KEYS-TONG COPS AND THEIR POULTRY

One of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) best-guarded secrets is its so-called "poultry." This refers to a group of hardened criminals, some in death-row, who are maintained and protected by certain police officers, who can order them to commit such crimes as kidnapings, bank holdups, and even murders.

In sensational cases involving policemen, some "poultry" members are used as fall guys in which they are killed and blamed as the culprits for purposes of police cover-ups. Members of this group are convicts still in jail who are set free on criminal missions for the police brass. And because they are supposed to be in the can, these criminals possess the perfect alibi. They are also said to provide the muscle in police protection rackets that demand "contributions" from legitimate businessmen as well as drug and prostitution syndicates, notably those operating in the tourist belt and Chinatown.

The PNP has such a terrible image now that they must do something about it soon. In the past, people used to run to the police for help. Now, they run away when the cops are in sight. Take note of the following:

- Almost all PNP officers, national and regional, are in the payroll of jueteng lords with monthy tong running in the millions.

- A majority number of traffic cops are extortionists.

- Most cops have multiple families.

- Jeepney, taxi and bus operators give daily tong to traffic cops who use cigaret and sampaguita vendors as their collectors. "Barkers" are a favorite instrument of the police as well.

- One notorious police scam is the extortion of merchants bringing food from the provinces. A favorite target are vegetable trucks.

- When policemen go to cocktail lounges and karaoke bars, they don't pay for their drinks and force the GROs to entertain them gratis et amore.

- Police investigators have the nasty habit of pocketing evidence especially when what was confiscated are cash and shabu. Fact is, the main supply of shabu in the streets come from cops.

- When crimes are committed, especally in Chinatown, the victims don't bother to report to the PNP anymore. "What's the use?" They ask, when the cops will ask for gasoline money and for other expenses anyway. Plus, many fatalities in shoot-outs are kidnap victims themselves. Cops have a reputation of being trigger-happy, and many times, kidnap victims are shot and killed together with the criminals elements.

- The PNP make big bucks escorting funerals (this is not part of their job).

- A number moonlight as security detail for gambling lords. Some work as bouncers in nightclubs and bodyguards for politicians. (this is not their job too).

- They are notorious for third degree interrogations and many know about the infamous water cures and plucking of finger-nails.

- And if all else fail, they resort to salvaging.

It's high time the PNP leadership clean its ranks top to bottom. Otherwise, you leave citizens no option but to arm themselves and be sympathetic to vigilante groups. Self-preservation is still top priority. The irony of it all is part of it is protecting themselves from the police - who must always obey the law while enforcing the law.

(Image from www.philstar.com/)

"THEY ARE SO SWEET, SIR"

Former Senator Nikki Coseteng, during a visit to Paris a few years ago, was accosted at the Charles De Gaulle airport by a Filipina, who asked whether she was a singer or a dancer, obviously not recognizing who she was. After replying that she did not sing or dance for a living, Ms. Coseteng asked the Filipina Pasayena-turned-Parisienne longtimer in Paris the reason for her question. Coseteng was jolted by her reply that, in Paris, Pinays are classified only into two categories. If she were pretty, she would either be an entertainer or a prostitute, and if she were plain-looking, she would be a domestic helper. This certainly is an indictment of the Filipina as a human being and the Filipino as a race. In most airports around the world, there are separate lines for Filipinos who are subjected to various forms of humiliation by immigration officers. Filipinas in particular are asked insulting questions, such as if they were prostitutes and how much were their hourly rates. It's high time the national government takes swift and effective remedial measures aimed at erasing the reputation of the Philippines as the "whorehouse of the world."

A few years ago, women activist groups like the GABRIELA and STOP were quite quiet when a high-powered parliamentary delegation from Belgium visited the Philippines. The women activists failed to talk with the Belgian legislators about the horrors of Filipinas brought to Belgium and forced into prostitution. The ongoing hell of Pinays in Belgium was exposed in a book by Belgian journalist Chris De Stoop, entitled "They Are So Sweet, Sir," which shocked Belgium and most parts of Europe. Even the Belgian King Baudouin so pitied the Pinays that he ordered a serious investigation, however, the monarch's death soon brought many to forget about the scandal. How come Philippine authorities (unsurprisingly) failed to discuss such shocking trafficking of Pinays in Belgium when the Belgian legislators were in town? Both Philippine authorities and women's activist groups were caught sleeping on the job. There was a rare opportunity to do something about our tortured women in Belgium and we simply threw it away.

In his book, De Stoop quoted a Belgian pensioner who sympathized with the Pinays as saying, "They are so sweet, sir, as sweet as children!" But they are treated as animals. They sleep four in a room, never allowed to leave their quarters, while two big dogs guard them. They have to striptease six times a night and they earn almost nothing. De Stoop named the prostitution rings in Belgium and in the other European countries. Why has our government not followed this up? Is it because, as De Stoop claims, the Belgian vice lords are paying Philippine officials in the national and local levels, and also the police and the military? De Stoop should be asked to come to Manila and help in running after these Belgian vice lords who prey on young and poor Pinays mostly from the provinces. De Stoop even mentioned certain names in the Philippine judiciary and not even a squeak has been heard from Philippine authorities to go after these crooked judges and fiscals.

Time Magazine said, "De Stoop's bestseller shook up governments in Europe." Unless our government, together with women activist groups goes into action, thousands of Filipinas will continue to be fooled into going to Europe as decent workers and mail-order brides, and then cruelly forced into prostitution. Another distressing aspect of De Stoop's report is that some Philippine embassy people in Belgium and other European countries are "friendly" to the sex merchants. It is clearly high time for a full-scale government probe of the "cruel world of Filipina traffickers."

(Image from http://www.on-linecreative.com/)

BROWN AND FROWN, WHITE AND RIGHT?

Here's one for Henry Sy and family, and the SM people and their friends who still think it's just hunky-dory and harmless to display those "imported" posters and billboards on all SM Malls in the country:

The most gut-wrenching portions of Dr. Renato Constantino's History: Myth and Reality are the excerpts from letters written by American soldiers who were ordered to commit atrocities here during the Philippine-American War.

These portions of the book convince a reader that the My Lai Massacre in Vietnam, which shocked the world, was quite nothing compared to the atrocities committed here at the turn of the century. Constantino quotes the Boston Herald correspondent who describes the American soldier's attitude toward the Filipino as follows: "Our troops in the Philippines look upon Filipinos as one of race and condition, and being dark men, they are therefore 'niggers' and entitled to all the contempt and harsh treatment administered by white overlords to the most inferior races." Constantino also quotes this excerpt from a letter by U.S. soldier A. A. Barnes who wrote to his parents: "The town was surrendered to us a few days ago and two companies occupied the same. Last night, one of our boys was found shot and his stomach cut open. Immediate orders were received by General Wheaton to burn the town and kill every native in sight, which was done to a finish. About 1,000 men, women and children were reported killed. I am probably growing hard-hearted for I am in full glory when I can sight my gun on some dark skin and pull the trigger."

________________________________________________________

A story like this one shouldn't make you rush to the nearest store to buy whitening cream because of fear. On the contrary, it should make you think and be proud and fight on that being brown or kayumanggi in color is beautiful, and you should be proud of your race and stand for it, even at gunpoint. Or, to the other parties concerned, would you rather just sell them whitening creams in your stores and try to save their lives by delivering a subtle message that being brown in color can be downright unacceptable - or in this case, life-threatening? Lame. Shame.

(Image from http://farm3.static.flickr.com/)

THE PCGG IS NOT ONLY A BIG FISH, IT'S ALSO AN OCTOPUS

Every now and then, the government embarks on a crusade to catch a "big fish." Well, it need not go too far, for right under its 'ilong' - gated nose is one that would make a butanding look like a butete. Matter of fact, not only is it Leviathan-like, it's also an octopus with Hoover-like suctions, tentacles and all. I am pertaining to the Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG), a misnomer of course, because what it clearly shows is bad governance. By all means, the administration must begin a no-nonsense investigation of this tarnished agency with its officials since its creation by former President Corazon Aquino a few days after she rose to power in 1986.

The full-scale probe will clear up all tales and speculations about the so-called Marcos wealth and expose grand-scale looting of the riches of the Marcoses and their cronies - by Aquino favorites appointed to the PCGG. This must also include other PCGG officials appointed by succeeding presidents from Fidel Ramos to Joseph Estrada, and now with the biggest tentacles of them all under Gloria Arroyo. These officials are reported to be living it up in silent contented opulence from the hundreds of millions they plundered in their short stints in the PCGG. Included in the batch of post-EDSA crooks are members of the notorious Kamaganak Inc., who were among the first to venture grabbing the wealth of the Marcos family and company. Today, a new Kamaganak Inc. II has emerged as a more vicious bottomless pit, making the other past loots look like loose change. In the past, the Sandiganbayan had ordered Malacanang to require the PCGG to submit a thorough and honest report on its activities since its creation, and make a public accounting of the Marcos assets it had accumulated, and how they were disposed of. Also, what offices and banks they were deposited in and who were the individuals responsible for administering them.

Many former PCGG officials - and also the present top officials, including minor liquidating officers in the Marcos firms, are now living bountiful lives with enough illegally-acquired wealth to last them more than three lifetimes. I know of several Marcos cronies who escaped persecution and sequestration of their assets by simply handing over half of these assets to well-placed relatives who are lawyers. One such relative cornered most of the wealth of former Ambassador Benjamin 'Kokoy' Romualdez in a lightning raid on such firms a few weeks after EDSA. This relative has passed away and his loot has been distributed to his heirs, who still cling to them and enjoy its fruits.

No less than Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. had admitted to having $500 million in deposits in Swiss banks, 75 percent of which the Marcos family was willing to give back to the country, and keep 25 percent for themselves. But he insisted that this amount was not stolen from the coffers of the country, but instead was earned and saved legitimately by their family through the late President Marcos' legal practice and business investments. Bongbong speaks the truth here, and documents will prove such.

Today, the PCGG continues to exist in the dark alleys of the powers that be, with shady characters running it. It is therefore inevitable that it now comes out in the open - towards the light, and tell the public once and for all what has become of all the wealth it had sequestered. It's high time they live up to its name - especially the last two words.

What say you, Ric Abcede?

(Image from http://a.abcnews.com/)

CONGRESSIONAL INQUISITIONS

Congressmen and senators who take too much time abusing the privilege hour to harass their political opponents and extort money from businessmen deserve not a bit of respect at all from the citizenry. No less that House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile should quickly act and order a stop to sinister executive speech-making and the abuse of privilege speeches.

For many years, the public has complained about legislators who attack their enemies in privilege speeches, knowing that they may not be sued for libel or slander, because such speeches are covered by parliamentary immunity. So many lives and fortunes have been damaged by irresponsible privilege speeches, so much so that people want to do away with these altogether. If they're not destructive, they're downright boring, having been poorly researched and crafted by mediocre congressional staffers.

Even presidents in the past have been lambasted by legislators who wanted to pressure Malacanang into granting concessions. In a not-so-recent past, one senator became famous for his scathing speeches against Malacanang. He was reported to have collected PhP 500,000 for every speech he delivered on the floor (and another PhP 500,000 for every speech he did not deliver) against a former president. His assistant would deliver to Malacanang a copy of his smoking speech, and presidential aides would be on their feet looking for funds to pay the senator to keep his mouth shut.

Speaker Nograles should strongly advise members of congress from abusing the privilege hour to deliver speeches against their political foes, or force concessions from business firms in a manner condemned as blackmail and extortion. Again, the solons are covered by parliamentary immunity and cannot be brought to court on any issue they discuss during their speech.

I hope the Speaker has never abused the privilege hour and neither has he coerced anybody through the power of cogressional subpoenas. For many businessmen and corporations will surely agree with this because many too have been victimized in the past, and continue to be victimized by abusive privilege speeches. These individuals claim to have been harassed by certain congressional committees which wanted only to fleece them of big amounts under pain of congressional investigations or even through legislation. The privilege hour consumes too much time and can be utilized for deliberations on pending important measures. These measures are always put on hold when solons take to the floor.

On the other hand, committee hearings too have been abused by congressmen, when invited guests are known to be terrorized by brusque legislators. These committee hearings, more often than not, have been transformed into torture chambers and inquisition cells for political and business rivals of lawmakers. And while these hearings are justified as "in aid of legislation," the public knows better and scoffs at them as they usually hide some vile intentions. Clearly, "in aid of legislation" turns out simply as "in aid of extortion." It is said that most government officials (before E.O. 464) quake in their boots and are numbed with fear each time they are called for congressional hearings. This is true especially during budget hearings where executive department officials have to justify their funding requests. It is during these hearings that officials are coerced into agreeing to allocate plum posts for proteges of legislators, or to reserve mouth-watering contracts for their business partners. Several appointive officials report that in consideration and approval of discretionary and intelligence funds, a portion of the outlays have to be reserved for use by the congressmen. As such, the public wishes to inquire from the legislators the following:

- Is this hearing in aid of legislation, or is it in aid of extortion, larceny and re-election?

- How many of you have not made fat sums of money from private individuals and corporations hauled before congressional inquiries?

- How many of you have not earned humongous commissions from contractors you helped win awards from your Countryside Development Fund (CDF)?

- How many of you do not protect vice lords in your respective districts?

- How many of you do not maintain mistresses and have not fathered illegitimate children?

- How many of you have not coerced huge amounts from private corporations as contributions to your campaign funds?

- How many of you were elected in office through terrorism and electoral fraud?

- How many of you do not employ your children and relatives in your office?

- How many of you do not use government-issued vehicles to ferry your wives and children to the beauty salons, groceries and schools?

- How many of you do not employ goons and ex-convicts as your security detail?

- How many of you have not mis-used gargantuan allowances as committee chairmen?

- How many of you do not frequent expensive lewd cathouses and karaoke joints?

- How many of you do not abuse traffic laws and regulations (you and your arrogant security escorts) simply because your vehicle sports a number 7 or a number 8?

- How many of you do not cheat on your income taxes and your SALs?

- How many of you do not disappoint the motherland by having US Green Cards (just in case?)

So, is it still any wonder now why the President wishes to be a member of Congress and be Prime Minister thereafter?

(Image from http://cravensworld.wordpress.com/)

THE BASICS OF A MANUFACTURED MANDATE IN POLL AUTOMATION

With poll automation now on track, large-scale electoral fraud will be neat and efficient. No more hiring of goons or flying voters, herding of the electorate, grabbing ballot boxes, substituting ballots, bribing precinct personnel, etc.

Who says our country is still an antediluvian Third World nation left behind by other Asian and African states? At least, we will have gone high-tech in one area: fraudulent poll canvassing. Thanks to Garci and Bedol who are reported to have just enrolled in a crony computer school taking up 'Automation 101' and 'The Basics of a Manufactured Mandate in Poll Automation.'

The computerization of the Comelec's canvassing process would thus make it possible for the administration to engage in high-tech fraud, against which the opposition (ho-hum) can mount no counter measures, short of dynamiting the computers themselves. The trial runs of the computers that will soon take place before administration people in the executive and legislative branches will certainly suggest how easily the machines can be manipulated to doctor the election returns. The opposition must be present as well because if and when they are in power, they too shall have to learn the ropes manipulating these machines.

Perhaps, if the computerization of the election process envisions that the voter's choices will be represented by punches on a card, the punched card will be fed into a portfolio-size card reader, and the results collated at the provincial capitol where Comelec supervisors will man a central computer. The result? The winning cheater will be known in just a few days.

Ferrum Mann has a brilliant definition of the various computer terms presently being mastered by Garci and Bedol in a crony computer school, perhaps located somewhere in Guadalupe:

COBOL (Cheating Operations in Bangsamoro-Occupied Lands)
BASIC (Bello's Antipolo Sweatshop to Impose Counterfeits)
FORTRAN (Forgery Operations to Replace True Results by Addition and Negation)
PASCAL (Police and Armed Soldiers Colluding with the Administration's Lapdogs)
WINDOWS VISTA (Winner Is Now Decided Offline in the Warehouse, before Shipping; Vote Is Switched To Administration)

(Image from http://www.ellentordesillas.com/)

LEYTE LANDING REVISITED

General Douglas MacArthur and the other Americans who waded ashore on Palo, Leyte in 1944 should not be the only ones honored in this year's Leyte Landing commemoration rites come October. Filipino guerillas must also take center stage, for they were the ones who helped make that landing possible by mounting operations against the Japanese in the weeks before the invasion.

One of those men who waded ashore with Gen. MacArthur was a certain Antonio Madrigal. What has become of him? At that time, he was a 26-year-old captain serving as military aide to President Sergio Osmena. A few years ago during another Leyte Landing celebration, Captain Madrigal was presented by then Executive Secretary Teofisto Guingona, to which the former was honored with a state decoration and citation.

Captain Madrigal was asked many questions about the landing itself. He was asked, for instance, whether it was true that Brig. Gen. Carlos P. Romulo - who was very short, nearly drowned when Gen. MacArthur's party got off the landing barge and started wading ashore. That was just a big joke, Madrigal said. He also recalled that among the persons who met the Americans was a pretty young girl named Imelda Romualdez. Even at that time, he said, her beauty was striking.

(Image from http://www.ncca.gov.ph/)

FOR UNOFFICIAL USE ALSO

The Philippine Air Force (PAF) should bill some senators and congressmen, some members of the judiciary and the cabinet for the use of its planes and choppers. These honorable folks are notorious for using PAF aircraft for their out of town "inspection trips," most of which are really just visits to their home provinces in order to stand as wedding and baptismal sponsors, including town fiestas. Can you imagine the amount of fuel that is consumed and wasted by these opportunists?

Top military officers who have such callous clout are also guilty of using PAF aircraft to visit their haciendas, ranches and fishponds in their respective provinces, and sometimes also to bring their girl friends to beach and mountain resorts.

Billing officials of the military, judiciary, legislative and executive brances for the use of PAF planes and choppers is only but the proper thing to do, especially if such an important military component such as the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is low on budget much-needed for modernization. As such, many legislators are notorious for abusing military aircraft and other government vehicles for so long that it has been an "acceptable bad habit" of those in high places.

It is common knowledge that the biggest offenders to this are re-electionist senators and congresmen who have no compunction about abusing government resources for their selfish political plans. Hence, these officials must pay up, or brace themselves for yet another scandal in the offing involving the wanton use and waste of unauthorized resources they claim with such a lie as a privilege. But, the people will always have these shameless actions in mind when they vote for their "public servants" next year.

(Image from http://www.newsflash.org/)

COMELEC SHOULD SLOW DOWN IN DEPUTIZING (NOT IN COUNTING)

The 2010 May Elections are less than a year away, and already the Comelec has sadly "dis-automated" itself, leaving the entire nation hostage to yet another possible part 2 of "Hello Garci." But, the Comelec should this time go slow in deputizing certain private groups, especially those identified with the church, as Comelec units charged with election duties particularly the tabulation of election returns.

Two such groups have become notorious for meddling in past elections and for promoting their candidates, most of whom were also said to to be favored by the church. Most officials of such organizations are known church lay-people who had come out in favor of certain church-backed candidates.

These groups should not be deputized again by the Comelec because of their known favorites, which will preclude them from being neutral in the elections, especially when they conduct quick-count duties. A banking official and a member of one of these groups was a rabid partisan of then presidential candidate Corazon Aquino, who was later appointed to a top position in the Comelec. He did not hesitate to wield his powers while in the poll body, highly-influenced as he was by his political biases and strong opinions. Comelec Chairman Jose Melo should be advised that no private poll groups be allowed to conduct quick-counts in view of bad experiences in the past where such quick-counts had been rigged in favor of certain candidates. If this is unavoidable, then the best thing for Melo to make sure is that these groups should be totally non-partisan and do not favor any one candidate over the others. In addition, certain private poll organizations are the recipients of financial support from certain foreign governments. These groups should likewise be barred from being deputized as Comelec arms.

(Image from http://www.lawphil.net/)

HARASSORS AND HARASSEES

Everywhere one goes, one witnesses some form of harassment inflicted on someone. And the most frequent yet subtle of all is sexual harassment. Some years back, then President Ramos signed into law the much-feared anti-sexual harassment bill which came as a relief to those subjected daily to sexual harassment from sex-starved perverts.

I list the following as some of the more obvious harassors and their harassees:

- professor and student
- government official and employee
- movie producer/director and starlet
- airline pilot and stewardess
- bank official and bank teller
- store owner and saleslady
- policeman and waitress
- society matron and dance instructor
- editor and reporter
- radio/television executive and talent applicant
- medical director/doctor and nurse
- military officer and WAC
- hotel executive and front desk staffer
- tricycle driver and passenger
- taxi driver and passenger
- swimming instructor and pupil
- mayor's inspection team member and night club entertainer
- policeman and GRO
- husband and estranged wife
- pastor/priest and church member/goer

Remember, we do have a law, and victims can punish these people. To begin with, your local Barangay can assist you when filing a complaint against an offender, but be careful as there are also cases between Barangay officials and complainants.

(Image from http://images.gurl.com/)

YOUR NOSE IS "ILONG"- GATING

We better brace up for a juggernaut of political gibberish that will continue to pour in until the second quarter of next year. The best attitude for us to take would be to treat such political chatter as empty promises, and then hope that at least a portion of this bull would consist of sincere promises which the candidates will fulfill once elected. Some of the phrases and pledges voters will hear are the following. I have attempted to interpret them for the trusting voters.

- Declaration: "I am pro-God, pro-life and pro-family." Interpretation: "I hope the church leaders will close their eyes to my sinister and reprehensible faults and endorse me in their pastoral letters. Likewise, Bro. Mike Velarde and Bro. Eddie Villanueva."

- Declaration: "I simply want to serve the people." Interpretation: "After of course I have amassed millions to take care of my family and relatives so that I don't have to worry about their future and concentrate on how to ease the lot of the people."

- Declaration: "The Philippines for the Filipinos." Interpretation: "Although this should not bar me from accepting huge lobby money from Chinese, American, Japanese, Malaysian, Indonesian and Spanish investors who want government protection."

