New Philippine Revolution

TELECOMMS GATEWAY DAPAT NANG ISA KAMAY NG ESTADONG PINOY

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:20:00 +0000

Kung talagang matapang tong si Tatay Digong, bakit hindi niya kunin ang telecommunications gateway na pinagkakakitaan ngayon ng mga oligarkiya at hindi lamang ang pag-atake sa mga water concessionaire agreements?

Open secret naman na pag-aari itong gateway ng estado, ngunit sa ngayon tanging ang PLDT ng mga Pangilinan at Cojuangco ang kumikita mula dito. Hindi ba dahil mayroon na tayong DICT, panahon na para bawiin ito sa pribadong kamay?

Mahalagang bahagi ng demokrasya ang telekommunikasyon. Liban sa pagkain, tubig, at iba pang kasama sa hierarchy of needs, hindi mapapasubalian ang kahalagahan ng komunikasyon. Trilyong piso ang kinikita rito. HIndi ba dapat ang mga mamamayan ang makinabang dito at hindi ang PLDT?

HINDI NAMAN SOBRANG HIRAP AT SOBRANG TEKNIKAL ANG PAGMEMENTINI NG GATEWAY. Bakit ipinagkakatiwala ito ng pamahalaan sa pribadong kamay gayong malaki ang posibilidad na mahulog ito sa kontrol ng mga kaaway ng estado, lalo na ng China.

SULITIN NA AT ANGKININ NI TATAY DIGONG MAGING NG KANYANG MGA SARILING OLIGARKIYA ANG BUONG SERBISYO PUBLIKO SA PILIPINAS. ITO BA AY HUSTISYANG BIGAY O REGALO NI TATAY DIGONG SA MGA BUMOTO SA KANYA? OO.

ANG TANONG LAMANG--ME GULUGOD AT WALANG DAGA SA DIBDIB ANG PANGULO AT HANDA SIYANG MAKIPAG GERA SA MGA BIG BOYS DITO SA MAYNILA?

ABANGAN!

Nang palagan si Tatay Digong ng isang brodkaster

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 05:09:00 +0000

Kataka-taka bang "flavor of the month" ang mga oligarkiyang sina Ayala at Pangilinan? Sa ganang akin ay hindi. Nasasa likod ng Globe Telecommunications ang mga Ayala samantalang kontrolado naman ni Pangilinan ang PLDT/SMART--- mga katunggali sa negosyo ni Dennis Uy, ang batam-batang tagasuporta ni Tatay Digong noon pa mang alkalde siya ng Davao City.

Tanggap nating lahat na mayroong mabigat na pagkakasala sa taumbayan ang mga ito bunga ng kanilang pagprepresyo sa atin ng kani-kanilang mga serbisyo na madalas at hindi lamang minsan ay pagmamalabis na. Mayroon tayong pinakamalalang serbisyong pangtelekomunikasyon sa buong Asya Pasipiko, at kung ihahanay sa presyo ng serbisyong tubig sa ibang bansa, atin ang pinakamataas na presyo sa serbisyo ng tubig gayong sagana tayo sa mga likas na yamang tubig, isama pa rito na mayroon nang mga teknolohiyang naririyan na maaaring makapagpababa ng presyo.

Seryoso, mabigat at tunay nga lamang pahirap sa mamamayan ang katusuhang ginawang ito ng daalwang grupong ito at tama lamang na kasuhan sila at itapon sa piitan. NGUNIT, dahil tayo naman ay isang demokratikong lipunan, korte o hukuman ang tamang lugar o venue upang mapanagot ang mga ito.

Kataka-takang dakdak lamang ang pinagkakaabalahan ni Tatay Digong. Naghahamon ng away pero malaki ang kumpiyansa kong palabas lamang ito at sa totoo, hindi na ito kataka-taka para kay Digong. Marami na itong away na akala mo matapang pero me daga pala sa dibdib.

Nariyan noon pang siya ay mayor ng Davao, naghamon ito ng barilan sa isang media personality na ang pangalan ay lantad sa lahat. Tira ng tira kay Digong ang brodkaster na ito at dahil sa nawalan na rin ng depensa si Digong sa kanyang sarili, hinamon siya ng barilan itong taga media. HIndi masagot ni Digong bakit hindi siya dapat iturong mastermind sa pagpatay kay Jun Pala--ang dati niyang suporter na kung hindi dahil dito ay maaaring hindi niya napanalunan ang parka-alkalde ng Davao.

Pinadala si Waldy Carbonell ng National Press Club (NPC) sa Davao para mag imbestiga.

Akala siguro nitong si Digong na hindi siya papalagan nitong brodkaster. Pumayag itong makipangbarilan ala Western style, yun bagang darating ng pagkasikat ng araw, haharap sa kanyang katunggali at sa tapos ng pagbilang mula isa hanggang tatlo, ay kadyat itong bubunot ng kanyang baril usant patayin ang kalaban.

At naganap na nga.

ON time dumating si Waldy Carbonell sa harap ng Davao City hall nang alas 9 ng umaga, dala ang baril at dalawang magazine. Saksi ang mga media ng Davao sa kaganapan at hinintay nila ang alkalde ng mahigit labinglimang minuto.

Ni amino nitong si Tatay Digong ay tumiklop kay Waldy.

Ngayong pangulo, siguro mas matapang tapang na tong si Digong na ayon kay Atty. Homobono daza ay isang "boy-man" na hindi nakakalibot o nakararating sa isang lugar nang walang bodyguard.

TOTOO BANG GALIT SI TATAY DIGONG SA MGA LUMABAG SA BATAS NA MGA AYALA AT PANGILINAN?

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 26 Jan 2020 04:37:00 +0000

Naghahanap ba ng gulo si Pangulong Duterte o iyang rants nya laban sa mga Ayala at kay Manny Pangilinan ay isa lamang palabas o pakana upang makakuha ng ganansya sa mga ito? Sa kasaysayan, dalawa sa ating mga dating naging pangulo ang humamon sa tapang at lakas ng mga oligarkiyang ito, at sa kasamaang palad, kapwa sila napatalsik sa kapangyarihan.

Hindi na bago ang mga pamilyang ito sa taktikang ito ng mga nasa pamahalaan. Sa mga bayan bayanan at syudad, kadalasang taktika ng mga alkalde ang mga ganitong bagay---maggagalit-galitan upang makakuha ng ganansya para mismo sa mayor o sa mga alyado o kasapakat nito. Syempre, sino bang businessman ang hindi matatakot? Isinagawa ang mga batas para sa kaayusan ng lipunan ngunit karamihan dito ay mga patakarang minsan nang napatunayang isinagawa upang ipitin ang mga lehitimong pangangalakal. Kumbaga, kung merong AC-DC or attack and collect, defend and collect sa hanay ng mga peryodista, meron din nito sa mga pulitiko.

Hindi na basta-bastang pipityuging pulitiko si Digong--- sa kanyang pagtataya, siya na ang pinakamakapangyarihang pulitiko sa Pilipinas at kanya itong ipinamamarali hindi iisa kundi maraming beses. Pinapakete ito ng kanyang mga communication handlers bilang patawa, pero kung titignang mabuti, hindi na ito katawa-tawa kundi naging isang seryosong bagay na maging kay Digong. Kung ikukumpara nga tong si Tatay noon lamang pagkapanalo niya noong 2016 at sa kasalukuyan, malaki ang kanyang pagkakaiba. Tingin ko, kinain na siya ng kanyang kahambugan at naniwala na sa mga propaganda na lumabas at lumalabas mula mismo sa kanyang mga kaalyado at maging sa pamahalaan.

Batid din ng lahat na hindi rin naman basta na lamang nagmarakali ang Pangulo nang matuklasan nia ang mga di kaaya-ayang probisyon ng mga water contracts. Datihan nang lantad ang mga katotohanang ito sa Pangulo at sa edad niyang pitumput apat na may tatlumpung taon sa politika, imposibleng ang mga katotohanang ito ay ngayon lamang lumantad sa kanyang harapan.

