It’s the typhoon season once again…

(Knee-level flood in our street)

For a person who grew in Malabon City, it is common for us to see floods every time heavy rains come. But from Typhoon Rosing, Frank, Milenyo, Ondoy, Pepeng and now Falcon, things became worse. From the usual ankle up to below the knee length water raises from up to the waist level and up. We saw the wrath of Ondoy that brings disaster in Rizal, Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Valenzuela and other parts of Metro Manila in other parts of the country. Now Falcon and Egay, two typhoons that came with less than two weeks brings heavy rains and strong winds that cause floods and trees to fall in the street. With Falcon the rain starts as early as 9am and while I am writing this and maybe as I publish this one it is still raining.

(My leg and don't be intimidated with the complexion)

IMO: On pulling out GF-BF McDo TVC which was requested by CBCP

Sadly, things are getting weird lately from putting contraceptives on prescription in Ayala Alabang and Bataan which was applauded by the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) who was the major opponent of the controversial Reproductive Health Bill (RHBill). But recently, CBCP ask McDonalds to pull out their latest BF-GF TV commercial. The TVC showed a girl asking the boy if they’re already boyfriend/girlfriend yet the kid hesitated because of the reason that girls are too demanding. But the girl says she only wanted French fries that only cost 25 pesos in McDonalds.

Here’s the video:

Good Bye 2010 - Blessed and Fruitful 2011

This is the first time from the three years of existence of this blog that I will not write an actual year ender post. Instead, I just want to say thank you to those who reads my blog wherever you are and who ever you are. To those who believed in me and trusted me in my advocacy and campaign special mention to the group of World Food Programme here in the Philippines, in Italy and USA for being their for me and welcoming me the community. To World Wild Fund – Philippines, Habitat for Humanity, Green Peace Philippines, 1 Billion Hungry group, UNAIDS group in Geneva and United Nations Development Programme in the Philippines, and the social media team in New York thanks for being their when I have lots of questions.

Being a blogger, is fun but putting content is sometimes hard, I would like to thank all the PR agencies and group who’s always there and acknowledges me, you know who you are guys. 2010 was also a year of friendship for me, I met new friends which are bloggers, social media aficionados and people whom I shared interest with like movies, theater, advocacy and food of course. I met people from other parts of the world and I learn a lot from them, Anne from India, Andre Milroy my mentor from the UN Millennium Campaign in South East Asia and also a good friend of mine, Abby Ravera of WFP Italy and to my Coca Cola Live Positively family.

I was also welcomed by the Iloilo Blogging Community when I visit their beautiful and culture rich town during Visayas Blogging Summit, my perspective in life in terms heritage and wanting to know more about what we can do more as blogger rather than just posting in our blog. There was a gentleman who joined the summit and young girl who asked me on what they can do well for their province/town. The gentleman was from Capiz who wanted to use the power of blogging to reach out to online community and show how great was his place and also is a channel of information. This was a sort of fuel for me to go on with what I am doing. There maybe obstacles and people not believing on what you are fighting for, but the main idea is, despite of the few, there are some who will be inspired and will stand up to fight for change and reach out to those who are in need.

I hope that next year, it will be more a blessing to all and be fruitful especially for those who had waited for it. For those who are asking for change, the challenge is to be part of it especially the process. It is a very long way, roads may be rocky and steep but I know everyone can make it to reach out for their dreams and goals in life, just have that faith in your heart that you can do it.

For my fellow Filipinos and my country… Masagana at mapagpalang Bagong Taon sa iyo baying Pilipinas. Nawa’y umasenso ka at guminhawa sa taong 2011 at mas tumatag ka pa sa mga pagsubok na haharapin ng iyong mga anak at bayan.

Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Maligayang Pasko na Puno ng Pag-Asa sa Lahat!

Pasko – ito ang araw na bukod sa mga kaarawan natin ay siyang nagpapangiti sa atin kahit minsan puno tayo ng kalungkutan o alalahanin sa buhay. Ang Pasko ay nag papaalala sa atin na minsan sa dilim n gating buhay at suliranin ay may pag-asa pa. Tulad iyan ng isang batang laging nakatuon sa ilalim ng Christmas Tree at iniintay kung anong oras niya bubuksan ang regala, umaasa na sana iyon ang pinapangarap niyang damit o laruan. Kagaya rin ito ng batang nakatanghod sa hapag kaininan nagnanais makatikim na ng paborito niyang spaghetti o fried chicken.

