AUTOMATED ELECTIONS PHILIPPINE-STYLE: GLITCH AND CLAMOR

I had the opportunity to observe the local elections from start to finish for the first time on Monday (13 May 2013) and I share as a way of constructive criticism (I hope) some “commentable,” surely not commendable, scenarios and actions that made the electoral process a bit inconvenient, frustrating, and confusing for some, if not most people, including those who administer the same. 

1. No COMELEC Supervisors/Officers in the Polling Place. Or maybe they were not just that visible. Just the same, the presence of the officers most responsible for this exercise was not felt. People rely on postings, PPCRV volunteers, election “personnel” of political parties and candidates for information and guidance. The Board of Inspectors was also sometimes clueless or could not immediately decide on how to address issues and concerns that crop up during the Election Day. There was no one to enforce COMELEC Rules and therefore violators abound.  

2. Not enough (in numbers and capability) Technical Support Assistance – Considering that automated elections are relatively new in our country, there were not enough numbers of technical people to assist the BEI whenever the PCOS machines encounter problems. Only one person in the BEI is required to have the technical knowhow and it cannot be expected that he or she knows how to troubleshoot in case the machine bogs down. From what I gathered, only one technical support staff was assigned for every five or seven precincts. These IT personnel did not even bother to look distinguishable, much more respectable, as they came to work in plain shirts and shorts. This made me wonder if they were really capable of doing their job. Some could not even determine right away what’s exactly wrong with the erring machine and could not provide immediate and effective solution or alternative, thereby causing too much delay in the process.

 3. Too many PPCRV Volunteers. I admire the cause of the PPCRV and the commitment of its volunteers but their numbers were simply too much. They crowded the polling place and "come and go" inside the precincts like they were free to access them anytime. Some even acted like officers and asked people to leave the premises if they went out of bounds or broke some rules. I am not even sure if these volunteers were adequately briefed about the Rules. Isn’t the PPCRV supposed to be just observers and not enforcers? It could monitor the process and report violations or suspicious acts or events but it could not through its volunteers act as policemen in the precincts.

4. Inadequate Number of Transmitters. Where I was, there were more than 15 precincts but only one (1) transmitter was available for their use. So when the voting ended at 7PM and the BEIs were done processing the votes, they had to wait for hours to be able to transmit the election returns. Additional transmitters were sent only after more than three (3) hours had lapsed from end of voting. Worse, the lone transmitter could not access the three servers as required and so the BEIs had to wait some more hours to completely transmit the returns.
 
5. No Back-Up PCOS Machines. Planning and preparation include providing for contingency measures in case something goes wrong. In the case of the automated elections, this means providing for extra PCOS machines that could substitute for those that were deployed but failed to function properly during actual use. They can be securely stored somewhere near the polling places and be made available at once to avoid delay and inconvenience. There were many reports of PCOS machines refusing to accept ballots not because they were defective but mainly because the machine feeder was not working. A lot of hours were wasted because this problem could not be solved. The BEIs eventually resorted to safekeeping the unread ballots in the meantime after four (or even more) unsuccessful attempts and re-feeding them later when the voting was over using another machine.

6. Gaps in the General Instructions for the BEI. While the Rules are adequate and comprehensive enough to ensure the orderliness and success of the elections, there are still some things that are not clearly laid out for the complete guidance of the BEI. For instance, the BEI does not know how to treat “clean” ballots that could not be cast because of the technical issue with the machine as mentioned above. Some even dangerously considered them already as defective ballots when clearly they were not. It is not also sufficiently clear whether the election returns for the dominant parties and others can already be distributed before the transmittal of the ERs. Some already gave them out from the first 8 copies of the ERs, while others wait for the 22 copies to be printed out.  Also, does the transmittal of the ERs have to be made using all three servers or just using any one of them would suffice?

These are not really criticisms that serve to fault anyone for the inadequacies or failures in the elections, but merely observations that can be treated as suggestions for improvement the next time around. I may be wrong in some of these or misconstrued some things I observed, but I think this is worth sharing to contribute in a little way to improving the way our elections are conducted to make them not only a meaningful but also a pleasurable exercise of our civic rights. And in spite of this and the not-so-deserving winning candidates in some local and national positions, I believe we all have done our part to make the 2013 Elections a success.

 

(Photo from http://ph.news.yahoo.com/violence-summarize-taguig-polls-134923567.html)

Salamat

I doubted myself but i never doubted God would give me what i deserve.

To this great, wonderful blessing from Him... To all the people (family, friends, mentors) who stood behind, beside, in front of me... To the solid support of the UP Alpha Phi Beta Fraternity (you are the best, Brods)... I am truly grateful. Ang pangarap ko po ay maging Abogado Para sa Bayan. Ito ay hindi makakamit at magtatapos sa yugtong ito, bagkus ay magsisimula pa lamang. I hope you all stay with me and will still pray for me (a la Pope Francis... Hehe).

Maraming Salamat! :)

CALL ME MAYBE (A FOOL), BUT HERE'S WHY I THINK OKC STILL HAS A CHANCE TO BEAT MIAMI IN THE NBA FINALS DESPITE TRAILING 1-3

1. They've already tasted every kind of defeat (trailing big and falling short, leading big and eventually losing, close margin); enough for them to know how to handle every situation by now. 

2. Harden has yet to show up in the series. The beard man can play, just out of focus with big defensive assignments thrown at him. But he is expected to explode soon.

3. Durant and Westbrook can score at will. The other guys should just do their part with less errors. 

4. OKC will have last two home games. A win in Game 5 will re-energize them going back home. 

5. OKC will be giving it all every game henceforth being on edge of  Series defeat.

6. And finally... remember that OKC defeated the Spurs four-straight to get into the Finals. They just need to win three-straight this time.