May nilulutong gimmick itong si Digong na tinatakpan ng kanyang mga mabubulaklak na atak laban sa mga Ayala at Pangilinan. Siyempre, ang mga kasapakat niya, ang mga "economic" at "financial geniuses" na tulad nina Almendras, Diokno, at Medialdea kasama na ang mga kalabang oligarkiya ni Duterte kabilang na ang pinakamayamang oligarkiya, si Manny Villar, Dennis Uy, Lucio Co at iba pa ang nagsama-sama upang kumilos laban sa mga Ayala, Lopez at Pangilinan na itinuturing nang mga tradisyunal at matatagal nang kumukumpas ng direksyon ng bansang ito hindi lamang dekada kundi lampas sang dan taon na.

Ang malting katanungan--handa ba ang bansa sa isang nakapangyayaring kiskisan at banatan ng mga oligarkiyang ito? Sa katotohanan, hindi na ito bago at nagaganap ang labanan sa pagitan ng mga ito sa kani-kanilang mga boardrooms. Ngunit, ang pinagaawayan ngayon ay sang seryosong bagay, hindi lamant para kay Digong kundi para sa ating lahat na karaniwang Pilipino.

Nakaambang premyo sa labanang ito ang trilyon-trilyong pisong kaban ng bayan na galing sa pawis at dugo hindi lamang ng mga Pilipinong naririto kundi maging yaong nagpapa-alipin sa bang bansa. Hindi na pipitsugin ang paglalaro ng pampublikong yaman. Isa na itong seryosong bagay para sa mga oligarkiya na hindi kuntento sa kanilang kita sa pribadong merkado sa pamamagitan ng mataas na pagprepresyo sa kakapiranggot o mumong produkto o depektibo o walang binesang serbisyo.

Nilalaro na rin ng mga oligarkiya ang pampublikong kaperahan, hindi lamang pandagdag sa kani-kanilang kita kundi kadalasan dito na nila kinukuha ang kanilang kayamanan.

Ang mga katulad ni Tatay Digong ay itinuturing na gamit lamang para maitulak ang agenda ng mga mangangalakal o oligarkiyang nakapalibot sa kanya o yaong kanyang sinuportahan at pinalaki mula pa noong siya pa ay isang alkalde ng Davao. Maaaring nakikinabang din si Digong sa kaululang ito o magari ring hindi, ngunit ang malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw ay ang katotohanang nagagamit sa pampersonal na interes ang Tanggapan ng Kapanguluhan na sa katotohanan, ay sang pagmamalabis na sa kapangyarihan.

Halatado namang press release lamang ni Tatay Digong ang kanyang panay-panay na pagsasapubliko ng kanyang diumano'y "galit" sa mga Ayala at Pangilinan. Kasi kung may katotohanan ang kanyang bintang at mga binibitiwang akusasyon, naririyan ang Korte Suprema o kaya dili ang mga lokal na hukuman upang kanyang maisakatuparan ang kanyang diumano'y balak na pagpaparusa sa mga nagkakasalang oligarkiya.

KUNG MAY KATOTOHANAN ANG MGA GAWAING ITO NI TATAY DIGONG NGAYON LABAN SA MGA OLIKARIYANG ITO, HINDI NA NIYA ITO HIHIMUKING PUMIRMA NG BAGONG KONTRATA AT ALALAONG BAGA'Y KAKASUHAN NA NIYA ANG MGA ITO, ITATAPON SA KULUNGAN AT KANYA NANG PANGANGASIWAAN ANG SERBISYO NG PAGHAHATID NG TUBIG SA BAWAT GRIPO NG MGA PILIPINO.

May kasabihan ang mga Pilipino--ANG PUTAK NG PUTAK KADALASAN WALANG LAMAN O HUNGKAG.

Marami nang mga halimbawa ang nagpapatunay na BUMIBIGAY ITONG SI TATAY DIGONG. NARIRIYAN ANG KANYANG ATAKE SA MIGHTY CORPORATION NA PINAGBAYAD LAMANG NG KAKARIMPOT NA MULTA AT NAGPARAYA UPANG MABILI NG MURA NG MGA DAYUHANG MANGANGALAKAL NA MALAPIT KAY Dennis Uy.

NARIRIYAN ANG PAG-ATAKE NIYA KAY ROBERTO ONGPIN NA NAUWI NAMAN SA PAGBENTA NG KANYANG SHARES SA ISANG KORPORASYONG KALABAN NI Dennis Uy AT CONGRESSMAN ALBEE BENITEZ, ISA RING SUPORTER NI DIGONG.

HINDI NAMAN TAGO SA LAHAT ANG NGAYO'Y MAGANDANG PAGTITINGINAN NINA DIGONG AT LUCIO TAN NA INAKUSAHAN NI DIGONG NA MARAMING UTANG NA BUWIS SA PAMAHALAAN AT KUNG ANO-ANO PA. NGAYON ANG KRONI NOON NI MARCOS AY SIYA NANG KRONI NI DIGONG.

Currentph is my new baby

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Tue, 29 Oct 2019 04:14:00 +0000

Hey guys, what's up?

Sorry, if I was'nt able to write stuff here at this site. I was so busy populating my new baby https://currentph.com that I forgot to write here. I intend to link this site with http://www.currentph.com.

Please follow me there.

Currentph.com is a great site because it is extraordinary. It is not your usual blog which lacks an editorial segment. We have a team of veteran journalists who curate the news items written by our five man team of content producers. We also have correspondents from different beats.

If you want relevant and truthful narration of facts, information, and expert opinions, visit https://currentph.com.

Mr. Duterte's Illusory 5-min drive from Makati to Cubao

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sat, 06 Jul 2019 02:20:00 +0000

President Duterte is at it again. After drawing real flak for his failure to address the drug problem within six months, reconcile with state enemies within a year, exterminate oligarchs within two and create peace and stability in Mindanao for the first two years of his administration, Mr. Duterte has again threw out another illusion in the public sphere-- Makati-to-Cubao in just five minutes. He even predicted when this might happen---in September of this year. And true to form, our Highway Patrol Group (HPG) stood behind the President's bravado by providing the media with "scientific evidence" of the President's 5-minute claim.

I don't know if many people still believe in Mr. Duterte's words. I will wager my salary and say that surveys will surely not reflect what the people really think about Mr. Duterte at this point. Our president has practically threw in the towel by saying this and even admitted other monumental failings like:

1. The incendiary South and Martial law. Mindanao is still a dangerous place to go to despite the imposition of martial law. What Mr. Duterte does not admit and probably would not ever admit is the radicalization process on-going in that part of the Philippines. Mr. Duterte is prone to quick fixes but I think what is happening there is beyond the calculations made by his hawks. They think they can effectively suppress people's anti-state sentiments there by barricading and creating walls, by deploying pro-state religious groups and by using sophisticated technologies. The situation in Mindanao right now is heading towards disaster and Mr. Duterte's admission says a lot on how helpless the state is in addressing this humongous problem.

2. Graft and corruption. The prevalence of graft and corruption is one thing that Mr. Duterte assured us that this is within his powers. Yet, Mr. Duterte seemed too reluctant firing his frontliners who have committed grave sins against the people. Talk about political will, and being a toughie, Mr. Duterte seemed a feline when it comes to this arena. Probably, because he personally believes that graft and corruption is one harmless thing like how people in government perceive jueteng-- nothing fancy, nothing lethal-- just taking what they think is due them.

3. The drug problem. Instead of lessening the incidence of drug addiction in our communities, sources within the PNP says the situation has worsened. Drug syndicates have flooded our streets with cheap methamphetamines and the PNP seemed helpless in stemming its tide. Worse, designer drugs are also being consumed by more people now than before.

