Religious cults, shrouded in secrecy and manipulation, can pose a significant threat to society. These groups exploit vulnerabilities, severing individuals from loved ones, and fostering an "us vs. them" mentality. The consequences can be devastating, as seen in the infamous case of Heavens Gate, where 39 members committed mass suicide in 1997, believing they were escaping Earth on a comet.
Cults often employ coercive control tactics. Sleep deprivation, bombarding with information, and isolating members from outside influences weaken critical thinking and make individuals more susceptible to manipulation. Financial exploitation is another common danger. The Rajneesh movement, notorious for its free love and orange robes, amassed a massive fortune through forced labor and donations from sleep-deprived followers.
These groups often target specific demographics. Teens seeking belonging or adults facing personal crises can be easily lured by the promise of a close-knit community and absolute answers. This vulnerability is what cult leaders like Apollo Quiboloy exploit.
Apollo Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed "appointed son of God," leads a Philippines-based religious group accused of sex trafficking, coercion, and financial crimes. Reports detail members being forced to surrender their assets and even children to the church. Quiboloy's case exemplifies the dangers cults pose – the erosion of individual freedom, the exploitation of faith, and the chilling effect on society's well-being.
Understanding cult tactics and raising awareness are crucial steps in protecting individuals and communities from their manipulative grasp.
China's activities in the West Philippine Sea over the past few years have become a classic case of unchecked ambition undermining regional stability and the international legal order. Think 1939. Their expansive claims, embodied in the bogus "nine-dash line," encompass a staggering 80% of the resource-rich sea, directly conflicting with the established maritime entitlements of Southeast Asian nations, like Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.
China's strategy unfolds in two key phases. First, they've aggressively asserted their claims through land reclamation projects. By dredging sand and unilaterally transforming disputed reefs into artificial islands, China has established a physical presence in strategically valuable locations. This not only strengthens their claims but also provides a platform for further militarization.
The second phase involves a calculated blend of military force and paramilitary intimidation. China has deployed advanced weaponry on these artificial islands, transforming them into fortified outposts. Their coast guard, often acting with aggressive maneuvering and dangerous tactics, harasses and detains fishing vessels from neighboring countries, effectively pushing them out of their traditional fishing grounds. Additionally, China's use of maritime militias, vessels staffed by civilians but operating under government direction, adds a layer of ambiguity and allows them to avoid direct military confrontation. Tensions involving China and the Philippines have escalated recently. On March 5, 2024, a Philippines ship attempting to resupply the BRP Sierra Madre in the Ayungin Shoal was attacked with water cannon by the Chinese Coastguard. The incident injured four Filipino sailors, including a high-ranking official.
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
The 2016 arbitral ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) decisively rejected China's expansive claims. However, China dismissed the ruling as a politically motivated sham, further eroding trust in international legal mechanisms. Their actions not only violate the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the cornerstone of international maritime law, but also threaten the very foundation of a rules-based international order.
The consequences of China's actions are far-reaching. Three crucial repercussions are:
Environmental concerns are on top of geopolitical tensions that China's actions create. Recent studies found widespread destruction of natural maritime habitat and pollution. The situation is complex, but the potential for lasting damage to the maritime environment is a growing concern.
The disruption of traditional fishing grounds not only impacts the livelihoods of millions in Southeast Asia but also threatens regional food security. China's use of coast guard vessels and maritime militia to restrict access by other countries' fishing fleets can lead to overfishing by Chinese vessels. This disrupts the delicate balance of fish stocks in the region.
Freedom of navigation, essential for global trade, is increasingly under threat. The West Philippine Sea is a vital shipping lane for a significant portion of global trade. Any major disruption in this area, caused by restricted access, could significantly impact global supply chains.
China's aggressive actions raise concerns about potential military confrontations, jeopardizing the fragile peace in the region.
International Response
The international community must respond with a united front. Freedom of navigation operations by the United States and other countries are crucial in demonstrating the illegality of China's claims and upholding the principle of free passage. Additionally, unwavering diplomatic support for Southeast Asian nations is essential. Strengthening their maritime capabilities and fostering regional cooperation can help them counter China's bullying tactics.
