The Buck Stops Here

The late US president Harry S Truman used to keep a sign with this phrase while holding office at the White House. For him, it served as a constant reminder that as president he has to make the decisions and accept full responsibility for those decisions.

Since that day of infamy when the Philippine Supreme Court (SC) allowed the burial of Ferdinand Marcos' remains at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB), mass protests, commentaries, statements, etc have been made denouncing the decision and vilifying the 9 associate justices who were in favour of such burial, the heirs of the former dictator for their deviousness in having the remains buried secretly at the LNMB, and Ferdinand Marcos himself for his 20-year rule of oppression and plunder.

There have been some commentators who were quick to point out that the blame for such an unthinkable burial shouldn't be put on the SC nor the Marcoses. The blame or the buck stops at President Rodrigo Duterte.  I totally agree. For wasn't Duterte the one who promised during the presidential campaign to have Marcos' remains interred at the LNMB? And when he won the elections, didn't he give orders to his subordinates to implement his promise? By the looks of it, the SC, Marcos Family, AFP, PNP, etc just took the cue from the President!

I think protests actions should not only highlight that the late strongman is not a hero. Protests should not only underscore the SC's failure to look beyond the letter of the law. Protests should not only bring to the fore the Marcoses' notoriety for using subterfuge on many, many occasions (when they were still in power and now that they feel entitled to such power, thanks to the President). 

The protests that are being organised across the country and beyond should also condemn Duterte's callousness for letting Marcos be buried in a cemetery reserved for heroes and for dismissing the atrocities of the Marcos dictatorship as though they were kuwentong kutsero. 

Had Duterte steered clear of the Marcoses, had he been more aware and sensitive of the plight of the Martial Law victims, had he acted more as a statesman rather than a politician our country would not be in this mess! I find it strange that Duterte seemed to have forgotten that his late mother fought against the dictatorship. And that his rise to power began when Cory Aquino appointed him OIC Vice Mayor of Davao.

Duterte should be called to task for showing his real colour: a tuta (lapdog) of the Marcoses.

Now that's one sign we should see unfurled during these mass protests!

***

It's the start of the Advent season this Sunday! Let this season be a moment for us to rethink of our past, of our values, of all our gains and losses. Let Advent be an opportunity for us to realize where we are going to. Is it back to the manger of Bethlehem or nowhere? Let this holy season be a time for us to rediscover that only in Jesus could we find the light which will defeat in the darkness our country is in. From November 29 to December 7, let us say at least a decade of the Rosary, asking Mary Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception (our country's patroness) to lead us to Jesus, to yearn for the Promised Messiah: O come, O come Emmanuel and ransom captive Orient's Pearl!

Post-referendum Thoughts

Last Thursday night, my eyes were eagerly glued on the telly as the results of the EU referendum in the UK begin to unravel. Gibraltar, a British overseas territory on the southern end of the Iberian peninsula, delivered its votes with 95% in favour of remain. Then came a few local government units in the country with results still favouring remain. Until it was Sunderland's turn to deliver its votes. I switched off the telly without any clue of who will win. Morning came with Leave votes garnering 51.9% vs. Remain votes with 48.1%.

A domino effect followed: David Cameron announced that he is stepping down as Prime Minister, the pound plunged against its counterparts (i.e. dollars, euros, etc.), the Conservative and Labour Parties (two main political parties here) are in turmoil, and Scotland and Northern Ireland (who both voted Remain) reignited their cause for independence. Worse of all, an atmosphere of hatred has been fostered by some quarters who took the referendum results as a license to demonstrate their bigotry. I think this was fuelled by the Leave campaigners capitalising on the EU immigration/free movement issue policy.

There's a news item about a Polish centre being vandalised by still unidentified bigots. Then there's this group of men ganging up on a Muslim woman shouting "Out, out, out!". Still another story of someone saying in a patronising way how sorry he is that the person next to him is leaving the country. On telly, I saw a man getting out of his car - in the middle of the road, mind you!- just to tell another man from an ethnic minority group to get out of the country. The other man retorted that he is a British citizen. The racist countered that the other man's accent isn't British! 

