31 December 2010

On Jason Vivar Aguilar

Because his surname happens to be the middle initial of an international fugitive, Jason Vivar Aguilar has been detained for seven days, blacklisted from employment in Qatar, and deported from that country.

Aguilar set off to the Middle East to work there as a welder. He is the youngest of five siblings residing in Pandukot, Calumpit, Bulacan. “Bago ako umalis dito, punong-puno ako ng pangarap noon para po sa pamilya ko kaya po malakas ang loob kong mag-abroad.”

Aguilar’s departure coincided with the day the son of a presidential staff was killed. That must have been among of the reasons why the Qatari officials believed Aguilar was the man they’re looking for. It didn’t help that the two Jasons have the same birthdates. It also didn’t help that any man could resort to his kinship in his flight from justice.

The Qatari officials proceeded to arrest Aguilar during the New Year’s Eve last year. They did not tell him why. The experience traumatized him who admitted ‘ill feelings’ toward those who had arrested him.

“Di po mawawala sa akin ‘yun. Kinulong po nila ako, nasira po nila mga pangarap ko. Sana magdusa naman po si Jason Ivler sa kanyang ginawang kasalanan.”

An honest mistake

Call it what you may. But it wouldn’t change the fact that Jason Aguilar has been treated like a criminal for more than a week.

Or that his work visa was canceled. He was blacklisted and would have to deal with debts he had owed during the processing of his overseas employment.

Yet all he wished for is an apology. “Kasi po pagkatao po ang nasira dito, karangalan ko. Nananahimik po akong nagtatrabaho tapos bigla-bigla na lang po akong makukulong ng wala namang kasalanan. Gusto ko po talagang mag-sorry kung sino yung dapat mag-sorry.”

Angelito Magno, chief of the Special Action Unit of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), responded to his plea. “Jason, we are very sorry for the incident that happened to you. We feel sorry. In fact, sinabi ko nga doon sa kapatid mo at mga kamag-anak mo na nagpunta sa opisina ko, ay isang masaklap na pangyayari itong nadaanan mo. And because of that, maari pa nga, sinasabi ng iba, ay biktima ka din ni Jason Ivler dahil sa paghahanap sa kanya, pati ang pangalan mo ay nadamay.”

Even the father of the victim Jason Aguilar was thought to have killed apologized. “Masasabi natin sorry na lang sa mga pangyayari pero andyan kami tutulong sa iyo,” Renato Ebarle Sr., presidential assistant secretary during the Arroyo administration, was reported saying.

Cresente Relacion, the country’s ambassador to Qatar, said sorry too after defending himself. “We were not informed. In fact, we made an inquiry about the incident. On January 6, we received an inquiry from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) inquiring whether a certain Jason Ivler was arrested in Qatar… “In general, [Qatar] they would not inform the country of that national about the arrest except if the country has a bilateral consular agreement.” Relacion was on a vacation when that inquiry happened.

Relacion promised to file a formal protest to the Qatari authorities ‘once we receive that [documents from Manila’s Interpol stating that it was a case of mistaken identity]. He also needs a clearance from the NBI or the Quezon City Police Department stating that the OFW was not the Jason Aguilar Ivler in the Interpol Red Notice.

Is it possible that the country’s representative in a foreign land forgot to rectify an honest mistake? Former labor undersecretary Susan Ople could only pity Jason Aguilar who is entitled to legal and other forms of assistance from the Philippine embassy under the Migrant Workers’ Act.

"If the person involved was well connected, sabihin na natin had a more famous last name or had the means to hire lawyers, this would have been a totally different ball game. Magkakandarapa ang mga opisyal ng gubyerno just to accommodate, and explain, and say sorry.”

“Yun ang punto namin, here's an honest working simple OFW napahamak ng wala naman siyang kaalam-alam, nasira ang pangalan sa abroad pa, na-deport dito and all he's waiting for, all he's asking, sino ba ang dapat mag-sorry? Sino ba ang nagkamali? Ok na yung tulong. Pero sino ba talaga yung nagkamali para hindi na maulit muli.”

“They should put it in writing. Even the apology maybe should be in writing. Malinaw kasi Jan. 4 alam na nila and he was in jail until Jan 7. Had the DFA been informed, I'm sure the embassy could have sent someone right away to clear up the mess and then he could've worked, he could've continue working.”

Corrections

The Philippine government promised to somehow compensate to Aguilar.

For one, the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) would assist Aguilar if he wants to work abroad again. The POEA would also provide a livelihood assistance for Aguilar while he is undergoing psychosocial counseling and stress debriefing sessions.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), on the other hand, would shoulder the debts Aguilar owed to get to Qatar. It found out that the Multisystem Conexions Intl. Inc. (MCII) had swindled him for the processing fees. He was also asked to pay in four months more than what he would get in his monthly salary in Qatar.

Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga filed House Resolution 1558 asking the Lower House to probe on what happened to Jason Aguilar. It remained a resolution.

The parish priest of Pandukot in Calumpit personally went to the airport to vouch for Aguilar. Father Jojit Sayas also appealed to Ivler to surrender as well as to the latter’s family to urge Ivler to face the charges he had.

But what about the Qatari government? Don’t they have a say on this? There was no report on that till now. Even if the incident was an honest mistake, it still is one. Jason Aguilar just deserves the five-letter word.

Read a copy of the RA 8042.
This is how Jason Aguilar and Jason Ivler look like.

23 December 2010

Football over Sipa

The Azkals ‘will still have to rely on Filipino-foreign players to be competitive against teams from football-crazy countries.’

Although it prided itself to be the first football team to represent the Philippines, the Azkals is not entirely composed of full-bloodied Filipinos. Among of the ‘foreign boosters’ were Neil Etheridge, brothers Phil and James Younghusband, Chris Greatwich, and Robert Gier.

“At this time, since there is yet to be a grassroots development program to be implemented by the [Philippine Football] Federation, we really have to rely on our Fil-foreigners. That has been a proven formula,” said Dan Palami, the team manager. “The Filipino squad will still have to depend on these players while football remains in its infant stage in the Philippines,” he added.

And to prepare for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Challenge Cup in February next year, another six Fil-foreigners will be coming to the Philippines to try out for the team. They are Patrick Herget, Patrick Hinrichsen, William Guerridon, Oliver Potschke, Jason Abot Sabio, and Jerry Lucena.

The coach who assisted the team to fame would then replaced by a German. Palami said that he only intended ‘to make sure that the coach that we're bringing in will be somebody who should be better and will bring the Azkals to greater heights.’

“A coach such as [Hans Michael Weiss] could bring the results that we would want for the Azkals this year,” Palami added. Simon McMenemy was the coach before Philippine Azkals was renowned.

According to the team manager, McMenemy is not yet certified by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). The latter’s contract had also expired this month.

According to the former coach, he was not informed of the development. "Feels totally disrespected. No call, email, text, nothing. Been told by a friend who watched it on TV, this is not how to treat people,” McMenemy posted in his Twitter account.

The “ïn” thing

The Philippine national football team has taught youngsters in Tacloban City how to play football. After all, that’s where the players trained for the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Players Phil and James Younghusband had also launched the Younghusband Football Academy in Manila to teach young people, including physical education teachers from the public schools, about the sport. The two are among those who defeated the Vietnam team during the quarterfinals of the 2010 ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup.

Not too bad for a team that was ranked 151st in the world for years. Even President Benigno Aquino congratulated them and issued a statement of support.

Native sport

Before the Spaniards rule over the country, there was a traditional game that tests one’s speed, agility, control and coordination.

Sipa, which literally means “kick,” can be played indoors or outdoors by two to four persons by kicking a soft ball over a net in the middle of the court. It is somehow related to Sepak Takraw, Footbag net, Footvolley, Bossaball and Jianzi.

The soft ball could be made from woven rattan strips 10 inches wide, or a metal washer covered with cloth. It should only be ‘touched’ by the player’s legs.

Penalty points determine the winner. Whichever team causes the ball to bounce twice on the ground more frequently is the loser.

Pilipina Ako does not disagree with enriching Pinoy talent. Every person, every Pinoy, has the right to know and like the worldwide sport. Just please teach the Filipinos our national sport too.

If it’s any consolation, “azkals” is derived from the Filipino term for any dog with no pedigree, breed or class (askal). The team believes they embodied one: being an underdog in the world arena and unsupported by the Philippine government.

References

22 December 2010

Pinoy mendicancy

mendicancy
n : a solicitation for money or food (especially in the street
by an apparently penniless person)

Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa had proposed to punish those who give mercy to the poor. These Samaritans would have to pay P200 or render community service if they persist doing acts of kindness in the streets. His fellow official, Gerardo Carillo, agreed. Protecting children from adults who used them to ask alms on the streets is the police’s job, anyway.

But as far as the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is concerned, Article III Section 18 of the 1987 constitution already defined mendicancy as illegal and unconstitutional. Betty Ganob, anti-mendicancy task force officer-in-charge, believes ‘that giving money or goods to the mendicants could no longer be considered charity because it endangers the lives of the mendicants especially children.’

Even secretary general Socrates Rota Pepino of Panaghugpong-Kadamay in Cebu was uncertain of the amendment, adding that only a sustainable livelihood project could be the plan. Barangay captain Pancho Ramirez of Sto. Nino, Cebu thus suggested construction of playgrounds to divert the attention of the youth.

Their debate is welcome. At least, some authority have discussed about a damned-if-you-do-damned-if-you-don’t situation. Pilipina Ako would have been just grateful if they have addressed the issue itself.

