BBL BLOCK GRANT, aka, 70 BILLION ANNUAL BBL BUDGET

BBL BLOCK GRANT, aka, 70 BILLION ANNUAL BBL BUDGET . A lot of questions have been generated by the 70 billion annual budget in the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law. Actually, in the proposed BBL, there's no mention of exact amount of 70 billion annually. What's mentioned is a BLOCK GRANT specially discussed in Art. XII, Secs. 15 to 21 of the BBL. The said sections say that the BLOCK GRANT is : “…no case to be less than the last budget received by the ARMM immediately before the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority” (Sec. 15). Then, Section 16 speaks of the "Formula of the Block Grant. – For the budget year immediately following the year this Act takes effect, the amount of the block grant shall be equivalent to four per cent (4%) of the net national internal revenue collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue less the internal revenue allotment of local government units."
As a taxpayer, and as one Mindanawon who's also been conscientiously supportive of the peace process, maybe just to assuage all the apprehensions, doubts, and fears of all parties concerned, and also in the name of TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY, and SOCIAL JUSTICE, will it be too much if I'd request a FULL-BLOWN ITEMIZED BUDGET PROPOSAL of the said Block Grant? Anyway, this will also eventually be REQUIRED if indeed the Bangsamoro Basic Law will be passed, as required of ALL GOVERNMENT BODIES. With the ITEMIZED BUDGET, we taxpayers will at least, via paper, be assured that we know where our hard-earned taxes will go. Just saying, because as of the moment, without the said ITEMIZED BUDGET, what the BBL practically provides is for the central government to issue a check, then what happens to that will as if be a matter of conjectures. What I don't want to happen is to have a REPEAT of the NAPOLES-SCAM, DAP brouhaha, etc. via the BBL-BLOCK GRANT. At least if such ITEMIZED BUDGET be on paper NOW, both parties, government and MILF, are held ACCOUNTABLE, TRANSPARENT, and SOCIALLY JUST re this fiscal provision of the BBL.

SLEEPING JOSEPH, AKA DREAMING JOSEPH, NOT FOR ONESELF, BUT FOR OTHERS

SLEEPING JOSEPH, AKA DREAMING JOSEPH, NOT FOR ONESELF, BUT FOR OTHERS. Though rest is important, but the the most significant point of the Sleeping St. Joseph's figure is that through his sleep he DREAMT of God's will for him, specially when he was contemplating of abandoning, divorcing the infanticipating Blessed Mary, with a child which wasn't his. Because he slept, thus he dreamt of the Angel telling him about the truth of Mother Mary's pregnancy. During their time, a women who gets pregnant without a father, especially if she's already bethrothed to a man who's not the father of the child she's carrying, can have very tragic consequences for the pregnant woman. She can be accused of adultery, whose punishment is stoning to death. But because through his dream, understanding and accepting God's will, Joseph understood the real situation of Mary. So, instead of abandoning her, instead of condemning her, Joseph became the defender, the loyal husband to Mary, and a loyal father too to Jesus.
Come to think of it, St. Joseph himself actually became the enfleshment of the earlier Joseph, the-Dreamer of Egypt of the Old Testament. The similarities of the two Josephs actually are striking. Firstly, both had fathers whose names were Jacob. Both also became rescuers to those whose lives were entrusted to them: St. Joseph for Mary and Jesus; Old Testament Joseph, the Israelites who were then undergoing famine. Thirdly, both brought those whom they rescued to Egypt. St. Joseph brought Mother Mary and the baby Jesus to Egypt to escape the rampage of murderous Herod; OT Joseph brought into Egypt the Israelites who were going through a devastating 7-year cycle of famine. Lastly, and most importantly, both learned of God's will via their dreams, and also decided to follow God's will as expressed in their dreams.  Thus, we we actually have not only one, but two JOSEPHS THE DREAMERS. Dreamers, NOT for their own sakes, but following GOD'S WILL, FOR OTHERS.

Pope Francis’ speech at Malacañang (Full text)

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I thank you, Mr President, for your kind welcome and for your words of greeting in the name of  the authorities and people of the Philippines, and the distinguished members of the Diplomatic Corps. I am most grateful for your invitation to visit the Philippines.

My visit is above all pastoral.

It comes as the Church in this country is preparing to celebrate the fifth centenary of the first proclamation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ on these shores. The Christian message has had an immense influence on Filipino culture.

It is my hope that this important anniversary will point to its continuing fruitfulness and its  potential to inspire a society worthy of the goodness, dignity and aspirations of the Filipino people.

