The Unheard

When I came home after school, I tuned in to TV Patrol World. The news was about the latest survey about the Presidential Race by the Social Weather Station (SWS) in which three names emerged as the favorites. First is Senator Benigno 'Noynoy' Aquino III who got a whopping 60%. Next is the former leader of the latest surveys, Senator Manny Villar. Last is the ousted president, Joseph Ejercito Estrada.

Upon seeing the results, there was a name missing; and that is the administration's bet, Gilberto Teodoro. Among these four names, I can really say that 'Gibo', as what they usually call him, has the best credentials and arguably one of the most decorated presidential candidates. He was a Law graduate at the University of the Philippines and was awarded with the Dean's Medal for Academic Excellence. He topped the Philippine Bar Exams and later on went to Harvard Law School in Massachusetts for his masters. He then got admitted to the State Bar of New York. Gilberto was also Tarlac representative for 9 years and is currently secretary for the Department of Civil Defense.

Frankly speaking, he lacks in popularity and his name will always be tainted by anyone, and everyone, because he is running for the administration headed by the widely unpopular GMA. He is going against the influential ads of "Ang galing sa hirap, tumutulong sa mahirap" and of course, the magic of the Aquino name who seemingly has unlimited access to ABS-CBN.

But hey, wake up call everyone! The elections should not be another popularity contest. If so, then expect another tumulutuos six years for this country.

BY: Rondell Chaz Mabunga
PHOTO CREDIT: http://dearbloggery.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Gilbert-Teodoro.jpg

Finding common ground : politics vis-à-vis theater

My classmates and I have been busy rehearsing and performing our theater play for the past weeks (which, I suppose, is the reason for this late blog entry). I’ve been missing the action in the political arena all those days I had my attention transfixed on our play. I missed the 2010 presidential race, the latest bombshell of the administration and opposition, the political skepticism and the maneuvers of that 4’11 lady standing tall at the Malacañang.

Surprisingly, I found common ground between politics and our play; and it sure did compensate for what I missed. Big time.


Our play, entitled Anatomiya sa Korapsyon, is a three-act satyr that exposed the wrong doings and ills of a public office. The story revolved around an honest woman’s ordeal in standing up for her ideology amidst blatant corruption in her newfound working environment. She found herself surrounded by the key players of corruption where she contends to curb the system. Towards the end, she realized she cannot do it all alone and corruption is indeed a force to reckon with.


Corruption is what we depicted in our play. Corruption is what happens in real life, in politics.


Although the play ended tragically and was somehow pessimistic, the most important thing it did was to expose and make known the evil things that happen inside a government office. I just hope that with our play, we were able to get our message across: that corruption is here to say not unless we break free from its pangs and circumvent it as one, solid community.

BY: RYAN LOUIE G. MADRID

Thanks to surveys, now we're really confused

Recently, 153 members of the House of Representatives (HoR)- which is more than half of the entire group - participated in a mock presidential elections conducted by Commission on Election (Comelec) staff.

Here are the results:

Sec.Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Lakas-Kampi-CMD) - 90 /153 votes
Sen. Manuel Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party) - 25/153 votes
Sen.Francis Escudero (Nationalist People's Coalition) - 20/ 153 votes
Sen. Benigno Aquino III (Liberal Party) - 7 / 153 votes
Sen. Richard Gordon - 4 / 153 votes
Former President Joseph Estrada - 2/153 votes
Vice President Noli De Castro - 1 / 153 votes
Public Works Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane - 1 / 153 votes
MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando - 1 / 153 votes
Evangelist Eddie Villanueva - 1 / 153 votes

On another survey conducted by the Social Weathers Station (SWS) to 1, 600 respondents, however, the results are way different.

#1 Senator Benigno Aquino III (Liberal Party)
#2 Senator Manuel Villar Jr. (Nacionalista Party)
#3 Former President Joseph Estrada
#8 Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)

It appears that the people and those who are supposed to represent these people are polarizing. They do not have the same impulses and preference for their leaders. The people, as far as the SWS survey is concerned, prefers the suddenly popular Aquino. However, the Comelec-run HoR survey reveals that the less popular Teodoro is topping the list.

