Ang Mga Butas Na Batas Sa Bayan Ni Juan

Halos linggo-linggo may mga bagong proclamations, executive orders (e.o.), republic acts (r.a.), house bills and resolutions tayong naririnig.

Sangkatutak na mga bagong batas ang ipinapasa sa kongreso, sa tingin ko karamihan naman dito ay kailangan talaga natin, pero ang tanong, sa dinami-dami ng mga panukalang ito.... napapatupad nga ba?

Noong nakaraan taon, ipinasa ang batas na nagbabawal sa mga drivers na gumamit ng telepono habang nagmamaneho - kumusta naman ang pagpapatupad nito?

Kahapon lang, may mga nakita ako na mga nagmamaneho habang may kausap sa telepono. Yun ilang mga driver ng Jeepney sa Paco, may mga ka-text habang nagda-drive kahit pa may makasalubong na pulis. Hindi naman kasi sila sinisita.

Alam kaya nila ang tungkol sa batas na ito?

Alam n'yo rin ba na ipinasa na rin noong nakaraaang taon ang Anti-Age Discrimination Law?

"An act prohibiting discrimination against any individual in employment on account of age"

Kumusta naman ang pag-aaply sa trabaho? Di po ba't uso pa din ang tinatawag na "age limit" sa karamihan ng mga trabaho? Of course, di mo sya mababasa sa mga classified jobs listings pero pag nag-apply ka na - ang kawawang aplikante na naglagay ng edad o birth date sa kanyang resume, auomatically screened-out na sa list pag di pumasa sa age requirements nila. Syempre di nila aaminin at sasabihin ito.

Sino ba ang mga nagbabantay dito? 

Ilan lang yan sa mga batas na naipasa, na parang wala namang kinahantungan dahil wala namang sapat na kakayahan o kasiglahan na ipatupad ng mabuti.

Tapos ngayong taon, meron na namang mga bagong inilalabas. Matunog na matunog ngayon ang pag apruba ng congress sa Vanity Tax at pati na rin ang mahigpit na pagbabawal sa 5:6 na pautang.

Nakakalungkot isipin na napakaraming magagandang batas o ordinansa ang mga naipasa ng ilan sa matatalino nating mga mambabatas ngunit napunta lang sa wala dahil hindi naman ito seryosong ipinapatupad.

Gaya na nga ng naimungkahi noon pa man, bakit hindi muna bigyan ng pansin at tyaga na ipatupad ng maayos ang ilan sa mga simpleng batas na nagawa na bago tayo gumawa ng gumawa na naman ng mga bagong batas.

Ang problema kasi sa mga nasa gobyerno, inuuna muna ang mga sariling agenda bago ang bayan.

• SA MGA GUMAGAWA NG BATAS: Gagawa ng gagawa ng batas hindi dahil kailangan ng bayan, kundi dahil para mailagay sa pangalan o maidagdag ika-nga sa kanilang credentials. Para nga naman sikat. Gawain din yan sa corporate, maganda na ang sistema, babaguhin pa, para lang masabi na meron siyang nagawa. Isang uri ng pagbubuhat ng sariling upuan.
• SA MGA DAPAT MAGPATUPAD NG BATAS: Pag hindi mapagkakakitaan, dedma! Pag may perang makukulimbat sa batas, kahit mahirap naguunahan pa!

Sayang ang mga pinag-aambag ambagan ng mga Pilipino para ipang sweldo sa mga taong katulad nito!

Para malinaw, WALA PONG PROBLEMA SA BATAS. Ang problema ay kung ito ay napapatupad ng maayos.

Simple lang ang basehan ko kung epektibo ang makinarya ng gobyerno na nagpapatupad ng batas. Tignan natin ang mga naunang mga simpleng batas kung ito ay may kinahantungan.

Republic Act 9211 (No Smoking in Public Areas) - Nawala na po ba ang mga naninigarilyo sa mga pang publikong lugar? Halos araw-araw ako nakakakita ng mga Jeepney driver na naninigarilyo habang bumibyahe. Wala namang nanghuhuli. Noong una lang sila masigasig. Pag ordinaryong mamamayan ang sisita, sasabihin lang ng driver na lumipat siya ng ibang sasakyan kung ayaw mausukan. Ano nangyari sa batas mo congressman?

