Why Not Law School? (A Retrospective)

*It has been four years since I have graduated as a Political Science major, and by now, my batchmates have either graduated at law school, or are still currently taking up law.

This entry was originally posted at my old college blog dating back December 26, 2010. Honestly, not much has changed since.

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I am going to graduate in a few months with a degree in Political Science (a course that is said to be the best pre-law course), and yet despite that four years ago, I told myself that I will go to law school after I graduate, I decided to postpone (or maybe not pursue at all) on going to Law School, while most of my blockmates in PolSci decided to take the Law entrance exams. And I am one of the few who decided not to pursue further studies in Law School particularly. How come?
A couple of years back, idealism was the in thing for me. I was dreaming then that I would grow up to be the best lawyer out there, that I would help people gain proper justice, among many things. There was this inner feeling that being a lawyer was a profession that was worth it. Anything was possible then.
Then four years later, all of those changed. I no longer see the sense of spending four more years, drowning myself in thousands of pages to read every week, losing the privilege to sleep, struggling through praying that you read the right material for class. Also, in Law school, you will be faced with fraternities and sororities. Conflicts and / or camaraderies are formed during your stay. You are not even sure if it is worth joining these social organizations or do things on your own. You are not sure if you would like to benefit from “additional help” these social organizations may offer you.
I no longer sense the six months preparation for the bar exams, where you do not even know if you will be able to pass it or not. You are not even sure that even if you pass law school, you can make it to the bar. And should you make it, where will your law degree bring you? Not much, unless you are in the cream of the crop from the bar exams. And should you make win a case, what would people tell you? I wished it was praise and victory, but you would not know that people are backstabbing you, telling behind your back that you have “manipulated” results, that you took the case for money, that you used your connections from certain government agencies to help you throughout. Worse, some of your critics call you a liar.
And the most painful thing? No matter how good a lawyer you can be, the justice system here in the Philippines is fucked up. Here, you have cases where after 20 years the real murderers and rapists are yet to be found. Here you have a government agency choosing a witness who manipulated the details to show bias against the other party. Here you have hundreds of unresolved killings. Here you have society releasing the real criminals out of jails, no matter how grave their crime is, while those who have minor crimes rot to death on these prison cells. Here you have the most wicked of criminals being able to get out of jail easily.
Reality defeats idealism. That’s the sad story. My sentiments about Law School has changed in light of events that has happened in the Philippines for the past four years. I myself have doubts if that will change. Even my desire to go into media is placed in question, as media is likewise criticized for being biased and not telling the truth.
The debate of whether Law School is still worth it or not has a more or less final verdict for me: with the state of Philippine society and on how Lawyers are seen these days, it is not worth it. And so my life plan has changed: Instead of going straight to Law School, I have decided that I will work (most probably in a News agency, with photography on the sidelines, or maybe be a writer in some magazine or newspaper) for a couple of years, and reflect on whether going to Law School would be still worth it, whether my former idealistic self would see the light once again.

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And even up to now, I am still thinking: Why did I choose Political Science after all, and not some course like Communication arts?

2016 and events controlling it

2014 may come to an end, but that means the 2016 elections is coming close, and this early alone potential candidates are beginning to “reach out” to people, even if campaigning this early is prohibited by Comelec (why Comelec is not warning the likes of Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, and Valenzuela Rep. Win Gatchalian for having political advertisements this early remains a question). Even if I would agree with Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s fight against corruption, most of the moves I have observed lately have a hint of political motivation in it, especially with the investigation on Binay’s alleged hidden wealth and properties, and with the courting of Sen. Grace Poe-Llamanzares, Sen. Chiz Escudero, and Saragani Rep. (and boxing champ and basketball player) Manny Pacquiao.

Battle of the titans

Make no mistake: I honestly do not like Binary to be our next president (and the stories my father shared about their reputation in Makati has been proven true by the testimony made by former Makati vice mayor and ex-Binay ally Ernesto Mercado). WhatI specifically do not like in the investigation on his alleged hidden wealth is the fact that it is his rivals, Cayetano and Sen. Antonio Trillanes, who is leading the investigation. As much as I do not like Binay, having Cayetano and Trillanes lead the investigation does not show any kind of partiality in the investigation. Trillianes is using the investigation to extract revenge after Binary has betrayed him during the Manila Peninsula siege of 2006. Cayetano, on the other hand, is using the investigation as a political vehicle to improve his “chances” for the upcoming 2016 elections.

