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| ON THE OTHER HAND |
| Presidential Fever
By Antonio C. Abaya Written on Jan. 07, 2008 For the Standard Today, January 08 issue The jockeying and posturing actually started months, even years, before, but it can be said that the presidential campaign for 2010 unofficially started last October when the Liberal Party (or what�s left of it) announced that Sen. Mar Roxas will be its standard bearer in the elections scheduled almost three years into the future. Not to be outdone, the Nacionalista Party (or what�s left of it) announced a few days later that Senate President Manny Villar will be its standard bearer. (Both the LP and the NP are to be congratulated for their wide-eyed optimism that presidential elections will take place in 2010. I take the cynical position that presidential elections will NOT take place in 2010. Instead parliamentary elections will be held, after a shift to the parliamentary system has been railroaded through Congress, either through another People�s Initiative or another Constituent Assembly, as was shamelessly attempted in 2006. (President Arroyo wants to remain in power beyond 2010 � allegedly to transform the Philippines into a First World country by the year 2020 or 2027 � and the only way she can do this legally and constitutionally is by maneuvering a shift to the parliamentary system between now and 2010. I have written several articles about this since 2005. Signs are increasing that she is still on this tack. More about this in another article.) Sen. Loren Legarda has also announced that she is eyeing the 2010 polls, and neophyte Sen. Chiz Escudero has encouraged speculation that he, too, is available, both banking on their dominant rankings in the 2007 senatorial elections. But my gut feel is that both are mature enough to realize that 2010 is not the right time for them. Sen. Legarda, because she knows that the public will not go for another woman president so soon after Gloria; Sen. Escudero, because he knows he is too young to be eyeing the presidency. Both will more likely go for the vice-presidency instead. Not so with Sen. Panfilo Lacson. He remains ambitious for the presidency. In the 2004 presidential elections, he came out third in a field of five, keeping a steady 10.5 to 11 percent of the votes from start to finish of the prolonged Comelec-Namfrel count. If memory serves, Sen. Lacson ran as an independent. He may be forced into this cul-de-sac again since the NP and LP have been spoken for, and so will the Lakas-CMD, the Kampi, the NPC and, possibly, the PDP-Laban (or what�s left of it.) And then there is Erap. He has repeated his current mantra many times over that if the opposition remains disunited, he would be �forced� to run as the opposition standard bearer, as if that would shame Roxas or Villar or Lacson into abandoning their presidential ambitions for the sake of the abstract concept of �opposition unity.� The net effect would be that the opposition will remain disunited, and Erap�s entry into the fray would make it even more disunited. Would that force Erap to abandon his own ambitions for an Erap Restoration? Very unlikely. The only force that can dissuade Erap from his daydreams would be a Supreme Court ruling that as a former president, he cannot run for another presidential term, even if he was not able to serve out the full duration of his presidential term because he was forced out of office in January 2001 by a military coup d�etat pretending to be people power, with the active involvement of then VP Arroyo. In the meantime, to keep his presidential embers burning and crackling, he goes out on �medical missions� to reconnect with his squealing masa constituency. And he even threatens to write a book to expose graft and corruption during his term and the term of his immediate predecessor, President Fidel Ramos. Erap should know about graft and corruption during his term. He was convicted of plunder by the Sandiganbayan and sentenced to 40 years in jail, which would have been his present address had he not been given absolute pardon, only a month later, by President Arroyo, as part of her deliberate scheme to remain in power beyond 2010 � by currying favor (or so she thought) with Erap and his squealing masa, and making him sign a promise not to run for any public office (such as the presidency). And there is Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay, the darkest dark horse since Black Beauty. He also wants to be president, despite a pending case for unexplained wealth with the Ombudsman, who with his wife and two children has perfected the art of dynastic politics in his family business�er..fiefdom. Meanwhile, presidential fever has also gripped the ruling coalition. Vice-President Noli de Castro has been acknowledged to be the strongest bet of the administration, largely by virtue of his incumbency and