Ultimately, the global community must stand firm against China's expansionist agenda. Appeasement is not an option. Again, think 1939. By upholding international law, supporting Southeast Asian nations, and promoting peaceful resolution mechanisms, the world can prevent the West Philippine Sea from becoming a flashpoint for conflict. The future of a stable and prosperous region hinges on holding China accountable for its destabilizing actions.
Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping the course of societies, organizations, and nations. However, the world is currently facing a leadership crisis, wherein the qualities traditionally associated with effective leadership are often lacking or misaligned.
The Pitfalls
A primary danger of a leadership crisis is the prevalence of leaders lacking integrity. Integrity serves as the foundation of trust, and without trust, leaders struggle to inspire and motivate their followers. Leaders who lack integrity engage in unethical practices, erode trust, and compromise the well-being of those they lead. This crisis of integrity can have severe consequences, such as public disillusionment, organizational dysfunction, and the erosion of societal values.
Another danger arising from the leadership crisis is the prevalence of short-term thinking. Many leaders prioritize immediate gains over long-term sustainability, often at the expense of future generations. This narrow focus can lead to poor decision-making, environmental degradation, economic instability, and social unrest. Effective leadership should emphasize the long-term well-being of all stakeholders, considering the impact of decisions on both present and future generations.
A lack of empathy is another detrimental aspect of the leadership crisis. Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is a crucial quality for effective leadership. Unfortunately, the leadership crisis often sees a lack of empathy, resulting in leaders who are disconnected from the needs and aspirations of their followers. This lack of empathy can lead to policies that perpetuate inequality, social injustice, and a sense of alienation among those being led. Leaders must prioritize empathy to foster inclusive and compassionate societies.
In a rapidly changing world, leaders must be adaptable and open to new ideas. However, the leadership crisis often sees resistance to change, with leaders clinging to outdated practices and refusing to embrace innovation. This resistance hampers progress, stifles creativity, and limits the potential for growth and development. Effective leaders should be forward-thinking, willing to challenge the status quo, and embrace change as an opportunity for improvement.
Conclusion
The dangers posed by the leadership crisis are evident in various aspects of our society. To overcome these challenges, it is imperative that we redefine our vision of leadership and prioritize the qualities needed for effective leadership. Integrity, long-term thinking, empathy, and adaptability are crucial attributes that leaders must possess to navigate the complexities of our world. By fostering a new generation of leaders who embody these qualities, we can address the dangers of the leadership crisis and pave the way for a brighter future.
We are at the tail-end of the current six-year cycle. And, thankfully so. The past five years have been nothing but pure disaster. A calamitous train wreck that could have been prevented. To say that we are now wading in a cesspit full of every disgusting substance imaginable, is to blindly understate the facts. So many lives have been lost. The local economy is in tatters. The pandemic response is the worst among nations. The barefaced corruption of the blundering halfwits in government has been mind-boggling. Yes, I dare say, halfwits. The plundering knuckleheads who cheekily ransacked the national coffers under our noses. Thankfully, because of their stupidity - or maybe its just their brazen callousness - their vile deeds are slowly being revealed
So much has transpired since May 9, 2016. Now is the perfect time to realize that we all have been scammed! President Rodrigo Duterte is nothing but a con-man who duped the entire nation into believing that he is the savior of the land, and that he is a patriot. Never in his entire term has he exhibited that genuine desire to serve and protect the interest of the Filipino people. Only the interests of his lackeys and cohorts consistently grabbed his absolute attention. Yes, his sphincter-licking friends who rapidly increased their undeclared net-worth during his presidency. Not the poor fisher folks who constantly face harassment from foreign navy vessels. Not the health care workers who continue to combat the deadly coronavirus. Not the small businesses who were forced to shut their operations because of the government's ineptitude. Not the disadvantaged lot who persistently struggle financially because of the world's longest, uninterrupted quarantine restrictions. Not even the the majority of the 16 million hare-brained individuals who voted for him.
This is the pornographic situation we find ourselves in! A pathetic state caused by a mere few years of incompetence and greed. How we move forward from this abhorrent condition depends on how we vote in Halalan 2022.
