PamagCUSA Blog

PEOPLE POWER 2008
Fr. Jose "Joey" Echano
The Shrine of Perpetual Help
25 February 2008
Una sa lahat, sa ngalan po ng Redemptorist community dito sa Baclaran malugod ko kayong tinatanggap at wini-welcome sa Pambansang Dambana ng Ina ng Laging Saklolo. Tayo ngayon ay nasa harap ng banal na larawan ng ating Mahal na Ina ng Laging Saklolo. Tunay na ang ating mahal na Ina ay saksi sa mga makasaysayang pangyayari sa ating bansa.
Noong 1986, ang mga Comelec computer encoders na nagtatabulate ng boto ng snap elections ay humingi ng kanlungan dito sa dambana ng ating mahal na ina pagkatapos na sila ay nag walk out sa kanilang mga computer consoles sa PICC sapagkat ipinapagawa sa kanila ang isang bagay na di nila kayang masikmura – ang pagdaya at pagtakip sa katotohanan. Alam naman nating lahat na ang walk out na ito para sa katotohanan ang isa sa mga naging mitsa ng people power noong EDSA 1.
Ngayon tayo muli ay lumalapit sa kanyang banal na larawan sa panahong pilit na itinatago at pinagtatakpan sa atin ang katotohanan. Tayo ay nahaharap sa isang krisis ng katotohanan at moralidad sa pamamahala na nagbabadya ng panganib at kapahamakan. Subalit ito rin ang naging mitsa upang muli ang sambayanan ay magsama-sama at mapukaw sa pagkakahimbing.
Sa paglapit natin kay Maria sa gitna ng paghahanap natin ng katotohanan, si Maria sa kanyang larawan ay itinuturo tayo sa kanyang anak na si Jesus. Lagi tayong pinapa-alalahanan ni Maria na dapat tayong naka-sentro kay Kristo. Narinig natin si Jesus sa ebanghelyo: "Kung tinutupad ninyo ang aking aral, kayo nga'y tunay na mga alagad ko; v32makikilala ninyo ang katotohanan, at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo." Kung tayo'y nakasentro kay Kristo malalaman natin ang katotohanan. Malalaman natin ang katotohanan kung tayo lamang ay nakasentro kay Jesus. Si Jesus ang katotohanan. Si Jesus ang tunay na laging saklolo ni Maria. Samakatuwid, si Jesus ang katotohanan, ang ating walang hanggang saklolo.
Mga kapatid, tunay na maraming kasinungalingan at pagtakip sa katotohanan sa ating bansa ngayon hindi lamang sa pinakamataas pati na rin sa pinakamababa, mula sa lipunan hanggang sa personal. Isa sa pinakamalaking sakit na yata ng ating bansa ngayon ay "Truth Decay." Malala na masyado ang truth decay kaya hindi na kaya ng pasta at root canal na lamang, kailangan nang bunutin ito.
Ang sinasabi nila: "Huwag na nating pag-usapan ang katotohanan. Mag move on na lang tayo." Oo masakit ang katotohanan, pero kailangan natin ang katotohanan upang tayo ay umunlad. Sinasabi nila na tayo daw ay nag-iingay at nanggugulo lamang. Bakit di na lang tayo sumabay sa pag-unlad ng ekonomiya?
Ang sinasabi natin ay walang tunay na kaunlaran kung walang katotohanan. Ang ating bansa ay di makakamove-on kung nababalot ng kasinungalingan at kaplastikan. Mas mabuti pang gobyerno na may mababang pag-unlad subalit ang nakikinabang ay ang mga mahihirap, pero isang gobyernong na totoo naman keysa isang gobyerno na may mataas na pag-unlad kuno subalit ang nakikinabang naman ay ang mga makapangyarihan at mayayaman, pero isang gobyernong sinungaling naman.
Marami tayong gustong malaman na katotohanan, maliban sa nakakagimbal na NBN-ZTE deal, gusto natin malaman ang katotohanan sa likod ng extra-judicial killing – humigit kumulang 800 na ang pinaslang ng walang pangkatarungang proseso, at 100 na ang sapilitang nawawala, sa fertilizer scam, sa Hello Garci scam, sa north rail at south rail.
Ngayon tuloy lang ba tayo sa pag-unlad samantalang maraming dumi na itinatago sa ilalim ng carpet? Hindi sapat laman na malaman natin ang katotohanan. Ang katotohanan ay may kaalinsunod na pananagutan. Kailangang panagutin ang may sala at palayain ang walang sala. Hindi kalimutan na lang natin at magkasundo na tayo. Ang mahirap sa ating mga Pilipino, maikli ang ating memorya. Kay dali nating makalimot at mabagal tayong matuto.
"Makikilala ninyo ang katotohanan, at ang katotohanan ang magpapalaya sa inyo." Sa ating pagtuklas sa katotohanan, tayo ay nagiging malaya. Dahil sa katotohanan muli ang buong bansa ngayon ay nagising at nagsasama-sama at nilalanghap ang matamis na simoy ng kalayaan.
Ipinagdiriwang natin ngayon ang ika 22 taon ng people power. Marami sa atin ay nagsesentimento. Nasaan na ba ang mga pangunahing personalidad ng EDSA 1? Maraming nagsabi sa akin, Fr. Nami-miss namin si Cardinal Sin. Tanong ng iba: Bakit ang ating mga Obispo ngayon ay di mag-ala Cardinal Sin?
Si FVR at Enrile ay may kanya-kanya nang landas. Pero si Tita Cory ay nandito pa rin, hindi ka nag-iisa. At mayroon naman tayong mga bagong bayani – nandyan si Jun Lozada ang uragon kong kababayan. Jun, ngayon ikaw ang Philippine idol – lalong-lalo na sa mga nagtitiktik sayo. Si Juan de la Cruz ay nakatagpo ng kanyang kapuso at kapamilya kay Jun Lozada. Si Juan de la Cruz ay malayo sa pagiging perfecto, katulad ni Jun Lozada. Subalit si Jun Lozada ay pilit na di bumibitiw sa natitirang dangal ng kanyang gula-gulanit na kalooban at pangalan. Kaya't hindi nakapagtataka na kay Jun Lozada si Juan de la Cruz ay nais maging bayani sa kabila ng kanyang pangkaraniwang pagkatao at maraming sablay sa daan ng kanyang paglalakbay.
Kung kaya't, higit sa lahat ay nandyan kayo, ang taumbayan. Mayroong bayani kung titingin lamang kayo sa loob ng inyong sarili. Ang pagiging bayani sa loob ng inyong sarili ay umuugnay sa bayani na nasa loob ng inyong kapwa Pilipino. Ang pagpapalabas at pagbabahaginan ng ating pagiging bayani ay ang simula ng people power. Ang bayanihan – ito ang people power. Ang people power ay tayo. Tayo ang people power. Ang pagbabago ay tayo, tayo ang pagbabago.
Ngayon pagkatapos ng 22 taon, nasaan na tayo? Nakakalungkot isipin na kaunti ang pagbabago lalo na sa pamamaraan ng pagpapatakbo ng ating bansa. Ang mga family dynasties ang siya pa ring naghahari sa ating politika samantalang ang corruption at ganid ay malalim nang nakabaon sa ating sistema ng politika.
Kung kaya't sabi nila di na pahihintulutan muli ng mundo ang panibagong "People Power". Sabi naman ng iba bigo ang people power sapagkat malinaw na hindi ito nakapagdulot ng pangmatagalang pagbabago sa ating sistema political.

Patay na ba ang People Power? Noong nanawagan ang mga obispo ng isang "communal action" bilang tugon sa mga nagaganap sa ating bansa parang mabagal at mababaw ang ating pagtugon. Bagama't mayroong nagaganap na maliliit na mga pagkilos sa iba't ibang lugar, hindi ito katulad ng mga nakaraang pagkilos na puno ng ingay, sigla sa gitna ng pagkabalisa at diskuntento bago mag-EDSA 1 o EDSA 2.
Napagod na ba tayo sa people power? O Natuto tayo sa mga nakaraan nating kamalian?
Kung naghahanap tayo ng dating ekspresyon ng people power, wala na ito. Ang mga naglalakihang rali at demonstrasyon, ang mga slogang puno ng paghihikayat at pagsisiwalat, ang pagsasanib ng iba't ibang sektor sa isang tukoy na panawagang pulitikal ay wala na.
Subalit huwag tayong magpalinlang na ang people power ay wala na, katulad ng nais ipaniwala sa atin ng mga may kapangyarihan. Ang pagkabalisa, pagkabigo, ang matinding pagnanais ng pagbabago, ang paghahangad ng pagkakaisa ay buhay na buhay. Datapawat, ang lahat ng ito ay naghahanap ng bagong ekspresyon ng pagpapahayag, ng bagong pamamaraan, ng bagong simbolo.
Isang aral na napulot natin sa nakaraan ay ang samasamang pagkilos o communal action ay hindi nakabatay sa malalaking personalidad at mga politiko. Gayundin naman ang mga kaparian at Obispo ay hindi taga-likha ng direksyon para sa mga tao. Sila ay moral na gabay sa mga tao at tagapagbigay sigla't lakas sa mga laykong kasapi ng simbahan na siyang pangunahing responsable sa paghuhubog ng pulitikal at pang-ekonomiyang larangan ng ating lipunan. Ang samasamang pagkilos ay dapat talagang isang proseso ng samasamang pagninilay at pagtugon ng bawat kasapi ng komunidad.
Hindi patay ang people power. Ito ay sisibol sa tamang panahon na may malakas na kapangyarihan at mas mayamang kahulugan. Ang people power ay hindi nagtatapos sa pagtanggal sa luklukan ng mga may kapangyarihan at wala ng moralidad na umupo. Ang people power ay ang pagbabago ng buong sistema sa ating lipunan at sarili.
Mga kapatid, isang dakilang biyaya ang nagaganap sa ating bansa. Huwag lamang tayong maging usisero. Wag tayong tagapagkutya lamang sa mga nangyayari. Sabi nga ng makatang si Dante Alighieri: "Ang pinakamainit na apoy sa impyerno ay nakalaan doon sa mga taong nagsawalang kibo sa panahon ng krisis ng moralidad." Tama na, sobra na, kumilos na!
Mahal na Ina ng Laging Saklolo, ipanalangin mo kami sa aming pagsunod kay Kristo ang katotohanan at aming laging saklolo patungo sa landas ng pagbabago ng aming sarili at aming bayan.

