Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

Is Pontiff Comments a hint of an idea for religious tolerance?

Nicosia, Cyprus comments by the Pope Benedict XVI a hint of religious tolerance for the up-coming crisis summit of Middle East Bishops in Rome scheduled in October focus of “Current Extremism” and the rise of “political Islam” as a threat to Christians.

The Pontiff comments further to the international community, he concerned of ignoring the plight of Christians in Middle East and that Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Iraq and political instability in Lebanon have forced  thousands to flee the  region.

For balancing the comments in global perspective a kind of clash of civilizations between west and the Muslims community, started from the translation of the Qur-an by the Indian born writer Salman Rushdie British national entitled his Novel published Book-The SATANIC VERSES almost all of Muslims faith in silence protest, but Imam Khomeini Islamic of Iran publicly condemned the Author and issued rule order (Fatwa) is direct blasphemy against Islam and at the same time (Iman) even offered reward bounty to kill and get Mr. Rushdie dead or alive.

Recently European Parliaments Belgium and France proposed a State Law to ban Muslim Women attire “Burqa” used in public, not minding by the European community this suit which are obligatory requirements for Muslim Women to cover the whole-body from head to foot not practical but religious obligation is sacred in the Islamic cultures.  The other contentious issue which, demand attention from religious leaders of interfaith group, the ban of construction of Minaret (Mosque) in Switzerland it’s violate religious freedom that create the animosity of discontentment from Muslim side. Another caused for uproar by the Muslim community all over the World is controversial Cartoon’s printout released in print Newspaper in Denmark- portray the offensive image of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that hurt Muslim tolerance. The rest a minor issue like branding of many names to Muslims that really downgrading the followers of Islam the real and true Muslims- Is this religious tolerance?

Islamic phobia and political Islam I think is ramification of mistrust from the west a creation from purely imaginative concern that destructs a truly meaningful cooperation of the west and Muslim World. This is not valid issue is perhaps a pigment of imagination of the west could create barriers and divisive dictum of our civilization. There are no solid evidences and facts of these accusations a pure hearsay creation by the western thinkers.

The west is more aggressive to dominate the poor and the weakest Muslim Community with the unperturbed of the advance of technology in their possessions.

With the powerful medium from both broadcast, in print and e-media unmatched the weakest one.  But, because of strong spirit and strong faith of Muslim Community, they are one society of solid foundation bonding together against all odds. The west might miscalculate the strength and the unity of the Muslims faith as we shown in many instances when controversies’ comes across if the traditions and practices is touch by the anti-Islam propagandist by either deliberate or un-deliberate intent.

Still the power of the Pulpit can change “the intolerance to tolerance community” that brings back awareness to society of the different faiths whether Muslims, Christians and other religious sect practices in the World. By the power of message of religious leaders of the World the Islamic scholars (Imam), the Pope, the Rabbis and other religious sects remains the true guardians of their flocks for a true meaning of religious tolerance from among great civilization of the World. Delve for deep understanding of religious obligation of the Mosques, the Churches, Temples and other place of worship, religious rituals and practices that need of peaceful co-existence in the community of nations all over the World. Who will start cudgel of renewal towards religious responsibility for tolerance from among world civilizations.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

 Is the Community has it rights for peaceful co-existence?

Continuing interfaith dialogue of Priest-Ulama-Pastor Forum in Zamboanga City is a laudable prospect for the mutual respect of religious tolerance among the followers of faith of every religion: Islam, Christianity and other sects. Mixed society of different faiths can come-up together for the common visions to achieve strength and unity of purpose in a democratic society. A republican nation like ours with different traits and cultures delve for an open minded for public debate can stirs public opinion has it role to the society itself. I categorically say it; we are diverse society in the Southeast Asia with different belief in practice.

Should the Church and Mosque have direct participation for our nation’s building? My answer is “Yes”, but it should limit the role of our religion focus of what Gods commands to its own flocks and what our Constitution prescribed in its written articles: The separation of the State and the Church. I suggest, the Church and the Mosque should not have direct mingled with the leaders of the state meaning our political leaders. It allows sharing his /her public opinion purely on check and balancing role to society.

 Undeniably, the influence of the Church and the Mosque will change moral values, strengthen family values, religious tolerance, and degeneration of educating every family in the community towards understanding each other what is Pinoy society role and contributions to the state. As a whole live together in One Republic. Instead of polarizing, it’s better as one community of the Republic. We might be different in our religious affiliation, but as Filipino we are cannot be separated the identity as Pinoy who cares, loves, helps, supports and trusted one another.

