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

Enrile: No to Manny Pacquiao Presidency

At this time when fanatics are savoring the latest victory of Manny Pacquiao over Margarito in Dallas, Mr. Enrile was reckless in openly saying that he is not in favor for Sarangani representative Pacquiao to be (one day) president and as a peace negotiator in troubled Mindanao.

The EDSA-I hero spoils widespread celebration for the feat of an illustrious son who once again raised the Philippine emblem at the top of the world in the middle of the boxing arena.

Most in the channels of mass communication these days are about praises, adulation, exultation, reverence, hero worship, respect, honor, glory, wonder, brilliance and credit to name an acute few for Manny Pacquiao.

Though I am harshly against the role he played during the Marcos fascist dictatorship, I believe that he is very careful at the twilight of his political career carving and bequeathing a worthwhile legacy. Now, almost 90, the Ateneo, UP Diliman and Harvard alumnus is still sharp if saying that he is still one of the best senators is unethical so as not to reduce the significance and contributions of his colleagues.

What he said about the Filipino boxing icon is “perfectly” accurate that Mr. Pacquiao as president “devaluates the presidency” and “that it is not enough that Pacquiao won a seat in the House of Representatives; and that he is being idolized by millions of people” (that he can take the role of a peace negotiator).

Well said and no matter how hurting what he said, Sen. Enrile did not take back his words regardless of whatever negative or even vulgar and impolite comments against him and against those who agree with him receive in turn.

I am not taking out any inch of Manny’s wizardry inside the ring nor take for granted his magnanimity and modest equanimity. Precisely, the first has nothing to do in politics. Unlike some Asian neighbors, there has never been any exchange of fists in our Congress between solons during heated arguments. The second may be a plus factor but a president or a peace negotiator needs intellectual reserve and fecundity.

At the tender age of 32, if and when he so desires to run for the presidency, that will be in 2022 at age 44. Per age requirement, a candidate must be 40 on the day of elections (See Article VII, Sec. 2 of the 1987 Constitution).

Between now and 2022, a lot of political, national and international fortuitous events are plateful but Filipinos will have the last say if there will be a Pres. Manny Pacquiao.

Filipinos will also have their first say if Pres. Pacquiao was indeed a wise choice or was merely a product of hypnotized minds.

The Mindanao problem is a complex issue. At this point, I believe that there are others who are more capable than Rep. Pacquiao to sit on the negotiating table. The problem is not only about land or influx of government projects and aid to the island. More than that is the terrorism issue that is known to have foreign connections which the intelligence community asserts. For one to play the role of Kissinger, I believe that s/he must be familiar with history and its facts and whatever offshoot that may ensue that has something to do not only on the peace and order of Mindanao but on its economic, social and cultural well-being as well.

In fairness to Mr. Pacquiao, I believe that he has a bird’s eye view on the heart of the problem of his mother island but I doubt if he is perceptive, analytical and capable enough to find from bales of hay a common solution of the problems to once for all achieve peace in that distressed part of the country that has seen and continue to see the faces of suffering, apathy and violence.

Mr. Pacquiao is very capable in hiring the best minds as his adviser but they are not Mr. Pacquiao. In a “life or death” situation he has to rely on his guts and not from the advisers which could not be enough to bring forth a fruitful outcome.

I hope that our too much if not stupid idolizing of Pacman will not lead this country into an eco-political mess. If Mr. Pacquiao really loves this country to which he has bestowed a bunch of unequaled honor, even if pushed hard enough to run for the presidency, it is better for him to retire in GenSan or to any great city of the world and enjoy his family and fortune. If he wants to help the country and us, there are dozens of ways to do it privately. He should let the more prepared others to help find peace in Mindanao. Better, he should spend more time looking ways to help his constituents in Sarangani and do something too for the country not only through boxing but through humanitarian grounds as well.

Many may disagree with Sen. Enrile but in freedom of expression, anyone is free to voice a dissenting opinion.

Others don’t stop there. Some use words and phrases not even good for an old dirty dog against the person exercising his/her right of expression or of opinion but resorting into that filthy defensiveness clearly implies immaturity and lack of decency in a civilized society. -30-

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Photo Credit:

www.pinoygigs.com/blog/2010/05/juan-ponce-enrile-the-profile/

Pacquiao's Speed and Power: Are They Enough?

In a matter of hours, Rep. Manny Pacquiao enters into the ring in Dallas to fight a bigger, taller and heavier Antonio Margarito of Mexico. One of the dailies says that 100 million people, Pres. Aquino included, pray for Manny’s victory.

