Rep. Janette Garin’s Condom Request

"It's good that the Vatican is now trying to open its door but it's quite ironic for them to allow condom use only for male prostitutes . . . We pity couples with HIV and partners whom they continuously deprive of the right to copulate as husband and wife . . . [I]f condoms are for male prostitutes, is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this? We believe in the sanctity of marriage and family, the basic unit of our society. They should be prioritized more than prostitution.”

That’s the appeal of  Iloilo Representative Janette L. Garin  petitioning Pope Benedict XVI to allow couples to use condom.

Using condom to prevent pregnancy or for sexual promiscuity is not a social crime punishable with a jail term.   As such, when it is readily available, any one can  have it.  Using condom to prevent the transmission of life or for sexual promiscuity is a crime before God. One might invoke that conscience can  rightfully decide whether artificial contraception is right or not.  That is true on the condition that the conscience is well-informed and matured.

What is the point of the solon from Iloilo in asking the Pope to allow couples to use condom when at this age of radical relativism and secularism; when everything believed or reasoned out is deemed  objectively correct and thus, any act at our disposal is right?

The Church position on the use of contraceptive has not changed and will not change and thus, Ms. Garin is just singing the Impossible Dream.

Clarifying the position on the Pope’s comment in a new book, “the Vatican said condoms were the lesser of two evils when used to curb the spread of AIDS, even if their use prevented a pregnancy.”

To whom is Rep. Garin referring to on the word “they” to deprive the right of husband and wife when one of them has the HIV virus to have sex?  If she’s referring to the Church,; if one of the faithful couple is asexually afflicted with the disease, control or restraint is a conjugal virtue for humans don’t live the life of lower forms of animals. This is where the Pope’s words come into light when the use of condom is  so-called a lesser evil.

Garin further complains that “If condoms are for male prostitutes, is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this?”

Rep. Garin for sure knows that prostitution is the oldest  profession.  There is no indication that the flesh business goes bankrupt soon or in the next five or more centuries. The Church does not condone prostitution but it is a lesser evil for those in the business to use condom to prevent the spread of the disease and the infection of others of the dreaded disease. The representative from Iloilo  fantasizes in indicating that the Church or the bishops are prioritizing prostitution instead of the sanctity of marriage and family. The reverse is exactly true. The Church priority is the respect of life through the sanctity of marriage; meaning, the marital act must always be open for the transmission of life and thus artificial contraception is wrong.

Then she asks, “Is it highly immoral to deprive married couples with this [the use of condom]?”

The answer is “yes” if a healthy couple (HIV/AIDS virus free) uses condom to prevent pregnancy.

I don’t know if one gets angry or laughs sarcastically  while reading government officials’ statement about condom. They unceasingly look for loopholes or resort to distorted  reasoning to make the public believe that what they say is correct. Said in other words, they want to outwit the Church or the bishops who have the authority on moral issues. Since they imply that based from their line of reasoning, the Church is wrong in not allowing the use of condom  to  regulate birth, the implication tells that  our  pro-condom representatives in Congress know better than the Magisterium ---  morally or ethically speaking.

Believe it or not, the Church Magisterium has never been found to have erred not even once for the last 2,000 years and there is no reason to believe that the Church is now wrong on its stand on condom. -30-

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Photo Credit:  www.congress.gov.ph

A Cardinal for Mindanao? Forget it!

Pope Benedict XVI names 24 new cardinals but there is no Filipino to take the seat of retiring Ricardo Cardinal Vidal of the Archdiocese of Cebu.

It is recalled that Sen. Joker Arroyo expressed his desire on the senate floor that the Holy See should name an additional cardinal for the Philippines. Recently, the senator reiterated his plea for an increased number of cardinals by calling the attention of the Papal Nuncio and the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to act as channels. Mr. Arroyo notes the disproportionate number of cardinals who shepherd the majority of our population who are Catholic.

The Holy See alone has the final say on the number of cardinals a country should have and has no intention to entertain lobbyists requesting for additional cardinals especially when they come from the side of the State.

For the record, a bishop or an archbishop is as good as a cardinal in taking care of the spiritual needs of the Catholic community.  These days, despite their sincere effort to evangelize how many among us are open  to what they are saying?  If  we believe that they are ineffective, why the need for a third cardinal for Mindanao? A cardinal after all is primarily tasked to elect a new pope and act as a papal adviser. Other than that and the title, the pastoral ministry of bishops and cardinals is essentially the same.

Why is the Philippines interested for more cardinals when in this age of relativism and secularism, who cares to listen when they transmit the official teachings of the Church?  Who cares for a Mindanao cardinal pleading for religious tolerance and freedom;  attacking the evil of graft and corruption; abuse of the environment; hooliganism and the need of peaceful coexistence in the island regardless of faith, ethnicity and language?

Right now, who are listening to Cardinal Rosales, (Ret.) Cardinal Vidal and the bishops?

In return, they and the Church are mocked as if what they are teaching is foolishness and that we have a better understanding and idea on pressing moral issues than them.

That is sad but it is also true.

The sexual misconduct of the clergy, let me point out, which the Church does not condone does in no way affect the validity of what they preach but rather clouds their credibility instead. Be it so as it may,  faithful Christians should listen to the words of Christ who said and continues to say “Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you, but do not follow their example. For they preach but they do not practice.” (Mt. 23:3)

The door is not closed from inside on the possible addition of another cardinal in the future. As we wait that opportune time, the Catholic majority and all Christians should grow in faith and come to believe that the Church preaches truth for the salvation of all. -30-

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Photo Credit:

www.senate.gov.ph/senators/sen_bio/arroyo_bio.asp

Aung San Suu Kyi: Free At Last!

Finally, after 21 years of isolation, Myanmar’s ruling military junta has set free Aung San Suu Kyi, a democratic activist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate.

