Blogger's Note: I have been meaning to write this for a really long time, but I have been too saddled with personal and professional stress to even start. I think it's still not too late to write about this.
At long last, the debates about House Bill 5043, also known as the Reproductive Health Bill, have started at the plenary of the House of Representatives. This bill, authored by Representatives Edcel Lagman, Janette Garin, Narciso Santiago III, Rissa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Mark Mendoza and Jesus Madrona, aims to promote and support reproductive health care services to the public, especially the poor who cannot afford those kinds of services. The bill also seeks to guarantee the freedom of informed choice of couples, as well as to provide information and education about different family planning methods. Of course, the bill has faced stiff opposition from the Catholic Church, who has not held back in pressuring lawmakers to oppose or withdraw their support for the bill. Some, those who have been cowed, have withdrawn their support.
I support the Reproductive Health Bill because we have to realize that our population needs to be managed in order for our country to have some sort of progress. It is foolish to think that we can just allow our population to grow faster than what our social infrastructure can handle. Those who insinuate otherwise need to reconsider whatever crap they are saying. Hindi yata sila nakakaranas na sumakay ng MRT kapag rush hour. In relation to that, we are still lacking thousands of classrooms, thousands of hospital beds and thousands of health centers, and yet, the population is still growing. Where in the world would we get the billions of pesos that we need to overcome the existing deficit and provide for the new needs?
That leads me to my second point. Opponents of the bill say that corruption is the real problem of this country, not overpopulation. They contend that we should just turn our sights on fighting corruption. That makes my head ache. News flash: Overpopulation is as much a problem as corruption. If our politicians do not have the political will to tackle something like overpopulation, how would they ever have the balls to fight corruption?
My third point is that the bill "will just promote abortion", as its opponents say. Look, I've read the bill and there's nothing there that promotes abortion. In fact, Section 3 (m) states that "...as abortion remains a crime and is punishable,...". Which part of that don't they understand? Opponents of the bill also say that it will just promote "immorality and infidelity". Hay naku, kesehodang nagco-condom si lalaki o hindi, kesehodang nagpi-pills si babae o hindi, kapag gustong mangaliwa ng isang tao, gagawin at gagawin niya pa rin iyun.
My fourth point is that if we do not manage our population, Nature would, and in methods we might see as catastrophic. As many of our towns lie in "geo-hazard zones", as a recent study by the DENR's Mines and Geosciences Bureau showed, more of our people are in danger of being caught in flashfloods, landslides and the like.
My fifth point is that these people think that a large population will save our economy by converting our people to be OFW's. Proof of this is a 2007 report by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) that featured a statement by Arroyo's presidential consultant on family affairs Jose Sandejas. He said, “Even if you are not able to educate them as well you would like, in the end their capability to quickly learn skills in the health services, in construction, as seamen, is going to save the Philippines”. Wala akong masamang tinapay sa mga OFW, pero ano ba, OFW na si Tatay sa Saudi, DH si Nanay sa Hong Kong, nasa Canada naman si Ate at nasa States si Kuya, pati si Bunso at ang apo, gagawing alila sa ibang bansa? Hindi man lang ba sisikapin ng mga gagong ito sa gobyerno na bigyan ang mga Pilipino ng trabaho sa sarili nating bansa? Ito na ba ang ipinagmamalaki nilang "economic policy"?
To be honest, I am writing this because I am sick and tired of all the lies, the innuendoes and the propaganda being thrown against this bill. Nakakabuwisit na ang mga kaipokrituhan ng mga "alagad ng Diyos" para lang harangin ang batas na ito. Kelangan natin itong batas na ito, hindi lang para sa atin, kundi para sa kapwa natin Pilipino at sa bansa natin. Masama na bang maghangad ng mabuti para sa ating bansa? Masama na bang maghangad ng mabuti para sa kapwa natin Pilipino? Hindi raw bibigyan ng Komunyon ang mga kongresistang susuporta sa batas na ito. Ibig sabihin ba, ayos lang bigyan ng Komunyon ang mga magnanakaw, ang mga mandaraya at ang mga corrupt, basta hindi susuportahan ang HB 5043? Pardon my language, but that is total bullshit. No wonder the Catholic Church is already losing its flock. Not only by continuing to support the hopelessly corrupt and illegitimate Arroyo regime, they are opposing a bill that could do so much good for our country.
To cap this blog, since the opponents of HB 5043 are continuing to cite religious and moral grounds to junk it, let me give the moral and religious ground of supporting this bill. Life is sacred, right? That is why we should, more than ever, support this bill. It will allow couples to plan their families, which will empower them to raise children who would live productive and well-rounded lives, just as God intended us to live being His children, made out of His own image. A life with dignity is not only a choice, it is a human right. Now I want to ask the opponents of HB 5043, nasaan ang dignidad ng taong kinakailangang maghalungkat sa basurahan para lang may makain? Nasaan ang dignidad ng taong kinakailangang magnakaw at magbenta ng sariling parte ng katawan para lang mabuhay? Isipin nyo nga iyan bago nyo sabihing imoral ang Reproductive Health Bill.
Iyun lang.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
I missed writing...*sigh*
I finally had the time to visit my blog after a long time...
So much has happened, particularly with my life, that I was not able to face the task of blogging here.
Now that everything is bound to change, I hope that I could continue this gig on a regular basis (meaning no more 5-month layoffs or stuff like that).
