Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

Washington Post Comments on Philippine Politics

This report comes at a time the true pictures of Philippines politics comments from a foreign observer. This remark very disgusting and challenging, this should be taken seriously by our politicians who will be elected after the May 10, 2010 national polls.

The article titled “In Philippines, pre-vote largess doesn’t translate into post-vote progress,” has deemed pre-election scenario in the country as a politician’s showcase of talent, while the aftermath, a source of disappointment.

“Pre-election good times are almost always followed by post-election betrayal,” the articled authored by Blaine Harden read. “Politicians who win election in this former US colony have one of the worst records in Southeast Asia for stiffing the poor, coddling the rich and indulging themselves.”

The article also cited bad governance, political killings, rising crime rate, Filipino immigrants, and the presence of terrorist group, as reasons why the Philippines remain a “poor” country.

In addition, what Mr. Harden missed in his reports the gravity of graft and corruptions of public governance in the Philippines?  Elected leaders disregard the systematically importance of public management in addressing the core sickness of bad governance, why Philippines is so corrupt society in Southeast Asia. Our neighbors Singapore and Malaysia has steady and sustain economic growth, while Philippines remain in the club of poorest nation.  While, we are pooled of a talented professionals and skilled workers known globally our immigrant jobs seeker are destine hired by Singapore and other advance and developed nations worldwide.

Lifting the prestige lost it depend who will be the next president of the republic after May 10 election, chances to reform the rotten system is the next administration, if he has sincere motives to regain the lost of our moral ascendancy. Does he have strong courage for moral recovery programs of our diluted society to excel for the best? The compelling reasons we should have the ability to elect boldly and honest president to lead us for the next six years uninterrupted performance with a kind of stature of good leadership and at far dedication.

Try to look now to US domestic and foreign policy more focuses on reforming the Americans interest, they elect President Barack Obama a very serious and sincere motivational politician willing to accept advice from the team advisers- US economy is going to rebound from the economic down-turned. Wall Street’s it almost of brink for financial melt-down its back for full recovery in upswing in their 1^st Quarter reports. Dow Jones is on up trend on their summary reports. Suwerte sila maka tagpo Pangulo ng matino at mahusay, kalian pa kaya sa Pinas?

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

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

Dirty Politics of the Philippines

The Philippine politics still in the level of mudslinging and personal character assassination, far from the real issue and platform agenda of good governance in public administration focus on social, economy, financial reform, policy reform, and politics for change. We remain succumb to dirty old fashion politics, the campaign level a destructive digging on personal issue rather than reforming the rotten system into a politics of performance. For many decades our politics is far behind to compare with the rest developed and progressive nations of the world.

Civilized and advance nations deeply debate and discuss on core issue protecting their values and interest of the state. American and European politics teasels for high degree of an economic performance at far excellence by always prioritize their standard of living of its people, debating on healthcare reform programs and jobs creation, protecting the Human Development Index (HDI) and the family income of every household.

By searching the data of family threshold online of mostly develop nations of the world, you can find most of these nations of less percentiles belong to poverty threshold. GNP growth is substantial and sustain in a multiple amounts of US$ currency to compare with the Philippines GNP figures and economic indicators. This should be the focus of our public debate, in fora and discussion rather than personal attacking, black propaganda and mudslinging campaign to malign political foes. Philippine politics still very discouraging atmosphere unhealthy branded of campaign level to many of us political punditries. In the whole electoral process its look likely creates negative side-effects for the nations’ political maturity of Pinoy type of politics.

Our politics remain on the status of culture of violence, political killings, power abuse, corruption, dynastism and culture of impunity. All negative side-effects are within of our social trait; this is how we play politics in the Philippines. Extreme politics will likely to rule in our political fever comes afflicted by grave coercion, intimidation and gangterism to garners as many votes. Political operators in every precinct level will still be dominating forces at the rural and remote barangays independent poll watchdog should remain vigilant if comes, they will be a massive fraud operation on May 10 election.

Money politics supported by organized political machineries could change popular votes. Opposition candidates should have a counter safety-net to minimize the vote-buying and dirty trick of politics. This will going to happen in every control votes of most barangays of the Mindanao Provinces, Cities and Municipalities. This should be watched by the independent poll watchers and poll volunteers. Manmanan at tutukan...

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

Straight from the Heart

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

Senator Chiz Escudero strongly endorsing Noynoy Aquino and Jojo Binay for May 10 Polls.

As campaign sorties almost reach the final stretch political alignment shows of new development and changes strengthening political alliances. Senator Chiz Escudero in his latest YouTube presentation (ANG PANGULO KO) strongly endorsing LP Presidential bet Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino-III and Vice-Presidential candidate Jejomar ‘Jojo’ Binay for May 10 Polls. For political pundits, this is a plus factor for LP Team with the entry of Senator Chiz Escudero to the picture on the last minute supports for Noynoy candidacy.

