Comfort at Mayon Evacuation Centers Missing

Comfort and convenience for thousands of evacuees at Mayon evacuation centers in Bicol seemed elusive. TV reports of complaints from evacuees keep filtering in. These complaints run the gamut from crowded rooms, lack of potable water and difficulty in procuring the basic needs of life. Some comfort rooms don't function and it's hot and humid in these shelters. Around 40 classrooms in the elementary schools situated in villages affected by forced evacuations have been converted as evacuation centers.
Residents affected by forced evacuations can't be blamed for refusing to leave their homes and go to evacuation centers. Life in these shelters is simply unbearable. It is therefore the responsibility of the government and the local government units to focus on solving the complaints emanating from poorly-maintained evacuation centers. While all eyes are directed towards Mayon volcano and its eventual eruption, government attention must be directed on how to improve life at evacuation centers. The focus should be on the people and their comfort, as they are temporarily relocated from an impending natural disaster. It is reported that the residents might stay in evacuation centers longer, maybe three to four months at the most. This is eternity for these poor residents unless the department of social welfare (DSW) and other branches of the government pool their resources and expertise to make life at evacuation centers livable.

Let Pacquiao Run

Come to think of it, Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao is the only genuine hope of the country to make a turn-around for the better. As it is, the country is stuck in a quagmire of disunity, corrupt leaders, weak reformers and easily-swayed population. The Philippines now nurtures this kind of society. Every now and then, a new crop of leaders will emerge, but in just a short time, they join in the great malfeasance of all: corruption in public office. Now comes Pacquiao and his desire to be a politician. Why not? He might just be the leader that the country needs. He is already rich and famous. He might start a revolution of sorts to unite the country and challenge the dare of development and change. If Pacquiao wins as a congressman and if he launches a program of unity throughout the land, this might as well be the start of a grand turn-around for the better for this country. Unity of regions for a better country might be achieved. The gap between the rich and the poor might be just be narrowed if not eliminated. Philippines might just become an emerging economic giant in just a short time. So let Pacquiao run for Congress. Help him win and see if he is the answer to the problems of the country.

The Problem in Relocations

Philippine authorities are presently relocating people from their homes for flood control purposes, construction of railways and terminals and other legitimate reasons. Majority of those facing relocations are squatters. Their former homes are rendered illegal and pose a threat to themselves and to other people. Shanties and makeshift houses have been built along canals and rivers. Recent strong typhoons that visited the country have caused massive floodings and took away lives and destroyed properties and infrastructures. Now, the Philippine government is leading the way in clearing out the shanties and other illegal constructions built along areas not designed for residential habitations. But a major problem arises when the government is unprepared to provide relocation areas complete with habitable houses that will make these people live with dignity and respect. Some relocation areas have houses that have no running water or electricity. No jobs are waiting for these relocated residents in their new place. There are no schools for their children nor parks and other amenities that will qualify these relocation areas as communities. It's no wonder why violence and stiff resistance to move out are exhibited by these poor people. Recently, it was reported that three residents were killed in the ensuing violence that capped a demolition activity by authorities in a Baclaran mosque to clear out illegal constructions. This area is being prepared for the construction of a transport terminal. What happened was a serious clash between resisting residents and the demolition team protected by policemen as they destroyed the makeshift residences of these people. In this country where the class division between the haves and the have-nots is so obvious, the government has paid lip service to the phrase "service to the people". The poor and the people living in squatters have been given the run-around. They are not given fair treatment in the area of governance. And to think that Filipinos live in a democracy where the government is supposed to be "for the people, by the people and of the people". In effect, people should not suffer, even in relocations.

