July 2016

LIVING IN THE MIDST OF VARIOUS FAITHS AND ETHICS

By Apolinario Villalobos

Personally, I believe that there can be harmony in diversity for as long as the relationship is founded on tolerance, understanding and compassion. One manifestation of this harmony is the celebration of Christmas even by non-Christians, and I have observed this in the Islamic Center in Quiapo (Manila) where many Muslim homes display Christmas tree during December. When I was in high school, many non-Christians students were proudly sporting the school uniform of our parochial Catholic school.

Tolerance begets respect and understanding. Such attitude is devoid of selfishness and egoism. A feeling of superiority is also not harbored in the heart. With tolerance, members of the community do not pay attention to which church their neighbors go on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Respect, though, should be shown to the utmost, especially, on the aspect of diet, so that in a culturally and religiously diversified community, restaurant owners take the pain of gluing on conspicuous space of the wall a notice about their food being “halal”.

A former classmate based in our province intoned during our cellphone conversation about his having a “personal God” which he claims does not drive him away from the faith of his birth. It is just that, by maintaining this kind of belief, he can be more tolerant about others’ faith. It is like saying, “leave me alone with my God and I will leave you with yours”. According to him, what spoils religions and sects is their being “institutionalized” which makes each of them competitive, as they vie for expanded membership. Along that line, it cannot be avoided that religions and sects would be compared with each other, so that prospective members can “choose” which is “better” or “best”…..and that is when trouble develops. An unsolicited advice is for these groups not to be too loud about their faith and just show their best “angle” by being tolerant and being nice to others.

On the other hand, if the government is not too conscious of the issue on separation between the State and the Church, somehow, there will be harmony. It is true that it is provided in the Law of the Land, the Constitution, but why not give a chance to the “unwritten rules” dictated by the heart and common sense?  For instance, as the various religious communities have more viability as regards morality which goes with spirituality, their strength can prop up the effort of the government in building up the welfare of the Filipino youth.

As regards the youth, there are many “homes” administered by the religious groups and most of them are in dire need of financial and material support. Meanwhile, the social workers who work in the government facilities are limited on what they learned from books. If molding of the youth is the issue, there is a need to inject a spiritual element in this effort and the lay social workers cannot do that, but only the religious people. The youth cannot be considered successfully developed if their spiritual foundation which has got to do with morality is weak and crumbling that may eventually result to their becoming disgraceful citizens of the nation.

There was a time when the miserable situation of the young detainees in a local government rehabilitation facility was exposed. Such disclosure was underscored by the misuse of budget as it was found out that the detainees were not fed properly. In this regard, lay administrators do not give a damn if they are found to be irresponsible as they have ways to avoid prosecution of the earthly court. On the other hand, the religious people may think twice before misbehaving as part of their guidance is about suffering in hell if they exploit their fellow creatures!

DISCIPLINE AS ESSENCE OF LIFE

By Apolinario Villalobos

Man can never do away with discipline for as long he lives in this world. Nobody lacks discipline, but just vary in degree accordingly. Those who grew up in strict homes, as expected are more disciplined than those whose parents are lax. The people with whom we are associated with also counts a lot in the development of discipline. An offshoot of discipline is the so-called, “good manners” which goes with the sayings, “tell me who your friends are and I will know what kind of a person you are”, as well as, “your manners indicate the kind of parents you have”.

A “happy go lucky guy” does not necessarily mean that he lacks discipline, otherwise, he could have been dead years before his adolescence. Discipline is an important element for one’s survival so that even a pampered guy’s instinct has a bit of it. The big or little bit of discipline determines the lifestyle of people. Those who have no regards for their health, for instance, may suffer from an off-balanced discipline resulting to their lack of control in their diet, as well as, their development of vices. They know that what they are doing is bad, but what can a bit of discipline do to stop them?

Success in life depends a lot on discipline. For students with weak discipline, graduation could just be a wish if their life veers away from the right track. Those who fail in their studies have more likely given priority to short-term pleasures that resulted to their long-term regret. Finding a job could also be difficult for those whose discipline in the simple waking up early to be in time for interview, is wanting. Many graduates thought that the name of a high-end university scribbled on top of their diploma is a guarantee for a job. What establishment for instance, would want to hire a guy who has no respect for time, despite his having graduated from a high-end university?

Discipline is life…. as it makes us breathe in regular cadence for oxygen to enter our system that makes our heart beat and our brain to function properly. Most importantly, discipline makes us control our life, as well as, make us realize whatever wrong we have done, though how late such realization may have occurred, as we tread the path towards that “light”….

ANGELS ARE JUST AROUND

By Apolinario Villalobos

Yes, angels are just around. I have encountered many of them who in their subtle way extend a hand to others, or to put it simply, unselfishly share the blessings they earned the fair way. While some do not hesitate to share with others what they also need to survive to the point of sacrifice or deprivation, others share their excess but still given with sincerity.

The latest angel I encountered surprised me with an amount that she easily pulled out of her purse when we met. She had been reading my blogs about children who do errands to earn, the latest of whom were “Pango” and “Macmac”. The money she handed to me was for them and the rest of children whom I have been regularly visiting.

She vehemently asked me not to write about what she did but I insisted that what I would be sharing with viewers is her “good act”, with a firm promise that her name will not be mentioned, though I added that I would refer to her as “Ms. Di”. I explained that she and the late British princess Princess Diana had a profound similarity in character. Just like Princess Di, the angel I just met also has a strong character, an almost flawless face that stands out in a crowd. Like Princess Di, she also has a penetrating and soulful stare.

My new angel, as found out, also has scholars, for whom she found part-time jobs. She told me that she has done her best in helping her siblings and that, it is now time for her to focus on the plight of others who are deserving of her help for as long she can afford it. Aside from the working students, she has also been helping unfortunate families. Not only is her heart full of soft spots for others, but she also speaks with softness that can put even a stranger at ease to which I can attest. Before we parted ways, all she asked me are prayers to keep her going…

From what “Ms. Di” gave, both Macmac and Pango got 2 new sets of school uniform, several pairs of underwear, and a folding umbrella each. As both are also saving money in their “piggy bank”, they also were given a little cash. The rest of the money was spent for the purchase of folding umbrellas to be given to other kids due to the onset of the rainy season.

A Filipina in America also sent two boxes of children’s wear, food items, shoes, medicines, several new clinical instruments, and 6 New American Standard (NAS) Bible.  The medicines, food supplements and clinical instruments are for a patient. The boxes arrived several weeks after “Perla” sent several boxes, too, which contained reading materials, food items and clothes. A Filipina in London and another in Canada sent money for the boat fare of a family back to their province in Cagayan de Oro when their shack got demolished, with the excess amount to be used as a seed money for their business so that they would never think of going back to Manila. Many others are extending help and though I cannot mention them here, in the future, definitely I will, as an update on my RAS (random acts of sharing).

I do not encourage the giving of donations by my viewers. Those who have been sending help are old-time friends who I trust and who trust me. I am sharing this information so that others will know what we are doing for which I ask for their prayers….

Hindi Dapat Binabalewala ang mga “Maliliit” na Bagay

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa panahon ngayon, marami ang nababalewalang mga bagay na akala natin ay katiting lang ang kabuluhan. Marami rin ang nakakalimot tungkol dito pagdating sa kaperahan, ganoong ang piso ay nagsisimula sa isang sentimo. Ang mga sumusunod ay ilan lang sa mga hindi masyadong  nabibigyan ng pansin dahil sa hi-tech na pag-unlad ng mundo…at, ang pagpapaalala ay idinaan ko sa tanong:

Paano kaya kung hindi naimbento ang aspile, perdible , sinulid, karayom, zipper, butones, tela…may mga maaayos kayang damit ang tao? Subali’t mapapansin ang walang pakundangang pagtapon ng mga bagay na ito. Idagdag pa diyan ang mga lumang damit na ang mga hindi naido-donate ay basta na lang itinatapon sa basurahan o ginagawang basahan o trapo kahit maayos pa. Sana bago gawing basahan ang pantalon, tanggalin ang zipper nito upang magamit pa, ganoon din ang mga butones sa mga damit upang hindi na bumili kung isa o dalawa lang naman ang kailangan. Sa patahian, ang bayad sa pagpapalit ng zipper ay hindi bababa sa singkuwenta pesos.

Paano kaya kung hindi naimbento ang garapon, bote, at iba pang lagayan ng maliliit na bagay, gawa man sila sa plastic, bubog o kristal? Sa halip na ang mga basyo ay pahalagahan at i-recycle, itinatapon na lang sila kaya nakakadagdag sa mga bara ng imburnal at kanal. Pero, kapag nangailangan na ng kahit isang garapon, nagkakatarantahan na sa paghanap.

Paano kung hindi naimbento ang besagra, pako, turnilyo…maayos pa rin kaya ang mga bahay sa kasalukuyang panahon? Walang pakundangan din ang pagtapon ng mga itinuturing na sobra o di kaya ay makitaan kahit kaunting kalawang lang, sa halip na ipunin at gamitin uli.  May mga pagkakataong nangangailangan tayo ng kahit isa o dalawang pako lang na pwedeng gamiting sabitan, pero dahil wala naitatabi, kailangang bumilit pa sa hardware.

Paano kung hindi naimbento ang tissue paper, toothpaste, sabon? Marami sa mga mayayabag ay walang pakundangan kung gumamit ng tissue paper na dahil hindi nari-recycle ay lalong dapat tipirin. Dapat ding alalahanin na galing sila sa kahoy, kaya kung balahura ang gumagamit, kailangang gumawa ng maraming ganito at dahil diyan ay marami ring kahoy ang puputulin na magiging dahilan naman sa mabilis na pagkakalbo ng mga gubat. Ang iba namang balahura, kahit may natitira pang toothpaste sa tube ay itinatapon na ito. Ang sabon naman, kahit hindi masyadong lusaw ay itinatapon na dahil mahirap daw hawakan kung maliit.

