Social Issues

Ted Failon's Wife Negative Of Paraffin Test

Ted Failon’s case is the headline news these days, I’m avoiding to post updates but not my observations on the said case. It was aired on Teleradyo this afternoon that Mrs. Trinidad “Trina” Etong’s paraffin test result was negative. To ordinary people, they may think that Ted Failon is guilty of parricide.

An interview with Dr. Racquel Fortun, a forensic pathologist explained everything, I’m sure it will be aired later tonight in TV Patrol. She said that other countries have stop using paraffin test as part of scientific investigation in the 60s because it was unrealiable. Its odd that Philippines still continue using paraffin test until now. She said that in this case, powder burns is already gone because the so called “shooting” happened in Tuesday (today is already Friday) and Mrs. Failon was hospitalized. For example, before an IV or dextrose was inserted on a patient’s hands, it was wiped with cotton moistened with alcohol. There are other hospital procedures that could wiped the powder residue from the hands of Mrs. Failon.

With the release of the paraffin test result of Etong, QCPD is now investigating for parricide and/or homicide case for ABS CBN Newscaster Ted Failon. Did they forgot that Failon was also negative for powder burns? Whatever QCPD says that its not “something personal” between QCPD and Failon, but it shows. Thank God that CHR (Commission on Human Rights) is also investigating on police brutality on this case. I’ve mentioned that from my previous post. I agree that these policemen should be removed from their position, not suspended.

My sympathy with Failon’s family, I don’t think that there’s a conspiracy here because everyone is part of the family. Even the house helpers are working with the Failon for so many years, its impossible not to threat them as part of the family. I should know because I also have a nanny that worked for me for over 10 years.

As of this writing, Mrs. Trinidad Etong remains is already in Arlington and closed door for family only, relatives and friends will be allowed tomorrow at 1:00 pm.

Insights On Ted Failon's Family Tragedy

It was all over the news yesterday about the suicide of Mrs. Trinidad Etong, wife of ABS CBN News anchor Ted Failon. Yesterday, there was many speculations that allegedly it was not suicide. I didn’t made a post yesterday but from time to time I monitored the updates. I felt sorry for their loss especially now that the attending physician had declared Mrs. Etong dead at 10:50 pm tonight. I felt their grievances for loosing a wife and a mother but some people took this differently.

I have high respect with Ted Failon, I don’t know him personally but I don’t think its in his character that he could do such thing as some people are accusing him. He was released in Camp Karingal because he was negative of paraffin test. Their household helpers were even arrested for “Obstruction of justice” for cleaning the so called “crime scene” and not reporting to the authorities the incident happened. If this case happened to an ordinary person, every updates and events could be different but the involved is no other than Ted Failon… a newscaster.

I could say that Ted Failon is “astig” (tough) commentator, there could be some people angry of him. I hope this case would not be used to get even. Have you seen the news that Department of Justice Raul Gonzalez Gonzalez has ordered the Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) to stop meddling with Failon’s case.

Suicide or foul play? Its the authorities job to investigate but I hope they won’t forget human rights. I saw TV Patrol news when police arrested Failon’s two househelps for further investigation. I don’t know if its me but I think its harsh on pushing the girl househelp inside the police car avoiding the PAO Attorney. Is he protecting the househelp from the media? Its how I see it, correct me if I’m wrong.

Whatever happens, the truth will prevail. I hope the Failon family will recover soon. My condolences.

Report Kotong Via SMS

Let’s face the fact that kotong (extortion) of some PNP officers is terrible especially during Christmas season. A kotong news is not pleasing to anybody’s ears, these abusive cops should face the consequences they deserve. I myself became a victim, not once but twice.

At first, I’m hesitant to report the kotong incident, I admit I got scared. I have my family to protect, I guess this is the primary reason that some didn’t report kotong cops. Its hard to gamble but always remember that we always have choices.

I’m glad that Quezon City PNP encourage the people to report kotong cops via SMS or text messaging. I doubt if the authorities are making the moves against kotong cops. I’ve tried reporting via SMS few months ago. What happened? Our Chief of Police was transferred to other municipality, the bad thing was… the former PNP Chief is back again. He maybe have a good reputation in our place especially our Mayor believe in him but he is a protector of kotong cops. How I wish I live in Quezon City.

I guess, the program against kotong cops also depends on municipality and PNP Chief of Police. I’ve mentioned from my other kotong articles that reshuffle of these cops is NOT the solution. They are still cops and they are rotten eggs wherever they go. In other words, anay sila na sumisira pa lalo sa imahe ng ibang matitinong kapulisan. Would you blame anybody if some didn’t ask help from police if they are in trouble?

Giving the benefit of the doubt, to report kotong incident send SMS to 2920 with this format: PNP(space)message. This is the new number to report kotong, the old number 09275151515 is still active but removed from PNP official website. I hope PNP Director General Jesus Verzosa strictly keep his eyes on this otherwise, kotong cops will win over mamang pulis.

How about envelope stamped “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year” given by law enforcers?

BBC Apologized For Filipino Domestic Helper Episode

I’m more than excited when I heard that British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) already issued an apology in behalf of comedy show “Harry And Paul”. Pinoys were offended with the September 26 episode titled “Mating A Northerner“.

The online Dignity and Respect For Filipino Workers Petition was launched to demand for apology. The National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW) expressed their disgust on the said episode. The Philippine Embassy in London had already written to the United Kingdom’s media regulatory agency as well as to the mayor of London, the secretary of state for women, and the television network to complain about the said show. And most of Filipino bloggers post their sentiments regarding the anti-pinay comedy skit. Although we have different points of view and some are fans of the comedy show, at least our voice were heard about the Filipina Domestic Helper insult.

“This appalling portrayal of Filipino women in television is deplorable and an insult to millions of women migrants around the world who are making valuable contributions to the progress of the countries they work for,” the NCRFW said.

Let me share this:
Firstly, we’re sorry if you were in any way offended by the program as this wasn’t our intention. It in no way represents real people and was never intended to offend or demean any viewer.
The letter explained that the offending sketch is from a series known as “Northern Monkey” which is “featured strongly in both series of the program over the last two years.”

My reaction: Where’s public apology? At least, they’re sorry for the incident.

source: ABS-CBN

Poverty Drives Pinoy To Become OFW

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are Philippines’ unsung heroes, no doubt about that. They earn a living, send money to their families, in short they contributed to our economy. Some of them are financially stable but working away from home is indeed a sacrifice for the sake of their loved ones.

How come there are more OFW now compared before? During my high school years, there was 2-3 of my classmates had a father that was a seaman or working in Saudia Arabia. I guess, we don’t use the term OFW back then. When did OFW statistics started increasing? Is there such thing as OFW history?
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