Rep. Etta Rosales Acknowledges OFWs support
OFWs heeded Ellene Sana's call for Rep. Etta Rosales - a seasoned human rights' defender.
___________________________________________________________________________
Mon, August 9, 2010 2:13:54 PM
Re: [akbayanforum] Fw: Re: Aquino appoints Villanueva to TESDA, Rosales to CHR--ofw groups support etta rosales…
Dear Ellene, Emman and Perry, Fred and Vangie,
Nakakapagpataba naman ng puso ang listahan ng ating mga OFW na sumama sa signature campaign natin. Naipadala ba natin ito Emman at Perry? Fred at Vangie, bagama't di ko pa kayo nakikilala sa personal, sana'y tanggapin ninyo ang lubos naming pasasalamat sa kampanyang ginawa ninyo sa labas ng bansang Pinas.
Kung mapalaran tayong makuha ang posisyon, asahan niyo na si Ellene ay walang humpay na tutuktok sa Komisyon ng Karapatang Pantao upang lalong mapayabong ang interes ng ating mga kababayan sa labas ng Pilipinas.
Mabuhay kayo at salamat muli.
Etta
Etta Pargas-Rosales
___________________________________________________________________
http://www.pia. gov.ph/?m= 12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p100715.htm&no=24
Aquino appoints Villanueva to TESDA, Rosales to CHR
Manila (July 15) (PNA) -- Si President Benigno Simeon Aquino III announced Wednesday the appointment of two former partylist representatives in his Cabinet.
President Aquino appointed former Citizens Battle Against Corruption (CIBAC) partylist Rep. Joel Villanueva as Director General of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and former Akbayan partylist Rep. Loretta "Etta" Rosales as chairman of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).
Rosales replaced Leila de Lima who now heads the Department of Justice.
Villanueva, son of Bangon Pilipinas presidential bet and televangelist Bro. Eddie Villanueva, replaced Augusto Syjuco.
Aquino instructed Villanueva to give more scholarship grants to high school students to continue TESDA’s goal to give more opportunities to the youth who cannot afford to get a formal college education. (GCC, PIA9-Pagadian City) [top]
________________________________________________________________________
Clamor for Etta to head CHR snowballs
Human rights groups, migrant rights advocates, labor unions, OFWs, peasant organizations, academe, lawyers and Marcos victims show support to “seasoned human rights defender”
In probably the most endorsed and anticipated public post appointment in the Aquino government, support for former Akbayan Representative Loretta Ann Rosales to head the Commission on Human Rights is snowballing with endorsements coming from as far as Sweden, Greece, Denmark and France.
In an online statement of support, various personalities, labor groups, migrants advocates, peasant organizations, gay and lesbian groups, women’s organizations, Marcos human rights victims and OFWs rendered their support to Rosales. They said Rosales is fit for the position because she has proven herself a consistent advocate of the universality of human rights. They also stated that her appointment would broaden and mainstream the concept of human rights in the government and ensure the comprehensive application of human rights regardless of class, age, belief, race or gender.
Likewise, the signatories underscored her leadership over important issues concerning human rights. “With her (Rosales), we successfully campaigned and won the law repealing the death penalty. With her guidance and input, we filed and lobbied for proposed laws against torture and enforced disappearances. These issues would never even have made it to the legislative radar had there been no allies like Etta Rosales who made noise in our behalf inside Congress and in the international community,” the statement read.
Another letter of support dated July 5, 2010 was submitted to President Benigno Simeon Aquino III expressing their “unqualified support” to Rosales. They asserted that her “combined background in human rights and international humanitarian law work as well as involvement in many public interest issues in the country constitutes a wealth of professional experience that she will bring in the CHR.”
. Signatories to the letter were:
• Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer
• Dr. Nymia Pimentel Simbulan, Executive Director, Philippine Human Rights Information Center (PHILRIGHTS)
• Atty. Ibarra Gutierrez, Director, Institute of Human Rights, College of Law UP
• Soliman M. Santos, Jr., Chairperson Emeritus, Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Fred Lubang, Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines
• Ricardo Reyes, Rural Poor Institute for Land and Human Rights Services (RIGHTS Net)
• Roberto Garcia
• Filomeno Sta. Ana, Coordinator, Action for Economic Reform
• Edwin Lopez, Executive Director, Alter Trade
• Benedicto Q. Sánchez, Program Coordinator, Broad Initiatives for Negros Development (BIND)
• Auxilium Toling-Olayer, Executive Director, Court Appointed Special Advocates/Guardian Ad Litem (CASA/GAL)
• Bonn Juego, Global Refugee Studies (Copenhagen)
• Joe Valencia, KASAPI-HELLAS, the organization of Filipino Migrants in Greece
• E. Ritz Lee B. Santos III, Chairperson, Teachers and Employees Association for Change, Education Reforms and Solidarity Inc. (TEACHERS Inc.)
