This year — 2008 — it’s time to talk about POVERTY.

Blog Action Day 2008 Poverty from Blog Action Day on Vimeo.

Coming from an impoverished country of 90 million people, living with highly-talented, young and promising citizens, I urge you all, people of the web — the so-called “netizens” to join “hands” with me and the rest of the blogging community to “change the conversation“. Let’s make “poverty” the talk of the town, the issue of the day, the buzz online and offline — let’s make people talk about something that is very urgent and equally important.

Friends, on October 15, 2008 — a Wednesday, let it be our first order of the day to blog about POVERTY. Discuss it in your own point of view, in your own style and in your own tone. The languages may be different, the style and approaches may vary, but the message will be  loud and clear. We will send  a message of concern, a message of hope, a message of awareness and a message of action — that we want to eradicate poverty in the world — once and for all.

Join us. Let’s change the conversation. Let’s talk about POVERTY.

It’s time to speak up, folks. The world is listening.

OCTOBER 15, 2008 is BLOG ACTION DAY. BE PART OF IT.

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

Over three weeks since the Supreme Court issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the supposed signing of possibly the most controversial MOA ever crafted, it seems that we have reached a screeching halt. Temporary or not, it is apparent that it is not a good one. I would like to think that these atrocities might still have happened even if a TRO was not issued. But, as I see it, it is this TRO that has brought us to the brink of war — that is, if you still don’t consider what has happened in the last weeks as war itself. I would like to think that Vice Governor Piñol meant well when he filed the petition for TRO. As you know, the SC cannot issue a TRO unless a petition for such is filed. I would also want to think that he just got carried away by extreme emotions upon learning of the existence of such a document which he claims he was unaware of until word of a “signing” came out. It’s just hard to believe that such a document could slip past these people — “the stakeholders”. Are they saying that they never heard of such a plan or the mere idea of such even if only in passing, through regular, casual conversations with other public officials? I even wonder if they’ve actually read the entire document before rushing to the SC to request for a TRO. Because if they read the entire thing, there should have been no cause for overreaction since the document explicitly states that a plebiscite will be the determinant whether a certain barangay gets included or not in the proposed BJE. Now, if the people will really object to the inclusion is up for them to decide in the plebiscite. And how do we know their collective sentiment if a plebiscite does not happen? Does Vice Governor Pinol represent the general sentiment of his constituents? Maybe. Maybe not. But how are we to know now?

The TRO has effectively drowned the chance for peace and has now even caused all these problems we now face. I might come off as dense and naive, but hey, what else brought on these killings? It is utter frustration and the assumption of deceit that has caused these so-called recalcitrant MILF groups to run amok. Why, they thought this is a done deal as it is. And now, the negotiations have gone through terms like “codification” of terms agreed upon, “just a piece of paper”, “initialed document for preservation of authenticity” and so on and so forth. I go with the MILF’s sentiment, although I do not condone the atrocities they have committed, that indeed, it was as if they were taken for a “ride”, a “joyride”. If the Palace knew in their hearts that this MOA will indeed resolve the peace problem in Mindanao once and for all, they should have at least had the foresight that this will be opposed. And that, as such, that a possible TRO can ruin everything. Had they (the Palace) not thought of this? What with all the geniuses there? They should have at least indicated in the MOA or warned the MILF that there is a possibility of “overreaction” from the “self-proclaimed-self-righteous” people and groups and that should this happen, this should be taken by the MILF as “democracy at work” and not some plot of deceit by the GRP.

While the MOA is not fool-proof and not a “perfected document“, let us not reduce it to a mere “piece of paper” or “initialed document“. That MOA, mind you, represents and attempts to put into writing the Bangsamoro’s aspirations as “a distinct dominant people“.That MOA you call a “piece of paper” is the nearest thing they ever got to a “recognition of their right to identify themselves and be accepted as Bangsamoros“. Why do the smartest people fail to see that? They poison people’s minds with terms like “dismemberment“, “independence“, “partition” and even “secession“! Don’t they read the MILF’s website? They have categorically denied allegations of any intention to secede and of the BJE being an instrument of secession. All they want is to be given the right to govern themselves within the frame of a larger central government that is the Republic of the Philippines. So they want to form foreign relations on their own — so? So they want to have their own justice system — so? So they want to exploit and use their natural resources and share only 25% of earnings to the central government — so? Is that all bad? Well, only if you own acres of land in Mindanao and use it to enrich yourself more and impoverish the Bangsamoros and the whole of Mindanao — then that would sound bad alright — so bad that you’ll go running to the courts to file for a TRO.

