Smart Gilas Philippines Aiming For A Shot To 2012 London Olympics

source: sports.inquirer.net

The basketball team of the Philippines, also known as Smart Gilas Pilipinas, is aiming to join the elite teams in the basketball world by qualifying in the 2012 London Olympics. It needs three wins in the ongoing FIBA-Asia tournament in Wuhan, China to get that one automatic slot in the Olympics. But it needs to get passed the powerhouse in Asian basketball, China and Iran.

Road to the Olympics- One at a time 

Yes, as expected, the Philippines entered the quarterfinals. Prior to that, it posted five wins against a loss to China in the elimination round. With luck, the Philippines was bracketed to easier and lighter groups, thus finishing second behind China in one group.

The games in the quarterfinals, semi-finals, and finals are in knock-out format. A loss in this stage of the tournament means losing that chance to get the automatic and coveted slot to the Olympics.

In the quarterfinals, the Philippines is up against a formidable Chinese-Taipei whom the Philippines has beaten twice in this year's Jones Cup. Again, this match will be interesting to see how the Philippines will defend the sweet-shooting guards of Chinese-Taipei team. The winner of this match will most likely meet the defending champion, Iran in the semi-finals. Like China, Iran remains undefeated in six games. The Philippines will be up against a taller and experienced team. If ever the Philippines gets passed Iran, it will most likely face the dreaded Chinese team in its home court. In their first match-up in the elimination round, China beat the Philippines by 15 points, 75-60. If ever it happens, the next game between these two teams will be different because of the prize to the winner - an Olympics slot, an opportunity to play against the best of the world in basketball.

Why not? The last time the Philippines qualified in the Olympics was in 1972 Munich Olympics. Almost four decades passed, now the Philippines has a chance, again.

source: philippinesgoforgold.blogspot.com

Go Philippines!

Look Who’s Speaking Handiong’s Language (Not A Response to Soriano’s Article)

‘’They took away the language of my blood, giving me one ‘more widely understood.’ More widely understood! Now lips can never, never with the soul-of Me commune. Moments there are I strain, but futile ever, to flute my feelings through some native tune… alas, how can I interpret my mood? They took the away the language of my blood.’’ – Trinidad Tarrosa, Muted Cry

            Strangely, while ordering my lunch in a cafeteria of one of the big universities in Manila, I was asked, “Pinoy kayo?” (Are you Filipino?).

            I replied jokingly, “Pano mo nasabi?” (How could you tell?)

            “Kasi sa pananalita nyo, parang hindi.” (Because when you speak, it does not seem like you are Filipino).

            “Sige na nga, Bicolano kasi ako.” (Ok, I am Bicolano).

            In 2000 theme of the traditional Linggo ng Wika, ‘’Regional Language: Helping in Cultivating and Growth of the National Language” is like bringing-the-dead-into-life-again slogan. Then this 2011, a certain Soriano distinguished sardonically English as the language of the learned and Tagalog, although the language of his identity, also as the language of the streets. This brought the topic of languages again, which one is better to express our thoughts, emotions, and dreams.

            Over the years since 1935, the government has tried to adopt a national language embraced by all country that has at least eight major languages, (Tagalog, Cebuano, Bikol, Pampango, Ilokano, Waray, Ilongo, Pangalatok), each spoken by millions. Each has its own orthography, history, orthodoxy, and anima that set one apart from the others. But the government insisted on having one language that would attempt to encompass all these regional languages, thus the Filipino should incorporate words that originate from the regional languages, having Tagalog as the base language. But it failed miserably in that attempt. Since the national government is based in Manila, imperialistic tendency to dominate the peripherals and margins are rigged in style. Filipino Language is Tagalog in any way one would see it. For me, Filipino language remains a myth unleashed by the government to introduce a national language.

            Why can’t we just call our national language as Tagalog? After all these years, is there a word in Bikol, for example, that is now widely used and understandable in the country? Why do we have to create another language? What will happen to Tagalog?

            (Lµ βΩ₮ ὴiὴᵭдnᶃ ὠᶐᶀa₮д  ѽ!)

