intelligence and morality? I hope you don't go all religious fundamentalist on us. My mind is no longer boxed in by religion.

For what is the use of intelligence if it is offered to help whitewash the Marcoses’ record and present its scion as a national leader worthy of votes and the vice presidency?

You seem to think that Anti-Marcos sentiments have the exclusivity to intelligence or how intelligence is proper utilized. I would like to assume that Santiago has something up her sleeve for choosing Marcos. Nothing is as plain as black and white like how you paint and view her. It is as faulty as to think that ALL Miriam supporters are INSTANTLY Marcos supporters (will vote for Marcos).

By choosing Marcos, Miriam reopens a can of worms: Her support for Joseph Estrada in the impeachment trial and her agitation at Edsa Tres. Her mental fitness to make important decision. Her moral compass

You assume here that past blunders committed by Santiago's will not resurface. Even if she didn't choose Marcos as her running mate, it will still be reopened as mudslinging is a common phenomenon in Philippine politics. There is no argument that Santiago has made blunders in the past; non-criminal blunders if I may emphasize; of her questionable loyalties whether it is to Estrada or to Arroyo. But amidst all these obvious criticisms to her in knowing how to play with an age-old established flawed political system in the Philippines, she still managed to performed and stood above the rest performance-wise. You can question her mental fitness to make important decision (For what? Your parties’ interest? To side with chaos and the unconstitutionality?) or her moral compass (which you seemingly imply to have exclusive superiority on). We chose her not for such blunders but for her achievements and what she will be capable of once she acquires the highest seat in the Philippines.

Miriam and the Miriam-Marcos defenders now own the distinction of being symbols of impunity that reigns in Philippine traditional politics. Their opportunism and naïveté are not our problems – except if their flawed reasoning manage to infect the electorate.

So we are a symbol of impunity now eh? But if you trace the source of this impunity, who or what can truly be held responsible for it? Who or what has allowed the impunity towards the Martial Law victims? Why is it that up this day that the Marcos(es) are not kicked out of this country, prevented from holding any position, or been brought to "justice"? Is it the Santiago's supporters fault? Are all Santiago supporters, Marcos supporters? You seem to be throwing fist in the air. Not pounding on the right doors. You seem to commit another hasty generalization; a non-sequitur and hasty generalization.

It is also a bit naive of you to think that your opinion is the only opinion that matters; or anti-Marcos sentiment that matters; that your sets of candidates are the only deserving candidates. That opposing opinion cannot influence the electorate. We can see the deep-seated hatred towards the Marcos that affecting you as a supposed rational man and "intellectual" as much as you avoid it.

The defenders of Roxas and Robredo are no different. They also commit the same intellectual and moral mistakes in their crazed ad crazy quest to install their idols.

Now this is where it gets interesting. You start dropping names. First off, Roxas and Robredo…

Nearly six years into Daang Matuwid of high taxes, collapsing public services, selective justice, incompetence, presidential pork barrel, disaster mismanagement and others, why do they insist that this yellow scam be “continued and expanded” even further? Are they masochists and do they want the rest of us to be masochists, too?

Finally something to agree on; well, Aquino and Roxas supporters will sing a different tune. But to their credit, they will tend to focus more on the positives and achievements as well that is pretty much obvious, right?

Talk to any of the few intellectual supporters of Roxas and Robredo and they’d say two things: Brag about their candidates’ character, and demonize the others. Character is obviously not enough, especially “manufactured” character – BS Aquino himself is the best argument against this.

It looks like you had no luck in finding intellectual supporters of the Roxas-Robredo camp as you seem to generalize that all they do is brag about their candidate and demonize the others. Not because you haven't found any, or have not put an effort to actually engaging in discussions with one, doesn't justify your hasty generalization. Hmm, isn't this what has been considered the norm in Philippine politics? While I am not supporting this or this is acceptable. Makes you wonder if there is any presidential candidate who has not demonize their opponents and has not bragged about their character... (Ahem! Poe! Ahem!)

There’s a third thing they’ll say: Daang Matuwid is perfect, Aquino is the best, and his reign must be continued. Shades of Marcos, if you ask me. But the most important response to them is this: We deserve better because Daang Matuwid has been weighed and found wanting.

We deserved better and those who claim that they too can also continue a Daang Matuwid (Grace Poe) variant should also be questioned, right? For crying out loud, don't you think Grace should get her own slogan? Even the "Bagong Umaga" is not even hers, but her father's. We deserved better and an inexperienced candidate like Grace Poe is miles below what Miriam Defensor-Santiago has achieved; or do you deny and dismiss that?

The stragglers of the Binay-Honasan camp are in other parts of the same complex where the yellow trolls and the Miriam-Marcos diehards reside.

How about the Poe-Escodero? are they on a different playing field? Poe is into necropolitics as well and Chiz is to supporting Marcos as well, or have you forgotten that. Necropolitics, let's get back to that.

Like his defenders, Binay refuses to accept the fact that his brand has been sullied by his utter failure to sufficiently respond to the serious charges hurled against him and his family. He seems to live in a bubble, oblivious to his falling fortunes in the eyes of the public.

What we can commend of Binay and his supporters are their resilience. Political will? Hahahaha. Binay lives in a bubble just like the Marcos(es) with how they believe and deny the atrocities committed during the reign of the father.

