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EDITORIAL
Humane and bloodless
police operations
under PBBM
In a marked departure from the past during which the mantra was “kill, kill, and kill,” the operations now of the Philippine National Police (PNP) against criminals, especially those involved in illegal drugs, must adhere to the new policy of being “humane, truthful and bloodless” as possible.
This is what President Bongbong Marcos reiterated in his speech before the officers and men of the PNP headed by Gen. Rommel Marbil.
The occasion was the 123rd anniversary of the Police Service at Camp Crame, Quezon City on August 8. Marcos said the achievements of the PNP were made possible because of its “resolve to uphold the rule of law” and the “unparalleled dedication and service” of police officers led by Marbil.
He highlighted what he described as “effective” but “lawful” efforts against illegal activities.
“Our crackdown on illegal drugs, smuggling, illegal gambling, private armed groups, human trafficking and criminality has also strengthened significantly in ways that are not only effective but legal and lawful,” the President said.
When Marcos started his presidency in 2022, he immediately laid down his administration’s policy against illegal drugs, saying the crackdown on drugs involves rehabilitation, reintegration and preventive education programs since enforcement “only gets you so far.”
The President and Commander-in-Chief took the occasion to praise the leadership of General Marbil, saying his tenure over the past months has been filled with “noteworthy reforms and achievements.”
“Under General Marbil, the police has taken aggressive steps toward sustaining the gains of peace and order that we have collectively and painstakingly worked hard for,” the President said.
Marcos hailed the PNP’s intensified patrol operations and increased police deployment, contributing to a “notable drop” in crime rates.
He also praised the effective response of the police force as they have responded to nearly all or 99 percent of the calls for police assistance and have operationalized its Cybersecurity Operations Center to intensify cyber patrolling.
Marbil is faced with the daunting task of pursuing the transformation of the police’s image—from being feared by the citizens during the previous administration to being the trustworthy crimebuster that they are today.
The President emphasized: “In carrying out this task, the police need to be disciplined, transparent and fair. Erring and corrupt police personnel will face the appropriate sanctions.”
It may be recalled that in his recent 3rd State of the Nation Address, the Chief Executive reported that more than P44 billion worth of illegal drugs have been seized and 97,000 drug personalities have been arrested under his “bloodless war” on dangerous drugs, highlighting that the accomplishments were achieved without resorting to “extermination.”
Marcos and Marbil have shown the nation that the legitimate and humane approach in fighting drug trafficking and abuse is the way to go—it is in fact more productive and produce the best results in the government’s campaign.
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Proverbs 3:5-6 ~ Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
“If not now, then when?”
I resonated so much with this question which was part of R’Bonney Gabriel’s answer during the Top 5 Q and A round of Miss Universe 2022, where she eventually won the most coveted title.
You see, I liked to ask the very same question to myself ever since.
I have always believed that no one is too young or too old to achieve one’s dream and it’s never too late to start all over again.
I know. Easier said than done. Agree, if we focus on conforming to the ridiculous standards and timelines of the people around us and the society in general.
However, truth be told, we have a choice. To follow our hearts. Make our dreams come true. And become the person we are meant to be: our own #bestmeever , regardless of our age, of what we have been through (or going through at present), and despite the uncertainty of what lies ahead.
One of the lessons I learned through the years was that life is too short to just settle and let the opportunities you want just pass you by. I can’t imagine myself having a bunch of what could have been that would have haunted me every single day for the rest of my life.
And now at 43, I decided that it was time to embark on a new adventure and tick off another item on my bucket list:
To finally have my own weekly column in a newspaper.
A space where I can share my innermost thoughts about life in general, my coaching expertise, inspiring stories and a whole lot of motivation to help all my readers embrace their next chapter, no matter how that may look like for them.
While I have my dear angels to thank for this wonderful opportunity (thank you partner Jaemie Quinto and Sir Charlie Manalo), I would also like to give myself the credit that is due: for finally allowing myself to go for what truly makes me feel happy, complete and fulfilled.
Much like how I have allowed myself through the years, if I may say, because I wanted to make the most of this life I was given.
At 25, I decided to become an entrepreneur and put up my own advertising agency because I wanted to become my own boss after spending only 5 years in the corporate world;
At 34, I started teaching Antigravity Fitness and Aerial Yoga while teaching undergraduate and graduate classes in DLSU and Ateneo because I wanted to do something different after getting burned out from my highly demanding marketing and advertising job then;
At 35, I finished my Masters which took me 10 years to do so because I walked out on my adviser during my 5th year of schooling and never came back until I was forced to do so (I was teaching graduate school and a Master’s degree was a major CHED requirement);
At 36, I published my first book under the #bestmeever series, which eventually became my first certified best seller;
At 37, I decided to give up my marketing and advertising hat and embark on a career that allowed me to live my purpose as I started from scratch once more: life coaching.
