A lot of people perceive that politics as dirty and a means to achieve one's craving for power and a tool for personal aggrandizement. Gone were the principles laid down by ancient and medieval political theorists that politics is a means or a venue by which man can achieve his true potential, not only for his or her own personal gain but moreover for the good of many.
It does not help any that politics as practiced in the Philippines is nowhere near the ideals that has helped alleviate the current murk of socio- political and economic quagmire we stuck ourselves into. I need not enumerate the numerous examples to prove this point. One has just to look at the window to see reality. Will there be any hope for change amid the growing quiet discontent, indifference, apathy and hopelessness prevailing now?
In an article I clipped from the Philippine Daily Inquirer column of Tita Datu Puangco,"Advice for the Anxious Person at Work," last Sept. 7, 2003, she quotes Chiara Lubich, founder of the Focolare Movement in Switzerland. It is about the challenge of authentic politics.
Lubich words,Puangco said, gave her hope. Lubich proposed a "Politicians for Unity Movement," and a unique and positive view of politics. She said that a " response to a political vocation is an act of brotherhood, because one acts upon public matters and deals with questions that are of concern to theirs, wanting their good as if it were their own."
Ideal politics is the "gathering into unity of a common design the resources of persons and groups that provide the means for each one to freely pursue his or her own vocation. It also fosters collaboration among all, bringing together the need with the resources, the questions with the answers, instilling trust among all."
The key ideas of the movement of unity in politics are: One is the concept that the vocation of a politician is an act of love, a personal calling that provide an answer to a social need or problem, to the sufferings of people and the needs of the time.
Two,politicians understand that others, even political opponents, might have made their choices out of love and therefore worthy of respect. They are interested in supporting good proposals of their political adversaries. They can build the common good together.
Third, politicians must listen to everyone, including those who are "different." They make themselves one with everyone, so that they become capable of understanding and offering proposals. This is what is called,"authentic political realism."
Fourth, politicians cannot remain passive in the face of conflicts that can create deep divisions between politicians and citizens. They must make the first step to rebuild a breakdown in communication.
Fifth, brotherhood has to become mutual, necessary for a correctly understood democracy.
Finally, politicians are capable of loving the other parties as they love their own.
The trend of the Movement for Unity in Politics has gained ground in Europe and South America. In the light of the coming elections, which will again deepen the already wide gap between the different sectors of our society, this call should be heeded by our politicians especially by those who are aspiring for the high public offices.
Only then, shall we as a people and a nation gain our lost dignity.
Monday, November 30, 2009
POLITICAL DILLEMAS
About five months from now, the Filipino voters will again troop to the different polling places to make a decision on whom they want to lead them as government officials, from the lowly councilors of a town to the president of the Philippines. For the many, it will not be a problem as they hinge their future on who are popular and "mahapos palapitan", as it is aptly called in the Hiligaynon dialect. But, for those who are "educated", it is often a dilemma, a choice of who are the "winnable" or those who are "ideal."
But we will not be delving here on that aspect, as the Filipino voter's mind are very fickle and the surveys now are often not reflective of the final results when the last ballots are counted come election time. I am going to focus on the dilemma of the candidates themselves.
Candidates for elective positions are often faced with a dilemma especially if many groups or parties wanting him or her in their line- up. A tough choice, choice indeed. This dilemma is not faced by candidates whose candidacy is only for the money from a backers campaign kitty. This dilemmas are faced by candidates who are advocates of causes that have endeared them to a certain sector of in the locality.
Do I have to go with the group with the most organized political machinery? Or do I have to run as independent and shell out or invest a large amount of money from my pockets? Do I join other candidates to form an alternative choice for voters? What are the factors should I take into consideration in my candidacy? These I believe are the questions bugging many would- be political hopefuls right now.
Here's more: I could turn off a lot of my supporters when I join a group led by somebody they would not vote for. However, if I join other group or choose to be independent my chances of winning will be next to nil. As an independent or opt to join an alternative group I will have to do it on my own, like assigning watchers to guard the ballots come election time, get campaigners down to the lowly level of the puroks aggravated by the fact that I have to shell out a large amount to maintain them.
In joining a more stable party with an entrenched and well- organized political machinery, spending can be cut- off by 20 percent (granting that your party will not attempt to dump you, a week before the actual elections) and the campaign can be more focused than distracted by bickering's over money. As every Philippine elections would show, the chances of winning are much bigger if one is backed by supporters and campaigners down to the level of the household or family leaders. Such is the political culture of the Filipinos.
What about the causes that I have espoused before I entered the political arena as they may be compromised?, a candidate may ask. Let me return the question, what would that worthy cause be if after the counting of votes you don't win? It will all go to naught.
Candidates who are idealists should strongly hold on the values and causes they champion but should balance it with a pragmatic view of Philippine political realities. When you win, then by all means stand by it through your efforts as a public official, otherwise you will remain a lonely voice in the wilderness.
But we will not be delving here on that aspect, as the Filipino voter's mind are very fickle and the surveys now are often not reflective of the final results when the last ballots are counted come election time. I am going to focus on the dilemma of the candidates themselves.
Candidates for elective positions are often faced with a dilemma especially if many groups or parties wanting him or her in their line- up. A tough choice, choice indeed. This dilemma is not faced by candidates whose candidacy is only for the money from a backers campaign kitty. This dilemmas are faced by candidates who are advocates of causes that have endeared them to a certain sector of in the locality.
Do I have to go with the group with the most organized political machinery? Or do I have to run as independent and shell out or invest a large amount of money from my pockets? Do I join other candidates to form an alternative choice for voters? What are the factors should I take into consideration in my candidacy? These I believe are the questions bugging many would- be political hopefuls right now.
Here's more: I could turn off a lot of my supporters when I join a group led by somebody they would not vote for. However, if I join other group or choose to be independent my chances of winning will be next to nil. As an independent or opt to join an alternative group I will have to do it on my own, like assigning watchers to guard the ballots come election time, get campaigners down to the lowly level of the puroks aggravated by the fact that I have to shell out a large amount to maintain them.
In joining a more stable party with an entrenched and well- organized political machinery, spending can be cut- off by 20 percent (granting that your party will not attempt to dump you, a week before the actual elections) and the campaign can be more focused than distracted by bickering's over money. As every Philippine elections would show, the chances of winning are much bigger if one is backed by supporters and campaigners down to the level of the household or family leaders. Such is the political culture of the Filipinos.
