Martin Misa:

Are you anti-masa? It seem like it.
It doesn’t matter how poor these people their votes are very important just like everybody else.

The only squatter’s I know is Gloria Arroyo, She’s the one squatting in Malacanyang Palace. We the poor people want to protect ourselves from the people like her/you!

Only in the election time that richs/poor are aqual. Now you want some law to protect your so call votes from the poor people. You sounded just like Gloria Arroyo,…You’re hyporites!

[...] Eleksyon 2007 Blog: Factoring out the ‘masa vote’ [...]

you are talking about Binay of Makati .Bullseye! totoo yan, the most successful politician who made use of the poor and squatters in Makati is Binay. Go to Guadalupe and other poor portions of Makati and you will know why. Binay is an expert in exploiting the poor tulad ni erap.

I spent my childhood to teenage years in the mega-slum of Mandaluyong called “Welfareville” from 1984-1997. And yes!, we are not legitimate landowners and my parents were former driver/freelancer (of anything) and dressmaker/hawker living on meager earnings, thus you can call me “masa” by blood and by heart.

There are two sides of the coin, and most commentaries in the news are those coming from the outside and not from the inside, specially those that haven’t experience or have been in close contact with the “masa” all their lives. Just take note, that I am not pro-Erap.

The politicians affair with the “masa” is more of love and fear. Politicians will love the “masa” if the masa are in the politician’s favor, but will fear them if it turns the other way around. The Welfareville “masa” of Mandaluyong is such a powerful and densest voting block which accounts for I guess ~40% of Manda’s voting population. In my opinion, it’s that fear that drives local politicians to do everything to keep this voting block in their helm. The “masa” will definitely know who keeps empty promises. In Mandaluyong, the Abaloses are still in power because they deliver and they know the needs of the “masa” and this is definitely different from “protecting” the masa. When you drive pass M. Martinez St., I can also say, in acceptance, that Welfareville is an eye sore and who doesn’t? This is something that the local administration can continually address. But for me, I consider Welfareville as a half-way house between misery and success, and am pretty sure that there are lots of young urban professionals out there traces their roots from this humble ghetto.

With this, it’s not the politicians that has the power, but the “masa” are. Who says the “masa” vote are perverted? We are just wiser than you thought?

Elizah:

Why don’t you check Binay record bago mong husgahan. You’re not ashame of yourself. Atleast Binay didn’t buy the voter’s votes! Unlike Gloria Arroyo, ET al.

Just remember one thing! Ang masa votes its just important just like anybody else. Only in election time that richs/poor are equal. The people like you the one given the Philippines bad image. You and Gloria Arroyo, Make a handsome couple. Mabuti pang pag samahin kayo sa kangkonga. Amen:

Tama yung comment sa taas, exploited ang mga mahihirap kaya mahal nila si Erap at Binay, Bakit yung mahihirap at di nagbabayad ng tax ang magluluklok ng mga lider? Dapat hanggang baranggay Captain lang iboto nila, at yung mga taxpayer na katulad namin ang magluklok ng mga lider, Its about time na yung mga legitimate taxpayer ang magdikta kung sino ang ,magiging leader natin, yung mga tax evader naman, dapat isama din dun sa grupo na katulad ng mga mahihirap. The idea is kung gusto mong makaboto ng national leaders, magbayad ka ng tamang buwis. At yung di nagbabayad ng buwis, hanggang Bgy captain lang iboto.

Mayor Binay is loved by the rich and poor in Makati,why?because they have the best social services and educational system that serves the residents of Makati rich or poor.It is second to none, it is even better than a an industrialized country when it comes to social services, and its all because of Mayor Jejomar Binay,he served the “masa”.

Please,huwag naman natin binabastos at inaapi ang mga squatter!!!They are human beings too,they are productive and hard working people that just cannot afford or doest have access to credit to buy a decent housing,even professionals in the philippines like teachers,police,office workers lives in this squatter colonies.Have a heart.

