It was a horrendously inconvenient day today, for one, as seems to be a regular occurrence, the local electric cooperative again announced a six-hour power interruption (6am to 6pm). Ironically, Leyte stands in the most geothermally blessed parts of the Philippines, the Tongonan Geothermal Plant near Ormoc City is the largest of its kind in the Philippines, indeed, electricity should be cheap in this part of the country. Alas, third world government corruption, a chronic malaise of the Philippines, has kept electricity rates per kilowatt hour in Leyte actually one of the most expensive in the Philippines, not to mention Asia!
The glaring mismanagement of the power system extends beyond the astronomically high power charges in Leyte, particularly in Tacloban City, and this is evident in the unreliable power supply. Almost every month, LEYECO II, the local electric provider for Tacloban City and its surrounding municipalities, announces a six-hour blackout, usually on a Saturday (like yesterday) or a Sunday, and almost always scheduled between six in the morning to six in the evening.
I cannot understand why the same has been happening for the past three years actually. The main reason for interruption of power, which as I said before, happens almost every month, is for maintenance purposes - the only question however is, with the high rates of electricity charges here, why can't LEYECO design a procedure that will make such maintenance work seamless and efficient, in other words, a system of maintaining the reliability of the electrical grid in Tacloban without pulling the plug on the power supply. t
With advances in technology, it is high time that LEYECO do some serious overhaul of the way they manage, run and maintain Tacloban City's electrical system.
Linggo, Hulyo 7, 2013
Sabado, Hulyo 6, 2013
The Humiliation of Evo Morales
En route to Bolivia after attending a meeting of heads of states in Moscow, President Evo Morales' plan was forced to land in Vienna, Austria after rumors circulated that it was harboring fugitive Edward Snowden, who leaked sensitive NSA documents.
Many accounts of the matter are available, but one thing is clear, Morales' plane was definitely forced to land by the U.S. - without a doubt! And that all because of unsubstantiated reports that Snowden was in the plane. The act was plainly disrespectful and insulting to a head of state, and rightly so, the Organization of American States will be meeting soon to discuss the matter.
Let's see how this story unfolds over the coming weeks.
Many accounts of the matter are available, but one thing is clear, Morales' plane was definitely forced to land by the U.S. - without a doubt! And that all because of unsubstantiated reports that Snowden was in the plane. The act was plainly disrespectful and insulting to a head of state, and rightly so, the Organization of American States will be meeting soon to discuss the matter.
Let's see how this story unfolds over the coming weeks.
Biyernes, Hulyo 5, 2013
The Fall of Democracy in Egypt
Mohammad Morsy, Egypt's first democratically elected President, was outed in a military coup on Wednesday after being given 48-hours by the Egyptian Army to share power with his opponents. Morsy is a Western educated Islamist, his organization, the Muslim Brotherhood, was a long repressed organization under Hosni Mubarak.
Barely one year after being elected to head Egypt, Morsy became increasingly unpopular. His slow introduction of conservative policies inspired by the ideologies of the Muslim Brotherhood also angered most Egyptians, who thought he was sidelining opposition figures as he tried to consolidate more power and insert Muslim Brotherhood influence deeper into Egyptian political life. His increasing autocratic policies have also galvanized many secular Egyptians into action. On one occasion, a satical tv comedy figure was even jailed for "insulting the president."
Although I am no fan of Morsy, I see his illegal ouster as a sign of bad things to come. His removal will further embroil Egypt deeper into the morass of political infighting, economic uncertainty and social upheaval. This is something that will add to the deepening chaos that the Middle East has always been in, and at these times, is into even more deeper quagmire. Repercussions could be profound, as Islamists will see this as a fight between the forces of Islam and the secular-Western inspired policies of liberal democracy.
The fall of Morsy also clearly shows that democracy is not as easy to transplant as most Westerners would like to believe. Democracy is an idea, an idea born of the long struggle of Western civilization from the clutches of despotism, religious fanaticism and even social iniquities to the political awakening engendered by the French Revolution. It takes an educated populace, a committed elite and a resilient society to make democracy work. Democracy is not the mere holding of elections, it is a worldview, a worldview which consists in the belief that over and above all else, the rule of law reigns supreme, that the will of the people is paramount and that social and state institutions must be strong and must be strengthened for the seed of democracy to grow. In addition, it has to be watered by an educational system that is pragmatic, pro-active and one that cultivates critical thinking, rationality and openness.
