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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)

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/)