The Philippines' War Against Illegal Drugs

The Current Scenario

The daily news reports bear the voluntary submission of drug-related offenders be it in the Metro Manila or in the farthest Barangay in the provinces. Recent Killings  involving Drug Trafficking has alarmed human rights advocates.  There are those who are entrapped BUT has exchanged bullets with the police operatives and still others are gunned-down by vigilantes riding in-tandem (who are believed to be liquidated by their syndicate association). I am one of the self-confessed followers of the President and his ‘Change is Coming’ crusade – that includes fighting corruption, criminality as well as on illegal-drugs.

We need each other’s help to accommodate the thousands of surrendering drug personalities around the country.  It is not imaginable that the ‘drug menace’ is this WORST already – almost a hundred thirty thousand individuals has surrendered No wonder why heinous crime perpetrators had become the usual cover of daily newspapers. Together we can help make this CHANGE come true.  It would not be that easy especially considering the means these former pushers find a way of living after drugs. But I believe in lessening criminality, more investors will come (plus the traffic solution may have a riffling effect too) to us.

The Duterte Administration’s Conviction

The President has warned the public of his intensive and massive campaign on the use and trafficking of illegal drugs.  He has admonished everyone to surrender themselves to the authorities before getting killed (in case they resist and fight) on a buy-bust operation etc. 

President Duterte likewise warned the law enforcers should observe legalities and the existing Laws on dealing with the apprehension of the offenders.  However, crooked policemen might take advantage of the self-defense alibi, IF ever they wanted to silence an accomplice or even cohorts for the drug-recycling trade PNP Chief Ronaldo dela Rosa has mentioned on his assumption speech.  He revealed the style of the unscrupulous policemen re-selling drugs confiscated from raids done by their department which he tagged as ninja cops.  This DOES NOT NECESSARILY generalize all policemen BUT few exist in reality. 

Reaction President Duterte's SONA 2016

The recent SONA of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte last July 25, 2016 at Batasang Pambansa has stopped Filipinos from all walks of life anywhere in the world to listen to his every word. I am one of the eager fellows who had waited for the day wanting to hear what the newly-elected president's plan for the country and most especially how he would handle the issues that directly affect each of us.

My anticipations has grown bigger after his phenomenal crusade on Illegal Drug Trafficking and Drug Abuse as he has promised during the campaign period has rendered more than a hundred thoudsand drug dependents (user or pusher) has voluntarily surrendered most especially in Metro Manila and in the nearby provinces.

Reaction on Arbitration Court's Verdict on West Philippine Sea

International Arbitration Court Ruling favors the Philippines’ claim on the (West Philippine Sea) Scarborough Shoal.

According to DLSU professor Richard Heydarian on Foreign Affairs/Economic Analyst the verdict of the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal is binding – especially to the members of the UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on Laws of the Seas). Philippines and China are among the consenting signatory members.

Why Relationships Do Not Last?

Years of being married, meeting different (in terms of social status regardless of religion) married couples, sweethearts from different places I had been, I had theorized this conclusion why couples fall apart.

Although MOST of these observations apply on married couples, still some can also be for sweethearts:

Immaturity

Immaturity is synonymous to ‘being childish’.  Encyclopedia and Dictionary’s take on it are as follow:

LINK

Insensitivity

Being immature, one acts like a child being INSENSITIVE of the other’s feelings.  It may manifest in actions and in verbal confrontation.

-Examples of Insensitive Actions:

1. Coming home late without notice of whereabouts with phone off.

Husbands are mostly guilty of this.  The wife is just a phone call or eve a text message away.  If you have unexpected appointments after office that you have not mentioned to your spouse, take seconds to let her know. That precious seconds will save her from the agony of waiting at home worrying about you or getting hungry waiting for her eating companion.  Being a lady, I know how we can feel secure and this counts a lot if you do AND lessens the chances of fighting.

2. Literally pulling-out a pillow from the partner’s head while sleeping.

Funny and foolish, though this happens.

3. Deviating from the old ways

Sometimes it is better NOT TO BE sweet and thoughtful if you can not STAND or KEEP it that way for as long as the relationship exists. It results to lesser expectations, lesser reasons to be sad or to ponder about. 

How to Put TEXT on Pictures

First, you have to install Adobe Photoshop CS3/6 or higher version in your laptop or PC, I recommend free software apps  from Softonic, google (synonymous to ‘search’), it.

