THE FIL-AM PERSPECTIVE

Obama vs Romney: The Fil-Am Vote 2012 Town Hall Debate on Balitang America

By Gel Santos Relos

via Balitang America

 

 

   

 

The Filipino Channel’s daily newscast “Balitang America” will hold a live Town Hall style-debate between the supporters of President Barack Obama and Gov. Mitt Romney on October 18, Thursday, in our studio at 150 Shoreline Drive, Redwood City, CA 94065.

 

The goal of this debate is “to provide Filipino American voters a venue to discuss issues in the forthcoming elections that matter to the community, thereby encouraging more Fil-Ams to vote. This also hopes “to help undecided voters, in the studio and at home, make a choice (Obama or Romney).”

 

If you want to participate in this event, please register by going to our website at www.balitangamerica.tv. 

 

If you are not in the San Francisco bay Area, you may still participate by going to our other satellite points that will be hooked up to our debate: Chicago, IL; Phoeniz, AZ; Panorama City, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Jersey City, NJ; and Tampa, FL.

 

Program format (Source: www.balitangamerica.tv)

 

The 2012 Obama v. Romney town hall meeting will be moderated by Balitang America anchor Gel Santos Relos. Co-hosts are Henni Espinosa and Nadia Trinidad.

 

The Obama and Romney spokespersons have been designated as Loida Nicolas-Lewis and Nimfa Gamez, respectively. Both are expected to represent each party’s position on various issues, as well as field questions from the studio and online audience.

 

The town hall debate will be joined by Fil-Am voters from other locations: Los Angeles, New Jersey, Chicago, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Arizona and Florida. Each spokesperson will have 30 supporters in the studio to back them up. Supporters will be allowed to ask and occasionally answer questions, and give comments to support their candidate, through the moderators.

 

The following will be the top issues during the debate, to be discussed by segment:

1. Immigration

2. Economy

3. Health Care 

Others (as asked by studio/online/remote audiences)

 

The program will be taped and simultaneously live streamed online on www.balitangamerica.tv and www.tfc.tv. Those unable to join in the live studio taping may watch the livestream program on October 18 at about 6pm PST.

 

At the end of the show, the undecided voters in the studio will be asked if they have come to a decision on who to vote for after listening to both sides. We will hold a secret ballot in the studio.

 

After the livestream show on Oct. 18, the online audience will be given up to October 19, midnight PT to vote on www.balitangamerica.tv.

 

After the show is aired on TFC on Nov. 1 and 2, the online audience will be given until Nov. 4 midnight PST to vote on www.balitangamerica.tv

 

We will announce how the undecided group in the studio, and how the online audience voted on Balitang America on the eve of election day, November 5, Monday.

 

The program will be shown on TFC on November 1 (part 1) and November 2 (part 2). Program will be edited for length.

 

Please register now at www.balitangamerica.tv.

 

 

Jessica Sanchez Mania in Manila and the 'Pinoy Pride' Paradox

by Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

Our kababayans in Manila went gaga over Jessica Sanchez and the rest of the American Idol Season 11 Top 10 Finalists during their visit and concert in Manila. But not everyone was amused, particularly Charice’s new manager, Courtney Blooding whose tweets were quoted by ABS-CBN:

 

"Here is the question...why do the Philippines claim Jessica Sanchez? Jessica was born an raised in the US. I don't THINK she speaks Tagalog."

"Which, to me, makes her true American. How many people in the US come from mixed cultural backgrounds? We r a melting pot.”

"AND I just read that this concert is her first ever trip to the Philippines....

"Isn't a Filipino passport kind of a big indication of citizenship and a lack of one a big indication of no citizenship?"

"If only the people of the Philippines would stop looking elsewhere and focus on local things, maybe they could see the value of many of the great people and resources there. Many great things and people there. It's just a group mentality that it's not good enough."

"It's kind of a turn off to a foreigner such as myself, [cause] it can come across as ungrateful for the talent and resources God gave.”

 

The debate, of course, was anchored on important arguments that define our sense of “Pinoy pride,” which were also reflected in Blooding's tweets. 

 

In my engagement with some kababayans who expressed reservations about supporting Jessica during American Idol's voting period, they asked the same questions-- Is Jessica Sanchez truly Filipino, when she was not born in the Philippines. Jessica herself said she is the daughter of a Filipina mother and a Mexican father, and was raised as an American in the country of her birth. 

 

Worse, they even alleged Jessica was not even “proud to be Pinoy,” why would they vote for her? They argued that she was more vocal about her Mexican roots, instead of her Filipino heritage. They lamented that she did not even mention being Filipina in the show, and did not even sing songs composed by Filipinos during the competition. 

 

Of course, just for the record, in our  Balitang America interviews with Jessica through our LA Correspondent Yong Chavez, Jessica has always said she is proud of her Filipino roots, loves Filipino food, and looks forward to visiting the Philippines for the first time. Also, Jessica sang Sharon Cuneta’s song “Ikaw” in one of her videos on YouTube.

 

Another commentary that was shared by Pinoys mulling about “Pinoy pride:" How come Pinoys get to be proud of their own, only when Filipino talents (who have always been with them and among them) get international recognition? 

 

Lea Salonga was just one of the many young stars in Manila before she became a Broadway superstar and the “Pride of the Philippines.” Charice was marginalized in local singing competitions despite her talent, because she was not “artistahin” enough -- until YouTube, Ellen de Generes, Oprah and David Foster catapulted her to international stardom. Only then was she embraced by most of our kababayans. And who can forget the case of Arnel Pineda who was wholeheartedly claimed as “Pinoy Pride” when he became known internationally as the new lead singer of the band Journey?

 

Of course, those who have been opposing the term “Pinoy pride” always argue that this is a testament to Filipinos not having any personal achievements to claim for themselves -- that is why they have to latch on the achievements of others, (even those with the most minute Filipino blood in them) in order to feel good about themselves. These “Pinoy pride" critics say that this mentality is the reason for the backwardness of “Da Pinoy.”

 

What defines “Pinoy pride” is a very important issue to reflect on, as we grapple with our sense of national identity. Is “Pinoy pride” (brought to us by Jessica Sanchez, Charice, Manny Pacquiao, etc.) a reflection of what is great and special about Filipinos, or is it actually a mirror of what ails us?

