Category: Politics

A couple of weeks ago, former MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino had a blogger session.  Since I am part of Blogwatch, I got the chance to attend and meet the senatorial candidate in person. Read More

Last September 24, 2015 was the launch of iVote and iWatch.  It was a gathering of citizens engaging and watching government for a Better Philippines.  

Considering that Philippine election is fast coming, we, as citizens of the country, must be active in making sure that we vote the right candidates to key government positions.  It is also important that we engage fellow Filipinos in discussions to keep the thoughts coming.   Read More

Corruption in the Philippines is getting worse and worse.  A lot of my fellow countrymen are just so fed up already.  In a span of a few weeks, we already had 2 rallies: one in Luneta and another in Edsa.  What is the call for action?  Simply this:  We want corruption to STOP!

Earlier, I was tasked to speak at the Million People March at Ayala.  Being an ordinary employee, they wanted me to share my thoughts about what’s happening in our government particularly the hottest topic of today: Pork Barrel.

I read the main calls of Million People March and the Scrap Pork Network:

• “SCRAP THE PORK BARREL SYSTEM. We define pork barrel as all state funds subject to discretionary use and/or allocation by officials in all branches and in all levels of the government. We urge all Filipinos to push hard for the scrapping of the pork barrel system, and at the same time, to continue the discourse on the best alternative to take its place — an alternative that will fully serve the interests of our people as a whole, and will ensure that public money is strictly and absolutely for the use and benefit of all Filipinos, and not just the greedy few.
• ACCOUNT FOR ALL PORK SPENT. We challenge all government officials, officers and employees who received, allocated, or otherwise made use of these discretionary funds to publicly make an accounting of the same. We call on all Filipinos to demand such action from all levels of government and to maintain utmost vigilance until these public servants have accounted for all of the pork, down to the last centavo. We encourage fellow Filipinos to launch and share their initiatives to press for transparency in all levels of government and in all kinds of government transactions.
• INVESTIGATE AND PUNISH THOSE WHO MISUSE PORK. The pork barrel scandal goes beyond the Napoles scam. We Filipinos must sustain our demand on the government to show its determination to prosecute and punish not only its political enemies but also its own allies and appointees involved in the misuse of discretionary funds. We must continue letting our voices be heard until the guilty are convicted with finality and jailed, to serve as examples to those who may want to follow in their footsteps, that public money must be used solely and exclusively for the benefit and in the best interests of the Filipino people.

Here’s what I have to say and what I shared during the rally today:

Photo by Noemi Dado

My name is Roch and I’m an ordinary employee working in Makati City.  I work very hard every single day and I pay my taxes in full and always on time.  It’s just saddening that most of our hard-earned money goes to select few in the government who chose to be corrupt.

There are only 3 things that I want to happen:

1.  Fight & Stop Corruption –  This is way beyond pork barrel.  For me, this is all about corruption.  We have to stop it!  We have to stop voting for politicians who are only there for the money.  This is too much already.  We are so fed up!  Let’s fight for this evil deed to stop!
2. Demand Accountability – I want the corrupt politicians to be prosecuted!  Right now, pogi, sexy & tanda are being investigated.  If they will be proven guilty, then they should face the consequences!  This is not only for the opposition but also for admin officials.  I do not care if every single one in government goes to jail.  If they are proven guilty, then they should be punished!  No one should get away with corruption!  We should hold those thieves accountable!
3. Full Transparency – Last but definitely not the least, I want to have visibility on government funds.  I want all the filipinos to see where every single cent of our taxes go.

I talked all those for 3 minutes using the Filipino language.  Honestly, I never thought that I could be emotional on stage.  Initially, I thought I would be boring and would be sweet while talking.  Apparently, my anger and my frustration with what’s happening came out.

That said, I still believe that we are going to the right direction.  Our president, Benigno Aquino III, definitely is keeping his promise to fight corruption and to lead the way for “matuwid na daan.”

I have hope for a better Philippines.  I remain positive and I will continue to use social media to let the government know that we are watching and we do care.

I took a leave during my birthday week.  However, I ended up sleeping most of the time that I worked on renewing my driver’s license two days after my birthday (ultimately means that it’s expired for 2 days).  Just thinking about the whole renewal process is stressful already.  I can remember the stress, the heat, the long queue from 2 years ago.  I dread to experience the same yet again.

Luckily, I got some tips from a friend that it would be best to just renew inside a mall.  There are some watch outs: never to go on a payday, not to go during mondays, not in the mornings & definitely not in crowded LTO renewal centers (i.e., Ayala MRT station, Farmer’s Plaza Cubao, Metropoint Mall Pasay).

