Winnie Castelo’s Legislative Idiocy The Anti-Planking Act of 2011

Rep. Winston “Winnie” Castelo of 2nd district in Quezon City wants to stop planking among students with his bill called Anti-Planking Act of 2011. His concern or his beef which is more likely is not about the youtube craze per se but to stop student activists from using planking as a form of redress of grievance.

In Castelo’s praise errr press release there is a conscious attempt to picture his proposed bill as well-intent and a family man who is concerned with the welfare of his children and the country. I was almost impressed with this quote from him in his own praise release below:

Lest this picture read in newspapers or posted in the internet might evolve into a new mindset that just might go viral or very contagious, let it be nipped in the bud. The Filipino psyche of our young children in school is under attack – right here and now.

Really now Winnie, I saw the video of the street protest regarding the oil price hike and it was not strictly planking as some were lying down on their backs. Hmmmmn, was that a Mayweather like cheap shot to gain self-importance for the sake of grabbing attention aimed at who else but yourself?

Merit Salud in his FaceBook sharing aptly sums it up with the following statement:

WHEN IDIOTIC IDEAS OVERCOME A LEGISLATURE'S LACK OF LEGISLATIVE CREATIVENESS!

Some people think that Castelo’s “brilliant” bill might make us the laughing stock of the world once this gets out on the World Wide Web. Politics and showbiz in the Philippines are like dung to a fly so it really does not matter if the news is good or bad, flattering or unflattering as long as they land on the print and broadcast media.

Planking is a fad and a thing of the past says Volt Santos in Castelo’s page and suggested that he create instead an Anti-Batmanning Act.

Not a bad idea indeed if Weanie errr Winnie wants to be on top of the tweeting trend since he did well in his anti-planking act. I say brilliant, no not the bill he wants to shove the students throat but the internet trending that comes with his notoriety, LOL.

If his intent was to attract attention to himself, then he is on the right tract but along with it comes unflattering remarks and observations. Case in point is the confusion he brings to Connie Veneracion who can’t tell if Winnie is a girl or a boy because of Winnie’s bad hair day picture. Looking at his picture I just can’t help notice that he somehow resembles Sen. Jamby Madrigal, can’t blame Connie for getting confused there.

To his credit the bill he says has no intention of criminalizing planking since there is no penalty but then again if that is the case what is the point of the bill, a free ride to the popularity of planking fad? What is obvious is that Winnie Castelo is a closeted fascist thus his fixation to curtail the youths freedom of expression and redress of grievances by introducing a bill against of all things a planking fad. His Facebook page sadly shows his true colors if he is the one managing it or his people because as I posted twice my comments it was both deleted and others are starting to complain about their comments getiing deleted. Winnie is definitely the reason why political dynasty is a big problem in our political system and needs to be addressed or we are reduced to jokers wasting people's resources on silly bills that serves no good purpose for the community he represents.

The wonders of the internet is its instant response to the anomalous bill of Winnie Castelo with a JUNK Anti-Planking Act of 2011 NOW created by Kevin Chua, so if you are on Facebook go and like the page.

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Phil. Representative signatories to a Resolution allowing a Heroes burial for Marcos

Below is the article found at Alleba Politics listing the 216 representatives written by Maria Jose. The list of the history revisionist are indeed familiar if not a permanent fixture in the sorry pathetic state of Philippine personality and patronage politics. Can we expect any different, of course not but that does not mean that we have to suffer in silence especially those victims of the despotic regime being elevated from the Philippine history's villain to herp with a mere stroke of their revisionist poisonous pen.

Call, write or email your representatives if they are on list and ask what drives them to rewrite history to elevate former dictator Ferdinand Marcos into a hero. Their election to that office is embarrasment enough but their action will definitely make us the laughing stock of the world at the expense of thousands of human rights victims under the despotic regime of the conjugal dictatorship.

The least we can do is to sign this petition to stop the shameless history revisionist from their madness located at this link titled Marcos is not a Hero! Protest the Plan to Make Him One!

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216 representatives have signed the House of Representatives resolution filed on March 23, 2011 entitled “A RESOLUTION URGING THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESIDENT BENIGNO C. AQUINO III TO ALLOW THE BURIAL OF THE REMAINS OF FORMER PRESIDENT FERDINAND EDRALIN MARCOS AT THE LIBINGAN NG MGA BAYANI.” Here is the list of the 216 representatives who signed the said resolution:

