Six o'clock in the morning. From a light slumber that commenced around 2 am, I jolted out of bed, with a sudden rush that I never felt before. Taking a quick warm shower, I darted out of Bahay Pangarap and went straight into my private office in the Palace. People around were surprised, with some of my aides scampering and trying to look busy as I weave through my desk in a jiffy. Grabbing hold of the handset of my intercom, a female raspy voice crackled on the other end. "Good morning Mr. President, how may I help you?"
"Uhm can you please connect me via conference call to Rene Almendras and Jojo Ochoa?"
"Right away Sir!"
In an instant, the two were on the line.
"Jojo, Rene, don't talk. Listen. These last few days, I have had trouble sleeping, and all those reports about the people's take on my presidency are really upsetting me. There are so many criticisms out there that it can no longer be ignored. Even if some of them are toxic or unfounded, the fact that these are mounting can only mean that people are not happy. We have to do something. And I mean not just act as expected, but we need to do something drastic, something out of the ordinary ... something so powerful, so profound, so sublime that there is no other way around it. This is it! I think I may have had an epiphany! Please call all the cabinet secretaries and all the staff under the OP and let's meet by 9 AM sharp! No excuses!"
At the appointed hour, all the cabinet secretaries were at their assigned places in the meeting room, all with astonished and puzzled faces. The room fell eerily silent when I walked in.
I began. "As you know, our country is now in the depths of despair. All the gains we have managed to muster, all this talk about how we improved the economy and became the darling of the world for our growth... all of these are now gone. Instead, we face a seemingly insurmountable challenge to bring our country back on its feet after successive devastating calamities. There is also that massive scandal of the PDAF and DAF and we really have to admit to ourselves that people are angry, confused, bitter, and most importantly, looking for answers."
'I guess the first thing that came to my mind, and this is perhaps the first thing that we all should embrace, is that we in the government are a disappointment! We should all accept that this administration has failed to live up to expectations when I first came into office. So let's all recognize it! Let's all admit it! ... and having done that, let's now move forward and do something about it!"
"It's not yet too late. I still have 30 months left in my term, and so do you. From this moment on, let's try to accomplish the impossible, do the unthinkable, and preside over the most incredible turnaround of a country in this 21st century!"
"We have admitted our shortcoming. Now, let's work on bringing back the trust of the people. We have to have a rallying point, a cry, a slogan, a vision that everybody can relate to! We need to have everyone on board! We need to send a message of leadership, of unity and most of all, of hope."
"What we need now is to act under a framework of basic values of commitment and care. Let's shun politics, let's ignore partisan agenda, let's erase EPAL and TRAPO in our vocabulary and mindset. Let's be public servants in the truest sense of the word."
"This coming Sunday, December 8, marks exactly one month after Yolanda/Haiyan struck. I want this date to be a significant one in our country's history. I want this day to be an unforgettable one for all us, whether here or around the world. I want this day be the occasion where Tagalogs, Bicolanos, Visayans, Ilocanos, Chabacanos, Ivatans, Kapampangans, Moros, Panggalatoks, Sambals, Subanons, Igorots, Lumads, Mangyans, Ilongots and Negritos all embrace each other, and call themselves FILIPINOS. I want this day to be a day of remembrance, of renewal, of reckoning, of revival, of recovery, and renaissance."
"This December 8 will be the National day of Rebirth of the Philippines! This is the day we launch and invite all the people to join us in our new movement -- BANGON BAYAN, BAGONG PILIPINAS!"
"On this day, I will announce my grand plan under the BANGON BAYAN, BAGONG PILIPINAS movement. It will be a simple 3 point plan, namely:
PAG BANGON
PAG ASENSO
PAG BABAGO
"Under PAGBANGON will be the overall relief, recovery and rebuilding program of those areas devastated by the recent calamities. This will encompass all that is necessary for a complete rehabilitation of the said affected regions. It should also come up with a reliable and ready disaster or emergency preparedness program. I want this to be headed by Richard Gordon and Joey Salceda."
"Under PAG ASENSO will be the overall economic reform direction. This will tackle jobs, monetary policies, agrarian reform, land ownership, OFW remittances, education reforms, fiscal policies, population control, mining and natural resources policy, tourism, and infrastructure development - airport, roads, bridges, farms, markets, school buildings, etc. I want this to be headed by Gibo Teodoro and Winnie Monsod."