Indeed, the Philippines, more than any Asian country, despite holding elections since the 1940's, has yet to truly understand, appreciate and make democracy truly work. How then can we expect Egypt to fare better?
Barely one year after being elected to head Egypt, Morsy became increasingly unpopular. His slow introduction of conservative policies inspired by the ideologies of the Muslim Brotherhood also angered most Egyptians, who thought he was sidelining opposition figures as he tried to consolidate more power and insert Muslim Brotherhood influence deeper into Egyptian political life. His increasing autocratic policies have also galvanized many secular Egyptians into action. On one occasion, a satical tv comedy figure was even jailed for "insulting the president."
Although I am no fan of Morsy, I see his illegal ouster as a sign of bad things to come. His removal will further embroil Egypt deeper into the morass of political infighting, economic uncertainty and social upheaval. This is something that will add to the deepening chaos that the Middle East has always been in, and at these times, is into even more deeper quagmire. Repercussions could be profound, as Islamists will see this as a fight between the forces of Islam and the secular-Western inspired policies of liberal democracy.
The fall of Morsy also clearly shows that democracy is not as easy to transplant as most Westerners would like to believe. Democracy is an idea, an idea born of the long struggle of Western civilization from the clutches of despotism, religious fanaticism and even social iniquities to the political awakening engendered by the French Revolution. It takes an educated populace, a committed elite and a resilient society to make democracy work. Democracy is not the mere holding of elections, it is a worldview, a worldview which consists in the belief that over and above all else, the rule of law reigns supreme, that the will of the people is paramount and that social and state institutions must be strong and must be strengthened for the seed of democracy to grow. In addition, it has to be watered by an educational system that is pragmatic, pro-active and one that cultivates critical thinking, rationality and openness.
Indeed, the Philippines, more than any Asian country, despite holding elections since the 1940's, has yet to truly understand, appreciate and make democracy truly work. How then can we expect Egypt to fare better?
Huwebes, Hulyo 4, 2013
God's Greatest Sovereign Wealth Manager
As a secular humanist, I have always been amazed, even mesmerized by the wealth of the Catholic Church, especially the Catholic Church in the Philippines. My professor in Land Titles and Deeds just dropped the information on us that one-third of Manila's land is actually owned by the Catholic Church. If it were true, as it most likely would, I would not be surprised to say the least. What is surprising is that it's stand on various issues, from its rabid opposition to R.A. 10175 (The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act of 2012) to divorce, from homosexuality to gay rights, is not only far from being pro-poor, it's actually anti-poor.
The Catholic Church has never understood the plight of the Filipino, and history has shown that, at least it's intimate history with the Filipino people, clearly shows that it has always first and above all, fought for its own interests, it's own power and it's own influence. This can be shown from 1521 until 1898, during those years, Spain ruled the Philippines with a mixture of the cross and the sword, but most often, it ruled by proxy through the friars, who ruled with a hubris matched only by the wealth they accumulated, and this wealth was the land this so-called "Workers of God" ruthlessly seized from the native population.
Indeed, Spain laid its wrath on the Philippines thanks in large part and in no small measure to the zealous and callous machinations of the Catholic Church. The total subjugation of the people's of the Philippines, except perhaps the Muslim tribes of Mindanao, was accomplished by no less than the religious orders and secular priests spread over all Christianized islands. Without the Catholic Church, Spain would never have lasted as long as they did.
That is why a true Filipino nationalist and patriot will never be a Catholic at the same time. The history of the Philippines is the history of the Catholic Church's immoral, debasing, inhuman and racist rule over the centuries. No true nationalist and patriot will ever, ever be a Catholic, if only because it has caused the Philippines innumerable sufferings and humiliations, in as much as it continues to brainwash the Filipino about its dubious, archaic and anachronistic moral fetishisms that given the long history of the Catholic Church, is herself not immune to corruption, immorality and murder. And frankly, like all human institutions, it has always been corrupt and is still is. A recent report indicating that Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the U.S. secretly transferred more than USD 40 million to a "cemetery fund" to protect them from being liquidated as compensation to the victims of the U.S. Catholic Clergy's child abuse years can only be an anecdote of the church's moral inclinations and tendencies.
