Walang Utang na Loob

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

I feel bad for Mar Roxas. The guy gave up his dream to be President and stepped aside for Noynoy. But what does he get for it? A double-cross so vicious and wicked that, if it were a crime, Noynoy would be liable for murder qualified by treachery.

How stupid can you be, Noy? Why did you allow the camp of Chiz Escudero to play a role -- any role -- in your team when you knew Chiz will never campaign for, much less endorse, Mar? You knew the two are potential rivals in 2016 and therefore Chiz was expected to endorse anybody but Mar. As it turned out, Chiz picked Binay, who is now leading Mar in the Vice-presidential race.

Really stupid! Talagang bobo! And if this is an indication of what's inside the kokote of Noynoy, which I now suspect is very little, we're in for 6 years of trouble. Abnoy talaga! And it hurts because I was counting on Mar to help an Aquino Government steer this country to prosperity.

I know we have to stop the culture of paying debts of gratitude, but this is an exception. There is no sleazy quid pro quo or anything like that here. Noynoy was only required to repay Mar with loyalty, a debt of gratitude that Mar deserved considering that aside from the fact he gave way to Noynoy, Mar's other reason for stepping aside was his noble attempt to unite the opposition.

How could Noynoy honestly say sorry to Mar now for allowing Chiz to sabotage the Noy-Mar tandem? He knew or should have known that Chiz would be laying the groundwork for his 2016 bid as early as now. Or was he just so stupid to recognize this? Abnoy talaga! This is the most wicked sabotage I have ever seen and a portent of things to come.

I can only imagine what Mar must be feeling right now. He must be very hurt as we, his supporters, all are. Mar has proven himself and if we're to examine the issues that have been raised against him during his entire public life, we could hardly hear, not even murmurs, of corruption. But ask Makati residents about Binay and the smell is as foul as the Inayawan landfill back here in Cebu. To me, when all you could throw at Mar is the fact that he's rich, it truly shows what we have lost today.

There's only one thing I can say to you Mr. President, wala kan'g utang na loob!

Vote wisely, use the "7-3-1-1 formula" for the Senate race

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Earlier, I mentioned that I have a "7-3-1-1 formula" for the Senate race. These numbers represent "7" new faces that I'd like to elect to the Senate; "3" incumbent public officials, or former politicians who did good while in power or their family members; "1" leftist, and "1" military officer who had previously tried to overthrow the government.

The reason for the 7 fresh faces is obvious. We need new voices in the Senate, individuals with fresh ideas and who would not succumb to quid pro quo arrangements because they have little or no previous political debts to pay. If we elect 7 neophyte senators now and another 7 of their type in three years, then we will have a new Senate majority by 2013 who can trump traditional politicians in any debate or vote. Right now, my list include the following names:

1. Dr. Martin Bautista -- A balikbayan doctor ala Dr. Juan Flavier. To know more about him, click here and here.

2. Atty. Alex Lacson -- A humble lawyer who authored "12 Little Things Every Filipino Can Do to Help Our Country". Know the man by reading his speeches and what others are saying about him at this site.

3. Atty. Adrian Sison -- A lawyer known for making big corporations accountable. He once sued PLDT for attempting to convert its phonelines into a metered service. Because of this, he and a former officemate, Manny Amador (who deserves to be in the Senate, too; but sadly is not running) are now persona non grata at the PLDT Tower in Makati.

4. Yasmin Lao -- A Muslim and a women's equal rights advocate. Get to know her more here and here.

5. Atty. Zosimo Paredes -- I've met this guy and from my impression, he's very humble for a PMAyer just like Atty. Alex Lacson. He will be hard to dictate upon in the Senate. Truly, an officer and a gentleman.

6. Manuel Valdehuesa, Jr. -- A former UN executive, author, and educator. You can read his bio here.

7. Alexander Tinsay -- a broadcast journalist, scholar, church minister and 700 Club host. You can read more about him here and here.

As for the 3 slots I'm allocating to former politicians, incumbents, or their family members, the following I think need to be rewarded:

1. Sonia Roco -- Her husband's track record speaks for itself.

2. Ralph Recto -- For having the balls to pass the unpopular E-VAT, which is the reason why we are not affected by the global recession.

3. Capt. Ramon Mitra -- For the work of his dad to restore democracy in the Philippines in 1986.

Now, you might ask, "Why elect a rebel and a communist to the Senate?" The answer is simple: I want the leftists and the military rebels to see that there's an alternative to their armed struggle, that they can participate in governance, and that in a democracy you cannot impose your ideology on others. You have to work within the system. You can shout 'til you're hoarse, but at the end of the day, you have to abide by the majority will. I want the following to get this chance:

1. Satur Ocampo or Liza Maza

2. Gen. Danilo Lim or Col. Ariel Querubin

That's it. I hope you follow the same formula and vote for these candidates. A lot is at stake in this election. If we fail to choose the right leaders, this country will be a lot worse by 2016.

Farewell to a Legend

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

You'd know a legend when his reputation precedes him hours or even days before his arrival. Once in grade school at Capitol, we were told he was coming. We shuddered at just the thought of him being there.

He inspired fear not because he was fearsome, but because he represented discipline, perfection, an unmatched yardstick for what is best and right. Even patches had to be stitched the right way. Woe to those who sport long hairs during formation because he'd cut their locks to the point their next hairstyle would be worst than a "bagol". Maayo pa'g magpa-upaw nalang.

When he's around, you have to stand erect. You had to or else. And this is true from the squad members to the officers, especially the "staff members". When he picks you to be one of his top brass after a grueling COQC, you're honored, the toast in the campus; but it comes with great responsibility. You have to be just like him -- smart, snappy, unmoving, erect. Hell, you can't even go to the comfort room to relieve yourself. You pee where you stand! I'm not kidding. This actually happened.

But outside of Pathfinder, he's a gentle guy who gives a hearty laugh when he hears a good one. A mentor, a great teacher, according to Joyce, but for me he's a legend. A standard you can approach, but never match. A larger-than-life figure who deserves the reputation he's earned.

I am absolutely certain he's had a lifetime impact on everyone who'd passed through him, even those for a fleeting moment. And that is why I believe he's not really "dead" because he lives in each of us.

So long, Sir! 'Til we meet again!