8/31/2009

GRP-MILF Peace Talks: Suspend or Resume?

.

.
"There is consensus developed [in the public consultation] that the peace process should be continued." -- Sen. Rodolfo Biazon

"I think that the only option we have right now is to continue talking with the MILF... there's no other way... and if the talks should be continued, it should not be an open-ended process where we just get into a free wheeling ride. There's got to be an end to it. Government must make clear its position at this point in time. Government must tell the MILF what it can give and what it cannot give." -- Vice-Gov. Manny PiƱol

"It is very important that the MILF leadership shows that they have control over these people [the said MILF 'lost' commands]. What use would an agreement be if after you sign an agreement many of the commanders will not toe the line or not follow the terms of the agreement. Of course it is very important that this is also taken up in the course of the negotiations. This question must have to be raised on the panel level openly when the two panels shall be able to meet already." - Sec. Jesus Dureza

"...I would like to recall the statement of the late chairman Salamat Hashim, he said, and I quote, 'The most practical and the most civilized way of solving the Mindanao problem is through a negotiated political settlement.' Yun po ang sabi nya, yan din ang paninindigan namin hanggang ngayon." -- Mohagher Iqbal, Chair of the MILF Peace Panel

8/29/2009

Called in an unconventional way -- as his mother was


"Noynoy, on the other hand, had not shown any interest in the presidential or even vice-presidential race before and he still has three years to his senatorial seat. Inexorably, however, the death of his mother, Cory Aquino, and the consequent huge outpouring of public sympathy tantamount to a resurgent people power put him on the spotlight as an heir to the Aquino legacy. He suddenly found himself as a possible non-trapo alternative. Noynoy, if he so chooses to run, will be an unconventional candidate whose capacity to win cannot be measured in terms of popularity, money, or political base." -- Mon Casiple

Siblings open to Noynoy candidacy

Nagkakalinaw na ang ilang katanungan ni Sen. Noynoy Aquino sa panawagang tumakbo siyang pangulo sa 2010. Tatlo na kasi sa apat niyang mga kapatid ang bukas na sa kandidatura ni Noynoy.

Click here to see news video clip.

Read also:

* The people's messages of support for Noynoy
* Mar willing to give way to Noynoy presidential run
* Panlilio to back Noynoy for president

----------
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

8/27/2009

The Call Is Beginning To Get Louder


Pangilinan wants Noynoy to run for president

INQUIRER.net



Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan has joined various personalities and sectors in society in pushing for the presidential bid of Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III in the 2010 elections.

Pangilinan, who is eyeing the vice presidency next year, said he is willing to support the presidential bid of either Aquino or Isabela Governor Grace Padaca "if it will unite a true reformist agenda."

“What’s important is that a true reform agenda emerges. If it takes the candidacy of either Padaca or Aquino to achieve this, then I’m willing to support that," he said in a statement on Thursday.

“The task at hand is not how to unite the opposition with varying agenda, but for all reform forces to unite on a progressive agenda that will offer fresh and inspiring leadership. We have to deviate from politics as usual and allow the politics of change a fighting chance," he further said.

Pangilinan, Aquino, and Padaca are all members of the Liberal Party being headed by Senator Manuel “Mar” Roxas II.

Notably, Pangilinan did not mention Roxas as his possible choice for standard bearer of the party despite public endorsement by some party leaders to the latter's candidacy.

Instead of joining his party-mates pushing for Roxas, he urged his colleagues to consider other members as candidates.

Pangilinan said: “Democratic processes should be upheld, and the widest participation of all party members should be observed in the nomination of the party’s standard bearer.

“The party processes involving the membership -- and not a few personalities -- should decide on major issues such as the party’s standard bearer."

Read also:

* 'Noynoy for President' signature drive launched
* Noynoy Aquino for President 2010 (Online Support Campaign)

* Noynoy finds an unusual political ally
* Noynoy for president campaign reaches Iloilo

----------
Like a fruit in its due season, its smell becomes even more and more attractive as it ripens.

A fruit naturally ripening just as timely in its due season is beyond the work of human hands.

Sino kayang nagaakala na ang pagkamatay ni Cory ay ang siyang magiging daan na ang taombayan ay dahan-dahang mananawagan para sa lideratura ni Noynoy na kung tutuusin siya ay wala man lang balak na maging presidente? Hindi sa sariling kakayahan ni Noynoy o sa lakas ng kanyang partido na nangyayari ang lahat na ito.

