Alleba Politics

These past weeks, one of the main issues that I have read and heard about is the depleting water supply in the Angat Dam causing a water shortage. Unfortunately, it may also cause a power shortage. This is, a lot of people contend, due to the climate change phenomenon. And I must agree. Although this is a very alarming emergency, the government and civil society should see this as a golden opportunity to educate the public and move towards a more environmentally-sound governance and public awareness and lifestyle.

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You may download the Full text of SONA 2007 here.

I am quietly sitting here at a local cafe, but I am terribly angry. I am angry that a few meters away from me sits an old geezer accused of rape. He is now sitting comfortably with his old geezer friends availing of free WiFi and apparently having the time of their lives chatting and laughing.

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Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, hinted that she might run for Congress after 2010:

…she said, “Who knows, I may run for Congress in my hometown.”

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In their editorial today (July 17, 2007) the Philippine Daily Inquirer describes the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA) as a scary law:

Its enforcement could be twisted to serve the political ends of the enforcers. Given the records of the principal enforcers — Acting Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo — there is reason to be afraid that abuses would be committed in its enforcement.

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Today, the Human Security Act of 2007 (HSA) takes into effect. HSA was formerly known as the Anti-Terrorism Bill which was vehemently protested by various personalities and organizations.

Among others, HSA allows wire-tapping:

SEC. 7. Surveillance of Suspects and Interception and Recording of Communications. – The provisions of Republic Act No. 4200 (Anti-wire Tapping Law) to the contrary notwithstanding, a police or law enforcement official and the members of his team may, upon a written order of the Court of Appeals, listen to, intercept and record, with the use of any mode, form, kind or type of electronic or other surveillance equipment or intercepting and tracking devices, or with the use of any other suitable ways and means for that purpose, any communication, message, conversation, discussion, or spoken or written words between members of a judicially declared and outlawed terrorist organization, association, or group of persons or of any person charged with or suspected of the crime of terrorism or conspiracy to commit terrorism.

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There is an on-going battle between current Speaker of the House of Representatives Jose de Venecia and newly elected Cebu representative Pablo Garcia. Both are vying to be the next Speaker of the House of Representatives when the 14th Congress opens on July 23, 2007.

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