            During my time in elementary school, we were taught to speak in either English or Tagalog (for truth’s sake, it’s not Filipino). We were impeded and suppressed to speak our own mother tongue that is Bikol, or else we would pay several cents. Consequently in the beginning, we could barely express ourselves in school. The imposition of the foreign languages develops the thinking that our own Bikol language is inferior to English or Tagalog. This grossly unacceptable attitude is prevalent in schools, on government dealings, business transactions, and almost any given environment in Bicol. If Bicolanos can not appreciate and value their own language, who else will do? It took non-Bicolanos like Frs. James O’Brien, SJ, Frank Lynch, SJ and Jason Lobel in magnifying what was essentially Bicol in Bicolanos. What a poetic intercourse! They say it does not take a genius to pinpoint the obvious, but it took foreigner priests and linguist to point out the social realities and their meanings to their peoples.

            The Japanese pride of Nihonggo and the patronage of French, German, Spanish, and Chinese of their own languages tell us, Bicolanos, that we have something that cannot be taken away from us. We have been under the Spanish colonization, American colonization, Japanese expansion, and yet we never lost our Bikolnon identity that characterizes us and that differentiates us from Cebuanos, Warays, Tagalogs and others. That without a doubt is the Bikol language. Though Bicolanos are also known for the ardent devotion to Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, any Tagalogs or Warays or others can lay claim to the same devotion to Ina. And no one can tell the difference not until they speak.

            We can never be Tagalogs or Americans because we are Bicolanos who have our own identity. In like manner, I may know and imagine to be superman and Enteng Kabisote, but my powers must stem from Handiong. On this note I conclude with an apology to my fellow Bicolanos for not writing this in Bikol but rest assured that I am with you in enhancing our Bikol language. Dispensa!

Visit my Bikol blog here.

Ninoy In Our Times

From: missindependentmind.blogspot.com

“And if a good man arrives, the country soon corrupts him.” – Jose Rizal, Noli me Tangere

            August 21, 1983. I was in Grade 2 when that orchestrated and fateful assassination took place. To an 8-year old boy (now one can calculate my age!), Ninoy was a news. I preferred playing aragawan beys and tumba-lata than to mind what was going on. Until much later when I became aware that he had died fighting for me, for my family, and for all of us including you whether you heard of him or not, in the name of democracy in the Philippines during the dictatorial years under Marcos.

            After his death, our country was never the same again. History was being written by the people as  main authors – the same people for whom he had given up his dear life. Philippine politics and public sentiments tipped the pendulum against the dictator. Nationalistic consciousness swept the whole country. For so long the people had kept that anger towards and open opposition against the dictator. So when the opportunity to demonstrate came, the people courageously stood up, openly denounced the dictator, and disowned  their government. Those who went out the streets and took the risk regarded Ninoy’s death a difficult act to follow, yet very timely and inspiring. Alive and vibrant in them was the William Wallace’s famous aphorism in Braveheart – “they may take our lives but they can never take our freedom.” True indeed, life is empty and meaningless without freedom of action and thought.

            That struggle to regain freedom culminated in the 1986 People Power revolution.

            On the 28th death anniversary of Ninoy, justice remains elusive. The public is aware that those who were sentenced to jail and still languishing in jail are merely pawns of a king. Some even died, with them the truth. Many times the case was reopened in the hope of pinning the mastermind but it turned out apparently to be an inutile effort. Any investigative body would end up facing the same people who undeniably had feared the far-reaching shadow of once and still powerful family and friends of the late dictator.

            The mystery of that fateful day woulld remain unresolved because probing eyes that would like to seek the truth are blindly cloaked with unforgiving history. Just like the JFK case in the US, it would remain as the darkest day in our country's history. After all it was in that darkest day that the people saw the brightness of the sun, felt its heat, and enjoyed the prize of freedom. Only that Ninoy did not witness the fruits of what he had done to the Filipino people. He sowed the seeds and let the people reap its harvest.

            He said that the “Filipinos are worth dying for,” but where are those Filipinos now? Please stand up. Otherwise we need to go out in search for Filipinos whom Ninoy had died for. And we will be lucky enough if we find any, though we are certain that Ninoy did not die in vain. Unless we act as one for the sake of our country, we treasure this freedom we enjoy now, we pursue the ideals of democracy and human rights,  we indeed are worth dying for.

