Is Duterte still claiming to be "Socialist?" "Social democrat?"

Is Duterte still claiming to be "Socialist?" "Social democrat?"

(Or: "Thoughts after Bernardo Villegas's 'Duterte is a social democrat' 
and how he is not as such)

By Kat Ulrike

At one time, this writer read a commentary by Bernardo Villegas. Entitled "Duterte is a Social Democrat", the neoliberal academic simply describing Duterte, then as a presidential candidate, as a "social democrat", and he initially saw hope in him, who "not only transformed one of the most violence-torn cities into a very peaceful community with low crime rates, significantly improved the business climate, and significantly improving its infrastructures."

Quite agreeable at first, especially how Villegas admitted a fellow neoliberal Carlos Dominguez was difficult for him to be optimistic because his candidate had shocked members of the Makati Business Club with a rambling speech replete with expletives but with no content on the economic policy that he would follow if he were elected president. But, Duterte's long years of experience of "respecting market forces" contrast markedly with his constant reference to himself as a "socialist." In fact, Duterte treated "socialism" as a doormat if not trying to snare people who wished for radical social change. Right was Villegas the neoliberal that Duterte was in truth and in deed not a "socialist", let alone either a "social democrat" or just plain populist that's trying to create a "social market economy" with a neoliberal perspective. 

He and his  political party trying to be "socialist"
(despite diluted views)

Ironically, Duterte's political party, PDP-LABAN, was originally leaning towards "Democratic Socialism"/"Social Democracy" with "Social Conservative"/"Christian Democratic" characteristics. Its original political agenda made during the 80s was quite radical that other than devolving powers to local governments, promotion of cooperatives and worker/community-owned enterprises to counter that of big businesses. 

In fact, according to Aquilino Pimentel's 1982 Cebu Convention Speech, PDP-LABAN's ideological and political positions smacks of Socialism, which was eventually diluted or discarded:

• Build Nationalist Structures Favouring Local Ownership of Wealth:
  "It (PDP) will never allow itself to be dictated to by foreigners"; "limit the availability of domestic credit resources only to Filipinos"; "allow only Filipinos to utilise and develop the country's natural resources"
• Build Socialist Structures through Private Cooperatives:
  "PDP considers ownership merely as a stewardship for the well-being of the owner, of society, and of the state"; "encourage efficient small and medium enterprises, preferably as cooperatives, as a counterfoil to the power of big business"

Furthermore, PDP LABAN's ideology includes "Democratic Socialism" which states that: 

"All economic power must rest in the hands of the people. Talents and ownership are merely stewards for the well-being of society and the state. They may, therefore be regulated so that the concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of the few is prevented. The goals of economic policy are the total development of human person, societal property, and equitable share for all in the national wealth. Profit in any form is subservient to these goals."

For sure a concerned find it hardly recognise PDP-LABAN as a "Democratic Socialist/Social Democratic" party as in the past. Duterte's claim as a 'left-winger' and 'socialist' last 2016 would say that he as a member of PDP-LABAN tries to affirm his political party as that of a 'left-wing', 'socialist', movement like those of Akbayan, Philippine Democratic Socialist Party (PDSP), or even the Communist Party, although these turn out to be just 'words', 'phrases' to snare people especially in the face of growing opposition against local oligarchs, corrupt bureaucrats, and the yearning for 'people power in the economy'.  

However, as any other "political parties", supposed political programs are being shelved in favour of short-term agendas, most of which even ran contrary to their supposed political lines like how Christian Democrats in Europe outrightly adopted neoliberalism while mellowing Christian social teaching. PDP-LABAN cannot escape from that neoliberal trend- and in the case of Duterte who assuming to be "socialist" to snare the radically-minded patriot, he's truly way far from what he presents himself: that he has no intention to nationalize strategic industries, distribute more private lands to small farmers, and simply continuing and maintain the very prudent macroeconomic policies of the Aquino administration and his predecessors, which leftists in general refer to derisively as “neoliberal.” He even wanted to remove the restrictive economic provisions in the 1987 Constitution in order to attract more foreign direct investments with less or no regulations at all, and wants to involve more private participation in the construction of infrastructure projects by addressing bottlenecks in the implementation of the public-private partnership program now repackaged as "Build Build Build" and is supported by foreign loans particularly those from China. Truly, he just 'respect' the unfairness of letting market forces decide with as much as possible less/or no interference at all by the state, let alone collecting taxes and urging to obey laws.