In my former job, many years back, I had a phone caller who didn't believe that I was based in Nottingham for the absurd reason that my accent wasn't Nottingham. Still, I maintained my composure throughout the call, but reported it to my manager afterwards. My manager told me to make a note of it and put the call through to him if this racist customer calls again and doesn't behave himself.

Cameron will soon have his successor. Ditto Jeremy Corbyn (Labour Party Leader). The pound and UK shares are currently showing signs of progression which is good. However, racism is an issue that we should keep an eye on.  What I loved in the UK ever since I came here 13 years ago was that its people welcomed and valued those from ethnic minorities. Unless such racist acts are tackled head-on, the country will end up in oblivion.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Bishops Conference of England and Wales, writes: "Racism and hatred must never be tolerated, but there is no need for fear...We need to grasp again our basic sense of purpose; in living together, creating together and fashioning a society. It is that sense of purpose that we may have lost focus of; believing that the purpose of politics is to manipulate power; the purpose of business is simply to make profit for a few. This challenge has been with us for a while now.  Our purpose must be our common good, the good of all with no one excluded. Our politicians have to deal with their issues, businessmen and banks with their issues, but the fundamental purpose is to build a world in which strength is used for service and no one is excluded."

I learned that the referendum results is mere advisory and that withdrawal of the UK from the EU is in the hands of Parliament by repealing the 1972 European Communities Act. This is the law which took UK to be part of the EU. By the looks of it, a general election I think seems to be in order, to start afresh if you like since, as one politician confessed "They (i.e. the public) don't believe us". Whether that will happen or not, I hope and pray that our leaders in government would have the wisdom and courage to think of what is best for the country in the aftermath of this historical referendum. As Cardinal Nichols would put it: "The great challenge for those leading the nation now is to speak for everyone. If a victory in a referendum remains a point of division, then we become weaker and weaker as a nation and not play a part in the international scene tackling the world’s problem, which are great and challenging."

In these challenging times, my late grandmother's exhortation comes into fore: "Hanapin mo ang kalooban ng Diyos. Sabihin mo lagi 'Panginoon, ituro mo sa akin ang kalooban Mo'". (Search for the will of God. Always say, 'Lord teach me Your will').

***

Best wishes to my aunt Lilia Reyes who will be celebrating her 83rd birthday tomorrow!  In my book, Tia Lils is an apostle of Mercy. During those troubling times of my childhood, she welcomed my siblings and I into their home and treated us as her own. The years we stayed with them are memorable and inspiring.  I look forward to see her and her family soon. God bless you, Tia Lils! We love you!

***

I would like to take this opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of the late Norma Quevedo-Javier and Tita Almeida.

Auntie Norma belonged to the first batch of Midwifery students who graduated from St Rita Hospital in the early 50s. She would later work in the Accounting Department (in the same institution) until she retired in 1993. A soft spoken, hardworking, and religious lady, we would often chat about the intricacies of life. "Never attack a priest," was one of her advice to me. When I was coordinating the religious activities of the hospital, she gave me the moral support I needed. She passed away yesterday.

Auntie Tita lived a few house away from ours in Gagalangin. We learned more about her through the Rosary devotion in our barangay. At first she came across as a reserved person, but gradually she participated more and more in the devotion. Eventually, she was voted Treasurer of the Queen of Families Rosary Group. She once told my mother and I that she would have preferred to be an ordinary member, but she couldn't say no to our perseverance. She passed away on 11 June.

May God bless their kind souls.

***

I dedicate my final note to my late aunt Mommy Rosie Samaniego whose 18th death anniversary occurs today. Mommy Rosie's love for her nephews and nieces knew no bounds. I happily recall her kind words and actions especially as we celebrate the Year of Mercy. I pray for her soul's eternal repose, full of hope in the words of Jesus: "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7).







