December 2008 Archives

I am more fortunate than Delfin and Dino de la Paz--and I pray they get full justice--but I am sure I am one of many Filipinos that had to endure petty, non-physical, but all-too-frequent abuses of privilege. For example, how many of us have let cars with "8" license plates, plus requisite hagads and escort cars, cut into our lanes? (You learn early on, with Congressmen, you have no right of way.) The list goes on: facilitators to whisk officials through immigration; PAL business seats filled with gov't officials, ostensibly headed to Pacquiao in Vegas or to Beijing, where our Olympics marchers had more big-bellied "sports officials" than ill-equipped athletes and so on. While I envy our government officials' ability to go to Beijing or their golf game in style (where, gulp, some beat up 56-year-olds and their teenaged sons), I suddenly remembered: don't my taxes pay for these escorts and Pajeros? Can't hagads chase after criminals instead of stoplights? Can't cabinet ministers and congressmen serve the people? Then I wake up. I am in the Philippines, where government service is an oxymoron. Ricardo A Lim, Makati , via e-mail

This is disheartening. We will pray for the Dela Paz's. That they get justice and may the Pangandaman's get their time in jail. Archimedes Pormicelle, Bagong Silang Caloocan City, via e-mail

Congress and the President should let CARP expire. After 20 years, CARP did not bring prosperity to the farming sector. It stopped entrepreneurs from investing in the farming sector and produced more militant and subsistent farmers. Twenty years is too long for any political experiment in land reform. It is time for our leaders to look at the economic impact of this failed political experiment. How many of our entrepreneurs left the agriculture sector because of this failed program? CARP has succeeded in creating a big bloated bureaucracy that is DAR. We need to invest more in the agricultural sector and let the Department of Agriculture do its job. We need to discourage our population from getting stuck in subsistence farming and move to highly productive mechanized farming. There is excess labor in the farming sector that can be utilized for other industries. We need to move forward and create a stronger agricultural sector that can feed the projected 200 million Filipinos by 2030. At the rate we are moving with the CARP, we might end up being an agricultural product importing country as with rice now in 20 years. Philippines wake-up! Leo Pandac, Los Angeles, California, via e-mail

By Niña Terol AFTER the press conference that introduced the Movement for Good Governance (MGG) to media and other supporters, I heard from one of the MGG "elders" something that I rarely hear: an acknowledgement -- a thinly veiled apology, actually -- that the country is still deep in muck because his generation didn't do a good enough job of "fixing things" here. "In spite of the activism then, we still didn't do enough for the Philippines," he lamented. "Most of us gave up on the country and focused instead on making a living. That in itself is not wrong, but we just didn't try hard enough." He wasn't blaming government for the chronic ills that have paralyzed the country. He wasn't blaming the youth for being apathetic. He wasn't blaming globalization for pushing developed countries forward and leaving the rest of the world behind. He wasn't mouthing off a litany of complaints. Instead, he was facing a reality that many in his generation still could not see: that the failures of this country are aggregated results of THEIR own failures. Writing this now, I am reminded of that poetic moment when Australians lit their candles and said "We're sorry" to the victims of state-sponsored injustices against the indigenous peoples of Australia. It was a strong, symbolic gesture that united a country and enabled them to move forward from a divided past. I am reminded, too, of how Japan and South Korea rose from the ashes of war and brought dignity and pride to their people through political will, hard work, and sheer discipline. Of course, Barack Obama's victory as the 44th President of the United States comes to mind, too, because one generation ago even his candidacy would have been utterly impossible. I am even reminded of Brazil, Vietnam, and the Czech Republic come to mind because of their marked improvement on the economic and "global PR" fronts. It didn't take these countries a hundred years to turn around; it took political will and the willingness of their people to make the sacrifices that usually precede success. * * * Now that the challenge of true, sustainable reform and better governance falls on the shoulders of MY generation, I'd just like to ask our elders to make one meaningful resolution for the New Year: BACK US UP. Back us up by acknowledging your mistakes and showing us what you could have done better. Let's face it: every decision, every action, could be done in a better way. Tell us what went wrong, what factors contributed to our current state, what decisions you would have reversed, what you would not have done at all -- and so on. It is only through your collective foresight and hard-earned wisdom that will we know what paths will waste our time at best, or which ones will sabotage our efforts at worst. We CANNOT afford to make the same mistakes you made because we're running out of time. Back us up by supporting our efforts. Yes, "the youth is the hope of the country"—we've heard that at least a million times. We know that it is our time to put in the hours, our turn to step up to the plate of nation-building; it’s our turn to lead. But we cannot work in a vacuum, and we cannot move forward without the proper resources. We will need you to steer us toward the right direction, to introduce us to the right people, and to mobilize the necessary resources to get things done. Enable us, and we will help in empowering the whole country -- it sounds like a good deal to me. Back us up by giving us space to create, experiment, innovate. We need your advice and your help, but we also need some room to develop new and "out of the universe" solutions to old and chronic problems. Share the volumes of wisdom culled from your experience, but do not dictate every step that we ought to take. Trust that, as young as we are, we, too, have the capability to think things through and get the job done. Steer us, but do not stifle us. True synergy can only happen when both parties (in this case, your generation and ours) regard each other as equals. * * * Statistics say that between 50 and 56 percent of the entire voting population in 2010 (depending on which figures you look at) will come from the youth. That's a huge number, and if properly steered it can "claim the vote" for reform and good governance. But let us not forget the 44 to 50 percent of adults who are equally crucial to changing the game for the future. There are many adults in the Philippines who still have never voted in their lives; many adults who have yet to register; many adults who still do not know how to choose the right leaders for their children... many, many adults -- especially those outside of the country -- who have given up on the Philippines because "walang ganyan sa States." Youth may have already escaped you, but your time is still not up. As long as you're around, we're going to need your help. Niña Terol, 28, is a key mover of Movement for Good Governance and is a writer and political communicator. If she could ask former presidents and cabinet members one question, she would ask this: "Name one key decision you had made during your term that you would have done better, and how and why. Answering 'none' is not an option."

