Torture: Just a story

While reading this post, I can't help but be reminded of advocacy journalism back in college.The more serious issue here is the 'faith' and judgment emanating from the journalists and their editors in what story is worth reporting, or in the process, distinguishing and eliminating stories for printing. This a question of orientation and persuasion, especially among mainstream press. For individual journalists, I think this challenge calls for appropriate response.
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by Carlos Conde*

Five years ago, I wrote a story about a Muslim teenager who was imprisoned in General Santos City for allegedly being a terrorist. The boy showed signs – bruises, mainly – that he was tortured by whoever captured him.

Today, I can’t even recall the name of the teenager. I do remember this, however: I never bothered to check back to see what had happened to him.

He was, after all, just a story.

Across newsrooms in the Philippines, most journalists probably have the same mindset about their subjects. Just a story. Early on, we were taught by our superiors in the business that we should just report, that we do not advocate anything. Don’t get too close with the subject or it will compromise your objectivity.

Unfortunately, it would seem that, in the Philippines, reporting on human rights and torture can be easily equated with advocacy. Which is to say that, often, journalists who dare to write about human rights in ways different from what the mainstream press often does – that is, failure to provide context, among others – are easily pigeonholed as leftists or leftist sympathizers. We’ve heard of tales by our colleagues being ostracized in their beats and being ignored by their sources for their reportage on human rights. Sad, but true. More.

* Mr Conde is a journalist based in Manila. He is correspondent for The New York Times and International Herald Tribune. This is posted in Eye on Ethics page of the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) http://www.eyeonethics.org/2008/06/27/torture-just-a-story/.

Breaking Ironies

Who could forget the fertilizer fund scam and Jocjoc Bolante?

While there has seemed to be a prevailing culture of amnesia and numbness around, Filipinos can't afford to forget the sins of Jocjoc Bolante. Its humble beginnings can be traced four years ago prior to the 2004 Presidential Elections, when GMA ordered the release of some P728 million of public funds to finance the distribution of fertilizers to aid farmers.

Timely as the need of farmers, that it also coincides with the campaign season. And GMA having the supposed authority over the program, channeled the funds through the Dept of Agriculture, under then, USEC Jocelyn Bolante. Complaints and probes later found out that there are indications that the fertilizer money have been diverted to the campaign funds of GMA herself, a factor which was seen to have boosted her campaign.

Malacanang then, obviously denied of any hand into the case, and put on the brunt to the then beleaguered Bolante. Afraid of prosecution pending Congressional probes and heightened public clout for transparency and accountability into the case, that Jocjoc (who was also then a top officer of Rotary Club in the counrty) left the country for the United States. Following the Senate investigation report finding Bolante as mastermind to the case, the US Embassy cancelled his visa, in which he lodged a legal challenge in the US.

After all options and alternatives were exhausted, Atty. Harry Roque, the persistent UP Law professor who sought after Bolante's prosecution, reported another blow in Bolante's application for asylum just last week, when the US Board of Immigration denied his appeal. Now, he has only one option of evading justice in the Philippines, that is a favorable decision from the US Federal Court, or ultimately, a failed extradition request by Philippine Authorities.

But DOJ Sec. Raul Gonzales, then silent on the issue, now expressed desperation in Bolante's case saying that he will be deported eventually. While for the Senate, the recent development signals another wave of struggle for accountability.

Much to the dismay of some lawmakers, Agriculture Committee Chair Sen. Angara is fed up to any further probes saying their investigations were completed already. On the other hand, the Blue-Ribbon Committee of Sen. Allan Cayetano expressed interest into another round of investigations, and ensuring the presence of Bolante in the Senate.

Meanwhile, the Ombudsman was reported to have found probable cause of pursuing corruption charges against Bolante, based on their investigation revealed just this week, which critics described as a 'show off' considering the 4 years elapsed time.

Ultimately,in the event Bolante would find himself back home sooner, and with some divine intervention he would speak out, many heads would surely roll up to the Palace. That if Bolante would still live by the Rotary's principle of "Is it the Truth?" and "Is it good for all?". But as a matter of anticipation, opposition lawmakers are looking closely at GMA's reaction, given her direct involvement as beneficiary of the funds.

Ironically though, at the height of this development comes GMA showcasing of another multi-million fertilizer subsidy program. Not to mention the P2 billion electricity subsidy and another 1 billion for education subsidy. To note, we are only a little less than two years before the 2010 elections.

More to this reservation of GMA's programs, which in the past is hounded and proven to have been the subject of corruption activities directly and indirectly involving her, is the anticipation and prevention of another wave of 'blatant theft of people's money', indicative of concernand lessons learned by a few lawmakers and advocates against corruption. In some terms, this is a slap in the face of ordinary farmers who are continuously lured into believing that GMA's reactionary government is of help to them by fronting more funds in there sector.

This development is but another opportunity to be conscious of our society and the evils that surrounds it, induced primarily by government itself. We must therefore remain mindful and closely watch the directions of this case. We can't afford any more to lose so much of peoples money for the gains of crocs, personified by Jocjoc Bolante. Otherwise, we might just woke up one day in 2010, having a Jocjoc Jr. in our midst. It's high time to break the ironies in this government.

