Philippines Vs. Malaysia

PHILIPPINES' CLAIM TO SABAH

A majority of Filipinos everywhere are wondering what is this Sabah claim

is all about. The Philippine history books, Malaysian's probably too,

have not mentioned about the Philippines' stake on the northern part

of the island of Borneo. On the other hand, the Malaysians maybe

furious that there are a lot of attention now being focused to that

part of the Malaysian federation to which they believe was theirs

since the British handed the territory in 1963.

What we are trying here is to bring an insight to this dispute based on

our researched of the various facts (or allegations) regarding this subject.

As Filipino Americans, our main concern in bringing about this article is to

tell that part of the history of the Philippines.

WHERE IS SABAH?

Sabah, is the northern part of Borneo. It is bordered by Sarawak on its

southwestern side, and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) to the south.

Sabah has a coastline of approximately 800 to 900 miles and with the

South China Sea in the west and north, the Sulu Sea in the northeast

and the Celebes Sea in the east. Sabah's total land area is 76,115 sq km

(29,388 sq miles). Sabah's population is about 2.5 million. It is 1,961 km

from Hong Kong, 1,143 km from Manila, 1,495 km from Singapore, 1,678 km

from Kuala Lumpur and 2,291 km from Taipei - note that it is nearer to

Manila than Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur.

North Borneo is much undeveloped and very rich in natural resources.

One of the wealthiest oil producing countries is located in same island

of Borneo, the tiny Sultanate of Brunei.

THE LEASE STARTED IT ALL

The Sultanate of Sulu was granted the territory as a prize for helping

the Sultan of Brunei against his enemies and from then on that part of

Borneo is recognized as part of the Sultan of Sulu's sovereignty. In 1878,

Baron Von Overbeck, an Austrian partner representing The British North Borneo

Co. and his partner British Alfred Dent, leased the territory known as "Sabah"

- roughly translated as "the land beneath the winds". In return the company

will provide arms to the Sultan to resist the spaniards and 5,000 Malaysian

ringgits annual rental based on the Mexican dollars value at that time or

its equivalent in gold. This lease have been continued until the independence

and formation of the Malaysian federation in 1963 together with Singapore,

Sarawak and Malaysia. Up to these days, the Malaysians have been continuing

the rental payment of 5,300 Malaysian ringgits - a 300 ringgits increased from

original rent.

In 1962 during the Pres. Diosdado Macapagal's administration (the father

of the present president, Gloria Arroyo), the Philippines formally claimed

Sabah based on the Sultanate of Sulu heirs' claim on the territory. The

Philippines broke diplomatic relations with Malaysia after the federation

have included "Sabah". The sultan's heirs have given the Philippine government

the authority to pursue the claim legally in international courts. However, the

succeeding administrations have either have ignored or set aside the claim for

peaceful co-existent and trade relation with the Malaysians.

One significant incident involving then President Marcos have briefly brought

into limelight the Sabah claim once more. In 1972, the Marcos government have

been training secretly a group of Muslim Filipinos in Corregidor, an island

off Manila Bay, for possible intrusion in Sabah to pave the way to an armed

succession of Sabah from Malaysia. But upon knowing of the plans, the recruits

have mutinied and were eliminated except for one that swam the bay and was

rescued. The newspapers have called this incident, the "Jabidah Massacre"

named after the operation that was given by the military. The survivor divulged

the plan and the claim was put in back burner once more. It was believe that

because of the incident, the Malaysians have been aiding the Muslim separatists

against the Philippine government. Some people says this distracted the attention

to the claim on Sabah as the government was embroiled in containing the conflict.

LEGAL CLAIM BASIS

The claim was based on several historical facts and court judgement.

The lease agreement is definitely a proof otherwise there will be no basis for any

agreement if such ownership was not established at all. The contract was between Sri

Paduka Maulana Al Sultan Mohammad Jamalul Alam - representing the sultanate as owner

and sovereign of Sabah on one hand, and that of Gustavus Baron de Overbeck and Alfred

Dent, representing the British East India Co. (then became the North Borneo Co.), on

the other as lessee of Sabah, was executed on June 22, 1878. Though the British turned

over the possession and government of Sabah to the federation, the Malaysians have not

remissed in paying the annual rental.

