NATZINALISM: Cool Voters Don't Give Away Votes They Loan Them.

NATZINALISM: Cool Voters Don't Give Away Votes They Only Lend Them.

Social Polarization

Are you wondering why is there a continuous social unrest?

This Phenomenon is plaguing the country since Philippine history was just about to be written. Even before the inception it never ceases to bring turmoil in the society. This event toppled down former governments and conversely instituted new ones. Amazingly, as time progresses the resulting social unrest generates more power and continues destroying the country, its economy, its moral foundation and its integrity.

This upheaval was forged from the clashing of two opposing forces; that two groups of people that made up the Philippine social spectrum. One group is composed of the poor people, while the other group is made up of the wealthy ones, a social grouping based on the economic conditions of each group.

The former is always on the offensive. Being the underprivileged and the oppressed, they seek redress through redistribution of the national wealth by equal share. Conversely, the latter group is one that is on the defensive. Born of nobility, educated and apprised of their rights to inheritance they considered their wealth, their own birth right, hence, deems it beyond contestation.

The genesis of this battle dates back eons of years ago. History speaks of the battle between the Spaniards settlers and the native dwellers whose conflict finds its root from the improper distribution of wealth and resources. This event never left the nation since then. Like a perpetual storm that sweeps the social atmosphere of this nation for years, this unrest has been woven so intricately into the fibers of the society, a social problem hovering upon this nation unceasingly.

The socio-economic composition of the Philippines is made up of two extreme groupings; the poor and the wealthy. This social set up began during the period of hispanic occupation of the country. As a Spanish Colony, the Conquestadores drained all the country’s resources. Kept the wealth of the colony inside the vaults of the Spanish families, Whilst, dominating the rule upon this country, imports the corrupt system of governance from Spain. Consequently, the natives were deprived of their bounties from our motherland. Traces of this families or clans remain today. They're the majority of poor families, which were the remnants of the slave Indios. The wealthy families, who have control of our present economy, are the heirs of the insulares and the peninsulares. Their last names traced their roots from the hispanic race that once seized control over the country. Philippines, therefore, is predisposed to this social disturbance brought about by the unequal wealth distribution.

After the Spanish occupation came the Americans. Capitalism became the major economic reform in the country. Opportunism flourished; driven by the capitalist ideology Filipinos sought the opportunity to emancipate themselves from poverty. Education too played a vital role in this process. The former indios went to school and became professionals. This event paves the way for the restructuring the social composition of the country. The Filipino working professionals increased in number through time thst gave birth to a third group called the "middle class". This new group acted as middle ground between the two clashing groups of the poor and the wealthy. Filipinos belonging to the middle class are neither poor nor rich. The middle class obtained social standing in the community by virtue of their professions and had consolidated control of a fair share in the distribution of wealth.

With the emergence of the middle class the erstwhile social unrest came to a temporary halt (debatable according to some). As the number of professionals increased, among the poor families, poor Filipinos eventually were lifted from poverty and partaken sizeable distributive share of the national wealth. Resultantly, a new socio-economic structure was ormed by these three groups, which illustratively took the shape of a diamond. At the two pointed ends of the structure are the rich and the poor classes and at the bulging center is the middle class.

Unfortunately the defunct social stability did not last. The indios who were now self governing have not gone away from the shadows of their colonizers. Relative to the running of the newly founded government, was the adoption of the corrupt system of governance. The system of Capitalism from the Americans became the bedrock of the inherited practice of corruption in the government. Opportunism (of capitalist practice) spoused by protectionism (of hispanic origin) became an effective concoction for graft and corruption.

The rich Filipinos at one end of the social spectrum found the way to protect their wealth from being distributed to the other groups. The wealthy class tapped the practice of graft and corruption by bribing officials in the government and ensured that every policies formulated and every legislations passed would be protective of their resources from being redistributed. Worst, when the wealthy became officials of the government themselves, they have thereby permanently sealed their wealth away from the other classes. Graft and corruption became lucrative business among the Wealthy politicians and their wealthy cohorts who ran the government. Having been deprived again of the concealed national wealth, the poor people reignited the flames of the olden battle for the equal distribution of wealth.

Several episodes of social unrest again engulfed the social atmosphere. By repeating history, the social disturbance that once transpired in the past, finds its way back to the present time. The ancient battle between the poor and the wealthy begun , which was triggered by the unfair distribution of the country's resources. The diamond structure formed by the three social groupings eroded as lesser professionals from the middle class could maintain a decent way of living. Majority of these working professionals became poor. The former diamond-shaped social structure changed into new structure, taking the pyramid shape. The re-formation into a pyramidal social structure disrupted the status quo that heightened displeasure among the people, consequently, social unrest ensued once again. With the new socio-economic structure in place of the former one, the middle ground at the center vanished. More and more middle class people turned pauper in the process. The poor people increased in number, which was to become the base of the pyramid. Middle class in the society decreased while, rich people became wealthier. The wealthy people were at the apex of the pyramid looking like supreme amongst the other Filipinos.

Continuously unchecked, the imbalance distribution of wealth would ultimately destroy social order. If the rich people continue on amassing wealth more than their share in the distribution and the poor people kept on becoming pauper and with lesser or none at all share in the wealth distribution, these two forces would eventually collide heads on.