- Declaration: "Judge me by my track record." Interpretation: "All those accusations that I have stolen from the treasury and that I have almost nothing to show for accomplishments are mere black propaganda and are all politically motivated by my opponents."

- Declaration: "Use your conscience when you enter the polling booth." Interpretation: "But of course you can make me an exception and write down my name."

- Declaration: "The youth is the future of this country." Interpretation: "That is why I am sending my children to the most exclusive schools here and abroad and opening bank accounts in their names. The fact that the money I had stolen for my children belongs to the public is only incidental."

- Declaration: "We have to preserve the democratic way of life." Interpretation: "Under a setup where I am most happy, i.e., where they don't send thieving officials to face a firing squad and where crooked officials may hire the best lawyers and retain the best law firms and escape imprisonment."

- Declaration: "I am going to serve for only one term." Interpretation: "Unless of course there is a clamor from the people (whom I have paid), made upon the prodding of political leaders, most of whom are my stooges"

- Declaration: "My life is an open book." Interpretation: "Until they discover the unexpurgated version which would have been a bestseller on crime and passion actually, outright pornography."

- Declaration: "Always go for the winner." Interpretation: "Why waste your votes on upright, honest, sincere and dedicated candidates who cannot even pay for your jeepney fares for the trip to the polling booths? The line forms to the right for my 'winning' formula of buying your votes."

(Image from http://purrproject.org/)

AN OLD 'ATRASO'

Do you remember how then Manila Mayor Lito Atienza stonewalled on his rejection of a plea by cultural leaders and heritage conservationists not to demolish the old art-deco Jai-Alai building they claimed was a historical landmark? Atienza was in favor of a new hall of justice to take the place of an old edifice, perhaps a favorite hang-out once of our grandparents. He angrily scolded the civic leaders seeking retention of the original Jai-Alai building saying that these people had long neglected the structure until it became rickety and abandoned, where nothing about it was done. The former mayor said the building was an ugly reminder of its past as a gambling place where many lives were destroyed and the morals of the young were warped by gambling lords controlling the Basque Pelota games. This from a guy who moonlights as a valet for Manny Pacquiao, where gambling lords are known to bet heavily on the champ each time he boxes. Gambling as against justice for the people? Atienza argued no way would he give in to the demands of the petitioners to save a cultural heritage.

He may have a point here, but it is arguable. Many had said that if he really wanted a hall of justice, there was the old GSIS building right beside the Manila City Hall and several nearby government properties he could have easily asked for a song from Malacanang to build his proposed multi-million peso hall of justice.

The Jai-Alai in the 1930s and the 1940s wasn't just a gambling establishment. It was the venue for important official and social functions mostly at the Sky Room which was also a favorite place of President Quezon, and it was a place where important social events were held with the country's political, social and economic elite gathered, often led by the powerful Madrigal family which built the establishment. Jai-Alai then was not just a form of gambling. It was an elegant and genteel form of entertainment with all the fineries of European (Spanish) nobility, much like those seen in British peerage gatherings as the blue blood races at Ascot and the annual sculling contests between Harvard and Yale in Massachusetts and Connecticut.

Atienza should never forget that Rome never tore down its famed Colosseum, which was the venue for glory gladiator fights, the massacre of Christian martyrs, and the scene of gruesome death combats by slaves to entertain blood-thirsty Romans. If the rulers then had the same time mindset shared by Atienza, that awe-inspiring ruins would be no more. Warsaw, Poland was the most destroyed city in World War II followed only by Manila. 83 percent of the city was bombed flat to the ground, and since then has risen to become one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The Poles preserved all the remaining old buildings and went further by rebuilding those heritage edifices destroyed by the war. Even the cobblestones in most of the city were restored. As a result of such love for the past, the historic facade of Stare Miasto (Old Town) was reconstructed to include the impressive Royal Castle and Museum, and even the age-old royal apartments. They also restored Renaissance and Baroque Rynek Starego Miasta (The Market Square) even when there were others who urged these to be demolished.

Didn't they say, especially our old folks, that if you don't honor the past, there will be no future for you? But Atienza probably didn't have the time to be sentimental about the past long forgotten. He was too busy pushing to reach the top of the hill. And sometimes, when you have such apathy, you stumble.

Well, he's running for mayor again in Manila in 2010, perhaps not contented with his demolition jobs for Manila's historic edifices?

Remember the Mehan Garden? He tore it down too.

(Image from http://www.fotosearch.com/)

THE 1987 CONSTITUTION REVISITED

Here are some of my views concerning our 1987 Constitution. Now, let me be clear though - I am totally against amending our charter, and most especially if it is done with very suspicious timing. Before pro Con-Ass rah-rah boys misinterpret me as jumping to their side of the fence, perhaps when hell freezes over!

- The 1987 Constitution is an amorphous document of dubious origin.

- A constitution is the embodiment of expression of the will of the people through its elected delegates to a constitutional convention. The people's participation is a conditio sine qua non to the legitimacy of a constitution.

- The dramatis personae who shaped the 1987 Constitution were handpicked by only one person whose legitimacy and authority is a classic case in constitutional law. They only reflect the wishes of their principal since they were not elected by the people.

- The 1987 Constitution is the reflex action against the excesses of President Marcos. The persons who drafted the 1987 Constitution were too involved in the events of the time to be free from bias and prejudice.

- The 1987 Constitution is best described as "circumlocutory" and "pleaonastic" in the sense that it uses a lot of words that are multi-dimensional in meaning and have almost no legal connotations.

It is possible to have the legislature constitute itself into an assembly to amend the Constitution. But the timing is way off mark and maliciously suspect. Also, the legislators must disqualify themselves from running for any post in the elections immediately after the amendments are approved. This proviso is duly supported in many legal circles on the theory that it provides a safeguard against any self-serving act or acts by members of the legislature.

After all that's said, it is my firm belief that if and when such amendments should take place, it must be done long after President Arroyo is no longer in absolute power.

NO to Con-Ass.

(Image from http://www.pryo.net/)

REMEMBERING BLAS OPLE, REVIVING R.A. 7743

One of the most voracious readers among the nation's leaders is the late great Blas Ople whose passion for books is matched only by his passion for writing. The remarkable thing about him is that he did not reach college and his erudition came mostly from reading and spending most of his money on books.

As a member of the Marcos cabinet, he was considered an outstanding secretary with a brilliant mind that even President Marcos, one of the most intelligent leaders of this country, had to ask him to tone down on his scholarly themes so the other cabinet members could understand him. His legendary passion for books reminds me of one French author, Michel de Montaigne, also the mayor of Bordeaux, who was once asked if he were to choose which he would burn first, his books or his children, and without batting an eyelash, answered his children. But of course, that's one decision I totally do not agree with.

Not all Filipino children can be as gifted as Ople because of his love for books. This is more so because our poor children have no ready access to books and other reading materials. Sad to say, the construction of public libraries occupy the lowest priority among our government officials, majority of whom do not realize the value of books. Librarians are among the poorest professionals due to lack of job opportunities. Senators and congressmen should set aside funds from their multi-million pork barrels for the construction of public libraries. Tell me, do you have one in your neighborhood? I thought so.

On that note, what ever happened to Republic Act 7743 signed by former President Fidel Ramos in 1994, providing for the establishment of congressional, city and municipal libraries and barangay reading centers throughout the Philippines? I had earlier called for the establishment of rural libraries to promote the development of intellectual facilities of the people since we had noted the utter lack of such libraries not only in the urban but also in the rural areas.

The little-heard of and apparently unimplemented law mandates that the National Library, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government shall undertake the establishment of public libraries to serve all congressional districts, cities and municipalities and reading centers in all barangay units. The National Library shall also coordinate and organize seminars, workshops and other trainings for the professional advancement of librarians. It provides for appropriations from both the national and local government units to fund such public libraries and reading centers. Sad to say, a visit to most rural areas would reveal that public libraries and reading centers are non-existent.

Some officials are clearly sleeping on the job or simply cannot put it in their thick skulls that such libraries are vital to the moral and intellectual development of a nation. It's a pity that R.A. 7743 I believe has not been implemented. I was particularly impressed with the provisions on the functions of the libraries as:

- To make available to members of the community a wide array of reading materials including those prescribed by the Department of Education, and national newspapers of general circulation.
- To be used as venue for audio-visual presentations in the community and other kinds of exhibitions and activities, aimed at increasing the literacy rate, by government agencies, NGOs or private entities in the dissemination of information of general interest.

Remember, a well-read and a well-informed citizenry make for a strong and progressive nation.

But then again, can you blame a top spouse if his idea of a library is a collection of coloring books? I thought so too.

(Image from http://ilsdole.gov.ph/)

QUEEN GLORIA I

Remember how President Arroyo and her cohorts believe that she was divinely installed to be our leader? And on occasion, claims to "have conversations" with God - while facing a mirror? Well, whenever the nation or herself are faced with a serious problem or a shameless scandal, she is seen in churches praying in public, for all to see what a religious woman she is. Because of her over-religiosity, she has become contemptuous of those who oppose her decisions. But believing that she has a direct mandate from God, the President appears convinced that her every decision is guided from above and that therefore, she need not be shackled by earthly legal and constitutional restraints. These are the blinkers that have blinded her to the fact that while good governance has a theological dimension, it is primarily mundane, entailing hard work in the here and now. After all, many believe that God helps those who help themselves. But, God too helps the helpless.

President Arroyo seems convinced that the divine right of kings, which monarchy claimed in 17th-century Europe, has been bestowed upon her. Hence, the malicious lust for a term extension as Prime Minister. Under this doctrine, monarchs enjoyed a certain mandate from God, who had made them His legates on Earth, and as such, could do no wrong and their will had the same force as God's Word.

In 18th-century France, Louis XIV cried out "L'etat, c'est moi!" (I am the state!) to drown out his opponents. And in Spain, during the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, there was a popular expression approving any person's acts as "tan recto como reina" (as correct as the queen).

The principal French theorist of the time, Bishop Jacques Benigne Bossuet, declared that the monarch's person and authority are sacred and derived from God and therefore, the monarch reigns with reason. Really now. And so, perhaps with the Con-ass now at hand, there could arise some advocacies to invest President Arroyo with monarchial qualities and crown her as Queen Gloria I. By that, the country's overpopulation problem shall have been instantly solved, for many will surely be leaving the country for saner pastures.

(Image from http://daylife.com/)

APPLES, BANANAS AND BALIMBINGS

To this day, many people still think that the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden was an Apple. Could this have been started by an American? The Apple is never mentioned in the Bible and is referrred to only as the forbidden fruit. However, the Koran is more specific in saying that the forbidden fruit was a Banana. Now, as to what type of Banana it was, a lacatan or a latundan? Well, we better just inquire from our Moslem brothers. The Apple is just one of many fruit varieties that have originated with the common blooming rose. Others include the Pear, Peach, Plum, Apricot and Cherry. Many fruits can be traced only to their discovery by explorers. The Lime, for example, wasn't identified until the 17th century, when sailors traveling to the New World drank its juice to prevent scurvy, a malady caused by Vitamin C deficiency. Since then - and to this day, citrus fruits have attracted a large cultish following as wellsprings of vitality and good health. Among them, Oranges, Grapefruits and Tangerines. However, gourmands in many places prefer Kiwis, Kumquats and Mangoes. Yes, Mangoes - and the Philippine type is king. The best Mangoes are said to come from Guimaras, an island in Southern Philippines. And then, we have the Coconut, an unbeatable source of several useful items. An edible pulp, a refreshing sweet milk that can quench even the toughest thirst, and a valuable oil ideal for making margarine, soap, and suntan lotion. The fibers from the Coconut husk itself are used in fashioning rope, and the tree's trunk is a valuable type of wood used for building huts and fences. Cocolumber is an essential by-product of the Coconut tree and is very popular in the furniture industry. And then we have the legendary Fig, which is also deeply rooted in the story of the Garden of Eden, where its leaves were believed to have clothed Adam and Eve after their fateful meal. Figs and Dates provided sustenance for the early Greeks, and the trees of both remain heavily cultivated today along the Eastern Mediterranean. But the most celebrated local fruit of all is of a political variety, and can be found in abundance inside the Batasan Complex. The English name for it escapes me for now, but the Balimbing is an "honorable" fruit, if you ask me. And, to add injury to insult, the more rotten, the more acceptable since it is always in good company. Just recently, these forbidden political fruits have been creating many jams, so to speak, and the latest is affixing their signatures to transform the House into a Constituent Assembly a.ka. Con-Ass. These fruits need to be processed to a pulp and then preserved forever as a reminder of how bad a bunch of fruits can be - in season or out of season.

(Image from http://www.globalpinoy.com/)

PREFERRED CLIENTS ONLY

We all have a pet-peeve. One of my top pet-peeve is, well, getting in line at the Ayala (Alabang) Town Center branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI). Observe, as you enter the bank, you right away have that unmistakable feeling of being like "sheep for the slaughter." There, two types of bank customers are immediately identified and classified. The first type, in which I belong to, are the ordinary customers who bank tellers always assume have all the time in the world to spare (and to waste). The second type - as the bank puts it by prominently displaying a sign right above teller #4, are "PREFERRED CLIENTS ONLY," or Gold Card holders. So, right away if you're just a holder of a regular blue and white BPI card, that sign immediately tells you that you're somewhat UNPREFERRED, and the bank simply wants you to know that you're not that important, so get in line to the left like the rest of the small time depositors. This is indeed a failing mark for BPI when it comes to public relations, and I'm quite certain that the same signs are present in all its branches nationwide. It's enough that while we're all in line for long periods of time, "Preferred Clients" take only a few minutes to transact their businesses with the wide-eyed tellers. And, to add a dash of salt to an already fresh wound, if you're a "Preferred Client," you're even allowed to use your cellular phone even if it's prohibited to do so while in the bank premises. On the other hand, if you are simply an "unpreferred" client, the guard on duty will surely make a quick gesture at you for even just reading an abbreviated text message on your phone. I wonder, to the bank robbers out there, would they have a list of "Preferred Banks" too?

(Image from http://1.bp.blogspot.com/)

HAVE FARE WILL TRAVEL

I found myself on a bus headed for Tagaytay City one fine morning. Unplanned and unprepared for this "balikan" trip, I nevertheless expected to be treated with the splendid scenery I was about to see again. The main tourist treat of Tagaytay is the captivating panoramic view of the natural beauty of Taal Volcano, (minus the eyesore that is the Korean spa) the smallest volcano in the world. Taal Lake is home to two delectable rare species of fish, the maliputo and the tawilis. In spite of the nearness to Metro Manila, Tagaytay has a unique rustic atmosphere and an invigorating cool climate. This is perhaps why many tourists do not only want to visit the place, but opt to hold seminars, conferences and retreats in the city. Complementing the natural endowment are several tourist establishments.

Legend has it that the word "Tagaytay" came from Taga meaning "to cut" and Itay which means "Father." One day, a father and a son were said to be on a wild boar hunt when the animal they were chasing turned towards them and attacked them. As the boar headed for the old man, the son cried, "Taga, Itay!" The lad's repeated shouts echoed in the valleys of the ridge. Heard the by local inhabitants, hunters and wood gatherers, the cries became the subject of conversation for several days amongst the people in the countryside. In time, the place where the shouts came from became known as Tagaytay.

During the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the ridges and forests of Tagaytay became the sanctuary for revolutionaries, including for those from nearby provinces. The passage to and from towns via Tagaytay added the word Mananagaytay. To the native's vocabulary, it means "to traverse ridges." At the outbreak of the 2nd World War, the 11th Airborne Division of Lt. Gen. William Krueger's 8th Army airdropped military supplies and personnel on the Tagaytay Ridge prior to the liberation of Manila from the Japanese. A marker was thus installed in 1951 at the junction of the Manila-Canlubang-Nasugbu Roads by city officials in coordination with the National Historical Institute (NHI). Tagaytay became a chartered city on June 21, 1938 when President Manuel L. Quezon signed Commonwealth Act No. 338, a bill authored by then Rep. Justiniano Montano of Cavite.

Even before I had savored enough the impromptu road trip, it was already time to return home, with the self-promise that I shall be back soon, this time prepared with a notebook, a pencil and a camera.

(In memory of my good friend, the late Dr. Edgar "Doki" Laurena)

(Image from http://www.volcano-facts.com/)

THE LIBERTY PRAYER OF 1931 AND THE NATIONAL PRAYER OF 1932

In observance of Philippine Independence Day (June 12), allow me to take you some decades back - 1931 and 1932 to be exact. A time when the words "emancipation," "freedom" and "liberty" were in every Filipino's heart. Today, not much has changed, and we still cry out for emancipation, freedom and liberty not from a foreign master any more, but from domestic tyrants who continue to enslave our nation with its lies, corruption and deceit. Observe, that these 2 prayers look like they were written only recently and not 7 decades ago. For the words and message are still the same words and message our countrymen cry out to God today.

The prayers were written and delivered by my Protestant grandfather, Jorge Bocobo.

THE LIBERTY PRAYER OF 1931

O living God, our Father, may Thy grace ever abound unto our nation. In perfect trust do we seek to know Thy will in our strivings for liberation. Bless Thou every hand that toils and every heart that throbs for freedom. Grant that in the vehemence of our struggles for liberty, no ill-will or hatred may creep into our hearts. Give us to bear our disappointments with charity and long-suffering, confident that Thou, O God of deliverance, will never forsake us Thy people.

We beseech Thee to bestow increasing strength and power upon those who labor for our emancipation, and may those who deny us freedom see the righteousness of our cause.

In the hollow of Thy mighty hand are the destinies of all nations. To Thee we commend our country's future, so that, we pray Thee, it may shine unto the perfect day. We fear no harm or evil under the shadow of Thy wings. Lead our people on the paths of righteousness and of good will towards all men. Let freedom be ours, O Thou giver of every good gift. We thank Thee for manifold blessings in the past. May we be deserving of Thy continued protection today and in the years to come. To Thee we attribute all glory and all power forever and ever. Amen.


THE NATIONAL PRAYER OF 1932

Almighty God, Father of all nations, fountain of all strength and mercy, we, Thy people, come unto Thee in our hour of danger and distress. Hide not Thy face from this nation, we beseech Thee. Do Thou pour out Thy holy comfort upon our afflicted souls. We are Thy people, and Thou art our refuge and deliverer. Of Thy loving-kindness, there is no end.

We entreat Thee, O most gracious Father, stay Thou the hand that would smite our liberties. Send forth Thy Spirit unto our rulers and so touch their hearts and quicken their sense of justice, that we may in honor keep their plighted word to us. Let not the covetous designs of a few interests prevail in the councils, nor sway its noble purposes towards our country.

We pray Thee, O Lord, grant us peace to forgive those who seek to destroy our freedom.

We thank Thee, O heavenly Father, that we can thus pray to Thee. We thank Thee that Thou hast inspired us with a renewed spirit of national unity. Do Thou bless and sanctify our aspirations as a people. Guide us in our endeavours for our emancipation to the end that our every thought and deed may be accepted in Thy sight. And to Thee be all honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

(Image from http://lylegonzalespayabyab.blogspirit.com/)

WHERE WOLF THERE WOLF

Why are there people who will use, God's Word which they distort and abuse?
Charlatans with their magnetic bracelets and rings, selling them and other useless things.
You prepare your traps with your unholy bait, waiting for souls to seal their fate.
To relieve them from their precious cash, and add to the rest of your material trash.
You promised them prosperity and perfect health, tenfold returns and untold wealth.
You prey on the weak and the souls in pain, and you do all these for power and gain.
Beware you false shepherd, you mislead the flock, God is not one Whom you can mock.
Think not for a moment that you can win, for you shall account for your habitual sin.
Removed shall you be, unmasked and defrocked, for you have cheated, lied and mocked.
Before you know it you shall be gone, and the flock shall be led by the Good Shepherd-Son.

(Image from http://www.stopcp.com/)

LIKUAN U

I sure hope the MMDA pulls down those Likuan U (Lee Kuan Yew) signs on EDSA's U-turn slots soon before some patriotic Singaporean calls the attention of the government. Otherwise, it certainly would be a very embarrassing thing. Methinks this is no way to pay honor to an esteemed leader like former Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. Who ever had this silly idea must be peltered with rotten tomatoes, or better yet, a kaing of rotten macopa - the pinkier in color, the better.

However, if the MMDA claims not responsible for these signs, then they should at least have the sense of respect to pull them down at the soonest possible time. In Tagalog, katawa-tawa tayo. It's high time Bayani Fernando's Urbanidad Que Barbaridad project turns to some no-nonsense stuff, and not some silly and idiotic patawa signs like these Likuan U. But then again, can one really blame Bayani for his naturally baduy taste as he slowly but surely transforms his Metro Manila (now Metro Philippines?) into one tacky 'tropolis?

HEROES AND HEELS

Today, Manny Pacquiao and his usual entourage composed of the usual suspects and human leeches Lito Atienza and politico-wannabes, will motorcade around Metro Manila's main thoroughfares in celebration of "the real bayani," Manny Pacquiao. This, because there exists a bogus bayani in the person of MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando who (again) has flooded his Metro-Gago contraptions with pink and blue ribbons which says, "Bayani ng Lahing Pilipino," pertaining to Pacquiao, but with color emphasis on "Bayani." The not-so-subtle message he is conveying to the reading public again attempts to remind "urbanidados" he is gunning for the presidency, this in spite of his 1% acceptance rating. I think it's just a waste of taxpayers' money since he can't even win the hearts of his men at the MMDA, much less the country.

The motorcade ends in Malacanang where Mr. Pacquiao pays a courtesy call to another bogus hero, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Of course, she may again make a shameless public declaration that she and Manny are both heroes. What gall, what guts. What pachydermic pronouncement!

But before she fibs on this again, let us not forget what had happened a few years ago - the lie that was EDSA 2. The foreign press did not stand idly as the events leading to EDSA 2 unfolded. Most of the wire services and the major international networks had correspondents monitoring events and reporting on these accordingly. As a result, the controversial nature of the GMA take-over in January 2001 did not escape international scrutiny and received widespread covergae in global media outlets.

