Bagsik ng Batas Militar (Unang Bahagi)

Taong isanglibo siyam naraan pitumput dalawa. Ano ang naaalala natin nung mga panahon na ito? Ito ang taon na ang unang scientific calculator ay naimbento. Si U.S. swimmer Mark Spitz ay naging unang atleta na nagwagi ng 7 gintong medalya sa Olympics. Sa taon ding ito inaresto si Beatle frontman Paul McCartney at asawang Linda McCartney sa Sweden dahil sa pag-iingat ng droga. At sa panahon ding ito, naitala ang isa sa pinaka madilim na bahagi ng kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, ibinaba ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos ang Batas Militar o ang Martial Law.

Ang bagsik ng Martial Law ay laman ng aklat ng ating kasaysayan. Masarap pakinggan ang mga kwento ng mga matatanda tungkol sa karanasan nila. Ako’y nag-aral at nangalap ng mga importanteng impormasyon patungkol dito. Nguni’t bago natin tahakin at balikan ang landas ng malupit na Batas Militar, atin munang kilalanin ang itinuturong utak nito, si Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos.

Si Marcos ay isa sa pinaka-matalinong Pilipino ng kanyang henerasyon. Siya ay estudyante ng Law school at sa edad na 21 ay nasangkot sa isang kontrobersyal na insidente. Ang kanyang ama, si Mariano Marcos ay natalo kay Julio Nalundasan sa eleksyon sa pagka- Kongresista ng Ilocos Norte. Isang gabi matapos ang eleksyon, habang nagsisipilyo sa bintana ng kanyang bahay, si Nalundasan ay binaril at napatay. Ang pangunahing suspek, si Ferdinand Edralin Marcos. Napatunayan siyang pumatay at nahatulang mabilanggo ng 17 taon. Habang nasa kulungan, ipinagpatuloy niya ang kanyang pag-aaral at naging top notcher pa sa Bar Exam. Sa Korte Suprema, ipinagtanggol niya ang kanyang sarili. Si Jose Laurel ang hukom na duminig ng kanyang kaso. Nanghihinayang siya sa talino ni Marcos na hindi pakinabangan ng mga Pilipino kaya’t ito’y kanyang pinawalang sala.

Tatlong-taon nanungkulan si Marcos bilang Kongresista at pagkatapos ay naging numero unong senador. Naging Senate President din siya, posisyong tuntungan para sa mga nangangarap na maging Presidente ng bansa. Noong 1966, si Marcos ay nahalal na Presidente ng Pilipinas. Noong sumunod na taon,sa eleksyon sa pagka senador, lahat ng kandidato ni Marcos ay nagwagi maliban sa isang kandidato ng partidong Liberal, si Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino.

Sa susunod kong post, atin nang babagtasin ang landas ng Martial Law at ipakikilala ang mga taong naging bahagi nito. May sarili pong bersyon ang gobyernong Marcos, nguni’t ito po ang bersyon na aking pinaniniwalaan. Muli po,paalala lang, nasa inyo pa rin ang pinal na paghuhusga!

Inside INC

The death of INC leader Eraño Manalo, reminds me of my experience in becoming a “kapatid”, 13 years ago. Baptism in Iglesia ni Cristo can’t be achieved in a silver platter. A rigorous but interesting 4 months (if I’m not mistaken) awaits everyone. The first step is to attend the “Doktrina” officiated by one of their “ministro”. The doctrine is composed of 25 chapters (again, if I’m not mistaken), 3 were devoted to understand Jesus’ true “form”, God or Human. I remember during this sharing where I literally ask questions about anything that comes out of his mouth. To my surprise, he answered back without batting an eyelash and I felt satisfied about his explanations. I’m the most aggressive among the participants, understandably since I’m the only Catholic in the group. Aside from attending the doctrine, you are also required to attend the worship or “pagsamba” every Thursday and Sunday. I’m attending the doctrine in local of Pasig so if I will go to different local, I need to obtain a copy of “Katibayan ng Pagsamba” as a proof of attending the worship. If my memory serves me right, you need to complete a certain number of “pagsamba” for you to pass this stage. After finishing the doctrine and completing the required number of “pagsamba”, you will be briefed on what to do during the baptism day itself. I experienced to be submerged into cold water in their mini pool which is the culmination of the whole process. It was such a great experience which also opened my mind to a lot of things. Their practice is great to emulate. As a whole, I deeply admire their discipline. There’s no member of INC who doesn’t know their customs and their beliefs. They will have to go through the same process I’ve mentioned earlier so you can expect that every member of INC knew the reason of their existence. During “pagsamba”, they separate men from the ladies to avoid any distractions. Members who failed to attend the “pagsamba” for consecutive times will be visited by the “ministro” assigned on their places. There’s no written reprimand they’ll just want to know the reason why you’re not attending the “pagsamba”. I learned to wear polo and slacks and come on time or else I can’t enter the church. The controversial offering where other sectors claimed that inside INC you are forcibly charge to give a certain amount is not true. But what I’ve noticed is that most of them save a certain amount of money to be given on the month of December, thus the so called “ikapu”.

