THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE

Philippine Bishops Declare War Against Aquino’s Stand on Responsible Parenthood

By Gel Santos Relos

 

There is a separation of power between the Church and the State. Let President Aquino and the lawmakers do their job. If the government finally enacts the RH bill into law, the leaders of the Catholic Church still have all the power to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligation to advocate and push for the use of natural contraceptive method. They can and should use the pulpit, or whatever platform they want, to guide and enlighten their faithful followers in making the right and moral choice on this issue. But what the Catholic Church can’t do is to use force or intimidation to hold hostage the very same right of Filipinos of different faith --- the right to choose according to their own conscience.

 

“Mr. President, Most experts agree, particularly in developing countries, the key obstacle to economic prosperity is unbridled population growth… Would you be willing to champion more strongly family planning principles? After all, when unwanted pregnancy is prevented, there no longer exist the need for abortion.”

 

This was the question raised during the” Global Pnoy Townhall Meeting sa TFC” that I moderated on the last day of President Noynoy Aquino’s first official US visit. While the problem of overpopulation has been with us for decades, the urgency of the issue has reached another tipping point because of  recent news about fetuses being found in garbage bins, and babies being abandoned in airplane and ship in the Philippines by their own mothers.

 

“I think the government is obligated to inform everybody of their responsibilities and their choices. At the end of the day, government might provide assistance to those without means if they want to employ a particular method” said the President in response to the town hall meeting question.

 

The CBCP took President Aquino’s stand of “responsible parenthood” as a go signal for his allies in Congress to pass the Reproductive Health bill. Immediately the Catholic bishops expressed their disappointment and reminded Aquino that it was his mother, Former President Cory Aquino, who made sure life is protected under the 1987 Constitution.

 

The bishops  asserted that the use of contraceptives is just like abortion which kills life. They warned that if the President would continue supporting the passage of the RH bill, they would not hesitate to lead another “people power”, again reminding him that it was the same “people power” supported by the Catholic Church that helped catapult Cory Aquino to Presidency in 1987.

 

Former Archbishop Oscar Cruz, also the whistleblower who said jueteng has had a resurgence during President Aquino’s administration, even warned of an even more massive protest against the administration-- bigger than the church-led civil disobedience. “Pero pag talagang ipipilit nila ito at si Bishop ay kikilos, sigurado akong may iba pang kikilos. Ang problema dito, ang kikilos ay hindi lamang yun ‘pagkat ayaw sa contraception, kikilos din yung ayaw kay Aquino and dumadami ito,” he warned.

 

The Catholic Church’s strongest threat yet was delivered by Bishop Nereo Odchimar of Tandag, Surigao del Sur, the current CBCP president who have been understood to have said that even President Aquino may be covered by excommunication. "Well, being the President of all, you must consider the position of the Catholic Church because we are approaching these issues from the moral aspect like the unborn. Abortion is a grave crime. Excommunication is attached to it. That is an issue of gravity, that is a violation of God's commandment," Odchimar said.

 

When asked if Aquino might be excommunicated if he insists that government should distribute artificial contraceptives, Odchimar was quoted saying,  "That is a possibility.... Right now, it is a proximate possibility." Later, CBCP clarified Odchimar’s statements were taken out of context and  said that he did not specifically call for Aquino to be excommunicated. The Catholic Bishops said they look forward to a dialogue with the President about this issue.

 

This issue of overpopulation and the need for the passage of a law to address this been put in the back burner, administration after administration. In the previous Congress, lawmakers did not show up for sessions that were scheduled to tackle the RH bill.This time may be different. House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte said Congress will take the risk and push for the passage of the controversial reproductive health (RH) bill amid opposition from the Catholic Church.

 

Amid all these “threats” and pressure from the Catholic Church, President Aquino reiterated his stand. “We are all guided by our consciences. My position  has not changed. The state’s duty is to educate our families as to their responsibilities and to respect their decisions if they are in conformity to our laws."   Presdential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda empasized, "The President's stand is for responsible parenthood and not abortion."  This government policy is being pushed  so that no woman will  have to resort to abortion and abandonment.

