Pres. Noynoy Aquino's Inaugural Address in English

His Excellency Jose Ramos Horta, Former President Fidel V. Ramos, Former President Joseph Estrada, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile and members of the Senate, House Speaker Prospero Nograles and members of the House, justices of the Supreme Court, members of the foreign delegations,Your Excellencies of the diplomatic corps, fellow colleagues in government, aking mga kababayan.

My presence here today is proof that you are my true strength. I never expected that I will be here taking my oath of office before you, as your president. I never imagined that I would be tasked with continuing the mission of my parents. I never entertained the ambition to be the symbol of hope, and to inherit the problems of our nation.

I had a simple goal in life: to be true to my parents and our country as an honorable son, a caring brother, and a good citizen.

My father offered his life so our democracy could live. My mother devoted her life to nurturing that democracy. I will dedicate my life to making our democracy reach its fullest potential: that of ensuring equality for all. My family has sacrificed much and I am willing to do this again if necessary.

Although I was born to famous parents, I know and feel the problems of ordinary citizens. We all know what it is like to have a government that plays deaf and dumb. We know what it is like to be denied justice, to be ignored by those in whom we placed our trust and tasked to become our advocates.

Have you ever been ignored by the very government you helped put in power? I have. Have you had to endure being rudely shoved aside by the siren-blaring escorts of those who love to display their position and power over you? I have, too. Have you experienced exasperation and anger at a government that instead of serving you, needs to be endured by you? So have I.

I am like you. Many of our countrymen have already voted with their feet - migrating to other countries in search of change or tranquility. They have endured hardship, risked their lives because they believe that compared to their current state here, there is more hope for them in another country, no matter how bleak it may be. In moments when I thought of only my own welfare, I also wondered—is it possible that I can find the peace and quiet that I crave in another country? Is our government beyond redemption? Has it been written that the Filipino’s lot is merely to suffer?

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is.

Through good governance in the coming years, we will lessen our problems. The destiny of the Filipino will return to its rightful place, and as each year passes, the Filipino’s problems will continue to lessen with the assurance of progress in their lives.

We are here to serve and not to lord over you. The mandate given to me was one of change. I accept your marching orders to transform our government from one that is self-serving to one that works for the welfare of the nation.

This mandate is the social contract that we agreed upon. It is the promise I made during the campaign, which you accepted on election day.

During the campaign we said, “If no one is corrupt, no one will be poor.” That is no mere slogan for posters—it is the defining principle that will serve as the foundation of our administration.

Our foremost duty is to lift the nation from poverty through honest and effective governance.

The first step is to have leaders who are ethical, honest, and true public servants. I will set the example. I will strive to be a good model. I will not break the trust you have placed in me. I will ensure that this, too, will be the advocacy of my Cabinet and those who will join our government.

I do not believe that all of those who serve in our government are corrupt. In truth, the majority of them are honest. They joined government to serve and do good. Starting today, they will have the opportunity to show that they have what it takes. I am counting on them to help fight corruption within the bureaucracy.

To those who have been put in positions by unlawful means, this is my warning: we will begin earning back the trust of our people by reviewing midnight appointments. Let this serve as a warning to those who intend to continue the crooked ways that have become the norm for too long.

To our impoverished countrymen, starting today, your government will be your champion.

We will not disregard the needs of our students. We will begin by addressing the glaring shortage in classrooms and educational facilities.

Gradually, we will lessen the lack of infrastructures for transportation, tourism and trade. From now on, mediocre work will not be good enough when it comes to roads, bridges, and buildings because we will hold contractors responsible for maintaining their projects in good condition.

We will revive the emergency employment program established by former President Corazon Aquino. This will provide jobs for local communities and will help in the development of their and our economy.

We will not be the cause of your suffering or hardship. We will strengthen collections by the Bureau of Internal Revenue and we will fight corruption in the Bureau of Customs in order to fund our objectives for the public welfare, such as:

• Quality education, including vocational education, so that those who choose not to attend college or those who cannot afford it can find dignified livelihood;

• Improved public health services such as PhilHealth for all within three years;

• A home for every family, within safe communities.

We will strengthen the armed forces and the police, not to serve the interests of those who want to wield power with impunity, but to give added protection for ordinary folk. The armed forces and the police risk their lives daily so that the nation can live in peace and security. The population has doubled and yet their numbers remain unchanged. It is not right that those who make sacrifices are treated pitifully.

