PILIPINAS KONG MAHAL : HOW FUNNY!

The recents events here in the Philippines qualify not in the Guiness World Record but in the Most Amazing and Funniest Videos. Let's look into these:


FORMER PRESIDENT JOSEPH "ERAP" ESTRADA WAS CONVICTED OF PLUNDER. The world was amazed, the conviction of a former president which has happened normally in more developed and disciplined countries like South Korea and Japan became a reality here in the Philippines. Although the Filipino Nation seemed divided, my beloved Philippines(Pilipinas kong Mahal) was able to uphold the rule of law ---- for a while.

PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO PARDONED "ERAP". The Filipino people were amazed and the world was shocked! After only several weeks from the time of conviction, without waiting for it to become final, former President Joseph Ejercito-Estrada accepted the presidential pardon given by President Arroyo. Some say that this is in the spirit of "political reconciliation." Estrada is again a free man! Don't you find it funny?

Last thursday, November 29, 2007, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, staged another seige at Manila Peninsula Hotel in Makati after walking-out from a Makati court hearing on rebellion charges for the Oakwood Hotel Mutiny. The young senator together with General Danilo Lim and their supporters were calling for the resignation of the President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The Trillanes caper was immediately crushed by the joint forces of the military and police. It seems that the Magdalo group of Trillanes are fond of hotels to stage their rebellion. Very funny!

Popular support for the group did not come. Only a handful of civilian sympathizers like former Vice President Teofisto Guingona came to show openly their support. I can surmise that the Filipinos are tired of coup d' etats, mutinees, and rebellions. They want signifcant change through peaceful means. The Trillanes act is uncalled for, it became a personal battle instead of an advocay to address the plight of the common man.

I really love my country, living in the Philippines is having a good sense of humor despite the odds of life. Sometimes being Filipino is being FUNNY.

WHAT MAKES THE PESO STRONG?

The Philippine peso apparently is gaining strength against the US dollar. Consistently, it became stronger over the past few months. Is this a sign that the Philippine economy is improving? Does this make the average Juan dela Cruz happy because the purchasing power of the peso has gone up?

Economists say that the Philippine economy is not growing, in fact, the average Filipino cannot really feel the benefits of a truly stable economy. Majority of the Filipinos remain poor. What makes then the Philippine Peso strong? The weak U.S. dollar makes the peso strong. The Philippine economy is not growing. It is still basically the same. It's the U.S. dollar which is getting weaker and this makes the peso apparently strong.

46 FRUITFUL YEARS

I quietly celebrated my 46th Birthday last November 15. Indeed, time flies so fast. Years ago, I was learning then the basics of politics way back in my college days as a poltical science student in the University of Santo Tomas(the oldest University of Asia), and trying to understand the realities of Philippine politics after I finished my course and became an activist espousing the removal of U.S. military bases in the hope that the Philippines would become truly independent. Now, I'm here heading the policy-making body of the City Government of Vigan as a Presiding Officer of the City Council in my capacity as a Vice Mayor. I can say that a substantial portion of my life has been spent to politics.

I started young in politics, not in the traditional sense but the REAL one. Politics as an institution and as an art of governance. Now, I remain committed to an advocacy to make politics a respectable calling. Political maturity is still something to be seen in our country. We have yet a long way to travel. It is still an elusive dream.

As an elected local official of the Heritage City of Vigan who has served for more than 18 years, I can humbly say that I have modest contributions to what Vigan is right now. As a legislator, I took the lead in the crafting and eventually in the passing of the Vigan Conservation Ordinance which seeks to protect the Ancestral Houses of Vigan, the very reason why it is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage list of sites and monuments.

I have no regrets becoming a poltician. Life became meaningful when I entered public service. Seeing things done and substantial changes being undertaken to improve my beloved city gave me a sense of contenment and pride. I thank God for the 46 fruitful years, and I pray to Him to give me more. To whatever modest achievements gained, I dedicate it to my family. If setbacks have come along the way, I must say that Life must go on.

MANNY PACQUIAO: World Boxing Champion, Adopted Son of Vigan