Horacio Boy Morales

May kasabihan sa amin na ang mga mabubuting tao daw ay kinukuha mula sa buhay nating ito sa gitna ng mahiwaga at dalisay na pagkakataon. In my country, there is an old belief that good people are taken from this life during enchanted moments. I don’t know if BossMan Boy Morales was waiting for his turn to tee-off in Camp John Hay when he was stricken but I am having a difficult time thinking of a better way to check out of this coil.

BM lived an enchanted life. After acquiring expertise only the University of Oklahoma could offer in the late sixties, Boy rose through the highest ranks of the New Society technocrats until one evening, hours before he was to be recognized as one of the ten outstanding young persons in the country, he joined the communist underground. Marcos was apoplectic. The Development Academy of the Philippines which Morales headed, was the crown jewel think tank of the dictatorship. Marcos could only count on US support so long as he maintained his staunch anti-communist credentials. It did not matter to the US leadership at that time that the Filipino people were under a corrupt, brutal authoritarian rule. Marcos portrayed himself as the ultimate US firewall against communism.

Boy understood it was never an ideological problem. Filipinos were hungry and malnourished. The educational system was largely irrelevant, human rights routinely suppressed. It was not a matter of renouncing religion, capitalism, democracy. BM simply crossed to the side of the Filipino people. And here, he distinguished himself forever. Because by committing himself towards justice, he renounced his possessions, his family, his liberty and his life.

We can only wonder what went on in Boy’s mind during those six years in hiding. All those dark, dangerous, lonely nights in the mountain jungles and anonymous safehouses. The close brushes with the police and the military. And what about those terrible years in prison where he endured torture?

Boy Morales took on life without fear. He was always engaged. He hooked me up with his son in law, also my fraternity brother, who is now my partner in medical practice. He enjoyed golf, was curious about Buddhism, and without being demonstrative, loved his family deeply.

We will remember Boy not for his accomplishments or his failings, his wisdom, nor his political savvy. We will always remember Horacio Boy Morales for what he tried hard to do to the least of his Filipino brethren.

Legal Opinion Regarding Open Meeting Act

Monday, June 20, 2011

DA agrees meeting violations occurred but refuses to prosecute, lambasts those who filed complaint

Public bodies must identify the nature of the claim or investigation on the agenda for an executive session under the Open Meeting Act's attorney-client privilege exemption, the district attorney for the Oklahoma Panhandle recently told a hospital board.

The agenda also must identify by name or position the employee to be discussed under the personnel exemption, said James M. Boring, district attorney for Cimarron, Texas, Beaver and Harper counties.

An agenda must also identify the "potential action [to be] taken as a result of the executive session," said Boring in a June 10 letter to three doctors who filed an Open Meeting Act complaint against the board.

Boring said these required pieces of information were left off a May 24 meeting agenda for the Board of Control overseeing the Memorial Hospital of Texas County in Guymon.

Violating the Open Meeting Act is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in the county jail and a fine of up to $500. (OKLA. STAT. tit. 25, § 314)

But Boring said he won't prosecute because these omissions weren't "a willful violation of the OMA by the BOC that would support or justify criminal prosecution."

Boring blamed the violations on the "extremely short notice and time period" that the hospital's CEO had to "prepare, post and file a revised agenda in order for the BOC to be able to address" the issue that required an executive session. (Read The Oklahoman article for an explanation of the conflict over a doctor's suspension.)

"It is also worthy of noting that this complaint is the only complaint ever received by this office against the BOC of MHTC with respect to the OMA," Boring said.

However, May 24 wasn't the first time the board's agenda omitted some or all of the information that Boring said is required to conduct an executive session.

Eleven of the board's previous 15 agendas since Nov. 24, 2009, lacked the necessary information for its closed-door sessions. (Read the agendas for Jan. 25, 2011; Dec. 20, 2010; Sept. 28, 2010; Aug. 24, 2010; May 25, 2010; April 27, 2010; March 30, 2010; Feb. 23, 2010; Feb. 2, 2010; Dec. 22, 2009; and Nov. 24, 2009.)

So, a lack of time doesn't seem to have been the cause of the violations.

Perhaps the lack of complaints is because the public attending the meetings didn't know the law.

That's not an excuse for the board. As Boring pointed out, the hospital's CEO is not responsible for the Open Meeting Act violations even though he puts together the agenda.

"He is not a member of the BOC," said Boring. "The provisions of the OMA impose obligations upon the board of a public body."

The board members are Chairman Wayne Manning, Vice Chairman Dallas Mayer, Secretary/Treasurer Jim Webster, John Nye, John Board, Mary Beth Ebersole and Kelly McMurry.

Why don't they know the law? Boring's conclusions and the law he relied upon regarding what the statute requires are decades old. The Act states, "If a public body proposes to conduct an executive session, the agenda shall:

Contain sufficient information for the public to ascertain that an executive session will be proposed;
Identify the items of business and purposes of the executive session; and
State specifically the provision of Section 307 of this title authorizing the executive session." (OKLA. STAT. tit. 25, § 311(B)(2)(a-c))

A 1997 attorney general opinion says agenda items for an executive session under the personnel exemption must include either the employee's name or job title if it "is so unique as to allow adequate identification." (1997 OK AG 61, ¶ 5)

The reasoning in that opinion and the statute's language also make clear that a specific item of business must be listed under the exemption for attorney-client privilege.

Boring agreed, saying,

It is my opinion that the agenda item to consider an executive session must identify either the position or the individual who is the subject of the discussion or the nature of the investigation or claim to be discussed in the agenda that would apprise the public of the matters to be addressed in the executive session.

So what is required for a violation to be prosecuted?

Boring explained that his "office is not authorized to file criminal actions against anyone on its own initiative."

"My office files criminal actions based upon the receipt of an 'affidavit of arrest' or an 'affidavit for issuance of an arrest warrant' from a law enforcement officer," he said.

Boring said his office may "receive and gather information relating to allegations of criminal activity, especially when such activity relates to actions taken by public bodies."

"Subject to obtaining relevant facts that may indicate criminal action has occurred, this office may then submit the information to the appropriate law enforcement agency for formal investigation," he said.

Boring said it's "not unusual" for his office "to receive complaints relating to violations of the OMA." His office then attempts to obtain all the pertinent information and determines if the Open Meeting Act has been violated, he said.

"If we find a violation, we must then consider if such a violation could be deemed a 'willful violation' of the OMA before referral is made to law enforcement," Boring said.

He noted that in 1984, the state Supreme Court said that for the purposes of the Open Meeting Act:

Willfulness does not require a showing of bad faith, malice, or wantonness, but rather, encompasses conscious, purposeful violations of the law or blatant or deliberate disregard of the law by those who know, or should know the requirements of the Act. (Rogers v. Excise Bd. of Greer County, 1984 OK 95,¶ 14)

He also noted that in the same opinion, the court said, "Notice of meetings of public bodies which are deceptively vague and likely to mislead constitute a willful violation." (Id.)

Boring said that in reading the board's May 24 agenda, "It is not possible to say that it would be comprehensible to a person of ordinary intelligence what matters were proposed to be discussed in the executive session and what action, if any, was contemplated to be taken on the matters to be discussed in the executive session.

"The duty to specify on the agenda plainly and directly in language comprehensible to a person of ordinary intelligence the purpose of the executive session proposed ... was not satisfied," Boring said. "The notice provided to the public in ... the revised agenda fails to satisfy the requirements of minimum notice of the contemplated action that would be taken following the executive session."

So why isn't Boring forwarding the violations to a law enforcement agency for formal investigation and then prosecution? He explained:

It does not appear to me that there is any basis whatsoever to assert, much less establish and prove beyond a reasonable doubt in a criminal prosecution, that the BOC had any intention of acting in bad faith or with malice or wantonness to circumvent the provisions of the OMA.

There is absolutely nothing in the record that would indicate that any of the obvious hostility between the medical staff and the CEO, and perhaps any feelings the CEO might have toward members of the medical staff, were, should, or could be imputed to the individual members of the BOC.

Further, I can not conclude and certainly do not feel the facts would support a finding beyond a reasonable doubt that the actions of the BOC were taken in conscious, purposeful, blatant, or deliberate disregard of the OMA.

In addition, I do not believe or find any facts that would legitimately support a proposition that there was any intention on the part of the BOC to be deceptively vague or to mislead the public about the nature of the matters to be addressed in the executive session.

I conclude and find there was not a willful violation of the OMA by the BOC that would support or justify criminal prosecution of the BOC of MHTC.

What a steaming pile of buffalo chips.

Boring said the OMA puts the obligation on the public body, but then he excused them for being ignorant of a law that's nearly 35 years old. He's doing exactly what our Court of Civil Appeals in 1981 warned against:

If willful is narrowly interpreted, if actions taken in violation of the Act could not be set aside unless done in bad faith, maliciously, obstinately, with a premeditated evil design and intent to do wrong, then the public would be left helpless to enforce the Act most of the time and public bodies could go merrily along, in good faith, ignoring the Act.

