Introduction to Rowing

I've been talking to Library Renewal Partnership's (LRP) Quintin Pastrana for about a month now about the possibility of making Paoay Lake a training facility for the Manila Boat Club and the Philippine National Rowing Team.  Rowers currently row at the Pasig River and La Mesa Dam, but they are looking for a better option.  Paoay Lake is an excellent alternative because of its accessibility (Laoag has an international airport), the lake is clean and calm, and there are currently no jurisdictional/political squabbles over the area.  We've actually talked to the Punong Barangay of Nagbacalan, Paoay, and Provincial Board Member Jessie Galano about the proposal, and the guy was very receptive.  We've also sent a letter to Ilocos Norte governor, Imee Marcos, about supporting the idea.  Hopefully, we meet her this coming June.

In the mean time, Quintin offered me to try out rowing at the Manila Boat Club near the Sta. Ana Race Track in Manila.

And so I did.

The Boat Club's dock is at the Pasig River.

Surprisingly, the river was not stinking that morning.  The last time I took the Pasig River Ferry (which was more than 2 years ago) I could smell the stench even inside the air-con cabin.  And yesterday, I didn't smell a thing.  Also, I noticed the water to be cleaner.  I mean sure, it's still brown and murky, but at least the floating trash have significantly lessened. 

The club is more than a century old.  Most of its current members are expats who used to row in their respective countries like the UK, the US and Switzerland.

Rowing Rules

They have a wide range of racing row boats for a single person, two persons, four persons and even for eight people.

I was told that only the old boats are made of wood.  The boats they use now are made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and other high-tech composite materials. 

Here we have Quintin, Max and Mang Ben take out a quad scull boat from their boat house.

Here they are laying the boat in the Pasig River.

This is where I sat. The sculling oars are held by oarlocks on the outriggers.  The seat slides front and back to aid the rower in rowing.  The feet are held stationary by a shoe assembly fixed on the boat.

This is us (Max, Quintin, me and Mang Ben) about to leave the dock.

Mang Ben is teaching me the proper technique in rowing.  I can tell you right now it's harder than what it looks like.

I had trouble early on coordinating my lower body and my upper body.  Minsan tumatama yung handle sa tuhod ko.  Minsan nagbabanggaan yung mga kamay ko.  Minsan sablay yung pag-row ko.

It took me quite a while to get the hang of it and "sync" with Max and Quintin.  But once you do get in rhythm and be "one" with the other rowers, you feel good inside because you feel you're part of this well-oiled machine gliding quietly through the river.

This is us after 3.5 kilometers, near the Guadalupe Bridge.

With my baseball cap and shades on, I look like someone in the witness protection program.

This is us on the way back to the Boat Club.  Notice me checking my Blackberry.  Hehe.  We rowed a total of 7 kilometers to and from Guadalupe.  I actually enjoyed the experience and am interested in doing this as a cross training sport if ever it catches on in my province.

Here are my "war wounds."  My calves kept on hitting the edge of the seat tracks.  Result of wrong positioning of the seat and the foot stop.

Had blisters on my heels as well.

And that was my rowing experience at the Pasig River, courtesy of Quintin Pastrana and Max Makowski.  Thanks for inviting me, guys!  Rowing is a cool sport.  The boats are expensive, yes, but once you have that, all a person needs is an oar, himself and a body of water, and your good to go!  

I do hope more people get into rowing because it is a beautiful sport.  And for a country that's an archipelago with a lot of coast, rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water, why shouldn't we?

Philippine Business for Social Progress

After my stint at the Ilocos Norte Provincial Board, I wanted to continue helping people.  But since I was covered by a year long ban to work in government, I had to do it in the private sector.

I found out about Philippine Business for Social Progress, allegedly the largest corporate-led foundation for social development in the Philippines.  It is comprised of over 200 member companies who pool in their resources to empower the poor and underprivileged through social development projects like building schools, awarding scholarships, providing credit facilities and conducting livelihood programs.  Member companies include Smart Communications, Landbank, Petron, Nestle, IBM, Aboitiz, TV5, and ICTSI.

PBSP also acts as program managers of development agencies.  The foundation currently implements projects for USAID, AECID and Global Fund, and has potential projects with AusAID and CIDA.

We have so many projects that its hard to keep track of each and everyone of them.  There's the Smart Schools Program where SMART donates 2 computers with 1 year internet connection to public schools all over the country.  The program includes training the teachers on how to use the computer.

Then there's the school building program funded by the Angelo King Foundation and Coca Cola, among others.  Just like what FCCCI and other NGOs do, PBSP also builds classrooms in public schools.

Like I mentioned PBSP has a scholarship program as well.  We implement the scholarship program of Petron and Landbank.  We support the student from high school all the way to college.

For health, we are implementing the Two Billion Peso (PhP 2,000,000,000.00) Sustaining TB Control and Ensuring Universal Access to Comprehensive Quality TB Care Program of the Global Fund.  It is our biggest project to date, which aims to reduce TB in the country.  Did you know we rank #9 in the world in terms of TB cases?

PBSP is also into microlending.  We provide financial assistance to small and micro enterprises, sourced from USAID and KFW.  Other poverty reduction projects include empowering mutli-purpose cooperatives with their livelihood and building livelihood centers for them.

I joined PBSP last November as their legal officer.  Among other tasks, I review all contracts and agreements entered into by the foundation.  I draft legal documents.  I act as Assistant Corporate Secretary.  And I also represent PBSP in its cases--the ones I can handle of course.  More delicate stuff is handled by our partner law firm.