Let me pick your mind. Who do you think are the “poor” that are living in the slum areas? These are the salesladies, baggers, clerks in your department stores; security guards; people on the seats of jeepneys/buses that brings you to work; sell you fish, vegetables, and meat in the market so that you can have something to prepare for dinner; manufacturing workers; teachers; government employees; construction workers; MMDA traffic enforcers and street cleaners; and their families! The list goes on mind you! By the way, MOST OF THEM ARE WAGE EARNERS WHOSE INCOME TAXES ARE BEING DEDUCTED AUTOMATICALLY BY THEIR EMPLOYERS. Spare the construction workers please for they only receive less than 100 pesos a day. I guess there is such a thing as socialized tax payment. Don’t deny these people the right to vote for national elections!

And who do I think are the tax evaders? Well you hear the news, you read the papers, and you are intelligent enough to have access to a computer and read this. You should know!

You don’t get the point. This is not anti-squatter. It is a start of finding a solution for them. The mayors will never make an effort to move the squatters to a better environment if he/she is using them for his votes.

Logic states that paid votes are perverted and the paid ones are the marginalized. It is not the people who are perverted but the votes.

It is also a fact that squatting is illegal. This solution is a shotgun solution.

Dear Proud Welfarevillian,

Only a few people like you stand out in not having your children inherit the predicament that you were in at Welfareville. I am always proud of people who come through like you. I have a very close friend who came from Smokey Mountain and is now a successful legitimate businessman.

But looking at the majority of our brothers and sisters who are trapped in this inter-generational dilemma, there ought to be a law to shut this social dungeon closed forever.

Of course, as previously cited, this is controversial especially at the onset of hearing it. Having to have lived poverty will always make one feel emotionally sensitive about any further issues to make feelings worse. It is actually not a punishment for squatting. A sacrifice from the squatters in temporarily foregoing their voice during elections will put the right perspective of having to solve the problems brought about by urbanization and unequal opportunities. Perhaps the term “boycott” sounds better. The mayors will have to truly work on their constituents.

It will be a win-win situation in the long run. Let me give you an example. Bayani Fernando is not in an elective position. The votes of the squatters whom he has actually helped in relocation do not matter to him. He has worked with different agencies to solve the relocation problems of the PNR squatters. He may be very unpopular, but he gets things done to improve the template of what is left of our so called system.

Going back to factoring out the masa vote, both ends of our society will benefit. At the end of the day, the losers here will be the self-serving, empty-promising vultures in government.

If it is not true that there is rampant vote-buying among the marginalized, then what has been suggested is truly inhumane, prejudice, and elitist. At the same breath, if it is not true that all our bad incumbents were indeed propelled into office by the masa vote, then our electoral system is not so bad after all. The reason why they are bad is because the current symbiotic relationship vindicates them.

Any other solution that will originate from the government will stumble and be halted with budget restraints because our money merely goes into personal pockets. The salesladies, the janitors, etc. truly deserve to get their tax money’s worth.

The fact that squatting is illegal and deserves to be straightened out is merely a bonus to this solution. Squatting - be it brought about by social injustice, by no delivery of services or by professional squatters - is wrong and illegal. But is anyone ever dealt with from squatting aside from ruthless demolitions? Is the punishment the damnation in how life has to be lived? Give me a “punishment” that will not require the squatters to further degrade their living conditions and that will solve things.

Squatting and urban congestion is everybody’s problem and not just the of marginalized.

Why not arrest those mayors for vote buying and send them to jail rather than the entire squatter population behind bars.It is logical and cost effective.

TO ALL (Young or Old)
It all boils down to improving the economy again.
Let me just summarize the damages brought by the Marcos regime in our country of which I discussed extensively in my previous post in ‘Make Your Voice Heard’
1. Disunity because now we are free to voice our opinions unlike during the Marcos era
2. Constitutional amendments done during the Aquino regime which gave rise to incompetent leaders
These hamper the economic growth of the country. Just allow the President to continue her term and let our economy improve for I believe she is capable of handling it. If we can rise out of poverty, then we can be well educated.
You may consider this post too late but my sole purpose is for the maturity of our voters so that come election time these points are considered in truly making wise judgments in the next election.
If you want GMA to step down because she cheated, then all politicians (except for a few good men of course) should step down because all cheated the country in one way or another with their empty promises.
To Proud Welfareville,
I’m glad thru your own efforts (I guess), you were able to get yourself out of the doldrum. May the other masses follow your footsteps.

