Content about For Bikol and the World

Since the passage of the RH law, there has been much talk about a so-called "Catholic Vote" like that of the common perception about the Iglesia ni Kristo voting as a bloc. Nothing can be farther from the truth than the idea that the Catholic Church would supposedly wield its power and influence for a so-called "command vote" as politicians are wont to strive for. We Catholics are not automatons. Indeed, the very concept of a "command vote" is anathema to the Social Teachings of our Church.

On March 19, Francis I was formally installed as our new Pope. This day is also the feast-day of St. Joseph. And in his homily, Pope Francis pointed out our mission in whatever station in life we may be to be like St. Joseph as a "protector" of life, of God's creation, our families and children, and everything under our care and responsibility.

On the same day, our Supreme Court issued an SQA or status quo ante order effective for 120 days suspending the implementation of the controversial RH or reproductive health law. Recall that this RH law was railroaded by Congress upon the personal intervention of President Aquino.

It's sad that the present standoff in Sabah between the Malaysian government and the "royal army" of the Sultanate of Sulu has resulted in bloodshed and even reports of Malaysian abuses of Filipino civilians caught in the crossfire.

But what is sadder is the utter mismanagement of the issue by the administration and President Aquino's glaring ignorance and even stupidity by his orders for "surrender." To make matters worse, PNoy has even resorted to playing the blame-game and throwing below-the-belt attacks on the Sultan of Sulu.

Elections are rooted in the fundamental principle that government exists only on consent of the governed. There are two critical concepts in this proposition, that is, consent and governed. But both terms spring from one and the same tree, as it were: We, the People.

Thus, in our Constitution, it is we, the sovereign Filipino People, who establish the government. And it is through elections that we put individual people to run it or unfortunately in many instances, ruin it.

"Tuwid na Daan" boasted of 2012 as the year for public accountability through the first-ever removal of a Chief Justice. And the impeachment was doggedly pursued by no less than the President of the Philippines, using all the forces of government at his disposal like the BIR.

But early on in the New Year 2013,  the annual practice of multi-million peso Christmas cash gifts by the Senate President to all the senators from senate "savings" was outed. Enrile playing Santa Claus to his peers, a "tradition" of the senate allegedly since the time of Quezon, would have normally gone unnoticed except that four unhappy "naughty kids" complained about the "small" amount of Php250 thousand each that was given them.

“Secretary,” I greeted Jesse Robredo when I bumped into him after the 2010 Magsaysay Awards ceremonies on August 31, 2010, at the Cultural Center of the Philippines in Pasay City.

We shook hands, and he joked that he had to “escape” or “maenot na ako” (go ahead) for his next appointment.

As usual he was unassuming although by then had made it from city mayor to a high cabinet official already. He remained friendly as ever.

On August 6, Congress voted viva voce to end debates on the RH Bill or House Bill No. 4244, “An Act Providing for a Comprehensive Policy on Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health, and Population and Development, and For Other Purposes.”

While the voting was originally scheduled for Aug. 7, it was rushed on Aug. 6, after members of congress were summoned to Malacañan. President Aquino reportedly told them to end all the talking. Thus, they voted quickly back in Congress that same day.

The RH Bill is couched in innocent-looking motherhood statements repetitive of established norms like gender equality, maternal health, or non-discrimination. But, it is actually built on a deceptive framework.

When President Noynoy Aquino or PNoy assumed office in 2010, he vowed to eradicate the so-called Wang-Wang mentality in government through his much ballyhooed Tuwid na Daan.

But recently, a lowly policeman found himself in the hot seat and the target of vengeful actions by the entire forces of government when he unwittingly blocked the presidential convoy.

Unfortunately, what was entirely missed in that incident was the question why should the president have priority over other roads users, especially private citizens like you and me. For is it not our democratic bedrock principle that no one is above the law?

Of course, we make way for emergencies and other similar situations. But what if PNoy were even just out for a date?

It's Independence Day once again. We ask as always when we salute the Flag that symbolizes our Nation: Are we really independent?

Have we been doomed by our own Act of Proclamation of Independence of the Filipino People that declared "independence" as a new Nation, but one under the protection of the United States of America which country in fact did not then recognize us?

Finally, the five-month impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona will come to a close. Early next week, our senators-judges will render their verdict on whether or not Corona should be removed from office.

Of eight articles of impeachment the prosecution originally filed, only three remain. These are the charges for non-disclosure of assets and liabilities, bias for former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and the matter of the TRO by the Supreme Court against the Administration's travel ban on the former president. 

Certain legal precepts should guide our senators-judges--and by which we, the people, may also judge them.

There's been some renewed interest in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona with the "bombshell" testimony of Ombudsman Carpio-Morales. She presented the report to her of the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) on Corona's alleged dollar deposits amounting to $10 million.

And with her appearance according to prosecution sympathizers, lead defense counsel Justice Cuevas finally found his match. Cuevas has been making mincemeat of the prosecutors since the start of trial. But that is not so much because of his legal acumen and being a former Supreme Court justice. Rather, prosecutors came for trial ill-prepared.

This early, our country is undoubtedly in election mode already. People are into all the preparations for the May 13, 2013 elections. And with elections, like war, everything is fair game.

A consequence of this shift would be to sideline the on-going impeachment trial of the Chief Justice. It’s not about him anymore despite his having been demonized no end by the administration and further publicly condemned by no less than President Aquino himself. Verily, the impeachment has become a political reality show for senators who would be running for re-election: Alan Peter Cayetano, Francis Escudero, Gregorio Honasan, Loren Legarda, Antonio Trillanes 4th, and Aquilino Pimentel III.