Press Freedom, like all other kinds of freedom, is NOT absolute

It's been one week since that Peninsula stand-off and the media people are still decrying the alleged police harrassment. Hello?! They were warned by no less than NCRPO Chiefe Geary Barias to leave the vicinity of the hotel. They were given until 3:00pm. Did they listen? The foreign correspondents did. But not the others (ABS-CBN, GMA, etc.). In fact, they even cheered when a low-ranking soldier escorted Barias out of the Pen lobby. Man, these reporters can sometimes be so abusive with their press freedom shenanigans. They think its absolute.

That's why I agree with what Atty. Emil Jurado wrote in his column today. Here it is:

"ABUSING PRESS FREEDOM

NEWSPAPER headline, quoting Interior Secretary Ronnie Puno during the government-media dialog, screamed yesterday: We’ll arrest press again!

It was all to attract people’s attention, for the sake of circulation.

What the headline didn’t say was that Puno was referring to a situation similar to the Nov. 29 The Peninsula, Manila standoff, when Senator Antonio Trillanes IV and Scout Ranger Brig. Gen. Danilo Lim foisted that foolish, irresponsible and reckless caper to demand the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and the installation of a new government—clearly acts of rebellion and coup d’etat.

With media’s insistence on staying at the hotel despite appeals from the police for them to vacate the premises, clearly there was obstruction of justice.

When people obstruct justice, they commit a crime.

***

That dialog was an eye-opener. It aimed to end the confusion on how far both the media and law enforcers can go in the event of a possible confrontation like that one at the Pen, where journalists were handcuffed and transported to Camp Bagong Diwa for processing.

Despite the arrogance of some media people, like the Tres Marias of ABS-CBN who proclaimed they had the right to be in the midst of everything because it was their job, in pursuance of the freedom of the press and the people’s right to know, media in general and ABS-CBN in particular must be told that this freedom and this right are not infinite.

Any freedom or civil right must be balanced and equated with other rights, especially when it involves the right of the state to restore peace and order and stabilize the country. As a journalist, I am free to express my opinion, but certainly, not free to libel or malign others. That is the reason why there’s the libel law.

On occasions like this, we must distinguish between print and broadcast media. Anybody, for instance, is free to publish a newspaper. Congress, however, must grant a franchise and a permit to operate for would-be players in radio and television. After all, the airlanes are a public domain.

The tres Marias, who rule the giant network’s public affairs department and manage its news people, should also read the conditions of their franchise.

This is in reference to the ban on broadcasting propaganda materials of the enemies of the state, like rebels and coup plotters, or aiding them, or broadcasting troop movements. But isn’t this what ABS-CBN did when a broadcaster monitored the movements of the government’s assault team, much to the convenience of the coup plotters who were also watching television inside Manila Pen?

While many of my colleagues went on police-bashing mode over the arrest and detention of some media people, I maintained that what the police did was in accordance to procedure. Definitely, it should not be faulted.

Once again, I repeat that the police were not the enemy in that hotel caper, The coup plotters were. That’s why I deplore all the police bashing that went on. You would think the police were the culprits. Santa Banana, how many crimes have been committed in the name of press freedom and the people’s right to know!"

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=emilJurado_dec7_2007

Sonny and the Magdalos just don't get it

No matter how sinful or evil a person is, society should still not disregard the rule of law to catch him. If it does, then society is no better than that bad guy. Let me repost an excerpt from the play A Man For All Seasons, where St. Thomas More explained this concept better than me:

William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!

Sonny, Lim, Teofisto, Robert, Bibeth and the Magdalo soldiers and symphatizers did just what William Roper wanted to do--mow down the laws of the Republic to bring down the Arroyo regime.

You don't do that, man, especially if there's no justifiable reason for it.

Atty. Argee Guevara said they weren't breaking any laws with the Peninsula seige. Are you kidding me? thats usurpation of real rights; sedition; assault; libel; slander; threats; coercion; the list could go on and on.

Tama ba yun? na mag-walk out ka sa hearing mo? Lakarin ang buong stretch ng Makati Ave. at salakayin ang isang 5-star hotel?

Thanks very much, Sonny, and you and your cohorts just sabotaged our economy once again!

Salamat, at lahat ng employees ng Peninsula walang trabaho ngayon!

Salamat, at baka parang Oakwood, ibenta ng Peninsula ang hotel nila sa Makati!

Salamat, at imbes na umakyat pa ang ekonomiya, eh bumaba pa ito!

The Magdalos should rename their group to Manggugulo.

Ano akala niyo sa akin, timang?!

The Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines, or PBMLP, scheduled its annual National Convention from last Monday and ending today, Wednesday.

It was the first time for me to attend such an event, and let me tell you this, I was dissappointed. Registration was a mess. Our 'kits' comprised of a black bag, an ID, and a certificate of insurance. The most important detail, THE PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES, was missing. Anong schedule namin?!

True enough, wala kaming ginawang substantial on the first day. Disorganized sila.

I've seen better conventions organized by college and high school students.

Tuesday was a little different. There was still chaos, but atleast may activity naman. We had a talk on Human Rights and Justice. The speakers were Commissioner Cueto of the CHR and Senator Escudero. Cueto was boring, but I think we owed him the attention. NO ONE WAS LISTENING!!! At nung si Escudero naman nagsalita, nagtitilian yung mga babaeng bokal. Anyhoo, this was the first time for me to listen to Chiz live, and I must say he is very engaging. Galing ng tagalog niya.

After those talks, I attended the one on Health. The topic was on the Reproductive Health bill by Congresswoman Janette Garin. It was very interesting. Ang sad lang na konti lang umattend. Most of the bokals were outside smoking and having coffee.

The culminating activity of the convention, apparent to me, was the election of officers. Nevermind, the exchange of best practices, who cares about that. To the bokals, what matters most is the elections.

And I was really dissappointed with how it went. Could you imagine, the candidates were taking me for a fool? They had tarpaulins all over the hotel. They were distributing flyers, ballpens, calendars, calling cards and other campaign paraphernalia. The posters had their picture, name and bio-data. BUT NO PROGRAM OF GOVERNMENT! NO PLATFORM WHATSOEVER.

How could I make an intelligent choice, especially this was the first time I met them face to face.

I'll base my judgment on looks and background? eh pare-pareho naman kaming mga bokal ah.

ANO AKALA NILA SA AKIN, TIMANG?

I felt so insulted!!!

Ano ako, uneducated voter?!

3 were running for president and during their 3-minute campaign speech all they could think of was to have a service vehicle?!

Service vehicle?!

How about creating or updating the PBMLP website so that we could have a place to exchange ideas and tap each others database? I was looking for that kind of program, pero wala silang binigay.

Sigaw na lang sila ng pangalan nila at posisyon.

Ano to, election ng barangay?

This is the election of officers of the Provincial Board Members League of the Philippines! I expected more.

So who did I vote? of the 3 candidates for President, I didn't vote for any of them. Binoto ko si "-------------".

As for the other positions, I only voted those who took the time to talk to me and introduced themselves.

I'm seriously considering not attending next year's convention. waste of money and time.

Close, but no cigar

It was this time last year, when I was feeling depressed working in a law firm, that I started applying for my LLM (Master of Laws) studies abroad. I did the TOEFL thing, went to my profs for Referee Letters or Letter of Recommendation, and all the other application requirements. Laki-laki pa ng ginastos ko sa pag-FedEx ng applications ko.

Of the 4 universities that i applied to, I got accepted to 3. I was admitted in the University College London in the United Kingdom, and Leiden University and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. Sadly, I didn't make it to the only American law school I applied to, the University of Michigan. Still, 3 out of 4 ain't bad, right? Moreover, UCL is the 3rd best school in England and is in the top 20 in the world rankings.

I then applied for scholarships. Surprisingly, I was granted a 50% scholarship in Leiden. Okay yun ah. so far, so good, I told myself. Pero, malaki pa rin yung other half. Eh yun lang yung pinakamalaking grant meron sa Netherlands. So I shifted my focus sa England.

I tried my luck sa British Chevening Scholarship kasi full scholarship yun, complete with lodging, plane fare and stipend. My grades weren't that impressive, pero what the heck, fight! So nagrequest nanaman ako ng Referee Letters. Nagsubmit ako sa British Embassy, and hoped for the best.

Alam kong, mahirap makapasok, so all i wished fro was to be interviewed.

That wish came true when the embassy officer phoned me to schedule an interview. Wow, na-shortlist ako!

Pinagaralan ko ang England at UCL sa wikipedia. I really tried to prepare for the interview. the day came and I did my best to try to impress the panel.

Bahala na si batman. Pero sa loob-loob ko, sana mapili ako.

