Long time since, the disturbing matter of “Vote Buying” has been an issue whenever elections were held in the country. And this shameful phenomenon has closely accompanied Philippine elections from the baranggay to the national levels – be these midterm of presidential elections. In fact, on the occasion of the recently concluded midterm election, the debasing reality of “Vote Buying” was noted as significantly more widely practiced than in previous elections.
The truth of the matter is that there will be no “Vote Buying” unless there is “Vote Selling.” These two transactional ventures come in pair even but in ordinary business enterprises. No one can buy something if no one is selling anything. In the same way, no one can sell something if no one is buying anything. Concretely in conjunction with the last election and the significantly more “Vote Selling-Vote Buying” that more extensively and openly accompanied the said political exercise, the following observations are well in order even if only for a better understanding of its signal implications – all of which are anything but pacifying and inspiring realities.
The first and foremost truth behind the detestable agenda is that – notwithstanding all heavenly surveys to the contrary – there are even more Filipinos who live in poverty in the event that they do not actually wallow in misery. No one with even but a little delicadeza would sell his dignity but making money through the selling of his vote that is intimately linked with his good name. But then, there is the well-known saying that, “Empty stomach has no ears!” This is why although vote selling is contrary to but elementary ethical standard, it is unreasonable to blame, much less condemn the sellers.
Then enters the long since established fact that Philippine politics make a great business. Wherefore, as a rule, only rich individuals and wealthy families usually aspire for and seek the tenure of public offices precisely because so much capital is needed to buy votes – among other expensive pre-election agenda such as the gathering guns and the hiring goons. But once successfully elected, the capital return is immense. Sad to say, this is precisely why individuals living with integrity and having competence but have no money to use as capital for elections, are the last ones who aspire public offices.
Lastly, all the above constitute the fundamental reason why – as well said by those in the know – supposedly winning political candidates in the Philippines are but “proclaimed” considering that it is not sure if they are really elected. Translation: They become authorized to assume the public offices they campaigned for, not really because it is certain that the people voted for them freely and willingly – but simply because it is said so by these and those individuals tasked to do so.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Warning!
It is good to note well and to be much aware that there is something cooking in the kitchen of the rich and powerful so-called “leaders” in the country – courtesy of foreign pressure together with questionable if not downright unethical value system of certain locally well-known figures. This is not exactly along the line of the fable “Wolf! Wolf! Wolf!” when no single frightening wolf is around. It is simply meant to give an honest warning to those concerned. Why? As some people already know, Malacañang, with the collaboration of its good number of faithful and obedient allies in the Legislative Department, has an ominous plan of making key changes in the 1986 Constitution of the Philippines. Yes. Constitutions are drawn and changed and redrawn – but with integrity and prudence for the common good and public welfare of the people, not in subservience to foreigners with their self-serving and errant plans, programs, and projects.
Malacañang in close collaboration with its much favored local legislators has already succeeded in bitterly dividing the Filipinos with the passage of its much desired and certified urgent passage come Population Control Law – as instigated by the West. The law is definitely anti-fatherhood, anti-motherhood, anti-children, and wherefore anti-people. And while the law is temporally barred for implementation – possibly to somehow heal the ethical wounds it inflicted on the different sectors of the Philippines society – it should be no surprise at all if the Supreme Court would sooner than later certify not only its constitutionally but even its inherent merit and urgency for the socio-economic development of the country, considering that it is no secret that Malacañang also has some grateful followers even in the highest Hall of Justice in the country.
To this date, there are apparently three key constitutional amendments that the present administration has in mind and its will. This, however, does not mean that there could be no other changes in the Philippine Constitution the moment this made open and subject to amendments. What will these other amendments be, the best advice is, “wait and see!” But meantime, what are those three constitutional changes already on the drawing board?
One is in conjunction with the intent and spirit of the National Territorial Integrity as provided by Article I on the intent and reach of “National Territory.” It is not really a question of less or more Philippine territory – but the matter of national governance in conjunction with the Bangsamoro in line Article X, Section 15. Two is with reference to the Economic Provision as elaborated by Article XII. Three is with reference to divorce and same sex marriage dissonant with the State policy, Section 12, and Article XV.
All the above insensitive agenda are divisive of the Filipino as a people – courtesy of the present administration.