People are getting more and more confused as the election day is drawing near. And one major contributor for this confusion are the surveys.

Whether or not the people and the HoR choose Teodoro or Aquino, the surveys were nothing but, well, surveys - an attempt to imitate reality; not absolutely true.

Surveys, to me, are unhelpful methods that different parties and organizations employ - they all add up to the confusion that is already present during elections. I think that's one of the reasons why most people refuse to be politically engaged: because politics - especially during elections - is making a lot of mess.


BY: RYAN LOUIE MADRID
Photo credit: http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2486/3905110833_24718a2160.jpg

DECENCY FOR THE CITIZENRY

Yesterday I read an article which showed the sense of decency and civility practices of our Secretary of National Defense in the person of Sec. Gilberto Teodoro. Even though he is being prodded to relinquish his post for he is the likely presidential candidate of the administration in 2010 election, he still works his mandated duty which shows his discernment to first prioritize the people amid the harshest criticism of his critics and detractors. With his gesture of availing the smearing attacks of his political opponents to give way for the availability of help and refuge to those who are victimized as head of the National Disaster Coordinating Council is an astute and ought responsibility of any elected servant politician. They should be preoccupied with the thoughts on how to better serve their constituents rather than continuing their political bickering and grandstanding.

The onslaught of typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila were ideal scenarios of those typical or traditional politician and those deviant of the tradition who seized the opportunity to show their plans either on how to advance their political interest or uphold the people’s interest and basic needs respectively. What seems to be the problem that is confronting on our serving politicians s that they are scrutinized and criticized by their fellow politicians instead of doing their individual functions.

In fairness to Sec. Teodoro, he has what it takes to lead the country in the right path towards economic prosperity and peace and order stability. So I think the issue of early politicking must be first put aside. The real issue that deems to be a debacle and thorns to our people are given little attention or not given any at all. A secretary can only do so much.

So in this coming 2010 elections, we must be vigilant and inquisitive to our vote. We must not entrust our vote to somebody who would only use us for their personal glory and ambition.

BY LOUIE JAY BAN V. JARALES
PHOTO CREDIT:Google.com

Laxatives Anyone?

Unusual title right? Well, this drug is made to induce bowel movements and loosen the stool. Maybe this type of medicine would let Senator Panfilo Lacson speak of everything that the investigators and the entire country need to know about the slaying of publicist Bubby Dacer and the disappearance of Edgar Bentain out of his gut.

For the past 2 or 3 weeks, Lacson has spoken to clear his name and to expose the other names that are behind the much concealed activities of former president Joseph Estrada. The senator’s statements rocked the media and much of the country. These things led to a number of charges against the ousted president and, of course, counter suing of his own. These details, by the way, were considered the first part of Lacson’s statements and that he promised to give part two last Monday.

Though he was truthful to his word, he left me, the media and, perhaps, the entire nation hanging and frustrated. His speech several days ago failed to mention the names behind the disappearance of Edgar Bentain, the person who allegedly videotaped then Vice-President Joseph Estrada gambling in a casino back in 1995. Up unto this moment, Bentain is still missing and is now considered dead.

Ping may have stated that there were people that he knows well who are behind the vanishing of Bentain but he was not able to mention them. That could have been the time that the family members of the missing person breathe with a little bit of relief after almost a decade because they could have known the people that disposed Edgar. But they didn’t quite get it.

What’s Lacson trying to do? He could have cleaned his name if he mentioned the people but he chose to keep them hidden. Are these names that powerful that made the former PNP Chief stay silent or Lacson is just afraid that if he spoke of names, it would just backfire on him for they can uncover his secrets as well? Let us remember that he also had more than a decade old issues. For now, we will never know. So we are left with no choice but to wait and fantasize that laxatives will let him unravel more.