Apologists, just like Villegas, would agree to the thought that Duterte's 'socialistic' view is more closer to the "social market economy" with less regulations while at the same time people cushioned with welfare state-like 'programs'. However, reality draws more closer to the trend of neoliberalism as what Villegas and other contemporary economists, even apologists wanted: that of "eliminating price controls, deregulating capital markets, lowering trade barriers" and reducing, especially through privatization and austerity, state influence in the economy. with the desire to emphasize strict market relations, re-tasking the role of the state, and individual responsibility." And this also way contrary to the "social market economy" whose  notions of the welfare state sometimes mistakenly identify it as being socialistic. 

Trying to be 'radical' as his words and deeds
(despite acting contrary to those)

On the other hand, his populist rhetoric is packaged by his apologists as some kind of radicalism that appeals to poor Filipinos. That at times he's against "bad oligarchs" during nighttime fireside chats expressing angsts ranging from small time tobacco manufacturer Wongchuking to that of Lopez and ABSCBN. The Wongchukings were known for their Mighty and La Campana cigarettes, which were small-time as opposed to Lucio Tan and his Fortune Tobacco. Both Wongchuking and Lucio Tan were tax evaders tho, with the former having issues on fake tax stamps; yet how come Lucio Tan end scot free in exchange for some less pay while Wongchuking forced to give up their cigarette business and pay their exact dues due to the same tax issues as that of Lucio Tan's?
On the other hand, Duterte coddles "good oligarchs" especially those who supported his political career and his political agenda like San Miguel's Ramon Ang who supported the government's "build build build" program to that of allying his Nationalist People's Coalition to the administration-led "Coalition for Change". From this would say find it strange how Duterte trying to be radical on one side while moderating on the other when it comes to "dealing with the oligarchy"; if not thinking his actions weren't driven by some political radicalism, let alone a politically-motivated vendetta as what happened to the Lopezes and the stripping of ABSCBN its broadcasting rights using his allies in the congress. Apologists of course may still interpret this as a radical gesture of "fighting against the oligarchs" if not some kind of "socialist escapade" as if their idol seriously pursuing it.  

But regardless of his initial self-presentation as a "socialist", or how a neoliberal like Villegas saw him as a "social democrat", Duterte's actual tendency is way far from those words. Instead of a "social market economy" as what Villegas saw, a continuity of faulty market-oriented policies from past administrations worsen the situation, at times tiptoeing between government intervention and laissez faire, what more with the lack of strong foundation especially in local agriculture and industry. "Reforms" like the Rice Tariffication Law rather benefited smugglers and entrenched entities in the agricultural sector despite trying to . The tax reform law, supposedly meant to lower the taxes for the growing middle class, is especially onerous. This reduces taxes paid by wealthy families, foreign investors, and domestic big business while seeing with higher consumption taxes paid by the majority of poor Filipinos. Benefits for the poor are rather made up or grossly exaggerated as shown by its propaganda pieces made by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) to that of its apologists in social media. Even the "Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives Reform Act", supposed to benefit Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises rather provided corporate income tax cuts for large firms instead! 

The signs of economic troubles and the fundamentally anti-poor direction of economic policies became even clearer as time goes by. Duterte did continue his predecessors "Conditional Cash Transfer" program for the poor, even  institutionalizes it through Republic Act 11310 as the government's primary poverty reduction initiative, which carries implementation upgrades that further enhance efforts to uplift the marginalized sector from poverty. Deemed as a national poverty reduction strategy and a human capital investment program, provides conditional cash transfer (CCT) to poor households for a maximum of seven years to improve their health, nutrition, and access to education. Its qualified beneficiaries are also automatically covered in the National Health Insurance Program. Even the creation of "Malasakit Centers" to support needy hospital patients was presented as part of the government's welfare program;  as it provides more accessible and convenient means for Filipinos to seek financial and medical assistance, especially after the passage of the Malasakit Center Act of 2019 which mandates the establishment of a one-stop-shop where indigent patients and their families can access financial and medical assistance from government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

But these palliative actions aren't enough especially in a time government talks about privatizing education, health, housing and other social services, as well as a failure to outline a production sector-based domestic jobs creation thrust. In an instance, the failure on on providing support services to the small farmers who have been the beneficiaries of the first phase of agrarian reform attests an agriculture crisis that include slowing sectoral growth; shrinking share in gross domestic product; rising import dependence; increasing trade deficit; significant job losses; and widespread rural poverty. Villegas, however, rather interpret this providing support services as a desire to enable small farmers to either lease their farms or even sell them outright to those who can make more productive use of them "whether corporations or cooperatives" as what Villegas stated. Sadly, most of the farms sold aren't used for agricultural purposes as what the neoliberal academic thinks of, but instead converted to residential or commercial uses that benefited real estate developers/speculators like Villar and Ayala. 

