An iron is an element characterized by its being hard but malleable when exposed to high temperature, and if the temperature is too high this iron will melt. At some points, this is how I describe most militant groups; ironic in their principles and modus operandi.
I mean ironic because they want changes and reforms but hesitant to submit themselves even to the least solutions our government is imposing in solving its issues and problems. The present Maguindanao scenario is a condition that requires tough decesion. I agree with Speaker Nograles when he said, "the issuance of Proclamation 1959 will help the executive department to effectively restore the functions of the local government units in the province of Maguindanao and to preserve and restore public order and safety.” In other words, Proclamation 1959 is but proper for the moment. It is up the Congress to revoke it or not as long as peace and order will be restored otherwise more escalations will happen.
Let us see the other news: "Ampatuan loyalists clash with police". Is this a situation that can be handled by the civilians alone? And then the other news: "Solon also urges martial law in Lanao del Norte". What do you think makes a local executive believes that martial law is necessary in his jurisdictions? Is there a rebellion going on in Lanao del Norte? None! But the condition is a situation where the only solution is the deployment of military forces into the area.
We may not be experts in jurisprudence but the simpliest logic can be applied even in the biggest and more complex situations. Besides, laws of man are made by man alone and the only perfect law that cannot be revised is the Divine Law. Perhaps there is the need to expand the scope and/or conditions when and only when the rule of miltary law will be applied.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Preemptive Measure: The Ampatuan's Case (Part 2)
Sometimes I keep on thinking how other Filipinos think and have this sudden outburst of emotion believing what they have in mind is the only idea that has weight and must be heard. Some are even unconsciouss what they are saying are just nonsense ramdom noises without basis.
Look at these statements:
1. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) leader said they were “one with the public in demanding justice for the victims of the Ampatuans. However, we cannot allow Malacanang to use our outrage at the massacre to justify this dangerous and unconstitutional declaration of martial law.”
*The constitutionality of the declaration of martial law will only be determined during the Congress' special session which is scheduled Tuesday, December 8. For now, these people should not be overacting like the President is always on the wrong track. Besides, there is the legislative or the judicial branch watching over this corner of the government.
2. The Tayo ang Pag-asa Youth Movement (TPYM), meanwhile, described the martial law proclamation as “dangerous, needless and self-serving.”
*What makes the martial law "dangerous, needless and self-serving” in the present scenario in Maguindanao? Can you say it is "dangerous and needless" if the purpose is to prevent more escalations and protect more lives? Can you say it is "self-serving" if it is for the security of the Maguindanao people and not for the "self-interest" of the President? My friends, please do not jump to a conclussion.
3. TPYM spokesperson Alvin Peters said the move exposed the government's “misguided propensity to present a military solution when what is needed is to strengthen civilian institutions such as the courts and the media.”
*How can you apply the rules of court if the case cannot be brought to the court? How can you convict a felon if there is no court? In other words, before you can construct your house in your own lot you have to clear first the trees and rubbishes. And who are those victims if not those innocent civilians and some mediamen and lawyers.
4. Alvin Peters reminded the administration that the Maguindanao case was “not an invasion nor a rebellion.”
*Although the 1987 Philippine Constitution allows martial law only in the cases of invasion or rebellion, the "lawlessness" situation is already reasonable for the rule of law to prevail. Perhaps, we should subscribe to the Machiavellian principles sometimes.
5. Proclamation 1959 is an “invitation for more violence and sets a dangerous precedent as it weakens civilian institutions. Instead, it provides special powers to the military and the police, both of which have poor records in upholding civil liberties,” Alvin Peters added.
*In situations like this we must put our trust to the military and the police. Of course, it weakens civilian institutions because it is "martial law (military rule). This can only be an "invitation for more violence" if those who are pretending to be more intellegent and above the law will not submit their rights for the greater good.
6.The League of Filipino Students warned the martial law declaration in Maguindanao “may be the prelude towards a failure of elections in the country.”
*Perhaps we Filipinos are intellegent enough not to let the Marcos era be here again. Maguindanao is just a small area in the Philippines and I believe there are the Legislative and Judicial Branches ready to guard our constitutional rights.
I suppose these are enough for now. For more of these smile-triggering statements, please click here.
Look at these statements:
1. The Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) leader said they were “one with the public in demanding justice for the victims of the Ampatuans. However, we cannot allow Malacanang to use our outrage at the massacre to justify this dangerous and unconstitutional declaration of martial law.”
*The constitutionality of the declaration of martial law will only be determined during the Congress' special session which is scheduled Tuesday, December 8. For now, these people should not be overacting like the President is always on the wrong track. Besides, there is the legislative or the judicial branch watching over this corner of the government.
2. The Tayo ang Pag-asa Youth Movement (TPYM), meanwhile, described the martial law proclamation as “dangerous, needless and self-serving.”
