Sunda-sundaluhan? Battle for Hearts and Minds...

While Gen. Arturo Lim was being charged, a website was being launched at the same time. Sundalo, Tagapagtanggol ng Pilipino is being projected as a site moderated by idealistic soldiers that want to express their disdain against the current dispensation.

The sudden appearance of this website in cyberspace sparked support, curiosity and apprehension to many netizens both here and abroad. What really is this site all about? Is it for real? Is this some kind of ploy by the AFP top brass and ISAFP to flush out disgruntled soldiers and their civilian supporters?

Ellen Tordesillas of Malaya had written an article about Sundalo. She and another blogger, Yuko had tried to correspond with the site moderators. They both received what we all think and perceive, a computer generated reply to their comments and queries. They then sent another response to Ellen about her misgivings about the validity of their site. They asked her how they could prove to her that they are for real. They also advised Ellen to send a criteria of how to meet her standards.

I too am skeptical about the site. Further browsing and deep understanding of the issues posted there would confuse the reader. Some postings there seem to discredit the advocacy the site would like to present. If I should develop a site with an advocacy or cause, I would be straightforward and present my case to the reader with utmost clarity. Some bloggers have poited out glaring contradictions on the site. One perfect example is the supposed link of the Communists and the Magdalos. Inclusion of this in the site only bolters the case of the government's allegations. Still another is the inclusion of Gen. Ermita. Unless Ermita is a turncoat, the inclusion of his speech in the site would confuse the reader. MenOk another blogger, also pointed out how detailed the site was. The moderators even apologized for the slow uploading of their site. MenOk has pointed out that the site's counters recorded only 7,000 hits. We all know that that is not enough to knockout a site. With moderators promising a faster browsing speed, one would wonder how they can manage this, unless they have a highend package with the webhost, one cannot ask for more bandwidth.

Still, the moderators would like a dynamic interaction with the readers. This is good, but could also be interpreted as a tool of assessing the magnitude of the support and sentiments from the populace. One may feel that they are being led on to reveal their sentiments which of course could lead to exposing the supporters of the various groups of disgruntled soldiers. Others may view it as an experimental strategy by the administration and ISAFP. For sure, they are aware of the huge potential of blogging especially the untapped power of blogging to convince and persuade.

With all these observations in mind, we cannot discount the possibility of the site as being a farce. So readers and fellow bloggers, its all up to you. Visit the site, browse and discern. Try to read between the lines and then draw your own conclusion. As for me, what started out as skepticism has turned to disbelief.

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INSENSITIVE? Look Who's Talking

The recent hospitalization of the pretender had sparked a new round of finger-pointing and mud-slinging. Malacanang defenders blamed the opposition and other critics for the pretender's illness. After news broke out that the pretender had been rushed to St. Luke's Hospital due to the flu, several "unsavory" comments were made by the public in different shows aired over the radio.

Her allies dared the opposition to lend a hand in nation-building instead of adding to her headaches. They even went as far as citing the pretender's hardworking habits added to her illness. She had been diagnosed as suffering from the flu and had been advised to lessen her workload. She will be resting in the comfort of her presidential suite for her "much needed" rest.

She had been rushed to the same hospital last month due to diarrhea. This was just before she left for her European sortie to promote our "slaves" and to kiss the hand of the Pope.

Several critics had opined that she could be attended to by the palace infermary and medical staff. Its just a simple case of flu. To her alalays este allies pala, such comments were uncalled for and insensitive. They said that we must appreciate the pretender's efforts at pushing our country forward. Adding that she is such a workaholic, she even brought her laptop to the hospital despite being advised to rest.

To me, "look who's talking?" A simple flu and diarrhea is no cause for alarm. While the average Filipino could not even afford basic medical services, the gall of these lapdogs to say such remarks. The government's medical allocation for every Filipino is a measely 25 centavos a year. The pretender is lucky, she can avail of the best medical services anytime of day, anytime she wishes. How many children die of diarrhea and complications from flu every year? And these are very curable illnesses at this modern age. Was the government sensitive to their plight? The 25 centavo allocation is not even enough to buy a piece of candy at todays prices.

