blagmell

Celibacy of priests

2017-03-14T06:15:00.000-07:00

Celibacy of Priests..

Pope Francis in an interview by reporters of a German newspaper, Die Zeit in Germany openly answered questions about priest celibacy. “Celibacy can be up for discussion since it is not on the dogma or doctrine of the faith, but about the law on discipline in the church.” He said. Asked, if ever in his life he doubted the existence of God. His answer, “I too know moments of emptiness “ A believer who does not experience this remains infantile.” He added. Yet further explained, removing celibacy will not solve shortage of priests specially in far away places, that by some chance “Viri Probati” or married men of proven faith can be accepted to join the episcopate to become priest on some conditions.

Pope Urban, in the 12^th century decreed celibacy to all priests and bishops despite strong resistance from the clergies who all have families. That time Pope Alexander VI had mistresses and children. In our time will removing celibacy offer solutions to problems of the Catholic church? Who am I? Who are we to say?

Philipines vs. China

2016-07-10T05:51:00.000-07:00

Blurb…

UNCLOS Philippines vs China..

In three days the UN Arbitral Court will release its decision on the West Philippines Sea case. News reports indicate the verdict is in favor of the Philippines. The country, being the complaining party takes the center stage while on the other side is China who did not recognize nor participate in the legal proceedings. It was clear from the beginning the Philippines did not and does not want to provoke a fight against China. As the new president said, “We go to war with China, it will be a massacre.” What the Philippines did to vindicate its case against China was file a formal complaint at the Permanent Arbitral Tribunal in the United Nations. Why then the presence of aircraft carriers, warships and advance military weapons in the vicinity of the Philippines? None of your business?

Mga Bro, we win the legal battle and we have to stand by that lawful victory. All these military equipment by our allies are not here to harm us or even protect us but to pressure and force China to follow the rules and international law. The worry of the world community is when China will have its way. The same China game will be repeated everywhere and the world will be in real chaos. If China insisted a shooting war may still be avoided, unless China shoot first. The global community can declare China an international outlaw and impose sanctions on its economy and finances anywhere. China claimed it has about 40 countries in its side but the United Nation has over 190 members.

2015-10-29T17:19:00.001-07:00

In the house of the terminally ill

2015-10-29T17:11:00.001-07:00

Mel Amarillo

Blurb…
In the House of the Terminally ill…
So sorry for the long share..

Tita Bybs my wife for forty years is no simple homemaker. She had been very active in the running of our business all her life. A hardware and trucking company.
When in 2005 I became disabled after a heart surgery and a stroke, she was there with strong heart to go on When we got out of St. Luke’s Hospital, it was not only my impending disability that worried both of us but also the financial viability of our business. Tita Bybs asked my doctor the probabilities of recurrence of my heart ailment. The answer was perhaps 8 years but please observe and follow very strictly the new lifestyle I told you and you might go longer. And so I am terminally ill ‘may taning’ I said to myself. After a year we decided to sell our business entirely. Then we left for Singapore and lived with the family of our eldest son.
In Singapore..
We did not go there sitting down. We had our expertise in food preparation in Manila. Tita Bybs went to the market everyday to collect pork skin that were actually given free. With a big woke and a bigger gas stove we made special crispy Chicharon Then we also had ‘tocino and skinless longanisa’ all packed at 5$ each pack. Then Tita Bybs with her push cart pushed downstairs about 15 kilos of Pinoy products to a waiting taxi and deliver them to Citibank in downtown Singapore where her customers were about 200 Pinoy bank employees. After three hours she’s back home where our 4-year old grand kid asked ‘Mame why you have more money than Dad?
Anyway, after more than a year we have to go back to Manila for the wedding of our youngest daughter. Here, we decided to stay.
But Tita Bybs again did not take this sitting down. We bought a small store at the public market near our village, Yet, aging now at 63 she felt getting tired easily. July and August 2014 we both had cataract surgery. It was then that Dr. Junio discovered her eyes and skin yellowish. The eye doctor told her, before going home go to Dr. Lopez clinic upstairs for further consultation. The next day we went back for various examinations and tests ‘Perpetual Hospital that is. The next day we were told to prepare for the surgical operation. In all these time, she was still the one driving the car. It took 12 hours before she was out of the operating room . The next day with all of us present Dr, Yap reported advanced cancer in the pancreas. It has been eleven months since that day. Now out of the hospital but under pain management by two doctors at home. In the house of the terminally ill.
“Since the day I became disabled this strong hearted woman became my caregiver my driver my manager and most of all my loving wife.”
Now in severe excruciating pain, this morning she was shouting to herself ‘bakit sila hindi naman nag sisimba kung saan nakarating nakakatawa bakit ako bigat ng pamato patong sa ulo ko” blaming God? Perhaps out of frustration and exhaustion. I could not say a word. Tita Bybs is a lector in various parishes we go Pasig, Singapore, Korea and now in Pilar, Las Pinas, At times of severe pain attack I could also feel death is a sanctuary.
I am sharing this my own experience to those who are in the same situation as mine now Please tell me what you did. You might lighten my way. Think of the saying,’A problem shared is half solved’. # Mel