Today, I received a letter from the British Embassy informing me that I didn't get selected.

Sigh...

Oh, well.

Close, but no cigar.

PopLaw Seminar in Ilocos

Today was the first day of the Barangay Law Seminar for Neophyte Barangay Chairs here in Ilocos Norte, conducted by the Institute of Government and Law Reform of the U.P. Law Center under its POPLAW Program.

Although the newly elected community leaders take their oaths on November 30 and therefore will hold office on December 1, I thought it best that they'd be informed, as early as possible, their duties as Barangay Chairmen. I have always been an advocate of continuing legal education, and Barangay Heads should be no exception. In fact, they should always be informed and updated since most of our new laws give them new duties and responsibilities.

Mabuti at my POPLAW Program ang UP. I learned about this when I visited my prof in law school, ma'am Rowie, sa Law Center. She was having merienda with Profs. Labitag and Sison and they told me to invite them to lecture in Ilocos.

So, I invited them and we pushed through with this project.

When we made a headcount, we only expected 150 neophyte barangay heads. This morning when I went to the Provincial Auditorium, which could accomodate a maximum of 200 persons, I was so surprised to see it full. 350 Barangay Chairmen came! They came from all over the province. Even those who were on their 2nd or 3rd terms came! Because the seminar was to be conducted by UP law profs.

Overwhelming yung attendance. And here I was thinking konti lang ang pupunta (as of Monday 130 lang ang nag-confirm). Akala ko mapapahiya ako sa profs ko at kay Gov. Keon.

Siksik, liglig at umaapaw!

Anyhow, nakinig naman yung mga kapitan. Interesting yung talk ni Prof DannyCon on Succession. tapos Property Law by Prof Labitag. Then Criminal Law by Dean Carale.

In the late afternoon, lecture naman on Sangguniang Kabataan Law for newly elected SK Chairs.

Maraming salamat, UP Law Center and POPLAW Program!
Maraming salamat sa mga dumalo!

Sa uulitin!

"Zoom I.N." Photo Contest

Rules and Mechanics:
1. Theme: Photos must promote Ilocos Norte tourism by depicting any of the province’s tourist spots, or by featuring an activity unique to Ilocanos.
2. Eligibility. All photographers, professional or amateur, ages 15 and above, and residents of Ilocos Norte are eligible (Photographers under 18 must obtain parental consent). A maximum of five (5) entries per photographer will be allowed.
3. Camera Type. Any camera type, digital or film, is allowed to be used for the contest.
4. Contest Period. The Contest will run from November 1, 2007 to December 15, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Photo exhibit will be from December 17-28, 2007 at the Provincial Capitol Lobby. Awarding of winners will be on December 21, 2007.
5. Submission of Entries:
a. Digital files: JPG format with a minimum width of 1024 pixels and a maximum height of 768 pixels (72 dpi). Digital files must be in CD.
b. Film entries should be submitted together with the negative.
c. Strictly no Photoshop (or any other software) manipulation for the submitted entries, except for cropping, red eye removal, and/or adjustment of contrast and brightness. Photographs that are inappropriate, indecent or obscene, as determined by Sponsors in their sole discretion shall be disqualified.
Note: Photos thought to be outside of the above criteria may be removed from consideration without the entrant being notified.
d. Photo size. Photos entered must be 8” x 10” (8R) and mounted on illustration board with 1.5” border.
e. Entry Form. Entry forms are available at participating photo developing shops/centers and at Rm. 214 Ilocano Heroes Hall, Laoag City.
f. Submission. Address and submit entries at “Zoom IN Photo Contest”, Rm. 214, Ilocano Heroes Hall, Laoag City.
g. Photos must be taken in Ilocos Norte between January 1, 2007 and December 15, 2007 and should not have been previously entered in any photo contest.
h. All photos entered will be evaluated by a panel of at least three judges. Of the judges, none are professional photographers.
i. All entries and photographs submitted become the exclusive property of Office of Kristian R. Ablan (OKRA), and none will be acknowledged or returned. OKRA retains full editorial control over the selection of, and the decision not to select, any particular photograph for publication.
6. Criteria for Judging:
a. Creativity – 30% The amount of imagination, artistic merit, originality and expressiveness of the photo.
b. Relevance to the theme – 25% How well does the entry promote tourism for Ilocos Norte?
c. Quality of Presentation – 20% The amount of style, skill and craft that was put into the entry.
d. Visual Impact – 25% How well does the entry communicate?


7. Prizes:
Major Prizes: 1st Prize : Php 10,000.00 + Trophy + Overnight stay at Fort Ilocandia
2nd Prize: Php 7,500.00 + Trophy + Two (2) Round trip tickets to Manila via Cebu Pacific
3rd Prize: Php 5,000.00 + Trophy + Overnight stay at Sitio Remedios
Special Awards: Governor’s Choice: Php 5,000.00
Mayor’s Choice: Php 5,000.00
Gordion Travel & Tours Choice: Overnight Stay at Gordion Inn
Other Minor Prizes
8. Decision. Judges’ decision is final.
9. Disqualification. Employees of the Office of Kristian R. Ablan, Department of Tourism, Provincial Tourism Office, including their relatives up to second degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the contest.
10. Rights Granted. By submitting a photograph for consideration, you warrant and represent that the photograph you submit is your own original work, that you alone own copyright to the photograph, that it is an authentic and accurate depiction of the subject matter presented, that no other party has any right, title, claim or interest in the photograph, and that you have obtained all third party releases and permissions necessary for our use. If OKRA receives a complaint that substantially questions the reliability of any of the above warranties, we reserve the right to remove or delete the photograph.
Entrants retain the copyright to their photographs, and all rights thereto, except as follows. OKRA shall have the right to edit, adapt and publish any or all of the descriptions and/or photos submitted, and may use them in any medium without attribution or compensation to the Entrant, his or her successors or assigns, or any other entity. By entering the Contest, Entrants agree to have their submitted photograph used and displayed, either singly or in combination with others and in any size, on the Ilocos Norte Official Website and in the Provincial Capitol and the Museo Ilocos, among other exhibition venues, without any fee or other form of compensation due at any time for so long as desired by OKRA. Photos will be credited to the Entrant named in the entry form.

A Man for All Seasons 1

'A Man for All Seasons' is a 1966 movie starring Paul Scofield as Sir Thomas More, the former Chancellor of England in the 16th Century who refused to endorse or denounce King Henry's wish to divorce his wife, Catherine of Aragon--who could not bear a son. The film is based on a play with the same name, written by Robert Bolt.

It's definitely one of my favorites. Idol ko yang si Thomas More kasi maprinsipyo siya. I don't know if I could lay down my life for principle, like him, but I do aspire for it.

One quotable quote was on the importance of law, and the fact that it protects everyone, and we should not trample on it to get to the bad guy.

William Roper: So, now you give the Devil the benefit of law!
Sir Thomas More: Yes! What would you do? Cut a great road through the law to get after the Devil?
William Roper: Yes, I'd cut down every law in England to do that!
Sir Thomas More: Oh? And when the last law was down, and the Devil turned 'round on you, where would you hide, Roper, the laws all being flat? This country is planted thick with laws, from coast to coast, Man's laws, not God's! And if you cut them down, and you're just the man to do it, do you really think you could stand upright in the winds that would blow then? Yes, I'd give the Devil benefit of law, for my own safety's sake!

Another quotable quote from the film (and the play) was about public service. Dapat ang publiko ang palaging nasa isipan ng isang tao habang siya ay isang opisyal ng gobyerno, at hindi ang sarili.

Sir Thomas More: I think that when statesmen forsake their own private conscience for the sake of their public duties, they lead their country by a short route to chaos.

St. More was truly a man all public servants should aspire to emulate.

Ma-download nga yung movie sa bitcomet.

Who said the Barangay Elections are non-political?

Its a day before the barangay and SK elections and I'm so tired already.

You might be asking why I'm tired since I'm not a candidate anyway.

Eh yun na nga eh. Ako yung pinupuntahan ng mga kumakandidato para mag-barangay captain!

As early as August this year, pinipilahan na ako sa office ko sa heroes hall at sa upuan ko sa session hall para sa mga projects nila.

Tapos nung September 'financial assistance' na hinihingi sa akin.

Dalawa ang rason na binibigay nila sa akin.

Una, pambayad utang. Kesyo kinampya daw nila ako nung election at nag-number 1 daw ako sa barangay nila.

Or, second, for my political future daw when I run for Congressman.

Oh, my gosh.

To begin with, under national law, the barangay elections are supposed to be non-partisan and non-political. Hindi dapat makialam ang mga pulitiko dyan sa elections na yan. That's NATIONAL LAW ha.