What about the causes that I have espoused before I entered the political arena as they may be compromised?, a candidate may ask. Let me return the question, what would that worthy cause be if after the counting of votes you don't win? It will all go to naught.
Candidates who are idealists should strongly hold on the values and causes they champion but should balance it with a pragmatic view of Philippine political realities. When you win, then by all means stand by it through your efforts as a public official, otherwise you will remain a lonely voice in the wilderness.
why english is hard to learn
This piece is entitled,"Why English is Hard to Learn" shared by my 'barkada' Joan Honoridez- Mocorro through my e-mail.Laugh your heart out guys,here goes:
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.
19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in an eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. You park in the driveway but you drive on the parkway. You ship by truck and send cargo by ship. How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on. When the stars are out, they are visible, but then the lights are out, they are invisible. And finally, how about when you want to shut down your computer you have to hit "START."
1) The bandage was wound around the wound.
2) The farm was used to produce produce.
3) The dump was so full that it had to refuse more refuse.
4) We must polish the Polish furniture.
5) He could lead if he would get the lead out.
6) The soldier decided to desert his dessert in the desert.
7) Since there is no time like the present, he thought it was time to present the present.
8) A bass was painted on the head of the bass drum.
9) When shot at, the dove dove into the bushes.
10) I did not object to the object.
11) The insurance was invalid for the invalid.
12) There was a row among the oarsmen about how to row.
13) They were too close to the door to close it.
14) The buck does funny things when the does are present.
15) A seamstress and a sewer fell down into a sewer line.
16) To help with planting, the farmer taught his sow to sow.
17) The wind was too strong to wind the sail.
18) After a number of injections my jaw got number.
19) Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear.
20) How can I intimate this to my most intimate friend?
Let's face it - English is a crazy language. There is no egg in an eggplant nor ham in hamburger; neither apple nor pine in pineapple.
Sweetmeats are candies, while sweetbreads, which aren't sweet, are meat.But if we explore its paradoxes, we find that quicksand can work slowly, boxing rings are square and a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. You park in the driveway but you drive on the parkway. You ship by truck and send cargo by ship. How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same,while a wise man and a wise guy are opposites?
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy of a language in which your house can burn up as it burns down, in which you fill in a form by filling it out and in which an alarm goes off by going on. When the stars are out, they are visible, but then the lights are out, they are invisible. And finally, how about when you want to shut down your computer you have to hit "START."
women.vs.men part 2
Here is a more witty take on the age-old "war of the sexes".Have fun:
1. Tests have shown that women rate 3% higher in general intelligence than men, although their brain size is smaller.
2. Women are walking radar detectors, that is why men have difficulty lying to women. Their brains have the ability to integrate and decipher verbal, visual and other signals of body language. Hence women will always be safe when faking an orgasm.
3. Women want lots of sex with the men they love. Men just want lots of sex.
4. When men flirt, they will lower their pitch of voice. Women will raise theirs.
5. Women talk and think aloud while men do them silently. As a result, men think women talk too much and are nags.
6. Women talk about their problems as a way of relieving stress. They want to be heard, not fixed by being offered advice and solutions
7. Speech and words are not a specific brain skill for men. They find it hard to express themselves. That's why they often choose greeting cards with plenty of words inside. That way, there's less space for them to write.
8. Women leave men, not because they are unhappy with what he can provide, but because they are emotionally unfulfilled
9. Women use an average of 20,000 communication words, sounds, and gestures a day. Men only use about 7,000.
10. So if a woman is talking to you a lot, she likes you. But if she's not talking, you're in trouble.
11. Men are more thick-skinned than women.Literally. Which explains why women have more wrinkles than men. Boys lose their sensitivity to touch by the time they reach puberty. So where does all that sensitivity go? It all goes to just one area.
12. If a woman is unhappy in her relationship, she can't concentrate on her work. If a man is unhappy at work, he can't focus on his relationship.
13. Men can only do one thing at a time. When they stop their car to read a street directory, they have to turn down the radio. Women's brain are configured for
multi-tasking performance. They can talk on the phone, watch the TV and cook at the same time.
14. Most men get a brain hemorrhage after 20 minutes of clothes shopping.
15. When it comes to sex, women need a reason; men need a place.
16. 15% to 20% of men have feminized brains. About 10% of women have masculinized brains. So there are more gays than lesbians in the world.
17. Most women prefer sex with the lights off because they can't bear to see a man enjoying himself. Men like the lights on - so they can get the woman's name right.
Do you agree?
1. Tests have shown that women rate 3% higher in general intelligence than men, although their brain size is smaller.
2. Women are walking radar detectors, that is why men have difficulty lying to women. Their brains have the ability to integrate and decipher verbal, visual and other signals of body language. Hence women will always be safe when faking an orgasm.
3. Women want lots of sex with the men they love. Men just want lots of sex.
4. When men flirt, they will lower their pitch of voice. Women will raise theirs.
5. Women talk and think aloud while men do them silently. As a result, men think women talk too much and are nags.
6. Women talk about their problems as a way of relieving stress. They want to be heard, not fixed by being offered advice and solutions
7. Speech and words are not a specific brain skill for men. They find it hard to express themselves. That's why they often choose greeting cards with plenty of words inside. That way, there's less space for them to write.
8. Women leave men, not because they are unhappy with what he can provide, but because they are emotionally unfulfilled
9. Women use an average of 20,000 communication words, sounds, and gestures a day. Men only use about 7,000.
10. So if a woman is talking to you a lot, she likes you. But if she's not talking, you're in trouble.
11. Men are more thick-skinned than women.Literally. Which explains why women have more wrinkles than men. Boys lose their sensitivity to touch by the time they reach puberty. So where does all that sensitivity go? It all goes to just one area.
12. If a woman is unhappy in her relationship, she can't concentrate on her work. If a man is unhappy at work, he can't focus on his relationship.
13. Men can only do one thing at a time. When they stop their car to read a street directory, they have to turn down the radio. Women's brain are configured for
multi-tasking performance. They can talk on the phone, watch the TV and cook at the same time.
14. Most men get a brain hemorrhage after 20 minutes of clothes shopping.
15. When it comes to sex, women need a reason; men need a place.
16. 15% to 20% of men have feminized brains. About 10% of women have masculinized brains. So there are more gays than lesbians in the world.
17. Most women prefer sex with the lights off because they can't bear to see a man enjoying himself. Men like the lights on - so they can get the woman's name right.