The 1939 court judgement on the claim had handed ownership of North Borneo to the heirs

of the Sultanate prior to the formation of Malaysian federation in 1963. The judgment

of Chief Justice C.F.C. Makaskie of the High Court of North Borneo in the civil suit

filed by the late Dayang Dayang Hadji Piandao and eight other heirs of the Sultan of

Sulu, including the famous Putlih (Princess) Tarhata Kiram, upheld the validity of the

claim of the heirs.

Being a British colony did they favored the Malaysians than returning the leased

territory to its rightful owners as per 1939 court judgement? Did the British influenced

the outcome of their sponsored 1962 plebiscite to which won by those who wanted to

join the Malaysian federation than be an independent state. One also has to speculate

as to why did the British respected a similar treaty with China by returning Hong Kong

instead of conducting a plebiscite just like the one conducted in Sabah in 1962, is

the Philippines a weak nation that can be ignored? These are some questions that need

to be addressed by those who have the mandate to pursue the Philippine claim.

The Malaysian argument before the International Court (The Hague) is in the link below.

This is based on the islands disputed between Indonesia and Malaysia wherein the

Philippines is trying to intervene.

SO WHY THE REVIVAL OF THE CLAIM NOW?

In the last few months the Malaysian authorities have been deporting, we are not sure

if this is the right term for this action knowing the existence of legal claim to North

Borneo, thousands of Filipinos from Sabah for being illegals and for lack of necessary

documents. There are allegations of inhuman treatments and rapes by Malaysian authorities

which are currently being investigated by both governments. It is also good to point out

that illegal Indonesians are likewise being sent home through Kalimantan (Borneo part

of Indonesia). Both the Philippine and the Indonesian governments have protested the

mass deportation and have indignation rallies against the Malaysian action.

Since the time memorial the numerous ethnic tribes in the southern Philippines notably

the Tausugs and Badjaos have been traversing the Celebes Sea from Sulu to Borneo and

other parts of Indonesia. These tribes are sea faring people and settled from anywhere

around the region. To curtail these movements, the Malaysians have decided to demand

document from the Filipinos in Sabah. Undocumented Filipinos were deported and could

only be admitted back when there are necessary papers presented. This situation is

extremely hard specially to those who have fled the secessionist war during the seventies

and eighties as they are refugees and do not have any travel documents. These Muslim

Filipinos have considered Sabah as part of their domain as their ancestors have been

doing centuries ago. That part of southeast asia is bound by common religion, history

and people.

NOW WHAT?

As per official Philippine government stand, the Philippines will continue legal action

through the international courts and also by bringing this claim again to the attention

of the Malaysian government. One of the immediate objectives is to have the rent increased to

what is a more realistic amount while a claim is still being disputed.

There are apprehensions, as some quarters are claiming, that nothing will come out of this

revived interest in the Sabah claim, they are saying that the Philippine government officials

as in the past can be bribed to lose interest in the claim - there is no concrete evidence to

this effect. The Malaysians are hoping that it will die a natural death for lack of will on

the Philippine claimants to pursue further the claim over the years. The longer the dispute

is settled, the harder (or maybe lesser) for the claimants to get any settlement.

Will the heirs get a just settlement in form of monetary compensation? The heirs had been

offered money before by the Malaysians and have rejected the idea. Will the settlement comes

with some portion of the disputed land for displaced Filipino muslims in Sabah? In any issue

involving property dispute, possession is everything.

Will the Arroyo administration be transparent in negotiations with the Mahathir government

or some kind of a deal will be struck without consultations with the other parties involved?

We will see what will transpire in the future.

REAKSYON:

by http://www.epilipinas.com/sabahclaim.htm

Peace to Earth

By http://www.bbc.co.uk/
Pope Benedict XVI formally resigns to become 'pilgrim'

The Pope left the Vatican in a motorcade before boarding a helicopter to the papal retreat. Pope Benedict XVI has officially resigned, saying that he now "will simply be a pilgrim" starting his last journey on earth. The pontiff, aged 85, was earlier flown by helicopter from the Vatican to his retreat at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. The college of cardinals, headed by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone, is now in charge of the world's 1.2 billion Roman Catholics until a new pope is elected. Benedict vowed "unconditional obedience and reverence" to his successor. He stepped down after nearly eight years in office - the first pontiff to do so in 600 years.

