The Three Kings as Agent of Change
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
In what has become a Christian tradition the feast of the Three Kings, also known as Epiphany, is celebrated every first Sunday after New Year’s Eve. Also known as the Magi, the Three Wise Men, or the Kings from the East these men are believed to be Zoroastrian judicial astrologers from Ancient Persia. The Gospel of Matthew states that they came "from the east to Jerusalem " to worship the Christ, "born King of the Jews". According to Matthew, they navigated by following a star which came to be known as the Star of Bethlehem. As they approached Jerusalem, Herod tried to trick them into revealing where Jesus was, so that he might be put to death. Upon finding Jesus, the Magi gave him gifts, amongst which were three highly symbolic ones: gold, frankincense and myrrh. Because these three gifts were recorded, most believed there were three givers, and so it came to pass.
The Magi then warned in dreams that revealed Herod's deadly intentions for the child decided to return home by a different route in order to thwart him and his furious men. This prompted Herod to resort to killing all the young children in Bethlehem, an act called the Massacre of the Innocents, in an attempt to eliminate a rival heir to his throne. Jesus and his family had, however, escaped to Egypt beforehand.
The issue is not whether they are really kings, or, that they are really astrologers. What strikes me is the fact that they tricked Herod whose plan to kill his rival heir to this throne is at hand. What a change of course?
Let’s play roles here. Since the Three Kings are conscious of the evil plan, they can be the people – or those who populate the land. Herod can be those in political powers as he was in his times. Jesus, the symbol of Christianity and the Church, can be our beloved country.
We all know that the Three Kings came to worship the “King born of the Jews.” We have grown the tradition in faithful belief that Gaspar, Melchor, and Baltazar are the names of these Kings. The Kings, as in the olden times represent the vast majority with whom the people trust and for whose cause and welfare the Kings deliver and protect. Bringing with them three biblically recorded symbolic things: gold, frankincense, and myrrh, the Three Kings are the noble Filipinos whose innate power are entrusted to the representatives most of the time. To make our role playing interesting and meaningful, let us also interpret these gifts presented to the Baby Savior.
Gold: Gold is a mineral stone, a symbol of power; a picture of wealth; and expression of treasure. The Three Kings – the people is a symbolic expression of the wealth of the nation. In the case of our country, the people as one noted philosopher said is the wealth of the nation.
Frankincense: This is an aromatic gum or resin, often used as incense, especially in religious ceremonies. This can be extracted from an African Tree. Symbolically, this represents the religious and moral aspect of the people. As is often witnessed in various church activities, frankincense speaks about our moral values founded on the religious dictums of Christ.
Myrrh: Extracts from trees and shrubs from South African and Eastern Asian countries used in perfumes, and medicinal preparations. This is our health, our physical development.
Herod, on the other hand is the symbol of power and authority. As was in his times, he, being the Governor, is the modern-day politicians – the local officials, congressmen, senators, and even the Chief Executive Officer and her Cabinet. They promulgate laws; they do amend; they sometimes violate. These figures bring peril to the people and effectively to the land – the Philippines.
Jesus, our Land, whose passion was recorded as a mere machination of ill powers in the biblical times, is in danger. Jesus, among us Christians, suffers every time we commit sin. It is in sinning that our Savior is crucified. It is in sinning that we endanger the life of the Savior. It is in sinning that we endanger the life of the Republic.
Greed! Greed, as a cardinal sin, takes control of man’s sanity over money, fame, and power. While these things are amongst the gifts from God, however, these are abused since time immemorial. Money distorts moral values: we give up our principled votes just for this. Fame destructively attracts even the holiest of men: we willfully lose our own noble identity to achieve recognition. Power rules! Even the powerless learns how to gain power through extreme abuse of it. This is our country where power is most of the time abused. Power endangers!
Yes, Jesus, our land is in danger. The Three Kings were aware of the impending danger; the people are aware of the imminent danger. Election time is fast approaching; its climate is clear and evident everywhere now. Soon, one Herod will approach and bribe you with his own gold, frankincense, and myrrh in exchange for a cast of sacred vote. Please, try to resist! There is more to life than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh of Herod. Think about the real gold, frankincense, and myrrh from the Three Kings of the East. For what profits a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul in the end.
We, the Three Kings - the Noble Filipino People can make a change. Thwart the impending peril this group of men called “Herod” is planning to undertake. We still can introduce change; we still can make change; we still can manage change. We still have time.
Change is power; change is powerful. Believe in the Power of Change. If the Three Kings did a change in the planned moves of Herod, we, the sovereign Filipino People can also do the same thing. Don’t just watch; be an agent of change!
Published, January 2007, Duamguete SunStar
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The Colors of Christmas
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
Have you ever tried to ask yourself why do we have so many colors during Christmas? Why do we have bright colored-decors hanging everywhere? Why do we have to wear bright-colored shirts during the season?
In one awesome moment, my son asked me why? All of a sudden, I also wondered why? Wow, I almost had my mental lapse that moment. It may sound naïve but the question made sense to kids. Right?
I met this middle-aged university professor in London in one of my regular annual training abroad. A holder of a Doctors Degree in Philosophy (Ph. D.), he told me that we only have three colors of Christmas (that’s what he told me - only red, gold, and green!). And I believe his idea of the three colors just make sense. So, I used this to satisfy the million-dollar question of my kid:
RED: This man told me that red symbolizes love. Notice that most Christmas cards that express love are colored red. Valentine’s cards are also colored red. The heart of Jesus is colored red. Red as the blood that runs through the veins in our heart – that’s it. Meaning, as in the old favorite lines: Love is in the air during the season. It’s time to forgive and forget, in fact. It’s even the time to make amends and greet long-lost enemies. Peace!
GOLD: Gold, he said, represents abundance; in some expression, this is treasure. Why? It’s all because the earthly mineral “gold” is literally colored gold, too. As precious as the gold, so is the color gold. Nowadays, Christmas is the season of abundance: Bonus, 13th month, cash gifts, etc. Not only that, we also acknowledge the fact that the mere presence of Christ Jesus in our lives is abundance. Our families, our friends, our works, and health are signs of abundance. Any single blessing is abundance.
GREEN: Green is life. As green as the leaves of the plants and trees so is life. This also, in some aspect, means content. Perpetually, we have to content with what we have; with what the Lord God is giving us. In life, we have to learn how to budget from small.
Then my son wondered why we have other colors apart from the red, gold, and green. I don’t want to sound absurd to my kid so I tried to be a philosopher myself. I added another three colors to the original idea and interpreted these colors in my own philosophical and biblical version: purple, silver, and blue.