"Under PAGBABAGO will be social justice, ethics and disciplinary reforms within society. This will handle all corruption and plunder issues, and will wage all out war against smuggling, drug trafficking, tax evasion, human trafficking, terrorism, criminal syndicates. This group will also have to come up with a plan to reform society in general in terms of discipline and respect for the rule of law. It needs to have an effective campaign for people to obey traffic rules, whether pedestrian or motorist, and on squatting, sanitation and environment protection and conservation. It should also address issues on information, cyberspace, social network, media and civil liberties. For this group, it should be co-headed by Rodrigo Duterte and Prof. Randy David."
"I want these three groups to be the one to harness all the powers and capabilities of the entire government machinery, under my command and watch, and in consultation and coordination with the Legislature and Judiciary. I will give complete access and authority to these 3 groups to all the executive departments, and I expect full cooperation from all of you my department secretaries."
"I want the people to know all this on December 8. I want their anger to subside, their spirits to soar, and their pride to come forth. Let this be a special day. Let's invite all the people in Quirino Grandstand. We will have a very solemn, meaningful and majestic ceremony."
"We will start our program with the first set of the theological virtues - FAITH. Let's have the child visionary Fatima Soriano lead in the invocation. At her back I want to see Archbishop Luis Tagle, Ka Erdie Manalo, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Bro. Mike Velarde, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Dr. Peter Tanchi, Bro. Bo Sanchez, Bro. Eliseo Soriano, all praying for the Philippines silently with Fatima, while their choirs are gathered at the foot of the stadium, singing "the Prayer" (to be re-arranged by Gerard Salonga or Ito Rapadas) as the background music."
"Then we proceed with HOPE. We call on Joey Ayala, Jessica Sanchez, and Charice Pempengco to sing the Philippine National Anthem, together with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, with the maestro Ryan Cayabyab as conductor"
"Then we call on Freddie Aguilar and Noel Cabangon to sing "Bayan Ko" with a group of singers from ABS CBN, GMA and TV5. Then Carlos Celdran goes on stage to recite the Panatang Makabayan accompanied by Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, The Gilas Pilipinas Basketball Team, the Azkals Football Team, The Dragonboat Rowing team, Efren Reyes, Paeng Nepomuceno and Lydia de Vega. They will lead in a candle lighting spread which will start from the stage, and will trickle down to all the audience until it reaches the very end of the crowd, upon which white doves will be released from designated cages around the stadium. At this same time, giant video screens scattered across and placed prominently will play images from Yolanda and Bohol Quake to remind us of our frailty and resiliency."
"I want to give time to perhaps two survivors of the earthquake and typhoon to tell their stories and provide us with the message hope. This will be way more powerful than a speech made by a politician."
"Finally, the program will conclude with CHARITY. This event should be broadcast around the country and the world. Let's ask the networks to join forces, and set up a similar stage and program sequence in Cebu, Bohol, Tacloban, Davao, Zamboanga, Baguio. There should also be viewing parties and pledging sessions organized by OFWs and pinoy expats to be staged in Los Angeles, New York, London, Rome, Paris, Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, Johannesburg, Hongkong, Singapore, Tokyo and Beijing."
"The CHARITY SEQUENCE is where I will announce the BANGON BAYAN, BAGONG PILIPINAS movement and the 3P plan. As I speak, I want behind me former presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada and Gloria Arroyo. I also want VP jejomar Binay, Senate President Franklin Drilon, House Speaker Sonny Belmonte and SC Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno with them. I will be the only one to speak."
"I also expect the 10 richest filipinos to be on stage as well - Henry Sy, Andrew Tan, Enrique Razon Jr., John Gokongwei, Lucio Tan, David Consunji, Roberto Ongpin, Jaime Zobel de Ayala, George Ty and Eduardo Cojuangco, and expect their pledges and full cooperation. Will it be asking too much if I also ask the leaders of protest movements such as Bayan, Gabriela, Piston, Anakpawis, LFS, and even the MILF and MNLF and Bangsamoro groups to join."
"As part of the CHARITY portion, we shall acknowledge the support of the World to us. We want to give thanks to the UN, CNN, UNICEF, UEFA, NBA, NFL, Hollywood stars, Apple, the people of Norway, Japan, Israel, the US, Russia, Germany, and all the other countries that gave aid, relief and pledges.
