Showing posts with label Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Show all posts
GMA told to tell the truth in SONA
On the eve of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s delivery of her last State of the Nation Address to the joint Congress on Monday, July 27, 2009, the Archibishop of Manila Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales advises her to tell the truth. The Catholic prelate believes that mentioning her accomplishments is as important as being straight with the mistakes and failures of the government.
In another vein, Sen. Francis Escudero challenges the president to tell the real situation of the country. The public has become leery over Arroyo’s honesty. UP teacher Randy David also predicts of the usual “boasting” of the Arroyo government in the SONA and urges citizens to assess Arroyo’s supposed economic accomplishments.
Since the start of the year, Pres. Arroyo has been dogged by poor approval ratings, the lowest among presidents for years. In spite of attempts to prop up her image, poll shows she has been suffering from lack of trust from the constituents she serves. In the final analysis, her achievements must show in progress and improvement in the lives of the Filipinos. (Photo Credit: lavegaskodak) =0=
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Behind rumors of leaking breast implants, GMA is declared “healthy” with benign mammary & groin biopsy results
Almost coincident to the somber news that former Pres. Cory Aquino has abandoned all treatment against advanced colonic malignancy, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo who was on self-quarantine for H1N1 flu underwent biopsies of breast and groin masses at the Asian Hospital which turned out to be negative. Malacanang Palace issued a statement that the post-menopausal president is in perfect health.
“According to the Palace official, the lumps were discovered “earlier” during her medical check up at the Asian Hospital before she went to Pampanga to visit her infrastructure projects in June 15, two days before she flew for her 13-day, five-nation visits that ended on Monday night.
“There is biopsy made, the result is negative. The President is in pink of health,” ----Press. Sec. Cerge Remonde. Manila Bulletin (07/03/09, Luci, C. M.)
The press release was also a repudiation of a rumor that the president had leaking silicone breast implants done in the 1980's. President Arroyo’s attending physician and gynecologist Dr. Maria Theresa Tangkeko-Lopez certified Pres. Arroyo’s clean bill of health, but didn't comment on the implants. Photo Credit: lasvegaskodak) =0=
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Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s foreign travels questioned
It’s not only how frequent Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo travels abroad that legislators question---but the sheer number of companions in those costly trips. These travels are suspected to be extensions of abuse and corruption.
According to Sen. Francis (Chiz) Escudero, the president went to at least 50 trips local and abroad lasting at least 130 days since 2001. In these travels, there are few benefits that trickle down to the Filipinos except the bloated claims of furthering “business relations, foreign investments, jobs for Filipinos, enhanced tourism, greater foreign economic assistance and other unspecified benefits.”
Imagine:
“In September 2004, the President turned a state visit to China into a family vacation with members of her family joining the delegation. The entourage also included 41 complementary staff from the Presidential Security Group and the Office of the Press Secretary as well as crews of state-owned broadcast stations, he said.
In December 2007, a contingent of close to 200 people that included more than 30 lawmakers joined President Arroyo in her trip to France, Spain and the United Kingdom.
In her latest overseas trip, the senator observed that Mrs. Arroyo is practically circumnavigating the world in just eight days in her latest overseas trip.
“President Arroyo’s on-going Manila-Tokyo-Los Angeles-Cartagena-Recife-Rio-Dubai-Hong Kong-Manila voyage is practically a circumnavigation of the globe. And she will be doing all of these in just eight days, Escudero said. ” Daily Tribune (O6/25/09, Rosales, A. M.)
Filipinos are known to pride themselves of their stints abroad---especially if they are paid for by taxpayer’s money and for reasons that are flimsy. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo is no exception. She tags along friends and relatives no different than the ways of Imelda Marcos.
Many are wondering what hidden reasons the president of the Philippines has for leaving the country so often. It’s just right to investigate so the Filipinos will know.
Arroyo brings along many companions very characteristic of a politician who uses money of the government. She easily decides to make side-trips jacking up expenses that can better pay for budgets in underfunded public schools, hospitals, penitentiary, and orphanages back home.
For all the justifications the Arroyo administration gives, the stark reality is the government hardly can afford the waste and thus must cut down on these questionable trips. (Photo Credit: OustGloria) =0=
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Huge street protest held against Cha-Cha and Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
A huge crowd of more than 10,000 Filipinos converged in Makati City, Manila’s financial district to denounce House Resolution (HR) 1109 which sought the gathering of a constituent assembly to amend the Philippine constitution. The resolution was the brainchild of Pres. Gloria Arroyo’s allies who wanted a charter change (Cha-cha) whose objective was to extend the president’s hold to power.
