New Year, Same Problems, New Challenges, New Hope

New Year, Same Problems, 
New Challenges, New Hope

Warm, patriotic greetings. 

 This note bid greetings in this start of a new year. 

 For the fact that this 2024 will be as same as that of last and past years, expect same problems to address and new challenges to face with. However, this note also wishes for everyone’s freedom and pursuit of happiness, as well as success in its courageous struggle for the independence of a land that’s called home.

 How come this note said so- of facing same problems and new challenges this 2024? In a country that’s in a still-continuing past would say that existing problems trumps the establishment’s presentation- that even those who thought there will be changes realised they themselves being mislead- landlessness remains an issue, so is low wages, unjust working conditions, high cost of living, corruption, and vassalage to overlords.

Quite true enough knowing that these problems hinder a nation’s development the way rice hoarders creating artificial scarcity in the middle of a rice crisis. People worked hard to improve their standard of living, but to see the realities of exploitation, mismanagement, and injustice finds messages from the government remain as motherhood statements, if not hyperboles. True enough to call Filipinos to contribute to the future of the country, embody the spirit of solidarity through acts of kindness, volunteerism, and compassion, so is to seek truth from facts and to assert just calls, if not push actions to counter societal ills and promote true social justice and lasting peace. 

 But regardless of these there’s hope in a nation that’s promising to have a place in the sun. As any other year, people, in carrying such hopes and aspirations, should plough, worke, learn, build and fight for a nation in fulfill such dreams of a just and progressive society.    

Drivers, Operators, Assemblers, Commuters, Unite! Defy the Ban!

 Drivers, Operators, Assemblers, Commuters, Unite! Defy the Ban!

This note expresses support for the struggling Jeepney drivers and operators in its recent transport strike.

For contrary to the establishment's view that the  transport strike as a "painful interference in the  efforts to provide solutions to the problems" the solutions such as forced consolidation and buying overpriced "modern jeepneys"- vehicles that could cost up to P2.8 million each doesn't offset the transportation crisis. The fact that only large corporations with single consolidated franchises have the financial means to purchase and fully comply with the current PUV Modernisation Program (PUVMP) schemes actually aggravates the situation, as it robs operators of their rights and privileges as individual franchise holders. To make matters worse, supporters of so-called "modernisation" constantly harp on about the environment, traffic congestion, and even aesthetics. 

And, despite the establishment's efforts to downplay the situation, this and the coming year's action shows that the plan to phase out using terms like "consolidation", "modernisation", or even the use of "cooperatives" as alibis affects not only the drivers, operators, and assemblers, but also the general public, especially since the deadline imposed to consolidate under the modernization program will only worsen the country's crisis. Who's bullshit to agree that idea other than the profiteers and self-proclaimed "edgy" individuals? Yes, the lives of millions of commuters, drivers, operators, and their families are in the hands of an order that prioritizes its own interests.

True enough that the mass transport system is in serious need of modernisation, but should it be at the expense of the drivers and operators themselves? It's easier to talk about the need for sacrifice yet the fact that these folks worked hard only for a measly income faced a situation that's contrary to their aspiration for a better life then what kind of "modernisation" the establishment is talking about? Forcing them, mostly having an income that can't reach some hundred thousands  to buy a "modern" jeepney that costs a million from an importer? What more to see "modern" jeepneys deteriorating after several months or a year? And in speaking of "cooperatives" how come there are bigwigs able to gain rights for PUV franchise at the expense of smalltime operators? Again is this the consolidation and modernisation being talked about? 

Still, "Political" no matter what

For sure there are those who will cry out loud for seeing the situation as becoming political than an issue based matter, but they forgot that these folks had to plea on politicians first to stop that forced consolidation and address first the issues surrounding that modernisation attempt, but entrenched interests would try to muddle down the thought that the calls from these affected sectors are itself political. 

Furthermore, despite the establishment's attempts to minimize the situation, it doesn't hide the fact that the phase out cannot resolve  the problem of mass transport. Who's got to buy an expensive "modern jeepney" that's a refurbished bus or multicab from China? It costs higher than those assembled at home with the better if not the best quality required possible. Yes, it is political no matter what apologists trying to downplay, calling protesters destabilisers or terrorists if they want, for the fact that the protest actions taken this year and in the upcoming year shows that the plan to phase out really affects all people, not just drivers, operators, and even assemblers willing to offer sound and inclusive alternatives to that goddamned "modernisation".