Malacañang in close collaboration with its much favored local legislators has already succeeded in bitterly dividing the Filipinos with the passage of its much desired and certified urgent passage come Population Control Law – as instigated by the West. The law is definitely anti-fatherhood, anti-motherhood, anti-children, and wherefore anti-people. And while the law is temporally barred for implementation – possibly to somehow heal the ethical wounds it inflicted on the different sectors of the Philippines society – it should be no surprise at all if the Supreme Court would sooner than later certify not only its constitutionally but even its inherent merit and urgency for the socio-economic development of the country, considering that it is no secret that Malacañang also has some grateful followers even in the highest Hall of Justice in the country.
To this date, there are apparently three key constitutional amendments that the present administration has in mind and its will. This, however, does not mean that there could be no other changes in the Philippine Constitution the moment this made open and subject to amendments. What will these other amendments be, the best advice is, “wait and see!” But meantime, what are those three constitutional changes already on the drawing board?
One is in conjunction with the intent and spirit of the National Territorial Integrity as provided by Article I on the intent and reach of “National Territory.” It is not really a question of less or more Philippine territory – but the matter of national governance in conjunction with the Bangsamoro in line Article X, Section 15. Two is with reference to the Economic Provision as elaborated by Article XII. Three is with reference to divorce and same sex marriage dissonant with the State policy, Section 12, and Article XV.
All the above insensitive agenda are divisive of the Filipino as a people – courtesy of the present administration.
Monday, May 20, 2013
KAMAGANAK, INC.
There were those – not exactly hopeful much less inspiring – years that a set of relatives took the reigns of then government. The previous one was a dark episode in the history of the country particularly so on three counts: The disregard for human dignity. The violation of human rights. The depreciation of human lives. With the eventual fall of the Martial Law Regime, people joyfully marched in the streets, singing songs and laughing with gusto. And the desired change came to fore: The dictator left. A new government was installed. There was jubilation all over the land.
So it was that practically the whole world admired the Filipinos and rejoiced their so-called “Bloodless Revolution.” This was considered as a sublime example of how civilized nations should act against an uncivilized government. The Filipinos were cheered at international airports, were admired and congratulated by people in foreign countries. Those were glorious and promising times for the Philippines until slowly but surely certain non-acceptable – odious and shameful – socio-political phenomena slowly but surely came to fore.
Never mind that the then leadership did not know what to do, how and when to do it. Never mind if there were those who made the leader their follower. Never mind if the otherwise golden opportunity for national socio-economic development was converted into but empty rhetoric. Among other interesting and notorious episodes that then took place, the people of the Philippines were entertained with the sale “galunggong” coming from Malacanang itself. They were induced to but electric generators for lack of power. Add hereto, the spectacle of coup d’etat one after another – not to mention the atrocious “Mendiola Massacre.”
So it was that slowly but surely, the so-called “Kamaganak, Inc.” became a living and vibrant reality in the country. In a few words, it meant that gradual but decided invasion of government by the close and/or distant known and trusted relatives of the then Malacanang occupant. And the rest is history. People were disappointed if not angry. So it was that a Constitutional Convention was called, held and thereafter signed by the delegates on 15 October 1986.
Behold the provision and spirit of a State Policy, Art. II Section 26: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibits political dynasties as may be defined by law.” Now it becomes clear what instanced this Constitutional Provision, and how come it is that to this date, the fundamental law remains futile under the present administration – an immediate hair of the former one that precisely ushered in the institution of the “Kamaganak, Inc.”
Got it?
So it was that practically the whole world admired the Filipinos and rejoiced their so-called “Bloodless Revolution.” This was considered as a sublime example of how civilized nations should act against an uncivilized government. The Filipinos were cheered at international airports, were admired and congratulated by people in foreign countries. Those were glorious and promising times for the Philippines until slowly but surely certain non-acceptable – odious and shameful – socio-political phenomena slowly but surely came to fore.
Never mind that the then leadership did not know what to do, how and when to do it. Never mind if there were those who made the leader their follower. Never mind if the otherwise golden opportunity for national socio-economic development was converted into but empty rhetoric. Among other interesting and notorious episodes that then took place, the people of the Philippines were entertained with the sale “galunggong” coming from Malacanang itself. They were induced to but electric generators for lack of power. Add hereto, the spectacle of coup d’etat one after another – not to mention the atrocious “Mendiola Massacre.”
