Starting Off on the Wrong Foot

The only time I voted for a president and vice president in the Philippines was in 1998.  By the next presidential election in 2004, I was already in the UK. A few years later, I have become a British citizen.  In spite of my inability to vote, I have my own choice from among the presidential candidates.  If I were to cast my vote in the recent election, I would end up undecided until the last minute. At this point, whoever my last minute choice is would be irrelevant. Rodrigo Duterte is the president in waiting. Leni Robredo, thank goodness, is the vice president in waiting!

 

During the presidential debates, candidates were asked if they would allow Ferdinand Marcos to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Only one said no - Mar Roxas. I felt uneasy with the response of his contenders such as Duterte and Binay. And I imagined them being true to their promise once they get elected. Duterte has announced his intention to do so which caused some quarters to be up in arms such as the victims and survivors of Martial Law.

Six years ago, I expressed concerns because President Noynoy Aquino was reportedly considering a proposal to have the late dictator interred at the Libingan.  With a new regime in the horizon, these concerns have lurked anew.

When Cory was president she didn't allow her predecessor's remains to be buried in Philippine soil. When Fidel Ramos was elected, he allowed the remains to be flown home, but on several conditions which, Imelda and her children have not yet fulfilled. According to the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the conditions are:  "that the body would be given the honors of a junior officer, that it would be buried immediately, and that the burial place would be in Marcos’ home province of Ilocos Norte."

If the Marcoses have not been fair with the conditions set by a president (during that time) and a relative at that, why should they have the gall of insisting for a hero's burial for the deceased strongman? Many years ago, I was in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte (Marcos' birthplace) and had a chat with Manong Conrado, the katiwala in our family home there who has passed away a few years back. Asked where he would prefer the Apo to be buried, he quipped, "Dito na lang (sa Sarrat). Maalagaan pa namin yung libingan niya."

Why and how the Marcoses have thrived and behaved all these years post-EDSA Uno, is due to our short memory as a people. And now the president in waiting seems hell bent to honor a former president-turned-dictator/human rights violator/plunderer with a hero's burial, dismissing concerns from Marcos' victims as purely for monetary gain. (Wasn't this the same argument Bongbong Marcos once said regarding the victims of his father's dictatorial rule? Imagine if this guy was elected vice president!)  This is beyond me. At a time when we should be full of hope for our country because of a new leader, I fear that the new dispensation is starting off on the wrong foot.

Let's be vigilant, mga kababayan! There is an online petition urging Duterte to abandon his plan (https://www.change.org/p/rodrigo-duterte-no-to-burying-marcos-in-heroes-cemetery). Please sign it!

No to FM Burial at the Libingan!



 

A People of Mercy

April 28 this year marks the 67th death anniversary of a great Filipina who was known for her works of mercy: Mrs Aurora Aragon-Quezon.  Even before becoming the nation's first First Lady, she was already engaged in works of mercy. One incident which I find touching happened when she discontinued her studies due to poor health. Returning to her hometown in Baler, she brought the books she purchased while still in Manila and put up a library for the benefit of her town mates, some of which may not have received proper education. 

Later in her life, she became involved in charitable institutions such as the Associacion de Damas de Filipinas and White Cross. Towards the end of her life, she became the first Chairman of the Philippine Red Cross. Apart from these organizations, she was also engaged in religious associations like the Catholic Women's League and the committee in charge of raising funds for the rehabilitation of the Antipolo Church.

In celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy which Pope Francis opened on December 8, 2015, a renowned bishop urged the seminaries in his diocese to become seminaries of mercy. In order to achieve this, he offered the following steps: (1) by becoming in touch with humanity; (2) by being united to divinity; and (3) by cultivating spirituality.

I think the bishop's exhortation applies even to other groups and individuals who wish to be merciful like the Father. I also think these three served as hallmarks of Mrs Quezon rendering mercy to her fellowmen.

She was in touch with humanity. Described as a strict, but understanding mother, she looked after her family well. There was a time when her husband Manuel became a lapsed Catholic. It was said that through her perseverance, her husband returned to his faith. She was also a hands-on landowner, a staunch supporter of women's rights to vote, and according to President Elpidio Quirino, "a mother to her people".

She was united with divinity. She was a woman of prayer who would frequently attend Mass and say the Rosary.  A Marian devotee, she led other lay faithful from the Archdiocese of Manila in making an appeal to the country to pray for peace.

