Question–is it wrong for the archbishops to do this kind of thing now that there’s a pending bill called “Reproductive Health bill” waiting either the signature of Arroyo or her veto? Some sectors speculate that the RCC is just “muscle flexing”, telling Arroyo that the Church is still a force to reckon with. Showing signs of insecurity? Maybe. Or a reflection of inadequate moral discernment?

It could also be a sign that leading proponents of the RH-bill are winning the debate. Two large religious organisations, the Iglesia Ni Cristo and the Jesus is Lord Movement (JIL) are also working silently behind the corridors of power, lobbying for the passage of this bill. Not to mention the US government, and foreign pro-choice lobbyists exerting tremendous PR pressure for Arroyo to make that historic act.

Though the statement really echoes the sentiments of the majority, few believe that a move to oust Gloria could really muster enough support from a so-called “desensitized” military and a throng of trapos intent on earning millions in 2010. This belief stems from earlier models of change where the people’s movement relied on the security forces of the state to effect leadership change. With an unworthy successor (yet popular one) to Arroyo, few welcome radical change simply because doing the right thing now might further cause damage.

Having said that, I think that proponents of change should simply alter their boxed formula for revolts and entertain the idea that calls for new forces leading the charge. Simply put, newer paradigms do not need a withdrawal of support to effect change. Catalysts for change should disabuse the minds of the people and establish this paradigm that simply calls on a Council of State to administer the affairs of the State during the period of transition. The message should be as simple as: to avoid greater confusion, chaos and violence in 2010, the People’s Movement is asking Gloria Arroyo to step down before the elections and make that sacrifice. With her spotty record, Arroyo should be made to resign immediately to avoid a further slide down south of the economy and political system.

This, by far, according to Ricky Carandang, is the strongest denunciation ever by the CBCP against Arroyo. Do we see a snowball of dissent against this regime, with Bolante’s arrival as the starting point? Hopefully, yes.

The rise of the New Patriots have begun.

On second thought…maybe the CBCP is just muscle flexing so that Arroyo strictly followed what she promised—a veto against the Reproductive Health Bill?

Is this another stunt to show Arroyo that CBCP has the numbers and the power of mischief to force Gloria to choose the CBCP over globalist reproductive health bill lobbyists?

Or, maybe, just maybe, this is part of a growing movement of change within Philippine society? Are we seeing the awakening of the Patriots and the beginning of the end of this regime?

Any economist would definitely say that this is a very disturbing statistic. How would you possibly feed 88 million? With a raging global food crisis, a lethargic economy dependent on an ailing US economy and a mismanaged bureaucracy, the Philippines is really in a very serious situation.

Some suggestions are being written, one of which is an “encouraging” message from a former Philippine president. Joseph Estrada, who’s now going around the country for another dig at the presidency, urged Filipinos to use condoms. That’s not new. Since the time of former Philippine health secretary and now ex-Senator Juan Flavier, government has been encouraging Pinoys to use that sheepskin to counter God’s commandment, to no avail.

I think what’s relevant is for the Philippine government to try to manage this explosive situation by ensuring that the country has a stable supply of food. Also, government must try to push for an increase in pay to enable Pinoys to buy what they need. I’m sure that most Pinoys don’t have enough to eat and are now very deficient in their daily nutrient requirements. 

Philippine Agriculture secretary Art Yap insist that there’s enough supply of the Pinoy’s staple food (rice), yet reports say that only about 500,000 tons of rice were imported. That’s not enough. Government knows that more stocks of the staple grain are being hoarded and hidden in various warehouses across the country by unscrupulous traders. That’s why Philippine leader Mrs. Arroyo went to the Customs and berated her Customs hire, Morales, for his inefficiency and lethargic handling of rampant smuggling in his department. 

Notice that she did’nt scold Yap, who’s responsible for food security–she went to an underling of the Department of Finance. Yeah, talk about diversion. 

Anyway, Pinoys believe that every problem has a solution. And the solution is just effective governance, according to the very influential Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). If government continues to dilly-dally on punishing people who tries to control the very lifeblood of the nation, then, government should extricate itself from this and enforce the laws. Enforcement seems to be the case here and the government’s lack of political will is showing. Mrs. Arroyo always urge sectors not to play politics. Yet, she’s, in fact, playing the same game she wants everybody not to indulge to. Talk about double talk.