So much has happened, particularly with my life, that I was not able to face the task of blogging here.
Now that everything is bound to change, I hope that I could continue this gig on a regular basis (meaning no more 5-month layoffs or stuff like that).
Thursday, May 22, 2008
One Extra-Large Serving from the Noodle Bowl...
Well, I am deeply sorry again for not being able to "re-fill" the Noodle Bowl for a long time...so, para makabawi, I am having this extra-large serving of my thoughts about the different issues that have come since I was away....
The Rice Crisis
For heaven's sakes, they really think that the policy of importing rice is the only way out of it, and it has resulted in epic failure. Instead of spending billions on importing rice, why not channel it on irrigation, seeds and fertilizer, as well as micro-finacing for farmers for them to be able to buy machines and other tools that could help them increase yields? Another thing, the government should amend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program to require recipient farmers to plant rice at least once per crop season and that the land should not be left unused, otherwise it would be reverted to the government. And lastly, please lang, wala nang kurakot. Pero sa gobyerno ni Gloria, suntok sa buwan iyun.
Oil Price Hikes
Ngayon, nakikita na natin ang importansiya ng Spratlys sa atin. The JMSU should really be rescinded since the oil that we should be using has a chance of going to China instead at tayo ang pupulutin sa kangkungan. Another thing, now is the time to go full-throttle in exploring alternative energy and fuel sources. Maglakad na lang tayo o mag-commute kung malapit lang naman ang pupuntahan natin. Konting sakripisyo naman.
The Swine Scandal
Isang iskandalo na namang ibinaon sa libingan, sa tulong ni Winston Garcia. Whatever happened to the officials of Quedancor and the Department of Agriculture who are involved in this? Puro kababuyan na lang talaga ang idinudulot sa atin ng gobyernong ito.
The Cabuyao and Calamba Massacres
I have always been for the reimposition of the death penalty because first, it was just abolished by Gloria and her allies to pander to the whims of the bishops at para magpaganda ng imahe kay Pope Benedict XVI. Second, although I believe that human life is sacred, hindi na taong maituturing ang mga gumawa ng mga krimeng ito. Mga demonyo lang ang gumagawa ng karumal-dumal na krimeng gaya nito. Same goes to those who kill journalists, activists, unarmed soldiers, ordinary people who are accused of being either spies of the government or the rebels, etc. And although napatay na ng mga pulis ang mga suspect, this issue will still be going on until 2010.
Gun Control
This issue also came up after the bloody Laguna massacres, with Nandy Pacheco of Gunless Society leading the call. Mr. Pacheco, guns don't kill people, people kill other people. Do you think that if a gun could think and speak, it will agree to kill innocent people? If guns are banned, we might as well ban other things that could be used to harm or kill people, and that is about everything. Kung gusto ka talagang gawan ng masama, it doesn't matter if he has a gun or a knife or even a piece of wood. We should not deprive responsible citizens their right to defend themselves against thugs and murderers.
Cyclone Nargis
What in the world are the Burmese generals thinking? What they are doing is pure and premeditated murder. That is why I like the idea of having the US or the UN or any coalition of nations invade Burma and militarily overthrowing the junta on humanitarian grounds. Trouble is, George Bush won't invade because Burma doesn't have oil, the UN insists on diplomatic pressure, and the rest of the world won't budge until either the US or the UN does something.
Fare Hikes
Actually, it's now just fine for me (as opposed in the past, when I would violently react) to have a fare increase, but as I was going to Cubao this morning, a passenger complained that he was overcharged by P2.00, when the increase was only P0.50 on the minimum fare. I wonder, who would protect the passengers from this kind of practice? Kanino tatakbo ang mga pasaherong pinagkakasya na parang sardinas, na hindi sinusuklian ng tama? Some leaders of transport groups speak and think as if sila lang ang nahihirapan sa buhay. Paano naman ang mga mahihirap na pasahero nila? Tama ba namang magbulag-bulagan sila sa mga kabulastugan ng mga miyembro nila? That is why the LTFRB should withold their decision on the P1.50 fare increase until there is an assurance from the transport groups that they will deal with these kinds of shenanigans.
The Cebu Canister Scandal
The current punishment for those involved is not enough for me. They should be suspended or stripped of their licenses and pay compensation to "Danilo". Meron namang kumukunsinti sa mga doktor. Hindi na ba sila nahiya sa ginawa nila?
Hermogenes Esperon's Retirement
(cue music) Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey, hey, goodbye! 'Nuff said.
Jun Lozada and Dante Madriaga's Security and the new ZTE Evidence
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but for me, the new photographic evidence that surfaced just paints three words: Guilty si Gloria.
Juan Ponce Enrile yapping about the P2 million being spent for Jun Lozada and Dante Madriaga's safety but keeping silent about the taxpayers shouldering P16 billion for the anomalous ZTE deal? Mag-retiro ka na, Senator. Kung ayaw mo naman, uninom ka na lang ng Sustagen Premium. Nagkakaroon ka ata ng memory gap.
