con't... (message board 94)

Name:   Alec
Address:   Manila, Philippines
Email:
Date:   27 September, 2009

Dear Mr. Gaspay,

This is the first time I was able to get to browse your site and thank you for creating this one. Was able to get some news about Majaba Island in Catbalogan Samar and its improvements. Would you be able to provide me more information about the place please?

I will be sending you an email to your email address and I just hope we could have a regular communication. Again thank you for the site.

Name:   DMisyonaryo
Address:   Mabini Avenue, Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:   26 September 2009

For: All Political Leaders of the Province of Samar

At the outset, let me pose a question: WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO THE PROVINCE OF SAMAR? WHAT LEGACY COULD YOU BE PROUD OF, TO TELL TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS COME MAY 2010?

I am a poor guy, not because I have no will, but because I have no hope. HOPE - THAT OUR POLITICAL LEADERS WILL HAVE A CONCRETE AND STRONGLY- DETERMINED POLITICAL WILL TO FREE THE SAMARNONS FROM THE BONDAGE OF POVERTY!

Samar is rich of all the natural resources – vast agricultural lands, long coastlines and bays and sturdy manpower. But why is it that Samarnons remain at the bondage of poverty? Why is it that farmers could not produce good yields? Why is it that fisherfolks could not catch marine products the way they do compared to the past?

Samarnons, WAKE UP! We should open our eyes to the realities what our elected politicians had been doing to save us from hunger? What have they done to expose us to livelihood opportunities that might give us income and send our siblings to school?

What appropriate infra projects did they put up to help our farmers more productive?

PAGMATA NA KITA. . . . . PUKRAT . . . . NGAN TIKANGAN NATON TIKANG MISMO HA ATON KALUGARINGON AN PAGBABAG-O. PAGBAG-O HAN DAGWAY HAN KINABUHI HAN MGA TAWO!

AKO ANG SIMULA . . . TAYO ANG SIMULA. . . LAHAT NANG GUSTO NATING PAGBABAGO AY MATUTUPAD KUNG TAYO AY MAGKAKAISA.

KUDOS!

Name:   Sincerely
Address:   San Francisco Street, Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:  24 Sep 2009

AN APPEAL TO ALL SAMARNONS:

2010 elections is just around the corner! Whether we like it or not, we should choose and elect politicians or personalities that will lead the reigns of the provincial government.

MY EARNEST APPEAL:

Please let us open our eyes, waken up our minds and soften our hearts so we can elect the right person to be our provincial chief executive.

Pastilan, ayaw na kita hito pagpadara nga ginpapanhatag nga tag 1 kilo bugas and 1 noodles. You know, these seemingly "gesture of assistance" to our less fortunate brothers are just but a pawn to another 9 years of developmental agony for the province.

Why do I say developmental agony? For almost nine years of running the provincial government and siphoning the coffers, focus was given to infra projects that are not necessary for the betterment of the lives of the poor. Take the case of the Imelda Park! Unnecessary structures were constructed. Ano naman an gamit hito yana? Istambayan which leads to . . . . for "lovers" who cant afford to pay private rooms. How about the fountain? A "world class garbage center" and a breeding pond for mosquitos and the like!

The provincial roads to San Jose de Buan, Blanca Aurora, Villareal, Sta. Rita and many more. All reported finish all weather road! But if you actually pass that road, you should use a dual vehicle - otherwise, magbabaktas ka kay malagay hin duro during rainy season. Dapat an tawag hito "passable when dry season", di ba?

Take the case of the Samar Provincial Hospital tagged as "Monalisa". Everytime a patient is confined, he should buy his own thing - cotton,. gauze, alcohol, needles, etc. Even paracetamol is out of stock. WHEN VICE GOV REDAJA ASSUMED OFFICE AS GOVERNOR FOR 90 DAYS, ALAS! AS IF IT WAS A WHIRLWIND SERVICES! The hospital was stocked with medicines, oxygen tanks were filled, water services available 24/7 and the whole building cleaned, repainted and fenced. CONGRATULATIONS VICE GOVERNOR REDAJA. YOU REALLY HAVE A SOUND POLITICAL WILL TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF SAMAR!