Pagtatapos

Ang mga guro at administrador ng eskwelahan ay tumatayong pangalawang magulang ng mga estudyante. Kinikilala ito ng batas na nagbigay ng karapatan sa mga guro at administrador na magabayan ang kanilang mga estudyante. Kaakibat din nito ang responsibilidad bilang kahaliling magulang o "substitute parent." Subalit ang tungkulin pong ito ay epektibo lamang sa loob ng eskwelahan o sa anumang gawain na may kinalaman sa pag-aaral dito. Sa labas ng eskwelahan o pag-i-iskwela ay ang mga magulang na po ang tanging may responsibilidad sa anumang gawin ng kanilang mga anak.  

Kamakailan ay naging laman ng balita ang ginawang pagbabawal ng isang paaralan sa Cebu City na makadalo sa graduation ang ilang mga estudyante sa kadahilanang nagpakita ang mga ito ng larawan sa social network site na Facebook nang nakasuot diumano ng bikini, na itinuturing na paglabag sa patakaran ng paaralan. Ano po bang masama sa pagsusuot ng bikini? Ginawa po ba ito sa malaswang paraan o pakay? May pangalan po ba o tatak ng eskwelahan sa bikining sinuot? Ito po ba ay isinuot habang nasa klase o gawaing pampaaralan?

Nag-bikini lang naman sila. Nung linuwal sila sa mundo ay wala ngang suot na damit ang mga batang yan. Wala pong nakakahiya doon. Kayo pong namamahala ng eskwelahan ang nagbigay ng kahihiyan sa mga bata sa pagpapalaki ng isyung ito. At kung mayroon mang masamang naidulot ang mga larawang ito, hayaan ninyong ang kanilang mga magulang na mismo ang magbigay ng kaukulang parusa sa kanila.

Sa aking palagay ay pagmamalabis sa kanilang katungkulan ang ginawa ng mga namumuno ng Saint Theresa's College. Hindi katanggap-tanggap ang naging pasya ng paaralan, lalo pa't sinaway nito ang utos ng hukuman na padaluhin ang mga estudyante sa graduation. Nalabag ang karapatan ng mga estudyante na maging bahagi ng graduation na kanila namang nakamit dahil sa pagtitiyagang mag-aral. Ito po ay hindi pribileheyo na maaring bawiin ng paraalan sapagkat ang kapalit nito ay ang pagbabayad ng taon-taong tuition sa pag-aaral. 

Mahalaga sa buhay ng estudyante ang graduation. Ngunit hindi sa dahilang ito ay para sa kanila. Ayon sa aking propesor sa School of Law, ang graduation ay handog ng mga estudyante sa mga taong naging susi sa tagumpay nila sa pag-aaral. Ito ay ang mga magulang, kapatid, kamag-anak, kaibigan, maging mga guro na nag-alay ng yaman, pawis, at mga pagsasakripisyo para lamang makatapos sa pag-aaral ang isang estuyante. Ang graduation ay simbolo ng natatanging pagkilala ng mga estudyante sa kanila.

Nararapat bang ipagkait ito sa mga estudyante nang dahil lamang sa isang simpleng paglabag sa patakaran ng paaralan kung paglabag man itong maituturing? OA nyo mga teh!  

 -- 

*photo from http://lake.k12.fl.us/erh/lib/erh/Images/graduation1.jpg

Jakarta at First Sight

So much has been said online about Jakarta being very much similar to the Manila landscape – the traffic, the pollution, the crowded streets, the dangers lurking everywhere. A day spent in the heart of Jakarta, however, can change all that negative perceptions and leave you wanting to discover more about this fascinating city.

Soekarno-Hatta Airport

Jakarta visitors arrive at the Soekarno-Hatta Airport. It is a sprawling complex with various terminals servicing domestic and international flights. The airport is not as fancy as in Singapore or in Hong Kong but it is well-maintained and it projects the culture of Indonesia as can be gleaned from its interior designs.

After passing through immigration, bags are no longer checked unless you have something to declare at the Customs Section so you should immediately secure your checked-in baggage. What will greet you after passing through the Customs Section is a line of money changer booths. The value of the Rupiah is very low that you become a millionaire in Indonesia with just PhP5,000 in hand. The exchange rate in the airport, of course, is a bit low so exchange only what you will spend for the taxi or the bus going to your city destination.

At the end of the arrival area, you will be greeted by transport services offering exclusive transfer to the city. Their rate, of course, is quite steep so just head straight out and look for a standard taxi if you want to save on thousands of Rupiah. As you may have been advised, ride only in a Bluebird Taxi to be safe. But if there is no such taxi, you can try other taxi services. Just make sure that you agree with the driver about the fare before boarding the taxi. My destination was Central Jakarta and I was charged 150,000 Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), that’s roughly PhP750, for the taxi. You can also try the bus which charges around 20,000 IDR if you are in no rush.    

Heading to the City

I arrived in Jakarta on a Saturday afternoon in July 2010 and weather was warm as it usually is. A long stretch of highway separates the Soekarno-Hatta airport and the heart of the city. Right-hand traffic is observed and the roads are wide enough to keep vehicles moving. The driver of the taxi I hired spoke very little English but what’s important was he knew the location of my hotel and I arrived there safely in less than 30 minutes. It helps that you know the exact address of your hotel. 

                                                  The Grand Indonesia Mall can be seen from the window of
                                                  my hotel room

Accommodation

Central Jakarta is quite similar to Makati City where tall buildings and posh establishments are located. Hotel rooms are expensive in the area but I managed to find a relatively small but decent accommodation at a very good price of 250,000 IDR or roughly PhP1,200 per night. (see http://www.studio-one.co.id/) But if budget is not your concern (lucky you), check out the hotels along Jalan M.H. Thamrin such as Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Nikko, Pan Pacific, etc. as they are located near the shopping and entertainment hubs.  

As a tip, make sure to book your accommodation in advance through online facilities such as www.booking.com because it is sometimes much cheaper than paying as you walk in to the hotel. Also, check the reviews of the hotels online at www. tripadvisor.com to be sure that you and your hotel will be “compatible.”

