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LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
PerryScope » PerryScope: Gloria’s Gambit
by Perry Diaz
It seems to me that Charter change (Cha-cha) is going nowhere in the House of Representatives because of the infighting between President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s henchmen Speaker Prospero Nograles and Congressman Luis Villafuerte. They’re the respective leaders of Lakas and Kampi which will soon merge under a new name: Lakas-Kampi-CMD. The merger would boost Gloria’s control of the House of Representatives after the 2010 elections assuming that she would still wield power in her party after she steps down from the presidency. But the prospect of losing power …
Read the full story >> PerryScope: Gloria’s Gambit
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Featured, Opinion » A question of trust
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
You realize that things are all awry and priorities all wrong among us with the inordinate attention showered upon a video showing two adults in private sex. Last week, the sleazy episode found its way into the Senate floor, and more than half of the entire evening news was devoted to various angles of the same story.
News about the first recorded victim of the “swine” flu in the country is eclipsed by Hayden and Katrina, who has every right to get mad because clearly she was …
Read the full story >> A question of trust
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Opinion » AFP training urgently needs a curriculum overhaul
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Worse than being ill-equipped in war materiel, it is most detrimental if the policy makers and officers of a country’s national armed forces are ill-equipped up there in the head. Not having enough bullets or bombs is not as deadly as not having enough brains to know the real enemy and conceive a winning strategy.
A blundering British High Command ordered the charge of the Light Brigade in the Battle of Balaclava during The Crimean War and we all know the folly of …
Read the full story >> AFP training urgently needs a curriculum overhaul
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Politics & Government » EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Gov’t Offers $1 M Reward for Arrest of Abu Sayyaf Chief Sahiron
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California (MAY 27, 2009) — Enough is enough.
This seems to be the battlecry of the Department of States of the United States of America as it announced in Washington D.C. today a reward offer of up to $1 million for information leading to the location, arrest and/or conviction of Radullan Sahiron, senior leader of the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
Many innocent men, women and children have been killed or seriously injured as a result of Sahiron’s actions, announced Ian Kelly, spokesman of the Bureau of …
Read the full story >> EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Gov’t Offers $1 M Reward for Arrest of Abu Sayyaf Chief Sahiron
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Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology »
11-year-old Ilonggo son wins U.S. speech contest
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California – Inspired by the life story of Australian naturalist, zoologist, animal and wild life conservationist and television personality, the late Stephen Robert Irwin, known simply as Steve Irwin, Nathaniel Dean Baldevieso Viejon’s inspirational speech on Irwin won him the 2009 Modern Woodmen’s Speech Contest‘s trophy recently in Aurora, Illinois.
Nate, as he is known to his family and friends, is 11 years old and a 5th grader at Schneider Elementary School in Aurora district, a suburban west of Chicago. Nate, who is an animal lover, …
Read the full story >> 11-year-old Ilonggo son wins U.S. speech contest
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Opinion » Ban seminars before national elections
by Reginald Tamayo
A Barangay Captain told me that he regretted attending recently a convention of all Barangay Captains in Manila. He said that they were billeted in exquisite hotels. It was supposed to be a 3-day convention but it was incised into just one day. This only means that they paid their 3-day stay in the hotels but had actually lodged only for a day. Worse, he claimed that during their assembly they did nothing except to listen to the presidentiables who talked about their plans to run for the …
Read the full story >> Ban seminars before national elections
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
Senate inquiry: a circus show
Senate inquiry: a circus show
I recently watched on television the Senate inquiry on the sex video scandal of Ms. Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho. I was expecting to see the inquiry to be conducted with due decorum. I was disappointed. What I saw was a circus.
Some people who were there are likened to vultures who were ready to make a kill or simply people who don’t want to miss a circus show in town. There was even a man who even unceremoniously drenched Dr. Kho. These are not encouraging signs for the Senate. The Senate deserves the kind of respect that is due it as the highest legislative body.
Senate inquiries are serious occasions. Resource persons are invited to these inquiries purposely to help the Senators craft better legislative measures. Hence, people who are privileged to attend any Senate inquiry must show some kind of respect to the proceedings. They should behave in a civil and respectful manner. Even the manner of dressing of people who attend Senate inquiries should be decent and appropriate to the occasion.
During the hearing, a Senator berated a legal counsel by saying that the latter has no authority to question the legislative intent of the Senate. As a student of law, what I know about legislative intent is that it is invoked when the language of a law is ambiguous. It is what lawmakers had in mind in passing an act or statute. It is obvious that the Senate inquiry was not aimed to discuss a law that legislative intent should be brought up. I was interested to find out the facial expression of the lawyer when this legislative intent was hurled at her. She must have found the Senator’s comment very amusing.
Let us show respect to the Senate when we attend its inquiries both in attire and demeanor. I hope that Senators should also show some respect to our people by showing that they are truly knowledgeable and capable legislators.
I recently watched on television the Senate inquiry on the sex video scandal of Ms. Katrina Halili and Dr. Hayden Kho. I was expecting to see the inquiry to be conducted with due decorum. I was disappointed. What I saw was a circus.
Some people who were there are likened to vultures who were ready to make a kill or simply people who don’t want to miss a circus show in town. There was even a man who even unceremoniously drenched Dr. Kho. These are not encouraging signs for the Senate. The Senate deserves the kind of respect that is due it as the highest legislative body.
Senate inquiries are serious occasions. Resource persons are invited to these inquiries purposely to help the Senators craft better legislative measures. Hence, people who are privileged to attend any Senate inquiry must show some kind of respect to the proceedings. They should behave in a civil and respectful manner. Even the manner of dressing of people who attend Senate inquiries should be decent and appropriate to the occasion.
During the hearing, a Senator berated a legal counsel by saying that the latter has no authority to question the legislative intent of the Senate. As a student of law, what I know about legislative intent is that it is invoked when the language of a law is ambiguous. It is what lawmakers had in mind in passing an act or statute. It is obvious that the Senate inquiry was not aimed to discuss a law that legislative intent should be brought up. I was interested to find out the facial expression of the lawyer when this legislative intent was hurled at her. She must have found the Senator’s comment very amusing.
Let us show respect to the Senate when we attend its inquiries both in attire and demeanor. I hope that Senators should also show some respect to our people by showing that they are truly knowledgeable and capable legislators.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics
A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:21:00 05/28/2009
Filed Under: Governance, Local authorities, Politics, Religion & Belief, Elections, Eleksyon 2010
Most Read Other Most Read Stories x
Opinion
Wonders
Escudero speaks out on Arroyo, etc.
Moral cowardice
Senate sizzles more than torrid summer
Honest and dishonest graft
Estrada is damaged goods
A bomb
Genuflections
‘A republic of letters’
The strange case of GSIS retiree Nane Bacani
Sexy ads promote violence
A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics
Opinion Most Read RSS Close this
I recently attended a symposium on good governance. This was held at St. Peter Gonzales de Thelmo Parish Church here in Aparri. In that forum, Gov. Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio graphically narrated how he won the 2007 gubernatorial race in Pampanga. In a scholarly manner, he explained elements of good governance like transparency, accountability and the participation of people in governance, among others, by citing his first-hand experiences as governor.
From my personal point of view, there is nothing new in the concept of governance that he shared. But what was striking to hear was the role and responsibility of the people, especially the Catholic faithful, in promoting good governance. He said that the people should elect the right leaders of this country and should not allow moneyed people like the jueteng lords to ram their anointed candidates down our throats. It would be worse if these kingmakers decide to become the kings themselves. Simply put, our people should vote according to their conscience and should not allow the kingmakers to “fix” the results of elections.
During the open forum, I asked the governor two things: first, is there a deadline for his period of discernment, after which he should tell whether or not he is running for president? Governor Panlilio said that he is not setting a deadline. But when shall we know that his period of discernment is over?
I asked him too whether he would take the challenge to run for president if there would be no good candidates to choose from. He was consistent in his answer that he was open to the possibility of running for the presidency, but only as a last option.
I agree with those who say that the 2010 elections would be a contest between good and evil. If Governor Panlilio runs for the presidency, he would be on the side of the good. But without him as a presidential candidate, the 2010 national elections would be like any previous elections—the playing field of naughty devils. Our country would remain hellish as ever.
Why don’t we have a Christian vote? Let us not be particular about the religious denomination this time. If a presidential candidate is bent to destroy the teachings of Christ then let us finish him off with our Christian vote. As for the presidential candidate who lives the gospel values of Christ, let us support and champion his cause.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
member,
Sangguniang Bayan,
Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:21:00 05/28/2009
Filed Under: Governance, Local authorities, Politics, Religion & Belief, Elections, Eleksyon 2010
Most Read Other Most Read Stories x
Opinion
Wonders
Escudero speaks out on Arroyo, etc.
