SAUNA

The House of Representatives was in heat as the president delivered her 8th State of the Nation Address in the 200 million-peso newly renovated Batasan Pambansa. It was as if steam was coming out from everywhere- either from allies whose 104 applauses raised the room's temperature to a hundred degrees or from critics whose every word uttered by the president made them even more in heat of disbelief. It was indeed a sauna out there.

To be fair, the president did admit the country is in crisis in a way... due to global economic woes. But the disturbing part is that, she speaks as if we can't do anything else. It's as if this is the fate of the Philippines and that she as leader cannot do anything to mitigate the said global problems. She also mentioned the Philippines is quite unlucky since we do not have the topography of Thailand and Vietnam, two huge rice-exporting countries.

Again in all fairness, she did have good works credited to her name. Like the creation of some bridges and roads and... Ok, so maybe just a few achievements.

After 8 years, what has changed in the country? And what can she still do in the 2 years that she has left?

Raising the Stars

The Philippine government and the Sulpicio Lines have decided to 'refloat' the sunken MV Princess of the Stars. The say, this would help in retrieving the hundreds of bodies still trapped inside the vessel, as well as easing the retrieval of the toxic cargo inside the ship. Vice President Noli De Castro says, this would probably take a month before the ship is refloated.

This seems an amazing, yet dangerous task. Amazing, because it's probably one of the first in the world for a doomed passenger ship to be refloated again. It would take really big vessels and equipment for this to happen. But there are also risks since no one knows the exact spot where the toxic endosulfan is located.

As of press time, more than 700 passengers and crew are still unaccounted for.

Fallen Stars

The sinking of MV Princess of the Stars off the coast of Sibuyan Island in Romblon over the weekend is the latest ferry disaster in the Philippines. As of press time, only 32 have been rescued and over 800 passengers and crew are still unaccounted for.

Sulpicio Lines, owner of the vessel, blames Typhoon Frank (international name Fengshen) and not engine failure as the cause of the accident. The ship, which is considered the biggest and even one of the most luxurious ships in the country, set sail from Manila to Cebu on June 21. Typhoon Signal 1 was raised. A distress signal was sent when they were in the vicinity of Romblon-Masbate. The ship went down the next day. The question now is, despite warnings of the onslaught of typhoon, why did the shipping company, as well as the Philippine Coast Guard, allowed the ship to sail. Other shipping firms like Negros Navigation and Superferry halted their ships to sail that day. And many passengers from the 2 shipping firms transferred to MV Princess of the Stars since its trip was not cancelled.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo was furious upon hearing the news during her visit to the United States. She instructed an all-out effort to rescue the 800 people feared trapped inside the ship.

This is not the first maritime disaster of the Sulpicio Lines.
This list contains 3 of the worst ferry accidents in the Philippines.

- The world's worst ferry disaster was the collision of MV Dona Paz and MT Vector at the Mindoro area in December 20, 1987. MV Dona Paz was overcrowded when it hit the oil tanker MT Vector, which ignited a fire burning the 2 vessels instantly. An estimated 4,341 people died.

- The next year, 1988, MV Dona Paz's sister ship MV Dona Marilyn sank off the coast of Leyte killing at least 250 to 300 people.

- MV Princess of the Orient, one of the biggest passenger vessels in the country, sank during a storm off the coast of Batangas in September 18, 1998. Of the almost 400 people on board, 150 died.

The Lucky 8

The Chinese believe 8 is a lucky number. It is a sign of infinity and endless blessings. That is also why the opening day of the Beijing Olympics is scheduled at 8:08pm on 8/8/2008. But just months before the Olympic games... 2008 doesn't seem like a lucky year after all for the sleeping giant.

Many Chinese have been killed this year due to several tragedies and incidents. One being the May 12 earthquake which hit several provinces, especially Sichuan province. Almost a hundred thousand is believed to have died and thousands more remain missing up to this day. So-called "quake lakes" also continue to threaten the country and may cause yet another catastrophe. Recently, in another part of China, floods have killed hundreds of people. Continuous rain have caused major blackouts and closure of several establishments.

At the start of the year, China was also plagued by the Enterovirus, affecting over 25-thousand babies. While HongKong is still under the threat of another Bird Flu outbreak. This year, China has also seen at least 2 train accidents, killing several passengers.