Sights and Scenes

As Central Jakarta is foremost a business district, there are not so many tourist attractions in the area. But it has enough interesting places worthy of a visit. What you can’t miss is the National Monument, known locally as Monas, which is a central park where people have picnic, fly kites, play football, jog, ride a bike, and hold food and entertainment festival. At the core of the Monas is an obelisk that stands several hundreds of feet tall. For the culturally-inclined, there are several Museums to be found near Monas. But for those who want shopping and all the modern stuff, Jakarta will not disappoint. Grand Indonesia, for one, is a haven for mall rats with its multi-level and multi-section shopping complex. The stores range from the very high-end to those which offer affordable buys. Just beside it is Plaza Indonesia, another luxury mall offering great shopping experience.

Food

I never got to really try Indonesian food in Jakarta. But I have seen interesting street food that resemble the “kwek-kwek” and “isaw” that we buy in Manila – fried and colorful. For dinner, I went to Kenny Rogers at Grand Indonesia and ordered soup and pasta. I actually looked around, not to find a particular food, but to find a restaurant with free wifi access and it turned out to be that place. After dinner, I headed to a nearby 7-11 outlet to buy local beer and junk food for my night cap. 

Transportation

The malls and commercial establishments were just within walking-distance from my hotel, so I did not have to use public transport. I have seen people offering backrides on motorcycles for a fee. I don’t know how much they charge though. There are also small, old vans/buses plying the street. There are taxis, of course, and big air-conditioned buses that take passengers from stations at the center island of the avenue. The train, meanwhile, is ground-level and does not pass through the main avenue of Central Jakarta.

People

(to be continued...)

Personality Complex Case #3

 

He was crowned King even before he gets a throne. For all his talent as an athlete, he deserves the accolade. But he ain’t got the attitude to truly become one. For a King, it is said, must be both loved and feared.

LeBron James was a “marked man” even before he came to the NBA. He was a dominating High School player in Akron, Ohio. He was too big and too skillful for his contemporaries. He was a phenom by sports standards and quickly made headlines catching the eyes of not only collegiate and pro basketball teams but also international sports brands such as Nike. He was seen as a good investment in and out of the court – apparently dubbed as the next Michael Jordan, who exudes an aura of greatness.

Alas, he was top pick by Cleveland, a team desperate for victories, much more a championship. He never disappointed in his pro debut. He grew better and stronger after every season. He is the best as others proclaim because like Mike, he can slash through, soar, and score. Like Mike, he can grind, pound, and rebound. Like Mike, he can wow and make opponents vow.

The comparison with MJ, however, stops right there – for he was good only while he is winning, not when he is failing. He refused to shake hands in defeat. He believes too much in himself yet loses himself when it matters the most. He does not acknowledge his shortcomings. He knows no loyalty and would rather take a short cut to his goal than achieve it through hardship.

No wonder he is more hated than adored by many. That critics see more of his weakness as a person than his strength as an athlete. It is because he is bent on proving others wrong rather than making himself right. It was our fault we made him believe he is King.

He will someday eventually get what he aspires for through sheer skill and with the right company – a championship.

But until he changes from within, he cannot attain the price of ultimate glory – respect.

--

Image taken from:

http://www.faniq.com/blog/LeBron-James-And-The-Cavs-Play-Tonight-Nightly-Wrap-Up-Blog-24156

Rx for RH: Change of Perspective

IT IS said and it is a fact that our country does not lack on laws that protect our rights and interests as individuals and citizens of a State. It even seems we have so many; with some laws covering trivial matters and some having little or no significant contribution at all to our development. Still, there is a need for new legislation as our laws need to keep up with the evolving times and heed the demands of a changing society.

Spawning a great debate in and out of the House of Representatives is the proposed Reproductive Health Bill. This House Bill No. 4244 is an Act providing for a national policy on reproductive health, responsible parenthood and population and development as its formal title suggests.

The RH Bill, as the proposed legislation is popularly known, is in consonance with what the Constitution espouses – protecting the life of the mother and the unborn from conception, development of the family, the right to health, and liberty of choice. The Bill intends to serve not only the welfare of women, but also of men as part of the family. It also seeks to strengthen society by providing aid in family planning to ensure sustainable development.

A “touchy" issue, however, threatens to tear the Bill apart with the Catholic Church branding the Bill as “Anti-Life” because it promotes the use of contraceptives as a family-planning method. The Church sees the Bill as a population-control mechanism that goes against its “Pro-Life” doctrine.

The Church tends to focus on its main enemy – the contraceptives – and lose sight of the overall picture that offers a solution to a huge yet often ignored "illness" that plague most Filipino families, especially the poor. The Bill does not impose the use of contraceptives but rather gives information and guidance on the options available so that one can discern properly what control method to use. We cannot speak well of reproductive health, responsible parenthood, and population development if we turn our blind side to some already existing things that could have an impact on these concerns.

There is nothing in the Bill that is immoral either. Morality has always been the basis of our laws. Morality here is not the standards of any particular religion, but what is naturally right and proper. The proliferation of contraceptives in the market is an indication that they are not perceived by the public as a natural evil that society must get rid of.

It is also impossible to think that the Bill would endanger or kill our population. The Bill is neither about creating nor destroying life. It is about “health” that sustains life – health of the women who carry life in their wombs; health of the families that provide children with a better life in the future; and health of a nation that ensures greater opportunities for all in every aspect of life. And in this regard, we can trust our lawmakers to represent our best interest.

To put a clamp on what could be the most sensible law to be ever crafted by our legislators in years would move us further back in time. We need a change of perspective from our old views. Our world constantly evolves and we cannot afford to stay stuck in our belief, when everything that surrounds us tells otherwise. Our laws must cope, and so should we.

--
Image taken from: http://www.chikkadora.com/the-rh-bill-battle-escalates/

The Law Student's New Year's Wish List*

THE COMING of the New Year brings people a lot of positive vibes and

energy. Suddenly, people can forget about the awful things that happened in the previous year and become really hopeful that the New Year will be much kinder to them.

To reinforce this sense of rebirth, people make a list of their New Year’s resolution and wishes. Though often this turns out to be a meaningless exercise because most of the items in the list are either too ambitious or too imagined, still it evokes inspiration for them to do better this time around.

