Accessible to all

My sister was a consistent first honor student during her elementary. In high school, she was consistently at the top percentile while engaging in extracurricular activities. At the beginning of her first semester in UP, she was tasked to deliver a speech at the convocation of more than 2000 new students. She is bright and her education is being threatened. This predicament is shared by thousands of SUC students and faculties. I call on all graduates of SUC’s to take a public stand against education budget cut.

Accessible education is a provision of the Philippine Constitution.

Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.

ricoblancofans = ricoblancofans + me;

At mass today, I was sitting inches away from Rico Blanco. According to Wikipedia, “Blanco has so far recorded, written and produced more local and regional number one hits than any other musician since 1994.” So it is a quite humbling experience to see a man of such status kneel before the Lord. As a matter of fact, he even prayed longer than I did after taking the communion.

If even men with great feats kneel and beg for charity, then who am I to be arrogant and pretend that I can do all things on my own?

Wearing just a white shirt, six-pocket pants and sneakers, I can’t help but appreciate the guy’s simplicity. Quite honestly, I have never been a fan of Rico Blanco. Yes, I know some of his songs, most of them are good. I can even remember the time when I would watch Myx to wait for Balisong’s video and sing along. But I’d never really paid significant attention to him as a celebrity, as an artist, as a person. Not until this day.

When I saw him at Mass, the first thing I said in my head was “taga Pacita nga ‘to.” Though I’m aware of his superstar status, I wasn’t really overwhelmed by his presence. For me, he was effortlessly being upstaged by the greatest Rockstar, Jesus Christ. And I have to give it to Blanco for not trying to steal the spot light by looking or acting flamboyant. His aura was sincere and not diva-ish. I sensed that he prays fervently, without a hint of superficiality.

That was the time when I realized that Rico Blanco, when undressed with his immense popularity, is a man who’s core is admirable, inspiring and deeply humbling. Needless to say, his talent is praiseworthy. But it is the character that he displayed that captured my respect.

So now, I proclaim that I am a Rico Blanco fan.

The Measure of a Man

CAUTION: This blog post has explicit sexual tone. If you are offended by this kind of language, please browse away.

A man's patience can't be longer than his penis
But his anger is just as hard and as lasting as his erection.

A man may only have one orgasm
But he can sustain love perpetually.

A man may know multiple women
But like his orgasm, he essentially needs just one.

A man's brain cells are never fewer than his sperm count
But to his wisdom, love is interdicted from Science's bounds

A man can forgive much more than he can have sex
But even his fortitude has its peak

A man's mad hard penis will spurt out sperm
But his outraged heart ejaculates pain

This poem is not meant to play men as an empty sex animal
In fact, the intent is the absolute opposite of that.

Real men are much more than sex
They are love, honor and respect.

So measure a man not by the length of his penis
But by his heart's compassion and depth.

Bad Timing

Originally posted in facebook, October 12, 2010

An arguably popular decision by President Aquino was made public today. The president granted amnesty to rebel Senator Trillianes, and to other soldiers involved in Oakwood Mutiny, Marine Standoff, and Manila Peninsula Siege. After the concurrence of the majority of all members of congress, the rebel soldiers can now “rebuild their lives and contribute to rebuilding this nation.”

We can remember that at the same time during the selection of the Senate President, President Aquino ordered DOJ Sec Delima to review the coup d'etat charge against Trillanes. According to the President, “there was injustice there.” That comment made by PNoy sparked some debates and controversy and was criticised for meddling in a judicial matter. Others even speculated that the undercurrent purpose of the review was to eventually free the rebel Senator to add up to the allies of the Aquino administration in the Senate. We can remember that at the height of the Senate President selection, requests to allow Trillianes to vote was made, speculatively to ensure the victor of the Liberal Party bet in the race for the senate presidency. However, the request was not granted and Senator Enrile continued his reign.

In a press conference today, Malacanang justified the amnesty as part of the reconciliation efforts of the Aquino government.

Besides Trillianes, another popular beneficiary of the reconciliation effort of the current administration was Gen. Danny Lim. If Trillianes is perceived to be an ally of the Aquino government, Gen. Lim is in fact a senatorial candidate last May under PNoy’s political party.

All the while, I thought reconciliation is offered only to enemies so parties could settle their differences. Apparently, reconciliation can also be given to friends to strengthen alliances. At this point in time, I still don’t want to claim that this reconciliation effort of the Aquino administration is a tool for political patronage. Let’s wait and see.

