Mining some poverty statistics

Often local, issues on mining include its destructive nature to local assets such as land and water, divisive feature to local communities, and contribution to local development. But GIna Lopez has made these local issues national. People now talk about environment as essential part of national patrimony. Locals travel to Manila to protest or support mining projects. Citizens question the contributions of mining to development. Worse, they even claim that mining contributes to poverty.  

How could that be when mining has catalyzed economic activities through jobs, infrastructure works and businesses in economically stagnating localities? For these reasons, government officials and business people tend to favor and endorse mining projects in their localities.

Based on the data from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in 2010, there were PhP13.41 billions of pesos in taxes, fees and royalties and 197,000 employed personnel in mining operations. Given these data, it is justified to think that mining areas would be economically better-off than non-mining areas. However, this is not supported by poverty statistics. In a 2011 paper by Balisacan, What has really happened to poverty in the Philippines: New measures, evidence, and policy implications, which presents various economic sectors and their contributions, the highest contributor to poverty incidence among economic sectors in 2009 was mining at 48.7 percent. In Balisacan paper, from 1988 to 2009, mining was the only sector of the economy that had an increasing contribution to poverty incidence from 27.8 to 48.7 percent. To illustrate this at a regional level using 2009 poverty data from the National Statistical Coordination Board and citing Christian Monsod’s Mining a social justice issue, regions with large mining areas had high poverty incidences, such as the Caraga region (47.5 percent), Bicol region (44.9 percent) and Zamboanga Peninsula region (42.7 percent), higher than the national average of 26 percent. In provincial levels, poverty incidences in mining areas, such as Masbate (54.2 percent) in Bicol region, Agusan del Sur (58.1 percent) in Caraga region, Zamboanga Sibugay (49.8 percent) on Zamboanga Peninsula, were higher than their regional averages.

Poverty statistics in these areas may not show a causal relationship between poverty and mining, but it does point to a correlation that challenges claims that mining reduces poverty and improves standards of living. An international report in 2001 by Oxfam-America found a strong correlation between extractive sectors (including mining) and poverty. In a local study in Rapu-Rapu Island by Emerlina Regis in 2004, mining was seen as the cause of poverty in Rapu-Rapu which remained to be one of the poorest municipality in Albay in spite of hosting a large polymetallic mining project.

While capital and technology in mining sector and their multipliers may have poverty-alleviating effects, issues of equity along with associated social and environmental costs may offset these effects. This creates two divides: the pro-mining side highlighting the advantages, such as revenue generation and development projects, whereas the anti-mining side pointing out environmental damages and a wide-range of issues related to governance, corruption, health and safety, thus contributing to poverty.  

A 1983 study, The impact of corporate mining on local Philippine communities, by John McAndrew in Toledo City in Cebu described the positive impacts of mining that brought “enclaves of development within predominantly backward and stagnant areas,” as if two separate economies had co-existed in the city. In my own fieldwork in Rapu-Rapu, Albay in 2004-2005, barangays covered by mining operations exhibited considerable improvements in infrastructures and quality of life compared to other barangays. However, within those “improved” barangays, mining benefits were unevenly distributed to locals. This inequality sparked division within communities between those who earned their living directly or indirectly from mining and those who were displaced from their traditional livelihoods.

Lack of job opportunities and unstable income from traditional livelihoods characterize the prevailing conditions of local communities that host mining projects. Undermined by poverty, locals pin their hopes on mining which has its own rent-seeking intention. 

Now is the time to know the man in Malacanang

In over eight months, so many things have happened in the Philippines. Good and bad, depending on the news you read, fake or real. I'd say, generally bad. This view is supported by reports by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, US Department of State and resolution by the European Union Parliament. The negative views on the Philippines are attributed to the policies and pronouncements of the man in Malacanang who assumed office on June 30, 2016.

Who is this man in Malacanang? What do we know about him?

He used to be a mayor of Davao City for decades. Since the Philippines has term limits for government elected officials, what the man in Malacanang did was typical of dynastic political clans in the Philippines - to alternate with family members. He put his daughter as his replacement as mayor, and then he returned to the City Hall to begin another three-term stint. In 2016, the mayor of the city is her daughter and the vice-mayor is his son. That's how dynastic his hold to power in the city is. In short, he owns the city.

