Philippine MRT Saga

I'm a regular train commuter and rides Metro Rail Transit or MRT almost everyday. I have experienced the long lines, tubes full of passengers wherein you can't even breathe during rush hours, the hassle and inconvenience when trains are delayed, and of course when the MRT operation is interrupted or suspended due to technical errors of whatever. 

The government is saying that they are doing something to fix the problem. I doubt it is not something with urgency. The problem has been there for years and everyday it is getting worst. it is just now that the government agencies concerned are being vocal on their projects for improvements mainly because the public and the media is scrutinizing this on going daily public sacrifice. 

I have noticed some improvements on MRT, not its service though, but some additional things in the stations. 

There are more guards in the entrances that talks to each more frequently than help out passengers or check their baggage and give service to the long lines of commuters entering the station. New commuter deks without a person to man it. What's the use if no one is to assist commuters because the only thing in there is a vase dried out greens? Or rather brown since it already dried out because of no watering. 


The thing that makes me think and wonder is the presence of LED television sets on the stations' platforms. What is the use of these televison sets if for months already still in system configuration process? 

These things are merely extravagance and not necessary and doesn't help the public. Bear in mind that the money spent for these are from the pockets of the commuters who suffers everyday because of MRT poor poor poor service. 

Hope is still in me that this can be improved. The government should act as soon as possible because it is a shame in their part. 

Unnoticed

As I was browsing the net, checking for latest news in the Philippines, I was stunned to learn that two personalities in show business are now involved in heinous crimes, they were not the perpetrators, but still they were involved (technically).

The international singing sensation Charice's long-time estranged father was stabbed to death and Ram Revilla, a cute young actor from the famous showbiz clan has been killed, allegedly by his younger siblings.

As I go on, searching for something positive about Philippines, news about separatists MILF and the killing of Filipino soldiers in the south captured my attention. I know this news has been up for days but still I got interested and made a quick Google about it. The government's response to the issue is quite lame and as if they are crippled by the fear for these rebels. I know there are peace talks between the two group, but this recent unlawful action made by these unlawful men is already disturbing. The government should be more vigilant and should be firm and should take actions sending the message that the Philippine government can never be crushed and will never bow down to any except to the law and constitution.

There's a news article that again made my brows raise; the government is spending millions for another group that has been linked to different crimes. This spending is something included in the peace-agreement plan made through the peace talks initiated by the two groups. The amount at stake is outrageous! The government should be reminded that the money involve is of the people and for the people; from the taxpayers earnings, fruit of their sweat and hard workings. And yet they're just gonna spend it to these unlawful people who cannot justify their principles and trying to establish their own government because they are so unsatisfied with the ruling authority; and the crimes committed are being justified by their dismay and dissatisfaction. Spend that money instead to the people who earned it and dutifully paid that amount to the government as part of their social duty.

I can't help myself but wonder, 'Is the government too desperate in resolving the country's problem with these separatists?' They are as if already kneeling down and granting all the demands of these rebels. It is as if they can no longer stand and be firm in sending the message, 'I am the government. The Philippines is mine and I am the only one to rule. The Philippine land is for the Filipinos and only for the Filipinos.'

The Philippine government is getting weaker and weaker as time goes by. The Filipinos are submerged in poverty and they are getting poorer everyday. Poverty is already unwrapping the country and the government is as if has nothing to do with it.

These crimes and the separation of these groups can all be rooted from poverty. Sad to say, the government is too blind to notice it.

I'm Back!

It's been a while since the last time I wrote something for this page. It's been more than a year. My time was consumed being a slave of money, needs, dreams, and non-sense actions I really regret. I was just being so human for the past year.

Many things happened, yet I was not able to write about it. The Philippines has changed a lot; following the changes the world has offered. All the facets of the country have been drastically modified.; the government, the people- the society as a whole.

Actually I can no longer recall most of the issues that have emerged; the scandals that plagued the broad sheets and different news programs; the achievements of many Filipinos around the world; the decade-old rivalry news that made it to the headlines because of new developments; the publicity of the government about their achievements; the sad news brought by typhoons who frequent our country every year and other wrath of nature; the funny and undying issue in show business and many more.

Philippines is really diverse and can be summed up by no one.

Hopefully, I'll be able to write and update this blog page regularly in the coming days. Hopefully I'll be able to dive in the Philippines' open book and have a 'One Hot Shot'.

His Firsts

Inspired by the clamor of the public, the only son of the Asia’s democratic icon decided to run for presidency after days of refuge and prayers in one convent down south. His main campaign propaganda: fight corruption and address the needs of the people. With millions of votes against his proponents, he was proclaimed the 15^th President of the Republic of the Philippines.

Benigno Simeon Conguangco Aquino III, from elite clans of the country, he wholeheartedly accepted the challenges bestowed upon him during his inauguration day. From being the Noynoy of the Filipinos, he is now their PNoy.

His inaugural speech was a mandate of change. Though criticized by the diplomatic corps because it was mostly delivered in Filipino, PNoy just showed his people that he wants them to comprehend his very first national address.

His speech was a bit controversial, giving an emphasis on the so-called garbage left by his predecessor’s administration. He disgraced the people from the government who are abusing their use of sirens, the feeling of being shoved aside and being displayed on of their position and power.

The speech promised to mark the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people.

He was so true with his speech when he himself declined to use sirens during travels and being late in commitments because he’s stuck in the traffic stricken streets of the metropolis. And as a bachelor head of state, he’s living in simplest way he could and making himself a model for his administration’s men and women.