Do you agree?
women vs.men part 1
One of the convenient ways of having an e- mail is you get a lot of comments, reactions and contributions from readers. Some react to the issues we write in this space, others contribute, share and forward information for our readers to reflect and laugh. Maybe, they want to ease the problems we face everyday. Here's two e- mails I got from our readers who wished to remain anonymous under their e- mail address.The contributors are women because it talks about finding a good husband and the other is one a study about the differences between men and women.
Here goes:
Where do you find good ones? I've been asked so many times. Well, how would I know? I never found one for myself.
What's a good husband, anyway?Someone who runs at your bidding? That would be your dog.Someone who lets you shop till you drop? That would be your father. Someone who listens to your never-ending woes? That would be your best friend.
Someone who loves you no matter what? That would be your mother.Someone who knows exactly how to bring you pleasure? That would be you.
I think men who make good husbands abound.But what is good for one woman is not necessarily good for all. One man can make one woman, a good husband. The same man can make another, a lousy one.
We grow up in different homes. We come from different backgrounds. And so we bring different expectations to a marriage. One woman expects love and fidelity. Another
expects financial security. Some women marry for love.Others marry for tradition. Some women expect bliss after the wedding. Some women expect sacrifice. Some women are forgiving. Some women are not open to compromise. Different expectations conjure up different images of good husbands.
Who doesn't want a man who can cook, who can write poetry and who can move your furniture around when you want to? Well, I don't. I want a man who can do what I
can't do. But that, my mother would say, is my biggest problem. But I don't have a problem with a man not knowing how to do the things I can do. It's he who usually has a problem with that.
There is no perfect man. But there is a perfect match for every Woman.This made me think. Most people think that like minds make a perfect match.But how much passion and excitement can you bring into a relationship when you both love pasta, salsa and Salvador Dali? If we thought, ate and dressed completely alike, how far could we really grow beyond ourselves and our common interests?
I think that a good husband is someone who does not necessarily love and like everything that you think, say or do but someone who endeavors to accept your eccentricities and experiences because his love for you is larger than his
priorities and preferences. A good husband is a man who loves you for who you are and all that you hope to be in an imperfect world.
At different times in my life, I vacillated on the best reason for getting married.When I was young and starry-eyed, it was love. When I grew older and bitter,
it became convenience. Now that I am yet much older but unexpectedly happier, I believe with all my heart that it should never be for anything but love. So, where do you find good husbands?Well, every woman should know. Looking for a good husband is much like going shopping. When you know what you want, it's fast and easy. But when you walk aimlessly through the mall, you mostly end up with impulse goods or nothing at all. If you want to find the man you want, you need to find yourself first. After all, it's pretty easy to find what you want when you know what it is, even in the crowd.
Here goes:
Where do you find good ones? I've been asked so many times. Well, how would I know? I never found one for myself.
What's a good husband, anyway?Someone who runs at your bidding? That would be your dog.Someone who lets you shop till you drop? That would be your father. Someone who listens to your never-ending woes? That would be your best friend.
Someone who loves you no matter what? That would be your mother.Someone who knows exactly how to bring you pleasure? That would be you.
I think men who make good husbands abound.But what is good for one woman is not necessarily good for all. One man can make one woman, a good husband. The same man can make another, a lousy one.
We grow up in different homes. We come from different backgrounds. And so we bring different expectations to a marriage. One woman expects love and fidelity. Another
expects financial security. Some women marry for love.Others marry for tradition. Some women expect bliss after the wedding. Some women expect sacrifice. Some women are forgiving. Some women are not open to compromise. Different expectations conjure up different images of good husbands.
Who doesn't want a man who can cook, who can write poetry and who can move your furniture around when you want to? Well, I don't. I want a man who can do what I
can't do. But that, my mother would say, is my biggest problem. But I don't have a problem with a man not knowing how to do the things I can do. It's he who usually has a problem with that.
There is no perfect man. But there is a perfect match for every Woman.This made me think. Most people think that like minds make a perfect match.But how much passion and excitement can you bring into a relationship when you both love pasta, salsa and Salvador Dali? If we thought, ate and dressed completely alike, how far could we really grow beyond ourselves and our common interests?
I think that a good husband is someone who does not necessarily love and like everything that you think, say or do but someone who endeavors to accept your eccentricities and experiences because his love for you is larger than his
priorities and preferences. A good husband is a man who loves you for who you are and all that you hope to be in an imperfect world.
At different times in my life, I vacillated on the best reason for getting married.When I was young and starry-eyed, it was love. When I grew older and bitter,
it became convenience. Now that I am yet much older but unexpectedly happier, I believe with all my heart that it should never be for anything but love. So, where do you find good husbands?Well, every woman should know. Looking for a good husband is much like going shopping. When you know what you want, it's fast and easy. But when you walk aimlessly through the mall, you mostly end up with impulse goods or nothing at all. If you want to find the man you want, you need to find yourself first. After all, it's pretty easy to find what you want when you know what it is, even in the crowd.
JOINT STATEMENT OF PHIL.MEDIA ON THE MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE
Below is the joint statement of various media ornaginizations in the Philippines:
Last November 28, several media organizations and newspaper publishers and editors met to discuss the horrific massacre of journalists, lawyers, and several others in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao and to map out plans for a concerted effort to push for justice for all victims of the carnage.
Among those who attended were officers of the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project/Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and People’s Journal.
One of the immediate actions agreed upon was to issue a joint statement calling on the government to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this most terrible crime to the bar of justice to our full satisfaction. Those who attended the meeting have adopted the joint statement (attached below).
We appeal to you to print or air this joint statement on December 1 to express our collective outrage and grief against this abomination inflicted not only on the media but on human dignity and decency as well.
We also call on everyone to join or express solidarity in other actions that will follow the issuance of this statement.
Thank you.
1. Business World – Vergel Santos
2. College Editors Guild (CEGP) – Trina Federis
3. Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) – Luis Teodoro
4. Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD) – Adelina S. Alvarez, Red Batario
5. Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) -- Gabby Tabunar*
6. Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) – Jose L. Pavia
7. Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Rey Hulog/Herman Basbano*
8. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) – Nestor Burgos, Inday Espina, Sonny Fernandez, Marlon Ramos, May Rodriguez
9. People’s Journal – Badette Tamayo
10. Philippine Daily Inquirer – Isagani Yambot
11. Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project -- Rorie Fajardo
12. Philippine Press Institute (PPI) – Jose L. Pavia
(Joint Statement)
A Challenge of Conscience
The brutal, indiscriminate mass murder on Monday in Ampatuan town, in Maguindanao province, raises the ultimate challenge of conscience. It carries the culture of impunity at work in this country to such levels of horror that, if it remains unpunished for long, can send the nation into an inexorable descent into absolute dehumanization.