• Aida Santos, Women's Education, Development Productivity and Research Organization (WeDpro, Inc.)
• Rolando E. Rivac, GAYON Albay LGBT
• CENTER FOR AGRARIAN REFORM EMPOWERMENT AND TRANSFORMATION, INC. (CARET
• Western Visayas Network of Social Development NGOs (WEVNet)
• Iloilo CODE NGOs
• Ellecer Ebro Carlos, PDRP-STOV Team BALAY Rehabilitation Center, Inc.
On the other hand, signatories to the online statement of support were:
1. Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, Chairperson, Laban ng Masa
2. Renato Magtubo, President, Partido Manggagawa
3. Judy Ann Miranda, Secretary General Partido ng Manggagawa
4. Labor Education and Research Network (LEARN)
5. NUWHRAIN-Dusit Hotel Nikko Chapter
6. Patnubay.com
7. Manny C. Calonzo, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)
8. Sonia S. Mendoza, Chairman, Mother Earth Foundation
9. Noli Abinales, BUKLOD TAO, INC.
10. Center for Popular Empowerment
11. Bukluran ng Ikauunlad ng Sosyalistang Isip at Gawa (BISIG)
12. Bro. Martin Francisco, SSMESI, Chairperson, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society
13. Jojo Ibanez, Alliance of Progressive Labor -DAVAO
14. Lia Jasmin M. Esquillo, Davao City
15. BUKLOD –Denmark
16. WomanHealth
17. Likhaan, Center for Women's Health Inc.
18. Pinay Exclusive- Denmark
19. Ugnayang Pilipino - Sweden
20. Aaron Rom Moralina, Graduate Student/ Assistant Instructor, Department of History, Ateneo de Manila University
21. Center for Migrant Advocacy (CMA)
22. Freedom from Debt Coalition-Iloilo
23. Reihana Mohideen, Transform Asia, Gender and Labor Institute
24. Bagong kapisanan ng mga Manggagawa sa Philippine National Railways ( BKM-PNR-ITF-ICLS)
25. Reden Recio, De La Salle University
26. Freedom from Debt Coalition-Negros
27. Angel R. Pantoja, United OFW Philippines
28. Marc Titus, Cebreros, Research Associate, Institute of Human Rights, UP Law Center
UP Diliman Quezon City
29. Ranulfo Torregoza, GAYon (Albay Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Organization)
30. Dean John Borleo, TABAK SANGRE
31. Erik Valeriano, Chairperson, AMIGA (Alternative Movement for Integrated Gays Advancement)
32. Emma T. Otivar, President SAMAKA (Samahan ng Kababaihan sa Daraga)
33. Fe Jusay, RESPECT Network Coordinator
34. Herbert Docena
35. Caesar Carlos, Claimants 1081
36. Malou Tabios Nuera, Freedom from Debt Coalition
37. Caesar Carlos, Claimants 1081
38. Sixto Carlos
39. Francis Oca
Other signatories were:
40. Filipino Korean Spouses Association
41. United Filipinos Worldwide for Community Development
42. Atty. Ildefonso Bagasao, President, Economic Resource Center for Overseas Filipinos
Philippines
43. Dee Dicen Hunt, Centre for Philippine Concerns-Australia, Brisbane Branch
Australia
44. Province of Zamboanga Sibugay Rubber Farmers. Association (PZSRFA)
45. Edgardo B. Ramirez, Associate Professor, Notre Dame University, Cotabato City
46. Junalyn Gayak-Sumlay of Magungaya Center for PALMA Inc.
47. UMPPADA - United Moro Professionals for Peace and Development Association
48. Rashid Fabricante, Senior Action Officer, V-team for Advocacy & Community Service
Volunteers In Service to Filipinos, Middle East Bureau, Saudi Arabia
49. Daphe Ceniza, migrant rights advocate
50. Susie Abenojar-Barbieri, France
51. Roger Garinaga, Executive Director, IDEAS-Palawan
52. Guiamel Alim, Executive Director Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc., Cotabato City
53. Jessan Catre -- Joint Oxfam Mindanao Programme
54. Lawrence Padilla, Palawan Center for Appropriate Rural Technology (PCART)
55. Sammy Maulana, Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society
56. Atty. Leo Lizada, Cotabato City
57. Engr Fernando Salise, HEED Foundation Inc.
58. Danilo Remoroza, BARRIOS Inc., General Santos City
59. Quraish Langcap, Isulanen Peace and Development Inc.
60. Philip Beda, Iranun Development Council, Exec Director
61. Angelina Katoh, Alternative Center for Organizational Reforms and Development (ACORD), Zamboanga city
62. Atty Luzviminda Ramos, IBP, General Santos City
63. Ansary Maongco, Young Moros for Peace and Development (YMPD), Marawi City
64. Daguman Dalanda, Isulan Farmers Federation, Sultan Kudarat
65. Jessan S. Catre, Akbayan Greece Chapter
66. Dr. Lito L. Astillero, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
67. Tito Natividad Fiel
68. Grace Cabactulan, Netherlands.
69. Ricky L, Xavier - Movement for H.O.P.E.
70. Marikita T. Bugarin
71. Charito Basa, Filipino Women's Council, ITALY
72. Jun S. Aguilar, Chairperson, Filipino Migrant Workers Group
73. Ana Maravilla, Vice President/Int’l Coordinator, PHILJURY (People's Movement for the Creation of Philippine Jury) - Philippine & UK (London) Based.