            His death is an instrument to an end, and he hoped for what we have yet to achieve. If we take the fight of Ninoy in today’s context, I think the man will be smiling somewhere.

             Today, some powerful elites in politics and arts, activists for human rights, and leaders of faith continue to make decisions for us. They use surveys to back up their claims and positions. When will we ever learn to voice out our say? We lost Rizal, we lost Ninoy, for us to win. who else will we lose to so that we will win? This time, we can win without losing anyone. Truly we are worth dying for though, and much more worth living for.

10 years after the Philippine Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (R.A. 9136)

The law was passed riding high with controversies, expectations and promises in 2001.

After 10 years of implementation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001 (Republic Act 9136), there is so much to be desired from its promised and potential reforms and improvements in the power industry and the lives of consumers.

The privatization effort of the National Power Corporation (NPC) and its massive debts continues. The electricity rate used and paid by millions of consumers keeps rising. The mismanagement of electric cooperatives and their inexplicable losses persists.

This is to revisit the law that sought, among others, to; 1) privatize the government agency tasked to generate, transmit, distribute, and supply energy to the country, 2) unbundle the power sectors to identify which is inefficient and incurring losses, 3) create a Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) to make the transaction transparent, open and competitive, 4) reduce the power rates.

In June 2011, the Philippine President, Benigno Aquino III, signed into law the extension of the implementation of lifeline electricity rate (subsidy) for poor consumers for another 10 years. The wisdom of the R.A. 9136 was that the lifeline rate would be unnecessary after 10 years of the Act because the electricity rate would have been affordable even by poor consumers.

On the contrary, after 10 years of R.A. 9136, the Philippines has the highest power rate in Asia. Thus, it is important to review the law in light of the current situation, context and its history. Click here for a copy.

This year, 2011, another bill (RH) which has been certified as urgent is riding high with controversies, expectations, and promises. Have we learned our lessons that development and reforms can not simply be legislated? According to a UN report, after 10 years (2020-2025), we will see our population growth rate at 1.27 percent even without the help of this RH bill, continuing its downward trend  from 1.67 percent in 2010-2015. Comparatively in 1970, the population growth rate was 3.08 percent.

Major Stories in 2004 in Politics and Basketball

“Woe to the country which would madly and impiously reject the service of the talents and virtues, civil, military, or religious, that are given to grace and to serve it; and would condemn to obscurity everything formed to diffuse luster and glory around a state. Woe to that country too, that, passing into the opposite extreme, considers a low education, a mean contracted view of things, a sordid, mercenary occupation, as a preferable title to command.” – Edmund Burke

            This early Juan Dela Cruz is looking forward to 2004 presidential election and there are others who cannot wait any longer. For reasons known to many that the present administration is not living up to its promises and the daily life of Juan is becoming much worse than his memory can possibly endure recalling. Various groups such as the Silent Protest Movement protesting, I suppose, silently still, the ubiquitous BAYAN and KMU, and just recently the Aklas Pilipino, have tried out ways, which are as of now still within the bounds of the law, calling for the resignation of the president. There are other concerted efforts from the militant groups which convey the same motive through being communicated in a subtle fashion.

            One of which was the survey conducted by the UP Collegian with the question: if President Estrada were to be replaced, who will you choose to replace him? Since the respondents were UP students, expectedly our own Roco topped the race with 38.03%, at the very far second. Macapagal-arroyo with 5.9%, then Santiago with 2.8%. The rest of the respondents either had no answer with 36% or two answers with 2.7% making them void. As a Bicolano, I am keeping my fingers and I hope you do the same too. In any case, there is always a first time and let us all be the one in believing this is our time.

            On the other hand, the visit of Grant Hill, heir apparent to his airness Michael Jordan in our country last weekend turned this basketball-crazy state into frenzy. Young and old basketball fanatics mobbed and followed him wherever he went. Interviews came after the other asking questions that might rouse the interest of the audience. Frankly I was roused by his response, when asked if he would be going back here; that he intended to go back and run for president. Of course he was just kidding, but the public was not. If the voting public had sent a moving star in Malacañang, why not a basketball star? For a change that will ever be.