Mga simpleng kaligayahan ng mga batang puno ng pag asang nakikita natin lagi tuwing Pasko. Tatanggapin kung ano man ang ibigay sa kanila at susuklian ng ngiti, sayaw, yakap at halik. Minsan sa buhay natin ngayong tayo ay matatanda na, minsan hindi na tayo nakuntento kung ano man meron tayo at nakukuha natin. Minsan ang Pasko para sa iilan ay isang magarang handaan, na may mamahaling gamit at regalo, minsan nawawala na sa atin ang tunay na halaga ng Pasko. Minsan nalilimutan na natin ang diwa nito at napapalitan ng napakaraming kumplikado sa buhay.

Sana alalahanin natin na minsan ay may isinilang na hari at tagapagligtas sa isang simpleng sabsaban. Walang kayamanan, walang karangyahan, kundi isang simpleng tao lamang. Ito ang nalilimutan na natin, ang simpleng diwa ng Pasko, ang kapiling ang mga minamahal at nabubuhay na masaya, at ipagdiwang ang araw ng kapanganakan ng Tagapagligtas.

Nawa’y sagana man o tuyot ang handaan natin sa Pasko, ang tanging hiling ko lang ay manatiling buo, masaya at nag kakaisa ang bawat pamilya. At ang diwa ng Pasko na pag-ibig, pag-asa at pakikipagkapwa tao ay mamalagi sa bawat puso natin lahat.

Mapagpalang Pasko sa lahat lalo na sa mga Pinoy saan parte ng mundo!

Like this post? Subscribe on my blog by clicking HERE!
Become a Facebook Fan to get more updates from In My Opinion!
You can follow me on Twitter.com/FlowGalindez

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Goodbye Maria Ressa

After years of being the head of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs, Maria Ressa will be leaving her post by November 15, where Ging Reyes the ABS-CBN News Bureau Chief in North America will be replacing her.

 

(With Maria Ressa)

Ressa brings the power of citizen journalism and the use of social media in ANC where they pioneered Boto Mo i-Patrol mo, a tool that empowers citizens to report what is happening in their are that is hardly reach by the media. BMPM became a very important mechanism in monitoring elections and to expose anomalies in the government.

She filled her resignation last October 11, and officially announced it during the general assembly where reporters, employees and stakeholders are present on the said event. Here is the official statement of Maria Ressa in connection of her resignation (via ABS-CBNNews.com):

Dear Team,


There is a time and place for everything in our lives. My time and place as head of ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs is nearing its end.


My contract ends on Jan. 3, 2011, and I will not be renewing. I have nearly six months of accumulated leaves so I will go on terminal leave beginning Nov. 15.


It’s time for me to move on, but it’s important we transition properly and prepare our organization – and its new leader – for the challenges ahead.


Ging Reyes will be taking over as news head. She will be arriving in Manila on Oct. 18 to begin our transition. Home-grown ABS-CBN, she has more than twenty years experience as a journalist, the last eight years as North America bureau chief. Please give her your full support as she takes the helm of our multi-platform operations.


I want to thank you for six amazing, incredible years where we took risks together to help define the future of journalism and our nation. We decided to take a stand and say no to corruption; to embrace the growth of social media; and to join hands with citizen journalists to patrol our votes and our nation . Thank you for your trust and support, for following me even when I tilt at windmills.


Journalism faces challenging days ahead. Value and protect your editorial independence. I wish you clarity of thought, stamina, and courage to fight for what is right and avoid the compromise of mediocrity.


You have taught me so much about what it means to be a Filipino. While my time with this company is ending, one of the most precious things it has given me are our friendships, which I hope will continue to grow even when I’m no longer with ABS-CBN.