The Catholic Church has never understood the plight of the Filipino, and history has shown that, at least it's intimate history with the Filipino people, clearly shows that it has always first and above all, fought for its own interests, it's own power and it's own influence. This can be shown from 1521 until 1898, during those years, Spain ruled the Philippines with a mixture of the cross and the sword, but most often, it ruled by proxy through the friars, who ruled with a hubris matched only by the wealth they accumulated, and this wealth was the land this so-called "Workers of God" ruthlessly seized from the native population.
Indeed, Spain laid its wrath on the Philippines thanks in large part and in no small measure to the zealous and callous machinations of the Catholic Church. The total subjugation of the people's of the Philippines, except perhaps the Muslim tribes of Mindanao, was accomplished by no less than the religious orders and secular priests spread over all Christianized islands. Without the Catholic Church, Spain would never have lasted as long as they did.
That is why a true Filipino nationalist and patriot will never be a Catholic at the same time. The history of the Philippines is the history of the Catholic Church's immoral, debasing, inhuman and racist rule over the centuries. No true nationalist and patriot will ever, ever be a Catholic, if only because it has caused the Philippines innumerable sufferings and humiliations, in as much as it continues to brainwash the Filipino about its dubious, archaic and anachronistic moral fetishisms that given the long history of the Catholic Church, is herself not immune to corruption, immorality and murder. And frankly, like all human institutions, it has always been corrupt and is still is. A recent report indicating that Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the U.S. secretly transferred more than USD 40 million to a "cemetery fund" to protect them from being liquidated as compensation to the victims of the U.S. Catholic Clergy's child abuse years can only be an anecdote of the church's moral inclinations and tendencies.
Miyerkules, Hulyo 3, 2013
The Formalization of the Status of Househelps in the Philippines
After centuries of being marginalized, househelps will finally have a law that will protect and promote their interests. Since February 2013, the Kasambahay Law, otherwise known as the "Domestic Workers Act" will become effective. These will professionalize the work of househelps, who across centuries have played a crucial role in the lives of Filipino families, rich or poor alike. Indeed, househelps have been integral and important in the Filipino family for centuries. Their work goes beyond mere physical maintenance and upkeep of the house, they have served as companions, friends, playmates and tutors of Filipino children in the households in which they are employed. It is just fitting and proper that this law, R.A. 10361, has finally come to fruition.
To check the rudiments of the law, follow this link.
To check the rudiments of the law, follow this link.
Martes, Hulyo 2, 2013
Divine Right of Kings
The concept "divine right of kings" has been the primary dogma that allowed the crowned heads of Europe to rule absolutely for thousands of years. Dictionary.com defines it as "the right of rule derives directly from God, not from the consent of the people." Such doctrine allowed the monarchs of Europe to rule without restraint until the emergence of French Revolution in 1789.
The concept became the justifying force, doctrine and principle that the kings and queens of Europe used to legitimize their rule, none more eloquently, and should I say, more pompously incarnated by the Sun King, Louis XIV, who is famous for reputedly declaring Le etat, c'est moi ("I am the State").
The doctrine started to loose its appeal after the French Revolution and the rise of the modern state.
The concept became the justifying force, doctrine and principle that the kings and queens of Europe used to legitimize their rule, none more eloquently, and should I say, more pompously incarnated by the Sun King, Louis XIV, who is famous for reputedly declaring Le etat, c'est moi ("I am the State").
The doctrine started to loose its appeal after the French Revolution and the rise of the modern state.
Lunes, Hulyo 1, 2013
The Day After the Fiesta
I had a wonderful night, I actually enjoyed the day visiting friends and relatives. And for the first time in a very, very long time, I was afflicted with the "fiesta fever" that is so engrained in each Filipino.
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