I will forever treasure my experience becoming one of them. Although I was eradicated (tiniwalag) from the Iglesia after my failed relationship with my ex-girlfriend, which, by the way was the reason why INC was introduced to me, their kindness will forever be remembered. “Opo, Siyanga po”.

If Only He's Alive

Tomorrow, August 21, we remember the day Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was shot in broad day light at the Manila International Airport. For those who were not lucky to witness the infamous assassination, that day change the whole complexion of the Republic of the Philippines.

Ninoy was not afraid to face his expected death. Sensing danger he told the slew of reporters accompanying him in his flight to “ready your cameras because this action can become very fast.... 3, 4 minutes and it’s over, and I may not be able to talk to you again after this”. To cut the long story short, his death paved the way for his widow Corazon Aquino to annex the highest position in the country. She was catapulted into power in 1986 via Edsa Revolution. Cory finished her 6 year term without any stain of corruption or abuse of power. The couple epitomized what the Filipino people are looking for in a leader. I remember reading a book about former U.S. President Harry Truman, whom I can described as one of the most simple and down to earth person history has ever recorded. During his term, he was invited by different corporations to be part of them but politely declined saying, “You don’t want me, but my office”. When he turned over his presidency to Eisenhower, he left boarding his car with his wife and went back home without any escort. His lone house was his only home for his entire life except during the time he was in the White House. What’s more fascinating about Truman is that when he left office his only money is his pension in army amounting to $ 112 a month.

This is exactly the opposite of former President Ferdinand Marcos who was reported to own mansions at Long Island, New York plus several high rise buildings in 5th Avenue, Manhattan. Joseph Estrada’s hidden wealth was documented by different sectors in the society who wants to divulge the true color of the man who proclaimed himself as the Darling of the Masses. Now, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was in the headlines again as her net worth increased dramatically during her term as President.

In my own opinion, there will never ever be another Ninoy Aquino. His love for his country and his fellowmen were boundless. Even though he saw his death coming, he still insists to step his foot back in the Philippines to free us from the hands of the dictator. He will always be remembered for his famous quote “Filipinos are worth dying for”. Unfortunately, the present administration retaliates saying “Filipinos are worth dining for”. Tsk,tsk,tsk, only if Ninoy is alive.

Time of Depression

It’s half of August already and I only have one (1) post here on my blog site. This is one of my busiest months particularly in my work. A hazardous month for me indeed! Add to my worries are my personal problems I had to face, a serious one at that. The condition of my auntie gave me so much pain. But I’m still optimistic that everything will be back to normal. So to my avid followers, if there’s any, just keep in touch. Thanks!

Cory Legacy, Philippine Democracy

I was barely 9 yrs. old when the historic People Power happened in February of 1986. I was not fully aware of what was transpiring but the picture of army tanks, priests and nuns carrying rosaries and people marching to Malacanang palace were still very vivid on my mind. Several days after, Corazon Cojuangco Aquino took her oath and became the 11th President of the Republic of the Philippines and in the process became also the first lady President in Asia.

I can describe Cory Aquino as an ordinary person facing an extra ordinary challenge. Without any political background so to speak, how can she handle the country still fresh from the authoritarian leadership of Ferdinand Marcos? From Times Street to Presidential seat. From Ninoy’s shadow to executing the law. From being just a plain house wife to the highest position in the nation. Corazon Aquino defies all odds.

Her six year reign had its share of ups & downs. From 1986- 1989, Aquino faced 7 failed coup d’ etat aimed to overthrow her administration. Disasters like the MV Dona Paz sinking, 1990 Luzon Earthquake, 1991 Pinatubo eruption and Ormoc tragedy which kills 6, 000 people marred her last two years in the office. It was also during her term that brown-outs became sporadic. Despite all of these problems President Aquino faced, she received widespread recognition from all over the world. She became TIME magazines Woman of the Year in 1986. She also delivered a speech before a joint session in United States Congress which was interrupted by applause several times. She also suspended the 1973 Constitution that paved the way to the “Freedom Constitution” & the “1987 Constitution”. She also promulgated two legal codes, the Family Code of 1987 and the Administrative Code of 1987. She also signed to law the Local Government Code in 1991. CARP was also enacted to law during the 8th Congress.

Despite being unconscious of the Edsa Revolution I’m still fortunate to witness the legacy of the mother of democracy. Her husband, Ninoy Aquino once said that “Filipinos are worth dying for” Cory replied by saying” Filipinos are worth living for”.

Thank You Cory Aquino. You'll forever be remembered!

