The death of Cris Anthony Mendez an Isko ng Bayan and a bright student of UP Diliman is something that should concern every UP student...The alleged death by Mendez by hazing is not exactly new..but each time someone dies because of hazing, one cannot help but think that why people still join fraternities...UP has always recognized the existence of fraternities and sororities in the campus..however, the deaths that are caused by hazing cannot be something that we can turn a blind eye to...
Being a fratman myself, I do not condemn the whole concept of fraternities...what I condemn are the deaths that have been caused by senseless violence and perhaps uncontrolled emotions...I think that what just happened to Mendez is something that would further tarnish the reputations of fraternities...not only the fraternity that was involved in his death..
The death of Mendez in the hands of fratmen may serve as the spark that would finally end the existence of fraternities in UP..the demonstration held by students condemning the death of Mendez is just an indicator that there is already a growing opposition against fraternities and frat violence.
this is a crisis not only for the fraternity involved but for all the fraternities...im sure that after this incident a lot of people and students would think twice about entering fraternities and sororities...i cant blame them though...over and over again it has happened...PEOPLE LOOKING FOR BROTHERHOOD HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES IN SENSELESS VIOLENCE INSTEAD...
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
And the carnage continues...
As Pres. Arroyo tries to curb terrorism in Mindanao...soldiers are dying in vain. I say in vain because its obvious that the govt isnt making any headway in its offensive against the Moro extremists. The fact that 15 other soldiers were killed by the Abu Sayyaf shows that the govt is fighting a losing battle, while in fact the govt should be the one pounding hard on these extremists...Imagine...20 soldiers were killed while only 4 Abu sayyef casualties were recovered...When will the govt forces finally win a battle against the enemies of the state? I know that not only me but a lot of Filipinos are disappointed by the developments that are happening in Mindanao...especially those families who have lost loved ones in the fighting.
If this trend continues then the AFP might run out of soldiers ( of course an exaggeration, but who knows) this Basilan thing has truly become a crisis for the Arroyo administration because it has not only exposed the faults and errors in the military but it has also sprked controversies about the competency of Ms. Arroyo's generals and the alleged connivance between politicians and the Muslim extremists. Also I have observed that Pres. Arroyo is very indecisive in here deciosions in Mindanao...If she wants to launch an all-out war then she should...if she wants diplomacy then she should negotiate. Arroyo must not send soldiers to their deaths only to later on take back her decision...
If this trend continues then the AFP might run out of soldiers ( of course an exaggeration, but who knows) this Basilan thing has truly become a crisis for the Arroyo administration because it has not only exposed the faults and errors in the military but it has also sprked controversies about the competency of Ms. Arroyo's generals and the alleged connivance between politicians and the Muslim extremists. Also I have observed that Pres. Arroyo is very indecisive in here deciosions in Mindanao...If she wants to launch an all-out war then she should...if she wants diplomacy then she should negotiate. Arroyo must not send soldiers to their deaths only to later on take back her decision...
"Lead" by Example...
China...one of the most progressive countries in the world in terms of growth...the sleeping giant that have woken up...However, it's alarming that many of their products are facing criticisms and are being taken off the shelves all over the world...Agencies in US and other nations have issued recall orders for toys manufactured ion China because of execessive lead content, Also in the Philippines the DOH has issued a device alert that warns consumers who might have bought China-made products that may be potentially dangerous to health. It is further alarming to note that among these products are toys, things that little kids put in their mouths. According to Health secretary Francisco Eduque lead is toxic if ingested.
I think this is potentially big crisis for China if their govt' fails to apply the proper solution to mitigate the effects of the recall and banning of their products. Since China is known worldwide as manufacturing country, the news about the lead content of their products may severly affect their economy and may halt the steady growth of their economy.
However, another issue about the recall order is the fact that many people may have already bought the said products and may have already been exposed to lead...if this aspect of the problem should come up...expect that many of the companies that manufactured the toys and other products will face lawsuits and crises of their own..
In the end this is something that China and its govt' cannot take sitting down...
I think this is potentially big crisis for China if their govt' fails to apply the proper solution to mitigate the effects of the recall and banning of their products. Since China is known worldwide as manufacturing country, the news about the lead content of their products may severly affect their economy and may halt the steady growth of their economy.
However, another issue about the recall order is the fact that many people may have already bought the said products and may have already been exposed to lead...if this aspect of the problem should come up...expect that many of the companies that manufactured the toys and other products will face lawsuits and crises of their own..