In a particular way, this visit is meant to express my closeness to our brothers and sisters who endured the suffering, loss and devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda.

Together with many people throughout the world, I have admired the heroic strength, faith and resilience demonstrated by so many Filipinos in the face of this natural disaster, and so many others.

Those virtues, rooted not least in the hope and solidarity instilled by Christian faith, gave rise to an outpouring of goodness and generosity, especially on the part of so many of the young. In that moment of national crisis, countless people came to the aid of their neighbors in need.

At great sacrifice, they gave of their time and resources, creating networks of mutual help and working for the common good.

This example of solidarity in the work of rebuilding teaches us an important lesson. Like a family, every society draws on its deepest resources in order to face new challenges.

Today the Philippines, together with many other countries in Asia, faces the challenge of building on solid foundations a modern society – a society respectful of authentic human values, protective of our God-given human dignity and rights, and ready to confront new and complex political and ethical questions.

As many voices in your nation have pointed out, it is now, more than ever, necessary that political leaders be outstanding for honesty, integrity and commitment to the common good. In this way they will help preserve the rich human and natural resources with which God has blessed this country.

Thus will they be able to marshall the moral resources needed to face the demands of the present, and to pass on to coming generations a society of authentic justice, solidarity and peace.

 Essential to the attainment of these national goals is the moral imperative of ensuring social justice and respect for human dignity. The great biblical tradition enjoins on all peoples the duty to hear the voice of the poor.

It bids us break the bonds of injustice and oppression which give rise to glaring, and indeed scandalous, social inequalities. Reforming the social structures which perpetuate poverty and the exclusion of the poor first requires a conversion of mind and heart.

The Bishops of the Philippines have asked that this year be set aside as the “Year of the Poor.”

I hope that this prophetic summons will challenge everyone, at all levels of society, to reject every form of corruption which diverts resources from the poor, and to make concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of every man and woman and child in the life of the community.

 A fundamental role in the renewal of society is played, of course, by the family and especially by young people.

A highlight of my visit will be my meetings with families and with young people here in Manila.

Families have an indispensable mission in society. It is in the family that children are trained in sound values, high ideals and genuine concern for others.

But like all God’s gifts, the family can also be disfigured and destroyed. It needs our support. We know how difficult it is for our democracies today to preserve and defend such basic human values as respect for the inviolable dignity of each human person, respect for the rights of conscience and religious freedom, and respect for the inalienable right to life, beginning with that of the unborn and extending to that of the elderly and infirm.

For this reason, families and local communities must be encouraged and assisted in their efforts to transmit to our young the values and the vision which can help bring about a culture of integrity – one which honors goodness, truthfulness, fidelity and solidarity as the firm foundation and the moral glue which holds society together.

 Mr President, distinguished authorities, dear friends:

 As I begin my visit to this country, I cannot fail to mention the Philippines’ important role in fostering understanding and cooperation among the countries of Asia.

I would also mention the oft-neglected yet real contribution of Filipinos of the diaspora to the life and welfare of the societies in which they live.

It is precisely in the light of the rich cultural and religious heritage of which your country is proud that I leave you with a challenge and a word of prayerful encouragement.

May the deepest spiritual values of the Filipino people continue to find expression in your efforts to provide your fellow citizens with an integral human development.

In this way, each person will be able to fulfill his or her potential, and thus contribute wisely and well to the future of this country.

I am confident that the praiseworthy efforts to promote dialogue and cooperation between the followers of the different religions will prove fruitful in the pursuit of this noble goal.

In a particular way, I express my trust that the progress made in bringing peace to the south of the country will result in just solutions in accord with the nation’s founding principles and respectful of the inalienable rights of all, including the indigenous peoples and religious minorities.

 Upon all of you, and upon all the men, women and children of this beloved nation, I cordially  invoke God’s abundant blessings.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/popefrancis/story/406413/full-text-pope-francis-speech-at-malacanang

POPE FRANCIS, ROCKSTAR.

