Let's Support our Philippine Navy

The Philippines is well known for its mariners and good soldiering. It's sad to know that our past glories have faded and it's high time for us to enhance our military resources.

While it is well known that there are corrupt officials in our Military, let us all remember that the AFP is rooted by our good men in uniform. Let's not all wait for the government to provide for our fine men and women. Let us all rise up, give a bit from our pockets, and buy a new ship with complete armaments for OUR navy. We can also buy new planes for our Air Force once we have a decent naval force.

Open Source

I'm saddened of the reports of SMB's being raided on the daily basis and I'm quite worried about the impact this dilemma could cause to our economy. We are already the worlds' laughing-stock because of our political folly, furthermore, what would they say if our economy fails because of the lack of support for the Small and Medium Businesses which our country is in dire need of to boost itself in the open ocean of world politics.

DO WE HAVE TO SUFFER MORE because most of our SMB's couldn't afford the software needed for their day-to-day transactions? Are there any more alternative solution aside from pushing them to purchase costly licenses? If not, let us advocate the use of Linux and Open Source Systems as an alternative to acquiring licenses for Closed-Source Systems (Commercial Programs , i.e. Microsoft and Auto Desk Products) which is quite expensive for most SMB's in the Philippines.

Considering the Total Costs of Ownership, a business entity can benefit from the low-cost of acquiring a license in using OSS as opposed from using a legitimate Microsoft-based and endorsed software. Let's consider this cost of ownership of a legit Windows System: License of Microsoft Windows XP Professional SP2, USD 199.99 (PhP 9799.51), Microsoft Office Office Standard Edition 2003, USD 364.95 (PhP 18,068.67) AutoCad 2007, USD 4800.00 (PhP 237,600.00), sans the other programs. If we total them, it could cost a small engineering firm USD 5,361.91 (PhP 265,468.18) for a computer, and I doubt it only needs just one computer to do its job.

The reason why erring firms tend to use pirated software stems from the reason that a legitimate commercial system is the hefty price that they have to pay and for them, the only way to circumvent the high costs is to use pirated software which sells from PhP 100 a CD. It is legally binding that the Philippine Anti-Piracy Team, along with the Optical Media Board, CIDG, and the NBI to file cases against them. but would it be holistic? I think not, the daily raids will just further cripple our delicate economy as we also need SMB's to boost our GDP and right now, enforcing the legitimization of licensed programs won't just do any good as it would add more overhead costs to these poor establishments, thus impending their quick-demise

I'm in no way against Closed Source Systems as I also prefer using them, however I suggest the alternative use of Free/Open Source Systems for SMB's to help curb the rise of piracy cases in the country

Guilty, The Erap Trial Aftermath

Plunder is simply an act of amassing any amount of money or fortune for one’s own benefit and in simple layman’s term it’s an act of thievery; plain and simple. The sentence that was meted out on a memorable September 12, 2007 shows that justice, no matter how long it takes will definitely prevail, and when it does, there’s nothing uanfair about its verdict.

Seven years has passed since Erap’s ouster and it proves that the fated mass action against him has prevailed and bore fruit despite the unfavourable responses of the Filipino poor, despite his faults after all, he’s generous and they adore him for that. Justice however demands accountability for his actions, where did he get all his money for his frivolous and pompous lifestyle? Gallant as he is, he outrightly stole from the coffers of the people, stealing from the very same poor people he pretends to serve. Whatever his and his peers definition of justice is, true justice still prevailed, that he is in the wrong and he deserves the retribution it asks, lifetime imprisonment.

Popularity has nothing to do with justice, and Erap’s verdict clearly shows it. While he and his allies continually deny the allegations of his crime, it his apparent lack of judgment that got the better out of him. Despite his melodramatic display of supposed innocence and the outright support of his subjects, he blew it when he actually admitted he signed the fated Jose Velarde signature and made this statement “mas mabuti pang magnakaw ng pera kesa mandaya ng boto” (it’s better to steal than cheat the electorate). Furthermore, it is his dim-witted display of gallantry that hits the final nail to the coffin; while his ouster is a political act, his verdict is vox dei, albeit non vox populi.

It is rather sad that his supporters couldn’t accept the verdict and blame the current administration for his downfall, but this is all madness, why condone a criminal? Sure, everybody loves Robin Hood, but Robin is nothing but a common thief who feeds the poor with stolen meat, and there’s nothing heroic about it. The real hero of the story is Ole King Richard the Lionhearted who finally came to his senses and returned to his country to serve it with justice instead of fighting it all out in the absurd Crusades. Erap is no Robin Hood either, he’s more or less Prince John who cavorts the nation’s riches while giving out a measly portion to the masses to prove his salt’s worth.

The Sandigang Bayan’s verdict is convolutedly tainted nevertheless with politics. As mentioned before, Erap’s ouster was initiated by politicians who wanted the very same post he held and similarly implemented with various politically hungry organizations (i.e. the Catholic Church and the segmented Left) who none-the-less cavort the same powers he once held. To make matters worse, the very same people who accused him are now his political allies making him the worst fool of history. Not only did he share the same bed with the enemy, he picked the wrong ones for his allies; they needed his popularity and his misfortune for their own ambitions while at the same time, sneering off his state. Quoting his lap dog Ping Lacson, his merry band of pundits is nothing more than a bunch of political mongrels who readily bites the hands the feed them once the opportunity arise.