Moral cowardice
Senate sizzles more than torrid summer
Honest and dishonest graft
Estrada is damaged goods
A bomb
Genuflections
‘A republic of letters’
The strange case of GSIS retiree Nane Bacani
Sexy ads promote violence
A Christian vote to finish off evil, traditional politics
Opinion Most Read RSS Close this
I recently attended a symposium on good governance. This was held at St. Peter Gonzales de Thelmo Parish Church here in Aparri. In that forum, Gov. Eduardo “Among Ed” Panlilio graphically narrated how he won the 2007 gubernatorial race in Pampanga. In a scholarly manner, he explained elements of good governance like transparency, accountability and the participation of people in governance, among others, by citing his first-hand experiences as governor.
From my personal point of view, there is nothing new in the concept of governance that he shared. But what was striking to hear was the role and responsibility of the people, especially the Catholic faithful, in promoting good governance. He said that the people should elect the right leaders of this country and should not allow moneyed people like the jueteng lords to ram their anointed candidates down our throats. It would be worse if these kingmakers decide to become the kings themselves. Simply put, our people should vote according to their conscience and should not allow the kingmakers to “fix” the results of elections.
During the open forum, I asked the governor two things: first, is there a deadline for his period of discernment, after which he should tell whether or not he is running for president? Governor Panlilio said that he is not setting a deadline. But when shall we know that his period of discernment is over?
I asked him too whether he would take the challenge to run for president if there would be no good candidates to choose from. He was consistent in his answer that he was open to the possibility of running for the presidency, but only as a last option.
I agree with those who say that the 2010 elections would be a contest between good and evil. If Governor Panlilio runs for the presidency, he would be on the side of the good. But without him as a presidential candidate, the 2010 national elections would be like any previous elections—the playing field of naughty devils. Our country would remain hellish as ever.
Why don’t we have a Christian vote? Let us not be particular about the religious denomination this time. If a presidential candidate is bent to destroy the teachings of Christ then let us finish him off with our Christian vote. As for the presidential candidate who lives the gospel values of Christ, let us support and champion his cause.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO,
member,
Sangguniang Bayan,
Aparri, Cagayan
The deafening silence of the church on the sex video scandal
The deafening silence of the church on the sex video scandal
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is like a wild virus. It has traumatized the families of the victims and it has demoralized many women especially the young ones. The extent of the impact of the scandal is undeniably strong that it has become a favorite topic in coffee shops, beauty parlors, market place, and many other public places. All are practically mouthing their views about this scandal. But there is one sector which I haven’t heard saying its views: the Catholic Church.
The church seems to be stunned at the ferocity of this sex video scandal. However, if the church remains silent about this scandal, I would say that it would lose its moral authority to speak on issues about corruption and dishonesty in the government. I do not question the church’s handling of moral issues against the government. I only raise now the issue of the church’s deafening silence about this sex video scandal. The church is in danger to lose its moral credibility in speaking out on political issues if it turns away from or is afraid to look at the moral issue of this scandal. By being silent, the church damages its reputation as a moral authority.
I venture to say that Katrina is no different from Lozada. Both are victims of wickedness and dishonesty. If Lozada enjoys the protection of the nuns and priests why not extend the same courtesy to Katrina? If the church sides the truth in Lozada’s case, is there no truth to be unearthed from Katrina’s case? If the case of Lozada is not only legal but a moral one, is this not also the same in the case of Katrina?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Scandal as: “… an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense. Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized.”
The sex video of Hayden and Katrina is definitely a scandal. It breaks the teachings of the church; it is sacrilegious, intolerant, and wrong. The church should not be voiceless when such scandal contravenes its moral teachings. The church- its hierarchy and laity- should affirm that it is a moral authority to reckon with by not being silent about this sex video scandal.
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is like a wild virus. It has traumatized the families of the victims and it has demoralized many women especially the young ones. The extent of the impact of the scandal is undeniably strong that it has become a favorite topic in coffee shops, beauty parlors, market place, and many other public places. All are practically mouthing their views about this scandal. But there is one sector which I haven’t heard saying its views: the Catholic Church.
The church seems to be stunned at the ferocity of this sex video scandal. However, if the church remains silent about this scandal, I would say that it would lose its moral authority to speak on issues about corruption and dishonesty in the government. I do not question the church’s handling of moral issues against the government. I only raise now the issue of the church’s deafening silence about this sex video scandal. The church is in danger to lose its moral credibility in speaking out on political issues if it turns away from or is afraid to look at the moral issue of this scandal. By being silent, the church damages its reputation as a moral authority.
I venture to say that Katrina is no different from Lozada. Both are victims of wickedness and dishonesty. If Lozada enjoys the protection of the nuns and priests why not extend the same courtesy to Katrina? If the church sides the truth in Lozada’s case, is there no truth to be unearthed from Katrina’s case? If the case of Lozada is not only legal but a moral one, is this not also the same in the case of Katrina?
The Catechism of the Catholic Church defines Scandal as: “… an attitude or behavior which leads another to do evil. The person who gives scandal becomes his neighbor's tempter. He damages virtue and integrity; he may even draw his brother into spiritual death. Scandal is a grave offense if by deed or omission another is deliberately led into a grave offense. Scandal takes on a particular gravity by reason of the authority of those who cause it or the weakness of those who are scandalized.”
The sex video of Hayden and Katrina is definitely a scandal. It breaks the teachings of the church; it is sacrilegious, intolerant, and wrong. The church should not be voiceless when such scandal contravenes its moral teachings. The church- its hierarchy and laity- should affirm that it is a moral authority to reckon with by not being silent about this sex video scandal.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ban seminars before national elections
Ban seminars before national elections
A Barangay Captain told me that he regretted attending recently a convention of all Barangay Captains in Manila. He said that they were billeted in exquisite hotels. It was supposed to be a 3-day convention but it was incised into just one day. This only means that they paid their 3-day stay in the hotels but had actually lodged only for a day. Worse, he claimed that during their assembly they did nothing except to listen to the presidentiables who talked about their plans to run for the 2010 elections and to adopt a measure extending their term as barangay officials to 5 years.
The money and time spent on such convention should have been used to activities that are more productive. Even seminars and workshops nowadays are useless. Some participants like local officials register during the first day then unceremoniously flee without attending the seminar. It is even sad to note that only a miniscule fraction of the lessons presented during the seminars is ever put into practice and the hoped-for benefits. The participants who break away from the convention or seminar are usually seen herding themselves in videoke bars and ill-repute clubs.
I suspect that many and varied seminars and workshops are organized this year prior to the 2010 elections. These become vehicles for the presidentiables to ego-shine themselves. These seminars would not cure our social ills. If the attendees would just honestly do their work, improve their work ethics then there is no need for these seminars or conferences.
The Comelec should request the national government to ban the conduct of seminars and conferences a year before the national elections. The moneys spent for this are people’s money. Let us not mess with people’s money with the conduct of these useless seminars and conferences. Let us rather use them for activities that are more constructive and beneficial to our people.
A Barangay Captain told me that he regretted attending recently a convention of all Barangay Captains in Manila. He said that they were billeted in exquisite hotels. It was supposed to be a 3-day convention but it was incised into just one day. This only means that they paid their 3-day stay in the hotels but had actually lodged only for a day. Worse, he claimed that during their assembly they did nothing except to listen to the presidentiables who talked about their plans to run for the 2010 elections and to adopt a measure extending their term as barangay officials to 5 years.
The money and time spent on such convention should have been used to activities that are more productive. Even seminars and workshops nowadays are useless. Some participants like local officials register during the first day then unceremoniously flee without attending the seminar. It is even sad to note that only a miniscule fraction of the lessons presented during the seminars is ever put into practice and the hoped-for benefits. The participants who break away from the convention or seminar are usually seen herding themselves in videoke bars and ill-repute clubs.
I suspect that many and varied seminars and workshops are organized this year prior to the 2010 elections. These become vehicles for the presidentiables to ego-shine themselves. These seminars would not cure our social ills. If the attendees would just honestly do their work, improve their work ethics then there is no need for these seminars or conferences.
The Comelec should request the national government to ban the conduct of seminars and conferences a year before the national elections. The moneys spent for this are people’s money. Let us not mess with people’s money with the conduct of these useless seminars and conferences. Let us rather use them for activities that are more constructive and beneficial to our people.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Global Balita May Series #3
Global Balita May Series#3
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Why many Filipinos are like Jason Bourne
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Actor Matt Damon’s portrayal of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) programmed assassin Jason Bourne was such a box office success that it became a movie trilogy — The Bourne identity, The Bourne supremacy and The Bourne ultimatum.
Jason Bourne, the movie character, was a patriot who wanted to serve his country and save American lives. His patriotic zeal was taken advantage of by the CIA when they indoctrinated him to be a programmed assassin. The CIA erased Jason Bourne’s recollection of his real …
Read the full story >> Why many Filipinos are like Jason Bourne
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Opinion » What should the government do in the face of sex video scandal?
by Reginald Tamayo
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is indeed a “recurring theme” (PDI Editorial Cautionary Tale 05/23). Many of our innocent young continue to be victims of this kind of scandal. The government had not done and is not seriously doing something substantial to eradicate this repulsive subhuman behavior. It appears that it silently condones this by its ineffective ways of addressing this social problem.
