Flip Side Of The Coin (sn. 2)

There's always two sides to an argument...

Flip Side Of The Coin

On National Heroes' Day...

The fight for justice against corruption is never easy. It never has been and never will be. It exacts a toll on our self, our families, our friends, and especially our children. In the end, I believe, as in my case, the price we pay is well worth holding on to our dignity. – Frank Serpico

If I'm there, I will...

JOIN!!!

Who Needs 24 Senators?

“The Senate is a place filled with goodwill and good intentions, and if the road to hell is paved with them, then it's a pretty good detour”. – Hubert H. Humphrey

Summary

In our present Legislative Branch set-up, we have 24 senators who seats at the upper chamber of the house of Congress. This arrangement was adapted from the 1940 amendment of the 1930 Constitution. Changes were made on the number of years a senator should “served” and how many times he/she should be re-elected. But the number of senators occupying the chamber remains the same.

In the 1930 Constitution, it was explained why we have 24 senators:

“The 24-man Philippine Senate was represented by two Senators from each of the 12 senatorial districts into which the country was divided.”

Who Is Representing Who?

Why we need two senators to represent each “district” is beyond me. Perhaps it was designed as an afterthought that a district will still be “well represented” in case one of the two senators is incapacitated. Or maybe we are just too lazy to think and just copy the US setup of two senators for each state without thinking a little bit beyond.

Speaking of “representation”; what district or region does our current crop of senators represents? I can claim two of them to hail from my region. But does anyone represent, let’s say, Caraga or ARMM? For all I know, most of them represent NCR.

In the Philippine context, senators do not represent any place or anybody. That’s the job of congressmen - they represent districts within regions or “marginalized sectors” of society. Senators are there to make or approve bills in to laws or act as “fiscalizers” to anything their whim desires. No matter if the subject is significant or inane, as long as it’s controversial and gains “political mileage”, they’ll scrutinize it.

Are They Necessary?

IMHO, if we take to task what these senators are supposed to be, 17, one representing each region, are more than enough to put the upper house in order, promulgate laws or make a monkey of themselves. Why not trim them down and let them work hard for those “allowances” we gave them. It also saves us a lot in terms of pork barrel allotment. Their elective office should be regional and not on the national level. Their Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) should go nowhere else but for the benefit of their respective regions.

It may seem not much but, at the very least, it helps minimize the malady our government is perennially susceptible to. Come to think of it, we don’t need any of them, if we adapt a parliamentary form of governance.

Right of Suffrage

When a citizen gives his suffrage to a man of known immorality he abuses his trust; he sacrifices not only his own interest, but that of his neighbor; he betrays the interest of his country.  – Noah Webster

The Spartan Way

Ancient Greek democracy is an interesting study. Its political system was, in a way, “populist” that it was adapted by many modern nations as their form of governance. But what inspires me was how its citizens’ vote. They don’t elect representatives on their behalf but instead vote on laws and government policies. What is more appealing was that only adult males who have served their country militarily can be called “citizen”, thus have the right to participate in veering which course their country takes.

Wouldn’t it be practical to adapt these rules when choosing our own leaders? We could modify it to suit our socio-political needs. It is to Juan de la Cruz’s advantage if our electorates are consisting only of citizens who pay taxes and holder, at the very least, of a high school diploma.

Educated Tax Payers == Mature Voters

It is no secret that we have plenty of “undesirables” and clowns roaming at every corner of our government. Sadly, we have no right to complain because WE put them there. Lack of proper education impede our ability to think "outside the box", leaving us to wallow in political immaturity. A lot give more emphasis on personality rather than capability. Most fancy “entertainment” rather than government platform as "selling point" of these candidates.

I find it unfair, as a legitimate taxpayer who helps keep the government machinery running, that my vote carries the same weight as that of a “tambay” who sold his vote for a pittance. A mere equivalent of three Jollibee meals in exchange for a minimum of 3 years of kleptocracy. Why should we let people who does not contribute to our nation's coffer have a “say” in choosing our leaders? It's that simple - hindi kasali ang walang taya!

Forget equality or “universal suffrage”. The future of our country should be decided by citizens who have stakes in the government, who have something to lose and who cares for their country. Not by inhabitants whose over-all political perception is bounded only by surroundings that directly affect their personal lives.

