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Army officer linked to Burgos case acquitted

MORE THAN 10 years after activist Jonas Burgos went missing after being snatched from a mall in Quezon City, an Army officer charged with the abduction was acquitted by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court (RTC) on Thursday, Oct. 12.

The verdict by QC RTC Branch 216 Judge Alfonso Ruiz II said the prosecution “failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the identity of accused Harry Baliaga, Jr. as the person who abducted and arbitrarily detained Jonas Burgos.”

Mr. Burgos’s mother Edita told reporters they were saddened by the decision but would respect it.

“We shall continue and look for Jonas. This is a bad day. I feel so bad. But we will find Jonas,” Edita Burgos said.

Mr. Baliaga, now a major, was allegedly one of those who seized Burgos, son of press freedom icon Jose Burgos, as he lunched at the Ever Gotesco mall on Commonwealth Avenue on April 28, 2007.

But the judge said “no eyewitness testified to identify the accused Baliaga as one of those responsible for the disappearance of Burgos. In fact, none of the witnesses identified him in court.”

“A close scrutiny of the testimonies of the witnesses in trying to prove abduction will reveal that they were based not on their personal perception but based on statements made by other persons who claimed to have witnessed the abduction,” he added. “This kind of testimony is hearsay in nature.”

Aside from Mr. Baliaga, then a junior officer of Bravo Company of the 56th Infantry Battalion, the original complaint filed before the Department of Justice (DoJ) in 2011 also accused his commanding officer Lt. Col. and now Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Eduardo Año, then commander of the Army Intelligence Service Group.

A separate complaint for obstruction of justice was also filed against then AFP chief Hermogenes Esperon, then Army chief Romeo Tolentino, his replacement Alexander Yano and then Philippine National Police chief Avelino Razon, Jr.

However, the DoJ recommended that only Mr. Baliaga be charged in court.

According to the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, a motion on the DoJ’s resolution remains pending. — Camille Aguinaldo/InterAksyon

OICs appointed to head DICT, DoH

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte has appointed an officer-in-charge (OIC) each to head the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Health (DoH).

The appointments of Eliseo Mijares Rio, Jr. to head the DICT and Herminigildo V. Valle to head the DoH were made in separate memorandums to them by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea dated Oct. 10, when the Commission on Appointments voted to reject the appointment of Health Secretary Paulyn Jean B. Rosell-Ubial.

In a memorandum by the Executive Secretary dated Oct. 10, Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea, on behalf of Mr. Duterte, signed the appointment letter of Mr. Valle as OIC of the Department of Health.

Mr. Valle completed his medical studies in 1984 specializing in internal medicine. He previously served as chief medical officer in a medical facility in California. He is also a US Air force reservist with the rank of colonel and a veteran of the United States’ Operation Desert Storm against Iraq in the early 1990s.

Mr. Rio, who takes over from resigned DICT secretary Rodolfo A. Salalima, served as commissioner of the National Telecommunication Commission under then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo from February 2001 to October 2002.

Before that, he held various positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including as Group Commander of Military Intelligence Group (MIG) 21, Comm-Electronics Technical Intelligence Group of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) from 1988 to 1992.

He retired from the AFP with the rank of brigadier-general in 2000. — Rosemarie A. Zamora

Duterte rants anew at EU, UN, US, CIA, others

PRESIDENT Rodrigo R. Duterte on Thursday, Oct. 12, slammed anew the European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) in response to criticisms, not by those organizations, but by another group, the New York-based Human Rights Watch — which had warned of the possibility of the Philippines being removed from the UN Human Rights Council.

But this week, parliamentarians belonging to the Progressive Alliance and the Party of European Socialists have added their voice to concerns the Philippines could lose its preferential trade deal with the EU if it failed to resolve extrajudicial killings in the country.

“My God. Do it now, stupid. Do it,” Mr. Duterte said, in the course of a long rant on Thursday afternoon during the launching of a press-briefing room at the New Executive Building.

