A letter from a soon-to-be-cyber-criminal

The Republic act 10175 will take effect tomorrow. As a normal Filipino, I am nothing but happy that computer-related crimes such as fraud, defamation, threat and child porn should be prevented but as a blogger and nationalist , I am honestly not happy about the insertion of this specific clause - Section 19 or the libel clause, a part responsible why people tagged RA 10175 as "cyber martial law" . I am no political person, but me and my family are true-blooded Aquino supporters. Mr. President, you are a living testament of freedom - a freedom that has caused your fathers death. A freedom that has rewarded you the highest position in this country. The people loved you as you are. Internet has been a very helpful device for us to show our support and encourage people to vote for you. Yes, there may have been cases that you became a victim of netizens bashing offensive comments but it never degraded you as a person nor diminished your supporters' respect in you . So why use this clause as a "prevention". We are all entitled to know the truth. And the truth is not always good. Being responsible is always best. Shutting up is not always lawful. There are times that the people who cry for help are the ones who deserve to know the truth. Do we bury the saying "This is a free country?" The libel clause itself is a crime, a crime that we will commit to our future generation because this is deprivation of freedom - to know the truth because of the fear to be libellous. Definitely, I will not. I respect the law but I will still exercise my right to freedom of expression. Mr. President, your parents are the founders of freedom in this country. I was born after the death of your father, but I am fully aware of his legacy. The legacy to speak the truth and the right to say NO. Whatever happens tomorrow, I just want to let you know that the people who will soon commit the cyber crime - intentionally or not, are the same people who love the country with full confidence of the constitution. They were the first one who got disappointed. Again, the truth is not always good. Obstructing people to speak the truth is a mere representation that democracy is dead. I may have a little knowledge about law but I am sure, RA 10175 is still amendable. Come on Mr. President. Save your people. We are the children of democracy. Don't let another selfish law maker rule and destroy our liberty. Before writing this, my father said to me" Don't do it. Just focus about looking for a job. Any way, you are here in Australia and you are least affected unless you will commit it." He may be right, publishing this blog may not help me in that case but I am still a citizen of the Philippines and I still count as one voice. Mr. president, just like tonight, there will always come a time that you will not abide your father but I am very confident, that you, as the father of this nation will not in a way destroy your father's name. Gob Bless the Philippines!

happy mother's day!

Kudos NTC!!! :)

Last May 2, 2012, while he was about to get out of LRT 1, my younger brother's phone (HTC sensation) was stolen. He wasn't sure about who actually snatched it from him, but he suspected that more than 2 men did the crime. He recalled that he got hit by one of the suspect's elbow, then when he checked his phone in his pocket, it's gone and so are they. That same day, we report the incident to the police assigned in the station. And also to LRT authority. We requested for the CCTV recording copy of the 9:25am arriving train inside UN station. On May 4, 2012

, I went to National Telecommunications Commission located at BIR road, eliptical road, Diliman Quezon City. I reported the incident. Presented the receipt of the purchase, the box (with IMEI number), my valid IDs, and I requested them to block the phone's usage and so as the mobile number of my brother. After 3 days, I made a follow up call, and they assured me that the phone and the number can no longer be used. I am pretty amazed by their assistance when I was there. And now that they have done a good job, they do deserve a good review and people should know good government offices still exist. My only suggestion is for them to have a tracking device, maybe it would cost a fortune but cases like this will be easier to address if only they have complete and accurate devices. But nevertheless, I am very thankful for the positive outcome of my complain. On the other hand, I went back to LRTA ro recover the CCTV footage, but unfortunately, the man in-charge was on his day off but they made an assurance that the exact train that arrived 9:45am in their station was captured and recorded to a mobile phone (from the CCTV). I am still waiting for their response as to when I can get the copy. The only reason why we need to get this, is for public awareness. we may or may not identify them, surely my brother will be able to recall what really happened in the train, and people will be reminded to be more conscious and alert when riding a public transportation. Kudos National Telecommunications Commission. NTC, DIliman, BIR Road, Quezon City, 1101 9244048/ 926-7722 ntc@ntc.gov.ph

Life is worth living - a tribute to Mrs. Lety M. Pelagio

She is the epitome of woman. She was all about embracing life, loving yourself, loving other people, and encouraging others to find the beauty in themselves.

