On Activism (Philippine Christian University - Manila)

Activism

"Activism, in a general sense, can be described as intentional action to bring about social, political, economic, or environmental change. This action is in support of, or opposition to, one side of an often controversial argument.

The word "activism" is often used synonymously with protest or dissent, but activism can stem from any number of political orientations and take a wide range of forms from writing letters to newspapers or politicians, political campaigning, economic activism such as boycotts or preferentially patronizing businesses, rallies, street marches, strikes, both work stoppages and hunger strikes, or even guerrilla tactics."

(Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Activism)

Misconceptions

It has been said more than a few times that political activists are nothing but nuisance. ?some say they clog up the streets or that they were paid by a political rival to oppose another politician.

Well, let's clear that up. There are three kinds of activists, in my view, in the Philippine scene. One is "mobocracy" (in contrast to democracy, that the view of the majority, here it takes the view of the mob); the ones that blame a politician for their strife. They blame the person and only the person (even though it is the system that corrupts the person). They are the ones who usually pay people to join their rallies. They reach in great numbers but their purpose and/or principles are usually a blur, even to themselves. They are the ones that are closest to the word nuisance.

Second; there are the extremists. These are the ones who agitate the people for a revolution. They want a civil war yet their reason for it is not quite clear. They understand their purpose but fail to impart that view to the masses. These are the ones who either crave power or just wants to see the world burn.

And third; there are the activists who are filled with theories and applies those theories. They also impart those theories to the masses. They take these principles from philosopher-socialists who have proven themselves times over. These theories have been tested and proven all over the world; lessons learned from history are taken in part.

The third kind of activists arouse the masses political awareness, organize the masses to take action against oppression, corruption, destruction, injustice and mobilize them towards social, political, economic and environmental change.

(Let us call the third kind of activists "the movement" for this essay)

The movement teaches the masses all their views of a better world, all the theories and lessons how to get there in an alternative school they cal PaDePa or Pambasnsang Demokratikong Paaralan (National Democratic School). The movement is composed of freedom loving, democracy seeking and justice driven youths as a majority of their numbers. Making a living proof of Jose Rizal's statement that the youth is the hope of the motherland.

Yet some say that we are too young. Well, "say not 'I am too young.' to whomever I send you, you shall go; what ever I command you, you shall speak. Have no fear before them, because I am with you to deliver you says the Lord." (Jeremiah 1:7-8)

We should not leave the politics to the politicians. We are the future of this world and whatever they sow, The youth will reap. The youth, the movement should takes part on politics because if the youth does not then there will be no hope for the country.

The decaying system

The movement takes legal ways to bring forth change, yet the government ignores their petition and even discards them. Most of the government officials do not want change because the system feeds their greed for land, wealth and power (to the point that they oppress the poor). So the movement takes to the streets and filling it with their cries for social justice. "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves,for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." (Proverbs 31:8-9) Fighting for the rights of the oppressed. "Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." (Psalm 82:3-4) To set the captives free "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, 19to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (Luke 4:18-19) To free all from the oppressive and decaying system and oppressive government.

"Woe to the shepherds of Israel who only take care of themselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but you do not take care of the flock. You have not strengthened the weak or healed the sick or bound up the injured. You have not brought back the strays or searched for the lost. You have ruled them harshly and brutally. So they were scattered because there was no shepherd, and when they were scattered they became food for all the wild animals. My sheep wandered over all the mountains and on every high hill. They were scattered over the whole earth, and no one searched or looked for them.

" 'Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD, because my flock lacks a shepherd and so has been plundered and has become food for all the wild animals, and because my shepherds did not search for my flock but cared for themselves rather than for my flock, therefore, O shepherds, hear the word of the LORD : This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them." (Ezekiel 34:2-10)

A system of the oppressive government filled with people of lies.

"This is what the LORD says:
"As for the prophets
who lead my people astray,
if one feeds them,
they proclaim 'peace';
if he does not,
they prepare to wage war against him.

"Therefore night will come over you, without visions,
and darkness, without divination.
The sun will set for the prophets,
and the day will go dark for them.

"The seers will be ashamed
and the diviners disgraced.
They will all cover their faces
because there is no answer from God."

"But as for me, I am filled with power,
with the Spirit of the LORD,
and with justice and might,
to declare to Jacob his transgression,
to Israel his sin.

"Hear this, you leaders of the house of Jacob,
you rulers of the house of Israel,
who despise justice
and distort all that is right;

"who build Zion with bloodshed,
and Jerusalem with wickedness.

"Her leaders judge for a bribe,
her priests teach for a price,
and her prophets tell fortunes for money.
Yet they lean upon the LORD and say,
"Is not the LORD among us?
No disaster will come upon us."

"Therefore because of you,
Zion will be plowed like a field,
Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble,
the temple hill a mound overgrown with thickets."
(Micah 3:5-12)

The Ideal System

The movement is Fighting the system. They aim to bring forth a new and better world.

"Behold, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.
But be glad and rejoice forever
in what I will create,
for I will create Jerusalem to be a delight
and its people a joy.

I will rejoice over Jerusalem
and take delight in my people;
the sound of weeping and of crying
will be heard in it no more.

"Never again will there be in it
an infant who lives but a few days,
or an old man who does not live out his years;
he who dies at a hundred
will be thought a mere youth;
he who fails to reach [a] a hundred
will be considered accursed.

They will build houses and dwell in them;
they will plant vineyards and eat their fruit.

No longer will they build houses and others live in them,
or plant and others eat.
For as the days of a tree,
so will be the days of my people;
my chosen ones will long enjoy
the works of their hands.

They will not toil in vain
or bear children doomed to misfortune;
for they will be a people blessed by the LORD,
they and their descendants with them.

Before they call I will answer;
while they are still speaking I will hear.

The wolf and the lamb will feed together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox,
but dust will be the serpent's food.
They will neither harm nor destroy
on all my holy mountain,"
(Isaiah 65:17-25)

This new world where the system ends all misery.

"However, there should be no poor among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you," (Deuteronomy 15:4)

They are the activists with integrity. putting the people [learn to do right!Seek justice, encourage the oppressed.Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.(Isaiah 1:17)] and the new world before themselves.

Being Passive

If you have seen what this decaying and oppressive system does to your fellow men, do not turn away. Yes, the Lord said turn the other cheek but not towards your neighbor. Do not think that the movement is fighting for themselves but rather for for your neighbors. Be the light of the world.

bagong taon: bagong rebolusyonaryo!

Bagong taon: bagong Pag-asa.

Ito ang madalas na bukambibigng mga tao. Dala daw ng bagong taon ay bagong pagsubok na dapat malampasan. Dala daw ng bagong taon ay bagong pag-asa at bagong pagkakataon.
Siguro nga may katotohanan sa mga sinasabi nila. Sa bagong taon ay lilitaw ang bagong suliranin. Ngunit kung titingnan natin ng maigi, kahit sa kalagitnaan ng taon ay may mga bagong pagsubok. Kahit nga noong patapos ang 2009 ay lumitaw ang bagong suliranin.

Ano ito..?

