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.