Presidency for life?
Has the president resolved to become a lifetime chief executive of this country? Sensing that she has an opportunity to hold on to her power beyond 2010 by running as congresswoman in her district, this impresses us that power indeed intoxicates. How true are the words of James Byrnes when he said, "Power intoxicates men. When a man is intoxicated by alcohol he can recover, but when intoxicated by power he seldom recovers."
Any elected president must realize that he or she is a president of a country and not a president of a family-owned corporation. He or she as president must govern the people with respect and not make the country as his or her personal toy. Does the president not want to live as a former president with weakened immunity liable to prosecution by whoever will be her successor?
The time has come for us Filipinos to stand up and protest against this cheap political ploy. Let us vehemently oppose this re-entry and life presidency plan of the president through the backdoor. Let us oppose any political scheme to make her chief executive for life. Let us not remain sheepish and docile. Instead, let us be assertive with our rights to choose the next president of this country come 2010 elections and at bayonet point tell the president she already had her time and that she cannot flout the constitution.
I suggest that she should start looking to history and reflect on how people in the future will judge her and her presidency. I suggest too that she should rather plan on how to have a dignified exit before her term ends on 2010 and not to think on ways to perpetuate her hold on power. She and her political entourage’s campaign of self-perpetuation will be a mistake. God forbids, they will be embarrassed and a great deal of their dignity will be robbed off.
The president should now start unifying our fragmented country. She should now mend fences with her political opponents. She has still an ample time to prove herself that she is the president of the people by initiating actions that will redeem her esteem and her office and who knows, our people will have kind thoughts of her after she leaves her office.
Madam President, your time is running out- prepare now for a dignified exit. It is time for you to go home. For the remaining months of your office as our president, leave a lasting legacy for us to remember you by. Godspeed Madam President and have a peaceful life.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Global Balita June Series#5
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » The GMA regime’s weakness and vulnerability
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Many Filipinos are nearly panicking these days that Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) will not leave Malacañang Palace in 2010. This is more emotional and less rational. More than anything else, it reflects the cowardice of a nation to assert its collective will — in utter fear of the imagined strength of GMA.
If reason is to rule one’s judgment, then all the signs point to GMA having very slim chances of pulling off a magic stunt and remain in power after her …
Read the full story >> The GMA regime’s weakness and vulnerability
***************************
Opinion » The Race For Control
GLIMPSES
by Jose Ma. Montelibano
Reality in the Philippines is so dark that writing about the good news, which I have tried to do with greater resolve in the last few years, can be daunting. It is less the content of good news that is challenging, it is more writing them and blocking the incessant temptation to focus on the more sensational bad news. When one really wants to see the good in the other, the good in society, there are more than enough people and developments that truly lift the spirit. …
Read the full story >> The Race For Control
***************************
Opinion » Comelec has responded
by Frank Wenceslao
Chairman Jose Melo responded to our proposal that the Comelec should assert its powers to ensure clean and honest elections next year and onward. He said it’s being considered by the appropriate unit for its implications on their present work and legal requirement.
To further support our proposal I sent Pamusa’s manifesto: “Safeguarding the Philippine Constitution, Fighting Graft and Corruption and Enhancing the Emergence of Transformational Leaders through Clean and Honest 2010 Elections Onward” as well a letter from the Office of California’s Attorney General advising that Pamusa has …
Read the full story >> Comelec has responded
***************************
Politics & Government » Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
By the looks of it, it’s going to be a classic David vs. Goliath contest. Randy David is one of the most respected Pampangueños and he’ll give Gloria a run for her money. — Perry
Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
by Roy Legarde
MANILA, June 25, 2009—Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio said he and his supporters have an ace up their sleeves to match President Arroyo’s deemed candidacy in Pampanga’s 2nd district.
Panlilio said they will not let the province of Pampanga to be used by Mrs Arroyo’s ‘political agenda’ ...
Read the full story >> Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
***************************
Opinion » The Yellows and the Greens; the Slut and the Flower People
Kapeng BARAKO
by Jesse Jose
from Fil-Am MegaScene
Let’s talk about Iran.
But first, tit for tat.
Do y’all know that Senator John McCain was called a “yellow belly” by a newspaper editor (I am not gonna mention his name) because of the good senator’s stand on Iran in which he said that President Barack Obama must be more forceful on speaking up on the unrest there?
I beg your pardon, but Senator McCain is no yellow belly. That’s a misnomer. To me to call Senator McCain THAT is surely an ignorant remark. Mr. McCain is …
Read the full story >> The Yellows and the Greens; the Slut and the Flower People
***************************
Opinion » Trafficking the Enslaved
by Fr. Shay Cullen
from PREDA Foundation
It was for Jennifer an all too familiar story similar to that of thousands in Asia and Eastern Europe. Born into poverty,living in a poor village on Negros Island in the Philippines and dreaming of better life Jennifer went with a recruiter and her parents approval to work as a domestic helper in the capital Manila. But soon her naive dreams of earning a modest wage for a 12 hour day to help her five brothers and sisters were shattered when her employer and his …
Read the full story >> Trafficking the Enslaved
***************************
Opinion » Vandalism in Cagayan
by Reginald Tamayo
In my Cagayan province, one gets to notice flyers “Gising Cagayan” and “Gobierno Ti Umili” glued to practically every conceivable public space. These flyers are highly visible as they maliciously defaced newly painted bridges, historic markers, walls, waiting sheds, and the like. They create the perception that the areas where these flyers are put on are tagged as belonging to a group or a political party known as “Gising Cagayan” or “Gobierno Ti Umili.” Probably, the people behind these nasty tagging of areas wanted to heighten the awareness …
Read the full story >> Vandalism in Cagayan
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Opinion » The GMA regime’s weakness and vulnerability
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Many Filipinos are nearly panicking these days that Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) will not leave Malacañang Palace in 2010. This is more emotional and less rational. More than anything else, it reflects the cowardice of a nation to assert its collective will — in utter fear of the imagined strength of GMA.
If reason is to rule one’s judgment, then all the signs point to GMA having very slim chances of pulling off a magic stunt and remain in power after her …
Read the full story >> The GMA regime’s weakness and vulnerability
***************************
Opinion » The Race For Control
GLIMPSES
by Jose Ma. Montelibano
Reality in the Philippines is so dark that writing about the good news, which I have tried to do with greater resolve in the last few years, can be daunting. It is less the content of good news that is challenging, it is more writing them and blocking the incessant temptation to focus on the more sensational bad news. When one really wants to see the good in the other, the good in society, there are more than enough people and developments that truly lift the spirit. …
Read the full story >> The Race For Control
***************************
Opinion » Comelec has responded
by Frank Wenceslao
Chairman Jose Melo responded to our proposal that the Comelec should assert its powers to ensure clean and honest elections next year and onward. He said it’s being considered by the appropriate unit for its implications on their present work and legal requirement.
To further support our proposal I sent Pamusa’s manifesto: “Safeguarding the Philippine Constitution, Fighting Graft and Corruption and Enhancing the Emergence of Transformational Leaders through Clean and Honest 2010 Elections Onward” as well a letter from the Office of California’s Attorney General advising that Pamusa has …
Read the full story >> Comelec has responded
***************************
Politics & Government » Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
By the looks of it, it’s going to be a classic David vs. Goliath contest. Randy David is one of the most respected Pampangueños and he’ll give Gloria a run for her money. — Perry
Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
by Roy Legarde
MANILA, June 25, 2009—Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio said he and his supporters have an ace up their sleeves to match President Arroyo’s deemed candidacy in Pampanga’s 2nd district.
Panlilio said they will not let the province of Pampanga to be used by Mrs Arroyo’s ‘political agenda’ ...
Read the full story >> Panlilio: Pampanga has an ace to defeat Arroyo
***************************
Opinion » The Yellows and the Greens; the Slut and the Flower People
Kapeng BARAKO
by Jesse Jose
from Fil-Am MegaScene
Let’s talk about Iran.