Ang walang awa at walang kabuluhang pagpaslang ng mga tao sa Maguindanao.
Atheto pa: ang paglilinlang ng gobyerno at pagpapabagal ng paghatid ng katarungan sa masaker sa Maguindanao.
At mas mahayop pa sa sahul: nagdeklara ng walang basehan at iligal na martial law ang pekeng presidente na si Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

At ngayong bagong taon, Huwag tayong umasa na babago ang mga kabulukang ito. Totoo na maybagong suliranin na lilitaw pero lumang-luma na at nabubulok na nga ang ugat na pinanggagalingan nito: ang Sistemang mala-kolonyal at malapyudal na lipunan na pilit na pinananatili ng mga burokrata-Kapitalista at mga gahaman sa lupa at pera.

Lumang sistema ang sanhi ng matagalang pagkakalugmok natin sa kadiliman, karahasan at kahirapan.

Ngunit may bagong pag-asa.

Makakamit lang natin ang bago at masaganang pamumuhay kung matagumpay na mawasak natin ang kadenang nagtatali sa atin sa nabubulok nana sistema.

Pero ano nga ba ang bagong pag-asa?

Hindi 'ano' kundi 'SINO'.

Tayo!

Tayong KABATAAN ay dapat na pag-aralan ang lipunan, tukuyin ang sanhi ng mga paghihirap ng masa at gumawa ng mga tamang hakbang paramapalaya ang sambayanang Pilipino mula sa pang-aapi ng mga naghahring uri.

Tayong KABABAIHAN ay dapat baguhin ang tingin sa sarili at sa proseso ay mabago ang tingin ng iba sa atin. Tukuyin na ang ugat ng mababang pagtinginsa kababaihan ay ang sistemang nabubulok.

Tayong MANGGAGAWA ay dapat malaman ang tamang pamamalakad, tamang pangangalaga sa kapwa.Pag-aralan natin ang lipunan at maging hukbo na magpapalaya ngsambayanan at ng sangkatauhan.

Tayong MAGSASAKA ay dapat alamin ang karapatan, ipaglaban ang kabuhayan at bayan. Alamin na tayo ang puwersa na magpapalaya sa sarili at magbubukas ng isip ng tao sa bulokna lipunan.

Tayong MAG-AARAL ay dapat na matuto sa masa. Huwag tayong magsawang mag-aral ng lipunan, matuto sa masa at magturo ng tamang hakbang sa pagpapalaya ng bayan.

Buksan natin ang ating mga mata at isipan. Alamin natin ang kabulukan ng nag-iiral na sistema. wasakin natin ito at isulong ang bagong sistema na mag-aahon sa atin mula sa putik na ating kinaroroonan.

Ang bagong pag-asa ay: ang mulat; ang pagmulat sa mga nagbubulag-bulagan at nagbibingi-bingihan;
Pagmulat ng sangkatauhan.

At sa pagpula ng silangan, lalaya na ang sambayanan.

sa mga kamag-aral ko sa paaralan ng buhay

Ikaw ba ay estudyante ng isang unibersidad? May kaya ba ang pamilya mo? Sapat ba ang baon mo sa pangaraw-araw?

Tumaas ang presyo ng langis.
Sino ba ang may kasalanan? Ang mga tsuper ba na may sariling anak na pinagpapaaral? Siyempre hindi. Si mamang tsuper ay nagtaas ng pamasahe dahil tumaas ang presyo ng langis. Eh sino ang may sala? Ang pump boy ba sa gasoline station? Mas lalong hinde, biktima din siya sa araw araw niyang pagcommute papunta ng pinagtratrabahuhan niya.
Ang totoong may sala ay ang gobyerno.
Bakit 'ka mo? Dati ay may kontrol ang gobyerno sa presyo ng langis. Kayang pigilan ng gobyerno kung hinihingi ng mga commuters na babaan ang langis. Eh putik pa sa putik, sira yata ulo ng gobyerno, nagpasa ng oil deregulation law. Patay si Juan. Ngayon kung gusto ng Petron, Shell at Caltex mag oil price hike eh 'di maka-ek ang gobyerno. Sa makatuwid, walang kwenta ang gobyerno! Inaalagaan nila ang mga dayuhang kumpanya ng langis at pinapahirapan ang mga mamamayan na dapat nilang inaalagaan.

Sinabi ng isang kolehiyong manunulat sa akin noon, ang issue daw na ito ay 'di bagay sa Campus Publication dahil di naman apektado ang mga estudyante.
'Di nga ba tayo apektado? Araw-araw, mula lunes hanggang sabado me pasok eh. Kailangang magbyahe. Eh sa pagtaas ng langis tataas ang pamasahe. Therefore I conclude na apektadong apektado ang mga estudyante.


Education.
Sa mga private schools, colleges and universities ay nag baba ng deregulation law. Ibig sabihin ay 'di maka-ek ang gobyerno kung gusto ng unibersidad na magtaas ng tuition fee. O 'di naman kaya ay maningil ng walang kabuluhan na mga bayarin. Muli: Walang kwentang gobyerno!
Tulad ng oil companies, ang mga paaralang ito ay nasa loob ng Pilipinas. Napapasailalim ng pamahalaa ng Pilipinas. Bakit namang binigyan ng independence ang mga 'to? 'Di ba dapat hawak parin sila ng pamahalaan?

Sa buong systema ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas, may buget ang gobyerno para dito. Ang badyet na ito ay 'di umanong mula sa mga buwis na binabayaran ng lahat ng Pilipino. (take note: kahit 'di ka pa 18 at wala ka pang sedula, nagbabayad ka ng buwis sa oras na bumili ka ng kahit na ano, mapa McDo o sari-sari store.) Ang dapat na badyet ay 6 percent ng gross national income (correct me if I'm wrong) Ngunit binawasan ito at ginawang 2 percent. ang binawas ay gagamitin daw umano sa pagbayad ng mga utang ng Pilipinas. Sa dami-daming pera paroo't parito sa mga NBN-ZTE at fertilizer scam, may Euro generals pa, bakit ang edukasyon pa ang binawasan? Kung di ba naman ga*uhan 'to!


Sinabi ng isang kolehiyong manunulat sa akin noon, ang issue daw na ito ay 'di bagay sa Campus Publication dahil di naman apektado ang mga estudyante.
'Di nga ba tayo apektado? Eh edukasyon ang pakay natin sa pag punta sa paaralan.


Sa pamumulita.
Sa korapsyon.
Sa divertion of funds.
Sa illigal abduction ng gobyerno.
Sa 1 milyong piso na hapunan.
Sa mga kabulastugan ng mga politiko.
Sa mga kasinungalingan ng pangulo.
Sa pamamaslang nga mga kabataan at mamamahayag.
Sa criminal neglect ng gobyerno sa mga nasalanta ng bagyo.
Sa mga manlolokong tatakbo bilang pangulo.

