The report is out and people are facing criminal and administrative charges. What will become of it is anyone's guess. Of course the cynic in me says that charges have always been leveled but few have actually been punished. It seems that once the event becomes history, the charges die out along with the outrage.
Speaking of outrage, I was hoping China wouldn't be so charitable regarding the hostage taking. I figure, If the government doesn't want to listen to the citizens, maybe some indignation from a neighboring country will set it straight. Well that's not happening now that the Chinese ambassador said "lets move on". The good thing is that perhaps our OFWs in Hong Kong will feel a bit safer.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Looking at Outliers
I did a brief review of Outliers: the Story of Success for an NGO. That gave me a chance to reread and do research on the book.
A lot of critics poked at a lot of items in the book. Today, I'll look at one concept: the 10,000 hour rule. Gladwell says that once you reach a certain threshold of ability, practice and hard work will help make you more successful. Practice for 10,000 hours and you become exceptional. That sounds pretty obvious to me. Strangely, some people still took a jab.
One spoke of one of the NBA greats 6'10" tall Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon. Hakeem did not play basketball until the age of 15. His debut was with the University of Huston at age 18 and from there made his way to the top. There was no way he could have clocked 10 thousand hours prior to this. The critic notes that height trumps experience with this man. This should serve as an example of how a Gladwellian anecdote explains little. Intrigued by this, I decided to go look up Hakeem the Dream on Wikipedia and the NBA [remember I prefer to use easily available stuff from the internet]:
NBA article on Hakeem Olajuwon
A lot of critics poked at a lot of items in the book. Today, I'll look at one concept: the 10,000 hour rule. Gladwell says that once you reach a certain threshold of ability, practice and hard work will help make you more successful. Practice for 10,000 hours and you become exceptional. That sounds pretty obvious to me. Strangely, some people still took a jab.
One spoke of one of the NBA greats 6'10" tall Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon. Hakeem did not play basketball until the age of 15. His debut was with the University of Huston at age 18 and from there made his way to the top. There was no way he could have clocked 10 thousand hours prior to this. The critic notes that height trumps experience with this man. This should serve as an example of how a Gladwellian anecdote explains little. Intrigued by this, I decided to go look up Hakeem the Dream on Wikipedia and the NBA [remember I prefer to use easily available stuff from the internet]:
NBA article on Hakeem Olajuwon
Apparently Hakeem is known for Blocking. As per the Wiki he made 3,830 career blocks—641 swats more than his closest competitor, Kareem abdul Jabbar. To what does he attribute this amazing skill? Soccer. He played soccer as a boy prior to discovering basketball. His position? Goalie:
"As a goalkeeper in soccer, your main objective is to defend the goal,” says Olajuwon of his soccer upbringing. “So that experience was of great benefit to me..."
What else is he known for? The Dream Shake, an aptly named maneuver that lets him slip past opponents. The origin of this maneuver:
Hakeem himself reveals “the dream shake Is one of my soccer moves which I translated to basketball”Hakeem probably clocked a lot more hours as a "blocker and dodger" than as a "football player" or "basketball player". In his case two distinct sports gave him enough practice for the things that he became famous for. Different game similar skill sets. And note that he had a signature soccer move at a very young age. He was aware of his abilities and knew the best way to use them. Even then, Hakeem may not prove the 10k rule. We don't know when he started soccer, thus we don't know how much practice he got. However, it did prove that you can look deeper and see something more.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Carlos Garcia Update
Ever wonder what happened to ex General and plunder suspect Carlos Garcia? This month, we receive word that two of his sons have pleaded guilty to smuggling charges in the US courts. Seems they'd rather go to jail in the US than face extradition charges to the Philippines.
Here's the DZME News version in Tagalog
This is the EnglishVerison in Philippines Today
Here's the DZME News version in Tagalog
This is the EnglishVerison in Philippines Today
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Got Water?
Recently, the country's been hit by low water supplies. Certain parts of the Metro are definitely under water rationing. Some lawmakers say that other parts of the nation are suffering a similar fate. Personally, I'd confirm those claims through a more reliable source. Yes, I don't consider politicians to be the most credible information source.
What's annoying is that, just like the Ondoy Fiasco, the water problem could have been mitigated. For one we apparently have a rainwater collection act which asks that collection wells be placed in local government units. Republic Act 6716 was approved in 1989 and its still not being fully implemented. Someone smart guys and gals actually had vision. Unfortunately, some other people decidedt they were just too busy to implement these airy-fairy ideas. Instead, "practical and concrete" projects were favored. Like rain repelling concrete basketball courts... and maybe overpriced street lights and road signs.
And while a lot of us are suffering from the shortage, I also wonder how many of us actually did our small part in saving water. Even little things like:
1. Not littering in public. A lot of the waste gets washed into the waterways.
2. Not polluting waterways. Why go the roundabout route when you can throw garbage directly into streams and rivers? Not helpful.
3. Not Living in areas near waterways. Because you will pollute them if you're too close.
4. Not Living in watersheds which are restricted areas. See number 3.
5. Not indiscriminately slashing and burning trees. Especially if you are living in a watershed.
6. Not supporting Illegal Loggers. Especially in a watershed.
7. Fighting officials who actually want to implement the right laws. You know these officials. They remove squatters from watersheds or stop people from polluting. They get called anti-poor.
8. Voting the wrong politicians. Some politicos want you to feel that environmentalism is a burgis issue. Environmental issues are not just for the middle and upper class. Case in point - in this water shortage, it's the poor who suffer the most.
What's annoying is that, just like the Ondoy Fiasco, the water problem could have been mitigated. For one we apparently have a rainwater collection act which asks that collection wells be placed in local government units. Republic Act 6716 was approved in 1989 and its still not being fully implemented. Someone smart guys and gals actually had vision. Unfortunately, some other people decidedt they were just too busy to implement these airy-fairy ideas. Instead, "practical and concrete" projects were favored. Like rain repelling concrete basketball courts... and maybe overpriced street lights and road signs.
And while a lot of us are suffering from the shortage, I also wonder how many of us actually did our small part in saving water. Even little things like:
1. Not littering in public. A lot of the waste gets washed into the waterways.
2. Not polluting waterways. Why go the roundabout route when you can throw garbage directly into streams and rivers? Not helpful.
3. Not Living in areas near waterways. Because you will pollute them if you're too close.
4. Not Living in watersheds which are restricted areas. See number 3.
5. Not indiscriminately slashing and burning trees. Especially if you are living in a watershed.
6. Not supporting Illegal Loggers. Especially in a watershed.
7. Fighting officials who actually want to implement the right laws. You know these officials. They remove squatters from watersheds or stop people from polluting. They get called anti-poor.
