I wanted to stop talking already about the "war" between the pro-reproductive health lawmakers and the church but I can't help it.
I have to admit that I got engrossed with the topic so much so that I read more about it. I even tried checking House Bill 4110 and see if there was any sign that it was promoting abortion. I did not find anything. Perhaps anyone out there can point me to the section of House Bill 4110 or any other House Bill that promotes abortion.
And then I read a blog entitled "Bishops and Abortion." I can't help myself but ask "is it really about abortion? i thought all the while that it was just rerproductive health without even the mention of abortion."
The reply - "reproductive health" is code for abortion.
I can't believe this!
I had to wait for days to clear my mind. I don't want to write and be too emotional about the whole thing at the same time. I might write something I might want to take back later.
But even up to now, I just want to scream. And to think that the blog mentioned above is from a Catholic institution. I can't believe that they'd treat me as if I was just another blind follower. But still, probably, because of the Internet's anonymity, they probably might have surmised that I can't find my way through the net. Still, I had to remind myself to be more understanding than I usually am.
But going back to the threat that pro-reproductive bill lawmakers have received from the bishops, that they will be refused communion, maybe the bishops can go a bit further by excommunicating them. And while I am not a lawmaker myself, maybe, they can put my name first in the list.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Communion and Reproductive Health
The "war" between the Catholic Church and the proponents of the Reproductive Health law in the Philippines has been in the news for days already.
Those who are for the reproductive health law want women to have a choice, between natural and artificial methods, without mention and/or inclusion of abortion as an option.
The Catholic Church on one hand does not accept any form of artificial method indicating that reproductive health is tantamount to having abortion as an option.
No one is talking about abortion. I do not approve of abortion. And please, do not put words into the mouths of those who are pro-choice.
However, talks of not allowing those who promote Reproductive Health to receive communion has been around as well.
Both methods' aim is to avoid pregnancy.
But to deprive its followers of communion when they are pro-choice may be considered as going too far, I believe.
While it is believed that the natural method works as much as the artificial method, the former entails more discipline as compared to the latter; and Pinoys are known to be an impatient lot as anyone could be.
My point to the matter is, let the women have a choice. There is no need for black mail. Let the government do its job. In the first place, I never believed that morality should even be considered by any government. Their job is to provide what may be best for the majority as long as it adheres to the basic law of the land.
On one hand, it is the job of the church to guide its followers. Guide and not coerce. Guide and not to divide. Guide and welcome, not drive away.
If the stories in the news are true that the church are contamplating that those who are pro-choice are not to be given communion, then this is what I have to say. The church may bless those who they want, but if God refuses to give his own blessings, then the church's blessings are for naught. The church may not bless anyone, but if God decides to give his blessings, then no church blessing is necessary.
The population in this country has been skyrocketing for years. There will come a time when there would be too many of us alive and there would be less resources for everyone. Let us not wait for that day to come because even these days, the hard earning daily wagers are already experiencing the difficulties in life. And with the number of children that they could not afford to send to school, we are increasing the population living below the poverty line.
Will the church send to school and feed these children? Will they provide shelter? Most likely not. But would be good enough if they could.
I still say, let the women have their choice. After all, if they really want to talk about morality, it is even morally wrong for parents to have too many children they could not feed, shelter, and send to school properly.
WRAP IT UP!
Let us also help lower the HIV infection and transmission in this country. Too many are already infected. And many of them do not even know that they are positive.
WRAP IT UP!
Let us all help save lives. The life you save may even be your own.
Those who are for the reproductive health law want women to have a choice, between natural and artificial methods, without mention and/or inclusion of abortion as an option.
The Catholic Church on one hand does not accept any form of artificial method indicating that reproductive health is tantamount to having abortion as an option.
No one is talking about abortion. I do not approve of abortion. And please, do not put words into the mouths of those who are pro-choice.
However, talks of not allowing those who promote Reproductive Health to receive communion has been around as well.
Both methods' aim is to avoid pregnancy.