"The program will end with Jim Paredes and all-star cast of performers and global celebrities with pinoy lineage such as Bruno Mars, Apl de App, Nicole Scherzinger and homegrown artists Gary V, Martin Nievera, Ogie Alcasid, Regine Velasquez, Sharon Cuneta, Zsa Zsa Padailla and other well known celebrities singing "Handog ng Pilipino sa Mundo" which Jim will re-arrange to be attuned to the current situation. These artists will be scattered all over the country and abroad but will be interconnected via live stream."
"I envision this to be an event that will uplift and awaken all of us. It will not be spectacular because of celebrities and star power, it will be because it found a commonality in every citizen of this country. It will be dazzling not for the drama that it has, but for the determination we will have to renew and to change."
At this point, I can sense agitation within the cabinet. Most of them are whispering to their seatmates, but I can tell the apprehension.
"Mr. President, surely we cannot do this, with all the different personalities involved. There are egos, ideologies, and what-have-you... It's impossible!"
I calmly looked at the person who made that comment, and replied, "Of course I never said it was easy. As Ronald Reagan once paraphrased, it's simple, but it's not easy."
"It's really simple. The aspiration is BANGON BAYAN, BAGONG PILIPINAS. It cannot be more simple than that. Revive. Renew. That's it. But as to how, now there lies the challenge!"
"Again my friends, we narrow it down. First of all, we already admitted our deficiency and failings. That's a huge first step. Next, we envision. What is it that the people really want?"
"I have given you the answer. More importantly, I think I understand what people are looking for. Along the way, there will be dissent, disaffection and disunity. There will be trolls, pessimists, critics and loonies. I know that. I anticipate that. But above all of that that, I must recognize the true will of the people. It is not garbled, distorted or ambiguous. It is clear, concise and straight to the point. I can see it, hear it and feel it."
"The Filipino people want change. And as the president, I am ready to provide the necessary leadership and direction to attain that change!" ....
... All of sudden, the world around me spun quickly and swirled in a vortex-like animation.
My eyes opened, and right there, a reality check ...
I am not President Noynoy Aquino. I am Mark Lopez, having a sordid nightmare, in my bed of my squalid room, in my run down apartment in Kalookan.
Who really wants to be president?
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
In a nutshell
In this thanksgiving week, Manny Pacquiao put the pride back in every Filipino by giving us catharsis in Cotai. The government thanked him profusely by asking the BIR to lead in the welcome reception. But instead of a parade, the agency presented a freeze order of his assets. This gave new meaning to the term "cold shoulder treatment."
Meantime, in a chamber where dignity and honor are supposed to be personified by stately legislators, the most senior of them all disses and dished a plethora of vituperative venom against his alleged psychiatric colleague. It was a thinly veiled tactic to distract the people. And right on cue, his nemesis, who happens to be his godchild, promises to return a bigger favor by December 4. Bob Arum, forget about Pacquiao-Mayweather. This is better than boxing. This is the fight of the millenium, all sanctioned and paid for by the Filipino people.
At the Palace by the river, the occupant is still busy tallying and forming committees to address the aftermath of a super cyclone that happened 20 days before. He wants an investigation on why typhoons can cause deaths and destruction, and why local governments were not at their stations when the storm surged. He wondered why the mayors, councilors, police, tanods were not able to deflect a storm packing 300 kms of gustiness, and why they were swept by waves. He actually sought an explanation in writing. And while the entire world banded together to give aid and support, he was wondering what else could he have done while his Interior secretary is hiding under the coattails of his prima donna wife who is now considered to be the joke of journalism. BTW, CNN is now thinking of giving an anti-hero of the year award, and the nominees are BS Aquino, Palengke Roxas and Tsinelas Sanchez-Roxas.
Relative to this, his budget secretary is now at a loss for acronyms since PDAF DAP SARO are soon to be declared unconstitutional by the SC. It wont surprise a few if Butch becomes the scapegoat Bitch.
In the Cocomut Palace, friends of the VP are busy repacking and re-labeling relief goods while keeping him in the dark, literally and figuratively. They dismiss the outbursts of netizens against the VP tagging him as EPAL as simply "white propaganda." They call it white because they want to use the term "black propaganda" as their campaign theme for the 2016 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Christmas is nearing and Eastern Visayas is still full of dead bodies while scores are either still missing, injured or simply running out of time and patience. Haiyan (Yolanda) is already history, but in ground zero, people are still hysterical and hungry. And not just for food. They are hungry for hope.
Come to think of it, it's really more fun in the Philippines.