Hindi kaya sila kinikilabutan sa mga pinagsasabi nila? Who's insensitive now? Reps. Silverio and Salapuddin should shut up. Their remarks only highlight this administration's callous attitude towards the Filipinos. So the next time the pretender gets sick, I hope she keeps in mind the ordinary Filipino who toils everyday to pay her high taxes and get "scraps and leftovers" for basic, social services. I also hope her lapdogs think twice before opening their cavernous mouths.

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When the Funfare Ends.....the Nightmare Begins

What we witnessed yesterday was an early bid by Malacanang to promote its candidates for next years elections. She played to the gallery's delight. Hi-tech presentation and use of "props", dazzled the cheering crowd. She made sure to patronize all those who have helped her sagging presidency. Its no wonder why security was so tight. She made sure that those who wished to spoil her "extravaganza" would not get in. Despite the heavy rains, the opposition rallied outside the prostituted halls of congress.

She made sure she acknoledged her generals(?), her Cha-Cha Brigade, her "local" boys and her lapdogs. The highlight of her SONA was a powerpoint presentation on how she intends to turn the Philippines into a theme park that would rival Disneyland. The only things missing are cablecars and ski resorts. Had we had snow here, what else would she think of building. Her grandiose plan of making our country into a first world country would definitely incur huge expenditures that even her economic team wonders where the funding will come from. For sure, there will be a new round of borrowings as the administration has to take care of her political allies as well. Revenue from taxes will not be sufficient to pay off our debts and basic services expenditures. Should they choose not to borrow, we all know that the education and health sectors will be the least of their priorities.

But all things said, it was but a political rally. She obviously baited the re-electionist into supporting her or they would not get the projects she promised. These trapos in turn will use these mega-projects to entice the voters. This has been the modus operandi of the administration since day one. Her antics hopefully will pay off. But discerning minds even by the ordinary man on the street had learned to read between her li(n)es. She and her allies will definitely be facing a differnet electorate come 2007.

Its obvious they have given up on their Cha-Cha bid for now. They must now prepare for the coming elections. Her mega-regions was to serve as bait for the electorate. This will be her way of blackmailng the voters and the opposition alike. Despite the IRA and CDF laws, the administration continues to block the release of these funds to those who oppose her.

Now, we must all prepare for the elections. If the administration has laid its chips on the table this early, we must start to educate our voters. We must make our voices and true sentiments be heard. If this becomes a referendum of sorts, lets show this arrogant administration that we, the common man holds the key to the future of this country. And that no politician can hoodwink us into selling our votes to the devil.

Yes Madame President, "a journey of a thousand miles does not start with the first step, it starts with your demise."

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Know More About the Electoral Process

A good friend has started a new blogsite to educate the electorate. Postigo Luna, an advocate of clean and honest elections has embarked on a new endeavor. For those who believe in the sanctity of the ballot and our right to elect our leaders, please visit his BLOG. You may also wish to join his EGROUP.

These sites will give you an insight on the "what and how" of the electoral process. They are highly informative. Please find time to see what these great sites have to offer.

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Who's Shouting? War of the Words

Obviouly, somebody is getting restless. The Sigaw ng Bayan came out first, with mouths blazing. Answering the pretender's call to start the great debate, this group spearheaded the defense of the "presidency" through what most called "PI ni Gloria". Now it faces a voice in the wild, One Voice. One Voice is an advocacy group that questions the timing and motive to revise the 1987 Constitution. Despite being banged on all sides by oppposition groups from all sectors, Sigaw launched a signature campaign. Aided (funded?) by the different agencies of government, especially the DILG, they reportedly gathered 10 million votes(?).

While this is yet to be verified, One Voice came out with a tv ad which I found very appealing. Its Sigaw's turn for a media blitz. Coming out with a full page ad which seems to question One Voice's motives and goals and to undermine the personalities behind it. Now we have a word war of sorts, but it does not stop there. It has turned ugly as it seems Sigaw would like to turn a debate on principles to an all-out class war. And I thought the all-out war is directed only at the insurgency. I have yet to hear from One Voice any kind of cheap shot to destroy Sigaw.