At 38, I started co-hosting on air when I accidentally got discovered by Tere Gonzales, who was then hosting for Radyo Inquirer 990AM after guesting on her show;
At 40, I started writing for Coaching World, the official blog of the largest and most prestigious organization for professional coaches globally: the International Coaching Federation;
At 41, I won my first coaching award and had my first international best seller.
And now at 43, my journey towards my own #bestmeever continues.
What I am trying to say here is that never let your age define what you can still be.
So much like how I will end my column weekly, I would like to leave you these questions for your reflection:
What’s next for you?
What can help you embark on your next chapter easier?
And whatever your answers may be, keep going, keep growing.
You’re on your way to becoming your own #bestmeever .
I am excited for you.
Because if not now, then when?
Dear mindful readers,
I hope you are all in better circumstances after that horrifying heavy rainfall from typhoon Enteng. Always best to have 2 sets of rain gears in your homes and workplaces, ready and just up for grabs should the need arise. Take plenty of Vitamins C as well to strengthen your immune system.
Now back to the topic.
To give you guys a glimpse of how my family was back in the days, I was born into a middle class family of Spanish-Filipino-Chinese descent. Mom was a family physician who mostly served the underprivileged sectors of the society, persons whose addresses were either at the North Cemetery or at informal settlements in Quezon City and Caloocan. The meager fees that she was able to charge from some of her well off patients she used to defray household expenses and for our school needs. The rest she used to buy medicines for her patients during medical missions in Tiwi,
Albay and in the most remote barrios in Bataan, Zambales, Davao and Marinduque.
My dad was a businessman, who, despite a number of unsuccessful ventures in retail trade, never grew tired of racking his neurons and dendrites, trying to find better means to be a good provider. And since we lived a fairly modest life amongst my rich and brand savvy friends and classmates in the private schools I attended, I’d be a hypocrite not to admit that at one point, I felt that I’d be happy if I had the luxuries they had. I dreamt of that day when I would literally become a point person - yun bang point lang ng point then buy agad without having to look twice at the price tag then return to rack, sabay talikod! 😂😂😂
Going back to that thought provoking title while picking my synapses, it simply implies that while we may not possess all the material things that we had wanted and hoped for, finding that sense of fulfillment and completeness through
experiences, relationships, and passions, or even in things we find most mundane, may accord us that elusive peace of mind and sense of gratification, knowing that somehow, some way, somewhere, we are that person who was able to bring happiness to the depressed, help to the needy, and perhaps, the feeling of warmth to a cold and contrite heart.
It had to take a lifetime of roller coaster realizations for me to find bliss in simplicity through meaningful connections and experiences based on parameters of fulfillment which vary for each and every individual. Regardless however, that sense of having everything in something lies within one glaring truth - we all just want to be happy. There you go! Simple yet deep. It is actually a reminder that true richness comes from the intangible aspects of life that give us a sense of purpose and meaning.
Focusing on what truly matters in a perfectly imperfect world is a challenge we take on every single day. However, having an attitude of gratitude and acknowledging that perfection is nil should be able to guide us in searching for fulfillment in all our endeavors. This should also help us create a powerful mindset as we navigate through life's challenges.
I am now at that point in life where my experiences - good and bad, my material possessions - big and small, and the wealth of learnings I have gathered, repressed, and adapted through the years have taught me to be grateful for each and every blessing, to acknowledge that life is short to spend on unnecessary and senseless bickering, and to appreciate the fact that yes, we may not have everything, yet we believe, that there is always everything in something to be grateful for.
The recent flooding due to typhoon Enteng in Metro Manila has once again highlighted the city’s vulnerability to natural disasters, raising serious questions about the efficacy of the flood control projects that have cost billions of pesos. Despite significant investments aimed at mitigating flooding, the devastation experienced by residents has prompted widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
It is important to know the Disappointment of Investment in our flood control projects.
Over the years, Metro Manila has seen substantial funding allocated to various flood control initiatives, including drainage improvement, river rehabilitation, and infrastructure enhancements. Yet, the flooding that followed recent heavy rains suggests that these projects may not have been implemented effectively or that their scope was insufficient.
Residents who have endured the chaos and destruction are understandably frustrated. Many feel that their taxes and government funds have not been utilized to deliver the promised safety and security from flooding. The visible inadequacies of the flood control systems are not just infrastructural failures; they also represent a betrayal of public trust.
A Call for Accountability
In light of the widespread damage and disruption, a strong call for accountability is necessary. Those responsible for the planning, execution, and oversight of these flood control projects must face scrutiny.
Heads must roll, as the phrase goes, to signify that negligence or mismanagement will not be tolerated.
