On Leave

HatePhilippines is going to rest for a while for the meantime, mainly because I'll be busy with real-time work and writing for our next big project- Wicked Fate. Don't worry, guys. After doing the kickoff, HatePhilippines will be back in business. Meanwhile, I'll be collecting all good ideas in mind for my next entry here. To my avid readers, you can still email me at cutiekatietorres@yahoo.com.

But before I take a long vacation, here are my thoughts for the latest issues in the Philippines today:

1. EVAT. Yes, it's a solution. But a bad one. They say it's good for the economy, and the results are getting obvious as days pass by. The question still is: Who's economy are they talking about? I'd say it's a solution, yes, but a bad one. There are better solutions out there which the government obviously ought not to choose because of certain limitations set by the corrupted system. It's like it's better to take money from the little people than to jeopardize the truces that they have already made with the big ones. The best solution in the list would be to really enhance the collection of taxes, but can they really go against the interest of these big people who, in the first place, had financed their victory in the last elections? The answer is obvious.

If it's a solution, how come the common Filipinos can only afford two meals a day now? How come small businesses are closing amidst claims that they are exempted from the added taxes? How come middle class people who needs transportation for daily trips to work are forced to deal with the stress of public transport now? How come most employees of factories prefer not to take miryendas but just wait for them to get home with empty stomachs? Yes, they promise that this solution will manifest good result in years to come, but we're all fed up with empty promises. Besides, if all has to take part in the sacrifice, how come they don't take part in it? Oh look at Mr. Arroyo feeding his cute cute grandchild. I bet that's a hundred thousand bucks a spoonful!

2. The presidency was once a job of honor, dignity and credibility. Every child would want to be the president of the country decades ago. If you'd base it on the Bible, it would mean that it's a tough job, as the highest of the leaders should be the lowest and most dedicated of the servants. Does it apply here now? Nope. Prestige may come with the position, but credibility? Nah. Would you want to run for the position because of pure intentions of just wanting to serve the country? Nah. The position has been blemished with too much corruption, no one who lives by principles would want it. If you want to get rich, yes, go ahead and run for president. It's the best way to spend money, go around the world, talk to famous people, eat expensive food, provide economic growth for your kamag-anaks, give way for political ambitions of your children and grandchildren, go surfing in Boracay without really taking away cash from your own pocket. It's service, yes. High quality self-service.

But what happens after the term, or after the people have decided that they're already fed up with how imbecile the current presidency is? They are left with nothing but their excessive earnings. The name is totally ruined, the only choice they have for their next days here is to let them be judged by the people, or get out of the country and spend the rest of their lives there. In the case of Gloria, is there honor and dignity left for them after her term? I think this is the reason why she's almost begging the Congress to have the parliamentary government idea push through. After her term, what? No more peace of mind because, for sure, accusations of corruption and bad leadership will come from all sides. Fatass husband and son has no where to go but outside the country, even now as the mother's term has not yet ended. Where will they be after the regime? In the Bahamas, laughing out loud at as.

3. Gloria's telling the media to stop showing bad news, and start concentrating on good news. Mada'am president, there's no good news to tell, so what the heck are you talking about? Think of it this way: 75% of Filipino families have TV sets in their homes. They can spend with their salary enough only for two meals a day and a decent set of clothes. They worry much on how to pay for their electricity and water bills. They worry much on how to budget their small earnings against the rising prices of commodities, they worry much about their safety and security when they go out, and when they do go out, they deal with daily corruption and bad service in their local government agencies and law enforcement bureaus who provide their other basic needs, they see that almost all people that they know deal with the same daily predicaments... then all they will hear in the news is that the Philippine economy is getting better, the country is getting rich, no more crime in the streets, nothing more about corruption and what really happens out there. What? Are we converting daily news to fantaserye, too?

Besides, broadcasting companies in the Philippines have always been focused on politics. It's no-news for them if they focus only on the economy. Do good, tame your husband, and avoid evil influences, Gloria, and you'll get what you wish for. For now, as long as Mr. Bunye's not doing well in denying all your subordinate's misdeeds, you can expect more of those dirty news about Malacañang. :)

4. Pinoy Big Brother. It's a fad that's conquering not only the Philippines, but also the US and Europe. Sosyal, di ba? At least we get in line with these big bullies when it comes to entertainment. But have you seen Pinoy Big Brother in Europe? It's like watching live porn at midnight. Don't get me wrong, people. I don't watch this show. I just heard it from guys who email me, although I'm beginning to think I'd want to try watching one episode as patikim lang. teeheehee...

Thing is, ABS-CBN is a genius when it comes to gathering revenues. It has the ability to turn any fad into a big money machine. Have you thought of how much the company earns everyday just from Pinoy Big Brother's text/download business? Millions, I'd say. It's really easy money once you've caught the Pinoy's taste. And yes, again, ABS-CBN is good at it.

5. Car jacking, cowboy style. I have a friend who became a victim of this mindless crime. You drive in Ortigas at 2pm (yes, in the middle of the day!), men armed with armalites block your way, and the next thing you know, you're on your way walking to the nearest presinct to report the unfortunate event, without your car, without your money. But for my friend, the nightmare was not over. After putting details in the blotter, it seems that the case just went to nothing. After checking on the case, she would go home in tears as she feels nothing is being done to have these carjackers tracked down. Worse is that, the next week, she saw an ad in one of her yahoogroups saying a car with the same specs is for sale for only around 50 thousand bucks. I'd say these people would not have the guts to do it unless they have backup from either the military or from the police. And the latest operation against it that was all shown on TV? Could be another Kuratong-Baleleng case, all for show, and I pity those who were sacrificed just to have the name of the authorities saved from further shame.

That's all for now, folks. Tune in next month for more of my outrageous thoughts on everything that has to do with Philippine politics! Merry Christmas, everyone! *MWAH!*