Finally, she cultivated spirituality in her life. It was not enough that she was engaged with broken humanity. It wouldn't suffice too if she just said a hundred and one prayers. Equally important was for her to imitate the Father who is "rich in mercy" (Psalm 103:8). 

Through Mrs Quezon's numerous works of mercy, healing was effected on those whose lives she touched. As Fr Pacifico Ortiz, SJ would put it "(Mrs Quezon) walked through life doing good, who was light unto the blind, protecting unto the weak, the mother of the poor, and in a sense the mother of us all...to keep us together, to heal broken friendships, to bind up political wounds, to pour the oil of compassion upon the social ulcers of our age, to cherish and guard the sanctities of the home."

At times, it is not easy to be merciful; let alone being merciful like the Heavenly Father. Some people would misunderstand us. Some may take us for granted. Some may become envious of us. Worse, some may even say or do evil things to us. Sadly, this was what happened to Mrs Quezon. While on her way to her hometown to inaugurate the Manuel Quezon Memorial Hospital, she and a number of her companions were ambushed and killed by insurgents. A story goes that Mrs Quezon was forewarned of insurgents, but shrugged off the threat because she knew the leader of the insurgents. Be it as it may, Mrs Quezon showed her determination to continue her good works in spite of these threats. If her poor health and subsequent withdrawal from university didn't prevent her from helping her town mates, I believe her death didn't halt her works of mercy - the charitable and religious organisations she was affiliated with are still existing and continuing her legacy!

Becoming merciful like the Father doesn't have any perks. "Get ready to be hurt," says Cardinal Chito Tagle. The only promise that Jesus assures those who are merciful is that they will be shown mercy in the afterlife (Matthew 5:7). Regardless of the difficulties we are encountering or may encounter, let us keep ourselves focused in doing works of mercy. That way we would keep the memory of Mrs Quezon alive. We would become a people of mercy!

 

***

 

In a few days, the Philippines will be having its national (and local) elections.  Elections would naturally polarize people. Some will go for this candidate while others would go for that candidate. Still others would be undecided. The Year of Mercy is an opportune time for us to think and act. Are the candidates merciful like the Father? Do their track record attest to this or not? I know it's so easy to be swept away by candidates' words, but we need to check if their actions would agree with whatever they say. It's not enough for us to hear candidates condemning corruption, poverty, injustice, and other maladies of society. We need to hear what will they do to eliminate these. One problem that the country is still suffering from is that 40% of its annual budget is automatically allocated for debt servicing, thanks to Ferdinand Marcos (who made it a law) and to his successors (who keep on implementing such an immoral law). From what I gather from the presidential candidates, it seems that it will be business as usual. How unmerciful!

***

 

When Mrs Quezon was still alive, she was asked to run for public office. She declined the offer, but instead supported those she believed to be capable of serving the country. She could have grabbed the opportunity since she was the wife of a former president and has earned respect from the people, but she chose not to. Looking at some candidates, I can only shake my head in disgust. There's this movie actress running for the Senate. Ditto this boxing champion-turned congressman. What will they do there? Pose? It's as though becoming a politician would be the only way for them to help the people. It sometimes makes me wonder what their real motive is to run.  It may be too late in the day to appeal to these candidates to withdraw from the race, but it is not yet late for the voters to look for better, much deserving candidates. The power's in your hands, dear voters! Maawa kayo sa ating bayan!



 

 

 

Political Me

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"Mr Albano, you have the makings of a politician", Mr Emmanuel Batoon, my former Economics lecturer once told me.  He didn't elaborate, but it got me thinking:  "Me, a politician?".  The Albanos as well as the Valdeses (my paternal grandmother's family) indeed have politics in their blood: we are related to the Albanos of Isabela who, from one generation to another, have governed that region as well as the Valdezes of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte such as the current mayor of that town as well as former President Fidel V Ramos. (The difference of how the surname is spelt is irrelevant.)

My first stab at politics happened in the summer of 1992 when the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) launched the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPC-RV) across the country.  During that time I was already active in the parish. It was also the heydays of Anluwage and the Youth Ministry where I was involved.  Together with other youth parishioners, we attended seminars at what was then the parish's Ultreya Hall, went from one barangay chapel to another to educate voters, held prayer rallies, etc.  It was a shame though that I was unable to vote during the synchronized elections that year - I was 9 days shy of 18, the minimum age requirement to vote.

Apart from taking part in PPC-RV, I kept myself abreast with social issues facing the country by reading The Free Press.  I must thank Mr Benjamin Roda, my former English lecturer, for challenging us to read so that we can be conversant not only in the English language, but also in issues affecting us.