*What makes the martial law "dangerous, needless and self-serving” in the present scenario in Maguindanao? Can you say it is "dangerous and needless" if the purpose is to prevent more escalations and protect more lives? Can you say it is "self-serving" if it is for the security of the Maguindanao people and not for the "self-interest" of the President? My friends, please do not jump to a conclussion.
3. TPYM spokesperson Alvin Peters said the move exposed the government's “misguided propensity to present a military solution when what is needed is to strengthen civilian institutions such as the courts and the media.”
*How can you apply the rules of court if the case cannot be brought to the court? How can you convict a felon if there is no court? In other words, before you can construct your house in your own lot you have to clear first the trees and rubbishes. And who are those victims if not those innocent civilians and some mediamen and lawyers.
4. Alvin Peters reminded the administration that the Maguindanao case was “not an invasion nor a rebellion.”
*Although the 1987 Philippine Constitution allows martial law only in the cases of invasion or rebellion, the "lawlessness" situation is already reasonable for the rule of law to prevail. Perhaps, we should subscribe to the Machiavellian principles sometimes.
5. Proclamation 1959 is an “invitation for more violence and sets a dangerous precedent as it weakens civilian institutions. Instead, it provides special powers to the military and the police, both of which have poor records in upholding civil liberties,” Alvin Peters added.
*In situations like this we must put our trust to the military and the police. Of course, it weakens civilian institutions because it is "martial law (military rule). This can only be an "invitation for more violence" if those who are pretending to be more intellegent and above the law will not submit their rights for the greater good.
6.The League of Filipino Students warned the martial law declaration in Maguindanao “may be the prelude towards a failure of elections in the country.”
*Perhaps we Filipinos are intellegent enough not to let the Marcos era be here again. Maguindanao is just a small area in the Philippines and I believe there are the Legislative and Judicial Branches ready to guard our constitutional rights.
I suppose these are enough for now. For more of these smile-triggering statements, please click here.
A Preemptive Measure: The Ampatuan's Case
This is addressed to those militant groups who staged and are staging demonstrations denouncing the action of the President in putting Maguindanao under martial law.
Do you know what a "first aid" is? My reference says: "first aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. Or, better yet let me ask you this: Do you know how to apply a first aid?
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision of military rule in the entire province of Maguidanao following the gruesome massacre of 57 innocent people masterminded by the Ampatuans must be treated as a crucial but a proper move a president had done to prevent more possible escalations that may put other lives in danger. This is an executive prerogative and constitutional, and I quote:
"The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it." (Section 18, Article VII, 1987 Constitution).
Now, let us examine and interpret each phrase so we can understand further what this provision expresses.
1) "...whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion." Is there a rebellion or an invasion? None. Is there a lawless violence? Yes, there was. (Should we wait for another "is"?)
2) "In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it..." Is there an invasion or rebellion? None. Must the safety of the people be protected? Yes.
3) "...he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law." Does it already exceeds 60 days from the date of the proclamation? Not yet. (Still reasonable and Constitutional).
4) "Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress." I think the President did this. (She is the President and she knows what she is doing).
5) "The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President." This is scheduled on Tuesday, December 8, so let's just wait and see.
I knew some militant groups who are good only in riding with issues and triggering noise barrage but left nothing in their track records other than thick logbooks of memberships and fees collected for their "fattened" legal counsels. Why not devote their times for public services such as reforestation activities, medical-dental services, and the like, rather than pretending to be "heroes" or the "only people" with critical thinking.
We knew how our politicians and leaders' calibers and we knew their good track records although sometimes we are left frustrated with many problems and issues our country is facing but "let the wheels move on to the right track" and "let the players do the playings".
Do you know what a "first aid" is? My reference says: "first aid is the provision of initial care for an illness or injury. Or, better yet let me ask you this: Do you know how to apply a first aid?
Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's decision of military rule in the entire province of Maguidanao following the gruesome massacre of 57 innocent people masterminded by the Ampatuans must be treated as a crucial but a proper move a president had done to prevent more possible escalations that may put other lives in danger. This is an executive prerogative and constitutional, and I quote:
"The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion. In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it, he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law. Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress. The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President. Upon the initiative of the President, the Congress may, in the same manner, extend such proclamation or suspension for a period to be determined by the Congress, if the invasion or rebellion shall persist and public safety requires it." (Section 18, Article VII, 1987 Constitution).
Now, let us examine and interpret each phrase so we can understand further what this provision expresses.
1) "...whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion." Is there a rebellion or an invasion? None. Is there a lawless violence? Yes, there was. (Should we wait for another "is"?)
2) "In case of invasion or rebellion, when the public safety requires it..." Is there an invasion or rebellion? None. Must the safety of the people be protected? Yes.