Volcano...failure to errupt

2014-12-21T03:08:00.000-08:00

Blurb…

Pemberton… volcano failure to erupt…

The death of Jeffrey Laude in the hands of a US soldier Pemberton is a case overly sensationalized. (Yellow journalism?) That the case involved a US military is incidental. Given similar situation another time, any man, American or Filipino with same level of libido as Pemberton could mean extreme danger and serious harm of beatings, if not death to any gay and transgender.

In any of past news reports of media, there was no mention of a contract between Laude and the main suspect when they went to the hotel. I like to think that when they went to the hotel the two agreed to have sex for money. Ok, well and good. I can imagine Pemberton holding hands with Laude, so happy to go down from his ship after six months at sea, delighted of great things to happen. Think of Mayon volcano so hot and ready to blow up its orgasmic lava, yet, only to find the crater is closed, And the anger and hate went inside the bedroom scene, like the fury of typhoon Yolanda.

This sensationalized crime is a wake-up call to all members of LGBT: Honesty is still the best policy.

God and fear

2014-10-26T05:53:00.003-07:00

Blurb…

God and fear…

The thoughts and fear of losing a veritable companion, friend, caregiver, driver and most of all a loving wife, mother to my children, could be scary.

Beybs, my most loving wife was admitted to the nearest hospital (Perpetual, Las Pinas), last week of September for pains in her stomach.

After days and series of examinations and tests, ultra sound, ctscan, etc, etc.,the results and findings of doctors pointed to one. We have to open up soonest possible. She’s turned yellowish, they all said.

Last Saturday, 27 September surgical procedures were performed. After more than 12 hours in the OR, doctors told us a rare tumor was found in the upper part of the pancreas, that they refused to removed but only made a by pass.

Again, the fear of losing a loved one gripped my whole body and soul. Realizing, I am a disabled, after a heart by pass and a stroke nine years ago, and a lingering prostate cancer I turned to God… Like a voice from within, He told me, ‘Keep calm do not fear, I will not leave you’. ‘ The fear is from the evil ones, it will make you immobile, do something like what I have told you, sustained you the last nine years.’ In a while I could feel the strength as I began to write this, writing this not only for myself, but to all friends, relatives, including those on fb and non-fb around the world to help us in prayers that we may find the right treatment, natural, conventional and all other suggestions that will save the life of my wife. Thanks, hoping for you help.

God and Fear

2014-10-26T05:46:00.000-07:00

Blurb…

God and fear…

The thoughts and fear of losing a veritable companion, friend, caregiver, driver and most of all a loving wife, mother to my children, could be scary.

