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.

---

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.

I remain with Lakas-Kampi-CMD

This morning I attended the National Convention of the Lakas-Kampi-CMD party at PICC. I twitted it on Facebook. My best friend asked me why I was still with Lakas, when to be linked with Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's party would mean the 'kiss of death' to any aspiring politician.

His question reminded me of the answer of one former cabinet secretary on why he joined an opposition party as its senatorial candidate. The guy said he and his showbiz wife scoured their province and asked for the pulse of the people. Allegedly, their constituents wanted them to support Noynoy Aquino because he gave them hope. Noynoy was the standard bearer of the Liberal Party. And that's why the former lawmaker jumped ship to LP. To run under the party of Noynoy.

In a sense, the LP has become Noynoy's Party.

And this is precisely the reason why I remain with Lakas-Kampi-CMD. Not because of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Not because of Gilbert Teodoro. Not because of any person, past or present.

I am with Lakas-Kampi-CMD the same way Al Gore was with the Democratic Party. The same way John McCain stuck it out with the Republicans. The same way Gordon Brown is with the Labour Party. And the same way why Angela Merkel is with the Christian Democrat Union.

Because we believe in our party.

We believe in its principles and ideology.

Lakas-Kampi-CMD is not about GMA or Gibo.

It's about respecting the rights and dignity of every person.

It's about advocating for policies rooted with Christian values.

it's all about the attainment of the common good as the objective of political society.

it's not being too liberal, and it's not being too conservative. It's being at the center.

it's adhering to Aristotle's teachings on balance and obtaining what Ateneo Prof. Ibana taught me in Philo. class as the 'medyo-medyo'--the mean.

To be specific, to believe in Lakas means to be liberal enough to believe in the free market economy. Let the market decide for itself. But at the same time to also be conservative enough to believe in some regulation, so that incidents like Lehman Brothers and the Sub-Prime Crisis could be avoided.

This, in a nut shell, is what Lakas means to me.

And I remain loyal to it--GMA's kiss notwithstanding.

Because the party, like i said, should be about ideology. Not about personality.

Eh kung hindi rin lang, eh 'wag na tayo maglokohan. Abolish the Nacionalista Party and call it Villar's Team. Abolish the Liberal Party and name it Noynoy's Posse. And abolish Lakas-Kampi-CMD and rename it to Gloria's Group.

Herdy Yumul writes about me in Ilocos Times. Thanks, Herdy!

by: HERDY LA. YUMUL


IT’S BEEN five weeks since I did an interviewee with the young man, but I have been dilly-dallying on writing about him.

And it’s not because the congressional-son-cum-Sangguniang-Panlalawigan-member is uninteresting.

In fact, Kris is any journalist’s ideal interviewee. He is brilliant, conversant, open, candid, reflexive, and, above all, sincere. He is also sensitive. You can talk to him for hours (in my case three) without hohum. But then you may say that I am an academician, and, being such, I can stand long conversations even with the nerd of nerds with the thickest spectacles ranting with nosebleed- inducing jargon. Maybe so, but not quite.

I first met Kris when he ran as chair of the UP Diliman Student Council in 2004. “He is the son of Congressman Ablan,” said my friend, pointing at Kris who was then doing the “otso-otso” routine during a campaign activity in a student dormitory inside the campus. Surprisingly, Kris, then a virtually unknown at UP, won over Atom Araullo (now with ABS-CBN), standard-bearer of STAND-UP, the more popular political party.

You would expect, dear karikna, that I voted for Kris. After all, he is our kailian, and Ilocanos are known to be a tight group. Nope, I voted for Atom, and for good reason. He was a brother in the struggle. In the streets, I had locked arms with Atom a couple of times fighting a regime Kris’ father so ardently supports.

Three years after, I would meet Kris again in front of my house at Ablan Avenue, Laoag City. He was then campaigning for a seat in the provincial board. Warm and convivial he was, but, he did not, yet again, earn my vote. Let me explain to you why. Roquito Ablan is known to be a skilful politician, you would think that his son Kris’ venture into local politics is part of the former’s political master plan. Having served the maximum number of consecutive terms, the old Ablan could just be fielding his son as a dummy (like one mayor in the second district is perceived by many).

“Not really,” says Kris, who explains that he, the youngest among nine siblings, is the only one drawn to law and politics. Thus, their family does not constitute a political dynasty, unlike many other known clans in the country. Kris says his father never pressured him to take up law, but that he was happy, no doubt, when he followed his footsteps. He adds that when he was growing up, his dad was already “just an ordinary congressman,” no longer the force he was during the Marcos dictatorship.