Philippine Rehab Efforts Should Focus on the Flood Victims

A large number of the Philippine population is suffering right now from the massive devastation brought forth by two typhoons: Typhoon Pepeng and Typhoon Ondoy. Current relief and rehabilitation efforts by the government and the benevolent private sector should focus more therefore in improving the lives of these displaced citizens. The number of flood victims is just enormous. National Disaster Coordinating Council gives daily updates on the latest count of people affected by the two strong typhoons. Those numbers are in the hundreds of thousands and are situated in the affected regions in central, northern and southern Luzon, as well as in the Greater Manila area. This is a staggering challenge for the civilian government, the military and the private sector. Despite the creation of a special reconstruction commission to oversee the massive rehabilitation effort and manage the financial aid coming from abroad, it remains to be seen how all efforts to achieve a sense of normalcy can be achieved. Amidst all these activities, the focus should concentrate on how the thousands of victims currently staying in evacuation centers or still living in their damaged domiciles surrounded by a flooded or garbage-strewn environment can have a "normalcy" in their lives. If there is a plan for a permanent relocation of people, this plan should be a genuine effort to transfer these displaced flood victims to a decent location where the basic amenities of living are present and human dignity is preserved. Until now, news about relocations and more improvements and benefits for typhoon victims are hard to find. Government officials seem careful in announcing what will they do to thousands of people currently staying in evacuation centers or to people living in their damaged homes and are daily facing the challenge of wading in flooded streets. Recently, the head of Laguna Lake Development Authority told a group of senators in a Senate hearing that it will take about four months for the water in the various flooded communities to subside and return to the lake. He has no plans to alleviate the suffering of the flooded residents. This is just plain negligence. Efforts should be made, even at its awkwardness, to cut down the time that the people will suffer from wading in a flooded environment. Aside from the lack of the basic necessities of life, it should be noted that diseases are already on the rise. People wading in floodwaters are in danger of developing a bacterial infection called leptospirosis. This illness can be fatal if not given immediate treatment. Other diseases stalking the flood victims are diarrhea, cholera, influenza and dengue. It is therefore an urgent task for the authorities to speed up the process of drying out the flooded streets of the affected areas. Also, money should be allocated to buy bancas and rubber boats and distribute them to barangays. As much as possible, people should be discouraged from wading in floodwaters. By now, these waters are contaminated and very hazardous to one's health. All in all, anything that is being done in terms of relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction shoud focus more in improving the lives of the flood victims and giving them hope for a better future.

Relocation Offer For Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng Victims Should be Complete

Aside from the loss of lives, Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng also rendered thousands of Filipinos either homeless or unable to return to their damaged houses. The big question now is: what's next for them after staying at the crammed evacuation centers? The Philippine government recently created a reconstruction commission composed of leaders from the government and private sectors, in order to manage and oversee the massive relocation and rehabilitation programs for the typhoon victims. This newly created commission is also tasked with the judicious use of the millions of foreign aid now coming from abroad for the sole benefits of the typhoon victims as well as for the reconstruction of the country's roads and bridges and other infrastructures damaged by the two typhoons. Relocation program for the thousands of families victimized by floods should be complete. It should assure the families the basic needs and comforts of life such as shelter, food, clothing, water, electricity, and source of income. The children should be be able to go to good schools and nice environment. This is not an easy task nor it can be done in just a short time. But if the government of President Arroyo and the new commission it created believed in serving its people at its time of greatest need, then this massive effort of reconstruction and rehabilitation can be achieved.