“You want to expel us? You try. Your $1,000 will earn P1 million from me if you can expel us from the UN. Bakit papayag kaya ang Russia pati China?” (Do you think Russia and China will allow it?) he said, adding that Philippines may not be easily removed from the UN as other countries in the Association in Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will not agree to the possible expulsion.

Mr. Duterte also threatened to have European ambassadors leave the country within 24 hours.

“The ambassadors of those countries listening now. Tell me, because we can have the diplomatic channel cut tomorrow. You leave my country in 24 hours. All, all of you,” he said.

“We are past the colonization stage….Don’t f*** with us. We ASEAN members can export to each other. We can also have tariff free. Do not come to this country again. We do not need you,” he added.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella, for his part, said the parliamentarians’ “irresponsible statements protesting the alleged killings under the Duterte administration demean our status as a sovereign nation.”

“The call of the President for EU ambassadors to leave the country in 24 hours must be taken in this light. For so long has our President tolerated these undue interferences in our domestic affairs, and he has decided that these must stop if only to preserve the integrity and dignity of our State as a sovereign nation,” he added.

Mr. Duterte also resumed his criticism of the United States, saying: “Basta ako, sabihin ko sa Pilipino, ‚ÄòPag namatay ako, America na ’yan. CIA na ‚Äòyan.” (I’ll say in Filipino, if I die, that’s America, that’s the CIA (’s job).” — Rosemarie A. Zamora

Ginebra Kings, Meralco start finals series today

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

FOR the second year in a row, the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings and Meralco Bolts will dispute the championship for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup, beginning today in Game One of their best-of-seven finals series in Lucena City in Quezon Province.

Happening at the Quezon Convention Center at 7 p.m., the defending champions Kings and Bolts try to draw first flood and move a step closer to bagging the title for the season-ending PBA conference.

Barangay Ginebra seized the Governors’ Cup title last year over Meralco in six games and is looking to do a repeat of it while the Bolts have their sights set on redeeming themselves and bagging their first-ever PBA crown.

The Kings got the better of the TNT KaTropa in their semifinal match, three games to one, to barge into the finals anew where they are hoping to win their 10th title in franchise history.

Justin Brownlee, the man that towed the Kings to last year’s title conquest, is leading the team anew with averages of 24.6 points, 11.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.2 blocks.

LA Tenorio has been posting 15 points, 5.4 assists and 1.6 steals per ball game while big man Greg Slaughter, who missed their championship run last year because of injury, has been going for 14.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks.

Joe Devance and Japeth Aguilar are the two other Barangay Ginebra players scoring in double digits with norms of 12.2 and 11.1 points, respectively, while also combining for 12 rebounds per contest.

On the other end, leading the redemption bid of Meralco is reigning best import Allen Durham, who has been impressive again with numbers of 25.4 points, 20.1 rebounds, 6.8 assists and 1.3 blocks.

Baser Amer has been backstopping their import well with averages of 14.3 points and 4.3 assists with Chris Newsome also good for 13.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and five assists.

Veterans Jared Dillinger and Ranidel de Ocampo, meanwhile, are going for 10.4 points and nine points, respectively, for the Bolts, which swept the Star Hotshots in their Final Four encounter previously.

In their lone game in the PBA Governors’ Cup elimination round this year, Meralco beat Barangay Ginebra, 93-78.

A DIFFERENT KIND OF SERIES
While the Governors’ Cup finals will feature a rematch of the protagonists last year, local basketball analyst and sportswriter Levi Verora, Jr. said fans should expect a different kind of series from the year before.

“There a lot of differences between this year’s series and a season ago. For Meralco it is vastly improved with the addition of Ranidel de Ocampo and the development of its backcourt, particularly Baser Amer,” said Mr. Verora, who writes for SLAM magazine and covers games of the PBA and the ASEAN Basketball League, when asked by BusinessWorld for his finals thoughts.

