kismet

I was once a knight errant, weary and thirsty;
Yearning for someone worth rummaging.
Destiny seems to give me serendipity.
Dreadful delusions can’t conquer my entirety.

Thy face that stopped my wandering;
Thy eyes that ceased my searching,
Thy smile that caused my replenishing;
Such traits of the one I’m longing…

All I want to do is lock the time;
So that this kismet will be at my grasp.
Afraid to loose this opportunity, to grieve!
I’ll have to wear one’s heart on my sleeve

published - VOICE 4.1 June - August Issue

☺☺☺ emo mode ☺☺☺

Give me a break!

Somebody struck my head and heart!

The last semester, I became critical of materialistic social values. My concerns governing our country led my cynicisms to burst. Thanks to that “somebody” who calmed a burnt-out. And for now, the columnist would like to share something inspirational (though, I’m not used with this writing style). Nevertheless, I promise to be not so mushy, for being very mushy is no longer cute but stupid.

*****

Every individual has its flag. Raising it up high needs a lot of courage, hope and determination. Aside from those traits, a perfect timing is required so that your emblem could dance and fly high with the wind. However, not all winds can bestow favorable outcome but disaster.

Enough withfl owery metaphors… What’s in a flag and the wind? Hmm… Let’s crack my code.

Let the flag symbolize the aspirations and the winds as trials. Accomplishing a goal is one of the most worth remembering facets of life. Upon fulfillment of that crave comes the feeling of joy despite the obstacles undertaken during your campaign for success.

For my fellow TIPians, we are privileged compared to other youths out there. They want to go to school but because of financial constraints they opted not to pursue their dreams. I’m challenging every student to reach for their goals. Especially, in this historical moment in time when tuition fees can create distressed parents. We have this advantage, we are in academe – learning and constructing the foundations for our future. Remember if the foundation is weak, so as the entirety of the construction. So exploit your assets!

The strong winds will surely test the strength of your foundation and they can cause disaster so it is but needed to take precautions. However, I am competent enough to tell anyone that such catastrophes can toughen an individual.

Carpe diem! Feel the enJOYment of life! See your flag up there!

*****

Believe it or not… I’m one of those many persons who want world peace! After the 9-11 disaster, US-Iraq war, the RP political problems (Whew! It only showed the world what the majority of government offi cials we have – corrupted and drunk with power!), there is another burden for the human race to carry. Massive artilleries once again troubled a nation. When will the war between the Lebanon and Israel cease? I just hope it’s over when this publication reaches the public.

As what I had observed, both parties must learn and know a single word to solve their misunderstanding. I believe this word is not new to them. I’m hundred percent sure that they know its meaning for it is located in their dictionaries. The problem is they don’t know its essence and application. The word LOVE. And when they considered it everythingfi ne will follow.

*****

For the concluded SONA, it is very deliberate that Arroyo is in her stand to push through Charter Change. Again, as what was written in this column a year ago, we’ve had enough of this crap – the circus that is politics. If worse comes to worst, this dance called Cha-Cha will only consist of laws tuned to the administration’s taste. Nevertheless, the promise of Charter Change is not that hard to dismiss as just an act to grandstand another trick to divert our attentions from what is really going on and to make the show pass for another possible solution to our problems. In the first place, no system of laws was ever formed to deter a country from development. The Constitution we have right now is enough; perhaps it’s the way the laws are implemented that should be changed… better yet the people who implement them. Should I say more?

Inasmuch as I want to share my diplomatic thoughts for this issue, I chose to calm down a little and have a break… I’m getting annoyed of the situation Juan dela Cruz is up now. The cancer remains uncured. I’m in a situation controlling my sanity regarding matters because too much critical thinking for undoubtedly corrupted system will drive you nuts. I just can’t imagine how those cruel politicians withstand their business and keep their souls and body intact.

published - Caviler's Ken VOICE 4.1 June-Ausgust 2007 issue

my-not-so left column yet inspirational (?) ☺

December Bounties [Ay, November pala!] ***pwede rin sa May

Sino bang may sabi na magandang mamasyal sa Marikina?! Dun sa tabi ng ilog? Corny baduy!!! Siksikan ang mga tao at ang karamiha’y jologs! Mura daw ang bilihin sa mga tiyangge at affordable ang mga pagkain. Hinde kaya! Sa Borokyo na lang ako, trenta lang solb na! Yung mga damit, sapatos at bags puro imitations o kaya nama’y smuggled. Akala ko pati, galit si BF sa mga nagtitinda ng mga piratang DVD? Bilib na sana ako sa panghuhuli nya sa sidewalk ng mga nagbebenta nito. Eh bakit ang dami dun? Sa bagay, kesa payagan sila na magtinda ng mga pinirata sa Quiapo o Cubao, sa tabing ilog na lang para sa kanya ang bayad sa pwesto (*blink* *blink*). Alam kaya nya na may mga nag-eexist na pirata dun? O baka naman kaya wa siya care kasi wala sa tabi ng kalsada, sa ilog. Hmmm…

Ahoy! Musta mga dabarkads! Bumanat agad ako eh hindi ko pa pala nababati ang mga mambabasa ko! Salamat muli sa pagtangkilik. Nagugu­lumihanan nga ko at nasa bagong sur­rounding ako – sa TIPBOY. Maganda ito dahil dito ang pikon ay talo. Nga pala, kaya ako napadpad sa Marikina dahil naghahanap ako ng regalo kasi malapit na ang Pasko. Yung gusto ko kasing regalo eh yung makakapagbigay ng en­JOYment sa lahat. Baka may alam ka? Itext mo naman sa akin – 09691230210.

*****

Sa totoo lang, may nais na nga akong ibigay sa mga Atienza eh. bulak­laking polo na may mukha ni Pacman. Corny bading lang! Nakakairita lang sila nung umuwi sa bansa si Pacquiao. Hindi ko malaman ang papel nila kung sila’y manager o PA ni Pareng Manny. Nakabuntot sila parati. Yung media nga kung gusto ng interview kay Manny, kailangan dumaan at magpaalam kay Mayor Atienza. Yung mga anak naman ni Mayor, feeling maraming fans! Na­kikikaway sa parada ni Pacquiao. Take note: katabi sila ni Papa Manny. Ang taray! Charuz! Akala ko Mayo ang elec­tion, tila ngayon eh nagsisimula na ah!

Hindi lang naman sila ang sumasabit sa katanyagan ng Pambansang kamao, marami pang pulitiko. Kung pagsabit lang ang pag-uusapan, papahuli ba si Chavit? Pangalan pa lang di bah! Sa Vegas pa lang visible na ang kumag. Kumameg pa nga daw ng mga pusta yun dun eh! Heto malupet! Nung may interview matapos ng laban ni Pac­quiao, mukhang tungaw na nasa likod sya! Speaking of kurikong. Ehem! Ehem! Ehem! Yoko ngang bigyan ng regalo sya. Mayaman na eh! Musta ang jueteng sa Ilocos?