Meantime, in a chamber where dignity and honor are supposed to be personified by stately legislators, the most senior of them all disses and dished a plethora of vituperative venom against his alleged psychiatric colleague. It was a thinly veiled tactic to distract the people. And right on cue, his nemesis, who happens to be his godchild, promises to return a bigger favor by December 4. Bob Arum, forget about Pacquiao-Mayweather. This is better than boxing. This is the fight of the millenium, all sanctioned and paid for by the Filipino people.
At the Palace by the river, the occupant is still busy tallying and forming committees to address the aftermath of a super cyclone that happened 20 days before. He wants an investigation on why typhoons can cause deaths and destruction, and why local governments were not at their stations when the storm surged. He wondered why the mayors, councilors, police, tanods were not able to deflect a storm packing 300 kms of gustiness, and why they were swept by waves. He actually sought an explanation in writing. And while the entire world banded together to give aid and support, he was wondering what else could he have done while his Interior secretary is hiding under the coattails of his prima donna wife who is now considered to be the joke of journalism. BTW, CNN is now thinking of giving an anti-hero of the year award, and the nominees are BS Aquino, Palengke Roxas and Tsinelas Sanchez-Roxas.
Relative to this, his budget secretary is now at a loss for acronyms since PDAF DAP SARO are soon to be declared unconstitutional by the SC. It wont surprise a few if Butch becomes the scapegoat Bitch.
In the Cocomut Palace, friends of the VP are busy repacking and re-labeling relief goods while keeping him in the dark, literally and figuratively. They dismiss the outbursts of netizens against the VP tagging him as EPAL as simply "white propaganda." They call it white because they want to use the term "black propaganda" as their campaign theme for the 2016 presidential election.
Meanwhile, Christmas is nearing and Eastern Visayas is still full of dead bodies while scores are either still missing, injured or simply running out of time and patience. Haiyan (Yolanda) is already history, but in ground zero, people are still hysterical and hungry. And not just for food. They are hungry for hope.
Come to think of it, it's really more fun in the Philippines.
POETIC PUNCHES
Manny Pacquiao more than made up in 12 rounds of pinpoint boxing what the government lacked in 15 days after Yolanda- efficiency and leadership.
He never lost a round. The government lost its opportunity to galvanize the nation.
He looked confident from round 1. The government looked for somebody to blame since day 1.
He punched with accuracy and has solid footwork. The government looked like a headless chicken running loose.
He carried the nation under his belt. The government carried the relief goods too slow.
He packed a lot of power punches. The government repacked the goods coming from foreign donors.
He was solid from the get go. The government was livid at media reports of its ineptitude.
Every time he lands a punch or two, the entire nation shrieks in glee. Every time the government holds a presscon, the entire country cringe and cry.
Manny Pacquiao delivered the win and united the nation.
The government hesitated, and divided the country.
Boxing mirrors life as we know it. With preparation, AND THE WILL TO WIN, we can achieve what we want.
And if you LEAD from the start, it will carry you through the end, and people will salute and follow you.
Salamat Manny! Bangon Pilipinas!
He never lost a round. The government lost its opportunity to galvanize the nation.
He looked confident from round 1. The government looked for somebody to blame since day 1.
He punched with accuracy and has solid footwork. The government looked like a headless chicken running loose.
He carried the nation under his belt. The government carried the relief goods too slow.
He packed a lot of power punches. The government repacked the goods coming from foreign donors.
He was solid from the get go. The government was livid at media reports of its ineptitude.
Every time he lands a punch or two, the entire nation shrieks in glee. Every time the government holds a presscon, the entire country cringe and cry.
Manny Pacquiao delivered the win and united the nation.
The government hesitated, and divided the country.
Boxing mirrors life as we know it. With preparation, AND THE WILL TO WIN, we can achieve what we want.
And if you LEAD from the start, it will carry you through the end, and people will salute and follow you.
Salamat Manny! Bangon Pilipinas!
It's the PRESIDENCY, Stupid!
I am snowcloning the famous catchphrase created by James Carville, who was the campaign manager of Bill Clinton during the 1992 US Presidential elections.
Carville came up with the brilliant slogan "IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!" in reference to Clinton's opponent, incumbent president George Bush Sr. In that election year, Bush tried to piggyback on his foreign policy success (gulf war), and his popularity abroad, but seemingly neglecting domestic affairs, particularly the US economy which was in recession. So the Clinton camp released this slogan as a way of saying to Bush and to the voters that the government needs to address the faltering economy, and make it the primary subject of the campaign. Clinton won the election, basically because this slogan caught on with the electorate, believing that Bush ignored the economy and was not in tune with what the people want from their president.