(My Asian Journal Column Article, September 22, 2012)

The US Presidential Race is On: Are you leaning Republican? (1st of 2)

 

By Gel Santos Relos

 

"They came, not just in pursuit of the riches of this world,
but for the richness of this life.  Freedom, freedom of
religion, freedom to speak their mind, freedom to build a life
and, yes, freedom to build a business with their own hands.
   This is the essence of the American experience."

- Gov. Mitt Romney

 

The 2012 Presidential Race has officially started last week with Former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney and Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan accepting the Republican Party’s nomination for President and Vice President in Tampa, Florida. Game on!

 

They are fighting toe-to-toe with the incumbent team of President Barack Obama and Joe Biden, who are running for their second term. Obama and Biden are set to accept their party’s nomination during the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina.

 

If you are new to the US Presidential Election, here's a quick primer: 

 

There are two major political parties competing in the political discourse and elections: the Republican Party and the Democratic Party, although there have been many times when this two-party system have been challenged and rocked by a third party or independent candidate.

 

Each party conducts its own primary elections in every state, whereby each presidential candidate campaigns, engages in debates and tries to make his/her case among the party voters, that he/she best represents their party’s principles and has the “winnability” to defeat the other party’s candidate. The candidate who wins the majority vote among the total number of delegates wins the party’s nomination.

 

After his failed attempt in 2008 (John McCain won the party’s nomination), 2012 has proven to be Mitt Romney’s year to represent his party. The party nominee then exercised his first executive decision, choosing his Vice-Presidential candidate. Of the many names speculated and actually vetted to be the number 2 in the ticket, Wisconsin Congressman Paul Ryan became Romney’s choice.

 

In our daily polls, man-on-the-street interviews, website comments and previous presidential elections townhall meeting on Balitang America, it seems many kababayans in America are leaning Republican. (Balitang America Poll) But just what exactly does the Republican Party stand for, and what makes many Filipinos gravitate toward the Republican Party?

 

The biggest draw to the Republican Party for many kababayans in America is the GOP’s (Grand Old Party) conservative principles, anchored on Christian values. Having come from a Catholic-dominated motherland, many Filipinos in America equate being Republican to being faithful to our Filipino roots and Catholic faith. 

 

This is pronounced most in the stand of the party against the use of artificial contraceptives, legalization of abortion, fight against gay marriage, etc. Some go as far as aligning themselves with some hardcore GOPs, who do not believe in climate change and the theory of evolution of man. These principles very much affect the public policy of the party in terms of the issues concerning education, energy, environment protection, LGBT rights, womens’ rights, etc.

 

Another hot button issue for many Pinoys is the fight against illegal immigration. This is very important especially for those who waited in line for their immigration petitions to be approved, those who had to endure long years of separation before they finally got to be reunited with their families upon issuance of immigration visa the legal way, those who had to pay fees to obtain immigration benefits. 

 

For these Pinoys, dura lex sed lex is their principle. The law may be harsh but it is still the law, and they are adamant against amnesty or special privileges given to TnTs, even for humanitarian reasons.

 

The Republican platform of making people pay less taxes is another important consideration for kababayans. They hurt to see a big chunk of their paycheck go to Uncle Sam. They adhere to the GOP’s mantra of small government, low taxes, and the liberty to do what an individual wants to do with his hard-earned money.

 

This is even complicated further by the aforementioned immigration debate, whereby they believe it is grossly unfair for the government to use their tax money to support the needs of many TnTs, even those who are among their own people. But then again, here is where it gets ironic -- many Filipinos hate paying taxes but feel entitled to receive benefits from the government. 

 

The Republicans also adhere to the economic principle of “free market” and as we have always heard in the campaign speeches, each American’s individual achievement is the primary factor behind economic prosperity.  This means allowing market forces to dictate the fate of the economy and going against too much government regulations.

 

More income, less expenditures means, equals more profit -- and the free market system supports corporations exhausting every options to stay competitive and offer bigger dividends to its investors. An example of this is the Republicans' aproval of companies outsourcing jobs.  This means less jobs in America but of course, more jobs in the Philippines.

 

The GOP believes that the prescription to prosperity is the “trickle down” economy -- giving tax breaks and freedom for businesses to maximize profit, and this will somehow lead to business expansion, more hiring and a more robust economy. This, of course, has always been contested by the Democratic Party.

 

While the Republican Party also believes there should be safety nets for Americans during hard times, they maintain the job of helping them should be more effectively delegated to the private sector, instead of the government. Therefore, they prefer giving support and grants to faith-based and other private charitable organizations to carry out the task of helping the less fortunate. This is also why in an effort to trim down deficit without having to raise taxes for the rich, allocation for social services-- including unemplyoment benefits, health care, etc. are first to go.

 

Republicans also believe in American exceptionalism, which means "the United States has a specific world mission, to spread liberty and democracy". For them, this means Americans should “lead from the front and not from behind,” as we have heard in the convention speeches. This principle translates to a stronger military, and the need to allocate more budget to support it.

 

These are just some of the major differences between the two parties. This week, it will be Democrats’ turn to be in the forefront of media coverages, as President Barack Obama and VP Joe Biden accept their party’s nomination for their re-election. Next week, we will talk about the Democrats’ principles in this column.

Related article: The US Presidential Race Is On: Are you leaning Democrat?

 (My Asian Journal Column Article, September 5, 6, 7, 2012) 

Robredo’s Legacy: Leadership by Example

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

“I’ve long held the belief that as a leader, I can’t ask of you something that I can’t do myself, and I can’t impose on you values that I don’t live out.”

- Sec. Jesse Robredo

 

Many of us knew the late Secretary Jesse Robredo from a distance. Perhaps some of us only heard about his exemplary performance when he was still mayor of Naga City when Pres. Noynoy Aquino invited him to serve in the national level as Department of Interior and Local Government secretary. 

 

Indeed, his untimely death made us know more about the man, and about our people - desperately yearning for a true leader.