PBSP recently celebrated its 40th Founding Anniversary last January 25.  The foundation is headed by Rafael C. Lopa as its Executive Director and Nicolaas Oreel as its Chief Executive Advisor.  The Chairman of the Board of Trustees is Manny V. Pangilinan.

PBSP Headquarters in Intamuro, Manila

PBSP Regional Office in Davao City, Mindanao

Management Team Meeting led by Executive Director Rapa Lopa and Chief Executive Advisor Klaas Oreel

PBSP Board of Trustees Meeting led by Chairman Manny Pangilinan

Annual Membership Meeting (25 January 2011)

40th Founding Anniversary of PBSP with Pres. Noynoy Aquino as Guest Speaker

PBSP is open to all companies, whether small business or MNC, to join the foundation to help reduce poverty in the Philippines.  Member companies contribute a small portion of their gross income to PBSP so that we can implement various social development projects.  Or, member companies can opt to fund their own projects through PBSP, like what Smart, Petron and Coca Cola did.

For more information, visit the PBSP website at http://www.pbsp.org.ph/ or call Membership at +632 5273742.

Life after losing in the elections

Nine months ago I lost in an election contest to represent the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 15th Congress of the Philippines.  It was a tough race between 5 candidates:  Reynolan Sales was a former town mayor of Pagudpud and was running for congressman for the 3rd time; Rudy Fariñas was a former city mayor of Laoag and governor of the province; Chito Ruiz was a former town mayor of Sarrat and a family friend; Renato Peralta, was a colleague at the Provincial Board; and myself.

I campaigned hard for 45 days, going from one house to another, informing voters of my platforms and legislative agenda.  Looking back, I think the stands and positions I took on a number of issues were unpopular to a lot of voters and I lost their votes.  For example, I was in favor of the national government having a comprehensive reproductive health program.  The church was not happy about that.  In a congressional debate, the other candidates said they were devout catholics and the RH bill was against their beliefs.  Well, I couldn't lie.  Not even just to please the priests.  I said I was a christian in favor of a national reproductive health program.  I believed then, and I still do today, that it is the duty of the State  to educate the people about reproductive health, especially since we cannot solely depend on parents to do so.  The State has an obligation to provide its people access to reproductive health programs the same way it provides them access to other health concerns like TB, Measeles and Dengue.  Was my stand final?  No.  I admit I don't know everything about the subject-matter and I'd still like to hear other arguments against having a state-sponsored RH program.  If I won, I would have organized town hall meetings in schools, the farmlands, the hospitals, the church and far-flung barrios, so that I can get the pulse of the people.  But I guess, here in the Philippines, just because you're in favor of a reproductive health program, the church conveniently and immediately labels you as anti-life and not deserving to be elected to office.  Never mind the womanizer, the gambler, the drug addict and the killer--you can elect them.  But an RH advocate?  Junk him in the elections.

I also was pro-environment--another unpopular stand.  In 2007, I lobbied for a province-wide conversion of 2-stroke engines (used by 60% of tricycles) to direct in-cylinder engines, which were more eco-friendly.  My proposal was met with opposition from, surprise surprise, the tricycle groups.  And they even threatened not to vote for me if I pursued the measure.  This did not deter me, but my colleagues in the provincial board told me to go easy on tricycle drivers.

In 2009, I sponsored an ordinance imposing a special green tax on the use of plastic bags and an ordinance banning the use of styrofoam products in commercial establishments.  These two products clog our canals and waterways, not to mention poison the sea and kill marine animals.  Guess what, it was opposed by businesses, and both measures were tabled by the Committee on Trade and Industry.

To cut the long story short, I made a lot of unpopular stands during my 3 year term as local legislator and it may have contributed to my loss.  Do I regret making them?  No.  Definitely not.  I think it was important for me to communicate to the voters where I stand on national issues.  They had a right to know, and I didn't want to lie or deceive them.

And if the voters didn't vote for me because we didn't share the same views, I accept it.

---

I came in second. But it wasn't even close.  I lost in all 80 barangays of Laoag City.  I even lost in my barangay.  In towns I thought were my bailwicks, I lost.  I lost in Bacarra, Pasuquin, Sarrat and Vintar.  On the bright side, I won in Burgos, Adams, Carasi and surprisingly, Bangui.  If I hadn't thank the people of those four towns yet, let this blog make it known that I am forever grateful for their votes.  That also goes to the 40,000 voters from all over the 1st District who believed in me.  From the bottom of my heart, thank you.  If there's only a way for me to know who voted for me, I'd go to each of my supporters and thank them personally.  I hope that some day, I'll be able to serve you again.

---

Life after losing in an election is not all that bad.  It's not the end of the world.  Sure, I won't be able to continue doing what I enjoy doing, which is to help shape policy, but I get to appreciate the important things I took for granted when I was busy, like family. : )

These past 9 months, I got to get closer to my wife and help her in raising our baby daughter, Bea.  I took Bea to the doctor's office when Ria went back to work.  I was there when Bea took her first solid food and when she started to crawl.  I give her baths and make timpla her milk.  Na-sukaan na ako.  Na-ihian na ako (iniintay ko na lang na ma-taihan eh).  I enjoy being a dad, more so now as Bea is transitioning from infant to toddler.  She still needs me to hold her hand when walking, but one of these days she'll be able to walk on her own.  I only feel bad that I am not able to do everything my wife does for Bea, but I try to compensate in other aspects.

I also got to finally do the stuff I put in the backburner the past few years, like organizing our family's foundation.  The Governor Roque and Manuela Ablan Foundation was registered at the SEC last August 2010, and it will get its DSWD accreditation this February 2011.  We already have a number of scholars in MMSU and have a law scholarship for MMSU, NWU and UP.

