Philippine Daily Inquirer reports:

(DSWD Sec.) Cabral asked the NBI last year to investigate the identity of the blogger after reading a blog entry entitled “Aanhin pa ang damo kung patay na ang kabayo (What good is help that comes if it is too late),” posted on ‘Blog ni Ella’ on Oct. 21, 2009.

The former social welfare secretary claimed the blog entry contained “malicious imputations against her, the Department of Social Welfare and Development, and its employees.”

“The article alluded that she and the DSWD employees are corrupt, having diverted donated goods for personal gain at the expense of the typhoon victims and downright incompetent,” the NBI said in its referral.

A few things:

- I saw the blog during its height. There’s nothing libelous about it. The blogger stood with nothing to gain — other than the unsolicited fame the blog resulted from. If there was anything Ella was about during that time, she was sincerely bothered by the fact that people were hungry and homeless and without clothes and the government doesn’t seem to care.

- Sec. Cabral has an onion skin. As the saying goes, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen”

- This sends a chilling effect on bloggers. Blogging — and social networks — as we now know, is the future of media. It may not be as formal as the print or even TV, but I will argue that it’s the fastest and even more accurate source of information nowadays. Just take a look, for instance, on this report from PDI. It says, “It also checked with the hosting company of the domain name www.ellaganda.com and found out that the hosting contract with “Ella Rose delos Santos” or “Ellaganda” has been terminated since December 2008″ Duh? If it was “terminated” since Dec. 2008, why has www.ellaganda.com able to post the alleged libelous blog last Oct. 2009? So who has the accurate information now?

As a blogger, I feel for her. Do you think freedom of speech can still be exercised in this country — even in a free platform such as blogging?

Bloggers, unite! Make some noise. Defend your rights.

Let’s talk about legacy, shall we.

Legacy, in my opinion, is so powerful it can affect the lives of others even after we die. And legacy is something that we normally don’t plan. For most people, legacy is not a one shot deal, it’s not created by a single event in their life. A lasting legacy is created by the kind of life you live. It is the series of decisions we made, right or wrong, that form part of our legacy.

Good or bad, our legacy affects our love ones, our community, or even a whole generation. Think about Jose Rizal and Hitler and Billy Graham (still alive) and Michael Jackson. Each of them left (or will leave) a legacy that has affected us.

President Cory was not the best president that we had. She’s not extra ordinary. Not a brilliant economist or a strong military leader.

Rather, she is known for her love for peace, her passion for democracy.

We did not become a tiger economy during her term, but because of her determination and right choices, we were able to grow the economy from being at its worse after the dictatorship.

She was known to be the “least corrupt” president. No hidden bank accounts, no AMARI scandals, no jueteng scandals, no ZTE scandals. Money maybe important, but it wasn’t her god.

She was honest. She know where she stands. She knows her weaknesses and admits it.

She was humble and didn’t even know it. I hate to make this blog a political one, but I can’t help but compare her to our sitting president. Yesterday, I watched her last SONA on YouTube and there was some very significant differences with GMA’s “last”. Let me share some:

Cory: “I accept the criticisms poured on me painful as they are as part and parcel of the hazards of public service.”
GMA (current president):  “To my critics… don’t pussy foot”

Cory: “Next year, I will step down… Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat, at paalam”
GMA: “After I step down from this platform, I’M STILL THE PRESIDENT” (As if we don’t know that!)

Legacy. What will be Cory’s? What will be Gloria’s? What will be yours?

The kind of legacy that we will leave when we die is the choice that we can make while we’re still alive.

And, also, let me just say, too, that while is really cool to download that video, in the long run it won’t help you. I know that, because I’m a man myself. I know how our minds work. The images will play in our heads and it will mess you up.

I know people are angry at Hayden Kho for this stupid thing that he did. You can show your anger by not downloading the video of this freak.

Ako Mismo… hindi i-dadownload ang sex video nila Katrina Halili at Hayden Kho.

And it makes me wanna get that dog tag!

On the other hand, I had some questions in my mind then:

1. Are these artists pro bono, or were they paid to appear in the ad?

2. If they were paid, it definitely sure cost a lot!

3. If it costs a lot, who paid for it? — and we now know it’s Smart Communications.

My doubts are later triggered further with MLQ3′s Twitter update:

Is it possible AkoMismo ads today are trial balloon for possible Manuel V. Pangilinan presidential bid? Who else could afford it?

