FLIRTING WITH ENEMIES OF THE STATE

Tell me it's just me. Tell me I am just paranoid. Tell me I am just imagining things.

But hey--did you guys catch that portion in the Speech of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Manila Hotel in today's official merger of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD?

Of course the big story there is the official marriage of not two but three major political parties to ensure their victory in the 2010 elections. Yes, the other big story is that the president herself assures that elections will push through and that the No-Election scenarios are nothing but speculations. "Let this merger me a tangible proof of our readiness to help ensure that the elections will push through," this is what PGMA said.

You can also add that part that based on her assessment, siting performance and qualification, the next president of the Republic would definitely come from the newly merged political party of three. "Let us win not because we are powerful. Let us win because we are united," the president told her party-mates at the Manila Hotel who once again placed her on top of this political merger.

Allow me to direct your attention to something else the president said, in passing, a paragraph within her speech, her delivery of that portion was nothing extraordinary that it seemed as if it is just an ordinary thing to do.

The portion of PGMA's speech which I want to highlight, a story within a story I think, something I believe would be big and will cause real uproar in the coming days, is that portion where she is encouraging the alliance of local governments with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) then connecting the encouraged formation of alliance as a message against local government officials "flirting with enemies of the state" in the 2010 elections.

"Let us not allow it," the president stressed.

This portion of the president's speech gives credence to an information this journalist received that the AFP, the military will definitely flex their muscles and make their presence felt directly by local government units through various acts of "cooperation" which is synonymous to the "alliance" guidance mentioned by the president in her capacity as party-head and chairperson of the newly united three political parties of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD.

When was the last time this kind of "alliance" and "cooperation" was experienced and felt in both urban and rural areas of this country? I believe this was observed during the time or during an era known in recent history as Martial Law.

I do not want to add fuel to grim scenarios of NO-EL but I would be remiss in my duty as a journalist if I will not share an information relayed to me by a very reliable source which may connect this seemingly innocent act of alliance between AFP and LGUs.

My source told me that come August of September, this personality heading one very important agency of government would be asked to retire early and ahead of the end of his term. That personality would be replaced by someone "closer", a real "ally" and someone who will "comply" and "implement" in the name of "victory in unity."

Someone went ahead of him. That person and this other one, I was told were both asked the same question by one very powerful person in government, not the president, but just the same, in a position of power and influence. And what was the question asked?

According to my source the question asked was: "Are you willing to implement Martial Law?"

It was easy to say "YES" to that question given the fact that they owe their position of power, their appointment to the administration. But my source told me, the two personalities responded with a resounding "NO."

Thus, the other personality is no longer in his former post, but rewarded an equally juicy post somewhere else, offshore.

The other one, while still in position, is ready to go, amenable to his fate, because he took a position and declared that the Filipino people will no longer allow any similar act of military rule.

This is one of the reasons, why many--especially us in media, are awaiting the political developments come August and September.

With this seemingly innocent statement of alliance between the AFP and LGUs, instead of feeling assured that the NO-EL scenario is nothing but a mere speculation, a grim and baseless scenario as what the president said, the opposite effect was achieved as far as I am concerned. As a journalist I am more inclined to be on that cautious position of vigilance.

There are signs.

Tracks are not fully covered and concealed.

All we have to do is keep our eyes open and do our respective parts guaranteed by the constitution in ensuring that our democracy remains protected---especially in the coming months. (end)

APPARENTLY DR. VICKY WAS NOT SPARED...

To those of you who missed the episode of SNN (SHOWBIZ NEWS NGAYON) last night, the new lawyer of Dr. Vicky Belo, Atty. Adel Tamano confirmed the suspicion of many that yes--the controversial doctor to the stars and the rich and famous was also part of the now infamous Hayden Kho sex video diary.

The man she love and trusted, probably her greatest and most passionate love, has apparently not spared her from shame. Any woman would feel the emotional pain of Belo. How deep is the pain this controversy has caused her, we could only imagine.

However, there is a big difference in her case. A big "BUT!" so to speak.

While the other women were unsuspecting, totally unaware that everything intimate and personal that they did with Kho was recorded on a digital camera, in the case of the very famous doctor, there was consent. She knew!

Tamano said that his client knew that the her intimate encounter with Hayden was recorded. "Two consenting adults, with the agreement that it would be erased after the fact, a request from Hayden," according to Tamano, quoting his client, Dr. Belo.

SNN airs late in the evening and that direct confirmation from Belo's lawyer was the latest in this saga of love, lust and betrayal.

