During the recent UN Security Council emergency meeting to tackle the Korean peninsula crisis, it seems that the five permanent UN Security Council members are having split over the crisis going on.
Russia and China would not want that the Council will characterize Pyongyang as the aggressor and urged the UN Secretary-General to send special envoy that would pacify the heating war of threats between the two Korea. On the other hand, the United States, France, Great Britain, and Japan are trying to make a certain point by trying to show the world that North Korea is bad and South Korea is good.
The picture that each side would want to imply to the nations of the world observing their diplomatic or pacifying intervention between the contending parties, does not likely amplify in no way what really is the real score!
Russia is joining with China to institute a unique display of diplomacy which the West would not like to honor as yet considering that the reclusive North is more inclined to defy the wishes of the majority. This is so because there is also something within its own agenda that the West fails to realize.
Meantime, we could not blame Russia for doing so because there exist an indifferent view among US legislators who refuse to ratify the US-Russia bilateral treaty.
The maximum restraint that China and Russia require of Pyongyang and Seoul is not quite symmetrically comprehensible when considering the damage that Pyongyang caused on Seoul. What the world wants to see is the equal treatment of the issues raised from both sides; but neither of these Giants would yield to every enticing that could influence their decision of what resolution is more appropriate in the circumstances.
Perhaps, the UN charter is now hanging in the balance; and it would take a different kind of leadership charisma that can convince all to consider the consolidation of issues that will reveal the true meaning of diplomacy. In fact, all the governments involved in this impasse are actively trying to win one over each other using the ultimate brilliancy available to weave the course of action.
Nevertheless, the selfish motive that each has to hold for themselves or their companions would slowly fade away while there exist a sign of willingness to institutionalize discussions and the voice of the aggrieved or the aggressor will be heard in court of international justice.
What the parties failed to realize is that the court of international justice has a wider jurisdiction over all concerns. It only takes the aggrieved party to file the proper complaint in court.
Now, blaming Pyongyang is not wise as yet. However, letting it go unscathed with the allowance of imposing what is required of justice will only bring out the problem into an insurmountable proportion.
The parties who are trying to mend the wound between the two contending countries should not put a gag on the mouth of those who are directly accountable for their actions.
I think it would be best to settle the problem of the two Koreas to arena of the international court of justice where each voice can be heard and their respective evidence be viewed and reviewed by the responsible Justices. Perhaps this would be a time that a country will be tried in court, and let’s see what it can make for all.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Belligerent attitude of North Korea may spark divisive action between giants
The reclusive North Korea again recently aired its malevolent intention of striking hard on its neighbor, South Korea, if the latter would continue to pursue its planned live-fire military drills on an island near the disputed maritime border.
This has prompted Russia to call on South Korea to discontinue the drill to ease the escalating tension that has been going on between the two Koreas. Of course, with Russia on the foreground of diplomatic settlement of the disputes between the Koreas, it would certainly give signal to the other goliaths that would lead them to intervene on the affairs of these davids.
As we recall last month, the 3-day biggest naval maneuvers were jointly conducted by the United States and Japan with South Korea as the observer. This event also was misconstrued by North Korea “somewhat” a provocative move of these countries that could have contributed to a much heightened situation in the region.
In another view, we can see how giant economies are now undertaking strategic moves that strengthens their relations with other sympathetic bigger or smaller countries. For example, Japan has recently agreed with the United States for the extension of the US military bases for another five years. This agreement was reportedly reached in anticipation to the escalating security concerns prevailing in the region while looking at the moves of China and North Korea.
Meanwhile, China has its own agenda. It strengthens its economic foothold to sustain its economic growth up to 2015 as it recently closed trade deals with India which amounts to $100 billion up by $60 billion in 2010. This bilateral agreement between these two Asian giants when viewed in a higher purview only implies a longer span of sustained economic progression that when taken into serious consideration would have relative complication on its effect to the world economy in some future times.
Although cooperation from economic giants can be expected to settle a consensus to slide down the rising tension in the Asian region, possibilities of future conflict is freakily absurd at this point in time, but it could spark out of the belligerent and defiant attitude of North Korea.
China is now on the verge of overtaking powerful edge to police the world as against the United States because it is now very confident that it can sustain its effort relying mostly on its robust economy with India in its rooster; while North Korea who relies economic aid from China, can continue making puissant distress to divert attention of the West from its major strategic foothold, which China of course could have wanted more.
Of course, other Asian countries that depend on the great opportunity that the Chinese economy can offer, their sympathetic view of taking every step of the way to grab a share will surely be their primary concerns.
The game that China play in continuing to push a 6-country dialogue on the Korean peninsula issue is only a part of its global ambition. Earlier, China has been reported to have strengthened its influence on the UN Security Council; and always has been a staunch supporter of North Koreas belligerent moves as showed by its continued refusal to condemn its ally’s notoriety against its neighbor, South Korea---China is pampering North Korea by allowing to do what it can undertake to do just as long as the “real value” of its action will turn out in favor to its own economic upliftment in the worldwide scheme.
This is the drama that these two communist countries are trying to draw and come out as an emerging two-tiered economic strategy which is a Maoist concept that was neglected to be realized by the West. Thus, the United States need to re-assess its global position in terms of economic base stronghold as China is also making its economy as the financial source while using the whole economy platform a drawn-out field of opportunities for rich countries to get attracted to. And China can only push through all these ambitious undertaking when one belligerent ally advances its own initiative of diverting a worldwide attention.
No matter what it takes, the Korean conflict hangs in balance the future of the world’s economy, a diversion that China and North Korea will continue to play. I just hope that those who were attracted to its domino move can find a way out from this quicksand attraction.
This has prompted Russia to call on South Korea to discontinue the drill to ease the escalating tension that has been going on between the two Koreas. Of course, with Russia on the foreground of diplomatic settlement of the disputes between the Koreas, it would certainly give signal to the other goliaths that would lead them to intervene on the affairs of these davids.
As we recall last month, the 3-day biggest naval maneuvers were jointly conducted by the United States and Japan with South Korea as the observer. This event also was misconstrued by North Korea “somewhat” a provocative move of these countries that could have contributed to a much heightened situation in the region.
In another view, we can see how giant economies are now undertaking strategic moves that strengthens their relations with other sympathetic bigger or smaller countries. For example, Japan has recently agreed with the United States for the extension of the US military bases for another five years. This agreement was reportedly reached in anticipation to the escalating security concerns prevailing in the region while looking at the moves of China and North Korea.
Meanwhile, China has its own agenda. It strengthens its economic foothold to sustain its economic growth up to 2015 as it recently closed trade deals with India which amounts to $100 billion up by $60 billion in 2010. This bilateral agreement between these two Asian giants when viewed in a higher purview only implies a longer span of sustained economic progression that when taken into serious consideration would have relative complication on its effect to the world economy in some future times.