Today, an email is circulating that supposed to come from Jaime Garchitorena:

To all those that signed up with AKO MISMO!

You are now part of SMART telecoms network for potential campaigns in 2010.

The amount of information they have asked is so detailed that they can track you down to your zip code and contact you any time. In all my years of signing up for information I have never had a site require so much information AS REQUIRED FIELDS.

This makes for a perfect voter mapping database and campaign tool for anyone that wants to pay SMART for the information.

Did you think SMART would pay MILLIONS in production and advertising and talent costs for nothing?

If you refer to their privacy policy that no one ever reads, it states:

AKO MISMO MAY use the personal information you provide to:

• Contact you – either in response to a query or suggestion, or to mail newsletters, documents, publications, etc.

• “Remember” your online profile and preferences;

• Help you quickly find information that is relevant to you based on your interests, and help us create site contents most relevant to you;

In other words the can PUSH information to you which is an important tool in making sure that you can receive even unwanted campaign messages.

• Undertake statistical analysis.

They can use your answers to this PUSH for other mapping and trending purposes.

They also wash their hands of any person “accidentally” cracking the site and getting all your info. If you read privacy policy, again, which no one reads:

AKO MISMO shall not be liable under any circumstances for damages resulting from unauthorized use of information collected from visitors to the site.

AKO MISMO may change this privacy policy to reflect changes in the way we collect visitor information.

As a final warning, their privacy policy claims that you can still access this site even if you do not sign up (again from the privacy policy page):

What if I don’t want to provide personal information?

Providing personal information on the AKO MISMO web site is optional. If you choose not to provide personal information, you can still browse and use the AKO MISMO site, but you will not be able to carry out certain actions.

This is not true. None of the pages are viewable unless you have signed in. This is already a sure sign that their intent is to make you sign up and not just to make you a part of a youth reform activity.

A friendly piece of advice: Go back to the site and change your details please change all the details that pertain to AGE, SEX, and, LOCATION.

Also change your phone number if you like. This is to protect your privacy.

And remember you are still holding on to your pledge of participation in making our country great and they promise not to bar you from accessing the site even if you change your details so you will lose nothing but you will take back your security.

Please pass to all the people you know who may have signed up.

Ingat lang tayo po sa mga ganito.

Salamat!

I’m not insinuating that this campaign is not an authentic, honest way to reach to every Filipino to do something for the country. I just think that there is a lot of questions that needs to be answered.

I imagine today after Jun and Violet Lozada are arraigned for perjury, Jun will go back to his cell in Manila, while Violet returns to their quarters in La Salle Greenhills where she, Jun and their kids have been living for more than a year under the watchful eye of the nuns and the senate sergeant-at-arms.

I imagine at some point in the day both of them asking themselves as they must have asked themselves countless times over the past year, “Is this all worth it?” I imagine Violet asking herself what an uncertain future willl bring for her and her children.

I also imagine that later today, Mike Defensor and his wife and kids will touch down at the San Francisco International airport, check into their hotel and begin an enjoyable vacation. Also today, Ben Abalos will be holding court at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, enjoying a Ben’s Burjer while waiting for the rain to let up enough so he can enjoy a round of golf.

Romy Neri will go to work at SSS and have a quiet day, while Mike Arroyo will do whatever it is he wants to do.

At some point in the day I imagine they’d have some quiet time in the lull between activity to contemplate.

I imagine Defensor, Abalos, Neri,and Arroyo stopping momentarily during the day and thinking, “Life is good, isn’t it?”

Yes it is, guys. Aren’t you glad you’re in power?

I’m glad we can only live a maximum 100 years, 60 years on the average. I’m glad what we have now is not permanent. I’m glad that our life here is just a rehearsal of the real life for all eternity. I’m glad that the way we live our life now determines our eternal destination. I’m glad that life maybe unfair in this side of eternity, but God is the ultimate judge that will give justice for all. We do not know when, but heck I’m sure it will come. Aren’t you glad this is just temporary?
That goes the same for everyone: Jun Lozada, Neri, Abalos, Defensor and Arroyo. And for all of us.

