Neither "Dutertards" nor "Yellowtards," but Filipinos

In the 2016 Philippine election, there were 15.9 million Filipino voters (36.7%) who were neither "Dutertards" (16.6 million who voted for Duterte) nor "Yellowtards" (9.9 million who voted for Roxas). The election was not only between these two camps. However, the post election discussions of national issues in social media were framed into binary, either pro- and anti-government. The anti-government discussions are labeled as coming from "Yellowtards." Those who staunchly protect and support the government are called "Dutertards."

The election is over, yet the fever associated with election has stayed. It is even more intense and brutal. The country is getting more and more deeply divided. It is easy to be swayed by information that is agreeable to one's preconceived idea. To deepen the divide, many fake news sites (mainly pro-Duterte) emerge to inflame negative sentiments towards those on the other side (mainly Liberal Party members). Worse, many people believe and share in social media stories from these fake news sites.

How can we get out of this spiraling fever that is self-inflicted?

I have no answer to this question. But we can attempt to step back and refuse to dwell on the temptation of mudslinging that we do not anymore recognize the persons on the other side. The biggest challenge is to belong to certain parties or ideologies or camps, but without dehumanizing those not with us.

In all of us, we are neither Dutertards nor Yellowtards; but all Filipinos, inclusive and compassionate. Let us not allow the 2016 election fever turn into an epidemic. Let us get a national relief from this feverish divide. Let us start talking again as persons with differences. Let us just talk and listen to each other. Come on, let's do this.

Facts on Drug Use in the Philippines: Releasing some air of the inflated problem

President Rodrigo Duterte won the Philippine presidency in a campaign focused on suppressing illegal drugs and crimes in six months. Since he assumed office on July 1, there have been unabated cases of extra-judicial killings concurrent with the government's war on drugs. Based on the testimony of Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald de la Rosa, in almost two months in his office (as of August 15), there are 1,564 suspects who got killed . Of these, 665 suspects were killed in police operations, and 899 cases were possibly done by vigilante groups. These figures came out during the Senate's probe on extra-judicial killings.

Each day there have been 34 Filipinos suspected of drug use and dealing being killed since Duterte came to power. One of the victims is Jefferson Bunuan, a criminology student who wanted to become a policeman, was shot by the police while asleep. Another victim is Rowena Tiamson, a graduating honor student, was found dead with her hands tied and a cardboard sign near her lifeless body: Huwag tularan, pusher (Don't emulate, drug pusher).

https://medium.com/@sampaguitanation/justice-for-rowena-reaping-what-we-sow-from-the-philippine-war-on-drugs-4560d3128837#.nd50fe5bf

President Duterte has claimed that drugs are destroying his country. His war on drugs is his way of showing his love and commitment to his country.

We can ask then, to what extent drugs are destroying Duterte's country (our country too)? Let's look at the statistics and the 2016 World Drug Report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC).

In 2012, the Office of the President's Dangerous Drugs Board put the estimated numbers of drug users in the Philippines to 1.3 million. (In 2012, the Philippine population was 96.71 million; so the prevalence of drug use among the population was 1.3 percent). This figure is higher than the 600,000 drug users who "surrendered to authorities" since the launch of war on drugs.

Is this figure high enough to merit a war that is killing 34 people a day? Let's compare the Philippine data with other countries.

The Philippines is not ranked in the top 10 among the "most drug addicted countries in the world." Based on the 2012 UNDOC World Drug Report and Global Drug Survey, the top ten countries, from bottom to top, are Mexico with 3.9% prevalence, Brazil (4.3%), United States (6.2%), Canada (6.4%), Afghanistan (6.9%), Russia (7.1%), Slovakia (13.01%), France (13.02%), United Kingdom (13.65%), and the top, Iran (14.32%). With 1.3 % drug use prevalence among the population, the Philippines may not even be in top 30 countries with massive drug use.

In the latest World Drug Report (2016) by UNODC, the Philippines is mentioned seven (7 times). In those instances, the country is in no way worse than other countries. For example, in the map showing the trafficking flows of cocaine, the Philippines is not cited as the source or hub in the region. In the region, the report indicates that the often mentioned origin, departure, and transit of cocaine is Thailand, followed by Malaysia.

I recognize that drug use is a problem. But should this problem be solved by killing 34 Filipinos a day? Or are we creating a monstrous problem here?

As Filipinos, we can all be potential victims of these state-sanctioned killings in the name of war on drugs. Let the killings be stopped; let the rule of law be followed. Let humanity reign.

POE is my president (2)

When I wrote POE on the ballot, I held to these good things about her and her campaign.

