Tag: Mikee

Posted on

Understanding Qualified Trafficking in Persons in the Philippines

Case Spotlight: People of the Philippines vs. XXX
Ponente: Associate Justice Paul Hernando | Date Decided: January 22, 2025

This week, we take a closer look at a significant ruling from the Supreme Court involving the protection of minors under our anti-trafficking laws.

The case involves two 14-year-old girls who were recruited by the accused to work as massage therapists in a spa, an establishment allegedly known for offering “extra services” to clients. According to the defense, the minors voluntarily sought employment, and the accused neither coerced them nor trained them to provide such extra services. Instead, she claimed to have simply provided standard massage training.

The Regional Trial Court found the accused guilty of Attempted Trafficking in Persons, noting that although the minors managed to escape before being fully exploited, the circumstances already pointed to a clear intent to traffic.

On appeal, the Court of Appeals modified the conviction to Qualified Trafficking in Persons, recognizing the involvement of minors and the gravity of the offense. The penalty was increased to life imprisonment, along with monetary damages amounting to millions of pesos.

Still insisting on her innocence, the accused elevated the case to the Supreme Court, arguing that she had no malicious intent and that her actions were merely meant to help the minors find work.

But the High Court was unequivocal.

In rejecting the appeal, the Court emphasized that the consent of a minor is never a valid defense under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by RA No. 10364. It stated:

“A minor victim’s knowledge or consent is rendered meaningless due to the coercive, abusive, or deceptive means typically used by perpetrators of human trafficking. Even absent these means, a minor’s consent is not considered freely given.”

The Supreme Court affirmed that the accused was guilty of Qualified Trafficking in Persons, reiterating key legal principles:

  1. When the victim is a child, trafficking is qualified, which carries harsher penalties.
  1. Actual exploitation does not need to occur, recruiting minors for the purpose of sexual exploitation is already a consummated crime.
  2. Trafficking can be committed even without force or deception if it takes advantage of a child’s vulnerability.

Quoting the Court:

“Recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, adoption or receipt of a child for the purpose of exploitation shall be considered trafficking in persons even without any of the means stated under the law.”

“Republic Act No. 9208 does not require the victims to be actually subjected to prostitution or sexual exploitation for the crime to be complete. The act of recruitment with intent to exploit is enough.”

This decision reinforces the strong protective stance of the law when it comes to minors and serves as a reminder that the crime of trafficking begins not at the moment of abuse, but at the moment of intent and recruitment.

📚 Read the full decision here:
🔗 People of the Philippines vs. XXX (G.R. No. 273990)

Posted on

Navigating the Legal Challenge in Funding for Philippine Nurses

In 2019, the Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling in Ang Nars Partylist vs. Executive Secretary, stating that “the Court cannot compel Congress to fund Section 32 of R.A. No. 9173 as the power to appropriate public funds is lodged solely in Congress. Unless Congress makes the necessary appropriation through a law, Section 32 of R.A. No. 9173 will remain an unfunded law, a situation that applies to many other laws.” This ruling underscores a crucial legal limitation: despite the existence of a law designed to enhance the compensation of Philippine nurses, this law cannot compel the government or private hospitals to increase nurses’ salaries without the necessary legislative appropriation.

At present, the monthly salary for an entry-level nurse in the Philippines hovers around 36,000 to 37,000 pesos. In stark contrast, nurses working abroad can earn between 150,000 and 500,000 pesos per month, depending on the country and the employing institution. While it might be tempting to view financial compensation as the sole factor in these decisions, many nurses opt to work internationally not just for higher salaries but also for enhanced professional growth and better overall quality of work and life.

Given that nurses are unable to leverage existing laws to compel Congress to allocate additional funds, where does this leave them? The recent passage of the Universal Health Care Act, while well-intentioned, fails to address the crucial role of nurses in ensuring accessible and comprehensive healthcare for all Filipinos. The Act’s admirable goals could risk joining the ranks of other unfunded and unmet legislation if the necessary financial resources are not allocated. As the saying goes, our country may have excellent laws, but we often falter in their implementation.