The crime thus calls for swift justice, which can only be achieved through a credible and independent process, which in turn can only be achieved without the hand of this government – a government justly mistrusted generally and openly friendly precisely to the very members of the clan accused in the massacre.
We, ourselves colleagues of the more than a score journalists who were killed, demand the following:
One, the creation of a commission outside the government to investigate the crime;
Two, the arrest and prosecution of all the people involved in it in any way, as murderers themselves or their protectors;
Three, the formation of a special court to try the case;
Four, fully guaranteed protection for the witnesses;
Five, the disarming and dismantling of all private armies, such as those evidently employed in the massacre.
Six, the enlistment of persons of unquestioned probity in the whole process;
And finally, the resignation of the government if it fails to deliver such basic satisfaction – indeed, the very same government that has encouraged by partisanship and conspiracy the culture of impunity of which the massacre has been the most abominable manifestation.
Business World
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ)
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
Philippine Press Institute (PPI)
Last November 28, several media organizations and newspaper publishers and editors met to discuss the horrific massacre of journalists, lawyers, and several others in Ampatuan town in Maguindanao and to map out plans for a concerted effort to push for justice for all victims of the carnage.
Among those who attended were officers of the Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD), Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP), Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), Philippine Press Institute (PPI), Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project/Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Philippine Daily Inquirer, and People’s Journal.
One of the immediate actions agreed upon was to issue a joint statement calling on the government to swiftly bring the perpetrators of this most terrible crime to the bar of justice to our full satisfaction. Those who attended the meeting have adopted the joint statement (attached below).
We appeal to you to print or air this joint statement on December 1 to express our collective outrage and grief against this abomination inflicted not only on the media but on human dignity and decency as well.
We also call on everyone to join or express solidarity in other actions that will follow the issuance of this statement.
Thank you.
1. Business World – Vergel Santos
2. College Editors Guild (CEGP) – Trina Federis
3. Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) – Luis Teodoro
4. Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD) – Adelina S. Alvarez, Red Batario
5. Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) -- Gabby Tabunar*
6. Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ) – Jose L. Pavia
7. Kapisanan ng mga Brodkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Rey Hulog/Herman Basbano*
8. National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) – Nestor Burgos, Inday Espina, Sonny Fernandez, Marlon Ramos, May Rodriguez
9. People’s Journal – Badette Tamayo
10. Philippine Daily Inquirer – Isagani Yambot
11. Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project -- Rorie Fajardo
12. Philippine Press Institute (PPI) – Jose L. Pavia
(Joint Statement)
A Challenge of Conscience
The brutal, indiscriminate mass murder on Monday in Ampatuan town, in Maguindanao province, raises the ultimate challenge of conscience. It carries the culture of impunity at work in this country to such levels of horror that, if it remains unpunished for long, can send the nation into an inexorable descent into absolute dehumanization.
The crime thus calls for swift justice, which can only be achieved through a credible and independent process, which in turn can only be achieved without the hand of this government – a government justly mistrusted generally and openly friendly precisely to the very members of the clan accused in the massacre.
We, ourselves colleagues of the more than a score journalists who were killed, demand the following:
One, the creation of a commission outside the government to investigate the crime;
Two, the arrest and prosecution of all the people involved in it in any way, as murderers themselves or their protectors;
Three, the formation of a special court to try the case;
Four, fully guaranteed protection for the witnesses;
Five, the disarming and dismantling of all private armies, such as those evidently employed in the massacre.
Six, the enlistment of persons of unquestioned probity in the whole process;
And finally, the resignation of the government if it fails to deliver such basic satisfaction – indeed, the very same government that has encouraged by partisanship and conspiracy the culture of impunity of which the massacre has been the most abominable manifestation.
Business World
College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP)
Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR)
Center for Community Journalism and Development (CCJD)
Freedom Fund for Filipino Journalists (FFFJ)
National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Human Rights Reporting Project
Philippine Press Institute (PPI)
journalistic objectivity
Let me share with you some thoughts i gathered from the internet about objectivity in the light of then fast changing realities of modern journalism:
Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc.
A conversation about the future of journalism "by the people, for the people" -- and occasional other thoughts.
January 20, 2005
The End of Objectivity (Version 0.91)
UPDATED
(This is a draft. Over time I hope, with your help, to revise this into a better document. Let me know what you think.)
Maybe it's time to say a fond farewell to an old canon of journalism: objectivity. But it will never be time to kiss off the values and principles that undergird the idea.
Objectivity is a construct of recent times. One reason for its rise in the journalism sphere has been the consolidation of newspapers and television into monopolies and oligopolies in the past half-century. If one voice overwhelms all the others, there is a public interest in playing stories as straight as possible -- not favoring one side over the other (or others, to be more precise, as there are rarely just two sides to any issue).
There were good business reasons to be "objective," too, not least that a newspaper didn't want to make large parts of its community angry. And, no doubt, libel law has played a role, too. If a publication could say it "got both sides," perhaps a libel plaintiff would have more trouble winning.
Again, the idea of objectivity is a worthy one. But we are human. We have biases and backgrounds and a variety of conflicts that we bring to our jobs every day.
I'd like to toss out objectivity as a goal, however, and replace it with four other notions that may add up to the same thing. They are pillars of good journalism: thoroughness, accuracy, fairness and transparency.
The lines separating them are not always clear. They are open to wide interpretation, and are therefore loaded with nuance in themselves. But I think they are a useful way to approach quality journalism. They are, moreover, easier to achieve in an online setting.
Thoroughness
When I was a reporter and, later, a columnist, my first goal was to learn as much as I could. After all, gathering facts and opinions is the foundation of reporting. I liked it best when I felt I had left 95 percent of what I'd learned out of the final piece. The best reporters I know always want to make one more call, check with one more source. (The last question I ask at all interviews is, "Who else should I talk with about this?"
Today, thoroughness means more than asking questions of the people in our Rolodexes (circular or virtual). It means, whenever possible, asking our readers for their input, as I did when I wrote my book (and other authors are doing on theirs). Competitive pressures tend to make this a rare request, but I'm convinced that more journalists will adopt it.
