What if we play their game?

In every issue that is being discussed and investigated in Congress, there is money involved. In every law that will be passed in Congress there is also money involved. In every committee hearing in Congress there is money involved. In fact, most of the people are there because a great deal of money is involved. MONEY.MONEY.MONEY. and MONEY. It seems that this is the constant in the way our representatives and senators do business.

The prevalent issues on the Reproductive Health bill, Charter Change, Impeachment, Agriculture scams, and even the Cheaper Medicines bill, etc. revolves around Money. Pay-offs have been in the system way before my existence. This is how business of governance is done. You can basically get away with anything or even get what you want when you speak in the most privileged language-Money talks. 

I am now thinking, what if we play their game? If the Palace throught its cronies pay a hefty price of 500,000php per representative in the House, why don’t we pay 600,000php or even higher. They bribe or pay-off, we bribe and pay them off. People in the House will not understand us if we do not speak in their favorite language. If they were given 500,000php in a paper bag, let us give them 600,000php in Lacoste bags. Since the crocodile trademark fits them well.

With this style, what we need is to have rich financiers. Let us give the Palace a dose of their own medicine. Let us play their game. Probably with this, sad it may be, we will get justice and fairness. I know the means will never justify the ends but what chance do we have? As of the moment, NONE.

Dirty Money: Discretion to Corruption

Wow Philippines! Name it and we have it! Proud to be Pinoy! Northrail Project scam, Hello Garci scandal, Swine scam, GMA rice scam, Fertilizer fund scam, 500,000 php paper bags, PEA-Amari scam, and many more. When we look into the structure of the Philippine bureaucracy, any typical observer would say that we almost have an office or agency for everything. Its complex and outright useless. With this, the government is the biggest employer of the country.

Since the 12th Congress up to now, our representatives and senators have been conducting investigations/inquiry in aid of legislation. How many laws have been created from these inquiries? They are spending government funds every time committees conduct these sessions. Many of our lawmakers both in the house and senate rose from the ranks or have been shifting from the ranks. The culture is that mayor-governor/representative and back to mayor again. This is especially true in the case of political families. I mentioned this to stress the point that majority of our lawmakers were once local executives. They know the ”meat” of the business of governance and how “funds” could be divested without being caught. Having such knowledge already capacitates them to battle corruption. These inquiries partly are just a show of concern and politicking. It has been awhile since we had a J.W.Diokno, Arturo Tolentino, Benigno Aquino, Jr., and great statesmen who belong to a generation wherein Filipino values of honesty and integrity were the paramount consideration in the conduct of governance.

It all boils down to DISCRETION. True that Corruption is a culturally-rooted social cancer. However, this is not an excuse for government to not implement the means by which such could’ve been reduced such as the Code on Accountability of Public Officials, the Commission on Audit, the Ombudsman, the Special Prosecutor, the fiscal and monetary policies, and even elections. When we give too much discretion to our local executives, lawmakers, and department heads, we put them in a situation where they could easily circumvent the limitations set forth by our laws and regulations. When money talks, everyone listens!

Bulk of the people’s taxes and government funds are pocketed if not each procurement is overpriced. From the nig things down to the small things like Christmas decor, office supplies, etc. these play part of the corruption that has been killing the realization and implementation of government projects. If we can lessen or remove too much discretion from our officials and make our laws the guiding structure by which the business of governance could be carried out, then we in effect lessen and remove corruption.

The Philippines can progress without a doubt. This can only be achieved if we respect and value our vote and believe that such vote can bring about the positive change that we want for the country. It is high time that we make our leaders realize that the Filipino people will never tolerate unjust and corrupt activities. As citizens we can make it right. In our own ways let us reject corruption by saying NO to taxi drivers who are wanting more than the fare incurred on the meter, saying NO to fixers in government offices – a price for convenience, by saying NO to traffic enforcers who would ask for an amount, by saying NO to arresting officers who would want to extort from rich offenders, by saying NO to the everyday injustice that we see, buy saying NO to useless and corrupt politicians who would seek re-election, by saying NO to vote-buying, by saying NO to unjust enrichments, by saying NO to too much discretion, and many more.