Distribution of Hot Meals A Must For Typhoon Ondoy Victims

As simple as it is, but the distribution of hot meals should be a top priority in the relief effort for Filipino victims of Typhoon Ondoy's wrath. There are now around 374,000 Filipinos who are reported to be billeted in evacuation centers scattered around the Greater Manila region and other areas in Luzon. Their homes are either destroyed or unlivable due to rampaging flood waters brought by Typhoon Ondoy. This typhoon cut a swath of destruction over the weekend in the capital region of the country. As of today, it was reported that 240 lives had been lost. The worst affected areas were located in Rizal province. In the height of the storm, flood waters rose to the roofs of houses and people were seen standing on rooftops. Even when the storm has weakened and left the country, people were forced to stay temporarily in evacuation centers. Relief goods are now pouring in in distribution centers set up by the government and the private sector as well as the media giants ABS-CBN and GMA-7 which conducted round the clock coverage of the calamtity. But more than the donations of canned goods and clothing, the flood victims should receive hot meals each day that they are still in the evacuation centers. Volunteers responding to the spirit of "bayanihan" or selfless volunteerism, should see to it that flood victims are given the best of care. At any rate, it appears that the distribution of food, medicine and other means of assistance for the flood victims are starting to pick up in an orderly manner. Through the leadership of the National Disaster Coordinating Council which is led by Defense Sectretary Gilbert Teodoro, the orderly rescue and relief effort, however massive, is gaining headway in all affected areas amidst the gloom and doom that just swept into the country over the weekend. The call for unity and volunteerism sounded out by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was effective in stirring the "bayanihan" spirits among thousands of Filipinos who are now trooping to evacuation centers to lend assistance. This only shows that the Filipino spirit is still up high and it is not defeated by a natural disaster such as Typhoon Ondoy. More power to the Filipino people!

The Noynoy Aquino Phenomenon

Noynoy Aquino, the 49-year-old son of Cory and Benigno Aquino is currently riding on the crest of popularity and nationwide support created by the heroism and courage of his departed parents. A new set of poll surveys made before his declaration of intent to run for public office, it is said, all point to a lead of Noynoy Aquino over all other possible presidential candidates. This is a phenomenon brought on by several factors, one of which is the boldness and forthrightness with which Noynoy Aquino has determined that now is the time to come to the full service of his country. With the country's economy in an stagnant state and its moral foundation virtually under attack by its corrupt leaders, Senator Aquino did not waste a chance to relay to his Liberal Party co-leaders that he is interested in running for President. Other factors that spawned this Aquino phenomenon is the speed with which the Filipino people has accepted Noynoy Aquino as a rightful challenge to the top post of the land against other candidates who are suspect in their ability to manage the country. Aquino's instant popularity is one reason why there is now a "wrecking crew" unknowingly developing among politicians, writers, columnists and spokesmen of various political parties and even Malacanang, all aimed at putting down the character and ability of Noynoy Aquino to lead a troubled country like the Philippines. His life and achievements are now under scrutiny, and any minute discrepancy or speck from his personal record is blown out of proportion to make him unacceptable to the Filipino voters. But Filipino voters know better. They've suffered for many years against corrupt leaders who have nearly emptied the government coffers without showing any concrete achievement that will make a common Filipino family happy. Poverty is still a gnawing problem, as if having a wide gap between the rich and the poor in Philippine society is already a given. Politics has been converted as a form of business by corrupt officials, and it is the only business around where money is easy to find and the sure road to creating financial empires. Meanwhile, service work to the millions of suffering Filipinos is always found wanting and these poor folks are always treated as second-class citizens of their own country. There is therefore a new breeze of leadership that is being offered by Noynoy Aquino. He is helped by the memory of his honest and heroic parents and the Filipino people sense that it is in Noynoy Aquino -- the only son of the icon of democracy and the hero who defied the Marcos martial law machine -- that will make real their hopes and dreams for a better life.

