What should watch dogs do?

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The media is considered to be the watchdog of the society. They are entitled to render service among the people in being objective in giving out information. However, there overlapping of duties with the government is also unavoidable. As a Media and Communication Studies student, I considered the August 23 hostage taking as one of the best examples that shows the conflict of interest between the government and the watchdogs.

The intention of delivering the new somehow jeopardized the operations of the government. Although the police and the authorities are really the ones to blamed, the press had somehow made the situation worst. As a result, the House of Representatives came up with the House Bill 2737 that requires media blackout during crisis situations. I believe this is considerable a “positive” response from the government because it simply shows that government is becoming more sensitive that they are trying to prevent the reoccurring of such tragedy. However it totally stops the duty of the media to deliver news that concerns the public and the country.

The role of the media does not stop when the government restrains them from their function. Media practitioners are known to be obsessed with facts up to the point of endangering their lives. The implementation of this bill is not enough and its content is not even justifiable in a country like ours. If they want this bill to be beneficial to both parties, revisions should be done or how about instead of proposing this new House Bill, why not just focused on strengthening the government and media agreement or the PNP Media Relations Policy? Working out on what is available is easier than to start all over again…and I doubt if the whole media community adheres to this action from the government.

I do believe that even in crisis situations, no such guidelines or protocols are well implemented and followed. On the part of the media, their being objective ends when they do not practice self-regulation and when they risk, not only their lives but the whole state just for their search of truth.

Does objectivity in the world of the media even exist?

Women: Wolves in Sheep’s Clothing?

(This article is in response to Rina Jimenez-David’s article Women for the Senate)

In the article of Rina Jimenez-David, Women for the Senate, Senator Pia Cayetano pointed out that having more women in the Senate will result to gender equality and more women-friendly bills. As far as gender equality is concern, it has always been, what men can do, women can do it too; sometimes even better. Despite the different approach each gender uses, the results can be of no difference at all.

In the forthcoming election, there will be eight women aspiring to have a seat in the senate. Each of them promised to make the “minority voice” be heard and be equally treated.

However, is having more women in the Senate means a greater chance of a better government?

Women, just like men can be influenced by personal motives and be a great player in politics. If Sen. Pia Cayetano wanted equality and to create more women-friendly rules, could that be offensive on the part of the other gender?

As a common knowledge to all, many bills were passed and approved that favor women. All the rights are always entitled to women since as the society portrays, women are always the victim. They are always the one who need help and protection. Come to think of it, our very own president is a woman. However, did she became a good leader in terms governance and moral recovery?

Looking back to the article, Rep. Rissa Hontiveros mentioned that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has done a disservice to the idea of women leadership.

GMA is  a woman but she acted like she is not. This only shows that a motherly love can also be dangerous and destructive. Not all women entitled to rule or be of power remain to be faithful to their roles. Sometimes they can be of great advantage or the other way around.

Is it not too bias on the part of the women since they always make use of gender stereotyping to promote their own personal motives? I acknowledge that the author has no intentions of promoting senatorial candidates. However, the issue of gender equality and women’s rights have occurred for almost a century now.

The same arguments are being thrown back and forth. When will it ever stop? Are the women of today not yet contended of acquiring the same status as men have or the ones behind this are just asking for sympathy to their advantage?

I am a woman, and being one means knowing that women cannot be good all the time. We can be wolves in sheep’s clothing, and sometimes we can do things worse than men can.

Everything is Illuminated

To equip the people for the automated May 2010 election, Voter’s Education was conducted on January 18, 2010 by Katilingban sa Kahanginan (KaKâ) in cooperation with the Commission on Election (COMELEC), Kabataan Partylist (KP) and College of Arts and Sciences Student Council (CAS-SC).

The forum was to clear all doubts and misconceptions about the ability of the Precinct Count Optical Scanner (PCOS) machine in carrying the results of the country’s future leaders.

All throughout the forum,  the  new election process was described thoroughly and the anticipated problems were answered.  