POPE FRANCIS, ROCKSTAR. People think that Pope Francis is so well-embraced globally that his popularity is likened to that of a rockstar. Some though cringe at the label, because they think that it's too worldly, too un-Popelike. On the contrary, it's not. It's in fact a very apt label. Peter, the first Pope was himself told by Christ, "You are Peter, the ROCK. And on this ROCK, will I build my Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Thus, the Pope (all the Popes, that is), stood for That ROCK, the CHURCH of JESUS the CHRIST. Thus the word ROCK isn't at all worldly but in fact a very proper title for the Pope. Now, the STAR. There is That STAR of Christ, which shone not for itself, but shone so as to LEAD PEOPLE TO CHRIST. That's how the Magis, shepherds, animals found the new-born Christ in the manger. Indeed Francis, the STAR, has consistently been shining, but he has also been consistently telling people that the brightness is not for his own sake, but for people to be led towards for whom the STAR SHINES: CHRIST. Indeed, Pope Francis, who stands for the PAPACY, is ROCK, and also as one leading people to CHRIST is a STAR. Thus, POPE FRANCIS, ROCKSTAR!

ISN'T THIS SKYHIGH ROBBERY? CEBU PACIFIC AIR DOESN'T REFUND UNUSED TICKET, UNLIKE PAL WHICH WILL REFUND 100%.

CEBU PAC DOESN'T REFUND UNUSED TICKET, UNLIKE PAL WHICH WILL REFUND 100%. ISN'T THIS SKYHIGH ROBBERY? Yesterday, I got another surprise from CebuPac. PAL WILL REFUND MY UNUSED/SELF-CANCELLED TICKET 100%, WHILE CEBU PAC WON'T. Last Sunday afternoon, I decided to get round-trip tickets (in cash) for an anticipated very important business appointment in Makati for 13 January, today. Due to the cancellation of multiple flights of PAL and Cebu Pac for the upcoming Papal Visit, the flight schedules prior and after 15 & 19 January are also awry. I eventually ended up getting tickets from BOTH PAL & Cebu Pac (Dva-Mla, PAL; Mla-Dvo, CebuPac). However, yesterday, I got official instruction that I don't need to proceed to my appointment in Makati anymore. So I frantically contacted PAL and Cebu Pac for cancellation and reimbursement of my flights. ENDING: PAL WILL REFUND MY FARE 100%; Cebu Pac WILL NOT REFUND MY TICKET! My fee will become PART of their TRAVEL FUND, and P1,200 will be DEDUCTED from my payment because of my cancellation! As CONSOLATION, the BALANCE of my CASH-PAID now-Cebu Pac-dispensed "TRAVEL FUND" I can use to get any ticket of the same destination WITHIN 90 DAYS (albeit, I'm not yet sure whether I'll still be made to pay for the balance if the price of the future ticket s greater than the cancelled one). Thus, I CAN'T get a TOTAL CASH REFUND from Cebu Pac UNLIKE PAL. And according to the OIC (albeit she said it in a very respectful manner) of the travel agency where I purchased the ticket, PRESENTLY, that's the way things are with Cebu Pac, BECAUSE (deplorably, my view), OUR OWN GOVERNMENT, via the CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD (CAB) APPROVED SUCH SCHEME! May I please ask the following questions: 1. If PAL allows for my 100% refund, why doesn't Cebu Pac allow so?; 2. Why did the government (VIA CAB) allow such "TRAVEL FUND" scheme?; 3. Why am I NOT ENTITLED TO THE CASH REFUND OF MY MONEY FOR A SERVICE NOT RENDERED TO ME, ESPECIALLY WHEN I'M ALREADY METED OUT A P1200.00 PENALTY FOR CANCELLING MY FLIGHT?; 4. AS A CONSUMER, DOESN'T I HAVE THE RIGHT TO CHANGE MY MIND ABOUT A CERTAIN SERVICE, ESPECIALLY IF IN THE FIRST PLACE I STILL HAVEN'T USED THE SERVICE, and IN THE PROCESS I WAS EVEN ALREADY PENALIZED FOR IT?; 5. WHAT GIVES THE CEBU PACIFIC AIR THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A WAIVER AND CONDITIONS AND LIMITATIONS ON FARES WHEN IN EFFECT GOES AGAINST THE BASIC CONSUMER'S RIGHTS, A) TO CHOOSE WHAT KIND OF SERVICE ONE WANTS TO USE; B) TO HAVE HIS/HER PAYMENT RETURNED FOR A SERVICE YET UNUSED, ESPECIALLY IF HE/SHE AS ALREADY BEEN CHARGED PENALTY BY DEFAULT? At present, I'd like to CONJECTURE that the CEBU PAC "TRAVEL FUND SCHEME" is NONE OTHER THAN A SKYHIGH ROBBERY! And! THANKS TO CIVIL AERONAUTICS BOARD, CEBU PAC is DOING IT WITH IMPUNITY!

