ON MY OPINION - PART 2

My thoughts about some social issues.

ON DU30 100 DAYS

There are reasons to feel good on Pres. Duterte’s accomplishments during his first 100 days in the office. In a span of that short period of time, he has the 911 and 8888 emergency hotline, signing of FOI, illegal drug users and pushers voluntarily surrendered, end of tanim-bala, MILF and CCP indefinite ceasefire. For one thing I am still impressed on his determination to go all-out war against drugs, unshaken personality and authoritative characteristic. But on the other hand, there are many issues that are not just issues but really serious issues tantamount into losing my admiration to his accomplishments and these what make me a “DU30 supporter with reservation”.

To cite some issues that I am against are his name-shame game, extra judicial killings, Hitler’s massacre comment, diplomatic relationship, UN-US-EU rhetoric, stand in Marcos burial to LNMB, dictatorial personality, disrespect to human rights, proud foul-mouthed, show of violent impunity, and the pinnacle is his doubt in the existence of God. I don’t mind if he is Atheist but to offend the Believers direct to our face only to justify his interest is inappropriate. The president is crossing the line and I do not want this to become just as that. I think there should be the needs to apply the rule of law, keep our foreign policy, and stimulate the economy not just the illegal drugs campaign.

Indeed the 100-day is too early to judge, I still have to give him a year or two to prove his work. Maybe this is how he takes the ship and who knows maybe the colorful, harsh and fast actions will quickly bring us to the prosperity in not as we expect a very near future and maybe it is how it should be, as the God gives us the will to learn this life, be it painful and sorry.

ON DU30 POPULARITY

DU30 is phenomenon because people are sick and tired of the traditional politicians and people want a real change.  We cannot blame people to aspire a courageous leader like DU30 rather than a clever and experienced because people are desperate.  People are desperate in finding peace and order, indiscipline of the people, and supremacy of corrupt men.  People want a President who is brave, who not subservient or docile, and who has word of honour.

In our desire to combat crime, to reform many Filipinos, and to punish the corrupt officials, people would rather choose DU30 who has the obvious capacity to possibly do these.  We’re tired on the promises of economic progress but rather we choose the promise of disciplines to restore the peace, order and wellbeing of the Filipinos and the Philippines. 

ON BBM CANDIDACY

They say the sins of the father must not to blame upon the son. But let us not forget that BBM is not an innocent kid during the dark days of our country. In fact, BBM was an officer himself of his father’s government that he too has his own share of sins. He was already matured young man then and he knew there were rampant human violations, graft and corruption and looting in his father’s regime (and that post above). And then he will claim today that nothing is to be said sorry, to apologize, to admit, that nothing was wrong in his father’s martial law? I believe there is a part in the Bible that says if the hands will cause the body to sin, then it should be cut off. And this is the very reason why I do not dare to try BBM.  It is not that we don’t let go of the past to move on but how can we move forward if we do not acknowledge the past in the first place? We can forgive and forget but there is need first to admit the sins and we must only give our forgiveness to someone who is repenting.

Well another thing is, maybe BBM should apologize for lying about his academic accomplishments which he published in the Senate's official website. It was amended anyway but it comes to our mind the integrity.  Remember the fake war medals of the father? The irony is that, he didn't even have to lie about his not completing his undergraduate and not earning an MBA. He is an elected official and people really don't care. But lying tells a lot about the character of the individual. Such a behavior cannot and should not be tolerated by the voting public.

If in case.......... I want to believe if someday he elected to the seat, I pray that he will take the opportunity to make up for their sins and prove that it will be new Marcos who will be given a deserved grand comeback in politics.

ON LEILA DE LIMA’S CONFRONTING ALLEGATIONS
Call it immoral but I will not judge and condemn her for no one from us netizens is pure and unblemished.. If she was not deemed immoral because of the illicit love affair she has but rather because of her involvement in drugs, then I will not lay it aside. Not unless there is the verified and legit proof of her confirmed involvement in drugs, then that is the only time I will completely drop her.

And I will not waste my time reading malicious posts (obvious fabricated proof and /or biased and irresponsible netizens) in social media but I will only wait and will rely DU30’s result. For I am still having a high regard on DU30, only him can change my take.

Right now she is still innocent no matter how much you are pissed on her looks and how harsh she is. Stop personal attack but let the job expose’ continue. I am only bothered in her alleged involvement in drugs. But the other issues and scandals - I don’t care to underline those.

ON MARCOS BURIAL TO LNMB-1

This is a long outstanding political and national issue that has been debated by our great lawmakers and political analysts but still there is no closing resolution. People representing different opinion and different parties continue to clash. If we want to put closure on this, once and for all let the people say their heart and mind. Let the voice of the people be heard and let them decide. Held a plebiscite or referendum and ask the people whether or not FM should inter in the LNMB and thru that, the people will have spoken. Whether the result is favour or the other hand, at least it is the majority decision that should be respected and acknowledged.

Few years from now, the people affected or not affected directly or indirectly by martial law will be gone so it it important to do the referendum in our time.  Though it might costly just for an issue but it is worth.

ON MARCOS BURIAL IN LNMB-2

I respect the President’s stand about FM’s burial in “Libingan ng Mga Bayani’.  The president wants a closure and reconciliation.  Fine. 

My take on why FM should not bury in the LNMB?  First of all, FM was not a hero.  He did not die fighting for the country.  He was died exiled.  Second, yes he was a soldier but his integrity is questionable when he fabricated fake medals and claimed false heroism via The Maharlikans.  It is no difference with those men in uniform drug pusher, why bury them when they die?  And lastly, yes he was a president but he was a tyrant and dictator.  Why should be align in the nobles and honest.  Just respect those who are honest.

It is not just grave to say.  It is not just grave but it is a heroes’ grave.  If that is the case why can’t we bury the victims of hit and run, the ordinary bystander?  It is not just grave, it is the name and the respect.  It is not just to move on from wrath of martial law but it iis about protecting the history, legacy and credibility and reputation of LNMB.

ON REVOLUTIONAY GOVERNMENT

Here is my thought on today’s hot issue (on this day, my birthday) – the Revolutionary Government. While revgov is an act to reform the government into another form of government, in our case it is to switch from democratic republic to federalism with parliamentary system. My first impression with this revgov is the obscured face of federalism that will make geographical powerful political dynasty into reign. In today's reputation of administration, I have reservation over federalism to use it for defense of today’s dominant in power. Federalism at first is advantage to the region or state to become independent but in the long run it will make disintegration and it will take away the unity.

The intention of revolutionary government is a primer to federalism or to martial law maybe. Declaring the revgov as the main option is reflection of weakness to address the not so intimidating critical situation. You have the overwhelming popularity and the strong machinery, how could the minority opposition be threat to national and political security? For me it doesn’t sit well to know that a government taken from a peaceful democratic and constitutional election has to undergo revolutionary government. I think revgov will just be taken for granted to silence the critics and opposition, thus tantamount to martial law and suppression of democracy. But if not for political ploy but for the very definition of federalism, I can welcome it with open arm and heart

ON IMPEACHMENT HEARING

These complainants, they have so many chances and they have all the times of over four years to present their grievances.  Why only today they timely bring into this venue their complaints just perfect timing when the present administration is open to disliking the Chief Justice?  And then it is not politics?  The accusations of the complainants appeared to be internal management issues that they among themselves should settle and no need to bring into public view and knowledge and they are not impeachable.  These internal affair, conflicts and indifferences are not culpable violation of the constitution, treason or betrayal of public trust.  It is just sad to see another person is into character assassination just for another theatrical act of the political butterflies.

It is sad to see the destruction of someone by hurling theatrical accusations because this is the way to justify what that man wants to happen.  This public persecution already happened to Sen. Delima, happening to CJ Sereno and will happen to Ombs Carpio.  And what is the common denominator with these three great women?   They are all vocal oppositions of the DU30 administration.  And it is sad to see what the most powerful man wants would need to be followed. 