So it was that slowly but surely, the so-called “Kamaganak, Inc.” became a living and vibrant reality in the country. In a few words, it meant that gradual but decided invasion of government by the close and/or distant known and trusted relatives of the then Malacanang occupant. And the rest is history. People were disappointed if not angry. So it was that a Constitutional Convention was called, held and thereafter signed by the delegates on 15 October 1986.
Behold the provision and spirit of a State Policy, Art. II Section 26: “The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service, and prohibits political dynasties as may be defined by law.” Now it becomes clear what instanced this Constitutional Provision, and how come it is that to this date, the fundamental law remains futile under the present administration – an immediate hair of the former one that precisely ushered in the institution of the “Kamaganak, Inc.”
Got it?
Friday, May 17, 2013
TWO BRAND NEW WARSHIPS plus TWELVE JET FIGHTERS
The Philippines is not only buying two brand new warships but also twelve jet fighters. So was the announcement made. So is the country in wait. So are the people either in a triumphant spirit, a surprised stance or a lamenting mood. And understandably so.
Triumphant Mood: Just imagine! There were but bancas before - in addition to old sea patrol boats. There was even that more than a decade old, much repaired and slowly moving ship. The joke was even made that the ship was dangerous - not really because of its weaponry or the like but rather on account of its abundant poisonous rust such as the mere touch of it was already considered deadly. But two brand new warships! Twelve jet fighters. This is impressive, astonishing, soul-stirring! China: “Don’t fool around with us!” Nokor: “Stay quiet and still – or else!" USA: “You are no longer needed.”
Surprised Stance: There were those who were simply flabbergasted! Ha? They were thinking of the meager wages, the costly prime commodities, the either rocketing price fuel or big shortage of power of Mindanao. They still vividly remember the onslaught of huge floods with the likewise huge destruction they brought about not only in the provinces but even in the might and proud Metro Manila. They even attempted to remember the continuously bigger and bigger gap between the rich and the poor in the Country. What has two brand new warships plus twelve jet planes got to do with such so much national socio-economic liabilities?!
Lamentable Mood: There is a big number of people who cannot find work, nor have decent houses to live in. There are the likewise great number of families who lack health care – plus the painful reality that they cannot afford to send their children to schools. Yet, while approved by both the House and the Senate, the “Magna Carta for the Poor” was unceremoniously vetoed by the President of the Republic. Yet he found the money to buy nothing less two brand new warships plus twelve jet fighters. Strange but true!
By the way considering that wars these times no longer use bolos and spears but has gone termo-unclear, for heavens sake, what can but two ships and twelve planes really do to defend the Country?! Said instruments of war are two little, too late. Is not Philippines a pet of USA - and USA is the supreme lord and master of the Philippines? Is not that USA is the most powerful nation in the world - especially in terms of all conceivable weapons designed to kill lives and to destroy whatever man has built? Or is the said purchase of warships and jet fighters nothing really more than a manifestation of a Playstation mentality?
Triumphant Mood: Just imagine! There were but bancas before - in addition to old sea patrol boats. There was even that more than a decade old, much repaired and slowly moving ship. The joke was even made that the ship was dangerous - not really because of its weaponry or the like but rather on account of its abundant poisonous rust such as the mere touch of it was already considered deadly. But two brand new warships! Twelve jet fighters. This is impressive, astonishing, soul-stirring! China: “Don’t fool around with us!” Nokor: “Stay quiet and still – or else!" USA: “You are no longer needed.”
Surprised Stance: There were those who were simply flabbergasted! Ha? They were thinking of the meager wages, the costly prime commodities, the either rocketing price fuel or big shortage of power of Mindanao. They still vividly remember the onslaught of huge floods with the likewise huge destruction they brought about not only in the provinces but even in the might and proud Metro Manila. They even attempted to remember the continuously bigger and bigger gap between the rich and the poor in the Country. What has two brand new warships plus twelve jet planes got to do with such so much national socio-economic liabilities?!
Lamentable Mood: There is a big number of people who cannot find work, nor have decent houses to live in. There are the likewise great number of families who lack health care – plus the painful reality that they cannot afford to send their children to schools. Yet, while approved by both the House and the Senate, the “Magna Carta for the Poor” was unceremoniously vetoed by the President of the Republic. Yet he found the money to buy nothing less two brand new warships plus twelve jet fighters. Strange but true!
