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[Right-Up] Ang ginto at ang aso -by Rod Galicha

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Ang ginto at ang aso
By Rod Galicha
January 3, 2017

rodgalicha.com the 6th HR Pinduteros Choice for HR Blog

rodgalicha.com the 6th HR Pinduteros Choice for HR Blog

Isang repleksyon tungkol sa isyung pagkatay ng aso sa pelikulang ORO – MMFF 2016.

1. May punto ang PAWS.
2. May punto ang ORO.
3. Ngunit sa bawat isyu may mga konteksto.
4. Ang konteksto ng PAWS ay ang kanilang pananaw at ng umiiral na batas. Maaaring hindi “makatarungan” sa kanilang paningin ang “graphic scene”.
5. Ang konteksto ng ORO ay unang-una, ito ay pelikula; at kapantay nito ay ang kuwento at konteksto ng kuwento. Kasama nito ay ang konteksto ng teknikalidad sa loob ng pagsasapelikula. Ito ang mga kontekstong maaaring unawain rin ng mga manonood.
6. Pareho ang konteksto sa pangangalaga ng kalikasan at ang pagkakapantay-pantay na karapatang mamuhay ng mga nilalang lalung-lalo na ng mga tao at hayop.
7. Ngunit marapat na pag-isipan na ayon sa agham, ang tao ay hayop.
8. Sa magkaparehong konteksto ng PAWS at ng ORO, parehong buhay ng hayop ang pinag-uusapan, at parehong “pagkahalimaw”.
9. Sa pagkitil ng mga sa konteksto ng pelikula, ang pagkahalimaw ay tinatapatan ng paghanap ng katarungan.
10. Sa “pagpatay” sa aso, may lumulutang na paghahanap ng katarungan ng may-ari ngunit hindi ito ang pokus ng kuwento. Dahil ang pagkatay at pagkain sa aso ay isang “gawi” sa ibang lugar at kanayunan, ito ay isang hamon sa PAWS na palawakin ang kanilang kampanya at tingnang muli ang mga probisyon ng RA 8485.

Kung inamin na may katotohanang pinatay ang aso at naging bahagi ito ng pelikula, at may sapat na ebidensiya, maaari namang kasuhan ng PAWS ang mga gumawa ng ORO.

Read full article @rodgalicha.com

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[Featured site] kanlungancentre.blogspot.com

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Kanlungan Centre Foundation Inc.

Vote for this site for the 5th HR Pinduteros’ Choice Awards…

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Advocates of migrant rights and their families Kanlungan Centre Foundation Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit organization engaged in direct service, advocacy work, research, and policy interventions for Filipino migrant workers who are survivors of human trafficking, illegal recruitment, workplace abuse, and non-payment of wages, as well as their families and their communities.Founded on July 17, 1989

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[Right-Up] Ang Torre de Manila, si Mahistrado Leonen at ang Usapin Sa Kung Ano ang Kaluluwa ng Bansa by Jose Mario De Vega

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Ang Torre de Manila, si Mahistrado Leonen at ang Usapin Sa Kung Ano ang Kaluluwa ng Bansa
 
Ako ay lubhang sumasang-ayon sa mga kritikal na katanungang ibinato ni Mahistrado Leonen sa “abogado” ng KoR hinggil sa pagdinig (Oral Arguments) na isinagawa ng Korte Suprema nitong nakaraang Martes.

Sa unang birada ni J. Leonen, kinokomendahan daw nya ang so-called kor dahil sa pagsasampa nila ng kasong ito, dahil sa ito raw ay nakakatulong upang mapag-isip ang taong-bayan, ngunit may reserbasyon daw ang kanyang komendasyon sa nasabing grupo dahil sa may Constitutional provision against titles of royalty and nobility!

Mario De Vega

Ibig sabihin nito ay hindi tayo naniniwala sa mga duke o mga reyna o mga barons sa ating lipunan!
Ito ay maliwanag na itinatakda at itinatadhana ng Article 6, Section 31 ng ating Konstitusyon:

“No law granting a title of royalty or nobility shall be enacted.”

Kung kaya naman kapag sinabi ng mga kor na sila ay mga kabalyero (na walang mga kabayo, pwera lamang sa mga kasusuotang katawa-tawa) ay nilalabag nila ang probisyon ng ating Saligang Batas na nagsasabing tayo ay isang Demoktratiko at Republikanong Pamahalaan, na ang lahat ay pantay-pantay, na bawat isa ay kaparehas ng mga karapatan sa lahat at ang kapangyarihan ng pamahalaan ay nasa kamay ng Taong-Bayan (Art. 2, Sec. 1, Art. 2, Sec. 11, Art. 3, Sec. 1).

Kung kaya sa makatwid ay inimplika ni J. Leonen na may sabit sa pangalan nung eng-eng na kor sa mata ng Saligang Batas!

Sa ikalawang tirada ni J. Leonen, pinuna nya ang position paper ng kor na hindi man lamang paginated!

Ngayon, mas naiintindihan ko na kung bakit hindi man lamang kami mabigyan ni dramatiko at emosyonal na xiao chua ng kopya[1] ng kanilang position paper[2]!

Ibig sabihin, hanggang sa ngayon ay nilalagyan pa nila ito ng bilang at numero!

Bwahahahahahahahaha!

Ngunit hindi ko ubos-maisip kung bakit pati sa Kataas-taasang Hukuman ay hindi din nila nilagyan ng bilang o numero ang kanilang petisyon o position paper!

Sumunod ay ini-highlight at inidiin ni J. Leonen yaong magaspang na pananalitang ginamit ng kor sa kanilang pagsasalarawa sa mga RTC’s ng Kamaynilaan!

Sa ulat si Tarra Quismundo ng Philippine Daily Inquirer, “SC grills anti-Torre de Manila lawyer: Why bypass lower courts?”, July 22:

“Leonen felt it was unfair of Jasarino to assume that the lower courts were “excruciatingly slow and inadequate,” saying: “Don’t you think this is unfair, asking the court to bypass all the lower courts?””

Napilitang humingi ng paumanhin ni eng-eng na “atty” daw sa harap ng Hukuman!
Bwahahahahahaha!

Sumunod ay nilecturan ni J. Leonen niya yung “atty” hinggil sa kaibahan ng remedy sa relief, easement of light and view at tumagos ang kanyang lektura sa civil procedure at doctrine of the hierarchy of the courts!

Ilang ulit na nabanggit na: The Supreme Court is not a trier of facts!

Tinalakay din ni J. Leonen yaong usapin ng: The Supreme Court is not the guardians of morality and the keepers of aesthetics (nagbiro pa siya at sinabing, tingnan mo nga kami?), but a Court of Law!

Pinakamaganda para sa aking paningin ang kanyang diskusyon hinggil sa kasaysayan! Itinanong niya ang mga sumusunod:

“What do we mean by the soul of the nation?”

“Is the monument the only sign of Rizal?

Panghuling nagsalita’t nagtanong ni J. Carpio (na tumayong Punong Hukom, sapagkat on-leave si Chief Justice Sereno) na tulad ni J. Leonen ay dinurog to the max si “atty” daw!

Ayon kay J. Carpio, The Supreme Court is not a trier of facts… You should have gone to the lower courts! You cannot reverse the process!

Ang usapin ng Kaluluwa ng Bansa

Sipiin nating muli ang ulat ng Philippine Daily Inquirer:

“Leonen also jettisoned the KoR’s claim that the Rizal monument was “the soul of the nation,” saying that it was not up to the court to commit this to jurisprudence.

““Is the monument the only sign of Rizal? It is not the monument that is the be-all of the narrative of Rizal,” Leonen said.

“He said the monument was “an important reminder, but it is not the only reminder.”
““We do not forget Rizal because of the view, we remember Rizal regardless of where the monument is,” Leonen said.

““For you to tell us the Rizal monument is the soul of the nation and that we should put that in jurisprudence, we cannot do that. It is tyrannical of the court to establish the narrative of the nation,” he said.”

Komentaryo:

Tumututol ang ilan sa ating mga kababayan sa istruktura o gusaling itinatayo na tanaw kung ikaw ay nasa harap ng rebulto ni Dr. Rizal sa Luneta.

Ang kanilang mga peg, este isyu o pagkontra o di pagsang-ayon sa bagay na ito ay ang mga sumusunod:

a. Kesyo, nabababoy daw ang imahe ng Pambansang Bayani kung sa pagtingin mo sa kanyang rebulto ay makikita sa likuran nito ang nasabing tore. Ito ay ang “pamoso” nilang taguring “pambansang photobomb”

b. Kesyo, ang gawa daw na ito ay isang pambabastos sa alaala at dangal ng “Pambansang Bayani”

c. Kesyo, hindi daw mabuti sa paningin ang masabing gusali, kung kaya ibig nilang (wasakin? gibain?) huwag ipagpatuloy ang konstruksyon ng nasabing istruktura.

Tugon:

Hindi ko talaga maintindihan ang ilan sa ating mga kababayan hinggil sa kanilang masidhing pagtutol sa nasabing tore!

Iniisip ko, hindi ko lamang alam kung naiisip din nila, ano ba ang higit na mahalaga at mapagpasya sa buhay at kultura at kaluluwa ng isang bansa; yaong punyetang tore na yon o yaong “bayani” na nasa unahan nung nasabing tore?

Paano ba tayo tumitingin sa isang bagay, paharap o patalikod? Paano ba tayo nagbibigay halaga o nagpapahalaga sa isang bagay?

Tayo ba ay nakatuon mismo doon sa bagay mismo na ating pinatutungkulan o tayo ay nakatingin doon sa mga walang kuwenta at walang mga kapararakang mga bagay na nakapalibot doon sa mismong bagay mismo daw na ating pinatutungkulan?

Tugon sa ikalawa

Kung nakakabastos ang nasabing gusali sa imahe ng nasabing bayani, kung gayon, bakit hindi din natin tanggalin ang lahat ng mga sabagal at panira sa mata at kabastuhan sa paligid at palibot ng rebulto ng Supremo ng Katipunan doon sa Divisoria at maging sa Monumento sa Caloocan?

Sila ay nagrereklamo para kay Dr. Rizal! Tanong? Bakit hindi din sila o tayong lahat magreklamo para kay Andres Bonifacio? O sila ba ay may favoritism din pagdating sa pagtingin sa mga Bayani?

Sumasang-ayon akong ganap sa mga pahayag ni kapatid na propesor Roland Macawili:

“Hinggil sa pagiging Soul of the Nation ng monumento ni Rizal. Walang kapatol-patol dito. Ang siste ay isang kamaliang historikal ang ipinamamandila ng ganitong pagtataguri. Una, ano ang naging batayan para manuot man lamang sa alintarakan ng mga nagtaguri na ang Monumento ni Rizal ang Soul of the Nation? Dahil ba ito ay monumento ng ‘Pambansang Bayani’? Tila nagsusubscribe sa depinisyon ni Anderson ng Nation bilang imagined communities. Pero ang tanong monopolyo lamang ba ito ng Monumento ni Rizal? Ang pagdudulot ng guni-guni na tayo ay nabibilang sa Nasyon?

“Pangalawa, tila may conceit rito. Implisitong uri ng ‘pagdidiyos’.[3]

“Pangatlo, patulan na ito. Pwede soul lamang ito ng Nation ng isang saray ng lipunang Pilipino – ang elit at petiburgis. Pero hindi nangangahulugan na soul din ito ng Bayan ng mas nakararami. Patulan na ngang soul ito, kapag ba may gusali sa likod nito e parang usok na nawawala na rin ang pagka-soul ng monumento? Hmmm..” (mensahe sa FB wall ni Dr. Salazar, July 24, 2015)

Muli, ang tanong: paano ba tayo tumitingin at pagpapahalaga sa ating mga bayani?[4]

Tugon sa ikatlo

Paano ba natin pinapahalagahan ang ating mga bayani?[5]

Ano ba ang ibig sabihin ng pagiging makabayan?[6]

Gaano po ba natin kakilala ang ating mga bayani?

Paano ba tayo nagbibigay sa kanila ng paglingap at pagpapahalaga?

Sa papaanong paraan o pamamaraan ba natin ipinapakita’t isinasabuhay ang pagsasaloob ng mga dakilang aral at buhay ng ating mga bayani?

Paano ba natin dinadakila ang kanilang mga pinaghirapan at pasakit? Paano ba tayo tumitingin, lumilingon at nagpapahalaga sa ating mga lumipas at kasaysayan bilang mga tao at mamamayan na nabubuhay sa panahong ito ng taong 2015?

Ano na ang antas ng ating sibilisasyon at kabihasnan mataos ng mga taong lumipas? Nasaan at ano na tayo sa ngayon???

Kongklusyon:

Hindi ang rebulto ni Rizal o ang kanyang Monumento ang magdedetermina ng ating pagiging makabansa.

Hindi ang monumento lamang ang magpapaunlad ng ating nasyonalismo!

Hindi ang kanyang estatwa ang kaluluwa ng bansang ito.

