Million People March against Pork Barrel

I recently received an invitation from a fellow blogger to join their group in support of the campaign to abolish Pork Barrel in the Philippine System in a walk going to Luneta Park in Manila.

What is Pork Barrel?

The term pork barrel politics usually refers to expenditure which is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support. Typically, "pork" involves funding for government programs whose economic or service benefits are concentrated in a particular area but whose costs are spread among all taxpayers.

What triggered the Movement Million People March?

Having the taxpayers shoulder most, if not all, government projects is what triggered this movement which is going on today. This is a campaign to eliminate this type of system in releasing funds for specific allocation/project. Due to the recently exposed “Pork Barrel Scam” wherein some government officials are allegedly involved in redirecting the funds for their own use, people are now taking their stand in fighting for what is right, to abolish this type of system that only benefit a few against millions of those who are starving.

Unfortunately, I will not be able to join this movement because Enzo is still sick so in my own way I would like to express the disappointment all of us share which started from the time when the scam was exposed. Tax has been a part of my deductions and I am ever so willing to pay my taxes ‘cause this has been a way of life, only this time, it’s different. Taxes’ going to selected “privileged” people hurts to the very core and definitely SOMETHING has to be done. We, as the paying people, have to take our stand to ensure that we have our eyes on this issue to make sure that justice will be served. It is time for change, a time to open our eyes to such rubbish. I am hoping that this day will mark a change in the history of my country for the benefit of those who are suffering from poverty. A lot of people need food, shelter and clothing, 3 basic needs of a human being. I am praying that this will mark a history in this country and also that this is only the beginning a new tomorrow. I believe that we can achieve success, with everyone holding hands to fight for what is right and for what will benefit more rather than just a few…

Prayer For The Philippines

I received a text message from my Mom early this morning. It was a prayer for the people and the country and for what seems to be an endless rainfall for several days now. I would like to share with you guys the prayer…

Dear God,

Please let this continuous rain come to an end… Save us from further calamities by embracing our country with Your protective grace and merciful blessing. Keep us warm in Your everlasting love… 

Amen…

I hope you guys are okay… As for me and my family, our place is pretty high because we live in the elevated part of the city, that it will take a whole lot of rain nonstop to get my place flooded. Those who live in Laguna (like Mom), Marikina and places in Manila are those which, unfortunately, were hit the most. The flood that accumulated in my place was roughly almost 3 feet high. I still managed to get to the office though, as well as Jon. I have encountered some flooded areas on my way to work and as for the rain? Well, its still pouring like it will never stop. Got a bit stranded and it took me about 3 hours to get to the office.

As what many used to say… “and this too shall pass…”

I hope and pray that all will be safe… My prayer goes to everyone affected by Monsoon Maring… =(