I daresay now, "It's the PRESIDENCY, STUPID!"
I know that it is too much, too edgy, offensive and maybe too radical. I know it already borders on disrespect, derision and contempt. I can't help it.
When the highest executive of the land asks this question "What else could I have done?" days after a catastrophe, then there is something INHERENTLY wrong with the government.
When our very own president remain clueless of his awesome power to rally the nation to turn this tragedy into triumph, then it's really not surprising why there is system failure.
This question of President Noynoy may be sarcastic, but really, it flies in the face of aptitude, command responsibility, and leadership.
Let me parlay my being BOSS of the President (for the record, he did state that) to tell him that he is beginning to disappoint me.
In a previous open letter, I wrote to the president that he should not allow the likes of Mar Roxas to state on international TV that "Nothing is good enough. Nothing is fast enough." It was defeatist. It was cynical. And it was an attitude of resignation. (Well, maybe Mr Palengke should do us all a favor and translate his attitude into action)
I say it again Mr. President, if this is the WORST Calamity to hit our country, then it should bring out the BEST in all of us, especially government.
Foremost of which is the Presidency.
When a calamity of this magnitude strikes, your office needs to galvanize, to marshall, and to spur the ENTIRE country into one rousing, spirited and stirring movement. You need to match Haiyan's fury with a call for patriotic duty. You need to face destruction with resolution, ruin with rebuild, and survival with revival.
It's not supposed to be "What else I should have done?" but 'What I should do."
You don't diminish your office by simply distributing relief goods and going around asking what went wrong. You don't dwell on statistics, and tell your people to ask people to explain in writing why they should not be mayor or police officer anymore.
You have bigger things to do Sir.
You convene Congress in a special session, and rally the nation toward a grand plan. Pool the greatest minds in business, society, government, military and media and ask them to draw up a 90 day BANGON PILIPINAS project.
You seek an audience with the United Nations general assembly. Express our utmost appreciation to the world for their support, and present also the BANGON PILIPINAS project. We will need all the support we can get.
You set aside partisan politics. Convene all the governors and mayors, and sell them the BANGON plan. Maybe invite all living ex-presidents and place them as your advisory council. It's not a ticket to freedom or respect for them, especially those with unresolved issues of corruption or plunder. But it's one gesture that will help heal a divided nation.
If you need to go province-to-province or door-to-door to explain to the people, do it. Use the internet and social media to have more effective campaign.
Easier said than done? Yes of course. More so if you don't have the intestinal fortitude to be above and beyond politics. Especially so when you don't have the mindset of the general good. And practically so when you don't really give a damn about this country.
Mr. President, you need to realize now that this is an extra ordinary moment. It cannot be addressed simply by insistence on established systems of governance or protocols.
The moment calls for true LEADERSHIP. And being President requires more than Charisma. It requires Character.
It's not just handing out relief goods to victims, it's about inspiring confidence in all of us. It's not just assisting the survivors, it's assuring the nation that everything will be well. Lastly, It's not about your presence in ground zero. It's about delivering your promise for a better Philippines.
You are not a volunteer worker. You are not a statistician. You are not a scenario planner.
For heavensake, You are the President of the Republic of the Philippines!
Act like you are.
At the risk of being mocked, pilloried, crucified, damned, cursed, or worse, ignored or labelled as a troll, I will post this sentiment of mine in public.
I can no longer understand why Pnoy himself cannot understand what we are seeking from him.
It's really simple.
IT'S THE PRESIDENCY, STUPID!
Carville came up with the brilliant slogan "IT'S THE ECONOMY, STUPID!" in reference to Clinton's opponent, incumbent president George Bush Sr. In that election year, Bush tried to piggyback on his foreign policy success (gulf war), and his popularity abroad, but seemingly neglecting domestic affairs, particularly the US economy which was in recession. So the Clinton camp released this slogan as a way of saying to Bush and to the voters that the government needs to address the faltering economy, and make it the primary subject of the campaign. Clinton won the election, basically because this slogan caught on with the electorate, believing that Bush ignored the economy and was not in tune with what the people want from their president.
I daresay now, "It's the PRESIDENCY, STUPID!"
I know that it is too much, too edgy, offensive and maybe too radical. I know it already borders on disrespect, derision and contempt. I can't help it.
When the highest executive of the land asks this question "What else could I have done?" days after a catastrophe, then there is something INHERENTLY wrong with the government.