Earlier yesterday, I managed to get a similar confirmation from an independent source that in fact Belo's part of the Hayden sex-video file that included actress Katrina Halili and several others.

To date only Halili has come out in the open to file a formal complaint against Kho.

The truth is, if you also caught the daily segment of veteran showbiz reporter and talent manager Lolit Solis in Arnold Clavio and Lala Roque's radio program over DZBB also yesterday morning, you would have probably heard that the very feisty and straightforward Manay Lolit of Philippine Showbiz hinted that Belo was also part of the video file.

This is not actually a shocking confirmation considering that many suspected this all along.

Now---the other question here is, in fact, the very urgent question that needed real answer is the question on who leaked the video file and had it distributed igniting the hate and shame associated with that video-file, still the fastest selling DVD in Quiapo and other sidewalk vendors.

Who has the motive?

The truth is---even the rich and famous---those living in posh and exclusive subdivisions have already seen the video too. The controversy has fueled the interest of all sectors in society that in a way it has become a social equalizer. A very ugly statement of how society, this society in particular views and weighs the value of what is good and bad, of what is correct and what is wrong. --That is another point of course and a whole lot bigger issue that the macro-attention generated by this controversy.

Agencies in government like the Optical Media Board has flexed their muscles to really stop the proliferation of this Kho-sex video but can they really stop it? Can they really apprehend those responsible for this illegal act in the first place? Let us not forget that before Katrina et al, there were others who suffered the same fate, nameless, nobodies...but victims all just the same.

My source, that independent source I mentioned earlier, has in fact shared more information that could provide leads to how the video leaked and distributed in the first place. Like the rest of us---he is an outsider in the Belo-Kho affair--but whose name is mentioned in the controversy because of circumstantial ties with the other players in this very private turned very public saga of real human relationship involving real emotions of real people.

I am tempted to mention his name in this blog entry but that would be pre-empting the article on this one, probably, coming out tomorrow, not really up to me, but up to the editors. But with the Belo-Kho story still the hottest item in the news these days, chances are, it will see print considering the identity of that source who agreed to talk on this very controversial topic.

But let me give a clue, a hint.

That source was approached by Belo to convince the person suspected to possess a copy of the video, not to do upload or distribute it. The "plot" tickens...

As to the matter on whether the authorities can really prevent the spread of the scandalous Kho-sex diary file, that I strongly doubt.

Just about half an hour ago, I was on the phone with a government official. I was following up a separate story, almost at the tail-end of my phone interview with that public official, he said, "have you seen the tape with Vicky in it?" I said "No".

"Well, I have one," he said, "someone gave it to me". The insinuation of the other person on the line is that, the Belo-tape is separate and totally independent of the Kho-sex-diary.

Who gave it to him and who gave the copy to that person who gave it him, we need not anymore inquire. The point is clear---it's there. Out. Mass produced. How many copies? No one knew for sure. But it's there, passed from one person to another, regardless of social status in life.

Now, how can anyone say with certainty that the illegal distribution of this Kho-sex video would stop or would be dealt with accordingly, legally, and with swift disposition, when in reality, it's out there--long before the bruhaha over the video exploded in public.

The continued distribution via email or any other means of this Kho-sex diary is now a matter that is for the individual to decide, depending on a person's sense and sensibilities---values for that matter.

To be able to comment on the issue, one has to see the controversial tape. That is in fact, a sad reality attached to this job. Validation is a must. Proof is essential.

One need not stay glued on the scandalous material for a whole 40-minutes to see that someone played with the lives and reputation of many women who fell for him, love and trust, the whole package!

That's why when he came out in the media to say "SORRY" and insist there was "NO MALICE" in what he did, many reacted with deeper hate to the one person who thought he could get away with it.

A claim of no malice from the man who was seen on video arranging and zooming in the angle of the digital camera---just to make sure he captured everything the way he wanted to, the way he planned it.

How the authorities will put a conclusion on this controversy will be the one true determining factor as to whether acts of this kind would be stopped altogether.

That's why it's really very admirable for someone like Katrina Halili to own up and act with determination to pursue legal options to defend her right and honor, as a woman, as a person, as a human being.

We may judge her for other things, oh sure, we may, the field is open. But let it not be said, that she did not stand up for her right. (end)

LABAN KATRINA, LABAN!

Hindi si Katrina Halili ang unang artista o celebrity na nadawit sa isang sex-video scandal. Marami ang nauna sa kanya. Kailan lang. Ilang taon na ang nakalipas. Dekada pa nga ang ilan. Hindi na ito bago. Huwag na nating pangalanan pang muli ang mga babaeng ito. Igalang na lamang natin ang punto na nalampasan nila ang unos na iyon sa kanilang buhay sa paraang kaya nilang harapin.