On the other hand, I humbly claim that the amnesty was given in bad timing. First, I am of the opinion that the President should have waited for the court to decide on the case before granting anything. If the court decides that Trillianes is innocent then an amnesty won’t be necessary. The problem with amnesty is there is no need for distinct acts of acceptance on the part of Trillianes etc. Because unlike pardon, amnesty does not require admission of guilt and instead erases the crime itself without admitting any wrong doing. Therefore, the amnesty granted by President Aquino is an injustice both to Senator Trillianes and his men but even severely so to the State. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to uphold injustice.

Second, our country is still in the aftermath of the Aug. 23 Manila Hostage crisis. Like Mendoza, Trillianes is also a hostage taker. Mendoza hostaged a bus, Trillianes took over two hotels on two different occasions. Trillianes is a two time hostage taker. But their most apparent difference is the way they were handled by two different administrations. Operations against Mendoza were botched not to mention caused a severe embarrassment to the entire nation while Trillianes was took down successfully and without any casualty, twice. I believe that granting amnesty to a rebel/hostage taker in the midst of the Manila Hostage Crisis aftermath sends a signal that the current administration doesn’t really take hostage takers seriously. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to consent atrocity.

If we will remember, Gen. Bangit resigned as AFP Chief of Staff because of PNoy’s public disapproval of his appointment. This prompted to some reports that some factions in the military were displeased with Aquino. This brings me to my third point. If I am a military man with a displeasure to the current government, then I will be encourage by the amnesty to venture into military adventurism and plot coup’d etat against the government. After all, if my efforts became unsuccessful all I have to do is wait for a change of leadership for an amnesty grant. Specifically because of bad timing, the amnesty granted by PNoy seems to tolerate military adventurism.

Though I believe that the President has all the legal rights and the sole prerogative to grant such an amnesty, it is my humble opinion that he should have waited for the right, the good and the unsuspicious time to do so.

Top Five Qualities of a True Iskolar Para sa Bayan

Originally posted on my facebook account on June 25, 2010

This is the transcript of Ma. Jennie Mae Santos' speech that was delivered during the convocation of some 2500 New Freshmen of UPLB held last June 8, 2010.

UPLB Chancellor Luis Rey I. Velasco, Officers of the Administration, guests, faculty members, fellow freshmen, blockmates, Good Morning.

Some may argue that one cannot be both proud and humble at the same time. Surprisingly, it is with utmost pride and sincere humility that I deliver this speech today. Pride because out of the many bright new freshmen I was chosen to speak in behalf of our batch. Humility because admittedly, I have a lot of character building to do in order to be a true ISKOLAR PARA SA BAYAN.

Being a genuine ISKOLAR PARA SA BAYAN does not begin upon passing the UPCAT. It only starts when we realize that we have a lifelong obligation to our motherland. Thus, the first quality - UP Students are responsible. As a UP student, it is incumbent upon us to faithfully fulfil our responsibilities. The best way to manifest this trait is by doing well in academics. Since our matriculation fee is subsidized by the government through the people’s taxes, performing our scholastic responsibilities well should be a top priority. And so as responsible UP Students, let us all make a pledge that we will do everything that we can to graduate on time.

I am quite confident that we will keep our promise. Because UP Students say what they mean, and mean what they say. In short, UP Students are honest. As we are the next generation of leaders of our beloved country, it is imperative for us to be honest and fight for the truth even if the truth is against us. If we want a new breed of honest, loyal and faithful leaders then we need to start a culture of honesty. We need to start within ourselves.

Because we are honest, it is easy for us to follow the law. UP Students are law abiding citizens. Dura lex sed lex. The law is harsh but it is the law. As UP Students we need to uphold the law even if it entails heavy sacrifices. We can start doing so by following the simplest rule of the university, coming to class on time.

When I got accepted in UPLB, my friends who got accepted in universities in Manila teased me by saying that I will be studying in a farm full of carabaos and farmers. They are wrong. For UPLB is not a farm. UPLB is a jungle where contrasting ideologies are the predators and we are the prey. And so to survive this political jungle, we need to be objective and principled. In analyzing issues, we need to have a logical and realistic basis or premise. We must never rely on farfetched imagined speculations. Let our principles and the rules of logic guide us in taking sides and making opinions. Certainly, this is something we can handle because UP Students are intelligent.

Lastly, I would like to point out one fact – that UP is the microcosm of society. If that is the case then our life in the university is a simulation of our life in the real world. The good things that we will learn here must be retained in our system after we leave the university so we can apply it as we join the outside world and contribute to the betterment of our society. Surely, life outside will be tough. But there is nothing that a UP student can’t handle. Because UP students are survivors!

God Bless the New Freshmen of UPLB!
Thank you very much!

