Risa Hontiveros - She Is What We Need In The Senate

"She is the voice of women, farmers, peasants, the poor and the oppressed. She is a staunch critic of graft and corruption in the government."

She has been a tireless advocate for human rights for decades, most notably with her years of stint as member of the Government Negotiating Panel for peace talks with the communist National Democratic Front, which earned her a Nobel Prize nomination. She is not your typical politician. She is senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros.

Why I am blogging about her? Well, it never occurred to me to be this passionate about one candidate who  symbolizes hope for those who have lost faith in their leaders. This extraordinary woman even before she threw her hat on the political arena has already impressed me and countless other Filipinos with her impeccable record as an activist, lawmaker and principled leader.

She was born to a well-off family, studied in a prestigious university and graduated as Cum Laude. She could have chosen a career away from the grinds and hassles of activism, but has seen the need to lead the marginalized sector in their fight for gaining their basic rights, social justice and equal opportunities from what she termed as 'elite democracy'.

As Akbayan Party-List representative, she has authored and filed more than eighty bills and resolutions of which three had been signed into law. As member of the minority in the Lower House, she pushed for the approval of three important measures by working closely with both the majority and minority in Congress. One of them was the CARP Extension with Reforms or CARPER, a law that gives more powers to the government to lower the prices of medicines, and an amendment to the Tax Code to provide greater exemptions to minimum-wage earners.

Risa Hontiveros has also been the most vocal proponent of the House Bill 5043 or more popularly known as the Reproductive Health Bill. She is only one of  few lawmakers who remain unfazed by the Roman Catholic Church's negative propaganda against those who support the RH bill. Although a Catholic, she strongly maintains that the RH bill is vital if not the answer to alleviate poverty brought about by the country's soaring population.

These are just few of Risa's achievements and advocacies that I suppose deserve our second look as voters. Her accomplishments speak of her desire to be a voice for the people, a voice for equality, good governance and transparency. With the growing frustrations and anger towards this administration  felt around every corner, I think it is time that we cease to traverse the traditional way of electing our leaders.

There are a lot of competent and well-intentioned other candidates out there whose names may not be that  popular but have little chances to win. It is a shame that the typical voter still prefers political patronage and easy name recall. Apparently, the voter lacks careful consideration as to the depth and qualities of the candidate he or she is voting. Surveys would show that the likes of Jinggoy Estrada, Bong Revilla and Lito Lapid are consistently on  top. This only reflects how  the majority of voters lack wisdom in their choices.

And if surveys constitute the pulse of the voters, we may as well be welcoming the proud son of the former dictator to the Senate. His platform as he would advertise is to continue the legacy of his 'great' father. He is no less very proud of what his father had accomplished during his reign. And perhaps this platform strikes chord with  voters that could catapult him to the Senate. Shall this day come to pass, let us exalt ourselves for our 'unparalleled vision' and 'all-conquering wisdom'.

Let us not also forget those reelectionist honorable senators who boycotted the last day of session in Congress. They preferred not to decide on the fate of many pending bills, that had they been deliberated upon and approved, could be beneficial to people. They chose their interests over the nation's. Their loyalty to a billionaire colleague superseded that of their duty to the nation. They are your traditional arrogant politicians who do not deserve our trust.

Personally, it is very frustrating to know that these loathsome faces sit confidently in their lairs awaiting their day of ordainment yet again. But sometimes there is no one to blame but ourselves for our miseries. We are only good at ripping them on the streets when they fail to deliver. This third-world mentality of ours is rooted on our inabilities to be part of the process of change. The opportunities to start anew do not come every day, yet we always fail to seize them. So when is the time? Another six years would be eternity.

Why Does Manny Villar Dread To Face His Foes?

"The entire nation waited for their champion, to vanquish his 'supposed tormentors' - armed with his esteemed bravado - just quickly dissipated from view."