But first, tit for tat.
Do y’all know that Senator John McCain was called a “yellow belly” by a newspaper editor (I am not gonna mention his name) because of the good senator’s stand on Iran in which he said that President Barack Obama must be more forceful on speaking up on the unrest there?
I beg your pardon, but Senator McCain is no yellow belly. That’s a misnomer. To me to call Senator McCain THAT is surely an ignorant remark. Mr. McCain is …
Read the full story >> The Yellows and the Greens; the Slut and the Flower People
***************************
Opinion » Trafficking the Enslaved
by Fr. Shay Cullen
from PREDA Foundation
It was for Jennifer an all too familiar story similar to that of thousands in Asia and Eastern Europe. Born into poverty,living in a poor village on Negros Island in the Philippines and dreaming of better life Jennifer went with a recruiter and her parents approval to work as a domestic helper in the capital Manila. But soon her naive dreams of earning a modest wage for a 12 hour day to help her five brothers and sisters were shattered when her employer and his …
Read the full story >> Trafficking the Enslaved
***************************
Opinion » Vandalism in Cagayan
by Reginald Tamayo
In my Cagayan province, one gets to notice flyers “Gising Cagayan” and “Gobierno Ti Umili” glued to practically every conceivable public space. These flyers are highly visible as they maliciously defaced newly painted bridges, historic markers, walls, waiting sheds, and the like. They create the perception that the areas where these flyers are put on are tagged as belonging to a group or a political party known as “Gising Cagayan” or “Gobierno Ti Umili.” Probably, the people behind these nasty tagging of areas wanted to heighten the awareness …
Read the full story >> Vandalism in Cagayan
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Global Balita June Series #4
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » GMA’s narrowing political options
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
The political options of Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) to remain in power beyond 2010 have been the cause of sleepless nights for many Filipinos. Over 60% of Filipinos have consistently registered in the SWS and Pulse Asia periodic surveys as seeking regime change.
Three political options have been considered as her likely means for staying in power beyond 2010. There is the Charter change (Cha cha) option where we shift to a Parliamentary form of government and she then reinvents herself as …
Read the full story >> GMA’s narrowing political options
*******************************
Opinion » The Class of ‘78
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings”, is a wit’s description of how “boring” operas end. Those who do not appreciate the long arias and have ears only for the operatic highlights often wonder when it would all end.
What this country has had to suffer through the years has been a long and badly sung, badly-scripted, badly-acted opera. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has inflicted her unworthy presence in the life of the nation far too long. First she pushed off the popular troubadour, Joseph Estrada, off the …
Read the full story >> The Class of ‘78
*******************************
Opinion » The Return of the Jedi
by Erick San Juan
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates after attending the Annual Asian Defense Conference in Singapore went to the Philippines the next day to meet his counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro at Camp Aguinaldo. They talked about the RP-US relation on counter-terrorism and how the joint military exercises benefit both nations especially, the humanitarian and disaster assistance given by the US government through the US armed forces.
Several newspapers reported that Gates talked about US government’s confidence in the Philippine defense leadership and the reaffirmation of their mutual security …
Read the full story >> The Return of the Jedi
*******************************
Opinion » Letter from Alaska
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
First of all, I would like to apologize to my readers for disappearing from print and cyberspace since May 15.
I have been on vacation all this time, first in San Francisco, then on board a cruise ship to Alaska and back, and finally in Chicago.
My companion and I were booked on the ms Amsterdam of the Holland America Line, which sailed from Seattle on May 23 on a seven-day voyage that took us to Juneau (the capital of the state of Alaska), then through the …
Read the full story >> Letter from Alaska
*******************************
Opinion » Consigliere
Editorial
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
Something is not right in the apparently sudden designation of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez as chief presidential legal counsel, and the appointment of Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera as acting DoJ chief.
“He knows that it was he himself who hinted that he wanted to go on vacation” from the Department of Justice, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in Filipino, expanding on the explanation offered by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo that Gonzalez was being reassigned to a “less strenuous” job.
The problem is, Gonzalez himself said he would have …
Read the full story >> Consigliere
*******************************
Opinion » Dr. Kho-Katrina Sex Video Scandal: Only a tip in the Iceberg
by Ben Serrano
While here in Manila attending my daughter’s major operation at state-owned Philippine General Hospital (PGH) practically doing everything from bed side hospital watching and securing medicines and necessities with the help of my elder daughter, Beverly, third year in computer engineering for another daughter of mine, Beneva June, a graduating honor student at the Science High School in her major surgical operation (very successful indeed), every gossips in the corner were all about Katrina and Hayden Kho’s sex video.
Riding a passenger jeep, all Filipinos (common and …
Read the full story >> Dr. Kho-Katrina Sex Video Scandal: Only a tip in the Iceberg
*******************************
Opinion » North to South, Sort of
by Renato Redentor Constantino
Our nation’s enduring hex is forgetfulness. If only we’d remember the word.
It’s like we have a national reboot button and every three weeks someone steps on the big clicker and everyone stops mid-step in a bazillion tiny pieces of a second. Then the music lurches forward again and we do a little skip and we sneak furtive looks left then right and our mind squints, as if it’s staring at the sun.
Blink, blink.
Same, same.
That’s been our lot for a while.
Insipid, shabby future.
Godawful present.
A few curious blips of …
Read the full story >> North to South, Sort of
*******************************
Opinion » House of Law breakers
by Reginald Tamayo
Where is the sense of respect and of common decency of congressmen and congresswomen who signed House resolution calling for a constituent assembly purposely to amend the constitution sans the participation of the Senate? I am tempted to say that the House of Representatives is a House of Lawbreakers since there are some members thereof who wantonly violate the constitution just to suit their political convenience and perpetuate themselves in power.
Do our people really demand the amending of the constitution? Have there been calls from various sectors for …
Read the full story >> House of Law breakers
*******************************
Opinion » Bush/Cheney Duo: Is American Justice in Jeopardy? (Part II)
by Rawlein G. Soberano, Ph.D.
Water-boarding consists of immobilizing the victim on his back with the head inclined downwards and then pouring water over the face and into the breathing passages. By forced suffocation and inhalation of water, the subject experiences drowning. The Spanish Inquisition used it for interrogation purposes to punish, intimidate and force confessions. In July 2007, it was reported that the CIA was water-boarding prisoners and that DOJ had authorized the procedure...
Read the full story >> Bush/Cheney Duo: Is American Justice in Jeopardy? (Part II)
*******************************
Opinion » PerryScope: Betrayal of Edsa
by Perry Diaz
In 1986, twenty three years ago, a new republic was born from the womb of Edsa, fathered by the spirit of People Power. A new generation of Filipinos sprang that she hoped would lead the nation out of the morass of corruption and poverty bred during the dictatorial reign of Ferdinand Marcos. Finally, the people were free once again.
Edsa became the symbol of a nation that aspired to be great. A shrine was built for her to remind the people that freedom lost could take a lifetime to …
Read the full story >> PerryScope: Betrayal of Edsa
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Opinion » GMA’s narrowing political options
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
The political options of Madame Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) to remain in power beyond 2010 have been the cause of sleepless nights for many Filipinos. Over 60% of Filipinos have consistently registered in the SWS and Pulse Asia periodic surveys as seeking regime change.
Three political options have been considered as her likely means for staying in power beyond 2010. There is the Charter change (Cha cha) option where we shift to a Parliamentary form of government and she then reinvents herself as …
Read the full story >> GMA’s narrowing political options
*******************************
Opinion » The Class of ‘78
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
“It ain’t over till the fat lady sings”, is a wit’s description of how “boring” operas end. Those who do not appreciate the long arias and have ears only for the operatic highlights often wonder when it would all end.
