Even in Paris Olympics, we are China’s David

“With but few exceptions, it is always the underdog who wins through sheer willpower.”

—Johnny Weissmuller

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

EVEN if all the 22 Filipino athletes participating in the ongoing 2024 Paris Olympic Games or 2024 Paris Olympics will end up as gold medalists, we can never surpass China, our tormentor in the Ayungin Shoal cat-and-mouse setto, which sent 388 world-class athletes in the quadrennial event.

At this early, we project China to grab at least 40 gold medals when the Olympic Games conclude on August 11, 2024.

On the other hand, it’s still a big question mark if we can even duplicate the one-gold, two-silver and one-bronze medal haul in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where we won our first gold courtesy of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.

Anywhere we look, we are distressingly inferior vis-à-vis China and there’s nothing we can do about it except to keep on fighting and dreaming however impossible to beat the overwhelming odds.

In fact, while all eyes were focused on gymnast Carlo Yulo (he’s our only hope for the medal other than the male boxers), China issued a stern warning it would “respond resolutely” to any violation by the Philippines of a recent deal to calm tensions between the two countries in the South China Sea, according to report July 27 that quoted China’s top diplomat in Beijing.

The Philippines has been locked in a longstanding territorial row with China over parts of the strategic waterway through which trillions of dollars worth of trade passes annually.

 

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Even if China will ignore the countries that have condemned its continued arm-twisting tactics against the inferior boats of the Philippines in the disputed sea and go on with its unlawful entry in our sovereign waters while the Olympic Games is in progress, it can still conquer the world’s biggest sporting competition and bring home more medals.

That’s how powerful and dominant China is. In population, sports, economy, war and space technology, they are notches higher; we will forever be a David for this Goliath.

Like in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics where China collected 88 medals 38 golds; 32 silvers; 18 bronzes) and wound up second to the United States (113 medals—39 golds; 41 silvers; 33 bronzes), the country that has been harassing Filipino fishermen and supply boats is expected to shoot for the overall crown in Paris against the United States and Great Britain (fourth placer in Tokyo Games (65 medals—22 golds; 21 silvers; 22 bronzes).

 

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(The following statement was jointly released by the Governments of the United States of America and the Philippines on the occasion of the successful conclusion of the Philippines-United States Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue in Washington, D.C.) First of two parts:

Senior U.S. and Philippine officials gathered in Washington for the United States – Philippines Cyber-Digital Policy Dialogue on July 15 and 16, 2024. The United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their shared commitment to promote an open, interoperable, secure, and reliable, Internet, an information and communication technologies (ICT) ecosystem that supports the growth of the digital economy and stability in cyberspace, as well as to deepen bilateral cooperation on cybersecurity.

U.S. Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy Nathaniel Fick and Philippines Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Ivan John E. Uy opened the dialogue by underscoring the essential role of international cyber security and digital policy in reinforcing a shared commitment to democratic values and digital solidarity. The Cyber Policy discussions were chaired by Department of State Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cyberspace Security Liesyl Franz and Philippines DICT Undersecretary for Infostructure Management, Cybersecurity and Upskilling, Jeffrey Ian C. Dy. The Digital Policy discussions were chaired by U.S. Coordinator for International Communications and Information Policy Ambassador Steve Lang and Philippines DICT Undersecretary Jeffrey Dy. The U.S. delegation included representatives from the Department of State; the Office of the National Cyber Directorate; U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID); Department of Defense; Department of Homeland Security; Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, International Trade Administration, and National Institute of Standards and Technology; Department of Justice, including the Criminal Division and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI); Federal Communications Commission; Federal Trade Commission; U.S. Trade and Development Agency; U.S. Export-Import Bank; and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