Inmates of the provincial and sub-provincial JAILS. Although they are behind bars for an "alleged crime" still they deserve humanely treatment. How will a person survive for a daily allowance of Php20 for their meals? How could they rest for a very crowded place to accommodate 300 persons when that jail is supposed to accommodate only 100 persons? INMATES ARE RESOURCEFUL - THEY SLEEP LIKE SECURITY GUARDS ADAPTING 3 HOUR SHIFTS!

POOR SAMAR - POOR SAMARNONS! LET US NOT TOLERATE BEING BRANDED AS "IRO". In Northern Samar "iro" is puppy and worst "ASKAL".

LET US OPEN OUR EYES, WAKEN UP OUR MINDS AND SOFTEN OUR HEARTS!

LET US ELECT THE RIGHT PERSON.

Name:   A. Morales
Email:
Date:   Sept 22, 2009

The presidential elections next year is getting exciting...

Filipinos are truly telenovela addicts. Whether in our personal, business, or political affairs, we love the twists and turns of a dramatic story.

The recent upsurge of Noynoy Aquino's chances of winning Malacanang after the ground-swelling support brought by the death of his mother, Cory Aquino, over a month ago, made the political landscape change quite dramatically. Mar Roxas nixed his presidential ambition to a more realistic drive for the vice presidency. Whether it was a sacrifice or merely an astute political move is yet to be seen. Mar is now the front runner for the vice presidency after having his lackadaisical performance in the presidential surveys. With Noynoy and Mar, Kris and Korina, and a host of yellowish ribbon support, we may have another presidential offspring get the plum post in Malacanang. Unfortunately, Gloria Arroyo made a horrific standard for all presidential offsprings to follow. I wish and hope that Noynoy will be different.

Manny Villar's candidacy is enigmatic to say the least. The C5 controvervy did not hurt his ratings in the surveys. It is amazing how money can change the people's perspectives. His info-mercials are indeed effective. He is now the man to beat. With his millions, or I would say his billions, ready to be used to crush his enemies, Manny will give them a good fight. I have a prediction to make that Lakas-Kampi members who are not fully satisfied with Defense Secretary Gibo Teodoro as standard bearer will eventually jump to the Villar bandwagon. Money in politics is like oxygen to local leaders. Even staunch pro-admin and pro-opposition leaders are easily gravitating to Manny Villar who is a fence-sitter---neither pro-admin nor pro-opposition. He is wading in the middle of the pond, so to speak. Even his friend Noli de Castro is now written off as a has been. His outburst during a TV interview against the masa only unmasked his lack of refinement as a politico or merely a picture of what he truly is---a newsreader who does not have a grasp of things. Well, I know that Manny Villar is courting Noli to his fold but I think that Noli as Vice President is not exciting at all. Villar is bent on getting Jinggoy Estrada to run for VP. After all, Erap is still number two on the surveys of presidential contenders.

Although Erap is hallucinating for the presidency, the ultimate goal is to consider Erap a political power broker. Sen. Lacson unmasked Erap's sins in a privelege speech. When former friends spill the beans, you better stop, look, and listen---they are usually true. Though a tad late and the issues are old, Lacson's expose on Erap must warn us all that another Erap presidency is not a good thing for the country. We should close the Erap story with a good riddance mood.

Well, Gibo Teodoro is bent on heading the shaky pro-administration team. He is at the bottom of the surveys but with his eloquence, credentials, money, and connections, he may come out a credible candidate. After all, between Noynoy and Gibo, who are by the way second cousins, Gibo is smarter and more accomplished. Both scions of the powerful Cojuangco clan of Tarlac, both are young and are fast becoming frontrunners in the presidential race. While Gibo has to carry a heavy burden of protecting an administration that is so unpopular, he also has to convince his uncle Danding Cojuangco to rally his Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) foot soldiers to support him and abandone the two prominent NPC presidential timbers---Sen. Chiz Escudero & Sen. Loren Legarda. The predicament of Gibo is Chiz is so identified with the opposition and he is so close to the Arroyo administration that both would have difficulty teaming up.In fact, Escudero hinted that he could become veep of Erap if Erap decides to run. But, Danding could make a herculean move to marry the opposition and the administration. After all, Danding has been playing his political card so well that he is both respected by the opposition and the administration. In the end, politics is the art of the impossible and anything can happen overnight.