In case the government needs some suggestions on how to deal with this, let me humbly offer some ...
Read the full story >> What should the government do in the face of sex video scandal?
*******************************
Opinion » Embattled SKorean ex-president jumps to his death
by JEAN H. LEE
from Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Embattled former President Roh Moo-hyun — a reformist shamed by a corruption scandal that tarnished his image as a “clean” politician — jumped to his death while hiking in the mountains behind his rural home in South Korea, his lawyer said. He was 62.
Roh was hiking in Bongha village when he threw himself off a steep cliff around 6:40 a.m. Saturday, lawyer Moon Jae-in told reporters in the southern city of Busan. He said Roh left a suicide note ...
Read the full story >> Embattled SKorean ex-president jumps to his death
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Opinion » One brave woman
Streetwise
by Carol Pagaduan-Araullo
Should Lieutenant First Grade Nancy Gadian manage to live to tell her story about anomalies and corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP), she will have carved a niche for herself among the thinning ranks of today’s whistleblowers. For Lt. Gadian has all the disadvantages working against her. She is a junior officer accusing a general; she is not a graduate of the fiercely fraternal Philippine Military Academy; and, not least of all, she is a woman in a time-honored bastion of machismo. She will have …
Read the full story >> One brave woman
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Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology »
Pacquiao Dwarfs Onyok Velasco’s Olympic Stardom
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California – Filipino Olympian Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. joined the Team Pacquiao as guest during “The Battle of the East and West” in Las Vegas, Nevada for two weeks but his presence hardly made any impact compared 13 years ago when he was the toast of Philippine sports for bringing home the silver medal in boxing in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics after 32 years.
“Parang nakalimutan na si Onyok at ang karangalan na ibinigay niya sa bansa (It seems they have forgotten Onyok and the glory …
Read the full story >> Pacquiao Dwarfs Onyok Velasco’s Olympic Stardom
*******************************
Opinion » My Vision Where We Can Go and How to Get There
by Henry “Hank” T. Wilfong Jr., MBA, CPA
Back when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in the White House, he had A. Philip Randolph over dinner. Randolph was one of the pre-eminent Black leaders of the time, and a future organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King electrified the world with his “I Have a Dream” speech. President Roosevelt, after hearing what he said, and agreeing with him, then said: “Now go out and make me do it.” In other words, if you organize and …
Read the full story >> My Vision Where We Can Go and How to Get There
*******************************
Opinion » Our Appointment with Destiny
by Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman, Filipino United Network (USA)
The destiny of a nation is in the hands of its people, the dreamers and visionaries who love their country with pride and nobility.
The history of the Philippines is replete with heroes, men and women like you, who envisioned a peaceful, prosperous, and proud homeland with justice for all, free from oppression and abuse, even by its own people.
You are all here today because you want to help our fellow Filipinos who have been abused and neglected by their own …
Read the full story >> Our Appointment with Destiny
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Why many Filipinos are like Jason Bourne
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Actor Matt Damon’s portrayal of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency) programmed assassin Jason Bourne was such a box office success that it became a movie trilogy — The Bourne identity, The Bourne supremacy and The Bourne ultimatum.
Jason Bourne, the movie character, was a patriot who wanted to serve his country and save American lives. His patriotic zeal was taken advantage of by the CIA when they indoctrinated him to be a programmed assassin. The CIA erased Jason Bourne’s recollection of his real …
Read the full story >> Why many Filipinos are like Jason Bourne
*******************************
Opinion » What should the government do in the face of sex video scandal?
by Reginald Tamayo
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is indeed a “recurring theme” (PDI Editorial Cautionary Tale 05/23). Many of our innocent young continue to be victims of this kind of scandal. The government had not done and is not seriously doing something substantial to eradicate this repulsive subhuman behavior. It appears that it silently condones this by its ineffective ways of addressing this social problem.
In case the government needs some suggestions on how to deal with this, let me humbly offer some ...
Read the full story >> What should the government do in the face of sex video scandal?
*******************************
Opinion » Embattled SKorean ex-president jumps to his death
by JEAN H. LEE
from Associated Press
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Embattled former President Roh Moo-hyun — a reformist shamed by a corruption scandal that tarnished his image as a “clean” politician — jumped to his death while hiking in the mountains behind his rural home in South Korea, his lawyer said. He was 62.
Roh was hiking in Bongha village when he threw himself off a steep cliff around 6:40 a.m. Saturday, lawyer Moon Jae-in told reporters in the southern city of Busan. He said Roh left a suicide note ...
Read the full story >> Embattled SKorean ex-president jumps to his death
*******************************
Opinion » One brave woman
Streetwise
by Carol Pagaduan-Araullo
Should Lieutenant First Grade Nancy Gadian manage to live to tell her story about anomalies and corruption in the Armed Forces of the Philippine (AFP), she will have carved a niche for herself among the thinning ranks of today’s whistleblowers. For Lt. Gadian has all the disadvantages working against her. She is a junior officer accusing a general; she is not a graduate of the fiercely fraternal Philippine Military Academy; and, not least of all, she is a woman in a time-honored bastion of machismo. She will have …
Read the full story >> One brave woman
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology »
Pacquiao Dwarfs Onyok Velasco’s Olympic Stardom
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California – Filipino Olympian Mansueto “Onyok” Velasco Jr. joined the Team Pacquiao as guest during “The Battle of the East and West” in Las Vegas, Nevada for two weeks but his presence hardly made any impact compared 13 years ago when he was the toast of Philippine sports for bringing home the silver medal in boxing in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics after 32 years.
“Parang nakalimutan na si Onyok at ang karangalan na ibinigay niya sa bansa (It seems they have forgotten Onyok and the glory …
Read the full story >> Pacquiao Dwarfs Onyok Velasco’s Olympic Stardom
*******************************
Opinion » My Vision Where We Can Go and How to Get There
by Henry “Hank” T. Wilfong Jr., MBA, CPA
Back when Franklin Delano Roosevelt was in the White House, he had A. Philip Randolph over dinner. Randolph was one of the pre-eminent Black leaders of the time, and a future organizer of the 1963 March on Washington, where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King electrified the world with his “I Have a Dream” speech. President Roosevelt, after hearing what he said, and agreeing with him, then said: “Now go out and make me do it.” In other words, if you organize and …
Read the full story >> My Vision Where We Can Go and How to Get There
*******************************
Opinion » Our Appointment with Destiny
by Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS
Chairman, Filipino United Network (USA)
The destiny of a nation is in the hands of its people, the dreamers and visionaries who love their country with pride and nobility.
The history of the Philippines is replete with heroes, men and women like you, who envisioned a peaceful, prosperous, and proud homeland with justice for all, free from oppression and abuse, even by its own people.
You are all here today because you want to help our fellow Filipinos who have been abused and neglected by their own …
Read the full story >> Our Appointment with Destiny
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Suggestions on how to deal with sex video scandals
Suggestions on how to deal with sex video scandals
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is indeed a “recurring theme” (PDI Editorial Cautionary Tale 05/23). Many of our innocent young continue to be victims of this kind of scandal. The government had not done and is not seriously doing something substantial to eradicate this repulsive subhuman behavior. It appears that it silently condones this by its ineffective ways of addressing this social problem.
In case the government needs some suggestions on how to deal with this, let me humbly offer some:
1. Celebrities especially actors and actresses should realize that they have serious social and moral responsibility as role models in our society. This responsibility can be given stress by having their own professional ethics to follow. The government can initiate the move to draw up this code of ethics for the celebrities likened to professionals ethics in other callings. This will enable the celebrities to secure their ranks from exploitation and immorality;
2. PRC should require all professionals to regularly take refresher course about their professional ethics in order to enhance their professional responsibilities and integrity. This continuing education will be a requirement for them to maintain their licenses;
3. Cameras and cell phones like guns should be licensed. There are camera and cell phone users who use their gadgets for evil deeds at the expense of innocent victims;
4. The Department of Education should give a serious thought of bringing back the subject GMRC which when taken gives the pupils basic lessons about values and ethics;
5. The government and its leaders should be role models themselves. We do not expect the people to be moral when the leaders themselves are immoral.
The government has in its hands many social problems. It seems panicky with all the issues around it. And this worrying problem on sex video scandal is another pain in its neck. The government can reinvent itself by thinking through some helpful suggestions such as this.
The sex video scandal of Dr. Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili is indeed a “recurring theme” (PDI Editorial Cautionary Tale 05/23). Many of our innocent young continue to be victims of this kind of scandal. The government had not done and is not seriously doing something substantial to eradicate this repulsive subhuman behavior. It appears that it silently condones this by its ineffective ways of addressing this social problem.