These people who are against the BJE MOA, specially these politicians merely riding this issue for their own self-serving political agendas, ought to be ashamed of themselves. They have put the people of Mindanao in peril. They have made a war-zone out of Mindanao almost overnight — in what is now being considered the most damaging fight since the 70’s. And they have probably crushed all hope for a true and lasting peace. What an accomplishment. Better put that in your resumes. I hope they at least find it difficult to sleep at night, knowing that there are innocent people suffering because of them and their greed-driven motives. They should get a taste of the kind of life they have made these innocent people live. If I had it my way, I would send them people to Mindanao where the fighting is intense. I would have them left standing in the now abandoned barangays. I would have them sleep on the floor of makeshift evacuation centers that only has a roof for protection. I will make them go hungry for days on end. All the while, fearing for their and their families’ lives. I will have them wishing they were never born in the first place. Too harsh, you say? Nah. That’s not even half of what they deserve.

What’s the solution then, you ask? Stop the fighting. The AFP has pushed the rebels into the outskirts of the towns anyway. Let the AFP and PNP secure the barangays first — together with those deputized civilians they plan to give 1,000 shotguns to. Let the people go back to their homes. Let Malacanang release funds from the EVAT windfall to provide economic and medical assistance to those displaced by the fighting. Run after the erring MILF groups of Umbra Kato, Bravo and Pangalian. Get Malaysia to play arbiter again. Let the GRP and MILF go back to the negotiating table. If the MOA needs to be revised, then so be it. Call on another LEDAC meeting and involve everyone on the peace process and its progress.

If it is BJE they want, why not give it to them? It is their birthright. And don’t give me that counter-argument history bullsh*t. Their ancestral domain has never been ours to defend and keep anyway. Why be so greedy? If this is what it will take to finally settle the long-standing conflict in Mindanao, then why not?

To those who oppose the BJE MOA for their ulterior motives, may you be damned. You and your vision of a territorially-united yet war-torn Philippines is sickening. It seems to me that you are more willing to sacrifice precious human lives than sit down and negotiate. You can go take yourself and that vision of yours to hell for all I care. One more life lost to war doesn’t matter to you anyway.

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

It’s about time we say Yes to:

Does all this sound evil to you? It’s not. Know the Facts and Fallacies of the Reproductive Health Bill and arm yourself with correct information. The bill is currently gaining momentum. As of last report, 17 lawmakers have added their signatures. Push for the enactment of this bill into law.

It’s about time we move forward. It’s about time we say YES to the Reproductive Health Bill.

*Following e-mail text is from http://philmade.blogspot.com/ *

Dear Friends,
Greetings!
The struggle for the passage of the Reproductive Bill (RH) in Congress rages on. The Reproductive Health Advocacy Network (RHAN) through our org, the Democratic Socialist Women of the Phils. (DSWP) initiated an online petition that we request you to support by attaching your signature. Please go to this site:
http://www.PetitionOnline.com/rhan2008/petition.html
We hope to gather ONE MILLION SIGNATURES to show our legislators that there is a wide support base for the bill’s passage despite what the opposition says. We will present the signatures both to the House of Representatives (HOR) and Senate within September as we are waiting for the schedule of plenary deliberations in the HOR and the release of the Senate Committee on Health’s report.
Please support the petition. It will not take more than 5 minutes of your time. More than 10 women die daily due to pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. The big bulk of those who die are poor women at the prime of their lives. This is simply unacceptable and must be stopped. Congress has the power to do this. Kindly forward this mail to all your friends.Thank you very much.
Beth Angsioco
National Chair, DSWP
Secretary General
Reproductive Health Advocacy Network, RHAN

Sign the Declaration of Support for the Immediate Passage of the Reproductive Health Bill into Law: Online Petition today and express your support.

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

My astrological sign is Aries.