I got to read a lot of books, including, Shop Class for Soul Craft, Sway, Black Swan, Outrage, Free Lunch, Team of Rivals, and, yes, even Eat Pray Love.

---

Having lost in the elections, I am banned from government employment for one year, not that I am patay-gutom to go back to government.

There were several opportunities for me to revive my commercial law practice, but I am just not interested to join the corporate world again.  I tried that before and it left me feeling empty. 

Working in the provincial government gave me the opportunity to help people, and I wanted to continue doing that.  I applied for positions in international aid agencies like AUSAID, AECID and USAID, but the problem is I haven't logged in enough experience in development projects. 

And then I found out about Philippine Business for Social Progress, the largest corporate-led foundation for social development here in the Philippines.  It is composed of almost 300 companies contributing a percentage of their income to implement projects designed to reduce poverty in the country.

I joined PBSP in late 2010 and I've enjoyed my work so far.  Sure, corporate pa rin, pero at least it wasn't interested in just making profit, but in helping people.  We're working with Petron and Landbank in funding scholarships for over 200 poor but intelligent and deserving students.  We're working with Smart to equip public schools with computers and internet connection.  We're working with Coca-Cola and the Angelo King Foundation in building classrooms and laboratories.  PBSP is the implementing agency for the tuberculosis program of Global Fund and USAID.  And that's just the educational and health parts.  We also have projects for the the environment and livelihood.

---

I lost in the elections.  My dream of representing the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 15th Congress was shattered. 

It sucks.  Really.

But the world continues to turn

and life must go on.

Renewing my passport at the DFA

My current passport will be expiring in a few months, so I decided to renew it.  I started my renewal process by logging in at DFA's website.  I filled up the form and included Bea's application as well.  I set an appointment at the DFA's Consular Office in ASEANA Business Park, Baclaran, Pasay City.

Within the same day, I received an e-mail confirming my application and appointment date.  I printed the e-mail which included an already filled-up application form.

Here are the documents you need to bring at DFA for renewal of Green Passport (those issued after May 1, 1995).
1.  Current passport and photocopy of pages 1, 2, 3 and last page.
2.  Pages showing latest Bureau of Immigration departure and arrival stamps.

For Bea, here are the documents needed for new minor applicants:
1.  NSO Birth Certificate
2.  Photocopy of passport of both parents

Our scheduled appointment was last Friday at 8:30am.  The instructions told us to be there by 8am.  We were there by 8:10.


We showed our application forms to the appointment counter just outside the entrance.  The clerk stamped his name and instructed us to go up to the 2nd floor.

There's a special processing area for Government Employees, Senior Citizens, and Families with Children. We got our queue number and waited to be called.  There were only 2 DFA officers working on Families with Children applications so we waited quite a bit.  WAITING TIME: 60 MINUTES.  

Processing Area on the 2nd Floor for government employees, senior citizens and families with children.

When we got to the counter, the DFA officer received our application forms and accompanying documents.  He signed, stamped and attached a paper to our forms.  After processing, we went to the cashier to pay our fees.  The website said the regular passport fee was P950.00.  But for some reason, our applications were considered RUSH.  So we paid P1,200.00 each.

From there, we got another queue number thinking the "courtesy lane" for Families with Children would continue to the encoding section.  Hindi pala.  Hanggang processing lang pala.  Nahalo na kami sa lahat ng applications.  Our number was more than 200 away from the one being serviced.  Grabe naman!  

I found out that the "courtesy lane" for Government Employees continued.  DFA dedicated 5 counters for government employees.  So, since Ria still works in government, I photocopied her ID and presented it at the processing counter and the guy there annotated our application.  We were able to line up at the courtesy lane for government employees.  WAITING TIME: 30 MINUTES.

In encoding, the clerk took our picture, signature and fingerprints.  We had a bit of a problem with Bea's picture because she wouldn't look at the camera.

Then that's it.  Our "RUSH" passports would be ready for pick-up within 10 working days.  Ria and I couldn't get off work that day so we were forced to avail of the home delivery via LBC.  Lined up again and paid P120.00 each.  So, we'll just wait for our passports in the mail.

Whole process took 100 minutes. : )

the bike as transport

When people find out that I bike they often ask, "mountain or road?" That's because biking here in the Philippines is known to be a sport.  It's highlighted as such right now with the popularity of triathlons.


But biking is not just a sport.  It's also transportation.


I own 4 bikes.  A Trek Allant, a Trek Valencia, a Dahon Jack, and a Japanese bicycle.  And yet I feel out of place when my friends talk about their MTB adventures in Timberland in San Mateo, Rizal, or when I  see the Sokisok Bikers who just came from the trails in Vintar.  That's because none of my bikes are mountain bikes.


I also can't bike alongside  other cyclists in SM MOA, who are training for the Tour of Luzon, well, because none of my bikes are road/racing bikes.


Not for mountains?  And not for roads?  So, what kind of bikes do I have? And where do I use them?


All 4 (2 in Laoag and 2 in Manila) are commuter-type bikes.  And I use all of them as alternative transportation.


You see, back in 2007, when I worked in Laoag, my office was just 500m away from my house.  I felt it was a waste of gas and parking space to use my car.  At the same time, I thought it was too hot and humid to walk.  I didn't want to drive and I didn't want to walk.  My solution was to commute by bike.  I'd get there faster, get some exercise, take up less space, and save on gas (which is quite expensive in the province).


And that's where it started.  I bought a bike and rode it to go to the office.  I later found out that 40% of our trips are just within a 4-5 km radius, and 90% of that time, we drive our cars.  So I told myself, if the place I'm going to was near, I'd use my bike.