BY RONDELL CHAZ C. MABUNGA

CHANGE of MIND

It is really annoying to the extent of being abhorrent to hear the complaints of our voted politicians, our representing party list, and from our fellow expressive electorates, who sometimes try to exaggerate simple matters, that the idea of holding the poll automated 2010 election is already judged of another fraud-tainted election. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) envisions facilitating the 2010 election through utilizing the service of counting machines, which can be compared to USA’s system of election, for a speedy and a credible election as compared to the manually counted election. Another reason for the emergence of this idea is to try to eradicate and avoid of what had happened to the controversial 2004 national election and to the previously held national elections. Also with the help of these machines they can help in lessening the tedious work of election working officers. In addition, they can save much of our time for the part of those election working officers whom without them election will never take place; and secondly, we can avail the result of the election soon as the casting of votes in all voting precincts are counted.
What seems to be the problem?

Our politicians’ unfavorable reaction for the automated election is deemed to be the major predicament to make this pioneering election system come into reality. They are always complaining and airing their suspicions, mostly in front of the media, for the use of the counting machines without considering the repercussions of their statements towards the receiving end, the vast majority of uninformed masses. I can still remember the statement of this young senator before he ran for his present position that he wished for a computerized system of election. And now that his wish is near to be realized which is timely for his presidential post aspiration, he now seems to be airing his suspicions for an automation which is so in opposition to his previous stand. With this scenario, I am given the idea that we, people, do not need politicians for politicians are not true to their words and promises. Instead, we need for service men that are willing to give their time and service for the goodness of the people.
People’s perception
Because of our politicians’ political grandstanding in front of swarming media people, the populace especially to those who do not have that concrete grasp of the reality and complexities of present life seem to be overridden and influenced. The politicians’ statement is responsible for feeding wrong information shown by the media. Infecting the minds of the people faster than bacteria precisely because they are given deceiving fact which is tailored fit to advance somebody’s interest. Those are the reason why sometimes I am feeling under, those are the reason why sometimes I am feeling down. Sounds familiar, right? This may inappropriate to incorporate in my article but I just see the grinding fact that is incorporated in the song. Politicians must change their minds to better serve the people. People as electorates must work hard to guard our votes to put a halt to then chronic problem of corruptions which hinder our economic and psychology development .

BY LOUIE JAY BAN V. JARALES

Photo credit: google pictures

Emulating great world leaders

Our instructor said that for this week, our blog has to be developmental. So, I’m going to cease talking about the 2010 elections and how your vote can change the political milieu of this country.


Since we’re all geared up for the 2010 presidential elections, I thought of talking about two of the greatest world leaders and presidents of all time who I so deeply admire. A little recap on what they did, how they changed their countries (and eventually the world) and what their stances were just might help us, voters, get some sort of idea what an ideal president is.


Abraham Lincoln is the 16th president of the United States of America who successfully appeased a nation divided by internal crisis and racism. The American Civil War in the 1860’s was USA’s greatest debacle within itself – a war between the Northern and Southern States. Born very poor to two uneducated parents who lived only in a log cabin, Lincoln catapulted himself to the presidency and successfully ended the Civil War and black slavery – a legacy that has changed the world forever.


Nelson Mandela, more than his fame as a great leader, is also the most famous prisoner of all time. Having been imprisoned for 27 years because of his opposition to the racial segregation policy of the dominating party, Mandela led several anti-apartheid activities to overthrow the ruling Afrikaner-dominated National Party. With his skillful leadership and promising vision for equality and peace, he was elected South African president on 1994 and transformed the country’s government system to fully representative and democratic. He is a proven world leader, with more than 100 leadership awards including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993.


Lincoln and Mandela are two great presidents who have done tangible and beneficial changes to their countries. We Filipinos, too, have our own Lincoln or Mandela. And that has to be Jose Rizal.


Even though Rizal never lived to become a president, there has to be a reason why he is our national hero. And true enough, there are plenty of them. He has fueled patriotism to a nation severely oppressed and devoid of freedom. He has mobilized a long-standing struggle for liberty. He has awakened the Filipino spirit. He is a martyr of Philippine revolution that paved the way for our independence.


It’s always inspirational how some people gain power and truly become catalysts for change. But these kind of people are rare nowadays. The chances of finding one are even slimmer here in the Philippines where corruption is really a culture. But who knows, a new Rizal might just emerge from this new breed of 2010 presidential aspirants we have been hearing about. Who knows, he might just be among them. It’s your duty to pick him out.