But it seems that in this country, FOLLOWING THE LAW is the last thing we ever do. More often than not, we disregard the law by going around it, or, worse, pretend that it doesn't exist.

With regard to pambayad utang, di naman ako humingi ng pera sa kanila nung May ah. I campaigned in their barangays. Pambayad utang?! Can we stop with this patronage system?! Ano to, 1920's? My gulay, 21st century na, ganito pa rin tayo?

With regard naman to the argument na investment ko to when I run for Congressman (if i run for congressman), pwede ba, kakahalal ko lang bilang bokal, let me worry about my job right now first. Kakaupo ko pa lang sa silya ko pinapaupo niyo na ako sa iba. Ang layo layo pa nun no.

At sa mga sumasabi na malapit na ang 2010, eh ano? Bakit ko iisipin yon? Mali yun eh.

"The difference between a politician and a statesman is that, a politician thinks of the next election, while a statesman thinks of the next generation." --James Clarke

I don't want to think about 2010. I want to think about 2007. Then when 2008 comes, I want to think about 2008. Pag-iniisip ang susunod na election, hindi mo nagagawa ng mabuti ang trabaho mo eh.

Anyway, I'm straying from the topic.

The point is, I've been visited by so many candidates the past few days, and it really stresses me out when I tell them I can't help them financially.

Hindi nila naiintindihan. Madalas, they make me feel guilty pa. Yung iba, nagagalit pa sa akin. Nagtatampo.

Bakit ba kung sino yung sumusunod sa batas, siya pa yung masama?

Too Fast, Too Soon

Oh My Friggin' Gawd!

Executive Clemency just 6 weeks after conviction?! That's one for the books, I'm sure!

I can't friggin' believe it!

Just when everyone was starting to think that there was real justice in this country, she takes it away!

Poor Dennis Villa-Ignacio and his team of state prosecutors. Poor Sandiganbayan justices. All this work and time away from family and loved ones, for nothing. 6 1/2 years down the drain!

All this pressure coming from all sides and to withstand it in the name of justice, all gone.

What a waste of government money.

Un-friggin'-believable!

Kahit na it was the 'right' move politically, I had hoped that the Arroyo administration waited a little bit longer. Like one year man lang. To give semblance ba of justice.

But 1 1/2 months? That's one for Guiness.

Di pa tuyo yung pinta, pinalaya na. Ano ba yan?!

Movies that made me cry

You know, I'm tempted to talk about politics on this blog, but I deal with it every single second in the real world, so I'm going to write about something else. Tonight, I'm going to talk about movies that made me cry.

I bring up this topic only because I just finished watching LITTLE MANHATTAN on Star Movies.

I watched it before with Ria at the cinema and I loved it then. Its a cute love story between 11-year olds during their summer vacation in NYC. I'm just a sucker for romantic comedies. Naiyak ako sa part na sure na di sila magkakatuluyan. Naalala ko tuloy yung similar experience ko nung bata pa ako.


Moving away from love stories, this is another film na iniyakan ko. RUDY. As in hagulgul ako sa dulo. Yung hirap na dinanas niya para makamit ang iisang pangarap at makitang makamit niya yun, wow, man, surefire formula for a tearjerker. I was just so happy for sean astin's character when he was finally allowed to play football, I could not help but cry. I highly recommend this movie for those who are depressed. This will inspire you.


eto ang isa pa. UNCOMMON VALOR starring Gene Hackman. He played a father of a vietnam POW. He flew to Vietnam several years after the war to rescue his son. He really believed na buhay pa anak niya at nakakulong pa rin sa isang concentration camp. Ginawa niya ang lahat para makapunta dun. And when he got there and found out na matagal ng patay si junior, I cried buckets. I was so sad. Dahil yun nga bigo siya sa kanyang rescue. Pero more importantly, pinakita niya kung gano niya kamahal anak niya.


Strangely, iniyakan ko to. AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH. Its not really a movie. Its a documentary on pollution ang global warming. I mean I've watched documentaries before (Bowling for Columbine, Farenheit 9/11 and Sicko), but I didn't bawl over them. Here, naiyak ako. I couldn't believe how fast we were destroying the Earth. Sobrang bilis at sobrang alarming. We really have to wake uo and help each other save the environment.


we started with a love story, so we'll end with one. And an OPM at that. NGAYON NANDITO KA stars Jericho Rosales and Kristine Hermosa as lovebirds who are separated by tadhana (in this film, Cindy Kurleto) only to find each other again and rekindle their romance. As cheesy as pinoy movies gets, but I cried nung nagkabalikan sila. Yes, tito boy, true love does exist!

Anyhoo, there are other films that really pulled a cord and made me cry, but these are the ones I recall at the moment. I feel that watching tearjerker movies is good for you (in moderation) because one is able to release all this pent up emotions one usually keeps inside during his day-to-day affairs. I think its healthy. Unless you regularly cry by yourself or constantly engage in a fighting match with your spouse, parent or kid.

Thank you and Farewell, Miriam

I took a picture of my business law class while they were taking their finals last week. It was my last day as a teacher in Miriam college. This November I will be transferring my teaching load here in Laoag, either at Northwestern University or Divine Word College.

Although I enjoyed my stay in Miriam, the commute to and fro Ilocos was burdensome and expensive. And so I gave my slot to my brod, Marc. Batch, easy ka lang sa kanila ha. 'wag ka na mag-socratic method. It doesn't work sa undergrad.

I'd like to thank my classmate, Joey, for giving me her slot last year. And Entrep. Dept. Chair, Mona, for giving me the chance to teach. The experience was very fulfilling.

I'd also like to thank my last class, IV-Entrep-1, for trying their very best to behave and listen. I hope you girls learned a thing or two from the course, and I also hope I have helped you, in one way or the other, prepare for your future business endeavors. Good luck!

A few parting words from Shakespeare's Julius Ceasar... "If a man were to know the end of this day's business 'er it come, but suffices that the day will end and the end be known... And if we meet again, well, then we'll smile. If not, then this parting was well made."

Thank you and Farewell, Miriam College. God speed.

100 days as a Magician

My term started on 2 July 2007.
Last 8 October 2007, I celebrated my 1st 100 days in public office.

As a local legislator, I have filed ordinances concerning consumer rights (Exact Change Ordinance); peace and order (Anti-Street Gang Ordinance); animal welfare (Rabies Control Ordinance); and students rights (Anti-Student Fees Ordinance).

I have also initiated resolutions asking Congress to pass a People's Initative Act; a law providing for the elections of Sectoral Representatives; another law empowering local sanggunians to declare Local Public Holidays; and to block HB 2417, postponing the Barangay and SK elections.

I've also sponsored resolutions condemning the brutal killing of a parish priest in Pinili town; and calling for the construction of the Provincial Library.

Likewise, I've lobbied for funding for the local chapter of the Philippine National Red Cross.

But after 100 days, nobody knows about this. Nobody cares about my legislative achievements, the job I signed up for.

Instead, for the past 100 days, people have come to me to pull rabbits out of a magician's hat.

I've been asked to give them jobs.
The best I could do was make recommendation letters and pay for their application to a job-matching firm.

I've been asked to produce mountain bikes, aircons, tents, sports equipment, books, bags of cement, paint, GI sheets, grass cutters, tables and chairs, among others.
I've managed to come up with a couple of items, given the hard time I have with my BDF.

I've been approached to help them win in the barangay elections, like I'm a sorcerer or something and that I could magically make their opponents disappear.
All I could do was stare back at them and thought, if had that power I'd make THEM disappear.

Finally, I've been asked to shit money. People have come knocking on my office asking for money to go home, to pay medical bills, to buy medicine, for their church, to pay the tuition, to pay for lodging, like I have a pocket as deep as the marianas trench.
I DON'T!
How many times do I have to tell this people that I'm not a magician?! That I'm no different from them, that I also work to make a living. It's just that I chose to serve the public by being their legislator. My salary is for me. I want to save money for my future family. For my future children's college fund. For my future wife's dream vacation. For my future house.

But people don't care. In their minds, they make no distinction. As long as we voted you, we can squeeze you dry for money, money, money. Nevermind that nowhere in the Local Government Code does it say you have to give us financial aid, and that your primary duty is to legislate. We don't care about that. What's important to us is that you will give us the money we ask! You will pull out rabbits out of your hat! Because we didn't elect a board member. We elected Kris Ablan, the Magician.

two new things I learned about US law/policy

1. "at will" employment

I first heard about this concept in an episode of Boston Legal. I actually didn't understand what they were talking about until I read about it in "Scamproof Your Life" (Kirchheimer, 2006, Sterling Publishing Co.).