So, it would eventually be a 3-cornered fight in 2010. From the true opposition, the Liberal Party will carry the torch of Aquino and Roxas. From the middle ground, neither pro-admin nor pro-opposition, the Nacionalista Party will lead the charge with Manny Villar as standard bearer and possibly Noli de Castro for a re-run for the vice presidency or Jinggoy Estrada or even Chiz Escudero or Loren Legarda. From the administration's side, Partido Lakas-Kampi or Palaka will have Gibo Teodoro as standard bearer and possibly DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno for vice president. Unfortunately for Palaka, the bench isn't deep enough for presidential timbers.

Joseph Estrada will run but he will eventually be disqualified by the Supreme Court. He knows deeply that Arroyo's Supreme Court appointees will crush his desire to be president again. If we want to move this country forward, the best thing to do is to move on without Erap or Gloria. The country is much larger than these two protagonists and I hope that we should all be spared from these two political burdens in 2010. While many still believe and love Estrada to be president, let me just tell them that he wasted the trust and confidence given on him during his prime opportunity to serve the people. As they say, lost time or opportunity is lost forever.

There would be other day dreamers like Richard Gordon, Bayani Fernando, Eddie Villanueva, and Mike Velarde who would try to get snatch some votes. While Gordon is good, Bayani is effective, Villanueva is morally upright, and Velarde is rich, 2010 is just not their time. So, instead of wasting their energy and resources, I's rather suggest that they focus on supporting somebody else in the top three list.

2010 is exciting indeed. I'm a voter and I will have a hard time casting my vote even with only 3 presidential candidates to choose.

Name:   Mano Olin
Address:   Brgy. Sulangan, Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   21 September 2009

To Mr. Hubert Wang

I am glad that you were delighted to see the caves in Basey as they seem to be different from what you have seen from previous explorations of caves you have visited in the past. The only sour note of your short message is, you were not impressed (naturally you will not) of the ineptitude of the Tourism Officer you have encountered.

From my previous and past experiences whenever I visit places of interests, I would always leave my comments whether such remarks are either bad or good of the place and these also include my impressions or comments (as well as suggestions) of the staff or personnel in-charge (who directly or indirectly I had dealt or had interactions with). And I make it certain that these are done in WRITING. In this manner my purpose is two-fold, if my comments are positive of the place, then the management of the establishment have a way of gauging customer’s satisfaction on the business existing facilities (or absence or lack of it) as well as use these as part of their promotion by way of inclusion in their advertisement literature the good and excellent remarks of guests or visitors (i.e. flyers, etc.). In such cases when there are criticisms or unpleasant comments (in my case there was hardly any - kasi ‘pasen-siyo-so ako) then the business owner or establishment could just do the appropriate action as they see it fit and necessary.

From these written comments, a tourism business or in the case of the caves you visited in Basey, the government agency or business concern that is responsible in the daily running and operation of the site could already have devised strategies on how their people (staff) would handle and entertain their visitors – like the staff’s specialized knowledge of the caves (Speleology). This probably is what disappointed you as you would have wanted more information of the cave’s history and its unique features.

Travelling from the city center of Auckland for almost two (2) hours to visit and enter the subterranean Waitomo caves to watch luminescent lights emitted by the unique glow worms would not have been interesting to the cave’s visitors had the guide not been so well-versed of the cave. Just upon boarding your bus that would take you to these caves, you would have been handed already your booklet guide that included all what is there to know and what to see inside these natural geological wonders. Mind you, these caves alone is a ‘money spinner’ to the coffers of the local government of Rotorua judging by the number of busloads of tourists and visitors that come and visit this site.

By the way, I am not a keen cave enthusiast as you may think I am.

Ngahin mangu-ngu-musta la ako kan Mr. Chip Tsao kay taga Hongkong ka man. Kun mahi-uupod mo hiya hin sunod mo nga pag-bisita hin nga ‘cave’ ha Basey, di na naton hiya iga-gawas!!!

POST SCRIPT.

What I can only say in regards to your frustration on the ineptness of the Tourism Officer you referred in your message is - SHE DID NOT DO HER HOMEWORK.