1) She is running independent. This is unprecedented in the national campaign for a leading candidate to run without a political party. She said that her political party is the people. However, major (e.g. NPC) and minor (e.g. Aksyon Democratico) political parties have endorsed her, but she has remained an independent candidate. She is also not from a political dynasty.

2) She has gone back home and offered herself to the people. Most OFWs and those who have been away for quite some time from their homeland could only wish they could do the same. She has the courage and patriotism to leap into the den of "dirty" politics in her desire to help change and improve the system by elevating the political discourse to real issues and alternatives, and not personalities and negative campaigning.

3) She is young and energetic. She exudes good and creative vibes. I would always go for new and innovative ideas from young people, rather stick to old and traditional ways of doing things in government. The country needs a fresh air to clear its dirty lungs and bureaucratic nerves of governance. This is not simply change, but meaningful change for the country.

4) She is inexperienced in the style of governance that does not deliver and is not accountable to the people. That's why her campaign is centered on having a government with heart (Gobyernong may puso).

5) She is a woman and a mother. She represents women who have yet to enjoy full and equal rights with men. This is also my vision for our country to have equal rights for everyone. Working hard is a natural trait of any mother. I've seen my mother in her.

6) She knows well and is articulate about national issues. In the presidential debates, she used statistics and data to show her grasp of realities facing our country. Any sound executive decisions must be based on evidences to avoid egoistic, whimsical and capricious decisions.

7) She is a unifying leader. She gets support from every sector of the population. Coming from one of those sectors, OFWs, I support POE for president.

POE is my president (1)

When I voted yesterday at the embassy, the last position that I filled in was president. Eventually, I wrote POE.

What made me pause to write POE on the ballot for President was the presence of pressing issues hounding her candidacy. I would tell you how I was able to settle those issues.

1) Her loyalty and her being a Filipino are being questioned for renouncing her Filipino citizenship to become a US citizen. Their question is valid. However, the main reason why she became US citizen was due to her family. How could anyone be more Filipino than doing anything for one's family? Loyalty to one's country is not measured by simply staying in the country and being Filipino on paper. As an example, OFWs who have been separated from the Philippines, I observe, are the most passionate about the country. Their identification with their country becomes more pronounced because of the disconnect of their foreign surrounding with their identity. I personally experienced this in the past 8 years where I lived abroad for studies and now for work. I would say, the patriotic fervor of OFWs and people who experienced being away from their homeland is further amplified. Because of their exposure to foreign cultures, they even become more optimistic and hopeful of their country's future. Having lived abroad, POE has returned to her homeland with greater patriotic zeal offering her service to Filipinos. Besides, the Supreme Court decided in her favor regarding her being a natural-born Filipino because of R.A. 9225 or Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act of 2003.

2) Her inexperience in public service is underscored. For me, this means that she is an outsider of a broken and malfunctioning political system that we have. New and innovative ideas are what she brings to her leadership, rather than old and traditional ways and means of seasoned politicians.

3) Her alleged connection with Danding Cojuangco because of NPC's endorsement and use of SMC's helicopter for a discounted price (not free) is a mole in the face of her campaign. For me, this is an overblown, overhyped, over-extended and hypocritical issue. I recall that all presidential candidates wooed NPC's support. When POE got it, then some people made an issue out of it. On the use of SMC's helicopter, SMC itself issued a statement saying that there are also candidates who use its helicopters. Her husband working in SMC is a non-issue for me. There are news reports saying that she defended Danding about coco levy fund. She did not defend Danding on coco levy fund. What she said what that Danding has no more control of the fund because it is now with the government. If it sounds in defense of Danding, I do not see it that way.

These are some major issues that I considered and settled in voting for POE as president.

The next post will be an enumeration of strong points why POE is my president.

My vote

I write this not to influence your vote, but to encourage you to consider enumerating what you value and what you want to see in our incoming government. I value transparency and good governance; a government that leads an example of transparency, fights corruption and delivers efficient public service. I value compassion; a government that understands and acts on our problems and issues. I value non-violence; a government that does not use violence to achieve peace and order and that upholds human rights. I want to see reconciliation in and healing of our fragmented country after this polarizing election.

Kaya, an voto ko PoeRo!

Early today, I voted at the embassy in Den Haag. It was a good and sunny day, a rarity in the Netherlands.

I voted for two mothers. Imagine two mothers taking care and looking after the welfare and interests of their children.Imagine how they do their best to protect and stand for their children. Imagine how they prudently spend our money. Imagine how they are willing to sacrifice for the sake of their children. Imagine how they attach their future with their children's. Imagine how they own and share the dreams, joys and struggles of their children. Imagine. These are natural to them. For six years, we will have twice the power, genuine love and service of a mother in our government.