It seemed that the Commission on Elections prepared all the requirements for the choices to be easier but to carry out more credible results.  From the voting up to transmission of the results, one can say that it is systematical and better compared to the traditional way of voting and canvassing.

However, it is important that this Voter’s Education forum should be done in almost all places nationwide to encourage more participation from the public. A first-hand experience with the PCOS machine will also be the best way in reaching out the target audience. Although Powerpoint presentations would be beneficial, an experience with the machine will be more supplemental in terms of practice and familiarity.

Since not all Filipinos know how read or operate machines, it would be best for them to learn things base on exposure. The PCOS machine seems to be the answer for the most Filipinos, however, it will be of no use if the ones given the privilege to vote would not exercise his right and do some rightful judgment.

Quick and Easy: Greater Responsibility

No more sleepless nights for the COMELEC and government employees on May 2010 election.

Decades ago, election has always been busy and full of unexpected events. As seen on news reports, first time voters fall in line for hours just to register. On the day of the election, the complaint of missing names, dead people voting and manipulation of votes are reoccurring problems. All of these are then blamed on the people behind the whole election process: the COMELEC and the teachers.

However, the existing trend will be no longer the same. Technology always has everything man would need. Cellular phones are for faster and cheaper communication, scanners for detecting fake money, and machines for the automated election.

Would this be the answer for a stress-free voting process? Or this new technological advancement will just bring additional problems?

According to Mr. Jessie H. Borro, head of the office of the Commission on Election (COMELEC) Miagao, Iloilo, the voting process will be quick and easy. Both the first time voters and the old ones will be exercising their right as Filipinos through shading or filling the circles.

Also, the days for counting all the votes will be shortened since the results will be transmitted from one place to another. This is made possible by service providers or the cellular networks, and of course, SMARTMATIC.

If this will be the predicted scenario for the upcoming election, voters are privileged because they will be hassle free. However, once the machines will be malfunctioning during the event, this will endanger the whole election.

Let us remember even if how machines make the life of men easy and convenient, they do not have brains of their own. Once they break down they do not have the initiative of what to do next. The power of the technology still lies on the people in order for them to be of use.

In the upcoming May 2010 election, everyone should do their part as voters. We should remember that we are the ones empowering these machines for the automated election. It is our responsibility to familiarized ourselves with the proper procedures during the whole process.

In addition, as part of our responsibility, our presence of mind on who to vote should also be given attention. Let us not get too excited in the newly introduced aid to us. We should still focus on our obligations as citizens and as Filipinos.

Things may be more convenient for us, but let us remember the burden we will have once we take for granted the things we are ought to do.

Breaking the Mayan Prophecy

The Mayan calendar predicted that the world will come to an end on December 21, 2012. This prophecy speaks about the destruction of mankind regardless of race and religion. However the Philippines will be exempted from this because death of the Filipinos will be earlier.  Once the renounced president will win in the May 2010 election, democracy will be gone.

After nine years of being the president of the country, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo just cannot get enough of power. Her addiction to it worsens every election. She was once a vice president, then the president and now, a congresswoman? Is her plan of running for congress one of her strategies in reliving Martial Law?

Going back in the Philippine history, the country was once under the governance of Marcos for 20 years. Before his presidential term ended, he declared Martial Law. He was so powerful that he was able to control almost everything and everyone. He had the final say to every actions being made by his constituents. He was the dictator and the people were his slaves.

In the case of Arroyo, she will not be declaring Martial Law to stay in power. She does not need it. Her filing of candidacy for the congressional seat serves as her free ride. Her thirst for power will be quenched through her so-called “call for service”.

Despite all the allegations against her, nothing and no one can stop her from achieving her goal. She has been so immune to all the accusations and negative impressions of the people. Thus, having no dignity and credibility is no longer an issue to her.

Filipinos are tired of playing the role of victims under her scripted governance. The promise of development and progress was not realized during her term. In fact, more and more people grow sick and dissatisfied.  However, there are others who continue to be her shadow regardless of all the horrible things she has been doing. They continue to support all her decisions even if the result will only bring injustice among the majority of the population.