And on the global scale, protests were staged around the world wherever the Olympic torch is. Many held anti-China banners.

It would be a colorful and an exciting time to be in China this year. Whether 8 is still lucky or not. The world would be looking at China, considered the next great power. But hopefully, not as a place full of tragedies, but a place were hope still thrives. The world mourns for the many deaths, but hopes China will see a future with zero human rights violations.

Free Nation?

Break Free from Poverty
by: Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

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One hundred and ten years after we broke free of foreign bondage, we remember with deep gratitude our heroic forebears who paid the ultimate sacrifice on the altar of freedom so that we may live as a sovereign people.

The centuries-old struggle continues. Instead of colonizing powers, we must now protect our freedom and future as a nation from global economic storms and security threats.

The Philippines has built up a strong economy which is helping us meet the challenges of the global surge in the price of food and fuel. A strong and growing economy has been the central pillar we have labored to create to help guarantee peace, order and stability in our country. It is paying off: our economy reached its highest level of growth in 30 years last year, the peso is strong, and we are close to balancing our budget.

As a result of our economic comeback, we are able to invest in key sectors to cushion the harsh impact of rice and fuel on our poor. We are also able to continue to invest in necessary infrastructure like roads, bridges and education, to name a few. All the while, we are balancing these vital investments with a commitment to meet our fiscal obligations and balance the budget in 2010.

We have been working tirelessly to address challenges arising from the slowdown in the global economy combined with the spike in oil and food prices. The government is working to make sure that our food supplies remain stable and that we put food on the table for every Filipino.

In terms of oil, the high price of gasoline and everyday commodities hits our poor the hardest. While the high price of oil is a global issue and outside the control of government, we have introduced measures to lift the burden of our people.

However, no matter what actions we take, this is a global problem. We must work together to resolve this if there is going to be any long-lasting improvement.

It is important to acknowledge the important role that our international friends and allies have made to our national development. This includes the countries and organizations who are our development partners and the foreign investors who have become part of our business community and who have brought their technologies and capital to the Philippines.

You are a part of the Philippine economic success story. We are grateful for your contributions and your commitment to our nation and our people.

Be with us in our steadfast desire for the Philippines to break free from the bondage of poverty and to be able to join the first world in 20 years.


These are excerpts from the President’s speech during the reception for the 110th anniversary of Philippine independence at Malacanang Palace on June 12, 2008.

Ces Drilon Kidnapped?

June 9, there was a weird kind of silence in the newsroom regarding the shocking news that veteran journalist Ces Drilon and her team were kidnapped in Sulu. Everyone somehow knew about it, but no one dared to talk, after all it is an unconfirmed news.

June 10, ABS-CBN released a statement on the alleged kidnapping. Everyone from the President to senators and to various media groups all over the world reacted to the story. It is indeed frustrating if there really is a kidnapping. The Philippines has always been on the list of countries where there is limited press freedom. The country is home to several journalists being killed. Ces Drilon, being a famous TV personality, would surely attract media attention all over the world... and may place the country on top of the list of murdered journalists.


Here is the official statement issued by ABS-CBN:

Three ABS CBN journalists Ces Drilon, Jimmy Encarnacion, and Angelo
Valderama are missing in Sulu. All efforts are underway to find them
and bring them home. Until we learn more details, ABS CBN News
requests other media to report on this matter with utmost
consideration for the safety of our news team.

ABS CBN News is in touch with the families and ask that their privacy
be respected.

Maria Ressa's Take

The electricity issue has been plaguing newspapers and TV news for some time now. The focus of the story is on Meralco, which is the biggest power distributor in the country. Meralco happens to be a Lopez-owned company. Same with ABS-CBN, who airs reports on such story. Criticisms surfaced regarding the alleged bias of the network towards the power firm. Here is the response of ABS-CBN News and Current Affairs Head Maria Ressa, which appeared in abs-cbnnews.com


We Are Journalists First
By Maria Ressa

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How independent is ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs?
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In the past week, several people have alluded to Lopez control of the news agenda on ABS-CBN. On May 14, Secretary Eduardo Ermita hinted that an ABS-CBN story on the NBN-ZTE deal was being used as a "diversionary tactic" by the Lopezes, who are also the majority shareholders of Meralco. He said, "it is highly probable given players of issue which is electricity." That was followed by strong words by presidential son and Congressman Mikey Arroyo effectively questioning the integrity of ABS-CBN News. Over the weekend, the Philippine Daily Inquirer ran a quote from an anonymous source who said that the prize for a dialogue between President Arroyo and Meralco Chairman & CEO Manuel Lopez would be "ABS-CBN’s cooperation." How independent is ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs?