David Willey
BBC News, Rome
In normal times, popes make their final exit from the Vatican in a coffin and - after a period of mourning - are laid to rest in the crypt of St Peter's Basilica as the great bells of the first church of Christendom boom out. But not Benedict XVI.

His nearly eight-year-long pontificate has ended not in death, but with a remarkable resignation. Benedict was clearly relieved that the world has now accepted the fact that his physical health has declined to a point where he cannot continue to carry on the heavy responsibilities of leading his Church. Pope Benedict's last words on his final day in office - as he greeted one-by-one the cardinals - were a plea to work together in harmony. Benedict, a classical music lover, urged them to seek to play in harmony, just like an orchestra - for the future good of the Catholic Church.

The day Benedict's papacy ended
'Pope emeritus'
Benedict officially ceased to be the Pope at 20:00 local time (19:00 GMT).

The resignation was marked by the papal Swiss Guards stepping down from their posts at Castel Gandolfo to return to the Vatican. The protection of Benedict was taken over by Vatican police. In his retirement, Benedict will wear a simple white cassock rather than his papal clothes, and swap his famous red shoes - the colour is symbolic of the blood of the early Christian martyrs - for brown. His "Fisherman's Ring", the special signet ring which contains the Pope's name and is impressed to validate certain official documents, is expected to be destroyed along with the lead seal of the pontificate. The German pontiff, who was born Joseph Ratzinger, will continue to be known as Benedict XVI, with the new title of "pope emeritus". The long-time theologian is expected eventually to retire to a monastery on a hill inside Vatican City, with officials saying he will not be able intervene publicly in the papacy of his successor, though he may offer advice. The conclave of 115 cardinals is expected to meet at the Vatican on Monday morning to start planning the election of the next pope.

Joy and sadness

Pope Benedict XVl: "Thank you and good evening"
Earlier on Thursday, bells of St Peter's rang across the Vatican as Benedict boarded the helicopter for a short flight to Castel Gandolfo. Before that, the pontiff was greeted for the last time by top officials in the Curia - the administrative body that runs the Holy See. Benedict then appeared at a window overlooking the public square in Castel Gandolfo to bless a cheering crowd.

"Thank you very much for your friendship," Benedict said.

"I will simply be a pilgrim who is starting the last phase of his pilgrimage on this earth.

"Let's go forward with God for the good of the Church and the world."

Some in the crowd were in tears listening to what could be Benedict's final public words.

The traditional lakeside summer home of the popes is a picturesque "castle town" in the Alban hills, 15 miles (24km) south-east of Rome. The papal palace dates back to the 17th Century and its gardens occupy the site of a residence of the Roman Emperor Domitian
Benedict XVI is expected to spend two months resting in the residence as his successor at the Vatican is chosen and installed. He will have a staff of two secretaries and four women helpers, drawn from a Catholic lay organisation. Vatican police officers will guard the former pope, who lost his Swiss Guards when his resignation took effect "What a joy to see him, but how sad to think it is for the last time," local resident Giuseppina was quoted as saying by the AFP news agency.

In a final posting before his @Pontifex account was suspended and all its entries archived, Benedict tweeted: "Thank you for your love and support. May you always experience the joy that comes from putting Christ at the centre of your lives."

The Vatican now enters the Sede Vacante - or period of transition between two pontificates. Benedict's successor must focus on reforming the Vatican bureaucracy which has often been overly hesitant to react to the various crises which have arisen during Benedict's papacy, the BBC's David Willey reports from the Vatican.

Beset by scandals
On Thursday morning, the Pope received the cardinals at the Vatican's Clementine Hall, warmly embracing Cardinal Angelo Sodano, who passed on best wishes on behalf of those gathered. "Among you there is also the future pope to whom I promise my unconditional obedience and reverence," the pontiff said. "The Church is a living being," he added, but it "also remains always the same". In his public farewell speech on Wednesday, Benedict hinted at Vatican infighting.


Swiss Guards leave their posts at Castel Gandolfo
His decision to resign has been openly criticised by Australia's top Catholic, Cardinal George Pell, who questioned his leadership skills. The Church has been beset by scandals over sexual abuse by priests and leaked confidential documents revealing internal corruption and feuding. An estimated 150,000 people packed into St Peter's Square on Wednesday to hear Benedict speak in his last address there.