Amo la, an imo Mano Olin

Name:   Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   September 17, 2009

To Mr. Basilio Balasbas

I am glad to hear from you again. It's been a long while since you last posted here.

It is unfortunate that your plans did not push through. All is not lost yet though. You still have opportunities ahead of you. Stay visible in Samar and make some productive "noise" so people will know you and remember your name.

The difference between you and Noynoy Aquino is that people knew Noynoy (and his parents too well) and they don't know you yet. You still have to make your name mark in the hearts of Samarnons.

All the best for you ahead. Be consistent with your plans and stay on the track.

Name:   Johnny
Address:   Gungab, Albuera 6542, Leyte
Email:   padrigano_3857@yahoo.com
Date:   sept 16, 2009

To: Raul Calinao, Ontario, Canada

Hello best friend! hope ur fine. I read ur message u looking for me and am just here. Thanks u still remember.

Its me, Johnny.

Name:   Arman Amparado
Address:   San Isidro, Calauan 4012, Laguna
Email:   arman_71065@yahoo.com
Date:   Sept.15, 2009

To Mr. Lolito O. Amparado,

Congratulation for your achievement, We were proud of you. Sorry late ko na nalaman wala namang nag bibigay ng information, but anyway congratulation again and my best regards.

I'm waiting for your reply.

Name:   Basilio A. Balasbas
Address:   539 Ricarte Ext., San Antonio, San Pedro, Laguna, Philippines
Email:   basilio.balasbas@yahoo.com
Date:   September 14, 2009

Underneath is a portion of the posting of Kumpadre Kulas last July 17, 2009 regarding the status of our country and the kind of politics that we have especially in our impoverished province.

The Philippines, in pre-Marcos time... the Macapagal, Garcia, Magsaysay era, was the most progressive in Asia. You never heard of Taiwan, S. Korea, Singapore… these countries were in the backwaters. Then the actor- turned President succeeded in kicking out the bases, which was the second largest employer, behind the gov't. Corruption still persists to this day.

I don't understand why do people elect individuals who are popularly corrupt, who are criminals, who were indicted, led a coupe d'etat, to gov't offices.

Filipino mentalities haven't evolved. Stagnant. Look at the theme in the movies-same from over 50 years ago...gay characters, yaya's as sidekicks, copycats, non-original whatsoever...

Kumpadre Kulas you are correct and you hit it right on the head.

Actually I was reluctant to post because of my promise to run for Governor of Samar and have never been heard since. I know the heights that I am going to scale when I announce my plan to test the waters in Samar politics. I know I am going to face the giants in the arena of politics. I was however thinking that aside from the little monetary considerations that I have some people from the US will assist me in financing the formidable task of a no non sense campaign that I should have started months ago but have not heard of them since.

I was thinking of a Noynoy Aquino kind of help that will emanate from the people themselves if they really want change. I had this burning desire in me because I want that what happened to my parents in our monalisa hospital (Samar Provincial Hospital) where both of my parents died helplessly will not happen again to all our deprived kabugtuans. I wont go into the details because I already explained the reason behind in my previous posting.

The mentality of our kabugtuans with respect to the selling of their votes is prevalent in the entire province the reason why the kawatans, the ninnies and nincompops, the corrupt politicians proliferates in the entire province. The Noynoy kind of help which will change the political landscape of our province will never happen. I don't want to be pessimistic but as helpless as my parents in our hospital that is what I foresee in the horizon of the province new beginning.

God bless us all…

Name:   ah5
Address:   2104 South King St., Honolulu 96826, HI, USA
Email:
Date:   9-13-09

This coming 28-29th of Sept. 2009 is the fiesta of GANDARA (W. Samar). We are inviting all folks to witness our very own "CARABAO DANCE FESTIVAL".

It's a cultural dance we're proud of to present to the whole nation and won Grand Champion for the whole Region VIII (visit "you tube").

Msgr. Jun Cinco and his brothers are the Hermanos for this year 2009. St. Michael de Archangel is our patron saint. Please come and celebrate with us.