The impending chaos in the social order is imminent because of the phenomenon this country is experiencing called Social Polarization. As the group of the poor people becomes poorer and the group of wealthy people becomes wealthier the middle class between these opposing sides melts. The worst scenario is that there would be no middle class left in the social structure. The intense pulling apart of the two opposing ends and the frequent violent collision of the two contradicting forces in the social spectrum is Social Polarization in the active phase.

With the present socio-economic conditions prevailing among Filipinos there is indeed a social polarization. There was no more middle class left in the social structure. It vaporized in the process of polarization. The once middle class composed of the working professionals could hardly be construed a distinct and a separate class on its own. Having meager salaries and income which could not cope up with the high cost of living these people belong to the group of the poor people. Salary and cost of living are factors that affect the determination of whether or not an individual lives a decent life, after all, people in the middle class are supposed to lead a decent living. The present plight of the working professionals reveals that they do not have income enough to support their needs. In reality, therefore, working professionals are poor people.

Social polarization destroys social structures and brings down social order. Such that, any demonstrations in the streets or mass gatherings of angry mob or any other social unrest, are prelude to a much bigger and disastrous event brought by the continuing collision of the two extreme forces of the rich and the poor, embattled with each other for the equal distribution of the national wealth. Unless, an effective and concrete solution to the problem of polarization shall be put in place, social unrest shall stay in the country for good until a new system shall have been born from the refueled ancient battle for wealth.

God bless Philippines.

LABOR DAY: BENEFITS OR HOLIDAY?

The nation observes on this day, the 1^st of May, Labor Day. By decreeing it a holiday Filipinos commemorate this day in honor of labor.

In every economy in the world labor plays a vital role. Economic growth depends much from the labor sector. So much so, that a vigorous economy is spelled out from a strong and developed labor force.

In the Philippines, nothing’s different. Labor is the backbone of its economy. Hence, it is therefore proper that this country gives labor and the laborer enough recognition for that noble part it partakes in building this nation.

However, I could not help but notice the meager acknowledgment bestowed upon the people behind the labor whose work force drives the labor machinery and the nation’s economy into action.

The workers and the laborers both in the government and in the private sectors are the most abused citizen in this body politic. Workers in this country have never experienced a blissful life. Since time immemorial, most laborers have been immersed in a poverty stricken world where benefits and privileges are in scarcity. Several governments have gone yet laborers have never been unchained from the bondage of poverty. Declaring Labor Day, as a holiday is not enough, in fact, it is not even close enough. Governmental policies on labor and labor legislation must be the paramount concern of the government. Giving laborers a single day to take a brief rest from work is an insult rather than a benefit or a privilege. Workers don’t need a holiday, what they want is concrete and tangible benefits commensurate of their labor and sufferings in giving forth life force to the country’s economy.

To the deaf ears of the policy makers and implementers, here is a list of what workers are asking for the longest time now. To wit: higher salaries and or tax exemptions of workers; decent health benefits; realistic pension and life plan benefits; humane work place; worker’s protection; and a good government.

One-day rest from work in honor of the great day of labor allotted to the workers is reflective of the importance given to labor by the government. That is how little labor and the laborers are to the government. Worker’s welfare is nothing but a day’s rest. The government has turned deaf-ears to the plea of the workers. The Labor Force is so much unlike the Arm Force. The present government banks in more in the Arm Force for it’s needed security in power, it being an unpopular government. Unfortunately, to the Labor Force no faithful policy was ever been formulated and implemented for its betterment. No funds were channeled in, no salaries were increased, no benefits for the spouses and children, no modernization plan drafted, no priority agenda was talked about, and worse, no laborers have been emancipated from poverty.

The observance of Labor Day by giving workers’ day off with an empty pocket is an empty gesture of commemorating their noble role in nation building. Instead, fill up their pockets and extend them their reasonable benefits and give them the choice whether to take the day off or not on May 1^st is a genuine showing of gratitude to laborers and the labor.

To all the Filipino workers here and abroad, I salute you. You are the champion of our economy and the modern heroes of the country. Mabuhay ang mga Manggagawang Filipino at ang dakilang Araw ng Paggawa. Mabuhay tayong lahat!

Once A Bookworm Always A Bookworm.

I have wanted to read other books aside from the law books that are filling up all the shelves in my place. In fact its law books all over the place; other than the books of Tolentino, Herrera, Reyes, Regalado, De Leo, etc. on the book shelves, there were stocks of red, maroon, blue and green hard-bound books on the sofa, on the computer table and on my bed. On the dining table there were, likewise, couple of soft-bound books accompanied with machine copies of the pages of SCRA and a hand full of notes. My house is really that mess most of the time but that is my life during school period. There were clatters everywhere giving an atmosphere of a chaotic world. Organizing and arranging these books are out of the question because it is very hard to manage my time squeezing in both my work load in the office and my studies in law school.

Aside from these law books I have likewise in my possession other books. I am a fan of numerous authors whose manuscripts are best sellers. I like John Grisham’s works and I have two of his books. I have read several of his books but I could not afford buying my own copies because my resources are all channeled in my schooling. Such that most non-law books that I have read were either borrowed or gift from friends sharing the same passion in books. Other than my two Grisham books there were other books in my shelves that remained unopened. The famous trilogy book of The Lord of the Rings which was given to me as gift by a good friend before the second sequel of the motion picture is shown in the movie theater remained stocked in my shelves fragmentary read until now collecting dust and maybe mites. There were also books of local authors which were given to me as birthday present that I have merely collected and have not dared to open as yet. Stupid that I am, I borrowed the latest, well at that time, of the sequel of the Harry Potter series, The Half-blood Prince, from a friend during the last semestral break hoping that I could read it. However, I have neglected my reading and came the school season and my purpose has not been realized. Coming this July the last of the sequel of the Harry Potter will be released on bookstores, The Deathly Hollows, and I have not even started with the former. How certainly stupid I am, huh?