We have been told that elections are the “ultimate expression of democratic will” in our system, but these tandems and their defenders represent the worst in Philippine traditional politics.

Hmm, only those tandems? How about those whom you didn't mention? Are they the shining beacon of hope that this country needs? Where is Trillanes, Cayetano, Escudero, or Poe? The supporters/defenders and the tandem you heavily antagonized represent the worst? And what of you who seem to take it up your high horse to proselytize this. Who will be your candidate that you'll endorse? You have only endorsed Neri Colminares, and so far I have no qualms on his candidacy. Isn't it better to lay your cards on the table so that we can easily criticize and scrutinize each other's candidates?

The defenders of these tandems are spreading poisonous ideas of cynicism, resignation, and defeat, aside from the gross misinformation and deception. They boggle and tire the senses so that we would give up the cause of change.

Cynicism? Resignation? Defeat? Seriously. As far as I am aware, I am a supporter of Miriam and I have made it clear that I will continue to support her amidst her past blunders (support for Arroyo and Estrada - "I lied" interview). You seem to be making a fallacious statement. That defenders and supporters are ALL doing those condescending allegations which have no rationality. So what kind of poisonous ideas of cynicism, resignation and defeat are you referring to OR are we here to simply pull ad hominem (s) up our fundaments and throw at those who has opposing views here?

But how do we manage the avalanche of political trash this election season?

Well, our barangays tell us to segregate our trash into “nabubulok” and “di nabubulok” and we could use the same concept to guide our way:

Well that is a good concept. Let's see what you have to say.

Both the Binay-Honasan and Roxas-Robredo tandems are obviously “nabubulok” in their corruption, deception, incompetence, cynical candidacies of convenience, necropolitics, and the blatant use of public funds and ill-gotten wealth.

Miriam-Marcos meanwhile are “di-nabubulok,” due to impunity and naked political accommodation.

Okay, a bit harsh but has a point. Hmm, necropolitics. I wonder who else is seemingly using that tactic that didn't make the list (Ahem! Poe! Ahem).

I am not surprised with your stand on Miriam and Marcos.

They, their ideas, and their defenders all ought to be sent to the political garbage dump for proper disposition.

Well for someone who is striving for unity, and has a general positive outlook on Philippine politics; that sure is some pretty bold condescending statement; a statement claiming your side as the only valid opinion. This reminds me of that over-privilege religious group that cripples the traffic with their every undertaking just because they can. But alas we are in a democratic system and not a totalitarian one where your group's voice is the only thing that mattered and you’ll “dispose” those who go against it.

The similarities end there, however.

These three tandems should embolden citizens to study, criticize, and condemn a system that maintains only fake political parties, dominated by political dynasties, and ruled by guns, goons, and gold. This is at the root of our frustrations and disappointments, and at the same time the lifeline of the worst traditional politicians and their defenders – the true bobotantes.

Only three? What of the other? What of Poe and Escudero? Or the independents like Trillanes and Cayetano? Shouldn't it far better if we ALL look at all these candidates? To look at them with a critical eye. What system maintains these fake political parties? What is a TRUE political party system to you? Condemn the system? Are you referring to the 1986 Philippine constitution, then? Then what do you propose? Are we simply shouting in a vacuum here or do you have a better alternative? Let's continue and we'll know what you have to offer.

We deserve a new, modern political system with genuine parties that hold caucuses, primaries, and conventions to openly select candidates and where citizens could actively participate, way ahead of Election Day. It is a system that puts platform and programs above personalities. This is what excites us and what we deserve as a proud people – the true saviors of our country.

I agree, we need a new political system. We had a taste of a totalitarian one and been "spoiled" and frustrated by a democratic system (and behind all them are strings pulled by a theocracy and oligarchy), it is probably time to try out other system. How about Parliamentary or Federalism, or a hybrid? Well, it could make a big difference if only the states men and women that will be voted this election will push for a much needed change; a charter change. But that can still work with the current democratic system, all it takes is the political will and numbers to amend or revise dated laws to give them a much needed update to cater to a more transparent and secular society; of change favoring debates and abolishing of political ads. It can happen if we place competent and progressive thinking lawmakers in office. .

This may not happen yet in the coming elections, but having such realizations would provide us a framework to make sense of the limited and elitist choices that we may soon have, expose and pit the warring dynasts against each other, and take concrete steps forward.

If so, then we need to put the right people in office. We can all start in putting people who have good platforms and not because of star power, necropolitics; or misplaced patriotism and nationalism. Concrete steps forward? Who has the political will and understanding for that? From where I am looking at right now, Miriam Defensor Santiago seems to be the best one; a game changer.

The latter may come in the form of a first people’s senator, and lots more patriotic partylist representatives – because those we could very possibly help win and introduce bold measures in Congress. There remain these openings for progressive change in an arena of dominated by political Frankensteins.

First people's senator? Who are you referring to? Pacquio? We have clashed ideas and I personally think Pacquiao's incompetence, poor performance in congress over his matches internationally, lack of focus, and dedication to lawmaking; makes him ineligible to even be considered to be voted as a Senator. We are not discounting that he has brought a good sense of pride to most Filipinos through boxing, but as a lawmaker? He miserably fails. How can a religious conservative become a progressive lawmaker? He is against such laws like the RH Law. But I digress; you are probably referring to new faces which I can back up. Not just the incompetent (in public service and lawmaking) poor performing (in track record) kind of Manny Pacquiao.

