Showing posts with label United States of America. Show all posts

Ang Droga sa Pilipinas at Pakikialam ng European Union at Amerika

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Noong unang panahon…pinaghatian ng ilang bansa sa Europe ang buong mundo. Nag-unahan sila sa pagkamkam ng mga isla kahit may mga katutubo nang nanirahan sa mga ito. Kasama sa listahan ng mgangangamkam ang England, Holland, Russia, Germany, Hungary. Kabilang sa kanila ang mga bansa sa Mediterranean na tulad ng Espanya at Portugal na gumamit naman ng mapagkunwaring misyong ispirituwal na ang simbolo ay krus. Bandang huli na sumali ang Estador Unidos na binuo ng mga estadong nagbuklod-buklod. Ang mga “Amerikano” na bumuo ng malaking komunidad sa “New World” na ang bukana ay California, ay galing sa England, Pransiya, Germany, Holland at iba,  upang takasan ang paghihigpit at pagmamalupit ng kani-kanilang hari at reyna. Sa pangangamkam ng mga Amerikano sa dinayo nilang mga palanas at gubat ay naitaboy nila ang mga katutubo na tinawag nilang “Indian”. Ang tawag na yan ang popular na ginamit noong unang panahon sa pagtukoy sa mga katutubo ng mga kinamkam na mga isla….kasama na diyan ang mga katutubo sa kapuluan ng Pilipinas na tinawag na “Indio” ng mga Kastila.

Sa pag-usad ng panahon naging maunlad ang mga bansang mangangamkam dahil sa “industrialization” na ang pinaka-pundasyon o mitsa ay ang paggamit ng “fossil fuel” o mga panggatong na nakaimbak sa ilalim ng lupa tulad ng uling at langis. Dahil sa sobrang kasakiman ng mga mangangamkan, hindi nakontrol ang paggamit ng mga panggatong hanggang masira ang bahagi ng kalawakan na nagbibigay proteksiyon sa mundo (ozone layer) laban sa matinding init ng araw – napunit dahil sa carbon dioxide na ibinuga ng mga factory o pagawaan. Nadamay ang mga maliliit na bansang (third world countries) walang kamuwang-muwang sa “industrialization”. Sa kasamaang palad, ang mga “third world” countries na nagsisimula pa lang umarangkada ay ayaw nang pagamitin ng “fossil fuels” sa pamamagitan ng mga mapanlinlang na “treaties” o kasunduan sa pagitan nila at mga mangangamkam na malalaking bansa, upang mailigtas kuno ang kalikasan….ganoong ang mga hinayupak na mangangamkam na mga bansang ito ang sumira!

Hindi lang sa paggamit ng mga “fossil fuel” nakikialam ang malalaking bansang mangangamkam sa mga bansang maliliit lalo na ang mga nasa Timog-Silangang Asya, kundi pati na rin sa pagpapatakbo ng pamahalaan. Ang isang halimbawa ay ang pakikialam ng European Union sa mga ginagawa ni Duterte upang matigil ang droga sa Pilipinas. Ibinunyag ni Duterte na hindi na ligtas sa epekto ng droga ang gobyerno dahil maraming nagtatrabaho dito, lalo na sa hanay ng kapulisan ay lulong na rin sa droga. Ang mga barangay na siyang pinaka-pundasyon (foundation) ng lipunan ay nasa impluwensiya na rin ng bisyo dahil maraming Barangay Chairmen ay may kinalaman na rin dito.

Sa Europe ay okey lang na maglipana ang mga durogista dahil suportado ng gobyerno ang pagpapagamot, sa Pilipinas ay iba ang sitwasyon dahil gamot nga lang sa pagta-tae o LBM at lagnat ay mahal na…paano pa kung ang pag-uusapan ay mga rehab center na mga high-class na ospital lang ang mayroon…ang tinatawag nilang “basement”? Mabuti nga at sa pag-upo ni Duterte ay binigyan agad niya ang problemang ito ng pansin kaya may magagamit nang mga rehab centers sa Davao, Bukidnon at Nueva Ecija.

Malaking balakid sa pagbabago ng Piilipinas ang pakikialam ng European Union at Amerika na ang mga pinaghihinalaang “sulsol” ay mga Pilipino rin na natigil ang milyo-milyong kinikita nang maupo si Duterte!

Masasabing nagsanib-puwersa ang dalawang uri ng demonyo sa mundo - ang mangangamkam at mapaglinlang na mga mauunalad na bansa sa Europe, pati Amerika, at ang mga demonyong Pilipino na ang gusto ay patuloy na nabubuhay at pagala-gala sa Pilipinas ang mga adik, drug pusher at mga drug lords, pati mga corrupt sa gobyerno!