My very best,


Maria

(Dinner with Arwa Damon of CNN with Maria Ressa, Anne, and Lia Andanar-Yu)

For a person who looks up to her and had the chance to talk to her, it was a very unforgettable experience to be welcomed in her company. In my personal opinion she may be strict boss, but she knows how to open to people, she had taught me lots of things about citizen journalism and friendship. In a less that year of knowing her, for me it was a lifetime. I was grateful that I met her and looking forward in the future of more fruitful learning and friendship with her, which through her I gained friends in her news team.

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Philippine Flag not properly positioned during the 2ND US-ASEAN Leaders Meeting

While everyone is reading the updates on the Joint Statement of the 2ND US-ASEAN Leaders Meeting in New York last September 24, 2010, I can’t help myself to notice that the Philippine Flag behind President Noynoy Aquino was not properly positioned. The red is on top instead of blue; on this manner the position of the flag connotes war or diplomatic protest. The Philippine flag is one of the rare flags among nations that can be reverse the position of the two color (blue and red) depending on the situation of the country. The Red on top shows that the country is on war or diplomatic protest, while Blue on top shows that country is at peace or secured state.

Country’s symbols like the flag is very important for us like how most of the Filipinos especially the historic commission reacts on the way the National Anthem should be sung. I don’t know who should be blamed on the mistake, did they ever noticed? Maybe next time let’s be more cautious and observant on how things are executed aside from the clothes that our leaders are wearing.

Update (8PM September 26, 2010)

In Manolo Quezon III twitter post he posted the side of US Embassy regarding the said mistake. Quoting him:

"Rebecca Thompson, US Embassy, on inverted RP flag in US-ASEAN confab: "This was an honest mistake. The U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines which were demonstrated tis past week during President Aquino's trip to the U.S., with the signing of the MCC Compact, the US-ASEAN meeting, and the meeting of our two Presidents that followed it."

Source: (http://twitter.com/mlq3/status/25580555447) - Direct link: http://www.twitlonger.com/show/81fffc493ecac411bb7a725c0da7f3e5.

Image from http://www.gov.ph

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

South Cotabato caught in between economic progess versus provincial enviromental code

It seems that the dream for economic boom of Mayor Leonardo Escobillo for his municipality in Tampakan, South Cotabato will be washed away by a brewing allegation of violating Mining Act of 1995, an environmental code that links to open pit mining activity. With the projected US$6 Billion investment Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) for the Tampakan Copper-Gold Project (TCGP), it will assure employment to more that 9, 000 residents in Tampakan and nearby places and will guarantee economic growth for the South Cotabato local government by 2015. This project will be possibly the biggest single investment for the country.

(Photo from http://www.southcotabato.gov.ph)

For the information of the readers, open pit mining or also known as quarrying is process where stripping or removing surface vegetation, dirt and layers of bedrock to reach the buried deposits, and in the case of the Tampakan they will be mining for gold and copper. Which in this case in the Provincial Environment Code of South Cotabato created by its former board they are prohibiting the said process as stated; “Open-pit mining method shall not be allowed in the Province of South Cotabato” (Section 22 B) and will only allow open pit mining at least 1 kilometer away from their boundary (Sec 22 C).


The possible set back frustrates Escobillo but in the article published in the Philippine Star Governor of South Cotabato Arthur Pingoy will be reviewing the legalities of the implications of the project on both environment and economy. Pingoy will also be checking on the controversial Provincial Environmental Code that runs counter to the Republic Act 7942 or Mining Act of 1995 and the national policy on the Revitalizing the Philippine Mining Industry. In the article of Manila Bulletin posted last June 26 it was highlighted that Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 12 director Constancio Paye Jr. that Provincial Board cannot specify which area in South Cotabato is prohibited from mining as stated in the Section 19 of RA 7942 which in this case the Congress has the position to do so. And the decision on whether the project will pushed through or not depends on the proposal that SMI will be submitting to the government. 