The Real Power Wielders

I dropped by a friend's house one evening and I saw them watching TFC. The show at that time was a news item on the forthcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) by President Noynoy Aquino. Or should I say the imminent fashion show during the SONA, thanks to some of its attendees. Archbishop Emeritus Oscar Cruz aired his dismay at the insensitivity of these people who would flaunt in their costly attires and jewelry amidst the poverty in the country.

Appeals such as those of Msgr. Cruz's should be commended.  However, such appeals would fall on deaf ears for as long as people celebrate such inappropriate behavior of our government officials and their families.

Take for example ABS-CBN News' SONA 2014 Fashion People's Choice wherein people are invited to vote for who is the best dressed during the occasion (https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152268795930168.1073741988.27254475167&type=1).  As confirmed in the news item I saw on TV, there will be a 2015 edition of this.  Such activities just feed in to the politicians' proclivity to show off.  If people boycott such a page and the like, the less approval the politicians would get.

Why do some slimy, rubbish, rejected politicians experience a redux? It's because people continue to idolize them. They are invited to public gatherings, act as hermano/a mayor in town fiestas, featured in TV shows or magazines, etc. 

Why do some good, sensible leaders have little or no success in their platform of action? It's because there are people who obstruct them. It's because there are people who (mis)influence them. When Fr Nestor Gungon became Parish Priest of Gagalangin in 2002, we at Tanghalang Anluwage Inc had high hopes on him. Unfortunately, he has been won over by the (power-hungry) officers of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC). This triggered us to pull out of the parish - both Tanghalan and Pahayagan. Now, he's gone and replaced by a new pastor.  I just hope and pray that Gagalangin's new pastor would be able to whip the parish into shape.  If I were an officer of the PPC, I would offer my courtesy resignation to give the cura a freehand in effecting change.

I have come to realize, whether it be in politics or religion, that those who wield power are not the politicians, bishops, or parish priests.  It's the people! And by people I just don't mean the common tao, but more so the underlings, the minions, the taga-loob.  Unless people are properly educated, unless there is a change of heart, any sound reforms introduced by our leaders would be useless.

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.

'Tis the Season to be Thankful!

As I write this piece, family and friends across the pond are celebrating Thanksgiving Day, an annual national holiday to give thanks for the harvest and for the preceding year.  The Albanos in Staten Island, New York have been holding a football game during this celebration since 2007. 

Apart from the harvest and the blessings of the previous year, the gifts of life and love are to be remembered, celebrated, and be grateful for.  Just a day after this year's Thanksgiving, 2 members of our clan are celebrating their birthday.

First on the list is my uncle and godfather, Dr Paulino "Sonny" V Albano Jr.  Ninong Sonny (picture here on the left with his youngest son Manong Paul and grandson Christopher Paul) is the eldest in his brood.  A successful cardiologist in New York, there is no dull moment with him.  I remember the happy times we've spent during our vacations in Ilocos Norte.  Christmas 1998 was really memorable.  After having breakfast, we were supposed to go straight to Bacarra where then Mayor Pacing Velasco was expecting us. He suddenly decided to change the itinerary as he wanted to see relative who was not in speaking terms with our family.  I felt rather nervous at the prospect of going to their place, but was surprised that we were graciously welcomed for lunch.  After exchanging some pleasantries, Ninong Sonny (who was sat between me and this relative) went straight to the point: he wanted to mend the fence.  I felt relieved - not because of the food (Yes, there were lots of them!), but because of the peace that came forth from that event.

With Lolo Paul and Lola Piling now gone, Ninong Sonny has assumed the patriarchate of the clan.  As he once told me, he is the takbuhan (center) of his siblings as well as his nephews and nieces. Personally, there have been instances in the past when he became our kasangga (protector), standing up for our defence.  

It was nice to see him again during my visit to the States last year.  He expressed satisfaction with how Nidz and I are doing.  Before we bid adieu, he told me how the clan has kept itself together, the way his parents have wanted it.

Many happy returns on your 74th birthday, Ninong Sonny!  Thank you for all your kindness.  Keep up the good work of nurturing our clan.  May the good Lord bless you!  We love you!