Instead of prosecuting the Open Meeting Act violations, Boring lambasted the three doctors who filed the complaint with his office, saying:

It is the policy of this office that, to the extent possible, we will avoid being drawn into political disagreements associated with municipal and county entities, including the functioning of various boards established under municipal or county authority. This office is not willing to permit the power of the office through a threat of criminal prosecution to be used as the arbiter of such disagreements.

The complaint received by this office is laden with indications of it being instigated as the result of an internal or political disagreement or dispute between certain members of the medical staff and the CEO of MHTC.

Boring said he is relatively sure that if the board had upheld the doctor's suspension by the three doctors, they would not have filed the complaint. He doesn't explain why that should affect his decision on whether the board willfully violated the Open Meeting Act. But Boring did add:

This matter has consumed almost four full days of my time in order to sort through and determine the actual facts as well as doing the necessary legal research and drafting of this response. These four days represent four additional days of time that other criminal matters and county business requiring my attention have been placed on hold. That means victims are waiting, defendants are waiting, judges are waiting, attorneys are waiting, and county officers are waiting while I have been dealing with this complaint.

That's all he did for those four days? So much for multi-tasking. And if it's "not unusual" for Boring's office to receive Open Meeting Act complaints, shouldn't he already know the law? This is another example of why the public should be able to go to someone at the state level who specializes in open government law.

In the meantime, Boring has provided some insight into the difficulty of getting district attorneys to treat this form of public corruption seriously.

P.S. The board's agendas also routinely list items of business under "New Business." Boring should explain to the board that the Open Meeting Act defines "new business" as "any matter not known about or which could not have been reasonably foreseen prior to the time of posting." Nothing should be listed on the agenda under "new business." (OKLA. STAT. tit. 25, § 311(A)(9))


Joey Senat, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
OSU School of Media & Strategic Communications

WTF (Why The Fuss?)

From where I am, miles away in geographical distance and political viewpoint from Manila media, I am appalled by the pettiness and hypocrisy of some news columnists and commentators viciously attacking PNoy for buying a used sports car with his own money.

They denounce him for "insensitivity to the poor and the hungry," an accusation which can be made against anyone who enjoys the most modest of luxuries in our present Philippine society.

In actuality, PNoy's lifestyle is closer to that of the average middle class Filipino. He dresses simply, does not entertain lavishly, is a bachelor with no extravagant wife, spoiled children, numerous in laws. Compared to all past Presidents from Aguinaldo to Gloria Arroyo, PNoy's personal expenses are measurably lower not to mention the fact that all such expenses come from his own pocket.

So why the shrill carping and caviling among self appointed media critics who themselves are leaders in conspicuous consumption?

I, as well the majority of fair, objective, open-minded Filipinos am at a loss for an answer.

My Father's Hero

For the 175th Anniversary of the founding of the Ateneo de Manila, my father, among other alumni, was asked to write about his particular Ateneo hero. What follows is the article he submitted:

I am writing this to satisfy myself that at least I am speaking for a worthy Atenean who in my personal evaluation was a major contributor to the downfall of the Marcos dictatorship. He was an authentic hero of what we now know as the EDSA revolution.

So very few remember him now, especially Filipinos of the present generation who in a recent poll cited Ferdinand Marcos as second to Cory Aquino as the most beloved president of the Philippines. Hence it is appropriate to present Renato E. Tanada as one of the Unknown Soldiers of Philippine history, forgotten patriots who sacrificed their lives for us to live in freedom.

No one in my generation, the men and women who fought the dictatorship could question the courage, valor, dedication and love of country of Nats Tanada.

Jovito Salonga, Nap Rama, Jake Almeda Lopez, Lorenzo Tanada Jr., Ed Olaguer among the few I can remember still living, with whom he worked and fought and struggled against the dictatorship will testify to this fact.

Ninoy Aquino himself was well aware of Nats's heroism.

My memory has faded with the years but there is one episode I remember well.

Marcos was at the peak of his absolute power. He wanted to celebrate and display the peace and stability of the Philippines in the manner of North Korea. He invited the international diplomatic corps to Imelda's convention center. But the travesty was shattered by an explosion in the midst of his invited guests.

The dictator was livid with rage. Who had the gall to embarrass him? A full military alert was sounded and its vast intelligence network uncovered the master mind: Renato E. Tanada. An immediate shoot-to-kill order was issued.

Some nights later, a man with a heavy mustache, hair held down by thick pomade came to see me. It was Nats Tanada in disguise. I did not recognize him because the man in disguise was in no way like the Nats Tanada I had known for decades.

I knew, respected and admired him for his inner strength. Deeply principled, he never ran away from a just fight. But more than a committed man of action he was a brilliant lawyer with a wide ranging interest in the Humanities and Arts.

And there he was that night in my living room, looking like Charlie Chaplin with a glint in his eyes I had never seen before. It was a flicker of fear. For the first time, Nats was afraid. But as he explained he was afraid not for himself but for his eldest daughter Karen, a well known anti Marcos activist herself.

He had been told through the grapevine by an Imelda Blue Lady that he must surrender or face the consequences. "Surrender, apologize and make amends to Marcos or be captured, tortured, killed and your daughter abused in detention by the military."

Nats did not surrender. He went into hiding with Karen, constantly pursued by the dictator's men but but he eluded them until the people power victory at EDSA.

But personally for Nats, EDSA was a Pyrrhic victory. His long struggle against the dictatorship had taken its toll. Physically, he was a broken man. He died a few months later.

In hindsight I can say that most of the EDSA freedom fighters have been recognized and rewarded. Not so for Nats Tanada.

This is why I write about his heroism with the hope that perhaps, Nats's Alma Mater might honor his memory in a manner both fitting and enduring.

Or else just to say that there was a Renato Tanada, an Atenean.

Andres S. Bautista . ADMU : H.S. '48; Litt.B '54; LLB '55

Awakening

For months I left my blog page dormant, until the gunfire of August 23d woke me up and I received this e-mail.

The Filipino today

By Alex Lacson

After the August 23 hostage drama, there is just too much negativity about and against the Filipino.

“It is difficult to be a Filipino these days”, says a friend who works in Hongkong. “Nakakahiya tayo”, “Only in the Philippines” were some of the comments lawyer Trixie Cruz-Angeles received in her Facebook. There is this email supposedly written by a Dutch married to a Filipina, with 2 kids, making a litany of the supposed stupidity or idiocy of Filipinos in general. There was also this statement by Fermi Wong, founder of Unison HongKong, where she said – “Filipino maids have a very low status in our city”. Then there is this article from a certain Daniel Wagner of Huffington Post, wherein he said he sees nothing good in our country’s future.

Clearly, the hostage crisis has spawned another crisis – a crisis of faith in the Filipino, one that exists in the minds of a significant number of Filipinos and some quarters in the world.

It is important for us Filipinos to take stock of ourselves as a people – of who we truly are as a people. It is important that we remind ourselves who the Filipino really is, before our young children believe all this negativity that they hear and read about the Filipino.

We have to protect and defend the Filipino in each one of us.

The August 23 hostage fiasco is now part of us as Filipinos, it being part now of our country’s and world’s history. But that is not all that there is to the Filipino. Yes, we accept it as a failure on our part, a disappointment to HongKong, China and to the whole world.

But there is so much more about the Filipino.

In 1945, at the end of World War II, Hitler and his Nazi had killed more than 6 million Jews in Europe. But in 1939, when the Jews and their families were fleeing Europe at a time when several countries refused to open their doors to them, our Philippines did the highly risky and the unlikely –thru President Manuel L Quezon, we opened our country’s doors and our nation’s heart to the fleeing and persecuted Jews. Eventually, some 1,200 Jews and their families made it to Manila. Last 21 June 2010, or 70 years later, the first ever monument honoring Quezon and the Filipino nation for this “open door policy” was inaugurated on Israeli soil, at the 65-hectare Holocaust Memorial Park in Rishon LeZion, Israel.

The Filipino heart is one of history’s biggest, one of the world’s rare jewels, and one of humanity’s greatest treasures.

In 2007, Baldomero M. Olivera, a Filipino, was chosen and awarded as the Scientist for the Year 2007 by Harvard University Foundation, for his work in neurotoxins which is produced by venomous cone snails commonly found in the tropical waters of Philippines. Olivera is a distinguished professor of biology at University of Utah, USA. The Scientist for the Year 2007 award was given to him in recognition to his outstanding contribution to science, particularly to molecular biology and groundbreaking work with conotoxins. The research conducted by Olivera’s group became the basis for the production of commercial drug called Prialt (generic name – Ziconotide), which is considered more effective than morphine and does not result in addiction.
The Filipino mind is one of the world’s best, one of humanity’s great assets.

The Filipino is capable of greatness, of making great sacrifices for the greater good of the least of our people. Josette Biyo is an example of this. Biyo has masteral and doctoral degress from one of the top universities in the Philippines – the De La Salle University (Taft, Manila) – where she used to teach rich college students and was paid well for it. But Dr Biyo left all that and all the glamour of Manila, and chose to teach in a far-away public school in a rural area in the province, receiving the salary of less than US$ 300 a month. When asked why she did that, she replied “but who will teach our children?” In recognition of the rarity of her kind, the world-famous Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States honoured Dr Biyo a very rare honor – by naming a small and new-discovered planet in our galaxy as “Biyo”.

The Filipino is one of humanity’s best examples on the greatness of human spirit!