Paano kaya kung hindi naimbento ang lapis at papel? Siguro hanggang ngayon ay sa dahon, kahoy, basag na palayok, at kawayan pa sumusulat ang mga tao. Subalit, maraming pasaway na mga batang nag-aaral na kinukunsinti rin ng mga pasaway na mga magulang sa kanilang kabulagsakan sa paggamit ng mga nabanggit na bagay. Ang mga lumang notebook na may natitira pang mga malinis na pahina ay itinatapon na, pati mga lapis na nangangalahati pa lang ang pagkapudpod dahil sa katamarang magtasa. Ang nakakalungkot, para sa mga batang kapos subalit nagpupursigeng mag-aral, ang mga ito ay itinuturing na “kayamanan”. Sa mga liblib na lugar, halos ayaw idiin ng mga mag-aaral ang lapis nila upang hindi mapudpod agad. Ang mga papel naman ay sinisinop upang ang likod na hindi nasulatan ay magamit pa.

Ang ginagawa kong pagpapaalala ay maaaaring ituturing ng walang halaga dahil tungkol sila maliit na bagay din. Ang dahilan nila ay….”kung may magagastos naman, bakit kailangan pang magpakahirap sa pagtipid?”.

Subali’t ang pinakamalahalagang tanong…hindi ba ang tao ay galing sa dalawang maliliit na “bagay” na pinag-isa ng kalikasan upang magkaroon ng buhay?

ANG GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISM (GMO)

AT ANG BUHAY

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Malinaw ang sinasabing alamat sa Bibiliya na pinaniniwalaan naman ng marami na kung ilang beses ang pagsubok na ginawa ng Diyos bago tuluyang nakagawa siya ng tao ayon sa mga gusto niyang katangian nito. Sa ganang ito, ang hindi napansin ng mga taong may adbokasiya sa kalikasan ay ang katotohanang noon pa man ay ginagawa na ang mga pagbabago sa mga halaman na ang bunga ay pinapakinabangan ng tao hanggang ngayon. Ang hitsura ng mais noon ay hindi katulad ng mais ngayon dahil noon ito ay may iilang butil lang at maliit pa, samantalang ngayon, ito ay malalaki at puno ng butil. Ang mga kahoy na dating namumunga ng maliliit, mapakla o maasim, ay nagawang ma-modify upang lumaki, maging  mabango at matamis. Ang pakwan noon, bukod sa maliit ay malaki rin ang guwang o espasyo sa gitna at maraming buto, pero ngayon mayroon nang seedless. Ang kamote at patatas noon ay maliit at maraming hibla o fibers, pero ngayon ay malalaki na at halos walang hibla. Etc.

Dahil sa mga peste at pagbago ng panahon na hindi na umaayon sa dating cycle nito, maraming pananim ang nasisira at mga hayop na namamatay. Kung hindi man masalanta ng balang (locust), virus, at iba pa, marami rin ang nanguluntoy nang itanim sa nakagawiang panahon pero dahil sa sinasabing hindi inaasahang “climate change”, sa halip na ulan ang dumating ay matinding init ang nagpatigang sa lupa. At, dahil diyan ay nadanasan ang gutom sa lahat ng panig ng mundo.

Upang malabanan ang epekto ng “climate change” at upang lalong maging kapaki-pakinabang ang mga punong kahoy at hayop na pinanggagalingan ng pagkain ay gumagawa ng paraan ang mga siyentipiko na nilalabanan naman ng mga maka-kalikasan kuno. Ang sabi nila, baka daw ang mga gagamiting elemento o gamot sa pag-modify ng mga gulay, prutas at hayop ay makakasama sa tao. Ang tinutukoy nila ay ang pagbago kuno ng ugali ng tao dahil sa paghalo sa dugo nito ng mga katangiang galing sa hayop at halaman. At, dahil diyan ay magkakaroon kuno ng ugaling hayop ang tao. Hindi man lang inisip ng mga taong ito na noong unang panahon pa man ay iniinom na ng tao ang gatas ng mga hayop at ang ibang tribu ay umiinom din ng dugo ng alaga nilang hayop upang may panlaban sila sa sakit at maibsan ang gutom at uhaw! Kung sa Pilipinas ang pagkaing “dinuguan” ay galing sa dugo ng kinatay na hayop, sa ibang bansa naman ang pinanghahalo sa lugaw na trigo ay galing sa buhay pang hayop na alaga nila, na pinakakawalan pagkatapos masipsipan ng dugo.

Bakit ngayon lang umaalma ang grupong maka-kalikasan kuno? Bakit hindi sila mag-picket sa mga pagawaan ng plastic dahil ang produktong ito ang isa sa mga dahilan ng pinsala sa mundo, lalo’t hindi sila nalulusaw? Sa halip na kung anu-anong kabalbalan ang ginagawa nila, dapat ay isulong na lang nila ang tama at napapanahong pagputol ng kahoy man lang upang hindi agad nakakalbo ang mga kagubatan. Dapat isulong nila ang adbokasiya sa pagtatanim ng kahoy sa mga nakalbong kabundukan. Dapat unawain nila na ang tanging layunin ng mga siyentipiko ay patibayin ang panlaban ng mga halaman at hayop sa mga peste, sobrang init ng panahon at matagal na pagkalublob sa tubig tuwing panahon ng baha…isang layunin para sa kapakanan naman ng sangkatauhan.

May nagawa na ba ang grupong ito upang maiwasan ang mga kamatayang sanhi ng gutom ng mga tao na bahagi rin ng kalikasan? Sa kakitiran ng kanilang pag-iisip, akala nila ang kalikasan ay sumasaklaw lang sa gubat, dagat, ilog, kalawakan, kahanginan, kahayupan….nakalimutan nila ang tao na may karapatan ding mabuhay at napakalaking bahagi ng kalikasan.

Ang mga pagbabago sa ibabaw ng mundo ay hindi mapipigilan at ang tanging magagawa lamang para sa kapakanan ng pangkalahatang kabutihan ay pagpapalumanay ng epekto ng mga pagbabagong ito sa sangkatauhan at kapaligiran…at higit sa lahat ay dapat bigyan ng bigat ang layunin para sa nakararami, at hindi ang kapakanan ng iilan lang na mga maka-kalikasan kuno! 

THE MILITANTS SHOULD STAY ON THE SIDE

INSTEAD OF MUDDLING THE EFFORT OF THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION

By Apolinario Villalobos

Personally, I do not know what the militant groups such as Bayan, Gabriela and others want to show and prove. They seem blind to and ignorant on what the new administration is doing, especially, in reaching out to the communist group and the Islamic groups in the south. Peace negotiations with these groups are in the offing as president Duterte has given instruction for the issuance of safe passes for their leaders. On the other hand, the subordinate groups of the communists, they that just love to hold rallies are doing otherwise.

Their rallies every time a US diplomat visits the Philippines have become sickeningly irritating. They seem oblivious to the realities of issues at hand, such as those that revolve around the West Philippine Sea. To which are these groups leaning when clearly, their hierarchy has already expressed support to the Duterte administration? In the first place, they have not done anything for the country, except disrupt the traffic, deface the US embassy façade, disturb the air with their senseless shouts for the Americans to leave the country, and scatter trash on the streets after their rallies.

If what these groups crave for is just the attention of the public, they should know that the Filipinos are no longer political suckers. If they expect Filipinos to applaud their rallies, they are wrong. On the other hand, motorists and commuters are cursing them every time the already hellish traffic gets MORE tangled every time they hold rallies. Before the Filipinos would totally lose their respect to these irresponsible nationalistic groups “kuno”, the latter should better think twice before hitting the street again to hold another senseless rally!

IF THEY WOULD INSIST ON DOING WHAT THEY WANT, IT JUST PROVES THAT THEY HAVE NO CLEAR DIRECTION AND OBJECTIVE, BECAUSE FOR THEM, ALL ADMINISTRATIONS ARE EVIL! IT SEEMS THAT ALL THEY WANT IS TROUBLE!...THE BIG QUESTION IS, WHY????

ANG PAGNENEGOSYO

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Mula noong unang panahon ay uso na ang pagnenegosyo na ginagawa sa iba’t-ibang paraan. Mayroong naglalakbay ng ilang daang milya sa disyerto upang makapagbenta ng ilang blokeng asin sa mga bahagi ng kontinente ng Africa. Mayroong tumatawid ng karagatan upang makipagkalakalan kahit sa pamamagitan ng senyas sa halip na wika. Ang isa sa mga kinilalang  pakikipagkalakalan ay gumamit ng tinawag na “Silk Road” at namayagpag din ang mga Portuguese dahil sa kanilang “Galleon Trade”. Nabanggit sa Bibliya na ang nakapaligid na pader sa templo ng Herusalem ay mga gate na itinalaga sa iba’t ibang uri ng kalakal tulad ng tupa, isda at ibang pagkain, balat ng hayop, etc. Subalit ang pinakamatandang “negosyo” ay ang bentahan ng laman o “flesh trade” na ang puhunan ay katawan.

Sa pakikipagkalakalan, ang unang ginamit na paraan ay sa pamamagitan ng pakikipagpalitan ng mga itinitinda o “barter”, at napalitan ng paggamit ng mga pinirasong ginto, pilak at tanso, hanggang ang mga ito ay tuluyang ginawang pera na may iba’t ibang katumbas o halaga.  Naglimbag rin ng mga papel na pera at tseke. Ang pinakahuling sistema sa pagbayad ay sa pamamagitan ng credit card, charging sa mga deposito sa bangko gamit pa rin ang credit card, at swiping ng cellphone na may impormasyon tungkol sa halaga ng perang laman nito.

Hindi maiwasang magkaroon ng lokohan o lamangan sa pagnenegosyo. Nangyayari yan ngayon sa pagitan ng mga bansa na may mga kasunduan sa larangan ng negosyo, at umiiral din sa pagitan ng malalaki at maliliit na negosyante. Hindi rin nawawala ang competition o tagisan sa pagitan ng mga negosyante sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang media at ang tawag sa hakbang na ito ay “advertisement”.

