On the 'unnecessary' cybercrime lawBy Bernadette Nicolas
Is the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 or the Republic Act 10175 really needed? Why is the government eager to immediately implement this law? Is it because of their underlying concerns or their motives? Before the Cybercrime Law drew attention, the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill was the one getting both flak and support from different religious groups especially Catholics. This leads me to think that these two policies are connected with each other. Since the RH bill became controversial, it became very hard for the lawmakers of the said bill to push it. Jeers and cheers have been greeting it until now. Continue reading... It takes the heart to winBy Carla Patricia Perez
It doesn’t take a hardcore, passionate basketball fan or a professional game analyst to get hooked to the UAAP, follow collegiate basketball, and adore the UST Growling Tigers; it only takes a true-blooded Thomasian with genuine, overflowing school spirit. Continue reading... Travails of texting while drivingBy Jan Angelo Yvan Cabantog
Driving and texting, two important actions that a human being is ought to do—but not at the same time. Continue reading... |
Showbiz PoliticsWhen election time comes, showbiz personalities transform the realm of public service into display of public drama.
During the American period, revolutionaries gave up arms to run for office. Today, it’s the celebrities that are crossing over to Philippine politics. Who would have taught that a young actor like Jolo Revilla would file his candidacy as vice governor of Cavite? Before, it was a matter of competence. Now, it’s a matter of popularity. Gone are the days when political candidates were scrutinized based on their credentials and proficiency. Nowadays, if a candidate’s name sounds familiar, that’s good enough. Any other Juan equipped with the green may run (and possibly win) for office. We have nothing against celebrities who have entered the field of politics. Heck, some of them are even good at serving people. What’s bothering is the many other artistas that are joining the bandwagon and invading the field of politics. Crowding the ballots are names of artistas who probably don’t even know the first thing about public service and the constitution. Jinkee Pacquiao, Richard Gomez, Imelda Papin and surprisingly Anabelle Rama are among those trying their luck in politics. What makes them think that they are eligible for public service? The realm of politics is different from the world of show business. Though both may be packed with unrelenting issues and scandals, public service is almost a pole opposite of entertainment. For one, public service requires these idols to come down from their high pedestals and serve the people, suffer with them, attend to their grievances. The posh and glamorous life of a celebrity is incomparable to the demanding life of politics. The latter involves law-making and decision making, the former is only concerned with balls and blockbuster hits. What happened to the Filipino voter? Before, voters chose members of the academe, intellectuals, esteemed members of society to become their leaders. Now, the Filipino is occupied with the mema mentality, memaiboto (just for the sake of voting someone), playing by ear in choosing his leaders, relying on each name’s familiarity, indifferent to how these elections will largely affect his life for the next few years. It’s just as much the fault of the voter as it is the fault of the Commission on Elections for allowing these inept individuals compete for seats of power in Philippine politics. We are all to blame for the proliferation of matinee idols, sexy stars, boxers, and socialites in our government. They are there because we put them there. God knows what wicked air blew and downright clouded our judgment. Yes, we have to know the candidate’s name, but it doesn’t stop there. Knowing someone’s name doesn’t guarantee that he is up to the job. We always have to know more. If we keep choosing Mr. and Ms. Popular over the educated and competent, we’re setting up ourselves and our country for years of misery. If we keep choosing poorly, who knows what hope is left for this nation. We have to be informed. We have to be critical. We have to stop being indifferent. Otherwise, the circus that is pestering our government will never ever leave town. |