Hindi lang si Tonggresman Sing­son ang nakikisawsaw sa kasikatan ni Pacquiao. Si G. Miles Roces din. Medyo tahimik na pulitiko sya, gayunpaman, hindi nagpahuli. Ayun naging driver ni Manny patungo sa hotel na tutuluyan pagkatapos ng victory parade. Alam ko na ang gustong regalo nito… Pangalan niya sa balota sa darating na Mayo… Ibibigay ko ba? Sa tingin nyo? Hmm… Esep-esep! Nek-nek nya!

Silipin naman natin ang panukala at hinahangad na Cha-Cha ni GMA… Ayun, binasura ang PI ng Supreme Court. Pagkatapos ng PI, Con-Ass na­man. Mga PI nila at Con-Ass! Con-Ass stands for Constituent Assembly and PI for People’s Initiative (baka masama na nasa isip nyo). Ewan ko lang kung maging fare este fair ang mangyayari sa Con-Ass. Simulat-sapul na uminit ang usapin ukol sa Cha-Cha eh kitang-kita ang pagsayaw ni JDVsa himig nito. Pati nga tenga nya pumapal­akpak kapag nabibigkas ng bossing nyang si GMA ang Cha-Cha. Dahil dun, lumaki ang tenga nya este malaki ang bilang ng papabor sa Con-Ass sa Kongresso. Yun ba naman bakapan ng House Representative at sa karagdagan, mas marami ang maka-administrasyon sa kongreso! Naalala ko nga nung magbabago ng house rules, wala nang botohan! Dinaan na lang sa palakasan ng boses. Who’s in favor say yes; Yeeeees! Yebah! Who’s not in favor say nei; Ngyeeeh! Obviously, panalo ang yes. Para kay JDVat mga alipores nya, ang ibibigay ko ay ang mga cute na cute at napakamasusunuring tuta.
Hay naku lang! Ayokong masira ng pulitika ang Pasko ko! Marapat na manood na lang ako ng sine upang pansamantalang malibang. Magandang gimik yon at may MMFF! Alam ko na papanoorin ko – Enteng Kabisote 3, nabitin ako nang huling dalawang parts eh! Speaking of Enteng, tingin ng na­kakarami ito ang magiging top grosser ng taon. Para sa akin naman, ang kara­mihan sa pulitiko ang TOP GROSSer… yakadirs!!!

**nailatahala sa seksyong Mga Kuro-kuro ni Juan dela Cruz
unang labas ng TIP Boy- ang kauna-unahang lampoon page ng TIP VOICE (Issue 4.3)

kapag ang tinta ay pula

Nais kong gumamit ng tintang pula

Sa mga isusulat kong iba’t-iba

Dahil  na rin kapag pula ay kitang-kita

At alam agad na umiibig ang gumawa

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

Saan ba nakakahanap ng tintang pula?

Doon ba sa mga halaman sa malaking hacienda?

Na mula sa katas ng mga dahon at dagta

At nahaluan na ng dugo ng mga magsasaka

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

Saan ba nakakagamit ng tintang pula?

Marami ba ito sa may pabrika?

At hindi lang nagagamit ng mga manggagawa

Dahil ang mga dokumento’y papangit ang porma

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

Bakit nawawala ang tintang pula?

Bawal na ba ito sa aming opisina?

Hindi naman daw kasi ito ang kulay ng kompanya

At dala lang daw nito’y sakit sa mata

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

Bakit hindi ginagamit ang tintang pula?

Ayaw na ba ito ng mga mag-aaral sa Maynila?

Dahil sa klase’y itim dapat ang kulay ng letra

At may bawas sa gradong makukuha

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

Gayunpaman, tintang gagamitin ko’y pula

Dahil ito ang nakikitang gamit ng mga sumisigaw sa kalsada

Kakulay rin ng dugong inalay ng ating mga bayani upang makamit ang laya

Sumisimbulo ng tapang at pag-ibig sa bayan at kapwa

Kapag ang tinta ay pula

sa mcdo at tokyo-tokyo

munting kaligayahan nung ako'y bata
libreng laruan at fries sa aki'y solb na
lalo na kapag mapera si papa
ilalabas nya at ililibre dito ang buong pamilya
natapos ang panahon ng aking kamusmusan
at humakbang sa bagong antas ng kamalayan
dating anak na nililibre siya ang taya naman
ngunit ang dating masayang mukha ng ama kapag nanlilibre
napalitan ng lungkot sa di malamang kadahilanan
sa pagmumuni-muni dun napag-iisipan
na kaya luha ng ama ay nangilid nung ilibreng minsan
ay dahil sa pag-alala nung panahon ng kanyang kalakasan
kung hindi uminog ang buhay at kapalaran
siya pa rin dapat nagpapasaya sa anak na naturingan
at hindi inisip na darating ang panahon na minsan
na kung san ang kanyang dala ay kaligayahan
ay matatapos sa isang bagay na hindi inaasahan
na darating ang panahon na kapag matutuntunan
ang binibilhan ng mga pagkaing kinagugustuhan
lungkot ang madarama dahil sa mga ala-alang
dapat masaya ngunit napalitan
nung dinala siya ng kanyang anak dun sa isang restawran
ng lungkot sa hindi inaakalang kadahilananan
na isa na pala sa mga huli niyang kasiyahang
makaapak muli sa ganong uri ng kainan
at darating ang nalalapit na panahon na hindi na sya ang isasama
kundi mga ibang tao na malapit sa anak nya
dahil siya ay wala na....

ang daya talaga dahil hindi pa nakakabawi ng lubos ang anak sa ama
kaya sa mga ibang tao, kaibigan at kapamilya hahanapin ang pangungulila

sampung minutong minadaling komposisyon dahil papauwi na sa trabaho at kakain lang sa mcdo

quoted

This fear of criticism displayed by the advocates of freedom of criticism cannot be attributed solely to craftiness. No, the majority of the Economists look with sincere resentment upon all theoretical controversies, factional disagreements, broad political questions, plans for organising revolutionaries, etc.

We are marching in a compact group along a precipitous and difficult path, firmly holding each other by the hand. We are surrounded on all sides by enemies, and we have to advance almost constantly under their fire. We have combined, by a freely adopted decision, for the purpose of fighting the enemy, and not of retreating into the neighbouring marsh, the inhabitants of which, from the very outset, have reproached us with having separated ourselves into an exclusive group and with having chosen the path of struggle instead of the path of conciliation. And now some among us begin to cry out: Let us go into the marsh! And when we begin to shame them, they retort: What backward people you are! Are you not ashamed to deny us the liberty to invite you to take a better road! Oh, yes, gentlemen! You are free not only to invite us, but to go yourselves wherever you will, even into the marsh. In fact, we think that the marsh is your proper place, and we are prepared to render you every assistance to get there. Only let go of our hands, don’t clutch at us and don’t besmirch the grand word freedom, for we too are “free” to go where we please, free to fight not only against the marsh, but also against those who are turning towards the marsh!