• Abayon, Daryl Grace J., AANGAT TAYO
• Acharon, Pedro Jr. B., South Cotabato & General Santos City, 1st District, NPC
• Acop, Romeo M., Antipolo City, 2nd District, Independent
• Aggabao, Giorgidi B., Isabela, 4th District, LPC
• Aglipay, Emmeline Y., DIWA
• Agyao, Manuel S., Kalinga, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Albano, Rodolfo B., Isabela, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alcover, Pastor Jr. M., ANAD
• Almario, Thelma Z., Davao Oriental, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Almonte, Jorge T., Misamis Occidental, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alvarez, Antonio C., Palawan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Alvarez, Mercedes K., Negros Occidental, 6th District, NPC
• Amante-Matba, Angelica M., Agusan del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Amatong, Rommel C., Compostela Valley, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Andaya, Rolando Jr. G., Camarines Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Angping, Ma. Zenaida B., Manila, 3rd District, NPC
• Antonino, Rodolfo W., Nueva Ecija, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Antonio, Patricio T., ABIAG
• Apacible, Tomas V., Batangas, 1st District, Liberal
• Apostol, Sergio F., Leyte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Aquino, Jose II S., Agusan del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arago, Ma. Evita R., Laguna, 3rd District, Liberal
• Arenas, Ma. Rachel J., Pangasinan, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arnaiz, George P., Negros Oriental, 2nd District, NPC
• Arquiza, Godofredo V., SENIOR CITIZEN
• Arroyo, Diosdado Macapagal, Camarines Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Arroyo, Ignacio, Negros Occidental, 5th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Asilo, Benjamin DR., Manila, 1st District, LP/KKK
• Aumentado, Erico B., Bohol, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Avance-Fuentes, Daisy, South Cotabato, 2nd District, NPC
• Bagasina, Catalina C., ALE
• Bagatsing, Amado S., Manila, 5th District, KABAKA
• Balindong, Pangalian M., Lanao del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Barzaga, Elpidio Jr. F., Dasmariñas City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Bataoil, Leopoldo N., Pangasinan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Batocabe, Rodel M., AKO BIKOL
• Bautista, Franklin P., Davao del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Belmonte, Vicente Jr. F., Iligan City, Lone District, Liberal
• Benitez, Alfredo ‘Albee’ B., Negros Occidental, 3rd District, NPC
• Bernos, Ma. Jocelyn V., Abra, Lone District, PDSP
• Bichara, Al Francis DC., Albay, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Bondoc, Anna York P., M.D., Pampanga, 4th District, Nacionalista
• Bravo, Narciso Jr. R., Masbate, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Brawner Baguilat, Teddy Jr., Ifugao, Lone District, Liberal
• Briones, Nicanor M., AGAP
• Bulut-Begtang, Eleanor C., Apayao, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Cabaluna, Salvador III P., 1-CARE
• Cabilao Yambao, Jonathan, Zamboanga Sibugay, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cagas, Marc Douglas IV C., Davao del Sur, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cajayon, Mary Mitzi L., Caloocan City, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Calimbas-Villarosa, Ma. Amelita A., Occidental Mindoro, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Canonigo, Ranulfo P., KAKUSA
• Cari, Jose Carlos L., Leyte, 5th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Castro, Jane T., Capiz, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Catamco, Nancy A., North Cotabato, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Celeste, Jesus ‘Boying’ F., Pangasinan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Cerafica, Arnel M., Taguig City, 1st District, Liberal
• Chipeco, Justin Mark SB., Laguna, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Co, Christopher S., AKO BIKOL
• Cojuangco, Enrique M., Tarlac, 1st District, NPC
• Cojuangco, Kimi S., Pangasinan, 5th District, NPC
• Collantes, Sonny P., Batangas, 3rd District, PMP
• Cortuna, Julieta R., A TEACHER
• Cosalan, Ronald M., Benguet, Lone District, Liberal
• Crisologo, Vincent ‘Bingbong’ P., Quezon City, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Cua, Dakila Carlo E., Quirino, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dalog, Maximo B., Mountain Province, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Datumanong ,Simeon A., Maguindanao, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dayanghirang, Nelson L., Davao Oriental, 1st District, Nacionalista
• De Venecia, Ma. Georgina P., Pangasinan, 4th District, NPC
• Del Rosario, Antonio A., Capiz, 1st District, Liberal
• Diaz, Antonio M., Zambales, 2nd District, Lapiang Manggagawa
• Dimaporo, Fatima Aliah Q., Lanao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Dimaporo, Imelda Quibranza, Lanao del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Duavit, Joel Roy, Rizal, 1st District, NPC
• Durano, Ramon VI H., Cebu, 5th District, NPC
• Dy, Napoleon S., Isabela, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ejercito, Joseph Victor G., San Juan City, Lone District, PMP
• Emano, Yevgeny Vincente B., Misamis Oriental, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Enerio-Cerilles, Aurora, Zamboanga del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Enverga, Wilfrido Mark M., Quezon, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Eriguel, Eufranio ‘Franny’ C., M.D., La Union, 2nd District, NPC
• Escudero, Salvador III H., Sorsogon, 1st District, NPC
• Espina, Rogelio J.,M.D., Biliran, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Estrella, Robert Raymund M., ABONO
• Evardone, Ben P., Eastern Samar, Lone District, Independent
• Fariñas, Rodolfo C., Ilocos Norte, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Fernandez, Danilo Ramon S., Laguna, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ferrer, Antonio A., Cavite, 6th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ferrer, Jeffrey P., Negros Occidental, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Fortuno, Salvio B., Camarines Sur, 5th District, Nacionalista
• Fua, Orlando B., Siquijor, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Fuentebella, Arnulfo P., Camarines Sur, 4th District, NPC
• Garay, Florencio C., Surigao del Sur, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Garbin, Alfredo Jr. A., AKO BIKOL
• Garcia, Albert Raymond S., Bataan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Garin, Janette L., Iloilo, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Garin, Sharon S., AAMBIS-OWA
• Gatchalian, Rex, Valenzuela City, 1st District, NPC
• Go, Ana Cristina S., Isabela, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Go, Arnulfo F., Sultan Kudarat, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Golez, Anthony Rolando Jr. T., Bacolod City, Lone District, NPC
• Gomez, Lucy T., Leyte, 4th District, Liberal
• Gonzales, Aurelio ‘Dong’ Jr. D., Pampanga, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Gonzalez, Fernando V., Albay, 3rd District, Liberal
• Guanlao, Agapito H., BUTIL
• Gullas, Eduardo R., Cebu, 1st District, NP-ALAYON
• Haresco, Teodorico T., ANG KASANGGA