That Kris is the first district congressman’s son is a doubleedged sword. On one hand, having an institution for a father means the political infrastructure is laid out on a red carpet for him, which could prove helpful as Kris is now a hundred percent bent on running for the post his father will be vacating next year. On the other hand, a lot of people I know are not inclined to vote for Kris simply because he is his father’s son.

Remember that Teteng Sales, a lightweight, almost beat the reelectionist congressman in 2007. In fact, Ablan’s win is even under protest as Sales challenges the veracity of poll results. Sales almost won not because he had sterling credentials, but simply because the people have grown tired and weary of the old Ablan. Many would say, “Ubingak pay lang ket Ablan idin, awan met mapaspasamak.” (It’s been Ablan since I was a child, but nothing is happening.)

Kris agrees that his father is not much into doing landmark legislation nowadays but it is because he allows the younger ones to carry out that role. He further defends his father by saying, “It is not in the mould of an Ablan (he speaks of the name, fully cognizant of its prestige) to brag about his accomplishments.”
But a colleague in media texted me this when he learned that I was going to write about the bokal, “Kris is in a bind. He’s sincere but he’s still the son of the prince of darkness. If only you know how much damage the father has and is doing to our Ilocos Norte.”

Methinks Roquito Ablan may, by all measures, be a traditional politician, but mainly because it was the game of his time. He served his province by playing politics in ways he saw fit, which include swaying loyalties from one power to the other, and just by simply being the typical congressman who savors receiving his share of the pork barrel fund, a fuel for corruption disguised as support for countryside development. He may not have been a spectacular legislator, yes, but he was not terrible either. At 78, he will soon take a bow from politics, without getting himself and our province embroiled in any major controversy.

But, Kris is his own man. In spite of (or is it because of?) his father, Kris consciously packages himself as politician of a new breed. He first got my approval when, last January, he released calendars that featured beautiful scenery here in Ilocos Norte. Kris thought well not to include his face in the calendar. He only had his name on a small corner. The print was so miniscule, most people would need a magnifying glass to read it.

In his blog, window to his ruminant mind, Kris wrote, “The project was actually conceptualized many, many years ago when my dad came out with calendars with his face as the main picture (like all politicians with calendar giveaways). I thought to myself, ‘What if people didn’t want to look at your face every day?’ ‘What if they just wanted to see scenery?’” From then on, he got my attention.

While opposing parties engaged in a media war at the height of the proposed Laoag mall controversy, Kris worked swiftly, bringing in Ivan Henares of the Heritage Conservation Society to drum up support in the fight to save a rare architectural beauty which the city government and the Diocese of Laoag wanted torn down in the name of profit. He would later sponsor a resolution imposing a moratorium on tearing down or renovating school properties at least fifty years of age, thus saving the majestic Laoag Central Elementary School. It is a breath of fresh air that Kris performs his duties fully cognizant that the power he bears I not a birthright, but a mandate emanating from a people he is duty bound to serve. For instance, even if it’s not required by law, he distributes an annual accomplishment report which details his legislative accomplishments, and his disbursements of public funds for programs and projects.

At one point during the interview, Kris was even teary-eyed (or so it appeared to me). The struggle he faces is real, and I could feel it. He has to win an election, but our rotten and immature political system makes it very hard for decent people to claim victory without sacrificing ideals, without being desensitized. Still he is unafraid to make decisions his jaded colleagues consider as political suicide. Also, Kris refuses to engage in tried-but-tired political propaganda, unlike his potential opponent who has cluttered public spaces with “Happy Graduation,” “Happy Fiesta,” and other happy greetings. Likewise, he refuses to have his name bannered prominently in any project, big or small.

The moment I saw some of my students and colleagues at the state university silently shed tears while the bespectacled young man, in a well-attended forum, detailed his sojourn as a young politician crying for reform, I knew, Kris Ablan is an antidote to politics-as-usual. But, while showing qualities that run counter from those of his father, he may eventually have to take advantage of the perks of being an incumbent’s son. That is why he has been seen lately in inauguration and turnover ceremonies of his father’s projects funded by the pork barrel fund. Kris can be a noble congressman, but first he has to win.

There are many other interesting things Kris told me “off the record,” but I assure you, dear karikna, that they are all good, and they but heightened my respect for the young man.