As much as I love and respect the former president Aquino, there are several actions in her career that are highly questionable. One was her inability to ask for debt relief at the start of her reign when people power was the buzz word around the world. Another was when she walked in the rain to compel the Senate to renew the US bases. Now comes an apology for helping oust Erap. An apology is for some wrongdoing. It was never wrong then to oust Erap who was corrupt himself but not to the magnitude of GMA. But who knows to what level his corruption might have reached if he wasn't ousted at all? If there are things to be sorry about, it's Erap not serving time in a real jail as common crooks do, it's anointing a bigger crook as his replacement, it's allowing that crook to trample the 2004 election to her favor. Justice and truth are things that cannot be compromised. Erap did a lot of things against justice and truth that justify his ouster as much as GMA does a whole lot more against justice and truth that deserve her ouster. What was wrong then is still wrong now. If Mrs. Aquino was sorry for standing up for justice and truth, then I am sorry for her. Dennis Llanda Reyes, Mariveles, Bataan, via e-mail

I am totally against the idea of letting the public, especially innocent civilians, suffer the seemingly unresolved conflict between the government and the so-called rebel groups. Likewise, I do not favor any terrorist attack by any group seeking reform in the government. However, we have to understand too that our Constitution provides for a due process on both parties and it is well settled that any person of the accused is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Thus, I humbly ask the media and our public officers not to eagerly jump into conclusions. I believe there has to be proper investigation to be conducted by an unbiased bureau before the broadcast on media and broadsheets of any probable suspect. Exan Sharief, 7th street, MSU Campus, via e-mail

THIS is in response to the articles in the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) on the survey conducted by the Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA) on the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA). OWWA welcomes the intention behind the conduct of the survey as it can be a tool to improve our programs and services. However, we would like to register our observations to correct certain misconceptions that the study generated. 1. The purpose of the survey was to gain the respondents’ perception of OWWA to consequently “formulate a legislative agenda for the structuring of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.” For this end, it is not surprising that CMA would post leading questions that are biased against OWWA. We anticipate that the questions are slanted to provoke negative responses which supported CMA’s conclusions. 2. The sampling is grossly inadequate. A sample size of 400 respondents is not, by any stretch of imagination, representative of the total population of OFWs. CMA admits that it did not attempt to cover the population of more than four million OFWs, but the least it could have done is comply with the standard methodology on surveys and sampling. Moreover, as only a relatively small percentage of the OFWs are IT-literate and have access to the Internet compared to the total population, the survey is expected to reach a marginal number of OFWs. 3. Aside from the sample size, the demographics is also questionable. CMA may have assumed that these respondents are all contract workers, OWWA senses otherwise. The results and testimonials give an impression the respondents may have included overseas Filipinos that are NOT contract workers, much less members of OWWA. The websites where the survey was uploaded are accessible to all classifications of migrant Filipinos -- permanent (immigrants), temporary (contract workers), and irregular workers alike. It is not surprising, therefore, if some of the respondents do not know OWWA’s functions, much less be familiar with how OWWA operates as opposed to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) or the Philippine Embassy. To require that OWWA state its functions clearly requires familiarity with the functions of the Embassy, the CFO & the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) as a number of proposed policy changes on OWWA are beyond its mandate. 4. The conclusions are misleading. The CMA based its conclusion that there is an inefficient communication line between OWWA and the OFWs on 93 percent of the respondents who have not even availed of an OWWA program. There was an assumption that the respondents “attempted to access” OWWA services but were discouraged due to hearsay (many bad experiences are not the personal to those who responded to the survey). Likewise, the survey did not elaborate what it means by “attempt to access.” The survey item was only answerable by YES, NO and N/A (“If you have availed of any of these services, was it successful in meeting your welfare needs?”). 5. One aim of the survey is to determine the level of awareness of the respondents regarding OWWA operations. However, while awareness may be indicative of extensive information dissemination and publicity, a lack of it may not necessarily suggest a defective structure. Nor will restructuring OWWA improve the OFWs’ awareness level. The lack of awareness and a rather negative image may simply point to a need for an intensified information dissemination drive. In its 26 years of service, the OWWA has seen through several mass repatriations, represented thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in conciliations with foreign employers, released millions worth of insurance claims, education and training scholarships, and livelihood programs for OFWs and their families. While there has been an increased awareness of OWWA programs in recent years due to measures to make OWWA accessible to OFW families in every province and the recognition of best practices by OFW families (through the Model OFW Family of the Year Award or MOFYA), OWWA continues its information and education campaign in order to make its programs known and accessible. Aside from forming OFW Family Circles, the signing of Memoranda of Agreement between OWWA and local government units nationwide to set up the Migrant Workers Desk, and networking with Filipino communities overseas, OWWA also makes use of tri-media and partnerships with corporate establishments to reach out to OFWs and their families. We value any feedback that OWWA receives from OFWs and social partners and only expect objectivity and fair investigation. From our end, we continue to strive to improve operations to be of best service to OFWs and their families. Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, via e-mail