FLAGdown Rate

May 28, the country (with special mention to the province of Cavite) celebrated the National Flag Day. Purposely, statutes, like the National Flag Law, were enacted to serve the proper disposal of such a supposedly valued symbol, and once and for all, enshrine identity to the Philippine flag.

However, more than a century later, the evolutionary symbol of the country's independence is in the midst of serving a rather literal symbol than the value it originally repesents.

As a matter of refreshing our memories, each part of the Philippine flag has a specific meaning as follows: The blue field stands for common unity and the noble desires of the Filipino people. The white triangle with equal sides of the flag is symbolic of equality among men. The white field stands for purity. The sun stands for the gigantic strides that have been made by the Sons of the land on the road to progress and civilization. The eight rays of the sun in the triangle represent the first eight united provinces that revolted for independence - Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac. The three stars in the triangle stand for the three major geographical divisions of the country which are Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The red field symbolizes the eagerness of the Filipino people to shed blood in defense for their country.

Ironically, it seems that the ordinary Filipino rates this symbol as nothing but a piece of cloth, and only makes sense during this season. While the glorious symbol of the flag are usually gratified when Manny Pacquiao makes this sort of towel after making it through its bouts, or the Mt. Everest expedition, and as OFW puts it, a reminder of who they are.

At my age and as taught in school, i BELIEVE that the last of the honest-to-goodness displays of flag was more than a century ago in Cavite and probably during the subsequent and culminating resistance. Definitely, not during the bogus independence supposedly given by the United States in 1946, when the Philippine has to rise above the pole, while the US flag retreats, BUT, their grip over the country became a perpetual affair.

This culture of negligence against the flag entails something of a subculture-- of helplessness and neglect from government itself. Some basic rationale proposes that no amount of patriotism and nationalism could assimilate hunger and poverty. So goes with a kingdom or corrupted government, which cannot inspire a hundred soldiers and servants. When worst crimes are committed by the day, the flag is no less remains hopeful of utmost respect. In fact, I can't even remember of any single case of violation of the Flag Law.

But culture, like wisdom comes with age. I remain hopeful that someday in the near future, Filipinos would eventually take pride of treating the flag with so much aesthetics on it. This time, with a new flag, of a duly constituted government of, for, and by the people.

Emancipation

At 2:35 pm today, I've made a self serving feat of expression. Although it never went fully as planned, it goes without saying that I'm at bliss as of this writing. It surmounts the idea of equal satisfaction as it pounded a big sigh of relief from days of uncertainties. I'm not used with gestures of affection and the likes. I'd rather say things unblatantly than making it appear as if accomplishing something out of dictate. If I am to do it, I'd make it sure, it is kindled by that fiery feeling of say admiration. In this case, it was more than that.

Its been sometime since the last feeling was gone, at least a year after I entered the university. I couldn't imagine the futility inside me than waiting under a tree waiting for the fruit to fall. And here comes another unassuming subject of affection, but not really the previous feeling at all, hence, it went absurdly lost like a raging bull. But in all honesty, I've been very unfair to still hold to her without sense of affirmations whatsoever. But I decided to settle on a plain of intimate friendship. And it ends there.

I counted months thereafter before you arrived in this fountain of misery. I should describe it that way and at no cost. After all, the providence of aches and pains mean nothing to anyone other than myself. Unknowingly, it came to me as a surprise. I was limited of the view that it would came to pass. But pristine as it came, the feeling was nurtured in naturality to where it is now. And for two years now, the feeling remains. Nothing has changed. The only pitfall being, I don't know if she has changed. That continuously lingers on my imagination.

I learned she has been to much of personal struggles lately. But she remains the smarter fighter. By her looks, you can't find any traces of irregularities. But her eyes reflects it all. That I see to it to look straight into it and drain all the joys and pains altogether in my mind. It's nearly a month since I last saw that windows of her soul. As much, I've always wanted to have her around, but the two years of futility persistently fades that possibility. It came to my psyche that I should relinquish this mania for probabilities and certainties. On the other hand, I am already adapted to it. Whichever comes first, I'd be okay with that.

If she is the future, I could settle for that. If she really is not bound, then I'd gratefully accept that. My only consolation is having explored the possibility of sparing a part of me for quiet some time. I have lived through these times, and I said earlier, it'll remain. That I have onced loved, and that would lingers on me forever. At least at this point in time, I paved a way for emancipation.The path being, if time allows, a commencement of an end.

Couldn't wish you more than bliss.

One step higher, closer ...

After several months of painstaking advocacy work, the PCARRD-DOST led efforts in pushing for the enactment of House Bill 3270 or the technology Transfer Act of 2008 initially paid off following the finalization of its revised and refined version before the House Committee on Science and Technology yesterday. Present were Reps. Abaya (1st Dist., Cavite) and Piamonte (A-Teacher Partylist) who are Chair and Vice-Chair respectively, Atty. Eugene Perez of IPO Phil, Atty. Celia Villanueva, DOST Consultant, USEC de la Pena and ASEC Yorobe (DOST), DOST and PCARRD personnel, Atty Gumpal of DA-BAR, Dr. Garcia of BIOTECH-UPLB, and Dr. Ramos of Intitute of Physics-UP Diliman. It is expected to be presented to the S&T Committe on May 20 for its 2nd Reading and approval of the Committee. Proponents are in high hopes that the House version will push smoothly, and are working hard to do the same in the Senate.