Aries people — so I’ve read, usually suffer from diseases of the head. Psychological maybe? Maybe. Or of a more physical sort? Probably. Whatever it is. I am proof that horoscopes and character-typing, in the realm of the planets — has some truth in them.

I am having an annoying headache yet again — similar to what I’ve blogged about before, and before that. And well, yes, I am hoping this doesn’t mean I’d die soon, because, you know, dying a “bum” and unaccomplished isn’t exactly “sexy”. Well, I’ve written about dreading dying so soon. But, come on, who doesn’t, right? Unless you’re “emo” and borderline suicidal, that ain’t something you’d find comfortable talking about. Anyway, enough of that. Let’s get back to the headache. Just so you know, I am writing this as I’m suffering from this head-pounding, skull-cracking headache. Torture, I tell you.

I guess I’ve been ignoring my body too much. I have lost a lot of weight through “starvation diet” — the most surefire and yet most dangerous diet of its kind. I have been too preoccupied with the BJE MOA-AD issue and the events Mindanao, my Plurk karma, my being an hermit and many other things I wish I can write about but definitely can’t. Hmmm, perhaps that’s what giving me this headache. I hear this nagging voice everyday — that which tells me to quit blogging and being online altogether. And, I must admit, it has been pretty toxic. I have also noticed that my patience and tolerance for other people’s mistakes — or “people” for that matter have dwindled significantly. I set very high expectations — all of which, I am fully aware are difficult to meet — but I end up setting it just the same. Obviously, something wrong will happen. Disappointment galore.

It is never good for man to isolate himself from the world, from society. No matter how many social media sites you enlist yourself to, nothing and I mean nothing beats “human” interaction — the physical kind — the “seeing eye to eye” kind. We were never programmed to be bloggers whiling away the hours defining concepts and doing some sort of a monologue.

Blogging, in the context of a fulfilled or at least of a normal creative and interactive life, is great. But as an activity to replace human interaction is not good. Not good at all.

My headache is still here. I wish I can just turn to writing to make it stop. But who am I kidding? I did it just now but it didn’t work.

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

<== Pindutin upang patugtugin ang "Ako'y Isang Pinoy"

Ikinalulungkot kong medyo huli na ang sanaysay na ito. Plinano kong isulat ito sa unang linggo ng Agosto ngunit sa dami ng mga pangyayaring dala ng BJE MOA, naisantabi ko ito at halos nawala na rin sa isip ko. Mabuti na lang at napaalala ito ng aking anak habang nag-eensayo kami para sa kanyang pagtula at pag-awit sa pampaaralang selebrasyon nila ng “Buwan ng Wika”.

Nakatutuwang isipin na malayo-layo na rin ang narating ng ating wika — simula ng magdeklara ng pambansang wika hanggang sa mga ipinatupad na pagbabago dito upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng panahon. Ipinagmamalaki ko at ipinagbubunyi ang patuloy na pagiging “buhay” ng ating wika. Bagama’t laganap ang Ingles sa maraming babasahin, lalo na sa internet, marami pa rin akong napapansing aktibong gumagamit ng wikang Filipino. Maliban dito, ang pagiging “buhay” ng ating wika ay kapansin-pansin din sa patuloy na pagdagdag ng mga salita upang maiangkop ang ang ating wika sa kumbensyonal na Ingles. Ginagawa ito sapagkat maraming aklat at iba pang uri ng babasahin ang nakasulat sa Ingles at kailangan nating tugunan ito ng karapat-dapat at eksaktong pagsasalin sa Filipino. Sa ganitong paraan lamang natin masisiguro na hindi tayo malilimitahan pagdating sa pagpapalawig ng ating kaalaman.

Marahil marami rin ang naniniwala na may aspeto ng ating wika na nanganganib sapagkat ang bagong henerasyon ay hindi na gaanong nakikipagtalastasan sa purong Filipino. Marami sa kanila ay namulat at nasanay na sa pagta-Taglish o ang pagsasalita ng halong Filipino at Ingles. Kung ako ang tatanungin, wala akong nakikitang dapat na ikapangamba pagdating sa isyung ito. Sapagkat kung hihimayin natin, ang katotohanan ay ganito: ano man ang sabihin o paniwalaan ng iba, ang wikang Filipino ay isang malalim at di-maipagkakailang integral na bahagi na ng pagiging Filipino. Sa aking paniniwala, anuman ang marating, saan man dalhin ng pagkakataon, ano mang wika ang kailanganing pag-aralan o gamitin bunsod ng pangangailangan, matibay ang pagtitiwala ko sa di matatawarang pagmamahal ng isang Filipino sa kanyang sariling wika. Maliban dito, naniniwala rin ako na matagal ka mang hindi makapagsalita ng Filipino — sa anumang kadahilanan, hindi kailanman malilimutan ang tamis at ligaya na dulot na salitang kumukumpleto o bumubuo sa iyong pagkatao.