It will be really hard but we have to try. Otherwise there will be no hope for our country. Tama na! Sobra na! We have been playing victims to corruption practically all our life. Corruption is not a part of our existence. It is an irregularity. It is a social cancer. We just need to have the WILL and COURAGE to go against the flow and take the road less traveled.

Blogging way to Freedom

Many might not agree with how bloggers express their views but readers can only do so much. Like every document, this too have limitations. I am for responsible blogging and I am a supporter of free speech. Sometimes, people cannot handle the truth so they react without even seeing the merits of the blog. People cannot disprove the truth no matter what kind of excuse they give. Even the best liar is truthful at one point.

Recently, I came across observejudgeact’s blog. This blogger just started blogging last Sunday. He or she has an interesting way of going about his or her blog/s. I was texted by some friends to check the blog’s domain, www.akositomasino.wordpress.com. True that he or she  wrote about UST and all. Honestly, unlike some of my acquaintances, I welcome his views and points. Criticisms specially constructive ones must be welcome. In a democracy, that is the right of the people – power emanated from them by virtue of elections.

I had my fair share of those kind of criticisms in my two and a half years stint in the council. It is incumbent upon all elected student leaders to listen no matter how painful or “ego-hurting” it is. Listening makes a leader grounded on humility.

To Thomas More, welcome to blogging! Continue writing. This is the blogging way to freedom.

De Venecian plot for Villar

Surprise Surprise! Juan Ponce Enrile replaced Manuel Villar as Senate President. Enrile used to be an opposition stalwart and now he is with the Administration. Political butterflies are always on the scene of Philippines politics.

I am hoping that this is not Palace’s step to clear the way for Charter Change for PGMA’s term extension. Let us watch the Senate as the new set of leaders start anew. Let it be a Senate of the people and not a Senate of people. 2010 is just around the corner. Many will use the Senate as a stepping stone for a higher office.

On Sulpicio Lines – Human Error Verdict

I am Learning in Law school that one should try to express his or her thoughts in a more concise manner – direct to the point with brief argumentation.

A cursory review of the events in the past…going back to the 1990’s would show that Sulpicio Lines’ disaster record is impecable. If such is the case, many would now wonder, then why do they continue to operate today? It would be immature to blame it to the government. True, that government regulation and control could correct the Sulpicio problem but we have to consider the fact that having them suspended from operating could cause a ‘bug’ in the transportation industry. The country does not have a lot of ship operators and since Sulpicio is also a RO-RO, it aids in the delivery of services and exchange of goods. This could be a reason why they still operate today.

Every business venture is profit-oriented. However, companies must be able to balance their intent to gain profit and the welfare of their customers. In the case of Sulpicio Lines, findings of the Maritime Board would clearly say that the vessel exceeded its carrying capacity which also contributed to the incident. Also, the Coast guard is duty-bound to accertain the safety of the passengers aboard and implement the government regulation on vessels’ carrying capacity. No amount of profit can ever supersede the life of any individual.

Given the circumstances presented above, how are we going to proceed? Clearly, government is at fault on two points; 1) It failed to implement the clear regulations of Maritime activities and sea vessels, and 2) It does not have the political will to prosecute Sulpicio in lieu of public safety. Our country is rich in legislations particularly on Maritime affairs. A habit can be deduced from this incident. Legislators make laws with a purpose but does not provide for the required instruments to attain such purpose. Our coast guard does not have their own ships to effectively protect the integrity of our coasts and open seas. Corruption clouds the judgments of officials who should implement the law.

Past victims should fight Sulpicio to the end. They should file for civil damages and run after Sulpicio’s earnings. I am hoping that our courts would find negligence and imprudence in this incident on the part of Sulpicio’s management. The law should put a stop on this and never allow any Sulpicio liner to set sail again. We are the top ship-maker in the world and we must not be deterred by the fact that removing Sulpicio might cause a ‘bug’ in our transportation system. Until such time that this company will be responsible enough and meet the government regulations and requirements, they should not be allowed to operate.