Political Frankenstein of whose creation? A frankenstein of what aspect? Are you making ad hominem reference again not backed up by rationality?

This early in the election season: Never give up quickly and never give in to the traditional politicians and their defenders – the real bobotantes. Don’t get mad, get even by taking a larger view and fight battles that we could win.

So this is how you define a REAL Bobotante. So a REAL or TRUE BOBOTANTE are the Filipino voting public who (1) gives up quickly (no longer casting their votes) and (2) gives in to traditional politician and their defenders. So define a traditional politician again? Is Grace Poe not a traditional politician with her recent blunders and necropolitics?

Well at least you are consistent with your cynicism, I mean condescending statement earlier with ~ those who audaciously defend Miriam and Marcos are the real “bobotantes.”

What I can say is this. What constitutes a Bobotante is someone who already pass judgment without even listening to the platforms and positions taken by a candidates. I initially support Miriam Defensor-Santiago because of some personal and rational biases, but if ever she makes a stand on issues that currently matter, then I can always choose another candidate with stronger political will and have better proposals. This is why debates are important.

Oh, I definitely agree on this one. This is why I am campaigning for Miriam Defensor-Santiago and not voting Grace Poe, Mar Roxas, or Jejomar Binay. I am also campaigning against Pacquiao and Sotto as they run for Senate; a bunch of religious fundamentalist conservatives who impose and force their belief system in legislating laws rather than passing progressive laws that will benefit the mass that lacks proper education.

In short: Don’t be cynical. Cynicism is the lifeblood of the system we hate and we hope to revolutionize soon.

Cynicism is an attitude or state of mind characterized by a general distrust of others' motives. Your stand on Miriam-Defensor Santiago, Bongbong Marcos, Mar Roxas, Len Robredo, Jejomar Binay, and Gringo Honasan are not cynicism? Then what do you call this?

I'll end this with a conversation we had about Pacquiao and how I expressed my strong criticism against him running. You gave me a "good optimistic" piece which obviously should now be applied to you on this post:



How ironic and a bit hypocritical.

A Citizen's View on Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Private Prosecution Lawyer Vitaliano Aguirre II: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, and Speak no Evil

February 29, 2012 - Day 26 of the Chief Justice Renato Corona Impeachment Proceedings something special happened, A private lawyer from the prosecution panel Vitaliano Aguirre II stood up against Senator-Judge Miriam Defensor-Santiago. Yes, this is another one of those instances when the iconic Iron Lady from Iloilo City getting enraged ala Hulk by the many blunders happening on the Supreme Court's Chief Justice Renato Corona Impeachment Trial.

Day 26 Corona Impeachment Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago holds Vitaliano Aguirre in Contempt



News Source: Inquirer News: ‘Wah’ happened! Miriam Santiago goes Ballistic

This is my first time to actually watch the CJ Corona impeachment trial for a good hour and so, and oh boy, was I greatly rewarded by this scene. As much as I adore Miriam as apolitical character, I know that she went overboard (again) by getting enraged by the many blunders of the impeachment trial proceedings, mainly made by the prosecution panel. She can't be blamed though, the prosecution panel has shown what they are "capable" of and it sure was not any good. But the surprising part was a lawyer in black sitting in the prosecution panel was caught covering his ears as the madam Senator-Judge made her signature speech. I wouldn't go into great details as it has already been covered by various Philippine news websites nor even share what laws any parties have violated (in the end i am no law expert), I'll just share my opinion as a citizen of the Republic of the Philippines about the Day 26 - Leap Year Impeachment Trial pandemonium between Miriam Santiago and Vitaliano Aguirre II.

I've got to give credit to Atty. Aguirre for being honest and having the guts to cross Miriam, but man he definitely got what was coming to him, contempt of the Impeachment Court. I think the private lawyer knew what will happen next, that was both smart and devious of him to so if that was the case. The man knew that the punishment for contempt wasn't that severe so the heck with it, fed up being called names, why not show the same disrespect as what he thought was disrespect towards him. In my opinion, both Aguirre and Santiago went overboard and shown great disrespect for the whole impeachment trial. Miriam by not having the patience of Buddha and failing to control her temper resulting to calling the "competent" impeachment prosecutors names, and Aguirre for showing his disrespect and admitting that it was all intentional. I think they are not setting a good example here, and people have this general impression that educated people are more tact, patient, and respectful towards each other. Besides television news channels, concerned citizens, secondary and tertiary level students are also monitoring and watching the events of the impeachment proceedings. Just what impression would they give to the minds of our future lawyers and leaders with such actual chaos for a historical, public, and national event?

If Mr. Vitaliano Aguirre or any of the impeachment prosecution lawyers don't want to hear no evil, (when I mean "evil" it is Miriam doing what she is know for, being tactless in giving her opinion but honest), then they should have at least shown their competency as prosecutors, sensitive on what is at stake and respect towards the impeachment trial proceedings. On the other hand, I agree with Aguirre's last statement to Santiago that in order to demand respect, you've got to show respect. If you don't want to hear or see no evil, you have to speak no evil. Madam Senator-Judge might don't care as to what the rest of the world think of her and that is both good and bad for her: good that she is still still the same honest and legally vulgar (if such word exist hahaha), and bad for the very same reason. So she should have at least expected this scenario to happen once or twice, luckily she has the power to prosecute the feisty lawyer. The same goes to the prosecution panel, if they don't want Miriam to speak no evil of them or they don't want to hear no evil from Miriam, then they should show that they are serious with their case. They should let the impeachment court see the evil of Corona with the right evidence to prove him guilty.