Law students are not immune to this practice. In fact, they are the type who - year in

and year out - would always gripe and wish some miracles would happen to make their

life in law school less miserable.

So let us dig into the minds of law students and list down what they could possibly wish or resolve to have this New Year. As a caveat, the list below is merely a thought product though it can also be taken seriously.

Let us count it down like we do in the song “12 Days of Christmas”.

12. An iPad that can be borrowed or rented from the Library

The iPad is fast-becoming a must-have. The convenience it offers, most especially for students, cannot be ignored. We can have all the information we need in our hands with this device. It is pricey yes and we can’t afford it, but if we can borrow or rent one in the school library - that would be the coolest thing ever.

11. A Download and Upload Station for data and images

The idea is to have a repository of relevant electronic data and images that students can access anytime. This would mean less paper, less spending on photocopies, and less bulk to carry. This would also encourage sharing of files among students, virus included.

10. An electronic law book that can recite provisions in sing-song fashion

Isn’t it a wonder how we can memorize song lyrics in no time while a single codal provision we have been reading many times over cannot be retained in our head? So to make it easy for students, inventors should come up with a law book that does not only contain written words but can also sing them with an upbeat melody. Then we can all sing through and enjoy the recitation.

9. Eyeglasses with a see-through feature

Obviously, law students need keen eyes to read books. But we need more than just keen

eyes to save us from a hellish recitation. We need superhero vision to answer the grilling questions of terror professors who impose a close-book policy in class. Eyeglasses that see through book covers (not clothing) would really be helpful, especially if there are no sympathetic classmates near you.

8. Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak

We all have our share of embarrassing moments in class - those times when we just want to disappear from the world for a while. So Harry Potter’s Invisibility Cloak can come in handy if we can import one from Hogwarts. We can also use it to go near the Professors and see what they write in our class cards - to make sure they are not just doodling hearts or cartoon versions of them like we do.

7. A fast-forward remote control

Law is per se a boring subject. It is only when we inject facts to it and analyze its application that it becomes interesting. Still, a Professor or a classmate can make its study boring all the time. To cure this ennui attack, a remote control with fast-forward option should be devised akin to Adam Sandler’s in Click sans the ageing effect. This could save us daydreams and drools.

6. A seatmate with an on/off button

When the going gets tough in class, it is nice to have a seatmate to talk to. Someone who we can vent our frustrations to, elicit sympathy from, or gossip with. But there comes a time when a seatmate over-reacts or gets overexcited and starts to speak non-sense that it becomes an irritation. We will then wish we can turn on and off our seatmates for our selfish convenience.

5. A lecture-inducing tablet for Professors

How many times have we prayed that the Professor would come in late, realize he or she does not have enough time to cover the topics for the day, and just decide to give a

lecture in class so there will be no recitation? And how many times have that prayer been answered? Then imagine if we can just make an over-the-counter purchase of a quick-dissolving tablet that would induce a Professor to give a lecture. Isn’t it that they love bringing cups of coffee or whatever in class? Perfect.

4. “Lying In” Clinic

No, this is not the one for child birth services but one for students who cram for exams or recitations that they do not have time to eat, go home, or take care of themselves. They would just check themselves in at the clinic and have themselves inserted with needles for intravenous fluids. Presto! You can now study all you want without much disturbance. Bring in a nurse and the whole experience can be really amazing.

3. A full-time personal stylist

We have heard complaints of a dearth of beauties and hunks in law school. These are, however, not matter-of-fact statements but are simply made out of frustration because law students do not have time to groom themselves. So eye bags would accumulate, hairs tangle, shoulders slump due to weariness, and pimples break out after burning the midnight oil. Solution: Have a personal stylist in school to make sure you appear pleasing even if not. Go ask our President for its benefits.

2. An in-school entertainment and social lounge

Who says law students do not know how to have fun and socialize? We crave for these little rewards after every grueling battle of wits with the Professors. It is just that we need

these entertainment and social lounges to be just nearby or within the school premises because (again) of time constraint. Happy are the students who can party.

1. A Self-Reflection Booth

Finally and on a more serious note, every law school should have a self-reflection booth. This is to help the students realize if they are really meant to become lawyers. The clues often stare at us in the face but we can be blinded by our ambitions. A moment of self-reflection can also give us a boost in our studies if we are failing. Just do not let Boy Abunda in there to help us introspect and we can all go out perfectly sane.

There we go with our complete list. It is up to those who read this and have the power to change the Universe to grant our wishes. They better do so. Else, they will be included in our next New Year’s Wish List. #

* This article I originally wrote for the Arellano Law Gazette January 2011 issue

Graphics lifted from http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blog.newsok.com/fashionmatters/files/2009/01/new-year-image.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blog.newsok.com/fashionmatters/2009/01/01/happy-new-year/&usg=__QnqFkhOHGYukftDSYzqBuYtVekE=&h=2480&w=3508&sz=1138&hl=en&start=2&zoom=1&tbnid=3wTgdFQaNQBfaM:&tbnh=106&tbnw=150&ei=CxVRTbH2KJSecanavOwG&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnew%2Byear%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26sa%3DN%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official%26biw%3D1280%26bih%3D859%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1

Commentspiracy Theory

My Facebook account was just hacked.

I thought so after receiving two separate email messages from Facebook Security that my account would be deleted because of violating the terms of Facebook and that someone from Makati City just logged in my account when I was in Manila that time and was still logged in at Facebook in my iPod Touch.

The first Facebook Security email did not elaborate the violation I committed. Nevertheless, I skimmed through the Facebook terms and conditions and found nothing I could possibly violate.

The second email instructed me to click a link if I was not the person who logged in at Makati City. So I did click the link which brought me to a window where I was asked to change my password, including that of the email account I use to log in at Facebook.

Upon doing so, however, my account could no longer be accessed using the new password. The Facebook log in page says the email I use was already removed from my account. And I thought only my password would be changed. But I remember from a window that opened before I changed my password that my account would be temporarily suspended because of possible "hacking" activity.