Human Error verdict is a clear manifestation that Sulpicio is at fault and that it should be liable for all the consequences of their felonious acts. It is high time that our government should be true to their duty of serving and protecting the people. Lastly, a little vigilance on the part of those who board Sulpicio liners would not hurt. The people should know better. Let us demand for what we know is right and fight the irregularities that we see.

Readers and fellow bloggers

My last entry was April of this year and it was about my take on the proposal of SK abolishment. Since I entered Law School at the Ateneo, I somewhat stopped from blogging. This can be attributed to the change in lifestyle since I have to adjust to the demands of Law shool. However, Life without blogging seems impossible. Each day will pass and I will surely have thoughts on the various issues which beset our country and even the world. Not everyone is given the avenue and opportunity to express their thoughts. It does not seem right that I will just let every issue pass and hope that we will have time in class to discuss it. Blogging gives me that satisfaction to share my thoughts, to express myself, and to take part in the public discussions.

I do not want to just be a regular observer hoping that things will be better. As a member of the educated few, I ought to use what I learned and what I know to shake the system. From this day forward, expect my entries on issues surrounding our very existence, our being a people, and about ordinary things which proves to be consistent with the way we live our lives. Join me in this endeavor and invite more Filipinos to the blogging community. Together, let us shake the system and voice out our opinion.

Sangguniang Kabataan

Hannah L. Torregoza wrote in the National News section of Manila Bulletin (p.12) last April 14, 2008 that the good Senator Pimentel would like to pass a legislation to abolish the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the Local Government. The argument givern by the so-called “Ama ng Barangay” in the Philippines is that the SK for the past years has not been serving its purpose. It ended up to be a socio-cultural group which organizes projects not true to the real essence of SK. First question, what is the real essence of the SK? Second, why focus on the SK when there are a lot of government institutions which does not serve their purpose.

Allow me to offer some concerns about the said proposal. The 1987 Constitution recognizes the vital role of the YOUTH in nation-building. This is the main reason for the creation of the SK. Moreover, it guarantees the representation of the youth sector in Local government. Senator Pimentel made mention about the youth just vying for a seat in the House of Representatives as a sectoral group which the 1987 Constitution also provides. However no matter how sound the proposal may be, it restricts the role and participation of the youth in nation-building. How? Since the party-list system was established, no youth-related or youth-centered party-list group secured a seat in the House. This just proves that youth sector is underepresented. If the SK will be abolished, then there will be zero participation of the youth. True that the youth can engage in socio-civic work like Gawad Kalinga (GK) and Habitat for Humanity but it can only do so much.

Year 2004, 15.1 million voters belong to the  youth sector. A very significant number which does not only merit  representation but recognition. The youth is the biggest sector in the country today and it is disappointing that such proposal from a senior senator was made. In the Local Governments of the Philippines may it be a barangay, municipality, city, or province; the youth is represented in the municipal, city, and provincial council by an ex-officio representation. The municipal/city/provincial SK federation President will be an ex-officio member of the respective council. Such representation enables the youth to participate in policy-making which does not only guarantee the advancement of the youth agenda but also the proper check and balance of proposed legislations which may or may not affect the youth.

Allowing but not conceding to Senator Pimentel’s point that the SK does not serve its purpose; does it merit abolishment asap? Why not REFORM the SK in the country? I do not accept the argument presented by the good senator because it is petty and premature. Why not look into the House of Representatives perhaps or the Senate? Were the senate inquiries conducted really done in aid of legislation? How many bills are filed every year and how many are passed? How about in the Bureau of Customs? and other government related agencies? Are they really serving their purpose? The reason why I raised these points is to strengthen my concern on the focus on the SK. Why the SK? Why not other agencies which since time immemorial proved to be incompetent?