“We are dismayed that instead of prioritizing the needs of majority of starving Filipino children who are forced to work and help their parents put food on the table because of widespread unemployment and layoffs, these pro-Arroyo congressmen outdo each other in trying to protect a very unpopular president,” asserted Sophia Garduce, spokesperson for SALINLAHI Alliance for Children’s Concerns.
“Malacañang’s spokespersons have taken turns in defending the President, insisting that Mrs. Arroyo had no knowledge or blessing of the plot to force con-ass in the House. And yet she has not done anything to rein in her allies in Congress from pursuing their political adventurism,” said Sen. Pia Cayetano. Philstar (06/11/09, Aurea Calica and Jose Rodel Clapano)
The multisectoral group of citizens which include senators, prominent government officials and celebrities took turns on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 in castigating 117 congressmen who approved the resolution without the participation of the senators. They believed this time was not the right moment to change the constitution that would advance political ambitions and perpetuate the corrupt administration of Mrs. Arroyo. Similar peaceful rallies were scheduled in provinces outside Manila.(Photo Credit: Malaya/ Manolet Santiago) =0=
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Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo scores low anew on trust rating
In a new poll released by Pulse Asia, Philippine Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo got a very poor rating on public trust. Her approval and disapproval rating is 26% and 46% respectively with a net rating of negative 20. The following is part of the May 2009 results:
-------------------------------------------Approval Rating (%)
Vice Pres. Noli de Castro----------------------53%
Senator Juan Ponce Enrile--------------------32%
SC Chief Justice Reynato Puno--------------34%
Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo--------------------------26%
Speaker Prospero Nograles-------------------20%
(Source: Daily Tribune, June 9, 2009)
According to the survey, 48% of the respondents disapproved of the president's performance. Her rating didn't improve from the results in February 2009. As in the past, Arroyo supporters in Malacanang Palace brushed aside the survey which they believed didn’t reflect the real belief of the people. (Photo Credit: lasvegaskodak) -0-
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14 million Filipino adults are jobless, but the Arroyo administration thinks it’s just a “perception”
It’s one of the bad news that we Filipinos rather forget, but the Social Weather Stations (SWS ) registered a dismal picture of adult employment in the country. Thirty four (34%) of Filipino adults, approximately 14 million people are jobless. No one can argue against the strain unemployment brings to the economy.
According to the SWS, the number does not include those who don’t look for jobs---those who are sick, the disabled, home mommies and daddies. Philippine unemployment is almost 4x as high as the jobless rate (8.9% as of April, 2009) in USA at this time. Jobless Filipinos are more than 10x the entire population of Trinidad and Tobago and 2x greater the inhabitants of Georgia, a former state of the Soviet Union.
“In its First Quarter Social Weather Survey last Feb. 20 to 23, SWS also said 13 percent of adults voluntarily left their old job, while 12 percent were retrenched. The 12 percent who were retrenched included nine percent who were laid off and three percent whose previous contracts were not renewed."---GMA TV News (05/12/09)
Since I am forcibly retired because of illness, I meet many Filipinos my age who don’t work----either they have given up looking because there’s almost no job for them out there or they have been laid off too early as early retirees----an option in the company of work. Able-bodied and healthy, some of the jobless have not been employed all their lives, spending their time sitting around.
What will these jobless adults do if they live long enough to grow in an old age of 100? What happens to a country where more than a third of adults have no way to earn a living? How long can the people take their poverty?
Since 2005, the joblessness is persistently high----more than 20%. Many companies have closed shop and left the country. The few jobs available are positions in the government, not in the private sector. Many have to travel abroad to work as overseas foreign workers (OFWs,) yet this too has suffered a slump.
It’s truly sobering to think of the huge unemployment problem. But in times of recession, one needs to be creative and persistent. We can’t rely on the word of the Arroyo administration to survive. It’s a foul joke for the government to dismiss this staggering joblessness as “perception.” Interestingly, Pres. Gloria Arroyo also says the same thing about corruption.
International Labor Organization (ILO) Definition of Unemployment
“The current definition of "unemployed" is based on the International Labor Organization (ILO) concept.
