supPRESSed Freedom

It was in the news that the greatest number of journalists killed in a single event here in the Philippines was in the Ampatuan massacre. Allegedly 34 journalists were found dead in the scene. And this attack is a serious attempt to suppress press freedom. To gag the press is to hide the truth from the public. To shackle the media is to live in lies. To kill mediamen is to slay fair play.

One of the protected rights in our Bill of Rights is the freedom of the press. But it seems that whenever powerful names and organizations are involved in heinous crimes, perpetrators resort to journalist slaying. What a brutal way to take the lives of journalists with no guns and ammunition to protect themselves while doing their duty and seeking the truth. What a devastating act to kill innocent people.

I am one with the print and broadcast media in condemning this terrifying mass slaying. I am one with the friends and relatives of all the victims in shouting for JUSTICE.

The President Runs for Congress

What an awkward situation we have here. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) is running to seek seat in Congress. Yeah, I find it very unusual. Is she running away from something? Is she overwhelmed by power and cannot have enough of it? What would make a President -the Chief Executive, the Commander-in-Chief, the highest ranking government official- decide to run for a lower office?

Public service knows no position. You can serve with or without goverment post. After GMA served as Vice President, Acting President and followed by being elected as President, are those positions not enough to satisfy her hunger for power? Can she not be content with those to still cling onto a lower post?

Sure, she cannot run for Presidency because it is not allowed by the Constitution. But instead of taking a rest away from the crazy world of politics, GMA opted to take her chance to grab a Congressional seat. Why can't she give chance to deserving candidates? Being a Congresswoman won't save her from corruption raps but it will give her immunity from libel or slander suits in a speech uttered while the Congress is in session. But I think it is not the only reason why she is still running. It has something to do with money and power.

Hayden Without His License

It's official. Hayden Kho's license to practice medicine was already revoked by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Kho was a licensed cosmetic surgeon. But with the world wide web sneaking into his sex video scandals, he was found guilty of committing immorality, dishonorable and unethical conduct because said videos were taken without the consent of the featured women. The videos were also dispersed like wildfire. In an interview, Katrina Halili, one of his 'victims,' said she is happy with the resolution of the commission to revoke Kho's license.

As what I have said in my previous post, Kho is guilty but give him the appropriate punishment. And the revocation of his license is just but reasonable. At any rate, it is not only Kho who needs to learn from those scandals but also the women who were with him in said private moments. The experience must also serve a lesson to those who are engaged in said scandals. Think of the consequences after the heat is gone.

CNN Hero of the Year is a Pinoy

After Manny Pacquiao's 7 world title win comes another worth celebrating pinoy victory. Another first for pinoys...

Efren Peñaflorida, which I featured in this blog early this month, bested 9 other contenders from various countries. The pinoy who is famed for his 'Kariton Klassroom' was awarded the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year. This is the first time that a pinoy was chosen to be the ultimate hero of the year by the respected network. The award was presented to him by Hollywood star Eva Mendes at the Kodak Theatre last Saturday night. He was selected after getting the highest number of online votes. According to CNN, more than 2.75 million votes were cast for 7 weeks.