It's funny I'm only able to really write about infomercials now. Maybe it's because I'm a little tired of the pseudo-campaign noise coming from my TV. Or maybe it's because of the news coverage with Senator Defensor-Santiago actively opposing these ventures. Or maybe it's because of my lessons in sensory psychology (hint: not-so-subliminal messages).
One thing is for sure though: those infomercials have to go, at least till the campaign season officially kicks off. These infomercials are still considered as media exposure. And we all know what media exposure can do for viewers and voters.
Originally, I wasn't planning to attend a forum being conducted by Senator Defensor-Santiago all about the infomercials issue. But well, my friends ended up going and I figured I may as well go and see what was going on. Now that was the first time in my 3 years in De La Salle University that I saw our auditorium packed with students attending a political/sociocivic event.
A good thing I attended the forum; I learned about the legal side of the infomercial controversy. Apparently it is not only unconstitutional for these presidentiables to be prematurely airing these infomercials, but it can also be illegal. The unconstitutionality stems from the inequality of exposure that comes with the lengthy running of these infomercials; only the very wealthy can afford to pay for months upon months of airing 30-second infomercials. Thus, less affluent candidates who cannot shell out millions for this kind of endorsement end up losing out on the exposure factor they may need to garner votes.
The illegal side of the issue is thornier however. According to Senator Defensor-Santiago, if a candidate's friends or patrons are the ones funding these infomercials, this can still be construed as an election violation and a breach of the anti-graft law that states that public officials should not receive substantial gifts or favors from other parties. And if a candidate is funding these infomercials out of his or her pocket, well that might be a matter worthy of investigation especially if this candidate is only supposed to be receiving a modest amount as his or her salary as an elected official.
All the loopholes in the laws about elections as well as in our Constitution have put us in this mess. Since no one seems to be eager to do something about those pitfalls, the only solution left seems to be that of critical choice: realizing that some of our wannabe leaders may have things they need to clear up before we can fully trust them with public office, and from there having the voters make informed choices.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
PiNOY power!!
I first heard about the PiNOY Power concert through my friend Carmel, but I honestly wasn't sure if I could make it, mainly due to the distance. However, my older cousin happened to mention it over dinner on Sunday, so my sister and I agreed to go.
This awareness + fundraising concert for Senator Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas starred a delightful mix of old-timers (APO Hiking Society, Bayang Barrios, The Dawn, etc) and newcomers (All Stars, Paraluman, Aiza Seguerra, etc). And the UP theatre was quite filled up. One of the more remarkable performers was Mae Paner (aka Juana Change!) who gave a piece about her need to take a stand on the issues of change and governance, albeit by supporting a candidate. There were video tributes and presentations, as well as song parodies (Bohemian Rhapsody election style) that also had the crowd cheering.
I love how all the guests were able to get the crowd to participate (whether it was by standing up and singing along, or simply flashing the L sign. Everyone was just so enthusiastic about the entire thing, regardless perhaps of motivations for being there.
One of the most powerful moments for me was when everyone began singing "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo". Maybe that song has become a little trite for my generation, but its message is all the more clear nowadays. Even if we won't take to the streets, I think we can still unite via the ballot. Which we have to safeguard.
This awareness + fundraising concert for Senator Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas starred a delightful mix of old-timers (APO Hiking Society, Bayang Barrios, The Dawn, etc) and newcomers (All Stars, Paraluman, Aiza Seguerra, etc). And the UP theatre was quite filled up. One of the more remarkable performers was Mae Paner (aka Juana Change!) who gave a piece about her need to take a stand on the issues of change and governance, albeit by supporting a candidate. There were video tributes and presentations, as well as song parodies (Bohemian Rhapsody election style) that also had the crowd cheering.
I love how all the guests were able to get the crowd to participate (whether it was by standing up and singing along, or simply flashing the L sign. Everyone was just so enthusiastic about the entire thing, regardless perhaps of motivations for being there.
One of the most powerful moments for me was when everyone began singing "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo". Maybe that song has become a little trite for my generation, but its message is all the more clear nowadays. Even if we won't take to the streets, I think we can still unite via the ballot. Which we have to safeguard.
Friday, September 18, 2009
finally!!
After a grand total of 3 attempts, my sister and I managed to register for the 2010 elections. Yes, three attempts. Attempt number one, I've already described (see my entry "COMELEC horror"). The second attempt was on September 10. We went to the COMELEC only to find that the office was closed since the staff were running the voters' registration at University of Makati. Admirable, yes, but isn't this the same office that laughed at the idea of DLSU giving out registration forms?