            Notably, the metamorphosis of Philippine politics into the arena of wealth and more wealth plus popularity-mania has been detrimental to our dreams and aspiration of the nation. Our whole political system cannot offer much to the hoping and striving poor. Elections become futile exercise to the empowerment and the representation of the people. Before and during election, the aspirant speak the language of the people but once get elected, they speak no other language to their people than their money. And it stings when money speaks because everybody listens without even understanding.

                                                                                                                         

            Hypothetically, Bicol is not like that. The region is noted for being an opposition in the national election. That sometimes becomes my imagined excuse for Bicol being the second poorest region, albeit it has rich natural resources and people of great minds. It tends to go against the administration. That alone has two effects; It is good for regionalistic ego and bad for our economics. However in 2004, things are about to change. As Bicolanos, are we want to make the change? The difference lies in you.

Nonito Donaire, The Flash, and His Ticket to the Top - His Left Hook

I knew that the fight would be worth the no-sleep Saturday weekend. For such a big fight in boxing, I as a boxing fan would let the match pass without watching it.

Nonito, "The Flash," Donaire, 28, finally would have a very worthy and notable opponent in front of him inside the ring. Fernando Montiel, 31, was the recognized world champion by World Boxing Council (WBC) and World Boxing Organization (WBO). The two fighters are both in the elite pound-for-pound list, aiming to get higher in the top list. That showed how high the expectation, excitement and respect for this match.

Both fighters predicted a knockout. Donaire said it would come within six rounds. Montiel said that it would be within 10 rounds. And so the bell rang to see who said it right.

In the first round, Donaire threw more telling shots to the body and head of Montiel. His dreaded left hook landed twice in separate occasions in the first round. Donaire won the round.

In the second round, Donaire tagged Montiel with a right straight punch. Then, Montiel started to move forward and be agreesive. Montiel landed some decent shots.

And then, Montiel landed a right hook. Donaire countered perfectly with the left hook. With that left hook right on the face, Montiel came down with all his weight on the canvass. His legs were kicking. After falling temporarily in his effort to get up, he was finally able to get up to beat the 10-second count. Then, referee let the fight continue. Donaire rushed to Montiel and landed two more shots to visibly hurt Montiel. That was it. The referee stopped the fight at 2:35 of the second round.

It was the same left hook that erased the "0" in the unblemished record of Vic Darchinyan in 2007. That left hook made that 2007 upset the "Knockout of the Year." This left hook can give Donaire another "Knockout of the Year" considering whom he had knocked out, a future Hall of Famer in boxing.

Donaire improved his record to 26-1, with 18 knockouts. With the win, Donaire definitely is on top 3 of the pound-for-pound list behind the great Manny Pacquaio.

EDSA Dos Story 5: An Afterthought Of A Revolution In Our Generation

“We shall not become free by retiring into the private sphere and saying ‘Count me out.’ Nor shall we become free by conforming to a society that holds its generals and millionaires in particularly high regard. We shall become free when we learn to work for peace actively, deliberately, militantly.” – Dorothy Scolle, Of War and Love

            Once again we did it. We ousted a sitting President out of office. And hardly I could enjoy the pervading celebration all over the country because 14 years ago, we had this same euphoric passion for and promise of change. Instead, I tremble in the musing of the days to come. (In the 17^th day of the new Arroyo administration, Ka Popoy Lagman, a staunch labor leader was murdered, and finally a Vice-President was named after almost brewing the country apart in the choice of VP. Earlier than that, a premature resignation and withholding of appointments in the Cabinet had rocked the young government. Rumors of impending coup continued to hover, gripping everybody in standstill.

            With the ouster of Erap begins the trek on the arduous road to renewal and reform. It has founded a stronger call that the more we should not cease from seeking our own great destiny as a nation. Whatever we gained from EDSA does not guarantee us of getting there. Still we have to master to take risks, catch on with our preferred changes, challenge the newly born yet spiteful opposition, brave the future with faith and confidence, and recoup the EDSA spirit till it becomes ingrained in us. After all, democracy and love for country bind us together.