Posted by pamagcusa at 03:19 PM | Permalink

The Moral Dimension of People Power
Corazon C. Aquino
Joint MBC-MAP General Membership Meeting & PinoyME 2nd Anniversary
February 26, 2008

Yesterday, we marked the anniversary of the remarkable People Power revolution that ushered in a new era of hope for our nation. Twenty-two years ago, we began the arduous task of reviving the democratic institutions that the Marcos dictatorship had destroyed.
And it is with shame and sadness that we today revisit those institutions in the same state of disrepair: an executive branch wielding tremendous power and patronage, unchecked by a largely subservient legislature; an electoral process so prone to manipulation; a military and a bureaucracy that are highly politicized; a system of governance utterly lacking in transparency and accountability.
Worst of all, we seem so hard-pressed to express a collective sense of moral outrage at the wanton abuse of power at the highest levels of government. Twenty-two years after EDSA I, how can we tolerate a president of doubtful legitimacy who can brazenly stonewall the search for truth and who can routinely intimidate dissenters, journalists, businessmen and ordinary citizens with impunity?
Has People Power passed away out of sheer weariness and frustration at the seeming futility of trying to make our democracy work? The cynics, mocking our inability to assemble the numbers which would approximate the legions that swelled our protest rallies in the mid-1980s, would like us to think just that. But perhaps they are looking in the wrong direction.
If there is anything that the past 22 years have taught us, it is the realization that People Power must start from within. The potential for greatness of every Filipino needs to be cultivated before true strength in numbers can be realized for our nation. People Power resides inside each of us, waiting to be unleashed to trigger a chain reaction that would transform the fabric of our society.
Those four memorable days in February 1986 gave us a glimpse of what that latent power can achieve. Filipinos from all walks of life abandoned all concern for personal interest and safety to gather at EDSA to pray, to care, to share, to give one another a measure of comfort and courage at a most perilous time. In the face of such solidarity, not even fully armed soldiers and tanks could turn the democratic tide.
Unfortunately this internal, moral dimension of People Power got overwhelmed by the manifold exigencies of restoring democracy. All too soon, most Filipinos began reverting to their old ways—putting the interest of self and family above that of the national community. And we are now paying the price, perhaps, for having failed to cultivate a counter-culture of giving, compassion and spirituality in a more deliberate way.
Today, we are suffering a severe moral crisis that permeates every level of our society. Mr. Jun Lozada gave us a graphic description of how low our state of governance has sunk when he talked about “permissible zones” for kickbacks on public projects and how he had been instructed “to moderate the greed” of the favored proponents of the ZTE-NBN deal.
As discomfiting as it may be to hear such words uttered during a live telecast of a Senate hearing, virtually none of us can feign shock at these revelations. That’s because many of us are inured to a culture of malfeasance and are partly to blame for allowing such depths of corruption to persist.
Like Mr. Lozada, we are all imperfect human beings with our share of weaknesses and faults, big and small. But how many of us are willing to undergo the individual transformation from which social change can begin? How many of us can muster the courage to confront ourselves, to rise above the culture that shaped us—for better or for worse—and may have warped our sense of values?
Only by willing ourselves to change can we achieve the moral clarity to tell our children: “This culture of corruption is unacceptable! You and future generations of Filipinos deserve a society far better than this.” Only at this point would our collective outrage rise like a tidal wave to wash away the rotten foundations of our society.
The cynics among us might view this as unabashed idealism. After all, Dr. Jose Rizal said practically the same thing through Padre Florentino in El Filibusterismo, and Filipinos then and now did not seem to take heed. But there is hope germinating in the most unlikely of places.
Over the last two and a half years, I have had the privilege of drawing inspiration from ordinary Filipinos, who amid the squalor in some of our poorest communities, lead far more honorable lives than the high and mighty among us. They are mostly mothers trying to carve out an honest living through micro-enterprises. They are silently working themselves out of poverty, saving up to put their children through school and slowly improving their quality of life. And they are doing so with a cheerful spirituality that puts to shame those of us who have so much more in life, yet gripe from day to day. And to each and every mother in these communities, the path of hope begins, incredibly, with a micro-loan of P5,000 or less.
This is yet another manifestation of the internal dimension of People Power: ordinary Filipinos recovering dignity in the midst of poverty by dint of hard and decent work. Servicing these extraordinary mothers is a small army of microfinance institutions (MFIs) who need external support to harness their full potential in disadvantaged communities across the country.
This was how PinoyME—short for Filipino micro-enterprise— was born two years ago. A social consortium, which brought together some of the best minds and stoutest hearts in the private sector and civil society, was convened to see how best to help MFIs broaden their reach and enhance the breadth and quality of their financial services for the poor. As explained by Mr. Manny Pangilinan earlier, the consortium zeroed in on four areas of strategic intervention— resource mobilization, capacity-building, business development services and knowledge management—that could take MFIs, along with a critical mass of their clients, to the next level.
In addition, these four areas of intervention offer avenues by which other sectors and individuals could pitch in to make the microfinance industry more vibrant and robust. These avenues could range from seasoned bankers providing financial advice to MFIs to corporations lending their marketing expertise, from universities filling the urgent need for more loan officers to IT firms or departments helping organize a rich and useful database for micro-enterprises. This highlights another facet of People Power: bridging those with talent and resources to a sector that services our most needy countrymen in a sustained and widespread spirit of sharing.
The overall strategy also underscores the painstaking and deliberate process it would take to strengthen our democracy at the base. This serves to remind us that People Power is not about quick fixes. It is about bringing people from all walks of life together to build our nation and, by their joint effort, to cultivate shared pride in being Filipino. Ultimately, that is what PinoyME, as the Taglish idiom suggests, is all about.
Our long-term vision is to help change the shape of our socio-economic structure from a pyramid with a wide base of impoverished Filipinos to a diamond with an expanded middle class of empowered and more politically mature citizens.
As a first step toward realizing this vision, the consortium in February 2006 launched a program to raise P5 billion to empower five million Filipinos—approximat ing the number of families living below the poverty line—in five years.
Five billion pesos—by our financial experts’ calculations, that is the minimum amount it would take to gradually ramp up lending so that MFIs can increase their coverage to five million clients by 2011. Just think about that for a moment: five billion pesos—even less than the figure purported to represent the kickback in a single government transaction—can go a long way in empowering hundreds of thousands of our countrymen along a sustainable path out of poverty.
Given the scores, perhaps hundreds, of government transactions which have escaped public scrutiny and funneled billions in people’s money into corrupt hands, one wonders who is really sabotaging the economy and keeping millions of Filipinos poor.
Even as we take deliberate steps to empower our disenfranchised countrymen and to strengthen our institutions, therefore, we cannot turn a blind eye to what is happening at the highest levels of our government and our society. Let us heed the call for discernment and, together, act with a sense of moral purpose and urgency.
Our guiding light should not be an obsession to evict the President from Malacañang. Given our concern to protect the pillars of our democracy, the extra-constitutiona l removal of the President is not an ideal we would want to aspire for. But in an environment where abuse of power, in the face of weak democratic institutions, closes all doors of legitimate redress, sadly, we are too often pushed to the brink. That is why the most noble—and least disruptive—way out of the moral crisis would be for the President to resign from office.
These critical times call for strong moral leadership, which clearly she is no longer in a position to provide. She must give way to a credible government that can lead by example. Our country needs leaders who can inspire our people to work and seize opportunities, pay their taxes and together build a good society that every Filipino would feel proud to be part of.
We cannot afford to turn another generation of Filipinos into cynical folk who would eschew responsible citizenship in favor of playing the game of corruption and patronage politics and resigning themselves to the impossibility of fundamental change in government and society.
Rizal, again through Padre Florentino, said it best: “To an immoral government belongs a demoralized people.”
Let us not allow this to come to pass.
Long live People Power! Support PinoyME! Mabuhay ang Pilipino!

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:09 PM | Permalink

Pampanga and people power

THE handsome coffee-table book "Luid Ka!" launched last Sunday in Betis, should remind us Kapampangans that, whatever they say about People Power that it is outdated, it won't work again, it will hurt rather than help the nation and despite all the bad reputation that People Power has acquired through the years due to abuse and misuse, we Kapampangans did get a glimpse of it in its purest form last May 2007, and yes, it was beautiful! Don't let anybody tell you otherwise.

And thank God they made a book that captured the moment and preserved it for all generations, so that our children, their children and their children's children will never forget that once upon a time, Kapampangans came together, created a piece of heaven on earth, and took a direct hand in altering the course of history.

That moment, unfortunately, is gone. All heavenly glows that surrounded the key players and their supporters on that night at the convention center captured so vividly in photographs has evaporated in the harsh daylight of political realities.

I hope the book will remind us once again that doing good is more important than being right, and that we have the capacity to transcend our daily battles and create moments of miracles where anything is possible.

The book also made me ask why a people power movement succeeded so spectacularly in Pampanga last year, while the rest of the country today is failing so miserably in trying to organize another.

One possible explanation is that People Power is really the desire to install someone, not the desire to oust someone.

The People Power in 1986 was fueled by the popularity of Cory Aquino, not the unpopularity of President Marcos, because had the presidential candidate been Doy Laurel instead of Cory, I don't think millions of Filipinos would have risked their lives at Edsa.

In Pampanga, had the candidate not been as charismatic as Fr. Eddie Panlilio, whose spirituality defined the election as a classic battle between good and evil, and whose inexperience made him the underdog against one candidate's showbiz-style popularity and another candidate's huge campaign funds people power would not have happened in Pampanga.

I think People Power, in its purest form, occurred only twice in history: in 1986 at Edsa, and in 2007 in Pampanga.

The one that ousted President Joseph Estrada and installed Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (now known as Edsa 2) was motivated by a desire to unseat a corrupt, uncouth President, not by a desire to install Vice President Arroyo.