(Photo from http://www.southcotabato.gov.ph)

It is clear that the environmental code posted by the former provincial board of South Cotabato contradicts to what was stated in the Mining Act of 1995 as mention by Paye that it is the Congress has the sole power to state particular land where mining is prohibited. Yes I support environmental policies on preservation and taking care of the environment but I also bear in mind the economic contribution it will give to Mindanao particularly in South Cotabato. It will be a big help to the families of the more than 9, 000 possible employees of the TCGP of the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. (SMI) and will be contributing to the education, and agricultural livelihood in favor of the South Cotabato local government. In order not to put to waste all the efforts and plans for Tampakan, SMI should present a clear plan as stated in the Mining Act of 1995 which includes the proper disposal of waste and the rehabilitation process which passes the requirements of the government environmental policies. In this case Tampakan will have the economic boom they wanted and at the same time with the proper implementation of environmental policies like Environmental Protection and Environmental Impact Assessment (RA 7942 Sec 69 & 70) environmental rehabilitation, regeneration and revegetation will be discuss to benefit the province’s ecosystem.

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

The brewing rumor against Saridon

Yes, you read the title of my blog entry right it’s been a while since there are rumors in the internet asking if Saridon is safe to take. The analgesic drug is a combination of 150 mg of propyphenazone, 250 mg of paracetamol and 50 mg of caffeine and it is use to relieve headache, muscle pain and tooth ache. Right now Saridon is available in the suburbs and major in Visayas and Mindanao.

With the campaign of fast relief in 15 minutes, it gain major converts of buyers and followers compare to other paracetamol, ibuprofen and aspirin products. For a person who works in a stressful and headache prone work it’s a good market strategy for me to take the medicine in to consideration, but the question is why does Bayer the manufacturer of the said drug doesn’t distribute it in the Luzon particularly in Metro Manila? That one question gives me a ring to search in the internet about the said product and one was landed on this article about the warning on the use of Saridon published by Horacio Paredes in his blog which Bayer gives their answer to Parades in his online column in Abante.

Checking the content of the drug again caught my attention and that is the 50 mg caffeine, and we all know that it is a bitter, white crystalline xanthine alkaloid that is a psychoactive stimulant when overuse can be addictive and when abused it leads to irregular rapid heart beat or palpitation, gastrointestinal disturbance muscle twitching and respiratory alkalosis which explains article of Conrado R. Banal III in the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated July 28, 2010 on the “Possibly Fatal” Saridon. In Banal’s article it was mention that “the product induced dizziness, fainting, hardness of breathing, low blood pressure, heart failure and—as the term indicates—even death” which according to him it was mentioned by some of his contacts at the pharmaceutical business.

In the article of Dennis Fetalino in Journal Online dated July 24, 2010 he mentioned that Saridon was recalled by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to phenacetin, the original component in the medicine which has a side effect and after-effect of carcinogenesis that is one of the major contributors of cancer, the pull out happens in 1983 which the drug was developed 50 years earlier (1933). Phenacetin was replaced with paracetamol, and it the product was announced reformulated and has massive campaign in VisMin. Yes, commercialism is doing its ways and wonders to get the buyers return to the product despite of the issues thrown to the product, same marketing magic done in food supplements with No Approved Therapeutic Claims.

I end my search disappointed in checking the information about Saridon is that the manufacturer lacks details about the product and the question on why it’s only exclusively distributed in Visayas and Mindanao. With the brewing rumors against the drug I think the Department of Health (DOH) and Bureau of Food and Drugs (BFAD) who has more knowledge on drugs and its content and give possible clarification and information that will educate the buying market specially those in suburbs who’s doctor are themselves and TV advertising because the lack of access to real doctors.

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Son of Ex-Philippine President Secures Seat as Solon for Security Guards

July 20 – From a vote of 4 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention, the Commission on Election (COMELEC) proclaims Mikey Arroyo the son of former President and now the Pampanga District 2 Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo secures a congressional seat as a representative of Ang Galing Pinoy a party-list for the security guard.

The COMELEC commissioners who voted yes in favor with Mikey were Nicodemo Ferrer, Elias Yusoph, Lucenito Tagle and Armando Velasco, while those who said no were Rene Sarmiento and Gregorio Larrazabal and its only Chairman Jose Melo who voted abstention. Former Party-list representative Satur Ocampo (Bayan) and Liza Masa (Gabriella) filed disqualification against Mikey twice yet COMELEC proclaimed him. Opposing group can only appeal at the Supreme Court.