74. Teachers and Employees Association for Change, Education Reforms and Solidarity, Inc. (TEACHERS’ Inc.)
75. Negros Oriental Institute for Rural Development, Inc. (NIRD, Inc)
76. Grassroots Agro-Industrial Corporation (Grassroots Corporation)
77. Consortium for the Development of Western Mindanao Communities, Inc.
78. Sibugay Great Redeemer Christian Academy, Inc.
79. Ipil United Christian Fellowship, Inc.
80. Fr. Eliseo Mercado, Jr. OMI
81. Jolly S. Lais - Assalam Bangsamoro People's Association
82. Winda Lagumbay Petilla
83. Elagda Canada
84. OFW Canada
85. Maria Elizabeth Embry, California
86. Susan F. Quimpo
87. Geraldine Hidalgo
88. George F. Chiu
note from cma: the following names were not included in the list released to the media yesterday...hopefully, they will be included in the official list of endorsers to the statement...our apologies. ... if we missed anybody else, please accept our apologies and send us an email to correct the oversight.
89. Mike Bolos, Philippines
90. Cesar Reburiano, inter marina filipino organization--I.M.FO- athens greece
91. Benjamin Nadado, Pusong Pinoy Association, Abuja FCT, Nigeria
92. Rachelle C. Garcia, Quezon City
93. John Hernandez, Pusong Pinoy Association (PPA), Nigeria
94. Vic Barrazona, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
95. Offie Bakker-Mananquil, Makati City, The Philippines
96. Nonoi Hacbang,Convenor,Platform of Filipino Migrant Organisations in Europe,The Netherlands
97. Jille Belisario,Programme Co-ordinator,Commission for Filipino Migrant Workers ( CFMW ),The Netherlands
muli, maraming salamat.
let us mainstream the human and labor rights of migrant filipinos and their families in the concerns of chr. migrants' rights are human rights!
sincerely,
ellene
...at ano naman kaya ang maiiwan natin sa susunod na henerasyon?
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
WE OFFER OUR CONDOLENCE
OBITUARY
The Migrants Team condoles Mrs. Feliza Ramos of the Philippine Embassy, Abuja for the passing away of her husband, EMMANUEL V. RAMOS SR. after a terminal illness.
A very likeable person, he will be remembered and missed by friends and the people he came across with.
We pray that the family will have the fortitude to bear this loss.
May his soul rest in peace.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fw: The Professional Heckler
On a lighter mood....
This is one 'interview' which is very amusing. Enjoy!
From: The Professional Heckler
________________________________________________________________
The Professional Heckler
This is one 'interview' which is very amusing. Enjoy!
From: The Professional Heckler
________________________________________________________________
The Professional Heckler | |
| EXCLUSIVE: GMA Breaks Her Silence Posted: 04 Aug 2010 01:22 AM PDT Breaking News: For the first time since winning a seat in the House of Representatives, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo agreed to be interviewed. She requested though that the exclusive interview be conducted in the vernacular in celebration of the Philippine National Language Month. Here's the rare, 45-minute conversation in full.
TPH: Mabuti naman at 'di kayo hinarang ng mga guwardiya.. TPH: Saan po kayo nagpunta? TPH: Last week po ay nilagdaan na ni Pangulong Noynoy Aquino ang Executive Order No. 1 creating the Truth Commission. Ano po ang masasabi n'yo? TPH: Ano naman pong masasabi n'yo sa Communications Group ng ating Pangulo. Inaakusahan po sila ng bias at pagli-leak ng advance info sa isang network.
TPH: Kung maibabalik po ang year 2004, tatawagan n'yo pa rin ba si Comelec Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano? TPH: Kung bibigyan kayo ng pagkakataong maging pangulo ulit, tatanggapin n'yo ba?
TPH: Sabi po nila, tumakbo lang kayong kongresista dahil ayaw n'yong makasuhan… TPH: Can you imagine yourself in jail? TPH: May over-importation daw po ng NFA rice… TPH: Malaki daw po ang sweldo ng mga taga-MWSS… TPH: How do you find palace spokesman Edwin Lacierda? Ano pong masasabi n'yo sa kanya? TPH: How about the issue between the Noybi supporters and the NoyMar camp? Sa palagay n'yo ba makakaapekto ito sa pamamalakad ni Pangulong Aquino sa gobyerno? TPH: Nag-uusap pa ba kayo ni Chief Justice Renato Corona? TPH: Kumusta na po si Gibó? TPH: Once and for all, linawin po natin: sino po ang sinuportahan n'yo noong nakaraang eleksyon? Si Gibó o si Villar?