Ang pinakamatinding elemento ng pagnenegosyo ay may kinalaman sa “inggit”. Sa panahon ngayon, mapapansin ang pagsulputan ng mga magkaparehong negosyo sa iisang lugar. Sa simula ay iisang puwesto ang nakita kaya nagkaroon ng maraming mamimili kaya lumago. Okey lang sana kung ang lugar ay palengke at hindi bukana halimbawa ng isang maliit na subdivision o barangay.  Ang paglago ay nakita ng iba, nagkaroon ng ideya at maski pa i-deny, malinaw ang umiral na inggit. Pwedeng sabihin ng nainggit na pinairal nila ang karapatan sa pagbenta na tama naman, pero ang inggit ay nasa damdamin pa rin nila. Kung hindi sila nainggit, dapat ay nag-isip sila ng ibang mapagkikitaan at hindi pinairal ang masamang panuntunang, “sila lang ba ang may karapatang kumita?” bilang pamimilosopo. Dahil nakigaya lang at biglang dumami, siyempre humina ang kita hanggang sa magkalugian kaya sa kagustuhan nilang ipagpatuloy ang “negosyo” ay umutang at kumagat sa malaking porsiyento.

Hindi dahil may nakikita tayong umasenso sa negosyo ay iisipin na natin na pwedeng mangyari din sa atin. Hindi lahat ng tao ay may pagkatao o personalidad na angkop sa pagnegosyo. Ang iba ay talagang walang hilig sa pagnegosyo, at nakisakay lang sa uso o nainggit. Ang hirap kasi sa iba, masabi lang na “negosyante” ay pinapairal ang kayabangan at inggit. Sa halip din na personal na asikasuhin ang negosyo kahit maliit lang, ay pinapaubaya sa mga taong sinisuwelduhan kaya ang kakarampot na kita ay pumupunta lang sa pangsuweldo at kung minalas ay nakukupitan pa ng kita, kaya doble ang lugi!

Marami akong alam na nagkandalitse-litse ang buhay dahil sa ganitong pangyayari. Ang iba ay nagbenta o nagsanla ng mga ari-arian hanggang sa tuluyang mawala. May iba kasing nakikinig din sa pangbubuyo o sulsol ng mga kaibigan na ang hangad ay makibahagi sa pera ng sinulsulan at hindi sa kikitain ng negosyo kaya sa pagtulong kuno ay okey na sa kanilang bigyan ng  “allowance”, hindi sweldo dahil pangit ang dating…what are friends for nga naman. Dahil diyan, walang pakialam ang nanulsol kung malugi man ang negosyo pagdating ng panahon. Sa sistemang ito, karamihan sa mga nautong “biktima” ay ang mga may-asawang kumikita ng malaki sa abroad, na ang tingin ng iba ay mayaman dahil na rin sa kanilang pagyayabang. Yong ibang asawa ay hindi kini-clear sa kanilang asawa sa abroad ang gagawin. Yong iba namang nagtatapat sa asawa, ay pinipilit ang plano kaya walang magawa ang asawa kundi pumayag. Kapag nalugi ang negosyo, ang susunod ay sisihan at kung malasin ay nagtatapos sa hiwalayan!

NOONG PANAHONG NAGSUSUOT AKO NG MAONG

AT ANTIQUE NA BARONG TAGALOG SA OPISINA

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang maong ay ginawa para sa mga minero noong unang panahon sa Amerika. Ang orihinal na kulay ng tela ay puti na siyang kulay ng mga hiblang ginamit sa paghabi ng mga tela, at kinulayan lamang kapag nabuo na ang tela o di kaya ay natahi nang kasuotan ng lalaki o babae bilang pantalon, jacket o coverall. Nang magkaroon ng makabagong teknolohiya ay saka lamang nagawang makulayan ang mga sinulid bago mahabi bilang tela na nang matahi at mabuo bilang pantalon ay tinatawag sa Ingles na “denim” o “jeans”.

Nang mauso ang pagsuot ng maong, napakamahal ang tela lalo na ang mga nayaring pantalon. Ang Ateneo ang nagpa-uso sa pagsuot ng “blue jeans” dahil angkop sa kulay ng eskwelahan na asul. Subalit dahil uso ay nawala rin kalaunan at napalitan ng kurduroy at “wash and wear”. Ganoon pa man, marami pa rin ang nagsusuot…at isa na ako diyan. Noong kapanahunan ko sa PAL, tuwing araw na pinapayagan ang pagsuot ng “civilian attire”, maong ang sinusuot ko. At, dahil iisang araw sa isang linggo ang pinapayagan sa pagsuot ng “civilian attire”, hindi halatang dadalawang pares lang ang maong ko. Hindi ko makalimutan ang mga maong na yon na nabili ko sa Bambang, ang lugar sa Maynila kung saan ay nagsimula ang negosyong “ukay-ukay” o “relip” (“relief”, hango sa” relief goods” na donation mula sa Amerika).

Sa probinsiya pa lang ako ay narinig ko na ang Bambang sa pag-uusap ng mga magulang ko dahil nagnegosyo din sila ng ukay noong maliit pa ako. Isang kasama ko sa boarding house sa Baclaran ang nagdala sa akin sa Bambang at talagang na-love- at- first sight ako sa lugar na yon na binalik-balikan ko na dahil doon na rin ako namili ng iba ko pang damit pang-opisina, pati sinaunang sapatos na kung tawagin ay “charol”  o yong ang nguso ay may kumbinasyong puti o may design na butas-butas. Lalo akong natuwa nang madiskubre ko ang isang puwestong may mga lumang barong tagalong na yari sa jusi, cotton, at seda. At, ang lalong nagustuhan ko pa ay ang napakamurang presyo!

Tuwing “civilian attire day” sa opisina, ang suot ko ay maong at barong tagalong na ang style ay yong bandang dibdib lang ang may butones o bukasan. Tinutupi ko ang mga mahabang manggas kaya ang resulta ay style na “three-fourth”, upang hindi ako magmukhang ibuburol. Ang naka-shock sa nakakapuna sa akin ay ang sapatos na suot ko, kaya may mga hindi nakatiis magtanong kung saan ko daw sila nabili. Sa simula, akala ko ay bilib sila, yon pala ay mga pahiwatig na kantiyaw ang tanong. Ang mga suot kasi nila ay bili sa mga department store at ang iba ay pumupunta pa sa Hongkong tuwing weekends upang mamili lang. Pero kahit nalaman ko ito, ay hindi ko na lang pinansin dahil masaya ako sa kasuutan ko. Ang pang-shock ko pa noon ay ang pagsuot ng mga antique na kuwintas na pilak, singsing at bracelet na binili ko naman sa Ermita. Bago nauso ang mga bracelet na yari sa stainless steel at balat ng hayop, ay nagsusuot na ako ng mga nabanggit. At, ang pangtripleng schocker ay ang hindi ko pagsuot ng medyas at paggamit ng kurbata sa regular na barong tagalog (diretso ang bukasang may butones hanggang ibaba), pero naka- tuck in naman. Ang mga kurbata ay sa Bambang ko rin binili at dahil mura ay marami akong naipon. Ang mga pinagsawaan kong mga kurbata ay binigay ko sa mga kaibigan kong magbubukid na ginamit bilang pantali sa balag na ginagapagangan ng pananim nilang gulay at ang iba naman ay nagamit nilang sampayan sa loob ng bahay.

Noong naka-ipon na ako, nadagdagan ang pang-accent ko sa sinusuot kong pang-opisina ng mga relos na “de susi”, mga antique na nabili ko naman sa Arranque. Kaya meron akong relos noon na ang tatak ay “Hamilton”, “Lyric” at marami pang iba na gawa sa Switzerland pero lahat ay de-susi. Mura ang pagkakabili dahil ang iba ay may halagang wala pang isang daang piso. Mayroon pang napasingit sa mga nabili kong tunay na Rolex pero de-susi rin. Laking pasalamat ko dahil nang magipit ako ay napakinabangan ko sila.

Para mapasaya ang mga nangangantiyaw noon sa akin, at dahil tanggap ko namang para sa kanila ay weird ang dating ko, sinabihan ko rin sila na ang gusto kong mapangasawa ay hindi kailangang “virgin”…pwedeng pinagsawaan din (hiwalay) o antique (matrona), sabay sabing “I don’t give a damn sa inyo, basta masaya ako!, at tinutuldukan ko ng “mga litse kayo”…na nagpapatigil sa kanila. 

FIRM, AUSTERE, FAIR, HUMBLE AND DARING ARE WHAT THE

THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION IS ALL ABOUT

By Apolinario Villalobos

The audacity of the Duterte administration is such that it did what the past administrations failed to do – challenge the drug lords by naming names. The firmness is shown in how it is doing all possible legal means to fulfill the promise that something significant can be done about the illegal drugs that spawns criminality in practically all sectors of the society, within six months. Its aura of fairness reaches out to the drug users and runners who are victims of the tenacity of the drug lords by inviting them back to the fold of the law.

On the other hand, the austerity shows in how Duterte took away all the frivolities from the national government affairs, foremost of which is the State of the Nation Address (SONA) by not allowing the egoistic officials to use them as fashion runways to show off expensive trappings, and by letting them have a taste of the poor man’s fare – mongo soup, alugbate soup, fried banana, and balut-based sauce, etc. And, to cap all the changes that Duterte is laying out, he did away with, “His/Your Excellency” as a reference to him as president.

If all those are not enough for one to discern the sincerity of the new president from the south, I do not know what else can satisfy his detractors. He does not have a trace of arrogance in his bearing as he shows that a Philippine president need not wear an expensive barong tagalog to be able to meld with the sophisticated ambience in and around Malacaἧan palace. What he used to be wearing as mayor of Davao, are what people see – barong tagalog or ordinary printed shirts with the long sleeves rolled up, on top of curdoruy or denims that go with a pair of casual boat shoes. The simplicity of Duterte has made the ordinary Filipinos identify themselves with him.

Duterte is a big lesson to all Filipinos. We should be true to ourselves as people of a third world country and not of a high-end nation whose people and their ways we try to mimic. However, it does not mean that we cannot be at par with them, because in so many fields and instances, we have shown our excellent traits. We should not be what we are not….we should not be hypocrites as to talk, think and act like westerners…partaking of their tongue-twisting named dishes during special occasions, copying their cocktails, and walking on a red carpet which is part of the royalty culture that the Filipino culture does not have. We must change if we want to metamorphose into the new Filipino!

Si Gerry…nagpipilit mabago ang buhay

sa kabila ng kakapusan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nakita ko siyang nagkukumpuni ng payong sa ilalim ng tikatik o ambon na unti-unting namumuong ulan sa Roxas boulevard. Ako naman ay taranta sa paghabol sa nagbebenta ng trapal na pambigay sa mga vendor na wala man lang payong. Nang dumaan uli ako ay tinitiklop na niya ang payong na naayos na at naisipan kong bilhin dalhin kailangan ko rin, at para naman sa kanya ay upang magkaroon siya ng kita. Kahit halatang hindi pa siya nag-aalmusal ay tinanggihan niya ang alok ko na ibili siya ng sandwich, kaya pareho na lang kaming nagkape.