8. Voting the wrong politicians. Some politicos want you to feel that environmentalism is a burgis issue. Environmental issues are not just for the middle and upper class. Case in point - in this water shortage, it's the poor who suffer the most.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Aquino Platform: a Step Back?
Well, the Noynoy Campaign site is now defunct. They only left a thank you page and a promise to transition to the official site of the President. One of the casualties of this move is his revised platform. What's funny is the 404 page claims that corruption caused the platform to vanish. I wonder if the web admins realize what they're implying.
I hope that platform returns soon otherwise we only have this old platform to look towards. Actually, calling the old document a platform stretches the definition. There are no action plans. Without concrete measures all we have is a wish list. The expected outcomes are suspect given the vague statement of the nation's problems. It makes you wonder if the candidate really thought through the situation. Like I said before, this won't cut it.
The move also leaves a bad impression: that Noynoy thinks winning is the end goal. Once that's been achieved, there's no need for a platform because solving the country's problems is not on the agenda. Sounds bad right?
Transitions are always a confusing time. Lets hope things clear up; the sooner the better.
I hope that platform returns soon otherwise we only have this old platform to look towards. Actually, calling the old document a platform stretches the definition. There are no action plans. Without concrete measures all we have is a wish list. The expected outcomes are suspect given the vague statement of the nation's problems. It makes you wonder if the candidate really thought through the situation. Like I said before, this won't cut it.
The move also leaves a bad impression: that Noynoy thinks winning is the end goal. Once that's been achieved, there's no need for a platform because solving the country's problems is not on the agenda. Sounds bad right?
Transitions are always a confusing time. Lets hope things clear up; the sooner the better.
Noynoy's Platform
I am placing this here for posterity.
Noynoy’s Platform
A National Leadership in Need of Transformational Change- Its legitimacy is under question;
- It persecutes those who expose the truth about its illegitimacy and corruption;
- It stays in power by corrupting individuals and institutions;
- It confuses the people with half-truths and outright lies;
- It rewards, rather than punishes, wrongdoing;
- It offers no lasting solutions for the many problems of the country;
- It weakens the democratic institutions that hold our leaders accountable.
- It hinders our local governments from delivering basic services;
- It has no vision of governance beyond political survival and self- enrichment.
A People Crying out for Change
- Corruption robs our children of their protection, nutrition and education.
- Corruption destroys our families and communities.
- Corruption steals from our farmers and workers.
- Corruption deters businessmen from investing in our economy.
- This has eroded our spirit as individuals, as communities, as a people.
- We have lost trust in the democratic institutions we so courageously re-established after the dictatorship.
- Our proven capacity for collective outrage and righteous resistance has been weakened.
- We have ceased to depend on the patriotism and civic engagement that used to animate many of our efforts.
- We have become divided and alienated, focusing only on ourselves and on our individual pursuits.
- Our moral faculties as a people have been paralyzed.
- We have retreated into a dark world of self-absorption and cynicism. Our collective despair has reached its lowest point.
Cory Aquino passed on to the next life. From our sadness, we awakened to a shaft of light cutting through the darkness. She left the
Filipinos a legacy of selfless love for country and people. Filipinos’ connection with each other was rekindled.
In death, she enabled us to hope again for decent government. The millions who connected with Cory at her funeral represented something more than euphoria, sentiment or transient emotions. They represented the reverent memory of a good leader in the past and the firm hope of having a similarly good leader in the future.
A People’s Campaign of Renewed Hope…
- Anchored on Ninoy’s and Cory’s legacy of change through the ways of democracy
- Embraces the qualities of integrity, humility and trust-worthiness in public leadership
- Recognizes the absence of these qualities in government as a major cause of widespread poverty, misery and despair.
A country with…
- A re-awakened sense of right and wrong, through the living examples of our highest leaders;
- An organized and widely-shared rapid expansion of our economy through a government dedicated to honing and mobilizing our people’s skills and energies as well as the responsible harnessing of our natural resources;
- A collective belief that doing the right thing does not only make sense morally, but translates into economic value as well;
- Public institutions rebuilt on the strong solidarity of our society and its communities.
We will start to make these changes first in ourselves—by doing the right things, by giving value to excellence and integrity and rejecting mediocrity and dishonesty, and by giving priority to others over ourselves.
We will make these changes across many aspects of our national life.
A Commitment to Transformational Leadership:
- 1. From a President who tolerates corruption to a President who is the nation’s first and most determined fighter of corruption.
- 2. From a government that merely conjures economic growth statistics that our people know to be unreal to a government that prioritizes jobs that empower the people and provide them with opportunities to rise above poverty.
- 3. From relegating education to just one of many concerns to making education the central strategy for investing in our people, reducing poverty and building national competitiveness.
- 4. From treating health as just another area for political patronage to recognizing the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance.
- 5. From justice that money and connections can buy to a truly impartial system of institutions that deliver equal justice to rich or poor.
- 6. From government policies influenced by well-connected private interests to a leadership that executes all the laws of the land with impartiality and decisiveness.
- 7. From treating the rural economy as just a source of problems, to recognizing farms and rural enterprises as vital to achieving food security and more equitable economic growth, worthy of re-investment for sustained productivity.
- 8. From government anti-poverty programs that instill a dole-out mentality to well-considered programs that build capacity and create opportunity among the poor and the marginalized in the country.
- 9. From a government that dampens private initiative and enterprise to a government that creates conditions conducive to the growth and competitiveness of private businesses, big, medium and small.
- 10. From a government that treats its people as an export commodity and a means to earn foreign exchange, disregarding the social cost to Filipino families to a government that creates jobs at home, so that working abroad will be a choice rather than a necessity; and when its citizens do choose to become OFWs, their welfare and protection will still be the government’s priority.
- 11. From Presidential appointees chosen mainly out of political accommodation to discerning selection based on integrity, competence and performance in serving the public good.
- 12. From demoralized but dedicated civil servants, military and police personnel destined for failure and frustration due to inadequate operational support to professional, motivated and energized bureaucracies with adequate means to perform their public service missions.
- 13. From a lack of concern for gender disparities and shortfalls, to the promotion of equal gender opportunity in all spheres of public policies and programs.
- 14. From a disjointed, short-sighted Mindanao policy that merely reacts to events and incidents to one that seeks a broadly supported just peace and will redress decades of neglect of the Moro and other peoples of Mindanao.
- 15. From allowing environmental blight to spoil our cities, where both the rich and the poor bear with congestion and urban decay to planning alternative, inclusive urban developments where people of varying income levels are integrated in productive, healthy and safe communities.