4. Water and power crises. This crisis, to be perfectly honest about it, shows how people both in the private and government sectors perceive private-public initiatives-- just money making ventures. People have been paying a lot for their water and electricity. Water companies have the responsibility of modernizing their facilities but they are not doing so because they are only after profits. Nothing wrong with this except that these services are considered basic for the normal operations of a society such as ours and commercializing these things is to my mind, entirely cruel and immoral.

5. West Philippine Sea issue--- This has caught the ire mainly of rich and middle class segments of Philippine society. The seemingly innocuous foreign policy of Mr. Duterte has affected not just political but trade relations with other countries. Worse, it likewise portrayed or place the Philippines in an extremely bad light.

Brewing revolution in Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Wed, 26 Jun 2019 01:35:00 +0000

I just read a Deloitte Philippines survey on Filipino millennials. Like what I shared with you my dear readers a year or two ago, trust with institutions is going steadily southward, as people are getting further impatient with the way things are being managed on the socio-political and economic sphere. The ongoing financial and economic malaise is starting to affect the lives of millennials. And the overwhelming perception is that politics has something to do with it. That explains why millennials regard authority figures as negative influencers.

I will not anymore discuss the results of the survey and one can find it here at this link: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1134127/ph-millennials-have-low-trust-in-political-leaders-journalists-says-study. What this survey shows is that the Filipino youth is beginning to rouse from its stupor. They know the problem and they are trying to find a personal solution on these problems.

The thing right now is that there are a few outlets by which millennials can actively go to to satiate that desire to do something. Formalized institutions such as the National Youth Commission (NYC) or the Kabataang Barangay (KB) are perceived negatively and even contributory to the problems. The ongoing issue against former NYC chair Ronald Cardema has effectively negated the Commission as the legitimate venue for youth expressions. Instead of helping the NYC recover from years of negative perception, Cardema actually harmed or injured the body permanently.

I surmise that a segment of this sector is already radicalized by non-state actors in their respective localities. The worse thing about this is the possibility of this segment veering towards syndicated criminal groups which promises both personal and social upliftment. This is already being noticed by police authorities as more members of the youth are either being arrested or killed during drug sting operations.

Revival of the Opposition

Dont write the opposition off--not at this point.

The legitimate oppositionist group, the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) is now at an excellent position to provide a net for this radicalized youth segment. As admitted by the chair of the state's National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), the state is losing in the propaganda war and this is expected since the poster boy of the oligarchs and political opportunists, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is losing his political capital fast what with his flip-flopping in the China issue and the ongoing water and power crises. Charges of corruption are compounding these crises and inevitably, these things will surely come to a head sooner or later.

However, the CPP must realize that for it to achieve its objectives, the Party may need to review its current socio-economic and political analysis and conform it with the times. I will not expand this further.

Last elections, the Liberal Party was able to effectively organize more than 150,000 volunteers, majority of them members of the youth sector. As I told my friend over there, this is somewhat a surety because the LP can organize these youth sector members as frontliners in LP activities and train them as their future leaders.

Hongkong protests may signal more problems for Chin

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Thu, 13 Jun 2019 01:47:00 +0000

China does not seem to understand.

When big multinational and even local companies are already in sympathy with the people of Hongkong, the Chinese Communist Party should try to listen. While the extradition law which the Hongkong legislature and the Central Committee tries to implement seemed rational, and consistent with China's core strategic policies of inclusion, China must recognize that Hongkong and other territories like Taiwan and Macau are peopled with individuals who were born outside the mainland, and therefore, are expectedly resistant of China's laws and policies. The recognition of "one country, two systems" is the only bond that has worked for Hongkong-West and China.

Hongkong serves nothing more than a financial hub. It is not a major industrial manufacturing hub. It is a port which bridges the West to the East. Western capitalists are not necessarily keen on operating under China's socialism, for reasons as old as the Cold War.

The peoples of Hongkong realizes this and placing them into the legal jurisdiction of China violates the earlier agreed "one country, two systems," principle. Hongkongers know that if such a law is implemented, it will discourage Western firms from having headquarters in the island. That would further affect the economy which has maintained a steady yet dismal 2% growth since the nineties. Lesser investments mean less income for Hongkongers who depend on foreigners and tourists for their survival.

In a way, what is happening in China is a struggle against a principle which violates another well established principle. China wants nothing more than make Hongkong a part of a bigger and larger economy like China yet doing so also means sacrificing the inflow of foreign investments into the island and eventually, to China.

And the timing is really not ideal. China's economic growth has slowed and I think economists within the Party thinks that by controlling Hongkong, it would at least stem the slow growth. This is a wrong assumption. China's productive capacity is slowing because of decreasing demand orders.

China's acts may impinged on Hongkong's economy, and it may even affect China's overall economic growth.

80s and 90s defined 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Wed, 29 May 2019 00:42:00 +0000

Admit it--- eighties and nineties acts defined contemporary music now. Pop, r&b and alternative acts right now owe the Spice Girls, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Oasis, Nirvana, George Michael of Wham, Culture Club and others some credit. These people influenced their music.

I want to particularly mention the brave girls of rock and roll and pop for setting the cultural standard that defined that generation and in a way, this generation. Listening to those music now makes me extremely proud that I lived during those times when they were still actively producing excellent material.

With the exception of Madonna, Lauper and the Spice Girls, some of these people had already retired or had already passed on. Yet their music lingers on. Listen to their music and theirs seemed like its new materiel.

Spice Girls Reunion Tour now on!

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 26 May 2019 07:39:00 +0000

The iconic girl band which captured the Gen X is now on a reunion tour. Without Posh spice (Viktoria Beckham), Scary (Mel B), Ginger (Gerri Hallowell), Baby (Emma Bunton) and Sporty (Melanie C) went to the Dublin stage amidst thousands of shrieking fans.

Though the show went well, acoustic problems attended the entire show.

No explanation was provided why Posh spice was not there. Some say Posh spice had scheduling problems (kung ayaw, me paraan. Kung gusto, matutuloy).

How about Asia, huh, Spice girls?

My New Darna: Top 10 names for possible Darna

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 26 May 2019 06:11:00 +0000

As expected, the beautiful Liza Soberano decided not to continue shooting the new darna series over at ABS-CBN 2. Her handlers say the role was physically tiring for the young actress and a finger injury was the one that broke the camel's back so to speak. She needs surgery and rest.

We all know what is truly the reason why Soberano backed out.

Soberano does not register as an authentic Darna except of course, if you want your Darna a darling matinee icon?

Soberano is a class all by herself. The fact is, Soberano a beautiful specimen of good American and Filipino genes and her face should instead, light up a thousand Western or US magazines. Or, maybe, audition for a role in a US show or film.

But, to be the Darna for the new generation, Tarrog and the other guys over at ABS-CBN 2 are gravely mistaken. Darna is not just some bimbo out there wearing a bikini with belt and a cowboy's lasso. Nope.

Darna is a personification of the Filipina woman, an iconic figure brought forth from the annals of Philippine history. What endeared Darna to the Filipino public is not a half-exposed boob, no.

Darna must personlify the beauty of the Filipina, the strength of her heart, exudes authority from her very skin and Respect is key.

Look at the long lines of actresses who portrayed Darna. Most of them are iconic figures before they donned the Darna suit, i.e., Vilma Santos, Sharon Cuneta, even Anjanette Abayari and Nanette Medved. Before Marian Rivera or Angel Locsin agreed to swallow the magical stone and turn themselves into Darna, they were already known to be beautiful ladies with down to earth attitudes and a highly dynamic public persona.

Soberano does not have those.

Who, then, do I think worthy of taking Soberano's place as Darna?

1. Pia Wurtzbach---- has the looks, the x-factor and probably the thespian skills to be THE Darna.

2. Bela Padilla--- she maybe be mestiza but she has that x-factor. She can be a sultry lady at one time and a virgin in another. After her highly successful stint as wife of the probinsyano, it is time for Bella to have her own show and Darna, I think is it.