Mr Misa ……please re-study the root of the problem why there are so called “Squatting Masa” there are lots of materials available if you really want to deepen your understanding about it, then you can re-read, and re-understand what you have written and then maybe you can re-write it so that it really sounds like finding a solution to what you call a problem …thank you and GOD bless

Emotions! Emotions! Can’t you discuss a topic without throwing cheap shots! The country has lots of problems and the least you can do is add more to it. If you’re among the least fortunate (that include me), I suggest you select a senator who pursues pro poor programs i.e. mass housing, mass transport, jobs generation, low interest credit, entrepreneural initiatives and has a track record of accomplishing it. Don’t go for fakes who merely promises you during election and forgets about it later. It’s about time we focus on what a leader can achieve for a nation during his term. Then only maybe you’ll see progress during your lifetime.

Pian, you forget that man does not live by bread alone. You also forgot integrity, honesty, decency, respect of democratic principles among them the freedom of speech and right to public assembly.

The Marcos formula was based on a one-man rule supported by a military-oligarchic clique so as he supposedly would turn our country into a leading economy in Asia. He failed miserably and led to the foundation of institutionalized corruption present even up to this day.

If Gloria does the same thing and make an excuse that her attempts towards dictatorship via Executive Orders is needed for economic growth, then she is also promoting a bereft system which failed Marcos decades back. Bread for principles? Just like in the past days of the decadent Empire of Rome.

Dear Crispin,

Yes please, forward me your readings, especially the recent ones.

Indeed, it is important to understand the root of this socio-economic plague. But more important is finding the solution to the problems that have stemmed from the roots. It has blossomed into a big socio-political-economic-environmental disease that needs a holistic solution.

Examining the root of the problem often ends with a textbook blaming things on the system. When Prof. Randy David cited Chantal Mouffe that a “normative dimension” of an “ethico-political nature” is inscribed in political institutions, he hit it right on target. We use the roots and let our form of democracy adjust to us. The gov’t structure should be adjustable with the dynamic cultural changes unique to the people. Hence, adapting to the times brings us to facing this unique growing tree and not merely digging into the roots. My view is adjusting our democracy (temporarily) in a way where the masa vote is factored out because we have to bring back pure Will to the sanctity of a vote that serves give us direction.

Putting hope in a leader is a hit-miss time consuming (incumbency) exercise. Demanding inter-govt agency efficiency will be frustrating. Relying on a change of mentality from the citizens is merely hopeless. We have safeguarded change in our constitution because we are afraid of govt structural power predators. That leaves us with amending laws to swiftly catch up with the times, and that is what all these legislators are being paid for.

I do not want to re-write this. Of course the idea needs more thinking. I am hoping that a bold, nationalistic legislator finds wisdom in it, innovates it and TRIES to solve this dilemma that is ironically empowered by the masa vote.

Base on the result of the national election we have an analysis:
1. The filipinos no longer want the present government.
2. The filipinos learned already from the past ” Erap case” , Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano didn’t make on the top. If you are a candidate without capability do not attempt to have a seat in the senate.
Our kababayans are now becoming high level individuals.
3. The filipinos don’t consider so much for the anomaly cases made by some candidates like Lacson, Honasan and Trillanes.
Lacson—- Many rumors of anomaly but has strong leadership. I hope he will be straight from now on
if he will attempt for presidency on 2010.
Honasan—-You can judge by yourself.
Trillanes—I did not vote this guy, but after a brief kuwentuhan to my friend who was working before at Purchasing of Airforce. Talamak talaga ang corruption sa AFP. I think AFP has the 2nd budgeted by the government. May mga voucher daw na pilit pinapipirmahan ng mga opisyal sa kanila example 3M, 2M, 5M amount pero actual walang delivery .(Ghost Delivery). These are spare parts of helicopter, plane etc. Kaya ang ginagawa puro daw remedyo ang nag susuffer yung mga gumagamit.
But now nagkahigpitan na because of the Oakwood Mutiny.