To express it humbly: Hindi kaya na talagang tinatawag na ng "tadhana" itong anak na si Noynoy?

Ang tawag na ito ng "tadhana" ay lalo pang lalakas sa mga bawat araw na darating.

8/25/2009

Siguruhin Nating Walang Uubrang Anumang Pandaraya

.

.
Napakaliit lamang ng posibilidad na titirik ang mga makinang gagamitin sa sistemang ito. Halos imposible sa sinumang mga taga-labas na kayang magawang dayain ang AES-2010 dahil sa napaka abante ang teknolohiya na ginamit nito.

Subalit kapag sakaling ang grupong nangangasiwa ng sistemang ito ay sila mismong gagawa ng pandaraya, hindi ito imposible at hindi ito masyadong mahirap gawin, at dahil lahat ay naka-automate, hinding-hindi ito mahahalata at malalaman ng taongbayan maliban lamang kung isa sa kanila ang magbunyag.

Kaya hangga't maari, kailangang-kailangan na babantayan natin ang mismong mga nangangasiwa ng sistemang ito. Wag sana tayong maging tamad at pabaya tungkol dito. Wag lang natin pabayang iasa sa kanilang kridibilidad ang pag-asa ng tagumpay nitong napakagandang simula ng pagbabago ng ating napakaluma at bolok na sistemang panghalalan.

Ang pinaka-sentro at pinaka-utak ng sistemang ito ay ang mga "software" o "program" na siyang nagpapatakbo at nag-kokontrol sa lahat ng mga makinang gagamitin. Hanggang sa mga sandaling ito ay hindi pa alam ng taombayan kung mayron ba o wala bang sekretong inilagay na bahagi ng "program" na maaring gagamitin sa pandaraya. Kaya, napakahalagang masuri na sana ng mga dalubhasa sa computer sa lalong madaling panahon ang ibat-ibang mga "program source codes" na ito. At sana ang mga dalubhasang susuri ay yaong panig at tapat sa taombayan.

May isa pang mahalagang bagay. Maliban na itigil na ng taombayan at mga politiko ang masamang nakasanayan na na gawaing pagbinta at pagbili ng mga boto tuwing eleksyon, wala ring saysay ang pag-automate sa proseso ng ating halalan, kasi dahil sa tukso ng pera, maaaring ang tiwaleng mga politiko pa rin ang silang mananaig. E kung ganito ang mangyari, ginawa lang nating mas mabilis ang pagpasok ng tiwaleng mga politiko sa ibat-ibang katungkulan sa ating pamahalaan, at sa kalaunan, wala ring tunay na pagbabago ang mangyayari sa ating bansa dahil mga kurakot pa rin ang mamumuno sa atin.

8/21/2009

Remembering Ninoy

.

.
To view part 1 of this video, click here.
.

8/20/2009

Looking For A Hero

.


.
Watch the full replay of this episode of Strictly Politics on Saturday at ANC.

8/13/2009

Barking At One's Own Reflection


Arroyo's lawyer turns tables on 'immoral' media

abs-cbnNEWS.com

The election lawyer of President Arroyo is turning the tables on the messengers of the controversial news about a $20,000 dinner tab in New York.

In a press conference in Malacanang on Wednesday, Romulo Macalintal said that the media has no right to broadcast or publish criticisms against a lavish dinner of President Gloria Arroyo and her entourage in New York last week since the media themselves have shown "illegal and immoral" behavior.

Militant groups described the $20,000 (about P1 million) dinner at the five-star French restaurant Le Cirque in Manhattan as "highly immoral" considering the state of poverty in the Philippines.

Macalintal said media's own "immoral" activities include accepting commercial placements of government officials and 2010 presidential aspirants. He said these infomercials aired in between TV shows circumvent provisions of the law on illegal campaigning and constitute early campaigning methods.

"Kasi ang issue kanina, sinasabi sa press [conference], naghihirap ang taong bayan. Wala silang makain so bakit ganun sila (President Arroyo and others) kung kumain? Eh kung naghihirap nga ang taong bayan, bakit sila lang ang inaatake [na] gumagastos ng ganoon kalaki. Ganun din naman sa advertisements, (The issue raised in the press conference was that Filipinos are in dire strait. Most people have nothing to eat while President Arroyo and her entourage spend that much for just one meal. But why attack only the President and her entourage for the ills of the country? The 2010 presidential aspirants are doing just the same)," he said in a follow up interview on ANC.