It is a good time to be an ABS-CBN journalist because times like these define a news organization and tell us much about our society. A lot is now being said about the role ABS-CBN plays in the power struggle over Meralco.

Many believe the Arroyo government is out to silence ABS-CBN by harassing the Lopez family. President Arroyo’s allies, on the other hand, accuse ABS-CBN of reporting on the new NBN-ZTE witness to divert attention from Meralco. They say they are afraid to go against the Lopezes because of possible retaliation by ABS-CBN.

That’s not what the facts show. On April 29, ABS-CBN’s online news team broke the story of the brewing battle between Meralco’s majority stakeholder, the Lopez family, and its harshest critic, GSIS chairman Winston Garcia. At that point, neither Garcia nor the Lopezes were comfortable with us because we exposed what had been going on behind the scenes.

After the first story, Garcia said he was convinced of our impartiality and became a frequent guest on ANC, ABS-CBN and a news source of abs-cbnnews.com.

As for the Lopez family, they know where we stand. My mandate is to create a professional news group with world-class standards. Yet, in our polarized society, the idea that the Lopezes would not "use" ABS-CBN for its vested interests seems hard to believe. I believe that is a reflection of the mindset, customs and corrupt practices today rather than a reflection of the reality we at ABS-CBN live through daily.


Track record
Again, I point to our track record: let’s look at our coverage of the Ultra Stampede. On that day, our reporters asked us, "How do we handle the people angry with ABS-CBN? How do we deal with those who are grieving and blaming ABS-CBN?" I said, "put them on air." We asked our journalists to go after the most critical voices and to get the worst evidence against ABS-CBN they could find. Treat the story as if we aren’t ABS-CBN because we are journalists first.

So how do I manage the interests of the Lopezes? It’s simple: I don’t manage them because they are not the interests of the newsroom. We are a newsroom run by journalists, and our end goal is to hold the government and the private sector accountable for the public good.

In order to do that, we journalists have to first hold ourselves accountable, making sure we protect no vested interests. If we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit. If we do our jobs well, we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.

Two years ago in a Lopez company forum, patriarch Oscar Lopez lauded our Standards & Ethics Manual. Manolo Lopez asked us to "stop being so critical" because he said that the Arroyo administration takes it out on Meralco.

I said we report what we see and could not tailor the news to fit any vested interests. If what he said was true, I asked, why not come out with it publicly? He told me, "Maria, you just don’t understand."

Last Friday, he finally said it publicly – that he believed the reason why Meralco was being targeted was because the government wanted to control ABS-CBN. He also admitted he has never been able to control ABS-CBN News.

When President Arroyo asked me why ABS-CBN was "critical," I said that we do not consider ourselves "critical" of the government. We believe we demand accountability because that is our role as journalists.

We also reflect reality. After all, 76% of Filipinos in Metro Manila say they distrust President Arroyo (according to Pulse Asia’s March 2008 Ulat ng Bayan). We have no other motive than to do our jobs well. Again, my answer to the President is the same as my answer to the Lopezes: if we do our jobs well, all Filipinos will benefit because we will help build a better nation with more transparent processes.

If you watch our newscasts, you’ll see that our coverage of the Meralco issue is extensive and fair. ANC aired, live and in full, the joint congressional hearing on Meralco. Our interest is to get to the Truth because we are responsible to the people. Whether we’re reporting on the Ultra stampede, the Manila Peninsula siege, the NBN-ZTE scandal or the issue of high electricity rates, we hold nothing back.

If you don’t like the news, don’t shoot the messenger. If you have no agenda, you cannot accuse ABS-CBN News & Current Affairs of taking sides.

asian death toll

What is happening to Asia?