Again, call it Politically-laced their calls and actions, but given that the country's crisis the attempt to downplay alongside this sham "development to modernise public transport" will only get worse especially with the inconsiderable and unjustly imposed deadline for consolidating under the modernization program nor intentionally failing to heed the woes of affected sectors. Most legislators chose to be "yes-men" of the administration that's feigning ignorant, if not pretending to be concerned as one legislator would say "the need for a just transition" while "cannot just ignore the sacrifice of the majority of the public transportation sector." Obviously, these "yes men" in the legislature are willing to sacrifice these drivers and operators, forcing them to buy a "modern jeep" that costs more than millions! Indeed, the establishment, with its focus on its own interests, controls the lives of millions of drivers, operators, and commuters as well as their families.

The flames still burning, so is the people’s desire for redemption and justice

The flames still burning,
so is the people’s desire for redemption and justice

Despite assurances of renewing peace, the current order is still at present in its most aggressive advances against the masses. In a period that communities still trying to recover from the pandemic, recent news such as low wages, rising costs of commodities, agrarian crisis, the recent jeepney phase-out, to that of still-subservience to foreign interests, the current order still tries to snare the nation through its unbridled demagogy and its shrieking of phrases such as "unity", "development", "national interest", all to win over the middle class and the working masses, including students and women, as well as groups of backward, unenlightened workers and peasants. 

For like 2016 and 2022, the current order, being desperate in its consolidation due to recent internal rifts, will "try its best" to suppress the still-growing opposition in the name of "counterinsurgency" alongside participation in capitalist rationalisation, and complete capitulation before today's imperialism, and thus prepared the ground for another wave of Marcosian/Dutertist demagoguery.

Like its predecessors, the "patriotism" being bannered is but half-baked if not sham. It's rhetoric, being centered on "national unity" fails to cover up the fact that the internal rifts been shown out, whilst economic and social policies remain favourable to entrenched interests at the expense of the working masses. Yes, the neoliberal-globalist policies being bannered by those appearing to be "patriots" in fact passing all its burdens to the working people. 

How come? Did these apologists talked about sovereignty? Sovereignty doesn't limit to that of defending the islands, shoals, and the sea as what they've presented, but also that of asserting and realising the hopes and aspirations of the people. Marcos jr., in his 2023 New Year's message said that "The innate bayanihan spirit in all of us is what will keep us going amidst all adversities that will continue to test our fortitude as a nation," yet is it? The interest seekers continue to exploit while pretending to be "in solidarity" with the people as they favour policies like privatisation, deregulation, and the likes. Wouldn't be surprised if they've sold off the belongings, life, and existence of the working people to the highest-bidding foreign imperialists especially that of United States and China while bannering the Philippine flag and talking about "national unity to overcome adversities."

To be frank, such scenarios showeth that in the midst of global crisis brought by today’s capitalist system, that monopoly capitalism and imperialism still continues to engage in ever-worsening forms of oppression and exploitation in every folk and community to maximise profits. Contrary to the presentations peddled by capitalists- that of a "better future" under theirs obviously doesn't realise in both "developed" and "underdeveloped" societies. The latter, mainly semicolonial/semifeudal in nature continues to aggravate existing tensions as it engenders worsening socioeconomic conditions for the majority of workers, peasants, and toiling masses. Those who resist are being averted by the attack dogs of the system as local vassals, backed by monopoly capitalists, incite wars and other violent confrontations to maintain control over their interests. However, the increasing levels of social instability and worker and other laborer resistance are not stopped by such "preemptive measures." The semicolonial and semifeudal system in the Philippines are in a hopeless situation, and things will only get worse while the global capitalist system continues to wriggle through its problems, creating conditions that are driving an increasing number of people to wage revolutionary resistance in order to realize their dreams of a democratic nation and to struggle militantly and collectively for their political and economic rights.