I remember watching on TV how wildly the crowd in front of the Edsa Shrine cheered when they heard the news that Erap had fledMalacañang; however, the moment a giddy Arroyo was introduced as the new President, the crowd applauded only politely.

That was the moment, I think, when Filipinos got disenchanted with People Power.

The attempts that came after that (Edsa 3, Edsa 4, etc.) did not succeed anymore.

Today, as the political situation in the country continues to deteriorate, Filipinos remain reluctant to do another People Power because there is no overwhelming desire to install anybody, just an overwhelming desire to unseat the President.

They're probably thinking: Whom are we going to risk our lives for Noli de Castro?Why change a defective TV set when the replacement is another defective TV set? Well, come to think of it, why not?

Just because President Arroyo is doing a good job at improving our economy doesn't mean we have to turn a blind eye to a crime she might have committed.

We want her out not because she is not a good manager (she is), but because she may have committed a crime, which leaves the nation no option but to punish her.

Even the class valedictorian loses his medal if proven he cheated, and even the company's best employee gets fired if caught he stole money.

No amount of good behavior or excellent accomplishments can immune or rescue you from the consequences of one terrible mistake.

That's what we call responsibility and accountability, and that's what we should teach our children.

Every time we say GMA should stay even if she may have cheated or stolen money, because she is doing a good job with the economy anyway and her replacement will not do as well as what values are we teaching the next generation?

If indeed she is guilty as charged, and she refuses to go, then the people will have no other option but to summon People Power. Don't blame the people for resorting to it; blame Malacañang for forcing the people to resort to it.

Last Sunday, the book launching of "Luid Ka" in Betis reminded me how beautiful People Power can be, and yesterday, the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 Edsa Revolution reminded me how proud we all were then.

People Power was "our gift to the world." Today, they're forbidding us to give that gift again.

Pampanga may have something to teach the rest of the nation.

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:06 PM | Permalink

MAGBAYU TA NA PU

Ita mu pung Kapampangan, sagana tamu keng kagitingan agpang keng ‘penibatan’ or history tamu. Anyang mumunang panahun, maragul ya ing kekatamung ‘empire’ sakot taya ing Bataan, Tarlac, Nuva Ejica and some parts of Bulacan. Our culture and trade were developed. During the uprising against the Spanish Colonizers, we were ones of the first to revolt. Now, we are again in the forefront of setting an example for all the Filipino People to see as well as for all of mankind to emulate.

With the across the board support of the masses: the poor, middle class, the rich, the privileged and under privileged who got tired of the trapos (traditional politicians), supported financially, personally and voluntarily Among Ed Panlilio’s bid to the Gubernatorial seat in the last election. Among Ed won and us, Kabalens, won.

Now the real job began and is continuing. Gov. Ed has shown good leadership thru his transparent and effective governance of the Province of Pampanga. His accomplishments so far are beyond the incredible, such as the increase in the amount of revenues in the quarrying, reduction of the bureaucracy, graft and corruption. Still, there are a lot of things to be done e.g. the upliftment of the welfare of the poor, better infrastructure, literacy, health care, employment, etc. He is doing his best with a coterie of concerned, dedicated and well-principled Kabalens. But with the decades-old neglect and decadence of the past administrations, a lot more needs immediate attention.

Let us not divert our attention to these gargantuan tasks. The Provincial Board who questioned the mechanics of the MOKA, implying that the organizers broke the law because of the duration of time in the preparation. Can’t they see that the organizers were able to prepare it in a month’s time and still were able to produce a good event? Was there any complain from the nominees? Then this guy who alleged that his name was not there as a campaign contributor should just keep his mouth shut. He claimed that he is a Gov. Ed supporter, but if Gov. Ed is summoned to court to prove that he has all the contributions accounted to the last centavo, his time will be tied up and wasted in court. As a result, Among Ed’s job accomplishment will be diminished to the delight of the opposition. Also, this guy who claimed that Gov. Ed spent more than the limit in the campaign expenses should also shut up. Did he ever imagine that Baby Pineda spent around one billion pesos for posters, shirts, ‘lagay’ for people to attend her ‘miting de avance’, vote buying, etc. to try to get the gubernatorial position and Mark Lapid, with their stolen billions, how much did he spent? Could he please gather the cold data before he could clearly present his case? To Nanay ‘Baby’ Pineda, quit protesting the results of the elections. You are just a cry baby. You were able to bribe these Comelec people and are returning the favor by resurrecting your inane protest case. You just want to grab the Governor’s position so you could regain your billion peso campaign expenses and steal billions more in the process by milking the quarry and jueteng revenues! Why won’t you just admit that the people do not want you as a government official and you would look better if you start doing something good for the people? To all these ‘pang-abalang’kabalens, if you got nothing worthwhile to say, ‘patugut na kayu mu’. Lulto kayu mung pang-gulu at mamamagbiasa.

Instead you should be helping the Provincial government how to recover the billions of pesos from the father-son ex governors Sen. Manuel ‘Lito’ and Mark Lapid as well as their cohorts stole from the coffers of the provincial government. ‘Pem-playboy da la reng perang areni’. ‘Dakal la pa pu reng pakalulu king Pampanga’. Look around you, poverty is still so widespread. If we recover these billions of pesos and entrusted to Gov. Ed’s administration, they would surely help their plight. These corrupt government officials should be sent to jail to give examples to these greedy ‘wanna be get-rich-quick-schemers’. You should also help promote job creations, enhance our Kapampangan Culture or be an Ombudsman to check on some corrupt government officials. Support the SACOP and other worthwhile charitable organizations, make yourselves useful for the benefit of the down-trodden.

Also, may I ask those government officials and businessmen who got away with dirty money thru shady ways, ‘linisan yo reng konsensiya yu’. Give back to the people their due. Contribute to the Pampanga community, create jobs and help in the progress of Pampanga. These GRO who work in karaoke bars and massage parlors, if they have good employment, do you think they want what they are doing just to feed their families? The degree holders, if they have a good place of employment, do you think they will work abroad and be separated from their families? Help the poor and the sick to lessen the insurgency. Try to emulate Ngongo and wife, who reinvested their jueteng revenues by putting up legal businesses thus creating employment opportunities as well as revenues for the Government.

To the different elected government officials; Vice Governor, Board Members, Provincial Board, Mayors, Councilors, Barangay Captains, etc., let me remind you, you ran for office to serve the people and not your selfish interests or wallet. It is we, the people, who pay your salaries, so give us your trust and worthy service. This is a PLEA to those who are corrupt or planning to do irregularities, please stop doing so. Reform yourselves because right now the Filipino people as well as the whole world are watching every step you make. Do not get yourselves in corruption or shameless acts of stealing because your name would be recorded in history, as a result, every Kapampangan would detest and disown you. Instead, do good for the sake of our Province. We, the Kapampangans are awake. With Gov. Ed Panlilio, we will finish the crusade.

I heard a story about the Mayor of Bacolor who got mad at Gov. Ed because the provincial government stopped his illegal quarrying. We all know that Bacolor was one of the most devastated towns during the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo and subsequent lahar flooding. Now Gov. Ed issued a circular that the Provincial Government would rehabilitate Bacolor to the tune of one billion pesos. Dear Mayor, refrain from just enriching your own pockets. Now do your job as a Mayor and look after your constituents ‘nung ali makarine ka at pikarine da ka’.

Another story. Vice Gov. Yeng Guiao approached Archbishop Apu Ceto, to seek his intercession that he talk to Gov. Ed who we all know is a priest and used to be under the supervision of Apu Ceto. He requested that Gov. Ed should not meddle with their monthly quarry ‘tong’; the Vice Gov., 100,000 pesos a month, some provincial government officers at fifty thousand/month, municipal mayors at twenty thousand/month. Apu Ceto replied that he will try but can not promise him anything because Gov. Ed has his own mind. Apu Ceto then asked the Vice Gov. how soon does he need an answer, Yeng said in two weeks. Lastly, Apu Ceto asked, ‘Yeng, do you think what you are requesting is good for the people of Pampanga? Yeng never followed up his request. Shame on you, 'Yeng, nung ala kang balung gawan a matino, mag-resign na ka mu, nung mamamanako na ka mu, mabating ka'.

To all the Kabalens, let us all be alert and get involved in our government. This is our own Province, the Kabalens are our own people. If we do not help ourselves, nobody will. Let us all help Gov. Ed in doing his good services to us. Let us prevent the ‘kontrabidas’ and ‘mapanako’ in their illicit activities! Let us support those who do the good and condemn those who do the bad. Let us set good examples for all the world to see!

Let us all be united for a better Pampanga, for a better Kapampangan!

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:06 PM | Permalink

Prof.Randy David’s Remarks at the Launching of the Book
"Luid Ka!"
Feb. 24, 2008
Betis Church Grounds, Guagua, Pampanga

I congratulate the authors and the publisher of this lovely book. And I am very honored to be invited as a speaker at its launching. This book is more than just a colorful documentation of the citizens’ movement for good government that jelled around the improbable candidacy of a Catholic priest, Among Ed, for the governorship of Pampanga in the 2007 election. I like to think of this book as a celebration of the recovery of the Kapampangan self-esteem, of pride and will to greatness, after decades of demoralization and helplessness to which many of us have been consigned in the face of unremitting misrule by corrupt and incompetent leaders.

It is perhaps fortunate and fitting that "Luid Ka" is being launched on the 22nd anniversary of the Edsa I People Power Revolution. The coincidence is an important reminder to us that the history we make at the local level is an integral part of the larger tapestry of the Filipino nation’s achievements. It is also a way of telling us that whatever we do at the local level may not amount to much unless we can once and for all correct the bigger systemic dysfunction at the national level. We cannot ignore the looming crisis in the national government. How the crisis at that level is ultimately resolved will also determine the long-term course of politics in our province.

The wider national significance of Among Ed’s campaign in the early months of 2007 was not immediately apparent to many of us until much later when Pampanga politics took center stage in the national media. Wherever I spoke in Metro Manila or in remote provinces, I was surprised that people who knew that I was Kapampangan would come up to me to mumble their good wishes and express their solidarity for Among Ed, and, often, even to fork out a few pesos from their wallets as a token contribution to a worthwhile quest they could identify with. Among Ed’s quixotic candidacy generated so much good will among a broad range of sincere Filipinos everywhere that I began to wonder if people’s interest in Among Ed was not a result of the fact that Pampanga also happens to be the president’s home province, and that the gubernatorial race was therefore seen as a proxy fight against an unpopular president.