Next on the list is my cousin, Alexis Albano (pictured here on the left with her sisters Pinky and Ate  Ritzie and cousins Ate Dia and Ate Mia). Ate Leli, as I would call her, is the second daughter of Tito Alex and Tita Peachie Albano.  When we were kids way back in the early 80s, they were our next door neighbors.  We often played and sometimes fight (Kids that we were then!).  Later they moved back to the States, however we kept in touch with them every now and then. I heard that she studied at the West Point in the mid 90s.  Knowing how prestigious this institution is, I felt proud of my cousin!  The last time I saw her was in 1999. It's a shame that we didn't see each other last year.  

Ate Leli got married this 24th (same day as her Dad's birthday).  I'm sure this event gives more reason for celebration on her natal day.

Wishing you all the best on your birthday, Ate Leli!  Congratulations to you and Jessica as you begin a new life together.  God bless you both! See you soon! 

***

Kudos to Representative Manny Pacquiao for winning the match against Brandon Rios!  There have been many moments when the Philippines is at its low and then you'll hear news of a Pinoy boxer winning!  What a saving moment indeed for Pinoys! This is something to be thankful for!

But what if you hear things such as those politicizing the relief operations for Typhoon Yolanda victims?  Remember those bags with the seal of the Vice President of the Philippines on it?  The VP's excuse: it was his friends' doing. Tell it to the Marines!

Or how about the allegation that the Department of Social Welfare & Development (DSWD) has left relief goods to rot?

Or how about these men, disguised as airport staff at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), who would help tourists and balikbayans move their baggage only to extort money on their hapless victims? I heard that they are protected by airport police.

To these and other people of the same ilk, you deserve our kutos (a knuckle blow on the head)!

***

The Virgin Mary, under the title of Immaculate Conception, is the Patroness of the Philippines. In preparation for her feast day on Monday December 9 (the actual feast is December 8, but because it fell on a Sunday, it's moved on the following day), I would like to invite all Catholic Pinoys to recite at least a decade of the Rosary from Saturday November 30 up to Sunday December 8.  Let's ask her help that our country would rise again from the many challenges it has faced or is currently facing this year.

The Best and the Worst in Us

"When everything else is taken away, broken, battered, soaked, raw, stripped, bare, you see things, you see people as they really are. This week in Tacloban, Samar and Cebu, amidst the hunger and thirst, the chaos and confusion, we've seen the best in the Filipino people, their strength, and their courage. I can't get it out of my mind. Imagine the strength it takes for a mother to search alone for her missing kids, the strength to sleep on the street near the body of her child. We've seen people with every reason to despair, every right to be angry, (but) instead find ways to laugh, to love, to stand up, to move forward.  A storm breaks wood and bone, brings hurt and heartbreak. In the end, the wind, the water, the horror it brings is not the end of the story. With aid and assistance, compassion and care, this place, these people...they will make it through. They already survived the worst." 

These were the words of CNN Anchorman Anderson Cooper who was in Tacloban following the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda.  Indeed, the help coming from the 4 corners of the world has been overwhelming.  At the Closing Mass for the Year of Faith this Sunday, a special collection will be held for the typhoon victims. According to the Vatican, this is the first of its kind in a papal Mass.  Grazie, Papa Francesco! For me, this is ending the holy year in style!

Apart from the help the country has received or will be receiving from other countries and charities, we've all witnessed that indomitable spirit of the Filipino.  I was watching BBC News a few days after typhoon Yolanda made a landfall.  A woman was being interviewed.  Devastation was all over the place and yet there she was smiling.  Just a while ago, I saw on Facebook photos of young men playing basketball amidst the rubble.  

These are our best moments!

However, the typhoon has sadly become an occasion for some quarters to be, well, repulsive. Cooper, as many netizens would know by now, crossed swords with ABS-CBN Anchorwoman Korina Sanchez.  Sanchez, who is the wife of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, mentioned in a blind item a blonde CNN reporter who doesn't know what he was saying.  Cooper challenged her to go to Tacloban.  Sanchez got the ire of netizens for her arrogance.  As of this writing, she took a week's leave of absence although rumor has it that she was actually suspended.  