Addressing this issue requires treating nurses as a distinct class or sui generis of health workers, particularly given the current state of our healthcare system. The prevailing conditions demand that we afford nurses the consideration they deserve. While we may not be able to match the compensation offered by other countries, the government should at least develop a strategic plan to elevate the standards of the nursing profession. If Congress can legislate mandates for Local Government Units to allocate budget percentages for non-health-related activities like gender and development, DRRM, child protection, expanded programs for senior citizens, among others, it should similarly legislate for the better financial support of nurses. This does not need to be achieved within a single year; a phased approach to improving the financing of our frontline healthcare workers could result in substantial benefits.

We cannot expect nurses to fully support the goals of universal health care without addressing their own needs. Extending greater compassion to this vital profession is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a necessary step, as nurses are often the last individuals to provide care in our final moments.

Posted on

Ethics on the Edge: Nurses Exploiting Patients for Social Media Content

During the Crimean War, Florence Nightingale did not exploit the wounded for personal gain or publicity. Although social media did not exist at the time, she had the option to use the press but chose not to. Instead, Nightingale used the lamp to symbolize her commitment to the nursing profession, rather than resorting to modern tools like selfies or cameras. Her focus was not on self-interest or public attention but on providing compassionate care to the sick and injured. Florence Nightingale became the Mother of Nursing because of her selfless acts.

She was passionate about her Environmental Theory not about her public image.

Fast forward to today, many, though not all, nursing students are using their patients as digital content on social media. Recently, I was shocked to learn that a nursing student recorded the dying moments of a patient—specifically, “the precise time when the electrocardiogram reading flatlined”—and then uploaded this video footage to a public social media account. The post went viral and garnered widespread attention from people in the healthcare profession.

Florence Nightingale must be turning in her grave.

The nursing profession is not a normal occupation. It is imbued with public interest, and it has cultural, professional, and moral underpinnings. In fact, the Board of Nursing passed Board Resolution No. 220, Series of 2004 or the Promulgation of the Code of Ethics for Registered Nurses to enforce a body of ethical standards or norms for Filipino Nurses.

Section 1 of the Code of Ethics provides that — The Filipino registered nurse, believing in the worth and dignity of each human being recognizes the primary responsibility to preserve health at all costs. It is expanded by Section 8 of the same Code of Ethics, in this wise: Nurses must Respect Patients’ Bill of Rights in the delivery of nursing care. One of the patient’s bill of rights is the right to privacy and respect.

Registered nurses are aware that their actions have professional, ethical, moral, and legal dimensions. They strive to perform their work in the best interest of all concerned and to carry out their duties under existing laws, rules, regulations, and generally accepted principles of moral conduct and proper decorum.

During my first week of nursing study at West Visayas State University, it was impressed upon us that the focus of nursing care is always the patient. Theoretical foundations of nursing practice, particularly those advocated by Dr. Jean Watson, emphasize that nursing should consider the whole person.

A dying person remains a person, and a nursing student should use his or her time to either prevent death or assist the patient in achieving a comfortable and peaceful end. I cannot understand how posting on social media could be a priority during such a critical moment.

This issue presents a critical challenge for the Board of Nursing to update its Code of Ethics to address the conduct of nurses in the online realm. Professional organizations must adapt to contemporary realities that jeopardize the sacred trust placed in the nursing profession. Filipino nurses are renowned for their compassion and competence, which is why the Philippines remains a leading exporter of nursing talent globally. We cannot allow narcissistic tendencies to tarnish this esteemed profession.

It is imperative that we collectively work to uphold and elevate the standards of nursing, ensuring that our actions reflect the true spirit of care and professionalism.

Finally, our nursing schools should prioritize not only developing the skills of nursing students but also shaping their attitudes.

About the Author:

Michael “Mikee” De la Peña is both a lawyer and a nurse, currently serving as a policy officer at a health think tank in the Philippines.

In his legal practice, he manages cases related to civil and criminal litigation, non-profit law, health policy, and intellectual property rights. He is also pursuing a Master of Laws degree at Ateneo de Manila University, focusing on Intellectual Property Law and Health Governance.

Posted on

Force Volunteerism among nurses needs to stop.

Once upon a time, I was a volunteer nurse.

No benefits, no stipend, no whatever. No, seriously. As far I know, this is the only profession that ‘requires’ you to work without pay for so long just for the ”experience”.

So I got sick and tired.