Yet, ironically, as I recall, the significance of Among Ed’s candidacy was deliberately kept local. It was as if the two politicians he was running against had nothing to do with the president, and that the core issues in the campaign were limited to jueteng and lahar and nothing more. Today, six months later, the picture hopefully is clearer – that provincial politics forms an integral link in the chain of traditional politics which extends from the farthest barangay to the corridors of Malacanang. To be able to break that chain and begin an enduring campaign of reform nationwide, we must start somewhere. I have always believed that the weakest link in the web of traditional politics – the point where decisive intervention can produce the most surprising results – is at the local level.

We have seen that people power may succeed in overthrowing regimes, but it does not necessarily produce good government. Good government is the product of painstaking organizing at the level of the community. More than sheer anger, what it demands is the awakening of the spirit of greatness in every citizen. The spirit of greatness is in great abundance in our shores. But perhaps, what has been lacking is the spark of madness that compels individuals like Among Ed to decide suddenly to leave their comfort zones and risk everything in the name of an idea. I think this is what happened here in our province in the months leading to the May 2007 election. Now we know that all it takes for the rest of us to momentarily forget ourselves is for one person’s fire to rekindle our dormant spirits in a moment of seeming helplessness.

As I leaf through the rich pages of this wonderful book, I realize that this is really what this book seeks to preserve in memory -- that we, our generation, did not lose hope, and never gave up the nation-building project of our ancestors even when holding our hands up in surrender seemed the most logical thing to do.

But we all know that as important as it may be, moral courage is never enough. To build a fire, we need more than a spark. We need fuel, a constant wind, and an occasional stoking to keep a fire going. The fire can die any time, its embers easily appropriated by those who specialize in the making of passive fuel: charcoal. They will wait patiently until the fire has exhausted itself. Then they take over as if nothing happened. This is what can happen in 2010 – the old habits are quickly restored, and the enemies of reform are once again safely ensconced in their positions.

We can prevent this from happening if we don’t abandon the fire, if we don’t hasten its exhaustion by our bickerings, if we stay focused on the real goal – which is the cooking of the meal we have promised our people. We will not succeed in this if we leave the fire untended, or if we stop supplying the fuel, in the false belief that our task is finished because we have elected the ideal cook. Among Ed cannot do it alone. Indeed, no one can do it alone. The campaign during the election was nothing but a spark, nothing but an occasion to bring us together, to make us work together so that in the process we might discover our talents, our resources, and our weapons. Beyond that, we have to organize ourselves into something less spontaneous and more enduring, less quirky and more consistent, less transient and more abiding. We must organize ourselves not only for the here and now, but especially for tomorrow and beyond the boundaries of our province. Only in this way can our social reform efforts bear fruits and be truly worth memorializing.

It is natural, especially after an unexpected victory, for disenchantment to seep into the thinning ranks of a reform movement. There is no cure for it – except the capacity for patience and generosity, which we must all find in our hearts if we are to consecrate ourselves to the ideal of good governance of which, whether we like it or not, we have become its unlikely stewards. In a sense, for reformers, winning can often be more difficult than losing. So much is expected of Among Ed and the movement he has catalyzed. People tend to forget that he is only one of the many elected public officials of the province. He wields no absolute powers. He must work with the other elected officials even as he pushes the agenda of reform. He has no choice but to work within the political culture he seeks to transform. This is the difficult part. Traditional politics can either swallow you or neutralize you – even before you can deliver the first blow. We must all do our part; this is not just one man’s crusade.

I am happy to be here on this rare occasion. My only regret is that everything I have come here to say, I could only say -- not in Kapampangan -- but in a borrowed language. Dacal pung salamat.

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:05 PM | Permalink

Rethinking EDSA II

Reason, passion and courage are the three commitments that will take the youth to a good future. Robert Kennedy said so according to the recently resigned President of the Second Oldest University in America, the College of William and Mary, Gene Nichol in one of his lectures on the Constitution and social justice at UCLA last year. The Governor of Pampanga, Father Ed Panlilio best models these traits in the Philippines now. He sees the Philippine from the bottom, just like what the present national regime had been doing. The strengthening or the destruction of democratic institutions happens in the bottom of the Democratic Tree. His possession of reason, passion and courage make Governor Among Ed an ideal leader. Reason is his reason for entering the political realm. Passion is what made him convert many. Courage is what made him accept his deprivation of the priestly functions, no matter the pain. Above all it is his love of God and His people that brought him to the Capitol. This in turn protects him from the many adversities.

While emotions, delusions, manipulations, perhaps even hallucinations caused by prohibited drugs, addiction to other substances like alcohol, nicotine or habits like gambling, sex, pornography, material wealth, unfair business practices and many more, control and characterize many societies in the world today. Homes with absent parents have caused the vanishing of civic and moral values among many. Because of economic needs many homes have become broken. Families became dysfunctional. Education was neglected. School system became poorer. Poverty affected teachers. Poverty like greed and other dysfunctions causes corruption. Corruption therefore was everywhere. When schools or their teacher and officials become doer of corruption we expect the worst in a country. Dysfunctional families, dysfunctional teachers, dysfunctional town, dysfunctional country.

Humans put make-up on their faces. They have their faces fixed by dermatologists or surgeons, but how many have their feelings and attitudes and behaviors fixed? We just pray and wait for God to grant our wishes. Even Virginia questioned the veracity of people's belief in Santa Claus. We see the top, we see the outside. Perhaps the peace and quiet should be allowed and be enjoyed to see the selves internally, spiritually. Bitch and evil, are words that have been expressed so often and worst since the present administrations in the Philippines and in the United States took over. Smart people know that humans would not always lean on and follow those who foment too much hatred and negative impressions around, no matter how many locals are known for being so easily swayed by gossips and pre-judgments.

When negatives may result positively in a struggle for power survival, it would not be far fetched if they make use of them.

Diaspora is not in itself bad. Many times it helps in bringing about good changes in individuals and societies. Diaspora become a cause of dysfunctionality when governments use it and the individuals not as human beings, but as mere tools for economic gains or to augment national revenues. This is another fact for discussion though in my blogs it is always the theme of thoughts.

Thinking back, did we believe that the then Vice-President would be really a better President than Estrada, when she herself withdrew her presidential candidacy? Ousting Estrada and having Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo take his place was seen as a big risk, a big gamble to many of those who joined People Power II. When Gloria was showing her negative side in administering the nation, some were thinking that perhaps they should have just let Erap bring the Philippines to the bottom of failure. Thinking that after such an occurrence, Filipinos would have no choice but to go good or better. (But then, there were also rumors that Erap would get killed, so there was no choice. Perhaps, Erap should even thank those who ousted him for saving his life. Ninu naman kaya ing makamate kaya? Inisip mi, ala man mipakirut, balamu matatangap na. Which brings one to ask if killing has become an ordinary part and parcel of political practices.)

The Catholic Church and some leaders are getting tired of people not becoming educated enough to know their rights and obligations as citizens. Change in a society is a long process. It is even harder and longer when the system of change is not organized. And even more challenging when there are elements that hinder the people's betterment of learning and who instead work for the stagnancy and indifference of the citizenry. Even small bits of indifference could cause evil and inhumanity to spread in a society, says an African American intellectual, Professor Cornell West.

Did the late Jaime Cardinal Sin believe in Gloria? He disapproved of Erap's publicly known morally contradictory practices. Was the Cardinal happy to have Gloria as the option for replacement? Are the Catholic leaders now having second thoughts for fear of being blamed for Erap's ouster and Gloria's ascension to Malacanan? If Cardinal Sin were alive today, would he be blaming himself for Gloria, the way she is perceived and proved by so many scandals? How much knowledge did the Cardinal have on her? Or did he believe that having Gloria as President was just a part of the process of change in the Philippines, therefore would now proceed to the next step?

Thomas Jefferson, the Third US President with so much fervor uttered the following words, "Resistance to tyranny is obedience to God." This God he meant did not only refer to the Christian God or whatever religion's God. Our Natural God who is the author of evolution. The word God is in the US Constitution's Preamble, it is also in the legal tenders of the country. The Founding Parents of America and the Philippines referred to the Natural God of all. So whether denominated or not, saving democracy is one's obligation to the country and an obedience to God.

Let us see if Gloria will be an agent of change for the better. We will see if she will obey God and refuse tyranny. Otherwise she will be judged harshly by both law and history. She should not only be thinking of her legacy to the country and the world but also to her grandchildren, her heirs. She said that her family is clean, therefore she is the only one who can make that stay forever in the eyes of the world and her grandchildren.

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:04 PM | Permalink

GK Highway of Hope USA to Unite Fil-Ams

By Johnny M. Pecayo

CARSON, CA -- Gawad Kalinga executives, led by Tony Meloto and Dylan Wilk, met with members of the press and community leaders at the Maynila Restaurant here Friday afternoon that practically took the whole afternoon discussing GK's accomplishments in the past years, and the GK Highway of Hope USA.

Dylan Wilk, Director for International Operations of Gawad Kalinga, will embark on a cross-country road tour to 65 cities across the United States of America in 81 days to inspire Filipino-Americans to rebuild their motherland and fight the "Goliath of Poverty" in the Philippines .

GK Highway of Hope USA tour is part of GK's campaign to spread the news to Filipinos who have yet to hear about GK.

Likewise called the Caravan of Hope tour, this move also aims to honorthe contributions of thousands of Fil-Ams and different organizations and foreigners "who have carried the light of GK into their lives."

According to Patricia E steves of the Philippine Star, "Dylan and wife Ana Meloto, and their two kids -- two-year-old Arielle and five-month-old Chloe, will travel and drive a total distance of 14,000 miles or 22,000 kilometers to reach 65 cities across the United States of America. The caravan has commenced in Antioch , California last February 2, and will culminate in San Diego , California on May 24, in time for the Bayani summit."