That aside, here is attempt number 3.
Thanks to perhaps the ever-approaching deadline, the COMELEC office was pretty much swamped today with new voters and transferees filling out forms. Sure, the space was limited, but someone didn't have the foresight to provide chairs or even just a table for everyone who had paperwork. And once again, the staff were not quite as accomodating to the people who were coming in with questions or inquiring about the status of their registration.
-A lady had receieved a letter from the COMELEC regarding some discrepancy in her personal information (she got married and changed her surname). She went to the distrit office to ask if her name was on the voters' list,considering that she applied for some sort of affidavit some months ago. The officer who handled her case was being quite brusque, answering her questions with the roundabout "you registered in 2006, it's 2009 already", and generally making the inquiry process difficult.
-A couple was asking about the requirements their child would need to register. AGAIN, the COMELEC officials requested a billing statement as proof of address! (again, a problem since the child still lives with the parents, thus the statement would be in the name of the parents, not the child) My mother overheard this and ended up having to help this couple clear up their problem regardin requirements. Apparently either the COMELEC officials assume that even college kids can pay the electric and water bills at home, or they haven't thought through their list of requirements.
-It was 10:30 am. One of the officials said that the picture taking for the voters' IDs would most likely be at 1pm for everyone in the queue (supposedly because the staff still has to verify residency, forms have to be filled out, etc). Naturally a lot of people were upset--who wants to spend three hours in line on a busy Friday? And truth be told, the queue, the biometrics-taking, and picture taking process didn't take that long. My sister and I were finished with our registration by 11:30.
This entire process, victorious as the outcome was, is frankly quite discouraging. Why must voters jump through hoops just to be able to exercise their civic duty? Instead of facilitating suffrage, it seems as if this office may even discourage it.
Next up: Monitoring the campaign.
That aside, here is attempt number 3.
Thanks to perhaps the ever-approaching deadline, the COMELEC office was pretty much swamped today with new voters and transferees filling out forms. Sure, the space was limited, but someone didn't have the foresight to provide chairs or even just a table for everyone who had paperwork. And once again, the staff were not quite as accomodating to the people who were coming in with questions or inquiring about the status of their registration.
-A lady had receieved a letter from the COMELEC regarding some discrepancy in her personal information (she got married and changed her surname). She went to the distrit office to ask if her name was on the voters' list,considering that she applied for some sort of affidavit some months ago. The officer who handled her case was being quite brusque, answering her questions with the roundabout "you registered in 2006, it's 2009 already", and generally making the inquiry process difficult.
-A couple was asking about the requirements their child would need to register. AGAIN, the COMELEC officials requested a billing statement as proof of address! (again, a problem since the child still lives with the parents, thus the statement would be in the name of the parents, not the child) My mother overheard this and ended up having to help this couple clear up their problem regardin requirements. Apparently either the COMELEC officials assume that even college kids can pay the electric and water bills at home, or they haven't thought through their list of requirements.
-It was 10:30 am. One of the officials said that the picture taking for the voters' IDs would most likely be at 1pm for everyone in the queue (supposedly because the staff still has to verify residency, forms have to be filled out, etc). Naturally a lot of people were upset--who wants to spend three hours in line on a busy Friday? And truth be told, the queue, the biometrics-taking, and picture taking process didn't take that long. My sister and I were finished with our registration by 11:30.
This entire process, victorious as the outcome was, is frankly quite discouraging. Why must voters jump through hoops just to be able to exercise their civic duty? Instead of facilitating suffrage, it seems as if this office may even discourage it.
Next up: Monitoring the campaign.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
mga tanong tungkol sa pagiging rehistrado
Siyempre ba naman, pumasok ako kanina. Hindi mapakali dahil sa nangyari kahapon sa COMELEC. Tamang tama, pagkarating ko sa eskwela, nakasalubong ko ang ilan sa mga kaibigan na nakarinig sa kwento ko kahapon.
Nagtanong-tanong kami ng kapatid ko kung anu ano ang nangyari sa kanila nung sila nagpa-rehistro para maging botante. Ito ang ilan sa mga kwento nila:
-Nadalian dahil kilala ng mga taga barangay ang kanyang ama.
-Ang ginamit na ID ay ang alumni card ng pamantasan. Tanggap pa rin.
-Nagdala ng lisensya. Yun lang.
-Nagdala ng ID tsaka clearance sa barangay.