Hence, in addition to my law books, which I have thoroughly read, there were other books that keep on filling and stocking in my place. Unfortunately, they remained just like that, filling and stocking, without me having them opened and read. So last Saturday, I made a vow, I promised before my towering stock of books, that I will not watch TV. The pledge includes the undertaking that I will not watch television until I have finished reading at least fifty percent of these dusty books. What a bookworm! I have been wanting in reading other kind books but that purpose seems to have become a distant reality. My eyes are giving up on me every time I start to read they involuntarily shut down even before I finish a single chapter. Worse, my thoughts were hovering away from my mind flying towards the world of sleep and dreams, you know what I mean. Then finally, i decided to slow down in reading and find another way in relaxing my mind.

Alas, last night I sat in front of my TV set and spent the evening watching movies and shows. To my dismay nothing caught my interest. All that I saw in the cable networks are re-runs of movies and shows which I have already seen before. There was nothing new, with few exceptions of some series of shows in AXN channel. Aggravating the feeling of dismay, my sister, who was then around, sat beside me in front of the TV and browsed the local networks. There I had again glimpses of the political campaign ads of the candidates this coming poll frequently interrupting the local shows. It was terrible, like what I had stated before in my previous blog post, the ads are more of nuisance than informative. The campaign ads were absolutely unsubstantial and certified junk. It is such a shame to realize that these politicians wasted substantial amount of money for nonsense ads defiling the air waves and agitating viewers. These strengthen my resolve to ban the TV and read good books instead. I came to a realization that books are better stuff than TV. What a book worm indeed. Haaaaahahahahahahahahahaha!

Text Message From Heaven

After a long time of emptiness I am once again filled with happiness.

Yesterday afternoon my cell phone made a familiar beep notifying me that a message was received. To my surprise the message came from a person that I thought had forgotten me. When I pressed my phone's interface button accessing the message just received I was surprised to see that familiar name again "love ko". The message reads "Hi! Kmusta k n? D nman ako galit syo tampo lang ako nun pero kalimutan na ntn yun. How r u?" After reading it I was dumbfounded. Surprised of the unexpected message. I held my cell phone tightly as if I was holding my girl's hand. My prayers were finally answered, I was forgiven and not forgotten I told my self.

I told her, "I was doing good but I can't get rid of that sadness that keeps on haunting me every time I am alone specially at night" I was confused when she gave this reply through text,"=(", so I immediately texted her again, "When you left a void feeling occupied that room you left empty in my life". Then she replied "Talaga?Alam mo miss n rn kta". After reading that I immediately dialed her cell phone number and talked to her. I said a million sorries and I pledged my whole loyalty to her. She said to me that my apology is accepted and She hopes that I learned my lesson well. "Absolutely" I said. After our conversation I said to my self, "finally! I can be happy again".

I did not expect this to happen but it did happen. Indeed good thing comes to your life unexpected. It just come bangging on your door without any notice. That was really the message of all messages, the message sent from heaven.

You too can be happy! just pray and wait patiently for the answer. No prayers are left unanswered. God is good.

I love you my luvs.

Cool Voters Don't Give Away Votes They Loan Them.

Yesterday, the 4^th of March 2007, I visited my tita Luz in Santol and she was so happy to see me again. After we made exchanges of pleasantries she offered me merienda which I, of course, gladly accepted, who you're kidding, that was free.

While I was having the merienda my tita sat beside me and asked “Kompleto na ba ang listahan mo sa senador?” (Is your list for the senatorial candidates complete already?). I replied “Hindi pa po” (Not yet). Then she said to me that at her age and with the choices of candidates she felt she is no longer interested to vote. “Di naman kawalan sa bayan ang nag-iisang boto ko, diba?” (My single vote is not a lost for the country, is it?). She asked me. Immediately, after hearing her sentiment and her question, I felt a chill. It isn’t a good feeling. I said to my self “what is she thinking.” My mind was shouting and berating the old woman, but, I could not just say what is wrong with her statements and scold my auntie. It is not proper. There was silence; my tita was staring at me directly on my eyes searching for the answer. However, no words came out from my mouth.

After a long pause the silence was broken by my auntie’s own follow up statement. “Sayang lang naman and boto ko sa walang katuturang eleksiyon na ito.” (My vote would only be wasted in this nonsense election). My tita was truly burned up. All her hopes are gone and from her words, her faith to the system and the institutions had vanished. She commented further, “ayaw ko nang ibigay ang boto ko.” (I don’t want to give away my vote anymore). After hearing the last statement, I started to dissect each word she said and ascertain the logic of her opinion.

Initially, when my tita was telling me not to exercise her electoral right, I was furious, but upon hearing her predicament, I started to look at situation through her mind. I could understand her thoughts more clearly already. According to her, after she cast her vote in favor of a candidate who would be then elected to office, the once powerful electorate like her would have to succumb to the powers of that elected official past the Election Day. Her conclusion was very disturbing, according to her, the official elected to the office now wields power beyond contestation. Even if the elected official will go beyond his mandate the poor electorate would have no more right to question him and is left with no recourse but to swallow the evil actions of the said official. With second thoughts, I started to think that my auntie’s political thinking is correct.

