Joseph Ejercito "Guilty"

Everyone was glued to their TV waiting for the verdict that will be given to former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada. The administration did an overkill preparing for the worst scenario should supporters of the Erap take it to the streets. Classes were also suspended in the areas where rallies are expected to occur. But even as the guilty verdict was given for plunder charges, sentencing him to 40 years in prison, there was no violent uproar from his supporters, thank God!

Perhaps, the masses were already jaded by the frequent rallies that occured before. People power has been abused, in my opinion, that its very essence was lost. Watching the supporters being interviewed on TV about their opinion or reaction to the guilty verdict of their hero, I saw resignation in their faces.

The supporters of the former president were mostly the masses. The poorest among the poor who hailed him before as their Robin Hood. They believed in him and for all I know may still believe in him but the fact remains that their lives will not change whether Erap is freed or not. One coconut vendor said' " I am sad that he is guilty but I have no time to rally on the streets, I have to sell my coconuts."

The very words of this coconut vendor reflects the people's worn-out attitude for the things concerning politics. He knows that his situation will not change whoever sits as president.

For now, we just have to wait and see if the term given to Erap will really be executed. Some say a presidential pardon is forthcoming.

Leaving in order to Live

Much has been said about our OFWs being our modern day heroes. It is a sad fact that our next door professionals Juan & Maria are moving to what they perceive as "greener pasture".

Life is so hard here that even the middle income families feel the crunch of our depreciating peso. I, myself feel this. Whenever I go to the grocery, I would notice that having 3000 php in your pocket would only give you a handful of supplies.

The Filipino diaspora is a sad reality. Our doctors, nurses, pilots etc., all highly skilled workers would leave their own country to seek a better future. They choose to be uprooted and start all over again in a country that they never knew. It is a hard decision to make. Likewise, it is a big sacrifice not only for the person leaving but also for the ones that will be left behind. But are there any options for an ordinary, middle class Filipino who is finding it hard to make both ends meet? I couldn't blame them if they decide to turn their head the other way.

For me, I am not closing the door at the possibility of migrating to another country for the sake of my children's future. It is not about meeting the day to day expenses or being financially stable. It is about looking much much farther. When I am 50 years old and my kids are all grown up and have families of their own, would the state of our country be different? Would it have changed for the better or worsened? It is not being pessimistic or negative. It is being realistic that our country is being maneuvered by the same faces that do not give importance to the welfare of their countrymen. I am not saying that all our public servants are like that. There may be a handful who are really intent on uplifting the lives of the Filipinos. But what is a handful compared to a majority?

For the sake of our future generation, I hope to God that it is still not too late for the Philippines. I know that no matter where our fellow Filipinos are, the Philippines would still be in their heart.

Julia Campbell

It saddened me to know that the American Peace Corp Julia Campbell was bludgeoned to death while on a tour to Ifugao. What a waste and what a shame! Again, Manila reached the headlines for this tragedy. I visited Julia's blog and I was moved that she was able to immerse herself into the Filipino culture. A woman who was determined to be of service, to give something of herself in exchange for nothing. In her journals, you can see her sincere desire to uplift the lives of the Filipino families, especially the children.

I salute you, Ms. Julia, for choosing a life well out of your comfort zone. Your life in this world may have been short but you will be missed especially by the lives you have touched.