AT THE COURT

Photo credit to Gtv 

Have you heard about the squabble in the basketball court involving the Jose Rizal College's (JRU) John Anthony Walker Amores and the Benilde Blazers' Taine Davis and Jimboy Pasturan?

Being a former athlete myself, I also disagree with the violence shown by Amores. It was a clear out of the line due probably by the pressure, tension and the desire to win the game. 

I also agree that Amores should be met with sanctions and punishments by the National College Athletic Association (NCAA) Board as well as by his own university. However, firing Amores from the team is too harsh a punishment. I am not privy to the student-athlete handbook of JRU or any university for that matter, nor even to the number of offenses that Amores has committed. But I believe that removing Amores from the team will not address the issue nor will it serve as a deterrent to avoid repeating the offense.

The JRU should have looked beyond the scandal and seen the issue facing the student athletes in handling pressure. Instead of getting rid of Amores and the problem he entangled the JRU, they should ensure that the player will go through physical, psychological and emotional rehabilitation and recovery to help him become a better man someday. Because for me, removing Amores' from the team is tantamount to abandoning in the middle of the sinking ship. Did anyone ever consider putting him under the team's close watch to ensure that his character changes? 

 

BUDGET SLASH

Photo credit to Deposit photo

Do you know anyone from your community or circle who has children, brothers, sisters or relatives with special needs? This also includes those with "special education (SPED)" support? Do you think the government should continue to allocate funds in order to alleviate the challenges and conditions of the families who have a child that requires special attention.

In July 2018, it was bared publily that children in the Philippines need better care following the study made by UNICEF quoting the PhilHealth that one out of seven Filipino children or 5.1 million school children have disabilities. As far as the enrolled students with disabilities for school year 2021-2022 DepEd registered 93, 895, which is 74% below its pre-pandemic tally of 360, 879. 

Sadly, despite these numbers the national government has struck out from the 2023 national expenditure program being proposed at the House of Representatives (HOR) during the ongoing budget deliberations the P560 million as DepEd's appropriation for special children. 

As a taxpayer I see this unfair knowing there are budget appropriations to the other government offices and agencies that are unnecessary, while those that should be appropriated to benefit the poor and marginalized sectors of the society were being robbed of the opportunity. 

Imagine this government will be spending an X amount for a new catering area in Malacanang, and will allocate budget for "confidential and intelligence funds" of several if not all government agencies and departments in 2023, but slashed the funds for UP-PGH's capital outlay, Commission on Human Rights' financial assistance to victims of human rights, Philippine Heart Center (PHC), National Kidney Transplant Institute (NKTI), and no funding for the Department of Transportation's supposed shift to modern PUV as part of government's assistance to the transportation sector, as well as the DepEd's special education, are among those budgets were cut by the NEP.

I wonder what was the wisdom of the chief executive for allowing the budget cut to these items, as the beneficiaries of these proposed appropriations are mostly the marginalized communities.

Once again, I hope that the 31 million Filipinos who voted for the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the last May election will remain at the top priority of this administration. And I likewise pray that the authorities will exercise prudence as every cent spent by this government comes from the Filipinos hard earned money whether you are a pro BBM-Duterte or not. 

MODERNIZING PH AGRICULTURE?

Photo credit to ops.gov.ph

It has been a while since I posted and wrote something in this blog because I do not want to be presumptive, subjective and negative to the new government administration.

But if you are to look at the Philippine agriculture which President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. is administering as concurrent Department of Agriculture Secretary, a growing and increasing issue needs to be handled.

About two months ago, some sectors were already recommending that Pres. BBM must appoint an agriculture chief to focus more on the problems of the agriculture industry. Obviously, Pres. Marcos Jr. could not handle the issue because there are a lot more other equally pressing concerns at his desk.

There are the issues of transportation, traffic, fare hike, gasoline, as well as the electricity increase among others. While, the issues of sugar importation, onion, salt and now even the garlic supply will soon become a concern of the Filipino public. I believe these issues are a must that the national government should address with immediacy, as these can affect the people's day to day life whether you are in the upper class of the society or at the bottom.

I would like to believe that the President and his Cabinet members are not taking these problems lightly, and are equally affected as everyone of us. Therefore, it is fitting that utmost concern and urgency be made to address the worries hounding the Filipino public, farmers, electricity, transportation, and the agriculture industry per se. 