Aquino continues to lead in latest SWS survey- The official SWS survey results for April 16 to 19 shows Senator Noynoy Aquino increasing his lead from 9 points to 12 points going to final stretch of the campaign period. Aquino 38; Villar 26; Estrada 17 (unchanged) complete results will be published by the Business World tomorrow, April 25, 2010. Source: Noynoy.ph Blog

In the latest poll survey of a popular Manila based Radio Station DZRH still Noynoy Aquino in the front-runner and NP bet Manny Villar got only second place on their random electronic pollster surveys and the rest presidential candidates follows on the percentiles figures plus and minus margin of error.

On the government agency-DILG latest surveys results from April 18-22 (Noynoy-41%, Erap-25%, Villar-23%, Gibo-9% by 6,600 samplings and 2% margin of error.

 Western Mindanao and the One Mindanao voters should think wisely for the sacred of the privilege rights, the rights of suffrage and the only free rights available for all qualified voters to elect chosen leaders to lead us for the next six years term. True essence of the importance of democracy is in our hands by the power of votes through a meaningful orderly, honest and credible electoral process. We must cast our votes according to the conscience not by the power money politics and campaign promises. But, we cast our votes because of we wanted politics for change boldly and honestly president to whom we trusted expecting that he can deliver public service for the constituents’ interest that really deserve to be served by government. LP Team and Senator Escudero demanding urgency supports for change of Philippine politics from NOW NA and after the election is conducted.

For all voters of Zamboanga Peninsula and One Mindanao voters, we don’t need to change our mind on the basis popularity endorsement by the showbusiness entertainers and great boxing national sport hero. We should not sway by this kind of shallow gimmicks’ crowd drawers. Zamboangeno is always considering El-Pueblo Amarillo a consistent oppositionist, when we cast our votes on May 10, 2010 national election day. Be wise enough in our decision to place leaders on our personal choice not by allowing ourselves accepting promises and many of string attachments in the end we are still be the losers by false and empty promises.

Human Rights Watch

Keneth Roth, Executive Director of the U.S. based Human Rights Watch, gestures during a press conference Saturady, April 24, 2010 in Manila financial district of Makati, Philippines. Roth pointed out that political killing will likely to continue after PGMA steps down because neither of her two possible successors is committed to dismantling Paramilitary forces allegedly responsible for most of the atrocities. (AP/Pat Roque)

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

Straight from the Heart

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

On the 2^nd Induction of Officers and Fellowship Night

The Independent Press of Zamboanga Peninsula, Inc. on its second years of existence will stand to its principle credo: “Free, Fair, Fearless and Factual” an organization is truly defender of press freedom base in Zamboanga Peninsula composed of a professional’s veteran columnist and opinion writers. IPZPI through the years of an untainted service, we are discussing, commenting, reacting and praising to the relevant issues and concerns affecting the community both in local and national level anchor on the enunciated in the written Code of Ethics of a Journalist profession. It will always shares an idea with fearless and balance views for the interest of stakeholders in a professional ways.

Press freedom, freedom of expression and freedom of information is the sacred basic human rights, part of the fourth estate should be remain protected by the state in the disseminations of a valuable information on the basis of factual and credible sources, supported by facts and evidences in the practicing of our profession to write opinion, critics, comments and objectively discussing controversial issues it warrant to be exposed. So that the public may know and aware of the current events. This is how democracy at work in a free country is boldly expressing every source of information for public opinion. Free speech in a democratic society is really noisy in every market places condone to the lively discussions. There are always pros and cons in a free market of ideas.

It sad to note, some local officials branded us a dark horses, the purveyors’ of truth on baseless accusation or even called us an obstructionist for the City government of Zamboanga and the rest adjacent provinces, cities and municipalities. As a matter of facts, an old timer Columnists complaining to me, they are even ban to write articles to some selected print-media outfits of the city. This is actually the curtailment of press freedom and freedom of information. With this kind of pressure to the press people, would prelude to the Theme of IPZPI: “Fourth Estate: Antidote to power Abuse Corruption and Oppression.”

Our aims as duly members of IPZPI, respect an individual rights to privacy avoiding exposing or maligning personality on personal motives or attacking below the belt, we respect human values on the highest esteem if she/he remain trustworthy to the cause of good deeds, for fair treatment and just in serving to other fellow human being and constituents. But reminder to all, we are critical for those public officials who took the advantage for personal gain, the abuse of authority and misdeed activities using his/her term in office and the tour duties. Please be aware…

I would like to acknowledged from the Team of Pagbabago of their encouraging texting. Please always update me on the latest current events. 