In a country ruled by an autocracy, with a completely enslaved press, in a period of desperate political reaction in which even the tiniest outgrowth of political discontent and protest is persecuted, the theory of revolutionary Marxism suddenly forced its way into the censored literature before the government realised what had happened and the unwieldy army of censors and gendarmes discovered the new enemy and flung itself upon him.

The press is not only a collective propagandist and a collective agitator, it is also a collective organiser

If the writer of these lines has succeeded in providing some material for clarifying these problems, he may regard his labours as not having been fruitless.

~lines from: Lenin, What Is To Be Done?, “Dogmatism And ‘Freedom of Criticism’” (1901)

Antok at Delubyo

pumipikit na ang aking mata...
sumasakit ang ulo
lintik na trabaho
papatayin ang puso ko
ginagago ang utak ko
lulumpuhin ang katawan ko
kapalit lamang ng iilang sentimo kada segundo
sobra nang kaantukan ito
kaya marapat na tapusin ko na ang tulang ito
at makaidlip kahit kaunting minuto
anu ba naman itong sinasapit na delubyo
dala ng trabaho
na ang tinataya ay kalusugan at talino
na kapag nasuma ng todo
dahil sa sinasapit ng pisikal na pagkatao;
bawi ang puhunan sa kapitalismo
at ang manggagawa ay talo...

talambuhay, katapusan, panibagong simula... (pansamantalang pamagat)

Ninais kong isulat ang lahat ukol sa kanya ngunit hindi kaya ng aking utak at memorya.
Ninais kong ibigay ang lahat ng aking galing sa pagsusulat ngunit hindi kaya ng aking pusong nagluluksa.
Ninais ko pa siyang manatili ngunit ang panahon ay hindi sapat.
Ninais ko siyang pasalamatan ngunit ang espasyo sa blog na ito ay kulang.
Ninais ko siya na kahit isang saglit ay mayakap ngunit hindi na ibibigay ng pagkakataon.
Ninais ko ang lahat para sa kanya ngunit alam kong ang mga bagay na iyon ay hanggang sa pagnanais na lamang.
Ngayon ang tanging nais ko na lamang na pupuno sa lahat ng aking ninanais para kay Papa ay ang pagbalik niya sa bahay ng Ama.

***

Ang lathalaing ito ay binigyang inspirasyon ng isang nanatatanging tao. Sa bawat tipa sa aking keyboard, patuloy na dumadaloy ang mga salitang pumapasok sa aking isip habang ang aking nadarama ay lungkot at hinagpis. Sa katotohanan, nangingilid pa nga ang mga luha sa aking mga mata habang isinasaletra ang mga bagay na idinidikta ng aking puso at isip.

Ang natatanging tao na aking tinutukoy ay ang nagparamdam sa akin ng sarap ng pagkakaroon ng isang mabait, responsable, maka-diyos, maka-tao at natatanging ama.

Sa halos 25 taon ng aking buhay, nasanay na ako na laging nariyan si Papa, naka-alalay at sumusuporta sa lahat ng landas na nais kong tahakin. Pero gaya ng isang aklat, lahat ay may katapusan, merong hindi kaaya-aya, malungkot, walang kwenta ngunit meron din namang kanais-nais, masaya at dakila. Masakit man tanggapin, halintulad sa isang aklat, narating na ng aking ama ang dulo ng kanyang pahina, ang buhay ng aking pinakakamahal na Papa ay umabot na sa wakas.

***

Kung si Papa ay isang aklat, isa ito sa paniguradong tatangkailikin ng mga mambabasa. Maraming makukuha at matutunan kasi sa kanya; na ngayon ay kahit paano aking isinasabuhay. Tapos sa kolehiyo ang aking ama sa Lyceum of the Philippines, gayunpaman, hindi ito naging sanhi ng pagkakaroon ng lebel sa kanyang buhay. Ang nais kong pakahulugan ay ang kawalan ng yabang o pagiging materyoso sa kapwa. Kahit kailan, nanatili siyang mapagkumbaba. Walang niyurakan na kapwa, bagkus siya pa ang nagpapalampas sa mga bagay-bagay na hindi kagandahan. Maaring may nakaaway siya pero ang mga kaaway na yun ay dahil na rin sa kasakiman nila at hindi ang aking Papa ang namantala. Marahil isa ito sa mga dahilan kaya ako masyadong galit sa mga taong mayayabang, ganid at kung makaasta eh parang hindi na sumasayad ang paa sa lupa. Hmp… kapag namatay ang isang tao, kapwa tao rin ang maglilibing sa kanya, isang malaking asa sa kanya kung makagawa siya ng sariling hukay at mailibing niya ang kanyang sarili.

Maganda rin ang buhay pag-ibig ng aking ama na nagdulot sa kanya ng tatlong anak. Ako bilang bunso ay kitado ang walang wagas na pag-ibig nya sa aking ina. Ayaw niya itong mag-alala at nanindigan na maging haligi para sa ilaw ng tahanan. Ang sweet nga nila lagi dahil sa kung saanman nais pumunta si Mama; kahit gano karami ang ginagawa ni Papa ay handa itong sumama. Naging magkasama at magkatuwang sila sa lahat ng bagay; mula sa paghubog sa aming magakakapatid para maging mga tunay na tao; pagsisilbi sa loob ng aming tahanan hanggang lumabas sa simbahan at komunidad.

Nong unang mga panahong hindi pa ako ipinapanganak (dahil sa medyo may edad na si Mama nung ipanganak ako); naging mapagkalinga at mapagbigay siya na ama sa aking dalawang kapatid. Tinaguyod niya ang aming pamilya sa sariling pawis at diskarte. Dahil tapos sa kolehiyo; ginamit niya ang ilan sa mga teorya ng akademiya sa pangongontrata. Bagama’t kalakasan ng woodcrafts sa Taytay; nakapagtayo siya ng negosyo na gumagawa ng kahit anumang bagay na ang pangunahing ginagamit na talento upang kumita ay pagkakarpentero. Isang magaling na karpentero rin si Papa na siya bilang may-ari at tagapangontrata ng woodworks business ay siya na rin ang karpentero. Gayunpaman, sa lahat ng mga nangontrata; kahit na napakaraming naging kliyente niya tulad ng mga pulitikong sina Singson, Abalos, Estrada, atbp. at ilang kompanya gaya ng Robinsons ay hindi naging ubod siya ng yaman. Ayos lang yun dahil napakita naman niya ang pagmamalasakit sa kapawa at kabaitan. Kapag malapit na ang deadline ng kontrata at malapit na itong madeliver; hindi siya tulad ng ilang boss na masyadong pressure ang ibinibigya sa trabahador; hahawak siya ng martilyo at siya mismo ang magkakarpentero; hehe live by example ika nga.