The ball game would be different if the investigation would be led by Sen. TG Guingona, head of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, as you would see less political motive and partiality in the investigation. Mind you: Cayetano is no pure soul in terms of being clean from corruption. Who would have forgotten that he and his sister Pia have allegedly accepted money from then-first gentleman Mike Arroyo for their campaign as congressman and senator respectively back then in 2004? Also their father, the late former Sen. Renato Cayetano, has been allegedly involved in corruption with the BW Resources scandal of 1999 with former Pres. (and ironically now Manila Mayor) Erap Estrada, so I really disagree that the Cayetanos have a clean reputation (though I have respect for Sen. Pia, who is the better sibling).

The political fight between the Binays and the Cayetanos is a battle of the titans: One family lords over Makati, while the other lords over Taguig. It is not surprising that Sen. Alan would engage in a word war with Binary’s daughter Sen. Nancy Binay. Given the number of attacks launched against the Binays, I would not be surprised if someone out there would attempt to attack the Cayetanos as well.

Better election outcome in 2016?

Such mudslinging would remind me of former Sen. Manny Villar’s presidential campaign, where his opponents launched an attack against him by exposing his anomalous activities. the same would apply, to an extent, with what happened (and what would possibly happen again) with the campaign of then-Sen. (and now DILG Sec.) Mar Roxas in 2010. That’s the thing about Philippine politics sadly: opponents would resort to mudslinging against one another to tarnish the reputation of either party.

Back in 2010, I had this belief that politics would change under the leadership of PNoy Aquino but despite the improvement in our economy, an increase in transparency in government, the enactment of some key laws such as the Reproductive Health Law and Sin Tax Law, our politics still remain old school. However, the presence of fresh faces in politics in the form of Poe-Llamanzares and Camarines Sur Rep. Leni Robredo continue to give me hope for change in the political atmosphere of the Philippines come 2016.

To be honest, I appreciate that our voters have become wiser (again, only to a certain extent) in choosing its candidates since the 2013 midterm elections as there are less political dynasties who dominated in the elections compared to that in the 2010 elections. Change does not happen overnight after all, and I appreciate that PNoy for making small but relevant changes to the country.

Thinking about 2016 right now may be a tad too early, but seeing the recent developments, I do think that it is right that we think carefully of the possible scenarios for 2016. The one with the battle against VP Binary is just one part of the story. The one with Sen. Alan and Trillanes seeking higher posts is another. The Marcos’ (both Sen. Bongbong Marcos, and Ilocos Norte Rep. and former first lady Imelda Marcos) and Binay’s recent courting of Pacquiao is an interesting one, which is combined with other politicians trying to ally with the Pacman.

Also, talks of Poe-Llamanzares and Escudero being courted by the Liberal Party is also an interesting development especially since LP has no strong contender to match against UNA’s VP Binay (Roxas may do whatever he can do, but to be able to persuade the people to vote for him instead of VP Binay is one difficult task). As both candidates are independent, it would be interesting to see how both LP and UNA will do their best to get either candidate to run under their party.

Though Escudero is not discussing that much about 2016 due to his marriage to Heart Evangelista next year, it is interesting to see how his marriage to Heart will improve his odds in the 2016 elections. Just a flashback: Roxas’ marriage to TV anchor Korina Sanchez did play a factor in Roxas’ odds in the 2010 elections, so it will be interesting to see how Escudero’s marriage to Heart will affect his odds in the 2016 elections.

Of pork barrel and taxes

While some politicians are directly or indirectly talking about their ambitions for 2016, we should not forget the ongoing developments with the pork barrel scam. Sen. Bong Revilla’s bail petition has been rejected, while Sen. Jinggoy Estrada has returned to work and filed some bills. Interestingly, I have yet heard any developments regarding Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile’s case. The lady at the center in the scandal, Janet Lim-Napoles, has reduced her limelight thanks to the recent revelations regarding Antonio Tiu’s acquisition of a 350 hectare property in Rosario, Batangas (which is dubbed “Hacienda Binay) for his Sunchamp Agri-tourism park.