Open the application. 

Important Option:

If you wanted to set the image size before you start, go to toolbars, click ‘IMAGE’ then on the dropdown menu choose ‘IMAGE SIZE’ then proceed to ‘DOCUMENT SIZE.  The common values for images (available on Photo-developing Studios) are:

Landscape mode:

2 x 3 inches (3R photo size)

5 x 7 inches

8 x 10 inches

Just interchange the width and height sizes per inch to work for a ‘Portrait’ orientation photo. This is important as NOT to distort image upon developing if your desired size is not met for the photo

1. Go to the toolbars on TOP and click ‘FILE’ then choose ‘OPEN’. Browse on the image/picture you wanted to modify. 

 

Parenting the Envious Child

Turning Your Child’s Envious Attitude to the Positive Side

The past few days you have noticed your child has been speaking of a friend’s or a classmates achievements, new stuff and the like with an air of annoyance. One or two times, it may be a product of the child’s immaturity but more than, you should be worried that she may grow with it – the green cancer.  No worries, is it but normal to have such a crisis in a child’s life, my elder daughter has exhibited such too.

The Attitude Detection

When Angel was two or three years old I noticed that she frowned (means she never liked it) whenever I praised somebody else aside from her, even the children performing on tv shows, whew!  I knew that it may not come out from envy but maybe plain jealousy knowing her age.  I began telling her in a calm manner that she need not feel like that because she, her friend or that girl on tv can ALL BE beautiful, smart or witty at the same time – there is no need to choose or knock the other out. There is no competition at all.

Reaction Paper on Duterte's Inaugural Speech Plus

Editorial on President Duterte’s  Inaugural Speech

As Mayor Rody’s wish of a simple celebration, Malacañan Palace (Official Seat of the Philippine Gov’t.) is so simple but heartfelt. Fifteen, ten, five minutes until finally the clock turns twelve noon (12:00) on June 30, 2016 – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte took his oath as the 16^th president of the Republic. 

I am among those who have too much anticipation on his upcoming leadership. Congratulations President  ‘Mayor’, as he wanted to be called.

On his inaugural speech, President Duterte has remained as humble as he is. He instill in the minds of our fellow-countrymen (as well as the spectators worldwide) who is watching this turning point in the history that there is no successful leadership without good followers – that the ‘BIG CHANGE’  we may expect would not come from his work alone  BUT with the help of every citizen, it is a combined efforts.  I like what he said that change must come within us and in us – reading between the lines, he meant humility not attributing any future success in leading the country to himself alone  but to everybody.  He restated the reason why the electorate has placed him in the position – the thirst for a TRUE and meaningful change. I honestly believe it, the electorate did not vote for the ‘saint image’ candidate.  

Reaction: President Duterte's Interviews & Speeches Prior to Malacañang Inauguration

As of June 2, 2016

The reason for his non-appearance in the inauguration of his Presidency in Manila is brought about by the 'work' that people elected him for.  Travelling just to take an oath wastes his time (it is just formality and media should not make it a BIG ISSUE even provoking public attention - on saying that the President should have paid gratitude to the 16M voters) as he also said when he could have spent it doing the job he will get paid for and among those is ironing-out his cabinet officials. 

The Filipinos, we, are not easily-provoked and we always want to hear explanation, knowing what the President is up to in Davao excuses him from the inauguration. For him, paying gratitude is not just raising his hand for an oath BUT all the more performing his tasks as the head of the country. That kind of person in him is what makes him endearing to the public- his being practical and down-to-earth.  

Everybody who have been chosen as cabinet secretaries are just wearing plain clothes as simple as the President. No flashy, expensive Barongs and extravagant celebration/ceremony.  All were just sitting in monoblocks .  It looks like a good start.

President Duterte, Can You Keep the Lights on for the Filipino People?

I want to make an appeal to the incoming President Duterte to help IMPROVE electricity and reduce incidents of brown-out in the country especially here in the province of Quezon.  I really hope that the government can SUBSIDIZE Quezon Electric Cooperative (QueZelCo) if HE is SERIOUS to help the ordinary citizens. I cannot completely blame the cooperative for POOR service – it may be attributed to lack of funding. 

