Bureaucrats and the monkey’s uncle

AS the Philippines enters Week 3 of National History Month, the Philippine Coast Guard reiterated that its vessel BRP Teresa Magbanua was deployed to Escoda Shoal solely to protect the country’s sovereign rights and run after illegal fishing activities, not to provoke or escalate tension in the West Philippine Sea. [https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231442] This was re-stated by Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada: “It is China encroaching on our EEZ, not the other way around… Our sovereign rights over this particular area is non-negotiable and any attempts to challenge it are baseless… Our claims are backed up by the 2016 arbitral court ruling which already invalidated China’s nine-dash line claims.” [http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/0818_estradaj1.asp]

‘Is Escoda Shoal named after Josefa Llanes-Escoda, the heroine of the Second World War?’

Is Escoda Shoal named after Josefa Llanes-Escoda, the heroine of the Second World War? If so, she is the advocate of women’s rights and founder of the Girl Scouts of The Philippines who is honored with an online exhibit by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. [https://www.facebook.com/nhcp1933/posts/4376264535762510/]

Saluting Ms. Escoda and celebrating National History also means condemning the dangerous maneuvers of Han chauvinists. [https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/2-ph-ships-damaged-by-chinese-vessels/] What else? Recalling the Dumbarton Oaks Conversations of 80 years prior, including the Tentative Chinese Proposals for a General International Organization: “XVI. Pacific settlement of international disputes… (2) Where a dispute between member states has been settled by arbitration or judicial or other pacific means, parties to the dispute shall have the obligation of faithfully carrying out the decisions of such settlement.” [Transmitted to the U.S. State Department by Chinese Vice Premier Kung, 23 August 1944; https://history.state.gov/historicaldocuments/frus1944v01/d422]

For National History Month, we note as well: a statue of the late National Artist Fernando Poe Jr. was unveiled at the FPJ sports arena in San Jose, Batangas on the 85th birth anniversary of the King of Philippine Movies. Sen. Grace Poe took pride in the life-size sculpture showing her father suited up in his signature denim jacket and pants and with his classic pompadour. [http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/0821_poe1.asp]

1. Jesse Robredo Day (August 18 of every year): “The Department of Education shall… ensure that Jesse Robredo’s legacy of good governance and leadership is given emphasis to encourage students to continue the same for the good of the Philippines and the Filipino people.” [Republic Act No. 10669] Thus, on the 12th death anniversary of Secretary Robredo, the Naga City Arts and Culture Coalition also held the Closing Ceremony of the RIGMAT Arts and Culture Fest 2024 at the NHCP Museo ni Jesse Robredo, which was attended by former Vice President Leni Robredo [https://www.facebook.com/nhcp1933] “Today, we honor the memory of Jesse M. Robredo, an extraordinary public servant whose legacy continues to inspire many, 12 years after his passing. Jesse Robredo was not just a politician; he was a beacon of good governance, known for his genuine commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service. His unique brand of leadership, often referred to as ‘Tsinelas Leadership,’ symbolized his humility, sincerity, and closeness to the people he served. He led by example, embodying a simple lifestyle and a participatory approach to governance that set him apart on both the national and international stages. Sec. Jesse Robredo tragically lost his life on August 18, 2012, when the Piper Seneca light aircraft he was aboard crashed off the coast of Masbate Island. His loss was deeply felt across the nation, and his contributions to public service are remembered with great respect and admiration.” [https://www.facebook.com/MuseoNiJesseRobredo/]
2. For Ninoy Aquino Day (Republic Act No. 9256), we call back another instance of political violence: “February 11, San Jose, Antique: The news was tragic and explosive. Evelio Javier, a 43-year-old former governor, whom optimists liked to believe was the prototype for the post-Marcos politician, had just been assassinated. As chairman of the Cory Aquino for President Movement in his home province of Antique, Javier had received numerous threats from the henchmen of a provincial warlord named Arturo Pacificador, who derived his power from Marcos.” [Sandra Burton. Impossible Dream: The Marcoses, the Aquinos, and the Unfinished Revolution. NY: Warner Books, Inc., p. 358]
3. A snippet from World War II: “The prices of commodities continue to soar. Rice is now 50 Pesos a ganta (about 2 lbs.), and mongo beans are about 45 Pesos a ganta. One small chicken is 25 Pesos ($12.00) and one egg is 2 Pesos ($1.00). A cup and saucer cost 40 Pesos ($20.00) and one medium size platter is 35 Pesos ($17.00). Three yards of 100% cotton fabric cost 650 Pesos ($350.00). Prewar value of 2 Pesos was $1.00.” [Diary of Louise Fillmore Blancaflor, 22 August 1944] Incidentally, NEDA officials have been told – Live on the P64-day food budget. The explanation: “We recognize that poverty pertains to a state of deprivation and an individual’s perception of the quality of life they enjoy compared to their aspirations. The food threshold represents the cost of a food bundle that meets the energy and micronutrient requirements of the average Filipino. Over time, we expect food (and non-food) preferences to change, partly due to lifestyle changes, changes in relative prices, and even increases in income. These thresholds serve as part of a broader set of tools used to assess the country’s development progress and to measure the effectiveness of the government’s policies and programs in addressing poverty. They are not, and were never intended to be, prescribed budgets for a decent standard of living.” [https://neda.gov.ph/statement-on-the-2023-full-year-official-poverty-statistics/]
4. Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri is pushing for the creation of a Cabinet cluster with the sole aim of addressing the multi-faceted problems of the tourism industry, especially Siargao and the country’s other “crown jewels.” [http://legacy.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2024/0816_zubiri1.asp] Including Taal Volcano? The Department of Environment and Natural Resources said that Taal Volcano remains under close watch by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. [https://malaya.com.ph/news_news/denr-records-better-air-quality-amid-taal-volcano-unrest/] Volcanic smog (vog) may form for as long as Taal Volcano is fuming out sulfur dioxide. [https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231589] Plus the other one in the Visayas:https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/volcano-advisory-menu/26245-kanlaon-volcano-advisory-13-agosto-2024-ika-06-30-ng-gabi

Two more milestones for National History Month: Another deadly virus in Bagong Pilipinas. [https://doh.gov.ph/press-release/doh-detects-one-new-mpox-case-in-the-philippines/] The actual kung-flu? “The departure of Alice Guo has laid bare the corruption that undermines our justice system and erodes public trust.” — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., 21 August 2024 (Ninoy Aquino Day) [https://pco.gov.ph/news_releases/heads-will-roll-pbbm/]