Build Bridges, not Walls

POPE SPEAKS — I listened intently to what Pope Francis told the world’s youth through  cyberspace in a recent  internet dialogue with youngsters. He spoke in native Spanish with an interpreter. His simple message: build bridges and not walls. Bridges connect, walls divide. Amen..

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MEDIA  WATCHDOG — The Philippine Press Institute is now seriously pushing for the creation of press councils in some regions all over the country. The first leg was held in Bacolod and this week, here in Davao City. The council, jointly composed of media and civil society  will hopefully serve as the “watchdog” to watch over  the watchdogs, the media.

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GOOD LUCK BBL — The “ball is now in the court”  of Congress to scrutinize and work on the proposed bangsamoro basic law that will entrench the new governance unit that will  replace the ARMM for the bangsamoro. Let’s watch how this will play out in the hands of our entrenched  politicians who are themselves in Congress now. Will they allow  the   MILF to take over governance of the bangsamoro? We’ll  see.

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MUSLIM CLERIC — The recent arrest of Dr. Bilal Philips, a muslim preacher from abroad, who arrived here in Davao City last week is creating some ripples among Muslims. He was supposed to speak before a forum here but he was taken in for questioning as his name appears in the immigration watchlist.

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ROBBERCOPS — We enjoy watching “robocop”, the mythical  policeman who uses awesome powers to protect the citizenry. Now, we are seeing “robbercops” who prey on the people, like the claimed “drug bust” along Edsa in Manila that turned out to be a holdup. The incident was recorded on video by ordinary netizens and uploaded in the internet for all to see, resulting to the arrest of policemen involved. Citizen action at work!

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MUDSLINGING — All the news now dominating the media  are all about misuse of funds, overpricing, kickbacks , and other alleged corruption by high officials. What is interesting is that all the mud being thrown around are coming from politicians themselves accusing  and smearing each other. It’s like the proverbial “kaldero” telling  another “kaldero” : “you’re black!” It’s election season, folks! When the smoke clears, the popular candidate with the most funds, and  well-oiled machinery ( and liable to be corrupt) will again win. So what else is new? Or have we all learned our lesson the hard way?

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STILL BLAMING — President Noynoy was heard now blaming GMA for today’s problems of the MRT in Metro Manila. Wow, to think that he is about to bow out of office after 5 years in Malacanang! No comment! (he he he).