UP Ibalon Bicol: Ambassador

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Ambassador Lauro Baja’s abuse cases of Pinay maid

8/30/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Former Philippine Ambassador Lauro l. Baja remains accused by his domestic helper Marichu S. Baoan. Out of the 15 charges, the accuser and her lawyers rounded them to 12 charges that included forced labor, trafficking, peonage, slavery, and involuntary servitude. Her lawyers filed an amended complaint without the the violation of the racketeer influenced and corrupt organization act (RICO).) Baja is given 20 days from August 18, 2009 to answer the charges.

“Baoanan complained that she worked at the Bajas as domestic helper for three months, her visa facilitated by Labaire International Travel. The Bajas collected fees from her, provided her temporary housing and organized her travel from the Philippines to New York. She was forced to work 18 hours a day, seven days a week with no days off for three months and paid merely $100…

Baoanan is taking action under the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, federal and state labor laws, and common law to recover her lawful minimum and overtime wages, other damages, attorneys’ fees. She is also seeking redress for violations of her basic human and civil rights.”----GMANews.Tv (08/26/09, Lariosa, J.G.)

Charges against the Bajas are pretty serious. If true, they reflect the discordant lifestyle of Filipinos that I mentioned in the blog before. The accusations are cautionary tales for Filipinos who dream of ritzy life-styles in USA cum maids in tow, but don’t have enough money, or a least plan to scrimp, to sustain such luxury. Circumventing the law, particularly by high Philippine officials on foreign assignments adds to the multiple black eyes our country suffer in the international stage.

An embarrassing story like Ambassador Baja’s is reminiscent of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s travels outside the country. Feeling the pinch of a jet-setter’s lifestyle with accusations of abuse and extravagance, the president creates an ugly picture about us Filipinos. It's the whole nation that bears the brunt.

The best policy therefore is still to live within one’s means---any extras, like having a maid in America or eating in a plush restaurant at New York’s Le Cirque restaurant at P1,000,000 a throw can spell trouble. (Photo Credit: filipinoexpress)

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Labels: "I Accuse", Ambassador, Coalition Against the Trafficking of Women, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), foreign travel, Lauro Baja, legal case, maids, OFW

Cristina Enrile quits Vatican post

4/15/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

Citing poor health, Cristina Enrile, wife of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile resigned from her post as Philippine ambassador to the Vatican which she held for barely six months. The easily tired lady had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS,) a nebulous medical condition whose diagnosis is as challenging as its treatment.

Prior to Cristina's assumption as envoy, there were some criticisms on the aptness of her selection. Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales (Mount Balatucan Monitor) and Bishop Leonardo Medroso of Tagbilaran (tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com) expressed it could have been better if the Catholic clergy was consulted about her appointment.

According to Juan Ponce, his wife complained of muscle pains, difficulty of breathing, dizziness, and tiredness, prompting Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo to accept her resignation.

Many of CFS sufferers complain of perplexing signs and symptoms that require thorough medical evaluation. A sizeable fraction of CFS sufferers have psychological overlays. It is uncertain if this holds true with the resigned lady envoy.

Replacing Cristina is Ma. Mercedes “Mercy” Reinares Arrastia-Tuason, the wife of a cousin of Pres. Arroyo’s husband. Tuason, a pro-lifer, is said to work with charitable organizations including those that minister to the poor and the sick.

It had been reported that another Philippine leader, Sen. Miriam D. Santiago suffers from the same medical condition as Cristina's. (Photo Credit: DFA) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Chronic Fatigue Syndrome” and Sen. Miriam D. Santiago’s tiredness" Posted by mesiamd at 2/07/2009

Chronic Fatigue Synrdome (CFS)

"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a hard diagnosis to make because there are no specific tests or laboratory markers to pinpoint the ailment; many illnesses have fatigue as among their prominent symptoms and a good fraction of patients looks well. The manifestations of CFS vary in severity and its course is characterized by periods of remissions and exacerbations."---UP Ibalon Bicol Blog (02/07/09, mesiamd)

A CFS diagnosis should be considered in patients who present with six months or more of unexplained fatigue accompanied by other characteristic symptoms. These symptoms may include:

• cognitive dysfunction, including impaired memory or concentration
• malaise or exhaustion lasting > 24 hours after physical or mental exercise
• unrestful sleep
• joint pain without signs of inflammation
• persistent musculo-skeletal pain
• depression
• mood swings
• headaches
• tender cervical or axillary lymph nodes
• sore throat
• cardiac and respiratory symptoms

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Labels: Ambassador, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Cristina Ponce Enrile, diseases, Envoy, Holy See, illness, Mercy Arrastia-Tuason, Resignation, Totie Mesia, Vatican

Caroline Kennedy’s support for abortion disqualifies her as US ambassador to the Vatican

4/15/2009 | Posted by Anonymous | Edit Post

After her failed bid to become the New York senator replacement of Hillary Clinton, Caroline Kennedy, 53, the only surviving child of the Pres. John F. Kennedy was considered unfit to serve as ambassador to the Holy See. According to Vatican sources, Kennedy’s staunch support abortion (just like the support of other Obama nominees) disqualifies her for the position.

Obama's endorsement of Caroline to the post had been perceived as a reward for the Kennedy's support to his presidential election. Many Catholics believe it is an insult to their faith to send in a woman who accepts the killing of unborn human beings.

The embarrassing rejection which the White House didn’t comment on, was upheld by Raymond Flynn, a former US ambassador to the Vatican, who said the well-connected Kennedy who espouses secular-liberal values contrary to Roman Catholic teaching wasn’t a good choice.

"It's imperative, it's essential that the person who represents us to the Holy See be a person who has pro-life values. I hope the President doesn't make that mistake," he told the Boston Herald. "She said she was pro-choice. I don't assume she's going to change that, which is problematic."----Telegraph.co. uk.(04/11/09, Spillius, A)

It’s just right that the Roman Catholic Church must assert what it teaches. A religion doesn’t have to bow down to the dictates of the secular society---especially if such dictates are contrary to its beliefs and traditions. Caroline's faulty nomination to the Holy See is just one among several in Obama administration who accepted positions with questionable qualifications. Photo Credit: photo240779) =0=

RELATED BLOG: "Caroline Kennedy backs out from New York US Senate race" Posted by mesiamd at 1/22/2009

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Labels: abortion, Ambassador, Caroline Kennedy, Catholic, Envoy, faith, Foreign Affairs, Holy See, moral values, morality, religion, Roman Catholic Church, Totie Mesia, Vatican

UP Ibalon Bicol

Ambassador Lauro Baja’s abuse cases of Pinay maid

Cristina Enrile quits Vatican post

Caroline Kennedy’s support for abortion disqualifies her as US ambassador to the Vatican

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