Beybs, my most loving wife was admitted to the nearest hospital (Perpetual, Las Pinas), last week of September for pains in her stomach.

2014-07-28T20:25:00.002-07:00

Blurb…

Prayers, prayers, prayers, too many on facebook some do not have time to read them all.

True, the only path you can find comfort, back up and cheers in times of deep troubles and dangers in your life is,.. prayer.

I was in the intensive care unit (ICU) at St. Lukes in QC when I had intense heart troubles. My relatives not around, the nurse said, ‘Sir please sleep and rest.’ I could not sleep. I said to myself, maybe I better watch how I would die. Then it was like the low voice from within that said… pray.

I talked to Jesus. ‘Jesus son of the Almighty Father, my Lord and my God…if I have to die at this hour my Lord, please take care of my spirit…But if you will… my God give me some more time to settle all my debts, my sins and all the wrongs I have done. I am not in sorrow my Lord. I know you are now with me. Deep inside me my God I am happy.

Whew! After about eleven hours of stay the doctor came and said I can go home.

I copy a piece from the article of Ernest Angley, ‘The power of Prayer.

Talk to God from Your Heart

Don’t read a prayer; talk to God from your heart. Did you ever think of reading a request to your parents? They would have thought something was wrong in your head. I wanted to talk to my parents from my heart, and that’s the way they liked it. I talk to the Lord from my heart as well; I tell Him how I feel, how I believe in Him, what I’m expecting Him to do, that I’m waiting in prayer.

2014-07-28T20:19:00.001-07:00

Blurb…
SONA, and the muffled sobs…
President Noynoy talked for almost two hours dealing mostly on his four years performance. By the tone of his voice and the look in his face, he is perceived a strong leader, honest with good faith in his job. When he was about to finish his speech he showed signs of frustrations, exhaustions and grief. Overwhelmed by emotions he broke down, but was able to control tears. Yet, muffled sobs were audibly clear. The subdued tears that flowed inward cleansed his heart and soul. The tears spoke truly of him even more than his 24-page prepared speech, tears shed for the people he serve.
Today, I am beginning to think this man is sure honest, just and in good faith. He honestly wanted to give justice to all his people even to the point it is against the law. His fault, he is not a lawyer.

2014-06-22T22:57:00.002-07:00

Blurb…

US Headline: 90-year old former US President, to celebrate his birthday made a parachute jump and landed softly no far from his home.

Many OFWs are expecting and waiting to see similar headlines in their country.

Ph Headline: 90-year old Philippine senator after his birthday jumped off from a helicopter and landed smoothly near his cell for safe keeping.

Ph Headline: Two Philippine senators, charged with robbery delivered speeches not for good of country but to inspire maternal pity.

If these Headlines won’t make you smile, I suggest, start smiling now, practice for tomorrow. Smiling is easy won’t cost anything. Even if you give it to your friends or enemies, they will quickly give it back to you. It can cleanse your spirit during confusing bad times in our country.

Even a naughty smirk will do. Go…

Blurb...

2014-05-30T02:17:00.002-07:00

Ok I'll try If Ok I'll go again with my blogs.
Thank you.

Panahon pa ni Mahoma

2014-05-30T02:09:00.001-07:00

Blurb… Panahon pa ni Mahoma…

Mahoma,educated not hypocrite

If being polite is a kind of hypocrisy accepted by Pilipino society it may follow that young educated professionals defy advice from old demagogues, if only to avoid being labeled hypocrites. They say ‘luma na yan panahon pa ni Mahoma.’

Who is Mahoma?

There are two or more versions of Mahoma as a person. But let us talk about the one every Pinoy will not and must not forget because of the atrocities he caused to their lives in WW2

Gen. Masaharu Homma : Gen Homma or Mahoma as most Pinoys remembered him was army general of the Japanese Imperial Army in WW2. He was chief planner and architect of the invasion of the Philippines. He was overall in-charge in the battle of Bataan and the Death March and was also in command in the battle of Manila. A professional soldier, Gen Homma stop for a few days the assault in Manila, to give instructions to his soldiers. He directed them to treat Pilipinos not as enemies but as friends and likewise ordered them to dress up look clean and nice because dirty soldiers tend to loot and rape.