PURPLE: This color is actually a royal color among the people in the olden days (yes, as in the Biblical age, darling!). This means, nobility. We acknowledge the “highness” of Christ Jesus as The One. We submit to his nobility being the King of Kings, and the Ultimate Ruler of our lives.
SILVER: Silver (or white) obviously means purity and happiness. We now acknowledge the purity of the intention of the Father in sending Christ Jesus to us. We, on the other hand, believe in the purity of other peoples’ hearts. We in fact show the purity of our hearts in dealing with others. When I say, purity of the “heart” this means the intention and the condition of our hearts when we give, say, or do something. Logically, when our intentions are pure, we are happy. When we decipher from the intentions of our fellowmen as pure, then we are happy.
BLUE: Most of us are experiencing economic deprivation today. Some people do not have in fact food for the Noche Buena; some families are celebrating Christmas in the absence of one member – a father, or a mother working abroad; or one member of the family is sick - these all, can be reasons to be blue (sad). I used to believe that blue cannot be a color of Christmas. Lately, I realized that, since this is just a cognitive framework and for as long as we believe that blue symbolizes peace, then, blue is internal and ethereal peace amidst adversities in our Christian lives – peace that can give us the synergy to move on, live lives according to the norms of Christ, and be firm in our resolves to meet the challenges of the modern day life. It is the same peace that draws “peace” from a brother; the same peace that radiates from a loved one.
Needless to say, we need to acknowledge the nobility of Christ Jesus in our lives by being contented with what we have, by showing love and compassion to the needy and the sick, by sharing abundance to others without forgetting the purity of our intentions so that the entire humanity can live in genuine peace, peace that the Noble and Holy One offers to the human race not just during Christmas but all through the years.
Others may say it’s not in the colors. But colors help. Colors attract positive vibration and can therefore bring good luck. Colors detonate madness and sadness and can bring about lively demeanor that can project positive vibration, too. Colors comfort the conditions of our hearts the moment our eyes see brilliant radiance as they enlighten heavy loads. Yes, colors are wonderful. The colors of Christmas are wonderful, too.
Published in December 24, 2006 Issue of Dumaguete Sunstar via Column of the same title. .
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
Have you ever tried to ask yourself why do we have so many colors during Christmas? Why do we have bright colored-decors hanging everywhere? Why do we have to wear bright-colored shirts during the season?
In one awesome moment, my son asked me why? All of a sudden, I also wondered why? Wow, I almost had my mental lapse that moment. It may sound naïve but the question made sense to kids. Right?
I met this middle-aged university professor in London in one of my regular annual training abroad. A holder of a Doctors Degree in Philosophy (Ph. D.), he told me that we only have three colors of Christmas (that’s what he told me - only red, gold, and green!). And I believe his idea of the three colors just make sense. So, I used this to satisfy the million-dollar question of my kid:
RED: This man told me that red symbolizes love. Notice that most Christmas cards that express love are colored red. Valentine’s cards are also colored red. The heart of Jesus is colored red. Red as the blood that runs through the veins in our heart – that’s it. Meaning, as in the old favorite lines: Love is in the air during the season. It’s time to forgive and forget, in fact. It’s even the time to make amends and greet long-lost enemies. Peace!
GOLD: Gold, he said, represents abundance; in some expression, this is treasure. Why? It’s all because the earthly mineral “gold” is literally colored gold, too. As precious as the gold, so is the color gold. Nowadays, Christmas is the season of abundance: Bonus, 13th month, cash gifts, etc. Not only that, we also acknowledge the fact that the mere presence of Christ Jesus in our lives is abundance. Our families, our friends, our works, and health are signs of abundance. Any single blessing is abundance.
GREEN: Green is life. As green as the leaves of the plants and trees so is life. This also, in some aspect, means content. Perpetually, we have to content with what we have; with what the Lord God is giving us. In life, we have to learn how to budget from small.
Then my son wondered why we have other colors apart from the red, gold, and green. I don’t want to sound absurd to my kid so I tried to be a philosopher myself. I added another three colors to the original idea and interpreted these colors in my own philosophical and biblical version: purple, silver, and blue.
PURPLE: This color is actually a royal color among the people in the olden days (yes, as in the Biblical age, darling!). This means, nobility. We acknowledge the “highness” of Christ Jesus as The One. We submit to his nobility being the King of Kings, and the Ultimate Ruler of our lives.
SILVER: Silver (or white) obviously means purity and happiness. We now acknowledge the purity of the intention of the Father in sending Christ Jesus to us. We, on the other hand, believe in the purity of other peoples’ hearts. We in fact show the purity of our hearts in dealing with others. When I say, purity of the “heart” this means the intention and the condition of our hearts when we give, say, or do something. Logically, when our intentions are pure, we are happy. When we decipher from the intentions of our fellowmen as pure, then we are happy.
BLUE: Most of us are experiencing economic deprivation today. Some people do not have in fact food for the Noche Buena; some families are celebrating Christmas in the absence of one member – a father, or a mother working abroad; or one member of the family is sick - these all, can be reasons to be blue (sad). I used to believe that blue cannot be a color of Christmas. Lately, I realized that, since this is just a cognitive framework and for as long as we believe that blue symbolizes peace, then, blue is internal and ethereal peace amidst adversities in our Christian lives – peace that can give us the synergy to move on, live lives according to the norms of Christ, and be firm in our resolves to meet the challenges of the modern day life. It is the same peace that draws “peace” from a brother; the same peace that radiates from a loved one.
Needless to say, we need to acknowledge the nobility of Christ Jesus in our lives by being contented with what we have, by showing love and compassion to the needy and the sick, by sharing abundance to others without forgetting the purity of our intentions so that the entire humanity can live in genuine peace, peace that the Noble and Holy One offers to the human race not just during Christmas but all through the years.
Others may say it’s not in the colors. But colors help. Colors attract positive vibration and can therefore bring good luck. Colors detonate madness and sadness and can bring about lively demeanor that can project positive vibration, too. Colors comfort the conditions of our hearts the moment our eyes see brilliant radiance as they enlighten heavy loads. Yes, colors are wonderful. The colors of Christmas are wonderful, too.
Published in December 24, 2006 Issue of Dumaguete Sunstar via Column of the same title. .
Thursday, December 11, 2008
A different kind of potpourri
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
A quick look at the political and economic arena of the country today would reveal that the Philippines has still without a stable government. Actions attempting to avert stability were carried out in the guise of bombings and unwanted salvaging by the authorities and liquidation by terrorists.
The disputed Glorietta blast and the recent Batasan Hills bombing are among those listed in the contemporary records.
The administration claimed we are stable now and that it’s the opposition that is making raffles and waves of instability within and among ourselves.