In the end this is something that China and its govt' cannot take sitting down...
Dead Bodies Everywhere...
As if to add insult to the already damaged reputation of AFP, it suffered another steback in its offensive against the Muslim extremists that earlier ambushed and beheaded gov't forces. 20 soldiers were killed in separate skirmishes in Maimbung...20 dead soldiers against one fatality for the Abu Sayyaf...well, the roles have definitely changed...during the administration of Erap...the extremists were on the losing end when Pres. Estrada launched an all-out offensive...but what we see here is a crisis within the higher-ups in the military that has led to the setbacks that the AFP is suffering...
The military, clearly should have the upper hand against these extremists for a number of reason 1. they are better equipped 2. they have the numbers 3. they have studied the art of military strategies...but what the hell is happening...I think that changes should be implemented...or the Arroyo administration should stop hesitating and instead launch an all out offensive that should put an end to these terror groups in Mindanao...there is an impending security crisis in MIndanao....and it should be prevented...and besides, how many more young soldiers should lose their lives in order to address the problem in Mindanao...
The military, clearly should have the upper hand against these extremists for a number of reason 1. they are better equipped 2. they have the numbers 3. they have studied the art of military strategies...but what the hell is happening...I think that changes should be implemented...or the Arroyo administration should stop hesitating and instead launch an all out offensive that should put an end to these terror groups in Mindanao...there is an impending security crisis in MIndanao....and it should be prevented...and besides, how many more young soldiers should lose their lives in order to address the problem in Mindanao...
Errors...
It's really disappointing to know that the soldiers killed ang beheaded by Rebels were doomed form the beginning...according to the investigation done by the military, a miscommunication betweeen the field troops and the station caused the failure of reinforcements that would have saved the lives of the fallen soldiers. It is also interesting to note that in the live footage captured by the GMA news team, it is seen that the mortars that the soldiers used did not fire or took a long time before it fired, this may have also caused the doom of the soldiers.
In this light, how could the goverenment tolerate such errors and malfunctions when a reasonable part of the national budget goes to the military...I think there is a need for the govt to address the issues in the military, particularly those raised by Sen. Antonio trillanes...By addressing the problems in the military, Pres. GMA could avert a crisis that she wish will never happen - a military led coup'de etat that could stem from the irregularitites from the govt. Also the continued deaths of our military forces may also lead to the demoralization of our troops which is the last thing we need when we are trying to win battles...
In this light, how could the goverenment tolerate such errors and malfunctions when a reasonable part of the national budget goes to the military...I think there is a need for the govt to address the issues in the military, particularly those raised by Sen. Antonio trillanes...By addressing the problems in the military, Pres. GMA could avert a crisis that she wish will never happen - a military led coup'de etat that could stem from the irregularitites from the govt. Also the continued deaths of our military forces may also lead to the demoralization of our troops which is the last thing we need when we are trying to win battles...
An eye for an eye...
All the talk about release of Father Bossi have been quite interesting...Pres. Arroyo have put placed the credit fot Bossi's release in the name of the military and the police. However, one cannot ignore all the talks surrounding the "truth" behind the release of Fr. Bossi. Im referring to the talks circulating that the government resorted to "kidnap for kidnap" strategy wherein the government abducted relatives of the abductors to have "bargaining chips" against them. If indeed the gov't resorted to such action then it was successful as Father Bossi was released not long. However, does the govt have to resort to this kind of strategies to solve a crisis such as this. By doing so, the govt is in a way stooping down to the levels of these hardened criminals. i just think that the next time such incident occurs that the govt would have a better plan and not solve problems through manners that are against the law...
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Human Security Act..
R.A No. 9372 or the Human Security Act is supposedly designed to protect the citizens of the Philippines form security threats like terrorism and rebellion. The HSA would allow the authoritities; police and military to conduct surveillance, intercept communication and allow warrant-less arrests, these are just some of the provisions of the HSA. However, this early the opposition against HSA is already growing. Various sectors are apprehensive about the legislation and are calling for the immediate repeal of the HSA. Militant and religious groups are claiming that the HSA could result in the violation of the people's right.
President Arroyo's camp however said that the HSA is designed to capture and punish members of alleged terrorist groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf; neutralize and contain the threat of terrorism in the country. Yet, despite the assurance people are still skeptic about the effect of the legislation especially on those who are critical of the administration.