But to deprive its followers of communion when they are pro-choice may be considered as going too far, I believe.
While it is believed that the natural method works as much as the artificial method, the former entails more discipline as compared to the latter; and Pinoys are known to be an impatient lot as anyone could be.
My point to the matter is, let the women have a choice. There is no need for black mail. Let the government do its job. In the first place, I never believed that morality should even be considered by any government. Their job is to provide what may be best for the majority as long as it adheres to the basic law of the land.
On one hand, it is the job of the church to guide its followers. Guide and not coerce. Guide and not to divide. Guide and welcome, not drive away.
If the stories in the news are true that the church are contamplating that those who are pro-choice are not to be given communion, then this is what I have to say. The church may bless those who they want, but if God refuses to give his own blessings, then the church's blessings are for naught. The church may not bless anyone, but if God decides to give his blessings, then no church blessing is necessary.
The population in this country has been skyrocketing for years. There will come a time when there would be too many of us alive and there would be less resources for everyone. Let us not wait for that day to come because even these days, the hard earning daily wagers are already experiencing the difficulties in life. And with the number of children that they could not afford to send to school, we are increasing the population living below the poverty line.
Will the church send to school and feed these children? Will they provide shelter? Most likely not. But would be good enough if they could.
I still say, let the women have their choice. After all, if they really want to talk about morality, it is even morally wrong for parents to have too many children they could not feed, shelter, and send to school properly.
WRAP IT UP!
Let us also help lower the HIV infection and transmission in this country. Too many are already infected. And many of them do not even know that they are positive.
WRAP IT UP!
Let us all help save lives. The life you save may even be your own.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Sidewalk
I needed to call a bank yesterday, Monday.
For quite a long time, I have noticed one bank along Vito Cruz in Pasay which would rather have the pedestrians use the main road instead of allowing them to use the sidewalk when their armored cars are positioned in front of their offices.
I mean, come on! The sidewalk is for the pedestrians and not a security area which they could consider as a "strictly for personnel only" area.
I called up the directory assistance of PLDT. They gave me the number of the bank, and connected me automatically (for PhP2.00). I tried calling over and over, but each time I'd get a "sorry, that extension is not available" when I press zero to be connected to the operator. That's what the prompt tells me anyways. "Press zero to reach the operator."
I got on the net and found that I needed to dial 222 in order to get to the customer service. I have to admit I had a hard time looking for the site of the bank. I even got the information on a Malaysian bank's site. There was no www.the-name-of-the-bank.com.ph or even www.the-name-of-the-bank.com!
I called once more, and dialled 222 for the extension.
Beng, the girl who got my call informed me that they don't have an operator. Uggghhh!
So anyways, the reason why I called was because of their armored car in front their office. No one could use the sidewalk because even their security personnel would point the pedestrians to the highway. I was one of them!
Beng informed me that she will elevate the concern and even admitted that they too have experienced the same - that they have to use the highway at times.
Oh well, let's see in two months if this topic is going to be re-discussed. Maybe by then, I will name what is the name of the bank.
For quite a long time, I have noticed one bank along Vito Cruz in Pasay which would rather have the pedestrians use the main road instead of allowing them to use the sidewalk when their armored cars are positioned in front of their offices.
I mean, come on! The sidewalk is for the pedestrians and not a security area which they could consider as a "strictly for personnel only" area.
I called up the directory assistance of PLDT. They gave me the number of the bank, and connected me automatically (for PhP2.00). I tried calling over and over, but each time I'd get a "sorry, that extension is not available" when I press zero to be connected to the operator. That's what the prompt tells me anyways. "Press zero to reach the operator."
I got on the net and found that I needed to dial 222 in order to get to the customer service. I have to admit I had a hard time looking for the site of the bank. I even got the information on a Malaysian bank's site. There was no www.the-name-of-the-bank.com.ph or even www.the-name-of-the-bank.com!
I called once more, and dialled 222 for the extension.
Beng, the girl who got my call informed me that they don't have an operator. Uggghhh!