“De Ocampo gives them an extra rebounder as well as a steadying presence who has won it all. Amer has impressively upped his game in just a short time and taken over well from Jimmy Alapag. The back court has also been shored up with the acquisition of Mike Tolomia and Garvo Lanete,” the analyst said.

“Over at Ginebra, the biggest difference is the presence of Greg Slaughter. He gives Tim Cone the flexibility to go with different combinations, be it a tall or small lineup,” Mr. Verora said.

Seeing how the two teams handled their affairs in the road to the championship, the analyst said both Barangay Ginebra and Meralco have what it takes to see their respective causes through.

“Ginebra has to stick to its system that has done it good. They have to maintain their balance and continue to be deliberate, which is their strength. Key for Meralco, meanwhile, is rebounding. They have to control the boards as the Kings are tougher to stop if they get their way in rebounds. The Bolts, too, have to continue shooting well, with guys like Amer, Dillinger and, even, Newsome,” Mr. Verora shared.

As to who gets to bring home the title this year, the analyst said it is truly tough to predict.

“This is one of the toughest series to predict in recent PBA history. They have a budding rivalry going here. Ginebra still has the advantage but Meralco is a deeper team now. I expect this to go the distance. The Kings may repeat but I won’t be surprised if the Bolts finally win their first title,” Mr. Verora said.

After today’s out-of-town Game One, the series swings back to Manila for Game Two on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Overseas Filipino Bank to be operational by January 2018

THE NEWLY created Overseas Filipino Bank (OFB) will be operational by January 2018, Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III assured yesterday. The former Philippine Postal Savings Bank (PPSB). “We will have an OF bank effective January 2018,” Mr. Bello III said during a press briefing in Malacañang, “If you noticed, it’s called OF bank, not an OFW (overseas Filipino worker) bank. And the intention here is to cover not only the overseas Filipino workers but also the overseas Filipinos. Because just like our OFWs, our OFs… are also contributing a lot to Philippine economy.” Executive Order (EO) No. 44, signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Sept. 28, authorizes the conversion of the PPSB into the OFB, which will be under the government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines. The EO underscores “the need to establish a policy bank dedicated to provide financial products and services tailored to the requirements of overseas Filipinos, and focused on delivering quality and efficient foreign remittances services.” Mr. Bello said putting up a bank that specially caters to overseas Filipinos is “proper and fair,” noting that they brought in $28 billion in remittances in 2016. — Rosemarie A. Zamora

Yankees eliminate Indians while Nationals stay alive

CHICAGO — Didi Gregorius smacked two home runs and the New York Yankees advanced in the Major League Baseball playoffs Wednesday by defeating Cleveland 5-2 while Washington kept its title hopes alive facing elimination as well.

After losing the first two games, the Yankees rallied to defeat the Indians 3-2 in the best-of-five American League Division Series.

Gregorius smacked a solo homer in the first inning and a two-run homer in the third to give the Yankees a 3-0 lead. And after the Indians trimmed the margin to a single run, Brett Gardner added a two-run single in the ninth inning to produce the final margin.

“Didi is the one that set the tone,” said Gardner. “Didi had two big homers for us. Huge win.”

The victory lifted New York into the best-of-seven American League Championship Series against the Houston Astros that opens Friday in Texas. Houston went 5-2 during the regular season against the Yankees.

In the National League, Washington’s Michael A. Taylor smashed a grand slam in the eighth inning to power the Nationals over the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs 5-0, leveling the best-of-five National League Division Series at 2-2.

The victory set up a winner-take-all fifth game Thursday at Washington, with the victor advancing to the National League Championship Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. That best-of-seven showdown begins Saturday in California.

Nationals right-handed pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who had been the focus of a pre-game drama about whether he would take the mound for the biggest game of his career, collected his first playoff triumph despite battling fever and chills a day earlier.

Strasburg struck out 12 and surrendered only three hits with two walks over seven shutout innings. He kept the Cubs hitless for the first 5 2/3 innings.