A Pipe Dream

This may seem a tall order to some, prejudice and discriminatory to others. But the way I look at it is like “hitting two birds with one stone”: We minimize (if not eradicate) political dynasties and inutile politicians at the same time. But who am I kidding. With the present composition of both houses, only a fool will listen, much more, touch this subject.

Only “revolution” can urge this idea to crawl out from its hiding place, deep inside the dark recesses of our minds, to seek daylight.

A "SHORT" ESSAY

My attention was caught when this was posted in FB. It greatly shows the ethical distinction between the Koreans and us. Please read and ponder the difference. It contains some painful truth why we can’t seem to find our long lost dream. – BlogusVox

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES by Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism…

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea . He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park . They asked to him, “President, when can we be well off?” That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea . They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood.

Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people… I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday. However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia , but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun.. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame.. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love.

Let’s put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country. Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines , there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That’s all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

I sincerely hope that this essay inspire us all and show LOVE for our homeland.

PhilHealth Insurance: Am I My Brother’s Keeper?

Recently there was a big discussion on Facebook about PhilHealth’s intention of increasing the amount being paid by OFWs on their insurance by a whooping 100%. To give non-OFWs a clear picture:

Filipinos who wish to or are working abroad are required to procure an Oversea Employment Certificate (OEC) prior to leaving the Philippines. This document is being checked by the Philippine Oversea Employment Agency (POEA) personnel at the airport before checking-in at the pre-departure area. In “theory”, failure to present these papers obliges OFWs to pay the necessary travel tax, plus penalties and more papers to fill up. But in “practice”, staff will tell you to go to the nearest POEA office to obtain your OEC! In other words, and I witness this first hand in NAIA, you can’t leave the country without it, period!

Now, prior to issuance of OEC (here’s where the “arm twisting begins”), they’ll require you to be a member (for non-members) of PAG-IBIG and you need to pay PhilHealth insurance with an elapse time of 1 or 2 years (which ever you prefer). But based on the comments I’ve read on that site, PhilHealth services is only good when they’re collecting premium charges but almost non-existing when it comes to disbursing remittances of OFW medical expenses.

Personally, I just took it in stride and pay all these “requirements”. But what I can’t swallow was this comment from a PhilHealth representative:

“Naiintindihan po namin na iba iba ang estado ng ating mga kababayang OFWs abroad, kagaya po ng naka post lumalabas po na mas malaki ang binabayad para sa benepisyo keysa sa nasisingil o nakokolekta na premium. Tulad din po ng OFW mayroon din tayong mas mahihirap pang kababayan, sila po ay sakop ng aming sponsored program, kung saan ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan na ito ay walang binabayarang contibution ngunit nakakatanggap ng benepisyo. Dahil nga po ang PhilHealth ay social health insurance na hango sa salitang social solidarity na kung saan binabayaran ng may pera ang kalusugan ng mga walang pangtustos at binabayaran ng mga malulusog ang pangkalusugan ng mga sakitin.”

(We understand the different situation of OFWs abroad, like what was posted about the charges for the benefits are bigger than the remitted premiums. Like some OFWs with financial difficulties, we also have citizens who are more impoverished and do not pay any contribution but still receives medical benefits from us. Because PhilHealth is a social health insurance where the concept was taken from “social solidarity” where those who have the means, pays for the medical expenses of those who can’t afford.)

Wait! Stop! Rewind! Will somebody please explain this to me? I have no illusion of grandeur and knew the Philippines is a welfare state. But isn’t the money apportioned for the “indigents” supposed to come from collected revenues called TAXES. Why do they single out OFWs to shoulder the “fringe benefit” of people who are not OFWs, not to mention “free-loaders”, tax evaders and those who doesn’t pay taxes at all? What we pay to PhilHealth is NOT TAX! If they’re forcing this “health insurance” down our throat, it’s just right that only OFWs and their families benefits from it. Our funds should be a separate entity or better yet, a separate health insurance for OFWs and not PhilHealth!

No wonder PhilHealth is short in funding. Previous administration were distributing PhilHealth cards right and left to boost their malodorous image. They should be ashamed for letting those politicians used our hard-earned money in their electioneering.

Bato Bato Sa Langit... (Sn. 7)

Bato-bato Sa Langit... (Sn. 6)

Bato-bato Sa Langit... (Sn. 5)

Ang Wikang Filipino: Tugon Sa Sinulat ni J. Soriano

“Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda” – Tinatalakay ang totoong may-akda.