Halata ba naman na hindi pare-pareho ang mga karanasan...pero halos magkasinedad kami, nagiiba lang ng isa o dalawang taon. Bakit kaya nagkakaganito? Wala bang sistema ang COMELEC sa pagrehistro? Bakit nagiiba-iba sya kada lugar?
Kailangan siguro na ayusin ang sistema. Gawin pantay pantay ang lahat ng mga kinakailangan at gagawin pag pupunta sa COMELEC para magparehistro. Makakatulong ito sa mga botante, at siguro mas maaeenganyo sila na makilahok sa mga nangyayari gamit ng kanilang boto. Kung aalagaan ng sistema ang bawat mamamayan, mas ipapahalaga ng bawat Pilipino ang kapakanan ng bayan.
Sana ganon lang. Babalik ako sa COMELEC pagkatapos ng buwan. Magtatanong-tanong muna kung ano ang nangyari. Baka sakali masolusyunan ang isyu na ito
Nagtanong-tanong kami ng kapatid ko kung anu ano ang nangyari sa kanila nung sila nagpa-rehistro para maging botante. Ito ang ilan sa mga kwento nila:
-Nadalian dahil kilala ng mga taga barangay ang kanyang ama.
-Ang ginamit na ID ay ang alumni card ng pamantasan. Tanggap pa rin.
-Nagdala ng lisensya. Yun lang.
-Nagdala ng ID tsaka clearance sa barangay.
Halata ba naman na hindi pare-pareho ang mga karanasan...pero halos magkasinedad kami, nagiiba lang ng isa o dalawang taon. Bakit kaya nagkakaganito? Wala bang sistema ang COMELEC sa pagrehistro? Bakit nagiiba-iba sya kada lugar?
Kailangan siguro na ayusin ang sistema. Gawin pantay pantay ang lahat ng mga kinakailangan at gagawin pag pupunta sa COMELEC para magparehistro. Makakatulong ito sa mga botante, at siguro mas maaeenganyo sila na makilahok sa mga nangyayari gamit ng kanilang boto. Kung aalagaan ng sistema ang bawat mamamayan, mas ipapahalaga ng bawat Pilipino ang kapakanan ng bayan.
Sana ganon lang. Babalik ako sa COMELEC pagkatapos ng buwan. Magtatanong-tanong muna kung ano ang nangyari. Baka sakali masolusyunan ang isyu na ito
Friday, August 14, 2009
COMELEC Office horror
So today was supposed to be the day: voter's registration. As in, I blocked off my calendar and all. I was told that all I needed were a valid ID and my voter's registration form. So I brought my DLSU ID and my passport and the registration form being distributed at school. My mom and my sis did the same.
I didn't count on the COMELEC office somehow thinking otherwise. Actually, I had a bad feeling upon entering the premises within the Makati fire station. The place looked like something straight out of "Left for Dead": dark, twisting and nothing like the office of an institution seeking automation...
We were pointed towards this dirty, yellowing list of requirements taped on the wall. Okay, so apparently I needed proof of billing to "support" my student ID and my passport (telephone or water bill). Apparently, since my passport does not have my address, and my ID does not list it either (I study in Manila, not in Makati), I had to present the additional documents. Problems: I still live with my parents so of course the proofs of billing are NOT addressed to me. Either that or a birth certificate to prove my address.
The guard said we had to present photocopies of our IDs. Again, something I don't ecall. So we had to go all the way downstairs to get the xerox done (at an unusually high price mind you!!). Then we decided to go in to inquire about the entire procedure and the documents. Now the guy at the desk said that our forms wouldn't do. We had to use *their* forms.
Okay, I would have let that slide were it not for the fact that I had seen photocopied forms being used in satellite registration elsewhere in the city.So does that mean that *those* people have their registrations jeopardized? And the forms I had with me were official COMELEC forms. If the forms at the desk were computer scannable, I'd understand the need to use them. But they weren't.
Now the desk officer said that our IDs wouldn't do since we needed proof of billing or our own postal addresses. Again, I'm a legal age dependent. My mother pointed that my sister and I are still students and therefore we don't pay our own bills or have our own addresses. Then the election official backed down and said that all we had to do was prove that our parents were registered in the district, and to bring our birth certificates.
Now I don't recall that being part of the voting requirements presented at school. And my experience does not go with the guidelines listed here: (Source: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/contreg_/2010_elections/gi.html)
Section 8. Application Forms for Registration (CEF-1A). - Application forms for Registration (CEF-1A) are available, free of charge, at the Office of the Election Officer, or may be downloaded from the COMELEC website, www.comelec.gov.ph, a sample of which is attached hereto as Annex “A” (CEF-1A – Application for Registration)..