Efren Penaflorida was born to a father who worked as a tricycle driver and a mother who worked as laundrywoman. Through sheer determination and the help of other people, Penaflorida finished college. In 1997, Penaflorida and his friends formed a group that made pushcarts (kariton) and loaded them with books, pens, crayons, blackboard, clothes, jugs of water, and a Philippine flag. Then he and his group would go to the public cemetery, market and garbage dump sites in Cavite City – to teach street children with reading, math, basic literacy skills and values, to save them from illegal drugs and prevent them from joining gangs. Penaflorida and his group have been doing this for more than a decade. Last year, Penaflorida was chosen and awarded as CNN Hero for 2009.

Efren Penaflorida is one of the great human beings alive today. And he is a Filipino!

Nestor Suplico is yet another example of the Filipino’s nobility of spirit. Suplico was a taxi driver In New York. On 17 July 2004, Suplico drove 43 miles from New York City to Connecticut, USA to return the US$80,000 worth of jewelry (rare black pearls) to his passenger who forgot it at the back seat of his taxi. When his passenger offered to give him a reward, Suplico even refused the reward. He just asked to be reimbursed for his taxi fuel for his travel to Connecticut. At the time, Suplico was just earning $80 a day as a taxi driver. What do you call that? That’s honesty in its purest sense. That is decency most sublime. And it occurred in New York, the Big Apple City, where all kinds of snakes and sinners abound, and a place where – according to American novelist Sydney Sheldon – angels no longer descend. No wonder all New York newspapers called him “New York’s Most Honest Taxi Driver”. The New York City Government also held a ceremony to officially acknowledge his noble deed. The Philippine Senate passed a Resolution for giving honors to the Filipino people and our country.

In Singapore, Filipina Marites Perez-Galam, 33, a mother of four, found a wallet in a public toilet near the restaurant where she works as the head waitress found a wallet containing 16,000 Singaporean dollars (US $11,000). Maritess immediately handed the wallet to the restaurant manager of Imperial Herbal restaurant where she worked located in Vivo City Mall. The manager in turn reported the lost money to the mall’s management. It took the Indonesian woman less than two hours to claim her lost wallet intended for her son’s ear surgery that she and her husband saved for the medical treatment. Maritess refused the reward offered by the grateful owner and said it was the right thing to do.

The Filipina, in features and physical beauty, is one of the world’s most beautiful creatures! Look at this list – Gemma Cruz became the first Filipina to win Miss International in 1964; Gloria Diaz won as Miss Universe in 1969; Aurora Pijuan won Miss International in 1970; Margie Moran won Miss Universe in 1973; Evangeline Pascual was 1st runner up in Miss World 1974; Melanie Marquez was Miss International in 1979; Ruffa Gutierrez was 2nd runner up in Miss World 1993; Charlene Gonzalez was Miss Universe finalist in 1994; Mirriam Quiambao was Miss Universe 1st runner up in 1999; and last week, Venus Raj was 4th runner up in Miss Universe pageant.

I can cite more great Filipinos like Ramon Magsaysay, Ninoy Aquino, Leah Salonga, Manny Pacquaio, Paeng Nepomuceno, Tony Meloto, Joey Velasco, Juan Luna and Jose Rizal. For truly, there are many more great Filipinos who define who we are as a people and as a nation – each one of them is part of each one of us, for they are Filipinos like us, for they are part of our history as a people.

What we see and hear of the Filipino today is not all that there is about the Filipino. I believe that the Filipino is higher and greater than all these that we see and hear about the Filipino. God has a beautiful story for us as a people. And the story that we see today is but a fleeting portion of that beautiful story that is yet to fully unfold before the eyes of our world.

So let’s rise as one people. Let’s pick up the pieces. Let’s ask for understanding and forgiveness for our failure. Let us also ask for space and time to correct our mistakes, so we can improve our system.

To all of you my fellow Filipinos, let’s keep on building the Filipino great and respectable in the eyes of our world – one story, two stories, three stories at a time – by your story, by my story, by your child’s story, by your story of excellence at work, by another Filipino’s honesty in dealing with others, by another Pinoy’s example of extreme sacrifice, by the faith in God we Filipinos are known for.

Every Filipino, wherever he or she maybe in the world today, is part of the solution. Each one of us is part of the answer. Every one of us is part of the hope we seek for our country. The Filipino will not become a world-class citizen unless we are able to build a world-class homeland in our Philippines.

We are a beautiful people. Let no one in the world take that beauty away from you. Let no one in the world take away that beauty away from any of your children! We just have to learn – very soon – to build a beautiful country for ourselves, with an honest and competent government in our midst.

Mga kababayan, after reading this, I ask you to do two things.

First, defend and protect the Filipino whenever you can, especially among your children. Fight all this negativity about the Filipino that is circulating in many parts of the world. Let us not allow this single incident define who the Filipino is, and who we are as a people. And second, demand for good leadership and good government from our leaders. Question both their actions and inaction; expose the follies of their policies and decisions. The only way we can perfect our system is by engaging it. The only way we can solve our problem, is by facing it, head on.

We are all builders of the beauty and greatness of the Filipino. We are the architects of our nation’s success.

To all the people of HK and China, especially the relatives of the victims, my family and I deeply mourn with the loss of your loved ones. Every life is precious. My family and I humbly ask for your understanding and forgiveness.

Alex Lacson wrote an article titled The Filipino Today. It is a well meaning, carefully researched piece but it is flawed on many levels.

1. He says we must accept the Luneta incident " as part of us Filipinos.. a failure on our part, a disappointment to the whole world.." It is not so.

The Luneta incident was a result of the ineptitude and insensitivity of the police force and officials of the present administration. I and more than ninety million Filipinos here and abroad had nothing to do with it. We refuse to be identified with the dullness of mind and spirit of a handful of policemen and politicians.

2. He says we must protect and defend the Filipino and hence he makes no explicit condemnation of the character of the hostage taker, the conduct of the negotiators, the blind, unthinking carelessness of the government authorities with human life. But there is nothing Filipino in violence and irrational recklessness.

3. Instead he implies that the persons responsible for the death of the hostages may not be judged too harshly because after all there are heroes like Jose Rizal, celebrities like Ruffa Gutierrez, athletes like Manny Pacquiao and singers like Lea Salonga.

This is absurdly irrelevant. The nobility of Dr. Rizal, the looks of Ms Gutierrez, the strength of Mr. Paquiao and the talent of Ms Salonga belong to them alone.

4. If Alex Lacson claims kinship to Rizal, and a connection to Gutierrez, Pacquiao and Salonga, then he must admit complicity to the cupidity and cruelty of the Marcos dictatorship, the cases of corruption in the Aquino, Ramos, Estrada, and Macapagal regimes, the lawlessness of the NPA, the malevolence of the Abu Sayaf. I am not prepared to do that.

5. The point is this: Filipinos should not be burdened by collective guilt anymore than they can justifiably claim credit for individual endeavor and achievement. Each of us must account for himself and receive praise or blame as he deserves. Misconduct and merit are non transferable. Neither can truly be shared. In a social context the doctrine of Original Sin does not apply and Redemption by association is not possible.

I must say I agree with the writer and I apologize to my friend Alex Lacson who perhaps, if he had enough time, would have taken a more nuanced position.

So it seems ludicrous to me that members of the administration who are actually culpable for the mishandling of the hostage crisis should announce to media that "they would not abandon the President."

One of them said, "I am willing to take a bullet for him."

Needless to say none of them has admitted any blunder or negligence on their part.

My question is: Why would anyone need to defend or shield the president ? He is not to blame. It is he who at an enormous personal sacrifice is assuming responsibility for the incompetence of his men. He is helping those who are supposed to help him. And this is where I agree with the writer. The President's generosity, his willingness to protect his people can only go so far. The President's men must show individual capability, resourcefulness, drive and intelligence to meet the challenges which the Aquino administration will surely meet in the days to come.

Much is expected from the President and he has the mind, heart and spirit to live up to the people's expectations.

But those around him should not only avoid being part of a problem but devise their own solution to a bad situation of their own making.

There is no need to take a bullet for the President. No one is shooting at him. He is blameless. But it may be time for some of the President's men to bite the bullet, acknowledge the fault that is theirs alone and face the inevitable consequences.

Maraming Salamat

The Philippine election is over. I have returned to Guymon, Oklahoma where I have spent much of the last twenty years of my life. I left in winter--in my heart, many more seasons ago--to join the campaign of Noynoy Aquino to transform the future of our country.

It has been an intense, bruising, bewildering hundred-twenty days, marked by hours of confusion, stress, frustration, and also by special moments of excitement, passion, kinship, hope and inexplicable joy.

I did not lack energy or enthusiasm. I immersed myself completely in the campaign, fully involved in town meetings, debates, media engagements. I spoke, attacked, parried, promoted, persuaded, and in the end, I placed 35th in the senate race.

What did I accomplish?

Looking back now, in the placid Oklahoma spring, I have a simple answer: I helped.

True to my code as a physician and my values as a Filipino, I answered the call of Noynoy Aquino as he reached out, and Filipinos at home and abroad responded, and now we have a new President Aquino. This was not an exercise in nostalgia. It was a collective expression of hope.

