Much More Time, Much Less Accomplished
July 25, 2009 by Jay Filed under Blog -->
By Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva
Today, with another State of the Nation Address to be delivered in a little over 24 hours, the nation is once again led to look back to the now more than eight and a half years – 8 years, 6 months and 6 days or 3,109 days, to be exact – under the leadership of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who, with the exception of Ferdinand Marcos, has occupied the highest office of the land far longer than any other president of the country.
This, as every Filipino knows, is much more than what our hallowed Constitution would normally allow for the leader of our nation.
Madame Arroyo has had much more time and opportunity to use the tremendous powers of the Presidency to uplift the lives of 92 million Filipinos.
She has had much more time and opportunity to fight the scourge of poverty among our people, meet every Filipino family’s basic needs, steer and set on a more stable course the country’s socio-economic-political development and inspire hope in our children and youth for a bright and meaningful future.
She has had much more time and opportunity to bridge age-old divisions plaguing Philippine society, to rally the nation behind one shared vision of prosperity and sustainable development, and to make Filipinos proud of their race, their cultural heritage, and their inherent excellence.
She had much more time and opportunity to strengthen our institutions of governance, restore Filipinos’ trust in their government and public servants, and make the government truly a government of the people, by the people and for the people, serving the common good.
Yes, she has had much more time – well beyond the six years our current Constitution gives a Philippine President. She has stayed that long not out of the will of the wide majority of the Filipino people, but out of her own desire and devious machinations.
Now, there are unmistakable indications that she is determined to grab for herself even more time than she has already had and regularly allotted by the Constitution.
The natural question to ask is: What has she done all of this time to justify inflicting herself and her minions on all of us for even more time to come? What would justify her staying one minute more in power beyond noon of June 30, 2010?
Anong kabutihan ba ang kaniyang nagawa na magbibigay katwiran na ipagpilitan pa rin niya at ng kanyang mga kampon na manatili pa nang lalong matagal sa kapangyarihan?
What even justifies her having had much more time already than any other President this country has ever had other than her seeming inspiration and role model, the deposed dictator Marcos?
Sa anong katwiran maipagtatanggol na nagkaroon siya ng higit na mahabang panahon ng pamumuno kaysa lahat ng iba nating mga naging pangulo, maliban sa napatalsik na diktador na si Marcos?
Five QuestionsThis is a question not to be answered with glowing statistics of economic growth or similar aggregate indicators. Wala po sa magagandang statistics na pinangangalandakan ng Malakanyang ang sagot sa katanungang iyan.
Ang dapat sumagot sa katanungang iyan ay ang mismong taongbayan, base sa karanasan nila sa ilalim ng kasalukuyang administrasyon. It is a question to be answered by people themselves based on actual impacts and outcomes on their lives of the actions of this unpopular government whose existence is determined to end by June 30, 2010.
But it is a question not to be asked of the big businessmen in Makati, or in the affluent enclaves of Cebu, Davao City and other economic centers of the country.
It is a question not to be asked of people in positions of power in the economy, politics or society, or of powerful men in uniform.
Rather, it is a question best answered by the struggling small farmer in the countryside squeezing what he can out of the constantly depleting soil; the trisikad driver plying his punishing daily route; the refugee Mindanao resident constantly on the run from hostilities not of his own making; the common housewife constantly struggling to make ends meet for her family; or the average middle-class wage worker constantly wondering how long her job will last.
And as we ask these true voices of the Filipino people what could possibly justify the much longer time this president has enjoyed over her predecessors, five simple questions are crying out to be answered (which I invite you to think about and answer for yourself):
First: Are you and your family able to provide for your basic needs better now than in 2001, when Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo first ascended to power? Mas natutugunan niyo ba ngayon ang mga pangangailangan niyo at ng inyong pamilya ngayon, kaysa noong 2001 nang unang umupo si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa Malakanyang?
Second: Are you feeling more healthy, safe and secure now than in 2001 in your home, in your neighborhood, and in your general environment? Nararamdaman niyo bang kayo ngayon ay mas malusog, ligtas at may seguridad sa inyong tahanan, komunidad, at buong kapaligiran, kung ikukumpara sa kalagayan niyo noong 2001?
Third: Do have greater trust and respect now than in 2001 for our government and its leaders, and their capability to help uplift your family’s well-being? Mas higit ba ngayon ang inyong tiwala at respeto sa ating pamahalaan at mga pinuno kaysa noong 2001?
Fourth: Do you have better confidence in the future of your children now than in 2001? Mas higit ba ngayon ang kompiyansa niyo sa kinabukasan ng inyong mga anak kaysa noong 2001?
And Fifth: Are you prouder of our country and of being a Filipino now than you were in 2001? Mas maipagmamalaki niyo ba ngayon ang ating bansa at ang inyong pagiging Pilipino, kaysa noong 2001?
Ang sagot po sa mga katanungang ito ng karaniwang Pilipino ang naglalahad ng tunay na kalagayan ng ating bansa. It is the answers to these questions by the ordinary Filipino that describes the true state of the nation.
Basic Needs UnmetMas natutugunan ba ngayon ang mga pangangailangan ng karaniwang pamilyang Pilipino, kaysa noong 2001? Is the average Filipino family better able to provide for their basic needs now than in 2001?
Whether we look at official statistics on human development indicators, or at countless anecdotes that are plentiful around us, we are inevitably led to conclude otherwise.
Government cannot hide the fact that poverty has risen in recent years, as its own statistics say so. The official data tell us that there were more than 4 million more poor Filipinos in 2006 than in 2003, or about 700,000 more poor families. Mahigit apat na milyon po ang naging karagdagang mahirap na Pilipino sa pagitan lamang ng 2003 at 2006, base sa official data ng pamahalaan!
Data also show declining school enrollment rates, rising school drop-out rates, and worsening nutrition among children in many parts of the country. And ironically all this have been happening at a time government was boasting brisk economic growth.
This only tells us that the glowing economic numbers don’t really tell us what we really need to know. What is more illuminating are graphic TV images showing more and more Filipinos driven to eat pagpag – ito po yung tira-tirang pagkain na kinolekta sa mga basurahan ng restaurant, hotel o bahay-bahay, na niluluto ulit para ibenta.
We have also even seen the pathetic sight of our countrymen forced to eat rats and cockroaches – daga at ipis – for lack of anything else to eat.
We have watched how more and more Filipinos are driven to sell their own kidneys and other body organs in the black market. Just a few days ago, columnist Rina David of the Philippine Daily Inquirer wrote of how more and more Filipinos have knowingly or unknowingly entered into sham marriages for the purpose only of providing a legal way for them to donate their kidneys to a foreigner needing their organs. This is after the Department of Health outlawed the open sale of such body parts.
And we all know that more and more Filipinos are constrained, even compelled and driven to leave their families behind and live a lonely life overseas to bear the yoke of often sacrificial jobs abroad, driven by sheer lack of work opportunities within our own shores.
More and more Filipinos are also driven to our uplands and coasts to squeeze an increasingly difficult living out of our denuded mountains and depleting coastal fisheries.
The record speaks for itself: through much of the Arroyo administration, the share of the national budget that went to education and health, and to infrastructure and agriculture, actually went down. It is only recently that these shares have finally moved upward again, but have not even gone back to where they were in 2001. But the damage had been done, and we see it in the human development and poverty statistics.
So again we ask: Is the average Filipino family better off now than in 2001?
Umangat ba ang pamumuhay ng nakararaming masang Pilipino mula nang umupo sa Malakanyang si Ginang Arroyo?