The following offer glimpses of what was written about the power grab that deprived President Joseph Estrada of the presidential mandate overwhelmingly given to him by the Philippine electorate in the May 1998 presidential elections. These articles were written by respectable journalists whose keen poltical sense and acumen are unquestionable.

Sandra Burton of TIME says, "Remember Estrada - however cynically - was acting within the framework of the law and under the terms called for by the impeachment proceedings. Had he been declared guilty, he would have had to go. The troubling point remains that he had been convicted. But they had mechanisms to legally change their head of state. The option they chose, popular uprising, while rousing and probably justified, could portend a troubling future for democracy. But if those protests lead to unconstitutionally questionable successions, it becomes a subversion of democracy. Even now, we don't know what percentage of Filipinos wanted Erap to go."

Anthony Spaeth of TIME says, " But the Philippine polity is 77 million strong (2001 figures). Was this a revolution of the Filipino people - or a few hundred thousand Filipinos prompted by a few hundred individuals? perhaps this represents confusion between democratic pasions and the rule of law. More likely, though, People Power has become its own institution and one that seems monopolized by a certain clique. People Power has become an acceptable term for a troubling phenomenon: one that used to be known as mob rule."

Phil Zabriskie of TIME says, "Legitimacy questions crack the foundation of her presidency from her first day in office. The cracks deepened folowing Estrada's arrest in May, a foolishly showy affair that made him a martyr and caused mob riots quickly dubbed EDSA 3. An economy in meltdown, an army that could turn against her, an ex-president who might be more popular that she is, and now, the US soldiers landing on her shores. What Arroyo needs is a bulwark. But without an electoral mandate, the only source is a massive public support, the kind more likely to respond to image and inspiration than intellect."

THE ECONOMIST says, "Gloria Macapagal Arroyo took over the presidency in unconstitutional circumstances that do not stand up well to scrutiny."

Philip Bowring of the INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE says, "However, far from being a victory for democracy that is being claimed by leaders of the anti-Estrada movement such as Jaime Sin, the evolution of events has been a defeat for due process. For many, it merely confirms the fragility of political institutions in the Philippines and the likelihood that the streets will become a regular location for political action."

Hilton L. Root of the INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE says, "The result is that the Philippines, known for the 'people power' movement that brought down Ferdinand Marcos, has the wrong kind of people power of the 21st century. The Philippines faces a political crisis that goes beyond the need to replace the person at the top. The challenge is to correct the situation in which society is divided into those who can outsmart the system and those who cannot. Removing Estrada will not save the Philippines."

Seth Mydans of THE NEW YORK TIMES says, "People Power 2 was met with doubt and criticism, described by foreign commentators s a "defeat for due process," as a "mob rule," and as a "de facto coup." It was seen as an elitist backlash against a president who had overwhelmingly been elected by the poor. This time it appears "people power" was used not to restore democracy but, momentarily, to supplant it."

Lee Kuan Yew in THE STRAITS TIMES as interviewed by the ASSOCIATED PRESS says, "The change of power in the Philippines was no boost for democracy because it was done outside the constitution."

Jim Mann of the LOS ANGELES TIMES says, "Now by contrast, we are witnessing the use of people power against a leader who was the winner of a legitimate democratic election. No matter how understandable it was, this outbreak of people power doesn't feel like an advance for the cause of democracy, quite the opposite. Who or what, ultimately, was this particular movement against?"

THE WASHINGTON POST editorial says, "...This time, however, the target of Filipinos' "people power" was not a dictator, like Ferdinand Marcos, but Joseph Estrada, a constitutional execurive who received more votes than any previous presidential candidate and who remained popular among the country's poor. Though he Supreme Court ruled that Vice-President Macapagal-Arroyo should be sworn in as president, the legality of the transfer remains questionable."

The ASIA TIMES online says, "Again, therefore, whatever crious legal construction anyone may now attempt to put on the ouster of Estrada, he was ousted by a military coup, with the connivance of the leadership of the Roman Catholic Church, major business groups and two former presidents. This will have any number of consequences, none too pleasant, for the coup markers and - more imporatntly - for the country. One loser among the coup makers will be the Archbishop of Manila, Jaime Cardinal Sin, and his church. Economically, from the standpoint of foreign investors, would you put money into a country whose constitutional and legal system are only as reliable as the will and whim of an entrenched oligarchical elite..."

So, Mrs. Arroyo, before you make that public declaration again that you are a hero just like Manny Pacquiao, please remember how is it that you are now seated on your fragile throne - your stolen throne. Remember also that you once made a boastful and shameless declaration saying, "I'm married to the country."

I wonder, is this why you keep screwing the Filipino people?

(Image by Glenn Dasmarinas at www.gl3nnx.net)

SHEPHERD OR FOE?

A friend of mine traveling in Syria relates how he stopped to watch three shepherds who were by a well watering their flocks. The three flocks were all mingled together at the watering place. My friend could not see anything different between them, and he wondered how they could get them all separated again without much trouble. But when one of the shepherds stood forth and called out, "Menah!" the Arabic for "Follow me," and sure enough, some thirty sheep immediately separated themselves from the indiscriminate mass and began to follow the shepherd up the hill. Then, a second shepherd lifted the same cry, "Menah!" and a second flock separated themselves and started after him, while the rest of the sheep remained as unconcerned as if no one had spoken at all.

My friend was so astonished that as he saw the third shepherd preparing to leave, laying his hand to his crook and beginning to gather some dates fallen from a palm beneath which he had been resting, he stepped up to him and asked, "Would your sheep follow me if I called them?" The man shook his head left to right and vice versa. "May I borrow your shepherd's cloak and crook and let me try?" My friend said that he even wound the shepherd's turban round his head and standing forth began to cry, "Menah! Menah!" but not a single sheep moved. They only blinked at him lazily in the sunshine. "Do they never follow anyone but you?" asked my friend. "Only when a sheep is sick, then the silly creature follows anyone, false shepherds included," the shepherd replied.

Whose voice are you following?

(Image from http://www.keyway.ca/)

GLORIA'S FORTY BILLION PESOS FOR THE PRESIDENCY

Only in the Philippines are there presidential candidates who will spend more than five billion pesos to try to land a job that only pays 600,000 pesos a year, or a total of 3.6 million pesos for a 6-year term. And, if he/she spends money (or not), either from contributions from big business or "friends," it is not unreasonable to expect him/her to try and recover what was spent during campaigns. Since no existing legal way is at hand, the candidate will have to do so by extra-legal means. Not a recipe for good and honest government, if you ask me.

The high stakes involved here makes each candidate try his/her luck in outmaneuvering everyone else. Many will even claim victory after losing a vote. And because of this, the outcome is always far from clean. With the presidential elections just around the corner, one cannot help but think how these "president wannabes" are now gathering the wealth to fund and sustain his/her candidacy of the highest office of the land.

But wait, my unimpeachable source now tells me that President Gloria Arroyo has already set aside some forty billion pesos to comfortably finance her (or her choice's candidacy). Now that's a scandalous amount, and imagine how many schoolbuidings and hospitals that money can build, streetchildren and orphans to feed, textbooks to print, and help stranded OFWs and fly them back to their families. And whosoever becomes her administration's opponent must match that amount or even better it. And someone extremely popular like former President Joseph Estrada. And because of this, chills have been running up and down the backs of Malacanang Palace spin-doctors and strategists. But no worries. You have Gloria's Supreme Court in your pockets. For if Estrada now is your headache, then prepare yourselves for a lingering bout of stubborn migraine.

P.S. Doesn't the picture above fit her just like a genuine masked bandit? And better than a fedora, that mask is the more appropriate headgear for her. I'm sure she has lots of those in her office, enough to distribute to her friends in her administration.

(Image from http://www.chrispforr.net/)

KIDS MAKE US PROUD!

Unknown to many, a football team of around 42 kids (8, 9 & 10 yrs.) forming the Xavier FC from the Xavier School in San Juan will be leaving for Singapore in a few days to compete in the much-awaited Novotel-Anza Soccer International Cup 2009, to be held on April 25 & 26. This 2-day event will showcase the participation of some 700 kids from various nations, and of course, among them our very own. As I watched these kids practice their football skills, already I see in them much enthusiasm and excitement, since most if not all of them will be representing not only their team and their school, but more importantly, their own country. On their faces, one can see that they are already champions. For after all, it all boils down to how you play your game, and not so much winning it. But of course, winning is a splendid achievement. But the manner in how you perform and conduct yourself with unwavering sportsmanship and fairplay tops any gold-plated trophy or medal any day of the week for me.

Also worth mentioning are the equally strong football teams Hedcen and Marist. Both teams, together with Xavier will be carrying our national colors as they compete in Singapore. A proud moment for all football parents involved amongst these three teams.

Here's good wishes to the Xavier FC, Hedcen and Marist. Go kick some balls!

(Image from http://www.rics.org/)

SEALED WITH A KICK

Dear President Arroyo,

Thank you for helping my neighbors with their mortgage payments. You know, the ones down the street who, in the good times, re-financed their houses several times and bought brand new SUVs, big-screen TVs and expensive jewelries. I was wondering, since I am paying my mortgage and theirs, could you arrange for me take one of those SUVs on a road trip now and then?

P.S. They also need help with their credit cards. When do you want me to start making those payments?

P.P.S. I almost forgot - they didn't file their income tax return this year. Should I go ahead and file for them or will you be appointing them to cabinet posts soon?

(Image from http://www.sunstar.com.ph/)

A FAITHFUL AND LOVING PRAYER-ANSWERING GOD

I almost lost a dear dear friend of mine last night. No, I'm not talking about a person as in a family member. I am pertaining to my dog, my one and only faithful companion of many years. Death almost snatched him from my very protective arms. The painful agony of the "process of losing" someone so precious can seem endless and strong, as I experienced it last night. But my God is stronger, and indeed has also shown me His omnipotence. But He was also oh so gentle. And in those thirty-five minutes of uncertainty and fear, when the stench of death was hounding Oscar my Whippet, I immediately fell on my knees in tears and asked God to cover him and me with His love, and if it was time for the dog to go, for God to take him quickly and peacefully. But God had other plans, and He answers with such impeccable precision. After a few minutes, my dog's convulsions and screams of pain as if wrestling with death came to a full stop. Silence and peace immediately filled my house. And the love of my Jesus just embraced us both. I know, because I felt it so real and so strong. I realized that nothing (as in a dog's life) can be too small for a big God. He answered my cries (and my dog's cries) for help last night, and once again has proven to be a faithful, loving answering God. While reading Psalm 91 to Oscar as he was convulsing, I knew he didn't understand the words that came out of my mouth. But one thing I knew was this: The Spirit of God "interpreted" those words in a strange language only my dog could understand, because he obeyed in peace and in calmness, much like the storm obeying the spoken word of Jesus to "be still." Psalm 91:3-6;10-12;14-16 says: "He will keep you safe from all hidden dangers and from all deadly diseases. He will cover you with His wings, and you will be safe in His care. His faithfulness will protect and save you. You need not fear any dangers at night, or sudden attacks during the day, or the plagues that strike in the dark, or the evils that kill in daylight. And so, no disaster will strike you, no violence will come near your home. God will put His angels in charge of you, to protect you wherever you go. They will hold you up with their hands to keep you hurting your feet on the stones. God says, "I will save those who love me, and protect those who acknowledge Me as their Lord. WHEN THEY CALL TO ME, I WILL ANSWER THEM. When they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life. I will save them."

You see, when I was crying out to God last night, He heard me and answered me. He saved my dog. Nothing is too small for Him. He knew my dog was just too big a concern for me. And He took the situation in His strong loving hands. I praise God for this. It was really a miracle worth sharing.

God makes you "see troubles" sometimes, and as part of your education to be carried out, you must "go down to the depths of the Earth" (Psalm 63:9), travel sub-terranean passages, and lie buried among the dead. But not for even one moment is the bond of fellowship and oneness between God and you strained to the point of breaking! And ultimately, from the same depths, He "will restore your life again."

Never doubt God! Never say that He has forsaken or forgotten you or think that He is unsympathetic to the things you care about, no matter how small. Last night's experience for me was so real and so frightening, that even I almost "lost it." "He will restore your life (my dog's life) again!" No matter how many twists and turns the road may have, there will always be one smooth and straight path. For even the longest day will have its sunset, and the cold winter snow may stay for quite some time, but it will eventually melt, as our troubles will thaw in His loving care.

"Though the rain may fall and the wind be blowing,
And chilled and cold is the wintry blast;
Though the cloudy sky is still cloudier growing,
And the dead leaves tell that summer has passed.

My face is fixed on the stormy heaven,
My heart is as calm as the summer sea,
Glad to receive what my God has given,
Whatever it be.

When I feel the cold, I can say "He sends it,"
And His winds blow blessings, I surely know;
For I've never a need but that He will meet it,
And my heart beats warm though the winds may blow."

_______________________________________________________

Take good care of your animals, because they too are precious to God.

"Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs." - Proverbs 12:10


Thank you Pastor Paul.

(Image form http://www.livingrockchurch.org.uk/)

APOLOGY NOT TAKEN

Not so fast Chippy Chip! I smell a dead rat on board your rickshaw of an apology. Okay, so you did apologize to the Filipino nation. But why did you do so in Spanish? Why couldn't you just stick to English? What were you thinking in your so-called mind? We are an English-speaking nation, and the Spanish language as it has been known and spoken in the Philippines once a upon a time is a language of old. I think by doing so, you just added salt to a gaping fresh wound, perhaps insinuating a bit of our history that as we were under the Spanish conquistadores, and madre Espana being our "master," making us "a nation of servants?" Either you are totally ignorant of our nation's history, or you simply wanted to insult us further by NOT apologizing in English. You said, "A todos los hermanos y todas las hermanas Filipinos: Lo siento mucho. Vamos a vivir en paz." (Translation: To all Filipino brothers and sisters, I am very sorry. We should live in peace.) I wonder how many Filipinos understand that before translation. I'd say, "El burro sabe mas que tu!"

I would like to think that you are an intelligent individual and that you are perhaps educated in the UK just like many of your fellow-yellows. But no, you had to stay put in your comfort zone, just below the moral poverty level where you are most comfortable with.

I cannot, and will not accept your apology. As it is, more damage has been done with your apology. I leave your fate in the hands of the Filipino people. After all, it wasn't only I you insulted, but 92 million others.

(Image from http://hk-magazine.com/)

NEVERMORE

This piece is dedicated to a Chinoy friend Edgar Allan Po, and in praise of the great author Edgar Allan Poe.

A reminder of the past elections, in anticipation to the forthcoming one.

Once upon a campaign dreary, one which left us weak and weary;
O'er many a quaint and curious promise of political lore,
While we nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a yapping,
As of some votes overlapping, energy-zapping to the core.
"Tis a mess here," we all muttered, as the network anchors stuttered,
stuttered over a president wh*re.
Could there be another election, with such a case of misdirection,
One with such a weak selection, yet fraught with tension all the more?
Quote the ravers, "Nevermore."

(Image from http://aquadeb.com/)

CHEAP CHOW FROM HONG KONG

Many of my good and best friends are Filipinos of Chinese descent, a number of whom are even more patriotic Chinoys than the average Pinoy, if you know what I mean. Decent, respectable and Godly Chinese-Filipinos, or Filipino-Chinese. They who have made the Philippines their one and only motherland and home, working hard and living well. But, when a Hong Kong Chinese journalist writes an article of insult to hurt some 130,000 hard-working Filipina maids in Hong Kong, I immediately dump everything that's Chinese around me, including all my Ma-Ling, Haw flakes and Melamine-tainted milk in the garbage bin and start sharpening my bolo or gulok, and begin pointing it towards Hong Kong like a rabid but true katipunero, if you know what I mean.

Chip Tsao, a HK-based journalist who writes for HK Magazine has just declared war to all patriotic Filipinos, and most especially to all those who have relatives working in Hong Kong - maids, if you know what I mean.

In his column, Cheap Chow, er ... Chip Tsao wrote, "The Russians sank a Hong Kong freighter last month, killing the seven Chinese seamen on board. We can live with that - Lenin and Stalin were once the ideological mentors of all Chinese people. The Japanese planted a flag on Diaoyu Island. That's no big problem - we Hong Kong Chinese love Japanese cartoons, Hello Kitty, and shopping in Shinjuku, let alone our round-the-clock obsession with karaoke. But hold on - even the Filipinos? Manila has just claimed sovereignty over the scattered rocks in the South China Sea called the Spratly Islands, complete with a blatant threat from its congress to send gunboats to the South China Sea to defend the islands from China if necessary. The reason? There are 130,000 Filipina maids working as $3,580-a-month cheap labor in Hong Kong. As a nation of servants, you don't flex your muscles at your master, from whom you earn most of your bread and butter. As a patriotic Chinese man, the news has made my blood boil. I summoned Louisa, my domestic assistant who holds a degree in international politics from the University of Manila, hung a map on the wall, and gave her a harsh lecture. I sternly warned her that if she wants her wages increased next year, she had better tell every one of her compatriots in Statue Square that the entirety of the Spratly Islands belongs to China. Grimly, I told her that if war breaks out between the Philippines and China, I would have to end her employment and send her staight home, because I would not risk the crime of treason for sponsoring an enemy of the state by paying her to wash my toilet and clean my windows 16 hours a day. With that money, she would pay taxes to her government, and they would fund a navy to invade our motherland and deeply hurt my feelings. Oh yes. The government of the Philippines would certainly be wrong if they think we Chinese are prepared to swallow their insult and sit back and lose a Falkland Islands War in the Far East. They may have Barack Obama and the hawkish American military behind them, but we have a hostage in each of our homes in the Mid-Levels or higher. Some of my friends told me they have already declared a state of emergency at home. Their maids have been made to shout "China, Madam/Sir" loudly whenever they hear the word "Spratly." They say the indocrination is working as wonderfully as when we used to shout, "Long live Chairman Mao!" at the sight of a portrait of our Great Leader during the Cultural Revolution. I'm not sure if that's going a bit too far, at least for the time being."

Chip Tsao is a best-selling author and columnist. A former reporter for the BBC, his columns have also appeared in Apple Daily, Next Magazine and CUP Magazine, among others.

This is a sad day for both satirist and Filipino that I am because Mr. Tsao simply went overboard on this one. I woudn't be surprised if his Pinay domestic helper would from now on spit on his egg-drop soup every time she prepares him his dinner. I just hope he gets to see the difference, but I doubt it very much. As I write this, a juggernaut of reactions have now inundated the HK Online website, and I expect this to drag on for quite some time, unless they pull down the article.

On the other hand, I am reminded of one patriotic tiny man who had a mouthful to say when his country was being "marginalized."

General Carlos P. Romulo.

When the design for the UN flag was subject for approval by its member-nations, General Carlos P. Romulo (head of the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council) pointed out a grand objection. The Philippines had been scratched out from the map of the world on the proposed flag. The artist explained that the omission was unavoidable, for he said it was no longer possible to include the Philippines on a world map bearing the size of a tablecloth. But the tiny man with a huge stature refused to listen at all to any and all excuses! Raising to his full height, the diminutive Tarlaqueno demanded: "I don't care how you do it, just put my country on that flag!"

Today, we have a different breed of mutant-Filipinos holding office in Malacanang Palace, and who would readily give up territory like the Spratlys to a nation of counterfeits like China, perfectly defined with racist rick-shaw operators like Chip Tsao from Hong Kong, who claims to be a former staff member of the BBC, but doesn't say he was fired for lewd behavior.

At this point, I could use a second Lim-Seng right at the Luneta all over again. But on the other hand, give the guy a break. Just make sure its one of his bones, if you know what I mean.

Lastly, if Hong Kong means "Fragrant Harbor," could Chip Tsao mean "Stinky Mooncake?"

Just asking.

(Image from http://hk-magazine.com/)

MIRIAM CRASH-LANDS

The Philippines News Agency (PNA) reports that Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago narrowly escaped injury in the aircraft she was piloting recently when she was forced to make an emergency landing in Eastern Samar because of bad weather. The Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) issued a preliminary determination that 'pilot error' contributed to the accident, and that the senator was flying in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions while only having obtained a Visual Flight Rules (VFR) single engine land rating. The absence of a post-crash fire was likely due to insufficient fuel on board. No one on the ground was injured. A photo taken at the scene (see picture above) shows the extent of damage to Senator Defensor-Santiago's aircraft.

Found at the scene of the crash were several sleeping pills, a taser gun and a torn straightjacket.

(Image from http://philippinecommentary.blogspot.com/)

PULPIT FICTION

Question: What is the difference between alcoholics and drunkards?
Answer: Alcoholics attend meetings. Drunkards cancel them.

So, I guess it is now safe to conclude that when my former pastor is in the South, he is an alcoholic. And when he is in the North, he metamorphs into a drunkard. Figure that out yourself.

I say "former," because that is all he ever will be to me in many ways. Former pastor, former friend, former confidant, former colleague, former counselor, former life-coach and former fellow-runner of the race.

I find it really funny and stupid that a supposedly prosperity preacher would resort to peddling bracelets and necklaces on the side, that when worn would make one achieve superhuman qualities. "Super-gulang" qualities perhaps? That probably explains why to this day he continues to use our church name without permission from us. But the other one thing I really would take him to task here is why does he have to get in touch with members of our church and meet them and vend all these nonsensical items? I can always do the same to his church, but I'd like to think of myself as one who is decent and has moral values and respect for someone else's sheep. But my former pastor (okay, let's address him now as "John Doe," does that sound close enough for you?) would be the opposite, and would poach on waters not in his turf. I say "poach" because that is really what he has been doing - fishing unlawfully. A poacher is by nature one who doesn't care how he catches his meal for the day, just as long as he gets it and does so in a "quick, before I get caught" fashion. And this action of his is a blatant display of arrogance and hypocrisy which has to be addressed immediately. If you ask me, I believe he should be fired again from his current church in the same manner we fired him when he resorted to alcohol abuse resulting to drunkenness and immoral behavior unbecoming of a pastor and "life-coach," which was happening nightly to this day. He continues to bring shame and toxicity to the noble vocation of being a pastor. His accountability pastor was even so surprised to find out during one of their counseling sessions that our John Doe was devastated to have lost a huge amount of monthly income, but didn't care at all losing the ministry. But I really am not surprised at this revelation. You, a prosperity preacher? Whose prosperity are we talking about here? You and your cabal of "Tupperware salesmen" I'm sure. (with apologies to all former Tupperware salespeople for this unfair comparison). Step down and bring back decency in the title "Pastor." Step down and shed off that sheep's clothing and run off like a rabid lone wolf in search of its pack. Otherwise, I may be forced to declare the Hunting Season as "OPEN."