If there was a fertilizer scam in the past, today there will be security for farmers. We will help them with irrigation, extension services, and marketing their products at the best possible prices.

We are directing Secretary Alcala to set up trading centers that will directly link farmers and consumers thereby eliminating middlemen and opportunities for corruption. In this way, funds can be shared by farmers and consumers. We will make our country attractive to investors. We will cut red tape dramatically and implement stable economic policies. We will level the playing field for investors and make government an enabler, not a hindrance to business. This is the only means by which we can provide jobs for our people.

Our goal is to create jobs at home so that there will be no need to look for employment abroad. However, as we work towards that end, I am ordering the DFA, POEA, OWWA, and other relevant agencies to be even more responsive to the needs and welfare of our overseas Filipino workers.

We will strengthen the process of consultation and feedback. We will strive to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to information on matters of public concern.

We relived the spirit of people power during the campaign. Let it take us to good and effective governance. Those who believe in people power put the welfare of others before their own.

I can forgive those who did me wrong but I have no right to forgive those who abused our people.

To those who talk about reconciliation, if they mean that they would like us to simply forget about the wrongs that they have committed in the past, we have this to say: there can be no reconciliation without justice. When we allow crimes to go unpunished, we give consent to their occurring over and over again. Secretary de Lima, you have your marching orders. Begin the process of providing true and complete justice for all.

We are also happy to inform you the acceptance of Chief Justice Hilario Davide of the challenge of strengthening and heading a Truth Commission that will shed light on many unanswered issues that continue to haunt our country.

My government will be sincere in dealing with all the peoples of Mindanao. We are committed to a peaceful and just settlement of conflict, inclusive of the interests of all -- may they be Lumads, Bangsamoro or Christian.

We shalI defeat the enemy by wielding the tools of justice, social reform, and equitable governance leading to a better life. With proper governance life will improve for all. When we are all living well, who will want to go back to living under oppression?

If I have all of you by my side, we will be able to build a nation in which there will be equality of opportunity, because each of us fulfilled our duties and responsibilities equally.

After the elections, you proved that it is the people who wield power in this country.

This is what democracy means. It is the foundation of our unity. We campaigned for change. Because of this, the Filipino stands tall once more. We are all part of a nation that can begin to dream again.

To our friends and neighbors around the world, we are ready to take our place as a reliable member of the community of nations, a nation serious about its commitments and which harmonizes its national interests with its international responsibilities.

We will be a predictable and consistent place for investment, a nation where everyone will say, “it all works.”

Today, I am inviting you to pledge to yourselves and to our people. No one shall be left behind.

No more junkets, no more senseless spending. No more turning back on pledges made during the campaign, whether today or in the coming challenges that will confront us over the next six years. No more influence-peddling, no more patronage politics, no more stealing. No more sirens, no more short cuts, no more bribes. It is time for us to work together once more.

We are here today because we stood together and believed in hope. We had no resources to campaign other than our common faith in the inherent goodness of the Filipino.

The people who are behind us dared to dream. Today, the dream starts to become a reality. To those among you who are still undecided about sharing the common burden I have only one question: Are you going to quit now that we have won?

You are the boss so I cannot ignore your orders. We will design and implement an interaction and feedback mechanism that can effectively respond to your needs and aspirations.

You are the ones who brought me here—our volunteers—old, young, celebrity, ordinary folks who went around the country to campaign for change; my household help who provided for all my personal needs; my family, friends, colleagues at work, who shared, cared, and gave their support; my lawyers who stayed all hours to guard my votes and make sure they were counted; and the millions of Filipinos who prevailed, kept faith, and never lost hope - I offer my heartfelt gratitude.

I will not be able to face my parents and you who have brought me here if do not fulfill the promises I made.

My parents sought nothing less, died for nothing less, than democracy and peace. I am blessed by this legacy. I shall carry the torch forward.

My hope is that when I leave office, everyone can say that we have traveled far on the right path, and that we are able to bequeath a better future to the next generation. Join me in continuing this fight for change.

Thank you and long live the Filipino people!

(Photo Courtesy: Philippine Star)

Benigno Simeon C Aquino, III, My President And Yours

Today is a special day with a lot of memories flashing to mind like the tumultuous journey the country took since fascist dictatorship. As the entire nation jubilates, I hope against hope that finally, after the long storm of graft and corruption, human rights violation, political patronage and misgovernment, the blessings of a new administration and leader that Filipinos waited for too long start to shine with fervor promising hope to a despairing nation.