Sa nakikita at nararanasan ng karamihan sa atin, malinaw na ang sagot ay isang mariing HINDI!
Unhealthy, Unsafe & InsecureThe second simple question is: Is the average Filipino family now feeling more healthy, safe and secure than in 2001 in their homes, in their neighborhoods, and in their overall environment? Nararamdaman ba ng karaniwang Pilipino na sila ngayon ay mas malusog, ligtas at may seguridad sa kanilang tahanan, komunidad, at buong kapaligiran, kung ikukumpara sa kalagayan noong 2001?
Paano sila makapagsasabing mas malusog sila ngayon, kung ang presyo ng gamot, dala ng sabwatan ng mga makapangyarihan sa gobyerno at ng mga ganid na drug companies, ay di kayang abutin ng mga hirap nating kababayan, kung sino rin ang mas madaling lapatan ng sakit dahil sa kakulangan ng pagkain at karumihan ng kanilang kapaligiran? Ngayon na nga lamang, kung kailan naka-tiyempo sa SONA, biglang binigyang pansin ang bagay na ito ng Malakanyang. Kung puwede naman palang hatiin sa kalahati ang presyo ng mga mahahalagang gamot tulad ng ipinangangako sa atin ngayon, iisa lamang ang kahulugan nito: Matagal na pala tayong pinagsasamantalahan at nagpapayaman sa iilan, samantalang napakaraming Pilipino na ang naghirap at nangamatay dahil sa hindi makabili ng gamut para sa kanilang karamdaman.
Paano masasabi ng karaniwang Pilipino na sila’y mas ligtas ngayon, kung daan-daan nang kababayan natin ang walang tigil na dinudukot, binubugbog at pinapatay, kahit base sa hinala lamang? Kung patuloy ang paglaganap ng krimen sa ating paligid, kasama na ang bombahan, patayan, kidnapping, holdapan, nakawan at marami pang iba, na sa karamihan ay sumasawa na sa pagreport sa pulisya at maykapangyarihan sapagka’t wala rin naming kinahihinatnan? Paano nga ba kung ang kidnapping, bank robbery at pangingikil sa namngangalakal mismo ay tila ba’y itinuturing nang karaniwang negosyo, at minsa’y paraan pa upang maglikom ng salapi para sa kampanya ng mga pulitiko?
Paano sila makakasagot ng “Oo” sa ating tanong kung nauubos ang ating mga gubat at isda sa ating mga dagat, tumatabang ang ating mga lupa sa kabukiran, nauubos ang kayamanan ng ating biodiversity at iba pang likas-yaman, at patuloy na dumudumi ang ating kapaligiran, pag-usapan man ay hangin, katubigan o ang laganap na basurang di makolekta sa ating paligid?
Governance & InstitutionsDo Filipinos have greater trust and respect now than in 2001 for their government and its leaders, and their capability to help uplift their family’s well-being? Mas tiwala ba tayo ngayon sa ating pamahalaan at sa mga namumuno sa atin?
The result of countless surveys is clear: This government has had the lowest credibility and trust rating on record. The present Malacañang occupant is the least liked and most unpopular President this country has ever had.
And this surprises none of us, considering how Mrs. Arroyo has repeatedly misused and abused the powers of the presidency to gain an iron grip on power – so much so that she now enjoys far greater power within our government than even the popular US President Barack Obama enjoys within the government of the most powerful nation on earth.
It is under the present leadership that our country has attained the shameful distinction of being perceived in reputable international surveys as the most corrupt nation in Asia. Iniiwasan tayo ng mga dayuhang negosyante at dinadala ang kanilang mga investment sa mga bansang nakapaligid sa atin dahil sa talamak na korupsiyon sa ating gobyerno. Sinong negosyante nga ba ang maa-akit tumaya sa Pilipinas kung alam nilang wala pa ni isa sa malalaking corruption scandal na naibunyag sa administrasyong ito ang nalulutas – at lalong higit na wala pang naparurusahan? Nandiyan ang fertilizer scam ni Jocjoc Bolante, ang swine scam ng DA, ang NBN-ZTE at IMPSA scandals, at marami pang iba. Oo nga, may inusig at napakulong na dating Pangulo pero di pa nagtaggal sa pagapela sa Kataas-taasang Hukuman, ay pinatawad at pinalaya ng kasalukuyang Pangulo na tila sinasabing ‘kung sakali mang malasin ako, malitis at makulong ay kadyat ding palayain tulad ng ginawa ko sa dating Pangulo.
How can our people trust a government that keeps penalizing the obedient taxpayers with ever-increasing taxes whenever its funds are running low, while continuing to allow big tax evaders to have their way? Leading economists cite the shameful data that our tax-to-GDP ratio under Arroyo has either declined or stayed stagnant. This ratio is even lower now than it was when she took office in 2001! This, to me, is telling us two things: One, the government has continued to fail miserably in collecting taxes that can potentially be collected. Two, our taxpayers are deliberately and increasingly holding back their tax payments to a government that they utterly do not trust to use their hard earned tax money prudently and properly.
Then there is the issue of the ever growing and ballooning government indebtedness, foreign and local, the servicing or repayment of which has eaten up our annual budget to about 50%. Sa madaling sabi, dahil sa mga utang ng gobyerno, sa labas o loob ng bansa, halos higit sa 50% na nakukolekta ng gobyerno ay napupunta sa pagbabayad ng mga ito keysa sa pagtustos ng pangangailangan ng ating bansa laluna sa edukasyon, pangkalusugan at sa paggawa ng inpras-struktura at iba pa. Ang malala pa, ang inuutang natin na sabi ay upang matustusan ang mga pangangailangan ng ating bansa ay higit na nananakaw at napupunta sa mga bulsa ng mga corrupt sa pamahalaan.
Malacañang and its minions have constantly tested the limits of the law, repeatedly taking the shameless approach of violating the law first, and then waiting for the Supreme Court to stop it. Even as the highest court of the land has rebuked it several times by declaring its actions illegal and unconstitutional, this has not stopped the government from taking the same approach over and over. The railroading of the Con-Ass resolution is but the latest example of this approach of violating the law first, and wait for Supreme Court action. Governmental institutions tasked to safeguard and enhance our democracy and fight corruption are being ‘raped’ and made inutile either by servile appointments o pagtatalaga ng mga ‘tuta’ or sheer lack of support of the institution’s decisions (i.e., COMELEC’s Orders to arrest Bidal, etc.). How can Filipinos trust their leaders when they are the first to violate the laws of the land in plain sight for all to see?
Failing Our ChildrenDo Filipinos have better confidence in the future of their children now than in 2001? Mas higit ba ngayon ang kompiyansa natin sa kinabukasan ng ating mga anak kaysa noong 2001?
We often hear it said, and we like to say, that the children and the youth are our hope for a better tomorrow. If the bad habits and misguided ways of our present generation of leaders can no longer be changed in our lifetimes, then let the successor generation be our hope for changing the country.
But can we really rely on that hope if we are not even able to adequately care for and properly model our children? If we have permitted drop-out rates in our schools to rise, enrollment rates to fall, and malnutrition to increase, what hope can be expected? Can we expect the next generation to be better if the older generation is giving them such a bad example – by allowing them to grow up in a culture of violence, of loose morality, of dishonesty, and lack of respect for authority?