(Image from http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r8/Lupine71/)

MAKE ANOTHER WISH

FG Mike was walking along the beach when he stumbled upon a genie's lamp.

He picked it up and rubbed it and lo and behold, a genie appeared. Mike was amazed and asked if he got three wishes.

The genie said, "No sir. Due to inflation, constant down-sizing, layoffs, a shaky stock market, low wages and fierce global competition, I can only grant you one wish. So, what will it be?"

"I want to be remembered for bringing decency in Malacanang, instead of the other stuff like smuggling operations, money-laundering and the World Bank mess, and for peace in Mindanao. See this Philippine map? I want Christians and Muslims to stop fighting with each other."

The genie looked at the map of the Philippines and exclaimed, "Oh, but these Filipinos have been fighting each other for many many years. Im good, but not that good. I don' think it can be done. Make another wish."

Mike thought for a minute and said, "You know, Pinoys don't like my wife at all. Even though she got elected, they call her a liar, a crook and a cheat. They think she's evil and ugly, and talks like a cheap parrot. I wish for everybody to like her. That's all I want."

The genie let out a long sigh and said, "Lemme see that map again!"

(Image from http://www.newsflash.org/)

JAIL TO THE CHIEF!

Our Constitution was not written on sand only to be washed away by a roguery of self-serving politicians like Speaker Boy Nograles and Rep. Ed Zialcita, allied with Gloria Arroyo, blown in by the political wind, otherwise known as the Arroyo regime's corrupt, polluted air.

On that note, before GMA and her storm-troopers have it their way changing our Constitution, perhaps it would be a good reminder for all to see what kind of legacy they really will be leaving behind.

The following best describes it all:

- $500 million IMPSA/Napocor/Argentine deal c/o Sec. Nani Perez
- NAIA-3 project/Germany's Fraport AG
- Grossly overpriced P1.2 billion PEA-Diosdado Macapagal Highway (Dioscopo Napacamahal Highway)
- PCSO ads and the multi-million peso funds mis-use
- SBMA smuggling operations
- BCDA loss of AFP modernization funds
- Camp John Hay Baguio rentals
- Poro Point revenues
- PhilHealth cards
- Joc-Joc Bolante's P728 million fertilizer scam
- OWWA fund diversion
- PAGCOR secret deals with the clergy, media and government officials
- DPWH contracts including the Road-User's tax
- $329 million grossly overpriced ZTE-NBN mess c/0 Chairman Ben Abalos
- North Rail's 'railroaded' projects
- South Rail's 'railroaded' project
- DoTC contracts including RORO ports and local airports misu-use of funds
- Anomalous TRANSCO bidding
- NFA rice mess up
- SPRATLYS sell-out to China
- "Hello Garci" scandal, Lintang Bedol's magic, and Gloria's 'manufactured mandate'
- P1.3 billion missing irrigation funds
- Anomalous VENABLE contract c/o Sec. Bert Gonzales
- P5 billion Swine Scam c/o pigs in government
- Jose Pidal kickback accounts
- P2 billion National Food Fund loss in 2005
- Grossly overpriced lamp posts (from P16,000 to P300,000 each) in Gloria's Cebu c/o DPWH
- $1.3 billion crooked COMELEC Computerization deal
- $147 million DA/Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act (authored by Sen. Ed Angara)
(The DA has mis-used these funds)

And now, the LEGACY mess of Celso Delos Angeles. And the list goes on.

Shall we simply give them our Constitution on a silver platter for them to amend and contaminate with their filthy hands, and pave the way for Gloria Arroyo's perpetuation to power? Let us now examine their credibility and coming legacy, and then, let the sovereign Filipino nation decide.



(Image from http://indymedia.org/)

THREE PRESIDENTS AND A NOT-SO LADY

One night, Gloria Arroyo is awakened by President Manuel Quezon's ghost in Malacanang. Gloria asks: "Mishter Preshident, what ish the besht thing I can do to shave the Philippinsh?"

"Don't pursue Charter Change, listen to your countrymen, and always set an honest and honorable example, just as I did," Quezon advises.

The next night, the ghost of President Elpidio Quirino moves through the dark bedroom. "Mishter Preshident," Gloria asks, "What ish the besht thing I can do to shave the Philippinsh?"

"Cut taxes, fight corruption, and settle your legitimacy issue once and for all," Quirino advises.

Gloria isn't sleeping well the next night while FG Mike as usual is snoring like a warthog, clutching his favorite coloring book. She sees another figure moving in the shadows. It's President Ramon Magsaysay's ghost! "Mishter Preshident," again Gloria asks, "What ish the besht thing I can do to shave the Philippinsh?"

Magsaysay answers: "GO RIDE A PLANE."

(Image from http://geocities.com/CollegePark/Pool/1644/bigpres.jpg/

PHILIPPINE CROCODILE (CROCODYLUS MINDORENSIS CONGRESSMANUS)

I recently visited the Batasan Pambansa to meet a former staff member of mine who now works for one of the elected officials there. I was so surprised to see the latest imports bearing the #8 on them. The most beautiful and expensive vehicles can be found right at the Batasan. Well, what do you expect? They now have a Speaker who has evolved from a tweeter to a boom-box. He sure is living it up as well. They all are. I immediately thought that being a congressman was always equivalent to being filthy rich. Since there was no session that hour I was there, many of the congressmen were just casually dressed, but wore the latest Lacoste shirts with that little crocodile on them. Imagine that, a tiny crocodile on a big crocodile. Funny, but true. Methinks congressmen are from a diffrent species of crocs. They're both land and water creatures, which means they are amphibious. They can easily adapt to the environment and climate change, and will always be more accomodating during the campaign season. They are Pachyderms. Once elected, their body clocks automatically switch to "hibernate" mode, which means that you'll have to wait the whole summer season until you get a satisfactory attention from them. But we never learn. We elect their offsprings to the very same positions they once occupied. It's called "dynasty." I guess we're just simply too familiar and stuck with the system already, and that's why the 'Dynasty Bill' will never prosper in Congress. And the Cayman congressman will always put the 'nasty' in dynasty. Before leaving the Batasan, my friend whispered to me that this year just like last year, there won't be any 'Nativity Scene' again in Congress. I asked why and he said, "They probably won't be able to find again even just three wise men and a virgin right here. Only enough asses amongst themselves to fill the stable!"

(Image from http://iucncsg.org/)

THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER

Classic Version:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the rainy season.

The grasshopper thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come rainy season, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter so he dies out in the cold.


Modern Version:

The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the rainy season.

The grasshopper thinks he's a fool and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.

Come rainy season, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and fed while others are cold and starving.

GMA7 and ABS-CBN show up to provide images of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

The Philippines is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of filthy-rich crooks in government, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so much?

Mike Arroyo appears on Wowowee with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing with Willie Revillame, "It's not easy being green."

"Civil Society" stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house where the news stations film the group singing, "We shall overcome." Leaders of an inter-faith group has everyone kneel down to pray for the grasshopper's sake.

Boy Nograles exclaims in an interview with Boy Abunda that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and tells Congress to create a committee to study the possibility of passing a law imposing an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his "fair share."

Finally, NEDA drafts the "Economic Equity and Anti-Ant Act," (EEAAA) retroactive to the beginning of the summer season.

The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the the DENR led by Lito Atienza, as suggested to him by his "boyfriend" Manny Pacquiao.

The Gloria Arroyo Republic Court Inc. (GARCI) hears the case filed by the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, tried before a panel of member-judges hand-picked by Raul Gonzalez from a list of senile/senior citizens welfare recipients.

The ant loses the case.

The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.

The ant is swept away by the flood.

The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident somewhere in Alabang, and the house now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of cockroaches trained by Bayani Fernando, and on orders to paint its fences pink, with the corresponding slogan, "Metro Gagito in 2008, Metro Gago in 2010!"

(Image from http://www.itulip.com/)

A PRESIDENTIAL SACRIFICE WE WOULDN'T WANT TO HAPPEN

Indeed, we have a president with tons of guts. No morals, just tons of guts - and the nerve. Sometimes I wonder, who is giving who a bad name? Her husband from her point of view, or his wife from his point of view? But from our points of view, they both give a bad name to our country, and they have been doing so since grabbing the throne from President Estrada. Is it then a wonder why US President Barack Obama would rather do more important things like say, play basketball with the "brothers," instead of meeting with a corrupt power-grabber who tries her best to correct the wrong that has been done, at the expense of the Filipino people? Obama knows better, and his foreign policy is simple: avoid that presidential squatter. Look where we are today. We have crooks in government who keep getting away with their crimes. Thanks to a partisan Supreme Court and a lame and useless justice secretary who makes an ass of himself each time he opens his mouth, not to mention that he almost always defends the one that has too many defenses already, and then ridicules the helpless victims of injustice. I think it's high time Raul Gonzalez retire and just do Sudoku. But even that he cannot solve! Where now are the likes of Nani Perez, Virgilio Garcillano, Lintang Bedol, Ben Abalos, Carlos Garcia, Joc-Joc Bolante and more of these enemies of the Filipino people? They who have screwed our nation big-time, thanks to a willing administration and its allies in the military and police, the legislature, the judiciary and the executive branch. So now, they still roam our streets and walk among us like free men that they should not be.

I'd like to think that one day, Gloria will wake up from her moral slumber and do the ultimate presidential sacrifice for the Filipino nation. No, not to resign, that's too light a price to pay. After all, she is capable of doing even the unthinkable and the most vile. She will do anything, and I mean everything just to stay in power. This story might help explain what I mean ...

During a recent publicity stunt, Gloria sneaked off to visit a fortune teller of some local repute.

In a dark and hazy room, peering into a crystal ball, the mystic delivered grave news.

"There's no easy way to say this, so I'll just be blunt: Prepare yourself to be a widow. Your husband will die a violent and horrible death this year."

Visibly shaken, Gloria stared at the woman's lined face, then at the single flickering candle, then down at her hands. She took a few deep breaths to compose herself. She simply had to know. She met the fortune teller's gaze, steadied her voice, and asked her question:

"WILL I BE ACQUITTED??"

(Image from http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1237/869126730_25578e6b63_m.jpg/)

FEED YOUR SHEEP, NOT YOURSELVES

Men in business who hear a "calling" to enter the ministry of evangelism may be a noble thing to answer. But, when you are a man of God - a pastor, having attended Bible school and seminary, and then venture into business to make that extra cash, then something is definitely wrong with your faith, or whatever is left of it, especially if you are identified as a prosperity teacher. What I find so unfair in this situation is that you simply take advantage of your congregation when it comes to selling your wares. From a church member's standpoint, it would be quite difficult to turn away your pastor when he knocks on your door or rings your phone and tells you he has some items you may be interested to buy. Why so? Because that same congregation is his natural market and they would find it quite difficult to turn him down. And that is why networking companies and their leaders target pastors today to sell their business, for the simple reason that they already have the prospective buyers in the palms of their hands.

When a pastor is called to serve God, and then answers that call, he must not take lightly the task that comes with it as to get involved with other things outside the ministry. This cheapens the nobility of doing God's work here on Earth. Sadly so today, we hear of legions of men of God being lured into the networking business to earn fast money. This is all too bothersome as to openly show their flock that their faith isn't strong enough as to rely on God's unlimited supply of blessings to those who would obey His command to spread the Gospel unto the far reaches of the Earth. Proven fact: if you take care of God's business, He will take care of your needs. Joining a business venture with other pastors is simply a collective manner of "untrusting" God and cheapening the vocation. That is why the best solution really is - if you're a pastor, stay as one. Period. Your hands should be too full to get involved with other "worldly" matters.

I don't like to kick a man when he is down, and I believe in loyalty to friends. But when a man repeatedly commits horrendous sins and presents himself as a man of God (with all that implies), then I no longer consider him as a friend when he proves that he was not what was represented. He was a friend yesterday, but an enemy today. He betrayed his Savior, his ordination vows, his wife and friends who greatly respected him. He betrayed his church - God's church. And doing a great amount of good never negates the evil. My personal belief is simple: "transfering" an erring pastor from one church to another is simply allowing him to continue his lechery and treachery, because he had already lost his right to be in the pulpit. And if there is any shame left in him, he should just stop being a pastor and just be himself and join his money-faced networkers. Friends of his who put money above God. Ex-pastors like him who own black-colored Bibles that have now turned gray due to the accumulate dust. But I have since forgiven him, and it is my sincere prayer that he shall soon see the light, and this time, not walk away from it again. Instead, run towards it and come clean before the very same God we both call upon and who answers us in good times and in bad.

(Image from http://netministry.com/)

ASIAN TIES IN ASEAN'S THAI

Legend has it that the wide world of the SouthEast Asian region was born out of a potent union of the Earth's Indian and Pacific Ocean plates. The region varies from the pastoral landscape of NorthWest Vietnam to the lush forests of Burma, to the lower Himalayas and the snow-covered peaks of Irian Jaya.

And then, from the Himalayas emerged the mountain chain of continental SouthEast Asia down the SouthWest Pacific and the beautiful islands that have appeared out to the South China Sea and on to Austronesia.

This great natural threshold between the Indian and Pacific Oceans contribute to the individuality of the SouthEast Asian peoples, brimming with grandiose diversity, birthing many cultures, different in several aspects, yet similar in many fundamental traits.

SouthEast Asia's geography and topography contribute greatly to the history and life of its colorful civilizations. Against this background, Thailand today plays host to another ASEAN SUMMIT (forum) of the ten countries belonging to the Association of SouthEast Asian Nations - The ASEAN.

These are the great nations of Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, The Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Some periods of our mutual past may have failed at mutual understanding, but our world today has no excuses. For even today, many of us are still ignorant of each other despite the instruments of communication and the speed of the information highway or 'infobahn,' Media may produce an awareness of other cultures, but it is an awareness at times replete with prejudice. What we really need now is a purity of soul.

Our heritage binds us together. Our dreams appear from a common horizon. Our lands remain sacred to our people and our region, despite intermittent alien intervention. We have given such names to our memories and we have drawn the image of our future with the common language we all speak: the language of cooperative unity.

We have transcended borders to form this new identity, and it is our intent to face both Asia and the West, the People's Republic of China in the mainland and the United States of America across the Pacific, as a union of collective strengths with all the energy our individual nations may offer.

May this forum be more than the sum of its members.

May our limitations be the source of our greatness. May the avenues of cooperation and understanding be unclogged and fluent. And may the protocols at the end of the day bring harmony and unity, progress and justice to each of us and to the world beyond our sandy white shores.

(Image from http://www.voanews.com/)

PAGUIA ON RIGHT OF REPLY BILL

Here is a brilliant legal comment from law professor Alan Paguia, who I now address as "Justice Paguia," a true legal luminary who loves the Rule of Law and follows it faithfully, unlike many lawyers who are simply infatuated with the law, cheat on it and fool around with it.

On Senator Aquilino Quilingquing Pimentel's Senate bill on the Right of Reply:

"If you criticize an individual on print, radio or television, the proposed law gives him the "right of reply." If the owner, editor or station manager fails or refuses to give equal space for reply when requested, that person incurs criminal liability, and a fine and/or an imprisonment of not more than 30 days." "What is wrong with this bill? As far as public officials are concerned, they are given the 'right,' instead of the 'duty to reply.' Thus, the bill weakens, instead of strengthens, public accountability."

Indeed, our senators should study this bill carefully, wouldn't you agree? What say you, "panyero" Leon Guerrero?

(Image from http://www.chanrobles.com/)

BATASAN PAMBANSA VOTES TO OUTSOURCE THE PRESIDENCY

Batasan Pambansa, Quezon City --

Congress today announced that the Office of the President will be outsourced to India soon. The move is being made in order to save the President's yearly salary, and also a record billions in pesos in deficit expenditures and related overhead that the premier office has incurred during the last 8 years. It is anticipated that several billions of pesos will be saved to the end of GMA's term (if she really does step down). "We believe this is a wise financial move. The cost savings are huge," stated Speaker Prospero 'Boy' Nograles. "We cannot remain competitive on the world stage with the current level of cash outlay," Nograles noted.

President Arroyo was informed by e-mail this morning of her termination. A member of the Malacanang Press Corps was present to explain the congressional decision to Press Secretary Cerge Remonde in simpler terms.

Sanjay Singh, a tele-technician for Indee-Ya Teleservices, Mumbai, India will assume the Office of the President shortly. Mr. Singh was born in Paco, Manila, while his Indian parents were vacationing in the Philippines, thus making him eligible for the position. He will receive a salary of PhP 45,000 a month, but no health coverage or other benefits.

It is believed that Mr. Singh will be able to handle his job responsibilities without a support staff. He will instead be working at night, similar to a call-center job. "Working nights will allow me to keep my day job at the Dell Computer factory," stated Mr. Singh in an exclusive interview. "I am excited about this position. I always dreamed of being president of something someday."

A staff member of Speaker Nograles' office noted that while Mr. Singh may not be fully aware of all the issues involved in the Office of the President, this should not be a problem as President Arroyo has never had a clue either.

Mr. Singh will rely upon a script tree that will enable him to respond effectively to most topics of concern. Using these canned responses, he can address common concerns without having to understand the underlying issues at all. "We know these scripting tools work," stated the staff member. "President Arroyo has utilized them successfully for years, with the result that many Filipinos actually thought she knew what she was talking about. But then, even Vice-President Noli de Castro is still clueless to this day."

President Arroyo may have difficulty in securing a new position for lack of any moral credentials whatsoever.

Hobbit House Manila has expressed interest in hiring her as floor manager.

(Image from http://bbc.co.uk/)

QUESO CITY: A RAT'S HAVEN

Prof. Alan Paguia, who lives in the QC 'Scout' area says, "Illegal gambling is spreading in Quezon City. Not content with being the "sex capital of the Philippines," Quezon City is now also a gambling haven, and it's all illegal. No Pagcor presence. Jueteng is flourishing. Bookie joints are everywhere in Cubao. Like the prostitution joints and gay bars, illegal gambling in QC must be getting some kind of protection from City Hall, otherwise, they could not have had it this good. Where is the Philippine National Police (PNP) in all these? Where is the Rule of Law in all these? What we see here is a government with the shadow of a criminal syndicate."

I couldn't agree more with Prof. Paguia's observation. I may not be a resident of Quezon City, but I certainly go there at least twice a week and I see all these places he is talking about. They're all over the Quezon Avenue strip. And on Paguia's query on the PNP's presence? Well, they're all over the place as well, giving protection to these prostitution syndicates. You see them every single night collecting "protection fees" from managers and operators of these bars and similar establishments. And who are really the frequent patrons of these girlie bars? People in high places, sporting low-numbered plates, and all types of lords. For a country that boasts of being the "only Christian nation in Asia" (this is a big lie!), we sure know how to show our neighbors the Christian way of living. Time to help SB and Bistek!

(Image from http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/114620513_35a3d89060_m.jpg/)

THE MAKATI (MIND YOUR OWN) BUSINESS CLUB

The anniversary of EDSA 1 is just around the corner. I wonder if our revolutionary hero Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile will be attending this time since he is now more identified with the present administration. Oh well, such is politics. Again, I expect the anniversary rites to be attended by people who were never really part of that popular uprising 23 years ago. People like ... well, you know who they are. You'll see them again grandstanding in a few days. With memories of EDSA 1, one cannot really brush aside its 'political progeny,' EDSA 2. It was in essence a conspiracy between then Vice-President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her cohorts, Gen. Angelo Reyes and party, and of course the tainted Hilario Davide Jr., then Supreme Court Chief Justice. And of course too, how can one ever forget the politically motivated and biased Makati Business Club then with the likes of Jose 'JoeCon' Concepcion and his equally-biased Namfrel, and Filipino-Canadian Guillermo 'Bill' Luz. And some things never change. Take this classic case for example: Some months ago, the Makati Business Club showed extreme concern with the decision of the Supreme Court in the case of Romulo Neri versus the Senate Committee on Accountability of Public Officers and Investigations, et al. (G.R. No. 180643). Its decision has given a greater value to executive privilege than to the more important matter which is simply that of the public's right to know, which therefore such progressive standards of transparency must at all times be practiced. In addition, it gives the effect of restricting the ability of the legislature to act as a countervailing force against executive abuse.

While all due respect to the Supreme Court must be shown, as we must at all times respect the rule of law, we certainly hope that this is not the final word on the matter at hand. The Senate now under the leadership of Juan Ponce Enrile must challenge that decision as it is in their best interest, and that of the Filipino people. And since the vote was NOT a resounding mandate in favor of executive privilege, the citizenry trusts that the justices would thereby consider society's (not "civil society," please) need for a greater transparency, and thus give more "punch" in future deliberations in favor of the right to public information.

Henceforth, the Makati Business Club has its only self to blame for the violation of the rule of law in the level of the Supreme Court. The MBC never complained or threw tantrums when the Supreme Court installed Gloria Arroyo in substitution of Joseph Estrada. That was an unconstitutional act on the part of the Supreme Court because clearly, Erap was NEVER convicted in the impeachment case filed against him. Under our constitution, a duly-elected (and sitting) president may be removed only after conviction in an impeachment proceeding before the Senate. The MBC did not complain (and throw tantrums) then. It never liked Erap's "uncouth" style of running the government. And so, it went along with the Supreme Court in the UNCONSTITUTIONAL removal of Estrada. Obviously, Gloria has learned much from this trick, that's why she has filled the SC with her personal appointees who now invariably decide in her favor regardless or in spite of constitutional provisions to the contrary.

