Sore throat

It's hard having a sore throat. Add canker sores and what have you...

But sore throat is now the problem of the Sigaw ng Bayan ni Gloria. Their cry to amend the charter the Gloria way is now going to be a whisper after the Comelec en banc said that it cannot "turn a blind eye to the pronouncement of the high court that in the absence of a valid enabling law, this right of the people remains nothing but an 'empty right'" Whether the change of heart of Abalos and cohorts... err, commissioners is a part of the pangigisa of the senate yesterday, nobody knows. But there is a hirit from the Commisioners when they said that the Sigaw ng Bayan "seemed to have met the required signatures" despite claims that not all the signatures were validly generated.

The Sigaw ng Bayan ni Gloria, however, is trying to pull theirselves to bring the matter to the high court. Whether Panganiban will become apologetic once again by claiming this time that the rulings in Santiago versus Comelec is wrong, nobody knows. But the point is, there is a questionable delay which could lead the cha-cha opposition a time to relax and see a movie and wake on may 2007 to find the plebiscite included in the ballot for local and national elections.

But at least there is a time to sit back. And there is a time for relaxation. Hopefully, the cha-cha oppositors will not lean on their comfortable chairs and find themselves in cool slumber.

Senator Lito Lapid for Mayor

Who is more powerful, the barangay chairman or the president of the Philippines?

Well, the president cannot become a president without being a resident first of the barangay. And being a resident, he/she should follow the rules of the barangay especially those being implemented by the chairman. Second, if the president has a dispute against fellow residents, the first resort should be the barangay especially the Lupon. Again, this implies that the barangay chairman has apower over the president.

In reality, though, the barangay chairmen in the Philippines are not aware of this. Which gives Senator Lito Lapid an edge. Lapid believes that the barangay chairmen are under the authority of the mayor so, without exhausting his term as a senator, he is now planning to run as mayor.

But Lapid has more reasons to run as mayor than govern barangay chairmen. First and foremost, the medium in the Senate is English. And this is a disadvantage to him coz he has to pay for an interpreter just to take part in the deliberations. Unless he plans to be the head of the Committee on Silence for ever and ever, amen?

Second, Lapid cannot go back to Pampanga as a governor. Unless he wants to steal the lollipop, err, turf, of his son Mark.

Third, Lapid has to follow the dictates of his lady-boss, Gloria. Just to enjoy the glory. Makati, where Lapid plans to run as mayor, is the kingdom of Binay, the president with questionable legitmacy's staunch dissenter. Gloria, based on the bees and spirits in the halls of Malacanang, has said to have mandated Lapid to go and multiply, err, occupy Makati thereby clip Binay's power.

Lastly, Lapid cannot perform his duties as a senator. Whether he likes it or not, he must go or be the laughingstock of the upper house. For the record, he was able to draft only sixteen bills since he took his oath as a SENATOR and not an AUDIENCE. The number and the names of bills together with their corresponding dates are as follows courtesy of the legislative tracking system of the Senate:

Bill Number Subject Date Passed
SBN 2258 ARNIS AS NATIONAL SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES 6/5/2006
SBN 2253 OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (BUREAUCRACY STREAMLINING) 5/29/2006
SBN 2239 STAPLE WIRES ON FOOD ITEMS PROHIBITION ACT OF 2006 4/3/2006
SBN 2230 FRANKING PRIVILEGE TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF OVERSEAS CONTRACT WORKERS 3/15/2006
SBN 2229 ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS ACT OF 2006 3/15/2006
SBN 2225 ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT (AMENDMENTS) 3/13/2006
SBN 1727 AGOSTO - BUWAN NG WIKANG PAMBANSA 8/17/2004
SBN 1470 WORLD CUP FILIPINO ATHLETES INCLUSION IN RA 9064 COVERAGE 7/26/2004
SBN 1469 TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS/MITIGATION IN PRIMARY/SECOND. 7/26/2004
SBN 1468 NATIONAL PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF MANGROVE FORESTS 7/26/2004
SBN 1466 SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE POOR ACT OF 2004 7/26/2004
SBN 1465 SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAM ACT OF 2004 7/26/2004
SBN 1464 MAXIMIZED FUNDING OF MASS-BASED SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 7/26/2004
SBN 1463 MIGRANT WORKERS INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS 7/26/2004
SBN 1462 PROVIDING FOR A CALAMITY RESERVE FUND 7/26/2004

Why is Dong Gonzales mum?

The oil spill is now reaching the waters of Luzon. Based on satellite images, it already started kissing the shores of Masbate in Region 5.

To curtail this, Arroyo's questionable government is trying to squeeze the coffers to clean the mess. A drive to shave our prisoners and collect feathers as oil sludge absorvents is also being undertaken.

But, should we shoulder the mess? Should our taxes be used to finance these things when in fact, while the oil companies are enjoying the profit we are also doing our part suffering from sky-high cost of fuel? Now that something is wrong we are being forced to help?