REAKSYON:
Buong mundo ay matinding nabahala dito sa pag-alis sa pagiging Papa ng Roma ni Pope Benedict XVI. Noong Pebrero 28, 2013, Huwebes, bumaba na sa puwesto ang Papa. Saan mang sulok ng mundo, lahat nagbigay ng kani-kaniyang mungkahi at komento maging hindi man sila Katoliko o Kristiyano. Ako, bilang isang Katoliko, talaga namang nagulat ako sa nangyari. Halos hindi pa ako naniniwala noong una ko itong makita sa balita. Hindi ko lubos maisip na mangyayari pa ito. Sabi nga nila, halos lahat ng Papa napapalitan lamang dahil sa kamatayan at hindi dahil kusang bumaba sa pwesto. Ano kaya ang talagang dahilang ng Santo Papa na sila lamang ng Diyos ang nakakaalam? Marami ang nagsasabi na dala ng katandaan. Ngunit sa aking palagay, may mas malalim pang dahilang sa likod ng mga usap-usapin. Nais kong malaman ito ngunit ayaw nang magsabi ng Santo Papa at sa kanila nalang ng Diyos ang lahat ng dahilan nang kanyang pagbaba. Para sa nakararami, Katoliko man o hindi, ang Santo Papa ang sumisimbolo ng kapayapaan at pagkakaisa ng lahat. Paano na ngayong wala na sya sa puwesto? Ano nang mangyayari sa atin? Sana, sa pagpili ng bagong Santo Papa, maging katulad din ito ng iba pang naging Santo Papa na naging daan sa pagkakaisa nang lahat. Ngayong "Year of Faith", ito lamang ang aking hiling at alam ko pati narin ng nakararami.

-This is Mimi signing off... ^_^

Young Filipino Hero

Pinoy peace prize awardee Kesz Valdez dedicates award to guardian

CHARED BALLO VERSCHUUR September 25, 2012 5:10pm

Kesz Valdez, the 13-year-old Filipino awardee of the International Children's Peace Prize, dedicated his award to his guardian Harnin Manalaysay, who cared for him after running away from his family due to abuse and maltreatment.

"I look up to him as a father. He is the first person who made me feel loved so it is only fitting to dedicate this award to him" said Kesz in an interview with GMA News Online.

During his acceptance speech, Kesz likened one of his experiences of maltreatment — being scorched in a pile of garbage — to a "baptism of fire."

"The day I suffered the burns on my body was like my baptism of fire. It was so painful that night at the dumpsite, the hospital and the days that followed. I cried out of pain. On the other hand, that was also the day I was rescued," he said of his ordeal.

"The fire that burned my skin and flesh is the same fire that started a flame in my soul. A flame that would warm cold hearts, a flame that would shed light to the path of the lost, a flame that would spark hope, lighting an entire sea of darkness and desperation. Mr. Harnin, the father I look up to, taught me these principles and keeps on reminding me daily by his own life's example," he added.

Kesz is the first southeast Asian to receive the International Children's Peace Prize. He was also the youngest among the three finalists nominated for the recognition.

The two others were Amina,15, of Ghana and Anwara,16, of the West Bengal region of India.

Amina fights for the right of children to go to school and receive an education. Anwara prevents the trafficking and early marriages of girls in her community.

Kesz, on the other hand, leads street children to better health by demonstrating and spreading basic hygiene practice. 

His advocacy to improve their situation started on his seventh birthday, the first one he ever had. Instead of asking for gifts himself, Kesz gave street children what he called "Hope Gifts" -- beautifully-wrapped packages containing basic hygiene products, slippers, clothing and even toys.

From then on, his project called "Championing Community Children" was born and now, he also personally teaches them how to take care of themselves.

"I teach the children how to wash hands properly, brush their teeth daily and bathe regularly. I believe that some of these street children we save will pay the act forward to help champion their own communities," he explained.

Since the launch of his organization, he has helped more than 10, 000 children in his community alone.

KidsRights, the organizer of the International Children's Peace Prize, will pay for Kesz's education and give him a platform for his ideals.

There also comes a 100,000-euro cash prize but Kesz himself will not receive the money. It will go to a project close to his heart.