Sa karamihan sa kanila---ito ang pananahimik, ang ipagpatuloy ang buhay, at ibangon ang dignidad, unti-unti, dahan-dahan. Wala namang sugat na hindi naghihilom, hindi ba?

Pero may bago dito!

Ang desisyon ni Katrina Halili na tumayo para sa kanyang karapatan bilang babae, ang desisyon niya na hindi lang basta umiyak, magmukmok sa sulok, magtago sa mapanuring mata ng mundo, ang desisyon niyang harapin ang isyu, ang desisyon niyang lumaban. Yun, yun ang bago dito!

Sa aking libro, ang pagharap ni Katrina sa kanyang problema sa gitna ng tunay na gahiganteng kahihiyan ang siyang isa sa nagpapakinang ng usaping ito. Kung tutuusin, ang madla ay madaling humusga sa isang tulad ni Katrina ngunit hindi sa pagkakataong ito dahil malinaw ang pinagmumulan ng kanyang paninindigan.

Isang karapatan ang nalabag. Nabastos. Nabalahura. Nasalaula. Nayurakan. Nababoy!

Iba rin ito dahil sa tayo ay nasa gitna na ng mundo ng cyber-space.Ito ang kapalit ng pag-unlad ng teknolohiya.

Pero teka---wag nating ilihis ang isyu. Madaling lumusot na kasalanan ng teknolohiya yan, ang internet kasi, ang YOU TUBE kasi! Ang dali, hindi ba?

Ang isyu ay ang paglabag na ginawa ng isang indibidwal sa kanyang kapwa na nagtiwala sa kanya. Di lang basta nagtiwala, nagmahal. Yung unang YOU TUBE video, nung pinunasan ni Katrina ang noo ni Hadeen Kho---wag na nating ikabit ang titulong Doktor, kahit di pa ito pormal na inaalis sa kanya---sa ganang akin ay batid niyang wala na siyang mundo pang gagalawan sa propesyong Medikal pagkatapos ng iskandalong ito---ang puntong iyon sa video ay nagpapakita ng pagmamahal sa panig ni Katrina, ng tiwala.

Alam nating higit na nakapanlulumo ang mga naglabasang video di lamang pala sa panig ni Katrina Halili, kundi sa panig ng iba pa. Oo, marami sila. Mahaba ang listahan.
Hindi ba --yun pa lamang ay nakagagalit na? Anong akala ni Haydeen sa sarili niya?

Sabi ng isang psychiatrist na nakapanayam ni Mike Enriquez kaninang umaga sa kanyang programa, ang akto ng pagvi-video ng sekswal na gawain, pagniniig, ay maaaring manipestasyon ng isang medikal na kundisyon na tinatawag na "Paraphilia".

Sabi sa MedicineNET.com, ang mga taong may ganitong kundisyon, o yung tinatawag na Paraphilias ay yung mga indibidwal na may hindi makontrol na sexual behavior o fantasy o mundo ng ilusyon na hindi niya mapanghawakan o malagpasan.

Ayon pa sa naturang website, ito raw ay mas madalas na makikita sa hanay ng mga kalalakihan kaysa sa mga kababaihan. 20:1 male to female ratio, yun ang sabi sa website.

Wag na nating gawing kumplikado pa ang deskripsiyon. Sakit ito. Sakit sa utak. Period.

Hindi lamang kababaihan ang nagpupuyos ang damdamin sa isyung ito. Maging mga hanay ng kalalakihan. Ang totoo, nakadidismaya nga na isang lalakeng senador ang unang nanindigan para kay Katrina. Naunahan ang mga kababaihang senador o kababaihang mambabatas sa mababang kapulungan. Naka-iskor dito si Senador Bong Revilla, kahit pa nga may nagsasabing ..."look who's talking.."

Oo na, umaamin naman ang senador, pilyo rin siya, pero di naman yun ang isyu. Nagkataon lang.Ibang kembot lang, sabi nga.Pero nagbukas siya ng pinto, ng isang pagkakataon para magdesisyon si Katrina Halili na gawin ang desisyong sinimulan niya agad: ang lumaban.

Malinaw na may legal na opsiyon ang labang ito ni Katrina. Nagsampa na siya ng reklamo sa National Bureau of Investigation. Ang reklamo ay pinag-aaralan na at sa unang pagtaya sa detalye at sirkumstansiya ng reklamo ni Katrina, ang kaso ay pumapasok sa Republic Act 9262 o Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act of 2004.