Mikey was a former 2nd district of Pampanga congressman for only one term until her mother succeeded the position. He will be included as the fifth Arroyo who will be joining the 15th Congress where the other three Arroyos were Rep. Iggy Arroyo of 5th District of Negros Occidental (brother in law of Mrs. Arroyo), Rep. Diosdado “Dado” Macapagal-Arroyo of 1st District of Camarines Sur (son) and Ang Kasangga party-list Rep. Ma. Lourdes T. Arroyo (sister-in-law) Now five Arroyos in the congress, Mikey, Gloria, and Lakas Kampi CMD holds majority in congress will it help Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo secures her speakership and will her charter change resolution that she passed on her first day in congress will succeed?

All eyes will vigilantly monitoring all the movements of the Arroyos and their alliances in congress, but only one question remains in my mind, in a common person’s perspective – Does Mikey have the credibility to represent a marginalized sector of the society, which in this case the security guards?

Subscribe to my RSS Feed via email! Enter your email address below:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Hamon sa bawat Filipino ngayong Araw ng Kalayaan

Ipinagdidwang natin ang ika-112 na taon ng Araw ng Kalayaan sa bansa, at siya ring pagluklok ng ika-15th na presidente ng bansa kasama na rin ang mga iba pang manunungkulan pero hindi pa natatapos ang responsibilidad na inatang natin sa ating mga balikat noong araw ng eleksyon, dahil hindi pa natatapos ang responsibilidad natin para sa bayan, hindi ito nag uumpisya at natatapos sa balota kundi ang responsibilidad ng bawat isa sa bayan, parte man ng gobyerno o hindi ay habang buhay.

Noong pinalabas ang Ambisyon 2010 sa ANC, isa sa mga pumukaw ng aking atensyon ang gawa ni Emerson Reyes, Ang Telenobela ni Juan at Luzviminda. Nakakatawa ang konsepto ng short film na ito pero may tama siya, ito ay umikot sa usapan nina Juan dela Cruz at ni Luzviminda, mag asawa sila pero ipinagkait ni Luzviminda na magkaanak sila ni Juan dela Cruz dahil sa kakulangan ng responsibilidad ni Juan sa kanyang sarili at sa bayan kaya hirap ipagkaloob ni Luzviminda ang anak dapat nilang si Demokrasya. Simpleng short film pero malalim ang nilalaman na karaniwan ang mga Pinoy ay nakakalimot sa kanilang responsibilidad sa bayan, at ang pagiging makabayan niya ay lumalabas lamang kapag eleksyon, Araw ng Kalayaan, o kung nananalo si Manny Pacquiao sa boxing doon lang lumalabas ang pagiging Filipino natin. Pero sana hindi lang hanggang doon.

Isang hamon sa bawat Filipino ay kung paano maging isang tunay na Filipino, may malasakit sa bayan at sa kapwa. Ang bawat isa sa atin ay si Juan dela Cruz umaasam ng demokrasya, totoong demokraysa mula sa kahirapan at suliranin ng bayan pero bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa natin nakukuha ito? Ito ang diwa ng Araw ng Kalayaan para sa akin, ang responsibilidad at maging simula ng pagbabago. Kung nais natin ng maayos na lipunan at malayang bayan, simulan natin sa sarili natin ang pagbabago, at patuloy magbantay sa bayan. Ibalik natin ang bayanihan sa bawat isa at pakikipagkapwa tao sa bawat pagkukusa at pagtutulong tulong aangat ang bayan. Dahil ang bawat isa ay may magandang magagawa para sa bayan at sa kapwa. Ang tunay at taos pusong pagdiriwang ng Araw ng Kalayaan ay hindi nakabase sa magagarang paghahanda at mamahaling gastos, kundi ang paghahatid ng tamang mensahe at pagpapaalala sa bawat isa ang pagiging Pilipino sa isip, sa salita at sa gawa.

Malayang ika-112 Araw ng Kasarimlan ng Bayan!