I decided to write this post because I’m sure that after 3 years, I won’t be able to remember any of this experience.  Thus, it would be best to document so that I can refer to this post when I need to renew my driver’s license again in 2016.

One huge lesson that I learned today: ALWAYS renew your license before it expires.
Best time to renew is one month before expiration date.

Plan your Trip.

Find the nearest LTO branch near you.

Here’s a complete list:

•  DLRC NE Pacific Mall, Maharlika Hi-way, Cabanatuan City
•  DLRC SM Marilao, Bulacan
•  OSS SM Mall City, San Fernando, Pampanga
•  DLRC SM Clark, SM City Clark Field, Angeles City, Pampanga
•  DLRC Sta. Rosa, 3rd Flr., Robinson’s Market, Sta. Rosa, Laguna
•  DLRC SM Naga City, Brgy. Triangulo, Naga Cit
•  DLRC Bacolod, Robinsons Place, Bacolod City
•  DLRC Iloilo, Robinson’s Place, Iloilo City
•  DLRC SM Cebu, SM North Reclamation Area, Cebu City
•  DLRC Robinson’s Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental
•  DLRC ICM Tagbilaran City, Bohol
•  DLRC Cagayan de Oro City, Limketkai Mall, Lapasan, Cagayan, De Oro City
•  DLRC SM City, 2nd Flr., Quimpo Blvd., Davao City
•  DLRC NCCC Mall of Tagum, Highway 55, Tagum City
•  DLRC SM Manila 5th Flr. SM Manila
•  DLRC Araneta, 3F Araneta Square Mall, Caloocan City
•  DLRC Ayala MRT Station, Makati City
•  DLRC Guadalupe Upper Level, Guadalupe Commercial Complex, Makati City
•  DLRC Robinson’s Galeria, Level 1 East Lane Ortigas, Mandaluyong City
•  DLRC Tutuban, 2nd Flr Central Mall Bldg, Tutuban Center
•  DLRC Metro East, Basement Robinson’s Metro East, Marikina
•  DLRC Ever Gotesco, 2/F Gotesco Mall, Commonwealth Ave., Q.C.
•  DLRC Robinson’s Place Fairview, 3F Robinson’s, Novaliches, Q.C.
•  DLRC Metro Point, 3rd Flr., Metro Point Mall, Pasay City
•  DLRC SM Super Center, Grd., Flr., SM Hypermart, Pasig City
•  DLRC SM Megamall, G/F SM Megamall B, Mandaluyong City
•  DLRC SM North Edsa, G/F SM North Edsa Annex, SM City
•  DLRC SM Cubao, 3rd Flr., Farmer’s Mall, Cubao, Quezon City
•  DLRC Alabang, Ayala Alabang Town Center, Muntilupa City

Bring the following items to prevent hassle on the driver’s license renewal process:

1. Ballpen – There are 1 or 2 pens available at either the medical center or LTO branch.  However, if there are a lot of people filling up the forms, then you have to wait for them to finish.  If you brought a pen, you can save some waiting time 🙂
2. Bottle of water – this is very important because a drug test would require you to fill up a small bottle with your urine.  You have to fill up the whole bottle so it would be best to drink lots of water.
3. Hand Sanitizer – I can’t stress this enough.  Considering that you will be working on submitting your urine, it’s best that you have this with you.  Hygiene should be a top priority.
4. Driver’s License & Official Receipt – Without this, your driver’s license renewal won’t be processed.  If you lost your license, then it’s another process altogether.   Better check that you brought all required items before leaving the house.
5. Money – Be ready to bring about Php 1,000 to Php 1,200 to be sure.  You’ll need to spend money on both medical exam and driver’s renewal fee.
6. Book/Gadget – You will spend at least 30 minutes waiting for your medical exam result and driver’s license so it’s best that you make good use of your time.  Read a book, check emails, play games, whatever you like 🙂
7. Traffic Violation Receipts – If you’ve been apprehended before, then it would be best to bring the proof of payment.  You do not want to encounter any problem when you’re in the LTO Express Center.

The Process

Medical Exam Center

• Fill out Drug Test Forms (2 pages)

• Proceed to the Cashier and pay for the Medical Exam & Drug Test Fee.  You will have to surrender your expired license.
• Submit Urine.  Make sure that you have enough capacity to fill up 60ml bottle of urine.

• Proceed to the Medical Doctor to have weight and height taken.  The eye exam will be taken at that room as well.  Be ready to pay another Php 50 for the computer fee.  The personnel told me that this is specific for LTO renewal applicants only.
• Get your picture taken and finger scanned for your records to be stored in the system.