Still, apologists would cling to his pseudoradical narrative

(in a time people getting concerned about a country failed under him)

Apologists may still cling to the thought that Duterte's concern to the poorest of the poor is so genuine as the CCT and the Malasakit Centers, that his statements against the "bad oligarchs" was just as his promise of industrialisation (even appointing RJ Jacinto as its adviser). But as people expressed concern over the regime's neoliberal nature of its economic programs and reforms, of slow paced growth despite more government spending and its debt-driven infrastructure program, then it is not surprising that the government's treatment of development was simply to consolidate interests both the "good" oligarch and of international finance capital. There were times that Duterte's political agenda of centralized power and extended rule through charter change became a major matter, especially after bannering federalism that's being presented as a panacea for the country’s far-ranging economic and political ills. He even wished to ran for the vice presidency both to serve as a "spare tire" and to escape being persecuted by the International Criminal Court (ICC), only to shelve due to his unpopularity. His supporters, however, continue to pressure him or his daughter, Sara to run for higher office if not to pursue revolutionary government, followed by charter change, with their desired federalism as its main topic- even it is deemed "unpopular" by many due to the controversies the administration involved/or implicated.

Perhaps, to cut this thought short, the order's actions are rather meant to snare people the way their president as treating words as simply "phrases" to spoken. And "as far as ideology is concerned", Duterte is too orderist to be a radical, not even considered as "socialist" nor a "social democrat", let alone a populist just like prewar rulers Dollfuss or Henri de Man whose whose New Deal-like 'Planisme' turned out to be an anti-democratic movement invented by a man disillusioned with democracy, socialism, and the working class; or like those of his idol Marcos whose developmentalism was treated as a means to consolidate his martial rule even it requires immense loans generations of Filipinos ought to pay for. These people even talked about balancing the national budget, building infrastructure, and lastly a perchance for order all to maintain the supremacy of the privileged few using the terms "stability". 

Thoughts after 4:05 AM

Thoughts after 4:05 AM

Pardon for the thought but the situation compels one to create poetry. Especially in a middle of the night when everyone sleeps, yours truly felt compelled to write poems the way he expressed social concerns in his writeups. And like his earlier poems expect several pieces sounds like "a call to arms", "expressing dissent", if not "expressing love" especially to someone he was inspired to and thus compelleth to write. 

And as any other writer who expressed concern, the poems also served as witness to the events be it the memories of the past actions, of someone who inspires (and thus felt love), to that of voicing concerns about the pandemic and the order's half-hearted, corrupted response. Such thoughts if not concerns would say makes one can't sleep but instead compels to write whether in a form of opinion or this.

It was the day I met you my love
When the struggle in the streets intensifies
As we look at each other
On the time action arise
That we hear stirring speeches
And seeing painted murals
And of riot policemen wanting to beat
In a time joy was at its feat

I felt the beauty as I saw, met you
If not your lovely charm
Especially in a time of possible disquiet
And from others a likely harm
But despite those What I saw was happiness
Especially when we encounter us two felt the gladness
And to think that you are with your comrade-friends
No worries as I would say, especially that your beauty lingers

But despite these joys doesn't stop the worry
Especially in a time when tyrants wanting to spoil everyone's hopes
That instead of a just and lasting peace all desire
The peace of the graveyard is what the order aspire
That we hear news of arrests and deaths
Spreading fear against concerned folks, of sowing intrigue against the rest
Not surprising as the order desperate to "win hearts and minds"
To those victimised by their damages that end trying to deny

That of seeing riot policemen willing to beat us
With truncheons prepared wanting to spoil the show
While apologists mocking our justified actions
As if they're concerned about the nation and its struggle
Still the news reports find how calm and festive the people
As speeches and songs resonate the nation's concern 
If not venting anger against the system whose master
A stooge of the foreign overlord and of its local exploiter

Doesn't matter whether the apologist mock us
As the reason to march on the streets as just
Despite the threats of truncheon or guns
Expect steeled hearts prevail amongst concerned
That their conscience clear as risks occurred
It doesn't matter about their lives and instead doesn't want stop the fight
And like you my dear you chose to take part
For in seeking truth from facts
To resist is itself becoming a must
For sure some will say how strange for someone beautiful
Taking part in events dismissed harmful
But this reality demands more Gabrielas than Maria Claras
Of Salomes wanting to join modern-day Tanos and Eliases.

My dear, have courage!
Your beauty linger so is your valour
Like roses having both petals and thorns
The struggle, like love, resonates as ever.

