ABS-CBN vs GMA -what’s the real deal?

If you’re reading this from within Metro Manila and nearby cities — and have time to watch local television — you’ll notice the bickering between the two giant networks ABS-CBN and GMA network.

Here’s a short summary.

ABS was formerly the no. 1 network based on the ratings. GMA recently took the no. 1 spot. A month ago, ABS reportedly uncovered an alleged scheme by GMA in the Visayas to cheat on the ratings. ABS sued AGB Neilsen, the ratings company, then GMA sued ABS for their alleged reports accusing GMA of cheating. Since then, you’ll see these networks giving 1 minute commercial-like “message to the viewers” that is actually an answer to another network’s commercial like “message to the viewers” — both of which aims to grab hold of the viewers emotions.

I love how they do it. It’s like seeing two kids fighting over a toy car.

From the perspective of the viewer, do you really care who gets the higher ratings? Do you really know how to interpret those figures they flash on your TV screens and make it valuable to you, or does it matter at all?

The real deal on this network war? The boy who gets the higher rating gets more advertisers gets the more money. This is business, folks. Nothing more, nothing less.

RP’s worst finish at SEA Games

The Philippines has registered the worst finish since joining the SEA games in 1977 in the recently concluded sports event. Walked out of the boxing ring for that possible 7 other golds and what could be the worst sportsman-like attitude an athlete can have. (On the second thought, as Manny Pacquiao said, boxers don’t walk out. I guess it’s the sports officials that needs the blaming for this stupid decision. Yes, I feel for them for believing that we are being cheated. But to quit? Cliche as it is, but sports is not all about winning. It’s about character.)

We’re hoping for the very first Olympic gold. But if we can’t win against those with similar genes, how can we win against taller and faster races?

On surveys and being the ‘most corrupt president’

I’d like to be honest: I respect our president, but I’m no PGMA fan. I think the Philippines deserves a better president.

I would also like to say that I do believe in surveys. Most surveys does reflect the sentiments of the people. The pre-election surveys are almost always perfect.

* * *

This week, a survey commissioned by a former opposition senator threw the a disturbing question to 1,200 respondents. The question was, “Who is the most corrupt president since the martial law era?”

The results: Gloria Arroyo came in first, Marcos second and Erap third. I have a couple of problems with the result of this survey:

1. Where did the respondents based their opinion? Media reports? While the media is one of the most basic element of a democratic society, it is not the the most accurate source of information.

2. Did the respondents really know all the presidents that well? I mean, do they really know who President Marcos was? Or President Cory? My guess is if the respondent aged 30 to 40, at this very moment the presidency that we can still picture in our mind is that of Ramos’. I remember Cory’s, but because of the coup de etat. And because Gloria is the present, everyone knows about the alleged corruption happening in the government right now. So, who’s the default choice for the most corrupt then?

* * *

This survey is flawed and biased. If the opposition wants to win in 2010 — and I know they can — they should stop these dirty tactics and start doing great things for the nation. I’m sure the people will recognize and see it.

Warning against a strong peso

I’ve been talking about how devastating a strong peso for exporters like us is. Last Sunday at Philippine Star, Sen. Roxas, an economist himself aired the same caution:

Roxas, chairman of the Senate committee on trade and commerce, warned that the situation – if not promptly addressed – would result in the displacement of thousands of workers in the export and production sectors.

“Walk the talk. Where’s the ‘social payback’ due our people?” he asked. “OFWs and exporters have been complaining for months about decreased incomes, and have been demanding action from their government to ease their plight,” Roxas said.

“The government could not afford to be oblivious not just to the immediate hardships of our eight million OFWs and 3.5 million exporters but also to the real threat of lost incomes and jobs in local industries due to this continuing trend,” he said.

Again, contrary to what the Arroyo administration claims of a growing economy based on the strong peso, it should be properly noted that the peso is strong only because the dollar is getting weaker and weaker by the second.

Is it time for Erap’s pardon?

One of the biggest news yesterday aside from the Glorietta tragedy is Erap finally putting in writing his willingness to accept presidential pardon. Questions running through my mind:

* Isn’t that too early, senior state prosecutor Villaignacio asked. Aren’t we supposed to show the world that we are serious about stopping corruption? Yet, the verdict isn’t felt yet, and here we are so excited in giving pardon to a former president convicted of corruption.

* Will he admit the guilt?

* How can the political climate calm down if he is pardoned when the political opposition, Erap’s troop, are still banging the president with attacks, most recently the impeachment complaint?

Update from “it’s.not.about.me” – Safe is dangerous (from the treasure chest of Life 2.0)