Name:   Joe Buenafe
Address:   Pinamitinan, Marabut, Samar
Email:   joebuenafe69@yahoo.com
Date:   09 13 09

Musta ngatanan nga mga taga Pinamitinan / Sta. Rita, Marabut, Samar… Miss ko na kmo dida… anak ko ada ha Bolusao, Lawaan Samar… Miss na miss na kita...anak!!!!!!!! Tnx po…

Name:   A. Hochadel
Address:   Germany
Email:
Date:   10 September 2009

To cole.knights:

Fathers Cecilio and Pete Lucero are not one and the same person. The former hailed from N. Samar while the latter, from Camotes Is.

FYI.

Name:   Gus
Email:
Date:   09-10-09

Jac,

Diri hi Fr. Pete Lucero ngan Fr. Cecilio Lucero uusa. Magkaiba ito hira. Hi Fr. Cecilio Lucero, bugto han daan Cong. Wilmar Lucero ha Northern Samar.

Name:   Malaag
Address:   Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:   09-09-09

Fr. Cecilio Lucero is a different person afar from Fr. Pet Lucero. Fr. Cecilio is the younger brother of former congressman Wilmar Lucero.

Name:   SailorJohn
Address:   USA
Email:
Date:   8 Sept 2009

Sankay

For the first time you have posted something that is 100% correct in regards to "Without moral foundation We all go to hell".

You have hit the nail on the head here and if only the people of the Philippines would read this and understand your points. Things could change for the better.

Thank you

Name:   Jac
Address:   Catbalogan
Email:   cole.knights@gmail.com
Date:   08sep09

Mga sangkay, hi Fr. Cecilio Lucero ba ngan hi Fr. Pete Lucero uusa? Nahinunumdom ako kan Fr. Pete nga nadestino anay dinhe ha Catbalogan mid-80s...ngan sumulod liwat ha politika.

Salamat gidaan ha info.

Name:   Cherilyn Magos
Address:   Quarry Dist., Tacloban City
Email:
Date:   09/08/2009

Hello mzta po sa inyong tanan diha sa mga taga Basaynon hehehehe

Name:   Sankay
Address:   Cebu City
Email:
Date:   7 Sep 2009

Without moral foundation We all go to hell

I am talking about the similarities of our leaders in government and the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Both of them have sworn in to defend not only our values and our constitution but also to defend the oppressed and the poor who cannot defend themselves under the justice clause of the Philippine Constitution. Both of them are entrusted to carry heavy responsibilities for the day-to-day management of the country. Both of them get praises when things go well, and then blamed when things go worst.

The officials of our government guards the entries of our country’s banking vaults, while the AFP members guards the entry to the country’s armories.

When morality is absent such as today’s lack of moral direction by our top leaders in the government and the military, our country’s foundation will start to rumble. There are already signs of crumbling, and if this moral direction is not corrected, we Filipinos might see some bloodshed.

The entry to our banking vaults had been compromised by our officials incharged of guarding it. Billions of pesos are lost every year by corruption. The entry to our nation’s armories had been compromised by our AFP which is in charged of guarding it. Loose soldiers are already showing signs of disloyalty.

The blame game is starting to rattle amongst the Filipinos. The corrupt politicians says “It is not my fault because I do not owe the Filipinos a favor. I bought the Filipino votes from my own money”

Then the members of the AFP pass the blame “It is not our fault to be disloyal to my country. If our officials in government are not loyal, then so do we. I f our officials are not honest, then so do we, If our government officials are as close to the banks, then we the AFP is also as close to our triggers”

Name:   SailorJohn
Address:   USA
Email:
Date:   7 Sept 2009

Mr. Sankay,

In response to your recent post in suggesting that "I" am pushing my own interests here is so WRONG.

What I am trying to "push" as YOU so point out is that "NEGATIVE ATTITUDES" on here from you will "NOT" gain NOTHING with in this forum.

I have no interest in trying to push or persuade ANYONE on here towards my way of thinking. In regards to trying to shut, not "shot" as you so stated this site down because of opinions by others. Again, YOU are so wrong in your thinking. My point(s)are, were, that NEGATIVE attitudes by you is NOT doing anyone on here any good. As I have said, past history is just that, PAST HISTORY. Why live it daily based on your posting?