Fast forward to now, there are still licensed nurses out there rendering their services for free. It needs to stop. The truth is, most of the time, in the Philippine setting, you can’t climb too far up the ladder without strings to pull. And even if you get promoted to N1 or N2 level, the salary still ain’t up to par. No one can blame the nurses who leave their loved ones to take their chances abroad, or find non-health services related jobs. You know, jobs with REAL pay to make ends meet.


I hope this government will live up to its promise for change to come because I really want the system to change from being pro-capitalist to pro-everyone. Which is unrealistic. Alright then, more pro-working class than ever, especially to practicing nurses out there.

From the Facebook post of Ms. Karen Joy Torralba, RN

Posted on

I’m MutyaRN, I’m writing to the President.

Dear Pres. Aquino,

I congratulate you for killing  the “ act providing for a Comprehensive Nursing Law towards Quality Healthcare System and Appropriating Funds Therefor”. This signifies your compassion, love  and understanding to us—nurses.

Being the outgoing President of the Philippines, I will give all my respect to you, His Excellency. Your administration is always proclaiming that you successfully improved the conditions of our public healthcare institutions in our poor country, in support, the Department of Health also boastfully said that we are very near to achieving the goal of universal healthcare, yet, ironically,  8 out of 10 Filipinos die without seeing a single healthcare professional, that includes not seeing us— nurses.

I will not ask you to override your decision or to explain yourself; I want to give you a glimpse of our life which you belittled and disregarded. It is better than convincing your already close mind.

Mr President, this is not only about the salary grade that we are fighting for, this is about the work dignity that the nurses only deserve. We don’t ask for too much, we only beg for the exact, livable amount. We are not corrupt, we care, we love, we understand and we only deserve it.

Early in the morning when no one is around, we take care of 30-40 patients in one hospital ward; your administration permitted your hospitals to hire 2-3 staff nurses/ward. Mathematically, one nurse is for 10 patients. We don’t only look at our patients, we cannot afford to sit, to wait for the bell to ring, eat our breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. Infact Mr. President, while you are taking your break,  we assess, diagnose, set outcome criteria, plan, intervene and evaluate.

We are not low lying animals, we are human beings.

We administer high alert medications. We see to it that we give the correct drug with right dose and observing another kilometer of rights. If we are cruel enough, if we are idle, if we are corrupt, if we are stupid, we can easily administer these drugs and watch your voters die.

We don’t get enough sleep, we have straight duties, we need to comply and compensate because most of your hospitals are understaffed. We report despite there is a typhoon, an earthquake, even in special occasions, we care for your voters. While others are having their vacation, while you are having your siesta time, we are selflessly present at the patients’s bedside.

Don’t lecture us about training and seminars because, I tell you Mr. President, it’s useless. We are paying for private training because the free seminars and training that you are very proud of, are as old as the Malacanan palace. If we want to learn more, to improve our competency, You give us no choice but to seek, to train and sadly, to pay using our own meager salary because when we will not do this, we will remain empty in your empty healthcare institutions. Supposedly, you are the one ensuring the implementation of these training. Your advisers did not do their research right?

Now, when your voters poop and urinate on their bed, we wipe it and make them clean. Our hands are dirty because you gave us no choice but to recycle our gloves.  We don’t have mask in the hospital, to protect ourselves; we buy using our own salary. Providing workplace safety, as far as I know, is your responsibility. No amount of money can pay to suffice the hazards that we are facing every day.

Lastly, you don’t ever compare us to other professions. We are your health allies. We are the lifeblood of the healthcare industry. When we leave the bedside, many will die, and you will not like it. We don’t leave our posts just to attend rallies in the street. In fact, we are not only nurses, we are also teachers, because health education is one of our many core competency.  Our teachings can save a life.

We are also pharmacist, we don’t only administer drugs, we check it, and we protect your voters from medication error. We don’t simply follow orders, like you, we discern, we investigate if this is safe and beneficial for your voters.  Unlike you, we fight for what is right and just.

No job is small or big. Every job is unique. There is simple a reason why nurses receive high salary outside of this country. It is no brainier Mr. President. It is common sense that other countries, sane and compassionate countries, acknowledge the kind of work that we do. Only in this country that we are treated as animals, not to mention, some doctors who verbally torture nurses in the clinical area.