Just like Ninoy Aquino, Aung San Suu Kyi’s spirit, courage and determination to help liberate her people from persecution, oppression and military dictatorship were not doused by imprisonment and other injustices thrown upon her. Now that she is free, (I pray that the junta will not drag her back to jail.) I am sure that the political icon continues to fight for the welfare of her country and people in an even more potent way.

I look forward to the day when Myanmar and its people will live in democracy and enjoy the blessings of social justice and freedom no matter when.  The Burmese people have suffered a lot and hopefully, very soon, they will join us in the free world.

"While the Burmese regime has gone to extraordinary lengths to isolate and silence Aung San Suu Kyi, she has continued her brave fight for democracy, peace, and change in Burma . . . She is a hero of mine and a source of inspiration for all who work to advance basic human rights in Burma and around the world. The United States looks forward to the day when all of Burma's people are free from fear and persecution." –US Pres. Barack Obama

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Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Carmen Mislang's Misdeed

The misdeed of Mislang is the reason for others to be “gagged” if that is the right term.

Sec. Ricky Carandang, a former radio-TV anchor said that all accounts of officials on social networking sites are to be suspended until guidelines are drawn up for their use.

Where did Mr. Carandang secure his right to silence or censor public officials in the social networking sites? How wise is that? Anything expressed there by officials in the privacy of their domicile within the parameter of law is no one’s business --- the government included --- unless there is intent to suppress the constitutional freedom of speech. If officials are discouraged or not allowed to interact with others in their Tweeter, Facebook, Friendster or My Space accounts, this government said to be democratic will go down in history as worse than the Marcos dictatorship.

Setting guidelines in using the sites is a prior restraint and equates censorship.

If Carandang is still in his old job, I believe that he is among the first to air his dislike on the idea of guidelines our officials have to follow. If “officials” are those in the government, it is foolish to believe that Carandang or the government can monitor their online activities 24/7. Doing such is a clear invasion of privacy.

It is recalled that the Nazis and secret Communist police kept a good eye on their citizens’ private activities.

It is too bad that every official is now a suspect to do foolishness like what Mislang did.

If Carandang is serious, Pres. Aquino should tell Ricky to clean his office, tell him to crank up his car --- done with his job. -30-

Carmen Mislang’s Tweet: Out of Tune

With the exception of some, Filipinos are known for their courtesy and hospitality to visitors and foreigners. However, that trademark is slowly carried away by strong current of egotism but hopefully, not into oblivion.

When visiting new places and meeting new friends, Filipinos are also known for their refined demeanor and tacit urge in learning new things that last for a lifetime.

Our Vietnamese friends familiar with these should have their jaws dropping when right in their city, a Philippine presidential speechwriter in the person of Carmen Mislang complained in her Tweeter about the sucking wine and the possible danger caused by their speeding vehicles in the streets of Hanoi.

For the open-minded, Mislang has all the right to express anything she wants in her Tweeter, Facebook,  My Space or  in any other social network site. She did not malign or defame anyone nor was her opinion libelous. She was just expressing what is in her mind, period. And that is not a crime. If the wine doesn’t taste good to her, who can help even if it is one of the finest from Sonoma Valley? She might prefer a "tapuy" instead. Same is true with her safety assessment on the traffic in busy Hanoi. Perhaps the plight of cars in EDSA or Quiapo is safer for her.

What is definitely wrong is her arrogance and un-Filipino character that as a visitor and a member of the presidential delegation, she should have shown a sense of diplomacy. Mislang, although not elected, is not an ordinary citizen the fact that she rubs elbows with the president occasionally in drafting speeches. If I were P-Noy, I let her go for giving me a red face in the midst of a diplomatic visit to a friendly country.

Her Tweet according to ABS-CBN radio anchors was immediately deleted by her but that makes no difference when in this time of technology, anything in the net can spread quickly.

We appreciate Mislang’s quick thinking but the damage has been done.

At the end of the day, we cannot blame the patriotic Vietnamese in bad-mouthing us back in a subtle way. While it is true that the Philippines helped Vietnam in their past conflicts; have accepted some of its citizens fleeing from an unwanted government, Vietnam today is poised to overtake our economy in the not too distant future. Right now, we might enjoy the best tasting wine from Italy or California or a better and safer flow of traffic than Vietnam but so long as we continue to be conceited and manifest our “Spanish blood”, somewhere along the mile, Vietnam will have its last laugh.

Let me repeat that the presidential speechwriter has all the right to say anything she wants  based from her perception but her position and the place where she Tweeted should have restrained her finger in pressing “enter”.

We are thankful, the Vietnamese are not haughty. -30-

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Additional reading material: 
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101031-300673

Rep. Lagman On His Reproductive Bill

Finally, the good representative of Albay speaks.

The first part of his article in the PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER is clear. Everybody understands it. However, the second part, “Smear Offensive”, he brings out interesting issues about the Reproductive Health (RH) bill which I want to comment.

The Bill is not anti-life:

How is one convinced that it is not anti-life when what we are talking is the prevention of pregnancy through the use of artificial method? So, what, rhythm method also prevents pregnancy?

I agree that natural family planning prevents pregnancy but the sex act involved, naturally done without paraphernalia is open to the transmission of a new life while the artificial method, things (condom, IUD) stop the transmission of life.

The bill does not interfere with family life:

How believable is Mr. Lagman in saying this when a contraceptive undermines a marital relationship? Sex and responsibility go together otherwise what differs us from lower forms of animals? What is a family that does not know how to be responsible?

The bill will not promote contraceptive mentality:

The bill does not prohibit pregnancy: How sure is Rep. Lagman that his bill will not promote contraceptive mentality especially among the teens who know that they don’t get pregnant if they use condom? How sure is he that those aspiring to be in the flesh business don’t use condom to prevent pregnancy and the transmission of STDs? If it does not prohibit pregnancy, why does it encourage the use then of contraceptives?

