The recent budget hearings involving Vice President Sara Duterte and the House Appropriations Committee showed how political agendas can overshadow the actual purpose of these discussions. As a citizen, I expect our leaders to engage in meaningful debates on the budget, which is a critical aspect of governance that directly affects the lives of Filipinos. However, it seems that in this case, the budget hearing became less about the allocation of public funds and more about political maneuvering and point-scoring against the Vice President. What should have been a platform for her to explain and justify her office’s budget turned into a spectacle aimed at discrediting her.

Holding public officials accountable is important, but there’s a proper venue for everything. The House Appropriations Committee’s role is to scrutinize the proposed budget, not to air unresolved allegations of corruption. It was clear that some lawmakers had other motives during the hearing, as they tried to unearth old issues against Vice President Duterte, painting her actions as potential manifestations of malversation and corruption. These accusations, though serious, are already being addressed in the courts. It is inappropriate, and frankly, irresponsible for lawmakers to use the budget hearings to bring these matters up, as it distracts from the true purpose of the proceedings.

The Vice President was invited as a resource person, not as a witness. This distinction is crucial because as a resource person, her presence was meant to help shed light on her office’s budgetary needs, not to be grilled about personal controversies. Yet, it was evident that some members of the committee were more interested in putting her on the defensive rather than understanding her budget plan. This misuse of the forum undermines the integrity of the legislative process. Instead of focusing on the substance of the budget, the hearings devolved into political theater.

Vice President Duterte’s decision not to entertain the queries related to the corruption allegations was understandable. She cited that these issues were already being tackled in the courts, the proper venue for such disputes. Her stance made sense to me. Why should she entertain accusations in a budget hearing when those matters are already under legal scrutiny? To do so would not only be redundant but also inappropriate, as it could potentially prejudice ongoing legal proceedings. The lawmakers’ insistence on pressing these matters, despite knowing this, felt more like a political trap than a genuine pursuit of accountability.

As a concerned citizen, I found myself frustrated by the lawmakers’ collective decision to expose the Vice President to these politically charged attacks in a venue that was never intended for such purposes. It felt like they were more interested in scoring points against her than in fulfilling their duty to scrutinize the budget. It was disheartening to see how a crucial legislative function, one that impacts the distribution of public funds, could be hijacked by political rivalries. In the end, it’s the people who lose out when our leaders allow personal and political interests to dominate the conversation.

What makes this situation even more troubling is that it sets a dangerous precedent. If budget hearings can be used as a platform to attack political opponents rather than to discuss fiscal policies, what does that say about the integrity of our democratic processes? This practice can erode public trust in government institutions, and it’s hard to imagine how future hearings will be taken seriously if they continue to be mired in controversy. Budget hearings are supposed to be about ensuring that public funds are spent wisely, not about dragging political adversaries through the mud.

In moments like these, I can’t help but reflect on what this means for our political culture. It seems that instead of focusing on governance and public service, our leaders are often too busy playing political games. This incident, in particular, highlights the widening gap between what the public needs and what our politicians prioritize. It’s disheartening to see that the focus on budget allocations, which directly impact development projects and social services, was overshadowed by personal attacks on the Vice President.

We deserve better from our elected officials. The budget hearings should have been a space for constructive debate on how to best serve the Filipino people. Instead, they were marred by political infighting that only served to deepen divisions. I hope that moving forward, our leaders can rise above petty politics and focus on what truly matters: delivering effective governance for the benefit of all.

Getting the needed momentum to pursue the congressional investigation, a joint panel which tagged their group as a quad committee had been acting in collaboration with each other to ferret out the truth amidst narrations of those accused, chiefly the dismissed mayor, the witnesses and resource persons who are all sworn to tell the truth and nothing but the truth but are narrating conflicting tales. Many resource persons had to be threatened that they could be cited in contempt for lying before the investigating committee. The contempt power of the investigating committee had forced witnesses and resource persons to spill the beans, dropping names of high-ranking officials who had kept their principals under cover of their false narrations.

In the course of the investigation, the probers had traced the root of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations (POGO) as emanating from the order of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR). A revisit to the basic law that created PAGCOR that is Republic Act 9487 which amended the PAGCOR Charter that is Presidential Decree No. 1869 which granted PAGCOR a franchise to operate and license gambling establishments in the Philippines. The law aims to provide regulations and limitations for the operation of such establishments.

Grilling the resource person, chiefly Atty. Herminio “Harry” L. Roque, Jr. who kept denying that he has no connection with POGO operators despite documents that law enforcement authorities found in his house, was cornered by one lawyer who is a member of the house committee. Atty. Gerville A. Luistro who invited his attention to latest jurisprudence regarding lawyer-client relationship. He got mum after being refreshed with rulings of the high court that even if there is no contract and no lawyer’s fees for services rendered.