In his long stay as mayor, there were COA reports that indicated irregularities and anomalies in the way the city had used its money. The latest anomaly was the hiring of approximately 11,000 ghost employees costing the city hall 720 million pesos in losses. If the city lost this much, then the money must be somewhere. In the days leading to the May election last year, a joint bank account was discovered containing billions of pesos in transactions. This led to the filing of plunder case against the man in Malacanang. A senator challenged the man in Malacanang to divulge the said bank account in Julia Vargas branch of the Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) if he is indeed clean of corruption. Unexplained wealth is prima facie presumed to be proceeds from corrupt practices, specifically if the amount is beyond the proportion of his legitimate income. Up until now, the man in Malacanang who brandishes his courageous exploits suddenly has metaphorically put his tail between his legs. He used to exhort that his life is open and he has nothing to hide. All of this has backfired when he refuses to open his individual and joint bank accounts containing billions of pesos in transactions.

During his rule in Davao City, there were hundreds of unsolved incidents of killings. Police officers were suspended for their unexplained inutility and ineptitude towards stopping these killings in their jurisdiction. Political critics were also killed to tighten his grip on the city.

One police officer, now retired, Arturo Lascanas publicly confessed his involvement in over 200 killings in Davao City on orders of then the mayor, now the man in Malacanang. Another hitman, Edgar Matobato, earlier pointed to the man in Malacanang as the brain of the killings in Davao City. Both used to be a member of the dreaded Davao Death Squad (DDS). Both men needed more than two decades to break their loyalty to the man in Malacanang.

In fairness to the man, I considered him in the early campaign to be a good candidate. But when it became apparent that his lack of preparation for the job and his utterly simplistic solutions (e.g. riding a jetski to the shoal to establish sovereignty) to complex problems, I became unconvinced that he is the person fit to hold office in Malacanang for six years. When he won handily, I was one of the 90 percent of Filipinos who trusted him in the beginning of his term. Then, I only needed two months to see the egotistic tendencies for violence of the man in Malacanang. Often, the man would preach the necessity of killing to establish national order. He used words, such as kill and slaughter, to rouse his supporters. When thousands were killed without due process and without due diligence of the police to investigate, I saw a reign of terror of vigilante groups and some police. In horror, I see the DDS turning into a national death squad. The patterns of DDS are obviously adopted by the vigilante groups. With so many killings, funeral parlors even complained that they could not cope with the numbers of dead bodies being brought to them.

Here is the man who made his most vocal critic, a woman, the top drug lord of the country without reliable shreds of evidence. Before he assumed office, the woman did not figure in any drug list of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and police. Only to this man's eyes and his ardent supporters', the woman is the top drug lord of the country.

I know that eight months may be premature for others to know this man in Malacanang. It took two decades for Lascanas and Matobato. It took me two months. But the lies, deception, and violence being perpetuated by the man in Malacanang are grossly intolerable that his supporters will soon see what Matobato, Lascanas, and I saw in the man in Malacanang. May God bless the Philippines if these supporters refuse to see how the man in Malacanang is mainstreaming violence, cursing, corrupt practices, patronage politics, political persecution, and incompetence in public office! Five years and three months more under this man if we fail to get to know this man in Malacanang now.

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.

Philippines will not reach 100 million in population this year (2014)

The Population Commission (PopCom) of the Philippines declares that the country will hit 100 million in population this year 2014. Below you will see how PopCom counts by the second. As of January 26, 2014 (00:56:29), its counter shows 99,028,209 (just 971,791 short of hitting 100 million). The projected population is based on the 1.98 population growth rate.

THIS IS INACCURATE!!!

The use of 1.98 growth rate to project the population for this year is quite over-extending the numbers. The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) has projected the growth rate between 2010 and 2015 to be 1.82 percent (1.16 percent lower than what PopCom is using). The trend is going down as the years pass. So we should expect that 2014 must be lower than 1.82 percent.

If you google Philippines population growth rate, there will be a graph that looks like this. The data is from the World Bank. It shows that the Philippines population growth rate is 1.7 percent in 2012. That is lower, as expected, than the 5-year (2010-2015) projection of 1.82 percent. To project our population this year, we will use the 2012 rate of 1.7 percent. Thus, our projected population at the end of 2014 is 98,616,825 (short of 1,383,175). This is closer to the real number of Filipinos.