What's more puzzling is the emails I received from Facebook suddenly were gone in my inbox and were nowhere to be found even in the trash bin. I don't remember deleting them as I also received a third with a code to be used if I log in with my new password.

So my Facebook account is now up somewhere in the air beyond my access. I was told my page had a big "X" superimposed on it at first. Now the X is gone and a different, unknown email -- jiosafs@yahoo.com -- is displayed as the one I use (check my Facebook Badge on the right side of this blog to see it). I am a bit worried that my account would be used for some "evil" purpose or that it is being "played with."

Incidentally, this happened after I made a comment about the movie Social Network as a story about the "greed" in Facebook. But I did add: "... if what the movie portrays is accurate" to be fair. That was my last comment before the alleged "hacking" took place.

Could Mark Zuckerberg or anyone at Facebook be behind this then? Or is it me just getting carried away by the movie and being paranoid?

I read in the Wikipedia entry about Zuckerberg that he clearly thinks of himself as a hacker and he said that "it's OK to break things... to make them better." Now I am doubly paranoid.

Before I even delve deeper into an imaginary Conspiracy Theory, let me just say to whoever "played" with my account that you can gain nothing by doing this except to reaffirm my belief that the internet is really not a safe place to "put" ourselves into. It simply cannot be trusted because it is a human creation and therefore can be broken and torn apart if one who has the capacity and resources really intends to.

Though I can live my life without Facebook, a part of me still wants to have my account back.

But if I can't have it back, then Zuckerberg... I've just become one of your enemies.

Not at all Neutral

The internet can be considered man’s greatest invention since the wheel as it has shrunk the world we move in, revolutionized how we do things, and influenced our perspective on many different aspects of our lives.

All these happened because information can flow freely – without control and discrimination – in the World Wide Web. We all benefit from this set up and have embraced it as the norm. This gave birth to the concept of Network Neutrality, which says that Internet access providers should not discriminate with regard to what applications an individual can use, or the content an individual can upload, download, or interacted with over the network.¹

As the internet technology advances, however, its use has also become complicated and has become a burden to some who depend so much on it for much more important things than downloading games, updating social network accounts, or watching videos of some wanna-be stars. The so-called bandwidth hogs – such as YouTube, Facebook, and file-sharing sites – lord it over in cyberspace to the detriment of other useful internet applications and features.

Hence, Network Neutrality is under attack. Does it still really provide an incentive to internet users?

The advent of Web 2.0 has changed the landscape of internet use. Network Neutrality is well-suited in the world before that - when the internet is simply all clicking and browsing. Our standards have to change when the environment has changed.

Network Neutrality curtails the freedom to choose. It promotes a free-for-all world that is vulnerable to chaos and abuse. It is a pseudo-standard that serves the purpose of the internet but defeats the intention of the users.

As in real life, there is no such thing as free lunch in the cyber world. We pay for internet services – so we should get our money’s worth.

1 http://www.cybertelecom.org/ci/neutral.htm

Captured Message

WHAT WOULD you rather have: A phone that cannot send messages or one that can send messages but is open to the prying eyes of the government?

The people of India, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia – countries which are against the use of Blackberry handset’s encrypted messaging – are facing this unenviable dilemma.

On the one hand, these governments are arguing Blackberry’s use of the Research in Motion (RIM) network that boasts of having very strong security architecture is vulnerable to exploitation by terrorists and criminals in their illegal operations. So they want RIM to “open up” or be banned in their countries.

On the other hand, RIM is concerned that giving the government snooping powers would jeopardize business transactions through mobile phones and is an affront to the privacy of Blackberry users. It says it cannot compromise the strict security requirements of its enterprise customers around the world.

I believe these governments are too paranoid and do not know who their real enemies are that they bent their stress and frustrations on things that are indirectly, and probably even remotely, linked to their fears.

This policy of banning Blackberry’s encrypted messaging is too restrictive that it encroaches upon the people’s right to privacy. The use of national security as an issue against the use of secure communications platform is even misplaced and irrelevant because there is no “clear and present danger” in ordinary exchange of messages.

The governments cannot make use of the open line of communications as their intelligence source. They should monitor suspected terrorists or criminals through other means of surveillance and it is only when they have gathered enough evidence that they should be allowed to tap conversations or request decrypting of messages – which are allowed in other countries like the United States with proper court order.

The issue here is not really about Blackberry or RIM. This is an issue on trust.

A government who does not trust its people does not deserve their trust either. Just let the people practice and enjoy their freedom. Let them choose whether they want Blackberry or Nokia; whether they want a classic or a smart phone; whether they want to send messages through secure or unsecured channel.

The government need not spy on people because they will be known by the choices they make.

--  
Reference: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-10866417

Hostage Taken

Bloodbath at Rizal Park
 

WE ARE  put on the international spotlight again for a damning reason: bungling a hostage-taking crisis involving foreign tourists – so bad, so wrong, and so bloody messy.

I don’t know about the Rules of Engagement in this situation but it would not take a five-star general to see the gravity of it and the need to quickly resolve it. This did not involve a bolo-wielding street guy with just one or two hostages. There was a former police officer with an M-16 and perhaps a load of ammunition who could swiftly wipe off all his hostages with a swing of his automatic weapon. He was very much armed and dangerous. Any clear opportunity to contain him should have been taken when his imposed deadline had lapsed and no clear positive resolution was in sight. The snipers should have accomplished their job much earlier. What's the life of one deranged person anyway compared to 22 others and our (already suffering) national image?

A lot of questions have been thrown after the tragedy: Did we send the best negotiator? Who was giving orders? Did the police have full control of the situation?

The answers to all these questions would help us understand what went wrong. I am particularly concerned about the last because I believe everyone contributed to making the situation worse – the police, the media, and the public.

Hostage-takers are desperate in getting attention – that’s what they primarily need in order to sound off their grievances. If we make a hostage situation a media circus, then the hostage-taker thinks he has succeeded in his goal.

The media’s presence in a hostage situation can be a boon or a bane. It depends on how the police are able to control them and not the other way around. The media, for instance, should be kept at a distance from the crime scene and should not get hold of sensitive information that could jeopardize the negotiation.