"Ang sinasabi ko naman, merong mga media na nagrereport na iyan (infomercials) daw ay illegal. Bakit daw ginagamit sa advertisements and pera ng bayan? Eh kung ganyan ang position ng media, ay hindi niyo dapat tanggapin ang mga advertisements sapagka't kapag tinanggap ninyo ang mga advertisements... nagiging bahagi din kayo ng illegal activities (There are also media that report that infomercials are illegal since these are financed by public funds. Why then are your media organizations agreeing to place these ads? You are part of these illegal activities), " he added.

Petty arguments?

Vergel Santos, chairperson of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility, however described Macalintal's arguments as "quibbling" (irrelevant or trivial).

He said Macalintal should not impose his own views on morality, but should instead focus on more important issues like whose funds were used in paying for the $20,000 dinner at Le Cirque, Arroyo's accountability in the controversy, and the legal implications of the issue.

"The mere fact that you were seen there, feasting on something expensive while your nation is in such a state of poverty is by itself a scandal. This government should be sensitive and prudent enough to understand and to know what it is getting itself into," Santos said in an interview on ANC.

Santos clarified that there has been no court ruling as yet that declared the infomercials as illegal. He also said that the fact that media groups allow informercials to air on their channels does not inhibit them from making criticisms or comments against concerned parties.

"Hindi naman sinabi na [dahil] tinanggap lang ang commercial eh hindi na natin pwede batikusin.That doesn't prevent media from making comments on the commercial itself," he said.

The Akbayan party-list filed a letter of complaint before the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the $20,000 New York feast and asked for an investigation into the possible use of public funds during the dinner.

The Palace had issued statements that it was Cong. Martin Romualdez who picked up the tab for the meal. Romualdez has declined to confirm it.

Macalintal also did not give details about the New York dinner, saying he was not privy to the facts. Asked what Arroyo should have done in regard to the dinner at Le Cirque, Macalintal said: "Kung ikaw ba inimbitahan, itatanong mo kung magkano ba kakainin natin diyan, magkano babayaran natin? Imposible yun (If you are invited to a meal, will you ask how much will be spent? That's impossible)."

In a statement, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Arroyo and her companions dined on soup, salad, main course, and drinks like tea and coffee.

After the $20,000 dinner in New York, a separate report on another lavish dinner emerged. This time it involved a $15,000 dinner at Bobby Van's Steakhouse in Washington on July 30.

----------
The statements and counter statements above remind me of a story of a fictitious personality characterized by a peculiar dog who found a pool of water for the first time. He barked and barked at the strange creature he saw in the water who is sharply staring back at him. No matter how hard he barked at the creature, it didn't went away. It just barked back at him as hard as he barked at it.

The essence of the people's message through the media is represented by that peculiar dog. The reactive counter statement of the administration through its designated spokespersons is represented by the dog's own reflection in the water.

Suppose it was the president of a poor country in Africa who did a similar thing as what GMA did, would we filipinos care to criticize the act? Most likely, most of us would not. Or, suppose it was a very rich and famous pinoy/pinay celebrity who did such similar thing, how many of us (especially the media) would be able to even think of at least an iota of criticism instead of probably glamorizing it?

It is but a natural tendency for sensible people of a nation to react when impropriety directly concerns them. And there should be no need for reactions to be overblown by repeatedly hammering on people's sensibilities so that it comes almost to the point of instigation. But in a time where ethics is mostly ignored and corruption is hardly resolved by the concerned authorities, even a loud voice has very little hope of being given attention though heard. Thus grew the malady of blowing things out of proportion.

In all of this hubbub let us at least recognize that what we are barking at is merely the reflected image of our own selves. We may bark at it to our own exhaustion but it will never go away. Unless we realize that the peculiarity is in us and do something to change our selves we will only be seeing that strange old creature and will be barking at it every time we look down at a pool of water.

Just because we have beams in our own eyes that we are not able to see the logs which are in our brothers' eyes? But before we should point out each others' weakness,
what if all of us first remove the obstructions in our own eyes that we may see clearly? We might be surprised to realize that there would be nothing left to point out.

Tunay na pagbabago sa ating mga sarili sana totoong simulan na natin.

8/10/2009

Ang medya, e sino'ng "iihaw" nito?


Miriam to grill Cabinet execs on ‘infomercials’

GMANews.TV

Eleven Cabinet officials and a local government chief would be summoned to the Senate on Friday to explain their infomercials which a senator claimed could be considered as premature campaigning.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, chairman of the economic affairs committee, said she would ask the government officials to explain the legal basis for the use of public funds for advertising themselves in the infomercials.