 

Secretary Robredo died unexpectedly when the Piper Seneca plane carrying him, two pilots and his aide, crashed into the sea off Masbate, on his way back home to Naga City. Only his aide survived.

 

For three days, Filipinos around the world joined kababayans back home in prayer, hoping the good Lord will save Sec. Robredo and his companions, and bring them back to Naga alive. 

 

Yes, God brought him back home. “You are home now, where you truly belong. Rest now, we will love you forever.” His widow Atty. Leni Robredo said during the requiem mass in Naga City’s Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia.

 

Robredo's family brought out his ashes from the Funeraria Imperial to the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park. They declined a burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Manila, saying it would have been the wish of Sec. Robredo to be among his people in Naga. 

 

But for Bicolanos and Nagaenos, he was already a hero. And as we knew more about the man, we kababayans from all over the world mourned for the passing of the kind of leader we have long been praying for.

 

In my engagement with kababayans via social media, many wonder why the good deeds and accomplishments of Robredo were not talked about much before his death. 

 

This is a testament to Robredo’s leadership: service to the people without expecting anything in return -- not fame, not fortune, not even recognition. Reports say Robredo did not have PR guys to flaunt his accomplishments, name or face. He is the antithesis of the EPAL culture that has been the norm of many TRAPO politicos in the Philippines.

 

The depth and breadth of Robredo’s character and good deeds while he was alive were enough to compel people that knew him through the years to speak up and give a shout out to honor the man. 

 

While other politicos cling to power to protect their own personal vested interests, Robredo’s driving force was just his pure and genuine desire to help and serve the people. 

 

In his homily during the requiem mass, Fr. Kulandairaj Ambrose said, "I met Jesse 20 years ago. Two things impressed me about Mayor Jesse. He was a man of the family and a man of the poor.

 

Fr. Ambrose recalled how Sec. Robredo made everyone feel wanted, treated everyone with respect - regardless of whether that human being was a VIP (Very Important Person) or a VOP (Very Ordinary Person) . 

 

He echoed what everybody has been saying about Robredo - that he always found time for everyone, made everyone feel he cared. He described him as a man who was “poor in spirit” as perhaps that Beatitudes would describe one, "because he desired nothing for himself.”

 

“Sec. Jesse not only share the name of our Lord Jesus,  but in his own way strived to be like him.,” said Fr. Ambrose -- truly setting Robredo apart from many politicos who claim to be Christian crusaders but who are in fact self-righteous self-serving TRAPOS who will say and do anything from the devil’s playbook for political expediency and survival.

 

From the eulogy of his wife, Atty. Leni Robredo, we found out that the public persona of Robredo was consistent with who he was at home. The values that he espoused were the values he lived.

 

“We will remember him most as an exceptional husband and father,” said Leni. “He died with nothing left unsaid. He constantly showered us with I love yous.”

 

Leni Robredo said, “My husband was always conscious not to enjoy the perks of his office, not to live beyond our means.”

 

Sharing how much of a simple down-to-earth man Robredo was, Leni said “He was never attached to material things. He received a number of signature gifts, he said ‘magagalit na nito sa akin ang Diyos.’”  

 

Leni added, “He made sure our children will not have a sense of entitlement." And he sure lived that way to the very end.

 

Robredo’s friend and Former Isabela Gov. Grace Padaca was spot on in her eulogy: "Robredo gave good governance a face, embodied honest and effective leadership." she said.  “He was in power for 18 years but he maintained his simplicity. Hindi siya nilamon ng sistema; siya ang umayos sa sistema." 

 

Many kababayans felt and expressed such a profound sense of loss, and wondered why God would allow a good man like Robredo to die so young, while many politicos who abuse their power live longer. 

 

Perhaps, God -- in His infinite wisdom -- has a reason for Robredo’s death. 

 

Perhaps, this painful loss serves as our wake-up call to be more discerning in the kind of leaders we elect for public office as it is possible-- there are still good men like Robredo who deserve our vote and public trust.

 

Perhaps Robredo's death will awaken in us the need to demand full transparency and accountability from our public officials -- from the barangay tanod to the President. Robredo has shown us that true, honest-to-goodness public service is possible and essential.  

 

Indeed good governance is not one way. We, the people, have to do our part.

 

Leni Robredo said: "In death he gave my children that gift, a good name. The best way to honor him is to guard that name and make him proud." The same message resonates with Filipinos as well.

 

In his eulogy, President Noynoy Aquino said: “In times of difficulties, the call to each one of us is: rouse the hero inside us and respond to the call of duty. Lowly or powerful, famous or not, you can contribute and do everything that you can for the sake of the country and your fellow men,’’ he said.

 

“Every good example will give birth to many heroes. One will become many, so that we’ll achieve our dreams. In our blood runs the spirit of heroism. That’s why the people we look up to are called heroes: they kept the fervor burning that united our people and served as a bridge to achieving our goal," PNoy added. 

 

Maraming salamat, Secretary Jesse Robredo. May the life you lived be the shining beacon of the nation toward “Daang Matuwid.” Rest in peace.

 

Photo credit: Definitely Filipino

(My Asian Journal Column article)

Sotto’s Crusade and the RH Bill: What Really Violates Filipinos' Freedom of Choice?

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

Doesn't “freedom of choice” require that everybody -- rich or poor, Catholic or not, in urban and rural areas -- be given all the education and tools they need, as they make informed decisions in their own reproductive health issues and responsible parenthood -- guided by their own moral or spiritual compass?

Sen. Vicente Sotto III has made it his mission to block the passage of the controversial House Bill No. 4244 --  the Responsible Parenthood, Reproductive Health and Population and Development Act, more popularly known as the RH Bill. His reasons are personal.

 

He blames the side effects of contraceptive pills for the death of his son who died five months after he was born in 1975, an assertion questioned by many pro-RH groups, including former Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral and Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin -- who challenged Sotto to make public his son's death certificate to prove that contraceptives actually caused his son's death.

 

"Magiging misyon ko ito pala para ipaglaban ko ang karapatan na mabuhay ang maraming inosenteng bata na kikitilin ang buhay ng bill na ito," Sotto said in his tearful "turno on en contra" speech against the RH Bill in the Senate.