Aquino Represents Genuine Opposition

Deposed President Joseph Estrada branded Noynoy Aquino's candidacy as one representing the rich of the Philippine society. Little does Estrada know that Aquino's political party might as well represent the genuine Opposition. That it is why, Aquino's decision to run is generating excitement in all sectors of Philippine politics and society in general. It might as well be the next People Power. Noynoy Aquino is asking the people to mount another collective confrontation against the adversaries of change and real progress. This is the only peaceful way to regain their freedom and control over a seemingly wayward trend towards self-destruction of the country. Other presidential candidates who plan to oppose Aquino in 2010 are either tainted in their records or are carrying an agenda of accomodation with the corrupt regime. The programs for the poor and the victims in Philippine society are given just lip service. Once elected, anyone of these candidates will just be a "repeat of the same". On the other hand, there is a reformist trend in the way Noynoy Aquino will press his case before the Filipino electorate. Just an example, Aquino has declared that if he is elected, he will press for a relentless recovery of the Marcos wealth which runs in the billions. This money could be used as a start to generate economic reforms and alleviation of the plight of the poor in Philippine society. This is just a glimpse of what an Aquino presidency will do to put the country on the map of true progress and prosperity. Thus, the belief that Aquino represents the genuine Opposition will always prevail as the country closes in on May 2010 elections. There is a past in the country's history about the sacrifices and heroism of Aquino's parents that is difficult to erase. And it is a continuing act. The campaign months will allow the real candidate of the people to emerge and, for now, it appears like destiny has given Noynoy Aquino to lead the Filipino people to genuine democratic reforms.

Noynoy Aquino under Media Scrutiny

Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III is now under media scrutiny. Right now, he is in Zamboanga city to further ask himself and seek the advice of close friends and the spiritual guidance that he needs for the decision after September 9. This decision will affirm whether he will run for the presidency in 2010 or not. The action of Mar Roxas to give way to his friend Noynoy to run for President next year paved the way for all this excitement that the only son of Benigno and Cory Aquino is now generating in the Philippine political scene. Can he unite the country and become the next President? Time and succeeding events will tell. He is only 49 years old and single. He is too young to lead a country that is mired in graft and corruption and where majority of its citizens and fresh college graduates look up to jobs abroad as a way of surviving in life. Noynoy has always stated in most of his inteviews with radio-TV reporters that the best candidate this country should have is the one that is picked by the common folks. Traditional politicians have come and gone and still, the country suffers from economic povery, hopelessness and social malaise. Furthermore, there is divisiveness in the land, brought about by the direct clash between good and evil, between the corrupt and its victims, between those who usurped power and built a fortress to keep it and those who longed to serve the country honestly and can't. Noynoy Aquino is therefore being thrushed into the forefront of this great Divide, hoping that his eventual victory will unite the nation and bring about socio-economic reforms and political renewal that only a victory at the polls in 2010 can be achieved. Otherwise, the alternative is another wound in the country's psyche that is difficult to heal. Noynoy should accept the challenge to be the standard bearer of his party in the 2010 presidential race. This is the only chance right that he will have where he can vigorously pursue the ideals and beliefs that his famous parents adhered on for the benefit of millions of Filipinos of this exciting country. So far, Noynoy is standing tall amidst continuous media scrutiny. He has brains and the physical energy to mount the arduous challenge against anyone who is also vying for the top post of the land. Of course, there will be detractors. There will be people who will stage negative attacks against his character and ability to lead. But by doing so, it only proves that Mar Roxas was not all mistaken when he gave way to his close friend to go for the presidency in 2010. He might as well make it.

Interesting 2010 Presidential Race

Right now, the Philippines is struck with a confluence of events leading up to the May 2010 general elections. Formal announcements of major politicians aiming for the top post of the land -- the Presidency -- always hug the front pages of leading dailies in the country. Mike Velarde of El Shaddai has intimated to his flock about his desire to enter the presidential race. He in effect is conducting a feedback survey, asking his more than six million members if they are in one opinion with him to run as a presidential candidate. One reason steering Mike Velarde to run -- if the members will support him -- is his belief that there is no other worthwhile candidate currently vying for the top political post that will lead the nation to prosperity. Meanwhile, Mr. Velarde also told President Arroyo that he will only support her till her term ends in June 2010. This is one glimmer of hope in the sense that there is a possibility that 2010 presidential elections will push through and a new President will take over the control of government from Arroyo. Indirectly, Mr. Velarde is hinting that he and his millions of El Shaddai flock will not tolerate any "shenanigans" from President Arroyo and his minions like declaring martial law or pushing through with the Constituent Assembly leading up to Charter Change. Still, one cannot but nurture suspicions that there might be another alternative that the Arroyo regime is planning to implement to cause the extension of her term beyond 2010. The fact that Arroyo herself was very stingy with words to clarify in black and white her intention to leave her post after June 2010 keeps the Filipinos in a state of puzzlement. Anyway, the surge of patriotism that is evident in every Filipino right after the grand burial of the icon of democracy -- President Corazon Aquino -- is a source of comfort for everyone and a warning perhaps, to those who would create political chaos and place the country in the precipice of another political emergency. Right now, the only emergency that the people would want to face is the holding of the 2010 general elections. This is the only way that will put the Philippines in the map of real economic recovery and true political transformation.