2 weeks ago, Cyclone Nagris ripped through the Irawaddy delta in Myanmar killing almost 30,000 people as of press time. The cyclone also left almost 2 million homeless and more than 30,000 missing. A U.S. official even estimates there could be up to 100,000 deaths.

Considered the worst disaster to hit Asia since the 1991 cyclone that hit Bangladesh killing over 140,000 people, the Myanmar cyclone has shocked the world and gave the world reasons to pour in their helping hand. The problem is, the Myanmar Junta government is too paranoid with international assistance that the aid reaches only to a few. What's worst is the fact that the government is too focus on the May 10 Constitutional Referendum instead of distributing relief goods. True, the referendum is important, but can they at least postpone it?

A few hours ago, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck China killing as of now nearly 9,000 people. Many people were trapped under rubbles of buildings as thousands evacuated their offices. Witnesses say they saw buildings swayed for over 2 minutes. The quake was felt in Thailand, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Chinese President Hu Jintao ordered emergency services for the victims. This came amid the Enterovirus 71 outbreak in China which killed 34 children so far and infecting 25,000 children. The outbreak is still on going. All these just ahead of the Beijing Olympics this August.

First it was Myanmar, one of the poorest countries in Asia. Then China, one of the richest countries in Asia. All destroyed by a natural event. What does this tell the world?

What could be next?
Or where?

the central point

If anyone visits a city or town in the Philippines, most especially in the provinces, one would surely notice the church is always the center of any town's life- both figuratively and literally.

The church always has become a monument, a landmark, a face of any city or town. People pass by the area regularly and will always see the facade of that spiritual dwelling place. And in front of the church is usually a plaza, a small park or a fountain. At a distance are municipal hall, commercial area, etc. These are what one should expect when going to cities, towns, most notably at the provinces.

The church is the main point of every area. And from that main point, all else follows. Thus, a church can change the surroundings it occupy.

In the modern times, the church has remained intact, but the central point is no longer the church. What one can see the church of before are the Malls of today. Truly, if one looks at all the malls in the country, they have transformed the society in a big way. They have become the central and main points of a city.

Whenever one puts up a mall, the surroundings benefit from it. That particular area will grow rapidly for sure. Makati Central Business District will not survive without Glorietta and Greenbelt, Ortigas can't be the Ortigas today without SM Megamall and Robinson's Galleria, Fort Bonifacio wouldn't be complete without Market! Market! and Boni High Street. It will also be inevitable that Quezon City will soon become more prosperous with the opening of Trinoma and the expansion of SM North EDSA. It is also a guarantee Pasay will become a business district since the Mall of Asia is just there.

The mall has created a new lifestyle. Every area grows if one puts up a mall, most especially if the mall is popular such as SM, Robinson's, Ayala or even Gaisano. Having a mall actually has rose a standard for a particular city. Before if a huge church is built in one's city, it means the city is really growing, has big economy, etc. Now if there is a mall in one's area, it means that area is economically stable, civilized and has social life. It's like "Oh you have a Mall na in Sulu or whatever city".

The church has then become a background, a tourist spot and for some, an irrelevant structure towering over a town. While the mall has become a place where friends meet, hang out and enjoy. With these in mind, What would be the future's central point?

rice shortage

News came out this day the world is in rice shortage. The supply of rice has drop, thus the increase in its price. Rice is a common part of the meal for almost all Asians in the world, most especially Fiipinos. Rice is in every meal and with the low supply of these grains, it could only mean one thing- more hungry people everyday.

The Philippines is one of the leading rice-producing countries in the world. In fact, one of its famous landmark is the Banaue Rice Terraces. And one if its popular scenes are farmers planting rice across a wide field with carabaos. Furthermore, the country is home to the world-famous International Rice Research Institute. But why can't the country produce more rice?

It's pathetic and really sad for the Philippines to import rice from the neigboring countries. The rice bastion of Asia is actully importing rice from Thailand and Vietnam. Region 3 or Central Luzon Region is known as the Rice Granary of the Philippines due to its wide farming lands, but now there are less and less of that land in sight. Instead of rice paddies, it has been turned into commercial space, malls, golf courses and residential subdivisions.