Maliit man ang pumapasok na pera, nagawa pa rin niyang makapagpundar ng pangangailangan ng aming pamilya, nakapagpagawa siya ng aming sariling bahay; nakabili ng mga pangunahing pangangailangan sa buhay at medyo kaunting pampasayang luho. Hindi rin niya nakaligtaang tumulong sa walo niyang kapatid at mga magulang. Siya bilang panganay; sa kabila ng pag-iintindi sa aming pamilya ay nagawang maging isang kuya sa lahat ng kanyang kapatid at kahit isa man sa kanila ay hindi niya nakaligtaang tulungan at protektahan. Hindi siya nawala bilang kuya na taga-ayos ng gusot ng kanyang mga kapatid sa panahon ng kagipitan at pangangailangan at hindi rin nakalimot na maging isang mapagkalingang anak sa kanyang mga magulang.

***

Hindi sa lahat ng pagakakataon ay masagana ang buhay. May mga pagkakataon na nagigipit; at iyon ay kadalasan pa nga ngunit sa kabila ng mga paahong ito; nakakaya pa rin ng aming pamilya ang mga pagsubok sa buhay. Wala man makain; nariyan pa rin siya; kahit asin at asukal ang ulam; hindi niya pinaranas na maging malungkot at mawalan ng pag-asa. Pinakita niya kailangan magpatuloy at harapin ang bukas ng may panibagong pag-asa at ilang ulit din namin nalampasan ang mga ganun dala na rin ng kanyang katatagan.

Nang tumuntong na ako sa elementarya; siya ang aking naging tagasundo at hatid as iskwela. Iaangkas niya ko sa bisekleta at sabay larga sa paaralan. Kapag dumating na ang uwian, nakaabang na siya sa pinto ng sild-aralan at diretsong hated sa bahay. Kapag medyo kumplikado na ang takdang-aralin at hindi na kaya ni Mama ang mga tanong; siya ang aking tagaturo. Dahil dun kahit paano naging consistent ako na honor.

Dahil na rin humihina ang pangongontrata sa Taytay; nung pagtungtong ko sa high school; pinasok ni Papa ang pag-aahente ng lupa. One time big time ang ganitong trabaho. Nakapundar kami ng iba’t-ibang uri ng sasakyan at nakapag-aral ako sa isa sa pinakamagandang paaralan sa Rizal; at sa tingin ko ay maging sa Pilipinas. Malaki ang  naitulong ni Papa sa aking pag-aaral kaakibat na rin ang tulong mula sa aking ina at dalawang kapatid. Sa kabila ng aking pag-aaral sa hayskul ay pagsisimula ng kanyang sakit. Hindi ko lubos na nalaman kung bakit lagi silang lumuluwas dala ng FX at may pinupuntahan. Nakapagtapos na ko sa hayskul na hindi nalalaman ang dahilang iyon. Ang alam ko lang ay nagpapa-checkup si Papa sa doktor at may sakit ngunit hindi ko lubhang alam na cancer pala ito. Marahil sa ayaw na rin nila ako mag-alala at medyo bata pa ko nung mga panahong iyon.

Sa kabutihang palad, napagaling sa sakit si Papa sa pamamagitan ng Cobalt therapy. Patuloy na nagsakripisyo siya upang ako ay makapag-aral sa kolehiyo. Hindi ako pangkaraniwang estudyante na eskuwelahan-bahay. Ako ay naging isang lider-estudyante, punong patnugot ng student publication at numero unong tiga-kondena ng pagmamalabis ng mga edukador kapitalista sa karapatan ng bawat kabataan sa edukasyon. Sa kabila nito, alam natin dahil na rin sa hirap ng buhay, ang mga kabataang nalilinya sa ganitong gawain ay nahihirapan na makapagtapos dala sa pag-una sa paglaban para sa kapakanan ng kapwa mag-aaral imbes pag-aaral at panggigipit na rin ng mga admin ng paaralan. Ngunit sa kabila nito, hindi nawala ang tiwala ng aking ama sa aking kakayahan at patuloy pa rin ang kanyang pagsasakripisyo upang ako ay makatapos. Mas inuuna pa nga niya na mabigyan ako ng baon araw-araw kesa sa makakain niya sa meryenda.

***

Sa kabila ng maituturing na pangalawang buhay ni Papa; hindi siya nagpatumpit-tumpit. Sa pananalig at paninwala niya sa Diyos; ang makapangyarihan sa lahat; ang natatanging dakila niyang manggagamot; ginugol niya ang muling pagkakataon niyang mabuhay sa pagsisilbi sa Diyos at kapwa. Sa kasukdulan sa pagtiis na ako ay makatapos sa kolehiyo, kumapit siya at nagbigay ng lakas ng loob sa kanya ang matibay niyang pananampalataya. Sa kanyang paggaling sa cancer ay pinalitan niya ito ng serbisyo para sa lahat. Naging aktibo siya sa Gawain ng simbahan; naging chairman ng Rays of Hope Cursillo Movement; Cursillo barangay chairman at Lay Minister of the Word sa loob ng sampung taon. Hindi ko malilimutan ang kinagawian din nyang pag-aabot ng tulong sa mga nangangailangan tuwing Kapaskuhan; namimigay ang samahan niya sa cursillo ng mga pagkain at kaunting tulong sa mga maralita. Kahit sa ilang saglit na makita niyang ngumiti at may kainin na kahit iilan lamang mula sa kanilang ipinapamigay na noche Buena ang mga pamilyang napagbigyan nila ay ayos na sa kanya at napapawi rin kahit paano ang mga paghihirap nila.

Kaunting panahon na lang, isang semester na lang at tapos na ako sa kolehiyo ngunit natuklasan na bumalik ang cancer ni Papa. Ngunit nakuha pa niya itong itago sa pamilya dahil na rin sa iniisip na gastos naisaalang-alang din nya marahil na ilang buwan na rin lang naman ang titiisin at magkakaanak na siya na engineer. Natapos ako sa kolehiyo at saktong mga ilang buwan nung panahong iyon; natuklasan ng aking kuya na umuulit ang sakit ni Papa. Nilalabasan siya ng dugo sa ilong at dahil doon napilitan siya magpatingin muli.