Ang bawat estudyante ng kahit na anung unibersidad ay dapat makialam sa mga issue ng Pilipinas.
Ito ang tahanan ng ating lahi, ang lupang sinilangan. Naging Pilipino tayo bago naging estudyante ng PCU. Naging mag-aaral tayo ng Pilipinas simula sa pagkabata hanggang sa huling hininga natin.
Kabataan!
Pag-aralan ninyo ang ating lipunan. Alamin ang tamang mga hakbang. Huwag matakot! Na sa MGA KAMAY NATIN ANG PAGLAYA NG BAYAN MULA SA BULOK NA SISTEMA NA GUSTONG IPANATILI NG MGA TUTANG POLIKO NG ESTADOS UNIDOS.
GUMISING KA KABATAAN!
Ika nga ni Rizal: "ang kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayan."
AT HINDI LALAYA ANG BAYAN KUNG ANG KABATAAN AY WALANG PAKI-ALAM, KIMI, PASIBO AT MAKASARILI!
KUNG WALANG PAKI-ALAM ANG KABATAAN, WALANG PAG-ASA ANG BAYAN!

revolutionary

Homeward bound -- the student sighs
home at last to her brown eyes
He has learned society's lies
And filled the streets with his cries

But now it's home he longs for
Back to her whom he adores
To whom he started fighting for
Back to her whom he adores

His fist will be forever
Held high, held tight in the air
But he knows he would be never
Be complete without her stare

Complete he will never be
With one but not the other
Still he will fight to be free
For people; his wife; his daughter

He wishes for her to join him
In the fight and share his dream
But even though his fight's not hers
He's thankful for her unheard cheers

One day after all the these fights
He'll have her near all through the nights
And never will he let her go again
In the society for which he gave his pain

-Orville "chubby" Basas

Ama; Ina; Anak

Anak:
Tanong ng isang bata: "Nasaan na si ama?
Iilang umaga na na hinahanap siya?"
Natututo na ako magsalita at maglaro
May nagawa ba ako kaya't iniwan tayo?

Ina:
Wala kang kasalanan at 'di tayo iniwan
Siya'y nasa mamamayan at tayo ay babalikan
kung ba't doon siya nagpunta ay matuto sa masa
at maglunsad ng digma para sa inang laya

Ama:
Nangungulilang puso sa sinta't anak ko
nananabik na ako na mayakap kayo
sa aking pagbabalik sa aking munting bayan
dala ay mga aral ng mapagpalayang mamamayan

Anak huwag kang magsawa na matuto sa mamamayan
At iyong pagaralan rebolusyon at lipunan
'Di ko man matamasa halik ng inang laya
Ang hiling ko na sana maihiga kayo sa duyan niya

-Orville "chubby" Basas

sulat ni Crissostomo Kong ng Philippine Christian University

"He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death" (Exodus 21:12).

Ang karumaldumal na krimen na ginawa sa Maguindanao ay labag, hindi lamang sa batas ng tao, sa batas din ng Diyos. Ang mga kapatid nating mga manunulat, media men, abugado, politiko at mga kaibigan ay magkakasamang pinaslang.

"Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed; for in the image of God He made man." Genesis 9:6

Sa lumipas na limang araw, naging kulay dugo ang kulay ng bawat pahayagan. Ang lumalabas sa balita sa T.V. at radio ay nakakakilabot. Mahigit sa dalawmpung Journalist ang pinatay. Ang mismong mga naglalabas ng mga balita; Mga abugadong nagtatanggol sa atin; at mga babaeng walang kalaban-laban.

"...for he is God’s minister, an avenger to execute wrath on him who practices evil" (Romans 13:4)

Ang ginawa ng gobyerno ay mas masakit.
Ang nakikita ko sa mga sine ay kung may mga ganitong nangyari, nagsisigaw na ang pangulo at sinasabing "I want you to find who ever did this and punish them... punish them hard." sa mga pulis, militar at F.B.I.
Pero dito sa Pinas, sy*7! Anak ng ulupong! Nagdeclare lang ang pangulo ng day of mourning?
Anak ng tutpik talaga! Sa halip na kumilos ang mga AFP (armed forces of the Philippines) pinatagal pa ang paghuli kay Ampatuan na alam ng lahat na Siya ang prime suspect sa Krimen.
Isang linggo ang nakalipas ay nakita na ng 601st Brigade ng Army na may grupo ng kalalakihan na nagaaligid sa Ampatuan, Maguindanao. Ang masaklap, noong nag-request ang mga biktima (Mangudadatu) ng Police escort para mag-file ng COC (certificate of candidacy), tinanggihan ng PNP.
Palakpakan naman natin ang AFP. "to serve and protect" ang motto nila! TO SERVE AND PROTECT THE HIGHEST BIDDER! May private army na nga si Ampatuan, kampi pa ang Philipine Army. SY*7!

"But if a man come presumptuously upon his neighbor, to slay him with guile, thou shalt take him from Mine altar, that he may die." Exodus 21:14,


Sa ngayon, alam natin na natagalan ang pag huli kay Ampatuan. Bakit? Ganito kasi. Kaalyado siya ng pinakamalaking mamamatay tao sa Pinas. Si Gloria Arroyo. Sa Maguindanao nangyari, noong last election, na naging Zero (0) ang boto sa mga hindi kaalyado ni GMA. Dats why parang walang pakundangan pumatay si Ampatuan. Dahil ang amo niya, wxpert sa extra judicial murder.

Ang panawagan:

Sama-sama po tayong mga Kristyanong mag martsa at sa malakas na boses, isigaw ang ating galit at hingin ang hustisya! Kristyano tayo at hindi dapat nating bale walain ang karumaldumal na krimeng ito.

Philippine Christian University, Kung totoong Kristyano kayo, huwag niyong palampasin ang mga ganitong gawaain.

" learn to do good;

seek justice,

correct oppression;

bring justice to the fatherless,

plead the widow’s cause. "

Isaiah 1:17

bayang api

Ang tinatahak nating daang luntian;
Ang inaakalang ligtas na lansangan;
Ang mundo na ating ginagalawan:
Ay puno ng halimaw at taong gahaman.
Uhaw sa kapangyarihan, pera’t dugo
Na kahit kailanmang hindi napupuno
Ang kanilang tasang kumakamkam ng ginto
Na ang pagkitil ng buhay ay tila isang laro—
Isang munting laro sa mga taong nakaupo
Kasama ang mga dayuhan ay nagpapakulo
Ng pagnanakaw sa bayan ng lakas at ginto
At ang bayan ngayon ay naghihingalo.

Kaya nga’t ang dukha ngayon ang kawawa
Ngunit iilan lang ang dilat ang mata
Sa katotohanang tila nakakalula—
Na pinapaslang na ang mulat na makhata—
Mas malala: may nagbubulag-bulagan
May nakakarinig at nagbibingi-bingihan
Habang ang bayan ay nilalapastangan
Saan ang mga bayani? Nasaan ang kalayaan?
Libu-libo nang ina at ama
Libung anak na nangungulila
Sa mga minamahal na nawala parang bula
Sa halu-halong ilog ng dugo at luha

Libong manggagawa, magsasaka at mga bata;
Ang bayang inapi, ninakawan at sinira
Mga taong trinaydor at inalila
Ay bukas na ang isip – mata’y mulat na
Mga kupas na bandila at ang kabataan
Ngayon ay nasa lansangan
Isinisigay ang singil ng katarungan
Nakataas kamao at lumalaban
Ngunit kalian nga ba makakamtan ;
Ang inaasam na katarungan;
Inaasam na tunay na kalayaan?
Wala mang katiyakan—tuloy ang aming laban.