Humanae Vitae is not an infallible doctrine:

That is correct but it does not mean that the encyclical is wrong in its moral teaching. Mr. Lagman even said that Paul VI supported a minority report that eventually became the basis of his encyclical. The legislator from Albay, a lawyer, knows that truth and moral issues cannot be decided by a majority vote like in a beauty contest. If Mr. Lagman is familiar with the encyclical, if he is honest to himself, he agrees that all Paul VI prophesied came true on the use of contraceptives.

This is a case where any one says whatever s/he wants by using technical or ambiguous terms; anyway, who among the 100-million Filipinos are well informed on burning issues of our times? Who among us still remember our Logic and who among us have sufficient knowledge on Ethics or Moral Theology?

The more that we are dumb, the easier for our legislators to legislate.-30-

Ilocos Sur Hymn, Will It Help?

One news* (Its URL cannot be linked.) article from the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) says “that the mandatory singing of the Ilocos Sur hymn is one way of promoting the cultures and traditions of the province” according to Vice Gov. DV Savellano.

Intuitive minds should ask how could simply singing the provincial hymn promotes cultures and traditions of the province?

Every day since 1898 when we got our independence from Spain, Lupang Hinirang is a staple in public schools and government institutions. Since then, is it accurate to say that Filipino ethnic cultures and traditions have been promoted? If so, going to other parts of the country would no longer stop our inquisitive minds asking why what we feel and see in Leyte is different from Ilocos Sur. Do the people of Tawi-Tawi know that when Ilocanos talk, as if they are fighting because of their intonation or tone when they are simply bantering?

As an optimist, I hope that by singing the Ilocos Sur hymn everyday, the province and its people realize and carry on their glorious past when it was still under Spain. At that time, we were pious, hard-working and dedicated to our families. Except for piety that now appears to be lukewarm, we are still the way we used to be in the present environment of modernity. In those years, we suffered the brutality of a foreign power but  we were united and valiant fighting an unwanted regime that plundered our wealth. Many of our ancestors died in plotting to fight a well-oiled army but they showed us courage, determination and will to be free. In those years, life was simple but they practiced "tagnawa, padigo, bayanihan " systems and a lot more from history books which are now things of the golden past.

I am reluctant to cite the Ilocos Sur today and the recent past because I respectfully disagree with a lot of things. These days some play the role of the three classical monkeys who see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. That is the sad plight of politics challenging us to mature politically or suffer the consequences of our follies and apathy.

It is a good idea if the honorable Mr. Savellano spells out the meaning of his quote. -30

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Suggested additional reading material from this blog:
http://sapientiaaedificat.blogspot.com/2010/09/ilocos-sur-hymn-now-requirement.html

 See www.pia.gov.ph and search for the press release of Mr. Freddie G. Lazaro dated 2010/09/22.

Noynoy and Rico: That’s What Friends Are For

Interior U-Sec. Rico Puno went public and showed a cut of the pie of his friendship with the president. For two decades, the two are not just friends but close friends going together at the shooting range and supposedly attending socials as well.

The embattled secretary does not enjoy right now the approval of the people because of his believed involvement in receiving jueteng  payola to which he vehemently denied. On the other hand, Archbishop Cruz says otherwise. For sure one of them is dishonest. Who? I have no intention to answer that. I only want to remind that one of them is a politician and the other is a man of cloth although both of them are sinners like us.

Fond in singing, I can imagine the president singing Dan Hill’s line to Mr. Puno.

You ask me if I love you
And I choke on my reply
I'd rather hurt you honestly
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you
On what you say or do?
I'm only just beginning to see the real you.

The president promised a transparent government and if I may go further, patterned after the manner the US government is ran. And if astrology is to be believed, Aquarians (the president is) are choosy in finding their friends who should be trusted and considered as a brother. Once the friendship is sealed, an Aquarian is a faithful friend that no matter what, “friendship does not fade or stink.”

I based that from my personality. Mr. Aquino and I share the same month, day and year of birth.

What I don’t understand about the president is his inflexibility in not giving an ear to what others say that one of his closest is a bad egg. Allegation remains an allegation but I doubt if there is a sane and respected person that fabricates a story besmirching the reputation of somebody whether inside the Congress or in the waters of public opinion. Mr. Aquino is correct is asking for evidence before we expect him to do something but why don’t we hear something that U-Sec. Puno and the rest of the named names in the  jueteng scandal are investigated if this government is really transparent?

As friends, I understand the pain both sides feel when Mr. Puno is fired by the president, an act that he must to restore the severely damaged people’s trust in his government. And if they are indeed friends, if Puno is gone from office in a way or the other, they can still enjoy their  sisig and fried lumpiang ubod and they can still go to the shooting range.

Pres. Aquino must put friendship second to his obligation to the Filipino people. Anyway, we understand that when stressing out from a hard day's work,  the two sings . . .

Keep smilin', keep shinin'
Knowin' you can always count on me, for sure
That's what friends are for
For good times and bad times
I'll be on your side forever more
That's what friends are for

That’s what friends are for indeed! -30

Sec. Hillary Clinton Pays Tribute to Pinoys

At the signing of the $434-million US Millenium Corp. grant to the Philippines graced by US State Sec. Hillary Clinton and Philippine Pres. Noynoy Aquino at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, Mrs. Clinton paid tribute to Filipinos when she extemporaneously said in part:

"I know how smart the Filipino people are. I know how hard they work. I’m not sure there’s any group of people anywhere in the world that work harder than Filipinos.”

That is the punch line of Sec. Clinton’s unrehearsed message that resounded not only at home but globally. The former First Lady knows who are the Filipinos in America and their achievements in their chosen fields especially in the medical.