Hope shared by millions that government corruption would be stanched, as indeed it will be; that new men in office would try harder, as indeed they will; that the burden of Filipino families would be lighter, and life, somehow, would be better, as indeed it will.

It is why I am happy and gratified, without a Senate seat, but with the knowledge that I have been of help, if only in a small personal way, to President Noynoy, and in the final analysis, to the Filipino people whom he will serve honestly and well.

A few words of sincere gratitude to all the men and women of goodwill ( many more than I had expected) who gave the campaign material and moral support. In behalf of Noynoy Aquino and in my own behalf, let me say, thank you. Maraming, maraming salamat. All of us can say together, with one voice, in this proud moment of history: I helped.

Yet the struggle is not over. The work is not done. Actually it begins now and will continue with every passing day. President Noynoy will continue to need us, each one of us ("Kayo ang Aking Lakas"). Let us be unselfish in our assistance, unstinting in our cooperation and unwavering in our dedication to help him recover and restore the hope of a nation which seemed to have been irretrievably lost.

Rejoinder to Antonio Montalvan

Antonio Montalvan in his column "Junking Noynoy" presents a strident defense of the status quo. He calls "Anti Life" those seeking solutions to urgent social problems: Widespread ignorance, dismal maternal mortality rates and 750,000 annual abortions.

These are facts, as distinguished from the fears peddled by Mr. Montalvan. Regrettably he exploits these unfounded fears not for his avowed purpose of protecting human life but for a less noble political reason: to attack Noynoy Aquino and help elect his perceived exemplars of moral probity such as Juan Ponce Enrile and Francisco Tatad.

In the process he makes more than a few assertions that can hardly be taken seriously:
1. "Abortion and contraception are Siamese twins." (Both concept and metaphor are demonstrably absurd.)
2. "There is no such thing as overpopulation." (The mathematical relationship between amounts of food, water and living spaces and the number of human bodies is lost on him.)
3. "Abortion has risen in countries that have made contraception the norm." (Naturally he fails to specify the countries. Neither does he establish a causal connection between access to means of contraception and incidence of abortion simply because there is none.)

Perhaps it is time to leave Mr. Montalvan's world of delusion and deception and engage in a balanced, realistic and reasonable presentation of perspectives.

It boils down to faith. The first of 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching enumerated by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is the sanctity of human life and dignity of the person. There is a tendency to overlook the second component.

Take me as an example. My wife and I trained in the busiest hospital in the Philippines as well as in the busiest hospital in New York City. We were exposed to all forms of contraception including abortion. After a period of discernment, we decided on natural family planning methods. We have 5 children, the youngest of whom is 3 months old.

At 47 (my wife is 46), we had not expected to experience again the pure, joyful blessedness of a child's birth.

Pope John Paul II states that Catholic social teaching "rests on the threefold cornerstone of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity." (1999 Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America, 55). Solidarity, John Paul II wrote is "not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good" (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 38).

Complementing solidarity is subsidiarity. Pope Pius XI declared "that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry" (Quadragesimo Anno, 79).

During these partisan times when politicians pander to various interest groups in the spirit of expediency, let us not forget that each one of us possesses the capacity to prayerfully reflect upon our choices. For St Thomas Aquinas, conscience is the act of applying our knowledge of good and evil to what we do. The principle of the primacy of conscience is contingent upon education and enlightenment. John Paul II affirmed that "in order to have a 'good conscience,' (1Tim 1:5) a person must seek the truth and must make judgments in accordance with that same truth"(Veritatis Splendor, 62)

750,000 abortions each year is unacceptable (Pro-Life Philippines). In the absence of education, it is becoming the contraceptive of choice in our country. We must do something about this national tragedy. "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them." (Luke 11:46)

While I cannot support House Bill 5043 because of its punitive provisions towards health professionals and private enterprise as well as an inadequate educational component, we must persevere in crafting guidelines which will allow every Filipino to act according to their sufficiently formed conscience. We must have faith that each one of us, properly enlightened, will do right.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Junking Noynoy"

THERE may be no such thing as a Catholic vote, but not for long. Notice, for example, how presidential candidates who used to be uncompromising in their stand on reproductive health have suddenly turned nuanced in their language, suddenly sounding neither here nor there whether they truly are for or against reproductive health.

The most nuanced stand on reproductive health is Noynoy Aquino's. From his "I don't care if the Catholic Church will abandon me because of my support for the reproductive health bill," his last pronouncement tried very hard to please pro-lifers. "I am against legislating the use of artificial contraception; however, contraceptives must be provided for those who ask"-meaning, he will commit public funds for its promotion.

Watching Ramon San Pascual and Sylvia Estrada Claudio, both prominent anti-life advocates (and media talk show favorites, on Cheche Lazaro's ANC talk show "The Platform"), expressing disappointment at Noynoy's nuanced stand, it was not surprising that Noynoy got low marks from them. Well, for his nuanced stand, he is also getting low marks from pro-lifers. And for a very good reason.

It is not farfetched to think that a Noynoy presidency will open the floodgates to artificial contraception. Noynoy is surrounded by senatorial candidates who hold the most radical views on reproductive health. They are Neric Acosta, Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel, Ruffy Biazon and Teofisto Guingona III. Noynoy's stand may be nuanced for now-we know that is just for election posturing-but not when he assumes the presidency. It is just all glib-tongue, campaign lingo. These days, he no longer admits that he was advised by Jesuit friends to support reproductive health. No, that would not be a vote-getting line.

But Noynoy's reproductive health stand has the liberal media and poll survey organizations on his side. Media, especially television, are mostly anti-life. In measuring the candidates' stand on reproductive health, "The Platform" never had anyone from the pro-life side on board.

Media personalities, especially those who mix inane editorial commentaries with the news, gloat over the fact that surveys have shown that the Filipino electorate will vote for a candidate who will legislate for artificial contraception.

Surveys, however, have nothing to do with measuring political correctness. Morality is not measured by popularity. Anti-life advocates obfuscate many aspects of the reproductive health issue. Survey respondents are not expected to be fully knowledgeable of the pros and cons. Much of the statistics, especially from the experience of countries that have opted for full contraceptive availability, are not being made known. That is not pro-choice.

It is absolutely not pro-choice when anti-lifers are silent on the fact that many of these contraceptives are actually abortifacients. It is not pro-choice when they give mute testimony to the fact that abortion has actually risen in countries that have made contraception the norm. Because they purposely keep quiet on the fact that contraception promotes sexual promiscuity among the young, they proclaim early on that they are against abortion. But that is a lie of the nth magnitude. Contraception and abortion, as the statistics say, are actually Siamese twins.

Survey respondents also are unaware of the demographic winter. It is only candidate Ruffy Biazon who has so far expressed publicly that he fears, however, that we may go the way of Singapore: an aging population where government has to spend exorbitantly on social welfare but is now expressing mea culpa by asking its citizens to reproduce more children. It goes without saying, of course, that basketcase Philippines can ill afford to support an aging population. But survey respondents are nowhere near those data.

The most serious charade, however, is mouthing the line of overpopulation. That is definitely a bogey. Humans are resources that governments only fail to develop because of graft and corruption and misgovernance. There is no such thing as overpopulation.

Rejoinder to Carmen N Pedrosa

The April 24th column of Ms Carmen Pedrosa "Clincher" requires a direct, straightforward response if only to uphold the oft repeated principle that a columnist is entitled to her opinions but she is not entitled to her own facts. Neither is she entitled to fallacies, innuendos and contradictions.

Ms Pedrosa writes "The stories about Noynoy's mental illness...must be proved...We must look at the issue closely and not be satisfied with mere gossip but seek to establish the facts.."

Then starting with the very next paragraph she devotes her entire column to hearsay, rumors, insinuations based on no substantial or even factual basis.

Her story is this: Idle talk spun into a long, rambling defamatory anecdote resting on an alleged comment by Ninoy Aquino in the early eighties that his son is "walang ka-drive, drive." That is all.

From this single unconfirmed statement supposedly made by Ninoy more than a quarter of a century ago, Ms Pedrosa makes the incredible conclusion that "because of his mental problems.. Noynoy needs help.."

Ms Pedrosa offers no authentic evidence to support her conclusion. Her purported resource persons who will corroborate her personal judgment are unidentified, dead or incapacitated.

To put an end to this contrived issue of Noynoy Aquino's mental health, let me as a licensed physician with twenty one years of experience state, and in this case, re-state the veracity and accuracy of this medical fact:

According to the established clinical diagnostic criteria affirmed by the American Psychiatric Association in the authoritative manual DSM-IV, Noynoy Aquino suffers from no mental disease, disorder, or dysfunction. He is perfectly fit to carry out the duties of the Philippine presidency.

It is convenient for the black propagandists to pathologize normal, every day emotional reactions such as sadness, anger, shyness, annoyance, and label them as symptoms of depression or distress. But there is no medical basis or clinical justification for such labels.

They are, in a word, fallacious.

Ms Pedrosa's own half brother suffered from clear symptoms of sociophobia as a boy but he outgrew them and he developed into a reasonably normal young man.