It had been more than a decade since Former President Ferdinand Marcos dealt with mendicancy through a presidential decree. Even then, the legislation did not talk about much the said ‘culture.’ Was it because politicians and bureaucrats themselves do it whenever they ask for loan assistance, political patronages and lagay?

Or was it because of the upsurge of our countrymen working overseas? The Philippines, along with Mexico and India, is the largest recipient of foreign exchange inflows from the US, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore and United Arab Emirates. In fact, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) found out, some had become dependent to a family member working abroad that they eventually ‘lose their incentive to work and begin to regard the money as a right.’

The stampede of about 80 people during the anniversary of a famous noontime show has been ‘the highest degree of tragedy in the world of Philippine showbiz.’ Some blamed the program’s producers. Some opined that the local government of Pasig should have been responsible. Not many had thought of the 20,000 people who had hoped to win a million.

“Although ABS-CBN claims that all they desire is to give hope and entertainment to the ‘kapamilya’ gameshows such as Wowowee, Eat Bulaga's Laban o Bawi, among many others, [it] infuses mendicancy in the way of life of the poor. Instead of teaching to strive for success and focusing attention to worth-while and productive tasks, the Filipino sticks to the culture of betting and relying on luck,” Katie Torres, a blogger, wrote.

“I believe the blame goes to the system who continuously teaches the Masses that there is no hope for a better life in this country but to go out and forget about the country itself, or to bet your life on a televised commercialized gameshow… The Filipino poor is hurting everyday, and it is but immensely unfortunate for them to die while waiting for what they believe would give them the last chance... no, the only means to a better life, even if it's false hope. Even if it's a one-in-a-million chance,” she added.

Unfortunately, the Aquino administration ‘is seemingly not different,’ observed columnist Fidel Abalos of The Freeman. It transferred the annual P8-billion rice procurement subsidy of the National Food Authority (NFA) to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) when the rice farmers themselves don’t have any.

References

18 December 2010

Mommy D

She may have brought up the eight-division world-boxing champion and one of the country’s congressmen. But then the Philippines most famous mother celebrity today isn’t an exemplary person, as far as Pilipina Ako is concerned.

Celebrities as commendable as Vilma Santos may love her ‘unpretentious personality.’ “I love her! I haven’t met her pero in fact parang naging inspirasyon ko siya dito sa In My Life. Yun bang walang pakialam kung anong sasabihin ng iba. Gagawin niya kung anong gusto niyang gawin. Yung kahit anong gusto nyang sabihin sa pamilya niya...I love her! Gusto ko siya.” But what can Pilipina Ako do? Dionisia ‘Mommy D’ Pacquiao isn’t just an ideal person.

Some people sought her autographs and pictures with her. HBO Sports special 24/7 even featured her arrival in Las Vegas during one of her son’s fights. But Pilipina Ako dislikes what for ABS-CBN is a ‘quirky, lovable character, a truly Pinoy original which makes her a newsworthy personality.’

During her 60th birthday, Mommy D celebrated at the Phela Grande Convention Center with her idol, former first lady Imelda Marcos as guest. That was even when almost 90 people died in and around Manila barely three months before because of Ondoy. The tropical storm was the worst Manila had in 50 years.

And that’s not all! Seven hours before her son’s birthday bash last year, Mommy D also bought a pair of strappy sandals when she had already bought a pair of black pumps in the United States. She had her nails done in mauve polish a day prior to the party only to have it re-painted the next day. Such a lifestyle is uncalled for.

She called the black-skinned citizens of the United States negroes, earning the despise of the Color People Advancement Community (CPAC) in Las Vegas. "Nagpapasalamat ako hindi lang sa mga Pilipino. At pati na rin sa mga Amerikano at mga Negro.[I thank not only the Filipinos, I also thank Americans and Negroes]. CPAC spokesman Rodney Surat Whiterspoon said that Mommy D 'can be forgiven" since she "appeared to have been disoriented.” The term, which means ‘black’ in Spanish and Portuguese, was considered a discriminatory term in the 1960s.

Mommy D defended herself from her detractors (Pilipina Ako included). “They're just jealous,” she said. She’s not surprised that her fame ‘comes with downsides’ According to her, ‘the Pacquiao family are simply enjoying the largesse’ and her son is giving her "just enough." Mommy D resides beside Manny Pacquiao's home in General Santos City nowadays. It is smaller place with four bedrooms costing P7 million.

She may just deserve the comfort. After all, Mommy D had tried her very best to make ends meet when her children were younger. The Pacmom had even sold kakanin (sweet delicacies) for their survival. Fr. Joey Faller also observed Mommy D’s religiosity. She seemed to be the Pacman’s secret weapon.

Still, Pilipina Ako doesn’t approve of her. She is a negative reflection of what the country is and what its people could be: materialistic and inconsiderate. Too bad that not only one media outfit prefers to report about her. That could convince other people to follow her behavior.

* * * *

On intrigues between her and Jinkee: "Sa tao, marami kaming intriga talaga sa sobrang sikat. Ngayon lang na nagsikat kami. [For people, there are many intrigues because [we] are very famous. [Intrigues came] when we got famous."

On her son’s alleged womanizing: "Hayaan mo lang ang mga intriga kasi [nandiyan na 'yan] lalo na noong unang sumisikat ang anak ko. Kasi andyan ang kagalingan niya. Ang daming humahanga sa kanya, lalo na sa mga babae. Ang daming mag-intrigang salita, hindi ginagawa sa anak ko 'yan. Hindi totoo ang mga balita." [Leave those intrigues alone, because they started ever since my son got famous. Because he is a good boxer and many people admire him, especially women. There are many intrigues, but my son doesn't do that (womanize). The reports are not true.]

On her love life: "Andyan ang pagmamahal ko sa dancing. Ayoko na, hindi ko na maulit 'yong masaktan pa ang puso ko. [There is my love for dancing. I don't want to [date] anymore, I can't have my heart broken again]."

14 December 2010

On Morong 43

After almost eight months, PNoy finally believed the 43 healthcare workers weren’t army militants after all.

It may be worth noting that the arrest of the 26 women and 17 men—dubbed eventually as the Morong 43—happened when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is still the head of the Philippine republic. And no less than the general secretaries of the World Council of Churches (WCC) and the World Student Christian Federation (WSCF) have already pleaded for the detainees’ fate.

Some groups in New Zealand have also reminded the former president of the Anti-Torture Act of 2009(Republic Act 9745). Migrante International also condemned the illegal arrest and detention of the health workers.

The sister of President Herman Van Rompuy of the European Union also called on for the release of her fellow health care workers. "As a nurse who has visited the Philippines, I personally know and note that the organizations of these detained health workers do an excellent job. They provide primary health care in the poorest areas of the Philippines. They are brave men and women who defy very difficult circumstances to help their fellow citizens."

The Morong 43 were still detained though in Camp Capinpin for 12 weeks. They were just having a health training at a farmhouse owned by infectious disease specialist Dr. Melecia Velmonte when the police accused them for training for the New People's Army (NPA). The police arrested the Morong 43 without a warrant.

The health care workers were eventually transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa where they were continuously blindfolded and interrogated.

But days and weeks had passed and the charges weren’t proven. Only after almost eight months did PNoy decide to free the health care workers.

‘Sorry’ seems to be the hardest word

The relatives of the health care workers and various human rights groups weren’t exactly forgiving though. They insisted that the military apologize. “Sinira nila ang buhay namin, ang buhay ng mga anak ko. Kailangan, sila mismo maghingi ng sorry sa amin. Ikalat din nila sa buong mundo yung kung papaano nilang kinalat, pinagbintangan yang mga Morong 43 na yan na NPA (They disrupted our lives, my children’s lives. Now they need to tell us outright that they are sorry. They should tell this to the entire world in the same way that they spread to the world their accusations that the Morong 43 were NPA members)," said Evelyn Montes, wife of 62-year-old detainee Dr. Alexis Montes.

"Masama ba ang humingi ng apology? Ang ganyang paghingi ng apology, nagpapakita na tao lang tayo, eh hindi eh (Is it bad to apologize? Offering an apology means saying you are only human, prone to mistakes. But that’s not the case here)," remarked Marie Enriquez, secretary-general of Karapatan, in an interview over dwIZ radio.

Well, that would be ‘too much’ for PNoy. He has, after all, already ordered the charges against the health care workers dropped. “I think we have already demonstrated and already rectified the situation ... Medyo too much naman yan (A public apology just to show our administration’s sincerity may be too much)," he said. Six of the Morong 43 had admitted links with the NPA.

For this, the ‘innocent’ among the Morong 43 would file charges against the soldiers for violating the anti-torture law. AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr. just shrugged it off, as the military will provide “the best lawyers if possible" for its men. So much for a five-letter word.

References

07 December 2010

PNoy and Mindanao

"...Dalawa ang hinaharap nating suliranin sa usapin ng kapayapaan: ang situwasyon sa Mindanao, at ang patuloy na pag-aaklas ng CPP-NPA-NDF.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF.

Iiwasan natin ang mga pagkakamaling nangyari sa nakaraang administrasyon, kung saan binulaga na lang ang mga mamamayan ng Mindanao. Hindi tayo puwedeng magbulag-bulagan sa mga dudang may kulay ng pulitika ang proseso, at hindi ang kapakanan ng taumbayan ang tanging interes.