            The deposed President has taught us the leadership style this country did not need nor want, what the people can do when faced with abstrusely adamant leader who expressly pledges to help the poor while implicitly helping his friends and families at the same time, and that sincere commitment to serve the people especially the poor is beyond eating with them in bare hands, shaking and waving hands, displaying that patented Erap smile before the camera, and bringing showbiz stars for cheap entertainment and gimmickry.

            However, the newly installed President is deep into political indebtedness. She was put to power physically by the frequent faces we saw on TV or heard over the radio, or so she thought. She witnessed first hand who were the people she had to give credit to, or at least be thankful for. It is that kind of indebtedness that is hard to repay. That is why Arroyo's administration is laden with appointments here and there, and disappointments here and there. This early inner circles of power are starting to shape in their own dangerous proportions, jockeying for vital positions in the government. What else is new when we have the same names who had been seated before yet here we go again reciprocating them for doing nothing of worth-replicating in the government? It looks like these people can not win in the election anymore that is why they are doing the backdoor entry to the government through dubious appointments.

            In her inauguration speech, the President said, “This (People Power) we owe to every Filipino.” Before that, she said, “We are the stones, and the Philippines is our edifice.” True enough, stones are of no equal distinction. There are good stones as bad stones, corroded ones and smooth ones, big and small, rolling and rooted. What we have right now are mostly rolling stones, and Sommerset Maugham wrote something like, “Rolling stones gather no moss.” If we really are for a new beginning where we are going to heal wounds of our afflicted society, and build a new edifice of the Philippines, we need to cast away despicable breed of traditional politics of patronage and personality, and brace the alternative breed of politics defined by ability, service, integrity, and faith in God.

            The backdrop of our Constitution indicates the course toward political and maturity. Every three years for most of the elected public officials and six years for the other half of the senators, the vice president and the president will be subject to the people’s will in an election. So any, elected public official whom we believe errs gravely against the people will be voted out of office into oblivion – aptly called nowadays, “kangkungan.” That is the spirit and intent of our Constitution but I think with so much consideration and evaluation that we are far from that end. Election, time and again, is an opportunity for the people to be active and involved to the most significant political process of democracy, be vigilant in their rights, be discerning in the choice among good, less, lesser, and pure evil, and we always missed that opportunity knowing however that there will be next time to right the wrong. Sadly, we never learn and that next time is no good waiting for. That is why election becomes a mere exercise like waking up every morning after a dreamless night sleep.

            People Power II has given us too many good things. To appreciate the value and merit of it, we need to toss away a lot of things in the past that stifled our energies to advance towards that dreamed development. It there is a thing that is being taught, it is how our system rots, and how to make it work for and against us. Indubitably, every Filipino loves our dear Philippines but that ends in the ouster of Marcos and Erap. When all things clear, we find ourselves fighting the same enemies again.

EDSA Dos Story 4: From Isarog to EDSA Shrine

          Leaning on the left side window of Naga-bound bus as it made its ascent on the Ortigas fly-over, I saw Edsa Shrine. It was a Monday evening of January 22nd of 2001.

            Five days ago, people swarmed this momentous place. Sparked by the infamous decision of the impeachment court, the throng swelled to multitudes of Filipinos disowning a President, the 11 senators, and those who believed in the impeachment process. The Shrine was the most metaphorical place for that collective anguish and dismay, being the birthplace and living witness to the peaceful People Power revolution not so long ago. As if Mother Mary, both hands open sideways, were calling Her flock to assembly and take Her refuge in times of grief to the death of the national search for truth and justice. Like a true Mother whose patience and understanding preceded any rationale of the situation finally said, “enough is enough, come to Me and We will do it again.”

            “Viva La Virgen! Viva!” Our Ina, the Lady of Peñafrancia, was with us all the way and all the time from Bicol to Edsa. With Ina, history would be good, history would be kind to us.

            A roaring cloud of enlightened heads massed at the intersection of Ortigas and Edsa blackening the whole area, waiting to burst like a storm sending signs of its impending strength and power. The clamor was clear, the portent was an ominous end of the sitting duck, the cry was resounding, and the direction certainly was Malacañang.

            Edsa was just the meeting point, the Gethsemane where people prayed to gather internal and external forces to sustain the fated culmination. The Shrine was the rock, all absorbing the people’ sentiments, disappointments, and the bid to the will of the Lord. And those who went to Edsa Shrine, physically or spiritually, were called to act to save the nation.

