Thursday, November 27, 2008

Reverence to the King

All eyes are on Thailand. Anti-government protests and counter protests are becoming a concern for many, not just for locals. Several foreign governments have issued travel advisory against the country which is a famous tourist destination.

The situation has deteriorated further from when it started. Yesterday, anti-government protesters stormed and managed to overtake the main airport in Bangkok, the country's seat of power. Incoming and outgoing flights were canceled due to the takeover. Many foreigners are stranded. They are at the moment camping "in" at the airport. The country’s head of government have to divert his flight to Chang Mai because of the airport shut down.

Anti government protesters would like their Prime Minister to step down due to various allegations that actually stemmed out during the time of deposed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawartra. Furthermore, they want their current prime minister out because they view him as a mere puppet of Thaksin. In fact, the incumbent Prime Minister, Somchai Wongsawat is Thaksin's brother in law.

To say that what's happening in Thailand is "not normal" is an understatement. Pockets of fighting have even ensued between the pro and anti government faction. Fatalities have already been reported. Some protesters unfortunately have totally disregarded law and order. The protest which has started calmly is now a pandemonium. This, however complicated it is already, can be put to an abrupt stop if one voice will only be heard, that is the voice the Thailand's revered King Bhumibol.

It is very much apparent that although protesters differ in political allegiance, they are united in professing their loyalty to their beloved King.

Protesters on both side use color yellow in every aspect of their protest. They are wearing yellow shirts and yellow armband. They are using color yellow flags. Their protest banners though having opposing messages are color yellow. They are using color yellow not because they revere Cory Aquino or because yellow is fashionable. Color yellow is an indication of their loyalty to their Majesty, the King of Thailand. Yellow is the Thai Monarchy's standard. They would like to make known that whatever rowdiness they are doing, it is not meant to offend their beloved Monarch. To say that King Bhumibol is beloved by his subject is actually an understatement. The Thai King is considered a demigod by Thai people.

Even during the coup de etat in 2005, when the military forced then Prime Minister Thaksin out of office, military officers, soldiers and their public supporters did wear yellow armbands to profess their continuous loyalty to the King. They were wise enough not to confuse the public into thinking that the coup is meant to depose the entire government which is in theory headed by the King.

Thais reverence to their King is unquestionable. No one dares to oppose the King publicly. Even a petty disrespect to the King (say vandalizing the King poster) is considered a crime—Lese majeste as they call in Thailand.

Either side of the opposing parties in Thailand is surely praying for the King's support in their cause. The vast majority of Thais affected by the ongoing situation surely wants an intercession coming from the King. Historically, King Bhumibol does weigh in publicly on political issues more so on his political preference. However, the King has his own way in letting his opinion known, at least to the lucky few within his circle.

It is rumored that the coup de etat in 2005 was subtly sanctioned by the King, though its accurateness will not be known. His stand on the current crisis is crucial for both opposing parties for his stand will determine who will be the victor in the end, either the government or the anti government forces. It is also certain that whatever decision he makes, his unwavering Thai subjects will not dare question.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Where heads of state live

I read from a news article posted on Xinhua News agency's website that there was an attempted coup de etat in the African country Guinea-Bissau. According to the article, rebel soldiers attacked the Presidential Palace in an attempt to force the President to step down. Fortunately, at least in normal standard, the President of the country survived and calmed has already been restored.

Out of curiosity, I tried to “Google” the picture of the Presidential residence of Guinea-Bissau. Unfortunately, I failed to find a picture. Instead, I found several pictures of other country’s heads of state’s palaces. I was fascinated with the images I found. For no apparent reason, I compiled several pictures I saw. Here are some with corresponding trivia:
Presidentinlinna, Finland's Presidential Palace: The palace was completed in 1845. It served as the Finnish residence of the Tsar of Russia and Grand Duke of Finland. Currently, it is one of the several Presidential palaces in Helsinki but it has the status Official Presidential Palace. American Television host Conan O'Brien, Finnish President Tarja Halonen's look a alike, the current resident of the palace, once visited the Palace.
Belém National Palace, Portugal's Presidential Palace: Recent Portuguese Presidents did not utilize the Palace as resident as they prefer to stay at their private residence.