• Hataman-Salliman, Jim S., Basilan, Lone District, Liberal
• Herrera-Dy, Bernadette R., BH
• Jaafar, Nur G., Tawi-Tawi, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Jalosjos, Cesar G., Zamboanga del Norte, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Jalosjos, Romeo Jr. M., Zamboanga Sibugay, 2nd District, Nacionalista
• Jalosjos, Seth F. P., Zamboanga del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Joson, Josefina M., Nueva Ecija, 1st District, NPC
• Kho, Antonio T., Masbate, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Kho, David L., SENIOR CITIZEN
• Lacson-Noel, Josephine Veronique R., Malabon City, Lone District, NPC
• Lagdameo, Antonio Jr. F., Davao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lanete, Scott Davies S., M.D., Masbate, 3rd District, NPC
• Lapus, Jeci A., Tarlac, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lazatin, Carmelo F., Pampanga, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Leonen-Pizarro, Catalina G., ABS
• Lico, Isidro Q., ATING KOOP
• Limkaichong, Jocelyn S., Negros Oriental, 1st District, Liberal
• Loong, Tupay T., Sulu, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Lopez, Carol Jayne B., YACAP
• Loyola, Roy M., Cavite, 5th District, Liberal
• Macapagal Arroyo, Juan Miguel, ANG GALING PINOY
• Macapagal-Arroyo, Gloria M., Pampanga, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Madrona, Eleandro Jesus F., Romblon, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Magsaysay, Eulogio ‘Amang’ R., AVE
• Magsaysay, Ma. Milagros H., Zambales, 1st District, Lakas
• Malapitan, Oscar G., Caloocan City, 1st District, Nacionalista
• Maliksi, Erineo S., Cavite, 3rd District, Liberal
• Mandanas, Hermilando I., Batangas, 2nd District, Liberal
• Marañon, Alfredo III D., Negros Occidental, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Marcoleta, Rodante D., AVE
• Marcos, Imelda R., Ilocos Norte, 2nd District, KBL
• Matugas, Francisco ‘Lalo’ T., Surigao del Norte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mellana, Evelyn P., Agusan del Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mendoza, Joselito ‘Jonjon’ R., Bulacan, 3rd District, Liberal
• Mendoza, Mark Llandro L., Batangas, 4th District, NPC
• Mercado, Roger G., Southern Leyte, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Mercado-Revilla, Lani, Cavite, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Miraflores, Florencio T., Aklan, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Montejo, Neil Benedict A., AN WARAY
• Nava, Joaquin Carlos Rahman A., Guimaras, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Noel, Florencio G., AN WARAY
• Nograles, Karlo Alexei B., Davao City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Obillo, Reena Concepcion G., ANG PAMILYA
• Ocampo, Rosenda Ann, Manila, 6th District, LP/KKK
• Olivarez, Edwin L., Parañaque City, 1st District, Liberal
• Ong, Emil L., Northern Samar, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ortega, Francisco Emmanuel III R.ABONO
• Ortega, Victor Francisco C., La Union, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Padilla, Carlos M., Nueva Vizcaya, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Palmones, Angelo B., AGHAM
• Pancho, Pedro M., Bulacan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Pangandaman, Mohammed Hussein P., Lanao del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Pangandaman, Solaiman C., AA KASOSYO
• Panotes, Elmer E., Camarines Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Paras, Jesus Emmanuel M., Bukidnon, 1st District, NPC
• Payuyo, Ponciano D., APEC
• Piamonte, Mariano Jr. U., A-TEACHER
• Pichay, Philip A., Surigao del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Plaza, Ma. Valentina G., Agusan del Sur, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ponce Enrile, Juan Jr. C., Cagayan, 1st District, NPC
• Primicias-Agabas, Marlyn L., Pangasinan, 6th District, NPC
• Puno, Roberto V., Antipolo City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Quimbo, Romero Federico ‘Miro’ S., Marikina City, 2nd District, Liberal
• Quisumbing, Gabriel R., Cebu, 6th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Ramos, Deogracias Jr. B., Sorsogon, 2nd District, Liberal
• Remulla, Jesus Crispin C., Cavite, 7th District, Nacionalista
• Rivera, Michael Angelo C., 1-CARE
• Robes, Arturo B., San Jose del Monte City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Rodriguez, Isidro Jr. S., Rizal, 2nd District, NPC
• Rodriguez, Maximo Jr. B., ABANTE MINDANAO
• Rodriguez, Rufus B., Cagayan de Oro City, 2nd District, PMP
• Roman, Herminia B., Bataan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romarate, Guillermo Jr. A., Surigao del Norte, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romualdez, Ferdinand Martin G., Leyte, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Romualdo, Pedro P., Camiguin, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sacdalan, Jesus N., North Cotabato, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sahidulla, Nur-ana I., Sulu, 2nd District, NPC
• Sakaluran, Raden C., Sultan Kudarat, 1st District, Independent
• Salimbangon, Benhur L., Cebu, 4th District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Salvacion, Andres Jr. D., Leyte, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• San Luis, Edgar S., Laguna, 4th District, NPC
• Sarmiento, Cesar V., Catanduanes, Lone District, Liberal
• Sarmiento, Mel Senen S., Western Samar, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sema, Bai Sandra A., Maguindanao & Cotabato City, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Singson, Eric Jr. G., Ilocos Sur, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Socrates, Victorino Dennis M., Palawan, 2nd District, NPC
• Suarez, Danilo E., Quezon, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Sy-Alvarado, Ma. Victoria R., Bulacan, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tan, Milagrosa ‘Mila’ T., Western Samar, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Teodoro, Marcelino R, Marikina City, 1st District, Independent
• Teves, Pryde Henry A., Negros Oriental, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tiangco, Tobias ‘Toby’ M., Navotas City, Lone District, Partido Navoteno
• Ting, Randolph S., Cagayan, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Tomawis, Acmad M., ALIF
• Tupas, Niel Jr. C., Iloilo, 5th District, Liberal
• Umali, Reynaldo V., Oriental Mindoro, 2nd District, Liberal
• Unabia, Peter ‘Sr. Pedro’ M., Misamis Oriental, 1st District, PMP
• Ungab, Isidro T., Davao City, 3rd District, Liberal
• Valencia, Rodolfo G., Oriental Mindoro, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Vargas-Alfonso, Baby Aline, Cagayan, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Vergara, Bernardo M., Baguio City, Lone District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Villafuerte, Luis R., Camarines Sur, 3rd District, NPC
• Villar, Mark A., Las Piñas City, Lone District, Nacionalista
• Violago, Joseph Gilbert F., Nueva Ecija, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yap, Arthur C., Bohol, 3rd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yap, Susan, Tarlac, 2nd District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD
• Yu, Victor J., Zamboanga del Sur, 1st District, NPC
• Zamora-Apsay, Ma. Carmen, Compostela Valley, 1st District, Lakas-Kampi-CMD