- 16. From a government obsessed with exploiting the country for immediate gains to the detriment of its environment to a government that will encourage sustainable use of resources to benefit the present and future generations.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
End of Elections 2010
Despite setbacks, rumors and equipment malfunctions the elections managed to push through. On the second day nearly all precincts have been tabulated and it looks like a landslide win for Senator Noynoy Aquino. Pretty much everyone's conceded except for Erap and Nick Perlas. Erap is currently at second place and Nick is hoping for a miracle.
Thankfully this election was not as badly marred by irregularities and violence. Some Poll officials joke that this was a pretty boring year. I'm sure they and the poll watcher are just as relieved as the rest of us.
Thankfully this election was not as badly marred by irregularities and violence. Some Poll officials joke that this was a pretty boring year. I'm sure they and the poll watcher are just as relieved as the rest of us.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
JC de los Reyes
JC de los Reyes is truly an alternative candidate. For starters he wants to alter current philippine culture. His model apparently is drawn from Catholic Teachings.
If there's anything I like its this statement from Ang Kapatiran's Passport to a New Philippines:
The party proposes to change the Filipino as a means of changing the Philippines.
Ang Kapatiran openly declares their adherance to the social teachings of the catholic church. If you're allergic to religion, leave now.
Just as they've said they want to change the behavior of the people. Many of their platform items address this. They want to abolish gambling, create a gunless society, eschew the glorification of sex and violence. They plan on raising savings rates. Pretty lofty and admirable goals.
While their end goal is clear, the action plans are not mentioned in many crucial items. Take savings rate. How do they plan on increasing this when a lot of people have barely enough to survive? Are they imposing forced savings schemes on productive workers? Will OFWs get their remittances appropriated? We can come up with some scary scenarios simply because the plan is not articulated.
On the other hand, some other plans are actually fairly simple and should not pose problems. Prohibiting officials from writing regular columns or having their pictures plastered alongside government projects might only take an executive order.
If we've historically lacked a clear vision to guide action I think Ang Kapatiran suffers the reverse condition. There's a clear vision with no visible means of getting there.
You may find it strange that I have yet to speak about their candidate. Given the methods, JC de los Reyes is peripheral to the party goal. He is simply considered the most qualified member to run for the presidential post. If people find that strange its because that is how party politics operate. We are simply unaccustomed to this.
In any event he seems to be a capable leader having experience in local government and in business. I just wish he had used a different company name than Lego Brick. It gives off the wrong impression.
If there's anything I like its this statement from Ang Kapatiran's Passport to a New Philippines:
A post-evaluation of EDSA I and EDSA II shows that while weDespite all the People Power Revolutions, we've failed to create a consensus as to what we want for the country. If we don't know where to go we'll get nowhere fast.
have succeeded in throwing the undesirables out of power, we
have failed to give the successors a “list of our clear aspirations”
for them to achieve for us.
The party proposes to change the Filipino as a means of changing the Philippines.
Ang Kapatiran openly declares their adherance to the social teachings of the catholic church. If you're allergic to religion, leave now.
Just as they've said they want to change the behavior of the people. Many of their platform items address this. They want to abolish gambling, create a gunless society, eschew the glorification of sex and violence. They plan on raising savings rates. Pretty lofty and admirable goals.
While their end goal is clear, the action plans are not mentioned in many crucial items. Take savings rate. How do they plan on increasing this when a lot of people have barely enough to survive? Are they imposing forced savings schemes on productive workers? Will OFWs get their remittances appropriated? We can come up with some scary scenarios simply because the plan is not articulated.
On the other hand, some other plans are actually fairly simple and should not pose problems. Prohibiting officials from writing regular columns or having their pictures plastered alongside government projects might only take an executive order.
If we've historically lacked a clear vision to guide action I think Ang Kapatiran suffers the reverse condition. There's a clear vision with no visible means of getting there.
You may find it strange that I have yet to speak about their candidate. Given the methods, JC de los Reyes is peripheral to the party goal. He is simply considered the most qualified member to run for the presidential post. If people find that strange its because that is how party politics operate. We are simply unaccustomed to this.
In any event he seems to be a capable leader having experience in local government and in business. I just wish he had used a different company name than Lego Brick. It gives off the wrong impression.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Stupid Questions to Questionable Statements
The Economic Miracle
If the economy were that great then why all the officials hinting at the need for increased taxes? Shouldn't we be reducing taxes instead because we are now better off than before? Why are multilateral lending agencies advising against spending cuts? Is it because the expansion is really through debt and government spending instead of commerce?
Erap's Housing Program
Shouldn't we be thanking his Housing Czar for delivering so many homes to the people? Wasn't that the job of then VP Gloria? So Erap should really thank her for doing such a great job in the Erap government?
Tough Cop
Where is Ping Lacson?
The Ratings Upgrades
Why is the administration so proud of an upgrade in outlook when its not the same as an upgrade in rating? Didn't we get two or three downgrades during this administration? Does that mean we're still worse off in the eyes of investors?
If the economy were that great then why all the officials hinting at the need for increased taxes? Shouldn't we be reducing taxes instead because we are now better off than before? Why are multilateral lending agencies advising against spending cuts? Is it because the expansion is really through debt and government spending instead of commerce?
Erap's Housing Program
Shouldn't we be thanking his Housing Czar for delivering so many homes to the people? Wasn't that the job of then VP Gloria? So Erap should really thank her for doing such a great job in the Erap government?
Tough Cop
Where is Ping Lacson?
The Ratings Upgrades
Why is the administration so proud of an upgrade in outlook when its not the same as an upgrade in rating? Didn't we get two or three downgrades during this administration? Does that mean we're still worse off in the eyes of investors?
Liberal Party 509
I've been trying to get to the Liberal Party site for 2 hours now. I've been getting a Bandwidth Exceeded error (error 509). Have we reached a new level in the presidential campaign? Or is this a case of bad hosting choice? Tune in for further developments.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Manuel Villar
I've finally found the supposed Nacionalista Party Platform. Why do I say supposed? Simply because I can't find any link to it through their Party website nor through Manny Villar's sites. It's not hosted on any official site. It's on Scribd. If the situation changes please let me know, hopefully before May 10.
Now, before I go through the platform itself, let me explain the significance of the Platform's location. Without a link to any official NP website we are not certain that the party or at least a party official recognizes the Scribd based platform. In short, it could be a fake. God knows the mud has been thick in the air these past few months. I wouldn't be surprised to see faux platforms used as a way to discredit or misinform people.
How did I find this document? I Googled it. That in itself is also significant. It's like the boss telling his subordinates:
Boss: "We have a strategic plan! Everyone must be on the same page so read it!"
Subordinates: "Great boss give it to us!"
Boss: "Its somewhere in the building... look for it"
Sounds like a Dilbert strip? Here's the catch. In a democracy the people are the boss so that conversation is actually:
Boss: "Lets fix the company. Where is your strategic plan?"