Religious responsible leader’s member of the interfaith group whether local and international affiliation has it critical obligation to the followers of faith in the introspect for the Global Peaceful Alliances that have started in many nations around the world. In my view, “There is no different of Muslims in the Makkah and the Muslims in the Philippines. And there is also no different Catholics of Vatican and the Catholics in the Philippines. They are of the same flock and the same belief.”  To follow what are verses written in the Qur-an and scriptures written in the Holy Bible with the same meaning and interpretations delivered in Pulpit.

I just want to react the recent attached by the Elite Navy Commandos of the Israeli Arm Forces to the Organized group of the Pro-Palestinians activists massacred inside aid flotilla Ship at the international waters bound for Gaza Strip for a relief mission to Gazan’s civilians are trapped and in an extremes difficulties of food shortages because of blockage imposed by the Israelis government for almost four years now.

 We are all watching, on how Muslims community all over the World was reacted for that incident. As you can witness in the Television screen how massive reaction it was, is consider much tensed condemnation from all over International Community? If only leaders of that state is responsible can prevent what transpired in that pre-dawn raids. This should not happen of heartbreaking animosity of ill filling of the Muslim brothers and sisters in the community of modern time of the 21^st Century.

 Finally, this is a wake-up call for all religious leaders of the global community. Interfaith dialogue must continue to explore in all community of nations elsewhere in the World to stop the atrocities that almost parted global citizens in every nook corners of global community.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

Losing Candidates must accept the decision of the voters

Post election is over Senators, member of House of Representatives and including local officials have been proclaimed by the COMELEC except the new president and vice-president to be proclaimed soon upon the completion of canvassing by the joint of the National Board of Canvassers still ongoing in the House of Congress.

The losing candidates must accept the reality, they are really the losers not by fraud, but it comes from votes cast by the electorates in that recent 1st poll automated election. By mere observation of the election conduct and by facts, that the alleged massive of election frauds is not convince me. The truth, when Makati Representative Teodoro ‘Tedy Boy’ Locsin, House Committee on Electoral Reforms and Suffrage conduct an investigation, it proof of no substantial evidences presented in that said hearing. I recall when Congresswomen Susano of Quezon City stands in the Aisles of Congress with her compact Flash Card; she alleged that somebody gave this Flash disc to her without mentioning names. Smartmatic official replied and answered the allegations of the Congresswoman.  Where did you get that Flash Card suppose you are not authorized to have that card its illegal under the Omnibus election laws?  It’s only the COMELEC and Smartmatic-TIM who are authorized to keep those Flash Cards.

In the next hearing Information Technology (IT) from the Smartmatic-TIM presented to the Committee insert the Flash Card into PCOS Machines, but it comes out is unreadable card highly protected and encrypted card could not easily manipulated by unauthorized persons.

In the pursuing of conduct of an investigation, the Committee together with Congressmen Susano went to Cabuyao Laguna were the Warehouse of PCOS machines stockpiles and retests the 100 percents accuracy of PCOS Machines it found out perfect results and fully functions. But, however Congresswomen Susano the complainant refused to join the hearing and return back home without any valid explanation or reasons.

As I have said in my previous column that any kinds of data machines used whether PC or PCOS or whatever electronic gadgets still on the process of “garbage in and garbage out” in Tagalog kung ano isubo mo yon din ang lumalabas. But I still presumed, if ever, there will be massive frauds it comes from the Precinct level not in counting processes. Maybe, these are controlled by election operators of the respective candidates by delaying tactics and votes buying. But, it hard to prove for election protest,  whatever Official Ballots inserted to PCOS Machines are 100 percents counted of no doubt.

By experienced in casting my sacred vote upon marking the Official Ballot handed out to me by the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI) then, return back and inserted to PCOS Machines with the output screen notice words “CONGRATULATION” it means my vote is successfully counted by the PCOS Machine. Therefore, it’s improbable my vote was not counted by the Machine. So in my final assumption all secured Official Ballots entered into the Machines are 100 percents counted except the spoiled Ballots which are not legibly marked by the voters.

For the losing candidates’ better lucks next time, anyway is only six years to wait for the positions of president, vice-president and senators. The positions of House Representative and local officials are only good enough for three years. Let’s make sacrifice for the meantime and waiting until such time election fever comes in the next season again.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Its great honor for recognition of Muslim National Artist’s works in D.C.

