Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts

HAPPY FRIENDSHIP DAY!

Mga Iba’t ibang Uri Ng Kaibigan

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa pagkauso ng “BFF” o “best friend forever” na turingan, hindi maiwasang bigyan ng matamang pansin ang ganitong relasyon. Napakaswerte ng mga magkakaibigan na habang buhay na raw nga, ang halos ay pagkit na pagkakadikit sa isa’t isa sa lahat ng panahon. May mga magkakabarkada na hanggang tumanda na ay regular pa ring nagre-reunion. Ang ganitong samahan ay hindi dapat maging dahilan ng pagselos ng mag-asawa, dahil iba ang uri ng samahan ng magkakaibigan sa uri ng samahan ng mag-asawa.

Ang magkakaibigan lalo na yong mga magkakabata ay halos magkadugtong na ang mga pusod kung sila ay magturingan. Nangyayari ito kadalasan sa mga anak ng magkukumare at magkukumpare. Kung minsan naman ay sa magkakapitbahay. Mas malalim wika nga ang samahan dahil kung baga sa puno ay matatag na ang pagkakaugat.

Ang samahan ng mag-asawa ay nagsisimula kadalasan sa panahong ang babae at lalaki ay pareho nang nasa tamang gulang, at nagsisimula sa pagkikita sa paaralan, lalo na sa kolehiyo,  o di kaya ay sa trabaho. Sa bihirang pagkakataon kung minsan naman, nauuwi sa pag-aasawahan ang nagsimula sa puppy love na na-develop nang high school pa lang.

Sa barkadahan, wala halos itinatago sa isa’t isa ang magkakaibigan, hindi tulad ng mag-asawa na may mga nirereserba pang sekreto sa isa’t isa, lalo na yong biglang nagsama makaraan lamang ng ilang araw, linggo o buwang ligawan. Paano nga namang magtitiwala sa isa’t isa ang nagkadebelupan lang dahil sa eyeball to eyeball na nagsimula sa facebook?...na nauwi lang minsan sa isang short time sa mumurahin at masurot na motel…. naging mag-asawa na?

Sa magbabarkada, walang sinumpaang obligasyon ang isa’t isa, kaya walang sumbatang nangyayari. Hindi tulad sa mag-asawa na parehong pumirma sa kontrata upang magsama sa hirap at ginhawa, at ang kontratang ito ay tumitiim pagdating ng panahon na may mga anak na sila. At ang matindi pa, ang hindi tutupad sa kontrata ay makakasuhan, lalo na kung umabot sa puntong nagkasawaan at naghanap ng mga bagong kandungan ang bawa’t isa.

Sa magbabakarda, kung may tampo ang isa sa isa pang kabarkada, pwede siyang tumakbo sa iba pang kabarkada upang maglabas ng hinaing. May mga payong ibibigay – take them or leave them pa, may choice. Sa mag-asawa namang nagkatampuhan lalo na ang may matataas na pride, kung minsan, ang tampuhang nagresulta sa simpleng kalmutan at sampalan ay umaabante sa batuhan ng plato, baso, ispinan ng kutsilyo, at lasunan!

Ang tunay na pagkakaibigan ay tapat at walang kundisyon na sinusunod. Wala mang kundisyon ay mayroong nangyayaring “pakiramdaman”  batay sa prinsipyo ng kamutan ng likod, sa Ingles, “scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours. Yan ang pinakamagandang uri ng pagkakaibigan – bukal sa kalooban at nagbibigayan.

Sa panahon ngayon, may mga taong nakikipagkaibigan sa iba na sa tingin nila ay may pakinabang. Ito yong mga social climber na nakikipagkaibigan sa mga mayayaman o di kaya ay maimpluwensiyang tao upang mahatak din sila paitaas tungo sa mundong ginagalawan ng taong kinaibigan. Nangyayari din ito sa mundo ng pulitika kung saan, ang mga baguhang pulitiko ay pilit na dumidikit sa mga may pangalan na upang maamutan sila ng katanyagan nang sa ganoon ay umusad ang kanilang karera sa pulitika. Pagdating ng panahong tanyag na rin sila, ang mga dating dinikitan nila ay balewala na, lalo na kung nasira ang pangalan dahil sa mga kaso ng katiwalian.  Kapag tinanong ng reporter, sasabihin ng dating social climber at ambisyosong politician na ang nakakasuhan ay “minsan” na niyang nakausap, yong lang.

Ang nangyayari sa mundo ng pulitika ay nangyayari din sa mundo ng show business. May nakausap akong direktor sa pelikula na umaming dumikit siya kay Lino Brocka upang mawisikan man lang ng grasya ng katanyagan. Nagtagumpay siya. Dumating din ang panahon na siya naman ang dinikitan, subalit sa pagkakataong iyon, ang tinulungan niya upang magtagumpay ay hindi na kumilala sa kanya nang dumalang na ang mga offer upang magdirek ng pelikula. Yong walang utang na loob naman ay nakarma dahil nagkaroon ng kanser at naubos sa pagpapagamot ang perang naipon sa pagdidirek. Sana ang nangyari sa walang utang na loob na nagkaroon ng kanser ay mangyari rin sa mga pulitiko, para yong mga nagkakainan ng dumi ay pare-pareho nang mamatay sa kanser. Magiging sikat ang Pilipinas dahil lahat ng mga namatay na pulitiko ay kanser ang dahilan – only in the Philippines!...at maitatala pa sa Guinness Book of World Records!

May mga kaibigan din na doble-kara. Ito yong mga taong ayaw nilang mahigitan sila ng mga kaibigan sa lahat ng bagay. Sila yong mga nagdadaos ng party na ang pakay pala ay ipakitang mas nakakahigit sila sa karangyaan kung ihambing sa ibang kaibigan nila. Kadalasan nahuhuli ang mga taong ito sa mga salita nila mismo, tulad ng pabirong “o…meron kayo nito?” Hindi nawawala ang ganitong klaseng kaibigan sa isang grupo na kadalasan ay nauuto upang gumastos dahil sinasakyan na lang siya ng iba, lalo na sa isyu ng yaman. Siya nga naman ang may pera, kaya, sige pagastusin na lang kung gusto niyang magyabang…yan ang kadalasang sinasabi ng mga pinakikitaan ng kayabangan.

May mga kaibigang traidor. Ang pinakamagandang halimbawa ay ang samahan ni Hesus at ni Hudas na disipulo niya. Ipinagkanulo ni Hudas si Hesus sa ilang pirasong pilak. Sa Pilipinas, itinanggi si Janet Lim Napoles ng mga taong itinuring niyang kaibigan at inambunan ng mga ninakaw niyang pera mula sa kaban ng bayan. Ito yong mga taong ka-kodakan niya (Napoles) sa mga party niya sa mausoleo ng kanyang ama sa Pasig, may pa-toast toast pa ng alak ang mga hiyu….ta. Bandang huli pare-pareho silang “pinag-iingatan to death” ng mga guwardiya, dahil nakakulong na…friends together….anywhere…talaga lang!

The Need to Relocate the Task Force Talakudong (Tacurong City)

By Apolinario Villalobos

The Task Force Talakudong is currently located at the former “resort” area where a swimming pool is located within the Magsaysay Park facing the Alunan highway which poses a danger for the city. Military outposts are among the primary targets of unfriendly elements that would like to sow destruction as part of their operation. In this regard, the location of the military outpost definitely poses a danger to the whole city even if only a couple of guided missiles are directed to it, especially, because the City Hall is just a few meters from it.

In the past, the former Philippine Constabulary (PC) had a headquarters in Isulan until the said AFP branch was converted into the Philippine National Police (PNP). The location was strategic, considering that it was located in the middle of the “danger zone” that today, still  include Esperanza, Bagumbayan, Tacurong, President Quirino, Lambayong and Tantangan. Esperanza and Bagumbayan are at the foot of Mt. Daguma; Lambayong and President Quirino are adjacent to Ligwasan Marsh; and Tantangan is located at the foothills near Columbio. On the other hand, Tacurong being at the center of all these, still serve as the evacuation center.