Patuloy kaming magpupunyagi
Na ang tunay na demokrasya ang maghahari
Dugo ng mga bayani ay dadanak muli
Ang sambayanang Pilipino ang siyang magwawagi.
Isang araw ang kalayaan ay ‘di na mawawala
Isang araw ang magandang buhay ay matatamasa
Isang araw ang katarungan ay nasa tao na
Isang araw kung kami’y nakabaon na sa lupa.
Ngunit habang may oras pa: kami ay lalaban
Hanga’t ang tagumpay ay aming mahahagkan
Hangang masilayan ang kalayaan ng bayan
Kahit umabot man sa aming kamataya.

RAGE

Why you ask for verses of endearment
while this nation is fucked by an illegitimate president
open your eyes! Stick your head out of the window!
Be angry about her screwing with the Filipino.

For long time waiting, the Filipino rage
has once again taken center stage
A roaring sound of sweet profanity
spoken against outrageous tyranny

the, once thought dead, Filipino voice
has spoken out for freedom by choice
against the slaughter of Filipino soul
Stride by stride, this people reach it's goal

so cry, sob, moan and straight out be angry
march for the nation, Shout for your dignity
She has tramples us long enough to know
that she has overstayed her welcome. Now stand, Filipino

let us shout and shake the walls of inferno
let us tell the world that we are Filipino
Let us show the world that we will fight for the right
Let us show this bitch the people's might.

-Orville “chubby” Basas-

We could be heroes.

Our heroes must be turning in their graves. The principles that they fought and died for, the same principles that became the foundation of this republic is now just a thought. An insignificant speck in the minds of today's generation. The eyes that Jose Rizal's work has opened are now wide shut. Ears that reverberated with the cry of Pugad Lawin are hearing without listening. This once proud people built on activism is now passive, blind, deaf and dumb. Rizal gave his life for equality. He fought for the Filipino to be known as equals by any other nation. now the Philippines is one of the most corrupt countries. The Filipinos ignore this fact and moves on thinking that if they are not bleeding they would not fight back. Little do they know that we are being milked by an illegitimate president reducing our stature just like Spain has done long ago. Bonifacio fought for freedom, for democracy. But what is happening now? An illegitimate president is destroying our democracy, spitting in the face of this once proud nation. And we just smile and not mind it. The Philippines has a new oppressor replacing the Japanese, the Spaniards and the Marcos rule. She goes by the name of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. She looks and talks like us. Maybe that is why we become passive. But I tell you, my fellow Filipinos, Race is not the enemy, it is the principle of the person and the persons personal agenda. The idea that she is a Filipino is but an idea. The Fact that she is a vessel of tyranny is a fact. Our veins flow with the blood of activism. Our history is paved by it. Our whole becoming is because our ancestors stood up and fought against terrorism. They died fighting for liberty, justice and peace. This country, our country, became a republic because we fought for independence, democracy and humanity. This whole nation was because of great individuals, heroes, who would not ignore injustice and corruption. The Filipino is Filipino because we would not take oppression lying down. Look at our history. EDSA revolution, propaganda movement, HUKBALAHAP, kataastaasang, kagalanggalangang katipunan ng mga anak ng bayan, magdalo and many others have fought for what is right and what is for the Filipino nation. We should be fighting for these same things regardless of who or what the tyrant seems to be. I am not calling out for a revolution, (though it is badly needed) but I am calling for consciousness. Filipinos! Open your eyes! You are being cheated out of your rights and your motherland. I am not pointing out that we should be taking to the streets,(though it is not such a bad idea) but I am pointing out the lack of wanting to. What bothers me most is the principles of heroes are being studied in school, colleges and universities but somehow, the seeds are not growing in the minds. These oppressions have happened before, Why are we not screaming at the top of our lungs in Pugad Lawin? We are mocking the Lives, Works and Death of our immortal heroes.

Radical change for the Philippines

"if the good bishops sincerely want radical change, if they really want to uproot corruption, why are they barking up a single leader?"

-Pompeyo S. Pedroche

"The day we feel about the theft of P728 million, which comes from our blood, sweat, and tears, the way we feel about the theft of our wallets and cell phones is the day we start rewarding the just and punishing the wicked. The day we wake up to the fact that the theft of 105,000 euros is related to a child not being able to go to school as cause is to effect is the day we stop having Senate hearings on corruption and malfeasance.
Stop and smell the roses? Stop and smell the gutter!"

- Conrado de Quiros

These are painful truth. Radical change is impossible for one person. Although a person could attribute to change the world. But we have to see the grand design of this tapestry. Each of us is just a single thread. If one is to change, the change would be unnoticeable.

This country has changed presidents a few times already and it seems that they never could never sing in the right key. Now why is that? Maybe it's because we're not playing the right notes. We complain and protest about these "traditional politicians" but have we ever stopped to protest our selfish and dumb outlook?

The truth is, If GMA would step down, (though I doubt that power hungry impostor would) we will still end up with our same selves Looking out for number one. And after GMA is out of the picture, what next? Another politician is going to take her place and we're gonna end up finding another reason not to like him/her.

Most people nowadays are like this, "as long as it doesn't hit me directly, I could live with that." Really? This is our government. The point is this is OURS. We are directly affected because it governs our country, nation and all that. And it is yours.

To change the way we are governed, we should first be changed ourselves. If we are sick and tired of the oppression, lies and corruption, why do we think it's only by the government? Do you not lie to get yourself out of trouble? Do you not sneak an extra minute in your cigarette brake? Do you not keep the extra pesos that the jeepney driver gave you by mistake? Do you try and look for the person who drops their 20-peso bill? Do you not leave your food wrapper lying around after eating in a fast food joint? Do you not download mp3 through the Internet for free? Do you not refuse to give up your seat on the LRT/MRT for another? Do you say you are a student to avail the jeepney fare discount even though yo are not? Have you never cheated in an exam or game in your whole life?

If you answered no to all of these,(be honest) maybe you should be the president then.

I'm not saying that the president is a good person. Fuck it, she's a monster. But if we want change and get rid of corruption, then let it begin with us. Let's not be selfish. Let's not be ignorant of the laws and actually abide by them. Let's not be corrupt. Let's be honest as we want the government to be. That means to stand and be accountable for all the wrongs you have done and not be sore if we are not recognized y the good we have done. But be content with the fact that you are doing the right things, for the right cause in the right ways. So unless we get rid of the traditional Filipino attitude, our hopes to get rid of the "trapo" will remain a fleeing illusion to be pursued but never attain. And the hopes of the Philippines that is free from oppression, corruption and war will be a dream that cannot come true.