The study of personality development is a complex discipline and false generalizations abound. More than a few members of the CCP board to which Ms Pedrosa has been recently appointed by her patron, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo believe that Ms Pedrosa may have some personality problems herself. Such suspicions however require objective proof.

I ask Ms Pedrosa to abide by her column's opening statements. Mere gossip is not enough. This should be proved.

Let me close with a verbatim quotation from the same column of Ms Pedrosa which accurately describes herself and the political interests she serves: ."We must save our country from vultures who will feast on the carcasses of a doomed country. They are willing to sacrifice everything and everyone for the sake of their ambitions."

Well said, Ms Pedrosa. It gives sanity to your opinion piece.

Noynoy Aquino is My President

Early December of last year was the first time I heard Noynoy Aquino deliver his stump speech. I’ve been listening to him rather frequently since and not once have I heard him declare that he was maka-Dios (Pro God), maka-Bayan (Pro Country), or maka-Tao (Pro People). It is a testament to the integrity and honesty of this man that he will always allow the listeners to draw their own conclusions based on the example of his life.

There are no lofty promises in his speeches, no grand visions, only a simple pledge that he will remain true and honest. That through how he has lived his life, he will make us understand that it is up to you and me and the entire nation to pick ourselves up from all the injustice and poverty swirling everywhere.

I wish that one day there will be a documentary that will show the crowds, that will capture the spontaneous outpouring of love and support from Filipinos everywhere, willing to stand in the summer heat for hours just to catch a glimpse of a symbol of hope and change in a nation of fundamentally good people perpetually surviving under horrible conditions.

Last week we were in Pampanga, atop a float and for miles, people lined the path of the motorcade. Many waved yellow banners and flags, some held mangoes and other similarly colored objects like pieces of foam mattresses to signify their solidarity. Not once throughout the campaign was food distributed, money handed over or professional entertainment provided. During one particular bend, where the crowd was spectacularly thick, and hope hung especially heavy, I told Senator Aquino he couldn’t let all these people down.

His reply made me absolutely certain Senator Benigno Aquino III had become transformed into the leader our country critically needs. He said everything would pass but that he was putting his life on the line and do his best to make sure all these people would not be disappointed.

If I could put in a suggestion to the documentary, I would end with the image of the float wending its way through the multitudes and while fading, a voice recites from General Patton: "For over a thousand years Roman conquerors returning from the wars enjoyed the honor of triumph, a tumultuous parade. In the procession came trumpeteers, musicians and strange animals from conquered territories, together with carts laden with treasure and captured armaments. The conquerors rode in a triumphal chariot, the dazed prisoners walking in chains before him. Sometimes his children robed in white stood with him in the chariot or rode the trace horses. A slave stood behind the conqueror holding a golden crown and whispering in his ear a warning: that all glory is fleeting."

Senator Aquino and Hacienda Luisita

To distract voters from Manny Villar's criminal complicity in the C5 scam, his camp tries to connect Noynoy Aquino to Hacienda Luisita and its various corporate activities.

No comparison can be made, legal, ethical or even logical between Villar and C5 on one hand and Noynoy Aquino and Hacienda Luisita on the other. Here's why:

1. Hacienda Luisita is an independent, autonomous corporation. Noynoy Aquino has no direct, personal or active participation in its business and agricultural operations. (Villar and his wife have had direct, personal active invovlement in the C5 scheme that cost taxpayers billions of pesos which went straight to Villar's pockets.)

2. The SCTEX project was a purely commercial transaction, completely above board between the the HL professional managers and the National goverment headed by President Ramos, and at the close of of the road program, by President Erap Estrada. (HL sold its land at 100 pesos per sq meter. Villar sold his land for 13,000 pesos per sq meter and his friend, Mike Velarde sold his land for 30,000 pesos per sq. meter.)

3. Noynoy had no knowledge, certainly no hand in the government's decision to purchase HL land. Senate records show that Villar determined, in fact changed the road blueprints to guarantee huge financial rewards for himself.

4. Noynoy is aware of HL's labor situation and has condemned the violence it has caused. But he is not in alliance with nor does he defend either side. He offers himself as a problem solver who seeks enduring harmony between HL and the farmers.

5. The SDO which appears to be at the core of the conflict is the result of a formal agreement long and painstakingly negotiated between HL and its farmers. It was voted upon and approved by the Land Reform beneficiaries and affirmed by the national government. Regardless of the merits or demerits of the SDO, Noynoy Aquino is not a party to it.

Noynoy's connection to HL is simply an accident of his birth and he has nothing to explain, nothing to justify, because at the end of the day it should be evident that he carries no burden of responsibility, no culpability. There is no need for a reply. Noynoy Aquino has nothing to answer for.

How's the Campaign Going?

Whenever I am invariably asked how the campaign is going, I first remind everyone I’m not simply part of a campaign but part of a mission to take our country back. I didn’t leave my medical practice in the US, my five young children including an infant whom I got to hold for just one day, my daily round of golf with my wife and cronies Dr. Paul and Dr. Todd for a traditional Philippine electoral campaign. I resolutely put my life on hold for a noble cause much, much bigger than all of us.

Yesterday, 5 of 12 Senate candidates choppered to Victoria, Oriental Mindoro where we spoke to an audience of 250 people. You need 15 million votes to win this kind of an election but we needed to make a point to everyone assembled that we were out to change a system, to reform heavily damaged institutions and perhaps to serve as an example to a couple of children in the audience, and let them remember 40, 50 years hence that one morning, 5 national candidates descended upon their village to tell them about hope.

Winning a Senate seat has never been my principal objective. Going around the Philippines with little sleep and rest, spreading a message of transformative, peaceful revolutionary change is a dream come true. This is my generation’s last chance. In 1978, Senator Noynoy Aquino’s father participated in an election he had no chance of winning. I would have placed my life on hold for that as well but I was only 15 years old. Nobody remembers the winners in that farcical exercise, but let it be known, a few continue to honor the gallant sacrifice of those 21 men and women: Ninoy Aquino, Jerry Barican, Alex Boncayao, Felicisimo Cabigao, Juan David, Jaime Ferrer, Neptali Gonzalez, Teofisto Guingona, Trinidad Herrera, Priming de Leon, Chito Lucero, Ernesto Maceda, Antonio Martinez, Ramon Mitra, Aquilino Pimentel, Charito Planas, Napoleon Rama, Alejandro Roces, Francisco “Soc” Rodrigo, Ernesto Rondon, Emmanuel Santos.

It will always be my honor to fight alongside Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas, Sonia Roco, Danny Lim, Neric Acosta, Alex Lacson, TG Guingona, Yasmin Lao, Ruffy Biazon, Risa Hontiveros, Ralph Recto, Frank Drilon.

Wherever this journey takes me, I know began in a noble manner.

Why Mar Roxas Leads All Surveys

It doesn't take a professional political analyst to explain why since the launch of his candidacy, Mar Roxas has led in all published and unpublished surveys without exception.

The reason is simple. Filipinos from all economic and educational strata recognize the qualities of mind and heart which anyone aspiring for public office must possess. In a word, character.

If you compare the viable vice presidential candidates with Mar Roxas, you see a stark contrast.

1. Loren Legarda is a talented woman with a great deal of energy. But her personal and political history shows that she is totally unprincipled. She turned her back on her Catholic faith and embraced Islam for a marriage of convenience. In the Senate she led the fight against President Erap, shed tears at his impeachment trial and then joined him as FPJ's vice president. Only months ago she denounced Senator Villar as a corrupt politician and is now running as his vice president. This is blatant opportunism.

2. Jejomar Binay has no moral credibility. He recalls the poverty of his boyhood, how he raised pigs in their backyard and poked for coins under the ashes of their burnt house. Now he is a multi-millionaire, which is impressive, except that he made his fortune while he and his family controlled the Makati local government. Hardly a sterling example of unselfish dedicated, service to the people.

3. Edu Manzano is a professional actor who opposes nothing and proposes nothing. He is shockingly unfamiliar with the nuances of public policy and relies chiefly on his movie star charm. It appears that in the campaign he himself is not convinced that he should be taken too seriously.

Then you have Mar Roxas. His credentials as a worthy candidate for the presidency are beyond question. Yet when faced with a crucial decision that would affect not only his future but the future of the Philippines, he distinguished himself. With a single act he demonstrated his core political beliefs- that personal aspirations must be subordinated to the needs of the nation,
that elective office no matter how high is not a business enterprise that must be gained at any price, and that an inordinate desire to win an election to public office by any means is by itself a moral disqualification to hold such an office.

This is what Mar Roxas showed the Filipino people when he gave way to Noynoy Aquino. He valued the nomination for the presidency, but not at the cost of a principle he valued even more: the opportunity to transform the political environment of our country and render authentic, effective, ethical service to the people he truly loves.

Filipino voters have seen this act of self sacrifice and partiotism and they have not forgotten. They have affirmed it in their positive response in every survey and it is not likely that they will soon forget.

Why I Can't Vote for Manny Villar

Our country is in critical condition. It’s been in bad shape for many years. Most Filipinos know what the problems are but we can’t seem to try a different approach, much like treating a febrile patient in a lot of pain with the same medications again and again.

Manny Villar can only continue the status quo. It is not within his nature to change his razor-sharp business instincts. He engineered his political power similar to the methodical, ruthless and unscrupulous manner he amassed his multi-billion peso fortune.