Another important reason why the Task Force Talakudong should be located is the need for a much bigger area that could accommodate an expanded contingent and additional equipment which is very necessary. The current location is obviously inadequate for such scheme. My suggestion is its relocation outside the heavily populated downtown area where the City Hall is also located, and not outside the city periphery or at the very least in a boundary area with another town where the AFP deems appropriate. It should be noted that both the Ligwasan Marsh and the Daguma mountain ranges though charted, are not completely protected from unfriendly elements. They have been known as lairs of rebels and bandits, if I have to be frank about it. Though the once considered as “rebels” , except the NPA, are now in good terms with the Duterte government, the rest are  viewed as bandits and terrorists. And, their infiltration of the friendly groups is very possible.

The unrest today is obviously political, not religious, as the latter is just being used by the ambitious groups for their selfish motives. There is a peaceful co-existence among Christians and Muslims in the area, and that cannot be doubted. Again, the problem could arise if the so-called infiltration which is a terroristic strategy would be employed. There is much to be learned from the Marawi tragedy in this regard. It is high time that the Armed Forces of the Philippines should give the issue on the Task Force Talakudong a serious attention. The current seemingly “peaceful” situation in southern Mindanao should not be taken for granted.

Martial Law for Mindanao is Long Overdue

By Apolinario Villalobos

The gruesome killings in Marawi, the encounter at Bagumbayan (Sultan Kudarat), between the MILF and the Philippine military, the pockets of bombings in southern Mindanao are all indications that the sitting president, Rodrigo Duterte is being challenged as to how far he can bend backward without straining his spine. He has been tolerant for some time and he did it more than enough. It is high time that he should flex his muscles.

When he took over the land’s highest position from a lenient president, he did not lose time in calling for cooperation. But because of his obvious plan to rid the country and the government in particular, of crooks, practically, everybody with selfish motives became apprehensive. Turncoats and opportunists who thought Duterte is no different from the past presidents are shocked by his steadfast and feisty moves, so now, they are having second thoughts if they would still support him or finance his detractors which some are already doing.

How can Martial be not applicable to a country like the Philippines, especially, Mindanao where unrest is already brewing? How can “due process” be applied to the case of a terrorist caught red-handed while about to detonate a bomb? How can “due process” be applied in the case of  drug-deranged and useless citizens who rape innocent young women, and even elders, fit to be their grandmother? How can “due process” be applied in the case of drug lords who have constructed drug laboratories right under the very nose of conniving law-enforcement agencies? How can “due process” be applied in Marawi City where gruesome killings are being committed by the Maute Group? The supposedly “due process” has just created animosity among the victims of criminals due to delayed application of justice.

HIHINTAYIN PA BA NA KUMALAT ANG TERORISMO SA VISAYAS AT LUZON…LALO NA SA MAYNILA?

Clearly, there is a concerted effort to oust Duterte from his post. And, those who have conceived this evil design could be the concerned parties whose selfish interests have been railroaded.  Again, Martial Law for Mindanao is long overdue. Why worry if you are not guilty?

And, obviously, the terrorism in Mindanao is no longer hinged on religion but politics and money!

PARTIDO PULITIKAL? O BAYAN!

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Malalaman kung ang isang tao na may ambisyong pumasok sa pulitika ay taos sa puso ang adhikain sa pamamagitan ng mga binibitiwang pangako. May mga imposibleng pangako dahil  paulit-ulit na sinasambit nila ang mga nakalipas nang ipinangako noon ng mga pulitikong naging korap nang manalo. Hindi rin maiiwasan ang plastikan tulad ng nangyayari sa pagitan nina Duterte at Robredo, lalo pa at magkaiba sila ng partido. Sa puntong ito, si Duterte na mismo ang nagsabi sa isang interview na nakikita niya si Robredo sa mga rally para pabagsakin siya, at sa sunod nilang pagkikita sa meeting ay nakangiti pa ito ng buong tamis sa kanya. Magkaiba sila ng pinaghuhugutan ng lakas – si Robredo ay ang kanyang partidong kulay dilaw at si Duterte ay taong bayan na kailangan niyang iligtas mula sa lagim ng droga at korapsyon.

Kung partido ang pinaghuhugutan ng lakas ni Robredo, paano niyang masasabing siya ay kakampi ng bayan ganoong sumemplang na ang partidong ito dahil ang mga adhikain ay hindi makabayan?. Ang ganitong uri ng adhikain ay pangsarili lamang – personal, kaya gagawin ang lahat upang makakapit-tuko sa puwesto ng mga kapanalig nito.

Samantalang si Duterte na mula’t sapol ay naniniwalang nakatadhana siyang maging presidente para sa kapakanan ng bayan ay palaging taong bayan at kabataan ang laman ng mga talumpati. Ang isang patunay sa sinasabi niya ay ang pagkapanalo niya sa kabila ng kawalan niya ng sariling pondo para sa kampanya. Walang bahid na pangsarili ang kampanya niya laban sa droga dahil hindi naman niya ikayayaman ito, sa halip ay maglalagay lang sa kanya at pamilya niya sa delikadong kalagayan dahil ang binabangga niya ay mayayamang personalidad na sangkot sa droga.

Kung sinabi ni Duterte na wala nang puwang si Robredo sa administrasyon niya dahil obvious ang pagka-ipokrita nito, lalo pa at halatang walang simpatiya sa bayan…dapat lang! Ang opisina ni Robredo na tumutulong kuno sa mahihirap, silang mga nasa laylayan ng lipunan, mukhang hindi yata totoo. Yong isang kaibigan ko na mahigit dalawang buwan nang pabalik-balik upang humingi ng pandagdag sa gastusin sa pagpa-opera ng anak, hanggang ngayon, ni singkong duling ay walang natanggap. Hiningan pa ng staff ng bank account number para doon daw ipapadala ang tulong….na napakamaling sistema dahil pwedeng pakialaman ng mga magnanakaw ang impormasyon na yan, at higit sa lahat ay walang patunay na natanggap ng tao ang pera kung sakali man, kaya paanong maa-audit ng COA? Saan kaya nila nakuha ang ideyang itong napakamali?

Kung sasabihin ni Robredong wala siyang pondo, magtanggal siya ng mga pandekorasyong mga tao at isara ang opisinang pang-community outreach kuno na pandekorasyon lang din. I-maintain na lang niya ang opisina niya bilang Bise-Presidente…na standby lang hangga’t may mangyari sa presidente. Makipag-ugnayan na lang siya sa mga obispong Katoliko at mga grupo ng mga babaeng kapanalig niya at mag-camp out sila sa Liwasang Bonifacio o Luneta. Humingi kaya siya ng tulong kay Pnoy at Roxas....o baka nagbibigay na at para kung saan, sila lang ang nakakaalam!

SINCERE FRIENDSHIP

By Apolinario Villalobos

The best way to realize or put into practice our purpose in life is by befriending the needy…reaching out to them. The needy do not need millions or thousands or hundreds of pesos. All they need are handfuls of rice, few pieces of coins, old but still wearable clothes, slippers, and so many other things that most of us just throw away or leave to rot in the backyard or stockroom.

But many people WOULD RATHER befriend affluent or influential people who are friends of their friends, friends of these friends, still friends of these friends, and so on. They exert all efforts to find connections that they can use to realize their selfish motive of riding on the fame or worse, benefit from the financial affluence of other people. Sometimes this happens during the christening of children. Some parents endeavor to include influential people in the long list of godparents, for obvious reasons already mentioned, other than what is expected of them as “second parents” of the godchildren. Along this line, some couples, also, ask friends who know mayors or barangay chairmen or other local officials to stand as sponsors during their wedding, for the same aforementioned reason. In other words, many would like to befriend people for selfish motives, most especially, for prestige and financial security.

In this regard, even the mass weddings sponsored by mayors, and which are viewed by many as done with sincerity, are in fact used as a political tool. For delicadeza’s sake, the mayor could have just spent for the snacks and pay the honorarium of the conducting priest or pastor or minister, AND ASSIGN ANY OF HIS NON-POLITICAL STAFF TO STAND AS SPONSOR, PERHAPS, THE REGISTER OF DEEDS, CHIEF OF THE REVENUE OFFICE, ETC. What happens is that, when election time comes, these “inaanak” become the campaigners for their “ninong mayor”…a puking reality! Truth is, there is not even a slight trace of sincere friendship out of the said “connection”, as several days after the ceremony, the “ninong mayor” may not even remember the names of those for whom he stood as “ninong”. This is about “mass wedding”, not the wedding of people who are personal acquaintances of the mayor. This happens most often in slum areas and barangays or remote villages and towns. So, there’s your “friendly” mayor just because he is sponsoring “mass wedding” using people’s money!