-Orville "chubby" Basas

house bill 5043 (RH bill)

when I was in the jeepney enjoying my ride home from school, I noticed a big banner. It said some thing about yes to whatever and no to RH bill. ( I really couldn't remember the yes part)
then I thought about the RH bill. what is the RH bill? it is the house bill 5043. “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008“. and apparently, a lot of people are protesting against the passage of this said bill. and why the hell not? the catholic church protest the passage. oh, come on! have the church actually read the bill? it is not anti-life as you so ignorantly put it. it promotes responsibility as a parent and as a human being. oh, yeah, the Catholic church leaders doesn't see themselves as parents and human being.
have you guys ever thought that the bill is to promote this country? maybe you did maybe you did not. but to petition it not to be signed is not for the church. from what I have learned from school is that the church should have nothing to do with the state. and the church is not God.

for those of you who don't understand, the church thinks artificial contraception should be promoted and thinks the cure for overpopulation is abstinence.
why would they say that? from what I've seen in my days round a certain catholic church and a seminary, students and priests alike have condoms in their wallets. not that I've seen them use it but by the next time I saw them fondling their wallets again, the three piece condom pack has only 1 left. and if they don't like the artificial part, why do they still frown upon euthanasia?
are not the people on life support artificially living?

if we, the people of the Philippines, follow abstinence, it would take more than 50 years till we see results. because not all the people in this country are Catholics. and not all the Catholics attend mass or listen. and not all the priests are are practicing abstinence.

some people actually think that this bill promotes abortion. of course it doesn't. it promotes women reproductive health. and a better tomorrow.
just think about it. if you do practice abstinence and have only two children, do you really think that the rest of the country would too? your two children will be forced to go to school and stand inside the classroom because the students are just too many. they will grow up and graduate and crawl their way to unemployment because there just too many applicants that are more qualified. then you will find your children living under the bridge because there are simply a lot of people living in every land they see. and all because you artificial contraception was not promoted.

for those of you too confused with what is going on and for those blinded by the Catholic church, decide for yourself. here is the full content of House Bill 5043.

I highlighted in red what I think is a good step. and in blue what I thought could harm. and in black as original context.

HOUSE BILL NO. 5043

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A NATIONAL POLICY ON REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, RESPONSIBLE PARENTHOOD AND POPULATION DEVELOPMENT, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2008“.

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. - The State upholds and promotes responsible parenthood, informed choice, birth spacing and respect for life in conformity with internationally recognized human rights standards.

The State shall uphold the right of the people, particularly women and their organizations, to effective and reasonable participation in the formulation and implementation of the declared policy.

This policy is anchored on the rationale that sustainable human development is better assured with a manageable population of healthy, educated and productive citizens.

The State likewise guarantees universal access to medically-safe, legal, affordable and quality reproductive health care services, methods, devices, supplies and relevant information thereon even as it prioritizes the needs of women and children,among other underprivileged sectors.

SEC. 3. Guiding Principles. - This Act declares the following as basic guiding principles:

a. In the promotion of reproductive health, there should be no bias for either modern or natural methods of family planning;

b. Reproductive health goes beyond a demographic target because it is principally about health and rights;

c. Gender equality and women empowerment are central elements of reproductive health and population development;

d. Since manpower is the principal asset of every country, effective reproductive health care services must be given primacy to ensure the birth and care of healthy children and to promote responsible parenting;

e. The limited resources of the country cannot be suffered to, be spread so thinly to service a burgeoning multitude that makes the allocations grossly inadequate and effectively meaningless;

f. Freedom of informed choice, which is central to the exercise of any right, must be fully guaranteed by the State like the right itself;

g. While the number and spacing of children are left to the sound judgment of parents and couples based on their personal conviction and religious beliefs, such concerned parents and couples, including unmarried individuals, should be afforded free and full access to relevant, adequate and correct information on reproductive health and human sexuality and should be guided by qualified State workers and professional private practitioners;

h. Reproductive health, including the promotion of breastfeeding, must be the joint concern of the National Government and Local Government Units(LGUs);

i. Protection and promotion of gender equality, women empowerment and human rights, including reproductive health rights, are imperative;

j. Development is a multi-faceted process that calls for the coordination and integration of policies, plans, programs and projects that seek to uplift the quality of life of the people, more particularly the poor, the needy and the marginalized;

k. Active participation by and thorough consultation with concerned non-government organizations (NGOs), people’s organizations (POs) and communities are imperative to ensure that basic policies, plans, programs and projects address the priority needs of stakeholders;

l. Respect for, protection and fulfillment of reproductive health rights seek to promote not only the rights and welfare of adult individuals and couples but those of adolescents’ and children’s as well; and

m. While nothing in this Act changes the law on abortion, as abortion remains a crime and is punishable, the government shall ensure that women seeking care for post-abortion complications shall be treated and counseled in a humane, non-judgmental and compassionate manner.

SEC. 4. Definition of Terms. - For purposes of this Act, the following terms shall be defined as follows:

a. Responsible Parenthood - refers to the will, ability and constraint of parents to respond to the needs and aspirations of the family and children more particularly through family planning;

b. Family Planning - refers to a program which enables couple, and individuals to decide freely and responsibly the number and spacing of their children and to have the information and means to carry out their decisions, and to have informed choice and access to a full range of safe, legal and effective family planning methods, techniques and devices.

c. Reproductive Health -refers to the state of physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, in all matters relating to the reproductive system and to its functions and processes. This implies that people are able to have a satisfying and safe sex life, that they have the capability to reproduce and the freedom to decide if, when and how often to do so, provided that these are not against the law. This further implies that women and men are afforded equal status in matters related to sexual relations and reproduction.

d. Reproductive Health Rights - refers to the rights of individuals and couples do decide freely and responsibly the number, spacing and timing of their children; to make other decisions concerning reproduction free of discrimination, coercion and violence; to have the information and means to carry out their decisions; and to attain the highest standard of sexual and reproductive health.

e. Gender Equality - refers to the absence of discrimination on the basis of a person’s sex, in opportunities, allocation of resources and benefits, and access to services.

f. Gender Equity - refers to fairness and justice in the distribution of benefits and responsibilities between women and men, and often requires. women-specific projects and programs to eliminate existing inequalities, inequities, policies and practices unfavorable too women.

g. Reproductive Health Care - refers to the availability of and access to a full range of methods, techniques, supplies and services that contribute to reproductive and sexual health and well-being by preventing and solving reproductive health-related problems in order to achieve enhancement of life and personal relations. The elements of reproductive health care include:

1. Maternal, infant and child health and nutrition;

2. Promotion of breastfeeding;

3. Family planning information end services;

4. Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications;

5. Adolescent and youth health;

6. Prevention and management of reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmittable infections (STIs);

7. Elimination of violence against women;

8. Education and counseling on sexuality and sexual and reproductive health;

9. Treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions;

10. Male involvement and participation in reproductive health;,

11. Prevention and treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction; and

12. Reproductive health education for the youth.

h. Reproductive Health Education - refers to the process of acquiring complete, accurate and relevant information on all matters relating to the reproductive system, its functions and processes and human sexuality; and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, interpersonal relationships, affection, intimacy and gender roles. It also includes developing the necessary skills do be able to distinguish between facts and myths on sex and sexuality; and critically evaluate. and discuss the moral, religious, social and cultural dimensions of related sensitive issues such as contraception and abortion.

i. Male involvement and participation - refers to the involvement, participation, commitment and joint responsibility of men with women in all areas of sexual and reproductive health, as well as reproductive health concerns specific to men.

j. Reproductive tract infection (RTI) - refers do sexually transmitted infections, sexually transmitted diseases and other types of-infections affecting the reproductive system.

k. Basic Emergency Obstetric Care - refers to lifesaving services for maternal complication being provided by a health facility or professional which must include the following six signal functions: administration of parenteral antibiotics; administration of parenteral oxyttocic drugs; administration of parenteral anticonvulsants for pre-eclampsia and iampsia; manual removal of placenta; and assisted vaginal delivery.

l. Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric Care - refers to basic emergency obstetric care plus two other signal functions: performance of Cesarean section and blood transfusion.

m. Maternal Death Review - refers to a qualitative and in-depth study of the causes of maternal death with the primary purpose of preventing future deaths through changes or additions to programs, plans and policies.

n. Skilled Attendant - refers to an accredited health professional such as a licensed midwife, doctor or nurse who has adequate proficiency and the skills to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period, and in the identification, management and referral of complication in women and newborns.

o. Skilled Attendance - refers to childbirth managed by a skilled attendant under the enabling conditions of a functional emergency obstetric care and referral system.

p. Development - refers to a multi-dimensional process involving major changes in social structures, popular attitudes, and national institutions as well as the acceleration of economic growth, the reduction of inequality and the eradication of widespread poverty.

q. Sustainable Human Development - refers to the totality of the process of expending human choices by enabling people to enjoy long, healthy and productive lives, affording them access to resources needed for a decent standard of living and assuring continuity and acceleration of development by achieving a balance between and among a manageable population, adequate resources and a healthy environment.

r. Population Development - refers to a program that aims to: (1) help couples and parents achieve their desired family size; (2) improve reproductive health of individuals by addressing reproductive health problems; (3) contribute to decreased maternal and infant mortality rates and early child mortality; (4) reduce incidence of teenage pregnancy; and (5) enable government to achieve a balanced population distribution.

SEC. 5. The Commission on Population (POPC0NI). - Pursuant to the herein declared policy, the Commission on Population (POPCOM) shall serve as the central planning, coordinating, implementing and monitoring body for the comprehensive and integrated policy on reproductive health and population development. In the implementation of this policy, POPCOM, which shall be an attached agency of the Department of Health (DOH) shall have the following functions:

a. To create an enabling environment for women and couples to make an informed choice regarding the family planning method that is best suited to their needs and personal convictions;

b. To integrate on a continuing basis the interrelated reproductive health and population development agenda into a national policy, taking into account regional and local concerns;

c. To provide the mechanism to ensure active and full participation of the private sector and the citizenry through their organizations in the planning and implementation of reproductive health care and population development programs and projects;

d. To ensure people’s access to medically safe, legal, quality and affordable reproductive health goods and services;

e. To facilitate the involvement and participation of non-government organizations and the private sector in reproductive health care service delivery and in the production, distribution and delivery of quality reproductive: health and family planning supplies and commodities to make them accessible and affordable to ordinary citizens;

f. To fully implement the Reproductive Health Care Program with the following components:

(1) Reproductive health education including but not limited to counseling on the full range of legal and medically-safe family planning methods including surgical methods;

(2) Maternal, pre-natal and post-natal education, care and services;

(3) Promotion of breastfeeding;

(4) Promotion of male involvement, participation and responsibility in reproductive health as well as other reproductive health concerns of men;

(5) Prevention of abortion and management of post-abortion complications; and

(6) Provision of information and services addressing the reproductive health needs of the poor, senior citizens, women in prostitution, differently-abled persons, and women and children in war AND crisis situations.

g. To ensure that reproductive health services are delivered with a full range of supplies, facilities and equipment and that service providers are adequately trained for reproductive health care;

h. To endeavor to furnish local Family Planning Offices with appropriate information and resources to keep the latter updated on current studies and research relating to family planning, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition;

i. To direct all public hospitals to make available to indigent mothers who deliver their children in these government hospitals, upon the mothers request, the procedure of ligation without cost to her;

j. To recommend the enactment of legislation and adoption of executive measures that will strengthen and enhance the national policy on reproductive health and population development;

k. To ensure a massive and sustained information drive on responsible parenthood and on all methods and techniques to prevent unwanted, unplanned and mistimed pregnancies, it shall release information bulletins on the same for nationwide circulation to all government departments, agencies and instrumentality, non-government organizations and the private sector, schools, public and private libraries, tri-media outlets, workplaces, hospitals and concerned health institutions;

l. To strengthen the capacities of health regulatory agencies to ensure safe, high-quality, accessible, and affordable reproductive health services and commodities with the concurrent strengthening and enforcement of regulatory mandates and mechanisms;

m. To take active steps to expand the coverage of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), especially among poor and marginalized women, to include the full range of reproductive health services and supplies as health insurance benefits; and

n. To perform such other functions necessary to attain the purposes of this Act.

The membership of the Board of Commissioners of POPCOM shall consist of the heads of the following AGENCIES:

1. National Economic DevelopmentAuthority (VEDA)
2. Department of Health (DOH)
3. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD)
4. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)
5. Department of Agriculture (DA)
6. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)
7. Department of Education (DepEd)
8. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)
9. Commission on Higher Education (CHED)
10. University of the Philippines Population Institute (UPPI)
11. Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAFI)
12. National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPQ
13. National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW)
14. National Youth Commission (NYC)

In addition to the aforementioned, members, there shall be three private sector representatives to the Board of Commissioners of POPCOM who shall come from NGOs. There shall be one (1) representative each from women, youth and health sectors who have a proven track record of involvement in the promotion of reproductive health. These representatives shall be nominated in a process determined by the above-mentioned sectors, and to be appointed by the President for a term of three (3)years.

SEC. 6. Midwives for Skilled Attendance. -Every city and municipality shall endeavor to employ adequate number of midwives or other skilled attendants to achieve a minimum ratio of one (1)for every one hundred fifty (150) deliveries per year, to be based on the average annual number of actual deliveries or live births for the past two years.

SEC. 7. Emergency Obstetric Care. - Each province. and city shall endeavor to ensure the establishment and operation of hospitals with adequate and qualified personnel that provide emergency obstetric care. For every 500,000 population, there shall be at least one (1) hospital for comprehensive emergency obstetric care and four (4) hospitals for basic emergency obstetric care.

SEC. 8. Maternal Death Review. - All LGUs, national and local government hospitals, and other public health units shall conduct maternal death review in accordance with the guidelines to be issued by the DOH in consultation with the POPCOM.

SEC. 9. Hospital-Based Family Planning. -Tubal ligation, vasectomy, intrauterine device insertion and other family planning methods requiring hospital services shall be available in all national and local government hospitals, except: in specialty hospitals which may render such services on an optional basis. For indigent patients, such services shall be fully covered by PhilHealth insurance and/or government financial assistance.

SEC. 10. Contraceptives as Essential Medicines. - Hormonal contraceptives, intrauterine devices, injectables and other allied reproductive health products and supplies shall be considered under the category of essential medicines and supplies which shall form part of the National Drug Formulary and the same shall be included in the regular purchase of essential medicines and supplies of all national and lord hospitals and other government health units.

SEC. 11. Mobile Health Care Service. -Each Congressional District shall be provided with a van to be known as the Mobile Health Care Service (MHOS) to deliver health care goods and services to its constituents, more particularly to the poor and needy, as well as disseminate knowledge and information on reproductive health: Provided, That reproductive health education shall be conducted by competent and adequately trained persons preferably reproductive health care providers: Provided, further, That the full range of family planning methods, both natural and modern, shall be promoted.

The acquisition, operation and maintenance of the MRCS shall be funded from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of each Congressional District.