Mahigit dalawang linggo na ang nakakaraan ng sinulat ni James Soriano ang sanaysay na bumulabog, pinagmulan ng batikos at kuro-kuro sa blogosperyo. Bagamat kulang sa taktika at may kahambugan, ang kanyang obserbasyon ay may katotohanan. Ngunit batid na ng nakakarami ito bago pa man binu-o ang sanaysay. Ang hindi katanggap-tanggap, para sa akin, ay ang pahapyaw na konklusyon na ang Filipino at hindi wika ng madudunong.

Ang wikang tinutukoy ni Soriano ay hindi Filipino. Ito ay mga idyomang galing sa salitang-kalye, lenguaheng-bakla, binastardong Inglis at iba pang salitang lingid sa akin ang katuturan. Sinanib sa wikang Tagalog na ginagamit sa Kamaynilaan at karatig-lugar nito. Maaaring maituturing na dyalekto ng wikang Tagalog. Mababaw at hindi lubos kung gagawing batayan sa pag husgang ang Filipino ay wika ng walang pinag-aralan.

Totoong karamihan sa wikang Filipino ay galing sa salitang Tagalog. Ngunit kung susuriing mabuti, taglay din nito ang mga katagang hango sa wikang Ilokano, Bicol, Hiligaynon, Cebuano at iba pang pangunahing wika ng Pilipinas. Nakakapag-angkop ang isa sa mga katangian nito. Kapag ang kataga o terminolohiyang banyaga ay walang katumbas sa ating salita, kinukupkop at ginagawang Filipino sa pamamagitan ng pag-iba ng pag baybay katulad ng “police” (pulis), “taxi” (taksi) o “ballpen” (bolpen). Hindi lamang tayo ang may wikang “nang-aangkin” ng banyagang salita. Ang pinapangalandakan ni Soriano na wikang Inglis ay tigib nito. Halimbawa ay “etcetera” na pinulot sa Latin, “sofa” na galing sa Pranses na hinugot naman sa “suffa” ng wikang Arabik at “thermodynamics” na hinango sa wikang Grego. Sapagkat mabilis ang komunikasyon at pag bago ng teknolohiya sa kasalukuyang panahon, walang pangunahing wika na maituturing na dalisay.

Dahil sa madaling makibagay ang wikang Filipino, kung taimtimin, kayang ihayag nito ang ano mang dokumento, pangtala man o pang-ulat, sa mundo ng kalakal, edukasyon at alin mang sektor na nagbibigay-buhay sa ating lipunan. Ang nakakalungkot, wikang Inglis pa rin ang nangingibabaw at mas pinapahalagahan. Sa pag puna, merong dalawang kadahilanan akong nakikita; ang Inglis ay madaling isulat at maunawaan.

Halimbawa, ang pangungusap na:

“Ang sinaysay na ito ay nakaka-tamad at nakaka-antok basahin.”

Pag isinalin sa wikang Inglis ay:

“This essay is a boring read.”

Dito makikita kung alin sa dalawang wika ang madaling isulat.

Hindi sa may kakulangan ang wikang Filipino kaya ito’y hindi bantog. Bagkos, ang pagkukulang ay nasa Pilipinong manunulat at mambabasa, propesyonal man o mag-aaral. Dahil karamihan sa atin, lalo na sa hilagang Luzon, Kabisayaan at Timog-Pilipinas, ang inang-wika ay hindi Filipino.

“Aklanon” at “Hiligaynon” ang kinagisnan kong mga wika. Kaya sa pag-aaral ng Filipino, ang karamihan sa mga kataga’y bago sa pandinig. Mahirap isa-ulo lalo pa’t nakakalito ang mga termino ng balarila na karamihan ay nagsisimula sa pantig na “pang” (pangngalan, panghalip, pangdiwa atbp). Ang kulang sa interes at hindi pag pansin sa wikang ito ay nadama ng ako’y tumuntong ng kolehiyo at nag-aral sa Maynila. Biro at kutya ang kadalasang napapala dahil sa maling bigkas, hindi wastong balarila at kakaibang punto. Ngunit ito’y hindi naging balakid, bagkos ginawang pamukaw-sigla. Naging masigasig, pinag-aralan ang puno’t dulo at pinamukha sa umaangking “ito ang kanilang salita” ng mag kaalaman kung sino ang mas bihasa.