3) "...he may, for a period not exceeding sixty days, suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or place the Philippines or any part thereof under martial law." Does it already exceeds 60 days from the date of the proclamation? Not yet. (Still reasonable and Constitutional).
4) "Within forty-eight hours from the proclamation of martial law or the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus, the President shall submit a report in person or in writing to the Congress." I think the President did this. (She is the President and she knows what she is doing).
5) "The Congress, voting jointly, by a vote of at least a majority of all its Members in regular or special session, may revoke such proclamation or suspension, which revocation shall not be set aside by the President." This is scheduled on Tuesday, December 8, so let's just wait and see.
I knew some militant groups who are good only in riding with issues and triggering noise barrage but left nothing in their track records other than thick logbooks of memberships and fees collected for their "fattened" legal counsels. Why not devote their times for public services such as reforestation activities, medical-dental services, and the like, rather than pretending to be "heroes" or the "only people" with critical thinking.
We knew how our politicians and leaders' calibers and we knew their good track records although sometimes we are left frustrated with many problems and issues our country is facing but "let the wheels move on to the right track" and "let the players do the playings".
Monday, November 23, 2009
Students and Blogs: The Quezon City Science High School Case
The issue is originally posted here. However, my comments (the same as posted below) was not approved by the moderator for reasons I do not know. Just read it.
There are two points we have to consider here: first - how exactly the blogs were written? Did these students observe the code of ethics in writing blogs? Did they not go beyond their limitations? second - did the school act according to facts or heresays? Perhaps, there is the “ignorance of the fact” in the part of the school administration and acted only as an immediate self-defense.
I was once a special science high school teacher and I never observed such behavior from our students. They were treated “special” and they treated the institution with respect in return. They never displayed their being special not because they are not “critical” as what rpg player wrote but they displayed their skills academically, that’s why our school became one of the top five secondary schools in the entire country.
What I can sense in the comments of rpg player 90-94 is an expression of radicalism, or better yet a display of “elitism”. I can give another definition of his word “critical” by simply saying they want to put themselves in the extreme/critical pedestal as somebody to be looked up to, not for the good things they have done or can do but for the very obvious reason that they belong to a somewhat “special group” and want “premature recognition”. When rpg player wote: “we are critical of new people that come in our school…” it means to me something a little about talking other people and be him/her the laughing stock, if not respect. I was once also a high school student and I knew how a student thinks.
Always remember, you can not always please everyone and you can not put everyone under the rule of your thumb. There are always rules or codes to be followed and there limitations to be observed.
There are two points we have to consider here: first - how exactly the blogs were written? Did these students observe the code of ethics in writing blogs? Did they not go beyond their limitations? second - did the school act according to facts or heresays? Perhaps, there is the “ignorance of the fact” in the part of the school administration and acted only as an immediate self-defense.
I was once a special science high school teacher and I never observed such behavior from our students. They were treated “special” and they treated the institution with respect in return. They never displayed their being special not because they are not “critical” as what rpg player wrote but they displayed their skills academically, that’s why our school became one of the top five secondary schools in the entire country.
What I can sense in the comments of rpg player 90-94 is an expression of radicalism, or better yet a display of “elitism”. I can give another definition of his word “critical” by simply saying they want to put themselves in the extreme/critical pedestal as somebody to be looked up to, not for the good things they have done or can do but for the very obvious reason that they belong to a somewhat “special group” and want “premature recognition”. When rpg player wote: “we are critical of new people that come in our school…” it means to me something a little about talking other people and be him/her the laughing stock, if not respect. I was once also a high school student and I knew how a student thinks.
Always remember, you can not always please everyone and you can not put everyone under the rule of your thumb. There are always rules or codes to be followed and there limitations to be observed.
Taxes From Giant Companies
This is a reaction to the news "Shell ordered to pay P7B in taxes" posted to the PDI Inquirer Headlines/Nation section, Nov. 16, 2009 issue."
Taxes are the life-blood of the government" an economist says. It is obligatory for every individual or institution to pay taxes according to gain or assets as mandated by the law, and it is the government's right and obliagtion to raise revenues to sustain its public services. But what is very annoying is the fact that the small-incomed citizens who are working so hard to make daily ends meet are the ones honestly and timely paying their taxes, while these giant, multi-million/multi-billion peso capitalists, who are, supposedly have the biggest share-contributions are obviously evading their obligations by not turning-over what is due to the government. The irony is, these capitalists are gaining from the citizens and yet these same citizens are carrying the burden by paying value added taxes that supposed to be paid by these capitalists. This is a double burden to the citizens and a "double-insult" to the government.