Dylan is driving the van alternately with GK 1 Million Bayani (1MB) USA National Coordinator Nathan Mari.

Tony Meloto recognized during the meeting in Carson GK Media partner MANILA-U.S. TIM E S, led by its publisher and editor-in-chief, Johnny M. Pecayo, along with Anong Mariano and others.

Asked by Greg Macabenta if MANILA-U.S. TIM E S could carry articles about the GK Highway of Hope, Pecayo replied that since December 2003, MANILA-U.S. TIM E S has been supporting Gawad Kalinga, by dedicating one full page on page 7 of the newspaper, for its cause. A number of times, it went beyond one page, and "we don't worry about it, for as long as can be of help achieve our common cause," Pecayo said.

Prominent GK advocates were seen mingling with the crowd -- Former Agriculture Secretary Cito Lorenzo, Jose "Boy" Montelibano, Maria Montelibano, lawyer Rose I. Cabrera, Maricel Villanueva, Dr. E ustaquio Abay, in-charge of GK Healthcare; Rick Munda and others.

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:01 PM | Permalink

Gemma S Dimaculangan
02/18/2008 09:38 AM

To all Filipinos E verywhere:

I used to think that corruption and criminality in the Philippines were caused by poverty. But recent events tell me this isn't true. It is one thing to see people turn into drug addicts, prostitutes, thieves and murderers because of hunger and poverty, but what excuse do these rich, educated people have that could possibly explain their bizarre behavior? And to think I was always so relieved when petty snatchers got caught and locked away in jail because I never fully realized that the big time thieves were out there, making the laws and running our country. Can it get any worse than this?

E very night, I come home and am compelled to turn on my tv to watch the latest turn of events. I am mesmerized by these characters. They are not men. They are caricatures of men - too unreal to be believable and too bad to be real. To see these "honorable" crooks lambast each other, call each one names, look each other in the eye and accuse the other of committing the very same crimes that they themselves are guilty of, is so comical and appalling that I don't know whether to laugh or cry. It is entertainment at its worst!

I have never seen so many criminals roaming around unfettered and looking smug until now. These criminals wear suits and barongs, strut around with the confidence of the rich and famous, inspire fear and awe from the very citizens who voted them to power, bear titles like "Honorable", "Senator", "Justice", "General" and worse, "President". Ironically, these lawless individuals practice law, make our laws, enforce the law. And we wonder why our policemen act the way they do! These are their leaders, and the leaders of this nation – Robin Hoodlum and his band of moneymen. Their motto? "Rob the poor, moderate the greed of the rich."

It makes me wonder where on earth these people came from, and what kind of upbringing they had to make them act the way they do for all the world to see. It makes me wonder what kind of schools they went to, what kind of teachers they had, what kind of environment would produce such creatures who can lie, cheat and steal from an already indebted country and from the impoverished people they had vowed to serve. It makes me wonder what their children and grandchildren think of them, and if they are breeding a whole new generation of improved Filipino crooks and liars with maybe a tad more style but equally negligible conscience. Heaven forbid!

I am an ordinary citizen and taxpayer. I am blessed to have a job that pays for my needs and those of my family's, even though 30% of my earnings go to the nation's coffers. Just like others in my lot, I have complained time and again because our government could not provide enough of the basic services that I expect and deserve. Rutty roads, poor educational system, poor social services, poor health services, poor everything. But I have always thought that was what all third world countries were all about, and my complaints never amounted to anything more.

And then this. Scandalous government deals. Plundering presidents pointing fingers. Senators associated with crooks. Congressmen who accept bribes. Big time lawyers on the side of injustice. De Venecia ratting on his boss only after his interminable term has ended, E nrile inquiring about someone's morality! The already filthy rich Abalos and Arroyo wanting more money than they or their great grandchildren could ever spend in a lifetime. Joker making a joke of his own "pag bad ka, lagot ka!" slogan. Defensor rendered defenseless. Gen. Razon involved in kidnapping. Security men providing anything but a sense of security. And it's all about money, money, money that the average Juan de la Cruz could not even imagine in his dreams. Is it any wonder why our few remaining decent and hardworking citizens are leaving to go work in other countries?

And worst of all, we are once again saddled with a power-hungry president whose addiction has her clinging on to it like barnacle on a rusty ship. "Love (of power) is blind" takes a whole new meaning when PGMA time and again turns a blind eye on her husband's financial deals. And still blinded with all that is happening, she opts to traipse around the world with her cohorts in tow while her country is in shambles.

They say the few stupid ones like me who remain in the Philippines are no longer capable of showing disgust. I don't agree. Many like me feel anger at the brazenness of men we call our leaders, embarrassment to share the same nationality with them, frustration for our nation and helplessness at my own ineffectuality. It is not that I won't make a stand. It is just that I am afraid my actions would only be futile. After all, these monsters are capable of anything. They can hurt me and my family. They already have, though I may not yet feel it.

But I am writing this because I need to do something concrete. I need to let others know that ordinary citizens like me do not remain lukewarm to issues that would later affect me and my children. I want to make it known that there are also Filipinos who dream of something better for the Philippines . I want them to know that my country is not filled with scalawags and crooks in every corner, and that there are citizens left who believe in decency, fairness, a right to speak, a right to voice out ideas, a right to tell the people we have trusted to lead us that they have abused their power and that it is time for them to step down. I refuse to let this country go to hell because it is the only country I call mine and it is my responsibility to make sure I have done what I could for it.

Those of us who do not have the wealth, power or position it needs to battle the evil crime lords in the government can summon the power of good. We can pray. We can do this with our families every night. We can offer petitions every time we celebrate mass. We can ask others to pray, too, including relatives and friends here and overseas. And we can offer sacrifices along with our petitions, just so we get the message to Him of our desperation in ridding our nation of these vermin. After all, they cannot be more powerful than God!

I implore mothers out there to raise your children the best way you can. Do not smother, pamper, or lavish them with too much of the material comforts of life even if you can well afford them. Teach them that there are more important things in this world. I beg all fathers to spend time with their children, to teach them the virtues of hard work, honesty, fair play, sharing, dignity and compassion – right from the sandbox till they are old enough to go on their own. Not just in your homes, but at work, in school, everywhere you go. Be good role models. Be shining examples for your children so they will learn to be responsible adults who will carry and pass on your family name with pride and honor.

I call on educators and teachers – we always underestimate the power of your influence on the minds of our youth. E ncourage them to be aware of what is happening in their surroundings. Instill in them a love of their country, inculcate in them the value of perseverance in order to gain real, worthwhile knowledge, help us mold our children into honorable men and women. E ncourage our graduates, our best and brightest, to do what they can to lift this country from the mire our traditional politicians have sunk us into. The youth is our future – and it would be largely because of you, our educators, that we will be able to repopulate the seats of power with good leaders, presidents, senators, congressmen, justices, lawmakers, law enforcers and lawful citizens.

I ask all students, young people and young professionals everywhere to look around and get involved in what is happening. Do not let your youth be an excuse for failure to concern yourselves with the harsh realities you see. But neither let this make you cynical, because we need your idealism and fresh perspective just as you need the wisdom of your elders. YOUR COUNTRY N E E DS YOU! Let your voices be heard. Do what you can for this land that gave you your ancestors and your heritage. Use technology and all available resources at hand to spread good. Text meaningful messages to awaken social conscience. Try your best to fight moral decay because I promise you will not regret it when you become parents yourselves. You will look back at your past misdeeds and pray that your children will do better than you did.

Remember that there are a few handful who are capable of running this country. You can join their ranks and make their numbers greater. We are tired of the old trapos. We need brave idealistic leaders who will think of the greater good before anything else. I voted for Atty. Martin Bautista and his team and I sure hope they will run again. Do your utmost to excel in your chosen field. Be good lawyers, civil servants, accountants, computer techs, engineers, doctors, military men so that when you are called to serve in government, you will have credibility and a record that can speak for itself.

For love of this country, for the future of our children, for the many who have sacrificed and died to uphold our rights and ideals, I urge you to do what you can. As ordinary citizens, we can do much more for the Philippines than sit around and let crooks lead us to perdition. We owe ourselves this. And we owe our country even more.

Posted by pamagcusa at 08:00 PM | Permalink

Greetings,

Your love and concern for the Philippines are obvious. Our Moral Crusade overseas

is so important for our country and our people that leaders like you are

vital to this movement, which is gaining momentum as you

can see on the FUN website:

www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com

A One-Dollar Moral Crusade Against
Graft and Corruption

Philip S. Chua, MD, FACS, FPCS*
Chairman, Filipino United Network (USA)

How would you like to launch a historical fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines and "buy" back morality in our government --- all for just One Dollar?

You and I have always abhorred the corruption among our government officials in the Philippines, from top to bottom, and deplored the sad state of our country, where more than 70% of our people wallow in massive poverty. While the issue is a complex one, the most obvious etiology of this shameful malady is the overwhelming graft and corruption among our amoral and decadent government leaders.

Would you be willing to invest a dollar --- yes, one single US dollar --- in the fight against graft and corruption in the Philippines?

Our inspiration in this battle is a man of God, the Reverend Father "Among Ed" Panlilio, the newly elected "Miracle" Governor of Pampanga, a man of dignity and integrity.

What happened in that province is amazingly unbelievable. A humble priest, without political experience, without a bank account, without a political machinery, beating two "unbeatable" seasoned, well-funded, and powerful political giants. "Impossible," said the political gurus when "Among Ed" first started his crusade. But the Greater Power above obviously had a grander plan for "Among Ed," and proved the pundits wrong. Suddenly, there was hope for the Philippines.

Armed with his unblemished character, moral ascendancy, love of country, and a strong commitment to honesty and transparency in government, "Among Ed" handily won the election, in spite of widespread vote-buying and rampant cheating. It was evident that a visionary leader with integrity can truly inspire and bring out the best in the Filipino.

The billions of "missing" revenues from the Lahar collection in the past, which Governor Panlilio has exposed since he assumed office June 30, 2007, is only the tip of the iceberg of the invasive cancer of graft and corruption afflicting every level of government in the entire country.

Unfortunately, an honest man makes some people uncomfortable, so there is now a move to eliminate "Among Ed, or oust him thru a Recall, Recount, or, as rumored (hopefully not true), by "Requiem."