Habang nagkakape kami ay nakita ko kung paano niyang ipunin ang mga tirang sinulid at iba pang gamit na nakakalat at ipinasok sa maliit niyang bag. Hindi nawawala ang ngiti sa kanyang mukha habang nakikipag-usap sa akin kaya napanatag ang loob ko dahil nang una ko siyang makita ay medyo nabahala ako dahil sa ayos niyang may mahabang buhok na nakapungos, manipis na bigote at ilang tattoo sa nakalantad na bahagi ng kanyang katawan.

Siya ang nagsimula ng usapan tungkol kay Duterte at ang paglaban nito sa droga. Hindi siya nahiyang magtapat na minsan din siyang gumamit ng droga at kung minsan ay naaakit pa rin subalit pinipigilan niya ang kanyang sarili. May tatlo siyang anak sa Bulacan na inuuwian niya tuwing weekend upang hatiran ng pera at makakayang pasalubong. Dahil mahina ang kita sa Bulacan, sa Maynila niya naisipang maglibot upang magkumpuni ng mga payong. Ang tinutulugan niya noon ay Luneta subalit nang ipagbawal na, nakakita siya ng puwesto sa kahabaan ng Roxas boulevard kung saan siya nagsisiksik upang makaiwas sa mga gumagalang may masamang balak.

Bandang huli ay inamin din niya na kahit maliit siya ay kaya daw niyang makipagsabayan ng patayan kung kinakailangan para sa kanyang kaligtasan. Habang nagkukuwento ay hindi ko siya nakitaan ng kawalan ng pag-asa. Sanayan lang naman daw ang pagharap at pagsuong sa kahirapan. Ang sinabi niya ay kapareho ng aking pananaw na inamin ko sa kanya kaya tuwang-tuwa siyang nakipag-high five sa akin. Nagsisikap naman daw siya upang makakita ng mas maayos na trabaho, lalo pa at naging salesman na rin daw siya noon. Sa ngayon daw ay dobleng ipon ang ginagawa niya upang makabili din siya ng mga sariling gamit lalo na mga damit. Ayaw daw niyang nangangamoy kung sakaling siya ay may aaplayan.

Isinabay ko na siya sa sinakyan kong jeep papuntang Maynila dahil pupunta din daw siya sa Luneta upang bumili ng trapal na pambenta. Pandagdag daw ang ibinayad ko sa payong sa pambili niya ng trapal. Inabutan ko siya ng pera ni “Perla” na laan sa mga taong tulad niya at upang tanggapin ay sinabi kong “pampasuwerte” ito. Bumaba siya sa bukana ng Luneta papunta sa rebulto ni Lapu-lapu, ako naman ay nagpatuloy sa biyahe papuntang Divisoria. Sa ibang araw magkikit pa kami dahil marami pa raw siyang “ibubunyag” tungkol sa buhay-kalye.

The “Best Seller Syndrome”

By Apolinario Villalobos

A very popular book store in the Philippines patronizes “best sellers”…books of foreign authors. They are prominently displayed right at the entrance of their stores. To cap their promotion effort founded on the colonial mentality of Filipinos, the establishment invites the foreign authors to come over all the way from their so-called “first world” homelands…to sign purchased books which the suckers devour with all their best literary duplicity.

Judging a book is subjective, a fact that cannot be questioned. What can be the best material for one may be trash for another. But an impression can be a very significant influencing factor. How can that fact be questioned when all it needs for a book to be grabbed at bookstores is a review made by influential people…known in their respective field, that do not necessarily show them as literary personalities. This attitude is akin to the “identified with” syndrome, too.

Some Filipinos buy popular books, especially, the hard-bound sets of encyclopedia to create an impression so they are prominently displayed in living rooms. Some friends unabashedly admit that they have not opened any volume of the set and that they are there, just for display, without of course expressing their desire to enhance the sophisticated impression that they practically try to solicit from their visitors.

When word spread about an obscure book that happened to be a favorite of a rags-to-riches business tycoon, suckers rushed to book stores to buy a copy or two, with the extra as a gift to a friend, complete with a “dedication” where the information about its being read by a famous Filipino businessman is also scribbled. I got my copy this way – from a friend who tries hard to make an impression that he is “intelligent”, just because he reads a lot. I have come across the book long before it became popular and sold for only just less than a hundred pesos, but when it got popular the tag price has soared between 300-400 pesos depending on the store selling it. I also found the book prominently displayed in offices I visited, as some kind of a coffee table book.

During one of my visits to a book store, I came across a book with a triangulized corner note about its being the fifth edition, and with sold copies running to millions. This time my sucker instinct made me buy a copy, parting with my hard-earned pesos, especially, because, as the synopsis at the outside back cover said, it was indeed a good read. In the evening when I browsed through the pages thoroughly, my blood pressure shot up because many paragraphs were enclosed with quotation marks…meaning, contents were copied with impunity though with the safety of the said literary marks and  bibliography which ate up 14 pages! I did not notice them when I bought the book because I was in a hurry, and I trusted the “best seller” come on. There went my 300 pesos! In my disgust, I burned the trash!

HUWAG IPAMAYAGPAG O IPAGYABANG ANG ADBOKASIYA

NA PAGLABAN SA DROGA

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ito ay payo sa mga nagyayabang ng kanilang adbokasiya kuno bilang suporta sa bagong administrasyon sa pagsugpo sa pagkalat ng droga:

Hindi dapat isiping ang bagong matapang na hepe ng pulisya na si de la Rosa at ang lalong matapang na bagong presidenteng si Duterte ay 24/7 na nasa tabi natin at napapagsumbungan “agad” kung may problema. May mga hot lines pero gaano kabilis ang pag-aksyon sa mga problemang itatawag lalo pa at nasa bingit ng kamatayan ang mabibiktima? Mismong ang namumuno ng DILG ang nakadiskubre na hindi mabilis ang pag-responde ng hotline 117 nang tawagan niya ito. Ang LAHAT ba ng lokal na pulis ay mapagkakatiwalaan talaga? Bakit hinintay pa nila ang pag-upo ng bagong presidente at pagkaroon ng bagong hepe ang PNP bago umaksyon laban sa droga? Huwag magpadalus-dalos at maingay dahil pwede namang tumulong sa administrasyon sa tahimik at simpleng paraan….huwag magyabang!

Meron kasing mayayabang sa pagsabing miyembro daw sila ng “DDS” na ang ibig sabihin nito sa Metro Manila ay “Digong Duterte Supporters” pero sa Davao daw ang ibig sabihin ay “Duterte Death Squad”. Ngayon lang ako nakarinig ng ganyang grupo na palagay ko ay isa sa mga sisira sa bagong pangulo kung gagamitin lang sa kayabangan. Baka inaakala nilang pangingilagan at katatakutan sila ng mga kaibigan at kapitbahay dahil miyembro sila ng “DDS”. Kung lehitimong grupo ito na sumusuporta kay Duterte dapat ay i-check na mabuti ng mga namumuno ang mga miyembro dahil baka ang iba ay sumasakay lang sa isyu….silang mga kulang sa pansin. Sa pagkakaroon ng grupong may magandang layunin, ang tinitingnan ay “quality” ng mga miyembro, hindi ang dami kung karamihan naman ay hindi man lang alam kung anong grupo ang sinasalihan nila at sumali lang dahil popular ito.

Ang dapat pang ikabahala ay ang hindi siguradong pagkawala ng problema sa droga kahit may mga pinirmahan na ang mga durugista at nagtutulak. Ang iba ay hindi nakiayon sa operasyon “Tuk-Hang” at nasa paligid pa rin, pagala-gala lang. Pati ang mga pumirma ay baka bumalik din sa dating bisyo.

Dahil sa mga nabanggit, yong mga nuknukan ng kayabangan sa pagpapakita ng “tapang” ay mag-isip na mabuti kung sila ay may mga mga anak na maaaring madamay. Sa isang banda, kung gusto nilang ipagpatuloy ang kayabangan nila, dapat ay itanim sa kanilang utak na kung may mangyari man sa pamilya nila, huwag sisihin si Duterte, de la Rosa at ang mga pulis na hindi makakatulong agad kung sakali.

Sa isang banda, pwede naman kasing i-ayon ang kanilang adbokasiya sa iba pang mga layunin ni Duterte na maraming sinasaklaw. Ang pagbabago ay hindi lang naman sa isyu ng droga. Ang panawagan ni Duterte para sa pagbabago ay sumasaklaw din sa ugali, kaayusan ng trapiko, at kalinisan ng kapaligiran. Sa mga larangang ito sila magpakita ng gilas.

Simple lang naman ang ibig kong sabihin: Kahit maingay at matapang ang isang Pilipino tungkol sa isyu ng droga at hindi magkandaugaga sa pagsuporta kay de la Rosa at Duterte, pero nagtatapon pa rin ng basura kung saan-saan, mapanlamang pa rin sa kapwa at kung may sasakyan ay mayabang pa rin sa pag-drive…. mapagkunwaring dugyot pa rin siya! ….damak!...dupang!...baboy...ugaling pusali!

MAGPAKA-SIMPLE AT MAGPAKATOTOO SA PAGTULONG TUNGO SA PAGBABAGO! HUWAG SUMAKAY SA ISYU PARA MAPANSIN LANG!

DAPAT IPA-IMBENTARYO ANG MGA KASONG MATAGAL

NANG NAKATAMBAK SA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

AT SANDIGANBAYAN

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Dahil sa pagka-absuwelto kay dating presidenteng Gloria Arroyo sa isyu ng pondo ng PCSO, dapat ay gumawa ng imbentaryo ang Office of the President ng mga kasong matagal nang nakatambak sa mga opisina ng Department of Justice at Sandiganbayan. Ang siste kasi, pagkatapos maisampa ang karamihan sa mga kaso at ma-brodkast ay animo mistula nang kinalimutan. Malaki tuloy ang pagdududa sa kagalingan ng mga abogado ng pamahalaan. Ang isa sa pinaka-prominenteng kaso ay ang Maguindanao massacre. Napabalitang ang ibang sangkot ay nakapag-piyansa at nakatakbo pa sa nakaraang eleksiyon….nakailang taon na ba ito? Ang isa pang masakit na pagdududa ay sinasadya daw ng mga opisinang nabanggit ang pag-antala…sana naman ay hindi totoo.