It would be recalled that he was profusely denying that he was lawyering for Lucky South 99, insisting that he only provided his legal services to Whirlwind Corporation. He downplayed his role as merely assisting the corporate secretary of Lucky South 99 Ronalyn Baterna in settling arrears payment and license renewal which was mentioned by PAGCOR Chief Alenjandro Tengco to the investigating committee. But the said Lucky South 99 corporate secretary clarified that her role was only to issue tickets and the money she keeps was not hers but that of Lucky South 99 which is represented by Cassandra Li Ong.

So much delay has caused the investigation to veer into various issues. As of latest reports, the dismissed mayor Alice Guo have yet to be arrested and is believed to have escaped out of the country. Also, the Lucky South 99 and Whirlwind Corporation officials, including Cassandra Li Ong of Lucky South 99 are reportedly out of the country. The findings of the investigation committee has become futile as the persons that are subject for arrest and detention are nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, the quad committee remains in the limelight of a show that keeps them in the public mind until the forthcoming elections. What a show.
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THAT Christ already talked about his coming passion, death and resurrection should reassure us that there is no need for us to be overly worried about any suffering we can encounter in this life. (cfr. Mk 9,30-37) As long as we refer our suffering to the saving passion, death and resurrection of Christ, we are sure of salvation not only for us but also for others.

What we should work on in this regard is for us to learn how to refer as quickly as possible whatever suffering we have to Christ’s passion and death. That’s when we can have a more global picture of the saving role of suffering in our life.

If we believe in Christ and follow what he has taught and shown us, we will realize that there is nothing to be afraid of suffering and death, and all the other negative things that can mark our life.

He bore them himself and converted them into our way for our own salvation. Yes, even death which is the ultimate evil that can befall us, an evil that is humanly insoluble. With Christ’s death, the curse of death has been removed. “Death has been swallowed up in victory. Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” (1 Cor 15,54-55)
So, we just have to be sport and cool about the whole reality of suffering and death. What we need to do is to follow Christ in his attitude toward them. For Christ, embracing suffering and ultimately death, is the expression of his greatest love for us. We have to enter into the dynamic of this divine logic and wisdom so we can lose that fear of suffering and death.

We should not be afraid of suffering because if we have to be realistic about our life, I believe we need to consider that we actually need suffering and get to the bottom of this need. There’s actually a lot of meaning to it. It’s not just one whole negative part of our life.

In fact, the ideal attitude toward suffering is to welcome it, since in the first place, it cannot be avoided no matter how much we try. We have to cultivate a more positive outlook toward it and relish its inherent benefits for us.

For this, we need to discover and appreciate the link between suffering and loving. The two need not go against each other. In fact, they have to go together if we want our suffering to be meaningful and fruitful. And we have a way to do that.

By uniting our suffering with the passion and death of Christ on the cross, the vital link between suffering and loving is established. The sting of suffering and death is removed, and the guarantee of our resurrection and our victory over death, sin and all forms of evil that cause us suffering is made.

We just have to learn to be sport about our unavoidable condition of suffering in this life and adapt the proper attitude and reactions that should be inspired by our Christian faith. We have to educate our senses, feelings and emotions according to the indications of our faith and the recourse to the sacraments. By developing a life of authentic piety, we can hack it.

Indeed, there can be joy in suffering only if we identify ourselves with Christ. With Christ, suffering becomes an act of selfless love that can take on anything. Only in him can we find joy and meaning in suffering. With him, suffering loses its purely negative and painful character, and assumes the happy salvific character.

The War on Drugs in the Philippines, initiated under President Rodrigo Duterte, has left an indelible mark on the nation. The campaign, characterized by alleged extrajudicial killings, has claimed thousands of lives, predominantly among the poor. This essay explores the haunting notion that “the dead has its way of getting revenge,” reflecting on the consequences of these brutal actions.

A relentless pursuit of suspected drug criminals has characterized the War on Drugs since its commencement in 2016. Cops have broken into homes, shooting unarmed people—even those who were eager to surrender—often acting on untrusted lists. These extrajudicial executions could be considered crimes against humanity, according to Amnesty International1. Targeting the poor disproportionately, the campaign has destroyed families and transformed neighborhoods into combat zones.( Amnesty International Report).

Even when they are silent, the dead nevertheless manage to leave an impression. The dead families’ sorrow and rage feed a communal memory that does not go away. Every life lost becomes a memory of the cruelty meted out to the weak and a symbol of injustice. The accounts of those slain, such as the one of an 11-year-old girl who saw her father killed, have a profound emotional impact and elicit demands for responsibility. (wbur.org).

The present House of Congress had made its concrete actions on this and collaboration of House Committees creating 4 major Committees convening as one. The quest for justice for the victims of extrajudicial killings is a long and arduous journey. Human rights organizations, journalists, and activists tirelessly document these atrocities, seeking to hold perpetrators accountable. The international community has also voiced concerns, urging the Philippine government to uphold the rule of law and protect human rights. The dead, through the voices of the living, demand justice and retribution.