TPH: Dumako na po tayo sa tinatawag nating Rapid Round. Dapat po mabilis lang ang inyong sagot. Bawal magpaliwanag. Okay? TPH: Ma'am, lights on or lights off? TPH: Artistic or Athletic? TPH: Beauty or Brains? TPH: Love or Money? TPH: This time naman, magmi-mention po ako ng names ng mga kilalang tao. Let me know kung ano ang unang pumapasok sa isip n'yo kapag nababanggit ang kanilang mga pangalan. Let's start with… Joseph Estrada? TPH: Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez? TPH: The Firm? TPH: Hyatt 10? TPH: Garcillano? TPH: Noynoy Aquino? TPH: Jojo Binay? TPH: Mike Arroyo? TPH: Ricky Carandang? TPH: Secretary Abad? TPH: Conrado De Quiros? TPH: Ellen Tordesillas? TPH: Kris Aquino? TPH: Jocjoc Bolante? TPH: Bayani Fernando? TPH: Jamby Madrigal? TPH: Korina Sanchez? TPH: Vicky Toh? TPH: Lilia Pineda? TPH: And finally, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? GMA: Yabang! Bakit? Ito bang interview na 'to mababasa ng favorite singer kong si Ricky Martin o ng favorite comedian kong si Ricky Gervais? TPH: Babaguhin ko na lang po ang tanong para espesyal: Sakaling pumanaw si Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, ano po ang mababasa namin sa kanyang epitaph?
THP: Thank you so much Madam Congresswoman. It's both an honor and a pleasure to talk to you. End of Exclusive Interview [Note: Parang awa n'yo na, kung ire-repost n'yo ito sa ibang sites o ifo-forward through email, ilagay n'yo naman ang source. Masaya na ako sa gano'n kahit walang kita. At sa mga mag-iiwan ng comment, positibo man o hindi... maraming salamat!]      |
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq
The following questions/suggestions as posed to us by Director Ellen Sana. While it maybe true that there is a real threat in Iraq, must US pull our workers out there? This is again another case of generalization - as what happened in the travel ban imposed by the then GMA led government to Nigeria.
Let us all consider and take a stand being a part of the OFWs around the globe.
____________________________________________________________________
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: ellene sana
To: pinoy-abroad forum; cma
Sent: Mon, July 26, 2010 11:11:29 AM
Subject: US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq
what do we suggest government should do in this case?
consider these?
i) RP government should conduct its own assessment of the situation in iraq through the dfa and other agencies...
ii) RP to hold talks with US on this ASAP! this is a must!
a) for government lift the travel ban to iraq completely, asap?
b) should it impose selective deployment on the basis of a set of criteria?
c) or, we let the US send home our workers, some 15,000 of them? pauwiin na lang, but with a package of benefits?
d) rp government to dialogue with US and ask for moratorium on the pull out order? and then what?
e) how about the contractors finding new job placements for the workers instead of repatriating them back home?
f) none of the above ????
what do you think?
US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq
By Dindo Amparo, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau Chief
Posted at 07/26/2010 5:21 PM | Updated as of 07/26/2010 5:21 PM
Thousands of Filipino workers in Iraq are on the brink of losing their
jobs after the US government ordered all its military contractors to
send home expatriate workers whose country imposes a travel ban in
Iraq.
The deadline for expatriation is August 9.
In a memorandum issued by the United States Central Command last July
20, Colonel Richard Nolan, senior contracting officer of the Iraw
CentCom Contracting Command said: "All contractors in Iraq have 20
days from the date of this letter to ensure their employees comply
with US and international law and understood their redeployment
responsibilities under the term of their contract."
The memo added: "It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure that
it is not employing people from countries prohibited from entry to
Iraq."
The decision of the US Central Command was also triggered by reports
that some expatriate workers including Filipinos were abandoned by
their contractors in various camps throughout Iraq, raising concerns
about violations committed by various contractors including hiring
workers from countries that have imposed travel and work restrictions.
The Philippines and Nepal are among those mentioned among countries
whose nationals were able to enter and work in Iraq despite the travel
ban imposed by their host governments.
Most Filipino workers were hired directly by agency contractors
operating in neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates,
Kuwait, Jordan and others.
A Filipina in Iraq, who requested anonymity, said she and fellow
Filipino workers are deeply saddened by the US government's decision
to strictly enforce the "no entry to Iraq" policy of various
governments including the Philippines.
She said most Filipinos in Iraq are earning relatively well, with the
average minimum wage pegged at $800 per month. She added that the
peace and order situation in Iraq has greatly improved and working
inside US military camps is relatively safe.
