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/)

"QUE BARBARIDAD!"

FG Mike Arroyo wakes up one morning, looks out from the Malacanang Palace window and sees "MIKE ARROYO SUCKS" written in urine on a huge pile of sand. Furious, he calls the PSG and demands the perpetrators be found. Later that same day, several PSG guards return.

"Sir," says the first guard, "Na-analyze na po ng intelligence ang urine, at galing daw po kay VP De Castro." FG Mike goes purple with rage and shouts, "Que barbaridad! Is that all?!"

"Well, no sir," says the agent, "It's.. aah.. ma'am President's handwriting!"

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

GLORIA PLAYS GOD

A little boy wanted PhP500 badly and prayed for two weeks, but nothing happened. Then he decided to write God a letter requesting the PhP500. When PhilPost authorities received the letter addressed to "GOD, PHILIPPINES," they decided to send it to President Arroyo. The President was so impressed, touched, and amused that she instructed her private secretary to send the little boy a PhP50 bill. President Arroyo thought this would appear to be a lot of money to a little boy. The little boy was delighted with the PhP50 and sat down to write a thank you note to God, which read:

Dear God,

Thank you very much for sending the money, however, I noticed that for some reason you had to send it through Malacanang and, as usual, those crooks deducted PhP450.

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

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART VIII
"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches." - Proverbs 22:1

Forbidden fruits create many jams. A persistently covetous man cannot hold a position of responsibilty in the church. It is important, and often looked by many of us, that covetousness is a sin that cries out for disciplinary action (1 Corinthians 6:9,10). In God's assessment, covetousness is just as grievous in His sight as immorality and idolatry. While the latter two are obvious whenever a man indulges himself in them, covetousness is hidden in one's heart most of the time, but once in a while, it surfaces to expose the guilty man. If this happens, he should be disqualified for leadership position in church such as being a pastor. If he is pugnacious, or fails to take care of his own household, or is a drunkard, everybody in church, leaders in particular must agree to the point that he must be forfeited of his rights and privileges (and even honor) to minister. By the same token, covetousness disqualifies him, for he is meant to be generous, hospitable and loving - not lusting, and not always craving for more material things such as a big house, a new car, and perhaps to be more physical - a new mistress. And so, the church should not be lenient nor should act in haste. When a pastor shows by his lifestyle that covetousness is a characteristic of his own personality, then the church would be in a position, on the basis of 1 Corinthians 6:9,10, to take disciplinary measures against him. Sad to say, other churches would do the opposite. God has entrusted the church to judge with righteous judgement and not allow blatant and recurring sin. How many times has this happened? Count the fingers of your hand. It is of primary importance then that a minister of the church be unaccusable and irreproachable. If a blameworthy man is placed into the ministry, being in the lead, the whole church and the testimony of the gospel suffers and is brought to a poor level to that of pagans and infidels. The doctrine he preaches, prosperity and all, even though they may be sound, will be discredited. Even his self-will, being carnal, is a sign of pride and arrogance. To be steadfast in your mission is commendable, but to be stubborn in your error will lead to over-confidence, which is a denial of the very grace of God a pastor should instead be proclaiming. The arrogant man, if placed in ministry, will not think twice of making a shipwreck out of his faith and other people's faith because he is not willing to confess his faults and make amends. Also, a pastor who views some female sheep in his flock as slabs of steak or even mere morsels of meat, and indulges often in beer and wine will soon be a victim of his own vice. His mind will not be clear and lucid, as is the requirement for shepherds who are meant to watch over the health of the flock (not the wealth or vital statistics of the flock). His intellectual capacity must be clear and sharp, and a lover of wine shall never be so. A preacher whose teachings circumnavigate only on financial gain and prosperity can in no sense be a representative of Him who said, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man hath nowhere to lay His head." (Luke 9:58, Matthew 8:20). Sad to say, throughout church history, we hear of cases where promising ministries were destroyed because the preacher was given to base gain. We still hear of them to this day. Check out your neighborhood fastfood joints. They're there, short of advertising to the crowd, "Only the rich are welcome in my church. If you're poor, try the fastfood outlet next-door." A man who is fond of money is not necessarily an embezzler. But a man may join a good cause and seek the pastoral office for the sake of material advantage. Likewise, Peter warns against such: "Feed the flock of God which is among you." (1 Peter 5:2). God excludes men from the ministry who have a mercenary spirit going out in search of riches, anxious to add to his possessions regardless of whether legitimate or not, whether fair or foul. A greedy person lays his own snare, into which he will ultimately fall. Judas betrayed Christ for a paltry sum of money. It is a mystery why greedy pastors seek the ministry to enrich themselves, when there are other venues available for them like the networking business of selling new-age garbage. In conclusion, the over-all impression is the Godly and mature character of the man, all-rounded, as James says, "Perfect, lacking in nothing." He is grown-up in all aspects of life. The term "covetous" is similar to "given to filthy lucre." This concentrates more on the intent and purpose of the man to enrich himself with earthly goods. Such a person in ministry will prove dishonest and will not be able to handle the financial aspect of his calling, thus bringing disrepute upon himself and his associates. A church having annointed teachers and pastors may not be the most popular church in town. On the other hand, a popular church may also have pastors of ill-repute, whose heart is planted on earthly treasures alone. Such churches will only have the numbers. But it all ends there. Again, our Lord said, "Feed my sheep." He didn't say, "Count them." In fact, He didn't even say, "Eat them." Indeed, Artificial Intelligence is no match for Natural Stupidity.

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

HE'S IN THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING

Even if your Bible may be covered with dust by now, you may want read these awesome facts.

- What is the shortest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalm 117
- What is the longest chapter in the Bible? Answer - Psalm 119
- Which chapter is in the center of the Bible? Answer - Psalm 118
- Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalm 118
- Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalm 118
- Add these numbers up and you get 1188
- What is the center verse in the Bible? Answer - Psalm 118:8
- Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to be in the center of His will, just send them to the center of His Word.