3.Yen Santos--- has the body, the face to die for and I think, the chops to do the role.

4. Ariella Arida--- though she needs some acting workshop and training, Ariella has the appeal, the body and the attitude to make it into Darna.

5. Maja Salvador--- she does not need my push. This girl rocks.

6. Bea Alonso

7. Sue Ramirez--- she is the rock n roll version of Darna. May appeal to Millennials.

8. Jessy Mendiola--- enuf said.

9. Valeen Montenegro--yes, yes, a Kapuso star. But for Darna, maybe the big bosses of GMA would allow her.

10. Kim Domingo--- this may yet boost her career to stratospheric heights!

Liham Para sa mga Kapatid na Pilipino

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Fri, 10 May 2019 03:04:00 +0000

Sa ating mga kapatid na Pilipino,

Habang tayo ay naghihintay sa ating halalan sa Lunes, tila baga umuusad ang mga araw ng napakabagal. Tatlong araw pa, ngunit sadya yatang naglalaro ang ating Kapalaran at alalaong baga’y ang mga segundo ay tila minuto kung susumahin.

Binibigyan ba tayo ng Maykapal ng sapat pang panahon upang makapagmuni-muni sa ating mga gagawin sa araw ng halalan? Samu’t-saring mga bagay ang ating pinagkakaabalahan at karamihan sa atin ay abala sa paghahanap-buhay o kaya ay pag-aalaga sa ating mga mahal sa buhay. Kaya naman, bagaman batid ng bawat isa ang kahalagahan ng halalang ito, lahat din naman tayo ay may pananaw na kung ikukumpara sa isang halalang pampanguluhan, ang darating na halalan sa Lunes ay para sa isang kapulungang naging katatawanan sa iilan at walang halaga naman sa karamihan.

Kaya naman, hindi kataka-taka na sa mga nakalipas na halalan, naihalal natin sa Senado ang mga taong mayroong popularidad kaysa kapasidad. Nalulungkot aniya si dating Senador Rene Saguisag bunga diumano ng pagbaba ng kalidad ng mga namumunuan sa Mataas na Kapulungan. May basehan ang kanyang pananaw sapagkat ilang dekada ang nakaraan, karamihan sa mga naihalal ng taumbayan sa kapulungang ito ay may mataas na antas ng kaalaman, mayroong busilak na reputasyon at inani ang kanilang pagkahalal sa direktang pagsisilbi sa bayan.

Ngayon, namamayani sa mga sarbeys ang ilang mga walang kakayanan at ilang nakitaan ng katiwalian mismo ng mga hukuman. Dahil sa nailagay sa mga pahayagan, tinatanggap na ang mga sarbeys na ito bilang katotohanan batay diumano sa karanasan at dahilan sa siyentipikong pamamaraan.

Muli tayong nililinlang at ipinamumukha sa atin na kailangan nating sumunod sa dikta ng sarbey. Sila ang paborito ng balana, sabi ng sarbey at masasayang lamang ang boto mo kung hindi ka susunod sa uso.

Paano bang iboboto mo ang isang pogi pero tiwali? Isang anak daw ng masa ngunit nagpasasa sa buwis ng balana? Isang beterano na sa pulitika ngunit tulad ni pogi at ni Estrada, nasama sa listahan ng mga pulitikong nanlinlang sa sambayanan?

Anong gagawin ng isang utusan sa mataas na kapuluan? Palagian ba siyang tatawag sa telepono para hingin ang pananaw ng kanyang prinsipal sa oras ng debatehan? Kaninong interes kaya ang kanyang isusulong kapagka naihalal sa Senado? Sa isang tao na bigla biglang naging pamoso sa kagyat na panahon, tiyak kong marami itong pinagkakautangan ng loob. Malalaki at dambuhalang interes ang kanyang isusulong.

Talaga bang iboboto mo ang isang anak ng napatunayan nang nagnakaw sa kaban ng bayan at ginawang gatasan ang sambayanan? Hindi lang tayo niloko na may diploma daw sa isang pamantasang pamoso, niloloko pa tayo ng isang katiwaliang kontrata sa mismong probinsya nito.

Araw-araw, pinakikinggan natin sa mga radyo at nakikita sa telebisyo ang iba’t-ibang mga anunsyo, ang iba’y inaaliw tayo ng mga sayaw, ang ilan nama’y nagpapa-alaala sa atin ng kani-kanilang mga ginawang serbisyo publiko, na tila baga pinapa alala sa atin ang ating utang na loob sa kanila sa pagseserbisyo nila sa publiko, samantalang sa katotohanan, wala namang pumilit sa kanila na puma imbulog sa pulitika kung hindi ang sarili nilang pagtataya at naising protektahan ang kani-kanilang mga pansariling interes.

Sa lahat lahat nang ito, ang tanong sa atin ay--- ano ang dikta ng konsensya mo? Masisilaw ka ba sa salapi at katanyagan pero me hungkag na kaisipan? Kumbisido ka bang bigyan pa ng pagkakataon ang mga kandidatong nagnakaw na ng pera ng bayan noon at nakikiusap ibalik sila sa Senado ngayon? Sapat na bang aliwin ka ng sayaw, ng comedy skits at pagkanta sa entablado kapalit ng boto mo?

Utak at konsensya dapat nating ipagana lalo na sa halalang ito. Kung hindi tayo magiging mapagmatyag at seryoso, tiyak kong ilalagay natin ang bayan sa tunay na peligro.

Nag-aantabay ang Tsina sa di kalayuan. Kritikal para sa kanila ang susunod na tatlong taon.

Bilyon-bilyon ang kapital na ibinuhos ng Tsina sa Pilipinas. Kailangan nilang protektahan ang mga ito. Tatlong taon na lamang ang administrasyong ito. Kailangang maipatatag ng Tsina ang kanilang impluwensya sa mga kapulungang tulad ng Senado sapagkat dito kinikilatis ang mga kontrata at kasunduang pinasukan ng administrasyong Duterte.

Kung hindi babantayan ng mga galamay ng Pangulo ang Senado, may makakalusot na kontrobersya tiyak maski isa o dalawa sa mga kontratang pinasukan ng pamahalaang ito. Naipakita na ng Senado bilang isang institusyon ang kakayahan at kapangyarihan nitong ipawalang bisa ang mga kontrata at tratadong minsan nang pinasukan ng gobyerno.

Kung magpapadala tayo sa uso, magigising na lamang tayo sa isang Senado na utus-utusan lamang ng Ehekutibo. Mawawalan tayo ng isang institusyong magbabantay sa ating mga karapatan. Sisikip ang ating mga gagalawan sapagkat tiyak kong sa natitira pang tatlong taon, marami pang mga karapatang lalabagin ng estado sa ngalan ng pansariling interes ng mga namumunuan dito.

Patuloy na tataas ang mga bilihin sa manipulasyon ng mga kartel na malapit sa makapangyarihan. Mamamayani ang katiwalian, lalakas ang pagpapalusot sa mga pantalan at babaha ng mga makapamuksa at mapanganib na mga bagay na makasisira sa kalusugan ng mga bata, mga ina at mga matatanda.

Tataas pa ang presyo ng kuryente, ng tubig, ng singil sa toll at ibang pang singilin sapagkat gagawa ng kaparaanan ang pamahalaan upang bayaran ang mga lumulobong pagkakautang nito sa mga dayuhan lalo na sa Tsina at sa mga bangko, lokal man o dayuhan.

Sa loob lamang ng tatlong taong nakaraan, nakita na natin ang paglala ng ating kalagayang panlipunan. Nanumbalik ang karahasan. Binabaha ng iligal na droga ang ating mga lansangan at pamayanan. Nanauli ang palakasan sa mga ahensya ng pamahalaan. Tumaas ang instansya ng katiwalian.