Of course, I the president's support to the Gilas Pilipinas on Monday night which was shown by his presence at the MOA Arena are deeply appreciated by the Gilas Team, but the extra time exerted instead of watching the game could have been more appreciated and productive if this was utilized  to expedite to answer the concerns in the agriculture, transportation and energy sectors.

I wonder what the 31-million Filipino voters who supported the candidacy of the administration would feel right now, as there are huge concerns affecting the nation, who has promised to cure the agriculture's problem and to make it a top priority.

Anyway, at the end of the day I hope that the presentadministration would be able to provide reasonable and lasting solutions to the problems affecting not only the agriculture department but all the other concerns involving the Filipino nation.

THE ICONS

 

Photo credit to Roimhie Damian for his scribbled art showcasing the La Primera Contravida Cherie Gil (May 12, 1963-Aug 5, 2022)

As a Filipino who grew up watching her great acting prowess as a "kontra bida", truly it is with deep sadness to know that Cherie Gil or Evangeline Rose Gil Eigenmann has passed away.

I was browsing my phone that afternoon of August 5, when I chance upon the news of Cherie's passing at Rappler. The news has shaken my peace, that made me browse one social media site to another. But it was the confirmation of Cherie's nephew, actor Sid Lucero that put a stop to my quest.

Every day since Friday, I would read more about Cherie Gil and a lot more other Filipino people have somehow been touched by the so-called La Primera Contravida, even those people who would not ring a bell to their names are giving tribute to Cherie Gil. 

I for one was very fortunate to have experienced the kindness of the veteran kontrabida when in early 2000 she agreed to guest live for free at Radio Veritas studio, which at the time was located in Quezon Avenue, Quezon City  beside the infamous Mystique Disco. I remembered there was no lengthy discussion when I asked her if she could grace our program then. In fact she came that day way ahead of time and brought with her then her young children Bianca and Raphael. Indeed, it was a great memory to recall that once upon a time during my prime I got to meet in person Cherie Gil and got to see that unguarded side of her as an actress and a mother. The daughter of showbiz icons Eddie Mesa and Rosemarie Gil who now lives in the US, has succumbed to breast cancer at the age of 59.

Photo credit to Rappler

Meanwhile, it was not so long ago that I posted on July 22, the condition of the '80s Asia's Sprint Queen Lydia De Vega who at the time was in need of prayers and financial assistance following her battle with breast cancer. Sadly, again as I am engrossed in reading and browsing today, I once more chance upon the news of De Vega's passing at the age of 57. 

Definitely, I am not just being sentimental, but these people Cherie Gil and Lydia De Vega were icons that I grew up with since I was born in 1974, technically, they were just a decade away from me and my generation. De Vega was once my idol, someone I looked up to when I was also making a name for myself in school as a volleyball athlete, and now, she too, is gone. 

Also, Australian pop singer Olivia Newton-John who made a name in the '70s through her hit songs "Hopelessy Devoted To You, Xanadu and Sam" among others, also died of breast cancer at age 73, on August 8 at her ranch in Southern California. The singer has been battling the big-C since Sepember 2018.

Thus, this series of deaths takes me back to what Cherie and other people would always say as to what legacy we all could leave behind. So while we can, while you still have a chance, be kind to others as you do not know the battles they are fighting.

AFTER THE FAME

 

Photo credit to @CNNPhilippines

It is my hope that the programs and projects of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will not only include the propagation and development of sports and national athletes but also their retirement, health and death.

I say this following the news that spread in the social media this week that the track and field queen of the 80s—Lydia De Vega-Mercado is in a very critical condition. Penned by Mercado's daughter Stephanie "Paneng" Mercado-Koenigswarter said the former Asia's fastest woman is in need of prayers and financial assistance due to her worsening condition due to Stage 4 Breast Cancer. 

Mercado's daughter said the sprint queen was first diagnosed in 2018 and since then she has been silently fighting the big C. Paneng Mercado explained that as her mother's condition is progressing, the state of her health is likewise worsening.

I understand that the the veteran sprinter has managed to secure a decent living for herself as a former coach. However, it would be much better to have a program that includes former athletes and coaches in the national government's sports program. That way, we not only protect the memory of our national athletes and coaches, but are also building a stronger foundation for the sports program of the national sports today and the future generations.

Meanwhile, athletes such as boxer Luisito Espinosa had to go to China to better his life after retiring from boxing. Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco, silver medal holder in Atlanta olympics in 1996 and his brother Roel, who won bronze in Barcelona olympics in 1992, did not receive all the promised incentives to them by the national government upon coming home. 