When asked what he wants to become someday, Kesz confidently replied that he wants to be a doctor. "I want to have a license for what I am doing now for the children," he said.

Nobel Peace Laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu handed Kesz the award symbolized by a sculpture showing a child moving the globe.

Kesz made a promise during his speech that he will not stop in his efforts to fight for the rights of street children and encouraged others to do the same.

"One is never too young to do something to help and meet a need. The simple ways of sharing a meal, a toy, a pair of slippers or a smile, will bring joy," Kesz said.

"My message to all children here and around the globe is: your health is your wealth! To everyone in this hall and to the rest of the world, please remember that every day, 6,000 children die from diseases associated with poor sanitation, poor hygiene and we can do something about it," he asserted.

"Please join me in helping street children achieve better health and better lives. Let us join our properly washed hands and open our hearts to the homeless and the hopeless," he added.

He also left a message of hope to all street children. "Do not lose hope even if you live on the streets. Whoever you are, wherever you are, you can do something to change the world", he said. - VVP, GMA News

Reaksyon:

Ako ay lubos na humanga at patuloy na humahanga sa batang ito. Marahil ay 3 taon lamang ang tanda ko sa kanya. Ngunit ang 3 taong agwat namin ang mas nakapagpaisip sa akin na mas magpursige pa upang makamit ang aking pangarap para sa sarili at sa iba. Biro mo eh sa edad na 7 taong gulang, may pagkukusa na sya na tumulong sa iba. Ako nga na 16 na taong gulang na ngayon, ni minsan ata ay di ito sumagi sa isipan ko. Nakakamanghang isipin na isang Pilipino gaya natin ang nakatanggap ng parangal na ito. Sobrang ipinagmamalaki ko siya. Ipinakikita't ipinamamalas lamang ni Kesz na walang impossible sa taong nagsisikap at nagpupursige. Hindi sukatan at mahalaga ang edad at estado mo sa buhay basta't mula sa puso ang lahat ng iyong gagawin. Walang pangarap na hindi makakamit kung lahat ay magtutulungan. Napag-isip isip ko tuloy na sana naging kasing buti na lamang ako ni Kesz. Dahil dito, sobrang humanga parin ako sa kanya at payuloy na umahanga na kapareho ko ay nais ding maging doktor upang makatulong sa ibang mga nangangailangan. Tiwala ako na matutupad namin ang aming napiling landas na tatahakin at alam ko na kasakasama namin ang Panginoon dito. Wala na akong dapat ikatakot pa dahil nandyan ang Diyos para sa akin at para sa iba na tulad ni Kesz na handang ialay ang sarili para sa iba ng walang hinihinging kapalit. Sana sa panahon ngayon ay makatagpo parin tayo ng katulad ni Kesz. At kung sakaling magtagpo ang landas namin, hindi ko makakalimutang magpasalamat sa kanya dahil isa sya sa nakapagpabago sa akin bilang tao. Isa syang taong positibo at punung-puno ng pag-asa sa buhay. Nawa'y magsilbi sya sa ating lahat na inspirasyon sa buhay na ating tatahakin. At maging sa atin nawa ang kagustuhan ng Diyos.

-This is Mimi, Signing off...

House Bill no. 6069 and Senate Bill no. 3130

OPPOSITION TO HOUSE BILL 6069 AND SENATE BILL NO. 3130

House Bill No. 6069 pertains to, “AN ACT CONVERTING GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS INTO NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL CORPORATIONS PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE, and AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”; while Senate Bill 3130 pertains to, “AN ACT INSTITUTING A CORPORATE RESTRUCTURING PROGRAM FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS, PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

• That the said Bills include among others the corporatization of the 26 retained DOH Hospitals and Medical Centers including the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center;

• That the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center is the only tertiary hospital serving the constituents of two administrative regions of  Region XII and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the City of Cotabato;

• That, Region XII and ARMM are regions where majority of the people are marginalized, and displaced by the continuing armed conflict. The maternal and infant morbidity and mortality are its highest due to poverty and inadequate health care delivery. Cotabato Regional and Medical Center is the only tertiary hospital that serves the poor;