The Istana, Singapore's Presidential Palace: The palace has been the residence of Singapore’s head of state, It was originally built for the British colonial Governor. After Singapore's independence, the palace was resided by the Yang di-Pertuan Negara or Sultan of Singapore until he was replaced by the President of Singapore. Actual governmental power lies in the office of the Singaporean Prime Minister.

Pałac Prezydencki, Poland's Presidential Palace: In front of the palace is a equestrian statue of Prince Josef Poniatowski, one of Emperor Napoleon’s generals. The Prince is portrayed as a classical hero in Roman tunic and armor.

Lithuania's Presidential Palace: Russian Tsar Alexander I and French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte made the palace as their residence. The flag hoisted at the top flagpole of the palace signifies whether the President is in the palace or capital city.

Abdeen Palace, Egypt's Presidential Palace: The palace is considered the magnificent palace in the world at least in terms of decorations and fixtures. It is named after Turkish Prince Abdin Bey since the building was built out the Prince house' debris.

Apostolic Palace, Vatican Head of State's Palace: The palace is the official residence of the Roman Catholic Pope. The complex contains the papal apartment, Catholic Church's offices, Vatican Museums and Library, and chapels including the Sistine Chapel where the Papal Conclave is being held.
Chieh Shou Hall, Taiwan's Presidential Palace: The name of the palace means Long Live Kai-shek, the first President of the Republic of China (known as Taiwan or Chinese Taipei) who flew from mainland China to Formosa (renamed Taiwan) after his defeat in the revolution. It was named so because the restoration of the palace coincided with Chang Kai-shek’s 60th birthday.

Palai de la Republique, Senegal's Presidential Palace: Palace’s current occupant is Abdoulaye Wade and his family who moved in the palace in April 1, 2000.

National Palace, Haiti's Presidential Palace: Former Acting Haitian President Boniface Alexandre's grandchild died in the palace after accidentally drowning at one of the palace's bath tubs.

Türkmenbaşy Palace, Turkmenistan's Presidential Palace: The Palace's name is derived from President Saparmurat Niyazov's nickname, who resided in the palace from 1985 until his death in 1985.

Vietnam's Presidential Palace: The building was designed by a French Architect. Vietnam's iconic leader, Ho Chi Minh snubbed the building because of its grandiosity. He did not live here although he received foreign dignitaries at the Palace.
Kremlin, Russia’s Presidential Palace: The fortified palace complex includes four palaces and four cathedrals. It features Russian citadels called kremlins. It served as the residence of the Russian Tsar (Emperor of Russia).

Los Pinos, Mexico's Presidential Palace: The Palace first served as the residence of the Mexican President in 1934. It is previously known as Rancho la Hormiga or Ant's Ranch. The first occupant, President General Lazaro Cardenas changed its name to "Los Pinos" (The Pines) in honor of the ranch where he met his wife.

Government House, Fiji’s Presidential Palace: The palace conducts a ceremony to that held at the Buckingham Palace called “Changing of the guard”.

Palacio de la Moneda, Chile's Presidential Palace: The palace serves as the office of the Chilean President. It no longer serves though as the residence of the President. During the coup de etat of 1973, the palace was partially destroyed by bombing, Resident at that time, President Salvador Allende also perished, allegedly executed, during the bombing. Current occupant is Chile's first female President, Michelle Bachelet.

Rashtrapati Bhavan, India's Presidential Palace: The palace is considered the largest Presidential residence in the world. The British Viceroys to India previously live in the palace. The first Indian Governor after India's independence did not occupy the suite intended of the viceroys because he considered it too grand for his humble taste.