Ikaw na Filipino na kasalukuyang nagbabasa nito, binabati kita ng maligayang “Buwan ng Wika”. Ipagbunyi natin ang wikang Filipino at ang lahing sinasagisag nito.

Ako’y isang Pinoy sa puso’t diwa. Ako’y Pinoy na mayroong sariling wika. At, oo — ikaw rin.

* * *

Ang sumusunod na bidyo ay alay namin ng aking anak para sa buwan ng wika. Ipagpaumahin ninyo ang pag-i-Ingles. Ang aking anak ay baylingwal. Sa Ingles sya nagsasalita kapag nasa loob ng bahay at Filipino naman paglabas ng pinto. Ito ay dahil mas madaling natututo ang mga batang higit sa isang wika ang alam gamitin. Isa itong istratehiya sa pagtuturo at hindi dahil sa mas pinapaboran namin ang Ingles — isang paglilinaw lamang para sa mga nagtataka. Ikinalulugod ko rin na sa murang edad nya ng tatlo ay batid na niya ang kahalagahan ng sariling wika at madalas rin nyang sabihin na mas gusto nya  ang wikang Filipino.

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

There are certain points in the oral arguments I’d like to comment on, as follows:

1. Oppositors to the BJE MOA claim that the GRP cannot talk peace/negotiate with the MILF if the terms are not within the ambit of the constitution. They refer in particular to the clause itself that seeks to amend the constitution so that it suits/satisfies the BJE MOA. Also, that the President does not have that power, which means she cannot promise what she can’t deliver. Fair enough. But then if you would recall, this BJE MOA has been castigated ruthlessly for the mere absence of the term “philippine constitution” which owes itself to the fact the the MILF doesn’t recognize our constitution — precisely because they are a rebel group. And to talk peace with rebel groups means that, as Bong Montessa stressed “peace talks will always be unconstitutional” and similarly articulated by Ibrahim Canana at the MILF website, you have to think “out of the box”. Otherwise, you can’t talk peace.

Now, amazingly, in today’s oral argument, when asked why the MILF was not considered as respondents to the case, Torion argued that “they did not know where to send the copies of the petition and that the MILF openly declared that they did not recognize the Supreme Court” and yes, similarly the constitution. And yet, the associate justices did not say anything about it. No word of disapproval. No counter-statement to the likes of “they must recognize the supreme court” or any other statement to that effect. I just find it odd. Because, to my mind, it meant, they agree that the MILF, being a rebel group, is not bound by the Constitution, and consequently, the SC. Now, if this is acceptable in this argument, why can’t it be acceptable in the argument about the BJE MOA being unconstitutional in recognition of this fact? Just asking.

2. In the oral arguments, they say the President does not have power to amend the constitution. The legislative has that power. But in the BJE MOA, as I have read it, there were no claims whatsoever of the MOA itself being self-executory owing to the President’s endorsement or approval. The MOA still maintains that enabling laws will have to be passed by the legislative. There were no promises — only facts. But as we’ve seen so far, the mere idea of an amendment to the constitution is enough to incur the public’s wrath — politicians and regular “Juans”. Garcia is right, “peace is not possible if Christian majority won’t compromise“. We are pushing our Bangsamoro brothers to the brink of despair. Another possibly good policy that may never materialize all because of PGMA’s tainted reputation. This is where approval ratings matter. This is where trust/confidence ratings matter. So, to those saying “to hell with those ratings, they don’t matter anyway” — well, as you have seen, they do matter. And this BJE MOA is one such victim of that. And probably all suceeding policies of this administration will suffer the same fate.