Paano tayo makaka-asa sa susunod nating henerasyon para sa pagbabago, kung hinahayaan nating lumaki sila na kapos sa edukasyon at sa kalusugan, at saksi sa laganap na karahasan, korupsiyon at kawalan ng moralidad? Paano natin masesegurong maliwanag ang kanilang kinabukasan kung pinababayaan nating mawaldas ang ating likas-yamang kagubatan, palaisdaan, mga minerals, at ang ating biodiversity na kinikilalang isa sa pinakamayaman sa buong daigdig?
For the sake of our country’s survival and future, and the welfare of our children and their children to come, we need to change our wicked and wasteful ways. And this change must begin in all of us, but especially in those entrusted to lead us by their examples.
Our Damaged PrideFinally, are we prouder of our country and of being a Filipino now than we were in 2001? Mas maipagmamalaki ba natin ngayon ang ating bansa at ang ating pagiging Pilipino, kaysa noong 2001?
Our pride in our own country should not merely come from the successes of a world champion boxer, nor internationally acclaimed entertainers but from our collective achievements and successes as a people. Ang karangalan nating mga Pilipino ay di lamang dapat manggaling sa tagumpay ng isang world champion na boksingero, o magagaling na mga mangaawit at entertainers, kung hindi sa sama-sama nating tagumpay bilang mga mamamayang Pilipino.
There is much, fortunately, that we can be proud of, with no thanks to our national leadership. We have shown that Filipinos are inherently a caring people. We see this with the millions of our overseas countrymen making a living out of loving, caring for and meeting the needs of others they serve in foreign lands. We see this in Filipinos here at home demonstrating caring and sharing in concrete ways as in initiatives like Gawad Kalinga, Operation Compassion, Habitat for Humanity, Purpose Driven Ministries and many others.
We have also constantly shown that Filipinos are a resilient and hardworking people. We do not only endure hardship and suffering, but even find grace and humor in them. Our workers are sought-after wherever they go, because others know the Filipino worker can be relied upon. And we have also constantly reaped admiration for being a God-fearing and God-loving people, and as the only Christian nation in our part of the world, we are increasingly assuming God’s anointed role of bringing his Word to the far corners of the earth. There is, indeed, so much we can be proud of.
But it is hard to be proud of our country when our very leaders manifest the worst of the Filipino and earn for us the image of a nation that is corrupt, impoverished and perennially dependent on and seeking favor with our former colonial masters. It is hard to be proud of our country when our own President is constantly traveling to foreign lands with dozens, sometimes hundreds of politicians clinging to her skirt, inviting questions about how the leaders of a small poor country such as ours can have the gall to spend taxpayers’ money so recklessly and extravagantly. And it is hard to be proud of our country when millions of our people, due to government neglect, have to be driven abroad to seek lowly jobs that many are overqualified for – even as we can be proud of the diligence and dignity that our OFWs bring into their work in foreign lands.
My fellow Filipinos:
In the end, the true state of our nation today is mirrored in the lives of the multitude of Filipinos all over our 7,100 islands.
Let us ask ourselves: Is the image we see in that mirror one of a better life than we had in 2001, when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo first ascended to the presidency?
If our answer is No, as I believe most of us would reply, then it is time that we take a more active role as Filipino citizens, and as children of God, in seizing our destinies and shaping our nation’s future according to what God has always had in store for us as His anointed people.
Sa pagtutulung-tulungan natin, pinatibay ng malalim na pananampalataya natin kay Hesus na ating Panginoon, ipagbunyi natin ang patuloy nating pananalig na Babangon ang Bagong Pilipinas!
“Righteousness exalts a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” – Proverbs 14:34
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Honest OFW receives Ulirang Bagong Pilipino Award from Bro. Eddie Villanueva
Honest OFW receives Ulirang Bagong Pilipino Award from Bro. Eddie Villanueva
Movement for good governance Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement today honored Overseas Filipino Worker Mildred Perez, who returned P2.1-million she found in a trash bin in Hongkong, calling her as the face of the true Filipino.
Publish Post
Representatives of the zero-corruption movement led by Bro. Eddie Villanueva conferred Perez the Ulirang Bagong Pilipino Award in a simple ceremony held at the Legend Villas in Mandaluyong.
“Her inspiring story has captured the imagination of a generation that is seemingly getting used to the marketing pitch that living a good life simply means seeking personal aggrandizement and serving self-vested interests,” Villanueva said in a short speech prior to the awarding ceremony.
Citing that Perez’s “one act of honesty amidst adversity has not only wowed the world, but it has also validated the innate nobility of Filipinos,” Villanueva issued a strong challenge to the government to do whatever it takes to help Perez win her pending case in Hongkong.
“Mildred’s heartbreaking story must serve as an eye opener for Malacanang! Our Philippine embassies must be serious in doing their job of protecting and promoting the welfare of our abused OFWs worldwide,” he stressed this while explaining that the 38-year-old OFW set an “exemplary example of how we have in our being, as our glorious heritage, the capacity to become pili (chosen) and, pino, (refined) people. Pili-pino tayo. ..Marangal. May dangal. May dignidad.”
Perez, a mother of two, returned a bag containing HK$350,545 or about P2.1-million to its owner despite being jobless and facing financial difficulties at that time. She was scrounging for recyclable materials to sell to support herself while awaiting the resolution of a labor case she filed against her former employer. Under Hongkong laws, foreigners are prevented from seeking employment while they have pending cases in court.
Perez is a member of the BPBPM-Hong Kong and the Jesus Is Lord Church-Hong Kong. She lived at the JIL half-way house in Hongkong when she was still jobless.
“As her family, we at Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement are very proud of Mildred for what she did. But we are more proud because she gives face to the new Filipino – ang Bagong Pilipino – trustworthy and honest,” Villanueva said.
My Street from Apathy to Patriotism
My Street from Apathy to Patriotism
July 24, 2009 by Andoni Valencia Comments (1)
by Andoni L. Valencia
Many people often times ask me why I love the Philippines so much. They ask, “Is there really a cause for loving your country?” Why do you hold on to old dreams that change will still come and is achievable to our beloved country? When obviously looking at the situation of our government, politics, issue on social justice and the current plight of our people shows there is no hope for change or reform?
I always answer them with a big “YES”. Why? Because I believe that change will come if we ourselves would change from apathy towards genuine and radical patriotism. It is human nature not to react unless you are really the one affected. You cannot see the injustice unless you experience it. You cannot feel hunger unless you do not have food. You cannot see the importance of a home unless you experience not having one. And finally you cannot see the importance of patriotism unless you realize the need to do so.
The turning point in my life why I’m like this, from an apathetic, happy go lucky Filipino youth towards a conscientious and patriotic youth came when I had the opportunity to support a man who made a difference in this degenerating nation. He is Bro. Eddie Villanueva who ran last 2004 presidential elections under the Bangon Pilipinas Party. He offered us genuine change thru righteous leadership in government. He advocated that change is achievable if the principles of truth, justice and righteousness are instituted in the Philippine society. He was willing to fight the goliaths under a rotten and bankrupt political system for the sake of God and the future of the Filipino people. Some even say that Bro. Eddie’s cause was like a “suntok sa buwan”. But nevertheless I was deeply inspired by the life of this man from a former political radical activist and Marxist communist during Martial Law, fighting against social injustice and rallied people under the cause of the National Democratic Revolution. Taught economics and finance in PUP and later on as he questioned the legitimacy of the path that he was all along walking on fighting a Godless cause to establish a just and humane society. It led him to the Holy Scriptures. He began to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and started a movement from fifteen college students now about a membership of seven million here in the Philippines and abroad which is now called the Jesus Is Lord Church.
