Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage in California

From Inquirer Global Nation:

"SAN FRANCISCO, California, United States—A lawsuit challenging the California law that outlaws gay marriage in the state moved a major step closer to a federal trial Wednesday."

Gay marriages or marriages between two people with the same sex have been a very controversial issue within the United States since the early 1970s. The main question that often arises on gay marriages is whether or not it is right to make marriages between the same sex legal or not.

Although there are some states in the U.S. that permit, recognize or fight for a legal matrimonial bonding between the same sex, there are still a lot of institutions and places throughout the United States that strongly oppose and does not recognize the legality of same sex marriage. This issue aside from many others makes gay marriages a typical subject of debate.

Recently, 2 same-sex couples filed a lawsuit regarding the banning of gay marriage in California. Based on religious context, it is clearly stated that “marriage should be between a man and a woman” (Matthew 19:4-6). On the contrary, human rights is often used as a ground in convincing people to change their perception on a traditional family setting.

In relation to the human rights gay population, is it really necessary to make the U.S. law gender neutral even though it would mean changing the society's perception with regards traditional family issues? Based on the survey that was conducted by the Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life on gay marriage and civil union, 59% opposed to allow gays and lesbians to be legally married and 51% opposed giving legal arrangements to gay marriages (The Pew Forum, 2008). This figure is very alarming. Since only 32% are in favor of legalizing gay marriage in the United States, the U.S. government should think twice before making any actions on legalizing gay marriage in the country.

My sexual orientation is heterosexual. I do not clearly understand exactly how gay people feel about the issue on gay marriage. Likewise, I am certainly not in the position to experience what lesbians and gays are going through right now. In terms of religious belief, I agree that we all should love one another regardless of race, gender or nationality. As far as I am concern, I am not God to end up judging the gay population for their desire to legalize gay marriages in the United States. After all, we are all humans; we all make mistakes.

Personally, I have seen a lot of married couples wherein women had been physically abuse or beaten up by their husband. Although male and female marriages are legally accepted worldwide, the fact that women could experience physical harm from their spouse also does not make the traditional marriage right. On the contrary, I have also witnessed same sex couples who are really bounded and committed to each other.

In line with religious aspect on gay marriage, I believe that each individual should be given a choice to decide on what they think is right for them. Not because there are millions of Christians around the world means that all Americans should follow a single religious belief. In the case of the Philippines, it would be very interesting if legalization of same-sex marriages will be considered in this country.

Controversial Issue on Climate Change

From gmanews.tv:

“[Developed] countries must act now with urgency to moderate these storms and spare the whole world from the impoverishing and devastating impacts of climate change, especially to low-lying archipelagic island nations like the Philippines," said Presidential Adviser on Climate Change Heherson Alvarez at a press conference.

The tragedy caused by typhoon "Ondoy" and "Pepeng" made the Philippine government highlight the need to find urgent solution on climate change.

Climate change is a result of excessive air pollution. It is given that it is very difficult to control climate change without the full participation of the local people. However, it remains questionable whether or not the Arroyo administration really care for the safety and wellfare of Filipinos.

In the philippines, roughly 40% of the Philippine population have experienced hunger. Instead of investing a small portion of the government collected taxes to upgrade the weather forecasting equipments of PAGASA or spending the money to generate more good paying jobs, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo herself recently became the center of a controversial issue for enjoying a dinner worth $20,000 (Php960,000) with some Philippine government officials in Le Cirque, New York.

Beware of Leptospirosis

From GMA News:

Because of the recent typhoon "Ondoy", the Philippine Department of Health is concered with the potential increase in the number leptospirosis cases. In line with this, GMA news reported that there was one boy who died of leptospirosis aside from the 12 patients who are underobservation for signs and symptoms of leptospirosis.

Cases of leptospirosis is not new in the Philippnes. Last year, DOH reported a total of 700 leptospirosis cases all over the country.

Leptospirosis can develop immediately after 12 hours of being exposed to contaminated water. To prevent untimely death, immediate medical intervention is necessary.

Individuals were exposed in flood should look for first stage signs and symptoms including a sudden fever of 39°C, headache, redness in the eyes, fatigue, muscle pains, red pinprick rash on skin, and nausea.

Psychological changes like depression, confusion, violence and aggressiveness can be observed. Psychotic changes like hallucination and schizophrenia is also possible.

Another Typhoon to Hit Cagayan-Isabela

From gmanews.tv:

Typhoon "Ramil" (international name: Lupit) maintained its strength as its moves northwest slowly toward Northern Luzon, state weather forecasters said Monday noon.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) chief Prisco Nilo said the typhoon might affect the Cagayan-Isabela area starting late Wednesday even as its landfall is expected Thursday morning.

Heading towards the Eastern part of Aparri, Cagayan, there is a strong possibility that typhoon "Ramil" will be the third 'super typhoon' that will hit the Philippines in less than a month. Let us all pray that people living in the area will be safe.

Even though these people has not even recovered from the impact of typhoon "Pepeng" a week ago, people who are living in Cagayan-Isabela are encouraged to be prepared for typhoon "Ramil". Seriously, I cannot image the fear these people are feeling right now considering the possible strong pouring of rain, lack of sufficient food supply, lost of properties including houses and sources of income. On top of the emotional impact of losing a family member or friends, people in northern luzon are aware that some dam around the area has been damaged by the previous typhoon.

In the middle of typhoon Ondoy, I also got myself stranded somewhere in Manila. It was a good thing that a group of decent guys were kind enough to help me locate a safe place where I park my car and walked me to a nearby hotel where I stayed overnight. For those people who were not in the Philippines last September 26, 2009, witness what it was like during and after typhoon Ondoy hit the country.

Among these videos, the one taken at Tire Boy, Sto. Domingo St., Quezon City really caught my attention. I personally know the brother of one of the owners of the shop and I often pass by the area.

Oh well, it is funny to know how some Filipinos could still end up partying despite the tragedy. =)