What this country has had to suffer through the years has been a long and badly sung, badly-scripted, badly-acted opera. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has inflicted her unworthy presence in the life of the nation far too long. First she pushed off the popular troubadour, Joseph Estrada, off the …
Read the full story >> The Class of ‘78
*******************************
Opinion » The Return of the Jedi
by Erick San Juan
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates after attending the Annual Asian Defense Conference in Singapore went to the Philippines the next day to meet his counterpart, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro at Camp Aguinaldo. They talked about the RP-US relation on counter-terrorism and how the joint military exercises benefit both nations especially, the humanitarian and disaster assistance given by the US government through the US armed forces.
Several newspapers reported that Gates talked about US government’s confidence in the Philippine defense leadership and the reaffirmation of their mutual security …
Read the full story >> The Return of the Jedi
*******************************
Opinion » Letter from Alaska
by Antonio C. Abaya
from Standard Today
First of all, I would like to apologize to my readers for disappearing from print and cyberspace since May 15.
I have been on vacation all this time, first in San Francisco, then on board a cruise ship to Alaska and back, and finally in Chicago.
My companion and I were booked on the ms Amsterdam of the Holland America Line, which sailed from Seattle on May 23 on a seven-day voyage that took us to Juneau (the capital of the state of Alaska), then through the …
Read the full story >> Letter from Alaska
*******************************
Opinion » Consigliere
Editorial
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
Something is not right in the apparently sudden designation of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez as chief presidential legal counsel, and the appointment of Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera as acting DoJ chief.
“He knows that it was he himself who hinted that he wanted to go on vacation” from the Department of Justice, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said in Filipino, expanding on the explanation offered by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo that Gonzalez was being reassigned to a “less strenuous” job.
The problem is, Gonzalez himself said he would have …
Read the full story >> Consigliere
*******************************
Opinion » Dr. Kho-Katrina Sex Video Scandal: Only a tip in the Iceberg
by Ben Serrano
While here in Manila attending my daughter’s major operation at state-owned Philippine General Hospital (PGH) practically doing everything from bed side hospital watching and securing medicines and necessities with the help of my elder daughter, Beverly, third year in computer engineering for another daughter of mine, Beneva June, a graduating honor student at the Science High School in her major surgical operation (very successful indeed), every gossips in the corner were all about Katrina and Hayden Kho’s sex video.
Riding a passenger jeep, all Filipinos (common and …
Read the full story >> Dr. Kho-Katrina Sex Video Scandal: Only a tip in the Iceberg
*******************************
Opinion » North to South, Sort of
by Renato Redentor Constantino
Our nation’s enduring hex is forgetfulness. If only we’d remember the word.
It’s like we have a national reboot button and every three weeks someone steps on the big clicker and everyone stops mid-step in a bazillion tiny pieces of a second. Then the music lurches forward again and we do a little skip and we sneak furtive looks left then right and our mind squints, as if it’s staring at the sun.
Blink, blink.
Same, same.
That’s been our lot for a while.
Insipid, shabby future.
Godawful present.
A few curious blips of …
Read the full story >> North to South, Sort of
*******************************
Opinion » House of Law breakers
by Reginald Tamayo
Where is the sense of respect and of common decency of congressmen and congresswomen who signed House resolution calling for a constituent assembly purposely to amend the constitution sans the participation of the Senate? I am tempted to say that the House of Representatives is a House of Lawbreakers since there are some members thereof who wantonly violate the constitution just to suit their political convenience and perpetuate themselves in power.
Do our people really demand the amending of the constitution? Have there been calls from various sectors for …
Read the full story >> House of Law breakers
*******************************
Opinion » Bush/Cheney Duo: Is American Justice in Jeopardy? (Part II)
by Rawlein G. Soberano, Ph.D.
Water-boarding consists of immobilizing the victim on his back with the head inclined downwards and then pouring water over the face and into the breathing passages. By forced suffocation and inhalation of water, the subject experiences drowning. The Spanish Inquisition used it for interrogation purposes to punish, intimidate and force confessions. In July 2007, it was reported that the CIA was water-boarding prisoners and that DOJ had authorized the procedure...
Read the full story >> Bush/Cheney Duo: Is American Justice in Jeopardy? (Part II)
*******************************
Opinion » PerryScope: Betrayal of Edsa
by Perry Diaz
In 1986, twenty three years ago, a new republic was born from the womb of Edsa, fathered by the spirit of People Power. A new generation of Filipinos sprang that she hoped would lead the nation out of the morass of corruption and poverty bred during the dictatorial reign of Ferdinand Marcos. Finally, the people were free once again.
Edsa became the symbol of a nation that aspired to be great. A shrine was built for her to remind the people that freedom lost could take a lifetime to …
Read the full story >> PerryScope: Betrayal of Edsa
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Global Balita June Series#2
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Simple questions for Manuel B. Villar
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
We write this article hours before the Senate, acting as a Committee of the Whole, begins its adjudicatory proceedings in a complaint filed by Sen. Jamby Madrigal before the Senate Ethics Committee against Sen. Manuel B. Villar Jr.
The facts of the case, as Madrigal alleges in her accusations, are: One, that Sen. Villar violated Article VI Sec. 14 of the Philippine Constitution, which states that “No Senator or member of the House of Representatives…shall, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract with, or in …
Read the full story >> Simple questions for Manuel B. Villar
*******************************
Opinion » When ‘the 3 stooges’ conduct a Senate hearing
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Larry, Moe and Curly Joe, or better known as The 3 Stooges, were among the favorite comedians of Baby Boomers like your Chair Wrecker. The term LOL (laughing out loud) was not yet in vogue during our pre-teen years but that is what we did every time we watched The 3 Stooges on television.
When The 3 Stooges portrayed car mechanics and were attempting to simply replace a defective car part, they would end up destroying the entire vehicle. When The 3 Stooges …
Read the full story >> When ‘the 3 stooges’ conduct a Senate hearing
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » Matter of Taste
The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines.
His observations are so hilarious!
Matter of Taste
by Matthew Sutherland
I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in
most respects well-assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road
to full assimilation which I have yet to take, and that’s to eat BALUT. The
day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them
to issue me a Filipino passport, because at that point there will be no
turning back. BALUT, for those still blissfully …
Read the full story >> Matter of Taste
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » The Real Best in the East
Even Bruce Lee would’ve challenged Pacquiao
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California – The best in the East.
This titanic title once belonged to the legendary kung fu maestro Bruce Lee who as the pride of the East even the best boxer in the world dared not to see him eyeball to eyeball in his heyday in the early 70’s.
But after dismantling Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in the IBO light welterweight duel dubbed “The Battle of the East and the West” in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2, Manny Pacquiao is now …
Read the full story >> The Real Best in the East
*******************************
Opinion » Even Hitler was entitled to have a fair trial
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
There is a very basic principle of justice and the rule of law that has been grossly overlooked in the raging debate surrounding the ethics case that was filed against top Opposition presidential candidate, Senator Manny Villar.
And that principle is the right of the accused – any accused – to a fair trial.
A fair trial is not just the granting of the opportunity to the accused to refute charges and present counter evidence. The more important aspect of a fair trial is …
Read the full story >> Even Hitler was entitled to have a fair trial
*******************************
Opinion » The Big Set-up
by Ellen Tordesillas
Hardly had the croaking of the the congressmen who were at the Manila Hotel for the launching of what pundits call Palaka (Partido Lakas at Kampi) died down last Thursday when they were summoned by Gloria Arroyo to a room where she gave her marching orders: pass the resolution amending the Constitution.
Arroyo, the source said, offered the congressmen a hefty incentive: over and above their pork barrel, they will be given P20 million each.
There are two resolutions calling for the amendment of the Constitution pending at the Lower …
Read the full story >> The Big Set-up
*******************************
Opinion » On responsible citizenship
by Reginald Tamayo
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 …
Read the full story >> On responsible citizenship
*******************************
Opinion » Senate inquiry: a circus show
by Reginald B. Tamayo
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 …
Read the full story >> Senate inquiry: a circus show
*******************************
Opinion » It’s merger of ‘trapos’; it is a ‘palaka’
by Michael Lim Ubac
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—“Kokak.”