Tulad nga ng tinuran ni Hukom Leonen, tiranikal at hindi makatwiran para sa panig ng Kataas-taasang Hukuman na itala sa kanilang hatol at gayundin sa ating hurisprudensya na ang Monumento ni Rizal ang kaluluwa ng bansa.

Aniya, hindi din makatwiran na isulat ng Korte Suprema ang naratibo at/o kasaysayan ng kasaysayan ng bansa.

Kinikilala ng nasabing Hukom na ang bagay na ito ay tungkulin at obligasyon ng mga tunay na historyador at lehitimong mananalaysay ng bayan.

Makikita dito ang mataas na pagtingin at paggalang ng nasabing Hukom sa kakanyahan, angking talino’t husay ng ating mga mananalaysay upang pagpasyahan ang bagay na ito.

Naniniwala ako at lubha kong pinanghahawakan na “ang kaluluwa ng bansa ay matatagpuan at mararamdaman ng bawat isa na batid at alam sa kaloob-looban niya na siya ay Pilipino, sa iba pang mga nagawa at napapahalagahan ng Bayan — at ng buong mundo, tulad halimbawa ng “intangible” na pamanang idineklara ng UNESCO, ang “Hudhud”;” at iba pa.

Ang kaluluwa ng Bayan ay matatagpuan sa ating mga likas na kabutihang-loob at kultura na nagpapakita ng ating kolektibong pagkilos at pagdadamayan.

Ito ay maaapuhap, makikita’t matutunghayan sa ating balikatan, pagkakaisa at bayanihan.

Konkreto at perpektong halimbawa nito ang muli’t-muli nating pagpapakita ng lakas ng loob at pagtutulunagn bilang isang Tao at Pamayanan sa tuwing ang bansang ito ay humarahap sa delubyo, sakuna at mga unos, i.e. Super Bagyong Yolanda.

Naipakita natin sa buong mundo an gating kagitingan at tayo’y pinuri ng buong daigdig sa ating ipinakitang tapang, katatagan, pagtutulungan, pagdadamayan at pagkakaisa.

Naroon ang isa sa mga haligi ng Kaluluwa ng ating Bansa, alalaong baga’y ang pagkakaisang-loob, pagbibigkis at pagdadamayang-Bayan!!!!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Direktor

Kursong Andres Bonifacio at ang Kilusang Katipunan
University College

Unibersidad de Manila

[1] Sa akin pong pagkakatanda, isa ninyong “matapat” na mag-aaral at “wagas” na mananalaysay daw ng “bayan” ang nangako na kanyang ipapaskil ang kanilang petisyon, ng sa gayon ito ay makita at masuri at mabasa at maunawaan ng publiko! Ang kaso po, emosyonal, sensitibo, dramatiko at te-maarts pala yung nilalang na yaon ay sa halip na magpaskil ang ginawa ay naglunsad ng kilusang “burador” at samahang “blocking”! Ang akala yata ay kapag nagawa niya yaon ay tapos na ang usapin! Hindi niya naisip (kung nag-iisip man) na ang usapin ay hindi naman sa pagitan ng mga “KOR” o ng mga “Hari ni Bonifacio”, kundi ang kagalingang-pangmadla, kailinangang pambansa, ang usapin ng kabayanihan, batas, urban planning, obligations and contract, etc! Kung gayon po, magalang kong iminumungkahi kay kasamang Atty. Trixie na kung maaari ay baka mabigyan niya tayo ng kopya ng nasabing petisyon ng sa gayon ay makita natin kung ano ba talaga ang puntong legal at pangkasaysayan (kung meron man) ng mga epal at mga panatikong ito! Pagbati po sa lahat at Mabuhay! #MAYPAGASA!!!! (Mensahe kay Dr. Salazar, FB, July 10, 2015)

[2] Ama/Doc Zeus Salazar at kasamang Roland Abinal Macawili, tama si kapatid na Atty. Trixie, kailangan pa muna niyang humingi ng permiso mula sa kinatawan ng KOR upang mabigyan tayo ng petisyon ng nasabing samahan; ngunit pinanghahawakan ko na kung sila nga ay totoong makabayan, hindi na kailangang sila ay hingian ng permiso o paalam! Bakit? Una, ang kanilang petisyon ay bahagi na ngayong ng malaking usaping pang-bayan (hindi lamang simpleng usaping legal), ang nasabing kaso sa kabuuan ay kinatatampukan ng pampublikong interes at usapin ng kagalingang-pangmadla’t balana at panghuli, kung sa kanilang tingin ay mabuti at tama ang kanilang paninindigan at tindig sa isyu o usaping ito, hindi ba’t sila na mismo ang marapat at dapat na magpakalat sa buong bansa’t publiko ng kanilang petisyon? (Mensahe kina Doc Salazar at kapatid na Roland Macawili, FB, July 11, 2015)

[3] Ito ay pinaksa ng aming respektibong mga papeles na binasa namin sa katatapos lamang na Komperensya ng Bagong Kasaysayan sa Lungsod Roxas, sa lalawigan ng Capiz noong buwan ng Abril.

[4] Ang tunay na nasyonalismo ay ang mismong pagsasabuhay ng mga diwa, aral, prinsipyo, paniniwala at mga batayang pilosopiya ng ating mga bayani na kanilang ipinaglaban, pinagsakrispisyo at pinagpakamatayan!
Ang tunay na pagmamahal sa bayan ay literal na pagmamahal sa bayan, sukdulang ito ay umabot sa pagbububo natin ng ating mga dugo at pagbubuwis natin ng ating mga buhay!!!

Mula sa artikulo o blog ng may-akda na “Ang Pagpapatuloy ng Bulag na Pagdakila: si Jose Rizal, “Josie” at ang kagaguhan to the max ng ilan nating mga kababayan daw”, matatagpuan sa Human Rights Online Philippines, April 4,, 2015

[5] Ilang pilosopikal na ilustrasyon o halimbawa

a.ang usapin ng pagtanggap ng handog o regalo
Ano ba ang mahalaga, ang handog o regalo na ating natanggap o ang akto ng pagbibigay sa atin ng ating kapwa o mahal sa buhay ng nasabing regalo o handog?
(It is the thoughts that counts)
b. ang usapin ng angpao
Hindi ang laman ng angpao ang mahalaga, kundi yaong angpao mismo. Hindi yaong laman ng angpao o halaga sa loob nito ang mahalaga, kundi yaong mismong kinapapalooban nito.
(The distinction between value and mere appearance)
c. pag-ibig
Hindi ang gawi o proseso ng pagsasabi sa ating minamahal na mahal natin sila ang siyang pinakamahalaga, kundi yaong akto at gawa ng pagpapakamatay mismo ng isang mangingibig para sa ating sinisinta ang magpapatunay ng tunay na pag-ibig mismo.
(Actions speak louder than words)

[6] Ang pagiging nasyonalista (kung ano man ang kanilang ibig sabihin nito) ba ay nangangahulugan ng panatikong pagsamba sa mga rebulto ng “bayani”?
Nasyonalista ka ba kung chinuchupa’t sinasamba mo ang “rebulto” ng “bayani” mo?
Makabayan ka ba kung ikaw ay nagsusuot ng mga kaeng-engang mga kasusuotag, habang kayo ay parang mga baliw na nagtatanggol sa rebulto ng inyong “bayani”?
Ano ba ang higit na mahalaga: ang pagsamba’t pagtsupa doon sa rebulto ng isang “bayani” o yaong pagsasabuhay ng mga aral, diwa at prinsipyo noong nasabing “bayani” (daw)?
Are we, as a so-called nation merely reducing our concept of a ”hero” to a mere pile of fucking stones?
What if one day, finally those bloody bastard Chinese aggressors landed here and briefly occupied our country and the first thing that they did — is to bombed to dust and ashes, to bits and pieces that infamous monument, that “holy” statue — does it mean that the “hero’s” ideas, principles and beliefs were also reduced to dust and ashes?
Does it also mean that we lost the “soul of the nation”?
Does it also mean that we also lost our souls as Filipinos?
WHAT THE FUCK DO WE MEAN BY HEROES?

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] What’s short for murder? – Abbreviations of the Philippine civil society by Joonas Rundgren

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What’s short for murder? – Abbreviations of the Philippine civil society
by Joonas Rundgren
March 3, 2015

joonas blog

One of the first challenges I faced working in a Philippine human rights NGO was the working language. By this I don’t mean the often confusing mix of English and Tagalog, but the amount of abbreviations you can sometimes hear in just one sentence.

joonas

The first case I got involved with at TFDP I could’ve not understand a thing without knowing what are DENR, DAR and CARP, or in other words, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform and Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program. Not to feel like a complete idiot while just having an everyday conversation with someone from the Philippine NGO field, you also should be comfortable with acronyms for Department of Justice (DOJ), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of National Defence (DND), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and so on and so on.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

However, the very first strings of letters that got me confused were the ones next to the family names on the folders beside my desk – What are all these EJKs, ARDs and HARs?

Here is an explanation for what an EJK and an ARD/HAR can actually mean in real life.

Read full article @joonasrundgren.wordpress.com

Joonas is a 27-year-old walker-thinker-writer-lawyer from Finland now based in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] Ingat! Always wear you’re CAP! (Care, Access and Prevention) by Maria Fatima Villena

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Ingat! Always wear you’re CAP! (Care, Access and Prevention)
by Maria Fatima Villena, www.healthactivist.ph
February 22, 2015

IMG_7921

Caring enough to provide access to information that leads to the prevention of diseases, disabilities and deaths.

A Presentation at the 1st Philippine Health Care and Social Media Summit #hcsmPH (February 21, 2015, Radisson Hotel, Cebu City) organized by the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (PCHRD) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), HealthXPh.net, Health Informatics, Inc.

jofti photo

I shall be sharing with you the narrative of my Prezi presentation, thus, it would be in the script format, which I also have during my talk. Take note of the numbers in the narrative because they represent the slide number as shown in my actual Prezi presentation.

***********

1 TITLE

I titled my brief talk as “Ingat”, a popular catch phrase these days originally used in a paracetamol advertisement. Only that my talk will not be about popping a pill but rather donning on a CAP, a dose of Care, Access and Prevention!

2 ACCESS AND COMPLIANCE/INVOLVEMENT

What I would like to emphasize in social media and health promotion is this: Effectiveness of social media use in health promotion goes beyond what the spikes of your google analytics and/or the number of likes, followers, viewers and even readers tell you.

Because in reality, there are two faces that best describe the success of a social media campaign focused on health promotion or any other issue: 3 a) who has the access to information and b) the level of compliance and involvement of people after the information has been accessed.

Read full article @www.healthactivist.ph

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] The Death of a despotic bastard Tyrant of the Lowest Order by Jose Mario de Vega

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The Death of a despotic bastard Tyrant of the Lowest Order
by Jose Mario de Vega

I am extremely happy to hear last month the good news of the death (finally) of that despotic bastard tyrant, the so-called king of Saudi Arabia, whose in my view by virtue of his satanic conservative leadership is now known all over the world as the most barbaric and backward of all nations.

Mario De Vega

This is all because of that so-called king’s notorious barbarism, religious fanaticism, “double face standards” and despicable backwardness.

Yet, I am also extremely disgusted and appalled to the maximum level seeing and reading the plethora of praises and the massive eulogy generously given by various Western countries to that deceased so-called king of Saudi Arabia.

It is my firm view that those words of praises are not only misplaced and utterly undeserved but totally devoid of even an elementary logic.

How on earth could a reasonable man issue a statement hailing that bastard so-called king as a good man, when the whole international community knows that that monster freak has no sense whatsoever of even a basic knowledge of human rights and human dignity?

This is curse, this is a shame and this is indeed the heights not only of absurdity but incontestably of disgrace of the highest order ever!

That bastard so-called king has no right to receive those eulogies and those equally bastard so-called leaders of the Western capitalist and imperialist countries are lying to their very teeth and to the whole world — in saying, expressing and writing about those super fake and supra illegitimate words of condolences.

Consider the words of Mr. Obama (who in my view is another bastard just like his so-called fucking king):

“It is with deep respect that I express my personal condolences and the sympathies of the American people to the family of King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz and to the people of Saudi Arabia.

“King Abdullah’s life spanned from before the birth of modern Saudi Arabia through its emergence as a critical force within the global economy and a leader among Arab and Islamic nations. He took bold steps in advancing the Arab Peace Initiative, an endeavor that will outlive him as an enduring contribution to the search for peace in the region. At home, King Abdullah’s vision was dedicated to the education of his people and to greater engagement with the world.

“As our countries worked together to confront many challenges, I always valued King Abdullah’s perspective and appreciated our genuine and warm friendship. As a leader, he was always candid and had the courage of his convictions. One of those convictions was his steadfast and passionate belief in the importance of the U.S.-Saudi relationship as a force for stability and security in the Middle East and beyond. The closeness and strength of the partnership between our two countries is part of King Abdullah’s legacy.”

