An Environmental Convert Story

Here's a story which would hopefully inspire people out there who think that nothing should be done to help our environment (or perhaps are to lazy to actually do anything).

A year ago, I picked up an idea from one of my professors on how to have your own compost pit at home. It's really simple: all you need is a pail, a balde, some soil (depends on how much biodegradable waste you have), and perhaps a small shovel. Put some soil in the, enough to cover the bottom. Then throw in your waste; place them in such a way as to cover the soil. After this, sprinkle some soil over the waste. Repeat the process until the pail is full. At this point, it would be advisable to have a second pail as your next compost pit. Eventually, you will be using the soil (with the decomposted waste) as the soil you will use to cover your new waste.

Now, to the story of the convert. Before, I was the only one at home who put my biodegradable watse into the compost pit. About 2 weeks ago, I convinced my mother, and eventualy my entire household, to place any biodergadable waste into the compost pit. And as it turns out, they were impressed with the results. The amount of grabage we throw has been significantly reduced, and my mother has noticed it. Now, we not only recycle our plastics and papers, we even compost our own waste. The soil that will be produced by the pit can be used to beef up other plants, or can be used as healthy soil for new plants.

Now, I hope this will inspire the lazy and the skeptical to do your part to save the environment.

Weather, weather lang...

I finally found time (after months and months of hopelessly trying to write) to update my blog. This entry will deal with my thoughts on a host of topics and ideas, current events and subjects.

Election 2010

It seems like the race for the presidency will be a multi-candidate race, with the opposition having multiple candidates with the likes of Erap, Villar, Noynoy, Bro. Eddie, and possibly Jamby and Chiz. We may once again see the opposition vote being split by the multiple candidates, which would then give an advantage to the admiistration candidate, who will mostly have Teodoro as its standard bearer. Of course, we have Bayani Fernando and Jun Ebdane from the admin who also want to jump into the fray, and this can also disrupt the admin machinery. I think the opposition should unite under 1 candidate to improve its chances against the Lakas-Kampi machinery. Although surveys point to opposition candidates in the lead, the nationwide scope of the admin party could eventually deliver in May 2010.

Registration Ends on Oct 31

Registration for new voters ended last Oct 31, with long lines and angry crowds being shown on the news. The angry registrants were blaming the COMELEC for the slow and long process. However, I think the COMELEC is not to blame. Registration has been going on for months, with numerous infomercials and ads informing the public about the registration and its impending end. Those people should have gone to register early if they didn't want to wait in long lines under the sun. COMELEC has done its part; we as citizens should be more responsible and have registerd early.

Prize freeze on Oil

Oil companies and transport groups have called on Malacanan to lift EO 839, which imposed a price freeze on oil products. They have threatened strikes and supply shortages. They're just worried about losing their billions in profits. Malacanan should keep the price freeze until the areas badly affected by the recent calamities have fully recovered.

More to follow..(hopefully soon)

Buti Pa Sa UK...May Hiya Ang Mga Politiko!

Buti pa sa UK, may hiya ang mga politiko, at may PAKI ang mga tao.

It came out recently in the news that members of Britain's parliament were found to have used public funds for personal expenses. Some MPs used it to renovate houses or farms, some used it to pay for mortgage payments, while others were found to have used tax payer's money to pay for sex videos in a hotel. The news came out a few months ago, but the fall out is only being felt now. Ministers and MPs are apologizing, some have even offered to resign. A recent poll even showed that 72% of Britons want polls to be held now as a sign of outrage and disgusts over the scandal. PM Gordon Brown even made apublci apology on behalf of his Labor Partymates.

Buti pa sa kanila, ganyan ang nangyayari. Dito sa atin sa Pilipinas, wala kang makikitang ganyan. Yumayaman ang politoko sa hindi mapaliwanag na paraan, pero ang tao walang ginagawa o walang sinasabi. Ni hindi nga nahihiya na ipakita ng politiko namayaman siya! Dito sa atin, wala kang makikitang politikong hihingi ng tawad dahil nagkamali siya sa paggamit ng pera ng bayan: siya pa nga ang unang magagalit pag hindi siya nabigyan ng kanyang mahiwagang pork barrel. Buti pa sa UK, galit ang mga tao sa mga walang-hiyang politiko...pero dito sa atin, marahil galit nga ang marami, ngunit wala naman silang gustong gawin kasi iniisip nila wala namang mangyayari.

Sana maging halimbawa para sa atin ang ginagawa ng mga taga-Inglatera. Sana mamulat din tayo, sana mainis at magalit din tayo sa mga pagnanakaw, panloloko, at panlilinlang na ginagawa ng ilang kawani sa gobyerno. Hindi namang kailangan punta sa kalye at mag rally. Ipaalam lang natin sa kanila na galit tayo, at ipaalam natin sa kanila na hindi tayo nakakalimot, dahil sa susunod na eleksyon, mas magiging matalino na tayo sa pagpili ng ating mga politiko. Hindi na tayo magpapaloko sa mga walang-hiyang magnanakaw na kunyari lang naman ang pagnanais niyang maglingkod.