“How then could I convince this poor old lady to go to the electoral precinct to vote on election-day?” I asked my self. I wanted her to vote because the future of this nation depends on the voters, then a spark of thought came to me and I remembered a slogan which was very familiar to me. “Do not give away your votes, instead, loan them to the candidates that you have chosen.”

The said slogan was the very slogan used by a friend and classmate, Joseph Balang, on the campaign for the election of the school body held in FEU during my Poli Sci years.

I told my tita to think that when she cast her vote she is not giving it away. Instead, think of it as a loan to the candidates. The principle would have to be like this: when you gave away something based on pure liberality you do not expect any return or consideration. Hence, when you gave away your vote, you thereby had given no right to expect something in return. You are not in any way having the right to demand good governance. On the contrary, when you loan your vote to the candidates, you merely lend them your vote and the candidates are expected to give something in return. The candidates seeking enough votes are hereby obliged to render good services and governance if elected. I told my tita Luz, “If you come across a candidate during the campaign period, you tell him that you loan him your ballot and that you expect services commensurate to your vote.” Then my tita Luz smiled at me and said “you clever animal, that might work”.

The next time an ambitious candidate for an elective position comes to you, and asks for your vote, be not merely a listener of his agenda and propositions. Speak your mind and give him a peace of it. You will vote for him on the condition that you merely lend him the vote and that you expect him to make good of his promises. You make reservations, that should he fail to give what is expected of him, you have the right to make demand of the pledges he owed you and the public. Make your words heard and collect the returns of your investments from the vote you loan to your elective officials. That is a cool, thing to do.

Don't give away your votes but loan them instead to the candidates of your choice. This may not be my original yet its resurrection is very relevant at this point in time. Remember, during the polls it's cool to loan your votes.

Old Movie

"My mama always said life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get." -Forrest Gump (Tom Hanks)

Darn, I' m late again this morning in going to work. I sleep late because of an old movie. I was rummaging my old stuff last night when I came across an old VCD of Forrest Gump. I watched this movie a hundred times already but somehow I never get over it. I don't know why.

After I found the thing that I was looking for I immediately placed the old vcd inside the player and I spent the remaining time left for my sleep watching Forrest Gump. After viewing Forrest I contend my self with a meager sleep of about one hour and twenty-five minutes to be exact.

It was fun watching the movie again though. The movie may have been old but for unknown reason it refreshes me. It is really surprising how it relaxes my rather pre-occupied mind from so much worries and stress. Many thanks to Tom he is a good actor. Life is indeed full of surprises.

Byng Was Indoctrinated.

"Splendid", "very comprehensive" and "enlightening". These are the adjectives used by my friend referring to my post. Wow! I am deeply touched. I received a text message this morning and this good friend told me she was indoctrinated. Whahahahahahahaha... another person has been natzinalized. Bravo! indeed.


An educator, this friend is very insightful. You would not run out of any topic in a conversation if you're with her. Good conversant and listener. Bravo to you too.


Thank you Byng for taking time visiting and reading my blog.

DELICADEZA: The Only Thing Politician’s Money Cannot Buy.

COMELEC’s record show that during the last election held on 2004, among the senatorial candidates, Mar Roxas and Jamby Madrigal are the top two senatorial candidates who spent the most money on commercial advertisements and other election campaign materials. Both spent millions of peso to gain popularity. Alas, it was money worth spending. Both secured sits in the Senate and are now incumbent members of the Chamber.

The same thing is true with regard the other candidates. An analyst from UP said in a TV interview that a candidate for senator would need to spend 200 million to 250 million pesos for campaign expenses. The popular candidate, like a show business personality, would have to spend 50 percent lesser or 100 million pesos which is for me still a substantial amount.

An aspiring public servant entering the service through politics must be filthy rich. A sizeable amount of money ready to be spent in the elections is a condition sine qua non so that the said servant could secure the public position for himself.

How and where will the elected public servant recover his millions spent for the concluded election is another issue. At the moment I want to dwell on the matter of spending and not on recovering.

Gone are the days where the candidates’ campaign strategy is to promote their personal value. I have watched the commercial ads on TV of these politicians aiming for sit in the senate and I was alarmed. All I saw were the singing and dancing but the more important matters needed to be seen from them were kept away from the viewing electorate. These, however are not absolute, there were several advertisements that are worthy to note, like that of Panfilo Lacson to give an example. His slogan HOPE is very promising. His legislative policy on Health, Order, Peace and Education is apt for the plight of the majority of Filipinos.

Nevertheless, Ping is not in my list for the May 2007 ballot. It is a personal conviction. Installing military men or atleast former military men in the Philippine Bureaucracy have its own set backs. It is my political view that stability in the government will only be attained if soldiers are barred from entering the bureaucracy. Soldier’s struggle for dominance and dream for power is the root of all the instability in the government today.

Money can buy everything, so they say. That is correct. It could buy fame and popularity most needed by a candidate. It could buy brute force that could give positive election turn out of votes in favor of a candidate. More over, it could buy votes and tamper the electoral franchise granted to the people.

The right to elect candidate running for elective positions is endowed upon the supreme electorate. The right to choose who to vote involves a process directly connected with the state of mind. The mind in performing this task must be clear of any doubt. It must possess firm conviction on matters relevant to the election of a candidate. Hence, this process must be free from any influence from other being other than the one exercising it. Any exercise of this right manipulated by coercion or money is disfranchisement, a mockery of the democratic process of election.