In both senate and house, deliberations with the 2015 National budget have became interesting due to the presence of lump sum funds and the senate’s redefinition of “savings” in light of the Supreme Court’s decision regarding the controversial Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP). Some say that pork barrel still exist with the proposed budget, while I think the Department of Budget and Management did not allocate funds properly to all agencies. On a curious note: Why is there a need for a supplemental budget for 2014 even if 2014 is coming to a close?

Also, I have a few questions regarding the budget. Why the large allocation for the Conditional Cash transfer program? Why there are budget allocations shared by two or more agencies? Why did DBM need to submit an errata (we are talking of multiple errata here) on the budget, even if they have passed the proposed budget to congress? Even if I would praise PNoy’s administration over its improvement in comparison to the PGMA administration, I do question at how DBM crafts the national budget at times.

Even if PNoy’s administration would brag at the country’s economic growth, I barely feel the effects of an improved economy. Sure prices of oil are on a downward trend, but how come goods still remain expensive? Also, why does BIR insist that it is not collecting enough revenue, even if they are extracting a significant amount of money from people due to taxes? I do not understand why they would oppose (along with the Department of Finance) Senators Sonny Angara and Ralph Recto’s proposals for tax reforms. Just like the pork barrel issue, the country’s economic growth is equally confusing.

How Ironic.

I want to repeat what I just said in the title of this post: How Ironic.

It is an irony that BIR is targeting doctors, accusing them of not paying their taxes properly, wherein we have these big businesses not paying their taxes properly, and the differential is in the millions! (Google BIR’s tax case against CATS Motors to get a background).

It is ironic that our Supreme Court is in favor of a Cybercrime law over a Reproductive Health law. Judges favor a provision on online libel more than a provision providing proper reproductive health to the masses.

It is ironic that the bigger criminals of our country still manage to find ways and means to deny the crimes they have done. The Cedric Lees, the Delfin Lees, the Janet Napoleses still try to paint to the public of their innocence, in spite of the multitude of controversies they have been embroiled upon, both past and present.

It is ironic that some politicians are beginning to plot their agenda this early for the 2016 elections, in spite of many important bills like the Freedom of Information Bill, needed to be passed and made into law.

In relation to the previous paragraph, these politicians have the guts to announce their intentions for 2016 in spite that the country has not yet fully recovered from the disasters brought by the Bohol earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda. 

It is ironic that as a country that charges high rates for its electricity, yet it threatens the Filipino of power shortages if they could not increase their rates further until the prices are of highway robbery levels.

It is ironic, to a major extent, that those who are victimized by cases of adultery are the very ones who defend the adulterers (refer to the revelations of Cristina Ponce Enrile to get an idea of this topic).

It is ironic (or more like stupid) that with the last two years under the Aquino Administration, all infrastructure projects have commenced simultaneously, causing a nationwide armageddon for everyone.

 

Yes, the Philippines is living a life of ironies and only God know when will this end.

Uncertainty.

*Just when I thought I neglected this space, I have come up with some time to fill it up with new entries. Although I also keep a small notebook to jot down some thoughts, I have some words to fill up this space still.

Uncertainty.

That is the one word that can best define what is 2014 for me. January has passed, and it seems that everything remains uncertain for me. January brought me a series of exposes and revelations, and heartaches as well. Yes, this year is not as smooth-sailing as that of last year, where it seems that most (if not all) of the decisions and choices I made were well worth it and are a success.

Starting things off, my career has suddenly became uncertain. Recent policies and regulations back in the office has shaken all of us, making us wonder why all of the sudden implement such regulations in the office. The not-so-nice part? Even our supervisor could not spare some time to meet us all and discuss on these pertinent matters. Instead, we all get informed through Excel files, text messages, and emails. Sounds really fishy to me honestly, but more so it actually sounds disturbing especially when you hear the words “freeze hiring” in the office. Such words are of a worry, as it can mean some of us being laid off (and I’m not kidding on that part since I have friends who experienced such problems).

In relation to career, I realized almost three years later that finding a job you actually like is a very frustrating task. Asking people here and there, searching through the internet for possible job openings, and getting insider info on possible openings within the office, the task of finding a new job is never easy, even if it you have some work experience to back you up. Nonetheless, I am not giving up in finding a new job no matter how frustrated I may be. For the meantime, I make the most of my current job even if those changes shocked everyone in the office.

Honestly speaking, if not for those exposes, revelations, rules, and regulations, I like my present work, and I really like my officemates and bosses as well. I guess I am one of those lucky people who has landed in a job where everyone is nice, unlike some horror stories I come across with. After all, it is true indeed that the workplace is enjoyable if you have good officemates to complement it with (aside from loving what you are doing) as it helps in making your inner self sane enough no matter how shitty a day in the office sometimes can be. If I would add, I personally think I like my friends here in the office more than my high school friends and some of my college friends as they are the kind of people that I feel comfortable with, no matter from what school they came from or what background do they have.

Also, the thing I love with my officemates is that it is easy to open up with them, as they can somehow relate to my musings in life (even if they often joke me about those rich kid problems shenanigans, which I admit I have doses of them once in a while). I can talk things like my obsession for sneakers, NBA-related stuff, things about my family, my non-existent love life, and many more. Even with recent events happening in the office, I am thankful that I have these officemates who help me to be as sane as possible because if not for them, I’d probably be a big train wreck right now.

Oh, and since it is the month of February right now, one could not avoid talking about the topic of love since it is the love month after all. When it comes to such topic, all I could say is that for the first time in a while, my feelings of being in love has faded, even if I made a couple of slightly-daring decisions from last year to this girl in the office. I mean yeah those memories were great, but right now it seems that those feelings are just fading away, and that it is not as intense as it used to be. Still, I admit that I like her; however, my feelings for her is not the same as it used to be. Looking, approaching, speaking to her is not the same as it used to be. The feeling is just different but still I admit that there are those faint signs that I like her. Maybe my inner self is simply asking for a break, or it must be something else.

My love life aside, there seems to be something not right about this so-called love month, as I have two friends who are experiencing problems with their relationships a few days shy of Valentines day. Pretty ironic, considering I was expecting everyone to be all giddy and happy on this month. In fact, I had a talk with one of my friends experiencing such problems (even if I do not know stuff about relationships . . . hello college self again), and in this scenario it is a challenging one since both of them (the guy and the girl) are my friends. Even though both are my friends, one thing I cannot stand is dishonesty, and it is a big issue in friendship (and more with relationships).

When the girl (my officemate) told me about how her boyfriend (a college friend of mine) lies to her, I was initially left with a dilemma on how to approach the situation given that I know both of them, but ended up saying this: I know both of you are my friends but if one is being dishonest then sorry the relationship will not work and it should be ended. Admittedly speaking, my principles and virtues stand stronger than friendship by itself, which is why I would not wonder if I tend to destroy some friendships because of my beliefs. Which is maybe the reason why I will never survive living a life in politics and government, even if I graduated as a Political Science major.

When we talk about politics, however, the situation in the Philippines has become crazier than before: Personalities being accused of raping some model even if he was beaten up by the goons of a corrupt businessman, accused officials in the Pork Barrel scam suddenly standing up to be state witnesses, senators and congressmen making pointless speeches that consume precious time at senate and congress sessions, Power generating companies threatening possible blackouts if power rates do not increase, and buses falling off bridges and ravines, killing most of its passengers, among other things. Generally, Pres. Noynoy Aquino is a better president than his predecessor, but it would be better if he does acknowledge that his administration is not perfect and that his administration has flaws, especially when it comes to how his cabinet officials handle some situations like the power crisis, the alleged overpriced bunkhouses, and smuggling lords who still roam free doing their illegal activities.

Yes, even the state of our government remains uncertain, given the series of events affecting our country right now. Yes, 2014 is a year of uncertainty; not just to me, but to practically everyone else out there.

Of disasters, preparations, and bullies.

As of this writing, super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) has left the country, but has left major damages and casualties particularly in Tacloban, Leyte. Reports say that around 100 died in Tacloban, but these reports are yet to be verified. What is sure is that several structures and trees got damaged from the grunt of Yolanda. However, the wrath of Yolanda DEFINITELY did not hamper the Filipino spirit, as relief and rescue efforts have begun. Also as of this writing, I am still waiting for reports on what happened to municipalities that bore the brunt of Yolanda.