Prestige and security in life can be possibly achieved even without employing make-believe friendship with prominent personalities. True friendship with a REAL PURPOSE should be initiated by a person with utmost sincerity without any taint of selfishness. On the other hand, those who belong to the lower stratum of society should never dream of gaining the friendship of people who belong to the upper, and whom they do not know personally. One should endeavor to earn recognition instead of gaining it through connections. To call people who do not know you personally as “friends” is embarrassing enough. In plain language it is “name dropping”. It should also be noted that friendship is supposed to be a “two-way” relationship…with sincerity from both sides.

Faith Should Never Be Wavered

By Hatred toward SOME PRIESTS AND NUNS

By Apolinario Villalobos

It is worrying to note that lately, many faithful in whatever spiritual leanings are becoming more vocal about their hatred toward their parish priest, minister and other church leaders, including nuns. In this regard, their emotion should not affect their steadfast Faith, as they have the liberty to choose which congregation to join. After letting go of their pent up emotion, they should move on. If they do not want, for instance, to see the face of their parish priest, they should attend Mass somewhere else. They have the choice in the meantime, and just go back if another parish priest has been assigned after the hated priest’s tour of duty. If they believe in the power of prayer, they should pray that the hated parish priest be transferred posthaste to another area for reasons that only the Bishop knows. Meantime, I admire the guts of those who openly denounce their parish priest due to his unbecoming acts.

ALL Christian-based churches are monogamous and teach the goodness of the same God which in this regard, even Islam does…. they are there for our appreciation. Hatred should never be nurtured in one’s heart, especially, if it has been triggered by a hated religious leader. In this regard, the Catholic Church should never threaten members with “ex-communication”, just because they love Duterte and advocate sex education. This issue is founded on the glaring choice between: slow death caused by the evil drug and poverty due to uncontrolled sex, especially, among the impoverished… or saving the future of the youth and affording comfort to the financially deprived.

Faith is innately set in our heart, and manifested at the right time through action as dictated by our consciousness as we grow. For some religious denominations, it is dictated by the parents, hence, the baptism of the infant several days after he or she has been born. Other denominations wait until the child has come of required age before baptism is done. For the Catholics, there is a so-called “Confirmation” ceremony for the kids, but I have observed that not a single baptized child has “denounced” the dictated Faith. Understandably, it is because the kids have not yet experienced and observed the unbecoming acts of SOME priests, specifically, their parish priest. As they grow, observations are stored in their consciousness until the time of their crucial decision to attend Mass at another parish, or even move to the fold of any Christian Churches that have proliferated lately, due to spiritual awakening.

All Churches should focus on their spiritual responsibilities and shy away from politics. Special mention can be made on SOME Catholic priests and nuns who join political rallies against the present administration, denouncing the killing of drug lords and pushers. But I doubt if they have ever handed out a piece of 2peso bread to a child begging on the street, or give a 10peso recycled plastic bag to a homeless elderly couple to sleep on the sidewalk or to protect them against the pelting rain. If these hypocrites would say that it is not their duty, but DSW’s as they are corporal matters, then why dip their finger into the dirty politics?  If they insist that the DSW and other related agencies are staffed with paid workers out of the people’s tax, they should bear in their wormed mind that churches live on the tithes or donations of their members, for them to do their spiritual duty. Still, if they tenaciously insist that their conscience dictates that they must denounce Dueterte in front of TV cameras, then…IT IS HIGH TIME FOR THEM TO REMOVE THEIR HABITS (UNIFORM DESIGNATING AFFILIATION TO A RELIGIOUS ORDER OR WHATEVER), AND SHOUT THEIR OUTMODED COMMUNISTIC SLOGANS WITH THE LEFTISTS TO THEIR HEART’S CONTENT. IF I SEE ANY OF THOSE “RELIGIOUS” KUNO ON BROADSHEETS AND TABLOIDS WITH TIGHTLY-CLOSED FIST AND AGAPE MOUTH IN STREET CLOTHES, THEN, I WILL BE OBLIGED TO PRAISE THEM IN A BLOG!

Finally, the noise from these misled and religious misfits (to be clear, only SOME), should not add up to the discontent which peoples around the world are harboring against the Churches, and which even made many of them openly declare their being Atheist. These religious kuno – spiritual hypocrites, are practically leading people away from God by confusing their mind. Their mandate in joining Religious Orders is to propagate spirituality and NOT TO FOMENT UNREST AMONG THE EXPLOITED AND ALREADY CONFUSED PEOPLE.

PANAPANAHON ANG PAGKAKATAON

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nang maging presidente si Joseph Estrada, ang taong itinalaga niya sa PAGCOR na dating artistang komedyanteng mataba, ay may kabayangan na nagsabing,  “panahon namin ngayon”, dinugtungan pa ng, “weather weather lang yan”. Nakakainis mang pakinggan ay dapat tanggapin ang katotohanang yan. Hindi lahat ng panahon ay para sa isang tao kaya kung magkaroon siya ng magandang pagkakataon pagdating ng tamang panahon, dapat ay sunggaban na niya pero dapat ay maganda ang layunin niya.  Ang problema lang ay ang mga taong sadyang baluktot ang isip kaya umiiral palagi ang kasamaan sa kanilang ginagawa kapag nagkaroon sila ng magandang pagkakataon.

Sa isang bansa na mahina o korap ang namumuno kaya napapaikutan ng mga tauhang tiwali,  o di kaya ay ginagaya naman ng ibang opisyal, siguradong animo ay pista ang mangyayaring kurakutan, tulad ng nangyari sa Pilipinas sa ilalim ng mga nakalipas na administrasyon. Ang iiral na katanungan kasi ay, “sila lang ba?” Kaya ang mga ayaw patalo ay nakikikurakot na rin.

Subalit dahil ang mundo ay bilog at umiinog, dumarating ang panahon na ang nasa itaas ay napupunta sa ibaba. Walang bagay na permanente sa ibabaw ng mundo dahil lahat ay sumasailalim sa pagbabago: ang sanggol ay tumatanda; ang sariwa ay nalalanta; ang makinis na balat ay kumukulubot; ang liwanag ay nagiging dilim; ang mayamang dating gahaman sa salapi  ay nagsasawa sa pera kapag malapit nang mamatay; ang dating drug user lang ay nagiging pusher at kung susuwertihin ay nagiging drug lord at upang mapagtakpan ang mga katiwalian ay nagdo-donate ng malaki sa mga simbahan, nagpapatayo ng mga foundation para sa mga scholars; ang masarap na pagkain ay napapanis…ilan lang ang mga iyan na dumadaan sa iba’t ibang panahong may kaakibat na pagkakataong maging maganda, sariwa, etc.

Nakakabilib ang mga taong mahaba ang pisi ng pagtitiyaga at pagpapasensiya sa paghintay ng tamang panahon para sa pagkakataong papanig sa kanila. Ang isang halimbawa ay ang pamilya Marcos na kung ilang administrasyon ang pinalampas at tahimik lamang sa kanilang minimithing pagpapalibing sa padre de pamilya  nilang si Ferdinand na dating diktador sa Libingan ng mga “Bayani”. Nang dumating ang panahon ni presidente Duterte na kapanalig nila, saka sila lumapit dito at nagbakasakaling mabigyan ng pagkakataong hinihingi nila at hindi naman sila nabigo.

Sa huli, masasabi na namang ang pagkakaroon ng magandang pagkakataon ay, “weather weather lang”. Ang mga naghihimutok na kumukontra ay dapat na maging maunawain sa takbo ng buhay, na hindi lahat ng pagkakataon ay panig sa kanila. Hintayin nila ang panahon nila.

SAMANTALA, ANG DAPAT PAGTUUNAN NG PANSIN NGAYON AY ANG KASALUKUYAN DAHIL ITO ANG MAGDADALA SA ATIN SA KINABUKASAN. HINDI TAYO DAPAT NA MAGPAHILA SA NAKARAAN, PERO KUNG MAGANDA AY GAMITING INSPIRASYON, AT KUNG PANGIT AY KALIMUTAN NA LANG.