Advocating Technology Transfer

This is one my first writeups in PCARRD. With nothing to really highlight these times, I suppose I'm kind enough to share the inputs I made in promoting this proposed legislation.
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PCARRD advocates technology transfer

Cognizant of the need for a strengthened and institutionalized technology transfer policy framework, PCARRD is currently at the forefront in the inter-agency and multi-sectoral advocacy for the enactment of the Technology Transfer Bill pending before the Committee on Science and Technology at the House of Representatives and the Committee on Trade and Commerce at the Senate, respectively.

House Bill (HB) 3270, otherwise known as “An Act Providing the Framework and Support System for the Ownership, Management, Use, and Commercialization of Intellectual Property Rights Derived from R&D Funded by Government” or the Technology Transfer Act of 2008 was conceived to bring in more technologies accessible to end-users through a clear and sound policy legislation on technology transfer and adoption, especially those derived from government-funded research and development initiatives. Proponents of the proposed bill are Rep. Joseph Emilio Abaya and Sen. Edgardo Angara, Chairmen of the S&T Committees in both Houses.

This policy advocacy initiative of DOST cropped up in 2006 upon request of Sec. Estrella F. Alabastro for the drafting of a technology transfer policy framework that would serve as basis of policy makers in formulating a technology transfer policy and would resemble that of the Bayh Dole Act in the US. This further recognizes that efficiency in the area of technology transfer has now become a benchmark in scaling the technological readiness and competitiveness of countries, in line of the tremendous global innovation efforts.

In the Philippines, however, an apparent scenario in our innovation system has shown weakness in the process of transferring and commercializing these innovations across clients and intended audiences. Moreover, the country also has yet to reach a status of technological readiness and innovative capacity relative to its neighbors.

This is evident in the recent Global Competitiveness Report (2006-2007) showing the country places 71^st among 125 countries in terms of technological readiness and ability to adopt technologies from different sources. Thus, it hinders utilization of research and development (R&D) results to its full potential, notwithstanding the fact that key activities of this kind emanate from government institutions. A favorable atmosphere along policy lines would then be instrumental to averting this gap.

HB 3270 primarily provides for a national backbone and framework that would push technology generation and application to its maximum potential through efficient and coordinated transfer capability around the country and provide for opportunities and regulation thereof. The proposed bill likewise aims to promote commercialization of intellectual property rights resulting from R&D across sectors. It underscores the relative advantage of technology transfer as a driving force for innovation competitiveness in the region.

The enactment of this proposed bill into law would ultimately pave the way for increased revenue generation and benefits on R&D institutions; maximize researches, which otherwise remain unexploited, to generate jobs; avail of more research collaborations between private and public sectors; and secure added quality and reputation to the institution.

Early on, nationwide multi-sectoral consultations on the proposed bill have been conducted to consider inputs from local counterparts. Concerned government agencies were also conferred to scrutinize the bill. Alongside, a massive information, education, and education campaign and media publicity was carried out to ensure broad awareness and support.

Since its formal filing in Congress late last year, the proposed bill has already gone a long way. A series of public hearings and inquiries into the bill have been done at the House Committee level where Rep. Abaya also seats as Chairman. In the last three months, marathon workshops of the Technical Working Group (TWG) organized by the House Committee on S&T were held to discuss the refinements of HB 3270 until its finalization last May 15, 2008.

Although the Senate version (Senate Bill 1721) introduced by Sen. Angara has not moved significantly, PCARRD and its advocacy partners are looking forward for its eventual ratification in the Upper Chamber. In fact, a Legislative Forum on Technology Transfer is being scheduled at the Senate this coming June.

The proposed legislation is also jointly endorsed by the Departments of Science and Technology, Agriculture, Environment and Natural Resources, Health, Trade and Industry, and the Interior and Local Government, Commission on Higher Education, National Commission on Indigenous People, the University of the Philippines, and the Intellectual Property Office Philippines.