Automating the Philippine Elections: Kaya Ba?

It recently came out in the news that 1 bidder in COMELEC's attempt to automate the 2010 elections was deemed eligible, but wa snot yet declared the winning bidder. Other bidders have been disqualified, some are asking for reconsideration, while others are still trying to bid. While all this is happening, the question in some people's mind is: can we really have automated elections in a year's time? Or more importantly: can we have automated elections in 2010, that are clean, honest, orderly, transparent, and credible?

The COMELEC would like to have a fully automated system using the PCOS (Precinct Count Optical Scan) system. We would have 80,000 machines nationwide where in people will have their ballots scanned, and after the voting, results will automatically be transmitted to the municipal and city canvassing centers. Although this system seems all good and problem free, critics and skeptics have aired some concern. First, there is not enough time to actually ensure that all the needed preparations are done properly before 2010. Second, there is still doubt as to the capacity of COMELEC to handle a fully automated system. Its own automated elections advisory council, in a report, expessed doubts as to COMELEC's capacity, based n the existing technological capacity and infrastructure of the commission. There is another sector, a group of local IT experts, who are advocating that the COMELEC adopt an open election system given the time constraints and the capacity of the commission. This system still involves the usual manual voting process that we're all used to. The only new thing is that the transmission of the results will be automated. Less money needed, fewer new things to teach people, but you still have a faster electoral process, and you lessen the possibility of whole sale cheating at the canvassing level.

I personally would prefer a fully automated system - it's about time we had one in our country! But I also believe that we shouldn't force to fully automate if our COMELEC and the entire country is not prepared. What is needed now is for us to be vigilant and to guard the whole bidding and procurement process. More on this to come.

Law Student Councils unite for CARPER

WE KNOW THAT THE LAW IS ON THE FARMERS’ SIDE.

Joint Resolution No. 19, which extends the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program but without providing for compulsory acquisition, expires on June 30. On June 5, however, the second regular session of Congress will end, resuming only on the first week of July. This means that despite months of campaigning and lobbying for a struggle that has spanned decades, and because of the indifference or neglect of our representatives in Congress, we are again in the eleventh hour, with only nine session days left to pass a law that is not only constitutionality mandated, but is required by basic notions of equity and social justice.

The implementation of an agrarian reform program is a Constitutional mandate which the State may not avoid by legislative inaction. Section 4, Art. XIII of the 1987 Constitution requires the State to “undertake an agrarian reform program founded on the right of farmers and regular farmworkers who are landless, to own directly or collectively the lands they till or, in the case of other farmworkers, to receive a just share of the fruits thereof.” As it is, Joint Resolution No. 19 is unconstitutional for being contrary to the very spirit of agrarian reform. If Congress again fails to pass an agrarian reform law by June 5, it will be nothing short of a dereliction of a duty reposed on the legislative body by our Constitution.

The CARP has been in existence for 20 years, but the fruits of authentic agrarian reform in the country have yet to be reaped. 80% of privately owned agricultural lands remain undistributed. 18% of CARP beneficiaries have not received titles to the lands that they till and should rightfully own. 65% of CARP beneficiaries have no access to government support services that should be available in agrarian reform areas. Rural poverty still accounts for 70% of the country’s poor. If we are to attain social justice eloquently defined by Justice Jose P. Laurel in Calalang vs. Williams as “…the humanization of laws and the equalization of social and economic forces by the State…” then agrarian reform is a measure that must not only be continued, but must be among those prioritized.

The Philippine’s agrarian reform program needs to be given more time to fully attain the goals it was created to accomplish. Twenty years of unsatisfactory implementation clearly leaves much room for improvement and reform. House Bill 4077 and Senate Bill 2666, or the CARP Extension with Reforms Bill, reflect the needed changes to address the shortcomings that have prevented the law’s noble purpose from coming into fruition.

We, who study the law, know that laws are there for a reason. Agrarian reform is explicitly identified as a fundamental State policy in Art II Sec 21 of the Constitution. Thus, we ask that our lawmakers breathe life into this policy by enacting laws that set in motion and ensure actual and speedy results.

We, who study the law, know that while the actual provisions are drafted by the members of Congress, laws are ultimately articulations of the people’s will and expressions of the power inherent in them as citizens of a free country. Thus, we remind our lawmakers that their mandate emanates from the people, and their duty is to address their constituents’ needs, even if it means sacrificing their own interests. We reiterate that by eliminating compulsory acquisition, the agrarian reform program is reduced to no more than an empty promise. Without it, there is no reform, only more of the same.

We, who study the law, are no strangers to policies that look resolute on paper, but are torn apart and rendered useless by the selfsame provisions, where motherhood statements mask gaps, loopholes and false pretenses. Thus, we demand that Congress deliver an agrarian reform program that is responsive, sincere and faithful to the principles of social justice.