And it is sad to see the internal affair, conflicts and indifferences turning into national issue just to stimulate the anger of the majority public that support the present administration.  Nowadays people are not interested in the hidden truth.  It is not important, as long as they see it bad they will persecute you, and the current administration is capitalizing this to gain the unwavering support of the general public.

ON DENGVAXIA ISSUE
There was mishandling with Dengvaxia. Dengvaxia passed the rigid examinations performed by reliable local and international health institutions. The former administration failed to do the in-depth research about Dengvaxia. But the facts that there were no conflicts raised during those periods of introducing Dengvaxia and under the endemic situation of Dengue in the country, the former President just considered the good of his majority people who are at risk of the fastest growing mosquito-borne disease in the world. I think if he did not implement the vaccination program and the dengue virus became worse today, the blame will again fire back to him as Noynoying for not implementing the chance of having the world tested vaccine.

Dengvaxia is the world’s first vaccine against dengue virus. You have this situation of spreading epidemic, if you were the person in charge, your top responsibility is indeed the safety, welfare and the interest of the greater people. But we are talking life here and great responsibility is on our shoulder. The President must be surrounded by the best, brightest and reliable cabinet that will feed the Chief Executive. Although I think the accountable in this Dengxavia are the people behind the President, it is now just up to the former President if he will take the full responsibility.

ON ISABELLE DUTERTE’S PHOTO SHOOT

It's okay. The photoshoot of presidential granddaughter inside the Malacanan Palace using or capturing the national coat of arms and the presidential seal is not big deal for me. For the purpose of picture-taking only, I don’t think it must be an issue. Besides, it is an important event for the kid so I think we can be kind to that. I have to spark outrage if it is purposed for devious use or done in bad light that will impact in the image of the country.

Yes maybe by the law it is prohibited but I think the first family and immediate family of the President can rightfully do it. The President himself admitted his visitors are taking picture in the palace so why not his own granddaughter?

P.S. I am talking only about the photoshoot. For the issue of flaunting lavish and extravagant lifestyle (like bringing four expensive designer gowns, extensive photo shoot that hired professional stylists, makeup artists and photographers) and faking / falsifying age that does not merit this kind of grand celebration – these are another stories. Actually the issue has merely nothing to do with the venue nor the EO signed by former President GMA which is the use of the seal and flag as raised by some but it was the question of taste which is in regards with the 1987 Constitution’s emphasis on a modest lifestyle of people in government.

ON OFW ID DESIGN
First let me say it has no political color. I just don’t like the design of the new OFW ID not because of the viral president’s portrait bearing on it but simply because it doesn’t look fine to have the portrait of any president for that matter as an official government ID. The purpose and the message of showing the image of the president saluting the OFW are so noble and overwhelming. But from the points of view of the design, the visible and obvious portrait of someone other than the owner of the card is distracting, redundant and bothering. Beside, a government ID with an image of a living political figure is politicking itself.

Anyway, it is only a design. What more important is the usage and benefits of the card. But if it is not mandatory to get a copy, then I don’t want to have until it is redesigned. I prefer a simple design with the basic information of an OFW. If they want a more patriotic look, maybe the national flower Sampaguita or any other national symbols printed in silhouette or blurred and smaller will be more appropriate

EATING HABITS

This is me:
They said healthy foods are boring like vegetables, plain bread, sugar free and salt free foods – fine.  I eat a lot of boring foods but I don’t feel bored, in fact I feel full.  Ninety per cent of the foods I eat are vegetables.   Almost every day, it’s no way that I will miss vegetables.  I eat all the vegetables I know and I do not get tired eating them even I do it again and again, over and over again.  I get used of it, I think that is why.

I eat bread the old way.  I mean I want just plain bread, no need added flavoring or even without stuff or spreads.  If I want, I use peanut butter and it is very rare to use other spreads other than peanut butter.  I am not fan of cake, pastries, cookies, brownies, waffles, rolls, sandwiches, burgers, donuts, and other flavored breads that if I tried it is very seldom.  I just don’t like enhancing the taste or texture of the food that people considered bland without it.  Brown bread and wheat bread are costly but I am pleased enough with plain breads.

When it comes to beverages, I prefer just water.  In some unavoidable times I drink Colas, Sodas or some carbonated beverages but it happens once in a blue moon.  I don’t like the taste of liquor, when I drink I have to force myself and the next time I have to do it again will take maybe years.  Real fruit juices could be costly but if not from real fruits I would simply prefer water.  When it comes to coffee, I choose black coffee.  No sugar and no milk, just pure black coffee.  

No to ice cream, pies like pizza or apple, tacos, burgers, street foods, junk foods like chips and crackers, many comfort foods, desserts and delicatessens.  I am just not a fan of these foods that even offered to me I may not eat them.  If I may eat them it must be very seldom or rare and when I said seldom it is literally very seldom.  They are not my priority anyway like instant noodles and instant coffee because they taste salty and sweet. 

When it comes to meals and meats, I don’t like frankfurters (hotdog or sausages), pepperoni, meat loaf, luncheon meat, tapa, bacon, tocino, foot long.  For one major reason, they are so salty, I swear they are really salty.  Believe me.  I want chicken meat and I choose chicken breast.  They always said it is bland or tasteless but when your taste buds is not used to it, you will really have all reasons not to choose it.  I don’t like giblets and red meats like beef, pork, lambs, and etcetera.  I can eat them but again it is very rare.  It is not big deal anyway.  I do not get tired with sardines.  And when I cook my foods, I don’t use MSG (monosodium glutamate). 

And you will say my life is boring?  No, because I am happy doing all these.  You will only feel bored if you are sad.  And you may say I am missing the life?  I don’t think so if I can eat too the same sweet, salty and fats that other people are fond to eat.  What it differs is that it is not as often as those food trippers do.  I am not a health buff who measures the foods intake by the numbers, religiously follow the diet and reading the label of grocery items I buy.  I just simply avoid three main things – the sweet, salty and oily.

I am doing these not because I am sick but simply because I like it and I feel I am rewarded.  I feel am healthier than those 10 or 20 years younger than me and those in same age or a bit older than me.  At my age now, I enjoy the life without worrying my health.  I have no medical maintenance, no restricted foods, no gout, no arthritis, no rheumatism, no diabetes, no hypertension and no food supplement.  My weight is good, my BMI, fat mass and percentage, and heart rate are good.  And what it makes me even happier is that it makes me richer that I can enjoy my earnings to other interests.

If you feel you are not well once in a while every month due to temporary illness like cough, cold or fever, or if you think you get sick three times or more in a year, then I think it’s about time to change your eating hobbits.  True, you are really what you eat.  I also get sick but not every year in fact it takes one year or more when I fell sick and need bed rest.  On average, people can get sick three times a year but healthy people could be zero or twice.  And then unhappy people will still say no one is uncertain of our life that whether healthy or unhealthy everyone will get sick and die sooner or later.  But what makes it the different is the way how it comes, how it destroy you and the how it leaves you.

And this is not me:
In reality, these are how most Filipino people’s food habits.   During the first week of the month, it is okay to Jollibee.  It is just every other week anyway, alternating KFC or Mc Donald’s.  It is okay to fried rice in breakfast we need it for the day.  It is okay to Chicken Caldereta on Monday, Afritadang Baka on Tuesday, Chicken-Asado on Wednesday, Menudo on Thursday and Adobo on Friday because on Saturday it is a vegetable day.  There is dinner and drink in a friend’s thanksgiving on this weekend, he received his commission.

On the second week of the month, it’s just now to have hamburger it’s just once in a month.   Just now to fried chicken on Monday, Sinigang na Baka on Tuesday, Liempo on Wednesday, Embotido on Thursday, Crispy-pata on Friday – these are just for now, it can happen next month.  It’s vegetable week this Saturday.  On Sunday is my friend’s birthday party.  It is just once a year so it is definitely okay.  During the third week of the month, it is pizza once in a while.  Once a month pork steak on Monday, lechong-kawali on Tuesday, barbeque Wednesday, baked macaroni on Thursday and ice cream on Friday.  No worry, on Saturday it must be fish and vegetables.  On Sunday, it’s food trip day with cousins.