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Wish I can do the finger for not passing Freedom of Information Act in Congress

Tulad ng inaasahan katulad ng Reproductive Health Bill at napakaraming mga panukalang pinapatay na walang kalaban laban dahil sa kakulangan sa bilang ng quorum o sa kabalukturan ng pag-iisip ng mga kongresista sa House of the Representative. Bago ko ituloy ang pag-ba-bash ko sa araw na ito, nakikiramay ako sa pag-massacre sa Freedom of Information Bill na pinatay na walang kalaban laban ng mga mangmang at nagmamagaling na mga pinapipita-pitagan nating mga kongresista sa Crocodile Farm ng Pilipinas sa Batasan Pambansa sa Quezon City o mas kilala na House of the Representative.

(This is how House of the Representative looks in long view)

Akala ng lahat na maipapasa ang House Bill 3732, Freedom of Information (FOI) Act sa kongreso ngayon, pero nagkamali tayo na ang mga pumirma at nakiaayon noong binubuo ang panukalang ito ay naglaho na parang bula, parang mga asong bahag ang buntot, habang ang iba naman ay maagang nagbakasyon kahit Friday pa lang ngayon. Wala nang bago dito, ganun ang eksena sa kongreso, maraming absent lalo na session, maraming undertime at marami ring late, walang pinagbago ganyan ang mga ibinoto nating mga congressman, ang ilan natutulog sa pansitan habang nagpapakalunod sa pork barrel at kaban ng bayan. Sana may magpanukala na NO SHOW on SESSION, NO PORK BARREL and PAY, kagaya sa ibang mga kumpanya para hindi abusado ang mga mapanglamang na buwaya sa kongreso. Bato bato sa langit ang matamaan magbago na, bato bato sa langit ang mag deny kapal na ng mukha.

Wish Department of National Resources considers House of the Representative as a new Zoo/Tourst Attraction in the Philippines, marami kasing buwaya kaya hindi ako naniniwala na endangered species sila kasi sa kongreso pa lang maraming type na ng mga buwaya in any color, in any size and in any outfit may pork barrel pang nabubulsa.

Namatay man ang FOI sa kongreso sa ngayong 14th session pero tandaan nila may 15th, 16th at marami pang session hindi titigil ang mga tao para sa idikdik ang hahalagahan ng panukalang ito.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Boy Abunda airs his side on the alleged Department of Tourism Appointment

Sa Showbiz News Ngayon ay ipinahayag ni Boy Abunda ang kanyang side ukol sa mga batikos na binabato sa kanya kaugnay sa possible na pag appoint sa kanya ng Presidential front runner na si Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III para sa posisyong secretary of Department of Tourism. Ayon sa kanya ay na offend siya sa mga taong bumabatikos sa kanya sa kanilang pag-question sa credibility niya na maging isang appointed secretary sa isa sa posibleng kabinete ni Noynoy. Ayon sa kanya wala siyang diploma sa marketing o law para masabing qualified siya sa pagiging DOT secretary na kung saan ay ang pangunahing trabaho ay ipromote ang bansa lalo na ang tourism at heritage ng Pilipinas. Ayon sa kanya maaari siya ay isang entertainer pero hindi siya basta basta entertainer kundi isa siyang entertainer na seryoso sa ginagawa niya at trabaho at bukas sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Pero sa panahong ito ay hindi pa handa si Boy Abunda para maging secretary dahil may kontrata siya sa ABS-CBN hanggang 2011 at ito ay nirerespeto niya pero hindi ibig sabihin nito ay sarado na siya sa opportunity na hinahain sa kanya.

Sadly, ang pananaw ng karamihan ay kailangan may ganitong natapos o titulo para makapglingkod sa bayan, minsan nalilimutan natin na ang importante ay ang sincerity at dedication sa trabaho at ito ang karaniwang wala sa mga taong nasa posisyon lalo na sa gobyerno. Hindi sukatan kung ano ang natapos, o ano ang buhay na pinanggalingan, lalo na kung sino ang kaibigan, pamilya o kung saan nagtapos para masabing may karapatan ang isang tao sa posisyon at sa trabahing pinapangarap nila. Aminin natin masyadong nagiging makitid ang mga tao pagdating kapasidad ng paglilingkod sa bayan, kaya minsan ay nagkakaleche-leche na sa gobyerno o kung saan man dahil sinusukat natin ang kapasidad ng tao base sa estado niya sa lipunan lalo na ang pinanggalingan niyang buhay. Para kay Boy Abunda saludo ako sa tapang mong ipahayag ang iyong opinyon at ang iyong pananaw na hindi nasusukat ng anu pa man ang kagustuhang maglingkod sa bayan.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Still just like manual election…