Instead of this happening, why don't we just slap the oil company with a generation suit for damaging the environment and for taking away the opportunity of the next generation to enjoy bathing and diving in clear blue waters? I am sure this is possible. Why don't Raul Gonzales look into this matter? Mr. Gonzales have been too cocky to discuss other things and lambast opposition members but is mum on the oil company that caused the oil spill. Is this because the company, according to rumors, has also contributed to the campaign kitty or Gloria Arroyo during the previous elections? Just asking.

Bolante is human

As Malaya reported, Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante is asking the Philippine Embassyin Washington for "humanitarian assistance" due to his failing health.

Human din pala si Bolante? I thought he is a demigod or something.

But anyway, to forgive is divine. Let's forgive Bolante. But unlike GMA's concept of forgiveness which is equivalent to forgetfulness or amnesia, what Bolante should do is as follows:

1. Reveal the truth. Did he or didn't he work for GMA? Working for GMA is not working for the people, it should be stressed.
   
2. Reveal the truth. Where did the money that is supposed to reach the farmers go?
3. Reveal the truth. How much really was spent for what?

See? That's easy as one, two, three.

And for this purpose, I am starting the donation of 1 cent for his health. Nothing is free, you know. And take note, I am earning my money with blood and sweat and such did not come from the farmers and bogus agri-projects and fertilizers.

cellphone snatching in RP up by 53%?

According to a report, cellphone snatching is up by 53%. Which is not surprising. When Vidal Querol was still the NCRPO chief, his advice over a nationwide television to the would-be victims was to give their cellphones to snatchers and robbers than risk lives. Intentionally or not, Querol's statement served as a go-signal to snatchers and robbers to go on with their occupation.

And the result? Tan-ta-da-dan.... (drum rolls)... an increase of 53% in cellphone snatching.

Galing di ba?

Winning Jueteng Numbers: 36-6 in Rizal, 11-32 in Batangas

Gloria Arroyo keeps on saying: the economy is improving, there is a budget.

BUDGET???? Dahil may jueteng na kaya may budget na? Aminin......

***

But wait! What is this headline from Tribune: GMA’s OK for OWWA funds for poll campaign bared ?

A portion reads of the story:

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the committee on labor, employment and human resource development that is currently investigating the OWWA fund mess, managed to squeeze information from the two officials when he questioned the P530 million workers’ trust fund transferred to Philhealth and another P500 million Mrs. Arroyo supposedly ordered released, charged to OWWA funds during the time of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople.

He confronted Duque on some documents he got hold of containing information related to these matters.

“I am in possession of your letter to Mrs. Arroyo dated Nov. 20, 2002 when you were still president and CEO of Philhealth and in the last paragraph, you said, ‘PHIC will need a reasonable lead time to ensure a smooth turnover of OWWA Medicare to PHIC and manage some assistance from certain quarters which will be affected by the change. It is respectfully requested that the proposed EO be approved by Her Excellency before the year ends.’

“And this is the most controversial line here...’the proposed transfer will have significant bearing on the 2004 elections and on the President’s desire to provide health insurance to eight million indigents by the end of 2003.’ My question is, what do you mean by ‘the proposed transfer will have significant bearing on the 2004 elections?” Estrada asked.

Duque quick in assuming responsibility over the fuss created by the fund transfer said it was his fault that such a “sloppy-written” memo came out.

Galing naman. So, totoo ang balita. bakit kasi me sloppy-written memo pa? Ayan tuloy, nabisto kayo.

***

Pero dahil nagamit na ang OWWA funds, medyo problematique talaga ngayon evacuation ng OFWs from Lebanon. That means, tama talaga si Al Bichara, the Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon. At tama rin ang Philippine Navy na pinipilit pumunta sa Lebanon na wala naman palang gasolina.

Naks naman. At padeny-deny pa ang Malacañang at ang OWWA? Grabe namang pagtatakip yan. O baka naman meron kayong nasisilip kaya ganyan?

***

Pero todo na raw talaga ang jueteng. Malapit na kasi ang eleksiyon. Sabi ng ilang espiritu santong gumagala sa palasyo, may bendisyon daw ito. Kasi kulang na raw ang budget at mainit ngayon ang senado kaya may "go! go! jueteng" na chant. Isa pa, indispensable naman kasi ang 2007 election sa validation "kuno" ng legitimacy ni Arroyo. Kaya kailangan ang pondo.

Well?

Abangan natin ang susunod na kabanata. Ang alam ko kasi si Erap natanggal dahil sa jueteng eh. hmnnnnn.......

A touching article from a Korean

After several days' sleep, nabuhay ulit. Sorry fans, medyo busy. But thanks a lot to those who keep coming back kahit walang bagong article.

Below is a touching piece written by a Korean named Jaeyon Kim. The essay had been circulating in e-mails and e-groups. How about considering these, folks? And the members of the Catholic Church, baka naman puwedeng pag-isipan niyo rin.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the

airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees couldbuy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a s mall scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.