The Philippine economy, according to PGMA registered impressive growth rates since she assumed power; banking industry begun to lend in controlled penal rates; business process outsourcing (BPO) companies flourished; political and social conflicts resolved.
Just last week prices of oil and its by-products increased thus consequently increasing the basic commodities. Transport fares would soon increase if their requests are not attended to favorably by the administration.
In March this year, an ex-marine officer hostaged several people in Taguig Courtoom that resulted to his untimely demise. The drama was due to land dispute that was preceded by economic starvation.
Time again, “the call to resign” from “nationalists” becomes the by-word in the Philippine politics; a threat our political leaders has to resolve. Secretary Remonde belittled such act though and instead called on people to support the administration’s economic program.
If you may recall, the leftists during the Marcos Era did call for the great dictator to resign; reason why martial law was declared. Another concerned group called for Cory Aquino to resign, several months after she assumed power brought about by the popular People Power in 1986. Ramos was threatened by the same move; Erap fell prey to the same fate although later he was removed by “constitutional process.”
History would time and again repeat itself. Whoever sits in the dirt-controlled Pasig Palace, the same call, the same oil-price-controlled price increases of commodities, the same power grabbing and electoral problems, and the same termination of lives of the innocents would always surface.
Obviously, we are not improving; we are not moving forward. What a pity, Philippines?
Under the democratic principle we moved flawlessly after EDSA 1; under the same democratic principles we are divided by our own demonized activities.
Time and again, we will move in the same old-fashioned techniques. Sadly though, these techniques have become our passion of making Philippine politics and economy a trial-and-error affair.
Arguably, we always prepare a concoction of economy and politics to make a different kind of potpourri.
What a waste of time and money?
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 19 November 2007
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
A quick look at the political and economic arena of the country today would reveal that the Philippines has still without a stable government. Actions attempting to avert stability were carried out in the guise of bombings and unwanted salvaging by the authorities and liquidation by terrorists.
The disputed Glorietta blast and the recent Batasan Hills bombing are among those listed in the contemporary records.
The administration claimed we are stable now and that it’s the opposition that is making raffles and waves of instability within and among ourselves.
The Philippine economy, according to PGMA registered impressive growth rates since she assumed power; banking industry begun to lend in controlled penal rates; business process outsourcing (BPO) companies flourished; political and social conflicts resolved.
Just last week prices of oil and its by-products increased thus consequently increasing the basic commodities. Transport fares would soon increase if their requests are not attended to favorably by the administration.
In March this year, an ex-marine officer hostaged several people in Taguig Courtoom that resulted to his untimely demise. The drama was due to land dispute that was preceded by economic starvation.
Time again, “the call to resign” from “nationalists” becomes the by-word in the Philippine politics; a threat our political leaders has to resolve. Secretary Remonde belittled such act though and instead called on people to support the administration’s economic program.
If you may recall, the leftists during the Marcos Era did call for the great dictator to resign; reason why martial law was declared. Another concerned group called for Cory Aquino to resign, several months after she assumed power brought about by the popular People Power in 1986. Ramos was threatened by the same move; Erap fell prey to the same fate although later he was removed by “constitutional process.”
History would time and again repeat itself. Whoever sits in the dirt-controlled Pasig Palace, the same call, the same oil-price-controlled price increases of commodities, the same power grabbing and electoral problems, and the same termination of lives of the innocents would always surface.
Obviously, we are not improving; we are not moving forward. What a pity, Philippines?
Under the democratic principle we moved flawlessly after EDSA 1; under the same democratic principles we are divided by our own demonized activities.
Time and again, we will move in the same old-fashioned techniques. Sadly though, these techniques have become our passion of making Philippine politics and economy a trial-and-error affair.
Arguably, we always prepare a concoction of economy and politics to make a different kind of potpourri.
What a waste of time and money?
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 19 November 2007
What If God Were One of Us?
By: Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
We all come to a point that we wanted to quit from doing anything. One day, I took some time out from overwhelming office works and decided to tour around the city and find things for myself, or for my own curiosity.
I took the uncomfortable easy-ride trip to the downtown area. As the trip started to roll, I tried asking myself these questions: Have you ever tried to detach your self from yourself and see yourself from a distance? Have you tried to ask God to come down from high heavens and see for himself what’s happening right here, right now? Weird, isn’t it?
My adrenaline started to secrete when I saw unfinished road constructions along the way. Startled, I asked myself: “Why repair roads only now?” You see, these roads are supposed to connect people to the government. I wonder if you can call it a society when people are not linked to the government. That sounds silly, ha! Or, doesn’t it sound politicking? I wonder how God would react to this if he sees this right now. Whatever!
The easy-ride stopped and I must unload for the next ride. Quickly, I decided to procure for my residence certificate so I decided to proceed to the City Hall traveling via the city-popular peddycab. Pop up! How can this province convince people to make this area into a tourist destination when the means of transportation is very uncomfortable? When it rains, it pours – no, not that old adage. I mean, the rain water pours into your lap when you take a peddycab. How I wish the City Dads plan for this so we can graciously attract tourists.
Oh, here comes the People’s Hall. It’s a romantic building though suggestive of its age. It further reminded me of a theater where stars were ushered at night for the evening show. How lovely they are in midnight blue sky amazingly arranged that in just one glimpse astrologers can tell who the next star joining the next race of star-studded political election would be What a good time to re-write the Milky Way and mandate that stars could no longer run for public office, or maybe those who are intellectually incapacitated or mentally dehydrated, I thought.
Alas I was served! But of course, it was after an hour of waiting. Since I arrived at the Hall early in the afternoon, I had the first hand experience of witnessing in awe those city clerks painting their faces with pastels to make them appear new creation masterpieces. Others were stacked in the comfort lounges for an early typical Filipino siesta thing – I mean, chatting with co-workers about their lives. Oh, Dear! We still don’t change.
I decided to visit the famed Rizal Boulevard and stared passionately at the sea. Yes, that was also interesting. Snappily, I remembered the fabled mermaid who is in conflict with her court and her critically acclaimed nautical highway that’s incredibly connecting territories of raging men. It’s the same highway that is supposed to be free from trouble but brings trouble just the same. Oh, I believe we should get a new Ruler to steer us to another sea of chaos. That’s not bad. After all we are used to it.
From where I sat, I read from a tarpaulin advertising the school’s “affordable quality education.” In frenzied staccato, I subtly reacted: affordable quality education! Perfectly amazing! In this country where commercialism is a curriculum, it is not fitting to say (just an opinion, darling) that there is such a thing. Quality education, which is supposed to be the thrust of the government today, can only be afforded by the rich. Modesty aside, I come from a public school and I could say, I was a product of quality – but that was then.