Sanchez's husband came under fire too for allegedly bullying Tacloban Mayor Alfred Romualdez. There were reports that Roxas wanted Romualdez to write a letter to President Aquino informing him that he can no longer act as hizzoner of the ravaged city.  A mere political appointee trying to unseat someone who got his mandate from the people?  My favorite Inquirer Columnist Conrado de Quiros wrote an article entitled "Get him (Roxas) out of there".

Apart from politicizing at the wrong place and at the wrong time, we've heard too that aid that should have gone to the victims were intercepted by insurgents.  There was also looting of groceries.  I could, in a way, understand the fight for survival, but what surprised me was that even policemen joined in the fray.

Trials and tribulations could make or break us.  They can be occasions for us to shine or to stink.  They can bring the best or the worst in us.

***

Meanwhile, in Manila, the Supreme Court has declared the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) unconstitutional last Tuesday November 19.  I'm glad that the High Court has gave its verdict on this. Furthermore, that this third branch of our country's government has lived to its true self as the people's last resort.  As Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago puts it "There is a God, after all".  

Legal expert Fr Joaquin Bernas, SJ, in his latest column in the Inquirer, wrote "The decision Tuesday of the Supreme Court restores the normal constitutional order of handling public money. The first destination of money coming in for the public, either as taxes or other forms of income, is the public treasury. And such money stays in the treasury until Congress determines how it is to be used. As the Constitution says, “No money shall be paid out of the Treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law.” The appropriation can be either through the general appropriations law or through special appropriations. This provision prevents members of Congress, and the President, from indiscriminately spending unappropriated money."

With this ruling, politicians and political wannabes alike should think twice: Is government service really for me? Will running for the presidency be my right move?  How can I work with Congress if I don't have any pork barrel to dangle them with? Will a position in government be an opportunity for me to serve or an occasion of sin?

***

At the House of Representatives, the anti-dynasty bill has been approved - at committee level.  How this will make its way to the plenary session of both houses of Congress (fully packed by  legislators belonging to same affinity) is something that remains to be seen.  Senator Nancy Binay has already criticized such bill - for very obvious reasons.    Abangan ang susunod na kabanata!

Persevere, Change, Witness

Last Monday, August 26, a great crowd of Filipinos marched to Luneta to protest the corruption besetting the government.  The PDAF (a.k.a. pork barrel) scam was on top of the list of the most hated forms of corruption that involved a number of legislators on both houses of Congress. Previous to the Million Man March, President Aquino announced that he is abolishing the pork barrel. I am against the pork barrel since I first started to hear about it when I was in college as it reeks of corruption and traditional politics.  For me, it should be the governors and mayors who must dispose this to their constituents. After all, they are the ones who get in direct contact with people. Not the legislators who, by the nature of their job, must create laws.

When P-Noy made the announcement, I was overjoyed that I posted on Facebook that he is abolishing it.  My excitement backfired.  P-Noy won't abolish it until 2015. And his own pork will not be covered by the abolition!

At any rate, people marched to the streets to air their protest. As a sign of unity with them, Chiara and I wore white that day, the color of the protester's attire.

A day after that protest, we celebrated the feast of St Monica.  This great saint is known for her perseverance in prayer. Her sacrifices bore fruit - first, the conversion of her pagan and adulterous husband Patricius and later, the conversion of her restless and unsettled son Augustine.  

Imitating St Monica, Filipinos need to persevere, to be vigilant lest the Evil One outmanoeuvres us. Lest the pork becomes bacon, sisig, bagnet or lechon for the corrupt and callous-faced politicians and their minions.

Following St Monica's feast day, is her son St Augustine's fiesta. After his metanoia, this "son of many tears" (as what St Ambrose described Augustine in his previous life) would later become a bishop and doctor of the Church. The Catechism of the Catholic Church has mentioned quite a lot of St Augustine's writings.