Compare what the government can get from the ordinary citizens from what it can get from these big companies are big differences. But the truth is not all taxes the government have supposed to be collected are not all being paid. You can check the SCRA (Supreme Court Review and Annotations) for hundreds of cases of tax evasion and tax avoidance involving big companies and capitalists. This is one thing that must be avoided so the government can continue its services to the general public in return.
Taxes are the life-blood of the government" an economist says. It is obligatory for every individual or institution to pay taxes according to gain or assets as mandated by the law, and it is the government's right and obliagtion to raise revenues to sustain its public services. But what is very annoying is the fact that the small-incomed citizens who are working so hard to make daily ends meet are the ones honestly and timely paying their taxes, while these giant, multi-million/multi-billion peso capitalists, who are, supposedly have the biggest share-contributions are obviously evading their obligations by not turning-over what is due to the government. The irony is, these capitalists are gaining from the citizens and yet these same citizens are carrying the burden by paying value added taxes that supposed to be paid by these capitalists. This is a double burden to the citizens and a "double-insult" to the government.
Compare what the government can get from the ordinary citizens from what it can get from these big companies are big differences. But the truth is not all taxes the government have supposed to be collected are not all being paid. You can check the SCRA (Supreme Court Review and Annotations) for hundreds of cases of tax evasion and tax avoidance involving big companies and capitalists. This is one thing that must be avoided so the government can continue its services to the general public in return.
The Philippines, An Agricultural Country
The country can not sustain its population without the agricultural sector being sutained by the government. The point is, we can not sustain our economy if we neglect its prime source - the agriculture.
The Philippines was once the center of rice production in Asia. The International Rice Research Institute was established purposely to yield the country's rice production. It was a success at first and other Asian countries believed in what the Filipinos can do. We have the talent, we have the will and we believe in what we can do. We were once the no. 1 exporter of rice in Southeast Asia, but that was long ago.
Today, real estate is a good business. More big land owners turned their agricultural lands into subdivisions and industrial areas. Population growth adds more pressure to the demand of residential lands plus the increase of food consumptions. This is a very alarming reality. Agricultural production decreases resulting to country's "importation of rice" either from Japan, Thailand or the United States. The irony now lies to the fact that the Philippines was once the mentor of Thailand on yielding rice production, but the student itself is now the one sustaining the needs of its mentor. We can read in the news: " Thailand to export rice to Philippines"; "Japan to export rice to Philippines as emergency relief"; "USA confirms rice exports to Philippines", and other related news.
The latest report from the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed agriculture grew by 1.55 percent in the third quarter of 2009, but this represented a 52-percent decline from the 3.23-percent growth posted by the sector in the same period of 2008. Palay production reached 3.52 million metric tons in the July-September period from 3.47 million tons in the third quarter of 2008.
I believe there is the need by the government to take care of our agricultural lands and enact more laws for the welfare of the agricultural sector. There must be clear definitions when and only when an agricultural land can be turned into residential with the power of the government to determine as such without violation on any individual's right, such as right on property and ownership. The government may apply the provisions in Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution if properly interpreted for the welfare of the general populace.
The Philippines was once the center of rice production in Asia. The International Rice Research Institute was established purposely to yield the country's rice production. It was a success at first and other Asian countries believed in what the Filipinos can do. We have the talent, we have the will and we believe in what we can do. We were once the no. 1 exporter of rice in Southeast Asia, but that was long ago.
Today, real estate is a good business. More big land owners turned their agricultural lands into subdivisions and industrial areas. Population growth adds more pressure to the demand of residential lands plus the increase of food consumptions. This is a very alarming reality. Agricultural production decreases resulting to country's "importation of rice" either from Japan, Thailand or the United States. The irony now lies to the fact that the Philippines was once the mentor of Thailand on yielding rice production, but the student itself is now the one sustaining the needs of its mentor. We can read in the news: " Thailand to export rice to Philippines"; "Japan to export rice to Philippines as emergency relief"; "USA confirms rice exports to Philippines", and other related news.
The latest report from the Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Agricultural Statistics showed agriculture grew by 1.55 percent in the third quarter of 2009, but this represented a 52-percent decline from the 3.23-percent growth posted by the sector in the same period of 2008. Palay production reached 3.52 million metric tons in the July-September period from 3.47 million tons in the third quarter of 2008.
I believe there is the need by the government to take care of our agricultural lands and enact more laws for the welfare of the agricultural sector. There must be clear definitions when and only when an agricultural land can be turned into residential with the power of the government to determine as such without violation on any individual's right, such as right on property and ownership. The government may apply the provisions in Section 2, Article XII of the 1987 Constitution if properly interpreted for the welfare of the general populace.
The Capitalists, Not the Politicians
Looking back to the pages of history our country had written since its First Republic era is a comprehensive view how its citizens have been managed by our leaders. Citizens of different generations have their own version of development and progress, and the version of politics, as well.