MMDA Regulation No. 96-009 (Anti-Littering Law) - Ayos lang kayo? E kahit nga mga pulis at MMDA officials kung san-san lang nagtatapon ng mga balat na kendi nila. Kanina may isang grupo ng mga estudyante na umiinom ng samalamig at basta lang itinapon sa kalsada ang mga plastic cups nila kung saan sila naguumpukan - sa tapat mismo ng istasyon ng pulis sa may EAC. Wala naman pumansin at nagbawal.

Naglakas loob ako magtanong, ang sabi ng mga tambay, winawalis naman daw yun pagkatapos ng mga vendors, kasi sila ang may sagot na noon.

Pero hindi yun ang point, so ibig sabihin, okay lang na magtapon sa kalsada ng mga kalat kasi may mga nagwawalis naman? Anong klaseng pag-didisiplina ang binibigay natin sa ating mga kabataan? Tinuturuan natin silang maging tamad at walang pakialam sa kapaligiran. Kasi ganun din ang mga taong dapat nagpapatupad sa batas na iyan.

Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) - Basahin nyo ang act na ito at matatawa kayo dahil siguro halos 1/3 ng mga nakasulat dito ay hindi nasusunod. Mula sa requirements para sa registration of motor vehicles hanggang sa Traffic Rules. Bigyan ko kayo ng example sa Section 52.

SECTION 52. Driving or Parking on Sidewalk. – No person shall drive or park a motor vehicle upon or along any sidewalk, path or alley not intended for vehicular traffic or parking.

Isa sa mga sanhi ng pagkakabuhol-buhol ng traffic ay ang mga sandamakmak na sasakyan na naka-park sa mga kalsada - mga lugar na "not intended for parking." Bakit kaya hindi ito naipapatupad mga kagawad?

Mga simpleng batas at ordinansa tulad ng pagbabawal sa pag-dumi, pag-ihi, pag-dura at pagtatapon ng basura sa mga pampublikong lugar. Nagagawa ba? Paki-amoy nga po ang carriedo pag dating ng hapon?

E kung yun mga simple hindi nagagawa, paano pa ang mga kumplikadong mga batas? Tapos nagtataka tayo kung bakit kahit may mga batas na patungkol sa pandarambong, panloloko o pagnanakaw sa kaban ng bayan ay nagagawa pa rin maka-lusot sa kulungan ang mga naakusahan tapos nakaka-takbo pa ulit at nananalo sa eleksyon!

Napakarami siguro talagang mga nagtatanga-tangahan gamit ang mga batas dito sa bayan ni Juan. 

A Wise Man or a King | Who Would You Rather Be?

There's no way knowing if the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) who searched and found Jesus mentioned in the Gospel of Matthew's Epiphany story were indeed kings or if they were really only three.

Like what the priest said during the homily last Sunday at St. Mary Goretti Parish, three kings together leaving their palaces to follow a star on a foreign land without any entourage or body guards? Highly, unlikely.

So that's it for the song "We Three Kings."

But what's sure is that Matthew Chapter 2 Verse 1 to 12 (Mt 2: 1-12) is filled with a lot of important symbolism that shows more meaning to our own salvation story and it starts with the manifestation of Jesus Christ to the Magi from the east.

It tells us that Jesus' message of hope about God's salvation is for all - not just for the Jewish people at that time (or any other religious sect) and Christians, but it is given to everyone.

The word magi also refers to the wise. Not kings, but wise people are the ones who searched for the Christ Jesus. And to stress on that enlightening new perspective, our mass celebrant also gave us a couple of pointers on how to practically apply the true message of Epiphany in our lives.

Here are some bullet points that I took note of:

Sit among the wise and you go home a little wiser.

You always learn from wise people, whether by just observing them or listening intently to what they have to say. People pay good money to attend seminars given by seasoned motivational speakers and people who are known to have excel in certain expertise - with the hope to bring home some fresh new knowledge or even a renewed sense of purpose.

Wise men can be kings but not all kings can be wise.

Not all kings are wise! Some are just influential, charismatic, has a good social media manager and a lot of political networks. So, if you're going to choose between kings or wise people, I suggest you go for the wise.

Why?

People are the ones who make kings in this world - that position of power is oftentimes elected, appointed or bought. It's not permanent.

