Twitter and The Heckler

Before the year ends, let me blog about the 2 main things that caught my interest this year 2010. This is the year of social media.

It was early this year that I got to know about twitter. Dati kasi puro Friendster and Facebook lang ang napagkakaabalahan ko (especially during idle times in office). When one of my friends talked about twitter I got interested to know what is it look like and how does it work. After registering my account, the first impression was parang boring kasi puro text lang ang mababasa unlike Facebook na may mga applications. Then it came election season, because of ABS-CBN's new media campaign I started to get hooked up with twitter that led to addiction, masaya pala magtweet at makipagtweet. Because of it, I felt I was close with famous celebs and my idols because I am updated of everything about them. I remembered it was RG Cruz among ABS-CBN news persons that I first exchanged tweets. At that time he was at St Lukes The Fort, tweeting about the condition of First Gentleman who was confined there at that time. The height of my social media addiction is when I got to follow Ms. Ces Orena- Drilon and to my shock she followed me back (I was really star-strucked at that time). It was at the height of the election campaign that their news program Bandila introduced the segment Hot Seat wherein they guested election candidates and interview them using mostly questions tweeted by their followers in twitter and Facebook. Because of my innate interest in politics and current events, I make it a point to tweet questions to Ma'am Ces on every guests they have. Luckily my tweets and FB-posted questions landed on the screen of Bandila 5 times, the last being a video question using skype to Sen. Dick Gordon. It was a great experience for me having been seen on national TV, with my friends teasing me about it. After the election period and with the reformat of the newscast I still make it a point to tweet comment and questions and be part of their live interactive discussions.

More on the twitter addiction, it also pave the way to the resurrection of my interest in the world of blogging. Before knowing Twitter I already am managing my own blogsite, blogging about anything from current news items, poems that pops out of my brain and any subjects that comes out of my mind. But one retweet (I think from RG Cruz also, if i remember it right) got my attention. Title pa lang ng blog nakacaught na ng interest ko because I am not familiar of the word heckler, and I resorted googling it and found out what it means. From the first time that I read the post of The Professional Heckler I said in my mind, this is hilariously fun. From then on I started to follow TheProfessionalHeckler on twitter (which eventually became HecklerForever). Aside from the fun and laughter that his sarcastic humor brings, reading his blogs and following his tweets has also taught me to learn new words like borborygmus and pun. He is really in idol to me whom I can compare to Jose Rizal, being a linguist (having to know 17 languages #ikawna), he seemed to be like a doctor also (kasi laughter is the best medicine diba?. #mayganun #sipsip), prolific writer (#obviousba #bloggerngaeh #scriptwriterpa), and kaaway ng mga prayle (#galitsaanti-RH), sabi ko nga pagdating ng araw pede siguro syang maging national artist for the literature.hehehe (#levelupsapagsipsip). But seriously he is really one heck of a great man who can illicit laughter and wit thru the blogs he write. He is one intelligent person who is selfless in giving his time and effort just to make his followers happy, a certified heckling genius and a loyal sports enthusiast (#golakers :-)). I will always look forward to more heckling days with The Professional Heckler.

Up until now i still maintain my addiction to twitter and the professional heckler blog. These 2 are my constant companion during my idle times in office (pero minsan kahit hindi idle hindi makatiis na magtweet at magcomment sa heckler blog. hehehe). I will never regret being part of the big world of social media because it has helped me learn new things. Twitter will always be part of my life and heckling will always solve my apetite. As i say, "Aanhin ko ang Blogger kung hindi naman si Heckler". :-)

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"To err is human, to heckle is for this man ==> TPH"

Christmas Rush...

Days before the much awaited season of the year, holiday rush is already felt everywhere. Shopping malls and bazaars are full of people. The streets are loaded with cars that causes huge traffic. Christmas parties are all over the place. I too am one of those people who at the last minute crams for Christmas shopping. As early as September I'm planning to do my Christmas shopping so as to avoid long queues in malls or bazaars and to smoothly choose gifts that I will give to my friends and love ones. But up until the Christmas week, I ended up being one of those people who rushes into shopping areas to buy gifts and giveaways. Good thing I made a gift list that makes me shop easier and smoothly.

