con't... (message board 71)

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   November 10, 2008

Retired Samarnon of America, I am not sure if the "former" San Francisco Deputy Consul General is the same person with Antonio Morales of Catbalogan.

As regards to your "hard questions" for him, I believe that no one will qualify from the President down to Barangay Captain in this coming election if you will ask them of the same. Besides, he repeatedly signified that he is not running for gubernatorial seat - at all (?).

I wish every candidate will be able to answer them with truthfulness and sincerity. And everyone who will fall short will self-disqualify himself/herself from running in the election. But we will be looking for a person who doesn't exists at all, at least nowadays. Nevertheless, we are looking for the one who is the lesser evil so to speak.

Tonyboy, we would appreciate it if you can give us more information about Fr. Labendia. We would like to know his background, his associations to some organizations and his qualifications. How are you associated with him and how well do you know him? How long is your acquaintance with him?

I heard that the former Priest and now Pampanga Gov. Panlilio is not doing well in so far as good governance is concerned. Don't get me wrong, but being a priest and a graft and corruption fighter is not a qualification for gubernatorial position for me. Like you, maybe he will be more usefull and effective while watching in the sideline.

Just playing the role of a devil's advocate...

Name:    Basilio A. Balasbas
Address:    Brgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City, Samar
Email:    balasbas.basilio@yahoo.com
Date:   November 10, 2008

Letenyo,

War strategy and politics are two (2) different things. If you keep your intention to run for public office confidential then the people in the remote areas will never know that you are running for public office. In politics the early you dish out your plan to run the better for the simple reason that you have to immediately reach far flung places. In Samar unlike Leyte there are still areas that can only be reached by a motorcycle or by walking, and it will take you eternity to reach these places by walking. In war your OPLAN is kept secret and even its execution is only announced to your soldiers on the day the operation starts. The plan is mapped out only by the CO and its staff, once this plan is leaked it will mean the annihilation of your entire unit.

In politics you have to organize your entire team and announce your plan early so that you can gather volunteers from all sector. Prepare your strategy and ask for donation from affluent and well off kabugtuans especially those working accross the sea. In Samar it is not easy to defeat a politician of Mila Tans caliber. We also have Cata who is practically the same, they buy their way to power and they resort to vote buying every election period and they make certain that in every peso that they give a corresponding vote is delivered. They have their way of ensuring that in every cash that they offer a matching vote is captured.

Sangacay nga Letenyo maybe you are not aware that Mila Tan can offer as much as 2 thousand pesos per voter. How can you beat a moneyed politician of Mila's stature? Cata was trounced last election because he only paid each voter 5 hundred pesos. The winner were Mila Tan for Governor and her daughter for Congresswoman. Only in the Philippines? NO ONLY IN SAMAR.

Now how can they recoup the money that they spent? They recovered their money from the Pork barrel of Sharre-Anne and the provincial goverment funds. Result? A national road with deep holes, a decayed school buildings, public schools without text books, a hospital with poor facilities/sanitation, a slumber economy TOTAL? People belonging to the poorest of the poor year in and year out. ONLY IN SAMAR.

We have to get rid of this kind of Politicians. Lets involve the media (print and broadcast) educate the electorate, professionals, ordinary Juan dela Cruz, volunteers to make known to everyone our condemnation of the kind of politicians that we now have in the province reveal to the electorate the continued catnap if we will prolong the stint of these very corrupt politicians in power.

We have to start now!!!!!!!!!!! God Bless Us All...

Name:   Midnytbleu
Address:    Manila
Email:
Date:    Nov. 9, 2008

To Samarnon,

Yes my observation is a given as I have spent time at Samar. It is also my quest to find a solution to help alleviate the situation in our province.

Your point is how we make the place worth settling for but for me I am more concerned of how I will manage to keep afloat in the current situation when I settle there next year.