With so much money inside the pockets of these politicians running for the elections this May I was wondering why they could not buy the most important thing public servants must possess – DELICADEZA. It is such a shame that most of these candidates running for the elective positions on the coming polls are deficient of this personal virtue. They have all the money in the world and yet the simplest virtue of delicadeza seems too expensive for them.

Politicians are shifting from one side to another taking the shifting course with them are their alleged rock hard principles and ideologies. Once staunch oppositionist, who by unlucky turn of events has been omitted from the list of candidates, joined the administration's list. Such are the likes of Mrs. Oreta-Aquino, actor Tito Sotto and Edong Angara. To add more shame to the scenario, the once leaders in deposing the then President Estrada from his sit in Malacañang, Manny Villar and Kiko Pangilinan joined the wagon pulled by the Estrada charisma. You add to this stinking political fracas, the crying senator Loren Legarda is now kissing Estrada’s ass. Yeah, they’re grouse!

Instead to promoting the puke generating SLOGANS, nerve racking dance steps and nuisance jingles why can't these politicians rally the value of delicadeza. Stick with their principles and stand for the cause of the Filipinos minus their personal interests.

Time and again these politicians must be reminded that delicadeza is free. They don’t have to spend so much money for it. Whether they are famous or infamous or funny or freaks, they must be untarnished with shame. A politician dispossessed of this virtue has the foulest words and stinkiest promises. No one must trust his undertakings and pledges because, by his act, honesty is in scarcity. Shame.

Pañera Andrea Read My Blog

It is good to know that someone is taking her precious time reading my blog. I received an email this afternoon from a good friend and she told me that she read my published articles. Wow oh wow! am I glad to learn that my effort in doing this blog thing has not gone to sunder.


Andrea Tan, is a brilliant woman. She is very intelligent with cunning thoughts and opinion not to mention having piercing words that go with it. She has a discriminating taste when it comes to reading materials.


Having her as a friend is a great thing but having her read my blog posts is an honor. This is too much for me. She even gave her comments to my posts. Talagang ibang level na ito pañera! Please do keep updated with my recent posts. I hope by this time you already have your blogger account so that we could join forces in indoctrinating Filipinos. I really appreciate you comments. They are very insightful. Thank you!


By the way, give my regards to Her Royal Highness Krizia, who until now have not accepted my request in Friendster.


Until then have fun surfing the net. I hope you had a happy Valentine.

Sweet Dreams are Made of (Ice) Creams

Last Saturday, the 10^th of February 2007, just four days away from Valentine’s Day I had the best date ever. A date with the sweetest thing on earth –ICE CREAMS!

I attended the opening of the ICE CREAM STORE SA BONI, located along Boni Avenue, Mandaluyong City. It’s the coolest thing happening in town folks. The ice creams are SWEET & DELIS! The opening of this sweet-cold kiosk coincides with the warming of the climate and it’s just what we need.

After the ribbon cutting my friends and I joined the motorcade. It was fun traversing the streets of Mandaluyong. With pompous preparations the motorcade lasted for several hours.

At around 11:00 o’clock its ice cream time! Oh boy, I splurged in sweet cold and free treats from the owners, Mr. & Mrs. Calo and Mr. Jun. Its heaven, love the ice cream.

Fellow bloggers, friends, berks and all you lovers and daters treat yourselves and your love ones with ice creams here. I guarantee you'll love it too. Visit this ICE CREAM STORE SA BONI along Boni Ave., near Barangka Drive, Mandaluyong City.

The Country's Tiger City

Every 9^th day of February the City of Mandaluyong is celebrating its Independence and City hood Day. Yesterday, The 9^th of February 2007, the streets of Mandaluyong City are very busy. There was a festive feeling inside the compound of the City Hall. I was even informed that during the night there will even be a fireworks display. Much to my regret though I could not stay and witness the sky of Mandaluyong last night transform into magnificent sky of multi-colored lights.

This city is growing bigger every time in terms of economy. Malls are rising every where in this city. It became a shopping haven in Metro Manila. The infrastructures put up by the local government, i.e. public school buildings, the new Mandaluyong City Medical Center and the new City Hall Building, are commendable. Even the center islands and plant boxes around the Maysilo area is spectacular.

To the City of Mandaluyong, one of the country’s tiger city, I give my congratulations. Mabuhay ang Lungsod ng Mandaluyong! May it become more prosperous.

Heat and Traffic

After that brief spell of freezing weather this country is in for another hot and humid climate. Summer season is just around the corner and as early as yesterday, the 9^th of February 2007, the climate is so hot I could not stay a minute longer outside. The scorching sun is so much revolting it squeezes out all my bodily fluid.

I went home yesterday from work much earlier than the usual days because I did not want to be caught up in traffic. The City Government of Mandaluyong is celebrating its 13^th year of city hood and I heard that there would be again another parade, like the pervious years, in the afternoon. The main thoroughfares of Mandaluyong would then be jammed pack as expected. So that, after I got the nod of my superior, I decided to leave the office early after I finished my day’s workload.

Unfortunately, the streets of Metro Manila are hopeless. The parade is still far from starting but the streets going to Sta. Mesa is already congested. At around 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon yesterday I am caught up in a heavy traffic along Shaw Boulevard and boy it’s hot out there. Gone is the cool breeze of air the past days. It is so terrible! It’s sweaty and very uncomfortable inside the passenger jitney. Every passenger’s faces are gloomy and angry.