Adopted by the National Statistics Office in April 2005, the ILO concept sets three criteria in order for a person 15 years old or older to be considered as unemployed. He or she must be:
1. without work, AND
2. is actively seeking work OR not seeking work due to valid reasons, AND
3. currently available for work.
The old Philippine definition of "unemployed" considered only the first two criteria.
Under the new definition (ILO concept), people unavailable for work, or are available for work but are not looking for work, are not part of the labor force and are not considered as unemployed.”---Source: GMA TV News/ National Statistics Office (NSO) (05/12/09) (Photo Credits: DenesG1; No Worries Windor)
RELATED BLOGS: Typhoon Emong’s death toll of 43, a drop in OFW employment and a rise in H1N1 flu Posted by mesiamd at 5/12/2009; For lack of local jobs, Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo asks Filipinos to leave for employment abroad Posted by mesiamd at 3/02/2009 ; Fearless economic forecasts Posted by mesiamd at 3/11/2009; Fearless economic forecasts Posted by mesiamd at 3/11/2009; Fewer local jobs, rising numbers of OFW’s & fishermen plucked from stormy sea Posted by mesiamd at 1/22/2009
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Falling ratings of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
It comes less of a surprise for the public to know that Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo (GMA) gets bad ratings for her work in the executive office. According to the survey on February 20 to 23, 2009 by the Social Weather Station Inc. (SWS,) her disapproval rating fell further to a net rating of negative (-) 33 (26% satisfied and 59% dissatisfied.)
“The President’s latest net satisfaction rating is lower compared to “poor” -24 percent (29 percent satisfied, 53 percent dissatisfied) in December and poor -27 (27 percent satisfied, 54 percent dissatisfied) in September."----Philstar (03/17/09, Sy, M)
More than half of the Filipinos don’t approve of GMA’s performance, in spite of Malacanang’s wish that the president be given appreciation for unrecognized “accomplishments.” Pres. Spokesman Lorelei Fajardo cites Arroyo’s work of insulating the country from the impacts of domestic and global economic crisis.
Many Filipinos feel this is untrue because the full blown effects of the financial crisis are yet to come. Even without the global crisis, the Philippines has been reeling in widespread poverty with about 40% of the population facing hunger each day. Her approval rating has been bad compared to past presidents Corazon Aquino, Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada. With the presidential election coming in 2010, the public appears to extend their patience for GMA,---opting to let her corruption-riddled government to pass. (Photo Credit: AP/ Aaron Familia)=0=
RELATED BLOGS: "Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo" Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; “Not as a lecturer or as a judge,” EU thinks RP must do more to curb corruption Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; "Corruption and apathy: where will these lead us?" Posted by mesiamd at 2/10/2009
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Morality as an administrative order
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The administrative order No. 5 signed by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo calls for a program that will bring moral renewal to the country. Is it for real? The presidential edict comes on the heels of many corruption charges which see no end. As the president’s tenure reaches the finish line, the entire nation wonders what will be accomplished by the action plan for moral rejuvenation. Zero tolerance towards corruption---that's what the president says.
"Why only now? She should have done it long before. It is funny she's calling for moral renewal now as it is only a year before the end of her term unless she plans to extend her term," Jinggoy Estrada said.---GMATVNews. Net (02/17/09)
Widespread corruption is out of the box in the Arroyo government, but no one has the resolve to prove it. Used to inaction, Filipinos live in apathy and forlorn silence with their frayed cultural values. They hope a deliverer will come to rescue them--- or something will happen by simply waiting.
Foreign observers point to widespread dishonesty, but most of us choose to keep our mouths shut. The emboldened corrupt among us are defensive. They are trying to convince us there’s nothing that can be done. It’s only a year before the next presidential election and many believe the government is better left alone to wither away for the next status quo. (Photo Credit: bw.futures(away)=0=
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Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
“The 2006 World Competitiveness Survey by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development ranked the Philippines 60th on bribery and corruption among 61 countries surveyed. In the 2007 report of the Hong Kong-based Political and Economic Risk Consultancy, using a grading system with 10 as the worst possible score, the Philippines got 9.4, worsening sharply from its grade of 7.8 in 2006.