Is your representative one of them?

Unfortunately, my district’s representative (whom I didn’t vote for) is on the list.

As the daughter of parents who are both martial law victims, I can find no rhyme or reason for burying Marcos in the “Libingan ng mga Bayani” or for giving him a hero’s burial rites. For one, being a soldier alone does not cancel out his wrongdoings. Nor does it make him a hero.

I am utterly disgusted at these 216 representatives.

The Marcos era and Martial Law may have long gone, but let us NEVER FORGET!

Facebook Censorship of Political Jaywalker Infringes on Anonymous Free Speech!

What the detractors of Political Jaywalker the creator of Pedestrian Observer GB failed to accomplish with veiled threats of intimidation and lawsuit of libel that never came, FaceBook in one stroke using “Fake Name” to go around censorship has effectively silenced our fundamental right to free speech in one digital stroke. Below is the basis for deactivating Political jaywalker’s account and let us see if this category applies:

Your account was disabled because the name under which it was registered was fake. We do not allow users to register with fake names, to impersonate any person or entity, or to falsely state or otherwise misrepresent themselves or their affiliations. In addition, Facebook accounts are intended for use by single individuals, so groups, clubs, businesses, or other types of organizations are not permitted to maintain accounts.

First of all Political Jaywalker is an individual account and solely accessed by a single person. Political Jaywalker is not impersonating any person or entity clearly having no intent to falsely misrepresent any known personality or affiliations but one with its own distinct personality and character.  It is basically a pseudonym for anonymity guaranteed by the Bill of Rights of the First Amendment in particular. If indeed they are prohibiting groups to which Political Jaywalker is technically not a group why then do they allow huge media outfit such as CNN and others to be at Facebook? How about offensive human rights violators having their online presence at Facebook, why pick on Political Jaywalker that serves as an antithesis for this group? The Electronic Frontier Foundation clearly states the rights of anonymity in the online discourse:

Anonymous communications have an important place in our political and social discourse. The Supreme Court has ruled repeatedly that the right to anonymous free speech is protected by the First Amendment. A much-cited 1995 Supreme Court ruling in McIntyre v. Ohio Elections Commission reads:

Protections for anonymous speech are vital to democratic discourse. Allowing dissenters to shield their identities frees them to express critical, minority views . . . Anonymity is a shield from the tyranny of the majority. . . . It thus exemplifies the purpose behind the Bill of Rights and of the First Amendment in particular: to protect unpopular individuals from retaliation . . . at the hand of an intolerant society.

This is the digital age and yet Sigmund Freud’s sentiments still rings true to this day when he states:

What progress we are making.  In the Middle Ages they would have burned me.  Now they are content with burning my books.

The ease of censorship has never been this easy, they don’t even have to burn books, it is just a matter of keystroke and voila one is exterminated to oblivion without the hassle of inhaling smoke from the burning of the books. Indeed we have come a long way in this modern day and age but are we really any different from the ugly past of stifling diverse opinions? We are just a drop in the bucket of the vast enormous digital worldwide web, but just the same a quote On Liberty by John Stuart Mill makes sense to this day:

The peculiar evil of silencing the expression of an opinion is, that it is robbing the human race; posterity as well as the existing generation; those who dissent from the opinion, still more than those who hold it.  If the opinion is right, they are deprived of the opportunity of exchanging error for truth:  if wrong, they lose, what is almost as great a benefit, the clearer perception and livelier impression of truth, produced by its collision with error.

It took a lot of time, energy, and effort to build a network at FaceBook and it took only seconds for the FaceBook Team to arbitrarily expunge Political Jaywalker from the list without even the benefit of a due process or even a warning on their perceived violations of the terms of agreement. Have they not considered the fact that Political Jaywalker counts as online friends numerous respected personalities in the Philippine community? Learned man and woman of respectability would not have added Political Jaywalker if after all these years he was known to falsely misrepresent anyone, any entity or groups? Should they not have disallowed us to join in the first place instead of letting us spend enormous time and effort just so they can expunge you at their whim that infringes on our liberty?

A quote on Judge John Kane ruling in F.A.C.T. net (Fight Against Coercive Tactics network) a group dedicated to helping victims of cults, case of illegal search and confiscation of computer related materials owned by its directors in their case against Scientology says it all:

The public interest is best served by the free exchange of ideas.

Is it a coincidence that the timing of the censorship of Political Jaywalker came at a time when I spoke strongly against a psycho cult leader accused of killing his wife and leaving 23 people dead in its wake as the case gathers dust in the Philippine courts? I hate to think so, but one thing for sure The FaceBook Team has unwittingly become an executioner of a violent psycho disguised as a “Holy” man.

The Facebook Team is probably not a big fan of Voltaire whose powerful stand on censorship speaks loudly:

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

I actively write and support Bloggers Rights specifically those victimized by repressive regimes such as the arrest of China's Activist Blogger Hu Jia and Singapore's Gopalan Nair, Nay Phone Latt or Nay Myo Latt sentenced to more than 20 years in jail by Burmese authorities, and  so many others, ironically while my experience pales in comparison I must say I can personally feel their pain with this sad experience.

If you are on my FaceBook especially if you belong to my network and a strong believer in preserving and guaranteeing our democratic rights of freedom of expression please help us restore Political Jaywalkers account at FaceBook by posting this particular article on your Facebook profile.

You can also help in the preservation of our right to free speech by copy pasting this question to your FaceBook status page:

Where do we draw the line on censorship, is it fair and just to deactivate Political Jaywalker out of FaceBook infringing on his constitutionally guaranteed rights of anonymous free speech?

Will I suffer in silence alone and abandoned? I believe and have a strong faith in my network of online friends and others whom I may not have had the opportunity to have an online interaction will help me right the injustice of censorship. If you believe in upholding our rights and freedom to express ourselves without fear of recriminations and intolerance of others please copy and post this to your blog and encourage others to do the same........
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UPDATE: After 24 harrowing hours and 2 article post later, Facebook finally restored PJ's account using Pedro Jacobo at the expense of losing my nom de plume Political Jaywalker.... the price we have to pay for freedom, thank you all for your support.

In order to retain the online presence at Facebook of Political Jaywalker a fan page has neen setup not because of being a celebrity status as we are far from being one or having the illussion of one  but the principle for which we stand in our quest to jaywalk the political milieu of pathetic patronage politics of Trapo scalawags. See you at Political Jaywalker Fan Page where we can start our journey in our quest for good governance.......
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Grand talks about unity and Gabriel Fabella, Father of Independence Day

President Diosdado Macapagal earned the distinction of being a nationalist president when he signed the law moving the date of Philippine Independence Day from July 4 to June 12. However, others credit academician Gabriel Fabella as the true "Father of June 12". Photo shows Filipino Americans gathered around the flag for the traditional opening of an Independence Day celebration.