The second regular session of Congress ends in less than a month. Too much has been lost, too much sacrificed and there is too much at stake for our legislature to fail us now. We take up this cause because we, who study the law, owe it to this country. We owe it to the farmers who walked thousands of miles, and spent weeks in hunger strikes, asking to be heard. We owe it to the blood shed and lives lost. We owe it to the law that we study and pledge to serve. Because if the law cannot be used to protect those who need it the most, then it betrays its own purpose.


TIME IS RUNNING OUT! PASS THE CARPER BILLS (HB 4077 and SB 2666) NOW!!

May 18, 2009

Signed (in alphabetical order):

Student Council
Ateneo Law School
Makati City, Metro Manila

Supreme Law Council
College of Law
Silliman University
Dumaguete City, Oriental Negros

Student Council
College of Law
University of Baguio
Baguio City, Benguet

Civil Law Student Council
College of Law
University of Santo Tomas
Manila City, Metro Manila

Law Student Government
College of Law
University of the Philippines
Quezon City, Metro Manila

COMELEC's Automation Timeline

For your reference and guidance. Let's see if they can keep to this schedule.

The Irony That is Nicole (Part 2)

The headlines in the papers this morning carried stories that "Nicole", the rape victim of US Serviceman Daniel Smith, has made an affidavit before leaving for the US last week recanting her allegation that she was raped by Smith, thereby exonerating the American from the crime charged.

This is indeed was a surprise to many, especially for those who actively and contnuously supported her throughout her ordeal. Her decision to move to permanently move to the US came as a shock, which was immediately followed by thsi recent development. Lawyers for Smith are now saying that they will inform the Court of Appeals of this new affidavit, and they argue that this may very well turn the tides of the case in their favor. However, some quarters argue, in particular the government prosecutors and those who are opposed to the VFA, that the affidavit will have no effect in the case, and it would be wrong for the CA to consider the affidavit of desistance.

Whatever the legal effect of the affidavit may be, and whether or not it contains truth or falsehood, one cannot help but speculate that the long arms of US supremacy and influence have once again reached our shores. The US once again flexed its muscle to ensure that one problem against it would get out of hand. More than ensuring that their citizen Smith does not rot in Philippine jails, the US would not want public sentiment against the VFA to each an enourmous proportion such that the Philippine government would be forced to cancel the treaty. The US would not want this to happen since it will lose a valuable ally in the South East Asian region, especially since China has in recent years been very aggressive in the region. Without the VFA, it would lose the capability to respond against Chinese aggression from the Philippine territory.

I hope that the Philippines does not once again give in to American dominance and influence. I have nothing against the US: I just hope that the Philippines first protect the intrests of its people before giving in to US demands and requests. Though the USmay indeed be a very valuable ally, the government should always, always put Filipino interests, welfare, and concerns first.

The Irony That Is Nicole

It was reported in the news today that Nicole, the victim of convicted rapist US Serviceman Lance Corporal Daniel Smith, is already in the US and doesn't want to continue with the case anymore. In my opinion, it's a sad development, and a huge irony at that.

Her mother, who is still here in the Philippines, was reported as saying that her daughter simply wants closure, wants to move on and that she doesn't want to be bothered by the issue anymore. And she adds that she will get nothing, and she got no help and support from the Philippine government. And this my friends is the reason why she went to the US - to the very country where her rapist came from!

This for me is the irony and the sad story: Nicole was raped by an American, she joined calls to junk VFA and to condemn the US, and now, she runs to the land of milk and honey because she got tired of the fight here at home. Some are speculating that she went to the US because she got the $100K from Smith, as ordered by the court; and in addition, some are even saying she went to the US with the blessing (and the funding) of Malacanan (since it was part of Obama's phone call to GMA).

Setting aside all these speculations and controversies, the most tragic thing to come out of this whole hoola baloo is the lack of justice for a Filipina rape victim. Smith is enjoying the comforts of the US Embassay (and for all we know, he might even be going in and out of the compound, in violation of his commitment order). Once again, we see how the justice system has failed our people, how justice seems to be far from the reach of ordinary Filipinos. We once again see how money, power and politics play a big role to turn the wheels of justice. Even is Nicole was indeed given money, or if she simply wanted to get away from it all, the reality is that there are hundreds and thousands of other "Nicole's" out there in search of justice, in search of fairness, and in search of the truth, and also the hope that someday, this land that we call home can truly be a place where we Filipinos are safe and are the privileged ones.

Vote Earth Hour, March 28, 8:30-9:30 pm!

VOTE EARTH by simply switching off your lights for one hour

and join the world for Earth Hour.

1BILLION Votes are needed!

Saturday, March 28, 8:30-9:30pm.

The Story of Sean Goldman

This story is one for the international law books (I think), and I'm guessing how this turns out will have implications for US-Brazil relations, and also at the development of law with regard this topic.