The Philippines was represented by delegates from the DICT, Cybercrime Investigation Coordinating Center (CICC), National Security Council (NSC), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Transportation (DOTR) – Office of Transportation Security, Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Trade and Industry, (DTI), National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), National Privacy Commission (NPC), National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), Department of National Defense (DND), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Both sides provided updates on their respective national cyber policies and exchanged views on bilateral cyber cooperation and developments in regional and international fora. Participants explored new ways for the United States and the Philippines to promote cyberspace stability, including through further discussions on the role of accountability in cyberspace and deterring malicious cyber activity. Participants discussed strengthening regional cooperation on cyber capacity building and efforts to combat cybercrime, including in the context of the Philippines’ recent admission to the International Counter Ransomware Initiative. In particular, the United States and the Philippines reaffirmed their commitment to enhance bilateral cooperation and strengthen cyber resilience. Both sides committed to further discussions on the protection of critical infrastructure against malicious cyber activity and enhanced collaboration between respective national Computer Emergency Readiness Team (CERTs).

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

 

 

Treñas’ advocacy for Ilonggos to plant trees came before ‘Carina’

“Climate change does not respect border; it does not respect who you are - rich and poor, small and big. Therefore, this is what we call 'global challenges,' which require global solidarity.”

—Ban Ki-moon

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

WE are amazed that no politician, or someone with insatiable desire for epal (attention whore or scene stealer), had showed up acting like a hypocrite when Asurion BPO, in coordination with the Iloilo City Government, recently launched the Urban Tree Planting and Tree Nursery in the Circumferential Road along Green Meadows area bike lane in Iloilo City.

For the douchebags, tree planting, medical mission, distribution of construction materials, canned goods, rice, and other food items for calamity victims, among other media-frenzy events, are perfect opportunities to showboat and make epal.

Especially during the political season. They also love to grab credit by just being present or intentionally showing up during the occasion and during the photo sessions.

We are glad Iloilo City Mayor Geronimo “Jerry” Treñas, whose administration fully supported the laudable private initiative, did not use the event to grandstand and pretend this praiseworthy activity was the brainchild of his administration.

 

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Even if city hall had a herculean task in making the Asurion BPO project possible, Treñas, who has been passionate in his crusade for environment as manifested by his presence in several international gabs on climate change, would never brag about it.

Before Asurion BPO launched the project, Treñas has been advocating for the Ilonggos to plant trees and fight the climate change.

The Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported two months ago that Treñas had vowed to connect the local government with various sectors for the tree-growing efforts.

“Climate change is intense,” the PNA quoted Treñas as saying. “Before, we only talked about it, but now it has worsened. We have to do something about it.”

The PNA report added that there were 10,000 species of native trees at the city nursery, while the city government will procure more “Dita” trees to replace the royal palm trees at the center isle of the Diversion Road.

Also, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was reportedly scheduled to provide the city government with 3,000 seedlings; 1,000 of which are “Freedom” tree species.

 

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The same report had quoted General Services Office (GSO) head engineer Neil Ravena as saying, “We are now preparing at the Diversion Road. We are now removing the dead royal palms. We are just waiting for the weather conditions to normalize because our rainfall is way below normal. This is not just a tree planting but a tree growing to cool down the Diversion Road, which has the highest heat index.”

All relocation sites would be planted with fruit-bearing trees and native trees in private subdivisions, PNA further quoted Ravena. Target areas were reportedly the floodway, roadsides, Esplanade, and beach forest on Barangay Boulevard.

The planing of trees in Iloilo City had been conceptualized even before super typhoon Carina (Gaemi international name) wrecked the Philippines over the week killing scores of people all over the country and flooding the major thoroughfares in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

The powerful typhoon had made landfall in northeastern Taiwan, leaving major flooding and damage in its wake. Conditions in Taiwan worsened as Typhoon Gaemi brought heavy rainfall, gusty winds and a dangerous storm surge.

The CNN reported that it reached land in Yilan County with sustained winds up to 125 mph, equal to a Category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic. Continuous heavy rains and rising flood waters across the Philippines have also killed at least 13 people and displaced more than 600,000, local officials said. The typhoon was expected to make landfall in mainland China's Fujian province today, bringing more strong winds and downpours to a country already hit hard by weeks of extreme rain.

 

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MANILA SUMMIT, AID. US Department of State Spokesperson Matthew Miller has confirmed that Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken has spoking with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Enrique A. Manalo July 25 to discuss the upcoming 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue with Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro in Manila.