You see Mr. Samarnon, i am not settling in our province "just to enjoy the company of good old friends". I don't even know how to talk waray and I grew up in Manila. I am laying my cards at the table and somehow at the back of my doubtful mind I know, there is always hope. And that people in our province deserves the benefit of the doubt. Remember in my last statement, I wanted to be proven wrong. I trust my career and my family's finances to the people of my town for I am planning to put up a business and you cannot blame me for seeing things in a bleak perspective.

I am willing to take time and invest because I am still hoping that the people in my town is not a lost cause. And that I can introduce new ideas to commerce at my town.

But how will it be a win-win situation? That is the question that is bugging me.

You ask me... "Why do you think average Filipinos change altogether when they work abroad compared than when working locally?" I will honestly tell you I don't know. What I do know is that people work abroad to earn their bread and butter and in search for greener pastures. I will tell you what my mother always tell me when we were growing up. "Anak, wag mong kainggitan ang mga kapitbahay natin na nag-aabroad dahil dito wala silang makuhang magandang trabaho na makakasapat upang buhayin ang pamilya nila." (My child, don’t envy our neighbors who works abroad because in here, they cannot get a decent job that can suffice the need to support their families). What she said is simple, true and logical. Why do they really go abroad when they can work and serve here? In another context, I would answer your question straight to the point. Average Filipinos change altogether when they work abroad compared to those working locally because work is harder abroad, rent and expenses are high that they want to make their every cent count and in turn their employers want to get what is worth their salary. Whereas here, employees of the workforce comes to work, in the morning things are fast moving, towards lunch break, their service dwindles, when they report back to work things pick up again for an hour then things slows down towards their much awaited coffee break. Mind you they keep track of the minutes they have on their free times and no one can dare break their lunches and coffee breaks. But they don't give the quality and efficiency that they are paid for. If you want point of comparison, observe offices and take note of how they watch the wall clock waiting for their break times.

I agree that one of the avenues to achieve it is to find a good leader. But then again I will give you another scenario. When people look for a job, he tells himself, when I get employed I will better them all. In an interview you will tell the interviewee I will give it my 100% hard work and dedication. Then you get hired. You go to work earlier than the janitor, multitask things at the workplace and such then time passed by you get promoted to a regular employee, your workmates starts exchanging stories with you, even pleasantries. They ask you to go own with them on late night outs. You come to work late and no one noticed until it became a way of life. Your performance starts to suffer as you go to work with less sleep. You started doing what the others do.... Now, where was the idealism and where was that tiny voice which said "when I get employed I will better them all."

A good leader is always needed but if the people you are surrounded with pulls you down, even with an iron clad determination, things get a little rusty.

It is always a good intention to hope for a better leader. Who wouldn't want that? But it’s the social stigma that pulls us down. Call it crab mentality, call it any other way. I am pro change.

As for Mr. Morales yes he has the qualifications and he knows how can he produce output better. Quoting what he said... "I have said once and I will say it again that my chosen field in politics is not to be a candidate but rather to be a pundit. I see better the picture when I am on a pedestal seeing things than those people in the vortex of power who can't see the real score."

Lastly, we as people have the voice to call upon change only if we take time to make it happen.

P.S. Sorry for the long message.

Name:    Miguel T. Mendiola, Jr.
Address:   3350 W. 98th Place, Unit D, Westminster, Colorado 80031, U.S.A.
Email:   mmendiola@netzero.net
Date:   11/09/08

I have read with interest that the City of Catbalogan has a proposed Tourism Development Plan. It is my hope that the plan will include the development and construction of an airport. Catbalogan is probably one of the very few cities without an airport.

Tourists, especially foreigners have money to spend but what they do not have the luxury to waste is time. Most, used to traveling by air or on well paved superhighways in their own country, will avoid spending their precious time traveling on potholed Samar roads.

I am a Catbalogan native but the U.S.A. has been my home country for the past 38 years.