 

The Philippines is a democratic country, and of course, the Catholic Church--- like any other sector of our society, is protected by the Constitution to exercise her right to lobby for their position on issues they feel strongly about.  The Bishops of the CBCP and many pro-life advocates have been doing just that for many years, as they assert  that the government should just push for the natural family planning method, or “abstinence” because all the other method are against the rules of the Catholic Church and the Christian faith.

 

But President Aquino is also obligated by the same Constitution and have sworn  to be the President of ALL Filipinos--- not just of Catholic or Christian Filipinos. In fulfilling his role as Chief Executive, he needs to execute the laws of the country, push for policies and programs that will be for the betterment of ALL Filipinos, regardless of whether it will win the approval or blessing of the Catholic Church.

 

President Aquino categorically stated during the town hall meeting, “ I will not embark on a situation that forces couples to go one way or another. ..I believe the couple will be in the best position to determine what is best for their families, how to space it, what methods they can rely on …They bear responsibilities for their children’s well being and the government is there to assist them”.

 

There is a separation of power between the Church and the State. Let President Aquino and the lawmakers do their job. If the government finally enacts the RH bill into law, the leaders of the Catholic Church still have all the power to exercise their rights and fulfill their obligation to advocate and push for the use of natural contraceptive method. They  can and should use the pulpit, or whatever platform they want, to guide and enlighten their faithful followers in making the right and moral choice on this issue. But what the Catholic Church can’t do is to use force or intimidation to hold hostage the very same right to choose of Filipinos of different faith.

 *Photo courtesy of Prof. Antonio Villegas Jr.

 

 

 

Pres.Aquino LIVE on "Balitang America"---Be Part of the Global Conversation

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

Overseas Pinoys, OFWs, President Aquino will have a heart-to-heart talk

with overseas Filipinos on "Balitang America"!

Got questions, comments, suggestions?

Be part of the global conversation!

 

The Filipino-American community welcomes Philippine President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino on his first official visit to the United States of America. He is scheduled to attend the UN General Assembly in New York and meet with US investors, bringing the good news to the international community: “The Philippines is open for business!”For the first time as president, Aquino will also have his first heart-to-heart talk with the Fil-Am community, as well as with all other Pinoys around the world.

 

In his departure statement on September 20, Aquino said, “We are committed to untangling a cumbersome bureaucracy; empowering industries that hold great promise, especially those that will elevate the living conditions in rural areas; and rationalizing a regulatory system that for many years has been a disincentive to foreign investors. With the help of our people, who are now exhibiting a newfound optimism founded on our pledge of professional, transparent governance, we can achieve our goals.”

 

President Aquino hopes to entice international businesses like IBM and Hewlett-Packard to invest in the Philippines -- expected to bring thousands of jobs for Filipinos. The cost of this official business trip—Php25-million, to be paid for using Filipino taxpayers’ money.

 

Malacanang officials say this is but one third of how much his predecessor, former Pres. Gloria Arroyo used to spend in her US trips. As austerity and simplicity have become among President Aquino’s guiding principles, he has instituted several cost-cutting measures -- taking a commercial flight; staying at a business-type hotel (The Sofitel in New York instead of Waldorf Astoria where Arroyo used to stay); and bringing a very lean delegation with him on his trip. Traveling with Pres. Aquino are Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Trade and Industry Secretary Gregory Domingo and Energy Secretary Rene Almendras and a support staff adding up to no more than 50 to 60 people.

 

Just before he left for the United States, President Aquino received the report of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC). Through said report, IIRC recommended the filing of criminal or administrative complaints against 12 individuals and 3 media companies for the hostage crisis. President Aquino wanted to make sure that the recommended charges will be successfully prosecuted in court. Moreover, he said this could have serious repercussions on the reputations and careers of the people involved.