BY: RYAN LOUIE MADRID
Photo credit: http://googleimages.com

History Repeats Itself

The Aquino and Roxas partnership has been forged since the Commonwealth period under the government of President Manuel L.Quezon. Both Benigno Aquino Sr. and Manuel Roxas started to craft their names through standard type of leadership and strong commitment to serve their countrymen. These two brilliant people had principle, moral, and integrity. Before this enduring partnership was formed, these two people were separated with their political beliefs and perceptions;but they were united with the ideals of serving the interests of the people. Both Aquino and Roxas were supposed to tangle in the presidential political arena but their plans were turned down when President Quezon sought for a reelection. Aquino allied with Sergio OsmeÑa while Roxas went along with Quezon. After Quezon won the election, these two people reunited again. Roxas became the House Speaker and Aquino became the Senate President. They became close friend with their association with President Aquino. Their political operations were short-lived when the Japanese soldiers invaded the Philippines. Roxas was enlisted in the rank of Filipino Soldiers along with the American soldiers. Aquino, on the other hand, worked with the Japanese government together with Laurel with the held thought that he could better serve his countrymen under the Japanese self-made government while waiting for the promised freedom from the Americans. Years later, Americans came back and Aquino was put into jail for the treason accusations hurled against him by countrymen. But Roxas, his friend, knew that what his friend did was tailored-fit for the welfare of the Filipino. When he became the president after Quezon died due to heart attack, he ordered for the released of Aquino. Aquino did not live long because his health started to deteriorate when he was in prison. Roxas died due to heart attack.
1970’S
Both Aquino and Roxas did not leave failed because they were able to leave somebody who would continue their started and left legacy. Their sons namely Senators Benigno Aquino Jr. and Gerardo Roxas were also destined to fight with each other for the Liberal’s party nomination for its standard bearer against the invincible Marcos administration should Aquino were not killed at airport’s tarmac. Both gentlemen were as popular as their father inasmuch as leadership is concerned. Definitely one of them would have become the president should Marcos did not declare martial law.
Present times
At present, another breed of Aquino and Roxas are once again put in the national limelight. Both are popular not only with their individual accomplishments but also with the names they bring. One made the decision to sacrifice his ambition for the sake of nation’s unity and to give way for the other. On the other hand, one offered to be his running mate to continue solidifying their granfathers’ extraordinary accomplishments.
History judges
Election is fast approaching and one thing for sure, these two names are without doubt to be tested by the electoral power of the people. Whatever happens after the election, history will once again be made. History will judge the new emerging crops of these productive and yielding names in the Philippines’ political landscape
BY LOUIE JAY BAN V. JARALES
PHOTO CREDIT:http://www.google.com.ph/search?hl=tl&source=hp&q=picture+of+mar+roxas+and+noynoy+aquino&btnG=Hanapin+sa+Google&meta=cr%3DcountryPH&aq=f&oq=

Erap Under Serious Heat

I believe it all started with the resurfacing of former Philippine National Police official, Cesar Mancao. Since then, it has been a hellacious several days for a few people especially, former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada. Various court cases have been filed and a series of explosive testimonies bombarded the former president.

Former president Erap is on the defensive because of the testimony of Cesar Mancao that he was the brain behind the killing of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito back in November 2000. These allegations can really get in the way of Erap’s plans to run for president once again. But that didn’t stop there. President Estrada is on the verge of having his plans to participate in the 2010 elections be debilitated for Mancao’s allegations were just the first wave of a series of bombs against him.

A few days ago, Senator Panfilo Lacson had a speech in the senate in which he revealed to the entire country that Bigote, as what they call the former president, had a bunch of illegal businesses in his short reign as president. He also accused Bigote that he gave orders to silence the publicist. Lacson’s spoke about his abuses namely, the protection of illegal gambling operators and tolerating smuggling. Erap also gave Ping a hard time during his days as PNP chief. To end his speech, he said that it is just the first part and that part 2 will be next week.

