Archive for January 2012

Yet Another Political Melodrama

American writer Mark Twain said, “History does not repeat itself, at best it sometimes ryhmes.” Interesting to know that about ten years ago, then former Philippine president Joseph Estrada became the center of the spotlight for being the first Filipino president to be impeached with full media coverage. Today, ten years after the impeachment trial that sparked EDSA Dos, another impeachment trial is at hand – that of the country’s highest magistrate, Chief Justice Corona. All cameras zoom in, all pens lead to the paper, and all eyes on print and broadcast media, looking into the various angles of yet another melodrama in Philippine History.

A Time for Politico-Moral Maturity

Tomorrow, the Senators of the Republic of the Philippines will act as a quasi-judicial body to hold yet another impeachment – that of Chief Justice Renato Corona, on grounds of betrayal of public trust. The question I wish to raise in this article is this: “Has the Senate learned from history – particularly from what happened during the crucial and rocky impeachment sessions in December 2000 and January 2001. Who can forget Aquino-Oreta’s dancing queen act, tearful Legarda approaching and embracing Pimentel, and Defensor-Santiago’s eccentric reactions to various audience, and so many other interesting moments caught in the pages of newspapers and on television, viewed by the public – both critical and shallow-minded people. This melodramatic period of Philippine history brought down former president Joseph Estrada from the pedestal of power, and catapulted Gloria Arroyo to the presidency. Of course, you know how the plot thickened, and fast forward to the even more rocky years of President Arroyo and the loud exchange of opposing views of the Aquino administration and his precedent’s government. Now that Arroyo is in jail waiting for her case to be heard in court, her appointed Chief Justice’s case has been given more attention.

I, as a concerned citizen, only hope that the truth will be heard, and justice be served, according to the guiding artciles of the Constitution. We don’t want another melodrama that portrays scandalous and quite immature moments that has gone into the pages of the country’s rich history.

Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom, God.

FIRST JOURNAL NOTE FOR 2012

Great morning. So here’s my first status update for the year 2012:

God’s Spirit has really prepared me for my quiet time this morning. Sobrang amazing. In my dream kanina, I passed by a former student (blonde hair), and he asked me something I didn’t understand. I just smiled and he seemed quite saddened. I went back to him, and he told me if I’d like to contribute to a song. He entered the room (I remember, it was 1H 2008). Very weird coz his face was that of EJM and his stature was that of CC, and his hair was white blonde). So there, I stood right there, back of the room, listening to the class’ song. And their moderator pa is Mr. E) The message of the song encourages people to “number our days” sieze every opportunity to do good. Suddenly, my tears began to fall… and while I was still savoring the song and its beautiful simple melody, nagising na ako. Even in my consciousness, the song and its message has lingered, though I can’t completely remember the exact lyrics now, just the message of the song…

After a while, I had my quiet time with God. His Spirit surprised me. I was encouraged to read the verses aloud to the tune of the melody of the song in my dream kanina. It complemented so well with Psalm 90. And amazingly, the verse struck me: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

Nakakakilabot sa puso. Sa panaginip ko pa lang, ipinarating na ni God yung mensahe para sa akin not just for this morning but for the year 2012.

Amazing kasi bago pa ako magquiet time, kinuwento ko na sa nanay ko ang tungkol sa mensahe doon sa panaginip ko. Kaya nakakagulat, not a coincidence, na iyon din mismo ang message ni God sa akin for 2012.

I believe that 2012 will be a GREAT year for me.

“May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us -
yes, establish the work of our hands.” Psalm 90:17

In Jesus’ Mightiest and Most Powerful name, Amen.

A new year indeed.