I dilly-dallied on writing about him but only because I did not want to be so hasty in saying: Let’s support Kris, in spite of, not because of, his father. If you are a decent, mature, forward-looking citizen, there is no way you cannot like him. Unless he gets desensitized too soon, Kris may yet be the Ablan family’s biggest contribution to the nation.

www.riknakem.wordpress.com

What we at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are doing to improve the services at the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr Memorial Hospital

I haven't blogged in Multiply for the longest time. Parang napabayaan ko na ito sa Facebook.

Starting today, I will update my contacts here in Multiply and Facebook on what's been happening at the Provincial Capitol.

For my first entry, I will talk about the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Sr. Memorial Hospital (GRBASMH).

GRBASMH is the Provincial Hospital of Ilocos Norte. It was a project of my late grandfather when he was still governor in 1939. That's the reason why it was named after him. For the record, the Ablan family does NOT own GRBASMH, the same way the Aquino family does not own the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. GRBASMH is PGIN property. It is located in Laoag City and is a tertiary level hospital.

I don't know the quality of service at GRBASMH or ownership thereof prior to 1991, but I know after the passage of the Local Government Code, HEALTH CARE was devolved from the National Government (DOH) to the LGUs. And since that time, I've heard, the quality of service rendered in GRBASMH has deteriorated.

From my studies, the reason why service is bad is because the PGIN was not prepared or trained to operate a hospital. This problem is not unique to Ilocos Norte--there are dozens of public tertiary hospitals out there that are poorly managed by local governments.

At present, the GRBASMH is handled like a typical gov't office. It submits a yearly budget along with other offices to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at around September-October and then we scrutinize it. We approve their budget in November and the Governor signs the Annual Budget in December.

The problem with this set-up is that unlike other local gov't offices that can be sustained with a fixed annual budget, a hospital can't. For example, there may be medicines/supplies available in January (since it's the start of Quarter 1), but come February and March, the hospital would run out of these supplies. It has to wait for Quarter 2 (April) to come in for the 2nd release of funds. The same problem appears at the end of Q2, Q3 and Q4.

Another setback is that what the hospital earns in a year does not necessarily mean it will also get the same amount for its budget the next year. For example, let's say the hospital earned 20 million in 2008. In 2009, it won't get 20 million. It will probably get 15-17 million only. The 3 million goes to some other department. This is because all the income of the hospital goes to the general fund of the PGIN. Kaya nag-de-deteriorate yung services sa ospital. Hindi ginaganahan ang mga doctors and staff kasi yung hirap at pagod nila, hindi naman bumabalik. Walang incentive to work hard.

A third dilemma was the outdated rate of the medical/laboratory fees. Some were not changed since 1992! And it turned out that the hospital was subsidizing a lot of the services it was rendering for a long time, which I felt was counter-productive.

SO, WHAT HAVE WE DONE ABOUT IT?

Well, for starters, we updated the rates of the medical/laboratory fees. Para mabawasan na yung malaking subsidy na pati yung mga non-indigent eh nakikinabang.

Second, we authorized Gov. Keon to hire Mariano Marcos Memorial Hospital's Dr. Otayza to take over the management of the GRBASMH. She brought with her her training on managing a profitable, efficient and service-oriented healthcare center.

Third, we created a trust fund for medicines and laboratory materials. So instead of going back to the general fund, income from medicines and laboratory materials go to a special revolving fund that would be used to purchase more medicines and laboratory materials.

Last, the Governor, Dr. Otayza, Dr. and Board Member Castro, and we at the SP are currently drafting an ordinance converting the GRBASMH into an economic enterprise, similar to the ones in Negros Oriental, Pangasinan and La Union, so that in the future GRBASMH would be self-sustaining.

So, there. That's what your local legislators are doing to improve the delivery of health services here in the Province.

See, your taxes are working!

Voters Registration in Northwestern University on August 12

Who: To all NWU Students who are residents of Laoag City and who have not yet registered for the 2010 Elections.

What: COMELEC On-Campus (Satellite) Voters Registration

When: 12 August 2009, from 830am to 4:00pm

Where: Student Center, Northwestern University, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Organized by: Youth Vote Ilocos Norte

COMELEC

Northwestern University

Magparehistro na!

2008-2009 Annual Accomplishment Report

30 June 2009

Dear Kailian,

Kablaaw!

I am proud to report to you the accomplishments of my 2nd year in office as one of your Provincial Board Members in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Ilocos Norte.