This is a shame and a mockery!

What fucking “legacy” this idiot is talking about? Is it the “legacy” of beheading? Is it the “legacy” of keeping his people ignorant, backward and conservative? Or it is the world-famous “legacy” of prohibiting women from driving? Or probably, it is the “legacy” of flogging that poor blogger thousands of lashes? Is that it?

This is outrageous to the maximum!!!

How could the President of the so-called “Land of the Brave and the Free” have uttered those words in reference to that bastard bloody tyrant?

Had he forgotten that 15 of the 19 hijackers of a plane during the 9/11 terrorist attack came from KSA?

Didn’t he know that KSA besides being their so-called ally on their so-called “War on Terror” is also the number one financier of the different Islamic radical fanatical terrorist movement?

Is that the stability and the security that he is talking about? How come up to now, they do not want to release the whole and unedited report of the 9/11 Commission? Why the hell they are afraid or adamant to declassify the said dossier?

Is it part of the fucking “legacy” too?

The Opportunism and Hypocrisy of US imperialism

The world saw how the US government and their bastard allies viewed that evil tyrant; now consider Obama’s statement with regard to the death of the Venezuelan revolutionary leader, President Hugo Chavez:

“At this challenging time of President Hugo Chavez’s passing, the United States reaffirms its support for the Venezuelan people and its interest in developing a constructive relationship with the Venezuelan government. As Venezuela begins a new chapter in its history, the United States remains committed to policies that promote democratic principles, the rule of law, and respect for human rights.”

I am wondering what are those policies that he said that they are committed that allegedly promote democratic principles?

Is he referring to the “War on Terror”?

Is it their hardcore and blind support to Israel’s extermination and genocide of the Palestinian people?

The continuous government attack on the Occupy Movement?

What rule of law? Is their ally, Saudi Arabia has it?

Respect for human rights? Has Saudi Arabia has the slightest idea or even the most basic knowledge of what human rights are?

Took closely at the double speak of this bloody waning empire: a bastard notorious tyrant died and they admire him; while a genuine revolutionary died and they are portraying him as if he is a counter-revolutionary and anti-people!

What a shame!!!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Unibersidad de Manila

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] The Paris Shooting: Barbarism, Terrorism and Hypocrisy by Jose Mario De Vega

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The Paris Shooting: Barbarism, Terrorism and Hypocrisy
by Jose Mario De Vega

I joined the international community and the world in general in condemning to the highest possible extent and gravest degree the arbitrarily and heartless criminal and terroristic act committed by some bloody bastard freaks against the journalists (and two policemen) of the Paris-based satire publication Charlie Hebdo.

Mario De Vega

My heart and thoughts goes to all the victims and their grieving families of this horrendous and gruesome act of inhumanity, barbarism, terrorism!

Further, it is my fervent view that the said criminal act is an act of cowardice and idiocy of the highest order!

Needless to state, though those murderers managed to kill some staff and employees of the said magazine, I doubt if their idiotic action has achieved anything at all. They are dead wrong if they thought that their violence, their barbarism, their bullets will stop those satirists from further doing what they are doing.

History has shown that both the sword and the bullet (and the bombs) are useless and powerless in the face of the pen, which according to the saying is the mightiest sword ever invented and used by any protagonist and partisans.

Threats, violence and even death will not stop a free and questioning mind!

The perpetrators of this gruesome attack are evil creatures.

I hold those mindless and heartless killers as bastard freaks and bloody terrorists, not as Muslims or Blacks or foreigners.

Their crime has nothing to do with the so-called religion that they professed to have and fanatically proclaimed.

It is my fervent view that our focus and debate should not be on the religion of these terrorists, but rather on their idiocy, barbarism and inhumanity.

Their religion has nothing to do with their barbaric act.

As a former expatriate, a humanist and an atheist who has lived in Muslim-majority country, I was always treated with respect and open hospitality; that is despite the fact that they perfectly knew of my atheism. It appalled me and I find it so tragic that people or rather creatures with no real exposure to Islam can be so hateful of something they know nothing about. To reiterate, those bastard mass murderers are not Muslims, they are criminals and terrorists. That’s it!

Now, we should unite in our grief to stand against terrorism, otherwise we are letting the terrorists succeed.

Let me explain:

One of the victims, Ahmed Merabet, a policeman who was shot mercilessly by the terrorists, according to the reports is a Muslim of Algerian descent.

But for me, he is not a French police officer of Algerian descent neither he is a Muslim because the truth and the fact is that that brave man is a decent and kind human being.

The same is true of the hero of the Kosher grocery, Lassana Bathily. He is not a black man, he is not from Mali and he is also not a Muslim. For the truth is: he is a good and a courageous human being from the human community.

These two men has shown the world that goodness and being a good human being does not come from race, religion, ethnicity, etc. but from the greatness of their character.

They did the right thing not because they are black or white or because they are French or Algerian or that they have a religion or not, but rather they did what they did because it is the right thing to do regardless of the consequences.

In the words of Kevin Dolgin:

“I am French and American, but today I don’t want to be labeled as anything except human being. Everything else is incidental. This is a central—perhaps the central—tenet of humanism, and it is what caricature so eloquently illuminates. It can seem puerile to show some priest, prophet, or politician farting, but fundamentally what that does is to take the sacred, more-than-human figure and reduce it to what it really is: a human being, no more, no less. Ideologies elevate their leaders and gurus to superhuman status while reducing those outside the fold to subhuman status and so justify violence. Humanism makes this impossible—we are all just members of the same species, equal. It is the basis of our morality.

“As we polemicize and debate, don’t forget that the cartoonists of Charlie Hebdo were fighting for humanism in a way that was probably much, much more effective than anything any of us were doing—certainly more than anything I was doing. For years they knew they were in danger of losing their lives, and they did it anyway.

“I suggest the following: Laugh. Make fun of the enemies of humanism and thus the enemies of humanity. And help those who do laugh out loud.”

The marginalization, exploitation and isolation of the Muslims

I agree that majority of the Western powers and societies violate the rights of their Muslim minority, that they suffered discrimination, marginalization, exploitation, isolation, etc.

I also agree that the (continuing) actions of the Western powers, so as their allies, such as the invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan, the drone wars in Pakistan, Yemen, their meddling in the affairs of Syria, their hypocrisy and super double standards with regard to the Palestinian question and their super bias stand when it comes to the defense of bastard Israel, etc. has radicalized some of the Muslims today.

The continuing genocide being committed by Israel everyday against the Palestinian people has made the Muslim and Arab world rage and restless.

To quote the words of Chris Hedges:

“It is dangerous to ignore this rage. But it is even more dangerous to refuse to examine and understand its origins. It did not arise from the Quran or Islam. It arose from mass despair, from palpable conditions of poverty, along with the West’s imperial violence, capitalist exploitation and hubris. As the resources of the world diminish, especially with the onslaught of climate change, the message we send to the unfortunate of the earth is stark and unequivocal: We have everything and if you try to take anything away from us we will kill you. The message the dispossessed send back is also stark and unequivocal. It was delivered in Paris.”

Yet, though I agree with them on their/our hate and disgust of US imperialism and their bastard allies, I disagree with their terroristic act.

Fighting imperialism and discrimination using terrorism is also barbarism!

The Question of Freedom of Expression

As a Humanist and a son of the Enlightenment, it is my firm view that freedom of expression is one of the most basic of all human rights.

The Enlightenment is “a philosophical movement of the 1700s that emphasized the use of reason to scrutinize previously accepted doctrines and traditions and that brought about many humanitarian reforms.”

One of its lasting legacy and principle is the freedom of thought and the freedom of expression.

Though, said freedom was born in the West, it did not stop some Western countries, primordially the US from curtailing the said freedom especially if it blocks or advance their political agenda.

In the critical words of Corey Oakley:

“For the last decade and a half the United States, backed to varying degrees by the governments of other Western countries, has rained violence and destruction on the Arab and Muslim world with a ferocity that has few parallels in the history of modern warfare.

“It was not pencils and pens – let alone ideas – that left Iraq, Gaza and Afghanistan shattered and hundreds of thousands of human beings dead. Not twelve. Hundreds of thousands. All with stories, with lives, with families. Tens of millions who have lost friends, family, homes and watched their country be torn apart.

“To the victims of military occupation; to the people in the houses that bore the brunt of “shock and awe” bombing in Iraq; to those whose bodies were disfigured by white phosphorous and depleted uranium; to the parents of children who disappeared into the torture cells of Abu Ghraib; to all of them – what but cruel mockery is the contention that Western “civilisation” fights its wars with the pen and not the sword?

“And that is only to concern ourselves with the latest round of atrocities. It is not even to consider the century or more of Western colonial policies that through blood and iron have consigned all but a tiny few among the population of the Arab world to poverty and hopelessness.

“It is not to even mention the brutal rule of French colonialism in Algeria, and its preparedness to murder hundreds of thousands of Algerians and even hundreds of French-Algerian citizens in its efforts to maintain the remnants of empire. It is leaving aside the ongoing poverty, ghettoisation and persecution endured by the Muslim population of France, which is mostly of Algerian origin.

“The history of the West’s relationship with the Muslim world – a history of colonialism and imperialism, of occupation, subjugation and war – cries out in protest against the quaint idea that
“Western values” entail a rejection of violence and terror as political tools.

“Of course the pen has played its role as well. The pens that signed the endless Patriot Acts, anti-terror laws and other bills that entrenched police harassment and curtailed civil rights. The pens of the newspaper editorialists who whip up round after round of hysteria, entrenching anti-Muslim prejudice and making people foreigners in their own country. But the pens of newspaper editors were strong not by virtue of their wit or reason, but insofar as they were servants of the powerful and their guns.

“Consideration of this context not only exposes the hypocrisy of those who create the narrative of an enlightened West defending freedom of speech, it also points to the predictability and inevitability of horrific acts of terrorism in response. Of course we will never know what was going through the minds of the three men who carried out this latest atrocity. But it is the height of ahistorical philistinism to ignore the context – both recent and longstanding – in which these attacks took place.”

Let me be clear that what I am defending here is the Enlightenment principle of the freedom of expression of the 17th century, not the so-called freedom of expression of the imperial, decadent West of today.

Hence, it is my view that both the government (whether they belong in the West, the East or anywhere; whether they are democratic or not, de facto or de jure, legitimate or not, monarchial or otherwise, capitalist or socialist, etc.) and the terrorists has no right to attack, to curtain or limit the freedom of expression.

In the same vein, no class or group of persons or race or ethnicity or religious people (whatever or whoever they are) has the right to demand to be free from mockery, satire, criticism, parody, etc.

Freedom of expression simply means the right to offend.

A Call to Humanity

To some Western governments: don’t act as if you are concern in protecting journalists and defending the freedom of speech and expression. The whole world knows your hypocrisy and double standards.

To some of our Muslim brothers and sisters: please don’t be so sensitive and naïve. If your faith to your religious belief is strong and indomitable, then there is no amount of satire and parody that can shake your faith.

I also know that the West are violating your rights and dignity, but don’t act the way they act. Let us fight them in a reasonable manner. It doesn’t mean that because they are terrorizing us, we must also terrorize them. Then, end of the day, we are both terrorists and they will succeed in branding you/us are the terrorists, even though, ironically the whole world knows who the real and ultimate terrorists are!

We must at all cost always assume the moral high ground, no matter how hard it is!

To the bloody bastard terrorists (Some Western governments and the fanatics): your violence, bombs, bullets and guns will not stop the pen from writing against you. Our pen is mightier than your sword!

To Humanity: let us all join together and unite as One to stop this madness, what Gilbert Arhcar called as the “clash of barbarism”.

We must all fight and struggle for All Humanity!

The Hypocrisy of the World Leader’s March

I applaud the people of the world in coming into the open in defense of the freedom of expression and forge solidarity to the whole of Humanity, but I cannot help but wonder, why the hell they allow some bastard immoral and evil men to join the same and hence leads to bastardization a great world event?

What the hell is the moral right of Benjamin Netanhayu to join the world march in Paris? When the whole world knows that that son of a bitch is a mass murderer?

Further, why it is that the picture of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel was omitted or according to some reports, photo shopped?

Is it because she is a woman and “it is a man’s world”?

This is a shame!

Question:

Where the hell is this so-called world leader’s march when Israel is wiping out, destroying to the ground Gaza and the satanic IDF are killing tens of thousands of the Palestinian people?

I weep for all those people that died in Paris, but if I may ask, is the world also crying for those thousands of people who died and still dying in Palestine?

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Unibersidad de Manila

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] What should be in PNoy’s Bucket List? by Darwin Mendiola

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[Reflection] What should be in PNoy’s Bucket List?.
by Darwin Mendiola, CARPE DIEM

Happy 2015 to everyone!

I believe this New Year gives all of us a resurgence of hope and energy towards the possibility for change.

As a tradition, some people used to make a New Year’s resolution to make a promise to do an act of self-improvement or something significant for the new year.