Applicant : "Its in the building. Look for it!"
Sorry, that one little act is indicative of character. And the character is disregard for people. Is access to the platform a privilege for the few? Should I even bother to read the platform given that the party behind it does not respect the citizens? Should I even bother to analyze something that may be fake?
Now before this turns into a rant I will do the appropriate thing.
walks out
Now, before I go through the platform itself, let me explain the significance of the Platform's location. Without a link to any official NP website we are not certain that the party or at least a party official recognizes the Scribd based platform. In short, it could be a fake. God knows the mud has been thick in the air these past few months. I wouldn't be surprised to see faux platforms used as a way to discredit or misinform people.
How did I find this document? I Googled it. That in itself is also significant. It's like the boss telling his subordinates:
Boss: "We have a strategic plan! Everyone must be on the same page so read it!"
Subordinates: "Great boss give it to us!"
Boss: "Its somewhere in the building... look for it"
Sounds like a Dilbert strip? Here's the catch. In a democracy the people are the boss so that conversation is actually:
Boss: "Lets fix the company. Where is your strategic plan?"
Applicant : "Its in the building. Look for it!"
Sorry, that one little act is indicative of character. And the character is disregard for people. Is access to the platform a privilege for the few? Should I even bother to read the platform given that the party behind it does not respect the citizens? Should I even bother to analyze something that may be fake?
Now before this turns into a rant I will do the appropriate thing.
walks out
Eduardo Villanueva
Brother Eddie placed last among the presidential aspirants in 2004. I’m not exactly sure why. Some people distrusted his intentions because he is a pastor. The rabidly Catholic feared a mass conversion to Protestantism. The rabidly secular feared a dismantling of the separation of church and state. Some others said he did not have the political experience. Like Nick Perlas, nobody knew him.
And now he’s at it again. (http://broeddie.ph/)
And, like before, he has a platform
(http://broeddie.ph/what-does-brother-eddie-c-villanueva-stand-for/)
Like Gibo, he's had it revised and it is now a party platform:
Bangon Pilipinas Party Platform
Unlike Gibo though, Brother Eddie has had a comprehensive and cohesive platform since 2009. So if there are similarities between the two then forgive me for thinking that somebody copied his seatmate's work. I also appreciate the act of maintaining the webpage of the previous platform. I consider it a gesture of honesty.
The new platform is more aggressive, cohesive and confident. No, I don't mean assertive nor progressive, I mean aggressive.
Check out the first chapter. Reinstatement of the death penalty. Ok, suck it in. This is coming from a pastor. Chapter 2: Policy of Self Help before Foreign Assistance. Same chapter: Developing Smart Labor. Same chapter: Purchasing Power as an Economic Target instead of the Exchange Rate. Just read the document. It's pretty juicy.
The original platform, while sensible, rational and cohesive lacked impact. It was too safe. I originally thought Bro. Eddie spent 40 days and nights in the desert writing out the old platform. I was wrong. That was like the baptism in the Jordan. The new article is the one that came out after 40 days in the desert. And even if he brought a few disciples to help him, the new platform is better thought out. And frankly it can get pretty scary.
How scary? A push for Federalism. A Greener Philippines. Budget redistribution along regional lines. Privates sector development programs in exchange for tax credits. Those are pretty big and bold changes. Education in moral values. That sounds suspect because dictatorial regimes tend to harp on it. Some people will not like their stand on abortion.
Its pretty much a real platform. It identifies problems, its identifies the ideal situation, it has a plan to solve the problem and reach the ideal. I am thankful that there are more candidates who understand the concept of a platform.
My misgivings about Bro. Eddie relates to his background. I really prefer my government secular. Nothing against religions per se, more like the tendency of the religious to impose their own culture on others. Since the Philippines is generally a multi-cultural society, this could cause conflicts and broad division.
As with most things, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. There will be instances where Bro. Eddie will seem like a dogmatic Pharisee and others where the liberal activist roots show through.
There is also that question of capability. As an outsider, he doesn't have the connections or the machinery of the more experienced politicos. That is the real cross of the outsider, of candidates with little exposure to the machinations of politics. We can bet he doesn’t have the connections, the political favors to call upon, the financial networks and the insider knowledge. He is burdened with the utter lack of ability to politick like a traditional politician. On the other hand that may not be such a bad thing.
Sarcasm aside, I am not sure how to judge his capability for governance save his ability to sway his flock. And during this campaign the flock is moving alongside people with different beliefs. To overcome the apparent lack of funds they've been getting creative with things like the Human Chain event and Operation Living Ads. Whether the man wins or loses I think it's worthwhile to watch his methods.
Finally, Bro. Eddie, like all the other outsiders, is a living challenge. Do I have the guts to actually vote for the non- traditional if that appears to be the best option? We have a few days to find out.
And now he’s at it again. (http://broeddie.ph/)
And, like before, he has a platform
(http://broeddie.ph/what-does-brother-eddie-c-villanueva-stand-for/)
Like Gibo, he's had it revised and it is now a party platform:
Bangon Pilipinas Party Platform
Unlike Gibo though, Brother Eddie has had a comprehensive and cohesive platform since 2009. So if there are similarities between the two then forgive me for thinking that somebody copied his seatmate's work. I also appreciate the act of maintaining the webpage of the previous platform. I consider it a gesture of honesty.
The new platform is more aggressive, cohesive and confident. No, I don't mean assertive nor progressive, I mean aggressive.
Check out the first chapter. Reinstatement of the death penalty. Ok, suck it in. This is coming from a pastor. Chapter 2: Policy of Self Help before Foreign Assistance. Same chapter: Developing Smart Labor. Same chapter: Purchasing Power as an Economic Target instead of the Exchange Rate. Just read the document. It's pretty juicy.
The original platform, while sensible, rational and cohesive lacked impact. It was too safe. I originally thought Bro. Eddie spent 40 days and nights in the desert writing out the old platform. I was wrong. That was like the baptism in the Jordan. The new article is the one that came out after 40 days in the desert. And even if he brought a few disciples to help him, the new platform is better thought out. And frankly it can get pretty scary.
How scary? A push for Federalism. A Greener Philippines. Budget redistribution along regional lines. Privates sector development programs in exchange for tax credits. Those are pretty big and bold changes. Education in moral values. That sounds suspect because dictatorial regimes tend to harp on it. Some people will not like their stand on abortion.
Its pretty much a real platform. It identifies problems, its identifies the ideal situation, it has a plan to solve the problem and reach the ideal. I am thankful that there are more candidates who understand the concept of a platform.