- Psalm 118:8 (NKJV) "It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man."

Now, isn't it odd how this worked out? (or was God in the center of it?) Awesome, huh?

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

SEOUL TRAIN: MANILA OR BUST?

The influx of Korean nationals in the country have shown how important it is for them to learn the English language. Interestingly, many of them learn it with a strong Filipino flavor. English is a funny language, especially in pronunciation, stress and syllabication. Here, you'll see a few peculiar examples why. Try it.

- The bandage was wound around the wound.
- The farm was used to produce produce.
- The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
- We must polish the Polish furniture.
- He could lead if he would get the lead out.
- The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
- A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
- When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
- I did not object to the object.
- The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
- There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
- The buck does strange things when the does are present.
- A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
- To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
- The wind was too strong for us to wind the sail.
- After a number of injections, my jaw got number.
- Upon seeing the tear in the painting, I shed a tear.
- I had to subject the subject to a series of tests.
- How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?

So, many of us take English for granted. But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly. Confusion, thy name is English!

And to our visiting Korean friends in the Philippines, learn on - but please behave while here.

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

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A PRESIDENT GETS ELECTED IN A YEAR WITH A "0" AT

THE END?

Well, this may apply only to US Presidents, so these facts shouldn't scare our presidentiable wannabes, or should it?
Also notice that it goes in increments of 20 years.

1840: William Henry Harrison (Died in Office)

1860: Abraham Lincoln: (Assassinated)

1880: James A. Garfield (Assassinated)

1900: William McKinley (Assassinated)

1920: Warren G. Harding (Died in Office)

1940: Franklin D. Roosevelt (Died in Office)

1960: John F. Kennedy (Assassinated)

1980: Ronald Reagan (Survived Assassination Attempt)

What am I saying? It doesn't necessarily mean that the next Philippine President to be elected in 2010 (if elections happen), will meet the same fate as his/her American counterparts. But then again, if an evil president he/she must be, so be it?




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

FG LIBRARY DESTROYED BY FLOOD

San Miguel, Manila -- A tragic flood this morning destroyed the personal library of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo inside Malacanang Palace. The flood began in the First Gentleman's private bathroom where both books were kept. Both of his books have been lost. A Malacanang spokesman said the First Gentleman was devastated, as he had almost finished coloring the second one. In an attempt to ease the pain of her husband, the President has ordered her top PSG men to buy several coloring books with attractive animal covers.
The Malacanang Press Corps tried earlier to get more details on the matter, but to date, no official statement has been issued by the Office of the First Gentleman.

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

WHAT'S AMORE?

The song "That's Amore" was a 1953 (wasn't born yet) hit by Dean Martin. Also, the same song first appeared in the soundtrack of the comedy film 'The Caddy,' released by Paramount Pictures later that same year. (still wasn't born yet). If you're familiar with this classic song, try singing it with the version below.

When the moon hits your eye, like a big pizza pie -
that's amore.

When an eel bites your hand, and that's not what you planned -
that's a moray.

When our habits are strange, and our customs deranged -
that's our mores.

When your horse munches straw, and the bales total four -
that's some more hay.

When Othello's poor wife, she gets stabbed with a knife -
that's a moor, eh?

When a Japanese knight, used a sword in a fight -
that's Samurai.

And when Bayani he tries, to be president wise -
that's a bore he!

(Image from http://pindutinmoto.blogspot.com/ & http://www.gmanews.tv/)

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART VII
"They are like dried-up springs, like clouds blown away by a storm. They make proud and stupid statements, and use immoral bodily lusts to trap those who are just beginning to escape from among people who live in error. They promise them freedom while they themselves are slaves of their own destructive habits." - 2 Peter 2:17-19