At dahil nga ang cancer ay isang traydor na sakit; bumalik ito sa katawan ng aking Papa at ngayon sa pinakamataas na antas pa. Gumawa ng lahat ng posibleng paraan upang makahagulap ng pera at nagpagamot siya muli. Isang taon din ang tinagal ang gamutan para supilin ang cancer cells sa kanyang katawan. Sa pagkakataong iyon, radio therapy naman ang ginamit ng mga doctor nya. Matapos ang ilang taon; lumabas ang resulta ng matagal at mahirap na gamutan; halos natigang at labis na nangayayat ang dating matipunong katawan ni Papa; sa kabila nito, dismaya ang inabot ng pamilya dahil hindi naubos ang cancer cells nya sa katawan.

itutuloy at tatapusin ko pa po ito... medyo hindi ko na po kaya at tinamaan na ko ng antok...

SALAMAT PAPA!

Commercialized Education and the Future

This will be my final column for this publication so I’d rather give my best shot. Until to the last drop of ink present in my pen, I will provide fearless views to everyone. To the very last moment of being a student, it’s a pleasure to express freely my concerns to the "turning to be extinct" Philippine education.

Every person has the right to quality and affordable education as mandated in the Philippine Constitution. However, education for every Filipino looms in doom. State universities and colleges (SUCs) are being tied with the detrimental provisions of the Higher Education Modernization Act (RA8292). Seems to have a nice title but it permits SUCs to "enter into joint ventures with business and industry for the profitable development and management of the college or institution, the proceeds from which are to be used for the development and strengthening of the college and the university…" thus, it pushes education to commercialization. SUCs impose increase in tuition and other fees so they can comply with the act and worse privatization took place. It then leads education beyond the reach of the poor. Why doesn’t the government give greater subsidies to its SUCs so that tuition and other fee increase can be avoided? In addition, most private higher education institutions use the loopholes of CHED Memo 14 to impose tuition and other fee increase (I assume I don’t have to say more with this topic. It’s been hot news in mainstream and alternative press and it’ll only drive me exhausted.) The end result: huge decline of enrolment. With this kind of situation, when education becomes a business, a privilege rather than a right, the future of the so-called hopes of Motherland will be: QWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFTDFECDFDGHDFYR HRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMNKJLOIPUUTYTGERWECOLONIALQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJK HMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMNKJLOI PUCOMMERCIALIZEDQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRH FTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMNKJLOIPUUTYTBCDDYJGIGYDESD DNGONIHHYREPRESSIVEQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRH FTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMNKJLOIPUUEDUCATIONQWSACZDXE RFEASRCVVNGYUOUHJFISUHFLBFJKSDFGISFHSUIDGFHSZFCOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHY UQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUDASDLSAKJPODJASJDSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMNKJLOIPUUTYTGERWEDEFENDQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHK HMGNGJYTGRFDSXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMCAMPUSHNGJGFASASDLJHASODLHASODHADASDKHASLDHALSDHLASHDLASASDHASLDAS

DLAS'DJALSHDLASKHDASERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRY ASDASJKPDLJASDHASOIDHOASDHATJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZPRESSCXFDREYFGFVVNBMKJLOIPUUTYTGERWEQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDSXA XACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYFREEDOMQWSACZDXERFEASRCVVNGYUOUOILPHKHMGNGJYTGRFDXAXACZDSERWRETYDGDFBVNGJHIUOIPOLKJKHMHNGJGFYTTERWEADSGDGDRDRGRHFTDFECDFDGHDFYRHRURYTGKJHYUQEQSADSCZCXDTRYTJYIUOIPLFJDGXCZVSTEYEFSDESYDUUSVDDSWQSAXZCXFDREYFGFVVNBMGAGTUSINOTPDGUGDUY!*

Did you get what I mean? I still believe that KABATAAN ANG PAG-ASA NG BAYAN. If the youth will be endowed with adequate education, they can provide a bright future in return. Despite the inflating economy, the government and school owners must not treat education as a profit machine.

***

I would like to end this column and my service as EIC with an axiom offered to the TIP community. This will be an assurance that our struggle in upholding students’ welfare is for perpetuity. "The phoenix may die but unto its ashes; a new bird shall rise…" Arrivederci. Ü

Ang kolumn na ito ay nailathala sa VOCE, tomo xxvi bilang apat. Ito ang panahong kabilaan ang pagtaas ng matrikula at iba’t-ibang uri ng bayarin sa mga paaralan. Naninindigan ang may-akda na ang edukasyon ay karapatan at hindi isang kalakal na inilalako lamang sa mga taong may kakayahan na ito ay mabili. Ang mga edukador kapitalista at ang gobyerno ay marapat lamang na tiyakin ang edukasyon ay kayang abutin ng bawat kabataan. Ngunit sa kasamaang palad, sila pa ang naglalayo sa karapatan ng bawat indibidwal na makapag-aral sa ngalan ng negosyo at lakas pulitika. Ito ay kudlit na manipestasyon pa lamang ng sistema ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas, kolonyal, komersyalisado at represibo. Mangyaring pakibasa ang artikulo ukol sa AKSYON TIP (http://onick-roxas.blog.friendster.com/) upang higit na maunawaan ang kabulukan ng sistema ng edukasyon sa Pilipinas na pinapangyari ng gobyerno at ng mga edukador kapitalista. *Magulong mga letra na sinadyang paangatin ang mga salitang colonial commercialized repressive education. Nais iparating ng may-akda na kapag nagpatuloy ang kasalukuyang sistema ng edukasyon sa bansa, isang magulo at walang katuturang kinabukasan para sa kabataan. Nasa ating mga kabataan ngayon ang pagkilos upang mabago ang sasapiting kinabukasan at tugunan ang mga hamon ng lipunan. Pinaangat din ang defend campus press freedom, gag us not, dahil panigurado, sa paninindigang maka-estudyante papasok ang represyon, na kinayaunan, naranasan nga ng pahayagan. Mababasa din po sa site na ito ang mga artikulo hingil sa sinapit ng pahayagan at ang paglaban ng mga ‘tunay na mamahayag’ para sa kalayaan makapagpahayag at karapatan ng mga estudyante.

Isang Pangarap

Isang tula na isa lamang pilantik sa aking nag-iisang utak na diniktahan ng nag-iisang damdamin na nais sanang ialay sa isang taong hinahanap sa isang panahong malungkot dahil ako'y nag-iisa lamang sa opisina at may isang trabahong tinatapos kaya naisipang gumawa muna ng isang tula. Wheeew! Ang daming 'isa' dala na rin siguro na ang isang taong sumulat nito ay may isang pangarap...Ü
Katabi ngunit
hindi makanti…
Iniiwasang maulanan
ni maarawan
Sapagkat kahalagaha’y
ganun na lamang

Kaulayaw ngunit
hindi mahagkan…
Ang mga labing
kaakit-akit na tulad
sa isang anghel
na marikit

Kausap ngunit
hindi mayakap…
Inaasam na
ikaw at ako'y
magkakadaupang palad sa
isang tinadhanang alapaap

Kailan kaya makakanti,
mahahagkan at mayayakap
Ang tinuturing mahalagang
anghel sa alapaap?
Oh sadyang ikaw ay
isa lamang pangarap…

Matapos ang isang tula, may isang ngiti mula sa isang emo na bata...Ü haha!