            The new President was being sworn in by the Chief Justice. Our new President is a daughter of a former President. Somewhere across the Pacific, another President was being sworn in. he was the son of a former President. All at the same day.

            Fourteen years ago, I was just 11 years old. We had no TV then but the people and radio kept us abreast of what was happening then at Edsa. They wanted to oust Marcos from office while all I wanted was to oust the can out from the circle. I was playing a kid's game- tumba-lata in Bikol or tumbang preso in Tagalog. When finally I hit it with my slipper, it tumbled down many times too far from the circle and my playmates who waited for me expectedly all went frenzy over that incident. They could finally run back to the base. (Hawaii, I suppose, is far enough) I could say, I made that happen. The joy of causing others to be free was felt at my young age.

            Two days ago (Jan. 20), I was part of the Bicol caravan that left Naga City at around 6 A.M. to join our fellow Filipinos at Edsa. We ventured into an eight-hour trip to be part of national struggle against corruption, nepotism, and cronyism. It was exactly the same time and day our Bicolano Senator Raul S. Roco had set for the march to Mendiola. If 14 years ago I was denied to hit that great point in our history to target, this time I would make sure that I would be there, or so I thought.

            Sad enough, I was almost there at Edsa when the furor was still hovering, when the thumb-down sign would still matter, when my scream would reverberate with the thousand voices of one call, probably also at the Jerichoan march to Mendiola when the people decided to besiege the standing block to the road to reformation and renewal, but I together with the contingent from Bicol arrived when Erap had already resigned and Gloria had already been sworn in for the Precidency. Nonetheless we caught up the thanksgiving mass being celebrated by Cardinal Sin.

            We were not late. No time was prescribed for us to be there. Who would have thought that Erap would give up so soon? He must have heard about our coming. He could have been scared, frantic, panicky and drunk. Understandably, who would not? Not unless Jose Velarde surfaced at Edsa.

            Many battles were won not necessarily due to the actual number of victors but to the cognizance of the fallen leader that legions of resolved people were coming to get him. That was our consolation to our journey from Isarog to Edsa Shrine.

            Seemingly unmindful of the historic event two days ago, the rush of shoppers and buses along Edsa affront the Galleria indicated that things were back to normal. I tilted back to my seat, my seatmate asked me in Bikol language – saen ka sa Bicol? (Where do I stay in Bicol). As my senses suddenly dawned on me, I became aware for the first time that I was going to Bicol, Camarines Sur, Milaor – home, as the bus made its descent on the Ortigas fly-over.

Edsa Dos Story 3: Impeachment Trial in the Senate

             An impeachment complaint is officially brought to Senate for a trial. Of course, President Erap denies the charges, among others, of receiving payola from jueteng, of owning a bank account where millions were deposited. A trial would be able to determine the culpability of the accused. The whole country is treated to an afternoon of legal and political drama on television and radio. 

          Prior to the trial, there was a suggestion of having the President to file a leave of absence not to exert undue influence on the process. For me it should be a leave of conscience. However, neither should be a question nor an option. Which is which is not purely a selection of greater returns to the peoples. It must be a decision founded on the aspiration of our dear nation, based on the call for justice, truth and probity.

            While the senate holds our eyes of interest inferring altogether, each senator tries to come up with a brilliant idea of dubious display of impartiality. Two senators have suggested the filing of leave of absence from any political parties that categorically identified itself either pro or anti of which a senator a member. Others already bolted from the administration party hoping those act alone signified singularly impartiality. And a solitary yet stentorian voice boldly predicted the fate of the trial, and in a way the doom of the disgruntled masses in the hands that rocked the nation.

            In the world of possibilities, these are welcome prefaces. In the preface of the world, this is possible. And in the possibility of prefaces, welcome to the world.

            No matter what we, the people do, either on the street, Internet or elsewhere, the entire affair of critical politics and economics is reduced to simple mathematics. In the Senate, it’s eight and in Malacañang, it is one.