This Morning, I attended a memorial service.
It was for Mrs. Pelagio, my former teacher in Elementary School. It wasn’t a sudden death. She was diagnosed with cancer. Seek for medication, recovered, but later on it still took her life.

Her memorial service was a devastating affair because of the nature of her death. Her Son and Husband cried throughout, as did her relatives, friends, and her co-teachers.

Though my tears kept threatening to burst from their ducts, I managed to remain dry-eyed throughout the week of memorial wake. Not until the day came when we had to send our last goodbyes to her. That was when I lost it. I cried, as I am crying now, because I never realized what a truly beautiful, optimistic person she was.

I was amazed at how positive, strong and determined she remained in her last days. She urges her sisters and friends not to be sad at her death, for she achieved her dreams and lived a full and happy life.

I regretted the fact that I never went out of my way to get to know her better, and it looks like I missed out on so many wonderful and memorable moments with this rare and beautiful human being. She was there during one of the most important moments in my life. Selflessly, she offered guidance, understanding and full support. From then on, I considered her not just my former teacher, but a family member. The effort she do for herself every single day as she pays visit to the doctor didn’t keep her from doing that. She didn’t mention it. The important thing for her is to help. She’s been doing it to everybody else. Years of service in her school made her a legend. Just as like the printed shirts during the memorial that says “My teacher, my hero.” Indeed, she is a hero - a mother,a sister, a friend, a co-worker and an adviser.

I am sad about her death, but I need to be thankful that my family and friends are still alive. Auntie Let made me realized that the important thing is to live your life to the fullest and fight for your dreams. Life is full of beauty. Life is worth living.

*The photo shows the candles we lighted during her Thanksgiving visit at Kamay ni Hesus, Lucban Quezon in March.

Who is Andres and why celebrate his day?

"Bring out your cedulas and tear them to pieces!" Bonifacio challenged his members. The katipuneros tore up their cedulas and shouted, "Long live the Philippines." The cry at Pugadlawin signaled the start of the Philippine Revolution.


Andres Bonifacio, is considered as the “Father of the Philippine Revolution”. He is the founder and “Supremo” (leader) of the independence movement against Spain, the Kataastaasan Kagalang-galang na Katipunan nang nga Anak ng Bayan (KKK), or simply known as the Katipunan.

The first “unofficial” President of the Philippines. Which was then called “Tagalog Republic”. But during that time, Spaniards were still in control of the country, so he is not recognized as such. Making Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo the first official President to be elected while Bonifacio was elected as Secretary of the Interior. Since he did not have a good educational background, his qualifications were questioned he was offended by this so he then moved to Cavite to create his own government.

A difficult childhood gave Andres the strength to face all odds with great courage and determination. Though he is poor and stopped going to school, Bonifacio continued reading novels and studying about international law and French Revolution. In later years, he too began to write about what the Filipino should know to appreciate the desire and the need to be free. He was considered by his political rivals as a huge threat to the leadership of Gen. Aguinaldo. He established Katipunan to fight for Spaniards but ended up being killed by fellow Filipinos.

Bonifacio Day is celebrated on his birthday, unlike other heroes’ who are often remembered for their execution or death date than their birth. He was very controversial, that it came a point that Bonifacio Day was renamed National Heroes Day. The move was recognized by some as an official downgrading of Bonifacio by making him share the holiday with all the other national heroes. But it was settled when National Heroes Day was set on the last Sunday of August. Now Andres Bonifacio rightly has a national holiday all to himself on Nov. 30.