ANG UNITED NATIONS, AMERIKA, EUROPEAN UNION

AT PANDUDURO NILA KAY DUTERTE

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

ANG INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT NG UNITED NATIONS AY NAGPAPAKITA NG UNFAIRNESS SA PILIPINAS. NAKIKISAWSAW ITO SA MGA PAGPUNA NA GINAGAWA NG ESTADOS UNIDOS AT EUROPEAN UNION KAY DUTERTE.  NAGBANTA PA NA SIGURADONG MAKAKARATING SA KANILA ANG ISYU TUNGKOL SA EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLING SA PILIPINAS, DAHIL PINAPALABAS NITONG KORTE NA STATE POLICY KUNO ANG NANGYAYARING PAGPATAY SA MGA ADIK, DRUG PUSHER AT DRUG LORD. PRE-JUDGEMENT ANG GINAWA NG NASABING KORTE, GANOONG MALINAW NA TULAD NG NANGYAYARI SA SOUTH AMERICA, ANG PATAYAN SA PILIPINAS AY SA PAGITAN NG MGA TAONG SANGKOT SA DROGA.  ANG MGA PINAGHIHINALAANG MGA SANGKOT NA “NINJA COPS” AY HINAHABOL NG MGA KAPWA NILA PULIS BILANG PATUNAY NA LABAN DIN ANG GOBYERNO SA MGA TIWALING PULIS. ANG HINDI BINIBIGYAN NG PANSIN NG MGA BUMABATIKOS AY ANG POSIBILIDAD NA ANG MGA HUWES NA BAYARAN AY MALAMANG NASA PUWESTO PA RIN AT NAGPAPALAMIG LANG. ANG MGA BAGAY NA YAN ANG DAPAT NILANG PAGTUUNAN NG PANSIN….HINDI SI DUTERTE!

DAHIL WALA NAMANG AKTUWAL NA KAALAMAN ANG UNITED NATIONS AT MGA BANSANG PANAY ANG PAGBATIKOS KAY DUTERTE, MALINAW NA SILA AY NASUSULSULAN NG MGA GROUPO NG MGA BANYAGA AT PILIPINONG DRUG LORDS, AT ANG HINALA PA NG IBA, AY PATI NA NG CIA NG AMERIKA, NA NOON PA MANG PANAHON NI MAGSAYSAY AY NAKIKIALAM NA SA PILIPINAS. HALATANG MALAKAS ANG MGA GRUPONG NANINIRA SA PANGULO NA SABI NG IBA AY NAKATIGIL SA AMERIKA AT MAY MGA KONTAK SA PILIPINAS.

ANG MASAKLAP LANG,  PATI MGA TAONG SIMBAHAN NA INAASAHANG MAGSUPORTA SANA SA PANGULO UPANG MASUGPO ANG KRIMEN AY NAKIKISAWSAW DIN TULAD NG MGA HUMAN RIGHTS ADVOCATE KUNO. NAKIKIINGAY DIN SILA PARA LANG MASABING LABAN SILA PAGPATAY DAHIL “IMMORAL”, SUBALIT ANG MGA PINAPANIGAN NAMAN AY MGA KRIMINAL, SAMANTALANG HINDI NAMAN NILA BINIBIGYANG PANSIN ANG MGA BIKTIMA...NASOBRAHAN YATA  SILA SA PAGKA-PROLIFE KUNO!

DAPAT ANG PAGTUUNAN PA RIN NILA NG PANSIN AY ANG MGA PINANGGAGALINGAN NG DROGA NA AYON SA BALITA AY NORTH KOREA AT CHINA. SAMANTALANG ANG MGA HIGH-END NA PARTY DRUGS NA GINAGAMIT NG MAYAYAMANG ADIK AY GALING NAMAN SA AMERIKA AT EUROPE….MISMONG SA BAKURAN NG MGA BUMABATIKOS KAY DUTERTE! BAKIT HINDI NILA BATIKUSIN ANG NORTH KOREA AT CHINA TUNGKOL SA BAGAY NA ITO, PATI NA ANG MGA BANSA SA EUROPE NA PINANGGALINGAN NG PARTY DRUGS, DAHIL MAY MGA RECORD NAMAN KUNG SAAN GALING ANG MGA ITO?

NOONG ‘80s, NANG PUMUNTA AKO SA GERMANY KASAMA ANG DALAWANG KAIBIGAN NA TAGA-PHILIPPINE AIRLINES DIN,  GINAWA NAMIN ANG GERMANY NA JUMP-OFF POINT SA PAGLIBOT NAMIN SA EUROPE. DOON AY NAPANSIN KO ANG TALAMAK NA PAGGAMIT NG MARIJUANA….HALOS HANTARAN. HINDI RIN PINAPANSIN ANG MGA NAGBIBILOT NG MARIJUANA KAHIT SAANG KANTO. PAGDATING NG HAPON, NAGTITIPON ANG MGA HUMIHITIT SA MGA CAFÉ AT BAR AT NAGPAPASAHAN NG MARIJUANA. ANG KAIBIGAN KONG NAGSAMA SA AKIN SA EUROPE AY MGA MARIJUANA SMOKER KAYA MAS GUSTO NILANG MAGBAKASYON SA EUROPE DAHIL SA KALUWAGAN DOON SA BISYONG ITO. ANG MGA GUMAGAMIT NG MARIJUANA SA EUROPE AY MAY LAGAYAN PA NA MAY TATAK NG DAHON – MGA BELT BAG AT PALAWIT NG KUWENTAS NA MALAKING SACHET NA GAWA SA TELA. MAY INABOT KAMING MUSIC FESTIVAL SA GERMANY AT SA MALAWAK NA OPEN AREA, ANG MGA KABATAAN AY WALA RING PAKUNDANGAN SA PAGHITIT NG MARIJUANA.