This country and its people suffered too much from misgovernment, apathy and greed. We are a rich nation of talents and endowed with rich natural resources but the picture of the urban poor and countryside breaks the wondering heart. To accept that we are a third world country is difficult when in fact we are richer than some of our neighbors. How could this be? We are a country where the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. It is a country where social justice seems to be a thing of the past.

We cannot remain unperturbed. We either swim or sink in crossing the treacherous river of political insanity.

Hoping excessively or irrationally is foolish but it is wise to put the fate of the country into the hands of the new president who has an iron will to fulfill his campaign promises. (He has formed a Truth Commission headed by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide that will put a closure to the scandals and perceived crimes of the Arroyo government.) Yet, he cannot do it alone without the support of the entire nation and its patriotic citizens from all walks of life.

As Noynoy Aquino takes his oath of office, may he silently hear the groans of the suffering nation. May he visualize the flight of his unfortunate countrymen. At the other end, may he be given a vision on how grateful the nation will be to him if he is indeed true to his vow that he can make the Philippines much better from the past. -30-

(Photo Courtesy:  Philippine Star)

Japan, Soccer and Bit of History

As a soccer fan, I regularly watch World Cup matches in South Africa. This time, it’s between Japan and Paraguay at a stadium in Pretoria.

Japan lost in the penalty kick-off after playing the 90 minute regulation time and 30 minute extra time. Japan’s third spot kicker Yuichi Komano’s ball hit the upper bar of the goal missing a score. When it was Paraguay’s turn in kicking the winning goal, the Japanese team, hands shoulder to shoulder was on their knees praying for a missed shot but their prayers were short.

Footages of crying Japanese fans in the stadium were flashed after the match aside from the unabashed flowing of tears from the faces of the Japanese team.

Guys, it is just a game.

It is just a game but that show of emotion means something more.

I am sorry to remind the past that Imperial Japan had atrocities during World War II especially here in the Philippines. For me past is past and the present Japan has nothing to do with the cruelties of its past leaders and government. In fact, Japan and the Philippines have full diplomatic ties and the Japanese are our prime trading partners here in Asia. Their government has tremendously helped us and continues to help us graciously.

The bombs dropped in Nagasaki and Hiroshima forced Japan to its knees and accepted a bitter and brutal defeat. From then on, Japan metamorphosed into a pacifist nation that today, they are sensitive on the storage of any nuclear missile and the presence of foreign bases in their soil. Since then, Japan has not sent its military for an overseas combat. Threatened by China and North Korea, Japan can excellently defend itself from in-coming missiles but cannot fight a war outside its territory without a quick and devastating defeat. Japan is a proto-nuclear powered state that it can produce nuclear missiles in six months to a year but the Japanese once said that never again that their country will become a world power. Not even the police in Japan are seen in the streets carrying a gun.

You call this discipline.

Despite their defeat, Japan slowly got to its feet and became an economic power not only in Asia but in the world. They still manufacture top of the line cars, machinery and electronics aside from exclusively holding the title as the second richest country in the world.

Japan shed tears of defeat after their  epic match with Paraguay because they wanted to win --- who doesn’t? The attitude to crave for a win is universal but any one familiar with Japanese culture  suggests that they shamed themselves because their effort was short. They go  home to reinvent themselves and  see where they failed and plot new strategies next time they are on the field.

They want excellence.

. . . I remember a Japanese friend (Natsuko) who invited me to her flat for a small party. She was doing a scrambled egg. When she turned the egg tossing it and catching it back on the pan, the egg did not fall on the center but on the edge. I was watching her and every time she made that mistake, she threw away the egg that has nothing wrong with it. After three tries I asked her why she threw away the egg. She said that if her Mom would be present, she scolds her because “she wants me always to do things perfectly.”

That mentality suggests quality.

Japan lost but even if it was just a soccer match, they also showed us to strive for the best in life.

I wish that Filipinos can emulate the Japanese attitude that even though their country was literally torn apart and ready to be submerged, they transformed their country into what it is today.  As Pres. Noynoy Aquino is on the doorstep of presidency, we hope against hope that he can make our country much better. -30-

Grade VII and Fifth Year Addition

I am not sure how serious the government is in adding Grade VII and a Fifth Year in the elementary and secondary schools. The government believes that with two years more before college, students are better prepared to undertake their chosen careers.