 

The bill has been stalled in Congress for 14 years due to staunch opposition  from the Catholic Church and pro-life advocates. The House of Representatives has finally voted to end debates and move the bill forward for second reading approval in the House. Sotto refuses to surrender.

 

Taking his personal battle further, Sotto appeared for an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), where he continued to raise his arguments against the passage of the bill.

 

Sotto said he agrees with the RH Bill provisions on family and maternal health."What I don't agree with is using people's [tax] money for contraceptives" he told Karen Davila on the program “Headstart.”

 

He also said he opposes the declaration of contraceptives and condoms as essential medicines, as stipulated in the RH Bill, arguing that they do not cure anything. He warns condoms aren't foolproof against the Human Immuno Virus (HIV), and that artificial contraceptives have a 8-10% failure rate. 

 

Senator Sotto also challenged the truth behind RH advocates’  declaration that in the Philippines, 11-15 mothers die every day because of pregnancy and childbirth. “We need to see actual, empirical data on maternal health,” Sotto asserted. He accused Department of Health officials of using these arguments to make up for their inadequacy and failure to do their job.

 

The issue of whether the Philippines really needs population control was also raised by the senator. Sotto said population growth is also needed for economic development. He cited the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) statement that says “ideal growth population rate is 2.1% per year.” Sotto said the Philippines is now at only 1.9%, implying there is no need to curtail population growth with the use of contraceptives, despite the Philippines' dense population.

 

But what really perplexed me was this point that Senator Sotto articulated in the interview --  that the RH Bill “will take away freedom of choice from couples”-- a concern echoed by many kababayans who fear that the passage of the RH Bill will mandate all Filipinos to use artificial contraceptives against their will and conscience. 

 

The fact is, when the RH Bill is enacted into law, the Department of Health will then be directed to make “medically safe, legal, accessible, affordable and effective reproductive health care services nationwide.” It will also require “age-appropriate reproductive health and sexuality education” -- from the fifth grade through high school. 

 

The RH Bill is not about pushing everybody to use artificial contraceptives. It is about educating the Filipinos about their reproductive health, especially  as it relates to responsible parenthood. It is about helping  women who need preventive care and treatment-- gain access to dependable health care professionals.

 

It is  about informing people about all their options -- if and when they decide for themselves that it is important for them to plan the size of their family and when to have children -- depending on their physical, emotional, financial, and spiritual readiness to assume the great responsibility of parenthood.

 

It is about making people know about the pros and cons of each option, and what will work best for every individual given her medical and health issues. It includes information about the use of natural family planning methods, like abstinence and calendar method, as options. No coercing people to take the pills or use the condom. No mandating couples on the number of children to have. No abortion as a tool for family planning.

 

While contraceptives have already been available for purchase in the Philippines, only those who can afford them have access. The blockage of the passage of the bill, will therefore deny the “freedom of choice” for people who cannot afford to pay for, or have no access to contraceptives and reproductive health care -- whether for medical or birth control purposes. Is “freedom of choice” just a luxury meant only for those who can afford it?

 

On a spiritual and religious level, it is important to point out that the RH Bill does NOT force people to use artificial contraceptives. There is nothing in the bill that requires Catholics to go against the Catholics  Church's position against the use of any birth control pills, morning-after pill, condoms,  IUD, sterilization, withdrawal method, etc. Each Catholic CAN still choose abstinence or the calendar method, or no birth control method at all -- depending on the dictates of his/her conscience. 

 

Moreover, as Senator Pia Cayetano argued, not all Filipinos are Catholic. Doesn't making a public policy based on Catholic dogma alone, deny the rights and welfare of other Filipinos of different faith.

 

Doesn't “freedom of choice” also require that everybody -- rich or poor, Catholic or not, in urban and rural areas --be given all the tools they they need to make an informed decision in their own reproductive health issues and responsible parenthood, guided by their own moral or spiritual compass? This is what the RH Bill hopes to achieve.

 

It is  ironic that the blogger that Senator Sotto was reported to have plagiarized in his Senate speech, reacted and stated her position, in favor of freedom of choice for Filipino women,  when it came to matters of reproductive health.

 

Sarah Pope wrote:

“Women of the Philippines: I am terribly sorry my blog was used and twisted against you.  You deserve the choice to use The Pill if you want or need to based on your personal circumstances. While I want you to know that this choice has health consequences as does the decision to use any pharmaceutical drug, I in no way, would ever condone taking this choice away from you...”

Fr. Joaquin Bernas, S. J. on the misconceptions about the RH Bill 

 

Have we learned from the lessons of Ondoy?

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

It felt like Ondoy all over again, as Metro Manila and many parts of Luzon were battered  for more than two weeks by southwest monsoon rains or habagat. It was horrifying to see videos of many parts of the densely populated metropolis being submerged in water. Flood waters were neck-deep, forcing kababayans to seek safety on rooftops to survive. Some tried to move around in bancas and on makeshift rafts. 

 

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported that as of August 13, Monday morning, 92 lives have been claimed, mostly from drowning, while others died from electrocution or in landslides caused by the rains and floods. 

 

At least 3,457,774 kababayans have now been affected, while at least 1,025,886 people have sought shelter in evacuation centers. 8,629 houses were totally or partially damaged in Regions I, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI and the National Capital Region.

 

While more recent reports said overflowing rivers had started to recede, the NDRRMC said 40 areas -- including 10 Metro Manila cities and the town of Pateros -- continue to be under state of calamity.

 

According to Philippine weather service PAG-ASA, the rains and flooding in the metropolis were aggravated by Tropical Storm Haikui, which made landfall on the east coast of China Wednesday last week. This drenched the city deeper, with more than a month's worth of rain dumped on the area in only 48 hours.

 

CNN forecaster Mari Ramos said  it could take days -- even weeks for the waters to recede in the lower-lying areas. Ramos said there could also be further flooding "downstream" as the water drains through the flood plain in the southern portions of Metro Manila near Laguna de Bay.

 

PAG-ASA warns that another tropical depression “Helen” could develop to tropical storm in the next 48 hours.

