Years of Strong Partnership?

Since the pre-colonial period of our country, China has been one of the best trading partners of the Philippines . We may actually say that the relationship of China and Philippines is deepening to what is now described as a partnership in its golden age.

People’s Republic of China is now the Philippine’s third largest trading partner and continues to be the fastest growing market for Philippine exports. In return, as we can observe, Philippines approve more and more Chinese investments every year.

Is this the result of our years of partnership? Investments/Trades/Businesses? What does China really have and give to us? When I hear the name China and with its economic facet, things that first run on my mind are: Widespread piracy on the market, Low-quality export products that threaten health of its consumers and Controversial government agreements.

We all know the plagiarism on industries, food, medicines and other export products that danger our health, and of course, the unending issue of National Broadband Network (NBN) that started the burning flames on the Philippine Congress. And recently the five (5) day China official visit this January 2008, resulted on China ’s statement that they are ready to invest in joint venture agreement with the Philippines in Oil Exploration in the Philippines beneath the Spratly Islands . And I hope this one would not flame the oil in our country, too.

Despite the questions in their market I may say that China is doing good in diplomacy that they can convince our government well. Questions! Does this only show that Phil-China relations on the years have go forward into a more confident, comprehensive and mature partnership? Or, this is just a game in politics? Are we really benefited or few only have the graces?

Are we going on the right way, proving and testing the years of partnership?

It’S NOT OVER!!?

The issue of ZTE died after the government declared that they already canceled the National Broadband Project, it was also appealed to the court that the case is already moot and academic after the cancellation of the project. After all the events that caught every eyes and ears of Filipinos, the controversy is now only history.

But again…

The administration revived it , not as National Broadband Network (NBN) but as Government Broadband Network (GBN). Inquirer.net reports that local telcos PLDT and Globe are on a wait-and-see status regarding the broadband project.

The DoTC created last month a technical working group to study how government can slash expenditure on telecommunications and improve Internet connectivity in the country.

The DoTC was directed issued by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to talk to local telcos regarding creation of the national broadband network.

Okay, let’s wait and see guys, definitely the GBN is a good project but i hope, it does not cost the same as the ZTE project where  many pockets are waiting to be benefited or else everything that happened is not worth it.

Mutiny Take 2

Thursday’s Manila Peninsula siege led by the Senataor Antonio Trillanes, surprised everyone, that led to Curfew hours for 12 midnight to 5am.

As i watch the live interviews of media to Senator Trillanes, i really wonder what he is up to? “He said that the people voted for him but the administration disrespected him for not letting him serve the people.

Let’s see…

1. He is charged of rebellion and it does not gave him the right to bail and be out of the jail. The court only follow our laws- the law of the people… His walk-out during the proceeding showed his disrespect to our court, disrespect to the prosecutions and disrespect to our laws.

2. I remember last election that his fellow candidates in opposition said that they are happy for Trillanes, because he made a right decision of following the right path to change the government. (And now, he’s back in his own ways- it’s good that i didn’t vote for him)

3. The mutiny in Makati trigger the Economic condition of the Philippines, and brought great fear on investors, tourist and of course every Filipino.

4 . The media shout for freedom of press after they were arrested and brought to Bicutan. The press said that the arrest was overkill considering the actions done to them. (I really salute our brave media men, i hope i was one of them)

The mutiny ended liked their first attempt, they ended again in jail.

US-IRAQ Foreign Policy

This is one of my project in a course subject in school. Please try to view this one. The video presentation relates the US-Iraq actions and foreign policy towards Iraq war.

Stand with the Burmese Protesters

Attending the World Forum for Democratization in Asia (WFDA) last 19-21 September, I became aware of the problems of our neighbor countries in Asia. I admired many individuals who really fight for the freedom of their country (the history of Sam Rainsy Party is really interesting).

I really have high regard to one of the panelist from Burma, she’s a young, intelligent and beautiful lady facing the threats of dictatorship on her country. She started as a student activist and until now still fighting for their freedom. ( she get her flight back to Burma at the same day, for she said its difficult for her to be out of the country in times like this [sept 19])

Finding my email inbox with a topic “supports the Burmese rising, do you? ” caught my attention hope you help too..

support to the action of the Burmese people against their oppressive dictatorial state rulers. Please manifest your support by clicking the link below.

________________________________________________________

Hello, I thought you should know about this:

Burma is ruled by one of the most brutal military dictatorships in the world. For decades the Burmese regime has fought off pressure–imprisoning elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and democracy activists, wiping out thousands of villages, imposing forced labour, creating refugees-

But last Tuesday Buddhist monks and nuns, revered in Burma, began marching and chanting prayers. The protests spread as hundreds of thousands of ordinary people and public figures joined in, finding the hope they’d lost. Now they’re facing crackdown – so please, show your solidarity to this movement towards reconciliation and democracy and sign the emergency petition supporting the Burmese people — it’ll be delivered to United Nations Security Council members and international media all week:

http://www.avaaz. org/en/stand_ with_burma/ tf.php?CLICK_ TF_TRACK

In the past, Burma’s military rulers have massacred the demonstrators and crushed democracy. The world must stand with the Burmese people at this time, to show the military rulers that the world will not tolerate repression and violence.

Right now, global leaders are gathering in New York for the annual United Nations summit. In speeches, press interviews but also in real actions, we need them to show Burma’s military junta that the global community is willing to act in solidarity with the protesters.

Show your solidarity to this movement for peace and democracy and sign the emergency petition supporting the Burmese people. It’ll be delivered to UN Security Council members and the UN press corps all week:

http://www.avaaz. org/en/stand_ with_burma/ tf.php?CLICK_ TF_TRACK

Thank you for your help!

Going technical on Stealing TAKE-2

 Cyber Education, do we really need it now??

Cyber education (Cyber Ed) project, a  advance strategy of the Department of Education to improve the Philippines systems of education.  This will provide satellite-based educational services to public elementary and high schools. It is to be tested  next school year (2008-2009). And the project COST???!!! P26.48 billion

Questions?
Urgency… Practicability.. Beneficiality..

*On simple observations still, there are so many schools without supply of electricity? More than 60 students ( or higher) are still in a single classroom or no classrooms at all; the ratio of books to students is 1:3; students are shouting for good facilities (chairs, tables, computers, libraries)

* P26.48 billion can make a lot of change. why not put the money on things that would answer the simple needs in education..

*We’re in the modern world and surrounded with high technologies, yes it would be a great help?? BUT? must easily jump on this, not starting on the first steps… providing first, the basic needs in education…

Read the following articles for more information…

Cyber Ed project to boost education, says DepEd
DepEd cyber project not linked to NBN, says education chief
Budget hearing takes up;Education, Labor departments

Were the Questions Answered?

I never heard of any Speech of the Nation Address (SONA) from those who become Philippine Presidents which was never criticized by the people. I just wonder what do people really want to hear; the good news, the bad one or what most rallies’s say the reality of our country’s present conditions.

On the recent SONA of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, it faced again criticisms and welcomed by condemnation. There were those who disapproved, some clapped their hands and many just watched the SONA like any other TV shows.