Bahid ng Hinayang

--Pilit ko mang ilibing sa puntod ng aking isipan ang sigwang dulot ng pusong humihikab ng diwang pag-ibig, sa muli't muli'y patuloy itong sumisikad sa pag-asang mapapawalan ng isipang pilit sumasamyo sa diwang gising--

Sa kalamigan ng paligid ng Cordillera aking napagtanto ang pasyang pilit kong iniiwasan. Sa tinatagal-tagal ng panahon na bumilang ng halos tatlong taong pagtitimpi sa damdaming gising. At ngayon ay mananahan na sa kasaysayan ng isipang patuloy na kumukompas sa tunguhin ng pag-ibig. Huli na ito, ayoko ko nang maramdam muli ang ganitong damdamin. Hindi kanino man kundi para sa isang kaluluwang nagbigay sa akin ng pasakit, mga pag-aalala at sang butil ng luha, ngunit nagdudlot naman ng ibayong kaligayang walang pagsidlan.
Ang luhang ibinuhis sa ngalan ng tapat na damdaming pilit itinitimpi ay katumbas ng sanlaksang pangakong dapat sana'y aking nabitawan sa mga sandaling tayo'y hawak kamay sa dako roon. Ang kabang maya't maya'y bumabalot sa saplot ng aking kutis sa tuwing ika'y nasisilayan ay nagbabadya ng tensyong manindigan sa alay na pag-ibig, at lampasan ang mga hamon sa gitna ng kawalan. At higit sa lahat ang hapdi ng kirot ng karamdamang hindi mo nadadama san mang dako ng iyong pisikal na katawan ngunit tagos hanggang buto ang hirap at sakit. Maaring ito'y kalabisan ng sitwasyon sa konteksto ng realidad, ngunit ito ay pagtanto sa tamang daan na dapat sana ay tatahakin ng isang taong nabubuhay sa kaligayahan. Ano mang klase ng hirap at hinayang ang abutin ko, patuloy akong sasamyo at luluhod sa payo ng puso ko, sang ayon sa kalagayang taos ang hangarin ko sayo. Ngunit kahit ang busilak na kalagayang ito ay hindi nangangahulugang lulundo sa kaligayahan, ngunit mas pa ang sakit na dulot ng pag-ayaw at pagtalikod ng kaluluwang pinagukulan.
At sino ba ang dapat masisi? Ang pusong umaasa sa hinaharap o ang isipang mapagbigay at kumukuha ng sandaling tugma sa pagbulalas nga mga wikang pag-ibig. Kung sana lang ay nahinuha niya ito, kung sana'y nagbigay siya ng daan sa pagpapatawad at paumanhin at kung sana'y di na siya nagpakita ng kagandahan at kabaitan, di sana'y naibuhos ko na ang damdaming ito sa ibang katauhan; di sana'y umusad na ang pusong bigo at puno ng hinayang; di sana'y napawi ko na sa ulirat ko ang ideyang ikaw ang nasa unahan ng aking isipan. Kung sana di tayo magkaibigan, di na dapat ako lalayo.

*Pilit kung ipinaparamdam ang damdaming gising, ngunit patuloy niyang pinapawi ito. Ramdam ko sa mga sandaling iyon ang di kasiguruhan sa puso niya, at may pilit humihimpil dito. SA huli ko malalamang, katulad ng luhang aking ibinuhos, sanlaksang luha din ang kanyang sinayang sa kaluluwang ligaw na patuloy gumagambala sa puso niya. Ang malinaw, hindi ako yon. Panghihinayang ang namamayani sa akin ngayon. At ito'y lalatak sa aking landas magpakailan man.

A Literal FEETish

Feetishness, literally. .
Hindi ko alam kung papanong nagkaroon ako ng pagkahumaling sa parte ng paa. Nagsimula siya ng maglitrato ako ng aking paa in sepia, at kung merong kung anong pagkagusto ko sa paa simula noon. Kaya't regular ng subject ng mga kuha ko ang mga paa, lalo na ang paa ko. Maaring may dahilan ang pagkahumaling na io, marahil ito ay nauugat sa teoryang siko-analisis ni Freud, na tumutukoy sa mga kasanayang may direktang kinalaman sa mga gawi mo noong musmos ka pa lang. Ano kaya ang ibig-sabihin nito sa buhay ko? Verum est, totoo ba ito?

"I’d rather eat rice than drink oil": Rethinking the Bio-Fuels Act

Over the news, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon has called on the suspension of the Bio-Fuels Act (BFA) of 2007 as a preemptive measure to put a halt to massive land conversion to the detriment of rice farming. Enacted in January last year, this brainchild legislation of then Rep. Miguel Zubiri (Bukidnon) now senator was applauded and it's even at the forefront of his campaign en route to the upper chamber. Although doubts and counter-arguments against the Act have mushroomed following its eventual ratification, it was only recently that serious calls for its abolition, or at least suspension were ejaculated from various persuasions due to the rice shortage phenomenon.

If we may recall, early last year, Zubiri and Sen. Miriam Santiago has come in bad terms following uncalled remarks from the latter regarding the inviability and unpromising venture into bio-fuels. Later on, several experts in agriculture published a critic on the Act citing inefficiency and implications to food security and the environment. However, Zubiri dismissed these as mere persuaded opinions, and there were even accusations pointing to oil companies as behind the campaign. I am fortunate enough to have known one of those courageous subject matter experts who come into open to reveal his side of truth , based on research and scientific projections.

Dr. Teodoro Mendoza, scientist and professor at the College of Agriculture, UP Los Banos decried earlier claims by BFA proponents on the promises of the program. He also cited recommendations in addressing the loopholes in the law and or in the program. And from what I remembered, at the height of its deliberations and debates in Congress, Sir Ted had been discussing to us (under AGRI 121, Ecological Agriculture) his position and due alternatives to the supposed fuel efficiency agenda behind the Act. But then, given the promises of Bio-Fuels, lawmakers submitted to it. The same lawmakers, even GMA (applauded the legislation and I think certified it as urgent), who now calls on stopping land conversion activities all over the country.