            The sorcery of eight votes in the Senate that means acquittal is less intricate than the magic of fifteen which spells guilt. Never there will be a dramatic close than the senators’ votes sealing the end of a Constitutional process or selling the people’s trust and perseverance in the process.

            If all of us are wise as much discerning just the same, we need not drag the controversies besieging the country into the bottomless pit of shame and crisis. Unfortunately, all of us include someone in Malacañang. One noble resignation will have sufficed the discontent and dissatisfaction of the growling masses.

            It is reported that the defense team is hatching to quash the impeachment case even before it files its answer to the charges. What a way to say that the president is not guilty!

            Let us expect more of intellectual spectacles from the luminaries of our law regarding the issue. Like in the movies, we will grope in the dark, we will be entertained, we will learn and we will pay. Each day that passes by, may we master the art of optimism, hoping and endurance and the “power of one.” For these, as we wait, we pray.

            On December 7, the historic impeachment trial begins.

            Whether history will be good or otherwise to us, let us keep the words of Candid that all things are for the best, for now.

Edsa Dos Story 2: Why Ateneo?: Role of a University in the National Political Scene

“…it articulates truth and error, right and wrong, justice and injustice, and the imperatives of conscience sensitive to the dignity of human beings, especially the poor.” – CORPLAN 2010 of Ateneo de Naga University

            What was Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) doing when it spearheaded the October 20 and November 17 rallies calling for the resignation and supporting the impeachment of the president? Not exactly the same question but of the same breath goes to those who feared to come out and take position on the critical issue plaguing our country today – what were you doing, and intending to do?

            We are having a political, economical, social crisis now. Any indecision on the part of those who are expected and moved to act on the matter would take a toll on the people particularly the poor. Our failing country cannot afford to have irresolute public officials, who up to this day still weigh not the interest of the country but the future political ambition and the ties to Malacañang. Astute politicians, nonetheless, know where to position themselves in pursuit of their higher political career. And it is causing the people a lot. (For the time being, please think of your country first before yourselves).

            In fact, most of these officials renew or strengthen their association with the president by declaring here and there they unwavering support to the beleaguered lord of them. Foremost in their mind of course is their reelection or election to a greater office. I just hope they have really thought deeper or at least consulted their constituents on the issue at hand otherwise they are committing political suicide. It is noteworthy that these manifestations of support flock like firemen responding to an incident of fire without knowing where the fire is. Forced more by instinctual rather than discerning move, these politicians have run to the side of the president without confirming the unfolding events before their eyes and undoing something that is familiar to the people - political survival is above anything else.

            Before Ateneo's active participation, several dialogues and information campaigns with the different sectors of the University were held. In 2000, the October 20 and November 17 rallies, believed to be the biggest political rallies in Naga City, demonstrated the core of the CORPLAN 2010 of ADNU, its spirit in the formation of men and women, its commitment to social change and justice, and its lived faith for the greater glory of God.

            Though there are those who question the legitimacy of the university to spearhead such rallies – why Ateneo, I cannot help but ask back, why not Ateneo?

EDSA Dos Story 1: Erap Presidency in 2000

“That which depends on me, I can do; that which depends on the enemy cannot be certain.” – Sun Tzu, The Art of War

            In 2000, two years of Erap presidency hardly makes any impression on the plight of the poor (yet) – the same people who put him to power and in turn he must be indubitably biased for. His catapult to the highest office was seen as a messianic mission for the poor, by the poor.

                 His strategy to fulfill the role he has superciliously projected was contained in the Erap Para sa Mahirap Program. It would select the 100 poorest families in every city and province and direct the programs of the intervening government agencies like the DOH, DSWD, NHA, CDA and others to those families. The hope is to bring about a multiplier-effect thereby reducing the poverty incidence into a measurable figure. But the poor people are not numbers to be manipulated, and poverty is not a statistics. That is why I join those who appraised the program as dubious and superficial to its true objective of poverty alleviation. I agree with the many urban poor groups and NGOs that instead of pursuing a selective direction of program implementation, why not have a national framework where every poor family can be a subject, not mere object?

            The World Bank suggests that goals should not be imposed, rather to be embraced. The yawning gap between the rich and poor is swallowing any effort towards poverty eradication or alleviation of the government. That I wish is enough to cause hard-packed actions just like in the president’s previous movies. The people expect him to live up to his billing otherwise he might be acting without an audience.