In the latter case, the applicant shall print the application form and accomplish the same in three (3) copies, to be signed and thumbmarked only in the presence of the EO..
Section 9. Procedure for filing of applications for registration..
a.The applicant shall personally appear before the EO, state his name and exact address, specifying the house number, name of street, area, district, purok or sitio, and barangay where he resides, or a brief description of his residence, and present any of the following current identification documents that bears applicant’s photograph and signature:.
1.Employee’s identification card (ID) with the signature of the employer or authorized representative;
2.Postal ID;
3.Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority;
4.Senior Citizen’s ID;
5.Driver’s license;
6.NBI/PNP clearance;
7.Passport;
8.SSS/GSIS ID;
9.Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) ID;
10.License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC); and
11.Any other valid ID.
In the absence of any of the abovementioned identification documents, the applicant may be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct, or by any of his relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity who are registered voters of the same city/municipality..
Community Tax Certificates (cedula) or certifications/identification cards issued by barangay officials shall not be honored as valid identification documents..
If the identity of the applicant cannot be established by any of the aforementioned methods, he shall not be issued an application form. In case of downloaded application forms, the same shall not be accepted..
b.The EO shall then verify from the National List of Registered Voters (NLRV) if the applicant’s name is found therein. If the applicant is found to be registered in the same city/municipality he shall be advised that he need not apply for registration. If he is found to be registered voter in another city/municipality, he shall be advised to apply for transfer for registration pursuant to Section 10 hereof..
c.If the applicant’s name is not included in the NLRV, the EO shall, using the barangay precinct map, verify whether or not the address given by the applicant is located within the territorial boundary of any of the precincts within the jurisdiction of the district/city/municipality..
If the applicant is not a resident, the EO shall advise the applicant to proceed to the OEO of the district/city/municipality where he resides..
If the applicant resides within the territorial jurisdiction of the district/city/municipality, the EO shall:.
1.Inform the applicant of the qualifications and disqualifications for registration;.
2.Determine the precinct where the applicant belongs by referring to the barangay precinct map. The applicant shall be assigned temporarily to the mother precinct comprising his residence. The precinct assignment shall be finalized after the approval of the application. Daughter precinct(s) shall be created to accommodate approved applicants in excess of the 200-voter per precinct limit..
In case of boundary dispute, the EO shall maintain the status quo..
3.Indicate the precinct assignment of the applicant at the upper right-hand portion of the application form; and.
4.Issue the prescribed application form in three (3) copies..
d.Upon receipt of the application forms, the applicant shall personally accomplish the same separately in his own handwriting and submit the accomplished application forms to the EO. TITLES SUCH AS REVEREND, DATU, ATTORNEY, SULTAN, DOCTOR, HADJI, ENGINEER, BAI AND OTHERS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED..
e.If the applicant has a downloaded and duly-accomplished application form, it shall be signed and thumbmarked in the presence of the EO..
f.After ensuring that the application form has been filled up correctly, completely and legibly, the EO shall write the Application Form Number. The Application Form Number shall consist of four parts. The first two (2) digit represents the province code, the second two (2) digit represents the city/municipal code, the third two (2) digit represents the Data Capture Machine (DCM) Number, and the last seven (7) digit represents the control code starting after the last code number assigned..
g.The EO shall return the application form to the applicant and direct the applicant to proceed to the DCM Operator for data capturing..
The application form of an applicant who refuses to submit himself for the live capture of his biometrics data shall not be accepted and deemed not filed..
h.The DCM Operator shall proceed to capture the complete biometrics data of the applicant, affix his initial below the space provided for the EO’s signature in Part 2 of the application form and direct the latter to go back to the EO..
i.The EO shall:.
1.Administer the oath;.
The application form of an applicant who refuses to take the oath shall not be accepted and deemed not filed..
2.Affix his signature in the appropriate space on the forms;.
3.Retain the three (3) copies; and.
4.Cut the bottom portion of the application form (copy for EO) and give it to the applicant to serve as Acknowledgment Receipt and proof of fact of filing of his application..
Right away, upon leaving the COMELEC office, my sister texted a friend of hers who registered in Paranaque. According to him, the only ID he needed was his school ID. So it seems that the procedures in different offices aren't standard?
Something needs to be straightened out with the offices for the sake of our future voters.