Five years later, my mom told me that I was slated for the Barangay elections as a candidate for the kagawad (councilman) post.  I was reluctant. I didn't turn up to meetings called by Mr Victor "Mang Vi" Santos, then Barangay Chairman, our campaign organizer.  When I had the courage to show up he blurted "Paano ka mananalo nyan kung papatay-patay ka?" or words to that effect. That was my point of no return.  Together with fellow candidates - there are 7 councilman seats up for grabs - we met, visited people, etc.  Of course, it wasn't all a bed of roses.  Some people from the other party would entice me to support them (or their candidates) and in exchange they will support me.  I just smiled and walked away.  Surprisingly, I won garnering the highest number of points. I became what is generally called "First Kagawad".   I held the position for the next five years.

It was a challenge to be looked up by people as a leader and as a model.  I must admit that at times I didn't live up to people's expectations.  Apart from my service to the community I was also working.  There were instances that I was away.  Although the councilman's role is more of legislation (e.g. ordinances, budget, etc.), you would need to be there for your people. There are times too that you can displease some of your constituents.

Apart from my role in the barangay, I was also present in many political rallies organized by the Church (particularly by the late Cardinal Jaime Sin) such as the Anti-Charter Change in 1997 and the ouster move against Erap Estrada in 2001.

Going back to the barangay, I enjoyed serving people. I saw a different avenue of reaching out to others. While I made friends, I have also made enemies.  During the barangay elections in 2002, I have witnessed the ugly side of politics.  It seems to me that people whom I displeased did everything to get rid of me. And even after the elections, there were still some residents who did me harm.  With humility and gratefulness, I decided to move on, forgive those who trespassed against me, and focus on other aspects of my life.  True, I got married in a few months from that debacle and then migrated to the UK later on.  

Still, I continued to dip my hands into politics. This time through my writings as well as the various campaigns that I have taken part of whether here in the UK or in the Philippines.  I felt challenged especially that CBCP has named this year as the Year of the Laity. I see politics as an extension of my faith in Jesus Christ, a layman Himself, who showed a new, different, life giving, people empowering kind of leadership.  A leadership based on service. 

For me, unless ordinary people like you and me take part in politics, it will remain the domain of those who have guns, goons, and gold. Unless we, who work 8 or more hours per day and pay taxes to fund the government, speak out change won't happen. Unless we put our leaders to task and hold them accountable, no progress would be effected. Unless we vote wisely, the same (rotten) bananas would remained ensconced in public office. Unless we good Catholic Christians as we often brag ourselves to be do something, evil will continue to thrive in our midst.

Election Triduum Part 3

It's the eve of the national and local elections in our country! Yesterday, we reflected upon the Joyful Mysteries with the Lord's Nativity as focus for reflection. Today, we offer the Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary for this event. I'd like us all to recall the Coronation of Mary as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

In the last mystery of the Rosary, we remember how God rewarded Mary, how she was raised to be Queen. A title so unique that no human being deserves, except her! The previous mysteries of the Rosary would give us a clue why she became worthy of such. When the Archangel Gabriel appeared to her to say that she is to become God's Mother, she humbly accepted the invitation. When she heard that Elizabeth her cousin was pregnant, she visited and looked after her in spite being pregnant herself. When she saw Jesus her Son being crucified, she humbly accepted this as part of God's plan. Mary has always been after God's will no more, no less!

Mary, whom we call as "full of grace", lived with a heart always attuned to God's own heart. And because of that she allowed God to direct her through thick and thin. Mary was able to share in His glory after spending a life dedicated to the Lord. Not only seeing Him face-to-face, but also having that place of honor in heaven. It has to be pointed out that Mary's queenship takes its roots from Jesus' kingship like the moon having the sun as its source of light. Our future leaders should also realize that their authority actually comes from the people who voted them. This power from the people has no other source but God Himself which is why we often hear the dictum "Vox populi, vox Dei".

We Filipinos hold Mary in high esteem. In fact, this month, devotees would flock to churches to offer flowers to her. Our history won't be complete without ever mentioning the devotion to her. The various titles of Mary like Our Lady of the Rosary "La Naval de Manila" and Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage attest to the role she played in the lives of our ancestors. She continues to do so till the present age. Recall EDSA Uno? How the people formed a human barricade against the tanks that Marcos sent to Camp Crame? The people were not carrying any arms except for the Rosary!