 

“As I am now leaving on an important mission, I want to emphasize that I do not want make decisions regarding such important matters without a thorough review. I will study their findings upon my return, and decide accordingly,” Aquino said.

 

While the hostage tragedy will remain to be a hot topic that will require accountability from Aquino, there are also other urgent issues that we overseas Filipinos will want to discuss with our President in his first US visit. Part of the Aquino’s itinerary is to have a dialogue with the Filipinos living outside the country. One forum will be a town hall meeting with the Global Filipinos through “Balitang America”, the daily newscast of The Filipino Channel, where I am privileged to be the news anchorperson.

 

One of President Aquino’s campaign promises was to address the problems and concerns of Filipinos living abroad, especially the plight of our Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW), whose steady contribution of dollar remittances has sustained the country’s economic growth. The downside of a remittance economy, however, is that it has subjected a lot of our kababayans to abuses and inhumane experiences from the hands of foreigners and yes, even from our kapwa Pilipino, as they toil to make their dreams and their families' dreams in the Philippines come true.

 

You may have your own particular concerns about employment, immigration, election, citizenship, corruption, red tape,etc.--- I invite you, Filipinos where ever you may be around the world,  to send me your questions, concerns and suggestions to guide us in our town hall meeting and interview with President Aquino. This special event will take place on Sunday, September 26, with live streaming online via ABS-CBN News website and ANC, to be aired on TFC on Monday and Tuesday on “Balitang America” at 5:05pm.

 

I look forward to your questions and suggestions. Maraming salamat po at nawa’y maging matagumpay ang pagdalaw sa America ni Pangulong Aquino para sa ikabubuti ng Pilipinas at nating mga Global Filipinos!

(Asian Journal, September 20, 21, 22)

Is the Culture of Denial, Suppression and Retrogression Still Perpetuated in the Philippines?

  
By Gel Santos Relos

Sa makabagong panahon ng internet, facebook, twitter, at international news media coverage, patuloy ba nating maikukubli ang katotohanan para pagtakpan ang kakulangan?

“You have to think about putting the country in a good light,” was Senator Joker Arroyo’s prescription, as he castigated the messengers of bad news for allegedly damaging the country’s image with their reporting on the botched hostage rescue."Don’t tempt us to use our powers here, to now issue a general broadcast policy—that will be a law."

 

During the recent grilling of broadcast media news executives led by Maria Ressa (ABS-CBN), Jessica Soho (GMA-7), and Luchi Cruz-Valdes (TV5)  by RP senators in light of the culpability of the media in the botched Manila hostage-taking tragedy ---did Senator Arroyo et al  really suggest that the local media should  not report the news (Who, What, Where When, How of the story),  if it will would be bad for the country's image?  How about the foreign journalists?  Along with our local media, foreign/international press and broadcast networks were also there to beam what was happening to the whole world as the drama unfolded.

 

I do not mean to absolve my colleagues of any mistakes they have made in this fiasco. Aminado rin naman ang ilang miyembro ng media sa naging pagkakamali nila. I honestly believe many of our media networks failed to observe the guidelines followed by responsible journalists  and their blow-by-blow live reporting may have contributed to the failure of law enforcement operations. But what bothered me was the way the questions were framed and how the inquiry was made.(Part of the exchanges between the Senators and the broadcast news executives transcribed below).

While some news executives in the panel conceded that somehow  they failed to exercise self-restraint and adherence to their self-regulatory policies in airing critical information and images, they expressed concern over the lack of leadership from the police authorities. Maria Ressa said, "There was the failure of authorities to actually create a functioning chain of command, to regulate, to set the parameters where media should be. It's not just Filipinos who want to see what happened. We did not expect [that] those in charge [to] not be in charge of the situation. We need a mechanism to tell us to pull back when needed."