Bagaman mayroong maraming mga mabubuting bagay ang naisagawa, tulad ng pagpapabilis sa serbisyo publiko, inililigaw tayo sa paniniwalang may kaayusan sa gobyerno gayong matingkad pa sa sikat nang araw na unti-unting ipinagbibili ang ating mga karapatan at mga batayang pagmamay-ari ng ating kapuluan sa mga dayuhan.

Sinasakal din ng mga dambuhalang interes ang pamunuan ng pamahalaan, na bagaman mayroong nagsisilbi dito nang may tunay at marubdob na pagnanais ng kaayusan at pagbabagong panlipunan, ay kinakain sila ng mga kalakarang mapamuksa at naililigaw din ng kinang ng kapangyarihan at kayamanan.

Tulad ng mga naganap sa bayan ng Sodom at Gomorrah bago sila puksain ng Maykapal, lumiit ang bilang ng mga banal sa bayang pangako. Anupa’t may halaga ang pagiging banal sa panahong mas uso ang maging hangal?

Magmuni-muni. Sundin ang utak at konsensya. May halaga ka sa pagbabago. Huwag sayangin ang boto mo.

A doomed BOL?

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Mon, 21 Jan 2019 21:54:00 +0000

Yesterday's plebiscite for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) reflects the unreported undercurrent of dissent by several segments of the population in Mindanao on this proposed counter-insurgency measure. A mayor from Cotabato described the electoral exercise as "violent" due to the enormous presence of a big number of MILF fighters in their area. Cotabato City mayor Cynthia Guyadi, who actively campaigned for a "no" vote, claimed of reported pockets of violence in several polling precincts. Several predominantly Christian areas in Mindanao are wary of the BOL inspite of the support President Duterte lent on it.

Let us call a spade a spade--this BOL proposal aims to quell the 15 year old insurgency being waged by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a splinter group of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) of Nur Misuari. Misuari led the very first large organization by Filipino Muslims which aspired or waged an armed struggle for the total separation of the Moro peoples from the Tagalog-dominated central government. This decision to separate came when the Philippine Government began seriously considering the re-acquisition of Sabah from the Malaysian Confederation. Previous to 1967, no serious effort was made by Filipino Muslims to call for the establishment of an independent state. Calls for a separate state only happened during the dictatorship of President Marcos and likewise, during periods of economic instabilities emanating from the center.

Political inclusion, which is basically the thing which several people claim to be the foremost call of the Bangsamoro peoples, has been given to the Bangsamoro eversince this Republic existed. Previous legislatures especially during the post-war and the pre-war periods, show a sizeable number of Mindanao-based politicians from prominent Muslim clans who occupied high posts in both Houses. Of course, there would be varying degrees of representation as years passed, but definitely the intention of giving representation has always been there for the Filipino Muslim clans based in Mindanao.

So, why did it changed during the sixties? Simple explanation--- Sabah.

Sabah is a territory owned by the Sultanate of Sulu. It is now a part of the Malaysian Confederation. There is sufficient historical evidence proving the ownership of these vast tracts of land to the Sultanate. Philippine president Macapagal initiated the call for the claim of Sabah as part of Philippine territory and it was during the time of Marcos that such calls became a priority government initiative. And what did the Filipino Muslims gave as an answer? A raging insurgency reportedly supported by its neighbor Malaysia, who has a direct stake in the claim of Sabah.

Giving now several parts of Mindanao to the MILF is a serious political complication. For one, the present BOL is just a mere shadow of its old self. Likewise, this BOL does not resolve and it actually and in fact, complicate internal matters in Mindanao simply on one issue alone---constitutionality. How can there be a separate "organic law" when the rationale behind the very establishment of an autonomous region was stated specifically by the very constitution which re-established this very same Republic? If as former Senate president Koko Pimentel III claims that the BOL is just a refinement of the previous ARMM, then, why is it that the BOL promotes a different legislative setup? Don't tell me that the Federal setup is part of Islamic culture or laws? I sincerely doubt the veracity of such a claim.

As an autonomous region, it does not necessarily follow that the process of legislation must be different from the rest of the process being exercised or practised by the rest of the political units of this Republic. The expectation really is for the autonomous region to have the exact legislative process as with the rest to avoid complications.

Several other factors affect the succes of the BOL which I will write on a later piece.

IV of Spades Mundo (studio version)

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 30 Dec 2018 00:02:00 +0000

I agree with one blogger that the studio version of "Mundo", the break out song of IV of Spades paled very much in comparison with their version of that song at 107.5 FM. It is such a muck up. Anyway, they still have time to repair such a monstrosity. They know it.

Here is the version I am talking about.

https://youtu.be/xKk655CDFn8

I just can't stop myself from comparing "Mundo" to the "Himig Natin" song of Juan Dela Cruz band. Like the Juan Dela Cruz band, IV of Spades made some dramatic promise that their every song was deliciously lapped up by every member of that generation. It made heroes out of three members of the band: Mike Hanopol, Pepe Smith (who remains very much active in the rock scene) and Wally Gonzalez.

Incidentally, it was in 1968 when the band was formed and it was in 1973 at the height of martial law that they released their most popular song which became still the rock anthem of Pinoy rockers.

Some say, this song "Mundo" is the "anthem song" of this millennial generation. Well, I really don't know about that.

The thing is, IV of Spades' sound seemed unique because it appeals not just to millennials but to true blue rockers of two or even three generations past. It just so happened that three cute faced youngsters are there showing us that they perfectly understood what other generations want to say.

Songs of IV of Spades seemed too perfectly arranged to be "commercially iconic" to a point of exhaustion. Backers of this band want us to accept this band as the "penultimate" when, to be perfectly honest about it, the band sound seemed too pop-rock. However, I still believe that with Blaster Silonga, Zild and Badjao there collaborating, these youngsters can still create more serious and more musically astute creations in the next few years.

Unique Salonga says he left the band to pursue "personal goals" which just meant that there are some problems in terms of management. I think he jams well with the rest of the band. For me, it is tooo soon for Unique to leave and carve his own.

This also happened with the Juan Dela Cruz band when Mike left and formed his own band, the Mike Hanopol band.

Anyway, with or without Unique, I think IV of Spades have years worth of time to figure out their own unique sound which they could really claim as their signature.

When surveys do not always reflect what is "out there"

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 23:29:00 +0000

Surveys are supposed to reflect social realities. When social researchers go to the field and conduct surveys, they expect to get truthful answers. But, what if people elect not to give truthful answers? They are either afraid of something or they give answers which reflect their "longing" instead of their perception of their true situation see link: http://www.sagaraconsulting.com/new-blog/2015/6/22/are-your-participants-being-dishonest-in-your-research

Getting untruthful answers in surveys are not uncommon. It happens especially when researchers pay respondents or if researchers always rely on the same group of respondents. Familiarity affects survey results. Respondents usually want to please the researcher see link: https://www.infosurv.com/5-reasons-why-survey-respondents-dont-tell-the-truth/

Another is that there is a practice among members of depressed urban communities. Whenever an unknown person goes to their community, they usually do not immediately open up. It takes a while for one to get truthful answers to questions.

I remember what my Lola explained why news reports during the Japanese occupation have shown a vast majority of Filipinos liking these chinky eyed invaders. " It's war, my son," says my Lola, " and you need to survive. So when someone asks you something, you give them what they want to hear."

Fear envelops even the most remote communities. That tokhang policy has been totally mucked up that it has created a climate of fear among members of communities. When one has been identified as "uncooperative," the possibility of that community member to be attacked looms.

There are several signs when things are not right.

First, it is the economy. When foreign investments are leaving the bourse in such speed, volume and ferocity, there is something terribly wrong.

Second, when less people go to the streets at night, there is something terribly wrong happening at grassroots level.

Third, when small eateries and shops are closing up, there is something acutely problematic. It shows people are not going out anymore.

Fourth, when retail outlets have ceased setting shop. It shows that people are not spending as expected.

Fifth, when there is an eerie silence in communities, something is afoot.