Here's where the story begins. David Goldman, the father of Sean, married a Brazilian girl. All went well at the start of their happy relationship. One day, the Brazilian wife decides to go on a vacation to her home country Brazil, taking Sean with her. When she got there, she called-up David in New Jersey telling him that she wants a divorce, and that she's keeping the kid. The girl remarries, but later on dies, leaving the kid with her stepfather. Ever since, David has been battling for custody in the Brazilian courts. However, the local Brazilian courts ruled that the kid should stay with the stepfather.

The story has, I think, gained international attention and significance, more so since US Sec of State Hilary Clinton has taken a special interest in the case. The Brazilian government, through its ambassador, has said that it is their governments view and opinion that the kid should be returned to the US; however, they also stressed that the judiciary is accorded respect and independence in their country, and that the executive branch must respect the decisions of their courts.

What are the legal and even political problems here? Legally, I think it's a question of who should have custody of the child, and what law should govern the case (US or Brazilian law?). I'm not sure of the basis of the Brazilian courts ruling, but I'm guessing they said that the child should stay in Brazil because the stepfather has been taking care of him, or perhaps he has already been legally adopted by the stepfather. On the other hand, under Children's Rights Law, the best interest of the child should always be the paramount consideration; and in relation to this, the child should, as much as possible, be with the biological parents. Another problem that the Brazilian courts should consider is that their decision can affect the political relations of their country, and perhaps they should not disregard the foreign policy considerations of their government. Also, I think there is also a pending case in the US courts, and conflicting decisions could pose a problem for the two governments.

A US Government report said that about 3000 US children have been "kidnapped" by their foreign parents and brought to other countries. Whethere you view this case as kidnapping or otherwise, I think it all boils down to what is best for the child. If he wants to be raised as a Brazilian, then let him stay. But if he wants to be wit his biologocal father, then he shoudl be returned, regardless of what the legal complexities are. In the end, we should always remember that the best interest of the child shoudl be the paramount and supreme consideration in making decisions.

More on this as news comes in...

Survey Says: Pulse Asia's Latest Survey on the 2010 Elections

Got an email today with a link to Pulse Asia's latest survey on the 2010 elections. I offer below my take and analysis of the survey's content. A copy of the artivel/results can be accessed through this link, courtesy of the FTV Network (http://firsttimevotersproject.wordpress.com/2009/03/12/pulse-asias-february-2009-nationwide-survey-on-the-may-2010-elections/).

The first batch of result say that around 65% of Filipinos believe the 2010 elections will push through. Count me in with that 65%. I don't think people and civil soceity groups will allow a no-election scenario to push through. Besides, if GMA attempts such a move, then she'd be pushing the limits of Filipino's patience, then perhaps she'll get a taste of the wrath and anger welling up in most people's hearts and minds (more on this in another entry).

The next batch of results are more interesting, talking about the possible presidentiables. I expected VP Noli de Castro to still be on top. What surprised me was the 2-3 position of Sen. Escudero and former Pres Erap, respectively. Seems as though Chiz is still quite popular among voters, even though he is a newby senator. However, I think it is too early for him to run as pres, may be VP or even another term as Senator. Also, he might not be ready to become most powerful person in this country.

In Erap's case, I really, really doubt if he can stil run as Pres. In my humble law student opinion, and from my learnings as a student of Fr Joaquin Bernas and Atty. Sedfrey Candelaria in Constitutional Law, he can't run anymore as the Constitution bars a person ELECTED as President from running again as Pres. He can run for VP, Senator, Mayor, even Brgy Capt of Greenhills, but not as President. The constitution does not make a distinction on whether the person finishes or not his or her term. The only condition for the restriction to set-in is when the person is ELECTED as president. So Mr. Erap, I think it would be a good time to stop telling your opposition friends that you'll run for pres if they won't unite and work together.

One more thing to note about the presidentiables. I'm quite surprised to see Mr Palengke Mar Roxas only in 6th place, despite all the publicity and media attention he's gathering now and in the past few months. Maybe he's doing something wrong, or perhaps he's doing it too much that the people who supported him as senator are being turned off. Points to ponder on Mr Senator.

Moving on to the results for the senatoriables survey, some interesting names popped up. Jinggoy Estrada topped the list, making him sure for a 1, 2 or 3 finish. Sen. Miriam's re-election bid would be a success, and so will a possible comeback by former Sen Drilon if he chooses to do so. Former senators Serge Osmena and Ralph Recto could also make a possible re-entry into the halls of the Senate. Interestingly, Edu Manzano and Korina Sanchez are placed in a good position to become senators. I guess TV and media really will bring you a long way, with all the exposure that you'd be getting. No wonder why VP Noli is poised to possibly become our next Pres, with the good run he had as anchor of TV Patrol and the good old days of Magandang Gabi Bayan. Not much new names popped up in the possible winners, I guess it's because it's too early to say who will run for senator. Perhaps in the next few months, more names will emerge and join the the circus that is the Philippine elections.