Ang problema lang ay protektado ang mga abogadong pulpol ng Civil Service Code dahil sa kanilang eligibility kuno kaya naging mga “career service officers” pa. Sana kung walang probisyon tungkol sa kakayahan bilang batayan sa pagtanggal, dapat lagyan ng ganitong probisyon ang Civil Service Code. Pwede naman itong ihanay sa “efficiency at proficiency in job” upang hindi lang mga kasong kriminal  at administratibo ang maging batayan sa pagtanggal sa mga walang binatbat na mga abogado ng pamahalaan upang hindi masayanag ang pera ng mga Pilipino pinangsusuweldo sa kanila.

Dapat amining hindi dahil nakapasa sa BAR ang isang naging abogado ay may katangi-tanging kakayahan o talino na. Yong iba ngang alam ko na honest sa pag-amin na “swerte” ang pagkapasa ay hanggang pag-notarize lang ang ginagawa dahil inamin rin nila na hirap sila sa pagsalita ng diretsong Ingles at Tagalog, lalo na sa pagsulat. At, higit sa lahat ay wala silang kakayahang magsalita sa korte dahil sila ay mahiyain. Malaki nga daw ang pasalamat nila sa bagong teknolohiya dahil pwede nang mag-copy/paste kaya nakakagawa sila ng mga requirements noong nag-aaral pa sila…pero, in fairness sa kanila, marami ang gumagawa nito at hindi lang sa kurso ng abogasya. Yan ang nakakabilib! Umaamin ng mga kakulangang kakayahan, hindi tulad ng ibang nasa gobyerno na para lang masabing intellectual kuno ay kung anu-anong mga sinasabing out of tune!

ASIA UNITED BANK...A DYNAMIC PLUS

OF THE ECONOMIC FOUNDATION OF BACOOR CITY

By Apolinario Villalobos

A community’s growth is always determined by the economic institutions that are found within its periphery, and foremost among them are the banks, the presence of which implies that it is booming. And, because competition is expected among these institutions, one which has got the most high-tech facility coupled with satisfying service would surely have the clout. In this regard, worth mentioning is the Asia United Bank in Bacoor City, a newcomer in the banking arena that has gained a significant share of the local market since its establishment in 2012. The bank is prominently located at the city’s crossroads, the rotunda from which emanate the southern road that leads to Imus/Batangas, the westbound road that leads to Cavite City, and the southbound one that leads to Las Piἧas and Manila.

Asia United Bank has a reputation of having established the first paperless transaction in the country with the “virtual teller kiosk” in the midst of its system that practically shrinks the time element in the client’s transaction with the bank. The on-line transaction which many clients dread due to the proliferation of hacking is made secure by the bank with its 3-level security password system. Its one-of-a-kind “Bizkit” allow clients to choose which offerings are appropriate for their needs. It has many current products that the Field Sales Officer of the Bank or the OIC/Branch Manager can discuss...all one needs to do is just request for their visit. As can be gleaned from the bank’s “resume”, it is some kind of a “total Filipino bank”.

I had my own encounter with the bank when I decided to let them take care of my meagre savings, a turnover from another bank which they took over. I was totally impressed with the service and such impression has been maintained until today, especially, because of the new and amiable Bacoor branch manager, Ms. Nanette Salvador Quincena. She further cemented my trust in the bank when I observed how her team in the branch – all young, would move with seemingly orchestrated professionalism. During a casual chat with her, she expressed, “...at AUB, we are exhausting all means to tap the local market as we are trying to reach out to the working level of the populace that needs our assistance”...an impressive statement! As my habit, because of the good impression, I decided to write something about this “young and dynamic” bank to express my appreciation.

It is admirable to know that the courage of people behind this institution is an offshoot from pooled brilliant business ideas that started with a biscuit company...the Republic Biscuit Company (REBISCO). So, that’s another success story that can make one recall Lucio Tan’s whose bold diversification emanated from a bank, but still earlier, supposedly, a buy and sell venture. Add to that the story of Henry Sy whose giant business empire grew out of a simple shoes store in Sta. Cruz, Manila. 

THE SUPREME COURT DECISION IN FAVOR OF FORMER

PRESIDENT ARROYO IS THE RESULT OF A “DUE PROCESS”

By Apolinario Villalobos

NOW THAT THE SUPREME COURT WENT THROUGH THE “DUE PROCESS” AND ABSOLVED THE FORMER PRESIDENT, GLORIA ARROYO, WHAT CAN SENATOR DE LIMA AND OTHER HUMAN ADVOCATES, SAY?

THE HIGHEST JUDICIAL BODY OF THE LAND HAS SPOKEN BY VIRTUE OF THE HIGHEST AND SUPREME JUDICIAL AUTHORITY IT HOLDS…THE FORMER PRESIDENT ARROYO WHO IS ACCUSED OF PLUNDER IS INNOCENT….SO, THERE GOES THE PHILIPPINE JUSTICE SYSTEM!

A PLEAD FOR RECONSIDERATION IS OUT OF QUESTION BECAUSE THE DECISION OF THE SUPREME COURT IS OVERWHELMING, HENCE, WOULD JUST BE FUTILE AND A FALSE HOPE. THOSE WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CHARGE SHOULD JUST PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE COUNTER-STRIKE FROM THE FORMER PRESIDENT….AND IT COULD BE NIGHTMARISH! EXPECT CASES OF PLUNDER, GRAFT, AND IMMORALITY TO PROSPER AGAINST THOSE WHO WERE WITH THE AQUINO ADMINISTRATION AND RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL THE TRAVAILS THAT SHE SUFFERED.

NOW THAT DE LIMA, ET AL, HAS TASTED THE BITTER TASTE OF THEIR OWN MEDICINE, WHAT CAN THEY SAY? I HOPE THAT AT LEAST A THIN STREAK OF LIGHT SHALL ENLIGHTEN THEM ON WHY THE AUTHORITIES GET DESPERATE AS THEIR EFFORT TO PUT THE CRIMINALS BEHIND BARS ARE SET FREE BECAUSE OF THE “DUE PROCESS” BY VIRTUE OF THE PHILIPPINES’ UNIQUE “JUSTICE SYSTEM”.

THE FILIPINOS HAVE NO CHOICE BUT RESPECT THE DECISION OF THE SUPREMENT COURT WHICH SHOULD BE VIEWED AS THE “VICTORY” OF THE “DUE PROCESS” THAT HUMAN ADVOCATES KUNO ARE FIGHTING FOR….BUT, IT SEEMS THAT DE LIMA AND COMPANY FEEL OTHERWISE.

HELPING PRESIDENT DUTERTE

BY THE CITIZENS IS CRUCIAL

By Apolinario Villalobos

No amount of brutish approach can make a leader successful as traitors can always lurk around him. Not even dictators in the past had a peace of mind. Treachery is innate in man. In politics it is viewed with subtlety and benignly called “turncoatism”.

President Rodrigo Duterte may be brave and his brutish frankness may be emphasized with colorful cusses, but all these shall go to naught if even just a single traitor among his trusted will deceive him.  It should also be noted that while the chiefs of the various agencies have been traditionally booted out, there are still the so-called “career service officers” who are left behind, with some or many of them having been part of the machinery that churned out corruption with various impression under the past administrations. Chiefs stay and go but these CSOs whose butts got calloused in their chair for twenty or more years, and who are fully aware of how manipulations are done, could be rubbing their palms together while salivating for new prospects of suckers who will fall victim to their butt-licking and kowtow strategies

The Filipinos should be made aware this early, of the agenda or plans of the new appointees. They should be holding press conferences by now so that those who are closely watching the new administration could keep tab of their actions. If something has gone wrong, the citizens could readily call their attention so that necessary adjustments could be made to prevent stacking up of faults. This  “attention calling” effort can be done via the social media networks.

The whole nation is fully aware that many appointees are neophytes and that they were appointed because of their “specialties” and “exposures” in their past jobs…albeit, in private capacity and environment. All of them are all brimming with courage, no question about that as working with a gutsy president is no joke, because the ire that he may earn from his detractors can also spread out to his various working groups.

This time around, Filipinos should set aside their differences for the sake of changes that each has been longing for. It is not always that the Philippines can have a hard-hitting president who tells drug lords, “I will kill you”. It is only once in a lifetime that the country can have a fatherly president utter, “If you hurt my people, I will kill you”.

Filipinos should join hands and support Duterte…

ANG “ISLA” SA WEST PHILIPPINE SEA

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa isyu ng West Philippine Sea, ang tanging layunin ng Pilipinas kaya dumulog ito sa UN Arbitral Tribunal ay upang matukoy ang tunay na hangganang karagatan ng bansa. Nagkataon lang na mayroong bahura o reef sa lugar na yon kaya atat na atat ang China na sakupin ito. Upang malubos ang kanilang layunin, ang bahura na hindi angkop na tirhan ng tao ay tinambakan ng mga dinurog na korales mula sa paligid kaya tuluyang tumaas at naging “isla”. Ngayon ay may mga pasilidad na pang-military… mga gamit pandigma, kasama na ang mahabang paliparan.

Seryoso ang usapin. Noon pa binanggit kong dahil sa pagpupursige ng China na makamkam ang bahaging ito ng karagatan ay siguradong hindi ito papayag na basta-basta na lang patatalo lalo na sa pipitsuging bansa tulad ng Pilipinas. Sa kamalasan naman ng China, dahil sa desisyon ang UN tribunal tungkol sa naaangkop na pagturing sa karagatang yon hindi lang Pilipinas kundi buong mundo ang kalaban niya ngayon. Solohin ba naman ang karagatang yon na ang turing ng buong mundo ay “maritime highway”. Para siyang nagbakod ng isang right of way kaya walang madaan ang mga taong naapektuhan at nakulong!