I say NEVER to the abolishment of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and big YES to reforms. The road to youth participation in nation-building might be bumpy but it will never merit its abolishment. To abolish the SK is to kill YOUTH EMPOWERMENT! To abolish SK is to disenfranchise the YOUTH and to contribute to an elitist democracy. I call on Senator Nene Pimentel to rethink such proposal and conduct dialogues with the youth sector. I worked with a lot of youth groups and knowing them, they will be more than willing to help out. I call on all SK officers in the country to stand up and make your voices heard. We are the Filipino Youth and we have the RIGHT to BELIEF and ACT in accordance with such BELIEF.

NO TO THE ABOLISHMENT OF THE SANGGUNIAN KABATAAN! YES TO REFORMS!

Silence…

We often say what we think and feel. Our world today allows us to express ourselves in different means..podcast, sms, blogs, songs, artworks, etc. Some people prefers to keep it to themselves. Some opt to differ by showing it extensively by rebellion or being a non-conformist.

Silence, people say is a sound expression. Hearing this will make one think, how can silence be so sound? Well,most people are men of few words. A smile, laughter, straight face or the like will tell their mood or feeling. Most often, we see silence as a tool for coercion. Silent treatment is so cruel. By doing this, we forbid the existence of someone is our world. We exist without coexisting with that person.

Also, we should see silence as euphemism. We keep quiet and keep our views or feelings to ourselves because of the fear that we might offend people when we express or say it. When we do not have anything nice or pleasant to say about other people, we keep quiet. Sometimes, when we are offended or mad.. we say..its okay and we understand. But in reality, we are hurting. Failed expectations or should I say frustrations are at times best expressed through silence. Keeping quiet does not mean that we are okay with the status quo, it can also mean that we just do not want ot rock the boat.

Silence.. includes heavy breaths,  smiles, grins, and few words. Silence can be deafening, controlling, and weakening. Being mute can be God-given or person-initiated. We do not ran out of words, we just choose to be silent and exhale with a heavy heart. Silence can be cruel. Silence can be torture. Silence is deadly.

So when people around you are silent, at least you now have an idea, why. They can have problems, or they just enjoy the peacefulness of being quiet. Shhh..

Beware of the False prophet

It is funny to note that some people would exclaim that they have been championing the students’ cause since their stint as students. The reason why we are called student-leaders is because we are students first. If one cannot comply with the demands of the academic load, one has no right to engage in co/extra curricular activities. Formation and education goes hand in hand and whether you like it or not, you cannot have everything you want/aspire. You cannot be enroled in UST and just do what you do best – politicking! You preach about corruption and other wrong doings when in fact you failed to look at yourself! Being a student-leader or engaging oneself in students’cause/ activities, as the reason for one’s academic deficiency is not only a lame excuse but is also a scape goat for some.

Dwelling in past issues which were cleared by the proper authorities already is stupid. There is a system in place and we all have to respect that. If it does not go your way, do not be bitter and act as if an injustice was done to you. It simply does not mean that if the system is not favorable to you, the system is already wrong or what have you. It is a typical attitude of ‘cro-magnons’ to cry over spilled milk. Also, a writer/journalist should have a strong/firm basis before writing about something. If one wishes to proceed with false allegations/ideas he may do so as a matter of right but he loses his credibility. – Dapat nagshowbiz writer na lang!

Kudos to the creativity in packaging oneself as a students rights advocate! It is a good strategy to earn votes come 2010 as a Representative or Board member perhaps. The style is very traditional though! Ano na ba ang natapos mo ng maayos? The last time I checked, you left the group hanging at the middle of the peak season when you resigned. Is that your style of leadership? Or a Champ in the quitting game? Chickened out? Definitely, with his sweet tongue and passion for the pen, he could make a thousand reasons why he did it. I just thought that commitment is important! In addition, what unfortunate event will be your next lame excuse or alibi for your expected academic deficiency? Once in HS, Twice in College? Hmm… Probably, majority of the parents would say, MAG-ARAL KA MUNA at huwag MANGARAL SA IBA! I cannot agree more when someone suggested to look at one’s backyard. I suggest you do the same. Look at yourself. You are not getting any younger and your batch is about to graduate. Do not live to make excuses. Before making assumptions/allegations = OBSERVE, JUDGE, ACT! Think again! or should I say, STUDY AGAIN? hehehe.. Probably, if you are major in Politicking you will graduate BATCH VALEDICTORIAN – Summa Cum Laude.