Blinken and Manalo reiterated the importance of the United States-Philippines Alliance and spoke about shared priorities both in the Indo-Pacific region and around the world, according to Miller in a statement.

Blinken further shared condolences for those in the Philippines who have died or been displaced as a result of Typhoon Gaemi and recent monsoon-related flooding. The Secretary noted that the United States stands ready to provide assistance.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspaper in Iloilo.—Ed)

Skirmishes set aside

“When any calamity has been suffered the first thing to be remembered is, how much has been escaped.”

—Samuel Johnson

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

ONLY calamities and bad weathers like the recent super typhoon Carina, which also bundled out Taiwan after the Philippines, could temporarily zipper the mouths of feuding politicians.

When nature commanded, mudslinging and character assassinations—from local to national levels—couldn’t occupy the front seats as Filipinos living in areas where the powerful typhoon struck have been heavily tormented and inconvenienced.

Between listening to the squabbles of Marites politicians and saving their own lives and limbs—including their family members and properties, Filipinos have opted for the latter.

Flash floods also made matters worse as the local government units’ disaster coordinating councils and health offices scrambled to save lives and prevent the spread of water borne diseases. These heroic rescue and emergency missions have hogged headlines.

Even the most important and salient messages in President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos’s speech, watched by millions of Filipinos on July 22, weren’t immediately digested by those who wanted to further expound them.

The super howler virtually denied the opposition the leverage to belittle or take potshots at Mr. Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) in a sustained and wider scale when killer Carina grabbed the headlines by showing all and sundry who’s the boss.

 

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FORMER Iloilo board member Pablito Araneta has identified Iloilo fifth district Rep. Raul “Boboy” Tupas, Miag-ao Mayor Oscar “Richard” Garin, and Iloilo second district Rep. Michael “Mike” Gorriceta to be the potential rivals in the 2025 Iloilo gubernatorial election.

Araneta, who hails from the fourth district of Iloilo, didn’t confirm if a member of the Biron clan will also run for vice governor next year.

The biggest political clans in Iloilo today are: Defensor, Garin, Biron, and Tupas.

Iloilo Governor Arthur “Toto” Defensor Jr. will reportedly run for the third and last term in 2025 and has forged an alliance with the Garins and the Gorricetas.

The Garins thought they made a wise political investment in collaborating with Defensor in the 2025 local election thinking the clever governor would pave the way for the clan from the first district in the 2028 gubernatorial race.

What they didn’t anticipate is that the governor and his brother, Iloilo 3rd district Rep. Lorenz, might switch positions when the governor’s term expires in 2028 (assuming he will be reelected in 2025).

 

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Below is the email I received June 23 from New York Governor Kathy Hochul, which also sent to other New Yorkers:

Alex, Summer is in full swing, and it’s time for New Yorkers to get offline and get outside! Whether you’re relaxing with friends and family, firing up the grill for a barbecue, or hiking or swimming in one of our amazing State Parks, it really is the best time of the year in New York.

When I was growing up in Western New York, summer meant getting outside, playing sports and games, and going swimming with friends — not staying inside held captive to a cell phone.

Like so many parents across the state, I want all New York kids to have that opportunity. I want to help kids be kids. This summer, that’s exactly what we’re doing.

In June, I signed nation-leading legislation to protect New York kids on social media and combat the addictive algorithms that are harming their mental health. But we know that supporting the physical and emotional well-being of our kids goes beyond what happens on their smartphones.

That’s why we launched Get Offline, Get Outside — a new effort to help New Yorkers, and especially our kids, put down those phones and have fun this summer. It includes: 

Launching NY SWIMS, a historic, $150 million investment to expand access to safe swimming across New York by building pools in underserved communities, helping recruit more lifeguards, expanding swim lesson opportunities, and more. 

Expanding access to State Parks by opening the Big Bend Preserve at Moreau Lake State Park and making sure everyone, regardless of their access to a credit card, can access the breathtaking sites across New York.