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"Do what should be done at the very time you felt like doing it"

My First Airplane Ride..

After many times of planning an out of the country vacation, finally it came to realization. Last June 9-12, I found myself, together with my high school friends at the heart of the Land of Smile - Thailand. Threatened to be cancelled due to civilian unrest in Thailand's Metro Bangkok, we were able to push thru with the plan, and luckily we arrived at a seemingly peaceful Thailand's Capital.

Before midnight of June 10, we arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. Of course enate to pinoys the fascination with pictures, at the onset of arrival we quickly took pictures of the scenes.



Due to travel fatigue we immediately get a cab to bring us to the hotel we booked in. The ride going to the hotel seemingly brought us back to manila because of the structures and landscapes that is very similar to what we usually see in the Philippine metro. The highways and buildings looks very much the same of what are available here, that's why it feels like we didn't go out of the country because we felt like we were home. At the hotel, we met our friend who flew in from Bahrain just to be with us. Of course picture moments again at the hotel lobby and on our suite, before going to sleep we enjoyed delightful chicken pizza to ease our hungry stomachs.

On the morning its breakfast time at the hotel. Sumptuous Thai breakfast was served and we were delighted by what we ate. After the breakfast feast, we started touring the city which weeks before was troubled by political-civilian turmoil. First stop was Chao-Praya river experience. It feels like we're traveling Pasig river because of its resemblance. We were supposed to jump-off at some points of the tour, but we just opted not to because we were not so delighted and amazed of what we can experience on the stop over places.At the end of the tour is picture taking on one of their treasured temple then after that went back to the hotel. On the evening of that day we head towards the city's shopping centers. We went to MBK Mall and Siam Paragon to dine and try Thai Foods then after that we headed toward Kaosan road where nightlife is worth the try plus the cheap goods for pasalubong. Then after head towards the hotel again to sleep.

The next morning (our last day) we headed towards tour of the Grand Palace, but before we got to enjoy the Grand Palace we detoured first in other minor temples of Bangkok and a jewelry factory. At the jewelry factory I realized that Pinoys are really everywhere because the crews of the factory know how to speak in Filipino primarily because of the frequent Pinoy visitors there and I was surprised about that. hehehe. After having lunch we go back to the Grand Palace where we witnessed the magnificence of Thailand's treasure temples. We were amazed at the intricacies and elaborate architectural designs of their temples. After touring the temple we went shopping for our pasalubongs then head back to the hotel to prepare for our departure later at night.


After finishing preparing our things and having bought all the pasalubongs we checked out and prepared to go to the airport. It was a memorable travel for us, especially that our friend flew in from Bahrain just to be with us in this vacation. Bangkok memories will be treasured for the rest of our lives because this is my first travel outside of the country and my very first airplane ride. Im sure this wont be the last travel abroad and I will be looking forward to my 'Second Airplane Ride".

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"Experience the world for as long as you can, it may be too late while you realized you can no longer travel"

Fruits of Sentiments (Poem Collection Vol.3)

Another collection of Poem Migrated from my Friendster profile blog page.

Salamangkera

Sa’king tahimik na mundo                                                           
Nasanay mabuhay nang mag-isa                                                       
Bawat araw kinakaya nang walang inaasahang kasama                                  
Sa iyong pagdating mundo ko’y nagising                                             
Nagkaroon ng ingay at nagliwanag ang kulay                                         
Ngayong natagpuan ka ligaya’y umaapaw                                              
Tibok nang puso’y laging mabilis                                                   
Ngiti sa labi hindi maalis                                                         
Dahil ikaw ang kape ko                                                             
Na sa’kiy nagpapainit                                                              
Salamangkerang bumihag sa puso kong nananahimik.                                   
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Magkapiling Pa Rin

Nangagarap na muling makapiling ka
Nananabik na muling mayakap ka
Umaasang muling magkikita, at muling mahagkan ka
Ngunit ano mang mangyari
Di man tayo magkatabi
Sa’king puso ikaw mananatili
Laging tandaan ako’y nandito lamang
Sa puso ko lagi kang iingatan.
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Adhika