I didn't count on the COMELEC office somehow thinking otherwise. Actually, I had a bad feeling upon entering the premises within the Makati fire station. The place looked like something straight out of "Left for Dead": dark, twisting and nothing like the office of an institution seeking automation...
We were pointed towards this dirty, yellowing list of requirements taped on the wall. Okay, so apparently I needed proof of billing to "support" my student ID and my passport (telephone or water bill). Apparently, since my passport does not have my address, and my ID does not list it either (I study in Manila, not in Makati), I had to present the additional documents. Problems: I still live with my parents so of course the proofs of billing are NOT addressed to me. Either that or a birth certificate to prove my address.
The guard said we had to present photocopies of our IDs. Again, something I don't ecall. So we had to go all the way downstairs to get the xerox done (at an unusually high price mind you!!). Then we decided to go in to inquire about the entire procedure and the documents. Now the guy at the desk said that our forms wouldn't do. We had to use *their* forms.
Okay, I would have let that slide were it not for the fact that I had seen photocopied forms being used in satellite registration elsewhere in the city.So does that mean that *those* people have their registrations jeopardized? And the forms I had with me were official COMELEC forms. If the forms at the desk were computer scannable, I'd understand the need to use them. But they weren't.
Now the desk officer said that our IDs wouldn't do since we needed proof of billing or our own postal addresses. Again, I'm a legal age dependent. My mother pointed that my sister and I are still students and therefore we don't pay our own bills or have our own addresses. Then the election official backed down and said that all we had to do was prove that our parents were registered in the district, and to bring our birth certificates.
Now I don't recall that being part of the voting requirements presented at school. And my experience does not go with the guidelines listed here: (Source: http://www.comelec.gov.ph/contreg_/2010_elections/gi.html)
Section 8. Application Forms for Registration (CEF-1A). - Application forms for Registration (CEF-1A) are available, free of charge, at the Office of the Election Officer, or may be downloaded from the COMELEC website, www.comelec.gov.ph, a sample of which is attached hereto as Annex “A” (CEF-1A – Application for Registration)..
In the latter case, the applicant shall print the application form and accomplish the same in three (3) copies, to be signed and thumbmarked only in the presence of the EO..
Section 9. Procedure for filing of applications for registration..
a.The applicant shall personally appear before the EO, state his name and exact address, specifying the house number, name of street, area, district, purok or sitio, and barangay where he resides, or a brief description of his residence, and present any of the following current identification documents that bears applicant’s photograph and signature:.
1.Employee’s identification card (ID) with the signature of the employer or authorized representative;
2.Postal ID;
3.Student’s ID or library card, signed by the school authority;
4.Senior Citizen’s ID;
5.Driver’s license;
6.NBI/PNP clearance;
7.Passport;
8.SSS/GSIS ID;
9.Integrated Bar of the Philippine (IBP) ID;
10.License issued by the Professional Regulatory Commission (PRC); and
11.Any other valid ID.
In the absence of any of the abovementioned identification documents, the applicant may be identified under oath by any registered voter of the precinct, or by any of his relatives within the fourth civil degree of consanguinity or affinity who are registered voters of the same city/municipality..
Community Tax Certificates (cedula) or certifications/identification cards issued by barangay officials shall not be honored as valid identification documents..
If the identity of the applicant cannot be established by any of the aforementioned methods, he shall not be issued an application form. In case of downloaded application forms, the same shall not be accepted..
b.The EO shall then verify from the National List of Registered Voters (NLRV) if the applicant’s name is found therein. If the applicant is found to be registered in the same city/municipality he shall be advised that he need not apply for registration. If he is found to be registered voter in another city/municipality, he shall be advised to apply for transfer for registration pursuant to Section 10 hereof..
c.If the applicant’s name is not included in the NLRV, the EO shall, using the barangay precinct map, verify whether or not the address given by the applicant is located within the territorial boundary of any of the precincts within the jurisdiction of the district/city/municipality..
If the applicant is not a resident, the EO shall advise the applicant to proceed to the OEO of the district/city/municipality where he resides..
If the applicant resides within the territorial jurisdiction of the district/city/municipality, the EO shall:.
1.Inform the applicant of the qualifications and disqualifications for registration;.
2.Determine the precinct where the applicant belongs by referring to the barangay precinct map. The applicant shall be assigned temporarily to the mother precinct comprising his residence. The precinct assignment shall be finalized after the approval of the application. Daughter precinct(s) shall be created to accommodate approved applicants in excess of the 200-voter per precinct limit..
In case of boundary dispute, the EO shall maintain the status quo..