You say that "you have an idea that I am a proud American", that "I" want "all negative issues, wrong doings, wrong doings, immoral acts, undemocratic policies and other un-American deeds hidden in the minds of the Filipinos and the world." Again, YOU are so wrong.

My point is this and I think it is easy to understand. The continued negative attitude, continued anger, and continued hatred that you post here needs to end at some point. Every Filipino, Fil-Am, any foreigner that is married to a Filipino is well aware of the past history between America and the Philippines.

I agree that only positive discussions should be with in this forum of any topic that comes to those that would like to discuss or share on here.

Now with this comment you made, I take it as an attack towards me, but will not stoop down to your level and respond. "This kind of American Sailor John’s motivation should be included in the dust pan of history.

So my question to you is this oh smart one, Why do you think that all history should be "in the dust pan of histroy"?

As for this statement:

"As today’s generations of proud Americans are proud to be an American not of military superiority, not of the super wealthy, not of the bounty, not of scientific achievements, but instead, AMERICANS ARE PROUD OF THE ENDURING AMERICAN IDEALS OF FREEDOM, JUSTICE FOR ALL RICH OR POOR, DEMOCRACY AND PURSUIT OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY."

I think you are so wrong in regards to your thinking that some Americans truely think like this today. Where do you get this idea from? I am sorry, but I live in America and I see and read daily of Americans who only think about themselves and their wealth vice caring about the poor. I read comments about those Americans for whom think that we should use our military superiority to resolve problems. I for one am not in these two groups as YOU may think "I" am. As for your comment on justice for all, rich or por, I think YOU need to do some research my friend.

In closing Sankay, instead of pinging on me for standing up to you and your negative comments that are "NOT" doing anything positive for the Filipino people or the Philippines. Maybe you should be more poisitve in your comments and posting that will benefit the Filipino people and the Philippines. Thank you.

Name:   Federico E. Dean
Address:   Unit 11A Carlton 3 Condo, Califonia Garden Square, Libertad St., Mandaluyong, Philippines
Email:   dick_dean2000@yahoo.com
Date:   09-03-09

I am looking for a childhood friend in Calbayog, Cesar Aniban (Yayong to friends). Just in case somebody knows his whereabouts, please contact me.

Name:   Mario
Address:   New Jersey, USA
Email:   mario_umar@yahoo.com
Date:   01 Sep 2009

Bag-o ko la ini nahikit-an nga site. Usa ako nga dati taga Catbalogan ug nalipay ako nga pina agi hini nga iyo message board, mahihibaruan ko an mga bag-o hiunong han Catbalogan.

Name:   Sankay
Address:   Cebu City
Email:
Date:   28 Aug 2009

Proud Filipinos are like proud Americans

Like the famous quote, “if I cannot get my way then no one else can“. This is the motivation by our forum writer Sailor John who is pushing his own interest to move this forum in his favor or better yet shot this forum down if the opinions do not go to his favor. What is Sailor John’s interest? It is not very clear but I have an idea based on his postings. Sailor John is a proud American, and as a proud American he wants all negative issues, wrong doings, immoral acts, undemocratic policies and other un-American deeds hidden in the minds of the Filipinos and the world. Instead, he wants only the good things about America be displayed openly to the public.

This kind of American Sailor John’s motivation should be included in the dust pan of history as today’s generations of proud Americans are proud to be an American not of military superiority, not of the super wealthy, not of the bounty, not of scientific achievements, but instead, AMERICANS ARE PROUD OF THE ENDURING AMERICAN IDEALS OF FREEDOM, JUSTICE FOR ALL RICH OR POOR, DEMOCRACY AND PURSUIT OF INDIVIDUAL LIBERTY.

If America through its elected leaders of the past made infractions against and abandoned the noble standards of the American ideals such as supporting undemocratic and un-American dictatorship in the Philippines, then it is the duty of every American to correct the wrong, promote peace over war, pay when injustice is done and order over chaos.

Filipinos had been wronged by America like the giving of life support for the Marcos dictatorship that lasted 20 years which brought chaos and misery to many Filipinos and caused degradation of our Filipino Freedom. America also grossly miscompensated our Fil-Am veterans, 63 years late to date, our Fil-Am veterans who shed blood and life so that America’s freedom and strength is guaranteed in the world.