Kapag napatunayang may kasalanan si Hayden Kho---6 hanggang 12 taong pagkakabilanggo ang puwedeng maging hatol.

Dito masusubukan ang batas na ito. Dito mapapatunayan ang saysay ng labang ito ni Katrina Halili.

Pero maliban sa legal na laban, may isang nandudumilat na katotohanan na nasa ating harapan ngayon.

Isang katotohanang dapat na tugunan ng mga karampatang institusyon. Ito ay ang pagpapahalaga sa katatagan ng pamilya na siyang magiging armas ng mga kabataan sa kanilang pagharap sa mundo na punong-puno ng pagsubok, tukso at iba't ibang uri ng kalituhan, kalaswaan.

Hindi ito sermon. Sino naman ako para ma-nermon?

Ang gusto ko lang sabihin. Malinaw na may mas malaking bagay sa lipunan na dapat tayong tugunan. Ang usapin ng moralidad. Ang pagpili at paglaban sa kung ano ang tama at ang pagiwas at paglayo sa kung ano ang mali.

Suportahan natin ang laban ni Katrina Halili. Ngunit huwag tayong huminto doon. Ipinakita lamang ng insidenteng ito ang mas malalang sakit sa lipunan.

Panahon na para balikan natin ang katatagan ng pamilya.

Sa laban ni Katrina Halili, isabay natin ang pakikipaglaban sa mga bagay na tunay na mahalaga sa ating pagka-bansa, sa ating pagka-Filipino...sa ating pagkatao. (wakas)

WHAT MEDIA IS DEFENDING ...

Representative Walden Bello sums up media's sentiment against the Right of Reply Bill pending in Congress. "This is a threat to the Freedom of the Press. It certainly has a chilling effect," Bello said, who is also a media practitioner himself as a writer/columnists for two on-line major news organizations.

Bello was among those who participated in a Round Table Discussion on the Right of Reply Bill initiated by the House Committee on Human Rights headed by Rep. Lorenzo R. Tañada.

The controversial bill is one of the priority measures of the House of Representatives, clearly suggesting that despite the strong opposition of various media organizations, the bill will ultimately be subject to a voting by the plenary and in the House of Congress, the bottom line in passing any piece of legislation, is not the essence, not even the principle and not even the justification, but always and always, the battle of the minority and the majority, a number's game. A matter of how many legislators say yes or no to a proposed piece of legislation.

I participated in the RTD held at the Ramon Mitra Building on the invitation of officers of the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines, to which I am a member and a one time, Committee Officer on Justice when the late Press Undersecretary Jose Capadocia consolidated the NUJP chapters nationwide and placed the organization in the forefront of defending press freedom in the country.

It's disturbing to even have to explain to lawmakers how and why media works and exists as it is. The role of media as the Fourth Estate need not be explained at all. How and why we select the stories and dispense with editorial and content prerogative every single day, is something that should not be defended at all.

Under a democratic country, this sacred right of media to freely exists is guaranteed by the Constitution. We have not changed the form of government, right? We are still in a Democracy, right? --- or are we just assuming we still are?

The long list of media killings and harassment points to the glaring truth that confronts us in our faces---that slowly, this sacred right, sacred duty as members of the Fourth Estate, is being taken away from us, that the time has come for media organizations in the Philippines to unite and fight for our common survival.

The sad reality is, the very institutions like the House of Congress, that should be with us in upholding our rights, are the very ones crippling and wanting so much to control it through proposed measures like the Right of Reply Bill citing a seemingly innocent reason and justification that the bill assures fair play and balance reportage.

Many of those in favor of the proposed bill were open in admitting that once in their careers as politicians, they were "victimized" by media by not airing their sides, attacking them, exposing them and not giving them "enough space" and "opportunity" to defend themselves.

Many cite "suffering" from what they refer to as baseless and unfair attack of local media, referring to reporters, announcers/commentators in the provinces. This could really be true, some local media in the provinces maybe taking advantage of his position to unfairly attack a public official without giving him the chance to answer. But if one will really investigate and unmask what goes on in the operation of some local media, those in the provinces, one would see the fact that the ones behind these so called "media-attack dogs" in the local media, are also created by POLITICIANS themselves!

Many local politicians, congressmen for that matter either own, operate or pay block-time slots to attack their political nemesis. Most of the "media" practitioners they are complaining are actually, those "created" "engaged" "commissioned" by the politicians themselves.