Darwin 2

I am not really into making New Year’s Resolution. The closest I get is just to come up with a to-do list everyday. Not that I don’t live my days before by fulfilling my personal goals and plans, and that I was just caught up in a flurry of day-to-day activities. However, as my work and personal interest involve advocating for human rights, I feel the need to commit myself more to blog about human rights this year.

That’s why I have prepared a bucket list not for myself but to the Philippine government to remind them how important human rights issues are that need to be immediately addressed.

Here are the 10 wishes in my Bucket List on Human Rights for President Benigno Aquino III (PNoy) to act this year 2015:

Read full article @dars0357.wordpress.com

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Featured post] Bonifacio, indeed, Ang Unang Pangulo by Angelica Carballo

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Bonifacio, indeed, Ang Unang Pangulo by Angelica Carballo

Vote for this article for the 5th HR Pinduteros’ choice awards…

Finally, after days of planning and scheming how to get an extra nanny to help us babysit the kids (Leica, Boris, and Boni), my mother came over last Sunday so Buck and I wasted no time and went to Greenhills pronto to watch Bonifacio: Ang Unang Pangulo. Here’s our take on the film.

featured post

The movie was almost what we need to relive and finally give justice to a great hero. It was almost epic, it almost achieved greatness, it almost justified Andres Bonifacio. Almost.

There are many high points. Robin Padilla is the perfect Andres Bonifacio, given his real-life grit and passion, his flame and fervor which gave his portrayal a flavor you can almost taste. I like it that he was not insecure about his scars, and a true revolutionary is proud of his scars. The problem is the director and the script.

Teka, high points muna: My personal favorite was the Tejeros Convention. I almost cheered when Robin/Andres stood up and challenged the frightened Tirona to a duel. I wished he pulled that trigger on Tirona’s head. Yes, Robin was effective in that scene.

High point: from a feminist perspective, Vina’s Oryang deserves accolades. Out of all the Bonifacio movies I’ve watched, this movie gave her the depiction she rightfully deserves: Oryang was not just  Andres’ wife, Oryang was a partner that equals his courage, leadership, and vision for a free and better country. Vina also grew as an actress, and I never anticipated that I will like her in this movie. At some point, Vina’s portrayal of Oryang made me want to be like her. This is one of the movie’s victory, and dito pa lang, sulit ang pinambili ko ng ticket.

Read full article @akcarballo.wordpress.com

via Bonifacio, indeed, Ang Unang Pangulo.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] The Mockery and Barbarism of Iran’s “Judiciary” by Jose Mario De Vega

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The Mockery and Barbarism of Iran’s “Judiciary”
by Jose Mario De Vega

I refer to “Iran: Death Sentence for Facebook Posts”, the Human Rights Watch, December 2nd with regard to the “imminent risk of execution” of a 30-year-old man for “insulting the prophet”.

Mario De Vega

I concur with the Human Rights Watch’s position that “Iran’s judiciary should vacate the death sentence of a 30-year-old man who faces imminent execution for Facebook posts linked to his account.”

Eric Goldstein, the deputy Middle East and North Africa director said that:

“It is simply shocking that anyone should face the gallows simply because of Internet postings that are deemed to be crude, offensive, or insulting…”

“Iran should urgently revise its penal code to eliminate provisions that criminalize peaceful free expression, especially when they punish its exercise with death.”

As narrated by the said report:

“On November 24, 2014, Iran’s Supreme Court upheld a criminal court ruling sentencing Soheil Arabi to hang. The court transferred his file to the judiciary’s implementation unit, opening the way for his execution.

“A Tehran criminal court had convicted him in August of sabb al-nabbi, or “insulting the prophet,” referring to the Prophet Muhammad, which carries the death penalty. Arabi’s legal team has asked the judiciary to suspend the death sentence and review the case.

“Nastaran Naimi, Arabi’s wife, told Human Rights Watch that intelligence agents linked with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards arrested her and her husband at their home in Tehran in November 2013. They soon released her but transferred her husband to a special section of Evin prison that the Revolutionary Guards control, where they kept him in solitary confinement for two months, subjected him to long interrogation sessions, and prevented him from meeting his lawyer, she said. They later transferred Arabi to Ward 350 of Evin prison.”

Commentaries:

Did the so-called “supreme court” put into consideration the vital fact that the accused were kept in solitary confinement?

Putting or placing a detainee in solitary confinement is not allowed under international law.
Such practice is a grave violation of the International Declaration of Human Rights and the United Nations Convention against Torture.

I say that it is a violation of the Convention against torture, because isolating an individual detainee from the rest is a form of mental and psychological torture.

Worst, the bastard Iranian so-called Revolutionary Guards did so, in two brutal months.

Is the so-called court aware that the accused were subjected to long interrogation sessions?

Is the so-called court has any idea that besides the fact that the accused were placed in solitary confinement, subjected to long interrogation hours, he was also deliberately denied seeing and conferring with his lawyer?

All of these acts are violations of the constitutional, civil and international rights of the accused.

Base on all these violations to the rights of Arabi, he, as a matter of right is entitle to an acquittal!

Yet, the bloody idiotic and bastard court, instead of doing that not only affirmed the judgment of the lower court, worst it even inserted another offense or crime to the prejudice of Arabi.

Grave Abuse of Discretion

Vahid Moshkhani, the lawyer of Arabi, told Human Rights Watch “that instead of upholding or overruling the lower court verdict, the Supreme Court unlawfully added the charge of efsad-e fel arz, or “sowing corruption of earth,” to Arabi’s case. In addition to carrying a possible death sentence, the charge also forecloses the possibility of amnesty, he said.”

Commentaries:

It is a basic principle in criminal law, in all judicial trials, wherein said jurisdiction subscribe to the universal standard of justice and equity that a court which call itself a supreme court can only affirm or deny the judgment or ruling made by a lower court.

Said superior court, if it is truly fair and conforms to the international practice has no power whatsoever to change or modify or add up the allegation or the charge originally subject of the indictment to the prejudice of the accused.

Further, it has also no power to increase the penalty or punishment.

To illustrate:

If A were charged originally for the crime of acts of lasciviousness (example: touching the breast of a woman by-stander), he on appeal cannot be charge by the higher court by the crime of rape.

Acts of lasciviousness is a lesser offense, while rape is a capital crime.

It is a well-entrenched rule in criminal law that the accused is only mandated to answer or reply to the allegation as stated or stipulated in the original complaint.

To answer another charge or accusation not included in the original complaint will be a violation of the constitutional right of the accused to know the nature and the cause of the accusation against him or her.

The bias and incompetence of the so-called supreme court of Iran

Moshkani, Arabi’s defense counsel said that the Supreme Court “rejected his client’s defense that he had not written many of the Facebook posts and that he was merely sharing others’ views on the social media site.”

The question here is:

Is the mere act of sharing others’ views on the social media site enough for the authorities to arrest this man and charged him of “insulting the prophet”?

What kind of fucking “law” is this?

However, Iran does have that fucking “law”!

Article 263 of the revised Islamic Penal Code expressly “provides that a person who “insults the Prophet” while drunk or by quoting others, among other acts, will be subjected to 74 lashes and not sentenced to death.”

Nonetheless, when the lower court handed its judgment, which was reviewed by the Human Rights Watch, said court “relied on Arabi’s confessions and “available images and printouts” attributed to his Facebook page, and concluded that his actions “constitute clear proof” that he insulted the Prophet Muhammad and should be sentenced to death.”

Commentaries:

This is outrageous!

Art. 263 is clearly a blasphemy law which has no right to exist in any democratic and modern criminal statutes.

In the words of Robert Green Ingersoll:

“All laws defining and punishing blasphemy were passed by impudent bigots, and should be at once repealed by honest men.

“An infinite God ought to be able to protect himself, without going in partnership with State Legislatures.”

The Question of “sowing corruption of earth”

Comment/Question:

What the fuck is that?

It is a basic rule in law, specifically in Statutory Construction that if a law is so vague and so bloody ambiguous, that law carries no force or effect whatsoever for being so pervasive and plenary.

The Iranian authorities instead of sentencing Arabi to death should have acquitted or at least discharged him!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy and Social Science lecturer
Unibersidad de Manila

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

Human Rights Online Philippines does not hold copyright over these materials. Author/s and original source/s of information are retained including the URL contained within the tagline and byline of the articles, news information, photos etc.

[Blog] Yes, it is good to be online. But we can still do it better offline -HRonlinePH.com

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Yes, it is good to be online. But we can still do it better offline

Presented during the 4th HR Pinduteros Choice Awards night, December 1, 2014, Conspiracy Bar and Garden Cafe.

I BELIEVE we have all acknowledged that the internet plays a crucial tactical role in advancing our advocacies.

We are in fact dazzled by the viral hype surrounding our online campaign and that of others.

Photo by Take back The Tech

Photo by Take back The Tech


It is really good to look at the metrics and see how it is shooting up with all the hits, likes and comments we are receiving. The analytics has its own value to show us our own trends.

But the question remains to be answered is this: Are we really faring up in the battle of information? Or is internet organizing our only means to reach out a wider population or even our own families, friends and networks? Do we really believe that in one click of the mouse, we can spark a social revolution?

Lest we forget as history attests that social change is always improbable, unpredictable, and sometimes spontaneous.

Only real-life action is the only way to achieve a genuine social transformation. Clicking a link can never replace our voice in the streets. Nor can we rely on social media alone to get people off their screens.

Yes, it is good to be online. But we can still do it better offline.
To inform, to inspire and to mobilize people for change virtually can never outdo the way we do it in an interfaced and personal way.

We are human beings after all with all the potentials to change and to change the world.

Presented by Darwin Mendiola, member of the HRonlinePH.com team

[Blog] 10 Human Rights Issues ng 2014 –No. 10 Climate Justice Campaign, Yolanda, Rehabilitation etc. -Mokong Perspektib

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10 Human Rights Issues ng 2014 –No. 10 Climate Justice Campaign, Yolanda, Rehabilitation etc..

10 HR issue 2014 copyMakikiuso lang ang inyong mokong na lingkod sa paglalabas ng mala-year-ender post. Sinubukan kong i-wrap-up ang mga kaganapan ng buong taon. Isang #Throwback series ng mga isyu ng nagdaang taon batay sa hits na tinanggap mula sa mga mambabasa ng HRonlinePH.com.

profile copy

Nitong nakaraang ika-1 ng Disyembre ay pinarangalan ang mga pinakatinangkilik na kampanya na inilathala sa HRonlinePH.com sa pamamagitan ika-apat na “Human Rights Pinduteros Choice Awards” na ginanap sa Conspiracy Bar and Garden Café sa Quezon City.

Bagamat pinutakti ng napakaraming isyu ang 2014, ang ating pagtutuunan ng pansin ay ang 10 lamang na ang batayan ay ang hits na nakuha sa HRonlinePH.com stats ng wordpress. At tumatalakay sa human rights.

No.10- Climate Justice Campaign, Yolanda, Rehabilitation etc.

Hindi nakamove-on ang isang ito na nuong 2013 pa ay sing-init na ng bulkang Mayon na parang anumang oras ay puputok. Hustisya sa Klima-karapatang pantao.

Niyanig ang ating bansa ni Yolanda, kaya naman maging ang lahat ng isyu ay dumulo sa huling buwan ng 2013 sa panawagan para sa hustisya at tulong para sa laksa-laksang nabiktima.

Read full article @mokongperspektib.wordpress.com

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[Blog] TEN FACTS that People should know about LGBTQ and Hate Crime in the Philippines By Darwin Mendiola

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TEN FACTS that People should know about LGBTQ and Hate Crime in the Philippines
By Darwin Mendiola
Visit dars0357.wordpress.com
The recent murder of a 26 year old Filipino transgender woman named Jennifer Laude by a U.S. Marine once again ignited public protest and renewed a call for wider recognition and better protection of the rights of lesbians, gays, bisexuals, trans-genders and queers in the Philippines.

Darwin 2

As a human rights advocate, I firmly stand on the spirit and letter of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that recognizes that (Article 1) “all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights” and that (Article 2) “everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms without discrimination.”

I wrote this article not to get into the nitty-gritty of the case but to simply share these important facts about LGBTQ and Hate Crime for the information of everyone.

This is a product of online research and not solely of my opinion.

But I strongly believe that sharing these Ten Facts that People should know about LGBTQ and Hate Crime can contribute to further promotion and protection of human rights.

#1 According to 2011 study of the United Nations, LGBTQ people are becoming increasingly vulnerable to crimes because of their sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI).
This first ever United Nations report on the human rights of LGBTQ people provides details on how around the world people are continuously being discriminated and have endured hate-motivated violence, because of their real or perceived sexual orientation or gender identity. The report identifies homophobia, biphobia and transphobia as the major motivations for hate crimes against LGBT people.