For once, I laud PAG-ASA and LGUs on giving their best effort in preparing against the wrath of Yolanda. Fresh from the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that severed Bohol and Cebu, the preparations made for Yolanda’s arrival was quite on point, with PAG-ASA giving warnings as early as Wednesday, and with LGUs and government agencies doing preparations for evacuations. Indeed, preparation is the best way to prepare for a strong storm. Had PAG-ASA not warned us early about Yolanda, only God knows how much casualties it could have claimed. Add to that, I am thankful that my trip to Boracay got suspended early enough; if I pushed through with going there, I wonder how me and my companions would deal with getting stranded on the island for days.

Oh, and special mention to ABS-CBN reporter Atom Araullo as he bravely gave news about Yolanda in Tacloban at the height of the storm. So far, Atom’s coverage of Yolanda in Tacloban has to be the most gutsy and bravest coverage I have seen so far. Kudos to you sir.

And while the Philippines has survived the brunt of Yolanda, the country is facing another problem in the form of bullies coming from Hong Kong over the hostage crisis in Manila that is more than two years already. Now I do not get the point why Pres. Noynoy Aquino should apologize AND give compensation money to the victims when the incident was caused by a deranged policeman. Now what the Hong Kong government threatens us with? Revoking our visa-free access to the Philippines, freezing of OFW hiring, boycotting of Philippine goods and cultural activities, and most of all, severing ties with the Philippines. And all because of the hostage crisis. 

If I were to ask, just let those bullies do what they want to do with the Philippines. So be it. After all, they will immediately suffer the consequences of their threats. And besides, Singapore is a better place to visit than Hong Kong, but that is my two cents.

Of disasters and impending chaos.

 

Aside from the seemingly never ending pork barrel scam, a rebel siege, and a major earthquake have been plaguing this country recently. I tell you this: as someone who works in news, dealing with all of these local bad news (not including the government shutdown in US) is not all that amusing; it is more depressing in fact.

Depressing in the sense that first, the ongoing investigation of the pork barrel scam drama just shows that for several years (maybe even decades), the Filipino people has been fooled by its leaders in government. BIR these days has been extra strict regarding the payment of taxes, BUT how can people actually pay their taxes properly if the taxes collected end up in the pockets of our officials in the form of bonuses, pork barrel, luxury cars, extravagant houses, and opulent materials? How can we trust our dutiful senators and congressmen in assuring that their pork barrel allocations are spent wisely in the form of projects that will benefit their constituents?

It is heartbreaking for me to see my friends in news investigate further on stories of unfinished roadwork projects, irrigation projects, and inferior-grade agricultural materials, where these failed projects are actually overpriced in their entirety. It is saddening that people elected these congressmen thinking that they will help them in improving their lives, only to end up with the congressmen they elected into position exploiting their community instead. 

Because of the lack of trust in our leaders, disaster strikes, and more people get killed in the process. Look at what happened to the recent MNLF siege in Zamboanga: I know that the problem could have been resolved in a peaceful way, but many people died in the process. I am not siding with the MNLF here but however it seems alarming that in the duration of the siege that lasted almost three weeks, only the local leaders of Zamboanga city (led by mayor Climaco), and a few top officials (PNoy, SILG Roxas, VPBinay). Where are the senators and congressmen when the siege was ongoing, when soldiers were running empty, and were more lives are lost or at risk? And the only thing I heard from them is that congressmen gave 10,000 pesos of their salary to the victims of the siege. What a damn insult considering the amount of money these congressmen actually receive, thanks to the pork barrel and bogus Non-Government Organizations (NGO). And how are the residents displaced by the Zamboanga siege? They have not fully recovered from the siege yet.

Same goes for the recent (and ongoing) earthquakes in Cebu and Bohol, where SEVERAL heritage churches got destroyed in the 7.2 magnitude earthquake, as well as some hills in Chocolate hills got damaged in the process. While I do like the proposal that 1.5 billion in government savings be used to aid victims in Cebu and Bohol, I do hope politicians would comply to Roxas’ simple request to not involve politics in giving aid. Honestly, if our officials want to help displaced residents of Cebu and Bohol, they should do it with all their heart and not with hidden political intentions. Helping them is beyond giving money or providing relief goods and assistance; sincerity also plays an important role as well.