LEGISLATION

First and foremost, as your local legislator, I filed another nineteen (19) draft provincial ordinances this past year. I am happy to inform you that nine (9) of my proposals were enacted into law.

For the welfare and protection of our youth, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice-Governor Windell D. Chua, approved Provincial Ordinance No. 30-2008, imposing fines to parents of minors caught operating motor vehicles; Provincial Ordinance No. 32-2008, regulating the sale of inhalants, particularly paint thinners, solvents, adhesives and rugby to minors; and Provincial Ordinance No. 37-2008, regulating the registration and use of airsoft guns in the province.

To help our indigent brothers and sisters in need of blood, we increased the province’s financial assistance to the Blood Handling Fee Fund of the Philippine National Red Cross through Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 45-2009, also known as the Blood Samaritan Ordinance of 2009.

To repay our fellow Ilocano Balikbayans who have been giving so much of their resources to the community, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Ordinance No. 42-2009, more popularly known as The Balikbayan Benefits Ordinance of 2009.

And in the matter of increasing local revenue in order for the Provincial Government to serve you better, we revised the Ilocos Norte Revenue Code (Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 01-2008), which took effect 1 January 2009.

Other proposals, which are still pending in the committee-level, include the creation of an Ilocos Norte People’s Council, imposing a tax for the usage of disposable plastic bags, granting additional benefits to Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, prohibiting patient dumping, granting a special leave to employees for their business transactions, and allowing free admission to senior citizens at the Rizal Park,

I also drafted sixteen (16) resolutions. Among the nine (9) approved were resolutions expressing support for Senate Bill 2404—creating the Health and Education Acceleration Program (HEAP) Corporation, SB 3014—strengthening the National Cultural Commission for Culture and Arts, SB 2923—constituting a Constitutional Convention to amend the 1987 Constitution, HB 4244—protecting the Red Cross emblems, and SB 2357—the Anti-Video Voyeurism Bill; urging first-time voters to register for the 2010 National Elections; and, requesting the Supreme Court to designate a Small Claims Court here in the province.

I enclose a list of my legislative accomplishments for year 2008-2009 (Annex “A”) for your perusal and review.

PROGRAMS

Second, from July 2008 to June 2009, with the help of various government agencies and the private sector, we were able to organize a number of activities, which I hope benefited our constituents.

A. Japan Skills and Technology Transfer Program – With the help of Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation (OBAF) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), trained selected individuals for 3-year internship/skills training (i.e. electronics, welding, painting, etc.) in Japan. As of 30 June 2009, 6 have been deployed to Japan, while 2 are awaiting their deployment in October. Most of the trainees come from Bacarra.

B. Adult Legal Education Seminars – Together with the U.P. Law Center - Training and Convention Division, we organized adult legal education seminars for barangay officials and lupon members under its Popularize the Law Program (POPLAW). Topics include the Local Government Code, the Katarungang Pambarangay Law, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. For 2008-2009, we held seminars in Vintar and Sarrat.

C. Inmate Skills Training and Livelihood Program – In cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail (INPJ) and TESDA, gave a welding machine (with materials & equipment) and are in the process of providing skills training to inmates of the INPJ for them to fabricate trash cans, road signs, window frames, and other steel products for use of the community.

D. Additional Saguip Maestra Teachers – Sponsored additional teachers to teach in public elementary schools not covered by the Saguip Maestra Program. Beneficiaries of this program include Sta. Maria Elementary School in Laoag City and Gubang Elementary School in Vintar.

E. Vocational Course Scholarships – Sponsored poor but deserving students to study Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW II) and Care Giver courses in INCAT, PrimaCare and Takuat Training Center.

F. On Campus Voter Registration – In cooperation with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Youth Vote Philippines, we organized on campus voter registration for college students. Held one in Mariano Marcos State University – Batac City last February 2009. Will conduct similar registration in Northwestern University, Divine Word College of Laoag and Northern Christian College this coming July - August 2009.

G. Sports Clinic – In cooperation with the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Council (INSDC) and the Department of Education (DepEd), we organized a sports clinic for softball players and a seminar for coaches and umpires. The 3-day event, held on 12-14 June 2009 at Marcos Stadium, was participated by over 150 coaches and close to 50 players.

H. Sports Equipment - Courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission, we are giving various sports equipment to schools and youth organizations. Early recipients include the Piddig South Central Elementary School, the Cavit-Araniw Elementary School and the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail.