In case the government needs some suggestions on how to deal with this, let me humbly offer some:
1. Celebrities especially actors and actresses should realize that they have serious social and moral responsibility as role models in our society. This responsibility can be given stress by having their own professional ethics to follow. The government can initiate the move to draw up this code of ethics for the celebrities likened to professionals ethics in other callings. This will enable the celebrities to secure their ranks from exploitation and immorality;
2. PRC should require all professionals to regularly take refresher course about their professional ethics in order to enhance their professional responsibilities and integrity. This continuing education will be a requirement for them to maintain their licenses;
3. Cameras and cell phones like guns should be licensed. There are camera and cell phone users who use their gadgets for evil deeds at the expense of innocent victims;
4. The Department of Education should give a serious thought of bringing back the subject GMRC which when taken gives the pupils basic lessons about values and ethics;
5. The government and its leaders should be role models themselves. We do not expect the people to be moral when the leaders themselves are immoral.
The government has in its hands many social problems. It seems panicky with all the issues around it. And this worrying problem on sex video scandal is another pain in its neck. The government can reinvent itself by thinking through some helpful suggestions such as this.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Good talker is no good leader
Good talker is no good leader
Aside from being charismatic, a leader should also be a good talker. A leader needs to be a good talker in order to communicate his thoughts and vision to his followers. He cannot expect the led to follow him if he cannot inculcate his ideas in them. But a good talker does not necessarily mean a good leader. Senator Chiz Escudero is a good talker yet I find him not a good leader. Hence, I say that he does have the quality of a good talker but none of those that can make him president of this country.
To one familiar with subtleties in talking dealing with issues of the day, Senator Escudero’s style of talking is apt to be somewhat a disappointment. He gives no evidence of having a full grasp of the problems besetting our country. Every time the Senator speaks, it would seem that he reduces the issues only to rhetoric. Unfortunately, it seems a habit of thought that his hearers agree and reify with what he says. This is quite understandable, for most of us have developed the admirable taste and have been used to the lying lips of many politicians and we would be more inclined nowadays to listen to half-sincere rhetoric.
There is a note of uneasiness from the senator every time he attempts to portray himself as a good talker. There is no indication that he had given much reflection to whatever he says but only to show consistency that he talks fluently even without discernible effect to his hearers. Whether his shared ideas to his listeners are innate or are carefully thought out is not clear. The question of whether his ideas make sense is, to my opinion, for the senator not worthy of serious attention inasmuch as his listeners do not hesitate to affirm that he is a good talker.
Here is manifested another thing that we should be cautious of: while many of our presidentiables are good talkers, we should not be misled that they are innately knowledgeable and hence are fitted to become presidents. The next leaders of this country should not only be gauged by their words but also by their works and accomplishments. It would be good to ask Senator Escudero of his accomplishments in the past.
Aside from being charismatic, a leader should also be a good talker. A leader needs to be a good talker in order to communicate his thoughts and vision to his followers. He cannot expect the led to follow him if he cannot inculcate his ideas in them. But a good talker does not necessarily mean a good leader. Senator Chiz Escudero is a good talker yet I find him not a good leader. Hence, I say that he does have the quality of a good talker but none of those that can make him president of this country.
To one familiar with subtleties in talking dealing with issues of the day, Senator Escudero’s style of talking is apt to be somewhat a disappointment. He gives no evidence of having a full grasp of the problems besetting our country. Every time the Senator speaks, it would seem that he reduces the issues only to rhetoric. Unfortunately, it seems a habit of thought that his hearers agree and reify with what he says. This is quite understandable, for most of us have developed the admirable taste and have been used to the lying lips of many politicians and we would be more inclined nowadays to listen to half-sincere rhetoric.
There is a note of uneasiness from the senator every time he attempts to portray himself as a good talker. There is no indication that he had given much reflection to whatever he says but only to show consistency that he talks fluently even without discernible effect to his hearers. Whether his shared ideas to his listeners are innate or are carefully thought out is not clear. The question of whether his ideas make sense is, to my opinion, for the senator not worthy of serious attention inasmuch as his listeners do not hesitate to affirm that he is a good talker.
Here is manifested another thing that we should be cautious of: while many of our presidentiables are good talkers, we should not be misled that they are innately knowledgeable and hence are fitted to become presidents. The next leaders of this country should not only be gauged by their words but also by their works and accomplishments. It would be good to ask Senator Escudero of his accomplishments in the past.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Global Balita May Series #2
Global Balita May Series #2
Welcome to GlobalBalita.com!
Global Filipinos in perspective --
"From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Crystal Balls
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
In his paper on The 2010 Presidential Elections: Assessments and Analysis, A Year Ahead, political analyst Antonio Gatmaitan presented a traditional and uncontroversial overview of the political scene.
Namely, that the contenders will be Joseph Estrada, Noli de Castro, Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Kiko Pangilinan, Mar Roxas, Manny Villar, Jejomar Binay, Bayani Fernando, Gilberto Teodoro, Reynato Puno, Among Ed Panlilio, Eddie Villanueva, and (whom he unaccountably left out) Ping Lacson.
That Lakas-Kampi will choose their candidate from among the party members (Teodoro, Fernando), and that consequently the Independent …
Read the full story >> Crystal Balls
*******************************
Opinion » Magical, enchanting Loboc
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
When you’re feeling depressed and need to get your mind off personal problems or problems of the benighted state, or when you just want to get out of the dreadful metropolis of smog and traffic and ugly billboards, hop into a Tagbilaran-bound flight. There are now seven of them each day, PAL, Cebu-Pacific and Zest-Air. Ten years back, there was but one flight, and it wasn’t even daily.
And if there is any president who could truly be considered pro-tourism, it must be Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Not …
Read the full story >> Magical, enchanting Loboc
*******************************
Politics & Government » Commentary: The Plot Thickens
COMMENTARY: The Plot Thickens
Amidst speculations that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is going to run for Congress in 2010, Gloria’s spin doctors were saying, “why afraid of Arroyo running?”
It appears that Gloria’s henchmen are now trying to condition the people’s mind that Gloria is going to run; thus, the question, “why afraid of Arroyo running?”
If the opposition is afraid of Gloria running, it’s because that Gloria might pull another “Hello Garci” cheating job using the yet to be installed Automated Election System. And it would be hard to detect cheating this time around because “Garci” …
Read the full story >> Commentary: The Plot Thickens
*******************************
Opinion » Villar’s two chances to get a fair Senate hearing: none and nil
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
During the 1975 Ali-Frazier III (‘The thrilla in Manila’) press conference, Muhammad Ali was asked: “How much chance does Joe Frazier have to beat you?”
The loquacious all-time boxing legend replied: “Frazier has two chances — none and nil.”
This came to mind as we follow the so-called ethics case against Senator Manny Villar (by no coincidence the leading Opposition presidential wannabe) being promoted by the ‘Katzenjammer Kids’ of the Upper Chamber, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Jamby Madrigal.
For those who are unfamiliar with …
Read the full story >> Villar’s two chances to get a fair Senate hearing: none and nil
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » ‘Mayweather will never commit Hatton’s mistake’
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California –A member of the Philippine boxing team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics has predicted an “inevitable” showdown between newly crowned IBO light welterweight king Manny Pacquiao and former best boxer in the world pound-for-pound Floyd Mayweather Jr. before the end of 2009.
“Weeks after Manny Pacquiao brought down England’s greatest warrior with a single sledgehammer- like punch in the much-ballyhooed ‘The Battle of East and West’ at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, boxing fans all over the world, especially in Canada, are still …
Read the full story >> ‘Mayweather will never commit Hatton’s mistake’
*******************************
Opinion » Would you bet on Erap?
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Thursday last week, a favourite cabinet official of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada motored to the residence of a Catholic charismatic lay leader. They were after all neighbours in an exclusive, gated subdivision in the southern periphery of the national capital region. Together they proceeded to a meeting with the former president who in his prime was quite close to the charismatic figure.
The former president declared before his “spiritual adviser” that he had decided to run for re-election, or another election as he distinguishes it. The …
Read the full story >> Would you bet on Erap?
*******************************
Opinion » Premature ejaculation*
by Manuel Buencamino
“Filipinos come quick.”—Lenny Bruce
I know that writing about 2010’s probables is premature but, what the heck, I’m Filipino.
Chiz Escudero hopes his age, communication skills and Danding Cojuangco’s resources will do the trick.
Loren Legarda wishes Danding would mistake her for Chiz.
Gilbert Teodoro hopes Danding will listen to Gloria and trust Emperor Bangit’s ability to make things happen.
Mar Roxas believes he can padyak (pedal) his way to Malacañang on a pedicab and a Korina.