This Moral Crusade is waging this war against graft and corruption in our country. A dream, yes. A tall order, definitely not, because we have upcoming young and honest leaders in the making. An impossible task? No, not with the Divine Providence, with YOU, and people power on his side!

Governor Panlilio has adopted Gawad Kalinga as the pillar of his vision for Pampanga and the nation. His crusade is gaining speed and momentum, and like Tony Meloto's GK, it will soon be unstoppable. Giant national groups, and many other segments of our society, are now supporting "Among Ed." Filipinos around the world are rejoicing and rallying behind him. And we want you to be a part of this historical transformation.

Come and fly high with this moral crusade, to get rid of gutter politicians and immoral officials. Our country and our neglected poor need heroes like you in our battle for morality in government, for justice and dignity for our people. This is, indeed, a revolution. Not a revolution of arms where blood will be shed, but a revolution of ideals and of principle, where dreams and vision, sweat and tears shall bathe the nation clean.

All this crusade needs is your personal commitment and moral support, an investment for the future of the Philippines. Let's not miss this opportunity. Let's use our power to help change our country for the better.

The Filipino United Network Drive (FUND) for HOPE is a commitment of overseas Filipinos to rally behind the crusade against graft and corruption in the Philippines. We invite you to be a patriot and join us in this historical revolution.

Please make your donation payable to: FUND FOR HOPE, and mail it to: Dr. Ale Ragaza at Multicare Medical Center, 232 Boston Post Road, Milford, CT 06460, USA, or, to Buenaventura Security Suite 201, 62 E. Osmena St., Guadalupe, Cebu City, 6000, Philippines.

For your convenience, whichever country you are in, you may also donate thru PayPal with your credit card, a globally accepted and very secure entity owned by eBay. (Please visit www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com and click on the orange DONATE button, or simply click on the blue URL link at the end of this letter. All donors and amount will be published on this website. No amount is too small or too large for this vital revolution. We are all together in this moral crusade. (See List of Patriot Donors the FUN website).

More than the dollar, your commitment and support are what we need. Kindly include your full name and email address for our Historical Archive. Be a patriot. This will be the best dollar/peso investment you'll ever make, and help in nation building. Please do visit the FUN website at www.filipinoUNITEDnetwork.com

Each token dollar "invested" symbolizes one Filipino patriot who is coming to the aid of our country, and is committed to support this moral crusade for a better Philippines. More important than the dollar is your commitment and dedication.

The funds we receive will be sent to Kapampangan Marangal, Inc. (KMI), a benevolent socio-civic humanitarian group supporting this moral crusade in the Philippines. They will be used to purchase media time and space (local and national newspaper, radio, TV), for printing of flyers, posters, newsletters, brochures, etc. needed in the crusade against graft and corruption. The Filipino United Network (FUN) is also supporting Gawad Kalinga (land for the landless, homefor the homeless program) and donating part of the fund for the purchase of computers for public high schools, with programs to educate the students about good citizenship, honesty and transparency in governance, vigilance, voting obligations, self-reliance, industry, and other proactive and progressive disciplines.

Join this revolution, help our country and our people, and leave a proud and lasting legacy for our children and the future generations to cherish with honor and dignity.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS LETTER TO ALL YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS AND REQUEST

YOUR FRIENDS TO DO THE SAME.

NOTHING BAD WILL HAPPEN IF YOU DO NOT FORWARD THIS APPEAL,

BUT SOMETHING GOOD WILL, IF YOU DO.

THANK YOU, AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.

Posted by pamagcusa at 10:55 PM | Permalink

Despite continuous and increasingly agitated protests against Pres. GMA by opposition forces especially with the most recent Lozada blockbuster expose', I regret to say that it will take nothing short of a miracle, albeit a civil war, for her to step down from the presidency before 2010. Her steadfast refusal to give up the reins of power is evidenced and bolstered by the fact that despite the Machiavelian, iron-fisted approach with which she recently dealt with incumbent Senator Trillanes and company, with their liberties/activities effectively curtailed/neutralized to say the least, there was hardly any corresponding revulsive response from opposition forces befitting one of Sen. Trillanes’ stature. Apparently, many of the equally prominent and so-called "opposition" politicians would rather play it safe rather than risk losing it all just like he did. Moreover, a sizeable portion of the Filipino people have resigned to the status quo as it is and would rather prefer to live in relative peace devoid of the turmoil, violence and uncertainties that accompany any EDSA-inspired mass protests. Disappointed in having seen the absence of profound changes from 2 previous EDSA-style protests, the ordinary Filipino just doesn’t see any point in having a third EDSA-style protest. Even with her out of the way, many believe that nothing much will change in the political arena anyway. Besides, there is also a reasonable apprehension by some prominent sectors of our country that the Philippines could easily become a "banana" republic by another EDSA-inspired political upheaval of this sort.

It is disturbing to note that what reverberates behind this increasing passiveness/indifference of the Filipino people to replace Pres. GMA is the dismal disunity of opposition forces as well as the absence of a Ninoy Aquino-like leadership in the national horizon with the clout, personality, integrity, charisma and competence that people could unite and rally behind. Indeed, in looking at the current political scenario, it is easy to see that why many Filipinos think that replacing Pres. GMA is more akin to getting out of the frying pan straight into a raging fire. Such a dismal lack of choices for national leadership does not augur well for a country which desperately needs enlightened, strong yet benevolent leadership with the political will/resolve to not leave any stones unturned to prosecute and stop once and for all the prevalent graft and corruption, violence-prone mentality in our government and get our country back on track towards political integrity, stability and its resulting economic prosperity.

Unfortunately, in the midst of what is happening in our country and the need for a drastic political upheaval, many prominent Filipinos, unlike Senator Trillanes or Mr. Lozada or even Bro. Eddie Villanueva, who has become even more vocal in ousting Pres. GMA prior to 2010, simply want to eat the cake but will not bake it or want to go to heaven but not willing to die. To make it worse, many of our people are so distracted and pre-occupied by the need to provide for the basic necessities of their families that they just don’t have the financial resources and the luxury of time to address the seemingly incurable social ills and government irregularities which like cancer are causing the sheer deterioration of the moral fabric of Philippine society. This is why I believe it’s about time for Filipinos overseas especially those based in the USA who have been blessed with so much, especially in the light of the Lozada expose' depicting the massive impunity with which graft and corruption is practiced in the highest levels of government, to lend a vital helping hand in the Filipino people’s ongoing struggle for the moral, economic and political transformation of our country. It is about time that collectively, we come out of the woodwork, put together our respective time, financial resources, talents and abilities and start being pro-active in the Philippine political arena and perhaps in due time, offer and support viable, alternative and winnable choices for national leadership in 2010 and beyond. No more should political governance be monopolized by existing political dynasties, many members have turned out to be morally bankrupt individuals whose integrity and competence leave much to be desired and whose self-centered interests run contrary to the very essence of public service and the promotion of the public welfare they pledged to uplift. After all, isn’t it written…"To whom much is given, much is required."…Amen?

Atty. Ramoncito "Bro. Mon" Ocampo, a licensed attorney in CA and Phil. welcomes your comments at ocampolawusa@yahoo.com.

Posted by pamagcusa at 10:52 PM | Permalink

Kapampangan Marangal, Inc. cordially invites you to the book launching of Luid Ka! (Stories and Images of the Kapampangan Crusade for Good Governance):

Date: February 24, 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Venue: Bale Ugnayan Betis, Guagua, Pampanga
Book Reviewer: Prof. Randy S. David
For more details, pls. call: (045) 963-24-09 or 0928-798-0920

This is a good opportunity for us Kapampangans to look back to the events that spelled initial victory for good governance in Pampanga in the May 2007 elections. It is also an opportune time to remember how our concerted action as a people made possible a Revolution that helped topple a dictator more than a decade ago.

Luid ya ing Pilipinong Marangal!

Posted by pamagcusa at 10:13 PM | Permalink

Here's the homily of Fr. Manoling Francisco during the Mass for Jun Lozada this morning:

RECLAIMING OUR HUMANITY
MASS FOR JUN LOZADA
LA SALLE GYMNASIUM, GREENHILLS
17 FEBRUARY 2008

On this Second Sunday of Lent, during which we are asked to reflect on the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ, I wish to touch on three themes that have to do with our moral transformation as a people: first, Ascertaining Credibility; second, Rediscovering our Humanity; and third, Witnessing to the Truth. In so doing, I hope to invite all of you to reflect more deeply on how we, as a nation, might respond to the present political crisis in which our identity and ethos, our convictions and integrity, in fact, who we are as a people, are at stake.

I. ASCERTAINING CREDIBILITY

Jun, as Sen. Miriam Santiago has grilled you to ascertain your credibility (or was it to undermine your credibility?), allow me to raise some important questions to consider in the very process of discerning your credibility. Allow me to do so by drawing on my own counseling experience.
Very often, a young rape victim initially suppresses his or her awful and painful story, indeed wills to forget it, in the hope that by forgetting, he or she can pretend it never happened. But very often, too, there comes a point when concealing the truth becomes unbearable, and the desperate attempts to supposedly preserve life and sanity become increasingly untenable.
At this point the victim of abuse decides to seek help. But even after having taken this step, the victim, devastated and confused, will tell his or her story with much hesitation and trepidation. It should be easy to imagine why. In telling the truth, one risks casting shame on himself or herself, subjecting oneself to intense scrutiny and skepticism, and jeopardizing one’s safety and those of his or her loved ones, especially when one dares to go up against an older or more powerful person.