As a nation, like St Augustine, we need to have that metanoia, that change of heart.  Giving funds at the politicians' discretion is an occasion for sin.  Issuing statements that belie irresponsibility and incompetence is uncalled for.  Incidentally, PDAF scam matermind Janet Lim-Napoles has turned herself over to P-Noy on St Augustine's Day. This is a good sign of conversion. I hope others concerned would do the same.

As of this writing, the Church commemorates the Passion of St John the Baptist.  The Lord's cousin and forerunner called a spade a spade.  His humility and truthfulness were the foundations of his call for repentance. His brutal frankness annoyed Herod and especially Herodias. Later on, this incestuous woman had her way of having this great prophet beheaded.

"Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo", goes the final line of our National Anthem.  Following the footsteps of St John let us bear witness to the truth even to the point of shedding our blood for it.

Persevere. Change. Witness.  Three essential course of action the Philippines has to take to be saved, to be renewed.

***

Talking about the Philippines, you may or may not heard the news that the Komisyon ng Wikang Filipino passed a resolution way back in April to use "Filipinas" instead of "Pilipinas" to recognize our history and development as a nation.  When I was in high school, the subject Pilipino was changed to Filipino because the modern alphabet has already included 'F' in its roster.  Fair enough!  But I am sceptic about changing how we call our country. Imagine changing the seal of the President into "Sagisag ng Pangulo ng Filipinas". How about "Pambansang Awit ng Filipinas"? Or (when communicating with a compatriot) "Saan ka sa Filipinas?".   I am comfortable with Pilipinas!

Caveat Elector!

From the very start, it was bad taste for Joseph 'Erap' Estrada to run as mayor of Manila.  He was the country's head of state way back in 1998 until he was evicted from Malacañan in 2001. Put on house arrest, convicted for plunder (the crime booms like thunder!), and then pardoned by his predecessor, Erap has this mindset that he has done nothing wrong (Remember him saying: "Wala akong kasalanan!" at the height of his impeachment?).  So much so that he ran for president in 2010 (ignoring one of the conditions of his pardon).  Had Noynoy not run and won, we would have Erap back on the throne!

As though not learning enough from his debacle in 2010, he's now eyeing the mayorship of Manila. And to quash any charges that may possibly hail him to court on his residency, he had a house built in Manila last year.

Why Manila? Well, it has been said that if you are mayor of the nation's capital, you are, one way or another, like the President of the Philippines.  Another reason, which I like to believe is in Erap's agenda, is to use the mayoral post as a spring board back to Malacañan. Alfredo Lim, Manila's incumbent Mayor and Erap's rival for the post, tried that in 1998, but did not succeed.

Traditionally, Philippine presidents assume a 'senior statesman role' once their term of office expires.  Look at Elpidio Quirino, Cory Aquino, and Fidel Ramos. Look too at their foreign counterparts: USA's Ronald Reagan, George Bush, and Bill Clinton; and UK's Margaret Thatcher, and Tony Blair. They retired as private citizens and did their best to serve the country in other ways. This tradition was broken by Gloria Arroyo and Erap, two known gahamans (greedy people) of the Philippines.

Wikipedia stated: In October 2010, Foreign Policy (magazine)[44] included Estrada in its list of five former head of states/governments who did not make "a positive difference in the world", but "faded away into obscurity." Also included in this "Bad Exes" list were Thailand's Thaksin Shinawatra, Spain's Jose Maria Aznar, and Germany's Gerhard Schroder.

A bad ex (president), an ex con(vict),  a leader who claims to be pro-poor, but actually uses the poor to advance his own agenda (not to mention a known womanizer who sired children from different mothers).  Is Manila - one of the cities that rose to oust Erap in 2001- willing gamble its freedom to vote for such a candidate?

As I once commented in Facebook, "Yung baho sa San Juan, huwag nang dalhin pa sa Maynila" (Leave the stench of San Juan where it is. Don't bring it to Manila).
Caveat elector! (Voter beware!)