People will always have something to say, like I do. In cases like this, if they don't want to accept or acknowledge what other people has to say about issues like this, then they shouldn't read or share their thoughts on this at all. The same goes to the Senator judges and both panels, if they don't want us to view them to be viewed or branded in a particular manner, then they definitely should show what they wanted us to see, not hearsays, speculations, but hard and solid evidences. In order for us to see such alleged evils (by CJCorona), then they should let us see; or if they don't want the Filipino viewing public to see them get humiliated by the highly outspoken political character Miriam Defensor-Santiago, then they shouldn't let us see them. The three wise monkeys portray and symbolically represent restrain over one self, in order not to be influence or do evil, they should cover the parts that might be involved with such corruption. But what if we are not the one's covering our ears, mouths and eyes, but rather some diabolical overseeing authority working in the shadows who would want us to be kept in the darkness to continue on with their evil? The impeachment trial must go on... to serve as a template for future possible impeachment trials and for fixing loopholes and highly exploitable laws, but please our honorable judges and panels please try to act with dignity, sensitivity and with utmost respect of the state.

See No Evil, Hear No Evil And Speak no Evil

A Citizen's View on The Preposterous House Resolution 2140: Philippine Politicians Asked Not to Be Portrayed as Criminals in Films and Television Programs

A news about the House Resolution 2140 filed by Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. made me both laughed my hearts out and scratched my head in dismay.

Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr. filed the House Resolution 2140 which aims to appeal to the local television and movie industry to "minimize, prevent, or stop typecasting congressmen and congresswomen as villains or crooks in movies and television telenovelas, in order not to create stereotypes or negative public perception against members of the House of Representatives."

News Source: InterAksyon News | Inquirer News

How the Filipino Public Perceive the House of Representatives of the Philippines

There is no doubt that media has both direct and indirect influence on how most Filipinos view our "honorable" and "reputable" politicians. It is also natural to feel bad when one is called something that he is not. It has been like that from the moment you are born and will still "be" on the last moments of your life. Given the two points, we can say that it is only natural for a politician to somehow and sometimes feel pain when being stereotyped as a corrupt official when they are really not. So how can they get away with this negative image? Well, the House Resolution 2140 seems to address that issue.

The problem with the bill is narrowing it down to the entertainment industry, mainly television and film. I don't think that the Filipino people are that "dumb" to be able to state that Philippine politicians are corrupt because they saw a portrayal of one in a telenovela, or a film? Think about it, if the Filipino people indeed thinks that almost every politicians are committing acts of graft and corruption, would you honestly think that they would let it pass? Would you think they would participate in the electoral process? In some strange way, the Filipino people are still hopeful that the politician they entrusted with their votes will be responsible with the duty assigned to them, to make and improve laws that would benefit the Philippine people. So it is absolutely wrong to underestimate the intelligence of the people that because they saw an action film starring the Fernando Poe, Jr. out to take his vengeance on a corrupt congressman and his goons means that congressmen and women are also corrupt.

So why does the Filipino people still thinks of them as corrupt?

It is part of human nature to associate everything, stereotype things, and even discriminate. Given two or more factors, then a person would usually make his conclusion on to something. When all we are exposed to are isolated but numerous news reports about politicians being involved in criminal activities, then that is more than enough to make the impression that they are corrupt. Not to mention reports that they are not properly doing their jobs right but still are getting paid for. Just think of it, they are there to work but then you see empty seats in congress, then here they are receiving their regular salaries? Given that their salaries might get reduced if not put on hold because of unsatisfactory attendance in the house, most of them are still receiving their "pork barrels" which are the main source as to why people doubt their credibility and accountability. As long as there are questionable projects then this image of corrupt officials would never go away.

Questionable Intentions and Priorities

There are more important laws than the mere preservation of the image of our dear "reputable" congressmen and congresswomen. I am not a law expert, but know a thing or two about the Philippine constitution, and I believe that politicians can draft new and relevant laws and improved on existing laws filled with highly exploitable loopholes rather than making up with such absurd house resolutions or bills. How about passing the pushing and enacting the Freedom of Information Bill? Seeing that politicians prefer making laws to protect the welfare and image of a selected few (themselves) rather than the people itself, it makes you question their reliability, intelligence, and capability as a government elected official.

Rather than House Resolution 2140 how about giving more attention and priority to House Bill 3732 Freedom of Information Bill?

The funny thing is that that the representatives who filed and supported the said resolution knew that it will have a conflict with the constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression, and that they can only "appeal" to the entertainment industry. Once this news hit the social networks, where I personally found this, the said resolution has already received negative review from the outspoken Filipino netizens (as seen on the comments section of the news source I stated above), by the Philippine entertainment industry (headed by the MTRCB), and people just against any forms of censorship.

Another interesting fact is why come up with such trivial resolutions now? I haven't seen any film or television programs portraying politicians as criminals, not that I am aware of. Is it because the Philippine film industry plans to resurrect the action film genre which is famous for its portrayals of corrupt politicians as its main antagonists? If that is the case, then bravo to those congressmen who filed this resolution, you now became the part... the villain to the revival of action film genre.