Kinikilala natin ang mga hakbang na ginagawa ng MILF sa pamamagitan ng pagdidisplina sa kanilang hanay. Inaasahan natin na muling magsisimula ang negosasyon pagkatapos ng Ramadan.

Tungkol naman po sa CPP-NPA-NDF: handa na ba kayong maglaan ng kongkretong mungkahi, sa halip na pawang batikos lamang?

Kung kapayapaan din ang hangad ninyo, handa po kami sa malawakang tigil-putukan. Mag-usap tayo.

Mahirap magsimula ang usapan habang mayroon pang amoy ng pulbura sa hangin. Nananawagan ako: huwag po natin hayaang masayang ang napakagandang pagkakataong ito upang magtipon sa ilalim ng iisang adhikain.

Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran. Habang nagpapatuloy ang barilan, patuloy din ang pagkakagapos natin sa kahirapan.

Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo. At ang sakripisyong ito ay magiging puhunan para sa ating kinabukasan. Kaakibat ng ating mga karapatan at kalayaan ay ang tungkulin natin sa kapwa at sa bayan..."


Somebody once said: the peace and order conflict in Mindanao can only be addressed by the people there. And Pilipina Ako daresay that the war is not about the disagreement on religion and beliefs anymore. It appears to be more about power now, affecting even those who want to live in tranquility. As the late Francis Durango Magalona, the King of Pinoy Rap, had put it: You can’t have peace and have a gun.

But is this true: Kapayapaan at katahimikan po ang pundasyon ng kaunlaran? Pilipina Ako commits to find out.

The International Monetary Fund listed Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan with advanced economies (as of 2008). The five countries ranked 48th, 40th, 24th, 30th, and 4th in the International Homicide Rate of the United Nations Development Programme, respectively. PNoy has been right in a way.

Pilipina Ako said in a way because, as far as the five most economically advanced countries are concerned, only the latter has the distinction of being among the Top 5 most peaceful nations. Canada isn’t too far from the Philippines 75th murder rating.

On the other hand, what does PNoy mean when he said: Dapat din po nating mabatid: ito ay panahon ng sakripisyo? How can the 54% of the population from the low-income, non-poor segment in 2006 do that? How about if the 0.1% elite sacrifice instead?

There must be a way for communication to rule over these. And not with guns, please. Not even with mouths only. Just hearts loving and minds caring.

References

01 December 2010

REFERENCE LIST

31 Dec 2010
On Jason Vivar Aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/16/10/nbi-apologizes-jason-aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/anc/01/16/10/nbi-says-sorry-jason-aguilar
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181864/ofw-mistaken-for-ivler-glad-over-slay-suspects-arrest
http://www.islamswomen.com/articles/mothers_in_islam.php
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181950/house-probe-on-jason-aguilar-arrest-detention-sought
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/12/10/poea-probes-excessive-processing-fees-paid-jason-aguilar
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/08/10/philippine-embassy-airs-side-ivler-deportation
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/01/08/10/mistaken-identity-destroys-ofw%E2%80%99s-dreams
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/181736/rp-envoy-backs-jason-aguilars-return-to-qatar
http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/results.php

23 Dec 2010
Football over Sipa
http://www.azkals.info/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/01/12/11/azkals-rely-fil-fors-afc-challenge-cup
http://filipinofootball.blogspot.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_football_clubs_in_the_Philippines
http://redsports.sg/2010/12/10/asean-football-championship-philippines-myanmar/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sipa

22 Dec 2010
Pinoy mendicancy
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/presdecs/pd1978/pd_1563_1978.html
http://english.safe-democracy.org/2008/07/08/mendicancy-in-the-philippines/
http://hatephilippines.blogspot.com/2006/02/bad-luck-and-mendicancy.html
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=613493&publicationSubCategoryId=108
http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&sec=reader&rp=1&fi=p031222.htm&no=3&date=12/22/2003
http://www.pinoypress.net/2008/09/27/a-reminder-of-subservience-and-mendicancy-nothing-%E2%80%9Cmutual%E2%80%9D-about-rp-us-mutual-defense-treaty/
http://www.jstor.org/pss/40018232

18 Dec 2010
Mommy D
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manny_Pacquiao#Titles_in_boxing
http://www.infoplease.com/world/disasters/2009.html
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/09/09/dionisia-pacquiao-detractors-theyre-just-jealous
http://generalsantoscityphilippines.blogspot.com/2010/02/dionisias-pacquiao-7-million-new.html
Dionisia's Pacquiao 7 Million New Mansion
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,610109,00.html
http://www.spot.ph/the-feed/15873/aling-dionesia-pacquiao-from-kakanin-vendor-to-label-loving-dancing-queen
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Feature/Article/4374/Vilma-Santos-says-she-loves-Dionisia-Pacquiao-s-unpretentious-personality.aspx
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/211027/pokwang-
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/11/16/09/dionisia-imelda-papins-showdown-vegas
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/11/17/09/mommy-dionisia-gets-flak-negro-comment
http://www.gensantos.com/2009/05/15/happy-60th-birthday-mommy-dionisia-pacquiao/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/lifestyle/12/18/09/worst-dressed-dionisia-pacquiao-changes-style-tactics
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/32121-pacquiao-throws-1060-punches-
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/sports/31490-pacquiao-family-arrives-at-los-angeles

14 Dec 2010
On Morong 43
http://freethehealthworkers.blogspot.com/
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/184182/international-concern-on-morong-43-mounts-as-palace-takes-hands-off-stance
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/208128/morong-43-kin-supporters-insist-on-apology-from-afp
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/208090/pnoy-not-keen-on-afp-apology-to-morong-43
http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2010/12/13/philippines-aquino-s-order-free-morong-43-positive-step
http://www.oikoumene.org
http://www.wscfglobal.org
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra2009/ra_9745_2009.html
http://migranteinternational.org
http://www.philippinerevolution.net/npa/index.shtml

07 Dec 2010
PNoy and Mindanao
http://www.imf.org/external/about.htm
http://www.undp.org/
http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/sr09412tx.html

19 October 2010

Raising the bar of Philippine education

Adding two years to the Philippine education cycle is necessary, but would work only if the shortage for classrooms and books would be met first. It just won’t if Filipino students would spend another two years in school just to be at par with the ‘global standard.’

The proposal has also divided the two chambers of Congress. Party-list representative Antonio Tinio of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers thinks the Department of Education (DepEd) should just ‘come up with a solution on how to increase the number of Filipino students finishing high school.’ The former teacher himself could not see how this plan would ‘keep up with the rapidly growing population.’

Rep. Salvador Escudero 3rd of the House Committee on Basic Education would also support adding two years to the basic curriculum ‘if certain college courses will also be shortened.’ Escudero 3rd obtained a degree in veterinary medicine after seven years when it is only a four-year course in other countries.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, on the other hand, believes that this is ‘needed.’ “Adding two more years is painful for others, but for the country, we have to do it. It is the future of the country. We have to find the money.” The problem lies in the pocket. “We do not want to change course even when it is necessary,”

The chairman of the Senate committee on education, Sen. Edgardo Angara, agrees. “Our graduates, especially in the fields of engineering, nursing, architecture and science, are considered second-class professionals in the global workforce because of our 10-year basic education [cycle], which falls short of the world’s 12-year standard.” Angara is a former president of the University of the Philippines

Pilipina Ako favors adding two years to the Philippine education cycle. Currently, the country ranks 75th among 125 countries in the Education Development Index conducted by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

And at least, the government is considering education in its priority list now. “The few times it crops up in the public discourse are when campus militants protest rising tuition and other school fees,” columnist Dan Mariano observed. “Most of the world’s biggest economies set aside an average of four percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) for education. Others—including Norway, Malaysia, France, South Africa and Saudi Arabia—spend even more. The oil-rich Middle Eastern kingdom, for instance, plows back 9.5 percent of its GDP in education.”

That’s a lot greater than the 2.1% allotted to our education sector in 2005! In her study, Rosario Manasan of the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) found out that the country is ‘one of the lowest spenders on education in Asia and worldwide.’ Even Sri Lanka spends more!

Education Secretary Armin Luistro would also come up of a program that would enable everyone ‘to seek livelihood opportunities,’ may they only be high school graduates. The upgrade would be broken into six years of elementary school, four years of junior high school, and two years of senior high school. This would be implemented in 2012.

References

10 October 2010

PNoy's 100th day

On PNoy’s 100th day as head of the Philippine republic, it is just worth noting his leadership and performance based on his State of the Nation Address he himself delivered on the last Monday of July.

Sa isang banda po ay ang pagpili para sa ikabubuti ng taumbayan. It certainly hadn’t been good for our OFWs in Hong Kong when their nationals suffered in a hostage two days after the father of the seating president’s 27th death anniversary. It certainly hadn’t been good for the value of peso pegged to the dollar, which is what Pinoys working overseas earn. It certainly hadn’t been good for PNoy when even supporters of the administration questioned his decisions and actions.

Narinig po ninyo kung paano nilustay ang kaban ng bayan. Ang malinaw po sa ngayon: ang anumang pagbabago ay magmumula sa pagsiguro natin na magwawakas na ang pagiging maluho at pagwawaldas. During his first international trip, PNoy chose to eat hotdogs for lunch, costing him $54only. The trip costs P25 million all in all.

Sa susunod na buwan ay maghahain tayo ng budget na kumikilala nang tama sa mga problema, at magtutuon din ng pansin sa tamang solusyon. Despite that the year is already about to end, there is no approved programme budget yet for 2010. The government sought for $31 billion last year.