Yet, as history tells us, when the assault of Manila began, all of the general’s orders came to naught. The battle of Manila was a rampage, the worst of killings in WW2. More than 300,000 men,women and children were slaughtered. As Japan surrendered that ended the war Gen. Homma was convicted of war crimes and ordered executed by firing squad on April 3, 1946. So, Mahoma di na uso luma na, bow.

The simpletraveler...

2014-05-24T19:22:00.001-07:00

Blurb...

A traveler visiting his past... One more time

Our 2013 high school reunion after 45 years: As we enter the activity Center Hall at CTU Argao campus, I was met with the amazing, smiling faces of my classmates.
Many of them looked the same. Few had even looked younger. Yet, most have early signs of aging by the pleat-lines around their eyes and neck

Anyway, -- recalling the days, what were then the vibrant faces of youths in our adolescent years, so full of boyish and virginal energy, active and easygoing, might now have metamorphosed into the looks of our Lolos' and lolas, then.

Yet, all of us seemed agreed that no one of us dared to fight aging, lest we become unhappy and it would be a waste of time. The pleat-lines in our faces, around the eyes and neck are admitted truths as early signs of becoming full-pledge senior citizens.

Many of my classmates had become so successful in their chosen fields, doctors, accountants, engineers, teachers and entrepreneurs.

Me? Though I have my bachelor's degree in journalism,yet I become a salesman 'par excellence '? he he. I simply do not like working inside a lab, a shop, an office or anything inside a room. I chose the outside, the open fields where all chances are possible. Jack of all trade? No. Jack of almost all trade? Yes I love knowing something about all things. True enough, success or no success I just went ahead. And the experiences along my journey were so great, compensating and worth my more than half a century of stay on our dear earth. And it would seem I have no intention of arriving anywhere or at anything. Just a simple traveler. Come!! still a long way to go.

2014-05-24T18:57:00.002-07:00

Blurb... EDCA diplomatic trick...
The US to go in a shooting war with China over a tiny island? Stupid.
Many times said: America will not intervene in the territorial dispute between the Philippines and China, but will defend its allies in case of attacks or invasion by foreign aggressors. In reality America is more concerned about China's fast growing military power and influence in the Asia Pacific, that if not contained may hurt America's economic and political interests in the region.
The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) is more of a diplomatic means or trick to cover up America's concern of China's fast growing military arsenal.
In the long run, if indeed a shooting war occur, it must be sure that it would not reach American soil. Let the allies fight and America provide all the weapons, that the shooting should be confined within the Asian region- What or whose self-interest are we talking about? Nothing new, but bring back the Americans.

2014-05-24T18:36:00.001-07:00

Blurb… Limahong

When we do not want advice from old Lolos and Lolas, we tell them, ‘ Di na uso yan panahon pa ni Limahong’. Who is this man Limahong?

Limahong, Lim Hong or Lim Feng was a Chinese warlord and pirate in the 16^th century. He and his group raided and plundered rich ports in Guangdung and Fujian in southern China. By his deeds he became rich famous and notorious.

Limahong invaded northern Philippines in 1574 and even tried but failed to capture, or overthrow the Spanish colonizers in Manila. With his 40 ships and 2000 men he was named king of the high seas, including South China sea and West Philippines sea.

Truth to tell, the descendants of Limahong, sad to say, are still in the northern Philippines in their destructive black sand mining, smuggling Chinese products, including illegal drugs. Today, these aggressive and combative descendants of the Chinese pirate are here with us to reclaim the kingship of their grand ancestor, Limahong.

