After SONA thoughts...

After President Benigno Aquino delivered the State of the Nation Address (SONA), comments of all sorts flooded the twitter and so on TV. So here, putting in writing my two cents worth on the issue. Simple thought of another random Filipino citizen.

...SONA everywhere on the news. My two cents worth.

Nobody can please everybody.

It's good PNoy is serious with his anti-corruption, economic, and social welfare goals & campaigns, and that the people are active and vigilant. This can be healthy, given regulated.

Meanwhile, as we actively observe his performance, let us not forget to take time mull over balanced views, unblinded appreciation, active involvement, and self-initiated activities even just for our personal concerns.

The government is there to promote the welfare of the people...and we, the people, are here to help our gov't, regardless of what or whose administration, to make the government's mandate to happen--through our actions, no matter how small or big. Light starts with a spark.

Whoever sits on the presidency, citizens will always have a say--dismay or satisfaction. It's the people's right. The government has duties; the people have rights and privileges imbued with responsibilities.

The microcosm of a progressive and strong government is an informed and diligent Juan. A silent worker finishes more than the ranting duo or trio or group.

As Gandhi puts it, "Good government is no substitute for self-government" and "Be the change you want to see in the world."

To be fair, PNoy's 2 years in the lead is relatively better than the previous administration. One very good thing, he is serious with his anti-corruption drive--good start to tackle the vicious cycle of poverty. He still has 4 years to properly cook his goals.

Let's get involved.

Lord, bless all those who have less than I do and stir within me a spirit of sharing.
Let gratitude and giving be my banners and let all be Yours.
May justice and mercy have places of honor within my being
And may my hands work to relieve suffering wherever I find it.
Amen.
~Vera Salter

Punto de Vista

As I arrived home, the news on the proposal of the Kabataan (youth) Party List  greeted me... and so here's my two cents worth...

The news on Kabataan Partylist’s proposal to ban celebration of religious activities at public offices made me squint, drop my jaw, and grimace... Rep, please revisit articles 131, 132, and 133 of the Revised Penal Code—I think they’re clear enough to be understood by a law maker, and no need to spend the public’s money for amendment or passing of another bill prohibiting it.

As per news (on Bandila), your objective is to give equal opportunities to all religious affiliations to express their rights... but it think the bill you’re attempting to propose is doing the opposite—it would limit the rights of the people to express their religious rights and/or to peacefully assemble or conduct public meetings, if not religious worship.

This practice of holding religious activities have been long customarily done in the public offices… and these activities have not been proven to be injurious to the rights of the members of other religious affiliations… no need to exercise Police Power to regulate it then.

To provide equal opportunity and enjoyment among these religious groups, why not provide them prayer rooms like what our Muslim brothers and sisters in the public office are requesting for or rooms for other religious groups’ religious/spiritual/social activities.

Why abolish something helpful to the moral development and values formation of the citizens, especially the public officers, who are supposed to be the role models of the citizens and the youth?

These peaceful activities of the religious are helpful and healthful… Don’t deprive the people of their rights and privileges; nor regulate something beneficial to the general welfare of the people without even a sound legal ground.

I strongly believe the Kabataan Partylist can do better than this proposal. I strongly believe the youth can bring about a really wise revolution beneficial to the mental, emotional, and spiritual growth of our fellow youths…not to mention, our values formation, which has significant transcendence in shaping the next wave of responsible citizenry.

Education. Health. Sports development. Environmental awareness. Financial literacy. Volunteerism and service. These are the core areas that we, the youths, need to be involved in more and have an active participation and growth.

Let the fundamental law of the state be interpreted and applied in the light of the wisdom of the framers… so far, this set of laws is adaptive and it still keeps up with our times. Pass bills which our youths, your constituents, NEED more—not those you incumbent Rep think is appropriate now. Don’t be pressured by the nearing elections. There are more important matters concerning youth that need your attention and energy.  :-)

Sincerely and respectfully,

Your fellow youth