"Religiously Correct" Christians who run to Scripture in an attempt to flee from judgment by their fellow-Christians incorrectly maintain that only God has the right to judge and that they would rather submit themselves to God's judgment instead of man's, even though they continue in their pastor's false teachings and behavior which is really unacceptable, whichever way it is viewed. By assuming that position, they hope and pray to escape the humiliation and consequences of accountability to Christian authority, which they are more afraid of, instead of God's wrath and condemnation. They pretend to submit themselves to God's judgment, revealing that they do not really believe that God will judge them for their actions, which will definitely be more severe than any human judgment. When Scripture is mis-used in an attempt to cover or insulate false pastors and false teachers and false life-coaches, and illegal and immoral behavior from accountability to those things that are specifically condemned and prohibited in Scripture, then the very serious issues are raised, because Scripture is very specific in revealing the teaching and conduct of these individuals and stating what the consequences of their behavior will be. When supporters of false pastors and false teachers and immoral leaders believe that the Scripture can be used to cover sinful behavior, actions and doctrine on the part of their leaders, and is considered to be acceptable and tolerable, then even greater and more serious issues are raised, especially in regards to the sovereignty of God. So, who is sovereign, the man who declares immunity from sin by his own self-serving claim and the followers who defend the action of that pastor, or the God who established the standard in the Scripture and judges all? Many Christians are undiscerning in the selection of the pastors and teachers that they choose, believing that some emotional response to a religious situation or the excitement of some preacher in a training series or church service constitutes a right relationship with God, and as a consequence, they deliberately refuse to submit themselves under the authority of Scripture when applied to themselves. Sitting under the ministry of a false pastor who engages in immoral conduct or lies is preferable to facing the reality of what the Scripture teaches in relation to that preacher, because they must also apply what the Scripture teaches in their own lives. Many Christians would claim that the only proper response to immoral and illegal conduct by their pastor is not to confront it, but only to pray for those individuals. It is well that we should pray for them, but many Christians engage in pointless prayers by constantly seeking guidance, when it is already revealed in Scripture and their prayers go amiss when they continue to support and accept a leadership specifically condemned by the Scripture. Many in the Christian world claim that Christians should simply be loving, caring, accepting and tolerant with no doctrinal differences becoming an issue. They would claim that all deviant actions of their favorite pastor and drinking buddy should be forgiven and accepted with no punishment given, even when true repentance from their pastor is never expressed. On the contrary, true arrogance instead is exercised by this individual. Sadly so, it is those false pastors who are then allowed to continue in their excesses without accountability and it is those who have been deceived, abused and robbed who pay the price, and will continue to pay the price because the actions will continue. He must be exposed as his evil conduct must be stopped. Even forgiveness by God is predicated on genuine repentance by the forgiven and not forgiveness with continuation in that which is to be forgiven. Is a murderer forgiven only to be allowed to murder again? Some will be willing to accept error rather than truth, false teachings rather than correct, immorality rather than morality, illegal behavior rather than legal. These Christians defend their favorite pastor against the direct words of God and by doing so, they place themselves in the same position as their pastor, participating by assent in the same sinful actions as their pastor's, and bringing on themselves the rebuke of God which they do not even see. To accept and even defend the immoral behavior of their pastor is the same as participating in it and reveals how far many Christians distance themselves from the true authority of the Scripture in order to place themselves in a position of sovereignty over God and His commands. They adopt a backward theology, that wrong equates to right, and right equates to wrong. The same Christians who will defend their pastor when he steals from the offering plate for their own selfish indulgences, or when he impregnates a female member of the church, bring reproach on the name of Christ by his immoral behavior, steal truth from God and claim it to be falsehood, steal sovereignty from God by claiming authority which they do not have, steal the majesty of God, and steal the souls of adherents by teaching a prosperity message which is far from his lifestyle. The most heinous sin is that of the false teacher who teaches a false prosperity message. But undiscerning Christians support and defend the likes of him - who put the souls of followers in danger of hell, claiming that they wish to live peaceably with all men rather than stand for the authority of the Scripture and show true love to their brethren by speaking directly to the heresies that are a danger to their souls. They reveal the true lack of love in their character, by allowing those to continue in their false teachings and preachings, by allowing the lowest common denominator that will allow Christians to live in peace with that which is dark and false in their midst, being the support and defense of the false over the true. To the undiscerning, blind followers of this false teacher, the question must be asked, "Who do you wish to defend, the self-proclaimed false preacher that you love and adore, or the sovereign God of the universe whose commands and doctrines you deny because you support and defend that which is immoral and hypocritical?

As a reminder:

1. Scripture prohibits Lying Pastors - 1 Timothy 3:8, Titus 1:7, 2 Peter 2:3
2. Scripture prohibits Immoral Pastors - 1 Timothy 3:2, 2 Peter 2:2
3. Scripture prohibits Drunken Pastors - 1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7
4. Scripture prohibits Self-Willed Pastors - 2 Peter 2:10
5. Scripture prohibits Materialistic Pastors - 1 Timothy 3:3, Titus 1:7, 2 Peter 2:3
6. Scripture prohibits Disobedient Pastors who despise authority - 2 Peter 2:10

It only takes less than an ounce of brains to figure out why one should refrain from misrepresenting one's selves by using the same church name or any similarities to that, which rightfully belongs to subject legitimate church. There is only one legal owner of that nomenclature. This is plain and simple callousness and arrogance and the offending parties may suffer the consequences - or perhaps some just have the mental capacity of a minor kitchen appliance not to know?

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

SCRIPTED PRAYER, SCRIPTED PRESIDENTIAL REACTION

Just a thought. While Press Secretary Jess Dureza looks at the President and prays for her, the Filipino people likewise look at the President - and then pray for the country.

"She is a woman of splendid abilities, but utterly corrupt, like a rotten sardinas under a full moon, she shines and stinks." Just a thought.

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

PINOY IDLE GOES TO METRO HELL

Bayani Fernando dies and goes straight to the nether world Sheol. There, he is immediately greeted warmly by Gloria Arroyo. "Papa Satan will be with you in a few minutes," she says. "Since you are new here, you should probably be warned that we all rise when he enters," she continues. "What?! I get up?! but ma'am, don't forget that I was chairman of Metro Philippines for a long time since I lost in the presidential elections twice!" screamed Bayani. "BF, don't you also forget that I was president of my stolen republic 'til 2020, because when God rejected Jess Dureza's prayer in 2008, Satan immediately seized the opportunity to answer it, and yet I have the manners to rise," explained Gloria. "Not I!" declared Bayani. The argument is becoming warm when Raul Gonzalez approaches. "Peace, madam president and mr. chairman," he says. "I will fix everything." Three solemn knocks announce the coming of Satan. "Attention!" thunders Gonzalez. "Here comes the photographer!" whereupon Bayani Fernando jumps to his feet, folds his arms, sticks out his chin and chest.
Peace and kaayusan reign in Metro Hell.

(Image from http://bambit.kusangpalo.com/)

FH MONEY CHANGER

Since the beginning of the botched felony of 'Le Filipine Euro Generale et Gendarmes' in Moscow, I have always wondered about the big fish involved here. When a scandal like this takes place, one always wonders about the chain of command's involvement and how high it reaches the top, especially if it has everything to do with government funds. After witnessing the recent Senate inquiry on the matter, I am convinced together with legions of suspicious Filipinos that a cover-up has just taken place. It's obvious that PGen. Eliseo De la Paz is now a fall guy. And in the PNP's hurried and amateurish attempt to erase their tracks and all, I think they simply overlooked one item - FH Money Changer. My malicious mind tells me that the initials FH could mean ... First Husband?