Name:    Letenyo
Address:   Tacloban City
Email:
Date:   Nobyembre 9, 2008

The issue about Mr. T Morales' plan to run or not to run for politics in Samar should be considered a war strategy where confidentiality must be adhered to. Politics is like battle execution and you do not want your adversaries to know how much capabilities you have, how much war chest of donations you have, and who are and how many generals and lieutenant helpers you have. The day when you are ready for battle is when you are ready to announce your candidacy publicly and then it is time for you to pull all your resources out to advance and win.

On the offense, You must also study your opponent or opponents' capabilities. Perhaps employ spy network against your opponents' activities. Having gathered intelligence, you can concentrate and apply your resources to where it will equalize the most againts your opponents. Veteran politicians in Samar and Leyte are using effective strategies. If you announce your candidacy early and quickly, they will start chipping you away until you are frustrated. They may attack you publicly with lies that it will be impossible for you to win.

I would say yes, anyone and even with bags of money to buy votes can be defeated. You only have to connect to the hearts and minds of Samarnons. You have to speak not English and not Tagalog but Waray language to penetrate the hearts and minds of Samarnons. "Sudla ngadto ha sakob han ira hunahuna ngan han ira kasig-kasing, kay aadto ha sakob nira iton imo maaabat nga hira nga aton mga taga Samarenyos karuyag nagud hin maupay nga pagmaneho han aton gubyerno ngan maupay nga pamuhi han mga Samarenyos, para hiton kabubuwason han aton mga kabataan.”

Name:    Retired Samarnon
Address:   The Americas
Email:
Date:   November 9, 2008

I am cautiously joining the popular clamor for Antonio Morales to run for public office in Samar. It looks like he is the only viable potential candidate at this moment to run against the family in power. Let me remind Mr. Morales though that public office is not for the onion-skinned. As an elected official, he becomes public property subject to attacks and criticism from all quarters. Based on his postings on this board, his writing skills could qualify him to be president of the land. But good governance is not all about writing. I have a few hard questions for him to answer:

1) Does he have personal integrity and honesty? Trust is the glue that holds all relationships together.
2) Does he have long and clear vision? Can he inspire others to action? The further he can see into the future, the greater his leadership abilities.
3) Is he enthusiastic and committed? He should set an example to his followers.
4) Is he solution-oriented? A great leader focuses on searching for answers and remedies.
5) Does he always strive for excellence? Can he inspire and motivate others?
6) Is he a good communicator and can he nurture relationships?
7) Is he generous and kind-hearted? Being tender and kind are not signs of weakness but manifestations of strength and resolve.
8) And my favorite of them all - does he look good and smell good?

I heard Mr. Morales is a Samar High alumni. I wonder what Class he belongs to? Can someone post his picture so we can size him up?

Name:    Basilio A. Balasbas
Address:    Bgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City
Email:    balasbas.basilio@yahoo.com
Date:    November 9, 2008

Midnytbleu of Manila,

Your observation about the province of Samar and its people is partly correct.

You exemplified Samarenyos as indolent and are just waiting for the mana from heaven. They are inclined to siestas etc.

You know my friend I am a true blooded Samarenyo. I and a lot of contributors in this blog who are also from Samar don't fit in, the kind of character that you want us to portray. We maybe happy go lucky at times but we've proven ourselves that we are not the kind of inhabitants that you are trying to depict.

We persevered the reason why we reached the pinnacle of success that we are now enjoying. I was a working student who finished college education through hard work. I worked my way up the ladder and became the Security Manager of Edsa Shangrila Manila.

Samarenyos are not lazy, you just have to motivate them because when they start working they'll be working the rest of their lives just like me.

C'mon Midnytbleu of Manila you can still settle in the province of Samar. Samarenyos are friendly after all.

God bless us all.

Name:    Rex B. Cool
Address:   New Zealand
Email:
Date:    Nov. 9, 2008

It's nice reading the enthusiasm of a few in search for an honest and deserving governatorial candidate for Samar. It is a wake up call to those who still believe that selling our votes to the highest bidder is the way to go.

The way of thinking of these people who realize the impact of a stagnant economy and the worsening poverty situation of Samar, caused by these unworthy politicians, should be emulated.