Men and women in power are perfect villains to most films and telenovelas. This is probably why antagonists are often portrayed as corrupt politicians, generals, rich businessmen, or just stupendously rich people, and the protagonists are the victims of these greedy, evil corrupt villains.

Let's say that there currently ARE television dramas that use politicians as its main antagonists, so what? Let us say that in some twist of fate this resolution gets enacted as an actual law, will it stop people from perceiving them any other way. I strongly believe that it won't. If not, it would probably fuel the people to speculate even more; be more suspicious about our dear politicians censoring the creative freedom of the entertainment industry. People has affiliate people censoring or hiding the truth as people who has something devious to hide. People will then be more curious, more feisty and hungry for information, keeping an even closer eye to the once secret lives of our dear politicians. The Filipino mass then will depend on the news which is far more harsher than the actual truth. They can never censor news so their efforts on putting a lid on the entertainment industry will be the reason for people to doubt them more. Well, at least in telenovelas and films people will have a face to refer to. When the main protagonists triumphs over the said corrupt official, then it only proves that good always triumphs over evil; giving people the impression that corrupt politicians will someday pay for their crimes. But I don't think that it would be enough reason for a Philippine television and film audience will think of their local Representative in the same manner, unless there are reports or rumors inciting that the person might be so.

What-If Scenario

Let's just imagine that this gets enacted to an actual bill. What would happen next? There are honestly so many professions which can used by the Philippine entertainment industry as a villain to their films or telenovelas. Heck, there have even be actual films and television dramas that used doctors, teachers, office workers, supervisors, managers, etc. as their main villain. If the House of Representatives can ban the entertainment industry from portraying politicians as criminals, then the more reason that the common profession to demand to do the same. I can now imagine the Cojuanco empire asking for Hacienda owners not to be portrayed as oppressive villains in a film about Filipino farmers and their struggles. Are you ready for an action film starring a congressman who was framed and is out on a vengeance? Well, heck yeah that sounded like an interesting premise for an action film, but whoelse would the film's main villain? Another politician, that's impossible because of the LAW. Oh, how about an evil general? Well, no can do, he is still considered as a government official and if the position isn't listed on the law, then the Philippine Military and Constabulary would just ask for a similar law to be enacted... You know, to protect their image!

This is my opinion on this said news. I personally don't know or has any connection to Pampanga Representative Aurelio Gonzales Jr., he might have even drafted and co-authored a few House Bill and Resolutions, but this is just plain absurd. It is on the same level of absurdity as the Anti-Planking Bill. This news just compelled me to blog for I believe that through new media via blogs, we can freely exercise our constitutionally-guaranteed freedom of speech and of expression. Our opinions expressed and our voices heard. If in some weird way, my message reach these politicians, hopefully they keep an open mind about such criticism for them to become better public officials, and that is what this country needs the most.

What about you guys? What's your reaction to this news? Share your thoughts about the House Resolution 2140 on the comments section below:

It's More Fun In The Philippines DOT Slogan Online Pinoy Community Discussion Extravaganza

It's More Fun in The Philippines is the latest (second) tourism campaign of the Department of Tourism (DOT) under the Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III's regime. Pilipinas Kay Ganda was the DOT's first slogan which was coldly received by majority of Filipinos both online and off because of its obvious resemblance to another country's tourism slogan. This time it is "It Is More Fun in The Philippines" turn to go under such scrutiny.

Wherever you go in the Philippines, it's the Filipinos that will make your holdiay unforgettable. Just ask anyone who's bee here. In fact, Lonely Planet guidebook calls us 'among the most easygoing and ebullient people anywhere'.


Find out for yourself why it’s more fun in the Philippines.
And make the most out of your next vacation.

The Republic of Philippines' Official Department of Tourism Slogan for 2012 It's More Fun In the Philippines http://itsmorefuninthephilippines.com/

Carlos Celdran, Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan and Pro-Life Philippines President Eric Manalang ANC Interview on the The RH Bill

Most of my friends and peers both in the offline and online community knows my passion when it comes to the Philippine Roman Catholic Churches Intervention or meddling with the affairs of the state by threatening civil disobedience and a possible excommunication to President Noynoy Aquino if the comprehensive Reproductive Health Bill of the Philippines gets passed. Even though I am still a Roman Catholic by paper, I still consider this threats to the state as unbecoming for a religious institution.

I started plurking about this issue which trigger my sense of concern and love for my country. Yes, I consider my stand against the leaders of my own church as patriotic and I take pride in doing it. Sadly my voice could never be heard nor reach by the majority of the Filipino people nor be enough for media to focus on it, who am I for the world to listen anyways... just a mere blogger and patriot, then came Mr. Celdran. Carlos Celdran, a patriot, Intramuros tour guide, artist and a blogger (Vist Carlos Celdran's Official blog at Carlos Celdran's Walk This Way at http://celdrantours.blogspot.com/) has done the most foolish yet exemplary thing that we, supporters of a more progressive Philippines could not do, bring the fight to the grounds of Church. They threaten civil disobedience then let them have a taste of their own medicine, but still the method was not tolerable as he was eventually incarcerated.