"They want their lives to recover
(even it requires dismantling the corrupted order)"

For sure the orderists deny this
That corruption continues to linger
As their self-serving bureaucrats
Trying to deny their actions whatsoever
That they profited the times everyone seriously concerned
Instead of creating immense sacrifices
That they exploit those who truly matter
In a time when pestilence of illness for year and months linger

The bureaucrats deny just like their lazy master
Who trying to protect them from scrutiny of the concerned folk
That from the session halls they demand transparency
In every transaction for they're worry about the people's money
But that boss chose to protect the corrupted
The way he assail those who seriously concerned
Dismissing two and fro as mere politickings
Especially as next year's election draws near

But this is not mere politicking
As the folk's live and money at stake
No matter the orderists trying to save their besieged master
The folk's concern doesn't stop either
They have enough of corrupt bureaucrats
Trying to exploit this concerning matter
Where lives and livelihoods is at stake
They want folks to heal and country to recover
Even it requires dismantling a corrupt goddamned order

"Thoughts for the pandemic-marred all hallows"

Expect all hollows when people visiting their love one's graves
If not offering flowers, prayers to their cherished one's cremated remains
Of recalling the unforgettable memories
Especially before this year-long pandemic
As everyone still worrying despite having completed their jabs
While bureaucrats profiting their concerns and tolerated by their lazy boss
And now either trying to justify or deny their moves
As they face the proceedings from those concerning after people's money

Quite worrying as I do recall their worries
Especially as the order changing their classifications
Whether they allow to go out or not
If not limiting their right to eat inside preferring their food be "take out"
Also worrying as they remember their loved ones
Of those passed away because of this pandemic
Even expressed dismay as they hear bureaucrats denying
Especially when they're implicated in the proceeding

Pardon if this thought becoming political
For the fact that everyone's lives at stake
They simply wanted to return to things normal
As they take the jab from whatever brands they take
Doesn't matter whether it is Sinovac or Moderna
Pfizer, Sputnik by Gamelaya
They just wanted to revive their lives, livelihoods
If not sick and tired of the order that's intentionally misunderstood

"Yearning for a 'chill'"

Open the door of the coffeeshop and make me enjoy even for a time

For I had enough inside my room and at home

For I missed the music, of iced latte and of sugar syrup

Of art deco over Perez-Samanillo still prevailing over Escolta old

If not for this pandemic expect people wanting to enjoy

Be it the coffee at "The Den" to that of beer served at "Fred's"

Or going to Cubao Expo where chill also awaits

As people wanting to forget the problems as relaxing music from the old Gramophone plays

Maybe in our imaginations or in dreams our minds wanting to open their doors 

For they want to enjoy as they had enough of this pandemic

Of how this goddamned order treated us as such

If not sick and tired staying at their rooms and in their homes.

"Protect the Pasig River! Oppose Ramon Ang's Pasig River Expressway (PAREx) Project!"

"Protect the Pasig River! Oppose Ramon Ang's
Pasig River Expressway (PAREx) Project!"

This note is in one with the concerned folk in strongly opposing Ramon Ang-San Miguel Corporation’s Pasig River Expressway (PAREx) Project. This ambitious project, composed of a bridgeway that will straddle the length of the Pasig River is the latest corporate-driven megaproject that poses a threat to Manila’s environment and cityscape. 

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways’ website, this profit-driven project, touted as a solution to Metro Manila's traffic and logistics woes, will have three major segments: Segment 1 from R-10 to Skyway 3 Plaza Azul, Manila; Segment 2 from Skyway 3 San Juan River to C-5, and Segment 3 from C-5 to C-6. PAREx will also connect to, and utilize a 2.7-km portion of the new Skyway Stage 3 from Nagtahan to Plaza Azul.

And along with other existing megaprojects brought by Ramon Ang will further reinforce the rising dominance of this big compradore bourgeois in large public infrastructure projects which promises San Miguel Corporation hundreds of billions of pesos in profit. Prior to PAREx, Ramon Ang has successfully cornered giant public infrastructure projects that promises a return of hundreds of billions of pesos in profit. He was granted government license to start the Aerotropolis Project to build and operate a new airport in Bulacan. Ang also owns and operates the NAIA Expressway, the Skyway Stage 3 and the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

However, this Malacañang-promoted ₱97-billion megaproject, as any other infrastructural feat being touted under the “Build Build Build” program will instead be treated as a pallative solution, to which critics have pointed out how this project will induce the use of more vehicles and exacerbate the perennial traffic in Metro Manila. Furthermore, this also transforms the city’s iconic river and main waterway into a dark underworld above which will loom yet another hellish landscape of asphalt and concrete. 

Expect apologists would still praise this project as a necessary solution to traffic and logistics woes amidst popular criticism. But many fear that this Project will also damage heritage sites and structures especially in Manila, and further pollute the Pasig River. And contrary to the statements brought by San Miguel, the project is also being criticized for the absence of transparency with the lack of studies to evaluate its impact on the public and the environment. Even Palafox and associates, whom San Miguel allegedly consulted for the project, expressed hesitantly about the environmental implications of the said expressway nor denies working with San Miguel for the proposed project. 