Immediately after arriving home I could not resist the cold water flowing down the faucet. Then and there I quenched my exhausted body with a decent bath. Aaaaah! It was great.

Troubled Employee in the Judiciary

Whew! Im thinking of formulating a good time management strategy now. It seems to me that I'm loosing so much time in work that I have no more time for myself. Its not like that I have a family of my own who needs my time, attention and devotion though, but, hey! I'm human too and I need a break. I cannot spend my entire life serving this institution sucking up all my energy and exhausting my prime strength.

I was wondering if I could apply for a flexible time schedule with the Office of the Court Administrator in the Supreme Court. However, I was in a quandary if my reason for applying would be justifiable and acceptable. I should tell the truth and that would be, in effect, stating therein that I am working in another job, because I was offered to take a second job in a University as an instructor for Political Science subjects.

With my present job in the judiciary, the impending teaching job in a university and my schooling in law school, I believe that 24 hours in a day would be insufficient for me. That is a limitation none mortal being could breach. So now, what shall I do? Hell! I don't know. Maybe, I quit law school, huh? This time I really need a reasonable time management scheme.

My work in the trial court is not that bad though. My exposure in law practice is rather very advantageous on my part. I could grasps easily the lessons thought in law school and I believe that I have a slight edge ahead of my other classmates who have little or no exposure at all in court hearings.

The salary I receive from the judiciary is not luxurious but, that, notwithstanding, I enjoy the privilege I secure in my present job.

As a Court Interpreter for some time now, my repertoire has expanded. It made me more confident in expressing my thoughts. I am now more vocal and assertive in telling people what i think. Such that when I am being asks for an opinion I can readily give lecture on the subject matter without wasting a single sweat. No kidding.

The down side of this story is that court employees like me are not well compensated. The judiciary although able to renumerate its employees more than that of the standard salaries of the government employees is barred by law to do the same. The present Government Employee Standardization Law prevents the Supreme Court from giving its beloved employees more that what the law says. Indeed, dura lex sid lex, the law maybe harsh, but that is the law.

To add more gloom to our plight in the lower court, we have just received the information this morning that the additional benefit that the court employees will receive this month has a substantive discrepancy between the eployees of the Supreme Court and that of the lower courts. The SC Circular, authorizing its disbursement, states that employees of the lower courts will receive substantially lower amount. "Hay buhay!" I commented. No one dares to question that Circular anyway. Where would we file our grievance? Before the Supreme Court? That is foolish. Who dares question a resolution where the forum to file the very questioned resolution is before the body who at the first place issued the said resolution.

Troubled employee, indeed we are. That is no matter to me though because at the end of the day, what matter to me most is that I am instrumental in the process of despensing justice in this country, however underpaid I may be. It is enough that in my own little way, I take part and gives a competent hand in making the justice system in this country credible. My personal wants become subordinate to the noble duty of rendering my country men genuine justice. It is an investment I hope someday will give me good returns.

Political Dynasty

Section 26, Article II of the Declaration of Principles and State Policies of the Constitution provides that “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law.”

The last part of the afore-quoted provision prohibits the establishment of political dynasties, however, it left the two words, “political” “dynasties”, undefined. The Constitution gave to the Congress the duty to enact the statute that will define political dynasty which is now a very significant issue.

The matter was put to the public’s scrutiny when former Senator Francisco “Kit” Tatad, staunch supporter of the deposed President Joseph Estrada, estranged his ties with the United Opposition, known as UNO, formed by the oppositionist parties and other key persons known to be critical of the present government and formed for the purpose of countering the senatorial slate of the LAKAS, KAMPI and NPC coalition party of the administration. The severance from UNO was made known by the former senator in a public letter published in a prominent newspaper. His separation from the party was grounded on the alleged moral issue of political dynasty being forged by the political families within their own ranks and within UNO itself, i.e. Estrada, Pimentel and Cayetano in the Senate. If political dynasty is permitted to be established, according to the former senator, protectionism of political interests and denial of political opportunities to others shall dominate political environment in the Senate.

In a television interview, made by Anthony Taberna in ABS CBN channel 2 morning program, Congressman Allan Peter Cayetano counters the allegations of former senator Kit Tatad by stating that in the same provision of the Constitution states that the State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities to public service, hence, bolsters his ambitions to serve his countrymen in the other chamber of Congress, the Philippine Senate, where his sister Pia Cayetano is an incumbent Senator. He insists that the matter is beyond moral issue and that the issue should be focused on the rendition of genuine public service to the Filipinos beyond personal interest.

The contentions of both parties are meritorious to my own view. Nonetheless, I could not close my eyes and ears on the matter pertaining to the moral aspect of the present issue. I am not a moralist nor am I a righteous man equipped with authority to talk on this subject. Being a citizen of this country and as a part of its body politic, I hereby deemed myself to have acquired locus standi to give opinion on this relevant issue of political dynasty, surreptitiously being formed in the country’s political arena.

Although, Congressman Cayetano may have been correct in his contention that he could not be denied of the equal opportunity to public service as a senator if elected because it is his right to become as such and that nowhere in the Constitution and any existing law is he prohibited to run for senate, I strongly believe that his qualifications must not merely be of legal basis but likewise be of moral and ethical bases. Therefore, in gauging his qualifications one must look past the letters of the law but from the spirit of the law that bring fourth its enactment. That is the moral standard from which the enactment of the law was based. After all, one which is legal must be moral.