Carlos Celdran holding a placard with a word "DAMASO" referring to the Roman Catholic Church's threatening civil disobedience and excommunication if the Philippine President supports the RH Bill as he protest on a Church meeting (explained later in a video)

For fellow-Filipinos who haven't watched or heard about this (which I doubt, but still) then here is the news about it:



Official News feature: In RH war of words, activist confronts bishops in church

With his action triggered something, that I can have my voice, that I can stand against this manipulation of the Catholic Church through theocracy and twisted science regarding the Reproductive Health Bill. I brought my fight to the official Facebook Fanpage of the Food Morning CBCP. Unfortunately, some of my argument have leaded to a more sensitive topic like the debate on religion, which might be triggered by other "commenters" response about the RH Bill is "evil" and "immoral", and what does that makes us? Still the point is the same, my cause is not to persuade the CBCP with my comments but to educate fellow Catholics about the issue of the meddling through petty threats of the Catholic Church and misinformation regarding the Reproductive Health Bill. If not only for this threat to excommunicate and civil disobedience announced by the CBCP representatives that will I not show my passion for my country. To end this very "involved" and passionate post about this Reproductive Bill which has been pending for almost fourteen years, I give you the ANC Headstart Interview regarding the RH Bill.

ANC Headstart guests (hosted by Ms. Karen Davila) tour guide Mr. Carlos Celdran and Gabriela Rep. Luz Ilagan talks about the RH Bill.







ANC Headstart guests (hosted by Ms. Karen Davila) Pro-Life Philippines president Eric Manalang talks about the grounds of being against the RH Bill.

The Roman Catholic Church Threatens the State of Committing Civil Disobedience regarding the Possible Approval of President Noynoy for the Reproductive Bill

Just saw the news a little while back regarding the Roman Catholic Church's threats that they will commit or even promote civil disobedience if ever President Noynoy Aquino would approve or help push the Reproductive Health Bill. Do not get me wrong for I am absolutely pro-life but am open to contraception methods of family planning as well. Here is my take on this Philippine news maker.



Official News Source:
Palace calls for sobriety after bishops threaten civil disobedience

I was infuriated upon seeing this news, how can such a religious organization threaten the state of mass disobedience if their wishes and expectations are not met by the government? This is just preposterous! I do not know if whether the ones to blame are the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines or the Media Networks for getting only the side of the church alone. Though the majority of Filipinos are roman Catholic, there are still a great fractions of Filipinos under various religious organizations. If the state would always mind the demands of the Roman Catholic Church, succumb to it, and compromise progress then why not hear other religious organizations as well? Have you ever heard the Muslim community demand that pork should be abolished because it goes against their religion to consume such creatures, or on Hindu's against consuming beef? Imagine that, why of all the religions in the Philippines, the Roman Catholic religion alone has the power to manipulate critical decisions that will move the country forward. How long has this Bill been created? I believe there are responsible lawmakers who are against abortion who will filter it away, so why still go against the bill? Why because it may eventually mandate and enforce various government organizations to provide contraception method that the Filipino mass could not regularly afford or has little knowledge of it? What specific biblical verse or law the Catholic Church is coming from with this persistent hindrance of procedure?

I believe that the Philippines has already gone through one oppressive regime run by Spaniards and friars. Our national heroes who have died fighting for our freedom has made the Philippines of what it is right now, but how ironic that it does not differ from way back then, that the church has once again the power to meddle with the normal precedence of law and bent on what their interpretation of the Bible, which may not be accurate as well? I also challenge local media networks to deliver unbiased news regarding the issue through inquiry of other Filipinos with non-Roman Catholic religious origin like Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, Atheism, Protestants, and other Christian sects. If that would happen, then democracy is exercised and the state will have a better way of approaching the bill. If not, then may I suggest the government to have a dialog with almost all of the religious organization thriving in the Philippines then through the systematic way of voting, decide if whether the state will push through with the bill or forever bury it in shame and disgrace.

Here is my last stand on the issue. The Catholic Church threatens to commit or even promote civil disobedience if ever the reproductive bill is supported by the President or get pushed through. If they commit such crime against the state which is intolerable under the rule of law, then they should be arrested and put to jail. No one above the law. Not because they can't have their way, doesn't mean they'll promote and threaten the the peace and order of the Republic of the Philippines.

Another Good Reason to Why Celebrate the 112th Day of Philippine Independence

Happy 112th Day of Independence everyone. Come on do not complicate things by giving me an argument of the definition of freedom or the essence of real independence of the Philippines. There are more reasons to why celebrate the 112th Independence Day of the Philippines and here it is.



We have been celebrating our nation's independence for more than a century. We commemorate all of the hardships, heroism, failures and triumph of our fellow Filipinos and our nation against the tyranny of past colonizers. This is one of the primary reason on why we should celebrate the Independence Day of the Philippines.



The second one is pretty obvious which is the final Independence Day of the love her or hate her 14th President of the Philippines, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. With more than ten years of being the Head of State, her time will finally be up as she will soon step down to give way to the President-elect Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III.