Stupid Proposal

Dear President Aquino,

I vehemently oppose Vice President Binay’s recommendation to accord the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos military honours. Although he proposed that Marcos be buried in Ilocos Norte, his suggestion is flawed because Marcos does not deserve even to be accorded military honours.

The medals that Marcos used to flaunt with have been found a bogus. His despotic rule has demoralized the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – it only got back to its senses when it abandoned him in February 1986. How could one be honoured when that individual brought shame to that institution? Have we become like the Jews of old who preferred the murderer Barabbas over the innocent Jesus? Do we reward a mediocre student over a hard working one? Do we favour someone who may have started with a sterling performance, but in the end failed miserably? Even in showbiz, these people are thrown into oblivion!

Where is our sense of propriety and justice here? Obviously, Binay’s proposal, which reeks more of political expediency than moral soundness, is incompatible with the ‘daang matuwid’ that has been your battle cry since assuming the presidency.

Nowhere in the world would we be seeing a country honouring a president responsible for its downfall. Needless to say the likes of Hitler and Mussolini where never given military honours let alone interred in graveyard for heroes. Nowhere, except in our country!

When your mother was president, she was fully aware of this issue and did the right thing by denying state burial and military honours for her predecessor. She acted not because she was biased, but because she was the leader of a nation in need of justice. I hope you would also follow the same mind-set, not because Mrs Aquino was your mother, but because it is the only sensible thing to do.

If you intend justice and peace to truly reign in our land, if you endeavour to lead us all in that straight path, if you aim to regain this country’s dignity which has been stolen by the evil designs of Marcos and his minions, if you rise up from being a politician into a statesman, if you assert your role as Father of this nation, I strongly make this appeal to you: No to military honors for Marcos! No to a Marcos burial in the Libingan ng mga Bayani!

Yours sincerely,

Pietro S Albano

Historical Amnesia

I shared in the jubilation of our country when Noynoy Aquino won in the presidential elections in May 2010. Amidst that victory, I didn’t fail to notice that Imelda Marcos got a seat in the House of Representatives, her son Bongbong was elected a senator, and her daughter Imee was voted governor. I just shook my head in disbelief. In a way I kept my silence as though I was perfectly resigned to our countrymen’s historical amnesia. As I was being overcome by this amnesia (due in part to the fact that I am abroad), it suddenly occurred to me that EDSA 1 celebrated its 25th anniversary.

I almost thought that it was “just another day” had it not for the news that the Marcoses have resurrected their insistence that Ferdinand Marcos be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. Isn’t it that the late dictator’s family had plans of burying him in one of their properties in Ilocos Norte? Why does the family now want his remains to be interred in that cemetery? Is it because now that they are back in power they feel as though they have been vindicated (and thus a Marcos burial is in the offing)? Perhaps burying Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani would be an icing to their (return to power) cake, wouldn’t it?

What annoys me is how unrepentant these Marcoses have been and how forgiving we are as a nation. We idolize them, we invite them to our community celebrations, and we vote them to public office! Don’t we have had enough of them? Perhaps those who have known them today may have been deprived of who these Marcoses really are, how they have abused their authority, and how they treated the country’s coffers with impunity. Perhaps those who once fought against the Marcoses are either dead or have been fed up with our political system.

It annoys me too that P-Noy, instead of putting his foot down on the issue, has delegated such responsibility to someone else. He felt that someone neutral would be able to make objective recommendations which he will implement. I agree with Emil Jurado who pointed out that P-Noy is not only the president of the "Yellow horde", but of the entire nation.

With all due respect, Mr President, can I just remind you that your mother faced a similar issue when she was president. However, she was (wo)man enough to make a decision of not allowing Marcos’ remains flown home. Like you, your mother was seen as being partial to the burial issue because of what her deceased husband (your father) went through under the Marcos dictatorship. Yet, she was aware that she was not only Cory the Martyr’s Widow. Over and above that, she was Cory the President. Some people say that she was vindictive, but I’m one of those who would say she acted out of prudence and care for the country. Her decision was even challenged up to the Supreme Court with it eventually voting in her favour.