Executive privilege does not exist under our constitution. It is CONTRARY to public accountability. It constitutes official secrecy which is against public policy of transparency in government transactions. The MBC, after tolerating the SC violation of the rule of law in the unconstitutional removal of Estrada has only its self, along with the other "rah-rah boys" and spin-doctors of EDSA 2, to blame for the PRECEDENTED and CONTINUING violation of the rule of law in our exploited nation, thanks to its "squatters in government." The MBC, along with several others, for the sins they have committed against the 1987 Constitution, shall from thereon remain accountable to the Filipino people. Let our historians write about these characters on our next-generation history books for all to read and to know the conspiracy that was EDSA 2.

(Image from http://www.mbc.com.ph/)

EXPRESS THE WILL OF THE PEOPLE!

Tired of her rock-bottom approval ratings, President Gloria Arroyo called up DoJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez and said, "I want your very best NBI agent over here first thing in the morning!"

Moments later, a call went to Zamboanga, and the most gifted Filipino agent was headed for Malacanang Palace.

The next morning, the agent was escorted into the presidential office. President Arroyo said, "I hear you're the best in the business. I can't trust what my staff tells me. So, I want you to visit every region in the archipelago and every city too. I want you to stay out on the road until you have an idea of what the vast majority of Filipinos would like to see happen right here in Malacanang. Understand?"

The NBI agent responded in the affirmative. He left the palace and wasn't heard from for nearly four months. Finally, he showed up early one Saturday morning, and the president saw him immediately.

The president asked, "Did you find out what an overwhelming majority of Filipinos want done here in this office?"

"Yes madame president!"

"Well, then, express the will of the people!" the president ordered.

So the agent stood up, made a fist, and punched her in the nose.

(Image from http://www.fightingarts.com/)

ROADKILL REVELATION

Long after she had been ousted by a coup, Gloria Arroyo and her driver were cruising along MacArthur Highway one evening when a dog loomed in front of their car. The driver tried to avoid it but couldn't. The aged canine was struck and was killed instantly. Gloria told her driver to go up to the house on the roadside and explain to the owners what had happened. She stayed in the car making phone calls to lobbyists. About an hour later, the driver staggered back to the car with his clothes in disarray. He was holding a half-empty bottle of expensive whiskey in one hand, and an expensive cigar in the other, and was smiling happily, smeared with lipstick.

"What happened to you?" asked Gloria.

"Well," the driver replied, "the farmer gave me this cigar, and his wife gave me whiskey."

"My God, what have you told them?" asked Gloria. The driver replied, "I just stepped inside the house and said, "I'm Gloria Arroyo's driver and I've just killed the old dog!"

"The rest happened so fast I couldn't stop it."

(Image from http://bbc.co.uk/)

SAKIT-SAKITAN

Are you a fugitive running from the law who needs a temporary place to hide while pretending to be sick? If you are, then St. Luke's Hospital is the ideal place to go. It's your "home away from jail." There, you could be in the company of other felons who suddenly suffer from various sicknesses and ailments otherwise known as "ill-gotten health," whenever confronted by the words "invitation" or "subpoena." You may also arrange for some doctors there to act as your spokespersons where they are well-trained to appear before the media and Senate/Congress officers. At your lawyer's insistence, they can also insist on your grave health condition especially when you are invited to appear the same day before a panel of interrogators a.k.a. grandstanders. 24/7 security, internet connection and unlimited supply of relaxing coffee to soothe your nerves. Call today for reservations, and get that much-needed escape from lawbreakers in disguise as lawmakers.


Paid for by the friends of Mike Arroyo, Joc-Joc Bolante and Jaime Paule.

(Image from http://professionalheckler.wordpress.com/)

GLORIANIUM

Filipino scientists achieved a milestone recently after discovering what they now claim to be "the heaviest and the most unstable element known to science." The new element has been appropriately named "Glorianium." It has 1 neutron, 12 assistant neutrons, 75 deputy neutrons, and 11 assistant deputy neutrons, giving an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons.

Since Glorianium has no electrons, it is inert. However, it can be detected as it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Glorianium causes one reaction to take over 4 days to complete when it would normally take less than a second.

Glorianium has a normal half-life of 6 years, but acts and reacts just like its cousin Diktatorium. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places. In fact, Glorianium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization causes some morons to become neutrons, forming iso-dopes.

This characteristic of moron-promotion leads some Filipino scientists to speculate that Glorianium is formed whenever morons reach a certain quantity in concentration.

This hypothetical quantity is referred to as "Critical Morass."

(Image from http://manila.indymedia.org/)

FENCE-FIXING

Three contractors were bidding to fix a broken fence in Malacanang Palace, and were being interviewed by no less than FG Mike himself. Two were private contractors and the other was the MMDA. The first one takes out a tape measure and does some measuring, then works some figures with a pencil. "Well," he says, "I figure the job will run about 2.1 million pesos: 1 million pesos for materials, 1 million pesos for my equipment and crew, and 100 thousand pesos profit for me."

The second contractor also does some measuring and figuring, and says, "I can do this job for 1.6 million pesos: 750 thousand pesos for materials, 750 thousand pesos for my equipment and crew, and 100 thousand pesos profit for me."

Then comes the third contractor, an engineer from the MMDA. He doesn't do any measuring at all, but instead makes a phone call to his boss. "Opo chairman, akong bahala!" Then, he approaches FG Mike and whispers, "3.6 million pesos."

FG Mike is incredulous and whispers back, "'Di ka nag-measure like the other two guys! How did you come up with such a higher figure, que horor!?"

The MMDA engineer whispers back, "1 million for you, and 1 million for me, and we hire the second guy to fix the fence!"

"DONE!"

(Image from http://www.pinoyweekly.org/)

MEN AND WOMEN DRIVING THRU AN ATM: A COMPARISON

With apologies to my women (lady driver) friends for this post. May they never run me over when they see me walking the streets!

MEN:

1. Pull up to ATM
2. Insert card
3. Enter PIN
4. Take cash, card and receipt

WOMEN:

1. Pull up to ATM
2. Check make-up in rear-view mirror
3. Shut off engine
4. Put keys in purse
5. Get out of car because you're too far from machine
6. Hunt for card in purse
7. Insert card
8. Hunt in purse for slip of paper with PIN written on it
9. Enter PIN
10. Study instructions for at least 2 minutes
11. Hit "cancel"
12. Re-enter correct PIN
13. Hit "cancel"
14. Call husband to get correct PIN
15. Check balance
16. Look for envelope
17. Look in purse for pen
18. Make out deposit slip
19. Endorse checks
20. Make deposit
21. Study instructions
22. Make cash withdrawal
23. Get in car
24. Check make-up
25. Look for keys
26. Start car
27. Check make-up
28. Start pulling away
29. STOP!
30. Back up to machine
31. Get out of car
32. Take card and receipt
33. Get back in car
34. Put card in wallet
35. Put receipt in checkbook
36. Enter deposits and withdrawals in checkbook
37. Clear area in purse for wallet and checkbook
38. Check make-up
39. Put car in gear
40. Put car in drive
41. Drive away from machine
42. Travel 3 kilometers
43. Release parking brake!

(Image from http://www.farmersstate.com/)

EL FALLO DEL JUEZ ES INAPELABLE

Jai-Alai or Pelota Basca is a game close to my heart, having watched my father play the game as an amateur pelotari at a local Cancha or at the main fronton on Taft Avenue with the late great Don Enrique Zobel and other Spanish-mestizo gents. I was a very young boy then, and I thought that the game had something to do with men who played the game just had real "cojones." Some time last year, the Arroyo administration, known for its fondness for gambling, not to mention its milking cow Pagcor, invited possible investors for the planned relaunch of Jai-Alai in the country. If you recall, Jai-Alai was first played over a hundred years ago in its first venue along Taft Avenue, Manila, with its historic art-deco building. But that part of our history is gone forever, thanks to the callousness and self-serving Lito Atienza, who was then mayor of Manila. After the Taft operations shut down, Jai-Alai again saw life when Belle Corporation and Filipinas Gaming Entertainment Totalisator Corporation (FilGame), in partnership with Pagcor, re-opened Jai-Alai games to the public in a new 2,600-seat venue in Manila, just next to the Harrison Plaza. Both Basque and Pinoy players competed against each other to the delight of betting fans and spectators. The games were banned in 1986 by the Aquino administration after a game-fixing scandal. Then, an attempt to resurrect the games was made in 1994, but the Supreme Court banned it again on the grounds that gambling was against national interest and that the games had to be franchised only by the national government. Pagcor said it sought clearance from the Department of Justice (DoJ) and from Malacanang for its resumption, but several senators and the Catholic church had opposed its re-launch, declaring that it victimizes low-income groups which cannot afford to gamble.

Today, things are under way for its resumption (again) far from Manila. Its new venue will be in the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), brainchild of newly-installed Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile Sr. The invitation was presented by CEZA CEO and administrator Jose Mari Ponce during the opening day of a two-day Spain-Philippines business meet held last year. CEZA is a government unit under the Office of the President, and operates/manages a 50,000 hectare eco-zone in Cagayan. In his speech last year, Ponce encouraged Spanish investors to set up the Jai-Alai games in Cagayan. His speech has now reaped much fruit. For not only did the Spaniards reciprocate favorably, it even reeled in a local gambling lord in the person of Charlie 'Atong' Ang who stands to be the local partner of the Spaniards with the blessings of the masters of Cagayan Province. With this, CEZA could well become the virtual gaming center in the country. It is said that through virtual gaming, clients may play the games through proxies without necessarily being present there. Asked about the historical opposition of several sectors to Jai-Alai and other forms of gambling, CEZA PR head Chris Valenzona said that although the proposed games encouraged betting, local bets will never be allowed. Well, that remains to be seen. Easy to say that, because greed does have a way of creeping into the noblest of intentions. For even if these were to be exclusive to foreign players such as the Chinese and Koreans who are among the biggest clients of CEZA, Pinoys will always want a piece of the action, especially if it's a fast way to make a pile. In 2007, CEZA raised PhP110 million in revenues where 90 percent comes from casino earnings. With the construction of the airport, CEZA revenues were projected to double to over PhP200 million last year. CEZA's virtual gaming operations are cornered by its major locator, the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation. It also is a joint-venture partner of CEZA. So, it seems that the Eusko Group of Spain has found a local partner in Atong Ang. With this, methinks that the gaming syndicates are already planning something lucrative for them as well. But everything is in the bag now, and the judge's decision is final, or should I say, "El fallo del juez es inapelable," and who would dare cross paths with Enrile and question the re-opening of the Jai-Alai games in his Republic of Cagayan, especially now that he is the third most powerful man in the country.

(Images from http://media.collegepublisher.com/ & http://www.fotosearch.com/)

CITIBANK: YOUR PESTIFEROUS BANK

I sure know how it feels when a friend told me this story about her friend's silly experience with a CitiBank (Philippines) call center agent and her supervisor. You see, I too have been "victimized" in another way by persistent calls from outbound agents with the same bank insisting that I was the delinquent CitiCard customer I never was. After convincing them at last after some 30 or so calls which continued day after day that I wasn't Mrs. Amparo Sevilla (couldn't they tell from my voice?), they finally stopped bugging me. I hope. They even sent me a barrage of annoying text messages from their number 0917-8902327 telling me to avail of their payment assistance by calling the number 995-5486. This was the same message I received like a swarm of bees attacking me for many days: "1/2 CITI: Records show that your Citi Card account is 2 months overdue. Please settle it immediately to avoid cancellation of your enrollment in our ... 2/2 Payment Assistance Program. Please call 9955486 for available payment options that can work better for you. Terms and conditions apply." Now, at first you just brush it aside. But after several calls and messages with the same words, you just want to call back the bank and say: "There's a bomb in your building ... It will go off the moment it detects enough number of dumb telephone personnel ..." It's hard to imagine a big bank such as CitiBank could make a mindless mistake such as this. Don't they do their homework in their offices? Back to my friend's story, and here goes:

My favorite uncle passed away in September 2008. CitiBank billed him for October and November for their monthly service charge on his credit card, and then added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been PhP0.00. Now, it's somewhere close to several hundred pesos. I placed the following phone call to CitiBank.

Friend: "I'm calling to tell you that he died in September."
CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply."
Friend: "Maybe, you should turn it over to collections."
CitiBank: "Since it has been a few months past due, it already has been."
Friend: "So, what will they do when they find out he's already dead?"
CitiBank: "They'll probably report his account to frauds division."
Friend: "Do you think God will be mad at him?"
CitiBank: "Excuse me?"
Friend: "Did you just get what I was telling you, the part about him being dead, or do you need more evidence like a dead body?"

CitiBank: "Ma'am, you'll have to speak to my supervisor!"
(Supervisor gets on the phone)
Friend: "I'm calling to tell you he died in September."
CitiBank: "The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply."
Friend: "You mean you want to collect from his estate?"
CitiBank: "... (stammer)"
CitiBank: "Are you his lawyer?"
Friend: "No, I'm his niece." (Lawyer info given ...)
CitiBank: "Could you fax us a certificate of death?"
Friend: "Sure." (Fax number is given)
(After they get the fax)
CitiBank: "Our system just isn't set up for death."
Friend: "Oh."
CitiBank: "I don't know what more I can do to help."
Friend: "Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing him, I suppose he really won't care anymore this time."
CitiBank: "Well, the late fees and charges do still apply."
Friend: "Would you like his new billing address?"
CitiBank: "That might help."
Friend: "Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Paranaque City, plot # 362-B
CitiBank: "Ma'am, that's a cemetery!"
Friend: "What do you do with dead people on your planet?!?"

(Image from http://www.cbruen.com/)

BISTEK'S OVERKILL

Just last night, I received a text message from a friend who was having his usual coffee treat at his favorite UCC Coffee on Tomas Morato, QC. He was barely on his third sip when suddenly, a deluge of white Mitsubishi Adventure vehicles (three or four) complete with blinkers and sirens, arrived tailing a Suburban which was being escorted by a motorcycle cop. The passenger was Quezon City Vice-Mayor Herbert Bautista who was entering a next-door spa. His "arrival" I was told caused quite a commotion, sort of an "animal arrive," or "hayop ang dating." Upon alighting from his vehicle, his security detail were acting a la secret service men. Okay, I'm over-reacting again. But who really is over-acting here? Herbert is ONLY a vice-mayor. Does he have to "announce" his arrival for all to see? There's always a discreet way of going to places you see. Methinks he overdid it last night, as probably in other similar occasions. In a country where wealth and power are openly displayed, it would be wise to not display them so much as to cause quite a stir. Not to mention the anger from citizens who think so lowly of people in elected and appointive positions. Tip: Arrival 101: Discreetly and Stealthily.

(Image from http://www.yehey.com/

KAFFEEKLATSCH

Many of the ancient Roman walls were built and compacted with excellent cement that it would be unthinkable to separate one stone from the other. Truth is, the whole mass has become consolidated like one rock, so embedded in cement that it is extremely difficult to distinguish one stone from another.

Blessed is a church that is built in this manner, where each member cares not only for his own well-being, but also for all - where, if there be any joy in one member, all the members rejoice and, if there be sadness in any one part of that body, all the rest are in sadness as well, "remembering those that are in bonds as bound with them, and those that are in adversity as being, yourselves, also in the body."

And yet, what are some of these churches in our communities but semi-religious clubs and mutual admiration kaffeeklatsch and mere conventions of people grouped together. They have not in them that holy soul which is the essence of unity. Why, the body would soon become disjointed and a mass of rottenness if the soul were not in it and if the head itself is rotten. And, if God's Spirit is not present, the whole fabric of the outward church starts falling into pieces like worn out garment. For where there is no life, there can be no genuine unity.

(Image from http://www.siegert-binder.de/)

LIFT SUSPENSION ON ALAN PAGUIA

I was sent a copy recently of a 'MOTION TO LIFT SUSPENSION' on lawyer and law professor Alan Paguia, an esteemed friend and somewhat a teacher of mine who, for several years now has suffered from the cruelty and incompetence of then Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. by way of an indefinite suspension. Paguia's so-called crime? He simply questioned Davide and his fellow-justices of the Supreme Court on their participation in the big mistake that was EDSA DOS, which the SC could not really come up with a satisfactory reason and explanation. Hence, it was easier to "silence" an upright member of the bar by slapping him with a suspension order. Davide went on to be gifted with an appointment to the United Nations, while the other justices are enjoying their retirement benefits and favors from Malacanang for a job well done. In reality, those who should really be suspended get promoted, and those who really should be rewarded for honesty and hard work and uprightness get to be thrown at the bottom of the food chain. But that is to be expected from a sitting president who never won the hearts and votes of the Filipino people. Both Davide and Arroyo are by far the worst Chief Justice and President our country ever had, and history will never be kind to them, and to the key players of EDSA DOS. With permission from Prof. Paguia, I am re-printing the motion verbatim.



MOTION TO LIFT SUSPENSION

The UNDERSIGNED COUNSEL respectfully avers before the Honorable Court that:

Resolution, dated November 25, 2003

1. Counsel was penalized with INDEFINITE SUSPENSION by the Honorable Court per the Resolution, dated November 25, 2003, the dispositive portion of which reads:

"WHEREFORE, Attorney Alan Paguia is hereby indefinitely suspended from the practice of law, effective upon his receipt hereof, for conduct unbecoming a lawyer and an officer of the Court.
Let copies of this resolution be furnished the Office of the Bar Confidant, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines and all courts of the land through the Office of the Court Administrator.

SO ORDERED."

2. What acts did the movant commit that led to his indefinite suspension? He made several public statements accusing the Justices of the Supreme Court of political partisanship when they swore in Vice President Gloria Arroyo as President, in substitution of President Joseph Estrada, during EDSA II, essentially upon his honest belief that such substitution is unconstitutional, considering the fact that President Estrada was not convicted in the impeachment case before the Senate.

Effects of Suspension

3. From November 25, 2003 up to this writing, more than five (5) years and two (2) months have passed, for the same period of time and running, movant has been effectively deprived of his professional source of livelihood.

4. In spite of his suspension, he continued his personal support for legal aid cases involving indigents, public school teachers, and public interest causes.

5. His suspension has strengthened his belief in the Filipino people, the Rule of Law, due process, equal protection, and the Supreme Court as the final dispenser of justice in this country. It has furthermore strengthened his belief in Almighty God as the ultimate source of justice.

Issue

6. WHETHER THE INDEFINITE SUSPENSION OF COUNSEL SHOULD CONTINUE?

Submission

7. The movant respectfully submits a negative answer.

7-a. The purpose of the suspension is to remind counsel of his duties as a lawyer and an officer of the Court. During the more than five (5) years and two (2) months of suspension, the purpose has been achieved. There appears no more useful purpose to continue his suspension from the practice of law.

7-b. Movant-counsel and his family have suffered enough.

7-c. The imposition of disciplinary measures, such as the subject suspension, is founded, not on the vindictive, but on the preservative principle. Unless his suspension is lifted soon by the Honorable Court, his years of training in the Ateneo Law School, both as student and as professor, his experience as trial lawyer in mostly legal aid cases and public interest causes, and his belief in upholding the Rule of Law regardless of the consequences, may be adversely affected. At 54 years of age, counsel continues to feel morally and professionally committed to help build a just and humane Filipino society.

Prayer

WHEREFORE, It is respectfully prayed that the undersigned counsel's INDEFINITE SUSPENSION from the practice of law be LIFTED.

January 26, 2008


ALAN F. PAGUIA

17 Dr. Lazcano Street
Quezon City

IBP Lifetime Member No. 717
ROA No. 32673

(Image from http://3.bp.blogspot.com/)

LIAR LIAR

Sometimes, a man will sacrifice truth just to save face, no matter how thick. One of the members of his congregation who happens to be a friend of mine sent me a text message asking if it was true what their pastor was saying that he resigned from his previous church, and was not fired. I promptly replied by saying that the road to hell is paved with a lot of good PRETENTIONS.

Okay, if he says so. And on that note, this story is for him:

A minister, having served the same church for a few years decided to leave to take a similar position in another church.

Without telling anyone he had made his decision or writing a letter to the congregation, he waited until Sunday to announce his resignation in church.

When he spoke to the congregation, he said, "The same Jesus that called me to this church a few years ago has now called upon me to leave and serve another church."

Just then, the choir and the congregation all stood and sang, "What a friend we have in Jesus ..."

(Image from http://www.maths.monash.edu.au/)

WHY MEN CAN'T WRITE ADVICE COLUMNS


Dear Sir:

I hope you can help me here. The other day, I set off for work leaving my husband Johnny in the house watching the basketball games on TV as usual. I hadn't gone more than three kilometers when my engine conked out and the car shuddered to a halt. I took a taxi back home to get my husband's help.

When I got home, I couldn't believe my eyes. He was in our bedroom with our neighbor's 15 year-old daughter! The poor young girl was trembling in fear and looked like she had been crying.

I am 37, my husband is 43 and we have been married for quite some time now. When I confronted him, he tried to make up stories. But when I told him that I would tell our friends about this, he broke down and admitted that he had been doing similar stuff with other women. I told him to stop or I would leave him.

He was fired from his job five months ago and he says he has been feeling increasingly depressed and worthless. I love him very much, but ever since I gave him the ultimatum, he has become extremely distant and gets drunk almost every night. I don't feel I can get through him anymore.

Can you please help me?

Sincerely,
Nora Lou



REPLY

Dear Nora Lou:

A car stalling after being driven a short distance can be caused by a variety of faults with the engine. Start by checking that there are no debris in the fuel line. If it is clear, check the jubilee clips holding the vacuum pipes onto the inlet manifold. If none of these approaches solves the problem, it could be that the fuel pump itself is faulty or clogged, causing low delivery pressure to the carburetor float chamber. I hope this helps.