I biked to the bakery.  To the drugstore.  To Mcdonalds.  To the coffeshop.  To the barber.  To the mall.  I even biked 11 kms to the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center just for breakfast. 


Back here in Manila, I try to commute by bike, but it's much, much difficult.  There are more cars, buses, jeepneys, and motorcycles to deal with.  Plus the roads are narrower and have more potholes.  In fact, I've only managed to bike around the metro by joining the monthly critical mass rides of the Firefly Brigade.  Other than that, it's just short trips to Starbucks, the supermarket and the gas station--places not farther than 2 kms.  Beyond that limit, EDSA and South Super Hi-way stand on my way.


Until the other day.


I forgot to claim my drivers license at a sports equipment warehouse (Sonak Trading) in Sucat, Paranaque.  I only realized my license was missing when I got home.  The next day, being the law abiding citizen that I am, I didn't drive (I had no license on my person).  I went back to Sucat using my trusted bicycle.


I never biked West Service Road before so this was my first time.  I kept to the right most part of the road and drove as straight and predictable as possible.  Even then, I got nervous when I'd encounter a truck (and there are a lot of trucks using West Service Road).  Laking takot ko na masagi ako. And then there was the air pollution.  Sobrang mausok.  Feeling ko nagka-lining na ng asbestos yung mga baga ko.  Anyhow, I got to my destination with all my body parts intact.  I claimed my drivers license.  And then I biked back to our village.  17 kms total distance travelled.  Oh yeah, before I got home, I almost got bit by a dog that chased me half a block.


That experience aside, I'd still like to use my bike to commute.  But the roads just have to be safer for cyclists.  Drivers are so reckless in Metro Manila.  Also, there's a problem about bike parking.  Either there's none, or the bike parking area is at the back of the building which makes it susceptible to bike theft.


The only way for our government to listen to our concerns, and to convince motorists to respect bikers, is to go out and bike.  And we show our force through the critical mass rides organized by groups such as the Firefly Brigade.  Hopefully, more people bike.


Because biking is not just a sport.  It's also a form of transportation.

Ang Pag Gamit sa Damo Pagkatapos Mamatay ang Kabayo

Earlier this year I wrote about a proposal to monetize the 250 Million Tobacco Excise Tax share. Because of monetization, the province would only get 175 million. I was originally opposed to this because I believe we should get the whole amount. BUT, considering that the recipients of the fund, the farmers, needed it to protect their crops from the hot and dry weather, I supported the measure.

And as I wrote, the proposal was blocked by 6 board members. The motive was political. It was obvious. The 6 belonged to the rival of the incumbent governor and they didn't want the latter to be mabango to the public 2 months before election.

Of course, the 6 denied it and said they were against the ordinance because of the discount. EVEN though they approved similar ordinances (monetization, discount, etc.) several times before.

They stuck to their story. They were against the proposal because they wanted the farmers to get the whole amount.

I didn't believe them then. I don't believe them now. I think it's all baloney.

Anyway, the measure was blocked, the 175 Million did not come. No aid to the farmers. And the heat wave destroyed a lot of crops during the summer. In other words, dahil walang damo, namatay yung kabayo -- or at least, nanghina.

On the bright side, the plan of the other group worked. The incumbent governor lost. As did I.

Fast forward to August 2010--several months AFTER the election. The new governor, together with some of the board members who opposed the proposal last January, suddenly had a change of heart.

Now, it's okay to use the 250 Million.

You might be wondering if they got the whole amount, the 250 Million. After all, that was their main argument before. That the farmers deserved the whole amount, and they wouldn't accept anything less.

Well wouldn't you know, they used the 250M as collateral to a bank to get.....

Wait for it.....

175 Million.

THE SAME AMOUNT THEY OBJECTED TO 6 MONTHS AGO.

So what was all the fuss about before?!

Why the sudden turn-around? I thought they were fighting for the farmers?

Now it seems they were fighting for their asses. What hypocrites.

What use is the fund now? Second cropping is done. And crops had been destroyed by El Nino.

Tapos na. Saan na gagamitin ang damo eh patay na nga yung kabayo?

What will the new provincial administration do with the farmer's money now that the dry season is over?

...waaaaaiiiit for it...

...Among other things, they're building a new office for the governor and the board members.

Talaga nga naman...

The Assumptions are Not True

Many people assume that my running for congressman this coming May 2010 is a result of a life-long calculated plan of my dad--the ever consummate politician. After all, that's what politicians do to perpetuate themselves, right?

And many believe that my dad is responsible for me taking up law, running for USC chairman, running for provincial board member and eventually running for congress in 2010 to take over after he reaches the mandatory 3-term limit.

Fair assumptions, but not true.

First, the law degree. My dad never told me to become a lawyer. Proof is that of the 9 brothers and sisters, ako lang ang nag-tapos nang pagka-abogasya. Dad didn't force any of us to study law.

I chose to study law. It was my decision. Sure, I was influenced by the fact that my grandfather and father were both lawyers. But the truth is, I never saw either of them practice law. What really made me take the UP Law Aptitude Examination (LAE) was the hunger to know and understand the law. While taking up some Philosophy subjects in Ateneo, I realized that our lives are greatly governed by laws. In every aspect of society, be it family life, business, environment, health, there are rules and regulations. If a person did not know the law, he would either be left behind or taken advantaged of. The only way to survive, is to learn the law. I wanted to study law so that I could teach others about it--so that I could empower them.

The movie "My Cousin Vinny" also influenced me. Others would have been inspired by "A Few Good Men" or "The Firm." Not me. It was "My Cousin Vinny" starring Joe Pesci as Vinny Gambini. Sobrang babaw ng rason ko. If Vinny could be a lawyer, I could to. Unknown to many, but that movie made me survive law school. : )

Second, the USC Chairmanship. Dad never talked to me about it. In fact, when I told him I was interested in running, he didn't support me at first. Ayaw niya ako tumakbo. Only after his fraternity brods talked to him that he gave me some money for posters.

