The Fourth Perspective

The Minutemen has its origin from the American Revolution. They were militias who fought in defense of their localities. Consisted mostly of able bodied men from 16 to 30 years of age, they were highly mobile and can be deployed in a minute’s notice, hence the term “Minutemen”. In the event of national emergency, the standing members of Philippine Armed Forces that now numbers to about 120,000 will just be but a welcoming contingent to any invading force. That is why Republic Act (RA) 7077 also known as the “Reservist Act” was enacted in 1990.  It aims to ensure that there is a ready force to augment the regular force to meet any contingencies, be it wartime or peacetime. It was fathered by the constitutional mandate through the National Defense Act of 1935. One of its silent provision is;  ARTICLE VI MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT Section 14.  Compulsory Military Registration and Training .   – All male citizens between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty...

Have you ever wonder why things have not changed though you have elected different people for the same position over your lifetime? Are you not surprise that you saw same people on the senate and congress podium not only in your primetime but also in the primetime of your children? Does it make you dizzy to learn that people who disappeared in senate or congress hall are now seating as mayors or governors? Have you surrendered to the idea that the wife, sons and daughters of the traditional politicians are the anointed one's? Enigmatic or plain systemic? Most candidates for the national electoral position in the Philippines not surprisingly were almost always rich. They are owners of vast lands and haciendas; they were construction kingpins and industrialist. Some were not as rich, but they belonged to the bloodline of traditional power which they carried in their name, as such, they were cuddled in the stable of the elite. These few people comprise and domin...