Well no one can really blame the developers, after all these malls and golf courses can prove to be profitable and good for tourism. The bad news is...rice has been compromised. Filipinos have to suffer to pay for higher price. And with the shortage of supply, how can average Filipinos consume a healthy meal?

The government must do something about the problem. It may not be a big issue now, but surely it will be if no one does something. Since Luzon is being transformed into a commercial hub, then Mindanao would be a good place to plant those rice. It would also help the people there. One congressman in Mindanao said there are more lands for rice planting in Agusan del Sur. But when asked what he is doing to develop more rice farms. He simply replied that's the problem of the national government not his.

The Agriculture Department said there is no rice crisis yet, but admits there is indeed a low supply of rice. The National Food Authority added there will be more rice this harvest season on summer. Rice problem might not seem as controversial as ZTE deal or Spratlys scandal, but it sure is worthy to be heard. After all, everyone, even from the highest post of the land to the lowest eats rice.

return of the former

Pakistan and the Philippines, at first glance, has really nothing in common. Aside from the fact that both countries are tied together in an alphabetical list of countries of the world, nothing else would bind the 2 nations in any aspect. In fact, some Pakistanis may not have any idea there is such as the Philippines and some Filipinos might also have no information there is a Pakistan.

But what many people failed to see is that both countries are in a way experiencing identical political situations at the moment. This is somethink no one would think will be happenning in two countries so far apart.

Pakistan gained independence from the British in 1947 and from then had series of political instability. The Philippines, on the other hand, won their freedom from the Spaniards in 1898.. but was shortlived as they were again under foreign rule- under the United States.

In 1972, civilian rule was returned to Pakistan, but it was also in that year that martial rule was imposed in the Philippines. In the 1980's, the Philippines elected into power its first female president- Cory Aquino. In the same period, Pakistan voted their first female prime minister- Benazir Bhutto. Aquino is the wife of slained Senator Ninoy Aquino, while Bhutto is the daughter of slained former Pakistan President Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

In recent times, Pakistan and the Philippines also experienced massive protests and political crisis. In 2001, Pervez Musharraf, who ousted elected Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, declared himself president. On that same year, Gloria Arroyo ousted elected Philippine President Joseph Estrada and was declared the new president. Both received praises from the world for being beacons of democracy.

But now the tides are against the 2 leaders. Both Arroyo and Musharraf seek re-election and won... allegedly. People in this countries protested against their leader's re-election bid. These 2 heads of state have also undergone various controversies and issues. Both are link to human rights violations. Musharraf arrested dissidents and once closed media networks. Arroyo, on the other hand, is linked to political killings, bribery and corruption.

Both Musharraf and Arroyo's parties won only a few seats in the recent elections. Musharraf's party was only 3rd place in Parliament, while Arroyo's party got only a few seats in the Senate. A sign that means both leaders are losing their touch on the people who helped place them into power.

Protests continue to mount in the 2 countries against the administration. Ousted Nawaz Sharif is calling to impeach Musharraf, while ousted Estrada is calling for Arroyo's resignation. The 2 former leaders are now the ones who is fighting the governemnt. These 2 leaders returned to the scene. They were ousted before, but are still loved by people. How irony unfolds in the world. Those who ousted leaders are now the ones being asked to step down.

No one knows yet how this will end or how the political similarities in both countries will stay the same. But one thing can be seen, the world of politics is just a game. Sometimes one is up, sometimes one is down. Politics should be a tool for growth and development of a nation, but sadly it has become a hindrance. The Pakistan-Philippine module is just an example of how the game of politics revolves. Many other countries might have similar situations too. In politics, the greed for power plays a role in every country, compromising the life of its citizens.

speakership

As of this writing, lawmakers are still voting for the fate of House Speaker Jose De Venecia. The yes votes are now more than a hundred and most probably the motion to declare the speakership position vacant will be approved.

It has been weeks since the issue of the ousting JDV surfaced- in TV, radio and print. Congressmen and women, mostly from the administration, have been planning to oust JDV ever since. And now, it seems it would be a reality as JDV's term as House speaker is coming to an end.