If you are living here especially in Lopez, Quezon – the people are SUFFERING because of frequent brown-outs (ranging from 8am – 5pm) as they say  most of the times as ‘maintenance schedule ‘ BUT it does not happen once a month sometimes twice a week PLUS hours of interruption like  from around 2am till 10am on that same week. Another eight more hours of interruption the next day, whew!

Imagine how hot the weather is and the school children wearing uniforms in dimmed classrooms and OFF electric fans?! You might pity yourself and the kids on that situation.  Consumers have nothing to complain about BECAUSE there is no choice – where to get electricity supply apart from the Coop?  I hope President Duterte or the Department of Energy (DOE) thru his COMMAND can PROVIDE funding –if not subsidy, a LOAN in a flexible terms to aid the cooperative.  It could be used to improve QueZelCo’s facilities and the transmission of energy to the end-users, us, the public.

I sometimes thought of requesting them to distribute power-interruption hours to the early hours at dawn (three hours from 1am to 3am might NOT hurt)– not so hot weather and can not largely affect the consumers, while sleeping. And sometimes an interruption that is like a blink of an eye happens too– power is off for just about three seconds and back again before you can turn off the lights, refrigerator, PC, TV if you’re watching  – great chances of damaging machines and home appliances and may become a cause of FIRE due to instant surge of electric current., correct me if I am wrong…

Thoughts About the Retraction of Death Penalty

After the successful May 2016 National and Local Elections, again the country, Philippines is now beneath a cloud of disagreement over the Retraction of Death Penalty on Maximum Security Prisons – perpetrators of heinous crimes. 

We are aware of President Duterte’s take on this matter – in which he is very much eager to revoke the temporary lifting of the punishment BUT the Commission on Human Rights and other groups are opposed to it.  Again, I am not writing this to support any sides.  I am here to give you what I think pushes each side to stand on their ground.

Positive Side/In Favor

Pro-Death Penalty

- it may discourage or at least warn the criminals of committing heinous crimes that might subject them to the penalty.

- Drug Lords who are said to be ‘alive and kicking’ and as they say and STILL masterminding drug activities outside the prison thru their continuous leadership and connections can be lined-up for immediate execution.  I can see that this has weight – drug pushers as well as users have been an ordinary scenario in the country in the past years.

'Philippine Independence' from a Modern-day Filipino

Are we just remembering the PAST, are not we ready to feast for today’s Independence?

I am glad and proud to be Pinoy.  It took my ancestors hundreds of years of bloodshed and struggle to reclaim this country. Yes, we are all reminded of the very  first day (June 12, 1898) when our flag was raised in Kawit, Cavite. But as a Pinoy at this point in time, I do hope that the upcoming year and on this same month and day that we could celebrate ‘Independence Day’ not just in memory of the past BUT a celebration for the present day.

Do we really own this land called Philippines?

Nowadays, many Filipinos die literally fighting for their piece of land (farmers) in this country while the foreigners own one – not necessarily them but named after their dummies or wife maybe or even sometimes owned by BIG names or clans not just two but a lot more as long as their money can afford. Why is it not possible for every Juan to own a piece of land? The beggars on the street, are not they Filipinos? The farmers who had to work for somebody else, for a fellow Pinoy? The renters who are mostly the middle-class Pinoys who only work just to survive their Landlords?!

A Shift to Federal Form of Government, Why Not?

As a Filipino I have my own opinion with regards to a shift in the form of government as proposed by the incoming Duterte Administration.

Federalism – definitions:

Federalism by 'Merriam-Webster'

Federalism by Vocabulary.com

As I watched an interview by Ms. Luchi Cruz Valdez to the Founding Chairman of the PDP Laban(if I get it right) former senator Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel in Reaksyon on TV5 5/29/2016 – it gave me additional information about it.

I would definitely choose to agree with having the Federal form of Government. It is the type that delegates the responsibility of every state to its own Governor.  I thought before that implementing it would mean that every province or region would be independently governing itself. But, the constitution CAN define the division (consisting of several provinces to be considered as one state) like the example of Pimentel, he would suggest eleven federal territories to consist the country  -  with the Bangsamoro Region, Bicol Region (I will update this list  as soon as I got  the  copy  of the interview , not able to jot it down).

This would somehow abolish the need for a separate Bangsamoro Basic Law Policy.  It gives freedom to each federal territory the capability of running its own affairs without the long process of centralized governance.  The National government can concentrate on other matters like the empowerment of government forces (police, AFP, Marine and Air Force) foreign relations and policies as well as the national matters as a whole.