The Meralco-GSIS Saga
Well, this government seems to have a knack for trying or actually getting what is not theirs. Their latest victim is Lopez-owned Meralco, under the guise of lowering power rates. They think that they will get three things from this naked power grab by Gloria stooge Winston Garcia; they can pressure the Lopezes into forcing ABS-CBN to tone down on the anti-Gloria rhetoric, they can have another big piece of meat to throw to their cronies (the Aboitizes, the Razons, and Winston's own family, among others) after Transco and some of the privatized parts of Napocor, and they can shore up Gloria's really stinking popularity numbers. However, it seems that the villain (the Lopezes) has now become a hero, and the other villain (Gloria and Co.), well, still a villain.
I just checked my March electric bill (since that's the latest I could find) and although Meralco also has a fault on the high cost of electricity (my charge for Systems Loss was 8.8%, which translated to P132.43--imagine that!), the Generation part was a whopping 53.1% of my bill, which translated to P794.29, the Transmission cost was P162.72 or 10.9% of the bill, and Government Taxes took up 10.4% or P155.76. In contrast, the Distribution cost was 15.1% or P225.33.
What does that mean? Well, for me, that means that everybody has a hand in the high prices of power; Napocor, Transco, Meralco, us (the consumer). Walang puwedeng magmalinis. However, there are those who are more responsible than others, and they are the ones yapping all about it. And that throws doubt into the real reason why Gloria's dogs are after Meralco and Meralco alone.
If I forgot something, please let me know about it.
The Rice Crisis
For heaven's sakes, they really think that the policy of importing rice is the only way out of it, and it has resulted in epic failure. Instead of spending billions on importing rice, why not channel it on irrigation, seeds and fertilizer, as well as micro-finacing for farmers for them to be able to buy machines and other tools that could help them increase yields? Another thing, the government should amend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program to require recipient farmers to plant rice at least once per crop season and that the land should not be left unused, otherwise it would be reverted to the government. And lastly, please lang, wala nang kurakot. Pero sa gobyerno ni Gloria, suntok sa buwan iyun.
Oil Price Hikes
Ngayon, nakikita na natin ang importansiya ng Spratlys sa atin. The JMSU should really be rescinded since the oil that we should be using has a chance of going to China instead at tayo ang pupulutin sa kangkungan. Another thing, now is the time to go full-throttle in exploring alternative energy and fuel sources. Maglakad na lang tayo o mag-commute kung malapit lang naman ang pupuntahan natin. Konting sakripisyo naman.
The Swine Scandal
Isang iskandalo na namang ibinaon sa libingan, sa tulong ni Winston Garcia. Whatever happened to the officials of Quedancor and the Department of Agriculture who are involved in this? Puro kababuyan na lang talaga ang idinudulot sa atin ng gobyernong ito.
The Cabuyao and Calamba Massacres
I have always been for the reimposition of the death penalty because first, it was just abolished by Gloria and her allies to pander to the whims of the bishops at para magpaganda ng imahe kay Pope Benedict XVI. Second, although I believe that human life is sacred, hindi na taong maituturing ang mga gumawa ng mga krimeng ito. Mga demonyo lang ang gumagawa ng karumal-dumal na krimeng gaya nito. Same goes to those who kill journalists, activists, unarmed soldiers, ordinary people who are accused of being either spies of the government or the rebels, etc. And although napatay na ng mga pulis ang mga suspect, this issue will still be going on until 2010.
Gun Control
This issue also came up after the bloody Laguna massacres, with Nandy Pacheco of Gunless Society leading the call. Mr. Pacheco, guns don't kill people, people kill other people. Do you think that if a gun could think and speak, it will agree to kill innocent people? If guns are banned, we might as well ban other things that could be used to harm or kill people, and that is about everything. Kung gusto ka talagang gawan ng masama, it doesn't matter if he has a gun or a knife or even a piece of wood. We should not deprive responsible citizens their right to defend themselves against thugs and murderers.
Cyclone Nargis
What in the world are the Burmese generals thinking? What they are doing is pure and premeditated murder. That is why I like the idea of having the US or the UN or any coalition of nations invade Burma and militarily overthrowing the junta on humanitarian grounds. Trouble is, George Bush won't invade because Burma doesn't have oil, the UN insists on diplomatic pressure, and the rest of the world won't budge until either the US or the UN does something.
Fare Hikes
Actually, it's now just fine for me (as opposed in the past, when I would violently react) to have a fare increase, but as I was going to Cubao this morning, a passenger complained that he was overcharged by P2.00, when the increase was only P0.50 on the minimum fare. I wonder, who would protect the passengers from this kind of practice? Kanino tatakbo ang mga pasaherong pinagkakasya na parang sardinas, na hindi sinusuklian ng tama? Some leaders of transport groups speak and think as if sila lang ang nahihirapan sa buhay. Paano naman ang mga mahihirap na pasahero nila? Tama ba namang magbulag-bulagan sila sa mga kabulastugan ng mga miyembro nila? That is why the LTFRB should withold their decision on the P1.50 fare increase until there is an assurance from the transport groups that they will deal with these kinds of shenanigans.
The Cebu Canister Scandal
The current punishment for those involved is not enough for me. They should be suspended or stripped of their licenses and pay compensation to "Danilo". Meron namang kumukunsinti sa mga doktor. Hindi na ba sila nahiya sa ginawa nila?
Hermogenes Esperon's Retirement
(cue music) Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na, hey, hey, goodbye! 'Nuff said.
Jun Lozada and Dante Madriaga's Security and the new ZTE Evidence
They say a picture paints a thousand words, but for me, the new photographic evidence that surfaced just paints three words: Guilty si Gloria.