They appealed to President Benigno Aquino to immediately send
Philippine representatives to Iraq to avert the upcoming forced
deportation of thousands of Filipino workers in that country.
The labor department said about 10,000 Filipinos are working in Iraq
as of last year despite a travel ban. Iraq's Charge D'Affaires Adel
Mawlood Hamoudi al-Hakimh said the number has already risen to 15,000.
Let us all consider and take a stand being a part of the OFWs around the globe.
____________________________________________________________________
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: ellene sana
To: pinoy-abroad forum
Sent: Mon, July 26, 2010 11:11:29 AM
Subject: US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq
what do we suggest government should do in this case?
consider these?
i) RP government should conduct its own assessment of the situation in iraq through the dfa and other agencies...
ii) RP to hold talks with US on this ASAP! this is a must!
a) for government lift the travel ban to iraq completely, asap?
b) should it impose selective deployment on the basis of a set of criteria?
c) or, we let the US send home our workers, some 15,000 of them? pauwiin na lang, but with a package of benefits?
d) rp government to dialogue with US and ask for moratorium on the pull out order? and then what?
e) how about the contractors finding new job placements for the workers instead of repatriating them back home?
f) none of the above ????
what do you think?
US orders pullout of all Pinoy workers in Iraq
By Dindo Amparo, ABS-CBN Middle East News Bureau Chief
Posted at 07/26/2010 5:21 PM | Updated as of 07/26/2010 5:21 PM
Thousands of Filipino workers in Iraq are on the brink of losing their
jobs after the US government ordered all its military contractors to
send home expatriate workers whose country imposes a travel ban in
Iraq.
The deadline for expatriation is August 9.
In a memorandum issued by the United States Central Command last July
20, Colonel Richard Nolan, senior contracting officer of the Iraw
CentCom Contracting Command said: "All contractors in Iraq have 20
days from the date of this letter to ensure their employees comply
with US and international law and understood their redeployment
responsibilities under the term of their contract."
The memo added: "It is the contractor's responsibility to ensure that
it is not employing people from countries prohibited from entry to
Iraq."
The decision of the US Central Command was also triggered by reports
that some expatriate workers including Filipinos were abandoned by
their contractors in various camps throughout Iraq, raising concerns
about violations committed by various contractors including hiring
workers from countries that have imposed travel and work restrictions.
The Philippines and Nepal are among those mentioned among countries
whose nationals were able to enter and work in Iraq despite the travel
ban imposed by their host governments.
Most Filipino workers were hired directly by agency contractors
operating in neighboring countries like the United Arab Emirates,
Kuwait, Jordan and others.
A Filipina in Iraq, who requested anonymity, said she and fellow
Filipino workers are deeply saddened by the US government's decision
to strictly enforce the "no entry to Iraq" policy of various
governments including the Philippines.
She said most Filipinos in Iraq are earning relatively well, with the
average minimum wage pegged at $800 per month. She added that the
peace and order situation in Iraq has greatly improved and working
inside US military camps is relatively safe.
They appealed to President Benigno Aquino to immediately send
Philippine representatives to Iraq to avert the upcoming forced
deportation of thousands of Filipino workers in that country.
The labor department said about 10,000 Filipinos are working in Iraq
as of last year despite a travel ban. Iraq's Charge D'Affaires Adel
Mawlood Hamoudi al-Hakimh said the number has already risen to 15,000.
Monday, July 26, 2010
Etta Rosales
Thanks to Director Ellene Sana for this very enlightening post (Benjamin Pimentel of Philippine Daily Inquirer)
Now, we understand Etta Rosales and her stand, and her UNIVERSALITY of human rights.
____________________________________________________________________
Kuwento Kuwento
The Sherrod Affair and Etta Rosales
By Benjamin Pimentel Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:07:00 07/25/2010
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
She’s the African American federal official in Georgia who was
vilified as a racist for a video clip in which she appeared to talk
about discriminating against a white farmer.
But she turned out to be the exact opposite of how she was portrayed.
For the full video of her speech showed her to be not just a
courageous and committed activist, but also someone with enough
humility to see the limitations of some of her beliefs—which helped
her become an even more compassionate advocate for those in need.
A teenager when her father was murdered by a white man, she vowed to
fight for the rights of African Americans. But as a community activist
years later, she found herself in an awkward situation: A poor white
farmer on the verge of losing his land wanted her help. At first, she
was reluctant to devote her time and energy for a white man.
But the 62-year-old veteran of the civil rights movement did. And, in
the process, that gave her a broader perspective of what her activism
should be about.
“Working with him made me see that it’s really about those who have
versus those who don’t, you know, and they could be black, they could
be white, they could be Hispanic,” Sherrod said.
“And it made me realize then that I needed to work to help poor
people, those who don’t have access the way others have.”
It was a beautiful, heart-warming story of commitment and compassion
that some tried to distort for cheap political gain.
