By Red Reyes
When I visited my relatives and friends in US and Norway , they shared to me their sentiments when they left our country to work and migrate abroad. They told me about their stories when they became idealists and they have lots of dreams for our country. They were the pioneers and best professionals of our country at that time. The sad part was when they saw hopelessness in the midst of corruptions and our economy is getting worse. The rich especially the politicians are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer. They thought that going abroad is the only solution to this problem and working overseas is the only way that they can give a better future for their children.
Now, after all the hard works and sacrifices of being in far away lands just to provide a bright future for their families, they wish and long to go back home. They are now planning for their retirements but unfortunately, they observed that our country has now become worse. These are the things that they have observed:
Before, there were only few who are corrupt... But now there are thousands who are competing to accumulate a lot of wealth from our nation's treasury.
1. Before, we only talk of multi million of corruptions... But now, everyday,
we hear multi billions of corruptions in newspapers, radio, lower house
and senate hearings.
2. Before they left the Philippines to work abroad, there were lots of
homeless in our neighboring Asian countries, like Singapore, who
were sleeping in the streets. Now, it is the other way around. We
can look around thousands of beggars and homeless who are
sleeping in the streets, searching for leftover food in trash cans
and dumping area just to survive.
Our neighboring Asian countries like Singapore are now the developed countries and sad to say, we are already overtaken by Vietnam who was devastated by war in the 60s.
My relatives and friends in US and Norway realized that working abroad is not the only solution to the problem of our country.
They realized that it’s a wrong decision in turning their backs on our beloved country and leave it in the hands of selfish and ambitious leaders. Leaving unsolved problems is never the solution to our sufferings and predicament.
When they heard about the upright and moralists leaders like Governor Ed Panlilio of Pampanga, Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and Mayor Robredo of Naga City, other members of Kaya Natin, moralist group led by Chief Justice Reynato Puno and like-minded groups….who stood for the crusade of good governance and responsible citizenship, they saw a bright light at the end of the dark tunnel.
They realized that there is still a truly powerful tool to overthrow and get rid of all the TRAPOS, to end this massive corruption and to have a bright future for our country. This is the Sacredness and Power of our VOTES in 2010.
May we, therefore, invite unregistered voters, especially the youth, to register and make a difference for our country and for the future generations.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
POLITICAL SITUATION IN THE PHILIPPINES
By Red Reyes
Everyday, we watch on television, we hear from radios and read from newspapers the continuous news of corruption of some politicians. We taxpayers pay for the salaries of these lawmakers to make our country the best place to live. To help them perform their job well, they receive yearly, hundred millions of pesos as their pork barrel.
So, What happen ? Instead of doing their job and fulfill their purpose in uplifting the lives of Filipinos, many of these traditional politicians spend their time and efforts to investigate corruptions. They accuse each other and yet no one is convicted in spite of these massive corruptions. We are fed up with all the hearings and reading everyday the stealing of multi million pesos from the nation's coffers . As a result of rampant corruption, the poor become poorer and the TRAPOS (traditional politicians) are ever increasing their assets everyday.
Why ? It is because we Filipinos were already trapped in the pit of despair of patronage politics. We were used to ask something from these politicians in exchange for our vote. In the midst of our difficulties and despair, traditional politicians are taking advantage of this situation by bribing us with their promises, favors or money so that they can grab positions or stay in power.
What to do ? The 2010 election, will be our only power to break all these nightmares. Our pen and our conscience are our most powerful tools to choose the right leaders to lead our country. We have to disregard and forget all these traditional politicians so we can stop all their selfish ambitions. We must look for leaders who practice good governance, transparency and accountability. God fearing people are the most sincere and qualified for these criteria.
We invite all Filipinos, especially the youth, to register and vote in 2010 for our the sake of our future and the next generation.
Everyday, we watch on television, we hear from radios and read from newspapers the continuous news of corruption of some politicians. We taxpayers pay for the salaries of these lawmakers to make our country the best place to live. To help them perform their job well, they receive yearly, hundred millions of pesos as their pork barrel.
So, What happen ? Instead of doing their job and fulfill their purpose in uplifting the lives of Filipinos, many of these traditional politicians spend their time and efforts to investigate corruptions. They accuse each other and yet no one is convicted in spite of these massive corruptions. We are fed up with all the hearings and reading everyday the stealing of multi million pesos from the nation's coffers . As a result of rampant corruption, the poor become poorer and the TRAPOS (traditional politicians) are ever increasing their assets everyday.
Why ? It is because we Filipinos were already trapped in the pit of despair of patronage politics. We were used to ask something from these politicians in exchange for our vote. In the midst of our difficulties and despair, traditional politicians are taking advantage of this situation by bribing us with their promises, favors or money so that they can grab positions or stay in power.