I. Bikes for the Barrios – With the help of Wheels 4 Life Foundation, we gave twenty-five (25) bikes to poor but deserving high school students living in far flung barangays for their use in commuting to and from school. Recipients include students living in Adams and Dumalneg.

J. Tourism Promotion – Winning photos of the Zoom IN photo contest were used to produce 2009 calendars, which promoted Ilocos Norte tourism.

K. Medical Mission - Together with the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Memorial Hospital, the U.P. PGH and the Office of Rep. Roque R. Ablan, we conducted a medical and dental mission in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin last 7 June 2009.

L. Feeding Program – Sponsored a two (2) month (for July-August 2009) feeding program for elementary school students in Carasi.

M. Natural Family Planning Program – As acting chairman of the Population Development Committee, with the assistance of the Population Commission (POPCOM), conducted reproductive health seminars in schools and barangays around the province; and with the help of the INPJ Women Inmates, we manufactured menstrual cycle bead necklaces for distribution to married couples.

PROJECTS

Finally, of the Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 750,000.00) entrusted to me by Gov. Michael Marcos Keon from the Provincial Development Fund (July 2008 to June 2009), much was used to support barangays projects. Assistance came in the form of cement, G.I. sheets, plywood, grass cutters, mountain bikes, monobloc chairs, gasulettes, and tents, among others. I enclose a record of all my disbursements (Annex “B”) for your information.

It is an honor and a privilege to represent the People of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.

I look forward to serving you in this last year of my 3-year term.

God bless the People of Ilocos Norte!


Very truly yours,

(signed)
Kristian R. Ablan
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte

Annex A
Annex B

Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood... One Cemented, the Other Not...

I drove to Brgy. Visaya in the mountainous area of Vintar the other day to deliver some cement. The road leading up to the barangay is not cemented. Neither is it asphalted. It is a dirt road with some sand and gravel spread out so that tires could hold on to something. I recon it would be difficult to drive during rainy weather as the dirt would turn into mud.

The situation has been like this for the longest time. I often ask myself why it hasn't been asphalted or cemented yet.

On the other hand, a few days before I went to Vintar, I drove through Piddig. On the way to the wake of my friend Eddie Gregorio, I encountered some road construction. What puzzled me was that just last month the same road seemed perfectly normal to me. It was cemented--flat and solid. In some parts, the construction workers were putting soil, as if to raise the height of the road. In other parts, they were destroying the cemented road. Still, in another portion of the road, they were pouring asphalt over the existing cemented road!

Why ruin a perfectly fine road to make another one?

Then I realized the difference between the road in Vintar and the road in Piddig.

The road in Vintar is a Municipal Road. Hence, the burden to develop and cement it is on the local government. And since the municipal government of Vintar doesn't have enough funds to maintain its roads, they remain to be the way they are--dirt roads.

On the other hand, the road passing through Piddig is a National Road, and hence under the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Works and Highways. Apparently, the national government has cemented all of the national roads here in the first district and they have so much money because of GMA's stimulus package, that they have no alternative but to destroy perfectly fine cemented roads to build new ones.

Can you believe that? Such a waste of taxpayers money!

And even if we get to convince the District Engineer to cement the municipal road, under the law the DPWH cannot. It would be illegal.

Because by virtue of the Local Government Code of 1991, the maintenance of municipal, city and provincial roads have been devolved to the LGUs.

But the problem is not all LGUs can maintain their road networks. Hirap sila. Either maliit ang IRA-share nila, or they have so many concerns more pressing than road concreting (i.e. health, education, etc.).

And so we are where we are. The municipal road in Vintar remains to be a dirt road because the town cannot afford to cement it, while the national road crossing Piddig is being "upgraded" once again because, well, they ran out of national roads to construct.

What a dysfunctional system we have.

Why go by bike

Read this 30-page on-line book and learn why riding a bike can help the environment and your health!

http://issuu.com/cicle/docs/bicycle-lifestyle-guide

My PRK Laser Eye Surgery Experience

I've worn eye glasses since Grade 6, I think. I found out when the school conducted its yearly medical check-up for all students. The doctor at the school clinic told me I had a problem with my vision and it would be best for me to go to an eye doctor. And since then, I've been wearing glasses. Here is what I looked like with glasses back in 2005, when I graduated from the U.P. College of Law:

My wife told me I look cute with glasses. But for more than 20 years I've been wearing them and it gave me some problems. It held me back in doing a lot of things. I couldn't play sports that much. I played baseball wearing normal glasses when I was in grade 7 and a ball hit me in the eye. As a result, I had to get those geeky-looking sports goggles for me to wear every game. It really looked.