I have no competence to discuss the issue scientifically but I have the following to share.

There were a lot of anecdotes about pre-World War II elementary pupils in our town that continue to fascinate me. During family hours at the living room illuminated with kerosene-fueled lantern, before or after night prayers, my grandparents and parents used to relate stories and tales when they were kids or in their youth.

In their elementary days, they can show right away the map of any country from the rotating globe. Dates and name of historical events and figures were at their finger tips in their History class. If my grandma was not bragging; in their music class, they can read the notes of any song where their teacher stops in opening at random the music book.

When I was practicing conversational English with my Dad, Mom’s patience was short with my grammatical errors before telling that in their time, their English was fluent and grammatical. (The Philippines was under the United States.)

The claim was unbelievable to me until on one occasion, my doubts were cleared. I heard a pre-War high school drop out known to be on the top of her class conversed with her distant granddaughter in English. She did not speak Tagalog because it was not in their curriculum.

True, she was fluent without minding the pauses where she appeared to be looking for the right English word. The old lady knew the Seven Wonders of the World. She was familiar with American history and World geography aside from almost answering instantly what is the capital of a particular country. Shots of gin did not lessen her knowledge on the Pythagorean Theorem that "C equals the square root of A square plus B square". To make her point better, she started grabbing a pencil drawing a right triangle, assigned figures on the sides and started to compute.

In making my day, I saw her reading the defunct Daily Express, an English daily.

Some of us in high school then were really inferior to that old lady at some point if my observation was accurate.

Here in Vigan, there was a Fifth Year in High School but only in the seminary. I never bothered asking acquaintances the contents of the curriculum but I can only guess that further Spanish, Latin, Greek, basic Philosophy and social sciences were in the menu.

There is no question that Fifth Yeared seminarians (or seminarians in general) are smart. That has nothing to do with the additional year but on the strict seminary training and discipline.

So what if students are in school for 12 years before going to college?

Personally, that cannot guarantee academic excellence on the part of the student. What matter is the instructor and method of teaching.

My friend, a professor in one of the universities here in Ilocos told me that he uses a mixture of English, Tagalog and Ilocano to deliver his lectures. “Pure English  diminishes the students' capacity in comprehending the subject matter”.(sic) Well, local languages fully understood by the students are okay so long as they have no plans to leave the country to earn a living with their careers.

Instructor and modules are also part of the problem.

To say that  teachers in the country are mediocre is disrespectful but students with good grasp of the academic subjects are rare these days in the provinces. I am not saying that English is to be  patronized in the country but if we want to compete and interact globally, English is not only recommended but a must.

Many should be familiar that dailies say  once in a while that some books used in school have massive errors in grammar, dates, names, places and the like. Yet, to my understanding, schools continue to use these books. I am not sure if the government is working to correct the errors or if they have funds to do so.

If the government is really serious in upgrading the educational system, the starting point is the re-evaluation of the curricula, method of teaching and the training of instructors and teachers as well. If these are not reassessed, the quality of education continues to deteriorate at a faster rate. -30-

Yes We Can P-Noy!

Philippine President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” C Aquino III is about to be sworn in as the 15th president of the republic. Since his landslide victory, Filipinos hope that “P-Noy” (Pres. Noynoy Aquino) is capable in solving all the problems that beset the country or if not; at least the more imperative ones. Topping them is the endemic and massive graft and corruption, rampant violation of human rights, grinding poverty, criminality and the abuse or destruction of natural resources and environment.

Minus his pluses being born from a martyr-hero father, Ninoy and a former president mother, Cory, Noynoy is an ordinary mortal like us. He is not an incarnated god, a fairy or other make-believe characters that in a click of a finger, everything is possible. So, it is down to earth  not to have high expectations on him but rather  expectations that are doable.

There is no way that P-Noy can turn the present Philippines into a Shangri-la in six years.  To start his onerous burden, he has to turn on the engine of the government and traverse the filthy mine-laden road  his predecessor left.

Lao-tzu correctly observed that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”.

Soon to be Pres. Noynoy Aquino metaphorically occupies a house with walls falling apart, holes on its roof. The carpet is cockroach, termite, flee and rat infested. Its air conditioning system chokes. Its water and gas lines are clogged. The foundation is ready to give way.

For sure, the house can be made over but it takes time to do the job;  probably, not even during his term.