Royal Palace of Tongo: In line with the deference the Tongans have for the royal family, poets almost never refer to the palace (pālasi) by name, but use heliaki (allegoric references) like: Fanga-tapu (sacred beach, the shore in front of the building), Loto-ʻā (inside the fence), ʻĀ-maka (stone fence), Hangai Tokelau (northwind against), a tree near the kitchen, and so forth.

Potala Palace, Previously the Dalai Lamai's (Head of State of Tibet) Palace: The ancient palace has been the residence of the Dalai Lamai until the failed uprising in 1959, when China formerly invaded the state. The palace was converted into a museum by the Chinese government.
Cheong Wa Dae, South Korea’s Presidential Palace: English translation of the palace’s name is The House of the Blue Roof Tiles or the Blue House. The palace is directly in front of Bukhansan Mountain which is flanked by two mountains symbolizing Blue Dragon and White Tiger.
Photo Credits:
http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/southamerica/images/port-au-prince03.jpg
http://www.travel-images.com/senegal51.jpg
http://ec.europa.eu/enlargement/archives/enlargement_process/past_enlargements/eu10/pictures/poland/war02_presidential_palace.jpg
http://w2.syronex.com/jmr/travel/2005/taiwan/presidential-palace-taipei.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:PresidentialPalaceAshgabat.jpg
http://bratislava-photo.esem.sk/photo/president-palace.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Phu_toan_quyen_2.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Vilnius_presidential_palace.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Rashtrapati_Bhavan-3.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Istana_20,_Singapore,_Jan_06.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:GD-EG-Caire-Abedin003.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Palacio_Belem_Lisboa.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Finnish_Presidential_Palace.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Bangkok_GrandPalace_from_River.jpg
http://web.mit.edu/edbert/Chile/LaMoneda.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MexCity-palacio.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Potala.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Watykan_Plac_sw_Piora_kolumnada_Berniniego.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Seoul_Gyeongbokgung_Blue_House_Bukhansan_cropped.jpg http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Grand_Kremlin_Palace.JPG
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:TongaRoyalPalace.jpg

Friday, November 21, 2008

Archbishop Cruz should consider retirement

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop His Eminence Oscar Cruz made yet again another controversial pronouncement. He said that he will deny baptism to children whose parents were not blessed by the sacred sacrament of matrimony. Archbishop Cruz is ready to deny these innocent children entry to Christianity.

His statement was met with criticism even from his colleagues in the Holy Order. He reasons that parents are not willing to submit themselves to the said sacrament, hence their children are not qualified for baptisms. Apparently they cannot be Christians based on his logic.

I am not a holy canon expert, but I am a Christian, a Christian Catholic to be specific. Archbishop Cruz's pronouncement is offensive and is unChristian. Many will surely be offended by his intention. It contradictory to Christian values. It is contravening Jesus' mission. Never will Jesus deny baptism to anyone. Jesus can forgive even the worst sinner provided that they show remorse to their sins. Jesus will surely embrace these innocent children to the folds of Christianity even if their parents were not bound by the sacred marriage.

Archbishop Cruz is entitled to interpret the cannon based on his conscience. But his recent pronouncement is far from being conscientious. The Catholic hierarchy in the Philippines should look into this statement further and offer some kind of rectitude if needed.

I remembered the prelate in the same hot water due to his controversial statement last March. He said that he would deny Holy Communion to the President and her family because he thinks of them as sinners. Lawmakers lead the outcry for what they felt as an irresponsible statement by seeking the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines to sanction the prelate. Unfortunately, the complain fell to deft ears. A libel case was also filed against the Archbishop for allegedly branding PAGCOR (Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation) employees as GROs or guest relations officers (GRO is used interchangeably with the word prostitute)

I am hoping that this recent foul statement coming from a supposed holy man be taken seriously by the CBCP. Holy members of CBCP will not appreciate if someone or some group would log a complain in the future directly to the Holy See, the Vatican.