not much else. Sen. Dick Gordon has also been mentioned as a contender for the presidency. His dynastic tendencies notwithstanding, Gordon is an attractive choice, but GMA�s endorsement of his candidacy would be a kiss of death. And, hello, what�s this? A whole raft of admin presidential wannabes has landed without anyone inviting them in: There is Quezon City Mayor Sonny Belmonte, the moving force (when he was congressman) behind the incredibly ugly Pabahay sa Riles tenements along the PNR right-of-way from San Andres to Caloocan . There is MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando who has made a name (as well as numerous masa enemies) for himself by driving vendors off the sidewalks, pouring kerosene on their merchandise and demolishing their illegal structures. And there is Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who has����what in the name of Magsaysay has he actually done to merit the presidency? The underwhelming caliber of the admin presidential bench seems to be calculated to drive home the point to the Kampi and Lakas power brokers and financiers that the only way they can keep their privileged positions is to support President Arroyo�s drive to shift to a parliamentary system so that she can remain in power beyond 2010 as prime minister. Meanwhile, some concerned Filipinos may wonder why the only Filipino who has actually done more for this country and its impoverished majority than all the above mentioned predatory trapos and ambitious wannabes COMBINED has not caught the presidential fever: Tony Meloto of Gawad Kalinga. Is he, perhaps, from another planet? Or at least another world? ***** Reactions to [email protected]. Other articles in www.taptt.org and in acabaya.blogspot.com OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Reactions to �Presidential Fever� Reactions to �Rizal: Undeserved Adjectives� More Reactions to �Wayang in Bali � More Reactions to �Most Corrupt President� More Reactions to �Classical Music for 2008� More Reactions to �Post Office Thievery� Articles on Pakistan and the Financial Crisis Tony, This reader will make a fearless forecast on who will be the president in the 2010 election: It will be Noli de Castro. First of all, he is more politically astute than people credit him for. Look, he is on radio every weekend from 8 to 10 am; who else has that regularity of coverage. In that program he can call any cabinet member, governor, mayor, bureau director, name it and take him to task on the air. He even does it very diplomatically while sounding authoritative. Furthermore, I think ABS-CBN will let him keep that slot until the 2010 campaign commences fro obvious reasons. Secondly, he managed to get GMA to let him run his show in public housing, the Pag-ibig and social welfare agencies. No matter how you cut it, he has a lot of exposure among the masses and government largesse to support his image. GMA obviously lets him do that in order to keep him friendly and supportive. Finally, (and I am sure there are still other reasons), the elecorate have this illusion that a sitting vice president is likely the experienced candidate for the head honcho's job. That's a package that is so easy to sell plus the fact that he has managed to shy away from any controversies. Don't underestimate this guy; he may not have displayed flashes of brilliances but I am convinced that he has been methodically planting his political seeds. Moreover, the masses can easily identify with him the way they did with Erap. Noli may just be stronger than anyone thinks especially when the media machine of ABS-CBN gets behind him. What we should do then is find ways and means to make him accountable to the wider media rather than exclusively to ABS-CBN. We should also set up feedback and accountability measures within business and social groupings even before he ascends to power. Transparency networks should be on his heels even now (as a matter of fact they should be on the heels of all strong front runners) to put the pressure of good governance putting forward even as early as now potential cabinet members who can do the job of cleaning up and streamlining the bureaucracy. My thoughts. Gus Cosio, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww As the drama in the U.S. primaries continues to grip every true blooded politicos in the country, the media keep on churning analyses if not yarns of impossible dreams of a number of presidential wannabes as seen in the precious pages of newspapers. In the third quarter of 2007, I was asked in a survey thru a text message from my former editor-in-chief at the defunct Evening Paper and former press secretary, Rod T. Reyes whom I should vote for in 2010. Unless we revert to the two-party system, throw the books at erring election officials and computerize the voting system, the Filipinos would still remain a poor victim of a rotten election process. Niel