“I’m surprised I was able to hang in there,” Strasburg said. “I think it’s just one of those situations where you try and break the game down, keep it simple and just know going in, whatever I have in the tank, I’m giving it everything I have.”

At Cleveland, Gregorius launched the Yankees to the early lead, but the Indians answered in the fourth as Austin Jackson singled, advanced on a Jay Bruce single and scored on a Roberto Perez single.

Giovanny Urshela singled in Bruce to pull Cleveland within 3-2 and the Yankees removed winning pitcher C.C. Sabathia for reliever David Robertson, who halted the threat by inducing an inning-ending double play.

Gardner smacked a two-run single to right field on the 12th pitch he saw in the ninth inning to add insurance runs for the Yankees and closing reliever Aroldis Chapman got the final six outs for New York to earn the save.

STRASBURG THE REAL DEAL
At Chicago, Taylor’s first career playoff homer was the first playoff grand slam in Nationals history.

“Just looking for a good pitch to hit, something out over (the plate),” Taylor said. “Just trying to put the bat on the ball and make something happen.”

Washington took a 1-0 lead in the third inning when Trea Turner doubled to left field, took third on a wild pitch and scored on a fielding error by Cubs shortstop Addison Russell off a ball hit by Ryan Zimmerman.

But in the eighth, Daniel Murphy singled while Anthony Rendon and Matt Wieters walked, setting the stage for Taylor’s homer over the right-centerfield wall.

Taylor paid tribute to Strasburg’s effort after originally planning to sit out due to illness and let Tanner Roark make the start.

“To come out after being sick like that and put together a game like that, it’s amazing,” Taylor said. “He’s the real deal.” — AFP

Divina on hazing case: ‘My conscience is clear’

DEAN Nilo T. Divina of the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Faculty of Civil Law yesterday defended himself against accusations of his involvement in the alleged attempted cover-up of the death of a UST law student from fraternity hazing. Mr. Divina, in an e-mailed statement, said, “Whatever version of the story is foisted upon the public, my conscience is clear. I am at peace in the knowledge that I have not transgressed the law or breached any moral obligation.” Student Horacio Tomas “Atio” Castillo III was found dead on Sept. 17 after supposedly attending a “welcome ceremony” of the Aegis Juris fraternity. Mr. Divina is a member of the fraternity, but has previously claimed that he has not been participating in the group’s activities. “I repeat, I did not know Atio personally. I have done everything in my power to prevent hazing and any form of violence which are against my fundamentally held beliefs. I have also done what I could to extend help to the family and assist in the police investigation,” he said. Mr. Castillo’s death has prompted a Congressional review of the country’s law on hazing. Mr. Divina has filed three libel cases against Lorna Kapunan, the Castillo family’s lawyer. — Andrea Louise E. San Juan

PHL commitment to coal power flagged as renewables advance

THE PHILIPPINES is “massively” exposed to new coal-fired power plants worth P1.05 trillion that the country may end up not using, a US think tank said in a report released on Thursday.

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) and local policy group Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC) said the plants, with a capacity of at least 10,000 megawatts might be left stranded as renewable energy resources disrupt coal’s dominance.

“Prudent reform is required to level the playing field in the energy sector and to hold investors accountable for their own investment errors. The Philippines is heavily but needlessly over-dependent on coal, which is a losing gamble,” said Sara Jane Ahmed, energy finance analyst at IEEFA.

“The entire nation could be locked into two decades of paying for coal power it may not end up using,” said Ms. Ahmed, the report’s co-author along with Jose D. Logarta, Jr., ICSC energy policy advisor.

The report, “Carving out Coal in the Philippines: Stranded Coal Plant Assets and the Energy Transition” points out that current energy policies pass on the costs of financial coal risks to consumers, who in turn shoulder the higher electricity bills.

It also shows that adding renewables to the electricity system will erode the utilization rates of power sourced from burning coal as clean energy options have become the least cost in many areas.

Ms. Ahmed said “retail competition, natural gas, and the cost deflation of renewable energy and its interaction with natural gas and retail competition are factors inexorably disrupting the dominance of coal.”