So, when I give you advice and you say yan panahon pa ni Limahong, sorry you are wrong these descendants of the Chinese pirates are now in our shores with their three million army to plunder our resources, terrorized us and reclaim the prize and kingship of their grand ancestor,- Limahong.

Is the relation there? Lim Ja Net. Ok we stop saying panahon pa ni Limahong, panahon pa ni Mahoma – kupung-kupung na lang. Who is this man Mahoma? I’ll tell you later I’ll goCR popo.

2014-05-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

Blurb…

Hell has broken loose in the Senate.

And the magnitude is pandemoniac. And if there is one left less dirty, he should be the first to leave fast maybe to save his soul, While the gates of hell are open.

Today, in the minds of every Pinoy is the question, ‘Do we still need the Senate? If yes, shame on you, shame on me. Let the heavens fall.

blagmell: Courage overwhelmed fear

2013-08-21T00:42:00.001-07:00

blagmell: Courage overwhelmed fear

Courage overwhelmed fear

2013-08-21T00:37:00.001-07:00

Courage and fear...

Diego Dekato is a man of exceptional courage. Born of very poor parents, he grew up with his parents living in a shanty under a bridge in Manila. As young boy helping his street vendor father, he was able to finish high school. He dreamed of becoming a lawyer one day. He worked as a security guard to earn his law degree. Though he did not succeed in his first try at the bar exam, he found a good job at a foreign-owned electronics company in Laguna. After two years the company decided to close-shop and moved to China. Jobless, Diego also stopped temporarily his bar review because his father was brought to the emergency room because of heart ailment.

Equipped with a strong heart and exceptional courage Diego did not lose hope. At the time his father was scheduled for a heart-bypass surgery he could not raise the money for hospital expenses.
Diego's fear of doing anything against the law stood fast because of his dream of becoming a good lawyer one day.
Yet, his strong heart and rear courage overwhelmed this fear because he thought it right at that moment that something was more important than fear, the life of his father.

On his own he entered a bank pointed his gun at the teller declaring a hold up. He succeeded and went directly to the hospital and save the life of his father. But the long arm of the law later caught up with him that he is now serving his time in prison, that also give him more time to continue his review for the next bar exam hoping that he can still become a good lawyer one day.. Mel

blagmell: Who is right or who is wrong is not important

2013-01-20T01:40:00.001-08:00

blagmell: Who is right or who is wrong is not important

Trying hard? Relax sit down. Be quiet for a while or for some time. Show you are polite even if you knew its hard to do because you know being polite is the only accepted hypocracy in our society.

2013-01-20T01:35:00.002-08:00

The burdens of the disabled

2013-01-17T00:26:00.000-08:00

by mel amarillo

While everyone was queueing at the near-center aisle of our village church to receive communion from the lay-minister that Sunday, I was seated at the far end side of the pew near the entrance side- gate. Every once in awhile I turned around to see if the line was still long. Those returning to their seats passed my way that I lost sight of the queue that I had to rush get my walking-stick and went on to receive the Eucharistic bread. But with my condition that I cannot walk without that stick after I had a stroke some years back, and the moment I reached the receiving area the minister just left.

A stocky-looking woman in her 50s intervene, hold me by my left arm and said "di kayo nabigyan Sir? ( you did not receive communion Sir?) Its all ok, its my fault. I cannot walk as fast. And it won't make me less Christian anyway. was my reply. "No that's unfair. Wait I'll send someone inside and tell the priest, she insisted." The usherette 'mother bottler' as they are called joined the fray explaining why we cannot call him back, its finished." she said. As if telling me better luck next time Sir, she said, in a low voice " next time na lang Sir ok?" But the elderly woman looking like being overpowered insisted, "Wait I've sent someone inside", her voice becoming forceful. I was standing with my cane in their mid feeling my knees trembling, not scared but tired. I raised my right palm between the faces of the two debaters as to signal them to be quiet because many people are looking while others are giggling. I, myself felt I was disturbing the peace. Then the priest himself arrived bringing the host and everybody was calm.