It turns out, this is a policy of 49 (out of 50) states in America which says that an employer can fire an employee for whatever reason. Hence the term, "at will." Ayaw mo lang sa kanya, pwede. You hate his guts, pwede rin. Hindi na kelangan ng 30-day notice and for just cause--the practice here in the Philippines.

The only limitation is hindi pwede kung ang rason ay age, sex, or race.

Ganun din pag gusto mo mag-quit. You don't have to notify your employer 30 days before. You can just quit and leave the very same day.

Kaya palaaah. Naalala ko na ngayon pag nanunuod ako ng American films, sasabihin ng boss, "you're fired!" Tapos on the same day, pa-pack na ng employee yung mga gamit niya and then leave the office. Ganun pala ang law sa Amerika. Dito kasi, The day you fire someone is not the day he leaves. May period pa.

2. "sanctuary" policy

I didn't know this until I came across it in Dick Morris' book, "Outrage." In the States pala, when a police officer apprehends a traffic violator and finds out he's an illegal immigrant, he is under no compulsion to report the matter to the Immigration Authorities. Hence the term, "sanctuary." In a nutshell, the reasoning is hindi daw nila poblema yun. More importantly, they don't want to report illegals kasi etong mga illegals ay mga "sources" at "witnesses" ng mga pulis. Ayaw nilang ma-jeopardize yung relationship na yun.

Ito naman complaint ng INS (immigration and naturalization service) dahil pwede sana maging two-prong ang approach ng pulis, they are there as police officers and immigration agents.

Kaya naman pala walang takot kumuha ng drivers license ang mga TNT at walang takot din mahuli dahil wala naman pake ang mga pulis sa legality ng stay nila. "sanctuary" ang pulis.

How odd.

Boston Legal

Despite being a lawyer I am not a fan of law-related television series. I didn't watch LA Law, or Law & Order, or Ally Mcbeal, or even JAG. In fact, I watched series at the otherside of the spectrum. I watch CSI, which is about forensics. I also watch Grey's Anatomy, which is about medicine, well, if they don't talk about who slept with who. And I watch Entourage, which is about life in Hollywood. Nothing to do with law practice.

That's why my friend, Barnett, was surprised when he found out I wasn't watching Boston Legal. He said it was funny and I would like it.

So one day I bought a copy of Boston Legal Season 1, and watched it. You know, I liked it. It reminded me of my one year in Britanico, Sarmiento and Franco Law Offices. Happy times. Dreadful times. Ganun nga ang treatment sa mga associates (aso na, syet pa). Tapos ang lalaki rin ng ulo ng mga partners. Pareho ang environment. Ang wala lang siguro, yung sex themes. Wala yun sa firm namin. Good boys and girls kami.

I am especially fond with the character of William Shatner--Denny Crane! Nakakatawa talaga pag sinasabi niya "Denny Crane!" Feel na feel ang pagiging named partner! William Shatner at his best! Hilarious!

I'm now on my 2nd Season, and I can't help but give some comments on the show.

1. Alam ko mabagal ang judicial system dito sa 'pinas, pero sobrang bilis naman ng wheels of justice sa Boston. super effective naman ng speedy trial act nila sa Masachusetts at everyday ang hearing. At ang galing ng mga abogado ng Crane Pool and Schmidt ha, prepared sila mag-trial on the very same day they get a case.

Sa law firm namin, buwan ang binibilang sa susunod na hearing. Ganun din nung nasa OSG ako. buwan.

2. Di ko alam kung bano ako mag oral argument, pero sobrang galing naman ng character ni James Spader na si Alan Shore. Ang husay nila magsalita. I get swayed with his reasoning. Sometimes napapaisip ako, kaya ko bang gawin yung sinasabi nila? Simpleng objection nga lang sa leading question ko, nagkakalat na ako eh.

3. Jury system kasi sa Amerika kaya siguro may effect ang oral argument. Sa pilipinas kasi 90% of the case is written. Bihira na manalo ka sa case dahil you convinced the judge to your side during oral arguments. More often than not, the swaying is through pleadings.

Kaya yun nga advice ko sa mga gusto maging abogado. Hindi lahat oral argument sa korte. Kadalasan cases are won with good pleadings. Kaya dapat ang law student mahilig at magaling sa pagsulat.

Having said that, di ko alam pa'no ko nalusutan ang bar kasi yun nga, I write bad.

Anyway, those are my thoughts on Boston Legal. Tigas ni Alan Shore! Sana pagmag-argue ako sa Court ganun ako ka confident sa sinasabi ko at ganun din ako ka-eloquent.

Boston Legal inspires me to almost go back to litigation.

Well, almost...

"Kris Ablan... Kris Ablan... "

Confused over my BDF

When I was elected board member, I knew that what I learned about local government, public officers and admininstrative law in law school and what actually transpires in real life would be different. But I thought I knew what they were and that I was prepared for it. I knew there were obstacles but I thought I could avoid or go around them. I thought wrong.

This will probably get me in trouble, but i just want to vent out my confusion and frustration.

I signed up to be a local legislator. When i campaigned thats what i told my constituents. "I am a lawyer, vote for me because you need a lawyer in drafting ordinances and resolutions."

I did not sign up to be an engineer, a contractor and/or a project builder. That's the Executive side--the Governor and Mayors. Not my concern. That's written in the Local Government Code.

But as I said, what I learned in law school and what actually transpires in government life are not the same.

Board members, like Congressmen, are given our share of the pork barrel, albeit at a more miniscule amount---way, way smaller.

Congressmen are allocated the Priority Development Aid Fund (tama ba?) or PDAF. Board members receive Barangay Development Fund or BDF.

Kung pwe-pwede lang isosoli ko yung allocation ko kasi nga ayokong gumawa ng project, just like what Senators Lacson and Arroyo did. Pero gaya na sinabi ni Senator Santiago, useless din yun kasi na-appropriate na yung pera. Kelangan gamitin.

FINE.

For this year (July-December 2007), 350k was allocated per district. Maliit yung amount. pang-barangay development talaga.

Upon the funds release, dozens of requests and resolutions reached my office asking for:

1. 100 bags of portland cement

2. jetmatic water pump

3. monobloc chairs

4. grasscutter

5. tent

6. books

7. even a covered court

at 350k? are you serious?

Anyhow, i didn't immediately grant any of these requests. Instead I focused on my campaign promise of giving priority to education and jobs.

I allocated 60k to sponsor one teacher in a public elementary school that was in dire need of one. This was facilitated under the Saguip Maestra Project of the Provincial Government.

Next, I allocated 50k in TESDA scholarships because I believe that the job demand is for vocational and technical course graduates.

That left me with 240k. Now the confusion and frustration begins.

First, cement. Outside, one bag of cement would cost between P180-P190. Fine. So I had my secretary prepare the documents to purchase those goods. Only to find out that price is different in government projects.

WHAAAT?!

It's true. Under the Government Procurement Act, government projects undergo competitive bidding and are awarded to the LOWEST BIDDER.

So here I was expecting a much lower amount. P150? P160 siguro.

Lo and behold, "government price" is P235/bag!

WHAAAT?!

C'mon, man! Nagbibiruan ba tayo?

To make matters worse, it would take 41 days to process the request. That means If I request today, sa November pa made-deliver yung semento.

Aynaky, stop! stop muna yung cement requests na yan. pag-iisipan ko pa. Lugi kasi ako eh. Eh I want to maximize my 240k.

A colleague of mine suggested that I try alternative mode of procurement, which is reimbursement. As long as maliit lang yung amount involved, pwede magpa-reimburse. So akala ko maiiwasan ko yung what I felt was overpricing by doing the reimbursement thing. boy, was I wrong.

For another project, I spent 10,000 for paint to renovate the trophy room of the province's sports office. I had my staff collect all the official receipts. I had my secretary prepare the necessary papers to bill my BDF. Akala ko naisahan ko yung sistema na walang "government price."

Lo and behold, my secretary came back and told me that we had to go back to the paint shop and ask them for receipts with the "government price."

WHAAAT? There's no escaping them!

So I inquired, what is the "government price." Take note, I was expecting a lower price.

HAHAHAHA! How naive of me.

Let's take for example a gallon of latex paint with a SRP of P450. the "government price?" P650!

So, yung 10,000 na ginastos ko, pag-ni-recompute mo in "government price" would total P13,000!

P13,000 deducted from my remaining 240k! eh dapat 10k lang yun. Eh di nawalan tuloy ako ng 3,000. Saan napunta yun? and more important, bakit ganun? di ba dapat LOWEST POSSIBE PRICE? Bakit lalong nagmahal?

Kaya ako dazed and confused.

ps: bato bato sa langit, ang tamaan wag magalit. walang personalan. naglalabas lang ng sama ng loob.