Since 2004 up to now, I have always embraced and advocated the same cause. National change and righteousness is possible if we ourselves turn away from apathy and start opening our eyes to the truth. And the truth is people are hungry, people have no homes, children do not have education, people are dying because of poor health services, the rich is getting richer and the poor is getting poorer, the trend that justice is only for the rich, oppression and exploitation are rampant since time in memoriam. Corruption, immorality, bribery and political instability brought about by the illegitimacy of the current president and her unconscientious allies in government.
I think it is high time that we stand and fight for genuine change in the government. Let us demand it! Make noise about it! As Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” and Jesus Christ also said “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. If the message of Christ’s love be put to practice by all Filipinos what a country we could have, when people are helping one another, feeding one another and having love and compassion for people who are anguishing in abject poverty. Let us not think of our different religious beliefs or political persuasions but rather think of our poor brothers and sisters because Jesus Christ himself fed, loved and chose to be with them. As what Bono of U2 put it “God is with us, if we are with them (poor)”. Love for God and country are inseparable. When you learn to love your country, you love the eighty million plus people in your country.
There have been many instances when I get frustrated with how cruel this government is. And tell myself why care about it? When you can’t get anything in return anyway? But every time I step out of the La Salle campus and see street children begging for food or one peso coin just to augment hunger for the day. It really crushes my heart and my idealism keeps getting stronger and stronger and once again my cause and advocacy for change and righteousness comes back to me. Patriotism is already in my system and I thank God for it.
I call on my fellow political science students, members of the La Sallian community and all Filipinos. Let us take on the cudgels for genuine patriotism. If we want to inherit a corrupt and unjust society then don’t do anything but if you wish to see a transformed nation then we must act now because later could mean too late. Join the wagon for truth, justice and righteousness.
As Dr. Jose Rizal once said that we are the hope of the nation but let me also say that we are not only the hope of the nation but we are the nation and we must take over. We should not be only the hope but we should also be of service to our motherland not tomorrow but now because the future of our generation is the one at stake here. We should learn to take risks because we become stronger thru risks. We should de idealistic, incorruptible and principled patriots. We should be radical nation changers and we should be willing to fight and die for it at all cost.
Let us tell our politicians that we will not allow you to fool us anymore as Abraham Lincoln once said “You cannot fool all of the people all the time”. Let us look up and be inspired with people like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Che Guevara, Martin Luther King, Among Ed Panlilio, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Tony Meloto and many others. For the lives of these men are stories of great conviction to achieve a cause. The former US Secretary of State, George Marshall once said that “Mahatma Gandhi has become the spokesman for the conscience of mankind; he made humility and simple truth more powerful than empires.
We can change the Philippines if we say with faith we can. We could turn this nation around if we truly learn to love this country and stand for what you believe is right. Influence your fellow youth that your stand on what is right and wrong should be as clear as black and white. Let us value honor, our word is our bond. Let us inspire our entire nation to work as one to do great things. Our love for country should be greater than love for one's self and family, and who shall be willing to march into hell so that the Filipinos may have heaven on this planet. Aristotle said that "The salvation of the community (nation) should be the common business of good citizens." And Edmund Burke added that “Evil triumphs because good men do nothing”.
Allow me to end this with words from Bro. Eddie Villanueva “Buhayin natin ang diwa ng pagmamahal sa bansa, at sa karangalan ng lahing Pilipino, Ibangon ang Pilipinas!”
The future of this country lies in our hands. The question is, are you willing to fight for it?
July 24, 2009 by Andoni Valencia Comments (1)
by Andoni L. Valencia
Many people often times ask me why I love the Philippines so much. They ask, “Is there really a cause for loving your country?” Why do you hold on to old dreams that change will still come and is achievable to our beloved country? When obviously looking at the situation of our government, politics, issue on social justice and the current plight of our people shows there is no hope for change or reform?
I always answer them with a big “YES”. Why? Because I believe that change will come if we ourselves would change from apathy towards genuine and radical patriotism. It is human nature not to react unless you are really the one affected. You cannot see the injustice unless you experience it. You cannot feel hunger unless you do not have food. You cannot see the importance of a home unless you experience not having one. And finally you cannot see the importance of patriotism unless you realize the need to do so.
The turning point in my life why I’m like this, from an apathetic, happy go lucky Filipino youth towards a conscientious and patriotic youth came when I had the opportunity to support a man who made a difference in this degenerating nation. He is Bro. Eddie Villanueva who ran last 2004 presidential elections under the Bangon Pilipinas Party. He offered us genuine change thru righteous leadership in government. He advocated that change is achievable if the principles of truth, justice and righteousness are instituted in the Philippine society. He was willing to fight the goliaths under a rotten and bankrupt political system for the sake of God and the future of the Filipino people. Some even say that Bro. Eddie’s cause was like a “suntok sa buwan”. But nevertheless I was deeply inspired by the life of this man from a former political radical activist and Marxist communist during Martial Law, fighting against social injustice and rallied people under the cause of the National Democratic Revolution. Taught economics and finance in PUP and later on as he questioned the legitimacy of the path that he was all along walking on fighting a Godless cause to establish a just and humane society. It led him to the Holy Scriptures. He began to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and started a movement from fifteen college students now about a membership of seven million here in the Philippines and abroad which is now called the Jesus Is Lord Church.
Since 2004 up to now, I have always embraced and advocated the same cause. National change and righteousness is possible if we ourselves turn away from apathy and start opening our eyes to the truth. And the truth is people are hungry, people have no homes, children do not have education, people are dying because of poor health services, the rich is getting richer and the poor is getting poorer, the trend that justice is only for the rich, oppression and exploitation are rampant since time in memoriam. Corruption, immorality, bribery and political instability brought about by the illegitimacy of the current president and her unconscientious allies in government.
I think it is high time that we stand and fight for genuine change in the government. Let us demand it! Make noise about it! As Mahatma Gandhi said “Be the change that you wish to see in the world” and Jesus Christ also said “Love thy neighbor as thyself”. If the message of Christ’s love be put to practice by all Filipinos what a country we could have, when people are helping one another, feeding one another and having love and compassion for people who are anguishing in abject poverty. Let us not think of our different religious beliefs or political persuasions but rather think of our poor brothers and sisters because Jesus Christ himself fed, loved and chose to be with them. As what Bono of U2 put it “God is with us, if we are with them (poor)”. Love for God and country are inseparable. When you learn to love your country, you love the eighty million plus people in your country.
There have been many instances when I get frustrated with how cruel this government is. And tell myself why care about it? When you can’t get anything in return anyway? But every time I step out of the La Salle campus and see street children begging for food or one peso coin just to augment hunger for the day. It really crushes my heart and my idealism keeps getting stronger and stronger and once again my cause and advocacy for change and righteousness comes back to me. Patriotism is already in my system and I thank God for it.
I call on my fellow political science students, members of the La Sallian community and all Filipinos. Let us take on the cudgels for genuine patriotism. If we want to inherit a corrupt and unjust society then don’t do anything but if you wish to see a transformed nation then we must act now because later could mean too late. Join the wagon for truth, justice and righteousness.
As Dr. Jose Rizal once said that we are the hope of the nation but let me also say that we are not only the hope of the nation but we are the nation and we must take over. We should not be only the hope but we should also be of service to our motherland not tomorrow but now because the future of our generation is the one at stake here. We should learn to take risks because we become stronger thru risks. We should de idealistic, incorruptible and principled patriots. We should be radical nation changers and we should be willing to fight and die for it at all cost.