NGAYON, HINDI LANG MARIJUANA ANG TALAMAK SA EUROPE, KUNDI PATI MGA HIGH-END DRUGS NA ANG PINAKA-BASE O MAHALAGANG BAHAGI SA PAGGAWA AY COCAINE.  KALAUNAN, DAHIL SA “KATALINUHAN” NG MGA PILIPINONG NEGOSYANTE NA GUSTONG KUMITA AGAD NG MALAKING PERA,  ANG INAANGKAT NILANG PARTY DRUGS AY PINAPADAMI SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGLUTO ULI AT PAGDAGDAG NG INDUSTRIAL CHEMICALS NA NAKAKA-HIGH DIN, AMOY PA LANG. BINEBENTA NILA ANG MISTULANG LASON NA PAMPA-“HIGH” SA MGA ROCK CONCERTS NA INO-ORGANIZE NILA. KAYA PALA AYAW NILANG MAGPAPASOK NG MGA PULIS AT SNIFFING DOGS SA MGA VENUE NA INUUPAHAN NILA PARA SA ROCK CONCERTS!

DAHIL SA  KATANGAHAN O PAGTATANGA-TANGAHAN NG OTORIDAD  AT PATI NG MGA VENUE OWNERS NOONG HINDI PA UMUUPO PA SI DUTERTE, HINAYAAN NILANG MANGYARI ANG ANIMO AY “DRUG TIYANGGE” TUWING MAY ROCK CONCERTS. HINDI PWEDENG HINDI ALAM ANG MGA PANGYAYARI DAHIL SA PANIG NG MGA OTORIDAD, AY MAY MGA “INTELLIGENCE UNITS” SILA AT PALAGING NABA-BLIND ITEM PA SA MGA BALITA ANG PAGGAMIT NG DROGA SA LOOB NG CONCERT VENUES NA ANG MGA TIKET AY SOBRANG NAPAKAMAHAL KAYA MGA MAYAYAMAN LANG ANG MAY KAYANG BUMILI. KALAT DIN ANG BALITA TUNGKOL SA BENTAHAN NITO SA MGA HIGH-END NA BAR O INUMAN SA MAKATI AT PASIG, SUBALIT KUMILOS LAMANG SILA NANG UMUPO NA SI DUTERTE. SA PANIG NAMAN NG VENUE OWNERS, NAGBUBULAG-BULAGAN NA LANG SILA, DAHIL MAS MAHALAGA ANG KIKITAIN KAYSA KAPAKANAN NG MGA MABIBIKTIMA, SUKDULAN MANG UMABOT SA KAMATAYAN NG MGA ITO, NA NANGYARI NA NGA KAMAKAILAN LANG SA CONCERT ARENA NG MALL OF ASIA.

HINDI NA KAILANGANG IPALIWANAG PA ANG LAWAK NA SAKLAW NG PAGKASANGKOT NG AMERIKA SA PAGKALAT NG DROGA SA BUONG DAIGDIG. SA BANSANG IYAN NAGSIMULA O NAGKAUGAT ANG BISYONG ITO. PATI  ANG PAGGAMIT NG MGA “MUSIC FESTIVAL” TULAD NG “WOODSTOCK ” NOONG DEKADA ‘70 AY GINAWANG PANTAKIP NG MGA ADIK UPANG MATABINGAN ANG TUNAY NILANG LAYUNIN – ANG TODO-TODONG PAGWAWALA NA UMABOT PA SA PAGHUBAD AT “OPEN SEX”... NA KALAUNAN AY GINAYA NG MGA KABATAAN SA EUROPE, NA GINAYA NA RIN NGAYON NG MGA PILIPINONG TIWALI SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAG-SPONSOR NG MGA “ROCK CONCERTS” NA “TIYANGGE” PALA NG DROGA! SA NGAYON UMABOT NA SA $13T ANG GINAGASTOS NG AMERIKA UPANG MASUGPO ANG BISYO, NA SA HALIP MABAWASAN AY LALO PANG LUMALALA. SA KABILA NG KATOTOHANANG YAN, HINDI NA NAHIYA SI OBAMA SA PAGBATIKOS KAY DUTERTE UPANG MASAWATA ANG DROGA SA PILIPINAS!

NGAYON, DINUDURO SI DUTERTE NG MGA BANSANG PINANGGALINGAN MISMO NG BISYONG SUMISIRA SA KINABUKASAN NG MGA KABATAANG PILIPINO DAHIL SA GINAGAWA NIYANG PAGWALIS NG IKINALAT NITONG “DUMI” SA BUONG BANSA …AT GINAGATUNGAN PA NG MGA PILIPINONG TINGIN SA SARILI AY MALINIS AT MAKA-DIYOS!...DAHIL DIYAN BABANGGITIN KO NA NAMAN ANG KASABIHANG, “SA PAGDURO NG ISANG TAO SA KAPWA NIYA, HABANG ANG NAG-IISANG DALIRING HINTUTURO AY NAKATURO SA TAONG INAAKUSA NIYA, ANG TATLONG NAKATIKLOP NAMAN AY NAKATURO SA KANYA!...NA ANG IBIG SABIHIN AY, HABANG MAINGAY SIYA SA PAG-AKUSA SA IBA, TAHIMIK NAMAN SIYA TUNGKOL SA MAS MARAMI NIYANG PAGKAKAMALI KAYA NAKATIKLOP ANG TATLONG DALIRING NAKATURO SA KANYA!

ANG JOINT MILITARY EXERCISES AT IBA

PANG MUKHA NG PANLALAMANG NG AMERIKA SA PILIPINAS

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nang palitan ng Amerika ang Espanya bilang mananakop ng Pilipinas, marami ang nag-akalang bukal sa loob nito ang pagtulong sa mga Pilipino. Maliban sa Guam, ang Pilipinas ay hawak ng Amerika sa malawak na karagatang Pasipiko (Pacific). Pakiramdam ng Amerika ay “kuya” siya ng Pilipinas na sa tingin niya ay kawawa at nangangailangan ng tulong. Inabot ang Amerika sa Pilipinas ng WWII kaya naudlot ang dapat sana ay pagbigay ng kalayaan.