The week that passed saw a frenzy of celebrations in various parts of the homeland and in foreign shores where compatriots now reside. Philippine Independence Day celebrations in this part of U.S.A. have always been appropriate occasions not only to commemorate our past struggles against foreign domination but also in highlighting our community's interaction and collaboration with others in the country. And unity of the Filipino community, if I may add.

At least in our part of California, it had not been that way in the past. In the City of Carson, for example, the two main Filipino organizations for years had been trying to outshine each other in celebrating the day's significance. There has been a united celebration this year, thank you.

In Los Angeles, I recall that time in 2001 when the designation by the consul general of his wife as overall Independence Day chair led to the splintering of a prominent community group and the holding of two separate gala dinner-balls. Thus on June 9 of that year then Senate President Aquilino Pimentel commuted one after the other as guest speaker of two Independence Day evening events held in different parts of this city. The lingering animosity between the two groups was partly blamed for the subsequent recall and replacement of that consul general.

Anyway, Gil Mislang, chair for Kalayaan 2010, mentioned this need for unity and may be excused for vaunting his "great happiness for our success in celebrating the 112th Anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence... At a time when our community needed a shining moment to uplift its sagging spirit caused by the economic turmoil." Many in the audience "dressed to the hilt in their terno na sayas and barong tagalogs exhibited the elegance of our native dress" and supposedly shed tears of patriotism and pride by the performances, Mislang claimed.

Well and good. If only so many more in the community were able to witness such patriotic, historic and cultural rendition that were so compelling as to prompt the shedding of tears. The fact is that for a long time now segments in this community of hundreds of thousands of Filipinos have complained about the elitism of the yearly event, which by its nature should have catered to the majority of countrymen but instead limited -- especially at this time of economic turmoil -- to the fortunate few who could afford the prohibitive costs that high-end venues require.

Further on the topic of the June 12 celebrations, Eddie Calderon, a Minnesota-based Ph.D., had generated much traffic in an Internet discussion board regarding his advocacy for the giving of appropriate honors to the late Professor Gabriel Fabella as the architect of the June 12 RP Independence Day.

In 1959 Calderon took Philippine Nationalism under Professor Fabella, at that time chair of UP Department of History and acting director of UP Clark Air Base Branch. It was the latter's passion and crusade that eventually changed the date of observance of that national holiday, the former student said.

A 2008 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer carries an item by Kristoffer Esquejo entitled Gabriel F. Fabella: 'Father of June 12'. Esquejo noted that in 1962 President Diosdado Macapagal moved the date of Philippine Independence from July 4 to June 12. Such nationalist gesture earned Macapagal the distinction of being a nationalist president and since then, he had been commended for his well-deserved decision. However, Esquejo added, Fabella did not receive any credit except being mentioned in several newspapers and dubbed by his contemporary scholars the "Father of June 12." -- Text and photo by Dionesio C. Grava

Note: Also published in the Pinas Global Newspaper
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Dionesio C. Grava - Part-time community journalist based in Los Angeles and editorial writer at Forum Asia.

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Filipinos Filipino-Americans

A conversation with Noynoy

This is being re-printed with the kind permission of Philippine Graphic and refers to the April 5-12, 2010 edition. Many thanks to Inday Espina-Varona for having been such a wonderful editor throughout.)

Give five individuals you want for your cabinet, their positions and why you want them.

“We are still in the process of assessing potential candidates and are, at any rate, far more focused on winning the election right now.” (Note: Dinky Soliman’s name has already been mentioned in this regard but no other names have been brought forward.)

Do you see a need to review and modify the Visiting Forces Agreement? If you do, which parts would you like to change and what would you recommend? If not, why do you think it works just right?

“As an archipelagic country with one of the longest combined coastlines in the world, we still don’t have the ability to protect our people or our country’s strategic and economic interests. Coming to an agreement with the US on their forces in the Philippines is therefore critical. But the VFA merits further scrutiny, as the ‘Nicole’ case has shown all too well. How is our national sovereignty being protected? For that matter, it might be good to review all agreements that our government enters into so we can ensure that the interests of the Filipino people, above all, are treated as a fundamental defining principle.”

“If a Filipino is tried and found guilty in this country, shouldn’t justice dictate that he be detained in prison as a result? Regrettably, because of the VFA, an American soldier guilty of a crime is afforded the privilege of being detained at the US embassy instead. It’s high time that we looked at the VFA in its present form and asked ourselves: “Paano naman ang mga interes natin?”

“The economic provisions of the VFA should be reviewed, specifically (with respect to) the rights of Filipinos vis-à-vis those of the visiting forces… I want to review the concept of visiting. It seems that they are not actually visiting; they seem to be a permanent presence and are already in this country in violation of the law… A review would tell us which provisions we will have to alter in the VFA.”

How would your administration ensure that the amended agrarian reform law were fulfilled, both in terms of land coverage and aid for beneficiaries? What improvements are needed to make agrarian reform a more successful component of social justice and economic development?

“I have already talked to members of the Cojuangco-Aquino clan (to discuss) the turnover of (Luisita) to farm worker-beneficiaries by June 2014. We are committed to distributing the land to farm worker-beneficiaries at the end of the extended Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARPER). This is a matter of principle and not just a campaign promise.”

Do you support the current version of the reproductive health bill? If not, which provisions would you want changed and what changes would you want instituted?

“I cannot in good conscience say that (overpopulation) does not exist (in order) to appease the more conservative elements in our society. (Getting) their support should be secondary to espousing something that I believe in and that I think is right… I’m being labeled today as an abortionist for espousing education. But I’d rather defend (what) I think is right…”

“In 1986, the Philippine population was only around 50 million; in less than 25 years, we have arguably gone well beyond 90 million. Allowing our population to bloat at such an alarming pace suggests that we will not be in a position to maximize our resources or ensure that the basic needs of every citizen are met.”

(Note: Noynoy strongly supports the RH bill because he feels that it is ultimately critical for our national survival. However, it should be noted that he did not co-author the bill and has some reservations about specific provisions. The bill in its present form should be revised so it can focus more effectively on providing people with the ability to make informed choices about the future of their own families. This is primarily why he thinks the Reproductive Health bill should be renamed the Responsible Parenthood bill. He is also not in favor of abortion.)

Specific questions for Sen. Benigno Aquino III

What legislative initiatives are you proudest of, and why?