 

Though the Philippines sits astride the typhoon belt, and gets hit by dangerous storms from July through October, experts say deadly floods that have swamped nearly all of Metro Manila are less of a natural disaster and more of the result of poor planning, lax enforcement and political self-interest.

 

They point to “damaged watersheds, massive squatter colonies living in danger zones and the neglect of drainage systems are some of the factors that have made the chaotic city of 15 million people much more vulnerable to enormous floods.”

 

Environmental experts say that garbage, especially those made of plastics and non-biodegradable materials carelessly dumped by people in the streets, rivers and canals clog the already problematic drainage systems in the Philippines. 

 

Many kababayans blame the government for not regularly collecting garbage from their homes, and for their lack of an effective and efficient garbage disposal system. 

 

Some accuse local and national government officials of misusing, if not pocketing, funds that are supposed to be allocated for fixing the  broken drainage system.

 

Urban planner Nathaniel Einseidel, Manila's planning chief from 1979-89, said “the Philippines had enough technical know-how and could find the necessary financing to solve the problem, but there was no vision or political will.”

 

"It's a lack of appreciation for the benefits of long-term plans. It's a vicious cycle when the planning, the policies and enforcement are not very well synchronized," said Einseidel.

 

Despite this current tragedy, however, many Filipinos in America believe the Philippine government handled the disaster better this time.

 

In our Balitang America daily opinion poll “Isyu Ngayon,” the majority of our voters (58%) said the government’s early warnings and faster deployment of rescue efforts kept the number deaths and casualties lower this time, compared to the Ondoy deluge, which claimed more than 460 lives. But almost all opined that more have yet to be done to finally solve the perennial flooding in the Philippines.

 

After visiting flood victims and distributing relief goods on Thursday, President Benigno Aquino said the government is now on the verge of coming up with a "long-term and permanent" solution to Metro Manila's perennial flood problem.

 

As ABS-CBN News reported, Aquino told evacuees of Marikina, Quezon City, Caloocan, Valenzuela, and Malabon that Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio Singson is now fine-tuning the details of a proposed dam and aqueduct tunnel project in upstream Marikina River.

 

The project is designed to help ease floodwaters at the Pasig, Nangka and downstream Marikina River. Moreover, the president also announced the construction of "super dikes" in other parts of Metro Manila.

 

"Talagang hinahanap natin ng paraan ano ba magagawa para hindi naman tuwing tag-ulan ay magiging tradisyon na ng buhay ninyo ang lilikas nang lilikas," Aquino said.

 

Panibagong bagyo at mga pagbaha na naman ang rumagasa. Will the promises of our local and national government officials be fulfilled this time? At tayong mga mamamayan, nagbago na rin ba tayo ng sistema ng pagtatapon ng basura, at maging sa pagtira at paglikas sa mga lugar na maglalagay sa atin at sa ating bayan sa kapahamakan?

 

Have we all learned from the lessons of Ondoy?

 (Updated Asian Journal Column Article, August 10, 2012)

 

Will you boycott goods from China to protest against China’s bullying?

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

Kung hindi man umano natin kayang labanan ang puwersang militar ng China sa pag-aangkin nito ng Scarborough Shoal ng bansang Pilipinas, maaari naman daw nating kabakahin ang higanteng bansang ito sa pamamagitan ng pagboycott sa mga produktong gawa sa China. Malabo raw ang diplomatikong pamamaraan dahil ni ayaw idulog ng China ang isyung ito sa kapulungan ng iba't ibang bansa!

 Nakasalalay umano dito ang karapatan natin sa langis ng Scarborough Shoal na gusto raw kamkamin ng China. Patatalo na lamang ba raw tayo ng walang laban, kung ito man daw ay maging daan upang hindi na kailangang umalis ng bansa ang maraming OFW at umunlad na ang bansang Pilipinas?

 

The conflict between the Philippines and China over the Scarborough Shoal and Spratlys is not going away, despite the Aquino administration’s efforts to de-escalate the territorial dispute with Beijing.

 

In an interview on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), President Noynoy Aquino said his administration has not been engaged in a media war as alleged by China, nor has it entered into international arbitration to settle the issue.

 

“We’ve been bending over backwards, we try to look at it from their perspective, and we try to see, hopefully that they look at it from our perspective and really achieve some reasonableness in terms of the actions of both parties.” 

 

PNoy added: “I don’t think I have been as belligerent as some sectors are saying. I should be tougher. But I think we have given them all of the necessary means and steps to avoid having the ‘loss of face’ aspect, trying to come up with something that is doable immediately. And we’re waiting for appropriate response from their side.”

 

But solving the conflict diplomatically has been an increasing challenge. ABS-CBN News reported that last week, Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario spoke out against Chinese “duplicity” and “intimidation” in the South China Sea, noting that China failed to honor an agreement to pull out all ships from the shoal. 

 

Exasperated all the more by failed efforts to have member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) talk about the Scarborough Shoal and come up with a joint communique, Del Rosario walked out. He protested against the supposed bias of host country Cambodia in favor of China.

 

It was the first ever for the 10-member organization, which is known for harmony and consensus in resolving crisis situations. Critics point out that the Cambodian government’s fear of offending China “somehow managed to trump all the others’ desire to send Beijing a stern message about its behavior in the South China Sea.”

 

If in case the sea dispute escalates into a shooting war, PNoy said on ANC that his government has been preparing for contingencies. 

 

“We are preparing contingencies for that but we don’t think that is a likely possibility at this point, or [a] likely probability at this point. We will not add to the conditions that will set about such a situation. We will always endeavor to de-escalate and pursue that option of talking about this dispute and resolving it peacefully.” 

 

But many Filipinos concede that should an all-out war erupt between China and the Philippines, the Aquino government is bound to lose without the help of the US military. While the Obama administration has repeatedly stated that it will not take any side on this issue, the Philippines is very much counting on the United States’ help as stipulated by the Mutual Defense Treaty, if China will attack the Philippines militarily.

 

Some kababayans, however, point out that Filipinos can retaliate against China by hitting it where it hurts most -- economically. 

 

As we reported on “Balitang America”, influential Fil-Am community leader Loida Nicholas Lewis is taking her boycott-China campaign on the road.