JDV has been speaker for 5 terms, the longest in Philippine history. And if he is ousted or if he resigns, it would also be the first in history. Lawmakers say that the reasons for changing JDV is reforms and transparency. But these lawmakers never mentioned what changes they want. These lawmakers never said why they want to oust JDV. It is clear that the reason is politically motivated... all in the interest of personal reasons.

They want change, but they only want to oust JDV. Why not change all positions and declare all positions in the House vacant, as what is suggested by JDV. If they think JDV lacks some skills or if they think JDV is an old politician. If they think he is not competent anymore, why not change the entire system? Why just change one position? It would be better if all positions should be declared vacant. With just changing the House speakership- it is obvious that it's not the issue of reforms, but of personality. It is not the issue of change, but of JDV himself.

JDV's son accused First Gentleman Mikey Arroyo in the ZTE scabdal. And now, Pres. Arroyo's sons, who are also congressmen, are in the forefront of ousting JDV. It is clear this is a personal thing. It is clear this is a vendetta.

It is scary to know that if JDV exits, then Malacanang will have more control in the House of Representatives. The next possible candidate is Davao Cong. Prospero Nograles, who is a staunch ally of the president. One cannot yet say if he would be a good speaker or a worst one.

This voting system of the congress shows that democracy works, since the legislators vote for who they want to lead. But the question is, what is behind their votes? It is obvious that these lawmakers, most of them, only voted based on their party's position and not for the benefit of their constituents. Hopefully... just hopefully, money was not involved in all these.

JDV is not the best, but he sure was a good statesman. As of this writing, the yes votes rose to more than the minimum requirement. Only 121 votes are needed to oust JDV. Now the votes have reached more than 130. In effect, JDV is ousted... the first in the country. Hopefully, the next one would be a lot better.

For now, it is a prayer of all Filipinos that whoever becomes the new speaker, he or she would help make the country more bearable for Filipinos through better laws.

One can't tell if all these proceedings and debate in Congress are actually helping the majority of Filipinos.

tale of many cities

Does the Philippines need more cities?

Becomming a city is a big deal for towns and municipalities. In a way it 'upgrades' the status of a particular place. It further means that a particular place has improved economically, socially and that people are, in a sense, more 'modern'. Cityhood is a status desired by many towns and municipalities. Having more cities also gives a country a good image, since it implies that many places are improving. But the question is does the country need more?

Today, 90% of the 120-strong League of Cities in the Philippines, headed by Mandaluyong Mayor Benhur Abalos, are expected to set their flags at half-mast and their employees to wear black arm bands. This is in protest to House Bill 24, authored by Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Ann Hofer, that seeks to amend Republic Act 9009 or the Local Government Code by exempting capital towns of provinces from the minimum income requirements to become a city.

The new proposed bill states that all provincial capital towns can become a city despite the lack of the minimum requirements. For a town to be a city, it must have a land area of 100 square kilometers, a population of 150,000 and a Php 100 million annual income. With the new bill, capital towns can become a city even if they earn only 50 million income annually.

The proposed bill not only hurts the existing cities, but it also lowers the standards for any city. Every city get a share of the Internal Revenue Allotment or IRA. With more cities, the IRA decreases, thus cities get less money annually. The standard for cityhood has also diminished. Now any town with minimum qualifications can now apply.

Negros Occidental has 13 cities, the most number of cities in one province. But if one visits the place, only 1 city can actually be called a 'city'. Only the capital Bacolod City is the city one can actually compare with major cities such as Ilo-ilo, General Santos or even Cebu. The 12 other cities are still mostly agricultural. One would not think they are cities if one visits them. And surely this is also the case with other provinces.

Just last year, 16 towns were elevated to cityhood. Surely, few people would not recognized most of these cities. There are a lot of cities in the country that really doesn't look like cities. Except, I guess, for San Juan City in Metro Manila, which was elevated last year, the rest doesn't look and feel like a city.

Although it is also true that for places to be developed, it is important that they become a city first. After all, some companies would not invest in just a small town. But in the bigger picture, government must only elevate towns if indeed it has the right place in the league of cities. It might be a bad thing for a town if it is elevated to cityhood without the right requirements. Timing is very important. Becomming a city for a small town might even be bad for that town since now they will stand behind bigger cities and will just fade in the shadows of the "great cities". But if it remains to be a town and wait for some time, then chances are it will be known as the "great town" and will open further investment opportunities since they will be compared with just smaller towns.