The finance officer and the resident Commission on Audit (COA) auditor of the concerned departments would also be asked to shed light on the sources of funding of the infomercials, Santiago said.

“By using public funds, these government officials have the financial mechanism to campaign ahead of others," she added.

Those invited to attend the hearing are:

* Vice-President Noli de Castro

* Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno

* Health Secretary Francisco Duque III

* Finance Secretary Margarito Teves

* Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro

* Public Works and Highway Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane

* Education Secretary Jesli Lapus

* Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman

* Philippine Amusements and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) Chair Ephraim Genuino

* Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Chair (Tesda) Augusto Syjuco

* Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Bayani Fernando

* Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay

According to Santiago, the infomercials are being used for premature campaigning which he said is in violation of the Constitution and election laws.

"Unless a person is blind, deaf, or dumb, it is crystal clear that the alleged infomercials of Cabinet members are intended to camouflage the violation of the campaign ban," she said, noting that Cabinet members engage only in such infomercials in the year prior to election year.

The senator warned that if the 12 officials fail to appear on Friday, she would issue a subpoena to compel them to show up at the Senate.

Santiago had earlier filed a petition with the Supreme Court seeking an injunction against several of her colleagues who she said were engaged in premature campaigning by endorsing certain commercial products.

----------
Ang galing at bilis ng mga taga medya makakita at makahanap ng mga kamalian at mga pagkukulang ng ating bayan, ngunit kapag sila ang may pagkukulang o kamalian, nagbubulag-bulagan at nagbibingi-bingihan lamang sila.

Mayron bang taga medya na nagsalita tungkol sa bagay na ito na binigyan pansin ang kanilang naging kamalian sa pagpatol nila sa mga politiko sa ganitong hindi tamang gawain?

Sa kaso sa Wowowee, sabi ng MTRCB, "Willie Revillame violated code of ethics". E kung totoosin, mas malaking "violation of ethics" pa dapat itong pagpayag ng mga radyo at telebesyon na maipalabas sa kanilang mga hintilan itong mga wala-pa-sa-panahong pangangampanya na kinukubli bilang pampolitkong patalastas.

Anong ahensya kaya ng pamahalaan ang may sapat na otoridad at kapangyarihan na dapat ang totogon sa hindi dapat na nakasanayan na maling gawain ng mga politko at mga taga-medya?

Minsan ang medya ay isang mapagkunwari. Kunwari panig sa bayan, panig sa katutuhanan. Subalit may mga panahon na kailangan ang kanilang "judgement call" tungkol sa bagay na madidihado sila, e nagigi silang hipokrito. Ang lakas pang magsulong ng adbokasiya ng pagbabago na magsimula sa bawat sarili, subalit sa sarili nila mismo ay di magawang simulan ang pagbabago. E ito ba ay dahil palibhasa medya ay sanay sa mga palabas sa kanilang mga radyo at telebesyon kaya palabas din lang ang anyong pagbabago?

Taga medya, kailan pa kaya kayo talagang totoong magbabago, at ng maituwid naman ninyo itong baloktot na nakasanayang maling gawain na ito ng mga politiko na walang sawang tinatangkilik ninyo sa mahabang panahon na, at naging isa sa dahilan na ang mga politko (at minsan kayo din mismo) ay nagiging tiwali.

8/08/2009

In Time It Shall Be Placed In Your Hands


Ninoy's Letter to His Son Noynoy


August 25, 1973
Fort Bonifacio
11:30pm

Mr. Benigno S. Aquino III
P e r s o n a l


My dearest Son:

One of these days , when you have completed your studies I am sure you will have the opportunity to visit many countries. And in your travels you will witness a bullfight.

In Spanish bullfighting as you know, a man – the matador – is pitted against an angry bull.

The man goads the bull to extreme anger and madness. Then a moment comes when the bull, maddened, bleeding and covered with darts, feeling his last moment has come, stops rushing about and grimly turns his face on the man with the scarlet "muleta" and sword. The Spaniards call this "the moment of truth." This is the climax of the bullfight.

This afternoon, I have arrived at my own moment of truth. After a lengthy conference with my lawyers, Senators Jovito R. Salonga and Lorenzo M. Tanada I made a very crucial and vital decision that will surely affect all our lives: mommie's, your sisters', yours and all our loved ones as well as mine.