 

“I don’t want war to break out and we can influence world opinion against China if we just stick together and send emails, Facebook, Twitter to all our friends, Filipinos or Americans, that they should boycott made in China goods because China is acting like a bully,” Lewis explained.

 

Balitang America further reported that upon learning about Lewis’ call to boycott Chinese products, Chinese netizens have reportedly responded by calling for their own boycott against her 27 TLC Beatrice retail stores in China.

 

Lewis responded, “I sold it all several years ago so I don’t own it anymore. So it’s a good thing they know our tiny little country can affect them.” 

 

Fil-Am organization US Pinoys for Good Governance (USP4GG) has been in the forefront of this fight against China’s so-called bullying over the Spartlys islands, and are staunch supporters of this call for boycott of Chinese-made products. 

 

USP4GG President Rodel Rodis said, “The real target of China is the Recto Bank, because that’s where they discovered oil — about 200 billion gallons of oil, enough to take care of the energy need of China in the next century. If that oil is preserved for Filipinos [to]use, we will not need to send OFWs. We would be able to have a prosperous future for our people.”

 

Rodis acknowledges the difficulties of boycotting goods “made in China,” especially because of the high saturation of these products in the global market. 

 

In my interview with Atty. Rodis on Balitang America, however, he said that “it is a matter of being conscious...There are alternatives to China-made products.”

 

Rodis clarified that the boycott is only for goods made in China, and not against the Chinese people, nor businesses owned by Chinese in the United States, the Philippines, and elsewhere around the world. 

 

He also told Balitang America that Filipino-American community leaders are seeking to expand the boycott beyond the Filipino-American community.

 

“We are already in touch with the Vietnamese and Taiwanese communities...We are also concerned with those boycotting Chinese products for health reasons,” Rodis added, referring to reports in recent years that found toxic substances such as Melamine in certain food products manufactured in China.

 

Responding to concerns about possible further retaliation from China against the Philippines, Rodis said Filipinos should not worry, reminding kababayans it was China that started the move to boycott the Philippines (he was referring to the Philippine bananas issue). He added that Chinese nationals were recently discouraged from traveling to the Philippines.

 

“Huwag tayong matakot sa gagawin nila. Hindi natin sila kaya militarily,” he said. “Anong gagawin natin, susuko na lang?”

 

What do you think? Will you heed the call to boycott goods made in China to assert our sovereignty over the oil-rich Scarborough Shoal and protest against China’s bullying? Or as Rodis asked, “Susuko na lang ba tayo?”

 

 

 

Confer the Philippine National Artist Award to DOLPHY: Will You Sign The Petition?

 

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

 

Namayapa man si Dolphy, ang paggawad sa kanya ng karangalang ito ay pagpupugay sa kanyang pangalan...o legacy...o pamana sa sining at kultura ng bansang kanyang minahal, pinaglingkuran, at pinasaya sa loob ng 65 taon bilang isang tunay na artist sa stage, radyo, TV at pelikula.

Will you sign the petition (http://www.change.org/dolphy ) to honor his name and legacy in the history of Philippine arts and culture so the generations to come will know and appreciate the King of Comedy who brought so much joy and laughter to us in the midst of our struggles as a nation?

Dolphy was laid to rest on Sunday, July 15, but the clamor of a nation in mourning to give the King of Comedy the much-deserved Philippine National Artist Award lives on --  and the uproar only grows louder and stronger after his death.

 

Yes, this recognition could be given posthumously. The first award was posthumously conferred to Filipino painter Fernando Amorsolo. 

 

Dolphy had definitively satisfied all qualifications for this honor: He made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the country; his highest level of artistic accomplishments on stage, radio, television and film helped promote creative expression as significant to the development of a national cultural identity; and he dedicated 65 years of his life as an artist, which helped forge new paths and directions for future generations of Filipino artists.

 

The King of Comedy also reaped many awards as an actor in the films “Omeng Satanasia” and Lino Brocka’s “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay.” He was also given the “Best Performer” award in Brussels International Filmfest for his portrayal of the role of Markova, a Filipino homosexual man, forced into prostitution during the war.

 

It has been so many years since Dolphy was nominated for the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. But the award, given only every three years, had been elusive to the King of Comedy in his lifetime.

 

Some say politics had something to do with it. In an interview on ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) chairperson Grace Poe-Llamanzares hinted that Dolphy's endorsement of her father Fernando Poe Jr. during the 2004 presidential elections did cost the the country's "King of Comedy" the National Artist Award.

 

ABS-CBN news quoted Llmanzares as saying: "He [Dolphy] suffered a lot for the [FPJ] endorsement because the past [Arroyo] administration, they were a bit vengeful. There were some exchange of words to the point of [Dolphy] saying, 'I'm sorry, Madam, if I hurt your feelings.”

 

Others lament how personal prejudices of a few cost the King of Comedy this much deserved title, especially after National Artist Awardee for Theater Cecile Guidote- Alvarez revealed that Dolphy's portrayals of gay men throughout his film career cost him the national artist award. 

 

In an interview on ABS-CBN Radio DZMM, Guidote-Alvarez said inclusion in the final list of nominees for national artist was "passionately" opposed in the deliberation committee, which is tasked to recommend notable personalities to be awarded the title. The loudest voice came from then Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) president Nicanor Tiongson.

 

"Basically, siya ang pinakamatindi. Sa botohan na-shock nga kami, hindi nakapasa si Dolphy. Sa recollection ko, ang sinasabing protesta was basically hindi karapat-dapat ang body of work [ni Dolphy] na nagpe-presenta not in a good light about the gay [community], the life [of gay men]," Guidote-Alvarez said, as quoted by ABS-CBN News. 

 

Consequently, Dolphy was removed from the shortlist the NCCA and the CCP would jointly recommend to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

 

But many kababayans from different parts of the world could not and would not accept these reasons why Dolphy should not get the recognition, even after his death. 

 

The clamor has increasingly intensified after Guidote Alvarez pointed out: "As of 1997, meron pong joint NCCA-CCP board which said the president has the authority and the prerogative to deny anything that was recommended by the NCCA-CCP, has the right to name a category, has a right to elect or add anybody in their judgment through the validation of the Honors Committee, who should be given an award, a state award.”