Two Kings

21st century is no longer the reign of Kings. The era where Kings rule the world has long been gone. However, Kings do still exist today. Some rule with absolute discretion, some only reign without actual power. For the Kings who reign, their power is curtailed. What they do mostly is limited to ceremonial functions. They can be influential however if the people respect and venerate them.

Two reigning Kings of two Asian countries enjoy an insurmountable influence due to the utmost deference their people voluntarily vest them—King Bhumibol of Thailand and King Jigme Khesar of Bhutan. The two Kings belong to different generation—the later born in 1980, the former in 1927 (also the longest reigning Monarch in the world). Both however know how to become a King that inspires unity and respect. Both use whatever power they have in furtherance of their subjects’ welfare.


If all Monarchs are like the two, Kings and Queens would surely be able to serve their purpose well. Surely, no Monarch will follow the footsteps of King Gyanedra of Nepal and many before him, who were driven out of his throne through a popular dissent .

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Can't wait for 2010

by Manuel Poks Divina

It is probably very frustrating for President Arroyo to wait 'till 2010 to prove her miserable opponents wrong, at least in their claim that she intends to stay in office beyond June 30, 2010 through dirty political device.

Her opponents, in their undying quest to put the President in constant bad light had made a trivial issue, a big deal. I must laud their creativeness in turning a trivial stuff to something monumental.

Recently, poor Secretary Dureza made what is now an unforgivable crime, of seeking God's grace for President Arroyo’s continuous perseverance serve her country until 2010 and even beyond. His intention was freely interpreted by non-Malacanang fans.

The infamous Dureza prayer is now a national issue that equals the issue on global economic crisis. It is being replayed again and again. Different interpretations are out for everyone to believe.

If Secretary Dereza is the Spokesperson of the President of Slovakia, his innocent prayer will surely not be noticed and even talked about. Unfortunately, he is in the Philippines where the media and the politicians on the other side are patiently waiting for the President and her staff to stumble.

Opposition members are unapologetic in giving media-sought comments on the matter saying that such is a prelude to what is coming—that is the revision of the Constitution to allow President Arroyo to stay in office beyond 2010. Self proclaimed political pundits even connects the assumption of wise-guy Sen Johnny Enrile as Senate President to the issue of term extension for President Arroyo.

One time Malacanang ally, the “If we hold on Queen” Dinky Soliman rushed in giving her interpretation on the reaction of President. She claimed that the President is clearly interested in the idea brought by Dureza’s prayer as evident in the President’s reaction. Dinky’s credibility is something that is very much debatable. If she believes what she commented, she’s fooling herself. We saw President’s embarrassment because of the prayer. She even asked the media present then to consider the prayer off the record. She probably has predicted how her critics would take advantage of such off-guarded prayer.

President Arroyo is unequivocal in her declaration that she would step down in 2010. Others may question her sincerity because of past experiences, but basing it on logic, it is clear that the President intends to step down after the end of her term.

The President has already experienced several painful and unjust allegations in the course of her service as President. I know that the President has decency, though others fail to see this. The President will never destroy her legacy completely. It is very unfair that some have already judged her as corrupt and unscrupulous leader though allegations against her are yet to be proven. She hasn’t yet been convicted of anything but sensational media reporting coupled by unverified statements from children-of-God whistle blowers had sealed her reputation—at least for others.

The Dureza prayer is non-issue if one would look at it in a fair way. Such is a trivial slip that we could let it pass silently, without further buzz and fuss. However, as we are in the Philippines where everything is sensationalized and where “some” politicians lack the temperament to be true leaders; such is now the basis of yet another mistrust in the government. The innocent prayer is now a battle cry for power hungry and bitter politicians to rip the administration.

