Of Bananas, Tourists, and Finance: The Philippine Story

www.hikot.com

When the dispute between the Philippines and China on Scarborough Shoal erupted in April this year, the Philippines has been on the receiving end of China's political and economic might. It was like a "boxing match" between a lightweight and a heavyweight.

Well, it is a standoff; and there is no knockdown yet. But the Philippines has been hit and hurt several times, and there is no sight that it will easily give up.

There is a prayer from the Philippines to send the dispute to a third-party arbitration such as the International Court of Justice, but China, being true to being communist, did not heed the prayer. Hence, the boxing match continues.

Consequently, the heavyweight has been toying with the lightweight. China seizes the moment to assert its global power to what it considers its own backyard and turf, Asia and its seas. A barrage of actions from China was unleashed, with bad intentions, to intimidate and make the Philippines push its own claims based on international laws

Actually, it is about bananas.

China rejected and restricted the shipment of the Philippine second-biggest cash crop export, banana, reportedly due to infestation. For months, the banana growers and exporters have seen their bananas rot in containers stranded in ports. And then, the restrictions were reported to have been expanded to  include pineapples and papayas. As a result, the Philippines lost so much money.

And tourism too.

Chinese travel agencies allegedly following instructions from their government suspended tour packages to the Philippines. China is the fourth biggest source of tourists for the Philippines.

And now, the Philippines unleashes its own. It will ship its banana produce to US Marshall Island, Hawaii, Marianas, Guam, and Saipan. The Philippine bananas have passed the Japanese strictest standards, so they are very much welcome to other countries. In tourism, the Philippine government launched its latest campaign, It's more fun in the Philippines, to attract foreign tourists to the Philippines. The latest data show that the foreign tourist arrivals from other countries such as Australia, Germany, Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, United Kingdom, South Korea, Japan, and the US have increased to fill in the loss of Chinese tourists.

In the end, it is China's loss to deprive its citizens of the mineral- and vitamin-rich bananas and the natural beauty and wonder of tropical beaches and sceneries, only to be found in the Philippines.

And of course, it's also about finance.

The Philippines has decided not to proceed with the loan from China to finance its planned infrastructure projects. It is now looking at a South Korean bank to source the funding. This is on top of the decision by the Philippine government to use its own money to improve and rehabilitate its infrastructures. The Philippines has US$79 Billion (and growing) as foreign exchange reserves.

For the meantime, the West Philippine Sea is being watched by China from the other side. And the South China Sea continues to send waters back and forth to the Philippines. The problem is not on the seas. It is not by the peoples. It is not with the military vessels. It is not against laws.

It is about bananas, tourists, finance, and more. China will tell us more.

DEAR HONORABLE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE FILIPINO PEOPLE (Congressmen, Congresswomen and Senators),

You may wonder why I am writing you, but I believe it is time that you hear from me. I am tired of other people using my situation for their political agenda. Thus, I put in writing a description of my situation and an appeal that you reflect and vote with your conscience. As my representative in Congress, you ought to put my voice in your vote on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

I am a mother of five children. My husband is a construction worker who earns P6,500 (US$150) per month. I am a simple housewife who attends and looks after my children aged 12, 9, 6, 3 years old, and 10-month old baby. I delivered them all through an experienced "hilot" or "parteria." She is now the godmother of my fourth child; that's why I delivered my fifth child without a cost. She lives next door and is fond of her goddaughter.

We stay in a rented house. It is small, but we try to make it our home for the past 13 years. I know my neighbors and we help each other when we can.


Life is difficult here in Manila. I came from the province. After finishing high school, I ventured in Manila seeking for a better future. I met my husband, also a provinciano, and we fell in love. We formally got married only last year. Thanks to the generosity of our mayor who sponsored the mass wedding.

Honestly, we struggle to send our children to schools, but we try hardest to send them. My eldest will be in high school next year. I am thankful that he supports partially his schooling by collecting plastic bottles and old newspapers from our neighbors and other sari-sari stores. My eldest daughter sells some "chitchiria" or snack foods to her classmates in school to add to our income.