While it is accurate to say that Pacquiao has the speed and KO punch, these are not enough to ensure victory. The speed of Sugar Ray Leonard did not save him from defeat from the hands of Terry Norris, Roberto Duran and Hector Camacho. Muhammad Ali, “The Greatest” could not rely on the speed of his fists and foot work to demolish Ken Norton, Larry Holmes, Leon Spinks, Joe Frazier and Trevor Berbick.

The bullish Mike Tyson at the prime of his career was knocked out by James Douglas in Tokyo in 1990. Joe Frazier, a heavy puncher lasted just in two rounds against George Foreman in 1973 and Foreman, one of the strongest heavyweights lost to Ali in Zaire in 1974 by a devastating knock out in the 8th round.

Floyd Mayweather, staggered in the early rounds in his fight versus Shane Mosley said after the bout that boxing is a contact sport and one gets hit. As the country cannot wait for the hour when Pacquiao tries his luck in testing the skills of a man noted to have a durable chin, we must be reminded of an old wise saying that chicks should not be counted until the eggs are hatched.

Does God favor someone when we are talking on "the more brutal the punishment inflicted; the better"? -30-

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Photo Courtesy:  aljun7fp from Photobucket

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-

Our Apathetic Youth

In a recent integration activity of youth leaders from the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in Mountain View Nature Park in Busay, Cebu, apathy is found out as the top problem of the youth today. It was observed that the youth are not that interested on social issues.

Social issues make the whole pie. To compress the term, every aspect that affects our lives in the society are social issues especially in the realms of government, politics, religion, health, security, education, economy, poverty and social justice.

In fairness to the “hope of the Fatherland” as our national hero Jose Rizal called them, the youth have been raising pertinent social issues calling for the eradication of graft and corruption, improvement of the academic curricula, search for peace and order solution, alleviation of poverty, good government and governance, etc.

How did the government respond to the cries of the youth longing for credible reforms? The sad irony is that: our leaders and the government are apathetic themselves in listening to what the youth is saying. They are more concerned in their personal interests.

There’s no question that the Reproductive Health (RH) bill is one of the burning issues today that directly affects the youth. Anyone following the issue can quickly say that the government is only presenting one side of the coin and that is “The bill is good for Filipinos and the country.”

What is at stake is not simply the regulation of birth that controls the rapid growth of population which they pinpoint as the main cause of poverty. There is a moral issue which the government is silent on whether artificial family planning and the distribution of contraceptives and paraphernalia are right or wrong. That may not be the job of the government but for the sake of transparency as promised, whatever the position of the government is must be made known public and it is up to the experts to enlighten and guide us.

Right now, pro-RH and anti-RH factions are out justifying their stands to the point in saying that Paul VI’s Humanae Vitae is not an infallible document. There is a grain of salt there but it does not necessarily mean that if fallible, it is wrong or a total lie.

In particular, it is good if the government opens its book on how much is lost from graft and corruption and other illegal activities supposedly in billions and what if this amount should have been kept in our treasury or used productively instead of being pocketed. Yet, the government is silent.

During the First Quarter Storm in the 70s, the youth were very active in the streets protesting the decline of the economy and the worsening graft and corruption. Instead of being heard, they were met with an iron fist. Some of the student leaders were summarily executed, disappeared, tortured and dumped to jail  to languish without due process. After the fall of Marcos, the youth went to the streets again several times to protest uselessly.

In other countries, protesters are given the chance to be heard.

Were the issues raised by the youth during and after Marcos given consideration? Definitely not.

In other words, the youth today don’t care about social issues simply because the government does not need the youth to remind the authorities on what to do for the welfare of the citizenry in a just, fair and democratic  society. The so-called democratic government does not want to be minded and reminded.

Thus, who can blame the youth if their interests are focused in texting, logging in to Facebook, learning the  detail of the lives of some showbiz personalities, watching telenovelas and others that have nothing to do on important issues affecting the nation?

As the future pillar of this country, the youth should reinvent themselves in finding ways to actively participate in nation-building. Young and idealist, the country needs them on the condition that the government lends them an ear. -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

All Souls Day in the Philippines

Bus stations, domestic airports and highways started to get busy as travelers go home to their respective provinces to pay respect to their deceased loved ones. As a Christian country, Catholic, if I may, All Souls Day is a kind of religious observance devoid of social impact except for the short family reunion.

If there is a common observation on the first day of November by different cultures and languages, it is the giving of respect to the departed members of their families.