The “curious” public should also be held off. How a bicycling man was able to get near the bus was indicative of how loose the police cordon was. Those claiming to be relatives and friends of the people involved in the hostage-taking should be restrained from making a scene of their own.

We trusted that our police could guarantee that no life would be lost at the end of the hostage crisis. We had experienced so many of this that we never seemed to have any doubt. They say nothing can go wrong as long as there is negotiation and that there is virtue in patience.

What we did not realize, however, is that sometimes we cannot afford to wait for the end to come, especially when so much is at stake. It is a judgment call - a tough one to make. But we have to, or it will be too late. 

Sorry, pilot error

The recent diaspora of Philippine Airlines (PAL) pilots has caused so much trouble not only for the company but also for the general public. While these pilots have a reason to gripe for receiving lesser salary and compensation than their counterparts in other airlines abroad, it remains their duty to honor their commitment to PAL and much more to the company’s clients whose life or business may be at stake every time they book a flight with the airline. So much so that this has become such a big issue even if there are alternative airlines or means of transportation available to the public.

The root of the problem was probably the failure to communicate. PAL has a labor union and it should have done something if the pilots have issues to be brought up to the management. As no smoke ever came out of PAL’s chambers before the incident, it means there were no issues at all to settle. Hence, it is just a matter of the pilots not being able to communicate what they want or what they think they deserve to PAL's decision-makers.   

Or maybe the temptation to change ship, or plane to be more appropriate, was too irresistible. In this case, partly to blame are the other airlines that dangle golden offers to pilots still under contract with their companies. This is piracy and it should be dealt with harshly by the industry’s international regulatory body.

No matter where we look at it, however, the pilots have made a huge personal gamble in their decision to just suddenly discontinue their service to PAL. They may have every right to take off and seek for a greener pasture elsewhere. But recklessly abandoning their duty is totally uncalled for, only making them soar to the height of irresponsibility.

Cup of Life

Ask me to name a player in each of the teams which made it to the 2010 World Cup and you will most probably get a blank stare. Frankly, I know only a few international football players and all of them are the really well-knowns. Heck, I can’t even name all the countries who qualified at South Africa.

I am just one of the many Filipinos who were smitten by the World Cup because of its prestige and the unutterable passion that goes with it – from the players down to the fans. But I do not embrace everything football. The World Cup is the only football tournament I got interested in ever since I caught a match on TV in 1998 when it was held in France.

I have no particular team as a favorite. I admired France’s tenacity when Zidane was still playing. Brazil is good at its worst but I don’t usually root for perennial winners. Of course I dream of seeing the Philippines compete in the World Cup but since it would probably remain as it is – a dream – for a long time, I would just cheer for Asian teams that take the battlefield against the mighty Europeans and Latin Americans. This year, I have my eyes on Spain since my sentimental choice France and the three Asian squads got booted early.

So what’s exciting in a game that is played for a grueling 90 minutes on a 130-yard field by 22 frantic men who use every part of their body but their hands to snitch and kick the ball into the goal but sometimes ends up with no score at all?

I cannot even try to give a decent answer but it would suffice to say that the thrill is in the waiting for that beauty of a goal which comes not so very often in a game. This sheer moment gives the euphoria of triumph – no matter how fleeting – that transcends from the field to its boundaries and to every single soul in the stadium who anticipates the goal. People spent so much of their time and energy to be there when that moment happens. Their passion to the sport is without equal they sometimes are willing to put their lives at risk even outside the gates of the arena.

Sadly, it is a thing that we only see in sports. If we can only have this same drive and enthusiasm on the most important aspects of our lives, then we can achieve more than winning games. I speak of noble pursuits that seem unattainable no matter how our world leaders try – peace, unity, humanity, and prosperity.

Then it dawned on me: What if we take our experience in sports and apply it to achieve these universal goals? How do you like the idea of a Peace Cup, Unity Series, Love Olympics, or Prosperity Bowl?

Imagine countries competing to determine which among them enjoys more peace. Imagine countries engaging in a show of unity. Imagine countries vying to prove they have love. Imagine countries battling to ensure that they prosper. 

What a wonderful world we would have.  

Or maybe I’m just thinking way, way out of the box. 

Blame the World Cup Fever for this.

Signs of the Times

I happened to pass by EDSA recently and noticed a refreshing change in the “scenery”. The bright-pink was gone, in comes the cool-green. Am talking, of course, about the paint job on those ubiquitous fences, urinals, and center-island metal works that the MMDA put up along the highway. I quite agree with the change in color as green is more pleasant to the eyes than (ugh!) pink. If we are promoting environmental consciousness, anyway, we better paint the town green.

When I was about to heap praises for the MMDA for this move, I suddenly saw a familiar “hideous” sign that was changed, but was not changed for the better. I am sure you have seen this before:

I did not particularly like the choice of words in the above billboard. While it may be true, it sounded a bit on the gory side. So with the changes I saw, I thought the billboard would also be improved. But lo and behold! Here’s what I saw:

Not quite what I expected, the message even went above board. I can imagine John Lloyd Cruz blurting out, “Nag-level up ka na!” For heaven’s sake, why can’t they just say: BAWAL TUMAWID DITO (or WALANG TAWIRAN DITO), DELIKADO.

But wait! I thought I was the only one pissed off by these signs. Until I came across this really, really bold statement:

Okay, this last one was obviously a spoof. Not my work, though. But I think this means there will now be at least two persons lining up at the MMDA office to ask for the head of its editor.

Anyone has a guillotine I can borrow?

--
Photos:
http://alizarinred.files.wordpress.com/2009/10/bawal-tumawid-300x214.jpg
http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_l03rc452QB1qa38i6o1_500.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w214/linemonitor/tawid.jpg

Are they smarter than a fifth grader?

Isa na yata sa mga paboritong ipangako ng mga kandidato sa tuwing eleksyon ay ang pagbibigay ng magandang edukasyon para sa lahat. Libre pa nga sana kung nararapat dahil ito daw ang sagot sa kahirapan; ito daw ang susi sa ating pag-unlad.

