CH179: Reaction PDAF, Napoles and PH Politics

First off, I'd like to say that since I DONT work in the Philippines, I don't pay PH taxes. Second off, I don't remit money back to the PH. Thirdly, below are my commentaries on the news that has flooded the media regarding PH Politics and the corruption that it has unveiled. And fourth, I'm writing this down to chronicle my active interest in reading news pertaining to this 'change' that's happening within the Philippines and the political landscape it has.

Napoles
On the Napoles scam, as soon as the news hit the web and illustrations of Napoles' daughter came out living the life of luxury in the US, my initial reaction was, it's an effective method to hit home the point of the magnanimity of the scam. But, the afterthought I had was, what if the daughter was innocent and was unaware of the scheme(s) her parents did to obtain the ill gotten wealth? Doesn't that make us bullies preying on the naive/innocent(?). Do we crucify and stone the children for the sins of their parents?

My thought during the afterthought was: if I were Napoles' kid, would I have been inquisitive enough to get to the truth of my family's wealth? Or as a teen, would I have just lavished in it and care not for where the money was coming from, as long as they were coming in?

I can understand the popular sentiment of the Filipino people - being the most emotional people in the world - to ride on all the blogs, share the news, and really express their dismay, anger and frustration, that the money they were paying for as tax, was being siphoned out through bogus schemes. The truth will hopefully prevail. And I appreciate the grounds social media has enabled to rally people together.

The President, as I am now a believer, despite his stubbornness in pointing back to the previous administration of faults, will be good enough to oversee that whoever is at fault will be tried and judged accordingly. If he holds true to his campaign "the people are my boss", then he I believe, will make sure that's true.

PDAF
With the recent announcement of the reorganihzation on how the fund is allocated, I again saw more outrage that it's not immediately abolishing the scheme itself, but actually just re-branding. My thought on the matter is that, we (the people in my News Feed posting) are urban-centric. When we commented on the matter, did we think about the situation of the people in far flung areas who don't have roads or have less means to get proper education and schooling?

Yes, abolishing the pork will do a lot of good in eliminating political patronage and separating the executive from the legislative. But what about the good the pork has done? As was repeatedly mentioned before by the President, there are a lot of good the PDAF scheme provided - education, medical mission, road rehabilitation - provided of course it was by an honest congressman/senator (note: at the expense of political patronage to a degree). Do we just stop the ongoing benefits that it is providing to the poor?

The poor as I have noticed, does not have the voice or medium to be heard. Do we - the urban - respect their thoughts on the matter? They voted for the people (mostly incompetent - in my general perception - I might add) in power did they not?  Who speaks for them on social media?

I agree more with the gradual abolishment of the PDAF as Senator Miriam Santiago had suggested with the schemes as suggested by the President put in place. While it is gradually being abolished, the government can find a more effective means to institutionalize something that will be mandated to make proper use of the PDAF or whatever name it will be called by then - outside the hands of the legislative branches. The PDAF I believe, despite my anger and frustration with the way it was used and managed, is a good social equalizer - bringing to the poorest of the poor, the progress that we enjoy in the urban areas (assuming of course it was handled correctly)

PH Politics
Political patronage, feudalism, and political dynasties, etc are the seeming trend in the political landscape of the Philippines. But I can see, as a country, we are moving in the right direction. It doesn't feel like before, where the more popular sentiment was "scandal na naman? nakakasawa na." Reaction - without action...until the pot comes to a boil and water starts seeping out. With the advent of social media, and as news gets delivered faster, the rate at which the water comes to a boil, I feel has become faster. It's a great catalyst to action - social media.

I can't say how the landscape will change - if the majority of the voters vote because of political patronage or popularity. But, eventually we'll get to where we need as fit to us. I mean that in the sense that there's no point comparing the PH to other countries in terms of how they managed to resolve their issues. History after all is studied to learn a lesson from events to apply in the now - but not to apply the same lessons as written in the text. If the masses were educated and as we get more entrants to middle income families, then the social and political structure should change accordingly.

CH174: Time Away 2

Here I am waiting for my laptop and my reporting manager to come back from his meeting, and I realize, the previous post on Boracay may leave the impression that I didn't enjoy it as much...

Believe me, I did. Boracay offers an escape. Being an hour away and a quick 20-30 minute ferry from Caticlan, and you're in paradise, heaven, nirvana, whatever you call it.

I've blogged before on my observation of how different the tourism infrastructure of Thailand is from the Philippines. I take it back, Boracay comes close. It just so happens that the Phi Phi island, etc that you can island hop on iin Thailand can come from Phuket or Krabi so its larger in that scale in terms of accommodating tourists and maneuvering them around through their speed boats. Boracay's infrastructure for tourism is okay. It can be convenient if you had the money to pay and have transfers arranged for you.

Price wise, Boracay seems cheaper than Thailad (we went off peak, as I did in Thailand). Food is almost comparable in terms of price if you based it in SG (around 10-15 sgd per main meal order, or 20-30 for the steak and something fancier). Still quite cheap if you come from SG or earn in dollars. But if you stopped converting FOREX, because peso prices seem higher compared to SGD, it does seem more expensive. 