Regardless of their actions from the system, it becomes imperative that in seeking truth from facts means to expose, oppose those whose subservience to entrenched interests and exploiters of working masses, and to assert forward national and social alternative to this ever-continuing crisis. People have enough that through neoliberal capitalism, International high finance has taken command of the sovereign rights of the Filipino people and is now exploiting even further with agreements both current and new- as recent news like private control of airports and railways to that of wanting multinationals, like its local “oligarch” partners to control agriculture as that of manufacturing, is this the “progress” and “development” being presented to the people last elections? And if its attack dogs trying to maim those who truly concerned and therefore willing to oppose then is it wrong in calling for resistance? 

 As realities made the Filipino folk as if deserved to have chains of slavery made from gold and made from its own tears, sweat and blood, then those truly concerned about the country would agree what Mao Zedong said “it is right to rebel” and therefore it becomes imperative to fight by various forms and means to assert a just alternative to an enforced crisis. Until when people realise that the current administration is as same as that of its predecessors? Is their “unity” worth unifying as familiar despotic faces and same unjust policies prevail? Quite agreeable the words of Unity, Solidarity, Change, Nationalism, but not of their shallow interpretation- for the fact that theirs being presented to this and future generations is dismissable as some legal fiction, moot and academic in favour of their continuous vassalage to foreign overlords and entrenched interests.

PEACE with JUSTICE: A dream this Christmas and New Year

PEACE with JUSTICE:

A dream this Christmas and New Year 

 by Kat Ulrike 

 At first, this note expressed greetings to the folk in this season of giving, sharing, love, and solidarity. 

 For this note, as any other notes this Christmas and this coming new year, expresses the hopes and aspirations of many- especially that of a Just and Lasting Peace, amidst silent wars and of organised conflicts. 

 Call it politically laced in this season, but as inconvenient realities continue to prevail, this occasion- that of Christ's birth, carries the message of Christ himself- that of redemption, and in redemption also includes solidarity with the oppressed and the disenfranchised. For sure everyone has remembered the Magnificat, and from its message- that of awaiting a saviour, has made each and every concerned carry the task of not just clinging to the faith but also to fight. 

 Lastly, this note believes that in this coming year expect same old situations and continuing battles. True that in wishing for both Justice and Peace means an assertion of just calls despite numerous challenges and risks. Thus, this note also believes that 2024 will prove to be a year of struggle, that as everyone strives for the better, expect numerous sacrifices and thus taking chances to rededicate to breaking shackles and advance forward the hopes of many for all time.

"Yuletide Greetings."

"Yuletide Greetings."

Warm, patriotic greetings. 

 Initially, this message brought pleasant tidings to the people throughout the Yuletide season. Because, as the year comes to a close, this note encourages everyone to gather on this solemn occasion. This message extends its sincerest Yuletide greetings to everyone during this season of reflection, love, and togetherness. 

For Yuletide, or should say, Christmas is more than just a celebration; it is also a reaffirmation of hope and love among individuals and communities. Let everyone remember Christmas as a season of righteousness and justice, as Christ, the son of God, has promised salvation and a call to action in everyone. 

Especially at a time when the current system is straining to seem "united" while failing to uplift its own people, let alone pay its debts and boast about "development." In a recent message, its standard bearer reminded everyone that "the true meaning of Christmas lies in the recognition of the season as an opportunity to reach out to those who are suffering from solitude, sickness, and poverty," and yet the crisis persists as the same order fails to heed the basic calls of the people--that of socioeconomic justice and adherence to human rights--while boasting to the rest of the world that "development" continues as it benefits the people- only to found out it benefited the “haves” at the expense of the “have nots.” 

But regardless of their acts, those who are concerned finds in their latest reports uncovering of “disunity” and “continuing repression and injustice” a validation of its call that the people must learn, work, and struggle for their freedom and prosperity in their homes and communities. True that the desire for peace is a shared call, but for the truly concerned, the desire for peace alone is not enough as the order itself treats “peace” as just that of silence and society’s acquiescence to their interests. People desired peace with justice, and continual measures would ensure that this appeal was answered. 

Finally, let this note regard this occasion as a symbolic gateway to the sublime, an opportunity to reconnect with the timeless principles that guide and elevate minds and souls. As everyone gathers with loved ones this season, may they reflect on the wisdom that exists behind the traditions that they continue to adore. 