Having all these things said, Estrada is just laughing at their claims. I do think he should be preparing for another wave of accusations as the long dormant Dacer-Corbito murder case is slowly becoming active. As of the moment, Lacson is now being supported by the daughters of the slain publicist as a state witness and a number of individuals are trying to pin him down. These things are seriously hurting his bid to become president once again. Erap should be thinking of what to do next because right now, he has been counter suing that’s quite going nowhere. Erap’s gained publicity for the past week but that doesn’t mean more support this May.

BY: RONDELL CHAZ C. MABUNGA

Photo Credit: http://watzkulit.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/erap-accused.jpg

4 down, more to go

It saddens me that Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay withdrew his bid for the presidency. Amongst the presidential contenders so far, I would have voted for him (except, maybe, Manuel Villar, Jr.). He may not be as popular as all the other candidates are, but his accomplishments as mayor in Makati (and even before that) show his caliber as a leader.


I know, I know. The “Ganito kami sa Makati, ganito sana sa buong bayan” is too vain and cheesy. But, hey, isn’t Makati really progressive? And during the 2nd set of the televised ANC Presidential Debates at UP Diliman (which was attended by Joseph Estrada, Loren Legarda, Bayani Fernando and him), he had the most concrete ways of addressing issues and problems in the country. No motherly statements and no theoretical approaches. Pure concrete.


But there’s no use arguing what a promising leader he could be – he has already pulled out of the race, joining Senators Panfilo Lacson and Manuel Roxas II, and Governer Ed Panlilio. Like Roxas and Panlilio, he gave way for the presidential bid of the suddenly-popular Sen. Benigno Aquino III.


With all the research I did, I am still not convinced that Aquino is ready for a position as important and laborious (not to mention, dangerous) as the president. Yes, his parents were great leaders of our land. GREAT leaders. But, leadership, fellow Filipinos, is not hereditary.


We still have to see how things will turn out in this political drama of 3 presidential bets (Roxas, Panlilio and Binay) giving way for a single, miraculously-propelled (almost-cult-superstardom) candidate.


Although I am still saddened with the news of Binay’s withdrawal, I am also elated how the presidential race is developing.


Early this year, we, Filipinos, were held confused with all the names wanting to become the next president (that is, if GMA is touched by an angel and will not extend her term through CON-ASS or whatever). As the year went from January to September, more and more names add to our confusion. Good thing, some early front runners pulled out (Lacson on July; Roxas, Panlilio and Binay on September), leaving us with a slimmer array of presidents to choose from.


I think this is a good indication. One by one, president-wannabe’s are retreating, and hopefully, only two or three will remain come May 2010. With only few people to choose from, the voters will have easier, wiser and more critical evaluation as to who is fit for the position.


4 aspirants down, more to go. I could only hope Joseph Estrada will be next. He’s had his chance before and he’s nothing but a nuisance this time around.



BY: RYAN LOUIE MADRID
Photo credit: http://www.ernan.net/images/JejomarBinay.jpg

Orange and Yellow

Ting! The bell rings and the lights turn on. Another clash, but not really of epic proportions, looms in the country as orange faces faces. That would mean Noynoy Aquino going against Manny Villar in May 2010.

Several days ago, I read the statement of Senator, and presidential candidate, Manny Villar that tells about his thoughts of the recent announcement of fellow senator, Benigno Aquino III, to run for president next year. 'Mr. Sipag at Tiyaga' said that he is unfazed by the decision of Noynoy to run for the most powerful office in the country. He also expressed that he is not intimidated by the sudden surge of support of Senator Aquino. To give more emphasis to his point, he said that he still has the biggest chance of success despite the attention and popularity of his new found rival and the rest of the presidentiables.

During his interview, Villar said that the next president should know how to manage a country even on the first day of service and that on-the-job trainees waste too much time. He also added that the next leader should be radical and decisive in his decisions.

Well, the man representing orange has a point. He aims to restore the pride and dignity of the country and its people by his leadership and managerial skills. There is no way that the Philippines could get back up by mere passion and the so-called 'Cory Magic'. It yields good things but it can only take us so far. If that's the only thing good about the man representing yellow, then we should prepare ourselves for another hellacious half-dozen years.