As second thought, indeed, sometimes, we get to see only the promising side of things, like the projected benefits of bio-fuels. We, or at least some Filipinos are attuned to reactionary terms of affirming policy perspectives like energy security and efficency, and bypassing its eventual implications to other industries or even to nature. We consider immediacy over domino effect-laden venture like propagation of bio-fuels producing cash crops such as Oil Palm and Jatropha. For one, we have partly 'mis'-inspired the success of bio-fuels in Brazil and in other Latin American countries cum largest producers of ethanol and other bio-fuels since these countries are literally large in terms of land area. Brazil for instance (the 5th largest? country in land area), has to clear thousands of acres within or adjacent to the Amazon forests to give way to bio-fuels production. Besides,they aren't largely dependent on single crop like rice, as staple food.

Still, given the triumph of Brazil on bio-fuels, this only fueled another apparent environmental crisis in the country pertaining to the massive clearing of lands, that even recent official reports from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has warned of uncertainties in bio-fuels production in that region. This is apart from projections on the effect on climate change, since propagation of bio-fuel crops takes in high quantity inputs (fertilizers, pesticides,etc.).

Now, as the Philippines is confronted by a policy-driven perennial rice crisis, it is imperative and just high time to again assert that above all, Filipinos need food security, second is energy security if that's the wish of others. Sen. Biazon is right to coin, "I’d rather eat rice than drink oil". And from a retired general at that, this is a slap on the face of agriculture-proponents in congress. To recall, they are the one's who co-sponsored and co-authored the Bill, and aggressively campaigned for its passage. And in the midst of a food security disorientation, these same officials enjoin the call to halt land conversion, to increase rice production, and run after hoarders and cartel players.

At the end of the day, rice is inexcusably far from mixing with oil, just like water. The principle behind being, the rice floats in oil,and when you fire on the oil, it wouldn't cook the rice,as we it it, rather, it burns it. While we explore on sustainability and security of energy, we should never lose sight of our priorities. Not at the cost of misleading the hopes of the Filipinos for a far-from-reach benefits, while laying dead waiting.

Related Story: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=115216

Pagpit-os Sang Alimpatakan

Sang akon paglantaw, ara siya; (At first glance, she ws there)
Sunod ko nga pag-lili, wala na. (On my next view, she was gone)
Ginpangita ko, baw, ato gali sa pihak; (I looked for her, and found nearby)
May upod na nga iban. (With someone else)
Gakaptanay pa sing kamot; (Holding hands)
Masulub-on ako. (I'm melancholic)

Church and cause-oriented groups in Southern Tagalog hold caravan against corruption, joins Inter-Faith Prayer Rally in Makati despite harassments

United under the regional broad alliance STOP NA!, various sectors across Southern Tagalog composed of lawyers, students, urban poor, church and other cause-oriented groups, including railway-dwellers and victims of demolition brought about by the $932 million Southrail Project held a Caravan for Truth, Justice and Accountability en route to the Inter-faith rally in Makati City last February 29.

STOP NA (Southern Tagalog Organization and People’s Network Against Corruption, Poverty and Attack on People’s Rights) is a regional broad alliance conceived last February 25 by organizations and individuals against corruption.

Some 20-30 vehicles from different provinces in the region hit the road in the symbolic event, which commenced in Crossing, Calamba City at around 8AM and pushed through to Makati City later in the afternoon inspite harassments by PNP personnel.

Early on, the group staged a prayer vigil for truth and justice, attended by around 200 protestors from various parts of Southern Tagalog in Crossing, Calamba City last February 28, alongside the simultaneous protest actions in Lucena City, UP Los Banos and Pacita Complex. It also served as the converging point of the group before pushing to Makati.

According to Pastor Joel Tendero, spokesperson of STOP NA!, that the caravan is a way of showing solidarity with other sectors who advocates fighting corruption and in support of star witness Jun Lozada.

“We need to show to the Arroyo government that people from the province are even more against corrupt officials than in Manila, especially that many poor families reside in the provinces due to rampant corruption and the rotten system of government”, he said.

Arman Albarillo, secretary-general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Tagalog (BAYAN-ST) meanwhile insisted that Arroyo should vacate her post considering her abuses against the people.

”The Arroyo government deserves no more chance. If people afforded to set aside the 2004 Election scandal and other unsolved corruption cases like the Fertilizer Fund scam, then the ZTE-NBN Deal will not spear her as people find more basis to demand her ouster”, he added.

Bani Cambronero, convenor of STOP NA! cited a blatant case of corruption under the Southrail Project where around 20, 000 families along the railways will soon be displaced.

“This anomalous project is one of the many projects where the First Family had made their share of wealth. In fact, the government has targeted a complete demolition within the year to facilitate their kickbacks”, he added.