When our very own president remain clueless of his awesome power to rally the nation to turn this tragedy into triumph, then it's really not surprising why there is system failure.
This question of President Noynoy may be sarcastic, but really, it flies in the face of aptitude, command responsibility, and leadership.
Let me parlay my being BOSS of the President (for the record, he did state that) to tell him that he is beginning to disappoint me.
In a previous open letter, I wrote to the president that he should not allow the likes of Mar Roxas to state on international TV that "Nothing is good enough. Nothing is fast enough." It was defeatist. It was cynical. And it was an attitude of resignation. (Well, maybe Mr Palengke should do us all a favor and translate his attitude into action)
I say it again Mr. President, if this is the WORST Calamity to hit our country, then it should bring out the BEST in all of us, especially government.
Foremost of which is the Presidency.
When a calamity of this magnitude strikes, your office needs to galvanize, to marshall, and to spur the ENTIRE country into one rousing, spirited and stirring movement. You need to match Haiyan's fury with a call for patriotic duty. You need to face destruction with resolution, ruin with rebuild, and survival with revival.
It's not supposed to be "What else I should have done?" but 'What I should do."
You don't diminish your office by simply distributing relief goods and going around asking what went wrong. You don't dwell on statistics, and tell your people to ask people to explain in writing why they should not be mayor or police officer anymore.
You have bigger things to do Sir.
You convene Congress in a special session, and rally the nation toward a grand plan. Pool the greatest minds in business, society, government, military and media and ask them to draw up a 90 day BANGON PILIPINAS project.
You seek an audience with the United Nations general assembly. Express our utmost appreciation to the world for their support, and present also the BANGON PILIPINAS project. We will need all the support we can get.
You set aside partisan politics. Convene all the governors and mayors, and sell them the BANGON plan. Maybe invite all living ex-presidents and place them as your advisory council. It's not a ticket to freedom or respect for them, especially those with unresolved issues of corruption or plunder. But it's one gesture that will help heal a divided nation.
If you need to go province-to-province or door-to-door to explain to the people, do it. Use the internet and social media to have more effective campaign.
Easier said than done? Yes of course. More so if you don't have the intestinal fortitude to be above and beyond politics. Especially so when you don't have the mindset of the general good. And practically so when you don't really give a damn about this country.
Mr. President, you need to realize now that this is an extra ordinary moment. It cannot be addressed simply by insistence on established systems of governance or protocols.
The moment calls for true LEADERSHIP. And being President requires more than Charisma. It requires Character.
It's not just handing out relief goods to victims, it's about inspiring confidence in all of us. It's not just assisting the survivors, it's assuring the nation that everything will be well. Lastly, It's not about your presence in ground zero. It's about delivering your promise for a better Philippines.
You are not a volunteer worker. You are not a statistician. You are not a scenario planner.
For heavensake, You are the President of the Republic of the Philippines!
Act like you are.
At the risk of being mocked, pilloried, crucified, damned, cursed, or worse, ignored or labelled as a troll, I will post this sentiment of mine in public.
I can no longer understand why Pnoy himself cannot understand what we are seeking from him.
It's really simple.
IT'S THE PRESIDENCY, STUPID!
WE ARE NOT 3rd WORLD!
Once again I am astounded and dumbfounded. There is an open letter going viral written by a retired Filipino executive. The gist of his letter - appealing to CNN to be more positive in reporting the aftermath of Haiyan, and be more understanding of our country's situation, the Philippines being 3rd world.
Bottom line of his message is that CNN should look at the current situation from our vantage point. That we are severely constrained by our limited infrastructure and resources. He did mention that admittedly, there are lapses in government efficiency but that these should be given the benefit of the doubt. He frowned upon the comparison with Japan after it was hit by a massive quake. They are 1st world, we are 3rd, and there is a wide gap between.
He means well. He is sincerely concerned. And he is definitely affected by what is happening.
With all due respect, I beg to disagree with his thesis. The idea or notion that the world is divided into 3 categories is an anomaly. Perhaps in the pre-internet and globalization era Yes! But nowadays, I ask this question, what is it that these 1st world countries have that we don't?
Maybe before we don't have immediate access to ground breaking technology, or were left too far behind in life changing trends.