These are among the continuing saga of Filipino athletes as active athletes have to continue to endure the government's failure to provide food allowance and decent lodging for regular and para-athletes such as Edwin Villanueva and Adrian Asul. Eumir Marcial, who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, said he had to appeal for donations and sponsorship to be able to represent the country. As for the Filipino tennis player Alex Eala, she and her family had to correct the claim made by PSC that the commission paid P3 million for Eala's training. 

I pray that the new administration of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos would also look at the corruption at the PSC and POC, and would review the merit of those names being considered for the posts before appointing them to the office to ensure the welfare of the national athletes and that the sports programs are always the top considerations and priorities of our sports agencies.

THE PRESIDENCY

Photo credits to philnews.ph

Tomorrow, June 30, 2022, the six year reign of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) also tagged as "The Punisher" will wrap up. 

Looking back, PRRD promised to put an end  to illegal drugs and criminality within one year, increase the salaries of workers, put an end to contractualization, vowed to fight the country's claim to the West Philippine Sea and eliminate corruption in government among many others. 

Following the series of tokhang and with 30, 000 deaths during the first few years of the war on drugs, Duterte later admitted it was impossible to counter the illegal drugs problem. Also, contrary to what has been promised contractualization in the private and government sector will remain to be an issue including the increase in the basic pay of the work forces. 

The corruption issue in the government remains to be a problem including that of the PhilHealth Insurance even during the pandemic. And despite the whim of the President this did not stop the irregularity in the national office particularly in the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) among many other state owned institutions. Therefore, addressing the predicament involving public trust and stealing public funds remains to be a challenge. This goes also in the fight on the West Philippine Seas wherein in 2016, PRRD on board a jet-ski with him holding a Philippine flag committed to contest China's repeated incursions. 

Duterte has said so much about the welfare of the Filipinos yet his government failed to sincerely address the problem. Let me take the case of PhilHealth as an example. I don't know if the Filipino workers have already noticed this, but their monthly PhilHealth contributions have increased  effective June 2022.  I believe the adjustment is unnecessary since many Filipinos are still reeling from the effects of the pandemic. For the record, as of May 2022, the national government's total debt is P12.68 trillion.  No wonder the Fitch Rating Philippines rating downgraded the country's credit from stable. Hence, Filipinos will be plunged into a deeper loan.

Meanwhile, by noon tomorrow, the administration will transition from Duterte's 'The Punisher' to one of his closest political ally–President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos 'authoritarianism? Whose only campaign promise was "unity". 

Again, Filipino people will brace another six years with hope that this time the majority has voted for the right leaders. So along with the 31-million Filipinos who voted for the BBM-Sarah tandem, the rest of the Pinoys both here and abroad can only pray for the best amidst the issue of historical revisionism, coordinated social media misinformation campaign and the threat of constitutional monarchy among the many issues associated with the Marcoses.

UNFORTUNATE

Photo courtesy of Brandon Morgan

I wish each local sitio, or barangay would come up with a project that will help protect their constituents against the dangers of lightning.

Yesterday, I learned that a child died on the spot after he was struck by lightning in a junk shop, while his brother and father are being treated in a local hospital here in San Narciso, Zambales. 

I remembered it was almost 8pm on June 21, 2022, when the rain poured heavily along with the roaring thunder and frightening lightning. Since everyone in the family was already home, all we did was close the windows and doors and resumed playing "word factory" which we often do at night as a family bonding activity. However, unknown to us there was a family which needed emergency assistance. The news spread the following day and it was so sad. 

Also, last year, almost the same season when we were again here for a vacation a lightning hit the electric post that caused brownout only to us as it closely affected our electric meter.

Therefore, I wonder why the barangay is not doing anything to avert possible danger or hazard to public safety? Maybe the good Mayor-elect La Rainne Sarmiento can initiate the study and possibly set up a lightning rod that can be placed in significant areas of her town to avoid further tragedy?

****** 

Everytime my partner and I come home here in La Paz, I can't help but notice the poor service and almost no activity in their barangay. Thus, I believe barangay in general must be audited for the programs, projects and services they render because many local offices including barangays and its officials are just there waiting for their quarterly stipend but are not doing essential work for the community and the people.

We arrived here at almost lunch time on June 5, where I learned that the outgoing Mayor has halted the regular collection of garbage after losing in the recent mayoral race. On Saturday, June 18, our family went out to light a candle and offer a short prayer to "Apo La Paz" to what they call here "Sentro/Centro" near the local beach and where the huge Barangay Hall of Barangay La Paz is also located, as well as the local court and auditorium are situated.

