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.

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.

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!

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!

 

The Unregistered Voter

I had the chance to watch television last Sunday and Monday. It was very seldom that I opt to watch television programs than my DVDs. Since my childhood years, I was really into news and current affairs. This is because my Grandfather loves to watch news. In the long weekend that we had, I browsed ABC news, ABS-CBN, GMA-7, QTV11, and ANC. There is an obvious commonality with the news that they are reporting. From Saturday night to Sunday afternoon, there are news about election related violence and crime. Other stations reported people killing each other over campaign mishaps.

If we have been keenly observing Philippine elections, there is not a single election period that we had which did not result to cases of violence and killings. Moreover, not a single election in my 20 years of existence have I heard of a peaceful and casualty free election. These acts of violence and killing is a clear manifestation that there is so much at stake in these elective positions. If these barangay officials wanna-be does not get anything out of their positions and sphere of influence, then they will not spend a lot and desperately fight for these positions. With all these cases of violence and killings happening every time that we have elections, we cannot help but ask, “Ano kaya ang nakukuha nila sa pagiging Barangay official na nagtutulak sa kanila na manakit or pumatay ng kapwa?” – Pera, Impluwensiya, at Sariling interes.

Alam natin lahat kung magkano ang suweldo ng isang Barangay Chairman, Kagawad, SK Chairman, at mga kagawad. Alam din natin na ang mga ito ang nagsisilbing Community leaders na nagiging tagapamagitan sa mga taumbayan at lokal na pamahalaan. Sila din ang nagsisilbing hukom sa mga Barangay-related issues gaya ng ilang dispute sa nagkapitbahay, at domestic violence. Bukod pa sa mga ito, ano pa ang ginagawa ng isang barangay official na hindi kaya gawin ng Homeowners’ Association?

We are spending millions of pesos in every elections may it be national, local, and even barangay. Put together all these election funding and we can already address education and health problems in the slums of our country. Moroever, we are already spending money that we do not have. And I strongly suggest that if ever we will be spending, let us spend on concrete projects with lasting effects on our people. We spend so much on electing officials who will eventually end up malversing and corrupting our funds and resources. It has a two-edge sword effect on us – spending much on electing useless imbecile spenders.

I have a lot of realizations. I have a lot of things to say. Let me just start by saying that it is but a shame that even our barangay elections is already tainted with election related violence, killings, and violations. Also, corruption is even rampant in the barangay level – vote buying, overpriced projects, padrino system, etc. How can we correct a system which is already culturally-rooted and has already decayed the Moral fiber in many Filipinos. How do we go about in addressing this deteriorating Philippine democracy? I cannot blame Simoun in El Fili when he placed the lamp in the house where officials are present with the intention of killing them all. Seriously, that will work for all of us. It will immediately end corruption and abuse because those who are fond of such will all be anihilated, removed permanently on earth. But doing such will make us just like them.

How do we proceed? Let us not allow those in power to make a farce out of our democratic system. Moreover, let us be vigilant in any election – be informed, and be involved! It is high time that we, as the sovereign Filipino people teach our useless officials a lesson which should go down the pages of history. Let us not be persuaded by money  or any material gift. Let us not hear their sweet words but listen to their issues and platforms. Let us not see their physical appearance but their moral and spiritual appearance. Let not the lies and TRAPOs get at us again. Control the country by controlling your vote. Fight for the country by fighting for your vote, and vote not because you are required but because you believe that the vote that you will cast can make a difference.

Let us restore moral integrity in our elections and eventually in our government. We are the Filipino people, we are sovereign in this nation! Let it be a rule of law rather than a rule of men. I wanted to do a lot of things, but I just realized that I can also do so much if I am not registered.

ZTE, NBN-deal, and Accountability of Officials

Many think that the ZTE, NBN-deal controversy is a boring topic or concern. Probably for some of us students, we rather opt for a movie or hang-out with our friends than to talk about this issue. Also, some of us are already operating with the idea that it is hopeless to address the issue on good governance and accountability of our officials because of the fact that it has been with us since time immemorial. This very line of thinking is slowly killing us all. The only reason for evil to triumph is when good people stop doing good.

To make things simpler, ZTE, NBN-deal is a classic government corruption case – overpriced deal and additional money for involved officials. Sen. Santiago is right in saying that concerned officials are just squabbling over their ‘kickbacks.’ The reason why Joey De Venecia came out in the open is because the deal was not granted to his company and the reason why Sec. Mendoza, Sec. Neri, and Chairman Abalos were not able to put their acts together is because what they did was a classic unorganized crime. Each player is wanting to have a bigger share of the goods and because of their vested interests and hunger for money, all of them had a dose of their own medicine.

We should talk about it and inform those who does not know anything about it. Conceding to this kind of issue is like saying yes to an organ donation regardless of which part will be needed. When we do not talk about these things and let our officials go on with their monkey businesses, we are just encouraging them to do more corruption and enter into questionable deals and contracts. A PUBLIC OFFICE IS A PUBLIC TRUST! Every person duly elected or appointed to a government agency or office is accountable to the Filipino people. Similarly, all private corporations are directly liable to their stockholders and consumers. We will all be amazed that Media will slowly be quiet about these issues and focus on other matters. You see there are some people hired to clean or cover up for the mess of some people. A US President resigned due to the Watergate scandal, the Japanes premier lose his bid for re-election because he was not able to live up to his promises. We Filipinos never learn. The reason why the ACCOUNTABILITY of our officials is low and weak is not because we lack the laws to back it up but because we are apathetic towards bureaucratic misconduct. Our institutions are not free from politics. I find it weak and unstable. Institutions proved to be consistent with the way we live our lives. Regardless of the personalities occupying it, it must lasts and be able to operate indepedently. As Mayor Lim would always say, “The Law applies to all;otherwise, None at all!” In simpler terms, walang sinuman ang mas mataas sa batas!

President Arroyo’s silence on this issue involving her appointees is an obvious betrayal of public trust. By principle of Command Responsibility, she is directly liable for the acts of her appointees. If she cannot discipline her men, who will? She occupies the highest seat of the land and she among all officials is expected to be the agent of the Filipino people. Where is the OMBUDSMAN? Where is the Commission on Good Governance? Where are our elected representatives – Mayors, Congressmen, and Governors? Their allegiance must be to their constituents and not to any financiers or personality. Gone are the days of great representatives such as Benigno Aquino, Jovito Salonga, Tañada, and Kalaw who exemplified moral integrity and utmost love for the country.

ZTE, NBN-deal and Accountability of Officials – a mere play of words but speak much of our being free men, of our being Filipinos. It is high time that we end this Banana Republic and restore the very core which our forefathers stood for.. a country that we should fight for, a country which we should love above all.. and a country which we should die for. RESIGN Madame President! I call on the Filipino Youth, who is the vast majority of our voting population to VOTE for CHANGE! Vote for better people! and We should dictate the way this country will move. It is high time that we play the improtant roles in our country. The time for the TRAPOS must end. The time for USELESS POLITICAL DYNASTIES should end.

I am for a stronger IMPEACHMENT of President Arroyo. The only way for us Filipinos to correct this culture is by voting responsibly and wisely. Let us not give power to imbecile, inutile, and sweet-talking morons who will do nothing but politicking and who will just play puppets to key political players. Let us take control of sovereignty in this country! Let us be the driving force in this call for CHANGE!

Tama na! Sobra na! IMPEACH GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO! Ombudsman should file complaints and conduct investigation to concerned officials! Restore the Moral integrity of our government offices. Bring back the respect and reverence to the symbol which Malacañan stands for!