Why are there people who pretend to be blind and never fail to withdraw their trust to someone who is not worthy of any? Voting her is like embracing death without even thinking twice. If she continues to take hold of power, our country will forever be as stagnant as it was in the past. No development will be expected from her. She will just keep on doing what she wants without listening to the concerns of her people.

What will happen in the future? Believing her is putting our lives at risk and even worse than the 2012 prophecy.

Gloria Macapagal Arroyo

Maguindanao massacre: Expected but not predicted

www.chinadaily.com

For six days the Maguindanao massacre has been giving the people sleepless nights and troubled minds. How can human beings actually act like animals? Only heartless and apathetic creatures can end the life of 57 people in an instant and with such brutality.

As of November 26, 2009 the number of the dead bodies found at the crime scene reached 57. Men and women, journalists and lawyers, Mangudadatus and ordinary people were ambushed and murdered. Bodies were everywhere. Some were buried in the 15 foot mass grave which was said to be part of the plan. Others were covered with bodies of other victims inside the vehicle or left lying on the ground.

Only one clan is seemed to be identified by the family of the victims to be the mastermind of the tragic event. All the accusations are thrown to the Ampatuans, a political dynasty that has controlled the area of Maguinadao for years. It has been known that Andal Ampatuan Jr, will be running as governor of the province and Esmael Mangudadatus would be his opponent.

Their political rivalry has resulted to blood shed and destroyed many lives. The women and journalists in the convoy were only there to file the candidacy of Mangudadatu for the 2012 election. What they did not know is that a death trap awaits them.

What bothers the people more is that the government’s respond is too slow and lax. Many questioned lack urgency by the president regarding the massacre during the first three days considering that this event really shocked the country and even half of the world.

If it is indeed the Ampatuans who are behind the massacre, why are there no actions against them during the first three days after the crime?

One possible answer could be is that they are untouchables. No one other than their family is powerful in Ampatuan, Maguindanao that is why the municipality was named after them. Another would be the explanation given by Broadcaster Marites Vitug. According to her, President Arroyo owes her secured votes and victory in the province during the last election to the Ampatuans. It is possible that she is just returning the favor by covering the involvement of the clan which is obviously against the law.

However, these are just mere speculations which could be proved or disproved any time.

The massacre has been done and no law or legal actions can bring the lives of the victims.

It is also given that politics is dirty and full of deception just like in any other countries. Everyone would do anything to win and some would literally kill just for the win. Those who usually win are the ones who have stronger survival instinct than the others. Selfishness is innate to all people regardless of status. People in power will always have more options. They could either be the hero or the villain and ordinary people are left to seek help from the ones on top.

As in the case of the Maguindanao massacre, the killings of journalists and political candidates are expected but the large number of dead people, especially women were not predicted.

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Corruption never ends

The Philippines has been under 14 presidents. Every presidential term, the promise of change and development are hot topics. However, corruption is also guaranteed.

Corruption has been part of the country’s system. People of great authority and power would often use their social status for their benefits. Since most of the masses lack proper education and do not have social standing, they are often underestimated.

It was in the time of Marcos when infrastructures were given attention. Some people who lived during that era would say that development was really visible. The overwhelming improvement of the country’s economic status was brought about by huge buildings and long bridges.  All these infrastructures were built to serve the eyes of the public or is it really the public alone?

Many believed that the savior of the country has finally come however, that was a misconception.

With the span of time, there were a few who questioned the government. They believed they saw the two-sided face of the regime: development and corruption. Martial Law proved the latter, and the hidden agenda behind the tall infrastructures were revealed.  The first family was accused of Nepotism, political repression and embezzlement of the country’s fund.

Questions from the public arouse. Why would someone of great influence change the democratic government of the country into dictatorship? One possible answer would be, ending his presidential term means losing his power over the people. Losing his position means he could not do whatever he like which includes using the Filipinos and their money for his gain.

For whatever reason he has in mind, he had underestimated the capabilities of the people to fight against him. It is true that most of the masses lack proper education. However, it does not follow that they also lack the ability to see what is right from what is a make believe reality.