 

Senator Joker Arroyo's response? "The problem, Maria, is this: Everybody is scared of the media. Let’s face it… You publish something unfavorable, then we’re finished. The point is, we hesitate because you are media. If you weren’t [in the] media, we would craft the law immediately."

 

Ressa cautioned against any new law that may be used by local and national government to curtail press freedom. This may be in violation of Article 3 Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution. We have witnessed how this power to curtail freedom was used and abused during the Marcos regime. The good news is that this  hostage-taking crisis  has prompted some of the news media organizations --yes, both local and foreign--- to do some honest to goodness soul-searching on the role and ethical responsibility of media in society especially during hostage crisis coverage.

 

But as foreign observers have also observed and noted---this could have been avoided or averted had the police authorities exercised their already existing power to limit public and media access to the scene of the crime. Or is what many of our kababayans think true? That the police force has been craving for publicity as they executed this high intensity hostage drama in real life? Or do they even have a well-orchestrated plan as they carry out their operation?

 

In the process of truth finding on this systemic problem, what was disturbing was the seemingly obsessive focus of Sen. Joker Arroyo  on the apparent need to deliberately cover up what is going on in the country, just so we won’t tarnish the country’s image, are indicative of a policy of retrogression. And with reference to his confessed fear of the media---is this a major motivating force in the way the good Senator and his esteemed colleagues decide which bill to draft and pass into law--- political survival and expediency?

 

First of all, as former Sen. Aquilino Pimentel Jr., counsel for Radio Mo Nationwide, reminded the senators --- the world has changed many times over in this information age of the internet, Facebook and Twitter. Traditional media is no longer the gatekeeper of news. And foreign/international broadcast media will cover this big story which is of international significance, no matter how much we try to silence our local media. Would the Philippine government impose rules on them too?

 

Second, are we going back to the age of dictatorship and censorship? Are we covering up something here just to maintain a pretentious image of  efficient and effective law enforcement?  Even Wall Street Journal Asia editorial board member Mary Kissel  said, instead of going on a "media witch hunt," Philippine politicians should focus on the issues surrounding the August 23 hostage crisis. Babalik na naman ba tayo sa panahong sinisikil ang malayang pamamahayag para paniwalain natin ang ating sarili at ang mundo na ayos lang ang lahat kahit hindi?

 

Denial and repression may provide temporary relief for tension, anxiety and shame brought about by a crisis, but  these defense mechanisms never solve problems. No amount of cover up can hide incompetence and mismanagement of our government institutions, especially in this modern world of electronic global communication.

 

If the good senators in the investigating panel need to castigate the media then they have to do what they have to do in accordance with the law. But they have to do it for the right reasons. Do it for media's non-adherence to highest ethical standards. Do it for  the alleged inteference in botched negotiation.  But please--not for allegedly tarnishing the country's image just by reporting what really transpired.

If the government is serious about putting the country in a good light, it must own its mistakes, confront them head on and solve the very core issues of the problem, so that the media—both local and global—will have something good to report about!

 

(Part of Senate Investigation-transcript)

Arroyo: Where did international media get their footage? Did the footage [which was] shown abroad come from stations here?

Legarda:  Have there been many incidents in the past [when] you sold or provided information to international broadcast networks?

Ressa: ABS-CBN is a broadcast partner of CNN, we have access to their video, they have access to ours. CNN also has their own team in the ground, shooting the incident. We have many arrangements with international organizations -- Reuters, APTN, [with] every news event that comes in.

Dela Pena(GMA): Videos of GMA has been shared with APTN before.

Enrile: CNN has a correspondent in the Philippines, why did you assume the role of a correspondent of CNN instead of allowing rep of CNN to do it?

Ressa: CNN does not have anyone based in the Philippines. They brought someone in after [the event]. I [didn't] offer my services. They asked me to report. It's something international media does(media affiliates). They go to people who know the story.

Arroyo: Aren't you in a position of conflicting royalties at that time? Don't you think you have to find a way to balance your obligation to the country?