Sigaw accused One Voice of being anti-poor. And even cast doubt on One Voice's convenors calling them elitists. I know some of its members come from prominent families but they comprise only a small segment of One Voice. To my understanding both Sigaw and One Voice are multi-sectoral. If we follow Sigaw's assertions that they are composed mostly of the poor, one would wonder where their funding is coming from. To venture into something so big entails a lot of expenses. And this tactic of starting a class war is sickening. Basing on how Malacanang operates, isn't it quite obvious who's bankrolling Sigaw's operations? In the end, the poor will be again at the losing end. This administration has done enough damage to our insitutions and society. I wonder when their lust for power will end.

In the end, credibility will play a very important role in this war of words. I will withold some of my opinions for now and see where this leads to. But one thing is for sure, enshrined in the constitution is my right to vote. And to me, that right is sacred. I will never relinquish that right. I would like to actively participate in choosing who to best lead this nation. I will never allow anybody else to elect for me the leaders of my country.

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The Subic Rape Case

An appeal has been sent to me regarding Nicole. She is the young Filipina allegedly raped by an American marine inside a van in Subic. I extend this appeal to all concerned bloggers to show their support for Nicole. I have linked her site and please feel free to browse through it. (Nicole Info. Bureau)

We must as a nation, stand behind her cause. Its not Nicole alone that this case is all about, its the Filipinos dignity that is at stake here. We may be divided politically, let us as a nation stand together behind Nicole. Let's not allow her to fight this alone, let us show the world that the Philippines cares and loves its own.

Please visit her site and learn more about the case.

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Deathtrap: LEBANON (Incompetence and Insincerity)

With the latest debacle this administration is facing, when and where will the next conflict erupt?

Despite the obvious mishandling of the Lebanon evacuation, Malacanang has not changed its policy of sending our contrymen to toil in distant lands. While bombs were raining down in Lebanon, the Pretender gainfully exchanged pleasantries with Khadaffi. Upon her return, she boasted of bilateral agreements which will enable more Filipinos to work in Libya. What astonishes me is her lack of interest with the lives of more than 30,000 OFWs trapped in Lebanon.

Her cabinet boasted of a "Plan" to get these OFWs out. Ermita even said there are many escape routes our people can take to get out of war-torn Lebanon. "Ikaw kaya ang pumunta dun and like Moses, lead our people to the Promise Land?" Cimatu even had a "wilder" suggestion. He would plant big Philippine flags so the Israelis would avoid hitting our people. He must be a big fan of Nardong Putik and mistook our flag for an amulet. While several countries have been evacuating their nationals, ours were left in the cold to fend for themselves. The administration had asked these OFWs to find shelter and protection in Catholic churches. They also admitted the lack of funds to effectively evacuate our weary countrymen. Total cost of evacuating the 30,000 Filipinos is estimated at more than $8M. So far, the government has released "loose change" to help fund the evacuation.

One would wonder where the OWWA funds are. Our OFWs are charged $25 by OWWA before they leave the country. Other fees are also collected by different government agencies in connection with their travel and employment abroad. With the volume of Filipinos leaving everyday to work abroad, one could say these fees are more than adequate to fund the evacuation. Which now leads us to the question of where these funds went? These funds are to assist our OFWs in their time of need. It seems that the OWWA's well is dry and funds exist only on paper. Where did all these money go? Perhaps to the campaign kitty of the pretender?

The remittances these OFWs send is what keeps our economy afloat. The sad part is when turmoils like the Middle East is currently embroiled in puts the lives of these OFWs at risk. Lack of strategy and contingency planning has endangered the lives of our "New Heroes". Despite the enormous contributions these people make, our government could care less but instead push more of our people to seek employment elsewhere even if they put their personal safety at risk. Abused by the very government tasked to care for them, they slave long hours in their desperate attempt at making life a little better for their loved ones.

The sad reality that lack of oppurtunity in spite of the administration's assertions that the economy is picking up is what drives these people to leave behind their families. The callous way this administration has treated our people is unforgivable. Just think of the social repercussions this policy of enslaving our countrymen in other lands has on our society. With their children left to fend for themselves and the increase of marriages gone sour, how can the basic unit of society fight for its continued existence?

Lebanon is truely a deathtrap and a showcase of the administration's incompetence and insincerity towards our unsung heroes.

*I'd like to express my thanks to Yuko, Anna, Vic, Jon Mariano, Emilio, Toots Ople and Uniffors for highlighting the cause and plight of our OFWs the world over. May your tribe increase.

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