Let me stress the point from the example given by Representative Elpidio Bargaza of the 2nd District of Cavite, and who said during the RTD, that some of his barangay tanods/ kagawads suddenly showed up in his office, with a huge MEDIA/PRESS ID, from tanods to reporters, he stressed, insinuating that after the interview, something else follows. To those of us present in the RTD, this question he raised, "Do you not have a mechanism of disciplining your ranks?"

Oh we do! We have! And this works independently in every media organization. This yields results. Media is not perfect but we do watch our own backyard, for the bottom line will always be the very essence and purpose of our existence.

Bargaza claimed he too was "victimized", his side not taken even after one report of the PCIJ on him came out in NEWSBREAK some years back. He demanded a public apology and was told, that's not the policy of the media outfit.

He was advised by the editors to write his side of the story and he was assured, the letter will be printed in full. But did he take that option? No he did not.

Did he even write that letter to defend himself in what he claims to be a false story, a total lie, as he insisted? No he did not.

There was another point too. If he chose not to answer through the same media outfit, he could have called for a press conference. I am certain, he has, as member of his official staff, a Public Information Officer or a Public Relations Officer, who could arrange and initiate this, and in some cases, could in fact speak on his behalf.

Now, guess again, he nor his official staff did any of these options available at any given time, at their disposal even.

Now what right of reply, are they talking about?

The congressman from the 2nd district of Cavite explained that he "easily forgives" and in fact is supportive of media. But can he too forget, easily? Apparently not, for he is still more inclined to support the bill once it goes to Plenary for the Division of the House, the voting process, the bottom line of the fate of this proposed piece of legislation.

Tañada said he will definitely raise the point that no committee hearing took place before the drafting of the proposed bill. Except for that dialogue outside Congress, at Melos Restaurant in Quezon City, there was no formal committee hearing held that should have been the venue for interested and affected sectors to ventilate their points and issues before any legislation of this kind is drafted.

But Tañada stressed, it will always be decided through votes in the plenary session."Even if we want to refer it back to the committee level, baka matalo kami, mas marami sila" said Tañada.

Also, this point also deserves some space.

Weng, who was seated besides me told me that one congressman present in that dialogue said that the proposed Right of Reply Bill will determine the fate of another bill---decriminalizing Libel Cases in the Philippines. Weng quoted the congressman to have bluntly uttered this statement "Walang passage ng decriminalization ng libel kung walang right of reply bill" or simply said, no right of reply bill, no decriminalization of libel.

Ano yun---BARTER TRADE?

To date, NUJP's signature campaign has gathered 700 signatories. Related activities initiated by NUJP and other media organizations continue to sustain the campaign against the approval of the Right of Reply Bill into an actual piece of legislation.

By all means media wants to air all sides. The truth is, it's not even wanting to air all sides. It's SOP, a must!

However, in cases where stories lack the side or even sides of one party or other parties involved in an issue or a story, say, a controversial and really earthshaking story or expose, and the story gets printed or aired, standing on its own.

The question here is WHY?

Because the information gathered was factual and can be verified and and validated.

The most simple, bare yet most sacred definition of news is that it is synonymous to one word: TRUTH.

NEWS IS TRUTH.

That's why instead of the Right or Reply Bill, we insist that the Right to Information Bill, now pending in the senate for more than a year, be given priority.

Media in the Philippines is not perfect. Never was and probably never will.

But at the end of the day, we all strive and seek for that common goal: to report the TRUTH.

This is the very essence of our existence, guaranteed by the Constitution, our sacred duty to the Filipino people, protecting their right to be informed--especially when the information that should be available to them is shielded by people who should be accountable only and only to the people who elected them in public offices.

Take away accountability, you take away the Truth. (end)

SWEET AND FABULOUS AT 60!

She too could have danced all night, but she chose not to.

She had all the reasons to have a grand birthday celebration with all the glitz and the glamor befitting a personality like her but she opted not to. Oh yes, she's a celebrity in her own right, very influential too and with proven track record of mobilizing thousands of people to join her for a cause or for simply, gathering together out of sheer admiration, loyalty and love.

But at 60 years old, this woman chose to celebrate this new chapter in her life with family members, her children on her side and most especially, all her grandchildren ---all 12 of them!

Some friends were there too, a handful.

Cherry Cobarrubias is no stranger to anything grand. She's also not a stranger to anything subtle and subdued. But now that she's officially on the bracket of a very strong and potent force in our society called Senior Citizen's she looked back at all the 60 years that passed with nothing but gratitude in her heart.

Her message to her family, children, grandchildren and friends gathered to share the moment with her was simple but very very meaningful, encapsulating what life's journey is about.