Abs Damahan

It’s a great honor for the first Filipino-Muslim National Artist is now on display at the Philippines Embassy in D.C.

Citing a report from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, the Department of foreign Affairs said Abdulmari Imao’s works are on display from May 26 to 31.

Imao, the National Artist for Sculpture, and his dentist-painter son Jose Mari Imao are holding exhibition entitled “Henerasyon: Two Generations of Imao Art.”

An article on the DFA website http://dfa.gov.ph/main/index.php/news-from-rp-embassy/1229-works-of-first-filipino-muslim-national-artist-forsculpture-feature-at-rp-embassy-exhibit said highlights sculptures and paintings that have defined the legacy of the Imao family of artists.

“Through the elder Imao’s works, the indigenous ukkil, sarimanok and naga motifs have been popularized and instilled in the Filipinos’s consciousness,” it said.

Abdulmari, the first Filipino-Muslim to be named as National Artist, also does large sculptures and monuments of Muslim and regional heroes.

His son Jose Mari has likewise gained attention as muralist and a portrait artist. Source: GMA News.TV

Muslim minority should always have place in public policy of this nation not only in Arts, but in many areas of collaborative works for excellence that will contributes for better Philippines. Stereo type of branding minority for exclusiveness will surely creates division for Pinoy rights to explore hidden talent and skills.

Imao’s skill is an exceptional one can be hardly duplicated by another Muslim’s talent in the category of Artist’s works. Giving chance in other field, I am sure many Muslims have a common acumen and expertise can be tapped to help and contribute the National policy planners for the best interest of the republic. But because of the policy of neglecting and isolation of Muslims minority are remain in deep trouble towards meaningful cooperation for the National policy maker of our republic.

Branded of wrong treatment and bad connotations of Muslim names in whole and in large scale attributes, it really hurt the good and best one who is potentially better than Imao’s creativity need for mutual respects by the society.

With condor as Muslim minority we appreciated to the National Artist’s organization for the recognition and honor of Imao’s works.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel. No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

Strict State Laws and Transparency an engine of RP reform

Strict implementation of state laws is the only chance of RPs reform, If the incoming President apparent Senator Benigno ‘Noynoy ‘ S. Aquino-III is really serious for his crusade in his political ads, “Kung walang korap, walang mahirap ( no one would be poor if there is no corruption).

Upon surfing through the internet of the most popular Social Networks: Facebook, Twitter and Blogs and including print and e-media columnists, opinion writers, bloggers and netizen society both local and international group are demanding for policy change to incoming  President. They totally rejected the culture of impunity, corruption, dynasty in politics and culture of political violence.

Judiciary branch of government and the Judiciary system of the state is the answers for all these concerns by implementing punitive law who violates it. There should be no exemption to the citizen of the republic if they committed both civil suits and criminal offenses. “The law for the riches and effluents are the same penalties to the law of the poor offenders”. This should have had an equal treatment without dissimilarity in the application of the states laws to all its citizenry.

A States reporter without borders has it highly priority concern more focus on the poverty and high rate of population growth. I think the incoming President in his first 100 days in office should have accomplished public policy programs for these immediate concerns under his administration.

New Cabinet Secretaries appointees are crucial and very important subordinates in running public offices. Selection Committee must select public officials based on credential qualification, plus factors he/she has the trustworthiness and credibility’s quality and an excellence of tract records of public services. Evade to get people who are belongs to the opportunists in short a kind of persons jobs grabbers. Noynoy Team must be always aware to this type of persons to join his administration.

President  Barack Obama, Team Obama and Organize for America (OFA) all personalities behind him are those people who help him from Community Organizers, State Legislature, Senator until he became President of the United State. They are David Axelrod, Robert Gibbs, David Pflofee, Jemery Bird, Mitch Stewart and the rest loyal friends that how President Obama smoothly run the WH with trust and confident to all his staff.

With all confident in you and the team hopes you can find persons to whom you can trust in handling critical government positions under your administration.

Hindi sana tayo tawagin Banana Republic ang sakit patutsada nay an Noy….

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

The Convincing victory of neophyte politician for the House of Rep. LP bet Jim Salliman Hataman .

Basilan Philippines- For the third times attempt of political derby is a sounding victory for the neophyte politician Congressman-elect Jim Salliman Hataman. The conclusive election results of the most feared province of Western Mindanao is finally concluded. The incumbent Governor Jum J. Akbar and Vice-Governor Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul retain their post respectively.