Answers

Nothing but accusations…

It is really hard to speak because you do really have to be aware of loopy statements that will surely jeopardize the credibility of your assertion. (I just don’t know if other persons out there have that consideration.) Thanks God, the publication you are now reading is trying to give the best it can to cultivate its nature. I’m talking about VOICE being sensible, credible and responsible. For more than 25 years, we are often fed with complaints from members of the school community of various sorts. It’s a favorable outcome then because it only proves that our labors are being regarded. Nevertheless, there are many provocative impressions. Indeed, we cannot please and convince everybody but at least, despite all the efforts we render; our ideas reached the TIP community. And for now, after all those complaints being thrown to us, it’s time to answer them. I want to clarify things - crystal clear.


The past weeks, we are being scolded by security personnel assigned to Students Center Building (it is where our office is located). Their reason: we stay beyond 9:30pm every MWF and 9:00pm every TTh. We do admit we’re staying up that long but because of some important works (take note: WORKS and not REASONS). But I can fully attest, in behalf of the VOICE staff that we don’t stay longer than the alloted five minutes and after that time, we have to leave. It is only very ridiculous that one of the security guards that is assigned in the building has to use his radio phone telling his superiors "Ayaw umalis ng TIP VOICE". An exaggerated report because it implies that we are resisting to leave OUR office. It seems we are being extra* rebellious, right? The Discipline Office and OSA told me that complaint and I’m thanking, however*, the two offices for listening to our side. I have nothing personal against the Security Office, I know that they are just doing their "commanded"* work, maybe the guards just have to compromise and to use some appropriate words.

"Some VOICE staff is being demanding… they have to consider they are also students." This is another complaint told to me by the OSA. Again, compromise. In every inter-office transaction, we often ask them when they can comply with our transaction. However, it doesn’t imply that we are being demanding. It’s professionalism and business in our part. That complaint perhaps resulted due to pressure. But the so-called pressure is not from the TIP VOICE but from the work that they must accomplish. We do really give too much work to other offices in our institution but it is for the welfare of the school community and our staff. It doesn’t mean that we’re being demanding, just doing our work and I hope those persons that are complaining must do their respective duties also. And foremost, it is the duty and responsibility of every school employee and administrator to serve and give the demands of every student, for the students are the bread and butter of a school, a school can never be a school without students.* In addition, that complaint can also be a result of our question: "Ma’am mga what time po o kailan?" We are only considering their time availability, so as ours. Importantly, we don’t want to disturb them in the middle of their work, neither to come in their office if they are out for a break. Is it more enjoyable to have a coffee break after or whatever kind of leisure after a stressful work? Duty first before pleasure…

When the word radical flits in my ears, it simply annoys me. It is intended for persons whose wisdom and intelligence is being overpowered by their emotions, regardless of the idea they’re fighting for. A radical being is synanimous to a revolutionary person. The accusations against us that we are being radical are only an exaggerated backtalk. We, in the VOICE are peace-lovers. As a matter of fact, one of my Christmas wishes (perhaps my unending desire since time immemorial) is world peace. If ever we are holding extreme political views or advocating thorough change, it doesn’t mean we are being radical. We only love our nation as well as this institution. On my part, I won’t spend so much time and effort just to destroy an academy I’m associated. If I will then so, I see to it I’m not only good at destroying but building anew as well.* I’ll continue to pinpoint problems and give my suggestions so there will be solutions. That is how I show love, and that is true love. If I won’t speak, it only indicates that I don’t care.

Those are the answers for the complaints against us and while making this column, I reallized something VOICE loves its community.


***Hindi makikita sa naunang lathala ng kolumn na ito sa VOICE tomo xxvi bilang tatlo. Inilagay ng may-akda sa blog upang magbigay diin. Itong kolumn na ito ay tugon ng may-akda sa iba’t-ibang empleyado at administrador ng TIP hingil sa mga binabatong aligasyon sa pahayagan. Nariyan nabansagan na aktibista, radikal at subersibo. Hanggang ngayon, nabubuo pa rin sa mga nagparatang ang ganung ideya sa may-akda sampu ng kanyang mga kasamahan. Kung ang paglaban at pagtindig para sa mga naaapi, inaalisan ng tinig at napagkakaitan ng karapatan ay pagiging aktibista, radikal, subersibo at kahit pa rebolusyonaryo ay ikaluluwalhati’t ikakagalak ng may-akda na mabansagan ng mga ganoong taguri.

***From http://onick-roxas.blog.friendster.com/

VOICE POSITION PAPER - MAY 2007

TIP VOICE, the official school and student publication of TIP-QC, is currently experiencing an irregularity in its operation. A supposed deliberation of guidelines that turned out to be a screening process was carried out by some TIP officials. In this occurrence, the Editorial Board’s governing powers as well as its right to run and manage the publication independently was disregarded.

The Editorial Board has requested for this dialogue to tackle this irregularity and make resolutions to it. And as such, we would like to question the legality of the screening process done on May 11, 2007 which was facilitated by a committee composed of Engr. Severino Pader (Vice President for Administration and Student Services), Prof. Jocelyn Arcillas (Chair, Humanities and Social Sciences Department) and our adviser, Mrs. Lirio Banal.

The actions carried out by the said committee were undoubtedly illegal. As stated in Art. VII, Sec. 1.1 of the recognized Constitution of VOICE by both parties (the administration and editorial staff), “A semestral competitive screening shall be held to choose POTENTIAL editorial staff members.” The mentioned screening process for POTENTIAL editorial staff members was further explained and elaborated in Sec. 1.2 of the same article which states “Each APPLICANT shall take the written examination prepared by the school paper advisers.” Thus, the current editorial staff member, which already underwent competitive examination and series of interviews, is exempted for the screening done by the committee because they already qualified to be a part of the publication and can not be considered as APPLICANTS for applicants are those aspirants to be an editorial staff. In addition, Art.VII, Sec. 1.5 clarifies the classification of VOICE staff as NEW STAFF and OLD STAFF with the statement “Each of the NEW EDITORIAL STAFF members together with the OLD STAFFERS shall undergo at least yearly journalism seminar.” If logic is to be considered, the NEW STAFF determined in the section are those who had recently passed the screening process stated in Sec.1.1 and 1.2 while the OLD STAFFERS are the senior staff. These only prove that NO STAFF should have been screened by the aforementioned TIP officials.