Reference: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/19session/A.HRC.19.41_English.pdf

#2 Still, 76 plus countries around the world considered homosexuality illegal.
According to the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA), there are at least 99 people around the world who are currently in prison for allegedly violating laws that punish those who are born gay, lesbian or bisexual. While at least 148 other people are awaiting trial on charges related to homosexuality.

Reference: http://76crimes.com/76-countries-where-homosexuality-is-illegal/

#3 As a response to the alarming global situation, the United Nations Human Rights Council has passed this year a landmark resolution condemning violence and discrimination against LGBTQ people.
The resolution states that the world needs to take a fundamental step forward by reaffirming one of the Human Rights’ key principles – that is everyone is equal in dignity and rights. It encourages all UN states-members to take necessary legal, legislative and judicial measures to address human rights violations against LGBTQ.

Reference: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/09/26/un-human-rights-council-passes-landmark-lgbt-rights-resolution/

#4 Even the Catholic Church is now considering reviewing its conservative stance on homosexuality as Pope Francis called on the Church to welcome gays and lesbians in the community, who “must be accepted with respect, compassion and sensitivity.”

Pope Francis reiterated this call on the Church during the Catholic Synod or the meeting of All Bishops to tackle a number of controversial issues facing the Catholic Church, including how to respond to changing families and how to better communicate Catholic doctrine. Pope Francis’s famous “Who am I to judge?” position has made him the “Man of the Year 2014” for LGBTQ.

Reference: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-29677779

#5 The United States of America is one of the countries that recognizes and addresses the issue of Hate Crimes.
President Barack Obama signed in 2009 the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which expands the existing United States federal hate crime law to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability. In fact, the first hate crime laws in the United States were passed after the American Civil War, beginning with the Civil Rights Act of 1871, to combat the growing number of racially motivated crimes.

Reference: http://www.bilerico.com/2009/10/obama_signs_matthew_shepardjames_byrd_hate_crimes.php

#6 In the Philippines, a study backed by the UN has found that LGBTQ people have become more accepted in the Philippines.

The Filipino public seems to take a rather an open and tolerable view of the gay community, at least judging from popular media and the widespread use of gay lingo. But according to Ladlad, one of the LGBTQ groups in the Philippines. discrimination against LGBTQ still persists and they are becoming increasingly vulnerable to hate crimes. The UN study found hate crimes remained a big threat among the LGBTQ community in the Philippines. It cited that there were at least 28 LGBT people reported killings killed in the first half of 2011.

Reference: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/05/12/un-study-finds-gays-increasingly-accepted-in-phillipines-but-hate-crimes-remain-a-threat

#7 The Commission on Human Rights performs a function of a Gender Ombud.
The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) announced in 2013 that the Commission will look into cases of hate crimes against Lesbians, Gays, Bisexuals, and Transgenders (LGBTs) across the country which hopefully lead to a better prosecution and investigation of hate crimes.

Reference: http://www.rappler.com/nation/35553-chr-document-hate-crimes-lgbts

#8 Hate Crime is not yet a distinct crime in the Philippines.

LGBTQ groups claimed that violence against LGBTQ people is not treated as a hate crime. There is no specific mechanism that helps identify hate crime victims or makes use of the sexual orientation and gender identity of the person as the aggravating circumstance for the commission of the crime. It is not even investigated as such and just merely considered as a common crime against any person and/ or property. LGBTQ groups lament the absence of an anti-Hate Crime law in the Philippines. The fact that there are no basic figures and statistics on Hate Crimes shows that the government has not considered as such in past years.

References: https://ph.news.yahoo.com/blogs/the-inbox/lgbt-hate-crimes-rise-024938543.html

#9 Just recently, Sen. Bam Aquino filed the Senate Bill No. 2122 or the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014, which seeks to combat discrimination of any forms. The bill seeks to prohibit and penalize discrimination on the basis of ethnicity, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, civil status, HIV status and other medical condition, among others. Among the acts that will be prohibited are inflicting stigma; denial of political civil, and cultural rights; denial of right to education such as refusal to admit or expulsion and imposition of sanctions or penalties; denial of right to work; denial of access to goods and services; denial of right to organize; inflicting hard on health and well-being; engaging in profiling; abuses by state and non-state actors; and detention and confinement. Under the bill, any act of discrimination shall be fined from P100,000 to P500,000 and an imprisonment of up to 12 years. A similar bill was filed by Rep. Teddy Casino of Bayan Muna, last June 26 which aimed to pioneer a House probe on the growing numbers of hate crimes in the country.

Reference: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/383705/news/nation/stiffer-penalties-for-hate-crimes-vs-lgbts-pushed-after-transgender-s-killing

#10 Quezon City, Philippines’ largest city has approved ordinance that bans anti-gay discrimination.
The ordinance is the first of its kind in the Philippines expands the 2003 City Resolution which only centered on discrimination of homosexuals in terms of employment.

The new city-wide ordinance makes it mandatory to educate employers and educators around the city on the rights of LGBTQ.

It prohibits and provides sanctions on any violations of LGBTQ’s rights on equal access to job opportunities, delivery of goods or services, insurance, and accommodation in Quezon City.

Under the new ordinance, establishments will be directed to designate a comfort room that can be used by all genders, regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity or expression.

Reference: http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/10/02/philippines-quezon-city-passes-law-banning-anti-gay-discrimination/

While immediate focus should be on resolving the significant rise of alleged Hate Crime, much attention should also be given to any forms of discrimination against LGBTQ community.

Though, crime prevention is primary a government’s responsibility, prevention of any forms of discrimination is everyone’s business. It is about time for all of us to get out of the jury box with all our biases and prejudices. It must begin from us. For all we know recognition comes respect and respect begets responsibility which entails accountability.

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[Blog] Turkey’s attack on Secularism By Jose Mario De Vega

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Turkey’s attack on Secularism

I refer to “Turkey imposes ban on piercings, tattoos in all schools” by RT Question More, September 28, 2014.

According to the said report:

“Turkey’s government has banned all school pupils nationwide from having tattoos or body piercings in a new dress code deemed oppressive and unenforceable, according to the law’s critics.

“While tattoos are not widespread among older generations, they have seen a surge in popularity amongst the young and secular sectors of society.

“The measure, imposed by the government and published in the Official Gazette on Saturday, also prohibited a number of other things such as dyeing hair, wearing makeup and moustaches and beards for boys, according to local media reports.”

Said government measure means that “students could be punished through reprimands, suspension or expulsion.” However, “if a student fails to get a tattoo removed the punishment is not yet clear.”

Mario De Vega

Commentaries:

I condemn this latest attack by Turkey’s powers that be on the secular fabric of their society. Previous to this, a measure was set that permitted the wearing of “Muslim headscarves in schools.”

I overwhelmingly concur with the critics of the government on their denunciation that these twin set of measures is undeniably “corrosive of Turkey’s secular ideals.”

Indeed, there is a reasonable ground to believe that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s “recent moves constitute steps towards the Islamisation of the country.”

I would to ask, what the hell is wrong with dyeing one’s hair? What the hell is wrong with wearing makeup? What is the problem with moustaches and beards for boys?

What the hell is the point or the purpose behind all of these measures and prohibition?

I have nothing against Islam, but if Turkey is true to what it proclaimed and says to the world that it is a secular country, then they must not only observe, but respect the vital principles of secularism and democracy.

On the Question of the Muslim headscarves in schools

The government has no right to impose to the student to wear the headscarves in school, in the same vein that the same government has no right to ban the same.

To impose to the people what the hell are they going to dress is a violation of their rights, in the same vein that to ban or to restrict what they intend to sport on or wear will also negate and impinge on their human rights!

If the people want to wear the veil, then so be it.

If the people did not want to wear the same, then let it be also, but to impose otherwise or to ban whatever they want is not within the power of the government that calls itself secular and democratic.

My view on this whole controversy is this: those women (whether they are Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jew, etc.) who wants to wear that veil (or whatever headdress), then let them do so, so long as no one is forcing them to do so!

In the same vein, those women do not want to wear that (whatever headdress is that), then so be it. Again, so long, as long it is their will and no one is forcing or compelling them not to do so
It is my firm belief that the government has no right to legislate and regulate how the hell should or must women dress up!

The government does not own them, but rather they owned the government and so as their bodies!

The government exists to protect the rights of the people, not to trample and violate those rights, because the very moment the government does so, it loses it reason behind its existence!

On the Question of those people who says: Leave Turkey Alone

Answer: if Turkey truly wants to be a legitimate member of the international community, then they have to somehow follow and conform to the universal standard of norms and civilized conduct.

If they do not want, then I say to them: stop dreaming of becoming a full-pledged member of the European Union, because base on your unreasonable measures and oppressive prohibitions, I strong doubt if the EU will ever grant you full membership! So get real and stop your series of irrational acts!

On the Question of the Ban on tattoos or body piercings in a new dress code

I would like to reiterate and strongly stresses that the same is not only absurd and idiotic, but incontestably oppressive!

The immediate question there is: how the hell the authorities are going to enforce the said measure?

I agree with the Head of the Education Workers Union, Veli Demir when he said that “it was unenforceable because tattoos cannot just be taken off like an item of clothing.”

This is what he stated, as quoted by AFP:

“What is going to happen to those (pupils) who already have tattoos? This is not a decision that a reasonable person can take. It is a decision taken without careful thought…”

I completely agree with Mr. Veli Demir that this is an unreasonable decision that we’re undertaken by an irrational powers that be or mindless authority.

Indeed, said measures were decided without careful thought!

As he categorically expressed:

“It is a decision taken by an oppressive mindset. Education is all about contributing to a child’s development and protecting them…”

I am supporting their decision of appealing the said measure before “the Council of State over the dress code as it is against the Constitution, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and decisions of the European Court of Human Rights.”

On the Question of tattoo and body piercing

The said report also highlighted that Mr. Erdogan “has expressed distaste for tattoos in general”. He even asked a young footballer, Berk Yildiz, in July to remove his and questioning: “why do you harm your body?”

Comment:

Mr. Erdogan, your body is yours and my body is mine. Whatever the hell I wanted to do to with my body, so long as I am not hurting anyone is my business and none of yours. You personally do not want tattoos and body piercing, that is your right, but to use your public position to impose your will is not right, because it will violate the constitution that guarantees the right of the people to our/their bodies and persons.

As the American would say: Mind your fucking business and don’t tread on me!!!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy and Social Science lecturer
Unibersidad de Manila and Polytechnic University of the Philippines

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[Blog] Sino ba ang tunay na marahas? Sino ang mga tunay na hoodlums? by Jose Mario De Vega

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Sino ba ang tunay na marahas? Sino ang mga tunay na hoodlums?

Ang munti kong sanaysay na ito ay hinggil doon sa isyu ng mga kabataang mag-aaral ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas na sumalakay kay bantay-salakay na Kalihim ng DBM na si Butch Abad. Ang nasabing mga kabataan ay miyembro ng Stand UP. Naganap ang nasabing pangyayari matapos ang pagsasalita ni Budget Sec. Abad sa isang pasalita na inorganisa ng School of Economic.

Mario De Vega

Ibig kong ideklara na ako ay hindi kasapi ng mga nasabing mag-aaral, ngunit ibig ko ding sabihin ng tuwiran na sumusuporta ako sa kanilang ginawang hakbang at sinasang-ayunan ko ang kanilang ginawang aksyon!

Nais kong ipahayag sa pamamagitan ng munting akda na ito na ako ay isa sa mga umaayon sa kanilang ginawang hakbang! Nais ko ding kondenahin ang mga nilalang, mga personahe at mga institusyon na pumupuna sa kanilang ginawa.

Narito ang ilang bahagi ng pahayag ng bente tres na propesor daw ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas, School of Economics:

“We deplore in the strongest terms the violence perpetrated last Wednesday, September 17, by a group of protesters against Secretary Florencio B. Abad outside the UP School of Economics auditorium.”

Tanong:

Sila ba ay nag-deplore din sa kahayupang ginawa at patuloy na ginagawa ng administarsyong Aquino sa usapin ng DAP at PDAF na niluto ni Sec. Abad? Nais kong malaman, kinondena din ba ng mga propesor na ito si Sec. Abad noong idineklara ng Korte Suprema na labag sa Saligang Batas ng Republika ng Pilipinas ang PDAF at DAP?

Sabi pa ng mga kagalang-galang na mga propesor:

“Secretary Abad was leaving a just-concluded forum organized by the University Student Council. His way to a waiting vehicle, however, was blocked several times by protesters, who not only shouted slogans and invectives – par for the course at UP – but actually assaulted him by throwing placards and metal coins and physically laying hold of him, grabbing his clothing to prevent him from leaving.”

Tanong:

He didn’t die, right?

Dagdag pa nila:

“What is worse, some student “leaders” thought nothing of gloating about the incident and celebrating their hooliganism in mainstream and social media, as if it were some kind of victory. This incident is not a victory but a blow to UP’s honor.”

Tanong:

Ano ba ang ibig sabihin nila ng hooliganism? Sino ba ang tunay na hooligan at sino ang totoong hoodlum ng Bayang ito? Ano ang ibig nilang sabihin na: “This incident is not a victory but a blow to UP’s honor? Ano ba ang pagkakaintindi nila sa karangalan ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas?