The Battle Lines Have Been Drawn...
Never have the lines between the malevolent agents and the warriors of light been drawn so clearly. Well, not since the snap elections of 1986. The difference is so striking, only a cerebrally-deficient person won't be able to distinguish right from wrong. There will be attempts to blur-out the markings with misdirections and half-truths. Candidates who will proclaim themselves as independent and non-aligned will attempt to muddle and divert our focus. Smoke-screens and mirrors. The usual tricks that were previously employed will once again be used to deceive the gullible. But, we should hold-on to what is true and not fall prey to their trap. The truth is: There is no middle-ground! There is only the Duterte-anointed candidate; who will carry-on the legacy of degradation. And, the one, true opposition candidate.
In a 2017 blog, I declared that Duterte is a blessing to the Philippines; with some qualifications. I wrote that he could be the real-deal who can deliver the Philippines to the glory land. Or, he could drive us down so low, the people will finally see who he truly is. The CoViD-19 pandemic exposed his immense incompetence, and that of his overly-extended cabinet. Their initial actions, or lack of any, in early 2020 was an indication of what would now be considered as the worst response to the pandemic. With billions of pesos to burn, the government was unable to come-up with a coherent program that would address the spread of the dreaded virus. Basic protocols like mass, free CoViD-19 testing, and dependable contact tracing were never implemented. Instead, non-medical and non-sensical billion-peso projects were put forward. The best example would be the Manila Baywalk Dolomite Beach. And, allegations of corruption that favored close friends in the supply of essential medical equipment have been unearthed in both houses of Congress.
On the other. and more blissful side of the fence, you have the true heroes who quietly and effectively organized programs to help those in dire need. Programs that were put to work with meager finances and resources. The humble response captured, not just the imagination of the nation, but that of other countries. Community pantries sprouted all over. It displayed a modern version of bayanihan. A communal response to a crippling crisis. Unlike most government relief operations, community pantries did not ask for IDs, did not turn anyone away, and was blind to the political affiliations of the receipients. It again exposed how inadequate the government was in addressing the true need of the people. And, not long after they started, pantry organizers were harassed by state and local government agents. Some of them were red-tagged and threatened with arrest orders. In April 2020, government stooges also badgered the Office of the Vice President for "competing" with the government's CoViD-19 response. They were clearly jealous of OVP's highly praised actions during the initial statges of the pandemic. The Vice President, Leni Robredo, received positive marks from all sectors of society because ot her proactivity.
The contrast between the two sides is apparent. The mistake of 2016 cannot, and should not be repeated. A victory for any candidate affiliated with the current administration is a continuation of the status quo. An affirmation of the Duterte legacy. An extension of kakistocracy. Six more years of misery! Is that the road we wish to tread? Hell, no! There is a better alternative.
Decision Time, Pilipinas!
The Philippine elections of 2022 will be a crucial chapter in our collective search for our national soul. It gives us this golden opportunity to slowly recover from the catastrophic consequences of our follies in 2016. A chance to finally exorcise and banish the demons who have tormented us the past few years. This is a million-dollar shot to haul every single liar, crook, and murderer in the government to jail. It is time to finally deliver justice to all those who have been murdered, persecuted, robbed, harassed, neglected, slandered, and shamed.
More importantly, our children and grandchildren don't deserve a scorched future. It is our duty to ensure that we leave them with a Philippines they can be proud of. It all starts now! The road is still far, and there is still much to do. And, I shall meet you at the finish line.
After five days of anxious
speculations, it was confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte is alive and breathing.
Social media was abuzz with all types of questions, and theories; some
bordering on the absurd. During the entire period, I held back urges from within
to comment on other people's post, or come-up with my own silly elegy. I was more
worried about the implications if he indeed kicks the bucket prematurely. Something inside
me didn’t want him to go yet.
A Dangerous Episode
The awkward hush from Malacanan
was the most alarming thing. Considering the personalities that compose
Kamote's circle, the probability of these cretins devising plans to preserve their schemes
was very high. I'm referring to the likes of Vitaliano "Dickhead"
Aguirre, who has and again proven his ability to dream the most absurd
fantasies, then pass them off as reality. And there are more than a handful of his
kind in the present administration. The kind who without batting an eyelash, would sacrifice everybody's welfare in the pursuit of their twisted and wicked
ends. The dearth of grandstanding announcements, or even simple updates was suspect. Not one wretched soul from the Palace had anything to say to the press. It was all very unusual.