Although cooperation from economic giants can be expected to settle a consensus to slide down the rising tension in the Asian region, possibilities of future conflict is freakily absurd at this point in time, but it could spark out of the belligerent and defiant attitude of North Korea.
China is now on the verge of overtaking powerful edge to police the world as against the United States because it is now very confident that it can sustain its effort relying mostly on its robust economy with India in its rooster; while North Korea who relies economic aid from China, can continue making puissant distress to divert attention of the West from its major strategic foothold, which China of course could have wanted more.
Of course, other Asian countries that depend on the great opportunity that the Chinese economy can offer, their sympathetic view of taking every step of the way to grab a share will surely be their primary concerns.
The game that China play in continuing to push a 6-country dialogue on the Korean peninsula issue is only a part of its global ambition. Earlier, China has been reported to have strengthened its influence on the UN Security Council; and always has been a staunch supporter of North Koreas belligerent moves as showed by its continued refusal to condemn its ally’s notoriety against its neighbor, South Korea---China is pampering North Korea by allowing to do what it can undertake to do just as long as the “real value” of its action will turn out in favor to its own economic upliftment in the worldwide scheme.
This is the drama that these two communist countries are trying to draw and come out as an emerging two-tiered economic strategy which is a Maoist concept that was neglected to be realized by the West. Thus, the United States need to re-assess its global position in terms of economic base stronghold as China is also making its economy as the financial source while using the whole economy platform a drawn-out field of opportunities for rich countries to get attracted to. And China can only push through all these ambitious undertaking when one belligerent ally advances its own initiative of diverting a worldwide attention.
No matter what it takes, the Korean conflict hangs in balance the future of the world’s economy, a diversion that China and North Korea will continue to play. I just hope that those who were attracted to its domino move can find a way out from this quicksand attraction.
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Philippines did not participate a Nobel Peace Prize ceremony?
In one of the news report published in Maxinews, an online news blog, it quoted the Philippines as the “most confused nation” in deciding whether to accept the invitation to attend the Nobel Peace Prize award ceremony in Oslo, Norway or not.
It was learned that the country finally decided to reject the invitation and did not attend the ceremony. The news report further underscored that it is so unfortunate for a democratic country lead by Pres. Aquino whose parents’ lives were dedicated for the cause of democracy in the Philippines.
Indeed, it was unfortunate for a leading democratic country in Asia whose people espouse the so-called People Power Revolution in 1986 and caught the world in awe for its touted “bloodless revolution.”
It was Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s blood that was spilled in the tarmac of then Manila International Airport that triggered a nationwide awakening from the two decades of Marcos dictatorship. In fact, it brought the world a new beginning of the so-called “People Empowerment” and many other political concepts that uplifted the whole country into the highest summit of democratic ideals and aspiration.
And I believe that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III owes to the people a clear-cut explanation why he snubbed the invitation to attend the most important ceremony that symbolizes the ideals and aspiration his parents were fighting for.
In one perspective, I should like to suspect that Pres. Aquino was manipulated by certain “people” who are in close connection with the Chinese embassy in Manila and are responsible for feeding “information” and are in control with certain area of protocol.
What I mean is that some of the President’s people are probably making fun and/or playing the “spin and span circle” with Chinese investors in the Philippines, or blatantly speaking, these people are not really working for the interest of the Filipino people but on their own “sacks and pockets”.
As I learned, the Chinese community of the Philippines controls about 85-90 percent of big-time businesses. Just imagine when these people withdraw their investments. Thus, I can say that the Philippine government is now under the clutches of a new “dictator”---the Chinese businessmen.
This has long been known.
As you can see, the Philippine economy has never really improved nor it has given so much for the welfare of its people in terms of real economic benefits. It’s the Chinese who’s been in control of every big businesses ranging from the oil industry, to garments, food chains, banking institutions, computer industry to even, by far, the smallest particle of business engagements, you can name all.
But truly, I am disgusted with how things are being handled by the Aquino administration and even flabbergasted with its decision to snub the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. It is a shame for us, ordinary Filipino, to see our country beginning to shift from light to dark.
It was learned that the country finally decided to reject the invitation and did not attend the ceremony. The news report further underscored that it is so unfortunate for a democratic country lead by Pres. Aquino whose parents’ lives were dedicated for the cause of democracy in the Philippines.
Indeed, it was unfortunate for a leading democratic country in Asia whose people espouse the so-called People Power Revolution in 1986 and caught the world in awe for its touted “bloodless revolution.”
It was Senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino’s blood that was spilled in the tarmac of then Manila International Airport that triggered a nationwide awakening from the two decades of Marcos dictatorship. In fact, it brought the world a new beginning of the so-called “People Empowerment” and many other political concepts that uplifted the whole country into the highest summit of democratic ideals and aspiration.
And I believe that Pres. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III owes to the people a clear-cut explanation why he snubbed the invitation to attend the most important ceremony that symbolizes the ideals and aspiration his parents were fighting for.
In one perspective, I should like to suspect that Pres. Aquino was manipulated by certain “people” who are in close connection with the Chinese embassy in Manila and are responsible for feeding “information” and are in control with certain area of protocol.
What I mean is that some of the President’s people are probably making fun and/or playing the “spin and span circle” with Chinese investors in the Philippines, or blatantly speaking, these people are not really working for the interest of the Filipino people but on their own “sacks and pockets”.
As I learned, the Chinese community of the Philippines controls about 85-90 percent of big-time businesses. Just imagine when these people withdraw their investments. Thus, I can say that the Philippine government is now under the clutches of a new “dictator”---the Chinese businessmen.
This has long been known.
As you can see, the Philippine economy has never really improved nor it has given so much for the welfare of its people in terms of real economic benefits. It’s the Chinese who’s been in control of every big businesses ranging from the oil industry, to garments, food chains, banking institutions, computer industry to even, by far, the smallest particle of business engagements, you can name all.
But truly, I am disgusted with how things are being handled by the Aquino administration and even flabbergasted with its decision to snub the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony. It is a shame for us, ordinary Filipino, to see our country beginning to shift from light to dark.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Nobel Peace Prize's significance to World Stability
The event that transpired just recently with an empty chair receiving the Nobel Peace Prize award can be perceived as one that transforms the normal awarding ceremony that should have been participated in by countries whose ideals, culture and tradition, are universally aimed to uplift the human value of individuals who are willing to render noble sacrifice for the good of many.