Accuracy
Get your facts straight.
Say what you don't know, not just what you do. (If the reader/listener/viewer does know what you don't, you've just invited him/her to fill you in.)
Fairness
This one is as difficult, in practice, as accuracy is simple. Fairness is often in the eye of the beholder. But even here I think a few principles may universally apply.
Fairness means, among other things, listening to different viewpoints, and incorporating them into the journalism. It does not mean parroting lies or distortions to achieve that lazy equivalence that leads some journalists to get opposing quotes when the facts overwhelmingly support one side.
Fairness is also about letting people respond when they believe you are wrong. Again, this is much easier online than in a print publication, much less a broadcast.
Ultimately, fairness emerges from a state of mind. We should be aware of what drives us, and always willing to listen to those who disagree. The first rule of having a conversation is to listen -- and I know I learn more from people who think I'm wrong than from those who agree with me.
Transparency
Disclosure is gaining currency as an addition to journalism. It's easier said than done, of course.
No one can plausibly argue with the idea that journalists need to disclose certain things, such as financial conflicts of interest. But to what extent? Should journalists of all kinds be expected to make their lives open books? How open?
Personal biases, even unconscious ones, affect the journalism as well. I'm an American, brought up in with certain beliefs that many folks in other lands (and some in this one) flatly reject. I need to be aware of the things I take for granted, and to periodically challenge some of them, as I do my work.
Another way to be transparent is in the way we present a story. We should link to source material as much as possible, bolstering what we tell people with close-to-the-ground facts and data. (Maybe this is part of accuracy or thoroughness, but it seems to fit here, too.)
To the extent that we make thoroughness, accuracy, fairness and transparency the pillars of journalism, we can get a long way toward the worthy goal of helping our audiences/collaborators. I don't claim it's easy, but I do think it's worth the effort.
Gillmor on Grassroots Journalism, Etc.
A conversation about the future of journalism "by the people, for the people" -- and occasional other thoughts.
January 20, 2005
The End of Objectivity (Version 0.91)
UPDATED
(This is a draft. Over time I hope, with your help, to revise this into a better document. Let me know what you think.)
Maybe it's time to say a fond farewell to an old canon of journalism: objectivity. But it will never be time to kiss off the values and principles that undergird the idea.
Objectivity is a construct of recent times. One reason for its rise in the journalism sphere has been the consolidation of newspapers and television into monopolies and oligopolies in the past half-century. If one voice overwhelms all the others, there is a public interest in playing stories as straight as possible -- not favoring one side over the other (or others, to be more precise, as there are rarely just two sides to any issue).
There were good business reasons to be "objective," too, not least that a newspaper didn't want to make large parts of its community angry. And, no doubt, libel law has played a role, too. If a publication could say it "got both sides," perhaps a libel plaintiff would have more trouble winning.
Again, the idea of objectivity is a worthy one. But we are human. We have biases and backgrounds and a variety of conflicts that we bring to our jobs every day.
I'd like to toss out objectivity as a goal, however, and replace it with four other notions that may add up to the same thing. They are pillars of good journalism: thoroughness, accuracy, fairness and transparency.
The lines separating them are not always clear. They are open to wide interpretation, and are therefore loaded with nuance in themselves. But I think they are a useful way to approach quality journalism. They are, moreover, easier to achieve in an online setting.
Thoroughness
When I was a reporter and, later, a columnist, my first goal was to learn as much as I could. After all, gathering facts and opinions is the foundation of reporting. I liked it best when I felt I had left 95 percent of what I'd learned out of the final piece. The best reporters I know always want to make one more call, check with one more source. (The last question I ask at all interviews is, "Who else should I talk with about this?"
Today, thoroughness means more than asking questions of the people in our Rolodexes (circular or virtual). It means, whenever possible, asking our readers for their input, as I did when I wrote my book (and other authors are doing on theirs). Competitive pressures tend to make this a rare request, but I'm convinced that more journalists will adopt it.
Accuracy
Get your facts straight.
Say what you don't know, not just what you do. (If the reader/listener/viewer does know what you don't, you've just invited him/her to fill you in.)
Fairness
This one is as difficult, in practice, as accuracy is simple. Fairness is often in the eye of the beholder. But even here I think a few principles may universally apply.
Fairness means, among other things, listening to different viewpoints, and incorporating them into the journalism. It does not mean parroting lies or distortions to achieve that lazy equivalence that leads some journalists to get opposing quotes when the facts overwhelmingly support one side.
Fairness is also about letting people respond when they believe you are wrong. Again, this is much easier online than in a print publication, much less a broadcast.
Ultimately, fairness emerges from a state of mind. We should be aware of what drives us, and always willing to listen to those who disagree. The first rule of having a conversation is to listen -- and I know I learn more from people who think I'm wrong than from those who agree with me.
Transparency
Disclosure is gaining currency as an addition to journalism. It's easier said than done, of course.
No one can plausibly argue with the idea that journalists need to disclose certain things, such as financial conflicts of interest. But to what extent? Should journalists of all kinds be expected to make their lives open books? How open?
Personal biases, even unconscious ones, affect the journalism as well. I'm an American, brought up in with certain beliefs that many folks in other lands (and some in this one) flatly reject. I need to be aware of the things I take for granted, and to periodically challenge some of them, as I do my work.
Another way to be transparent is in the way we present a story. We should link to source material as much as possible, bolstering what we tell people with close-to-the-ground facts and data. (Maybe this is part of accuracy or thoroughness, but it seems to fit here, too.)
To the extent that we make thoroughness, accuracy, fairness and transparency the pillars of journalism, we can get a long way toward the worthy goal of helping our audiences/collaborators. I don't claim it's easy, but I do think it's worth the effort.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
ME AND MYSELF...
EUGENE YUSALAN ADIONG
EXPERIENCE/ SPECIALIZATION
* Experience in different media outlets in Bacolod City as reporter, writer, talk show host, columnist and editor.
* A professional lecturer of student leadership, argumentation and debate, public speaking and journalism.
* Worked as marketing and public relations consultant of a Bacolod-based food company in launching it’s products in the local market and made it a leading player in the market.
ACHIEVEMENTS
* Editor of high school newspaper, THE NORTH STAR, for two consecutive years, the first third year student to be qualified for the position.
* A debater since high school through college and represented his school in different local debate competitions.