Hindi man tayo sanay sumulat o bumasa sa ating naturingang Pambansang Wika, hindi nangangahulugang tayo’y hindi Pilipino o makabayan. Ang mga walang-hiya ay yaong nanglalait at yumuyurak sa mga bagay na pinapahalagahan ng bayang kumopkop sa kanila.

Ang Filipino ay hindi salita ng walang pinag-aralan. Ang katotohanan ay ang kabaliktaran. Ang laitin ng  pahapyaw ang isang wika na walang kongkretong basihan ay tanda ng kakulangan sa kaalaman nito. Si Soriano ay mangmang sa wikang Filipino.

Our “Distorted” History

The very ink with which history is written is merely fluid prejudice – Mark Twain

Last week my daughter took her 2nd Grading exam prior to their ten days Ramadan vacation. She did very well. But as usual the ever “unsatisfied” mother lamented she made one mistake in her Social Studies subject on the question -

Who is our National Hero?
a: Jose Rizal
b: Andres Bonifacio
c: Emilio Aguinaldo

Bea wrote down “b”. Perhaps na malik-mata lang, because when I asked her the same question she answered “Jose Rizal”. But then again, is it really Rizal? Ask any soldier in the Philippine Armed Forces and they’ll tell you Andres Bonifacio is their National Hero. In fact, we are the only country in Southeast Asia who championed a pacifist/conformist as our number 1 “idol”.

Rizal didn’t want a revolution. He does not want an independent Philippines. On the contrary, he prefers the role of a loyal vassal. What he want was a “voice” in the halls of power; an “Indio” representative in the Spanish court. In other words, his okay that we remain a subject of Spain as long as we have an envoy wailing our grievances in front of the king.

We didn’t choose Rizal as our National Hero. He was picked by our American colonial masters because he served their purpose. They favor a “docile” personality for Filipinos to look up to rather than a bolo-wielding “war-freak” the like of Bonifacio. To make him looked more appealing to the populace, so called “Filipino historians” buttered his character to create an aura of an “extra-ordinary” person.

Elementary history books told us his father was a farmer, a profession which connotes a humble beginning. But even then, one can’t afford to send his son to any exclusive schools in Manila and Europe if one was just an ordinary farmer. One can’t afford to support his son’s “bohemian” lifestyle in the Old World if one was just a mere land tiller. Even the prefix “Dr” is false. Oh yes, his more than capable to operate on his mother’s receding eyesight. But he didn’t finish his medical study nor took a medical licensure examination. Thus, technically, his not allowed to use the title "Doctor". Words like “poor”, “intellectual”, “patriot”, for me, aptly described more a man named Apolinario Mabini; a man who through sheer hard work, over-came poverty, educated and became a noted “illustrado” of his time.

Just recently, questions pop-upped on the authorship of the poem “Sa Aking Mga Kababata”. History detectives like Ambet Ocampo asked, “Where’s the original document of the said poem”? The oldest “copy” in archive was dated during the American colonial era. I simply ask, how on earth a man who felt more at home talking “Si, Senor” and wrote his master pieces in Spanish also wrote “Ang hindi magmahal sa kanyang salita mahigit sa hayop at malansang isda”.

I’m not instigating “Rizal-bashing” here neither do I judge the man by his “lingua franca”. I admire him for his personal achievements and I believed his love for his motherland was unquestionable. What I’m trying to emphasize is history should be transparent and not twisted or supplanted for the benefit of some power-that-be or because the truth is too ugly to accept. We should tell it as it is and let future generations be the judge of the action of their forefathers.

By the way, who do you think killed Magellan? There is no known document supporting the claim Lapu-lapu did it. What they have was written eye-witness account of two Spaniards. If we are to believe Pigafetta, then Ferdie was a victim of “mob-lynching”. Kuyog ang ikinamatay nya!

Bato-bato Sa Langit... (Sn 4)

State Of the Nation

Because of the recent State of the Nation Address by our president and her "lamyerda" in New York, I can’t help but show this to you, the real state of the nation.

Thanks to J.N. for sharing this to me.

Bato Bato Sa Langit... (SN 2)

Diogenes and His Lamp

I am afraid we must make the world honest before we can honestly say to our children that honesty is the best policy. - George Bernard Shaw

Crisis? What crisis?

O, you see. Walang shortage no! Mahal nga lang!

Bubukol Yan!

Letting out steam is good for your health. Here’s how I redirect my anger and frustrations.