The people must independently assert and fight for their sovereign will

(Democracy and sovereignty belong only to the people)

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (GMA) is already in detention. More cases are still being filed against her. Former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos is now also in jail. The impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona is in process.

The haste by which the resolution for the impeachment of Corona was prepared and signed by 188 members of the House of Representatives has raised some questions and concern especially among the legal ranks and within both houses of Congress.

Though it manifests how far Malacañan has gained in influencing, perhaps compelling the lower house, would soon be put to test in the trial of Corona before the Senate, constituted as the impeachment court. But even before this opens in January 2012 the move to impeach Corona is already generating a storm of debates and protests especially from the judicial and legal ranks.

Corona is putting up a fight. Though he is submitting himself before the impeachment court he is not taking leave from his post. He has raised the call of “depending democracy and the Supreme Court” (explained, the “integrity and independence” of the judiciary) against what he alleges as a creeping Aquino dictatorship. For this, even as it is perverted, has won support from among judges and the IBP.

Like what his patroness and client GMA did before, Corona refuses to leave his seat now. By raising the issue of “integrity and independence” of the judiciary, Corona is making his fight look honourable and worthy of support to gain moral ascendancy. By this packaging he is hiding and trying to overcome the stigma of being the greatest defender of GMA.

But even before the situation could further worsen, the resolution of the cases and charges against GMA and her cohorts, including Corona himself, is already sidelined.

Unless and until they move, the majority of the Filipino people, who are the real victims of the crimes committed by GMA and her ilk, are again bound to suffer more in the fracas between the executive and legislative branches on one hand and the judiciary on the other.

The overwhelming majority of the Filipino people are long denied of their sovereignty. They are alienated from and are the real victims under this political system. In their long experience with the three main branches of rule, it is the judicial branch and the police that are farthest and harshest to them. It is not alien to many how difficult and costly it is to gain justice through the courts. It is public knowledge how many poor prisoners, including political prisoners, are languishing in jail. They are either innocent of the charges against them or have aged in prison without trial.

It is common knowledge that in our country, “justice” is sold and bought, at the highest bid. Interpretation of laws and the constitution is changeable favouring who has more power of money and position. A criminal can escape conviction by mere technicality of the law and judicial processes. This is true not only in the experience of the masses of the people but also of less favoured members of the elite.

It is thus common for the people to appeal their situation directly to their elected officials from local executives, congressmen, senators and to the president. Though narrow and distorted, this is the concept and practice of democracy in the Philippines. Nevertheless, this is also the condition that perpetuates political patronage.

The “democracy” that Corona is harping about must be his “freedom” and “independence” in denying justice to the people who are the real victims of the crimes and abuses of the GMA regime.

The people should make Corona go! But as they do this they remind PNoy, their principal patron or perhaps their principal servant as they are his “boss”, to pursue the resolution of the cases involving GMA and her ilk expediently but thoroughly.

The people’s independent action to make Corona go is not tantamount to taking the side of PNoy. It is PNoy and all officials mandated by the people who must consistently take the side of the people (his/their “boss”). It is justice for the people that GMA and her ilk pay for their crimes.

People’s vigilance is a must and necessity. They are reminded by experience that conflicts within and among rulers are often settled through compromises but often at the great expense of the people; like when GMA was saved from ouster by Fidel Ramos and Jose de Venecia.

It should be the rulers who must take the side of the people and uphold their interest. The people must independently assert their sovereign will and liberate themselves from self-serving rulers who are also subservient to foreign interests.

Democracy and sovereignty belong only to the people. These cannot be claimed by any Corona nor any PNoy or any other elected official.

Kilusan para sa Pambansang Demokrasya (KPD)

Disyembre 18, 2011

Do you know my name?
Did you know where I live?
Are you a god of all gods to answer all my anxiety, fears and unhopeful questions?
Can you do me a favor?

I am just a woman that the society dictates
What will and shall I do
Can you solve this societal equation?
I beg you please!
Am I too soft-hearted to accept how the society see me?

Can you feel the struggle I have in this cruel world?
Or are you just another man without integrity which I feared of,
Are you playing also the role that the society dictate to you
I wish you are also a victim.

Can I ask you again a question?
Why are you all men so braggart of you strength?

This is just the misogyny of a woman who is pissed and breaking the chain to this yolk of slavery

Am I just the only one treated tyrannically
I wish I am not
Because my enemy is the society....

Anonymous

PNoy’s Way: Same Old Road to Crisis

While PNoy harps on his already worn-out and empty slogans and charges the ills of the nation to the wrongdoings of the past regime, his 1-year achievement report to the people he calls his “boss”, remains far below minimum expectations.

