Good news and Bad news

Good news. The Supreme Court of the Philippines recently dismissed one member of the Court of Appeals in connection with GSIS-MERALCO case. One justice was suspended and other three justices were strongly reprimanded. I hope this decision well serve as a lesson to all judges working in all the courts of the  Republic of the Philippines. They should not allow money and power to influence in the exercise of their sworn duty to uphold the laws of the land. The people expect them to be just and impartial in fulfilling their sensitive duties when cases are brought to them for decisions.

I do appreciate very much the timely intervention of the Supreme Court on this controversy. The action of the highest Court of the land gives hope and confidence to the people. I hope the Supreme Court continues to clean the courts from corrupt and inefficient justices and judges. This will be a good news to all.

Bad news. It a sad thing to know that a mother poisoned her three children and herself because  of extreme poverty. This happened to a family somewhere in Laguna as reported in the TV news. The father was devastated to learn this sad news that happened to his wife and children. Let us include them in our prayers.

Perhaps this incident in a wake up call to all our politicians. Millions of pesos of government funds are lost to graft and corruption instead of using these funds to help the poor sector of our society. More public funds should  be allocated to help the poor. For instance, government hospitals should be given more funding so that our less fortunate brothers and sisters can avail of quality treatment which they cannot afford if they go to private hospitals. In other words, our government officials should think first the welfare of the people above their  own personal interests. This is what public service is all about.

National Security Risk

Former Ilocus Sur Governor Chavit Singson was appointed the other day by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Deputy National Security Adviser. The appointment of Singson to such sensitive post generated mixed reactions. Some welcomed it. Others expressed some reservations. But former president Erap Estrada, a former good friend of Singson, said that the appointment of Singson as Deputy National Security Adviser is a “national security risk.”

What do you think?

Pacquiao and Politics

Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao plans to resign from boxing in 2009. This is a good news to his family especially to his mother who wants his son to resign from boxing. But his resignation has another purpose: he plans to run as congressman in 2010 – again. The other day he formally joined the political party of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo which is KAMPI. The reason that Manny said why he is entering politics again is “so that he can help the Filipino people.” 

One Filipino commented on this reason of Manny Pacquiao. He said “ang pagtulong ay hindi nasa kongreso kundi nasa puso.”  I think he is right. Manny Pacquiao has helped a lot the Filipino people. Every time he wins in a boxing match he is helping the Filipino nation. If he retires and allow himself to involve in charitable organizations, he will definitely be helping a lot of Filipino people. But if he enters politics it would be counter productive for him and for the Filipino people. As we know, politics is divisive. Seemingly, all sectors of the society is not in favor that he enters politics in 2010. 

I hope Manny Pacquiao learns from his past defeat in politics. It is a sign that he is not really for politics. I hope Manny will change his mind before 2010. I hope he will not allow himself to be used by politicians who know that he has a lot of money to spend during the elections. Listen to the people. Otherwise, you might regret your decision later.

If Manny indeed run for congress in 2010, it shows only that he is after for power. Remember he has already the money. Money and power is a dangerous combination. History tells us that it blinded so many people that lead to their downfall. If Manny should not be aware of this, he might be one of them. Think about it.