Now wise people? Only God can make people wise! And that is a gift you take with you till the end of your days.

Wise people are not afraid to swallow their pride.

Wise people are always willing to learn. They always maintain their glasses only half full and open - they are not only great but they are also good!

Raise wise children not kings.

In an age where you get everything at a touch of a button. Teach your children to work and show them the value of hard work, perseverance, patience, understanding and learning.

The priest asked the young people in the church if they know how to cook rice. A couple of the older kids raised their hands. Then he asked how many of those who raised their hands can cook rice without using a rice cooker. Only two of the older kids was confident enough to raise their hands and they were able to elaborate the procedures of cooking the rice without the aid of a rice cooker - where usually we just add water on the rice and let it basically boil and simmer until it's cooked. And then the priest asked the two, did you know that you can also allow the water to boil first before adding the rice? The two kids didn't know. Actually, most of the adults in the church didn't know either. And the priest explained, letting the water boil first especially when you're cooking 1 to 3 kilos of rice on a big pot is customary so that the rice will cook evenly. And so those who attended the mass service came home a little bit wiser.  

Wise kids will make a better world for the future, not kings!

"Ang matalino alam ang tama at mali, ang marunong ginagawa ang tama at iniiwasan ang mali."

Five Things All Christians Must Know About the Epiphany Story

Catholics all over the world celebrated the FEAST OF THE EPIPHANY last Sunday.

And what this celebration teaches me today is that although I have been an active member of Church organizations since after graduating from elementary school, is that there are a lot of things about the Catholic faith that I still don't know about.

For instance, EPIPHANY. I know about the Feast only as the "Three Kings Day" but... there's actually more to it than what we have learned from the carol songs.

Here are 5 things about the Feast of the Epiphany that all Christians must know about:

1. Epiphany came from the Greek word "Epiphainein" and Latin word "Epiphania" which literally means "reveal", referring to the manifestation of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles (non-Jewish people) coming from the East.
2. In the Gospel of Matthew (Mt 2: 1-12), the Gentiles were represented by the Magi (Wise Men from the East). There were no mention in the Gospel about the exact number of Magi who visited Jesus and from where they came from or if the Magi were kings but old tradition have placed the number of visitors to three and named them Melchior, Caspar and Bhaltazar representing the nations of Africa, Europe and Arabia. Also, for purposes unknown, the word Magi was translated to Kings at that time- hence the origin of the old-time favorite Christmas tune "We Three Kings" and the "Three Kings Day" celebration in most Spanish-speaking nations.
3. The Feast of the Epiphany is also called as the 12th day (or 12th Night) of Christmas as it is in fact traditionally celebrated 12 days after Christmas which falls on the 6th of January. Today, the Feast of the Epiphany is celebrated on the Sunday after January 6. Interestingly, the Gospel of Matthew that talks about the Epiphany story also runs in 12 verses (Mt 2: 1-12). 
4. The story of the Epiphany in the Gospel of Matthew is full symbolism, for example the gifts that the Magi offered to Christ Jesus - Gold, Myrrh and Frankincense. These represent Jesus' three personas here on Earth as Priest (Frankincense), Prophet (Myrrh) and King (Gold).
5. The Feast of the Epiphany also signals the end of the Christmas season. But did you know that here in the Philippines (as approved by the Vatican), the Christmas season officially ends after the Feast of the Sto. Nino which is scheduled on the third Sunday of January right after the Feast of the Traslacion.     

The greater message of the Feast of the Epiphany can be summed up in two things.

That Christ's message of salvation is open to everyone and that we must follow the examples of the Magi (the wise) - to seek for him with perseverance (through the guiding light of the Church) and upon meeting Jesus, we must all change our ways and cherish our new life with him to the end of our lives.

"And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route." - Matthew 2: 12   

Thank You 2016

Saying GOODBYE and THANK YOU to 2016 and welcoming the new year with more FAITH, HOPE and LOVE!

Like what the priest said during last Sunday's homily,

"We wish each other a Happy New Year because however unfortunate or troublesome the past year was, the first day of the new year is always a symbol of hope and also a gift of another chance from our creator. To right the wrongs, to make amends and to work on being a better person in the years to come."