Kahit pa sinabing “malaya” na ang Pilipinas noong Commonwealth period, kontrolado pa rin ng Amerika ang Pilipinas. Ang Saligang Batas ng Pilipinas ay kailangang aprubahan ng presidente ng Amerika. Nakapaloob sa Saligang Batas ang “parity rights” na nagsasaad  ng karapatan ng mga Amerikano pagdating sa pamumuhunan sa negosyo at paggamit ng likas na yaman tulad ng kagubatan, minahan, karagatan. Yan ay sa kabila ng nakasaad pa rin sa Saligang Batas na 60% ang pag-aari ng mga Pilipino sa mga pamumuhunan.

Hindi tamang sabihin na maraming naitulong ang Amerika sa paggawa ng mga kalsada, tulay, mga gusali at iba pa noong kapanahunan nila. Ang mga ginawa ay naging dahilan upang magkaroon ng “pangangailangan” na bumili naman ang Pilipinas ng mga mamahaling kagamitan, trak, at iba  sa napakamahal na presyo upang magamit! Sinundan ng Amerika ang taktika sa pag-Americanize ng mga Pilipino upang maging “dependent” na nagresulta sa pagsira sa kultura, nang bumaha ang mga pelikulang Amerikano tungkol sa mga gangsterism at sex na nagpakita ng mga bisyo tulad ng paninigarilyo, paglalasing, pagpuputa o prostitution; mga pagkain na angkop lang sana sa panlasa ng mga Amerikano tulad ng hot dog at hamburger; at marami pang iba. Naging palasak ang paniniwalang kung hindi “stateside” ay hindi maganda.

Nagkaroon din ng batas noon na bawal magladlad o magwagayway ng bandila ng Pilipinas. Nang umalis ang mga Amerikano, iniwan ang mga base militar - ang Subic at Clark, kung saan ay mayabang na nakawagayway ang bandila ng Amerika. Nakakahiya, dahil sa ibang bansang mayroong base militar ang Amerika, ang nakawagayway ay bandila ng bansa kung saan nakatirik ang mga base militar nila! Mabuti na lang at naipilit ni Claro Recto ang katotohanang hindi pag-aari ng Amerika ang lupang kinatitirikan ng mga military facilities nila, kaya nagkaroon ng pagbabago sa kasunduan.

Nang magkaroon ng problema ang Pilipinas sa West Philippine Sea laban sa Tsina, walang ginawa ang Amerika dahil hindi daw saklaw ang isyung ito sa mutual defense act ng dalawang bansa. Kung hindi pa nagreklamo ang iba pang malalaking bansa tulad ng France at Great Britain, hindi pa nagpalabas ng “reklamo” ang Amerika. Ganoon pa man, malinaw na pagkukunwari lang ang pagrereklamo ng Amerika sa Tsina dahil wala rin naman itong magawa dahil sa laki ng utang nito sa mga Tsino.

Nagising sa katotohanang walang karapatan ang presidente ng Amerika sa pagsita o pagbulyaw sa presidente ng Pilipinas sa isyu ng “human rights” nang mamutawi sa mga bibig na Duterte ang maaanghang na salita laban kay Obama, lalo pa at ang “bakuran” nito ay namumutiktik ng mga kaso tungkol sa pang-aapi ng mga “puting” Amerikano sa mga “itim” na kababayan kuno nila.

Ang pag-aalala nina Robredo at Shahani na baka matigil ang tulong ng mga European countries at Amerika sa Pilipinas ay pagpapakita ng “colonial mentality”. Kung may mga tratado o treaty na nilagdaan ang Pilipinas at ibang bansa, hindi ito “one way” o para lang sa kapakinabangan ng Pilipinas dahil hindi tanga ang mga bansang ka-tratado upang magpalamang sa isang third world country tulad ng Pilipinas. Ang mga “aids” at “grants” ay mga utang na binabayaran ng Pilipinas. Ang mga tulong na binibigay nila kung may kalamidad nila ay “kusang –loob” at hindi hiningi. Nagpapadala din ang Pilipinas ng tulong kapag may kalamidad na nangyari sa kanila. Ang mga investments na nakikita ngayon sa Pilipinas ay galing sa Tsina, pati mga produktong bumabaha sa malls at palengke dahil pati toothpick at gulay ay galing sa Tsina.

Ang mga Pilipinong nakatira sa Amerika ay hindi dapat mag-alala dahil hindi naman sila palaboy sa bansang yan kundi nagkakayod-kalabaw upang kumita sa disenteng paraan, na nakakatulong pa sa pagpaunlad ng ekonomiya nito. Ang mga takot o nag-aalala ay mga sipsip at tamad na Pilipinong nagpapaka-Amerikano sa pagkain ng mga pagkain sa bansang yan na tadtad ng kemikal kaya lahat na lang sakit ay nadadanasan nila! Kung may plano silang habang -buhay na titira sa Amerika, huwang silang makialam sa Pilipinas ngayon sa pagdagdag ng paninira kay Duterte dahil nakakagulo lang sila! Kung maging turista sa Pilipinas ang mga sipsip na Pilipino ay hanggang mall lang naman sila o di kaya ay sa mga tourist spots. Pumunta kaya sila sa mga squatters’ area, tingnan ko lang kung magsasalita pa sila na animo ay dito sila nakatira at hindi sa Amerika!