Pananagutin natin ang mga mamamatay-tao. Pananagutin din natin ang mga corrupt sa gobyerno. After almost a year, there is no verification yet who should pay for the Maguindanao Massacre. Extrajudicial killings remain a trend as only 1% has been resolved in the last decade.

Ito ang magiging solusyon: mga Public-Private Partnerships. Kahit wala pa pong pirmahang nangyayari dito, masasabi kong maganda ang magiging bunga ng maraming usapin ukol dito. Under his leadership, PNoy intends to compromise the country to public-private partnerships with either local or foreign companies. This is what is being done in Dubai and India.

Paalala lang po: una sa ating plataporma ang paglikha ng mga trabaho, at nanggagaling ang trabaho sa paglago ng industriya. Lalago lamang ang industriya kung gagawin nating mas malinis, mas mabilis, at mas maginhawa ang proseso para sa mga gustong magnegosyo. This, PNoy means, the streamlining of the bureaucracy would be a priority in his political agenda. Most of the Filipinos today have decided to seek their success abroad. Even the young have started working. There are no concrete programs yet to encourage and equip business-mindedness.

Parating na po ang panahon na hindi na natin kailangang mamili sa pagitan ng seguridad ng ating mamamayan o sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak. There are millions of Filipinos still living abroad. And the latest scheme of the Overseas Welfare Administration (OWWA) through the Pag-Ibig Fund is criticized by a number of them.

Mapapalawak natin ang basic education cycle mula sa napakaikling sampung taon tungo sa global standard na labindalawang taon. Not everyone—particularly most parents—agrees on extending the basic education cycle. Never mind that this is what the rest of the world calls for. Never mind that there’s finally a leader willing to put his name at stake for an unpopular decree for a gain he himself may not witness anymore.

Tungkol sa situwasyon sa Mindanao: Hindi po nagbabago ang ating pananaw. Mararating lamang ang kapayapaan at katahimikan kung mag-uusap ang lahat ng apektado: Moro, Lumad, at Kristiyano. Inatasan na natin si Dean Marvic Leonen na mangasiwa sa ginagawa nating pakikipag-usap sa MILF. As of now, the government is talking with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) so that the Philippines will eventually be a country at peace and in progress.

Pilipina Ako would rather that PNoy sack who should be sacked, despite of his personal relationships. He has already inspired some Filipinos to get up to their feet and believe in an administration once more. It’s now time for himself to walk his talk. A blunder, no matter how honest, is still a blunder.

Filipinos now, Pilipina Ako likes to believe, can tell an act from an act. And political leaders have the social responsibility to be honest to their constituents.

Crimes that have taken place before PNoy sits in shouldn’t be his problem. But that’s the way it is. Hopefully, the government would willingly pay the price for justice to rule.

Only Filipinos would have sincerity to care for their country. Other countries may help, but not without them eyeing us a business. The Philippines would surely benefit from PPIs. The danger is if these will eventually relied upon solely.

Pilipina Ako just doesn’t appreciate that job creation would be the topmost priority of PNoy’s administration. It would just help foreigners and a few Filipinos who can put up a business. The country would remain poor, and the Filipinos would keep on thinking of themselves.

On the other hand, Pilipina Ako thinks that the internal conflict between the country's only three islands should be PNoy’s topmost focus. Aut viam inveniam aut faciam.

Education is really the most surefire way for a person to achieve success. And if that person could use that to uplift his or her family, and that family represents every family in the Philippines, the country could have progress.

Read my commentary on DepEd’s plan to the education cycle.
Read my commentary on PNoy's State of the Nation Address.

References

Opinion on PNoy's report

"…bawat linggo po ay may bago tayong kasong isinasampa kontra sa mga smuggler at sa mga hindi nagbabayad ng tamang buwis."

As that statement remains to be foreseen, Pilipina Ako would just talk about the agency that would help PNoy remain true to his word.

Commissioner Angelito Alvarez of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) disregarded last July the contribution of the Tax Expenditure Fund (TEF), which accounts to about 10 % of the total tax collection. Though only ‘revenues on paper,’ the TEF had been the reason why the BOC failed to meet its collection goal.

The government raised the agency’s goal to P280 billion this year, P5 billion of which will be in the form of cash collection. Hopefully, this would eventually decrease the country’s fiscal deficit to 2% from this year’s 3.95%.

But sovereign analyst Benard Agost from STANDARD & Poor’s (S&P) thinks our government cannot rely on improving tax efficiency alone. Too late! Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima has already ditched the recommendation of the previous economic team.

In the five revenue-enhancing measures crafted by the previous Philippine economic managers, the government would have to (1) raise the value-added tax to 15% and lower income tax rate, (2) streamline fiscal incentives, (3) implement a simplified net income taxation scheme, (4) restructure excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco products, and (5) harmonize petroleum products. This would have brought P94 billion and reduce the structural revenue weakness of the country.

Hermilando Mandanas, Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee in the House of Representatives, though has another proposal: include major firms in the equation.

Some corporations whose profits are in the billions pay nothing because of the tax provisions in the present law. It also only depends on the collectors and examiners how much a person or a company had to pay.

In House Bill 1970, 6% would be deducted from the current tax, retired servicemen and policemen would be exempted, and sales of small and medium entrepreneurs (SMEs) would be increased. It could even obviate the need to levy VAT on toll fees!

All the government has to do is simplify tax provisions. And who knows, every Filipino would develop a friendlier perception to government tax impositions, and foreign investors would see our country more favorably! Singapore has low VAT rates for its people yet its economy remains successful.

But that simple “sales tax” system wouldn’t work in us, Undersecretary Gil Beltran of the Department of Finance, argued. It is good only for single-crop economies that do not produce value-added products and just import their needs, he added. Never mind that that taxation system would abolish the other tax stratagems. It would eventually regress as consumption falls in income percentages.

Currently, government tax revenues derive from corporate and personal income taxes, VAT payments, excise taxes and percentage taxes. The EVAT obliges small sari-sari stores or restaurants that earn more than P1.5 million annually to pay 12% tax.

Although VAST could further reduce tax rates, Pilipina Ako understands Finance Undersecretary Beltran’s worry. He knows better about numbers.

What Pilipina Аko couldn’t understand is Finance Secretary Purisima’s immediate disapproval. Mandanas’ bill seems to be just like the ‘simplified net income taxation scheme’ the former economic managers formulated.

References

06 October 2010

PNoy on birth control

Aside from its grammatically erroneous lead paragraph, a news article on the church’s threat of excommunication for PNoy is worth tackling for Pilipina Ako.

Why? It is just intriguing. The current head of the republic happens to be the child of a former president espoused by the Catholic Church to power. Also, the current head of the republic is a bachelor who has no first-hand experience yet in raising a family.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) maintains that ‘some artificial contraceptives are abortifacients.’ "Abortion is a grave crime. Excommunication is attached to [it]. That is an issue of gravity, that is a violation of God's commandment," Bishop Nereo Odchimar, the CBCP president, said over Radio Veritas.

According to Odchimar, the poverty in the country is not rooted to population growth anyway. It’s in priority-setting. "Ours is an agricultural country. Agriculture should be enhanced. It is ironic that the International Rice Research Institute is in the Philippines but we are importing rice from Vietnam [which was ravaged by the Vietnam war]."

The Catholic Church also opposes the reproductive health bill, re-filed as PNoy set in. "We do not have police power, we don’t discount the possibility of mobilizing the lay organizations," Odchimar added.

Read report on the CBCP's threat to Aquino
Read Jose Carillo's review on the paragraph construction of that news

REFERENCES

01 October 2010

REFERENCE LIST

19 Oct 2010
Raising the bar of Philippine education
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/28260-new-k12-program-comes-under-fire-
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/nation/23396-two-more-years-in-school-almost-certain
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/opinion/23618-focus-on-education-at-last

10 Oct 2010
Opinion on PNoy’s report
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business-columns/25209-customs-excludes-tax-expenditure-fund-from-full-year-goal
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/business-columns/20792-improving-tax-efficiency-not-enough-says-sap
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/86-special-reports/23771-house-ways-a-means-chair-proposes-simple-6-vat-

10 Oct 2010
PNoy's 100th Day
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/24477-hostage-taking-drags-down-peso
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/component/content/article/42-rokstories/25579-chiz-clashes-with-president
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/24473-chronology-of-events-stand-off-at-quirino-grandstand
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/09/21/10/pnoy-goes-new-york-hotdogs-pizza
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20100924-294005/Aquino-party-feasts-on-hotdogs-in-NY-street-pays-54
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/president-sets-p25m-us-trip
http://www.aseanaffairs.com/page/philippines_govt_seeks_31bn_for_2009_budget
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/28261-witness-recounts-beating-of-massacre-victims
http://propinoy.net/2010/09/18/one-percent-of-extrajudicial-killings-in-philippines-solved-in-9-years/
http://www.zawya.com/story.cfm/sidZAWYA20100929113743/Executive%20Council%20of%20Dubai%20Launches%20Dubai%20Public-Private%20Partnership%20Agenda
http://www.pppinindia.com/
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/06/02/10/ilo-noynoy-make-overseas-job-hunting-filipinos-unnecessary
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20101011-297112/150-kids-in-dangerous-mining-work-in-Compostela-ValleyDoLE
http://www.dole.gov.ph/secondpage.php?id=1280
http://mabuhaycity.com/forums/pinoys-abroad/11639-overseas-filipinos-ofws-populations-around-world.html
http://remittancesgateway.org/index.php/press-clippings/industry-news/420-pag-ibig-fund-targets-1-m-ofw-members-by-2010
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/28260-new-k12-program-comes-under-fire-
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/21575-up-dean-to-head-government-peace-panel
http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/16582-economic-turnaround-seen-to-end-mindanao-conflict

06 Oct 2010
PNoy on birth control
http://josecarilloforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=938.msg2984#new
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20100930-295226/CBCP-reminds-Aquino-about-excommunication

07 September 2010

Shows downplaying luck

The newest noontime show in ABS-CBN is entitled Pilipinas Win Na Win. It loosely translates to "Philippines Win To Win" hosted by Robin Padilla, Kris Aquino, Pokwang, Valerie Concepcion and Mariel Rodriguez. Though it was conceptualized to fill the airtime Wowowee left behind, it was able to fulfill an obligation to Kapamilyas, particularly those subscribing in The Filipino Channel (TFC) abroad.