* Congressional Oversight Committee (House Resolution No. 788): creating a Congressional Oversight Committee to check and study the use of intelligence funds by government agencies. This would ensure that allocated funds are actually used for the purposes they were originally intended for.

* The Budget Impoundment and Control Act (SB 3121): impoundment refers to the power of the President to refuse the release of funds appropriated by Congress. Regrettably, this power has been used and abused by the President and, as a result, Congress’ ability to check the President’s authority has been significantly emasculated. Noynoy filed this bill so the President would have to pass through Congress every time s/he decides to impound part of the budget.

* Preservation of Public Infrastructures (SB 2035): this bill seeks to raise standards in the construction of all public infrastructures by penalizing contractors of defective infrastructures. It also requires the Bureau of Maintenance under the DPWH to conduct periodic inspections of public infrastructures.

* Amending the Government Procurement Act (SB 2160): this applies to all government procurement activities, regardless of source of funds, whether local or foreign; only treaties or international/executive agreements entered into by the government prior to its enactment should be exempt from its coverage. The bill was filed in light of the DOJ declaration regarding the validity of the NBN-ZTE deal, where its international aspect, as well as the fact that it was an executive agreement, was cited as one reason for its exemption from the procurement process stipulated in RA 9184.

Why is there a scarcity of successful legislative initiatives in your political resume? What political and work philosophies did you bring to the legislature?

“The Philippines already has decent laws. Some countries have even used some of our laws as the basis for crafting their own legislation. What is far more critical is the implementation gap, which is ultimately beyond the scope of the legislative branch alone. Often, the gap has to do with corruption itself.”

Just how do you solve the problem of Hacienda Luisita?

“I would ultimately like to transfer Luisita to the farmer-beneficiaries themselves. The question is: how to transfer the assets without passing on debts that have been incurred? Unfortunately, the corporation’s financial obligations have surpassed its income, thereby incurring debts. But the turnover should be ‘debt-free’ to allow the farmers to begin without any financial baggage.”

“At P 10.00 per square meter, that would be P 4.5 billion for 4,500 hectares. That would certainly take care of our debts… But if we do that, the 10,000 farmers will only get less than one hectare and that would not be enough for a single individual, much less an entire family, to live on. It would not necessarily be in the best interests of the 10,000 farmer-beneficiaries…”

“In working out a solution on the Luisita issue, 75% of the shareholders of HLI, which would include the farmer-beneficiaries, should agree to any plan.” (Note: only 1/32 of Luisita stock shares actually belong to Noynoy himself, so he does not necessarily exercise direct influence over the rest of the shareholders.)

How do you intend to solve the country's fiscal deficit without raising taxes? Is an anti-corruption campaign enough to wipe away the deficit? How soon would the nation see the effects of your anti-corruption campaign?

“In addressing the looming fiscal crisis, good governance and the drive against corruption are critical components of our strategy. We will refrain from imposing new taxes or increasing tax rates. I strongly believe that we can collect more taxes at the BIR and higher duties at Customs if we become more serious in curbing and punishing tax evasion and smuggling. The BIR’s collection dropped by 5.5%, while that of Customs declined by 16.6%. This is the first time in recent history that absolute revenues have actually declined.”

What would your working style be like as Chief Executive?

“As much as possible, I’d like to base my major decisions on a consultative process throughout, and keep myself open to constructive feedback. With judicial reforms and regular monitoring of the bureaucracy, I hope to instill professionalism and a checks and balances system as an integral aspect of my working style. People power in one form or another, as well as a positive approach, will be nurtured...”

What are your fondest personal memories of your father and mother?

“I have vivid memories of going horseback-riding with my father in Baguio as a child – we had a lot of fun…”

On his father’s death: “there was a time when the New Testament in the Bible didn’t apply to me. I felt a deep sense of rage at the marked injustice that had been my father’s life. But when I finally came home and saw how people had responded to his death, I began to feel faith, humility and a deep appreciation once again…”

On his mother: “above all, I remember her kindness and thoughtfulness throughout…”

What are your favorite rest and recreation activities? Who usually accompanies you in these?

“I enjoy music, billiards, shooting and both Chinese and Japanese food. I tend to be surrounded by people…”

Describe each of your sisters and the role each plays in your life. If you win the Presidency, what roles would each sister play? Who would step in as official hostess?

“Ballsy is the ate, the second mother, the family sounding-board. Pinky is my hyperactive sibling. Viel is steady and quiet, while Kris tends to speak her mind…”

There seems to be discord among the disparate forces supporting your candidacy. How do you navigate the political, class and ideological fault lines?

“This is inevitable, since most of my supporters are voluntary. But I have already begun to reach out to those who came forward and volunteered when I first announced my candidacy -- beyond the circle of political veterans I have known throughout my entire political career.”

Personal essay

I had to admit I did have misgivings about re-entering this fray. Would it even be worth the compromises I would have to make as I left behind an almost idyllic existence in Manhattan? Why had I cast my lot with a politician who arguably had less experience than both my mother and uncle during their early years in public service?

I had, in fact, shunned public life entirely and had left the Philippines for good at the height of my uncle’s presidential administration. As I recall, the entire experience had been vaguely asphyxiating. As an end in itself, political power has never particularly impressed me, and I was certainly not enamored with the methods many deployed in their frenetic efforts to gain access to the power center. And I had seen them all -- power brokers full of hubris and a sense of entitlement, sycophants currying favor with all sides, self-righteous and embittered pseudo-Leftists (the most bourgeois of them all, I later discovered), political candidates (disingenuous, mostly) peddling truth and enlightenment even as they signed off the country to the highest bidder, misogynists of every cast and temper, and vicious gossip as the one unifying thread throughout… In a word, politics (as opposed to political analysis) was not exactly my idea of an illustrious universe. I much preferred a private life surrounded by art, literature and a handful of genuine friends…

But I suppose you might say that watching GMA’s shenanigans from afar had finally changed all that for good. For me, after Garci, there had simply been no turning back. By the time those gruesome images of Ondoy’s excoriating fury (with nary a life-boat in sight, for most) had been indelibly imprinted upon my brain, I was in a quiet state of rage. I knew I had to do something, which is when, I suppose, it dawned on me that I could try to write FVR, my uncle, a letter. Not, mind you, that I had any illusions about my abilities to dissuade or encourage him either way, but I loved him dearly and knew that, in his heart of hearts, he would one day understand that engagement was ultimately an act of respect. I had no way of knowing then how many people would respond to that fateful letter. More importantly, it was the first time I had enunciated -- even to myself -- my decision to support Noynoy Aquino.