My databank retrieved one old file: the country’s educational system that claims to be gearing towards Quality Education. Men! Heaven knows that. But the issue is not on the quality thing but this: is the Philippine Education relevant? Why can’t our graduates work? Why can’t they apply what they mastered from school? And look, why do we fail in international contests? Right, that’s relevant – that’s why, here comes a Social Science major hired to teach Physical Education. Or, the story of a college professor who claims he teaches quality education but speaks vernacular to discuss the subject matter. I bet that is still quality expressed in different tone. Quality or relevance? Which is which?
Splashed! The sea water soaked me. In the mid-day right at the park I got soaked. What a mess! Anyway, I noticed one thing; the sea water didn’t smell like the fumes of the great sea. It smelled like the residues of commercialism. Wow! The water from the sea of life became polluted. I thought the locals have safeguarded the Boulevard from massive abuse as what they proclaimed. From the looks of it – if the local government and the people as well won’t start protecting the area, the pristine sea of the Boulevard would eventually become like the waters of Manila Bay.
I was about to leave when I overheard a group of men debating about employment, or maybe, that was unemployment. One said: “I don’t get it. Here comes the president of the country promising a million jobs to the new graduates, yet my son is unemployed until now.” Why, oh, my? I reacted. I was thinking maybe the jobs offered by the Lady from Imperial Manila are not enough for all the unemployed. Or maybe, something is wrong with your son. Mama Mia!
It’s already dark, I didn’t notice it. A girl invited me to buy some stuffs from her store. As she motioned me, I was at this point thinking of a girl who had a mental lapse lately? If I could remember it right, she phoned a poll canvasser and inquired about her score where she’s not suppose to call because of mental conflict. She never realized she was not talking to her college professor asking for her Test Results. I didn’t know whether I got it right, but it sounded alike. What’s the word, that’s the word! Gee, believe I have lapses, too. Must be home by now.
Wait! The girl was insistent so I decided to buy some candies from her rolling store. Great, she’s very enterprising! But wow, looking at my purse, my money was just enough for my fare. What a pity! For years now I was working so hard and yet I have nothing in my purse. How I worked like a dog (barking at the wrong tree sometimes, especially when I was asking for promotions and increases). How I spent holidays in the office trying to meet deadlines and made shifts forgetting wedding anniversary and birthdays. How I tearfully waited for the coming of the payday for fear that we might not be able to pay off honest financial obligations that kept on ballooning after every fifteen days; and how we tried to make both ends meet. Hurting?
As I head back home, I imagined like a superhero doing some good works in the service: re-engineer the bureaucracy and terminate “accommodated” positions or positions created because of “utang na loob;,” downsize the government force and merge related functions to give much load to public servants who, because of light load would frequent shopping malls and movie houses; put into one basket all police powers and functions that can help solve criminality instead of putting tasks forces and agencies with duplicated functions and spend more for the same objective; abolish councils that rake out money from the treasury, councils that are intended to help “them” but not save the ailing peso; re-write the government system to maintain a uni-cameral parliamentary form thereby eliminating one of the houses and effectively reduce pork barrels, and convert them into public funds for social welfare and benefits of the working class.
I even thought of rewriting the Constitution: remove immunity, re-write qualifications of government officials including the president so that at least, we can have a better line-up of laughing stock again.
What a joy ride. I was imagining of writing a book, yeah, my own book. So, I started outlining, re-writing my outline, re-outlining. The process recurred in that order. I have listed twelve to twenty chapters with beautiful titles, and in each chapter beautiful words in my minds started to play. I stroke the first word of the supposed-to-be first chapter. Gosh, believe it! These beautiful words just didn’t fit. It was just like re-writing policies, renaming city streets, re-naming airports, and re-titling programs. Amazingly frustrating, but it works!
Oops, the travel ended! I was home then. I would have to look and sound inspired to my kids. I believe I could inspire people and tell them there’s God; that He’s home; that God’s in the air; just like every time the senators, congressmen, governors, and mayors (too many, can we label them politicians to save on cost?) shout “yes, Lord” to the lords of high heavens, they are really “high” with the lords of gambling, kidnapping, and drugs. Please forgive me, my Lord.
Frustrating! What if God answers my invitation to come down from high heavens, join us and see for himself what’s happening to us right here, right now? Wouldn’t He feel bad about these situations? Wouldn’t He point his magical finger to the defects and change them to normal? What if God were one of us, do you think all these will happen to us?
Now, will you try to detach yourself from your self and see yourself from the distance? Would you dare wish the same wish as mine? How I really wish He were!
Published in “Tuburan” June – September 2007 issue. Tuburan is the Official School Organ of the Graduate School, Negros Oriental State Univeristy, Duamguete City where the writer became the President of the Organization and Editor-in-Chief of the Paper.
By: Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
We all come to a point that we wanted to quit from doing anything. One day, I took some time out from overwhelming office works and decided to tour around the city and find things for myself, or for my own curiosity.
I took the uncomfortable easy-ride trip to the downtown area. As the trip started to roll, I tried asking myself these questions: Have you ever tried to detach your self from yourself and see yourself from a distance? Have you tried to ask God to come down from high heavens and see for himself what’s happening right here, right now? Weird, isn’t it?
My adrenaline started to secrete when I saw unfinished road constructions along the way. Startled, I asked myself: “Why repair roads only now?” You see, these roads are supposed to connect people to the government. I wonder if you can call it a society when people are not linked to the government. That sounds silly, ha! Or, doesn’t it sound politicking? I wonder how God would react to this if he sees this right now. Whatever!
The easy-ride stopped and I must unload for the next ride. Quickly, I decided to procure for my residence certificate so I decided to proceed to the City Hall traveling via the city-popular peddycab. Pop up! How can this province convince people to make this area into a tourist destination when the means of transportation is very uncomfortable? When it rains, it pours – no, not that old adage. I mean, the rain water pours into your lap when you take a peddycab. How I wish the City Dads plan for this so we can graciously attract tourists.
Oh, here comes the People’s Hall. It’s a romantic building though suggestive of its age. It further reminded me of a theater where stars were ushered at night for the evening show. How lovely they are in midnight blue sky amazingly arranged that in just one glimpse astrologers can tell who the next star joining the next race of star-studded political election would be What a good time to re-write the Milky Way and mandate that stars could no longer run for public office, or maybe those who are intellectually incapacitated or mentally dehydrated, I thought.
Alas I was served! But of course, it was after an hour of waiting. Since I arrived at the Hall early in the afternoon, I had the first hand experience of witnessing in awe those city clerks painting their faces with pastels to make them appear new creation masterpieces. Others were stacked in the comfort lounges for an early typical Filipino siesta thing – I mean, chatting with co-workers about their lives. Oh, Dear! We still don’t change.