There is no doubt about his superior business acumen and he has been slickly packaged without regard to cost.

In the US, Villar would not have lasted the first primary because of the C-5 scandal. Public service is a sacrifice. It is neither a way to make a living nor accumulate a fortune. Since 1992, when Villar first became a Congressman, his wealth has geometrically progressed. This to my mind, is singular proof that he exploited his political power towards becoming the “Brown Taipan” he proudly calls himself today.

Politics is exceedingly personal in the Philippines. The most traditional of these politicians are thoughtful, generous, caring and friendly. I know of a city Councilor who has received small Christmas and birthday gifts without fail from Villar since she was elected in 2004. There is nothing illegal here, Villar supporters call this “doing homework” and it is commendable, under different circumstances.

If 100 Filipinos do not die from TB daily, or 18 babies do not die from infectious diarrhea every day, or our best teachers, doctors, nurses have not gone to other countries because of the chronic drought of opportunities, or there is no widespread hunger and demeaning poverty, or there is no systemic corruption that has sapped our moral character as a People, then Villar’s defense of the status quo would be acceptable and he should have every right to defend and continue this form of political culture.

But not like the US and other developed nations, where there is also corruption, Philippine society today is broken. Hardly anyone cares about the welfare of other Filipinos because most of us are on survival mode. It makes perfect sense to overthrow this transactional system prevailing in our country and replace it with an order that promotes justice and genuine compassion for the poorest and weakest Filipinos.

Unlike the Count of Monte Cristo or Simoun from El Filibusterismo however, who built their fortunes in other lands to force a day of reckoning, Villar attained everything he acquired from the blood, pain, sacrifice and loneliness of his fellow Filipinos without just a little help from the established political dispensation he has learned to master.

And this is why I cannot vote for Villar, for it is in his nature to continue and even strengthen the traditional patronage politics in our country that benefits the very few and mollifies the enfeebled masses with scrap and morsel.

Philippine General Hospital Controversy

The PGH Director controversy exemplifies what is wrong in our country. What should have been a simple matter of respecting the results of an election has been turned into political travesty once again. I’d like to think UP President Emerlinda Roman and CHED Chairman Angeles mean well but should they be reminded that they are answerable to the Filipino people and not to whoever appointed them?

Before the Board of Regents voted for the next PGH Director last December 18, 2009, a vote was taken to determine whether the Student Regent was qualified to participate. She was deemed qualified and the result favored Dr Jose Gonzales. Regent Abraham Sarmiento subsequently lodged a protest.

I have profound respect for Justice Sarmiento primarily because of the ultimate sacrifice his son Ditto willingly bestowed upon us fighting the corruption and cronyism during the Marcos dictatorship. We honor our Martyrs when we defend with all our might, their integrity and idealism.

Perhaps by coincidence, the battle cry of LABAN UPPGH was written by Ditto Sarmiento more than 30 years ago: Kung hindi tayo ang kikilos, sino ang kikilos? Kung hindi tayo ang kikibo, sino ang kikibo? Kung hindi ngayon, kailan pa?

I am bitterly disappointed with Dr. Roman. I expected more fairness and independence from her. Instead, she has acted just like all the other Gloria Arroyo appointees. She should resign.

Why Senator Benigno Aquino III

Noynoy Aquino is the most Competent and Credible Candidate to be the Next President of the Philippines

by Wilfrido Villacorta


Dr. Wilfrido Villacorta is a Professor Emeritus of De La Salle University, former Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), and former member of the 1986 Constitutional Commission (sponsored among others, the provisions on education, rights of children, and the right to public information).

I AM FOR NOYNOY because

1. Only an incorruptible leader like Noynoy would have the determination and the daring to combat rampant corruption– the root of poverty and injustice in our country;
2. Noynoy has a legacy to protect, and this legacy has concretely manifested itself in his personal life and public-service record;
3. Noynoy’s achievements have lived up to his advocacy to serve the poor and the underprivileged; and
4. Noynoy has the competence and credibility to represent our nation in the global arena and is the best leader who can rebuild our international image.

A. State of the Land

What problems will the next President face? In order to fully appreciate what kind of leader is needed by our people at this point in our nation’s history, let us examine the present Philippine condition and its implications for the next generations:

* The Philippines is in the list of “In danger of becoming a failed state,” in the company of Bhutan, Cambodia, Togo, Bolivia, Comoros, Moldova, Angola and Azerbaijan (The Fund for Peace, 2009 Failed States Index study).

Indicators of a Failed State:

• a highly ineffective central government without full control over much of its territory and over rampant criminality and public corruption,

• inability to provide adequate public services and infrastructure,

• big numbers of economic and/or political refugees and involuntary movement of populations, and

• wide social inequality and sharp decline in economic opportunities and wealth distribution.

The Philippines risks having the highest poverty incidence in East Asia: “If our low growth rates continue into the future, the ADB projects that our poverty incidence will remain at a range of 21 to 28% by 2020—the highest in East Asia. The poverty incidence would be higher that those of Cambodia, Mongolia, Lao PDR and Viet Nam” (Dr. Fernando Aldaba, Poverty in the Philippines, Asian Development Bank, 2009).

· It is the poor children who are the primary victims of the consequences of massive poverty: malnutrition, disease and substandard education.

· Severe malnutrition, which has afflicted 24.6% of Filipino children, is linked to more than half of child deaths, poor cognitive development and low productivity. According to the Council for the Welfare of Children, malnutrition is not only the effect of inequity but it is among the factors that give rise to conditions that create inequities.

· The UNESCO’s Education-for- All Global Monitoring Report for 2010 on the Philippines: “There is a real danger that the country will fail to achieve universal primary education by 2015.” Its net enrolment ratio in 2007, where about one million children are out of school, is “comparable with countries at far lower levels of average income, such as Zambia, and below the levels attained by other countries in the region, such as Indonesia.” The gap separating the poorest 20% from the rest of society is far wider than in most countries in the region.

· It is estimated by NGOs that about 60,000–100,000 children are trafficked annually. Such trafficking cases are increasing.

· The Department of Social Welfare and Development reports that anywhere between 60,000 to 600,000 street children are victims of child prostitution. The Philippines ranks fourth among countries with the most number of prostituted children. A study by the Psychological Trauma Program of the University of the Philippines notes that prostitution may now be the country’s fourth largest source of GNP.

(http://www.unicef. org/philippines/ 8895_9845. html)

LIFE IS CHEAP IN THE PHILIPPINES

For an archipelagic nation, we have ironically one of the worst maritime transport facilities and regulation. We are notorious for having one of the highest incidence of annual maritime disasters, and one of the worst road traffic and accidents in Asia.

* The World Health Organization, whose regional HQ is in Manila, has been imploring our government to control the production of firecrackers that become more potent each year and to strictly ban the use of guns for holiday revelry. In the region, we have the highest rate of fireworks- and gun-related injuries and deaths during new-year celebrations. We are infamous for widespread electoral fraud and violence and for being the transit point for illegal drugs, gun smuggling and human trafficking.
* In last year’s first National Summit for Firearms Control, Philippine National Police chief Director General Jesus Verzosa referred to the 2005 Report of the World Health Organization and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime, which showed that the Philippines ranked 10th in the number of gun homicide rates worldwide. He revealed that the current estimate of loose firearms in the country is now at 1,110,372.
* Personal ownership of guns and carrying them in public are justified by the need for self-defense against criminals. But the PNP report in the Firearms Control Summit indicated that of the 5,752 crime incidents recorded in 2008, 6,030 involved firearms, 5,999 of which were loose firearms and only 31 licensed. In addition, the most common crimes committed with loose firearms from 2006 to 2008 consistently included murder, homicide, physical injury and robbery.

These transgressions that we see everyday are mostly due to corruption in law enforcement and the consequent impunity enjoyed by wrongdoers.

· Half of our national budget’s allocations are lost to “s.o.p.’s” or bribery. Targets for tax collection are not met and our national debt payments keep on rising because of corruption.

· Public education, health, infrastructure and financial services do not meet world standards because of corruption. It is poor governance that is behind unmitigated poverty, civil unrest and insurgency in the countryside.

· Foreign investors avoid our country because of the high cost of business rooted in corruption. Because there are not enough jobs, millions leave for overseas employment. Medicines and medical care are beyond the reach of most Filipinos. Even the magnitude of damage inflicted by natural disasters has been exacerbated by corrupt mismanagement.

The Asian Development Bank has repeatedly expressed its concern for the Philippines, a country with so much potential and yet mired in poverty and social inequality. In its study of Critical Development Constraints in the Philippines, the Philippines scored lowest among countries with similar per capita GDP levels on control of corruption, as well as on political stability and rule of law since 2002. The study indicated that the Philippines had lost momentum in controlling corruption, and had allowed Viet Nam and Indonesia to surpass it in economic performance.

In 2009 Corruption Perception Index of Transparency International, the Philippines is ranked 139th out of the 180 countries surveyed. We are way behind Singapore, which placed as the 2nd least perceived to be corrupt; South Korea, 39th; Malaysia, 56th; Thailand, 84th and Indonesia, 111th.