And what’s worse after the screening, there is already a new line-up for the publication staff. The Editorial Board firmly stands against such actions to reformat and replace the editors of the publication. It clearly violates Art. VII Sec. 1.6 of VOICE Constitution which states, “The number of new editorial staff members to be chosen DEPENDS ON THE NECESSITY AND VACANCY OF THE POSITIONS.” In our case, only the News Editor and Circulations Manager are vacant, making the new line-up prepared by the administration illicit.

Going back, on February 15, 2007, Prof. Arcillas called for a meeting with the Associate Editor and Managing Editor together with some staff informing that there will be new guidelines for the publication to be set by Engr. Pader. Here are some of the provisions that the alleged guidelines shall contain: First, the contents of the paper shall be screened by Engr. Pader before its release in public; Second, the hiring, promotion, demotion, and termination of staff is also under the discretion of Engr. Pader after
undergoing a screening process; and Third, Prof. Arcillas reiterated that VOICE will be under the direct supervision of Engr. Pader and therefore the running and managing of the publication will be under his
control. Prof. Arcillas called such meeting in a basis that she is the VOICE consultant. However, such claim or assertion has no legal basis. In addition, such contention is unlawful based on Republic Act 7079
otherwise known as Campus Journalism Act of 1991. RA 7079 allows an adviser in the publication endorsed by the Editorial Board but no single provision mandates a consultant. Hence, the meeting set by a “consultant” was not worth attending. The Editor-in-Chief, upon knowing that there was a meeting held, demanded for the written or documented copy of the alleged guidelines through the VOICE adviser, Ms. Banal but despite the demand, no guidelines were presented to the Editorial Board.

Granted that a guideline is made by Engr. Pader, such guidelines are unacceptable because it violates the Editorial Board’s rights and freedom to directly govern the publication. It is a clear violation of campus press freedom as contained in RA 7079. It abuses the pertinent provisions of RA7079’s IRR No.IV Sec. 2, “… Once the publication is established its Editorial Board shall freely determine its editorial policies…” And such provision gives freedom of management to the campus press, specifically, the Editorial Board.

All provisions of the alleged guidelines, aside from being illegal are also unconstitutional; making it intolerable to the Editorial Board for it violates Art. III, Sec.4 of the Philippine Constitution which states that “NO LAW SHALL BE PASSED abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the PRESS…”

All steps done by the administration is a direct insult to our capability and credibility to run and manage the publication independently. And any insult to the publication is also an insult to their readers which are the students and employees of the institution for the publication serves as their medium in their right to be informed and express sentiments. VOICE is read and managed by the students, so its leadership should be trusted to students as well. It is but needed for us to act on this matter since it is the whole school community who will be greatly affected.

We therefore demand that a resolution be made possible and thus make the publication staff, specifically its Editorial Board be independent in its affairs and free from any intervention from the administration. Furthermore, since there was an unlawful screening process, all staff terminated because of not undergoing the screening process last May 11 must be retained to the publication staff and no reformatting of editors should have been done by the said TIP officials. Lastly, amendments must be done to the VOICE Constitution by the Editorial Board with respect to the Philippine Constitution, as the highest form of law in the land and Campus Journalism Act of 1991.

complete copy of the above publication snapshot can be downloaded at:

http://kule0708.deviantart.com/art/Issue-12-64793212

~courtesy of Philipine Collegian; Official Student Publication of the University of the Philippines Diliman

____________________________________________________________________________________

The Editorial Board’s request for a dialogue on June 16, 2007 was conducted on June 21 together with some TIP administrators. The purpose of the said dialogue was to resolve the irregularities the publication is facing as stated in the letter addressed to the TIP President’s Office dated June 13, 2007. A position paper was presented which pinpointed relevant relevant issues that were deemed irregular.

On contrary, no resolutions were made with regards to the relevant topics the Editorial Board was raising despite the position paper presented to the TIP President’s representative. The representative focused more in the internal grudges of some of the staff against the Editorial Board, rather than the relevant issues being raised.

Here are the following essential points with regards to the issues raised. These issues were answered by the persons involved in the dialogue but not given so much attention and therefore remain unresolved.

–The alleged guidelines as mentioned in the fifth paragraph of the position paper

During the dialogue, Atty. Resurreccion (TIP President’s representative) asked Engr. Pader (VPASS) to explain the alleged guidelines. Engr. Pader, replied that there were no guidelines made.

It only proves that the legitimate guidelines for TIP VOICE is one being implemented by the Editorial Board and contained in the revised TIP VOICE-QC Constitution and By-laws.

In addition, there was an attempt to make a guideline that will allow censorship and direct management and supervision to TIP VOICE as instigated by Prof. Arcillas in a meeting with some staff. The said meeting can be justified for it is recorded to the TIP VOICE logbook for minutes of meetings.

–The screening process done on May 11

The said process was clarified by Engr. Pader as a "getting to know each other" only. Hence, the process carried out on May 11 stands no bearing whatsoever to any form of reshuffling done to the publication staff lineup and therefore gives enough and just reasons for the Editorial Board to resume office and proceed in managing the publication’s affairs and presswork but it was not permitted by Ms. Banal (publication adviser). Ms. Banal despite of such pronouncement from Engr. Pader still insisted her new lineup (which she instigated) to administer the publication.

–Reformatting of the TIP VOICE Editorial Board

Engr. Pader and Ms. Banal clarified that it was only temporary. It is unjust to make a new lineup for it totally disregards the Ed Board’s willingness and initiative to serve the school and students. In addition, the formulation of the new lineup didn’t comply with the due process. It is done by elections with the nominees for some selected position was presented by Ms. Banal to the staff. No consensus was done with the editorial staff, for the it is ed staff who fully knows the performance of their constituents. The process done by Ms. Banal also violated the TIP VOICE Constitution and By-laws and RA 7079.

In connection with the dialogue’s results, Atty. Resurreccion called for another dialogue with the rest of the staff that she believes to have personal grudges with the Ed Board. This action then led the real issues unresolved and made the real essence of the Ed Board’s request for an inquiry petty because it appears the Ed Board seek the attention of the TIP President’s Office just to resolve internal problems of the organization. In addition, she told that the resolution will be made available to the publication staff in the first week of July but there were no resolutions presented in the expected date. On contrary, it was presented in the third week of July, thus, two weeks late.

And for now, the fight for VOICE independence is still unresolved…

The freedom of the press, its independence and as well as the freedom of information of all students are unto a dreadful dilemma.

Uphold Campus Press Freedom!

Hear our calls!

Defend every individual’s right to information!

Gag us not!

