BAD SIGNS OF THE TIMES

These are good times. These are bad times.

These good times: As a people, the Filipinos are poor yet always hopeful. They may be helpless but remain resourceful. They have survived not only the martial law regime but the reign of graft and corruption in effect left the People of the Philippines stronger in spirit and more persevering in their resolve of facing and wrestling with devastating political shenanigans and economic debacles – until they regain their lost sovereignty.

Tyrants came and went. Oppressors appeared and left. And the Filipinos simply continued with living their lives – remaining resolved to do better and hoping for better times. This in itself is a signal, empirical and historical lesson especially for those on “top of heap” for being in tenure of power and having dominion over wealth. Would that they remember while they are presently living in cloud 8, circumstances of one kind or another eventually bring them to the real world of the hard hitting realities of life.

These are bad times. Concretely in conjunction with the present ruling government with its dear personal friends and big political beneficiaries, while it is true that it has come about with certain reactionary accomplishments here and there – even without a National Plan of action of one kind or another – it has to be nevertheless noted, with a heavy heart even – that the present administration has demonstrated but mediocrity in its affirmations and resolutions. And this is a great pity. Considering that practically everything devious and odious has been flagrantly done by the previous government, it was readily thought and presumed that the now ruling personage could do no wrong. The truth of the matter however is that there already voices and moves that can be anything but flattering, much less favorable to the present administration.

There is the “SORRY YELLOW MOVEMENT”, the Officers and Members of which openly express their repentance for unconditionally supporting and rallying behind the reincarnated bearer of the “Yellow Ribbon”’ then there is the so also the called “ROCK P-NOY”, an increasing group of people resolved to dig out and expose the economic debacles and social liabilities being committed by the Chief Administrator in trying to run the government in vain. And there is furthermore the “SHAME CAMPAIGN MOVEMENT” resolved to expose the big vanities and banalities of the governance of the Chief-in-Command. No wonder then that a well-seasoned politician said that the present government is run like a Student Council – to the offence of certain Student Councils.


OVCRUZ, JCD
06 DECEMBER 2010

tyranny of numbers vs force of truth

Popularity vs reality, opinion vs fact, perception vs authenticity – these are some expressions that can encapsulate the now reigning debate on the so called “Reproductive Health Bill”. Those leading the drive for the public official distribution of man-made contraceptives - - together with their avid followers - - are joyfully and publicly rejoicing for their foreseen victory in the eventual passage of the Bill.

By and large, the primary arguments so far invoked by the patrons of the Bill to proclaim and promote their anti-population stand, may be synthesized into three arguments: First is the poverty of the Filipinos for being too many in number and consequent needs. Second is the expressed mention of the use of condoms by no less than the Vatican, deliberately cited out of context. Third is the acclaim that majority of the Filipinos favor the passage if the said Bill.

Let it said that Church Doctrine premised on faith and reason is not in any way rendered true or false merely by the opinion of the majority or minority of the people concerned. The empirical reality and ground certainly of Church Doctrine is that it is firmly anchored on objective truth – never, never on its acceptability or popularity among those concerned.

The Church is the oldest and well known Institution in the world, existing in all known continents of the world. She is in fact some 2000 years old--and counting. In the course of world history, whole peoples raised clenched fists against her to vanish her from the face of the earth. Mighty and influential individuals across the centuries sought her destruction and annihilation. Millions even left her fold by subscribing to anti-Catholic teachings and practices. This is not to mention those who harbor hatred and disdain against the Church as a whole – even to this date.

The glaring truth of the matter however is that the Church is still there – still alive and active, still teaching and proclaiming her doctrine, still defending the dignity of every man, woman and child. Sad but true, everyone – and this means everybody – who dared contest her doctrine drawn from faith and reason, eventually die, disappear and ultimately fall into oblivion. And the Church they hated for teaching the truth contrary to their liking, conviction, especially but for personal motives, still stands and remains up and about – simply attending to her Mission. And thus she is destined to be till the end of time – according nothing less than the expressed will of her Founder.

In short, the Reproductive Health Bill may be much acclaimed and very popular. And the Bill however remains deceitful, fallacious, and false--in truth, in fact.


OVCRUZ, JCD
03 December 2010

Hacienda Luisita--a blessing or a curse

There must be something vicious and odious appended to the now infamous Hacienda Luisita. To this date, the bitter issues between the owners and tillers concerned refuse to be laid to rest. To start with - for record and recall - there were no less than two massacres connected with the said Sugarland and Sugar Central: The earlier one in a known "Mendiola Massacre" that had a bearing with Agrarian Reform in general, supposedly the centerpiece of the program of the then government the head of which however was directly linked with Hacienda Luisita itself. The later known as the "Hacienda Luisita Massacre" in fact took place within the much contested land itself that stood as some kind of symbol of anti-agrarian reform. Much blood were shed and many lives were lost - - on the part of the farmers as a matter of fact. And to this writing, the sugar estate remains a signal issue to all those concerned with its apparently addicted ownership. Thus it is that some question are repeatedly brought to fore.

What kept the present owners of the Hacienda Luisita continuously haunted since their purchase thereof? It is said that its previous owner, the Tabacalera, wanted payments in US$ which was facilitated by none other than the then Commander-in-Chief of a militarized government. It is further said that the same symbol of Martial Law made direct representation before Central Bank of the Philippines for the US$ payment.

Is it true that the same principals wanted only to buy the Azucarera but not the Hacienda? It eventually came to pass that both the said Sugar Central and Sugar Land concerned were thus purchased at the persistence of the said Tobacco Company. By the way, it is also interesting to know how and when the Central bank was paid in full for the US$ loan.

Is it true that a signal condition was attached to the sale in terms of an explicit proviso made by the seller that the buyer would sell the land to the farmers concerned at the cost price of its purchase from the said Tobacco Company? This proviso was precisely intended for the eventual realization of the Agrarian Reform of the Hacienda.

It is true that instead of the sale of the land to the farmers for no more than its purchase cost, they instead received strange "Shares of Stocks"? Furthermore, the hacienda has an impressive business hub fronting the main road of the Province of Tarlac. Is it true that the said distinct place was practically financed by public funds made possible by the then appointed Tarlac governor? And when the lahar phenomenon reached the province, it is true that government bulldozers and other equipment were brought to the Hacienda precisely in order to protect it from lahar encroachment?

Depending on the answers to the above questions, it is understandable that Hacienda Luisista is either a blessing - or a curse.

OVCRUZ, JCD
01 DECEMBER 2010