Books I've Read and Are Reading

Dapat lang

Trillanes to miss sessions

The Makati City Regional Trial Court yesterday threw out the last-ditch effort of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to attend sessions in the Senate.

In denying the neophyte lawmaker’s pleading to join his collegues in the Upper Chamber, Judge Oscar Pimentel said he remained unpersuaded to allow him to leave detention.

“The court finds no justifiable and convincing reasons to grant the motion for reconsideration. For lack of merit, the motion for reconsideration is hereby denied,” ordered the 11-page ruling.

Trillanes filed his appeal last month, a few weeks after the court junked his petition to post bail and leave the Marine Brigade in Fort Bonifacio during the Senate’s session days.

But Pimentel was quick to stress that Trillanes was not being kept from his work as a duly elected legislator.

“What the court is not permitting is for the accused to leave his detention cell to attend sessions at the Senate and to attend official functions which may require him to leave his place of detention almost every day. The accused may perform his duties subject to limitations of being a detention prisoner.”

Pimentel said neither could Trillanes set up a personal office in his detention cell and have his staff hold office there.

He also noted that the detained senator erred in arguing that that the rape case of convicted former Zamboanga del Norte Rep. Romeo Jalosjos was inapplicable to his coup d’etat charge.

“When Congressman Jalosjos was elected, he was still considered a detention prisoner because his case is still under appeal with the Supreme Court. The only difference between Jalosjos and Trillanes is that Senator Trillanes is still undergoing trial,” said Pimentel.

The high tribunal, which the Makati court used as basis in its own ruling, had prohibited Jalosjos from leaving his prison cell to perform his congressional duties.

Saying Trillanes was a detention prisoner, Pimentel said his “personal liberty is under restraint, his movements from place to place are likewise under restriction, his power of locomotion is denied not by the court, but by law” and the presumption of innocence did not carry with it his enjoyment of full civil rights.

The former naval officer can propose bills and do other legislative functions even if he is being held inside Fort Bonifacio, according to Pimentel.

“If he was able to campaign while under detention, the more that he can perform his duties as a senator considering that he now has his office in the Senate.”

Trillanes is among the alleged core leaders of the Magdalo faction of 31 junior military officers who led about 300 soldiers in a short-lived mutiny at the Oakwood Premier Hotel in Makati City on July 27, 2003. Ferdinand Fabella

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=police1_sept21_2007

From the desk of...

picture of me at my desk in my Laoag office

Convenient CebuPac

Whenever I travel to and fro Laoag, I usually take the Cebu Pacific Airbus. Its relatively affordable and I get to my destination in an hour.

If i take the car, I would have to shell out 1,500 for gas. Another 300 for toll. And 200 for the merienda of the driver. Thats 2,000, not to mention the added wear-and-tear to the vehicle. Pluse, it takes 9 hours.

Suppose I take the bus. For a deluxe aircon bus, it would cost 750. cheaper, yes, but travel by bus is slower, so you'd reach Laoag after 10 hours.

With Cebu Pacific, I spend 900 for a one-way trip. Only a couple of hundred pesos more than via bus, but with shorter travel time. Just 50 minutes!

For me, sulit ang mag-cebu-pac. Thats if you don't mind travelling mid-day.

And so, Mr John and Mr Lance, thank you very much for Cebu Pacific. Thank you for servicing the Manila-Laoag route!

Now if I could only win in the "bring me" games...

Who's out of shape?

After several months of softball hiatus, I took the field today as an outfielder for my team in a slo-pitch tournament. Prior this game, I did not practice. In fact, I haven't trained in a long long time.

I thought it would be a walk in the park. its slo-pitch softball for chrissake. Kayang-kaya.

After the first inning, I felt so tired already. the first inning! My gawd, tumatanda na talaga ako. Ni hindi man lang ako makatungtong sa first base. You see, I've always been a crap hitter. Ever since ILLAM and UAAP days, bano ako sa hitting. Pero kahit grounder lang kaya ko, umaabot pa ako ng first base. Kasi nga mabilis akong mag-sprint. Yun na nga lang contribution ko. Wala na. Ang bagal-bagal ko na. Pagkatapos tumapak ng base, hingal na ako ng hingal.

Tapos naka-teammate ko pa si John Estrada, who I think was playing his first slo-pitch game. And he was doing better than I was. Way better. I mean the guy didn't hit a homerun or anything, but I think he got on base.

In the end, our team lost the first game, 11-0, and the second game, 7-1. I didn't reach base at all. And, I got hit in the balls.

Who's out of shape?

I am.

Grade 4 for a day

Yesterday, I went to San Agustin Elementary School in the town of Bacarra, to spend the day observing what transpires in a public elementary school here in the province. This is part of my self-imposed one-day immersion program so that I can better perform as a local policymaker. I believe getting the worm's eye view will help me appreciate the factual circumstances when I defend, decide and vote on the budget of the different sectors.

I was there at the start of the school day, right after the flag ceremony. I spoke with the Principal, Mrs. Acoba, and she assigned me to Grade 4. I entered the class of Mrs. Sales. She didn't know I was going to observe. She later told me that she was nervous. I told her not to, since I didn't represent DepEd. I was there merely to observe the day-to-day activities of a public school teacher.

So, back to the story, the students stood up and greeted me a good morning. I told them what i was doing and for them to continue what they were doing. First period was English. They sang a song. And then the teacher started the lesson. It was on how to use the dictionary. Afterwards, she organized an activity, so that the students would better understand the lesson. To test if the kids did get it, Mrs. Sales gave them a quiz. They checked it themselves right after. The scores would gauge if the class understood the lesson. If majority passed, then it was okay. if majority didn't, then the teacher would have to reteach. Afterwards, Mrs. Sales gave the class homework.

Next class was Makabayan (EPP). They sang again. This subject's lesson for today was about home improvement, how to fix broken furniture at home. And then the same scenario again. Activity (group work), Quiz and Homework.

Tapos Math naman. Kantahan uli. The lesson was on estimating. same scenario nanaman. All this time, nakatayo yung teacher.

And then Makabayan (Art).

All this time, the same teacher! whoah. The same teacher taught English, Makabayan and Math! To those of you not surprised, the reason why this comes as a shocker to me is because I didn't go to a public school. So, I don't know ganito pala sitwasyon ng mga public elementary teachers. In Xavier, as early as grade 1, iba ang teacher namin sa english, iba sa math.

Had lunch. Went back to class at 1pm. Mrs. Sales taught Filipino. Kantahan nanaman (I guess para maganahan mga students). same procedure. I would sometimes participate in the discussion by feeding answers to the students. During the quiz, I would walk around to check their answers. I also noticed that the girls were more participative than the boys. The three brightest students were all females. I whispered to the boys, "Go boys! 'wag kayo magpatalo sa girls!" To no avail.

Next class was Makabayan. The lesson was on the environment. Kulang sila sa textbooks. 1 book per 4 students. we need to give them books.

And then Science. Of all days, I ended up when they were discussing fertilization. when the sperm cell meets up with the egg cell. giggle sila lahat, sabay tingin sa akin. ako tuloy nahiya.

Again, all this time, one and the same teacher. Mrs. Sales had no break, except for the short recess in the morning and lunch.

If we were in a manila private school, this would be an unfair labor practice.

Saludo ako sa kanila. Mabuhay ang mga pampublikong guro!

Mrs. Sales ended class with a song. The students stood up. We prayed. Later, they said good bye. Mrs. Sales sent them out to do their chores (i.e. clean up). I had a post-conference with the teacher and the principal. i thanked them for accomodating me.

We ended the day with the flag retreat.

I went home at 5pm. even if all i did was observe, napagod din ako.

Blaming the Dutch

Manila Standard Today editorial on the mass action against the dutch government. This is found in the paper's 31 August 2007 edition. For the on-line version, its: http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=editorial_aug31_2007

Editorial

Dutch retreat

IT is instructive to watch how quickly Philippine leftist groups have turned against the Dutch people and their elected government.

After Dutch police arrested their ideological leader, Jose Ma. Sison, earlier this week in Utrecht, The Netherlands could do no right—according to the Left.

Never mind that the arrest stemmed from legitimate complaints filed by the widows of two of Sison’s former comrades who had been assassinated by the New People’s Army.

Forget, too, that the Dutch have provided refuge for Sison, his wife and his colleagues for two decades. During these 20 years, Sison lived it up in the safety of Utrecht while his wife collected welfare checks from the Dutch government. Sison’s own blog is full of photographs showing him at parties—hardly a difficult existence for a political refugee.

But immediately after Sison’s arrest, his colleague, National Democratic Front chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni—who also enjoys Dutch hospitality in Utrecht—condemned The Netherlands and accused its government of conspiring with Manila to deprive the communist leader of his rights.