The masses of the people cannot make out “tuwid na daan” and “kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap”. It is grinding poverty that is very real. Even as the people’s expectations on PNoy were high at the start, they were just awaiting for changes beyond “walang wang-wang, walang counter-flow”. They were expecting that the PNoy administration would start addressing the causes of poverty, beyond corruption.

But what steadily revealed in the past year was: the path being pursued by the second Aquino regime is along the same neo-liberal direction that was followed by past administrations. The difference, Noynoy’s presidency is out to prove itself that it is pursuing this path in a manner that is opposite the self-serving and self-aggrandizing ways of the Macapagal-Arroyo criminal syndicate.

The illegitimacy, massive corruption, abuses and the blatant scheme of the GMA regime to stay in power roused the people to action and rendered grave costs to the socio-political system that caters to the interests of local and foreign elite. It is therefore the task of the PNoy administration to save this system from impending implosion but in a way that the government would regain the people’s trust.

The PNoy administration is turning out to be more faithful to the conditions set by the IMF-WB and other foreign creditors and investors than to its “covenant” with the people.

The anti-corruption and anti-tax evasion drives and the fiscal policies being pursued by the Aquino administration have gained recognition from international credit analysts. Being rewarded with credit rating upgrade is the greatest achievement of the PNoy administration! Now, its aiming for an investment rating upgrade.

But as the government is drawing savings and earnings from its anti-corruption drive and improved revenue collection, it is spending less on social services.

This is in accordance with conditions set by foreign creditors and investors, specifically the guideline for the Philippine government to lower the budget deficit to within 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). So as not to default on its debt payments!

The credit rating upgrade achievement and the investment rating upgrade being worked-out by the Noynoy presidency are added assurances for creditors and financial speculators to do business in the Philippines. Indeed the net inflow of non-productive, non-job creating portfolio investments have significantly increased by 245% from $647 million in the first half of 2010 to $2.36B in the first half of 2011. Also, the total debt (domestic and foreign) of the government has ballooned to P4.712 trillion in April 2011. This is everything for the financial speculators and nothing for the Filipino people except a heavier debt burden and denial of social services!

The prices of oil and oil products keep on rising effecting increases in prices of basic needs: water, electricity and other utilities and services and cost of production. But nothing has been done by the government within its mandate, not even cushioning the impact of inflation. Immediately it could have suspended or reduced EVAT as suggested by some legislators. This could have been followed with the scrapping of Oil Deregulation Law and EPIRA and checking monopoly pricing by oil and energy cartels. Instead the Aquino administration extended EPIRA for another 10 years.

The PNoy administration boasts of expanding coverage of the conditional cash transfer (CCT) or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) to two million - its centerpiece pro-poor program.

But the fact being muddled is: the 4Ps is the continuation of the “dole-out” program started under GMA. The funds being used are loans from WB and ADB. It is also not being admitted that the CCT is not immune from corruption and is a convenient way for politicians to build and sustain political patronage. The conditions that have to be met by the “beneficiaries” further promote mendicancy and non-productivity. In fact, reports say that some who have availed of the 4Ps are not poor!

PNoy is consistently betraying the trust of his “boss”, by deviating from his campaign promises. He is making it safe and secure for big land-owners by distancing from the case involving his family’s large estate, the Hacienda Luisita rather than pursue agrarian reform that favours the landless peasantry.

He favours the interests of both local and foreign big capitalists and turns away from the workers’ pleas and demands against contractualization of employment and for just and living wages, job security and safe working conditions. The workers’ cases in PAL and Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Philippines) represent the continuing failure of government to give justice to workers’ rights to job security, safe working conditions, self-organization, living wage and other benefits. Demolitions of urban poor communities sans relocation continue despite pleas to continue the short-lived moratorium.

The human rights record of the Aquino administration is also dismal. While not as worse as the previous GMA regime, it remains inconsistent with the pronouncements by PNoy, and echoed by the AFP and PNP of “respecting human rights”.

The killings, enforced disappearances and arrests and detention of activists and journalists in different lines of advocacy—from political to environmental causes-- continue. This is a continuing insult and injustice because not one among those accused of perpetrating the extra-judicial killings (EJKs) and enforced disappearances from 2001-2010 is yet brought to justice. The most notorious of them, Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan is scot free even as he is charged in the case of two missing students from UP. And of course GMA, who honored Palparan as a “defender of democracy”, is free and a congresswoman even!