I was right. ABS-CBN’s been talking about Korina’s diamond ring for more than 3 days already. I know they are cooking something. Willie sang a song with/for Korina — another unusual thing. Then, Senator Mar Roxas came in the picture with a red rose on his hand.

We all know it’s all planned.

Long before, my wife Joy and I have been discussing the Mar-Korina love affair and why the heck are they not getting married yet — both are already past their marrying age, both are well established, and as far as I know, they made public that they are actually living in already. So, why not get marry already? I would always comment that come election season, they will. My prophetic vision came true!

We know that Mar Roxas is trailing in all presidential surveys. He would do everything to get a rank higher as we near the election season. He’s done commercials — and I hate how they dramatized it (“Anak, ako na.” Duh!). He’s on Twitter, Facebook and the blogsphere — he’s practically all over the internet. And, of course, the wedding. Korina Sanchez’ popularity will definitely boost his chances.

* * *

But while watching them on TV, and being cynical of Mar’s “tears of joy”, it just hit me. Maybe we should give them the benefit of the doubt. They are human beings too. Korina’s also a lady who dreams of walking down the isle. Mar is probably dreaming of having kids, seeing them grow and play with them as what normal fathers do. They probably want to build a real family of their own. They want to love each other with the security of marriage. While they are public figures, they are human beings too!

I still believe that the timing is done in accordance to Mar’s presidential campaign plan. But I will believe that Mar did propose last Feb. 14 in a Cebu  resort, he was touched when Korina said “Ako’y iyong iyo” that led him to sincerely shed tears, and that they love each other — with politics or not.

The entire pinoy blogsphere is doubting them now. That’s the downside of being a public figure. Let this give a different perspective.

I was watching Man of the Year which stars Robin Williams on HBO last night. It’s a political satire of sorts. He delivers political messages done in comedy.

Tom Dobbs, Willam’s character, said:

Politicians are a lot like diapers. They should be changed frequently, and for the same reason.

I couldn’t agree more. That’s why, probably, the current move to ammend the Philippine constitution before the 2010 elections can never get the nod of the people. They want the “diapers” changed. You don’t want to develop “diaper rash”, don’t you?

We all knew the fourth attempt to impeach President Arroyo would not prosper regardless of what kind of arguments or facts the minority congressmen presented at the Justice Committee hearings.

Its never been a question of evidence or eloquence but where your bread is buttered. And for most congressmen, the butter comes from the general direction of the Pasig river.

Many–including sometimes myself–asked “Why do they bother?” It was an exercise in futility so why try? Watching the proceedings today I got my answer. Because they have to.

I have no illusions that minority congressmen are doing this for a number of motivations, including self interest. But none of us is pure and anyone who requires that an accuser must be free from any kind of taint in order to be believed is simply justifying turning a blind eye.

But given the “tainted” motivations of the minority, let me at least say this. The alternative would be a coup. Taking the law into your own hands to extract accountability from the president. The other alternative is indifference. Like most people in this country, we can shrug our shoulders and resign ourselves to the inevitability of defeat, and just let them get away with it.

But Risa, Ronnie, Teddy, TG, Satur, Liza, Rufus, Rafael, and yes even Joe, as well as all the others who made the effort chose to work within the system no matter how dysfunctional it is. Instead of giving up or taking up arms, they went to Congress and did what the law required, thus keeping alive the hope, however slender, that the process can still work.

Are they fools? Maybe, but I take my hat off to those fools.

The United States of America is in recession. Big companies filing bankruptcy. The latest was General Motors, the biggest car manufacturer in the country. Here in the Philippines, top CEOs project that 2009 will be the year for the country’s own recession. Should you be concerned?

If you’re an employee, or a student, or a housewife, thinking that this problem is just for the country’s economists or the businessmen to solve and you think you should not be concerned, think again.

If you’re an entrepreneur, you have a reason to be concerned. You may experience decrease in orders, or projects, because your clients will tighten belt and reduce spending. In effect, you will have nothing to pay for your overhead and, worse, you may close shop.

If you’re an employee, you have a reason to be concerned. You might loose your job tomorrow because your company may downsize or eventually close shop.