Sa bawat araw na dumadaan
Pangarap ko’y ikaw
Marinig lamang ang boses mo
Oh anong ligaya ko
Ngiti sa labi ang iyong hatid
Nagpapatibok ng pusong umiibig
Di man tayo nagkikita lagi kang inaalala
Pinapangarap na muling ikaw ay makasama
Muling pagsasaluhan masayang tawanan
Magdadamayan kung may iyakan
Mahal kita at mahal mo ako
Sabayan natin ang ikot ng mundo
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Malungkot na Puso

Tinamaan na naman ng biglang kalungkutan
Animo’y dinudurog ang pusong luhaan
Di maipaliwanag itong nararamdaman
Siguro’y nananabik lamang na ikay masilayan
Ngunit handang magtiis at handang maghintay
Lahat ay kakayanin pagkat ikay mahal
Hanggat sinisigaw ng puso koy ikaw
Patuloy na mamahalin kung iyong nanaisin
Kung dumating ang araw na hindi mo na kaya
At pagmamahal sa’kiy naglaho na
Iiyak na lang at tahimik na magluluksa
Tatanggapin ng maluwag nitong damdaming nagdurusa
Pagkat mahal kita, kaligayahan mo ang nais
Babaunin ko na lamang mga halik na kay tamis
Mga yakap na kay higpit at ngiting walang kaparis
Na minsang pinagsaluhan bunga ng ating pag-ibig
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Tinig

Kalungkuta’y nanumbalik sa pusong nananabik
Nangangamba’t di mawari ang puso’y humihikbi
May luha nang pananabik at pangungulila
Nananalanging sana’y muli kang makita
Sanay mapawi itong kalungkutan
Sa mga tinig na malambing na nais mapakinggan
Animoy musika sa puso, nagbibigay kasiyahan
Tinig na aking mahal at patuloy na minamahal

Fruits of Sentiments (Poem Collection Vol.2 )

Another collection of Poems migrated from FS Blog page. Enjoy!!!

Hinagpis

Gusto kong umiyak
Ngunit wala nang luha
Pusong nasasaktan manhid na
At walang pakiramdam
Bakit ba ako nahulog
Sa matamis mong mga ngiti
Kung sakit nang damdamin lang nman ang sukli
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Im With You

Hear me through my music
Feel me through the wind
When the sun is shining
That’s the time I’m smiling
When the day is raining
That’s the time I’m crying
I’m with every weather of the day
I’m with you everyday
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Liwanag

Gabing puno ng usok
Nag-iisa sa sulok
Naglalakbay ang diwa habang tumatangis
Mga talang nakasilip sa bintana
Tila nag-aanyayang
Ngumiti ka naman at pahirin ang luha
Di natatapos ang mga bagay sa isang paalam
Buhay ay punong-puno ng pag-asa
Manalig ka lamang
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You

Fiery angel who came without notice
The fruit that snow white ate
You are to my eye
Star that glitters
Lighting my every nights
A sweetest cake in my every dreams
A dagger in my heart
You made me bleeding

Fruits of Sentiments (Poem Collection Vol.1)

I recently visited my profile in Friendster, then realized I have my Blog Page there. Below are one of my Poem collections migrated from the FS Blog page.

Lord I’m Grateful

A grateful heart is all I have
For all the blessing that I have got
Your saving grace and merciful heart
Has given me a whole new life
Lord I’ll shout and praise your name
I’ll tell the world the works you’ve made
All the miracles that you have done
Clearly shown you’re mighty one
You are truly my God who lives
You’re my counsel in every feat
You are my beacon that shines so bright
Lord my bestfriend, savior of our lives
With every beat on my heart I will rejoice
I will sing praises with all my voice
Everyday I will thank you Lord
And forever you will be my joy
Lord I’m grateful
Lord I’m grateful
And forever I will love you Lord
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Bago ka Lumisan

Sa iyong pag-alis
May nadaramang sakit
Pusong minsan nagliwanag
Nagayon nababalot na ng ulap
Nakakalungkot na ako’y iiwan na
Di mapigilan pagpatak ng luha
Damdaming sumisigaw ba’t di pagbigyan
Isang halik man lang bago ka lumisan
Bakit ba kailangan pang lumisan
Di ba maaring manatili na lamang
Sa’king tabi ika’y iingatan
Pag-ibig na alay ating pagsaluhan
Ngayong nag-iisa kasama ay gitara
Sa kwartong tahimik pinangarap kang makasama
Kung pinagbigyan lang sana
Abot langit ang ligaya
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Bakit Ba