The Andres Bonifacio Act of 2011 / House Bill 4353 is being proposed by Cong. Palatino of Kabataan Partylist. Including in our educational system a more comprehensive teaching of the life, works, theories and praxis of Andres Bonifacio. But that is a different story.

It is very visible that even hundred years ago, Filipinos tried to create their own system of governance. So, they ended up killing each other. Everyone wants to be on top and would even kill any rivals who might threaten his leadership.

For me, Andres Bonifacio’s personal and political life experiences are representative of the experiences of the majority of the population of the country, then and now.

I cannot thank him enough for being an inspiration. We are humbled by how Bonifacio and the Katipunan revolution struggled to free us from colonial domination. Being a self-taught warrior. His own way to express and fight for his hunger for individual liberty.I am Andres. Any of us can become Andres.


photo by: Senor Enrique.

Wake up call to you public servants!

8:30 pm
After attending an event inside Camp Aguinaldo, on our way to Santolan MRT station, we came across an old man struggling to walk towards the station. He is weak, shaking and can barely move his feet forward. We immediately approached him for help. That time, a man (in athletic attire)was already helping him. But we still continued to assist him as he walk little by little. We asked him where he's going and told us he's waiting for someone. The man volunteered to carry him back to Camp Aguinaldo for a seat. Which lead us to an idea that he is a military man, indeed he is. At first, Lolo resisted our offer, he said he can't, cause he stinks and the guards would drive him away again. My officemate gave Lolo water to drink, and Lolo even asked for food. He was shaking probably because of hunger. As we lead him to Camp A, we learned that he is Mr. Felipe Millare, who's been visiting the Camp for 3 consecutive days, a retired officer, working out his AFPSLAI loan for reason that his wife's been sick and he wanted money to cover up the medications.
The guards on duty denied our request. Lolo's not allowed to stay/sit inside the guard house. So we have decided to look for any other authority to help us. And boom! We spotted two police officers inside a Quezon City police Mobile vehicle. Just right in front of Camp Aguinaldo (MRT santolan gate).

This is the scenario:
Joy, Didie, & Sgt Magleo: "Sir, pwede bang i-endorse namin sa inyo si Lolo. Gutom na gutom na at hinang hina sa pagod."

Police 1: "Ma'am naka duty kase kami. Asa loob kase si P-Noy. On call kami."

Joy: "Ok. Sige, paki radyo mo na lang sa kahit sinong pwedeng pag-endorsan namin kay Lolo. Brgy or kahit anung malapit na istasyon."

Police 1 : " Saglit po." (He talked to his buddy for an opinion. The man with a 3-lined badge)

Police 2: " Ma'am hindi kami pwede makialam diyan dahil baka ipatawag kami. Pero kung may papalit samin pwedeng iwan nyo diyan si Lolo at pakuha namin mamaya."

Didie: "Kuya kasi Cavite pa po siya nauwi, wala yang kamag-anak dito, hahanapin pa namin. Pero may inaantay siya na kasamahan nya pupunta daw. "

Police 2: " Yun naman pala, eh di hatid nyo na lng sa Cavite tsaka alam nyo parokyano na dito yan si Lolo. Hindi kami sigurado baka sindikato kumuha jan o anu."

Sgt Magleo: Hindi namin pwede ihatid yan, kaya nga sa inyo namin ineendorse para kayo ang mag asikaso. Nakita lang namin jan yan si Lolo tumutulong lang kami."

Joy: At ano namang assurance namin na hindi nyo basta iiwan si Lolo sa sidewalk. Bakit di nyo pwedeng paupuin muna sa loob ng mobile, kita nyo naman hinang hina na."