Let us tell our politicians that we will not allow you to fool us anymore as Abraham Lincoln once said “You cannot fool all of the people all the time”. Let us look up and be inspired with people like Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Che Guevara, Martin Luther King, Among Ed Panlilio, Bro. Eddie Villanueva, Tony Meloto and many others. For the lives of these men are stories of great conviction to achieve a cause. The former US Secretary of State, George Marshall once said that “Mahatma Gandhi has become the spokesman for the conscience of mankind; he made humility and simple truth more powerful than empires.
We can change the Philippines if we say with faith we can. We could turn this nation around if we truly learn to love this country and stand for what you believe is right. Influence your fellow youth that your stand on what is right and wrong should be as clear as black and white. Let us value honor, our word is our bond. Let us inspire our entire nation to work as one to do great things. Our love for country should be greater than love for one's self and family, and who shall be willing to march into hell so that the Filipinos may have heaven on this planet. Aristotle said that "The salvation of the community (nation) should be the common business of good citizens." And Edmund Burke added that “Evil triumphs because good men do nothing”.
Allow me to end this with words from Bro. Eddie Villanueva “Buhayin natin ang diwa ng pagmamahal sa bansa, at sa karangalan ng lahing Pilipino, Ibangon ang Pilipinas!”
The future of this country lies in our hands. The question is, are you willing to fight for it?
Why I Believe It is a Must for Bro. Eddie To be the Next President
Why I Believe It is a Must for Bro. Eddie To be the Next President
June 30, 2009
I don’t have grand delusions that Bro. Eddie is perfect because I am level-headed enough to know no man is perfect. However, at this moment when the condition of our country is almost beyond description so that we can only gape, speechless, at how it is being pillaged by both man and nature, the perfect man to lead us out of this rut is, no doubt, no less than Bro. Eddie.
HE FOUGHT FOR RIGHTS
Yes, I believe Bro. Eddie is perfect for the job of President of this seemingly God-forsaken nation but I don’t say this only because he is the lone current national leader with presidential potential that spent his youth fighting for the rights of the poor and the oppressed. His college years as a student of Bachelor of Science in Economics were not spent studying and reading books on Economics alone. His preoccupations then were studying the condition of his people, reading the red-colored, left-leaning books by Marx and Lenin, among others, and leading rallies against factory owners in behalf of underpaid workers.
Not only that, he also led a demonstration in Bulacan against the administration of a hospital that refused to render medical services to patients that were unable to pay deposits or down payments. No one was surprised Bro. Eddie, the unstoppable firebrand that he was during those years, was fired at twice (on both occasions spared by Divine Providence), and twice imprisoned during the Martial Law period. It sort of seemed his natural destiny to go through the lonely, unpopular and dangerous path trodden exclusively by born-leaders.
HE IS AN ECONOMIST
With all honesty I believe Bro. Eddie is the best for the job at The Palace but I am not for him only because he is in the know when it comes to the how-to’s of Oplan Redeeming Philippine Economy. For seven years, Bro. Eddie taught Economics and Finance at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, and for almost 31 years now has been doing the same, teaching Economics and Finance, to the more than 5 million national and global members of the JIL Church using non-contestable Biblical principles on prosperity and success. There are real-time, real-world people who benefited from Bro. Eddie’s Bible-based Economics and Finance coaching. These people are still around to tell their turn-around stories.
Who else can be better than Bro. Eddie? He knows human philosophy on growing an economy, as well as the supernatural oracles of the Ancient of Days regarding man’s economic lot.
HE TRULY LOVED HIS PARENTS
I am not for Bro. Eddie only because he fiercely advocates respect and love for parents. Oh how his eyes would gleam in filial piety and love for his father and mother, the late Joaquin Tuazon Villanueva (former Olympic sprinter and World War II veteran) and Maria Cruz Villanueva, each and every time he would talk about them! Wherever he went and as time would permit, Bro. Eddie would encourage his audience to shower affection on their parents while the old folks can still appreciate expressions of love. Those who know Bro. Eddie personally could attest how he loved and respected his mother-in-law, the late Inang Nena Rivas Jose.
Moreover, Bro. Eddie’s special attention was on the retirees and senior citizen members of JIL. There was one old lady that regularly attended the worship services at JIL Bocaue but would go home when Bro. Eddie was not the speaker. Upon realizing someone else was preaching, this wheelchair-bound Lola would motion to her caregiver to take her from the front row where she would usually stay and would ask to be brought home. For her, it was alright to remain two-hours on her uncomfortable wheelchair if Bro. Eddie was the one sharing the message. I guess it was because Bro. Eddie had a way of making her feel so special. After each service, he would go up to the frail Lola, hug her and pray for her. Bro. Eddie’s little acts of love meant the world to that Lola!
Time and again, Bro. Eddie would gently remind us not to do what others usually do – give parents fine food and expensive bouquet of flowers when they are already in their deathbed, unable to speak and powerless to comprehend or appreciate.
HE IS GENEROUS
I know things will look up if Bro. Eddie sits as president. Why not, when I know he has generosity and compassion, two leadership traits that are rare among the present breed of leaders whose favorite words could be I, Me, Mine and My Family. As the longest sitting regent on the Board of Regents of the Philippine Polytechnic University, he opted to divert his honorarium to the university’s scholarship program.
At the JIL Colleges Foundation, the school he founded to give poor Bulakenyos inexpensive but quality education, Bro. Eddie and his family have scholars, apart from those that are sponsored by the Foundation itself. The list of his kind acts is long but in my heart lies a snapshot of one bright morning in 1985 when a UP student, Bro. Eddie’s scholar, lost her wallet. She could not leave for school and was already crying as she went scouring for her purse in every corner of the Kubo that served as the mess hall for JIL Bocaue church employees.
That young girl was miserable; the P150 in her purse meant a possible grade of 1.25 or INC because it was her finals exam day. All of a sudden, Bro. Eddie called her and, with his back turned to her, spoke. She could barely understand what he was saying because he was not facing her. She inched closer, but still he would not turn to her. His arms were behind him, positioned as if he was in handcuffs.
The girl saw that he was holding what looked like a piece of tiny yellowish paper in his right hand and finally got the message – he was trying to give her something but did not want others to see what he was doing. In less than two seconds, the transaction that has since then got stuck in the girl’s memory bank transpired: a crumpled P500-bill was transferred to the surprised girl’s hand, Houdini-like. Zap. Just like that. The girl got P350 richer! From that moment until today, my heart (I was that young girl) wells up with gratitude for Bro. Eddie’s generosity.
HIS UNIQUENESS
I am not for Bro. Eddie only because he is an advocate of justice (he twice attempted to finish law studies so he could give free legal services to the poor), because he is brave and generous, because he is an economist, etc. etc. Having and being these things will definitely make him a good president but other presidential aspirants may also love justice, may be brave and generous, too, and may also know economics like him.
I don’t want him to be president because of the entries in his curriculum vitae that others may also have in theirs. I want him to be president, in fact I BELIEVE he is the perfect person to become our next president, for one and only one reason: BRO. EDDIE ALONE, among the president-material personalities, can boast of seasons-proven integrity. Everyone can learn the same governance skills, can acquire education, can pad up their resumes. But integrity cannot be faked. It cannot be stolen. Integrity is Bro. Eddie’s edge, his strongest strength and the very factor, if not the ONLY factor, needed for a presidency to succeed.