The problem of corruption in the Philippines is getting worse, and it appears that it is not just a problem of perception but an actuality. The corruption cases are increasing not only in number but in the amount of money involved. In the past, the big cases involved tens of millions of pesos; now, the figures run into hundreds of millions and even billions.” ----Inquirer (06/30/08, Editorial, Worsening Corruption)
1. Filipino & Chinese bid-rigging cartel in bank-financed projects exposed by World Bank
2. Jocelyn (JocJoc) Bolante’s P728 Million Fertilizer Fund Scam diverting agricultural funds for the 2004 election campaign of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
3. $329 Million Philippine National Broadband Network-Zhong Xing Telecommunications Deal (NBN/ZTE mess)
4. The $2-million IMPSA (Industrias Metalurgicas Pescarmona Sociedad Anonima) alleged bribery case involving Justice secretary Hernando Perez to rehabilitate the 750-megawatt Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) power complex in Laguna.
5. The allegedly overpriced P1.2-billion Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard Construction
6. Commission on Elections’ P1.3-billion poll computerization program
7. Pres. Joseph Estrada Plunder Conviction and the Controversial Hasty Pardon
8. “Hello Garci” alleged Election fraud of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo
9. Unexplained Wealth of Government and Military Officials---some of them take tasks of "investigating" corruption
10. Money Laundering Schemes like the “Euro Generals Scandal”
11. Maj. General Carlos Garcia's amassed P143 million wealth in AFP
12. The P500,000 cash-gift distribution (bribe?)in Malacanang Palace in 2007
13. Tax Evasion, Special Purpose Funds & Public Procurement Anomalies
14. Killings, tortures, and disappearances of journalists, plain citizens, and perceived enemies of government
We probably know the brazenness of corruption to a point of surrender. So we either ignore them or we shield ourselves from truth by pretending wrong-doing and perversion will go away. We have our own psychological adaptations that work for sometime just the way we're tempted to run away from moral rectitude and brush aside responsibility.
The brave among us however face reality as it comes. No matter how hard and hurting, we understand the need to correct our errors. We know life is a succession of battles where courage, tenacity, and optimism are required and apathy has no place. We need integrity as a hedge against fraud; honesty is a positive force to renew society. Consider the corruption in the world. What can we do about it? (Photo Credit: Zero Q)=0=
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GMA’s ditch-low approval rating, her kiddie “payback package" for OFW's & a big store in Naga City rises
Negative (-30)President Gloria M. Arroyo gets the lowest satisfaction rating in 2008, much lower than the (-)9 she got the year before. The Social Weather Survey (SWS) result from the 4th quarter poll at the end of November is thought to be bad. It attests to the unpopularity of the administration that’s wracked by corruption and nepotism, believed to be worse than that of Ferdinand Marcos.
Unresolved issues like joblessness, floundering economics, the Bolante fertilizer scam, Euro generals money laundering case, unabated maritime disasters, journalist killings, charter-change controversy, poor education and healthcare, Mindanao secessionist problem, CARP extension, unimplemented cheap medicine law, and the big C (Corruption) noticed by watchers abroad are in the long list of problems that stun the public.
P1.4 trillion
It’s the 2009 national budget which is approved in the second and last deliberation in the senate. Notable in the budget are less allocations for the Department of Agrarian Reform by P3.1 billion, Energy P61 million, Finance 13 million, Local Governments P436 million, Justice P215 million, Armed Forces P75 million, Public Works P3.4 billion, Social Welfare P243 million, and National Economic Development Authority by P25 million. The budget cuts on certain services are allocated in other areas. A P10 billion economic fund is being considered, but no appropriations are set aside for the Office of the Press Secretary, the Philippine Tourism Authority and Kilos Asenso.
4,000SM, the large monopolistic mall-chain owned by business mogul Henry Sy, Sr. in the Phiippines, is making preparations to open its outlet in Naga City on March 2009. About 4,000 job-seekers are needed in the operation which is estimated to generate $12 million in wages and P40 million in taxes. Expected to compete with small stores of the area, SM may draw shoppers in neighboring towns.
The exact effects of such a huge business in the city of 160,000 people aren’t completely known. Will there be congestion in the city? Will money windfall benefit the Bicolanos? Will profits be carted away from the area and render the mom-and-pop stores struggling to survive? Did the Naga City officials do a thorough study on the cost-benefit of approving an SM store?
50,000As a result of the global economic crisis, the number of Filipinos abroad expected to be laid off has increased. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo has laid out a “payback package” assistance for retrenched overseas foreign workers (OFW’s,) a tepid offering of skills training, scholarships, and measly P10,000 ($200) to start a “business” upon their return to the country.