That one word captures the opposition’s reaction to the so-called marriage of the two biggest political parties in the country. The opposition also said the political union would not translate into votes to ensure the victory of administration candidates in the 2010 elections.
Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said the merger of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) was a union of “trapos” (traditional politicians).
Roxas, a presidential aspirant and the president of the Liberal Party, told reporters that the name …
Read the full story >> It’s merger of ‘trapos’; it is a ‘palaka’
*******************************
Opinion » Being Filipino
The young teacher that provided the author, Evan S. Chen, the inspiration that awakened his Filipino soul is my nephew, Josemaria Esposo Claro and this was when Hossie was still teaching in Xavier University in Ortigas Avenue. The Jesuits has since asked Hossie to teach in their San Andres Bukid Special Education Program for poor kids. - The STAR Chair Wrecker, William M. Esposo
Youngblood
Being Filipino
by Evan S. Chen
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
When I was young, I never truly considered myself Filipino. Sure, I lived in the Philippines and I carried …
Read the full story >> Being Filipino
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Opinion » Simple questions for Manuel B. Villar
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
We write this article hours before the Senate, acting as a Committee of the Whole, begins its adjudicatory proceedings in a complaint filed by Sen. Jamby Madrigal before the Senate Ethics Committee against Sen. Manuel B. Villar Jr.
The facts of the case, as Madrigal alleges in her accusations, are: One, that Sen. Villar violated Article VI Sec. 14 of the Philippine Constitution, which states that “No Senator or member of the House of Representatives…shall, directly or indirectly, be interested financially in any contract with, or in …
Read the full story >> Simple questions for Manuel B. Villar
*******************************
Opinion » When ‘the 3 stooges’ conduct a Senate hearing
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Larry, Moe and Curly Joe, or better known as The 3 Stooges, were among the favorite comedians of Baby Boomers like your Chair Wrecker. The term LOL (laughing out loud) was not yet in vogue during our pre-teen years but that is what we did every time we watched The 3 Stooges on television.
When The 3 Stooges portrayed car mechanics and were attempting to simply replace a defective car part, they would end up destroying the entire vehicle. When The 3 Stooges …
Read the full story >> When ‘the 3 stooges’ conduct a Senate hearing
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » Matter of Taste
The following is from a British journalist stationed in the Philippines.
His observations are so hilarious!
Matter of Taste
by Matthew Sutherland
I have now been in this country for over six years, and consider myself in
most respects well-assimilated. However, there is one key step on the road
to full assimilation which I have yet to take, and that’s to eat BALUT. The
day any of you sees me eating balut, please call immigration and ask them
to issue me a Filipino passport, because at that point there will be no
turning back. BALUT, for those still blissfully …
Read the full story >> Matter of Taste
*******************************
Culture, Sports, Entertainment & Technology » The Real Best in the East
Even Bruce Lee would’ve challenged Pacquiao
by Alex P. Vidal
SAN DIEGO, California – The best in the East.
This titanic title once belonged to the legendary kung fu maestro Bruce Lee who as the pride of the East even the best boxer in the world dared not to see him eyeball to eyeball in his heyday in the early 70’s.
But after dismantling Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in the IBO light welterweight duel dubbed “The Battle of the East and the West” in Las Vegas, Nevada on May 2, Manny Pacquiao is now …
Read the full story >> The Real Best in the East
*******************************
Opinion » Even Hitler was entitled to have a fair trial
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
There is a very basic principle of justice and the rule of law that has been grossly overlooked in the raging debate surrounding the ethics case that was filed against top Opposition presidential candidate, Senator Manny Villar.
And that principle is the right of the accused – any accused – to a fair trial.
A fair trial is not just the granting of the opportunity to the accused to refute charges and present counter evidence. The more important aspect of a fair trial is …
Read the full story >> Even Hitler was entitled to have a fair trial
*******************************
Opinion » The Big Set-up
by Ellen Tordesillas
Hardly had the croaking of the the congressmen who were at the Manila Hotel for the launching of what pundits call Palaka (Partido Lakas at Kampi) died down last Thursday when they were summoned by Gloria Arroyo to a room where she gave her marching orders: pass the resolution amending the Constitution.
Arroyo, the source said, offered the congressmen a hefty incentive: over and above their pork barrel, they will be given P20 million each.
There are two resolutions calling for the amendment of the Constitution pending at the Lower …
Read the full story >> The Big Set-up
*******************************
Opinion » On responsible citizenship
by Reginald Tamayo
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 …
Read the full story >> On responsible citizenship
*******************************
Opinion » Senate inquiry: a circus show
by Reginald B. Tamayo
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 …
Read the full story >> Senate inquiry: a circus show
*******************************
Opinion » It’s merger of ‘trapos’; it is a ‘palaka’
by Michael Lim Ubac
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—“Kokak.”
That one word captures the opposition’s reaction to the so-called marriage of the two biggest political parties in the country. The opposition also said the political union would not translate into votes to ensure the victory of administration candidates in the 2010 elections.
Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said the merger of Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) was a union of “trapos” (traditional politicians).
Roxas, a presidential aspirant and the president of the Liberal Party, told reporters that the name …
Read the full story >> It’s merger of ‘trapos’; it is a ‘palaka’
*******************************
Opinion » Being Filipino
The young teacher that provided the author, Evan S. Chen, the inspiration that awakened his Filipino soul is my nephew, Josemaria Esposo Claro and this was when Hossie was still teaching in Xavier University in Ortigas Avenue. The Jesuits has since asked Hossie to teach in their San Andres Bukid Special Education Program for poor kids. - The STAR Chair Wrecker, William M. Esposo
Youngblood
Being Filipino
by Evan S. Chen
from Philippine Daily Inquirer
When I was young, I never truly considered myself Filipino. Sure, I lived in the Philippines and I carried …
Read the full story >> Being Filipino
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Global Balita June Series #1
LATEST FROM GLOBAL BALITA
Opinion » Quotes of the day
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Prospero Nograles, on the eve of the merger of Lakas (Teddy Boy Locsin’s favourite “party of thieves”) and Kampi (Gloria and Mike Arroyo’s favourite party of what else?) was “ecstatic” over the conjugal union of the two. As of this writing, the mega-event is supposed to be ongoing.
Said Nograles: “For now, winning the elections in 2010 is not our main goal. Changing the character of our politics is”.
Oh my God! After almost nine years of Gloria’s hegemony, during which Nograles has seen himself catapulted to …
Read the full story >> Quotes of the day
*******************************
Opinion » My rambling thoughts on Kho-Halili sex video
Kapeng BARAKO
by Jesse Jose
from Fil-Am MegaScene
Sheesh.
What’s the big deal?
Bakit pinagkakaguluhan ito?
The people, men, women and children, the media, the tsismis shows led by Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, the politicians, the police, the NBI, the Dept of Justice, Gabriela, the Philippine Congress …
Even the Philippine Medical Association …
The whole country, actually …
Is riveted to this sex video.
How laughable naman.
How pathetic.
How sad.
Only in the Philippines, I tell ya.
Sure, here in America, people get riveted, too, to sex scandals. Yes, they talk about it. But they don’t talk about it weeks after …
Read the full story >> My rambling thoughts on Kho-Halili sex video
*******************************
Opinion » Take Justice Into Our Own Hands
GLIMPSES
Jose Ma. Montelibano
The way I see the political equation is that a weak people attract bad governance. That is why any good governance advocacy will never work unless it carries in it a parallel movement for a strong citizenry. All the way from my boyhood days, I already heard the generation of my parents promote the cause of good governance. Today, 50 years later, most good government advocates insist that never in our history is good governance needed more. This is another way of saying that efforts for good governance …
Read the full story >> Take Justice Into Our Own Hands
*******************************
Opinion » Enrile versus Pimentel: Who can we believe?
