This Web site now averages more than 200 hits a day--certainly a far cry from the 6 hits it averaged during the first couple of months online. (Of those 6 hits, half were my own visits.) Thanks to Manila Bulletin for allowing me to plug via their Guest Book and Ken Ilio for the Sigay Award.

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I don't think anyone is terribly surprised by recent allegations that presidential aspirants such as Speaker Joe De Venecia have started doling out cash to local leaders. Traditional politics condone, even encourage the practice. If we want to reform, bursts of condemnation are often insufficient. We must stigmatize the undesirable behavior. For example, the media should really be more aggressive in its role as a watchdog. If proven, the perpetrators should be publicly pilloried. Editorial writers, columnists, radio/TV commentators, investigative reporters--if they are really scandalized by the practice (this is obviously a very important variable)--should gang up on these trapos.

Speaking of pillories, check out the AWARDS DEPARTMENT.

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I thought it would be good to include a list of links to the home pages of presidential aspirants. Unfortunately, with the exception of Roco who issues news releases and constantly renovates, no one has shown any streak of creativity. Seemingly computer illiterate, these "presidentiables" are underutilizing the Internet as a potent political tool. (Santiago does not even have a site, and didn't she oppose the proposal to computerize the counting of votes?) They should note that Web TV will soon become widely available in the Philippines. The administration has also indicated willingness to implement a plan to connect the elephantine bureaucracy via the Internet. With constant technological innovation (quicker access and lesser download time) and the lowering of online fees (private phone companies are now fiercely competing in the provinces), more Filipinos will be "wired" and will resort to the Web as a vital source of information. As it is, about half of the visitors to this site are from the Philippines.

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The seemingly determined attempt to promote the candidacy of an exemplary man like Nene Pimentel is commendable. Can he win? Realistically and unfortunately, no. Of course, I could be wrong. Check out his home page: NP4P.

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Comments?

mbionat@msn.com