• Wait for the Results.  Waiting time is usually 20-40 minutes.
• After obtaining your medical exam and drug test results, you can now proceed to the LTO centre for the Driver’s License Renewal.

LTO Center

• Fill up Driver’s License Application form 

• Submit filled up LTO form together with Medical Certificate and Negative Drug Test result from the accredited testing centre at Window 2.
• Pay corresponding fees to the Cashier at Window 1.
• Proceed to Photo taking/signature area at Window 4 to have your picture and signature taken when your name is called.  Be sure to smile at the camera 🙂
• Wait for Driver’s License release.  It usually takes around 15-30minutes.
• Claim the Driver’s License & Official Receipt at Window 3.

The Cost

Medical Exam

Medical test: Php 100.00
Drug test: Php 300.00
Computer Fee: Php 50.00

LTO License Fee

License Fee: Php 350.00
Computer Fee: Php 67.63
Change of Address Fee (if applicable): Php 100.00
Penalty (if expired): Php 75 (1 day to 1 year)/Php 150 (1 year & 1 day to 2 years)/Php 225 (more than 2 years)

So that’s it!  If you go at the right time and at the right LTO express center, you can finish everything in less than an hour.  Always remember to renew your license as it will definitely hurt you if MMDA or local police caught you driving without a license.  That’s a big no-no.  Let’s be law-abiding drivers.  We’ll enjoy driving more!

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Drivers License is valid for three years.

Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. is the son of former president Ramon Magsaysay.  Unlike other politicians, he had a lengthy experience government as congressman of Zambales (1966 to 1969), and former senator (1995 to 2007), as well as work in the private sector as an Agri-Entrepreneur.  He is vying for a senatorial spot in the upcoming elections on May 13, 2013.

If that resume isn’t enough for you, Magsaysay, Jr. has a mechanical engineering degree from De La Salle and also studied business management in Harvard and New York University.

Jun Magsaysay is known to have a good track record, competent & decisive, and a man of integrity.  I’ve a met a lot of politicians in the past but when I met senator Jun Magsaysay for the first time, I was completely starstruck!

Our country badly needs reform.  The Philippines BADLY needs senators who will make a good difference, who loves the country genuinely, and who will perform the duties without personal vendetta or agenda.  We need a senator who has proved himself/herself that he/she has the right qualities to assume the important senatorial position.

I believe Jun Magsaysay has proven in the past that he performs his duty without personal vendetta or agenda, who loves our country, and truly will do right as Senator.

What has he done?

He passed and authored the Agriculture and Fisheries Modernization Act, the AFMA Law and Anti-Money Laundering Act.

Ramon Magsaysay Jr. is the principal author of Republic Act 8792 or the Electronic Commerce Act of 2000.  The E-Commerce Law provides legal recognition of electronic documents, contracts and digital signatures.  It effectively reduces red tape.  And don’t you think this is the basis for our thriving business process outsourcing industry in the country, which currently employs some 770,000?  So yes, he legislates, and creates jobs!

What other job creation has he done?

Well, Jun Magsaysay is considered the pioneer of Philippine Cable industry.  When he’s not a politician, Jun Magsaysay successfully started Dairy Farm.  So he really does know how to be an entrepreneur.  He has turned it over to his son, Paco while he’s busy campaigning for re-election.

If you want to know more about Jun Magsaysay and his advocacies, read on.  Listed below are issues where the good former senator shared his thoughts on.  I got the data from various press releases Ramon Magsaysay Jr.’s team sent out.

On Encouraging Investors

The government should institute a continuing policy to reduce the bureaucratic red tape that drives away investors and carry out a blueprint that makes doing business in the Philippines easier.

One way of simplifying doing business is legislating one-stop shop in all local government units, where all mandatory permits needed to register an enterprise would be placed in one location so that entrepreneurs would not go through the rigorous process of transferring from one office to another.

According to Jun Magsaysay, there are some Local Government Units that have setup one-stop shops for business registration.  I agree with Jun Magsaysay that one-stop shop should be a model for all. After all, 90% of business in the country is made up of Small and Medium Enterprises. A friendlier, more simplified business climate can encourage even more, don’t you think?

On Seeking Service Corps of Retired Executives

Jun Magsaysay also calls on the business community to help build a Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE).  The idea, according to Magsaysay, is patterned after those in the United States and Singapore. This non-profit group, he says should provide free counseling and advice as a portal for sustainable development of Small and Medium Enterprises.

On Needing More Caring, Friendlier OFW Guidelines

“We should make our policy guidelines more OFW-friendly.  They should be accessible and not impose too much requirements on our Filipino workers so that seeking assistance from the Philippine Embassy would not be very difficult for our OFWs.  We must also set the guidelines on the proper decorum that our representatives abroad should observe and follow in dealing with our Kababayans abroad”.