At the end of the day, who is fooling who? We cannot give what we do not have. How can you help others if you cannot help yourself. Are we just going to appeal to sympathy? or make hasty assumptions/ reasons for one’s shortcomings/ academic deficiency? Ulitin ko lang, kaya Student-leader ang tawag kasi tayo ay student muna bago maging leader. In lay man’s term, MAG-ARAL KA MUNA at huwag MANGARAL SA IBA! To everyone out there, BEWARE OF FALSE PROPHETS… Let us not join their ignorance and overwhelming style of appeal to sympathy. Beware of this kind of people for they will mislead and take advantage of you. Huwag magpadala! Utot lang sila.. maamoy mo sa una, ngunit mawawala din! Little information is dangerous! There is no shortcut to education. Experience will help you at a certain extent.

KAYA ARAL KA MUNA!

Time to break my silence

The Lozada case is not about popularity of schools – who released their stand first and who has the most media exposure. This is about the Filipino people and we are all part of it!

Let everyone know…

 PROBITAS IN OFFICIO

A call for honesty in governance and a change in leadership.

The UST Central Student Council Central Board condemns the acts of the government in blatant disregard of our laws and the Constitution. Those who are liable for such must be held accountable under the law and the people.

Our country’s leadership is brazenly engaged in plunder. We denounce our government leaders’ “legacy of corruption.” We condemn the blatant and arrogant disrespect for the rule of law by the current administration. We are extremely disappointed with the brand of leadership being displayed by the so-called leaders of the republic.

Much effort has been undertaken to address chronic corruption. The measures adopted have been comprehensive and deep. Our country does not lack in laws requiring accountability in public officers.  The Constitution and the Penal Code reproves malfeasance and misfeasance in office of public officers, including bribery, frauds against the public treasury, and malversation of public funds. Despite all these, what is missing is the simplest answer to the problem: Fighting corruption is a question of leadership.

Under a corrupt presidency, programs and institutions only become a protective veil for corruption. We had the fertilizer scam, the Macapagal overpriced highway, the sweepstakes fund scam and the “Hello Garci” controversy. The plunder exemplified by the ZTE-NBN deal goes all the way up to GMA. The candid, credible and detailed testimony of Rodolfo Lozada, Jr., in relation to his abduction and the overpricing of the ZTE-NBN contract points to Malacañang as the culprit. 

It seems that the Arroyo Administration is built on fraud and not on trust. This great injustice has been committed against our people from the time of the Presidential elections up to the recent ZTE-NBN scandal.

Under these circumstances, we declare that the President has lost her Moral Ascendancy to govern.

Now is the time to take political action. The testimony of Jun Lozada, made under oath before the Senate, gives us the moral certainty to condemn the massive corruption in the ZTE-NBN deal. With the suggestion that a similar anomaly most likely attended the South Rail project, along with other previous scandals, the ZTE-NBN is not an isolated case of unbridled corruption.

GMA has repeatedly betrayed the public trust. She has no right to sit as President a minute longer. All other officials involved in the ZTE-NBN deal, including Secretary Romy Neri, DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza, and members of the NEDA-ICC must step down from their government posts. The officials involved in the abduction of Jun Lozada and its cover-up in the media, such as PNP Chief Avelino Razon, Secretary Lito Atienza and DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno, must likewise step down.

WE call for a country unified by a trusted government, we seek honesty from all government officials. The youth must be inspired to be respectful of laws and to be God-fearing citizens. Under the present circumstances where our country is ruled by greed we deem it necessary to act. With a single deafening voice, we demand honesty in governance and a change in leadership.

 Together let us join hands to build an Honest Republic in place of Mrs. Arroyo’s Corrupt Republic!