With a little background of his political career he won in 2001 as Mayor of Sumisip Municipality for one term. In his three years as Mayor, he accomplished of valuable projects and introduced a lot of livelihood programs for the people of Sumisip under development strategy “PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT” who suppose the continuity development goals of the Municipal Government, if only he can finish the mandated three terms as Mayor. But suddenly in 2004, he ran for Governor, but he defeated by the late Governor Wahab M. Akbar and won by landslide. And again in 2007, he run for Congressman against former Governor Akbar with the same fate, he lost the contest for the House seat of lone District of Basilan. Finally, in 2010 his lucky year and lucky numbers, he won the contest with convincing political victory of his political career. A kind of politician never surrender to fight political foe until such time, he reached the goals of triumph.

Congressman Hataman success in politics would be turning point of event for the Basilenos, if he is seriously enough works for the good of the province continuing of his agenda for PEACE and DEVELOPMENT” of Basilan. He has the chance for a strong lobbyist in the Hall of Congress at the lower House. As Liberal Party (LP) Members, he can do a lot for Basilan, if only he can establish good relation and connection with the Chief Executive. Basilan is an orphan Local Government Unit (LGU) needs a special attention by the National Government to address the complexity problems of the most feared province of Western Mindanao. This must be comprehensive packages of development strategy phase by phase approach by both national and local government to come-up with the concept of multi sectoral sustainable approach for long term solution.

My final advise to my cousin Congressman Jim Hataman his first step to reconcile all political factions of the province and sit-down together to lay down comprehensive development programs of the province. He should never turn-back the opportunity given to him by the Basilenos. He should talk with the Governor and Mayors of the 10 Municipalities. He is now the father of the Basilan an inclusive leader for all Basilenos. I know him from head to foot; he is serious man and good leader. Congratulation and wish you more success ahead for the good vision of Basilan.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com

Straight from the Heart

Abs Damahan

The Controversial ‘Koala Bear’ of Teddy ‘Boy’ Locsin

The controversial masked ‘Koala Bear’ (A.K.A.) “Robin” hit the front-page become an instant talks of the town by the political pundits. Makati Representative Teddy ‘Boy’ Locsin is from the rank of respected journalist -names three personalities are now in the headline former Executive Secretary Ed Ermita, DND Secretary Norberto ‘Saging’ Gonzales and former Manila Mayor and Environment Secretary Lito Atienza the alleged  behind the ‘Koala Boy’ expose’ in that related poll automated election fraud allegation. What really interesting here, we demand to unmask the identity of the whistleblower with shadow alias –(Robin) so that the public is well informed if there will be on-going investigation. The veteran guards of Malacanang “Koala Boys” did the same dirty jobs, if this is true Mr. “Teddy Boy”. What’s really the motives of the Gangs of three, I don’t speculate on this hot issue.

Americans and Pinoy politics have it similarity; I still recall when President Barack Obama assumed Presidency, former Vice-President Dick Cheney and GOPs came into pictures attacking President Obama left and right in many political issues. But despite of the negative smears campaign of GOPs- the President and team democrats’ standstill remain focus for the agenda of reforming American politics. If you can remember during heated arguments of the American Health Reform Bill, the President even branded the GOPs who opposed the very important bill as an obstructionist for the greater interest of the Americans. How serious the president and the team democrats to fulfill the promises for their people. Aquino administration should also do the same as President Barack O. did in the WH and Capitol Hill.

Makati Mayor Jejomar, the frontrunner in the vice-presidential race is even tagged by the whistleblower as of being the “consolidator” of poll fraud in four areas of the country. He alleged spent P1.4 billion to have the votes of his rivals shaved during the canvassing of the votes. I cannot comment on the alleged spending unless it proven in court proceeding and let’s wait for the new development of this fraud election allegation.

With this “Koala Bear” allegation I think this might be the handy works of an obstructionist group a kind of gimmicks to disturb the incoming President Noynoy Aquino-III it need no panic for the citizenry. Dirty works still persist in our old fashion traditional politics under the same Pinoy Banana Republic. Be consistent and remain vigilant holding together for new hopes of Pinoy under new modern politics of modern global democracy.

For comments, reactions and suggestions please e-mail at abs_damahan@yahoo.com or call to tel No. 062-926-9418 or text Cell. No. 09283147761 Blog: http://absdamahan.wordpress.com