Game of the Generals

Two major events occurred last week for Kabayan Action Group (Kasracom). First was the launching of Barangay Peace-keeping Action Team (BPAT) last July 16, ’09 at Amphitheatre in Malabon. The event was the culmination of a month long preparation made by Northern Police District for the project. The affair was well attended. From NPD Director Gen. Samuel Pagdilao, PCR Chief Col. Ferdinand Del Rosario, Malabon Chief of Police Col. Jessie Villanueva to barangay captains and kagawad in CAMANAVA. The agreement was signed by the high-ranking officials with the chairman of different volunteer groups that composed BPAT. Second was the personal invitation made by Gen. Pagdilao to Kabayan last Sunday. NCRPO Chief Roberto Rosales was upset that he failed to attend the BPAT launching that he vowed to give a little of his time to personally see the pet project of Gen. Pagdilao. A meeting was set in front of Citisquare mall in Letre Malabon. DD (District Director) Pagdilao proudly presented his BPAT (although it was our group Kabayan) to Gen Rosales. He mentioned that aside from the CCTV cameras NPD will install to various critical locations, he will use human resources to serve as eye in places can’t be covered by the cameras. Before the briefing ended, several members of the group including myself proceed to LRT station in Monumento. We work with Caloocan police led by Col. Santos in traffic management around the vicinity. Minutes later, Gen. Rosales arrived with his convoy. He talked with us and was even impressed with our uniform who looks the same as the new sky blue uniform of PNP. He even noticed our dog tag and asked how much we spent for it. 20 minutes later, Gen. Rosales left with thumbs-up sign.

Paalam, Kaibigan

Gabi ng Lunes, Hulyo 20, ako’y nagulat sa mensaheng aking natanggap mula sa isang dating kasamahan. “Pare patay na raw si Ariel”? Napatayo ako sa aking pagkakahiga. Tinawagan ko ang ilan sa mga taong alam kong malalapit sa kanya kasama na ang kaniyang pamilya. Kumpirmado. Namaalam na ang isa sa aking matalik na kaibigan.

Mula ng matanggap ko ang masamang balita, gabi-gabi akong hirap matulog. Di makapaniwalang wala na si Ariel na sa murang edad ay kinuha na ng ating Dakilang Lumikha. Pero sino nga ba si Arielito Delos Santos? Ano ba ang naging papel niya sa aking buhay?

Taong 2002, buwan ng Agosto yata ‘yun ng una kong makilala si Ariel. Unang araw ng training naming noon para sa Surveillance Monitoring Staff (SUMS) Batch 2 ng Pagcor. Palibhasa’y karamihan sa mga kasama namin ay Pagcorian na, kaming mga galing labas ang nagsama-sama. Si Ariel ang una kong nakatabi at naging kasabay sa uwian. Nataon pa na ang kaniyang kasintahan ay taga-Malabon din kaya’t mas lalong naging malapit kami sa isa’t-isa. Nagkahiwalay kami ng branch sa deployment namin after ng training. Muli kaming nagkasama sa CF-Pavilion noong 2003. Madalas kaming magkasabay ng shift at madalas ding sabay sa pagkain, nguni’t hindi sa paninigarilyo. Masasabi kong medyo may pagka chain smoker din siya kaya’t madalas tamaan ng ubo. Marami kaming pinagsamahan sa Pavilion. Magaganda, pangit, nakakatuwang mga ala-ala ang naiwan namin dito. Muli kaming nagkahiwalay panandalian at muling nagkita sa CF-Silahis. Dahil itinuring ko na siyang tunay na kaibigan, pinili ko siyang maging abay sa aking kasal noong 2005. Ngunit isang mabigat na pagsubok ang hinarap niya noong 2006. Naoperahan siya sa puso sa Manila Doctors dahil sa pagbabara ng ugat nito. Dinalaw namin siya at matagal din bago siya naka- recover. Napilitan siyang mag-resign noong 2007 dahil pinili niyang manirahan sa ibang bansa kasama ang kaniyang maybahay na si Michelle. Kinuha ko siyang ninong sa binyag ng aking bunsong anak bago siya lumipad patungong Los Angeles. Doon ay biniyayaan sila ng kanilang unang supling. Mula noon ay hindi na kami nagkita. Nagbabalitaan na lang kami sa telepono, nag- chachat sa internet at nag-iiwan ng mensahe sa aming Friendster account. Huli kaming nag-usap bago ang Reunion Concert ng Eraserheads. Gusto niya akong isama bilang isa sa mga security ng venue nguni’t last minute ay hindi natuloy. Nag text pa kami noong Pasko noong isang taon at nangako siyang pupunta sa bahay. Hindi rin kami nagkita dahil hindi siya natuloy pumasyal ng Malabon.

Nakakalungkot lang isipin na napaka-bata pa ni Ariel para bawian ng buhay. Maliit pa ang kaniyang anak na hindi na niya malalaro pa. Ang mga pangarap nila ng kanyang asawa ay mag-isa na ngayong haharapin ni Michelle. Hangad ko na gabayan ng Diyos ang kaniyang pamilya gaya noong nabubuhay pa siya.

Paalam, Kaibigan. Salamat sa Ala-ala.