In the case of the Cebu and Bohol earthquake, I do hope that heritage churches that got destroyed by the quake be restored. It is simply heartbreaking to see them in their present state. Even the present state of some hills in Chocolate hills is heartbreaking to me as well. Hopefully, our government would spend their pork barrel on restoring these tourist sites instead of using the funds for their Louis Vuitton bags or their Hummer H2s, or to buy new properties in Ayala Alabang.

Nonetheless, I am still hopeful that in spite of these controversies and disasters, the Philippines will be able to rise again. I do hope that reforms can be made with the pork barrel system; more than just the mere abolition of it, I hope PNoy finds a way to make good use of these funds. More importantly, I hope congressmen and senators would have a conscience and admit their guilt if they are really involved in the pork barrel scam. The same goes for personalities tagged in other controversies such as the fertilizer fund scam, the NBN-ZTE scam, the Hello Garci scandal, and many more.

Prelude to the nation.

In a few days, Pres. Noynoy Aquino will be delivering his fourth State of the Nation Address (SoNA) in congress. PNoy will be giving updates on the progress of the country, on his administration’s accomplishments, and other concerns that need to be pointed out. To be really honest, in his three years as president, I do not think a lot really changed for the better (in spite of PNoy’s bragging rights with that 7.6% GDP growth and on the downpour of foreign investments). In fact, his administration simply exposed the real flaws of the country; flaws that were hidden and kept a secret in the administration of former Pres. (and possibly impeached Pampanga representative) Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

First things first, let us talk about safety in the country. In spite of the recent turnover of modern Glock 17 9mm pistols to the PNP, the country by itself remains to be unsafe. With the influx of snatchers, robbery groups, drunk drivers, drug addicts, rapists, kidnappers, drug lords, and high-profile criminals, I seem to disagree that the PNP is actually addressing the safety of the country properly.

A perfect case of this? The multitude of unsolved crimes that occurred in recent days, ranging from kidnappings, attempted rape, street massacres, gang wars, robberies, and the like.

Also, the death of Ozamiz gang leader Ricky Cadavero and the recapture of Chinese drug lord Jackson Dy also shows the flaws of the PNP. While all of us may be happy that a drug lord has been recaptured once again, and that a high profile robber was shot dead, people still do not know the dirty stories behind these incidents. Witnesses and kin of these high-profile criminals can attest to this, but they are too scared that they can be silenced by corrupt PNP officials, of which some of them allegedly did a Kuratong Baleleng-like scenario.

The thing is that even if PNP claim to be able to arrest these criminals, we cannot deny the fact that some of them are indeed corrupt and do shady moves in the process of arresting these criminals. A witness (from a footage I had to deal with a few days ago) detailed on these shady moves done by policemen during drug raids, and I just feel like vomiting upon realizing how our justice system is not really fair at all, and that how law enforcers are also the ones who break the law.

Sure our policemen may be able to capture minor criminals in the Metro, but capturing high-profile criminals are difficult for them, especially when corruption is involved.

Speaking of corruption, the recent expose of the 10 Billion Peso Pork Barrel scam has to be this week’s major highlight. A under-the-table operation that has gone unnoticed for a decade has been finally revealed, as the pork barrel of senators and congressmen ended up to fake NGOs, and into the hands of the mastermind of the scam allegedly known as Janet Lim-Napoles.

And no, Napoles is not new to this controversy, as she has been involved in previous controversies such as the unsolved fertilizer fund scam of 2006. When she said that “we control government” as narrated in a testimony of whistleblower Benhur Luy, she indeed controls the government, as she was able to manipulate five senators and 23 congressmen (with Sen. Bong Revilla topping the charts with a little over one Billion Pesos worth of his pork barrel exploited) to take part in her shady scheme.

How she managed to conceal her scheme for a decade is surprising, considering the restrictions placed in the release of pork barrel funds. Apparently, our government is still not smart enough to determine whether an NGO is legitimate or not. After all, Napoles DOES control the government as she was able to outsmart most, if not all, of them.

I’m glad that this syndicate has been exposed right now, BUT I hope our government be able to address this properly, and possibly, totally abolish pork barrel for real. It may be hard, but it is so far the most sensible option right now, given the fact that politicians can easily exploit it in spite of restrictions imposed to the allocation of the pork barrel to “projects” that normally end up as covered courts or waiting sheds (yes, that is a fact).