"Sa inyo mga anak ko, sa inyo mga apo ko, huwag na huwag ninyong kalilimutan na bumuo ng magagandang alaala. Ito ang magtatawid sa inyo sa inyong pagtanda. Kapag inabot ninyo ang idad ko, kapag binalikan ninyo ang nakaraan sa inyong buhay,masusumpungan ninyo ang kakaibang kalakasan sa paggunita sa lahat ng mga bagay na magaganda at masasaya kasama ang inyong mga mahal sa buhay. Magmahalan kayong magkakapatid hanggang sa inyong pagtanda, sa habang panahon ng inyong buhay," in Filipino this is what she said. ("To my children, my grandchildren, do not ever forget to build good memories. These memories will see you through when you grow old. If you reach my age, if you look back at the years that passed you by, you will find a different kind of strength in remembering everything that's beautiful and happy. Love one another until your reach old age, love one another, every day of your lives.")

I could list 60 reasons that make this woman's journey, remarkable and meaningful.

But I will state only one. Her unwavering faith in God's power over her life. "Magtiwala kayo sa Diyos ng walang pag-aalinlangan, ang buhay ninyo ay galing sa KANYA, bakit NIYA kayo pababayaan?" ("Trust in the Lord God with all your heart and with no doubt. Your life came from HIM, why will HE forsake you?"

Cherry Cobarrubia's story is one exceptional journey if only hers will be turned into a book for everyone to read, there's no doubt in my mind that she will inspire others to take life's journey the way she did.

One day, that book will come out.

That's my fervent wish as a friend and as her "inaanak" ("godchild") who is just one of the many lives she touched and inspired.(end)

SHOULD WE FULLY TRUST POLL AUTOMATION?

My answer to the question above is: I wanted to, fully, completely, no ifs and buts, hook line and sinker.

I am a believer. I am a dreamer. I see possibilities.

But maintaining that state of mind is one thing. The reality staring at me face to face makes me wary and scared of what lies ahead.

What's ahead is not just bumpy. It's frightening. We may be in for the greatest poll disaster in the history of this country that could eclipse even the previous two elections of 2007 and 2004. How scary could that be?

For sure we all wanted to experience a remarkable change in the conduct of our elections and the logical step is to certainly go the way from manual to automated. Automation is the only way to go. It's about time.

90% of the Filipino people wanted automation and the law mandates that the next election be fully automated. This is something that we should not only aim to do, but something we ought to do--the right way.

But with the shadow of doubt cast on the the road to automation beginning from the bidding process itself, projected as irregular and anomalous, how can we even trust automation, if and when it comes on election day?

The "Garcis" are out in the COMELEC, right? Why do we remain suspicious?

Maybe because even without the "Garcis" we see problems inside and outside of the poll body that may just tamper anew the very sacred political act of a supposedly democratic nation.

It doesn't help that COMELEC Chairman Jose Melo while begging everyone to trust the automation, "Magkaroon sila ng kumpiyansiya sa automation," that's what he said in one interview, also pictures a scenario of a no-election come 2010 pointing the possibility of a legal maneuver of critics of automation and from the ranks of the loosing bidders that could reach the highest court of the land.

This is how Melo puts the NO-EL scenario in plain and simple words:"We will not have time to go manual. Di gulo. Di rebolusyon," that's how Melo sees the possibilities ahead.

By Monday, the lowest bidder among the four recalled, will do an actual demonstration of their machine. Then if there's a technical problem, then the second lowest bidder will also be given the opportunity to demonstrate their machine, then the third and the fourth.

But as in any other bidding process in the country---there will always be those who will cry foul!

Actually, from the four recalled, INDRA SISTEMAS, Strategic Alliance Holdings Inc., Smartmatic International/Total Information Management Corporation, AMA Group Holdings Corporatuon Election Software and Intel. Inc. and Gilat Satellite Network Ltd./F.F. Cruz and Co., Inc/Filipinas Systems Incorporated, only three will continue on with the process of bidding, even on a Saturday, as per my sources in the COMELEC.

ES&S is out of the bidding race I was told. Of the remaining three, Smartmatic's system was already tried in the ARMM Elections. However, it's Gilat who is getting the headlines and the attention because of the YOU TUBE video that showed F.F. Cruz signing documents inside one of the comfort rooms in the COMELEC Building itself.

Could those be documents related to the bidding? Does the uploaded YOU TUBE video gives us all a clue as to what company will grab the contract to automate the country's 2010 elections that is worth P11.3 Billion Pesos?