Another mockery of justice lies with the Filipino people who not only condone corruption but cries justice at the same time. The Filipino readily gives out his measly portion to the ever-hungry corrupt to enjoy a certain level of contentment while contemptuously condemn the latter for its illicit transaction. This show of idiosyncrasy simply proves that we don’t grasp the full meaning of justice - the simple knowledge of right and wrong. We know stealing is not right, why condone it, why choose a leader when we know he/she is corrupt? Would it be that he/she is generous and gallant that we could conceal his/her actions? It is of no wonder why we couldn’t progress because we don’t deserve it. Perhaps if we could retune our common senses that we could go back in track and succeed.

With all this excitement, may the September 12 verdict be a lesson to us all; not only is Erap guilty of plunder, we are also guilty of absolute stupidity.

In the Name of Duty

Whose fault was it? While the Commission of Human Rights faulted the Marines for the botched January 18 Timpook Offensive, it doesn't say otherwise for the MNLF who failed to list Barangay Timpook as an MNLF-controlled area. Indeed, the killings have been senseless, but still, in the event of war(the MNLF and the MILF have an on-going peace accords with the government while the Abu-Sayyaf/JI hasn't and IS considered a bandit group) all killings are justified- a reality human-rights groups abhor.

Allow me to quote an adage, "it takes two to tango"- in the name of peace, the CHR would have to take side with our Muslim Brethren, but this doesn't mean that the MNLF is scot-free for the blood, the Marines has spilled while pursuing the enemy ASG bandits. The Marines are also at fault for not coordinating with the Moro group; isn't it not hard to request such audience with the MNLF or MILF? The GRP has an on-going peace accord with them anyway.

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Contrary to Ramon Tulfo's comment about the Moro Groups, excluding of course, the Abu Sayyaf and groups allied with them, we couldn't and mustn't outrightly consider them TERRORISTS, after-all, being good Moslems, it is their duty to protect their fellow Muslim. However, they should also protect their pact with the government to hold the escaping bandits and turn them over to the AFP, after all, Islam abhors the killings of innocents, Believers or Non-Believers alike.

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Speaking of Mon Tulfo, I admire his charismatic candor, but isn't enough is enough? Sometimes, he does go overboard by over-exaggerating things like his previous article, "Marines blame Arroyo for Sulu booboo". First and foremost, the MNLF has a justifiable right to hold the peace process negotiators, including Major General Benjamin Dolorfino hostage, as the government troops are the aggressive offenders. By violating the peace act, they themselves reneged it with their botched, uncoordinated offensive.

Also, the Moro National Liberation Front has the right to be given compensation for their woes, only until proven that Brgy. Timpook is considered an MNLF Territory; who knows, the cowardly ASG members are indeed hiding within the area and charading themselves as part of the group.

For all his exaggeration, Mon is also correct, what about the three dead Marines. The Moro secessionist group has no jurisdiction over them. The Government should shoulder their compensation and give them merits for bravery, albeit unsuccessful operation. The Marines deserve it, they've done their duty to protect the nation anyway.

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What in the world is the MILF up to? If they're really keen on the Peace Process, why are they blocking the Government Troops who're pursuing the fifty escapees/fugitives and trying to bring them back to the folds of justice? Your duty to give refuge to your fellow believers is understandable, but it wouldn't hurt if you surrender them too, if they're proven guilty of indiscriminately harming their fellowmen.

The thin line of Thai democracy

INQ7.net
Last updated 05:08am (Mla time) 09/27/2006

IT HAS been a week since Thailand had its coup, a successful albeit bloodless toppling of the Thaksin regime. Its success is traced to its having the blessing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who commands the loyalty and allegiance of the Thai military.

While some in the Philippines are mulling over ways to oust Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, a successful military coup would be most unlikely unless it had the blessing of a higher power: the people. That does not apply here in Thailand, where the military responds to the King first and foremost.

Let us all remember that in terms of democracy, the Philippines is still the most democratic of nations in Southeast Asia. What makes its democracy fragile is that the people and the government aren't up for the job. Too much democracy is anarchy. We need a shift in the form of government, to a parliamentary one.

May Polls 2007, a mockery at the expense of the constituents

While the previous elections are a joke, the May 2007 Polls is the most blatant as yet - their main platform is the total obliteration of the opposing party and not the alleviation of the woes our country is stricken with. Deny it as they may, but this Election IS actually, and not a proxy, GMA-ERAP war.

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Is Taguig-Pateros Representative, Allan Peter Cayetano employing the same tactics Senator Ping Lacson was using four years ago as a ploy to supersede his intentions for running as President? If so, this shows that this ambitious snotty-nosed brat of a representative is just using Mike Arroyo as a ticket for the senatorial post as he couldn't meet the administration's qualifications for choosing a senatorial bet. As Ping's supposedly ticking bombshell turned out as a dud, Cayetano would definitely lose his credentials if he couldn't prove his claim.

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“There’s no law against political dynasties”, Erap. I hope he's kidding, but according to the 1987 Constitution ARTICLE II, DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES, Section 26. "The State shall guarantee equal access to opportunities for public service and prohibit political dynasties as may be defined by law". Alas, all political parties are violating the constitution, dynastyism is still prevalent in the Philippine Politics. What a farce, this opposition force is trying to project - defending the constitution against those who are calling for a change while they are also stepping upon it.


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The May 2007 Polls is clearly a mockery at the expense of the Filipino People, as the aspirants in one way or the other disregard the frameworks of our constitution:

They clamor support from the Church, when section 6 of article 2 states that the separation of Church and State is clearly inviolable.

They form political dynasties which are self-serving anyway, and not to the interest of the people.

They violate the peace and order by calling out a revolution to topple out another head of state.

And finally, as a recount, the opposing parties are out there to protect their own interests, and not of the constituents while all the while they're proselytizing their actions as "para sa interes ng bayan".