I remember back in the early 80s when my father was in the Middle East as an OFW. Our communication with him was confined to snail mail and pre-taped voice recording using those C46 cassette tapes with sides A & B made by Denon or TDK. It was delayed gratification. But nowadays you can Skype, Face Time or send instant SMS or MMS to your relative even if he or she is in Timbuktu while you are in Tuguegarao.
Back then we were so delayed by months when it comes to lifestyle and fashion trends. We easily get excited by a Ralph Lauren shirt sent by an uncle in America who bought it in an outlet store for a discount because it was excess inventory and which design was released one year before. But now? Even the likes of Brad Pitt buy furnitures designed by our very own Kenneth Cobonpue. Nowadays you don't need to go to Paris to buy LV, there is a shop in Greenbelt. You can even buy Victoria Secret online and have it delivered to your home after only a week or so.
Before, you only get to read the results of the NBA games or other big sporting events like boxing in newspapers a day or two after the event proper. Those very few lucky ones who live near Clark or Subic or have connections with US military personnel were able to watch or listen live broadcasts. But now? who doesn't have cable? Even in Tacloban they get to see Manny Pacquiao or Kobe Bryant in live broadcast, and on HD at that. Before, we wait for re-runs of American comedy shows, concerts, game or action series. Now? one click in Youtube and you can watch Sweden Got Talent.
I think the point is clear. It's a small world after all, and access to technology and trends is easy. The social and cultural divide among nations, whether 1st or 3rd, is diminished and extinguished.
Perhaps you may argue about economics, industries or resources. Or even military might and education. Maybe.
But think about it. In the 50s or 60s, the Philippines was considered to be 2nd to Japan in terms of economic superiority. We were way ahead of China. We are one of the few ASIAN countries that can converse in English, spoken and written. Malaysians, Thais and Indonesians were flocking to our schools to learn. The Thais, who are now the number one exporter of rice in the entire world, got their education at UP Los Banos.
As far as these are concerned, they are controllable factors. The open letter discussed at length why Tacloban is having difficulty, it being one of the poorest cities in one of the poorest regions in the country. But it was not because of lack of resources or capability.
In hindsight, Tacloban is now the model of what we could have been against what we are now. Why did Tacloban, or Leyte or Samar for that matter, languish and remained under developed? Let me stress - UNDER developed!
Certainly it is poor and backward, not for lack of resources but perhaps because of effort, governance and leadership. And it is the same with other parts of the country, including Manila as well.
You will agree with me when I say that we could have had modern roads, airports, ship ports, trains, subways, rail networks, military equipment, weather warning systems, etc. IF WE WANT TO.
You say we don't have the money? Tell that to Janet Napoles. Tell that to Tanda, Sexy and Pogi. Tell that to Kim Henares, Ruffy Biazon and to Butch Abad. Tell that to Congress. Then tell it to the Marines!
No disrespect intended, but the executive who wrote that open letter to CNN is like many of us who have come to accept the fate of our nation as God-given and intended. That we are an archipelago so naturally, obstacles abound. That we should not find too much fault in our government for it is hampered and limited.
He implied that it's unfair to compare us to Japan. Maybe to be fair, let's break down the comparison. Technology? Resources? Land mass? Infrastructure? Again, what do they have that we don't?
Breaking down further, let's try Attitude? Culture? Way of thinking? Standards? Aaahhh now this is something else...
So you see Sir, we are not 3rd world in terms of resources and capability. We have what they have, we can do what they do. We have what it takes. We have access to everything. I believe CNN did us a favor by unmasking our inadequacy. I do agree that it's not the entire fault of our government.
The problem, and the difference, is not with CNN or Japan or the world Sir.
It is us. It is who we are now, not who we want to be. It is in us and whom we chose to lead us. It is our accepting attitude. It's our "bahala na" culture.
It's actually my fault. And your fault Sir. It's our fault that we continue to languish as 3rd world, when this is already passé.
Let's face it. We have the money, the machinery and the means to be an elite nation. What we don't have is the maturity to change, and the mindset to aim high.
We should be 1st world. We can actually do it. We have it within ourselves.
It's not a matter of chance. It's a matter of choice.
Bottom line of his message is that CNN should look at the current situation from our vantage point. That we are severely constrained by our limited infrastructure and resources. He did mention that admittedly, there are lapses in government efficiency but that these should be given the benefit of the doubt. He frowned upon the comparison with Japan after it was hit by a massive quake. They are 1st world, we are 3rd, and there is a wide gap between.
He means well. He is sincerely concerned. And he is definitely affected by what is happening.