I ADMIRE Senator Mar Roxas but his choice of words in a recent interview aired on national TV is disappointingly lamentable. In a follow up interview, he arrogantly refuses to apologize, saying he was just expressing the sentiments of the "people". This calls to attention to a part of private Mar Roxas, recently unseen, but now naked before the public. I am a tax-paying citizen of this country and I have strong emotions about the general politico-economic situations our country is in today. I need someone in Congress who could voice my concerns as a citizen in a manner that is peaceful, decent and effective. I do not wish, though, to be counted as one of the people Senator Roxas was speaking for in his recent outburst. The good senator must realize that not all the people -- certainly, not all the "Masa" speak and express their feelings like a proverbial "Palenkero". Nestor Bocaya, Marikina City, via e-mail

This statement by Nograles is the last straw that clearly illustrates that he is a "puppet" of the corrupt and arrogant Arroyo administration. It was evident in the impeachment hearing that our "Congress" has allowed itself to be manipulated by the executive branch of government. That they will succumb to the whims of Malacañang and all their (Arroyo’s) wishes. To say that it is up to the lawmakers to determine charter change is blatantly ARROGANT, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, and TREASON. For me, the people’s voice is the determining factor. The majority of the citizenry should have the final say on whether we ought to proceed with charter change or not. Bong Cendana, Philam homes, Quezon city, via e-mail

THIS is in connection with last night’s online report (Breaking News/Metro) by Julie M. Aurelio, which identified Patricia Olbes as the driver of an SUV that hit an unidentified pedestrian along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue in the evening of November 30, and that police are mulling the possible filing of a charge of reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The report is inaccurate and misleading. Ms Olbes was driving her vehicle along EDSA, on its innermost south-bound lane, when she felt a loud thud on the side of the front passenger seat. She immediately stopped. While still inside her vehicle, she was approached by a bystander who told her that she was not at fault and it was an Elf vehicle which was at fault. Ms Olbes, still unaware of what had actually transpired, got off her vehicle and saw a body sprawled on the second innermost lane behind her vehicle. At that moment, there were already 3 men who had also stopped their vehicle and were attempting to assist the victim. She then called Rescue 117 to report the incident and seek assistance. An ambulance and a mobile police patrol arrived, and the victim was immediately brought to a hospital. Witnesses attested to the fact that it was not the vehicle of Ms Olbes which hit the victim; instead, the victim was run over by a speeding van traveling along the second innermost lane. No fault can be attributed to Ms Olbes. She was not speeding. All she did was help the victim: she stopped her vehicle; she called for assistance and reported the incident; she volunteered and issued her written statement to the police. She gave her full cooperation. PO3 Perlito Datu confirmed that the incident is still under investigation. According to him, he has not spoken to any media representative concerning the case, and no charge has been filed against Ms Olbes. Alberto L. Sales (counsel for Patricia Olbes) via e-mail