Back to my seat a little boy seated near me, who was earlier very restless 'hiper-active ' told me "siguro di po kayo nag bayad kanina sa basket kaya di kayo pinakain" ( Kuya maybe you did not put money into basket that you were not allowed to eat."

* * *

Outside the church
When I was inside the car I saw the woman with her two companions, I opened my window to give her thanks for the assistance. She said, " taga Zamboanga City kami, di puede sa amen yun ganyan." ( We are from Zamboanga city and we do not tolerate that kind of incident." So you are from Zamboanga city, you should know my relatives there, the Amarillo, Salapudin etc.... etc.. was my reply To cut the story short, what was to be a minute of giving thanks turned into a 15-minute story telling of relatives.and distant relatives. And more they are now my facebook friends.

I've never been to Zamboanga. Yet I know the place is beautiful, sans kidnapping an terror bombing as it was in the past. Nevertheless Zamboanga SYS or see you soon.

I am not ashamed being disabled. Though I cannot do what normal persons do I create my own way of doing things and still do the same though at a slower pace. And I'm proud of what I'm doing. Disability does not mean you stop living your life.

You are ugly too, and the fracas that followed

2012-11-12T02:04:00.000-08:00

A group of doctors went on a free medical mission. At the venue in front of the barangay hall, were tables so arranged to accommodate the long line of people wanting to consult a doctor. First in line was a grumpy-face woman looking stocky and in short overweight.
The doctor asked, 'Whats the problem madam? 'Doc I feel difficulty in breathing' she said. Doctor; Madam, you need a long work-out in the gym and you need to exercise daily, eat healthy foods and please reduce your diet to the minimum because you don't look good anymore.' thus the soft voice of the doctor. The woman; 'Doc, I want a second opinion.'
Ok, you are ugly too, replied the doctor. And so the pandemonium, the violent riot, all the tables overturned and the woman laid flat on the floor, was taken to the hospital and on arrival she told the nurse, 'I am so tired please give me some food and drinks. end of mission. mel

Who is right or who is wrong is not important

2012-10-08T19:57:00.000-07:00

On the recently signed peace agreement it is not important as to who is right or who is wrong.

Decades ago, Mindanao Moros (Muslims) had convinced themselves that intruders, both foreign and locals and mostly Christians came to Mindanao to grab their ancestral lands - driving them out to the mountains. Thus the start of the conflict that cost untold sufferings to both Christians and Muslims in the then so-called Land of Promise.

The Moro rebellion that eventually became the protracted war that put to a standstill economic development, in agriculture, infrastructure, business and commerce killed nearly 200,000 people. Further economic development was believed almost impossible because of violent killings on all sides. Residents in the most affected areas thought they were imprisoned in an insurmountable wall of poverty that they just die without even seeing what was happening outside the wall, that there was no way out but to fight.

Last week, with the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the MILF, all the people in Mindanao and all the Filipinos heaved a collective sigh of relief, that peace is at hand and achieved through peaceful means. The peace agreement would finally create the permanent Bangsamoro homeland, with the hope that finally there shall be no more Chistians nor Muslims but Filipinos to live in unity and harmony. After all every man's ultimate desire here on earth is the desire for peace.

Today, Christians and Muslims, (the government and the MILF) have in truth finally realized that in war it is not important as to who is right and who is wrong, but who is left. blagmell/wordpress.com mel amarillo

Where are the magnificent 12 the dirty dozen?

2012-07-23T04:13:00.000-07:00

Yes, where are the dirty dozen? the 12 senators as they were then aptly termed who voted for the closure of the US military bases in the country 20 years ago.