For what reason and purpose is it o hide the American infractions against the Filipinos? Just like in the American civil rights movement in the 1960s, wherein, Americans were wronged, Americans corrected it, and Americans moved-on. All we Filipinos want from America is to stop supporting by any means, shape or form, another un-American Martial Law and un-democratic dictatorship in our country.

Name:   A. Morales
Email:
Date:   08-27-09

What's in a name?

I would like to extend my congratulations to the people of Biliran for having a newly minted university status of the Naval Institute of Technology. Kudos to Cong. Glenn Chong for this accomplishment. [read article}

What's in a name? What's in a title? These are questions in my mind every time there is a municipality that is converted into a city or a college that is converted into a university. We filipinos are particular about titles and names. We have Engr., Dr., Atty., Prof. and Military ranks inserted into our names to emphasize our importance in society. We are too concern about our rank in our society that we often insist on parading them.

In same manner, we are proud being called a city even when we truly know that we are not worthy of the name. Is Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) truly deserving to be a university? I doubt. Sen. Mar Roxas sponsored the Senate version of the bill not because he believes in the quality of education that NIT produces. He did it because Chong is a partymate and he is a candidate for president.

To me, the problem with conferring cities and universities to unworthy institutions by virtue of an edict set by politicians is the demeaning effect on the other institutions that are already existing institutions with such distinctions. The titles become meaningless, the status obscured, the distinction erased. What is the difference of UP and Naval State University? Miles and miles away but with unworthy titles we are pulling UP from its pedestal by lifting NIT to have an equal rank as UP. Talk about democratization of education, I say it is a massacre of the university prestige and honor. Quality should have been the priority and not mere quantity.

What's to brag about the number of universities in our country when some universities are only good as a lousy liberal arts college. Some would say that with the conferral of the university status, quality will follow. To me, we are losing the whole point when we put the carriage first ahead of the horse. We will never go nowhere with this strategy.

I'm sorry Biliranons but nothing personal, just a point to ponder.

Name:   Bugsay of Cagauit
Address:   Cagaut, Salcedo, Eastern Samar
Email:
Date:   26 August 2009

Name: Somehow
Address: Catbalogan
Email:
Date: August 16, 2009

To Engr. Romualdo D. Saises

Thank you for your concern on developing Samar. How can we attend or participate in your discussion of your proposal? We are interested to listen your discussion. Warm regards.

Name:   Engr. Romualdo D. Saises
Address:   Las Navas, Northern Samar, Philippines
Email:   saises_knights@yahoo.com
Date:   08-02-09

SAMAR ISLAND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AS PROPOSAL

I am inviting everyone to join me in discussing my proposal for the development of Samar. Secretary Gabriel Claudio is the man of President Arroyo. Let us convince him to assist us for this proposal. I will be in Catbalogan with other Gugma groups for a healthy discussion on August 23, 2009. My cell no. 09217350724

Engr. Romualdo D. Saises
Municipal Engineer

To Engr. Saises

In response to your posting in this column dated 02 August, 2009, regarding a proposal that you have in mind for the development of Samar, could you please post thru this board your outline proposal (or any action plan) so the readers of this column could get down to the ‘nitty-gritty of this initiative.

This may be the start of putting all our mouths were it should be. Kay maru-iha na gad nga mga panahon nga in nga mga nagsu-surat dinhe ay it mga hining-yap at mag-upay nga mga larang para hit kau-payan hit aton bungto ay maipa-dayon na gud kun may mga ‘action’ kita nga hihimu-on. A coherent and concerted plan that you may have in your ‘drawing board’ must now come out to the open.

Sige ha- la, igawas mo na it im kartada (cards), bangin nuy-be (9) iton nga dako gud it aton ipagda-daog !!!

Hi Bugsay la ine.

Name:   Sankay
Address:   Cebu City
Email:
Date:   25 August 2009

The peace that is lingering for the Filipinos

GMA’s presidency is about to end and I could not recall not a single significant accomplishments during her wasted 9 years. GMA has more significant presidential infractions and mismanagements than common tasks to do as president. GMA was big on talk yet small in action. In her dreams she could annihilate the NPA but when she woke up the NPA was still standing tall.