I decided to visit the famed Rizal Boulevard and stared passionately at the sea. Yes, that was also interesting. Snappily, I remembered the fabled mermaid who is in conflict with her court and her critically acclaimed nautical highway that’s incredibly connecting territories of raging men. It’s the same highway that is supposed to be free from trouble but brings trouble just the same. Oh, I believe we should get a new Ruler to steer us to another sea of chaos. That’s not bad. After all we are used to it.
From where I sat, I read from a tarpaulin advertising the school’s “affordable quality education.” In frenzied staccato, I subtly reacted: affordable quality education! Perfectly amazing! In this country where commercialism is a curriculum, it is not fitting to say (just an opinion, darling) that there is such a thing. Quality education, which is supposed to be the thrust of the government today, can only be afforded by the rich. Modesty aside, I come from a public school and I could say, I was a product of quality – but that was then.
My databank retrieved one old file: the country’s educational system that claims to be gearing towards Quality Education. Men! Heaven knows that. But the issue is not on the quality thing but this: is the Philippine Education relevant? Why can’t our graduates work? Why can’t they apply what they mastered from school? And look, why do we fail in international contests? Right, that’s relevant – that’s why, here comes a Social Science major hired to teach Physical Education. Or, the story of a college professor who claims he teaches quality education but speaks vernacular to discuss the subject matter. I bet that is still quality expressed in different tone. Quality or relevance? Which is which?
Splashed! The sea water soaked me. In the mid-day right at the park I got soaked. What a mess! Anyway, I noticed one thing; the sea water didn’t smell like the fumes of the great sea. It smelled like the residues of commercialism. Wow! The water from the sea of life became polluted. I thought the locals have safeguarded the Boulevard from massive abuse as what they proclaimed. From the looks of it – if the local government and the people as well won’t start protecting the area, the pristine sea of the Boulevard would eventually become like the waters of Manila Bay.
I was about to leave when I overheard a group of men debating about employment, or maybe, that was unemployment. One said: “I don’t get it. Here comes the president of the country promising a million jobs to the new graduates, yet my son is unemployed until now.” Why, oh, my? I reacted. I was thinking maybe the jobs offered by the Lady from Imperial Manila are not enough for all the unemployed. Or maybe, something is wrong with your son. Mama Mia!
It’s already dark, I didn’t notice it. A girl invited me to buy some stuffs from her store. As she motioned me, I was at this point thinking of a girl who had a mental lapse lately? If I could remember it right, she phoned a poll canvasser and inquired about her score where she’s not suppose to call because of mental conflict. She never realized she was not talking to her college professor asking for her Test Results. I didn’t know whether I got it right, but it sounded alike. What’s the word, that’s the word! Gee, believe I have lapses, too. Must be home by now.
Wait! The girl was insistent so I decided to buy some candies from her rolling store. Great, she’s very enterprising! But wow, looking at my purse, my money was just enough for my fare. What a pity! For years now I was working so hard and yet I have nothing in my purse. How I worked like a dog (barking at the wrong tree sometimes, especially when I was asking for promotions and increases). How I spent holidays in the office trying to meet deadlines and made shifts forgetting wedding anniversary and birthdays. How I tearfully waited for the coming of the payday for fear that we might not be able to pay off honest financial obligations that kept on ballooning after every fifteen days; and how we tried to make both ends meet. Hurting?
As I head back home, I imagined like a superhero doing some good works in the service: re-engineer the bureaucracy and terminate “accommodated” positions or positions created because of “utang na loob;,” downsize the government force and merge related functions to give much load to public servants who, because of light load would frequent shopping malls and movie houses; put into one basket all police powers and functions that can help solve criminality instead of putting tasks forces and agencies with duplicated functions and spend more for the same objective; abolish councils that rake out money from the treasury, councils that are intended to help “them” but not save the ailing peso; re-write the government system to maintain a uni-cameral parliamentary form thereby eliminating one of the houses and effectively reduce pork barrels, and convert them into public funds for social welfare and benefits of the working class.
I even thought of rewriting the Constitution: remove immunity, re-write qualifications of government officials including the president so that at least, we can have a better line-up of laughing stock again.
What a joy ride. I was imagining of writing a book, yeah, my own book. So, I started outlining, re-writing my outline, re-outlining. The process recurred in that order. I have listed twelve to twenty chapters with beautiful titles, and in each chapter beautiful words in my minds started to play. I stroke the first word of the supposed-to-be first chapter. Gosh, believe it! These beautiful words just didn’t fit. It was just like re-writing policies, renaming city streets, re-naming airports, and re-titling programs. Amazingly frustrating, but it works!
Oops, the travel ended! I was home then. I would have to look and sound inspired to my kids. I believe I could inspire people and tell them there’s God; that He’s home; that God’s in the air; just like every time the senators, congressmen, governors, and mayors (too many, can we label them politicians to save on cost?) shout “yes, Lord” to the lords of high heavens, they are really “high” with the lords of gambling, kidnapping, and drugs. Please forgive me, my Lord.
Frustrating! What if God answers my invitation to come down from high heavens, join us and see for himself what’s happening to us right here, right now? Wouldn’t He feel bad about these situations? Wouldn’t He point his magical finger to the defects and change them to normal? What if God were one of us, do you think all these will happen to us?
Now, will you try to detach yourself from your self and see yourself from the distance? Would you dare wish the same wish as mine? How I really wish He were!
Published in “Tuburan” June – September 2007 issue. Tuburan is the Official School Organ of the Graduate School, Negros Oriental State Univeristy, Duamguete City where the writer became the President of the Organization and Editor-in-Chief of the Paper.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Who’s Next?
By Rolo B.Cena
Pulp Bits
Just before the darkness enveloped the fabled “city of gentle people”, I overheard a tricycle driver narrating the story of the shooting along Perdices Street late last week. An unaccompanied man, alighting from his owner-type jeep was shot dead by an unidentified motorcycle-ridden, helmet-covered killer.
Suddenly, the story of Ms. Tumongha, the former Treasurer of Dumaguete City flashed back in an instant. A retiring, honest government employee in her late fifties, she was shot dead in almost the same fashion. Just before the sun finally set on the entire city, an unidentified man riding his motorcycle shot her from behind. This time, Ms.Tumongha was already at the gate of her own abode with the husband opening the gate for her.
Lo! She was killed. He was killed, too. These are too heavy to bear; too painful to recall.
Two separate incidents of merciless killing adding to the pages of the city’s “who killed whom” book of unresolved crimes. President Arroyo must have been wrong in calling the city “most peaceful” in year 2006. I bet.