La Paz, indeed, is a beautiful place but sadly it lacks the affection of local elected leaders to preserve and prevent it from human destruction. The garbage bins were situated all over the park near the beach and the Centro but there were no random check ups from either barangay tanods and barangay leaders to remind the public to clean the place as they go and to always wear their face masks. It has been very noticeable here that many people are no longer keen on wearing the face masks as there are no more random check ups from the local authorities. 

If this is the kind of mentality of the local leaders, perhaps the higher local officials particularly the Department of the Interior and Local to demand report and audit from barangays such as the Barangay La Paz to compel them to work because they are really lacking the drive to do what is expected of them being the smallest unit of the government.

I hope I am making sense and awareness to secure the town that my partner has grown up in and love.

 

WHEN RANDOM ISN'T RANDOM AT ALL

 

Photo lifted from the Canadian Inquirer.Net

I was browsing Facebook when I chanced upon the story of a visiting lawyer in Philadelphia who incidentally was a staff lawyer of detained outgoing Sen. Leila De Lima. 

The 35 year old John Albert Laylo was apparently on board an Uber car with his mother at around 4:06 am, Philadelphia time when six gun shots were fired at him. Laylo and his mother were on their way to the airport to supposedly visit a relative in Chicago when the incident transpired. 

It doesn't take an expert to determine that this was not just an incident of random shooting although the way the crime was orchestrated it would appear "hit-or-miss" shooting. 

The shooting incident transpired in the wee hours of the morning, that it was hard to mislead it to another act of random violence. The assailant had made it obvious that the shots committed were specific only to Jal Laylo. Because except for the minor bruises caused by the shattered glass, no bullets was sustained by Mrs. Leah Bustamante Laylo nor the driver has been reported so far. 

Therefore, it speaks clearly of the intention–to silence Jal Laylo. But why? For what reason? And who could be behind the operation? 

I pray and hope that the US authorities and the Philippine Consulate Office will not let the case of Laylo add to the statistics of "cold cases" in Philadelphia. 

OVERSIGHT

Photo credit to GMA News Facebook

I would like to see the apology of outgoing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD) as humbling following his admission of oversight in allowing e-sabong to operate in the Philippines.

Indeed, it takes a man to own up to his mistake. But while I commend the President for admitting he had a late realization on the effects of e-sabong to cockfighting enthusiasts, I however, would not buy that easily. 

President Duterte may not have the sufficient time to go through thoroughly to the e-sabong when it was submitted for the approval of the chief executive, but I believe the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporations and other Offices of the President such as the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Office "tasked to manage the development and formulation of the projects and policies of the Office of the President" (as defined by the Wikipedia). I agree that it is the command responsibility of the chief executive, but the agency that endorsed the e-sabong must also be held accountable for not doing its job well. Because obviously, the authorities concerned were only overwhelmed by the P640-million revenue that will be collected from cockfighting aficionados online and dismissed the consequences that goes or would be generated from the proposal. 

However, now that the effects and ills of the gambling are coming out, the government's easy way out of course is to  stop its operation to prevent further damage and criticisms. 

It is pitiful for the Filipino taxpayers as our interests and welfare were always taken at the backseat. We were actually never the priority, but the people are always being used as an excuse every time the government officials have to make a critical decision.

I hope that the incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr, would make true to his promises that he would bring the Philippines back to its glory and not to further deplete the country that is already debilitated. 

Despite and inspite the obvious, let us all try to remain optimistic that all this are just a phase that we as a Filipino nation must work together. 

 

ADIEU

Sunset of June 11, 2022, at La Paz, San Narciso, Zambales

In life, oftentimes you are put in a situation where you have to let go in order to achieve one. And whatever the unknown package that comes along with that specific decision you must accept and embrace.

Crossroads. Like most ordinary people, I too, am often at the crossroads wondering where to go, especially if you have no one to turn around. Most of the time I would confine myself at the comfort of my deep thoughts and imaginations that no one could see or intervene unless I share it with others, and there are moments that I would talk and seek specific guidance from God.

When I had a mild stroke and eventually recovered in 2016, I have been telling myself and to everyone close to me  that I am not yet ready to go, all because of that one great love. Yes, that time I still wanted to hold on and live longer for my great love. 