Bro. Eddie has been UNDER PUBLIC SCRUTINY FOR ALMOST 31 YEARS NOW, being the head of JIL Church Worldwide, but has not, ever since, been found to have had abused his power in all G departrments (gold, girls and guns). Like most noble leaders who dared to be different and did not flow along with the crowd, he has had to go through anti-Bro. Eddie smear campaigns but has never been found guilty of any crime or breach of public trust. To date, no allegation against Bro. Eddie has ever prospered. As Gamaliel said, if it is not of God it shall not stand. His brand of leadership, the RIGHT LEADERSHIP, has stood the test of time because he served the 5-million strong JIL Church with Righteousness, Integrity, Godliness, Helpfulness and Trustworthiness (R.I.G.H.T.).
As history tells, the country’s ills will not be solved merely by having a lawyer, or a military strategist, or an actor, or an economist, as president. We have had such leaders but the country has remained shackled in abject poverty. Corruption has even become fashionable (aka acceptable). Perpetrators of crime against the masses have become bolder by the day!
This leads us to conclude the Philippines needs a president who has, on top of his Excellence, Courage, and Vision, incorruptible integrity because it is only with seasons-proven incorruptible integrity that a leader will be able to rule with compassion and justice that will usher in a new Philippines in a new generation of hope for the new Filipino.
So far, only Bro. Eddie fits this description that is why I believe he must be our next president.
MORE ON RIGHT LEADERSHIP
What is the worst enemy of the Filipino? Is it poverty? Is it corruption? Different surveys reveal different results. It is kind of the chicken and egg thing. At any rate, it cannot be denied Philippines has a leadership crisis that spawned unabated, consistent corruption both in the high and low places of the government. Hence, there is a need for right leadership, the kind of leadership that will promote righteousness, integrity, helpfulness, and trustworthiness among civil servants.
Bro. Eddie will be able to provide this type of leadership because he is beholden to God. Not that the others are not. It is just that for 30 years now Bro. Eddie has been an employee, so to speak, of this just and fair All-powerful God and as such has developed an acute sense of accountability (can you imagine the awe it inspires in a man, working for somebody who sees him and all he does 24-7).
Bro. Eddie is not a traditional politician who fears man and man’s opinion. What matters to him is giving God what is due to Him; his words and the meditation of his heart are all brought under God’s censure. On this account the Filipino people can rest assured they will not be short-changed, deceived or sold in any manner because Bro. Eddie’s training has taught him to do everything to give honor to the name of his employer (God).
Every time friends and supporters talk about his “need” to drop the “Brother” before “Eddie” because it sounds less political and downright churchy, he always would boldly say that he will never drop the word “Brother” before his name because it is the evidence of God’s transformational work in his life, a proof of God’s power to reinvent man: the radical activist Eddie who used to be an atheist fighting against capitalist employers and land-grabbers is now a changed man.
Some thought that Bro. Eddie’s spiritual experience took away his love for his country and people. They could not be more wrong. In truth, because of the genuine love of God that was shed abroad in Bro. Eddie’s heart on the day he entered into a personal relationship with Him, Bro. Eddie’s compassion for the Filipino people burned stronger than ever.
The changed Eddie, now called Bro. Eddie, encountered the Only One who could effectuate change: God. Because of this encounter, Bro. Eddie understood what real change was, and learned how real change could come about. Through his spiritual journey with the God of all Wisdom, Bro. Eddie learned right leadership.
WHAT CAN BRO. EDDIE’S RIGHT LEADERSHIP DO?
Having led the JIL Church Worldwide for almost 31 years now practicing RIGHT leadership, it will be easy for Bro. Eddie to do the same in government and blaze the trail in corruption demolition. This will pave the way for those in government rank and file to practice R.I.G.H.T. service. As things from above (presidential level) get cleaned up, those below will have to follow suit. Kung ano ang puno ay siya rin ang magiging bunga.
Also, as a church pastor for more than three decades now, Bro. Eddie is used to exercising RIGHT leadership, the leadership that puts the interest of the flocks (Filipino people) over and above the safety and welfare of the pastor (president). Contrary to what observers say that his being a pastor is a minus factor, it is
Being in touch with Filipinos overseas because JIL Church has satellites in 44 countries and he visits these places regularly to provide counsel, inspire and assess living conditions of our dispersed brothers, Bro. Eddie knows the common problems besieging contract workers. Because he will be guided by right principles (righteousness, integrity, Godliness, helpfulness, and trustworthiness), it is expected that as soon as he sits as president placement fees will be standardized, illegal recruiters will be prosecuted, while at the same time jobs for returning workers will be created so that instead of Filipinos going away, more and more workers will be coming home to the Philippines.
I am certain these and countless other benefits will be enjoyed by the Filipino people from Bro. Eddie’s RIGHT leadership. I think I have fully justified my conviction that he must be elected as the next President of the Republic of the Philippines.
Plans for change
Plans for change
July 15, 2009
Bagong Pilipinas needs to address the core needs of the nation as an important step towards social transformation.
Gift-Giving: Sharing by Example
Children in poor areas around the country are denied the most basic rights. A gesture as simple as gift-giving can often light up a child’s life. We believe that gift-giving is sharing by example. Through generosity and concern for the plight of our less fortunate brothers and sisters in depressed areas, BPBPM believes that we become catalysts for change – by giving hope and fostering a spirit of unity and love.
Medical Missions: Establishing Health Outreach Hubs
Throughout the Philippines, millions of our countrymen still suffer from lack of medical attention and supplies. Diseases still cripple and claim lives everyday. BPBPM, with the cooperation of different Church and civic groups, is active in organizing medical missions to help address these concerns. We hope to be able to set up “health outreach hubs” in key regional centers in the Philippines from where medical missions may be regularly launched. This network can better attend to the needs of our sick brothers and sisters, especially in the rural areas, and deliver basic health services that have otherwise been denied them.
Book-Giving: Education & Literacy are Basic Rights
Education is a basic human right. Yet millions of Filipino children have never read a book. Poverty, government neglect, and sometimes necessity, keep them from learning. BPBPM believes change is a seed that must be planted and then nourished, and one way of doing this is by helping our children learn. Literacy is not a privilege but a right of every Filipino regardless of gender, creed or social standing. BPBPM believes in literacy as a tool for change, and we aim to use it by way of book-giving missions nationwide.
Nourishment Program: Freedom from Hunger
BPBPM will work through partner Church and civic groups to conduct feeding programs in poor areas. Nourishment is a critical element in the well-being of every Filipino. Whether working with existing aid networks or creating new ones, BPBPM strives to provide our less fortunate brothers and sisters with nourishment missions because we believe in freedom from hunger.
BK June Activity
Nagpapatuloy ang Bagong Kabataan volunteer sa pagtuturo na mayroon silang magagawa para sa Diyos at Bayan. Sa pamamagitan ng pagguhit, ipinakita ng mga kabataan ang mga kaya nilang magawa para sa ikabubuti pa ng ating bansa.
July BK Activity
Dumarami na ang mga kabataang GENSAN na naniniwala sa advocacy ng Bagong Kabataan(Bangon Kabataan). Ang nadagdag sa listahan ay ang grupo ng kabataan na may angking talino sa pagtugtug. Ang larawang ito ay kuha noong sabado, July25'09 para sa kanilang monthly activity. Ang tatlong C na kailangan ng isang tunay na leader ang inalam ng mga kabataang ito sa kanilang role play na activity(Charisma, Character at Competency)
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
My Man for 2010
From an atheist to one of the most powerful evangelists in the world today…
From a radical activist to the founder-pastor of one of the largest Christ-centered, Bible-based, full-gospel churches in the world…
From a battle-scarred street parliamentarian to one of the most respected Christian leaders in the Philippines whose spiritual counsel is sought after by high-ranking officials and distinguished leaders of the nation…
From a persecuted “small, country preacher’ to a world-renown radio-TV evangelist whose vision and mission is to see the nations of the world evangelized and transformed by the same Gospel that changed his life.