• That, corporatization or privatization of Cotabato Regional and Medical Center, would mean that the government discharge its responsibility of providing health to all and deprive the people of its constitutional right to health care;
• That, depriving the people of Region XII and ARMM of tertiary health services because of high cost is a neglect of the government and would worsen the poor condition of the people;
• That, corporatization of the hospital is a step towards privatization or even a form of privatization. Privatization would mean that the ownership in control public functions is transferred in a whole or in part to a private operator. The primary objective is profit for the owner, among other things and this necessitates an avoidance of customers who cannot pay to maximize between revenues and costs;

• That, engaging in so called Public Private Partnership as the main engine for growth and development denies the poor of their rights to health and financial freedom. It further deprives the employees of the government of their security of tenure and a threat to their employment;
• That, House Bill 6069 and Senate Bill 3130 slowly put patients to coma and killing through overt euthanasia the dedicated and committed hospital employees;

  President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Universal Health Care Program is no different from the previous government’s health policy. “It is a continuation of the International Monetary Fund-World Bank recipes of Health Sector Agenda and the FourMula One for Health. The Universal Health Care program boasts of the Public-Private Partnership Program and the Philippine Health Insurance Program as its two main pillars,” Robert Mendoza, secretary general of Alliance of Health Workers, said. Health groups said Aquino has surpassed its predecessor in its aggressiveness to privatize government hospitals and public health care services under its euphemistic slogan of “Universal Health Care for All.” Mendoza cited the fast tracking of House Bill 6069 or An Act Creating National Government Hospital Corporations filed by Bacolod Rep. Anthony Rolando Golez, Jr., which has been passed by the Committee on Health in the House of Representatives last May 16. The bill proposed to corporatize 26 DOH retained hospitals; among these public hospitals are San Lazaro Hospital, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Veterans Regional Hospital, Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center, Zamboanga City Medical Center among many others. In the Senate, Sen. Franklin Drilon filed Senate Bill 3130 or the National Government Hospital Corporate Restructuring Act, which also has the same content as HB 6069. These are all strongly opposed by progressive groups. Aquino also placed the Philippine Orthopedic Center, San Lazaro Hospital, Research Institute for Tropical Medicine, the Eversley Child Sanitariam in Metro Cebu and 21 more regional hospitals under PPP projects for “modernization and improving of health facilities and services” with the promised return in investment in revenue sharing, lease fees per treatment with diagnostic equipment. “The Aquino government is reneging on its responsibility to adequately provide for public hospitals by reducing subsidy and corporatizing public hospitals. Corporatization of public hospitals is privatization by another name. This will increase the cost of health services and further aggravate the present dismal plight of our poor patients and health workers,” Mendoza said. bulatlat.com

Reaksyon:

Una sa lahat, maganda naman ang panukalang ito ng Pangulo na gawing pribado ang mga ospital sa bansa. Tunay na mapagaganda nga naman nito ang mga dating pasilidad na halos di na magamit pa. Ngunit hindi magandang epekto nito sa nakararami lalo na sa mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Maganda nga ang pasilidad, mahal naman ang singil. Kung ang lahat ay may sapat na kita lamang na sasapat sa pangangailangan ng ating pamilya, wala na sanang magiging problema. Kaso, malayo na ata mangyari itong sinasabi ko. Sa panahon ngayon, baligtad na ang kalagayan ng nakararami. Kung sino pa ang nanay, siya pa ang naghahanap-buhay. At kung sino pa ang tatay, siya pa ang nasa bahay. Ano ba naman yun? Tapos kung sino pa ang nakapagtapos, madalas sila pa ang walang trabaho. At kung sino pa ang walang tinapos, sila pa ang may trabaho. Kung ako ang nasa kalagayan ng mga mahihirap, magpoprotesta rin ako laban sa gobyerno na wag nang ituloy itong pagsasapribado ng ospital. Sa ngayon, wala pa tayong magagawa kundi kumbinsihin ang gobyerno na wag nang ituloy. Pwede rin namang ituloy ito ngunit dapat magarantiya ang nakararami lalo na sa mga mahihirap na may benepisyo at diskwento sila na kapos sa pera na pambayad upang gumanda na ang pasilidad sa ospital habang nakagagamit pa sa magandang serbisyong ito ang lahat ng Pilipino. Huwag sana tayong maging makasarili. Lawakan ang ating pag-iisip at huwag gawing komplikado at 

makitid sa pagdedesisyon. Unahin natin lagi ang kapakanan at ikabubuti ng nakararami upang kapayapaan ang umiral at kaguluhan ay maiwaksi na.