Samarnons should be firm on their stand. It is time for a change of our electoral attitude. It is time to defend the sanctity of our vote and give it to the deserving candidate.

After all, the power is within us, stronger than a single government administrator called president, senator, governor, congressman, or mayor.

Name:    Antonio Morales
Address:   Catbalogan City
Email:
Date:   Nov 8 2008

To all those adamant of changing the political landscape of Samar:

Good news! Rey's interview with the DILG-8 RD is interesting. Puno already signed the suspension order while the RD still has to see the official documents for him to implement the order. This is rather an exciting moment for the province of Samar.

Mila is now trying her best to evade the DILG-8 RD but again the suspension order can be merely posted in the door of the Governor's Office. If she'll play hide-n-seek, then she'll just prolong the agony of her 90-day suspension. She might as well start serving the 90-day suspension so she can enjoy a 90-day unpaid vacation from power.

Exciting moments indeed in Samar's politics.

On my candidacy for governor, I leave that to Father Labendia instead. He has a proven track record of fighting the evils. His name is now synonymous to anti-graft and corrupt practices. When politicians failed to topple Mila, he did it the legal way and soon the "Queen of the Queendom of the Blind" is about to be check-mated. What I can do is start an online petition for him to run. Encourage as many people to rally behind his candidacy and hopefully ask people to contribute to his campaign kitty.

That said, spread the word that Father Labendia is our candidate for Governor!

[ Editor’s Note: The implementation order for the suspension of Gov. Mila Tan was signed by secretary Puno on Nov 5 at 1pm and was immediately sent via LBC and was received by DILG 8 on Nov 6 at 1pm.  In a follow-up call yesterday, Nov 7, DILG 8 staff said that dir Paler was in Cebu. No other development yet so far as of this posting.  - 11/08/08 ; 2pm ]

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   November 8, 2008

Midnytbleu, your observation concerning the people of Samar is probably correct and it is a given. Our objective here is to find a solution on how we can possibly change the situation and help uplift the condition of our place and make it worth settling for when we want to go home and retire in the company of good old friends.

Why do you think average Filipinos change altogether when they work abroad compared than when working locally?

One of the avenues to go about it is choosing the right leaders who will cause these negative values change by creating an environment that is suitable and easy for paradaigm shifts.

And for now, that is the biggest challenge all of us are faced. Who are these new leaders?

Sangkay Tonyboy knows. Sana naman yung hindi extremes - sa kanan man or sa kaliwa.

Name:    J. Marco
Address:    Mercedes, Catbalogan City
Email:
Date:    Nov. 8, 2008

To:  Mr. Ray Gaspay
Re:  Interview with DILG director (Mila Tan suspension)

Mr. Gaspay salamat han imo interview han DILG director. Sobra gud an amon kalipay nga nabati kami han imo interview kan Mr. Paler.

Pero nalimtan mo pag paki-ana kon halimbawa nga diri ito karawaton nga suspension order han kan Mila tawo (kay asya man gud ini it iya style) ano man it iya (Mr. Paler) action hini?

Asya gad la ini an akon paki-ana Mr. Gaspay. Kon may panahon ka pa alayon gad ini ipaki-ana otro kan Mr. Paler ini nga akon paki-ana.

Salamat ngan more power to you!

Name:    Midnytbleu
Address:   Manila
Email:
Date:   Nov. 7, 2008

I can understand why Mr. Morales chose not to run and just be on the background. You see, if one with an organized perspective run in the realm of politics it is more likely to fail rather than make things happen.

It is like looking from outside of the box and directing people on which way to go without the people in the box have contact from what is outside.

True it may sound like he is making a puppet of someone but if it is for the greater good, then why not.

I have been looking over for ways on how Samar will succeed but sadly it is the people who is at fault here.

Geographically speaking, Samar is the 3rd largest island in the archipelago but how come its still one of the poorest. Natural resources speaking there are a lot of of things which people here can explore... only if they wanted to. They say necessity is the mother of invention but in Samar's case it doesn't apply.