He did finally speak up. After much speculations that he wantonly avoids Senate grilling - for fear of facing his determined accusers - presidential candidate Senator Manny Villar had his moment. In his privilege speech, he spoke candidly of his just intent to mitigate the hellish traffic situation in the vicinity of C-5 extension - denying all allegations that he benefited from these transactions. His speech sounded very predictable, forceful yet defiant - and carefully crafted so as to sound scrupulous and heartfelt - at times invoking the poor to whom he is indebted and for whom he intended to serve.

The Senate today had put on a show. Our main protagonist is a presidential candidate, who in his bid to refute his accusers was alluding to his political nemeses - as the culprits behind this spectacle. He reiterated that this is nothing but a clear attempt to discredit him, and spoil his reputation, because he is doing well in surveys - claiming his humble beginnings had served as inspiration to the poor.

Senator Manny Villar in his speech, would conjure the gods just to underscore his "innocence" from all accusations leveled against him. He adamantly and repeatedly denies, that he and his corporations benefited from the C-5 project - although a 900-page dossier contains smoldering pieces of evidence that support the allegations. As expected, his speech would delve on the credibility and motive of his accusers, rather than clarifying an issue to prove his "innoconce". Strangely enough, he sounded to be in a campaign mode when at times he would blurt out in Tagalog, narrating his flight from humble beginnings to a successful businessman - to make him more identifiable with the poor, who tend to be credulously gullible to his "groanings".

What transpired was very strange though, as he refused to be interpellated during his speech. If Senator Villar was a true statesman, he could have seized the opportunity and shined brightly by facing his accusers head on - and vindicated himself if indeed he was innocent from all the accusations. Had he spoken the "truth", as opposed to what he branded as "politically motivated ploy" against him - he could have prevailed and consequently gained the trust and sympathy of the people, hence a plus factor for his bid for the presidency. But why in the world would he just disappear after his privilege speech?

This now infamous walking-out of Villar, has already put a dent to the reputation of the Senate as an institution - will subsequently be compounded by a no-show of all of Villar's Senate allies in the next session. Due to a lack of quorum, the Senate failed to vote on whether Villar is to be censured for unethical conduct in connection with the C-5 issue. The Senate allies of Villar's who deliberately prevented the course of justice to take its course, floutingly scoffed at our democracy and the nation's rights to know the truth.

These Senate hoodlums with apocryphal sense of entitlements, are convinced they don't owe the nation an apology. They only showed their true feathers. Behind their panache exhibited in the halls of Senate - also cohabits their stinking self-serving agenda. They just proved to the Filipino people, that their own interests are above the collective whole's. Time and time again, they failed the nation at the behest of political and financial ends.

These celestial names of righteous senators include the mother of all turncoats - Miriam Santiago, the unpredictable Loren Legarda, Alan Peter Cayetano, Pia Cayetano, Edgardo Angara, Joker Arroyo, Bong Revilla, Aquilino Pimentel and the Casper-like almost non-existent mute reelectionist Lito Lapid.

The Filipino nation at this critical time cannot just ignore the mystery shrouded over the C-5 controversy - not with a blink. One of the presidential frontrunners is the man who can shed light on this controversy, chose to perpetually shield himself from the fangs of truth. All the means and avenues are at his disposal, to enlighten the nation whom he owes his stature. The entire nation waited for their champion - to vanquish his "supposed tormentors" armed with his esteemed bravado - just quickly dissipated from view.

Is this the kind of leader we would want to reign over us? Or could this be an ominous warning of an imminent death of transparency and good governance should he gets elected? This demeanor of a presidential frontrunner that derides seekers of truth - in my opinion, has no place in my conscience and therefore has no place in my ballot. As a Filipino, duly empowered to vote, I swear to be wise with my choices -that not even a shred of dubious character and stain of corruption is appended to my candidates.

As part of OFW diaspora worldwide - credited with driving the economy forward - I have the same aspirations that in this election may we vote for the right candidate who could bring our faith back to the government - a government free from corruption, injustices, and self-serving interests. Though this may be remotely possible - with the prevalence of money-politics - coupled with voters' immaturity - whose vote can be swayed by short-term benefit - I don't lose hope that everyone can still be a catalyst for change if we start to do what is expected of us. One thing is certain though - from an optimist point of view - change is possible if we give change a chance.