(Image from http://www.russia-ic.com/)

KEYS-TONG COPS

With Christmas just around the corner, our policemen will again be wearing Santa Claus headgear as they patrol our urban areas, a reminder to us all that police visibility is a deterrent to crime. Is it really? Because a lot of times, it is our very own PNP who are the ones involved in the very crimes they were supposed to protect us from. On the other hand, take the case of the recent 'Euro-Generals' scandal led by PGen. Eliseo De la Paz. That really is the height of the PNP top officers' disregard for applied international law, and convinces everyone that their planned felonies have since gone global. Shame on De la Paz and party! Their Russian counterparts should have shipped them out instead to Siberia for some good old Russian police training and discipline. But since they're already home in the loving, caring arms of DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno, instead of the Santa headgear this Christmas, the DILG chief should lead by example, and then instruct them to follow him by wearing handkerchiefs over their faces with only their eyes showing. That would be more appropriate. And back here, our PNP should bear in mind always to obey the law while enforcing the law.

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

PROSPERITY WITH A DARK PURPOSE - PART VI
"Whosoever shall put away his wife, saving for the cause of fornication, causeth her to commit adultery." - Matthew 5:32

A Mormon friend once inveigled me into an argument on the issue of polygamy. After I had been beaten about the ears with long and tedious expositions justifying the Mormonic practice, the climax was capped by my friend's demand that I cite any passage in Scripture expressly forbidding polygamy, to which I simply replied, "Matthew 6:24 . . . No man can serve two masters." I have not heard from him ever since.

Three major types of extra-marital affairs are probably common to us all. The first would be the 'one-night stand,' which is made possible if a perfect mix of circumstances, hormones, secrecy and of course a consenting partner is included. This encounter is in essence a simple one-time experience, but can sometimes elevate into repeated moments, depending on the willingness of both parties. If it takes two to tango, it certainly takes two to dirty dancing. But of course, one can be held liable for such, especially if the person or persons at fault are married. And being unhappily shackled to one's spouse does not justify the felony a bit. If you believe that marriage for you is not a word but a sentence, why not try putting a period in your gallivanting lifestyle to lessen the load? Having more than one woman never makes a man more of a man. Don't jump from one's comma and then dash to another! Your reputation could lead to a big question mark, affecting further your usual problems with your digestive system which could eventually destroy your colon. An example in Scripture reminds us a kind of repentance through a single confrontation when Nathan exclaimed against David, "Thou art the man!" (2 Samuel 12:7). A second type of affair starts with a simple acquaintance, then friendship, and then elevates into a sexual level later on, based on mutual attraction and can have several emotional factors. But even if this affair can only be platonic and never sexual in nature, it is always wrong and should never be tolerated because it steals the marital relationship of strength and foundation needed for intimacy between husband and wife. This type of an affair is often operated through secrecy, deceit and lies, and the separation of this type requires a grieving time similar to that of a divorce or an annulment. When this type of a relationship shifts to a sexual level, the bonding is so close that the consenting, 'dirty dancing parties' involved will risk everything they have - families (spouse and children), careers, wealth, and even health and life just to maintain the affair. In this case, the very life of a congregation was in jeopardy, even to the extent that a death-wish to the church was confided by this individual to a very close associate. "For death and life are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21). Again, the most appropriate Scriptural example of this type and the risks involved is the one involving Samson and Delilah. A repentance following this affair is necessary but not sufficient for recovery. Here, time is very important for healing to take place. As a pattern would now dictate, this type is always prone to repetition. And this person has repeatedly repeated this sin of his, at the expense of several individuals involved in his ministry. Statistically speaking, the chances of recurrence is very high, that therapy is needed to find out why the attraction occured in the first place. This explains now why our 'faux-bonhomme' keeps on going back to his sin, just like an askal returns to his retch. When will this end? Only he holds the answer. There must first be a willingness on his part for genuine admission and then repentance, otherwise he continues to live a life of a male harlot, a gigolo in disguise as a 'messenger of prosperity' as one who knows it, believes it and speaks it. The big question now is: Does he live it? Well, to answer that question, have chickens stop crossing streets? If a second or third or even a fourth affair follows, its duration may be short-lived and the person could very well embark on a journey towards sexual addiction which has many forms in sexual expression. This is perhaps the third type, and now becomes less fulfilling emotionally. He now jumps from paramour to paramour, house to house, subdivision to subdivision, looking for more and more fulfillment for the flesh. A walking, talking bottomless pit, his cup never overfloweth. There is now no emotional attachment in these, putting his behavior at high risk to the extent of contracting a sexually-transmitted disease whether he puts on a prophylactic on his upper head or lower head, in which case doesn't really make any distinct difference. Again, in Scripture, we are shown a type of this sexual behavior which happened in the description of Eli's sons sleeping with women involved in temple ministry (1 Samuel 2:12-25, especially verses 22-25). In this, a necessary public confession and repentance is the only start of a long journey towards self-repair. But, the individual involved in this type of extra-marital affair should never again be placed in a position of ministry. To do so would be much like permitting a paedophile teach Sunday School, allowing a compulsive gambler to work as a card-dealer in a Las Vegas casino, or tolerating a drunkard to work as a bartender in a Las Pinas cabaret, if only to prove that he is already sober, in the same way that some have allowed him to return to preaching even without cleaning him up first from his addictions. His return to ministry would definitely be a set-up for continued failure. As it is, he could be moonlighting now as a salesman for a pastor-businessman-friend of his involved in the selling of bogus body-strengthening, life-enhancing, prosperity-boosting products. Sad, but if that is true, is that his version of prosperity? You will know him by the smell of the chico fruit he bears. It reminds me of those poor teachers who even with such a noble profession, sell tocino or e-load on the side. Now we have pastors who sell 'new-age' paraphernalia on the side. May omniscient God spare them from their appointed lightning bolts.

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

"IM MARRIED TO THE COUNTRY"

A few years ago, deep into the start of her stolen presidency, halfway through all the scandals that would tarnish her and her administration's image, from out of her usual lie-filled rhetoric, President Arroyo made a public declaration a la Queen Elizabeth saying, "I'm married to the country."

Now we know why she keeps screwing the Filipino people.