China's outrage on the Nobel Peace award only manifest its reclusive ideals, outright disregard and disrespect of the vision that the international community has been espousing. Such unfortunate reaction also implies how the Chinese community prefers to close the opportunity of growing maturely and become responsible either to its success or failure without looking at a mirror where the reflection of others can surely help realize its own weaknesses.
Being conservative to the modern pacing of times, and instead protect the very essence of its own spirit with the intent of surviving by their own, is one good virtue. But the world has changed a lot. The lines that demarcates favorable from unfavorable should only be perceived as the starting point for a better perspective. Of course, it should not be made an instrument to suppress freedom, neither that it should be an arm to threaten or to kill.
I believed that China has been overwhelmed by the success of their economy without realizing that it becomes an overpowering wave-like tsunami that is getting started to squeeze its own opportunity to the limits and renders its neighbor a pauper of their unperturbed arrogance.
It also fails to realize the value of criticisms because the leaders who are holding the cudgels of governments are living within the means of their doubting hearts and sumptuous meals, and doesn't care about the welfare of their neighbors. These are what analysts say that China is living within the curtain of their own walls and is afraid to face the realities of the world outside it.
With this perspective at hand, I believe that the Nobel Peace Prize award to its own citizen is rightly the significant difference to China’s world perspective.
China's outrage on the Nobel Peace award only manifest its reclusive ideals, outright disregard and disrespect of the vision that the international community has been espousing. Such unfortunate reaction also implies how the Chinese community prefers to close the opportunity of growing maturely and become responsible either to its success or failure without looking at a mirror where the reflection of others can surely help realize its own weaknesses.
Being conservative to the modern pacing of times, and instead protect the very essence of its own spirit with the intent of surviving by their own, is one good virtue. But the world has changed a lot. The lines that demarcates favorable from unfavorable should only be perceived as the starting point for a better perspective. Of course, it should not be made an instrument to suppress freedom, neither that it should be an arm to threaten or to kill.
I believed that China has been overwhelmed by the success of their economy without realizing that it becomes an overpowering wave-like tsunami that is getting started to squeeze its own opportunity to the limits and renders its neighbor a pauper of their unperturbed arrogance.
It also fails to realize the value of criticisms because the leaders who are holding the cudgels of governments are living within the means of their doubting hearts and sumptuous meals, and doesn't care about the welfare of their neighbors. These are what analysts say that China is living within the curtain of their own walls and is afraid to face the realities of the world outside it.
With this perspective at hand, I believe that the Nobel Peace Prize award to its own citizen is rightly the significant difference to China’s world perspective.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
A Changing World Environment
For the past few months, the world has been put into a test. There was a continued plague on the world economy and imbalances of trade and industries have caused the whole world economy shaking at the mercy of a few industrialized nations.
Europe, for example, has been afflicted with malignant shortcomings in terms of managing its financial economy. Countries under its umbrella organization are trying to cope with the rapid pace of turn-downs in its own economy; and a rebuilt of its economic system to suit its robustness will likely be a difficult undertaking.
On the other hand, the United States is still entangled with issues on China's currency valuation. China is now ranked as the second largest economy of the world followed by Japan. China's currency is undervalued that affected world economic balance in terms of trading and industry.
Meanwhile North Korea has become a villain against its neighbor South Korea because of its recent bombardment on Yeonpyeong Island located near the disputed sea boundary between the two countries. Significantly, the move of North Korea against South only indicates that there would be changes in the central leadership of the North, and many perceived that Kim Jong-un, the heir-apparent of Kim Jong-il is about to take place in no longer period of time.
Any leadership changes in the Korean peninsula would only highlight the sensitive position of the United States, South Korea and Japan in pressuring China to take its own initiative to control the belligerent behavior of its ally. Nevertheless, all that we can expect is that these circumstances prevailing in our world community would only give us a point of contemplation.
How long will it take peace to survive in this changing world environment?
Europe, for example, has been afflicted with malignant shortcomings in terms of managing its financial economy. Countries under its umbrella organization are trying to cope with the rapid pace of turn-downs in its own economy; and a rebuilt of its economic system to suit its robustness will likely be a difficult undertaking.
On the other hand, the United States is still entangled with issues on China's currency valuation. China is now ranked as the second largest economy of the world followed by Japan. China's currency is undervalued that affected world economic balance in terms of trading and industry.
Meanwhile North Korea has become a villain against its neighbor South Korea because of its recent bombardment on Yeonpyeong Island located near the disputed sea boundary between the two countries. Significantly, the move of North Korea against South only indicates that there would be changes in the central leadership of the North, and many perceived that Kim Jong-un, the heir-apparent of Kim Jong-il is about to take place in no longer period of time.
Any leadership changes in the Korean peninsula would only highlight the sensitive position of the United States, South Korea and Japan in pressuring China to take its own initiative to control the belligerent behavior of its ally. Nevertheless, all that we can expect is that these circumstances prevailing in our world community would only give us a point of contemplation.
How long will it take peace to survive in this changing world environment?
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
U.S. diplomatic acumen assures the world of peace and prosperity among nations
The undaunted revelations published at the WikiLeaks website where U.S. diplomatic cables were laid open to the eyes of a shocked world had greatly stirred the stage of diplomacy between countries having diplomatic relation with the United States, or in-between countries where the U.S. has steered diplomacy as its instrument to a worldwide influence over world peace issues.
The very daunting venture of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is now the seed of possible worldwide chaos that would likely arise from its disclosures of secret U.S. sites having national security implications on the U.S. This would also give the opportunity for U.S. adversaries to take action to advance their stern plan of terroristic atrocities of getting rid off Washington’s influence over those nations having indifference with U.S. foreign policies. They can even launch terroristic advances covertly and blame it to the U.S. or whatever scheme that they could devise just to discredit the U.S. diplomatic efforts in policing the world.
On the other hand, this unfortunate event has opened the “Pandora box” that the U.S. has been keeping, which of course revealed its provident intention of helping out nations to take charge their political and economic endeavors with the U.S. offering help and assistance while on the sidelines. I believe that this event would clearly reveal what the U.S. government has been doing its very best to protect peace and stability in every region of the world and to dispel doubts and opened the pages of truth of its worldwide diplomatic stage as against those who are trying to discredit its own intention.
However, this would not mean to subscribe to the illegal pretensions that WikiLeaks has been intending to spoil. As I look at the way things are given out from its vintage, WikiLeaks can be viewed as an instrument of coercion, a sign of end-time conflicts as soothsayers would predict, or parting chapter of worldwide peace after the Cold-War between superpowers.
The emerging petulance that the rising nuclear-armed nations like Iran in the Middle East and North Korea in Asia would only set a new pace of world order that the United States is trying to appease just to maintain balance of power among nations which the United Nations could hardly accomplish without its presence.