Government must be totally concerned that these symptoms are happening because it just shows there is now an undercurrent of dissent simmering below ground. These things usually happen prior to a big one. And surveys like seismometers, only measure the impact when it already happens.

UP Dharma Down, IV of Spades, ShantiDope, Unique

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sat, 29 Dec 2018 23:02:00 +0000

IV Of Spades

I'm definitely impressed with these youngsters, especially those of the UP DHARMA DOWN (I thought all of them are students of UP), IV of Spades, Shantidope and Unique.

Up Dharma Down is most unique in terms of sound. The fact is, Apple Music seemed clueless as to what genre the band belongs to. The band has renamed itself as UDD but I think they need to go back to their previous band name. UDD reminds one of a contraceptive. :-)

Up Dharma Down is classified as possessing "alternative sound" which I think is right. Their sound is pure class. And global, mind you.

IV of Spades must remain as a trio. The two guitarists and the drummer are highly talented young musicians. They seemed to be influenced by the VST and Company sound, the very sound promoted by Eat Bulaga where members of the band was discovered. By the way, Eat Bulaga has just celebrated their 40th anniversary.

Unique, which jammed with them seemed a very promising musician with an angst. If I were Unique, I would definitely jam with IV of Spades more so that I will not be associated with a toothpaste brand, joke! :-)

These young musicians should be supported so that their artistry will grow. They have a very unique musicality that is not just marketable but has impact.

One advice--just be yourselves. Do not be boxed just like how several industry men tried to box Eraserheads. I know they began as a commercial group but these youngsters should be allowed to blossom as artists of their own caliber sound.

The Relevance of the Party

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Thu, 27 Dec 2018 01:28:00 +0000

The relevance of the Party depends on two (2) things: first, if it still provides direction; and second, if it remains a reliable partner of the masses in their aspiration for a good and stable life. The Party must realize that it is first and foremost, an organization. An organization of such size, magnitude, impact and longevity must have something in it that makes it what it is.

Unlike other revolutionary parties, the Communist Party of the Philippines is the only remaining Communist-inspired organization waging a protracted people's war against an established government in ASEAN. All the others, particularly the Communist Party of Thailand and the Communist Party of Indonesia had all been marginalized, if at all, decimated. Their decimation may have been due to several factors, among which is the attractiveness of its offer for societal change. Thais and Malays may have found their prescription irrelevant.

The Party remains relevant because it sees the Philippine condition in its sociological lenses as provided by Karl Marx. Marxism-Leninism remains a strong theoretical foundation for those who aspire for change. However, this analytical tool must be used very carefully, like how a social scientist does. It is not meant for demagogues. Marxism aspires to liberate man from metaphysical abstractions. What it does is to situate man, provide man with a correct analysis of his environment for him to adapt to changes that occur every second.

What believers of the Marxian method might have missed is the effect of such a tool in changing one's mindset--it makes one eliminate the causes of confusion that leads to a misunderstanding of the dynamics behind every phenomenon.

For the Party to stay relevant, it must re-examine its analysis of the Philippine condition. It cannot be that for the last fifty years, the Philippines remained as a semi-feudal, semi-colonial condition. There must be a thorough re-assessment and thereupon, changes in the way the Party looks at Philippine reality.

Tactics must also be reviewed after the Party collectively agrees on a renewed analysis of Philippine conditions based on Marxist-Leninism. The strategy for the attainment of revolutionary change could actually be not entirely based on armed struggle. The main purpose is the overhauling of the system by defeating the Oligarchs that rule this country. The defeat of the Oligarchs is the main mission to correct the monumental flaws of our system. There is simply no compromise in this. For the continued domination of the Oligarchs leads to a lopsided relationship where most of the vast resources of this country are controlled by a few who profit from the misery of the majority.

Sikat at liwanag

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 14:42:00 +0000

Ikaw ay siyang unang sinag na tumakas mula sa dilim
liwanag sa kabila ng kagat ng takip silim
sumusuot sa kailaliman ng kaluluwa
dinudurog mga dati nang paniniwala
at pinakakawala
mga katamkatam
na alaala.

Sa iyong pagdampi sa aking mga labi
kinikinis nito ang mga guni-guni
natutunaw mga agiw sa tabi-tabi
nagiging high definition TV
kumakapit, kumakati.

naaninag ko ang liwanag
sa kuyom kong mga daliri
pilit sumisirit sa mga guwang
nagtatangkang kumawala

at sa kanyang muling pag-alpas
ilan kayang buhay ang maaagnas?
sa pait ng kanyang mga kwento
ilan dito ang bubuhay sa mga bato?

singbilis ng kidlat siya ay magsisiwalat
ng tamis at pait ng buhay na ito
na produkto ng kapitalismo
na siyang umaalila sa mga tao.

sisirit din ang liwanag
sa mga madidilim na iskenita
at maglalaon at susukwang
ang mga ligaw na damo sa
bitak-bitak nang mga lupain.

nakikiramdam ang mga alipin
sa paghina ng mayabang na panginoon
hinihintay ang hatol noon pang daang taon
na pupunit sa kasinungalingan
ng ating pagkalalang.

Itchyworms, Ben&Ben, Callalily, Silent Sanctuary--they uplift OPM to a new refreshing level

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 13:37:00 +0000

I am excited that there are several Filipino bands right now which hit the right notes, metaphorically, at the right time and the right places. What I meant with places, in the heart. These bands capture Filipino life at this very moment, the lows and downs, the itchy side of things and the lemons and oranges.

Among the bands of today, I pay special mention to Itchyworms. I really don't know much about this band except that their music catches my innermost vibe. Their song, " Di na muli" is one fine specimen of excellent musicality. Several blog entries ago, I wrote here how disappointed am I for not hearing new tunes. For so many years, I listened to many songs of Filipino bands and really, they were the very same formulaic songs which I last heard from the Eraserheads. Even the themes are the same. So, why will I part my precious peso for these songs?

Not anymore. With these songs which I listed here, I see promise and a glimmer of hope that OPM is really maturing to a level which I consider universal.

Itchyworms top my list, followed by Ben&Ben, Oranges and Lemons, Callalilly, and Silent Sanctuary. For single acts, its Juan Karlos who catches me in a rather weird way.

Let me justify my choice by you watching this excellent video by Itchyworms see link. This song, I think will revolutionize and will lift up true OPM sound once more.

Ben&Ben's singers very clear and unique vocals spice their song, "Kathang Isip" and Tinatangi, among others. Their sound is very distinctive. You should listen to this band more often. I hope they don't really and fully commercialize their sound. Producers should let this band blossom more.

Bong Bong's win in the electoral contest with Robredo will serve as a political monkey wrench

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 01:41:00 +0000

Talks about Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr's possible win in the Presidential Electoral Tribunal case he lodged against Vice president Leni Robredo are rising, with most seeing this as a possible monkey wrench thrown at the existing political in-fighting within Malacanan.

Mr. Rodrigo Roa Duterte had earlier signified his intention to hand over most of his power to Bongbong Marcos the minute the scion of Ferdie's political legacy assumed the vice presidential post. Will this disrupt the political intramurals happening within Mr. Duterte's administration? What will happen the minute Mr. Marcos' army suddenly replaces the vanguards of Dutertismo inside that house along the Pasig?

You guessed right--that would surely diminish the stature of the Dutertistas and would result to a consolidation of the pro-BBM forces within and outside of government. Will it cut the rising stature of Speaker Arroyo's minions inside this administration? There should be a pre-meditated power-sharing scheme already between Arroyo and the Marcoses. It is easy to negotiate with the Arroyos--they just want to keep themselves perfectly in power for the longest time, since they have so much properties and commercial interests to protect. It is all about power for the Arroyos while it is all about political vindication for the Marcoses.