The situation was very volatile.
The country is still very much divided. With all the stupidity and incompetence displayed in
the past eleven months, it is a wonder how this government still enjoys the
approval of so many. There lies the danger. Majority of those who support Duterte are the gullible ones; people who are too lazy to think for themselves. The daft
ones, who only have the comprehension capacity to understand memes. The kind who can easily be conned to perform the most imbecilic acts; think EDSA Tres (or, that was how
they referred to that laughable event). The possibility of lawless violence
erupting isn't remote at all, when you have perverted puppet-masters, and battalions
witless marionettes.
Duterte Is Good For The Philippines
In a way, I'm glad he didn't go
to that inevitable date with his master yet. As I've always told my mates,
Kamote is a blessing to the country, whatever happens. And he needs to complete
his six-year (nothing more than that) term. Coming from a hardcore critic, one
would think I am being cynical and/or sarcastic. But, not at all. I'm dead
serious! You see, if the President succeeds in making this country truly great (which
is highly improbable), then that would be very good; not only for his brain-dead
followers, but for every Filipino; including myself. Who wouldn't want to live in a drug-free,
peaceful, and prosperous nation full of happy and contented citizens? But, then
again, lofty, Utopian dreams like that will need a lot of brains to achieve. Something this government has been found lacking of.
But, with the policies he wants to
implement, I see one in a billion chances of that coming to fruition. In five
years, when the horde who sing his praises today are jobless and hungry; and
the country is neck-deep in the muck pit, then I can put on a dirty smile,
slowly raise my middle-finger, and say, "I fucking told you so!" to
every relative, friend, and neighbour who boisterously supported the failed
regime. Think Greece. Or better, think Venezuela. It won't be long, and The
Philippines will join that exclusive club of nations who passionately voted for
idiots. Idiots who spoke big words, but were horribly short on good ideas. Hopefully, when reality begins to hit the masses' pockets and stomach, they will realize the folly of their decision in 2016. The learning experience, however harsh will ultimately knock some common sense into them. For Pete's sake, the son of the much reviled dictator almost became Vice-President. The six-year term of Rodrigo Duterte would be the best lesson on what freedom, democracy, and critical thinking are all about.
As a Filipino I truly am still hoping that he does good. As a father, I would like my children to grow and inherit a country they can be proud of. Not a pariah state scorned by the community of nations.
On 01 June 2016, I had an animated discussion with a friend who is a rabid Duterte supporter. We were at the birthday party of a mutual friend, and he was already piss-drunk. Me, I was as sober as a country friar on a Sunday morning. He kept blabbering about the veto on the additional 2000-peso pension for SSS senior members. And, how that solidified his resolve not to vote yellow in May. I tried my best to explain to him how and why it wasn't possible without an increase in the contribution of current paying members. I gave him a lengthy lecture on the effects of the misguided, populist proposal. I did write something like it a year ago in this blog. Being the "tard" that he is; and probably because of the alcohol, he couldn't understand the reason why that couldn't be done. His reasoning was based on the stupidly simplistic, and yet flawed Kamote propaganda.
And, after six months of trying to figure out how they can deliver on their campaign promise. The best and the brightest in the Duterte administration have arrived at the same conclusion. So my question to that friend, and the 16+ million who voted for the Fentanyl-junkie in Malacanan: What change are you daft monkeys talking about? Six months wasted on trying to find something that was already slapped on their thick-skinned faces at the beginning. Half-a-year dedicated solely to kissing the asses of China, the Marcoses, and Gloria Arroyo. Isn't it obvious now that we have regressed from having a totally competent government to enduring a group of bumbling idiots? Isn't it crystal clear now that you were taken on a fantastic ride to nowhere? Everything about the current leaders of our country is a disaster. And, I fear it won't take long until the gullible, slum-dwelling fools who boisterously and violently endorsed the candidacy of this rubbish-mouthed buffoon will start feeling the consequences of their folly. Yes. Change has indeed come.