My misgivings about Bro. Eddie relates to his background. I really prefer my government secular. Nothing against religions per se, more like the tendency of the religious to impose their own culture on others. Since the Philippines is generally a multi-cultural society, this could cause conflicts and broad division.
As with most things, I think the truth lies somewhere in the middle. There will be instances where Bro. Eddie will seem like a dogmatic Pharisee and others where the liberal activist roots show through.
There is also that question of capability. As an outsider, he doesn't have the connections or the machinery of the more experienced politicos. That is the real cross of the outsider, of candidates with little exposure to the machinations of politics. We can bet he doesn’t have the connections, the political favors to call upon, the financial networks and the insider knowledge. He is burdened with the utter lack of ability to politick like a traditional politician. On the other hand that may not be such a bad thing.
Sarcasm aside, I am not sure how to judge his capability for governance save his ability to sway his flock. And during this campaign the flock is moving alongside people with different beliefs. To overcome the apparent lack of funds they've been getting creative with things like the Human Chain event and Operation Living Ads. Whether the man wins or loses I think it's worthwhile to watch his methods.
Finally, Bro. Eddie, like all the other outsiders, is a living challenge. Do I have the guts to actually vote for the non- traditional if that appears to be the best option? We have a few days to find out.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Nicanor Perlas III
Nick who?
It's unfortunate Nick Perlas remains obscure.
I call him Mr. Consistent. He's had a platform since 2009 and it has barely changed. Lets add emphasis.
Out of all the candidates, it seems he's the one who spent the most effort in crafting his plans. Not only that, he did extra work and actually outlined his whole ideology. How's that for A grade?
The platform of Pangmasa promotes several measures which are derived from current scientific research or implements current technology. Nick Perlas cites the use Gardner's Multiple Intelligence framework in education. He espouses environmentally conscious practices. He wants to create measures to safeguard us against rising sea levels. He's the only one promoting household energy production. He recognizes the importance of online journalism.
If Brother Eddie has the "Wrath of God" platform, Nick Perlas has the "Discovery Channel + Nat Geo" platform. It even starts with the entymology of the word Democracy. Pure geek heaven. For me, that is positively a good thing.
If there's any problem with his approach is that it may be difficult to grasp for the Regular Juans and Marias. His use of language is unusual. There are terms like Promote Holistic Education and Inner Change, bio-geographical equity, and societal threefolding partnerships. Come on man, get a marketing consultant! Heck, get an English professor to edit! This is practically specialist jargon. It gives off the image of an unapproachable intellectual. You want people to relate to you through your words, immediately. Approachability helps in politics, no really, it does. I find it ironic given that the party calls itself Pangmasa.
It's sad because the parts that I do understand without resorting to Google make sense like:
I have one appeal. In case Mr. Perlas loses the election, can the new president at least get him as a consultant?
It's unfortunate Nick Perlas remains obscure.
I call him Mr. Consistent. He's had a platform since 2009 and it has barely changed. Lets add emphasis.
Nick's platform has, so far, stood the test of time
Out of all the candidates, it seems he's the one who spent the most effort in crafting his plans. Not only that, he did extra work and actually outlined his whole ideology. How's that for A grade?
The platform of Pangmasa promotes several measures which are derived from current scientific research or implements current technology. Nick Perlas cites the use Gardner's Multiple Intelligence framework in education. He espouses environmentally conscious practices. He wants to create measures to safeguard us against rising sea levels. He's the only one promoting household energy production. He recognizes the importance of online journalism.
If Brother Eddie has the "Wrath of God" platform, Nick Perlas has the "Discovery Channel + Nat Geo" platform. It even starts with the entymology of the word Democracy. Pure geek heaven. For me, that is positively a good thing.
If there's any problem with his approach is that it may be difficult to grasp for the Regular Juans and Marias. His use of language is unusual. There are terms like Promote Holistic Education and Inner Change, bio-geographical equity, and societal threefolding partnerships. Come on man, get a marketing consultant! Heck, get an English professor to edit! This is practically specialist jargon. It gives off the image of an unapproachable intellectual. You want people to relate to you through your words, immediately. Approachability helps in politics, no really, it does. I find it ironic given that the party calls itself Pangmasa.
It's sad because the parts that I do understand without resorting to Google make sense like:
Irrigate all rice lands using both large-scale irrigation infrastructure and artesian wells for small farmsor this:
Advocate for the removal of pork barrel from the national budget to ensure that tax pesos are used, not to promote transactional politics that worsen the condition of the poor, but to eradicate povertyIt's sad for another reason. While I find Nick Perlas intelligent and capable, I get the impression that he lacks empathy. Perhaps other people feel this way and will look for their president elsewhere. Who would follow a leader that can't be understood? How can you? That platform with the great ideas will be so much wasted brain juice.
I have one appeal. In case Mr. Perlas loses the election, can the new president at least get him as a consultant?
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Gilberto Teodoro
Speaking of Kamaganak, Inc. I stopped over at DND Secretary Gilberto Teodoro's site to check it out again. Last time I visited, it had two separate areas dealing with his plans for the country: a detailed strategy for each region of the country and a list of issues he deems important. (urls were http://gibo.ph/strategy.aspx and http://gibo.ph/issue.aspx)
Well, those are now GONE! Go ahead and check the 404.
Sec. Teodoro has a brand spanking new platform which is the Lakas Kampi CMD party platform.
And so we have a winner for the Most Improved in Platform Authoring!
Unlike the previous incarnations which were too disjointed, this one actually makes more sense and appears more consistent. Here's one example from the previous format: He identifies innovation as a key economic issue yet none of his strategies addresses this. Instead there are a lot of infrastructure development ideas without an overarching rationale. It's a grocery list. Where's the innovation in that? To further confuse the message, the site had Sec. Teodoro declaring the age of copying previous trends passe. My impression was that the strategies and issues were written by a band of consultants who did not consult the candidate or each other.
The newer platform is a quantum improvement. For the issue of infrastructure it notes the need for the integration and convergence of all transport modalities. It calls for the expansion of inter-island transportation and communication. The infrastructure agenda coincides with and supports the thrust for rural and agricultural development (which are separate platform items). Things work together.
If the party hired a multitude of consultants to write this script, I'm glad they're now talking to each other and to their candidate! So team Gibo gets an A for effort instead of cousin Noynoy.
Too bad there's still that stigma associated with the old regime. In previous statements he openly admitted favoritism for Gloria Arroyo and even professed a debt of gratitude to her for giving him his break in government. In a TV interview he expressed his hesitance in pursuing graft charges because of these reasons. Disturbing statements indeed. Who else will he let off the hook because of a debt of gratitude? What if these people were guilty of severe crimes?