Nuggets of Living Brought About by Cory's Legacy

There are nuggets of living that one can pick up from the legacy left by former President Corazon Aquino. One is how to become a good parent to your children. Mrs. Aquino was supportive of her five children. Having lost her husband to the violent politics in the Philippines during the Marcos regime, she had to raise her children as a single parent. But in the midst of this challenge, Mrs. Aquino wished to continue the fight that her husband had begun against the dictatorship of Marcos. This sincere courage of a simple housewife was what brought down the seemingly invincible fortress of of the Marcos regime. She accepted the challenge to be a candidate pitted against Marcos in a snap presidential elections in 1986. The rest is history. Mrs. Aquino became the first female President of the Philippines. Her courage or any courage of an individual is what will bring him or her, for that matter, to the dream or goal that she or he wants to achieve. Mrs. Aquino's triumph from a simple housewife to becoming a President was a destiny realized from a courage that she exhibited. Like Joan of Arc, she led her people in their fight against Marcos rule. It is therefore understandable that she came to be known in the hearts and minds of the Filipino people as the icon of democracy in their country. Her courage and leadership brought back democracy in the Philippines after years of supression of human rights beginning in 1972 when martial law was declared. Mrs. Aquino never veered in her democratic policies while in the seat of political power. The trappings of power did not corrupt her. Her unwavering support for the restoration of the democratic way of life and providing a true transition government was the focus of her work while President. In effect, her incorruptible service to her country during and after the end of her term, was what endeared her greatly to her countrymen. Her honesty and dedication in public service must be the explanation to the mammoth crowds that greeted her funeral as the flat-bed truck carrying her flag-draped coffin slowly negotiates its way for eight-long hours to her final resting place besides her husband at the Manila Memorial Park. Moreover, the large crowds never finished in their adoration as they expressed their gratitude and thanks to the departed leader. For she left nuggets of living that leaders and common individuals can learn and pick up on their way to attaining their life's goals.

The Real SONA for Filipinos

As in years past in this Arroyo regime, the real state of the nation address that Filipinos should be hearing is the growing anger permeating in the hearts and minds of the people about the hopelessness and despair that is gripping the country. There is also a growing division in this country between those who oppose the Macchiavelian rule that President Arroyo has chosen to use and the Arroyo allies who chose out of selfish economic/political need to defend her. This political domestic strife that is growing by leaps and bounds appear to be drowning the country's effort to crown its people with socio-political and economic empowerment. The state of the nation today is one of a President trying to evade the various truths that the Filipino people seek to find to put closures on to such controversies as the 2004 presidential polls, the ZTE-NBN deals, the misuse of agricultural funds for election purposes, and other controversial issues. Unless these are resolved and it appears it will never be resolved unless Arroyo steps down, the state of the nation shows a large number of Filipinos who no longer respects and believes the sitting President.
Suspicions are also strong around the nation that President Arroyo might lead the insidious drive being pushed by her allies in Congress and with the support of the bad sector of the military to change the form of government to parliamentary and extends her rule as a Prime Minister. Until now, as the SONA event
gets closer, President Arroyo has remained silent about her plans for the country and for herself. Instead of contributing to clarify various issues considering that she is the country's foremost leader, Arroyo is purposely putting the country in a state of suspended animation. But by doing so, Arroyo should understand that she is going deeper and deeper in the quagmire of her own doing. While she is emboldened to execute what she planned to do to extend her hold to power by her sheer control over the country's PMA-bred generals and misguided military officers, this attempt to ride "in the back of a tiger" to gain total power will never succeed. Even her trip to the US after her SONA is of no significance. What will President Obama tell her except maybe to advice her to step down and allow a newly elected President to rule the country? Not even the issue of combatting international terrorism will force the United States to prop up a discredited leader who has lost the support and respect of her own people. Thus, the SONA that President Arroyo will give on July 27 will not tell what is really happening in the country. It will not heal a divided nation nor will give a common Filipino an inspiration and a headstart to a life of hope and contentment.