The constitution in section 3, article VI, enumerates the legal qualifications of a person who must become a senator, to wit: (1) a natural-born citizen of the Philippines; (2) at least thirty-five years of age; (3) able to read and write; (4) a registered voter; and (5) a resident of the Philippines for not less than two years immediately preceding the day of the election. Further, the Constitution also provides prohibitions such as; (1) no senator shall hold public office and (2) no senator shall appear as counsel in any court of law, tribunal or any quasi judicial or administrative bodies. Thus, to become a senator one must possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications provided by law.

I post the question, “how about the moral disqualifications?” One who wishes to become a senator or any other public official, in this case, must likewise review his moral and ethical credentials. These are the standards from whence the legal qualifications are based. It may not be legally enforceable but surely they are useful weighing tolls in gauging ones ability to render genuine public service free from the constraint of outside pressure and from the evil forces in the politics.

A senator or any public official must not be in possession of any moral disqualifications. Moral ascendancy, which issue was so popular during the impeachment of the then President Estrada, is not new to Congressman Cayetano and the other aspiring politicians of his situation. To join working with your husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister or cousins in one chamber or branch of the government is highly unethical. Personal interest is not far from being pointed to as the compelling reason for having relatives working together in one agency. Graft and corruption is not far from happening. That is a motive, a very enticing one. Having your family, friends and cohorts managing the key positions and functions in the government is a dynasty at work. Therefore, if the present administration could not divest itself of this practice why should the fiscalizing opposition party do the same? Where is then the alternative politics they’re offering to the public? Here, is a group of people claiming to redeem the Filipinos from their bondage of the corrupt and evil government but of the same face hiding beneath the mask and cloak of alternative governance. That is bullshit.

Indeed, if congressman Cayetano, Mayor JV Ejercito, etc. have the genuine intent to serve Filipinos they can do the same whatever position and wherever chamber or agency they may be into. In the proper forum with credible, factual and substantive issues and evidence, they could check and even prosecute an erring public official, even the President of the Republic, for that matter. After all, that is what keeping Congressman Cayetano very busy the past few months. The rendition of service if it be the real purpose in joining the government service and in engaging in politics is possible in a million ways. That purpose is beyond the position one is holding or the branch of government one belongs to.

These families of politicians holding key elective positions in the government cannot justify themselves by the principle written in latin which say vox pupolae, vox dei which means that the voice of the people is the voice of God. Congressman Cayetano, giving the same authority claims that, if he will be chosen by the electorate, whatever moral issues posted questioning him from holding such office will become moot and academic. Paraphrasing his statement he claims that when the people have spoken the conflict is settled because the supreme electoral judges have rendered their decision. This is folly. That is a misplaced invocation of that principle. The voice referred to here is the welfare of the people. When the populace speaks of its welfare that voice coming from them is a resonance of that of God. Hence, their welfare comes ahead of anything else. Now, having been enlightened with the said principle it is very hard to equate welfare with electing or voting.

The relationship by blood and by affinity, therefore, must be a self limiting condition. Politicians with equal access to opportunities for public service must abstain from running for an office where family and relatives is already an incumbent member. Our officials must rally the high merit of righteousness. They are, by virtue of the power given by the electorate, leaders of the Filipino Nation. What pride can this nation have if its leaders elected in office are all immoral and decadent?

I trust, that if our Congress would be emptied of with elected members coming from the same families and put an end to the practice of families monopolizing the sits in both houses of Congress, with the initiative of doing it coming from them, a law would be passed defining political dynasty thereby implementing the constitutional proscription of establishing political dynasties.

Philippine Weather

So cold yet so brief. The cool weather I felt the previous nights was no longer felt last night. It seems that the warmer days are coming soon. Oh well, after that brief spell of chilling weather, jackets, sweaters and comforters are heading back to the closet.

The newspaper this morning announces that according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services or PAGASA, the wind direction changed from northeasterly, which is blowing from Siberia and China, hence, brings colder temperature, to easterly, where the wind coming from the Pacific Ocean is warmer.

“Haaaay! Paalam malamig na gabi”(farewell cold night). That is all that I can say. Any how, we are living in a tropical climate thus this sudden change is expected. I knew the very first night last January when I felt the freezing weather that it will not last long. Now, that phenomenon is coming. However brief I enjoyed that cold climate I admit it. I had the best sleep for years. The bad side of it though is that I had the hardest time taking a bath and I had the record of the most lates to "time in” in our Daily Time Record in the office (I hope Mildred Adobas will break it).

In the same manner that the Philippine weather is getting warmer is the political climate. Election period is fast approaching and Filipinos will be experiencing the hottest political event in the country. There are numerous indications already being felt or seen of this coming occasion. The television shows from the local networks are occasionally interrupted by paid commercial ads of these filthy and wealthy politicians. There were the “tol”, “angat” and “lumaban ka” campaign ads. Likewise, everybody and everyone are making issue out of every thing and anything, such that, they could be talked to and be published.

Whatever gimmickry we’ll be having and whatever trouble we’ll be experiencing this time around before the polls on May this year let us not forget that our future is forged by this event. However hot the election climate may become let us endure it. Otherwise, if we just brush it aside and become apathetic about it the future in store for us and that of our children will be as cold as the North Pole.