Mrs. Arroyo, set to bear the curse of infamy, bequeathed Noynoy a country bleeding, gasping for life as brought about by the evil of political patronage, scandals, graft and corruption, violation of human rights and poverty. In fairness to Mrs. Arroyo, she was able to keep the economy afloat when world recession threatened the economy and has implemented infrastructure projects. Despite these, the citizens were not deterred in giving her a negative rating that goes for the books. Filipinos lost their trust and confidence in her at zero per cent but her worth as head of state became much worse when the people’s final approval  spiraled down to -33. Simply said, the Arroyo presidency is a failure!

Pretending to be civil, Mrs. Arroyo and her cohort  wish the incoming administration good luck and best wishes .  Such "courtesy" is more of a showmanship.  It is devoid of sincerity. Down to the twilight of her presidency, Arroyo did not have the decency in carrying midnight appointments. That may be legal but not without any personal nefarious motive. Could it be possible that at some point she feels guilty that there must be entities that can protect her from possible prosecution once she leaves office?

In 24 hours we will have a new president but it is unfortunate that  before sitting on his presidential  chair, he is already criticized.  A leftist group is set to welcome him with protest right from the vicinity of the Palace. How stupid is that?

We wait and see how Pres. Noynoy Aquino plays his role and do his function. He deserves to be given a fair chance before we  go to the streets and  cry foul to demand action.

Can Pres. Aquino do it?

Not alone as a one-man team.  Filipinos must support him and his administration so that he can transform the country into what we aspire her to be. He cannot do it alone. Yes, we can also do it in the Philippines only if there is sincerity among everybody in the government and in the private sector to join hands and move forward and not back. This we must do amidst the odds.

For too long  and too much we suffered from the hands of the greedy and nonchalant leaders who dehumanized us. We do not deserve this kind of life and government. We want the better. We are a rich nation of talents and natural resources but we are also a people of  apathy. We do not pay attention  and work  on what  our country deserves.  It took a Korean living in the country  in  pointing what is wrong with us:  "we don't love that much our country". Often times we are contented sitting at the corner expecting social graces and  blessings of political impetus instead of doing what we can no matter how mean or small to keep the country moving the right way.

Indeed, Pres. Aquino looks determined to make this country better.  We must not forget one basic fact that he is human, proned to err. Being the son of  Ninoy and Cory, it is unbelievable that he will soil their names and legacy.  Rather, he will work to etch his own image that he is the president Filipinos have waited for too long.   He has the potential to be a great president  on the condition  that he can fulfill his campaign promises  to at least  tolerable levels. True, things are easier said than done but the door of success is always  wide open.  If there is a will, there is a way.

The future has twists and turns but we hope for the best. In hoping for the best, stand up and be counted.  We work as a team and never as individuals for “united we stand; divided we fall”.  We do in unison the first step for the six-year journey.

Good luck to the Philippines, good luck to the Filipino people at home and in diaspora and good luck to Pres. Noynoy Aquino. -30-

Tribute to a Friend's Requiem

Vic Ruelos,  true and eternal friend

May you rest in peace in the arms of the Father

You left us too young

But

Thanks for the memories and fun

"[A]nd when he shall die, take him and cut him out in little stars, and he will make the face of heaven so fine that all the world will be in love with night and pay no worship to the garish sun."
      - Shakespeare on Romeo and Juliet

Philippines, Journalists’ Grave

The nine year presidency of Mrs. Arroyo saw 104 journalists murdered and altogether, 140 since the fall of the Marcos fascist dictatorship in 1986. In one day alone last year, a record of 32 journalists were viciously killed in the Maguindanao massacre.

That makes the Philippines one of  the most dangerous places on earth for journalists to practice their trade.

What is wrong with the press people mostly provincial radio anchors that they are the favorite of assassins?

Basically there’s none. They are just doing their job to inform or educate their listeners on the pressing issues in their locality that may be about corruption, illegal activities such as illegal gambling, smuggling, illegal logging and other criminal acts of elected officials, military personnel or ordinary citizens.

I said “basically” because from what I observed; sometimes, provincial radio anchors tend to overkill their expose by resulting to abusive and curt words the culprits don’t like to hear. Commentaries can be delivered in many ways but I don’t know why some commentators cannot modify their piece for a better-sounding delivery without altering the facts and their point.