All Saints' Day (not halloween) in the Philippines

November 1 is a feast day. That's what we know. And that's how we celebrate the day. Contrary to popular celebration of the day, the Philippines celebrate the day with cultural and religious meaning. It is All Saints' Day, also known as todos los santos. Other ethno-linguistic groups call it differently. Tagalogs call it Undas and Bicolanos call it Fiestang kalag. However, there are common characteristics in the celebration, such as the day is an opportunity for family gatherings, class reunions, and of course, praying for, remembering and being with the loved ones who passed away (literally being with the dead family members). Yes, Filipinos spend the day in cemeteries. In Bicol, cemetery is called, kampo santo (camp of the saints).

So, how do we spend the day in a cemetery?

In a typical Filipino way of gathering people, food must be present. Yes, there is a variety of food being prepared, served and shared. Candles are lit and flowers are laid. All day, from dawn to dusk, from sunrise to sunset, family members, relatives and friends flock to and stay in the kampo santo. Stories and memories with the dead are reminisced over and over again.

I remember when I was young, I stayed in kampo santo in the afternoon until 7PM. As I grew older, I tended to stay late, until the wee hours. My elder brothers often stay until early morning the next day. In the Philippines, November 1 and 2 (two days) are public non-working days or holidays.

To know more how we spend the day, below is a video made by Kevin Richberg, a foreigner who experienced November 1 in the Philippines.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWFGRdbIrhQ

The Philippines Opens Its Shores and Borders to 151 Nationalities

When many governments are restricting entry into their countries, the Philippines is collapsing its borders to allow more foreigners to enter the country.

Starting 1 August 2013, the Philippines will be visa-free for the nationals of 151 countries up to 30 days of stay on any of the 7,107 beautiful islands.

In coordination with concerned governmental agencies such as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Tourism, Department of Justice, and Bureau of Immigration, the initiative is aimed to attract more tourists and potential investors in the country.

If your country is listed below and you have a valid passport for at least six months, book your round-trip ticket because it is more fun in the Philippines:
Andorra, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, 
Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador,
Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Germany, Ghana,
Gibraltar, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary,
Iceland, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kiribati, Kuwait, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Latvia, Lesotho, Liberia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Madagascar
Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia,
Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand,
Nicaragua, Niger, Norway, Oman, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Poland
Portugal, Qatar, Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia,
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia,
Senegal, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, Spain,
Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Togo, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey,
Tuvalu, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland,
United Republic of Tanzania, United States of America, Uruguay, Venezuela, Vietnam, Zambia,
and Zimbabwe.

Welcome and see you in the Philippines!

Of National Importance When Bourgeoisie Complains

SSource: www.philippinestodayus.com

This week, the Philippine national media recently feasted on the news about Kris-James and Heart-Chiz love stories. The stories paralleled the news of Filipinos to be tried in Malaysia for "terror" acts and possibly mete out death sentences. The dominance of few families in the Philippine social, political, economic, and cultural spaces can never be doubted in the very moment when Kris Aquino sheds tears and Heart's parents pleads to a Senator, and not to their daughter, to end their May-October love affair (well, 16 years gap may not qualify for May-December affair, to my mind).

Kris is Kris. She is an Aquino. She is a Cojuangco. She is the daughter of  Ninoy and Cory Aquino. And she is the youngest sister of the current President of the Philippines. She is a showbiz star. And she is very wealthy. Now, she is complaining of harassment from her estranged husband and seeking a temporary protection order from a court to prevent her former husband access to their son.

Source: www.pep.ph

And then, the Ongpaucos who own a chain of popular restaurant held a press conference and declared that their daughter is being manipulated by her politician-boyfriend who is running for reelection. Their daughter, Heart, is 28 years old. In the heat of political campaigning, the wealthy couple threw accusations after accusations to the current Senator, Chiz Escudero, who is aiming for reelection in the senate. The couple denied that their actions are election-related, and they are only expressing their parental concern about their daughter's welfare. But they enumerated their complaints against Chiz and the reason why they wanted him to return their daughter to them.

The netizens and media persons caught the bourgeois fever. And so the whole country was abuzz. The plights and problems of Kris and the Ongpauco parents have grabbed the national limelight. Why?

The bourgeioisie has in possession of what society apparently values - wealth and prestige. People tend to identify with them because they too aspire to have those values. Often, in pursuit of these values, or in defense of the bourgeiois status, people use their ruling or "borrowed" mentality to keep "other" peoples from their spaces. Little do they know, their space is shrinking. The "others" will not be fooled again. Rise up, unite, and make own stories and history!

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

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!

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.