Ronoriendo Roxas
Editor-in-Chief (Sgd)

Martin Valenzuela
Associate Editor (Sgd)

Allan Billones
Managing Editor (Sgd)

complete copy of the above publication snapshot can be downloaded at:

~courtesy of Matanglawin; Official Student Publication of Ateneo de Manila University

http://matanglawin.org/files/mga_isyu/tomo32_blg2.pdf

Enemy of democracy

Frustrations run my veins. Wrath fills my brain. My mouth wants to unleash a voice that is ready to extinguish something. My hands are itchy so a little write–up will ease such annoyance. Have the scrutiny behind my previous statements? Read on… You may get what you want from me. But because Proclamation 1017 was still in effect when I was writing this column, I promise to be extra careful. I won’t use a cannon to hit a fly or not even consider hitting myself into a wall. I don’t want this publication encounter the same situation that happened last February 26 - PNP guarding the activities of the Daily Tribune - a clear suppression of the freedom of expression. Am I exaggeratng? I don’t think so… TIP has its own police.


FRUSTRATION - politics turned into a scourge
One of my best friends sent me a text message last February 25, "Sumama ka ba sa rally?", she asked. Her question caused me to deliver a long sigh. When will the EDSA monument be free from rallies? Filipinos are now in vain. No matter how hard we try to get rid of the dilemmas caused by dirty politics, it seems it is already permanent. Juan dela Cruz wants to vomit it out of his system. I must help! I better do my little part as a citizen of this country, to have a stand regarding the matter and to defend that idea through acts and words. Never loose hope…


WRATH - Proclamation 1017 "overkill"
It is very dejecting amidst the 20th celebration of EDSA I, GMA, in her troubled status, to establish security against the perceived conspiracy between the extreme Left and extreme Right (as how Malacañang sees it), announced a State of Emergency (Proclamation 1017). What is she trying to protect, the government or her throne? Undoubtedly, 1017 carries along the power that will safeguard her government against coup attempts, leftists’ movements to unseat her, and to silence the media that either attack or tell the truth against her. It seems, GMA’s solution to uprisings, lawful petitions from the masses and rebellions is to trash the state’s freedom. It is truly amazing that you can arrest persons without warrant, raid a press office, position soldiers outside the two giant TV stations of the country and intimidate media through your PNP chief giving a warn that organizations face takeover if they don’t follow "government standards". In the turnout of events, I just can’t help but think that she’s turning to be a tyrant dictator in her own complex ways. Indeed, 1017 is a powerful tool for security only if it is used properly. Yeah, the government has the right to protect itself against any threat. However, Mrs. Arroyo in her entirety is not the government.


THE VOICE UNLEASHED - what the Philippine Constitution says
Proclamation 1017 is luxuriantly unconstitutional. As Article III Section 4 states: "No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press." and Section 7 of the same article: "The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, on decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy development, shall be offered the citizen.” Considering those excerpts, I hope 1017 - the tool being used by GMA to defend her presidency and the state (granting without accepting) is not the weapon being used to destroy democracy.


I’m just following the president’s order… I’m doing my share in defending this country’s democracy that is being attacked since time immemorial. And now, I’m getting ready - I found one obvious* enemy.


***Nailathala ang akdang ito sa tomo xxv, bilang 4 ng VOICE. Ito ang panahon nang ibinasura ng rehimeng Arroyo ang kalayaan sa pamamahayag at higit sa lahat ang mga lehitimong karapatan ng mga mamamayan. Ginawa niya ito upang makapanatili lamang sa kanyang puwesto. Hanggang ngayon bago matapos ang taong 2007, patuloy pa rin sa pagpapahirap sa masa si Gloria at maari pa itong magpatuloy hanggang sa matapos ang kanyang termino o karera sa pulitika. *Ang naunang salita na ginamit ng may-akda ay "possible" ngunit pinalitan dahil sa pagkakakilala at pagkakatiyak kung sino ang tunay na kalaban ng demokrasya - si Arroyo at ang kanyang mga alipores.

Isang tala bago ang eleksyon... Tayo ang pagbabago!

Ang lipunan ay hindi kayang baguhin ng kasalukuyang bulok na sistema ng gobyerno. Bilang mga Pilipino, ang kolektibong pagkilos natin bilang isang bayan ang makakapagpabago ng kasalukuyang sistema.


Tayo ang magbibigay ng pag-asa para sa kinabukasan hindi ang mga kandidato ngayong halalan, anuman ang kulay nila – dilaw, orange, pink, berde o asul dahil sila mismo ang naghahari sa kasalukuyang sistema at papanatiliin lamang nila ang kabulukan nito upang masigurado nila na sila ang nasa tuktok. Kung baga sa hugis, ang lipunan natin ay parang tatsulok, iilang may kapangyarihan lamang ang nasa tuktok, ang kolektibong pagkamulat , pagkilos at paglaban natin bilang iisang mamamayan na makabayan ang babaliktad sa tatsulok...


Maging mapanuri po tayo. Iboto ang mga nararapat, ang mga tunay na makabayan at katuwang ng sambayanan sa laban natin para sa pagtapos ng kasalukuyang bulok na sistema. Wag papadala sa mga gimik ng mga pulitiko na ang interes lamang ay maghari sa sistemang papabor lamang sa interes nila. Tandaan po natin na hindi lahat ng dilaw ay bayani, bagkus ang karamihan pa sa gumagamit ng kulay na ito ay ang mga pumaslang at patuloy na pumapaslang sa mga maliliit ngunit tunay na bayani ng lipunan.


Ang sabi ng PULITIKONG OPORTUNISTA: kailangan "KO"sila sa senado... Ganito dapat: kailangan ng "BAYAN" sila sa senado... Mamili ng tunay na makabayan! Umiwas sa mapagpanggap na nagpapain sa isang magandang daan, dahil nasa dulo ng maganda at tuwid na daan ay patibong...


Kaya ako, iboboto ko ang labas at sumasalungat sa kasalukuyang sistema ng lipunan...
152. KABATAAN PARTYLIST
37. SATUR OCAMPO
33. LIZA MAZA


Gayunpaman, anuman ang maging resulta ng eleksyon, ay hindi nangangahulugan na maari na tayong magpatumpit-tumpit at ipaubaya ang ating kinabukasan sa sinumang susunod na mamamahala ng bayan sapagakat ito pa lang ang simula. Hindi kailanman na ang gobyerno, na may sistemang nagsisilbi lamang sa interes ng iilan ang magbibigay ng pagbabago sa ating lipunan. Tayo ang pagababago, hindi ang eleksyon, pulitiko o gobyerno. Ipagpatuloy natin ang pagkilos para sa pagababago.#


facebook.com/onick.roxas on Sunday, May 9, 2010 at 6:56am