The promised closure of cases involving GMA, her family and their accomplices in government, police and military is far from being realized. The process which has been blocked in the past regime remains impeded still. And among the big impediments is the indecisiveness and sluggishness of the PNoy presidency. For instance, the cases of human rights violations, election fraud and the other cases of betrayal of public trust are grave historical injustices to the Filipino people. Should the PNoy presidency fail to act decisively, it could be overtaken by the outrage of the people, his boss.

The PNoy presidency has confirmed once again that the Philippines is not sovereign. It is a US neo-colony and the Philippine government is a stooge of this declining but very aggressive superpower.

Several times did PNoy and Malacañang deviate from the ASEAN principle of peace, freedom and neutrality over the issue of the islets of Spratlys. Several times did PNoy do sabre-rattling even as his daringness was clearly being propped-up by non categorical statement of the US State Department that USA would back the Philippines should China invade the islets.

It’s like the little boy inviting trouble while his big brother stands behind. This is scary for the little boy in this case is the president of over 90 million people.

Finally, it is expected that PNoy would include in his second SONA the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2011-2016, which is said to be based on his “Social Contract with the Filipino People”. The PDP was launched last month but it would need certain legislations so it could be pursued. Nevertheless, PDP 2011-2016 is a rehashed and broadened version of the Millennium Development Goals of the UNDP for the Philippines.

The masses of the Filipino people have suffered long. They have been longing for liberation from the social ills. They elected a government that promised to be the alternative. Should they be failed again, the people would not cease from justly taking upon themselves the pursuit of liberation.

CRYING OVER TROUBLED ENVIRONMENT

by Rico Martinez Monte on Monday, April 11, 2011 at 4:54pm

Heading Northern and Southern part of Cebu! That's what I did for this week.

Heading North for an annual clean up at Mt. Manunggal Barangay Magsaysay,Balamban Cebu and heading South for the Youth Leaders-Advocate Camp 2011 at Don Bosco Retreat House, Mantalongon Dalaguete Cebu with a theme "LEAD THE G.R.E.E.N CHANGE AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE". It was held last April 1,2 and 3, 2011 and made possible through the Youth for Environmental Sustainability Network (YESN), Bayanihan Foundation Incorporation, Visayas Mindanao People's Resource Development Center (VMPRDC) and in cooperation with the Sining Dilaab Cultural Group.

"The Youth are the Hope of the Future" could you still recall who uttered that phrase? Probably what you're thinking is what I'm thingking also-his Dr. JOSE RIZAL our national hero. A phrase that each one of us (youth) must personify. The camp strived to equip the youth from different walks of life an up-to-date understanding in the crusade for social and climate equity. To rekindle our culture ofHOPE, as we emanate ourselves in economic crisis and promotes camaraderie in the quest for environmental devastation.

State should empower the YOUTH

Though our world is filled with people who are capable of doing different things. Even amidst the differences, WE (youth) still try to make this world a better place. If we just see clearly in looking around, we can see that it's just like a KALEIDOSCOPE- we are the beads and pebble that when we look down with it, one cannot see it's elegance unless one puts it upward into the light.

WHY THE YOUTH? ?

Every time I heard the word "youth" first thing that draws near into my mind is the famous quote of Mahatma Gandhi that says "BE THE CHANGE YOU WISH TO SEE IN THE WORLD" which is true because even if the older generation rules the world, it is us the younger who spins it. We are much eager to learn and believes that we can make a difference may it be a bigger or a smaller one, BUT the important is- we know our responsibility, despite of all the challenges that our environment are facing today, there remain the youth and other advocates who are actively participating in the nationwide struggle for a better environment.

The youths who took part for this year's camp comes from different universities, youth sectors and other civic organizations. Among those are: CEBU INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY-UNIVERSITY, CEBU NORMAL UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF CEBU LAPU-LAPU MANDAUE, CEBU TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF SAN CARLOS and from MANTALONGON NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL OF DALAGUETE CEBU.

-TOPICS THAT WAS DISCUSSED

First day of the camp we were bombarded by various issues conferred by different environmental experts. Topics that was discussed are as follows:

"Present Global Crisis: Implications on the People's Lives and Environment" it was conveyed by MR. PETE PINLAC, President MKP. He talked about the sense of mechanism of things that are distorted which lead us to a major problem. May I ask you? Have you ever asked yourself the importance of natural resources? Some would answer YES and some probably don't mind as long as they provide their personal gratifications. Well, just to enlighten those people who don't mind, NATURE is the very means of humanity's survival- OUR SURVIVAL! We are very much blessed of the intellect given by our creator, the sole distinction of being rational in making decisions to understand nature and other creatures. We are here to protect and conserve life from it. Unfortunately, as man's intellect continuously develops the more products that destroys mother EARTH also develops. For that, many environmental advocates nowadays may it be a youth, professionals and etc. are struggling for a relentless pursue for Environment Friendly Society.