By now, tombs in the now-manicured cemeteries are repainted with the name of the deceased re-inscribed. Some keep vigil in the cemeteries camping beside the remains of their loved ones or sleeping on top of the grave.

This is where disrespecting the dead starts.

The unscrupulous bring along with them their music players and play loud music; play cards, drink spirits and even loosen up through dancing while others engage in "chismis" (idle talk).

What the Spanish friars taught us about All Souls Day centuries ago is still true today that we go to the cemetery to do a Christian act of piety by praying for the dead who may still be in purgatory and perhaps to remember the years when they were still around sharing with us their love. In case they are now with the Lord, we ask them to pray for us who are still struggling in this so-called vale of sorrow. The lighted sacramental candle before the tomb symbolizes Christ who is the light of the world.

Personally, if my recollection is true, I only went to the cemetery once when I was a boy to see how the day is celebrated. The priest prays the for every tomb or grave and sprinkles holy water.

I was asked if a grave unintentionally missed by the priest is included in the prayers. My answer is an absolute “yes”. Everyday around the world at the Eucharistic Prayer of the Mass, the priest prays "Remember our brothers and sisters who have gone into their rest with the hope of rising again.    Bring them all and all the departed into the light of your presence . . . " 

In that prayer, ALL (un-categorized) of the dead are included; no one is left behind.

So, why still go to the cemetery and do what is done on a day like this?

There is nothing wrong in giving respect to a pious practice done throughout the centuries. What is wrong is disrespecting the dead by doing the enumerated things earlier said instead of praying.

I hope that All Souls Days is observed the way it should be by going to Mass or offering a Mass for the dead. -30-

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Photo: Catacombs of Naples, Italy
Additional reading material: 
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101030-300627

Halloween in the Philippines: Should it be Observed?

For one who is always online, a busted computer is a pain in the back. The past weeks, I was locked inside my cocoon having no chance to read my favorite internet sites. My old and reliable computer is around eight years old but I still love it until its motherboard was busted. I went out to internet cafes braving the heat and other inconveniences searching better motherboards in the market today. I am lucky that it is available here. I dismantled my CPU (tower), did the delicate work and hopefully, everything is normal although I have not yet tested the full capability of my “new” computer.

It’s Halloween. Despite the economic crunch no one can stop the country in celebrating the Western introduced-fun of wearing creepy make ups, costumes and the like. As night falls, kids prowl the streets knocking at doors for their “Trick or Treat”.

I have no recollection when we were teen or young adult that there were merriment/celebrations as practiced today. Of course, in school, we learned what Halloween is and its origin --- totally un-Filipino.

Anyone familiar with The Philippine Music Horizon, a music book for elementary schools, there is a Halloween song there which runs, “On the night of every Halloween, we visit the graves of friends now unseen . . .” I believe that ghost and paranormal stories associated with the dead gradually sculpted the icon of Halloween we have today.

No one can stop us, Filipinos, to have fun on Halloween here in the country but if we are truly nationalistic in hating everything that has something to do with colonial mentality, “Why a hell that we celebrate Halloween in the Philippines?” is a valid question that makes the hair stand on its end.

There is a recent article of a student in one of the dailies saying that at first, she had problems with the English language but eventually, she was able to perfect it and develop her own accent. Years later, she realized that there’s no reason for her to speak English, a vestige of colonial mentality and from then on, she reverted to her unflinching love to her mother tongue.

We fully respect such glow of nationalism and way of thinking although we do not necessarily agree. I am sure that on the 31st, she stays at home and put a sign on her door disallowing kids to have their trick or treat and just sleep peacefully on her palm mat on the floor. No radio, TV, VCR, internet, phone, cell phone, iPod, guitar, soft drinks, coffee and chocolate to name a few --- these are original products of the United States, Japan or Spain --- countries that inflicted us suffering and brutal rules.

While some parts of the country are busy having their Halloween fun, I will remember members of my family who have gone to their rest with a lot of nostalgia reminiscing how they loved us who are still struggling on earth. I know that they continue to love us through their prayers.

To those who celebrate, have a fun and safe Halloween. -30-

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Photo Courtesy:  Wikipedia
Additional reading material:
http://services.inquirer.net/print/print.php?article_id=20101030-300627

Cardinal Vidal Willing To Be Jailed

Before the international image of our Lady of Fatima in a farewell Mass, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cadinal Vidal said that if and when the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill becomes a law, he will not remain silent opposing it “even if it means dragging me to jail”.