It should have just excluded a segment where fifty players have to guess to win. OMG! Ano Ito? ("OMG! What is This?") requires its players to speculate on which tray the ‘mystery object’ is placed. The final player would gain P20,000 and a chance to play in the Jackpot Round.

Even the Jackpot Round requires guessing to win. And not just by the player but by the audience as well. Who knows, they too might be P5,000 richer at the end of the game! The player just has to identify what’s inside the ‘capsule.’ The computer could assist him or her anytime but with a P100,000 deduction to the prize money.

When it finally came to a point when only three items are left, the player can choose to back out or stay. He or she anyway has P20,000, come what may.

Case in point: There are other game formats that could challenge players and entertain at the same time. Unless game shows assess its players’ intelligence and creativity, there would still be people that would trust themselves to luck and fortune.

25 August 2010

If I were the Miss Philippines

Miss Universe 2010 Question and Answer (Top 5)
1) Miss Philippines: Maria Venus Raj (Fourth Runner-up)
Judge: William Ballmer
Question: What is one big mistake that you made in your life and what did you do to make it right?
Her answer: Thank you so much sir for the wonderful question. Good evening ladies and gentlemen! Good evening Las Vegas! You know what sir, in my 22 years of my existence, I can say there is nothing major, major, I mean, problem that I have done in my life, because I am very confident with my family and with the love that they are giving to me. So thank you so much that I am here! Thank you, thank you so much.
Pilipina Ako says: One mistake I had was when I assumed I could have what I want through mere will. I, unfortunately, cannot do anything about those now. But at least I have learned that I still have to give more when I already thought I did.

2) Miss Australia: Jesinta Campbell (Third Runner-up)
Judge: Niki Taylor
Question: Legislation banning certain kind of religious clothing has caused controversy around the world. What role should the government play in determining such a personal preference?
Her answer: One of the greatest things we have is the freedom of choice. And tonight, we wore our swimsuits (which) were designed by Tala and she said that fashion is freedom and I don’t think the government should have any say in what we wear because we can all make our own personal choices.
Pilipina Ako says: Governments were established for a reason. Laws were formulated for a reason. Human beings as we are, we must follow what this physical world dictates. And that includes the rules and regulations each country has. There is a proper forum for everything, and leaders must implement what majority of the populace they are serving wants.

3) Miss Ukraine: Anna Poslavskaya (Second Runner-up)
Judge: Jane Seymour
Question: Many airports are now using full-body scanners. How do you feel about going through a scanner that can actually see through your clothes?
Her answer: I think it is a very important question of security. To avoid the type of catastrophes which we already seen and we are well-aware of them. So if that helps save the lives of people then I’m for it.
Pilipina Ako says: Those precautions were meant to safeguard the public. I cannot but agree with it, but while this particular security measure goes on, I would also strive for the day that men and women could have complete privacy and safety.

4) Miss Jamaica: Yendi Phillips (First Runner-up)
Judge: Cameron Hall
Question: Some countries still accept the death-penalty. Is it acceptable? And why?
Her answer: Good Evening, Las Vegas. Good Evening, judges. I believe that life is a gift, a gift given by only one ultimate Creator and I believe that none of us as humans have the right to take a life. And I believe that we as mere beings of the earth have no right to control what it is that only one person can control and that is God. Thank you.
Pilipina Ako says: Jesus Christ himself has said, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what is God’s.” As much as life is a gift from the Supreme Being, we are also given the grace to think and feel. I believe crimes could be controlled if the capital punishment would be applied. I just would not stop casting love meanwhile.

5) Miss Mexico: Jimena Navarrete (Miss Universe 2010 Winner)
Judge: Evan Lysacek
Question: In your opinion, what effect is unsupervised Internet use having on today’s youth?
Her answer: Good Evening, Las Vegas. Well, I do believe that Internet is an indispensable, necessary tool for the present time. And we must be very careful and watch over what our children watch and see, and we must be sure to teach them the values that we learn as a family. So that they may use Internet properly. Thank you.
Pilipina Ako says: As the web is a tool that can be used by anyone anytime and anywhere, it could be really scary. But I trust the current generation. So long as parents and educators can honestly say that they’re doing their job, fear would be unfounded.

References

06 August 2010

How Filipinas regard physical beauty

Pinoy soap opera Rosalka started by portraying the lives of its two main characters: Mariz Benitez-Florencio (Maja Salvador) and Devina Ventura (Melissa Cantiveros). The first is a top supermodel with a rich husband and a son, while the second is a market vendor with proud parents, loving neighbors and a faithful friend.

But both of them are troubled. Mariz had engaged herself in an extra-marital affair. Devina, or Devin, on the other hand, started to believe that her life would be better if she was pretty. Secretly, she wishes to be just like idol.

The adaptation was probably written in the mid- or late-80s; Precious Pages Corporation, publisher of the Precious Hearts Romances where the series was derived, started in 1992. It capitalized on the vulnerability of a plain, country girl who considered physical beauty as a prerequisite to happiness and satisfaction. But is that still the standard today? Had men begun to see past another person’s appearance?

Plastic surgery originated in India way ahead Jesus Christ was born. The first patient had been a man; Walter Yeo, a British soldier, was assigned to man guns aboard a battleship in Jutland. He lost his upper and lower eyelid during that war so he underwent a skin transplantation.

In the Philippines, there are 90 registered plastic surgery clinics that can lift thighs, augment breasts and suspend brows, among others. These procedures have enabled PM to wear tight shirts, MGA to look un-Filipina and RW to wear bikinis. There is no question anymore how some Filipinas regard physical beauty nowadays.

The issue now is if that should be the case. The issue now is if that should be the classification. The issue now is if that should be the perception. The issue now is if that should be the measure to withstand and survive.

Beauty, for some Filipinas, is perfection. Who, anyway, could tell the amiability of a person for company upon seeing the latter for the first time? Who would trust someone looking gruesome and hideous? Who would prefer an unattractive guy to a handsome fellow to spend the rest of your life with?

Currently, there are no regulations and restrictions in the Philippines that would guide interested parties to who should they approach for a certain procedure. Anyone can perform plastic surgery even without training. There are also no rules to penalize those who will commit mistakes; doctors just have to be certified by the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons, Inc (PAPRAS) to reconstruct and beautify. And only 80 were certified.

* * * *

In another Pinoy soap opera, a rich guy fell in love with a poor hunchback.
They met when the girl moved to the city to work for his cousin’s parlor. They had bumped into each other in the terminal when the girl instantly felt a liking for him.

If it were not for the monster that transforms the girl into a beautiful woman every full moon, the guy wouldn’t go after her.

But could that really happen? Could a man really prefer his opposite’s sex inner characteristics from that person’s physical appearance? Moreover, could a Filipino fall in love with a Filipina short of his innate standards for a partner?

The Sunday Times thought about this question two years ago. From its respondents, it figured that an ideal woman is one who could cook, laugh at her man’s jokes, play sports, say “thank you,” understand weaknesses, and voice sentiments. It would also be a plus if the woman is honest, dependent and adaptive.

But that’s with the American men. What’s then with the Filipinos?

Unfortunately, there’s no concrete information on that in the web. But centuries ago, Cleopatra and Mark Antony fell in love with each other despite their differing homelands. Cleopatra even committed suicide upon learning Mark Antony’s death.

Napoleon Bonaparte and Josephine de Beauharnais had remained in love with each other even when they ‘parted ways’ (Josephine couldn’t produce a heir). In fact, till Napoleon’s last breath, the Emperor of France maintained that France, armée, tête d’armée, Joséphine (France, army, head of the army, Joséphine).

Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built a monument for Queen Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu) who had died giving birth. King Edward VIII abdicated from his throne to marry an American socialite and divorcee.

The men mentioned might have come from different nationalities and statures, but they shared the same penchant for physically attractive women. Cleopatra was a “great beauty” that has “changed world history”. Josephine de Beauharnais was shapely and elegant. The Taj Mahal was a “tribute” to the “legendary beauty and virtue” of Mumtaz Mahal.

It was just a little different with King Edward III. He became ‘slavishly dependent’ to Wallis Simpson because of “her domineering manner and abrasive irreverence toward his position.” But just the same, Cleopatra, Josephine, Mumtaz and Wallis were all physically attractive. It would be wrong to miss that fact.

References

01 August 2010

Faith of the Filipinos on PNoy

Every last Monday of July, the Philippine Constitution obliges the incumbent president to ‘open’ the other branch of governance, which is the Congress.