Fight is Sweet

Plots to tinker with the Constitution will not succeed. Any country who senses that its sacred laws are to be changed to advance the cause of a few individuals or to extend the terms of office of a national leader will fight tooth and nail to prevent it from happening. Why is that? It's elementary. The Constitution is the reason why a country exists or why its people behave. It is a set of laws that that is the lifeline to the country's continuing survival. It can be amended to add more changes that will protect the rights of its people or cause progress and prosperity to grow, but the procedure to amend it takes time and countless procedures and discussions emanate. It does not happen at the whim of one person trying to find a way to perpetuate himself or herself in power. The people can easily sense whether attempts to inject amendments to their Constitution are just extension of plots by misguided sectors of society, including those in the seats of power, to continue with their brazen cling to power. Then what follows are concerted efforts to prevent the Constitution from being "raped" by gangs of corrupt leaders and misguided military officers masquerading as protectors of the people. This is now what is happening in the Philippines. It maybe difficult to foresee what the outcome will be, but once you fight tooth and nail to protect your Constitution from being destroyed or tinkered with, the fight is just sweet.

Justiciable Controversy and other Confusing Legal Terms

It looks like the proponents of Charter Change and Parliamentary form of government in the Philippines are using all the tricks in the book in order to advance their plan to perpetuate their hold to power. They've tried floating several political alternatives and designs to ameliorate Philippine society and presumably, to attain economic sufficiency and progress. One design is to inject amendments to the present Charter. But it is being done with such haste and speed that one suspects there is a heinous plot percolating under it. Pro-Administration congressmen forced the overnight approval of HR 1109, a resolution expressing the wish of the Lower House to convene as a constituent assembly to discuss amendments to the Constitution. This proposed assembly challenges a legal requirement, that of including the Senate vote for a constituent assembly. Now comes a term being introduced in the continuing attempt to make the public discusssion of issues very foggy and confusing. The term is "justiciable controversy". Only lawyers and those who go to libraries and check the Internet can avail of the meaning of this term. The other Filipinos, those millions of countrymen who work, if they have work, day in and day out to eke out a living and put food in the table for their families and loved ones, are expected to be confused and puzzled. Silence and avoidance to participate in public discussions would be the result. In short, there is an attempt by those looking for a way out to escape the wrath of the entire Filipino race for the abuses and plunder they've committed, to confuse everything. By so doing, those in power will continue to amass more opportunity to hold on to power and extend their stranglehold of the country.