Who do you think the best person to lead our country?? Sorry wala ako marerecommend.

Criteria:
VERY STRONG LEADERSHIP.
LOVE FOR GOD AND TO OUR COUNTRY
WITH INTEGRITY and CREDIBILITY
INDUSTRIALIST and ECONOMIST ( I prefer he should have an engineering degree)
Why engineering degree? not a lawyer? A lawyer makes a law which is litterally a law.
An engineer makes a procedures and systems (Like an ISO) which is flexible, accurate and well defined. Ex. the RA 9184 (Government procurement Act) maraming loop holes for corruption dito.

Willing to implement.
—Firing Squad to convicted corrupt officials/government employees.
—Free education upto college level (State Universities)
—Help industrial companies to succeed (Like the case of Hyundai, etc.) Hire expats for every industrial companies.
—Must have priority in entrepreneurship for all Filipinos
If every family has a business from simple candle making upto sophisticated products(Car parts, Plane parts, etc) manufacturing. Exporting these products. I believe walang mahirap sa Pinas.
In China, every province has each own specialization of industrial products. Example Zhejiang, Wenzhou for Valves, Yingkou for pipes and fittings. Please take note that management level and professionalism we are far better than China but why few companies lang meron tayo. In China all
businessman usually starts at the age of 23. They venture in different trading and manufacturing.
Almost all products meron sila. Sa Pinas , ultimo gate valve lang walang gumagawa dito puro imported pa. Wala din tayong steel manufacturing plant (but we have natural resources).Now the China government is hiring many retired Japanese expat to help companies in China. Sooner gaganda din ang quality ng China. Same method din ang ginamit ng Skorea, they invite many Japanese expat kaya meron Samsung, LG, Hyundai etc.
Because of corruption also maraming government owned companies ang nagsasara. Bakit ang
PNR same ito ng JR (Japan Railways) which developed bullet train now they are exporting to other asian countries or Pantranco, bakit ang JAM, TRITRAN nagprosper.
I think 2 priorities dapat ng government for our country para makahabol sa other ASEAN countries.
1. Stop graft and corruption.
2. Entreprenurship, establish many exporting companies.Of course not only handicraft products but
also industrial products, sophisticated products and technical products.

Industrialization pa rin ang secret to have a progressive country. Kung may trabaho lahat
baba ang poverty, mawawala ang crime at tataas ang level ng pagkatao ng bawat pilipino.

Young Businessman

The masa vote is the reason why Philippines isn’t moving forward. It’s too bad that it’s the stupid vote that count. There are people who shoudn’t vote and that is the masa vote. Rich and poor are unequal in most categories and that includes voting. Dumb masa vote shouldn’t count..

TO KABAYAN,
If that’s the case then ALL politicians should step down (except a few good men of course) because all of them lied/cheated the country what with their empty promises.
So unfortunately, we are left to choose the lesser of 2 evils.
You say man does not live on bread alone. Then try telling that to a hungry person. Of course he needs the basics before he can think clearly.
TO JUAN DELA CRUZ
You’re right for advocating entrepreneurship skills for that seems embedded in the Chinese culture.

Pian,

Choosing of lesser of 2 evils in our country is a myth and an idea that declines the moral standard of society.

Choosing evil for another evil is still that, you’re still CHOOSING EVIL. Choose good instead.

A lot of our countrymen are hungry but many are lucid enough and not to be lured to accept the bad by being bribed with bread.

Again a twisted philosophy that downgrades morality of man, this CHOOSING EVIL for basic goods. One must CHOOSE GOOD to have basic goods and more.

“…Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you…”

Contrary to those who have “elitist” thinking the masa does too have important knowledge and points of view they gained from their experience and dire situation. The elitist should experience what the masa experience so that they can understand their point of view.

To those who criticize the masa vote as dumb, I ask, what was done to uplift the social and political consciousness of the masa? What was done to uplift them from their miserable economic straits so as they can afford better education? What was done to help them so as they be better educated and analyze deeply the issues at hand? What did the movie and tv industry do to help raise the level of consciousness of the masa? What did anyone do to patiently explain what is right and wrong? What positive example did you do that they may agree and emulate you?

If the answer is NOTHING then, now you know why the masa acts as such. If one accuses the masa of being dumb, the accuser is also accused of being irresponsible and have not truly helped those who have less opportunities than him.

TO KABAYAN
Well, that’s not how most people in our poor country think, because they are driven more by their emotions than their minds because of poverty.
Glad to know though that you think righteous.

Wow, You blow me away. It seem that you blame the poor people of their votes!

Squatter’s the only squatter’s I know is Gloria Arroyo, She’s the one you should kick out. She don’t belong in Malcanayang Palace.

Adonis Lacsamana
The masa vote is the reason why Philippines isn’t moving forward. It’s too bad that it’s the stupid vote that count. There are people who shoudn’t vote and that is the masa vote. Rich and poor are unequal in most categories and that includes voting. Dumb masa vote shouldn’t count..
**************
Fr: Salina.

Adonis! You’re hypocrites when you say that the poor people votes is not equal. Who are you to judges poor people. You make it sound like you’re better compare to poor people. You’re hypocrites just like Gloria Arroyo.

Every vote is important. Either you’re rich’s or poor. Period!!! People like you the one dragging the Philippines into the gutter. You and Gloria Arroyo, Make a handsome couple. Dapat sa inyo ipakain sa buwaya!

Juan Dela Cruz
Base on the result of the national election we have an analysis:
1. The filipinos no longer want the present government.
2. The filipinos learned already from the past ” Erap case” , Richard Gomez, Cesar Montano didn’t make on the top. If you are a candidate without capability do not attempt to have a seat in the senate.
Our kababayans are now becoming high level individuals.
3. The filipinos don’t consider so much for the anomaly cases made by some candidates like Lacson, Honasan and Trillanes.
Lacson—- Many rumors of anomaly but has strong leadership. I hope he will be straight from now on
if he will attempt for presidency on 2010.
Honasan—-You can judge by yourself.
Trillanes—I did not vote this guy, but after a brief kuwentuhan to my friend who was working before at Purchasing of Airforce. Talamak talaga ang corruption sa AFP. I think AFP has the 2nd budgeted by the government. May mga voucher daw na pilit pinapipirmahan ng mga opisyal sa kanila example 3M, 2M, 5M amount pero actual walang delivery .(Ghost Delivery). These are spare parts of helicopter, plane etc. Kaya ang ginagawa puro daw remedyo ang nag susuffer yung mga gumagamit.
But now nagkahigpitan na because of the Oakwood Mutiny.

Who do you think the best person to lead our country?? Sorry wala ako marerecommend.

Criteria:
VERY STRONG LEADERSHIP.
LOVE FOR GOD AND TO OUR COUNTRY
WITH INTEGRITY and CREDIBILITY
INDUSTRIALIST and ECONOMIST ( I prefer he should have an engineering degree)
Why engineering degree? not a lawyer? A lawyer makes a law which is litterally a law.
An engineer makes a procedures and systems (Like an ISO) which is flexible, accurate and well defined. Ex. the RA 9184 (Government procurement Act) maraming loop holes for corruption dito.

Willing to implement.
—Firing Squad to convicted corrupt officials/government employees.
—Free education upto college level (State Universities)
—Help industrial companies to succeed (Like the case of Hyundai, etc.) Hire expats for every industrial companies.
—Must have priority in entrepreneurship for all Filipinos
If every family has a business from simple candle making upto sophisticated products(Car parts, Plane parts, etc) manufacturing. Exporting these products. I believe walang mahirap sa Pinas.
In China, every province has each own specialization of industrial products. Example Zhejiang, Wenzhou for Valves, Yingkou for pipes and fittings. Please take note that management level and professionalism we are far better than China but why few companies lang meron tayo. In China all
businessman usually starts at the age of 23. They venture in different trading and manufacturing.
Almost all products meron sila. Sa Pinas , ultimo gate valve lang walang gumagawa dito puro imported pa. Wala din tayong steel manufacturing plant (but we have natural resources).Now the China government is hiring many retired Japanese expat to help companies in China. Sooner gaganda din ang quality ng China. Same method din ang ginamit ng Skorea, they invite many Japanese expat kaya meron Samsung, LG, Hyundai etc.
Because of corruption also maraming government owned companies ang nagsasara. Bakit ang
PNR same ito ng JR (Japan Railways) which developed bullet train now they are exporting to other asian countries or Pantranco, bakit ang JAM, TRITRAN nagprosper.
I think 2 priorities dapat ng government for our country para makahabol sa other ASEAN countries.
1. Stop graft and corruption.
2. Entreprenurship, establish many exporting companies.Of course not only handicraft products but
also industrial products, sophisticated products and technical products.

Industrialization pa rin ang secret to have a progressive country. Kung may trabaho lahat
baba ang poverty, mawawala ang crime at tataas ang level ng pagkatao ng bawat pilipino.

Young Businessman
************
Fr: Salina.

Hello, Young Businessman: Your post is good. You know why most of businessman don’t want to invest in the Philippines, Because of corruption is so rampant. Before you can start a business Patay ka na sa grease money. Don’t get me wrong I know this first hand.

A few years ago I want to start business in the Philippines but the first thing they ask me is grease money. Aside from that they want atleast 10% grease money every month. And this is gov’t. Employee’s asking me. They must be out of their mind. Guess what, I took my business somewhere else. This is one of the reason why lots of business people don’t want to do business in the Philippines. With this rates the Philippines well never get out from under.

As long as there’s vote-buying, we all know that the sellers are the masa. In almost all the reports, it is described as “massive vote-buying”.

I will agree in that it is the system that is stupid but not the masa. It is the vote that is perverted and not the masa. True, they cannot be blamed because none of the services that the government should be giving are delivered to them. The probability is that they are too hungry to ignore a P500 bill. Now matter how many crocodiles there are in a river, a thirsty zebra will always get that drink. It’s survival instinct. Walang makain ang Pilipino! Nobody can stop that. Factoring out their vote is the answer.

It is really a humiliating thought that a Filipino vote can be bought. It’s a peek into a small window of how low in the third world we are in.

That is the beauty of democracy, the needs of many balances out the greed of the few.

For example, the Philippines has a population which most are in poverty and comprise the “masa”, our middle class is slowly dwindling and many are increasingly living or working abroad, and of course we have a few who are very very rich.

When there are no elections, the masa try to survive one day at a time through hand to mouth existence, the middle class try to eke out a living while trying to get their children through college, the elite earn more money to add to their already bulging bank accounts often wallowing in the material luxuries.

The lowest and ill-lucked of the masa beg, the middle class try to dole out a few pesos as they pass the occasional beggar, most of the rich being in their cars and all don’t care at all.

Now comes election, the masa choose who they want in position (although at times can be “negotiated”); the middle class usually vote for their conscience and often intelligently; the rich (especially those who are in politics) wants to convince the masa on who they want to vote using money, duplicity or force although at times a few use good performance as their virtues.

Because of this, democracy becomes a great equalizer, the masa in this kind of political system is finally important.

The rich and those vying for government position can either become responsible and help alleviate the plight of the masa in order to win or they could use guns, goons and gold.

So now we look at it; the masa only reacts to what those what the wealthy or those in power have to offer. So the fault are just as much as the rich trapos as well as the masa who allow themselves to be used.

What should be factored out then? It would be better to factor out the corrupt and rich trapos who manipulate the elections who selfishly gorge themselves with ill gotten wealth rather than alleviating the plight of the masa (i.e. turning them into middle class.)

Democracy is the great equalizer, it is the most important system that force the wealthy and powerful to do the right thing if they want the masa to truly do a conscience vote or else suffer the consequences. A sort of Social Karma.

Moreover, the masa vote cannot be factored out; not only is it unprincipled and undemocratic, it is also a surefire way to create civil war.

Masa or not, if we remain divisive hindi susulong ang bansa.

TO RICKY
Well, I will support Binay anytime over Lapid. But given a better choice, I suggest ask yourself why is he swamped with cases of ghost employees? And why does he field members of his family to circumvent the law on term limits? Would that be purely for public service or something else?

Pian

Mayor Binay is under the microscope for being a member of the opposition,I think the present administration has done everything with desperation to find a “legal” cause to suspend or remove Jejomar Binay from his office and the only thing that they can come up with are accusation of having “ghost” employees? considering the length of service the Binays served in Makati(husband&wife).I dont think no other mayor or governor in the whole country can withstand the scrutiny.The people of Makati will continue to vote the Binays in office because of their tract record, not even the star power of Edu Manzano and Lito Lapid can change that.

TO RICKY
I’m not from Makati though so it’s not my problem. I’m just concerned that he might be using the masses to further his ends. I caught him on TV a long time ago berating a person, truly unbecoming of a mayor to act like one. And he fields members of his own family to circumvent the law on term limits. That should indicate they’re making a business out of it.

TO MBM
Although I do get your point the masses should not be exploited, factoring them out would be too drastic and controversial to an emotional populace. Teaching them would be better, and I hope this blog will continue for it gives me that opportunity to reach out to more people.

Kabayan
Contrary to those who have “elitist” thinking the masa does too have important knowledge and points of view they gained from their experience and dire situation. The elitist should experience what the masa experience so that they can understand their point of view.

To those who criticize the masa vote as dumb, I ask, what was done to uplift the social and political consciousness of the masa? What was done to uplift them from their miserable economic straits so as they can afford better education? What was done to help them so as they be better educated and analyze deeply the issues at hand? What did the movie and tv industry do to help raise the level of consciousness of the masa? What did anyone do to patiently explain what is right and wrong? What positive example did you do that they may agree and emulate you?

If the answer is NOTHING then, now you know why the masa acts as such. If one accuses the masa of being dumb, the accuser is also accused of being irresponsible and have not truly helped those who have less opportunities than him.
*********
Salina

Kabayan: If everybody think like you, The Philippines well be the best places to live. You touch my heart with this post. Godbless, And more power to you! Amen:

ricky
Mayor Binay is loved by the rich and poor in Makati,why?because they have the best social services and educational system that serves the residents of Makati rich or poor.It is second to none, it is even better than a an industrialized country when it comes to social services, and its all because of Mayor Jejomar Binay,he served the “masa”.
***********
Salina

Ricky: Yes, The reason Binay wins over and over again because of the good service he provided the people of Makati.

If he run for President I well vote for him. We need a leader like him. Because Gloria Arroyo, Is lacking of her leadership. The filipino people deserve better.

Whether admit it or not, like it or not, curse it or not, “masa vote” exists not only because of crooked politicians who use them but because the “masa” themselves sell out their votes. It’s similar to drug pushers vis-à-vis drug addicts scenario. Everybody would pity the “masa” because they are poor but I don’t simply believe they should remain poor. There are excellent experiences of persons posting in this blog, that they are not even ashamed of admitting that once they belong to this class, like Proud Welfarevillian . That’s the key, “once” they were there, meaning they manage themselves to get out from it.
Back in 1980, I can still remember the odor of a nearby swamp in Malibay, Pasay City of which I couldn’t sleep well coupled with mosquitoes bugging my ears and biting me. I had a neighbor who I used to play with at a nearby vacant dusty lot. Their home was just on a swamp. I could just imagine how difficult for him to sleep. One year after, my high school graduate father saw a good place in a far province to start a bakery business. We migrated in that place and our new home was far better although we still sleep under our dining table. Now he got 4 kids all finished college, the eldest is a doctor. And he continued to run the business and to be well respected in town. Nobody believed him that he came from Malibay slum area. Due to my curiosity, I went back in Malibay. I saw a familiar face and he was looking at me too, maybe caught with the same feeling. I approached him and there I remember he was our neighbor. He recognized me too. He was still living in that area although not the same home but another squatter house nearby. He finished high school but not able to step to college. He does part time jobs of either carpentry or tricycle driving.
Was he selling his “masa” vote? I don’t know, but what I only couldn’t imagine was, “why is he still there?” Because of politicians who take advantage of their “masa” votes? When we shook hands and after looking at my car, he quickly justified, “ Wala na talaga tayong maasahan sa gobyerno natin. Puro graft and corruption, mula pa kay Cuneta, ngayon Trinidad.” I didn’t want to take that topic so I quickly asked about the other “barkadas.” A few of them were still there, others left the area. But a look on his face, there were regrets. I knew what it was. I didn’t elaborate anymore.
A “masa” will always be a “masa” if his attitude and thinking will always be there. We talk too much on democracy and neglect the very important thing, DISCIPLINE. Discipline will bring us to education and education will lead us to better judgments and decisions in life, like voting. Some insist too much truth about the “Hello Garci” from Arroyo, like Salina here, but do we insist on looking for the truth behind why people are “masa”? Is it because of martial law, elections, graft and corruption in the government, or the President? I can not simply accept the excuse of being poor as the reason for not having good education. Salina again, would blame Arroyo for the poor quality of education public schools have but still I can not accept that reasoning simply because I did have classmates in high school who are now working as Accountants, Auditors, Engineers, Nurses, and Doctors. Others remained in the province and they have regrets. And they would count themselves belonging to the “masa”.
I don’t have to be righteous just to be a responsible and wise voter and neither I would count my vote as “masa” because, I am not that anymore. Only this I know is true, if discipline is there, there would be no “masa votes”, only responsible and wise votes.

The term “Discipline” was also used by Marcos once to justify to his Martial Rule. Remember “Sa ikauunlad ng Bayan disciplina ang kailangan” motto. Yes that is Marcos’.

Then what happened? It was he, his generals, his wife, and a lot his kin’s and Imelda’s who didn’t have the discipline. They plundered the Philippines and instituted the highest form of electoral cheating and totalitarian rule.

That’s right. Before Martial rule we had an economy second only to Japan.

No it’s not the discipline I’m worried about. It’s the sincerity of those who govern and who have the power which we should be vigilantly watching.

Dictatorship would never be the answer to our nation as it had and will still be open to corruption and abuse.

From Salina

Kabayan: If everybody think like you, The Philippines well be the best places to live. You touch my heart with this post. Godbless, And more power to you! Amen:

________________________________

Thanks Salina, I was blessed with a good education but a lot of my other relatives are not so lucky. Some of them quit school because of lack of money. This is unfortunate since some of them have very good brains.

I consult with some of them and they surprise me with their wisdom and points of view. I likewise share and teach them my point of view.

It is my hope someday that my relatives who are in the “masa” would one day be lifted from their plight and would be living in a prosperous Philippines, free from the culture of abuse and corruption that pervades society.

I hope for a prosperous, free, God-fearing Philippines of the future.

Kabayan
The term “Discipline” was also used by Marcos once to justify to his Martial Rule. Remember “Sa ikauunlad ng Bayan disciplina ang kailangan” motto. Yes that is Marcos’.

Then what happened? It was he, his generals, his wife, and a lot his kin’s and Imelda’s who didn’t have the discipline. They plundered the Philippines and instituted the highest form of electoral cheating and totalitarian rule.

That’s right. Before Martial rule we had an economy second only to Japan.

No it’s not the discipline I’m worried about. It’s the sincerity of those who govern and who have the power which we should be vigilantly watching.

Dictatorship would never be the answer to our nation as it had and will still be open to corruption and abuse.
***********
Salina

Dictotorship lead to nowhere, And its already proven by the Marcoses! How can we ever forget. And now another dictatorship Gloria Arroyo, In fact she’s worse compare to Marcos. If she succeed on changing the constitution law; She’ll be in power forever.

o binay pala dito, let me share this:

street parliamentarian yan noon, pareho ang sigaw namin, tama na sobra na, 20 years na si marcos noon sa kapangyarihan, si binay ay 20+ years na naka upo……..

noon natatakot kami na pag nawala si ferdie eh si meldie ang papalit, asawa ba ni jojo yung dra. binay na naging mayor ng makati…….

si jun jun kaya maging mayor ng makati sa 2010, kaninong anak yon…..

malaki talaga ang ginagawang pagbabago ng kapangyarihan sa isang idealist mind.

I SALUTE YOU SIR KUNG WALANG NG TATAKBONG BINAY SA MAKATI SA 2010.

gusto kita ulit maging IDOL tulad ni JOKER….