Those troubling statements have also disappeared from his website. I think it's part of the move to sanitize his image. If I monitor elections again, I will be shamelessly copying the interesting statements from political sites. That way I can keep a better record of a campaign's development.
I doubt the recent move to create distance from PGMA will do much good in the middle of the game. Something more dramatic needs to happen before people completely dissociate the Secretary from the passing administration.
Gibo Teodoro redeems himself on Platform but his past life leaves a big question mark on character. Admittedly, he's well trained and capable. The question is: capable of what?
Well, those are now GONE! Go ahead and check the 404.
Sec. Teodoro has a brand spanking new platform which is the Lakas Kampi CMD party platform.
And so we have a winner for the Most Improved in Platform Authoring!
Unlike the previous incarnations which were too disjointed, this one actually makes more sense and appears more consistent. Here's one example from the previous format: He identifies innovation as a key economic issue yet none of his strategies addresses this. Instead there are a lot of infrastructure development ideas without an overarching rationale. It's a grocery list. Where's the innovation in that? To further confuse the message, the site had Sec. Teodoro declaring the age of copying previous trends passe. My impression was that the strategies and issues were written by a band of consultants who did not consult the candidate or each other.
The newer platform is a quantum improvement. For the issue of infrastructure it notes the need for the integration and convergence of all transport modalities. It calls for the expansion of inter-island transportation and communication. The infrastructure agenda coincides with and supports the thrust for rural and agricultural development (which are separate platform items). Things work together.
If the party hired a multitude of consultants to write this script, I'm glad they're now talking to each other and to their candidate! So team Gibo gets an A for effort instead of cousin Noynoy.
Too bad there's still that stigma associated with the old regime. In previous statements he openly admitted favoritism for Gloria Arroyo and even professed a debt of gratitude to her for giving him his break in government. In a TV interview he expressed his hesitance in pursuing graft charges because of these reasons. Disturbing statements indeed. Who else will he let off the hook because of a debt of gratitude? What if these people were guilty of severe crimes?
Those troubling statements have also disappeared from his website. I think it's part of the move to sanitize his image. If I monitor elections again, I will be shamelessly copying the interesting statements from political sites. That way I can keep a better record of a campaign's development.
I doubt the recent move to create distance from PGMA will do much good in the middle of the game. Something more dramatic needs to happen before people completely dissociate the Secretary from the passing administration.
Gibo Teodoro redeems himself on Platform but his past life leaves a big question mark on character. Admittedly, he's well trained and capable. The question is: capable of what?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Benigno Aquino III
Noynoy has a platform. In fact he had it up before December 2009. Sadly for him, it won't silence the critics. Just like Richard Gordon's platform, this one is long on vision and short on solution. I'm tempted to cut and paste bits of the previous Dick Gordon post. The observations are about the same.
There is a difference though. Noynoy attempts to get at the root of the problems instead of just recognizing inadequacies. Look at health care:
Noynoy: From treating health as just another area for political patronage to recognizing the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance.
Dick: we must provide adequate access to HEALTH CARE for all our people, especially the needy
Check that one out. Senator Aquino thinks politics is a reason for the poor state of health care. Senator Gordon is merely telling us health care is poor. I'm surprised. No actually I'm a bit shocked. It seems Senator Aquino is making some effort to actually create solutions. By identifying the cause he now has a target. I did not expect it from him. And if he didn't write his platform, at least he got someone who is trying to think.
Still, an A for effort will hardly cut it given our immense problems.And stopping without offering concrete plans hardly merits an A.
And what of capability and character? Honestly, I can't pin anything on him except for the old Kamaganak, Inc. accusations that emerged during his mother's administration and the Hacienda Luisita situation. While the accusations sound grave, I've always wondered why it's taking everyone so long to resolve it. If the critics have any solid evidence against the clan then let them present it in the proper forum. Its been decades already and these two issues conveniently crop up during elections. Once those are over, the issues conveniently vanish without resolution. It's my impression that many of these critics actually profit from their periodic silence. How convenient....
As it is I'm getting weary of all this anonymous mudslinging via text or internet. Like the boy who cried wolf, these agents will likely find the public disbelieving their claims, true or not. Who will suffer then? I bet it's not the text brigades.
Usually you start getting black propaganda when you earn the ire of rivals. That occurs when you do something they don't like. If you don't do anything, they won't react. In this case, Sen. Aquino attracts attacks because of sheer popularity. You can check the bills filed during his tenure. He's not exactly a paragon of hard work. Nothing there to earn the enemy's ire.
So this is what the LP selling: an upstanding guy with a spotty plan and indeterminate ability. It's apparent why no one stands out among the aspirants. They are all lacking in one way or another.
There is a difference though. Noynoy attempts to get at the root of the problems instead of just recognizing inadequacies. Look at health care:
Noynoy: From treating health as just another area for political patronage to recognizing the advancement and protection of public health, which includes responsible parenthood, as key measures of good governance.
Dick: we must provide adequate access to HEALTH CARE for all our people, especially the needy
Check that one out. Senator Aquino thinks politics is a reason for the poor state of health care. Senator Gordon is merely telling us health care is poor. I'm surprised. No actually I'm a bit shocked. It seems Senator Aquino is making some effort to actually create solutions. By identifying the cause he now has a target. I did not expect it from him. And if he didn't write his platform, at least he got someone who is trying to think.
Still, an A for effort will hardly cut it given our immense problems.And stopping without offering concrete plans hardly merits an A.
And what of capability and character? Honestly, I can't pin anything on him except for the old Kamaganak, Inc. accusations that emerged during his mother's administration and the Hacienda Luisita situation. While the accusations sound grave, I've always wondered why it's taking everyone so long to resolve it. If the critics have any solid evidence against the clan then let them present it in the proper forum. Its been decades already and these two issues conveniently crop up during elections. Once those are over, the issues conveniently vanish without resolution. It's my impression that many of these critics actually profit from their periodic silence. How convenient....
As it is I'm getting weary of all this anonymous mudslinging via text or internet. Like the boy who cried wolf, these agents will likely find the public disbelieving their claims, true or not. Who will suffer then? I bet it's not the text brigades.
Usually you start getting black propaganda when you earn the ire of rivals. That occurs when you do something they don't like. If you don't do anything, they won't react. In this case, Sen. Aquino attracts attacks because of sheer popularity. You can check the bills filed during his tenure. He's not exactly a paragon of hard work. Nothing there to earn the enemy's ire.
So this is what the LP selling: an upstanding guy with a spotty plan and indeterminate ability. It's apparent why no one stands out among the aspirants. They are all lacking in one way or another.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Party List Fiasco
The Party List Mechanism was a good idea until it got hijacked. This was taken from the Philippine Daily Inquirer and is placed here for posterity.