After my amazement on the poll automation system implemented by the Commission on Election, sadly it seems like we are all back in manual counting where he have election dramas here and there that slows the counting of ballots, along with the back to back, side and front issues on anomalies thrown by the opposing candidates and whistle blowers.

Just like a primetime drama, we have characters hiding on mask, and last minute revelations that contribute to the twist and turns of this election. According the whistle blowers they already know that there are cheating on the poll before election takes place on May 10 such as; the anomaly-ridden ballot-secrecy-folder deal; the buying of indelible ink that supposedly did not pass the requirements; the alleged intentional delay in the final testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machines to allow cheating in the elections. (Posted on www.ABS-CBNnews.com) all were allegations thrown to the COMELEC

But one thing I want to know if they are aware on the said anomalies of election, why stating those concerns now? Before the election takes place and during the bidding, there are tons of media men during the selection process why they need to wait until after election if they really have concerns for clean poll? Honestly this post doesn’t side on the COMELEC, this post is hoping for a clear answers, everybody wants transparency. Maybe the next administration should look deeper on the system and policy making of COMELEC if they really want to clean the system after all election is not yet over after the proclamation we still have baranggay election on October and senatorial election on 2013, it isn’t time to clean the system of COMELEC following its tagline “protecting the sanctity of the ballot since 1940”.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

2 Year Old Kid Smoking in Indonesia – Alarming!

Last night on TV Patrol World, a 2 year old Indonesian kid was shown smoking cigarettes in a CNN report done by Arwa Damon. The video shows that Aldi, the 2 year old Indonesian boy smoking cigarettes just like an adult smoker know knows to hold and puff smokes from the cigarettes. In Arwa’s report she asked advice from the National Commission for Child Protection in Indonesia and according to them that the environment gives a big impact on the children who smokes at the early age.

Aldi can consume 40 cigarettes a day throws tantrums or even hurt himself if now given a single stick every time his addiction occurs. Before our main concerns is how to solve tobacco issues like second hand and third hand smoking where it has big impact on the health of children and pregnant women, now aside from selling cigarettes to minors we are facing the dilemma of smokers getting younger not being aware of the health risk they might be encountering because of smoking, and more at the early age.

Here in the Philippines we implemented Tobacco Regulation Act that restricts selling cigarettes to minors, advertisement/promotions and smoking in public places. Sadly like in Indonesia and other countries there are policies (maybe) on tobacco regulations but the implementation is weak or sometimes the government almost forgot that there are existing laws concerning issues like this. Another weak spot on tobacco regulations like in the Philippines is on not implementing image based tobacco warning that will be more powerful that the text warning. If Australia can do that so why does Philippines and other countries can’t implement, unless the policy makers are weak.

Watch the video on CNN.com.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Barangay captains in Tarlac to swear in Noynoy Aquino

With the tensions going on in the Supreme Court in connection with the “midnight appointment “ of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of the incoming Chief Justice Renato Corona who will be replacing Reynato Puno who will be retiring on May 17. President elect Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III who will be assuming office on June 30 releases a statement that he rather takes his oath as the 15th President of the Philippines before the Barangay Captains in Tarlac rather than Corona.

Aquino strongly opposes the appointment of Corona by PGMA and he finds it inappropriate and he will never recognize him as chief justice. Corona was PGMA’s former presidential legal counsel, chief of staff, spokesman and acting executive secretary. Despite of the election-appointment ban that holds the outgoing president to appoint anyone in the office, PGMA ignored it and appointed Corona. The Supreme Justice ruled this issue by informing the critics that the judiciary department is exempted from the ban.

Aquino, who has no plan to swear in before the incoming chief justice will be following his mother, the late former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino who didn’t took her oath before the chief justice (Ramon Aquino) that time but to the Associate Justice Claudio Teehankee.