B. Needed: An incorruptible leader with the determination and the daring to combat corruption.

If your company is sinking because it is ridden with corruption and you are looking for a CEO, what would be the principal quality that you will look for in the candidates for the position? Wouldn’t it be good character?

Character is Noynoy’s strength. His character embodies his parents’ legacy: integrity, decency, commitment to democracy and people’s welfare, a modest lifestyle.

We all know that the main problem of our country is poverty. As we have said, the root of poverty of most Filipinos is corrupt governance. It is corruption that deprives the poor of access to essential public infrastructure, services and opportunities to improve their lives. For this reason, corruption is the worst violation of human rights in the Philippines.

In order to extricate the nation from its wretched condition, the next President must not only be incorruptible but must have the audacity to dismiss corrupt officials and file charges against them. He can have this courage and determination only if he has had an unblemished record of public service and has not violated any law. Fortunately, we have found a leader with a clear moral compass.


C. Noynoy has a legacy to protect, and this legacy has concretely manifested itself in his public-service record.

Some critics are saying that Noynoy is simply riding on the fame of his parents. They ask, how can we be sure that he will be as committed as Ninoy and Cory were to the Filipino people?

We must not forget that Noynoy, along with his sisters, experienced firsthand the ordeals that his parents courageously underwent and the sacrifices that they had to make: the persecution of his father and their family during martial law; the threats to the newly restored democracy after EDSA (he almost died when the coup plotters attacked Malacanang), the crusade of Cory for good governance. The values of Ninoy and Cory could not but have a lasting impact on Noynoy’s character formation.

On 25 August 1973, when Noynoy was only 13 years old, his father wrote him a letter—to bequeath to his only son the legacy of the Aquino family and to pass on to him the responsibility of caring for his mother and sisters and of “living with honor”: “You are my only son. You carry my name and the name of my father. I have no material wealth to leave you. I never had time to make money while I was in the hire of our people. For this I am very sorry. …The only valuable asset I can bequeath to you now is the name you carry. I have tried my best during my years of public service to keep that name untarnished and respected, unmarked by sorry compromises for expediency. I now pass it on to you, as good, I pray, as when my father, your grandfather passed it on to me. “Forgive me for passing unto your young shoulders the great responsibility for our family. I trust you will love your mother and your sisters and lavish them with the care and protection I would have given them. … “Look after your two younger sisters with understanding and affection. … Finally, stand by your mother as she stood beside me through the buffeting winds of crisis and uncertainties firm and resolute and uncowed. I pray to God, you inherit her indomitable spirit and her rare brand of silent courage. “I had hopes of introducing you to my friends, showing you the world and guide you through the maze of survival. I am afraid, you will now have to go it alone without your guide. The only advice I can give you: Live with honor and follow your conscience. “There is no greater nation on earth than our Motherland. No greater people than our own. Serve them with all your heart, with all your might and with all your strength. Son, the ball is now in your hands.”

“Son, the ball is now in your hands.” These prophetic words of Ninoy were in his letter written ten years before he was assassinated in August 1983. As the one whose destiny it was to be the people’s candidate, would Noynoy dishonor the noble legacy of his parents? Having witnessed the people’s outpouring of love and respect for his parents during their funerals, wouldn’t Noynoy reciprocate their trust by protecting the good name of his father and mother?


D. Noynoy’s achievements live up to his advocacies.

Who says that Noynoy has no advocacy and does not assert the principles he believes in? Who claims that he has no experience and achievements?

Noynoy’s advocacy is clear and uncompromising. He believes that a true working democracy provides not only political freedoms but a better life for all Filipinos. A working democracy must be able to provide jobs, education, social services and equitable economic prosperity for everyone, not just the privileged few.

In his eleven years as a Representative and a Senator, Noynoy has faithfully served the Filipino people. He is now Chair of the Senate Committee on Local Government and Co-chair of the Committee on Justice and Human Rights. He is a member of, among others, the Committees on Economic Affairs, Education, Environment and Natural Resources, Justice and Human Rights, Peace, Trade and Commerce, and Urban Planning, Housing and Development.

The following were the bills he sponsored in the Senate, which reflect his pro-poor, pro-good governance conviction:

* · Senate Bill No. 1370–granting an annual productivity incentive to all workers in the private sector;
* · Senate Bill No. 1719–limiting the re-appointment of presidential nominees by-passed by the Commission on Appointments;
* · Senate Bill No. 1710 –banning the re-appointment of a regular member of the Judicial and Bar Council who has already served the full term;
* · Senate Bill No. 2035–requiring the regular maintenance and preservation of all public infrastructures;
* · Senate Bill No. 2036–increasing the penalties for non-compliance of the prescribed increases and adjustments in the wage rates of workers, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 6727;
* · Senate Bill 2159–adopting the doctrine of superior responsibility to all actions involving military personnel, members of the Philippine National Police and other civilians involved in law enforcement;
* · Senate Bill 2160–amending Section 4 of RA 9184, otherwise known as the Government Procurement Reform Act to further restrict exemptions to the requirement of public bidding;
* · Senate Bill 2978–amending the DILG Act to further clarify the relationship between local chief executives and their respective local police chiefs; and
* · Senate Bill 3121–the Budget Impoundment Control Act—strengthening legislative oversight over executive spending.

Before he was elected to the Senate, Noynoy served three terms as a member of the House of Representatives from 1998 to 2007. He was Deputy Speaker of the 13th Congress and was a member of the Committees of Banks & Financial Intermediaries, Energy Export Promotion, and Public Order & Safety.

One of his key legislative initiatives was to make the procurement of the petroleum, oil and lubricants requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines transparent by requiring public bidding.

Among his priority bills were House Bill No. 4251–granting annual productivity incentives to all workers in the private sector; House Bill No. 4397–strengthening the regulatory power of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to effectively enforce consumer laws; House Bill No. 4252–increasing the penalties for non-compliance of the prescribed increases and adjustments in the wage rates of workers; House Bill No. 3616–extending the reglementary period for the educational qualification for PNP members; and House Bill No. 1842 –providing for the codification of criminal laws.

He introduced House Resolution No. 65–inquiry in aid of legislation into the policies and processes of the Energy Regulatory Commission in granting rate increases to electric utilities, and House Resolution No. 788–creating a select Congressional Oversight Committee on intelligence funds to check and study the use of intelligence funds by government agencies to ensure that funds allocated therefore are utilized for the purpose they are intended.

He initiated an amendment to the General Appropriations Act requiring public bidding in the purchase of petroleum, oil and lubricant products for the Department of National Defense.

In 2004, he was stripped of his post as Deputy Speaker after he joined leaders of the Liberal Party in calling for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the height of the “Hello Garci” scandal.

A man of strong convictions, he lived up to his constitutional responsibility as an opposition Senator to fiscalize the executive branch of government. Noynoy thoroughly examined the General Appropriations Act for 2009 and proposed key amendments to the 2009 GAA that seek to tighten congressional oversight on the executive’s use of public funds.

He has consistently championed human rights and people’s participation. Noynoy has sought the proper relocation of informal settlers and the delineation of authority of parties involved in demolitions such as the MMDA.

Through his privilege speeches, Noynoy has drawn attention to the plight of desaparecidos and victims of extra-judicial killings. He is also part of the bicameral debates on the Anti-Torture Act.

He introduced substantial amendments to the Cooperative Code to make it more responsive to the needs of the marginalized sector for whom the code was enacted.

Noynoy actively participated in the hearings that investigated the alleged misuse of public funds, such as the ZTE-NBN deal, the “Euro Generals” and the Fertilizer Fund scam. These hearings highlighted the need for increased transparency and accountability in the disbursal of taxpayers’ money.

Noynoy was vigilant in the hearings regarding the sale of TRANSCO and PNOC-EDC. He questioned the sale of revenue-generating assets of these two key corporations prior to their privatization.

Noynoy has also had executive experience in the private sector. His first job, at age 23, was at the Philippine Business for Social Progress (1983). It was interrupted by the tragedy of his father’s assassination on 21 August 1983. He had always to be at the side of his mother and sisters during these difficult times. Two years later, he took up managerial and marketing positions at Nike Philippines and Mondragon Philippines (1985-1986). When his mother became President, Noynoy left Mondragon for reasons of delicadeza. He joined their family corporations: Strata Assurance Corp. as its vice-president, and the Best Security Agency Corporation as its vice-president and treasurer (1986-1993). He later worked for the Central Azucarera de Tarlac, starting out as executive assistant for administration and later, becoming field services manager (1993-1996). It was again out of delicadeza that Noynoy entered politics only in 1998, six years after the term of office of his mother. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1998 and was re-elected in 2001 and 2004.

I believe that I have provided more than sufficient evidence of Noynoy’s achievements and have amply demonstrated that his achievements have been consistent with his avowed principles.

But the greatest proof of his competence to be President is that he has upheld his integrity. He never abused his status as a member of the presidential family during and after President Cory’s term, and never took advantage of his positions as Congressman and Senator. Integrity – the proven resolve and capability to remain honest, transparent and accountable despite one’s possession of immense power and influence – is the best competency for any office, whether public or private.