Nang magtanong naman sa Facebook ang isang naging kandidato kung “Ano ang iyong bibigyang prayoridad kung sakaling ikaw ang maging Presidente?” Sagot ng karamihan ay edukasyon pa din dahil dito umano tayo parating nagkukulang.

Nakakatuwang isipin na halos pare-pareho tayo ng iniisip at pinapahalagahan subalit hindi natin nakikita na maaaring ang inaasahan nating magtataguyod nitong ating gintong layunin ay siya mismong walang sapat na edukasyon para ito ay maisakatuparan.

Ano ang aking pinatutunguhan? Simple lang. Paano mabibigyang halaga ng pamahalaan ang edukasyon kung ni hindi nga ito ginagawang mahigpit na batayan para sa pagpili ng mga magiging pinuno ng ating bansa?

Ang itinatakda lamang ng ating Saligang Batas sa usaping ito ay dapat na maalam bumasa at sumulat ang isang Pilipino upang maging kandidato sa isang posisyon sa gobyerno. Hindi mahalaga kung siya ay nakatapos ng pag-aaral, lalo pa kung ano dapat ang kanyang pinag-aralan. Ang katwiran dito ay dapat pantay-pantay ang karapatan ng lahat na maglayong magsilbing tagapamahala ng bayan.

Subalit hindi ba mas higit na mahalaga sa pang-indibidwal na karapatang ito ang pagbibigay proteksyon sa interes ng lahat, at ng bansa sa kabuuan, sa pamamagitan ng pagtatakda ng mataas na pamantayan sa kwalipikasyon ng sinumang nagnanais na maging pinuno ng sambayanan?

Kung ang mensahero o sekretarya sa isang simpleng opisina ay kinakailangang nakapagtapos man lamang ng high school, bakit hindi ito kinakailangan para sa isang mas mahalagang posisyon bilang halal na opisyal ng gobyerno?

Paano natin itatanim sa isipan ng ating mga anak ang kahalagahan ng edukasyon kung ang ating mga kagawad, kapitan, konsehal, mayor, gobernador, kongresista, senador, o maging presidente ay hindi nakapagtapos ng kanilang pag-aaral o walang sapat na kaalaman?

Hindi ba’t isang malaking kalokohan ang ituring na susi sa tagumpay ang isang bagay na hindi naman natin lubos na pinapahalagahan?

Malaking insulto na ang mga kadalasang nahahalal na mamuno sa ating bansa ay silang kapos sa karunungan. Kung kaya naman hindi natin tuluyang makamit ang pag-unlad bagama’t nababatid natin ang pamamaraan upang ito ay maabot at maisakatuparan para sa lahat.

Ang pagiging pinuno ng bayan ay may kaakibat na tungkuling nangagailangan ng kaukulang antas ng karunungan. Nararapat na ang mga mga tagapamahala ay may alam sa pamamahala at ang mga mambabatas ay may alam sa batas at sa paggawa nito.Hindi kailanman magiging sapat ang pagkakaroon lamang ng kakahayang makapagbasa at sumulat para makapamuno maski ng isang maliit na komunidad. Hindi dapat sabihing matututunan din ang mga bagay na iyon kapag ang kandidato ay naluklok na sapagkat hindi lugar ng pagsasanay ang gobyerno. Lalong hindi dapat iasa sa mga tagapayo ang tungkuling gagampanan dahil ito ang kalimitang pinagmumulan ng anomalya at kontrobersiya.

Madalas nating sigaw na ang edukasyon ay karapatan ng mamamayan. Sa ating bawat pagsigaw, nawa’y umalingawngaw na karapatan din nating pamunuan ng mga taong kumakatawan sa kahalagahan ng edukasyon na siyang tunay na magsisilbi at magsasalba sa ating bayan.

--

Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/27652182@N08/2687957034/

Collapse!

What went wrong?

That is the biggest question in the minds of Cleveland fans.

The Cavs did everything it could to ensure at least a trip to the NBA Finals this season. Got in Shaq and then traded for Jamison in the mid-season, but still nothing happened.

One thing: Mike Brown and LeBron James don’t really sync well.

This was obvious after their Game 2 defeat in the series against Boston. Brown sees panic, James disagrees. The coach and his best player are not seeing things on the same level. That is catastrophe.

Brown and James have been together for five years and have been through ups and downs season after season. We could assume they are already very familiar with each other that they would have already acquired that Michael Jordan-Phil Jackson mystique. But no, James seems to refuse to see eye to eye with Brown and has a mind of his own approaching a game.

James has got to realize that a coach still is the crafter of a ballgame. He may be the gem that makes the team sparkle, but it is the coach who must fit him to the rest of the ornament to complete the ring, so to speak. Mike and Phil understood these roles so well they successfully created a basketball dynasty and made themselves legends in the sport. Of course, it did not come easy for both, Chicago had to wait seven years before Jordan could hand them a championship trophy. James eyed the same goal seven years ago when he arrived in Cleveland, but so far he only has his eyes on the trophy and not his hands.

James’ stubbornness eventually did him in. He takes no criticisms and yet cannot prove his critics wrong.

Brown simply cannot control him.

One has to go.

And your guess is as good as mine. 

--

Photos from http://news.yahoo.com/nphotos/slideshow/photo//100514/ids_photos_sp/r1002167348.jpg/ andhttp://d.yimg.com/a/p/rids/20100428/i/r2304191144.jpg

Personality Complex Case #2

He is television’s so-called man of the masses. His career, a storied one, is built on a foundation that he laid through constant proclamation that he cared for the poor. He made them stars of his show. He made them winners. He gave them laughter. He gave them hope. He sings and dances with them. He cries with them.

Everything seems perfect. Until we realize this is, literally and figuratively, all just for a show: Wowowee.

It is not a wonder that people fall into the antics of Willie Revillame. The guy can tickle one’s soft spot and funny bones in one jibe. And though his acting sucks as much as his singing, his real-life drama and controversies ignite interest and cult-like following with the force of Eyjafjallajökull’s explosion.