* As a campus journalist, represented his school in journalism competitions both in the city and regional levels, since high school and college.
* A college student leader, he was in the committee that drafted his college’ constitution and by-laws and a position paper against tuition increase that was sent to President.
* As a professional government employee since 1995, he was in the forefront f public sector unionism highlighted by a three year term as second vice- president of the Bacolod City Government Employees Union.
* As a professional endeavor, he was appointed a vice- president for marketing of the Toastmasters International Division D that covered the whole of Western Visayas
CAREER HISTORY
* Currently, a regular government employee appointed as supply inspector at the City General Services Office of the Bacolod City government since 1995
* He is also an associate editor of the weekly Bacolod- based weekly newspaper, KAPAWA NEWS and a contributor with the daily, NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN, since 1995
* Hired as marketing and public relations consultant of the MERCI PASALUBONG CENTER in 2004-2005
* Worked as correspondent of the MANILA TIMES in 2003- 2004 and for the Cebu- based daily THE FREEMAN in 1995.
* A field reporter of local radio stations DYEZ of the Manila Broadcasting Company in 1990- 1993 and as news- writer and news anchor of DYRL of the Radyo Pilipino Corporation. During elections, worked as correspondent for DZEC of the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation.
PERSONAL DETAILS
* Eugene Yusalan Adiong
* Nov.19, 1970
*Married with three children
EDUCATION
* College of Law, Univ. of Negros Occidental- Recoletos, Bacolod City 1993- 1994
* Graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science from UNO- R, Bacolod City, 1992
* Graduate of secondary education with special citations form the Domingo Lacson National High School, Bacolod City, 1998
* Graduate of elementary education with honors from the Education and Training Center School II, Bacolod City, 1994
EXPERIENCE/ SPECIALIZATION
* Experience in different media outlets in Bacolod City as reporter, writer, talk show host, columnist and editor.
* A professional lecturer of student leadership, argumentation and debate, public speaking and journalism.
* Worked as marketing and public relations consultant of a Bacolod-based food company in launching it’s products in the local market and made it a leading player in the market.
ACHIEVEMENTS
* Editor of high school newspaper, THE NORTH STAR, for two consecutive years, the first third year student to be qualified for the position.
* A debater since high school through college and represented his school in different local debate competitions.
* As a campus journalist, represented his school in journalism competitions both in the city and regional levels, since high school and college.
* A college student leader, he was in the committee that drafted his college’ constitution and by-laws and a position paper against tuition increase that was sent to President.
* As a professional government employee since 1995, he was in the forefront f public sector unionism highlighted by a three year term as second vice- president of the Bacolod City Government Employees Union.
* As a professional endeavor, he was appointed a vice- president for marketing of the Toastmasters International Division D that covered the whole of Western Visayas
CAREER HISTORY
* Currently, a regular government employee appointed as supply inspector at the City General Services Office of the Bacolod City government since 1995
* He is also an associate editor of the weekly Bacolod- based weekly newspaper, KAPAWA NEWS and a contributor with the daily, NEGROS DAILY BULLETIN, since 1995
* Hired as marketing and public relations consultant of the MERCI PASALUBONG CENTER in 2004-2005
* Worked as correspondent of the MANILA TIMES in 2003- 2004 and for the Cebu- based daily THE FREEMAN in 1995.
* A field reporter of local radio stations DYEZ of the Manila Broadcasting Company in 1990- 1993 and as news- writer and news anchor of DYRL of the Radyo Pilipino Corporation. During elections, worked as correspondent for DZEC of the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation.
PERSONAL DETAILS
* Eugene Yusalan Adiong
* Nov.19, 1970
*Married with three children
EDUCATION
* College of Law, Univ. of Negros Occidental- Recoletos, Bacolod City 1993- 1994
* Graduated with a degree in Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science from UNO- R, Bacolod City, 1992
* Graduate of secondary education with special citations form the Domingo Lacson National High School, Bacolod City, 1998
* Graduate of elementary education with honors from the Education and Training Center School II, Bacolod City, 1994
more on poverty
UNDERSTANDING POVERTY (1)
What I meant is that government officials and the "elite and educated minority" should understand that poverty is caused by the "collapse of the very structure of opportunities".
Sociology professor and writer Randolph "Randy" David, in one of his essays compiled in "Nation,Self and Citizenship", still available in local bookstores, said that to understand poverty,"one must primarily focus on the failings of the social order". He argued that "poverty is more than caused by the personal inadequacies of then individual Filipino families and the character of the poor", as others are fond to believe.
David said that in the Philippines there are two realities:the reality of economic underdevelopment and the reality of inequality because our poverty is the product of both. He cited that the amount of wealth in our economy produces is small because of underdevelopment of our productive capacities. Moreover,productivity of labor and technology is low compared to our Asian neighbors.
Because, "the wealth we produce is unequally distributed, the rich corner most of it, while the poor get poorer or are completely excluded from the mainstream production process and the market.Their dwindling share of the nation's product prevent them from transforming themselves into more productive members of society,"he lamented.
What I meant is that government officials and the "elite and educated minority" should understand that poverty is caused by the "collapse of the very structure of opportunities".
Sociology professor and writer Randolph "Randy" David, in one of his essays compiled in "Nation,Self and Citizenship", still available in local bookstores, said that to understand poverty,"one must primarily focus on the failings of the social order". He argued that "poverty is more than caused by the personal inadequacies of then individual Filipino families and the character of the poor", as others are fond to believe.
David said that in the Philippines there are two realities:the reality of economic underdevelopment and the reality of inequality because our poverty is the product of both. He cited that the amount of wealth in our economy produces is small because of underdevelopment of our productive capacities. Moreover,productivity of labor and technology is low compared to our Asian neighbors.
Because, "the wealth we produce is unequally distributed, the rich corner most of it, while the poor get poorer or are completely excluded from the mainstream production process and the market.Their dwindling share of the nation's product prevent them from transforming themselves into more productive members of society,"he lamented.
understanding poverty
Noted sociologist and writer Randolph "Randy"David in one of his essays compiled in the book, "Nation, Self and Citizenship", argued that in the current Philippine system, the poor have their political rights and freedoms. But because of their economic vulnerability, the poor majority is unable to meaningfully use these rights. David claims that the poor use their rights to secure short- term economic benefits (jobs at the City Hall, dole- outs, recommendations, etc.)rather than use it to shape basic economic policy.
