HARAPAN 2010: My Take on The ANC Presidential Forum

OMG. I've just seen all 13 clips of HARAPAN 2010: The ANC Presidential Forum and I gotta say, people who would still vote for ERAP are not only moronic, but downright irresponsible. NOYNOY supporters, remember the 2004 Hacienda Luisita massacre? Please think about that. Do we really need a man only made popular because he was borne of legendary parents and has yet to accomplish anything significant for the country?

BRO. EDDIE fanatics, seriously? C'mon people, enough of the religion lead-patriarchal leadership. Where do you think graft and corruption began anyways? It is this kind of quasi-moral thinking that has lead us to blindly follow vote for people who are neither competent or even spiritual enough to lead the country. Also, we need a complete separation of the Church and the State in order to move forward past this current state of stagnancy and worsening case of poverty that has plunged our country into the depths of debt and corruption.

JC idealists, he is too young and too idealistic to lead the country. We need a firm strong grip not school-boy heroics. He is not OBAMA. He can't even give a straight answer. We need someone capable of dealing with the multitude of problems and epidemics plaguing the country. I agree that the Filipino youth has had enough with all these "trapo" politicians but we cannot move forward with his brand of leadership. Again, we need a REALIST.

GIBO loyalists, what can I say? He is the OBAMA of this generation, unfortunately, there are two things that might deter him on his way to the presidency. First, he is running under the government LAKAS party and this clearly indicates his undeniable connection with the current head of state, furthermore fueling my doubts on whose interest he is serving. Second, if I remember correctly, he was still National Defense secretary when the Ampatuan massacre, one of the most heinous crimes that took place in Maguindanao last November 24, 2009. Where was he when tension between these two families were escalating and intel reports were available then? Also, weren't the arms and ammunitions excavated at the time bore the mark of the National Defense artillery? What say you Gibo, of these accusations?

VILLAR didn't even have the nerve to show up for fear of public opinion. He has never addressed his position regarding the infamous C5 road extension scandal that continues to mar his reputation. Cowardice is not a quality the 15th President of the Republic of the Philippines should possess.

So who should one vote for? I say, go for one who has a proven track record of public service and has time and again demonstrated and breathed leadership and political will. Someone who will deliver and not just make false promises, fair and honest and objective. One who will serve the office for public interest and not personal gain. A realist who will evoke positive and genuine change in the judiciary. He does not necessarily have to be popular. All I ask is before you make your choice, think of the following qualities and check if your candidate has what it takes and what is desperately needed. Vote wisely and sparingly.

Of Martial Law and Politics

What the hell is happening? Why is Martial Law going to be declared in Maguindanao? Has the violence escalated to such an extent that the situation requires extreme measures? Don't get me wrong, I feel the same sentiment as most Pinoys over this unfortunate series of events but why does all of this smell fishy?

Why can't Congress intervene on this when they are constitutionally mandated to do so? It doesn't make sense at all. Speaker Nograles, can you please comment on this?

This move feels politically motivated. I can't help but feel that something is terribly amiss behind all of this. I get that public sentiment weighs heavily right now on the Administration but can't reason exist any longer? It is what separates man from beast.

Do we really have to resort to Martial Law on this? What about the grave abuse of power that more often than not potentially occurs along with the violation of human rights of every one in Maguindanao if and when that happens? It seems to me like this is an elaborate ploy used by Arroyo to test the waters for perhaps, as one fellow plurker put it, bigger and much bolder aspirations. Do we really have to go down this path? Will we as a people let history repeat itself? And do correct me if I'm wrong but didn't Marcos use public sentiment as a vehicle to further his plans of autocracy during his administration?

I ask you this, is public sentiment enough cause to sacrifice our own democracy and feed it to the dogs?

A Kaleidoscope World: Francis M.

I just want to take the time to pay tribute to the Man from Manila,  a FreeMAN no less, the King and one and only Master Rapper Francis "Kiko" Magalona, the pride and joy of the Filipino Rap Community. 

Thank you Kuya Kiko. For the music and for giving the Filipinos a renewed sense of patriotism and nationalistic pride. For breaking down the barriers against Filipino Hip Hop and giving us every right to feel proud of our brown heritage. I remember being about 3 years old then when I first heard Mga Kababayan Ko. I didn't know who you were back then but I distinctly recall my parents singing that song to me as a lullaby. Thank you.

Behind all the accolades lies a simple Man from Manila with a dream. To unite all the peoples in his country against oppression and colonialism. To break beyond the barriers and strive for a better and brighter Philippines. Rest in peace Kuya Kiko. The Man from Manila is now, truly a Free Man. An icon and a legendary musician, the 3 Stars and a Sun will forever shine.