The report called on the Energy Regulatory Commission to require “carve-out” clauses in all fossil fuel projects to shield consumers. It said that clause, which cuts the amount of power a distribution utility must buy from the generator, can exempt the distributor from the consequences of reducing contracted capacity from coal plants.

“Meralco (Manila Electric Co.) had the foresight to put a carve-out clause in its power sector agreements, recognizing the inevitability of stranded asset risk and the need to protect ratepayers from stranded assets by shifting stranded costs to the independent power providers and their investors,” Ms. Ahmed said.

Investments in renewable energy and liquefied natural gas are more cost-effective and less risky for investors and consumers, the report says.

“Coal prices soared last year by 60% globally while solar prices fell over 40% over the last six months in the country. It is ironic that we import 75% of our coal supply even though the Philippines is a global leader in geothermal energy and holds a vast potential for other sources of renewables, including wind and hydro,” Ms. Ahmed said. — Victor V. Saulon

Arellano boosts Final 4 push with win over Perpetual Help

THE Arellano Chiefs, angling to advance to the next round of Season 93 of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) via the backdoor, boosted its push by defeating the Perpetual Help Altas, 62-52, at the FilOil Flying V Centre in San Juan City.

Needing to sweep their two remaining games, including against yesterday’s contest, to at least earn a playoff for the lone semifinal slot left, the Chiefs kept their playoff hopes alive by bouncing back from a slow start and staving off the Altas.

Despite already eliminated from the race, Perpetual Help came up with a spirited fight to start the game and earn a 17-14 lead at the end of the opening frame.

The two teams then tightly fought it out in the second canto.

Arellano came within one point, 23-22, with a little under three minutes remaining in the first half before Rence Alcoriza gave the lead to the Chiefs for the first time, 25-23, with a three-pointer.

The Chiefs completed their turnaround by building a 29-23 advantage by the halftime break.

With momentum on its side, Arellano built on its lead at the beginning of the third quarter, going on a 7-0 run to take their lead to 13 points, 36-23, with 6:30 to go in period.

Legarda-based Arellano eventually raced to a 48-34 cushion heading into the final 10 minutes of the game.

Now in control of the game, the Chiefs spent the payoff quarter making their assault to the finish line.

They held a 17-point lead, 56-39, with 5:10 to go before the Altas made a 13-6 push the rest of the way, which still proved not enough to derail Arellano.

Lervin Flores was the highest scorer for the Chiefs with 19 points to go along with eight boards.

Alcoriza had 16 points and seven rebounds while Levi dela Cruz finished with 11 markers to cushion the absence of floor leader Kent Salado, who did not play after hyperextending his right leg in their last game.

AJ Coronel led Perpetual Help (4-12) with 14 points with Prince Eze adding 11 points and 22 rebounds.

“We missed Kent today and it showed in our slow start as we had a tough time scoring. But the players grew confident as the game progressed and we won to stay in contention,” said Arellano coach Jerry Codiñera after their win.

With the win, the Chiefs improved to 8-9 for solo fifth place, behind the fourth-running Letran Knights (8-8) and half a game ahead of the San Sebastian Stags (7-9).

All three are still in the hunt for the playoffs and hoping to join already-qualified Lyceum Pirates (16-0), San Beda Red Lions (15-1) and Jose Rizal University (JRU) Heavy Bombers (11-6).

Meanwhile, games today at the FilOil Flying V Centre will see the Mapua Cardinals battle San Sebastian at 12 noon, San Beda versus Letran at 2 p.m. and Lyceum against JRU at 4 p.m. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Typhoon Odette sweeps through northern Luzon, Batanes

TROPICAL DEPRESSION Odette, the 15th typhoon to hit the Philippines this year, maintained its strength as it was forecasted to make landfall over Cagayan province Thursday evening. Moderate to heavy rains were expected within the 350-kilometer diameter of the tropical depression. As of yesterday’s 5 p.m. bulletin of weather bureau PAGASA, storm signal no. 1 was up in Batanes, Cagayan including Babuyan group of Islands, Isabela, Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur. Sea travel at the northern and eastern seaboards of northern Luzon was also considered risky. Typhoon Odette is expected to remain within the Philippine area on Friday, and exit by Saturday.

