HERE’S an interesting blog entry by JJ of Unsent: Notes to and from my former self.

JJ did his own version of INQUIRER.net’s Eleksyon 2007 podcast interview with Prospero Pichay called “Feeling Close: 2007 Senatorial Election — Prospero Peachy Edition,” and it’s quite hilarious

Here’s an excerpt:

If you have a pretty good internet connection speed you could opt to listen to the podcasts which are divided into four parts to prevent you from dozing off. For those who have slow connections though I’d recommend reading the transcipt instead. For those who are lazy then go ahead and read my version of the Eleksyon 2007 podcast interview. Here are some “juicy parts” that I have selected. Do pardon me for voicing out my thoughts from time to time.

[Read the rest of this entry »]

Francis Pangilinan doesn’t care who he pleases and who he condemns, as long as he can get all the votes he can muster, and win.

He thinks that being neither on the administration’s roster nor on the opposition’s is a big plus for him.

“Trapo ka rin, ‘Noted.’” [You’re also a traditional politico, “Noted.”]

– Dante Faragas, San Francisco, CA

I AM currently working and living in another country, in short an OFW [overseas Filipino worker]. While I am one of those thousands of our kababayans who keep the country’s economy afloat, I don’t have the luxury of exercising my suffrage but given the opportunity I am not inclined to participate. However, the political activities in our country continue to resonate around the globe, giving us a good view of the political arena.

It is funny how the different candidates’ dirty linens are being exploited by their opponents in a grand vista but it is not funny when the coming political exercise is being used to trick the Filipino people that, indeed, democracy is alive in the Philippines. On the contrary, the coming election will again be utilized to further legitimize an administration whose existence or claim to power is still questionable and the opposition (genuine or not) is rightly playing on it. And how can this be called a true democracy when election cheating has been institutionalized by the “Hello Garci” scandal.

“Hey dude, let’s forget about it and have another election.” This could aptly describe the present situation. The opposition’s (genuine or not) central campaign platform that a vote for them is a vote against Gloria. Really, huh! How simplistic their view is. Did they forget that votes are stolen along the way or are they immune to such reality? If they ever get into office all they can do is to give the perennial headache to that occupant in Malacañang. What about for the people? Nada!

The 2007 election is so unique that people are so unaware of what is really happening. All eyes are glued on the campaign trail and the so-called civil society is gearing up to guard the ballot boxes that have no value at all. The power of the ballot was greatly diminished by vote-buying, massive ballot switching, dagdag-bawas, and other evil schemes that it will be an act of foolishness to guard its sanctity by your body against a single bullet. The crime against the present generation has never been so perfected. Who says it will not happen again when the perpetrators of such a heinous crime were greatly rewarded for their unheroic deed.

What is more disturbing is the 2007 election will be held against a backdrop of politically motivated murders. Before, election-related violence resulting in deaths are common but today political murders are so rampant yet no one among the usual candidates (read: trapos) even have an iota of knowledge of what human rights is all about. Shame on these candidates! The campaign season is the best opportunity to hit the nail on the head but instead they offer grandiose things of no substance. Read their podcasts and weep. Anyway, what can you expect from them?

Harassments, intimidations, surveillances and illegal arrests. All of these are happening right under what is supposed to be a showcase for democracy. Political activists and well-meaning journalists are swatted like flies. Funny, how can the flies disappear when there is garbage in Malacañang?

The 2007 election is so unique that it will be held under a de facto martial rule. It is nothing but a farce, a tragedy that is waiting to happen and that tragedy is to perpetuate, through a supposedly democratic exercise, someone who is anti-democratic and anti-people.

Indeed, we have sealed our future tragedy.

JOHN OSMEÑA’S anti-VAT [value-added tax] political ad is totally disgusting. It has marks of a populist, anti-development rhetoric. He provides no alternatives to the VAT and gives no concrete justifications for his objection aside from the supposedly anti-poor effects of the law.

As seen in almost all countries, populist policies are actually more anti-poor because of their damaging effects on the economy and the society, as a whole.

If John Osmeña really thinks that VAT is wrong, then, what is his opinion on his partymates and other GO [Genuine Opposition] candidates who voted in favor of VAT?

AND I thought only Joseph Estrada could use such kanto [street-corner] language as “Pupulutin ka lang sa kangkungan.” [”They’ll pick you up in the swamp.”]

Noynoy Aquino’s remark shows that the level of maturity of the candidates has not progressed, how Noynoy Aquino has degenerated into a mudslinging politician, wholeheartedly embraced Estrada’s ideals and thoughts, and has given an indication of where the Philippines will surely be once he is elected into office.

“Kawawa naman si Ninoy.” [Poor Ninoy Aquino.]

How could I vote for an Aquino? Let me count the ways:

1. Where was Noynoy when we booted Estrada out?

2. Please answer question no. 1.

– WINIFRED MARANAN, Batangas (via e-mail)