Juan Ponce Enrile yapping about the P2 million being spent for Jun Lozada and Dante Madriaga's safety but keeping silent about the taxpayers shouldering P16 billion for the anomalous ZTE deal? Mag-retiro ka na, Senator. Kung ayaw mo naman, uninom ka na lang ng Sustagen Premium. Nagkakaroon ka ata ng memory gap.
The Meralco-GSIS Saga
Well, this government seems to have a knack for trying or actually getting what is not theirs. Their latest victim is Lopez-owned Meralco, under the guise of lowering power rates. They think that they will get three things from this naked power grab by Gloria stooge Winston Garcia; they can pressure the Lopezes into forcing ABS-CBN to tone down on the anti-Gloria rhetoric, they can have another big piece of meat to throw to their cronies (the Aboitizes, the Razons, and Winston's own family, among others) after Transco and some of the privatized parts of Napocor, and they can shore up Gloria's really stinking popularity numbers. However, it seems that the villain (the Lopezes) has now become a hero, and the other villain (Gloria and Co.), well, still a villain.
I just checked my March electric bill (since that's the latest I could find) and although Meralco also has a fault on the high cost of electricity (my charge for Systems Loss was 8.8%, which translated to P132.43--imagine that!), the Generation part was a whopping 53.1% of my bill, which translated to P794.29, the Transmission cost was P162.72 or 10.9% of the bill, and Government Taxes took up 10.4% or P155.76. In contrast, the Distribution cost was 15.1% or P225.33.
What does that mean? Well, for me, that means that everybody has a hand in the high prices of power; Napocor, Transco, Meralco, us (the consumer). Walang puwedeng magmalinis. However, there are those who are more responsible than others, and they are the ones yapping all about it. And that throws doubt into the real reason why Gloria's dogs are after Meralco and Meralco alone.
If I forgot something, please let me know about it.
Monday, April 14, 2008
While I was Away...
Ahh...I'm back after a month or so of job-hunting/vacation/reflection/gathering more "ingredients" for the Noodle Bowl. I really missed writing here.
So many has happened while I was "off-line", and yet so little has changed, much of it for the worse. The Evil One is still in Malacanang, the Supreme Court (or at least 9 of them) has effectively connived with The Evil One in hiding her crimes, and we are facing a rice crisis. During that time too, Jun Lozada has visited my "hometown", Dagupan City, but not without incident.
As of now, the country is waiting for the end of the rice crisis, as well as the hearing on the Senate's Motion for Reconsideration on the Neri ruling.
Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.
So many has happened while I was "off-line", and yet so little has changed, much of it for the worse. The Evil One is still in Malacanang, the Supreme Court (or at least 9 of them) has effectively connived with The Evil One in hiding her crimes, and we are facing a rice crisis. During that time too, Jun Lozada has visited my "hometown", Dagupan City, but not without incident.
As of now, the country is waiting for the end of the rice crisis, as well as the hearing on the Senate's Motion for Reconsideration on the Neri ruling.
Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
The Trojan Horse has Arrived...
I was watching the testimony of Leo San Miguel, the "surprise witness" for the latest installment of the ZTE-NBN hearings, and I can only summarize his "performance" in two words: Trojan Horse.
Tama, hindi si Dante Madriaga ang "Trojan Horse". Si Leo San Miguel ang "Trojan Horse" na matagal nang pinaghahanap. Pakawala, sa madaling salita.
Why did I come to that conclusion? Well, based from what I saw on TV, almost half of his replies were "I don't know" or "I don't remember". He was not able to remember his flights to Hong Kong a few months back, yet he can remember that he met Gen. Quirino Dela Torre 30 years ago, and they had a business 15 years ago. Selective amnesia? I don't know.
Another thing, he admitted that the e-mail address used in sending the "Tongpats" spreadsheet to Dante Madriaga was his. But he would not admit that he knows something about the payoffs. What the heck was that? Is he trying to say that somebody else used his email and sent that file? If that's the case, then he sucks for a "technical guy".
He also continues to deny that he is not a part of the "Greedy Group", but all three witnesses (Madriaga, Joey DV and Jun Lozada) put him on one way or the other with Ben Abalos and Co. Sinasabi ba niyang pinagtutulungan siya?
That is why I consider him as the planted witness of Malacanang to scuttle the ongoing probe. He is in too deep to be let go. However, for that same reason, I also believe that he could still be coaxed to spill the beans.
It's up to the Senate to make him sing the correct tunes.
Tama, hindi si Dante Madriaga ang "Trojan Horse". Si Leo San Miguel ang "Trojan Horse" na matagal nang pinaghahanap. Pakawala, sa madaling salita.
Why did I come to that conclusion? Well, based from what I saw on TV, almost half of his replies were "I don't know" or "I don't remember". He was not able to remember his flights to Hong Kong a few months back, yet he can remember that he met Gen. Quirino Dela Torre 30 years ago, and they had a business 15 years ago. Selective amnesia? I don't know.
Another thing, he admitted that the e-mail address used in sending the "Tongpats" spreadsheet to Dante Madriaga was his. But he would not admit that he knows something about the payoffs. What the heck was that? Is he trying to say that somebody else used his email and sent that file? If that's the case, then he sucks for a "technical guy".