It is run out of the budget on the fourth week of the month so most likely it is fried egg, or maybe meat loaf, luncheon meat, or ham or maybe hotdog.   Instant noodles during the weekdays, or maybe fried fish, fried eggplant or anything express.  Come salary day, treat yourself to a nice food in restaurant.  And on the first week of the following month, it’s okay again to chicken on Monday, Afritadang Baka on Tuesday, on so on and so fort.

Putting those once a month altogether, you do not know how much you have a lot.  Putting all those small fats every day, when accrued is same as you take fats every month and the whole year.  Yes, it is right you eat fried chicken or maybe pork chop once in every month but the bottom line is you cannot deny that you are eating meat not once buy too much as a matter of fact it is almost everyday.  And then you’ll wonder why you often get sick while you are working out?

In this holiday season, surely we will encounter different invitations for various celebrations.  If you are taking care your daily eating habits, then you don’t have to worry on the effect of the holiday stress because most likely three or four days of foods celebration have no dramatic affect on your weight, blood sugar level, blood pressure, MBI, etcetera.  It will not abruptly affect your health – that is your reward.

KNOWING REVOLUTIONARY GOVERNMENT

In Philippines history, the only times the revolutionary government (RevGov) was declared were during Emilio Aquinaldo and Cory Aquino’s presidencies, for an apparent reason that the country was needed to fix from turmoil of previous administrations.  President Aguinaldo established RevGov replacing the dictatorial government from Spaniard colonization, thus the revolutionary congress formed the First Philippine Republic after a year.  Under the former president Corazon Aquino, the RevGov was established to make radical changes and reforms to reinstate the democracy that oppressed by ousted President Marcos’ administration, thus the 1987 constitution was ratified.  In today’s presidency of Rodrigo Duterte where he acquired the government in peaceful, constitutional and democratic way, declaring the RevGov must be conflicting that something to bother its authenticity and the real intention.  Once the RevGov has declared, the transition period starts to reform the government into another form of government, in case of our present scenario it is to switch from democratic republic to federalism with parliamentary system.  The declaration of Cory’s RevGov was to change the corrupt government that toppled by world’s critically known people’s power bloodless revolution, while this government that is sitting pretty from the support of fanatics or blind supporters contradicts itself – it’s rebelling against their own system?

My first impression with this RevGov is the obscured face of federalism that will favor nepotism and make geographical powerful political dynasty into reign.  The intention of RevGov is a primer to federalism.  Federalism is a system of government in which the provinces is sharing the power with the national government.  In federalism, each province is allowed to govern their own rule and manage their own resources.  Each region has its own unique cultural, economic and social needs, where each region exactly knows how to deal them and should allow them to find their own solutions.  By its very definition, it is actually good but in Philippines politics, this will cause individualism of the urbanized and rich regions, disintegration, strengthen political dynasty and much worse is to authoritarian government.  I have nothing against federalism but nd as long as the RevGov is initiated thru a political ploy amidst of our political immaturity, I will not trust the intention of RevGov.  I believe in the idea of RevGov when there is rebellion, martial law or war aftermath but then again, we are in a democratic republic.  Declaring the RevGov as the main option is reflection of weakness to address the not so intimidating critical situation. You have the overwhelming popularity and the strong machinery, how could the minority opposition be threat to national and political security? For me it doesn’t sit well to know that a government taken from a peaceful democratic and constitutional election has to undergo RevGov.  Someone democratically elected president to declare a RevGov is conflicting, scary and alarming.  I think RevGov will just be taken for granted to silence the critics and opposition, thus tantamount to martial law and suppression of democracy.

In addition, knowing the vindictiveness reputation of the present administration who strikes out the biggest critics and laud oppositions like Senators Antonio Trillanes, Laila Delima, Ombudsman Conchita Carpio, Supreme Justice Lourdes Sereno and acquits the prisoners of the past administration like Gloria Macapaga-Aroyo, Juan Ponce Enrille, Jinggoy Estrada, et al., then the parliamentary system will most likely bring back the likes of Marcoses, Macapagal-Aroyos and Estradas to make the grand comeback into power again.  It seems that there is actually a ploy here like whatever the political rival wants, this administration will oppose regardless hitting the economy, foreign diplomacy, unity, and peace and order.  I have no foul understanding about federalism but our level of political maturity and our government reputation today make me to have reservation over federalism to use it for defense of today’s dominant in power.  It will be advantage at first but in the long run, our severe and chronic political disease will destroy the meaning of federalism.  If not for political ploy but for the very definition of federalism, I can welcome it with open arm and heart.  

ANG MATATANDA

Kadalasan, hindi maganda o kaaya-aya ang pagtanggap ng mga tao sa pagtanda, pagiging nakatatatanda o sa buhay ng matatanda.  Hindi sa pinupulaan, ibinababa o tinatanggihan ito pero parang negatibo ang tingin natin sa edad na sisenta, sitenta, otsenta o higit pa.  Nakakainip, malungkot, walang kulay, walang halaga, parang tigil na ang pangarap, galawan at buhay kapag sumapit na tayo sa dapit-hapon ng ating buhay.  Wala na iyung pakikipaghalakhakan, maingay na kapaligiran, mabilis na galawan, makukulay na pangyayari, paglalaboy at pagkain ng kung anu-ano sa kung saan-saan, wala ng pag-aala-ala o pangangalaga sa katawan at hitsura.  Iyung tanggap na ang pagkulubot at pagkatuyot ng mga balat, pagputi o pagkalagas ng mga buhok at ngipin, ang mga mata ay nagluluha, ang bibig ay hirap itikom at ang katawan ay nahuhukot na tila pagod.

Kapag iyung tayo ay nag-iisip kung ano ang magiging lagay ng ating sarili pagdating ng araw na matanda na tayo, nalulungkot tayo dahil ang laging nakikini-kinita natin sa buhay ng mga nakatatanda ay iyung tagpong nasa isang tahimik at madlim na silid, nakatayo sa likod ng bintana upang mamintana, ang mapanglaw na mga mata ay nakamasid na lamang sa nakikita mula sa labas ng bahay. Madalas din nating makita sa ating isip ang tagpong nasa silyang tumba-tumba, nakaharap sa pinto na tila ba naghinhintay ng darating, ang maririnig ay ang tunog ng nakasabit na relo sa dingding, maaaring nagbabasa o nakikinig ng radiyo.  Mabagal ang buhay dahil wala na iyung maramng kilos ng katawan.  Maaaring ang ginagawa na lamang natin ay ang magsaing, magwalis at magbantay ng bahay.

Ngunit marami pa ring kwentong tungkol sa matatanda ang nangyayari sa paligid natin.  Maaaring makita natin ang isang nakatatanda na mag-isang naglalakad na sa likod ng paglalakad na ito ay isa siya sa mga matatanda na sa dapit--hapon ng kanilang buhay ay nag-iisa, walang pamilya o naulila ng mga mahal sa buhay.  Maaaring mayroon siyang sakit na hindi maipagamot sa ospital, maaring walang kumukupkop sa kanya, walang tirahan na kailangang madala sa tahanan para sa mga matatanda upang maalagan at maibigay ang pangangailangan.  Maaaring nakikita natin silang nagkakatuwaan ngunit sa likod ng mga ngiti ng mga lolo at lola sa loob ng bahay ampunan ay naroroon ang kasabikan at pangarap na mas gusto pa rin nila ang nasa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay ngunit paano kung wala na o pinabayaan na sila?  Masdan natin ang isang ordinaryong matatanda na tahimik na nakaupo sa isang lugar sa tabing-kalsada.  Sa kanilang mga mata ay may kwento ng kapaguran ng buhay.  Mayroong hanggang sa takip-silim ay nagpapakapagod pa rin upang mabuhay, patuloy na tumatayong haligi ng tahanan na nagbabanat ng buto, may mga responsibilidad na naka-atang sa balikat at nakikipaglaban pa rin sa hamon ng buhay.  Nakakaawa  ang mga matatanda dahil wala na silang lakas upang makipaglaban pa sa buhay.  Pagod na sila sa matagal na pakikipag-laban sa buhay pero mayroon pa rin sa kanila ang patuloy na kumakayod para sa kanilang pamilya.