The move also of China in trying to improve its influence over the U.N. Security Council can be viewed as a great opportunity to take a higher plane of advancing its own economic power. However, although during the Cold-War, the country was touted as a sleeping giant. Democratic countries like the U.S. would not just let a communist giant making fun of diplomacy while giving the cudgel of tolerance to its small but recalcitrant ally, the North Korea.
I believe that China is just making some critical diplomatic moves that would put into the center stage the rule of its Communistic state and tradition in balancing the configurative value of its economy to the whole part of the world economy. Nevertheless, as former Australian Prime Minister Rudd suggested, the U.S. would have to prepare to use force in case China’s intention will go out of its proportionate share in world power.
I do perceive the same area of strategic balance, but what concerns everyone is the apparent paranoia among the present Chinese leaders in dealing with Taiwan and Tibet, which when handled the harsh way would likely trigger a world conflict by the time that China is on the helm of world power sharing with the United States. I say that China could not be trusted yet with police works in the world stage. It has to undertake several stages of “world police training”, if I may say, so that it could become a very effective world authority who can wield its power not only for its own welfare but also to nations depending on him as a "big brother". It has to learn that the world is a democratic stage that allows every nation a place of peace and prosperity, and the willingness to share the bounty of its own harvest.
Now, WikiLeaks have provided a new avenue of reflections for nations having diplomatic ties with the United States. I’m not even thankful for what WikiLeaks have done nor happy about what it has accomplished because soon the consequence of its malevolent action would likely put the whole world economy into a decrepit shamble.
Meantime, it is hoped however that the United Nations, where the community of nations relies on the maintenance of world peace and prosperity, together with the United States and other democratic countries, would have to undertake extra precaution in dealing with China and its allies. It would be a great mistake to take lightly the abounding economic implications that China can entreat every time that North Korea attacks South Korea or any Asian nation, for that matter, and when this aggrieved nation will come to the UN to air its grievance, China would always be there to defend its ally.
Nevertheless, I have this gut feeling that the U.S. diplomatic acumen assures the world of peace and prosperity among nations as it is revealed to the leaked documents. Adversely, U.S. absence would cause so much trouble when even a small nation with a destructive nuclear arm will surely make all subject to fears and threats.
Nobody is safe. Nobody is secure when the U.S. and its allied nations fail to police the world, and the U.N. will just be there as a rubber stamp of a reigning evil world. I hope that it would not come to that point, neither others would allow it too.
The very daunting venture of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange is now the seed of possible worldwide chaos that would likely arise from its disclosures of secret U.S. sites having national security implications on the U.S. This would also give the opportunity for U.S. adversaries to take action to advance their stern plan of terroristic atrocities of getting rid off Washington’s influence over those nations having indifference with U.S. foreign policies. They can even launch terroristic advances covertly and blame it to the U.S. or whatever scheme that they could devise just to discredit the U.S. diplomatic efforts in policing the world.
On the other hand, this unfortunate event has opened the “Pandora box” that the U.S. has been keeping, which of course revealed its provident intention of helping out nations to take charge their political and economic endeavors with the U.S. offering help and assistance while on the sidelines. I believe that this event would clearly reveal what the U.S. government has been doing its very best to protect peace and stability in every region of the world and to dispel doubts and opened the pages of truth of its worldwide diplomatic stage as against those who are trying to discredit its own intention.
However, this would not mean to subscribe to the illegal pretensions that WikiLeaks has been intending to spoil. As I look at the way things are given out from its vintage, WikiLeaks can be viewed as an instrument of coercion, a sign of end-time conflicts as soothsayers would predict, or parting chapter of worldwide peace after the Cold-War between superpowers.
The emerging petulance that the rising nuclear-armed nations like Iran in the Middle East and North Korea in Asia would only set a new pace of world order that the United States is trying to appease just to maintain balance of power among nations which the United Nations could hardly accomplish without its presence.
The move also of China in trying to improve its influence over the U.N. Security Council can be viewed as a great opportunity to take a higher plane of advancing its own economic power. However, although during the Cold-War, the country was touted as a sleeping giant. Democratic countries like the U.S. would not just let a communist giant making fun of diplomacy while giving the cudgel of tolerance to its small but recalcitrant ally, the North Korea.
I believe that China is just making some critical diplomatic moves that would put into the center stage the rule of its Communistic state and tradition in balancing the configurative value of its economy to the whole part of the world economy. Nevertheless, as former Australian Prime Minister Rudd suggested, the U.S. would have to prepare to use force in case China’s intention will go out of its proportionate share in world power.
I do perceive the same area of strategic balance, but what concerns everyone is the apparent paranoia among the present Chinese leaders in dealing with Taiwan and Tibet, which when handled the harsh way would likely trigger a world conflict by the time that China is on the helm of world power sharing with the United States. I say that China could not be trusted yet with police works in the world stage. It has to undertake several stages of “world police training”, if I may say, so that it could become a very effective world authority who can wield its power not only for its own welfare but also to nations depending on him as a "big brother". It has to learn that the world is a democratic stage that allows every nation a place of peace and prosperity, and the willingness to share the bounty of its own harvest.
Now, WikiLeaks have provided a new avenue of reflections for nations having diplomatic ties with the United States. I’m not even thankful for what WikiLeaks have done nor happy about what it has accomplished because soon the consequence of its malevolent action would likely put the whole world economy into a decrepit shamble.
Meantime, it is hoped however that the United Nations, where the community of nations relies on the maintenance of world peace and prosperity, together with the United States and other democratic countries, would have to undertake extra precaution in dealing with China and its allies. It would be a great mistake to take lightly the abounding economic implications that China can entreat every time that North Korea attacks South Korea or any Asian nation, for that matter, and when this aggrieved nation will come to the UN to air its grievance, China would always be there to defend its ally.
Nevertheless, I have this gut feeling that the U.S. diplomatic acumen assures the world of peace and prosperity among nations as it is revealed to the leaked documents. Adversely, U.S. absence would cause so much trouble when even a small nation with a destructive nuclear arm will surely make all subject to fears and threats.
Nobody is safe. Nobody is secure when the U.S. and its allied nations fail to police the world, and the U.N. will just be there as a rubber stamp of a reigning evil world. I hope that it would not come to that point, neither others would allow it too.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
North Korea provokes war against South Korea, a dangerous game undertaking
The recent salvo of encounter between the two Koreas has brought its entire neighboring nations a point of contemplation. This small nuclear-armed nation can wage war whenever he wants considering that it has in its hands the trigger of nuclear holocaust in Asia.
This show of force is unprecedented since 1953 when both signed an Armistice Agreement which would virtually end hostilities between the two. However, such agreement could not possibly sustain with the aggressive posture of the North.