(Image from http://ctv.ca/)

IF YOU BUMP, YOU GET LUMP

Not to be outdone, Henry Sy's SM Group has shown keen interest in taking over the entire operations of PhilAm Life in the near future if negotiations turn out as planned. One SM executive said that if and when that happens, and upon assuming operations of PhilAm Life, they will start right away with the launching of a brand new insurance policy for clumsy accident victims, and its name will be announced later. But here's the deal - If you bump your head, Banco de Oro will immediately pay you LUMP SUM.

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

DRINK BEER AND BE COVERED

Good news to all members of the clergy, pastors and priests especially (yes you know who you are). Are you still looking for that special no-nonsense insurance coverage for you and your family or 'extended' family, and at the same time still find it hard to kick that brewsky habit of yours? Well, you can now jump for joy! Food and beverage giant San Miguel Corpration will soon be venturing in the insurance business. SMC aims to be a major player in the insurance industry in the country, with the noble promise every insurance policy brings in the event of the inevitable. It will soon be launching its new life insurance plan for all beer-loving, insurance-conscious Filipinos and will appropriately be called, 'SAN MIG LIFE'

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

POTUS AND POTA

I think it was some members of the US Secret Service who were responsible for inventing the acronyms POTUS to mean 'President Of The United States,' and FLOTUS, 'First Lady Of The United States.' May I suggest then for the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to coin the acronym POTA for their current boss to mean 'President Of The Archipelago.' So, if Barack Obama is the incoming POTUS, then what do you think, will they approve it? - that our current chief-executive is the POTA?

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

DISTURBING SM MALL POSTERS AND BILLBOARDS

Okay, so he's the wealthiest Chinese-Filipino according to Forbes magazine, with $3.1 billion in total assets and 30 mega-malls all over the country. But in my book, Henry Sy (and Co.) is also the most un-patriotic and the most un-nationalistic among the other taipans and tycoons in the country. Why do I say this? Just look at the posters and billboards displayed all over his SM Malls, and you will see that all if not most of the pictures of models or endorsers of his in-house products are Caucasian people. The products and apparel they are endorsing are locally manufactued but carry imported brands. Is that why their talents are "imported" as well? We are in the Philippines. These malls are not in some western countries like the US and the UK, but come to think of it even western countries use non-Caucasian models like African -Americans and Asian-Americans. So why can't SM stick to some good old home-grown talent? And why am I making a big deal out of this, many have asked? Well, first of all, Henry Sy owes the Philippines big time for granting his ancestors from mainland China Filipino citizenship and recognition. He shouldn't forget his humble beginnings when he started what was originally called Shoe Mart. In short, admirable as he is since his days of selling shoes and slippers, he must never forget that as his malls are spread all over the country, it wouldn't hurt him a bit if he promotes his stores and his products with Filipino values and culture and with our very own heritage, and by doing so, he could start by using Filipino models to appear on his posters and billboards. At 83, the sting of colonial mentality has never left him. Proof of this is the name of an in-house drugstore located in all SM malls called Watson's. Now, how much western can you be more than that? If I were them, I'd use a little Filipino ingenuity and wit and call it 'SM Megamot.' Okay, so it's not him. It's probably his executives who have decided on this. But doesn't he see them? After all, he and his children are known to do the rounds on their malls on a regular basis inspecting every operations and management styles of each. His fellow-taipans and tycoons are not so guilty of this insult on all Filipinos. SM malls are anti-Filipino then, and we must lodge a protest to this. No wonder whitening creams are selling like hotcakes these days, and right in SM malls! They promote a big lie that to be white-skinned is to be beautiful and acceptable and even successful. Look how these creams have now creeped into every kayumangging-Filipina's shopping list. It gives a wrong message that a brown-skinned person is less desirable and less likely to land a good job and promote or sell a product compared to a white-skinned person or persons who just happen to make it as talents and models for Henry Sy's SM products. The US just had its first non-white president. Time to change our false beliefs. If white is beautiful as it connotes cleanliness, black or even brown are too as they connote completeness and presence of all colors. Love your country like it's the only one you've got. After all, its inhabitants have given you so much wealth making you a true SM - Super Mayaman, but Sobrang Maka-dayuhan.

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

CHECK OUR SCHOOL-BUILDINGS

Just outside Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince is a not-so-sleepy town of Petionville. Everyone was awakened eyes wide-open with the reality of death when just recently, a three-storey school-building there collapsed just like a house of cards without any warning, crushing some 700 people mostly school-children inside. As of last count, 84 kids have perished from this tragedy, and the culprit - poor engineering. With this sad news, one can't help but wonder about our school-buildings back here at home, and of the condition they must be in. Fact is, we always act too late everytime a tragedy occurs, by creating inutile task forces to investigate on something that could have been prevented in the first place. Be it a collapse of a building, a sinking of a ship, a plane crash or even a stampede of people, we always just act too late. Look at the poor state of many of our buildings in the university belt, not to mention the hole-in-the-wall dormitories and makeshift rooms for bed-spacers, catering mostly to our co-ed students. The existing building code is never given due importance and obeyance that all, and all it takes is just another tragedy of lethal proportions that's waiting to happen for our authorities to 'look into the matter' again, and then they end with the usual practice of finger-pointing. I've been to a few of these buildings and have often wondered why these edifices have not been condemed, adding to the fear is the fact that many of these buildings have fire exits that are either impassable or even padlocked. When will we ever learn? How many more lives must be snuffed-out before we really put our act together ? There must be a sensible and an aggressive common effort between government agencies concerned like the DPWH and the MMDA and the local government unit where the building is located, and of course the willingness of the building owner to conduct a regualr no-nonsense check on all the respective school-buildings. And while they're at it, might as well include all buildings for that matter, and especially the ones older than our grandparents. It would certainly be 'pogi points' for Bayani Fernando's presidential dream if he conducts a personal check on these buildings as MMDA chief, and then render an unbiased verdict on the state and condition of these stuctures. After all, if he claims to be an engineer, then he must be qualified to give his two-cents worth of an opinion. He should then act swiftly on erring building owners and slap them with the corresponding penalties and closure if necessary. Just an unsolicited advice to Mr. Fernando: Please do not instruct your MMDA men to put BAYANI stickers on the buildings after they have been inspected. Don't hard-sell yourself again. It's enough that we already have to see your face all over the metropolis on a daily basis. Act now to save lives, and be a real bayani for a change.