 

In 2010, President Noynoy Aquino conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart to Dolphy (the highest award given to a private citizen by the President of the Philippines) for his contributions to the entertainment industry and for his many years of charitable and philanthropic works. 

 

Many Filipinos believe PNoy could have done better by using his executive power for Dolphy to be seriously considered for the highest recognition of being named as Philippine National Artist.

 

The biggest online Filipino community on Facebook called  “Definitely Filipino” initiated a petition addressed to President Benigno Aquino III, NCCA & CCP. (http://www.change.org/dolphy )

 

Founder of Definitely Filipino, Ben Totanes, said: “The award wasn’t given to him when he was alive. But now that he is gone, they should give it him. It’s still an honor.”

 

Responding to opposition founded on the belief that Dolphy’s portrayal was demeaning to gay people, and on a more conservative view that “homosexuality is a sin, and therefore playing gay roles is a sin,” Totanes said that gay roles were not demeaning to the gay community. He argued that the King of Comedy’s portrayal of gay roles even helped raise awareness, understanding, respect and even acceptance of the gays in the community.

 

The “Definitely Filipino” petition states:

 

“This petition aims to show the support of the Filipino people in the process and eventual conferment of the National Artist 2012 Award to Dolphy for his outstanding contribution to the arts and culture of the Philippines . It is the voice of the Filipino asking: 

 

1. That Dolphy be included in the short-list of nominees/awardees submitted by the NCCA and CCP to the Office of the President;

 

      2. That President Benigno Aquino III will heed to the call of his "boss"        - the Filipino People - in declaring Dolphy as National Artist in 2012. 

 

This petition supports the resolutions filed by the City of Manila and that in the Senate by Senate President Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito-Estrada, asking the President to declare him as National Artist in this year's competition, which is only being held every 3 years.

 

This petition serves as a documentation of the public's support for Dolphy in this time of mourning and recognition of his contribution in Philippine cinema and in the lives of countless Filipinos.”

 

Per guidelines outlined by the National  Commission for Culture and the Arts, “A posthumous conferral consisting of the medallion and citation shall be given to the family or legal heir/s of the honoree. The cash award of P75,000 in cheque shall be given to the honoree’s legal heir/s or a representative designated by the family immediately after the ceremony or at another time and place as requested by the family.”

 

Will you honor the King of Comedy by signing this petition? 

Go to http://www.change.org/dolphy

 

Paalam, Dolphy...Salamat sa Mga Halakhak!

 

By Gel Santos Relos

 

 

The man who brought joy and laughter to generations of Filipinos is gone.

 

After two years of his most intense battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, Dolphy joined our Creator last Tuesday, July 10, at 8:34 in the evening at the Makati Medical Center, due to multiple organ failure, secondary to complications brought about by severe pneumonia, COPD, and renal failure. 

 

The whole nation mourns-- it is as if one member of the family died. Yes, that is what Dolphy is to us. 

 

For six decades, Dolphy has been part of almost every Filipino family’s history, making us laugh and cry, on stage, radio, television, and film. 

 

The ‘King of Comedy” started entertaining the Filipino people at the age of 17 as a stage performer on Avenue and Lyric Theaters during the Japanese occupation. 

 

He was on radio starting in the 1940s when it  was the major source of entertainment for Filipinos. He starred on Conde Ubalde’s radio shows, most notable was the program “Wag Naman” which topbilled Pancho Magalona, Tessie Quintana, and Baby Jane. It was also during these golden years of radio when his comedy duo with Panchito started.

 

Dolphy was on television since it started in the 1950s, appearing for the first time on ABS-CBN’s Buhay Artista. For decades, Dolphy made us laugh through his other programs as well, including “John and Marsha” and “Home Along da Riles”.

 

Dolphy’s first movie was when he was 19 years old  with Fernando Poe Sr. He started doing movies for Sampaguita Pictures in 1952, and did movies with other movie outfits while being on television. He started producing his own films via RVQ Productions in 1965.

 

His most memorable early films as a comedian were in the 50s like “Sulyap Mo Tita”, “Jack and Jill”, “Silveria” and “Tanzan”-- the re-runs of which I am sure you truly enjoyed watching on  television in the afternoon siesta time,  like I did as a child growing up in the 60s and 70s.

 

  The King of Comedy also reaped many awards as an actor in the films “Omeng Satanasia” and Lino Brocka’s “Ang Tatay Kong Nanay”. He was also given the “Best Performer” award in Brussels International Filmfest for his portrayal of the role of Markova, a Filipino homosexual man forced into prostitution during the war.

 

On July 25, 2008, Dolphy celebrated his 80th birthday, with the launching of a biographical book--  Dolphy,” Hindi Ko Ito Narating Mag-isa” (Dolphy, I Didn't Get Here All By Myself)-- I was honored to be given a copy of this book signed by Dolphy himself, when I interviewed him on Balitang America.

 

In this book, Dolphy shared about his humble beginnings. He was Rodolfo Vera Cruz in real life, born in Tondo, Manila in 1928. He was second of ten children, and his father was a ship mechanic.

 

As we reported on Balitang America, Dolphy’s biography revealed that his exposure to movies started while, as a young man working inside the theater selling peanuts, he watched so many many movies for free. He was only thirteen when World War II started. He helped his family by doing odd jobs including shining shoes and working as a stevedore at the pier. And then the stage later beckoned, and the rest was history.

 

It was these early struggles in life that has made him the compassionate, giving, and down to earth person he had always been known and admired for.

 

In 2010, President Noynoy Aquino conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart to Dolphy - the highest award given to a private citizen by the President of the Philippines - for his contributions to the entertainment industry and for his many years of charitable and philanthropic works.

 

But many kababayans believed he deserved to be given the Philippine National Artist Award. Even years before his passing, his supporters have been clamoring for this, as they believe Dolphy more than met all the qualifications and requirements for this distinguished honor.