Manuel Villar hopes his campaign slogan—“Sipag at Tiyaga” (hard work and perseverance)—will convey the message that he’ll make …
Read the full story >> Premature ejaculation*
*******************************
Opinion »
Will Martin Nievera dare to sing Iran’s national anthem his way?
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Outside of Americans and Filipinos, can you recall other nationals who sang their national anthems during a public event in a way that deviated from the traditional beat?
It’s not surprising that the disrespectful practice was popularized by showbiz personalities who are always trying to be different or just simply trying to be noticed. They justify it as the freedom of artistic expression.
Many Filipinos are the ‘monkey see, monkey do’ types when something is started by Americans. Now, we have this recent controversy …
Read the full story >> Will Martin Nievera dare to sing Iran’s national anthem his way?
*******************************
Opinion » Only for the brave
by Issa Cuevas-Santos
Wife, Mom, Missionary
Light rain from the window touched my face tonight as I put my daughter Calliya to sleep. I don’t know why, but it truly felt like God’s hand brushing my face and gently reminding me of a promise that I had made on a rainy evening, many nights ago, in Panglima Estino, Sulu.
Together with 200 others, I had made a commitment to tell others about my Sulu story and yet after almost a month, I have not done that. At first, …
Read the full story >> Only for the brave
*******************************
Opinion » This Irrational Season
by Gang Badoy
A year from now the Philippine Presidential elections will be held.
Filipinos will, once again, be caught in the vise grip of the few who are vying for positions of power. The campaign materials will once again range from slick to tawdry- mostly in-between. Money will be the ace. Money will buy air time, media space, and in-your-face announcements. I haven’t decided yet if I love or hate the election season. By default, I hate it. It is when I am most cynical. I doubt every candidate’s intentions. I …
Read the full story >> This Irrational Season
*******************************
Opinion » A question on motives and timing
by Reginald Tamayo
This refers to the editorial “Lighting a candle” (PDI May 12) which says that a nameless group headed by Senator Francis Pangilinan and ChangePolitics Movement are taking the cudgels of responsibility of convincing around the country “about 9 million lazy or apathetic citizens to register and vote in 2010” and “to get rid of vote-buying” respectively.
I am not questioning the effort of Senator Pangilinan on his desire to bring about political reforms in the country by urging the youth to register and vote. However, I question his motives …
Read the full story >> A question on motives and timing
******************************
Opinion »
Alston’s Upcoming Report Gives Filipino-American Human Rights Advocates Justification to Ramp Up Pressure on Philippine Government
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2009
Reference: Katrina Abarcar, Katarungan: Center for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights in the Philippines katarungan@comcast.net
Washington, DC – Recent news that Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions, believes the Philippine Government has failed to institute the substantive reforms he recommended to address extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses in the country is the evidence that US Congress needs to strengthen the past conditions it placed military aid to …
Read the full story >> Alston’s Upcoming Report Gives Filipino-American Human Rights Advocates Justification to Ramp Up Pressure on Philippine Government
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Welcome to GlobalBalita.com!
Global Filipinos in perspective --
"From Manila Bay to San Francisco Bay"
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Crystal Balls
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
In his paper on The 2010 Presidential Elections: Assessments and Analysis, A Year Ahead, political analyst Antonio Gatmaitan presented a traditional and uncontroversial overview of the political scene.
Namely, that the contenders will be Joseph Estrada, Noli de Castro, Chiz Escudero, Loren Legarda, Kiko Pangilinan, Mar Roxas, Manny Villar, Jejomar Binay, Bayani Fernando, Gilberto Teodoro, Reynato Puno, Among Ed Panlilio, Eddie Villanueva, and (whom he unaccountably left out) Ping Lacson.
That Lakas-Kampi will choose their candidate from among the party members (Teodoro, Fernando), and that consequently the Independent …
Read the full story >> Crystal Balls
*******************************
Opinion » Magical, enchanting Loboc
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
When you’re feeling depressed and need to get your mind off personal problems or problems of the benighted state, or when you just want to get out of the dreadful metropolis of smog and traffic and ugly billboards, hop into a Tagbilaran-bound flight. There are now seven of them each day, PAL, Cebu-Pacific and Zest-Air. Ten years back, there was but one flight, and it wasn’t even daily.
And if there is any president who could truly be considered pro-tourism, it must be Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. Not …
Read the full story >> Magical, enchanting Loboc
*******************************
Politics & Government » Commentary: The Plot Thickens
COMMENTARY: The Plot Thickens
Amidst speculations that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is going to run for Congress in 2010, Gloria’s spin doctors were saying, “why afraid of Arroyo running?”
It appears that Gloria’s henchmen are now trying to condition the people’s mind that Gloria is going to run; thus, the question, “why afraid of Arroyo running?”
If the opposition is afraid of Gloria running, it’s because that Gloria might pull another “Hello Garci” cheating job using the yet to be installed Automated Election System. And it would be hard to detect cheating this time around because “Garci” …
Read the full story >> Commentary: The Plot Thickens
*******************************
Opinion » Villar’s two chances to get a fair Senate hearing: none and nil
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
During the 1975 Ali-Frazier III (‘The thrilla in Manila’) press conference, Muhammad Ali was asked: “How much chance does Joe Frazier have to beat you?”
The loquacious all-time boxing legend replied: “Frazier has two chances — none and nil.”
This came to mind as we follow the so-called ethics case against Senator Manny Villar (by no coincidence the leading Opposition presidential wannabe) being promoted by the ‘Katzenjammer Kids’ of the Upper Chamber, Senators Panfilo “Ping” Lacson and Jamby Madrigal.
For those who are unfamiliar with …
Read the full story >> Villar’s two chances to get a fair Senate hearing: none and nil
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » ‘Mayweather will never commit Hatton’s mistake’
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California –A member of the Philippine boxing team in the 1976 Montreal Olympics has predicted an “inevitable” showdown between newly crowned IBO light welterweight king Manny Pacquiao and former best boxer in the world pound-for-pound Floyd Mayweather Jr. before the end of 2009.
“Weeks after Manny Pacquiao brought down England’s greatest warrior with a single sledgehammer- like punch in the much-ballyhooed ‘The Battle of East and West’ at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, boxing fans all over the world, especially in Canada, are still …
Read the full story >> ‘Mayweather will never commit Hatton’s mistake’
*******************************
Opinion » Would you bet on Erap?
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Thursday last week, a favourite cabinet official of former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada motored to the residence of a Catholic charismatic lay leader. They were after all neighbours in an exclusive, gated subdivision in the southern periphery of the national capital region. Together they proceeded to a meeting with the former president who in his prime was quite close to the charismatic figure.
The former president declared before his “spiritual adviser” that he had decided to run for re-election, or another election as he distinguishes it. The …
Read the full story >> Would you bet on Erap?
*******************************
Opinion » Premature ejaculation*
by Manuel Buencamino
“Filipinos come quick.”—Lenny Bruce
I know that writing about 2010’s probables is premature but, what the heck, I’m Filipino.
Chiz Escudero hopes his age, communication skills and Danding Cojuangco’s resources will do the trick.
Loren Legarda wishes Danding would mistake her for Chiz.
Gilbert Teodoro hopes Danding will listen to Gloria and trust Emperor Bangit’s ability to make things happen.
Mar Roxas believes he can padyak (pedal) his way to Malacañang on a pedicab and a Korina.
Manuel Villar hopes his campaign slogan—“Sipag at Tiyaga” (hard work and perseverance)—will convey the message that he’ll make …
Read the full story >> Premature ejaculation*
*******************************
Opinion »
Will Martin Nievera dare to sing Iran’s national anthem his way?
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Outside of Americans and Filipinos, can you recall other nationals who sang their national anthems during a public event in a way that deviated from the traditional beat?
It’s not surprising that the disrespectful practice was popularized by showbiz personalities who are always trying to be different or just simply trying to be noticed. They justify it as the freedom of artistic expression.
Many Filipinos are the ‘monkey see, monkey do’ types when something is started by Americans. Now, we have this recent controversy …
Read the full story >> Will Martin Nievera dare to sing Iran’s national anthem his way?
*******************************
Opinion » Only for the brave
by Issa Cuevas-Santos
Wife, Mom, Missionary
Light rain from the window touched my face tonight as I put my daughter Calliya to sleep. I don’t know why, but it truly felt like God’s hand brushing my face and gently reminding me of a promise that I had made on a rainy evening, many nights ago, in Panglima Estino, Sulu.
Together with 200 others, I had made a commitment to tell others about my Sulu story and yet after almost a month, I have not done that. At first, …
Read the full story >> Only for the brave
*******************************
Opinion » This Irrational Season
by Gang Badoy
A year from now the Philippine Presidential elections will be held.