The process is still in progress. Whether this YOU TUBE video has any bearing on the final decision of the Bids and Awards Committee of the COMELEC remains to be seen and determined with very convincing proofs.

But you know what, as a journalist who has covered elections, both local and national beginning from 1992, this much I know, for a determined cheater, it's not about the system, manual or automated, it's about the stakes being the same.

There will always be human intervention and there will always be people controlling the system, manual or automated, from all channels of the electoral process, there will always be that window of opportunity to influence, coerce, sway, and yes---corrupt people who are in control to change the results of the elections in favor of those who are the most desperate of all to hold power.

We all know how dirty elections are in the country under a manual system. Dirty is not even the right word to describe what we all experienced in previous elections. It's not even rotten. It's almost evil! But like everything else evil, it will have it's end. It's the natural course, the only ending in this cycle of life. That much I believe.

Henrietta De Villa of NAMFREL and PPCRV also gave her reaction to the NO-El scenario and very firmly and with conviction she said, "Di puwede ang NO-EL". We will never allow NO-EL, she said. And while she says that there's no perfect system and that cheating could still be done under an automated system, she appealed to everyone to "try automation" to "try another system" pointing out that election cheating in the past was "very terrible".

In Filipino she said, "Lumalalim ang pagkasira ng ating kultura habang nananatili ang pagbili ng boto at ang pagbebenta ng boto." Indeed vote buying and vote selling has become part of our culture that it seemed almost impossible and unimaginable to untangle many of our people from the chains of that corrupt practice.

There's always the opposite of the words impossible and unimaginable. And these words I believe: possible and imaginable.

While we remain pragmatic about the automation of the polls, we remain hopeful and we continue to think positive that political change in this country could happen.

We should start somewhere. Take the step now. All great changes in any country involve the highest amount of risks.

However, vigilance should never be thrown out of the window. It's our call---everyone's call to remain watchful of everything that's happening. For all we know, there could be something else more frightening than the NO-EL scenario alarm raised by Melo.

But least I sound like a broken record, let's take the road to change the country's electoral system. Go the way to automation but do our part in maintaining the highest form of citizen's vigilance.

With the number of young voters ruling the electorate, there's enough reason to hope that we can and we shall all experience a new dawn in the country's electoral history: peaceful, honest and credible.

I dream and I believe---that road is just awaiting for the Filipino people to take.(end)

CAUGHT TAG-ULAN SA TAG-ARAW ON GPC

You're probably not expecting this entry on this blog.

But for those who truly knows me in person, I would not pass a chance to write a piece on Philippine Movies, especially, if it concerns one of my favorite actresses of all time--Vilma Santos, now governor of Batangas and if projections and insinuations are correct, she could provide the biggest competition for the vice presidential race come 2010.

But this is not about Vilma, the politician. This is about Vilma, the actress.

I was in the middle of completing a power point presentation for an upcoming lecture engagement when I suddenly felt this dizzy. It was almost 8 in the evening and I realized I have not eaten lunch. Yes lunch. Just cups of coffee, lots of them.

But I did not proceed to eat at once. That would usually make me sick. I will rest my back first and give some more time before I take something solid.

So what I did was to shut down my computer in my office at home, went to get a glass of water and drank it, a full glass just to keep my stomach filled with liquid. Then I proceeded down to our basement bedroom to lie down besides my husband who was already asleep when I took the space besides him. He's not feeling well. After the afternoon's church service, he felt nauseated and announced he would take a rest and sleep.

The TV was open, he was watching the newscast when he dozed off to sleep. I took the liberty of taking over the TV's remote control and began to channel surf.

My intention really was to go straight to HBO to catch the movie feature of the hour. But on the way to Channel 38 of Destiny Cable, I passed by Global Pinoy Channel, GPC, that cable channel that shows old Filipino movies, mostly in black and white. I saw that scene, Vilma Santos crying but still, I went straight to HBO. But in just seconds, I went two channels down, and gave in to the allure of that scene I saw, Vilma Santos crying.

Then the next scene was -- someone was trying to open the door, locked from the inside, it was Vilma's room and all the viewer could see was just half of the body of the one trying to open the door. Then suddenly, the man decided to abandon the door. Close up of Vilma's face, with bruises and scars, still crying.

Then she heard a noise coming from the window and she rushed to open the door towards the room's terrace and there she saw, Christopher de Leon climbing up and looking at her lovingly, a moment of unspoken words between them passed by, then Christopher climbed some more and the two embraced. It was only then that I learned about the names of Vilma and Christopher's character: Nanette and Rod.