Nang una kang makita di ko inakala
Na ika’y lilisan at ako’y iiwan
Mga araw na pinagsamahan puno ng kasiyahan
Sana’y maulit kahit minsan man lang
Wala nang saysay ang buhay
Kung di ka kapiling
Walang humpay ang pagdurusa
Ngayong puso’y nag-iisa
Bakit ba kaylangan pang lumayo
Bakit ba kailangan pang iwanan
Bakit pa tayo pinagtagpo
Kung magkakalayo rin naman
Ngayong nag-iisa ay alaala ka
Masayang tawanan sa tuwing uwian
Sa jeep na sinasakyan di ko maiwasan
Na pangaraping katabi pari’y ikaw lamang
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The Beat

Going to sleep with smile on my lips
Mirrored by the smile earlier seen
Sparkling eyes so enticing
Nice aura that is radiating
The earth is shaking and vibrating
Moment when one can say
“Im ready to get hurt again”
Why is this feeling always roam
Trying to test our heart and soul
It really feels good to know your inlove
But it also tends to get you hurt
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The True People Power

Had a chance to visit my friendster profile recently, and realized I have blog entries pala sa FS profile ko. Below is one of the Blogs I've migrated from Friendster Blog.

We have had EDSA I which toppled the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. We also had EDSA II which evicted the “accused plunderer” Joseph Estrada from office. Then there was what they call EDSA III aiming to remove the small lady in Malacanang but unfortunately didn’t succed (probably because there were no clear purpose). After all, what have we got? Did this parliament of the streets changed the lives of the Filipinos, and how did it made us politically mature?
Before the surfacing of “Hello Garci” scandal, I didn’t thought Philippine politics would be more exciting yet more degrading. When this scandal came out on media in 2005, political scenario in the country has been very annoying, left and right political bickerings between pro-administration camps and the opposition. From then on different protest rallies are staged asking for the resignation of President Macapagal-Arroyo. There were also coup attemps but non have succeded. Many issues also have became hot topics and some were the Impeachment and Charter Change.

Opposition parties have filed several impeachment complaints against the president in the hope of removing her from office, but Arroyo allies managed not to make it happen. With that, pro-admin lawmakers move their way to change the constitution and it went all the way into converting the Lower House into a constituent assembly, but same as impeachment it also din’t worked.Different investigations in aid of legislation as they say, have been done, sacrificing their main duty of law creation and passage.
Isn’t irritating to know that our lawmakers which we elected to create relevant laws to uplift our standard of living are very busy quarrelling to push their selfish motives and agendas. Yes we need critics and fiscalizers in the government so that we may protect it from abusive officials, but it shouldn’t be OA and exaggerated to the point that they’re forgetting their true duty and mandate, and that is to create and pass relevant laws. But who is to blame? We should realize that these people wont be there if not for our votes. So it is high time that we realize the importance of our votes. Yes we may have succeded in changing leadership by parliament of the streets twice, but its effects are short lived. Now is the time to use our true power, the parliament of pen, our VOTING POWER.

Now that election is forthcoming, let’s not waste this opportunity to correct our past mistakes. Voting the right people is the most powerful thing we can do to start the change. We should be very critical and keen in choosing the candidates who will be serving the government. We should vote for those people who have the passion to create significant laws that will truly uplift our lives and not just to criticize and investigate in “aid of legislation”. I recently watched a news item regarding the upcoming election, and I remember a certain religious leader turned politician calling for people to vote for candidates who will push the impeachment against the president, how disappointing. Instead of aiming to create relevant laws they’re longing to install lawmakers that will impeach the small lady in Malacanang, isn’t disgusting? Can we entrust our votes to people whose main purpose in getting to Senate or House of Representative is to impeach a president and not to make laws which is their sworn duty? I am not campaigning against the opposition nor am i campaigning for the candidates of the administration, but my point is, let’s be more descerning. Try to know the candicates well and study their credentials astutely, so that when the election day comes we will have the best candidates installed in our goverment. Candidates who will serve to their best and for the best of our people. Its not yet too late to start and change the course of our country, and no one can make it happen but YOU, I, we all Filipinos who still believe that someday Philippines will rise to its former glory.
Mabuhay ang Malaya at Mapanuring Pilipino….
God bless us all…

PNoy on RH Bill : Stand Firm...