PGMA has expressed a “shift” on strategies by moving discussions and consultations to the “community” — the stakeholders. Meanwhile, the MILF leaders maintain that they will not renegotiate, further claiming that the BJE MOA is no less than a “done deal”. To them, such plans of “renegotiation” would only mean that the GRP will renege on the MOA. They even go as far as asserting that peace will only happen if the GRP signs this MOA.

All the while, the citizenry of Iligan and other at-risk areas are arming themselves. They even have the government’s support through the distribution of 1,000 shotguns. It’s more than official — we are at war with fellow Filipinos. What a tragedy — not to mention the many repercussions of arming civilians.

This fighting has to be stopped. But how? No side seems to be willing to give up or give in.

PGMA spoke of the need for MILF’s “disarmament” and “demobilization” — without which, we will not “further” the negotiations. MILF, on the other hand, through their spokesperson said that disarmament will only happen as part of a “post-conflict resolution“.

Both sides remain unfazed. Stalemate.

The peace process has now reached an impasse. And unless this is resolved, we don’t have the slightest chance of ever achieving the dream of a peaceful, prosperous Mindanao.

This time calls for hope. Amidst all these issues, let us not falter at the sight of a roadblock or despair at the sound of chaos. We must not lose sight of the goal. The BJE MOA, however flawed, was designed for this goal. Let not distractions consume us. Let’s work on peace. It has always been that and will always be that. Peace will pave the way for development, open door for opportunities, and buoy Mindanao to the realization of its dreams — to finally live up to its title “the land of promise”.

Let us talk. Amidst criticism on the BJE MOA — let us talk. Amidst the rumors of political agenda — let us talk. Amidst the threat of an all-out war — let us talk. Let us not cut the lines of communication. Let us not burn bridges.

No matter what happens, let us be steadfast. Let’s fix our eyes on the prize. Let us fix our eyes on peace. Is there anything more important than that? I can’t think of any. Can you?

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

Four years, four months and thirteen days after I was born — someone died. It would have been any ordinary day. That person would have any ordinary person. He could have lived any ordinary life. He could have died for any ordinary reason.

But no.

August 21, 1983 is no ordinary day. Benigno “Ninoy” S. Aquino is no ordinary man. He did not live an ordinary life. He did not die for an ordinary reason. And that is precisely why he is a hero. He is our modern-day hero — our modern-day Jose Rizal. Elected youngest Mayor and Vice-Governor at 22 and 27, respectively. Governor 2 years later. And youngest Senator at 34. His life and death inspired a country to revolt in a bloodless way — that brought a perceived infallible dictator regime to its knees and ultimately gain us back our democracy.Can any man of our generation be more extraordinary than that?

He was dubbed as the “greatest President we never had”. And at a time like this, how we wish we could raise him back from the dead and lead us to victory from the turmoil of demoralized politics and unstable economy. How we wish he lived longer to inspire us with his policies and reforms. How I wish he lived longer to occupy the highest seat in the land — the seat he deserved the most. How I wish he lived longer for me to hear his voice at a time when I can digest to the very fiber the words he uttered. How I wish that I was older then so I wouldn’t busy myself playing with toys — so that when I watched the television then or heard the news, I’d find more delight and pleasure from listening to his wise counsel on politics and good governance. But no. I was younger then. So young to even care if we were under Martial Law or if the President was a dictator or if human rights violation was commonplace on a daily basis. So young to realize that during that time, a man walked among us who stood up for something higher than the frivolities of life or of the Filipino’s usual undertakings. So young to realize that within my lifetime, I have the rarest chance of sharing life on earth with a hero.

I regret that I was never old enough then to bear witness to his courage, his values, his brilliance, his strength and his character — all that made him who he was then, and all that makes him who is to us now. But I consider myself privileged to share four years four months and thirteen days of my life with him on earth. I feel pride and gratitude that we once breathe the same air.

And if you are Filipino, believe that he is in you. He lives in you — in people he believed were “worth dying for”. Let us never forget Ninoy. Let us make his inspiration, his works, his values, his beliefs, his aspirations and convictions alive in our hearts. And let it not stop there. Let it show. Let this heroism we feel and carry in our hearts shine in visible things — in tangible things. It is in the simplest and yet most tangible thing that we can be “living Ninoys”. Let us not allow his idealism to die with him.