He also continues to deny that he is not a part of the "Greedy Group", but all three witnesses (Madriaga, Joey DV and Jun Lozada) put him on one way or the other with Ben Abalos and Co. Sinasabi ba niyang pinagtutulungan siya?
That is why I consider him as the planted witness of Malacanang to scuttle the ongoing probe. He is in too deep to be let go. However, for that same reason, I also believe that he could still be coaxed to spill the beans.
It's up to the Senate to make him sing the correct tunes.
Friday, March 7, 2008
"Jun Ban" Lifted, But With Conditions
Yesterday, I also wrote about the DepEd directive to ban Jun Lozada and Ben "Borjer" Abalos from their respective school tours (Ben-borjer is still on the planning stage, J-Lozada is like the real J-Lo, having his tours all raging hits). Today, DepEd secretary Jesli Lapus has lifted the ban, but with conditions for Lozada. (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/83722/DepEd-chief-says-Lozada-may-now-speak-at-schools-but-)
He said that "pwede sa graduation, kung di siya mag-incite or mag-create ng controversy. Alam natin pakay niya mag-incite ng ano. Ang paghahanap ng katotohanan di tayo nakakasiguro sino totoo sino hindi."
What?
How can Secretary Lapus be sure that Jun Lozada wants to incite something and create controversy? Does something like seeking and fighting for the truth need incitement? Is seeking and fighting for the truth a cause for controversy? For heaven's sakes, that is something that we should be doing naturally as citizens of this country. It does not need incitement. It should not be a source of controversy, instead it should be a source of pride and honor.
In a nation governed by lies and deceit, the truth is a revolutionary idea that is a cause for controversy.
He said that "pwede sa graduation, kung di siya mag-incite or mag-create ng controversy. Alam natin pakay niya mag-incite ng ano. Ang paghahanap ng katotohanan di tayo nakakasiguro sino totoo sino hindi."
What?
How can Secretary Lapus be sure that Jun Lozada wants to incite something and create controversy? Does something like seeking and fighting for the truth need incitement? Is seeking and fighting for the truth a cause for controversy? For heaven's sakes, that is something that we should be doing naturally as citizens of this country. It does not need incitement. It should not be a source of controversy, instead it should be a source of pride and honor.
In a nation governed by lies and deceit, the truth is a revolutionary idea that is a cause for controversy.
MC 108 Gets The Boot Too, But...
I woke up this morning and I learned through DZMM that Memorandum Circular 108 has also been repealed through the issuance of Memorandum Circular 151. I confirmed this through the ABS-CBN website too (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=111416). MC 151 states that "Executive officials and employees are advised to follow and abide by the constitution, existing laws and jurisprudence including, among others, 'Senate v Ermita, GR no 169777, April 20, 2006,' when they are invited to legislative inquiries in aid of legislation,". In effect, government officials who are being summoned by Congress can no longer invoke them to skip hearings.
Seems like that I should thank GMA, right? After all, I posted just yesterday that MC 108 should be abolished too if ever they want the truth to come out. Okay, for whatever it's worth, thank you, GMA.
However, everyone has seen the previous hearings and everyone will agree with me that these government officials will risk looking like clowns (see Angel Atutubo, Rodolfo Cusi, Paul Mascarinas and Avelino Razon, among others) just to hide something. Besides, who could tell that they will not use a wide range of excuses (like slipping on the bathroom, having a dead fingernail, etc.) just to evade the Senate?
EO 464 and MC 108 might be dead, but we will still be watching.
The evil witch might just summon something again to muzzle the truth.
Seems like that I should thank GMA, right? After all, I posted just yesterday that MC 108 should be abolished too if ever they want the truth to come out. Okay, for whatever it's worth, thank you, GMA.
However, everyone has seen the previous hearings and everyone will agree with me that these government officials will risk looking like clowns (see Angel Atutubo, Rodolfo Cusi, Paul Mascarinas and Avelino Razon, among others) just to hide something. Besides, who could tell that they will not use a wide range of excuses (like slipping on the bathroom, having a dead fingernail, etc.) just to evade the Senate?
EO 464 and MC 108 might be dead, but we will still be watching.
The evil witch might just summon something again to muzzle the truth.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
EO 464 Gets Lifted? So What?
So GMA has lifted Executive Order 464, in order for government officials to be able to attend legislative hearings. This was done after consultations with religious leaders and her officials.
I don't give a rat's ass about that.
They still have Memorandum Circular 108 (http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/mc_108.htm), which says that all heads of departments must obtain the consent of the President to appear before the House or the Senate. It also states that it covers "conversations and correspondence between the President and other persons on matters of privilege".
If they are really for the truth, then they must also repeal MC 108.
I don't give a rat's ass about that.
They still have Memorandum Circular 108 (http://www.ops.gov.ph/records/mc_108.htm), which says that all heads of departments must obtain the consent of the President to appear before the House or the Senate. It also states that it covers "conversations and correspondence between the President and other persons on matters of privilege".
If they are really for the truth, then they must also repeal MC 108.
"Jun Ban"
It was all over the news yesterday. The Department of Education, headed by Secretary Jesli Lapus, reportedly released a directive banning ZTE scandal whistleblower Jun Lozada and former COMELEC Chairman Benjamin Abalos from conducting symposia or fora on public schools. This directive was issued to "insulate" students from politics.
What?