            In the last SONA of the President, he asked Congress of the same laws he wanted prioritized way back in his first SONA. Doesn’t he have the majority of both houses? Where is the party loyalty? If it is expediently needed by the administration to fulfill its promises, by all means it has to go all out for it. I suspect the Congress truly sees the urgency of the matter.

            Now Mr. Estrada is asking for special powers to hasten the rehabilitation and development he envisions in Mindanao. Among the powers he sought are the CBA moratorium and the suspension of TROs for project implementation. Is he going to build a bridge without water underneath? Or is it creating a river to have a bridge built? In other words, are the special powers exceptionally called for at this point of time? Is the presidency lacking of powers? Has he already exhausted other means and measures that will result to the same end? Or, is he just indifferent to the powers available which are already mandated by law? Worse, is he conceding to his inadequacies and helplessness in solving the Mindanao conflict? These are the questions posed to the administration and to us citizens who are concerned with the possible scenarios if we let this come to pass.

            Then I have discovered the answer when I heard that various NGOs, the church, other civic-minded groups and individuals are reaching out to the victims of the war. They need not ask for any power, be it special or not. They simply do what has to be done. More than the special powers can give, I think what is needed is a heart, and a will to do things right.

2011 Population of the Philippines and Reproductive Health Bill

Year 2011 started with a news that the Philippine population is estimated to reach 95.8 million this year. This is according to Commission on Population using the 2007 growth rate of 2.04 percent.

I see two remarkable mistakes in this news.

First, statistically, the use of 2007 population growth rate is NOT accurate and NOT appropriate to estimate the current population. Since the late 1970s, the Philippine population growth rate has been steadily declining, except in 2000 level which increased a bit from the 1995 level. However, after that disruption, the trend of steady decline continues. In fact, the United Nations' Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) projects that the Philippines has a population growth rate of 1.9 percent in the period of 2005-2010. Then, it will be 1.67 percent in 2010-2015 period until reaching 0.5 percent in 2045-2050. (See the UN report here).

With a steady declining population growth rate, using the 2007 rate to estimate the 2011 population is totally incorrect and uncalled for. The Commission could have waited for the 2010 census to announce its official population count. This mistake leads me to the second mistake which may be inadvertent, somehow.

The second mistake is to augur the a new year with this fallacious and misleading figure to push for the Reproductive Health Bill (RHB). With this bloated figure, fear is being used by the Commission to drum up support for the Bill ahead of the announcement of the 2010 official census.

(We need to act now because population is exploding. Hmmmmm. Think of one or two million people of exaggeration in this population figure. Then think of Estonia which becomes the 17th member-country to adopt the Euro currency with only 1.4 million total population in 2010).

One of the major arguments of the Reproductive Health Bill (RHB) is that the growing population of the Philippines must be controlled in order to reduce poverty in the country. Proponents and supporters of this RHB sees the population as the major problem to development. They see the Philippines as overpopulated country with the sights of slums in the metropolis.

Let us show facts of the Philippine population.

Is the Philippines overpopulated? What is the measurement of overpopulation?

While it is true that the Philippines is the 12th most populous country in the world, the population density per square kilometer of the country is only 307 persons in the 2005 estimates, thus ranking 43rd in the world. (For comparison purposes, Singapore has 7,023 person per square kilometer, Taiwan has 639 persons, South Korea has 407 persons, the Netherlands has 401 persons).

Then, the  answer is NO, the Philippines is not overpopulated. Metro Manila is, and other big cities.

The significant question should be, is the population of the Philippines productive? Thus, population control will not answer this question, rather the state of education and employment opportunities will.

Another significant question is, are the national resources distributed to regions? Or few regions corner much of the national resources? The answer is not about population; it is about distribution of resources.

Post-script: Anyhow, exactly how will the RHB control the population growth? Among its ways, one is to make contraceptions accessible and available to all including married and unmarried, young and old couples; Second is to conduct reproductive health education sessions with young people who are enrolled in secondary schools in the hope of containing unwanted teen pregnancies; Third is to encourage an ideal family size of having two children for every family.