Ewan ko kung nakalimutan ng mga propesor na ito na sila ay nakatuntong sa UP at di sa La Salle o UST! Heto ang pahayag ni Ginoong Butch Tan sa kanyang Face Book Wall hinggil sa pangyayari:

“Note to Abad: Kung ayaw mo ng gulo tulad ng inabot mo sa Diliman, sa Loyola o sa Espanya ka pumunta. Maswerte ka hindi ginaya ng Stand UP yung taga Ukraine na inihulog ang politico sa dumpster (basurahan).

“Hindi ako fan of Stand UP. Tingin ko sa kanila Red Zombies. But I will say this: every creature has a vital role in the ecosystem. Even as bottom feeders. Stand Up merely acted out a dark fantasy held by many Filipinos who feel helpless and victimised by the regime’s taxation and spending policies. Sorry, Sec. Butchoy, No tea, no sympathy.”

Mismong si Sec. Abad na ang nagsabi na normal na ito sa UP! Kung siya na “biktima” mismo ay kumikilala sa bagay na ito, ano ang problema noong bente tres na propesor daw?

Heto naman ang pahayag ni Ginoong Joy Autencio hinggil sa mga eng-eng na yon:

“Silang “mayayamang matatalino” taga-UP na ipinagtatanggol si ABAD na author ng DAP, dumalaw sa UP kinuyog ng mga tibak di daw dapat binabastos ang dakilang bisita nila dahil ito ay di disente at labag sa gmrc (good manners and right conduct), bakit sino ba ang mas bastos walanghiya at balasubas sa bilyong pondo ng bayan?

“Kahit dineklarang ilegal ng SUPREME COURT pilit pinagtatangol na good faith naman daw kaya nagawa ng gobyerno ni Abad at Pnoy ang divertion ng mga budget ng iba’t ibang ahensya ng gobyerno. In good faith ba yan kahit alam na alam naman ng lahat kung ga’no ka corrupt at gahaman ang halos lahat ng mga pulitiko dito sa Pilipinas. Sige ipagtanggol nyo pa ang berdugo ng budget na imbis na tunay na mapunta sa URGENTLY NEEDED SOCIAL FUNDS ay napupunta lang sa mga buwaya at sagad sa ganid na mga pulitiko, PALIBHASA MASASARAP ANG BUHAY NYO, hindi nyo nararamdaman ang pagkawala ng budget ng gobyerno na dapat nailaan sa mahihirap na mamamayan. Kung tutuusin kulang pa nga yang ginawa at nangyari kay abad sa dami ng atraso nila sa Sambayanan. Kahit mag ala-Ukraine ang mga tibak dito sa atin kulang pa rin sa super kapal ng mga mukha ng mga pulitiko na yan gaya ni Abad.”

Hinggil sa karangalan ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas: Hindi ko alam kung batid pa ba ng mga nasabing mga propesor daw ang papel na ginampanan ng nasabing Pamantasan sa kasaysayan ng Bayang ito. Wala pang Batas Militar noon, ngunit sa UP ay mayroon ng Diliman Commune.

Noong idineklara ang Batas Militar, ang UP ang siyang tumayo bilang mata at tenga ng Sambayanang-Pilipino noong napakadilim na yugto na yaon ng ating kasaysayan.

Kung kaya naman hindi ko maintindihan ang konteksto ng pahayag ng kasalukuyang pangulo ng UP na si Ginoong Pascual noong sinabi nya sa isang kalatas na:
“I have always maintained that as the country’s national university, UP must lead the debate on important issues confronting the country. UP must also uphold the time-honored tradition of dissent vis-a-vis questionable government policies. But debate and dissent, while articulated with passion, require evidence-based and reasoned arguments, and civility to and respect for those who hold the opposite view.”

Tanong:

Ano ba ang ibig niyang sabihin o ipakahulugan ng sinasabi niyang sibilidad? Yaon bang mga estudyante na sumalakay din kay dating Pangulong Marcos noong taong 1970, na nagtangkang hambalusin siya ng mga placards, sila ba ay mga hindi sibilisado?
Ang nasabing pagkilos na yaon ang nagpaputok ng pamosong Sigwa ng Unang Kuwatro!
Sina Bonifacio at Jacinto at mga Katipunero, noong itinatag nila ang Katipunan na naglalayon na wakasan ang kolonyalismong Kastila — sa anumang pamamaraan, sila ba’y mga barbaro at hindi sibilisado?

Ikinahihiya ko ang hindi lamang ang pahayag ng nilalang na yon, kundi siya mismo na sa aking paningin ay walang karapatang maging Pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas! Kung gusto nya ng kanyang “sibilidad”, dapat ay doon siya sa Loyola o Espanya mamasukang pangulo at hindi sa Diliman, sapagkat siya’y isang kahihiyan!

Ibig kong sipiin sa kanya ang mga salitang sinabi ni Immanuel Wallerstein sa kanyang “Academic Freedom and Collective Expressions of Opinion”, The Journal of Higher Education, Vol. 42, No. 9. (Dec., 1971):
“The chief danger to academic freedom in the United States [University of the Philippines] today comes not from student disruption but from the self-deceptions of the professorate itself, because of its reluctance to take moral risks, and the resulting tendencies toward mandarinism, discrimination, and collegial pressure. I do not, however, condemn my colleagues but rather appeal to them to rethink their actions in the light of their ideals.”

Ano ba ang tamang akto o gawi ng totoong Pangulo ng isang Unibersidad?

Sa bahaging ito ay ibig kong sipiin ang mga pananalita ni dating Pangulong Salvador Lopez, (siya ang Pangulo noong panahon ng Batas Militar):

“While student activism often made me uncomfortable, the absence of it would have made me uneasy. As a life-long liberal who prefers an excess of freedom to a dearth of it, I also had constantly in mind the historic role of the University of the Philippines as the center of protest, dissent and criticism in our society.”

Sa aking paningin, gayon dapat ang pananaw at prinsipyo ng tunay na Pangulo ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas!

Kailangan ko pa bang sabihin na kaya nagawa ng mga kabataang yaon ang kanilang ginawa ay dahil sa kanilang marubdob na pagmamahal sa mga mamamayan ng Bayan ito? Kailangan ko pa bang sabihin na ang kanilang isinagawa ay siya lamang nilang pagtalima sa panawagan ng Pambansang Bayani na nanawagan ng mga ganitong talaga sa katauhan ni Padre Florentino:
“Nasaan ang mga kabataang dapat mag-alay ng kaniyang kasariwaan, ng kaniyang mga panaginip at sigasig ukol sa kabutihan ng kaniyang Inang Bayan? Nasaan siya na dapat kusang-loob na magbuhos ng kaniyang dugo upang mahugasan ang napakaraming kahihiyan, ang napakaraming pagkakasala, ang napakaraming kasuklam-suklam? Dalisay at walang batik dapat ang alay upang tanggapin ang paghahandog!…Nasaan kayo, mga kabataan, na magsasakatauhan sa sigla ng buhay na tumakas sa aming mga ugat, sa kadalisayan ng aming pag-iisip na mabubulok sa aming mga utak, sa apoy ng sigasig na napugto sa aming mga puso? Hinihintay namin kayo, o mga kabataan! Halikayo sapagkat hinihintay namin kayo!”

Sagot:

Pinanghahawakan kong ang mga kabataang sumalakay kay bantay-salakay, kay Sec. Abad noong gabing yaon sa Unibersidad ng Pilipinas ay ang mga kabataang tumugon sa panawagan ni Lolo Pepe. Ngayon, dahil sa kanilang ginawa na pagkondena sa itim na prinsipe ng kurakutan at numero unong utak ng malawakang pamdarambong at nakawan sa kaban ng Bayan, sila pa ba ang marapat na taguriang mga hoodlum at hooligan? Muli, ang tanong, sino ba ang tunay na hoodlum, hooligan at marahas sa Bayang ito?

Sa yugtong ito, ibig kong ipahayag ang aking mariing pagsang-ayon kay Propesor Gerry Lanuza ng kanyang pinagwika sa kanyang Face Book Wall (kakatwa na tinuran nya ang mga salitang ito noong mismong araw ng anibersaryo ng pagpataw ng Batas Militar) ang ganitong mga salita:

“I am not insulted by student activists protesting angrily! I am however gravely insulted by students who, in the name of careerism, diploma worship, and submission to authority, choose to remain silent and go with the flow! Just because we are academics and you are students, doesn’t mean we are incapable of angry protests! Part of being a student and scholar is to be passionate even to the point of dying for what you believe! And a person, academic or not, who is not prepared to die for what she believes, is not fit to live!”

Hindi ko maintindihan ang mentalidad ng ilan sa eng-eng na Bayan na ito! Marami sa ating mga kababayan ang hindi gusto ang asta, kilos, galaw at gawi ng ating mga bagong sibol na aktibista. Marami ang naiinis at hindi gusto ang kanilang pagmumura at pagtutungayaw. Marami ang hindi gusto ang kanilang pagiging radikal at militante. Kasabay nito, mayroon din kumukuwestiyon sa kanilang mabuting-asal at kabaitan. Hindi ko maintindihan kung naiintindihan ba nila kung ano ang pagiging aktibista?

Ang sarap itanong sa pagmumukha ng mga matatandang mga walang tinandaan na mga ito na: “ano po ba ang mahalagang bagay o makabuluhang papel na ginampanan ninyo noong inyong panahon? Bakit po baboy pa din ang Bayang ito? Bakit po bulok pa din ang lipunang ito? Ano po ang naging silbi ninyo noong panahon ninyo? Sa tingin nyo po ba, kung nagawa o nagampanan ninyo ang inyong tungkulin noon, gagawin pa kaya namin an gaming ginagawa ngayon na dapat at marapat na sana’y inyong ginawa noon?

Sa ganang akin, tama si Simoun, ang mga nilalang na ito ay mga nangamatay na bago pa man sila mamatay, sapagkat kailanman ay hindi naman sila nabuhay ng buhay na may dangal at kabuluhan. Wala silang alam ni katiting sa konsepto ng Kalayaan, sapagkat sila’y ipinanganak sa pagkaalipin at magsisipaglahong mga alipin pa rin — hanggang sa wakas!

Ito sa aking paningin ay tumbok na tumbok sa isang sanaysay ni Renato Constantino na may pamagat na “Praents and Activists”, na lumabas sa Philippine GRAPHIC, noong ika 28, ng Abril, taong 1971:

“During our period of adjustment to the imperatives of the times, we of the older generations allowed material and intellectual influences to transform us into bases and pillars of the social order. Young activists reject these material and intellectual influences for they have developed insights in to the evils of the system; they have seen fit to rebel not primarily against the old generation as against the very system which the old seem to represent.”

Hindi ko maintindihan, ano ba ang problema kung salakayin ko at sabihan ko si Sec. Abad pala ng P___ MO sa pagmumukha nya, eh nutnutang kapal naman ng mukha nya at mas matigas pa sa marmol ang tigas ng kanyang apog? May epekto ba ang aking salita sa kanya? Naibalik ba ang lahat ng kanyang ninakaw sa Bayan? Nagagalit ang ilan, na ang mga aktibista daw sa ngayon ay nagmumura at nagtutungayaw. Tanong: Ibig kong itanong na mga P___ NYO: Ano ang inyong ginawa o ginagawa o gagawin hinggil doon sa limpak-limpak, bilyon-bilyong piso na nawawala? Ano ang inyong posisyon hinggil doon sa ulat ng COA na nagsasabing makalipas ang halos isang taon, ay hindi naman nakarating sa mga biktima ng Bagyong Yolanda ang tulong na dapat ay para sa kanila? Yaong suliranin hinggil doon sa mga biktima ng Zamboanga siege, hindi ba’t isang taon na rin ang bagay na yon? Masisisi ba ninyo ang mga kabataan kung sila ay magalit, magmura at maging radikal?

Nagagalit kayo na kami ay nagmumura, ngunit ibig kong malaan, ano ba ang inyong programa? Puro kaya puna at daldal, wala naman kayong ginagawa! Huwag ninyong kalilimutan, sapagkat nasusulat: Ang payapang pampang ay para lamang sa mga pangahas na sasagupa sa alimpuyo ng alon, sa panahon ng unos. Hindi lahat ng panahon ay panahon ng pananahimik, sapagkat lahat ng panahon ay panahon ng paghihimagsik.

Pangwakas, nagagalit kayo, mga P_____ nyo sa asal at gawi ng mga aktibista, kung gayon, ibig kong sabihin sa inyong lahat na ang inyong nasaksihan ay pasimula o patikim pa lamang; sapagkat hindi maglalaon, darating ang panahon na ang gagawin ng mga aktibista ay ikasasargo na ng inyong mga ilong at ikaduduwal ng inyong mga sikmura!

HATULAN NAWA TAYO NG BAYAN!!!