What Goes Around, Comes Around

Originally posted here


The raging boomerang hit me
I was tricked by reality
I thought I was invincible
Apparently, I am destructible

Pain now soothes me
While agony caresses me
I am now grief’s baby
When will she ever free me?

To all whom before I’ve hurt,
Karma is upon me
Let this poem be my penance
And my way to say I’m deeply sorry

Lord, please snatch me
From the arms of despondecy
Don’t let her break me
Please save me from her fury

The Decision of The Supreme Court is Supreme

It is important that there is a coequal branch of government that has the power to decide what is constitutional and unconstitutional. Otherwise, the bounds set by the constitution, the parameters of the law will be absolutely futile. The power to decide what is constitutional belongs solely to the Supreme Court.

In one of his lectures that aired on C-SPAN, US Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer explained why the Supreme Court has the power to decide what is constitutional. The reasons are the following:

The power cannot be given to the legislative branch

The legislative branch, represented by Congress is composed of the most aggressive political animals – politicians. Since they are politicians, it is innate in them to please the populace. Therefore, their decisions are always influenced by the will of the majority, or the popular view. There is a risk that everything that is popular will be declared constitutional.

The power cannot be given to the executive branch

The executive branch is headed by the most powerful individual in the land – the President. Since he is the president, he has both the power of the sword and the power of the purse. Giving the president the additional power to decide what is constitutional is most dangerous. There exist a logical and realistic risk that everything that will give the president additional powers will be constitutional. This is not even mentioning the fact that the president is also a politician.

The Supreme Court is not as powerful

Since the Supreme court is not composed of politicians and relatively holds less powers, for it does not have the power of the sword and the power of the purse, giving it the power to decide what is constitutional is less risky. The only role and power of the Supreme Court is to interpret the law. It cannot make laws. It cannot implement laws.

Furthermore, the Supreme Court is composed of unpopular individuals. They are not politicians. They don’t have the inherent characteristic to please the populace. The Supreme Court does not take into account the popularity of their decisions. Therefore, the Supreme Court’s wisdom is free and independent.

Interpreting the constitution is a technical skill

The administration’s intent to appoint a new chief justice after the retirement of Chief Justice Puno on May 17th is met with major criticisms. As presented by the media and in the commentaries made by some journalists, the constitution is very clear that the president who is in the twilight of her presidency cannot make midnight appointments. Arnold Clavio of GMA – 7 even said that even a grade one student can understand the intent of the constitution to prohibit the president to make any appointments at this point in time. One could easily agree with this statement after reading the particular provision. But according to a prominent legal luminary and a constitutional law expert, Miriam Defensor Santiago when she explained her vote on Maguindanao Martial Law, "Reading the constitution is not a mere function of literacy. Reading, much more, construing the constitution is a technical skill."


Arnold Clavio, as well as other media personalities who subscribe to a similar argument, failed to take into consideration that there seems to be two conflicting provisions surrounding this issue. In events such as these, the Supreme Court has the sole responsibility and power to harmonize two seemingly conflicting provisions of the constitution. Thus, the Supreme Court’s ruling must be treated with the highest respect.

Dura lex sed lex

In a press statement, Senator Aquino said that the president cannot appoint a new chief justice because the position is not yet vacant. While what he said is true, it is imperative to know that there is a huge difference between announcement of an appointment and effectivity of an appointment. It is my humble opinion that, should Senator Aquino or other parties concerned still oppose the appointment of a new chief justice, their questions, doubts, petitions, must not be addressed to the president, much more, to the public. Their questions, doubts, petitions must be addressed to the Supreme Court. Since we operate under the rule of law, and since he is the obvious next president, it is his obligation to uphold the rule of law. Dura lex sed lex. The law is harsh, but it is the law. The law must be upheld even though it hurts our interests.

The decision of the Supreme Court is supreme

In conclusion, I would like to express my faith and confidence in the judiciary. I believe in the fairness, intelligence, wisdom and judgement of the Supreme Court and its magistrates. I believe that the law is blind and does not recognize power and popularity. I believe that the Supreme Court’s decision is supreme, final and executory.

My Humble Observation of Philippines' 2010 Presidential Elections

As a very young citizen, I don’t have the authority to question the wisdom of the Filipino electorate as to how they cast their votes. This election, we have seen that more than 7 million of us voted for an overthrown president who was convicted of plunder. More than 12 million of us voted for a vice presidential candidate even after his admission of infidelity. And more than 100 thousand of us voted for a disqualified candidate, even surpassing that of JC Delos Reyes’ votes. Mr. Delos Reyes may not be as popular as the frontrunners but at least he’s not disqualified.