Modernized PUV maker may win CARS incentives

AUTOMAKERS showcased their proposed replacements for the jeepney as the government, gearing up for a public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, said it may offer the third slot in an automotive manufacturing incentives program to a PUV manufacturer.

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez told reporters during the launch of the first Philippine Auto Parts Expo (PhilAPEX) that the Department of Trade and Industry’s (DTI)Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy program (CARS) may take in as an effective third participant the maker of a modernized PUV.

The first two slots in the CARS program, which is designed to encourage local manufacturing of cars, have been awarded to Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corp. and Toyota Motors Philippines Corp.

The CARS program grants P27 billion worth of incentives to three auto companies to boost domestic vehicle production to 700,000 units by 2022 and steer the industry away from importing Completely Built Up units in favor of Completely Knocked Down units which are assembled locally, providing jobs and income for workers.

“Mitsubishi and Toyota — with their respective participating parts makers — have put in over P11.2 billion in new assembly facilities, mandatory body shell and large plastic parts (making facilities)…  Of this amount, P9.1 billion is eligible for fixed investment support, subject to audit.” Mr. Lopez said in his opening remarks.

With the third slot remaining unfilled, Mr. Lopez said a maker of modernized PUVs may end up capturing the incentives budgeted for the third participant.

“To further push the automotive industry’s resurgence, DTI has decided to shift the unsubscribed third slot budget under the program to support the local manufacturing of replacement vehicles for DoTr’s (Department of Transportation’s) Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program,” he said.

“This is because the market volume requirement of over 200,000 replacement PUV units presents an opportunity to jumpstart the development of the country’s commercial vehicle sector.”

“In the wake of this decision, the proposed eco-PUV program will feature some 15 prototypes developed by potential participants that adhere to Philippine National Standards.”

Hino Motors Philippines Corp. Chairman Vicente T. Mills, Jr. said that the DoTr has asked the company to produce by December 150 units of its modern PUV prototype, the N04C, which is compliant with the Euro 4 emission standard (model N04C). However, Mr. Mills added that the company has only committed to 20-30 units.

The Department of Transportation’s PUV Modernization Program is seeking to phase out traditional jeepneys in favor of more eco-friendly alternatives featuring global positioning systems, closed-circuit television systems to monitor passengers and the driver, and speed limiters.

Hino Motors has its own plant in Laguna. Its prototypes are expected to cost P1.4 million-P1.6 million.

Once implemented, PUV operators will have to re-fleet with modernized units to renew their franchise.

Mr. Lopez told reporters that opposition from operators and the PUV sector is expected at first, due to financial concerns.

“Right now, the jeepneys are probably owned by the operators or by the drivers themselves. Obviously, there will be financial support because we know their limitations otherwise the program will not be successful,” he added.

The government has said it will support re-fleeting via the Development Bank of the Philippines, with financing schemes that will feature a 5% down payment and a 6% interest rate, payable within seven years.

“This is a work in progress and a lot of government financial institutions are willing to help. There are schemes that will make the transformation lighter, obviously to make it more acceptable but it is the drivers themselves, the riding party will enjoy the comfort of commuting.”

PhilAPEX, a joint project of the Board of Investments and the Philippine Parts Makers Association, Inc., showcased local manufacturers of car parts and about 16 prototypes of modernized PUVs from various auto companies. — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

The depressing incident of Joey De Leon in the daytime

Couple of weeks ago, hall of famer comedian Joey de Leon got into trouble. Of the worst kind. He ran afoul of social media. Because he apparently did one of the most despicable acts a human being can ever do: question the fashionable dogma on depression, claiming it was just “gawa-gawa” by people “nagpapasosyal lang.”