Dave

(Image from http://farm4.static.flickr.com/)

FIFTEEN BIBLICAL WAYS TO ACQUIRE A WIFE

1. Find an attractive prisoner of war, bring her home, shave her head, trim her nails, and give her new clothes. Then she's yours. - (Deuteronomy 21:11-13)
2. Find a prostitute and marry her. - (Hosea 1:1-3)
3. Find a man with seven daughters, and impress him by watering his flock. - Moses (Exodus 2:16-21)
4. Purchase a piece of property, and get a woman as part of the deal. - Boaz (Ruth 4:5-10)
5. Go to a party and hide. When the women come out to dance, grab one and carry her off to be your wife. - Benjaminites (Judges 21:19-25)
6. Have God create a wife for you while you sleep. Note: This will cost you. - Adam (Genesis 2:19-24)
7. Agree to work seven years in exchange for a woman's hand in marriage. Get tricked into marrying the wrong woman. Then work another seven years for the woman you wanted to marry in the first place. Whew! That's right, fourteen years of hard labor for a wife. - Jacob (Genesis 29:15-30)
8. Cut 200 foreskins off of your future father-in-law's enemies and get his daughter for a wife. - David (1 Samuel 18:27)
9. Even if no one is out there, just wander around a bit and you'll definitely find someone. - (It's all relative, of course) - Cain (Genesis 4:16-17)
10. Become the emperor of a huge nation and hold a beauty contest. - Xerxes or Ahasuerus (Esther 2:3-4)
11. When you see someone you like, go home and tell your parents, "I have seen a ... woman; now get her for me." If your parents question your decision, simply say, "Get her for me! She's the one for me!" - Samson (Judges 14:1-3)
12. Kill any husband and take his wife. (Prepare to lose four sons though) - David (2 Samuel 11)
13. Wait for your brother to die. Take his widow. (It's not just a good idea. It's the law) - Onan and Boaz (Deuteronomy or Leviticus, example in Ruth)
14. Don't be so picky. Make up for quality with quantity. - Solomon (1 Kings 11:1-3)

15. A wife? ... Not! - Paul (1 Corinthians 7:32-35)

(Image from http://www/themorgan.org/)

SI RAUL O SI GONZALEZ? - PART 3

DoJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez serves indeed at the pleasure of his god, President Gloria Arroyo, and both lack one thing in common: "Delicadeza."

This poem is for him:

The bigger the ego, the thicker the skin.
The grander the lie, the smoother the spin.
The more the disdain, the wider the grin.
There's only one goal, and that is to win.

The promises made, you never will keep.
The artful denial of prejudice deep.
The wondrous reforms that are not, but they're cheap.
The goal is the same, who cares if we weep?

When to serve all the people is to serve only one.
To serve justice is something you shun.
The cudgels of disgust have only begun.
Democracy's lost, self-interest has won.

(Image from http://www.gmanews.tv/)

IN GLO WE TRUST

A reminder to Malacanang apologists, spin-doctors and members of congress allied with President Gloria Arroyo:

"To announce that there must be no criticisms of the president, or that we are to stand by the president, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable." - Theodore Roosevelt

I hope DoJ Secretary Raul Gonzalez starts opening his mind to reality and truth, before he reaches second childhood and senility.

(Image from http://pcij.org/)

Thanks to Anna de Brux for the reminder as well. She blogs at http://manilabaywatch.blogspot.com/ Great site!

HOW TO START EACH DAY WITH A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

'Positive Thinking' teachers can be found at every street corner. Many of their 'pupils' hold office in Malacanang Palace and in the Batasan Pambansa, positvely thinking of other "acceptable" ways to change our constitution for GMA. For the new year, I give them my version of 'Positive Thinking.' ...

1. Open a new file in your computer.
2. Name it "Gloria Macapagal Arroyo"
3. Send it to the trash.
4. Empty the trash.
5. Your PC will ask you, "Do you really want to get rid of "Gloria Macapagal Arroyo?"
6. Firmly click "Yes"
7. Feel better?

(Image from http://www.cbsnews.com/)

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART XIII
"Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth, and a foot out of joint." - Proverbs 25:19

"Throughout the world, error and truth travel the same highways, work in the same fields and factories, attend the same churches, fly the same planes and shop the same stores. So skilled is error at imitating the truth that the two are constantly being mistaken for each other. It takes a sharp eye these days to know which brother is Cain and which is Abel." - A. W. Tozer

Before I continue with the series, allow me to make myself clear lest my colleagues get the equal share of criticisms I have been getting, but just as well, I am grateful for the support of a bigger number of people who have been following these "prosperity" posts. Henceforth, everything I have written here is entirely on a personal opinion and account, and therefore does not necessarily reflect the opinions of my colleagues in ministry.

It's hard to imagine how one can run his race strong with "a foot out of joint" only because of his continued trust in a so-called 'life-coach' instead of a continued trust in the faithful life-giver. Before the inevitable church split, we consulted his accountability pastor, the same man he has repeatedly boasted of as one who he respects the most and follows his advice to the letter. One he would obey without question in the same way a loyal k-9 would obey his handler. But lo and behold, the very advice given by this accountability pastor of his was the very same advise he did not follow - and that is NOT to preach first without submitting himself for correction. And so, I am convinced to the letter as well that this man is acutely infected with the malady called Pastoral Narcissism. What does this mean? It is simply the state in which a pastor now believes he is the center of the universe and that accountability in all forms is a foreign concept, impervious to fault and openly hostile to examination and correction. This type of a leader is most likely to fall into extreme ego-trips. I won't be surprised at all if he talks to God - in front of a mirror, for he is a self-made man who worships his creator. And many of the people around him have somehow contributed to his narcissistic behavior because they simply did not correct it. I hate questioning your wisdom in dealing with this so-called pastor, but I am also reminded about what Edmund Burke said and it goes something like this: "It only takes good men to do nothing for evil to triumph." And so, now you have a man whose head is bigger than his whole body, and there is always a sure chance for him to repeat his sin, as many have said that there is indeed an underlying pattern in his errant behavior. That is also the reason why I abhor him using the name of the church which he does not have any association with anymore. He simply is misrepresenting himself, and fooling you his congregation. Unless again, you approve of it. So, to set things straight, I would suggest that he immediately take on another church name before he takes on another church woman to satisfy his lust, and bring shame to our name again, in the same manner he had already done recently. Let this also be a reminder that the church is not him, and he is not the church, and that not a single member of the board is with him. They are all with us. And so, using the same name must have the approval of the legitimate board, and you and I know the consequences in failing to do so on purpose. Legal or otherwise. Common sense is not common to you after all. And in all these, I have since believed firmly that it is better to be divided in truth than to be united in error, and it is better to speak the truth that hurts and then heals, than to speak the lie that comforts and then kills. For true preachers of God's Word do not ensnare His people with unknown revelations or esoteric insights of Scriptures, and then label "immature" those who would question such teachings. Some of the teachings you simply copied from Eugenio Isabelo Tomas Reyes Sanchez Jr., a.k.a. Bo Sanchez. Teachings like "How To Find Your One True Love." Sad, but you couldn't even find your one true material to use for your training sessions. You have to "borrow" from other sources. It looks like you were nowhere to be found when God was giving out originality. On the other hand, you carried away more than your hands could contain when the enemy was distributing hypocrisy. Try having "quiet time" with God for a change, and then maybe He will give you the wisdom you badly need. Shepherds are supposed to be wearing sandals, not rollerskates. Don't fast-track your ministry towards accomplishments and self-aggrandizements at the expense of people who still trust you, or you will surely end up derailed in all your endeavors. Before you start patting yourself on your back, ask someone to knock your head first with a hard-bound Jerusalem Bible. That should scare the bejesus out of you! Haven't you learned your lessons in life yet? That's what you get for not submitting to your accountability pastor. I have spoken to several wonderful and real shepherd-pastors who know you and know of you, and they are one in believing unanimously that you should just leave the ministry. And stop telling people you resigned. Tell them the truth that you were fired because of immorality and drunkenness. Do not contaminate any further the flock. For as the saying goes, "You can fool all of the people some the time, and some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time." Allowing you in ministry is just like giving whiskey and the car keys to a teen-aged boy. Stop using someone else's church name (logo), and pull down the website. It's not good for people to think that you're still part of our church. Kahiya-hiya. And shame on you if you continue to use this name in your new theatre-venue. Magpakatotoo ka na. Ipakita mo na sa kanila ang tunay mong pagkatao. A Pachyderm-Pastor is what you truly are. Dati, nagalit ka sa pastor mo kasi kamo binira ka mula sa pulpito. Heto, ganun ka din pala, bumibira din ng padaplis sa pulpito! Dati, galit ka din sa dati mong pastor kasi kamo huli na siya kung bumisita sa may sakit. Heto, ganun ka din pala. Siguro, yung mga binibisita mong may sakit na malapit nang "kunin ni Lord" e hinihintay ka nalang dumating bago sila tumigok. Ang kaso, they can't hold their last breath forever while you take your sweet time. Kawawa naman sila, akalain mo, ikaw ang huling tao na makikita nila sa lupa bago sila sumalangit? What bad memories of Earth for them! And stop texting/inviting female youth members of a neighboring church. Sayang lang ang mga piso mo kada send. Ipunin mo na lang pambili mo ng pampalasing, di masaya ka pa. Wag ka na rin sanang magsinungaling. Sabihin mo ang totoo that you were fired and that you didn't really resign. Ang haba na siguro ng ilong mo, kasing haba na ng listahan ng mga taong may atraso ka. Mahiya ka naman. Aren't you ashamed of yourself for giving a bad name to all well-meaning pastors? Sinisira mo ang dangal nilang pangalan. Step down from the pulpit and bring back the respect and dignity to all pastors who have been affected directly and indirectly by your unrepented behavior. Pastors who have worked all their lives in ministry to achieve the nobility and respectability in their churches. My words are all too little and tame compared to what you have done to people - innocent victims they were. Vulnerable and all too trusting sheep. You should be present if and when that meeting day comes, because this really is all about you and all the trouble you have caused. Otherwise, let it now be said to all that flight is guilt - and cowardice, which now makes you a wolf with folded ears and a tucked-tail. And if you do not show up, I could very well end up saying, "I feel so miserable without you. It's almost like having you here."

(Image from http://www.jail4judges.org/)

GOLF = GENTLEMEN ONLY, LEECHES FORBIDDEN

Okay, accuse me for being too biased and harsh when I say that this guy on the right doesn't look like a golfer at all. To me, he could pass for a small-time DVD pirate. But he's the man, the culprit. The bully. Shame on you! Beating up even a young boy. The son of his father. The small-time, small-town mayor who just received an award for being a model mayor. And with that they call him "honorable mayor?" The same guy who beat up a 14-year-old boy and his 56-year-old father. Matapang, kasi may mga kasamang goons. Time was when one only had to visit a cockfight to see many thugs and goons, gangsters and warlords. Today, you only have to visit a golf course to see the same. Such is the state of our society today because the golfing world here in the Philippines has been luring shady politico characters to its greens, not to mention the equally lax process of golf clubs in screening its members to be. Unless of course, that undesirable golfer is merely a "guest" of a member, or has playing rights. But just the same, the sport which originally was invented side by side with gentlemanly manners and conduct, has now evolved into a sport played by the exact opposite. Funny, but in the cave-man days, a Troglodyte already had a "club" in his hand. It still is the same today with our modern Troglodytes, the Pangandamans and their fellow cave-men. Take the following examples as it has been written by several bloggers:

1. Anyone who has a pretty good idea of decency and "correctness" knows who and what Gloria Arroyo and her party epitomizes.
2. Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. is part of the illegitimate government of Gloria Arroyo.
3. Only those who have NO semblance of decency will accept an appointive post in GMA's cabinet filled with thievery and thuggery.
4. Nasser Pangandaman Jr., acting as he did, wasn't surprising at all. The son thinks and acts as reared by his parents. "Kung ano ang puno, siya ang bunga."

By merely not doing about it is simply a clear mirror image of the kind of society we have and its lack of values under the so-called presidency of Gloria Arroyo - under an illegitimate president. People like the Pangandamans should always be reminded that they are NOT in Mindanao, and therefore anything they do here (yes, you may call it Imperial Manila) is not necessarily as permissible as it is in their home turf. Golf is a gentleman's game, not to be learned and played by savage thugs. What his son (Pangandaman Jr.) has done must not go uncorrected and he must be punished for his acts - the Muslim way. So, am I being too biased and harsh you say? Read on.

In her blog, Bambee Dela Paz, daughter of Delfin Dela Paz, the human punching-bag of Pangandaman Jr. and his equally brainless brother and moro thugs started the trouble - while papa Nasser Sr. merely watched. Excerpts from her blog http://vicissitude-decidido.blogspot.com/ she writes:

"At around 1:30 PM today, at Valley Golf and Country Club, Antipolo City, Mayor Nasser Pangandaman Jr., Mayor of Masiu City, Lanao Del Sur, his father, Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. of the Department of Agrarian Reform, and company, beat my defenseless 56-year-old dad and my 14-year-old brother to a pulp because of some stupid misunderstanding on the golf course."

"My brother and I were playing golf at the South course of Valley. We were on the 3rd hole, and we see two golf carts going past us, overtaking our flight, and setting up to tee-off on the next hole. My dad goes up to them and asks them why they would do that, why they would overtake us without even asking for our permission. Golf Etiquette 101."

"The mayor of Masiu City, Lanao Del Sur talks with my dad. Things get heated up. Voices were raised. But never, in my wildest dreams, did I ever imagine that someone would pull out a punch. Apparently not. He attacks my father. His flightmates, maybe 2 or 3 of them, rush to his aid and beat up my father. My younger brother and I could not just watch. We rushed to break up the fight. My younger brother pleads to the mayor to please stop it. To not hurt my dad. To just stop. His words still ring through my head ... "Sorry na po, sorry na po ... tama na ... tama na po ..." With his hands in front of his chest in a praying position. PLEADING. The mayor socks him in the face. My brother defended himself. My dad is still on the ground getting clobbered. My brother is the same way. I try to stop the fight, but all I can do is stop one person. There were 4 or 5 of them attacking now."

"Someone breaks up the fight. I thought it was all over. The mayor shouts to his caddy: "HINDI NILA KAMI KILALA?! SABIHIN MO NGA SA KANILA KUNG SINO AKO!!"

"I lash out, but my dad held me back. I was screaming my lungs out, shouting to this mayor, telling him about what he had done. I said: "Nakakahiya kayo. Singkwenta'y sais anyos ang tatay ko. Ang kapatid ko katorse anyos. Anong ilalaban nila sa inyo?"

"The mayor looks at my brother, points to his face, and says, "TATANDAAN KITA!" And tells me that my brother has a bad attitude and that I need to watch him."

"We leave. We walk to the clubhouse to file a complaint. My brother asks for a doctor. My dad could barely walk. Their group comes to the clubhouse, sees my brother. Once again my brother pleads, says sorry, and is crying. The relentless mayor punches him in the face, and then sees my dad and goes after my dad again. Him and his friend pull my dad to the ground, pulls at his feet, and steps on him like he's dirt. I run to him and try to hold him back, holding him back by his shirt, while this other guy and this girl try to sop me. She tells me to just stop it. I scream in her face, "They're beating my father up and you want me to stop?!" I pull at his shirt - I don't let go. All I can see was my dad being trampled on. I didn't even see my brother getting beat up."

"People pull them away. I get my dad, and I saw my brother. His right ear was bleeding. I freaked out! I told the receptionists to bring my brother to the clinic. I pull my dad away. People were separating us."

"My mom and my older brother come. I tell her Bino's right ear is bleeding. They both look like they could kill. My dad holds my brother off, I hold off my mom. When I finally get my mom under control, my older brother gets away and I hold him off. Two of the mayor's bodyguards pull out their guns. I embraced my brother from the back, just holding him back, crying. The receptionists came to us, crying, hugging me, my dad and my mom, whispering to us to just leave. "Ma'am, umalis na po kayo, may mga baril sila ... ma'am ... umalis na po kayo please ..."

"I am pretty sure the Secretary of DAR did not take part in the fight, but he just watched all this happen. He watched two of his sons, as we figured out, the other guy was his son, too, beat up my father and my 14-year-old brother. He didn't do anything to stop it. And this person is what now? A cabinet member. A politician."

"The people of Valley Golf did not seem to want to help us. None of the security guards even tried to stop the fight. Right in the clubhouse. I came back after the fight was over and talked to the receptionists. They say they did not see anything. The general manager of Valley Golf would not give us the names of the men who made my brother's ear bleed. It took him an hour. Maybe even more than that. He seemed not to want to help us."

"Please pray for my dad, my brother and for my whole family. Please pray that we get justice. Oh God, please give these people what they deserve!"


This incident happened a few days before the new year. On December 29, ABS-CBN reported that Secretary Nasser Pangandaman Sr. was seen playing golf with Mikey Arroyo at the Baguio Country Club. Did Pangandaman do this on purpose to show the citizenry his closeness to criminal elements in government? Birds of the same feather flock together.

(Image from http://thetrueasiatic.multiply.com/)

FOUR DOCTORS AND A SQUATTER IN THE PALACE

(with gratitude to http://oppositeofapathy.wordpress.com/ for the excellent photo above).

Four successful doctors of medicine were attending a medical conference and were together in the same table. And so goes this discussion over dinner:

The world-renowned Japanese doctor said, "Medicine in my country so advanced, we take kidney out from man, put into anoder man, and he out looking for wok in six weeks!"

The ultra-famous German doctor said, "Zas eez notzing! Ve can take a lung out of zis one person, put it into anozer, und have him out looking for vork in four veeks!"

The highly-acclaimed British doctor said, "In my country, medicine is so bloody advanced that we can take half the heart out of one person, put it into another, and have both of them looking for work in two weeks!"

The multi-awarded botica sa barangay Filipino doctor, as usual, not to be outdone, interjected, "You pipols are so way behind na talaga! We Pinoys allowed a woman with NO HEART to illegally occupy Malacanang Palace since 2001, and she's still alive! And because of that, to this day, HALF THE COUNTRY ARE STILL OUT LOOKING FOR WORK!"

(Image from http://oppositeofapathy.wordpress.com/)

THREE THINGS YOU PROBABLY FORGOT YOUR CELLPHONE COULD DO

There are things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life-saver or an emergency tool for survival. Check out the things that you can do with it:

First - The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself "out of the coverage area" of your cellphone network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and your unit will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked. Try it.

Second - Have you locked your keys in the car? Does your car have a remote keyless entry? This may come in handy someday. Good reason to own a cellphone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are at home, call someone at home on their cellphone from your cellphone. Hold your phone about a foot from your car door and have the person at your home press the unlock button, holding it near the cellphone on their end. Your car will unlock! Saves someone having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of kilometers away, and if you can reach someone who has the other 'remote' for your car, you can unlock the doors (or the trunk). Try it. It works.

Third - Hidden Battery Power - Imagine your cellphone battery is very low (lowbatt). To activate, press the keys *3370# Your cellphone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery life. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cellphone next time.

So, who said cellphones are only for texting? For carnappers too!

(Image from http://ec.europa.eu/)

TEN COMMANDMENTS FOR A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER -- AS DICTATED BY A DOG

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.
2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.
3. Put your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work,
your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you.
5. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.
6. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when you talk to me.
7. Before you hit me, before you strike or kick me, remember that I have teeth that could easily crush the bones in your hand, and yet I choose not to bite you, because I love you.
8. Before you scold me for being lazy and uncooperative, ask yourself if something coud be bothering me. Perhaps you're not feeding me the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old and weak.
9. Please take good care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old and I would like to still be with you when that time comes.
10. On the difficult journey, on that ultimate journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

Take a moment today to thank God for your dogs. Enjoy them and take good care of them. Life would be a bit dull and less joyful without man's best friend.

NO WONDER

So, this explains why I didn't get any presents from Santa this Christmas. I was beginning to think that maybe I had made more enemies than friends this year - and then I get this photograph sent by his one and only evil elf Gloria. Which reminds me, are Santa's helpers called Subordinate Clauses? Just asking.

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART XII
"You teach others -- why don't you teach yourself? ... You say, "Do not commit adultery" -- but do you commit adultery? ... You boast about having God's law -- but do you bring shame on God by breaking His law?" - Romans 2:21, 22 & 23

"Big men and big personalities make mistakes and admit them. It is the little man who is afraid to admit he has been wrong." - Dr. Maxwell Maltz

In reaction to Dr. Maltz's wise words, allow me to add this: "... It is the little man who is bold to declare he has been wronged." - LCB


Really now. What a gooey defense. Well, in continuation, how does one recognize false teachers and teachings from Biblical teachers and teachings? While some may fall under the category of false teachers, others may teach certain doctrines which are false or that are not in accordance with the Word of God, while most of what they teach is in line with Scriptures. Subtle but wrong! Some teachers whose teachings are analyzed in respect to what the Bible teaches when all related Scriptures line up perfectly, may prove to be fine teachers and gifted speakers, even acting like frustrated clowns in the pulpit, but where they depart from Scripture, it is only prudent and wise that we as believers recognize these discrepancies and expose them, and affirm only the truth that is in full agreement with God's inspired Word. There is no doubt that discernment itself is a very controversial issue. Many of those whose teachings or behaviors are "judged" even according to Scriptures condemn their accusers and despise their criticisms. They would rather choose a safe and comfortable word like "tolerance." To them, I give them a better word - "ignorance." Some criticisms are indeed divisive and unnecessary, but let's put it this way: If you tend to think that those who would dare judge or criticize apparently unscriptural teachings would be much better-off just preaching the Gospel and minding their own business, consider this: What if manufacturers had no quality control departments, how would their products come out? What if the National Police Commission (Napolcom) had no internal affairs division, how much more would the PNP's corruption increase? (on that note, I don't think they have one). What if the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) never audited anyone, how many people would pay their taxes? If we know that the false teaching will lead to hell-fire beyond all doubt, do we just sit back and do nothing like zombie-fanatics? Within the body of Christ, it seems very reasonable to believe that God has intentionally called certain ones in His Body to focus on keeping His message pure and toxic-free (alcohol-free?).