This in a capsule captures the exciting life story of Eddie Villanueva, fondly called Bro. Eddie. From a small group of 15 college students in 1978, JIL has exploded exponentially to today’s growing organization of more than 10,000 churches in 44 countries worldwide under the inspiring leadership and management of
Bro. Eddie C. Villanueva. INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL HONORS AND CITATIONS
•Conferred with Doctorate Degree on Divinity by Promise Christian University through Dr. Michael McKinney on August 16, 2008 in Los Angeles, California, USA
•Conferred with “Doctor in Education Management, Honoris Causa” from Polytechnic University of the Philippines, November 28, 2003
•Conferred with “Doctor of Philosophy in Humanities, Honoris Causa” from Bulacan State University, October 3, 2003
•Conferred with "EDSA People Power Freedom Award" for ZOE TV 11 as the only TV Station consistent in standing for Truth, Justice, and Righteousness during People Power 2 on February 25, 2001, Edsa .
•Conferred with "Gintong Ama" (Golden Father) Award for Socio-Civic/Religious Sector by Golden Mother and Father Foundation on June 16, 1996 at Metro Theater, Manila
•Conferred with the "Office of Episcopacy" by the cross-section of the Body of Christ in the Philippines on April 12, 1996 in Manila, Philippines
•Conferred with "Honorary Doctorate Degree of Divinity on Christian Leadership” by Thailand Bible Seminary through its President Christ for Asia Chairman Rev. Dr. Kriengsak Chareonwongsak on November 20, 1994 in Manila, Philippines
•Voted worldwide "Pastor of the Year" for 1988 by International Awards committee of Dr. George Otis' High Adventure Ministries through its "Voice of Hope" radio broadcast that has reached 72 countries at that time
•Ordained Minister of the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1979 by Dr. Michael Mckinney of the Victory in Christ Church and International Ministries based in California, USAPRESENT POSITIONS
•President, Jesus Is Lord (JIL) Worldwide Movement
•President and Chairman, ZOE Broadcasting Network (franchise holder and licensee to operate VHF Channel 11 and UHF Channel 33)
•Chancellor, Jesus Is Lord Colleges Foundation (JILCF), Inc.
•Chairman, Bangon Bagong Pilipinas Movement
•National Chairman, Philippines for Jesus Movember (PJM)
•Member, Board of Trustees International Bible Society-Philippines
•Chairman, International Christian Solidarity on Religious Freedom (a global coalition of Christian churches fighting for religious equality and freedom for all nations of the world)
•Vice-Chairman of Executive Council, Christ for Asia (formerly Charismatic Fellowship of Asia, CFA) 1989 to date; Bangkok, Thailand
•TV Host, Jesus the Healer, ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7; Diyos At Bayan, ZOE TV 11/ GMA 7•Columnist, Abante and Abante-Tonite and monthly publications in Hong Kong and TaiwanPAST POSITIONS
•Longest-Sitting Member, Board of Regents, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP); honored by the University for donating his entire honorarium to the PUP Scholarship Fund.
•Radio Host, Tinig sa Itaas, DZJV 1458 (Station located at Calamba, Laguna)
•Author, Find It! Straight From The Word (Copyright 2004, Eduardo C. Villanueva); Surest Covenant (Copyright 2004, Eduardo C. Villanueva)
•Contributor, Legacy (Copyright 2005, Church Strengthening Ministries); This Is My Sto ry (Copyright 2004, Cityland Foundation, Inc.)
•Part-Time Faculty Member, Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), 1978-1979
•General Manager, Agape Trading Company, 1976-1977
•Export Manager, Maran Export Industries, 1973-1975
•Full-time Faculty Member, Department of Economics & Finance, Philippine College of Commerce, now, PUP, 1969-1972SPECIAL STUDIES
•Completed the 14th Managers’ Course, University of the Philippines – ISSI, 1977
•Regular and Advanced Speech Courses Speech Training Center (with Scholarship), 1970CIVIL SERVICE ELIGIBILITY
•Career Service Professional, 1979
•Government Insurance Examination, 1977
•Second Grade Examination, 1970
•Patrolman Chartered City Examination, 1969ACADEMIC RECORDTertiary: Philippine College of Commerce (PCC), now Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) 1969Student leader and consistent academic scholar, 1969-1976Course: Bachelor of Science in Commerce Major: Economics Minor: FinanceAdjudged: Best Debater of the YearCollege of Law, University of the PhilippinesSY. 1971-1972Adjudged: Best Debater of the YearPolytechnic University of the PhilippinesSY. 1967-1968
He enlightened me how to love our nation.I voted for him last 2004.I will vote for him again.Bro. Eddie, please RUN for PRESIDENT on 2010
The Only Hope for the Philippines
The Only Hope for the Philippines
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Yesterday at 6:29pm
by Father James Reuter, S.J.By her own admission, GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) rightfully assessed that over the last decades; our republic has become one of the weakest, steadily left behind by its more progressive neighbors.' Forty years ago, we were only second to Japan in economic stature, and way ahead of Singapore , Hong Kong , Malaysia , and Thailand . Today, at our present growth rate, it will take us 30 years to get to where Thailand is. 1.. A population of 160 Million; 2. Of those, 70 to 90 million (equivalent to our current population) will live below the poverty line; 3. Our national debt is estimated to be at US$200B (compared to US$28B when Marcos fled, and US$53B today); 4. We will be competing, not against Thailand or even Vietnam , but against Bangladesh ; 5. We will be the most corrupt nation in Asia , if not in the world (we're already ranked 11th most corrupt nation by Transparency International) ...The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversible path of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack of effort. We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out of government, NGOs, church groups & people's organization devote themselves to the task of nation-building, often times against insurmountable odds. But not even two people's revolutions, bloodless as they may be, have made a dent in reversing this trend. At best, we have moved one step forward, but three steps backward. We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as a people, can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to the spiritual realm.. It's time to claim GOD's promise of healing of the land for His people. It's time to gather GOD's people on its knees to pray for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. Is prayer really the answer? Before you dismiss this as just another rambling of a religious fanatic, I'd like you to consider some lessons we can glean from history. England 's ascendancy to world power was preceded by the Reformation, a spiritual revival fueled by intense prayers. The early American settlers built the foundation that would make it the most powerful nation today - a strong faith in GOD and a disciplined prayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its major turning points, waves of revival and prayer movement swept across the land. In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival and in the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today, led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho. No wonder it has emerged as a strong nation when other economies around it are faltering.Even from a purely secular viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here there is genuine humbling & seeking of GOD through prayer, moral reformation necessarily follows. And this, in turn, will lead to general prosperity. YES, we believe prayer can make a difference. It's our only hope.Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from all over the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only ask for 5 minutes of your time in a day, to fwd this email to your close friends and relatives.This is the kind of unity which can make a big difference. Of course, if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer, you can be more involved by starting your own prayer group or prayer center.We have tried people power twice; in both cases, it fell short. Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails. Is there hope? YES! We can rely on God's promise, but we have to do our part. If we humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will heal our land. By GOD's grace, we may yet see a better future for our children. 'If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.'(2 Chronicles 7:14).If you care for your children and grandchildren, PLEASE pass this on. .. ... Let's not just abandon the Philippines.