Survey says this and says that. It may be right and it may be wrong. It may even end up giving people an idea of who to support: as they say, some politicians actually commission surveys and ask that the results put them on top, because voters sometimes tend to be swayed by these results, somewhat similar to peer pressure. I guess this highlights the importance of educating our voters and giving them the opportunity to know their candidates well. A well-informed citizenry, I believe, is one of the first important steps that we need to atke for our country to be able to solve our problems. Good people electing good leaders will eventually lead to good plans and results.

More on this in the coming weeks and months ahead. Here's to hoping that we don't have another circus for an election.

Solidarity: A Brief Moment W/ Our Farmer Brothers and Sisters

Last Tuesday night, 10 March, a small group of Ateneo Law Students (who were mostly Interns of the Ateneo Human Rights Center), visited the farmer's groups, most of whom were spending their last night in Manila before going home to their respective provinces.

Before I continue, let me tell you the story of how this night came to be. I received several emails, and was seeing in the news that about a thousand or so farmers from various parts of the country were converging in Manila to urge Congress and Malacanang to pass the CARPER law (or CARP Extension with Reforms). Then I realized it was unfortunate that the Ateneo Law Community has not done anything to support the farmers this time, especially since we strongly supported the Sumilao Farmers in December of 2007. So, I forwarded the email, in the hope that my fellow law students would at least have a glimpse of what was happening in the streets of Manila. Thursday last week, I had a meeting at the Loyola Campus. I arrived early and saw that several farmers were in campus, talking and engaging with the college students (apparently, they were the preparatory group for the larger contingent which spent the night there). I then told myself that Ateneo Law had to do something. So I got in touch with some of my fellow AHRC Interns, and we decided to have a solidarity night with the farmers, wherein we share a meal with them and at the same time entertain them with some songs.

All went well, and over the past weekend we were expecting that we had a few days more to prepare for the soldiarity night. Alas, on Monday morning, we were informed by the NGOs helping the farmers that their last night in Manila would be Tuesday night; and it meant that we only had Monday night and Tuesday morning to prepare for what we were planning. An emergency meeting was called, and we decided that we will push through, and that we were going to "beg" money from our rich classmates so that we cna buy the farmers a meal for Tuesday night.

Tuesday came, and we were all set to go room to room to ask for donations, and invite teh law students to join us in the evening. I was quite scared that we would not be able to raise enough money to even provide half of them with food. 1pm came, our first class to visit - no class for the day: this definitely got us worried. Luckily, we got the ball rolling at 2pm, and the donations started trickling in. I had straight classes from 12pm-6pm, so I had to occasionally go out to see what was happening. We ended my last class early, which was a blessing since we still ahd much to do. Then, good news came: at 430pm, i was informed that we already had 7000 pesos in donations; 7k in 2 1/2 hours! That covered the food for the farmers, and we also had extra to buy them other items that they needed.

It was 6pm, and we already had to leave for Adamson (that's where the farmers were staying for the night). Now guess how much we had by this time: we collected donations totalling 10,235 pesos, all in a matter of 4 hours. I think it was simply a miracle that we were able to collect that much in such a short span of time; add to that the fact that we only had 2 minutes to convince people who were preparing for class about the cause we were fighting for.

We arrived in Adamson at around 8pm. There were around 80 or so farmers present. We gave them dinner (we didn't have enough to buy food for ourselves), we shared stories with them, and for a brief moment, we were able to make them feel that indeed Ateneo Law students was supporting them in their cause. We prepared a short program, but we had to cut it short because the Adamson pep squad was practicing with their drums adn cheers.

It was indeed a brief moment, we were only there for abour 21/2 hours. But we left determined to continue supporting them. We didn't want this to be a one time thing which would simply make us feel content that we did something good for the day. We knew, and we now know, that the farmers' struggles are far from over. And we will do whatever little thing we can, in our little nook called rockwell, or in the graeter world out there, to share in the plight and the cause of our farmer brothers and sisters.

SUPPORT OUR FARMERS, SUPPORT CARPER!
MAMULAT, MANGMULAT, TUMUGON AYON SA PAGKAMULAT!
- Ateneo Law Task Force CARPER

Are We Ready? A LENTE Forum on Election Automation

Invited speakers are: COMELEC Chairman Jose Melo, Senators Richard Gordon and Francis Escudero, Rep. Teddy Locsin, and former COMELEC Chair Atty. Christian Monsod among other guests.

Hope to see you there!

Stem Cell Research and Abortion: Wrong Policies of the Obama Administration

A few minutes ago, I watched on CNN as US Pres. Obama signed a resolution reversing the Bush Administration's policy on stem cell research. Personally, I think it was a sad moment for pro-life advocates like me.

Obama's move paved the way for scientists to use embryos for their stem cell research. It also allows the possibility of "harvesting" embryos to facilitate the research. Obama said that his Administration's policy will be guided "by science and not by ideology" and that safeguards will be taken so no one will overstep their bounds. This is in addition to one of the first actions taken by the US President - shortly after being sworn in, Obama reversed the Bush policy of cutting funding abroad for abortions and artificial family planning methods, which I believe is another not so good move by the President.