(Image from http://www.i-baguio.com/)

LIFESTYLE CHECKS AND PINOY LIFESTYLES

Lifestyle checks conducted by a government agency must never be selective. It must apply to all government personnel, top to bottom. Our leaders most especially must always be conscious of the people's trust, and what better way to earn that constantly from them than by living a simple way of life. In a society of rampant materialism as gauge for success, one cannot help but be lured into that very web. And so, a top government official must be seen riding in the latest SUV, wearing the most expensive Italian haute-couture, wearing a Rolex or an IWC, and of course his spouse and offspring must follow suit, not to mention the in-laws that live with him and his immediate family under the same imported Italian roof. He must be seen eating at the best fine-dining restaurants and seldom only in fastfood joints like Burger Machine or Goto King. He definitely must be seen eating in expensive Japanese restaurants like Sugi, and never in cheap Jap restos like Tokyo-Tokyo. If he's in a Chinese restaurant, never should it be in Ling-Nam or Luk-Yuen, but only in authentic Chinese eating places like Tin-Hau, or the ones located only in five-star hotels. His children must be enrolled in schools like the Ateneo or De la Salle, Assumption or Woodrose, Brent or U A & P. His servants or maids must always be seen with them wearing maids' uniforms making them look like private nurses in white, with matching aprons to announce their domestication. His address must sound expensive like "# so and so Acacia Lane," or "one majestic mile," and must have authentic numerals like #2 or #1002, and never an address like 'Block 15, Lot 32,' or 'Kampupot Extension.' When driving along the SLEx, he must be with a driver and a 'driver's alalay,' and must always use the Skyway and enter and exit only via the e-pass lanes, otherwise, what would his neighbors think? He must always be seen in high-class supermarkets like Rustan's, but never in places like Hi-Top or Liana's, or his neighbors will surely have sudden fainting spells. His mobile cellphone number must be postpaid from Globe, particularly starting with the first four numbers '0917,' otherwise, he's not in the creme de la creme crowd. If his number starts with a pre-paid '0919,' he's immediately regarded as an outcast and on welfare. He must be seen in churches like the Santuario de San Antonio in Forbes Park, or the St. James Church in Alabang, and never should he be seen with the hoi-polloi crowd in gatherings like the El Shaddai overnight services, unless only invited to be on stage with no less than Bro. Mike Velarde himself. He must be seen in expensive spas and salons, and never in Ricky Reyes parlors, otherwise, he could be mistaken as a returning OFW or a Hosto with a taxi business of not more than two units. His laptop must be the latest Mac and never a Dell or a Neo. Wine is a must for him, but never the vinegar-like Novellino. It must be authentic Chilean or French, but never pseudo-Italian or Sioktong. His pets at home must be pure-bred dogs complete with papers, and not the ones issued by the BID, and exotic birds like the American Bald Eagle and rare fish like the Coelacanth. In addition, his birds at home should never be the spray-painted ones and his fish never a Tilapia, Sapsap or Butete in an aquarium. And never should these pets at home be the domestic lizards, termites, cockroaches and the occasional Singsing Pare. You see, it really is diffcult for a government official not to have all these luxuries in life. If he must, then a private life he must keep, for a public official is public property, and everything he owns must pass public scrutiny. For in the end, the more gold he carries with him, the harder the trip will be for him to his final destination.