President Benigno Simeon Cojuangco Aquino III, who dubbed himself PNoy, delivered his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) four days after the mandate. He unfolded a current investigation [on the corruption in some offices in the government] instead of his legislative agenda, which former presidents traditionally do.

His SONA was dutifully aired by the ABS-CBN in their coverage entitled Boses ng Bayan: Ang Unang SONA ni Pangulong Aquino. The network also reported what some of their audience think and feel on PNoy’s speech that it has collated from the Wireless Audience Response System (WARS) and online polls.

A total of 160 volunteers from Metro Manila, Naga, Cebu, and Cagayan de Oro participated in the network’s quest to know how Pnoy’s SONA affected the nation. The Boses Ng Bayan (Voice of the People) was represented by students, educators, office workers, government employees, and private businessmen. They answered some four questions while the SONA was ongoing.

Did they believe that Pnoy’s administration could stop the "quota-quota" and "tong-pats" system? About 81.6% responded positively through the WARS while 85% also agreed in the online polls.

Did they believe that Pnoy’s administration would not overspend and refrain from engaging itself in anomalous projects? About 84.7% using the WARS thought so too, as well as 80% following online.

Did they believe that Pnoy’s administration would probe onto the major anomalies the last administration was accused of? About 79.6% respondents equipped with WARS held onto that while 75% adhered on it in the online polls.

Did they believe that Pnoy’s administration would consider job creation its topmost priority, cutting red tape so that key industries and businesses could easily set up and operate in the country? About 90.8% surveyed through WARS remarked confidently on that while 85% concurred in the online polls.

The network’s website also arranged a 12-hour live chat (from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) participated in by 23,147 people during the SONA. Two weeks before PNoy’s report, Bayan Mo, iPatrol Mo: Ako ang Simula (BMPM), a citizen journalism project of the ABS-CBN, learned that there are people craving for a corruption-free government and poverty-free nation under his administration.

Aside from poverty and corruption, the respondents also wished for improved healthcare, disciplined and efficient state workers, equal opportunity for education, pro-environment programs, peace and order, upgrade of infrastructures and facilities, financial aid and security for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and agricultural reform.

Pilipina Ako honors PNoy for instilling optimism in every Filipino. Those who used to blame the government for every misfortune they have were now goaded to work on themselves and succeed. Hopefully, these people would eventually work on their dreams. Hopefully too, the PNoy’s administration would not just be about goals and visions.

Pilipina Ako Jost noted that the OFWs were not particularly mentioned in PNoy’s SONA. The OFWs who braved foreign lands to work and earn. The OFWs who kept saving the national treasury from deficit. The OFWs who would prefer being with their families back home if only the economical situation in the country is favorable.

References

How the grand finals of Showtime started

It began with a prayer, the singing of the national anthem, and then an introduction of the people behind the program. Those in particular assured Pilipina Ako that she didn’t waste her time patronizing Showtime.

It could have just opened with an intermission number (which it did anyway, but afterwards). Just anything that was more eye-catching. It was, after all, aired a little before lunchtime in the Philippines, and during the siesta period in the UAE. But it decided otherwise. Could Pilipina Ako express her point better than that?

In the end, it was the dance crew from General Santos City that won. XB Gensan beat the other 10 contestants during the “Ultimate Showdown” at the Yñares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

References

REFERENCE LIST

25 Aug 2010
If I were the Miss Philippines
http://pinoytutorial.com/lifebytes/miss-universe-2010-question-and-answer/

06 August 2010
How Filipinas regard physical beauty
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic_surgery
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walter_Yeo
http://www.cosmeticphilippines.com/abtdoc.html
http://www.revahealth.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/philippines
http://www.cosmeticphilippines.com/testimonials.htm
http://www.cosmeticsurgeryphilippines.org

01 Aug 2010
Faith of the Filipinos on PNoy
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/26/10/aquinos-sona-gets-positive-feedback-citizens
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/07/26/10/pinoys-online-hopeful-despite-noys-gloomy-sona
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/07/23/10/end-poverty-and-corruption-top-citizens-sona-wish-list

01 Aug 2010
How the grand finals of Showtime started
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/24/10/xb-gensan-wins-showtime-grand-finals

19 July 2010

Mandatory membership of OFWs in Pag-IBIG

In Memorandum Circular No. 6 of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), all Filipinos working overseas are mandated to involve themselves in the Home Development Mutual Fund, otherwise known as Pag-IBIG.

Pag-IBIG stands for Pagtutulungan sa Kinabukasan: Ikaw, Bangko, Industriya at Gobyerno. It enables its members to avail of some financial aid in purchasing residential properties, choosing whether to be assisted by a developer and have a ‘buyback guaranty’.

This law, or the Republic Act No. 9679, was passed days after former President Cory Cojuangco Aquino died. It would be implemented—disagreeable or not—on August 1.

“Upon registration and deployment of an OFW, an initial membership of six hundred pesos (P600.00) representing six (6) months contribution shall be paid by the worker. The OFW may, however, opt to contribute a higher amount as provided under Rule VI of the same law.”

It has been signed by Atty. Jennifer Jardin Manalili, the current administrator of the POEA. She replaced Rosalinda Baldoz last September 3, 2008. Baldoz is now the labor secretary (DoLE).

Manalili graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Law in 2001. The sixth in her class, she studied further to acquire a master's degree in public administration from the same university.

Her scholastic records led Supreme Court Justice Conchita Carpio Morales to delegate her as Court Attorney VI in her office. She also worked for former Chief Justice Artemio Panganiban who personally recommended her to Mrs. Arroyo.

She used to be a reporter; it was actually during her journalistic career that she met her would-be husband John Manalili, former editor-in-chief of Cebu’s Republic News and current chief of the Philippine Broadcasting Service, the government radio station.

Under her administration, registered Filipino nurses and certified caregivers were demanded in a bilateral economic partnership agreement with the Japan International Corporation of Welfare Services. She also paired with the LBC Development Bank, assisting about one million OFWs deployed yearly.

She thought of giving an award—the Best Partner in Illegal Recruitment Award—to minimize, if not totally eradicate, illegal recruiters.

There should be no problem therefore; Manalili seems to be a reasonable person in all respects. Investing in the Pag-IBIG Fund would encourage Filipinos to consider going back to their homeland. For how would these OFWs benefit from their contributions if they would reside somewhere else?

This could also foster solidarity among Filipinos. Bayanihan. Tulungan. Pagkakaisa. Gone are the days when Filipinos live only for themselves. Gone are the days when they would not think twice migrating to another country.

It could just be another source of corruption. There were already about one million OFWs eight years ago. Each of them would be required to contribute for at least two years, totaling to P2400. Assuming that there are still one million OFWs today, the fund would gain P2.4 billion.

More importantly, this memorandum could curtail the OFWs’ freedom. What if they really have to cease working abroad before they could complete the two-year requirement? What if they are just earning a minimal salary? Do they really have to shed their hard-earned money to an expense no soul can assure that they would be having?

References

15 July 2010

Keeping the bad news

Despite nationwide reports on the looming water crisis, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) maintains that the Angat Dam ‘is still manageable.’

Engineer Rodolfo German, manager of the dam, also agreed. He said the water supply would still be enough for one-and-a-half months.

But two days ago, the Angat Dam dropped to 157.70 meters—three metres lower than the dam’s critical level and the lowest since September 12, 1998, an El Niño year.

* * * *

I remember the television series 24 (Season 2). In there, United States President David Palmer (Dennis Haysbert) chose to conceal a nuclear bomb threat in Los Angeles. His decision endangered his position, but he preferred to believe Jack Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) who concluded that it was a decoy.

That could likewise be the case. The close-to-critical-only warnings were meant to avoid panic. After all, this attitude has contributed to the death of 162 disco goers in March 18, 1996. It has also caused death to more or less 250 Muslims every year as they fulfill the fifth pillar in Islam. It has spelled doom to Charles T. Barney, president of the Knickerbocker Trust Company, when its board asked him to resign.

As of now, the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) together with the National Power Corporation (Napocor) and the Bureau of Soils and Water Management have been cloud seeding over the Angat Dam to tease its skies. Their effort, however, does not appeal to the weather forecasters who believe rain will pour but in August and September.

Maynilad Water Services Incorporated and Manila Water were also directed to implement mitigation measures so that the water supply of the dam will last. Currently, 33 cm of water only is allocated to Metro Manila. They would also have to review its supply condition every week.

References

11 July 2010

On the country's police

The Philippine National Police (PNP) established by Republic Act 6975, has been mandated to ‘enforce the law, prevent and control crimes, maintain peace and order, and ensure public safety and internal security.’ But that’s ‘with the active support of the community.’ Hmm, what’s that supposed to mean?

In a Pinoy soap opera, the police heeded a criminal when he had asked to be left alone. That’s even upon seeing two people are in danger. That’s even upon knowing another civilian would commit a crime. That’s even upon arming themselves with high-caliber rifles and training rigorously beforehand.

Of course, that scene was just a set up. How could Mariz’ (Maja Salvador) lover die if Anthony (Sam Milby) has not been left behind? How could he show his bravery and love? The drama would have been abrupt if those circumstances did not happen.

But why then a scenario such as that is still portrayed in TV? (international in this case, for ABS-CBN has The Filipino Channel in foreign countries) It only adds to the confusion. If soap operas are not to be believed, why do the majority of the Filipinos Pilipina Ako knows still lack faith in the PNP?