To My Dear President Gloria

"For you were once privileged to be steward of your people, and you're bound to uphold their well-being, but you chose to indulge in the bounty of your plunder ."

You've reached the pinnacle of your political career. You've been president for a decade. You held the highest office in the land, longer than any other president apart from Marcos. You have had ten long years to prove that you're committed to serve the Filipino nation.

Ten years as president is deemed long to effect change in your government. We waited for a decade for that change you vowed to deliver for us. We the poor who felt betrayed by the one who came before you. And also ten years that you repeatedly failed us.

You would have not become president had you not cheated. Your cowardice to face rejection from the Filipino people made you brave to commit the unthinkable. Your tremendous resolve to hold on to your powerful domain even made you believe, that the presidency is what you are made for. You dreaded to think that you've been repudiated at the polls. For the Filipino electorate had their voice affirmed yet the truth stolen from them.

The genius in Garci was something that you should boast of --the inconceivable number of votes he was able to secure for you. The astonishing margin of victory you gained in Maguindanao warranted record worthy of Guinness entry -- delivered by the equally trusted and righteous ally in the Ampatuans. But as the proverbial adage would forewarn -- " there is a time for everything and a season for everything".

And then the time has come for your evil scheme to be revealed; and your harvest came at the right season. You reaped the scorn of the Filipino nation -- a reward for your audacious attempt to rob democracy from us. Notwithstanding the indignation you reaped, you still succeeded and prevailed. And the only consolation we got -- when you said 'sorry' on national television -- with your face looking stupid.

Scandals after scandals have plagued your administration. Graft and corruption prevailed under your leadership. ABN-ZTE and Fertilizer Scams are but few of your monumental exploits. Promises were made to stamp out corruption in your government. But to vindicate oneself from blame is one thing, and punishing the culprit is another. How you can reign in the evil elements in your government when it is your family that wields that three-pronged power?

When you took oath as president in 2001, to assume the place of the humongous corrupt Joseph Estrada, you were awed at the prospect of sitting at the summit of national leadership. You captured every Filipino's imagination of a strong and corrupt-free governance. Every Filipino's hope that you will be a redemption from the plunderer, became a testimony to the magnitude of support you obtained from opposite ends of the political spectrum. Rich, poor, the academe, the sidewalk vendors, even snatchers-- all put their trust in you -- in your capability to heal the ' terminally sick man of Asia', as you did boastfully flaunt in your credentials. But it is also the same hope that was shattered, when you put yourself and your family above the collective whole's interest.

Allegations of bribery, rampant graft and corruption and evidences of nepotism, thrive unabatedly in an arrogant fashion. You took pains in combating those accusations, shielding your husband from appearing in the Senate hearing, as what his favorite doctors would have advised -- but his jet setting to Las Vegas for every Pacquiao's fight is entirely what his doctors would have prescribed. And more impressively were your successes at shaking off several attempts to impeach you from office. You are really one astute president.

Your astronomical feats did not end there. Your government did not hold back from engaging in wholesale corruption. Day after day, new revelation of inexplicable assets acquired by your family surfaces. Details of assets acquired by your oldest son were invariably concealed from public. And you Madame President wanting not to be outdone, your assets increased by more than 1000 per cent in the course of your glorious presidency. Don't you feel the urgency to substantiate the acquisition of this breathtaking wealth?

You had also been delusional to cling to power beyond your term. You explored all legal means just to advance your own personal agenda. Pork barrels, special favours, privileges to travel abroad, and cold cash in the bags have been your leverages for winning the perpetual support of your equally crooked worshippers in Congress. But thanks to the collective social awareness of every Filipino -- your fabled ten-year fairy tale will certainly end half a year from now.

In what a seemingly blissful elections ahead, the prospect of a brand new president gives a glimmer of hope to every Filipino like myself. The thought of a new beginning revives our hope of a better Philippines. As the saying goes, 'new is always nice'. But new position in the government for our beloved future former president, is a square pill hard to swallow! Have you had not enough?