When people need something, they beg and ask for it and even whine for it but not work for it. People tend to be more concerned of doing their siestas rather than utilizing the daylight to make something productive. And after 5 o' clock u can see them in groups drinking and whining of how poor Samar people are.

Samar they say is always beaten by typhoons and landslides so they blame natural calamities. But see Batanes and Northern Ilocos aren't they beaten by natural calamities too? The only difference they have is that Ilocanos are more thrifty and hardworking. Most silent millionaires are from there but they didn't get rich by taking siestas and drinking tuba after work.

I am not anti-Samareños for I intend to settle here. I want to be wronged of what I have observed... That people of Samar can succeed if given the chance. But how? That is uncertain.

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   November 7, 2008

Sangkay Tonyboy M. and Everyone:

I exactly knew where you are coming from sangkay Tony...and I fully understood your points and considerations. I need no explanations from you and you are not obliged to give one either.

I guess my corporate environment and experience taught and influenced me to be straight and simple - always looking to convert words/ideas into actions.

More or less I knew that you will (always) opt to stay in you present status and work with regard to dealing with politics. I believe that you are doing a great job. My concern is how we can bring our discussions here to the masses. How can we be able to educate the electorate who do not have access to the internet and don't even know that Samarnews.com exists? This is the kind of action that I am looking after from all of us. This is what I mean of putting our words into action.

Bukoy from Matuguinaw is right that we need some fundings. This is very much well understood and implied. This is what I mean that somebody has to take the lead so people who have shown concern can jump in and contribute.

It is my hope as well that people who have joined in this discussion and have said something right will not shy away when their much needed help is asked.

THIS CHALLENGE IS FOR ALL OF US.

Name:   Basilio A. Balasbas
Address:    Brgy. Guinsorongan, Catbalogan City
Email:    balasbas.basilio@yahoo.com
Date:    November 6, 2008

Tonyboy,

You have what it takes to be a good leader of a province. If you are afraid that you will run out of cash in the process we will do what Barack did in the US. Financial assistance were aplenty the reason why he bombarded the airwaves with a barrage of ads that subsequently resulted to his being elected as the 44th President of the United States of America.

I have been saying in here systematic and organized staff will catapult you to the position where we want you to be. We will mobilize volunteers in all sectors particularly the youth and we will map out a plan to make the move smooth to sustain the initiative from start to finish.

Early next year I will see you in person with Fr Noel Labendia to discuss all this things to start the ball rolling. God bless you and may the good lord bless the entire province of Samar as well.

Name:    Tonyboy Morales
Address:    Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:    Nov 6, 2008

To Samarnon of Canada:

I have said once and I will say it again that my chosen field in politics is not to be a candidate but rather to be a pundit. I see better the picture when I am on a pedestal seeing things than those people in the vortex of power who can't see the real score. My service to our province is awakening them to the rampant corruption in government ranks and giving our people opinions that would hopefully guide them in their decision making come election time.

I see your point Samarnon that those who talk should do the walk but my walk is in challenging the status quo and seeming apathy of our people by the use of the mighty pen. My pen may not be as sharp as those propagandists who calibrated the Philippine revolution but I am here for the purpose of hitting the conscience of our people by knocking on their foreheads not to be contented with sub-standard leadership in the province. 2010 is coming near but no one in Samar has stood up to take back the capitol from corrupt officials and return it back to the people. No one in Samar with credibility has come to the forefront to challenge the Tan family.

Not all of us can run and solve the problems of the province. I have asked Father Noel Labendia to run since he is the only untainted beacon of hope for Samar. I could effectively rally behind him and not be distracted of my own political ambitions because I have none. I think that when your intention is purely for others and not for your own political ambitions, you have more sense of purpose. I can campaign for Father Labendia more rather than be wary of my own candidacy and my political future.