By being silent about this impending global crisis would certainly espouse the more danger that it can bring throughout Asia. This concern has long been expected by many countries especially the United States who is more determined to defend its ally and put pressure on the North expectedly that it would yield to its own condition.
I should say that this small communist state can stimulate a nightmarish experience that would send every Asian country into the verge of war. Although now that China preferred to let go the whims of its ally, this could certainly affect its own security undertaking. What is feared is the tremendous effect of such provocative action to the overall economic performance when all the other nations trading with China would have that certain pinch and decided to withdraw all its financial trade interests and bring them out to somewhere else.
Admittedly, China is economically considered as a giant. And it has history that it can survive using the least means that it can raise out of its own resources. Nevertheless China yesterday is different that what it should undertake today. This giant needs to stage its own brand of peaceful undertaking that would encourage others to follow suit. If it would not heed to the call of condemning the recent attack of its ally, it would just have to open a new ‘padora box’ that reveals its real means allowing North Korea undertake such dangerous act, to the detriment of all diplomatic initiatives that other countries have been trying to extract.
I believe that North Korea is now becoming a ‘recalcitrant violator’ of world’s peaceful means in diplomacy. Many believed that this would be the dawn of stunted showcase that will cement the impending transfer of power from Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un, the apparent heir; and it just made South Korea’s open military cooperation with the United States as an apparent scapegoat to stage such abominable attack on the South, marking such event of power transfer.
On the other hand, we can perceive this latest North Korean atrocity as the signification for its wild intention of eventually challenging the United States and its allies. Nobody yet knows what really is the real intention; but many believes that aside from the recent sanction impose on North Korea because of the sinking of a South Korean war ship in March, Nokor has come to its senses that it would be better to provoke a war to air their complaint and make use of the South Korea’s military drill a scapegoat for such an attack. It is as if a wild scenario to make it known to the world that they have this courage of endowing its own people of believing that they are that strong against their enemies.
Another point to ponder is the continued financial crisis that beset giant economy except China. With the recent war provocation, it would certainly bring out a message to all parts of the world that such kind of economic constriction on North Korea, the level of tolerance of its unpredictability in terms of diplomatic, would require a higher price to pay even to a cost of its total annihilation if in case the United States decides so. Practically, it would just be the same as that of Japan during the second world war; and Japan learned the lessons of history.
However, the whole scenario would not just come as many other thought about it. There must be some valid reason why North Korea has provoked a war with South Korea. And these reasons would not certainly come out to the open until the day that hostility between the two countries might end to a catastrophe.
It is also fitting for the South Korea to keep its own ranks ready for the consequences of its own decision, and they owe it to the United States and its allies. The strength that it can show to the North is the same strength that it can embolden particularly in this time of adversity.
However it is still hoped and prayed that peaceful resolution of this kind of deathly game will be given ample time and consideration. In any war of the past, both contending parties suffer the same consequence when they choose the crooked path.
This show of force is unprecedented since 1953 when both signed an Armistice Agreement which would virtually end hostilities between the two. However, such agreement could not possibly sustain with the aggressive posture of the North.
By being silent about this impending global crisis would certainly espouse the more danger that it can bring throughout Asia. This concern has long been expected by many countries especially the United States who is more determined to defend its ally and put pressure on the North expectedly that it would yield to its own condition.
I should say that this small communist state can stimulate a nightmarish experience that would send every Asian country into the verge of war. Although now that China preferred to let go the whims of its ally, this could certainly affect its own security undertaking. What is feared is the tremendous effect of such provocative action to the overall economic performance when all the other nations trading with China would have that certain pinch and decided to withdraw all its financial trade interests and bring them out to somewhere else.
Admittedly, China is economically considered as a giant. And it has history that it can survive using the least means that it can raise out of its own resources. Nevertheless China yesterday is different that what it should undertake today. This giant needs to stage its own brand of peaceful undertaking that would encourage others to follow suit. If it would not heed to the call of condemning the recent attack of its ally, it would just have to open a new ‘padora box’ that reveals its real means allowing North Korea undertake such dangerous act, to the detriment of all diplomatic initiatives that other countries have been trying to extract.
I believe that North Korea is now becoming a ‘recalcitrant violator’ of world’s peaceful means in diplomacy. Many believed that this would be the dawn of stunted showcase that will cement the impending transfer of power from Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un, the apparent heir; and it just made South Korea’s open military cooperation with the United States as an apparent scapegoat to stage such abominable attack on the South, marking such event of power transfer.
On the other hand, we can perceive this latest North Korean atrocity as the signification for its wild intention of eventually challenging the United States and its allies. Nobody yet knows what really is the real intention; but many believes that aside from the recent sanction impose on North Korea because of the sinking of a South Korean war ship in March, Nokor has come to its senses that it would be better to provoke a war to air their complaint and make use of the South Korea’s military drill a scapegoat for such an attack. It is as if a wild scenario to make it known to the world that they have this courage of endowing its own people of believing that they are that strong against their enemies.
Another point to ponder is the continued financial crisis that beset giant economy except China. With the recent war provocation, it would certainly bring out a message to all parts of the world that such kind of economic constriction on North Korea, the level of tolerance of its unpredictability in terms of diplomatic, would require a higher price to pay even to a cost of its total annihilation if in case the United States decides so. Practically, it would just be the same as that of Japan during the second world war; and Japan learned the lessons of history.
However, the whole scenario would not just come as many other thought about it. There must be some valid reason why North Korea has provoked a war with South Korea. And these reasons would not certainly come out to the open until the day that hostility between the two countries might end to a catastrophe.
It is also fitting for the South Korea to keep its own ranks ready for the consequences of its own decision, and they owe it to the United States and its allies. The strength that it can show to the North is the same strength that it can embolden particularly in this time of adversity.
However it is still hoped and prayed that peaceful resolution of this kind of deathly game will be given ample time and consideration. In any war of the past, both contending parties suffer the same consequence when they choose the crooked path.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Pacquiao’s magic still works amidst world’s Economic Crisis
While the world is still trying to survive the onslaught of sustained economic crisis that besets world’s economic giants like the United States. Japan, China, and Europe; while the world economy is fixing potholes of financial policies that tremendously affected many lives the world over; while innumerable threats of calamity that are predicted to strike at every possible chance, one event has to stand alone to neutralize the burgeoning load and at one point relax for a few minutes of naked work.
Last November 14, the eyes of the world again was captured by the amazing performance of the two great boxers and made them “heroes of peace” for a few minutes. Filipino boxing superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao traded straw of punches with Mexican slugger Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito in a feat that put a mark in the history of world boxing.