I think these are very dangerous statements from probably the most powerful man on the planet. He will allow science to determine decisions that his administration will make, most likely at the expense of ethics and morality concerns and issues. He will allow the unborn to be threatened for the sake of research done by scientists who probably don't give a damn about the embryo's life for as long as they get their answers.

I agree that stem cell research may pave the way for the development of cures for diseases like cancer, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's; and I believe that God has given man the capacity for knowledge and the gift of science to improve our lives and make it better. However I also believe that life, be it of the born or the unborn, is sacred and nothing should threaten it - not even science. Research and experiments should be used responsibly within the bounds of ethics, morality and even natural law. Stem cell research can be done using strictly adult stem cells, there is no need to use embryos. Also, I strongly believe that there is no need for the US government to fund abortions outside of its territories: keep it in your own backyard Obama!

Sadly Obama's policies, I must say, are irresponsible and threaten the value of human life. Even though it may reap some benefits for humankind in the future, it is not worth risking the unborn of today . Perhaps Obama needs to rethink these policies, listen to his conscience and guide the whole world into a path where morality, ethics, faith, and values play a big part in the decisions that we make.

Lupang Hinarang

Catch the free screening of this film by Ditsi Carolino, which focuses on the plight of our farmers, on 11 March 2009 (Wednesday) - 10:00 am at the Cardinal Sin Center, Loyola School of Theology, Ateneo de Manila University.

Support CARPER Now!

Ateneo Human Rights Center Alumni Interns Homecoming

Last Friday, 6 March 2009, the Ateneo Human Rights Center (AHRC) held it's very first Alumni Interns Homecoming at the Ateneo Professional Schools Campus.

Since the Center started in 1987, its internship program has produced hundreds of interns/lawyers found in various fields, professions and places throughout the country, and even the world. Today, more and more interns are being trained, developed and guided by the AHRC to become lawyers grounded on values and principles rooted in service and justice for all.

I'm part of the Sem-Break 2006 Batch of interns, our batch name is multi-Linear (or mL for short). I believe it is a great honor and privilege to have been given the opportunity to become part of a tradition which dates back to more than 2 decades now. Last Friday, it was heart-warming and inspiring to see a good number of alumni interns sharing old stories, laughing and talking about their experiences in living a life as an intern/lawyer. Hearing their stories inspired us resident interns to live up to the motto of the Center, which is to learn the law and to serve the people.

Congratulations to the organizers of the 1st Alumni Interns Homecoming, which will now be a yearly event based on the consensus reached last Friday, and here's to the successful launch of the Alumni Affairs Office. May the Alumni Interns Community continue on growing and helping the Ateneo Human Rights Center grow.

Once an intern, always an intern!

The Right of Reply vs Freedom of The Press

There has been a growing controversy over the potential passage of The Right of Reply Bill (SBN 2150). This propsoed legislation seeks to give persons who are the subject of a media article; publication; radio or TV program, be it for a crime, acts in public or private or mere rumors, the right to respond to such comments through the same medium.

Journalists have been up in arms against this bill, arguing that such bill was merely proposed to protect the self-serving interests of the politicians who are usually the subject of media talk and criticisms. They also argue that it is a violation of press freedom, which is guaranteed by the Constitution. On the other hand, proponents of the measure argue that the bill is a measure of fairness, which merely gives an aggrieved person the opportunity to answer and have a chance to air his or her side of the story.

The bill, which can be accessed through this link (http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/70916334!.pdf), is simple and straight to the point. It gives the reasons for granting the right to reply, how it is to be granted and what are the penalties for its violation. On first reading, it would seem that the bill has good intentions and it merely seeks to provide a fair playing field for those who are the butt of media controversies. Thus, if one has no working knowledge or is not aware of the Constitutionally guaranteed right of press freedom, one would immediately jump to the conclusion that the bill should indeed become a law. After all, if you were put in the shoes of those people who become the subject of media controversies, then you would of course want to have the chance to give your side of the story.

We all know that press freedom is a Constitutionally guaranteed right, this has been ruled on by our courts time and again. Sometimes, the press and the media are the only way by which the people can put a check on the actions of the government; the media serves as the watchers of the people. This puts the media in a very powerful position, which can be easily abused. Perhaps our journalists, and even some people, are scared that a martial law type of situation will occur because media men and women will be afraid of becoming the subject of retaliatory attacks through the Right of Reply. These are valid concerns, and I myself would not want the country to fall into that kind of situation. However, we cannot deny the fact the a level playing field should be given and that there are instances when false accusations and baseless attacks are indeed made by some journalists.

Perhaps the media can provide an alternative to this bill, by policing their own ranks better or even sanctioning erring members. They can even give aggrieved persons the opportunity to reply or respond in some other way. Right now, I am all for press freedom and I agree that the Right of Reply bill should be scrapped. The bill is too one-sided, and it seems as if it simply wants to threaten media entities with retaliation. Even the US Supreme Court shot down a similar bill in one state and declared it unconstitutional. I'm guessing our own SC will rule in the same way since press freedom, as I said, is highly valued and protected by our courts. Let's just wait and see if this issue will even reach the courts.