With all due respect, I beg to disagree with his thesis. The idea or notion that the world is divided into 3 categories is an anomaly. Perhaps in the pre-internet and globalization era Yes! But nowadays, I ask this question, what is it that these 1st world countries have that we don't?
Maybe before we don't have immediate access to ground breaking technology, or were left too far behind in life changing trends.
I remember back in the early 80s when my father was in the Middle East as an OFW. Our communication with him was confined to snail mail and pre-taped voice recording using those C46 cassette tapes with sides A & B made by Denon or TDK. It was delayed gratification. But nowadays you can Skype, Face Time or send instant SMS or MMS to your relative even if he or she is in Timbuktu while you are in Tuguegarao.
Back then we were so delayed by months when it comes to lifestyle and fashion trends. We easily get excited by a Ralph Lauren shirt sent by an uncle in America who bought it in an outlet store for a discount because it was excess inventory and which design was released one year before. But now? Even the likes of Brad Pitt buy furnitures designed by our very own Kenneth Cobonpue. Nowadays you don't need to go to Paris to buy LV, there is a shop in Greenbelt. You can even buy Victoria Secret online and have it delivered to your home after only a week or so.
Before, you only get to read the results of the NBA games or other big sporting events like boxing in newspapers a day or two after the event proper. Those very few lucky ones who live near Clark or Subic or have connections with US military personnel were able to watch or listen live broadcasts. But now? who doesn't have cable? Even in Tacloban they get to see Manny Pacquiao or Kobe Bryant in live broadcast, and on HD at that. Before, we wait for re-runs of American comedy shows, concerts, game or action series. Now? one click in Youtube and you can watch Sweden Got Talent.
I think the point is clear. It's a small world after all, and access to technology and trends is easy. The social and cultural divide among nations, whether 1st or 3rd, is diminished and extinguished.
Perhaps you may argue about economics, industries or resources. Or even military might and education. Maybe.
But think about it. In the 50s or 60s, the Philippines was considered to be 2nd to Japan in terms of economic superiority. We were way ahead of China. We are one of the few ASIAN countries that can converse in English, spoken and written. Malaysians, Thais and Indonesians were flocking to our schools to learn. The Thais, who are now the number one exporter of rice in the entire world, got their education at UP Los Banos.
As far as these are concerned, they are controllable factors. The open letter discussed at length why Tacloban is having difficulty, it being one of the poorest cities in one of the poorest regions in the country. But it was not because of lack of resources or capability.
In hindsight, Tacloban is now the model of what we could have been against what we are now. Why did Tacloban, or Leyte or Samar for that matter, languish and remained under developed? Let me stress - UNDER developed!
Certainly it is poor and backward, not for lack of resources but perhaps because of effort, governance and leadership. And it is the same with other parts of the country, including Manila as well.
You will agree with me when I say that we could have had modern roads, airports, ship ports, trains, subways, rail networks, military equipment, weather warning systems, etc. IF WE WANT TO.
You say we don't have the money? Tell that to Janet Napoles. Tell that to Tanda, Sexy and Pogi. Tell that to Kim Henares, Ruffy Biazon and to Butch Abad. Tell that to Congress. Then tell it to the Marines!
No disrespect intended, but the executive who wrote that open letter to CNN is like many of us who have come to accept the fate of our nation as God-given and intended. That we are an archipelago so naturally, obstacles abound. That we should not find too much fault in our government for it is hampered and limited.
He implied that it's unfair to compare us to Japan. Maybe to be fair, let's break down the comparison. Technology? Resources? Land mass? Infrastructure? Again, what do they have that we don't?
Breaking down further, let's try Attitude? Culture? Way of thinking? Standards? Aaahhh now this is something else...
So you see Sir, we are not 3rd world in terms of resources and capability. We have what they have, we can do what they do. We have what it takes. We have access to everything. I believe CNN did us a favor by unmasking our inadequacy. I do agree that it's not the entire fault of our government.
The problem, and the difference, is not with CNN or Japan or the world Sir.
It is us. It is who we are now, not who we want to be. It is in us and whom we chose to lead us. It is our accepting attitude. It's our "bahala na" culture.
It's actually my fault. And your fault Sir. It's our fault that we continue to languish as 3rd world, when this is already passé.
Let's face it. We have the money, the machinery and the means to be an elite nation. What we don't have is the maturity to change, and the mindset to aim high.
We should be 1st world. We can actually do it. We have it within ourselves.
It's not a matter of chance. It's a matter of choice.
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