Sana ay gayahin ng mga sipsip na Pinoy ang maraming Pilipino sa Amerika at iba pang bansa na may malalim na pang-unawa at bukas na kaisipan….at walang “colonial mentality”.

Life in the Philippines and America

By Apolinario Villalobos

America is touted as the land of prosperity and opportunity which is true, but only for the disciplined and those who are willing to work. I may not have been to the United States but I have eyes that read and brains that comprehend, aside from ears that listen to the stories told by friends who went there as tourists or are still there as immigrants. Take note, physicians diagnose patients and prescribe drugs for them, not because these medical practitioners have had suffered many diseases themselves, but their decisions are based on cases that they have previously handled, written references, and information from colleagues during conventions. I am in that situation. I am making this early clarification because I am aware of the skeptic viewers who may question my right to write about this topic.

Also, I expect denials from viewers who are in situations far from their expectation of immediate success upon setting foot on American soil. These are Filipinos who want prosperity but without a bit of willingness to do menial jobs even temporarily, for immediate sustenance. Some Filipino executives who left their lucrative jobs in the Philippines expect to land in positions similar to what they have left once they set foot in America, but they were wrong. I admire those who have bravely faced the reality and immediately reset their mind to conform to the new situation they are in. In time, by dints of their patience and perseverance, they have achieved what they longed for, although perhaps, not totally. There are still many who failed until now but keep on dreaming about success which just become as evasive because of their finicky attitude.

The following are some of the situations that I can share based on my personal observations in the Philippines and second-hand information from references and friends who have experienced life in America, though not necessarily arranged according to their positive and negative implications:

Mindanao, Sulu, and Palawan, Almost Got Separated

From the Jurisdiction of the Philippine Government

…during the American Regime

Apolinario Villalobos

In November 1923, the American Chamber of Commerce of Mindanao and Sulu made a proposal to make the Muslim area as an unorganized domain directly under the rule of the Americans. A distinct system of government suited for the area was suggested. However, the proposal was not given much attention, until the Bacon Bill revived the issue.

The sponsors of the Bacon Bill expressed that they just wanted to protect the “defenseless and unarmed, though proud and self-respecting Moros”. As expected, the Filipino leaders opposed the Bill, as they saw the hidden motive behind it which was the exploitation of the areas for rubber production in favor of the American interest. During the time, about more than three million hectares of land in Mindanao were suitable for the cultivation of rubber tree. The Filipinos vehemently insisted that, would there be foreign investors interested in seizing the opportunity of cultivating rubber in Mindanao, it should be fairly done under the administration of the Philippine Government.

As a last desperate argument, proponents of the proposal also insisted that the Moros in Mindanao were never desirous of independence, but prefer to remain under the sovereignty and protection of the Americans. They cited an incident in the past, whereby, Moro leaders supposedly, petitioned the Governor General and the US Congress about such desire. Unfortunately, this allegation was not factually established, as some parties insisted that Filipino Muslims did not really want to separate from their Christian brothers and sisters, but to have independence with them.

The importune Bacon Bill, fortunately, did not illicit support from then, President Collidge and the US Congress. Lately, there’s another move to separate the Moroland from the archipelago via the “original” Bangsamoro Basic Law but was fortunately reviewed for revision before it got implemented. The separation proposal was championed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, under Iqbal, and ably supported by Ferrer and Deles, two government representatives in the negotiation panel for peace in Mindanao. The proposal is now assuming another name, “Basic Law for Bangsamoro Autonomous Region” which is more appropriate to be consistent with the rest of the other autonomous regions that are already in place. History repeats itself, indeed….

The Mindanao Resistance Against

the American Colonizers

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Filipinos who fought the Americans were never called “rebels”, but “outlaws”, “pulahanes”, “tulisanes”, and bandits. It was an unfair reference because the Filipinos who went to the mountains and banded together to fight the aggressors just wanted freedom. This nationalistic sentiment spread as far down as Mindanao.

In March 23, 1903, a group of Filipino rebels attacked an American Constabulary station in Surigao under the command of a certain Captain Clark who was killed, and the guns taken by the attackers. Later on, 75 of the guns were taken back, with many rebels captured and tried. Those who were found to have committed the killing of Clark were hanged. This was during the time of President Theodore Roosevelt.

The Moro resistance in Lanao was led by Sajiduciman, Ampuanagua, and Datu Grande. In June 1902, Datu Tungul of Onayan attacked Camp Vicars, for which the Sultan of Binidayan was suspected to have had a hand. Despite his effort to prove his innocence, the Americans did not believe him, and in desperation, he “ran amuck” which eventually led to his death. The incident further caused hatred against the Americans so that at Maciu, Sultan Tanagan and Sultan Ganduli with about 200 followers clashed with the Americans.

As in mainland Mindanao, the Sulu Muslims were also vehemently against the Americans, harboring the same hatred that they had against the Spaniards. As a peaceful measure, the Americans used the Sultan of Sulu to fulfill their objective of subjugating his subjects. A so-called Bates Treaty was signed, although it was not binding to those who still refused to recognize them (Americans). Among these were Datu Julakanain and Datu Kalbi of Patikul who refused to join the Sultan. Eventually, due to the ineffectiveness of the treaty, it was annulled, as from 1903 to 1905, the fierce resistance of the two aforementioned datus continued. Hassan was killed finally in an encounter at Bud Bagsak. The death of Hassan inspired other nationalistic Muslims in Sulu to carry on their fight against the Americans, such as Pala and Jikiri.