3.Indicate the precinct assignment of the applicant at the upper right-hand portion of the application form; and.
4.Issue the prescribed application form in three (3) copies..
d.Upon receipt of the application forms, the applicant shall personally accomplish the same separately in his own handwriting and submit the accomplished application forms to the EO. TITLES SUCH AS REVEREND, DATU, ATTORNEY, SULTAN, DOCTOR, HADJI, ENGINEER, BAI AND OTHERS SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED..
e.If the applicant has a downloaded and duly-accomplished application form, it shall be signed and thumbmarked in the presence of the EO..
f.After ensuring that the application form has been filled up correctly, completely and legibly, the EO shall write the Application Form Number. The Application Form Number shall consist of four parts. The first two (2) digit represents the province code, the second two (2) digit represents the city/municipal code, the third two (2) digit represents the Data Capture Machine (DCM) Number, and the last seven (7) digit represents the control code starting after the last code number assigned..
g.The EO shall return the application form to the applicant and direct the applicant to proceed to the DCM Operator for data capturing..
The application form of an applicant who refuses to submit himself for the live capture of his biometrics data shall not be accepted and deemed not filed..
h.The DCM Operator shall proceed to capture the complete biometrics data of the applicant, affix his initial below the space provided for the EO’s signature in Part 2 of the application form and direct the latter to go back to the EO..
i.The EO shall:.
1.Administer the oath;.
The application form of an applicant who refuses to take the oath shall not be accepted and deemed not filed..
2.Affix his signature in the appropriate space on the forms;.
3.Retain the three (3) copies; and.
4.Cut the bottom portion of the application form (copy for EO) and give it to the applicant to serve as Acknowledgment Receipt and proof of fact of filing of his application..
Right away, upon leaving the COMELEC office, my sister texted a friend of hers who registered in Paranaque. According to him, the only ID he needed was his school ID. So it seems that the procedures in different offices aren't standard?
Something needs to be straightened out with the offices for the sake of our future voters.
Friday, August 7, 2009
grabe naman ito...
Nakuha ko ito sa blog ng kaibigan ko. Kung totoo ito...may dapat mahiya dito.
http://www.newmedia.com.ph/jamby-madrigal-defiles-cory-aquino-memorial-service/
http://www.newmedia.com.ph/jamby-madrigal-defiles-cory-aquino-memorial-service/
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
tungkol sa kantang "Bayan Ko"
Naririnig natin siya pag nagluluksa ang bayan, pag may krisis sa bansa, at pag may nananganib sa kalayaan ng Pilipinas. Sa mga nakaraang araw, paulit-ulit siyang kinakanta alay sa yumaong dating pangulong Aquino at ang kanyang ipinaglaban. Alam kaya natin ano ang totoong ibig sabihin ng kantang "Bayan Ko"?
Susubukan ko suriin at tignan ang mga linya nitong kanta para lalo pa natin maintindihan ano ang kahulugan ng mga ito para sa ating lipunan.
"Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak
Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag"
Ito: mga dahilan na ipagmalaki natin ang sarili nating bayan. Itong bansa natin ay isang lugar na maraming likas na yaman, at marami rin mga pagkakataon para matupad ang pangarap. Hindi na kailangan na palaging mangarap umalis ng bansa para umunlad. Pero ang isa sa mga pinakamagandang yaman ng Pilipinas ay ang Pilipino mismo. Kung titignan natin, kakaiba ang ugali ng mga Pilipino. Hindi lang tayo mapagtanggap, masayahin at rehilyoso. Tayo ay isang mapagmahal na lahi. Kung hindi tayo mapagmahal, di mangyayari ang EDSA, ang GK, at kung anu ano pang mga pangaraw-araw na milagro na nagiging mga ilaw sa ating bansa. Bakit nga ba tayo nahihiya dito?
"At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa".
Ang malungkot na isipin: mas nakikinabang ang mga dayuhan sa atin mga gawain kaysa sa sarili nating mga kababayan. Ang mas masaklap pa ay ito: mas nakikita ng mga taga-ibang bansa ang mga kakayahan ng mga Pilipino kaysa tayo mismo. Oo, sinakop ng mga Kastila, Amerikano at Hapon ang Pilipinas nang napakahabang panahon. Hindi natin yan maitatakwil. Sinulat nga ni Jose Corazon de Jesus ang kanta ito sa panahon na tayo ay sinakop ng mga Amerikano. Pero maari nga ba na iba na ang bumibihag sa atin? Maari na iba ang nananakop ngayon---hindi sa lupa, pero sa isipan at puso ng bawat Pilipino? Baka hindi lang neo-koloyanlismo: pwede rin ang korupsyon, kawalan ng disiplina, pagiinggit, kulang sa pagmamahal sa bayan o kulang sa pakialam. At dahil tayo ay tumitigil lamang sa pagdusa at pagiyak, di pa ba natin nakikita ang sarili nating lakas na bumangon nang husto mula sa nakaraan?