Para walang gulo, pabor ang Pilipinas sa pakikipag-usap ng maayos upang kahit papaano ay umabot sa “sharing agreement”. Sa ganitong punto, wala nang pinakamagandang paraan kundi gawin itong” open trading post” ng China at Pilipinas. Hindi puwedeng mag-refund ang Pilipinas kahit sa maliit na bahagi ng ginastos ng China dahil noon pa man ay sinabihan na silang itigil ang ginagawa nilang reclamation. Kung magkaroon ng oil exploration dapat ay “sharing” din ang usapan.

Sa isang televised interview kay Duterte, sabi niya gusto niyang ipadala si dating presidenteng Ramos sa China upang masimulan ang pakikipag-usap sa kinauukulan. Marami ang nagtaas ng kilay dahil noong kapanahunan yata niya nang magkaroon ng bentahan ng military base na ngayon ay naging tinatawag na “Global City”, ang sabi ay gagamitin daw sa military modernization ang mapagbentahan. Marami ang nagtatanong kung anong nangyari sa pangako dahil hanggang ngayon ay “antique” pa rin ang mga gamit ng military.

Nitong bandang huli nga, dahil sa isyu ng West Philipppine Sea, ay tila naalimpungatan ang gobyerno dahil nakita ang kawalan pala ng maaayos na barko ang Philippine Navy at Philippine Coast Guard. Kailangan pa naman ang mga ito dahil ang bansa ay maraming isla kaya napakahaba ng coastline nito. Hindi nga maeskortan ang mga gustong mangisda sa West Philippine Sea at hindi nga mapatrulyahan ang karagatang dinadadaan ng Abu Sayyaf tuwing maghakot sila ng kidnap victims mula sa karating bansa upang dalhin sa Sulu, Basilan, at Tawi-tawi. Paano na daw kung si Ramos ang makikipag-usap sa China tungkol sa isang maayos kuno na “sharing agreement”?

Sa ambush interview kay Ramos pagkatapos ng miting, sinabi yata niyang hindi siya interesado…..mabuti naman. Mabuti pa siguro ipadala si Lucio Tan at Henry Sy at siguradong hindi sila patatalo sa usapin kung paano pagkitaan ng Pilipinas ang artipisyal na isla dahil siguradong patatayuan ito ng airport ng PAL at Air Philippines at napakalaking Shoemart mall ....isama na rin pala ang PAGCOR para ang hindi ma-accommodate na mga casino sa Manila ay doon na lang itayo. Kung kulang pa ang artipisyal na isla, gumawa ng mga submerged casino – first in the whole world yan! 

DAVAO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT NEEDS URGENT ATTENTION

FOR THE NECESSARY “CHANGES”

By Apolinario Villalobos

When Rodrigo Duterte was campaigning for the presidency, the popular caveat is: “change is coming”. Now, that he is in Malacaἧan Palace finally, it has become: “change for the better”. Indeed, there are so many things that need to be changed as part of his “house cleaning”. One of them is the Davao International Airport which is in a very sorry state. Many disappointed visitors to the Davao were heard to have commented on how in the world has such a “dilapidated” terminal become an international airport? For one thing, the decrepit signage announcing “Davao International Airport” has only with four or five lighted letters. The whole terminal building needs a repainting to put it bluntly. One lane that leads to the entrance of the pre-departure is closed forcing passengers alighting from taxis, thereby, forcing them to cross two lanes before finally making it to the unglamorous gate of the pre-dep. And, worst is the constant breakdown of the aircon system making many offices inside the terminal building akin to sauna cubicles!

Davao is supposed to be the premier international airport in Mindanao, but there is not even a 24-hour lounge for passengers who come from neighboring cities and towns, and who are then forced to stay in cheap downtown lodging facilities for a few hours in their desire to be on the first flight the following day. The average taxi fare from the downtown area is Php250, but for humanitarian’s sake, there should be a tip of at least Php20.00 The drivers of taxis queueing outside the airport “fence” are left on their own without, at least mobile toilets. And, to think that they an integral part of the tourism industry. I was told by many drivers that they would have to look for discreet corners every time they heed the call of nature. Aside from the mobile toilet, they should be provided with at least, a sheds of tarp with benches as they patiently wait for the visitors for 24 hours. And, there’s one signage announcing the presence of a government office in the area, but the name is shamefully printed in small letters under the name of the sponsor, a soft drink company which is printed in big letters…now, I think that is wrong because government agencies are not supposed to solicit funds for promo undertakings as they are supposedly budgeted!

The new secretary of the Department of Tourism, Wanda Tulfo Teo should do something about the aforementioned appalling situations. There is no problem with the peace and order of Davao, especially, with the transport service because taxi drivers are generally courteous and honest. But tourism is not all about peace and honest taxi drivers. The industry is more that those, as just like in visiting a house as guest, there is a question, such as, what can a palatable food on a grandly prepared table do if the yard is full of grass, the gate and the door are dilapidated, and the lighting fixtures are out of order?

The international focus has been veered towards Davao where the new president came from, and also due to its reputation as the comparably most peaceful city in the Philippines, thanks to him. It is home to the highest peak in the country, Mt. Apo, at 10,311 feet above sea level: the most exotic fruit, durian: Davao coffee made from coffee beans disposed awkwardly by civets from their innards: and, not to mention the reputation of the city as the biggest in area, in the whole world at 2,444 square kilometers. The new president who is known for his hard-hitting remarks and cuss has trebled the curiosity about this city. Davao is not only about Mindanao…she now stands for the Philippines as Duterte has become synonymous to her.

GIVING HELP TO OTHERS DOES NOT NECESSARILY

ENCOURAGE DEPENDENCE OR MENDICANCY

By Apolinario Villalobos

Food in any form is among the basic needs of man, as with clothing and shelter. In a dire situation, it is man’s resourcefulness that makes him survive. If he is in the countryside, he can survive by going to the field and pick edible leaves, shoots and fruits. If he is in the city, he can forage in garbage dumps for morsels that can somehow see him through the day. The innate survival instinct in man is so strong that given the chance, he does not need help from others. In other words, he does not ask for it. Help is extended voluntarily by others who are driven by their desire to extend a hand, as some kind of an advocacy. More so with the government, one mandate of which is the general welfare of the citizens.

In my experience of meeting many street dwellers, I learned that despite their impoverished condition, most often, pride prevails every time they are offered help, even suspicious of the giver’s intention. Living on sidewalks is not their primary desire. The deprivation of a decent habitation is due to its prohibitive cost. I met couples who live on sidewalks with the husbands working as messengers and security guards while the wives sell candies and cigarettes….which for me is a decent life. They told me that they are willing to rent but if they do, almost nothing would be left for their subsistence.

I have also met many people who go out of their way to set aside a good portion of what they earn to be shared with others. One of them are three women who would cook “pancit” on Sundays, apportion them in many small plastic bags, and using a borrowed single-motorcycle, two of them would scour the streets for beneficiaries – children and families who most often, are junk collectors who need to sell their finds at the end of the day before they can buy food. The three women are themselves, among the deprived city dwellers living under a bridge.

Of course, it cannot be denied that today, enterprising syndicates have made use of the impoverished in their racket. In this case, to be blamed should be these evil-minded, and not the victims who are threatened. The Badjaos from southern Mindanao who have invaded prosperous urban areas are another case, as for them, begging is part of their culture.

Finally, the program of the government in which qualified families are given cash assistance for the education of their children is also another thing. This assistance is in exchange for the commitment of the parents that the cash should be spent as expected and supported with several requirements. It should be noted that this assistance is “volunteered” by the government as its way of supposedly alleviating the lot of the poor. And, since, it is from the people’s tax, it is in a way, fair, though, unsavory remarks from some sectors pervade the air.

In closing, those who want to “feed” others should do it willingly, while those who hesitate due to doubts and apprehensions should not worry, for they can still pray for them…but quietly without the unnecessary remarks tantamount to discouraging others to do such act.

Ang Paghahambing

ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang paghahambing ng mga bagay ay ginagawa ng isang tao upang malaman kung ano ang “pinaka”, subalit hindi rin maiiwasan na siya ay magiging biased o may kinikilingan o may inaasahang resulta. Hindi siya dapat sisihin kung sabihin niya halimbawa na si “A” ay mas magaling kumanta kesa kay “B”. Ito naman ay maaaring hindi sasang-ayunan ng iba na mas gusto si “B” kesa kay “A”. Ganoon pa man, upang magkaroon man lang kahit papaano ng “pagkakaisa” at maiwasan ang gulo, kailangang sundin ang mga itinatalagang “batayan” na pinapalagay na aakma sa kagustuhan ng nakararami. Sa English, “majority wins”. Subalit hindi pa rin maiiwasang ang “batayan” o “standards” ay  subjective pa rin, o may bahid ng pagkamakasarili ng mga gumawa. Kaya, upang maiwasan ang gulo, dapat ay pairalin na lang ang pang-unawa at pagbibigayan.

Hindi dapat pinag-aawayan ang paghahambing. Kung walang magustuhan sa isang bagay, pumili na lang ng iba, at sa pagpili, wala nang maraming kiyaw-kiyaw o sinasabi pa.  Okey lang ang mag-criticize ng isang bagay pero dapat ay huwag magbabanggit ng iba, upang lumabas na ang ginawang pag-criticise ay pansariling pananaw at hindi dahil may pinaghambingan. Da best ang pagpigil sa sarili na huwag maghambing dahil kung minsan ay halos nakaka-alipusta na sa dehado o nalamangan ang walang kapararakang paghambing. Halimbawa naman, sa mga blogs, kung ayaw ng mambabasa ang isang isinulat batay sa title pa lang, huwag na lang kumibo at huwag nang tumuloy sa pagbasa. Kung may isa-suggest upang mapabuti ang blog, gumawa ng comment, kahit kumukontra sa nabasa. Mahalaga ito upang maipakita ang dalawang mukha ng isyu para na rin sa kapakanan ng iba. Nakakatulong pa nga ito upang hindi lumabas na one-sided ang sumulat ng blog.

Sa isang banda naman, dahil sa kakitiran ng isip ng iba at panatisismo (fanaticism), nagkakaroon ng gulo…wala kasing gustong matalo. Ito ang dahilan ng mga patayan tuwing panahon ng eleksiyon dahil ang mga taga-sunod na panatiko ng mga pulitiko ay nagbabangayan, ganoong hindi naman sila inuutusan ng mga sinusupurtahan nila na makipagtalo sila sa isa’t isa. Subalit kung ang pag-uusapan ay serbisyo hindi maiiwasang magkaroon ng hambingan. At, pagdating sa mga bagay na may kinalaman sa Diyos, dapat ay iwasan ang paghahambing, na ginagawa sa panahon ngayong ng mga relihiyon at sekta.