Samarnon, pardon me for disappointing you. On my personal capacity, I have already rocked the hornets' nest. I have already dissected the issues facing our province and my hope is for somebody like Father Labendia to take the lead. I will be the one holding the machine gun to fire the powerful ammonitions against those corrupt officials but somebody other than me has to lead the charge.

In the course of castigating the politicians in our province and even some passersby who mocked our dignity as a people, I have earned the ire of some but I am not a candidate who will carefully chose sweetened words to appease everybody.

Name:    Bukoy
Address:   Matuguinao
Email:
Date:   6 Nov 08

To Mr. Samarnon of Canada,

You are right that Mr. Tony Morales has all the ability and capability to effect change in Samar. I was a little bit disappointed that as if he is trying to keep distance and endorsing somebody to lead.

I know it's not an easy task for him and it should not be done by talking or by saying ok you are the leader. Somebody has to form a group, there are so many factors we have to consider most especially the financial help for the campaign.

Now let's test all those who are shouting for a change most especially those who are working abroad to share by cashing their shout to finance the campaign. If we unite there is no way our aim to change the leadership and to lift up the poverty of Samar will come true.

Let's put our words to action, otherwise this is just a words.

Name:    Elvie Pontillo Manliguez
Address:    B2 L5 Soldiers Hill Subd., Zone 10 Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City 9000, Misamis Oriental
Email:   trisha_louisse@yahoo.com
Date:   November 6, 2008

Hi to all Manliguez family jan sa Makati. Kumusta kayo jan mga karelatives ko. Ako rin ay isang Manliguez so happy ako na may Manliguez jan sa Makati. Hope to see u kahit sa chat man lng…if u want to contact me may email ako jan na nkalagay…thanx…

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   November 4, 2008

To Sangkay Tonyboy Morales:

Mr. Morales, I guess not too long ago I wrote something in here expressing of my full confidence in your ability and capability to effect change in Samar (if you want to). I believe that you have the intelligence and the right vision to guide our kababayans in Samar and Catbalogan in particular. I am just wondering what's hindering you to take the lead? Not necessarily running in the election (I wish you would) but in educating the electorate in choosing the right people during elections.

I just noticed that you prefer to fire long shots and watch from a distance. You will give us your brilliant ideas and depth of your knowledge but eventually pull out yourself from the firing line. You like to pass the ball to somebody else’s hands. Why not play the ball yourself? I am certain that many of us here will eventually jump in and join the ball game so to speak.

I can see in you good managerial and leadership skills. I believe that a person of your caliber is surrounded as well with people of the same brain wave in which you can use and mobilize to make positive things happen. Why waste time?

I long to see you put your words into actions. I know you will in due time and now is the right time.

Can we count on you?

Name:    Naruto
Address:    Matuguinao, Samar
Email:
Date:   11/04/2008

Unfortunately, my election experienced in my hometown, Matuguinao, is very repulsive. It's kinda bidding contest- the highest money you offer the chance for you to win. Can you imagine for each vote they gave you 2,000 - 3,000 Php?

I hope we could have a persistent electoral campaign against this odd traditional behavior of some of our folks. Let's educate them and give them hope.

May God Bless us ALL!

Name:   Ruel P. Madeja
Address:   PO Box 11115, Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, Jubail, Eastern Province 31961, Saudi Arabia
Email:    madejarp@sabic.com
Date:   November 4, 2008

Attention:

All OFW of Samar and Leyte, kindly log-on to www.sangkayorg.ning.com as this is the Official Website of Sangkay Organization Saudi Arabia.

Thanks and regards.

Name:    Tonyboy Morales
Address:    Catbalogan, Samar
Email:
Date:   Nov 3 2008

The 5 Bishops' Call: A Johnny-come-lately Call

Jaro Bishop and CBCP President Angel Lagdameo's recent call for a new government is rather late. Timing is everything in the world of politics. At the height of the political storm during the Hello Garci controversy, the CBCP failed the nation when it merely slapped the wrist of Arroyo to reform when it could have castigated her using moral suasion for her to step down for damaging the sanctity of the office of the presidency. It disappointed so many followers of the moral power of CBCP. When the ZTE came, the CBCP again used carefully caramelized words to spank everybody but spared the rod to the main culprit--the little president.