Thoughts about the 'NO UNIFORM POLICY'

I was in doubt if I had to laud the incoming President Duterte on his plans of implementing the ‘NO UNIFORM’ policy on government-owned/public schools here in my country, Philippines because of the following reasons I want to share with you:

The idea at a glance can help cut the cost on educating students.  I have said at a glance because, if we have to think deeper – it will be added burden for parents to produce presentable clothes that their children can wear in school.  The frequent use of SAME clothes can be a subject to criticism and mockery of bullies might later cause the underdog shame eventually leading to episodes of unwillingness of going to school.

This will also affect the well-being of the children feeling inferior of others wearing flashy and expensive clothes unlike when wearing uniform that everybody dons a white top and a blue pleated  skirts for girls or blue  shorts for boys –  nobody looks better than the others.  Students, especially little children who do not know much about parents’ budgeting might feel insecure and pity themselves for not having what others have. 

Why Duterte Won the Presidency

People around the world are a bit shock why Duterte won the presidency. He was showered with black propaganda and a lot of people criticize him for his rumored 'killer' image.  Why still he won the hearts of almost sixteen million Filipinos who voted him in the recently concluded elections.  

My analysis is that he is not the a 'trapo' (traditional politician) who always makes so many promises but if you are going to look at previous accomplishments - there is nothing impressive that can be proud of...and he is VERY VERY honest to the point that he is like an open-book revealing every secrets within.  He never brags of his being playboy but never denies his concubine.  He did not change the way he speaks how ever tactless he is - speaking of bad words not worthy of being a Christian as others might thought of him.  But the good thing  is that, we see who he really is unlike the others who are being playful, tactless plus corrupt behind the eyes of the public displaying image far from what we see as they project in the outside world.

I was impressed when I watched him during the debates, I never thought that he is that brilliant!He is a lawyer. Honestly, I see him as a 'gang leader' before, all-fist and no more BUT after the debates he emerged as a real good candidate to be the next leader of this land. He is not just sturdy, but witty! Possessing a will power that made Davao City a peaceful community bagging the fourth rank in Asia.

Accidents are Accidents, A True Story

The Mellow Afternoon of June 2010

Angel Reign has turned a year old last month. She reached that without any huge health trouble.  She can walk this time as well as climb back and forth in her blanket hammock.  That afternoon, we are both in her room. Her dad is lying down on the sofa watching tv waiting for his call of duty. 

The overexcited one year old, who has just learned to walk maybe a month ago, threw her pacifier on the floor.  I need to go to the dining area to sterilize it.  I left her playing in her ‘duyan’ and as I glance I saw her walking her way to the living room back and forth seems like practicing her steps.  I get the cap of the thermos and put the pacifier inside, pour water enough to cover the tip of the orthodontic pacifier.  It is on the left corner of our oblong-shaped wooden and glass dining table.  The distance of the thermos cap is maybe half of a ruler.  I felt some urge to drink a chocolate so I decided to leave it sterilizing for a while and I headed to the right far end of the table where the choco jar is. Since Angel is not wearing her beeping shoes, I did not notice she is near the table that is about two and a half feet tall. I always make it sure that all the chairs are tucked-in because she can climb it. I am about to pour the powder on my cup when I heard Angel terribly crying! I saw her beside the chair, sitting on the floor and her shirt is wet with boiled water –seeing the thermos cap and the pacifier scattered…The chair is not moved at all.  I speculated that she might just step on the chair’s foot support (wooden panel on each side so as to help it balance) that is why she was able to reach the thermos cap and accidentally drenched herself…

That water in the thermos, as I recall was just boiled twelve noon (12nn) and the incident happened 4pm, my diary says.  It is not the thermos that fell but its cap with the sterilizing pacifier, it is nearly a cupful! I was shocked!  I remember shouting “Angel!!!”  I just heard Raymer asking what is it…he then saw the baby. To my panic, I just lifted her up and was not able to remove her shirt at once to avoid more clinging – Ray told me to do so. Maybe for about twenty minutes, I heard my baby crying and screaming.  It is unbearable and hurting seeing her cannot stand the pain that she almost bend her body while standing.  Her skin below her right jaw, neck, right shoulder and armpit was red  but worse on her chest nearly hitting her nipple.  It dripped on the stomach but there, it is not that bad.  The wounds turned watery.