His actions were very much criticized by his critics; his executive orders, policies, appointments and actions. His administration was even compared to a Student Council.

The world was shocked of the hostage crisis happened weeks ago in the country’s capital. The failure and poor handling of the situation earned negative judgments, not just locally but even in the international community. This leads to opinions and comments that his government is weak.

Despite the negative criticism, PNoy flew to the United States for a official working visit and flew back home with smiles of hope together with billions of assured investments and funds for the social and service development for his people.

The young administration’s programs such as poverty alleviation and eradication of corruption are on track. Its efforts in running after against tax cheaters and bandits are quite visible. The recent budget proposal doubled the allotment for the conditional cash transfers that will benefit the people under the poverty line.

Although a truth commission was created to investigate the corruption scandals by his predecessor’s administration, it lacks the drive to criminally prosecute them. The government as if has no intent of focusing on the implementation of agrarian reforms as showcased on the ongoing case between the farmers and the Hacienda Luisita where the president has a direct power knowing it is owned by his clan.

The new administration may be given a passing or failing mark for its first 100 days. Pro and cons judgment will always be not equal.

The PNoy administration is in its puberty stage, full of adjustments and experimentation and trying to impress his audience. It is just like a normal boy exploring his new found power and the new world he is in, yet maintaining the image bestowed upon him by his roots.

Think

The church’s power over the government is undeniably strong and can never be ignored. The church still dictates the government, although not directly but its stance, opinions and standing matters.

The pending Reproductive Health (RH) bill in the chamber of Congress, challenges the ties between the government and the Catholic Church. The new president expresses support for the right to contraception but the powerful church is against it.

According to the Catholic Church, the contraception is against the law of God. They argued that it is a type of abortion which is banned by the Philippine Constitution. In contrary, the Philippine law is generally considered to protect a couple’s right to use birth control.

The government believes that through this bill, the ballooning population of the country will be controlled. In one of the news in yahoo said,’ Supporters of contraception have argued that rapid population growth and high fertility rate have exacerbated crushing poverty, and the birth control could be a powerful way to raise living standards’.

In one of the interviews of the president while he is the United States, he suggested that his administration would be very willing to distribute contraceptive to poor couple who couldn’t afford it. This stance angered the Philippine Catholic Church officials.

One of the members of congress said in a press conference, “The Church can always protest; that is the right of the Church. But the people have already spoken that they are in favor of the RH bill. Let the Church take care of saving our souls but let the State pursue unhampered a policy of saving lives”.

He also added, “Neither the Church nor the State can compel the people or the faithful to use a particular form of family planning method. It is the option; it’s the decision of the couple particularly the women who bear the brunt of pregnancy and childbirth. So I think the Church should understand that freedom of informed choice. No one is being compelled.”

Filipinos are generally Christians and the voice of the church is important for them. These differences between the government and the church on the issue of contraception will measure the influence of each institution to the public.

In our generation today and with the population that rise up in very second, the methods endorsed by the church can never guarantee that it will help control one of the biggest problems of the country.

With the hope that it will reduce the high fertility rate, the pending RH bill is mainly and the only effective bullet needed of our country today, to address the population problem that is considered to be the main contributor of the lowering living standards of Filipinos.

Let’s us be wise this time. It is not our faith that is in question in this matter, it is our conscience. Are we willing to sacrifice the lives of millions that are now in slums and suffering, just to favor a teaching that has been written thousands of years ago? It’s not that I’m questioning the teaching of God, but I’m just being realistic enough. I think it is no longer applicable in our generation; that teaching was preached when the world was still young and the people can still be counted through our fingers.

Let us not be selfish. Let us not just think of our own. It’s time to think about the people, our people; Filipinos.  

First Shot: Believe

As a developing country, Philippines continuously strive for progress and advancement. We can never be compared to well developed countries from the west and some here in the east, but at least we are striving.

The new government is a proof that the country is in full throttle in realizing its dreams to uplift the country from poverty and reclaim its glory that has been stolen by other Asian countries, almost half a century ago.

Benigno Simeon Aquino III, the newly elected president of the country just arrived from United States after a weeklong official working visit. Together with him is a secured US$2.4 billion new investments that would create thousands of new jobs for Filipinos plus US$434 million granted by the Millennium Challenge Corporation for social welfare programs.

During his stay in America, he was so true to his statement that his priority will be the official agenda of the trip which is the betterment of his people. His schedule was so packed that one point he had 13 meetings in a day.

Compared to his predecessor, who was reportedly spent thousands of dollars for a dinner, PNoy enjoyed American comfort foods like hamburger, hotdog and pizza. When he arrived in San Francisco, the president and his company ate at the In-N-Out burgers at the holding area of the airport. He was also seen eating hotdogs at the streets of New York City that caused quite a stir.  

Many criticizes the President for his gestures, that all of these low profile actions are just publicity and very much scripted. But if you are going to look and feel the sincerity of the top ranking official of the Philippines, you’ll realize how true he is with his words and how sincere he is with his actions.

Despite of the efforts being done by the new government, many are still very negative about it. They keep the criticism on, that gives negative impact not just to the government but to the whole Philippines as well. It creates a negative stigma that can never be erased.

As a response to this negative criticism, PNoy always urged people to support his drive for progress and continuously believe in them.

As a Filipino, I wholeheartedly support the new government in its efforts and drive for progress. Negativity has no place at this moment. I may not be as big as the president, but a simple trust and belief, is a key in every nations success.