Para sa mga nasa lalabing-tanunin, mga kabataan, mga nasa kalagitnaan ng buhay at iyung mga nasa ginintuang edad, ang buhay ay makulay, napakasaya at punong-puno ng pag-asa, kulay at ibat-ibang mga kaganapan.  Ang sarap ng buhay sa gitna ng tawanan ng mga kaibigan, pakikipagdiskusyon sa mga pangunahing balita, nakikisabay sa mga nangyayari sa kapaligiran, nakikiuso sa kasalukuyang panahon, humahabol sa trabaho, naglilibang sa pagbisita sa mga kaibigan, pagpunta sa ibat-ibang lugar, at pakikipag-pambuno sa hamon ng buhay.  Punong-puno ng buhay ang mga panahong namamayagpag ka sa iyong kalagayan ngunit sa pagtanda natin, anu nga ba ang buhay ng mga matatanda?  Masaya ba sila?  Mayroong sa pagsapit ng kanilang dapit-hapon ay masasabi nilang nabuhay sila sa kahulugan ng isang buong ikot ng buhay.  Mayroong matatanda na hanggang sa huling bahagi ng buhay ay tila nang-uungot pa rin ng saya, ng ginhawa at ng biyaya.  Sa tugatog ng ating panahon, sa tamang paraan ay mahalagang gawin natin ang mga nais nating makamit sa buhay at ang makapagpapasaya sa atin.  Kung sa pagsapit ng mga huling sandali ng ating buhay, mayroon man tayong mga hindi nakamit ay masasabi nating sinubukan nating tuparin ang ating mga pangarap.

TRABAHO

Kapag iyung sunod-sunod na ang trabaho mo, iyung nakakapagpahinga ka lang kapag napagod ka at kapag nakabawi na ay tuloy ulit ang trabaho, kapag iyung napakarami talaga ng trabaho mo na talagang kulang ang walong oras para matapos lahat, na kahit ginagawa mo na ng paraan na mapabilis ang trabaho mo ay nag-aabot pa rin ang mga bagong trabaho at ang tinatapos na mga naunang trabaho ay duon ka na nakakaisip na piliting akuin pa rin ang tabaho kahit kalabisan na para sa iyo o iwanan na lang ito.

Naisip ko ang mga ito nang isang naka-bakasyong kasamahan ang dumalaw sa opisina ang aking nakausap.  Nagpapagaling siya dahil sa naging karamdaman niya sa puso na nakuha niya sa kahapuan sa sobrang dami ng trabaho.  At sa aming sandaling pag-uusap, nararamdaman ko kung ano ang kalagayan niya at nakikisimpatiya ako sa kanya dahil alam ko kung ano iyung pinagdadaanan niya.  Ramdam ko kung ano iyung nararamdaman niyang presyon at pagod sa trabaho.  Sa loob ng matagal na taon ay nakikipaggpambuno siya sa tambak na trabaho at nakikipagdiskusiyon sa mga nakatataas sa kanya.  Sa dami ng kanyang mga alalahanin at responsibilidad sa trabaho, naiintidihan ko kung bakit naging maiinitin ang kanyang ulo.  Ito, ang tensiyon, presyon at pagod ang nagdulot ng problema sa kanyang puso.

Sa palagay ko, kapag ang isang tao ay tutok sa trabaho na ibinigay sa kanya, na sinisigurado niyang ang mga nalalaman, kagustuhan at pamamaraan niya ay mailalapat sa trabaho, at kung mahal mo ang iyong trabaho ay hindi mo maisasakripisyo na hayaan o magdusa ang kalidad nito.  Kung responsable kang manggagawa o tao, hindi mo magagawa na hindi ibigay ang magagawa mo sa trabaho, o iyung maipakita mo ang pakialam mo kahit hindi na sakop ng oras ng trabaho mo.  Nararanasan o nararamdaman mo ba iyung habang ginagawa mo ang trabaho mo ay ramdam mo iyung bigat ng loob mo dahil napapagod ka na, na pakiramdam mo ay galit ka na at nakikita ito sa iyong mukha, at ramdam mo yung kabog ng dibdib mo dahil minamadali mong matapos na ang ginagawa mo?   O iyung mabilis mong ginagawa ang trabaho mo dahil may mga nakahanay pang trabaho na gagawin ka pa pero may tatawag sa iyo para sa panibagong dagdag-trabaho pa?  O iyung pakiramdam na hindi mo makuhang umihi agad-agad dahil mabibitin ang ginagawa mong trabaho?  Ang mga ito ay danas na danas ko na siyang ikinakatakot kong maging sanhi ng aking karamdaman kahit na kampante akong nag-iingat sa aking mga kinakain para sa kalusugan ko.

Napakadali ang magpayo na hayaan mo lang ang trabaho.  Madaling sabihin ito dahil wala sa kaparehas na sitwasyon ang nagsasabi, o maaaring hindi niya narabasan kaylan man ang maging totoong abala, o baka hindi siya ma-hands on sa kanyang trabaho.  Madaling sabihing huwag mag-uwi ng trabaho o huwag magtrabaho pagkalampas ng walong oras pero kung alam na alam mong walang ibang gagawa ng iuuwi mo sa bahay o kailangan mong gawin pagkatapos ng maghapong trabaho ay mapipilitan ka talagang gawin ang mga ito.  Dahil ang pinakaintensiyon mo ay yung mabawasan ang mga gagawin mo kinabukasan kapag nagsimula ka na ng maghapon mong trabaho.  Iyung sabihing matutong tumanggi o sumagot ng hindi kapag mayroong mga ipinapasa sa iyong trabaho, siguro ay dapat matuto muna ang mga tao na huwag manlamang na iutos ang kanyang trabaho sa iba.  Huwag magsamantala na dahil alam nilang mapagbigay ang isang kasamahan nila sa trabaho ay ibinibigay nila dito ang kanilang mga trabaho.  Tama na tumanggi kapag alam mong marami ka ng ginagawa o sabihin na nating hindi sa iyo ang trabaho na ibinibigay.  Pero may mga tao talaga na mababa ang loob, malawak ang pang-unawa at matulungin kaya kung minsan ay hindi sila makatanggi.

Magkakaiba tayo ng pamamaraan kung paano hawakan ang ating trabaho.  Maaaring may mali sa mga taong natatambakan ng trabaho pero bago sila husgahan ay pag-aralan muna ang kanilang mga sitwasyon.  Kung nagagawa nilang makaagapay sa pamantayan ng trabaho at makipagsabayan sa tawag ng pangangailangan, matambakan man sila ng trabaho ay hindi nangangahulugang mabagal o mahina sila sa pagbibgay ng trabaho.  May mga bagay lang na talagang dumadating sa lahat upang hamunin ka at maipakita mo ang iyong tibay at kakayahan.  Masakit  lang makita na habang ganito nagdurusa ka sa kalagayan mo ay marami ang wala na nga sa kalikingan mo ang dami ng mga ginagawa ay hindi pa makapagtabaho nang mag-isa, tama at sila pa ang nakukuhang magrreklamo sa kanilang kalagayan.

MGA TAONG IPOKRITO

Kapag alam mong may sala ka sa isang bagay, huwag ka ng umusap ng laban dito para palabasing kunwari malinis ka kung kaya kaya mong makapagsalita ng kontra dahil nagmumukha kang katawa-tawa.  Kapag iyung ang puna mo sa mga kamalian ng ibang tao at iyung nanghuhusga ka ng iyong kapwa gayung mismong sa sarili mong bakuran pala ay mayroong katulad na kamalian, darating ang oras na babalik lahat sa mukha mo ang mga pinagsasabi mo.  Huwag kang magsalita ng laban sa isang bagay kung mismong ikaw naman pala ay ganoon din.  Ang sabi nga, ang sino mang sakdal-linis ang siyang maunang pumukol ng bato sa taong makasalanan.  At kadalasan pa nga, karamihan sa mga makasalanan ay sila pa itong maingay, kumokondena, nagrereklamo at humuhusga.  Kung ang lahat ng taong makasalanan ay hindi magsasalita, tatahimik at magiging payapa itong ating mundo.