There has been a proposal that journalists especially in the provincial broadcast industry should be re-trained. On what kind of training is that is not clear but I believe that it has something to do with ethics, code of journalism and other existing and applicable laws. Not all in the Philippine broadcast industry went to Broadcasting School to learn the art academically and thoroughly.  Instead, some learned to be in the industry through  sheer guts and instinct.

However, the broadcaster’s  on the air follies and misgivings should not serve as a ticket to the grave. The affronted has always an access to the courts and is free to file grievances against a radio personality  believed  to have broken broadcasting laws, ethics and other existing laws and let the wheel of justice roll.

So long as the lives of the press people are under constant threat, no one has the right to say that the Philippines has the freest press in Asia or say that there is freedom of the press and of expression in the country.

Let us see what the in-coming administration is capable of in stopping the senseless killing of media practitioners. -30-

Sex Education in the Philippines: A Personal Perspective

Sex education is currently the hot and widespread topic in the media, schools, offices, malls, cafeterias and in the Church. Per the government, pupils in the fifth grade, aged ten to 11 up to high school students, aged 15 to 16 will be taught on what sex is. I still have to see the “syllabus” of the course but the controversial move is believed to promote safe sex, limit the spread of STDs and prevent unwanted pregnancies.

The influential Catholic Church cries foul. Its hierarchy says that it is the duty of parents to educate their children about sex. The clergy further argues that sex education in school only promotes promiscuity.

It is not clear to me whether the government’s move sprung from its idea that overpopulation is one of the root causes of grinding poverty in the Philippines and hence, it must be put into a lower gear. (N.B.: I always assume perhaps with precision that the main roots of poverty in the country are graft and corruption and the unabated abuse and destruction of the environment and natural resources.)

From the rationale of the course, pupils and students learn human anatomy and their functions. I am not sure how teachers will do their job but I believe that there will be visuals of the male and female genitalia and illustration of bodily changes that occur in both sexes’ age of puberty. Birth control methods and paraphernalia and how to use them, STDs and their nature; how they are acquired, transmitted and prevented are also taught. Last but not least, our children will learn about sexual intercourse, pregnancy and responsible parenthood.

Is it possible to teach responsible parenthood to these kids who are “new” in this world and are supposed to be concentrating on their studies? In their puerile and pristine way of thinking, how do we expect them to be responsible in their actions especially when it comes to sex after reading its book? They are “young and restless” and too curious to try out the difficult to resist that appeal to the senses.

So next time Junior or Neneng comes home, parents should not be surprised to discover that they have assignments on subjects ranging from penis, vagina, menstruation, breasts, nipple, sperm, pubic hair, alteration of the voice pitch, ovulation, female egg, miscarriage, abortion, conception, labor, gestation and even masturbation.

What is interesting to know is the method in which the teachers discuss sex. Are they down to earth  in using unambiguous words, terms and phrases or they prefer to be more “decent”? I browsed that the use of English is to be the medium for the instruction. Well, what is wrong in using the first language of the pupil like Ilocano or Cebuano? Using another language to describe something does not change its meaning. Dog is dog whether it is said as “perro” (Spanish),  "canis” (Latin) or  “aso” (Ilocano). The last thing we don’t like to hear are the young ones talking explicitly about sex in a vulgar fashion in the native language.

As they grow and reach the age of reason, who can stop these sex literate youngsters in watching pornography, doing sex and  spreading their bad influence? Unwanted pregnancies or STDs can be avoided because of academic background but who can stop immorality and its spread? Who can stop the possible commission of sex crimes? Who can stop abortion? And yes, ironically, teen pregnancy? Early marriage? Early marital separation? Cohabitation? Illegitimate children? Curtailment or distraction of education because of early marriage or unwanted pregnancy?

We have to wait for a couple of years after the implementation of the course to know if the program attains its goals or will have helped tremendously in the propagation of the things it supposed to stop.

We will also know if the stand of the Catholic Church is correct or not. -30-

Dr. Jovito R Salonga, 90: A Tribute

This is my humble way of paying tribute to  a surviving  par excellence Filipino statesman with unparalleled achievement and integrity in Philippine politics. Coming from a poor family and weathering the odds, his ascension to the acme of success  in life and in politics has inspired countless of his countrymen to be positive achievers and productive citizens. Aside from his impressive curriculum vitae, the physically bomb-deformed Senator taught and shared the meaning of authentic forgiveness.  On the Plaza Miranda bombing, that almost caused his life, he piously stated that he has forgiven the mastermind(s) of that infamous incident that left him blind on one eye, totally deaf on one ear and the other, partially deaf. Dr. Salonga,  has served the Philippines with excellence,  dedication,  honesty and pride.