So why did I choose Noynoy and why did I risk what would eventually become, for a while at least, a pretty major fall-out within the family? Was this man even worth the cousins and nieces and aunts who had been distressed and inadvertently wounded by my statement -- emphatic as it was -- that enough was finally enough? How did I know at that stage in the game that he even held any promise? To his credit, my uncle had been the one family member who continued to respond to my constructive criticisms with the largesse of a consummate professional. While he may not have fully understood the fine art of blogging at the time, he certainly recognized that some of my insights were valid, although he did make it a point to correct me when he thought my readings were slightly off-kilter. If anything, the epistolary relationship that grew out of this exchange has strengthened our bond even more…

But the point is: why would I go out of my way for Noynoy, of all people? Why not Gibo, that golden boy from Harvard, or Villar, the self-made Tondo lad whose ability to amass a colossal fortune suggested a financial brilliance that was both astonishing and rare? And why not Erap, the dapper don whose extra-curricular relationships -- ever the bane of his harassed presidential security staff -- continued to remain charming in a creepy sort of way? Or Gordon, uncontrollable temper and human rights record notwithstanding, who had managed to turn Olongapo around almost single-handedly? Then of course there was Nicky Perlas, whose inability to communicate the most basic ideas had certainly not diminished the solidity of his environmental street cred; and, finally, Bro Eddie, who had somehow managed to command the loyalty of some rather impressive human beings I happened to know…

So why Noynoy, whom we had barely heard a peep from (or so I thought) until his mother’s death? Well, I suppose you might say that my choice ultimately had to do with how I view democracy itself. To my mind, the demographics in our country are such that this election is ultimately not going to be determined by classes A, B or even C. Given existing birth rates, it’s all about parts of C, and most of D and E. So whether or not I happen to like Perlas’ qualifications, say, it’s really not about people like me, see. In the end, it has to do with what the largest voting blocs in this country decide. And however much Gordon’s writers might viciously malign other writers who happen to be associated with Noynoy, it doesn’t change the realpolitikbottom line: whether we like it or not, ladies and gentlemen, this happens to be a two-way race, period. This is not to say that there are no spoilers, but even they are not going to significantly affect the numbers. Accepting this fact has less to do with pandering to popularity and ultimately more to do with respecting the will of the people, in my view. Ideally, they will make educated choices. But, either way, this restaurant is only serving up two dishes, and it’s either Noynoy or Villar, so the sooner we accept that fact, the better it will be for everybody. If you happen to believe in democracy (and I fervently do), then you will have to accept that, barring excessive cheating, the demos has already spoken. Going for another candidate, at this point, is to waste one’s vote, in my view, not unlike those who had voted for Nader against Gore, inadvertently helping Bush, Jr. Had Gibo left the ruling party long ago and established his own political personality, I might have even voted for him – but the fact is, see, he didn’t...

Indeed, of the major candidates, Noynoy is the only one who has consistently critiqued GMA for years. To be sure, the silence of Villar, Gibo and Gordon on the matter of GMA’s performance has been all but deafening. What does this suggest about who they are and what they stand for? Whether or not Villar and Gordon happen to be in cahoots with GMA, one would have at least hoped that they would behave like the opposition candidates that they are and, well, take the President to task every once in a while… So I can unabashedly say that the first thing I genuinely respect about Noynoy is the fact that he is unafraid to speak his mind, even at the risk of displeasing monolithic interests, whether they happen to be the administration, the Catholic Church, legal circles or public opinion itself. His position on the replacement of Chief Justice Puno is a case in point.

That quiet courage (occasionally a bold conviction) is tempered by an unassailable sense of integrity. He has never once been suspected of being involved in anything corrupt. To my mind, we need a leader with such a reputation who can set a moral tone throughout government.

The one issue that his opponents and cause-oriented groups have continued to milk is Luisita, but an examination of the facts indicates that his share is indeed fairly insignificant. And however imperfect CARP, CARPER and the entire fractured legacy of land reform in this country might be, it cannot all be reasonably placed at Noynoy’s doorstep. He cannot be held responsible for Fernando Cojuangco’s statements or the NYT’s decision to only look at a polarity of interests (namely, a landowner, on the one hand, and an Anakpawis representative, on the other; not that there is anything inherently problematic with either, but they most certainly don’t represent the complex range of interests in the Luisita case, nor do they adequately reflect the Aquino family’s perspective).

Of course it can be argued that the failure of land reform in the Philippines has to do precisely with the interests of big landowners, who ultimately tend to block reform. But it would seem to me that the only things Noynoy can do, as a shareholder (short of holding a gun to the other shareholders’ heads), is to continue to strive to disengage from Luisita with those members of his immediate family who fully support him; the only other thing, as a government official who is not yet president, is to fight corruption and tax evasion so that agrarian reform might be more fully and successfully implemented in the long-term. It would seem to me, at any rate, that this is exactly what he’s been trying to do. In fact, instead of holding on to land he could be holding on to, he has essentially offered to give it up altogether: the day the rest of his social class follows suit will be a revolutionary day indeed for this semi-feudal country of ours…

I suppose you might say that courage and integrity are the most important issues to me because of my mother’s example. In living the life that she has led, she taught me that it is still possible to be a successful politician in this country without becoming corrupt. Her inviolable sense of honor happens to be the one legacy I am most proud of. Chatting with Noynoy, it suddenly struck me that his quiet, unassuming manner reminded me a little of her… If anything, his home is modest and simple, and clearly has no unnecessary frills. It is, indeed, a far cry from the homes of many politicians I’ve seen, and conveys a great deal about his scrupulous honesty.

I also appreciate the types of bills he has filed: they are clearly reform-oriented in very overarching ways. It comes as no great surprise that Noynoy became a strict fiscalizer in his time, focusing more on accountability in government appropriations and spending than anything else. Among the measures he pushed for were greater restrictions on exemptions to the requirement of public bidding and strengthening legislative oversight over executive spending. He also sought to tighten congressional oversight on the executive’s use of public funds.