The banner story of the Philippine Daily Inquirer today (17 July 2016) is about the bizarre encounter between Philippiine President Rodrigo Duterte and alleged drug lord Peter Lim in Davao City. According to the article, Lim surrendered to the police and requested for a meeting with the President, who had accused him of being a Triad member and big time drug personality. In their freakish interaction, Duterte told Lim to get his lawyer and gather evidence to clear himself, or he will be executed. He did boast on one occasion to have Lim killed if he steps foot on Philippine soil. That did not happen, even though Davao is still part of the Philippines. And, the alleged big fish was allowed to go free after the meeting.
The entire affair was nothing but a farce. To the 16+ million goofballs who voted for the President, it was glorious entertainment. But for the rest, the showcase was, again, the glaring incompetence of the present administration. While the unclaimed bodies of hundreds of suspected small-time drug peddlers continue to pile-up in mortuaries across the country, the alleged bluechip dealer was granted permission to abscond by the highest authority. Why wasn't he placed under arrest at least? Didn't he surrender to the authorities to begin with? That was the opportunity to show the entire nation what this war on drugs and criminality is all about. But like in other instances, this administration has no aptitude, nor the balls to act decisively on big issues.
Clearly, this nut-brained government doesn't have the goods on Lim. Or, is Lim good to this government? Therefore, the moro-moro? When Duterte announced on national TV the list of suspected major drug barons, he didn't have a face to go with the name of Peter Lim, aka Jaguar. In the meeting, the accused was instructed to come up with proof of his innocence or face summary execution. In an ideal setting, it is the accuser who is burdened to present cause of guilt, and not the other way around. It takes only the best and the brightest minds to come up with solid cases to pin down crime bosses, and successfully prosecute them. Tragically, with the likes of Vitaliano Aguirre and Jose Calida on board, the Duterte government pitifully lacks the intellectual competence to get the job done properly. That is the reason why there is a fantastic rise in theatrical shootouts between police and suspected criminal elements. Dead suspects can't be dragged to court, can they? Ineptitude and incompetence trickles down rapidly from the top to the lowest ranks.
The United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in the Hague has spoken; in a strong and resounding voice! Among other things, the five sitting judges ruled that the Nine Dash Line of China is nothing but a fantastic claim comparable to that of Diagon Alley; and several other tall tales we read to our children. It was also a thunderous recognition of the Republic of the Philippines' entitlement to several kilometers of water and islands on the West Philippine Sea. The world has hailed the landmark decision as a victory for freedom and the rule of law.
As expected, China has announced that it does not accept the ruling, and went as far as calling it illegal. With that, the best we can expect from Beijing would be sustained activities in the disputed sea. They have vowed to proceed with the same policies covering the issue that are already in place. In other words, change won't be coming. Their statement has been the strongest to be issued by any government on the subject; including that of the Philippines. While the international community ponders on what to do next, the communist squatters are clear on their intentions. They intend to carry-on with their illegal occupation of the West Philippine Sea!
Why So Sad, Pekto?
Perfecto Yasay is all smiles.
While millions of Filipinos were celebrating, a forlorn-looking Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay read a carefully worded statement a few minutes after the court issued the decision. The demeanor displayed by Yasay was a complete contrast to a photograph of his meeting with Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua on 7 July 2016. Watching his body-language during the short press briefing, one would think he was on the losing side. The reaction from the department head was well within my expectations. Recent pronouncements by the secretary to Agence France Presse betrayed his predispositions on the matter. A mindset not welcome to the majority of Filipinos. From the statement, it was crystal that the present government officials composed of the "best and brightest" are clueless on what to do with the award that fell squarely on their laps. Did they really believe the PCA would rule in favor of a party that didn't participate in the process, and even mocked the court? Can anyone be that stupid? Who knows. The level of stupidity these days is quite overwhelming.
Now What?