And it quickly reminded me of the case of another woman who also has
been vilified publicly by those who sought to portray her as a person
without proper respect for human rights.
A recent political brouhaha in the Philippines involves P-Noy’s recent
appointment.
To hear some from his critics describe it, one would think Noynoy had
named Imelda Marcos to head the Commission on Human Rights.
That he had chosen to lead this important body with a crass,
insensitive, grossly unqualified, delusional, rabidly pro-military
politician, with zero sympathy for community advocates, who would
spend all her time waging a witch-hunt against social activists.
One blogger even proclaimed the appointment as P-Noy’s “single worst
act of political madness.” A columnist imagined "the torturers, hit-
teams and other human rights violators" in the military and police
being "mighty pleased to have Ms. Rosales chair the CHR."
Former Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales, who like Sherrod is a
woman who has devoted herself to a life of activism, but who also had
the courage to change her perspective when needed, would hardly
qualify as a disastrous choice.
But that didn’t stop a faction of the progressive movement from
painting a portrait of the 71-year-old veteran social activist and
respected legislator as Valentina, Darna’s evil nemesis, or the Pinoy
version of Madame Defarge.
Their opposition is based on the fact that Rosales was once aligned
with a more extreme faction of the left before embracing a more
independent path, to the point of publicly speaking out against the
bloody purges and extortion carried out by the underground movement.
Such views are not acceptable for this faction which has long espoused
one core belief: That only the military is capable of, and should be
accused of, committing human rights abuses, while the armed,
underground left cannot possibly be accused of such offenses. For when
guerrillas and cadres kill and extort, these acts must naturally be
for righteous reasons. Anyone who dares challenge that view must be in
cahoots with the worst fascists in the armed forces.
The irony in this controversy is this: Etta has spent virtually all
her life fighting for those who are weak and powerless.
And she paid a heavy price for her commitment.
After martial law was declared in 1972, Etta was arrested in the mass
sweep of activists and opponents of the regime. She was arrested again
a few years later.
The second time around she came to know first-hand the brutality of
the Marcos dictatorship.
Etta was subjected to water cure. Her torturers let electricity pass
through her nipples and toes. She was sexually assaulted.
After her release, she bravely told her family about what happened.
Her daughter Rina Rosales was around 12 years old then.
“It took me a few days to finally realize the pain she went through,”
she told me. “Mahinahon niyang kinuwento sa amin. Calmly shed told us
what happened…I remember she was not crying. She was not shouting.
Para lang siyang nagkukuwento ng ordinaryo. She was just telling us a
story.
“But what I can remember was her resolve not to be emotionally
affected too much. Para bang kahit ganun ang dinaanan niya, in spite
of what happened, she remained steadfast to the cause.”
In fact, by the mid 1980s, Etta was a major public figure in the fight
against the Marcos dictatorship. Eventually, she broke with the
national democratic left, but remained active in progressive politics.
What has astounded many is that Etta’s nomination is being opposed by
people with whom she marched in the streets in the struggle against
dictatorship—that she is being portrayed as someone who would
deliberately hunt down people who, like her, are committed to genuine
social change, while defending the likes of those who tortured and
humiliated her in prison.
If at all, it is perhaps the military that should be worried given
what some from their ranks did to her.
But Rina Rosales says her mother knows what her job would entail.
“Her attitude toward the military has always been one with optimism,”
she said.
Optimism that, while the armed forces has many problems, including the
presence of corrupt elements who may also be prone to violence and
torture, it’s possible to instill human rights within that
organization, especially among the younger officers and rank and file.
“If you’re asking me if she has become cynical, because of what she
went through, I can honestly say na hindi. She has not become
cynical.”
And she said her mother believes in a basic tenet of conflict
resolution: “To always keep an open mind, to suspend judgment, when
you’re dealing with opposing forces. But if there’s a clear violation
of human rights, e kahit sino ka pa, whoever you are, she will speak
out…Universality of human rights—that’s her motto.”
Copyright 2010 by Benjamin Pimentel
ellene a. sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines
72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net
Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222
Now, we understand Etta Rosales and her stand, and her UNIVERSALITY of human rights.
____________________________________________________________________
Kuwento Kuwento
The Sherrod Affair and Etta Rosales
By Benjamin Pimentel Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 10:07:00 07/25/2010
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
CALIFORNIA, United States—By now, Shirley Sherrod’s fascinating story
is well known.
She’s the African American federal official in Georgia who was
vilified as a racist for a video clip in which she appeared to talk
about discriminating against a white farmer.
But she turned out to be the exact opposite of how she was portrayed.
For the full video of her speech showed her to be not just a
courageous and committed activist, but also someone with enough
humility to see the limitations of some of her beliefs—which helped
her become an even more compassionate advocate for those in need.
A teenager when her father was murdered by a white man, she vowed to
fight for the rights of African Americans. But as a community activist
years later, she found herself in an awkward situation: A poor white
farmer on the verge of losing his land wanted her help. At first, she
was reluctant to devote her time and energy for a white man.