I have decided not to participate in the proceedings of the Military Commission assigned to try the charges filed against me by the army prosecution staff. As you know, I've been charged with illegal possession of firearms, violation of RA 1700 otherwise known as the "Anti-Subversion Act" and murder.

You are still too young to grasp the full impact of my decision. Briefly: by not participating in the proceedings, I will not be represented by counsel, the prosecution will present its witnesses without any cross examinations, I will not put up any defense, I will remain passive and quiet through the entire trial and I will merely await the verdict. Inasmuch as it will be a completely one-sided affair, I suppose it is reasonable to expect the maximum penalty will be given to me. I expect to be sentenced to imprisonment the rest of my natural life, or possibly be sent to stand before a firing squad. By adopting the course of action I decided upon this afternoon, I have literally decided to walk into the very jaws of death.

You may ask: why did you do it?

Son, my decision is an act of conscience. It is an act of protest against the structures of injustice that have been imposed upon our hapless countrymen. Futile and puny, as it will surely appear to many, it is my last act of defiance against tyranny and dictatorship.

You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people.

For this I am very sorry. I had hopes of building a little nest egg for you. I bought a ranch in Masbate in the hope that after ten or fifteen years, the coconut trees I planted there would be yielding enough to assure you a modest but comfortable existence.

Unfortunately, I had to sell all our properties as I fought battle after political battle as a beleaguered member of the opposition. And after the last battle, I had more obligations than assets.

The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me.

I prepared a statement which I intend to read before the military commission on Monday at the opening of my trial. I hope the commission members will be understanding and kind enough to allow me to read my statement into the record. This may well be my first and only participation in the entire proceedings.

In this statement, I said: Some people suggested that I beg for mercy from the present powers that be. Son, this I cannot do in conscience. I would rather die on my feet with honor, than live on bended knees in shame.

Your great grandfather, Gen. Servilliano Aquino was twice condemned to death by both the Spaniards and the American colonizers. Fortunately, he survived both by a twist of fate.

Your grandfather, my father was also imprisoned by the Americans because he loved his people more than the Americans who colonized us. He was finally vindicated. Our ancestors have shared the pains, the sorrows and the anguish of Mother Filipinas when she was in bondage.

It is a rare privilege for me to join the Motherland in the dark dungeon where she was led back by one of her own sons whom she lavished with love and glory.

I ended my statement thus: I have chosen to follow my conscience and accept the tyrant's revenge.

It takes little effort to stop a tyrant. I have no doubt in the ultimate victory of right over wrong, of evil over good, in the awakening of the Filipino.

Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them.

I was barely fifteen years old when my father died. His death was my most traumatic experience. I loved and hero-worshipped him so much, I wanted to join him in his grave when he passed away. But as in all sorrows, eventually they are washed away by the rains of time.

In the coming years, I hope you will study very hard so that you will have a solid foundation on which to build your future. I may no longer be around to give you my fatherly advice. I have asked many of your uncles to help you along should the need arise and I pray you will have the humility to drink from their fountain of experiences.

Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. Viel and Krissy will need your umbrella of protection for a long time. Krissy is still very young and fate has been most unkind to both of us. Our parting came too soon. Please make up for me. Take care of her as I would have taken care of her with patience and warm affection.

Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage.

I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide.

The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience.

There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength.

Son, the ball is now in your hands.

Lovingly,
Dad

Basurang Itinapon Mo, Babalik Din Sa 'Yo


Roxas Boulevard turns into 'a sea of litter'
Yahoo News

Due to heavy rains and strong winds brought by typhoon “Kiko,” Roxas Boulevard turned into “a sea of litter,” a Manila City government official said yesterday.

City public services department chief Carlos Baltazar said wind, rain and high tide combined to cause the waters of Manila Bay to rise beyond the seawall and deposit garbage onto the sidewalk and the road itself.

“The stretch of Roxas Boulevard, particularly that of from Padre Faura to the United States embassy, virtually became a sea of litter, making it nearly impassable for motorists,” Baltazar said.

He said Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered him to mobilize a team to clear the area of trash. According to Baltazar, the mounds of garbage were too much for the sweepers to handle and he had to utilize a payloader to clear the streets.

Baltazar said discarded slippers comprised a significant portion of the collected garbage, which mostly came from Cavite and ParaƱaque. [...]

Click here to read full text.

8/07/2009

For VP, Both May Not Make It: For PP, He Will


LP open to considering Noynoy as VP bet in 2010

GMANews.TV

Despite his current reluctance to seek a higher post in 2010, the Liberal Party is open to considering Senator Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III as its vice presidential candidate in the upcoming elections, party officials and members said Friday.