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

LET HIM DREAM

Bayani Fernando is stealthily encroaching on the whole archipelago with his silly new term - Metro Philippines. Whatever that means, soon, his MMDA engineers will be constructing slippery, elderly-unfriendly pink and blue steel foot-bridges right from the door of his MMDA office to the door of the presidential palace. After all, he now boasts that no less than former president Fidel Ramos has hinted that an engineer could be the next president of the Philippines. Fernando was quick to claim that FVR was alluding to him (Fernando) because he is an engineer. Now we see what goes on in BF's so-called mind these days. Endorsements, silly slogans and the presidency. And what better way to spin this lust of his than to take advantage of his position as MMDA chairman, to put his face on posters bigger than the message. We should all be enraged at the behavior of this engineer who promotes 'kaayusan' and 'disiplina,' and yet he himself doesn't have those two in his character. He says that "engineering technology" is the answer to boost livelihood for many Filipinos in the south, Mindanao in particular. He says that the country's inadequate housing program and the dismal economy is in dire need of his technology to solve the many problems there. Well, more than the poor economy, it's the economist, stupid! - his lady-boss who to this day unlawfully occupies the very office he salivates for. Naglalaway na siya maging presidente! To be more 'street-legal,' atat na atat na siya maging presidente ng 'Pinas! Fernando says that being an engineer, his solution to the Mindanao conflict is really simple: through "technology warfare," he will solve it, and with this Mindanaoans will protect their infrastructures instead of doing other things. I think he's on drugs or on something. Talk about dreaming. He further stressed that based on the statement of FVR about him, he has a big chance of becoming the next Philippine president. Remember when the same FVR endorsed former Speaker Jose de Venecia to be the ruling party Lakas' official presidential bet against former President Joseph Estrada? Well, JDV lost a poor second after Erap won the presidency by a huge margin. The Ramos endoresement is really nothing for BF to jump about and announce to his whole Metro Philippines. It's more of an empty recommendation from a not-so-clean-himself ex-president. It would bring more damage to BF than good, not to mention his 1% acceptable rating among Pinoys. Well, on that note, the reason probably why Fernando wants to bring infrastructure to Mindanao is the fact that there's really nothing else that he knows except that - a disguised "engineering technology" which would really just boost his steel business when they start building steel bridges, pink fences, concrete barriers and all those ghastly MMDA contraptions which to me are the silliest pink ideas for any urban area. His plan to reach the south and possibly the whole archipelago is a selfish motive aimed at enlarging his territorial clout needed to feed his insatiable ambition, kasi, sirang-sira na siya dito sa Metro-Manila. But that's really not the answer. The wiser answer to the problems are food production, job creation, peace and order, and respect to other faiths such as Islam. And speaking of respect, Fernando needs to have that within his people. People like those sixteen MMDA employees assigned to the Sidewalk Clearing Operations Group (SCOG) who were arrested recently for stealing PhP 5 million worth of LRTA vertical clearance posts which they eventually sold for scrap. These are the same people who see and salute his pictures more than absorbing his 'fine-printed' messages on a daily basis, simply because of the sheer size of the former, and instead of the more important message which isn't really the MMDA's priority. The same people who have been found guilty of running away with the goods of sidewalk vendors - vegetables, fruits, chickens, fish, DVDs, slippers, socks, umbrellas, ballpens, combs, briefs, and even dentures of vendors, etc. You name it, they stole it and took them to their homes! Geesh. They should all be wrapped with BF's posters, re-painted with black and yellow stripes and then use them as humps along EDSA to slow down all those killer buses with their 'shabu-head' drivers sporting BAYANI stickers. So, what really is Metro Philippines? Sounds oxymoronic to me. I've heard of Metro Cebu and Metro Davao and of course Metro Manila, but Metro Philippines? What is that? Perhaps to Bayani Fernando, since he thinks that the MMDA programs and projects he has instituted have been the best thing that ever happened to our urban cities, he probably wants now to take the whole country by his Metro-Gago, Tao-Ginago/ Urbanidad pero que barbaridad slogans. And since he has openly announced his intention to run for president in 2010, he now realizes that Metro Manila is just not big enough in terms of the electoral populace to usher him to Malacanang. And so, the solution is to simply transform the whole country's perception from the public mind with just two words: Metro Philippines. Of course, this is all just strategy and spin, and it stinks. Building steel bridges to connect the whole archipelago is a positive move - for his steel business. Then, transforming the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) into the Metro Philippines Development Authority (MPDA) under the Office of the President (OP) is also positive - for the the successor (if any), since all the secret and unbidded-out deals will still continue. Imagine, if the whole country is transformed into Metro Philippines, then that would mean 7,100 plus more small Metro Manilas in terms of voting strength, budget and political clout, enought to kick one upstairs straight to Malacanang Palace. But with his 1% rating conducted by the SWS just recently, Bayani Fernando still has a good chance to be just a 'nuisance candidate,' joining the ranks of Ely Pamatong, Eddie Gil and Co.

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

OH, BAMA!

Barack Obama wins the US presidency and the hearts of all peoples of the world. It was an emotional moment for many of us when CNN finally declared Senator Barack Obama as the 44th US president-elect. In my mind I thought this to be the beginning of a new era for the world's most powerful nation, and one with the most diverse nationalities and cultures. The presidency is a destiny made in heaven. The US presidency in particular is a responsibility and an undertaking unlike any other. With it must come wisdom which must be given from above. Not man-made, but God-given. Obama is a man of God and a man of peace. His victory is a victory for all freedom-loving peoples of the world. It is proof that America can evolve, and will do so for the better in an Obama era. Gone are the days when a black man's job was simply to be a slave. When all he had to do was to pick cotton from the cottonfields of the deep south. To serve the white man his coffee or tea and bring him his mail. To drive him to the county fair or to tend his garden and wash his dishes. Or simply be his hired hand. He has since become the living spirit behind the US presidency, and his victory ushers the unshackling of all racism and bigotry against all black peoples of the world - and of course of America. It is a liberating win not only for black Africa, but also for all African-Americans. With Obama's victory comes God's will, and with God's will comes the blessings for a greater America.

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

STANLEY HO AND GLO THE HOE

There should be no objection to the plan to privatize Pagcor. Neither should there be any objection if Stanley Ho, the gambling lord of Macau would buy into the operations of Pagcor, reportedly with some big-time operators from Las Vegas. However, Mr. Ho has such a terrible and questionable management style bordering on the criminal when it comes to running his businesses that we are better off without him. Privatization will stop powerful people close to Malacanang from dipping their hands into the coffers of Pagcor. President Arroyo will be deprived of hundreds of millions of Pesos from the so-called "special fund" from Pagcor, and as far as we are concerned, there should be no objection to that either. We never know how the money is spent anyway, because disbursemens are not audited. So what else is there to do? Make sure that the sale or the privatization process is transparent. With that, government should get the right price for it. And because Pagcor is government-owned, its privatization must be done thru public bidding to avoid suspicions of large sums of money changing hands as a result of a negotiated sale. Lastly, the state should never be involved in gambling. Gloria's government refuses to legalize jueteng, but its gambling tentacles have spread all over the country. The fact that Pagcor is legal and jueteng is not hardly makes any difference. It is still gambling by whatever name one would like to call it.

(Image from http://www.pagcor.ph/)

GENUINO'S GAMBLING + GARCIA'S GSIS + GLORIA'S GOVERNMENT = GRAFT

Webster's dictionary defines graft as "the use of dishonest means and political influence or position to acquire personal gain." Jueteng, smuggling, gambling. These three words ending with a G are part and parcel of this government's legacy, and incidentally, three prominent names starting with a G make it to the news on a regular basis - Genuino, Garcia, Gloria. And what's the controversy all about? G for Graft. When Lingayen Archbishop Oscar Cruz revealed to the public that four (4) national officials and six (6) local officials were receiving bribes from the PhP 30 billion jueteng bonanza, the palace just shrugged off its shoulders. As usual, palace apologists were quick to dare Archbishop Cruz to name names, with the usual motherhood statement that "President Arroyo is fully committed to stamp out all forms of gambling in the country." Now that's garbage with a capital G! Archbishop Cruz retorts that it is "appaling and highly unbelievable" for Malacanang to not know the identities of the persons involved. Cruz is correct. Malacanang knows. Cruz is even generous, again with a capital G. He should have said forty (40) national officials and six hundred (600) local officials instead of four and six. Sticking to four and six, it's easy to guess who these people are. The two of them are seen almost daily in Malacanang, while the other two could be seen in two separate offices on EDSA. As to the six, choose your wild from Bulacan to Pampanga, to Pangasinan and the Ilocos region, all four places as the home turf of "the lady in jueteng."

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

UNJUST JUSTICES

At the shameful rate many of our judges and justices in the Supreme Court, including our present justice secretary have been playing partisan politics to protect their own interests and the interests of their benefactors, I am reminded of of what former Senator Kit Tatad wrote some years back. He said, "Injustice, not poverty, is the gravest social evil. We have too many laws but not enough justice. Too many justices, but not enough just men." - Francisco S. Tatad, 'A Nation on Fire: The unmaking of Joseph Ejercito Estrada and the remaking of justice in the Philippines.' Our Supreme Court justices have cheapened their positions by selling off decisions and cases, sometimes even to the highest bidders. In this country, justice is only for the rich and the powerful. Many criminals have now been given freedom from their heinous crimes, and many petty thieves so to speak are languishing in jail, sometimes for crimes they have never committed, and then to add insult to injury, we have a justice secretary who commits a crime too each time he opens his mouth.

(Image from http://www.philippinebusiness.com.ph/ & http://www.ilsdole.gov.ph/)

THE LRTA IS SENIOR CITIZEN - UNFRIENDLY

I always enjoy my LRT ride from the EDSA/Taft Avenue station up until my usual destination where I always get off at Blumentritt to take a jeepney to Del Monte, Quezon City. The trip takes me to a few minutes ride back to the past whereupon I see old historic buildings of Manila like the Post Office building, the Knox United Methodist Church, the National Press Club building, the Philippine General Hospital, the Philippine Women's University, the Metropolitan Theatre, the Scottish Rite Temple, Cosmopolitan Church, Sta. Isabel College and the Philippine Normal University, to name a few. But when I took that same route today, my attention on the wonderful trip down historic lane was cut short when I noticed a sign inside the train posted by the public affairs office of the LRTA which read: "Mahigit na ipinagbabawal sa Special Boarding Area ang mga sumusunod: hindi matanda, walang kapansanan, senior citizen na hindi nakasuot ng OSCA ID, hindi buntis, mga magulang na may dalang bata na lampas sa 4ft., at hindi kawani ng LRTA." Now, the notice seemed normal to me, but I thought I'd read it again, and sure enough, the item about senior citizens wearing OSCA IDs got my undivided attention. What the LRTA here is saying is that if you are an elderly person riding the LRT and happen not be wearing your OSCA ID, or worse have forgotten to bring it with you, then you simply cannot occupy the Special Boarding Area. Since when does it take an ID to distinguish whether one is an elderly person or not? In the same way, does a pre-elementary pupil have to wear his kindergarten school ID to show he's just a small, young kid? Surely, people like LRTA Administrator Mel Robles is unaware of this silly notice, otherwise it wouldn't pass at all. Or does he? Pity the elderly who have to show OSCA IDs to prove he's - well, a senior citizen. It's enough that they are subjected to a regular punishing flight of steps to the top just to reach the ticket booths because many times, escalator and elevator services are not available for their use, not to mention the many establishments that do not honor the 20% discount required to be given for all senior citizens. If I were Mel Robles, I would offer free rides to our elderly kababayans. It's one small way of showing our appreciation and respect for them. After all, cruel and morbid as it may seem, they won't be around anymore that long to contribute to income loss on transport systems like the LRTA. In addition, Mel's boss Mike Velarde has way too much cash on hand already, and the irony of it is that many senior citizens are faithful tithers in his El Shaddai church. And to think that I'd gladly ride the LRT any day of the week contrary to my usual hesitation and bias when it comes to riding the much-neglected MRT system. And if you think that the punishment for our old-timers ends there, they have to see huge tarpaulin posters of Gloria Arroyo on the LRT stations with the misleading message: "Ramdam ang Kaunlaran."

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

LATEST SWS SURVEY - BAYANI FERNANDO: 1%

Bayani Fernando's political machinery is on cruise control for now. Nowadays, one can easily spot tricycles carrying his stickers which says, 'Bayani 2010 For President Movement,' or his 'new and improved' posters which has a confusing new name for our country - Metro Philippines. What that exactly means is still a puzzle to me to this day. I'm sure he's also clueless as to what it means. Is he trying to put the whole country under his jurisdiction, for obvious reason? In the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) from the dates September 24-27, 2008, the following results show Noli de Castro 19% from 28%, Joseph Estrada 17% (not included last March), Manny Villar 17% from 10%, Chiz Escudero 13% from 16%, Loren Legarda 8% from 20%, Ping Lacson 8% from 10%, Mar Roxas 6% from 12%, Gloria Arroyo 3%, Dick Gordon 1%, Jojo Binay 1%, and Bayani Fernando 1%. It's obvious that legions of Filipinos believe that Bayani Fernando (contrary to what many people think), just doesn't have even the faintest qualities to make president, and one outstanding reason among several is that they simply don't trust him at all, not forgetting how he has and continues to abuse his position as MMDA chairman. It is also my personal opinion that Mr. Fernando's foot simply doesn't fit the presidential shoe, even if that shoe is hand-made especially for him by a reputable shoe maker from Marikina. The presidential shoe will always be too big for his parochial foot.

(Image from http://img5.imageshack.us/)