MOA between the Philippines and MILF

One hot issue now in the Philippines is the aborted signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) entered into by and between the Republic of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This MOA is supposed to give some parts of Mindanao called “ancestral domain” to the MILF, among others, including setting up its own body to govern the territories that would be given to them.

But because of the timely issuance of Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court, the signing of the MOA did not materialize. The case is now being heard by the Supreme Court. Yesterday’s news mentioned that one Supreme Justice said that the MOA violated some provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

I suppose you need not be a Supreme Court justice to say that the MOA violates the Constitution. If we based our opinions on the facts presented to the media, even an ordinary college student can say that the MOA is unconstitutional. I am surprise that those who are involve in this MOA are not morons that they don’t know the basic provisions of the Constitution. It is the fundamental law of the land. All other laws and agreements must conform to this basic law of the land. General Esperon, who is a former General, and those who are responsible in the drafting of this MOA are, I presumed, graduates of high caliber schools in Manila. What happened to their intelligence?

One interesting comment made by General Esperon was that this MOA will pave the way for the peace in Mindanao. I think the opposite is happening now. It created tensions in most areas affected by the MOA. General Esperon further said that the MOA is not yet final. A law needs to be enacted in order a referendum can be held in the areas affected. But the good general, perhaps, forgot to tell this to the MILF panel. What happened now is that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is doing its best to clear some areas in Cotabato occupied by the MILF. Sad to know from media reports, houses of civilians were burned by the MILF.  You can just imagine what happens when the MOA’s signing push through. 

I think our government officials should think the welfare of the entire country. They should not compromise its sovereignty. This is precisely their sworn duty: to uphold the laws of the land. If they think only of their own personal interests, then they have no business to stay in the government.

SONA

I watched the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. While listening to it, I asked myself: Is the president telling the truth of the real situation of the Philippines? Perhaps, no. In fact, after her SONA, the common observation was that she did not tell the truth of what  thePhilippines is undergoing right now. Former president Erap Strada described Arroyo’s SONA “all lies”. Even former president Fidel Ramos, a former ally of Arroyo, made some negative comments about the president’s SONA. 

One thing president Arroyo said that I consider not factual is when she mentioned that “the Philippines has been importing rice since Spanish time.” She blamed the “topography” of the Philippines for its rice problem. But she should be informed that there was a time that the Philippines exported rice. It was during the time of former president Marcos. President Arroyo failed to mention this fact.

Another thing that she mentioned in her SONA was about the cost of text message. She announced happily that texting will cost 50 cents. No ifs. No buts. In fact, she said, “starting tomorrow, texting will cost 50 cents.”The audience and the members of parliament applauded the president. At least, this will be a big help to the Filipinos who love to text everyday. But unfortunately, it was not the case. According to the news, it is only a promo by mobile companies. In fact, it will not be automatic that the cost of texting is 50 cents. One has to apply for it and the promo ends on October. It seems the president was misinformed about this matter by her close associates without checking facts before she included it in her SONA. 

It tells only, without doubt, the SONA of president Arroyo was full of inconsistencies and did not picture the true state of the Filipino nation. Kawawa naman si Juan de la Cruz.

Recession in Ireland?

The talk of the town now in Ireland is about recession. Its government and people are worried about it. Some sectors are asking what happened to the Celtic Tiger? Seemingly, it is sick. The economy is bad. The housing sector is not doing well. The government is blaming its officials for “mismanagement” of its public money. For instance, there is a question of government’s spending on tribunals. It is a costly one at the expense of the Irish people. On the other hand, health care and public schools are not given much attention by the government. What will  happen then to Ireland when suddenly it collapses economically?