The Foreign Affairs department must a devise a tool to assist undocumented Filipino workers.  The DFA should be the embodiment that the government is ‘for the people, by the people, and of the people’.

On Barangay Health Workers

Jun Magsaysay really recognizes people.  He cares so much that according to his campaign, Magsaysay wants to “increase the monthly allowance of barangay health workers (BHWs) on a level that is realistic and fairly decent, given rising food costs and standard of living.”

Jun said that, “these BHWs receive a basic monthly honorarium ranging from Php 200 to Php 1,000, which is not enough to support one’s self, let alone a family of three.”

Everyone knows that the cost of living is always on the rise and they can barely make ends meet!  And how many are these people?  There are over 400,000 Barangay Health Workers, nationwide!

On Divorce and Civil Annulment

Jun Magsaysay is a family man.  He believes that instead of legislating divorce, Congress should improve the Family Code provision on Civil Annulment, which is the Philippines’ version of divorce.”

According to the statistics that Magsaysay relieved, the cost for annulment is around Php 300,000 pesos. He believes that the Senate should review the law and propose to bring down the cost to PHP20,000 or PHP30,000.  The senator added that after years of trying to make a marriage work, there should be more reasons other than “psychological incapacity” for annulment, like women  seeking protection from physical, mental and sexual abuse. Children too.

On Empowering Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)

On Making Science, Technology, English and Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) More Fun

Jun Magsaysay’s commitment to education also includes emphasis “in teaching Science, Technology, English and Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) subjects.”  As a former chairman of the Senate Committee on Science and Technology, he has grave concern that “Filipino students nowadays are not too keen on taking classes on the subjects of Science, Technology, English, Engineering and math.”

Jun Magsaysay has expressed optimism for the implementation of K12. He thinks it “would be a good support to strengthen the education’s major curriculum both in public and private schools, which are Science, Technology, English or Engineering and Math.”

On developing ‘Organic’ Agriculture

As an Agri-Entrepreneur, Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. wants to bring that passion into the Senate.  He is for aggressively “promoting organic agriculture in the country and help farmers develop more organic farming areas as the country opens its doors to other Southeast Asian nations by 2015.”

On Vouchers for Farmers

In line with his agriculture entrepreneurship experience, Jun Magsaysay if elected would be reviving his proposal for the distribution of vouchers for famers.  He believes that farmers can use this to boost agriculture production, and to learn modern agricultural technologies.  He would fine the measure to “institutionalise assistance to farmers through a voucher system“ when he gets elected in the Senate.

On hiring OJTs this summer

Magsaysay believes that “The government should take the lead in providing jobs even to our youths, including students from junior high schools and colleges.“

According to his campaign, A National Statistics Office (NSO) survey disclosed that the percentage rate of jobless Filipinos remained at 7.1 percent or 2.894 million as of January this year, as against the 7.2 percent or 2.892 million Filipinos who do not have jobs in January 2012.

Magsaysay said that “providing summer jobs to students is tantamount to giving them two full months of worry-free on-the-job training.  Trainings with allowances for students in the office, especially those taking up technical and mechanical courses, and even familiarization with clerical works, would add up to the competitiveness and skills of students, particularly those coming from the lower economic class.”

On Mindanao

Jun Magsaysay wants a long term solution for Mindanao.  And how does he propose to do that?

He believes that a “comprehensive agriculture-based economic program to alleviate their living condition” is the answer.  Part of the agri-economic plan, he disclosed: seed money or capital for farmers, fertilizers, irrigation, farm to market feeder roads, strengthening of rural banks and cooperatives, warehouses for storage of harvested and milled rice.

Blogwatch Interview with Ramon Magsaysay Jr.

The Blogwatch Team had a good opportunity to meet the good former senator.  It proved further my instinct that we need someone like Jun Magsaysay in the Philippine senate.  Ever since then, I’ve been actively convincing friends to include him in their ballots.  We only have a few good senatoriables in this election, please ensure that to give them your votes.

We’ve talked about agriculture, education, health, senior citizen, divorce, and business during the interview.  I got the same answers as what was indicated in the press releases.  Listening to him explain his platform and see first hand how passionate he is, I’m truly convinced that we need Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay Jr. back in the senate.

If you worry about him being a senior citizen, fret not, as he assured us that he wouldn’t have ran if he is not in a good health condition.  Watch the videos to see the recorded interview we had with the senatoriable several weeks ago.

If I have to choose only one candidate among all senatoriables, it will be Ramon “Jun” Magsaysay, Jr. because he is our guy!  Please cast a vote for him on May 13, 2013!