Mary reigns as our Queen. Not like any other queen who gives numerous decrees and orders, but a queen who serves, a queen whose only command is: "Do whatever he (Jesus) tells you." (John 2:5)

If we want God to take hold of our country, to direct it to its right path, let us follow our Queen's command. Let us imitate humbly subject ourselves to her reign, to Jesus' own reign. Let us profess this allegiance to Jesus and Mary when we cast out votes tomorrow and when we keep vigil during the whole election process.

Prayer:

Father, You have crowned Mary as Queen of heaven and earth. Through her maternal protection and intercession, reign over our country. Take hold of our elections. For only in You there is life and light, freedom and salvation. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, Your kingdom come!

Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us.

Election Triduum Part 2

Yesterday, we recalled the Lord’s Agony in the Garden as we started our three-day prayer for the Philippine elections. Today, being a Saturday, we bring to mind the Joyful Mysteries; my reflection will be on the Nativity of Our Lord.

Although not based in the Philippines anymore, I would imagine the campaign to be truly lively with banderitas, streamers, musical bands, food, and campaign jingles. My mom told me that these jingles were quite appealing to my nephews and niece that they could sing it every now and then. This is how the campaign is conducted – only in our country!

Contrary to how the campaigns were conducted, Jesus was born unnoticed. There were no camera men, security aides, or servants to witness His birth. There was only Mary, Joseph, the lowly stable and its usual occupants, and shepherds. Indeed it was such a silent and holy night.

Lest we be drowned in all these campaign noises, it’s important to remain sober and discerning. Otherwise we will be choosing leaders who look pogi on the outside, but lack substance on the inside. With the miting de avance over, it's an opportune time now to reflect on what these candidates' platform of government and their track record. We all need that space and silence so we could really sieve through our options, check if our decision is in accordance with God's will, and finally make a decision.

I have always believed that like Mary, we too are bearers of Christ every time we receive Him in Holy Communion, in the proclamation of God’s Word, and in our personal and private prayers. Yet like Mary, we shouldn’t be happy with simply keeping Our Lord for ourselves. We need to share Him, we have to ‘give birth to Him’ in our family, in our workplace, in our society. It is only when we share Him that we could really claim to be His followers.

Two days left before Election Day. Are we ready to ‘give birth’ to Our Lord when we cast our ballots? Are we ready to choose the leaders who are genuinely attuned to the Lord’s plans? Are we ready to uphold the election’s sacredness? Are we ready to stand up for the truth which is a reflection of Jesus who is The Truth?

Jesus has also been called Emmanuel which means “God is with us”. He is our God who is involved in our lives! Like Him let us take an active role in this election. Why not be a volunteer in the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting? Let us ensure that people would truly realize and feel Jesus' presence in this event. If we do that, we could bring back that smile that our countrymen have longed for. A smile that only Jesus can bring!

Prayer:

Father, You sent Your Son to remind us that You are with us. May we allow His presence to be felt and His message to be heard, especially during these challenging times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Election Triduum Part 1

Since 1st May, I have been praying the Rosary as a novena for the national and local elections in the Philippines. As I am on the last three days of my novena, let me share with you the reflections I have made on some of the mysteries of the Rosary. Today, being a Friday, let’s focus on Sorrowful Mysteries particularly on the Lord’s agony in the Garden of Gethsemane.

It was perhaps Jesus’ longest night. After His Last Supper with His apostles, He prayed in a garden. He was already starting to feel the pain, loneliness, and death that were forthcoming. He was in angst that He sweated in blood! His famous words were “Father, if it is possible, let this cup of suffering pass me by. But not as I will it, but as you will it.”

Our country has been in agony for many, many years already. Nothing much has changed. Promises made in the previous elections were broken. Leaders have caused innumerable scandals. Justice has been delayed or worse denied. Poverty is all over the place.

Voters are in some sort of agony too in choosing who to vote. There have been many candidates vying for the same position. Still others feel apathetic towards this political exercise to the point of not even participating at all. And still some are being bribed or threatened not to vote.

Like Jesus, let us not lose heart in what we ought to do for our country. With 100% trust in His Father, He accepted that ‘cup of suffering’ (i.e. His passion and death on the cross) so as to save us all. With 100% trust in the same Father, let us also drink from that ‘cup of suffering’ called election by casting our vote according to our conscience, by actively safeguarding it, and by not being beholden to the 3 Gs – guns, goons, and gold. If we do so, we would have joined Christ in saving our country from the maladies it is now experiencing.

It is not an easy task, but mind you: God is a faithful God who will be with us even when the forces of evil seem to take hold of everything in our country.