Back to the recent case, the police are still investigating the motive of the killing. Others speculated a “drug” related cause; others say “love” conflict; and still others say “crime” related. Hey, we are not judges!
Ms. Tumongha was killed in 2005. Then there was silence. Despite repeated plea from the members of her family, nothing happened. Nothing prevailed, nothing resolved. Whether it was political or personal, we really do not know. But God knows.
Last year, the city was shocked when a minorette from a local high school was raped and killed, this prompted cries from the constituents calling the city officials for a more vigilant move to prevent these happenings. Nothing prevailed, nothing resolved. Whether or not they acted on it, it’s between them and God.
About two months ago, a foreign national was killed in the same fashion. It was ruled out that matters of the heart caused it.
Yesterday, we have Ms. Tumongha, today we have this man. Who will be the next?
Well, it could be you; it could be me. But somebody has to stop it. Whether we say “he” was a criminal or not, we have the proper avenue to judge him; or even her. Whether people would testify he was a pusher, a criminal, or an illegitimate lover, only the proper application of laws can determine “who” shall be punished.
In his bid for mayoralty last May, Dr. Umbac (I prefer to address him this way) criticized the peace and order situation of the city and of the province. Being himself in-charge of the Peace and Order Committee, I believe he would know, or to say the least, he would have known what really happened.
My question is: can you still say living in Dumaguete is still safe?
To the Chair of the Peace and Order Committee of the province, what can you say?
Published, Dumaguete SunStar, 20 Augusts 2007
By Rolo B.Cena
Pulp Bits
Just before the darkness enveloped the fabled “city of gentle people”, I overheard a tricycle driver narrating the story of the shooting along Perdices Street late last week. An unaccompanied man, alighting from his owner-type jeep was shot dead by an unidentified motorcycle-ridden, helmet-covered killer.
Suddenly, the story of Ms. Tumongha, the former Treasurer of Dumaguete City flashed back in an instant. A retiring, honest government employee in her late fifties, she was shot dead in almost the same fashion. Just before the sun finally set on the entire city, an unidentified man riding his motorcycle shot her from behind. This time, Ms.Tumongha was already at the gate of her own abode with the husband opening the gate for her.
Lo! She was killed. He was killed, too. These are too heavy to bear; too painful to recall.
Two separate incidents of merciless killing adding to the pages of the city’s “who killed whom” book of unresolved crimes. President Arroyo must have been wrong in calling the city “most peaceful” in year 2006. I bet.
Back to the recent case, the police are still investigating the motive of the killing. Others speculated a “drug” related cause; others say “love” conflict; and still others say “crime” related. Hey, we are not judges!
Ms. Tumongha was killed in 2005. Then there was silence. Despite repeated plea from the members of her family, nothing happened. Nothing prevailed, nothing resolved. Whether it was political or personal, we really do not know. But God knows.
Last year, the city was shocked when a minorette from a local high school was raped and killed, this prompted cries from the constituents calling the city officials for a more vigilant move to prevent these happenings. Nothing prevailed, nothing resolved. Whether or not they acted on it, it’s between them and God.
About two months ago, a foreign national was killed in the same fashion. It was ruled out that matters of the heart caused it.
Yesterday, we have Ms. Tumongha, today we have this man. Who will be the next?
Well, it could be you; it could be me. But somebody has to stop it. Whether we say “he” was a criminal or not, we have the proper avenue to judge him; or even her. Whether people would testify he was a pusher, a criminal, or an illegitimate lover, only the proper application of laws can determine “who” shall be punished.
In his bid for mayoralty last May, Dr. Umbac (I prefer to address him this way) criticized the peace and order situation of the city and of the province. Being himself in-charge of the Peace and Order Committee, I believe he would know, or to say the least, he would have known what really happened.
My question is: can you still say living in Dumaguete is still safe?
To the Chair of the Peace and Order Committee of the province, what can you say?
Published, Dumaguete SunStar, 20 Augusts 2007
The pastel-painted economy
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
In her keynote speech delivered before the over 500 delegates to the First International LGU Finance Convention held on October 29-30, 2007 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City, PGMA promised that no new taxes shall be imposed next year.
In the same speech, she impliedly vowed to keep track of the Philippine economy and to maintain the status quo, or better it. Her announcement created a tidal wave of chorused response from various local government officials including governors, mayors, board members and councilors, tax assessors, and delegates from private sectors.
Last night, one of the terrestrial giants announced that the price of LPG increased by P5 and in the same vein, of oil. As a consequence to this, prices of basic commodities would soonest soar sky high. Transport fare would eventually increase. Expect this in due time.
While the Philippine Peso is growing stronger against the world’s domineering US dollar, the salary wage system is obviously not improving to, at least, deter the increase in the prices of basic commodities. All these were happening shortly after she made her speech.
What a complicated stroke of paintbrush by a troubled artist.
When Vincent Van Gogh painted “Poppies in the Field” in 1889, neither the artist nor the subject had much relevance in the world.
When the then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn into the office of the President by the incumbent Chief Justice in EDSA 2 toppling Erap, neither the chief justice nor the supporters of Gloria did know the relevance of the event in the lives of the Filipino people today; but certainly they did know the political meaning of which.
Thirty years later, the poppies came to symbolize the blood spilled by young soldiers in the fields of horrible World War I, and this catapulted Van Gogh’s fame after his death in 1890.
About three to four years later, the Filipinos came to associate Gloria with election cheating that they believed have catapulted her to the power of the elected President of the Republic. Years after, several bizarre works of art have been masterfully painted by her: the ZTE in charcoal; the CyberEd in oil, and the extra-judicial killings in water color and the economy in pastel.
The Philippine economy is as troubled as the Philippine politics. If you want to know why the economy is dragging or is going to uncertainty, then it is just wise to know the status of the Philippine politics and the conviction of each political figure involved in the arena.
Analysts said the pardon of Erap would pave way to reconciliation; pessimists maintained that this move would alter not many but only one relationship: Arroyo’s with Estrada and nothing else. Not even Arroyo’s with the Philippine economy.
Reports claimed we are performing well – that’s according to the greatest artist of all times – Gloria. She painted the pastel-colored economy to depict to the world that we are moving forward; she artistically sculptured the hard-earned economy to believe that we Filipinos are not starving.
Arguably, why do Filipinos have to leave the country to earn more for their respective families, why is unemployment not resolved, why do economic-backed crimes increase in numbers? Why are there so many Filipinos squatting in their own land?
Is it because Erap was convicted of plunder? Is it because Filipinos are typically “Juan Tamad” by nature? Or, is it because we are a nation bound to be colonized due to the presence of natural resources?