SUMPAIN NAWA TAYO NG KASAYSAYAN!!!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Propesor ng Pilosopiya at Agham-Panlipunan Politeknikong Unibersidad ng Pilipinas at Unibersidad de Manila. Nais kong pasalamatan si Propesor Gerry M. Lanuza, ng Departamento ng Sosyolohiya ng Unibersidad ng Pilipinas para sa pagpayag na magbigay ng kumento sa aking sanaysay.

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[Blog] Five Reasons why Marcos should not be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani By Darwin Mendiola

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Five Reasons why Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani
By Darwin Mendiola

The commemoration of the 42nd anniversary of the Martial Law Declaration has once again revived the debate over whether former president Ferdinand Marcos should be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (Heroes’ Cemetery).

Darwin 2

Although, President Benigno Aquino III has made it clear that the late president would not be laid to rest at the national pantheon under his watch, Sen. Bongbong Marcos, the late president’s son still expressed optimism that PNoy would soon have a change of heart and would finally give his father a state burial.

For those who were lucky not to be born yet during the dictatorial regime of the late president might be puzzled on what this fuss is all about that is seemingly dividing the country once again.

Some who are fortunate to have lived to tell their stories of sufferings during Martial Law are firm in their stand to deny Marcos of a hero’s burial. Others who have had enough of political bickering are now calling for forgiveness and reconciliation in order for the country to move forward.

However, the controversy here lies not on the very act of burying the remains of the late president at the Libingan ng mga Bayani but to be or not to be considered a hero in the context of a possible state burial.
Let me just give you some logical thoughts on this issue. Here are the five reasons why Marcos should not be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani:

#1 Republic Act No. 289 provides the main reason for the national pantheon as provided in its Section 1 which states that, “to perpetuate the memory of all the Presidents of the Philippines, national heroes and patriots for the inspiration and emulation of this generation and of generation still unborn.”

In short, it is reserved for those whom the nation honors for their service to the country. Marcos as a former President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is not automatically qualified for there is also a disqualification clause that says that any personnel who dishonorably separated/reverted/discharged from the service or who were convicted by final judgment of the offense involving moral turpitude will be unentitled to be interred in the national pantheon.

Considering this very intent of the law and given the historical facts of what had transpired during Martial Law and the way the late president and his first family were chased out of Malacanang and out of the country through People Power Revolution, Marcos would hardly consider a hero worth emulating and an inspiration to the Filipinos and to the next generation.

A hero’s burial for the former dictator is desecrating the memories of our Filipino Heroes.
Reference:
http://asianjournalusa.com/marcos-to-be-or-not-to-be-lnmb-p10455-168.htm

If this reason is not enough, we can go to the next one.

#2 Martial Law remains one of the darkest episodes in Philippine history. There were 3,257 victims of extra-judicial killings, 35,000 tortured, and 70,000 incarcerated under Marcos’ dictatorship.

In fact, Republic Act No. 10368 was recently passed by Philippine Congress as recognition for the heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims of human rights violations under the Marcos regime.

Even long before that, 9,500 human rights victims who filed class suit against the Marcos already won $2 billion in damages in a Honolulu court which were affirmed by 2011 ruling by a United States Circuit Court in Hawaii.

A hero’s burial for the former dictator is an insult to the thousands of martial law victims.
Reference: http://www.hartford-hwp.com/archives/54a/062.html

If you are still unconvinced, let us now talk about the economy under the Marcos regime.

#3 The prosperity and progress under the Marcos regime is an illusion. In 1974, the poverty rate was 24%. By 1980 it was 40%. When Marcos assumed the presidency, the country’s foreign debt was US$1 billion. When Marcos fled to Hawaii, the country was heavily in debt with US$25 Billion. The bulk of these borrowed funds, according to sources had been stashed abroad.

Not only that the Marcoses and its associates were accused of plundering an estimated $10 billion from the Philippines, “Imeldific” is now synonymous to extravagant displays of wealth, sometimes to the point of vulgarity because of her lavish shopping trips to New York City with a huge entourage, spending millions on jewelry, clothes, and shoes.

It in noted that as of now, the Presidential Commission on Good Government had recovered 164 billion pesos (about $4 billion) since its creation, including a 150-carat ruby and a diamond tiara, hundreds of millions of dollars hidden in Swiss bank accounts and prime real estate in New York City.

A hero’s burial for the former dictator is a slap in the face of the millions of Filipinos who have suffered in grinding poverty while still paying for the debts of the Marcoses.
Reference:

If that is still not sufficient enough, let’s see if you really know our history.
# 4 Having Marcos buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani would mean rewriting our history. This will require revision of all history textbooks to glorify Marcos and depict the Martial Law as a peaceful and prosperous period in Philippine history.
It is not only a waste of public money but it will make our historians look like a bunch of fools. Filipinos are known to have short memories and are the most forgiving of people – a character that will always allow thieves, liars, scalawags and rascals to take advantage, but it does not mean we should stay ignorant and be naïve in allowing our history to be rewritten for some personal vested interests.
A hero’s burial for the former dictator is a shameless attempt to rewrite history.

Reference:
Rewriting History?

People, it would appear have very short memories and it is this which prompts me to write my blog this morning. It was Edmund Burke, a renowned Irish philosopher …
View on grantleishman.weebl…Preview by Yahoo

If you are still not convinced yet, you are either too slow to get it or you are just simply stupid to understand that this issue is merely a desperate attempt of the Marcoses to reclaim their political power.

#5 Declaring Marcos as a hero, would serve well not only the personal but also the political interest of his family. It will definitely exonerate them from their past crimes.

Senator Bongbong Marcos was quite open with his intention to run for President in 2016. He could very well project himself as THE SON OF A HERO as veteran journalist Ms. Raissa Robles put it in her blog.
That will also lift the burden to Mrs. Marcos for hiding her extravagance – of our money and will be entitled even with a pension as an elected government official as if she direly needed it. Noting that she is the second richest congressperson behind, of course, Manny Pacquiao.

A hero’s burial for the former dictator is a mockery to the intelligence of the Filipino electorate.
Reference:
http://raissarobles.com/2011/04/13/why-the-marcoses-want-ferdinand-buried-a-hero/

I can still give more reasons why Marcos should not be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. But it will be a waste of my time if the one reading this post is not smart enough to understand it. Just remember what Edmund Burke once said,

“Those who ignore history are bound to repeat it.”

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[Blog] When money is not enough. By Darwin Mendiola

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When money is not enough
By Darwin Mendiola

A country in a democratic transition must come to terms with its past in order to move forward.

Addressing past atrocities and injustices is considered a crucial part of social healing and national reconciliation. Acknowledging the misdeeds especially human rights violations is one significant step towards guaranteeing the right of the victims for effective remedies.

Darwin 2

However, remedial measures take various forms of reparation. One way is through compensation. This serves both as an acknowledgment of the human rights violations and the sanctioning of the state for allowing or for directly committing such violations.

After more than four decades, the Philippine government through the passage of Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparation and Recognition Act of 2013 finally recognizes “the heroism and sacrifices of all Filipinos who were victims” of human rights violations during martial law and “restore the victims’ honor and dignity.”

Compensation provides not only material but also symbolic political and social benefits. First, it helps bring immediate economic relief to victims and their families and allow them to meet the basic survival needs. Secondly, the monetary compensation may serve as a deterrent for future abuses by imposing financial sanctions for committing such violations.

Although harms or injuries resulting from human rights violations are often irreparable but compensation can help restore the victims’ dignity by knowing that their rights are recognized and the violations committed against them are being atoned.

But lest we forget that reparations are not primarily about money, but to publicly acknowledge the wrongdoings and to guarantee its non-repetition. It is a necessary component of the healing process as it signifies a concrete step on the part of the state to make amends and take full responsibility for the historical tragedies like Martial Law.

Compensation must therefore serve to continuously promote and protect human rights. For money can’t buy justice but it can help the victim to endlessly pursue it.

Visit Darwin’s blogsite @dars0357.wordpress.com

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[Blog] The Sedition Act is an archaic law being use by the powers that be to silence political opposition. By Jose Mario De Vega

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The Sedition Act is an archaic law being use by the powers that be to silence political opposition

I refer to Hafidz Baharom’s “The Sedition Act kills rationality and intellect”, Free Malaysia Today, September 7th.

I overwhelmingly concur with the brilliant exposition of the writer and the lucidness of the various theses that he advance calling for the repeal of the said act.

As the he stated, “first and foremost, I would like to make it known why I’m calling for the repeal of this act” not because he is a supporter of the opposition, but because he wanted a sense of fair-play in the political arena as a whole.

Mario De Vega

Our commentator categorically stipulated that:

“I am asking for the repeal of the Sedition Act only because I find it very worrying that the government is using it to arrest educators and journalists as well.

“I have a passion for defending the Fourth Estate because I was once a part of that collective. Granted, there are media outlets that fidget to find proper angles to attract readers, but in the end the message in the stories published come entirely from who they interviewed.”

Commentaries:

It is my firm view and so held that the Sedition Act is an archaic and obsolete law being use and manipulated by the powers to silence, to coy and threatened not only the political opposition, but also the Fourth Estate and the Academia.

The Fourth Estate represents the media, while the educator represents the Academia.

From history we shall see that, more often than not, it is always the teachers and the journalist, which serves as the primary thorns or the bloody pain in the asses of the powers that be.

My view on the matter is the inescapable fact that such is the case by virtue of the truth that, a teacher is specifically in the position to see, in a bird’s eye view the rest of the social ills that affects society at large and the nation in its totality.

The same is true with the journalist. They are the one who gathers all the news and events that society needs to hear and learn. They are the one who are truly aware of the prevailing social reality.

Hence, it is not ironic that totalitarian states arbitrarily sent to the gaol, the dungeon, in jail and prison these kinds of people, because they are the one who embarrass the powers that be in depicting the true picture of the body politics.

The journalist will land in hot water for writing and/or reporting the brutal truth and the teacher may be dismiss from his or her teaching job because the same taught the inconvenient truth and the uncomfortable reality.

The Constitutionality of the Sedition Act

It is my firm contention that the Sedition Act is unconstitutional and inherently illegal by virtue of its contravention and grave violation of the Constitutional guarantee of the freedom of speech.

Article 10(2) of the Constitution which gave permission to Parliament to enact “such restrictions as it deems necessary or expedient in the interest of the security of the Federation or any part thereof, friendly relations with other countries, public order or morality and restrictions designed to protect the privileges of Parliament or of any Legislative Assembly or to provide against contempt of court, defamation, or incitement to any offence” — in my view undeniably defeats the very purpose of the Constitution.

The effect is that, it is no longer the Constitution that is supreme, but rather it is now Parliament which has absolute control and power to determine what they deem as necessary or expedient in the interest of the Federation.

This is an irony and a mockery!

In all civilized and democratic jurisdiction that subscribed to a republican form of government, it is a well-entrenched rule that the Bill of Rights, wherein the Freedom of Speech is one of its heart, can never be negated, impinged or diminished by any law.

The Bill of Rights is a defense given by the fundamental law as a shield and an injunction against the arbitrariness and the enormous power of the state.

Further, Article 10(4) also states that “Parliament may pass law prohibiting the questioning of any matter, right, status, position, privilege, sovereignty or prerogative established or protected by the provisions of Part III, article 152, 153 or 181 otherwise than in relation to the implementation thereof as may be specified in such law”.

I overwhelmingly concur that these portions of the Constitution which have been criticized by human rights advocates, who charge that “under the Malaysian Constitution, the test is not whether or not the restriction is necessarily but the much lower standard of whether or not Parliament deems the restrictions necessary or even expedient. There is no objective requirement that the restriction actually is necessary or expedient and the latter standard is much lower than that of necessity.”

Again, this is an irony and a mockery!

The purpose of the Constitution is to empower the people and to delineate the limit of the discretion of the powers that be, not the other way around!

As already stated and by way of a necessary reiteration the Bill of Rights is a guaranty against governmental arbitrariness and in all true democratic government, it is supposed that Parliament cannot pass ex post facto laws, stifle the freedom of expression, limit the political rights of the people and the citizens, impair the obligation of contracts, or curtail religious freedom.

Where can you find a Constitution that instead of empowering its citizens had rather delimited their rights?

What a shame!!!

Here are the lists of notable personalities, “key people hauled to court for sedition and criminal defamation” that were sued under the said draconian act, as reported by the Malaysiakini, September 8th:

Mohamad Sabu, P Uthayakumar, the late great Karpal Singh, Tian Chua, Teresa Kok, Abdullah Zaik, N Surendran, Khalid Samad, RSN Rayer, Rafizi Ramli, Azmi Sharom, David Orok, Safwan Anang, Ali Abdul Jalil and Nizar Jalamuddin.

I am wondering, if the powers that be truly subscribed to the principle of justice and equality, how come Perkasa, Ibrahim Ali and all of those fanatical and racist groups are not sued under the said nefarious act?