There are so many things you can do in Boracay. At first we were planning to go for the Ariel's Point package but because it will take half a day, we opted for a more flexible and lenient schedule to just do parasailing and visit mt. Luho view point. Parasailing costs 1200 php per pax. Just make sure to try and haggle the price down.

Also, a quick commentary on where we stayed...we stayed over at Boracay Beach Club. It's not direct beach front but just on the Main Street and just a quick walk to the beach front. The owner is the same as the owner of Ariel's Point. The place was nice and the staff were very hospitable and accommodating. Considering its just 80 usd per night when we stayed, I would say its value for money. Relatively cheaper I think considering its in station 1.

And...I definitely should start on my entry for London and Edinburgh before I complete forget about them!

Definitely worth visiting Boracay!

CH173: Time Away

I'll be starting at a new job in a few days. Because of the in between days of nothing to do, I decided 2 weeks back to go to Philippines instead and finally see Boracay.

Yes, it's my first time.

It is really beautiful here! But to be honest, I'm quite surprised with how over developed it is. Much like how puerto Galera was although a bit more class and less crass.

I still prefer the beaches and destinations hat offer a bit more quiet and private. Much like the resort CP and I went to in Bintan. I realize that I prefer the quiet and relaxation in beach destinations. But then again, Boracay is known for a party place...

So while, my bestfriend is in the shower - no wait, I can hear her blow drying her hair lol...

Pictures from Boracay!

(Feeling tipsy from the white wine we just downed waiting for the sunset)

Fooling Around with photos with a beautiful sunset backdrop

CH167: Philippine Elections 2013

It feels odd and freeing at the same time how I come to a realization that I don't feel as opinionated about the recent elections (and as of the moment, partial unofficial results). Perhaps it's because I didn't get to register for absentee voting? Perhaps it's because I feel disenfranchised that I don't think I really deserve or have the right to vote. It's not apathy like before but I can see the difference in mindset from below and before: CH47: White Noise.

Right to suffrage is a democratic right. But I enjoy being in a vantage to just observe, analyse and keep quiet.

Like with the Nancy Binay issue. Before the election, and given that I don't really get to read or watch much Philippine news, I had it in mind that she'd make it in. I don't really understand why there's so much hate going on in Facebook about how they can't fathom someone as unqualified as her to get in. It's obvious. History repeats itself. We vote actors, convicted criminals (ERAP), adulterers, gamblers, drug users/dealers (Singson), and other sorts into office. Yes, I said we because, we are after all, in a democracy.

Yes, the Philippines is undergoing change - to call it renaissance would be appropriate in my opinion. I didn't vote for Aquino during the last election. I voted for Teodoro. I thought during that time that I was cheated and people (the rest of the Filipinos I differentiated myself from) made a wrong choice. But, a year or two after, and when changes and the results started coming in economic upturns and policies promoting positive pushes for the Philippines, I went back and said to myself, maybe Aquino does deserve a chance and he's living up to the expectations the majority voted for.

Chance and change. So my mindset for the current senatorial results (and also disbelief that Erap won the Manila elections) - is that, despite the results looking like a joke. Let's give the people voted for a chance to prove people wrong. Yes, we can argue that the Filipino never truly learned its lesson and that history just keeps on repeating itself. But, I thought I said the same when Aquino won, but I was proven wrong.

Chance doesn't come often to enact change. True change doesn't happen in an instant in this reality of ours. Change takes time to come to fruition. And only time will tell if the Philippine Elections 2013 was good or bad choice made by the Filipino people.

Yes, the Filipino people. ALL of US. Basing on what I see on my News Feed, I can see the need of some of the people in my network to express their disdain with the results and try and separate themselves from the majority that made the choice "Filipino, di na natuto" (Filipino, never learned). Or some say, "This election is a joke." I can understand the frustrations of some of them, but the point of the matter is, one's version of right is different from the others. Not everyone has access to information as most of us. Stop blaming the uneducated voters and trying to create a divide.

Democracy entails an inclusive growth. Give the Philippines more time to change. I'm quite positive it will come as it has.

CH95: Ho-me(i)-ly

Homely
Theres a noticeable change that's in the air in Manila. Im happy and hopeful for my country to push on forward towards change. In the 5 months that I've been gone (from my last visit -January), I'm happy to feel at home. Although still behind, I'm pretty sure that the wheels are turning and soon enough we'll find the Philippines "competing globally" like how Singapore is now.

Rush hour traffic is still there though. I didn't drive through EDSA enough to notice if the conditions have indeed changed for the better. Although, I should note that there were less "encounters" with buses. I think the scheme to change and revamp the salary scheme for the drivers and conductors is effective. Now, if only the city mayors can do something about the Jeepney drivers. After all, what use are decongested highways if the exit roads are clogged up. Traffic flow I think could also be further improved if they make designated drop-off and pick-up points for commuters. Although, that aspect will be harder since it's the mindset and discipline of people that needs to be changed.