This move just smacks of the growing desperation of the Arroyo administration to fend off the rising movement to force GMA into leaving (her illegally acquired) office. By this directive, they hoped to stem the tide of student participation in mass actions against them. But this is just like plugging a dam's leak with their finger.
This is also the latest move of an increasingly authoritarian regime pretending to be a democratic one. From the "state of rebellion" to EO 464 and MC 108, from Proclamation 1017 to the curfew imposed during the Manila Pen incident and the "no-fly zone" imposed on Makati last February 29, from the one week "gun ban" imposed last week to this latest DepEd directive, it shows that we are slowly being subjected to an "undeclared Martial Law".
Should we wait any further?
What?
This move just smacks of the growing desperation of the Arroyo administration to fend off the rising movement to force GMA into leaving (her illegally acquired) office. By this directive, they hoped to stem the tide of student participation in mass actions against them. But this is just like plugging a dam's leak with their finger.
This is also the latest move of an increasingly authoritarian regime pretending to be a democratic one. From the "state of rebellion" to EO 464 and MC 108, from Proclamation 1017 to the curfew imposed during the Manila Pen incident and the "no-fly zone" imposed on Makati last February 29, from the one week "gun ban" imposed last week to this latest DepEd directive, it shows that we are slowly being subjected to an "undeclared Martial Law".
Should we wait any further?
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thank God for the Senate
The Senate junked the so-called "compromise agreement" that was ironed out by the Supreme Court yesterday in order for CHED Chairman Romulo Neri to appear before Senate hearings on the NBN-ZTE deal. The senators reasoned out that the agreement will curtail their power to conduct investigations in aid of legislation.
Oo nga naman.
What kind of a deal was that, anyway? You let Chicke-Neri to appear, but he cannot answer some of the most important questions? I think that was more of a "cover-up agreement". The search for truth is uncensored. It does not compromise nor leave anything untouched.
Good thing that the senators did not bite, buttressing their rising credibility. Meanwhile, the House of Representa-thieves, save for the minority congressmen, are continuing to defend the indefensible.
Thank God for the Senate, and damn the House of Representa-thieves to hell.
Oo nga naman.
What kind of a deal was that, anyway? You let Chicke-Neri to appear, but he cannot answer some of the most important questions? I think that was more of a "cover-up agreement". The search for truth is uncensored. It does not compromise nor leave anything untouched.
Good thing that the senators did not bite, buttressing their rising credibility. Meanwhile, the House of Representa-thieves, save for the minority congressmen, are continuing to defend the indefensible.
Thank God for the Senate, and damn the House of Representa-thieves to hell.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Post-Interfaith Rally Report
I went to the Interfaith Rally last Friday with a fellow member in Ms. Ellen Tordesillas' blog, Kuya Jack Serrano, and we were surprised at the sheer number of people who participated. It clearly dwarfed the one last February 15th. The throng of people reached up to the front of Rustan's on the Ayala Ave. side. Every sector was represented; students, workers, the religious, professionals, the civil society, and ordinary citizens like me. We met Ms. Ellen Tordesillas, who was backstage, but after negotiating a long way around (we were in the side of Ninoy Aquino's monument) due to the huge crowd. Whoever gave the PNP the 15,000 people estimate was either stupid or lying.
We saw a lot of personalities on that rally. Aside from former Presidents Cory Aquino and Joseph Estrada, we also saw Senators Noynoy Aquino and Koko Pimentel (yes, I just called him Senator), Congressmen Crispin Beltran, Satur Ocampo and Roilo Golez, former Vice President Tito Guingona, Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, Bro. Armin Luistro, Bishops Oscar Cruz and Ted Bacani, Frs. Robert Reyes and Joe Dizon, as well as Manay Gina de Venecia, Jun Lozada, Joey de Venecia, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Pen Medina and Gina Alajar.
While we were there, we received a report that Makati has been declared a no-fly zone. I did not see any Stinger missiles or anti-aircraft guns on the rally site, so what was that for? The only thing that was launched to the skies that day were the green balloons. Was that the "threat" they were talking about? Jeez.
The rally ended peacefully at around 8:30 pm. The event, especially when everybody sang "Bayan Ko" with clenched fists in the air, gave me goosebumps.
We saw a lot of personalities on that rally. Aside from former Presidents Cory Aquino and Joseph Estrada, we also saw Senators Noynoy Aquino and Koko Pimentel (yes, I just called him Senator), Congressmen Crispin Beltran, Satur Ocampo and Roilo Golez, former Vice President Tito Guingona, Iloilo Vice Governor Rolex Suplico, Bro. Armin Luistro, Bishops Oscar Cruz and Ted Bacani, Frs. Robert Reyes and Joe Dizon, as well as Manay Gina de Venecia, Jun Lozada, Joey de Venecia, Armida Siguion-Reyna, Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Pen Medina and Gina Alajar.
While we were there, we received a report that Makati has been declared a no-fly zone. I did not see any Stinger missiles or anti-aircraft guns on the rally site, so what was that for? The only thing that was launched to the skies that day were the green balloons. Was that the "threat" they were talking about? Jeez.
The rally ended peacefully at around 8:30 pm. The event, especially when everybody sang "Bayan Ko" with clenched fists in the air, gave me goosebumps.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Blogswarm: Weak! Lame!