However, this morning I had a dream, we were looking at a new place, hopefully to acquire a place for us to be called "ours." As we toured the place there was this guy who was very sneaky, obviously interested in my partner. He moved carefully so that I could not go near my partner and strategized that I would end up on the opposing side. Realizing that I'm becoming a burden I silently made my way out. When I woke up today, I told my partner everything, and asked her if she will give up on me or should I prepare myself, she responded to me with "maybe not?". 

Again, this morning another incident happened that made me realize that perhaps I have to prepare myself, that soon I must accept and start letting go. Maybe, just maybe, this is the reason why for the longest time nothing seems to be going right because soon I will have to go and be reunited with Tatay, Eddieboy and my sister Mary. That while I wanted to be still with Maritess, I am already a burden, so I guess it is time to accept that my purpose is already done and I am no longer needed here.

 

THE EXCITING PART?

Photo credit to Manila Times. A day ago following the eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon

The incoming administration of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong Marcos said he is ready to face the challenges of the outgoing government of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. 

In fact, shortly after the May 9 elections with BBM-Sarah's huge margin, the president elect has started to name the would be members of his Cabinet executives that supposedly will help address the problems that they will inherit from the outgoing President Duterte. 

The transition committee has also been set-up earlier than June to planout measures that aim to bolster the economy and financial structure of the coming administration and to provide solutions to the other concerns of the country and its people. 

However, as June 30 nears, the fate of the new President-elect BBM and his Cabinet is being challenged by natures as if it wanted to see how committed and well they are prepared for these problems besetting the Filipino nation.

Why do I say this? This all due to the concerns that are one by one slowly picking up but has a direct effect on the citizens and the country in general. Amongst these issues include the following: 

• Series of spike in oil prices that has a direct impact on the transportation sector, as well as the land, water and air fare, electricity rate, and prices of commodities

• Eruption of Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon

• Skirmishes in Mindanao

• Renewed armed activities of the CPP-NPA

• Series of fire incidences 

• and even the Earthquake with series of it rounding up the country is also challenging the new government 

These so far are the problems that will have to add to the many other priority concerns of BBM-Sarah administration as soon as they take over the power in the afternoon of June 30. 

Thus, making it more exciting to watch how the duo from the north and the south regions of Philippines will champion their unity call versus the surmounting problems of the country.

IN THE GUISE OF A JOKE

 

Photo credit to Philippine Star

I wish that the Presidential sister, Sen. Imee Marcos would be more tactful when making jokes especially when going on air, as the people are observing and listening to what the Marcoses [will] says.

Remember the battle cry of the BBM-Sarah administration that won President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. by a wide margin of 31-million votes was "unity". In fact, in the early days of the canvassing showing BBM's huge lead in the national elections, Marcos Jr. reiterated his appeal for unity and even asked Filipinos not to leave the country, as some of the supporters of outgoing Vice President Leni Robredo threatens to go abroad in case Bongbong wins the presidential race. 

Earlier today at the Lopez owned ANCHeadstart virtual interview, television anchor Karen Davila greeted sen. Imee "good morning" to which the lady senator gladly responded, "good morning, Karen. It's nice to see you're still in the Philippines." 

Laughingly, Karen said, "First of all congratulations" in which Imee cut saying "Akala ko magma-migrate ka kapag nanalo ang Marcos". Gracefully and with a smile, Karen said "hoping always for the best for the country", to which the senator replied smiling, "Thank you very much. We need that unity." After that short exchange of greetings the official interview went on. That short exchange, however, went viral as some people eventually started maligning Karen Davila based on the exact transcript of messages on this specific portion. Some pro-BBM supporters even stated in the comments sections that Karen deserved what she got from the senator. 

The presidential sister may be sincerely joking to Karen Davila but the people who have seen and made a recording of the interview take it differently. The comment of the good senator was viewed as an attack to Karen which I hope was not the case. Thus, I believe the exchange of conversations especially in public or in mass media platforms must be limited to official discussions so as not to fuel  further division rather it could help lead to "social and political healing" that the Philippines need as a nation.

I thought that the cordial exchange between the outgoing VP Robredo and VP-elect Sarah Duterte is already a good sign that incoming public officials and allies of the new administration including its supporters must emulate. Also, if we can start avoiding singling out hardcore pro-pink supporters such as Janno Gibbs in order to abort tensions that will do no good for the country's economic recovery.

If the incoming Marcos-Duterte really want to convert the other Filipinos not included in the 31-millions who believed in him, then those in power including the "First Family" and the future cabinet members must take the unity call more seriously, and with a heart.  

That's my two cents' sense on the issue for today.