LP president Manuel "Mar" Roxas II said the party has always been open to fielding Aquino, who is the party's vice chairman, as its bet for the second highest position in the land.

"Noy for VP or higher has always been an option," Roxas, a declared presidential aspirant, told GMANews.TV in a text message.

"I know the family is grieving right now. It's actually much harder after the burial because it's quieter, no more ceremonies and you are with your thoughts and memories. For Noy, it's particularly difficult because he now has to go home to Times Street knowing his mom is not going to be there," Roxas said.

"I know Noy. He's made of good solid stuff. He'll think about these after he grieves," he added.

Senator's Aquino's mother, former President Corazon Aquino, was buried Wednesday at the Manila Memorial Park in ParaƱaque City. The democracy icon passed away early August 1 after a year-long battle with colon cancer.

The senator, who was elected into office in 2007 and still has until 2013 to complete his term, had said that he is not keen on seeking a higher post in 2010. "I do not relish aspiring for a higher office at this point in time. The focus should be on performing my functions and my duties and responsibilities in this present mode and I have to highlight that given the current administration we are not in normal situation," he said.

But several other LP officials and members said they welcome the possibility of Senator Aquino being the party's vice presidential bet, if ever he decides to pursue the post.

"The decision whether or not to run is a matter Noynoy should [personally] decide. Of course if he decides, he is a member of the Liberal Party, then he will be truly welcome," said LP chairman and former Senate President Franklin Drilon in a phone interview with GMANews.TV.

Qualified

Quezon Rep. Lorenzo TaƱada III, head of the LP bloc in the House of Representatives, said he believes Senator Aquino is qualified to run for a higher post.

"I think there is no argument that the torch has been passed to Noynoy to continue what both his parents stood and fought for," TaƱada said in a text message to GMANews.TV.

"As to what his plans are, he alone will make that decision. Whatever his decision is, I believe he is qualified for a higher position. His heart is in the right place," said the congressman.

This was echoed by LP member Muntinlupa City Rep. Rozzano Rufino Biazon, who said Senator Aquino is an LP member in "excellent standing."

"I think he is a strong candidate and is very capable to live up to the Aquino legacy of righteous leadership. He could be considered by the party as one of its candidates for 2010," Biazon said in a text message to GMANews.TV.

But Biazon also said there would have to be a selection process, as Roxas and Senator Francis Pangilinan have signified their intentions to run as president and vice president, respectively.

Oriental Mindoro Rep. Alfonso Umali Jr., another LP member, said: "[I] am not sure if he (Senator Aquino) will reconsider, but personally, I don't think it's (VP post) a bad idea."

In the 23-man Senate, four are LP members: Roxas, Aquino, Pangilinan, and Rodolfo Biazon. According to the LP website, there are currently 20 LP members in the House, and at least 11 local government officials nationwide are from the party.

For his part, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., a Cabinet member and senator during the Aquino administration, said in a text message to GMANews.TV that any political decision depends on the person concerned and his or her party.

But the senator added, "For sure, Noynoy will get a good number of votes nationwide for any post."

----------
Ponder on this:

As of this time, there are only two presidential aspirants who are "bachelors".

If E.P. teams up with G.P., many may laugh about it, but they will be a very formidable duo.

M.R. is destined to tie the knot while N.A. is not committed yet to anyone.

C.A.'s better half was taken from her prior to her being PP.

I.M. contributed to F.M.'s downfall.

M.A.'s image is a burden to G.A.'s image.


A leader should first be a faithful "spouse" to the nation. This is one trademark of a loyal leadership.

For N.A. to make it, E.P. must answer to the "call".
(Tingale hikalimtan mo lang kini, apan dili kawang nga gi-sayran ka.)

8/06/2009

Ano Na Ngayon?


"E, ano na ngayon?", "Anong kasunod?"

Pagkatapos nitong isa na namang mahalaga at makasaysayang pangyayari sa ating bansa, sana hindi maitanong sa atin nang mga taga labas-bansa na maiging nagmamasid sa atin ang mga naunang katanungan na iyon na para bang nanonood lamang ng isang tele-nobela. Huwag sana tayong taombayan maging taga pagpanood lamang sa mga pangyayari ng ating bansa. Huwag sanang hanggang pakikipaglibing kay Cory lang ang kaya at gusto nating gawin. Sana di lang sa salita tayo maging magaling kundi lalo na sa gawa din.