15,000
Participants of the Manila’s anti-charter change (cha-cha) rally were larger than expected, according to Makati mayor Jejomar Binay, the president of the United Opposition. More protests against Cha-cha and other frustrating issues are on the works with broadened support from various organizations. (Photo Credits: gmaresign; doublefault2; arty; gmaresign=0=
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Amando Doronila is Wrong
In his Inquirer column, Amando Doronila argues that US President-elect Barack Obama is "no friend to the Philippines" because Obama snubbed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's congratulatory call.
Amando Doronila is wrong. Since when did we equate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the Philippines? Certainly, Gloria as an unpopular leader comes strong in Barack Obama's radar. Joc Joc Bolante's trial in Chicago, put in spotlight by very vocal anti-Gloria protesters outside the courthouse, was too scandalous to escape Obama's attention. Even US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is no fan of the sitting Philippine leader. Gloria's misconducts are also all over the Web.
If at all, Obama is showing remarkable sensitivity to the feelings of majority of Filipinos who will be outraged if they see the transformational president chummy-chummy with a woman of strong faith who, the world perceives, institutionalized graft and corruption in a third world country to perpetuate her abusive, repressive regime.
Bad signs for Gloria. Three snubs in a row is outside the margin of error. Obama appears to have lumped her together with the leaders of Burma, Zimbabwe and Sudan, who Obama plans to take on (reading his Berlin speech between the lines) and whose congratulatory calls Obama will probably not promptly return.
There is silver lining for Gloria, though. Bill Clinton is her college classmate, and Hillary may just become the US Secretary of State.
Still, a multitude silently waits here now and ready to erupt into cheers if only the "cut and cut cleanly" one-liner gets delivered Obama style--- so hope and change would come to the Philippines too.
Amando Doronila is wrong. Since when did we equate Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo with the Philippines? Certainly, Gloria as an unpopular leader comes strong in Barack Obama's radar. Joc Joc Bolante's trial in Chicago, put in spotlight by very vocal anti-Gloria protesters outside the courthouse, was too scandalous to escape Obama's attention. Even US Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is no fan of the sitting Philippine leader. Gloria's misconducts are also all over the Web.
If at all, Obama is showing remarkable sensitivity to the feelings of majority of Filipinos who will be outraged if they see the transformational president chummy-chummy with a woman of strong faith who, the world perceives, institutionalized graft and corruption in a third world country to perpetuate her abusive, repressive regime.
Bad signs for Gloria. Three snubs in a row is outside the margin of error. Obama appears to have lumped her together with the leaders of Burma, Zimbabwe and Sudan, who Obama plans to take on (reading his Berlin speech between the lines) and whose congratulatory calls Obama will probably not promptly return.
There is silver lining for Gloria, though. Bill Clinton is her college classmate, and Hillary may just become the US Secretary of State.
Still, a multitude silently waits here now and ready to erupt into cheers if only the "cut and cut cleanly" one-liner gets delivered Obama style--- so hope and change would come to the Philippines too.
Filipinos in Style: 10 helicopters eclipses the bride in a fabulous wedding in Davao
Not often heard of in the economy-battered country like the Philippines, a fabulous wedding held on Saturday, October 18, 2008 brought a fleet of 10 helicopters to the Seagull Mountain resort in Davao City for the wedding of Jeliza Farah, the daughter of Pres. Sec. Jesus Dureza to Rodford Uy.
Two of the helicopters were said to be government-owned, the others private. There must be a lot of “ahs and ohs” from the poor folks in the village where the spectacular fly-by of the entourage occured. A banana magnate, a mining official, a prominent protestant pastor, and a host of Pinoy glitterati were in attendance in the wedding solemnized by the local archbishop. Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, former Pres. Fidel Ramos and National Sec. Adviser Norberto Gonzales stood as sponsors. The local police, members of the military, and the Presidential Security Group had to be called to restrain the crowd.(Photo Credit: Salvan)=0=
Ateneo Celebrates UAAP Championship 2008
Minutes after beating De La Salle University in UAAP Men's Basketball Finals, Ateneans flocked to Ateneo de Manila University campus in Diliman, Quezon City and were treated to free canned Pepsi and packaged snacks. Beers were not free but were sold at factory prices. Pinoy bands led by Sponge Cola performed for free.
Fireworks were not of Beijing Olympics standard but brilliant enough to light up the night sky of Diliman and Katipunan Road---and more importantly to release the Atenean's joys of victory after years of agony of defeats.