R.A no. 9372 could ultimately bite Pres. Arroyo in the ass, the mounting opposition against the HSA could turn into a full-blown crisis for the administration. This is quite possible since the administration is also trying to fend off accusations that it is behind the numerous political killings all over the country. With this new HSA, Ms.Arroyo's administration may have inadvertently stirred a bee's nest. I think that enacting the HSA is not the most intelligent and timely thing that the administration could do.
If Ms. Arroyo wants to stay in power, maybe she should rethink the HSA and start thinking of other means to combat terrorism that will not attract much flak from different sectors. Well, if she really would stand by the HSA then she should prepare herself from the impending poitical crisis that is almost surely to happen..I dont think that Ms. Aroyo is willing to face the very forces that shoved her into power the first time...no one is safe from the Human Security Act... not even the president...
President Arroyo's camp however said that the HSA is designed to capture and punish members of alleged terrorist groups like the Jemaah Islamiyah and Abu Sayyaf; neutralize and contain the threat of terrorism in the country. Yet, despite the assurance people are still skeptic about the effect of the legislation especially on those who are critical of the administration.
R.A no. 9372 could ultimately bite Pres. Arroyo in the ass, the mounting opposition against the HSA could turn into a full-blown crisis for the administration. This is quite possible since the administration is also trying to fend off accusations that it is behind the numerous political killings all over the country. With this new HSA, Ms.Arroyo's administration may have inadvertently stirred a bee's nest. I think that enacting the HSA is not the most intelligent and timely thing that the administration could do.
If Ms. Arroyo wants to stay in power, maybe she should rethink the HSA and start thinking of other means to combat terrorism that will not attract much flak from different sectors. Well, if she really would stand by the HSA then she should prepare herself from the impending poitical crisis that is almost surely to happen..I dont think that Ms. Aroyo is willing to face the very forces that shoved her into power the first time...no one is safe from the Human Security Act... not even the president...
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Bobo...
"NBI Agents yield rare birds, animal in raid"
- Mindanao Times headline July 10, 2007
for quite some time now our country has managed to stay free from bird-flu...a problem that has affected many countries in Asia and some parts of Europe...efforts by the government and the private sector in preventing the entry of bird flu in the country are truly commendable...However, there are just some dumb people...really dumb people...Bobo...Imagine trying to smuggle and sell birds like lories, cuckatoos and other animals like wallabies and crocodiles...here in Davao City specifically in Lasang...stupid! Just imagine what would have been the consequences if the animals were able to reach the markets...what's worse is that what if even one of those animals was infected by bird-flu or other form of animal disease...Davao city would have been facing a crisis right now...the smuggling, if not intercepted by the authorities was a crisis waiting to happen...I guess there are just some people who refuse to think before they act...people like Mike Artocilla and his Indian cohorts...well to offer a sense of relief, the animals that were seized were poisoned and incinerated afterwards by the authorities. this is to aviod contamination, it's a good thing that authorities are not taking chances in dealing with something serious such as bird-flu...
- Mindanao Times headline July 10, 2007
for quite some time now our country has managed to stay free from bird-flu...a problem that has affected many countries in Asia and some parts of Europe...efforts by the government and the private sector in preventing the entry of bird flu in the country are truly commendable...However, there are just some dumb people...really dumb people...Bobo...Imagine trying to smuggle and sell birds like lories, cuckatoos and other animals like wallabies and crocodiles...here in Davao City specifically in Lasang...stupid! Just imagine what would have been the consequences if the animals were able to reach the markets...what's worse is that what if even one of those animals was infected by bird-flu or other form of animal disease...Davao city would have been facing a crisis right now...the smuggling, if not intercepted by the authorities was a crisis waiting to happen...I guess there are just some people who refuse to think before they act...people like Mike Artocilla and his Indian cohorts...well to offer a sense of relief, the animals that were seized were poisoned and incinerated afterwards by the authorities. this is to aviod contamination, it's a good thing that authorities are not taking chances in dealing with something serious such as bird-flu...