"Ibon man may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag
Ang di magnasang makaalpas?"
Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na manatiling malaya. Nasa Saligang Batas natin yan (baguhin man ito, hindi ito mawawala sa Bill of Rights). Ang kalayaan ito ay may mga implikasyon: dapat malaya ang bawat Pilipino na mabuhay ng mapayapa. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may kaligtasan sa ilalim ng ating mga batas. Hindi siya pwedeng apihin ng sinuman na wala sa dahilan. Ang bansa natin ay may pagkakakilanlan: Republika ng Pilipinas, malaya sa pananakop at pagaari ng iba mga maykapangyarihan. Ang Pilipinas ay hindi ang pamamayari ng iisang tao o pamilya o grupo. Dapat ang ating pamahalaan ay maglilingkod sa kabuuan ng bansa at di lamang sa interes ng iilan. At dapat ang mga mamamayan ay kikilos sa mga paraan na makakaangat sa dangal ng ating bayan. Mahalaga na itaguyod natin ang karapatan ng bawat Pilipino at ang pagkakakilanlan ng bayan. Kung sa maliit na bagay gaya ng ating sariling buhay tayo ay may paki, mawalan ng konting kalayaan dahil sa trabaho o pagaaral o kahirapan tayo ay umaangal, bakit di natin kaya ipaglaban rin ang kapwa at bayan?
"Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha ko't dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya!"
Sa mga kababata ko: ito ang minimithi ng ating mga ninuno panahon pa nina Rizal hanggang sa ating mga magulang. Ang isyu ng kalayaan ng ating bansa ay hindi pwedeng pabayaan. Sa isang simpleng analohiya: ating mga karaniwang buhay, hahayaan ba natin na aangkinin ng iba ang sarili nating mga tahanan? Hindi naman siguro. Kung ipapalalim pa natin ito, makikita natin na ang kalayaan ng ating bayan ay may kinalaman sa ating mga katauhan. Di natin maihihiwalay ang pagiging "Pilipino" sa ating mga indibidwal na buhay. Kung may nagbahid sa itong bahagi ng ating katauhan, maapektuhan ang kabuuan nating pagkatao. Mahirap (hindi imposible) na matamasa natin ang kabuuan ng ating dignidad at dangal kung nahihiya tayo sa ating pinanggalingan: ang bayang Pilipinas. Bahagi ng ating pagsibol bilang mga tao ay ang pagtulong sa ating bayan at sa lipunan na naghubog sa atin. Kung hindi, habangbuhay tayo mananatiling naguguluhan sa ating kalagayan sapagkat hindi natin nagagawan ng paraan na gawin mas makatao ang ating konteks at panahon na natatangi sa atin.
Ito ay ilan lamang sa mga kuro-kuro at saloobin na maaring mabuo mula sa kantang ito. Pero hindi nga kataka-taka kung bakit hanggang ngayon ito ay nagiging daan na mailabas ang matinding pagmimithi at pagdadalamhati ng mga Pilipino. Pangarap ko na sa henerasyon natin maitutupad ang hiling sa huling bahagi nitong kanta, na magiging katotohanan ang "makita kang sakdal laya!"
Susubukan ko suriin at tignan ang mga linya nitong kanta para lalo pa natin maintindihan ano ang kahulugan ng mga ito para sa ating lipunan.
"Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto't bulaklak
Pag-ibig ang sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda't dilag"
Ito: mga dahilan na ipagmalaki natin ang sarili nating bayan. Itong bansa natin ay isang lugar na maraming likas na yaman, at marami rin mga pagkakataon para matupad ang pangarap. Hindi na kailangan na palaging mangarap umalis ng bansa para umunlad. Pero ang isa sa mga pinakamagandang yaman ng Pilipinas ay ang Pilipino mismo. Kung titignan natin, kakaiba ang ugali ng mga Pilipino. Hindi lang tayo mapagtanggap, masayahin at rehilyoso. Tayo ay isang mapagmahal na lahi. Kung hindi tayo mapagmahal, di mangyayari ang EDSA, ang GK, at kung anu ano pang mga pangaraw-araw na milagro na nagiging mga ilaw sa ating bansa. Bakit nga ba tayo nahihiya dito?