Farmers March for CARPER (again!)

Today, about a thousand farmers marched to Malacañan to call on the Arroyo administration to push for the extension and reform of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARPER for short). Various farmers groups and their supporters from all over the nation converged in Manila to push for CARPER, and even the famous Sumilao farmers once again marched from Bukidnon though they've already been blessed with the return of their lands. However, once again, battalions of police forces were there to prevent the farmers from airing their grievances to the government.

3 days are left before Congress goes on its Lenten break; and it seems as though it would take a miracle for our "busy" and "hardworking" legislators to find time to put CARPER on the agenda. The Resolution they passed last December was an empty gesture, because it stopped compulsory land acquisition meaning no new lands can be claimed by the government on behalf of farmer beneficiaries in the interim period, unless and until a new law is passed giving a new lease on life to the Agrarian Reform in the country. The problem is most of our legislators, or the powerful ones at least, come from the landed elite, the class who owns the land which should be distrubuted to the farmers. Naturally, they wouldn't want their precious land to be given to their former tenants for a measely price.

The farmers will be staying in Manila to clamor for the passage of CARPER. After the lenten break, our politicians will then be too busy with the coming elections, more so since the COMELEC recently declared that the deadline for the filing of candicacy was moved 2 months earlier to accomodate the automated elections. Let's pray that the march of our farmer brothers and sisters will not go to waste. Kalampagin natin ang ating mga Congressman, o kaya samahan natin ang mga magsasaka sa kanilang pakikibaka. Kailan pa kaya matatapos ang pagmamartsa ng ating mga magsasaka?

More to come...

GK's Dream

Last Saturday, 28 February 2009, me and a couple of other Ateneo law students went to Taguig for a GK Build/Tour.

It was my first time to set foot in that part of Taguig (although Fort Bonifacio is in Taguig, and I'm sure most of us go there often, this part was quite different). It was my 3rd GK build (my last one was almost 3 years ago, if I remember correctly), the place looked the same as most parts of Metro Manila: small streets; lots of kids running around and playing; tricycles, cars and jeeps parked here and there; and of course a lot of people jam-packed into a small place. It strengthened my position that decongestion of our cities should really be a government priority, but I'll reserve that discussion for another day.

First, we visited the Poveda and Fuji Xerox Villages, both were already complete and buzzing with life. As we stepped out of our cars, several kids whom we didn't know rushed to welcome and greet us with mano po's left and right. I felt as if I were a politician, or more so a priest. It was touching and heartwarming to see so many kids eagerly welcoming us though it was the first time they ever saw us. We had a little tour of the 2 villages, which had a livelihood center and, I was very pleased to see, a recycling and eco-waste mangement center.

We then proceeded to the two build sites we were supposed to work on, the Zonta and IS Manila Villages. Both needed to be completed in a week's time, so work was being rushed and double-timed. We engaged in sifting, laying down brick roads, using pulleys to carry hollow blocks and cement to the 3rd floor, and carrying 50kg sacks of cement and sand to and fro. I know you're probably thinking that it seemed like it was a very good workout, but it was more than just that.

Before, I thought that GK was simply about buidling houses and providing decent homes and shelters for the poor and homeless; because when I first volunteered for GK, that was the impression I got. However, after last Saturday's build, tours and talks, I learned that GK not only builds houses but provides people with HOMES, and the opportunity to improve their lives by making them proud of who they are and where they come from by teaching them how to help themselves even after GK and its thousands of volunteers have gone. Giving people a home gives them the opportunity to focus on other things; instead of worrying if their house will be demolished as they sleep or when they wake up the next morning, they can channel their energy to other more important matters. By volunteering, one does not only help these people build their community but also their confidence by interacting with others and making new friends, in a way this makes them feel that those who might be better off than them are actually no different from who they are.

GK hopes that by 2024 they would have already been able to provide 5 million families with homes, thereby eradicating poverty for the next generation and perhaps stopping the vicious cycle that has plagued our country for decades. Thank God for people like Tony Meloto and all those who make GK possible. Here's to hoping that more Ateneo law students find time to help in GK's work, perhaps not only in building but even in some other worthwhile and meaningful ways.

The Comeback Kid

No, this is not about John Mccain...rather this is about my personal comback into the realm of campus politics.

My so-called "political" life in school has been full of ups and downs, I have won and losts many elections. In grade school my rise to the presidency was predicted early, but in the crucial election costly alignments and lack of visibility resulted in heartbreaking loss. Entering high school, seemingly making a "comeback", I once again lost in a more bitter way - unopposed, yet losing due to the lack of voters. This led me to shun away from campus politics, up until my first year in college at the Ateneo. I was elected as our Year Council President. Things looked pretty well until the next year, come re-election time i faced a heated opponent and an experienced, well-known opponent. Alas, defeat was my fate again. Thus, I devoted myself to other worthwhile endeavours, working on projects and still being an active leader in campus activities.