Enrile Narca, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi Tony Interesting about the NOEL via the current constitution for 2010. But my bet says its pushing thru. But also I think the wannabes are just more of the same..traditional and DIRTY politics. Lets look the other way. GO and TU and LP/NP ?? NONE OF THE ABOVE (NOTA!!) If we keep doing the same things, we end up in a worst situation. Iits proven over 30 years!! NOTA!! God bless our country!! Eric Manalang, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008 Ang Kapatiran Party wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hello, Mr. Abaya, Would you know of a web page to visit to learn a bit more of Mr. Meloto? All the best, Gabriel Ripoll jr, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008. (You can access the website gawadkalinga.org. Or you can google Antonio Meloto or Tony Meloto. Or you can access my article �Meloto�s Vision� in www.tapatt.org. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, Tony Meloto is our best bet. Let�s start a Tony Meloto for President Movement (TMPM). We need a leader like Tony who will inspire the rich to share their wealth, and inspire the poor to rise from poverty. Gawad Kalinga is patriotism in action. I just hope and pray that Tony will not become another trapo. That he will use the power of the presidency to rebuild our country and unite our people. TONY MELOTO FOR PRESIDENT! Ody Lumanglas, (by email), Auckland , New Zealand , Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Sir Tony, What I have in mind as an alternative in the likes of Manny V Pangilinan (MVP - Manny Vying for President) a self made man, he was an icon in the business sector, he saved those bankrupt businesses to resurrect with his proven abilities and experiences most especially his business know-how. The man behind in unifying the basketball association is the right man for 2010. Let's get out of the TRAPOS with a new color and have a new breed of leader with respect and dignity that we may be proud of as a Pilipino. This is just a thought but not a bad dream. Best regards and Mabuhay!! Cesar D Mangalindan, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Now it's on again (or it's always been on?): this Philippine national pasttime of political gaming. Presidential elections are still some years away and yet they are already betting in the political casino. How about solving first the more urgent problems of the nation, like the problem of reduced peso income of OFW's and exporters? No, politicians are not concerned in such mundane issues; they won't make money out of them. (Sen. Mar Roxas has proposed that the government temporarily waive the 12% VAT on oil and oil products for six months. But this has been rejected by the Finance Department on the grounds that it would reduce tax collection by P54 billion. Instead President Arroyo has proposed to reduce the import tariff on oil and oil products from 3% to 2%, and if necessary to 1%. ACA) Our politicos will never understand why we have lagged behind our more prosperous Far East/Southeast Asian neighbors; why OFW's are always ridiculed or embarrassed by this political plague. Elmer Sr. Fabroa, (by email), Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww If Tony Meloto has done more for his countrymen as the head of a charitable organization than all of the aspiring wannabes combined, then why would he wanted to be one among them? Tarnish his name? There are many other vocations and jobs where one person can do most good to his or her fellow being and its not surprising that some would prefer to stay where they believe they can be of most useful. And with a few exception, being the President of the Philippines is not one among them.. Sincerely, Victor Sanoy, (by email), Toronto , Ont. , Canada , Jan. 08, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Hi, Tony! I always enjoy your commentaries about the political moro-moro that's happening there! Now comes labu-labo among ambitious wannabes from what's left of has-been political parties and the barasuhan tactics being used by the incumbent. Masaya sana . . . . yung nga lang, ang taong-bayan ang naiipit sa sagupaan ng mga magnanakaw na politiko! I share your curiosity as to why any political party hasn't asked Tony Meloto to be its standard bearer for the presidency. Because he's too honest, maybe? For that matter, has any political party asked Father Ed Panlilio to run for President? How come honest men are not drafted? Because they can't get any kickbacks or payolas from these honest people, plain and simple! Nakakahiya! Rome Farol, (by email), Highlands Ranch, Colorado , Jan. 09, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, You mentioned, �And there is Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro who has����what in the name of Magsaysay has he actually done to merit the presidency?