On their way to Makati however, operatives from the Calamba City Philippine National Police, Traffic Management Group (TMG), including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams blocked their entry along National Highway in Brgy. San Cristobal, Calamba City at around 9AM. At least four police cars occupied the road allowing a total blockade of the national road preventing ordinary commuters to pass the area. Police cited conflicting reasons for blocking the group, claiming traffic violation, standard procedure for a red alert status, and security concerns.

The stand-off lasted for almost 5 hours before the group receded and find a route off to Makati. The harassment continued along the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) where another TMG personnel attempted to stop and chase the group but the protesters managed to evade them.

The group later arrived in Makati at around 5PM and joined the 80, 000 crowd calling for Arroyo’s ouster.

Meanwhile, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN) in a statement condemned the coordinated harassments and sought legal action against the PNP. Rally organizers also plans file similar charges before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: Review

-For years, I had fought against my heart, because I was afraid of sadness, suffering, and abandonment. But now I knew that true love was above all that and that it would be better to die than to fail to love.- Pilar, Na margem do rio Piedra eu sentei e chorei


Paulo Coelho’s By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept (originally, Na margem do rio Piedra eu sentei e chorei: 1994) risens up spirits. He was able to elaborate love in such a unique fashion, capitalizing on its dichotomy; a dog versus cat duel of divine and mundane passion for love. Pilar, in her relative innocence conquered the truest essence of the feeling by portraying an array of emotions. Indeed, this humanistic view towards love, which attempted to cross over the spiritual dimension, allows us to put our own encounters, and justify if not fit the brunt we bear in our hearts. The concept of love here transcends the dragging move of love’s well and end’s well genre, as it culminated in a do or die set up, where the subject must seek one, if not himself.

*all time best.

BULOKratic Patronage

In a yet another showcase of unprecendented "pakapalan" blues and blatant display of nepotism, i can now conclude, firsthandly, that bureacratic patronage has really incurred our local governments (LGUs).One such case is seemingly a hard one, at least on my part. I've always been proud of our city, to include our officials in the local government and their programs. However, at one point, I convey my disapointment over the injustice they have done to someone close to me, in conivance with whoever in position and in what ends. Personal interests and prejudices triumph over logic and fairness for so many but one dignified case and post recently vacated by the same person Im pointing the accountability on this. Its a trash and trash in scenario as he assumed a post in the City Council. Judge me for my preconceived bias but I simply cant comprehend the persistence of some individuals in the City Council to favor another applicant, an alien I would say for the post when there are many others who rose in their ranks and served the city for quiet sometime. Circumstances further affirmed my doubts on an ongoing operation for whichever hidden agenda they'd like to achieve.And now Im certain of that. With only a slim difference from a previous evaluation, the duly assigned body recommended the 'alien' for the position. But good enough, there are men who stood by this basic principle of fairness and local resource development and question the status quo as regards the selection process. Alongside, the presence of media personality during Council sessions has intimidated the 'patrons' to finish off their preconceived end. Deadlock is now in effect. I am yet to receive developments on this. In reflection however, I am now intuned into the reality of an existing BULOKracy and other shenanigans in government, even in a city that promotes, primarily Character. I dont know what would transpire next, my only consolation so far is knowing that my father is still holding on to his work. Hello, Mayor!
"The only way for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing"

Clueless at 21

It has been several days or weeks ago, I turnedtwenty-one. In our culture, this age entails so much--of responsibility and the mischief of machismo. Fromoutside my circle, twenty-one year old men came tomany as a fully independent person, along with thequalities of being fresh from the academe, potent,viable and bound to conquer the future. While stillfrom other realities, being of this age is nothing butadded burden to being the bread-winner, besides astagnant social life and bounded by family pressures.

Whichever is destined for me, this is how I seethis dichotomy of time. And while others see it as anopportunity, I am threatened by the uncertainty of notfulfilling the expectations of people around me ifever I take either of the options.

This far, I may resemble the former, simplybecause graduation is in my reach, and that I amvibrant and excited to discover the ‘real’ world,whatever it is. Sometimes, I am envious of thosebachelors in the society pages of dailies for theamenities and opportunities of life. On the otherhand, the responsibility that goes with it isrelatively overwhelming and that also pressures me.Unconsciously for some, being of the age doesn’treally make a deal, or worst, it’s a non-sense. Andregardless of values, this I believe depicts somereality.

Before, I’ve been very excited on what it feelslike in this time of our life. But the reality of itremains in the feelings and one’s disposition. It isin the value that you put on things that makes itprecious. Otherwise, it is nothing.

Personal pressures push me to pursue on myendeavors which will told of my future. Along side, isgearing my loved-ones and departing to economicstability. Of course, I don’t want to be called of asuseless and wasted. In the same way and early on, Idon’t want to be accused of being selfish. In fact,engaging in relationship isn’t really on my prioritylist, much more with settling down at an early age. Shallow as it may seem, the perception that Ihave do not reflect that of the many in my age mainlydue to variations in priorities and values. I can onlyclaim and assert that this is how to be twenty-one, asI want to see it. But still, culture tells of thereality of a responsible, mature and wise person thatshould walk along with you.