Millionaires to represent ‘balut’ vendors in House
Millionaires to represent ‘balut’ vendors in House
MANILA, Philippines—They properly belong to the party set, not to a party-list representing a so-called marginalized sector.
Among the nominees of Ang Kasangga, the party-list group of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo’s sister, are multimillionaires and influential people, not balut vendors and other micro-entrepreneurs, administration critics said yesterday.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said the first two nominees of Ang Kasangga—Teodorico T. Haresco and Eugenio V. Lacson—are multimillionaires linked to the Arroyo administration.
“They do not fall within the category of micro-entrepreneurs,” he said.
“The law and Commission on Elections guidelines are clear: A party-list nominee must not only be an advocate of the sector it is representing,” Bayan and the poll watchdog Kontra Daya said in a joint statement.
“The nominee must belong to the marginalized sector,” it said.
In its website, Ang Kasangga claims it represents micro-entrepreneurs.
In the House of Representatives, it is represented by Maria Lourdes Arroyo, sister of the First Gentleman.
Her “entry into Congress drew heavy criticism because it was alleged she did not represent small business. It was during this period that Ang Kasangga defended her, saying she represented small businessmen, including balut vendors,” noted Reyes.
The party-list group defines micro-entrepreneurs as “those with individual capital of P3 million and below.”
‘Bridges to nowhere’
“If Ang Kasangga’s nominees are allowed to stand as nominees, what will prevent big business interests to seek or even buy a seat in Congress in the future?” said Reyes.
Haresco is a member of the board of directors of the state-run Philippine National Oil Co., said Reyes. He was reportedly involved in the President’s controversial Bridge Program which has drawn criticism for allegedly being the “bridges to nowhere.”
Among many other things, Haresco is chair and chief executive officer of Winace Holdings Philippines, which is involved in the acquisition and sale of stocks, bonds and investment securities, Reyes said.
Lacson is a three-term city mayor and is ranked No. 79 among the top 100 stockholders of Fidelity Stock Transfers Inc. Others in the list are businessman Luciano Tan and several members of the Ortigas and Villonco families, all of whom are not considered micro-entrepreneurs, Reyes also said.
Lacson was being considered by the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD as a vice gubernatorial candidate in Negros Occidental for the May elections before he decided to run under the party-list system.
Arroyo-linked groups
There are at least 14 other party-list groups with links to the Arroyo administration, according to Reyes:
• Ang Galing Pinoy, whose first nominee is Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. The group’s other nominees are Mayor Dennis Pineda of Lubao, Pampanga, and Mayor Romeo Dungca of Bacolor, Pampanga. The party, formerly known as Guardians Anti-Crime, Pro-People Organization, claims to represent security guards, tricycle drivers and vendors.
• 1-Utak, party-list of the transport sector, whose nominees include former Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes and lawyer Vigor Mendoza, ex-official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
• Batang Iwas Droga, BIDA, which says in its website it was the “brainchild” of Efraim Genuino, chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). Its nominees include Efraim’s daughter Sheryl Genuino-See; businessman Johnny Tan and Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, currently a nominee for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
• Kabayan, which claims to represent transport sector workers, farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, anticrime crusaders, and overseas Filipino workers, among others. Its nominees include Ron Salo, former subordinate of ex-Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
• Pacyaw, which claims to represent urban poor youth, has tourism assistant secretary Janet Rita Lazatin and former consul Reynaldo Pineda as nominees.
“Also in the list are Association of Labor and Employees, Abot Tanaw, APO 1, Bantay True Marcos Loyalists, Aangat Tayo, Abono, Abante Tribung Makabansa, Alliance of People’s Organizations, and Anad, an “anticommunist group believed to be supported by the Armed Forces,” Reyes added.
Among the nominees of Ang Kasangga, the party-list group of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo’s sister, are multimillionaires and influential people, not balut vendors and other micro-entrepreneurs, administration critics said yesterday.
Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes Jr. said the first two nominees of Ang Kasangga—Teodorico T. Haresco and Eugenio V. Lacson—are multimillionaires linked to the Arroyo administration.
“They do not fall within the category of micro-entrepreneurs,” he said.
“The law and Commission on Elections guidelines are clear: A party-list nominee must not only be an advocate of the sector it is representing,” Bayan and the poll watchdog Kontra Daya said in a joint statement.
“The nominee must belong to the marginalized sector,” it said.
In its website, Ang Kasangga claims it represents micro-entrepreneurs.
In the House of Representatives, it is represented by Maria Lourdes Arroyo, sister of the First Gentleman.
Her “entry into Congress drew heavy criticism because it was alleged she did not represent small business. It was during this period that Ang Kasangga defended her, saying she represented small businessmen, including balut vendors,” noted Reyes.
The party-list group defines micro-entrepreneurs as “those with individual capital of P3 million and below.”
‘Bridges to nowhere’
“If Ang Kasangga’s nominees are allowed to stand as nominees, what will prevent big business interests to seek or even buy a seat in Congress in the future?” said Reyes.
Haresco is a member of the board of directors of the state-run Philippine National Oil Co., said Reyes. He was reportedly involved in the President’s controversial Bridge Program which has drawn criticism for allegedly being the “bridges to nowhere.”
Among many other things, Haresco is chair and chief executive officer of Winace Holdings Philippines, which is involved in the acquisition and sale of stocks, bonds and investment securities, Reyes said.
Lacson is a three-term city mayor and is ranked No. 79 among the top 100 stockholders of Fidelity Stock Transfers Inc. Others in the list are businessman Luciano Tan and several members of the Ortigas and Villonco families, all of whom are not considered micro-entrepreneurs, Reyes also said.
Lacson was being considered by the administration party Lakas-Kampi-CMD as a vice gubernatorial candidate in Negros Occidental for the May elections before he decided to run under the party-list system.
Arroyo-linked groups
There are at least 14 other party-list groups with links to the Arroyo administration, according to Reyes:
• Ang Galing Pinoy, whose first nominee is Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo. The group’s other nominees are Mayor Dennis Pineda of Lubao, Pampanga, and Mayor Romeo Dungca of Bacolor, Pampanga. The party, formerly known as Guardians Anti-Crime, Pro-People Organization, claims to represent security guards, tricycle drivers and vendors.
• 1-Utak, party-list of the transport sector, whose nominees include former Energy Secretary Angelo T. Reyes and lawyer Vigor Mendoza, ex-official of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.
• Batang Iwas Droga, BIDA, which says in its website it was the “brainchild” of Efraim Genuino, chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor). Its nominees include Efraim’s daughter Sheryl Genuino-See; businessman Johnny Tan and Special Prosecutor Dennis Villa-Ignacio, currently a nominee for the position of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
• Kabayan, which claims to represent transport sector workers, farmers and fisherfolk, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, anticrime crusaders, and overseas Filipino workers, among others. Its nominees include Ron Salo, former subordinate of ex-Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.