Every Filipino gets his appeasement from the fact that you will certainly step down. You might have not succeeded in your grand scheme of a Charter Change, (to pave way for your premiership), but your obvious intentions remain clear, that your eyes had been set on the same. And one easiest way is to get to the halls of Congress. This has been expected of you Madame President as your deafening silence on this question was apparent.

When you braved controversies and gleefully filled up your certificate of candidacy for Congresswoman, you have already accomplished your first step forward. Then, it's only a matter of time before we see a probable Speaker of the House and if fortunate as you have always been -- a new Prime Minister. And the fairy tale its end revised, and another long chapter reemerges.

I have only two questions to raise my dear President. Do the collective sentiments of the Filipino people matter to you? Don't you hear their clamor for change? The change every Filipino screams that could get you banished! As time goes, the wounds heal. We Filipinos can easily forgive, as ingrained in our virtues. But forgiveness for the unremorseful is one divine virtue unexpected of any man, much less a weary Filipino.

Leaders be good or not are still leaders. We are obligated to obey them. And how many leaders had been privileged to serve this great nation? This sounds very fulfilling, but only few lived to its essence to be servants of the people, and not masters of them. Leaders who not only enriched themselves and their kins, but also squandered the residue meant for the poor and the needy. Leaders who salivated at the sight of fame and fortune that beckons them at their throne. Machiavellian leaders who could make their subjects tremble and annihilate foes at a swagger of their hand.

Madame President, the Philippines is a bastion of democracy. Communism thrived for a time and so did Socialism. But there is nothing like democracy. And in democracy, there is no place for dynasty. Apart from five of you in the family, whom pundits would announce as the modern-day dynasty, who else remain in diaspora awaiting ordainment?

The shame that this repulsive government has gifted to the Filipino nation is beyond redemption. How many more days, weeks or months, should we be holding the scepter passed on to us as the most dangerous country for journalists? Is this latest coronation something that a Filipino like me should be proud of? It is a shame that a Pacquiao and a Penaflorida feat would pale in comparison to this worldwide recognition.

And what has your government been doing to punish the criminals of the grisliest massacre in recent memory? Would you be brave enough to accept part of the blame and therefore admit a failed leadership? You know and the Filipino people know, who created the monsters in Maguindanao. You might have exonerated yourself from the shame of election 2004, but the repercussion of your cheating is here to haunt you. The election result that paved the way for the resurrection of the cloned monster -- the Frankenstein that gobbled up the bloods of the innocent victims of Maguindanao massacre. Its design and perfection all happened under your watch, and may I say your pampering hand.

In conclusion, I would like to thank you Madame President for being an instrument for a new wave of self-sacrifice, selflessness and social consciousness, being felt around every dimension of society. This average citizen is no longer indifferent to every issue he is entangled into. He is no longer oblivious to the fact that his future and his children's future is in jeopardy. He now acts forthrightly and with a sense of urgency. And the lessons he learned became his powerful tool to rectify his mistakes.

For no government on earth is without reproach, but certainly and collectively we can triumph over the bondage of greed in our government -- this curse that no one dared resist. For you were once privileged to be steward of your people, and you're bound to uphold their well-being, but you chose to indulge in the bounty of your plunder . As the adage goes, "for where the carcass is, the vultures abound."

Thank you Madame President for stirring up in me, the resolve to muster my unusual self to put my thoughts down in writing, as I would not be able to speak them. Thank you for compelling me to do the right thing and be a voice to the reserved few.

From an OFW

Acting Out His Script

"Erap had been too busy playing the role of 'unifier' (kuno)..."

True enough to a pre-conceived scheme, former president Erap has officially announced his candidacy for president (yet again). Not a surprise though! Way back on his house arrest days when the Arroyo administration was in a quagmire of scandals, Erap was in a mode of reconciliation having toned down his stance on Gloria. The deafening silence from his camp and an unusually muzzled criticism of the administration merited suspicion of the highest order haha! And thereon the script was acted out with flawless choreography.