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Pikon (short fused) is a term that has often been used by media to characterize Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. On primetime television last Monday, Enrile displayed that side of his character again.
All the way to your bedroom or living room, depending where you watch the TV news, you can almost feel the figurative angry snorts from the nose of the raging bull in the Senate who was accusing Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel of being a “coward, hypocrite, traitor and a spoiled …
Read the full story >> Enrile versus Pimentel: Who can we believe?
*******************************
Politics & Government » Good, Honest Governance at Work
PRESS STATEMENT OF GOV. EDDIE PANLILIO
May 28, 2009
GOOD, HONEST GOVERNANCE AT WORK
Quarry collections reach P395.598M in 23 months
Exceed NRDC collections in 3 years
Today, I congratulate the Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) committee, the provincial checkers, the provincial environment and natural resources office, the members of the provincial mining regulatory board, and the provincial treasurer’s office for their collective success in being able to collect, on behalf of the province, P395.598 million in taxes from sand and gravel.
Read the full story >> Good, Honest Governance at Work
*******************************
Opinion » What a country!
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Another boat sank off the waters of Batangas, and twelve people are reported to have died. Another 42 have survived. On the basis of the arithmetic, Marina officials say the boat was overloaded, because it had registered capacity for only 42 passengers. Soon, when the victims shall have been buried, the issue of maritime safety will be forgotten. Months ago, another boat capsized off the waters of Calayan Island off Sta. Ana in Cagayan. I don’t even remember how many perished. The same reason was given …
Read the full story >> What a country!
*******************************
Opinion » The defeaning silence of the church on the sex video scandal
by Reginald Tamayo
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 ...
Read the full story >> The defeaning silence of the church on the sex video scandal
*******************************
Opinion » Writ of Amparo
Telltale Signs
by Rodel Rodis
It was reportedly “imported” from South America as a response to the widespread extra-judicial killings of journalists and activists which have proliferated in the last decade. The Writ of Amparo (Spanish for “protection”) was promulgated by Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and his associate justices on October 24, 2007 to provide an opportunity for aggrieved parties to seek a Court order directing the military and police authorities to spare a particular individual from harm.
On May 20, 2009, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a Writ of …
Read the full story >> Writ of Amparo
*******************************
Opinion » U.S. Aid: A Joke!
by Erick San Juan
I was shock to read in a “public relations” newspaper that most of our bilateral agreements with the United States government, benefits us more than them.
In its opinion page, it is said that the United States is the Philippines’ only mutual defense treaty partner and the largest source of foreign military financing. It added that the U.S. government’s foreign military aid to the Philippines helps in modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces. We allegedly received the highest level of funds in East Asia and the Pacific under the …
Read the full story >> U.S. Aid: A Joke!
*******************************
Opinion » Children Suffer Most When Justice is Denied
by Fr. Shay Cullen
from PREDA
Beth was a docile and submissive child. She lived in fear of her dominating father and he was addicted to buying the dirt cheap child pornography CDs that are widely available in the Philippines. It was perhaps inevitable that he would rape her and he did several times over two years ago in the province of Bataan not far from Manila. When she was rescued and brought safe in the Preda Children’s Home, she recovered and was soon strong and brave enough to tell her story …
Read the full story >> Children Suffer Most When Justice is Denied
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Opinion » Quotes of the day
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Prospero Nograles, on the eve of the merger of Lakas (Teddy Boy Locsin’s favourite “party of thieves”) and Kampi (Gloria and Mike Arroyo’s favourite party of what else?) was “ecstatic” over the conjugal union of the two. As of this writing, the mega-event is supposed to be ongoing.
Said Nograles: “For now, winning the elections in 2010 is not our main goal. Changing the character of our politics is”.
Oh my God! After almost nine years of Gloria’s hegemony, during which Nograles has seen himself catapulted to …
Read the full story >> Quotes of the day
*******************************
Opinion » My rambling thoughts on Kho-Halili sex video
Kapeng BARAKO
by Jesse Jose
from Fil-Am MegaScene
Sheesh.
What’s the big deal?
Bakit pinagkakaguluhan ito?
The people, men, women and children, the media, the tsismis shows led by Boy Abunda and Kris Aquino, the politicians, the police, the NBI, the Dept of Justice, Gabriela, the Philippine Congress …
Even the Philippine Medical Association …
The whole country, actually …
Is riveted to this sex video.
How laughable naman.
How pathetic.
How sad.
Only in the Philippines, I tell ya.
Sure, here in America, people get riveted, too, to sex scandals. Yes, they talk about it. But they don’t talk about it weeks after …
Read the full story >> My rambling thoughts on Kho-Halili sex video
*******************************
Opinion » Take Justice Into Our Own Hands
GLIMPSES
Jose Ma. Montelibano
The way I see the political equation is that a weak people attract bad governance. That is why any good governance advocacy will never work unless it carries in it a parallel movement for a strong citizenry. All the way from my boyhood days, I already heard the generation of my parents promote the cause of good governance. Today, 50 years later, most good government advocates insist that never in our history is good governance needed more. This is another way of saying that efforts for good governance …
Read the full story >> Take Justice Into Our Own Hands
*******************************
Opinion » Enrile versus Pimentel: Who can we believe?
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR
by William M. Esposo
from Philstar
Pikon (short fused) is a term that has often been used by media to characterize Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. On primetime television last Monday, Enrile displayed that side of his character again.
All the way to your bedroom or living room, depending where you watch the TV news, you can almost feel the figurative angry snorts from the nose of the raging bull in the Senate who was accusing Senator Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel of being a “coward, hypocrite, traitor and a spoiled …
Read the full story >> Enrile versus Pimentel: Who can we believe?
*******************************
Politics & Government » Good, Honest Governance at Work
PRESS STATEMENT OF GOV. EDDIE PANLILIO
May 28, 2009
GOOD, HONEST GOVERNANCE AT WORK
Quarry collections reach P395.598M in 23 months
Exceed NRDC collections in 3 years
Today, I congratulate the Biyaya a Luluguran at Sisikapan (Balas) committee, the provincial checkers, the provincial environment and natural resources office, the members of the provincial mining regulatory board, and the provincial treasurer’s office for their collective success in being able to collect, on behalf of the province, P395.598 million in taxes from sand and gravel.
Read the full story >> Good, Honest Governance at Work
*******************************
Opinion » What a country!
by Lito Banayo
from MALAYA
Another boat sank off the waters of Batangas, and twelve people are reported to have died. Another 42 have survived. On the basis of the arithmetic, Marina officials say the boat was overloaded, because it had registered capacity for only 42 passengers. Soon, when the victims shall have been buried, the issue of maritime safety will be forgotten. Months ago, another boat capsized off the waters of Calayan Island off Sta. Ana in Cagayan. I don’t even remember how many perished. The same reason was given …
Read the full story >> What a country!
*******************************
Opinion » The defeaning silence of the church on the sex video scandal
by Reginald Tamayo
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 ...
Read the full story >> The defeaning silence of the church on the sex video scandal
*******************************
Opinion » Writ of Amparo
Telltale Signs
by Rodel Rodis
It was reportedly “imported” from South America as a response to the widespread extra-judicial killings of journalists and activists which have proliferated in the last decade. The Writ of Amparo (Spanish for “protection”) was promulgated by Philippine Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno and his associate justices on October 24, 2007 to provide an opportunity for aggrieved parties to seek a Court order directing the military and police authorities to spare a particular individual from harm.
On May 20, 2009, the Philippine Supreme Court issued a Writ of …
Read the full story >> Writ of Amparo
*******************************
Opinion » U.S. Aid: A Joke!
by Erick San Juan
I was shock to read in a “public relations” newspaper that most of our bilateral agreements with the United States government, benefits us more than them.
In its opinion page, it is said that the United States is the Philippines’ only mutual defense treaty partner and the largest source of foreign military financing. It added that the U.S. government’s foreign military aid to the Philippines helps in modernizing the Philippine Armed Forces. We allegedly received the highest level of funds in East Asia and the Pacific under the …
Read the full story >> U.S. Aid: A Joke!