Sa paghahambing pa rin, lumalabas kung sa aling administrasyon nagkaroon ng makabuluhang proyekto para sa mga Pilipino…ng pagyabong ng korapsyon….ng paglala ng nakawan sa gobyerno…ng pagtindi ng problema sa droga….etc. At, batay sa mga nabanggit, ang ginagawang paghusga ng bayan ay idinadaan sa nakatalagang eleksiyon. Ang masaklap lang ay kung umiral ang pamimili at bentahan ng boto tuwing panahon ng kampanyahan na nagpapawalang-bisa sa “banal” na layunin ng eleksiyon. Ang lalong masaklap pa ay kung nanalo ang mga walang karapatan sa puwesto dahil lang sa pinairal ng kapangyarihan ng pera. Dahil diyan,  marami ang kampanteng nakaupo sa Senado at Kongreso, pati sa ibang puwesto ng gobyerno at abot-tenga ang ngising-demonyo!

Samantala, ipagdasal na lang natin ang pagtagumpay ni Duterte at pinili niyang mga aalalay sa kanya….huwag na siyang ihambing sa ibang nakaraang namuno…sabayan natin siya sa pag-abot ng inaasam na pagbabago!

THE DRUG-CRAZED PERSONALITIES AND THEIR

ALLEGED “KILLING” BY ARRESTING OFFICERS

By Apolinario Villalobos

IF THE INVESTIGATION THAT DE LIMA WANTS IS “IN AID OF LEGISLATION”, WHAT SHE SHOULD DO IS VISIT THE DETENTION PRECINCTS AND CENTERS AND TALK TO THOSE WHO SURRENDERED AND GOT APPREHENDED. THERE SHE WILL SURELY BE OVERWHELMED WITH STORIES OF FILIPINOS WHO WANT TO GET RICH INSTANTLY AND WHO THOUGHT THAT THE ILLEGAL DRUG IS THE ANSWER TO PROBLEMS THAT BESET THEIR FAMILIES, ETC.

THE OBJECT OF HER INVESTIGATION SHOULD BE ON HOW TO BE ABLE TO COME UP WITH PROGRAMS THAT WOULD HOPEFULLY PUT AN END TO THIS CANCER OF SOCIETY. OVER THE RADIO, NEWS CAN BE HEARD ABOUT POLICE OFFICERS SURRENDERING AND ADMITTING THEIR BEING PUSHERS….ABOUT THOUSANDS WHO SURRENDER BECAUSE THEY WANT TO CHANGE THE DIRECTION OF THEIR LIFE. SO WHAT ELSE DOES SHE WANT TO KNOW? WHY DISTURB THE MOMENTUM OF OPERATIONS BY WASTING THE TIME OF THE POLICE IN THE HALLS OF THE SENATE WHERE THEY SHALL BE ASKED WITH REDUNDANT QUESTIONS? WHY NOT JUST ASK FOR THEIR WRITTEN REPORTS AND HAVE THESE CHECKED AGAINST HER OWN COVERT INVESTIGATION?

HER DISTRUST OF THE NAPOLCOM AND THE DOJ WHICH WAS ONCE HER TURF IS AN INDICATION OF HER DESIRE NOT TO COOPERATE, ALTHOUGH, IN INTERVIEWS SHE TRIES HARD TO COVER THIS UP.  SHE SHOULD BE ALARMED ON THE EXTENT OF THE DISASTROUS EFFECT OF DRUGS BASED ON THE THOUSANDS WHO SURRENDERED…INSTEAD OF GETTING WARY ABOUT THOSE KILLED AND WHOSE INVOLVEMENT IN ILLEGAL DRUG IS CONFIRMED BY THEIR FAMILIES AND ACQUAINTANCES.

SHE CAN ELICIT FAVORABLE REACTION FROM HER DETRACTORS BY ALLOWING THE NEW PRESIDENT DO HIS THING WITHIN THE PROMISED PERIOD TO RID THE COUNTRY OF THE DRUG MENACE. AFTER THAT, SHE CAN HAVE A GRAND TIME IN CRITICIZING THE ADMINISTRATION. THE NEW PRESIDENTE HAS BARELY WARMED HIS DERRIER IN HIS OFFICE, SO WHY IS SHE SO EAGER TO LASH AT HIM?

On the other hand, Solicitor Generator, Jose Calida should be commended for coming out in the open to defend the police in their effort to arrest drug pushers and drug lords, at the same time, eliminating their fear of being questioned. He is right in mentioning to the press that Senator de Lima had her chance of helping the government in ridding the Philippines of drug lords and drug pushers, when she was yet the Secretary of Justice, but she let it pass, as instead, the operation of the drug lords inside the Bilibid Prison became more vigorous. She keeps on saying that she already has in her mind the kind of law as a result of the investigation that she wants, so why can’t she just file it, instead of conducting an investigation which shall definitely be a waste of time and money? Also, several senators are saying that many laws on anti-drug are already in place, and all they need are proper implementation which the present administration is trying to do.

The Solicitor General is also right in saying that a drug-crazed person is not acting normally if he is under the influence of drugs due to evident transformation that takes place in his person. In that stage, he is not in control of his mind that he can even afford to rape his own mother or sister. He even imagines that he is pursued by killers making him barge inside homes and hold in hostage their occupants. Are these drug-crazed citizens what de Lima and the rest of human rights advocates want to defend?

On the other hand, while in the process of arresting a suspect the police put his life on the line of fire, so that he has no choice but defend himself if the subject of his action will react violently. Between the two lives, which then, is the most worthy of saving?

WAITING SHEDS SHOULD BE WHERE BUS

AND JEEPNEY STOPS ARE

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Metro Manila Development Authority, in the case of Metro Manila, and the local government units should check the location of the waiting sheds distributed along highways and secondary thoroughfares. Historically, the waiting sheds as projects do not have a good reputation as their construction have been subject to a corrupt issue, in particular, the “commission”. Many sheds were allegedly sporadically distributed without due planning. As a result, today, there are many sheds that are awkwardly located because they are situated far from the designated bus and jeepney stops. Who would want then, to wait for a bus or jeepney at a designated stop under the rain or scorching heat of the sun?

During the past administrations, the waiting sheds as with the basketball courts, Multi-purpose and Reading Centers were the favorite sources of commission amassed by corrupt officials. There was a scramble for budget supposedly intended for the mentioned projects. For this reason, there are lengths of streets dotted with unnecessary waiting sheds which later on were just used by street dwellers. In this regard, many basketball courts and multi-purpose centers were also alleged to have been overpriced and built with inferior materials.

The authorities are eternally facing a problem as regards the discipline of commuters and drivers of public conveyances. The commuters cannot be stopped from waiting for their ride where waiting sheds are located, but which are far from designated stops. The traffic enforcers are pitifully doing their best to drive commuters to these designated stops…a futile effort, when all the while, the solution is remove the old waiting sheds and build new ones where the bus and jeepney stops are located!

The Philippines Needs Internal Cleansing and Rehabilitation

More than International Exposure Today

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

The Philippines is overexposed. No question about that. The internet is flooded with information about the Philippines. Browse for international singers and Filipino names will be flashed. Browse for exotic islands and white sand beaches of the Philippines will be flashed. Browse for Filipino international beauty title holders and the screen will flash a list. Browse for exotic birds and the Philippines will be shown on screen.  Also, as regards politics, even before the 2016 election, the face of the new president Duterte has “graced” the cyber screen because of his intriguing personality. What else do we need to promote tourism for? There are hundreds of Filipino and international bloggers who write about the Philippines – for free. These are the people who are helping the country in their own unselfish way and driven by their unsolicited and first-hand fascination. Why pay agencies with copywriters whose ideas are copied from what they have browsed in the internet?

In this regard, the plan to host the next Ms. Universe pageant is untimely as the country is undergoing some sort of “internal cleansing and rehabilitation”. Whatever expense that may go to the beauty pageant hosting should go to projects with the aforementioned objectives. Due to the very obvious situation, the country is unprepared to host any international event. The direction should be toward what the new president is taking. Why not wait until “cleaning” is done before flaunting a “better” country to the world so that the desired image can be impressed on the mind of inbound-travelers?

The Department of Tourism (DOT) should instead, spearhead a concerted effort among travel and tour-related agencies in putting life to the dying and crumbling cultural landmarks. The effort would be like cultivating a garden to be planted with various vegetables which can be sold later. Along this line, it is important to check if the gateways leading to the interiors are just right. Corruption at the airport underlined by the “tanim-bala” scandal should be checked if already eradicated; if facilities of the four airport terminals in Manila are properly functioning; if airports in the provinces are at least presentably clean; if taxi drivers in Manila are no longer hustling passengers; if the traffic around Manila and other prime cities such as Cebu and Davao is minimized; etc.  

It should be noted that despite the lack of impressive modernistic structures, neighboring Southeast Asian Nations are continually overwhelmed with tourists. Unfortunately, the Philippines is way behind them. The trade secret of these neighboring nations is in the maintenance of their historic and cultural landmarks… which are what their tourism is all about. While the Philippines is no different from them, as she belongs to their category – third world, the difference is in the country’s negligence of its landmarks, even allowing a photo bummer to rise in what was the former site of the Jai-alai fronton at Taft Avenue, so that every time a visitor takes a photo of the Rizal monument at Luneta, the condo hotel of a well-known developer also gets prominent space behind the statue’s image like a sore thumb.

A lesson or two could be learned from the wise administration of our neighboring countries on how ecology and tourism could co-exist, especially, because the Philippines is pinned down with an “exotic” tag, and not as a flourishing ultra-modern destination with the likes of China, Australia, America, and many others that the we are desperately and shamelessly trying to mimic.