What to do ? The 2010 election, will be our only power to break all these nightmares. Our pen and our conscience are our most powerful tools to choose the right leaders to lead our country. We have to disregard and forget all these traditional politicians so we can stop all their selfish ambitions. We must look for leaders who practice good governance, transparency and accountability. God fearing people are the most sincere and qualified for these criteria.
We invite all Filipinos, especially the youth, to register and vote in 2010 for our the sake of our future and the next generation.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
MISSING THE ACTION by: Kiko Ortelano
Moving on . . .
Some events the past week forced your lowly provincial farmer to rethink his positions on key issues regarding our advocaies for Pampanga.
Allow us to reiterate that our loyalties are to the advocacies and not to personalities.
One of our most difficult tasks in our advocacies is the part where we need to educate our intended constituencies. It is only through the clear appreciation and actual personal possession of such advocacies where we can look forward to lasting postive consequences.
We will not make excuses. But allow us to state that we may probably need more than our lifetime to achieve the educating tasks. We can even venture to propose that even future generations may not be able to achieve this fully.
But we have to take the first step.
This we did.
Unfortunately, the political landscape is still personality based. Even those who participated in our crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship were really just "swept off their feet" in 2007. A lot of us went back to our "normal lives" after the election.
Even those who were our partners in 2007 seem to have fallen the same trap.
We blame no one. In fact we can even blame ourselves, as we sincerely believe that all of us could have done more. But we did not.
* * * *
Kiko Ortelano will not be muzzled by anybody when we speak of the truth.
We realize that sometimes, we need to accept defeat in a battle so we can win the war.
It is with deep regret that we inform our dear bloggers that Kiko Ortelano will be moving on.
Our expression of truth will continue; but in another forum.
Aku pu i Kiko Ortelano, Kapampangan Tutu!
LUID KA!
Some events the past week forced your lowly provincial farmer to rethink his positions on key issues regarding our advocaies for Pampanga.
Allow us to reiterate that our loyalties are to the advocacies and not to personalities.
One of our most difficult tasks in our advocacies is the part where we need to educate our intended constituencies. It is only through the clear appreciation and actual personal possession of such advocacies where we can look forward to lasting postive consequences.
We will not make excuses. But allow us to state that we may probably need more than our lifetime to achieve the educating tasks. We can even venture to propose that even future generations may not be able to achieve this fully.
But we have to take the first step.
This we did.
Unfortunately, the political landscape is still personality based. Even those who participated in our crusade for Good Governance and Responsible Citizenship were really just "swept off their feet" in 2007. A lot of us went back to our "normal lives" after the election.
Even those who were our partners in 2007 seem to have fallen the same trap.
We blame no one. In fact we can even blame ourselves, as we sincerely believe that all of us could have done more. But we did not.
* * * *
Kiko Ortelano will not be muzzled by anybody when we speak of the truth.
We realize that sometimes, we need to accept defeat in a battle so we can win the war.
It is with deep regret that we inform our dear bloggers that Kiko Ortelano will be moving on.
Our expression of truth will continue; but in another forum.
Aku pu i Kiko Ortelano, Kapampangan Tutu!
LUID KA!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
MISSING THE ACTION by: Kiko Ortelano
Is It TRUE?
We heard that PNP Col. Hawthorne Binag was assigned as PNP Provincial Director of Batangas. Is this true?
If it is true, this is another concrete example that DILG Secretary Puno, PNP PRO3 Director Leon Nilo Dela Cruz, the whole of PNP and Malacanang were indeed lying to us Kapampangans. They claimed that they can not grant the request of Governor Panlilio for the PNP to assign Col. Binag as the Provincial PNP Director for Pampanga as he was assigned to the PNP Moral Formation Program (?). Yet, for Col. Binag to be assigned in Batangas means that this administration, DILG, and the PNP are really bent on paralyzing Governor Panlilio in his fight against illegal gambling in Pampanga.
Another proof of this administration's perpetual dishonesty to the people of Pampanga is the inaction of the National Goverment, the DILG, and the PNP to stage an all out war against illegal numbers game, specifically in Pampanga. No less than PGMA has publicly ordered the DILG and PNP to act on this. To this day, the illegal numbers game is flourishing. No less than the princes of the Pampanga Catholic Church, Arcbishop Aniceto and Auxilliary Bishop Pablo David, had publicly stated this.
MAHIYA NAMAN KAYO!
* * * * *
Everybody wants to run for President in 2010.
A lot of Presidentiables see 2010 as the year for opposition presidentiables because of the great mistrust that Filipinos have for the current administration.
