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.