Despite the yearly exodus of Filipinos leaving their country, families and loved ones in search for a better future, I sincerely believe that 90% of them, if there’s only a way, refuse to leave their Motherland. Despite the sickening greed creeping and the appetite to accumulate wealth (and power) among our politicians, Filipinos in general prefer to live a simple life in a nuclear family with strong ties.

Through the magic of modern technology, I read the frustrations, aspirations, victories, defeat and loneliness of Pinoys from all corners of the world, far and near. They have to do something like leaving their families for a while telling them that “everything will be fine, in God’s grace, I’ll be back and we will be better off”.

Whether we like it or not, the Philippines is our country. If we believe the report of Pres. Noynoy he gave on his first 100 days in office, there is reason for us to have a guarded optimism.

There’s no question that Filipinos in the States are “smart” as proven by their academic achievements or as reflected by their life styles. Although declining rapidly, we should be thankful with our English capability that gives us an advantage in “being with and living with” a foreign culture. I heard proud parents bragging their kids as scholars, topping a board exam, on the dean’s list and so forth.

(“Smart” in the US is “intelligent” or “bright” in our lingo and never as “cunning” or “crafty”.)

These are the people who left this nation draining the brain of the country. Too bad, opportunities here are scarce or if there are, “it is not what you know but whom you know”. The brain drain has been felt years ago when some PhD and MA holder-authors spiced their works with grammatical errors. Observe some of our legislators speaking on TV. At times, they are lost in expressing themselves in English and thus, they resort to “actually”, “I mean” or “you know” then they switch to Taglish.  But so long as our officials remain apathetic to our needs; so long as they put forth their personal interests ahead of our own, this country is not getting any better.

How accurate is Mrs. Clinton in saying that we are hard-working. I know a lot of friends in the US working two jobs. After signing off from a day’s work, they go home and tend the family; take hours of rest then leave for the other job. Some have given up socializing and limited their route to work, Church and home. They brought along with them the Filipino spirit of “God and Family” and their poverty from home that make them life-battle tested in the land of plenty and of opportunities.

The top US diplomat who claims to have a lot of Filipino friends knows our aspirations as a people and as a nation. We are struggling and in despair asking  with a blank face “When will all of these sufferings come to an end?”

I honestly believe that the United States is sincere in helping us through their multi-faceted aids. Our doubt is on the part of our officials on whether they are serious in helping us or not. If they don’t; we have the right to demand our due for we elected them into office to care for us and not for themselves.

When Mrs. Clinton came here in 2009, she wowed us not only with her diplomatic skills but with her charisma as well. Does anyone remember when she went to Malanday National High School in Marikina looking to be a celebrity that she was mobbed by the students? Does any one remember how up to date she is about sports and our artists in the persons of Arnel Pineda and Charice Pempengco? What I can’t forget that Hillary (if I can call her that way) said in response to a question how she and Bill spend their free time, she said that they are just like ordinary people that they go to the movies once in a while.

That shows that life is fair. In the privacy of Bill’s and Hillary’s home, they have also their struggles and even aspirations like us who live an ordinary life or a sub-human life in the Smokey Mountain, along the "esteros" (filthy river banks) or under a bridge in Metro Manila. The difference? Setting aside the wealth of their country, their leaders and government, though not perfect, mean business in looking at the needs of their citizens even under the microscope if necessary. Whereas, here at home . . . do I still have to say something?

Sec. Clinton’s quote should challenge us more to strive better in our academic endeavors and our day to day activities. We should be inspired  to get better always (excelsior semper) for it is only through that that this country gets better. For sure, frustrations, challenges and failures are along the way but if you saw the movie  An American Tail, a 1986 animation, at the end of the tunnel, dreams come true.

Yet, no matter what, this country is the land of our birth.  It is she that nurtured us.  It is here that we spent our childhood with fond memories and it is here that we learned the value and meaning of life --- that sometimes, life is very cruel that one has to leave his wife, his children, his hometown and loved ones with bitter tears and agonizing  sobs only to find a better life somewhere out there. -30-

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Thank you to my very close friend Analyn Abellana  (at the left side of Mrs. Clinton in glasses) who lives in Reno, Nevada for  giving me the permission to use her picture with Sec. Clinton.

For additional reading material, please visit:
http://secretaryclinton.wordpress.com/2009/11/12/secretary-of-state-hillary-clinton-in-philippines/

Puno Should Resign Irrevocably

Local news services say that Pres. Aquino, currently in New York City, is not interested in accepting the courtesy resignation of beleaguered Interior Secretary Rico Puno. Puno has said that once the president, his target-shooting buddy, arrives, he tenders his resignation from office.

Is Mr. Aquino serious that he will not accept the resignation of a man suspected as inefficient and corrupt probably because he is his close friend? 

Puno faltered in the August 23 botched hostage rescue attempt and now accused of receiving illegal millions of payola. If the president is not kidding us and himself, Puno has become a black eye of his presidency. We have not forgotten that the campaign of Noynoy was based from a reformist government but how could Mr. Aquino fruitfully institute necessary changes when a deemed inefficient and corrupt is in his official household?

Puno is innocent. He is not convicted of any wrongdoing. However, again, if the president is indeed serious to be the total opposite of his predecessors, he must see to it that all of the accused in the jueteng scandal must be scrutinized and have their day in court if necessary.

Any unfavorable action on the part of the president strongly suggests even at this early of his presidency that he is a weak leader and not the one Filipinos are looking for to lead them.

For the sake of the country, it is better for Under-secretary Puno to tender his “irrevocable” resignation if he is really serious in not being a burden to anybody --- his tarnished image bothers us  isn't it? In that way, he also saves the face of the president and his government from further mockery.

He also saves his face especially!-30-
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Photo Courtesy: Manila Bulletin Online Edition

Scandals and Exposés Weaken the Country

The country has yet to fully recover from the embarrassment and humiliation it suffered from the world-famous hostage drama at the park when jueteng, an illegal game, and its masquerades hit the headlines. It is the burning issue of the hour. After retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz dropped his bombshell in a Senate hearing, Sen. Miriam Santiago in a privilege speech added insult to an injury by naming more names involved in the game. Some of them are high ranking government, military and police officials. The feisty senator even mentioned jaw-dropping figures involved in the ancient game.