But what is always prevailing is the invisible arms of the capitalists that are somehow manipulating the strings in a puppet show. The leaders who are the frontrunners are unwittingly swinging with the tones until the show is over. Hundreds or even thousands of laws have occupied tha pages of our legislative diaries but it seems that same old issues keep on haunting the lives of the general populace. I remember when I was still in the elementary grades, my mother used to be the BSPO and was very active attending conferences on family planning. Another administrations come and go, the same program but of different mode, or let say, the same brand but of different cover. It means, the same problem is being addressed since from the very beginning and yet the same problem keeps on recurring. Family planning is also a huge business, right?
Let us be specific with our economy. Prices of commodities are skyrocketing because these capitalists can easlily sway the economy with their "billion dollars" assests and influences behind the incumbents. They say, "gas the government and run it like you own it." And what is the government had done to its major "functioning institutions" other than selling them to privitization? Our our governance had been the arena for corruption, a lasting legacy our colonizers have left keeping the majority of the people in the endless mudness of poverty. Capitalists on the other hand are enjoying both the privileges and powers not even an ordinary citizen can avail. The truth is, our government and economy are run not by our elected incumbents but by these tycoons behind them.
But what is always prevailing is the invisible arms of the capitalists that are somehow manipulating the strings in a puppet show. The leaders who are the frontrunners are unwittingly swinging with the tones until the show is over. Hundreds or even thousands of laws have occupied tha pages of our legislative diaries but it seems that same old issues keep on haunting the lives of the general populace. I remember when I was still in the elementary grades, my mother used to be the BSPO and was very active attending conferences on family planning. Another administrations come and go, the same program but of different mode, or let say, the same brand but of different cover. It means, the same problem is being addressed since from the very beginning and yet the same problem keeps on recurring. Family planning is also a huge business, right?
Let us be specific with our economy. Prices of commodities are skyrocketing because these capitalists can easlily sway the economy with their "billion dollars" assests and influences behind the incumbents. They say, "gas the government and run it like you own it." And what is the government had done to its major "functioning institutions" other than selling them to privitization? Our our governance had been the arena for corruption, a lasting legacy our colonizers have left keeping the majority of the people in the endless mudness of poverty. Capitalists on the other hand are enjoying both the privileges and powers not even an ordinary citizen can avail. The truth is, our government and economy are run not by our elected incumbents but by these tycoons behind them.
Separation of Church and State
Just recently as I watched Al-Jazeera news, an issue catched my attention - "Philippines has the poorest family planning program in Southeast Asia." Few weeks ago, another "not-too-hot" issue also made my ears hot: this is about the issue on "same sex marriage" if it will be allowed in the Philippines or not.
What is happening in the Philippines today? The issue on family planning method is not a matter between the church and the state, but a matter between the state and the citizens. The state is, by mandate of the constitution, has to provide a comprehensive and accessible program to every citizen. The separation of church and state is another mandate, as well. Hence, the church (Catholic Church, to be specific) need not to intervene with the policies of the state only because of religious beliefs or biblical interpretations of the issue. Our legislatures, I believe, are not innocent people who will enact laws that are "unconstitutional" or "inhumane" aiming to propagate principles against the good will of the people.
What's wrong with "contraceptives" if the main purpose is to have a well-planned family? Perhaps, one thing that made the Filipino mentality prone to church's influence is the colonial effect that had rooted since our time immemorial. But the Age of Enlightenment is over. We are already at the "cyber age", hundreds of years away from the "earth-centered universe belief" propagated by the church.
Same sex marriage is another thing. For me, it is not an issue to be debated for if the only ground for its justification is the personal interpretations of the "rights" of an individual. Homosexuality is "absolutely immoral in all angles". If Machiavelli believed that "the end justifies the means", it is only when all the rights an individual are enjoying are taken away from him. Not legalizing same sex marriage is not an oppression of individual's right but a prevention or a watchdog against immorality.
What is happening in the Philippines today? The issue on family planning method is not a matter between the church and the state, but a matter between the state and the citizens. The state is, by mandate of the constitution, has to provide a comprehensive and accessible program to every citizen. The separation of church and state is another mandate, as well. Hence, the church (Catholic Church, to be specific) need not to intervene with the policies of the state only because of religious beliefs or biblical interpretations of the issue. Our legislatures, I believe, are not innocent people who will enact laws that are "unconstitutional" or "inhumane" aiming to propagate principles against the good will of the people.
What's wrong with "contraceptives" if the main purpose is to have a well-planned family? Perhaps, one thing that made the Filipino mentality prone to church's influence is the colonial effect that had rooted since our time immemorial. But the Age of Enlightenment is over. We are already at the "cyber age", hundreds of years away from the "earth-centered universe belief" propagated by the church.