Patunayan natin kahit man lang sa ating mga sarili na karapat-dapat tayo sa kalidad ng sakripisyo na inialay sa atin nina Ninoy at Cory at pipilitin nating kakayaning ipagpatuloy ang tunay na diwa ng kanilang sinimulang pakikibaka. Sila noon (at ang iba pang mga katulad nila) ang nagtatag sa pinagbagong pondasyon ng ating demokrasya, tayo naman ngayon ang magpatuloy sa paggawa ng dapat susunod na mga bahagi nito. Nasa ating mga kamay na ngayon ipinasa ang ilaw ng pag-asa ng ating bansa. Kung kinaya ng isang maybahay na byuda ang hamon ng pagsubok na ito, e tayo di ba dapat kakayanin din natin?

Ang isang batang maliit na nagsimulang matotong lumakad sa sarili niyang mga paa ay mas madaling makalakad ng maayos kung ito ay pagtatanggalan ng mga bagay na palagi na lang niyang kinakapitan tuwing siya ay hahakbang. Si Cory ay naging parang isang bagay na lagi na lang nating kinakapitan kahit pa hanggang sa kahuli-hulihang saglit ng kanyang buhay -- na dapat siya na sana ang nakakapit sa ating lakas sa mga panahong ito at siya dapat ay nagtatamasa na sa mga bunga ng kanyang itinanim na sakripisyo na noon pang nakalipas na dalawang dekada.

Ngayon sa pagpanaw ng ating kinikilalang dilaw na bayani at ina ng ating pinagbagong demokrasya, dumating na ang panahon at di na natin maiiwasan pa na kailangang-kailangang pipilitin na natin ang ating mga sarili na tumayong matuwid at lumakad ng maayos sa bawat na ating hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago na ginamit ang lakas ng sarili nating mga paa at wala ng kinakapitan pa.

Peru, talaga bang natoto na tayo? Talaga bang isina-isip at isina-puso natin ang uri ng pagbabago na sinimulan at ipinaglaban nina Ninoy at Cory? Mahigit dalawang dekada na mula nang makalaya tayo sa talikala ng mapang-aping pamumuno at sa bolok na mga politiko na sumisira sa ating demokrasya, ngunit hanggang ngayon nararanasang-nararanasan pa rin natin ang marami sa nitong dati pang uri ng di-dapat na mga gawi at di-tama na mga gawain. Bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa rin natin magawang iwasto kahit man lang ang unang dapat at tamang hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago -- pagbabago na dapat matagal na sanang nagsisimula sa ating mga sari-sarili?

May isang pambatang palabas sa telebesyon noong araw, sabi: "E kasi poto! Heto si mayamang gago bibili daw ng poto, nalaman ni pobreng loko kaya pinatolan nya ito at ibininta ang kanyang poto sa sobrang labis na halaga. Inisip ng pobre na naloko nya si mayaman, inisip naman ni mayaman na nagago nya ang pobre, ngunit ang katunayan, lokong-loko at gagong-gago ang kanilang mga sari-sariling poto-poto dahil peke pala ang potong binili ng pekeng pambayad." (Basahin ulit ang estorya. Palitan mo ng titik "b" ang titik "p" ng salitang "poto".)

Ano ba itong unang hakbang tungo sa tunay na pagbabago na kailangang magsisimula sa ating mga sarili? Ano ang hinala mo kababayan? Tama ka. Oo, katapatan o ang pagiging matapat! Simpleng bagay, subalit kay hirap angkinin sa ating mga sarili. Sa kawalan ng katapatan sa karamihan sa ating mga politiko at sa nakararami sa atin mismo na mga botante, kay raming halalan na ang nawalan ng kredibilidad. Sa halip na maiayos ang ating gobyerno, e lalo pa itong gumugulo dahil mga tiwaling politiko ay di-akmang nailalagay sa ibat-ibang mga puwesto ng gobyerno dahil lamang sa kawalan ng katapatan sa karamihan ng ating mga politiko at ng mga botante. Ang bolok na sambayanan ay dulot ng katiwalian, katiwalian na nag-ugat sa pagiging hindi matapat sa sarili.