***

To swear in or not, it will be a big challenge to Aquino to face one of the biggest challenges in his administration, if he takes oath before Corona it means he accepts and recognizes the appointment done by PGMA. If not, according to the Presidential Spokesman Ricardo Saludo last May 13, he says that the incoming president could face impeachment if he fails to recognize Corona as the new Chief Justice of the Supreme Court where SC releases a statement that the appointment done by PGMA to Corona is legal. In this case the two scenarios doesn’t favor to Aquino, is this the first strategy of PGMA as part of her “plans” now she will be assuming as congresswoman in Pampanga along with her alliance who will be assuming to power by June 30. The next question will she be the next House Speaker of the House of the Representative and what will be Aquino’s plan to fight it? Aside from Arroyo, Marcosses will be in power too, Imelda in congress, Imee as governor in Ilocos Norte, and Bongbong Marcos in Senate. Believe me 2010-2016 will be fun in terms of Philippine politics.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Two Catholic Bishops will endorse to JC delos Reyes

It’s been a while since the Catholic Church stands clearly on the issue on politics; those were the times of the late Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin who joins the People Power Revolution and during the ousting of President Joseph Ejercito Estrada. Now that the 2010 election is near, the two Catholic bishops resigned from Philippine Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) poll watchdog service and shows support to the presidential candidate Councilor JC delos Reyes of Ang Kapatiran Party, they are Lipa Archbishop Ramon Arguelles and Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra. The two bishops will be endorsing delos Reyes as they believe on his “prophetic” image that will bring change on the usual political system of the government. As of now there is no clear sign that the two bishops represents the whole hierarchy of the Catholic Church in the country like what other charismatic group is doing now and same with the Iglesia ni Cristo who has bloc vote ever since.

It is always been a big argument in the issue of separation of state and church which we always see how the church interferes with the government in regards of the political system, scandals and scams which mostly connected to “morality”. Morality per see is always a general topic which it’s hard to determine and depends on the religion or belief we are talking about. Yes it is a free country the anyone has the right to say or support anyone they wanted, so I’m saying my piece now, as a member of the church but not that fanatic compare to others, it is hard for me to see that some of my “bishops” is supporting a candidate along with his senatorial bet who doesn’t have clear stand on issue on maternal health and population growth. We are missing the point here, maybe what’s the best thing that the church should be doing like what PPCRV is doing is to encourage the people to have constant discerning on whom among the candidate is worth of vote, with their platforms and their capabilities and abilities to execute it, and pushing everyone to vote on May 10 election.

Read my post about JC delos Reyes on the issue of Population and Enviromental Development here.

And JC delos Reyes during the ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Harapan 2010 Presidential Forum in University of Sto Tomas.

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Let People Power works on May 10, 2010

As remember People Power on its 24th anniversary Filipinos should remember of what happen in EDSA last February 25, 1986. I was only few years old during that time yet like what I always say that it doesn’t hinder me of knowing what happen how we suffer from martial law and how press freedom and human rights were suppress and violated. But people stood up and say no more of it and they march on EDSA to protest and calls for bringing democracy back to the Philippines. I don’t want to converse much of the history everyone knows what happen and how we gain democracy it only in the matter how we embrace it.


I was hoping that on the 2010 Election on May 10, the spirit of People Power works, to be vocal of what the country really needs and what our leaders should be doing. I hope that everyone should participate on the election and exercise this right, the people power now is though voting and participating on know candidates deeper not only with the personal life and popularity, not by just rubbing elbows with them but through their platforms. We should have constant evaluation on their platforms like what I have observed and blogged they have vague plans on education, maternal health, housing and urban planning and now with the alarming issue on climate change, rapid increase of population growth and the epidemic status of HIV/AIDS in the country maybe the future president should have a concrete plan on answering this concern including graft and corruption and proper management on pork barrel.

Let EDSA People Power Revolution inspire us that once in our life we should stood for our country and our countrymen, and this time its through election and becoming vigilant in all the things that our government officials is doing. Let People Power and the love for our county continue burns in our heart. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner