Far From Neutral Notions - Philippine politics, culture and stuff

Hi,

I’m Cesar Montano’s older sister and I’m currently one of the Project Managers of Times Media Group here in London.

I do agree with you that a lot of Philippine movie actors, talented and less talented, as what you have mentioned in your article, have been trying the world of politics, perhaps, either for survival - for continuance of a better life or let me put it this way, to shun misery as we all know that politics is a good business , or to truly serve our country. This fact is indeed a picture of a desperate political situation in the Philippines, and this is really sad. I must say that this is a sign that we we do not have anymore deserving, highly educated and reliable people to serve our land. Indeed a disgusting fact to accept. I wonder what the future holds for our country.

As one of the reasons in writing you, let me tell you something about my family. We seven children 2 girls and 5 boys, were nurtured by a severe and simple lawyer father, a Roman Catholic and a Seventh Day Adventist mother. They always wanted us to lead a simple life and have taught us to be always righteous, to have principles and have our own Godly conviction. In fact, in the 60’s my father who was then a Custom Arrastre Officer in the South Harbour of Manila, refused to accept 1 million of pesos from a Chinese businessman to smuggle out something. That means my father should have let a lorry of items to get out of Gate 1 without paying the duties. He told the other colleagues of this offer and they made a setup to block it. The day after, my father’s photo was in the newspapers holding a plaque for his honesty and few days after somebody tried to shoot him on his way home while driving his motorbike along Roxas Blvd but thank God the injury was not that serious.

I must say that this is the most wonderful treasure that our father had left us before he passed away apart from the hectares of land in Bohol province. My father would always taught us ” my children, my good deeds are the best things that I could leave you and hope you will treasure them”. Cesar for one has followed that. If i remember it right, his manager, Norma Japitana, was telling me one time at a dinner that Cesar has refused several commercials which involved a huge amount of money. His contention was the products are not good for the health of the people, and I am very proud of him!

For your information, Cesar is not only a very good actor ( I can say that many times ), director and producer who has captured the A, B and C clients for his movies, but also a Civil Engineer and very good painter. Actually, he gave me two paintings for my house in italy which he painted only several hours during his stay at my home 5 years ago.

I, therefore, believe that being a man of principles, having Godly convictions, a good christian and charity worker, he will be able to serve our people in a righteous way with our Dear Lord beside him. And, besides, is it not that before one becomes a president or a senator, he or she should be in the office first. Let us take Ramon Magsaysay, he had been a mechanic before he became a President of the Republic of the Philippines and with my knowledge about our history, he has been considered to be one of the best presidents that we have ever had. So please give Cesra a chance to serve our country and do not underestimate him as he is full of talents and a good guy. He has a lot of good plans for our educational and health improvement. I, for one, will also share him the good things that I have seen around Europe for 21 years that we could possibly apply for the benefits of our people. Please do not forget that Cesar himself is a well-travelled man and he has got a hands-on approach in life. he is very pragmatic. Lastly, he has admitted that he has to study a lot in order to remove ignorance on his part, politically wise. I am not saying this just because he is my brother, but because as a sister I know his heart, He’s got a BIG ONE and the Holy Spirit dwells in it. He is a good christian, you know.

Best regards,
Maria Mercedes M. Cantù

Hi Maria,

I just sent you an email basically rehashing what you just said in your second comment: “I know for a fact that GMA is only using Cesar to get votes for her political party which is quite obvious. I just pray to God though that if Cesar makes it, he will use his wisdom in serving our country which our Dear Lord has given him and that He guides him all the way through…”

I echo your prayers, for all our sakes

Hi Jeffery, Maria. I assume you’re related? Anyway, I replied to your email, Maria.

Jeffrey: I don’t know Mr. Montano personally, nor am I privy to his personality. But that aside, there is one benchmark upon which I can measure him: what he stands for. I’m reprinting part of my reply to Maria’s email here, which I hope can be answered:

You are right in saying that your brother doesn’t have anything to do with what the administration is being accused of — yet. I look at it this way: he was pretty much railroaded into the job, maybe thinking he can make a difference, and I laud him for it. But seeing as how he was manipulated into running in the first place — he said so himself, he couldn’t say no — what more when he’s in the Senate? Ours is a culture of utang na loob and mukha… can you be certain he *can* say “no” to her then? Mr. Montano is not a politician, and if he ever does stand up for what’s right, he will be alone without a party, but he will have support from civil society, myself included. So let him start now. I’m curious to see where he stands on the extra-judicial killings whose validity the administration refuses to admit, much less solve. What are his thoughts on amending the charter, or impeachment? Where does he stand on education, poverty, medical welfare and economy? I know he’s pro poor and he’s pro education; who isn’t? These are default platforms that anybody would say. Does he have a detailed platform? Are there specific issues he wants to address, and that he feels he can address?

Hi Jeffery,

I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions; I have browsed through the Wikipedia entry, and Mr. Montano’s list of accomplishments is indeed impressive. By many accounts, he is a good man with a good heart.

But I need to know certain things:

I am more than a little concerned with the focus of his platforms, in that they are too centric. Artists, especially actors, are hardly a marginalized group. I’m a musician, and I would undoubtedly benefit from legal perks that would cater to my profession, but I question why? Whatever for? The sorry state that Philippine cinema and television is in isn’t caused by lack of legislation, or the artists, but by the producers that would only pay money for sure things, like rip offs and formulaic plots, and even then, production costs for a 30-second commercial is still greater. Yes, we have talent, yes it needs to be celebrated, but the problem isn’t with the lack of legislation. It’s people like the bigwigs at ABS-CBN and GMA7 and the other big name movie outfits without any imagination, money or testicular fortitude to take a gamble on something different. Mr. Montano was even cast a role in Lupin, a rip by GMA7. It’s that kind of culture that suppresses creativity, and no amount of legislation will solve that. Only the artists, working within the industry, can change that culture. Despite being an artist myself, I do not see the need for legislation catering to my passion or profession; in fact, I think that’s blatantly wrong. We’re not talking about a marginalized minority that needs some form of affirmative action (which I am against, anyway). Legislation is not the answer; in fact, a private endeavor would help more and at the same time not ostracize the rest of society.

And even if he feels the need to do something about it via legislation, that’s what party lists are for, that’s why they’re called representatives. From what I can tell of his platform, it caters — represents — a tiny, unmarginalized sector. That’s not what Senators are for. Senators ratify treaties, focus on national issues, pass legislation, not cater to a specific group of people.

As for tourism, I’ll freely admit my xenophobia. I’ll freely admit that it turns my stomach to see foreigners treat Filipinos like second class citizens in our own land. I’ll freely admit that it makes me angry that we are so much nicer to foreigners than to our brothers. I freely admit to finding foreigners — Koreans, Americans, whatever — wholly abusive, arrogant and obtrusive. I freely admit to being against foreigners owning land, business or property in the Philippines, and paying Filipinos half of what they would pay their own countrymen. I freely admit that I find our “cheap labor and friendly service” policy towards foreigners repulsive.

But that’s just me. And I’m curious — and apprehensive — as to what legislation Mr. Montano has in mind to make this country more palatable to foreign tastes.

And besides, we already have an agency that handles that kind of thing: it’s called the Department of Tourism, not the Senate.

I’m all for looking out for children; I’m just curious as to how. What does he have in mind?

The road to hell is full of good intentions, my friend. That he would be willing to compromise with T.E.A.M. Unity is a black mark. The ends may be all rosy, but one should also examine the means.

As for my unanswered questions: I’m curious to see where he stands on the extra-judicial killings whose validity the administration refuses to admit, much less solve. What are his thoughts on amending the charter, or impeachment?

Hi Maria,

I replied to your email na. On to your comment:

I know what you meant on utang na loob and as a part of our culture, we have to return the favour you owe somebod, right? Well, in the first place, if you analyse it, there’s no utang na loob that exists between my brother and the TEAM Unity as they were the one who insisted on my brother to join them and since one of Cesar’s dreams is to serve his countrymen and give contributions in Arts, he accepted it. if and when Cesar makes it, they can’t throw it on his face what they’ve done for him in case of oppositions on the part of my brother. GMA was the one who looked for him and, in fact, my brother was on his way home, that was at the airpoort in Cebu, when they stopped him and from there, they took him to the COMELEC straight to register for his candidacy in the Senate as the Leyte governor has left the post. Of course, GMA knows and we all know that Cesar Montano will be of big help for the party.

Good point, and I sincerely hope the case will be that Mr. Montano will not be manipulated or rendered inutile by his own party.

Let me ask you something Jorge, do you have any ideas on political parties who could really serve our country in a righteous way? Do they really exist there? I guess all of them are the same. Walang kang maikabig at wang maitulak sa kanila. Their minds are all focused on how to loot the Philippine treasury when the get the seat even if they were born rich or poor.

There’s Kapatiran. There is always running as an independent. Granted, something that Mr. Montano may not have the resources for. Fine, he may have the will and the faith to resist being gma’s lackey, but I urge Mr. Montano to look closely at what gma and her dogs have done and are doing, and ask himself: are these really the people he wants to be associated with?

don’t you think poverty, educational, unemployemnt and health problems aren’t national issues? What Jeffrey has mentioned in his reply are just some parts of his platforms. By way of the upper house, he would like to contribute to our country in many ways such as ratifications or approval of certain laws pssed on to them by the Lower House- Congress.

Of course I consider poverty, educational, unemployment and health care national issues of paramount importance. That’s why I mentioned them. That’s why they’re on my list of things I want prospective candidates to address. That’s why I would like to know what Mr. Montano has in mind about these things; what legislation, precisely? How does he plan to address these issues? I ask not to belittle his capacity but to be informed. That’s why I asked you and Jeffrey to illuminate me. By all means, let his full platform be known.

About the extra-judicial killings that the administration refuses to admit, this is a very delicate matter to take up as you need proof on this. I will speak to him on this matter later as I would like to know where he stands on this.

That there are extra-judicial killings has been proven to be true, independently by the Melo Commission, the UN by way of Philip Alston, and by investigations by numerous journalistic agencies like the PCIJ. The proof that it is real is there. As to who is behind it, I have my opinions on that, but what we really need is a serious investigation and accounting on the matter. Why are the government’s political foes being silenced and harassed — the latest is the very inhumane treatment of a congressman, Satur Ocampo, and the harassment of several Inquirer columnists. Why have Raul and Norberto Gonzales, Hermogenes Esperon, and GMA herself, continued to deny or downplay the matter? Why have they blocked most attempts at finding the truth? Will Mr. Montano maintain an open mind and acknowledge the need for an inquiry?

Again, I ask these questions not to belittle Mr. Montano as I once might have, but to know where he stands on these issues. You’ve done much in showing me he is not a one-dimensional candidate, and he has you to thank for that. But I believe these issues to be important, as well, and I think we all deserve to know, and he deserves to be heard, don’t you?

I hope someone who knows how to make use of the tags repost my message again so that the message from Jorge’s previous post can be clearly differentiated from my response. Please email me on how to do this. Thanks.

I almost forgot to post this:

I appreciate your taking the time to answer my questions; I have browsed through the Wikipedia entry, and Mr. Montano’s list of accomplishments is indeed impressive. By many accounts, he is a good man with a good heart.

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. ~ Edmund Burke

Finally I figured it out.

Hi Jorge, sorry for my late reply. I only have time to do this during the night. Anyway to reply your previous post:

I am more than a little concerned with the focus of his platforms, in that they are too centric. Artists, especially actors, are hardly a marginalized group. I’m a musician, and I would undoubtedly benefit from legal perks that would cater to my profession,

You underestimate too much the economical implication that our artist can provide. As I have said, we are blessed with so many talented artists from all walks of life. Given that they are a marginalized group (although I beg to disagree that they are) doesnt mean they should not be looked into and represented. It is like saying that our country would benefit little if we take care and spend money for the protection of our minority groups (aetas, ifugaos, etc.).

but I question why? Whatever for? The sorry state that Philippine cinema and television is in isn’tcaused by lack of legislation, or the artists, but by the producers that would only pay money for surethings, like rip offs and formulaic plots, and even then, production costs for a 30-second commercial is still greater.