Our hero eventually got pardoned thanks to a panicky Gloria who was all too-consumed by her own survival. However, history will be the judge if that infamous decision would play a role in shaping our country's future political landscape. For as long as trapos get the stranglehold of the country's political system, no landmark corruption case will ever be won for the Filipino people. When Erap was convicted of plunder the Filipino nation had a rare taste of national pride; that a country notoriously associated with corruption in its system was able to convict a former president for large-scale corruption. But just as pundits would guess the saga did not end there- albeit anti-climactic.

Subsequently, Erap in all his glory did not waste time savoring his new-found (undeserved) liberty. Campaign sorties would follow in different regions of the country proclaiming his vindication while gently biting back his pardoner. Throngs of supporters could be seen cheering or perhaps worshiping their hero's exploits as handful of candies would then rain on them - to reward them with their act of idolatry.

As events started to unravel, Erap had been too busy playing the role of 'unifier' (kuno) from among the ranks of the opposition. He however warned that should the opposition fail to choose a common candidate then he would be forced to run..? What the ....! Another stroke of craftsmanship by an actor and politician! So the script went smoothly...as you and I would have expected it.

Judging from his media stunts, no amount of legal hurdles or bad publicity would ever deter the former president from reaching the cinematic climax his role would have demanded. This time there is no stopping Erap- not even the seemingly conclusive Dacer-Corbito case. His team with all its mighty arsenal is determined to shake off all impending threats of disqualification... and so the story goes.

The 2010 presidential election will undoubtedly generate tremendous excitement. It would certainly serve as a barometer as to whether the electorate has grown with time or has remained inconceivably poor in judgment. While every protagonist gears up for a huge battle in surveys, it is also highly anticipated that serious fireworks will come from every direction no matter what the cost.

Now it is for you people to decide about your future. You are and have always been entitled to your decision. You have been offered various plates on the table. It is for you to grab which one you think offers nourishment to your being. If you failed yet again with your poor judgment, then who cares? Don't ever go to the street and scream. Get a life and hang!

Will his fame be an asset or liability?

"They say a coin has always two sides and that's beyond argument."

I'm just curious, do these lolas really gloat on seeing Willie in person? Eighty or ninety year-old something lolas sometimes weep while hugging Willie. He must be a god on TV! The magic without question is so obvious.

I really don't have a piece to write. I just can't keep from laughing! Today his guests are the OPM singers such as Rico J, Marco S, Nonoy Z and the likes of Eric Santos. And mind you, he even takes a swipe at how these icons fared bad with their album sales compared to his. Rico J was quick though to rebutt saying he really wanted to figure out how to copy Willie's amazing voice. Funny huh!

Till now it remains a mystery whether Willie is going to throw his hat on the political arena. More than a month from now we will come to know. He certainly could be a big factor in Manny Villar's candidacy. Multitudes of Willie's fans would surely not fail him. To them, he is a symbol of hope and a better future. He would certainly fight for their interests and well-being because he is pro-poor; judging from his compassionate face while engaging the contestants in the normally 'over-acting yet heart-piercing' segment Willie of fortune.

They say a coin has always two sides and that's beyond argument. I wish there is no other side of him. But do you think his antics of intimidation to his staff will not go unnoticed? The downside with us TFC subscribers is that more than twice we could chance upon watching Wowowee on a daily basis. And everyday there is new spontaneous 'kabastusan' or rudeness and arrogance or maybe some sort of bullying that are way off-limits. Some helpless victims especially the dancers would just blush while putting up a brave smile which is imperative of them. He would always pick on them on any given situation. I think a schooled and a little educated normal human being will be able to dissect what I am talking about.

As a citizen of the Philippines I think it is also my prerogative to say what I ought to say. My thoughts are my thoughts and I am entitled to it. I may not represent the collective sentiments of all but it is my wish that we have the same passion for the well-being of our country. And it is my conclusion that any candidate who jumps on the popularity of a celebrity and uses them to his advantage is deemed a trapo.

What about the orange infomercial on the TFC at the expense of the distressed OFWs? And it is paid for by friends? Who do they think they're fooling? My boss before had told me that leaders may be good or bad but they are leaders and we ought to obey them. Okay fine! That makes sense. So the collective consequence is borne by all...no questions asked!