Mr. Pete Pinlac

It was followed by a topic "COAL: A Clear and Present Danger to Health, Environment and Climate" delivered by ATTY. GLORIA ESTENZO RAMOS.

Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos

Have you ever read Article II, Section 16 of the Philippine Constitution? Probably, we were able to read and learn it in the academe as mandated by CHED. It says "The state shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balance and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature". The law is precised. Isn't it? But, it is just an illusion for us to have that law possible these days. Let us all commemorate that we are bounded by laws.

Impartiality should reside

No one is above the law! Would you believe in that? Yes it is true. But how come? Most people who are in the positions are the one who contravenes the law. Infact, it is the supreme law of the land.

Have you ever asked yourself if we had a landfill of Coal ashes here in Cebu which was manned by big time people? There is, but not to mention. It is their desire to harness natural resources, to amass profit and meet immediate financial requirement achieving their own personal satisfaction-not the citizenry's. They even don't mind how these dirtiest GREEN HOUSE GAS puts the citizenry's health and environment into danger.

COAL POWER PLANT

climate change

MOTHER EARTH

My hometown-Ormoc city tragedy last November 5, 1991 where typhoon "URING" ravaged, turned it into a wasteland and killed 8,000+ residents, September 26,2009-when Ondoy strucked NCR by surprise, an 8.9 magnitude of Earthquake and Tsunami that hits Japan.

tragedy

Those are some indications that the balance of nature has been upset. As irreversible loss of flora and fauna-cycle of floods and droughts has triggered. Mother Earth is failing. When she cries-the water ascends. When she sob-the land shakes. Who should be condemned for that? It should be-US. It was made by the very children whom she NOURISHED, CLOTHED and PROTECTED. Let us all be awake, it is not a nightmare BUT it is a reality.

-SOARING THE GIFT OF NATURE

The moment we stepped out of the bus, we are warmly welcomed with a Baguio resembling ambiance, inhaled a FRESH AIR with the natures enticing edifice, friendly and accommodating caretakers of the retreat house. The surroundings can actually wipe-out the city's discomfort and pollutions. A short hike through the MAG-ALAMBAK forest allows us to discover some of the trees as the beaming rays of the sun spread to every inch of its impressive trunks, different species of uncommon plants and a variety of herbs and shrubs.

Beaming rays

shrubs

On our way to MAG-ALAMBAK FOREST

As we go along we were captivated by the casual ecological sceneries that are symbiosis with each other. We even passed through a free flowing water from the top that thought to be a splendid healer of a stressed souls. Despite of the environmental problems we've facing right now, still, we can discover a place that promises a sure piece of EDEN that we must safeguard.

Splendid beauty

From there, my group (The Earth Trail Blazers-GREEN TEAM) was able to compose a four (4) stanza Visayan poem that talks about the splendid beauty of nature. Just click the link:

-THE NIGHT OF ANTICIPATION

The night of anticipation has taken everyone by storm after being cascaded with different workshops and lectures, who would have the leisure of time to get acquainted with other campers to what we called the SOLIDARITY NIGHT.

A breath of air, gleaming and flashing lights greeted us-campers, facilitators and our guest- Mrs. Evelyn Castillo who traveled from Tacloban Leyte to Dalaguete Cebu just to witnessed the camp and delivered her inspirational speech to the campers (youth). After, a good cheers and laughter's was shown by each team as we affirmed our group yells. The crowd grew most eager when the Sinining Dilaab presenters started the beat with various instruments as they depict the present circumstances of our country.

Mrs. Evelyn Castillo,Representative Bayanihan Corporation

REFLECTIONS

What would the world look like fifteen years from now? If, environment devastation continues? Maybe, everyone else's future will be obscured and darkened with our uncertainty. But! if our disposition toward this problem is what matter most and continue to believe in what we can do, work for what we believe in. For sure, it will be a better place to live in.

There needs to be an intersection between the government and the youth or private citizens. Our government should hone the youth, develop programs that safeguards our environment. Programs that works not in a blue print only. A clean country starts with a clean environment. To solve our environmental problems, everyone needs to be involved. LET'S MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

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For more photos just click the Link below:

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