The Controversial Pork Barrel Fund

Much has been said and spilled out. A lot of versions came out that kind of shaken and awaken me. I've heard it countless of times and I know what's it all about. But what came into my curious mind is why it is termed as 'Pork' Barrel? According to Wikipedia, and I quote, "is the appropriation of government spending for localized projects secured solely or primarily to bring money to a representative's district. The usage originated in American English.^[1]." Further, the term pork barrel politics usually refers to spending which is intended to benefit constituents of a politician in return for their political support, either in the form of campaign contributions or votes. In the popular 1863 story "The Children of the Public", Edward Everett Hale used the term pork barrel as a homely metaphor for any form of public spending to the citizenry.^[3] ... More generally, a barrel of salt pork was a common larder item in 19th century households, and could be used as a measure of the family's financial well-being.

That being said, I thought it's a Filipino term knowing Filipinos could easily make a joke on something controversial and illegal pertaining to government funds. With the questionable spending and distribution of government funds to the 'wrong' projects, I thought that's why it's coined after malababoy na ugali (like animalistic attitude). But metaphorically, it is somewhat kind of related to what's happening in our government scenario. In my own opinion, there is nothing wrong having Pork Barrel funds. The problem really is how it's used and spent and the manner it's allocated. What's saddening is the politicians whom we put into the government office are the ones making use the big portion of money that's hardly earned by each Filipino worker. That government tax that is slashed from every minimal salary of an ordinary Filipino worker is worth every cent in the ordinary Filipino family. I don't know what happened to this literate, over-educated and over-accomplished politicians that the basic rule, 'DO NOT STEAL' is not understood or just overlooked. This is one of the basic rule our CREATOR has taught us. Why their greediness over power their intention to 'serve' where in fact, they should be our servant and not the other way around. As a matter of fact, it should be their way of expressing their 'utang na loob' to us because if not for our vote, they wouldn't enjoy the privileges they are getting now. I'm NOT a kind of person who doesn't say a piece about government issues and stuff. But for this particular topic, I'd like to burst out my disappointment, disgust and protest to the same old government system and ideals that we're used to have. If not, I'll regret it that I haven't stand for the majority of Filipinos who are clamoring for justice. Shame on you DIRTY and TRADITIONAL POLITICIANS! I salute these whistle blowers who in one way or another have a little bit of dignity and integrity and a lot of courage and conscience (where these politicos don't have I bet) to show not for themselves but for the entire Filipinos. It's time for change, a deep cleansing of our dirty politics. It's now or never folks. It's time to end this evil ways. It's not helping us as they keep on saying that we're on our way to development. Maybe it's them who are becoming richer and living a life too much of a comfort. Our nation will never ever reach the goal and vision we have aimed for this country nor a government that is corrupt-less. It's a far cry from where we are standing now. 'Tuwid na daan' (straight road)? I don't think so. Unless we act for ourselves and NOT to leave it alone to this politicos who are doing dirty tactics as long as they reign supreme in their positions. How rude and shameless these politicians are. They are living in luxury and lavish lives while the rest of the poor don't even have food or slippers to buy. 

I'm sorry for pouring out negative remarks here. I'd really like to share something that concerns us all. I thought I'm done with my sentiments in my post here. But last night, words are flowing in my head and that I want to address it more. I really feel for the majority of Filipinos who for a very long time are suffering from tainted truth and lies. Let us be one in heart, mind and soul that Filipinos are really worth dying for.

Rejoice and Remain Hopeful, our Nurses!

I read a column from yesterday's local newspaper about our nurses to get higher pay. Hooray and finally it got noticed. 

Honestly, our nurses are underpaid and over worked here in our country. I know it's their duty of service that comes along with their profession. But suffice to say, they are not well compensated even fairly. I'd say that the population of nurses here in our country varies unpredictably. Unpredictable in the sense that its overpopulation would mean there's no available hospitals or health-related centers that will cater to their service because of no work available or no vacancies thus many are unemployed. Underpopulation in the sense that the highly skilled and qualified nurses are going abroad for a better pay and finding jobs that are not available here in the Philippines thus making our hospitals running out of quality service nurses and they are much needed as to the growing demand of patients. I know, a lot of nurses will be glad on this proposed bill that is brought back for passing. Being away from their loved ones is the last resort our nurses would do in order to proved for their families. It is a big sacrifice an OFW (Overseas Filipino Workers) can do just to make a beautiful future for their own family. With this great news, a lot of nurses who just settled here on our country will be given jobs and better opportunities for a decent living. 

I hope this will not be passed out once again. It's about time that these said workforce be given of what is due for them. P-Noy, I hope this will not be a promise that will again be drained somewhere else. 

My Take on The Philippine Kasambahay Law

June 04, 2013 marks the effectivity of Republic Act No. 10361, otherwise known as the "Domestic Workers Act" or "Batas Kasambahay" (you can view the bill here or a more simplified version here). A "Kasambahay" or "Domestic Worker" as what it say are the general house-helper, nanny or "yaya", cook, gardener, or laundry person (but shall exclude family drivers, persons under foster family arrangement and service providers. You can view the entire details under Sec. 2 & 3 of the bill). As an employer, I have to read thoroughly, know and understand what is the bill all about. I have a nanny and a house-helper because of my 2 kids. If not, I'd prefer not to have even one.

In general, my opinion on the passed bill is that it is applicable for those people who drafted and spearheaded it. They are politicians whose income is way beyond the salaries of ordinary people. Or yet they haven't experienced to have worked with a "problem-child" house-helper. Moreover, it should have fair play with regards to the rules and regulations stipulated between the employer and employee and not weighing more only on the employee or vice-versa. But in this case, it's like the kasambahay had all the rights and you, the owner of the house, don't have!

I'm quoting on some rules in the bill that I have a reaction to. Read after the break..