Until then, let us enjoy the remaining cold nights if there are still coldness left in the atmosphere. During these nights take pleasure in viewing your favorite tele-serye in the kapuso or kapamilya channel and enjoy every now and then odd ads of our famous and infamous politicians disrupting your rather emotional moments with your beloved shows.

Farewell Arlene

“Eagerly determined to fulfill my purpose in this world notwithstanding the things that get in the way which are unforeseeable and inevitable. These things are like a map that guides me to wherever I want to be and like a planner where priorities are set-up. Recently, I discovered that what the future holds does not depend on someone else's but in my hands. It’s a choice really. I believe in destiny though. THE BEST IS YET TO COME.” (Arlene Tomas)

My dear friend Arlene passed away at the age of 27. A very sad news. This post, I dedicate to you.

Your purpose has been fulfilled my friend. Your legacy is imprinted in the friendship you established with your friends. The love you gave and the memories you left with your family and love ones are treasures worth keeping.

You are a daughter and a sister. To your parents and siblings, you are an angel descended from heaven and a precious gift from God. You are the bearer of happiness to your family. Now your journey ends from whence you came from- The house of our Lord.

You are a friend. To your pals, companions and comrades, you are an inspiration. You’ve touched our lives and enriched our hearts. Your companionship comforted us.

You are a soldier. To everyone, your journey in your lifetime is a battle. You’ve been a great fighter that overcame all the obstacles that came your way. You've mastered your talents, you've set your priorities and you've trusted God, thus, your hands have reached your dreams.

Surely we’ll miss you and we’ll weep because of your departure. However, we shall not hold you, whilst, we will celebrate. Rejoice! we shall with your union with God. We knew that you did not vanish but has just gone ahead of us.

Your early demise is not a battle lost my friend. It is the end of your journey in this world. THE BEST HAS COME. Your destiny awaits you in the hands of our Lord. In the comfort of the creator’s home you shall dwell for eternity.

Arlene Tomas we love you. Farewell my friend.

Your Honor!

“What the mind can conceive the body can achieve,” says the commercial I used to see every now and then in the television. Our mind is indeed powerful. It defies age and its body host. It can command and put into action a feeble body. The languor physiology of a human does not affect his mind. The body ages and retires but not the mind. It is even said that when the human body dies his mind continues to live. Well, that one is debatable. I for one do not believe this latter statement. It is devoid of factual bases. I think that our brain conceives our thoughts, which make up the entirety of our mind. Therefore, if the brain dies the mind ceases to exist.

That, however, is beside the point I’m trying to make. Most men have their limitations when it comes to physical activity. Miraculously however, mental faculties are unaffected. The mind may even boost the retiring body to action. It has a morphine effect that masked the pain and pushes the body to endure.

So that, often, many civil servants continue to go to work and insist on performing their bounden duty notwithstanding their physical handicap. Resultantly, the delivery of public service diminishes. These old aged public servants believe that they can still render the services they used to give during their younger years. It is their belief that causes the problem. Their minds say that they’re still able and capable, so much so that poor public servants, continue on working until they reach their mandatory retiring age of sixty-five. They could have retired from service earlier and enjoyed the remaining prime years of their lives to relaxation. Who can blame them anyway, with the benefits available from the GSIS after the retirement of the public servants, they’d rather continue receiving their salaries in the active service. Planning your retirement with the GSIS pension and benefit packages is like planning on your early demise. Filing your retirement papers is like buying a casket ahead of time. Employees in the government are the greatest whiners so they say. That is true. A contented person never whines. A sufficient retirement plans and packages put a halt on the whining retiring government employees.

I would like to share to you a short story of an employee in the government service whom despite his age and impaired hearing ability has kept on rendering services to the judiciary because his brilliant mind is still sharp and continues on functioning rather very well.

Inside a courtroom during a hearing a witness took the witness stand, after taking the oath, the prosecutor offered the testimony of the witness as evidence for the prosecution, thereafter, he proceeded to propound his questions to the witness. It is noticeable that the presiding judge has a difficulty listening to the questions asked and the answers of the witness to the same because of his impaired hearing ability. Such that, every time the witness answers the question of the prosecutor the presiding judge taps the attentive court interpreter’s shoulder and asks, “what did he say?” The interpreter repeats the answer of the witness to the almost deaf judge for the latter to jot on his notes.

During the middle of the reception of the testimony of the witness the prosecutor asks the witness, “ while walking along the street at that time was there extraordinary event that transpired, if any?” and the witness replies, “I saw the accused walking towards me.” The presiding judge taps the shoulder of the court interpreter and asks, “what did he say?” The court interpreter repeats again the answer to the judge almost shouting so that the judge could hear it, “I saw the accused walking towards me, your honor!” the judge nodded and say “please continue.”

Then again, the prosecutor asks another question, “While the accused was walking towards you, what happened next?” The witness answers, “he shouted invectives and berated me.” For the nth time the deaf judge taps the shoulder of the court employee and inquires, “what did he say?” The court employee repeats the answer, “he shouted invectives and berated me, your honor!” this time though the interpreter is really shouting the repeated answer quite very loud.

The prosecutor propounded a follow up question, “what exact word did the accused utter to you Mr. Witness?” The witness said, “putang ina mo.” As expected the judge taps again the interpreter’s shoulder and asks, “what did he say?” The interpreter, now a bit agitated, repeats the answer to the judge in a very loud voice, “PUTANG INA MO, your honor!!!”

Had it not been for the hearing impairment of the presiding judge you would take that the court interpreter is berating the honorable judge, or is he?