Filipinos will, once again, be caught in the vise grip of the few who are vying for positions of power. The campaign materials will once again range from slick to tawdry- mostly in-between. Money will be the ace. Money will buy air time, media space, and in-your-face announcements. I haven’t decided yet if I love or hate the election season. By default, I hate it. It is when I am most cynical. I doubt every candidate’s intentions. I …
Read the full story >> This Irrational Season
*******************************
Opinion » A question on motives and timing
by Reginald Tamayo
This refers to the editorial “Lighting a candle” (PDI May 12) which says that a nameless group headed by Senator Francis Pangilinan and ChangePolitics Movement are taking the cudgels of responsibility of convincing around the country “about 9 million lazy or apathetic citizens to register and vote in 2010” and “to get rid of vote-buying” respectively.
I am not questioning the effort of Senator Pangilinan on his desire to bring about political reforms in the country by urging the youth to register and vote. However, I question his motives …
Read the full story >> A question on motives and timing
******************************
Opinion »
Alston’s Upcoming Report Gives Filipino-American Human Rights Advocates Justification to Ramp Up Pressure on Philippine Government
For Immediate Release
May 8, 2009
Reference: Katrina Abarcar, Katarungan: Center for Peace, Justice, and Human Rights in the Philippines katarungan@comcast.net
Washington, DC – Recent news that Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Executions, believes the Philippine Government has failed to institute the substantive reforms he recommended to address extrajudicial killings and other human rights abuses in the country is the evidence that US Congress needs to strengthen the past conditions it placed military aid to …
Read the full story >> Alston’s Upcoming Report Gives Filipino-American Human Rights Advocates Justification to Ramp Up Pressure on Philippine Government
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
On responsible citizenship
On responsible citizenship
We don’t seem to appreciate our being democratic citizens. There may be instances proving of our being responsible citizens in a democratic country but these are on a daily and retail bases. To act like responsible citizens in this country is likened to a goody that is only available in a vending machine, that is, it is there when it is needed.
Besides, many of us appear to be uninformed about our rights and obligations in a democratic country. We don’t simply live up to our responsibilities as democratic citizens aside perhaps from paying taxes. But to be branded as democratic citizens goes beyond paying taxes to the government. There should be a subject in the curriculum that gives special emphasis on good citizenship.
We always hear the aphorism that we get the government we deserve. This is true in our experience. We don’t involve so much as responsible democratic citizens in establishing a government that favorably responds to our needs and protects us. We must remember that we make the government because we elect the leaders who run it. But citizens’ responsibility is not only displayed during elections. It should be a lifetime habit and an attitude. But more often than not we choose the wrong leaders hence we deserve a rotten government. That is why we have a government that threatens our freedom and makes our democratic life unbearable. Conversely, it is only in choosing wisely conscientious leaders who have the country in their hearts that we can claim that we are responsible democratic citizens. This is so because it truly bespeaks of our appreciation to have a good government. Otherwise, we are irresponsible citizens.
We can also be critical about the government but this should be done within the bounds of reason and law. To air anti-government sentiments without justifiable reasons would be an act of irresponsible citizenship.
Our sense of national unity should also be a daily habit. This kind of unity is hard to come by except when there are national catastrophes that jolt us or triumphs that stir up our sense of nationalism just like the recent victory of Pacquiao over Hatton.
We submissively swallow the deficiencies of the government because our role as responsible citizens in a democratic country is lifeless and unconcerned. It is high time that we should wake up to the reality that we cannot go on living in this way- we have to learn and recognize the value of being responsible and democratic citizens.
We don’t seem to appreciate our being democratic citizens. There may be instances proving of our being responsible citizens in a democratic country but these are on a daily and retail bases. To act like responsible citizens in this country is likened to a goody that is only available in a vending machine, that is, it is there when it is needed.
Besides, many of us appear to be uninformed about our rights and obligations in a democratic country. We don’t simply live up to our responsibilities as democratic citizens aside perhaps from paying taxes. But to be branded as democratic citizens goes beyond paying taxes to the government. There should be a subject in the curriculum that gives special emphasis on good citizenship.
We always hear the aphorism that we get the government we deserve. This is true in our experience. We don’t involve so much as responsible democratic citizens in establishing a government that favorably responds to our needs and protects us. We must remember that we make the government because we elect the leaders who run it. But citizens’ responsibility is not only displayed during elections. It should be a lifetime habit and an attitude. But more often than not we choose the wrong leaders hence we deserve a rotten government. That is why we have a government that threatens our freedom and makes our democratic life unbearable. Conversely, it is only in choosing wisely conscientious leaders who have the country in their hearts that we can claim that we are responsible democratic citizens. This is so because it truly bespeaks of our appreciation to have a good government. Otherwise, we are irresponsible citizens.
We can also be critical about the government but this should be done within the bounds of reason and law. To air anti-government sentiments without justifiable reasons would be an act of irresponsible citizenship.
Our sense of national unity should also be a daily habit. This kind of unity is hard to come by except when there are national catastrophes that jolt us or triumphs that stir up our sense of nationalism just like the recent victory of Pacquiao over Hatton.
We submissively swallow the deficiencies of the government because our role as responsible citizens in a democratic country is lifeless and unconcerned. It is high time that we should wake up to the reality that we cannot go on living in this way- we have to learn and recognize the value of being responsible and democratic citizens.
A question on motives and timing
A question on motives and timing
This refers to the editorial “Lighting a candle” (PDI May 12) which says that a nameless group headed by Senator Francis Pangilinan and ChangePolitics Movement are taking the cudgels of responsibility of convincing around the country “about 9 million lazy or apathetic citizens to register and vote in 2010” and “to get rid of vote-buying” respectively.
I am not questioning the effort of Senator Pangilinan on his desire to bring about political reforms in the country by urging the youth to register and vote. However, I question his motives and timing. Is it really his sincere wish to encourage the youth to register and vote or is he using this laudable effort as a prelude to his political nationwide campaign for a higher political post in the 2010 elections? The timing is even shady. If the senator had this “register and vote” youth campaign in mind during his first few years as senator, he should have introduced at the earliest time a bill requiring the youth to register and vote.
Why don’t we make it a national policy that students who already reached the voting age have to present to the Dean of Admission of colleges and universities their voters ID as a proof that they already registered and such ID be made also as a requirement of their school enrollment? In this way, there is almost the assurance that practically all youth will vote every election and prove themselves ultimately as a potent group in charting the fate of this country.
It is admirable for the senator to share his most precious time, energies and talent to improve our electoral system by his involvement in this youth register and vote campaign nationwide. But in my opinion this is a kind of cheap visibility campaign. For sure he will be benefited from it because it will boost his popularity and enhances his image as a youth leader. I think the best campaign advertisement so far of any elected official is the service he renders to the public. The work of the public official speaks for itself. Conversely, those politicians who put tarpaulins and streamers to advertise themselves and the despicable ploy of going around the country enticing all to register and vote probably have not done any good job and have no honest-to-goodness accomplishments to speak and be proud of.
If the senator is eager to position himself as a citizen who will work for political reforms such as initiating this nationwide campaign for youth to register and vote, he should do it in his capacity as private citizen and not as a prospective candidate for a national office on 2010 elections.
This refers to the editorial “Lighting a candle” (PDI May 12) which says that a nameless group headed by Senator Francis Pangilinan and ChangePolitics Movement are taking the cudgels of responsibility of convincing around the country “about 9 million lazy or apathetic citizens to register and vote in 2010” and “to get rid of vote-buying” respectively.
I am not questioning the effort of Senator Pangilinan on his desire to bring about political reforms in the country by urging the youth to register and vote. However, I question his motives and timing. Is it really his sincere wish to encourage the youth to register and vote or is he using this laudable effort as a prelude to his political nationwide campaign for a higher political post in the 2010 elections? The timing is even shady. If the senator had this “register and vote” youth campaign in mind during his first few years as senator, he should have introduced at the earliest time a bill requiring the youth to register and vote.
Why don’t we make it a national policy that students who already reached the voting age have to present to the Dean of Admission of colleges and universities their voters ID as a proof that they already registered and such ID be made also as a requirement of their school enrollment? In this way, there is almost the assurance that practically all youth will vote every election and prove themselves ultimately as a potent group in charting the fate of this country.
It is admirable for the senator to share his most precious time, energies and talent to improve our electoral system by his involvement in this youth register and vote campaign nationwide. But in my opinion this is a kind of cheap visibility campaign. For sure he will be benefited from it because it will boost his popularity and enhances his image as a youth leader. I think the best campaign advertisement so far of any elected official is the service he renders to the public. The work of the public official speaks for itself. Conversely, those politicians who put tarpaulins and streamers to advertise themselves and the despicable ploy of going around the country enticing all to register and vote probably have not done any good job and have no honest-to-goodness accomplishments to speak and be proud of.
If the senator is eager to position himself as a citizen who will work for political reforms such as initiating this nationwide campaign for youth to register and vote, he should do it in his capacity as private citizen and not as a prospective candidate for a national office on 2010 elections.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Global Balita May Series #1
Global Balita May Series #1
Welcome to GlobalBalita.com!