And if you would factor in the expose made by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago on the earnings of senators, it is definite that a lot of politicians’ dirty deeds got exposed to the public at the speed of light. Let’s see how will these crocodiles face the charges. Well for one, Revilla is whining that Malacañang is doing a demolition job against him, which I definitely disagree with him. A Caviteño would definitely know how powerful, influential, and corrupt are the Revillas. Same goes with the Ejercitos of San Juan, the Enriles of Cagayan, and the Marcoses of Ilocos Norte.

I honestly do not really care if they claim that the pork barrel scam is fabricated by PNoy, as those involved are his rivals; they better prove they are not involved in the mother of all scams. Better yet, PNoy should do a lifestyle check to ALL of his officials and cabinet members. I believe that this pork barrel scam is just the tip of the iceberg; there are more controversies lying within the government body itself. Only time will tell when these shady activities will be further exposed.

These are just two major issues that I doubt PNoy would even tackle in his SoNA. If you add up the issues of traffic, arrogant informal settles, rising prices of basic goods such as gasoline, water, and bread, and infrastructure projects, the more I am not excited about PNoy’s upcoming SoNA come Monday.

So before he gives his SoNA, might as well give my prelude to it. Nonetheless, let us see what PNoy has prepared for his fourth speech to the nation.

June’s political atmosphere.

The political atmosphere in the Philippines is going through tough times once again, with issues ranging from Ayala Land and Cebu Pacific’s fiasco, to issues of flooding, to eviction of informal settlers, and to intentions of certain politicians for 2016.

The first big topic involving Ayala Land and Cebu Pacific is something that has caused some damage not just to the economy but to the reputation of both companies involved in accidents. Add to the fact they way both companies managed the situation, and boy they are definitely in hot waters. I do hope that both companies will be able to resolve their respective issues soon, just as how Philex mining is slowly recovering from the fiasco.

Considering they are members of the upper class, I wish they would be considerate in treating their customers right. I mean, hello, they sure have earned good profits with their business; it is simply due time for them to give back to their customers especially in bad times like this, and it is more apt that they be responsible for the incidents involving their company and not play the blame game.

I mean, come on guys, improve your services. We customers do deserve better, right?

And while June also marks the start of the rainy season, a typical issue being tackled here is flooding all around the Metro. In spite of all these improvements made (or supposedly made) by DPWH, Maynilad, MWSS, MMDA, and other agencies concerned, one is still baffled at why some streets, such as España, remain prone to flooding. The blame game between agencies is ongoing, and fingers eventually point to informal settlers clogging esteros and intentionally clogging flood pathways to earn extra money in pushing stranded cars and assisting stranded commuters (very sly of them assuming it is true).

The issue of flooding and informal settlers are to issues that are related to one another. Call me discriminatory or what, but I am for the government’s effort to remove all informal settlers from dangerous areas such as esteros. These activist groups keep on complaining, yet they do not fully understand the dangers these informal settlers face. 

Have they forgotten typhoon Ondoy? Have the forgotten last year’s habagat? Have these informal settlers learned their lesson? They are given free house AND subsidy and yet they complain. Sorry guys, but the desires of informal settlers are too much for me. I mean, you have been squatting on land owned by someone for years, and you benefitted from NOT paying taxes, and yet you complain of being relocated? 

What do these people want? Be fed with a silver spoon? This is a reason why I am very much against Pres. Noynoy Aquino’s Conditional Cash Transfer program. Because of this program, people become lazier, and do not know how to really work hard.

And while I’m at it, there are news reports about the upcoming 2016 elections. There is the Bong-Bong Bong team up (Senators Bong Revilla and Bong Bong Marcos), Mar-Vi team up (DILG Sec. Mar Roxas and Batangas Gov. Vilma Santos), and of course, Vice Pres. Jejomar Binay (whose team up is still unknown). Quite an interesting line up perhaps but do you think it is still too early to talk about 2016?

We have a barrage of issues to deal with right now, and I do think it is but apt NOT to talk about 2016 now.

Religious Hypocrisy.