In Cotabato, Datu Ali defied the Americans. He was the successor of Datu Utu, and son-in-law of Datu Piang. Unfortunately, the elder Datu Piang, instead of supporting his son-in-law, collaborated with the Americans, by providing them with all necessary information that they needed. The collaboration finally led to the killing of Datu Ali at Simpetan, in October 31, 1906, together with his 13 followers and three sons.

Following the death of Datu Ali, Datu Alamada with 300 followers and supported by thousands of adherents continued the resistance. His movements, though, were limited around Buldon and Upper Cotabato. Unfortunately again, collaboration led to the downfall of the gallant datu. The collaborators were led by Datu Inuk.

Just like in Luzon and Visayas, the history of Mindanao is tinted with heroic resistance of Muslims, though, with different culture and religion. All of these gallant rebels, however, were bound by one common cause – love of freedom!

The Bicol Uprising and Concentration System

During the American Occupation

Resulting to 300,000 Casualties

By Apolinario Villalobos

In 1903, Simeon Ola with about 1,500 supporters continued the uprising in Albay against the Americans after the fall of Aguinaldo. In answer to such insurrection, the Americans resorted to the concentration of the villagers resulting to the casualty of about 300,000 due to the inadequate supply of food and unhealthy accommodation. Hunger and diseases caused the deaths.

Governor Taft vehemently insisted that the move was necessary to “save” the villagers from the supposedly terroristic activities of Ola, an accusation which was denied by those affected of concentration. What followed was the ceaseless negotiation for his surrender. Aside from Vice-Governor Luke Wright, Pardo de Tavera was also involved in the negotiation for the surrender of Ola for which conferences were held and promises were made by the American government.

As a last resort, On September 22, 1903, Col. Bandholtz purportedly signed an agreement with Ola “promising him immunity” and other conveniences. When the band of Ola surrendered, the Americans denied having signed an agreement with him. Instead, the colonizers spread the story that Ola surrendered finally, as he found it futile to continue going against the superior forces of the Americans who were really resolute in apprehending him at all cost. This denial tactic was used also against Aguinaldo when he conferred with Dewey just before the outbreak of the Spanish-American war.

To further pin Ola down, the American authorities also spread stories that Ola turned witness against his band, for which, he was given an “executive clemency”. The hearing was presided over by Judge James Blount and Judge Adam C. Carson, assisted by Prosecutor James Rosa. The proceeding resulted to the release of some of Ola’s followers, others were sentenced for vagrancy, while the rest were charged for sedition. Some got the heaviest penalty which was death, under the Brigandage Act. Ola was slapped with imprisonment for 30 years...ironically, despite his cooperation. Ola was clearly another victim of the American treachery.

China and the World

By Apolinario Villalobos

While China has tricked the US in the latter’s ploys in Asia, it has gone way ahead of Russia in territorial expansion. While the US uses its “big brother” approach, China uses cheap labor as the main factor in becoming an economic giant which made practically the whole world dependent on its cheap and fake products. No wonder why no country, even the United Nations, ever made an attempt to slap China with some kind of an embargo or boycott, which has been the practice to punish other countries, despite its unbecoming actions, particularly,  its reclamations at the West Philippine Sea.

While the US has not done anything yet, as regards territorial expansion, Russia uses force and has been successful in the Ukraine region, and China on the other hand, uses its “resourcefulness” by building fake islands to legally extend its territories, as well as, money to win the confidence of economically-ailing nations.

The ASEAN is obviously helpless in counteracting the moves of China, with most members even blatantly showing their once covert image as allies. There is no hope for the Philippines on the other hand as regards the West Philippine Sea, as even if the United Nations shall decide on its favor, there is a question on how the decision shall be implemented. China is a member of the Security Council of the UN, together with the USA, France and Russia. While the US is obviously helpless even in checking the ongoing reclamations in the West Philippine Sea, France is helplessly silent on the woeful issues that are now befalling third-world member countries, and Russia is clearly on China’s side because it is also doing what the latter is doing, aside from their obvious close relationship to date due to their common objectives. That is the sad picture of the United Nations which China could have perceived a few years after the WWII!

China has already made its presence in the African continent strongly felt with its various investments disguised as “aids”. The nearby Mediterranean could be the next target, thanks to the economic downfall of Greece which China could be regarding as a timely opportunity for their entry into the Mediterranean region. If Greece will eventually get out of the European Union, it will be on its own, but how can it be possible without help from outside, unless drastic moves by the government shall be made such as declaring a Martial Law to enforce stringent measures on spending? The issue on Greece is money. If the Greeks would like to recover from their misfortune, there are so many things that they should sacrifice, so that they will be left with a difficult choice – give up luxurious life under a Martial Law? Or, still enjoy the same life under a “caretaker country” such as China through its “aids”. There is no way for the US to get into the picture because it is also indebted to China.

China could have foreseen the problem of the world which is centered on money that is why it has initiated the organization of AIIB which gained many members in so short a time after the launching. If the image of the United Nations as a reliable organization of nations continues to slide, the World Bank would definitely follow suit. There is no problem with the UN as it has been seen as a helpless organization anyway, so it can just melt away. Besides, the world is seemingly being apportioned today, either three-way or two- way: three-way among the USA, China and Russia, or just two-way between Russia and China. It will be a goodbye to the “manifest destiny” of America as fighter for democracy…and a welcome to the “economic destiny” of China!