Our country, our nation should be mature enough to let this pass. Or maybe it is not. If this is an issue that we cannot let pass or a mistake that we will dwell on for a long time, then we deserve not to prosper. Probably their something wrong about our—or at least the media and some politicians’—value system which is causing our misery.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Far from being Obama

by Manuel "Poks" Divina
Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight Saga has hit me in almost unprecedented way. I am currently reading the 4th and last installment of the series. I can only imagine two people who can interrupt my reading spree, my dad, and my favorite JCI Senator, Darius Cunanan. Twilight piled up stuff I need to do like updating our website, writing my journal and many more.

One news item though that I heard from our loud television caught my attention and forced me to temporarily ignore Twilight—Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay’s declaration of his candidacy for the 2010 Presidential election.

Now we can add Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay’s name to the long list of Presidentiables aiming to replace President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in 2010. He had formally indicated his intention to run as President during the celebration of his 66th Birthday.

Binay’s declaration is actually no longer news. It is nonevent in fact. The lingering talk of his intention to run has already been swirling around ever since. The big news though is him being called Barack Obama of the Philippines by his supporters, surely with his consent. For, Zeus sake, does his supporters—or him for that matter—know what their claiming. Do they actually believe that they can fool us?

Though I don’t like the President-elect Obama’s politics, I do laud his ability to inspire many people because of his message of hope, and the fresh politics he promised to bring with him at the White House—Change in short. Other characteristics he have that distinct him from other politicians is his being a non-Establishment candidate or what they call Washington outsider, and his unblemished political reputation.

Comparing the President-elect to Jejomar Binay is an insult to Obama and to the intelligence of the Filipino people.

Jejomar Binay is undeniably a traditional politician. He is a politician who played with the weakness of the local political system just to keep Makati under his control. It must be remembered that after his term ended in 1998, he instead had her wife Elenita, who has no public office experience whatsoever, run as Mayor of Makati. In 2001, he made a comeback and took the office from his wife. Jejomar Binay also appears to have already subscribed to the prevalent Political dynasty system in Philippine politics when his daughter run for and apparently won a congressional seat for a district in Makati. Although not yet proven, it noteworthy that Mayor Binay, and the former Mayor Elinita Binay have pending graft and corruption cases filed against them.

There are many reasons why Binay is far from being Barack Obama. The only similarity between the two that I see is their apparent resolved to do anything, as in anything, just to achieved their ambition.

One final note: Binay, after his declaration said, “I cannot run without President Estrada’s blessings”. It is undisputed that President-elect Obama is never under the mercy or control of any court convicted personality. A candidate of change is never under the control of any political godfather.

Dismay

In today's Inquirer Editorial, the paper voiced its hope that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo does not attempt another meet-up with President-elect Obama and risk a third snub—the first being Obama's cancellation of his September meeting with President Arroyo last September, the second is Obama's apparent lack of time to return our President Arroyo's congratulatory call. It says in the editorial that Obama is well informed enough about Mrs. Arroyo's reputation, hence his decision not to associate himself with her. Though I agree with the Editorial's message that President Arroyo should no longer attempt to arrange a meeting with Obama, I utterly refused to accept the deduction that Obama's apparent snub is because of President Arroyo apparent reputation abroad.

Obama's seeming cold treatment towards the leader of the Philippines is to be qualified as ignorance of the geopolitical importance of the Philippines. His genius campaign organization is most likely not well informed about the pivotal role of the Philippines in the Asia Pacific region (I pray for the intercession of VP-elect Biden). Now that the U.S. is being threatened yet again by Russia’s rise to the world stage, and being challenged by the erratic leadership of North Korea—to named of few—the U.S. may again find the Philippines support more important than any other Asian countries. The Philippines serves a strategic watch post in the region as was evident during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. The U.S. could probably afford to lose this valuable advantage having the Philippines in its side, but to what cost?