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Yesterday at 6:29pm
by Father James Reuter, S.J.By her own admission, GMA (Gloria Macapagal Arroyo) rightfully assessed that over the last decades; our republic has become one of the weakest, steadily left behind by its more progressive neighbors.' Forty years ago, we were only second to Japan in economic stature, and way ahead of Singapore , Hong Kong , Malaysia , and Thailand . Today, at our present growth rate, it will take us 30 years to get to where Thailand is. 1.. A population of 160 Million; 2. Of those, 70 to 90 million (equivalent to our current population) will live below the poverty line; 3. Our national debt is estimated to be at US$200B (compared to US$28B when Marcos fled, and US$53B today); 4. We will be competing, not against Thailand or even Vietnam , but against Bangladesh ; 5. We will be the most corrupt nation in Asia , if not in the world (we're already ranked 11th most corrupt nation by Transparency International) ...The signs are clear. Our nation is headed towards an irreversible path of economic decline and moral decadence. It is not for lack of effort. We've seen many men and women of integrity in and out of government, NGOs, church groups & people's organization devote themselves to the task of nation-building, often times against insurmountable odds. But not even two people's revolutions, bloodless as they may be, have made a dent in reversing this trend. At best, we have moved one step forward, but three steps backward. We need a force far greater than our collective efforts, as a people, can ever hope to muster. It is time to move the battle to the spiritual realm.. It's time to claim GOD's promise of healing of the land for His people. It's time to gather GOD's people on its knees to pray for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. Is prayer really the answer? Before you dismiss this as just another rambling of a religious fanatic, I'd like you to consider some lessons we can glean from history. England 's ascendancy to world power was preceded by the Reformation, a spiritual revival fueled by intense prayers. The early American settlers built the foundation that would make it the most powerful nation today - a strong faith in GOD and a disciplined prayer life. Throughout its history, and especially at its major turning points, waves of revival and prayer movement swept across the land. In recent times, we see Korea as a nation experiencing revival and in the process producing the largest Christian church in the world today, led by Rev. Paul Yongi Cho. No wonder it has emerged as a strong nation when other economies around it are faltering.Even from a purely secular viewpoint, it makes a lot of sense. For here there is genuine humbling & seeking of GOD through prayer, moral reformation necessarily follows. And this, in turn, will lead to general prosperity. YES, we believe prayer can make a difference. It's our only hope.Today, we launch this email brigade, to inform Filipinos from all over the world to pray, as a people, for the economic recovery and moral reformation of our nation. We do not ask for much. We only ask for 5 minutes of your time in a day, to fwd this email to your close friends and relatives.This is the kind of unity which can make a big difference. Of course, if you feel strongly, as I do, about the power of prayer, you can be more involved by starting your own prayer group or prayer center.We have tried people power twice; in both cases, it fell short. Maybe it's time to try prayer power. GOD never fails. Is there hope? YES! We can rely on God's promise, but we have to do our part. If we humble ourselves and pray as a people, GOD will heal our land. By GOD's grace, we may yet see a better future for our children. 'If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sins, and will heal their land.'(2 Chronicles 7:14).If you care for your children and grandchildren, PLEASE pass this on. .. ... Let's not just abandon the Philippines.
Suporta kay Bro. Eddie dumaragsa
Suporta kay Bro. Eddie dumaragsa
AKSYON NGAYON Ni Al G. Pedroche
Updated July 15, 2009 12:00 AM
Kahit wala pang pormal na deklarasyon si Bro. Eddie Villanueva kung tatakbo sa presidential race sa 2010 o hindi, dumaragsa na ang suporta ng iba’t ibang sector sa kanya.
Bagamat sinabi ng partidong Bangon Pilipinas na siya at wala nang ibang isasabak sa 2010 polls, nananatili ang paninindigan ni Bro. Eddie na tatakbo lang siya kapag nakita niya na ang nakararaming taumbayan ay kaisa niya sa layuning maglunsad ng malawakang reporma sa gobyerno. And I feel more and more are joining this bandwagon for reform.
At sino naman ang makatatanggi sa layuning sumigla ang ekonomiya, magkaroon ng pantay-pantay na karapatan ang taumbayan at itaguyod ang isang maka-diyos na pamahalaan sa bansa? The pessimists may say “suntok sa buwan,” pero sa nakararaming mamamayan na nahihirapan na sa kasalukuyang tiwaling pamama lakad, handa silang tumaya sa ganyang agenda. May kasabihan na “the test of the pudding is in the eating” di ba? Wika nga ng mga Kapampangan: “Subukan pa mu ba mung abalu.”
Ang roadmap ng Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement, political party ni Bro. Eddie ay kinapapaloo-ban ng people empowerment, emancipation ng mga tao, pagpapalakas sa ekonomiya, pagtataas sa antas ng kabu hayan, pagtataguyod ng kapayapaan at iba pa.
Nagkakaisa ang maraming supporters ni Bro. Eddie na pinipili ng Diyos ang mga lider na handang maglingkod sa mamamayang Pilipinos na walang kapalit o pagtanaw na utang na loob sa mga mayayaman, makapang ya rihan at inpluwensyal na tao. They were all in agreement na si Bro. Eddie ang taong iyan.
Dumalo sa okasyon ang mga bumubuo ng Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement tulad nina Bro. Eddie, Bishop Leo Alco-nga, Bishop Daniel Balais at mga lider ng multi-sec toral at religious groups.
AKSYON NGAYON Ni Al G. Pedroche
Updated July 15, 2009 12:00 AM
Kahit wala pang pormal na deklarasyon si Bro. Eddie Villanueva kung tatakbo sa presidential race sa 2010 o hindi, dumaragsa na ang suporta ng iba’t ibang sector sa kanya.
Bagamat sinabi ng partidong Bangon Pilipinas na siya at wala nang ibang isasabak sa 2010 polls, nananatili ang paninindigan ni Bro. Eddie na tatakbo lang siya kapag nakita niya na ang nakararaming taumbayan ay kaisa niya sa layuning maglunsad ng malawakang reporma sa gobyerno. And I feel more and more are joining this bandwagon for reform.
At sino naman ang makatatanggi sa layuning sumigla ang ekonomiya, magkaroon ng pantay-pantay na karapatan ang taumbayan at itaguyod ang isang maka-diyos na pamahalaan sa bansa? The pessimists may say “suntok sa buwan,” pero sa nakararaming mamamayan na nahihirapan na sa kasalukuyang tiwaling pamama lakad, handa silang tumaya sa ganyang agenda. May kasabihan na “the test of the pudding is in the eating” di ba? Wika nga ng mga Kapampangan: “Subukan pa mu ba mung abalu.”
Ang roadmap ng Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement, political party ni Bro. Eddie ay kinapapaloo-ban ng people empowerment, emancipation ng mga tao, pagpapalakas sa ekonomiya, pagtataas sa antas ng kabu hayan, pagtataguyod ng kapayapaan at iba pa.
Nagkakaisa ang maraming supporters ni Bro. Eddie na pinipili ng Diyos ang mga lider na handang maglingkod sa mamamayang Pilipinos na walang kapalit o pagtanaw na utang na loob sa mga mayayaman, makapang ya rihan at inpluwensyal na tao. They were all in agreement na si Bro. Eddie ang taong iyan.
Dumalo sa okasyon ang mga bumubuo ng Bagong Pilipinas, Bagong Pilipino Movement tulad nina Bro. Eddie, Bishop Leo Alco-nga, Bishop Daniel Balais at mga lider ng multi-sec toral at religious groups.
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