Sison’s colleague also accused the Dutch authorities of the “utmost treachery and deceit” in the way they arrested him.

The National Democratic Front statement also excoriated the raids on Sison’s and his colleagues’ apartments and offices, accusing Dutch police of uncivilized behavior.

Strangely enough, these same leftists had no problem with Dutch civilization for the last 20 years. Now, it seems, all that has changed.

In Filipino culture, which puts a high premium on hospitality, nobody likes a house guest who badmouths his host. In their Dutch retreat this week, the leftists are showing exactly what kind of ingrates they can be.

8th Session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan

Today, I will talk about what goes on during a session day at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Ilocos Norte.

It is August 21, Tuesday. Our regular session day is Monday. But since, there was no work yesterday, being a holiday, we moved it to the next working day.

I went to the office this morning. I finalized a resolution about the provincial library. We had funds for a new library, but it wasnt enough. So, we were going to solicit for more. It was certified as urgent by the Governor.

A friend visited me asking for a job recommendation. I made one.

This afternoon, I finalized a committee report on an ordinance passed by the sangguniang bayan of Pagudpud. It was a tax ordinance that was vetoed by the Mayor for non-satisfaction of the public hearing requirement, which was overridden by the council. Our committee found that the council did not muster enough votes (2/3 of all members) to override the veto, so we recommended the ordinance's disapproval.

There were a couple of people who visited me in the office. One was a barangay captain asking for 100 bags of cement. Another was a lady who is sick with breast cancer and she was asking for financial assistance. I told the captain to wait since my Barangay Dev't Fund hasn't been released yet. I prepared an endorsement to the PCSO for financial assistance for the sick lady. Kawawa naman siya.

I walked to the Capitol at 2:30. Some reporters interviewed me regarding that particular pagudpud ordinance. At 2:45 the vice-governor called the session to order. The pambansang awit was sung. And then the prayer.... I was assigned to lead the prayer this week. Ehehehe, para maiba naman, instead of reading a prayer, I sang one. I sang The Prayer of Generosity, as arranged by Bukas Palad. I practiced early this morning so I thought I was fine. When it came to the actual thing, I was so nervous. And it was obvious when I was singing. Anyway, that was done. We next sang the provincial hymn. I am still in the process of memorizing it.

Since my ordinance was urgent, we tackled it in the floor. I gave my privilege speech. I said it was a simple resolution. We already appropriated 11 million for it. we need more. I didn't want to get it from the provincial budget. So we'll ask from outside. after my speech, I was interpellated by some board members. I defended the resolution and after half an hour had it approved by the body.

Afterwards, we tackled ordinances of the different towns and cities. No ordinance from Laoag, my district,

Later on, I presented my Committee Report. I explained the facts behind the ordinance and gave the committee's recommendation. disapproval. It was approved by the body.

Then we discussed other matters.

We adjourned at 6:30pm.

And that's a day in the work life of a Bokal.

Sicko

My friend Chester told me about SICKO when we talked in LV. I've watched other movies by Michael Moore, such as Bowling for Columbine and the more famous Fahrenheit 9/11, and I've read his books, like Dude, Where's My Country. I was intrigued so I found myself a copy of this film.
Like every Moore docu, it is a very in-your-face, no-holds-barred report. This time about the Health Care System (or Industry) of the United States.
Even if you get paid in Dollars there, and they say it is the land of promise and new beginnings, mahirap din mabuhay dun. Akala natin ang sarap sarap ng buhay nila dun, hindi rin pala ganun kaganda.
Kaya pala umuuwi dito ang mga ibang fil-am for their medical needs, its more affordable here. Not so much because of the exchange rate, but more of the really, really high cost of medication in the US.
Moore starts his critique with those not covered by medicare. One guy cut his fingers while sawing. The hospital told him that it would cost him 60,000 to re-attach his middle finger and 12,000 for his ring finger. The guy chose the more "affordable" ring finger. Kahit na no, 12,000 pa rin yun. Kotse na yun ah.
By this time, you would assume that people covered by medicare are in a better postion. Not so, says Moore. He interviewed a lot of individuals, and they all said that HMOs would do almost anything to try to get out of paying insurance. They will try to find something in your documents that would show that you did not disclose a certain condition which affects your application. If there is a "pre-existing medical condition" that you did not disclose, patay ka. There was this lady who was already operated. Tapos na ha, bayad na lang. Her HMO "discovered" that she had a yeast infection many many years ago that she did not disclose. Ayun, hindi siya kinoveran.
Dang.
And to think wala akong medical insurance when i was there. Panu kung naaksidente pala ako dun, eh di milyon-milyon na ang gastos ko.
I remember tuloy the time when my lola was on vacation there and she fell sa bathtub and had to be rushed to the hospital. Since she was not covered by any HMO (since tourist lang naman siya) the ambulance ride cost us 3,000!
And then Michael Moore takes a look at other countries medicare.
Ang ganda pala ng National Health Service ng UK. LIBRE! Socialized kasi (its sourced from taxes). Walang HMO.
Pag nagkasakit ka, libre ang stay, medicine at doctor mo. When Moore asked the patients how much they were paying for the medical attention, tinawanan lang siya. Naghanap siya ng Cashier to prove na may binabayaran sa ospital. When he found one, it turned out that it was the Cashier that paid the patients!
UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE!
It was the hospital paying the patients for transportation! They pay for your cab ride home!
Sa pharmacies naman nila, iisa lang ang presyo ng gamot. 6.65 pounds. For everything! from the most basic over-over-the-counter tablet to the very expensive capsule, 6.65 for a set!
At pag-tourist ka? LIBRE din pag naaksidente ka!
Iba naman ang pakana ng France. There was this guy who had just returned from the US after 13 years, and therefore had not paid a single cent of tax to the French government. He checked-in a hospital. They diagnosed him, cured him, and after that allowed him to "recuperate" by going on vacation for 3 months...and get this, WITH PAY! The employer pays him 35% while the government shoulder 65%!
UN-FRIGGIN-BELIEVABLE!
Ganun din sa Canada!
At mas-okay pa ang medicare ng mga prisoners sa Guatanamo Bay, Cuba!
Yung breathspray na ginagamit ng isang lady sa US cost her $215. When she went to Cuba, it cost only 5 cents.
WHOA! What's up, Uncle Sam?!
When Hilary Clinton tried to support a move for nationalized healthcare, the HMOs lobbied fiercely against it. They said it was a step towards socialism, only a few inches away from communism. Natalo si Hilary, and that was that.
I'm NEITHER a socialist NOR a communist, but I think, like education, healthcare should be for all.
BESIDES, France, the European bastion of democracy (liberte!), has universal healthcare.
The United Kingdom, the inventor of the Parliament, also has universal healthcare.
So it should be a non-issue with regard to democracy.
Those of you who have the opportunity to watch the film, I say, watch it. It is very educational and an eye-opener.
As for the Philippines case, although we are decades away from universal healthcare, I think we are in a much better position than our relatives in the US. Comparably, healthcare is more accessible here than it is there in the States.
Moral of the story?
We should not always follow in the footsteps of America. We should veer away from HMOs taking over our healthcare. We should take the path to UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE.

Beyond the Call

I caught this film during the Cinemanila Festival last weekend. It is a nice documentary about 3 ordinary Americans who try to make a difference, all on their own. No government or big organization to back them up. Just their own resources.

One of the places they've been to was Basilan. They gave medical aid and supplies.

Incidentally, one of the good samaritans is my dad's friend. Nagkakilala sila sa Vietnam, when my dad was with the special forces and the guy was an air medic.

It is a very inspiring movie. It makes you feel that as long as you have the will, you can find a way. You don't need to be in the U.N. You don't have to be working for the World Bank. You don't need to be Bill Gates or Oprah Winfrey. If you want to help your fellow men, you can do it by yourself.

visit the movie's website at http://www.beyondthecallthemovie.com/

Random thoughts and pictures from my recent U.S. trip

Well, I am back in the P.I. after a two week visit in the States. I have a lot of catching up to do in terms of work in the S.P. and with my Miriam class. There are resolutions and ordinances to review, there is the allocation of my B.D.F., and the preparation of my class' midterms.

But before I continue with my life, I would like to pause, reflect and look back on probably my last trip to the U.S. for a long, long time.

Here are some random thoughts:

- Before passing through the security check in any U.S. airport, remove your laptop from its bag. Otherwise, the TSA (Transportation Security Authority) Officer will pull you out from the line and conduct a scrutinous inspection of your laptop. I experienced this when I departed Oakland airport.