Whether we admit or not, there is something wrong in the government that needs to be addressed at by no less than the President. If Mr. Aquino is indeed serious with his political campaign mantra that “when there is no corruption there is no poverty”, once he comes home from the United States, the Filipino nation is eager to hear what he has to say about jueteng which by no mistake is a serious trunk of graft and corruption.

In the meantime, let me share a patriotic song I learned in the elementary grades with a hope that it knocks hard at the hardened hearts who once in a while forget to love this country bequeathed to us by our heroes and heroines.  They suffered too much for us. Let us remember that we have only ONE country and it is our duty to love her and make it better by being parts of the team to improve it. May all of us share what we can no matter how small and no matter how big.

PHILIPPINES MY PHILIPPINES

I love my own my native land

Philippines my Philippines

To thee I give my heart and hands

Philippines my Philippines

The trees that crown thy mountain grand

The seas that beat upon thy strand

Awake my heart to thy command

Philippines my Philippines

Ye islands of the Eastern sea

Philippines my Philippines

Thy people we shall ever be

Philippines my Philippines

Our fathers lived and died in thee

And soon shall come the day when we

Lie down with them at God's decree

Philippines my Philippines

Yet beneath thy ardent sky

Philippines my Philippines

More numerous sons shall live and die

Philippines my Philippines

In them shall breathe the purpose high

The glorious day to bring more nigh

When all may sing without a sigh

Philippine my Philippines

U-Sec. Rico Puno Roasted in the Senate

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Sen. Teofisto Guingona III roasted Interior Undersecretary Rico Puno in the ongoing  jueteng  hearing. Puno and retired National Police Chief Jesus Verzosa were accused by Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz as recipients of the illegal game’s payola to which the two vehemently denied.

Others mentioned by Cruz as receiving payola are Pampanga Gov. Baby Pineda, Paul Dy of Isabela, retired General Eugene Martin and Mayor Mauricio Domogan of Baguio City, Danny Soriano of Cagayan, Governor Amado Espino in Pangasinan, and Boy Jalandoni of Bacolod.

Puno, evasive and rattled when pressed to name the identities of alleged jueteng operators currently under government surveillance, was reproached by Senate Pres. Juan Ponce Enrile. Urging him to come out clean on what he knows about jueteng operations and his involvement in the illegal game, Puno gave unbelievable answers like he was not able to remember the names of friends and family members who came to his office because of the high volume of people visiting his office.

Citing a Senate rule, Sen. Jinggoy Estrada reminded the embattled Puno that he could be cited with contempt if he lies before the Senate.

Pressed further to name names, the Interior Undersecretary had a tight lip saying that since there is an ongoing investigation of the case which put some government officials under surveillance, Puno preferred to keep silent so as not to influence the ongoing investigation.

Enrile also warned Puno that as a lawyer, the Senate president said that he is trained to catch one lying when cross-examined.

One does not need a Law or a Psychology degree to appraise Mr. Puno’s appearance and answers in the hearing before saying that he was lying to protect himself and others involved in jueteng.

Some of the senators voiced frustration on the inability of the government to totally eradicate the illegal game. Sen. Enrile asked why jueteng should not be legalized instead to finally end discussions on the issue. Cruz said that it is easy to stop the game. The retired prelate underscored that all that is needed is a political will on the part of a provincial officials and the provincial police to say “NO” to the illegal game in their jurisdictions.

Just like in a soap opera, the story of jueteng is getting more interesting. Let us see how it will end. -30-
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Recommended reading material:
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=614009&publicationSubCategoryId=63

Never Again to Martial Law

Thirty eight years ago, Martial Law was declared throughout the Philippines “to save the Republic and to build a New Society” according to Pres. Ferdinand Marcos.

On that momentous day, however, democracy was murdered. Right there and then, Marcos metamorphosed into a dictator. Not just an ordinary dictator but a brutal one!

We remember today and forever the victims of Martial Law: senators, lawyers, the intellectuals, members of the academe, students, activists, farmers, tribal leaders, the clergy, the religious and ordinary citizens regardless of sex, young and old; widows and orphans.

To those who survived and had the courage, strength, determination and will to fight an evil regime amidst the constant threat of imprisonment and death; “a job well done”! To those who did not survive the long and dark night of oppression and brutality; you who gave the ultimate sacrifice, your blood, sweat, tears and suffering fueled and inspired us in 1986 to say enough is enough to an unwanted and evil regime.

For some of us who literally hand in hand faced the tanks and the forces of the dictator ready to shed our blood for the country we love, let us never forget the critical days when we truly experienced the meaning of Filipino spirit and brotherhood. At the top of our voice, we asked for the restoration of democracy and the rule of law without resorting into violence. Oh yes, we cried together and we prayed together in a sea of people where there was no rich or poor. "Walang iwanan" (No one left the company of the other.) till we found victory.

We must not forget Martial Law and its brutality. Never again that we allow ourselves to be subjected to a dictator and never again that we will live in fear and be imprisoned in our country by a despot!-30-

Rep. Eric Owen Singson's Bill on Tobacco: An Observation

There is a strong anti-smoking sentiment in some parts of the society especially in the province of health. I don’t know the latest about the proposal of another solon(?) requiring cigarette manufacturers to put a graphic picture on cigarette boxes depicting the health hazard smoking gives. In other words, they want the country to have a breathing-air with lesser tobacco smoke contamination.

It sounds impossible that we can totally kick the habit out.

Ironically, Ilocos Sur 2nd District Rep. Eric Owen Singson authored House Bill 170 “requiring cigar and cigarette manufacturers to use at least 75% of locally grown tobacco in the manufacture of cigarettes in the country to help the economy grow”.