GlobalBalita.com is dedicated to publishing articles about Filipinos and all that affect them.
The new site will still have all the content you’ve come to love here—we’ve just made it a lot easier to navigate through. We will also introduce the Pinoy Forum (an online message board) where you can have discussions or share your opinions with other Filipinos. Look for that in the next month.
We’re still making enhancements to the site and would love your feedback on the progress thus far. You can now subscribe to our RSS Feed, making it easier for you to see the latest articles. Feel free to comment or email perrydiaz@....
Thank you for following PerryScope.org and all of its contributors. The site was successful because of the readers. We look forward to meeting you here at GlobalBalita.com where you can find all the previously published stories from PerryScope.org as well as new ones.
All the best,
Perry Diaz
Editor
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Featured, Opinion » It’s all about the money
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
A legislator sat beside the wife of a highly-touted “presidentiable” in the first seats of a flight bound for Bacolod the other week. After the usual pleasantries, the legislator asked the wife, “O, tatakbo na ba talaga si (name of husband)?” The reply was quick — “Ay, oo.”
The legislator asked further: “E tatakbo yata si Erap, tutuloy pa rin ba siya?” The reply was just as quick as the first, “Oo naman, wala nang makakapigil”. And then she started explaining why.
“Alam mo kasi, ang tingin namin parang …
Read the full story >> It’s all about the money
*******************************
Opinion » The flawed arithmetic of the Opposition
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
The Opposition should master their arithmetic if they are to win in 2010. The logic behind their concept of addition and division is terribly flawed.
Also, the Opposition should brush up on their Marketing 101. Politics is very much the social science of Marketing. But the way the Opposition is wittingly or unwittingly creating disincentives, one gets the impression that they are promoting the status quo.
Politicians swear by their mantra of “politics is addition” and yet they miscalculate that some additions result in …
Read the full story >> The flawed arithmetic of the Opposition
*******************************
Politics & Government » People’s Inititiative to Establish Anti-Dynasty in Government Service and for Other Purposes
Dear Perry,
Please go over and recommend or support the anti-dynasty initiative for launching by July 1, 2009, and approval by the people via Republic Act 6735 before the end of 2009 to prevent the scrapping of the Constitution by GMA’s plans to declare martial law. Kindly refer to Section 9(b) of this proposed Initiative found on page 9.
Marlowe Camello
Homeland, California
————–
Dear Marlowe,
This initiative is long overdue. It’s about time that we put a stop to dynastic reign in the Philippines. I endorse this initiative in the belief that democracy works best …
Read the full story >> People’s Inititiative to Establish Anti-Dynasty in Government Service and for Other Purposes
*******************************
Opinion » U.S. “Jekyll and Hyde Op”
by Erick San Juan
I almost stopped writing about the truth about the U.S. Foreign Policy in the Philippines especially, when the good Ambassador of the U.S. to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney, had shown sincerity in dealing with the Filipinos, but I was wrong! The Jekyll and Hyde Operation of the “power” behind the scene in the U.S. government was unmasked by its own policy.
At the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated May 4, 2009, it reported that the U.S. says its anti-terrorism strategy in the Philippines is working. Cynthia Balana …
Read the full story >> U.S. “Jekyll and Hyde Op”
******************************
Opinion » Shrinking Middle Class: Threat to National Security (Part IX)
by Rawlein G. Soberano, Ph.D.
The state of our global economy can be described in foreclosures, evictions, repossessions, bankruptcies, layoffs, abandoned projects and industries caught in the middle. The February unemployment report showed the labor market deteriorating at an even faster rate, with the unemployment rate rising from 7.6% to 8.1%. The economy lost 651k jobs in the month, but reported 2,113,000—an average of 671k per month. A measure of unemployment has almost doubled over the past 2 years to 15.6%. Along with a historic drop in the percentage of the …
Read the full story >> Shrinking Middle Class: Threat to National Security (Part IX)
*******************************
Opinion » Swine Flu Re-examined
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
This is becoming confusing. Last week (April 29), 159 were said to have died from the swine flu, all of them in Mexico, and some 1,600 others were said to have been infected.
But now we are told, only 19 have died in Mexico, and one in the US – and he happened to be a Mexican boy visiting relatives in Texas. Or a total of only 20 deaths worldwide, out of a world population of more than six billion, plus some 900 confirmed infections in …
Read the full story >> Swine Flu Re-examined
*******************************
Politics & Government » Police Officer Killed in Ilocos Norte Highway Ambush
by Artemio A. Dumlao
BAGUIO CITY (May 4, 2009) – A police officer enroute to his duty at the Batac town police station was killed by motorcycle- riding gunmen Sunday.
Police Inspector Jimmy Ulep immediately died when gunmen peppered him with bullets along barangay Bungon, along the national highway to Batac town.
Ulep reportedly suffered a fatal wound on his head from a caliber 45 pistol.
Police investigators initially said Ulep’s Toyota Corolla was tattered with bullets from a caliber 45 firearm from two motorcycle-riding gunmen whose identities police has yet to uncover ...
Read the full story >> Police Officer Killed in Ilocos Norte Highway Ambush
*******************************
PerryScope »
PerryScope: The Evil Empire Strikes Again
by Perry Diaz
Sun Tzu, the ancient master of the “Art of War,” said 2,500 years ago: “When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.” With that in mind, what the Evil Empire did in the past few weeks couldn’t have been more timely.
First, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo consolidated her political power by taking over as interim president of her political parties, KAMPI and LAKAS. Second, her allies in the House have …
Read the full story >> PerryScope: The Evil Empire Strikes Again
*******************************
Opinion » We don’t honor the truth
by Reginald Tamayo
It is no longer safe to say the truth in this country. Truth and truth-seekers are silenced. Anyone who speaks and stands up for the truth finds himself voiceless for fear of reprisal. In fine, truth is suppressed out of fear. Truth is a costly possession in this country and is not easily obtained without sacrifice and hammering from those who hate the truth.
Seemingly this is the Philippines today, to a great degree. Truth is elusive in this country and falsehood is popular. Graft and corruption is normal …
Read the full story >> We don’t honor the truth
*******************************
Opinion » Change we never get
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
It’s been two years since Jonas, son of Joe Burgos, the late founder of this paper who dared fight the dictatorship even when it was not yet fashionable to do so, was snatched by men suspected to be from the storm troopers of a military general who believes that the only way to fight the ideology they hate is to maim and kill those who rightly or wrongly, subscribe to those “unthinkable” beliefs. His mother Editha, along with his siblings and other relatives, cry to the …
Read the full story >> Change we never get
*******************************
Opinion » Unkind judgment of history
by Reginald Tamayo
All things considered, Manny Pacquiao is now a living legend in boxing. That is how our history will remember Pacquiao as the country’s greatest boxer.
I wonder if our present crop of leaders will also receive similar kind thoughts from our historians. I say this because I am sure they are also interested to know how history will judge them. Historians have the perspective of judging whether or not history will be kind to our present leaders. They are entrusted with the sacred task of creating opinions about our …
Read the full story >> Unkind judgment of history
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Welcome to GlobalBalita.com!
GlobalBalita.com is dedicated to publishing articles about Filipinos and all that affect them.
The new site will still have all the content you’ve come to love here—we’ve just made it a lot easier to navigate through. We will also introduce the Pinoy Forum (an online message board) where you can have discussions or share your opinions with other Filipinos. Look for that in the next month.
We’re still making enhancements to the site and would love your feedback on the progress thus far. You can now subscribe to our RSS Feed, making it easier for you to see the latest articles. Feel free to comment or email perrydiaz@....
Thank you for following PerryScope.org and all of its contributors. The site was successful because of the readers. We look forward to meeting you here at GlobalBalita.com where you can find all the previously published stories from PerryScope.org as well as new ones.
All the best,
Perry Diaz
Editor
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Featured, Opinion » It’s all about the money
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
A legislator sat beside the wife of a highly-touted “presidentiable” in the first seats of a flight bound for Bacolod the other week. After the usual pleasantries, the legislator asked the wife, “O, tatakbo na ba talaga si (name of husband)?” The reply was quick — “Ay, oo.”
The legislator asked further: “E tatakbo yata si Erap, tutuloy pa rin ba siya?” The reply was just as quick as the first, “Oo naman, wala nang makakapigil”. And then she started explaining why.
“Alam mo kasi, ang tingin namin parang …
Read the full story >> It’s all about the money
*******************************
Opinion » The flawed arithmetic of the Opposition
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
The Opposition should master their arithmetic if they are to win in 2010. The logic behind their concept of addition and division is terribly flawed.
Also, the Opposition should brush up on their Marketing 101. Politics is very much the social science of Marketing. But the way the Opposition is wittingly or unwittingly creating disincentives, one gets the impression that they are promoting the status quo.