Similarly, it is easy to imagine why Jun would initially refuse to challenge the might of Malacanang. Who in his or her right mind would accuse Malacanang of crimes against our people and implicate the First Family in a sordid tale of greed and corruption, knowing that by doing so, one endangers one’s life and the lives of his or her loved ones? We are, after all, living in dangerous times, where the government has not hesitated to use everything in its power to keep itself in power, where it has yet to explain and solve the numerous cases of extra-judicial killings.
But Jun is in his right mind. His story rings true especially in the face of the perils that he has had to face. And by his courage, Jun has also shown that it is not only that he is in his right mind; his heart is also in the right place.
Hence, my personal verdict: Jun, I believe that you are a credible witness. And if hundreds have gathered here this morning, it is probably because they also believe in you. Mga kapatid, naniniwala ba kayo kay Jun Lozada? Naniniwala ba kayo sa kanyang testimonya? Kung gayon, palakpakan po natin ang Probinsyanong Intsik, si Mr. Jun Lozada.
Jun, we hope that by our presence here, you may find some consolation. Pope Benedict XVI writes that “con-solatio” or consolation means “being with the other in his or her solitude, so that it ceases to be solitude.” Jun, be assured that your solitude is no longer isolation as we profess our solidarity with you. Hindi ka nag-iisa. We are committed to stay the course and to do our best to protect you and your family and the truth you have proclaimed.


II. REDISCOVERING OUR HUMANITY

What makes Jun a credible witness to us?
I think Jun is credible not simply by virtue of his being an eyewitness to the unmitigated greed of some of our public officials. Perhaps more importantly, Jun is credible because he has witnessed to us what it means to be truly human.
Which leads me to my second theme: What does it mean to be human? How might we rediscover our humanity?
Allow me to quote Pope Benedict XVI, who in his latest encyclical, Spe Salvi, has written: “the capacity to accept suffering for the sake of goodness, truth and justice is an essential criterion of humanity, because if my own well-being and safety are ultimately more important than truth and justice, then the power of the stronger prevails, then violence and untruth reign supreme. Truth and justice must stand above my comfort and physical well-being, or else my life becomes a lie. . . For this … we need witnesses—martyrs …. We need them if we are to prefer goodness to comfort, even in the little choices we face each day.”
Our Holy Father concludes, “the capacity to suffer for the sake of the truth is the measure of humanity.”
Isn’t this the reason we emulate our martyrs: Jose Rizal, Gomburza, Evelio Javier, Macli-ing Dulag, Cesar Climaco and Ninoy Aquino? They have borne witness for us what it means to be truly human—to be able to suffer for the sake of others and for the sake of the truth.

I remember Cory recalling a conversation she had with Ninoy while they were in exile in Boston . Cory asked Ninoy what he thought might happen to him once he set foot in Manila . Ninoy said there were three possibilities: one, that he would be rearrested and detained once more in Fort Bonifacio ; two, that he would be held under house arrest; and three, that he would be assassinated.
“Then why go home?” Cory asked.
To which Ninoy answered: “Because I cannot allow myself to die a senseless death, such as being run over by a taxi cab in New York . I have to go home and convince Ferdinand Marcos to set our people free.”

Witnessing to one’s deepest convictions, notwithstanding the consequences, is the measure of our humanity. Proclaiming the truth to others, whatever the cost, is the mark of authentic humanity.
Jun, we know you have feared for your life and continue to do so. But in transcending your fears for yourself and your family, you have reclaimed your humanity. And your courage and humility, despite harassment and calumniation by government forces, embolden us to retrieve and reclaim our humanity tarnished by our cowardice and complicity with sin in the world. You have inspired us to be true to ourselves and to submit to and serve the truth that transcends all of us.


III. WITNESSING TO THE TRUTH

This leads us to our third and last theme: witnessing to the truth. In his encyclical, Pacem in Terris, Pope John XXIII exhorts that it is the fundamental duty of the government to uphold the truth: “A political society is to be considered well-ordered, beneficial and in keeping with human dignity if it grounded on truth.” Moreover, the encyclical explains that unless a society is anchored on the truth, there can be no authentic justice, charity and freedom.
Every government is therefore obliged to serve the truth if it is to truly serve the people. Its moral credibility and authority over a people is based on the extent of its defense of and submission to the truth. Insofar as a government is remiss in upholding the truth, insofar as a government actively suppresses the truth, it loses its authority vested upon it by the people.

At this juncture, allow me to raise a delicate question: At what point does an administration lose its moral authority over its constituents?
First, a clear tipping point is the surfacing of hard evidence signifying undeniable complicity of certain government officials in corruption and injustice, evidence that can be substantiated in court.
Hence, during the Marcos Regime, the manipulation of Snap Election results as attested to by the tabulators who walked out of the PICC was clear evidence of the administration’s disregard for and manipulation of the collective will of the people in order to remain in power..
During the Erap Administration, the testimony of Clarissa Ocampo, claiming that Pres. Erap had falsified Equitable Bank documents by signing as Jose Velarde, was the smoking gun that triggered the rage of our people.
Allow me to respond to the same question by pursue an alternative track of argument: an administration loses it moral authority over its people when it fails in its fundamental duty to uphold the truth, when it is constituted by an ethos of falsehood. When a pattern of negligence in investigating the truth, suppressing the truth and harassing those who proclaim the truth is reasonably established, then a government, in principle, loses its right to rule over and represent the people.

Regarding negligence: Do the unresolved cases, such as the the failed automation of the national elections, the fertilizer scam, the extra-judicial killings, and the “Hello, Garci” scandal, constitute negligence on the part of the GMA Administartion to probe and ferret out the truth?
Regarding covering-up the truth: Does the abduction of Jun Lozada and the twisting and manipulation of his narrative by Malacanang’s minions constitute concealment of the truth? Was the padlocking of the office of Asst. Gov’t Counsel Gonzales who testified before the Senate regarding the North Rail project anomaly an instance of covering-up the truth?
Regarding the suppression of the truth: Does the issuance and implementation of E.O. 464, which prevents government officals from testifying in Senate hearings without Malacanang’s permission, constitute suppression of the truth? Was the prevention of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Senga and six other officers from testifying before the Senate with regard the “Hello, Garci” scandal tantamount to a suppression of the truth? Was disallowing Brig. Gen. Quevedo, Lt. Col Capuyan and Lt. Col. Sumayo from appearing before the Lower House an instance of hindering the truth from surfacing?
And regarding harassment of those who proclaim the truth: Are the abduction of Jun Lozada and the decision to court-marshall Gen. Gudani and Col. Balutan for disregarding Malacanang’s order not to testify before the Senate examples of punishing those who come forth to tell the truth?

By conflating one’s responses to all these questions does one arrive not at hard evidence showing culpapility on the part of some government officials, but a ghestalt, an image which nonetheless demands our assessment and judgment. I invite all of you then to consider these two methods of evaluating and judging the moral credibility of any government, the moral credibility of our present government.

Allow me to end with a few words about an Ignatian virtue, familiaritas cum Deo. To become familiar with God involves the illumination of the intellect, coming to know who God is and what God wills. But it also involves the conversion of the affect, the reconfiguration of the heart. Becoming familiar with God entails trasforming and conforming my thinking, my feeling and my doing in accordance to the Lord’s, which can only be the work of grace.
Familiarity with God thus entail rejoicing in what God delights—the truth; abhoring what God detests—falsehood; being pained by what breaks the heart of God—the persecution of truth-seekers. Familiary with God means sharing the passion of God for the truth and the pathos of God whenever the truth and the bearers of truth are overcome by the forces of the lie.
On this Second Sunday of Lent, as we contemplate the transfiguration of Jesus Christ on Mount Horeb , we pray that our hearts and minds be so transfigured and so conformed to the mind, heart and will of the Jesus, our way, our life, and our truth.
May the Lord bless and protect you, Jun, and your family. May the Lord bless and guide us all into the way of truth. Amen.

Posted by pamagcusa at 12:53 AM | Permalink

Barack Obama, Jun Lozada, Ed Panlilio

Ilben ke i Jun Lozada keng TV Patrol agyang ali naku manalbe balitang Pilipinas telebisyon. Makapanikal ing manalbe mamalitang lalto balamu mannequin a ali ku atalukyan piblas. Dapot ing palage kening kaparang probinsianu, penaya ke, pauli ning anti ding dakal mangawang matinu at panutak a salita. Mekad mayli pa ampong makapulut dakal a mangatimbang salita o aral ibat kaya. Neng dindam ko ding pilan nang amanu king aptas, apansinan kung malaman ya at matimbang mangamanu.

Malalam-lalam la pin ding salita nining taung ayni. Maragul a keliwa karing pane rang papakit media.

Ding memalayan, agyang keni Amerika dakal ali la bubulad pero mimisip la't magumasid at tatandanan da ing mararapat. Mayayakit ngeni ing pamakyabe ra at pamakyalam king paralan pampolitika. Migising nala ngeni at makyabe. Ding kayanakan masigasig lang lalakad. Lon ya i Senador Barack Obama, lalako na ing puunan ding maperang tumpukan o negosyu king alalan, bangkanita ali la miririnan gapus o tali patye makalukluk nala ding miyalal. Keta kekatamu makapagmulala ing ating tiga COMELEC a miyayabe karing pisasabyan at pangalakal a kasunduan.

Kalupa nang Pun Lalawigan Among Ed Panlilio ing daraptan nang Barack Obama, Senador a tatagal maging kandidatu para Pamuntuk ning Amerika. Ding masa ilang babye perang gastusan king kampanya na. Malambat nang pisasabyan ing lobbying keni. Masakit pin ing mabibiag karing pikautangan lub o pera. Matalinu ya at mapag-masabal talaga i Among Ed. Malambat na neng pegaralan ing kabilyan ning lipunan kalupa ra ding dakal a Kapampangan, Filipinung ali mu bubulad. Kebit na king gawa ing pangadi at turu ning Santa Iglesia. Dininan neng kabaldugan ini king tutung biye. Ali ya abiag king "separation of Church and State i Amung. Lakwas yang ali asila king pulpitu.

King pamakiramdam karing amanu na ning binang mitakutan a inyeru king Batasan Pilipinas, ikit ku pin matalinu ya at mautak, ali man tapang ing ginamit na. Makaragpa ya mu king Gabun, king Gabun Tibwan, king Katutwan. Pauli na nini sasaryan na o ali, abagut nala suksuk ding balang Filipinu. Suksuk a malambat nang makakaplas at magdalang sakit. Manayid, manawa.