Despite its elite image and having the Philippine first gentleman among its prominent alumni, Ateneo rivals UP Diliman in its fight against the excesses of the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime.
This blog extends our congratulations to the Blue Eagles.
Note: YouTube link sent by Andy Gimpaya, Jr.
Deteriorating Human Rights Record: another journalist shot dead in Camarines Sur
As the Philippines struggles to shed off the label of being the most dangerous place for journalists next to Iraq, Ronaldo Julia another media person in Bicol died of gunshot wounds in Magarao, Camarines Sur. The hideous killing occurred Friday, Aug 15, 2008, barely two weeks after radio anchorman Dennis Cuesta of Radio Mindanao Network and Martin Roxas, a commentator in Panay Island were shot dead.A writer of the “Weekly Informer” and broadcaster of Naga and Legazpi, Ronaldo Julia was gunned down on his way home at 11 pm. He died before doctors in a nearby city hospital could treat him.
Since 2001, more than 50 journalists were murdered; another 800 civilians disappeared (desaparecidos) or died from premeditated killings. In most cases, the killers which include those from the military, remained unpunished. Despite Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo’s promises, the murders escalate with increasing viciousness. Exasperated citizens including journalists in local and international media condemn these. They demand justice through effective prosecution under the law. Pres. Arroyo, the Justice Department and the police must not wear a blind eye on these killings that clearly point to a deteriorating human rights record of the country. =0=
Beijing Olympics & China’s Human Rights Record
A nation of 1.3 billion people welcomes the world as it hosts the Beijing Olympics which started on 08/08/08. (Photo Credit: AP) Beaming with national pride, China pulls out a rousing 3 ½ -hour program of pageantry and fireworks to usher in the onset of competitions. It’s an occasion to show its best, after its modern transformation since the communists came to power in 1949. In regions ravaged by the earthquake in May which killed 70,000 people and rendered close to 5 million people homeless, the people in the countryside and city took time to revel on the glitter of the moment, congregating in villages to watch the spectacular event in TV. About 70 world leaders which include Russia’s Vladimir Putin, France’s Nicholas Sakorzy and Philippines’ Gloria M. Arroyo came to greet Chinese President Hu Jintao. More than 100,000 security personnel were deployed to assure the orderly conduct of the spectacle which was viewed by the largest audience ever: 2.3 billion people worldwide.
Costing about $70 billion, the sporting event has been hounded by political and environmental concerns in spite of government officials' diplomatic maneuvers and efforts to curb air pollution. Beijing still has the smoggy haze that concerns athletes. The city is moderately polluted (air pollution index of 94 vs. WHO's recommended level of <52.) Participants raise environmental concerns and fret over the heat and humidity which may affect their performance in the games.
The world seems not ready to forget China’s poor human rights records. From various places worldwide protests have erupted against China’s domestic repressive policies. Critics and political activists condemn China’s supply of arms to the genocidal regime of Darfur. The Chinese government hasn't opened a meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama to resolve Tibet's autonomy and desire for self-rule. In a speech which irks Chinese officials, US Pres. George W. Bush said the people of China deserve to enjoy basic liberty, the natural right of very human being.
In spite of government measures to curb pollution, Beijing still has the smoggy haze that concerns athletes. The city is moderately polluted prompting participants to complain over the heat and humidity which may affect their performance in the games. The Olympic organizers are closely monitoring the air safety and weather to determine if competitions need to be rescheduled.As Beijing Olympics play on, we can’t ignore the positive forces of peace, friendship, understanding and goodwill that propel the holding of the games. Yet, behind the sublime intentions of nations, there are political, social, economic, and environmental concerns which stick out as urgent challenges for the people of the world to tackle.=0=
Signs of the times & the words we live by
Watching TV, listening to the radio and reading newspapers give us a sense of what’s going on in the country. Words used in the media correlate well with our level of optimism. They seem to function like internal barometers of our feelings, our reactions to the events that go our way, our outlook of the future. The preponderance of negative words we meet daily goes well with the uncertainty and pessimism we feel today. Despite this however, hope still persists. We see sunshine in darkness. Better days are ahead of us. Here are twelve recurring terms in our media lexicon that's worth thinking about:
Kaya Natin: refers to a new group of hardworking and ethical Filipinos who wants to promote real change and conscientious leadership in the country. Pampanga Gov. Eddie Panlilio, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, San Isidro, Nueva Ecija Mayor Sonia Lorenzo and Isabela Grace Padaca have pledged to lead the group launched in Ateneo de Manila University recently.