- When renting a car, even if you prefer a mid-size or full-size sedan, choose a sub-compact. Usually, the rentacar companies will upgrade you to a full-size one at a sub-compact price. Neat, huh?

- To maintain communication with your friends and relatives, you don't need to spend lots of money using your Globe or Smart celphone. Go over to a Walmart and purchase a very reasonable disposable GoPhone for as low as $20 (with $10 load already).

- If you intend to drive in the U.S., make sure your Philippine Driver's License is still readable (i.e. your picture is clear and your number visible). My friend Barnett was not allowed to drive by the rentacar company when his face and number could not be read by the agent (dumikit kasi sa plastic cover yung tinta ng card. Cheapo talaga ng LTO).

Throughout my trip, I met a lot of friends and relatives. here are some pictures:


That's with my brother-in-law, Dr. Kitz Delusong, in San Francisco. He is studying there to enhance his specialization.


This is with my nephew CJ and travel buddy Barnett onboard the kiddie rollercoaster (it was the only ride the two would agree to ride with me) named Psycho Mouse in Great America theme park.


This is me taking down the number of an M-to-M chatline ad kuno. I saw this ad in SFO's Castro Valley. If you're wondering why I was there in the first place, well, my niece's friend, Xye, took me there for delicious pizza. Masarap nga. I would have enjoyed the pie better if not for the vivid PDA of the gay couple in front of me.


This is with my nanay Carmelite, at the Oakland Airport, before I flew JetBlue to Long Beach. She is currently a caregiver in Union City.


Eto naman, kasama ko si Lainie, high school friend ni Ria. I met her in Burbank. She was responsible for the Jay Leno tickets. Thanks Lainie and connections!


I visited my late lola's former driver, Mang Andy Manrique, in San Diego, where he currenlty lives with his family. They are originally from Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte.


With my niece Nicole in a casino in Henderson. I played 1 cent slot machine.


In front of The Venetian Hotel with my high school classmate, Ryan, in the Las Vegas strip.


Finally, Ked and I (the best men) and Earl (the groom) in the middle. Wynn Hotel, Las Vegas.

Earl and Che Nuptials

(Kris, Earl and Che)
Just a few hours ago, Earl and Cheryl tied the not. I am especially happy for them because both are my friends. Earl was my best bud in high school, while Che was my blockmate in college.

Their wedding was the primary reason for me going to the States. Honestly, I would have thought twice about going here, upon receiving the invite. But I could not refuse, when Earl told Ked and I that we were his Bestmen. We just couldn't. Earl was our partner in crime in high school. We had to attend his wedding!

The ceremony was at a five-star hotel in Las Vegas. It was an intimate ceremony. There were two professional photographers. No video cams in sight. I was told that there was going to be a dvd of the sedding, so i figured the cameras were hidden within the salon. I did notice two dark mirrors near the altar. Dun siguro yung camera. Earl, Che and the pastor had wireless mics in their person, although room-level lang naman yung boses nila. Siguro para sa dvd uli yun.

Ked's partner was Sam, Earl's younger sister. My partner was Jane, Che's best friend. Jane and I stood next to the couple the whole ceremony. My only role was to hand over to Earl the wedding rings. Yun lang trabaho ko but my hands were cold and sweaty the whole time.

The service was short and sweet. No mass. Just a pastor discussing love and marriage. Earl and Che made their own vows. I gave the rings. They kissed. And then that was that. They were married! Congratulations!

The reception was at a nearby posh restaurant. Masarap yung dinner. Open bar. I tried out this cocktail called Mojito. Masarap. Para siyang sprite na may mint.

After the first course, Ked and I stood up. We gave a toast to the newlyweds. Kampai!

We continued with dinner. Had photo-ops with the bride and groom. Kwentuhan ng kaunti. And that was that. Tapos na mission ko dito sa Amerika. Uwi na ako.

Baka mawala ka pag may sunog kaya basahin mo ng mabuti

A sign I saw at the Long Beach Airport. The evacuation plan was so complex, I just had to study it real well and take a picture of it.

My Best Friend's Wedding

I’m here in the US to attend the wedding of my best friend, Earl. Incidentally, he is getting married to my college blockmate, Cheryl. Both of them are now based in California. The ceremony, however, will be here in Las Vegas.

Ilan din kami na schoolmates ni Earl ang dadalo sa wedding niya. There’s Barnett and Ked, who I traveled with from Manila last week. There’s Ryan, who will be coming from Los Angeles, and Chester, who will be flying in from New York. Another barkada friend of ours, Kendrick, flew to NYC from Manila last week and will be flying in with Chester this Friday. Larry, our batchmate from Ateneo, will also arrive from Canada this week.

Masmadami siguro ang pupunta kung hindi lang sa mahal ang ticket at sa busy schedules. Among those invited, but who will be missing the wedding are Jamieson and Mike. Jamieson is busy with work and Mike has his family. Ria was also invited, but she maxed out her leave credits during the campaign. I would have second thoughts of coming over also, since I just started my job as Board Member, but I’m Best Man.

I’m happy to be here, nonetheless. It’s the first wedding I’m attending abroad kasi. In fact, I was so excited to wear a tux. Pero of all weddings, Earl wanted it Filipiniana. So I’m wearing a barong tagalog in LV.

This Friday will be the Bachelor’s Party. I will be arranging a 7-course sit-down dinner at the Bellagio, followed by coffee and dessert at the Venetian, and cap it off with Phantom of the Opera…NOT!

Joking aside, I wish Earl and Che all the best and I hope they have a long-lasting relationship.

To Earl and Che!

Kampai!

Courtesy Calls

Since I am a freshman member of the sangguniang panlalawigan, I thought to visit all the provincial offices and pay the public officers there a courtesy call. i thought it was a good excuse to introduce myself and to get to know them. I started paying them a visit in June. I'm almost finished, with a just a couple of offices left.

I visited the Provincial Engineer. I learned about the President's Bridge Program wherein foreign countries would donate building materials for bridges. The problem was, even with free bridge parts, the cost of constructing them was expensive because of the specifications of those parts. For example, there are two bridges waiting to be replaced in Adams town. According to the provincial engineer the building materials are ready. In fact, they're already in the bodega. Di pa nila masimulan-simulan yung tulay dahil mahal yung pagkagawa. DAHIL pang-national highway yung design. Eh provincial road lang to. The thing is, the foreign government gave us building materials for a national highway. meaning, pang-national highway din yung cost of constructing. Kaya hindi masimulan-simulan. its too expensive.

I also met the Provincial Legal Officer, the Provincial Population Officer, and the Provincial Welfare Officer. The latter's problem was the lack of any rehabilitation center for troubled teens, battered wives and abandoned senior citizens, despite numerous laws providing for such. As usual, it's all about the money... or the lack thereof.

I paid a visit to the Provincial Budget Officer, the Accountant and the Treasurer. I found out that the province was very dependent on its Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) share. Of the 470 million peso budget of the province, 390 million comes from IRA. Meaning the province only earns 80 million from local resources. Thats a little over 1/4 of the budget. 75% of the province's expenses and projects come from the National Government?! What does that say of decentralization and devolution of powers? How about self-sustenance? Well, we definitely cannot depend solely on dole-outs from Malacanang. We have to make our own income.

I likewise visited the General Services Officer, and the Provincial Warden. I learned that not all has been devolved to the LGUs. For example, the provincial jail is not the only office that handles inmates. There still exists the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), an office of the National Government, that operate its own jail system in the province. Talk about confusion. May sari-sariling jurisdictions mga yan within the province.

I talked to the Provincial Agriculturist and the Provincial Veterinarian. I learned that we don't have enough eggs in the province and that we need to import them. I learned that most dogs in the area have not been given anti-rabies shots and that something has to be done about this before a tourist is bitten.

I learned a lot of things. Obviously, I can't right them all down (for security reasons).

To those who I interviewed, pestered and asked stupid questions, sorry sa istorbo. thank you for patience and your time. God bless our civil servants.

This Course is Messed Up

I've been teaching in Miriam College since September last year. It all started when my law school blockmate, Joey Tapia, was looking for someone to replace her in her teaching load in Miriam. I had always wanted to teach so when I heard the news I called her up.

I took over her Business Law class. Last 2 weeks of the sem and I was supposed to teach Partnerships and Corporations. 4 classes of 90 minutes each.

Are you serious?!

What happened was we just breezed through those topics (2 separate courses in law school).

In came the 2nd semester and i taught taxation. In law school, tax comprised of Tax 1 and 2. So, here in Miriam's undergrad, okay lang na ipagsama sa isa.

Then this sem came. Back to Business Law. And I'm having a hard time teaching it because there's just so much to teach. Kahit breeze through lang ang hirap. Literally, after every class, i am out of breath.