Today, he said the delicate social order that the elite had defended fiercely from the time of independence is gradually falling apart. The poor now, refuse to continue shouldering the burdens of a stunted economy (it's the job of the government and it's officials, stupid!). These refusal is being expressed in political terms. The past two elections saw that the poor is now slowly realizing their true potential if done in a united voice by way of the power of the ballot.
However, some smart politicians are using the poor's disenfranchisement to boost their political ambitions, David said. If only the politicization of the poor can be properly harnessed to produce lasting social change and economic growth, he added, the Philippines would have moved forward already.
Unfortunately, nobody not even the poor themselves have bonded together to utilize their political might to change the status quo.David's thesis is closer to truth than most of our politicians and analyst's would want to admit.
Today, he said the delicate social order that the elite had defended fiercely from the time of independence is gradually falling apart. The poor now, refuse to continue shouldering the burdens of a stunted economy (it's the job of the government and it's officials, stupid!). These refusal is being expressed in political terms. The past two elections saw that the poor is now slowly realizing their true potential if done in a united voice by way of the power of the ballot.
However, some smart politicians are using the poor's disenfranchisement to boost their political ambitions, David said. If only the politicization of the poor can be properly harnessed to produce lasting social change and economic growth, he added, the Philippines would have moved forward already.
Unfortunately, nobody not even the poor themselves have bonded together to utilize their political might to change the status quo.David's thesis is closer to truth than most of our politicians and analyst's would want to admit.
philippines in the doldrums
WHY RP IS STILL IN THE DOLDRUMS
The Philippines prides itself as the first democracy in Asia not to mention the "only Christian" nation in this part of the globe(as if there is anything to be proud about this fact). But,many observers, watchers and the the citizens themselves, ask why is still the country stucked in the doldrums? We are left behind by its neighbors in terms of socio- economic development.
However, as pointed out by William Esposo, the Internet opinion of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine society is far from:
"Attaining social justice. There is an oligarchy that operates a semi-feudal structure where about 90 percent of the wealth is in the hands of 3 percent of Philippine society. There are two active rebellions in the Philippines - one a Communist insurgency and the other a Muslim separatist movement - that have been raging for over 30 years now.
"Instituting real reforms. How can real reform come from political structures that the privileged 3 percent control and use to perpetuate their stranglehold on the economy and strengthen their political power?
"Providing freedom for all. The top 3 percent enjoy much more freedom (and exclusive privileges) than the bottom 60 percent who live below the poverty line. The 60 percent living below the poverty line do not have a voice and they are mostly engaged in the fight for that freedom from want and hunger."
Esposo said one of the reasons why Filipinos are disunited and at odds with each other is because many do not really know their history and do not understand the socio-economic forces that exploit them and conspire to keep them poor and ignorant.
He argued that history proved that even a known divided society like ours can be galvanized into greatness - and even inspire the world like our People Power events did - if there is a leadership that can raise the right standard every Filipino will rally to. "Unity remains elusive in the Philippines because the ruling class benefits from disunity. The divide and rule dictum was perfected by the Roman Caesars and today that is applied with optimum efficiency to exploit the Filipinos",he adds.
Many Filipinos, in reality know the reasons for the inescapable muck where it is trapped. However, nobody seems brave enough to challenge the existing social structures and rally the national consciousness to move away.
At the moment, individual Filipinos are "contented" with the status quo where the minority control the reins of socio- economic power and hapless minority are inutile in doing something about it.
The Philippines prides itself as the first democracy in Asia not to mention the "only Christian" nation in this part of the globe(as if there is anything to be proud about this fact). But,many observers, watchers and the the citizens themselves, ask why is still the country stucked in the doldrums? We are left behind by its neighbors in terms of socio- economic development.
However, as pointed out by William Esposo, the Internet opinion of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine society is far from:
"Attaining social justice. There is an oligarchy that operates a semi-feudal structure where about 90 percent of the wealth is in the hands of 3 percent of Philippine society. There are two active rebellions in the Philippines - one a Communist insurgency and the other a Muslim separatist movement - that have been raging for over 30 years now.
"Instituting real reforms. How can real reform come from political structures that the privileged 3 percent control and use to perpetuate their stranglehold on the economy and strengthen their political power?
"Providing freedom for all. The top 3 percent enjoy much more freedom (and exclusive privileges) than the bottom 60 percent who live below the poverty line. The 60 percent living below the poverty line do not have a voice and they are mostly engaged in the fight for that freedom from want and hunger."
Esposo said one of the reasons why Filipinos are disunited and at odds with each other is because many do not really know their history and do not understand the socio-economic forces that exploit them and conspire to keep them poor and ignorant.
He argued that history proved that even a known divided society like ours can be galvanized into greatness - and even inspire the world like our People Power events did - if there is a leadership that can raise the right standard every Filipino will rally to. "Unity remains elusive in the Philippines because the ruling class benefits from disunity. The divide and rule dictum was perfected by the Roman Caesars and today that is applied with optimum efficiency to exploit the Filipinos",he adds.
Many Filipinos, in reality know the reasons for the inescapable muck where it is trapped. However, nobody seems brave enough to challenge the existing social structures and rally the national consciousness to move away.
At the moment, individual Filipinos are "contented" with the status quo where the minority control the reins of socio- economic power and hapless minority are inutile in doing something about it.
maguindanao massacre
MAGUINDANAO MASSACRE A BIG SLAP TO THE ARROYO GOVT
The recent massacre of civilians in Maguinadanao has earned the Philippines international condemnation, a big slap to the government of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, coming at a time when her administration needs all the 'clean' image it needed. As they say in slang,it was a 'bad timing'.
The incident comes on the heels of the coming elections which the ruling party may have a hard time winning as the outgoing president's endorsement is perceive by many as a 'kiss of death'.
The massacre is tinged with grief also netted the lives of our media colleagues covering an event that is newsworthy. The killing of a civilian for whatever reason is not justifiable at all. The killing of journalists who have no arms except, their microphone,cameras and pens should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.The government should enforce the full force of the law even if the suspects are administration allies and ensured the victory of the senatorial slate during the last elections.
The barbaric killing of innocent civilians is a sad reflection of the real state of our dear country. We have the best laws in the world but it is not implemented fairly,there is protection for the violators who have the money and influence while the lowly is apprehended at the slimmest of charges.
