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.