Well, the main reason why the CBCP lost its independence and moral standing is their acceptance of goodies from GMA. Arroyo has ordered the two biggest gambling operators of the nation, PAGCOR and PCSO, to release the social welfare funds derived from its gambling operations so the bishops can implement their diocesan projects for the poor. The bishops seem oblivious that the funds they are receiving are not from GMA but from the very poor people who are the number 1 fanatics of government-sponsored gambling operations in the country. In troubled times, when you are given a choice how to spend your last 1 peso between buying a pandesal or a dim chance of winning a lotto jackpot, the latter seems enticing. Hope, after all, is more powerful than hunger. The list of bishops receiving dole outs from PAGCOR and PCSO is quite long. Former CBCP President Bishop Capalla was among the biggest receiver. So, when your mouth is full of candies and goodies, you dare not speak the truth.

Now, even if it is late, it is still good that Bishop Lagdameo and Bishop Soc Villegas, two of the most influential bishops in the country today, have already come out from the closet that they are indeed troubled by the present occupant of Malacanang. Good, other fence-sitters will soon follow but again the move is quite late.

Fr. Horacio dela Cuesta, a jesuit, once talked about the split-level christianity of the filipinos and you can't totally blame the ordinary parokyano because even their shepherds are lost.

Name:    Samarnon
Address:   Canada
Email:
Date:   November 3, 2008

To Everyone:

This I know, competence, honesty, idealist, talented and what have you - you name it and we have lots of these in many of our Samarnons. The problem is who will vote for these character treats without goodies and money in his hands when he campaigns and shakes hands with our kababayans? At least for now… and IF we plan to play their game.

If the person with these treats will again be funded and affiliate with traditional politicians, forget it. Mark my word, he lost them the moment he started associating with these people.

Again we are back to zero. Change should start from within ourselves. If we want real change, it will cost us real sacrifices. Yes, real sacrifices - and who among us are willing to carry our share? Sacrifices will come in many forms. The huge part of that sacrifice will come from us who know the real issues and ways to do them skillfully.

And now the challenge. Who among us are willing to participate?

If we want this change that we are talking about to effect this coming election, NOW IS THE TIME TO DO IT.

I remain.

Name:    Rex B. Cool
Address:   New Zealand
Email:
Date:   Nov. 2, 2008

Accused administrative politicians like Gov. Tan who has resources and friends on top of the ruling government does not give up that easy. Of course not a 30 years imprisonment!

We can only hope for justice but justice now a days is so illusive. It takes full support from all Samarnon and maybe the whole Filipino people to topple the will of those who are in power.

It's time that we Samarnons wake up and exercise our responsibilities as the power holder of Samar. We should monitor the outcome of the Sandiganbayan decision.

As the Bishops says, corruption must stop and the time is NOW!

Name:   Samar Islander
Email:
Date:   November 3, 2008

Money's the root of all evil; it's true then; it's still true today. It's corrupting influence's insidious and pervasive that even the most virtious are not immuned to its satanic power. Every single person in power entrusted with monetary responsibility has been corrupted. With money at his disposal, this leader will loss judgement and rational discretion in his exercise in fiscal and monetary responsibility due to his uncertain political survival that is a function of his ability to spend big on election day. In Samar elections, money talks and wins votes. And holding on to power's holding on to big cash.

A remedy to this malady is obvious. Create an independent monetary board that will handle Samar's purse, and spend the money according to existing statues and guidelines in outlays or expenditures. This board will report directly to the Manila government. The local government may only supplement it's everyday functioning with no financial power.

Without financial power, leaders in Samar maybe free from the undue influence and corruptive power of money, concentrating only on governing the province according to their God-given abilities. Clean politics can prevail, and political dynasties shall forever cease.