After PNoy's statement during his US visit with regards to his support for the RH Bill, he immediately gained opposition from the Catholic Bishops saying and I quote "The whole church is against it" (from Bishop Yniegez). Following this statement, news has been bannered again with the issue of RH Bill being a law. The House of Representatives is constant with their stand to make this bill a law, with the House Speaker saying this is a Priority Bill of the Congress. In the most recent developments, due to PNoy’s firm stand, the CBCP chairman in the name of Bishop Nereo Odchimar said the President could face excommunication from the church if he allowed RH Bill to be passed as a law. To this effect the president issued his statement as a response saying “We are all guided by our consciences. My position has not changed. The state’s duty is to educate our families as to their responsibilities and to respect their decisions if they are in conformity to our laws.” (From the official gazette).

I too am a practicing catholic; I graduated from a catholic high school and am devotee of Our Lady of Perpetual help and St. Jude Parish. But I don’t think it will compromise my catholic faith if I stand for the passing of the RH Bill. I can’t see the point why this is being opposed so much by the church when the only goal of this Bill is to give the people a choice on how they can plan their family. And I can’t see why they keep on equating abortion with contraception. If they are adhering to some natural family planning methods which aim to lessen the number of children in the family, why are they opposing the use of contraceptives which has logically the same goal? If they are contending that abortion is a mortal sin, yes I will agree to that, but equating abortion to contraception is I think logically hard to digest. How can you equate abortion which is killing of an already conceived fetus to contraception which is prevention or reduction of likelihood to conceiving a child? Another thing, RH Bill will only provide a choice and will not induce or force people to follow or use it. What is wrong with giving people a choice? Isn’t it embedded in our constitution the right to choose? Giving people an option would not mean all people will have to bite with that option. That’s why it’s called option, go for those who want, ignore to those who don’t.  Is it bad to give people choice to be responsible parents?

I believe this is the right time that the government should show its political will. The poverty that our country is experiencing today is not only attributable with the corruption in government but also with over population. The country’s economic resources will always be shortfall if the population will continue to rise up. Even though we eradicate corruption if the population will continue to surge our country’s resources will still not be enough to cover its population.

To PNoy I am with you in your stand for the RH Bill. Stand firm on this, Pinoys deserve to have a choice especially in terms of access to health care.

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"Vox Populi, Vox Dei"

Do we need to be poor to understand their needs?....just an opinion..