But the 62-year-old veteran of the civil rights movement did. And, in
the process, that gave her a broader perspective of what her activism
should be about.
“Working with him made me see that it’s really about those who have
versus those who don’t, you know, and they could be black, they could
be white, they could be Hispanic,” Sherrod said.
“And it made me realize then that I needed to work to help poor
people, those who don’t have access the way others have.”
It was a beautiful, heart-warming story of commitment and compassion
that some tried to distort for cheap political gain.
And it quickly reminded me of the case of another woman who also has
been vilified publicly by those who sought to portray her as a person
without proper respect for human rights.
A recent political brouhaha in the Philippines involves P-Noy’s recent
appointment.
To hear some from his critics describe it, one would think Noynoy had
named Imelda Marcos to head the Commission on Human Rights.
That he had chosen to lead this important body with a crass,
insensitive, grossly unqualified, delusional, rabidly pro-military
politician, with zero sympathy for community advocates, who would
spend all her time waging a witch-hunt against social activists.
One blogger even proclaimed the appointment as P-Noy’s “single worst
act of political madness.” A columnist imagined "the torturers, hit-
teams and other human rights violators" in the military and police
being "mighty pleased to have Ms. Rosales chair the CHR."
Former Akbayan Representative Etta Rosales, who like Sherrod is a
woman who has devoted herself to a life of activism, but who also had
the courage to change her perspective when needed, would hardly
qualify as a disastrous choice.
But that didn’t stop a faction of the progressive movement from
painting a portrait of the 71-year-old veteran social activist and
respected legislator as Valentina, Darna’s evil nemesis, or the Pinoy
version of Madame Defarge.
Their opposition is based on the fact that Rosales was once aligned
with a more extreme faction of the left before embracing a more
independent path, to the point of publicly speaking out against the
bloody purges and extortion carried out by the underground movement.
Such views are not acceptable for this faction which has long espoused
one core belief: That only the military is capable of, and should be
accused of, committing human rights abuses, while the armed,
underground left cannot possibly be accused of such offenses. For when
guerrillas and cadres kill and extort, these acts must naturally be
for righteous reasons. Anyone who dares challenge that view must be in
cahoots with the worst fascists in the armed forces.
The irony in this controversy is this: Etta has spent virtually all
her life fighting for those who are weak and powerless.
And she paid a heavy price for her commitment.
After martial law was declared in 1972, Etta was arrested in the mass
sweep of activists and opponents of the regime. She was arrested again
a few years later.
The second time around she came to know first-hand the brutality of
the Marcos dictatorship.
Etta was subjected to water cure. Her torturers let electricity pass
through her nipples and toes. She was sexually assaulted.
After her release, she bravely told her family about what happened.
Her daughter Rina Rosales was around 12 years old then.
“It took me a few days to finally realize the pain she went through,”
she told me. “Mahinahon niyang kinuwento sa amin. Calmly shed told us
what happened…I remember she was not crying. She was not shouting.
Para lang siyang nagkukuwento ng ordinaryo. She was just telling us a
story.
“But what I can remember was her resolve not to be emotionally
affected too much. Para bang kahit ganun ang dinaanan niya, in spite
of what happened, she remained steadfast to the cause.”
In fact, by the mid 1980s, Etta was a major public figure in the fight
against the Marcos dictatorship. Eventually, she broke with the
national democratic left, but remained active in progressive politics.
What has astounded many is that Etta’s nomination is being opposed by
people with whom she marched in the streets in the struggle against
dictatorship—that she is being portrayed as someone who would
deliberately hunt down people who, like her, are committed to genuine
social change, while defending the likes of those who tortured and
humiliated her in prison.
If at all, it is perhaps the military that should be worried given
what some from their ranks did to her.
But Rina Rosales says her mother knows what her job would entail.
“Her attitude toward the military has always been one with optimism,”
she said.
Optimism that, while the armed forces has many problems, including the
presence of corrupt elements who may also be prone to violence and
torture, it’s possible to instill human rights within that
organization, especially among the younger officers and rank and file.
“If you’re asking me if she has become cynical, because of what she
went through, I can honestly say na hindi. She has not become
cynical.”
And she said her mother believes in a basic tenet of conflict
resolution: “To always keep an open mind, to suspend judgment, when
you’re dealing with opposing forces. But if there’s a clear violation
of human rights, e kahit sino ka pa, whoever you are, she will speak
out…Universality of human rights—that’s her motto.”