When Bongbong wins, one does not need a formal revision of Philippine history-- the very win had already revised the traditional narrative against the Marcoses. The only thing left to resolve is if that EDSA 1986 incident which resulted to a "popular uprising" against the Marcoses was, for all intents and purposes, just a mere politically planned ploy to mask the intended aim which is to prevent Imelda from assuming or succeeding her former husband.

A Bongbong win would surely be an Imelda's as well. This is a very powerful narrative which suggest that this family did not commit such atrocious crimes people ascribed to them for all these years. Imelda would probably ask her doctors to stop injecting her with age prolonging stem cells and just allow her to close her beautiful eyes the minute this happens.

Will this result to a blossoming of another revolt, a revolt led by the ascendant generation of young men and women sick and tired of Duterte's antics, and wary of the future? It could because a Bongbong win is as disruptive as an establishment of a revolutionary government.

It will open up old wounds especially among members of this country's principalia. It will probably freak out survivors of Mr. Marcos' tyrannical rule and prod them to go out again on the streets to protest such a horrific possibility.

Think still of the injustice such an incident would bring to a Bongbong. He played the political game as a skilful and master political tactician. He followed every rule and at the end of the day, will not be allowed to enjoy the sweet perfume of a win? That is another narrative that is expected to hit the democratic founders straight in their faces.

The Balangiga bells and other unfulfilled Duterte campaign inanities

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 01:17:00 +0000

There was so much media frency on the return of the Balangiga bells that my ears and my eyes hurt. Don't misinterpret me-- I am not undermining this event. This means a lot to many people.

It means metaphorically, the "normalization" of RP-US relations, according to the Inquirer. What to me is significant in this is the recognition of the US of the Philippines as standing toe to toe before its previous colonial master. The return of these bells just shows respect, respect to a long-standing ally whose sons and daughters sacrificed even their own lives fighting wars not of their own.

Some quarters however, are trumpeting this as a triumph of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. Yes, Duterte's rants may have contributed towards the return of the Balangiga bells. However, it was not Duterte who first raised the issue of the return of these bells to the Philippines. This issue has been festering in the public sphere since 2010. And Mr. Duterte just assumed it as his own "crusade."

But, how many more of Mr. Duterte's electoral promises are still unfulfilled? His anti-drugs war is right now a tattered one, gored by several sectors who questioned the morality and the efficacy of such a campaign. Fifteen thousand people dead and rising, yet, shabu is still being sold in the streets, millions are still living like zombies and many tons more of the white powdery stuff being smuggled out of our ports. Those largely responsible for that 6.3 billion peso smuggling controversy at the Bureau of Customs came out of it unscathed.

His campaign against ENDO went awry, with Mr. Duterte succumbing to the wiles of the oligarchs whom he promised to tame during this administration. Instead of being tamed, these oligarchs are currently on a rampage, with each carving his own image at Mr. Duterte's administration. The fact is, Mr. Duterte has his own set of oligarchs, now squezing every juice that they can get from their affinity with the mayor of Davao.

Prices of commodities, goods, and services went up as Mr. Duterte ordered his budget secretary to get trillions from our incomes to fund his massive infrastructure dream. What is now happening, if we are to believe Senator Panfilo Lacson and Majority Floor Leader and former budget secretary himself Andaya, favored contractors managed to get billions from the trillion peso budget.

Andaya and several other congressmen alleged that Duterte's budget secretary Benjamin Diokno himself inserted several millions worth of projects into the budget and assigned it to one favored contractor--- C Leoncio Trading and Construction which according to Andaya is a single proprietorship.

If this is happening today, think of what would happen the minute the budget is now at the hands of bureacrat capitalists managing the affairs of a federated region. As usual, public funds will simply be siphoned off to the joy of favored contractors of every federated region. Graft and corruption will simply be decentralized to these political sub-units, and it will surely affect the lives of millions.

Think of the monumental political mess a Federalist setup would bring to this country. UNfortunately blinded by her still lofty political ambition, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants nothing more than shove the proposal to our throats, a bitter pill filled with explosive poisonous bile that would surely place the very future of our sons and daughters into extreme jeopardy.

Why do we want such a Federated regional setup? Because China has the very same legislative setup. Why is there so much effort to develop Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan areas? You guessed right--it is near Chinese mainland. Am I alluding to the possibility of that area being carved out as a province of China in the near future? Yes.

And while we are at it, our group of islands off Zambales are now being developed into massive military installations for the defense of China, and to the detriment of the Philippines. China's intrusions and its continued building effort are being seen as actual threats already by the United States. Expectedly, we are doing absolutely nothing, a sign that we might lose the victory we had at the UNCLOS when an arbitral decision was made in our favor. Associate Justice Antonio Carpio says our continued silence is a form of acquiesce to the wiles of China.

China is really pushing the envelope and I guess China knows how the US sees their efforts--nothing more than violations of the unwritten code of conduct at that side of the world. The West Philippine sea anomaly remains a major flashpoint and the possibility of this leading to a naval clash in the future looms.

IN all of these, let's recognize that we have that responsibility of correcting these monumental errors in decision-making of our political elites. We might, eventually, resort to the fullest expression of our democratic power thru a civilian revolt or try to go to our precincts come May and express our frustration there.

Whatever may be the choice of the broad Filipino masses, one thing is surely clear--- we are again under a regime whose policies and actions betray the constitutional guarantees of freedoms, rights and liberties and the continued corruption without adequate prosecution of people close to Mr. Duterte betrays tons-ful of shit which came from Mr. Duterte's mouth assuring us of preventing such corruptions from happening.

Sa amin pa rin ang bukas

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 16:54:00 +0000

sa mga panahong nangangalit ang kalangitan
at ang mga kidlat ay nagsusulputan
malakas ang hangin at walang masilungan
sa matitinding buhos ng ulan.

ako ay naririto para sa iyo.

isipin mo nang ligtas ka
may gabay at may umaaalalay
sa pagtulay mo sa buhay
naririyan lamang ako
handang ipagtanggol ka.

halika't hawakan mo ang aking kamay
at tayo'y tumakas, maglakbay
sa iba't-ibang mga mundo't magsikhay
tumuklas ng mas maraming bagay

iwanan ang mga problema
wala nang magagawa pa.
talikdan ang mga kasalanan
at baguhin ang lipunan.

talamak na kasakiman.
walang paggalang sa kapwa tao.
puro na lamang kasamaan
at walang patumangang nakawan.

ninakawan mo kami ng aming mga kaluluwa
pilit inaalis sa aming katauhan ang pagiging Pilipino
maging ang aming pagiging maginoo
inyo mo nang tinapakan at pinatay.

sa lahat ng ito
mayroong umagang aasahan
mayroong ginhawang mapapala
kung aalisin ang talukap sa mga mata
at kumilos pa ng isa pa.

hinding hindi mo mapapatay ang Pilipino
may kaluluwa kami't pagkatao
sa Dios namin at mga anito
kami ay tatawag pati na mga santo

guguho ang mga payayo
mananahimik ang mga palaso
mananauli ang pagiging maginoo
darating ang takdang araw ng paghuhukom
at ang bayang sinaktan ay maghihilom.

Bong Revilla gets his freedom--but where are the monies?

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sat, 08 Dec 2018 16:29:00 +0000

Selective justice. Two words with a very heavy meaning.

This is how Jinggoy Estrada described what happened with him and his erstwhile friend, Bong Revilla. They were both dragged into the Janet Napoles pork barrel scam controversy and now, they are both free.

And now, they are running again for public office. These two hoped to regain their senatorial slots. And based on surveys, they both figured in the winning circle.

For Estrada and Revilla, yes, it really might have been selective justice. Out of the 200 plus politicians named by Benhur Luy, only three big names were plucked and put in jail. Those named in that legendary list continued with their lives. Worse, if we are to believe Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson, pork is again back. Imagine, Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo got 2 billion for her legislative district.

Such impunity, even at this time, when most of our people are hard pressed finding the next cent for their next meal. When whole families are being wrecked due to poverty, and when hundreds even thousands of us are packing our bags and leaving this country for safer, better conditions elsewhere.