We welcome you all for our 2^nd Induction of Officers and Fellowship Night…

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

Straight from the Heart

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

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Secret Meeting with Military Officers

LP Presidential Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino-III try to reach-out men in uniform of AFP in a secluded place, with a span of 19 days to go for the campaign sorties is timing for Noynoy’s campaign plan. He should now maximize his campaign schedules to accommodate what he think an additional factors for the LP team to reach the finish line. By fair assessment of Philippine politics what is going on, I think voters have already decided to whom their votes will cast for candidates they want to lead this nation. In boldly and honest analysis Noynoy is leading presidential figure from the among aspirants, bet me guys…

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Scripted political endorsement of Mayor Datu Ampatuan ‘Unsay’ Andal, Jr. for LP bet Benigno ‘Noynoy’ Aquino-III is pure political logic a dangerous predicament to Noynoy candidacy a suicidal move and kiss of death, if he accepted this kind of dirty trick campaign propaganda. Where in the world of high risk prime criminal suspect involved in murder charges of 57 Maguindanao Massacred can conduct press conference inside the prison cell is “only in the Philippines”. The level of our political campaign na paka babaw naman is not within our expectation for public viewers, it’s really discouraging and insulting to every-one of us who has the moral insight to the level of campaign. We are aspiring for a political change in this republic. I sad to says garapalan na at walang hiya na who made this political propaganda.

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Whatever safety measures applied by the COMELEC officials in the conduct of the first poll automation of this republic. The election results should be credible and acceptable by the public. Combination of electronic and manual counting must be worthy prepares by the COMELEC Departments should be in-place and in order to avoid the aberration of our electoral processes not to disrupt the rights of suffrage of the voters will to choice the new leaders of our republic. We want a vibrant and healthy democracy will govern us in the next six years term of the new president, senators, three years term for new elected representatives and local officials of the provinces, cities and municipalities.

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High Tech Toilet of FVR in the post corporate capital business district of Makati City is quite amazing, it really make me puzzle the way KABALITAKTAKAN of Kay Ganda ng Umaga of ABS-CBN presented to the public. Poll watchers should always be vigilant to tightly watch the first ever poll automation of this nation. By split of seconds the election results might be disappears and flush-out into the High-Tech Toilet Bowl of FVR in the post-command centers of Makati district by an expert of Computer hackers. Manmanan…

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In sum 137 journalist killed in the Philippines, we are the top number three country the most risky place for media professions. 100 journalists of men and women killed at the time of PGMA in her nine years administration. Still Iraq is the number one most dangerous place for media people and Somalia is the number two country in the horn of Africa scores many media practitioners’ killed during coverage on the events of civil war.

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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

Straight from the Heart

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

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Noynoy Aquino in Time Magazine Cover

Yellow colors in the up-beat near smell of victory- it look like LP bet Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino –III inherited the throne of his mother’s place on the Time Magazine’s cover follow the footstep of his mother legacy Philippines icon of democracy. The presidential hopeful and survey frontrunner is on the April 25, 2010 issue ( and in the Magazines’ cover in some part of Asia of the highly respected Time Magazine, some publication that hailed his mother, former President Corazon C. Aquino, as 1986 Woman of the year receiving that prestigious award. No doubt Noynoy is hailed from a family of good background maybe he inherited of good leadership from his parents to administer  this nation in an exemplary stature, but, on a lighter side, what really disturb me now, if  Noynoy elected president this coming May 10 national election.  Who will function the role of First Lady inside the Palace ala US First Lady Michelle Obama representing White House both domestic and International affairs. With this brighter prospect for change of leadership, I think for the first time in Philippine politics the next president is a bachelor. Anyway, Councilor Lila Shalani his long time girl friend is ready to accept the bow for a final moment of the word- Yes I do- meaning we are expecting the en grande wedding ceremony for the first couple. Good luck for them…

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The exodus of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD Party members to another camp is like falling debris uncontrollable scampered to save their political career in every district and every province, city and municipality. Party members blaming administration standard bearer presidentiable candidate Gibo Teodoro for disunity of the party. By a fair analysis I think this administration party is totally disarray and become a polarized group. The founding Chairman Emeritus former President Fidel V. Ramos and former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. also founding officers of LAKAS-CMD are no longer supportive for the cause of party interest. Anyway, to FVR and JDV you better lucks next time sa madaling salita ang dalawa na ito na onse ni PGMA at FG that how politics play in our republic serve only for vested interest. Paging FVR kailangan ni Noynoy ang basbas mo total si former senator Letty Shahani and Lila Shahani are now declaring strong support for Noynoy candidacy.