� Believe it or not, but I happened to have read your posting as I was waiting to see Secretary Teodoro at his office this morning concerning the hullabaloo about the so-called National ID which came out after the 8 January AFP Command Conference at Camp Aguinaldo that I decided to mention to him your comment. His shocking (to me) reply: �Mr Abaya is right!� I think the mention of Gilbert Teodoro�s name came about because of several circumstances: we are all looking for new heroes as alternatives to (rightly or wrongly) what are perceived to be traditional politicians who cannot bring us out of the doldrums; he is currently in the position that the great RM was in (followed by FVR, who in my opinion � and that of the business community -- did quite well); he was a bar topnotcher; he had a good 9-year record in the House; and so far he has been doing a good job in the short time he has been in Defense. That his name was bandied about in media as presidentiable resulted from public statements from media men themselves during the MOPC Night as well as occasional interviews and, especially from some Congressmen who made such duly-recorded public statements during the last budget hearing in Nov-Dec (which I myself witnessed). But whether or not Gilbert Teodoro is presidentiable today does not negate the possibility that this gentleman has the personality, the ability and the gumption to prove himself and earn that much desired approval rating from responsible and credible opinion makers, in which field you excel. I think his quick reply is quite indicative of his humble character that is much needed in government today. Keep up the good work. Chuck (Carlos L. Agustin), (by email), Jan. 09, 2008 President, National Defense College of the Philippines wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Mr. Abaya: With all the noise as to who should be the next president of this country, we ordinary citizens must pause and re-think, firstly, if we should join the political crowd and sing praises, like a knee-jerk reaction, to those whose names are paraded by spin masters as the best person to lead this nation. And secondly, if the alternatives being presented possess the character, inherent and otherwise, that would awaken the people's imagination, hence, create an atmosphere for the blossoming of our collective "will to greatness". The current crop, having seen them in person and in some instances worked with them in one way or another, to my mind, do not possess the character that would propel this nation to greatness. They all have one thing in common, among others, they are all products of patronage politics and therefore carry heavy political baggage and political debts. Having this common draw-downs would make for a less than effective presidency. The kind that would put expediency and compromise as a rule in governance would again put us to where we are right now, a degenerating body politic, unable to move and paralyzed to explore new paths towards what a modern society should be. What we need right now or perhaps at the turn of a make-or-break new decade is an intellectual that understands the inner desires and workings of the minds of Filipinos. One who understands the reasons why societies exist, its inner workings, and what a "social contract" is all about. One whose ideas and resolve is not only pegged on the rules of government but most importantly grounded on the rules of humane governance which, among others, include the primacy of social justice and collective equity. That leader may already be in our midst but we fail to take notice. But I think that one leader that could lead us to the next decade is not among those being promoted or are presenting themselves. Thank you and more power! Sincerely, Lito David, (by email), Jan. 09, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony: Many are vying for "the franchise to rape the Filipino" in the 2010 elections. The early entrants (Roxas, Villar, Lacson, Erap, de Castro, Legarda, Gordon, Binay and Teodoro) show no new name or face. What's the use of having an election if it just further legitimizes the lying, cheating and stealing? Tony Meloto or Fr. Ed Panlilio running would be the best way to sanitize the 2010 elections. But don't hold your breath: the present electoral system will not let anyone but a proven thief win. In fact, what's more plausible is your scenario that we won't have a 2010 elections. And that the criminal syndicate of politicians now in place will crown GMA as the next Prime Minister after they Cha-cha. Happy New Year, Tony! Let's eat, drink and be merry - because the Philippines will still have riches left for politicians to grab after 2010. Or maybe something else can happen to make celebrating really worthwhile. Tito Osias, (by email), Jan. 09, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Dear Tony, The presidential aspirants who are positioning