Many false teachers and teachings unfortunately do arise from those who would just rather see what they want to see, hear what they want to hear - those who are motivated by money and power. But there are those who are simply too trusting to their teachers. Wala na silang makitang mali sa kanya. His style is simple and I know this all too well: He hears a particular doctrine taught by another false teacher, adapts that teaching to suit his audience and tailor-fits it to their taste and liking, and then another teacher comes along, listens to him and adapts it too. Thus, the teaching is perpetuated. it's a never-ending cycle of deception. This is not really hard to believe because history will show that many false doctrines have been spread by this method. Let's zero-in again on one of his favorite if not his only merchandise: Prosperity. FALSE: Prosperity teachings which claim (erroneously) that not only was Jesus wealthy on Earth, but that God desires all believers to be wealthy and that prosperity, in health and in wealth, is guaranteed in the covenant of salvation. TRUE: God desires from us all to have an "abundant life" in Christ, living in the power of the Holy Spirit and experiencing the fruits of the Spirit. But oftentimes, God's will allows such things as suffering, infirmities, sickness, trials, tribulation, persecution, or even martyrdom as Scripture and history clearly would show. Jesus lived on Earth without even "a place to lay His head," and Scripture teaches that His lifestyle was far from the wealthy lifestyle that some, just like this erroneous-egghead taught Christ to have lived. This fib originates in an effort by such teachers to not only justify their own indulgent lifestyles, but also to promote their popular prosperity teachings and increase giving to their ministries from those who are seeking the promised health and wealth, especially since the two are often tied together in a not-so-subtle method of deception to their "clients." As a reminder to him who has reminded me to treat church leaders as "clients," if this were a business entity (you sure are treating it like one), then by all means call them "clients." But it is a church, so stick to calling them "elders," or if you want to be "religiously correct," call them "deacons." But to call them "clients" gives one the impression of "mukhang pera." Fair enough? Christ calls us not to seek after wordly riches, but instead to "store up treasures in Heaven," and to give our lives as "living sacrifices." And as we seek first to serve His Kingdom, and of course, work as God's Word commands, we can be assured that He will provide for all our needs. Doesn't he know that? He's the gifted teacher. We're just his dumb sheep, remember? Oh, did I hear someone utter, "gifted poacher?"

It is therefore our hope that those who hunger for truth should find balance in how they evaluate which teachers they listen to and learn from. Some teachers need to be carefully filtered while others should be avoided in the same manner he avoids the poor and needy church-goer! But others can of course be trusted implicitly by grounding ourselves in the unchanging Word of God and considering it our final authority in all matters of faith and practice, we will have a greater ability to distinguish between true and false teachings and avoid deception. In the meantime, we can be like the Bereans who searched the Scriptures daily to see if what they heared was true - or not! Look to the Author of the Word, and not to the preacher of the Word. Especially not this one. He has been unmasked. "Buking na ang style niyang bulok!" So, what are you his "clients" doing about this? Are you going to act decisively or are you going to sweep this under the rug just like he has done so in the past, and then empower him to repeat his sin? Where now is the wisdom he has so repeatedly boasted of? Can't afford to lose him, huh? Remember, he ain't gold. If that is so, please change your church name for obvious reasons, and because he has no exclusivity on it and thereby misrepresenting himself, and I doubt very much if he has the legal papers as well. Of course you know very well that the legal papers to that church name he uses are not with him. Must you tolerate this error too? The papers are with a legitimate church elsewhere. He should just tell every member of his congregation the real story. Lying can be oh so tiring and taxing. He knows the consequences to that, and I hope he's prepared to face them. Here's hoping he sees the light in 2009. And by the way, he shoudn't just stop at seeing it - he should walk towards it. Don't worry, it won't burn him. Or ... will it?

(Images from http://www.zianet.com/ & http://www.aryannationsrevival.org/)

GLORIA'S BLACK MOLES

Take a good look at the image above and help me count Gloria's elusive black moles found on the corners of the little squares. Let me know how many you've counted. No cheating now, unless of course you work for her!

HOW TO KEEP A HEALTHY LEVEL OF INSANITY IN 2009

With gratitude to "Mr. President" Eddie Gil for the visual aid above.

At the rate our government shows proof that it is indeed like a baby's alimentary canal, with a happy appetite at one end and no responsibility at the other, it's good to know that we can keep up with their childish insanities, with Secretary Raul Gonzalez now just a sigh away from second childhood. By doing so, I list some of the crazy things we can possibly do in the coming new year.

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses and a hat on and point a hair-dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.
2. Page yourself over the intercom. Don't disguise your voice.
3. Every time someone asks you to do something, ask if they want fries with that.
4. Put decaf in the coffee maker for three weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
5. Finish all your sentences with "in accordance with the prophecy."

6. Don't use any punctuation marks when writing.
7. Inside an elevator, call the 'Psychic Hotline' from your cellphone and ask if they know what floor you're on.
8. When driving-thru Jollibee or McDonald's, specificy that your order is "to-go."
9. Enter a road-side public karaoke joint and sing-along with the singer and then leave him/her some change and run away.
10. When riding a public jeep, tell the farthest passenger from the tsuper (the one sitting at the end near the jeep's entrance), "paki suyo po bayad," and then give him/her your fare. Observe his/her reaction.
11. Put a mosquito net or kulambo around your work area. Play a CD of jungle sounds all day.
12. Five days in advance, tell your friends you can't attend their party because you're not in the mood.
13. When the cash comes out from your bank's ATM, scream "I Won!", I Won!", "Third time this week!"

14. When leaving the Manila Zoo, start running towards the parking lot, yelling, "Takbo! Takbo! NAKAWALA SILAA!!
15. Tell your children over dinner, "Due to the economy, we are going to let one of you go..."

16. When inside an elevator (again), face everybody instead and establish eye-to-eye contact with them one at a time.

17. When riding the MRT or the LRT, do this: just a few meters before the next stop, shout, "PARA!! ... PARA PO!!

18. Next time your spouse leaves for work, do something different this time: shake his/her hand instead.

19. Drop a pen and wait until someone goes to pick it up, then scream, "THAT'S MINE!!!"

20. Still inside an elevator -- stare at a specific passenger for a while, then announce in horror, "You're one of them!" and back away slowly.

Any other suggestions?

Okay, here's #21, a gem from Jasper Greek Lao Golangco who blogs at http://golangco.blogspot.com/ ...

21. After withdrawing from an ATM, flip the sign on the door to say "off-line," then watch the frustrated people who come to the door.

I RESCUED A HUMAN TODAY

His eyes met mine as he walked down the corridor peering apprehensively into the kennels. I felt his need instantly and knew I had to help him.

I wagged my tail with so much excitement, remembering that this was already the meeting I saw in my dreams of many times in my lazy afternoon naps. An encounter written in the stars long, long ago. As he stopped at my kennel, I blocked his view from a little accident I had in the back of my cage. I didn't want him to know that I hadn't been walked today. Sometimes, the shelter keepers get too busy and I didn't want him to think poorly of them. I was staring at him as he read my kennel card, hoping that he wouldn't feel bad about my past. I only have the future to look forward to and to make a difference in someone's life, hoping it would be his.

He got down on his knees and made little kissy sounds at me. I shoved my shoulder and side of my head up against the bars to comfort him. Gentle fingertips caressed my neck. My dog-senses told me he was looking for someone like me. A tear fell from his eye and I raised my paw to assure him that all would be well. I folded my ears in submission as he held them for a moment.

Soon my kennel door opened and his smile was so bright that I instantly jumped into his waiting arms. I would promise to keep him safe. I would promise to always wait for him to come home. I would promise to do everthing I could to see that radiant smile and sparkle in his eyes. I would promise just to stay right beside him when he's lonely and hurting, and each time I see more tears fall from his eyes.

I was blessed that he came down my corridor. So many more like him are out there, those who haven't walked the corridors. So many more to be saved. I Thank God for making me save one, my best friend for life.

I rescued a human today.

(If only my Whippet could write, I know he would have written this just for me. Thank you, Oscar.)

FM

In the days of President Ferdinand Marcos' higher prestige and power, it is said that he was once stranded in a small town somewhere way up north of Manila due to the breaking down of his private aircraft which would take a few hours to repair. He then put on a disguise and headed to the town's one and only cinema. When his picture appeared on the screen, everyone stood up but he remained seated. The manager of the theatre came forward, tapped him on the shoulder, whispering (in the local Ilocano dialect) in his ear, "I feel the same way, but you'd better stand up. It's safer."

(Image from http://www.pbs.org/)

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART XI
"Those who continue in their sin are to be rebuked publicly, so that others may take warning." - 1 Timothy 5:20

"Error, indeed, is never set forth in its naked deformity, lest being thus exposed, it should at once be detected. But it is craftily decked out in an attractive dress, so as by its outward form, to make it appear to the inexperienced ... more true than truth itself." - Irenaeus of Lyons


Since these series of posts have come into existence taking somewhat a life of its own, some in hard copies, finding its way in the hands of many, some of those many have since labeled me as a 'Pastor Buster.' Whether meant to be a compliment or otherwise is just the same to me, and sometimes, it really gets tiring when people tell you that "pastors are human too," and my simple answer to them is "neither are they God that you should not question their motives." Well, fair enough, because I didn't think my former one was made of pure gold. I only expected him to be sincere. He simply turned out to be made of pure rust. And he remains part of the problem, not the solution. Shepherds should always set the example for the flock to emulate. For how can one act as medicine if internal contamination in one's body has already taken place? For rust, in time, will creep even into the strongest of steel and corrosion will be inevitable. Take a closer look at some of his closest followers. They already reason out like him, tolerant towards his sin, even sacrificing originality by quoting the same Bible passages over and over again. If labeling is the order of the day for me, so be it. For if that be I, then shall I gladly live the tag well, if only to expose the false teachers amongst us. Whether he be a 'Prophet of Prosperity,' an 'Architect of Abundance,' or an 'Instructor of Increase,' in my book, he still is a 'Pastor of Pretense.'

Where does he get all the momentum and guts to persevere in his falsehood? Well, a juggernaut consisting of a great multitude of wolves in "decked out" sheep's clothing has cleverly infiltrated today's Christian churches for the sole purpose of preying, rather than praying, on their unsuspecting victims. Some of these pastors even moonlight now as networkers selling wares that totally defy Scriptures. There will always be strength in numbers. How did this happen? In consequence of indifference, emotionalism, and ministerial idolization, most Christians today are not paying attention to Jesus' warning that there will be many false teachers in the church during these last days (Matthew 24:4-5). Learning how to detect heretical doctrines (1 Timothy 4:16, 2 Timothy 4:3) hasn't really been a priority for many believers. In fact, doctrinal discernment is almost completely void. To a certain extent, this predicament thas been kindled from the false teachers' inappropriate and antagonistic use of "Judge not" and "Touch not the Lord's anointed." This is simply a 'terror strategy' designed to keep congregations in their place. As a result, we now have well-meaning believers who are simply unequipped to discern the true from the false. The light from darkness. The wolf from the shepherd.

When speaking of false teachers, it has become the practice of many believers to conceive that the implication is in reference to those outside the Christian community. On the contrary, believers are repeatedly warned to be on guard against falsehood within the church. It is those who allege to come in Christ's name, seemingly confessing the Lord as their Savior. It is this type of pretense coupled with seductive entertainment from the pulpit and self-empowerment and prosperity sermons that has contributed to the acceptance of false leaders in church.

With that, I encourage and challenge you to study and draw a comparison between Scriptures and the pastor of your church. The Berean Christians who were of noble character, "searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things (which Paul taught) were so" (Acts 17:11). In the same way, it should be our responsibility to diligently search and test the teachings of the leadership in our respective churches without partiality. It is my belief that any pastor who cannot stand the test of investigation and challenge should be approached with circumspection. As a result of these posts, I anticipate receiving inflamed responses from their pastor's zealous supporters. While some readers of these posts may be offended, we must understand that Godly love never rules out correction. Godly love for people never signifies disregard for truth as not to "rock the boat." Proverbs 27:5 says it clearly, "Open rebuke is better than love carefully concealed." Godly love for people does not signify that we engage in self-imposed blindness, tolerating false doctrine in order to maintain unity. Sad, as many now have been "optically challenged" by his pulpit antics and shallow showmanship. At the end of the day, it all sums up to essence and substance. A failing mark for him in this aspect. Psalm 119:104 says, "Through Your precepts I get understanding, therefore, I hate every false way." Thus, failing to expose and separate (Ephesians 5:8-11) from the wolves in sheepskin simply permits them to have a "field day" on unsuspecting, naive, and idolatrous sheep. The wolves who quote and attempt to hide under Psalms 105:15, Matthew 7:1, and Romans 14:4 are so filled with greed that they don't want to see errors of their ways and the inconsistencies in judging others who have an obligation to investigate what is taught from the pulpit (Acts 17:11, 2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16, 4:2-5, 1 John 4:1).

As a clear and concise refutation to this misleading prosperity doctrine, let's take note of the following crucial points regarding those false teachers who claim that Godliness is a means to financial gain, as well as the true definition of biblical prosperity:

1. They are conceited (have you noticed their arrogance? They call it confidence).
2. They know nothing. (The blind leading the blind) Matthew 15:14, Mark 7:7-9, 2 Cor. 11:13-15
3. They are men of corrupt minds who lack the truth (They distort the truth and reject correction - sounds familiar?) 2 Timothy 4:3-4
4. They are greedy and believe that Godliness is a source of financial gain. 2 Cor. 2:17
5. We should not have fellowship with them.
6. True riches are Godliness (spiritual richness in Christ) coupled with contentment. Heb. 13:5
7. The Bible says that we should be content with food and clothing (basic living essentials). To these false teachers, that means large bank accounts, large houses, luxury cars etc.
8. The strong temptation of greed will cause them to fall into a snare, in a manner similar to drug addiction, they will defend and hold on to their false doctrine despite clear evidence that refutes their shady position.

In summary, (1 Timothy 6:3-10): From God's point of view, true gain (prosperity) is attained when one lives a Godly life and becomes content with their material possessions. Granted there are a number of Christians who have been blessed with much wealth and other material things, however, this is never the state or criteria one must reach to be recognized as prosperous by Biblical terms. He says, "you need to be prosperous and moneyed to be able to help the poor, otherwise, how can you help them?" That's the height of bull if you ask me. As expected from a fly's favorite landing area. There are many other ways to help the poor. Money is only one among many ways. God's word alludes to believers who were materially poor, as well as those who were materially rich. Thus, we cannot offer poverty nor wealth as an absolute prescriptive pertaining to Godliness. To do otherwise would lead to an out of context and unbalanced view of Scriptures. In their greed , they use the Bible to focus on men who are wealthy while concurrently ignoring Scriptures that clearly illustrate that some believers are poor. Observe his uncomfortable behavior when a poor man attends his church or trainings. He will immediately have this mindset that we must first reach out to the wealthy to be able to reach out later on to the poor. Another bull if you ask me, for when does one stop reaching out to the wealthy and begin reaching out to the poor? Thus, they "cherry-pick" other portions of Scripture and mold them in a manner that suits their self-indulgent agenda - and that is to fleece the flock. It is thus very clear that his so-called prosperity gospel is a doctrine that Christ would strongly reject. And while it is true that some believers have been conditioned to accept poverty, this shouldn't mean that we must readily embrace the crooked justification to develop a doctrine that is not biblically sound. Lastly, teachers like him do not take kindly to being challenged. They demand everyone submit to their authoritarian rule by simply saying "OBEY ME!" in a Gestapo-like fashion. This really makes him a "German Shepherd," don't you agree? Believe me, I should know, for those were his very words to me when I politely questioned one of his decisions without even giving me any explanation whatsoever. Their corrupt agenda entails taking advantage of those who are unskilled in biblical interpretation. When confronted by one who is proficient in proper biblical truth, they use evasive tactics and resort to threats rather than offer constructive dialogue, as if almost saying: "Do not touch My anointed one, and do My prophets no harm." (Psalm 105:15), "Judge not, that you be not judged." (Matthew 7:1), "Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand." (Romans 14:4). And so, not only do these false teachers deprive proper Scriptural discernment through fear tactics. They have also mentally conditioned their devoted followers to parrot these verses to anyone who criticizes their pastor. To question their "man of God" would mean to them as questioning God Himself. This is an apparent defense among cult leaders and their wayward sheep. Sad, but true. I end with this reminder:

"But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation. Woe to you who are full, for you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets." - Luke 6:24-26

(Image from http://www.myteespot.com/)

NO SHOES AND NAUSEOUS

I just received this official advisory by e-mail from the Office of the Press Secretary, signed by no less than Press Secretary Jesus Dureza himself.

ATTN: MALACANANG PRESS CORPS AND OTHER MEDIA ENTITIES
DATE: 17 DECEMBER 2008
FROM: THE PRESS SECRETARY

SUBJECT: PROPER ATTIRE


All members of the Malacanang Press Corps, palace beat reporters, print, TV and radio, and all other members of the press covering the President are hereby advised that starting today December 17, 2008, you shall NOT be permitted to cover the President with your SHOES ON.

As such, you are likewise requested to surrender your shoes (LEFT and RIGHT) to the PSG on duty before entering the press briefing area. The PSG will be providing slippers in lieu of shoes. As always, your bags shall be subject to thorough inspection by palace guards stationed in the controlled area and by newly-trained shoe-sniffing K-9s (just in case you brought an extra pair or two).

Failure to comply will mean your immediate suspension or expulsion from affiliation/membership with the Malacanang Press Corps and from the regular accredited pool of reporters/media covering the President on a regular basis.

Please be guided accordingly.

For strict compliance.

(Signed)

JESUS DUREZA
Secretary

(Images from http://www.ops.gov.ph/ & http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Bay/4024/)

FRANKLIN DRILON'S ZERO CREDIBILITY / ANG DAKILANG BALIMBING

After seeing Senator Franklin Drilon on newspapers and on TV at a most recent anti-Gloria rally, I was immediately reminded of his reaction in 2004 when I was on the streets in Ayala protesting electoral fraud and Gloria's 'manufactured mandate.' This, just right after the May 2004 elections were held, and the "Hello Garci" scandal was still a thing of the future. I was then looking at my old clutter of files and saw a folder with the label "May 2004 Elections." In it was a photo-copy of an old post of cousin Dean Jorge Bocobo from his blog Philippine Commentary. It was a reaction of his from then Senate President Franklin Drilon's interview with former ABS-CBN/ANC cable station anchor Gene Orejana. It was Drilon's reaction to my interview/statement. Funny how the tables have now turned, and I have since taken my battles from the streets to the blogosphere. And funny how Drilon now has taken his battles from his Senate office to the streets. The post begins with the title, "Conversation With Senate President Franklin Drilon."

Dean Jorge Bocobo writes (in 2004), "The Office of Senate President Franklin M. Drilon sent me this full transcript of an interview he granted to Mr. Gene Orejana of ANC cable TV station yesterday. I didn't catch the show myself the other night, but I gladly oblige on its republication here at Philippine Commentary, since Senator Drilon also takes to task an unidentified "Mr. Bocobo."

"Here was the exchange between Gene Orejana (the longest winded question-monger this side of stemwindervillage) and Senator Frank Drilon:"

OREJANA: "But we have yet to count the votes, this early some candidates are already crying fraud. Logically, there is no basis to cry fraud at this time because we have yet to count the votes. We haven't even reached 3% based on the quick-count. . ."

DRILON: "But I am even willing to concede that unless we cry now, it can never be addressed and it may be too late. But last night, I was floored when I heard a certain Mr. Bocobo, he was asked, "Are you going to submit this case of alleged fraud before the Comelec?" He said, "As soon as we gather the evidence." So there was even no evidence, and yet they were already crying fraud. This is not good, it creates tension in the atmosphere."

Philippine Commentary graciously defends me by writing: "Sen. Drilon must have been smiling benignly at Gene Orejana at this maladroitly put question. For if there is a time and a reason to cry fraud, it's probably best done now rather than when you would e accusing an elected President of the Republic, (assuming that there is cheating now going on). The premise of Gene's question escapes me, however, since surely, if you see someone stealing a ballot box from one of the over 200,000 voter precincts, you don't have to wait for the tally of the other 199,999 ballot boxes to have a reliable indication of fraud, do you? Gene seems to think that you should wait until you have been declared the loser before crying fraud. That does not compute. But I must say, Sen. Drilon is speaking more lika a lawyer (or a public defender?) Here, more than a senator, since "Mr. Bocobo" surely is not expected to go to Comelec before he has gathered the evidence, is he? If cheating is involved in the 2004 elections, it probably did not occur during the polling, but is happening right now, during the counting. By the way, the official count has not actually begun and the Namfrel Quick Count, after a maddening initial delay, has only scratched 10% of the returns. Everybody knows that, even Sen. Drilon. Since this interview was conducted on the second day after the elections, it would seem to me that people on the ground like "Mr. Bocobo" may be observing the signs of fraudulent activity (from long familiarity in previous elections) yet not have the "evidence" that would stand up to scrutiny before a Commission on Elections that has shown ineptness and laxity, aa attested to by the 100-member US observer team. . ."

After Sen. Drilon's assistant Ms. Mary Grace Tipones sent Philippine Commentary the transcript of the full interview perhaps with a question mark, Dean Jorge Bocobo replied by saying: "I know who Mr. Bocobo is, as does Mr. Orejana's station since they conducted the interview - but I ain't saying. . ."

Okay, so that's it. It was actually Ricky Carandang who interviewed this writer on the street in May 2004 (Paseo de Roxas to be exact). And then Senator Drilon was quick on the draw to react and dismiss our statement. Fair enough. But again, funny how now the very man who scoffed and laughed at the words and actions of Gloria's 'original critics' is the very same man who now joins them (GMA's latter-day critics and balimbings) on the streets today. The very same man who kissed Gloria's steps in Iloilo. Let Franklin Drilon now eat humble pie. But as for his credibility in our books - zilch.