Oh, to augment my husband's income, I have put up a small sari-sari store that provides for our basic needs such as rice, milk, and other household necessities.

I am a member of a women's group that received a loan from a microfinancing NGO. I used my loan to put up our sari-sari store. My eldest son and daughter assist in manning the store while I am attending to my 10-month old baby.

At times, during weekends, my husband is asked to do some repairs in other houses. He knows how to repair electrical appliances and furnitures.

In our own capacities and efforts, we are trying to survive and live decently. We do not need your pity and generosity. We need your sincere commitment to help us. If you truly commit as you promise every election, this is how and what you can do to help us:

- expand free education coverage to include books, school supplies, uniforms, and other fees.
- increase the minimum wage by P100 per day to cope with the inflation and rising commodity prices.
- build more schools so that my children will not be cramped together with 50 of their classmates.
- hire more teachers so that my children's teachers can focus on their specializations.

These four things can go a long way to extend our sights to a better future in our lifetime with my children.

One more thing though. Please, oh please, do not look at my children as liabilities or burdens to society. They are my joys in my life. They are my jewels in this world. I am very thankful that I have been blessed with five children. Many in my neighborhood including my "kumareng hilot" has discouraged me to have a new child. Yeah, I and my husband have agreed that our youngest will be the last. Both of us have come from big families. I have seven siblings and my husband has nine siblings. And now, we have five children. That's it for us.

Please, do not give up on us by asking us to give up our children. They are my everything.

Sincerely yours,

Ina Bayani

An Open Letter to Sen. Francis "Chiz" Escudero

Source: http://www.newsflash.org

Dear Chiz,

You are up for reelection. You rank highly in poll opinions. You will win your second term as a senator.

These are all we know.

What we know too is that political parties are now positioning themselves for the 2013 election and beyond.

I hope, I really do that you take into account the electoral lessons of the past and political realities before making any decisions whether or not to get involved with the established political parties.

First, there are no more two major and powerhouse political parties in the Philippines (unlike in the US). The weakening of Nacionalista and Liberal parties in the past decades saw the emergence of personality-based parties that gained massive support and almost won elections. Illustrating this, Miriam Santiago and Raul Roco came to my mind.

Second, our democratic and political system allows the rise of political parties from scratch to mainstream sphere with the leadership of a personality. Remember that Filipinos do not vote on issues, they vote on persons. Leaders build their characters, and these are what Filipino voters see and believe that the characters will stand up for them on issues that matter to their lives.

Third, there is a strong aversion for grandstanding ("epal") on media by politicians. Filipino voters know better if politicians do grandstand. Politicians do talk a lot, but they do no say anything. People could not connect with what they say.

Fourth, Filipino voters are young people. Although people remember, they do selectively. In the 1990s, a Marcos could not possibly win a national election. Voters then still remembered the experiences under Martial Law. In 2010, a Marcos came to national scene by winning a seat in the Senate. My father (May God bless his soul) would have been appalled. What the youth do remember now is GMA. And the name herself is enough to scare votes. Believe me, there is a youth vote.

Fifth, preparations are essential in election. Ironically, Filipinos have no love for early birds. In fact, those birds will be the first to be shot down. Remember Mitra in 1992, Roco in 2004, Villar in 2010. FPJ burst into the presidential scene just in time, but was robbed of the victory. Noynoy was an accidental candidate that defied timing.

Sixth, performance is a gift that people expect to get from you. Give a gift that people deserve. And people will reward you for that.

Seventh, smile is a charm; but please do not smile a lot. People take you seriously, and by smiling a lot, you take things lightly. Our national problems such as poverty, corruption, crimes, and conflicts, are not to be taken lightly. People want a strong leader. This is the reason why Lacson would always be able to garner at least 3-4 million votes.

Eight, be independent. Yes, people forgive "utang na loob"(debt of gratitude). But politicians and government officials are not expected to forgive this kind of debt. People despise politicians and government officials who make obvious decisions favoring someone for the sake of this "utang na loob." Please, do not put yourself into this situation. Be independent and pay your debt of gratitude to the people, and not to specific people.