-This is Mimi Signing Off....

May PEACE reign in the World! ^_^

Francisco Nakpil, Isang Simpleng Magsasaka

Ayon sa bulatlat.com, inilalagay sa klasipikasyong "Poor and Landless" ang karamihan sa mga magsasakang ito. Isa na nga rito si G. Francisco Nakpil. Siya ay isa lamang sa ilang bilyong manggagawa ng Hacienda Luisita. Mula sa probinsya ng Tarlac, aabutin ng 100 kilometro segundo hilaga ng Maynila. Malayo ang Tarlac sa Maynila ngunit marami sa mga magsasaka ang nagpupunta pa sa Maynila upang ipaglaban ang kanilang mga karapatan. Parang ang ipinalalabas nito ay sa kanila mismong lugar ay walang makikinig at  tutulong sa kanila. Bukod pa dito, nasa Maynila ang Pangulong P-Noy na anak ng may-ari ng Hacienda Luisita, na maaari nilang mahingan ng tulong. Ang CARP na ipinatupad ng dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino ay tila nagpalala pa ng kalagayan ng mga magsasaka. Umigting pa lalo ang kahirapan na natatamasa ng mga magsasaka. Si Francisco Nakpil, isang trabahador sa plantasyon ng tubo sa Hacienda Luisita, ang pinaka pokus ng Blog na ito. Siya ay manggagawa dito ng 45 taon na. Noong 1989, ipinakilala ng CARP ang SDO (Stock Distribution Options). 7,000 mga manggagawa ang naging "stockholders"ng agro-corporation. Sa loob ng 30 taon, kinakailangang ibigay ng mga may-ari ng HCL ang 32% ng total stocks ng kompanya sa mga magsasakang ito. Ngunit nasunod nga ba ito? Sa nakalipas na 15 taon, ang pang araw-araw na kinikita ni Mang Francisco ay 9 na piso, 1 sako ng bigas buwan buwan, 4,000 pesos na utang pang-edukasyon tuwing Hunyo para sa anak, at taun-taong 3% profit share na nagkakahalagang 2,000 pesos. Ang taun-taon niyang income ay 17,760 o 48.66 pesos araw-araw. Meron ding 240 sq.m na lote. Nakakagulat isipin kung paano sila nakakaraos ng ganoon lamang ang pera nila na nakukuha. Kami nga na kabilang sa middle-class lamang ay may income na 50,000-100,000 pesos kada taon. Ang ibang tao nga ay sobra-sobra pa dito at humihigit pa. Isipin mo pa na ang iba, kumikita sa simpleng pag-upo lamang sa opisina na may aircon, kaunti lang ang ginagawa, may pagkain pa, kumikita ng sobra sobra. Samantalang ang mga magsasaka na ito ay nagpapakahirap magtrabaho habang nasa matinding init ng araw ay makakakuha ng tira-tirang pera lamang na halos wala ka ng maibili. Nakakaiyak at nakakaawa sila lalo na ang kanilang pamilya. Naiisip ko kung pati kaya anak nila nagtatrabaho at nagbabanat na ng buto sa murang edad. Aking masasabi at napagtanto na napaka swerte ko talaga pati na rin kayo dyan na nakatatamasa ng maayos na buhay ngayon. Samantalang sila, nasa mundo pa pero parang hirap ng impyerno na ang nararanasan. Bakit ganoon, kung sino pa ang masisispag at nagsusumikap sa buhay upang makaraos, sila pa ang mga hindi pinapalad. Karamihan sa mga taga-Maynila, tamad at happy-go-lucky lamang. Kaya kung tutuusin, mas maganda pa sa probinsya kaysa sa Maynila kasi dito sa atin sa Maynila, lahat halos ay plastic at walang pagpapahalaga sa kung ano ang meron sa kanila. Mga nilalalang na hindi marunong makuntento sa ibinibigay na mga biyaya ng Diyos sa kanila. Sana naman ay makunsensya na lahat ng mga tao dyan lalo na ang mga may posisyon sa pamahalaan ngunit wala namang ginagawang aksyon para sa mga magsasakang ito na humihingi ng tulong. Sa mga estudyante dyan na walang ginagawang makabuluhan, sana naman matuto tayong maawa sa ating mga magulang na nagtatrabaho upang tayo ay mabigyan ng magandang buhay at mapag-aral tayo sa magandang paaralan o unibersidad. Ang mga anak ng mga magsasakang ito, hindi natatamasa ang edukasyon na karapatan din nila bilang bata. Kaya sana ngayon palang ay magbago na tayo at magsimula ng magandang bukas. Alang-alang nalang sa mga bata sa mga oras na ito na hindi nakakapag-aral, nagtatrabaho upang mabuhay.

