Doctors who?

Military presents ‘Morong 43’ in court 

I am not really familiar with the story behind the arrest of these doctors and health workers alleged to be members of the New People's Army but what I can infer based on the events that followed is that they might just be what the military suspects them to be.

If they are indeed legitimate doctors and nurses, immediately their peers would be in the forefront of protests. But I haven't heard or seen doctors defending them or proving their innocence. What I see instead are militants throwing their full support to the arrested group, complete with the usual street march and banners. 

If that isn't telling, see the attached photo (Notice a familiar sign?).

The military will be vindicated on this one. 

Caveat survey

Noynoy, Villar tie for lead

SWS and Pulse Asia are probably grinning from ear to ear on their way to the bank with election surveys being a very hot commodity these days. Whether commissioned or on their own initiative, they get the publicity they want and this converts to zings in the cash register for them.

These surveys are crucial because they can influence the public in their choice of political candidates. Their impact is magnified by the media when they put them in the front pages and interpreted them as credible indicators of winnability. As a result, candidates try their “stupid” best (e.g., Mar on padyak, Villar dancing, Noynoy rapping, Erap daydreaming) to polish their public image in order to improve their survey ratings. A more alarming consequence is that people are swayed to change their preference just because their candidate does not figure well in surveys.

There is really nothing wrong with surveys. Organizations usually conduct surveys to evaluate something or to know how something is perceived. The integrity of surveys is anchored in their being research-based and scientifically or mathematically calculated. Of great concern though is the likely arbitrariness or errors in the collection of raw data that may betray the results. Regardless, surveys are harmless in so far as these are used for private purposes.

If the subject of a survey is of public interest, however, it becomes a sensitive matter especially when it is fed to the media. In this case, stricter reporting guidelines should be observed. For instance, there should be a certain caveat that the survey is not reflective of the real state of things. How the results were arrived at should also be explained well. Another is that survey results should not be published at a time when people are about to make major decisions such as near or on the day of the elections.

These suggestions would help the public make an intelligent choice in voting for a candidate. It should not matter whether a candidate lags in the poll or not. In making very important decisions, we should not be influenced by mere perception – which is what surveys merely offer.

Be warned.

Eating Dis-Order

A classmate in Intellectual Property Law class wondered if one can register “Kahit Saan” as a name for a restaurant. The idea obviously came to mind because Filipinos would typically answer this phrase when asked where they want to eat.

Literally, “kahit saan” means any place will do. The intended meaning, however, could vary. Most of the time, though, this could be interpreted as: “Go ahead make the decision, but not the same old diner please.”

One brave soul usually suggests a particular place and it is either met with excited ayes or awkward silence. Often, the first suggestion would prevail amid the silent reluctance of some and the clueless obedience of others.

But we all know the predicament does not end there. After finally deciding where to eat, the next important question is what to eat? Again, the generic Pinoy retort is “Kahit ano.” What “kahit ano” specifically means will be known after the order is made and none of the food served is what one really likes to eat.

Hay, Pinoy nga naman.

So unless and until someone actually names a restaurant as “Kahit Saan” that serves “Kahit Ano,” mealtime will always be this baffling for Filipinos.