*******************************
Opinion » Children Suffer Most When Justice is Denied
by Fr. Shay Cullen
from PREDA
Beth was a docile and submissive child. She lived in fear of her dominating father and he was addicted to buying the dirt cheap child pornography CDs that are widely available in the Philippines. It was perhaps inevitable that he would rape her and he did several times over two years ago in the province of Bataan not far from Manila. When she was rescued and brought safe in the Preda Children’s Home, she recovered and was soon strong and brave enough to tell her story …
Read the full story >> Children Suffer Most When Justice is Denied
Visit www.GlobalBalita.com for more news, updates and to comment.
Friday, June 26, 2009
Eulogy for Uncle Jim
EULOGY FOR SIR KNIGHT JIMMY BALISI
By Reginald B. Tamayo
Today, we say farewell to a father, to a grandfather, to an uncle, to a friend, to a neighbor, and a brother Knight, Sir Knight Jimmy Cuntapay Balisi. We say farewell with sadness for we have lost him, but also we say farewell with joy for God had taken him in the bosom of His love.
Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi loved the Knights of Columbus. He served the Knights of Columbus faithfully and for that we will always be grateful. I remember with gratitude his long service as an emcee of the various programs and activities of the Council, as a crystallizer of issues and concerns during our breakfast meetings. Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was also an endless source of knowledge about policies of the Knights of Columbus, including social issues and political concerns in the community and in the country. He is known also for injecting humor in his talks that would create a robust laughter among the members and among his listeners. Indeed, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was the kind of person that any Knight would want at his side.
Wise as he was, experienced as he was, faithful and totally dedicated to the cause of the Knights of Columbus, his concern for the welfare of the members of the Council were immense and this for sure will be long remembered. His warm, generous smile and genial nature helped transform the Council into a family that we are. He lived our principles of charity, unity, patriotism, and fraternity not just in the Council, but every day, wherever he was.
Many would seek the help of Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi practically on all matters ranging from love-letter writing to making speeches. Anyone who needed legal advice but could not afford to pay the services of a lawyer, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi would be there to offer his help. Anyone who needed a graduation speech, a sample speech on siete palabras, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi had all of them in his file. Anyone who needed to write a congressman, a senator, even a president but could hardly express himself, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was an expert in that field. Anyone who felt aggrieved by the government, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi would be willing to help and make peace with the government.
After his awful diagnosis several years ago, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was determined to live out his life with grace and dignity and courage. Although the outcome of his sickness was never doubted, the very character of a knight of Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi as a courageous man and with a faithful heart to his God was not also doubted. He would not permit himself to easily admit defeat and he charged straight at his ailment with all his strength and determination and with the inspiration from his wife Manang Delia, his children, and grandchildren.
Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was not only an admired knight but also a well-loved father, a well-like uncle and a doting grandfather. I personally know Uncle Jim as a passionate man about family. He kept us his family members connected, he kept us in touch, he kept the Balisi, Tamayo, Rigunan, and Gan clan vibrant. Every special occasion like birthday, Christmas, New Year, and the like, he and Manang Del would always invite us to share a meal with everyone at their place. He was generous with his phone calls to his children and grandchildren, he was lavish with his gifts, and he always had a fatherly advice to any member of the family. It was a rule of a thumb that he would make a phone call to his children who are living abroad and greet them and their families during Christmas seasons and during their birthdays. My teary-eyed uncle Jim would be happy hearing at the end of the line his eldest son Manung Abbeh and his family and his daughter Grace and her family. In the recent past, when he returned from the States, he was mouthful telling stories that he had the grandest time in his life with his grandchildren Janel, Jansen and Jonathan.
Indeed, Uncle Jim was a passionate man about family. Every time he and Manang Del invite us to share a happy occasion with them, it was always a reunion of the clan, an occasion of renewal and strengthening of family ties, an occasion of celebration, and an occasion of thanksgiving. Today, he extended an invitation to all of us members of his family to share with him for the last time, and that is, an occasion to send him off on a journey to the next life.
On a personal note, Uncle Jim was my mentor and critic in speech-making and writing. I will always treasure the journalism books and notes he gave me. It was Uncle Jim who showed and opened the path for me to write my thoughts and share them with others. And for this I am forever grateful to my dearest Uncle Jim.
To Manang Del, and to his children Manung Abbeh, Manang Elena Manung Jerome, Manang Teh and Grace and Manoj, and to his grandchildren and their families, we offer our heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Uncle Jim’s suffering is over, and he already sees the happiness that awaits him in God’s heavenly kingdom.
God bless you Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi. God loves you Uncle Jim. For sure, we will miss you. Till we meet again.
By Reginald B. Tamayo
Today, we say farewell to a father, to a grandfather, to an uncle, to a friend, to a neighbor, and a brother Knight, Sir Knight Jimmy Cuntapay Balisi. We say farewell with sadness for we have lost him, but also we say farewell with joy for God had taken him in the bosom of His love.
Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi loved the Knights of Columbus. He served the Knights of Columbus faithfully and for that we will always be grateful. I remember with gratitude his long service as an emcee of the various programs and activities of the Council, as a crystallizer of issues and concerns during our breakfast meetings. Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was also an endless source of knowledge about policies of the Knights of Columbus, including social issues and political concerns in the community and in the country. He is known also for injecting humor in his talks that would create a robust laughter among the members and among his listeners. Indeed, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was the kind of person that any Knight would want at his side.
Wise as he was, experienced as he was, faithful and totally dedicated to the cause of the Knights of Columbus, his concern for the welfare of the members of the Council were immense and this for sure will be long remembered. His warm, generous smile and genial nature helped transform the Council into a family that we are. He lived our principles of charity, unity, patriotism, and fraternity not just in the Council, but every day, wherever he was.
Many would seek the help of Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi practically on all matters ranging from love-letter writing to making speeches. Anyone who needed legal advice but could not afford to pay the services of a lawyer, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi would be there to offer his help. Anyone who needed a graduation speech, a sample speech on siete palabras, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi had all of them in his file. Anyone who needed to write a congressman, a senator, even a president but could hardly express himself, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was an expert in that field. Anyone who felt aggrieved by the government, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi would be willing to help and make peace with the government.
After his awful diagnosis several years ago, Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was determined to live out his life with grace and dignity and courage. Although the outcome of his sickness was never doubted, the very character of a knight of Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi as a courageous man and with a faithful heart to his God was not also doubted. He would not permit himself to easily admit defeat and he charged straight at his ailment with all his strength and determination and with the inspiration from his wife Manang Delia, his children, and grandchildren.
Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi was not only an admired knight but also a well-loved father, a well-like uncle and a doting grandfather. I personally know Uncle Jim as a passionate man about family. He kept us his family members connected, he kept us in touch, he kept the Balisi, Tamayo, Rigunan, and Gan clan vibrant. Every special occasion like birthday, Christmas, New Year, and the like, he and Manang Del would always invite us to share a meal with everyone at their place. He was generous with his phone calls to his children and grandchildren, he was lavish with his gifts, and he always had a fatherly advice to any member of the family. It was a rule of a thumb that he would make a phone call to his children who are living abroad and greet them and their families during Christmas seasons and during their birthdays. My teary-eyed uncle Jim would be happy hearing at the end of the line his eldest son Manung Abbeh and his family and his daughter Grace and her family. In the recent past, when he returned from the States, he was mouthful telling stories that he had the grandest time in his life with his grandchildren Janel, Jansen and Jonathan.
Indeed, Uncle Jim was a passionate man about family. Every time he and Manang Del invite us to share a happy occasion with them, it was always a reunion of the clan, an occasion of renewal and strengthening of family ties, an occasion of celebration, and an occasion of thanksgiving. Today, he extended an invitation to all of us members of his family to share with him for the last time, and that is, an occasion to send him off on a journey to the next life.
