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Smile everyone…there's justice in the world! Most especially, in the Philippines! Last week was one of the many exhilarating experiences I've had in the Philippines. Let's review…
On Tuesday, the 23rd day of the Impeachment trial, my heart sank along with the rest of the nation at the suppression of evidence by the Senator-judges; judges who were elected to their position and are mandated to serve the will of the people. Clearly the will of the people was to open that second envelope. The disappointing 10-11 decision was capped off by the "jig" performance of Tessie Oreta, who in my earnest opinion, should be publicly punished and stripped (not in the entertainment sense) of her position for conduct unbecoming of a Senator.
I thought that the light of justice was darkened and the truth was bound by the decision of 11 corrupt and unjust officials. The events that occurred shortly reinforced my belief that no force in the world can suppress justice and the prevalence of the truth.
I got a call from my mother-in-law at 5AM and she told me that people power began. I quickly got up and turned on the television. From that moment until the swearing of GMA, I was glued to the television…it was the best 4 days of television I have ever seen!
On Wednesday the people gathered early that morning. In the afternoon, I received a text that there will be rally at the plaza in San Fernando - I went. By that evening, there were more people at Edsa going into Thursday. More people gathered throughout the day but still, with no signal that Erap would resign. By Friday, the multitude of people began to accumulate. Throughout the day, the spirit of the Filipino would unveil a force so strong that the President would be forced to leave his office to give way to the prevailing will of the people - Erap resign!
By Saturday, Erap is gone and a new President was sworn in.
Vindication, jubilation and justice prevailed.
There is no doubt in my mind that the Filipino people are capable of miracles. After all, there has already been 2; the 1st and 2nd Edsa revolutions. I hope we learn from this incident and that the Filipino people be more careful of who are elected to represent them in government. A 3rd Edsa would be exhausting and we wouldn't want to have a "Jaworski" put on these incoming senators, would we? (binatukan ng isang rallyist si Jaworski and was captured on TV).
Peace to all…God bless us and "Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!" -- AAA
Siglet of the week: "When at the edge of the unknown, faith provides the wings to fly." -- Anonymous
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President Jerome started the day's meeting at 12:30 p.m. Rtn. Ninoy Gazmen was Day Chairman and Master of Ceremonies. Rtn. Romy de Castro led us in the prayer and 4-way Test and Rtn. Jun Balbin led us in the Pambansang Awit.
After a brief luncheon period, Allan Alvarez officially welcomed our guests and of course greeted the celebrants for that week, who provided two scoops of ice cream for everyone.
The Friendship Session was conducted by dynamic Ric Marquez with Erap and current issues trivia. During the President's time, Pres. Jerome gave wonderful news that our club won most of the awards in the Mid Year Review. Congratulations to all of us! After some picture taking, Reggie and Dir. Jerry gave announcements on the upcoming Valentine's Party. An event to look forward to.
Ninoy (the boy from Candon) then introduced his fellow T.G.I.S. (TAGA ILOCOS SUR) as our Guest of Honor and Speaker, Honorable Edgar Zaragosa. He spoke about Ilocos Sur, the province that was put into the limelight because of Chavit's exposé. Interestingly, he said that they are the poorest province in the region, governed for 30 years, with not much progress by traditional politician, Gov. Chavit Singson, who ironically is the richest man in the region, owning a private plane, a mini submarine, a yacht and mansions. He then expressed his interest in running for the position this coming elections with priorities such as putting a stop to corruption (a gigantic task I should say) and giving emphasis on agricultural based programs.
PP Ben as always, gave an appropriate response. And then the meeting was adjourned.
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Guest Speaker's Biodata continued....
The following are the more prestigious and recent awards:
Outstanding Saluyot Jaycees Saluyot Jaycees, Inc. 1980
Leadership Award Rotary Club of Northern LU 1982
Kasilag Award La Union PC-INP 1983
Distinguished Service Award Brgy. Lingsat Council, SFU 1988
Rotarian of the Year Rotary Club of Northern LU 1990
Outstanding Alumnus for Public Service SLC High School Department 1992
Award of Recognition for Exemplary Performance as Provincial Board Member
Province of La Union 1992
Key to the City of Carson City Council of Carson Cal, USA 1999
Testimonial of Recognition as Adopted Son of Caba, La Union Municipality of
Caba, La Union 1999
Most Outstanding Vice-Governor of The Philippines
Vice-Governors League of the Phils. 2000
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