That means that if enacted into law, Filipinos are encouraged to smoke to help the economy grow. Sounds weird!

Ilocos Sur is one of the major Virginia tobacco producing provinces in the country and large percentage of its economy depends on it.

From what we read, smoking is bad to health but good to the economy. There's no question that the sale of tobacco products  immensely help our anemic economy.

If anti-smoking proponents are successful in reducing the number of smokers to a minimal level after Singson’s bill becomes a law, Ilocos Sur’s coffers surely suffer and time comes when they have to discover tobacco’s alternate crop to generate income lost from their industry.

Smoking may be bad but don’t the smokers have also the right to smoke? If they want to continue the bad habit, why not? Plans in the shelf to prohibitively increase the price of a pack of cigarette not to mention its ballooned tax should not be implemented.  Smoking is not a crime --- just a habit, bad if you will.

Should tobacco manufacturers be compelled to use only 25% of imported ingredients, what if their patented flavor is not met or below their quality and their customers dwindle to a dangerous level? Probably  it is wiser if they padlock their businesses before they go bankrupt.  Should that happen, Singson's bill turned into law greatly helps in weakening economic gains.

Oh well, there are a lot of interesting bills in Congress these days. What is next? Selling pork will be outlawed because cholesterol is a health hazard? Pasig river and the "esteros" (filthy or polluted creeks) should be land-filled because they are health hazard?-30-

Bishop Cruz, Aquino's Men and Jueteng Payola

If Archbishop emeritus Oscar Cruz is standing on a firm ground in his accusation that some of the president’s men are receiving payola from “jueteng”, an illegal game, then it’s time for the president to move quickly and douse the fire of doubt ravaging the sincerity of his government in eradicating corruption. 

Noynoy Aquino’s campaign was anchored on the platform of a reformist government that promised to hatch new sets of discipline in running a believable government Filipinos long dreamt of. Fifteen million Filipinos gave Noynoy the presidential mandate in a landslide fashion believing that as president, he can make a big difference in serving the citizenry with openness, sincerity, compassion and justice.  And of course, with a backbone

The ball is on the president’s hand and it’s time for him to deliver a big and devastating score.

Responding to reporters, the president said that he would investigate Cruz’s claim “if he (Cruz) has the evidence, no matter how little.”

Said in a different way, P-Noy does not recommend an investigation if Cruz cannot substantiate his allegation.  Aquino's promise that there will be no sacred cows in his administration is as good as a bag of wind if he does not care to look into the matter with an intent to know the truth and to prosecute if necessary.  Basking on a high percentage of trust and confidence the citizenry have on him before  the bloodbath in the Park, Mr. Aquino cannot ill afford to let that trust dive  further in the turbulence of  indifference  by crossing his arms to while the hours away amidst the deafening call for a change.  No issue is insignificant not to be given attention  while we recover  from the apathy and dark nights of the past regime.

Cruz must  now come forward as quickly as possible with his evidence.

The suspected and still to be named crooks could be rubbing elbows with the president or sharing  a recess with him.  If Cruz’s claim is true, Mr. Aquino may honestly not know the real score that some  unassuming guys at his back or sides are receiving payolas which could be in millions from jueteng.

A crusader for a long time in stopping illegal gambling, Cruz is not believed to be grandstanding by turning berserk to the press. Now a septuagenarian, Cruz cannot profit anything good if he  lies to the public. Even without the benefit of evidence, it is prudent on the part of the president to initiate an investigation against the still to be named officials. The president doesn’t lose anything in doing so but rather gains a stronger support of the people when he says, “I mean business!” 

In an interview with Kabayan and former Vice President Noli de Castro, Archbishop Cruz is surprised why his group, Krusadang Bayan Laban sa Jueteng (Anti-Jueteng Crusade) has more information on what the government has although the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation  are  under its command. These  police agencies enjoy millions of intelligence funds while he and his group have no operating expenses as such to uncover shenanigans and unmask government crooks.

Is Cruz trying to suggest that “see no evil, speak no evil and hear no evil” is said in whisper by the people in the president's backyard? 

This is a litmus test on the sincerity of Noynoy in carrying out his campaign promises. Foremost of which is the eradication of graft and corruption or its reduction to a tolerable level.   Should the president fail to  take care  this issue judiciously, we the people, “his boss”, have the right to yell . . .

“ . . . That's foul! Do your job!” -30-

Sen. Sotto Wants Drug Testing

The case besetting Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson has prompted Sen. Tito Sotto to challenge all incumbent local and national government officials to undergo voluntary drug test to make sure that they are not drug users. To set an example, the senator who rose to popularity with the Tito, Vic and Joey tandem specializing in toilet jokes said that he is willing to set an example by submitting himself to a drug test.

Sotto’s purpose is good but there is no urgency in subjecting government officials to undergo drug test although no one stops him in undergoing the test. 

Burning issues are still the numerous anomalies and scandals the Arroyo government dumped into the hands of the current administration which must be straightened out. To avoid being accused of grandstanding, Filipinos are more interested to hear Sen. Sotto’s share in finding the truth and the guilty on the irregularities Pres. Aquino mentioned in his state of the nation address. Better still, on his forte; he should prepare a privilege speech on how put dextrose on the dying local film industry and improve stale TV shows which mostly cater to the C and D audiences.

If and when the drug testing he fathers is viable, all showbiz personalities, big and small, must also be tested in addition to his target.

Sotto’s plan is merely to trim the branches instead of cutting the roots. What he should do is to study how to stop the production, distribution and importation of illegal drugs for good.

Last but not least, those in the government I believe, have the propriety to stay away from drugs either as a user or trafficker. That argument is weakened of course by the case of Rep. Singson now languishing in a Hongkong jail.