Then again, my vantage point is where I amstepping now, who I am with and with what I have.While I considered both the successful and responsibletwenty-one men, I can sense that there’s stillsomething up for me out there.

At 21, I am not yet convinced that I’ve reachedthis far. I can’t even claim that I am mature enough.So while successes and responsibilities ahead are upfor the grab, they’re still too ideal. And while thischapter in my life entails more soul-searching, Istill remain clueless.

DREAMING OF HER

It was a fairly humid night when I settled, after a day’s busy ordeal. I have almost lost my ions, to which, my consciousness has been deferred immediately. Not long before that, my phone rang. ‘Twas an SMS. [Reading]. Sender:Yeisha.I should have shaken my head and convinced my self, it was her. No I’m not dreaming.
Not long ago, when we’ve meet. She’s from another school. A not so ordinary woman (actually lady), sensing her conversationalist tempo- intelligent but not mediocre I believe. Truly amiable, she rode on with my compliments and corny jokes during occasional chats.
A stereotype person at that, pretending to be some kind of a smart and demure gentleman (no, not easy to get either) my initial feelings boiled down to confusion. Can this be love? Or just simply a stimulation? It’s the latter. Who would not anyway?. Yeisha oozes with charm and sweetness my psyche could only describe it alone in no known measure. Standing by just an inch over my height with a define biometrics (almost perfect, except for that herd-milk logic), she’s a model figure.
It’s been in several instances when she exhausted her divine potentials. This time, she’s into competitions. Ironically, it’s called beauty tilt when in fact intelligence and articulation weighs more than talent or personality. In any ways, she managed to drew them all and bag the most coveted crowns.
Along with the joy of enjoinment, I’m pretty sad. She’s moving away. We don’t get to talk frequently as ever. She has to attend public functions and social eklavu. But no, I should keep this. I should stand by what my spirit dictates. Besides, this has been a win-lost (win then lost) situation for me.
Prior to these changes, I have all the time to initiate. Maybe a try. But then courage is not on my side. Although I made futile efforts. How exciting was that which I could only articulate. What is texting her with romantic quotes, sending cards and getting a glance of her “angelic face”which most of the time she would debunk me as “natutulala ka na naman”…Shit, “manhid ka”, I would console my self. On one hand, I’ve been asking my self, “bakit ka ba tameme, pwede namang….” Funny.
I’m not egocentric, but it was a barely a lapse of judgment that I never do it, when I could sense (remotely) that she has already intercepted my intention. Wild sensing would tell me that she has ‘something’ for me. Actually, a friend told me. She knows me, and with that, she kept her modesty. That is X-factor, and I’m bursting. Unfortunately though, I was by passed when I heard not later then that she has someone else. Well fine, what is to worry anyway, there are still many alike around. Enough of this crazy damn stuff. No hows, no whys, just forget, it’s more than to forgive.
I hoped it would come out as expected, but no, ‘twas a complete turn-around. Even though we parted ways literally given the schooling factor, for God sake I couldn’t still set-off my feelings of her. Now, can this be love or lust? Maybe the latter.
Before I left for school, she’s completely a different acquaintance now. She exudes with boldness and her physique is kept in detail and refinement- a must be for treasure hunter.
Acads…acads…acads…………………………acads
For some time, I made to forget in touch with her for obvious reasons. But I kept the faith of having her as a friend (bitter). For now, I try to enjoy the misery inside. How? I got to think of reliving my wants. Why spend off time for such a futile interest? Back to normal. I’ve got to drink and puff for life, and try to be the animalistic that I am.
It’s not for long, when I went back home. This time, a still smart but ragged leftist. Keeping the feelings inside, I can now look at her, eye for an eye, hold her hands like clinging on my sister’s. Once, she would be surprised to see me in an all-guy session and fervently, she would ask, “kelan pa”, and I would respond, “tagal na, dati..pero dahil sayo..”) [adlib].
Surprisingly, she had my number and would text me that we go out, maybe swimming. I wouldn’t reply.
Just recently, another friend updated me of her. She’s into two relationship this year, with a current one. I should know this for I see them in the web blog. How sweet are they, I could only imagine. It’s been sometime since our last conversation. And tonight, for reasons that He could only explain, I’m reading her text. It reads,.. if I would live life in another lifetime, I would like to spend it with you realizing that life wouldn’t be complete without the one you truly love (no quotes).
Cursed be this gadget if this is not meant. Cursed be these technologies that imitate bogus emotions. Cursed be this day-the saddest of days. And cursed be the person who sent this if she plays with deception.
Please, my divine creator let this be true. Let me see love for real, if it is. But as much as I want to leave this fantasy, only could tell. [Saving…]. Keypad locked. Yes, I’m not dreaming.
for:yeisha,6500 Earth.
Disclaimer: Any similarities, either of person's names, setting or circumstances are purely coincidence. This selection is derived from the writer's shallow imagination, and is therefore fictional.

[Could be true either].