On a personal note, Uncle Jim was my mentor and critic in speech-making and writing. I will always treasure the journalism books and notes he gave me. It was Uncle Jim who showed and opened the path for me to write my thoughts and share them with others. And for this I am forever grateful to my dearest Uncle Jim.
To Manang Del, and to his children Manung Abbeh, Manang Elena Manung Jerome, Manang Teh and Grace and Manoj, and to his grandchildren and their families, we offer our heartfelt prayers and sympathy. Uncle Jim’s suffering is over, and he already sees the happiness that awaits him in God’s heavenly kingdom.
God bless you Sir Knight Jimmy Balisi. God loves you Uncle Jim. For sure, we will miss you. Till we meet again.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Vandalism in Cagayan
Vandalism in Cagayan
In my Cagayan province, one gets to notice flyers “Gising Cagayan” and “Gobierno Ti Umili” glued to practically every conceivable public space. These flyers are highly visible as they maliciously defaced newly painted bridges, historic markers, walls, waiting sheds, and the like. They create the perception that the areas where these flyers are put on are tagged as belonging to a group or a political party known as “Gising Cagayan” or “Gobierno Ti Umili.” Probably, the people behind these nasty tagging of areas wanted to heighten the awareness of the Cagayanos that these are existing political groups. Perhaps it is also the desire of these groups to conduct self-publicity or status-promotion simply because they are aware that they are virtually unknown. Moreover, it may be their craving to be recognized that the areas they vandalized are their identified turf or political territory.
The people behind these pasting of flyers have low regard and respect for properties. They damaged or disfigured properties without the consent of the people who own or have control of such properties. We take pride of Aparri as one of the cleanest municipalities in the province but with the flyers all around they cheapened our town and make it unattractive and frightening. Take for instance, our newly refurbished Knights of Columbus marker in Aparri, it is now peppered with these flyers. It will cost us much again to repaint and restore it.
We feel angry and hurt by this vandalism. We condemn this wanton act of disrespect to private and public properties. The people behind this may think that we don’t care for our surroundings hence they are least troubled if they vandalize them. We care for our properties. These vandals should respect our properties and they should respect us too.
In my Cagayan province, one gets to notice flyers “Gising Cagayan” and “Gobierno Ti Umili” glued to practically every conceivable public space. These flyers are highly visible as they maliciously defaced newly painted bridges, historic markers, walls, waiting sheds, and the like. They create the perception that the areas where these flyers are put on are tagged as belonging to a group or a political party known as “Gising Cagayan” or “Gobierno Ti Umili.” Probably, the people behind these nasty tagging of areas wanted to heighten the awareness of the Cagayanos that these are existing political groups. Perhaps it is also the desire of these groups to conduct self-publicity or status-promotion simply because they are aware that they are virtually unknown. Moreover, it may be their craving to be recognized that the areas they vandalized are their identified turf or political territory.
The people behind these pasting of flyers have low regard and respect for properties. They damaged or disfigured properties without the consent of the people who own or have control of such properties. We take pride of Aparri as one of the cleanest municipalities in the province but with the flyers all around they cheapened our town and make it unattractive and frightening. Take for instance, our newly refurbished Knights of Columbus marker in Aparri, it is now peppered with these flyers. It will cost us much again to repaint and restore it.
We feel angry and hurt by this vandalism. We condemn this wanton act of disrespect to private and public properties. The people behind this may think that we don’t care for our surroundings hence they are least troubled if they vandalize them. We care for our properties. These vandals should respect our properties and they should respect us too.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Draw up nationwide response to A(H1N1)
Draw up nationwide response to A(H1N1)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:01:00 06/24/2009
Filed Under: Health, Swine Flu
WHILE I appreciate the Department of Health for regularly giving us updates on the number of A(H1N1) victims in the country, it should do more than that. The rapid spread of this pandemic seems unstoppable and, worse, some of our people have started to panic rushing to buy anti-viral medicines and face masks.
It is time for the DOH to draw up specific and strategic plans on how to cushion the impact of A(H1N1) and keep down the number of its victims.
The DOH should lead in securing a national commitment and resolve to protect the health of the citizenry against this pandemic. It should now issue guidelines to schools, malls, churches, offices, movie houses and other public places, with emphasis on non-medical interventions.
In other words, the DOH should orchestrate the efforts of all sectors regarding the problem. For example, it should suggest to all schools that they ask their canteens to serve, as a matter of policy, meals and snacks that strengthen the immune system. Also, it should, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, issue guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of local government units in relation to the inherent dangers and complex threats the A(H1N1) poses.
My apprehension is that politicians might use the A(H1N1) as an issue or as a means to advance their own personal interests. If the DOH dilly-dallies, it could leave itself vulnerable to the manipulations of politicians. Before this happens and before A(H1N1) kills a Filipino, the DOH should ask politicians to appropriate an amount so the department can stockpile anti-viral medicines. The DOH should act now.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:01:00 06/24/2009
Filed Under: Health, Swine Flu
WHILE I appreciate the Department of Health for regularly giving us updates on the number of A(H1N1) victims in the country, it should do more than that. The rapid spread of this pandemic seems unstoppable and, worse, some of our people have started to panic rushing to buy anti-viral medicines and face masks.
It is time for the DOH to draw up specific and strategic plans on how to cushion the impact of A(H1N1) and keep down the number of its victims.
The DOH should lead in securing a national commitment and resolve to protect the health of the citizenry against this pandemic. It should now issue guidelines to schools, malls, churches, offices, movie houses and other public places, with emphasis on non-medical interventions.
In other words, the DOH should orchestrate the efforts of all sectors regarding the problem. For example, it should suggest to all schools that they ask their canteens to serve, as a matter of policy, meals and snacks that strengthen the immune system. Also, it should, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government, issue guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of local government units in relation to the inherent dangers and complex threats the A(H1N1) poses.
My apprehension is that politicians might use the A(H1N1) as an issue or as a means to advance their own personal interests. If the DOH dilly-dallies, it could leave itself vulnerable to the manipulations of politicians. Before this happens and before A(H1N1) kills a Filipino, the DOH should ask politicians to appropriate an amount so the department can stockpile anti-viral medicines. The DOH should act now.
—REGINALD B. TAMAYO, member, Sangguniang Bayan, Aparri, Cagayan
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
DOH should unify national efforts against A(H1N1)
DOH should unify national efforts against A(H1HN)
While I appreciate the Department of Health in regularly informing us about the number of victims of A (H1N1) in the country, it should do more serious jobs. A plenty of tasks is at hand for the department other than consistently broadcasting the number of latest victims . The rapid spread of this pandemic influenza seems unstoppable and worse, some of our people are panic-stricken as they run on fumes to buy anti-viral medicines and face masks. DOH should now act and should address this with a unified national effort. It should now make specific and strategic plans on how to mitigate the number of victims or cushion the impact of this dreaded disease.
On the national front, DOH should lead in creating a national commitment and resolve to protect the health interest of the citizenry against this pandemic influenza. It should now issue common guidelines with emphasis on non-medical interventions to schools, malls, churches, offices, movie houses and other public places in order to address this health hazard. In other words, it should unify the efforts of all sectors in their response to this A(H1N1) problem. For instance, in schools, DOH should propose as a matter of policy that school canteens should serve meals and snacks that would enhance the immune system of the students. Also, it should, in coordination with DILG, issue guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of local government units in relation to inherent dangers and complex threats of this health problem.
My apprehension is that politicians might use the A(H1N1) as an issue or a vehicle for their ulterior motives. If DOH dilly-dallies, then it leaves itself to vulnerable manipulation by these politicians. Instead, it should urge these politicians to appropriate an amount so DOH could stockpile anti-viral medicines. If DOH wait until somebody dies because of this flu, it will be too late. DOH should now take the time to get the game plan in order so that it can begin the action right away. DOH should act now, not later.