CHRISTMAS. WARMTH. SHARING. COMPASSION. HOME.

 I remember way back 2006, I was in Leuven, Belgium for the 1st stop of my year-long Erasmus Mundus Master in Bioethics program. It was the first time in my whole life that I went abroad, at was also the first time I was also away from my family for a period longer than 2 weeks. And Christmas was approaching. And as the day of Christmas drew nearer, an unspeakable longing, or maybe even deep sadness was also growing in me. It was only then that I came to fully realize that,  I think I then have an idea of how OFWs felt too during such times. I was just blessed that out of nowhere, a very dear friend, Fr. K. Masong, invited myself and my 2 other Pinoy classmates to a blessing of a Pinay's house in Luxembourg on Christmas eve. Salva vida. Life saver. That indeed saved me from such deep sadness and longing. I've long forgotten her family name now, but the nickname of the owner of the house blest by Fr. K. was Ate Chari. Ate Chari and her family  shared with us their food, but most of all shared with us their warmth and treated us like family. It was just an overnight sojourn, but it provided me enough energy to eventually finish resolutely the remaining 7 more months of my program then. I'm home here now with my family in Davao. Very contented, feeling blest, on Christmas break from my Erasmus Mundus PhD program this time. And as such, it's my deepest and sincerest prayer that lost, longing, sad souls like I was before, will also find the warmth and welcome that people like Fr. K. and Ate Chari extended to me. Mga Kabayan, you may not realize it, but an overnight of kindness will tide our fellows towards an eternity of hopefulness and meaningfulness. I wish and pray everyone warmth, in the midst of possible coldness; sharing, in the midst of possible need; compassion, in the midst of possible sadness; a home, in the midst of strangers. Warmth. Sharing. Compassion. Home. Let us be, specially this Christmas. Merry Christmas everyone! God bless us all!

SELF-LOVE IN TIME OF EBOLA?

If OIC DOH Secretary Garin won't resign, she must at least, if she's a responsible public servant, have herself quarantined, and also those people who were with her (meaning Gen. Pio Catapang too) visiting the troops in Caballo Islands. AND, even those people who were exposed to them AFTER the Caballo visit must also be subjected to the quarantine protocols as prescribed by the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM). I don't think it's true that "the troops didn't show any symptoms". Remember, 1 of those soldiers DID SHOW EBOLA-LIKE/FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS, days before GArin's and Catapang's visit. However, DOH people, giving the situation a twist (aka cavalier attitude) they're simply saying that it MIGHT simply be a case of Malaria. "Might" be, meaning also NOT totally RULING OUT EBOLA for that said soldier (and I sincerely hope that it really isn't the case). And the fact that the other members of the contingent were exposed to the said soldier, thus also make them possible carriers of Ebola infection. 
It's a no-brainer that if countries like the U.S., U.K., etc. are wary, or even leery, of the possibilities of Ebola infection, when they're much more equipped to handle Ebola, so much much more must we. And so much more must one be when she happens to be THE COUNTRY'S NUMBER 1 PUBLIC HEALTH AUTHORITY, the SECRETARY OF HEALTH (albeit, still OIC).
If Gen. Catapang, true to his family name, showed the bravery to own up to his lapse, and is willing to be quarantined, so must OIC DOH Sec. Garin, being herself a PHYSICIAN who must know the REAL DANGERS of EBOLA INFECTION and of the QUARANTINE PROTOCOLS, own up to her lapse, and  at the very least have herself quarantined for at least the next 21 days.
Sec. Garin, in the name of saving the lives of women valiantly stood for the RH Law. Now, not only for the sake of saving lives of women, BUT OF WOMEN, MEN, CHILDREN, EVERYONE, will she be valiant enough to own up to, be responsible for  her faux pas, re EBOLA VIRUS? Would she be willing to step down from her position (SUPPOSEDLY ONE OF PUBLIC TRUST), even just temporarily (for the whole length of quarantine), or maybe better, permanently? ALL FOR THE SAKE OF REAL LIFE-AND-DEATH MATTER of PUBLIC HEALTH & SAFETY.
Truth is, I sincerely hope and pray that indeed our troops in Caballo, OIC DOH Sec. Garin, Gen. Catapang, and all those others exposed to them will eventually be TOTALLY NEGATIVE of Ebola infection. For their sake, and for the country's sake. BUT, for the meantime, RESPONSIBILITY & ACCOUNTABILITY, and not self-love, must be paramount.