My Advocacy

adapted from Edge

It was in our environmental science class last year did I learned of amazing facts and figures of the richness and vastness of Philippine biodiversity, described as a ”mega diversity”. I was really egoistic at first to realize those wonders, but to my dismay, I also came to know the gruesome state of our environment at present.
This dilemma gained me serious amount of concern and interest, though initially it was only a petty reaction, but nonetheless, I’ve already inculcated it in my cerebrum. Besides, there was that inclination and discernment that provoked me to act or impart something as regards to Mother Nature.
The succeeding months in the university were as conducive of information for me as I started attending seminars and fora especially on the environment. Even the net has no escape for I always find time browsing the pages of nature-friendly sites and NGO’s to be updated. At one occasion, an authority in the academe was speaking on “Re-thinking Sustainable Development” as topic. Towards the end, a question was raised on why there was a need to re-think. To my mind, it also posed a big question mark as it implied much on one’s intellectual preference and position. The speaker responded that inspite of the efforts from concerned entities; the government really has the take on the matter particularly in policy making and enforcement, and that we would always undergo rethinking if the government won’t opt to address such concern.
Given this scenario, one might ask on what the government is standing for, or are they simply shortsighted at that? While for most of us, are we that helpless that we can’t do some initiatives for her while taking part in the nation’s development. Though culturally, it’s a fact that many still submit to the premise of leadership by example, that without the leader acting, the members follow too. And if this is so, then I think we better find extra- territory somewhere else.
Meanwhile, it is saddening to note that for centuries now, many countries succumbed to the vagueness of development which is exclusively focused at economic progress. I’m neither a neo-traditionalist nor anti- development per se, as long as we drive sideways in two-way traffic. We all know that every economy capitalizes on natural resources, and so it is morally upright for development initiatives to meet halfway with environmental protection. Sustainable development that is! Others may contend that humans have the dominion over the physical environment and other life forms, allowing them to introduce modification and subsequently exploiting it. Still, it is no good precedent if we borrow something and not returning it back. Remember the legend of Maria Makiling!
As one song goes,” ’di na masama ang pag-unlad dahil malayo-layo na rin ang ating narating”. Yes, we might have moved a step higher, but how far Mother Earth can go? How long could she survive?
This is now the point of conflict, and the bottom line of these all lies in balancing of interest off our policy makers. This is not a chicken and egg dilemma on which comes first, rather a question of priorities on what not and what should be in government initiatives, and they must always secure a room for Mother Nature: that in development efforts, she will be treated considerately and fairly as one sustains the other . We might have a collection of laws devoted to the environment but delinquencies in the concerned agencies and weak enforcement allows minimal bite to trespassers.
And so I believe that there is really a need for redirection of the government’s environmental agenda through comprehensive implementation and monitoring, and doing so needs some amount of political will and commitment. While for us, the primary beneficiaries, responsible consumption and cleaner production isn’t really a hard task to do even in our own small ways.
This is my advocacy and I’m optimistic that in one way or another I could take part in securing the future of the next generation, now. I’m looking forward to minor in environmental science next semester and hopefully land on a job in the same sector three years from now.
*Turn Write.

Mixed Nuts

In times of despair, we always seemed to seek for someone to turn to, to talk to, and to spend time with. It may be God, an intimate friend, a brother, sister, parents, counselor…the likes..these are cliches of life, in problem. We call for a helping hand, to shower us with comfort, and strength and bring back to our original state. To a world of stability and balance, of our actions and plans in every day, and the days ahead. In doing so, we expect a breakthrough, a miracle for that matter to light upon us, and see for ourselves, for real that there’s always hope, in a ruthless, unfair, andn rotten world of ours. When I was a child, I used to cry for food from that cresent-shaped thing in the sky. Later, they taught that was the moon. As it resembles the shape of a local bread. Crazy, fooly kid I was then. Believing in such a fantasy of absolute impossibility. But what if, the moon could actually give us food, for any reason. Bruhaha, hard-headed bratt. I really never learned from those times. As much as I’ve want to be faithful with my childhood, I can afford no more. For this world is full of impositions. Overpouring with mundane motives. And trickery is prevalent. No doubt, there is really no absolute truth and constancy in this worl for the few.To the very least, I wanted to believe so (that the moon could [provide food for us), in the second life maybe. But again, that is false hope. Everytime we act in such a way that we appeal for pitty, our dignity seemed to depreciate- upon society’s dictate. But the irony is clear, the society itself allows us to act that way. This leads us to desperation. Nothing to run to, or even hide to and get rot. In either direction, we can’t really advance. But as a dictated hero of fun once pronounced, that “even the hole of a needle, he shall pass through it” . Although I seemed I am inconsistent, but let me apologize. Inconsistency, like truth is not absolute, albeit relative. There are times when you get to a situation where you have to hid the truth, incosistently telling a lie. Besides, I find it equally justified to be incosistent in a world of inconsistencies. Resorting to deviant acts entails enough strenght and courage. In law, we call them extra-constitutional moves. But one is clear, we do not either lean on the imperfections of the law of the land, much more to the law of nature. We only play with them. To be continued…

*reposted from in_my_solitude friendster blog