"We want to reiterate that Victorina supports the Reproductive Health Bill... Despite a recent survey showing 93 percent of Filipinos said it was important for couples to have the ability to plan their families, Rep. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro spouse of Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrat presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has withdrawn her support for the controversial Reproductive Health Bill. No wonder the saying, “god” works in mysterious ways!" Dona Victorina

Saying that House Bill 5043 has been “defanged and is now toothless,” the spouse of Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrat presidential candidate Gilberto “Gibo” Teodoro Jr. has withdrawn her support for the controversial Reproductive Health Bill in the House of Representatives.

Rep. Nikki Prieto-Teodoro of Tarlac, chairman of the House committee on the welfare of children, said the measure does not directly address the problem of poverty in the country where around 5,000 Filipinos are born daily, many of them to poor families.

She said House Bill 5043 has been “defanged and is now toothless” in addressing her key advocacies: food, shelter, education and clothing for poor Filipino children.

“I don’t want to give poor Filipinos, especially children, the false hope that this bill will solve the problem of poverty because it does not. I’d rather spend our meager resources in directly feeding the poor, clothing the naked, giving shelter to the poor and educating them so they grow up productive and independent,” she said.

Teodoro added that “with the Philippine’s population standing at 92.2 million this year, it is our impoverished children who suffer the most. Children’s innocence is broken because they have to struggle to meet their basic needs.”

She said her new stand on the issue is consistent with her husband’s platform of government to fight against the “four faces of poverty: poverty of the mind, poverty of the pocket, poverty of the environment, poverty of relationships.”

The Reproductive Health Bill is up for second reading at the House of Representatives and is expected to be one of the top agenda as Congress resumes its session on December 7, 2009. It aims to grant public funding to family planning methods using artificial contraceptives and sex education for students. It also gives access to reproductive health information to avoid unwanted and untimely pregnancies and maternal deaths to limit the country’s population.

The Tarlac legislator pointed out that the people should be taught that it takes more than population control to reduce poverty and spark socio-economic development in the Philippines.

“Population growth is not a problem if resources are available and well-managed to cope with the additional people requiring public services, employment, housing, and so on,” said Teodoro.

Teodoro said population policy should not concentrate too narrowly on contraception alone. She said the government should also look into women’s rights and education because they are also critical elements of the population-development equation.

Instead of focusing on the artificial form of family planning, she said heightened emphasis should be placed on informing, educating and providing the poor better access to education. BY JOMAR CANLAS

“President Corazon Aquino, right after the Edsa Revolution in 1986, removed all the duly elected local officials and appointed OICs in their stead… It’s interesting how political camps that now call them “monsters” seem to have conveniently forgotten that they had something to do with how these “monsters” were bred to begin with.”

By Amina Rasul

Two major religious holidays are celebrated by the Islamic world: Eidl Fitr, the feast breaking the fasting month of Ramadan, and Eidl Adha, the Festival of the Sacrifice.

Eidl Adha, known as the Greater Eid, commemorates the willingness of Ibrahim to sacrifice his son Ismael as an act of obedience to God. God then miraculously replaced Ismael with a ram. Thus, Eidl Adha incorporates the ritual slaughter of a ram or goat to celebrate that sacrifice, one of the rituals during the pilgrimage to Makkah. On Friday, the Muslim World celebrated Eidl Adha. A week that should have been spent preparing for this greater Eid has become a week of pain and anguish, anger and frustration, for bereaved families in Maguindanao province, for all Muslims of Mindanao and for all Filipinos.

On Monday, 57 innocents were brutally massacred as a convoy was ambushed on its way to the provincial office of the Commission on Elections in Shariff Aguak in order to file the certificate of candidacy (COC) of Datu Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu for governor of Maguindanao province. There had been death threats against Datu Toto, who is Vice Mayor of Buluan, Maguindanao. The Mangudadatus believed that women and media would not be harmed by their political opponents (as did we all). The vice mayor said, “We sent women because in the Muslim culture you don’t hurt women.”

The convoy, led by Vice Mayor Eden Mangudadatu and Toto’s wife Genalyn, was waylaid at 10:30 a.m. on Monday. Twenty-four women (including Toto’s wife, aunt and two sisters) were believed to have been raped before they were gunned down. Two were pregnant. Twenty-two members of media were also mowed down, making Maguindanao the most dangerous place for journalists, even compared to Iraq.

The principal suspect is Mayor Andal “Datu Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., son of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and brother of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Datu Zaldy Ampatuan. According to Datu Toto, his wife was able to call him to say that Unsay’s men had attacked them and one had slapped her. It seemed that at least 100-armed Ampatuan followers had waylaid the convoy.

The Mangudadatus and the Ampatuans are interrelated. Further, the two clans were very close friends and allies when Datu Pua, patriarch of the Mangudadatu clan, was alive. Datu Pua and Datu Andal were appointed mayors of Buluan and Maganoy (now Shariff Aguak) respectively by then-President Corazon Aquino. Together, the two leaders carved fiefdoms and were sought after by national and provincial political leaders.

How could such a monstrous act be committed, especially by someone who, until a few months ago, was a close political ally? We, in the areas of conflict, have almost become immune to the occasional political violence (threats, bombings where no one is killed, assassinations, disappearance of a rival). However, the inhumanity exhibited by the perpetrators of the Monday Massacre makes all of the previous violence pale into insignificance. The depravity and cold execution of such a monstrous and gristly act is on the same level as the Cambodian massacres or the annihilation of the Kurds by Saddam Hussein. If these were acknowledged as crimes against humanity, so should this Ampatuan Massacre.

If Datu Unsay Ampatuan is found guilty of the crime, one has to ask how he came to believe that he could get away with it. When did he start believing he was the Son of God? This we can lay at the doorstep of the Arroyo Palace. To secure political power, it would seem that she gave everything to the Ampatuans, turning a blind eye to complaints against them of corruption and political violence.

The Ampatuans started on its road to dominance, hitched to the political star of then-Trade and Industry Undersecretary Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who aspired to return to her childhood home, Malacañang (the Presidential Palace). Mrs. Arroyo had a young staff by the name of Zamzamin Ampatuan, who introduced her to his uncle, then-Mayor Andal Ampatuan. The rest, as they say, is history. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ran for the Senate and won overwhelmingly in the Ampatuan-controlled municipalities. With her support, Datu Andal Am-patuan ran for governor of Maguindanao and won. The patriarch of the Mangudadatu, Datu Pax, was the governor of neigh-boring province, Sultan Kudarat. GMA ran for vice president and garnered the lion’s share of the Ampatuan and Mangu-dadatu votes. Datu Andal and Datu Pax strengthened their hold on their bailiwicks. She ran for president and, against all surveys which showed that she was weaker than opposition candidate Fer-nando Poe Jr, stole the election with almost 200,000 votes against FPJs 60,000. All 12 of her senators won in Maguindanao, a feat unequalled in any other province.

At this juncture, Datu Andal had shown his capability in delivering votes—better than Datu Pax. President Arroyo, who would publicly acknowledge Datu Andal by calling him “Ama” or father, would anoint Datu Zaldy as ARMM Regional gubernatorial candidate.

Then-Presidential Peace Adviser Ging Deles, tasked to chair the “Search Committee” for ARMM candidates, ended the “search” by choosing the youngest among the contenders. A former mayor and member of the Regional Legislative Assembly, he was the least accomplished in a group of potential candidates that included the then-incumbent ARMM Gov. Parouk Hussin (a medical doctor), the ARMM Vice Governor and Education Secretary Aleem Mahid Mutilan (a PhD in Islamic Education), Datu Toto Paglas (at that time already regarded as a brilliant entrepreneur who had converted a depressed and conflict affected community into a progressive agri-business model), Marawi City Mayor Solitario Ali (popularly acknowledged as one of the best young mayors of Muslim Mindanao).

Next: Will Justice be served?

We've been talking a lot about politics on our pop radio program lately. From the local 2010 elections which are winding up at a feverish pace... to the recent visits of U.S. Sec. Hilary Clinton to the Philippines and Pres. Barack Obama to other Asian countries, it seems that "politics" is on everyone's mind and everyone wants to have a bit of the action.

Whether its constructively criticizing these servants of the state or the harsher pastime of blatantly poking fun of politicians, no one is ever safe from the scrutiny of the public eye.

By now, some of you have been hearing the controversy surrounding Obama’s latest visit to Japan where he greeted the Japanese Emperor with a bow. And where’s the controversy in this, you ask? Well, for matters of state and proper displays of diplomacy, the simple gesture of bowing is chock-full with profound and subtle meanings, especially for the Japanese who have carried on this tradition since the days of the samurai.

Watch the video below to get a clearer picture as to why Obama’s “political maturity” has been called to attention not only by his American constituents, but by critics the world over.

Did President Obama really make a big “boo-boo” with his animated way of bowing? Well, while everyone may have their own take on Barack’s performance, it’s best to seek an expert opinion on the matter. Etiquette Expert Lyudmila Bloch gives us her valued analysis on Obama’s bow-wow in Japan:

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Those of us who have visited Japan, worked or lived there, know that Japanese people bow all day long. I personally have great respect and admiration for Japanese culture, having learned about cultural subtleties when I stayed in Tokyo on a prolonged business trip. The bow - ojigi in Japanese – is a traditional way of greeting and showing respect. There are also rules to follow when one is greeted with a bow.

First of all, observe carefully and bow back at the same depth and angle as you have been bowed to.The angle in a casual bow is about 15 degrees from the vertical position, and your hands are not touching the other person. If you are a man, your hands are “glued” to the sides of your body; if you are a woman, your fingertips are slightly touching in front of your body. Your feet are in a V-shape position – touching at the heels and pointing outward. Lower your chin and eyes as you make a bow, especially if you are bowing to an elder or very important person. The depth of the bow shows respect and indicates the status of the two people.

Japanese is a unique culture that honors a traditional system with many distinct honorifics and forms of address. Even translators take their time in choosing a proper form of address when working with politicians or businesspeople. Inappropriate choice of words can be interpreted as offensive.

The Japanese are very aware of Western traditions, and it’s perfectly OK to greet a Westerner with a handshake. The Japanese handshake is gentle, prolonged and does not reflect the strength or character of the greeter. It’s not your All-American handshake (web-to-web).

Unfortunately, when President Obama recently greeted Japanese Emperor Akihito with a deep bow (at almost 90 degrees), and a handshake at the same time, those gestures were over the top and spoke loudly of diplomatic inexperience and poor briefing by his aides. Japan is parliamentary democracy under a constitutional monarch – its emperor. The emperor is the chief of state as are our presidents. Two individuals of equal rank greet each other in the same way. Did you see the Emperor bowing from his waist down and stretching to reach Obama’s hand? No. The keywords are appropriate and subtle. The bow must demonstrate a delicate balance between respect, proper protocol, and appreciation for the Japanese tradition concerning age and rank.

Submissive, excessive, emotional, or dramatic gestures like President Obama’s may be interpreted as naïve, confusing, or even embarrassing. In the final photo opportunity, Obama did not look great next to the Japanese First Couple. Insufficient knowledge of Japanese culture, traditions, and protocol was clearly in evidence. One needs to do it right, and not overdo it! For all wonderful intentions, President Obama has been committing one cultural-etiquette gaffe after another. I won’t go into discussing the First Couple’s visit to Buckingham Palace last spring, or a greeting ceremony with the Saudi King, but one thing is apparent: the public is expecting more from a Western leader. Etiquette Expert gives the President a C-grade for his bow-wow in Japan!

The Malacañang-appointed replacement of Chairman Bayani Fernando surprised the officials and employees at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) when he showed up at the agency ahead of the official turnover next week.

Former Judge Oscar Inocentes, undersecretary for political affairs in Metro Manila serving under the Office of the President, arrived Wednesday afternoon at the MMDA head office in Makati City and promptly apologized to Fernando, according to sources within the agency who witnessed the takeover.

The new chairman, the sources added, told the outgoing MMDA chief that he was ordered by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita to take over the reins of the agency ahead of the scheduled turnover on December 1, the day after Fernando files his certificate of candidacy with the Commission on Elections.

Fernando is determined to run for the presidency even as the administration ruling Lakas-Kampi CMD has chosen former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as its standard-bearer in the 2010 elections.

According to protocol, any government official seeking an elected office is deemed resigned upon the filing of certificate of candidacy, and only then can the appointed replacement take over the vacated post.

The Palace allegedly decided on the early takeover of the agency after learning of Fernando’s plan to team up with Sen. Richard Gordon. The MMDA chief has been negotiating with different personalities and groups in search of a potential running mate in the May 2010 elections.

The camp of Fernando was mum about the talks with Gordon, but apparently Malacañang learned of the meeting and, in the next instant, ordered Inocentes to take over the MMDA chairmanship before the official turnover ceremonies.

New MMDA Chairman Atty. Oscar Inocentes (encircled above)

China condemns Ampatuan Bloodbath

BEIJING: China on Tuesday condemned the hostage killing in southern Philippines which left at least 46 people dead.

"We are shocked by the incident. We denounce it and extend our sincere sympathy to the families of the victims," Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang told a regular press briefing.

At least 46 people were killed on Monday afternoon in Maguindanao of southern Philippines when an ambush and execution occurred.

The incident happened while a convoy of at least 40 journalists and supporters of Buluan town Vice-Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu were on their way to register him as the candidate for the post of Maguindanao Governor against current governor Andal Ampatuan's son in the May 2010 elections.

Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday placed three provinces in southern Mindanao region under the state of emergency following Monday's bloodshed. (Xinhua)

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Al Jazeera Witness:

'We just followed orders'

A man who says he was a witness to Monday's massacre in the southern Philippines has told Al Jazeera how he was ordered to kill members of a rival political clan - including women and children - and to make sure no evidence was left behind.

CLICK ABOVE to watch "Witness to A Massacre" video interview from Al Jazeera

The witness, who identified himself only as "Boy", said he was among more than 100 armed men who held up a convoy of political campaigners and journalists before taking them to a remote mountainous area where they were then killed.

Speaking to Al Jazeera's correspondent Marga Ortigas, "Boy" said the orders had come directly from Andal Ampatuan Jr., a local mayor and a member of a politically powerful local with close ties to the Philippines president.

"Datu Andal himself said, he said to us: anyone from the Mangudadatu clan - women or children - should be killed... We don't ask why, we just followed orders."

At least 57 people died in the massacre, believed to be the worst ever politically-related killings in the Philippines.

"Boy", who is now in hiding fearing his life is in danger, said all of the women in the group had been raped before being killed.

Their bodies were then dumped in mass graves that had already been dug out in advance using an excavator.

He said that Ampatuan Jr had also ordered that the reporters accompanying the convoy should also be killed to cover-up what had happened.

Warning

"That too was ordered by Datu Andal… because they didn't want any evidence left behind," he said.

"Boy" said the whole process had lasted little more than an hour before the gunmen had to abruptly abandon the scene following a warning that members of the military were nearby.

"We didn't get to finish, which is why the excavator was left there," he said.

"Someone called and said soldiers were on their way. I feel they have connections among the soldiers."

Speaking with his face covered to his identity, "Boy" said he was supposed to have been an active participant in the massacre but did not actually kill any of the victims.

He said he would have been shot if he had tried to intervene.

"I was just standing there," he said "I was all alone… I could only leave it up to my conscience."

Italian prosecutors sought six-month to a year sentences for four Google executives Wednesday over an Internet video showing the bullying of a teenager with Down's Syndrome, the company said.

Google strongly denounced the case in a statement, calling it "a direct attack on a free, open Internet."

The four executives have been on trial in a Milan court over the video, which prosecutors argue Google had a legal responsibility to prevent being shown.

In the video, uploaded using a Google video site where it remained for nearly two months in late 2006, the teenager was bullied by four students in front of more than a dozen others who did not intervene.

"One year has been requested for three executives," a Google Italy spokeswoman said, adding six months had been urged for the fourth company official on trial.

Defense lawyers will lay out their arguments at a hearing set for December 16, with a date for the verdict expected to be set afterward. Wednesday's hearing was closed to the public.

The maximum sentence for such charges -- complicity in defamation and harm to private life -- is three years in prison.

The Google executives on trial are David Carl Drummond, the head of Google Italy's managing board at the time; George De Los Reyes, a board member who has since quit; Peter Fleitcher, in charge of privacy protection in Europe; and Arvind Desikan, head of videos for Europe.

Prosecutors sought the six-month sentence for Desikan.

Google said in its statement that "we did exactly what is required under European and Italian law."

"We took the video down when notified by the authorities and, thanks to our cooperation, the bullies who recorded and uploaded it have been identified and punished," it said.

The company said the case would be similar to prosecuting postal workers for distributing letters containing "hate speech."

Prosecutors said the trial was "not about Internet freedom, but whether or not a free zone exists where laws do not apply," according to elements of their argument reported by Italian media.

(AFP)