Last night, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) met for 10 hours, and everybody is hoping that they will issue some kind of strong statement about the current political crisis. So it was a big letdown that the CBCP instead distanced themselves from calling the imposter president Gloria Arroyo to step down, and opting to just ask for the abolition of EO 464, which bars government officials to appear on Senate hearings without Malacanang's consent.
What?
Allow me to belt out my best impersonation of South Park's Eric Cartman in saying that the pastoral letter was "weak!" and "lame!"
Although I have wanted the Church to stay out of politics since EDSA 2, where they really screwed up, they really chose a bad time to clam up. As far as I know, it is already a moral issue when someone steals and lies about it. It becomes more so if the culprit is pretending to be the president of the country.
I can only remember what the Reverend said in the movie "The Patriot", "It is the shepherd's duty to tend to the flock, and at times, fight off the wolves." Our shepherds, save for some like Bishops Deogracias Iniguez, Oscar Cruz and Ted Bacani, have allowed the wolves to savage the flock.
God save the Philippines.
What?
Allow me to belt out my best impersonation of South Park's Eric Cartman in saying that the pastoral letter was "weak!" and "lame!"
Although I have wanted the Church to stay out of politics since EDSA 2, where they really screwed up, they really chose a bad time to clam up. As far as I know, it is already a moral issue when someone steals and lies about it. It becomes more so if the culprit is pretending to be the president of the country.
I can only remember what the Reverend said in the movie "The Patriot", "It is the shepherd's duty to tend to the flock, and at times, fight off the wolves." Our shepherds, save for some like Bishops Deogracias Iniguez, Oscar Cruz and Ted Bacani, have allowed the wolves to savage the flock.
God save the Philippines.
Blogswarm: The Fish is Caught through its Mouth
Pardon me if I was not able to post my personal accounts from the February 15th rally in Makati, as well as from the Baclaran Church celebration last Monday, as I was really too immersed into work. But allow me to comment about the admission (because there is no other way to call it) of Gloria Arroyo that there were indeed flaws in the NBN-ZTE contract.
She said in a radio interview that she only learned about the flaws the night before she was to witness the signing in Boao, China last April 21, 2007 and she was not able to do anything since "she did not want to embarrass us in front of the Chinese". What?
There have been many discussions, and as word spread that the DZRH interview was in effect an admission of irregularity, our version of Saddam's "Comical Ali", Toting Bunye, suddenly chimes in and says that she was not saying that there were flaws. What?
I only have some points of mine left, as all other points were already discussed all over the place. First, no one was asking her to cancel the deal outright by that time. She should have at least set aside the NBN-ZTE contract and told the Chinese that it "needs further study". I think they would have understood, being meticulous fellows too. aside from that, instead of embarrassing ourselves, we would have gotten their respect instead as it will show that we are that serious about matters like those.
Of course, it would have not crossed her mind, as well as those other points raised by different people. The only thing that was on her mind by that time was ZTE, and Fan Yang's $30 million "advance payment", if Dante Madriaga is to be believed.
Ang isda nga naman, nahuhuli sa bunganga. Only that this barracuda still struggles to get free.
Tama na. Sobra na. Kumilos na.
She said in a radio interview that she only learned about the flaws the night before she was to witness the signing in Boao, China last April 21, 2007 and she was not able to do anything since "she did not want to embarrass us in front of the Chinese". What?
There have been many discussions, and as word spread that the DZRH interview was in effect an admission of irregularity, our version of Saddam's "Comical Ali", Toting Bunye, suddenly chimes in and says that she was not saying that there were flaws. What?
I only have some points of mine left, as all other points were already discussed all over the place. First, no one was asking her to cancel the deal outright by that time. She should have at least set aside the NBN-ZTE contract and told the Chinese that it "needs further study". I think they would have understood, being meticulous fellows too. aside from that, instead of embarrassing ourselves, we would have gotten their respect instead as it will show that we are that serious about matters like those.
Of course, it would have not crossed her mind, as well as those other points raised by different people. The only thing that was on her mind by that time was ZTE, and Fan Yang's $30 million "advance payment", if Dante Madriaga is to be believed.
Ang isda nga naman, nahuhuli sa bunganga. Only that this barracuda still struggles to get free.
Tama na. Sobra na. Kumilos na.
Friday, February 15, 2008
Blogswarm: Gloria Resign Now!
This is in support of the raging call for change in our country. The time has come for Gloria Arroyo and her minions to be accountable for their sins against the country. It is also time for the people to stand up and be counted among those who seek real change.
I will be in Makati today. The greatest good requires sacrifice.
I will be in Makati today. The greatest good requires sacrifice.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Let the Collapse Begin
It has been a roller-coaster week so far, beginning with the ouster of ex-Gloria ally Rep. Jose de Venecia as House Speaker by the "slighted" Arroyo brothers and their (paid) allies in Congress. Like what they did in 2004, they declared Davao Rep. Prospero Nograles as the new Speaker sometime past 1 am last Tuesday, proving yet again that they are thieves who do their work in the dark.
It seemed that one "problem" for the Arroyo Mafia has been solved, but as telemarketers say, wait, there's more. The newest witness in the ZTE scandal, Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, arrived in the country Tuesday afternoon, and was promptly whisked away, well, more like "abducted" by some police personnel. Lozada's family moved fast, going to court to seek his return to them. And finally, after much noise and PNP Chief Avelino Razon looking like a pathetic shell of a liar rather than a respected officer of the law, Jun Lozada surfaced in a press conference this morning at De La Salle Greenhills, giving the nation a taste of what he's going to spill in a future Senate hearing.