More importantly, if one studies the actual bills he filed and the quality of thinking that has gone into what are clearly pro-reform views, what is more striking is how many of them were not passed. How is it that none of these (arguably stellar) initiatives -- on PNP reform; an increase in penalties for corporations and work establishments not compliant with minimum wage; the banning of reappointments to the Judicial and Bar Council; the prevention of reappointments and bypassing of the Commission on Appointments; real property valuation based on international standards; and superior responsibility for senior military officers, who are ultimately responsible for their own subordinates -- had been passed? Had they been blocked, I had to ask? These were after all not the kind of trivial initiatives one might associate with certain legislators, for instance, and could certainly have benefited the country as a whole…

Noynoy agreed with my reading, noting that the job of an effective legislator goes beyond merely proposing laws. After all, legislators have the responsibility to ensure that the checks and balances system in our government is at work as well. But he had clearly pitted himself against the administration in a score of privileged speeches that questioned the government’s alleged human rights abuses (with respect to thedesaparecidos, informal settlers, marginalized groups and extrajudicial killings). He has also continued to question the misuse of public funds (ZTE-NBN, “Euro Generals” and Fertilizer Fund, etc.). So it wouldn’t be entirely surprising if he had rubbed the administration the wrong way, which would certainly explain why so many of his initiatives never saw the light of day. Clearly, he would have been threatening to many in the establishment, which further sheds light on why he was stripped of his post as Deputy Speaker for Luzon after he called for GMA’s resignation at the height of the “Hello, Garci” scandal…

So this was not about the re-filing of insignificant bills, and I certainly appreciated the assiduousness with which he doggedly pursued specific issues close to his heart, as well as his tenacity when it came to protecting his sisters….

Like all of us, of course, he is far from perfect. If there is anything I am somewhat critical of, it is how he has allowed the conflicting interest groups around him to position themselves. I am well aware that his, too, was a midnight appointment, if you will, while other forces had invested years in pushing for a Mar presidency. I also have a great deal of respect for Mar and consider him to be highly qualified. But if the surveys, funders and public response were such that it was finally deemed more expedient to have Noynoy take on the mantle, then everyone, in my humble opinion, should simply adjust accordingly, period. It is absurd for Mar to magnanimously step down while some of his more ardent supporters remain ambivalent about his decision.

Ultimately, of course, Noynoy has the command responsibility of keeping these diverse interests in line and instilling a sense of party discipline in everyone. Personally, I strongly believe in having a professional approach towards one’s political party. After all, in the end, we’re a team. Perhaps my worldview is borne of my experiences at the UN, and my affiliations have less to do with specific personalities than with specific causes. At this point, Noynoy happens to be closest to the ones I hold most dear….

I first had a sense of this lack of organization and discipline in September of last year, when I had written someone in the party from abroad to offer to help raise funds in the US. Like a great many people (some of whom are far more eminent and qualified than myself) who had offered to help, I received no response. Now this was not about a desire for recognition on the part of many; instead, it had to do with fund-raising or voter registration that could have been done, but wasn’t. A great many volunteers have walked away because they feel their views have not been adequately considered or respected; that, precisely, Noynoy’s success in this election very much depends upon his ability to look beyond his cordon sanitaire so he can understand and reflect the will of the people.

But are these high crimes and misdemeanors? Hardly. If this is all that can be said of Noynoy, then I would suggest that we’re still in pretty good shape. These issues, after all, form part and parcel of party/institution-building, and are inevitable in young, postcolonial democracies such as ours.

And, however amorphous and chaotic it might be, it is infinitely preferable to have a party culture such as this, rather than one in which only Mr. Villar, his wife and their sons get to call the shots. Infinitely preferable to have conflicting interests, still, than to watch a candidate slowly morphing into a cross between Thaksin and Berlusconi.

Perhaps Noynoy has resonated with such a startling number of Filipinos because he is an Every Man who precisely doesn’t come across as a bull-shit artist. At his mother’s funeral, people saw a man who was forthright and simple, and one who didn’t grandstand in his sorrow. Almost, if you will, an ethical version of Erap. Or a Ramon Magsaysay: down-home, occasionally corny, but certainly not pretentious or elitist.

As cultural theorist Marian Pastor Roces confided: “As the Tagalogs would put it, magaan sa dibdib. Mababa ang loob. Nagpapatotoo The choice of this sort of human being is consistent with both cultural and historical notions of leadership in pre-Islamic, pre-Christian Southeast Asia… There is a large layer of our society that chooses leaders for qualities of a good loob: tapat, makatotohanan, matapang, malumanay, magalang. Between the 1980s and Cory’s funeral, there was no leader who exhibited these qualities, and Filipinos voted instead for magaling (FVR) and maka-kapwa (Erap). But they rejected GMA for being none of the above.”

The phenomenon of people power -- for all its vague and perplexing aspects – is one that Noynoy apparently understands at a deeply intuitive level. The prospect of tapping into it once again after EDSA 1 was certainly beguiling. Not for the sake of Cory and Ninoy, but for that of a much younger man (a relation, as it happens, but clearly not one who was bereft of his own convictions) -- one whose sense of vision meant that monopolies, bloated government interests and extra-judicial killings were all mightily and single-handedly being taken to task. In which case, I was exactly where I needed to be at this historic moment: as I continued writing in this gritty, fetid and occasionally glorious city, the one word that continued to hum insistently in my brain was change.

--

Lila Ramos Shahani
March, 2010
Manila

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LILA Shahani - I grew up in the Philippines, Romania, Australia, Austria, Kenya and India. I did my undergrad at Brown and went to the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts for my MA. Places of work: CCP, UP, Oxford University Press, UNICEF and UNDP. I'm currently an editor for the UN in NY and also a doctoral candidate at Oxford. This article by Sylvia Mayuga might explain a little about some of the more impalpable stuff: please click here. Meanwhile, this is the short, online version of a recent book on Amartya Sen and human development that I co-edited; the authors were primarily Oxford scholars.

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Politics corruption scandals Filipinos Filipino-Americans Philippine Politics