Several years before, and the Pnoy administration embarked on an anti-corruption drive. Now, what had happened?

Many said that what happened with the Revilla case is a clear example of the weakness and corruption of our justice system. Despite overwhelming evidence, the courts acquitted these two because there is no clear case that what Luy and Napoles gave them as monies belonged to the people. In my book, that's a technical thing. Of course, those who want nothing more than hide an impropriety would really do every single legal thing just to hide what they intend to do. In the case of Revilla, one justice of the Sandiganbayan says she wants to convict but the facts do not really link Revilla to the crime.

So where are those 200 million pesos? Dont tell me that it was only Revilla's chief of staff Atty Richard Cambe who got all the largesse?

Hay naku.

Buti at nakakatulog pa ng mahimbing ang mga ito. I will just pray to God for justice. There is no more here.

Pilipino ay kaluluwa ng Lahi

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 01:37:00 +0000

Ayon kay Jose Rizal, ang hindi magmahal sa sariling wika, daig pa ang isang malansang isda. Ibig bagang sabihin nito, malansang isda ang Kataas-taasang Hukuman nang pahintulutan nitong alisin ang Pilipino bilang sabjek sa college curriculum? Posible.

Tama si Senate president Tito Sotto--ang ating wika ay siyang nagbibigay sa atin ng pagkakakilala o identidad. Kakaiba ang ating wika. Ito ang siyang nagtatagni sa atin bilang Pilipino.

Pumaibang bansa ka at makikilala mo ang isang Pilipino kapagka nagsalita na siya ng Pilipino. Para bagang badge of honor kung makakapagsalita ka ng Pilipino.

Inihahabi natin ang ating mga pangarap, ang ating mga damdamin maging ang ating mga panaginip sa pamamagitan ng ating sariling wika. Nakakabit ito sa ating pagkatao.

Kung ang mga dayuhan nga, pilit pinag-aralan ang ating wika upang lubusan nila tayong maintindihan, bakit naman ang Kataas-taasang Hukuman ay hindi?

Kung idadaan mo nga naman sa ating mga batas, mayroong kapangyarihan ang Commission on Higher Education na magdesisyon pabor sa pag-alis ng wikang Pilipino sa curriculum. Ngunit, mas nakatataas ba ang CHed sa saligang batas? Sa saligang batas mismo nakaukit ang mga imortal na katagang nagtataguyod sa Pilipino bilang lengua franca sa Pilipinas.

Talikdan natin ang mga paratang sa wikang ito bilang hiram, hindi eksakto o chopsuey o pinaghalo-halong hiram na wika mula sa iba't-ibang wikang mas matanda sa kanya. Walang wikang perpekto. Lahat ng wika ay hiram na wika mula sa sinapupunan ng unang wika.

Nagpapakita lamang nang kasariwaan at kayamanan ng Pilipino bilang isang wika ang mga hiram na salita. Sa Pilipino, inilalantad din ang ating kasaysayan bilang isang bansa. Nakahabi sa Pilipino ang pakikibaka ng ating mga ninuno. Ito ang kaluluwang nagluwal ng samu't-saring pagsasakripisyo para lamang galangin tayo bilang mga Pilipino, bilang mga tao, at bilang isang bansa.

Ito rin ang nagpapakita ng kapatiran ng bawat isang ipinanganak o may dugong Pilipino. Ang Pilipino ang nagpapaalala sa atin ng ating pagkakaisa bilang mga magkakapatid sa ilalim ng bansang Pilipinas.

Why Robredo does not fit the bill

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Mon, 19 Nov 2018 01:21:00 +0000

Vice president Leni Robredo is still the constitutionally mandated person to replace Mr. Duterte the minute he leaves this world or suddenly thinks he is so tired, he wants out or the people suddenly wake up from their languor and act against him. Without a definitive ruling from the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, Robredo stays as Duterte's successor.

Nothing wrong except that several people think Robredo is the wrong person for the job. She does not fill the bill.

Many see Robredo the way they see Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. People think that she is more of an ally of the oligarchs rather than a person who bears the strong political will to really effect change in the system.

We'll name one example--her recent speech before young legislators of the region. Instead of her speaking before the people, Robredo spends so much time talking with members of her socio-economic class.

Robredo must begin speaking and consulting with the basic masses, the very same vein she was known before. She must re-discover her roots.

Sison's Blunders, Duterte's split personality and the Clash of Clans come 2019

noreply@blogger.com (Patricio Mangubat) — Sun, 18 Nov 2018 06:42:00 +0000

It pains me to think that our lives have been inexpicably linked with the cha-cha of these two old gentlemen--Jose Maria Sison and President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. I am willing to accept the fact that Sison being gullible is probably due to old age, and Duterte's acts is simply due to his split personality created by so much Fentanyl. The fact remains that these two gentlemen are representatives of two strong forces with resources to boot and armed at that and any miscalculated move by any one of them would bring us to certain oblivion is something already established and unfortunately, both men are still dancing their own version of cha-cha.

Why is Sison acting like a mendicant? At one point, Sison issued strong statements against Duterte, even predicting his imminent fall. And then here he is announcing the arrival of his Communist colleague and is publishing his words so as to communicate to the "other side", meaning Mr. Duterte's camp that Sison's group is still very much open to talks? Sison is showing his slip so many times, to the detriment of the entire revolutionary movement. Blame it on his frequent karaoke gigs? Or simply Mr. Sison is too "out of touch" or is being given dirty information from here.

Sison probably does not know that much about his student, Mr. Duterte. Mr. Duterte is a scheming sonafabitch. He has sold his soul to the devil and those whom he lambasted before. He simply does not have the backbone strong enough to repel the forces of evil in this country. His loyalties are to his friends who are now acting as they are the new oligarchs of this country, fattened by commissions from Mr. Duterte's much ballyhooed "build, build, build" project and for kowtowing to Chinese interests.

Sison's ambivalence is causing the entire revolutionary movement so much dent on its reputation, the people does not know anymore if this movement is indeed the one they need to choose when shit hits the fan. I mean come on! The old party is even better and more politically savvy than Mr. Sison.

Sison's blunders are really weakening the revolutionary movement so much that many are thinking of abandoning the cause because the direction the movement is taking is pretty much doomed. Sison is still holding on to that promise of Mr. Duterte's that he is very much willing to part his powers with the movement in exchange for peace.

Time and again, Mr. Duterte has announced publicly that he is not considering that-- he is much more inclined to share power with the military--some of them in fact--- because Duterte knows that they are the only capable force willing and able to subject these oligarchs to utter humiliation.

The thing against Mr. Duterte is the belief that such a military is indeed acting independently from the oligarchs when the fact of the matter is, the military is also being used as a tool by these oligarchs to further dominate the state.

These two gentlemen are living their own fantasies to the detriment of the Filipino People. Sison must realize early on that Mr. Duterte's administration would definitely resist giving the revolutionary movement their share of the power pie. And that Sison's group is being seen right now as an enemy because it is the only organized armed force with the capabilities of neutralising the possibility of a military regime arising out of this ensuing political drama.

Like what I said in previous blogs, we are facing an era similar to that of 1985 when powers behind Malacanang's curtains are struggling against each other, and fighting for the right to ascend the throne the very minute God decides to prolong Mr. Duterte's power naps.

Yes, there is a problem of succession and forces allied with Mr. Duterte would simply not allow the Vice President and her allies to regain power--even a win in this mid-term elections would simply be too unacceptable. There is simply no honor among thieves from the camps of Mr. Duterte and that of Robredo's. The earlier they realize this, the better resolved this issue will be.

These two camps are in for an inevitable clash of forces by next year. There are irreconcilable differences between these two groups that a democratic solution is simply too far fetched an idea to even be explored at this very moment and even by next year's. The booty is worth trillions of pesos and these hungry predators would simply not give others even a teeny bit of the entire money pie.