Please try to read again this part of your message, I hope you have thought about this thoroughly. Remember that these so-called producers that you mentioned are able to do specifically these things because “they can”. Because there are no legal implications if they do it. Why? because nobody ever thought of trying to put a stop to it through legislation.

Yes, we have talent, yes it needs to be celebrated, but the problem isn’t with the lack of legislation. It’s people like the bigwigs at ABS-CBN and GMA7 and the other big name movie outfits without any imagination, money or testicular fortitude to take a gamble on something different. Mr. Montano was even cast a role in Lupin, a rip by GMA7. It’s that kind of culture that suppresses creativity, and no amount of legislation will solve that. Only the artists, working within the industry, can change that culture

Sir again, try to look at what you said here. Do you know how many movies Cesar co-produced and directed that showed class and quality? Do you also know how much one would need to produce a quality movie that is of global quality? And do you know that he did those movies knowing that it would not click in the Filipino market let alone cover the cost of the film? He did them because he wanted to show the world that we Filipinos can. The next question is, why was he able to do it and others didnt? Specifically because others would not want to gamble due to the lack of government support. Lack of laws and budget coming from our governemt. I assume that one way or the other you have watched the Cartoon Network or the Nickelodeon channel? Well do you know that most of the animations there were outsourced here in the Philippines. Most of which, the artists were paid way below what they should have gotten. Again, why were these companies able to do this? Was it because those artists just didnt have the “testicular fortitude” to stand up against them? Or is it simply because those companies can. There is no law stopping or regulating them.

And even if he feels the need to do something about it via legislation, that’s what party lists are for, that’s why they’re called representatives. From what I can tell of his platform, it caters — represents— a tiny, unmarginalized sector. That’s not what Senators are for. Senators ratify treaties, focus on national issues, pass legislation, not cater to a specific group of people.

I really am amused how you belittle the atists of our country. Okay just for the sake of argument, let us try to analyze how little this marginalized section of our society really is. Let me ask you this, how many times do you watch TV, how many times do you watch a movie, how many times do you listen to your radio, how many times do you watch a concert, how many times do you read the newspaper and how many times do you browse the net? All of these were made possible by artists like you (as you mentioned awhile ago). You see, we are now in a new era, an era of entertainment and media. Currently a big chunk of the economy depends on media and entertainment, who suprisingly is composed of those so-called “marginalized sector”. Who would you think should be in the best position to ensure that existing or future legislation is well applicable for this sector?

continuation of my post above…

But that’s just me. And I’m curious — and apprehensive — as to what legislation Mr. Montano has in mind to make this country more palatable to foreign tastes.

I too am curious and excited, because for sure this would surely put our country back on the global map. He already made some international clamor regarding the beautiful seas and scenic spots that we have through his last movies.

And besides, we already have an agency that handles that kind of thing: it’s called the Department of Tourism, not the Senate

Funny thing you mentioned this, how much budget do the government allot for them? And who do you think approve of the said budget? Yup, the Senate is one of those who says how much one department should get.

Given that they are a not marginalized group (although I beg to disagree that they are) doesnt mean they should not be looked into and represented. It is like saying that our country would benefit little if we take care and spend money for the protection of our minority groups (aetas, ifugaos, etc.).

That’s just it, being an actor is not being marginalized. There are no rights being denied them, nor are they being persecuted. They do not lack for opportunities, unlike the aetas and ifugaos.

Remember that these so-called producers that you mentioned are able to do specifically these things because “they can”. Because there are no legal implications if they do it. Why? because nobody ever thought of trying to put a stop to it through legislation.