Being a city is something good, but government must only elevate towns if they meet the perfect requirements. It might lead to the town's doom is they will be elevated without the right criteria. These town-city will just be eaten alive by competition and comparison.

asia's high

The Philippine peso is Asia's 2007 best performing currency and so far for 2008 too. With a growth of almost 19%, it is considered Asia's strongest. It was once one of the worst, reaching as high to almost 60 pesos per dollar. But now, it has improved and has touch the 40-level per dollar with 40.55 pesos per dollar, its highest since 2000.

And the growth doesn't seem to stop. Analysts predict it will even strengthen to the 38 peso level against the dollar within this year and some experts even forecast the peso to reach the 35-level this year. Who would have thought the country would experience such boom in the economy. Who would have thought the peso would be stronger than the US dollar.

But despite peso's growth, not everyone is happy. The most affected are the more than 10 million OFW's who rely on foreign currency. If before, they could send $1000 or around Php 50,000... now the $1000 is just around Php 40,000 or Php 10,000 lower. If before, people are complaining why the peso is in the 50-level, now people are complaining why the peso is in the 40 or even 30-level.

It's actually a paradox. Those who complain that the peso has strengthened are those who make the peso strong. OFW's remit billions of pesos to the country and that is one factor why the Philippine peso is strong. But sadly they are also the one affected by the strength of peso. It's hard to be on their side. One would not know if one should be happy that the peso is strong or not.

One good effect of the strength of peso is the influx of foreign investments. Last year, the foreign investments outpaced domestic investments. And more are coming to the country... not to mention more tourist arrivals too. 2007 also marked an increased in tourist arrivals in the country from around 2.6 million tourist in 2006 to 3.09 million last year.

Of course, this all leads to the question: what about the common Filipinos? Has there been any change in their life? Has there been a difference due to the strength of peso? Apparently, one can not see it just yet. Most Filipinos will surely say they didn't feel the growth of the economy. Only the rich are experiencing it.

One can't know for certain the answers to the questions. But whether or not this strong peso affects some people negatively, it sure is something good in the long run. If it attracts more investments in the future, then it surely could help further improve the economy and hopefully the lives of many Filipinos. Hopefully, this strong peso could create more jobs and good jobs at that. The state of the economy now can help the country for its long term goals. But hopefully it also helps the short term needs of the Filipinos.

2010

It's still more than 2 years prior the 2010 National Elections in the Philippines, and yet a lot of names have surfaced regarding who will replace Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The list of possible candidates are not at all surprising- same people. The names of Vice President Noli De Castro, MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando, Sen. Mar Roxas, Sen. Manny Villar, Mayor Sonny Belmonte and even Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro all came out in the list of the so-called presidentiables.

As of today, one cannot really say who among the possibe candidates will win or at the very least who might win. As of now, all candidates are on the same platform. No one yet could tell who will reside in Malacanyang in 2010. A lot of events could still happen and everyone, even the popular ones, is not assured of that exclusive seat.

The road to Malacanyang is a dangerous one, albeit very exciting so to speak. One might do everything to arrive there first. One might fall back along the path and never recover. One might become impoverished of wealth or of friends. It is a road surely only one wins, but a road a lot dreams of. It is no surprise that many wants to follow the footsteps of Emilio, Manuel, Ramon, Ferdinand, Fidel among others. It is the seat of power after all and power, as history tells us, can breed greed.

Issues also arose if former presidents can still run. Why do people give so much hype on this, when in fact the constitution clearly states that elected presidents can't seek a new term. It is also very unlikely if indeed Cory, Fidel, Joseph or even Gloria would run again this 2010.

The road to 2010 begins now. That year is what people have been waiting for so long. The country has been under the Arroyo administration for more than 6 years and will continue to be in the next 2 to 3 years. People wanted to oust Gloria, but can't. And this upcomming elections will answer their prayers since it is the only legitimate way to get rid of an illegitimate one (as others would point out). The next polls would test the voters, the politicians and the entire country. How do they want the next 6 years to be? How wise are modern Filipino voters? How changed is our government system?

Those questions and more will be answered in 2 to 3 years from now.