It's been quite sometime that political ads A.K.A infomercials are running on our national TVs. Different formats, different gimmicks but the only purpose is, for them to be recognize, so as to gain popularity and get more voters for them in the coming election. As I observe those infomercials, the main agenda or common plot is always poverty, that they came from the poorest of the poor then rose to fame and fortune. They keep on claiming the rugs to riches story as to make it feel that they're one of those poor pinoys who are experiencing how helpless and how hard it is to live in this country. (Siguro mas maganda kung itagalog ko na lang ito para mas maconvey ko ang aking opinion). Para sakin lang po, hindi sapat ng dahilan ang pagiging mahirap dati para maramdaman ang pangangailangan ng ating mga kababayang mahirap. Hindi kailangan nakatulog tayo sa kalye para malaman naten na kelangan ng mga kapababayan naten ang pabahay. Hindi rin kelangan maligo muna tayo sa maduming tubig para malaman naten na kelangan ng mga kababayan naten ang malinis na tubig. Sentitivities to people's needs does not necessarily mean having to experience those things. Kasi kung ang rason pala para maramdaman naten ang lahat ng bagay eh yung maexperience sya eh di ibig sabihin para malaman ng isang tao na masakit ang mapaso ng apoy kelangan muna nating masunog? Or pano yung mga rape victim na humihingi ng katarungan, kelangan mo bang marape muna para maramdaman yung sakit at hirap na dinanas nila, di ba hindi naman? Hindi ba mas nakakatuwang isipin na yung mga taong hindi nakaranas ng ganung hirap eh sya pa ang mas sensitibo sa pagtulong sa kanila. Mga taong hindi man naging salat sa buhay pero buong pusong tumutulong at tumutugon sa pangangailangan ng mga mahihirap nating kababayan. Hindi ba mas masarap na yung ginagastos sa mga kabikabilang infomercials para ipagsabi na galing sila sa hirap eh itulong na lang sa mga mahihirap. Hindi ba kung totoong galing ka sa hirap eh manghihinayang kang gastusin ang pinaghirapan mong pera para lang ipagsabi ang mga sinasabi mong accomplishments. Kasi ang totoong mahirap at pinaghirapan ang tinamasang yaman eh manghihinayang gumastos sa mga bagay na hindi naman naaayon sa imeediate na pangangailangan (subalit siguro nga masyado lang sobrang ang mga kayamanan nila). Para po sa akin, yes it's a plus point that you've experienced those things to know how it really feels, because you have hands on experience on the matter, but we cannot also categorically deny that those who did not experienced those things are not sensitive enough to feel for them. Our less fortunate people don't only need people who have been there, but people who may not been there but have sensible heart to understand how they felt and are sincere to help them uplift their situation. Hindi naten kelangan maging mahirap para malaman kung ano ang paghihirap na dinadanas ng ating mga kababayan. ang kelangan lang eh may puso kang tutugon at didinig sa kanilang pangangailangan.
This is just an opinion...

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"Aanhin mo ang galing sa hirap na kung gumastos naman ay parang wala nang bukas"

Do we really have 3 equal branches of government?

Associate Justice Renato Corona is now the new Supreme Court Chief Justice, this is the news that's been selling hotcake on our local media nowadays. A known ally and close contact of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, his appointment has been the current target of criticsms from different groups and people. From the point of Mrs. Arroyo's 90 day ban in appointments, to his just being so-close to the Lady President. This prompted me to think and analyze, does our government really has 3 co-equal independent branches?

Recalling from college in our political science subject it has been taught that our government is composed of 3 co-equal independent branches, the Executive, headed by the President, the Legislative headed by the Senate President and the House Speaker, and the judiciary headed by the Supreme Court Chief Justice. As to what is indicated in the constitution these 3 branches were to act separately and or independently with each other. They have their autonomy as to how to run their respective branches, or in other words each branches should have no influence with one another's own processes and decisions. The president cannot dictate the legislative what to do, as well as the judiciary and vice versa. Although it is common knowledge that the legislative serves in the pleasure and anointment of the executive, might as well it is true with the judiciary.

But to take a closer analysis, we can give benefit of the doubt to the legislative because their leaders (Senate President and House Speaker) are elected by their own members meaning all the senators and congressmen/women. But if we look at the judiciary, all the justices and the chief justice are appointed by the president, isn't logical to think that the judiciary is under the executive branch and not a separate co-equal branch. Could a separate entity have a leader appointed by the other branch and claim its independence? Maybe I am missing some points here, but on a plain view analysis, its hard to digest how can they be independent in all the decisions they make if you are appointed by the executive branch. To put this in a more simpler example, we have 3 neighboring houses, the 1st and 2nd house has its leaders appointed by members of its houses, but the 3rd one has a leader appointed on by the 1st house's leader, isn't not safe to say that the 3rd house is not independent  but rather is under the 1st house because the leader is delegated by the it?

I think this is the loophole of our government's setup, we can never have a full, honest and sincere independent judiciary for as long as its head and members are appointed by the executive branch. The president will always have the perceived influence on judiciary's actions because he/she is the one responsible for their positions. Its like a master/servant relationship, how can you not give favor to the one who have given you the power, or more likely an 'amo' - house manager relationship, how can you ignore your 'amo', who have given you the power to manage/lead his/her other houses. This is what our lawmakers should take look at and put into consideration. If it is framed in the constitution, might consider reviewing those provisions and start creating amendments that will put the judiciary's independence in a more reasonable and more logical look on a plain citizen's view.

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"A government of influence is a government of patronage"...