I wonder if he went through drug tests when he was in his heyday as slapstick specialist. -30-

The Politics of Helping

The impulse to help the destitute drives a lot of Filipinos to enter politics as a gateway to tend the needy. What is absurd is the choice of politics as the preferred dominant path when there are other ways to help.

There is nothing wrong in helping. In fact, it is a Christian duty to ease the suffering of others by showing them compassion. The blessed and privileged must open their senses to the effects of excruciating poverty and do their share in alleviating human suffering.

During the campaign, I was not sure why Manny Pacquiao, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, the Marcoses, Lito Lapid, Bong Revilla, Jinggoy and Erap Estrada, Tito Sotto and a lot more personalities from the showbiz chose politics. They have everything such as money, power, title and even influence. They have nothing more to prove and nothing more to aspire.  Theirs is a life where dreams are fulfilled beyond imagination. They can just fade away in the comfort of their mansions and wealth. Yet, they are back instead of giving  others a chance to serve as well.  Politics is addictive that once it is experienced, by all means, its hallucinating effect is difficult to let it go.

In fairness to some public servants, they are active behind the scene supporting non-government agencies and charities. Robin Hood followers are not left far behind in giving their share.

Opinions differ.

If I were a man of wealth, I would rather share my blessings by giving substantial and regular support to the Caritas and all the Dioceses and Archdioceses of the country and let them find out and decide how that help is disposed.

Unassuming politicians in a country like the Philippines, perceived as one of the most corrupt in the world cannot run away from being a suspect as a crook. And why would a citizen of good standing immerses himself in the dirty game of politics before he helps when there are many noble ways to do?

Politics corrupts because of the allure of its power and wealth.

“If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” (Chinese proverb) -30-

Sex Education (at Home): A Personal Experience

Decades ago when I was growing up, taboo abound when it comes to discussing sex at home. Apparently these days, not much has changed especially in the countryside.

It is my understanding that talking sex at home was refrained out of modesty if not respect on the idea that sex is sacred. My parents, born in the 10’s, who both worked in the government can copiously share opinions on prevalent issues but as an elementary boy, when I asked my Mom how a woman gets pregnant, she replied, “just like what dogs do to get pregnant.”

With no further questions asked, I understood what she meant while Dad chuckled, “You’ll know when you are a man.”

Indeed, I and my sister learned sex from academic books when we were young adults. We have no regrets in not learning it from our parents. She is now happily married with three kids while I have two.

Currently, a bunch of opposing opinions on sex education is everywhere in the country as played up by the government’s intent to include sex in the elementary and secondary curricula.

The Catholic Church says that it is the duty of parents to teach sex to their kids to which we agree.

Thus, in response . . .

I and my wife didn’t like to hand down to our kids how we learned sex when we were at their age. We were open, honest and serious in discussing sex with them but we are choosy with words and not the method which is direct.

Some parents in the past have tight lips when it comes to sex probably because they (falsely) deem as dirty or distasteful or even disrespectful  to modesty. That attitude is still around somewhere but me and my wife prefer to be candid.

When our eldest in her early teens became very conscious of her anatomical development, her Mom said that it is time for her to wear a bra for support “to make her feel more comfortable” for  they continue to develop until her early 20s. “After marriage when you become a mother like me, you nurse your baby with them”.

Months passed.

One evening, when our girl was taking showers, she suddenly screamed loud. Fearing the worst, gripping a baseball bat, I rushed at the bathroom asking if she was okay. “I’m scared; I’m bleeding.” She said sheepishly.  As if a jackpot winner, I rushed to my wife telling that “Joanne” is already a woman! A little bit annoyed, disturbed from taking a bed rest, I pulled “Shelly’s” hand and led her to the bathroom muttering. My wife told our brand new lady that there is nothing to worry about for it is normal for girls at her age to have the “bleeding” and said, “Joanne, you are now a lady!”

The following day, I went to the market to buy ingredients for my favorite recipes intended to celebrate Joanne’s coming of age.

After the desserts I told Joanne that she is already a woman and if she has sex, she can get pregnant. In contrast to her expression when I heard her screaming, Joanne was smiling and upbeat. She could have related her incident to her classmates ahead of her who shared their “experience” as well. I graphically described Joanne what sexual intercourse is adding that “some parents may consider what I’m doing to you now as thumbs down probably because of the way sex is done or out of false sense of modesty but make no mistake that sex is good and even an obligation of a husband and wife.” Further, I said that sex is exclusively the right of married couples. Warning her to take care of herself, “one single drop of sperm can  make you pregnant because just one cell out of millions is enough for conception."

Shelly echoed emphasizing that she has to take care of herself. “Finish your school, get a job then find the right man to marry. You and your husband will enjoy sex because it is a gift and it is beautiful!”

It was the first chapter in informing our kids with  the biology of procreation. “Joby”, our boy three years younger, will have his turn but with an easier subject matter. Telling kids about sex is not a one-time deal but in progress as the need arises. Sex is not simply a matter of physical and anatomical issues.  Equally important but more complex to explain are its moral and spiritual facets.

Joanne is on her advanced pregnancy. She phoned us yesterday that she can hardly wait to see her first baby due this October 18.

Shelly and I are as eager as our daughter to see a brand new family member but . . .

. . . Ah! That spells out our age that is closely guarded! -30-

Gun Possession and Filipinos

The unabated wave of killing in the country makes us think on the practicality of possessing a gun for self-defense and to protect properties. I am not keen of a Philippine law that entitles its citizens to rightfully posses a gun. After undergoing some processing, gun club members whose passion is target shooting can legally own a gun although some say that joining such clubs merely serves as a cover to have a gun. In the United States, any one can purchase a gun so long as  s/he passes a background check to prevent weapons into the wrong hands. Here in the country, it is unbelievable that gun dealers  and the government have realistic program in determining whether a gun buyer is a law-abiding citizen or a criminal.