Is the world nearing the epoch of “world confederacy”?... in which all nations shall be federated under a permanent leader while left as they are with their own cultural identity?...in which only one monetary token shall be used?...in which two or three universal languages shall be used?...in which the ideology shall be the “hybrid communism”?

The Double Talk of China

on the Issue of West Philippine Sea

…and America’s late entry into the scene

by Apolinario Villalobos

Going straight to the point, the problem with China as regards the issue on the West Philippine Sea is the tendency of her leaders to “double talk”. Simply put, they talk with fingers crossed behind them. They say that the Philippines is the one doing massive reclamations in that disputed body of water, when all that such poor third-world country has done is try to keep a barnacle-covered ship afloat as a “station” on one of the reefs within her territory, for her haggard coast guards, as well as, keep alive, the spirit of a handful of her citizens on Kalayaan island. The whole world can see this, in contrast to what the giant Asian country is doing such as destroying the habitats of marine life, as they are topped with soil to become fake islands to accommodate airstrips and heavy bunkers for warfare armaments.

To the United States, they offered the use of the soon-to-be finished facilities which the Chinese say are intended for “rescue” operations and protection of the said area. But to the neighboring small Asian countries, their “territory” is “off limits”. The Chinese leaders say that they are respecting the area as a free international maritime highway, yet, they challenge the boats and planes that sail and fly by. They are also saying that they are not disturbing the peace that had been prevailing over the area, yet, they are naïve to the fact that since they started their unrestrained reclamation activities, such peace became a word of the past.

What made the matter worse is America’s getting into the picture…this late. Had this self-proclaimed “protector” of democracy listened to the clamor of the Philippines very long time ago, while reclamations have not been initiated yet, negotiations could have been possible. But with the project almost finished which the Chinese leaders declare to the world as akin to a simple road project, how can they swallow their pride and give in to the demands of a country which is thousands of miles away, and not even among their rival claimants?

Despite the word war and exchanges of threats between the two “giants”, the world still hope that a compromise can be made among claimant nations, but for sure, China will find ways so that the United States shall be kept out of the picture…a humiliating “request” for the so-called protector of world democracy and freedom, and home to the “sedate” United Nations Headquarters…that has done nothing about the issue.

It’s Only Now that the Hovering High-Tech Satellites

Discover the Runway Project of China in West Philippine Sea?

…tell that to the Marines!

by Apolinario Villalobos

It is irritating to read “revealing” and “explosive” news about the “discovery” of the runway being built by the Chinese in the West Philippine Sea. And, of all things, they learned about it from the shots of the satellites in the sky. What hypocrisy! Those satellites are hovering up there 24/7 and captured images are being monitored, and to think that the Chinese have been flaunting their reclamation projects for years! Are the lenses of the satellites’ cameras selective?

Conflicting statements of the Americans are coming out on the defense issue of the Philippines. It shows the ambivalent treatment of the trust given by Filipinos to their white big brothers. Even the United Nations sat on the complaint filed by the Philippines. What will they do now that the reclamation projects that glaringly indicate a military base of the Chinese to protect their claim in the West Philippine Sea is almost finished? The Chinese are not fools to dismantle those structures to comply with whatever pronouncements the United Nations will have just in case it favors the Philippines which is just a dream! It should be noted that China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council…need I say more on this aspect? China has been adamantly vocal about their refusal to resolve the issue with the mediation of UN. Period.

Those “Balikatan Exercises” with the United States Armed Forces are just for show. If the United States has been effective in scaring off the Chinese, the latter should have stopped their reclamation projects long time ago yet. In another situation which God forbids should happen, just in case there will be altercation between the Chinese and Americans, in “defense” of the Philippines, it will not last for days. A few guided missiles from China is enough to obliterate structures and Filipinos from the face of the earth! And, the big brothers, the Americans can just say, “we did our best…now let us talk peace”…..that will be the happiest moment for the Chinese and the Americans, as the archipelago will then be sliced into portions like cake!

Show of power without regard to the mediating authority of the United Nations is being done in Europe now resulting to invasion of helpless countries. What will prevent the same thing to happen in Asia? With the extended sovereignty that China is building via their reclamation projects, what organization or what other powerful country will tell them that the Philippines is not within their territory? And, the Chinese can easily quote now the UN’s Law of the Sea which in the eyes of the exploited nations is becoming inutile…useless!

I fear the day when stories about a lost race somewhere in the Pacific will be told to the coming generations of earthlings….just like the stories about, “Paradise Lost” and the “Bermuda Triangle”. Only this time, the islands will still be there….

Phil-Am Relationship as the Most Volatile

And Sensitive Issue to Blog About

By Apolinario Villalobos

I have always been careful when blogging about politics, more so with Philippine-American relationship, but still take the risk by going to the extent of coming out with hard-hitting views against local politicians, and sometimes the United States. The Philippine politics is just a small fleck compared to the global politics that involve superpowers, like the United States. In most cases, third world countries like the Philippines, become pawns when these superpowers discuss matters for their own benefits and advantage. And, in this global political play, many things are involved, some are even unbelievably happening. Manipulation of the weak by the strong becomes the norm.