I think the new secretary of Tourism should also check on why the previous administration chose the Makati area as the site of the agency’s headquarters, instead of one where the industry is bustling, thereby, where it is appropriately needed most. The Tourist Belt refers to Malate and Ermita areas where the agency should be, and where there are also buildings that could accommodate all its offices. On the other hand, the new location of the DOT at Buendia Avenue in Makati is far from the airport, port areas, tourism-related venues such as the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Folk Arts Center, Philippine International Convention Center, Luneta, Ocean Park and Intramuros. Worst, the new location of the DOT is prone to flooding, aside from being hampered with limited parking space, and going there, a traveler has to muster the practically, crawling traffic along EDSA and main Buendia Avenue from Roxas Boulevard.

Another concern that comes to my mind is the Philippine Village Hotel right beside the airport terminal 2 with the sprawling vacated area that used to be the Nayong Pilipino. Why not consider the rehabilitation of the hotel so that it can be used as the permanent DOT headquarters? For big events, moveable facilities can be put up in the sprawling area, instead of just being left at the mercy of tall grasses.

ANG “INDUSTRIYA” NG ABUSO AT DROGA SA PILIPINAS

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

NOONG MGA PANAHONG WALA PA SI DUTERTE NA ANG PILIPINAS AY NASA ILALIM NG IBA’T IBANG PRESIDENTE, NAMAYAGPAG ANG PAG-ABUSO NG MGA OPISYAL DAHIL NAKITA NILA ANG KALAMYAAN NG MGA NAKAUPO….WALANG POLITICAL WILL.  LUMALA ANG KORAPSYON, PATI ANG MGA DAPAT MAGPATUPAD NG BATAS AY LUMAKAS ANG LOOB NA UMABUSO NA UMABOT PA SA PAGPROTEKTA NG MGA DRUG LORDS. KAYA ANG SABI NI DUTERTE, KAHIT SA ANONG LENGWAHE, ANG TAWAG SA GINAGAWA NILA AY TREASON… ISANG MALAKING PAGTATAKWIL SA BAYAN, SA TIWALA NG MGA PILIPINO. PAGKATAPOS KASI SILANG GASTUSAN NG MGA PILIPINO UPANG MAGING PROPESYONAL, NAKAYA PA NILANG GAWIN ANG PAG-ABUSO.

ANG MGA MESSGENGER NG IBANG AHENSIYA NA KAKARAMPOT ANG SUWELDO AY NAKATIRA SA MGA EXCLUSIVE AT HIGH-END SUBDDVISIONS, HINDI BABABA ANG MGA SASAKYAN SA TATLONG PIRASO NA NAKA-DISPLEY SA GARAHE. ANG KUWENTO PA NG MGA KAPITBAHAY AY NAGSISIGA-SIGAHAN SILA GANOONG BISTADO NAMAN KUNG ANONG URI ANG TRABAHO NILA. KINATAKUTAN SILA DAHIL NAGPAPAKITA PA DAW NG BARIL. ANG IBA AY BASTA NA LANG NAGPAPAPUTOK KUNG LASING….PATI ASONG DUMADAAN LANG AY BINABARIL PARA MAIPAALAM SA MGA KAPITBAHAY NA SILA AY MAY BARIL. NAGKAMALI SILA SA PAGYAYABANG DAHIL MISMONG MGA KAPITBAHAY AY TUTUTSO SA KANILA.

NOONG MGA PANAHON PA RING YON  NA WALA PA SI DUTERTE, MARAMI ANG MGA NIRE-RAID NA MGA DRUG LABORATORIES, BILYONES ANG HALAGA NG SHABU NA LIBONG KILO ANG DAMING  NASASAMSAM. NABALITA PA NA ANG MISMONG NASA BODEGA NG PDEA NA DAPAT AY MGA EBIDENSIYA DAW AY NABAWASAN. NAGTURUAN, NAGKAIMBESTIGAHAN PERO ANG MGA KASO AY NALUSAW SA KATAGALAN. ANG NAKAPAGTATAKA LANG, TUWING MAY MA-RAID, ANG MGA TAONG NADADATNAN AY MGA HOUSEBOY NA INTSIK NA HINDI MARUNONG MAG-TAGALOG O INGLES, AT ANG MGA DRUG LORD AY “NAKATAKAS”….BAKIT??!!....SA ISANG BANDA NAMAN, ANG MGA NAMUNO SA MGA “RAID” AY NAGING “STARRING” SA MGA BALITA.

NANG UMUPO SI DUTERTE BILANG PRESIDENTE AY SAKA NAGLABASAN ANG MGA KUWENTONG NIRE-RECYCLE DAW ANG MALAKING BAHAGI NG NARE-RECOVER NA DROGA. ANG MGA PULIS NA INVOLVED SA RECYCLING AY TINAWAG NA MGA “NINJA”. MARAMING MGA DRUG RUNNER ANG BASTA NA LANG PINAGPAPATAY – SUNUD SUNOD PA, KAYA ANG SABI NG MARAMI, PINATAY DAW SILA PARA HINDI NILA I-PYAET KUNG SINONG MGA PULIS ANG NAG-UUTOS SA KANILA NA MAGBENTA.

NANG IHAYAG NI DUTERTE ANG MGA PANGALAN NG MGA HENERAL NA SANGKOT SA DROGA AY KANYA-KANYA SILANG BITAW NG MGA DEPENSA.  YONG ISA AY HINDI NAMAN DAW DIREKTANG INVOLVED SA RAID, PERO ANG HAWAK NAMANG OPISINA AY MAY KINALAMAN SA ANTI-NARCOTIC. YONG IBA NAGSABI NA “MARAMI NGA DAW SILANG NA-RAID” (PAKIBALIKAN ANG IKA-3 PARAGRAPH NA MAY KINALAMAN SA DEPENSANG SINABI NG MGA GENERAL TUNGKOL SA MGA GINAWA NILANG RAID.)

NAGLABASAN NA RIN ANG MGA KUWENTO NA DOBLE ANG KITA NG MGA NANGRI-RAID. KINUKOTONGAN DAW ANG MGA DRUG LORDS AT OPERATOR NG MGA LABORATORIES KAYA HABANG HINDI SILA NAHUHULI AY TULOY ANG KITA NILA MULA SA MGA INTSIK NA NAGHAHASIK NG LAGIM SA PILIPINAS….AT SA NARE-RECOVER NA SHABU AY MALIIT NA BAHAGI LANG NIRE-REPORT DAHIL ANG MALAKING BAHAGI AY NIRE-RECYCLE NG MGA “NINJA” SA PAMAMAGITAN NG MGA RUNNERS NA PINAGPAPATAY NA NILA NGAYON PARA HINDI PUMIYAET KAY DUTERTE.

YAN DAW ANG LARAWAN NG “INDUSTRIYA” NG DROGA AT ABUSO SA PILIPINAS….LARAWANG GUSTONG WASAKIN NI DUTERTE.

ANG MGA PULIS NA IPINADALA

AT IPAPADALA SA MINDANAO

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ayon sa Philippine National Police, ang mga pinadalang mga pulis at mga ipapadala pa sa Mindanao ay magiging “support” lang daw ng mga taga-roon sa kanilang operation sa pagtugis sa Abu Sayyaf. Mukhang hindi yata maganda ang dating ng ganitong pahayag dahil noon, ang pagpapadala sa Mindanao ay banta ni de la Rosa sa mga tiwaling pulis-Maynila…kaya lumalabas na isang uri ng kaparusahan upang sila ay magbago. Kung hindi sila isasabak sa regular na mga gawain tulad ng operasyon laban sa Abu Sayyaf, lalabas na para lang silang pinagbakasyon, kaya siguradong may maririnig na mga reklamo mula sa mga taga-roong kapulisan na siyang gagawa ng mga “dirty works”.

Ang impresyon sa mga pulis-Maynila ay hindi daw sila lumalabas sa initan. Ang iba nga daw ay nahuli pang naglalagay ng “foundation” sa mukha. At, ayon pa rin kay de la Rosa, ang sukatan para malaman kung nagtatrabaho ang isang pulis ay ang kanyang kulay, dahil kung ang balat ng pulis ay may kutis na mala-porselana, ibig sabihin ay nasa loob lang ito ng opisina o di kaya ay nasa lilim kung sakaling nasa “labas” o field. At, dahil naggagalaiti si de la Rosa sa mg “ninja” -  mga pulis Maynila na sangkot sa droga,  sila raw ang mga uunahin. Subali’t bakit bigla yatang nagkaroon ng tono ang mga sinasabi ng PNP?

True Muslims should Stand Up and Condemn

The Senseless Atrocities Committed

by those who Claim to be “Muslims”

by Apolinario Villalobos

If the Catholic pope has been very vocal in condemning or at least, calling the attention of the erring Catholics, the priests and bishops included, it is high time for the hierarchy of the Islamic faith to condemn those who claim to be “Muslims”…they, who commit atrocities using “jihad” as an alibi, though, in reality, use such practice in masking their political and monetary intentions. They hold in hostage people and release them in exchange for money, otherwise, they are decapitated.

In the restless countries of the African continent trapped in pockets of war, Muslim fanatics impose severe penalties for insignificant violations of their faith. They also unscrupulously destroy priceless historic and cultural landmarks, and rape even pregnant women. In the Philippines, the Abu Sayyaf cut off heads of their hostages if they fail to receive their ransom. Where are the spiritual sensibilities in those acts?

In fairness to the rest of the Muslims though, the Islamic faith just like Christianity is also segmented into several sects, some of which are fanatical while the rest are moderate. That is why it is not also fair to issue a sweeping blame just because the fanatics are committing atrocities, in the same manner that not all Christians are corrupt and criminals, hence, a far-reaching blame should not necessarily be uttered against them.

Meanwhile, the consoling thought, is that in the Philippines, due to a prevailing law, the media is not allowed to specify the faith of apprehended suspects. Before the promulgation of the law, a suspected Filipino is outright mentioned as “Muslim” if he is one. Had it not been stopped, for fairness sake, erring citizens who are found to be members of the INC or Methodist, or Catholic, etc., for instance, must also be mentioned as such.

Finally, members of the Islamic segment of the Philippine population should reciprocate the generous gesture of the new president, Rodrigo Duterte, who profoundly expressed his trust to them, by manifesting their hostility against “un-Islamic” acts. With such, they can let the whole world know that Filipino Muslims and Christians are solidly welded in the name of CHANGE under the new leadership… how drastic such change may be…and most especially, to tone down, if not eradicate the issue on the ISIS threat that is circulating in the south.