Third, running for bokal. After taking the bar, I knew I wanted to be a public servant. 'Di kami nag-usap ni Dad pero alam ko gusto kong pagsilbihan ang bayan. I didn't want to practice corporate or tax law. And I didn't want to litigate. But just to be sure that public service was my calling, I tried them both first.

I worked as a corporate attorney in Makati. The pay was okay, my boss was nice and my officemates were friendly. But after a year I felt like throwing up every time I went to work. Literally, nasusuka ako sa ginagawa ako, hindi ko alam kung bakit. It wasn't for me.

Then I tried litigation by working for the Office of the Solicitor General. I was serving the public by representing the government in its court cases. My boss was kind and my officemates were helpful. So dapat okay. Pero hindi. I was miserable. It took me such a long time to draft my pleadings. Sabi ng iba sanayan lang yan, pero hindi eh. Whenever I was in my cubicle I felt like the walls were closing in on me. I'd always have to go out for fresh air. I couldn't wait to get out. Buti na lang during that time, I was assigned by my boss to the OSG Bill Task Force. Since my dad's a congressman, SolGen (now Justice) Nachura tapped me to help lobby for the passage of the OSG law. This assignment allowed me to visit my old officemates in Congress and friends in the Senate. Kilala ko mga committee secretaries and legislative officers dun that we were able to calendar the bill and prioritize it in the floor and have it passed in a matter of months. Nag-enjoy ako sa ginawa ko. Nabuhayan ako.

This was a turning point in my life. It was through this time period that I realized I was really not cut out for the regular practice of law or litigation. And I also realized that I enjoyed lobbying and legislating.

Only then did I approach my dad about running for public office. Prior to this Dad never talked to me about politics.

And the only time my dad had anything to do with my decision to run was when we discussed what position I would be gunning for in 2007. The options were City Councilor, City Vice-Mayor or Provincial Board Member. I chose the latter. And I'm glad Dad supported me in my decision.

The rest, my friends, as you know, is history. : )

Lastly, my run for congress. Yes, my dad is a third-term congressman. Yes, that means he's graduating. Yes, I am the perfect and expected replacement. And it's safe to assume that I am running because of those reasons. But I'm not running for those reasons.

I run because I want to.

I run because I believe that local government units, particularly the provinces, must be given more powers to govern themselves. And the only way to make sure that the Local Government Code is amended to achieve such goal is for me to run for congressman.

I run because I believe that the constitution must be reviewed and overhauled after 23 years of being untouched. I have so many proposed changes and improvements for our constitution and the only way to get them there is for me to propose them myself in Congress.

I run because I want to review and possibly revise the Sangguniang Kabataan Law to make it more relevant to the youth. I run because I want to decentralize the Department of Education by giving more power and autonomy to the Local School Boards. I run because I want Congress to grow some balls and pass a comprehensive reproductive health care program. I run because I want to lower income taxes. I run because I want to create small claims courts and special traffic courts around the country.

I run because I want to shape national policies and be a part of a new administration that would do whatever it takes for the country to get out of this rut and shrug off the image of being the basket case of Asia.

So, I hope that's clear. : )

I am running for Representative of the 1st District of the Province of Ilocos Norte, not for anything else, but to serve my country and make a difference.

A MAN OF IDEALS: ATTY. KRIS R. ABLAN

By ROLAND R. AGRA, President of the Supreme Student Council, NCC

06 March 2010, launching of Kabataan Kaisa ni Kris

Provincial Capitol Auditorium, Laoag City

Before I start may I greet every one a good afternoon. May I also congratulate Atty. And Mrs. Kris Ablan for their first child, Baby Alicia Beatriz. I hope she’ll have a baby brother in two-three years time.

I was heading home from my 6 PM class, when I received a text message from RB Ablan. He was requesting me to make an anecdote about Sir Kris, which will I deliver afterwards. I was hesitant at first because I have many paper works to do. However, I came to realize that I have a moral responsibility to share to you how this good-looking and debonair public servant affected my views on leadership and public service.

I first saw Atty. Kris three years ago. My landlady gave me a polyetos. When I saw that polyetos, the first question I asked myself was, “How is he related to the Ablans?” Later, I found out that he is a son of Rep. Roque R. Ablan. Atty. Kris won a seat in the Provincial Board during the 2007 midterm elections.

Come July 2009, when I won as the president of the Supreme Student Council, we were given the chance to sponsor our first leadership seminar. During our meeting, an officer raised a motion on whom to select as lecturers and speakers. I rose from my seat and nominated Board Member Kris Ablan. After that, Atty. Kris was selected as one of our four lecturer-speakers. Some fellow officers insisted on choosing the SK Federated President. They reasoned out, “He is a member of the youth like us”. I said, “He was once the chairman of the University of the Philippines Student Council. That’s heavier than your argument.”

When he came, I was uncomfortable not only because I would introduce him that afternoon, but I was disturbed by how he approached my fellow student leaders. He was very warm and friendly. No signs of pakitang-tao or plastikan. I admired how he delivered his lecture. He was not boring. He was able to relate himself with his listeners. From then on, I imitated how he delivers his speeches; not boring, confident, full of energy.

Tumatak sa isipan ko na si Sir Kris isang mabuting halimbawa lalo na sa kabataan. After the leadership seminar, we invited him to be our guest of honor and speaker sometime in October and again last January as the main lecturer of the voters’ education forum.