Villar may have said things that would likely make people think harder in choosing their next leader but haven't we heard about this before? It's just that the face and the words are different.

BY: RONDELL CHAZ C. MABUNGA

Let's get started!!!!!!!!!

As Mar ROXAS popularly know as Mr. Palengke is bidding farewell to his presidential shot for the sake of nation's unity,two of the biggest and influential names in the political arena are left early preparing for the May,2010 highset political contest. On one hand , is the ''KATROPA TAYO''of the SIPAG AT TIYAGA political mantra of the richest Senator Manny Villar. On the other hand, is the yellow revolution spearheaded by the now sudden popular Senator Noynoy Aquino.

UNDER SCRUTINY
So who are really these two different people in the field of politics and each one claiming to best represent the country if just his pleas and promises are heed and taken into consideration? Firstly, let us start from the boy wjho hailed from an impoverished family in Quiapo whose unbelievable ascension to stardom is admired by many and I myself is not an exception.Senator Manny Villar's simple beginnings in building his name as manifested by several subdivisions all around the country made him inspiring and attractive to common people. He (VILLAR) unashamedly admitted that he is a product of a poor family and that he even experienced on how to be a vendor and the same time cargo boy of shrimps in the market.For that, he has undoubtedly lived to his slogan that only 'SIPAG AT TIYAGA' can save us from our present unacceptable economic conditions.Besides, it seems that he has accompished all what he needs to accomplish with his successes and good fortune in the real state business and in the art of politics. Manny Villar used to the House Speaker of Congress before becoming a senator and eventually became the Senate President. And just this recently , as the Senators together with other country's official unveiled their Statement of Assets and Liabilities(SALN),Villar turned out to be the richest among the 24 senators. Secondly,Senator Noynoy Aquino, without any doubt,has witnessed how the idealist NINOY, his father, transformed the minds of the Filipino people and how CORY, his mother,touched the hearts of the people.He might have not experienced the life of a cargo boy (VILLAR) but he has tasted how distasteful a life would be in the presence of the threats they had been receiving when Ninoy was put into jail and when CORY declared her presidential bid. In addittion, it looks like what did happen to NOYNOY was a blessing in disguise for no one thought that this time would come that another Aquino would rise up to the challenge to serve the country once again.

EXPERIENCE VERSUS EXPERIENCE

I am very sure that this coming 2010 national elections will be a hard time for Filipino electorates to select between the two. This is funny to think of for the Philippines has its own version of OBAMA, a man who used to be a community organizer before becoming a president without disregarding his complicated childhood life, and MCCAIN, a veteran hero in VIETNAM, presidential contest.Villar could be likened to OBAMA who started from scratch and eventually found a way to get out from that situation. In the process of getting out, he found politics as a suitable way to help himself and others who have experienced what he had experienced. Meanwhile,NOYNOY is poised to be MCCAIN-like for the experience he has earned for being the son of RP's icon of democracy. But of course, I am not telling that VILLAR will win over NOYNOY for I equate him OBAMA considering that I am not a fortune teller.The USA's trend of politics is different from ours. We are the ones who are dictating the course of RP''s politics unlike in the US that the two party system usually set the outcome of the election. However, we do not need to worry yet who are our presidential candidates for MAY elections. We still have the luxury of time to think for that better man who can truly serve our collective interest and aspirations. But again and again, it is better for us to start thinking and weighing all their reforms and promises as early as now to prevent any form of regrets in the long run.

BY LOUIE JAY BAN V. JARALES

PHOTO CREDIT:http://google.com.ph/

Abscission: You saw them bidding for the presidency, now you don’t.

I learned from my Crop Science class that some plants have a growth mechanism called abscission - one organ of the plant sacrifices so the other organs will grow. This way, a plant’s growth and development will be facilitated efficiently. A gemelina fruit, for example, will let go of its branch to give way to other fruits to be developed.

With the turn of events in the political arena, Philippine politics has seemingly developed abscission as well.