THE WORLDLY DIFFERENCES AND THEIR COMPROMISE

By Apolinario Villalobos

In this world, there are only differences that may not be right or wrong, as there is no “ultimate judge” who can decide, not even the respective Supreme Courts of nations, and not even the guiding book of whatever religion. For those who believe in God, to them I may come out blasphemous if I say based on my observation, that not even He is the ultimate judge as being preached by religions that cling to Him, for how can they say that He is the One when others do not believe in Him?

Islamic rules are different from those of Christian religions’ that sprouted even later than others, and which also have their own norms. There is a popular belief that traditional religions have been deceiving people in their effort to expand their respective following. In this regard, those who have been enlightened came up with their own Ministries that eventually attracted hordes of adherents that, fortunately, did not totally turn their back on the teachings of their former churches, such that, there are Catholics who trek to the temple of El Shaddai in Paraἧaque, as well as, there are New Christians who still attend Catholic service. The mushrooming, however, all over the world of these new Ministries is proof that something is wrong with the Catholic Church from which newly-enlightened Christians came from. But then, nobody has the right to condemn Catholicism because of the erring few priests…as again, in this world, nothing is perfect. On the other hand, the “Balik-Islam” in the Philippines is, likewise, gaining ground. In its totality, the movement of modern-day conversions should be viewed with fairness on the part of the converts. What is important is the change in their spirituality that made them better persons, and most especially, they worship the same God, anyway. We should worry about former God-fearing brothers who became heretics, instead!

What is happening to the fate of religions is happening among nations with differences that lie in their ideologies polarized by democracy and socialism. The same competitive expansion brought forth hideous annihilation of races which is the essence of the effort in such desire. And, to top it all, to date, many nations are subtly disregarding the authority of the United Nations. In the case of the West Philippine Sea for instance, it made pronouncements that favored the Philippines but it cannot enforce what it has “summarized” based on proofs…while China consistently and loudly shows her defiance.

Somehow, the innate compromising characteristic of man came into the picture, resulting to the “ironing out of differences” among conflicting nations which does not necessarily declare which is right or wrong. In other words, there is no clear decision, just a compromise for some kind of a conditional understanding to avoid further conflicts between the victor and the vanquished.

Along this compromise, what each one can do to maintain relative peace is, perhaps, to be good based on the Golden Rule which is the essence of all religions, an adage that says, “Do Not Hurt Others if You Do Not Want Them to Hurt You”. It is a simple give and take principle that can apply to all peoples and nations.

Finally and most importantly, one should cling more tightly to whatever congregation he has chosen, be the spiritual bonding is done in cavernous basilicas or cathedrals, or a humble space that used to see good old days as an air-conditioner repair shop.

My humble belief is that, spirituality is not measured by an impressive concrete structure, but by sincerity that throbs in one’s heart! One can even venerate manifestations of God under a tree!...and, who can stop somebody from praying for the smooth expurgation of his guts while seated on a toilet bowl?

No Virtuous Leader of a Nation Can Stand

Against a Corrupted Democracy

By Apolinario Villalobos

Democracy was conceived with a noble purpose of providing a comfortable life for its adherents, and was given substance by freedom, free will, liberty, equality, and many other principles that stand for anything “free”. It is unfortunate, however, that the looseness brought forth by freedom has caused its decadence today. The systems of all democratic nations are practically loop-holed with omissions and defects giving corrupt government officials the chance to commit frauds at will. Democracy has been so abused lately, that its image has been deformed beyond recognition.

America which is considered by other nations as the cradle of world democracy is showing signs of decadence as abusive acts have practically become part of its citizens’ daily life. Guns can be easily purchased and even youngsters can carry them around. Muggings are prevalent making stringent laws seem useless. Parents are humbled by their children who talk back at them every time their attention is called for committed faults, and the former cannot do anything, as they will be reported to the police. These undisciplined children later grow up to become young single moms, muggers, gun-toting students, rapists, etc. It is true that similar crimes are committed in any democratic nation, but the degree of incidence in America is beyond expectation.

Nations that are internationally-acknowledged as strictly disciplined like Japan, South Korea, and Singapore are not free from the abuse committed by their supposedly, equally well-disciplined constituents, at the first sign of opportunity. Corruption in their government is also a ubiquitous happening just like in other countries of their level. Along this line, the onslaught of corruption is such that not even a spiritual nation like Vatican is free from it. No less than the new pope himself, Francis, has called the attention of the erring clerics to mend their ways. In other words, no amount of discipline and spirituality can match the evil of corruption that has become deeply-rooted in the midst of humanity.

It must be noted, however, that the uncontrollability of corruption even by a virtuous leader does not free him from the liability for any commission by his officials. On the contrary, as a leader, he is expected to exhaust all means and exert an extra effort in preventing the fraudulent acts, or make necessary corrective moves, and not just look the other way every time they are committed. Tolerance on his part makes him liable or a party to the act.  Not even his assertion of purported ignorance makes him innocent. Somehow, the preventive or corrective effort of the virtuous leader, though how futile they may seem, can at least, minimize the incidence or effect of corruption…a consolation that can appease the victims.

As for the seemingly “unblemished” constituents of the corrupted democratic nations, perhaps, they can exert an extra effort in persisting to be consistent in acting as expected of them… law-abiding citizens, whose collective effort can somehow resuscitate the ailing Democracy.

THE HARSH REALITY

OF CONNIVANCE AGAINST DUTERTE

By Apolinario Villalobos

I WISH FELLOW FILIPINOS WHO HAVE NOT VISITED THE PHILIPPINES FOR A LONG TIME SHOULD STOP MAKING DEEPER IMPRESSIONS THAT PUT DUTERTE IN A BAD LIGHT BASED ON AMERICAN VIEWS WHICH ARE ALSO BASED ON BIAS RELEASES OF AMERICAN BROADCAST NETWORKS, DRUG LORDS AND POLITICAL OPPONENTS WHO WANT HIM DOWN.

THE PROBLEM WITH SOME OF THESE FELLOW PATRIOTS, IS THAT WHEN THEY “COME HOME”, THEIR VISIT IS LIMITED TO “SANITIZED” AREAS SUCH AS MALLS AND DRY MARKETPLACES.  AFRAID TO VENTURE TO THE AREAS THAT ARE SUBJECTS OF BLOGS ON THE ISSUE OF ILLEGAL DRUG, THEY OBVIOUSLY FAILED TO HAVE A FIRST-HAND VIEW OF THE VARIOUS SITUATIONS THAT THE DUTERTE ADMINISTRATION HAS INHERITED FROM THE PAST ADMINISTRATIONS.

THEIR DISTANCE FROM THE PHILIPPINES MADE THEM FAIL TO NOTICE THAT NOT A SINGLE WORD WAS HEARD FROM AQUINO AND THE REST OF THE PAST PRESIDENTS ABOUT THE DRUG VIRUS THAT HAS BEEN EATING UP THE SYSTEM OF THE COUNTRY AND MORALITY OF THE PEOPLE.  ON THE OTHER HAND, THEY ABHOR DUTERTE’S COURAGE WHO HAS BEEN FIGHTING SUCH MENACE EVER SINCE HE WAS THE MAYOR OF DAVAO. WHAT IS INSTILLED IN THEIR MIND IS THE WRONG IMPRESSION BASED ON BIASED EXPOS THAT HE IS THE PROGENATOR OF THE HEINOUS EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS WHILE DISCOUNTING THE OTHER POSSIBILITIES THAT THEY COULD BE DONE BY VIGILANTES AND DRUG PERSONALITIES WITH SELFISH MOTIVE, FOREMOST OF WHICH IS SURVIVAL FROM BETRAYAL.

ALSO, SHOWBIZ PERSONALITIES WHO ARE ON THEIR WAY DOWN SHOULD DESIST FROM USING DUTERTE TO DRAW ATTENTION IN A FUTILE EFFORT TO REVIVE THEIR DYING CAREER.

THESE PEOPLE ARE AGAINST THE KILLING OF DRUG ADDICTS AND DRUG PUSHERS, BUT THEY HAVE NOTHING TO SAY ABOUT THE PITIFUL VICTIMS. I JUST CANNOT FATHOM SUCH KIND OF CHARACTER WHICH FAVORS EVIL!