Same sex marriage is another thing. For me, it is not an issue to be debated for if the only ground for its justification is the personal interpretations of the "rights" of an individual. Homosexuality is "absolutely immoral in all angles". If Machiavelli believed that "the end justifies the means", it is only when all the rights an individual are enjoying are taken away from him. Not legalizing same sex marriage is not an oppression of individual's right but a prevention or a watchdog against immorality.
Seeking Divine Guidance
With all due respect to Sen. Noynoy Aquino, he must have done this long time ago before making his previous announcement to run for presidency. What different will it make now? Is he at the crisis of "decision making" that he needs to validate his previous decision? What more if he is already the President of the Republic? Does it mean that he will decide first on critical issues before seeking Divine Guidance?
Politics is a serious business as we knew it, hence it requires leaders with firm and founded principles in decision making and not with "trial and error" methodology. Politics is also likened to a "chess game" where every move, from the onset up to the "ckeckmate", determines the creativity and efficiency of the player, as Plato said, "the guardians, in order to fulfill their proper functions, these people will have to be special human beings indeed".
This is a reply to the video posted here: Seeking divine guidance.
Politics is a serious business as we knew it, hence it requires leaders with firm and founded principles in decision making and not with "trial and error" methodology. Politics is also likened to a "chess game" where every move, from the onset up to the "ckeckmate", determines the creativity and efficiency of the player, as Plato said, "the guardians, in order to fulfill their proper functions, these people will have to be special human beings indeed".
This is a reply to the video posted here: Seeking divine guidance.
An Open Letter to Mr. Ambeth Ocampo
Dear Mr. Ambeth Ocampo,
Greetings! At first, I thought you are a "woman" because your name sounds like a girl's. With this I could say "I am innocent but not ignorant because that was my first impression", right?
With all due respect, I just want to express my sentiment on your statement, "...contrary to popular belief, ...Maynila (not Maynilad as propagated by the ignorant)" posted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 01/22/09 (Opinion/Columns section) under your article "Legaspi's Wish List".
I don't care if you are a well-informed and a very knowledgeable Filipino historian at that. I also don't even care if your stockpiles of knowledge is beyond ours', but you don't have the right to call those people, whose sources of information are limited to the obsolete books and reading materials, ignorant. They knew they are not well-informed because of some other reasons we are aware of. But relying on textbooks approved by the DepED is not indicative of ignorance because they knew for sure that the data supplied therein are meticulously examined and approved by the scholars and experts. Thus, believing with the contents of these textbooks is but a result of the natural process of acquiring knowledge and information.
And, when did you learn that term "Maynila" and not "Maynilad" as the right term? Was it before or after your higher education? And, which of the two terms did you use when you were still in the elementary grades? I don't think you already knew it was "Maynila" from the very beginning since the first records tell us it was "Maynilad".
Mr. Ocampo, my dear, please do not monopolize the field by claiming you alone has the sole stockpiles of knowledge and "correct data" as far as Philippine history is concerned. Please do not accuse your predecessors "ignorant" for reasons that "history is not 100% accurate". Not all you have written are absolutely "facts" and are still subject for further verifications.
Do you remember the famous speech/oration "Land of Bondage Land of the Free" by the late Raul S. Manglapus? "You accuse me of ignorance. But I am ignorant because my master, ...finds it profitable to keep me ignorant." It seems that there is a certain degree the speech is directed to you? Better yet, it seems that there is a repetition in history where those belonging to the upper echelon are tagging the less informed "ignorant" and "indolent"?
And, where did you get your information that "Maynilad" is a misnomer? Can you convince those people you called ignorant? What if it is the opposite? Just asking.
Sincerely,
Ranie
Greetings! At first, I thought you are a "woman" because your name sounds like a girl's. With this I could say "I am innocent but not ignorant because that was my first impression", right?
With all due respect, I just want to express my sentiment on your statement, "...contrary to popular belief, ...Maynila (not Maynilad as propagated by the ignorant)" posted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer on 01/22/09 (Opinion/Columns section) under your article "Legaspi's Wish List".
I don't care if you are a well-informed and a very knowledgeable Filipino historian at that. I also don't even care if your stockpiles of knowledge is beyond ours', but you don't have the right to call those people, whose sources of information are limited to the obsolete books and reading materials, ignorant. They knew they are not well-informed because of some other reasons we are aware of. But relying on textbooks approved by the DepED is not indicative of ignorance because they knew for sure that the data supplied therein are meticulously examined and approved by the scholars and experts. Thus, believing with the contents of these textbooks is but a result of the natural process of acquiring knowledge and information.
And, when did you learn that term "Maynila" and not "Maynilad" as the right term? Was it before or after your higher education? And, which of the two terms did you use when you were still in the elementary grades? I don't think you already knew it was "Maynila" from the very beginning since the first records tell us it was "Maynilad".