Pacquiao won his unprecedented 8th title in as many different weight classes, a triumph that never before achieved by a boxer. Analysts expressed their amazement by saying that Manny Pacquiao truly is a great boxer of his time surpassing achievements of boxing greats like Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, and many others who made boxing the great sports in the world.
Both boxers tremendously exploded in a flurry of exchanges that caught up every spectator to join the chorus of shouts and shaking uproar of joyful cries coming from every place. They were all charged with every piece of boxing art that they can show during the gruesome battle that they both fought with their might and strength. But, like in any kind of sports, one has to soar a winner, and it was the Pacman!
As Manny Pacquiao triumphed, the whole Filipino nation also soared with great pride and confidence, and made the Filipino boxing icon a “hero of the masses”.
Everything seemed to have stopped. Silence is all over town except when you reach the sports complex where everyone are watching. Small homes with cable TV were clogged by neighbors, friends, and even foes. What a wonderful sight it was! Peace indeed was peace in a sense that everybody was happy looking at the TV screens. No sense of burden was yet felt as people were stuck in one place. In a few minutes, they felt that joy of peace. But tomorrow is another day.
When you travel the main thoroughfares and business centers in any city and province in the Philippines, you will find yourself naked streets where tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys, bus, cars and others all lined-up in a parking area, while their drivers are swarming even in a small sari-sari store joyfully watching the bout. After the fight, you may see them also jumping and dancing in the streets together with their friends as though they also won the fight.
I believe the magic of boxing still works in Manny Pacquiao, and of course with his worthy opponent, Antonio Margarito. Both attracted the whole world to watch them play their boxing craft. And it’s all worth it!
Last November 14, the eyes of the world again was captured by the amazing performance of the two great boxers and made them “heroes of peace” for a few minutes. Filipino boxing superstar Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao traded straw of punches with Mexican slugger Antonio “Tijuana Tornado” Margarito in a feat that put a mark in the history of world boxing.
Pacquiao won his unprecedented 8th title in as many different weight classes, a triumph that never before achieved by a boxer. Analysts expressed their amazement by saying that Manny Pacquiao truly is a great boxer of his time surpassing achievements of boxing greats like Muhammad Ali, Rocky Marciano, Sugar Ray Leonard, and many others who made boxing the great sports in the world.
Both boxers tremendously exploded in a flurry of exchanges that caught up every spectator to join the chorus of shouts and shaking uproar of joyful cries coming from every place. They were all charged with every piece of boxing art that they can show during the gruesome battle that they both fought with their might and strength. But, like in any kind of sports, one has to soar a winner, and it was the Pacman!
As Manny Pacquiao triumphed, the whole Filipino nation also soared with great pride and confidence, and made the Filipino boxing icon a “hero of the masses”.
Everything seemed to have stopped. Silence is all over town except when you reach the sports complex where everyone are watching. Small homes with cable TV were clogged by neighbors, friends, and even foes. What a wonderful sight it was! Peace indeed was peace in a sense that everybody was happy looking at the TV screens. No sense of burden was yet felt as people were stuck in one place. In a few minutes, they felt that joy of peace. But tomorrow is another day.
When you travel the main thoroughfares and business centers in any city and province in the Philippines, you will find yourself naked streets where tricycles, motorcycles, jeepneys, bus, cars and others all lined-up in a parking area, while their drivers are swarming even in a small sari-sari store joyfully watching the bout. After the fight, you may see them also jumping and dancing in the streets together with their friends as though they also won the fight.
I believe the magic of boxing still works in Manny Pacquiao, and of course with his worthy opponent, Antonio Margarito. Both attracted the whole world to watch them play their boxing craft. And it’s all worth it!
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Same old designs but different fellows on the rein
With the swarming problems that besets the Philippine economy today, the Philippine Congress has also been observed to have turtle-ducking the passage of the 2011 National Budget. The house of representatives alone seem to have been scrutinizing what they believed are "unjustifiable increases in budgets" which would also increase possible deficits in the national budget. Until now, the people believed that there is approved draft of final significance that would indicate that the national debate for the national budget has already been reached.
Although the recent visits of Pres. Noynoy Aquino to the United States brought back assurance of additional assistance in terms of loans and other trade agreements, but, this would not surely assure the whole country that we really are on the right track. The people themselves are now beset with lack of sufficient opportunities to land a job; still the poor people are clamoring for a greater change, even if it includes heaven.
The way the Aquino administration is handling matters of national interest, it would seem that those people who are handling power and authority remained at bay, as if waiting for the glorious outflow of blessings from heaven. No significant difference yet observed that would outdo what has been achieved by the previous Arroyo administration. In fact, people are getting started to doubt the ability of the Aquino administration to resolve national issue that would provide ease of burden on the populace.
The situation on energy, agriculture, and many others do not indicate difference. It's the same cup, but the content is different, as people say. Graft and corruption still thrive that even some provincial offices are inclined to engage to it more boldly. Say for example the recent Barangay and SK elections.
Reports said that some COMELEC offices in the provinces and municipalities are allegedly collecting certain amount of money ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 from the candidates of the Barangay and SK elections. I just can't believe it! The COMELEC, entrusted with the task of determining fair, honest, and credible elections has already gone awry. What would happen then when people of this Office are more inclined to commit graft and corruption than to stand put to the principles by which the office was intended for its existence.
Another point to reckon with is that law enforcers are more inclined to set aside investigation and let those who are more interested to the case do their thing. Some of the police forces are more inclined to spend time chatting with friends while on duty or just stray around like security guards of a big mall. And when there are cases that needs immediate action, it would take a lot of precious time wasted. These are some of the comments I've received from some ordinary people who encountered this type of problem with authorities.
Meanwhile, the local government officials who just took office last July 1, 2010, more particularly those who newly elected, are observed to have displayed impressive performance during their first 100 days, just like the President, they are more willing to sacrifice just for the good of all. But just recently, a lot of politicking is now taking place especially when we speak of the budget preparation for the next fiscal year.
Some of the LGU officials are yet to learn the many labyrinthine activities within their own offices and they are faced with problems of laying off casual employees or terminating contract employees. While the national government has been very problematic about unemployment and job creation, now local LGU is increasingly contributing to the same problem. So we can expect that in the next few months, there will be a significant increase in unemployment. It's been observed that there are more people who are laid off that accepted for jobs. Terms and conditions are still the same with that of the previous administration, the only change is the people manning the rein.
Finally, I should like to say that my country is still engaged in some unprofessional practices learned from previous administrations. The same pattern of management, the same objectives, missions and visions. It's all focused on poverty eradication. Although there are concrete programs and projects to address these problems, but it is not sufficient for the people to receive promises of salvation, a specific action will undertake an alleviating factor that will assure sustainability. But it's the other way around.