This unequal treatment of law is seen in the example that the Constitution considers private armies as illegal but no one is caught but ordinary Filipinos,mostly the homeless are caught by the local police for mere vagrancy?How hypocritical can this government be?
Another point, the Philippines has now passed Iraq as the most dangerous place for journalists. We in media are just carriers of news and information in the most objective way possible but killing us just because of bias is not righteous.
The killing should open our eyes to make a change for the generations to come. A future free from fear from those who weld power with guns and gold. A future where power is with the people and not the landed oligarchs. That future will only come true if we stop being puppets, beholden to the those who control the reins of power.
Until then,how many more lives will be sacrificed in the altar of peace, freedom and democracy? We could only hope that it stopped last Monday in Maguindanao.
The recent massacre of civilians in Maguinadanao has earned the Philippines international condemnation, a big slap to the government of Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo, coming at a time when her administration needs all the 'clean' image it needed. As they say in slang,it was a 'bad timing'.
The incident comes on the heels of the coming elections which the ruling party may have a hard time winning as the outgoing president's endorsement is perceive by many as a 'kiss of death'.
The massacre is tinged with grief also netted the lives of our media colleagues covering an event that is newsworthy. The killing of a civilian for whatever reason is not justifiable at all. The killing of journalists who have no arms except, their microphone,cameras and pens should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.The government should enforce the full force of the law even if the suspects are administration allies and ensured the victory of the senatorial slate during the last elections.
The barbaric killing of innocent civilians is a sad reflection of the real state of our dear country. We have the best laws in the world but it is not implemented fairly,there is protection for the violators who have the money and influence while the lowly is apprehended at the slimmest of charges.
This unequal treatment of law is seen in the example that the Constitution considers private armies as illegal but no one is caught but ordinary Filipinos,mostly the homeless are caught by the local police for mere vagrancy?How hypocritical can this government be?
Another point, the Philippines has now passed Iraq as the most dangerous place for journalists. We in media are just carriers of news and information in the most objective way possible but killing us just because of bias is not righteous.
The killing should open our eyes to make a change for the generations to come. A future free from fear from those who weld power with guns and gold. A future where power is with the people and not the landed oligarchs. That future will only come true if we stop being puppets, beholden to the those who control the reins of power.
Until then,how many more lives will be sacrificed in the altar of peace, freedom and democracy? We could only hope that it stopped last Monday in Maguindanao.
out of hibernation
BACOLOD CITY- "Sapped energy and siphoned creativity..A monumental case of writer's block forced incapability of even stringing a simple sentence.."
This best describes the reason why I quit filling up a column space of the two newspaper I have been writing for,that is nearly four years now.
I don't know but something inside me forced(?)into coming out of writing hibernation to write my thoughts on anything under the sun,so here I am trying to make sense on what to write on my first piece.
I have been consistent in the mission of all the columns in different papers I have written for. That is i don't want to write for the sake of filling up a space. That is not what opinion writers do.
I actually stopped writing columns for my Bacolod- based newspapers as I found local issues too parochial. For me,opinion writing is more than just mere flowing of creative juices. Opinion writing should be aimed not only to inbform but also enlighten readers of inportant issues which impact on their lives.Columnists should give readers an analysis beyond sheer statistics and biased facts.It is the reponsibility of columnists to mol;d public minds for them to make the right decisions.
Thus, if I write just for the sake of filling up column space, I might as well not waste it on mere poetryas it would be of use to readers whose main concern is to survive each day.
Let me re-affirm this columnists commitment. I will write about more than parochial issues especially if it concerens the political squabbles of politicians and their unquenchable thirst for power. Life and living is more than just that.
This precious space will be more about analysis of current socio- economic and political issues.I will go beyond more than just scratching the issues on the surface. I will do my best to give you the real picture that others's either can't see or refused refused to see and undertands because of personal biases.
Sociologist and columnist Randy david in his introduction to a book compilation of his columns in the Philippine Daily Inquirer,with the title "Nation,Self and Citizenship:An Invitataion to Philippine Sociology",said:
"The quality of mind that C.Wright Mills called 'the sociological imagination' consists of the ability to view social reality as it is projected from three coordinates- history, society and biography. The individual who possess a sociological imagination,Mills says, is able to understand her personal circumstances in relation to the structural features of her society..."
David furhter says, "...The Filipino nation is unfinished business and therefore it is underestandable that in a public discourse that nation's needs take moral precedence over invidual fulfillment."
Filling this space is beyond space filler but both an individual fulfillment on an unfinished business.
-30-
This best describes the reason why I quit filling up a column space of the two newspaper I have been writing for,that is nearly four years now.
I don't know but something inside me forced(?)into coming out of writing hibernation to write my thoughts on anything under the sun,so here I am trying to make sense on what to write on my first piece.
I have been consistent in the mission of all the columns in different papers I have written for. That is i don't want to write for the sake of filling up a space. That is not what opinion writers do.
I actually stopped writing columns for my Bacolod- based newspapers as I found local issues too parochial. For me,opinion writing is more than just mere flowing of creative juices. Opinion writing should be aimed not only to inbform but also enlighten readers of inportant issues which impact on their lives.Columnists should give readers an analysis beyond sheer statistics and biased facts.It is the reponsibility of columnists to mol;d public minds for them to make the right decisions.
Thus, if I write just for the sake of filling up column space, I might as well not waste it on mere poetryas it would be of use to readers whose main concern is to survive each day.
Let me re-affirm this columnists commitment. I will write about more than parochial issues especially if it concerens the political squabbles of politicians and their unquenchable thirst for power. Life and living is more than just that.
This precious space will be more about analysis of current socio- economic and political issues.I will go beyond more than just scratching the issues on the surface. I will do my best to give you the real picture that others's either can't see or refused refused to see and undertands because of personal biases.
Sociologist and columnist Randy david in his introduction to a book compilation of his columns in the Philippine Daily Inquirer,with the title "Nation,Self and Citizenship:An Invitataion to Philippine Sociology",said:
"The quality of mind that C.Wright Mills called 'the sociological imagination' consists of the ability to view social reality as it is projected from three coordinates- history, society and biography. The individual who possess a sociological imagination,Mills says, is able to understand her personal circumstances in relation to the structural features of her society..."
David furhter says, "...The Filipino nation is unfinished business and therefore it is underestandable that in a public discourse that nation's needs take moral precedence over invidual fulfillment."
Filling this space is beyond space filler but both an individual fulfillment on an unfinished business.
-30-
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