So anyways, the reason why I called was because of their armored car in front their office. No one could use the sidewalk because even their security personnel would point the pedestrians to the highway. I was one of them!
Beng informed me that she will elevate the concern and even admitted that they too have experienced the same - that they have to use the highway at times.
Oh well, let's see in two months if this topic is going to be re-discussed. Maybe by then, I will name what is the name of the bank.
McAfee and AVG Free
So I thought I could have a good free anti virus application. It turns out that you can't really have your cake and eat it at the same time.
I have been using McAfee's VirusScan for years and years. Never had a problem with infection but it comes with a price. How I wish McAfee would try selling an unbundled VirusScan. I don't use the other applications anyway - just VirusScan.
AVG Free is known as one good free anti virus application. Since, it's free, I thought I could switch without too much problems.
Downloaded AVG Free. Installed it. Uninstalled McAfee VirusScan and everything that goes with it.
After scanning using AVG Free, four programs that I made myself were detected. False positive.
As a usual practice, I synchronized my laptop with my desktop once more - only the data files. AVG prompted me once more about the supposed suspected files. I then proceeded to include those four files in the PUP (potentially unwanted programs) exception list. Re-synched my laptop with the computer. Didn't work. It was a headache.
To make the long story short, I ended up uninstalling AVG Free and as of this writing, downloading and reinstalling McAfee VirusScan.
I think I learned my lesson. Why switch when there was no problem with McAfee in the first place.
Well, one problem I could consider is the cost. Prices of almost everything are going up these days. I am still planning to discontinue with my McAfee subscription (as I am for two years and have been buying CDs the previous years) and going back to buying the CDs. DataBlitz still seels the CDs lower as compared to my annual subscription fee.
I have been using McAfee's VirusScan for years and years. Never had a problem with infection but it comes with a price. How I wish McAfee would try selling an unbundled VirusScan. I don't use the other applications anyway - just VirusScan.
AVG Free is known as one good free anti virus application. Since, it's free, I thought I could switch without too much problems.
Downloaded AVG Free. Installed it. Uninstalled McAfee VirusScan and everything that goes with it.
After scanning using AVG Free, four programs that I made myself were detected. False positive.
As a usual practice, I synchronized my laptop with my desktop once more - only the data files. AVG prompted me once more about the supposed suspected files. I then proceeded to include those four files in the PUP (potentially unwanted programs) exception list. Re-synched my laptop with the computer. Didn't work. It was a headache.
To make the long story short, I ended up uninstalling AVG Free and as of this writing, downloading and reinstalling McAfee VirusScan.
I think I learned my lesson. Why switch when there was no problem with McAfee in the first place.
Well, one problem I could consider is the cost. Prices of almost everything are going up these days. I am still planning to discontinue with my McAfee subscription (as I am for two years and have been buying CDs the previous years) and going back to buying the CDs. DataBlitz still seels the CDs lower as compared to my annual subscription fee.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Unending protests/The return
Monday, July 14, 2008, marks the day when the minimum fare for jeepneys in Metro Manila is adjusted to PhP8.50 from PhP8.00. It was not too long ago also when the fare was just PhP7.50 or even PhP7.00. Today is the day when I am also back to writing my thoughts. The last time seemed to be too long ago, but I am back and hopefully, I could sustain it this time.
The fare increase is brought about by the constant price increases of oil in the local market.
Last week, students from different and known public universities held protests against the increase of oil prices.
But let's see, the prices of oil in the local market is not the root cause of everything.
For one, the prices of oil in the world market have increased to more than US$145.00.
Second, the value of peso has gone down again. One US Dollar is now at PhP45. It used to be around PhP41 earlier this year.
With these factors in mind, as the value of dollar goes up, everything imported would cost more peso units, thus the price of oil is expected to go up. Adding insult to injury, since the price of oil in the world market has increased, it would require more peso units even more.
The students from the different public universities are clamoring that the E-VAT be scrapped.
What I find funny though, is this. These students actually are scholars of the governement and the government needs funds for their schooling. Some students even have stipends.