In another Pinoy soap opera, the police discontinued a criminal investigation for financial favor. That scene was required them to reiterate the plot of the story: evil is nurtured by people’s wrong doings. The monster thriving in that Pinoy soap opera feeds on the evil that caused it: sexually abusive men.

It is ironic that something meant only to tickle one’s mind would be believed. Even more when the majority of Filipinos would be disgusted when police officers had sided with antagonists, but disappointed when those politicians or those police officers react otherwise. That is usually only when these viewers would regard the soap opera as it is.

“In the next 20 years, the Philippine National Police (PNP) envisions to evolve into a highly-professional, dynamic and motivated organization working in partnership with a responsive community towards the attainment of a safe place to live, work, invest and do business.”

References

‘Evil theme’ in Showtime

So far, I have not seen an episode of this noontime variety show that doesn’t have a group of contestants performing with a demonic theme. It is as if almost everybody regards evil as a prerequisite to success.

I do not like to believe that it is the case. I just became an avid ‘showtimer’ at the onset of this year, and missed the performances in the program’s first two months. But I’ve watched the show since then. Most of the performances were indeed inspired by a demonic concept though not at all times, the group who performed under that theme would win.

04 July 2010

Re: THE back-up plan

I blogged corrected. What I've written then did not happen. There is more apparent possibility now that the P-Noy administration would succeed (at least, on the first step) in healing the nation. Pilipina Ako would still watch out for subtle holes.

01 July 2010

REFERENCE LIST

19 Jul 2010
Mandatory membership of OFWs in Pag-IBIG
http://www.pagibigfund.gov.ph/
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20080903-158470/UPDATE-2-POEA-has-new-chief
http://www.ofwjournalism.net/previousweb/vol4no3/latestories432.php

11 Jul 2010
Keeping the bad news
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/network/record-low-level-angat-1124-am
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic
http://www.nytimes.com/1996/03/20/world/disco-in-manila-for-35-people-held-400.html
http://www.islam101.com/dawah/pillars.html

11 Jul 2010
On the Philippine National Police
http://www.pnp.gov.ph/main/
http://www.lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1990/ra_6975_1990.html
http://www.pnp.gov.ph/main/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=46&Itemid=56
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Weekdays/article/7373/phrpresentsimpostor/PHR-Presents-Impostor.aspx
http://www.abs-cbn.com/Weekdays/cast/article/7460/rosalka/Rosalka.aspx

27 June 2010

'No Approved Therapeutic Claims'

When I was still a child, my mother used to bring me to a manghihilot whenever I have fever. (Folks just seem to believe in supernatural powers especially when they do not have much money.) After the manghihilot assess me, she would give us some ampalaya leaves she herself planted in her backyard.

It might seem odd, but it has worked for me most of the time when I have colds. I never sensed the bitter taste ampalaya gives off when boiled; I became used to it and would even have it for baon in school.

Remembering that experience, I understand Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral’s action for issuing a disclaimer order on herbal food and dietary supplements. She is just protecting the other side of the pharmaceuticals industry. If consumers will discover a cheaper alternative to their medical needs, mainstream medicines would surely suffer.

The herbal industry, meanwhile, maintains that the disclaimer would turned prospective consumers off, as each box of the herbal supplement would bluntly specify that the product inside is not a tested, proven medicine.

The ongoing argument between the health department and the herbal industry of the country seems like the classic David-Goliath case, with the DoH overtaking the helm. It is THE health department, after all—-the main governing body on health in the Philippines.

Their row reached the courts. And so far, the herbal industry has the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) on its side. It has issued an order that allows the herbal market to continue displaying its products with only a subtle warning.

Translating the present disclaimer listed on herbal food and dietary supplements to the vernacular has been a simple problem gone awry. It revealed not only the medical ignorance of most Filipinos but also the competition of two medical industries that are supposed to take care of our health.

No Approved Therapeutic Claim vs. Mahalagang Paalala: Ang (name of product) ay hindi gamut at hindi dapat gamiting panggamot sa anumang sakit

It is a linguistic problem. Somehow, the warning implied in English sounds as if herbal products are generally safe and could be effective even though there is no solid proof yet that they could replace the medicines prescribed by doctors in hospitals.

Should the health department forbid a citizen's learning of an English line he or she has understood? How could anyone still spend money on a product untested and unverified?

It is an industrial problem. Mainstream medicines would definitely see a dent in their marketing records as Filipinos begin to patronize cheaper ‘medicines’.

I don’t believe Sec. Cabral. I don’t believe that she only intends to forewarn consumers that the products they are going to buy are not medicines per se. While I see her point, I don’t believe that the poorest of the poor of Filipinos would be cajoled by a trivial warning. Let a person decide if a certain product—mainstream medicine or not—is working. Assuring that a certain Filipino could understand a four-word phrase is not just her [Sec. Cabral] responsibility if that’s what she’s worrying about. Filipinos are not that dumb.

24 June 2010

To steal or to love should not be a question

Last May 24, two comediennes exchanged raucous remarks during the live telecast of Showtime, a daily variety show.

It started with Tado’s comment on the show’s contestants. “Pang-gay ang performance niyo,” he said. “Ano namang masama sa pang-gay? May problema ka ba sa mga bakla, Tado?” Vice Ganda asked. “Hindi naman. Just read my shirt,” Tado replied.

Printed in the shirt are these words: Hindi bale nang magnakaw kesa mamakla.

This annoyed Vice Ganda even more. “Ang hindi marunong na tanggapin ang katotohanan ng buhay ay ang totoong bakla. Tandaan mo 'yan,” he said.

"Ang mga gipit, sa bading kumakapit," Tado added, seemingly unaware that he already had infuriated Vice Ganda.

To this, Vice Ganda answered, "Pero ang gipit kung ganyan ang hitsura, walang baklang magpapakapit!"

It was only then Tado tempered down. But the damage has been done. The glass has been broken. The issue has begun to spread like wildfire in social networking sites.

Vice’s side

"Pasensiya na kayo ha, naging masyado talaga akong emosyunal sa pagkakataong ito. Naapektuhan talaga ako sa sinabi ni Tado. Gusto ko lang maging totoo. At gusto ko lang itaas hindi lang ang sarili ko kundi lahat ng baklang nabubuhay sa mundo... At pati na rin lahat ng mga magulang na may anak na bakla. Gusto ko lang sabihin sa kanila na walang nakakahiya sa pagiging bakla."

Loosely translated, he disagrees with Tado. He is a gay, and he is proud to be one. He is just standing up for himself and for the rest of the gay community who are often ridiculed for their sexual preference.

Tado’s side

Even though he immediately tried to appease Vice Ganda, Tado (I believe!) still meant what he said. He is furious with gays, and wouldn’t ever accept them.

Tado, or Arvin Jimenez, is a TV and radio personality in the Philippines. He is hosting Strangebrew, a reality comedy show in UNTV, and BrewRats! a three-hour anything-goes radio show, which stands for Brew(R)amon(A)ngel(T)ado(S)how. As a freelance actor and filmmaker, he had appeared in some independent short films, applying what he had learned at the Mowelfund Institute. He is actually a frequent character in the music videos of Parokya ni Edgar. He had worked as a staff in a mental hospital, a waiter, a scriptwriter for television and a photojournalist.

He put up a clothing store, LimiTado, which he runs with his wife, Lei. The store basically alters what people buy in ukay-ukay to make it more usable and brand-new. The tees are also printed with limited designs, hence the name. LimiTado is also a ‘home to a lot of other quirky finds’ including bags, accessories and Volkswagen toy collectibles.

There’s more than meets the eye with Tado (Mallari, PG. Tado Jimenez seriously. The Manila Times. 07 Sept 2008). He co-founded Dakila, an artists group aiming to instill modern-day heroism in everyday people, and volunteers for RockEd, a group that intends to educate the youth through rock culture. “As a Filipino you should be serviceable. You don’t have to be shot in Luneta to become a hero,” Tado was reported saying.

Hindi baleng magnakaw, huwag lang mamakla

Better to steal than to appeal [with gays].

It really sounded offensive. It’s like the speaker or, in this case, the wearer, is advocating theft than to have a relationship with members of the third sex. Vice Ganda was just right for speaking up against what Tado has done.

There’s just another way to interpret it. It could mean that ‘It is better to steal than to play with a gay’s feelings [to have money]’. Knowing who Tado is from the features written about him in dailies and in the web, I think that this is what he really intends to convey. No one has the right to toy with somebody else’s emotions, gay or not. If he would be pushed to do so, he would rather dirty his hands and commit a crime.

Hopefully, that was his reason. Hopefully, that was what he believes in. Hopefully, nobody would discriminate against his or her fellow, especially against Filipinos.

References

20 June 2010

FOI: For Our Information

For a long while, public access to information is frustratingly hard. It may be guaranteed by the Constitution but not yet codified by law. House Bill 133 could change that and oblige the government to disclose information whenever.

Having a law such as this had made it possible for Hong Kong to be the ‘most economically free’ country to date.

This Act to Ensure Public Access to Official Records, Documents, and Any Other Information of Public Concern would allow ‘absolute and mandatory access’ to official information, whether written, oral, or visual. Authored by Bayan Muna Reps. Teodoro “Teddy” Casino and Neri Colmenares, ‘the bill aims to ensure transparency and accountability in government and, ultimately, good and clean governance by laying down the procedures for the exercise of that right.’

If enacted, ‘all classified information contained in all government agency records that (1) are more than 25 years old, and (2) have been determined to have historical value shall be automatically declassified whether or not the records have been reviewed.’