I voted for good governance and against political dynasty. I believe PoeRo is a tandem that will serve the country without a view and tendency of clinging to power. No family members of PoeRo are simultaneously running for elective positions.

I voted for the future. This election has evoked so much indignation, frustration, deception and fear. I believe PoeRo will ease these negative feelings and sentiments that are prevailing in the hearts of many of us. I believe PoeRo will replace these negativities with hope, compassion, sincerity and genuine openness to listen to the people. They have been exemplary in positive campaigning. After this election, I believe their government can be unifying.

I voted Poe for President and Robredo for Vice-President!

I pray that your vote is grounded on your values and vision for the country, at least for the coming six years.

Some views on the Philippine Election 2016

If I claim to be incorruptible and if someone says that I have huge amount of money in a specific bank, I will stand by my claim. I will not simply dismiss the accusation and say that the account is non-existent, but I will show that it is indeed non-existent. I will not approximate its amount, because it is my money, so I know how much it is and where it comes from. I will not call a lawyer because I know my rights. It will not take me few days just to show how incorruptible I am. It will take only few minutes to clear my name on this issue. If I am unable to do this, believe me, I am not what I claim to be. I am not who I say I am.


As a Bicolano, I take offense at this generalizing remark from a man who barely has an idea who we are as a people (not a race). Yes, we are honorable. That's why we are known to pursue vigorously what we believe in against all odds and popular sentiments. We stand by our words, and not take them back whimsically. Now, Mayor you will see what honorable truly means with or against a Bicolano. Yan an oragon! (Actually, you sought the legal help of another Bicolano to face against a fellow Bicolano on Monday, May 2 because probably you seem to be not honorable enough to man up your words when you yourself is a lawyer.) 


Just asking. How do you envision his presidency? Based on his words: He will kill those involved in drugs and crimes in a bloody war. That means a lot of violence. He will return to manual system of governmental transactions. That means backlogs, inefficiencies and susceptibility to corruption. He will abolish Congress if threatened impeachment. That means he will concentrate executive and legislative powers into his hands. He will establish a revolutionary government. That means he has more powers and less accountability, if any. He will sever ties to countries that say something against him. That means Philippines is likely to be isolated in international arena. Indeed, this is change. Do you envision it differently? 



Mayor, I understand if you want to make it difficult for Sen. Trillanes. But the issue is not only between you and Sen. Trillanes. You aspire to be my president. I want my president to be transparent, decisive and inspiring. I still believe you are. So please, do not disappoint me on Monday, May 2. I want to know and I deserve to know what you had, and currently have in your BPI bank accounts. Please. I believe that history is on our side. But I don't want to be on the wrong side. On May 2, Monday, I want to see you speak the truth, not your lawyer, because my president is transparent, decisive and inspiring. Thank you, Mayor. Do not let me down! I am waiting for my president to come out clean on this issue!


What kind of change are we expecting from a man who uses old tactics to keep his unexplained wealth away from the public that he vows to serve? Still more days to reflect on a candidate who vows to stop corruption, but refuses to be transparent. How can we who hate corruption help him stop corruption if he himself is not leading a clean and good example. Let us remember that one of the things that makes us love him is when he declares: "hindi ko pakikialaman ang pera nyo." We cheered! Few more days... few more day... let us see whether he is the man we used to know, whether he is the man we want to lead our country.


A specific amount in a particular bank branch with certain dates!!! It must be a joke! And I laughed when I read Sen. Cayetano's statement which is very similar to the statements of the spokesperson and lawyers of Binay during the Senate's investigation of Binay's alleged ill-gotten wealth. 


"It is possible for a Filipino to be separated from the Philippines, but not the Philippines from a Filipino." As an OFW, I hear you Poe!


Finally, after two emails and a phone call to the embassy, I can now exercise suffrage (right to vote). I am still undecided; that's why I truly need this 3rd Presidential Debate to help me discern who deserves my sacred vote. So far, I am down to two candidates who, in the past debates, showed their grasp of what's going on by citing statistics and data on sectoral issues. To me, if a candidate does not know what's going on, s/he can't make a sound decision for the national interest. If s/he does not know what's going on, her/his decisions may be to satisfy one's ego or driven by impulsive whims or capricious humor. So far, it's between Poe and Roxas for my sacred vote. After this debate, I will break down my decision why I will vote for either Poe or Roxas.