Police 2: " Teka, teka, Sino ba kayo? mga Sindikato yata kayo eh.!" (he got out of the car to confront us)

That statement created a commotion. We immediately took our IDs. We were totally humiliated and I can't help but raise my voice too. Shouting, at the same time, crying, I walked in front of him, and said to his face, "Gusto mo ba bumalik tayo sa loob para makita mo kung saan kami galing at sino mga kasama namin sa loob? para pagbintangan mo kaming sindikato??!" He answered back: "Wala akong pakialam kahit military o anu pa kayo. Ako ang pakinggan nyo!" And right then and there, our fellow concerned citizen showed his ID up,so police 2 would realize that the man he's speaking to is a military man, but he still raised his voice, complaining that we don't listen to him, etc. etc.

Realizing that we are not really from any other syndicate, he beat around the bush, saying, "Hindi naman namin pababayaan yan pag may dumating ipapadala namin siya sa barangay"

Joy: " Wag mo kami paligoy liguyin. Kami ngang malalakas kung tratuhin mo ganun na lang, yan pang matandang halos matumba na! Kanina pa lang na lumapit kami sayo, kitang kita nang tinatamad ka at bad mood ka. Hindi ko pinipilit kupkupin nyo si Lolo, siguraduhin nyo lang na magiging safe sya sa mga eendorsan nyo"

Police 2: "Hindi nga pwede maghahanap kami ng magdadala sa kanya sa ibang presinto"

Sgt Magleo: " Pwede bang pahiram na lang ng radyo kami hahanap ng tulong"

Police 1 to Didie: " Ma'am ganto na lang bigay nyo number nyo babalitaan namin kayo kapag nailipat na namin si Lolo"

Police 2 to Sgt Magleo: "Ano ngang buong pangalan mo, tara sa loob magusap tayo."

During that moment,Didie & I had a chance to walk away. Police 1 made sure Lolo's in good hands.


How on earth will this kind of public servant help those who badly needing them?. Yes we understand that it may be an SOP to doubt every suspicious-looking people that they encounter. But hey! That weak, old man badly needs assistance. What if somebody who's dirtier than him approach them, to ask for help? Will they care to even lend an ear?

That incident is a wake up call to each if us. For us civilians, who barely care about people around us, minding our own business and not realizing they are too weak to scream for help. For Public Servants, whose number one job description is to help the people and serve them whole-heartedly. For Other institutions, from which, employees have worked in good faith and loyalty. Giving back to them what they deserve. Regardless of their ages, terms of service, or in/capacity. I wish gov't would give the veterans/retirees a lesser and more convenient requirements for services they wanted to avail. Come to think of it, they are old. Too old to remember where their IDs, PINs, and other documents are. There must be another standar procedure to recover their identity. Not being too harsh to them.

As of this time, We were informed that Lolo is at the custody of Brgy Camp Aguinaldo. Police officer 1 is Marlon Bandong and police 2 is SPO3 (based on his badge) Felix Bangcodeng. Didie and his dad were planning to go to Ternate, Cavite. (which is according to Lolo where he lives.

While typing this, I can still smell Lolo in my hands. But it's not stinking. It's a smell that woke up my senses. A smell that made me realize that I need to do something. WE need to do something. Yes, we may be just an ordinary citizen of this republic, but through concern and sincerity, every problem with the government, big or small, all will soon be addressed properly and accordingly.

Qurino Grandstand Hostage Taking (In a Filipina's point of view)

For the first time in travel history, Hong Kong issued a travel ban against the Philippines. Hong Kong security bureau issued an OTA ( Outbound Travel Alert) declaring a total ban on travels of Hong Kong Residents to the RP. (see http://www.sb.gov.hk/eng/ota/index.htm)

The cause: A hostage taking crisis that occurred somewhere in the heart of Manila, Philippines. Unfortunately, while spending the last day of their supposed-to-be-marvelous Manila tour, tourists from Hong Kong were abducted inside their tour bus (Hong Thai Travel and Tours). The culprit: Police Senior Insp. Rolando Mendoza, dismissed member of Manila Police District (MPD).

