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
Friday, November 28, 2008
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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