I hope and pray that Vice President Jojo Binay who was tasked to study this burial issue, would consider the impact if Marcos is allowed to be buried in that place where the remains of personalities likes Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal, Salvador Laurel, Carlos P. Romulo, and Haydee Yorac are interred.

To allow his burial in such a venerable site would be tantamount to accepting him as a hero; a dictator who was an angel (Is there one at all?). Obviously it would be a slap on the face of the many victims of Martial Law. Mr Binay should be aware of that since he used to provide legal assistance for the victims of Martial Law abuses.

It would be making fun of whatever is left of the EDSA 1 spirit, i.e. our united front to drive Marcos and his minions out power and bring that kind of change which the country badly needs. It would also serve as a cue for the likes of Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo (and their scions) to further make a fool out of the electorate – they have done already with the former running as second place in the presidential race while the latter winning a congressional seat.

Unless we rise up from our historical amnesia, our country will always see the same politicians, the same selfish people taking the lead. It’s high time we make these remorseless people understand that forgiveness should be done in the context of justice. The Marcoses may have been back, but that doesn’t mean they are free from any legal obligations to the victims of their excesses.

It’s high time we wake up! It’s high time we make others, especially the young, aware of what really happened in the past lest they be condemned to repeat where we have failed.

***

Words that every Filipino should ponder and live (in the hope of recovering from historical amnesia):

I will hate the ways of the crooked; they shall not be my friends. The false-hearted must keep far away; the wicked I disown...No man who practices deceit shall live in my house. No man who utters lies shall stand before my eyes.(Psalm 100)

Ninoy forever! Marcos NEVER!!!!!(Anti-Marcos protest slogan, 1983)

Assertion and Propriety

The inclusion of Cecile Guidote-Alvarez’s name (as well as Carlo J Caparas’) in the roster of new National Artists have raised a howl among the likes of Bienvenido Lumbera, F Sionil Jose, and Virgilio Almario. Strangely, their names were not included in the list of names which the Cultural Center of the Philippines – National Commission for Culture and the Arts (CCP-NCCA) jointly submitted to the Palace.

There have been arguments about why Caparas, a known ‘massacre’ movie director would be bestowed such an award. Alvarez, for her part, should not be awarded for the simple reason that she is part of the NCCA as its executive director – her artistic contributions notwithstanding.

I have personally got allergic with awards since 1996 when I accompanied my late Lola Piling to an awarding ceremony in Gagalangin Parish. I was shocked that even the organizers got awards! I looked at an awardee’s plaque of recognition and saw his name twice – as an awardee and a member of the Awards Committee!

For me, you don’t need to be awarded or recognized for just doing your job (or ministry as my friend Vlad Reyes would put it). If awards and recognitions would be your goals in serving the community or the country or God Himself, it would be better not to serve at all.

That is why, I declined an award which the same parish was about to bestow on me in 2005. Service per se is the award!

I know that the parish award would not be at par with the National Artists Award, but I think there’s a similar theme: politics. People want to bestow awards on those who have been their kumpares or kumares, etc. Worse, they want to bestow awards on themselves! It’s time to change politics with professionalism in selecting awards. Otherwise awards would just defeat their raison d’etre.

If I were part of the CCP-NCCA committee vetting out nominees, I would assert our position the same way that the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) asserted itself when the Palace tried to muddle about with the list of nominees to the Supreme Court. The JBC, by the way, got want it want in the end.

If I were Mrs Alvarez I would have, out of delicadeza, kindly declined the nomination rather than be defensive to the President’s prerogative to choose National Artists. Were not Mrs Alvarez and her husband Sonny used to fight against the evils in the Marcos Regime? Were they not part of the fresh air that the Cory Administration brought in to the country? What happened to what they were fighting for? What happened to you, Cecille?

As for those who feel aggrieved by the President’s decision, hail her court!