Kung marami man ang mga taong nagsasalita ng kanilang galit at kung hindi ka rin lang malinis ay huwag ka ng  makisawsaw, makigalit at makipuna dahil wala ka naman palang karapatan na magsalita.  Huwag ka ng sumabad dahil wala kang kredibilidad.  Anung karapatan mong magpayo at magsabi ng tama kung ikaw mismo ay wala sa katinuan?  Ayusin mo muna ang sarili mo o ang pamilya mo bago ka pumuna.  Walang perpektong tao para hindi magsalita pero mas mabuting manahimik ka na lang dahil mas kailangang ayusin mo muna ang mga kamalian mo o ng iyong pamilya.  Kung hindi ka marangal, itikom mo na lang ang maluwag mong bumanganga at manahimik ka na lang.  Kung sabagay sino ba namang marangal ang magmumura sa gitna ng maraming tao?

Halimbawa: galit na galit ka sa mga magnanakaw at ang lakas ng loob mong murahin, laitin at mistulang gusto mo na silang patayin pero ikaw pala mismo o ang isa sa mga pinakamahahalagang tao sa buhay mo ay dating magnanakaw o nagnanakaw pala.  Nang nabulgar at nalaman ng mga tao na ikaw o sa pamilya mo pala ay may magnanakaw, sa dami ng masasakit na pinagsasabi mo, bumalik lang lahat sa iyo ang mga sinabi mo sa mga magnanakaw na minura at nilait mo.  Kinain mo lahat ang mga isinuka mo.  Ganitong-ganito ang kasabihang “galit ang magnanakaw sa kapwa niya magnanakaw”.

Kung ikaw ay nagbebenta ng aliw (dati man o kasalukuyan), huwag mong husgahan at alipustain ang mga taong tulad nila bagkus ay bigyan mo sila ng magandang salita na maaaring maghikayat sa kanila ng pagbabago.  Unang-una ay alam na alam mo ang kalagayan ng mga tulad nila dahil naranasan mo ang pinagdadaanan nila.  Kung hahamakin mo sila, hinahamak mo rin ang iyong sarili at nagmumukha kang ipokrito.  Anu ang karapatan mong magpuna at ano ang kredibilidad mong pumigil sa mga nagbebenta ng aliw kung ikaw mismo ay nagbebenta ng aliw?

Kung ikaw ay kahit may asawa na ay may iba pag karelasyon (dati man o kasalukuyan), hindi mo dapat kutyain ang magkalaguyo dahil ikaw man ay nakikiapid sa hindi mo asawa.  Biru-biruan, sa pisikal o kahit sa internet, hindi ka pa rin tapat at nagtataksil ka pa rin sa iyong asawa.  Mas mabuti pa ang taong dating may karelasyon na inamin ang pagkakamali at pinagsisihan at nagbago kaysa sa iyo na nagmamalinis pero naglalaro ng apoy at nagtatampisaw naman pala sa putikan.  Pagsisihan mo muna ang iyong kasalanan at huwag na itong babalikan kahit kaylan bago ka magpayo, pumuna at manghusga sa mga may bawal na relasyon.

Ganito rin sa iba pang mga mali na madalas nating punahin.  Wala naman masama kung magbigay ka ng payo, opinyon at mga aral sa mga bagay-bagay kung ikaw ay nagbago na mula sa dating kinasadlakan, o kahit sabihin pa nating ikaw ay isang banal, ngunit hindi pa rin tama na pintasan at husgahan mo ang mga nakakagawa ng mali.  Manalamin muna.  Kung sino ang walang kasalanan, siyang maunang magparusa sa taong nagkasala, ngunit walang mangangahas sa atin na mauna dahil aminado naman tayong lahat na tayo ay makasalanan.  Kung masama ang ginagawa mo, masama din ang babalik kung hindi man sa iyo ay sa pamilya mo.  Ang gintong-aral, kung ano ang ayaw mong gawin sa iyo ng iyong kapwa ay huwag na huwag mong gagawin sa kapwa mo.

REBUILDING MARAWI

The war is over.  After almost five long months of bloody pursuit of militants in terrorizing the southern city of Marawi, the damaging war has come to end.  The Marawi crisis has ended.   The terrorists forcibly occupied Marawi’s vital establishments, shed fears on Maranao and challenged the sovereignty of the Filipino people.  The armed forces have no other recourse but to wage war to save the city against rebellion and invasion.

The days and nights of non-stop exchange of gunfire, loud explosions and successive missiles burned the city.  The city was destroyed, properties were damaged, livelihoods gone and lives were lost.  The bandits capitalized their captivities as human shields, tested to provoke the security of the hostages and used the sacred mosques to their advantage.  But the great soldiers, the defender of people, vowed to defeat the militants.  The outlaws can force their radical ideology, use sensational brutality and unfair attacks but at the end of the day, the evil will not win over the righteousness.  After the tiring days, the Marawi siege has come to end.  Marawi that served the battle field of war has finally liberated from destructive occupation of terrorist group. 

Liberating Marawi from terror was not an easy struggle.  Declaring the martial law helped the area to control the situation, narrow down the threat of another terrorism that hounds the people and slim down the terrorist’s world.  The five long months tortured the locals of Marawi who were trapped between the clash of military and rebels, lived the depressing situation in evacuation centers, or flew away to escape the war zone.  For the neighboring and people of Marawi, the war has just brought an unforgettable traumatic and violent experience that every living survivor of the war will remember.  The countless fear, the terrifying sounds of gun and bombs, the cries of babies and elders and the painful and hard times of escapes, it was nightmare and tough test for every Maranaos. The thick dark smoke above Marawi will vanish but the wound it leaves will take time to heal.

The war is over and Marawi is burned.  Looking at the sad fate of the city, no one really won in this fight.  After the civil war, there are greater responsibilities that we need to fill up.  Let’s stop argument in social media by echoing what is right, finger pointing who is the best and who is to blame, let’s fix it later.  It will not help.  Marawi doesn’t need your intelligent analysis and genius mind.  What we need from everyone is our unity as Filipino.  This is the time to set aside social rivalry, political identity, spiritual difference and personal agenda and come up altogether to stand up with right resolution, full determination and warm nationalism in restoring Marawi.  It is critical time, if we do not unite today, then we cannot really have that elusive unity.  This is not the time to grandstanding.  Stop politicizing Marawi by spreading fake news just to taint and denounce the oppositions and uplift the political group you belong.  Stop using Marawi to launch your personal interest.  Have self-respect, be sensitive. 

Thanks for the soldiers who risked their lives in neutralizing the battle field.  They are the true heroes of Marawi crisis, selflessly fought the freedom of the city, risked their lives and unconditionally served the country.  The embattled city needs us.  Let us show our natural spirit of cooperation.  Let us rehabilitate, reconstruct and rebuild Marawi for every human breath, for every living and for every hope.  Let us restore the city known for artwork, weaving, wood and metal crafts and epic literature.  Let us show again to the whole world our Filipino resilience by showing how to rebuild Marawi from ashes of war to towering new city.

BEING FATHER AGAIN

Our life is so mysterious.  Somewhere over there, from although so dark but so peaceful, there the so many tiny throbs nestling in their own world until such given time to carry out the big surprise in our life.  Yes life is mystery, from the moment how we get our first breath and heart beats is wonder, from then on we’ve formed very natural, pure and clean.  We started from so very little and we’ve grown up into our fullest form from so innocent infancy, aggressive youths to erudite elderly.  We’re from nothing that out of nowhere it was all invisible at first but all of a sudden it came to us and we feel it, touch it and see it – our child. 

When life formed from solemnity, you may not have planned but it was not accidental for you chose it.  It is tiny life fruit of love over there, and it is perfect.  Everything happens for reasons, every life is God’s gift and it is sacred.  It is from overwhelming love and care since our origin, that’s make everything on us is so precious.  Thus life is precious, man must be thankful.  For every new life nestling in the womb, every day is miracle carefully carrying that precious life to accomplish.  Regardless if this is the first time or more than first, it is fulfilling for being the man when you can able to give new blessings for his wife, for his first children, for his whole family.  Being father again for the second, third or fourth time, it is always so nice to feel again the joy, the sense of fulfillment, and the beauty of life.  It is so good you feel in-love and to love.