Mr. Ocampo, my dear, please do not monopolize the field by claiming you alone has the sole stockpiles of knowledge and "correct data" as far as Philippine history is concerned. Please do not accuse your predecessors "ignorant" for reasons that "history is not 100% accurate". Not all you have written are absolutely "facts" and are still subject for further verifications.
Do you remember the famous speech/oration "Land of Bondage Land of the Free" by the late Raul S. Manglapus? "You accuse me of ignorance. But I am ignorant because my master, ...finds it profitable to keep me ignorant." It seems that there is a certain degree the speech is directed to you? Better yet, it seems that there is a repetition in history where those belonging to the upper echelon are tagging the less informed "ignorant" and "indolent"?
And, where did you get your information that "Maynilad" is a misnomer? Can you convince those people you called ignorant? What if it is the opposite? Just asking.
Sincerely,
Ranie
UP Oblation Run
This is a comment to the news "Pimentel wants probe of ‘oblation run’" posted in the Daily Inquirer on 03/06/2009.
Perhaps, everyone will agree that nudity can be an art, but it depends on how you will portray it. The oblation run is part of an accepted norm of the UP Alpha Phi Omega (APO) con-fraternity tradition but doing so outside the campus is not considered component of the tradition. “If nude painting is an art, then do it inside the studio.”
According to record, the UP Oblation statue was originally completely naked, but, “as morality was prevailing at that time”, it was modified by former U.P. President Jorge Bocobo with the addition of a fig leaf to cover the genitals. This must how oblation run be done and not the foul display of obscenity (but with faces covered with clothes, sometimes). They must at least cover their genitals with leaves, too.
“A case must be brought to its proper court”, a good layer will say. Remember that the definition of the words “University of the Philippines” must be limited only to the institution and its philosophies, principles, missions and visions, per se, and not to include its existing fraternities. Therefore oblation run with total nudity must not be justified by the mere fact that it is already part of a tradition but rather must be done with little respect to morality and the sacredness of human body, as what former U.P. President Jorge Bocobo once had averted.
How will one fraternity member does feels if his younger sister witnessed such rite knowing that her brother is one of them? Better yet, how do you feel displaying your manhood in public where the general populace are considered “true Christians” and totally against nudity? And, how do you consider yourself a good example of a disciplined citizen if you kept on justifying “immoral acts?” According to one APO’s webpage, oblation run is an expression of protest against the system. Of what system? By whom? And what kind of system they want it to be? Have they presented their own system to be judge by the others? A friend of mine who is an APO member braggingly related his experience inside a bank being served immediately behind the line because the bank manager is his fraternal brother. Is this the system they want? Definitely, yes! They want connections. They want to control the system. They want power… and recognitions. Is that not a sign of insecurity? I’m just asking.
But how does it feel being left behind the line if the person behind you, who came later than you, will be served first and finished his transaction without a sweat, while you, who spent more than your expected hours patiently, waited for your turn? I call it “out of the system” and a severe social disease tantamount to bribery or corruption.
Personally, I never subscribe to any fraternity as this is a sign of insecurity and lost of trust to oneself. I respect and salute our high government officials, both present and gone, who were members of fraternities, whose legacies benefited the Filipino people but this doesn’t mean a subscription to the fraternity’s principles they belong; this doesn’t mean an acknowledgement as a fraternity’s legacy. No! For me, fraternity is just a nonsense organization aiming to promote interests of the chosen few, of those who are in the positions by promising connections in return.
These fraternities are no different from secret societies or underground movements aiming to justify illegal/immoral acts through citations of noble principles, yet not appropriate to the conditions of the society. Pardon me if I am wrong but I consider most frat members as social deviants. They are out-members of a decent and morally upright society because they are deviating from the rule and claiming to be in the upper echelon of the society. They fear nothing, even the law. And who are those national figures of these fraternities if not the sons and daughters of our national government officials?
I remember one time during the 1991 national election: a calendar bearing the family picture of a senatoriable, whose daughter on a hip-hop craze has a pierce on her nose. One question immediate knocked my attention and wondered how these lawmakers can supersede these out-of-these-world activities of fraternities if their own sons and daughters are the very proponents of these undertakings by showing bad examples?
For 11 years, I witnessed the destructions of the future of many students because of involvement in school fraternities: there were riots inside the school campus involving fraternity members resulting to injuries, hospitalizations and even death; pat sessions were done involving alcohol, cigars, drugs and sex; night outings for students as young as 11 years old; and, longer years of stay in school because of obvious reason of failing grades. And what happened to those who died after the initiations? To those whose parents who dreamed only for the good future of their children? Is there any fraternity officer being put behind bars for these gruesome fates of our young future hopes of the country?