Chiz, there are people who believe in you not because of what you can do for them, but what you represent them - hope.

Faithfully yours,

Chescudero Quita

LRT, MRT Fares Should Be Rationalized To Reduce Subsidies And Invest In Education

I wonder whether or not our government officials have taken the MRT.

One time, I did, but I am not a government official (un)fortunately. From Cubao, I was queuing to buy a ticket going to Ortigas station. As usual, there was a long queu. I prepared one 10-peso coin and one 5-peso coin. Nearing the teller, I noticed that the fare for Cubao-Ortigas was only Php10. It was too late to move to the "exact face" queu which moved faster than the queu I was in.

Picture from the internet

What? Php10 or (0.18 Euro cents or 0.23 USD cents) for a train ride to Ortigas of more than 5 kilometers! Where in the world you can get that, only in the Philippines. It was cheap, very cheap. And I felt a bit guilty for getting something more out of what I spent.

Somebody must be losing a lot of money because of this. Then, I read a news that the Philippine government has subsidized the riding public amounting to Php75 billion for 10 years in MRT alone. Similar amount (Php75 billion) has been allocated for LRT 1 for 10 years as well.

Let's breakdown the subsidies in MRT to understand and appreciate how much we are talking about here. Php75 billion subsidy for 10 years means that Php7.5 billion per year; Php625 million per month; Php20.8 million per day. This is how much our government pays for the 487,000 individuals who use the MRT everyday. Php20.8 million everyday from the government in MRT alone.

Why is our government paying so much?

From http://www.urbanrail.net 

It was because of the Build-Operate-Transfer contract by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) with the Metro Rail Transit Corporation (MRTC) who built MRT3 and has assumed responsibility over the operation and maintenance of the MRT system. The DOTC is obliged to pay an agreed fee to reimburse the operating and maintenance costs for certain number of years.

Php20.8 million a day in MRT alone, on behalf of 487,000 individuals in Metro Manila.

Tsk.. tsk.. tsk.. Like you, I think this is too much. Our government can not afford to continue this when there are children without classrooms and basic health care in the provinces, and farmers who need farm-to-market roads in the rural areas, just to name a few of the pressing needs of millions of our kababayans.

The DOTC, through Sec. Roxas, announced that the subsidy would continue until the allocated fund is drained. What?!! Until when?!! Php20.8 million a day for 487,000 people in Metro Manila.

Let me tell you that not all of the 487,000 riders need subsidies. There are office workers, foreign students, and tourists who can afford to pay extra for the MRT ride.

Here are some proposals to save OUR money.

- Implement a graduated fare hike starting from this year. One group of riders such as Filipino students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens will be exempted from this initial fare hike of Php5 (Set up a separate cashier/teller for this group of people for additional employment). Another group such as office workers, foreign students and tourists, and ordinary riders have to add P5 pesos from the original fare. Then, next year (2013) the first and second groups will add P5. Every year after that, there will be an additional Php5 to reduce the subsidies until the riding public will have to pay large part of the actual cost of the ride. The savings from these supposed subsidies is proposed to be invested in education such as building more classrooms in the countryside.

- Review the contract with MRTC because the subsidies are quite staggeringly expensive and outrageous for two reasons: the capacity of the train is over-extended and comfort is non-existent. Ask any riders in MRT and they would describe their ride as overcrowded. Here is a little math. If the agreed capacity is 100, for example, the train is having double that capacity. Thus, compromising the comfort of a modern train ride. The subsidy must be lowered because trains are running at full capacity without comfort of the riders. Renegotiate the contract to reduce the subsidies.

- Look for other revenue-generating opportunities in MRT such as ads, stalls, shops, mobile banking though ATMs and bank express, etc.

- Do the first three (3) proposals with LRT 1 and 2


Think of Php20.8 million everyday for 487,000 people in Metro Manila who take the MRT. Add that to several millions of similar subsidies for the LRT 1 and 2.

I know that there are millions of our kababayans who are in dire need for their basic education such as lack of classrooms, books, chairs, etc.. Let's spend OUR money to those who need it most.