To become father again is bringing back the same old feelings like during the first time: overjoyed, confidence, triumph, truth, realization and faith.  To see the new life that you partake, you feel the new hope because you are receiving the blessings and witnessing again the mystery of life. And to be father again whether it is the first, the second and the third time is renewing the vow to build a family made of love, respect and unity.  It is accepting the burden of being a man, a father, a human.    It is always a magical feeling seeing the new life from you, out of your own flesh and blood.  Seeing that new life is claiming your power and strength but it is not the potent sperms from man’s testis and that tool right there under undies.  It is the person, it is your being, your character, it is your fatherhood makes all these things good and proud.

The father may not literally attached like the mother’s nine months of carriage but every father is equally excited and under pressure the same weight of carrying the baby on the womb.  And when that new little life comes out, it is embracing the whole responsibility.  We know how chaotic, loud and sinful this world we live in, but to lead the children together with their mother, the whole family is bravery.  Every good father is brave.  No matter how many times the trials come, how much load hang into him, how many children rely on him, the father will make ways.  Having a child is every father’s aspiration, achievement and completion that nothing to ask more.  To have second child is another blessings bringing into higher joy. It makes the head of the family more inspired and committed.  More so for the third born to make the family more deserved.  On the fourth child, it is just simply too much to thank for.  More children may come but one thing is for sure, being a father again and again will always make them even stronger, diligent, deserving and greater for these children.

SPEAKING IN TOASTMASTER

I was invited to attend in a toastmaster session.  I accepted it and it was my first time to attend in a toastmaster.  I really wanted to attend long before but the big hurdle that impedes me is my hectic workload.  I made to attend not because I am considering a plan to become a good speaker someday but simply because I want to find out if this is what I want.  As a matter of fact, I always thought toastmaster is about journalism.  This makes me interested, so I’ve just wanted to give a shot and so I made to finally attend.  But while I was there observing the session, I realized that toastmaster is actually about talking.  Later I checked in dictionary that it is about improving the communication, public speaking and leadership skills.  Toastmaster is a program designed to help people learn the arts of speaking, listening and thinking.  Though it is not really about what I thought, nevertheless I enjoyed the session and I participated in activities where in one I was asked a certain question.  It was my first time to undergo in an unrehearsed question and answer.  Walking alone going into the front gives me already the worries if I can speak well and doubts on my mind are coming in.  Will the question easy, will I have mental block, or will I answer the question?

How do the policemen will be effected when the female drivers ________?  I can’t remember what completes the question but what I thought was about driving violation of female drivers.  But I need to talk and I said, seeing the women driving for the first time, in Saudi Arabia is surprising.  The policemen…. (I started groping words to say) being known how we respect women…. arrr…..  (gee, here again I’m lost in focus.  Then, I composed myself again).  But I think, whether it is male or female, if they are law abiding in the traffic rules, there will be no problem at all”.  Of course that was wrong.  It really showed me that I am not into speaking.  The complete and correct question was: How do the policemen affect their work when they see female driving?  If I will answer it in writing even on the spot, this will be my answer:  Seeing the women in Saudi Arabia driving for the first time, the policemen should be very cautious.  Somehow it will affect their job on how to approach female drivers, apply the rules considering the respect given to females which is already in nature.  And besides, how to identify these drivers behind those hood on faces, and how to investigate without bypassing the culture and nature are tough challenges.  And if I will answer again the same question after minutes passed, I will be more prepared so it will be more detailed.  Time is both my friend and enemy.

The problem with me is that most of the time I am not spontaneous, most especially of course when I am not prepared.   You can tell me to write thousand words about any given subject, I would prefer and love it but to speak a couple of sentences about the subject right there and then is something that I will struggle.  Let’s just say I prefer to write because this is my interest and this is where I am comfortable, my comfort zone.  I am a person in few words, this is my nature.  I am not talkative.  I cannot speak after speak, prolong my talk, talking while thinking what I will say next and compose myself.  It is difficult for me getting the complete message when I need to compose myself to response, and if listening to the rest of the message while I am still composing myself, then the structure of building up my speak will collapse.  However, whether or not it is prepared, I am not a spontaneous speaker and am not really into speaking.    I am into writing but I must admit I am not good in speaking.  I have speech defect.  I am somewhat a bit stutter and besides when in front of the audience I experience mental block that prevents me to think properly.

Learning thru listening to those short talks from reliable people I met, to be a good speaker is not just the bravery to speak but when you speak you must have also the substance, persuasion, choice of words and good grammar.  It was nice experience learning from the authorized and I must take it from the expert.  The lesson I learned from that session: I need to improve my confidence in speaking in front of number of people.  I am not aspiring to become good speaker, not thinking to be a guest speaker in the future and most of all I do not want to become a leader.  The reasons if I want to attend another toastmaster soon are that I just want to learn speaking impromptu, avoiding mental block during on the spot conversation, and build confidence.  Yes, I can give a chance to attend again but I think it will not my priority since what I really want to find is a group whose passion is about writing.

PAGPATAY

Kahit kailan, ang mali ay hindi maitatama ng isa pang mali.  Mali at malaking kasalanan ang pumatay ng tao.  Kaya para patayin ang taong pumatay ay isa na namang mali at kasalanan.  Nagkasala na nga yung pumatay at pagkatapos ay dadagdagan na naman ng isa pang kasalanan.  Kung ang isang tao ay papatayin ang taong pumatay sa pinatay na kamag-anak upang makapaghinganti, papatayin naman siya ng isang kamag-anak ng pinatay, at siya naman ay papatayin din ng kamag-anak nung kanyang pinatay, kung ganuon ay ubusan na lang ng lahi?  Kung ang mga kriminal na sinasabing masasamang tao ay dapat patayin, anu ang ipinagkaiba nilang dalawa ngayon?

Hindi parusang kamatayan at pagpatay ng walang tamang proseso ang solusyon sa mga nagtutulak ng bawal na gamot at mga karumaldumal na krimen.  Kung maliwanag na sinasabi na nga sa Banal na Aklat na “Huwag Kang Papatay”, ano pa ang dahilan para hindi ka pa maniwala at anong bahagi ba nito ang hindi maliwanag para hindi maintindihan ng mga taong panig sa pagpatay?  Hindi maaaring idahilan ang prinsipiyong “Mata sa mata, ngipin sa ngipin” dahil ito ay isang pamantayan ng paghihinganti at hindi ng hustisya.  Sa katunayan, ang kahulugan nito ay “kung ano ang inutang ay iyun din ang siyang kabayaran” na ang ibig sahihin ay kung ano ang ginawa ng nagkasala ay iyun din dapat gawin sa kanya.  Kung ang isang lulong sa bawal na gamot ay pumatay sa pananaksak, bakit siya papatayin sa baril, bigti, silya-elektirka o anu pang uri ng parusang kamatayan kung susundin ang prinsipiyong mata sa mata?

Hindi pagpatay ang sagot sa lumalalang krimen at mga karumaldumal na krimen.  Desperado lang ang mga tao sa nakikitang parang walang nangyayaring hustisya, patuloy na pagdami at walang katapusang krimen kaya naiisip na ng mga tao na ang parusang kamatayan na lang ang natatanging solusyon.  Ang nagiging pakahulugan ng maraming tao ay hindi natatakot gumawa ng mga karumaldumal ang mga kriminal dahil walang parusang kamatayan.  Pero hindi talaga ito ang dahilan.  Hindi sa hindi sila natatakot gumawa ng bawal dahil walang ultimatong parusang kamatayan na umiiral kundi dahil sa bansa natin ay nalulusutan o naaareglo ang lahat.  Hindi natatakot ang mga kriminal na mahuli at makulong dahil ang hustisya sa atin ay politika. 