 

It is the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the development of Philippine arts. This award is conferred no more frequently than every three years, honoring:

 

Filipino artists who have made significant contributions to the cultural heritage of the country;

 

Filipino artistic accomplishment at its highest level and to promote creative expression as significant to the development of a national cultural identity;

 

Filipino artists who have dedicated their lives to their works to forge new paths and directions for future generations of Filipino artists.

 

This recognition has been raised to the level of a Cultural Order, ranking fourth in precedence among the orders and decorations that comprise the Honors of the Philippines, and considered equal in rank to the “Order of National Scientists” and the “Gawad sa Manlilikha ng Bayan”.

 

As we reported on Balitang America-- despite his death, the Philippine House of Representatives will still tackle a resolution seeking to declare Dolphy a National Artist.

In a radio interview, Rep. Salvador Escudero III said that lawmakers may also recommend a posthumous award for Dolphy.

 

Dolphy gave much needed respite in times of trials and desperations of our kababayans for many generations. Through his comedy, Dolphy also taught us how to  laugh at ourselves, imperfections and all. With  his gift of laughter, Dolphy lifted up our spirits and reminded us that no matter how hard our circumstances might had been, not all was lost.

 

Paalam, Dolphy...Maraming salamat sa mga halakhak.... 

 

Photo Credit: Arlu  www.helloballoon.com

 

Obama’s new immigration policy: Do you agree with sparing young people from deportation?

By Gel Santos Relos 

  

 

Many Pinoys who are haunted by fears of arrest and deportation may have heaved a sigh of relief, hearing President Obama’s announcement of his administration’s new policy, which spares young undocumented immigrants from deportation.

 

Bypassing longstanding gridlock in Congress, Obama’s new immigration policy fulfills some provisions of the contentious DREAM Act. As the Associated Press reported, young undocumented immigrants will be immune from deportation if they meet the following requirements: 

 

If they were brought to the United States before they turned 16 and are 30 or younger;

If they have been in the country for at least five continuous years; if they have no criminal history; 

If they graduated from a US high school or earned a GED or served in the military.

 

Undocumented young people can now apply for a work permit that will be good for two years, and renewable with no limits.

 

We have interviewed many young “TNT” kababayans, who are among 800,000 others who were brought to the United States as young kids by their parents and stayed here illegally through no fault of their own. Most of them do not know how to speak the language of their Motherland, and have little or no ties at all to their country of origin.

 

“Let’s be clear, this is not amnesty, this is not immunity, this is not a path to citizenship, this is not a permanent fix,” President Obama said from the White House Rose Garden. “This is the right thing to do.”

 

During President Obama's first three years in office, he has reportedly deported more undocumented immigrants than his predecessors-- the most by any president since the 1950s.

 

This new development comes during an election year, following a series of other immigration policy changes as well, particularly in the administration’s judgment call on allocating limited resources to prosecuting and deporting illegal immigrants, who have criminal records and are a threat to national safety and security.

 

“Many of these young people have already contributed to our country in significant ways,” says Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. “Prosecutorial discretion, which is used in so many other areas, is especially justified here.”

 

This announcement also came a day after Pulitzer award-winning and undocumented Fil-Am journalist, Jose Antonio Vargas, created another stir in the immigration dialogue, writing a cover story, “Not Legal,Not Leaving” and gracing the cover of TIME Magazine as well.

 

The cover showed Vargas, along with 35 other undocumented immigrants from 15 countries, which, according to Vargas, is the true picture of American immigration today. “We are Americans* *Just not legally,” the cover states.

 

Vargas, who worked for big news publications like The Washington Post and The Huffington Post, shocked the entire world last year, when he revealed in his New York Times magazine story that he’s an undocumented immigrant.

 

“I take you to the process of what it is, the process of becoming a green card holder and citizenship. People do not understand that when Mitt Romney or politicians in this country say that people, like me, should wait at the back of the line. But people actually do not know that there is no line. There is no process,” Vargas said, hoping his ten-page cover story on TIME Magazine will elevate the national discourse on immigration.

 

As we reported on Balitang America, Fil-Am community leaders across America, agreed with the President “that it makes no sense to expel talented young persons who are, for all intents and purposes, Americans.”

 

“We welcome and applaud President Obama’s announcement...giving legal status to young immigrants whose parents came to this country without legal status,” said a statement from the National Federation of Filipino American Associations (NaFFAA).

 

The new Obama immigration policy is similar to the Republican proposal being drafted by Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, as an alternative to the DREAM Act. Like this administration’s policy, Rubio’s proposal also spares the young undocumented people from deportation and do not provide an automatic pathway to citizenship.

 

“Today’s announcement will be welcome news for many of these kids desperate for an answer, but it is a short-term answer to a long-term problem,” said Rubio in a statement. “And by once again ignoring the Constitution and going around Congress, this short-term policy will make it harder to find a balanced and responsible long-term one.”

 

Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney echoed Rubio’s statement, saying: “It’s an important matter to be considered and should be solved on a long-term bias so they know what their future would be in this country.”

 

“Obama’s executive order to allow some illegal immigrants to obtain work permits and stay in the US legally was problematic, Romney said, because “an executive order, of course, is a short-term matter. It can be reversed by subsequent presidents.” However, he would not answer questions if he would reverse the order if elected president.

 

Conservative Fil-Ams also voiced out their opposition to Obama’s immigration policy, especially those who followed the rules, got in line and waited for many years to get their green card; and subsequently, were naturalized as American citizens.

 

One comment posted by “aroc” on our Balitang America website summed it up:

 

“These groups who are supporting [and] applauding Obama’s bad, hideous intent -- rewarding illegal aliens [and] lawbreakers are illegal aliens [and] lawbreakers themselves. Majority of Americans and legal residents despise Obama’s questionable [and]unlawful [policy]. Any way you slice it is not kosher, but dirty to the bone of law-abiding citizens and legal residents.”

 

“DREAM Act?...To fund college education of illegal aliens is a notorious act and must be totally repealed, buried so it will not resurface again. Shame to politicians who embrace the DREAM Act, like Obama, with twisted priority...even citizens and legal residents cannot afford college, so why [are] illegal aliens a priority, instead of helping Americans and legal residents [who are] hurting financially [at] this bad economic time[?]”

 

Do you agree with Obama’s new immigration policy?