Karing amanu nang Jun Lozada aganaka la rening akalambitawan (akalingwan, milako king isip) nang turu ding mangatwa:

* Nung bisa kang mipasno, magsalita kang katutwan.
* Ing pibalebale yang mumunang eskwela. Matimbang la ding kaniwan (morals or righteousness) a tuturu ding katubale lakwas na ding pengari.
* Ding pamana ra ding bayani matimbang lang tuntunan.
* Mayap yang sandata ing katutwan king labanan.
* Ing pamikaluguran asusubuk king kasakitan, ali pikakaluguran ing kalaraman.
* Ing Mayupaya Ya mu kabud maki alang kapupusan sikanan.
* Ali na asali ning pera ing saya at katimawan.
* Atyu king Dios ing lunus, atyu king tau ing dapat.
* Ing karokan ya ing sumira king sarili na o ninu mang magdala.
* Atin ngan anganan ing eganagana. Dapot ing kalbaryu ali ne sukat kakaba o umpisan man. Ing Upaya ya pin ding Tau aliwa ing Palasyu, Batasan, Ukuman.

Masagip ne sa ing Kabalen Gloria kabang atin pang penandit. I Gloria sukat na nang arapan ini, bangkanita mipasno ne isip at masaya neng mye kayabe ding keyang apu. Magamit na king mausta ing panaun at talinu ding Filipinung masasayang oras karing masukal at marinat a salabat king panyulung. Dinan lang mayap a kapadurutnan ding anak.

Posted by pamagcusa at 09:15 PM | Permalink

Provincial Briefings...

Capitol’s Mala Pampanga airs over GV

February 07, 2008

City of San Fernando – The Provincial Government of Pampanga has successfully conducted the pilot broadcast of “Mala Pampanga” this Sunday over DWGV-FM (99.1). Gov. Ed Panlilio co-anchored the initial airing of the show and even gave his commitment to grace the succeeding episodes as long as his schedule permits.

“Mala”, as explained in the show, has a threefold meaning. First, it focuses on the miracles that transpired in Pampanga. The election of Gov. Panlilio was considered by many as a miracle brought about by the spirit of volunteerism and the tremendous outpouring of support during his campaign in 2007. Until now, miracles come in the form of revenues for the barangays, municipalities, and the provincial treasury from the same lahar that devastated the lives of many Kapampangan’s since Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption in 1991.

“Mala” also means in the style, image and likeness of Pampanga. The program will showcase what the province is known and famous for like its culinary creations, creative craftsmanship, religiosity of the people, and the ministry of politics and good governance that other provinces now look up to as a model. Lastly, “Mal a” means precious Pampanga – we value our province whenever we set aside personal interests and work for the common good.

The main objective of Mala Pampanga is to disseminate information to all stakeholders of the province. The present administration respects the right of the people to know what their government is doing for their welfare. The program will become a venue of the capitol to report to the people its accomplishments as well as its plans, programs and services for all barangays and municipalities, and the different sectors within its jurisdiction. In the same way, the program will also serve as a vehicle for feedback of the constituents. The provincial government, through this radio program, enjoins its people to participate by sending in their comments, suggestions, and concerns to (0929)531-6745 or (0916)757-8836.

Mala Pampanga was made possible through the efforts and generosity of Mr. Edgar Movido, President of Punto! and Mr. Manny Galang, the owner of DWGV, who offered the time slot and air time to the provincial capitol for free. Indeed, this is one of the continuing miracles in Pampanga.

“Mala Pampanga” airs every Sunday, 3-4pm over DWGV-FM (99.1). Everyone is invited to listen and participate. /PIO.

Posted by pamagcusa at 09:14 PM | Permalink

February 10, 2008

OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF GOV. PANLILIO RE: RECOUNT

I view with disappointment the order issued by the Commission on Elections en banc denying my motion for reconsideration, and its lifting of the order deferring the inventory and transmittal of the ballot boxes of the May elections.

I believe the Supreme Court could be our beacon of hope in this electoral battle.

It is not my victory that is at stake here. the voices and victory of the Kapampangan voters seeking a true and good change in our government are at stake in this contest, specifically the reforms that I have introduced, and the hope that has pervaded the nation after my election into office.

I firmly believe that the mandate given me to lead the province is the expression of the true will of the people of Pampanga.

God has made this possible, I trust in the same provident God to bless our province with the grace of truth.

(Sgd) EDDIE T. PANLILIO
Governor

Posted by pamagcusa at 10:20 PM | Permalink

In the Philippines , the problem of corruption has become endemic and systemic that implicates in varying degrees both the states and private sectors. Worse, the absence of a decisive mechanism to ensure transparency in government procedures and transactions has further promoted corruption and a culture of impunity, and has resulted in the disempowerment of the people.

The problem of a deeply entrenched and unbridled corruption poses a continuing burden on the lives of the Filipino people resulting in an even increasing incidence of poverty where meaningful progress and development remain elusive.

There is therefore a pressing need to address the issue of corruption and seek a permanent solution. We believe it will require the collective efforts of individuals who are non-partisan and are known for their integrity and probity… men and women who will not compromise their principles and conviction to pursue an end to this problem.

There is a need to come up with a collective action that will act as a point of initiative to focus the national debate on corruption and promote the people’s analysis and call for genuine democratic governance as the long lasting solution.
Concerned Kapampangans have thus gathered together into an initiative known as PAMPANGA CONFERENCE ON ETHICAL GOVERNANCE.


You are invited to the …
CONFERENCE ON ETHICAL
GOVERNANCE
Theme: “Understanding the Concept of Genuine Democratic and Ethical Governance”
(Sponsored by: Church and Lawyers Peacemakers Conference and
Kapampangan Marangal, Inc.)
February 23, 2008 (Saturday)
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
St. Scholastica’s Academy, MacArthur Highway
City of San Fernando , Pampanga

M__________________________________________________
(This serves as an invitation)
P R O G R A M M E
Morning Session
8:00 - 8:20 - Registration
8:20 - 8:25 - Opening Ceremony
· National Anthem
· Invocation
· Welcome and opening remarks
8:25 - 8:30 - Introduction of the Keynote Speaker
8:30 - 9:30 - Keynote address
“The Legal Basis of Ethical Governance”
Hon. Reynato S. Puno
Chief Justice, Supreme Court
9:30 - 9:45 - Open Forum
9:45 - 10:00 - Cultural Presentation
10:00 - 10:15 - Snacks
10:15 -10:20 - Introduction of the Speaker
10:20 - 11:20 - “Practical Application of Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance in Pampanga”
Hon. Eddie “Among Ed” T. Panlilio
Pampanga Governor and CLPC Convenor
11:20 - 11:35 - Open Forum
11:35 - 12:00 - Solidarity Messages
Lunch Break
Afternoon Session
1:00 - 1:05 - Cultural Presentation
1:05 - 2:05 - Input:
“Present National Situation and the Imperatives of Genuine Democratic Governance”
Mr. Antonio Tujan
Director, IBON International
2:05 - 2:20 - Open Forum
2:20 - 4:00 - Workshop/drafting of plans of action
4:00 - 4:15 - Snacks
4:15 - 4:50 - Adoption of Reports, Resolution and Plans of Action
4:50 - 5:00 - Closing Remarks
Announcements
Emcees -- Ms. Clarissa Velez and Rev. Larry Anievas, IFI

Posted by pamagcusa at 09:23 PM | Permalink

Agyu Tang Magbayo? Can we change?

Ngana nang Pun Lalawigan among Ed, balang metung maulaga. Kalupa namo ning metung a pastul, balang sese na makabilang, agyang metung ya ing ala pa e nala yuli agyang metung ya ing kulang karela. Nanu pa kaya nung adwa la.

Somebody wrote on reconciliation, politics, on being practical. On arrogance and conceit. It sends the message that for the Governor Priest to be saved and get rid of the threat of recall, is for him to obey the wish of some and make them decide in choosing his legal arm and his deputy. Which is to say that, they want to partake in the Governor's execution of his elective function. This could be all right if you put your choice in the suggestion box. But, if you belong to another branch of the government it could cause an imbalance of power.

Somebody also said that perhaps, it is better if Among should just heed to what some local government heads want. " Paburen tanala ding mayor."

Ninanu la rugu. Kaybat nang tinanam, binayu, miglutu, iugse na na mo?

The easy way out is not the solution, it takes patience to win. The victory of Among and the good Kapampangans in the last election is only the beginning of a long battle for rebirth. Remember the Governor is a priest, he will not accept a so called solution if it is set on a premise of judging people by bias or prejudice. Where is reconciliation if you hurt two women and disregard their rights? More so if they have been working hard to uplift the respect of the law. What is practicality in politics? Is it the deprivation of the pay of the governor's appointive officials? Last time I heard a number of people including some who come from cities and towns outside Pampanga, who have been working at the Capitol have not received any salary at all. Although this may not really be news. During our time as provincial employees at the now Pampanga High School, it took almost a year before new teachers, eligible or not get paid.

Going back to being a practical politician, does it refer to the easy way out from the inconvenient truth? The Priest was elected because people have gotten tired of traditional politics. Perhaps this is the time when we can use the word "sacrifice", an often misused word by politicians and preachers. Politicians often ask constituents to sacrifice. Among Ed did the ultimate sacrifice of being stripped of his priestly acts by choosing to be a direct servant of the Kapampangans. That is the real sacrifice. Why don't others do the sacrifice themselves? Swallow their pride and reconcile with the two women lawyers, allow the Executive Branch to function as such. Respect its right to choose its office staff. That, could be a liberating sacrifice.

Why not try to know these two lawyers who, as records and news reports show are hard working and honest in serving the Kapampangan government? Perhaps they are better than what they are perceived and stigmatized to be by our traditional reckless or imprudent habits. Or who knows, by the sexists or the homophobic, biased, or victims of wrong education at home or and school. I do not know. These two are intelligent and brave courageous women. Imperfect like you and me, they must have qualities that have contributed to the mega increase of quarry collections. A quality which not many people possess. One proof of the Governor's right decision in choosing them.

Delayed gratification brings more benefits. It may be uncomfortable to those used to instant gratification but it is one of the needs necessary to remedy the sickening practices that have lasted too long. Let the good Governor lead the Province in shifting the country to correct politics. It is change that we have have been wanting, after all.

Posted by pamagcusa at 05:25 PM | Permalink