Government officials, engineers, and contractors involved in these projects should be held accountable through transparent investigations. There should be a thorough review of how funds were allocated, where they were spent, and the effectiveness of the completed projects. This accountability is essential not only for justice but also for rebuilding trust between the government and the citizens it is meant to serve.
As Metro Manila prepares for future weather challenges, it is imperative that lessons are learned. Effective flood control requires not just financial investment but also strategic planning, community involvement, and ongoing maintenance. The government must prioritize a comprehensive approach that includes climate resilience strategies, regular assessments of existing infrastructure, and community education on disaster preparedness.
The recent flooding serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that remain despite significant investments in flood control. It is time for the government to take decisive action, hold those accountable for failures, and implement effective solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of Metro Manila’s residents. Only then can the city hope to mitigate the impacts of future natural disasters.
-o0o-
In my four decades of closely observing and analyzing Philippine politics, I have seldom encountered individuals openly identifying themselves as 'Kingmakers.' Throughout the years, while certain figures have been acknowledged within private circles or informal discussions as potential 'Kingmakers' due to their significant influence behind the scenes, the overt self-proclamation of this title has been a rarity.
However, in the intricate tapestry of Philippine politics, the term 'Kingmaker' resonates quietly, often attributed to those whose actions shape political landscapes without seeking explicit recognition. This nuanced dance of power and influence underscores the subtleties of political dynamics, where influence is wielded discreetly rather than proclaimed openly.
As I reflect on the evolution of Philippine politics over the years, the concept of the 'Kingmaker' remains a compelling yet understated force, weaving its influence through the fabric of our nation's political narrative.
One cannot truly consider themselves a 'Kingmaker' if their influence is limited to supporting a single winning candidate. Instead, such individuals are more accurately described as part of the team that contributed to that candidate's success in the election. The essence of being a Kingmaker lies in having a broader, sustained influence over multiple outcomes and leaders.
Additionally, it is intriguing to see a book titled 'Kingmaker' that focuses on the negative aspects of a candidate's character or actions—elements that may not have been widely recognized or acknowledged.
This raises questions about the intent and perspective of the author. While the term 'Kingmaker' suggests a powerful role in shaping political fortunes, such narratives often highlight the complexities and moral ambiguities of political influence. Ultimately, the true measure of a Kingmaker is not just in their support of one candidate, but in their lasting impact on the political landscape as a whole.
Global IT outage
It has been three weeks since the July 19 CrowdStrike IT outage, and while the dust is still settling, the incident has left its mark on the global tech and business landscape.
Although it remains unconfirmed whether this was the largest IT outage in history, the impact on the currently estimated 8.5 million Windows devices is undeniably significant. The outage disrupted airlines, banks, broadcasters, healthcare providers, retail payment terminals, and cash machines globally. The outage cost is estimated to be in the top $1 billion.
Several industries reported disruptions in the Philippines, including banks, telecoms and communications, airlines, and IT firms, from the so-called "blue screen of death," indicating that Windows has failed to load.
A massive outage of this scale brings several lessons to the fore, and as we reflect a week later, we can distill some critical learnings from this event.
Test updates and don't simply trust
Thorough testing and performing quality assurance before deploying software updates have been a best practice in the cybersecurity industry for over 25 years.
Firms often choose not to invest in testing every update due to the historically low incidence of failures until an incident of this magnitude occurs.
Moving forward, this incident will likely spark significant discussions about whether the cost of testing outweighs the risk of potential outages.
For example, many organizations will be asking whether it will be worth allocating dedicated resources to ensure more stringent testing and QA processes catch these sorts of matters in the future or whether they take the risk that another outage like this won't happen for several more years and the cost of the impact at that time will be
less than the cost of the testing process.Each organization must determine the best course of action based on its respective needs and risk tolerance.Cyber insurance alone is not enough
In the past, firms may have viewed cyber insurance as a straightforward solution for handling the financial repercussions of outages. However, last week's outage showed that while cyber insurance can help minimize the financial burden, it should not be the primary strategy.
Cyber insurance should complement, not replace, robust security measures and contingency planning. We are already seeing calls for compensation - such as that from Tony Fernandes of AirAsia - highlighting the financial impact and the need for responsible parties to address the fallout.
However, compensation might be complicated by the typical "as is" nature of many software licensing agreements, which require customers to accept
usage risks.
Additionally, the incident spotlights the effectiveness and limitations of cyber insurance. Since automatic updates without thorough testing might violate recommended best practices, many cyber insurance policies may not cover such incidents.
This raises questions about the adequacy of relying solely on insurance for risk management and the potential rise in premiums following significant payouts.
Stay vigilant
Businesses must continue to be vigilant, even more so now. Incidents like this are often exploited by malicious actors. Already, there are many reports of targeted phishing campaigns in which scammers pose as IT support and offer to help restore systems, and various entities have issued warnings.
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