I didn't (and still don't) enjoy swimming because I can't see. The grades of my eyes have jumped to 900.

It's hard for me to jog because after a while, my glasses slip from my nose bridge due to the sweat.

I don't enjoy the beach because the sea mist cloud my lenses.

I've had my share of bad haircuts because I couldn't correct the barber while he was cutting my hair.

I could never fall asleep while watching TV because I always had to remove my glasses before going to bed.

And the list goes on and on. It gets tiring, you know.

Last month, I noticed that the arms of my eyeglasses were about to break. It meant I had to buy new frames. And not just any kind of frame. I need to find one that could accommodate the thickness of my lenses. And that is a hard task. Even if I'd make 'em ultra-thin, my lenses would still be thick.

And I didn't want to do it all over again.

After 20 years of wearing spectacles, I wanted to see the world with my own two eyes. I wanted to have laser eye surgery. I've heard about this way back in 2001 and have been saving some money for this particular procedure ever since.

So I went to the Asian Eye Institute clinic in SM Mall of Asia for the screening. They checked my eyes using several machines and the doctor there told me I wasn't qualified for LASIK. (shoot!) My corneas were too thin for LASIK. I was qualified for PRK though. What happens in PRK (Photorefractive Keratectomy) is instead of slicing a flap of your cornea to perform the laser surgery, here there is no flap. The eye surgeon will perform the laser surgery directly over the surface of my cornea. In lieu of the flap, he will place contact lens. Also, in PRK the recovery period is longer (Instead of a couple of weeks, its about 3 months). And mas-mahapdi siya sa mata.

This setback didn't deter me. I told the doctor I wanted to push through with the eye surgery.

Last May 4, I went to Asian Eye Institute in Rockwell for my PRK eye surgery. They checked my eyes again using several machines, to make sure I was qualified for PRK. Then they had me put on a scrub suit. This is me before entering the operating room:

It was like a factory in there. While I was being prepped up, there was a patient in the operating room and another patient who had just finished the eye operation and was being debriefed.

Then it was my turn and Dr. Robert Ang, the Lasik specialist, called me in. It was cold in the operating room and he had me lie down the gurney. He taped my eyelids to keep them from closing. And he also put a metal contraption over my eye to make sure the tape worked. Then, for a moment, I got scared. What? You won't put me to sleep? I'll actually see the doctor cut my eye with a scapel?! I thought I was going to faint... either that or wrestle the nurses to escape.

And then I remembered laser pala. So no knives of any sort. I just saw colors. Red and green. Yun na ata yung. Kasi after a couple of minutes, yung kabilang mata naman. And then that was that. Dr. Ang dropped a few eye drops on my eyes and led me out of the OR. Sabi ko parang factory kasi while I was being debriefed, there was another patient being prepped up for surgery.

Everything happened in a flurry. I wasn't able to say good bye to my eyeglasses, eyeglass container, glass cleaner and cloth. Good bye eyeglass items. Thank you for serving me well. Though I've said many things not-so-pleasant about you, I want you to know I wouldn't have survived without you.


Like I said, if this were Lasik, I would have clear vision in a few days. This was PRK, and there were a lot of che-che-boreche. Here a few tips for those of you who are planning to have laser eye surgery (that I did not know about when I entered the operating room):

1. You will have to wear these goggles for at least one week after surgery. I think it's to protect your eyes from the elements and from glare.


2. You will be prescribed these eyedrops to be administered 4 times a day (8am, 12nn, 4pm and 8pm) hanggang maubos. And you can't drop them all at the same time. Kelangan 5 minutes apart. The big blue-green box are eyedrops to be dropped 1 hour after the first 3 eyedrops.


3. You cannot wet the eye for the first 3 days after surgery. It means you cannot have a full shower (shampoo and wash your face properly) for 3 days. Hirap maligo niyan.

4. You are not allowed to engage in sports or do strenuous activities for 1 week.

5. You are not allowed to drive the first week. Get a driver (or like me, use public transportation).

6. No swimming for 1 month.

Good luck!

As for me, within 3 months, I expect be able to wear shades without being half-blind; I expect to be able to tell the barber not to shave my sideburns; I expect to run without fear that my glasses would fall off; I expect to be able to watch the news until I fall asleep. In 3 months, I expect to do a lot of other things with my new vision.

But until then, I'd have to suffer looking like Chavit Singson's long lost son: