I HAVE been following the last midterm elections and was elated that the people finally let their voices be heard by voting for change.

Historically, during elections, whoever has the most money and influence gets the seat; thankfully that trend has changed — at least for the last election. Now, what I cannot believe is how does a bunch of senators voted into office not because people want them to be senators but because they represent the opposition, have turned their back to their ideologies and to what they promised to the people that voted for them that there will be change if they win the election.

How can they do the changes they promised if all of the important committees will still be controlled by the administration?

Deep in my heart, I would like to commend Senator [Antonio] Trillanes [IV] and hopefully he will stay as a true servant to the people and serve his mandate with dignity! To the following
Senators (Escudero, Estrada, Cayetano), there is no way you can save your mandate to the people now that you’ve joined the administration!

– Ed Tuason, Santa Maria, California (via e-mail)

A VERY courageous man. A man of principle. The Catholic Church must not turn its back on him. He needs their support now more than ever. This is the best time for the Church to establish and expand its social responsibilities and provide both spiritual and moral
support to Governor Panlilio which I know wanted to serve. Bless his heart.

The Philippines need more people like him. People are tired of words. Politicians that thirst for power and money but are lacking in integrity, service and sacrifice for its people. We are far away from our neighbors in terms of loyalty and love of our country. It’s time to set aside our differences, and start working together for the common good of the people we want to serve.

Words are cheap. The Church cannot reverse the decision of Father Panlilio to run and I’m sure this is for the love of his country and God. More power to people like Governor Panlilio and Mayor Lim. May the Lord grant them fullfillment of their plans and protect them from dangers (bad elements of society.

-- Al Hinahon, Texas (via e-mail)

FILIPINOS are entitled to one vote each. It represents the heart and soul of a person who is longing that his voice will be heard, though faint in the millions of votes.

Shave a vote and you kill entirely that faint voice and literally, the essence of that person’s right to suffrage. The Philippines, Mindanao in particular, has become a graveyard of honest election watchers, teachers and volunteers. It has also become a stinking place of dishonest government appointees like Lintang Bedol.

Justice, strike where you need to strike and I will be there to believe in your name. Justice, hear the last breath of heroes that died looking for you.

– Rynor Jamandre, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig (via e-mail)

CAN the government tolerate this kind of treatment they are receiving from [Maguindanao provincial election supervisor Lintang Bedol] Bedol? Is he more untouchable than Garci [former Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano]?

Why was he in the Comelec in the first place? Bedol is the kind of person who can mingle with the Muslim rebels anytime he wants because he will always be welcomed by them.

Remember Garci’s attire when he gave himself up to the government? Bedol’s antics qualifies him to be a terrorist. A political terrorist who can do anything he wants as long as he is tolerated and well protected by the “padrinos.”

– Andy Paliguiran, Los Angeles, California (via e-mail)

IT is a blatant display of stomping the constitutional guarantee of the freedom of choice and expression, if not displaying ignorance about it.

They use the enlisted men as guinea pigs to please their master, although the majority would surely avail of the doctrine of secrecy.

It is a calculated bullying exercise after exhaling the fumes of embarrassment and dismay that Mr. Trillanes got his way to the Senate which was a message so loud and clear of the Filipino voters’ support for Trillanes’ advocacy against the Arroyo regime.

– Napoleon de la Torre, Auckland, New Zealand (via e-mail)

TRILLANES would not even win as barangay chairman before Oakwood.

Yes, the Philippine electorate rewarded Lt. Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV for causing untold suffering to the people by bringing down the economy and wreaking havoc on the business community in co-masterminding the infamous Oakwood mutiny.

He used this popularity to shortcut his way to the political arena. Why can’t he do a Lacson and a Biazon who took the long road and got out of service and ran for public office on the merits of their accomplishments? Is he too ambitious and could not wait for his turn? Let’s see if he will turn out to be like the gentlemen I mentioned or will he be like Gringo who was rewarded again after warming his seat in a forgettable stint in the Senate.

– Buddy Jose, Las Vegas, Nevada (via e-mail)

I TOTALLY agree with National Artist Napoleon Abueva: Manny Pangilinan for president in 2010.

He is honest. Incorruptible. If he can run the Philippines like his businesses, we can expect huge success. He’s deeply religious and spiritual. Like Grace Padaca and Father Ed Panlilio, he’s single and bears the sign of the cross in his person.

Being a bachelor, the country need not worry about an FG [First Gentleman] like Mike Arroyo or an FL [First Lady] like Imelda, or a Kamag-anak, Inc. like the Cojuangcos or Erap’s mistresses. MVP can devote all his time and energy to the country.

Let’s start now. Mobilize for MVP in 2010.

– Enrique Angeles, Buena Park, California (via e-mail)

I WAS reading the letters to the editor, when the article “Forget impeachment bid” by Ms Emma Requilme (Inquirer, 06/01/07) caught my attention.

At last! Someone has decided to forget impeachment. I’m so tired of hearing people talking about the impeachment of the president. They only look at the negative sides of the administration. But I think, they didn’t take the time to glance at the positive side.

I agree with the point of Ms. Requilme that we should forget about impeachment and pay attention to our hungry fellow citizens. Having an impeachment trial would be such a waste of time. There are people waiting to be fed. So, the question would be: Which is important? The impeachment or our hungry fellow citizens?

I always hear activists cry out loud “Oust Gloria!” But if you asked them the question above, surely they will choose the good of our fellow citizens. Then, if that’s what they want, the good of our people, we must wait for our president’s move. So let us forget impeachment and think of the future of our people and our country.

– Jay-R Lumbo, Marikina City (via e-mail)

I LIKE best the last paragraph of your editorial especially the second sentence: “the need for vigilance continues…”

I always make it a point to read your editorial everyday when I come to work and that line hit me hardest. You inspire your readers.

I pray people like you will continue to be like you… doing their work with the highest integrity. Thank you.

– Archimedes Pormicelle, Caloocan (via e-mail)

I AM writing in response to Mr. Escano’s letter to the editor dated May 25, 2007.

I recommend that Mr. Escano visit Among Ed’s website to get to know the character behind the person. He is likewise welcome to read and participate in our forum to get to know the people supporting Among Ed.

In response to your questions and concerns:

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