***

While this note supports initiatives based on sound science regarding the maintenance and cleanliness of the Pasig River, the fact that the current dredging operations such as those planned by the San Miguel Corporation, as rather just preppin stages for various concrete monstrosities “in the name of development”. This pretentious venture, initially using "environment" with its dredging programs over Pasig and other rivers like Tullahan, turns out an attempt to set foundations for the proposed megaprojects that rather aggravates problems ranging from noise pollution to that of “non-exhaust emissions” like microplastics from car tires, road dust, and particulate matter. Just find how absurd Ramon Ang justifying the project "can solve traffic and congestion, provide jobs for thousands of Filipinos, boost productivity, improve people’s daily commutes, address flooding, and save the Pasig River itself"- these that can also be resolved by improving the existing mass transport system. For sure one would wonder that the government who accepted this billion-peso road project also building modern train lines and even a subway, and this is what we must focus on instead, not highways! Trains, when reliable and connected to other networks, can move more people than any car.

But anyway, under today's neoliberal policy, public conveniences such as roads and bridges, have increasingly lost their public service orientation as these are put under the control of profit-driven big capitalists such as Ramon Ang and other big compradore bourgeois. They are given control over large tracts of public lands and public space to generate profit in the form of pay-for-access expressways and bridges, while public roads are without space to expand and left to deteriorate. People are compelled to pay for the “conveniences” even as they continue to pay taxes to a state that has abandoned all responsibility to provide them with such.

BIENVENIDO LUMBERA: A LEGACY OF NATIONALISM THROUGH LITERATURE

BIENVENIDO LUMBERA:
A LEGACY OF NATIONALISM THROUGH LITERATURE

By Lualhati Madlangawa-Guererro

This note pay tribute to National Artist Dr. Bienvenido Lumbera, a stalwart of Filipino revolutionary culture and the arts. Popularly known as "Ka Bien", he passed away at the age of 89 years. This note extends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the late National Artist. 

From being a young cultural worker to that of an esteemed artist of the people, Ka Bien was a respected writer whose works challenged Philippine society's colonial point of view with poems and stories expressing local vernacular. He was inspired by the revival of patriotic sentiment during the early 60s, especially after he chaired the Panulat para sa Kaunlaran ng Sambayanan (PAKSA), an organisation of cultural workers during the period. 

For promoting nationalist, scientific, and mass-oriented culture, he was arrested and thrown into prison in 1974. His imprisonment rather steeled further his courage and his determination to resist against the establishment. Using his craft, Ka Bien went underground and participated in revolutionary cultural work by using the local vernacular in producing revolutionary poetry, anthologies, and other literary pieces that promoted people's resistance against the Marcos dictatorship. From then on, he also played an important role that cultural workers played in the growing resistance and in the course of waging national and social revolution. Ever convinced that the artist should always speak out against injustice, Lumbera served as chair of the Concerned Artists of the Philippines (CAP). He also served as past president of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), and was also a member of the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (BAYAN).

He was a Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines and also taught literature and creative writing at the Ateneo De Manila University after graduating from the University of Santo Tomas and the University of Indiana. The author and editor of many books, his major books also include Tagalog Poetry, 1570-1898: Tradition and Influences in its Development; Philippine Literature: A History and Anthology, Revaluation: Essays on Philippine Literature, Writing the Nation/Pag-akda ng Bansa. He was also an influential playwright, known widely for his “Tales of the Manuvu,” “Rama Hari,” and “Bayani,” and musicals based on Jose Rizal’s “ Noli Me Tangere” and Carlos Bulosan’s “America is in the Heart.”

From his contributions to Filipino literature, Lumbera was also a recipient of the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature, the National Book Award, the Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas award, and the Philippine Literary Prize for Drama. He also recived the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism, Literature, and the Creative Communication Arts in 1993. Finally, Lumbera was named to the Order of the National Artist in 2006 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

***

His legacy as a National Artist will always be tied to that of the struggle for National and Social Emancipation. As what he said "Literature gives a voice to those who that have been silenced." And his works attests to that truth, with himself taking the task of "seeking truth from facts" and in becoming the "engineer of the human soul", shaping life through literature and art. 

And to think that he was imprisoned because of his belief, this steeled his courage and commitment both as a writer and a nationalist. This commitment was more than just making a musical like "Rama: Hari" or "Tales of the Manuvu." His participation in the Diliman Review as an editor made an academic journal produce a critical slant during the Marcos regime, a rareity during the time of disquiet. His participation in organisations like the "Concerned Artists of the Philippines" and the "Alliance of Concerned Teachers" also attests how an artist of the people should also engage in the struggle for social justice and true equality the way he lived true to the belief that writers, artists should immerse with the masses and help to improve society. 