Bakit kamo patuloy pa rin ang pagpatay at panggagahasa?  Dahil nasa isip ng mga kriminal na ang batas at ordinansa ay hindi siryoso at maaaring lusutan, kapag nadakip ay aabutin pa ng mahabang panahon bago mahatulan, kapag nakulong at nagkaroon ng kasangga sa loob at sa kapulisan ay malulusutan ang krimen na ginawa.  Bakit kamo hindi mapuksa ang kalakaran sa bawal na gamot, ang mga gumagawa ng karumaldumal na krmen, ang pang-aabuso ng mga makapangyarihang tao?  Dahil  hindi pinapatupad ng mahigpit ng mga nagpapatupad ang lahat ng batas.  Dahil ang mga taong gumagawa ng krimen ay nakakayang bilhin ang hustisya, may mga taong promopotekta sa kanila, kung makulong man ay maipagpapatuloy pa rin ang buhay-hari sa loob ng bilibid at magkakaroon ng isang magandang trato sa loob ng kulungan.  Dahil ang sistema ng batas ay poilitika, kapag nahuli ay nalalakad at nababayaran ang mga nasa pwesto.

Napakarami at magaganda na ang ating batas.  Kung umiiral lang nang tama ang batas, hindi hahantong sa desperasyon ang mga tao dahil nakikita nila na nagdurusa ang mga kriminal.  Kapag nagkasala, litisin agad, pabilisin ang gulong ng hustisya at pairalin nang tama at patas ang hustisya.  Kung aayusin lang ang sistema ng ating hustisya, kung ang nagpapairal ng mga batas ay magiging tapat at mahigpit, kung ang bawat mga nahuling nagkasala ay agad malapatan ng kaukulang kaparusahan at kung pagdurusahan nila nang ayon sa totoong kahulugan ng kaparusahan sa kanilang kasalanan, magdadalawang isip ang mga posibleng kriminal.  Dahil ang alisin ang kalayaan at makulong nang habang-buhay ay katumbas na rin ng kamatayan, at maaaring higit pa dahil habang buhay itong pagbabayaran mas mabuti pa ang pinatay na lamang nang matapos na ang kanilang pagdurusa.

Maaaring sa mga bansang may parusang kamatayan ay maliit ang naitatalang patayan pero hindi iyun takot sa parusang kamatayan kundi dahil sa listo, matindi at matuwid na mga nagpapatupad ng batas.  Dahil meron o walang parusang kamatayan, kung talagang mahigpit ang batas ay hindi kailangan takutin na papatayin ka rin kapag pumatay ka, kundi pagbabayaran habang buhay ang kasalanang nagawa.  Hindi ang dahilang nawala sa sarili at nagdlim ang paningin ang bumalot sa katauhan kaya nakakapatay kundi mas nangibabaw ang walang paggalang at pagkilala sa uri ng batas.  Dahil ang tao, basta’t malakas at malaki ang pundasyon ng paniniwala sa batas ng tao at ng Diyos, mangingiming gumawa ng kasuklam-suklam.

BALITANG PEKE

Bakit ako galit sa mga naglipanang huwad na balita at gumagawa at nagpapalaganap ng mali, malisyoso at propagandang balita?  Dahil bilang isang manunulat, masakit sa akin ang pang-aabuso at pangsasala-ula sa kahalagahan, kagandahan at kasagraduhan ng pamamahayag.  Masakit sa akin ang pagbagsak ng kalidad at moral ng pamamahayag dahil sa mga taong natutuwa, gumagawa, tumatangkilik at nagpapakalat ng mga huwad na balita.  Mga taong walang malasakit, walang totoong kaalaman at walang malinis na pagmamahal sa sining ng pagsusulat.  Ibinababa nila ang uri ng manunulat.  Kung nakikita mong sinisira ng ibang tao ang mundo mong kinabibilangan, maramramdaman mo ang sakit at galit sa mga iresponsable at mga taong bumababoy at sumusuporta sa mga huwad na balita.

Ako ay isang manunulat.  Isang manunulat hindi sa hanap-buhay o propesiyon kundi mas higit pa dito dahil ako ay isang manunulat sa puso, sa isip at sa gawa.  Hindi ko ginagawang pangunahing kabuhayan ang aking kaalaman sa pagsusulat.  Kung magkaminsan at sa napakadalang  na pagkakataon, ako’y nakakatanggap ng maliit na kabayaran ngunit sa pangkalahatan, sa madalas na pagkakataon at higit sa lahat ng mga ito ay nagsusulat ako para sa mga tao.  Nagsusulat ako para sa mga mambabasa nang walang kapalit na kabayaran, gumagawa ng mga artikulo nang walang intensiyong gawing gatasan ang pagsusulat.  Dahil gusto ko lang ang magsulat ng magsulat.  Ito ang aking kahiligan, ito ang aking pag-ibig, ito ang aking buhay.  At mas masaya akong ganito dahil para sa akin ay hindi nababayaran at walang katapat na halaga ng pera ang isang artikulong isinulat nang buong-puso at bukal sa loob.  Kung may nakakaramdam ng lungkot sa pagbagsak ng kalidad ng pagsusulat, kung may nakakaramdam ng galit sa paglaganap ng mga huwad na balita, kung may mas nakakaunawa ng mga dapat at hindi dapat isulat, at kung mayroong nasa lugar para maramdaman ang mga ito, isa ako sa mga iyun dahil ako ay manunulat.

Sa pagdinig sa Senado tungkol sa mga huwad na balita, ramdam ko ang galit sa mga personalidad na nasa likod ng mga naglipanang may-kinikilingang tagalathala, babasahin at propaganda.  Nagpapakalat ng mga malisyoso, hindi tiyak o napatunayan, at mga iresponsableng inpormasyon.  Mga mapagbalat-kayong uri ng traydor ng bayan.  Mga umano’y pansariling kaalaman ang kanilang mga ikinakalat at sariling pag-aari ang mga babasahin na naglipana sa social media ngunit malinaw na ang mga ito ay propagandista.  Mga gumagawa ng mapanirang propaganda upang bayaran ng mga personalidad at grupo upang sirain ang mga taong kalaban at palakasin ang kinaaaniban nilang grupo.  Mga taong nagkaroon lang ng kaalaman sa pagsusulat at tapang lang ang naging puhunan upang isulong kung ano ang kanilang gusto maging mali man ang mga ito.  Sa ngalan ng pera, kapangyarihan, kasikatan at pribiliheyo, ang pagsusulat ng propaganda ay kanilang kakapitan.  Ang masakit, sinasabi nilang ang ginagawa nila’y kapasidad nila bilang pribadong mamamayan gayung ang totoo ay tauhan sila ng gobyerno upang magsulat ng mga pabor na bagay na binabayaran mula sa buwis ng taong-bayan.

Ikinukumpara ko ang sarili ko sa mga taong ito.  Ako rin ay nagsusulat at mayroon din akong mga isyu, opinyon at pinapaniwalaang personalidad sa pulitika, pananampalataya, kasaysayan at ibat-ibang interes.  Ngunit napakalaki ng pagkakaiba ko sa mga taong ito dahil kung anuman ang aking isinusulat at pinaniniwalaan, kung mali man ang mga ito para sa iba ay taas-noo ko pa ring sasabihing ginagawa ko ang mga ito nang ayon sa aking puso, isip at kunsensiya.  Hindi ko ipagbibili ang prinsipiyo, sisirain ang pagkatao, babaguhin ang pagiging matapat at ipagpapalit ang katotohanan dahil lang sa pera.  Kung dahil para sa iyo ay mali ang opinyon ko, hindi mo kaparehas o ayaw mo ng opinyon ko ay sasabihing mas masahol pa ako sa mga bayarang nagsusulat dahil sila ay nagsusulat lang para isulat ang dapat isulat dahil iyun ang trabaho nila, ito ay dala na ng labis mong panatismo at nabubulagan ka lamang sa iyong pinapaniwalaan.  Ang sabihing mas mabuti pa ang isulat nang maganda at palabasing maganda ang isang bagay dahil sa pera ay panlilinlang.  Hindi ako nangloloko ng mga mambabasa upang paniwalain sila sa hindi totoo at hindi ako nagsusulat ng puro papuri sa isang tao o bagay kundi kahit pagpuna at kapangitan ay aking isinusulat bilang kritisismo.  Nakakagalit makita ang mga mukhang pera, mga mapagbalat-kayong mga manunulat at makabayan.  Sila ang traydor at kalaban ng bayan dahil sila ang nagpapagulo, humahati at sumisira sa bayan na siyang totoong taksil sa bayan.  Kaya galit ako sa mga nagpapalaganap sa ng mga pekeng balita.