And like the Christmas candles being lighted for Christ’s birth, may the flame of every shared endeavor burn ever brighter, illuminating the path for all who seek the peace of the eternal in this age of dissolution. May this season bring all of us freedom, justice, unity, peace, and prosperity.

“He may be gone”

“He may be gone”

He may be gone 

But as the fire burns strong 

One after another will carry its flames along 

The thought remains 

As generation browses the pages 

Trying to end the catastrophe 

If not to resolve the crisis 

Bringing hopes to fulfill 

As they’ll turn the history’s wheel 

He may be gone

Yet his name continues to resound

Praised, remembered, even still slandered

By friends, folks, and the order still feared

About his persona to that of his works

Of his poems, essays, and expressions

All based from the hardships of the masses

And basis to strike the order and its attack dogs

For the order remains the same 

With all its obvious intentions 

Despite different names 

And rephrased delusions 

The fields remained stained with blood 

No matter the order showcases its edifices 

Trying to stop those who awake and assert 

Just because of an endless unresolved situations 

Expect insults and slander 

From the order and hired detractors 

Trying “bests” to subvert the truth 

In favour of the order and its “beauteous” filth 

The news to social media trying to churn lies 

Yet failing to appease the folk as they realise 

Yes, they claim he and others as failure 

Yet the order failed to end the struggle 

As the flames continue to burn seeing in every station 

And the order turning catastrophic situations into conditions for a revolution

Again, just like his colleagues, he may be gone

But like his works that passed on to generations

His legacy remains forever. 

Human Rights, Social justice, must prevail!

Human Rights, Social justice, must prevail!

This note extends solidarity in commemorating the 75th year of the signing of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. With the theme “Freedom, Equality, and Justice for All”, this declaration since the adoption in 1948 enshrines the inalienable rights of the people regardless of race, gender, religion, or creed- and thus is must recognise, adhere, and consider as an important reference in the defense of rights and welfare of the Filipino folk amidst the ever-continuing crisis and the prevailing oppression in the name of order.

 In marking this commemoration, it is a duty of the folk to guard the rights of its fellow, and that includes to put a spotlight on the grave situation of human rights in the country under the current administration- for like its predecessor, people’s rights are still trampled be it in the name of “counterinsurgency”, especially in the provinces. For sure its apologists would even justify further such as “industrial peace”, “deterrence to crime”, “discipline” among others even it meant repression. 

Indeed, for according to recent data, 127,000 Filipinos have been violated in 957 cases involving state components, including 79 cases of Extra-Judicial deaths, 87 cases of abductions, 28 cases of frustrated murder, 155 cases of arbitrary arrest and imprisonment, and 44 cases of torture. The majority of victims of governmental violence are peasants, farmworkers, and members of national minorities. Furthermore, there are approximately 800 political prisoners demanding freedom and justice for their beliefs, notably those concerning social justice. Again, state elements, acting as the order's attack dogs, fraudulently identify them as insurgents in order to cover up the crime and establish a culture of impunity.

 Such actions from these attack dogs would say fail to stem the growing concern and awareness from the people. Despite ever churning of propaganda and slander, the concerned masses continue to assert just calls such as to defend their land against land grabbing, ancestral domains against encroachment of development aggressors, the right for fair wages, just working conditions, even press freedom and the right to express, seeking truth from facts in a time orderists and its apologists trying to undermine using various reasons and actions even it requires spending hundreds of billions of pesos worth of weapons trying to subjugate people and communities. Such actions shows the ever consolidating moves to preserve the rotting social order. Regardless of its “developmentalist”, “modernizing” appearance, being an appendage of exploiters exposes how this system is rotten to the core- as despotic landlords, corrupt bureaucrats, together with foreign overlords United States and China willing to violate people’s rights in various forms all “in the name of order and stability.” 

The Filipino people must once more raise their voices in favor of justice, peace, and holding those who abuse people's rights responsible for their actions. Those who are genuinely concerned should reaffirm their dedication to the timeless principles of this Universal Declaration of Human Rights in addition to the assertion of a just, progressive society in the face of red-tagging, harassment, and attempts to thwart people's hopes and aspirations.