"At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa".
Ang malungkot na isipin: mas nakikinabang ang mga dayuhan sa atin mga gawain kaysa sa sarili nating mga kababayan. Ang mas masaklap pa ay ito: mas nakikita ng mga taga-ibang bansa ang mga kakayahan ng mga Pilipino kaysa tayo mismo. Oo, sinakop ng mga Kastila, Amerikano at Hapon ang Pilipinas nang napakahabang panahon. Hindi natin yan maitatakwil. Sinulat nga ni Jose Corazon de Jesus ang kanta ito sa panahon na tayo ay sinakop ng mga Amerikano. Pero maari nga ba na iba na ang bumibihag sa atin? Maari na iba ang nananakop ngayon---hindi sa lupa, pero sa isipan at puso ng bawat Pilipino? Baka hindi lang neo-koloyanlismo: pwede rin ang korupsyon, kawalan ng disiplina, pagiinggit, kulang sa pagmamahal sa bayan o kulang sa pakialam. At dahil tayo ay tumitigil lamang sa pagdusa at pagiyak, di pa ba natin nakikita ang sarili nating lakas na bumangon nang husto mula sa nakaraan?
"Ibon man may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal dilag
Ang di magnasang makaalpas?"
Karapatan ng bawat Pilipino na manatiling malaya. Nasa Saligang Batas natin yan (baguhin man ito, hindi ito mawawala sa Bill of Rights). Ang kalayaan ito ay may mga implikasyon: dapat malaya ang bawat Pilipino na mabuhay ng mapayapa. Ang bawat Pilipino ay may kaligtasan sa ilalim ng ating mga batas. Hindi siya pwedeng apihin ng sinuman na wala sa dahilan. Ang bansa natin ay may pagkakakilanlan: Republika ng Pilipinas, malaya sa pananakop at pagaari ng iba mga maykapangyarihan. Ang Pilipinas ay hindi ang pamamayari ng iisang tao o pamilya o grupo. Dapat ang ating pamahalaan ay maglilingkod sa kabuuan ng bansa at di lamang sa interes ng iilan. At dapat ang mga mamamayan ay kikilos sa mga paraan na makakaangat sa dangal ng ating bayan. Mahalaga na itaguyod natin ang karapatan ng bawat Pilipino at ang pagkakakilanlan ng bayan. Kung sa maliit na bagay gaya ng ating sariling buhay tayo ay may paki, mawalan ng konting kalayaan dahil sa trabaho o pagaaral o kahirapan tayo ay umaangal, bakit di natin kaya ipaglaban rin ang kapwa at bayan?
"Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha ko't dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya!"
Sa mga kababata ko: ito ang minimithi ng ating mga ninuno panahon pa nina Rizal hanggang sa ating mga magulang. Ang isyu ng kalayaan ng ating bansa ay hindi pwedeng pabayaan. Sa isang simpleng analohiya: ating mga karaniwang buhay, hahayaan ba natin na aangkinin ng iba ang sarili nating mga tahanan? Hindi naman siguro. Kung ipapalalim pa natin ito, makikita natin na ang kalayaan ng ating bayan ay may kinalaman sa ating mga katauhan. Di natin maihihiwalay ang pagiging "Pilipino" sa ating mga indibidwal na buhay. Kung may nagbahid sa itong bahagi ng ating katauhan, maapektuhan ang kabuuan nating pagkatao. Mahirap (hindi imposible) na matamasa natin ang kabuuan ng ating dignidad at dangal kung nahihiya tayo sa ating pinanggalingan: ang bayang Pilipinas. Bahagi ng ating pagsibol bilang mga tao ay ang pagtulong sa ating bayan at sa lipunan na naghubog sa atin. Kung hindi, habangbuhay tayo mananatiling naguguluhan sa ating kalagayan sapagkat hindi natin nagagawan ng paraan na gawin mas makatao ang ating konteks at panahon na natatangi sa atin.
Ito ay ilan lamang sa mga kuro-kuro at saloobin na maaring mabuo mula sa kantang ito. Pero hindi nga kataka-taka kung bakit hanggang ngayon ito ay nagiging daan na mailabas ang matinding pagmimithi at pagdadalamhati ng mga Pilipino. Pangarap ko na sa henerasyon natin maitutupad ang hiling sa huling bahagi nitong kanta, na magiging katotohanan ang "makita kang sakdal laya!"
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