E. Noynoy has the competence and credibility to represent our nation and to rebuild our international image.

Because of our dismal record in governance that has led to wretched conditions for most of our people, our international image has suffered tremendously. We are known as a nation of servants, as a laggard in economic development, as a center of crime and corruption in Asia.

Once elected, Noynoy can draw from the goodwill and good name that Cory and Ninoy Aquino had built for the Filipino people, as he strives to repair the tattered image of our country. As one retired senior diplomat pointed out, “for the Philippines, the best foreign policy is domestic reform and decisive action on national issues.” A nation is only as strong internationally as its national conditions allow it to be.

Having been exposed internationally, having been formally trained in economics at the Ateneo de Manila University, and having had extensive experience as a statesman, Noynoy is comfortable in the company of foreign leaders. I was with him when Thai Prime Minister Abhisit visited him at the Sofitel last August, to extend his condolences. I felt very proud to see Noynoy conduct himself as befits a future head of government, discussing international issues such as the global recession and the future of free trade in ASEAN with such depth and confidence.

Singapore’s Foreign Minister George Yeo met with him last November during the latter’s visit to Manila. It was a significant opportunity for the Minister to get a glimpse of Noynoy’s views on foreign relations.

I am fully convinced that it is Noynoy who can best represent our nation internationally. Under his watch, the Philippines will once more be a leading member of ASEAN. With the restoration of respect for our country and our people’s dignity, our diplomats will be more effective in advancing our national interests in negotiations with our strategic and trade partners. More investors will be attracted to come, and the rights of our overseas workers will be more protected.

Noynoy is the leader that will transform this changeless, long suffering land of ours. Ito na ang ating huling pagkakataon. Huwag nating isugal ang ating boto. Huwag nating ipagsapalaran ang ating kinabukasan sa mga napatunayang mangungurakot o sa mga konsentidor sa pangungurakot na lalong magpapalubog sa ating bayan. Ipaubaya natin ang ating bansa sa isang mapagkakatiwalaang pinuno—walang iba kundi si Noynoy Aquino!

Remaining Civil

During these partisan times, we should strive to maintain our civility. In a debate, a moderator needs to check his partisanship at the door. This is simple courtesy.

Tony Lopez, moderator of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) debate, was unable to moderate his bias in favor of his benefactor, Manny Villar, an astute businessman who knows how to get value for his money.

Tony's continuing efforts to promote Villar's candidacy are less than subtle.

It would be inaccurate to call Manny Villar, the employer of Tony Lopez because Tony works on a contractual basis. From the time of his active involvement in the Marcos propaganda corps, Tony learned that being a free agent was a more profitable way to practice his kind of journalism.

It is most appropriate, though, that he performed at the PCCI debate. Tony is certainly a man of commerce, and if well paid, a man of industry as well. He was well compensated for the role he played in the debate. He earned it.

The Original Sin

When we learn that 43 doctors, nurses and other health care professionals were arrested, detained and abused for taking part in a seminar where a grenade was allegedly found tucked under a pillow, we are momentarily disturbed and then we go on with our business.

Just as nobody cares that 100 Filipinos will die today from tuberculosis and the furor over the massacre of 57 women and journalists in Maguindanao has almost completely died down; only a handful remember the murder of Evelio Javier 24 years ago.

Javier had been on a study grant in Harvard when Ninoy Aquino was assassinated. He returned to the Philippines shortly and ran for a seat in Parliament against Arturo Pacificador, a close ally of Marcos. Eventually, the Supreme Court would rule that Javier won the election but only after he was brazenly gunned down in front of the Provincial Capitol.

Arturo Pacificador went into hiding for 9 years, his son fled to Canada and is still seeking asylum. Pacificador’s lawyer and 7 of his security detail were meted life sentences.

Lest we forget, the culture of impunity and death which continues to prevail today was established during the Marcos Dictatorship reaching its apogee with the murder of Senator Benigno Aquino. Let us never forget that thousands of Filipinos resisted and died during those dark days, and while we remember a few: Leandro Alejandro, Lorena Barros, William Begg, Cesar Climaco, Dr Bobby de la Paz, Demosthenes Dingcong, Dr Johnny Escandor, Edgar Jopson, Emmanuel Lacaba, Jose Lingad, Abraham Sarmiento, we also need to honor the countless, nameless martyrs who after giving their lives now only cast their perpetual silence to remind us of the steep price of freedom.

For as long as the Marcoses remain unpunished and unrepentant, for as long as we try to forget that evil period of tyranny, for as long as we accommodate the principal characters of that reprehensible regime, we will never be rid of the original sin.

That evil chapter will continue to teach a shameful lesson: murder and plunder pay.

And we will never get rid of this culture of impunity, we will never tame corruption, and our politicians will keep repeating this successful, traditional manner of holding on to power.

The Marcoses must not be allowed to use their ill-gotten wealth to finance their campaigns for public office. They should instead return whatever they stole and finally, after all these years, apologize to the Filipino people for the pestilential harm they visited upon our ruined land.

Senator Benigno C Aquino III is our Hope

As a physician I know from many years of medical practice that in life threatening conditions the key element to survival is hope, the will to live, the belief that all is not lost. Hope.

Ninoy Aquino inspired it in us in the darkest days of Martial law. Cory Aquino brought it in us in the face of military attacks against democracy.

In the midst of shocking corruption and misrule, Noynoy Aquino brings hope to us now.

We see Noynoy, honest, straightforward, incorruptible and we hope that our country will not break down, will not collapse, will not be defeated by the forces of greed and deception.

With Noynoy as President we shall regain our economic, moral and political health as a nation and as a people. This is my hope. Noynoy is our hope.

Why I am for an RH Bill

It boils down to faith. The first of 7 themes of Catholic Social Teaching enumerated by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops is the sanctity of human life and dignity of the person. There is a tendency to overlook the second component.

Take me as an example. My wife and I trained in the busiest hospital in the Philippines as well as in the busiest hospital in New York City. We were exposed to all forms of contraception including abortion. After a period of discernment, we decided on natural family planning methods. We have 5 children, the youngest of whom is 2 weeks old.

At 47 (my wife is 46), we had not expected to experience again the pure, joyful blessedness of a child's birth.

Pope John Paul II states that Catholic social teaching “rests on the threefold cornerstone of human dignity, solidarity and subsidiarity.” (1999 Apostolic Exhortation, Ecclesia in America, 55). Solidarity, John Paul II wrote is “not a feeling of vague compassion or shallow distress at the misfortunes of others. It is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good” (Sollicitudo Rei Socialis, 38).

Complementing solidarity is subsidiarity. Pope Pius XI declared “that one should not withdraw from individuals and commit to the community what they can accomplish by their own enterprise and industry“ (Quadragesimo Anno, 79).

During these partisan times when politicians pander to various interest groups in the spirit of expediency, let us not forget that each one of us possesses the capacity to prayerfully reflect upon our choices. For St Thomas Aquinas, conscience is the act of applying our knowledge of good and evil to what we do. The principle of the primacy of conscience is contingent upon education and enlightenment. John Paul II affirmed that “in order to have a ‘good conscience,’ (1Tim 1:5) a person must seek the truth and must make judgments in accordance with that same truth”(Veritatis Splendor, 62)

750,000 abortions each year is unacceptable (Pro-Life Philippines). In the absence of education, it is becoming the contraceptive of choice in our country. We must do something about this national tragedy. "And you experts in the law, woe to you, because you load people down with burdens they can hardly carry, and you yourselves will not lift one finger to help them.” (Luke 11:46)

While I cannot support House Bill 5043 because of its punitive provisions towards health professionals and private enterprise as well as an inadequate educational component, we must persevere in crafting guidelines which will allow every Filipino to act according to their sufficiently formed conscience. We must have faith that each one of us, properly enlightened, will do right.

My Platform, My Promise

Pork Barrel is destroying our country. It feeds systemic corruption and nourishes immoral political behavior.

The Constitution assigns to Congress, the power to spend. The President may propose a budget but only Congress can appropriate the money and specify the project or activity covered by the funds. We cannot completely abolish pork barrel but we can certainly curtail the pernicious practices associated with it.

To produce Filipinos capable of competing in a 21st century world, we need to invest in health, education and infrastructure. There has been a disproportionate emphasis on infrastructure projects over the last 20 years because of the enhanced opportunities for personal profit.

I propose slashing the infrastructure budget by 90% over the next 3 years, leaving a much reduced amount to maintain existing roads and bridges. The amount saved will be applied towards doubling the salaries of teachers, physicians, nurses and other health workers, soldiers, police.

This measure will attract qualified applicants to fill these essential positions, reverse the exodus of our professionals to other countries and significantly pump-prime the economy because these public servants will increase domestic consumption.

We not only increase our investment in health, education and security, we also minimize the leakage lost to corruption.

We must also de-professionalize politics. We need to return to the days when politics was public service for the common good, when public service required personal sacrifice.

Today, politics has become too personal because many politicians make a healthy living from it. The stakes have been raised immeasurably because more and more public funds are involved. My one, single promise is I will only serve one term in the elective position that I am seeking. Six years is enough time. Nobody should be so arrogant as to think one will not get accustomed to the perks of political power, a condition directly proportional to the length of office.

The day you regard public service as your own exclusive, private domain should be your last day in politics.