I consider myself privileged not only because I had met him many times but I always learn something from him every time we had an opportunity to be together. He is an idealist, just like me. He believes that we can achieve real and substantial change if we are disciplined and law-abiding citizens. No contentions about that. I agree with him that what are important are the principles and ideologies you are fighting for and not the personalities you are with every day.

Don’t dare accuse him as a trapo or else tamayen kayo. His track record in the Provincial Board is a manifestation of his dedicated performance, unquestionable competence, and unwavering love for the Ilocano people.

May I be allowed to recite some portions of the famous; I AM FILIPINO poem of Atty. Alex L. Lacson, a product of the Harvard Law School, who visited NCC last February 26. I made slight modifications to suit today’s affair.

Kris Ablan is a Filipino. Who is he today is because of the role God wants him to play. He is born to succeed. God has equipped him, within him and around him. With all the essentials he needs to succeed in this world…He is destined to be great…for God truly wants him to add more beauty and greatest to our world.

Kris Ablan was born of freedom…as such, he dedicates that freedom to ensure that the people shall remain free…he shall use his freedom to help other people…he was born of love, out of God’s immeasurable love…it is what He wants him to bring into this world, so love shall be who he is.

Kris Ablan is a part of the whole, as part of the answer to the question, as part of the solution to the problem, as part of the hope of our people…and soon…he shall build a more beautiful and better community not only for his family but most especially for the Ilocano people.

That is Atty. Michel Kristian Riego Ablan. He is KNOWLEDGEABLE. He is RESPONSIBLE. He is an IDEALIST/INTELLIGENT. He is a SELFLESS public servant. That makes him a brilliant future congressman: mapagpiaran, napudno, ken naayat nga agserbi itit kaaduan.

An article on the Congressional Forum in DWCL

Eloquent Rudy, idealistic Kris, and Confused Atong

by: Herdy Yumul

I WANTED Teteng Sales to be in the forum sponsored by student journalists of the Divine Word College of Laoag last Feb. 24. The former Pagudpud mayor, who claims he won the congressional race in 2007 over incumbent Roque Ablan Jr., intrigues me. I know so little about his position on issues, and I wanted to validate the general impression that he is an intellectual lightweight.

Apparently, however, he ignored the invitation to the event, the first congressional forum to happen in the province after the filing of certificates of candidacy. According to organizers, Teteng’s camp received the letter of invitation, and no less than his wife Maja was informed of the undertaking, but that they never sent a word, which is worse than begging off.

Former Sarrat Mayor Chito Ruiz was also unable to attend as he was in Manila, but his staff took time to convey the candidate’s regrets.

There was another congressional forum that was supposed to transpire last Feb. 26, the Anti-Kadiri Movement’s Congressional Hour. It was postponed, however, because Gibo’s visit to the province on that day made some personalities unavailable. Leaders of this anti-trapo movement say Teteng has also been ignored them.

This is sad, dear karikna, because candidates owe it to us, the voting public, to explain their stands on matters of public concern. Teteng’s popularity in the past was mainly due to the people’s tiredness of the old Ablan, a traditional politician who has been a fixture in the local political scene for decades. I say this will no longer be enough political capital for Teteng as he now faces four other candidates: Ruiz, Former Congressman/Governor Rudy Fariñas, Board Member Atong Peralta, and Ablan’s son Kris.

Rudy Fariñas was in his usual element. He was eloquent and sharp, an observation shared by Prof. Fides Bitanga, forum moderator.Some people perceive the 1978 bar topnotcher as arrogant and aggressive, but I did not see those qualities in him that afternoon. What I saw was a person who was simply raring to serve again. While he did not actually say these words, the message I got from him was: I am qualified, I have served you well before, and I am most willing to serve you again.

Kris Ablan was refreshing. He was somehow successful at conveying the message that he is different from his father, although he also occasionally justified, even took pride in, his old man’s actions. Nonetheless, there was sincerity in his voice.

What I wanted about both Kris and Rudy was their very clear positions on issues. Invited as a panelist, your karikna asked them about the Reproductive Health Bill. Kris said we really need one. Rudy said he is against it because he is Catholic, and that he considers the proposed legislation as “anti-life”. Then spoke Atong who said that it is an issue so complicated and controversial that he would rather not give a position.

I also asked them of their individual views on the Sangguniang Kabataan’s abolition pushed by some quarters because, 1) SK officials have become puppets of traditional politicians and political dynasties, 2) SK has become a breeding ground not of leadership, but of corruption and ineptitude; and 3) Because their projects are superficial, e.g. Search for Ms. SK, construction of basketball courts, and the like.

Rudy, father of the SK Federation presidents of Laoag City and of Ilocos Norte, said he is against its abolition, and went on to argue against contentions 1 and 3. Kris said he is also against abolition, but that he will propose reforms to the SK system.

You guessed it! Atong found the issue to difficult to handle so he did not make a stand. How confused can he get? Confused or compromised? Or afraid? I have never doubted the brilliance of this veteran politician, and that is why it was so disappointing when he chose gray when the lines between black and white were so clear.

Remember what Dante, the greatest Italian poet said about indecision? “The hottest place in hell is reserved for those people who, in time of crisis, remain neutral.”

But let’s give credit to Atong, at least he came, unlike two of his opponents. And he could do better in gatherings of similar nature soon. There are two congressional forums that we anticipate in March. The Kadiri Movement’s and the Laoag City Hall Press Corps’.

Your karikna (extreme left) together with other forum panelists

*****

Straw voting was done before and after the event to determine how much the forum has changed voters’ preferences. Over 200 students from various universities in the province cast their ballots.