Sense of nationalism is now a rare commodity. Apathy rules the country today. Filipinos have become detached to our national issues because they no longer find sense in it. They no longer find value in it. They’d rather occupy their schedule with work, their thoughts with fleeting amusement in television and shun current-affairs programs. They have been too tried.

This country’s future, regardless of what has been happening, I maintain and believe — still rests in the youth of today. They are tomorrow’s leaders. They are our salvation. Ninoy’s life is marked not only of brilliance and courage but also of the vitality of his youth. He is the epitome of “youth at its best”.

I call on the youth of today to heed the call for “change”. I call on the youth of today to show the world what the Filipinos are all about. I call on the youth of today to stand for truth, justice, courage, nationalism and heroism. I call on the youth of today to take on the challenge for which Ninoy gave up his life. Be today’s “living Ninoy”. Let us show the world that Ninoy did not die in vain. Let us show the world that the Filipino is indeed “worth dying for”.

I am a hero.
I do what I believe is right.
I do what I believe is good.
I fight for justice.
I fight for freedom.
I am a hero.
In a big way, in a small way.
In my own way.
I am a hero.
I am Ninoy.

Be a Ninoy Now!

I am Ninoy. Are you?

Recommended “Ninoy” Readings:
Articles about Ninoy on his 25th Death Anniversary which I consider our Democracy’s 25th Birthday.
The day Ninoy died is the day we got our democracy back, albeit not formally, because what sparked a re-birth of democracy is as important as the act of gaining democracy itself.

“25 Years Since” by Nick
“Ninoy’s Specter” by Marck
“25 Years of ATOM-ic Progress” by Benigno

Liked this post? Share it!

Loved this post? Buy me coffee and keep this blog running for another day...

As Real As It Gets

Stories blogged from Iligan and other parts of Mindanao are as real as can be. Sentiments expressed from all those blogs paint a picture so vivid that anyone who reads it can hardly ignore. In essence, it tells us how devastatingly and horrifyingly real this war is — which, many of us who blog from a distance can only sympathize with but never actually “feel”. Collectively, everyone wants this war to end so they can go on with their lives — plain and simple. They approach the issue from different perspectives but eventually arrive at the same sentiment and wish — if you may, which is peace.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Two blogs quoted in the above article struck me: 

Significant Thoughts Worth Pondering On

Ibrahim Canana in his article “Reality Check” published at the MILF Central Committee on Information Official Website — luwaran.com (also quoted by MLQ3 in above-mentioned article) is a must-read for EVERY Filipino — be they Muslims, Christians or Lumads. No other article from that website has made its point as clear and precise as this one. Anyone who has trouble understanding what this Bangsamoro Juridical Entity Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain  (BJE MOA on AD) is all about and why we are at war then and now, will find this article sufficient in answering all your burning questions. Presented in a manner that is to-the-point and crystal clear, we see a side of the MILF that is unknown to the common Filipino and possibly to the government as well. Barely halfway through the entry, you are taken to a seemingly graphic narrative of the sentiments and sense of idealism of the Moros which is absent in many of us tolerant, colonized Filipinos. To recognize this is to recognize the legitimacy of their claim on ancestral domain, being the “first nation” and their pursuit for self-determination. I wonder why articles from this site are sparingly quoted by the media when in fact there are very important points being raised here that are either as legitimate or even more legitimate than the ramblings we read and hear from self-serving politicians of this land who are just riding on this issue on account of their ulterior motives.

On the question of the BJE MOA’s constitutionality, Ibrahim Canana says,

“The Mindanao Problem predates all of the Philippine constitutions – from the 1935 constitution to the 1987. It even predates the establishment of the Philippine Republic in 1946. In other words, the solution to the conflict in Mindanao can never be solved by and within the Philippine constitution. Any Filipino bright boy who says so is deceiving himself and the Filipino public.”

“This armed resistance is what the negotiation between the MILF and the GRP is trying to address and resolve peacefully “out of the box”, meaning outside the constrictive parameters of the Philippine constitution.”

“What the Filipino politicians - and the Filipino public for that matter -  failed to comprehend is that the MILF is not bound to a constitution that it does not recognize. The MILF is a revolutionary organization, not a political party that operates within the ambit of the constitution. Furthermore, the MILF is not the MNLF, which ultimately recognized and accepted the supremacy of the Philippine constitution over the agreements it forged with the GRP.”