Ngayon, sa edad na 62 ni Mang Francisco, siya ay may souvenir na house and lot mula HCL, 20,000 pesos na separation pay, at 2,600 na pension buwan-buwan mula SSS. Ang kanyang retirement ang tumapos sa 3% profit share na nagkakahalagang 2,000 pesos lamang. Ngayon ay wala na siyang lupa na maaari sanag maipamana sa anak at tanging 86 pesos na lamang ang pension na natatanggap niya buwan-buwan. Ang nanitong halaga ay sobrang liit upang matustusan niya ang pangangailangan ng kanyang pamilya. Kaya ang kanyang masasabi sa ating mga Pilipino ay, "Ako ay mahirap, mula noon hanggang ngayon." Sana sa mga salitang ito ay mapagtanto natin ang hirap ng buhay. Sana makaiwan ito ng aral sa ating lahat. Matuto na rin sana tayong magpahalaga sa lahat ng mayroon tayo at makuntento. Huwag na tayong magreklamo pa. Maging masaya nalang sa buhay na tinatamasa natin ngayon habang hindi pa huli ang lahat para sa atin para magbago.

HOPE is in our Hands.....
-This is Mimi, signing off. 

Hacienda Luisita, Ano na ang Nangyari?

Una sa lahat, kami ay nanood ng isang 'Video Clip' ng kalagayan ng mga magsasaka sa Hacienda Luisita. Ito ay talaga namang nakakagulat dahil kaawa-awa ang kalagayan ng mga magsasaka lalo na ang kanilang pamilya. Nakapagtatakang isiping ang Hacienda Luisita ay pag-aari ng pamilyang Cojuangco- Aquino. Ano nang ginawa nila dating Pangulong Corazon Cojuanco Aquino at ginagawa ng Pangulong Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino? Bakit parang wala silang ginagawa patungkol sa agrikultura lalo na sa mga magsasaka na 'Backbone' o gulugod pa naman ng ekonomiya ng bansa. Tila nagbubulag bulagan lamang ang mga politiko lalo na ang pangulo. Nasaksihan namin mula sa napanood kung gaano naging kahirap at patuloy na naghihirap ang mga magsasakang ito. Magpahanggang sa ngayon, wala paring konkretong solusyong nagagawa ang gobyerno at nakatataas na opisyal ng pamahalaan. Para saan pa't merong gobyerno tayo kung di naman natin nararamdaman ang kanilang pagkilos. Ayon sa mga survey at komento ng mga eksperto sa pagtingin ng ekonomiya, mayroon namang nagagawa ang pangulong PNOY ngunit hindi lamang talaga ramdam sapagkat maliit lang ang mga hakbang upang mapansin at maramdaman ng mga mamamayan. Kung baga, kumikilos siya ng patago. Ang napansin ko lamang sa ating pangulo pati sa kanyang pamilya, mahihilig silang mangako ngunit tila lagi itong napapako. Magaling silang magsalita ng matalinhaga at maganda sa lahat hanggang sa puntong napapaikot na ang kanilang mga ulo. Mahigit 500 na magsasaka ang nagpoprotesta sa Korte Suprema upang sila'y panigan patungkol sa reporma at agraryo na nais nilang makamit. Ngunit ngayong si pangulong PNOY ang namumuno, may makikinig pa kaya sa mga kaawa-awang magsasakang ito? Ngunit may isang unibersidad na gumawa ng hakbang at nakinig sa mga magsasaka, at ito ang Saint Benilde- La Salle University. Sila ay nakinig at nais gumawa ng kanilang paraan upang makatulong dahil sila mismo ay nakaranas ng hirap kahit sa ilang araw lamang ng pakikisalamuha at pagtira aa kanilang nayon. Kayo na po ang bahalang humusga.