With due all respect Mr President, you are under an illusion and a delusion that this country has a strong health workforce. In Psychiatric nursing, we confront you with reality, that’s why I’m writing this for you to see the bitter realities of the nursing industry in our country. If you are still in doubt, try to have yourself admitted in a public hospital, and you will see how cruel your government to nurses is.

Earlier when I read the news that you vetoed the bill, I cried because of disbelief. In fact, I am a supporter of your yellow army. I supported you, but that support and admiration ends today, like how you vetoed our life, the CNL.

Nurses are trained to become caring, understanding and enduring. We always listen; we never judge or give advice to influence a decision. However, I can’t be a nurse with this.

Tonight, I am speaking not as a nurse but as a human being. This is more than business Mr. President. At the end, you will know that the last man or woman standing beside your bed is a nurse and not your (kumpare and companeros,) the {nurse}  will insert your intravenous catheter, she will tuck your bed, she will wipe your poop, she will give your medications, will clean your wounds, will provide you food, will fight for your rights, will protect you from falls and accidents, even you failed them.

Mr. President, I want to close this letter by saying; you have no heart . You have no soul.

 

-Mutya

Posted on

The lady that you should meet now. 

Leadership Journey 7 - Martin San Diego-119I am very afraid to post this entry. This is my most courageous composition, as of now.

Arriving home, I opened my messenger and I saw our conversation last year. It was June, same day, when I message her in facebook. Well, the message was dramatic and heavy. Given that I don’t have a degree in Communications, for heaven’s grace, I was able to deliver the message to her. I was doubtful, anxious, but the message was sent 01:00 AM and was seen 02:00 AM.

I immediately turned off my facebook. Slowly, my actions begun to sink in.

“I messaged one of the most powerful women in the world, in—FACEBOOK.”

I prayed ardently, that Mother Mercy will forgive me, which she will guide and protect me from possible havoc as a result of my actions. I hid under my polka dots blanket. I wished that the blanket would give me goodluck. When I opened my messenger, she replied.

“Send your resume to me, let’s see how and what.”

Oh my God! “Ginawa kong HR si ma’am!” I was ashamed. It was unprofessional. I went out from the apartment, looked at the sky and wished for an UFO to suction me.

Then the rest is history.

But before that incident….

It was in the middle of Typhoon Yolanda, I sent a message to her Facebook, it was my first time to contact her. We were planning to conduct a medical mission in a severely affected area in Iloilo. I knew, she was busy during that time, but help arrived.

After the medical mission, in the back of mind, “Oh my God! Nakakahiya!”

I will not do this again.

I’m not writing to impress her, or to ask an extension of my deliverables. This is my simple way of expressing my deepest gratitude.

We call her ma’am RPF.

Reflective, one time, she asked me under the shade of coconut trees. “Why?” “Why?” Why?” “Why are you here?”, my synapses collapsed. It was a deep reflective session which she helped me identify my calling.  She has the power to look at the clouds and give you an insight and interpretation of your existence. I looked at the clouds a million times, but I don’t see anything. She is rich in wisdom.

Passionate, She can bring and channel your passions into something measurable and meaningful. She has an eye for hidden potentials and talents. She guides you to a series of maze, and at the end of the day, you will experience extreme happiness because you have survived it. It’s not always easy, but with her, you will be amazed on how you reached that kind of decision. She challenges your mind to think big. She stretches it until it snaps.

“Ma’am, pause muna tayo, masakit na ang ulo namin.”

Then she would laugh and say, “Sige, hinay-hinay lang tayo.”

Fun, she believes that building a healthier Philippines should not be boring. She incorporates color to the office, her pasalubongs, her superb attire (na gusto ko nang manahin).

It has been 2 years since I left Iloilo for Manila. Once in a while, I miss my mother. I only get the chance to talk to her through phone. But when I see ma’am RPF in the office, I can feel that my mom is around. Her presence is reassuring. Every time, I see her colourful flower arrangements, I see flashes of images of our garden cultivated by mama.

I believe that, to survive work, to have a meaningful job, it is essential sometimes, to perceive your superiors as someone as close and as dear to your heart. Sometimes they will correct you, get angry at you, but at the end of the day, they will be waiting for you at the end of the road, ready to share the happiness and celebrations, after a day full of meaningful, satisfying and fun work.

Posted on

Part 1: Sagada will clear your mind.

