What are your intentions young man?

After his most recent privilege speech, one wonders if Senator Ping Lacson hopes to beatify himself or isolate himself?

Senator Lacson has certainly made an impact in the Senate after his “Road to Nowhere” privilege speech but people are at a loss on what his point or purpose was really all about. Lacson certainly managed to piss off a lot of his fellow Senators and he surely mangled the credibility of the Senate too soon after their defeat on the Neri case at the Court of Appeals.

Although he claims to be innocent of any malice towards Senate President Manny Villar, the general impression that my mechanics and I had was exactly the opposite. Either we were too naïve or Lacson is a poor liar, but the impression he left us was that he directly fingered Senate President Villar as responsible or accountable for the P200 million insertion to “The Road to Nowhere”.

Either way, Senator Lacson certainly did some damage to the otherwise clean image of Senator Manny Villar. The question is, will the damage stick once everything is in the open and investigated? Considering Villar’s plans to run for President, I would imagine that all efforts will be made to disprove and punish Lacson for his impertinence at the very least. Lacson obviously believes that by not accusing anyone, no one can get back at him for whatever damage he has done.

Had Lacson been in politics during the time of Juan Luna, he would surely have been challenged to a number of duels on the day of his expose. But from the looks of it, certain players are emerging in a spirit of cooperation either to set up Villar as the bad guy or to realign the forces within the Senate that could lead to a Senate coup.

Don’t think of 2010 guys, just think of an advertisement: Senate President needed. Must be willing to forego Presidential ambitions and support Charter Change. No experience necessary just the willingness to do as told.

They fight because they failed

The on going battle between Pro-Life/Church groups versus the Pro-Choice/Militants and Socialists is a battle between two losers who are locked over a proposed bill that is merely a by product of their separate failures.

The Pro-Life/Church groups view the bill as an evil piece of work that threatens the sanctity of life. The Militants on the other hand see the bill as an added solution to reduce population and thereby improve the quality of life of ordinary Filipinos.

The problem is that no one has yet come to terms that the quarrel they have is a result of their failure to do their jobs. For the longest time people have tried to tell “Church” leaders ENOUGH of the politics. People have tried to express their need for their shepherds to shepherd the flock, to address family issues, life concerns, economic hardships at the parish level.

Unfortunately, the CBCP got more coverage for their involved stance in national politics. Political statements and position papers got more attention than issues such as the proliferation of drugs, of sexually explicit magazines, of tabloids gossip as part of national news. No one was promoting the godly and no one was fighting the ungodly.

The Idealists on the other hand who emerged from the ideals of community building and empowerment drifted from community building and fell into “destabilizing”, criticizing, and opposing. Instead of being part of community aspirations and struggle they became a force unto themselves fighting for representation and political power. They merged with the politicians as party list representatives and became the very people they despised.

Now they fight what they believe to be the battle royale, but in truth they are seriously mistaken. Both groups lost the battle a long time ago when they chose to be politicians or fight politicians. Yes the media turns when they speak or when they criticize, but not necessarily because they are right.

It is merely our human nature to turn and pay attention to what is odd. Yes it is sad but true. You have become an oddity. Shepherds who wage war in politics, idealists who choose to be that which they hate the most, politicians.

Local but disturbing

If Pasig Mayor Bobby Eusebio can make the time, he ought to pay attention to the intersection of Shaw Blvd and Christian route/San Roque where his blue boys have been taking advantage of innocent motorists. There is one small “No Left Turn” sign on the right side of the road but since Christian route is so wide, most drivers on the inner lane won't see it especially if a van blocks it from view. There is no sign across the road on the San Roque/Shaw side. If the good Mayor checks the number of TVRs issued he will notice that it is unusually high. But his blue boys won’t report the problem because it makes them look good!

Gen. Razon or the Eastern Police SWAT chief should issue an order that prohibits police officers with assault rifles to bring home these guns especially if they don’t have a secure locker. Imagine the complications of a stolen or accidentally discharged assault rifle in a thickly populated area!

Manila Water Co. recently advised their customers they could avail of their meter refund but must show proof of payment! Hello!? How many folks even imagined you would be giving refunds for the meter deposits. Simple logic tells you that we won’t have a meter if we didn’t pay for it and I doubt if you would supply water to someone who can’t even pay the meter deposit. So guys, please get real!