Just this week, two prominent politicians have pulled out from the precarious spotlight that is the 2010 presidential race. One, a wealthy senator and an early front-runner who is a descendant of a long line of politicians; the other, a first term and meek-looking governor who catapulted himself from being an ordinary priest to occupying the gubernatorial office. While they may be different in more ways than one, they claim the same reasons for pulling out: to support Sen. Aquilino “Noynoy” Pimentel III should he decide to run for the highest office.

“Mr. Palengke” Senator Mar Roxas was one of the politicians who have revealed their intentions of running for president early on. Unless you’re living under a rock, you have probably seen his very cheesy political advertisement that showed him paddling a tricycle and saying “Anak, itabi mo. Ako na.”( I’m not saying that Sen. Mar Roxas is no good but that political advertisement has to be the cheesiest and clearly-scripted I have ever seen. I’d turn my television off next time I see it. But as it turns out, I won’t be seeing it anymore.)

Sen. Roxas was the standard bearer and the presidential bet of the Liberal Party. But as the clamor for Noynoy to run for president grew (owing much to the renewed spirit of the People Power after Mrs. Cory Aquino’s death), the Liberal Party, to which both senators belong, had to reconsider its presidential bet. Sen. Roxas finally withdrew his bid on Tuesday to support Nonoy and to show the party’s united stance for reforms.

3 days later, Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio has opted to drop his bid for president also to support Noynoy. He said that there are too many aspirants and it grows confusion and disunity among the people. He and his supporters will instead aid the presidential aspirations of Noynoy who is strongly clamored by a number of Filipino people to run.

I agree to Gov. Panlilio. There are just too many contenders for president that it renders the Filipino people confused. Some of the aspirants should really give way to other presidential bets to show their collective stance of having a united and reformative government. The act of sacrificing and giving their support to Nonoy shows how Sen. Roxas and Gov. Panlilio put their country first before themselves.

I applaud the two politicians for doing their share of abscission because to achieve unity in the entire country, those who are in authority should be united themselves. The Liberal Party showed just how united it is and remained true to its belief of having a true reform for the country.

The sacrificial act is a motivating feature to next year’s election and has intensified the drama that Philippine politics already has.

Plants and Philippine politics aren’t really different after all when it comes to growth. In the same way organs sacrifice to help regulate the growth of other organs, some politicians have selfless intentions to support other politicians in the name of the country’s growth.

I have an optimistic feeling that, just like how some plants progress because of abscission, our country might just be propelled to newer heights of national development.

BY: RYAN LOUIE G. MADRID

Photo credits: http://images.google.com.ph

Unity is Key

Recently, there were two well known political figures who gave way for others. All of which are from the opposition.

Senator Mar Roxas gave way to Senator Noynoy Aquino and Senator Francis Pangilinan stepped down for Roxas. Initially, Roxas and Pangilinan planned to run for president and vice-president next year. They were the supposed tandem of the liberal party but when the sudden surge of campaigns and support for Noynoy Aquino made the two decide to change their plans. Both senators gave way for the unity of their party - a pretty good sign to say the least.

They wanted unity. That's great! It is very vital that there is unity because it is something that can help the future president and vice-president. When there's that unity, it would mean that plans for the country will yield positive results and less negative feedbacks. When there's unity, the future leaders could focus on the bigger picture rather than criticisms and accusations that causes no good at all. Without it, I can say that the next administration might be as bad as the current one.

I can say that these decisions are good signs because they aimed for the greater good of something rather than for themselves. It is very important for figures such as Mar and Kiko to remind all the other budding candidates that the electing a president is not made to beef up bank accounts nor to gain glory - it's done for the country and its people to become better.

BY: RONDELL CHAZ MABUNGA

PHOTO CREDIT: http://images.google.com.ph/imghp?hl=tl&tab=wi

The power of advertisements!!!!