“The dead has its way of getting revenge” is a poignant reflection on the enduring impact of extrajudicial killings in the Philippines’ War on Drugs. The lives lost in this brutal campaign continue to haunt the nation, demanding justice and accountability. As the country grapples with this dark chapter, it is imperative to remember that the dead, though gone, leave behind a powerful call for change and retribution.

The War on Drugs, was popular on the guise of a deterrent to crimes and ensuring peace in communities, but it also exposed a sad yet familiar reality, men can be bloodthirsty beings capable of killing. The animalistic and barbaric tendency that Cain has in its envy of Abel, the plot of the Katipuneros against Heneral Luna the treachery of Judas on Jesus, the evil that men do as mentioned by the eulogy of Marcus Antonios on Julius Caesar’s funeral.
There was no hiding or disputing the fact that almost 10,000 lives were lost. And that most of the dead were killed by a generic and scripted nanlaban reason ( resisting arrest). There were stories circulating and documented showing the scene of the crime operatives (SOCO) ready before an operation was even initiated. Logic tells us that the police was expecting dead people after the operation and that they would come in handy and ready to respond. It is comparable to a Funeral Parlor on stand by on hospitals waiting for the dead. It is morbidly gruesome and outright condemnable. Now its unraveling, the crimes are being exposed and yes, the voice of the dead are being heard. Now, commences the time of reckoning!

Effective communication is a cornerstone of success in personal relationships, professional settings, and everyday interactions. Mastering the art of communication empowers individuals to convey ideas clearly, build strong connections, and resolve conflicts with ease. In this 500-word article, we will delve into strategies and techniques to communicate effectively and enhance one’s ability to express thoughts, emotions, and intentions with clarity and impact.

1. Active Listening: Engaging in active listening is a key component of successful communication. To truly understand others and respond thoughtfully, one must listen attentively, show genuine interest, and provide feedback. Active listening includes sustaining eye contact, nodding to indicate comprehension, and posing clarifying inquiries.

By practicing active listening, individuals can foster deeper connections, build trust, and ensure that messages are accurately received and interpreted.

2. Clear and Concise Messaging: Communicating thoughts and ideas clearly and concisely is essential for effective communication. Communicating in plain language, steering clear of technical terms, and organizing messages logically can enhance the effectiveness of information delivery. Being mindful of the recipient’s knowledge and adjusting the message accordingly ensures that communication is easily understood and leaves no room for misinterpretation.

3. Nonverbal Communication: Nonverbal signals, like body language, facial expressions, and vocal tone, have a substantial impact on communication.. Aligning nonverbal signals with verbal messages enhances the clarity and impact of communication. Maintaining open body posture, smiling, and using appropriate gestures can convey warmth, sincerity, and engagement. Being aware of nonverbal cues and ensuring they are in harmony with spoken words can strengthen the overall message being communicated.

4. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Empathy and emotional intelligence are vital components of effective communication. Understanding others’ emotions, perspectives, and needs allows individuals to communicate with empathy and sensitivity. Acknowledging emotions, validating feelings, and showing compassion create a supportive and understanding communication environment. By cultivating empathy and emotional intelligence, individuals can build rapport, resolve conflicts, and foster positive relationships through effective communication.

5. Feedback and Constructive Criticism: Providing feedback and constructive criticism in a respectful and constructive manner is crucial for effective communication. Offering specific, actionable feedback, focusing on behaviors rather than personalities, and highlighting strengths alongside areas for improvement can help individuals grow and develop. Receiving feedback gracefully, listening attentively, and incorporating constructive criticism into personal growth strategies enhance communication skills and promote continuous improvement.

6. Adaptability and Flexibility: Being adaptable and flexible in communication is essential for navigating diverse situations and interacting with a variety of personalities. Adjusting communication styles, tone, and approaches based on the context, audience, and goals ensures that messages are received effectively. Adapting to different communication preferences, actively listening to feedback, and being open to new ideas and perspectives facilitate smooth and productive interactions.

7. Conflict Resolution and Active Problem-Solving: Effective communication is instrumental in resolving conflicts and addressing challenges constructively. Using active problem-solving techniques, such as identifying issues, exploring solutions collaboratively, and seeking common ground, can lead to successful conflict resolution. Maintaining open communication channels, addressing concerns directly, and seeking mutually beneficial outcomes promote harmonious relationships and effective communication in challenging situations.

In conclusion, effective communication is a multifaceted skill that requires active listening, clear messaging, nonverbal awareness, empathy, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities. By honing these communication strategies and techniques, individuals can enhance their interpersonal relationships, professional interactions, and overall communication effectiveness. Cultivating effective communication skills empowers individuals to express themselves authentically, connect with others meaningfully, and navigate life’s complexities with confidence and clarity.
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If you have any questions or would like to share your thoughts on the column, feel free to send an email to jca.bblueprint@gmail.com. Looking forward to connecting with you!