By all means, let Malacanan's "best and brightest" experts study the text carefully before an official statement is issued. The sensitivity and importance of the circumstance calls for it. But please, every single Filipino expects nothing less than the protection of the interests of the country. President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to do so during the campaign. It is high-time he proves to the 62% who didn't vote for him that he can walk the talk. Otherwise, he will be exposed as a cowardly charlatan this early in his six-year term.
Any initiative that promotes peace between two sparring factions should be encouraged. Accords that seek to end hostilities among peoples need support from the citizens, and should be extolled. I have been a bitter critic of Rodrigo Duterte and his government. But, I encourage him to pursue the peace crusade with the various rebel and secessionist groups. Thousands of lives have been wasted in the decades long struggle between ideologies. Atrocities have left permanent scars in the hearts and minds of the survivors. It is high time the madness stops!
No Comfort Letters, Please
A year ago, I wrote a piece about the agreement between the previous government and that of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, I indicated that we should learn from the peace treaties of the past; especially the mistakes that were committed. The pursuit of reconciliation, justice should not take a back seat! The comfort letters issued by then Prime Minister, Tony Blair of the United Kingdom should be an ideal example of how not to proceed. His actions after the Good Friday peace agreement ensured that hundreds of Irish Republican Army criminals did not face prosecution for the atrocities they perpetrated during the troubles.
The Commie Bastards
In dealing with the Communist Party of the Philippines, the Duterte government should consider the past acts of the New People's Army. The NPA is composed of criminal bandits devoid of ideology. It has been involved in murder, extortion, and kidnapping. The group is categorized as a terrorist organization by the United States; and rightly so! Cadres who have participated in crimes against civilians should be brought to answer for their crimes.
And what of Jose Ma. Sison? President Duterte has hailed the communist bastard as his hero. But, that should not be an excuse for amnesty. Sison is listed as a person supporting terrorism. His deeds have resulted in mayhem and deaths to soldiers, policemen, and civilians over the years. If there is a specific individual who should not escape prosecution, it is the bastard Jose Ma. Sison!
Kill the Terrorists
It is universally accepted that no deals should be struck with terrorists. Therefore, peace with the Abu Sayyaf Group should not even be discussed. The ASG are neither rebels nor are they freedom fighters. They are a bunch of crooks who terrorize for profit. The barbarity they have exhibited rivals that of ISIS. The ASG should be hunted down and eliminated like Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
All pacts the government will agree to in the future should put the primacy to the interest of all peace-loving and law-abiding Filipinos. And not that of murderers and terrorists. Otherwise, it would just be another sell-out! A sham! And, the whole exercise would just result in more grievance, not unlike the ones it originally wanted to address.
It was with great disappointment I read the statement issued by Archbishop Socrates Villegas, as a response to threats from president-elect, Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of Davao City. Disappointed, because I would have preferred to hear more from the powerful organization he represents. Instead, he issues a mediocre reply. And, it took him several days to come up with it?
Silence accomplishes nothing. It will only encourage more mockery from the oppressor. It will embolden his ilk to act brazenly towards the achievement of their villainous ends. And what of the flock? Does a good shepherd indulge in silent meditation while tribulation lurks in close proximity? What good is the staff if the shepherd prefers indifference to confronting an abomination? Where will the sheep turn to when the tempest arrives? Another shepherd? These are but a few questions the good Archbishop of Lingayen needs to ponder on as he sulks in his quietude.
I don't claim to know the politics that transpire inside the nether crevices of the Philippine Catholic Church. But, I believe the monsignor was very careful with his words, and gingerly avoided any confrontation with other bishops. Laughable as it may seem, but the mayor does enjoy the admiration of a lot of Catholic clergymen and its hierarchy. There should be an oxymoron to be found in that.
In the past, the Catholic Church has used silence as a weapon against oppressive secular powers. In the 1930s, the Nazi regime in Germany prospered using brutal methods. Thousands of people were killed or went missing in Argentina during the rule of the military junta. At around the same time in the 1970s, the equally malevolent dictator, Ferdinand Marcos waged a campaign of death and corruption in our own realm. Until Jaime Cardinal Sin heroically salvaged the situation. While the faithful suffered under the hands of tyranny, the princes of the Church insulated themselves in silence. We don't need silent shepherds. We need more cardinals named Sin!