And that's more than enough reason for us to celebrate the new year and to wish everyone a happy 2017!

But first, here's another look at what happened to MY 2016!

• It's an election year and I was able to personally talk with two Senatorial candidate (Mark Lapid, Francis Tolentino), one VP candidate (Gringo Honasan) and a Presidentiable (Boboy Syjuco). I also attended a star-studded endorsement meeting for Liberal party standard bearer Mar Roxas. But of course, PDU30 won the election.
• I started the year also with an ugly ankle sprain that got me crippled for almost three weeks. My Chinese horoscope actually warned me about being prone to accidents last year - My animal sign is an Ox. And speaking about accidents, my Acer laptop also got a nasty one when my bag strap snapped after an event in BGC. The laptop is still working but the casing is already scrap metal.
• Took a quickie staycation at Island Cove, Aquaria, Club Balai Isabel and a couple of other resorts in the South. I also got invited to a Vigan and Bukidnon trip but sadly I wasn't able to join.
• I went on another solo pilgrimage and visited two of the oldest churches in Cavite. 
• It was also a milestone for my kiddos as they both graduated and shifted school this year. Sky moved from STA to Paco Catholic School for her middle school education while Neo is now a proud Senior High Student at St. Paul University Manila after graduating from Junior High at St. Joseph Pandacan.
• I also got me a couple of cool gadgets this year like the Fuji Instax Camera, a lot of awesome sound gears, a smart watch from Acer, VR gears, power banks, smartphones and many others.
• I was able to meet a lot of celebrities also this year but the highlights of my year in entertainment is of course meeting Lea Salongga in person for the first time and being invited to the house of Dingdong, Jessa and Jayda Avanzado for a private Christmas party.
• My blog www.raindeocampo.com was also nominated as a finalist to the Lagawan Blogger of the Year awards.

I have met a lot of new people this year, went to a lot of places and discovered a lot of things about myself and other things.

But probably the most memorable of all would be two things:

1. My first Taal Lake Boat Ride & Taal Volcano adventure trek, and;
2. Watching Neo in his first stage play performance.

Overall. it was indeed a great year! So, thank you 2016 and may God bless everyone in 2017! 

Nakakahiya Naman Mag-Jogging Sa Manila Bay Walk

Dahil sa dami ng lamunan na nangyari noong nakaraang pasko at bagong taon, naisipan naming mag jogging kaninang umaga.

Usually sa Luneta lang kami, pero dahil matinding bigat ang kailangan malagas, we decided to take the road less traveled...

Mula sa Paco ay nilakad namin ang Roxas Boulevard, galing sa Padre Faura patungo sa CCP.

Nakakamiss din mag jogging sa Manila Bay area at siguro matatagalan ulit kaming makabalik doon dahil sa mga nakita namin.

Nakakahiya naman sa titulong "Isa sa pinaka-magandang sunset sa buong mundo" pero hindi mo naman ma-feel na magtagal sa bay area kasi...

1. Ang sasalubong agad sa yo ay sandamakmak na samut-saring dumi ng hayop at tao. Isipin mo na lang na para kang nag jo-jogging noong panahon ng giyera na bawat daanan mo ay may landmines.

2. Ginawa na rin palang libreng apartment ng mga streetdwellers ang buong baywalk kaya naman kahit saan ka tumingin ay may mga natutulog at bawat sulok ay amoy CR.

3. At kaya naman pala ang daming basura, e madami ring mga illegal vendors.

Habang nagjo-jogging kami kanina, may mga hapon din na namamasyal. Bilang Pilipino parang bigla ako nahiya.

Ang hirap ipagmalaki.

Alam ko na may mag-cocomment na matagal ng problema ng Manila Bay Walk yan. At totoo naman yun.. So, ang tanong e bakit nangyayari pa rin hanggang ngayon?

Kung tutuusin, simple lang naman ang solusyon, mag talaga ng mga pulis o gwardiya na magdidisiplina sa mga tao at magpapatupad ng kalinisan at kaayusan sa lugar ng Manila Bay.

Kailangan pa ba ibenta at ipaubaya sa SM o mga Ayala ang buong Bay Walk para lang maisaayos ang lahat?

E ano ginagawa ng lungsod ng Maynila at ng gobyerno?

Inutil lang? Wag naman sana!