Interpreting Major News Events in the Philippines

Lately, there have been major news events in the Philippines, making it worth the time to surf the influential newspapers and other media outlets of the country in the Internet. Millions of Filipinos must be overwhelmed by now by the speed with which certain news have developed. The question is: how should these news be interpreted or analyzed in the light of the major socio-political problems besetting the country? I believe everyone has a right to create his own interpretation of the news. But deciphering its (the news) meaning and significance can be easy and somewhat patriotic if we always ask whether such earth-shaking news will improve our rotten socio-political system and save the country from ruins.
Thus, foremost among the news from the Philippines that should merit the attention and varied opinions of millions of Filipinos is the success with which the Commission on Elections is having in selecting a company that will produce automated voting machines for the 2010 presidential elections. So far, no problems are being reported. This is encouraging. And then there is this news about the merger of Lakas and Kampi, two major political parties allied with the Arroyo administration. President Arroyo would like millions of Filipinos to believe that the merger of these two parties means that the 2010 polls will push through. It is an indirect way of soothing the nerves of millions of Filipino voters who are unsure whether elections in 2010 will be held, considering the other diversionary developments occurring such as Charter Change campaign in the House of Representatives and the continuing silence of President Arroyo on whether she will not seek an extension of her term. She still cannot face the Filipino people and say: I will not extend my term beyond what is stipulated by the Constitution. Right now, the merger of these two parties should be interpreted to mean nothing more than a sudden consolidation of political power in response to the mounting politicalization of the Filipino people. Millions of Filipinos are now aware that they can make a difference when they participate in the electoral process. For sure, they will bring a peaceful change in the currently-rotten socio-political system marked by widespread corruption and abuse of power. And then there is this sex-video scandal that can be interpreted to mean that the moral fiber of the country has reached its core. It is therefore incumbent upon the millions of Filipinos to lend support to its leaders in the Senate, especially Senator Madrigal, who are conducting a hearing about the scandal. This should lead to the creation of important legislations regarding privacy rights, video piracy, pornography, unauthorized Internet uploads and, most of all, the airtight protection of women and children from sexual predators.

COMELEC -- Is it Committed to Ensure 2010 Polls?

When Comelec Chairman Jose Melo publicly expressed a no-elections scenario in a media interview, one is tempted to air a word of doubt on the sincerity and resolve of Comelec to hold the 2010 elections. Chairman's Melo untimely disclosure of a nightmarish event that can ensue two months before the holding of the presidential elections smacks of an amateurish attempt to sow doubt in the minds of millions of Filipino voters and would-be voters that the 2010 elections will be held. Right now, throngs of Filipinos all over the archipelago are lining up in their respective precints to register and vote in next year's elections. It is a momentum that has began on May 11 when ABS-CBN launched its Boto Mo I-patrol Mo (BMPM) project to encourage Filipinos to exercise their right of suffrage and participate in the holding of clean elections. Other election watchdogs and private groups followed, including the church, in waking a lethargic citizenry about participating in the coming elections. And now, it looks like Comelec appears unprepared to the daunting task ahead. The first automated polls since the declaration of Philippine independence will be held in 2010. And the poll body, at the outset, is showing a kind of weakness and confusion that only offsets the enthusiasm of the entire Filipino nation about the relevance of the 2010 polls. Instead of negative thinking, Comelec should assure an excited nation that the 2010 elections will push through no matter what. It should complete its bidding procedure right away and pick the winning bidder so that the automated machines can be built and checked and shipped to precints all over the Philippines. Furthermore, Comelec should fully inform the Filipino people about the progress of its work to hold the 2010 polls. It should have a daily press briefing where news and information about the 2010 polls will be relayed to the entire nation. Comelec officials should show to the country that they are in control, are committed and determined to work for the 2010 elections. They should assure the Filipino people that if necessary, they will move heaven and earth in order to ensure that 2010 elections are held.

Opposition Forces Should Link Up Now

While the road to May 2010 polls has remained unobstructed, events of the past few days seemed to suggest otherwise. Comelec has hinted a no-election scenario, whereby losing bidders can go to the Supreme Court to question the bidding process and delay or postpone the presidential elections. This could happen, according to the Comelec chairman, two months before elections are to be held. One would ask if there is an organized plot to delay or block the holding of the 2010 elections. Meanwhile, the drive to push through with the Charter change has gained full steam. The end-result of this is the holding of a Constitutional Assembly to change the Charter, in other words, change the form of government to a parliamentary one. Election watchdogs and citizen movements have been formed to see to it that the cleanest elections will be achieved in 2010. The goals of these groups, which are undeniably a part of the greater opposition forces working to "change" a corrupt society, are noteworthy; however, it is still important that all these forces vying for attention from a seemingly uninvolved populace should start to link up and share strategies and analyses with each other.