Wow, Philippines: the wonderful slogan that promotes the country as a tourist destination.
Swine Scam: another scandal; it refers to the P114.6 million in loan proceeds which allegedly went to individuals and groups, including Jose Nograles, brother of the House Speaker Prospero Nograles, in the form of miscellaneous fees which is being investigated by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.
Noodles Republic: the transformation of the country from a “strong republic” promised by Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo earlier in her term to a “noodles republic” which describes poor Filipinos who subsist on noodles for their meals because of high prices of food.
Suspicious Lines: the ignominious other name people use for Sulpicio Lines (SL,) that beleaguered ferry company noted for its frightening maritime record. SL carries a distinctive trail of mishaps, ship keels, and mass deaths that boggle the mind.
A Ticking Time Bomb: a laundry list of problems hounding the administration of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo according to Pres. Fidel V. Ramos. It includes widespread poverty, high prices of groceries, the increasing gap between the rich and the poor, environmental degradation, corruption, red tape, broken electoral process, abuses of politicians, among others.
Double Dead Meat: meat from swine, dog, cow, chicken or fowl which died from a disease or accident, sold illegally without safety inspection, and passed to consumers as “fresh.”
Boom: a positive word to describe a boost in business, an increase in arrivals of tourist, a flood of OFW remittances, a bountiful harvest, a surge in the a catch of fish...to name a few.
Numskull: synonym for idiot and stupid that Sen. Miriam D. Santiago uses to refer to her colleagues in the legislature. The derogatory term draws a numb reaction from her opponents who seem cowed by her narcissistic verbosity and perceived superiority. Many see some truth in what she says. They say collectively, the intelligence, honesty, and competence of senators and congressmen is at an all-time low since Pres. Joseph Estrada ascended to power.
Double Courser: a term in education which refers to a student who previously finished a course to pursue another. It’s mostly seen in the nursing profession which attracts students with academic degrees in medicine, commerce, law, engineering, and education. A double course provides an avenue for Filipinos to qualify for jobs abroad---a double-edged sword that both alleviates and aggravates joblessness.
Corruption: the error-proof explanation of the deteriorated condition of the country. The World Bank disclosed that the country is last among East Asia’s 10 largest economies in curtailing this problem. It is estimated that the Philippines loses more than $2 billion a year to corruption.
Plunder: the ostentatious word for government thievery. High profile officials like Pres. Joseph Estrada had been accused of this crime, but they are either pardoned or left alone to continue their notoriety with greater rapacity and lack of shame. =0=
Figuring The Right Grammar of Pulse Asia's Survey
According to the new survey of Pulse Asia taken in July 11-14, 2008, two thirds (~64%) of Filipinos express gloom and pessimism about their personal situation in the next 12 months. Morale is low. Seventy nine (79) percent aren’t optimistic about the overall national situation. Three fouths (75%) consider themselves as losers (worse than last year,) compared to 59% four months ago.
These are outrageous numbers that fracture our confidence, numb our spines, and make our faces look ashen. Contrary to what Malacanang says, we may not need to validate the results for "ramdam na ramdam na natin ang resulta."
The State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo last July 28, 2009, ostensibly blamed foreign factors for the deterioration of the economy. There’s almost no admission of accountability and responsibility--- no mention of neglect, incompetence, or lack of foresight from our leaders. Surely, domestic factors such as pernicious corruption play a big role in the suffering of the people.=0=
Bare Truth or Fairy Tale? (Is Little Red Riding Hood & The Wolf One And The Same?)
“Because tough choices were made, the global crisis did not catch us helpless and unprepared. Through foresight, grit and political will, we built a shield around our country that has slowed down and somewhat softened the worst effects of the global crisis. We have the money to care for our people and pay for food when there are shortages; for fuel despite price spikes. Neither we nor anyone else in the world expected this day to come so soon but we prepared for it.”
