What do you think? SONA

So agree with you, Marcos is a perfect example. As I said in my other comment to this thread, people who join rallies are fighting for something and we should respect that. I don't see rallies as a waste of time. In fact, I admire people who have the guts & determination to speak up. I look up to these people who, despite weather conditions and police forces, devote their time to go out on the streets to create awareness, not only to the government, but to fellow Filipinos too. I commend these people for not being afraid to speak and to "fight" on behalf of their countrymen who cannot fight for themselves. In fact, we should still be thankful that we live in a country where we're allowed to speak our minds. We're still blessed to still have that.

@eichs When I said, "not rely entirely on the President or the government", I was calling on fellow Filipinos to be more "self-reliant" and not dwell on a "dole-out mentality syndrome". Let's face it; many Filipinos still thrive on paternalism as a way of life. The urban poor are a fine example. It is no secret that many of them came from the rural provinces "to take their chances" in Metro Manila, thinking it offers "more opportunities" for a "better life". However, when they failed in their quest, they often blame the government for not looking after their welfare and, thus, ended up joining street protests, etc. Instead of returning to the provinces and go back on tilling the very soil that supported them when they were growing up, they ended up as street beggars, squatters, scavengers, and worse, engaged in unlawful activities in the cities. Others simpy rely on charity for their daily subsistence, which is, again, an expression of their paternalistic tendencies. Perhaps, there are valid reasons for some who left the rural areas and went to the urban cities. However, for many others, this is just a form of "escape" from the demands of a rural livelihood. In short, they just grew tired of cultivating the soil. I have been all over the country, from the progressive cities and municipalities to the most rustic, remote, and impoverished areas. I can say, that indeed, there are inequalities in society. There are structural defects in the system of government (e.g., the local government code). Politics in our country is really a "dirty" domain and is at the core of corruption. However, I also witnessed how many Filipinos especially in the rural areas were able to surmount the ordeals of poverty by being more diligent in their livelihood. Our impression that rural farmers are "poor" or "marginalized" is sometimes blurred by our own standards. If we were to calculate the assets and earnings of most farmers who decided to stick with their traditional livelihood, we would realize that they are on a par with (if not better than) those who are earning daily wages as professionals or salaried personnel. It pays to be vigilant by voicing out opinions about defective governance, corruption, and the like. There is no argument about that. Besides, it is our constitutional right as a democracy. However, to effect societal changes, we should start with ourselves.

@24Champ, I do agree on most of your points. But I think this "Filipinos should not rely entirely on the President or the government for that matter" should be clarified somehow. I don't think asking the government to do something to solve our present situation means "relying" on the president. --- When Filipinos complain of hunger, they are just reminding the President that there could have been more food if Jocjoc Bolante distributed the fertilizers to farmers and not to congressmen. There could have been more rice if NFA did not import over-priced stocks. --- When they grumble of high electricity rate, they are not asking for P500.00 dole outs and make them beggars. The people are actually asking GMA's government to exercise its powers accordingly to protect the common good and not only when it thinks it's time to contain a political opponent. --- When the Filipinos are voicing out life's hardship, they are actually asking the officials if the collected taxes are properly used to deliver basic services and fund worthwhile causes that would help alleviate their living condition. They are just asking those running the government to stop diverting the money to anyone's pocket or to fund anybody's political staying power. In fact, @24Champ, I do believe many Filipinos have long realized that they can not rely on this unreliable present government. Don't get them wrong. They are just voicing their opinions and they are only reminding those in the position now to promote common good because that's the very reason a government was made to exist.

hehehe! yeah it's scripted speech! but thanks anyway that we are still standing on a global crisis. Thank for the response.

hehehe! sorry guys if got carried away lolz! this is getting worst everyday, the news the scandal among the politician. sometime I think what happen if our country is a communist then all of the poor will be held up, no one is above the other. all fair. what do you think guys?

Thanks for the response, I hope that the next president will not be forced to step down the thrown again..

That's as always! if they lose they fight back, Joseph Estrada? i don't think he can lead the nation! did you do something good when he seated as a president? one think that I want to ask the candidates for the presidency. Why wait to be the president to do the things right for our country?

they are just making trouble! they make gossips to destroy her credibility and I think they are envy on her position as a president! they suck!

I don't believe anymore to Arroyo all she said is not true. Many critics said that she's going to run again in 2010 Election. SONA for me is useless the situation of our life here is still the same I don't see any improvement.

yeah we can really make a difference.. one of our problem is our election cheating. I bet after this coming election in 2010 there will be issues of cheating. where the fact is they are cheating too!:) and when we elect president after 2 to 3 years there will be people power 4 and then comes people power 6 and so on! there will be co attempts. believe me I've had enough hearing news about it! what about you?? what do you think after the election?