The following biographical index of the Magsaysay Awardee was lifted from the website of the Philippine Senate.

Reputed as “ The Nation’s Fiscalizer ",  Jovito Salonga’s distinguished record as Congressman for the 2nd District of Rizal later won for him the overwhelming mandate of the Filipino electorate as he consistently topped three Senatorial elections despite lack of material means and at against all odds – a record without precedent in Philippine political history, in addition to the remarkable fact that he was elected under three different administrations ( that of Macapagal, Marcos and Aquino ). Salonga was chosen as one of the most outstanding Senators with his significant legislations, some of which inspired public interest: the State Scholarship Law, the Disclosure of Interest Act, the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers, and the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees, and the Act Defining and Penalizing the Crime of Plunder.

Salonga has been fighting corruption and dictatorship since his youth. The son of a Presbyterian minister from Rizal province, he joined the resistance movement during the Japanese occupation, was captured, tortured and sentenced by a military court to years of hard labor.

Released in 1943, he topped the bar examinations the following year and made plans to attend Harvard for his master’s degree. He followed up his master’s at Harvard with a doctorate from Yale University, but turned down a faculty position there because he felt he should take part in post-war reconstruction in the Philippines.

Upon his return, he embarked on a career that quickly established him as one of the most brilliant lawyers in the country. He taught law at leading universities in Manila, and authored several tax texts that are used here and abroad.

When Martial Law was declared in 1972, he was one of its most outspoken opponents. He defended political prisoners who challenged the Marcos regime.

In October 1980, after the bombing of the Asian Society of Travel Agents’ conference at the PICC, Salonga was arrested along with several others and was detained without investigation and without charges.

After his release from military custody, he was offered a visiting scholarship at Yale, where he engaged in the revision of his book on International Law. He completed his book on the Marcos years and a program for a new democratic Philippines.

Salonga returned to the Philippines on January 21, 1985 and when the Aquino government took over after the People Power Revolution of February 1986, Salonga was named chairman of the Presidential Commission on Good Government, which was tasked with investigating and recovering the ill-gotten wealth of the members of the past regime.

With his selfless dedication to duty and his significant contributions to the country, Jovito Salonga continues to serve as brilliant inspiration to all Filipinos. He was Senate President from 1987-1991.

Former Chief Justice Artemio V. Panganiban in his column from the Philippine Daily Inquirer has this to say about Sen. Salonga:

Public service demands much sacrifice yet pays very little. It is not a place for the vacillating and the weak-hearted. Neither is it for the selfish and the self-righteous. New public servants can take some lessons from the life of Dr. Jovito R. Salonga who is celebrating his 90th birthday today. Upon being sworn in as a Cabinet member of Cory Aquino, he dissolved his famous law office. Though not required by law, he gave up his only source of income to set a new standard in ethical conduct.

Indeed, Doctor Salonga is the ideal public servant. He was a bar topnotcher (No. 1 in the 1944 bar exams), scholar (one of the few in the world to earn a masters in law at Harvard and a doctorate in jurisprudence at rival Yale), professor (in several law schools), educator (one of the youngest ever to be law dean), author (his books on evidence, corporation law and international law are the most authoritative on these subjects and his several biographic sketches are bestsellers), congressman (who single-handedly trumped two dynasties in Rizal province), senator and Senate president (with the distinction of being the only Filipino to top the Senate race three times), the best president the country never had (lost to Fidel V. Ramos in 1992). And he is the oldest living Filipino statesman and legend.

Having met him in 1956 when I was still a student and communing with him regularly up to the present, I know him to be all these. But I know him best as my lifetime guru—not just on the labyrinths of the law but more so on how to live a life worth living.

I will always remember his supreme teaching: While it is good to have the things that money can buy, like food on the table, clothing on our backs, medicine for our illnesses and even a car and a house for the family, we must never ever forget that it is far better to aspire for the things that money cannot buy like integrity, moral courage, character, honor, humility, dignity and an abiding faith in the love and mercy of God.

(Salonga continues to fight for good government and governance through the Kilosbayan which he founded.  His more detailed online biography can be read here. -Cor Invictus)