Sunday, July 8, 2007
I-phone= I-want
One of the most hyped-up if not the most hyped-up electronic gadget has hit the market. After months of speculations about its release and the long wait of techie people, Apple's I-phone has finally hit the market. people who wanted to be the first to get their hands on the I-phone formed long lines outside the stores who were selling the I-phone....In the philippines, a country that is infatuated with the cellphone I think a lot of people are also itching to get their hands on the I-phone...called by some as "revolutionary" for its being not only a phone, but an I-pod and a web browser as well...yeah I think for now it is "revolutionary" but come a few months or a year another phone that claims to be "revolutionary" will hit the market... and of course people will again be lining up the stores to get their hand on the newest product....cellphones have clearly gone a long way from the simple "talk & text" phones to the camera phones and now to the almost "computer-like phones" With the release of each model of phone, we Pinoys look forward to owning one...with the I-phone I must admit that I really want to own one...good thing that the I-phone is not scheduled for release in the Phils. til 2008... I guess that gives me ample time to save up for the I-phone....yet, Im just wondering....When the I-phone is released in the country is it still the sleekest, newest, most technologically-advanced and the most drool-inducing phone on the market? If a better phone than I-phone comes then I shall continue saving up for the phone that is in the end of the "cellphone evolution" (if ever it comes to an end)
One of the most hyped-up if not the most hyped-up electronic gadget has hit the market. After months of speculations about its release and the long wait of techie people, Apple's I-phone has finally hit the market. people who wanted to be the first to get their hands on the I-phone formed long lines outside the stores who were selling the I-phone....In the philippines, a country that is infatuated with the cellphone I think a lot of people are also itching to get their hands on the I-phone...called by some as "revolutionary" for its being not only a phone, but an I-pod and a web browser as well...yeah I think for now it is "revolutionary" but come a few months or a year another phone that claims to be "revolutionary" will hit the market... and of course people will again be lining up the stores to get their hand on the newest product....cellphones have clearly gone a long way from the simple "talk & text" phones to the camera phones and now to the almost "computer-like phones" With the release of each model of phone, we Pinoys look forward to owning one...with the I-phone I must admit that I really want to own one...good thing that the I-phone is not scheduled for release in the Phils. til 2008... I guess that gives me ample time to save up for the I-phone....yet, Im just wondering....When the I-phone is released in the country is it still the sleekest, newest, most technologically-advanced and the most drool-inducing phone on the market? If a better phone than I-phone comes then I shall continue saving up for the phone that is in the end of the "cellphone evolution" (if ever it comes to an end)
No-win Situation
The continuing drama of the deposed President Joseph Estrada continues....the sandiganbayan is expected to release its verdict within 30-60 days...as early as now..."concerned citizens" are calling for peace and calm whenever the day of the verdict comes...these calls have come in the form of paid advertisements in major broadsheets...The verdict in Erap's case can be a crisis in the making whether be it guilty or not gulity...Why? Because ever since Erap's woes began..there have already been two sides...one side that demands for his head and the other that believes that he is innocent... Whatever may the verdict be...it is expected to raise howls and result in action from the losing camp...So in this light I think whatever the verdict may be...the only loser is the filipino people...each one of us...Honestly, I really think that we are facing a no-win situation in the case of Erap's verdict...are we ready for EDSA 4? Hell no! I think pitting the movers of EDSA 2 and the movers of EDSA 3 (if there was really a such thing) would be a good idea right now....Imagine, we are not yet even over the recently concluded controversial election...and I think that our economy is performing well..( based on the strong showing of the peso) so the last thing we need right now is another tremor to shake our nation... and the upcoming verdict of Erap would surely in one way or another cause problems or even crises to our country.What we need now is for people to accept whatever the Sandiganbayan's decision and avoid anything that would cause all hell to break loose...HOnestly, I dont think that is possible...so whether you're rooting for Erap or among the many demanding for his head...brace yourself...AS for me? We'll see
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Show me the Priest!
Its been almost a month since Father Giancarlo Bossi was abducted by armed extremists in Sibugay, Zamboanga...and as of this moment he is still being captive, the government have tried negotiating but the efforts have been futile...the military has even drawn out an armed strategy to rescue the priest...still, no success. I guess the one of the let-down in this "security problem" is the media...Why? because the media has seem to have lost interest in the case of Father Bossi... we are all aware that the media plays a big role in incidents such as this one. maybe time to time they have updates but not like during the initial attention that they gave to the kidnapping incident...When is the media goin to turn its focus on Fr. Bossi? I think its when he turns up dead or when he turns up as an unshaven and reed-thin priest who has been to hell and back...Shout out to the govt and media...SHOW ME THE PRIEST...!!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
12th Man
The elections held last May 14 has long been done and finished...yet the smoke has yet to clear. Who is it goin' to be? Once again, Mindanao is caught in another media circus...Put some tampered Election returns (ER), mix a little group of goons, add some election-related killings and garnish with Lintang Bedol and Eureka! Another recipe for worsening the image of Mindanao. The memories of "Hello Garci" are still fresh ( well, for some maybe) and here comes another scandal about the Philippine elections. Incidence of election-related killings, vote-buying, vote-shaving (dagdag bawas) and questionable tabulations run rampant everytime there is an election...and the things I mentioned are slowly becoming the norms. It seems like people have come to accept that these things come with the elections and nothing can be done to change it.