Last year, I can still remember my unbending questions and unyielding doubts of the power of advertisements using the escalating forms of media in influencing the people or media viewers. Influencing, be they in the business circle or in the political arena, or persuading perhaps to make believe that this advocacy or product is for the greater good. What makes it worse is if the advertisement or ads in layman’s term is a deceptive form of business to advance an individual or parties’ political plans. Well, everybody has the right to air an ad with an entailing cost of thousands in amount, but what makes it fundamentally flawed is, especially in the political spectrum, if the money that has been used is from the people or from the group of individuals sharing the same goals which will later on ask for the returns of their invested money thrived on their on their collective interests.
Political ads
I am really saddened with the trend of politics these days for anybody who has greater access in media will dictate the course of politics. Those aspirants with proper training, brilliant framework of minds, and concrete vision for the future are not accommodated in their aspired positions for they do not have the quantifiable amount of money to suffice the amount needed of advertisements. Instead, the favored ones are those unprepared, unreliable, and undependable or the so called traditional politicians a.k.a trapo armored with unfathomable financial machinery. Does it really have to be this way? If you do not have the money or the 3G, I am not referring with the 3G connected to our cellular phones for I do not have it, but what I mean are the gold, goons, and guns, then do not think or even dream of entering into politics for it is an illusion.

Clear Things
Well there is also a positive offshoot of airing political ads for the people. The people have given the power to scrutinize deeper the credentials and to weigh every messages these politicians seem to embody. In addition, people are beginning to question the sincerity of those politicians on the basis of their credential which will encompass academic accolades, social responsibility, and contribution to the community. But what makes it important, especially to those seeking for the highest position of the land, is the truth that the accomplishments of those presidentiables in terms of a number of legislation which in one way or another contributed to the improvement of the people’s lives are being shown up.

Future media practitioners
As expected these are supposed to happen for the power of media is encompassing. It not merely touches lives but it can also dictate lives. But, of course, we must not forget that the last say are ours. Our decisions at the end will matter and not what is being portrayed in the media. So we have to practice it just like our practicing in our right to suffrage. We have to instill in our minds that main function of media are to inform, entertain etc…and not to dictate our lives.

By LOUIE JAY BAN V. JARALES

PHOTO CREDIT:http://www.designforobama.org/index.php?p=466&sort=tr

Leadership is…

Leadership is…

…hard work. A leader works hard to realize his plans. He does not stagnate himself only at planning, but he carries them out through concrete actions. If necessary, he does the actions himself.

…time-management. A leader knows how to allocate enough time not only for his work, but also for other things. He knows when to get down to business and be serious, but he also knows when to relax and laugh. He knows when to delegate tasks with authority to his followers, but he also knows when to commune and be amongst them. He also knows when and how to achieve his objectives through proper scheduling.

…passion for service. This is fundamental to every leader. He understands the severity of the existing problems, he can identify which among them necessitate solutions, and genuinely tries to addresses them. He feels for the needy. He desires to help unconditionally.

…planning. A leader is not empty-headed. His head is teeming with both relevant and irrelevant ideas, and he knows the distinction between the two. He can identify what needs to be addressed and can plan proper actions to resolve problems. He is intelligent and decisive. He is an organizer.

More than anything else, leadership is commitment. A leader has to be committed to his plans, to his willingness to serve, to time-management and to hard work. Whenever he plans an action, he commits himself to that action and to the consequences born out of it. He commits to his passion and never loses his muse. His desire to lead does not exhaust when he gets too tired of hard work. He is steadfast and dedicated.

Commitment, to me, is any leader’s greatest expression of service. Our political leaders’ commitment is to the Filipino people, but recent events (i.e. P1, 000, 000 dining, etc.) have seemingly exposed how infidel some of them are.

Their commitment is not anymore to the people, but to themselves. But then again, they are still leaders who still uphold the values of leadership – only, in the wrong way. Some of them are really hardworking; hardworking thefts, stealing the people’s money day in and day out. Others have enormous passion for self-service. They also plan their actions very well, from politicking to vote-buying to winning the election and eventually, to corrupting the treasury. And their time management is well thought of, corrupting at the safest time and reconstructing roads only when the elections are approaching.

A shift of commitment among our leaders is necessary. And this begins with the voters’ wise decisions in the upcoming election. Not unless you want to remain being cheated, you need to know your candidates and vote really wisely.

By Ryan Louie G. Madrid

Photo credit: http://images.google.com.ph