ON DEFENDING IDOLIZED POLITICIANS

AND BLOGGING

By Apolinario Villalobos

The problem with the “defenders” or “supporters” of politicians is that they tend to be overzealous in what they do and say to the point of even killing or get killed by those who belong to the “contra-partidos”. Most often, during election campaign, we hear of political leaders being ambushed on the way to rally sites or shot right inside their home. When they die, the politicians that they support shoulder the wake and burial expense….that’s all. Some politicians do not even know most of these “leaders” from Adam or Eve, except those who belong to their inner circle, as they are just names on their payroll. The tight handshake and smile that the politicians give to the “lesser leaders” do not necessarily mean closeness. After the election, winning politicians forget the names even of those who belong to their “inner circle”, as new set of butt-lickers march into their offices.

In blogging, there should likewise, be restraint in the showing of emotion. Bloggers should stick to the issue and not the character of fellow bloggers. Commentors to the blogs are considered as bloggers themselves, hence, they become responsible for the enhancement that they contribute to the blog, be it positive or negative. Again, idolized politicians do not personally know all the bloggers who support them, so there is no reason why the latter should overdo their unsolicited overzealousness. Laying down one’s own ideas to support those of the idolized politician should be enough to show that the supportive bloggers are just around…the bigger their number, the better.

I must admit that I have been guilty of overzealousness in the course of my blogging that made me cuss sometimes. Fortunately, I do not cuss anybody in particular, not even the politicians who I hate, as I do it only to release my pent up emotions being one with a “type A” personality. To show more maturity in this effort, though, I try my best not to cuss…unless provoked. Again, as expressed in my earlier blogs, I am not a saint who is virtually shielded with Godliness, as I consider myself an ordinary creature who has got no patience in just parrying insults to my person. I am not the type of a guy who throws back bread to someone who bombards him with rocks. As we all know, bread is a precious food so I can’t just throw it at an idiot who deserves a rock, instead….which for me should not only be a single rock, but a huge one, too!....bashers deserve a Peter to jolt them back to their sanity!

MABUHAY ANG MGA BLOGGERS!...COMMENTORS, LIKERS, AND FULL-ESSAY WRITERS!

ANG PAGNANAKAW

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Madalas kong marinig sa iba kong kaibigan na hindi daw dapat pagkatiwalaan ang mga nangangalakal o scavengers dahil ang iba sa kanila ay nagnanakaw kapag nagkaroon ng pagkakataon. Sinong tao ba ang hindi nagnakaw sa tanang buhay niya?....yan ang pinang-boldyak ko sa kanya dahil sa inis ko. Tinanong ko rin kung hindi ba siya nangopya noong estudyante pa siya o di kaya ay nangupit sa pitaka ng nanay niya upang may pangbili ng sigarilyo kahit nasa high school pa lang, kaya ngayon ay naging chain smoker na siya.

Kung hindi bibigyan ng dahilan ang mga taong magnakaw, ibig sabihin ay akitin sila, mawawalan sila ng pagkakataong gawin ang katiwaliang ito. Ang problema ay ugali ng iba na burara at mayabang….nagdi-display ng cellphone na tig-30 thousand; binabalot ang katawan ng ginto kaya aakalain mong may hepatisis kahit mamalengke lang; pinapatugtog ng malakas ang stereo at TV upang mapansin; nagkukuwento ng kanilang karangyaan kesyo malaki ang sweldo ng mister; iniiwang bukas ang bag upang masilip ng katabi sa jeep ang lamang mga gadgets; iniiwang bukas ang gate kung aalis ng bahay; etc.

Hinuhusgahan ng iba ang mga kapus-palad na magnanakaw, pero hindi nila isinasaalang- alang ang pagnanakaw na ginagawa ng mga edukadong opisyal sa gobyerno na dapat ay nagbibigay proteksyon sa mga mamamayan kaya sila ibinoto. Hindi rin nila naisip na ang pagnanakaw ay hindi lang tungkol sa kaperahan dahil maraming empleyado ang nagnanakaw ng oras na laan dapat sa kanilang trabaho sa pamamagitan ng sinasadyang pagpapatagal ng lunch break. At, ano ang masasabi nila sa “Monday/ Friday sickness” na sinasadyang dahilan ng mga empleyado upang pumalya sa pagpasok kaya naapektuhan ang operasyon ng kanilang opisina? Ang pagsira sa tiwala ng asawa, hindi ba isang uri rin ng pagnanakaw? Ang “plagiarism” na madalas nang gawin ngayon ng mga estudyante sa pamamagitan ng pag-copy/paste ng mga nire-research nila kuno sa internet upang may maipasa sa kanilang propesor na tamad mag-check, hindi ba pagnanakaw ng kaalaman ng iba?

Para sa akin, lahat ng mga gawain na may kinalaman sa kawalan ng katapatan at pagkawala ng tiwala ay pagnanakaw…kaya pasok din ako diyan dahil noong maliit pa ako ay nagnakaw ako ng balimbing at lagas na sampalok sa kapitbahay namin para ibenta sa eskwela at nang may maipambili ng mga gamit; kasama ang barkada ay nagnakaw din ng mga malalaking bayabas ng mga madre ng katabing high school; nagnakaw din ng tuba kasama pa rin ang barkada sa Agdao (Davao) tuwing kabilugan ng buwan….etc.

Kaya yong mga ipokritong mahilig manghusga, tumahimik na lang dahil kung ikumpara ang mga ninakaw ng mga hinuhusgahan nilang mga kapus-palad, wala pa sa katiting ang mga ito ng mga ninakaw at ninanakaw pa ng mga walang modong nasa gobyerno – ibinoto man o mga ordinaryong empleyado, pati na ang mga nasa pribado na oras naman ang pinagdidiskitahan. Kung sabihin naman ng mga ipokritong ito na ang isyu dito ay ang “act” o ang “paggawa” na pagnanakaw….pag-isipan din nila ang intensiyon ng pagnakaw. Ang mga kapus-palad ay nagnanakaw upang may makain kahit isang beses isang araw o para may ipambili ng gamot o gatas ng anak, samantalang ang mga “big-time” na magnanakaw ay nagnanakaw sa kadahilanang sila ay TALAGANG SAGAD SA BUTO ANG PAGKA-GANID…na pagpapakitang walang epekto ang mga pinag-aralan nila sa mga high-end na kolehiyo at unibersidad!

MAYROON AKONG SINCERE COMMITMENT BILANG BLOGGER

KAYA WALANG SINUMAN ANG MAY KARAPATAN NA TAWAGIN

AKONG ZOMBIE NI DUTERTE!

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

HINDI AKO BLOGGER NA BAYARAN AT LALONG MAY SARILI AKONG ISIP. HINDI AKO PANATIKO NA TULAD NG INAAKALA NG IBA. HINDI DAHIL MADALAS KONG I-BLOG SI DUTERTE AY SASABIHIN NA NG IBA NA BULAG AKONG TAGASUNOD NIYA. AT, HINDI SA PAGBUBUHAT NG SARILI KONG BANGKO, MABUTI NGA AT GINAGAMIT KO ANG KAALAMANG BIGAY NG DIYOS KO SA AKIN SA TAMANG PARAAN, HINDI TULAD NG IBA DIYAN NA MASYADONG BILIB SA SARILI DAHIL GRADUATE DAW NG MALAKING UNIBERSIDAD SUBALIT PULPOL NAMAN ANG PANUNTUNAN SA BUHAY DAHIL KUNG ANO ANG MALI AY SIYANG PINAPANIGAN.

ANG MGA BINA-BLOG KO AY MGA GOOD POINTS NG MGA TAO, KILALA MAN SILA O HINDI UPANG MAGING INSPIRASYON NG IBA. DAPAT UNAWAIN NA WALANG PERPEKTONG TAO KAYA KUNG HALIMBAWANG SI MARCOS NA NAGING DIKTADOR AY HINDI NAGUSTUHAN NG MARAMING PILIPINO TULAD KO, MERON DIN NAMAN SIYANG GINAWANG MAGANDA PARA SA PAGPAHINAY-HINAY NG PAGKALAT NG DROGA NOONG PANAHON NIYA NANG IPA-FIRING SQUAD NIYA ANG INTSIK NA DRUG LORD SA LUNETA KAYA NAGDULOT NG TAKOT SA MGA KASAMA NIYANG NAGSI-UWIAN SA TSINA!