Eleven of our republic's new senators have been proclaimed. Left are two hopefuls who are playing tag-of -war for the last seat in the Senate. Each camp has claimed victory, but it has yet to be decided by the COMELEC, yet to be decided?!?It's been like, almost two months since the election and the COMELEC has yet to wrap things up? Well, I guess it wont be a problem for us Filipinos, Why? Because we are used to waiting... we always wait, especially for the government...Well, personally I couldnt care less if they decide to declare the 12th senator during the next elections...Im neither MIGZ nor KOKO...probably a combination of both MIKO...hehe...
Eleven of our republic's new senators have been proclaimed. Left are two hopefuls who are playing tag-of -war for the last seat in the Senate. Each camp has claimed victory, but it has yet to be decided by the COMELEC, yet to be decided?!?It's been like, almost two months since the election and the COMELEC has yet to wrap things up? Well, I guess it wont be a problem for us Filipinos, Why? Because we are used to waiting... we always wait, especially for the government...Well, personally I couldnt care less if they decide to declare the 12th senator during the next elections...Im neither MIGZ nor KOKO...probably a combination of both MIKO...hehe...
Got Milk?
The recent order of the Bureau of Food and Drugs recalling millions of cans of infant milk that are possibly contaminated because of the build-up of rust in the cans is a very good move from the agency. As the old adage goes "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure". though it is yet to be known whether the cans of milk are really contaminated, BFAD already jumped the gun and ordered the recall of the products of Wyeth- a US based company.
I think that the BFAD's move is beneficial to the maker of the milk products because had the milk been really contaminated, then it would be a crisis that would really blow up in the face of Wyeth. A crisis that would greatly affect the reputation, image and the financial status of the company.
I think that the BFAD's move is beneficial to the maker of the milk products because had the milk been really contaminated, then it would be a crisis that would really blow up in the face of Wyeth. A crisis that would greatly affect the reputation, image and the financial status of the company.
Kidnapped
The media once again focused its lens on the isalnd of Mindanao, specifically in Sibugay, Zamboanga wherein an Italian priest was abducted by members of the MILF. The incident has once again placed the peace and order issue in Mindanao under the scrutiny of the media and the public.
I believe that this incident greatly affects the way the public views Mindanao, the recent abduction along with the intermitent exchange of gunfire betweeen the government and members of the MILF and other muslim groups is hindering efforts of both sides to come to an agreement and finally end the peace and order crisis in Mindanao.
The incident also strained the already fragile relationship between the government and the MILF, the two groups are under a ceasefire agreeement- an agreement that can crumble anytime due to the abduction of Father Giancarlo Bossi.
Negotations between the two parties are underway, however the fate of Father Bossi hangs in the balance. As of Tuesday the military reportedly had the kidnappers surrounded. Yet, it remains to be seen if an armed assault by the military would yield a succesful result or would Father Bossi end up among the thousands of lives claimed by the decades old conflict in Mindanao. However, I think that the government should seek a diplomatic end to this crisis and in the process save the life of Father Bossi and more importantly not aggravate the situation of the peace and order in Mindanao.
I believe that this incident greatly affects the way the public views Mindanao, the recent abduction along with the intermitent exchange of gunfire betweeen the government and members of the MILF and other muslim groups is hindering efforts of both sides to come to an agreement and finally end the peace and order crisis in Mindanao.
The incident also strained the already fragile relationship between the government and the MILF, the two groups are under a ceasefire agreeement- an agreement that can crumble anytime due to the abduction of Father Giancarlo Bossi.
Negotations between the two parties are underway, however the fate of Father Bossi hangs in the balance. As of Tuesday the military reportedly had the kidnappers surrounded. Yet, it remains to be seen if an armed assault by the military would yield a succesful result or would Father Bossi end up among the thousands of lives claimed by the decades old conflict in Mindanao. However, I think that the government should seek a diplomatic end to this crisis and in the process save the life of Father Bossi and more importantly not aggravate the situation of the peace and order in Mindanao.
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