With the charge against President Arroyo's reputation abroad, such conclusion by the Inquirer is apparently dubious and utterly far fetch. President Arroyo is a respected figure both in Asia and the world at large. She by the way specially requested by the King of Saudi, His Majesty Abdullah to speak on an important interfaith gathering in the United Nations. It is noteworthy that Mrs Arroyo's economic proposals for to counter or mitigate the effect of the global financial crisis has been discussed and taken into consideration by several "respected" and fair ,media outlets in the ASEAN Region.

Finally the paper says, “She must remember that she is the president of a sovereign country. She is not a star-struck teenager hounding a celebrity. She should not continue to embarrass herself and her country by dogging and stalking Obama.” How ironic that such a respected paper managed to put up these statements in one paragraph. Yes, President Arroyo is the President of a sovereign state. This is the reason why she is trying to build rapport—however desperate her action may appear—for the country’s sake, with the future leader the greatest nation on earth however arrogant he may be. This is for the benefit of our country, not her benefit.

I am an admirer of Inquirer’s vigilance. I salute its provocative and transcendental investigative journalism, but this specific piece, today’s Editorial, is just too much. Let us be fair in accessing everyone and every situation. Due credence must be extended to whoever deserves it.

Monday, November 10, 2008

“First” snub

by Manuel "Poks" Divina
Almost a week now had passed since the world came to the realization that the United States will have Sen Barack Obama as its President. President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is one of the first to extend, on behalf of the Philippines, her warm congratulations to the President-elect. It is almost a week since her phone call, and the President-elect has yet to return her call.

The President-elect has already returned calls from other foreign leaders. First round of calls were made to leaders of the United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Mexico, Japan, Israel and South Korea. The second wave was to leaders of Russia, China, Poland and China. The most awaited phone call to President Arroyo was pushed back to the now long waiting list.

Observers thought that Obama staff might have forgotten to inform the President-elect of the call from the leader of the Philippines, the country once dubbed a “major non-NATO” ally by outgoing President George Bush. Some joked that the staff wo received the call probably isn't aware of the country called the Philippines.

Some call this a snub. Others are patient. This to others, as trivial as it may appear, somehow foreshadows the future foreign policy of the incoming administration—a shouting disregard to the importance of the Philippines. It also note worthy that during the President Arroyo’s visit to the U.S., the then Democratic Presidential Nominee Sen Obama cancelled his meeting with her. The other guy, the Republican Presidential Nominee Sen John McCain took the time off campaigning and met President Arroyo.

This far-from-warm treatment somehow gives credence to the charge that the President-elect has a thin grasp of foreign policy issues and consideration. The President-elect seems to be not well informed about the significance of the Philippines to the U.S. foreign policy especially now that its Cold War adversary, Russia, is now regaining its glory and gearing up to become another superpower. It is too much to say that President-elect is ignorant of the history of Philippine-American relationship, but this appears to be the case. This is not far from reality since the good Senator is just in his 4th year as Senator—2 years was spent campaigning.

The President-elect did not serve in the military during the Vietnam War (he is 2 years old then), where the Philippines proved to be a reliable U.S. ally—when others turned their back from the U.S., the Philippines remained committed, so it is impossible for him to have a firsthand look on the importance of the Philippines. His opponent, Senator John McCain on the other hand was a Navy Pilot during the war and served alongside with Filipinos.

A cold treatment from the U.S. is not our loss both in the field of security and economy. The Philippines is no longer as dependent to mercy of the United States as was before. Our country has at long last managed to establish an independent foreign policy proven by previous actions taken by our government. President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo successfully strengthened ties with Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, and major Asian economic power house such as China, Japan and India. The health of our economy is no longer dictated by the pulse of the U.S. economy. The U.S. economy is on the path of collapse. The Philippines appears not destined to follow its path.

President-elect Barack Obama hopefully should realize this. If his foreign policy judgment still cannot grasp this, he should seek the advice of his Vice President, Joseph Biden who is a foreign policy expert. The U.S. cannot afford to lose the affection of the Philippines now that many countries are starting to realize that the U.S. is not invincible.