Arroyo's regime was filled with allegations of corruptions, controversies and possible association with political killings which has tainted her image as a leader to most of the Filipino people. Though up to the present these allegations have not been proven, these issues are more than enough for most Filipinos to despise her reign. Arroyo experience various attempts of rebellion, protests, and impeachment along her ten years of regime but it all failed as she endured all of it. So don't you just love it when you can finally see the day that the power bestowed to her by the Philippine constitution shall finally be relieved from her. But of course in her final attempt to make amends from all of the bad reputation that darkened her reputation, she will showcase all of the good things her administration has done for the welfare of the Filipinos and country as a whole. I am not really against that much on her reign, for she can't be all "that" bad, it is only that she might committed some grave mistakes which overshadowed all the good things she has done. Though it is interesting to learn what her administration has done for the Filipino people, the fact that her term will finally be over (for me) is a good reason to why we should be excited over the celebration of 112th Day of Independence.



With a new regime taking over, will Filipinos finally experience the freedom they most dreamed about? An honest, just and transparent regime that will alleviate everyone's life here in the Philippines.

The Lazy Bug and a Retrospective

It has been three weeks since I last updated my blogs and became inactive in the blogging community, luckily I got my act together again to start blogging again. Call it a blog vacation or a blog hiatus but my inactivity in the blogging scene has made me appreciate the little things in life. I have been a lazy bug on blogging this past few weeks and here is a recollection of the things I'v experienced and hopefully learned from it this past few weeks.



It is really amusing to see that there are things that can be realized, learned and appreciated only if we take a step back and slow down our fast phase living. This is what I have realized on my weeks of blogging procrastination, and who would have thought that there is something good that can be derived from it?

Slowing my phase and being more of an observant and a reader has made me realize a couple of things and here they are in various aspects of it:

Politics

Philippine politics and the past elections has made me realize one thing (way long ago), that there is no perfect political setting or politician in the Philippines. Why is this so? It is because of our culture and the thing called personal interests. A good example would be the soon to be fourteenth Philippine president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, though I have nothing against the person many have given their trust and faith to him to lead the country to progress but with the looks of traditional politicians "trapos" backing him up, it looks like personal interest will once again reign supreme in Malacañang. I am not referring to it as an opinion but rather than as a fact because of the existence of "utang na loob" or the "sense of gratitude". How much we look at it, and not just in a national level alone, the sense of gratitude has always been there to either help or pull back the progress of the general populace.

Blogging, Respect, Recognition and Ethics

A recent issue regarding the relationship between bloggers and advertisers in the Philippines surfaced as one unfortunate incident of misunderstanding on a particular event led to something out of hand creating this ruckus in the blogging community. Pointing fingers and blaming any parties from the said public spectacle is useless now, what everyone who have read the case should have learned something out of it, and that is professionalism and ethics. With the hundreds (if not thousands) of blogs now surfacing annually, we should all recognize the capabilities, responsibilities and the ethics towards the industry and each other whether you are an advertiser or a blogger.

Contentment

One can have all the treasures that the world has to offer but there is also a high probability that he is not contented and happy with his life. Money is without a doubt an essential part of our lives but it does not necessary means that it will dictate how we act towards our fellowmen. I have been in a friend's house recently and have notice the luxury oif their lifestyle and I must say there was a lot of envy going on inside my head back then. Envy is a negative trait but somehow we can use that to fuel our dreams and aspiration for contentment, greatness and the pursuit of happiness without burning any bridges pulling down anyone along the way. At the end of that day I realized that I don't need to have a multistory house to live in, a stylistic luxury car, and all the money in the world to spend to be happy... as long as we have people we can rely on, a family and set of friends who love us selflessly and just the way we are, a decent career,and a sense of contentment then we are fine as the way we are.

The Indefinite Future and Planning Ahead

Having a good conversation with friends and talking about anything under the sun could be a learning experience itself. Just recently, I have visited a good friend who just gave birth to her first baby and we talked about planning ahead. I was shocked to hear how expensive her delivery cost. We also discussed about buying new properties and their investment on that for their future. This made me realized that what I have today may not be sufficient in the long run and would require a serious amount of planning and saving money if I want to have the best future for my family. With the flow of our conversation it eventually inspired me to strive harder and work the double for the indefinite yet secured future if I just put my mind and heart to it.

Manny Villar on ABS CBN's Bandila Hot Seat - Answering the Filipino Netizens Timely Questions

One of the leading Presidential candidates this 2010 Philippine Presidential elections, Manny Villar answers most of the timely issues concerning him and his presidential candidacy on his Hot Seat interview on ABS CBN news program's Bandila last April 30, 2010. If you missed the Bandila's Hot Seat interview on Manny Villar, then watch it here:

Hot seat: Manny Villar - (Part 1)



Hot seat: Manny Villar - (Part 2)





Bandila has created a good initiative to help the Filipinos on deciding who to vote this coming 2010 elections, through a segment in their news program called the Hot Seat. The Hot seat segment features questions from various Filipino netizens via Facebook, which would later be collected, documented and chosen (by the people of Bandila) to be asked by the news anchor to the featured candidate of the day. Questions and interaction at Bandila Facebook page hit a record-breaking three thousand four hundred questions coming from Facebook users upon Bandila's announcement that Manny Villar would be the featured candidate on the Hot Seat the day before that. A testimony of either the popularity of the candidate or the news program, and that Filipinos are still actively participating on various discussion concerning the future of our country through the Philippine elections.

Thanks to this Hot Seat interview on Manny Villar, I now see him on a more lighter perspective. Questions regarding the challenges in the presidential campaign of Manny Villar is answered by the candidate in a very classy and humble manner... a very traditional politician's approach, if you will ask me. Even with a limited amount of time (30 seconds) to answer each of the questions, Villar still managed to clarify most of the questions, controversies and propagandas against him.