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Two senior Supreme Court Justices refuses to be appointed under PGMA as CJ. They are Justice Antonio Carpio and Justice Conchita C. Morales, Supreme Court part of fourth estate should remain as an independent body of the three equal branches of government the Executive, legislative and SC. Anyway, is just little more days to wait new elected president will assume office on July 1, 2010. Let new president appointing the new Chief of the Supreme Court Justice to avoid doubt in the selection of vacant post of CJ Puno who is going to be retired soon.

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I would like to thank group of NGOs sending email for the (Straight from the Heart column) the same cause’s strong group condemning the Basilan blast that killed 15 people and wounded 15 innocent civilians. I acknowledged for the encouraging notes. Please send me feedbacks and update who are behind for this human carnage. I deeply concern for the civilians victims this is really heart-breaking like what transpired in many conflicts of the global community. For the peaceful and loving Basilenos you always vigilant to the present situation that inflicted the constituents for this kind of man-made calamity for our beloved province.

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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

Straight from the Heart

Abduljaman ‘Abs’ A. Damahan

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                Isabela City bombing  would create panic from among the residents of the city, scores of 11 dead and many other injured peace and loving Basilenos strongly condemning the recent bombing again to the inflicted for the peace and law-abiding citizen of Isabela City and Basilan in general. We call upon all mindful constituents to similarly condemn the instigators and perpetrators of said mindless and barbaric act. This act is not handy work of true Muslim, true Christians and any other sects, who equally protect and preserve human lives living side by side of co-equal civil rights with-out fears and harm, but, this presume are the handy works of malignant mind with an evil desires who create instability for our great republic. The perpetrators and mastermind should brought to the bar of justice whoever they are assume full responsibility accorded for the full force of law they committed for the province.

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Politically related violence continue to scares the public well organized type of killings to political foes are the order of business from liquidations, assassinations and ambuscades hitting the headlines of both broadcast, prints and e-media in almost daily news-bit. Identified hotspot provinces were the occurrence of the violence came’s into front-page, that how Philippine politics immaturity plays an obstruction on our electoral processes dictates the mind of our leaders. Cultures of corruptions, dynastism and culture of impunity condone the motives of political violence, presume the misguided element of political supporters are those responsible doing the dirty jobs to accomplish the mission target of the political opponents. Private Armies and many loose firearms are the real causes in the related series of political killings of our republic. The next president whoever elected after May 10 national election must address this bad cultures of Philippine politics by dismantling the traditional political practices destroy the image of our political landscape. Bring you to calls for an appeal to all politicians and political warlords “The Killings must stop” bring politics to the highest degree on issues and plat-forms of good government.

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COMELEC officials on their press releases cannot assure us that poll automation is 100 percents can serve the entire polling places all over more than 7.100 islands of our Archipelago, Presidentiables fears they could be a failed of election scenario in May 10 national election. Former Speaker Jose De Venesia  Jr. (JDV) speculates they would be Military Junta take-over after election if no proclaimed President within the prescribed Republic Constitution. National Defense Secretary Norberto ‘Saging’ Gonzales predicts 30 percents areas of the republic could not conduct poll automation, because of many reasons. But on the contrary, Smartmatic Company official said PCOS machines are now readied and completed for the polls automation with other back-up machines in case of troubleshooting may occurred. By simple analysis with all kinds of scenario. Political pundit assess it, this is a part of Malacanang gimmicks PGMA is not suffice yet of her Nine years in office inside the Palace. Madam President, I think it’s a right time to have a graceful exit from power bumaba kana sa kapangyarihan ng matiwasay iwanan mo na ang Palasyo for good, the next elected President will assume office on July 1, 2010 for a regular smooth transfer of power based on our Constitution of 1987.

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Ateneo Manila University refuses to accept Mr. Manny V.Pangilinan resignation from the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Instead the academic community and the Boards of the elite university accepted public apology of his plagiarized speech. The controversial speech, its reflect to the credibility of speaker and the speech writer too, who wrote the content of the speech materials delivered for the graduating class in that special event. Remind MVP next speech engagement take-care of copied speech double check the sources of content of the materials to avoid of being embarrassed in public.

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The sibling of Mega star Miss Sharon Cuneta-Pangilinan –Actress KC Conception was appointed as UN Ambassador of Goodwill under World Food Programs (WFP) she did an exemplary job helping the two millions poor in Mindanao. KC and WFP should continue feeding the marginalize group in all remotes community covered under conflicts affected areas identified by the UN Representatives and workers in the Philippines. Keep up the good work in public service…

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