The Opposition Leader, Anwar Ibrahim as reported by the Free Malaysia Today, “Anwar hails “brave critics”, August 30th that:

“What’s the point of celebrating Merdeka day if we don’t have freedom from our own government? Merdeka is for the rakyat.”

It was also highlighted by the said report that:

“In recent days, N Surendran, Khalid Samad, RSN Rayer and Nizar Jamaluddin have been summoned to court on charges of sedition, following Teresa Kok and Tian Chua, who were charged earlier.”

I agree with the question of Hafidz Baharom that “how can it be seditious to offer an academic opinion? I don’t know. But I do know that if the authorities dig up what I’ve written in the past, they would probably start investigating me too.”

Further, I also concur with him that:

“I do not believe there should be any limits to education when it comes to generating intellectual discourse and study. We all know that knowledge is about challenging boundaries. Historically even, we know that the Islamic Renaissance period happened because there were scientists who dared to challenge boundaries.

“Are we going back to the age where Galileo was placed under house arrest for saying the earth orbited the sun?”

Justice George A. Malcolm wrote in one case that:

“The interest of society and the maintenance of good government demand a full discussion of public affairs. Complete liberty to comment on the conduct of public men is a scalpel in the case of free speech. The sharp incision of its probe relieves the abscesses of officialdom. Men in public life may suffer under a hostile and unjust accusation; the wound may be relieved by the balm of a clear conscience. A public official must not be too thin-skinned with reference to comment upon his official acts.”

Hence, it follows that the freedom of the people to freely express themselves is not only paramount but a vital part of a true blue democratic and republican government.

Indeed, “we should be forming a society where everything is discussed rationally, factually and intellectually.”

Therefore, instead of charging Azmi Sharom and other individuals under the Sedition Act, we should and we must dropped all cases and abolished (not merely to repeal) the sedition act altogether because it is a black stain to our laws and our nation, for in truth and in fact that stupid and impertinent act is an archaic law only being use by the powers that be to silence political opposition, harassed the freedom of the artists, impinged on academic freedom and frightened the intellectuals!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Unibersidad de Manila

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[Blog] Robin Williams: A Tribute. By Jose Mario De Vega

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Robin Williams: A Tribute
By Jose Mario De Vega

The meditation of the wise man is a meditation not on death, but on life. — Baruch Spinoza

Last August 11th, the great actor and comedian, Robin Williams died to the shocked of the world!
It is a world that cannot believe that one of the happiest men on this planet has decided to go and did it in such an unexpectedly way and utterly abrupt manner!

How could he do what he did? What led him to decide what he decided?

Mario De Vega

Nathan Feiles in his article, “Why the Death of Robin Williams Is So Hard to Accept”, PsychCentral, August 20th had offered the following incisive analysis:

“We could all speculate on the underlying issues that led to his suicide, but any explanation would only assist in helping us deny the reality: Robin Williams had a deeply suffering part of him, and he chose to end his life.

“This leaves a lingering question (among many others): If Robin Williams — who appeared to be the master of summoning joy — couldn’t find some element of joy worth remaining alive for, what does that mean for all of us? What are we all striving for if the man who seemed to successfully live life on his own terms couldn’t be satisfied enough to keep living?

“The answer first takes recognition of a notion that I found difficult to come to terms with: we didn’t know all of Robin Williams. At times, it may have felt like he let us in to his deepest childhood and adult states of emotion. However, there was more he didn’t let the world experience (possibly a part he wanted to hide from, as well, considering his multiple addictions). He was a great actor and embodied many fantasies for many people. But this is also a man who suffered greatly, even if we may never know what his demons truly were.

“For me, the reason his death is so difficult to take is because I wanted to believe that what we saw of Robin Williams was in fact who he was. And really, what he gave to us was still part of him. He brought life to these characters through parts of himself. And was so convincing in these roles, that it became easy to feel that Robin Williams was giving his full self to the world.

“But in the end, we’re reminded that that’s what we saw on screen. Characters. Showing the world only what the character was meant to show. Sure, they were parts of Robin Williams, but they weren’t all of him. It’s hard to juxtapose these beloved characters portrayed by Robin Williams with the depth of darkness that remained mostly hidden from our view.”

Robin Williams who played Patch Adams in the movie of the same title uttered the following lines:

“Death. To die. To expire. To pass on.
“To perish.
“To peg out.
“To push up daisies.
“To push up posies.
“To become extinct.
“Curtains, deceased, demised, departed and defunct.
“Dead as a doornail. Dead as a herring.
“Dead as a mutton. Dead as nits.
“The last breath. Paying a debt to nature. The big sleep.
“God’s way of saying, “Slow down.”
“To check out.
“To shuffle off this mortal coil.
“To head for the happy hunting ground.
“To blink for an exceptionally long period of time.
“To find oneself without breath.”

The Greek philosopher Epicurus famously stated: “Death is nothing to us, since when we are, death has not come, and when death has come, we are not.”

What is death and why are we so concern and worrisome about it?

Hence, we return to the one of the most perennial philosophical questions of all time: what it is about death that makes us conscious of it? Why do we fear death and why it is that we do not want our love ones to die?

Professor A. C. Grayling said that:

“The fundamental question is how to deal with others’ deaths. We grieve the loss of an element in what made our world meaningful. There is an unavoidable process of healing — of making whole — to be endured, marked in many societies by formal periods of mourning, between one and three years long. But the world is never again entire after bereavement. We do not get over losses, we merely learn to live with them.

“There is a great consolation. Two facts — that the dead once lived; and that one loved them and mourned their loss — are inexpungeably part of the world’s history. So the presence of those who lived can never be removed from time, which is to say that there is a kind of eternity after all.”

Interestingly, Robin Williams (again to quote from the said film, Patch Adams) said these moving and passionate words in addressing the board/panel of doctors:

“What’s wrong with death, sir?
“What are we so mortally afraid of?
“Why can’t we treat death with a certain amount of humanity and dignity and decency and, God forbid, maybe even humor?
“Death is not the enemy, gentlemen.
“If we’re gonna fight a disease, let’s fight one of the most terrible diseases of all — indifference.
“Now, I’ve sat in your schools and heard people lecture on transference and professional distance. Transference is inevitable, sir.
“Every human being has an impact on another.
“Why don’t we want that in a patient/doctor relationship?
“That’s why I’ve listened to your teachings, and I believe they’re wrong.
“A doctor’s mission should be not just to prevent death, but also to improve the quality of life. That’s why you treat a disease, you win, you lose.
“You treat a person, I guarantee you, you win, no matter what the outcome.”

I am one of those people who up to now have yet to accept that this great actor is no more.
It is my take that when we say that we already accepted the death of a love one, we are not telling the whole truth, for we are lying (to the teeth) to ourselves. For the sad truth is the brutal fact that we merely accepted the lost or the passing of a love one — in a sense. We were just compel to accept, by the force of the reality that a love one is already gone, but the ultimate acceptance that they already died will only dawn upon us — ironically — on the very day we die ourselves.

For “it remains true that we never quite get over the sorrow caused by losing those most loved; we only learn to live with it, and to live despite it; which — and there is no paradox here — makes living a richer thing.”

Perhaps, one of Robin’s characters is correct when he says that: “You don’t know about real loss, ‘cause it only occurs when you loved something more than you love yourself.”

Now, whether it was the “dark side” of Robin Williams who kill himself or one of his characters; makes no difference to me! For in truth and in fact, what he did to himself will not diminished nor will it shatter his legacy, greatness and humanity!

May you live forever, Mr. Funny Guy!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy and Social Science lecturer
Polytechnic University of the Philippines and Unibersidad de Manila

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[Blog] Brunei’s sharia law: Barbaric laws of the Stone Age. By Jose Mario De Vega

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Brunei’s sharia law: Barbaric laws of the Stone Age
By Jose Mario De Vega

I refer to Maureen Callahan’s “The sex-obsessed world of Brunei”, The New York Post, May 10th with regard to the so-called sultan of Brunei, Hassanal Bolkiah’s sudden, out of nowhere, truly out of this world and undeniably ridiculous decision of implementing sharia law to his nation.

Mario De Vega

I condemn on behalf of Humanity the barbarism and primitivism of the so-called sultan of Brunei’s institution of sharia law into his nation.

Though the so-called sultan is the leader of his nation, I doubt if he and his cohorts can simply enact laws just like that and some more, arbitrarily.

Stoning to death? Wow! Are you kidding me? Mr. so-called sultan, it is already the new millennium, welcome to 2014! You want your mediaeval and barbaric laws of the lost primitive world, then, do apply it to yourself and your so-called “royal” family, especially your maniac and lecherous brothers and leave the people of Brunei alone!

Question of Due Notice and Procedure of Public Consultation

Does it mean that because he is the so-called sultan, he does not need to consult his people and get their consent with regard to these draconian barbaric laws?

Does Brunei have a Constitution or not? If no, does it mean that the so-called sultan is only the source of political power on the said land? If yes, does the act of the so-called sultan in accordance with the fundamental law?

Does the Quran allows a leader unlimited powers to the prejudice of his people?

I do not know whether the so-called sultan is drunk or under the influence of drugs, but did he forget that his nation is member of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) in this region in particular and the international community in general?

Does the so-called sultan forgotten that his nation as a member of the ASEAN has adopted on November of 2012 the Human Rights Accord?

Didn’t he know that his outrageous and preposterous sharia law is a grave violation of the said ASEAN Human Rights Accord?

Didn’t he also know that his stupid and idiotic sharia law is a fatal, brutal and extreme violation of the International Declaration of Human Rights approved and sanctioned as an International Law by the United Nations?

How about the various Convention and Agreements, such as the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women? Convention Against Torture, etc?

How would that moronic so-called sultan reconcile those international laws, agreements, convention to that of their local laws to that of his super barbaric sharia law?

I am wondering did he not put into consideration what would be the reaction of the world with regard to his utterly sweeping modification of his nation’s laws and statutes?

Didn’t the so-called sultan realized that majority of the civilized world today did not approve of his primitive, barbaric and undeniably inhumane laws?

If that so-called abnormal sultan will proceed with his implementation of sharia law, then the international community and the world in general will condemn him, as a pervert and as a bigot idiot and his poor country as a failed, bastard and a pariah state!

As lucidly narrated by the report:

“Under Sharia law, the following is considered criminal behavior, punishable by fines, jail, amputation of limbs, public flogging or death by stoning: absence from Friday prayer services; becoming pregnant out of wedlock; wearing indecent clothing, and for women, refusal to wear a hijab; employing a non-Muslim babysitter; the use of the word “Allah” by Christians and the discussion of faith by any non-Muslims; publicly eating or drinking during Ramadan; theft; homosexuality; and adultery.”

Question:

What is the moral authority or ethical ascendancy of the so-called sultan to implement sharia law when in fact and in truth the whole world perfectly knows that he and his brothers are bastard sexual predators, drunkards, adulterers and maniacs of the lowest order?

Do I need to list here all of their transgressions and animalistic behavior — through the years?

The so-called sultan and his lecherous evil cohorts in view are the greatest hypocrites and bastards of all time.

Consider the words of justification of that maniac so-called sultan with regard to his version of sharia:

“Theory states that Allah’s law is cruel and unfair, but Allah himself has said that his law is indeed fair.”

Comment:

That is bloody stupid and extremely preposterous! The so-called sultan is trapped into an extreme impertinent contradiction!

If the theory states that the law is cruel, then logic will tell you, if you are a normal and reasonable person, that the practice or execution or implementation of the said law will also be cruel and unfair.

Now, if both theory and practice are both cruel and unjust; then why on earth and why the hell is has to be instituted or implemented?

It will definitely lead us to the thought or conclusion that the one who called for the institution and ordered the implementation of the said law is an incontestably an immoral and idiotic leader by virtue of his cruelty and unfairness to his people!

On the second aspect of the so-called sultan’s justification, that idiot also stated maliciously that: allegedly Allah has said that his law is indeed fair.

I am wondering where the hell does Allah said those words purportedly claimed by the so-called Sultan that Allah himself have stated?

I do not know, but it seems to me that that so-called sultan is engaging in blasphemy. If so, then he should be the first one to be put to death by stoning!

But on the more important matter, which is the secular element of this case, my other central question is: how could a law that is perceived to be cruel and unfair be fair?

I am wondering, what kind of justice that that so-called sultan is subscribing and practicing?

Is it justice on the harem?

A Call to the People of Brunei

The Brunayan people must wake up and do something about this fiasco; if not, then their bastard immoral so-called leader will carry them to even greater imbroglio and lead the entire country into the abyss of moral death, shame and humiliation!

People of Brunei, you all must act now before your bastard so-called sultan make your beautiful nation into another Taliban haven!

Jose Mario Dolor De Vega

Philosophy/Social Science lecturer

College of Liberal Arts
Social Science Department
Technological University of the Philippines

All submissions are republished and redistributed in the same way that it was originally published online and sent to us. We may edit submission in a way that does not alter or change the original material.

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