Can you imagine in one sem I have to teach Obligations and Contracts; Sales; Agency; Partnership; and Corporations?! Even when I was an undergrad, these were separate subjects. Oblicon was 3 units. Sales and Special Contracts was another 3 units. Agency was separate. So was Partnerships. In law school, Corporations was 2 courses. And then here 5 topics in one class!

Unbelievable.

Right now I'm done discussing Kinds of Obligations. I hope to finish Extinguishment by next week so that I could start with Contracts. I hope to finish oblicon by the end of July so that maka-exam na kami and continue with Sales this August.

I will definitely write a letter to the upper-ups recommending to divide the course into two, or lessen the topics.

Naawa din kasi ako sa class ko eh. Di pa ako nagsasalita nakikita ko nang dumudugo yung tenga.

My favorite 1-minute movie from the On The Lot filmmaker search

Lucky Penny by Will Bigham

Favorite quote: "Ooohh, Lucky Penny"

Looking behind my shoulder

Last night I attended the Search for Binibining SK 2007 in Barangay Davila, Pasuquin Town. The local SK invited me to be the Guest Speaker. It was my first public appearance as an elected public official, and the first since Bacarra Town Mayor Philip Velasco was gunned down during a similar public event.
And so you really couldn't fault me for being jittery last night.
I always looked behind me. Checking my back. For any unknown, spooky and creepy individuals lurking at the back.
You know what upped the nervous level?
When it blacked out. I heard some popping on my left and I saw sparks. I thought they were gun shots. Praning ako sobra. Yun pala pumutok yung transformer. And then the lights went out. Man, natakot ako.
Buti na lang the organizers fixed the problem and the electricity went right back up.
But they shouldn't be using all those special effects, lights and sounds. The production was just using a lot of power. Kaya talagang bibigay yung kuryente.
Anyway, the point is, after the Velasco shooting, I think all public officials of Ilocos Norte are now more jittery than ever. Because of what happened we have to be extra cautious. Kahit ayaw ko ng security escort (as in ayaw ko), at this point, kelangan eh. Di mo na alam ang mga maiitim na balak ng mga ibang pulitiko dyan.
Haynakuh.
Kaya kelangan mahuli yang mastermind ng Velasco Killings na yan. Otherwise, warlords and pulitikos would think they can get away with such a thing, and well-meaning public officials like me would constantly look behind our shoulders...

OMFG

Oh My Friggin' G__! Sobra akong pagod sa first day of campaigning.

In the morning I went to Iglesia Ni Cristo to submit my letter. And then I went to COMELEC to submit my sample campaign t-shirt in compliance with Resolution 7838 (I try to follow the rules as much as I can). Afterwards, I passed by the local Red Cross chapter. Pagkatapos, I went to Pasuquin to shake hands with parents sa graduation exercise ng Ilocos Norte Agriculture College. From there, I proceeded to Piddig, where I met with local leaders.

This afternoon was the killer. Nag-house-to-house ako sa Laoag. I walked through 4 barangays greeting and shaking hands with every person I could see. Under the friggin' sun. Tapos ang init init init pa. Pawis na pawis ako.

This evening nag-meeting ako with my execom. Inayos namin yung mga volunteers namin. After dinner I met with my old baseball teammate, JP Agustin, who was in town. Kwentuhan lang ng sandali. And then I had to go home to meet some folks from CFC who are in charge of the GK program here in Laoag.

And then, just when I thought I could call it a day, I had to go to a Barangay Rally to join the city slate in campaigning. Lampas 12mn na ako nakauwi.

Sigh. And it's just the first day. 44 more of this to go.

Lesson?

Drink Red Bull. Wear sun screen.

Bisperas

Well, I've filed for Board Member this morning at the Provincial COMELEC Office here in Laoag City.

I filed with Bongbong Marcos (for Congressman, 2nd District), my Dad Roque Ablan (for Congressman, 1st District), Michael Marcos Keon (for Governor), and other candidates for the Provincial Board. Kasama ko sina Shirley Ong Sin, Yvonne Ranada, Portia Salenda at Joey Raquiza, I think.

Para sa mga gustong tumakbo next time, ito kelangan niyo sa pag-file ninyo:

although the COC (you can download the form sa COMELEC website) says you only need to file 5 copies, in reality they ask for 7.

kelangan notarized at may documentary stamp.

kelangan may kasamang nomination letter (7 copies din)

kelangan may kasamang drug test report (7 copies din)

at dapat naka-paste ang 1.5 x 1.5 ID picture mo sa COC.

That's about it. Pag meron kayo niyan, pwede na kayong tumakbo!

Repercussions

Today I file my Certificate of Candidacy for the position of Board Member in the 1st District of Ilocos Norte.

When I file, there is no turning back for me.

I am ipso facto resigned from my office as Associate Solicitor II at the Office of the Solicitor General.

Section 66 of the Omnibus Election Code reads:

"Sec. 66. Candidates holding appointive office or positions. - Any person holding a public appointive office or position, including active members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and officers and employees in government-owned or controlled corporations, shall be considered ipso facto resigned from his office upon the filing of his certificate of candidacy."

And if I lose in the elections, I will not be able go back to government service for one whole year. There is a prohibition for appointments kasi.

Section 6, Article IX-B of the 1987 Consitution says:

"Sec. 6. No candidate who has lost in any election shall, within one year after such election, be appointed to any office in the Government or any Government-owned or controlled corporations or in any of their subsidiaries."

These are the risks I will take once I file today.

Pero, sugod tayo!

FIGHT!

I'm running

This coming May elections, I’m running for a seat in the Provincial Board of Ilocos Norte.

I thought about it for a long, long, long time.

It all started when I began working for a law firm in Makati. For one year, I practiced Corporate Law. I must admit, it was an educational experience. I learned a lot about incorporating companies, and performing the necessary corporate housekeeping. I also learned about government contracts and how to deal with people from such departments and agencies like SEC, BIR, DOF and BID, to name a few. Wink, wink.

The pay was good.

No, the pay was great.

But I felt empty inside.

In order to do the stuff we do, one had to stop feeling. You can’t survive the business if you have a strong conscience.

Even if you keep your conscience, you would have expanded and bent it many times over.

Many times, I would just turn a blind eye, and do my job. After all, trabaho lang, di ba?

But like I said, I felt empty. I felt like a robot. And it disturbed me.

So I said farewell to private corporate practice.

I wanted to serve the people. I wanted to go back working in government. So I transferred to the Office of the Solicitor General, the law firm of the Republic of the Philppines and its people.

Again, my time at the OSG was an educational experience. I honed my skills in litigation. The first time I felt alive again was when I appeared in a Habeas Corpus hearing and I argued in favor of the release of a prisoner. This guy was in jail for committing two crimes, homicide and illegal possession of firearms. He was there for more than 10 years already. The thing is, in the Robin Padilla case, the Supreme Court said that illegal possession of firearms is absorbed in the other crime where the firearm was used. This being case law, this guy should be released already because he finished serving the penalty for homicide. The judge agreed and ordered his release. I shook the man’s hand and he looked to me with such gratitude. He wouldn’t release my hand. Muntik na akong umiyak sa tuwa para sa kanya. (I’m all for imprisonment at punishment for committing a crime, pero pag na-serve na yung sentensya, kelangan na natin palayain)

Those are the good times. There are more lull times.

Most of the time, I appear in Court to ask for a continuance. Or when I attend, the judge is on leave, or the opposing counsel has diarrhea. When I’m not in court, I’m stuck in my cubicle drafting all sorts of pleadings, mostly Appellee’s Briefs and Motions. Minsan nababato ako sa cubicle ko. Minsan naman nakakaloka. Ang feeling ko dito sa OSG, parang di ako mapakali.

And then there was the OSG Bill. Knowing I used to work in Congress, and I had previously lobbied for the passage of a new UP Charter, and, yes, I was related to a Congressman, my boss asked me to help out lobby for this OSG Bill.

Wanting to do something else, I said yes.

So, I helped lobby for the bill. I called up people I knew in Congress and in the Senate. I talked to some Senator Brods and to some Congress Brods. I asked them to support the bill and to act on it. Kinulit ko dad ko na kulitin niya si Speaker De Venecia. I helped prepare arguments and info kits and accompanied my boss sa mga Committee Hearings.
In the end, napapasa naming yung OSG bill sa Senate at Congress on 3rd Reading!

Yahoo! Higher pay for government lawyers! More positions available to help ease the burden of current solicitors!

I felt good and I enjoyed what I did.

It just affirmed what kind of lawyer I am and what I wanted to do.

I am an advocate. I aim for change. I push for progress.

And that's why I decided to run for the Provincial Board.

Well, one of the reasons…