Nay, not even one of these reasons can justify. It’s only the government that can: more employment opportunities so people can earn more and consequently spend more because, in layman’s language, these measure the economy of people.
Will any one ever re-paint the Philippine economy?
Published, Dumaguete SunStar, 03 November 2007
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
In her keynote speech delivered before the over 500 delegates to the First International LGU Finance Convention held on October 29-30, 2007 at the Negros Oriental Convention Center in Dumaguete City, PGMA promised that no new taxes shall be imposed next year.
In the same speech, she impliedly vowed to keep track of the Philippine economy and to maintain the status quo, or better it. Her announcement created a tidal wave of chorused response from various local government officials including governors, mayors, board members and councilors, tax assessors, and delegates from private sectors.
Last night, one of the terrestrial giants announced that the price of LPG increased by P5 and in the same vein, of oil. As a consequence to this, prices of basic commodities would soonest soar sky high. Transport fare would eventually increase. Expect this in due time.
While the Philippine Peso is growing stronger against the world’s domineering US dollar, the salary wage system is obviously not improving to, at least, deter the increase in the prices of basic commodities. All these were happening shortly after she made her speech.
What a complicated stroke of paintbrush by a troubled artist.
When Vincent Van Gogh painted “Poppies in the Field” in 1889, neither the artist nor the subject had much relevance in the world.
When the then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was sworn into the office of the President by the incumbent Chief Justice in EDSA 2 toppling Erap, neither the chief justice nor the supporters of Gloria did know the relevance of the event in the lives of the Filipino people today; but certainly they did know the political meaning of which.
Thirty years later, the poppies came to symbolize the blood spilled by young soldiers in the fields of horrible World War I, and this catapulted Van Gogh’s fame after his death in 1890.
About three to four years later, the Filipinos came to associate Gloria with election cheating that they believed have catapulted her to the power of the elected President of the Republic. Years after, several bizarre works of art have been masterfully painted by her: the ZTE in charcoal; the CyberEd in oil, and the extra-judicial killings in water color and the economy in pastel.
The Philippine economy is as troubled as the Philippine politics. If you want to know why the economy is dragging or is going to uncertainty, then it is just wise to know the status of the Philippine politics and the conviction of each political figure involved in the arena.
Analysts said the pardon of Erap would pave way to reconciliation; pessimists maintained that this move would alter not many but only one relationship: Arroyo’s with Estrada and nothing else. Not even Arroyo’s with the Philippine economy.
Reports claimed we are performing well – that’s according to the greatest artist of all times – Gloria. She painted the pastel-colored economy to depict to the world that we are moving forward; she artistically sculptured the hard-earned economy to believe that we Filipinos are not starving.
Arguably, why do Filipinos have to leave the country to earn more for their respective families, why is unemployment not resolved, why do economic-backed crimes increase in numbers? Why are there so many Filipinos squatting in their own land?
Is it because Erap was convicted of plunder? Is it because Filipinos are typically “Juan Tamad” by nature? Or, is it because we are a nation bound to be colonized due to the presence of natural resources?
Nay, not even one of these reasons can justify. It’s only the government that can: more employment opportunities so people can earn more and consequently spend more because, in layman’s language, these measure the economy of people.
Will any one ever re-paint the Philippine economy?
Published, Dumaguete SunStar, 03 November 2007
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
When money talks
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
Last weekend, I attended the wake and consequently the burial of my aunt in Cebu. And as in the Philippine culture, it is only during occasions like this (not to mention wedding, birthdays, and baptism) when members of the family gather and talk a lot.
There I met my aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces whom I never have met or seen in my entire life.
As expected, I met strange faces of familiar names. Familiar because my father would always narrate to us stories of long ago about them.
A member of the bereaved family introduced me to a cousin who ran for councilor in their barangay. I was not shocked, of course, but my 24-hour derailed curiosity leapt out of its somber sleep to ask for few scoops.
Firstly, I asked him where he is working and led my question to note whether he is financially capable or not. Well, he worked for a private cargo-forwarding company as an assistant in the Accounting Department. He is neither a CPA nor an accounting graduate; he’s a computer man who never has practiced his profession.
Several topics brew in the wake and all those are relative to our quests for family backgrounds, the status of our properties in Bantayan Island, relatives working abroad, and relatives who were absent in the wake.
Sunday night, after learning I could not take the last bus trip to Dumaguete, I slept in their place and continued my inquiry.
Sharply and directly, I asked him how much he plans to give to his would-be supporters. To my astonishment, he was so shocked and his face seemed to be beaming with red fumes.
I was stunned with what I saw; he was apparently upset with my question – not with the manner of questioning, definitely.
“I am not giving any money; I have none of it. If I may win, that’s because they like, need, or want me; if I don’t, then obviously, this job is not for me.”
Those lines hit my tired body like a machine gun strafing unseen opponents in the field. Momentarily, I was silenced by my own questions. After regaining my composure, I justified my questions and allowed him to talk casually.
It was then I learned that money still talks even in the village and youth elections. He told me that in their place, candidates were giving doleouts ranging from P50 to P100 per voter.
Amazing! What an amount of money from candidates who are not sure of grabbing the power; and if ever, from would-be officials whose budget is just scant.
In all honesty, this cousin of mine has no money. He even talked to their barangay captain-candidate to spare his family from the doleout because he did not and does not intend nor plan to; besides, he is just earning a meager income.
What struck me is his desire to serve his fellow Filipinos in his own little way, in his little village, through his little voice; and his desire to correct the notion that the Philippine electorate is a “paid” venue for power. He wanted to change the scenario; he wanted to make a change slowly.
What a point?
His was just a voice, if ever. Being a Christian and a charismatic young blood, I knew he could make a difference, or could even convince people to change their perspective.
Unfortunately, money talks louder than principle; its scent drives out credibility so swiftly, and its stings penetrate the innermost recess of our integrity deeply.
What a waste of principles when money talks?
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 30 October 2007
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
Last weekend, I attended the wake and consequently the burial of my aunt in Cebu. And as in the Philippine culture, it is only during occasions like this (not to mention wedding, birthdays, and baptism) when members of the family gather and talk a lot.
There I met my aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces whom I never have met or seen in my entire life.
As expected, I met strange faces of familiar names. Familiar because my father would always narrate to us stories of long ago about them.
A member of the bereaved family introduced me to a cousin who ran for councilor in their barangay. I was not shocked, of course, but my 24-hour derailed curiosity leapt out of its somber sleep to ask for few scoops.
Firstly, I asked him where he is working and led my question to note whether he is financially capable or not. Well, he worked for a private cargo-forwarding company as an assistant in the Accounting Department. He is neither a CPA nor an accounting graduate; he’s a computer man who never has practiced his profession.