RATIONALIZE the MRT, LRT FARES and REDUCE SUBSIDIES. INVEST IN EDUCATION, BUILD MORE CLASSROOMS instead. NOW!

Lin-sanity Show Puts Basketball Back To My Mind

Source: http://www.ballerstatus.com

As a Filipino, basketball is part of my life.

I grew up with basketball on radio and TV, basketball in school, basketball in plaza, basketball inside the classroom with crumpled paper balls and a thrash can or chalk and blackboard plank, basketball inside the house and room with laundry clothes and bin. I grew up putting things inside a container; toys, school stuff inside my bag, water into a jar of clay.

I learned to put things in. I learned that that is the way to organize things. I learned that that is the way things should be, inside.

And basketball is simply like that. Getting the ball inside the hoop sounds easy, but there are five people who will stop you from doing that. Good to know that there are also four people who will also help you succeed to do so.

The Philippines has the oldest professional basketball league in Asia - Philippine Basketball Association (PBA). I missed the era of Crispa-Toyota rivalry, but I grew up in the Alaska dynasty in the 1990s. I survived the taunting of die-hard Ginebra fans who were dismayed by Alaska exploits and achievements. After Paul Alvarez ( where by the way I got my nickname Paul), Jojo Lastimosa, and Johnny Abarientos retired, I drifted to other things. Besides, my height did not help in pursuing the sports.

But damn, I was good at it. I would not be called Paul Abanes for nothing! Ha ha ha.. (Thanks to my high school classmates, they saw me play and they afforded me appropriate alias for that).

After PBA, I got interested with the US-based National Basketball Association (NBA). The high-flying dunks fascinated me. But I was more awed by dishing out the alley-ops, no-look passes, and tight bound passes that found the receivers who easily put the ball inside the hoop.

Jason Kidd of the New Jersey Nets in the early 2000s captivated my imagination of a well-rounded basketball player and a point guard at that. His lob passes to K-Mart and RJ while on the fast break were a thing to behold. Then, Vinsanity came to the Nets and the unselfish plays of JKidd continued.

It was satisfying to see him finally have a championship ring last year. And the way he has evolved himself to fit into the half-court offense and zone defense of the Dallas Mavericks is worth watching the NBA.

And then, the NBA lock-out almost killed my basketball sense. I was questioning the love for basketball of these guys in the negotiating table for the NBA players and team owners. More than them, the fans lost the most in the lock-out (especially the Mavs fans who believe that a repeat is possible even with the departure of key players).

The NBA games opened on Christmas day. Huhhmm, huuhmmm.. (The mavs lost to their rival miami heat). The compressed schedule of back-to back-to back NBA games has caused injuries to star players.

On the local scene with PBA, the cinderella quest of Powerade team lost steam in the finals in the Philippine Cup. The Smart-Gilas vying for a slot in the London Olympics lost in the semifinal match against Jordan. And then lost again to South Korea for a qualifying match to a wildcard entry to London olympics.

My basketball high is getting low.

And then, Jeremy Lin of New York Knicks blew some wind to my basketball senses. In the beginning, I was skeptical. No way, he could keep up with the hype. And then, each game he slowly wiped off my skepticism. I became a fan when he drilled that winning 3-point shot against the Raptors, leading his team to six game-winning streak. He recorded his career high 13-assists and 10 points for a double-double against the Kings, in spite of playing only 26 minutes. Seven games of spectacular basketball plays.

I was so Lin-pressed by Linsanity that I posted on my Facebook wall about him. My first time to post something about basketball.

Linsanity means many things for me. It means an incredible story of a player who believes in himself. It means hardwork opening up possibilities. It means greatness in each one of us. It means being humble with success. It means appreciating one's identity. It means winning. It means life's chances and being ready to take them.

It is not about the man; it is about his story which is inspiring and meaningful to those who play and enjoy basketball, to those who understand hardwork, to those who are waiting for their chances, to those who are close to giving up, to those who are content to be average, and yet hold greatness in their hearts and minds.

Linsanity, thank you. Keep up the show! I am watching and enjoying it, from a distant shore, - Asia.

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.