As we recall the Sorrowful Mysteries today, let our prayer be:

Father, we know it may not be too easy to do Your will. Full of trust in You, we will carry on. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

It's In Your Hands!

Bawal magkasakit was the battle cry that one pharmaceutical company based in the Philippines used to advertise their products. Indeed, nowadays it’s almost a ‘sin’ to get sick; sickness equates to loss of time, effort, and money. The last one particularly applies to those who are employed on a ‘No work, no pay’ basis.

As a parent, I have always prayed and strived to keep myself healthy. But there have been times when ‘I did my best, but my best wasn’t good enough’. I had a cold two weeks ago and, sadly; Chiara got one too - from me! Parents could pass on anything to their kids, be it their name, their values, their virtues and vices, their strengths and weaknesses.

This coming Monday, the Filipino electorate will be selecting our leaders for the next six or three years. We have always considered the Philippines as our Inang Bayan. No pun intended, but we seem to have abused how we regard our country as a mother. It’s like a ‘give and take’ relationship - with us on the receiving end almost all of the time. Our country gives us natural resources but we consume them as though they will not run out. She gave us laws, but we (most especially those who should uphold them) have devised ways of getting around these regulations.

I think it’s time we think of our country the way we think of our own mothers. Incidentally, it’s Mothers’ Day on the eve of the elections. As we honor our moms by thanking them and treating them like queens even for a single day, let’s also give something special to our country by choosing the persons fit to lead us, persons who will whip the country into shape.

On another angle, it might be beneficial if we consider the country as our own child. A child that needed to be looked after so it grows pleasing in the eyes of God and men. A child that deserves nothing, but the best!

In the past, we have seen how those we elected have made a mockery of justice and truth. We have witnessed how our leaders have abused their authority at the expense of poor Mang Juan De la Cruz. We’re still seeing them masquerading like clowns during the campaign period.

We have seen how our country has suffered like a helpless child inheriting its parents’ debilitating diseases: injustice, poverty, graft and corruption, debt servicing, environmental degradation, etc, etc, etc.

If you want the best for our country, if you want the best for your children, please vote wisely. The country’s future is in your hands!

Fast Learners

Little kids can really be fast learners. Every time I tell Chiara that we are going to watch something on TV, she would walk briskly to the living room and as soon as I enter, she would close the door. She got used to us shutting the door especially during the previous months to conserve the heat from the radiator.

There are still some other things that we her parents do which she could quickly mimic, including words we say. There are two words which she has remarkably uttered to a high degree of clarity: “Daddy” and “No”. The former she learnt much from her Mom (Nidz and I decided to call each other “Mommy” and “Daddy” to teach Chiara what she could call us.); the latter she learnt – in spite of my denials – from me.

At times, she would keep on calling “Daddy” even if I were away from home. One weekend, when I was the one looking after her, she called for me, but I ignore it having been busy with something. Sensing that she was ignored, she cried! It’s music to the ears to be called “Daddy”. The opposite is true when she says “No” especially when you want her to sleep, finish her food, or keep quiet.

That’s why as much as possible I try to tell her the effects of her actions (e.g. "You might fall if you climb the stairs.") Yet sometimes, and most especially when you urgently have to call her attention, I couldn’t help but blurt out “No!”

At this early a stage in a child’s life, the word “No” seems not acceptable for us parents. We tend to be in control and when the child under our care shows resistance (i.e. says “No”); she will have to face the consequences (e.g. punishments). I just wonder what would it be when Chiara grows older? I cannot tell the future, but I could make a lasting imprint on it for my daughter. By being discreet in the words I say (Not just “No”, but the “F”, “S”, and “P” words too.) and the deeds I do.

As a Tagalog saying goes “Ipakita mo na sa matanda, huwag lang sa bata.”

***

A few years ago, when the issue of some priests' failing their vow of celibacy came under fire, the late Msgr Nico Bautista told his interviewer that what inspires him to remain faithful to his vocation was his father. To me it came as a surprise, but it just shows how parenting, the family, the home could all form us as persons. If we become good persons, then the society, the Church, the country, and the world would become good.

It is unfortunate that I won't be able to vote in the Philippine elections in May, but I would strongly urge voters to check very well the candidates they would elect. Here's some useful criteria:

1. Is he/she a faithful and conscientious spouse/parent?
2. Does he/she treat the household helpers (e.g. maids, laundrywoman, driver, etc) with kindness and respect?

If your answers are "Yes", then go for that candidate!