This statement reinforces Bong Montesa’s stand that “peace talks will always be unconstitutional — extra-constitutional even“. I have nothing to add here since the statement speaks for itself.

On the ambiguity of terms used on the MOA and the absence of the terms “Philippine Constitution“ and “independence“ highly-debated upon by “political analysts” and constitution experts,

“Cognizant of this fact, at the beginning of their negotiations in 1997 and again in 2001, the MILF and the GRP came into a compromise: the issue of independence will not be raised by the MILF and the GRP will not invoke the Philippine constitution as framework for formulating the negotiated political settlement of the conflict. With this mutual understanding, the parties proceeded with the incremental peace negotiation that took almost 11 years to reach the present stage that it is in now.”

It is therefore a compromise made by both parties. This is something they have agreed upon in aid of the peace talks.

Lastly, on some people’s speculation that Umbra Kato and Commander Bravo’s actions are due to the fact that they are against the MILF’s move to engage in peace talks with the government in the first place, this statement seems to allude to that:

“Having been forced to cancel the act of affixing its signature on a document that it had already initialed earlier, the GRP is cast in a situation whereby its capability to conclude peace agreements with the MILF, not to mention the MNLF and the National Democratic Front (NDF),  is now open to doubt. And this does not augur well for the peace process in Mindanao because elements within the Moro liberation movement who oppose negotiations with the GRP seem to have been proven right.”

This only means that although there are factions within MILF, they, like us (the GRP) are trying their best to make a pact to finally end the conflict. Sadly, though, that because the GRP dropped the ball by way of the SC’s TRO, our sincerity to make peace is now in question and the GRP loses face and MILF’s trust as well — which brings me to assume either of this two:

1. The GRP, in an attempt to accelerate the peace process, has overlooked possible hurdles and hurriedly said “yes” without thinking; or,

2. The GRP was never sincere with the BJE MOA / peace process to begin with, but was cooking something else entirely.

Either way, we have witnessed the consequence of such actions. And now, the dead are piling up.

A Conspiracy Theory?

Tongue In, Anew in his article “It’s a Moro-Moro, you Morons!” had this to say:

“No, Gloria didn’t plan to dismember the country via the MOA-AD, she knows it’s unconstitutional, luckily, the legit opposition saw through her, she even had to use her allies to petition for a TRO which her SC appointees readily obliged to. She was expecting widespread retaliation but the MILF hierarchy surprisingly held back, her emergency rule cannot be imposed! No martial law, no chacha either. Doom! The Ass’ loyal generals immediately had to scramble for the “Lost Commanders” Kato and Bravo who have been burning villages left and right in the past yet no sincere effort to bring them to justice was ever taken (You now have an idea why Kabalu insists these commanders were not ordered by MILF to do so). They needed them to jump start this stage of the war to put Plan B into action. Funny but Eid Kabalu hasn’t announced an all-out offensive yet. Nor has Puno and Teodoro. Who wants to really finish the war after all? Even Misuari’s MNLF are now wearing their old uniforms to defend their own territory. Against whom? The gov’t? MILF? Or the Lost Command?”

This is an interesting story. Only that, to me this is no more than a story. Unless of course this is proven and confirmed as “factual” by way of solid data/evidence. But then again, I am assuming that this is pure “opinion” and we are all entitled to our own opinions. With that in consideration, I respect Tongue In, Anew’s opinion. Don’t get me wrong here. I am neither pro nor anti-PGMA, I take sides based on the merits of the issue (at least the way my seemingly-naive mind interprets it) and not so much on the person involved in it. That said, I don’t take anything and everything PGMA-related as rubbish from the get-go, nor do I consider it gospel truth as well. If this was true, then PGMA must shift careers and try scriptwriting for a change because this is one mind-bending script, I must say. Even Hollywood will prize such a wicked twist. If this is not true, however, maybe it’s better that we concentrate on the real issue and not waste our time in conspiracy theories of sorts. Just a suggestion. By the way, the blog’s title in itself is amazingly ingenious.

Back To Basics

MLQ3’s final analysis and thoughts are clear, crisp and straight to the