The rite participated in by an estimated 10,000 devotees when asked if they are willing to be incarcerated in saying no to the "RH Law” most answered a resounding affirmative.

I am not sure where the Cardinal gets his idea that a law cannot be criticized. I know that he was one of those who fought the evil of Martial Law and fascist dictatorship.

This country is predominantly Catholic and if I were in the government, there is a good reason for me to be apprehensive if continuous protests mar the streets. That show of defiance may not be sanctioned by the Church. Individual protesters and organizations can clog the streets on their own volition. Expected too are the factions that support the law (if enacted).

After the assassination of Ninoy Aquino, demonstrations and protests took their daily pace that culminated in a People’s Power. I am not saying that Mr. Aquino will be forced by the people to leave his office but frequent demonstrations and show of defiance weakens the government and our institutions.

If people are really serious that they are willing to go to jail in accordance with their belief and conscience, I am not a prophet or a seer but the global family of nations of any religious persuasion will recognize the jailed as heroes. That is regardless whether what they believe is correct or not. The point is that they have the courage and to suffer if necessary to say NO to something against their conscience.

Who can forget the picture of one brave soul facing a tank in Tiananmen Square stopping it? Some said that he is stupid or crazy but others see him as a hero that despite his being alone, he was there fighting for freedom.

Priests, nuns, bishops, archbishops, a cardinal, defenders of life and the integrity of the family, their Muslim ally against artificial contraception included could be in jail but the prison cell is not soundproof. Their voices will be heard even louder.

Pro and anti RH Bill opinions are here to stay that fire up emotions. I just don’t like that time when there is a clash of the titans: government vs. the Church. It is easy to weigh down who the victor is when a clash involves weapons but when the “war” is about principles those on the side of truth cannot be vanquished for truth sets us free. -30-

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Photo Courtesy: Benshan Photoworks

La Naval and Our Lady of Fatima

October is the month of Mary in the Philippines where cities and towns celebrate their traditional La Naval. It is a historical fact throughout the centuries that Mary’s powerful intercession is always available when sought. That was felt in the Battle of Lepanto (1571) and here in 1646 when Dutch and English privateers wanted to erase Catholicism and change it to Protestantism.

By tradition, congregational praying of the rosary is held everyday somewhere in every Diocese and Archdiocese this month as a show of respect to a mother who knows our daily struggles, despairs, defeats, frustrations, fears and tears. She feels what we feel for she was once like us.

When pregnant, in the middle of the night, she escaped together with Joseph for the safety of her Son. She knows the feeling on how to be homeless, unwelcome, persecuted, poor, effects of social injustices and cruelty of man against man.

When everything fails or come to an end, an ever-loving Mother is always around to help and love. That is a motherly instinct.

Today, October 13 is also the 93rd anniversary of Mary’s last apparition in Cova da Iria, Fatima before the three Portuguese shepherds, Lucia, Jacinta and Franciso

In these difficult times of the Catholic Church of the Philippines where her moral teachings are under attack, we invoke Mary’s intercession that once more, she arms us with sufficient weapon to enlighten our minds on pressing issues that attack the integrity of the family and the dignity of life.

Prayers work. They can move mountains. With my personal unflinching love, trust and confidence in you, Mommie Mary, amidst the sufferings, I lean on your shoulder in total defeat and surrender seeking for your comfort and affection. After all of “these”, I will run to you, smiling with open arms and sincerely cry “Thank you!”

Ora pro nobis Sancta Dei Genitrix -30-

Rescate En Vivo

Estoy viendo en vivo el rescate de los mineros atrapados en Mina San Jose, Chile por medio de internet.  Cuatro son restacados --- faltan 29.

Estos son hombres valientes apustando sus vidas para sus familias  por amor que diariamente, hay comida  en la mesa, ropas para los niños y boveda de la casa.

Me junto a los miles de las Americas y del mundo esperando por el mejor hasta todos estaran restacados.

Suertes a todos!

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.

Viva Mineros Chileanos

Mientras esperamos por la salir de los mineros chilieanos atrapados, rogamos por  un rescate exitoso.

Los mineros nos enseñan nunca perder la esperanza y que  hay  siempre ayuda que se lluvia desde las gentes y paises de benevolencia.

Que el dia tan feliz viene muy proximo cuando  Vds. se regresaran a tus familias con manos abiertas y de ahi, se sienten otra vez el amor y cariño de una familia completa.

Desde aqui en Filipinas, me compartio mi temprano felicidades a Chile y el pueblo chileano.

Viva a Vds!