NGAYON, KAHIT HALOS DALAWANG BUWAN PA LANG SA PAGIGING PRESIDENTE AY NASINDAK NI DUTERTE ANG MGA PROMOTOR NG PAGKALAT NG ILEGAL NA DROGA SA BANSA…GOOD POINT NIYA ITO NA GUSTO KO KAYA BINA-BLOG KO SIYA. HINDI KO RIN ALAM KONG SA PAG-USAD NG PANAHON AY KAKIKITAAN SIYA NG BAD POINTS KAYA HINDI RIN MAIIWASANG BATIKUSIN KO SIYA. ANG TURING KO SA KANYA SA NGAYON AY AMPALAYA NA ISANG PAGKAING MAPAIT SUBALIT MAY KATANGIANG PANLABAN SA DIABETES. IBIG SABIHIN, MAPAIT O HINDI MAGANDA ANG DATING NI DUTERTE SA KANYANG MGA DETRACTORS, SUBALIT KITANG-KITA AT MALINAW PA SA SIKAT NG ARAW NA NASINDAK NIYA ANG MGA SALOT NA DRUG PERSONALITIES, LALO PA AT WALA SIYANG SINASANTO NI ISA MAN SA KANILA KAHIT MGA KAIBIGAN NIYA…DAHIL DIYAN AY ITINUTURING KO SIYANG GAMOT LABAN SA DROGA!

ANG BINA-BLOG KO AY PURO MGA ORIGINAL VIEWS AT IDEYA KO….NA ANG IBA AY BATAY SA AKING MGA KARANASAN, LALO NA ANG MGA TUNGKOL SA HUMAN VALUES AT MGA TAONG KUNG ITURING NG IBA AY MGA YAGIT….MGA KAIBIGAN KO SILA. HINDI AKO BASTA-BASTA NAGBA-BLOG KUNG HINDI AKO KUMBINSIDO NA MAKAKATULONG ANG MGA ITO SA IBA SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGBUKAS NG KANILANG KAISIPAN….SUBALI’T SA BANDANG HULI, GUSTO KO PA RING PAIRALIN ANG KASABIHANG, “TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT”, KAYA WALANG KARAPATAN ANG SINUMANG BUMATIKOS NG PAGKATAO KO DAHIL AYAW NILA ANG BLOG KO. KUNG AYAW NILA NG BLOG KO, KONTRAHIN NILA SA PAMAMAGITAN NG PAGLAHAD NG NALALAMAN NILA….WALANG PERSONALAN….I-SENTRO ANG KOMENTO SA BLOG, HINDI SA BLOGGER! YAN ANG MATALINONG PARAAN! WALANG MASAMA SA PAGKOMENTO LABAN SA BLOG, BASTA SA BLOG LANG. AT, LALONG MABUTI KUNG I-UNFRIEND NA LANG AKO UPANG HINDI NA MAKABASA, PERO HINDI AKO GAGAWA NIYAN DAHIL MATINO AKONG TAO.

LAHAT NG NAKIKIPAGKAIBIGAN SA AKIN AY ITINUTURING KONG KAIBIGAN KAHIT GALIT AKO SA KATARANTADUHAN NG IBA SA KANILA. SA ISANG BANDA, HINDI DAHIL GALIT AKO SA ISANG BAHAGI NG PAGKATAO NILA AY MAGAGALIT NA AKO SA KABUUHAN NITO….MALI ANG GANYANG UGALI. PARA SA AKIN, HINDI DAHIL ANG MGA PUNONG HINDI NAKAKAIN NG TAO ANG MGA BUNGA AY DAPAT PUTULIN NA. KAHIT PAPAANO AY NAKAKAIN PA RIN ANG MGA BUNGA NILA NG MGA HAYOP, AT HIGIT SA LAHAT AY NAGBIBIGAY SILA NG LILIM, NAGSISILBI RING DAPUAN NG MGA IBON KUNG SAAN SILA NAGPUPUGAD.

ANG MGA NAGAGALIT KAY DUTERTE DAHIL SA PAGMUMURA NITO AT MGA NANGYAYARING PAGPATAY SA MGA DRUG PERSONALITIES ANG MAY MAKIKITID NA PANG-UNAWA! BAKIT HINDI SILA MAG-RESEARCH TUNGKOL SA TAONG IBINA-BLOG KO AT I-COMMENT, HINDI YONG KUNG ANU-ANONG PINAGSASABI NA AMPAW NAMAN? PASASALAMATAN KO ANG MGA IMPORMASYONG IKOKOMENTO TUNGKOL SA “KASAMAAN” NI DUTERTE KUNG MERON MAN. DAPAT ALALAHANIN NA GUSTO NGA NI DUTERTE ANG TRANSPARENCY KAYA SA LEVEL NG EXECUTIVE BRANCH NG GOBYERNO AY MAYROON NANG FREEDOM OF INFORMATION NA WALANG PAGDADALAWANG-ISIP NIYANG INAPRUBAHAN.

HINDI MADALI ANG MAG-BLOG DAHIL MARAMI ANG NASASAGASAAN AT NASASAKTAN, SUBALIT ANO ANG GAGAWIN KO KUNG ITO LANG ANG PARAAN UPANG MAKAPAGLAHAD NG KATOTOHANAN AT PAGSUPORTA SA MGA TAONG MAY MAGANDANG LAYUNIN? ILANG BESES NA RIN AKONG NAG-APOLOGIZE UPANG IPAKITA NA HANDA AKONG TUMANGGAP NG PAGKAKAMALI DAHIL TULAD NGA NG SABI KO, HINDI PERPEKTO ANG TAO….KASAMA  AKO DIYAN. AT, AKO AY TAONG MAY MATINONG INTELLECT, HINDI ZOMBIE NA ANG KATINUAN AY NILUSAW NG LASON! HINDI AKO NAKAGAWA NG MAHIGIT 3,000 NA EDITORIALS, POEMS AT MGA TULA KUNG AKO AY ZOMBIE!

SA LAHAT NG AYAW KO AY ANG INSULTUHIN ANG KATINUAN NG PAG-IISIP KO DAHIL YAN AY MINANA KO PA SA MGA MAHAL KONG MAGULANG AT NILINANG SA ISANG ESWELAHAN SA MINDANAO NA KAHIT HINDI UNIBERSIDAD O MALAKING KOLEHIYO AY MAY MATATALINONG ADMINISTRADOR AT MGA GURO - ANG PINAGMAMALAKI KONG NOTRE DAME OF TACURONG COLLEGE! PAROCHIAL SCHOOL NGA KUNG ITURING HINDI NAMAN TULAD NG MGA UNIBERSIDAD AT MALALAKING KOLEHIYO NA ANG ILANG NAGTAPOS AY MAYAYABANG AT SAGAD SA BUTO ANG KORAPSYON!...AT, MAKIKITID PA ANG ISIP!...UULITIN KO, IILAN LANG NAMAN SILANG NALILIGAW ANG LANDAS!

ANG MGA DIPUTA, GUNGGONG AT INUTIL NA MGA MAPAGKUNWARING KRISTIYANO KUNONG ITO ANG DAPAT MAWALA SA MUNDO….SILANG MGA HINDI MARUNONG MAGHAMBING NG MGA KAPAKANAN!...NA ANG HALIMBAWA AY ANG PAGHAMBING SA IILANG DAANG PINATAY NA MGA PROMOTOR NG ILEGAL DRUG, SA MILYUN-MILYONG KABATAAN AT PAMILYA NA NASIRA ANG KINABUKASAN KAYA KUNG TUTUUSIN AY KASIRAAN NA RIN NG BUONG PILIPINAS DAHIL PATI LIBLIB NA BARANGAY AY INABOT NA RIN NG BISYONG ITO!

PARA SA MGA MAHIHILIG SA QUOTES, HINDI BA MAY KASABIHANG, “BEHIND THE STORMY CLOUDS IS A SILVER LINING”? ITO PA ANG IBANG MGA TANONG: HINDI BA BAGONG BUHAY ANG KAPALIT NG PAGHIHIRAP NG ISANG INANG NANGANGANAK?...HINDI BA KUMALAT ANG KRISTIYANISMO DAHIL SA PAGHIHIRAP AT PAGKAMATAY NI HESUS SA KRUS? HINDI BA ANG IBANG GAMOT AY MAPAIT? HINDI BA ANG PALAYAN AY INI-ESPREYHAN NG CHEMICAL NA NAKALALASON UPANG MAPUKSA ANG MGA KULISAP AT DAMO? PAANONG LALAGO ANG MGA GULAY AT BULAKLAK KUNG HAHAYAANG MATALO SILA NG MGA DAMO? ANG PAGHIHIRAP NG PILIPINAS DAHIL SA KRIMEN AT DROGA, NA PILIT WINAWALIS NI DUTERTE UPANG MAGKAROON NG PAGBABAGO AY HINDI NALALAYO SA MGA BINANGGIT KO….KUNG MAUUNAWAAN NG MGA MAKABASA NITO….SANA.