Copyright 2010 by Benjamin Pimentel
ellene a. sana
Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines
72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers’ Village
Quezon City, Philippines
Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net
Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Fw: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: ellene sana <ellenesana@yahoo.com>
To: sashaninel@yahoo.com; monleg@gmail.com; privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com
Cc: rlbanez@yahoo.com; cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; vangienovio@ymail.com
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 8:04:32 AM
Subject: Re: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
To: sashaninel@yahoo.com; monleg@gmail.com; privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com
Cc: rlbanez@yahoo.com; cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; vangienovio@ymail.com
Sent: Thu, July 15, 2010 8:04:32 AM
Subject: Re: Signature Campaign in Support of Etta Rosales
maraming salamat sa inyong lahat dyan sa nigeria. regards, ellene a. sana Center for Migrant Advocacy Philippines 72-C Matahimik Street, Teachers' Village Quezon City, Philippines Email: cmaphils@pldtdsl.net; URL: www.pinoy-abroad.net Telefax: +632 4330684; Telephone: +632 920 5003; Cellphone: +63 928 795 2222 --- On Thu, 15/7/10, privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com <privado.borbon@addaxpetroleum.com> wrote:
|
FW: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
From: amparo ronquillo [mailto:ampy45@hotmail.com]
Sent: 15 July 2010 09:11
To: vangee.novio@dantata-sawoe.com
Subject: FW: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
From: tedibee@msn.com
Subject: BASYANG TERRIBLE STORM -
Date: Wed, 14 Jul 2010 11:42:48 -0400
| ASSOCIATED PRESS Last Updated: 9:29 AM, July 14, 2010 Posted: 8:07 AM, July 14, 2010 MANILA, Philippines — The first typhoon to lash the Philippines this year flooded streets in the capital, toppled power lines and killed at least nine people Wednesday. Ten fishermen were missing after waves overturned their boats. More than half of the main northern island of Luzon, which includes Manila, was without electricity, and authorities said it would take two to three days to restore power. Several dozen flights were canceled, and schools and many government offices closed. In the Philippines, Typhoon Conson came ashore on the east coast of Luzon on Tuesday night with winds of 75 miles per hour (120 kilometers per hour), said weather forecaster Bernie de Leon. It weakened to a tropical storm as it crossed the rice-growing island and then buffeted Manila on Luzon's west coast for two hours. The storm headed out to the South China Sea before dawn and is next expected to make landfall later this week in China, west of Macau. The nine deaths were spread over three provinces south of Manila. In Batangas province, a 47-year-old woman was electrocuted by a power line that snapped, and a 12-year-old girl and her 4-year-old brother died after a large mango tree crashed into their home as they slept, said regional disaster operations officer Fred Bragas. In nearby Cavite province, a woman and her daughter were killed by a falling tree, Bragas said. Another child drowned after falling into a raging river, provincial spokesman Filomeno Maligaya told DZBB radio. At least three people were killed in Camarines Norte province, southeast of Manila, said military spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc. He gave no details. He added that authorities and civilian volunteers on Wednesday rescued nine of 19 fishermen who had disappeared when big waves overturned their boats off the island province of Catanduanes. Up to 3,100 people were stranded in ports waiting for the weather to clear. In Manila, the storm brought down branches and trees and scattered trash. Winds ripped tarpaulin billboards along main roads and blew off the roofs of coastal shanties. The national disaster council reported knee-deep floods in some communities in the capital. The Manila International Airport Authority said 63 flights, including four international ones, had been canceled and nine had been diverted to the central Philippine international airport since late Tuesday. Classes were suspended in schools and most universities in Manila. Several government offices, including the Senate, closed because of the power outage. Thousands of commuters were stranded when the blackouts disrupted train services. Many hotels and shopping malls were relying on their own generators. Newly elected President Benigno Aquino III scolded the weather bureau for failing to predict that the storm would hit Manila. "I hope this is the last time we are all brought to areas different from where we should be," Aquino told officials during a meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, noting that government agencies were relying on the weather bureau for their preparations. Weather bureau chief Prisco Nilo explained that it takes forecasters six hours to update weather bulletins. |
Keep your friends updated— even when you’re not signed in.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Thanksgiving
THANKSGIVING
In pictures: Benjie, Lito, Nonits, Bernie, John, Sherwin, Nino, Rami, Otie, Ampy, Maris, Annie, Mercy, Tess, Maebs & Vangie and MSCT Sisters Marylu, Aurea, Mary-Grace
The Pusong Pinoy Association in Nigeria (set of officers 2009 – 2010) outgoing President Benjamin P. Nadado recently tendered a thanksgiving dinner for friends. (Some were on leave).
He expressed his gratitude and happiness for the support and full cooperation accorded to him not only as president of the association - but most of all in his re-discovery of FRIENDSHIP - FRIENDS IN ITS TRUEST SENSE!
MABUHAY!
In pictures: Benjie, Lito, Nonits, Bernie, John, Sherwin, Nino, Rami, Otie, Ampy, Maris, Annie, Mercy, Tess, Maebs & Vangie and MSCT Sisters Marylu, Aurea, Mary-Grace
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Subscribe To: http://pusongpinoytayo.blogspot.com
Posts
All Comments