Waiving admission fees at State Park pools so that more families can have a fun, safe swimming experience this summer.

Supporting youth sports teams in New York City and making it easier for our kids to make lifelong memories.

And along with these actions, we're spreading the word about other ways that New Yorkers can get out and enjoy the outdoors. With our work, we’re not just fighting for the mental health of all of our children — we’re bringing families closer together starting this summer.

I want to hear from you: Let me know how you’re getting offline and getting outside! Ever Upward, Gov. Kathy Hochul

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)

Water world after extravagance

“People say I'm extravagant because I want to be surrounded by beauty. But tell me, who wants to be surrounded by garbage?”

—Imelda Marcos

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

THERE’S a dearth of political leaders in the Philippines who will—or are willing to—serve as epitome of simplicity, humility, and moderation. No more; there will never be one.

Even the younger legislators, who were supposed to diverge from their seniors’ propensity for profligacy, have also been swallowed by the prevailing system that has magnetized and glamorized Filipino public servants feeling and thinking special and sikat (famous) during big and important occasions like the President’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).

Some of them mistook (or took advantage of) and transformed the SONA into a fashion show in Paris and New York by dressing like they were going to the movie shooting of The Terminator, Stars Wars and Return of the Jedi.

While many Filipinos cannot eat three square meals a day, can’t pay rents and electric bills, can’t afford to buy basic medicines, and can’t send their children to school, “dressed-to-kill” politicos—Tagalogs, Warays, Ilonggos, Cebuanos, Karay-as, Chabacanos, atbp. (they’re all the same actually)—arrived in the Batasang Pambansa like members of Empress Dowager Cixi’s Bench Division shaking their tale feathers and waving in the crowd like peahens and peacocks.

 

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The late Ilonggo senator, Miriam Defensor Santiago, was right when she once berated the SONA organizers and calling the gathering a "thoughtless extravagance" where "peacocks spread their tails and turn around and around, as coached by media in a feeding frenzy."

Only hours after they turned the SONA of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. into a parade of stars and ostentatious displaying of impractical and illogical embellishment, mother nature’s wrath snatched away the publicity they had hankered for their expensive outfits.

Typhoon Carina (Gaemi in international name) and Tropical Depression Butchoy lashed the Philippines and turned many areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao into a water world.

As observed by some Ilonggo netizens, “Wala pa matapos dayaw sa media attire ni Mama Monchang nag baha na” (hardly had praises in the media for Mama Monchang’s attire were over, then came the flood).

At least seven people were killed in Mindanao from incidents related to the storms which hit the region last week, reported the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) July 23.

 

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The NDRRMC has confirmed four deaths in Zamboanga Peninsula and one each in Northern Mindanao region, Davao region and Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

At least 96 people sought shelter in evacuation centers after floods submerged their communities in Cagayan province, it was reported.

Floodwaters reportedly reached up to .91 meter (3 feet) in the low-lying areas of Del Carmen and San Agustin villages in the City of San Fernando.

High tide and monsoon rains also caused water levels to rise as high as .97 meter (3.2 feet) in Masantol and Macabebe towns.

A high tide of up to 1.49 meter (4.92 feet) on Monday in Bulacan July 22 caused floods in the coastal towns of Hagonoy and Bulakan, as well as low-lying areas in the City of Malolos, including Guiguinto.

PDRRMO Bulacan further reported that at least 30 families from Sitio Libis in Bulakan were evacuated to Taliptip Elementary School around noon after high tide inundated their community.

 

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The removal of 75 cops from Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio’s security was so sudden and reeks of politics.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) should not have allowed it to happen at a time when the Dutertes in Davao were trying to win the people’s emotions.

Some of the vice president’s critics may be right when they thought the removal of the 75 security cops would “weaken” her and stop her and her family from bellyaching and agitating for the downfall of President Marcos Jr.

But the PNP’s action will definitely embolden Mrs. Duterte-Carpio’s followers to close ranks and think that the vice president is being singled-out and “persecuted” now that she is outside the kulambo of the President’s cabinet.  

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two daily newspapers in Iloilo.—Ed)