ANG PULITIKA AY NAGING SALOT NA SUMISIRA NG LIPUNAN

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Sa lipunang may demokrasya at pinapatakbo ng sistema na pinili ng mga mamamayan ay kailangang magkaroon ng tinatawag na “fiscalizer” o tagapuna ng mga maling ginagawa ng mga nakaupo sa puwesto. Maganda sana ang ganitong sistema upang mabalanse ang mga pangyayari sa isang bansa. Ang karamihan sa mga “fiscalizer” ay  mga talunan sa eleksiyon kaya bumabatikos sa mga ginagawa ng mga nanalo. At, ang iba naman ay mga may adbokasiyang bumatikos sa mga maling gawain sa iba’t ibang larangan. Maganda sana ang layunin subalit ang “fiscalizing” ay inabuso nang makulapulan ng maruming pulitika dahil ginagamit ng mga talunan upang gumanti sa mga nanalo.

Ang demokrasya at eleksiyon ay kinonsepto ng mga pantas noong unang panahon at may magandang layunin para sa mga mamamayan. Ginamit ito ng maraming bansa, subalit ngayon, ito ay pinaitim at pinalapot ng korapsyon. Sa halip na makatulong sa isang bansa, ang pulitika na sana ay isang demokratikong paraan ay naging salot na ng lipunan. Ginamit na itong tuntungan at instrumento ng mga may tiwaling iniisip pag-upo nila sa puwesto, na nakasentro sa pagpapatagal ng kapit sa kapangyarihan at pagpapayaman sa anumang paraan.

Sa kasamaang palad, pati ang pinakamababang baytang ng sistemang pulitikal ng isang bansang tulad ng Pilipinas, ay naging korap na rin, sa diretsahang pagsabi. Ang tinutukoy ko rito ay ang barangay, munisipyo, at lunsod. Nakakalungkot dahil sa halip na magtulungan ang magkakapitbahay na gustong mamuno, sila ay nagsisiraan at nagpapatayan pa!…nagbabatuhan ng putik! Magmumukha akong tanga at ipokrito kung sasabihin kong walang perang kikitain sa mga puwestong pinaglalabanan. Pinagpupundaran ng pera ang pagtakbo na dapat ding mabawi sa anumang paraan kapag nanalo….ganoon lang. Ang hirap lang sa iba ay naging sobra ang pagnanasa. Okey na sana kung “sapat lang” ang hinahangad, subalit lumalampas sila sa hangganan na itinakda upang hindi umabot sa pagkagarapal. Tanggap na rin naman na hindi talaga nawawala ang kumisyunan sa gobyerno….kaya dapat sana ay hinay-hinay lang sila upang hindi masyadong obvious.

Sa ganang ito, ang ibang nag-aambisyon nang patago o tahimik lang….yong pangiti-ngiti na animo ay inosente at mabait ay sa loob pala ang kulo. Tulad ng isang tao na ikinuwento ng isa kong kaibigan. Ito raw ay aktibo sa simbahan, maka-Diyos wika nga. Subalit nang alukin upang tumakbo sa isang puwesto ay hindi magkandaugaga at tila nawawala sa sarili sa pagpapapel “loud speaker” sa pagpakalat ng paninira sa magiging kalaban sa eleksiyon. Nakalimutan niyang siya ay isang “taong simbahan” kaya inaasahang “maka-Diyos” ang pagkilos niya at pananalita. Nakakalungkot, dahil sa ambisyong makapasok sa pulitika ay nawala sa sarili ang taong ikinuwento ng kaibigan ko, ganoong wala naman daw itong napatunayan bilang lider. Hindi rin daw naisip ng taong ito na ang ikinakalat niyang paninira ay hindi niya personal na napatunayan kaya pwede siyang mademanda ng sinisiraan. At, hindi rin niya naisip na dapat ay pairalin niya ang delikadesa sa pamamagitan ng pag-resign sa maka-Diyos niyang responsibilidad….subalit hindi niya ginawa. Saan napunta ang itinuro sa kanya noong maliit pa siya na ang Diyos ay nakakakita ng lahat…kasama na diyan ang ginagawa niya?

Dapat isipin ng taong ito na kung hindi naman niya kilala ang taong sinisiraan ay para lang siyang itinutulak tungo sa kumunoy ng intriga na hindi na niya matatakasan. At, higit sa lahat, paano kung gantihan rin siya ng mga nagmamalasakit sa taong sinisiraan niya dahil sa “Golden Rule” na nagsasabing “huwag mong gawin sa iba ang ayaw mong gawin nila sa iyo”? Baka ang mga huling araw niya sa mundo na dapat sana ay mapayapa dahil sa tinatawag na “retirement” ay magiging masalimuot!

Mali ang diskarte ng taong ikinuwento ng kaibigan ko dahil dapat ay ipinilit niya ang pagkamaka-Diyos niya upang makatulong sa grupong sasamahan niya. Sana ay pinanaig niya ang kanyang adbokasiya na maka-Diyos (nga ba?) at hindi nataranta dahil sa ambisyong makapasok sa pulitika. Sana ay pinayuhan niya ang kanyang grupo na iwasan ang paninira sa mga makakalaban nila. Subalit kung talagang nabulagan siya kaya ganoon siya kadaling “bumaligtad” ng panuntunan sa buhay, paano pa siyang pagkakatiwalaan ng mga taong hihingan niya ng boto? Magtitiwala pa ba ang mga botante sa kanya na sa kabila ng tagal na panahon niyang pagsuot ng kuwentas na may malaking krus ay biglang nanira ng ibang taong hindi naman niya kilala…dahil lang sa pulitika?

Kung ayaw  magbago ng diskarte ng taong ikinukuwento ng kaibigan ko dahil nuknukan daw talaga ng kayabangan ang taong ito….bahala na ang Diyos niya sa kanya! Nakakagimbal din ang desisyon niyang ipagpalit ang Diyos niya sa pulitika!....ang buhay nga naman!

MAY NAG-OUT OF TUNE NA SENADORA

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Nang magbigkas si senador de Lima ng kanyang privilege speech sa senado ay sinundan siya bilang suporta ni senador Hontiveros na nagsabing hindi dapat mangyari sa Pilipinas ang nangyayari sa Amerika. Muntik na akong mahulog sa kinauupuan ko nang marinig ito. Ibig pala niyang sabihin ay “police brutality”. Klarong mahilig siyang mag-browse sa internet dahil doon ay makikita ang pagpatay ng mga Amerikanong pulis sa mga mamamayan na itim ang kulay ng balat.

Naghuhumiyaw ang malaki niyang pagkakamali sa paghambing ng kapulisang Pilipino sa kapulisang Amerikano dahil batay sa droga ang kanyang sinasabi. Hindi droga ang isyu sa mga pagpatay ng mga pulis sa Amerika. Sa Pilipinas, ang isyu ay droga na ang “pinapatay” ay 98% ng populasyon ng Pilipinas dahil hanggang sa mga liblib na barangay ay kalat na ito…at HIGIT SA LAHAT, ANG SINASABI NIYANG EXTRA-JUDICIAL KILLINGS NG MGA DRUG PUSHER AT DRUG LORD SA PILIPINAS AY “BINTANG” PA LANG SA MGA KAPULISAN AT KAHIT ISANG PIRASO NITO AY WALANG NAPATUNAYAN! Nakakahiya ang pagsalita niya sa senado dahil halatang hindi nagawan ng maayos na pagsaliksik ang kanyang talumpati….at higit sa lahat ay kumain ng oras na dapat ay nagamit ng ibang senador na may makabuluhang sasabihin at itatanong.

Magsalita lang sana ang mga senador at mga kongresman kung angkop at nasaliksik na mabuti ang kanilang sasabihin dahil sayang ang oras na kinakain ng kanilang talumpati o tanong tuwing may session. Binabayaran sila ng taong bayan upang maging MAKABULUHAN at MATALINO dahil nakasalalay sa kanilang maayos na pag-iisip ang mga batas na pagbabatayan ng lahat ng kilos ng mga Pilipino at kapakanan ng buong bansa.