But the government also needs funds for everything it spends for. There are infrastructures that need to be built and repaired. There are public school teachers that need to be paid. There are also many other public servants who need to be paid. There are public hospitals which need funding too, and doctors who already have sacrificed enough by not leaving the country for a more decent pay.
While it is true that the expanded VAT has increased prices of almost everything, this basically collects taxes from everyone, and not just the daily/monthly paid workers. If ever there is anyone who might want to do a protest, it should be us who pay taxes from our monthly salaries. Then we would have to do with the E-VAT. I do understand that it is also the responsibility of the ordinary Pinoy to pay taxes even when they don't have a TIN.
So to the students from these public universities, go ahead and protest. It may appear that you care for the wellfare of the less blessed Pinoys, but really, you are just making people laugh at you. You are just displaying the fact that you lack the intelligence of how things are. Perhaps some common sense would be a good starting point.
Another point worth noting is the demand of some protesters (who seem to do nothing but protest) that the oil deregulation law be repealed. I can still remember, not a hundred years ago, the prices of oil in the local market was controlled by the government. There even was the OPSF (Oil Price Stabilization Fund) that acted as a buffer so that even if the price of oil in the world market would increase, that would not be so in the local market.
The argument then was this: let the oil companies regulate their own prices because competition would force the prices to go down. Eventually, the oil deregulation law took effect and the players were given free hand (almost) when it comes to the prices.
Now, many of these protesters want the old system.
What do you really want guys? Can you make up your minds? Or am I correct in my impression that you just protest just for the sake of protesting (regardless if the arguments are logical or not) because you earn something from all of these?
The fare increase is brought about by the constant price increases of oil in the local market.
Last week, students from different and known public universities held protests against the increase of oil prices.
But let's see, the prices of oil in the local market is not the root cause of everything.
For one, the prices of oil in the world market have increased to more than US$145.00.
Second, the value of peso has gone down again. One US Dollar is now at PhP45. It used to be around PhP41 earlier this year.
With these factors in mind, as the value of dollar goes up, everything imported would cost more peso units, thus the price of oil is expected to go up. Adding insult to injury, since the price of oil in the world market has increased, it would require more peso units even more.
The students from the different public universities are clamoring that the E-VAT be scrapped.
What I find funny though, is this. These students actually are scholars of the governement and the government needs funds for their schooling. Some students even have stipends.
But the government also needs funds for everything it spends for. There are infrastructures that need to be built and repaired. There are public school teachers that need to be paid. There are also many other public servants who need to be paid. There are public hospitals which need funding too, and doctors who already have sacrificed enough by not leaving the country for a more decent pay.
While it is true that the expanded VAT has increased prices of almost everything, this basically collects taxes from everyone, and not just the daily/monthly paid workers. If ever there is anyone who might want to do a protest, it should be us who pay taxes from our monthly salaries. Then we would have to do with the E-VAT. I do understand that it is also the responsibility of the ordinary Pinoy to pay taxes even when they don't have a TIN.
So to the students from these public universities, go ahead and protest. It may appear that you care for the wellfare of the less blessed Pinoys, but really, you are just making people laugh at you. You are just displaying the fact that you lack the intelligence of how things are. Perhaps some common sense would be a good starting point.
Another point worth noting is the demand of some protesters (who seem to do nothing but protest) that the oil deregulation law be repealed. I can still remember, not a hundred years ago, the prices of oil in the local market was controlled by the government. There even was the OPSF (Oil Price Stabilization Fund) that acted as a buffer so that even if the price of oil in the world market would increase, that would not be so in the local market.
The argument then was this: let the oil companies regulate their own prices because competition would force the prices to go down. Eventually, the oil deregulation law took effect and the players were given free hand (almost) when it comes to the prices.
Now, many of these protesters want the old system.
What do you really want guys? Can you make up your minds? Or am I correct in my impression that you just protest just for the sake of protesting (regardless if the arguments are logical or not) because you earn something from all of these?
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