The MHCS shall be adequately equipped with a wide range of reproductive health care materials and information dissemination devices and equipment, the latter including but not limited to, a television set for audio-visual presentation.

SEC. 12. Mandatory Age-Appropriate Reproductive Health Education. - Recognizing the importance of reproductive health rights in empowering the youth and developing them into responsible adults, Reproductive Health Education in an age-appropriate manner shall be taught by adequately trained teachers starting from Grade 5 up to Fourth Year High School. In order to assure the prior training of teachers on reproductive health, the implementation of Reproductive Health Education shall commence at the start of the school year one year following the effectivity of this Act. The POPCOM, in coordination with the Department of Education, shall formulate the Reproductive Health Education curriculum, which shall be common to both public and private schools and shall include related population and development concepts in addition to the following subjects and standards:

a. Reproductive health and sexual rights;

b. Reproductive health care and services;

c. Attitudes, beliefs and values on sexual development, sexual behavior and sexual health;

d. Proscription and hazards of abortion and management of post-abortion complications;

e. Responsible parenthood.

f. Use and application of natural and modern family planning methods to promote reproductive health, achieve desired family size and prevent unwanted, unplanned and mistimed pregnancies;

g. Abstinence before marriage;

h. Prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS and other, STIs/STDs, prostate cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer and other gynecological disorders;

i. Responsible sexuality; and

j. Maternal, peri-natal and post-natal education, care and services.

In support of the natural, and primary right of parents in the rearing of the youth, the POPCOM shall provide concerned parents with adequate and relevant scientific materials on the age-appropriate topics and manner of teaching reproductive health education to their children.

In the elementary level, reproductive health education shall focus, among others, on values formation.

Non-formal education programs shall likewise include the abovementioned reproductive Health Education.

SEC. 13. Additional Duty of Family Planning 0ffice. - Each local Family Planning Office shall furnish for free instructions and information on family planning, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition to all applicants for marriage license.

SEC. 14. Certificate of Compliance. - No marriage license shall be issued by the Local Civil Registrar unless the applicants present a Certificate of Compliance issued for free by the local Family Planning Office certifying that they had duly received adequate instructions and information on family planning, responsible parenthood, breastfeeding and infant nutrition.

SEC. 15. Capability Building of Community-Based Volunteer Workers. - Community-based volunteer workers, like but not limited to, Barangay Health Workers, shall undergo additional and updated training on the delivery of reproductive health care services and shall receive not less than 10% increase in honoraria upon successful completion of training. The increase in honoraria shall be funded from the Gender and Development (GAD) budget of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

SEC. 16. Ideal Family Size. - The State shall assist couples, parents and individuals to achieve their desired family size within the context of responsible parenthood for sustainable development and encourage them to have two children as the ideal family size. Attaining the ideal family size is neither mandatory nor compulsory. No punitive action shall be imposed on parents having more than two children.

SEC. 17. Employers’ Responsibilities. - Employers shall respect the reproductive health rights of all their workers. Women shall not be discriminated against in the matter of hiring, regularization of employment status or selection for retrenchment.

All Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) shall provide for the free delivery by the employer of reasonable quantity of reproductive health care services, supplies and devices to all workers, more particularly women workers. In establishments or enterprises where there are no CBAs or where the employees are unorganized, the employer shall have the same obligation.

SEC. 18. Support of Private and Non-government Health Care Service Providers. - Pursuant to Section 5(b) hereof, private reproductive health care service providers, including but not limited to gynecologists and obstetricians, are encouraged to join their colleagues in non-government organizations in rendering such services free of charge or at reduced professional fee rates to indigent and low income patients.

SEC. 19. Multi-Media Campaign. - POPCOM shall initiate and sustain an intensified nationwide multi-media campaign to raise the level of public awareness on the urgent need to protect and promote reproductive health and rights.

SEC. 20. Reporting Requirements. - Before the end of April of each year,the DOH shall submit an annual report to the President of the Philippines, the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives on a definitive and comprehensive assessment of the implementation of this Act and shall make the necessary recommendations for executive and legislative action. The report shall be posted in the website of DOH and printed copies shall be made available to all stakeholders.

SEC. 21. Prohibited Acts. - The following acts are prohibited:

a) Any health care service provider, whether public or private, who shall:

1. Knowingly withhold information or impede the dissemination thereof, and/or intentionally provide incorrect information regarding programs and services on reproductive health including the right to informed choice and access to a full range of legal, medically-safe and effective family planning methods;

2. Refuse to perform voluntary ligation and vasectomy and other legal and medically-safe reproductive health care services on any person of legal age on the ground of lack of spousal consent or authorization.

3. Refuse to provide reproductive health care services to an abused minor, whose abused condition is certified by the proper official or personnel of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) or to duly DSWD-certified abused pregnant minor on whose case no parental consent is necessary.

4. Fail to provide, either deliberately or through gross or inexcusable negligence, reproductive health care services as mandated under this Act, the Local Government Code of 1991, the Labor Code, and Presidential Decree 79, as amended; and

5. Refuse to extend reproductive health care services and information on account of the patient’s civil status, gender or sexual orientation, age, religion, personal circumstances, and nature of work; Provided, That all conscientious objections of health care service providers based on religious grounds shall be respected: Provided, further, That the conscientious objector shall immediately refer the person seeking such care and services to another health care service provider within the same facility or one which is conveniently accessible: Provided, finally, That the patient is not in an emergency or serious case as defined in RA 8344 penalizing the refusal of hospitals and medical clinics to administer appropriate initial medical treatment and support in emergency and serious cases.

b) Any public official who prohibits or restricts personally or through a subordinate the delivery of legal and medically-safe reproductive health care services, including family planning;

c) Any employer who shall fail to comply with his obligation under Section 17 of this Act or an employer who requires a female applicant or employee, as a condition for employment or continued employment, to involuntarily undergo sterilization, tubal ligation or any other form of contraceptive method;

d) Any person who shall falsify a certificate of compliance as required in Section 14 of this Act; and

e) Any person who maliciously en ges in disinformation about the intent or provisions of this Act.

SEC. 22. Penalties. - The proper city or municipal court shall exercise jurisdiction over violations of this Act and the accused who is found guilty shall be sentenced to an imprisonment ranging from one (1) month to six (6) months or a fine ranging from Ten Thousand Pesos (P10,000.00) to Fifty Thousand Pesos (P50,000.00) or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the court. If the offender is a juridical person, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, treasurer, secretary or any responsible officer. An offender who is an alien shall, after service of sentence, be deported immediately without further proceedings by the Bureau of Immigration. An offender who is a public officer or employee shall suffer the accessory penalty of dismissal from the government service.

Violators of this Act shall be civilly liable to the offended party in such amount at the discretion of the proper court.

SEC. 23. Appropriations. - The amounts appropriated in the current annual General Appropriations Act for reproductive health and family planning under the DOH and POPCOM together with ten percent (10%) of the Gender and Development (GAD) budgets of all government departments, agencies, bureaus, offices and instrumentalities funded in the annual General Appropriations Act in accordance with Republic Act No. 7192 (Women in Development and Nation-building Act) and Executive Order No. 273 (Philippine Plan for Gender Responsive Development 1995-2025) shall be allocated and utilized for the implementation of this Act. Such additional sums as may be necessary for the effective implementation of this Act shall be Included in the subsequent years’ General Appropriations Acts.