He later apologized, claiming unfamiliarity with the subject. He really shouldn’t have.

To a certain extent, De Leon was right: a number of people claiming depression are indeed nagpapa-sosyal lang.

This is definitely not denying that depression and mental health problems exist. Clearly it does. In fact, the virulent reaction alone to De Leon’s off-hand comment evidences that.

One study declares that 20% (or 1 in 5) of Filipinos suffer from mental health problems (at least in 2016). Of that, around 5 million Filipinos (1 in 20) would be suffering from clinical depression.

But merely socializing, in reality or in cybersphere, one gets the impression most of the country is suffering from depression, anxiety, or whatever: hence, news of a “depressed” celebrity going to Paris and Spain, a student from a local self-proclaimed “best” law school “depressed” because he didn’t top the Bar, this professional woman who ditched her husband and now traipses around the Maldives to “find herself.”

Many times depression (along with another fashionable mental health problem: being bipolar) has been used by attention-seekers to excuse their bad behavior or inability to be mature and control their emotions.

It is those people — not reasonably ordinary people like Joey de Leon who (like any of us) will make mistakes — for whom social reprimand should be poured.

It is they who cheapen and trivialize a real problem just to indulge in self-worship. And social media let’s them get away with it.

It is for these people I wholeheartedly agree that a curt “pull yourself together!” is the best response.

Prudently, of course.

It doesn’t help that Hollywood and social media insist in portraying mental health sufferers as nothing more than eccentrically charming.

But that’s not true and this inconsistency is confusing many; these people do suffer problems that demand our understanding, kindness, patience.

The other thing weird about the whole episode is that while people are ostensibly asking for understanding, charity, and gentleness towards people who are (I presume actually and really, as opposed to those merely pretending) suffering from depression, all that understanding, charity, and gentleness is thrown out the window the moment somebody says a contrary statement.

Don’t people see the irrational inconsistency there?

Assuming Joey de Leon was wrong (and from a different perspective he is, as discussed), wouldn’t the adult and mature reaction to a fellow member of our society is to be understanding, charitable, and gently tell him why and where he went wrong?

Not the biblical gnashing of teeth, public tears, over-sharing in TV or social media, and overall general hatred?

Which leads me back to my previous point: a lot of people in or out of social media nowadays simply need to grow up and mature.

To live in society precisely means to live with restraints, the restraints being the common things we as a society agreed should be restrained.

The narcissist who declares “I should be able to do whatever the f — — k I want!” is unthinkingly selfishly inviting chaos.

We actually invented institutions to further clarify those restraints: marriage and family, schools, churches, civic organizations, and even government.

Rather than restraining freedom, those institutions were carefully structured to give direction to our impulses, restrain our passions, and help us live together in peace and harmony, and be the best we can be.

Our Constitution’s design closely adhering to that of the US, the words of John Adams should make us pause: “Avarice, ambition, revenge… would break the strongest cords of our Constitution as a whale goes through a net. Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.”

So, with a country having one of the highest incidences of depression in Southeast Asia and suicide being the second leading killer of the youth, perhaps rather than attacking others, we should instead be asking “why?”

Why, unlike other countries, is the Philippines increasingly succumbing to these malaise?

After all, it’s not like our country is war-torn ravaged or economically collapsing.

The popular and exclusive target of blame is social media. But that for me is a cop-out. There’s also the disintegration of the traditional marriage and the family, and the lessening value we place on them.

As I wrote previously (and citing Mona Charen), “it turns out that adolescent depression and suicide are closely linked with divorce and single parenting. Teens who live with a single parent have twice the rate of suicide attempts as those who live with both parents.

If we keep denying this, then that is truly depressing.

 

Jemy Gatdula is a Senior Fellow of the Philippine Council for Foreign Relations and a Philippine Judicial Academy law lecturer for constitutional philosophy and jurisprudence.

jemygatdula@yahoo.com

www.jemygatdula.blogspot.com

facebook.com/jemy.gatdula

Twitter @jemygatdula

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