It's all starting to fall into place. More and more people are singing like canaries against the excesses and avarice of this illegal regime. JDV is starting to burn his bridges with the family who betrayed him, and he's got more than enough ammunition against them. If only Romy Neri and the others could be man enough and join in the chorus.
It is February, a most auspicious month for Philippine politics. A president who was accused of avarice and corruption was overthrown 22 years ago this month. Perhaps it is time for the current demon to be handed the same fate.
Let the collapse begin.
It seemed that one "problem" for the Arroyo Mafia has been solved, but as telemarketers say, wait, there's more. The newest witness in the ZTE scandal, Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada, arrived in the country Tuesday afternoon, and was promptly whisked away, well, more like "abducted" by some police personnel. Lozada's family moved fast, going to court to seek his return to them. And finally, after much noise and PNP Chief Avelino Razon looking like a pathetic shell of a liar rather than a respected officer of the law, Jun Lozada surfaced in a press conference this morning at De La Salle Greenhills, giving the nation a taste of what he's going to spill in a future Senate hearing.
It's all starting to fall into place. More and more people are singing like canaries against the excesses and avarice of this illegal regime. JDV is starting to burn his bridges with the family who betrayed him, and he's got more than enough ammunition against them. If only Romy Neri and the others could be man enough and join in the chorus.
It is February, a most auspicious month for Philippine politics. A president who was accused of avarice and corruption was overthrown 22 years ago this month. Perhaps it is time for the current demon to be handed the same fate.
Let the collapse begin.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
The Seven-Year Itch
It has been seven years and two days since the massive slap in democracy's face called EDSA Dos happened, and the truth is slowly coming out that it is indeed nothing but a naked power grab by an ambitious cabal of politicians from a legitimately elected president. Recent newspaper reports have revealed that the late Jaime Cardinal Sin has disobeyed Vatican orders to stay away from politics. The Vatican might have known through direct or hidden channels that the Cardinal is part of a political plot, so they directed him to back off, but the late cardinal proceeded. Too bad he did not live long enough to see first hand what he had wrought upon this country.
Despite of these, there are still people in deep denial that they were just used by the current ruling cabal to destroy democracy. I cannot blame them, for it is human nature to deny that they have been duped. As long as this persists, there will be no closure for this sorry chapter in our nation's history.
The first step to achieve closure for our country is for all those who took part in that sham exercise to apologize to the Filipino people for disregarding their voice and bringing our country to where it is now, and to the President they deprived of his position for doing such act. After the contrition must come the cleansing. Everybody must unite to set things right once more.
The "seven-year itch" pretending to be the President should be scratched at the soonest possible time, so that the healing can begin for our land.
Despite of these, there are still people in deep denial that they were just used by the current ruling cabal to destroy democracy. I cannot blame them, for it is human nature to deny that they have been duped. As long as this persists, there will be no closure for this sorry chapter in our nation's history.
The first step to achieve closure for our country is for all those who took part in that sham exercise to apologize to the Filipino people for disregarding their voice and bringing our country to where it is now, and to the President they deprived of his position for doing such act. After the contrition must come the cleansing. Everybody must unite to set things right once more.
The "seven-year itch" pretending to be the President should be scratched at the soonest possible time, so that the healing can begin for our land.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Launch
This is my first entry in my own blog...I created this blog for my opinions about the different things that are happening around us. I would have opted to write it in my Friendster blog, but some of it might be a little inappropriate for that setting.
Why is this blog titled "The Noodle Bowl Boils Over"? It is a reference to my long-time Net "handle" or screen name, mami_noodles. For a long time, I have opted to merely observe what is happening around me, all the madness and depravity included. If I were to comment, I would just keep it to myself or to a circle of trusted friends. But recently, I have decided that I have to include my voice, no matter how small it is, if I were to hope that things change for the better.
What made the "noodle bowl" boil, so to speak? The "boiling point" came last November 29, during the Manila Pen incident. That event made me realize that it is time to add my voice to those like me, those who are disgusted with the way an unelected ruler is running this country to the ground. It is time to speak, before they take the freedom to do it away.
I timed this blog's first entry seven years to the time where it all started (to the eyes of many Filipinos). This will also be the start of my own journey of dissecting opinions that might be taboo to the eyes of many, yet deserves to be put out.
Why is this blog titled "The Noodle Bowl Boils Over"? It is a reference to my long-time Net "handle" or screen name, mami_noodles. For a long time, I have opted to merely observe what is happening around me, all the madness and depravity included. If I were to comment, I would just keep it to myself or to a circle of trusted friends. But recently, I have decided that I have to include my voice, no matter how small it is, if I were to hope that things change for the better.
What made the "noodle bowl" boil, so to speak? The "boiling point" came last November 29, during the Manila Pen incident. That event made me realize that it is time to add my voice to those like me, those who are disgusted with the way an unelected ruler is running this country to the ground. It is time to speak, before they take the freedom to do it away.
I timed this blog's first entry seven years to the time where it all started (to the eyes of many Filipinos). This will also be the start of my own journey of dissecting opinions that might be taboo to the eyes of many, yet deserves to be put out.
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