By the way considering that wars these times no longer use bolos and spears but has gone termo-unclear, for heavens sake, what can but two ships and twelve planes really do to defend the Country?! Said instruments of war are two little, too late. Is not Philippines a pet of USA - and USA is the supreme lord and master of the Philippines? Is not that USA is the most powerful nation in the world - especially in terms of all conceivable weapons designed to kill lives and to destroy whatever man has built? Or is the said purchase of warships and jet fighters nothing really more than a manifestation of a Playstation mentality?
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
2010-2013
“Almost everyone pins his hope for a change in the 2010 elections. There is always the general hopeful feeling every time we are on the verge of elections. People never learn. Almost immediately after the elections, disappointment resumes and helplessness returns. The reason is simple- the electoral process is seriously flawed. The ones running for elections with the chance of getting proclaimed, not necessarily elected, are made of the same rotten material as those who habitually occupy public office. It is still gold, guns and goons who rule the day capped with the running away with the proclamation courtesy of equally rotten officials in COMELEC.”
The above challenging as well as disturbing thoughts were written in 2009 by someone who knows and lives politics, who is acquainted with a good number of high public officials – and who in particular have had a first hand knowledge of key political figures in the country who held the reigns of national government – from Marcos time. The above citation is taken from the book written by no less than well known Atty. Homobono A. Adaza – titled “Leaders from Marcos to Arroyo”, Pub. By ADA, 2009, p. 267).
It is not exactly funny much less edifying to take serious note of the substance and particulars of the above quote. It is anything but a pleasing and hopeful observation made about politics and politicians in the Philippines. Written before two – presidential and mid-term – elections, the content and spirit of the candid observation made therein remains true and relevant to this just held 2013 political exercise with a good amount of vote buying – to mention but one markedly adverse socio-political phenomenon.
It was no secret that a big amount of money changed hands on the occasion of yesterday’s election. While it is true that in Philippine elections, money continue to persist as a ground reality paring, from all tri-media accounts, this time around, very much more money made the rounds on the occasion of this political event. There can be various explanations for such an anomaly: those running for election had so much money to buy votes with. The voters sold their votes because of their abject poverty it not downright misery. The Filipinos in general have already lost their decency and pursuant integrity.
“… the electoral process is seriously flawed.” Such could be the key reality behind the many socio-ethical liabilities of the 2010, the 2013 plus the forthcoming 2016 elections – to mention but three concrete occasions. Questions: will the present Legislature look into it? Will Malacañang and its allies welcome its review? Or will the people themselves move and insist for its study? Or will it be the same – forever and ever?
The above challenging as well as disturbing thoughts were written in 2009 by someone who knows and lives politics, who is acquainted with a good number of high public officials – and who in particular have had a first hand knowledge of key political figures in the country who held the reigns of national government – from Marcos time. The above citation is taken from the book written by no less than well known Atty. Homobono A. Adaza – titled “Leaders from Marcos to Arroyo”, Pub. By ADA, 2009, p. 267).
It is not exactly funny much less edifying to take serious note of the substance and particulars of the above quote. It is anything but a pleasing and hopeful observation made about politics and politicians in the Philippines. Written before two – presidential and mid-term – elections, the content and spirit of the candid observation made therein remains true and relevant to this just held 2013 political exercise with a good amount of vote buying – to mention but one markedly adverse socio-political phenomenon.
It was no secret that a big amount of money changed hands on the occasion of yesterday’s election. While it is true that in Philippine elections, money continue to persist as a ground reality paring, from all tri-media accounts, this time around, very much more money made the rounds on the occasion of this political event. There can be various explanations for such an anomaly: those running for election had so much money to buy votes with. The voters sold their votes because of their abject poverty it not downright misery. The Filipinos in general have already lost their decency and pursuant integrity.
“… the electoral process is seriously flawed.” Such could be the key reality behind the many socio-ethical liabilities of the 2010, the 2013 plus the forthcoming 2016 elections – to mention but three concrete occasions. Questions: will the present Legislature look into it? Will Malacañang and its allies welcome its review? Or will the people themselves move and insist for its study? Or will it be the same – forever and ever?
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