If you feel that you are exhausted, drained, brokenhearted and soon to make a tough decision in your life, stop, take a break and visit Sagada in Mountain Province.

It was my 24th birthday last week and I feel that I want to breathe some fresh air. I want to stop and dig deeper. I want to unleash the monster and the angel inside of me. Unfortunately, I can’t unleash it in Manila, because traffic and pollution itself will block your inner eye. I filed an immediate birthday leave (sorry for that Doc Ian), and asked Rexell to accompany me in searching the missing pieces of Mutya.

There was no plan, therefore, no budget. I have a couple of thousands in my wallet but it did not hinder us to pursue Sagada. Here’s the story.

First, we purchased junk foods and 2 litres of mineral water. Rexell told me that food and water are expensive in Baguio and Sagada. The list includes: Nutristar, Piatos, Nova, Wilkins (2 litres), Vegetable Chips, Chips Ahoy and Nips.  I hoped it will reach Sagada or even, optimistically, half of route going to Baguio.

We rode a bus going to Cubao Terminal. It was challenging because the Victory Liner terminal is quite difficult to search for first timers. We thought that the terminal is located inside the Araneta Complex. Our assumptions failed. We walked for almost 20 minutes, until we found the terminal, hiding under the billboard of Sara Geronimo.

We knew that the best time to leave Manila for Baguio is 10PM, but there was a bus leaving for 9PM. We grabbed the tickets for 450 pesos each with the assumption that bus will leave 10PM for sure. Filipino time will take effect.  However, Victory Liner surprised us; it left Manila 9PM sharp.  In God’s grace, I was able to buy in a nearby store, a couple of pork adobo rice toppings.  Before I forget, always bring a thick jacket to combat the very cold air-conditioning system of the bus.

We reached Baguio at around 4AM. As expected, half of our food failed to reach its desired destination. Chilling, we went inside the Victory Liner terminal. The guard told us to wait until 6AM—the first trip going to Sagada. We ate 2 cups of hot noodles.  After we gain the confidence from the hot noodles,  we disobeyed the concerned guard; we went outside, took a taxi and went to Sagada terminal.

Seeing no bus in the area, we went inside a 24 hour store and ate our favourite Bulalo.

The guard was wrong. The first trip going to Sagada is 5:30AM. The bus was full of passengers, majority are locals of Besau and Sagada. We occupied the second to the last row. When going to Sagada, occupy the front rows, left side of driver. One reason is for the captivating views and second, if you want to urinate you can immediately go down.

Speaking of urinating, it is best to unload your bladder before the bus leaves. It will be a terrible feeling, (like what I experienced), my urinary bladder was fully distended. I was actively waiting for the bus to reach its first stop.

“Kuya, malayo pa ba ang bus stop?”, I asked a millionth times.

The first bus stop is 3 hours from Baguio. Passengers immediately raced towards the comfort room and a small canteen.  I recommend you to eat the delicious siomai here. It will only cost you 27 pesos for 4 pieces.  It is one of the best siomai, I ever tasted. You can also take some selfies while waiting for other passengers.

There were two bus stops. I did not notice the second because I fell asleep. It takes 6 hours of circling roads with 360 blind turns, majestic view of the mountain province, green and relaxing rice terraces and the caress of cold and caring fresh wind.

We reached the town proper of Sagada at around 2PM. We registered our names in their tourist assistance office. They gave us a short brief and a one pager map where you can see the available accommodations, restaurants, tourist attractions and emergency numbers.

We chose the lodge Abaret, a beautiful and comfortable inn, just a 5 minute walk from the market, police office and the tourist center. We got a room for two, for only 700 pesos/day. The room is fully furnished, clean, with its own comfort room, my favourite—the balcony, overlooking the green and soul captivating imagery painted by low lying clouds, blooming flowers , green and proud pine trees and sound of chirping birds, welcoming your presence in their pride land—SAGADA.

Like life, most of the time, we are preoccupied by expensive things, to the point that we become individuals swallowed by the desire to have it all. By doing so, we loss the essence of life that lies in the simplistic beauty of things. In the city, our eyes are clouded not by cottony clouds but with the blinking new materials in the market, new bars, new restaurants, new toys, boys and women.

Before I loss wakefulness, I stared at the window, looking at the mountains. I whispered “Thank you.”before I completely fell asleep.

(to be continued)

Posted on

Finding your own Adonis

Earlier, because of the extreme heat, I was able to consume a lot of fluids. I could feel that my tummy was about to explode. I was afraid. I knew that I was in a state of fluid overload.  I waited for a couple of minutes, just to give time for my body to excrete the large amount of fluid. After I successfully eliminated the fluids, a good friend sent a text message, saying that I need to call him (ASAP).

Because, he is a friend, I immediately called him.

“Mikee, hindi ko na kaya ang stress sa work, punong-puno na ako.”

In my mind, (Am I a member of the Department of Labor and Employment?”) I further explored. I gave no judgement.

“The stress is killing me. I couldn’t sleep. Pati sex life wala!”

“In that last part, I can help you if you want”, I said.

Then he laughed.

He said that calling me, made his day lighter. (Flattered much), I offered a coffee, but he said, he has to go for Sunday worship. I did not insisted.

Back then, I remembered someone. His name is Adonis. He is a hemodialysis nurse. He is a specialized nurse who can pull fluids and wastes from one’s blood.

He knows how filtration works. He knows his limits and goals. When he feels that you are overloaded, he will increase his permeability and blood flow. His hands will manipulate the pressures. You can see the patient’s vital signs improving. You can breathe easily if Adonis is with you in the bedside.

He knows all about the anions and cations. He knows how to infuse positivism and extract negativity from the body. He takes the necessary steps to prevent electrolyte imbalances.

Work and life becomes easier with him. After the day, he smiles and says,

“You are good now, patient is stable. But ensure that you control fluid intake and note the output.”

Yes, our life is full of everyday stress and pressures. We can feel that our efforts are not enough to meet our goals. We fail to satisfy our superiors and in return we feel that we are less—inferior.

Sometimes, you can sense that the sky is falling; you can’t breathe, sleep and have sex.

You need to have an Adonis to absorb and cleanse your system. You need to find that hemodialysis person, who can lighten your load. You need to search for that someone who can help you set the goals and has the balls to say:  “that’s enough,  it damages your system.”

Without this person, you will soon find yourself drowning in an ocean full of expectations and dissatisfaction. We can take so much work to challenge our capabilities but our body and spirit have limits, thus we need support. We need someone who can antagonize the toxins, who can increase our creatinine clearance so that we can freely excrete the excess in our body.

Without your own Adonis, failure is imminent, it can lead to death.

Go find your Adonis.  He is just around!

 

Love,

Mutya

Posted on

The other side of LGBT love.

I am a first-hand witness on how their sugary relationship had started.  It was like a fairy tale which I closely tracked for a year and a month, before it finally reaches the season finale. It is disheartening seeing that two heartstrings are disbanded because of physical —————————————-distance.

It was I think, May last year, when I first saw them together.  Upon opening the door of our apartment located at the fourth floor in Makati, I always see their shadows hugging, eating while sharing one spoon, and sometimes giving the other a pleasurable massage. It was like watching the El Gamma Penumbra performing their act of love. Their message to the viewing public—respect the love we have.

In my mind, “what a scene”!

There were times when one prepares the food for the other. Well, during that time, I don’t have someone to pack my own food before I go to hospital. But inside my consciousness, were feelings of happiness and excitement. Imagine, two lovely men could even love and live like real husband and wife. And I was their (yaya).

There is hope in an LGBT relationship. There is an excitement.  I forced myself to believe.

When I and my friend left Makati for Pasig, the sweet relationship continued. It even survived the traffic of EDSA. In fact, they always see each other in SM Megamall where they watch movies together, eat in a pizza parlour, buy couple shirts, beauty products and read some books.  Every time I see them together, even after our exodus from Makati, my faith in love over lust significantly prospers.

Not until today.

Distance and physical absence cut the threads of their love. This news makes me queasy. I am not good in giving advice, especially about love. I want to extend some help but this is not my area of specialty.

LGBT relationships are complex. It has special needs, it is unique.

This is different. Yes, I am a fairy tale lover; I could always visualize the ending.  I am as well a fan of love story movies; I could even predict their script. But aside from these, I am, in my own right, an expert in creating LGBT love stories.

In my composition, I can play with the characters. I can make them have sex inside fully booked in BGC, I can command the characters to have some adventure in Sagada where they eventually found out their sexuality, I can kill a character, I can modify their traits, I can make him fall in love unconditionally.

Despite my passion in writing about homosexuals falling in love and even succeed in having one, (I have an award winning piece which I want to share here soon), I can feel that I am powerless and useless.

Tonight, I want to rewrite their love story, I want to alter the plot, but in reality, though, I want to close the distance, just for my friend to finally be with his lover again, as in tonight, I am not a magician, nor I am not God.

Now, I have no choice but to accept that there is another side of this kind of relationship. Their story goes on a different route as expected, but it’s only time and fate that can predict the finality. Now, I want to see both of them happy, in their own separate ways. I want to bless them with high hopes and positivism that after the rain, a rainbow will appear, and sooner or later, when wounds are already healed, they will face again, hopefully, as stronger characters as before, ready to love again.

Love,

Mutya

Posted on

The Miriam inside of me.

When I was little, every time someone bullies or hurts me, without second thoughts, I would look at that person from head to toe, and admonish them in the presence of other students who are eating their packed lunches.

I became notorious for using fiery words during my elementary and high school, even until my college days though I became a bit demure and meek. My inspiration and model back then was Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Let me tell you a story.

I was in Grade 3 when I first ran as a Senator in our class elections. My adversaries back then were from Grades 5 to 6. I was the youngest and the smallest at that time—perhaps due to malnutrition. Thus, I was the last candidate to deliver my platform. I told the electorate:

“Behold, promises are made to be broken. I am asking the sky now to hit my opponents with lighting, if they are lying.”

Then a lightning struck, disturbing the solemnity of the miting de avance. On the next day, I found out that I won.  Again, my inspiration then was Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.

Even during the toughest times, my faith to the Lady Senator did not falter. When there’s no food to eat, I think of it as a sign of climate change affecting food security. When there’s no electricity in our house, I think of it as a manifestation of the government’s incompetence in addressing energy problems. We seriously didn’t have proper supply of electricity until I graduated from high school.  Despite all of these, I know that Sen. Miriam was with me—pushing me to study harder and not surrender.

Here’s another story.

I was ambitious, that’s why when I was in high school, I ran as President despite contradictions because I was only in my sophomore year. There were three of us competing for the highest position in the school. I was afraid then; I was still the smallest and the thinnest. But I saw Sen. Miriam in the horizon.

I knew I needed to win.

It was a bloody speech.

At the end of the canvassing of votes, I was proclaimed President. I know that it was Sen. Miriam who made me win. However, just to note, it was my friend Alfred Dicto who became the Fidel Ramos of my life, defeating me in my second attempt for re-election.

For sure, without Sen. Miriam in my head, I wouldn’t be able to surpass all the trials in my life. She was the only person—despite the absence of many—who remained at my side. I even memorized all her speeches and I impersonate her perfectly, gaining awards by doing so.

Why am I doing this?

I already learned my lessons. Before I pursued development work, I was a nurse, taking care of critically-ill patients. I have witnessed both life and death almost every day. I learned that while you still have the chance, go and say your piece—do it now, because time is a bitch. Today, you could be sleeping in bed; tomorrow, you could be inside a coffin.

My dad passed away last year due to lung cancer, just two hours before I reached home. It was the most painful experience I’ve ever had. In my hand during that time was a poem. I wrote it while I was en route to Iloilo. I never had the chance to hug him. I failed to deliver the best care for him.

This time, I don’t know how, but I want to care for Sen. Miriam. Not only because she is a previous Senator, but because she is someone who influenced me in so many ways. I want to give her the most meticulous care she deserves. I will provide her adequate oxygenation like how she provided life and excitement in the Senate. I will monitor her electrolytes, like how she monitored the financial spending of our country. Feed her if necessary, like how she fed students with wisdom. Give her bed bath, like how she made “sabon” corrupt public officials during hearings.

And once she is already comfortable, I want to read the Constitution to her, before she sleeps.

I may be sad right now, praying ardently that the Lady Senator will soon fully recover. That God will help her because she contributed a lot to this country.

Nevertheless, I know inside of me that the Miriam spirit will always be alive—burning like a torch, ready to share the fire with everyone else.

I hope that my little story will reach you, Madam. Like how you touched my life back when I was in Grade 3.

Thank you so much.

Love,

Mutya