Ressa: As a reporter, the job is to tell the story and [to] tell the truth. It crosses country lines, it is an international dictum.

Arroyo: As far as I’m concerned, what was beamed overseas from what was taken during the hostage crisis, has damaged the Philippines immensely and we have not recovered from it.

Ressa: There was the failure of authorities to actually create a functioning chain of command, to regulate, to set the parameters where media should be. It's not just Filipinos who want to see what happened. We did not expect [that] those in charge [to] not be in charge of the situation. We need a mechanism to tell us to pull back when needed.

Arroyo: The problem, Maria, is this: Everybody is scared of the media. Let’s face it… You publish something unfavorable, then we’re finished. The point is, we hesitate because you are media. If you weren’t [in the] media, we would craft the law immediately. Don’t tempt us to use our powers here, to now issue a general broadcast policy—that will be a law.

Reflections on Some 'Major, Major Mistakes'

By Gel Santos Relos

 

                        

 

When we Filipinos make some "major, major mistakes", does it have it be the  end of the world? This blog is not so much about Venus but what the question and our answer may say about the Filipinos' value of honor, good reputation and how strong the psyche of "hiya" can be among us Pinoys, especially during major, major crisis situations.

 

We are all proud of our Miss Philippines, Venus Raj for being 4^th Runner-up in the Miss Universe Beauty Pageant last August 23--- and for giving our country such a big honor and morale boost on the same day when our country needs it most, due to the tragic hostage crisis that happened in Manila. 

 

But then again, many Pinoys thought she was so close to winning the title, having been the people’s favorite among all the other 83 beauties from all over the world. But her famous (or infamous) answer to the Q and A portion had cost her the crown. Venus said while she was so nervous that night and understandably so, she would not take back or change her answer.  Being the positive person that she always has been, she explained that she  considers “major major” mistakes and problems  as challenges and opportunities that have made her a better and stronger person.

 

ABC News with Diane Sawyer did a great analysis regarding the difficulty of "the question" which actor and judge Billy Baldwin tossed to Venus Raj during the Q and A: “What would you say is the biggest mistake you have made in your life…”  The news feature said that even the likes of former President Bush, famous news and entertainment personalities, and other smart people find themselves groping for words when asked that question on the spot in public. And to think these are Americans whom we have always believed to be more open and upfront about their emotions and awareness of “self” than us, Filipinos.

 

I respect Venus' answer and admire her for standing by what she believes in. However, this question asked of venus has personally lead to my musing over  how many of us were raised and advised by generations of parents and grandparents who instilled in us to keep whatever problems and mistakes within the family. To never wash our dirty linens in public. “Nakakahiya..ano na lang ang sasabihin ng mga kapitbahay?” 

 

“Hiya” or shame is the painful feeling which arises from something dishonorable, improper, ridiculous, etc., done by oneself or another. This points to how much value  Filipinos place on honor or “dangal” -- the sense of propriety and righteousness. In the Filipino psyche, these are pre-requisites to earning respect from other people. 

 

This mindset is so prevalent among Filipinos, that it has pushed many parents to force their children into marry when the daughter gets pregnant, even if the young ones are clearly not ready to tie the knot  financially, emotionally, intellectually. 

 

This has made the dutiful peace- loving wife to suffer in silence despite her husband’s unfaithfulness or violent tendencies, just to keep the good image of having a solid family. “Pagtatawanan tayo ng ibang tao!”

 

 

In many families, this desire to keep a clean, unblemished reputation can be seen between parent and child. Many of us are not comfortable with baring our souls to our children. Many of us cannot bring ourselves to admit when we mess up, when we break rules, when we become “unholier than thou.”

 

 

 Maybe this is because we are afraid that in doing so, we may lose our moral authority and respect from our children. Outside the family circle, maybe we are afraid to admit our mistakes because  others may forever judge and label us as weak and dishonorable. “Malaking dungis sa dangal ng pamilya! Ano pa ang mukhang ihaharap natin sa ibang tao?”