SEC. 24. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - Within sixty (60) days from the effectivity of this Act, the Department of Health shall promulgate, after thorough consultation with the Commission on Population (POPCOM), the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), concerned non-government organizations (NGOs) and known reproductive health advocates, the requisite implementing rules and regulations.

SEC. 25. Separability Clause. - If any part, section or provision of this Act is held invalid or unconstitutional, other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full force and effect.

SEC. 26. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, Orders, issuances, rules and regulations contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed, amended or modified accordingly.

SEC. 27. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of national circulation.

what do you... no blue!

-Orville "chubby" Basas

GMA Ratings

according to an article on the Nov. 13, 2008 Philippine daily inquirer, GMA ratings were still 'rather low.'
but I tend to disagree with the headline as I see it to be quite general.
If I were to rate Gloria Makapagal-Arroyo, in a scale of 1 to 10, ten being the most corrupt, she is a certified 20. she would have the highest rating in the illegitimate presidents. Just an opinion but I think she's beaten Marcos in the illegitimate presidents hit chart. At least Marcos had the balls to own his crimes. Gloria couldn't even address her extrajudicial murders.

But in the issue of popularity, it's no surprise that her ratings are low. I'm actually surprised that she was able to gather 34% for performance and 31% trusts her. I would sooner trust the pedicab driver to drive me safely than trust her to run this country. I would sooner applaud a monkey playing the drums than admire her playing the people.

but I would applaud her for one thing. and that is her thought that Defensor-Santiago could be one of the International Court of Justice. not for courage nor audacity. but I applaud her for her sheer stupidity and their (both Defensor-Santiago and Arroyo) actions even though they're handicapped.(brain damaged.)

reacting to the article "GMA Ratings 'rather low,' I actually burst into laughter. with the rumored coup, the churches call for radical change, impeachment cases and bloggers uniting against her, does anybody really think her ratings would get any higher?

Our economy looks like shit, political killings and abductions, fertilizer scams, red tape, high crime rates, unresolved Mindanao conflicts, poverty, hunger, over population and God knows what else. the Philippines is in a spiral downfall. and if Arroyo is the president (though I doubt it) she would have done everything to prevent it. but all she has done so far was prevent her downfall and feed her greed for money and power in the expense of the people. she is a blood sucking parasite that is sucking the Filipinos dry.

-Orville "chubby" Basas

"Karma" by conrado de quiros

[this was the most exciting thing I've seen today. it is really awesome when someone notices the pretentious and tells the truth freely]

MIRIAM DEFENSOR-SANTIAGO has an explanation for why she lost her bid to become one of the 15 members of the International Court of Justice despite the frenzied efforts of no less than her commander in chief to shove her there. "It was a hard campaign, but ultimately it was a power game," she said. "[The UN] keeps advocating gender balance but now in the ICJ there are 15 judges without a single woman judge. This shows the UN does not advance international interests as much as the national interests of powerful countries."

Well, if it so, what of it? Power game is all Santiago knows, power game is all she plays. I remember again her sly comment about why Ronaldo Puno is so malakas with all the presidents. We might ask her the same thing. Why is she so malakas with all the presidents, except Fidel Ramos?

The most dramatic instance of it is her being malakas with both Erap and GMA, who are mortal enemies. With the guy she (and Juan Ponce Enrile) defended from being found guilty during the impeachment trial and the gal she (and Enrile) defends from being impeached today. With the guy she (and Juan Ponce Enrile) drove a mob to storm Malacañang for, shouting "Sugod! Sugod!" and the gal she (and Enrile) is driving an angry people away from Malacañang for, shouting "Urong! Urong!" With the guy she (and Enrile) vowed undying loyalty to then and the gal she (and Enrile) vows undying loyalty to now.

Power play did her in at the UN? Nakarma siya.

But even power play isn't so easy to buy. That presupposes the UN took Santiago's bid seriously, or paid any notice to her sponsor, the most dysfunctional ruler of the most dysfunctional country in Asia, recommending her to their attention. We have only her and GMA's word on it, and they both have yet to show they have a firm grasp of reality, never mind a capacity to tell the truth.

Quite simply, why in the world, physical or metaphysical, known or unknown, would any international body having remotely to do with law and justice want to include Santiago in its ranks? Being a man or woman has nothing to do with it, being a champion of justice or not has everything to do with it. The title of the organization is the "International Court of Justice," it is not the "International Court of Jesters."

What are Santiago's qualifications that should endear her to jurists? In sense and sensibility, in IQ and EQ, in mind and in body, she is no more and no less only than that other Filipino who has the word "justice" tacked to his name: Raul Gonzalez. Would you imagine Gonzalez qualified to judge the world? In fact, would you imagine him qualified to clean your toilet? By the same token, would you hire Santiago to do either one of those tasks?

In fact, like Gonzalez and their common boss, the only thing Santiago knows is to try to look, and sound, important. She is not. She has neither the academic nor the juridical accomplishment, the legal nor moral stature, to commend her to any body that takes law and justice seriously, let alone an international one. On the contrary, she has all the baggage to commend her to the nation as a negative example: Huwag tularan! Look upon her and despair.

I will not go again into her record of power-playing, of defending perfidy and wrongdoing in the Senate. That is plain for all the world to see, which the world probably has. Suffice it to marvel here at the breathtaking heights of delusion Santiago and GMA have reached, imagining they can take their sister act to the world stage and somehow get rave reviews.

It's not so hard to see why GMA should campaign long and hard to get someone who once tried to oust her, and who even dared authorities to arrest her for it, to a position of authority in the world's courts. It should come in handy when GMA is out of power and is being hounded for the "culture of impunity" she unleashed upon this land. Like Ferdinand Marcos, she can be haled to the international courts for it. Like Marcos she can be found guilty for it. Like Marcos, she can be made to pay for it.

Although if that is the case, you have to wonder why GMA should trust the one person who vowed undying loyalty to the president she replaced until he was out of power to do that for her when she too is out of power. But, well, that's another one whose karma will come. And soon.

Meanwhile, you have to marvel at the cheekiness of it. This country has distinguished itself in the first decade of this millennium only for the most unflattering things. For having one of the most corrupt governments in Asia, for having one of the most illegitimate rulers in Asia, and for having one of the most vicious rules in Asia, reviving and rivaling the murder and mayhem of Marcos' times. And yet Gloria and Miriam flatter themselves that they can stride into the world and bedazzle it with their wit and charm, or what they deem to be so. That is not audacity, that is brain damage.

It's almost as if, having gotten used to getting their way with this country, who cares whether the public likes it or not, they have the power the people do not, they figure they can get their way with the world, too. It's almost as if, having gotten used to fooling all their countrymen all the time (or at least most of them), they figure they can fool all the world all the time, too. It's almost as if, having gotten used to bamboozling a people who have grown too tired to protest inanity and iniquity and stupidity, if at all they can still distinguish them from reason and decency and justice, they figure they can power-play the world into submission, too.

As a Filipino, I am deeply shamed that I have these people to speak in my name at this time of my life, at any time in my life. Not all the karma that befalls them will be able to dispel that.

-Conrado de Quiros
the philippine daily inquirer
november 12, 2008