The right to suffrage

At first, I find this unusual phenomenon of voting for a disqualified candidate as a source of humor. But then again, it is still 100 thousand wasted votes. True enough, these numbers cannot change the outcome of the elections even if these votes went to qualified candidates. But still, wasting a vote is inexcusable. Though I said that I cannot question the wisdom of the Filipino electorate, I think I can doubt the sincerity of these particular voters who shaded the oval of a disqualified candidate. Emphasis on the term disqualified. In my humble opinion, these people did not take their right to suffrage seriously.

Voter’s education

As I earlier implied, Philippine elections despite its automation is still personality based and not issue based. This is intensely manifested by the magnitude of votes received by an incarcerated plunderer who is also openly known as a womanizer, gambler and alcohol drinker even during cabinet meetings.
Another manifestation is that, an adulterous husband is just centimetres away from assuming the second highest post in the land. Again, I am not questioning the wisdom of the Filipino electorate. I am merely stating an observation. And my observation is that Morality is not an issue to Filipino voters as well as many other things. And I thought that we are a Catholic country where adultery and other illicit acts committed by those we just voted for is a sin. So let me join the bandwagon in calling for prioritizing voters’ education after the seemingly successful automation.

Election milestones

On the brighter side, remarkable advancement happened this elections. The speedy result of the election is a milestone, making the process more credible to Filipinos. Thus, leading to concessions of our candidates which is not only unusual in Philippine politics but is also a good way to start a new administration and therefore another milestone.

Public school teachers

Lastly, in this election just like every election, our public school teachers did not fail to serve us all. They are always the unsung heroes of our electoral process who not only endured the extra difficult task of accommodating voters of a clustered precinct but also risk their lives in protecting and defending our ballot against possible fraud. They are the unglorified soldiers of our democracy. Mabuhay ang mga pampublikong guro ng Pilipinas!

We as a people have already spoken. Let us now support each other in building a better nation. God Bless the Philippines!

Random Thoughts.

“Random Thoughts” is perhaps the most popular style of writing in my org’s logbook. I seldom write in the logbook in this fashion. I seldom write in the logbook. PERIOD. But tonight, permit me to share my random thoughts.

FRIENDS

Last night, we comforted a heart broken friend. I rarely see her cry. But last night, with the help of the new The Bar flavor, she wept. It broke my heart. I know that I do not possess the best moral authority, and believe me I am uncomfortable saying this, but boys, we should not make girls cry.

SOMETHING

Something made me feel guilty yesterday. I thought that something already had its closure. I thought things were better. Apparently, I was wrong. Now I do not know what to do. I hope I and the other party can iron things out.

SELF

We should value ourselves. We should know our worth. It shields us from insecurities. When we value ourselves, we do not only respect our being; we make others respect us. But giving value to the self should not mean placing ourselves above others. Value the self and practice humility.

G1BO

I respect other people’s strong opinion against G1BO’s association with PGMA. But if I am to take the attitude that a voter must not vote for a candidate who is associated with an unpopular person or entity in general, may it be tangible or abstract, then my ballot will be completely unshaded.

COUNTRY

Whoever wins in the election, I pray and hope for a better Philippines. I hope and pray that I can share my best contribution in nation building. Good luck and God Bless Philippines!

And because this is random, I will sign off just like that.

Bulag na Pagsasalarawan sa Kulay Pula

Ang kulay na pula ay kulay ng sukdulan. Isang dahilan ay sapagkat ang kulay na pula ay maaring iugnay sa dalawang konseptong sukdulan ang pagkakaiba.

Ang kulay na pula ay maaaring gamitin upang ilarawan ang isang taong may matinding emosyon. Ang isang tao, lalo na kung ang balat ay mapusyaw, ay maaring mamula dahil sa galit. Gayundin naman, mayroong namumula dahil sa kahihiyaan.

Ang kulay na pula ay ginagamit ng mga bansa upang isimbolo ang isang bayolenteng digmaan. Gayundin naman, ginagamit ang pula para ilarawan ang pag-ibig na nag-aalab.

Ang kulay na pula, lalo na sa mga taga Tsina ay kulay ng swerte at dalisay na kaligayahan. Gayundin naman, pula ang kulay nag senswalidad at libog ng katawan.

Ang kulay na pula ay kulay ng dugo. Ang dugo ay buhay. Ang dugo ay kamatayan. Ang pula ay kulay ng buhay at kamatayan.

Kanina lamang ako ay namula sa dahilang hindi ko na babanggitin pa.