This is a term that is making rounds into the news recently, following Inquirer’s suspension of publishing Pol Medina Jr.’s acclaimed “Pugad Baboy” comic strip after publishing a strip bashing Catholic schools for encouraging homosexuality to thrive within their schools even if the Catholic church is against homosexuality. The said comic strip can be seen as posted below:

Not that I am defending Pol Medina Jr. on the said controversial comic strip (he admits that he did wrong), but I believe Inquirer is at fault here. It is clear that Medina made the comic strip back in March and Inquirer did not publish it at first. Now what makes me wonder is that if Inquirer rejected the said comic strip, why publish it anyway, AND why publish it after singer Charice Pempengco admitted in national television that she is a lesbian and that she is in a relationship with fellow singer and former rival Alyssa Quijano?

Also, why did Inquirer publish said rejected comic strip at a time that CBCP made a stand that Charice might be suffering from a so-called “identity crisis” after her public admission? I definitely agree with Medina that there is a “ConsPIGracy” with this, considering the “Pugad Baboy” comic strips have been published in Inquirer back in 1988 and has enjoyed a good readership all throughout this years. I believe that it is too coincidental that all of these happened in a single, flawless motion.

Medina’s resignation after the said controversy for me is a good move made by the acclaimed comic artist. Why continue to work for a publication that has intentions of destroying your reputation (whether intentional or not)? Inquirer may have all the explanations to make to St. Scholastica (who filed a letter threatening to file charges against Inquirer due to the said comic strip), the damage is done. Inquirer has just destroyed the reputation of an acclaimed comic book artist because of committing an error on its editorial part.

Now with artists and supporters supporting Medina back that “Pugad Baboy” be not suspended, I do think that if I were Medina, I would leave Inquirer no matter what, insisting that his resignation is irrevocable, and instead publish his comic strips through a publisher that is less hypocritical.

I have to agree with this: We live in a world full of hypocrites.

 

Volatility.

First of all, it has been a while since I last made an entry to my blog. Was busy having a nice week-long birthday celebration two weeks ago, and for this week, I’m getting myself adjusted into the graveyard shift in work (it has been a year since I was last assigned to this shift).

While getting caught up with various matters, some local news came to my attention. Aside  from the Philippines bragging about its 7.8% GDP growth, several fiascos happened: from the legal battle between SM Aura and BCDA, to the explosion in Two Serendra, to the recent bomb threat at Net One Center, all happening at The Fort (which is for me this generation’s Makati), one would seriously think how these events would reflect on our country’s GDP growth.

Well, for one, the PSEI dropped for a while, but is recovering slowly recently, and the same goes to several investments. I myself felt dismayed at how rates dropped after the announcement of the 7.8% GDP growth, and really feel skeptical at this supposed good news. Not that I am being pessimistic, but to be honest, that figure should translate to progress not just to the upper class, but that it should trickle down to the masses as well. Even our Peso to Dollar exchange rate is falling down recently.

If there’s one reality the Philippines cannot deny, it is the fact that poverty incidence did not really go down, that there are still several unemployed and underemployed people in this country, and that such majestic figures is not really felt at all. To add insult to injury, prices of basic commodities and utilities such as water, electricity and gasoline continue to increase. Also, the country still faces a power crisis, especially in Mindanao.

With these mumblings, I want to ask the honorable President this: If we have this majestic 7.8% GDP growth, where is it going? Why is it not really felt? Are these figures for show only?

As to the series of unfortunate events happening within The Fort for the past two weeks, one would feel disturbed as how these events would affect potential investors and also our economy. If I were an investor, I would be definitely worried at investing in The Fort, particularly with properties of Ayala Land. With conclusive reports that the blast at Two Serendra was caused by a gas leak, one would raise a red flag at the safety and integrity of properties of Ayala Land (but honestly speaking, their properties are way better than those of SMDC, but that is just me I guess).

Then you also have the fiasco caused by Cebu Pacific when one of its planes overshoot the runway at Davao International Airport. Even with its piso fares, Cebu Pacific’s reputation of having delayed flights AND not handling the situation properly (it took around 30 minutes before passengers were able to get out of the aircraft, of which the inside of the aircraft was already being enveloped by smoke!) will surely turn off potential customers, which in return will damage their profits badly. In addition to Cebu Pacific’s fiasco on handling emergency situations, leaving the plane on the runway for almost two days did major damage to the airport as flights were cancelled, and that passengers were diverted to other airports. Millions were lost due to this fiasco, mind you.

Just days after the big announcement on our GDP growth comes these set of disasters. Now this makes me wonder . . . how long can the Philippines sustain such a majestic GDP growth?