But the opposition must be careful. We will not be surprised if some of the declared presidentiables are actually "dog soldiers" of the administration. They might be trojan horses sent to scatter the votes, confuse the voters, and muddle the political issues so in the end, the administration bet will win the election. This is actually very possible.
Among Ed is correct in his current position that he will only run for President if no one from the reform minded groups is able to come up with an acceptable and winnable bet.
But I think that Among Ed made a mistake when he stated that he might be running for either President or Vice President. This shows uncalled-for pragmatism. This also may mean indecision on his part which is a no-no in national politics. He must categorically state a sole aspiration so that when it is necessary, his leverage is not compromised.
Last Monday Among Ed attended the Leadership Forum sponsored by the Ateneo School of Goverment and ABS-CBN held at the Leong Hall at the Ateneo De Manila University. It was obvious who the political neophyte was among the five present presidentiables. Senators Gordon, Escudero, and Roxas were there together with Governor Panlilio and Defense Secreteary Teodoro. In my opinion, Among Ed came in a poor fourth in the way he presented himself and the manner he answered questions. Sen. Escudero was great in connecting with the audience of mostly young Ateneo students. Sen. Gordon did very well also and was also received warmly given the fact that he is a certified Blue Eagle. Sen. Roxas also did well and showed himself very firm on issues asked of all of them. Sec. Teodoro was actually good even as he seemed to be pulled down by his direct association with the GMA administration, notwithstanding the fact that he was able to convey some good attributes of the current administration.
The forum should be a learning experience for Among Ed. It should also be a barometer for Among Ed in gauging his sellability to the Filipino Electorate. It is still too early for him. Hopefully, it is not too late for him also.
* * * * *
In the last issue of this column, we mentioned two offices under the office of governor which we suggested he look into. We do not know if he already read our previous column or if he already did something about our recommendation.
We have been in contact on-line and personally with some Kapampangan youth the past few days. They reminded me that the Provincial Youth Council WAS NEVER RECONVENED since the departue of Tess Briones and its subsequent transfer to the PSWDO(?). We already lost last year's summer break and we seem to have also lost the current summer break in terms of empowering the Kapampangan Youth. Why?
I know that the governor may have too much on his plate right now. He does not have to do everything nor should the Provincial Adminstrator. They just need to provide the motivation and support and then DELEGATE! There is no doubt in our mind that our youth will pull through. This is part of the essence of EMPOWERMENT!
LUID KA!
We heard that PNP Col. Hawthorne Binag was assigned as PNP Provincial Director of Batangas. Is this true?
If it is true, this is another concrete example that DILG Secretary Puno, PNP PRO3 Director Leon Nilo Dela Cruz, the whole of PNP and Malacanang were indeed lying to us Kapampangans. They claimed that they can not grant the request of Governor Panlilio for the PNP to assign Col. Binag as the Provincial PNP Director for Pampanga as he was assigned to the PNP Moral Formation Program (?). Yet, for Col. Binag to be assigned in Batangas means that this administration, DILG, and the PNP are really bent on paralyzing Governor Panlilio in his fight against illegal gambling in Pampanga.
Another proof of this administration's perpetual dishonesty to the people of Pampanga is the inaction of the National Goverment, the DILG, and the PNP to stage an all out war against illegal numbers game, specifically in Pampanga. No less than PGMA has publicly ordered the DILG and PNP to act on this. To this day, the illegal numbers game is flourishing. No less than the princes of the Pampanga Catholic Church, Arcbishop Aniceto and Auxilliary Bishop Pablo David, had publicly stated this.
MAHIYA NAMAN KAYO!
* * * * *
Everybody wants to run for President in 2010.
A lot of Presidentiables see 2010 as the year for opposition presidentiables because of the great mistrust that Filipinos have for the current administration.
But the opposition must be careful. We will not be surprised if some of the declared presidentiables are actually "dog soldiers" of the administration. They might be trojan horses sent to scatter the votes, confuse the voters, and muddle the political issues so in the end, the administration bet will win the election. This is actually very possible.
Among Ed is correct in his current position that he will only run for President if no one from the reform minded groups is able to come up with an acceptable and winnable bet.
But I think that Among Ed made a mistake when he stated that he might be running for either President or Vice President. This shows uncalled-for pragmatism. This also may mean indecision on his part which is a no-no in national politics. He must categorically state a sole aspiration so that when it is necessary, his leverage is not compromised.
Last Monday Among Ed attended the Leadership Forum sponsored by the Ateneo School of Goverment and ABS-CBN held at the Leong Hall at the Ateneo De Manila University. It was obvious who the political neophyte was among the five present presidentiables. Senators Gordon, Escudero, and Roxas were there together with Governor Panlilio and Defense Secreteary Teodoro. In my opinion, Among Ed came in a poor fourth in the way he presented himself and the manner he answered questions. Sen. Escudero was great in connecting with the audience of mostly young Ateneo students. Sen. Gordon did very well also and was also received warmly given the fact that he is a certified Blue Eagle. Sen. Roxas also did well and showed himself very firm on issues asked of all of them. Sec. Teodoro was actually good even as he seemed to be pulled down by his direct association with the GMA administration, notwithstanding the fact that he was able to convey some good attributes of the current administration.