Being a non-member is an attitude of self-reliance and a belief to one’s ability. Camaraderie and brotherhood can be shown in many ways and not only through involvement in a fraternity. In fact involvement in one fraternity is a suppression of individual’s right to join to other fraternities. Once a member, one is no longer allowed to make friends with other groups’ members. A solitary way to promote brotherhood? It’s a nonsense!
Fraternity is not a requisite to be successful in school. I graduated and landed a good job without involvement in any fraternity. And I respect the system. A system is a system and it is perfect if we only follow it. Do not change the system. Let yourself be changed to a better one.
Perhaps, everyone will agree that nudity can be an art, but it depends on how you will portray it. The oblation run is part of an accepted norm of the UP Alpha Phi Omega (APO) con-fraternity tradition but doing so outside the campus is not considered component of the tradition. “If nude painting is an art, then do it inside the studio.”
According to record, the UP Oblation statue was originally completely naked, but, “as morality was prevailing at that time”, it was modified by former U.P. President Jorge Bocobo with the addition of a fig leaf to cover the genitals. This must how oblation run be done and not the foul display of obscenity (but with faces covered with clothes, sometimes). They must at least cover their genitals with leaves, too.
“A case must be brought to its proper court”, a good layer will say. Remember that the definition of the words “University of the Philippines” must be limited only to the institution and its philosophies, principles, missions and visions, per se, and not to include its existing fraternities. Therefore oblation run with total nudity must not be justified by the mere fact that it is already part of a tradition but rather must be done with little respect to morality and the sacredness of human body, as what former U.P. President Jorge Bocobo once had averted.
How will one fraternity member does feels if his younger sister witnessed such rite knowing that her brother is one of them? Better yet, how do you feel displaying your manhood in public where the general populace are considered “true Christians” and totally against nudity? And, how do you consider yourself a good example of a disciplined citizen if you kept on justifying “immoral acts?” According to one APO’s webpage, oblation run is an expression of protest against the system. Of what system? By whom? And what kind of system they want it to be? Have they presented their own system to be judge by the others? A friend of mine who is an APO member braggingly related his experience inside a bank being served immediately behind the line because the bank manager is his fraternal brother. Is this the system they want? Definitely, yes! They want connections. They want to control the system. They want power… and recognitions. Is that not a sign of insecurity? I’m just asking.
But how does it feel being left behind the line if the person behind you, who came later than you, will be served first and finished his transaction without a sweat, while you, who spent more than your expected hours patiently, waited for your turn? I call it “out of the system” and a severe social disease tantamount to bribery or corruption.
Personally, I never subscribe to any fraternity as this is a sign of insecurity and lost of trust to oneself. I respect and salute our high government officials, both present and gone, who were members of fraternities, whose legacies benefited the Filipino people but this doesn’t mean a subscription to the fraternity’s principles they belong; this doesn’t mean an acknowledgement as a fraternity’s legacy. No! For me, fraternity is just a nonsense organization aiming to promote interests of the chosen few, of those who are in the positions by promising connections in return.
These fraternities are no different from secret societies or underground movements aiming to justify illegal/immoral acts through citations of noble principles, yet not appropriate to the conditions of the society. Pardon me if I am wrong but I consider most frat members as social deviants. They are out-members of a decent and morally upright society because they are deviating from the rule and claiming to be in the upper echelon of the society. They fear nothing, even the law. And who are those national figures of these fraternities if not the sons and daughters of our national government officials?
I remember one time during the 1991 national election: a calendar bearing the family picture of a senatoriable, whose daughter on a hip-hop craze has a pierce on her nose. One question immediate knocked my attention and wondered how these lawmakers can supersede these out-of-these-world activities of fraternities if their own sons and daughters are the very proponents of these undertakings by showing bad examples?
For 11 years, I witnessed the destructions of the future of many students because of involvement in school fraternities: there were riots inside the school campus involving fraternity members resulting to injuries, hospitalizations and even death; pat sessions were done involving alcohol, cigars, drugs and sex; night outings for students as young as 11 years old; and, longer years of stay in school because of obvious reason of failing grades. And what happened to those who died after the initiations? To those whose parents who dreamed only for the good future of their children? Is there any fraternity officer being put behind bars for these gruesome fates of our young future hopes of the country?
Being a non-member is an attitude of self-reliance and a belief to one’s ability. Camaraderie and brotherhood can be shown in many ways and not only through involvement in a fraternity. In fact involvement in one fraternity is a suppression of individual’s right to join to other fraternities. Once a member, one is no longer allowed to make friends with other groups’ members. A solitary way to promote brotherhood? It’s a nonsense!
Fraternity is not a requisite to be successful in school. I graduated and landed a good job without involvement in any fraternity. And I respect the system. A system is a system and it is perfect if we only follow it. Do not change the system. Let yourself be changed to a better one.
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