Pres. Benigno “Noynoy" Aquino III agreed with this and vowed to ratify the bill once he steps in. Pilipina Ako couldn’t agree with him further. Information is power, and those who can have it could do with it whatever they please. How would the government people learn to handle accountability and responsibility if some people would rather spend their days watching someone else’s back?

This could safeguard the nation from abuse of the very people it has elected, but what will be the consequence? It could encourage crooked politicians to test their limits. It could disarm the public, assuming that a mere piece of legislation could already dishearten a politician intending to corrupt.

Yes. What Pilipina Ako is proposing would be long and tedious. But if we let ourselves depend on a paper, when will we learn? The 62 countries that already favor a law such as this aren’t still spared from dishonesty and corruption. Every privilege has a limit. What makes the governed think that the governors will turn themselves in? Pilipina Ako's proof is this list of the legislators who were among the proponents of the bill but were absent during the roll call.

Abaya, Joseph Emilio A.
Agbayani, Victor Aguedo E.
Agyao, Manuel S.
Almario, Thelma Z.
Alvarez, Antonio C.
Amatong, Rommel C.
Angping, Maria Zenaida B.
Arnaiz, George P.
Arroyo, Diosdado M.
Arroyo, Ignacio T.
Balindong, Pangalian M.
Barzaga, Elpidio Jr. F.
Biron, Ferjenel G.
Bondoc, Anna York P.
Briones, Nicanor M.
Cagas, Marc Douglas IV C.
Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L.
Castro, Fredenil H.
Celeste, Arthur F.
Chong, Glenn A.
Clarete, Marina P.
Climaco, Mara Isabelle G.
Coscolluela, Ma. Carissa O.
Daza, Paul R.
Dimaporo, Abdullah D.
Dumarpa, Faysah RPM
Durano, Ramon VI H.
Dy, Faustino III G.
Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M.
Estrella, Conrado III
Fabian, Erico Basillo A.
Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S.
Ferrer, Jeffrey P.
Fua, Orlando B.
Fuentebella, Arnulfo P.
Garcia, Albert S.
Garcia, Pablo P.
Gonzales, Aurelio Jr. D.
Gonzalez, Raul Jr. T.
Gullas, Eduardo R.
Gunigundo, Magtanggol I.T.
Hofer, Ann K.
Ilagan, Luzviminda C.
Jala, Adam Relson R.
Jikiri, Yusop H.
Kho, Antonio T.
Lacson, Jose Carlos V.
Lagdameo, Antonio Jr. F.
Lim, Teodoro
Mamba, Manuel N.
Marañon, Alfredo III D.
Matugas, Francisco T.
Mercado, Roger G.
Nava, Joaquin Carlos Rahman A.
Nicolas, Reylina G.
Pancho, Pedro M.
Pancrudo, Candido Jr. P.
Plaza, Rodolfo G.
Prieto-Teodoro, Monica
Puno, Roberto V.
Ramiro, Herminia M.
Remulla, Jesus Crispin C.
Reyes, Victoria H.
Robes, Arturo B.
Rodriguez-Zaldirriaga, Adelina
Romarate, Guillermo Jr. A.
Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin G.
Romulo, Roman T.
Salvacion, Andres Jr., D.
Santiago, Narciso III D.
Singson, Ronald V.
Suarez, Danilo E.
Teodoro, Marcelino R.
Teves, Pryde Henry A.
Tieng, Irwin C.
Uy, Edwin C.
Uy, Rolando A.
Uy, Reynaldo S.
Villarosa, Ma. Amelita C.
Yu, Victor L.
Zamora, Ronaldo B.

This list just proves that, although House Bill 133 is a righteous piece of legislation, there is a great probability that it would be trashed in time.

References

17 June 2010

Dinky's relationship with GMA

Corazon ‘Dinky’ Soliman was a civic group leader when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo appointed her as the secretary of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) during the latter’s first term in the presidency.

She agreed, thinking ‘she could contribute to putting in place reforms.’ She was right: she was able to launch KALAHI-CIDSS in no time as well as the Early Childhood Development program. She also installed performance management systems, and set standards for DSWD institutions, among others.

Dinky eventually became the “president's messenger of bad news,” “Malacanang's conduit to civil society,” “GMA's troubleshooter” and “GMA’s travel companion.” She had restrained members of urban poor communities to attend rallies, and assisted in ‘commercial transactions’ where these people would be paid.

Dinky believed that leaders must sacrifice. They must ‘give up a significant amount of power and prestige… tighten their belts… and raise tax collection’. Unfortunately, this kind of sacrifice calls for the working class as well. Unfortunately too, she became one when Noli de Castro won the vice-presidency. She swore support for him nevertheless.

Her replacement did not surprise columnists. What got them thinking was Dinky’s reaction who should have known better. Most of them believed that Dinky was just assigned to the DSWD to repay a political debt to the civil society organizations that installed GMA to power.

Eventually, Dinky took part in a “class act” in the Hyatt Hotel in July 8 2005. She claimed losing her integrity during GMA’s term, and admitted ‘accommodating dirty politics and manipulating the poor’ during her post in the DSWD. The World Bank might have loaned her some fund to built 5000 villages and education programs for the poor, but that was in exchange for her silence on the presence of foreign military forces in the country. She also has to head the Operation Gentle Wind, which was aimed to educate those who do not agree with the importance of US troops in the country.

In her piece "Why I Resigned From Government, And Asked My Boss To Resign As Well" , Dinky narrated her story since she joined GMA’s Cabinet. I was not convinced though – and for libelous reasons. I simply do not trust her. Other than her, no one else could testify to her testimonies. Who's to say that she wouldn't do to Noynoy what she has done to a perceived ally when the going gets tough?
"Each year she stays in power, she brings the nation closer to extinction," Dinky has said in a press conference at De la Salle Manila campus last July 26, 2008

References

10 June 2010

Population Growth and Sec. Cabral

Dr. Esperanza Icasas-Cabral is a cardiologist, physician, teacher, scientist and an advocate of the ideals and values she believes in. Among them is her stance to protect the Filipino’s health amidst the ire of the Catholic Church.

They also cried for her resignation and appealed to then-presidential front-runner Benigno Aquino III to lay off Cabral once he assumed the presidency.

Since her appointment, Cabral has been blunt of her policies and principles. She believes that the Reproductive Health bill can curb the country’s population, which totals to 92,226,600 people as of 2009. This Act Providing for a National Policy on Reproductive Health, Responsible Parenthood and Population Development would enforce age-appropriate reproductive health education starting in Grade 5, and mandates purchase of contraceptives by state hospitals.

She also issued an administrative order instructing tobacco companies to add graphic information on cigarettes’ packs. This would just be in compliance with the "Framework Convention on Tobacco Control" signed in 2003 and ratified by the Senate in 2005. Cabral obliged the herbal industry to translate the warning “No Therapeutic Claims Approved” on their products.

She gave away pills. She distributed condoms right at Dangwa on Valentine’s Day. Better spend the P2.5 million donated by international companies than risk the society’s vulnerability for sexually transmitted infections (STI). There are 4,424 cases of HIV/AIDS to date, 835 of which occurred in 2009 alone.

Cabral banned mercury importation. Some 20 students from St. Andrew’s School in Paranaque were poisoned by the chemical, one of which was diagnosed of Parkinsonism and nerve damage. Since then, she refrained from issuing mercury permits on all local health units. Mercury is used in sphygmomanometers and thermometers.

Her opposition with tradition displeased some people, according to a Pulse Asia survey conducted March 21 to 28. Funny because despite of the ratings drop, Cabral remained as the highest rated of all seven Cabinet officials included in the survey, and the DOH remained the second highest-rated government agency.

For everything she has done that labeled her ‘immoral’ with ‘one of her feet already in hell,’ President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stayed with her, along with the Forum of Family Planning and Development (FORUM), the Philippine Legislators Committee on Population and Development (PLCPD), the Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) and the Philippine NGO Council on Population, Health and Welfare Inc. (PNGOC)

Cabral earned her medical degree at the University of the Philippines. A Pasay native, she went to the United States to train at the Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital and Joslin Clinic. She taught at the UP College of Medicine Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology thereafter and became the director of the Philippine Heart Center. She also served at the Asian Hospital & Medical Center as a chief cardiologist, edited a number of medical journals and publications, authored and co-authored about 85 scientific papers, and hosted a TV show on Channels 13 (HeartWatch) and 9 (InfoMedico).

As if her professional career isn’t already brimming, Cabral was appointed director of the Philippine Heart Center, consultant for the Dangerous Drugs Board, the Bureau of Food and Drugs and the Department of Health, and commissioner of the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women.

Cabral received only four awards for all of her efforts (a nice reminder for people who measure their efforts in recognitions). These are the National Outstanding Young Scientist for Medicine Award (1981), Philippine Society of Experimental & Clinical Pharmacology Achievement Award (1982), Outstanding Woman in the Nation’s Service Award for Medicine (1986) and Dr. Jose P. Rizal Award by the Philippine Medical Association (1991).

It’s probably high-time for Pilipina Ako to soften her guard on ‘artificial means of population control’. Espie, with an ophthalmologist (Dr. Bienvenido V. Cabral) for a husband and three medical doctors (Cristina, Patricia Anne and Brian Michael) for children, seems to be a reasonable person. Pilipina Ako thinks she would support a ‘manmade regulation’, provided that the society would commit itself to learn accountability and responsibility meanwhile.

References