themselves for a run at the office are not giants in any field. However, one thing working for them is name recognition and that is all that matters in Philippine elections. Having said that, let us expect another six years of hardship under the new President after Gloria. The history of voting in the country showed more sensible choices in the sixties. Not coincidentally, the quality of education then was much higher than that of today. It probably follows that the more educated voters are, the better candidates they vote for. The deterioration became very obvious when the people elected Erap their president. Then a parade of clowns got into the Senate that culminated in the kind of government we have now. The best move, therefore, a set of government officials can do is to concentrate on lifting the quality of education in the Philippines . After that is accomplished, everything will fall in its proper place. [email protected], Jan. 09, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww If Tony Meloto has the stomach for politics, and people will know his background, why not? There are still good people in our midst but they wouldn't dare crossing swords with most of the Dirty Rags out there. Our Nation is about to experience a devastating tremor if "those holding the reigns of power" will not mend their ways. I fear for our people! Jose Regino, (by email), Zamboanga City , Jan. 10, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww [email protected] sent you a link to the following content: Presidential Wannabes & Nazarene Devotees http://pedestrianobserver.blogspot.com/2008/01/presidential-wannabes-nazarene-devotees.html The sender also included this note: Here's a blogger's reaction to your Presidential Fever, hoping you are wrong but then again what have we got to lose: we always end up with the same bozos anyway. [email protected], Jan. 10, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Reaction to �Rizal: Undeserved Adjectives� I also have my doubts about Rizal, being the Renaissance Man of the Philippines . Obviously, I think it was a Spin Job, of various historians, who hyped him as the greatest Malayan of his generation. As a novelist, I was not even impressed by his Noli and Fili, as compared for instance with the novels of Dumas, Hugo and Wells, etc. Auggie Surtida, (by email), Tigbauan, Iloilo , Jan. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Wayang in Bali � Dec. 27, 2007) Antonio, You wrote: to Edel Anit.. "(My question to Jesse the Veggie was: how does organic farming combat global warming, as he had claimed it did, As you can see above, he did not answer that question. Although I eat a lot of (but not exclusively) vegetables, I do not see how organic farming combats global warming at all. (In fact trees, with their profusion of leaves 5 to 15 meters above the earth, do a much better job of absorbing CO2 from the air than vegetables, which usually rise no more than 20 to 30 cms above the ground and are harvested every three or four months, whether they are grown organically or chemically. Maybe we should eat more fruits than vegetables, if global warming is our primary concern. ACA)" Just to clarify my point..I was not advocating organic farming. I was advocating a vegetarian or vegan diet...that includes fruits from fruit trees, beans, pulses, grains etc...I think the thread is going off the mark. What I was against was the raising of animals (organic or not) to satisfy a meat-based diet. I know this is so radical for so many people because most have grown up thinking that they need to eat meat for protein etc. etc. And when we start talking about giving up something as personal as what our taste buds are telling us is will satisfy our cravings and keep us alive, then it is almost an insurmountable task. Anyway I have already given you the links and I leave it up to you to decide. Good luck.. Jesse, [email protected], Jan.06, 2008 (My apologies. I got you mixed up with another reader who advocated organic farming to combat global warming. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Most Corrupt President� (Dec. 20, 2007) Greetings! It is very clear that most of the reactions came from Ramos and Gloria's TUTAS. They are trying to defend Gloria and Ramos and pilit nila SINISIRAAN, DINA-DIVERT AND DINIDIIN TALAGA NILA SI MARCOS AND ESTRADA. Are we that stupid? Naka penetrate na ANG MGA TUTA NILA RAMOS AND GLORIA. They already know that you, ACA, have plenty of fans and readers and their goal is to TRY to hide again their crimes by writing their propagandas to you. We have to change now before it�s too late. Sooner or later, I think sooner, graft and corruption will just become normal and accepted. WE NEED CHANGE ASAP! For the future of the Filipinos! I hope before I die there would be substantial change in our morality and our government leaders. God bless our country. Paul Garcia, (by