I ASSUME Ms. Beth Celis has attended at least the grade four class where basic science is taught. That she would find what she hears from a talisman expert worth printing is simply amazing. The trash superhero stories we see in films and TV today must be making kids out of adults, Celis included. But I insist that not everyone is happy or convinced with what she says. To quote people as a means of brandishing one's opinion--in this case to imply that Manny Pacquiao is so strong because he wears an amulet--is to associate oneself with the baseless notions of the source, even if somewhere in the column she says something else. Celis is part of the boxing media who, after making bums of themselves by saying Pacquiao did not stand a chance against Oscar dela Hoya, are now creating stories to explain why he is so great. This one about amulet is novel, and catches the attention of readers. But it steals from public view the amount of work Pacquiao puts into his craft, which in my view is what adults should consider as basis for anyone's success. Ingming Aberia, Kassel Kristina Heights, Naga via e-mail

I hope President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo will notice the narrowness of the bus terminals erected in the middle of EDSA, especially the crowded stations during rush hours (North Edsa, Ayala and Cubao), which is an invitation to accidents. Yes I know Bayani Fernando (BF) benchmarked this against first-world examples, but he should be flexible enough to match this with our current state. I agree with BF's projects. But to be an effective leader he should be flexible enough to listen to his subordinates and his people. Also, I would like to ask why the overpass in front of the SM City North is closed. Is this because MMDA constructed a bridge way leading to SM? By the way, the stairway at the other side leads to another narrow sidewalk. Another thing is how will the students of schools near SM cross EDSA? They are now walking at least one kilometer just to cross EDSA. Take note that bus stops are now too far apart. Lastly, maybe BF should take public transport on his way to office for one month (without his bodyguards and his convoy) so he could realize the sentiments of the people and commuters. Eumir Tardecilla, Quezon City, via e-mail

IT IS good that the "KUL" taxi driver Sarmiento has been charged. There are many similar incidents that remain unreported, particularly those that victimized the youth and students. My two daughters aged 21and 6 almost got victimized by a taxi driver who they rode after getting a medical check up at Philamcare UN Ave. clinic almost a year ago. My eldest daughter noticed the driver texting while driving the length of UN Avenue. Sensing danger, she immediately texted and sought my help. When the driver observed that my daughter was street smart, he continued to frantically text and later made a call to someone. It was good that my daughter was briefed about such behavior. She asked the taxi driver to take them to the Ospital ng Sampaloc where I have thug friends who -- if they caught up with the cabbie -- would surely give him a lesson. I arrived at the Ospital ng Sampaloc minutes after they were dropped off, because I had a motorbike going full speed. I go for the revocation of the drivers license of taxi drivers who are found to have criminal and malicious intention to their passengers. The LTO should do something about this. It's the riding public who is at peril because of these monsters on the prowl in the metro. Noel Magsanoc Matencio, Ermita, Manila, via e-mail

Having recently returned from not so long an absence, I could not help but observe; the country of my birth has sunk to a depth even lower than from where I noticed it last. It seems so cruel but it appears one has to crawl up just to get to the bottom, which makes one wonder: what future holds the newly born and those Filipinos yet to be? It may strike a nerve with many, but the dumbing down of the Philippines continue to spread, eating away whatever bright hopes there maybe for the young and their future, other than to leave their love ones and risk their lives in another country. An image so wretched it challenges the mind, considering those frequent proclamations from so-called elite institutions of learning, claiming to be bastions of excellence in education. If only it were true. For education indubitably is the greatest social equalizer; providing one recognizes its potential value. But to survive in the jungle, which life in the Philippines has become, means survival for the fittest. So those with scheming minds with guns and knives rule, for the government seldom govern if at all. And sadly for everyone, those at the top of the heap, who greatly benefit from the status quo, fundamental reform represents the antithesis of everything they've worked hard for, preempting the likelihood of any significant positive changes from occurring. It may sound astonishing to some but corruption is as normal a human trait as sexual desire and no country or government including the Vatican is immune from it. One only needs to be reminded of the much publicized sexual assaults of children by priests, which has caused many archdioceses in the US billions of dollars to legally settle. Which reminds me, someone once said "hypocrisy is the homage, which vice pays to virtue" and as I look around me and hear the deferential phrase "opo" used by everyone to address practically everybody, contrasting it to how poorly the least fortunate among us are received, I can't help but conclude that in the country of my birth, hypocrisy has clearly morphed into a virtue. Where political opportunists masquerade as leaders and public officials only knows how to rule. Where everyone, from the most innocuous to the sophisticated, accepts the fact they are being cheated, but does nothing more substantive except complain then kneels down and pray. As if praying matters. For if it did, this country and a few others would not have been colonized to begin with and world hunger including human exploitation among many of life's burden would not exist. In fact so thorough is our belief, religious icons are ubiquitous even in government offices, despite clear demarcation between church and state as written in the Constitution. Which yet again makes one wonder: is anybody paying attention and does anybody cares? Bonifacio Sioson, Jr., Dampalit, Malabon City, via e-mail