No Country on Earth is 100%

Free from Graft and Corruption

…but may be rated as bad, worse, or worst

By Apolinario Villalobos

There is no “utopia” or paradise-like nation on earth. Even the so-called morally-straight and economically-advanced countries are not free from graft and corruption. All countries, however, may be classified as to the extent of their contamination by these blights of civilization into bad, worse, and worst.

What is admirable about the government officials in some countries, however, is their voluntary act to resign, though some unfortunately commit suicide, if they are suspected to be involved in anomalies or even just being investigated, yet. They do not react with shameful effort and legalistic defenses which happen only in the Philippines.

Still, although, corruption is an accepted occurrence in any government, in the Philippines, it has reached the uncontrolled stage. Some government officials who are voted, appointed, and even with civil service eligibilities seem to be living on the adage, “if others can do it, why can’t I?”.  To date, cases of graft and corruption in the Philippines takes so many years to be resolved with some just shelved into oblivion.

In the Philippines, corruption has become a business. Those who would like to venture into this “endeavor” must put up a substantial fund during the electoral campaign, while exerting all possible effort to get the position they want for the assured return of their “investment”.

Some even enhance their “talent” or “skill” by taking courses that lead to “government management”, such as, Law or Public Administration, and still, if time would allow, further enhance their knowledge acquisition with Masters and Doctorates, the better for them to slap those who would question their credibility with certificates.

Ang Kasuwapangan (Greed)

Ni Apolinario Villalobos

Ang kasuwapangan ng tao ay umiral na bago pa man ang panahon ng Bibliya. Ang kasuwapangan ng mga tao noon ay nagbunsod sa kanila upang mangamkam ng lupain ng iba na umabot sa mga digmaan sa pagitan ng mga lahi. Pati ang pamimirata (piracy) ay umiral din sa mga bahagi ng Mediterranean, Africa, at  Europe. Ang ganitong uri ng kasuwapangan ay umiiral pa rin ngayon kaya mayroong kaguluhang nagaganap sa West Philippine Sea o South China Sea, pati na kidnap-for-ransom na hindi lang din nangyayari sa Mindanao kundi pati sa ibang bahagi ng Africa at South America.

Marami pang uri ng kasuwapangan ang umiiral sa mundo tulad ng mga sumusunod:

Hindi nawawala ang kasuwapangan sa buhay ng tao, subalit nagkakaiba sa tindi, antas o “degree”. Pati ako na nagsusulat nito ay umaaming may kasuwapangan din – sa gulay, prutas, tuyo, bagoong, panahon sa pamamasyal at pagsusulat, etc.  Mabuti na ito kaysa naman sa kasuwapangan sa salapi na idinadaan pa ng iba sa dasal kay Lord….isang napakarumal-dumal na pagnanasa!

Plans, Promises, and Pleadings of

Candidates During Philippine Electoral Campaigns

By Apolinario Villalobos

The electoral campaigns in the Philippines are treated by Filipinos as both spectacle and financial opportunity. Candidates assume different convincing facial expressions as they blurt out plans and promises if they are voted to the position and these are spiced up with pleadings that are made colorful with courteous vernacular words such as, “po”, “ho”, “opo”, “oho”, “natin”. Audiences are entertained by singers and dancers from the showbiz industry. Virtually, during electoral campaigns, corrupt personalities become saintly, and worse, demean themselves by being funny as they take the risk of being ridiculed – all in the name of the dirty Philippine politics. As a financial opportunity, well….vote-buying is done in the open, no question about that.

Mar Roxas plans to transfer the Manila International Airport to Clark Airbase. He must be dizzy when he mentioned this during an interview. He forgot about the terribly unpredictable traffic along the South Luzon Expressway going through which would take at least three hours before a motorist from Metro Manila could make it to the first Bulacan town. The reality is, if one would come from the Metro Manila area, he or she has to muster, yet, any of the hellish traffic along EDSA, Pasay, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth and Rizal Avenue. Passengers are used to reaching the airport today from their residence within the city or the suburbs such as Cavite, Laguna, Novaliches, and Antipolo in just about two or three hours depending on the unpredictable traffic. With the transfer of the airport to Clark, they must allow at least six hours, inclusive of the two hours leeway for the check-in before the published departure time. Worst is if the passenger will have to commute by bus to Clark. To be safe, a passenger will have to spend for an overnight somewhere around Clark Air Base if he or she is taking a flight the following day. Even if the government will offer free shuttle service, the same hellish traffic  will be dealt with along the way.

Roxas keeps on promising the continuance of the programs of the administration to which he is so much attached as if with strong sentimentality. What is there to continue, anyway?...the obvious inept and insensitive attitude?...and still, another big question is, has there been anything accomplished that benefits at least the majority of the impoverished? If he is talking about the cash being doled out, such program is still being questioned, as in some areas it is allegedly tainted with graft.  If he is talking about the “progress” based on statistics, this too, is being viewed as dubiously self-serving. He should also, not forget that the administration still has to answer many questions as regards the fate of donations for the typhoon Yolanda victims, aside from so many other issues with the hottest, as the Mamasapano massacre and the purported well-concealed pork barrel in the just-approved budget. It would do him good at least, if he scraps out the “tuwid na daan” from his campaign statements and just promise what he can do. He should make people believe in his capability, not in his association with Aquino whose reputation is debatable. As for being not corrupt, he could claim that.

Duterte is promising to eradicate criminality and corruption in six months or he would resign. Unless heads will roll at least within the first two months upon his assumption if elected, he better be prepared with a resignation statement. How can he control the undisciplined and financially-pampered Congress? For a town, city, or province, this may be possible, but not for a nation whose law-making bodies got calloused with corruption.

Binay on the other hand, keeps on saying that he is not corrupt. He must be imagining that the Filipinos are idiot! It is suggested that the word “corrupt” be not ever mentioned in any of his campaign ads, or uttered by him. He should, instead, promise hospitals and terminal buildings to be built during his incumbency…and find out if his listeners will boo him just like what he experienced in Cebu.

Candidates for the 2016 election know that plans and promises during the past electoral campaigns were made to be broken, so they will do it, too. They should not be meddling in politics if they are not honestly aware of this fact. Those that will come after them will again make promises, propose plans, and plead, as expected. During the electoral campaign that will follow, it will be done again….still, again and again…..a vicious cycle of the dirty Philippine politics!

The Stupid Surveys

By Apolinario Villalobos

Nowadays, there are so many surveys conducted by various survey firms which are of course paid for by parties that will benefit from the “expected” favorable results. Big companies, political units and even nations spend so much money for the flattering and self-serving favorable results. Surveys can be effective only if the whole targeted responders are captured, but if not even 1% of the total has been interviewed for their views…then, the survey results should better be told to the Marines!

How can for instance a survey, give assurance that a certain candidate will surely win during an election when the majority of the voting population has not been interviewed? To top it all, their assurance is based on a further confusing mathematical formula. So, there’s the trick – the more confused the ordinary citizens become, the better for these survey firms to insist that they are right, and the more that they make their clients happy. They want the ordinary citizens to believe that the results are products of “highly intelligent” surveys…conducted by “intelligent” people!  While some surveys are based on personal views and opinions, others are on perception which make the results more “imagined”….unrealistic. Simply stated, how can a personal view become representative of the rest, opinions as truthful, and perception as generally realistic?

The way I see it, these surveys are the workings of “research” firms that have run out of anything to do and clients who trust them. They have come up with this novel idea that can flatter egoistic groups that we call business firms, political groups, educational institutions, and governments. These surveys are also the result of the marketing strategies that need to be updated to make them attractive to clients. Schools want to attract enrollees, business firms want more clients, political groups want more donors and followers, and governments want a “third opinion” that would qualify their claim for success in their administration…all selfish objectives which at the end are supposed to be satisfied with self-serving survey results, that would later find their way in advertising spaces!

What the clients should do, instead of squandering millions in surveys for self-serving results, is require their advertising agencies to gather hard data from records that are available, to support their contentions. The truthful and realistic information shall no longer cause a single eyebrow to be raised every time the reports are splashed on the front pages of dailies, as well as, broadcasted on air lane and TV screen….at least, the doubting Thomas can be directed to the records on file.