email), Jan. 06, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Mr. Abaya, Based on the number of writers defending this administration against the 'negative perception', alam na alam mo na kung bakit nagtaas ang taya sa lotto. Robbie Tan, (by email), Jan. 07, 2008 wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Classical Music for 2008� (Dec. 25, 2008) Hi, Tony, I would also recommend 98.7 DZFE. They really play good stuff. I am a 32 year older but I realize that classical music is real music. I tried CD's of my dads and mataas volume on our car, I feel like I�m in the medieval times of England . Mike Delgado, (by email), Jan.07, 2008 (I was a regular listener of DZFE when it was inaugurated in the mid-1950s, when I was a college student at the Ateneo. When they celebrated their 50th anniversary about two or three years ago, they requested a congratulatory message from me as one of their original listeners. But I no longer listen to DFZE because my CD library has grown to be more extensive than theirs since the 1980s. It is also possible to listen through one�s computer to all-classical music stations abroad such as wqrx.com in New York , kqed.com in San Francisco , and wfmt.com in Chicago . ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Articles on Pakistan and the Financial Crisis Hello Tony, I have been reading your column through the Makati Jaycee Senate Forum. I congratulate you for the very insightful and factual reporting you have been doing. I have taken the liberty of sending you two articles sent to me by Tony Marquez of our Makati Jaycee Senate Forum. I hope these articles may give you some additional info on your future articles. The best of the New Year to you and yours. Boy Guevara, (by email), Jan. 07, 2008 (Boy, thank you for the two interesting articles from the EIR, one on Pakistan , the other on the global financial crisis. I have put you in our distribution list so that you get my articles direct. As you may know, I have recently written two articles on Pakistan , and I plan to write an article on the looming financial crisis. The two articles you sent would be helpful. Thank you, and Happy New Year, too. Tony) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww More Reactions to �Post Office Thievery� (Dec. 07, 2006) Hello! Merry Christmas to you, sir, I read your article about the thief in Post office, I have the same,. I guess. My boyfriend send me card with pictures in it and it never reach me, He done this three times already and still no letter come to my house, I live at Las Pinas too, and everytime I asked the people at that post office they will answer that they know anything about it. Some people there are rude too so its hard to approach them. I want to ask help on where could I send a complain about this problem, I search on google and I found yours. Thanks so much for reading my letter. Respectfully yours, Ana Alayu, (by email), Las Pinas City, Dec. 28, 2007 (I suggest you write a letter of complaint to the Postmaster General, Mr. Hector R. R. Villanueva, Central Post Office, Manila . He is a friend of mine. Indicate in your letter that you are sending a copy to me. That might elicit a reply from him. As you can see from the letter below, sometimes it takes one year to get results, but it seems to work. Good luck. ACA) wwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww Tony, You published and commented on my "Postal Thievery in the Philippines " write-up a year ago and it seems to have yielded some positive results. Nepomuceno was refunded his lost dollar checks by Bank of America, having given up on it after almost a year of waiting. Rene, my younger brother is the president of Ang Kapatiran. I introduced myself to you as "a nobody who would like to help the Philippines ." I am confident that Rene thinks of himself as another one. Bert Peronilla, (by email), Dec. 03, 2007 Re: Our Call for Peaceful Change Things are really starting to percolate. We don't expect (unless a miracle happens) our call for peaceful change via resignation of and special election for President and Vice President to yield immediate results. However, it is expected to open the eyes of the silent uninvolved majority that there is a peaceful and constitutional alternative if and when both of them eventually resign. We hope and pray that our call gains momentum by touching the hearts of many Filipinos who have just been in the sidelines and complaining about the moral bankruptcy in our country but unwilling to lift a finger to do something about it. Our Principles and Platform will always be our constant guide regardless of very fluid scenarios. Let's ask our friends to support our call for peaceful change. The deteriorating political situation calls for all Filipinos to stand up and be counted -- while there is still time. Rene H. Peronilla OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO |