Pandan Penitence

A few days back, I had this itinerary: Quezon City- Bauan Batangas-Batangas Pier-Abra de Ilog- Sablayan-Pandan Island. The highlight was the last leg of the trip. From the "sabang" to Pandan Island, I took a motor boat armed with a backpack, goggles, a snorkel, and a tent. Once I got to the island, I ignored the Europeans along the beach and went along a secret path which only I, and a very few privileged others, know. It was the path to penitence, island style.


As far as I am concerned, the "penitensya" should be a means of remembering that all the suffering has already been borne by Jesus Christ for all of us. We are not to duplicate what He went through. A little thorn through one's foot would be sufficient. My right foot was given the honor. An aroma tree along the way provided the torn. As an added measure, I made a small cut on my pointing finger.


The most important thing to remember is this: Christ died and was resurrected on the 3rd day. Without this resurrection, Christianity won't have a foundation to stand on. This was my main reflection as I stayed alone in a secluded part of the island.


These are my other serious reflections:

• the waters of Pandan island are so clear and inviting.
• the pawikan has found a safe haven in Pandan, I hope this doesn't change.
• tatay's tent does not have the frame to support it, I need to look for a place to sleep.
• I miss Jollibee.

The time I had on the Island was worth every second. In fact, if you ask me now, I can tell you the exact number of seconds I stayed there. I never even looked at my watch. From time to time, I just checked if it was still working.

Eventually, I found the Swiss Family Robinson's Hut where I was welcomed by their butler, Mang Teody. He had an extra hammock which I tied to a tree a few steps from the shore. The sleep I had under the full moon right along the shore with the sea breeze humming softly was surreal. I woke up many times. Every two hours of sleep felt like I already had a full night's rest. The warm sun woke me up. And of course, island-style, the butler came and served me pandesal and coffee.

News Flash: There are Pending Bills in Congress

Based on a PCIJ Report, the Filipino tax payers spend One Hundred Forty-Eight Million Pesos (Php148,000,000.00/law) for each law passed. Majority of these laws are about renaming streets, roads, and schools. Of course, the more substantial ones are those which grant naturalization to foreigners because these people cannot afford to go to court. The lawmakers are busy as ever...investigating, inquiring, debating, smiling at cameras, thinking (from time to time), and during lunch breaks their staff find the time to file bills.

The following are the laws which will be approved in the very near future:

1. A law exempting law enforcers and lawmakers from acquiring a driver's license from the LTO

Rationale: These people are already exempt from traffic rules. They can park anywhere, go against the flow of traffic, make a left or right turn where none is allowed, not wear helmet etc. This law will only expand existing policy.

2. A law prohibiting the filing of corruption charges against government officials.

Rationale: Corruption cases exhaust a great portion of the resources of the government. It also entails employment of hundreds of lawyers. But we all know that there is an almost zero conviction rate. There is therefore an obvious need for a law which would save the face of our prosecutors and the Ombudsman.

3. A law requiring private vehicles to travel only between 11:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

Rationale: This law is for the welfare of private commuters. Enough has been said about the supremacy of buses and jeepneys. There are not enough lanes and more than enough shabu for the bus and jeepney drivers. Enough lives have been lost. Period.

4. A law requiring lawmakers to make laws.

Rationale: This has long been pending.