In my entire blog life, I haven't felt any urge to write anything about news especially the negative ones. But with this bus hostage taking crisis, I cannot help but speak. In my own opinion, a plain bus overtaking drama went wrong, flopped, and worsen because of three things: 1. tooooooo much MEDIA 2. tooooo much wasted time 3. soooo little SOLID PLAN.

Yes at the middle of the hostage taking, MEDIA was requested by Mendoza. But I am sure, he didn't request for a LIVE SIMULTANEOUS COVERAGE of what he's planning to do. He just needed them for message conveying purposes. It was confirmed that indeed Mendoza asked the driver to turn on the TV. Not to mention, he had with him a radio and a mobile phone. Of course, he is updated all through out. He can even watch the latest view of the outside from the TV inside. Why bombard him with news like, Inspector Mendoza's brother was being arrested. But he resisted. Yes the whole family is here. They are crying and so on?.. WRONG. That made him agitated. And who knows, what he did to one of the hostages just to get even. And in the middle of the hostage taking, didn't they realize that while reporting each and every move of the assault team, they were also reporting to Mr. Hostage Taker? Giving him hints as to where the SWAT are heading, what's seems to be their next plan and what part of the bus they are going to break. URGHH! I believe in instances like these, MEDIA BLACKOUT is a standard operating procedure. What happened was, the reporters and photographers arrived even before other police mobile back up and medics did. I hope MBO was declared. Even CNN asked why the media are allowed to cover the hostage taking. Ironic, that while they were having a high rating, the chances of survival of the hostages were getting low.

Shooting the bus' wheels is ok. But I'm sure it's unauthorized. That only made the hostage taker panicked. And again, who knows, he shot one of the hostages by the distraction of that gunshot. Breaking the door didn't do much but give him more time to think. They all concentrated on the idea of hitting the front door using a sledgehammer, instead of using other alternatives to easily open it. They even used a poor local bus as "lab rat" to study how to break a bus door. And their last resort was to just pull it using a rope, the same moment that they thought of breaking the emergency door beside the bus. One policeman tossed a teargas but to no avail, it didn't activate. FAIL. For I guess, second time it was successful but was it safe for the hostages in a closed place like that? I have no idea.

It took almost half of a day. And it made me so sad, that they laid their best plan during the time when they can vaguely see a single movement inside the bus. Yes brave policemen were there, not before a series of shots were made by Mendoza. And just like watching an action scene from a telenovela, policemen looked unprepared. One was even shot while trying to penetrate a part of the bus. They didn’t look like they have one same plan in mind. I know it's not easy to be placed in such situation, but SWAT was not that geared up.

The bus driver, who managed to escape from the crisis, told the police and the media that everyone in the bus was dead. An Information that led them somewhere - in a wrong direction. I am sure that the assault team underwent to proper tactical trainings, but with this incident, it was clear that the policemen lack of coordination, one of the assault police didn’t even wear protective uniform. They were poorly equipped, poorly trained. The scene was not barricaded with a police line. If the hostage taker survived, I am sure that by the time the crowd surrounded the bus, he could just casually escaped without anyone noticing him. It is very noticeable; PNP was not that ready to handle the situation. They even mishandled Mendoza’s family, they arrested them by force. Such brutal end wouldn't have happened if the police made the right move.

Mendoza’s case is another story to tell. What he did is perfectly wrong. He even admitted that he made a very wrong decision. Who are we to judge him, to judge the media men or the PNP and SWAT? With all due respect with reporters and policemen, I believe that with all your heart you did you job. We are equally responsible for the outcome. No one’s to blame for what has happened. I just hope that this will serve as a mind opener to our new government. Yes this is an isolated case, and anything that that took place can happen to anyone, and doesn’t necessarily reflect a nation’s representation as a whole. May the victims’ souls rest in peace. Justice for the victims of the take over and Justice for the family of Inspector Mendoza. To all Hong Kong Nationals, please accept our sincerest apology. We could have done it better.