To cut this note short, Ka Bien's passing shouldn't stop at mourning. But instead the folk should carry on the task he started. As writers, artists, must carry the important task of spreading knowledge, idea, truth in promoting the people's aspiration and struggle for national and social liberation. 

“Thoughts despite Disquiet”

“Thoughts despite Disquiet”

"Defiance"

Despite the risks,
I too, rejoice the nation resists;
As it tries to assert its sovereignty,
Despite Yankees or Chinks joining the lists,
Of those that aid vindictive tyranny.

I cannot forget those horrid times,
Of corrupt personages, with policies time and again;
Trying to shook off if not whine,
With stern rejection and outright disdain?

Like the old this goddamn jerk's regime,
Downplaying this and that amidst popular spurn;
For the fact that the old jerk as outright mean,
Still this nation whose folk who voted him doesn't learn.

As news like the pandemic to those of "Tokhang",
Of political scandals that blows one's head-bang!
This outweighs the projects- those marked "Build Build Build",
While trying to escape themselves from being "Grilled"?

Of giving up claims, for the isles still contested,
For a pittance described "beneficial" and yet still rejected;
The unequal treaties of the past, despite unpopular still respected,
By the order who brags at many, yet acting slave to its masters detested.

Not surprised that soon the folk will rebuff,
Every order's promise for it is all but bluff;
Nor their supporters trying to assert their claim,
This doesn't ease the nation's terrible pain.

For sure they've learned from their history books if not "not",
As they think "past is past", "move on", "let it rot";
But as the order with its tyrant ran things all like hell, 
With imperious mandates imposeth- Will the folk content well?

Hope even one iota of liberty, justice regain,
Amidst this hell-like existence and of timeless pain;
A baser creed once forgotten, be purposely restored,
If one wishes dignity revived like thy fathers of yore.

For the folk had enough of their whines mistaken for debates,
Of insult for a discourse, everything from them but a second rate;
They want to take back the future from this endless bullshits,
Even at the expense of the lives, they are willing to resist.

Again, this country claims freedom and justice that is, thy right;
Like the colleagues of yore, defying oppressive might.

"To Schey"

The concerned should ride tigers,
As they face the tide and storm;
As hearts end hardened like warriors.
With souls wanting reborn.
They want to dive into the abyss,
As if wanting to reach the stars;
And despite the blaze of today's blitz,
Ever burning flames felt the heat in their heart.

For neither morality, law nor heaven as they see,
But instead an actually-existing hell of poverty;
That sorrow, suffering, only the crazed glee,
Such madness brought by hardship brings insanity;
With this no wonder such concern turned into dissent,
As words of hope can turn into swords to kill;
To take back the future from this past-continuing "present",
And from there lies time to grow and heal.

That even this pandemic, whose children named pain and death,
Defiance is growing strong- and the people be the wrath;
Against the order no matter impregnable, the truth is-they won't long,
For the folk now risen from slumber, against the system as a throng.
I sure the order can't accept this fate to happen,
As our thoughts downplayed into just words not to sung nor spoken;
But reality demands otherwise- for our thoughts can become weapons,
As if taking down churchbells of old to be casted again into new cannons.

Cannot blame the rebel, for as they chose to defy,
If not turning tool into weapon, riding the tiger amidst the storm;
They have enough of the order whose word for them in short: deny,
And a hell of misery and denial become the norm.
I cannot blame the rebel, for they chose to dive into the abyss,
Thinking they dare themselves to reach the stars;
Of swimming deeper to grab the pearl of great price for eternal bliss,
Despite past pains that brought them dozen scars.

Will people just move on for that? Never!

“Will people just move on for that? Never!”

By Kat Ulrike

This note joins the Filipino folk in commemorating the 49th year of the declaration of Martial Law. And contrary to what orderists and its apologists insisted its how Martial Law meant "national development", the folk must never forget this as one of the worst period in history: in which Ferdinand Marcos grabbed and wielded absolute power as dictator for 14 years and engaged in relentless plunder, corruption, and fascist suppression- that behind the atmosphere of "development" under the "new society" he bankrupted the government, led to country to unprecented ruin, and further indebted the people with enormous debt.

And to think that orderists and its apologists continue to insist how Martial Law meant "development" and "discipline", if not urging people to forgive the perpetuators forget the pain and suffering that was left it becomes an urgent to look back and draw lessons from the dark days of Martial Law and its lasting effect on Philippine society- especially in a time Duterte unabashedly declared admiration for Marcos and openly harbors ambitions of following his footsteps. 