While most leaders in the history of mankind promised peace and prosperity for their own people, our own despised GMA , the leader of the entire Filipino people promised war and chaos for her own Filipinos. Not a single utter in her mouth for the last 8 years did GMA spoke for “peace and reconciliation”. Most of her spoken words carried out for the last wasted 9 years were “Annihilation” “Eradication” “Terrorism” “Communism” “Surrender” and many more. She has not defended in a presidential leadership manner to the victims of assassinated local leaders, media personalities and labor leaders.

GMA is more of an anglo-saxon American policy maker which puts interest first to take side with the rich because “the rich are powerful, the rich has unlimited assets, the rich has control, while the poor are disorganized, the poor’s brain is defective from growing up malnourished, the poor cannot fight back and THE POOR ARE SUB-HUMAN or not human at all. I am one of the proud poor Filipinos who have conquered my poor destiny. Those of us poor Filipinos who have made it to success should not forget to help millions of other poor Filipinos who are left behind.

GMA shot herself on her foot for overdoing her war and chaos policies For example, GMA suspected all Filipino poor farmers are communists, so she drove them out of their fields which resulted in gross negative production of rice as there are less farmers tending to farms. Scared of massive hunger and famine nationwide, GMA begged for loans for billions of dollars from the world bank, so she can import rice from other countries to compensate for screwing up the food production. Today, GMA added to our international debt to over 4 trillion pesos.

It is okay if peace with the NDF is not attained during GMA’s presidency. We will make sure that peace is guaranteed on whoever is the next successor to GMA. Imagine if we can successfully attain a lasting peace, THERE WILL BE TREMENDOUS BENEFITS FROM THE PEACE DIVEDEND. All those billions and billions of pesos wasted just to fight for nothing but shadow ideology will now be put to use for something beneficial for all the Filipinos.

Name:   SJ
Address:   USA
Email:
Date:   24 Aug 2009

A. Morales,

Thank you for your comments.

I agree with you and understand your point of view. I am not really asking the webmaster to take extra time to read every posts, just an over all quick read.

I am or was under the impression that the webmaster read all these messages before they were posted. At that point in time HE decides if they will be posted.

As for being a key board warrior and my screen name, not really hiding there at all.

Name:   Edong Mapangarap
Email:
Date:   8/23/09

NEWS from MALAYA Newspaper Aug 21, 2009 Edition

Samar lawmaker files plunder raps vs Evardone

EASTERN Samar Rep. Teodolo Coquilla on Thursday filed criminal complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against Eastern Samar governor Ben Evardone over the alleged illegal disbursement of P173 million in public funds.

Coquilla sought Evardone’s indictment for plunder, graft and administrative charges, including grave misconduct, dishonesty and conduct prejudicial to the interest of government.

Aside from being provincemates, Coquilla and Evardone are both members of the ruling Lakas-Kampi-Christian and Muslim Democrats coalition.

In his complaint-affidavit, Coquilla accused Evardone of allegedly mishandling a P173 million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines by padding the purchase cost of farming equipment and motor vehicles. He said hand tractors were bought out of the said loan for P91,3236.17 per unit when the sales price per unit, according to COA, was only P80,466.63, resulting in actual loss of funds amounting to P325,786.20.

Coquilla said there were also water trucks and stake trucks acquired and paid for from the proceeds of the loan that did not comply with specifications of the contract due to absence of airconditioning systems. Instead of being rejected and getting replacements, these units were left unused and deteriorating in open space.

The provincial government also reportedly purchased a service vehicle worth P1,131,532 "without authority from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan" while a supposedly brand new BEML bulldozer acquired at US$ 240,801 on July 6, 2007 turned out to be "a used BEML bulldozer with rust but painted over." – Peter J.G. Tabingo

P.S. Kay ano nga waray ini niyo ka pick up nga news. Puro manla pakaupay ni Evardone iyo gin aapi ha iyo mga news.

[ As of now, we have deficiency in in-house news writers. Most of the news articles appearing are from contributors and PR from government offices/officials and private offices. We would appreciate if the office of Cong. Coquilla can send us their press releases as what the office of Gov. Evardone is doing. – RPG ]