Several topics brew in the wake and all those are relative to our quests for family backgrounds, the status of our properties in Bantayan Island, relatives working abroad, and relatives who were absent in the wake.
Sunday night, after learning I could not take the last bus trip to Dumaguete, I slept in their place and continued my inquiry.
Sharply and directly, I asked him how much he plans to give to his would-be supporters. To my astonishment, he was so shocked and his face seemed to be beaming with red fumes.
I was stunned with what I saw; he was apparently upset with my question – not with the manner of questioning, definitely.
“I am not giving any money; I have none of it. If I may win, that’s because they like, need, or want me; if I don’t, then obviously, this job is not for me.”
Those lines hit my tired body like a machine gun strafing unseen opponents in the field. Momentarily, I was silenced by my own questions. After regaining my composure, I justified my questions and allowed him to talk casually.
It was then I learned that money still talks even in the village and youth elections. He told me that in their place, candidates were giving doleouts ranging from P50 to P100 per voter.
Amazing! What an amount of money from candidates who are not sure of grabbing the power; and if ever, from would-be officials whose budget is just scant.
In all honesty, this cousin of mine has no money. He even talked to their barangay captain-candidate to spare his family from the doleout because he did not and does not intend nor plan to; besides, he is just earning a meager income.
What struck me is his desire to serve his fellow Filipinos in his own little way, in his little village, through his little voice; and his desire to correct the notion that the Philippine electorate is a “paid” venue for power. He wanted to change the scenario; he wanted to make a change slowly.
What a point?
His was just a voice, if ever. Being a Christian and a charismatic young blood, I knew he could make a difference, or could even convince people to change their perspective.
Unfortunately, money talks louder than principle; its scent drives out credibility so swiftly, and its stings penetrate the innermost recess of our integrity deeply.
What a waste of principles when money talks?
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 30 October 2007
Who is running for whom?
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
The Barangay (Village) and SK (Youth) Elections are said to be non-partisan. But something extra-ordinary is happening right after the Comelec issued the memorandum order on the campaign period.
In Bacolod for instance, it was reported that P20.00-bill is running out of circulation. The shortage and the demand of this denomination are associated with the rumor that the same shall be distributed to the constituents in exchange for the vote.
This reminds me of the Thursday early morning breakfast meeting somewhere in the Imperial Manila where volumes of bills were doled out in form of largesse.
In short, this is vote buying – similar to the partisan electoral practices that happened in May 2007 and in the previous Mays for several years now.
In one of the towns here in NegOr, I was told that out of the 23 Barangays, only one is for the opposition; and this Barangay is the place where intellects dwell – those who can oppose in logical reasoning against the elected men of the Hall. The rest are for the incumbent.
This Barangay is known for people who oppose bad deeds, corrupt practices; it is the place where most of the intellectuals dwell, a place where non-partisan roundtable discussions bear good results.
Just a short note for you: out of the nine municipal councilors, only two – new comers at that – came from the opposition.
It has been noted that all barangay captains are under the control of the incumbent mayor, and consequently, by the SP.
In the 29th of October, the poll body would be electing leaders for the different Barangays and SK locals. And believe it or not, the same setup is underway: the same party – the party of the incumbent, protects 22 Barangays and SK line-ups.
Question: who is running for whom?
Except for one for Barangay and one for SK, all the king’s men are running for him, of course. This is his peculiar way of controlling the municipality. This has been happening for three terms where he was the mayor; it happened for one term when he was the second to lead; and this is going to happen for another decade, looking at it in the long run.
Now, who says this is non-partisan?
This is only virtual – I mean, this is a principle only happening in the papers, not in practice. While the law considered barangay and SK elections to be non-partisan, on the contrary, the “law of the incumbents” is making this otherwise.
In the same way as the “gifts” in the palace were denied, the same principle applies. Non-partisan is never true; it will never happen.
Barangays and SK’s are the two most effective machineries in controlling the populace, thus, controlling these two areas is the top priority of the incumbent executives.
Take note, the old local leaders in the form of “cabesa del barrio” governed Philippines effectively and efficiently. All “cabesas” were influential; they controlled, they commanded.
This has substance; this is true.
After all, we considered Rizal’s Noli Mi Tangere as true account of Filipino lives.
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 20 October 2007
By Rolo B. Cena
Pulp Bits
The Barangay (Village) and SK (Youth) Elections are said to be non-partisan. But something extra-ordinary is happening right after the Comelec issued the memorandum order on the campaign period.
In Bacolod for instance, it was reported that P20.00-bill is running out of circulation. The shortage and the demand of this denomination are associated with the rumor that the same shall be distributed to the constituents in exchange for the vote.
This reminds me of the Thursday early morning breakfast meeting somewhere in the Imperial Manila where volumes of bills were doled out in form of largesse.
In short, this is vote buying – similar to the partisan electoral practices that happened in May 2007 and in the previous Mays for several years now.
In one of the towns here in NegOr, I was told that out of the 23 Barangays, only one is for the opposition; and this Barangay is the place where intellects dwell – those who can oppose in logical reasoning against the elected men of the Hall. The rest are for the incumbent.
This Barangay is known for people who oppose bad deeds, corrupt practices; it is the place where most of the intellectuals dwell, a place where non-partisan roundtable discussions bear good results.
Just a short note for you: out of the nine municipal councilors, only two – new comers at that – came from the opposition.
It has been noted that all barangay captains are under the control of the incumbent mayor, and consequently, by the SP.
In the 29th of October, the poll body would be electing leaders for the different Barangays and SK locals. And believe it or not, the same setup is underway: the same party – the party of the incumbent, protects 22 Barangays and SK line-ups.
Question: who is running for whom?
Except for one for Barangay and one for SK, all the king’s men are running for him, of course. This is his peculiar way of controlling the municipality. This has been happening for three terms where he was the mayor; it happened for one term when he was the second to lead; and this is going to happen for another decade, looking at it in the long run.
Now, who says this is non-partisan?
This is only virtual – I mean, this is a principle only happening in the papers, not in practice. While the law considered barangay and SK elections to be non-partisan, on the contrary, the “law of the incumbents” is making this otherwise.
In the same way as the “gifts” in the palace were denied, the same principle applies. Non-partisan is never true; it will never happen.
Barangays and SK’s are the two most effective machineries in controlling the populace, thus, controlling these two areas is the top priority of the incumbent executives.
Take note, the old local leaders in the form of “cabesa del barrio” governed Philippines effectively and efficiently. All “cabesas” were influential; they controlled, they commanded.
This has substance; this is true.
After all, we considered Rizal’s Noli Mi Tangere as true account of Filipino lives.
Published, Dumaguete Sunstar, 20 October 2007
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