The forum should be a learning experience for Among Ed. It should also be a barometer for Among Ed in gauging his sellability to the Filipino Electorate. It is still too early for him. Hopefully, it is not too late for him also.
* * * * *
In the last issue of this column, we mentioned two offices under the office of governor which we suggested he look into. We do not know if he already read our previous column or if he already did something about our recommendation.
We have been in contact on-line and personally with some Kapampangan youth the past few days. They reminded me that the Provincial Youth Council WAS NEVER RECONVENED since the departue of Tess Briones and its subsequent transfer to the PSWDO(?). We already lost last year's summer break and we seem to have also lost the current summer break in terms of empowering the Kapampangan Youth. Why?
I know that the governor may have too much on his plate right now. He does not have to do everything nor should the Provincial Adminstrator. They just need to provide the motivation and support and then DELEGATE! There is no doubt in our mind that our youth will pull through. This is part of the essence of EMPOWERMENT!
LUID KA!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
AMONG ED MIGHT MOST LOIKELY TO RUN FOR A NATIONAL OFFICE
ILOILO CITY - Saying the current crop of presidential aspirants offer no real alternative for the people, Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio yesterday said he is firming up his plans to run for a national position, including for president or vice president, in next year’s elections.
“We tell people to vote wisely. But how can we vote wisely if there are no choices?” Panlilio said in a speech at the 22nd Mid-Biennial Conference of the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region Inc. here.
In an interview, Panlilio said while there were “real alternatives” emerging in local elections, there was no clear alternative for national elections, particularly for president and vice president.
“Many people feel that the faces they see are the ones responsible for the state of the Philippines,” the governor told the Inquirer.
This is why despite his preference to return to priesthood, he is firming up plans to extend his involvement in politics, Panlilio said.
“Most likely I will run for a national position—president or vice president,” said Panlilio.
But he said he is still in the process of discussions and meetings with supporters and friends.
He said while he made a promise that he will only serve for a term of three years as governor then return to priesthood, he is also considering the “clamor of some people” for him to continue serving in an elective post.
“I’m not turning my back on priesthood. But I have to be ready to sacrifice anything and everything for the sake of our beloved land,” he said.
Panlilio was suspended from performing priestly duties when he ran for governor in 2007. He defeated two administration candidates in a close contest.
Church officials, including Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), have earlier called on Panlilio to leave the priesthood if he intends to run for President in next year’s elections.
Lagdameo had said that Panlilio should leave priesthood to maintain the Church’s non-involvement in partisan politics.
But Lagdameo also had said that Panlilio’s openness to seek higher office “sends a message about the country’s political situation: that we badly need to address politically the many issues of graft and corruption in government.”
ILOILO CITY - Saying the current crop of presidential aspirants offer no real alternative for the people, Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio yesterday said he is firming up his plans to run for a national position, including for president or vice president, in next year’s elections.
“We tell people to vote wisely. But how can we vote wisely if there are no choices?” Panlilio said in a speech at the 22nd Mid-Biennial Conference of the Soroptimist International of the Philippines Region Inc. here.
In an interview, Panlilio said while there were “real alternatives” emerging in local elections, there was no clear alternative for national elections, particularly for president and vice president.
“Many people feel that the faces they see are the ones responsible for the state of the Philippines,” the governor told the Inquirer.
This is why despite his preference to return to priesthood, he is firming up plans to extend his involvement in politics, Panlilio said.
“Most likely I will run for a national position—president or vice president,” said Panlilio.
But he said he is still in the process of discussions and meetings with supporters and friends.
He said while he made a promise that he will only serve for a term of three years as governor then return to priesthood, he is also considering the “clamor of some people” for him to continue serving in an elective post.
“I’m not turning my back on priesthood. But I have to be ready to sacrifice anything and everything for the sake of our beloved land,” he said.
Panlilio was suspended from performing priestly duties when he ran for governor in 2007. He defeated two administration candidates in a close contest.
Church officials, including Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, president of the influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), have earlier called on Panlilio to leave the priesthood if he intends to run for President in next year’s elections.
Lagdameo had said that Panlilio should leave priesthood to maintain the Church’s non-involvement in partisan politics.
But Lagdameo also had said that Panlilio’s openness to seek higher office “sends a message about the country’s political situation: that we badly need to address politically the many issues of graft and corruption in government.”
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