Quite absurd to hear apologists to "move on" especially when their idol Marcos and its supporters telling "how good Martial Law" was: that numerous achievements been made even it brought enormous debts and created numerous concessions to big capitalists. Like Marcos, Duterte's orderism, through its war on drugs, has resulted to more than 30,000 victims, close to ten times more than the 3,000 people killed in the massacres and “salvagings” perpetrated by military and police forces under the Marcos dictatorship. The militarised bureaucracy with the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) showed an attempt to intensify anticommunist hysteria from peasant communities to the academe. The peasant masses suffer from rampant abuses and violations of human rights that come with the militarization and hamletting of their villages, with military showcasing "fake surrenders" in exchange for assistance, worse, “surrender” their rights and acquiesce to worsening forms of oppression and exploitation including the grabbing of their lands by big mining corporations and plantations, and energy and ecotourism projects. Even schools such as the Kalinga State University, the Isabela State University and the Aklan State University were also pressured by both Military and Police, to remove and ban from their libraries books and other literature authored/or published by the National Democratic Front. Most of these books banned pertain to peace negotiations and the views taken by the NDF and the revolutionary movement on the matter of just and lasting peace and outstanding socioeconomic, political, cultural and military issues in the country. Such actions were reminiscent of Martial Law and its barefaced act of censorship and suppression of thought- which is way contrary to what the government presented as showcasing Democracy and Freedom, particularly freedom of instruction, press, and expression. 

Also like Marcos, Duterte has surpassed his idol's regime for the rate of accumulating government debt. Philippine debt grew at around ₱65 billion a year ($1:₱50) for 20 years under Marcos. From ₱6.09 trillion at the start of Duterte’s term, government debt skyrocketed to ₱11 trillion and expected to reach ₱13.42 trillion by 2022, growing by ₱1.22 trillion annually, almost 20 times faster than the Marcos regime. And these are meant for the "build build build" program apologists trying to compare with Marcos's "golden age of infrastructure" that's, debt driven. Invoking "development", Duterte duped the folk to pocket fat commissions by diverting hundreds of billions of pesos to anomalous government contracts involving Chinese-funded infrastructure projects using "build build build". He has funneled more and more public funds to debt servicing, "anti-crime", counterinsurgency, and infrastructure projects using TRAIN, "Bayanihan to Heal/Recover as One" and other laws to justify getting more funds. Like Marcos, education, health, and social services remain the least of state priorities that even in this time of COVID19 pandemic health services remain less supported contrary to their statements if not profited by scrupulous government officials in connivance with profiteers. Duterte has accelerated import liberalization of agricultural products, particularly rice and meat, leading to bankruptcy of palay farmers and livestock producers in favour of smugglers, entrenched interests with artificial rise over prices of food and other daily commodities.

Such bullshitry brought by the order would say that this is way contrary to what is presented to them. Of course, they would claim "they're patriotic" in "saving the republic" or "protecting the people" while continuing its subservience to both American and Chinese interests. In exchange for promises of Chinese money, vaccines, and protection, Duterte has surrendered vast parts of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) to the Chinese military and giant fishing industry. On the other hand, Duterte continues to extend extraterritorial rights to the US military through the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) and other lopsided military agreements, all in exchange for the sale of new military weaponries, as well as vaccines while allowing the expansion of its military facilities within Filipino military camps for stockpiling and forward deployment of drones, communication equipment, and other war matériel. 

All in all, the actions brought by the Duterte regime meant terror, corruption, and repression just like those of his idol. With obvious aversion to human rights, the administration's brand of orderism urges people to "move on" despite the fact that the stench of the past continues to stink society. Yes, development did commence, but did it really benefited the folk and communities as exploiters oppress them? The regime claimed to be "against oligarchs", yet how come it is the same regime that created new oligarchs and tolerated existing ones in exchange for the latter's support for the administration? The "drug war" turned out to be just a "war against the poor" as local drug lords and big Chinese syndicates trying to "protect themselves" in exchange for protection by corrupt officials while killing those who are falsely accused. People starting to get concerned as the regime's actions became way contrary to the "promise of change" and "comfortable life"- that injustice and contempt with the poor became the main attributes under Duterte and his administration. 

And by seeing, hearing those who urge to "move on" this is all but a mockery of people's desire for justice. Will the folk who desired for justice just give up and move on? Never! Expect them demand justice even further even it requires blood!

"Changing schemes, a budget cut, and a still worrying populace"

"Changing schemes, a budget cut, and a still worrying populace"

(Or: "Thoughts after the recent change over alert level quarantine schemes,
budget cut on health services, and people worrying under COVID19)

Both unsurprising and worrisome as conditions on public health, economy, and politics under the Duterte regime has continue to worsen. 