The two are desperately in love, it was clear from that scene that I caught, not realizing, it was almost near the end of the film.

I caught this lines uttered by Nanette, Vilma's character: " Kuya Rod…ayokong magsisi ka…nasasaktan ako…basta’t mahal kita, mahal na mahal kita, basta’t mahal mo ako, hindi tayo dapat magsisi, hindi tayo dapat mahiya!”

So young, so in love, loves knows no age boundaries right, but in their case, it's not just about boundaries. It was about something that was taboo then and still is now in the Philippines and in most societies.
Nanette and Rod are first degree cousins!

Vilma's father in the film was Eddie Garcia and her mother, one of the great actresses we have, Lorli Villanueva. The role of Christopher's parents were essayed by the great Joonee Gamboa and Odette Khan. In the brief scenes that I saw them, they were remarkable.

The confrontation scene between brothers played by Eddie and Joonee is a must see.

Eddie said, "Ang ginawang kalapastanganan ng anak mo ay hindi katulad ng mainit na salabat na puwede mong ibuga kapag napasok ka."

Then Joonee said, "Kung nabubuhay ang ating mga magulang, hindi ganyan ang magiging desisyon nila. Tayo'y magkapatid."

Then Eddie countered, "Isinaalang-alang ba ng anak mo ang relasyon niya sa anak ko? Mula ngayon, kalilimutan kong tayo ay magkapatid."

Then came that long scene, where Christopher ran as fast as he could to get to Vilma and to save their baby she's carrying in her womb. Eddie, was determined to have the baby aborted to save his family from total shame, he said.

Vilma was crying, hysterically crying, tried so hard to free herself as she was dragged downstairs unto the waiting car. Then at their gate, there was Christopher's character Rod. "Kuya Rod, kuya Rod!!!" Vilma's character Nanette shouted.

And from there began the long chase and that unforgettable scene where you see Christopher's character with bandage on his head, desperately hanging at the back of the car with plate number GF-771, kissing the glass, touching it, with Vilma's character still shouting "Kuya Rod" and trying just as desperate to kiss and touch the same mirror.

Then finally, Eddie's driving maneuvers separated the ill-fated lovers as Christopher was thrown into the street and Vilma, still inside the car, drove towards that direction where it's almost certain, not only her heart but her spirits will be crashed as well. That scene was never shown. It was implied as the car moved ahead and faded in the scene.

While Christopher's character continued to run and run and run and run like a mad mad. Crying shamelessly, not giving up, a scene that implies, that probably, the lovers, doomed as they are, will soon find a way to be in each others' arms.

I could not wait to see the credits. I love the theme song! It was very Pinoy, the kind that touches your soul, the kind that moves, the kind that tells a story of true human emotions.

Then the credits roll---it was the movie Tag-Ulan sa Tag-Araw, one of Celso Ad Castillo's masterpieces, the first team-up of Vilma and Christopher, the year 1975, a year when I was just 5 years old. Back in those days, as a young kid, that age I believe or maybe even younger, I posted a picture of Ate Vi in my closet when she was still the image model and endorser of LUX. As I close my eyes, I can still vividly remember her long curly hair in and white gown in that print advertisement for the very famous beauty product then. I kiss that picture of Ate Vi everyday and tell her that I love her and that I am her biggest fan, the youngest and most ardent fan maybe at that time.

Guess what, in my nearly two decades as a reporter, news anchor and host of several radio and TV shows, having interviewed almost everyone who is in the news, even if Ate Vi has already made the successful transition to the world of politics, I still have yet to have a one-on-one interview with her.

I am a Vilma-Christopher fan and it was heartwarming to have finally caught the film that started their beautiful and magical on-screen chemistry.

Where is Director Castillo now, then called the KID if I'm not mistaken and at one point referred to as the Messiah of Philippine Cinema?

To think that it was 1975, under Martial Law, the mark of Bagong Lipunan, very visible in the last portion of the movie, through the LTO sticker "Isang bansa, Isang diwa" one of the slogans of the era of former President Ferdinand Marcos, a movie of this topic, sensitive and very controversial was made is something that is very admirable.

You see this kind of Pinoy classic films and you realize, Filipinos don't make films like they used to before.

The 50s to the 70's and yes---a large portion of the 80's still remain the glorious years of Philippine Cinema.

We have the greatest filmmakers in our midst and all we have to do is find our calling again and make movies that move, touch lives, inspire, influence not just lives but changes we so badly need as a nation.

That day will come again, again, believe, for it is our destiny. (end)