Anyway, people should learn from their own wrong choices and decisions. But the question is, when would be the time that they would realize this?... I believe only time knows.
Although the recent visits of Pres. Noynoy Aquino to the United States brought back assurance of additional assistance in terms of loans and other trade agreements, but, this would not surely assure the whole country that we really are on the right track. The people themselves are now beset with lack of sufficient opportunities to land a job; still the poor people are clamoring for a greater change, even if it includes heaven.
The way the Aquino administration is handling matters of national interest, it would seem that those people who are handling power and authority remained at bay, as if waiting for the glorious outflow of blessings from heaven. No significant difference yet observed that would outdo what has been achieved by the previous Arroyo administration. In fact, people are getting started to doubt the ability of the Aquino administration to resolve national issue that would provide ease of burden on the populace.
The situation on energy, agriculture, and many others do not indicate difference. It's the same cup, but the content is different, as people say. Graft and corruption still thrive that even some provincial offices are inclined to engage to it more boldly. Say for example the recent Barangay and SK elections.
Reports said that some COMELEC offices in the provinces and municipalities are allegedly collecting certain amount of money ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 from the candidates of the Barangay and SK elections. I just can't believe it! The COMELEC, entrusted with the task of determining fair, honest, and credible elections has already gone awry. What would happen then when people of this Office are more inclined to commit graft and corruption than to stand put to the principles by which the office was intended for its existence.
Another point to reckon with is that law enforcers are more inclined to set aside investigation and let those who are more interested to the case do their thing. Some of the police forces are more inclined to spend time chatting with friends while on duty or just stray around like security guards of a big mall. And when there are cases that needs immediate action, it would take a lot of precious time wasted. These are some of the comments I've received from some ordinary people who encountered this type of problem with authorities.
Meanwhile, the local government officials who just took office last July 1, 2010, more particularly those who newly elected, are observed to have displayed impressive performance during their first 100 days, just like the President, they are more willing to sacrifice just for the good of all. But just recently, a lot of politicking is now taking place especially when we speak of the budget preparation for the next fiscal year.
Some of the LGU officials are yet to learn the many labyrinthine activities within their own offices and they are faced with problems of laying off casual employees or terminating contract employees. While the national government has been very problematic about unemployment and job creation, now local LGU is increasingly contributing to the same problem. So we can expect that in the next few months, there will be a significant increase in unemployment. It's been observed that there are more people who are laid off that accepted for jobs. Terms and conditions are still the same with that of the previous administration, the only change is the people manning the rein.
Finally, I should like to say that my country is still engaged in some unprofessional practices learned from previous administrations. The same pattern of management, the same objectives, missions and visions. It's all focused on poverty eradication. Although there are concrete programs and projects to address these problems, but it is not sufficient for the people to receive promises of salvation, a specific action will undertake an alleviating factor that will assure sustainability. But it's the other way around.
Anyway, people should learn from their own wrong choices and decisions. But the question is, when would be the time that they would realize this?... I believe only time knows.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Manual election is what “trapo” really wants
One of the most controversial elections ever happened in the Philippine political history is the Barangay and SK elections last Oct. 25. It is so because the people have already tested the computerized method of elections though at first there was some kind of hitches along the way due to some minor problems in the wireless sending of the result into a database for the instant overall results; but, traditional politicians don’t really like this kind of election method. They still prefer the age-old manual counting of votes.
When you ask common people about the recent barangay and SK elections, most of them would say that it would be best when COMELEC used the computerized method rather than the manual.
Another observation can be noted when politicians are really determined to win the race, they would have to use their money and other available resources just to ensure their win. And the disadvantage of this kind of scheme is that it overwhelmingly surface the
real power of money rather than the real power of the vote; and the real power of vote emanates from a singular power of one individual---this is the real election!
It would seem, however, that my country is undergoing a negative form of transformation from modern-day back to the old way of politics when people only recognize those with money and they would prefer to cling to these people rather than to stand up by their own principles.
Just as I believe that poverty is the very cause of our own deterioration, I do also believe that as many people are believing that their government is corrupt and they can’t do otherwise to avert it, the more that they become corrupt. Just as long as leaders in the government are known to be corrupt, people also remains corrupt. And the only cleansing instance would be anarchy, or when people choose to die for their own foolishness.
In a democracy like the Philippines, when people would choose that which are beneficial for their own lives and do not recognize the good values that their community can bring for all, a point of reckoning would come when they would just have to live life and let chances chart their own destiny---a gamble that only money can only make it up as well.
This self-destructive view is what would seem to be prevailing in the midst of many challenges that face our country today. It seems that we are not far from experiencing lawlessness because people who are supposed to uphold the rule of law are the ones exposing themselves breaking the law. Thus, lawmaker are lawbreakers themselves; or they would just have to prevent their own selves from observing the same.
I just want that the light of hope will rise at the shores of disbelief when every one is an active participant to either success or failure.
When you ask common people about the recent barangay and SK elections, most of them would say that it would be best when COMELEC used the computerized method rather than the manual.
Another observation can be noted when politicians are really determined to win the race, they would have to use their money and other available resources just to ensure their win. And the disadvantage of this kind of scheme is that it overwhelmingly surface the
real power of money rather than the real power of the vote; and the real power of vote emanates from a singular power of one individual---this is the real election!It would seem, however, that my country is undergoing a negative form of transformation from modern-day back to the old way of politics when people only recognize those with money and they would prefer to cling to these people rather than to stand up by their own principles.
Just as I believe that poverty is the very cause of our own deterioration, I do also believe that as many people are believing that their government is corrupt and they can’t do otherwise to avert it, the more that they become corrupt. Just as long as leaders in the government are known to be corrupt, people also remains corrupt. And the only cleansing instance would be anarchy, or when people choose to die for their own foolishness.
In a democracy like the Philippines, when people would choose that which are beneficial for their own lives and do not recognize the good values that their community can bring for all, a point of reckoning would come when they would just have to live life and let chances chart their own destiny---a gamble that only money can only make it up as well.
This self-destructive view is what would seem to be prevailing in the midst of many challenges that face our country today. It seems that we are not far from experiencing lawlessness because people who are supposed to uphold the rule of law are the ones exposing themselves breaking the law. Thus, lawmaker are lawbreakers themselves; or they would just have to prevent their own selves from observing the same.
I just want that the light of hope will rise at the shores of disbelief when every one is an active participant to either success or failure.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Bad things happen when youth are involve in bigtime politics
The recently concluded barangay and SK elections was generally peaceful but was observed by many to have been marred with a lot of corruptions.