 

 

This observation is even more pronounced when there is a crisis, and the collective psyche of the Filipinos has been very evident in the way we respond to the recent tragic hostage crisis. Easy access to social networking  sites like Facebook and Twitter has magnified the way and speed  of receiving, delivering and sharing information, not only with family and our country, but the whole global community.

 

 

There may be those who just curse, call names, and ventilate their rage and frustration against the police, media, Mayor Lim, President Aquino, the gunman, Hong Kong and China, even provoking and agitating the Hong Kong and Chinese people, tit for tat. But  there are also those who engage in rational discussion and “soul searching” to determine what went wrong, how things could have been done better.

 

 

 Despite these good intentions of some sectors, we hear or read these comments from so many of our kababayans:  “Napapanood ng ibang bansa ang katangahan natin, pinagtatawanan na tayong mga Pilipino!,” “Bakit ba kailangang pag-usapan pa natin ito, puro baho rin naman ng Pilipino and lumalabas!,” “Nakakahiya tayo sa mga tao sa ibang bansa kapag mababasa itong usapang ito laban sa kapwa Pilipino!,”  “Admin, dapat hindi na pinopost ang mga mali natin. Dapat sa atin-atin na lang mga Pilipino yan,” “Why don’t we just move on—tapos na, the damage has been done. Kahit pag-usapan natin, di na mababalik ang buhay ng mga namatay! Bagsak na bagsak na ang Pilipinas dahil sa mga comments natin laban sa kapwa Pilipino,” “We should just post and talk only about the good news!”

 

 

Comments like these could be considered  a macrocasm of the same thought processes that happen on a personal level--- the overriding desperate desire to conceal or cover up our mistakes as a nation for fear of losing our good image, reputation and esteem from people of other countries. For fear that these exposed mistakes and weaknesses may lead to further pain and harm to our fellow Filipinos.

 

 

This desire to be accepted, esteemed and respected, of course,  is a universal human aspiration and is not exclusive to us, Filipinos. But it seems to me that this is more intense among us.  However, deep in my heart I am hoping and even struggling within me, that maybe we -- as individuals, as a people, and as a nation -- may soon realize that there are things we cannot change. 

 

 

We are but human -- bound to commit mistakes, as all people do. This does not exempt  any sex, race, nationality, color or religion. For as long as we are human, we will all mess up sometime in our life. Even big countries like the United States or China or Germany have made a lot of mistakes, even repeatedly.  We also  cannot hold back the advancement and progress of technology which exponentially spreads news and information—good and bad, triumphs and failures---about people from around the world. Somehow, sometime, the truth will come out.

 

"Hiya" or shame is good in the way that this painful negative emotion makes us resolve not to commit the same mistake again. However, this becomes counterproductive when instead of contemplation on our mistake and finding means to correct it, we instead either choose to conceal it,and pretend it never happened, or , when we wash our hands and pretend everybody is at fault except us. Therefore, we fail to seize our opportunity to learn from that mistake.

 

Even if we make mistakes -- once, twice or more than three times -- it is never too late to redeem ourselves. We as human beings and as a nation can reclaim our dignity and restore our honor by standing up to our past mistakes (Power Performance). And as our recent crisis has been systemic, each segment of our society has to accept responsibility for what went wrong. We do not run for cover, we figure out what went wrong--- and  individually and collectively, we fix it.

 

 

And we will make it happen, mga kababayan. But first, it is important for us not to lose our faith in our ability to learn from our mistakes, not  to give up in our commitment to “rise up eight times if we fall seven times.”

 

The world has witnessed our strength and resilience  when  we were able to rise above wars, calamities, disasters, and other extrinsic forces that tried to topple us down. It is time to show the world that our true strength of character, honor and dignity are even more evident in the way we defeat our own demons, rise above our own weaknesses and rectify our major, major mistakes.