(Image from http://www.newsflash.org/)

KAWATANG NASA TRONO

Pasko ng pagpatawad sa makasalana't huwad,
pero kung ang sala'y sagad,
pababaing pakaladkad!

Bayang 'di mapalagay sa botong walang saysay,
kapag 'di pa nagkamalay,
pasko'y magiging pasaway.

Magigising ngayong pasko itong bayang inabuso,
at 'di na muli paloloko sa kawatang nasa trono.

(Image from http://inquirer.net/)

GIVE THEM MERCURY (NOT THE DRUGSTORE)

Among the Romans, the deity who presided over commerce and banking was Mercury, who, by a strange association, was also the god of thieves and orators. The Romans, who looked upon merchants with contempt, fancied there was a resemblance between theft and merchandising and they easily found a figurative connection between theft and eloquence; hence, thieves, merchants and orators were placed under the superintendence of the same deity. On the seventeenth of May, in each year, the merchants held a public festival, and walked in procession to the temple of Mercury, for the purpose of begging pardon of that deity for all the lying and cheating they had found it to practice, in the way of business, during the preceding year. Lying, Cheating, Thievery and Eloquence? Hmm ... perfect. The very elements which best describes this administration. Experts in cheating and stealing. Eloquent in lying. Perhaps, Executive Secretary Ed Ermita and Speaker Boy Nograles would now care to start the new year with statues of the Roman god Mercury to be given as Christmas gifts to cabinet members and congressmen respectively. And then have GMA sign an Executive Order (E.O.) making Mercury the patron god of cabinet secretaries and congressmen. While at it, let it also be the official icon to be prominently displayed all over the Office of the President.

(Image from http://thealchemicalegg.com/)

PROMISE THE NATION, BUT PLEASE DON'T BREAK IT THIS TIME

Senator Ernesto Maceda couldn't have said it better in his recent column, pointing out "What GMA can do" to appease the nation. Manong Ernie wrote, "Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Presidential Adviser Gabriel Claudio and Presidential Spokesman Anthony Golez insist that GMA will step down in 2010. No one believes them because GMA has very little credibility left and her body language says otherwise."

Remember Press Secretary Jess Dureza's 'trial balloon prayer' and Gloria's fake reaction? If GMA steps down in 2010, and then presidential elections were to be held, she can still be elected as Prime Minister if and when the tularemic troika of Speaker Boy Nograles, Rep. Mikey Arroyo and Rep. Louie Villafuerte have it their sinister way to form a Constituent Assembly (Con-Ass).

If President Gloria Arroyo wants to be believed, then let us all echo Senator Maceda's challenge to Gloria and her allies in her roguish regime. Let us all compel GMA to promise the nation (and not to break it this time) that she will not seek ANY public office be it the Presidency or the Prime Ministership - and let her now put this in writing, as such:

"I pledge to God and to the Filipino people and to my family that I will step down in 2010. If a Constituent Assembly is approved by Congress and an extension of my term is approved, I will not serve. If a change to a parliamentary form of government is approved, I will not accept the position of Prime Minister. In addition, I will not also run as member of a new Philippine Parliament. So help me God."

(Signed)
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

(Signed - Witnesses)
Jose Miguel 'FG' Arroyo
Evangeline 'Luli' Arroyo (Bernas)
Juan Miguel 'Mikey' Arroyo
Diosdado 'Dato' Arroyo
Chief Justice Reynato Puno
Speaker Prospero Nograles
Comelec Chairman Jose Melo
Archbishop Paciano Aniceto
Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales
AFP Chief General Alexander Yano
US Ambassador Kristie Kenney

After all signatures have been duly affixed, copies should then be sent out by mail to all registered voters. A joint effort may be forged by Chairman Jose Melo/Comelec and Postmaster-General Hector Villanueva/PhilPost. Let the money from this project be drawn from the Intelligence Fund of the Office of the President. What do you think?

(Image from http://bbc.co.uk/)

LITO ATIENZA: PAMBANSANG BULAKBULERO O PAMBANSANG LINTA?

For a change, I'd like to see Manny Pacquiao knock all of Lito Atienza's teeth off. Imagine, this is one public servant who would rather watch Manny's fight live in Las Vegas than to attend to a very important Senate budget hearing of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Atienza went on to say that his critics "have weak family values and do not understand the need to support" the country's national treasure. Vintage verbal diarrhea once again from a man who has more wrong-doings in his public career than the total number of flowers on his Polynesian shirt. No wonder, a department like the DENR can't seem to get its programs on high gear, that's because it now has a secretary who would rather miss an important budget hearing and watch his idol Pacquiao box. Talk about priorities Mr. Secretary. I think you're better off being Manny's towel-boy. But you would surely undignify all the towel-boys of the boxing world. What a shame, bulakbol again, huh? For once, we'd like Manny to knock the Polynesian shirt out of your body too! Teeth included.

(Image from http://philonline.com/)

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART X
Therefore thus saith the Lord the God of Israel to the pastors that feed My people: "You have scattered My flock, and have driven them away, and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit upon you for the evil of your doings," saith the Lord. - Jeremiah 23:2 (Douay-Rheims Bible)

Kaya't ganito ang sabi ng Panginoon, ng Dios ng Israel, laban sa mga pastor na nangagpastol ng Aking bayan. "Inyong pinangalat ang Aking kawan, at inyong iniligaw sila, at hindi ninyo sila dinalaw. Narito, dadalawin Ko sa inyo ang kasamaan ng inyong mga gawa," sabi ng Panginoon. - Heremias 23:2 (Ang Dating Biblia, 1905)


Kung 'di ka pa matauhan sa mensaheng 'yan, wala ka na talagang pag-asang magbago pa. I heard you're moving to a theatre nearby. Good for you, for a theatre is just the place one would be in to play a role. To act out a lie. To pretend while wearing an invisible mask. Perfect for you. Marami ka na naman malolokong tao. Ang saya-saya mo siguro. You must be so excited and tickled pink. Ingat ka, baka pagkamalan kang pink fence ng MMDA pag nakatayo ka sa EDSA. Well, at least that was the original purpose of a theatre in the olden days. Today, it's entirely different. But, the celluloid world still presents us with actors who act out roles obviously not their own, usually the exact opposite of their true character. Matutupad na rin ang pangarap mong maging isang artista, kasi isa ka namang tunay na artista. You're a natural. Why not play the role of a 'Drunken Pastor?' Sounds like a Kung-Fu movie - Drunken Master. You could be Bruce Lee's reincarnation and assume the Nom-de-Theatre 'Bruise Lie,' since you'll be performing in a theatre soon. People say I'm bitter with these posts. Siguro bisaya ang nagsabi nun. On the contrary, I'm better. I have true prosperity unlike your shallow financial and material prosperity. I know the truth, I speak the truth, and I expose the truth. As for you, you know the plan, you believe the plan, you speak the plan, but you don't live the plan. Natuklasan din ng langaw na ito that you were just too rotten to land on. For even a fly must have his own dignity in life. I wouldn't have seen it had I kept a blind eye wide open at your so-called ministry. Or shall I say, an open eye kept blind at your so-called ministry? And teachings you yourself could not even live out. You are like a pin, but without either its head or its point. Whatever. Of course I didn't forget your birthday recently. I bet you were drunk again, as usual. In fact, I wrote a special birthday greeting just for you, but I just realized I don't have your number any more so I just e-mailed it to Alcoholics Anonymous and Cheaters.Com, hoping that they would forward it to you, but just the same here goes: "Happy birthday to you! May Joy and Charity be with you today, your special day! ... May is 19, Joy is 18, and Charity 17. Oh, are they too old for you? Oh yeah, I know you like 16 year olds. One of your ever-loyal-blind-accomplice-associate pastors gave some information. Nadulas siya. Marami nang kumakanta. Pretty soon, a full choir will be singing about who you really are and who you really are not, but they're not going to be singing hymns. Neither will they be singing your favorite Hallelujahs. Instead, they'll be singing your dreaded Hala-lagot-kas. In the meantime, continue with your trainings. There's one born unto you every session. Funny how you now believe your very own lies. But you know what, you should congratulate yourself. As I write this, I'm looking at a copy of a report by a religious institution where it names some pastors and religious leaders in their watch list (past and present), and you should be proud because now you have made it in the company of Eli Soriano, Apollo Quiboloy and Father Tropa et al. Imagine, little old you in the company of big old them. I wonder, are you that snake coiled around Father Tropa's neck? There are times when sheep are better off without a shepherd. I'm speaking about one who pretends to love doing the work of shepherding. A bantay-salakay shepherd. That's why some sheep get wiser, especially if their shepherd betrays them. And most times, sheep would go far away to find a new shepherd. Remember, sheep are supposed to be dumb. But on some occasions, their IQs grow higher than their shepherd. I wonder, do you count your sheep whenever you can't sleep? I bet they don't reach a hundred, that's because they're beginning to wake up now from your hypnotic heresy, and are now starting their exodus. If counting sheep doesn't take you to slumber, try counting your empty beer bottles. I bet they're much more than a hundred. Better yet, reach right away for the bottles that still have beer in them. That would surely put you to sleep. And when you wake up the next morning, your sheep shall all be gone, and all you'll be is in the company of wolves like yourself.

(Images from http://mihaelsecen.wordpress.com/ & http://www.quizilla.com/)

LOLO PEPE DECENTECEO, 97; ALFONSO DE VERA, 51; LIA ALLANA DE VERA, 7

I am writing this piece with a heavy heart. I just got back from the Funeraria Paz/Manila Memorial Park on Sucat to pay my respects to one of the dearest and sweetest persons I have ever met in my life - Felicisimo Decenteceo, who passed on peacefully the other day to be with our Lord who has most certainly prepared a wonderful place for him in heaven. He was a friend to all, stranger and acquaintance alike. A towering figure at the Silliman University, his second home. Lolo Pepe was a complete man and a compleat man, as well as a gentleman and a gentle man. He loved life, and life loved him back. Otherwise, he wouldn't have lived to reach a big number like 97. He was a faithful member of the International Evangelical Church of Alabang (IECA) and a prayerful man who knew his mission in life and lived it until the afternoon of December 4, 2008 when the Lord finally called him to eternal life. I salute Lolo Pepe knowing that I shall be seeing him again someday. But he is not the reason for my heavy-heartedness. It was another funeral on the ground floor, right below Lolo Pepe's room. A heart-breaking father and daughter funeral, innocent victims of brainless, trigger-happy Paranaque City PNP who killed them yesterday evening December 5 in a subdivision near Sucat just close by the old rotunda. Alfonso De Vera was 51, while Lia Allana De Vera was only 7. Now why do I say "murdered?" Because the PNP as usual, didn't do their homework on the rules of engagement. Imagine, a case of mistaken identity (again), this time an innocent man and an innocent and helpless child whose vehicle was peppered by murderous cops unschooled on proper procedure when conducting manhunt operations subsequently leading to a one-way target-practice. Did they really think that a 7-year old girl would be engaging them in a gun-battle? Bobo-cops, aren't they? And what were they thinking? These trigger-happy devils in uniforms must all be locked-up in jail for the rest of their lives. We prayed for Lilian De Vera, now a stunned and grief-stricken widow and mother whose husband and daughter were objects of a carelessly planned operations by the Paranaque Special PNP Team. Shame on you people. For a change, us citizens would like you all to be at the receiving end. As I was seated face-to-face with Lilian, holding her hand, my only prayer was for God to embrace her tight and never let go of her. It could have been anyone of us who have to face each day with the incompetence and stupidity and amateurish ways of our PNP. To catch a handful of Waray-Waray gang members, was it normal procedure for the PNP leadership to deploy a battalion of policemen? Shame on the PNP and shame on PNP Chief PGen Jesus Verzosa who had nothing better to say to the poor widow but "Sorry po, pasensiya na po, this is part of the risk during PNP operations..." Are these the same men who on oath swore to uphold the law and protect the citizenry? The same men who will now murder us on mere suspicion? What will the PNP spokesman say next? "Our policemen's lives were in danger as they were being shot at by the seven year-old girl who was indiscriminately firing her M-16 rifle at them..." We are not asking for justice for Lilian, her husband and their sweet daughter, General Verzosa. We demand it! Be a responsible true officer and gentleman, and not just some apologetic old boy scout. Give the De Vera family proper compensation for loss of income too. Well, next time when vigilante citizens hit on the police because of a simple case of mistaken identity, that's when they will feel how it's like to be innocent by-standers who just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Where now does the PNP's code of Service, Honor and Justice fit in? Paranaque's Finest has now become Paranaque's Murderest.

(Image from ( http://wikipilipinas.org/)

HALIK NI HUDAS

Secretary Butch Pichay, Speaker Boy Nograles, President Gloria Arroyo and Secretary Raul Gonzalez were sitting in a train in one of their junket trips abroad. The train goes through a tunnel and it gets completely dark for the next 10 seconds. Suddenly, there is a loud kissing sound and then a slap! The train comes out of the tunnel.

Gloria and Pichay are seated across each other, both looking perplexed. Nograles, seated across Gonzalez is bent over holding his face, which is now red from an apparent big slap.

All of them remain diplomatic and nobody says anything. Pichay is thinking: These DOMs all have bad taste and are crazy after Arroyo. Nograles must have tried to kiss her in the tunnel. Very proper that she slapped him!

Arroyo is thinking: Nograles must have moved to kiss me, but kissed Pichay instead and got slapped.

Nograles is thinking: Lintek! Pichay must have tried to kiss Arroyo, thought it was me, and so slapped me instead! Buang gyud!

Gonzalez is thinking: If this train goes through one more tunnel again, I could make another kissing sound and slap this Nograles again.

(Image from http://gmanews.tv/)

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART IX
"Ye are forgers of lies, ye are all physicians of no value." - Job 13:4

"All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." - Edmund Burke, Irish orator, philosopher and politician, 1729-1797


The Oxford Dictionary of Foreign Words and Phrases defines the French term 'Faux-Bonhomme' as "a false good-natured man," and "a malicious or devious person who pretends to be open-hearted and good-natured." Do these descriptions remind you of someone you know? It sure does. Popular televangelist preacher Joel Osteen was named the "Most Influential Christian in America" by the Church Report, was one of Barbara Walters' "10 Most Fascinating People of 2007," and operates an extraordinarily profitable religious program that could end one day in a scandal, if he doesn't walk the straight path. Joel Osteen has not yet had major sex scandals, drug scandals or molestation scandals like someone I know, but if he's not careful, he sure could be in the list someday among Pat Robertson, Al Sharpton, Ted Haggard, Jim Bakker, Jimmy Swaggart, William Dodd, Paul Barnes, and several others too many to mention. Joel Osteen has an extremely profitable TV ministry, a massive church, $43 million a year in tithes and another $36 million a year in mailed-in donations. Now I know why Osteen is the favorite if not one of the favorite preachers of my ex-favorite preacher. Like Pastor Kevin Gerald, Osteen likes to talk more about topics such as prosperity in your life and positive thinking. Yes, somewhat like someone I know oh so well. Osteen has written two books, the second of which sold 3 million copies. His books are a top-seller at your local bookstore. It's just his regular advice on how to live a happy life that has been thought of already by other people first, "Think Positive About Yourself" and other such drivel. Somewhat like someone's prosperity message which was really plagiarized from other prosperity preachers who are really just after their own prosperity. If you're going to operate a religious scam like many scam artists we know in our community selling God and new-age garbage, at least make it look religious, like invoking the Scriptures while selling trinkets and silly items to help your body heal faster, and make your self-inflicted wounds heal even much faster. Are you a pastor or a salesman? Please don't bring dishonor to all the hardworking salesmen of the world. You cannot serve both God and money. Shouldn't you be the one who should know better? Or do you find it hard to walk your talk, right? Right. For how pitiful is the man whose prosperity starts and ends only in financial and material gain. More pitiful are his hypnotized sheep who are misled in his false teachings. In his regular trainings, a sucker is born every time this happens. He always shows off his big house. End of story. Because in other aspects of his life, he is totally bankrupt. Is that the kind of man you'd be willing to trust with your life and with the lives of your family members? It's like giving the keys of your house to an akyat-bahay gang member. That is his choice. But then again, would a pastor who was willing to leave his wife and children showcase a lie? Talk about preaching one fine day and then stepping down from the pulpit to punch your wife in the face, witnessed by your audience just because she was making faces at you. Why don't you pick someone your size, like Gloria Arroyo? In my book, a man who lays a hand at a woman to beat her up black and blue is a coward. A spineless hypocrite hiding behind a fragile wall, soon to crumble because of fear and guilt. It won't be long now until your sin catches up on you. Do you honestly think you can fool everyone all the time? Think again. You could find yourself selling fruits again, but this time only the Durian fruits whose pricks are simply at home with you, or the chico which smells like something close to your heart. Which reminds me, you do have this thing about names of people, places and objects beginning with the letter "J," don't you? Joel (Osteen), Joseph (Prince), Jeremiah (29:11), Jewry, Jigger, Judas, Japayuki, Juvenile, Jollibee, Judgment (Day), Jalosjos ... Jail? Much more than any of those names, you forgot to honor the most important "J" of all time with your behavior. How could you have forgotten HIM? Was it all worth it? Where was your so-called pastoral spirit when you were taking off your clothes with that woman in that motel room? It probably is just fine and dandy to you because some people close to you are tolerating this, and you're not going to stop until you fall flat on your face again, and this time it won't be pretty enough to talk about it in your next training sessions. But it's not a surprise that there are now much more people who agree that you should just step down from the pulpit. But clean up the filth you made first. Grow up, not literally, but morally. You owe it to all the people whose lives you have touched with your sweet-talking hypocrisy. Because, when God says, "It's payback time pastor!," all that so-called prosperity teaching you have mastered may only have the value of a Zimbabwean Dollar. By the way, the exchange rate is 1 US Dollar = 25 billion Zimbabwean Dollars. Get the message?

(Image from http://www.charlieknox.blogspot.com/)

ANTHONY GOLEZ' ENGLISH BIBLE WILL ALWAYS BE GREEK TO HIM

A specially hand-made lightning bolt from heaven will soon be on a bull-seeking mission on Earth. it will be hovering first right above the vicinity of the Pasig River until it locks-in on its target. Just the other day, Presidential UnderSecretary and (Deputy) Spokesman (PUS) Dr. Anthony Golez, perhaps reading his dusty Bible upside-down, was bloviating as he quoted Scriptures (in the same way the Devil would) specifically Romans 13:1-2 (King James version or Queen Gloria's?) which states, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists authority resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment." What Dr. Golez doesn't know, as expected of him, is that the basic principle that God established in the Bible is found in the 28th chapter of Deuteronomy. Here, God enumerates the blessings He will bestow upon Israel if they keep His promises to obey Him. If they do not keep their part of the covenant and go into idolatry or corruption and violate His laws and statutes, then God is no longer bound by the covenant to fulfill His promises and instead will punish them. God has ordained the institution of government and has decreed that it should be Godly and lawful in obedience to His instructions. God's instructions for a civil ruler or president are found in Deuteronomy 17:14-20. A nation under God is to choose a leader from "among the brethren." When a nation begins to choose (or tolerate) ungodly leaders, they remove God from His position of guidance and violate His order and instructions of maintaining a Godly form of government. God does not choose evil or ungodly tyrants like Gloria to lead her people. He has, however, allowed the people to either obey or disobey His instructions, and that is to contront evil at every given corner. God is not the author of evil and He cannot, nor will not deliberately choose evil rulers, but will allow these kinds of rulers to gain power in order to punish those nations that rebel against Him. The US Declaration of Independence clearly states, "When a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object allows a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security."

There are many instances in the Bible of Godly men and women who disobeyed their kings and rulers. The prophet Elijah would not obey King Ahab. He also destroyed 100 of King Ahaziah's soldiers and their two captains.

The King of Egypt told the Hebrew midwives to kill all the male babies. They refused and disobeyed the king's order. When the midwives would not murder the male Hebrew babies, he ordered the mothers to murder their own children. They disobeyed him and God blessed them and multiplied them and from that disobedience the world was blessed with the great lawgiver Moses. You see, it's perfectly alright to go against an evil regime. God will be on your side.

And perhaps, the clearest example of the failure of a nation to exercise their duty of civil disobedience is the rise of Adolf Hitler to power. After Hitler had destroyed many nations and killed millions of people, his own military, realizing the war was lost, tried to assassinate him. But it was too late, Germany was in ruins. What was the defense the Nazi's used at the Nuremberg trials? Well, it was none other than Friar Golez' Romans 13! "I was just obeying orders. I was just obeying my government." Will Gloria's storm troopers be carrying out a similar defense and excuse when Filipinos start dying because of her corrupt and tyrannical governance? Yes, Dr. Golez, we are always to obey those in authority over us as long as they obey the Constitution and the laws it has established, who gave them the right to rule. Blind, blanket obedience to a government that is in violation of its covenant with God and its Constitution is a sure road to tyranny, dictatorship and downfall. We are to obey a Godly government, but clearly go against an ungodly government such as Gloria's regime, and she who claims to talk to God, and does so while facing a mirror. Lastly, it was Thomas Jefferson who said it clearly, "Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God." And surely, the whole Filipino nation is now saying, "Resistance to Gloria Arroyo's government is obedience to God!" If this is still not clear to Dr. Golez, then I suggest he enrols in Sunday School. I doubt if he ever attended one. Clearly, his artificial intelligence succumbs to his natural stupidity.

(Image from http://www.pia.gov.ph/)

A FILIPINIZED PSALM 23

A Filipino a la David living in Manila today would probably write Psalm 23 this way:

"Gloria is my shepherd, I shall be in want. She leadeth me beside still factories. She maketh me to lie down on park benches. She restoreth my doubts about her 'Strong Republic.' She guideth me onto the paths of unemployment for her cronies' sake. I do fear the evil-doers, for she talks with them constantly. The privileges for the rich and her deficit spending, they discomfort me. She anointeth me with never-ending debt, and my savings and assets shall soon be gone. Surely, poverty and hard-living shall follow me, and my jobless children shall dwell in my basement forever."

(Image from http://zamboangajournal.blogspot.com/)