…

Specifically because others would not want to gamble due to the lack of government support. Lack of laws and budget coming from our governemt.

…

There is no law stopping or regulating them.

Are you serious?! You seriously want the government to interfere in private ventures and pass legislation on creativity? You want legislation on the subjective? You want the government to subsidize movies, when it can barely subsidize UP? You want legal implications for producing bad films? You want to outlaw bad taste? You want the government to regulate the industry? What next, thought police? You have just validated everything I have said, sir. Ours is a democracy, not Orwell’s 1984, and I will fight to keep it that way.

I really am amused how you belittle the atists of our country. Okay just for the sake of argument, let us try to analyze how little this marginalized section of our society really is. Let me ask you this, how many times do you watch TV, how many times do you watch a movie, how many times do you listen to your radio, how many times do you watch a concert, how many times do you read the newspaper and how many times do you browse the net? All of these were made possible by artists like you (as you mentioned awhile ago). You see, we are now in a new era, an era of entertainment and media. Currently a big chunk of the economy depends on media and entertainment, who suprisingly is composed of those so-called “marginalized sector”. Who would you think should be in the best position to ensure that existing or future legislation is well applicable for this sector?

I’ll have you note, sir, that I am in a band. I’ll also have you note that I maintain that this does not make me — or any other artist — entitled to special benefits from the government. A big chunk of the economy depends on media and entertainment? Name figures, sir. I contend that a bigger chunk comes from farmers and OFWs. You keep saying that I call artists marginalized… read what I said: a tiny, unmarginalized sector. Artists are not marginalized, though they are a minority. But there are no opportunities denied to someone because they are artists.

Well Sir, that is specifically because we lack the necessary laws to ensure that we are protected.

What law do we lack? Please, cite one. It’s not the laws, it’s the performance and execution on the existing laws that are subpar.

Isnt this the job of the judicial branch? Dont we have enough laws already to ensure that whoever did it would pay for it dearly? Or is this what you would rather him say “when I get elected, I would make sure to call for an investigation of the said extra-judicial killings” in “aid of legislation”?

I want to know where he stands on the issue. Whether he’s for calling an investigation or not doesn’t matter to my question, I want to know where he stands. The judicial branch’s job is to handle the cases presented to them. If no case is presented — because the Executive, whose job is precisely to present the case, is blocking the way — in the interests of balance, the Senate can look into it.

The charter should be amended only on the basis of the need of the country and not by opinions of selective and particular individuals for their own political ambitions.

Well put, and agreed. Is that Mr. Montano’s stand as well?

I think your worry about impeachment should first be directed to congress. Because as long as it doesnt get passed there, it wont get through senate. So I think we might as well direct that first question to the candidates in the House of Representatives.

Actually, I think it’s important to know that right off the bat, because it will be the Senate who will hold the proceedings if it would occur. I do not want a repeat of Erap’s trial, where everything was tainted with politics. I want to know if Mr. Montano has thought about it, and what his thoughts are.

I hope I was able to answer your queries to you satisfaction. I also just hope that these are legitimate questions that would eventually lead to enlightenment and not just fault-finding nonsense.

I can find fault without asking any questions, but I can only find truth by asking. I’m certainly not pressuring you or Mr. Montano to answer, if you find my questions lacking in merit. I do appreciate the replies, as it helps in giving a deeper glimpse of Mr. Montano’s platform.

hi to all people who really loves cesar,im one of u,i really appreciate your mesaage for cesar, i hope he will succes this coming election,coz i know he deserve it.
go cesar! i know u deserve it!kaya mo yan!kaw pa! i like so to be on it!
this is ellen kabayan mo from dubai.

ellen
april 29 2007
was in valenzuela

Will you serve a corrupt master?

Samuel served Eli.
Joseph served Potiphar.
Daniel served Nebuchadnessar.
Cesar served (or will serve) Macapagal.

Only God knows our hearts.
IF Cesar’s heart is right with God,
wherever God puts him, he can be a positive influence,
he can make a difference…..