--- State of the Nation Address (SONA,) Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo, 2nd Regular Session of the 14th Congress Republic of the Philippines
28 July 2008
Sizing Up GMA's SONA: What The US Ambassador Wants To Hear Versus What The People Feel
More than a week before Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's (GMA) State of the Nation Address (SONA,) there was this type of conditioning the government wanted for its people. The pompous military, 6,000 strong, hammered peace on the people's mind even if according to them, there was no threat of disturbance. In a bewildering display of “respect for human rights,” police officers, in their scary gears and numbers, agreed to go on a human rights seminar. At the same time they assured the SONA will be a peaceful event.But barely a week before the speech, there are pictures of armed military men here and there, in full-battle regalia, readying for something that one could only guess as preparedness for mayhem. (Photo Credit: Malaya/SalvadorR) The story has turned symbolically worrisome. The government is fully aware of the people's widespread antipathy towards GMA, the most unpopular president since 1986.
There are reports of NPA ‘sparrows” who’d try to bring chaos at the SONA on July 30, 2008, giving advance warnings to anti-government protesters of what to expect if they venture out in the streets. Superficially, people can’t tiss apart truth, genuine public concern, and military scare tactics.
In a rather awkward statement, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney in Manila says she wants to hear GMA speak on the successes of her economic policies and the government’s in-roads in the peace process in Mindanao. The ambassador puts a positive spin on GMA’s SONA, but what she says doesn’t jibe with what the Filipinos are thinking.
"I think the President has made a lot of economic reforms and the Philippine economy has been doing well. I'm hoping she'll tell us more that she's continuing on that important point of her program."
“We are hopeful and eager to see a comprehensive peace agreement in Mindanao. I think that will be so important for all citizens of the Philippines, for economic growth, and we are ready to continue to be a dedicated partner in that search," Kenney said. Malaya (07/24/08, DeVera,E.)
Her remark seems a cheap shot at diplomatic correctness which most likely doesn’t reflect the Filipino sentiment at the moment. For sure Filipinos don’t want words that they can’t nibble especially if these words fall short of truth. They want a concrete plan of action which they can bring to their sleep: a solution to the hunger they’re facing. The people ask for accountability, a panacea for the rising prices of fuel and groceries, and they demand a resolution to the unsolved government corruption scandals---problems which simply don’t go away and leave the people numb in despair. =0=
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Dark Knight's Blockbuster Bonanza, Zimbabwe's $100 Billion Dollar Note, & GMA's Dismal Popularity Rating
$155.34 million-Hollywood’s popular record-breaking block-buster entertainment “The Dark Knight” is Christopher Nolan’s dark sequel to “Batman Begins” which drew excited fans and profits in tinseltown on the first week of showing. Recently deceased actor Heath Ledger acts as the Joker. There are those who think the movie is too violent and may not be appropriate for kids below 12.
$100 billion note-To cope with a hyperinflation of 2.2 million percent, Zimbabwe’s Central Bank issued this latest huge bank note in a series of high money denominations, to deal with cash and food shortages leaving 80% of its people below the poverty line.
(-) 38%-Social Weather Station (SWS) revealed the dismal approval rating of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo on July 18, 2008, making her the most unpopular Philippine president since 1986. It’s lower than her (-) 33% approval rating in May 2005, prompting Bishop Deogracias Iniguez, head of CBCP to advise the president to take her unpopularity “seriously.”
4,124-The number of US military troops who died in the Iraq War since it started 5 years ago, according to a recent count by the Associated Press on July 20, 2008.
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-No one has lost money in FDIC-insured savings of up to $100,000 in the last 75 years, said Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson who cautions anxious Americans of harder times ahead, but assures the soundness of the US banking system.
30 days-The expected time to retrieve the estimated 200,000 liters of industrial fuel and 10 metric-ton toxic endosulfan trapped in the sunken Princess of the Stars (threatening to pollute the Sibuyan Sea.) The projected cost of retrieval is $7.5 million (P318 million.)
87 drums
-Number of missing drums of toxic toluene diisocyanate (apart from the hazardous 10 metric tons of endosulfan and ship fuel in the Princess of the Sea) that need retrieval from another ship, M/V Ocean Papa, also grounded by Typhoon Frank.
2,167-Central Luzon’s number of dengue fever cases, a rise of 273% from last year’s number with two reported deaths as of July 21, 2008.
$1.42 billion
-Total remittance of OFW’s in May 2008, a 15.5% increase from last year’s. This is accompanied by the exodus of 533,945 Filipinos, a 39.5% rise in the first five months of 2008 who seek jobs abroad.
$145.59 million
-The amount of foreign investments withdrawn from the Philippines in June, 2008---a reversal to last year’s inflow investments totaling $871.41 million which entered the country. A total of $417 million from foreign investors left the country since Jan. 2008. =0=
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