Reports, if they are to be believed, say that there are roughly one million loose firearms in the country. Most of these are in the hands of criminals, felons, potential criminals, goons, rebels, terrorists and other lawless elements.

Filipinos are hot-tempered people. Fist fights if not death results by simply singing Frank Sinatra’s masterpiece “My Way” in karaoke bars. The mere unintentional eye to eye contact of strangers can result the same with no apparent reason or provocation.

The streets of the country are very dangerous.

Threatened by armed scalawags and bad eggs, why can't law-abiding citizens of this country defend themselves and their properties?  Why should the former have weapons instead of the latter?

The idea of imposing a total gun ban after the elections hit the headlines during the campaign period but Pres. Aquino, a master marksman and gun enthusiast sneered at the idea.

I find it all right for Filipinos in the streets to have the basic right to carry unconcealed and unloaded gun  with ammunition attached to the belt “exclusively” for self-defense. What if people have a  holstered gun in Araneta or Makati commercial center? That’s not an issue if there is a law entitling Filipinos to carry a weapon. But what if there will be more crimes? I don’t see it that way because  in an equal balance of terror, i.e. both are armed; both parties are scared of the other although I am not discounting the possibility of crimes but surely in a lesser amount. Almost everyday, killings are in the news. In these cases close to100% of the victims are unarmed.

If and when that happens, the legal system must be fair and square in locking the culprits in jail and then they can throw away the key into the sea.  A credible method checking the background of a gun buyer must be established and rules in possessing a weapon must strictly be enforced equally. -30-

RP Presidential Elections Compared With the US'

As the world kept watch the stunning election of Sen. Barack Obama as the 44th US President, Filipinos were struck with awe and disbelief with the political maturity of the American electoral process and the speed of the counting of elections returns.

In a traditional concession speech; after his defeat, Sen. McCain graciously said in part “I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together to find the necessary compromises to bridge our differences and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.”

For his part, the youthful Chicago senator in savoring his victory said in part, “The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even in one term. But, America, I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you: We as a people will get there.”

In contrast, the dire reality in the Philippines is not even close to what the world has witnessed  in the last US presidential polls as peaceful and well-organized process. Here, does anyone remember a time when there were no assassinations and violence during election campaigns? No intimidation and all tricks from Pandora’s Box?

Prevalent hearsays indicate that come 2010, voting machines will be in use in the country to facilitate an early and quick projection of winners. That is a good starting point to curtail if not to get rid of fraud assuming that everything is fair and square in using the machine. However, who can forget the one Filipino student who wrote a thesis on computer virus years ago? He was also the one who authored one of the most devastating computer viruses in history that paralyzed global computer traffic sending some US military establishments to their feet. Since most if not all of the candidates are millionaires if not billionaires, they can easily afford to hack voting machines and overturn elections results by hiring unscrupulous talents to do the job for their evil self-interest. It is an open secret that “everything is possible” in this country.

During the campaign, Americans were barraged with roadmaps and blueprints on what each presidential candidate intends to accomplish as President thereby giving the electorate a fair chance to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of the protagonists. Executive willingness and other fortuitous factors remain to be seen whether campaign promises are delivered or abnegated. In any political exercise, campaign promises are the hope of the governed long immersed in an unpopular administration unresponsive on the writings of the wall. The citizenry not only deserve a better government and leaders but are entitled to them in an ever-changing environment and world order.

While flat-forms are also heard when candidates do their political sorties here, ingredients of arrogance and mud-slinging are sine qua non. I am not saying that mud-slinging was totally absent in the last US polls. For wearing a $150,000 regalia, Mrs. Palin was scoffed only to say later that that was furnished by the Republican organization. Mr. Obama was also erroneously branded as cuddling with “terrorists” because of his past association with radicals in the 60s. His place of birth (citizenship?) was also in question although he was born in Hawaii. He was also said to belong to the Muslim faith, a faith sneered by many Americans since 9-11. How could a Senator in the US Senate be branded and ridiculed as such? Even if Mr. Obama, a Christian, for the sake of argument, is a Muslim; is the White House exclusively for Christians? The United States is a secular state and the freedom of worship is guaranteed by their Constitution.

Here, anyone can run for President. The most interesting personality last elections were Mr. Victor Wood without mentioning the good-looking movie idol, Fernando Poe, Jr.

In the Philippines, issues affecting the livelihood of the people and the country are only secondary if not tertiary. The best qualifications of a Philippine politician are not educational attainment, meritorious achievements, integrity and acumen but his/her looks and/or possession of “3Gs”. For this reason, we missed excellent Presidents that we never had in the persons of Sen. Raul Manglapus, Sen. Jovito Salonga and Sen. Raul Roco --- all intellectuals with tested political integrity. Instead of delving pressing issues confronting us we instead resort into mud if not dung slinging to the delight of others as they do in watching toilet films.. These are signs of immaturity. In the States, what is expected from elected officials is for them to make the system work for their country and people. Here, the system must work for the personal aggrandizement of officials.

Presidential elections is around two years away but this early, we hear “presidentiables” and probably soon, we hear the anointed one of Mrs. Arroyo as her successor. We see if we are dumb to accept Mrs. Arroyo’s “manok” or be intellectually rebellious by emulating the American pattern in choosing officials based from issues that make the country move forward and now backward.

“Change” has come to America although it is too soon to spell out what change could that be. In the Philippines, change came in 1986 right in EDSA and again in 2001 but we preferred to go to our old ways. Change can come again in 2010 and hopefully, like the Vietnamese who suffered the venomous fangs of war but now a country to watch for economic miracle, we learn lesson from them that we suffered a lot and enough from our idiocy and stubbornness and the only logical measure for us to rise from the dirt is to change.

When change knocks, are we ready to open the door or slam it?-30-

(Written days after the last US Presidential elections.)