Katapatan, ito ay isa lamang sa mga hakbangin na ating kailangang gawin kung talagang gusto nating makamit ang tunay na pagbabago sa ating bansa na kay tagal na nating mithi. Ang katapatan ay isa sa mga pangunahing haligi nang isang maunlad at mapayapang sambayanan. Ito ang pinakasusunod na bagay na kailangang wastong mailagay natin sa ibabaw ng pinagbagong pondasyon na itinatag ng dugo ni Ninoy at ng sakripisyo ni Cory. Ang katapatan na isinasabuhay ni Cory ay isa sa kanyang mga katangian na dapat nating tuluran lahat upang tuluyang makaahon na tayo mula sa pagkalogmok sa malapot na malapot na putikan ng katiwalian. Sa kahit anumang bagay na pagsisikapang tuparin, di mawawala na may kailangang unang hakbang na dapat gawin, at karaniwan, ang unang hakbang ang siyang pinakamahirap gawin sa lahat ng mga hakbangin. Nngunit kung mapagtagumpayan natin kahit iyon lang munang pinakaunang hakbangin na iyon, hindi na masyadong mahirap tuparin ang mga susunod pang mga hakbangin.

Sa di-kalayuang darating na panahon ay magkaroon tayo ng isa na namang mahalagang pontong paikotan ng ating kasaysayan. Kaya habang may sapat pa na panahon bago mangyari yon, sana simulan na natin ang dapat nating gawing pagbabago sa ating mga sarili. Magiging matapat na tayo sa pagtupad maski pa sa maliliit na mga bagay na may kinalaman sa darating na eleksyon. May mga munting bagay na patungkol sa eleksyon na hindi pa sa kasalokoyan lumalabag sa batas ngunit di-dapat at di-akma na pagkunan ng bentaha ng ating mga mayayaman na mga politiko para makalamang sila ng katanyagan laban sa ibang mga politiko.

May iilan sa ating mga politiko na kahit hindi pa nagsisimula ang opisyal na yugto ng panahon ng pagangampanya ay nagsisimula nang magpalabas ng mga patalastas sa mga pangunahing estasyon ng telebesyon at radyo na pangsambayanan. Katuwiran nila sa ginawa nilang ito, hindi pa raw sila nangangampanya dahil walang katagang "iboto sila" ang mababasa o maririnig sa kahit saan sa kanilang mga ipinalalabas na mga pampolitkang patalastas at hindi pa raw sila nag-file ng kanilang kandidatura sa Comelec. Tunay nga na wala ang mga katagang iyon at totoong hindi pa sila nag-file ng kandidatura sa Comelec, ngunit halata na ang kanilang ginagawa ay isang paraan ng pag-ilag sa ating mahina na batas pang-eleksyon. Kung pabayaan lang natin at ipag bali wala lang ang mga ganitong uri ng gawain ng iilan sa ating mga politiko, e papaano natin mapagsimulan sa ating sarili ang unang hakbang patungo sa tunay na pagbabago kung sa pagdating sa pagiging matapat ay di natin kayang gawin. Paano matatawag na walang bahid ng walang-katapatan itong nakasanayan na na gawi ng mga palagian na mga politiko? At kayo namang mga taga "media" magbubulag-bulagan ba lang kayo at tuluyang kokonsentehin ang bagay na ito dahil kikita kayo ng husto sa mga malalaking ibinabayad ng mga politikong ito sa halos araw-araw na pagpapalabas ng kanilang mga patalastas sa mga hintilan ninyo?

Dahil sa kayo mga taga "media" ang dapat ay taga bantay laban sa mga kamalian ng ating bayan, naman ay di sana kayong mag atobiling iwasto at itama ang mga maling nakasanayan na na gawain nang mga politiko. Hindi sana kayo papayag sa ganitong bagay kung hindi pa ang takdang panahon ng pangangampanya. Marahil maliit na bagay lamang ito para sa inyo mga mapagpalagay nating matitino na mga politiko at mga taga "media" at pwede lang ipag walang-bahala, ngunit minsan ang katapatan ng loob ay masusukat sa mga maliliit na mga bagay na ipinag walang-bahala.

Sumasa-atin sana ang pagka matapat ni pangulong Cory -- at sana hindi lamang sa salita, subalit lalo na sa gawa.

Ngayong wala na ang ating kinakapitan na lakas, e ano na ngayon? Anong susunod? Maghihintay ba lamang tayo sa kung ano ang mangyayari sa ating bayan, o kikilos tayo na baguhin unang-una ang ating mga sarili upang may mangyayari sa ating bayan?

Kababayan, nasa sayo at sa akin na ngayon ang ipinasa ni Cory na ilaw, anong gagawin mo?