Then the law school came. I did not enter politics straight away, as I decided to focus on my studies and adjust to the new kind of student life. Come the end of my first year, I was once again offered the chance to serve in the Student Council. I was asked to run for one of the top positions - Secretary General, though I was only about to enter my sophomore year. I accepted, although I had some qualms about it, and I was pitted against an incoming senior who was more experienced and quite importantly, knew more people in law school. It wouldn't be hard to guess the result of that race - I lost again. Victory in campus politics seemed a far away dream at that point. It would seem as though fate did not bless me with the gift of political victory.

That was 2 years ago...and now, as previously written, I embarked again on a campaign and on a new foray into campus politics. Can you guess what the results were of the recent student elections in my law school? Unopposed, I won garnering 87.6% of the votes. Hence, the term "The Comeback Kid".

I am back in business! Not that I stopped working or helping in and out of school with community activities, but I am back in this challenging game and life that is campus politics.

However, merely winning is not what is important to me. First, I see this as a blessing from God. He has once again given me something that I never imagined was possible. Second, I see this "comeback" as a challenge for me to serve my community and the people around me even more and even better. I know there are a lot of trials and difficulties ahead, and I will need all the help I can get. So now I pray that God will guide me in this new role and opportunity he has given me, that he blesses me with perseverance, wisdom, patience, understanding and most of all integrity and honesty in everything that I do.

Congratulations to my fellow winners and newly elected officers of the Student Council, may we all be guided and blessed as we journey in leading.

My story, as I believe, is that of a real Comeback Kid. I just wanted to share it hoping that maybe it would inspire someone who thinks all is lost to not give up, because if you keep on believing and dreaming nothing is impossible. No matter how many times you fall, you can always make a comeback - and a great one at that.

Campus Politics

We all get to experience politics and leadership in at least one part of our life - be it at home, in the playground, in school or if you're lucky enough, in national or even global politics.
If my memory serves me right, I had my first taste of politics and leadership in school at the playground. I would lead one side of the class in a cops and robbers game (I think I was always on the cops side, coz I didn't want to be on the "dark side"). From there life took me to become class president for 9 years, batch representative for 3 different years, and VP in the grade school student council.

Now, entering my 4th year of law school I decided to run for the External VP position. Sure, being president was definitely on my mind but i decided to run for EVP to give way to friends who also wanted to run for the presidential position, and because my strengths and involvements are found in the EVP position.

The campaign period only lasted for 3 days because Monday was a holiday for us students due to the EDSA1 Anniversary, so it has been a very hectic and busy past 3 days. I think during this period I wasn't just a law student, I was a full time candidate and a part time law student. I ran for the position of external vice president, which means if elected I would be in charge of out of law school matters, external projects and of bringing issues and relevant events happening outside of law school to the attention of the very very busy students inside. My platform was of increased responsiveness to the times by being more involved and informed of the issues that are affecting our country. I ran unopposed, so I would like to believe my chances are good, but I had the daunting task of making sure that I get to convince voters to elect me because I deserve to be in office.

We ran a clean, honest, no fuss campaign - ayaw namin ng trapo-style of politics. We didn't have any tokens or giveaways (except the occasional stickers and pins of course) nor did we give away any food. We ran promoting our vision for the school by using our respective platforms. Nakakalungkot kasing isipin na pati pulitka sa school, nagiging katulad ng pulitika sa labas - which leads to us having leaders who are trained in the ancient art of the trapo (traditional politician).

Voting will end in about 2 hours, and the next time I write I may either be victorious or defeated. But no matter what the outcome is I know we put up a good fight, we were honest and sincere in our intentions and most important of all we were driven by our desire to serve our school and the community.

A Fitting Start

Today is the 23rd Anniversary of The 1st EDSA People Power Revolution. 23 years ago today, Filipinos from all walks of life toppled a dictator in a peaceful and non-violent revolution. It was indeed a showcase of democracy at its finest. We Filipinos showed the world that we can work together, forget our differences and become one against a common foe. In fact, Filipinos inspired other countries to riseup against oppresive and dictatorial governments. It is even said that it was a catalyst for the fall of the Berlin wall and the eventual collapse of communism.

Today is the 23rd anniversary of EDSA 1...but it was saddening and disheartening to see on television the lack of interest or desire of Filipinos to even commemorate the event: aside from the VIPs and the government officials present, only policemen and soldiers who were required to watch were present, listening intently and clapping approvingly. Maybe one or two stragglers were there, but all in all, the lack of people showed the growing apathyof most Filipinos.

I start this blog today in an effort to share my views and opinions to people out there who care and are political junkies like me. I write and i post so that perhaps my words can inspire and ignite debates, and bring out the person in you who wants to be involved, who wants to know, and who gives a damn about our country.

Tapos na ang panahon na tayo ay nagbubulag-bulagan, at ang panahon na wala na lang pakialamanan. Gumising ka na, dahil iisa lang ang bansa nating lahat, at walang ibang magmamahal nito kundi tayo.

Maraming Salamat! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!