The barangay election as conceptualized and instituted under RA7160 known as the Local Government Code of 1991 was supposed to be non-partisan now became involved in partisanship. Majority of the local barangay officials are directly or indirectly representatives of politicians; they are either related by affinity or consanguinity to certain moneyed-politicians who aims to perpetuate their political influence and enjoy the power and authority that they have been holding for quite a period of time.
Barangay officials who are supposed to be non-partisan are now protegees of bigtime politicians or former henchmen employed and paid under government funds allocated by those who are in power.
Another observation was that the cost of vote for each individual sympathetic to certain barangay official has a range from twenty to fifty pesos for poor candidates who aspire position in the barangay; but these amount even increased from one hundred pesos up to three hundred pesos for barangay councilman position. The bitter part is that barangay captain candidates can buy votes from five hundred pesos up to a maximum of two thousand pesos.
Of course, local COMELEC officials have no knowledge about these schemes of candidates because some of them also were involve in some kind of corrupt practices. Reports in TV or radio broadcasts expose these people collecting ten thousand to fifty thousand pesos for a position in the barangay. One a candidate paid the amount as demanded, there is great possibility that those who paid the right price will win elections.
Local COMELEC officials would always deny such report because they also knew very well that in certain halls of COMELEC offices, bribes has been collected by some unscrupulous election officers, who, by all ways and means, are already paid by political stalwarts who controls their work appointment. Those election officers who played clean and safe would certainly not last long in their coveted positions because there are a lot of unqualified or qualified people who are most willing to accept such appointment when they are needed.
In this election day, October 25, I should say is the worst of all the barangay elections conducted. Why? It's because the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK for short) elections was also conducted.
As these SK youth have registered with COMELEC for them to be able to vote, certain barangay officials (of course, moneyed barangay officials) gathered them all together and either provided vehicle so that they can visit the COMELEC office or certain amount of fare is given. They are now listed among those potential voters of their beat for the SK Council in the barangay.
The bad thing that happened was that SK voters were gathered or collected by parents of certain SK chairman candidates and provided with money from one hundred to five hundred pesos, free board and lodging, foods and a lot of amenities as if these SK voters are the most important persons for three days before the election day.
Moneyed parents of SK chairman candidates would gamble certain amount of money for their child win the elections even if they know that what they do was wrong or even illegal. I should say that about 90% of SK chairmen win because of this kind of scheme.
This is the most painful reality that I have witnessed already for quite sometime. The youth at their early stage of engaging into politics have already learned the bad ways of politics. And parents themselves are the ones corrupted or being corrupted by those moneyed individuals. I should like to say that I could not blame these parents of these poor youths because they really need money to sustain a few days of good food and comfort that they were not able to experience since birth. This is the only time that they would enjoy those things that rich people usually experience. They felt that they are the king by their own right, thus, they are entitled to such excellent accomodation and comfort.
I really pity the future generations on politics. At this point in time, the seed of corruptions has already been implanted within their midst and it can never be redeemed unless those people who are entrusted to defend the constitutions, uphold its ideals and purpose, as well as those enforcers who love societal order, will enforce the very purpose of the law. But, if not, then it would certainly be the beginning of a long days of slavery for money.
My vote?... No, I won't vie for any political position, neither I would have to cast my vote because somebody paid money to vote them. Because during the time that I casted my first vote, I believe what my teacher said that my vote is sacred and valuable in the sight of God and country.
I will always cherish that day, because I believe it would never come again, even today.
The barangay election as conceptualized and instituted under RA7160 known as the Local Government Code of 1991 was supposed to be non-partisan now became involved in partisanship. Majority of the local barangay officials are directly or indirectly representatives of politicians; they are either related by affinity or consanguinity to certain moneyed-politicians who aims to perpetuate their political influence and enjoy the power and authority that they have been holding for quite a period of time.
Barangay officials who are supposed to be non-partisan are now protegees of bigtime politicians or former henchmen employed and paid under government funds allocated by those who are in power.
Another observation was that the cost of vote for each individual sympathetic to certain barangay official has a range from twenty to fifty pesos for poor candidates who aspire position in the barangay; but these amount even increased from one hundred pesos up to three hundred pesos for barangay councilman position. The bitter part is that barangay captain candidates can buy votes from five hundred pesos up to a maximum of two thousand pesos.
Of course, local COMELEC officials have no knowledge about these schemes of candidates because some of them also were involve in some kind of corrupt practices. Reports in TV or radio broadcasts expose these people collecting ten thousand to fifty thousand pesos for a position in the barangay. One a candidate paid the amount as demanded, there is great possibility that those who paid the right price will win elections.
Local COMELEC officials would always deny such report because they also knew very well that in certain halls of COMELEC offices, bribes has been collected by some unscrupulous election officers, who, by all ways and means, are already paid by political stalwarts who controls their work appointment. Those election officers who played clean and safe would certainly not last long in their coveted positions because there are a lot of unqualified or qualified people who are most willing to accept such appointment when they are needed.
In this election day, October 25, I should say is the worst of all the barangay elections conducted. Why? It's because the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK for short) elections was also conducted.
As these SK youth have registered with COMELEC for them to be able to vote, certain barangay officials (of course, moneyed barangay officials) gathered them all together and either provided vehicle so that they can visit the COMELEC office or certain amount of fare is given. They are now listed among those potential voters of their beat for the SK Council in the barangay.
The bad thing that happened was that SK voters were gathered or collected by parents of certain SK chairman candidates and provided with money from one hundred to five hundred pesos, free board and lodging, foods and a lot of amenities as if these SK voters are the most important persons for three days before the election day.
Moneyed parents of SK chairman candidates would gamble certain amount of money for their child win the elections even if they know that what they do was wrong or even illegal. I should say that about 90% of SK chairmen win because of this kind of scheme.
This is the most painful reality that I have witnessed already for quite sometime. The youth at their early stage of engaging into politics have already learned the bad ways of politics. And parents themselves are the ones corrupted or being corrupted by those moneyed individuals. I should like to say that I could not blame these parents of these poor youths because they really need money to sustain a few days of good food and comfort that they were not able to experience since birth. This is the only time that they would enjoy those things that rich people usually experience. They felt that they are the king by their own right, thus, they are entitled to such excellent accomodation and comfort.
I really pity the future generations on politics. At this point in time, the seed of corruptions has already been implanted within their midst and it can never be redeemed unless those people who are entrusted to defend the constitutions, uphold its ideals and purpose, as well as those enforcers who love societal order, will enforce the very purpose of the law. But, if not, then it would certainly be the beginning of a long days of slavery for money.
My vote?... No, I won't vie for any political position, neither I would have to cast my vote because somebody paid money to vote them. Because during the time that I casted my first vote, I believe what my teacher said that my vote is sacred and valuable in the sight of God and country.
I will always cherish that day, because I believe it would never come again, even today.
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