While I appreciate the Department of Health in regularly informing us about the number of victims of A (H1N1) in the country, it should do more serious jobs. A plenty of tasks is at hand for the department other than consistently broadcasting the number of latest victims . The rapid spread of this pandemic influenza seems unstoppable and worse, some of our people are panic-stricken as they run on fumes to buy anti-viral medicines and face masks. DOH should now act and should address this with a unified national effort. It should now make specific and strategic plans on how to mitigate the number of victims or cushion the impact of this dreaded disease.
On the national front, DOH should lead in creating a national commitment and resolve to protect the health interest of the citizenry against this pandemic influenza. It should now issue common guidelines with emphasis on non-medical interventions to schools, malls, churches, offices, movie houses and other public places in order to address this health hazard. In other words, it should unify the efforts of all sectors in their response to this A(H1N1) problem. For instance, in schools, DOH should propose as a matter of policy that school canteens should serve meals and snacks that would enhance the immune system of the students. Also, it should, in coordination with DILG, issue guidelines on the roles and responsibilities of local government units in relation to inherent dangers and complex threats of this health problem.
My apprehension is that politicians might use the A(H1N1) as an issue or a vehicle for their ulterior motives. If DOH dilly-dallies, then it leaves itself to vulnerable manipulation by these politicians. Instead, it should urge these politicians to appropriate an amount so DOH could stockpile anti-viral medicines. If DOH wait until somebody dies because of this flu, it will be too late. DOH should now take the time to get the game plan in order so that it can begin the action right away. DOH should act now, not later.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
House of Law breakers
House of Law breakers
Where is the sense of respect and of common decency of congressmen and congresswomen who signed House resolution calling for a constituent assembly purposely to amend the constitution sans the participation of the Senate? I am tempted to say that the House of Representatives is a House of Lawbreakers since there are some members thereof who wantonly violate the constitution just to suit their political convenience and perpetuate themselves in power.
Do our people really demand the amending of the constitution? Have there been calls from various sectors for the amendment of the constitution? On the other hand, do some of our congressmen and congresswomen are dying to amend the constitution that they drastically signed the resolution convening a constituent assembly? Do they really care about the situation in our country that they think amending the constitution would be compatible with our times and circumstances? Alternately, do they care more about themselves that they want to hold on to their political turf without end?
It appears that our people are against the amendment of the constitution. The congressmen and congresswomen just ignored this and instead focused on what they could personally gain from amending the constitution. They chose rather to take a radical and oppressive way of amending the constitution even to the extent of deserting the trust of our people. The constitution is not our problem. It is not even an obstacle to progress of this country. Our problem is our leaders who defy our constitution and who have no sense of common good.
These honorable congressmen and congresswomen should be reminded that the constitution was not established by the members of Congress but it was presented and approved by the majority of our people. Nobody can just amend the constitution without the consent of our people. The power to amend the constitution was never relinquished by our people. The House of Representatives cannot take upon itself the authority and supremacy over our people to amend the constitution.
I wonder if our congressmen and congresswomen are really doing their legislative work. I just doubt it. What I am seeing is their relentless and excessive pursuit of materialism, political power, and prestige.
Where is the sense of respect and of common decency of congressmen and congresswomen who signed House resolution calling for a constituent assembly purposely to amend the constitution sans the participation of the Senate? I am tempted to say that the House of Representatives is a House of Lawbreakers since there are some members thereof who wantonly violate the constitution just to suit their political convenience and perpetuate themselves in power.
Do our people really demand the amending of the constitution? Have there been calls from various sectors for the amendment of the constitution? On the other hand, do some of our congressmen and congresswomen are dying to amend the constitution that they drastically signed the resolution convening a constituent assembly? Do they really care about the situation in our country that they think amending the constitution would be compatible with our times and circumstances? Alternately, do they care more about themselves that they want to hold on to their political turf without end?
It appears that our people are against the amendment of the constitution. The congressmen and congresswomen just ignored this and instead focused on what they could personally gain from amending the constitution. They chose rather to take a radical and oppressive way of amending the constitution even to the extent of deserting the trust of our people. The constitution is not our problem. It is not even an obstacle to progress of this country. Our problem is our leaders who defy our constitution and who have no sense of common good.
These honorable congressmen and congresswomen should be reminded that the constitution was not established by the members of Congress but it was presented and approved by the majority of our people. Nobody can just amend the constitution without the consent of our people. The power to amend the constitution was never relinquished by our people. The House of Representatives cannot take upon itself the authority and supremacy over our people to amend the constitution.
I wonder if our congressmen and congresswomen are really doing their legislative work. I just doubt it. What I am seeing is their relentless and excessive pursuit of materialism, political power, and prestige.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Is noodle a new symbol of education?
Is noodle a new symbol of education?
The action of the Department of Education to call off its feeding program using noodles of dubious nutritional value and alleged overprice is a reasonable and timely move. Otherwise, the department will open another reprehensible scandal under the present administration. The money to be spent for these noodles could be used wisely to improve school facilities especially now that there are many schools which noticeably lack school rooms, chairs, blackboards, among others.
However, what is also noticeable in public schools are the billboards of Sharon Cuneta which are strategically placed near school gates. Probably this is true not only here in the province of Cagayan but nationwide. One can never escape seeing these billboards upon entering the public school premises. In these billboards, Ms. Cuneta is seen as promoting noodles. Lucky are the schools if the manufacturer or Ms. Cuneta gives free noodles to these schools for their feeding program.
Are the schools selling school space for commercial advertisements? Did the Department of Education enter into a contract with the manufacturer of these noodles that the latter can use a space near the school gate where these billboards can be placed? Do the schools admit that they are implicitly endorsing the noodles advertised by Ms. Cuneta? Do these schools urge their pupils to buy the noodles too? What is the honest purpose of this commercial of Sharon Cuneta? Is the noodle a new symbol of education?
Schools should be commercial-free zones. Our children are already seeing many messages of these commercial advertisements on televisions. Seeing these billboards everyday in going to and from these schools does not make nor improve the grades of the pupils. These billboards only remind them that the husband of Sharon Cuneta Senator Francis Pangilinan is running for the vice presidency in 2010 elections.
In fairness to all concerned, I suggest that commercial billboards should be removed from the schools. Let us spare the schools from being used as places for commercial advertisements. More importantly, let us not use the schools for political gimmicks.
The action of the Department of Education to call off its feeding program using noodles of dubious nutritional value and alleged overprice is a reasonable and timely move. Otherwise, the department will open another reprehensible scandal under the present administration. The money to be spent for these noodles could be used wisely to improve school facilities especially now that there are many schools which noticeably lack school rooms, chairs, blackboards, among others.
However, what is also noticeable in public schools are the billboards of Sharon Cuneta which are strategically placed near school gates. Probably this is true not only here in the province of Cagayan but nationwide. One can never escape seeing these billboards upon entering the public school premises. In these billboards, Ms. Cuneta is seen as promoting noodles. Lucky are the schools if the manufacturer or Ms. Cuneta gives free noodles to these schools for their feeding program.
Are the schools selling school space for commercial advertisements? Did the Department of Education enter into a contract with the manufacturer of these noodles that the latter can use a space near the school gate where these billboards can be placed? Do the schools admit that they are implicitly endorsing the noodles advertised by Ms. Cuneta? Do these schools urge their pupils to buy the noodles too? What is the honest purpose of this commercial of Sharon Cuneta? Is the noodle a new symbol of education?
Schools should be commercial-free zones. Our children are already seeing many messages of these commercial advertisements on televisions. Seeing these billboards everyday in going to and from these schools does not make nor improve the grades of the pupils. These billboards only remind them that the husband of Sharon Cuneta Senator Francis Pangilinan is running for the vice presidency in 2010 elections.
In fairness to all concerned, I suggest that commercial billboards should be removed from the schools. Let us spare the schools from being used as places for commercial advertisements. More importantly, let us not use the schools for political gimmicks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