Today, the fire-eating giant is battering our door with the ultimate intention of crushing it down and eventually thumping and trampling every one inside while the magnificent 12 and our current choosen leaders are Noynoying or are still snoring away. But thank God some are now creating and joining groups and look for the big stick and its owners to help us defend our door. While others have changed heart and now ask and plead the US for help. ngii... chutzpah To those who were born in the 1970s and earlier they very well knew where the big stick is and where the owners are.

The largest US military bases in the Pacific and in the world were once located in the Philippines, the Subic naval station and Clark Airbase in Pampanga. Certainly, not far from the disputed Scarborough shoal. In the early 1970s at the height of the anti-American campaign and the over-abundant promises of the Nationalist movements, the politicians then, whose built-in skill in holding on to power was go and ride-on with the popular sentiment of the people. Thus, the 12 senators voted in favor of the closure of the US military facilities the decision which brought the country to where it is now, in the face of the fire-eating giant, China. The US flag was finally lowered in Subic on November 24, 1992.

THE BIG QUESTION?

Would China be as bold and daring as she is today in sending armed vessels - combat ships in the vicinity of the Scarborough shoal had the US naval station remained in Zambales? Your answer, I am sure will be as good as mine.

What is now the position of the Dirty Dozen?

Was their decision to drive the Americans out wise and deserving? Was the closure justified in the long run? What did the country get after 20 years? Most of the Pinoys now prefer to think the decision to drive out the Amerians out was ill-advised and shortsighted.

Among the most important reasons given at that time that led to the unwise decision were: the US supported the militarization of the whole country, the fear that the US bases are storing nuclear weapons in their warehouses in violation of the constitution, the country will forever not learn to stand on its own feet, and the others the rise of crimes an prostitution.

Maybe it is worthwhile reading some of the senators reasons why they voted in favor of the closure.

Wigberto Tanada, "the treaty must be junked since national freedom cannot be postponed and the dignity and honor of the Filipinos cannot continue to be trampled"

Agapito Aquino, "I vote against the US military bases because I love my country more than my president (Cory Aquino)

Joseph Estrada, " it was our finest hour"

Juan Ponce Enrile, "Our decision struck a blow in favor of national sovereignty, we collectively echoed the sentiment of our people to unshackle themselves"

Lest the people may forget the nightmares that Enrile brought during the dark days of martial law, even if he was made instant hero during the impeachment trial. Today he is proposing charter change. Let us watch for his third would-be unwise decision.

Let us read another important link. Mr. Denny Roy, a senior fellow at the East West Center in Hawaii said, "too much had been said about the obscure treaty between Manila and the US, I look at it based on what is to the best interest of the US and certainly US and China going into a shooting war at each other over an inhabited tiny group of islands is purely insane."

Mastodonian maybe but if honesty is the ultimate factor

2012-06-22T00:31:00.000-07:00

The nation is now in the process of selecting the new chief justice of the Supreme Court. Rest assured the selection method could be very tedious and nauseating, not only to the judges of the Judicial and Bar Council but to every outsider.

There are various suggestions, they say the new chief justice must not only be fair and just but must look like one, stronghearted, incorruptible, beyond reproach and above suspicion like Caesar's wife and finally Honest. 'miron pa kaya non?'

There are over 40 applicants for the highest judge of the land, each should be allotted enough time in the interview in front of the TV camera by the JBC, telecast nationwide.
How long would it take? Your guess will be as good as mine. It could be not longer than the impeachment trial.

If I may suggest your honors, with due diligence please. If the ultimate factor is Honesty, why not try this, mastodonian though it maybe.
Give each applicant a boiled mongo seed and ask him to plant it on good soil to produce good and the best sprout. Then tell him or them to come back after a week and report what happened. Most everyone would say mine is doing well, or mine is slow-growing but good. And the one or one's who would say, mine is dead, no sprout at all, he should be finalist.

Yet, my good neighbor said to me, Bro Mel, Pre your selection method should go the way of the mastodon...
Ok, tell it NOT to the MARINES, but to the honest taxi drivers and janitors