Politicians swear by their mantra of “politics is addition” and yet they miscalculate that some additions result in …
Read the full story >> The flawed arithmetic of the Opposition
*******************************
Politics & Government » People’s Inititiative to Establish Anti-Dynasty in Government Service and for Other Purposes
Dear Perry,
Please go over and recommend or support the anti-dynasty initiative for launching by July 1, 2009, and approval by the people via Republic Act 6735 before the end of 2009 to prevent the scrapping of the Constitution by GMA’s plans to declare martial law. Kindly refer to Section 9(b) of this proposed Initiative found on page 9.
Marlowe Camello
Homeland, California
————–
Dear Marlowe,
This initiative is long overdue. It’s about time that we put a stop to dynastic reign in the Philippines. I endorse this initiative in the belief that democracy works best …
Read the full story >> People’s Inititiative to Establish Anti-Dynasty in Government Service and for Other Purposes
*******************************
Opinion » U.S. “Jekyll and Hyde Op”
by Erick San Juan
I almost stopped writing about the truth about the U.S. Foreign Policy in the Philippines especially, when the good Ambassador of the U.S. to the Philippines, Kristie Kenney, had shown sincerity in dealing with the Filipinos, but I was wrong! The Jekyll and Hyde Operation of the “power” behind the scene in the U.S. government was unmasked by its own policy.
At the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated May 4, 2009, it reported that the U.S. says its anti-terrorism strategy in the Philippines is working. Cynthia Balana …
Read the full story >> U.S. “Jekyll and Hyde Op”
******************************
Opinion » Shrinking Middle Class: Threat to National Security (Part IX)
by Rawlein G. Soberano, Ph.D.
The state of our global economy can be described in foreclosures, evictions, repossessions, bankruptcies, layoffs, abandoned projects and industries caught in the middle. The February unemployment report showed the labor market deteriorating at an even faster rate, with the unemployment rate rising from 7.6% to 8.1%. The economy lost 651k jobs in the month, but reported 2,113,000—an average of 671k per month. A measure of unemployment has almost doubled over the past 2 years to 15.6%. Along with a historic drop in the percentage of the …
Read the full story >> Shrinking Middle Class: Threat to National Security (Part IX)
*******************************
Opinion » Swine Flu Re-examined
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
This is becoming confusing. Last week (April 29), 159 were said to have died from the swine flu, all of them in Mexico, and some 1,600 others were said to have been infected.
But now we are told, only 19 have died in Mexico, and one in the US – and he happened to be a Mexican boy visiting relatives in Texas. Or a total of only 20 deaths worldwide, out of a world population of more than six billion, plus some 900 confirmed infections in …
Read the full story >> Swine Flu Re-examined
*******************************
Politics & Government » Police Officer Killed in Ilocos Norte Highway Ambush
by Artemio A. Dumlao
BAGUIO CITY (May 4, 2009) – A police officer enroute to his duty at the Batac town police station was killed by motorcycle- riding gunmen Sunday.
Police Inspector Jimmy Ulep immediately died when gunmen peppered him with bullets along barangay Bungon, along the national highway to Batac town.
Ulep reportedly suffered a fatal wound on his head from a caliber 45 pistol.
Police investigators initially said Ulep’s Toyota Corolla was tattered with bullets from a caliber 45 firearm from two motorcycle-riding gunmen whose identities police has yet to uncover ...
Read the full story >> Police Officer Killed in Ilocos Norte Highway Ambush
*******************************
PerryScope »
PerryScope: The Evil Empire Strikes Again
by Perry Diaz
Sun Tzu, the ancient master of the “Art of War,” said 2,500 years ago: “When torrential water tosses boulders, it is because of its momentum. When the strike of a hawk breaks the body of its prey, it is because of timing.” With that in mind, what the Evil Empire did in the past few weeks couldn’t have been more timely.
First, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo consolidated her political power by taking over as interim president of her political parties, KAMPI and LAKAS. Second, her allies in the House have …
Read the full story >> PerryScope: The Evil Empire Strikes Again
*******************************
Opinion » We don’t honor the truth
by Reginald Tamayo
It is no longer safe to say the truth in this country. Truth and truth-seekers are silenced. Anyone who speaks and stands up for the truth finds himself voiceless for fear of reprisal. In fine, truth is suppressed out of fear. Truth is a costly possession in this country and is not easily obtained without sacrifice and hammering from those who hate the truth.
Seemingly this is the Philippines today, to a great degree. Truth is elusive in this country and falsehood is popular. Graft and corruption is normal …
Read the full story >> We don’t honor the truth
*******************************
Opinion » Change we never get
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
It’s been two years since Jonas, son of Joe Burgos, the late founder of this paper who dared fight the dictatorship even when it was not yet fashionable to do so, was snatched by men suspected to be from the storm troopers of a military general who believes that the only way to fight the ideology they hate is to maim and kill those who rightly or wrongly, subscribe to those “unthinkable” beliefs. His mother Editha, along with his siblings and other relatives, cry to the …
Read the full story >> Change we never get
*******************************
Opinion » Unkind judgment of history
by Reginald Tamayo
All things considered, Manny Pacquiao is now a living legend in boxing. That is how our history will remember Pacquiao as the country’s greatest boxer.
I wonder if our present crop of leaders will also receive similar kind thoughts from our historians. I say this because I am sure they are also interested to know how history will judge them. Historians have the perspective of judging whether or not history will be kind to our present leaders. They are entrusted with the sacred task of creating opinions about our …
Read the full story >> Unkind judgment of history
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
END
Monday, May 4, 2009
Unkind judgment of history
Unkind judgment of history
All things considered, Manny Pacquiao is now a living legend in boxing. That is how our history will remember Pacquiao as the country’s greatest boxer.
I wonder if our present crop of leaders will also receive similar kind thoughts from our historians. I say this because I am sure they are also interested to know how history will judge them. Historians have the perspective of judging whether or not history will be kind to our present leaders. They are entrusted with the sacred task of creating opinions about our leaders. Probably these leaders can purchase their space in history or ask the historians to re-filter their stories about them and make them appear good and heroic. What a shame.
Our country is a mess. Only the naïve believes that our leaders are not to be blamed for this. There is no denying that the government is drenched with many anomalies and lies and most of them are authored by our leaders. One reason for this is their misplaced loyalty. They give blind loyalty to their party leader but not to the people who elected them into office. Moreover, these leaders don’t even make apologies when they mesmerize their leader with their dutiful and even deferential affirmation to what their leader wishes deliberately not wanting to hurt their leader’s ego. As a result, they reduce themselves to buffoons nourishing the inflated ego of their leader or they act like robots incapable of rational thoughts and with no sense of responsibility. It’s a funny thing that we keep on electing these leaders to public office even when we know that they are swindling us. We easily get amused by the leaders’ phony, uncultivated ways and uncaring attitude. It is very unfortunate that things have not dramatically changed after EDSA 1. Lessons we learned from EDSA 1 appear to be in trash bins of our collective memory. Are we getting dumber and dumber?
After the victory of Pacquiao, who is sure to have a good space in our history, it is now the propitious moment for our leaders to sincerely ask themselves whether they too like Pacquiao wish to be remembered kindly by history. But I guess with all their cheap ploys, their misplaced loyalty, political antics, and suspicious schemes history will be unkind to them.
All things considered, Manny Pacquiao is now a living legend in boxing. That is how our history will remember Pacquiao as the country’s greatest boxer.
I wonder if our present crop of leaders will also receive similar kind thoughts from our historians. I say this because I am sure they are also interested to know how history will judge them. Historians have the perspective of judging whether or not history will be kind to our present leaders. They are entrusted with the sacred task of creating opinions about our leaders. Probably these leaders can purchase their space in history or ask the historians to re-filter their stories about them and make them appear good and heroic. What a shame.
Our country is a mess. Only the naïve believes that our leaders are not to be blamed for this. There is no denying that the government is drenched with many anomalies and lies and most of them are authored by our leaders. One reason for this is their misplaced loyalty. They give blind loyalty to their party leader but not to the people who elected them into office. Moreover, these leaders don’t even make apologies when they mesmerize their leader with their dutiful and even deferential affirmation to what their leader wishes deliberately not wanting to hurt their leader’s ego. As a result, they reduce themselves to buffoons nourishing the inflated ego of their leader or they act like robots incapable of rational thoughts and with no sense of responsibility. It’s a funny thing that we keep on electing these leaders to public office even when we know that they are swindling us. We easily get amused by the leaders’ phony, uncultivated ways and uncaring attitude. It is very unfortunate that things have not dramatically changed after EDSA 1. Lessons we learned from EDSA 1 appear to be in trash bins of our collective memory. Are we getting dumber and dumber?
After the victory of Pacquiao, who is sure to have a good space in our history, it is now the propitious moment for our leaders to sincerely ask themselves whether they too like Pacquiao wish to be remembered kindly by history. But I guess with all their cheap ploys, their misplaced loyalty, political antics, and suspicious schemes history will be unkind to them.
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