On the other hand, the issues between the Philippines and the United States as regards mistrust, betrayal, etc. are deeply- rooted, so sensitive that most writers stay away from them, unless they are ready with hard proofs to prove their allegations. In Manila, all we see during rallies of leftist groups are anti-American slogans and even US flag-burning rituals, enhanced by chants about being a US “puppet” of whoever is the current president of the country. This scenario did not change since the time of the early presidents. Even the supposedly spirit behind the “People Power Revolution”, Cory Aquino, was not spared. There are so many underlying reasons for these that require thorough presentation before they can be understood and appreciated. Of late, noticeable are the absence of most of the principal participants of the first People Power Revolution during its subsequent commemorations. There are big reasons why they are suddenly distancing themselves away from the supposedly historic event. And, they are about politics that dwell on the Philippine-American relationship.

Basically, the Philippine system of governance was born out of the American ideology. Unfortunately, not even the several changes that the Philippine Constitution underwent, have successfully transformed it into one that centers on a “pure” Filipino ideology, based on the people’s cultural diversity and economic needs. Even the latest ratifications during the time of Cory Aquino, contained biased provisions that are still tainted with American influence. This is the reason why there is a general feeling of ambivalence among the Filipinos today, on the move to ratify the Constitution drastically, to make it a truly Filipino Basic Law. For, how can that be possible with general apprehensions in the light of the corrupt image of the administration and the two law making bodies? Mistrust and perceived betrayals are again the reasons.

In addition to the aforementioned reality, the economically and militarily frail country is faced with threats from different sectors. This weakness, though not expressed out of pride, could be the reason why the government entered into the Visiting Forces Agreement with the United States which in the eyes of many is biased in favor of the latter, especially, on the aspect of custody of erring members of the US contingent while on Philippine shore. Specifically, for the US to hold in custody their soldiers who committed a crime in the Philippines, though hearings are conducted in the Philippines, is for many Filipinos “foul”. The Jeffrey Laude murder has emphasized this supposedly “biased” provision, a replayed situation, since the early Nicole rape case.

The current Agreement is the second for the same purpose – joint exercises on the shores of the Philippines. The question is why did the government hastily finalize the agreement without considering the lesson from the Nicole rape case? Was there an oversight?...or was it done deliberately?  If only those who represented the Philippine government observed utmost care and sensitivity to the general sentiment of the Filipinos, there could have been no problem on the issue of custody. Also, had there been more care on the part of the local government of Olongapo in giving appropriate caution to the locals who view the “liberty” or “rest and recreation” binges of the Americans after the joint exercises, as a source of revenue, finger-pointing may have been avoided. As reported by field radio reporters from Olongapo, the city is divided in their feelings toward the Laude case. Those who are earning honestly from the American soldiers on “liberty” or leisure are blaming those who use questionable ploys to earn.

Jeffrey Laude was suspected as a sex worker who initially went into bargaining for his/her service as mentioned even by a friend, before going with the suspected American soldier to the motel. And, yet, he/she is supposed to be scheduled for marriage to his/her German fiancé. During later interviews, another friend of Laude denied the sex worker issue. In the first place, Laude was not supposed to be hanging out in such  kind of joint, if he was fair to his/her German fiancé. So who committed fault here?

The latest issue on the Visiting Forces Agreement, muddled by the Laude case has just added more lesions to the already stinking issue about Philippine-American relationship. Ironically, as I have mentioned many times in earlier shared views, the purported nationalistic Filipinos who cry anti-American slogans are themselves, dreaming of holding on to a passport stamped with a US visa. And, where was the Commission on Human Rights on the day when the Laude case exploded? Did the CHR people come out in place of the President who has no habit of going to wakes of people he does not know? Is the act of the CHR, another belated cover-up, which is the tendency of the present administration?

I personally perceive the Visiting Forces Agreement as a ploy to show some borrowed muscles to the Chinese who keeps on advancing on the western maritime front of the country. It is unethical for the President to express this. As regards the issue on custody, how can the US allow its citizen to stay in a stinking Philippine jail some of which are pitifully filled to the rafters? The Philippine government extends assistance to its citizens that have figured in drug activities in other countries, even go to the extent of appealing for the calling off of a death sentence. So how can the US be blamed for protecting its citizen, too, and who still has to undergo trial, yet, on a foreign shore? Also, there is another question on the fickle justice system of the Philippines. So how can the US government leave its citizen at the mercy of such system, by letting him languish in a stinking jail for a case that may take years to be resolved?

Finally, Atty. Harry Roque should know better than instigate his client, the Laude family into loudly protesting the supposedly injustice committed on their member, Jeffrey, by the suspected American soldier. The mother and the sister of Jeffrey even went into dramatics by insisting that they just want to ask the suspect why he committed the crime. What if the American will tell them that Jeffrey did not honor the agreed cost of service by asking for more after their act, or that Jeffrey tried to steal something from him? Will Jeffrey’s mother and sister accept the allegations calmly? Nobody in his right mind will commit such crime without any reason at all. The question on the gender of Jeffrey is out, as the sexual act was supposedly concluded which implied acceptance on the part of the suspect.

On the other hand, as a lawyer, Atty. Roque should show restraint for the sake of reason and fair justice.  No amount of shouts can put the suspect in jail, this early.  Trial has not yet even started, but, Atty. Roque acts as if verdict has already been handed down in favor of the suspect.

I am not taking sides.  I am just amplifying realities already presented by the different media for fair information of the public. If ever conclusions have been drawn by viewers, I would like to presume that these are their personal opinions that should be respected. Sensitive issues should be perceived with open mind so that due and diligent scrutiny can be made. There are so many factors that must be considered, aside from the immediate ones that surround them. Some may not even be visible unless patiently researched. They are deeply-rooted and cling to other issues that involve security and economy of countries concerned. Most importantly, we should not resort to finger-pointing.