Overall, despite my being an Aquino critic, I appreciate his efforts to introduce change in the country. Although, I must say here though, that I didn't like the way his team handled the impeachment. It did seem like the government's resources were used in order to find evidences against ex-Chief Justice Corona. But, that's past now, and I'll leave it to the historians to write their records.

CH50: Just like that

And just like that, another casualty.

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jFKT9wY2DNMD2MM2n1vUijGsCm8w?docId=2911c623a58241419c5dc2d661eebe9d

MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippine government says China has executed a Filipino man convicted on drug trafficking charges despite an appeal for clemency from President Benigno Aquino III.

Vice President Jejomar Binay said the 35-year-old man was put to death by lethal injection Thursday in southern Guangxi province.

He was arrested in 2008 at Guilin International Airport while trying to smuggle 3.3 pounds (1.5 kilograms) of heroin from Malaysia.

Smuggling more than 1.76 ounces (50 grams) of heroin or other drugs is punishable by death in China.

Although China went ahead with the execution despite Aquino's appeal for clemency, government officials have said they respect China's judicial system and that the execution would not hurt bilateral relations

Justice is served.

I wish that the day will come when justice is served as efficiently in the Philippines as it is in China. Not to step on any one's toes, but, I am pro death penalty.

People in the Philippines question the effectiveness of death penalty - primarily because the justice system is flawed. People contradict that for most cases, only the poor will be subject to execution as there is a lot of room for bribe and corruption for those with money to escape this finality.

But, my opinion stands that the best deterrent for heinous crimes is death. The Philippines is not like the first world countries we see featured with the mindset that jail sentences are meant to rehabilitate the convicted - to become contributors to society when their sentences are finished.

The Philippines - Metro Manila especially - is in my opinion, over populated. I don't see any point in giving second chances to people who have taken the life of others and circulated/trafficked drugs that ruined families. It's always an eye for an eye. We're over populated in the metro, no one will miss troublemakers.

The Philippines' lawmakers and government's hesitation and failure to act will continue to mire the people into desolation. (Insert RH bill plug) As the population of the poor grows, the number of uneducated grows, the number of "popular" but ineffective lawmakers is retained.

Time moves on. History is recorded. Trash is recycled.

CH44: Education and Circumstance

I know someone who's going through a trying time today.
He's studying in one of the premier universities, but his family is undergoing trying times (financially).

I can't help but relate somehow.
I know what it feels like to be "ordinary" in a school for the rich.
But he's situation is different though.
He has to undergo a shift in perspective, and come face to face with the reality, that perhaps, he's out of place.
And with the way things are going, it will not suffice to just carry on the same way.
In my opinion, his situation calls for action.

It's one thing to see a reality shown on the telly, it's a different matter to live it.

I don't know what to feel for that person though.
It's not pity, because, pity is the worst gift you can give someone.
Empathy, perhaps yes.

That person is currently undergoing a blame game, faced with the possibility of not being able to enroll due to financial constaints.
I am not sure if the person really understands the dire situation that his family is in though. But I know it is hard and will be much harder for him (and his family).

But my opinion on the matter is, apply for scholarship. If that doesn't work out, then contemplate the possibility and reality of studying part time. Or in the very worse case, transfer to a different school that his family can accomodate.

The worse thing to do of course is to stop. Much worse, as he is in the position now, is to point the blame. Pointing the blame on others is a means to escape the reality at hand. A reality that is too hard and too harsh to accept.

I didn't study in the premier school though, so I can't say the kind of peer pressure and mentality that he is exposed to. It can be hard for him to hang around with people who are rich and have money to flaunt. It adds unnecessary stress to an already stressful environment - university.

There's another possibility to explore of course. Loan money. From your relatives. Well, as a matter of fact, that possibility has already been explored on their side. But if the matter calls for them having to borrow money every time a new semester rolls in. What would be your opinion on the matter then?

Well, family is family. But, I guess, it's in my personality and the way I've been brought up to not go that far. I hate "utangs." I don't think I can cope with having to go through each and every day with the thought that I owe someone or some people something. Call it pride or whatever. But, if I was in his position, well, of course, I will have a very hard time as well. But, hmmm, call it maturity or lack of in-depth experience to really be able to relate, but the best recourse for him is:
1. If he wants to continue studying in that premier university, then he best apply for scholarship. If that doesnt work out, apply part time.
2. Shift to another school.
Discuss the matter with his family. It should very much be a family decision and not solely his.

I'm thankful for having gotten into UP. Although, I must say, my expensive primary and secondary education have a lot to contribute to that matter. In the sense that, the materials and environment were conducive for my growth. And, although in my opinion now, I was just ordinary, there was no lack of support from my parents and family to make me feel otherwise - extraordinary. It's either that, or because I was an A student. Haha

And, as this is happening around me, I am thankful of course for my parents and siblings for everything. I am thankful for my parents for not taking unnecessary risks that could have jeopardized my future.

But of course, hahaha, i'm not that emotional and open to tell it to them straight up. So this should serve for now.