Call it charisma or plain rapport with his audience, what is certain is Wowowillie has enamored the masses and is really bringing in money for his TV network.

Problem is Willie is drowning in his success. He begins to think he is influential and untouchable. He believes he can do anything and lambast anyone in his show. He threatens those who oppose or criticize him and blackmails the management he serves.

The latest of his silly tantrums (involving Jobert Sucaldito) only confirms what his critics say about him. He knows no boundaries on decency. He does not respect individual rights. He sets the bar for cheap arrogance. Worse, he is a recidivist whose “crimes” are beamed live on satellite TV. A day of fun or a wad of cash giveaways cannot be made an excuse for all of these.

This afternoon delight has clearly turned into a sour day creature. He is no different from the man he endorsed for President recently – they both thrive at the expense of the masses. They claim to feel for the poor yet live the King’s riches. They speak volumes on values yet seem to have nothing on their own.

The Kapamilya Network executives ought to teach this guy a big lesson for the station's and his own sake. Else, his jokes will forever be on them.   

Photo from http://www.lugaluda.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/willie-revillame-will-return-to-wowowee.jpeg

 

An Appeal from a Non-Voter

I confess that I have yet to exercise my right to vote. I have not registered as a voter since I qualified a long time ago. I am not really bothered though, as I know there are a lot of Filipinos who grow old and never voted. We have our own reasons.*

People say those who do not vote have no right to criticize the government. This is like saying those who do not pay taxes will not be allowed to use roads and bridges. It does not follow and this should not be the case. We vote or pay taxes not for our personal benefit, but for the common good. So it does not matter who votes or pays taxes because we all share the fruits, bitter or sweet, of this societal obligation.

I dare say that those who will vote, therefore, have a great responsibility to choose the right person to lead our government. Those who will not must accept the consequence of their non-participation. Nonetheless, those who will not vote can still play a critical role by being advocates of fair, honest, and credible elections or by supporting worthy candidates.

Obviously, the credibility of the coming elections will depend largely on the performance of the PCOS machines. We have been hearing numerous reports about malfunctions in the testing of these machines. If that is an indication of what’s to happen, we can expect the Election Day to be chaotic.

While I am in favor of a computerized election, I still doubt our capacity to implement it in haste and with so much at stake. But since it is already happening, we ought to give our support, be patient, and be vigilant of attempts to sabotage the result of the elections. Let us hope and pray that everyone will cooperate and do their part faithfully, especially the COMELEC.

In choosing the candidates to vote for, I beg everyone to decide with reason, not with passion.

Do not vote for candidates who pretend to be poor, exploit the poor, or give the poor false hopes – these candidates will make us all poor.

Do not vote for candidates who extol themselves for things they are supposed to do or claim personal credit for things their office performed using taxpayers’ money – these candidates are bosses, not leaders.

Do not vote for candidates who once betrayed or rebelled against the government they served – these candidates do not know the value of loyalty and do not trust the rule of law.

Do not vote for candidates who merely bank on a clean reputation – having one does not equate to having competence.

Do not vote for candidates who seek out endorsements – these candidates will have to pay back what they owe sooner or later.

Do not vote for candidates who have been in public service for a long time and yet have never made any significant contribution to helping improve people's lives – these candidates may be the reason why the nation never really progresses.

Do not vote for candidates who are surrounded by unscrupulous people – we may be voting for the people who surround these candidates.  

Do not vote for candidates who change their mind as quickly as they change the company they keep – these candidates are not trustworthy.

Do not vote for candidates who appeal to the emotion – or we might find our lives having lots of twists and turns.

Remember that when one votes, one is voting not only for himself or herself, but also for everyone else, including those who will not vote, those who cannot vote, and even those not yet born at the time you vote.

So please, vote for us... wisely.

--

* I want to register in my hometown in Northern Samar and not in Manila where I actually live. But someday I might just register in Manila. Note: Finally, I registered as a voter in the City of Manila

Photo from http://westinspect.files.wordpress.com/2009/09/philippine-flag-face.jpg?w=300&h=199

LeBron the wonder kid

LeBron James is a wonder kid. He is a wonder on the basketball court and at times he makes us wonder about his erratic perspective of the game he plays.

Remember him not wanting to shake hands after a series loss to Orlando? Well, he gave his reason but nobody bought it, except perhaps his Momma.

Recently, LeBron refuses to see panic after his superb team was trashed by Boston in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals. To think his team was just lucky to escape with a victory in Game 1, yet this young superstar acts like he has every ballgame under control.

While I believe Cleveland has what it takes to win the Championship this year, I said this would depend on James asserting himself more as the leader of the team without trying to impress too much. In the last two games against the Celtics, LeBron is not being that. He does not attack the basket as he used to during the regular season and is focusing too much on making plays for his teammates.

This attitude is baffling considering the talent and power he has. I do not think his injured elbow has anything to do with this. I blame his mindset.

I believe he can make the team win just by his sheer effort. He only needs his teammates to pass the ball to him. It is still teamwork even if James alone would shoot the basket for Cleveland so long as everyone works hard to give that basketball to him. That is, I think, the perfect formula for Cleveland to clinch it all the way this season.

This would only happen if LeBron would stop forcing himself to grow too fast as a basketball player. He has to realize he remains a kid on the basketball court - a kid who would not give up the ball to anyone else, including his teammates, until he makes a shot.

The path to basketball superstardom starts with individual brilliance. To be a basketball god – like Russell, Bird, Johnson, and Jordan – this brilliance should be consistently on display until it reaches a point where the distinction between the individual and his team could no longer be made.

LeBron is rushing to get to that point. But despite what he has achieved so far (two MVP awards and scoring titles) he is still far from achieving that goal if he cannot get his team to win when it matters the most. He has to recognize that he pouring his might going to the basket is the key to Cleveland’s success and not the plays he can create for his teammates.

The time to mature in the game would eventually come, but for now – bad elbow and all – LeBron should just be acting like a selfish kid who badly wants to make that shot again and again and again.

* Photo from http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_clear/4200924467/