Especially after the regime's irresponsibility in its tasks amidst this pandemic, the country reported last friday 20,336 more COVID19 cases, with deaths more than 300, the highest in almost a month according to the Department of Health. This situation has worried concerned groups, especially those of health workers and professionals who expressed government neglect in the health sector especially with insufficient budget for hospitals and staff to those of low vaccination, while at the same time seeing officials profiteering from it in connivance with traders using the pandemic as an opportunity for their vested interests.

With this situation would say that assurances of economic recovery being bragged by the authorities is becoming an empty phrase. True that everyone wanted a return to normalcy after being battered by the pandemic; but by seeing the government failing to ramp up vaccination, improving health facilities, support health workers, conduct contact tracing, testing, and immediate treatment those hopes of economic recovery under this Delta variant is impeded. 

Worse, to hear news about officials profiteering along with suppliers who doesn't supply medicines for the much-needed hospitals and patients but that of face shields and face masks to be sold and profited. Is this what the government treats the pandemic- that of a moneymaking scheme while provoking fear towards the folk? No wonder why other than depending on donated vaccines from China the government can't seriously treat this situation based on health and science but that of their distorted "peace and order"! In fact, the budget for the Department of Health (DOH) only comprises 4.81% or P242 Billion of the total proposed P5.024 Trillion National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2022. The 2022 proposed DOH budget amounting to P242 Billion is itself deceptive because 33% or the P79.9B of the total proposed budget is allotted to PHilhealth. The actual DOH budget under the Office of the Secretary allotment is only P157 Billion. The budget for the seventy-six public hospitals that directly provides health services to the people is under this item.  Will people just stay mum as authorities emphasise lockdowns instead of ramping up healthcare capacity? Remember: reports show that nationwide intensive care unit bed capacity is now at 70%. Furthermore, an increasing number of hospitals in the National Capital Region and neighboring areas confine their COVID19 patients outdoors.

***

Last September 16, the country has shifted to a new alert level quarantine scheme to halt the spread of COVID-19 cases while trying to revive the pandemic-battered economy. This also followed by the application of "Granular Lockdowns" that limits to that of areas really affected by the pandemic. According to the authorities, this procedure "is meant to keep the economy running while ensuring public health." 

This may also sound a "win-win" solution for some sectors particularly that of the business community, while on the other hand criticised by the health experts with health reform advocate Dr. Tony Leachon said that a stricter quarantine classification is the answer to slow down infections in the region and the whole nation, instead favouring an extension of the current modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) status in Metro Manila. On the other hand, OCTA Research fellow Dr. Guido David favoured the implementation, but he added that granular lockdowns must be complemented by other interventions, such as randomized mass testing, more aggressive contact tracing, and early detection and isolation efforts to effectively curb the spread of the virus.

Quite interesting especially that with this "change" as an attempt to appease both health sector and that of the business community all despite criticism from concerned folks alike-worrying as individual houses, residential buildings, streets, blocks, puroks, subdivisions, villages, and barangays with persons suffered from COVID19 may be placed under granular lockdown. What more on how will Local government units and the social welfare department provide affected households with necessary assistance.

The latter of course is really worrying, especially how much assistance will the government provide the affected communities. Will it be sustainable as the government tries to present? For sure the government and its apologists will use the term "resilience" for these folks be forced to content with meager stuff in the time of crisis. 

***

Despite the recent worrisome events, this note hopes that the folk will continue to seek truth from facts. Whereas Duterte doesn't care about the situation the way he tries to protect his corrupted and interest-seeking officials, the folk themselves will start caring its fellow- and that mutuality is itself a weapon especially in a time despots trying to break sense of community like the attempts to demonise community pantries several months ago. 

And now that the government changed its policy to that of localised lockdowns, this doesn't mean "it will lighten the situation". Expect entrenched entities in connivance with corrupt bureaucrats finding ways to make profit out of the desperate needs of the people from food, medicine, and other basic necessities, what more that with the government budget for health services as not enough to sustain operations nor support the well being of the sickly, needy patients (especially with the apparent surge of Delta variant, increasing number of COVID19 infection among the ranks of health workers as totally alarming!), this is way contrary to what the administration is bragging off-  that of its pet "Build, Build, Build" project as the Department of Public Works and Highways has an allotted budget worth P686.1 Billion which eats up almost four times more than the budget the Department of Health has! 

Clearly, the government has no compassion nor empathy to the sad plight of the folk, especially health workers who worked hard in this time of pandemic-driven crisis, and many of them either fell ill or died trying to save lives and yet the health and safety of these working folks is not a priority at all. For sure the government is still tinkering about the idea of having a "monument for the fallen frontliners", but damn that idea! For the fact that the budget cut on health services in the midst of a pandemic will surely lead to further deterioration and eventual collapse of our entire health care system.