According to Jaime Lao, editor in chief of DWCL’s The Williamite, the entrance poll yielded the following results, in percentage: Ablan, 34.6; Fariñas, 26.7; Ruiz, 5.8; Sales, 5.3; Peralta, 1.6; and 26, undecided.

After the forum, the undecided fell to only 5 percent. Ablan’s figures rose to 60.3 percent while Fariñas’ had a slight decline at 25.2 percent. Ruiz and Peralta maintained their single digit figures but Sales’ votes votes plunged from 5.3 percent at the entrance poll to less than one half percent (.047%) after the forum.

It is safe to infer that most of the undecided voters, after listening to the candidates, decided to choose Kris, the youngest among the contenders.

The thirty-two year old lawyer and former UP Diliman Student council president radiated youthful idealism when he said that a congressman’s primary interest must be legislation and not the pork barrel fund. Fariñas was more pragmatic. He said that a congressman has two jobs: to legislate and to gather funds for his district, because local official come to them for help. Kris, in an interview I made with him before, categorically said that he is, by principle, against the concept of pork barrel fund, but will accept his district’s share if it is appropriated. In an article he posted at his Facebook account which is open to the public, he categorically labeled his dad, who finds no fault in the pork barrel fund largely perceived as fountain of corruption, as “traditional politician.”

The forum confirmed what everyone knew all along. The youth sector is Kris’ bailiwick. It was all worthwhile then that, for the forum’s sake, he postponed an important trip to Manila where his wife Ria gave birth to firstborn Alicia Beatriz.

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Published in Ilocos Times dated February 22-28, 2010

PhP 175 Million down the drain (PART 1)

History will be the ultimate judge whether what the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte did with the RA7171 Monetization was right or wrong.

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PART I

As a member of the SP, I am obliged to tell my point of the story so that farmers and their children will know about and understand what happened to their tax money.

Let's start with the source: Republic Act 7171. This law, which was passed in 1992, apportioned 15% of the total taxes collected on locally manufactured Virginia-type of cigarettes for the Virginia-tobacco producing local government units (LGUs), namely, the Provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra and La Union, including all their cities and municipalities.

That 15% shall be divided by the LGUs on a pro rata basis.

The law does not specifically say when and how often the money would be given to the LGUs except that it should be directly remitted to them. That's it.

I do not believe any Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) was ever released and published, so until this day implementation is rather hazy.

Ever since the law was passed, LGUs never knew when the money from the Tobacco Excise Tax would come. I was told by some mayors that there would be some years that they wouldn't receive any money at all. And when they got money, they considered themselves very lucky.

When I was elected Provincial Board Member and we received our share in 2007, I asked for a computation. We got 11.5 Million that year. I asked my elder colleagues how we arrived at that amount, and no one could explain it to me. One of them even told me that although there was a formula, it was just too complicated to understand, and so we should just accept the 11.5 Million.

We had no computation, no running balance, and practically no relevant data whatsoever. Just 11.5 Million which was our supposed share for 2006. I asked if we could defer passing the measure until we could invite an official of the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) to explain to us how the whole system work, but my proposal was shot down. I had to yield to my more learned colleagues.

So, from what I understand, the Province, or any LGU for that matter, does not know how much it would get from RA 7171, or even when it will arrive. We just wait and receive whatever is given. Ganun ang patakaran. Ganun ang napagsanayan. That was the message relayed to me.

Let's fast forward to November 2009. A resolution was presented to us hiring a consultancy firm to broker for us some money from RA 7171. Apparently, based on the computations of NTA and other government agencies, the National Government owed the Virginia-tobacco producing LGUs a total of 5 Billion Pesos--accumulated since 2002. The resolution said this consultancy firm would work for the fund's monetization so that the money will be released immediately. In return, the consultant will take away a 5% professional fee.

I objected to this resolution on the basis that the consultancy firm was based in HongKong. I did not want us to deal with a foreign consultant. I told my colleagues if we were going to hire a consultant to broker for us, might as well make it a Filipino company. That way, if $%# hits the fan, at least we can take them to court. Kung foreign based company yan, mahihirapan tayong habulin sila. Despite my manifestation, the Provincial Board passed the resolution. This is now Provincial Resolution 138-2009. You can get a copy from the SP Office. And you can even see who voted in favor.

Fast forward to January 2010. Two resolutions were presented to us regarding the Province's participation in the RA 7171 Monetization Program. Based on my understanding of PR 138-2009, I knew that these twin resolutions were outputs of the consultant we hired in November. Eto na yung resulta ng pag-broker niya. Since PR 138-2009 was still good law, we were bound by it. And so, based on PR 138-2009, approval of the twin resolutions should be ceremonial.

Imagine my surprise when there was a split vote! 7 in favor and 6 against. (Although majority, not enough votes for a qualified majority)

Those who voted for it were Barba, Nalupta, Salenda, Peralta, Ong Sin, Lazo and myself.

Those who voted against were Chua, Marcos, Ranada, Castro, Galano and Farinas.

I was so surprised because most of those who voted against were the same people who voted in favor of PR 138-2009. In fairness, Marcos was absent in that November session, while Farinas voted against. The rest (Chua, Ranada, Castro and Galano) voted in favor of PR 138-2009 in November, so I did not understand their vote in January.

These guys first agreed to hire a consultant to broker for the RA 7171 Monetization Program and practically gave that consultant the blanket authority to do whatever was needed to be done, and then later on they don't want to approve an agreement the consultant entered into on behalf of the provincial government?!

I told them back in November to read the fine print, but they didn't listen to me!!! They still voted for it.

They reason out that they made a mistake.

What do they think, that we were born yesterday?

That's no mistake, my friends. That's GROSS NEGLIGENCE. That's dereliction of duty. Dapat binasa muna ng mabuti yung resolution bago in-approve. Trabaho natin yun.

Ay dios mio.

For me, as long as PR 138-2009 is valid, then the SP has no choice but to "follow-thru" and approve the twin resolutions. Otherwise, we may even be later on held civilly liable by the consultant for breach of contract.

Now if they really thought that PR 138-2009 was a mistake, then they should've proposed a resolution repealing it first. With PR 138-2009 repealed and gone, then we are no longer bound to the consultant and we are not obliged to approve the twin resolutions.

Ganun dapat yung ginawa para maayos at nagkaintindihan ang lahat, hindi yung nangyari. Sa pag-aaway namin sa isa't isa, hindi naman kami ang kawawa--ang mga tobacco farmers ang kawawa, and so I would like to apologize to all tobacco farmers. Sorry po, at hindi kami nagkasundo sa SP. At dahil dito, kayo po ay nawalan ng tulong pinansyal na umaabot sa 175 milyon pesos.

Dumawatak ti dispensa yo, apo.

to be continued...

Do we really want change, or are we just pretending?

Sometimes I wonder if it's all worth it being a non-traditional politician (non-trapo). I mean everywhere I go people are asking me why I am not yet campaigning. Why should I? It's not yet campaign period. That starts on March 26. That's 74 days from today.

Traditional politicians (trapos) have started their 'campaign' as early as March last year when some of them came out with streamers congratulating graduates. One person had a streamer in every public elementary and secondary school here in the district. Others started their campaign a bit late when they gave out their x'mas gifts (wink, wink) to barangay captains only this last December.

I haven't started yet because the LAW tells me I have only 45 days prior to election day to do that. Having said that, rumors are already spreading that I am backing out.

What's up with that, folks?!

I'm also not campaigning yet because I still have a job to do. The people elected me as one of their local legislators last July 2007 to serve a 3-year term. If I started campaigning as early as December 2009 then I would be shortchanging the people who elected me to office by 7 months.

I took an oath 2 and a half years ago, to serve to the best of my ability the Ilocano people for three full years, and I intend to keep that promise. I have ordinances and resolutions to pass. I have committee reports to submit. There are appropriation bills I intend to fiscalize. There are still admin cases needed to be heard. Boundary disputes to be settled. And projects to be implemented. I do not plan to renege on my obligations just to 'keep up' with my opponents. No, sir. Not until March 26 when the election code allows me to do so.

Am I being idealistic? Yes, I don't deny that. I believe we can achieve real and substantial progress by being disciplined and law-abiding citizens first.

Am I being too idealistic? No, I don't think so. I mean, I'm not naive or unaware of traditional politics in the Philippines, heck, my dad is a traditional politician. So I have first hand knowledge. And it is exactly because of this exposure that I turn away from it.

Shouldn't I just be more realistic? You mean to be more practical and pragmatic about politics? NO. Heck, no. If we settle for practicality; if we settle for pragmatism; and if we settle for trapo politics, then we're not moving forward. We'd just be walking in place. And with a ranking of 71 (behind Vietnam) in terms of Global Competitiveness, we'd be stupid to settle for that. For christ sakes, we're called the basket case of asia--you want to be pragmatic with that?

I hope and pray that in this coming national and local elections, we don't base our vote on who put up the streamers the earliest. Or who put up posters the most. Or who had the most TV or radio time. Or who gave out the best x'mas gifts or giveaways.

I hope we don't settle for someone just because he's winnable.

I hope we don't vote for someone because of spite for another person.

I hope we don't vote for someone just because he's popular and siya na yung nakasanayan.

I hope, this 2010, we vote based on track record. I hope we vote based on competence and performance. I hope we vote because of a shared vision.

If I don't win because voters don't believe in me, that I have neither the competence or track record to do the job, then I am ready to accept that. But if I don't win because I didn't campaign early or because people didn't see my face in every nook and cranny of the province, well, then may be we don't really want change after all. May be we're fine with the status quo

Some Comments on MMFF 2009

Every December I make it a point to watch the entries of the Metro Manila Film Festival. This has been my annual ritual for the past 11 years I think.

This year, because of the very few watchable films to choose from, I was only able to see three. Mano Po 6, Ang Panday and I Love You Goodbye.

Here are my comments:

Best Movie: Mano Po 6. Because the story was believable. I didn't say realistic. I said believable. And as long as I can believe it, it's okay with me.

Best Actress: Angelica Panganiban (as Lizelle in I Love You Goodbye). Because she acted naturally. Runner-up: Zsa Zsa Padilla (as Olive Uy in Mano Po 6). Of all the pinoy actors who tried to impersonate chinoys, she was the closest. She had me at, "May nakakita ba ng Pei Pa Koa ko?!"

Best Actor: I hate to say this, but believe it or not, Gabby Concepcion (as Adrian in I Love You Goodbye).

Worst Screenplay: Ang Panday. Lousy plot. Excruciatingly slow dialogue. Gee-maneez.

Worst cameo appearance: TIE. Anne Curtis, John Lapus and a whole bunch of other actors in Ang Panday. Ang daming segways at sub-plots na pampagulo lang.

Worst Actor: TIE. Joonee Gamboa in Ang Panday. I used to like his voice overs, but his dialogue and acting were both over the top. And Phillip Salvador, also in Panday. That was a real bad portrayal of a villain.

Worst Actress: My namesake, Kris Aquino. Just didn't like the way she portrayed her character in Mano Po 6. It looked a bit OA.

I didn't bother to watch Wapakman, Nobody but Juan, and the others. I hope next year, mas madaming watchable na entries.