Villar has a small complain against the traditional media (like news programs and various publications) that he shared on the hot seat interview. Traditional media focuses too much on the controversies, black propagandas against him or even his rival which in turn is "allegedly" traced back to him has seemingly villainize the candidate. Well, Villar can't be blamed because there are indeed instances that traditional media has become a one-sided party even how much they claim to be neutral or unbiased; one of which is the prolific reporting about the results of various social media surveys which by the way is a form of political brainwashing and mental conditioning.

All in all I found the Bandila's Hot Seat interview with Manny Villar to be pretty informative and enlightening. Somehow he gained my sympathy after the interview, but that does not necessary mean that he has my vote as well. It is with these types of initiative where traditional media deserved the praise from concerned Filipinos, helping them decide if they have chosen the right candidate or to educate those who haven't chosen one. The 2010 Philippine election, as I said in my previous posts is a very crucial turning point to our country. Let us not waste our one vote by being swayed off by the popularity contest, survey results, and political backlashing amongst candidates. Let's put an extra effort in knowing each candidates through watching interviews, debates and campaign rallies which we would later weigh, and if and only if he symbolizes all the necessary requirements of being the Philippine Head of State then let us help him get there.

A Citizen's View on Noynoy Aquino and Hacienda Luisita

The Republic of the Philippines, without a doubt is a majestic country and truly stands up for it's other name "The Pearl of the Orient Seas", but like any other nation it has its fair share of flaws and imperfections. This is why I've finally decided to pull off a political series of posts tackling various Philippine issues. Welcome to A Citizen's View on CMABLOGS where yours truly voices out his views and opinions regarding the Philippine and beyond.

The National Election is the most crucial national event that every citizen should be part of (no excuses and buts), for the country's future is at stake here. The 2010 Philippine Election will be marked as the first time that the Philippines will adapt an automated elections and my first time to cast my vote as a responsible and concerned Filipino. With so many candidates vying for the highest seat on the nation, who will we vote for? This is where traditional media (television, radio, and newspapers) and the New Media (blogs and news websites) comes in, to provide us the information for us to carefully scrutinize.

I am not a big fan of traditional media supporting, delivering and spreading news regarding who's on top of the social survey results but that is a completely different topic, today I will focus more on one of the Philippine Presidential candidates this 2010 and the issues that he should face. This is A Citizen's View on Noynoy Aquino and Hacienda Luisita.



Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Cojuangco Aquino III, popularly known as Noynoy Aquino is the son of the two late National heroes Corazon Aquino and Benigno Aquino. With two of his parents recognized by the country as national heroes, plus Noynoy has (so far)no bad political track record, these factors could be more than enough to make him one of the best option this 2010 elections. All seems perfect with Noynoy Aquino except for one thing, an issue that haunts his family... Hacienda Luisita.

Either a black propaganda against Noynoy Aquino or just the natural way of how things unfold, Noynoy is urged to solve Hacienda Luisita by various concerned Filipinos and adversaries. If you are a responsible Filipino voter and wants to know why Hacienda Luisita haunts and threatens the chances of Noynoy Aquino in vying as a Philippine presidential candidate then watch this video.

A warning though some of the scenes contain images of gore and violence. Watch and approach the "Hacienda Luisita massacre: An outstanding issue of the people on Benigno Noynoy Aquino III" featured video in an apolitical manner. Try to carefully weigh things for the video somehow (to me) seems to go against Noynoy Aquino:



The "alleged" land reform injustice and the violence against the farmers of Haceienda Luisita follows Noynoy Aquino like a dark shadow on a path of fame and light. Thanks to the power of new media, the online public may finally know what Noynoy plans for Hacienda Luisita. Noynoy's statement regarding the dispute of their family's (the Aquinos and Cojuagncos) land, Hacienda Luisita still does not offer an immediate answer to the pressing matter.

I am a bit of a realist myself, Noynoy stated that his family shall finally give the land (free from its debt) to its farmers (as mandated by the Law) but it would take another four years and so. Though that is still a big question for his mother, late-Cory Aquino failed to provide the land back at her term as a Philippine president, so chances are that Noynoy might experience the same conflict himself. In the end, Noynoy is only one of the many (family members) owners of Hacienda Luisita his actions and decisions regarding the controversial property may not necessary reflect the intentions and decisions of the rest of the family.

Justice must still be served to those unfortunate victims of the "Hacienda Luisita murder". What I am looking forward to is the incarceration of the people behind the murder (Still hoping that justice will triumph over money and power). The dedicated farmers have worked hard and endured for decades with high hopes that they shall be granted with the land promised to them. An indefinite delay of this is the main reason why the farmers held the massive protest in the first place, which unfortunately ended up in a bloody conclusion.

Hacienda Luisita farmers claiming their individual land that they deserved, mandated by the Philippine Constitution is the perfect scenario to finally closed this dark chapter of the Hacienda Luisita issue. The people hold Ninoy Aquino responsible because he is an Aquino and as long as this issue isn't resolve, this will haunt him as a public official. For now the only thing that the farmers can hold onto is Noynoy's promise and assurance that they will have their land. The Hacienda Luisita issue must be addressed whether Noynoy Aquino wins this 2010 Presidential Elections or not.