If you’re a student, you have a reason to be concerned because your dad can loose his job because of the downsizing. Who will pay your tuition, or the broadband internet you’re using to access your Multiply and Friendster account?

If you’re a housewife (or houseband), your have a reason to be concerned. If your working spouse looses his/her job, who will pay the rent and the bills?

If you plan to go abroad, good luck! You may loose your job just months after that company abroad starts purging employees and prioritizing their own citizen.

Recession is everyone’s problem. We all have a reason to be concerned.

In fearful times like this, the only way to live out of the fear is trust. Trust that God will lead you in every single day. In every twist and turn. In every disappointing hour. Jesus, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, will inspire you to do exactly what is needed for the moment. This is the best time to come closer to him. To have that personal relationship become even more personal and intimate. Because the more closer to him we become, the clearer we hear his instructions in times of recession.

God, you caught our attention. Now, what do you want to tell us?

October 24, 2008

Dear Joc-Joc,

Allow me to call you Joc-Joc as you have been known in the media and by many Filipinos too. As of this morning of the 24^th of October, 2008, news about your lawyer petitioning the Supreme Court to issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) against the implementation of the arrest warrant issued by the Senate upon your arrival, hugs the headline of the major dailies together with the radio and TV news broadcast. The whole country seems to be anxiously awaiting your return, I am sure your family is also eager to see you back as well.

It is about your family that I am writing you about, because of what my own family went through when I was in a similar situation that you are in now. Being a father myself, I know that the welfare and safety of your family is your foremost concern in the middle of all the controversy and the uncertainty that you are facing.

There is so much fear right now that pervades your life along with your loved ones. Questions such as: how safe are you in Manila? Is there a possibility that someone may attempt to harm you or your family? How are the people that you are covering for, going to help you? How are you going to answer questions from media? How can the people you are covering be trusted with their dilatory tactics to get you off the hook, away from the prying questions of the opposition senators?

We get caught up in all of these questions of “us versus them” way of  thinking, that we almost forget to ask the right questions anymore– right questions such as: how are my children hurt with the truth that I am generally perceived as a corrupt criminal by the Filipino nation? How are my children going to explain my involvement in this fertilizer scam to their friends? How is my wife going to face our friends and still be seen as a person with integrity? What legacy am I leaving my children? Is leaving them with millions of money and big houses in Ayala Alabang better than leaving them with a good name?

I am sharing these with you, because if there is one thing that I did regret in telling the truth about how this Arroyo administration has been stealing from the very people it is supposed to serve, it is that I was not able to prepare my wife and my children well enough against the backlash of this government’s wrath against me for telling the people about their crimes. You still have time to discern your next move, whether or not you are going to tell the people the truth about the fertilizer scam or bring the secret to your grave, just like Romy Neri. As a father, I am asking you to please think about your children, please consider the legacy you are going to leave to them. Are you going to forever leave them as pariahs branded as children of a thief–or as children of someone who did wrong and yet chose to serve his country at the end, rather than to be a captive forever of the dark forces he used to serve? And please prepare your family whatever way you may wish to choose. Discuss this together with them because at the end of it all, they will suffer or be affected more as a consequence of your decision.

Secondly as a fellow Rotarian, how about asking the Four Way test as part of your discernment process? Is it the Truth? Is it fair to everyone concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendship? Will it be beneficial to everyone concerned? You have been a good Rotarian for many good years of your life. Will you now turn your back on these ideals in the biggest test of your Rotarian values?

Lastly, let me share with you one of the most profound lessons I have learned in my own journey towards the truth, a truth not as a goal to be reached but rather as a way of life to be lived. I have found that the opposite of all the fears I am confronted with is not courage but faith. It is faith in a God who said, “I am the way, the truth and the life.”, a just God who will judge us not in terms of the wealth we have on earth but in terms of what we did to our fellow human beings. It is my faith in this God that allowed me to face all the fears that I am confronted with when I decided to tell the truth that I know about the NBN-ZTE scam. May you find the faith to lead you to the Light of God’s love that no darkness can ever defeat, not even a President of the Republic of the Philippines.

May God bless you with the wisdom to choose your path.

Jun Lozada