Manny Pacquiao: Philippines' Best Ambassador of Goodwill

If there is a genuine ambassador of goodwill that the Philippines can send out to the world, it should not be the former generals who continue to hug the national scene after retirement by their questionable appointments as ambassadors to foreign lands. It should be Manny Pacquiao, the wonder boy of boxing both in the Philippines and the world, who is now in Las Vegas and poised to win another important bout against a British challenger this coming Saturday, May 2. Pacquiao, the benevolent and soft spoken boxing champion that he is, has shown to be the most qualified Filipino to go out of the country and face the world to tell everyone that Filipinos also are a remarkable people. Hopefully, Manny Pacquiao wins again against a hard-hitting Ricky Hatton. But whatever the outcome of the world boxing bout in Las Vegas this weekend, this great Filipino boxer remains the best ambassador of goodwill the country has ever had. It is not the former military generals who continue to earn the graces and gratitude of President Arroyo by getting appointments as ambassadors right after retirement, to the chagrin of career foreign service officers of the DFA.

State of Opposition in the Philippines

Opposition forces in the Philippines against the perceived abuses of the Arroyo administration are varied and quite vibrant. While street demonstrations and rallies have been reduced somewhat by the alert actions of the police and the military, it should be noted that Philippine society is still populated with men and women with conscience, patriotism and dignity. When President Arroyo talked about moral renewal in government right after the successful thwarting of efforts to turn a Senate hearing on World Bank report of corruption as an expose on the shortcomings of the Arroyo government, many in the opposition belittled Arroyo's ability to inspire a moral renewal in government and in Philippine society general. Evidently, it goes to show that many are still convinced that the tentacles of corruption and deceit still grapple the country. Some are already talking of a possible regime change, especially when there is a vigorous attempt to proceed with Charter change, which is clearly a ploy by administration forces to extend its term after 2010. This machination is unacceptable to the opposition, especially to a disgruntled portion of the military. To demonstrate their uneasiness and disgust, militant groups in the military, active and retired have banded together and signed to encourage a jailed military officer to run for public office. This move is unprecedented. The Palace had to conduct immediate investigation to know more details about this sudden pooling of resources from various militant groups in the military to create a strong energy to oppose the abuses of the current regime. Although it has been shown that the sparks for a successful regime change always originates from a politicized and awakaned portion of the military, some other sectors of Philippine society should never be discounted. The spark could start from a group of vendors in Manila who have been abused over and over by MMDA operatives clearing the city sidewalks. It could start from an anger generated by a pitiful scene of farmers lying on the street pavement and being hosed away by atrocious and abusive firemen. Which means that you'll never really know when the next EDSA will start and who will start it, or even if it will start at all. But for sure, any attempt to force through a Charter change will precipitate a spark that will spell regime change. This possible due to the existence of an unextinguishable opposition force in the Philippines.

The US Stimulus Bill

The gargantuan $787 billion US stimulus bill passed by the US Congress and scheduled to be signed by President Obama next week promises to be a boon to all, -- even to thousands of Filipino veterans who fought side by side with the American forces to prevent Japan from invading Asia and the Pacific during World War II. It is a credit to Democrats in the House, especially Rep. Daniel Inouye, for inserting this small provision in the bill that recognizes the valuable participation of aging Filipino veterans in the defense of liberty by giving them financial compensation so that in the twilight of their years, they will feel appreciated by the country that they served with in the last world war. These Filipino veterans can therefore live in comfort for they deserve the generosity and gratitude that United States has granted to them. The Filipino Veterans Equity bill that has been languishing in the US Congress becomes moot and academic. Those Republican legislators who continue to block this bill from becoming a law are probably now wondering how these Filipino veterans became one of the recipients of the US Stimulus Bill. Thanks to the Democrats in Congress and to President Obama for their high regards to the bravery and loyalty of Filipino veterans.