Ang pagsusulat ng pekeng balita ng mga bayarang manunulat ang siyang sakit na papatay sa panunulat,  pamamahayag, pagbabalita at peryodismo.   Maling-mali ang mga ito.  May wastong-asal at pamantayang tuntunin ng moralidad sa pagsusulat.  Lalong-lalo na kung ikaw ay isang tauhan ng gobyerno, kailangan mong gumawa at kumilos ng tama dahil napakalaki ng responsibilidad mo sa taong-bayan na maaaring maniwala at sumunod sa mali mong ginagawa at sinasalita.  Taong-gobyerno ka, anumang isulat o gawin mo ay kinakatawan mo ang gobyerno kaya hindi mo maaaring sabihing ang isinulat mo ay pansarili mong kapasidad kundi iyun ang pahayag ng iyong tanggapan.  Sa mga kaguluhan at kalituhang naidudulot ng iyong pansariling pahayagan, kailangang mamili ka na kung ano ba talaga ang pupuntahan mo.  Personal blogger ba o magsilbi sa gobyerno dahil mayroon ng salungatan sa interes mo.  Dahil anu’t anuman at sa dulo nito, ang lahat ng ginagawa mo ay binabayaran ng buwis ng taong-bayan.

SSS: SANA SIGURADONG SEGURO

Sa hindi ko pagpabor sa nangyaring umento sa pensiyon ng mga pensiyonado ng SSS, maaaaring ang nagiging tingin ng ibang tao sa akin ay wala akong habag, malasakit at pakiramdam sa mga nakatatanda na hindi ko iniisip ang kanilang kaligayahan at kalagayan.  Maaaring ang palagay din nila sa akin ay hindi ako mapagmahal sa mga matatanda at mahihirap o pinagmamataasan ko sila at pinagkakaitan ng kaligayahan.  Madalas ko itong punahin dahil unang-una ay hindi ko ito natatamaan, at ikalawa’y sinusundan ko ito dahil may malasakit ako sa pinaghihirapan ko at sa kinabukasan ng lahat.

Hindi sa hindi ko inaala-ala ang mga nakatatanda.  Alam ko na marami sa nakatatanda ngayon ang pensiyon na lamang ang inaasahan upang makaraos sa hirap ng buhay.  Pero sana ay maintindihan ng mga taong nag-iisip ng hindi maganda sa pagtingin ko sa umento ng pensiyon na ang mas iniisip ko ay ang pangmatagalang kabutihan, kapakanan at ang kinabukasan ng institusiyon.  Hindi sa kasakiman, o sarili ko lang ang iniintindi ko, o ang iniisip ko ay ang magiging pensiyon ko sa darating na panahon kaya ayaw kong maubos ang pondo ng SSS kundi mas gusto ko na mas magtagal ang institusyon upang makapagsilbi at makatulong pa sa mas maraming tao at mas mahabang panahon.

Nakikita, napapanood at nababasa ko kaya hindi kaila sa akin na marami sa mga nakatatanda na pesniyonado ng SSS ay walang-wala.  Sa edad nila ngayon ay binubuhay pa ng marami sa kanila ang kanilang pamilya bukod pa sa medikal na pangangailangan nila.  At ang kakaunting umento na isang libo ay malaking bagay na sa kanila.  Matatanda na ang mga ito, maaaring kailangan pagbigyan na natin sila sa mga kaligayahan  nila ngunit sa paraang walang malalagay sa kapahamakan.  Tama bang magpakagarbo sa kabila ng kalugihan o mapaluguran ang ilan ngunit kapinsalaan ng nakararami?  Hindi dapat malagay sa panganib ang buong institusiyon, ang mas nakararaming miyembro at ang kinabukasan nilang lahat.

Aanhin ang kasaganahan ngayon kung ang bukas ay hikahos?  Oo, hindi sapat sa kanilang mga pangangailangan ang kanilang tinatanggap subalit huwag nating ikatuwa ang panandaliang benepisyo, madaliin at hindi isaalang-alang ang kinabukasan.   Alalahanin natin ang mas malaki at mas matagalang epekto.  Magkwenta tayo sa simpleng halimbawa.  Mayroong mahigit na dalawang milyon ang mga pensiyonado ng SSS.  Ang buwanang isang libong dagdag na umento ng mga pensiyonadong ito ay nasa higit dalawamput-anim na milyong piso sa loob ng isang taon.  Kung tuloy-tuloy ito, aabutin pa kaya ng sampung taon ang pondo ng SSS?

Nakakatakot ang pagbebenta ng mga ari-arian ng SSS at ang planong pagtataas ng buwanang kontribusiyon ng mga kasapi upang matugunan ang umento ng mga pensiyondo dahil nangangahulugang kinukulang ang pondo ng institusiyon.  Kung walang pagkukuhanang pondo, ibig sabihin ay wala talagang pera na nakalaan sa umento na ito.  Walang problema sa pagbebenta ng ari-arian at kahit na ang pagtataas pa ng buwanang kontribusiyon ng mga kasalukuyang kasapi kung ang malilikom na pera mula dito ay ipupuhunan, ipambibili ng ibang ari-arian, o palalaguin pa.  Pero ang problema ay kailangan magkaroon ng pera upang ipangtustos sa umento sa mga pensiyonado – kinukulang kung ganon.

Ang aking sariling ina ay isa sa mga pensiyonada ng SSS.  Sa lumalaking pangangailangan niya sa kanyang sakit, dapat ay magustuhan ko ang dagdag na isang libo sa kanyang pensiyon dahil kahit ako ay nahihirapang tustusan ang kanyang gamutan.  Ngunit hindi ako sumasangayon sa umento dahil naniniwala akong hindi pwede at sa halip ay mas inisip ko ang kalagayan ng SSS dahil para ito sa mas nakararami at sa kabutihan ng isntitusiyon.

Mahalagang matulungan ng SSS ang mga nakatatanda hindi lang sa pensiyon kundi maaari naman matugunan ang kanilang pangangailangan, kaligayahan at ayudahan ng gobyerno ang mga pensiyonadong nakatatanda ng SSS sa ibang paraan.  Hindi sa sinasabi kong ito ang tama at ang solusyon pero isang halimbawa upang matulungan ang mga nakatatandang kasapi ng SSS ay ang bigyan sila ng lugar sa mga hospital at klinika, o mabigyan sila ng libreng gamot o diskwento sa mga botika.  At mahalaga rin na tingnan ang pamamalakad ng ahensiya, suriin ang gastusin at magpalakas ng kanilang pananalapi at ari-arian.

Ang naging umento sa pensiyon ng SSS ay isang politika.  Tinangihan na ito ng dating Pangulo dahil hindi ito puwede na ikinadismaya ng mga tao.  Isa ito sa mga ipinangako ng kasalukuyang Pangulo nuong panahon ng kampanya.  Kaya nang siya ay manao ay pilit at minadali itong tinupad sa kabila ng mga balakid at pangamba.  At ang sinabi ng maraming tao na "pwede naman pala" bilang pagtuya sa nakaraang Pangulo.  Sana, siguraduhing sigurado ang ating seguro dahil makalipas ang ilang buwan lamang matapos maibigay ang umento, ngayon ay kinukulang ang pondo ng SSS dahil sa pangangailangang tugunan ang pangtustos sa umento ng mahigit dalawang milyong pensiyonado ng SSS.  Ang sabi ngayon ng mga tao, kaya naman pala ito tinangihan ng dating Pangulo, tama naman pala siya.