• Pacyaw, which claims to represent urban poor youth, has tourism assistant secretary Janet Rita Lazatin and former consul Reynaldo Pineda as nominees.
“Also in the list are Association of Labor and Employees, Abot Tanaw, APO 1, Bantay True Marcos Loyalists, Aangat Tayo, Abono, Abante Tribung Makabansa, Alliance of People’s Organizations, and Anad, an “anticommunist group believed to be supported by the Armed Forces,” Reyes added.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Media Revelations: Noynoy and Manny
Those political ads have been on facebook for a while now. There is however, one set that intrigues me. Its the one using the Hacienda Luisita situation as a way of smearing Noynoy. No, I'm not going to bother contesting the info. I just found it interesting they mostly hit Noynoy when in fact Cory was in a better position to fix the problem. And she didn't. I remember Cory's critics spotlighting the situation as a sample of her impotence:
Land Reform is Cory's flagship program, Luisita is the flagship project of Land Reform.
Well, something along those lines. The original statement had more flair.
Those Facebook ads are a stoke of genius. Not only does it hit Noynoy, it also takes a swipe at Gibo. Both are Cojuangcos and implicated in the mess by relation. Who could be behind it? I guess it really could be anyone although another candidate seems more likely.
More recently there's been this expose about Manny Villar. A local journalist is accusing Manny of fabricating the circumstances surrounding a brother's death. I think many people already know the senator wasn't as poor as he portrays himself. I also think they find the whole poverty myth a non-issue. However, putting a spin on your dead brother's story leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
It should be noted though that the writer, Mr. Esposo, is a Noynoy supporter. He's openly admitted this in previous columns. So maybe he's putting a spin on those two public documents to make Villar look bad. There could be all sorts of explanations for the documents. For example, relatives could have given the family the rather sizeable property. Friends could have sponsored the brother's medical expenses. But even these possiblities raise questions. If my conjectures were true then why didn't Villar just say so and give credit where credit is due? Nope, it doesn't seem like Mr. E is just doing a baseless demo job.
If anything, I'd like to remember these two articles as characteristic of this election: 1) So far no one is emerging as a clear choice and 2) its also easier to dig up info thanks to technology.
Land Reform is Cory's flagship program, Luisita is the flagship project of Land Reform.
Well, something along those lines. The original statement had more flair.
Those Facebook ads are a stoke of genius. Not only does it hit Noynoy, it also takes a swipe at Gibo. Both are Cojuangcos and implicated in the mess by relation. Who could be behind it? I guess it really could be anyone although another candidate seems more likely.
More recently there's been this expose about Manny Villar. A local journalist is accusing Manny of fabricating the circumstances surrounding a brother's death. I think many people already know the senator wasn't as poor as he portrays himself. I also think they find the whole poverty myth a non-issue. However, putting a spin on your dead brother's story leaves a bad taste in the mouth.
It should be noted though that the writer, Mr. Esposo, is a Noynoy supporter. He's openly admitted this in previous columns. So maybe he's putting a spin on those two public documents to make Villar look bad. There could be all sorts of explanations for the documents. For example, relatives could have given the family the rather sizeable property. Friends could have sponsored the brother's medical expenses. But even these possiblities raise questions. If my conjectures were true then why didn't Villar just say so and give credit where credit is due? Nope, it doesn't seem like Mr. E is just doing a baseless demo job.
If anything, I'd like to remember these two articles as characteristic of this election: 1) So far no one is emerging as a clear choice and 2) its also easier to dig up info thanks to technology.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Richard Gordon
The man known for the WOW Philippines Tourism campaign is now waging a new one for the presidency. Now I finally get to see what he's planning.
It's not much.
He definitely has a vision of a better country: more caring, responsible, tolerant, competitive, etc.. etc..
but then his competition echoes similar sentiments. We all want a better country. It's the how that needs answering and Senator Gordon doesn't really give answers.
Check out his vision and his manifesto on the website [http://www.dickgordon2010.com]
Theres a lot of lofty goals but no real plan for achieving them. How does he intend to generate jobs? Or provide adeqate health care? What measures do we implement for saving the environment?
If I just look at the surface it would seem strange. He has the experience in government and business. He has the training. You'd expect better planning from a Proctor and Gamble alumn.
It gets stranger when I review his achievements. He did a good job at Subic. He transformed Olongapo. He was effective as Tourism Secretary. He's still effective in the Red Cross. It's obvious he can get things done. Why doesn't he share his roadmap so everyone can get on the same page?
Another aspect that troubles me is the political history of the family. They appear to be passing political positions from one family member to another. It's not necessarily bad. Family members can also be trustworthy, qualified and effective. However, I don't think there's a dearth of capable people in Olongapo or Zambales. Why are potential leaders not developed to take on the big jobs? Why should potential leaders only be drawn from one family?
Senator Gordon gets 1 point for ability. I hope that platform develops into something more substantial. That Transformer appellation currently means something else for me. The alien robots change from one form to another but you don't really see how they do it. That pretty much sums up the Gordon Plan. You know what the end is supposed to be but not how to get there.
It's not much.
He definitely has a vision of a better country: more caring, responsible, tolerant, competitive, etc.. etc..
but then his competition echoes similar sentiments. We all want a better country. It's the how that needs answering and Senator Gordon doesn't really give answers.
Check out his vision and his manifesto on the website [http://www.dickgordon2010.com]
Theres a lot of lofty goals but no real plan for achieving them. How does he intend to generate jobs? Or provide adeqate health care? What measures do we implement for saving the environment?
If I just look at the surface it would seem strange. He has the experience in government and business. He has the training. You'd expect better planning from a Proctor and Gamble alumn.
It gets stranger when I review his achievements. He did a good job at Subic. He transformed Olongapo. He was effective as Tourism Secretary. He's still effective in the Red Cross. It's obvious he can get things done. Why doesn't he share his roadmap so everyone can get on the same page?
Another aspect that troubles me is the political history of the family. They appear to be passing political positions from one family member to another. It's not necessarily bad. Family members can also be trustworthy, qualified and effective. However, I don't think there's a dearth of capable people in Olongapo or Zambales. Why are potential leaders not developed to take on the big jobs? Why should potential leaders only be drawn from one family?
Senator Gordon gets 1 point for ability. I hope that platform develops into something more substantial. That Transformer appellation currently means something else for me. The alien robots change from one form to another but you don't really see how they do it. That pretty much sums up the Gordon Plan. You know what the end is supposed to be but not how to get there.
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