The Playground

alternate (read: more boring) title: the May 10, 2010 elections.

So, personal stories first: on the eve of the elections I took out a piece of paper and jotted down the positions and the numbers of my candidates. I wrote each number with deliberation, making a contract with myself to both let go and stand by all my decisions. After all, these were products of tireless reading and utmost reflection.

On e-day, I woke up at 5:45am, took a bath, got dressed, and began my short trek to the precinct. I was there by 6:25am. I watched them as they got ready. They called the PPCRV (nuns dressed like nuns. nuns bring back memories of private school education) and the watchers. They showed that the machine was sealed, and that they were now going to tear the seal.

Little by little, the others trickled by. A group of men skipped ahead of me and entered the precinct. I, being a stickler for rules, bristled. But I did not say anything. I waited for my turn.

I shaded each box deliberately and fed my ballot onto the machine. I heaved a sigh of relief when the machine said “Congratulations!” Without knowing what else to do, I turned around and headed home. I spent the rest of the day listening to the news and reading twitter feeds and Facebook pages.

It is, perhaps, a miracle among all miracles that Comelec and Smartmatic was able to pull this off. I must admit that I was apprehensive – news of PCOS machines suddenly emitting smoke, PCOS machines  shutting down, folders being fed to the PCOS machine causing it to jam, and so much more were flooding my feed. Add to that the blow-by-blow account of some that they took 4 or so hours to cast their vote, that the lines weren’t moving, that people were getting impatient. In all honesty, I was expecting the elections to fail.

But it didn’t. For that, I am most relieved but bewildered.

Results were transmitted almost as soon as the precinct closed. I leave the punditry and the numbers watch to many other people. It is interesting that the speed of the results seemed to somehow erase the negative feelings people had when they stood in line or when they saw the machines conk out on them. Some people became instant celebrities. Some people fumed, some people vented out, and there was generally a lot of bitterness around. This is a testament to the fact that generally, Filipinos take elections very seriously indeed, and they guard and defend their vote as they guard and defend their own children.

But this is not what I want to focus on.

I have always firmly believed that everything happens only once. This election is one of those. There will never be anything like this ever again.

It is certainly interesting from the perspective of history: as of this writing, the son of a former president and a martyred senator is poised to take the most coveted position. A reminder: initially, he did not want to run. Then his mother died, then there was the ‘clamor’ from the public to run (which, personally, I did not feel), then a senator who was also aspiring to be President (who had those disastrous pedicab ads) stepped down and said he’ll be running for VP instead if Aquino ran for President. He went to a retreat, then came back deciding to gun for presidency.

So, point one: There will never be anything like this ever again. I mean, how many martyred sons/daughters are there in the Philippines? The narrative of the son of two icons who fought for democracy captured the imagination of the Philippines, nay, of the world. And if there’s anything Filipinos like, it’s a good story. Hence Pacquiao, the rags-to-riches boxer has been idolized to the point of nausea.

This is a good story, one that captures the imagination of poor and rich alike. At this point, I don’t see anyone who can beat it.

Then there’s the issue of automation. Early on the Comelec was plagued with suspicion: will the votes be counted (read: there is only ONE correct way to shade the circle)? Will the votes be counted accurately (read: news came out of defective CF cards)? Will fake votes be rejected (read: the purchase of UV lamps)? Of course, the Hello Garci scandal 6 years ago did little to belie claims about the Comelec’s credibility. Can votes be rigged electronically? After all, they did not release the source code for public scrutiny.

Then again, the Comelec was in a bind. They were always in a lose-lose situation. If they released the source code, more unscrupulous types can and will get that code and tailor it to their own ends. Even if the reason behind the release is noble (to let independent software experts comment on it), you can’t trust everyone to be as honest. This is an incredibly cynical view of Filipinos. In my opinion, it IS cynical, but it is also the right way to go.

Then the thing about the secrecy folders, the non-counting of votes for local candidates, the delay in the delivery of machines — all these seemed to be a setup for massive failure.

Yet, I have the commend the Comelec for stubbornly forging on. Press conferences left and right were called to allay the fears of the people. No, there will be no cheating, and no, these source codes are sound, etc. etc.

With the automation of the vote-counting, unscrupulous candidates went to more primitive ways of ensuring a win. There were reports of massive vote-buying, reverse vote-buying (paying a voter NOT to vote), intimidation. Still, the nation came out in droves, all empowered by their choice and their vote, and of course, naturally curious about the new technology.

Many voters went home after spending a few hours in line. I wish they didn’t. I believe each and every vote counts, and that each and every vote represents a person, not a statistic.

Anyway, it is certainly historic when, at the end of the day, results started coming in and everyone marveled at the speed. Suddenly the long lines were forgotten. I think it was euphoria borne not from supporters of the leading candidate, but for the success and relative peacefulness of the elections.

Again, point 2: I apologize for being the wet blanket, but this will never happen again.

People gunning for their 2013 run may have already deployed their own software analysts and technicians to test it and find ways to tamper with it. I espouse the cynical view that automated, clean elections will never happen again simply because the mind is a quick thing, and it always looks for ways to gain advantage. This is not, inherently, a person’s fault. We have been primed by evolution to see things that way.

Soon, we’ll be seeing electronic Garcis. Soon, we’ll be seeing widespread disenfranchisement. Soon, we’ll be back to the stupor we were during that hellish 9-year term.

So, enjoy it while it lasts. And, come 2013, be more vigilant than ever before.

STATEMENT OF THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION OF THE PHILIPPINES (PAP) ON THE (MIS)USE OF PSYCHOLOGY IN THE CURRENT ELECTORAL CAMPAIGN

The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)* considers some recent occurrences in the current electoral campaigns as an affront to psychologists and to psychology as a discipline and profession. In particular, partisan individuals and media practitioners have not only presented to the public fraudulent psychological reports, but have also made inaccurate statements about different aspects of the practice of psychology and the nature of psychological functioning. These irresponsible actuations have dangerous long-term effects on efforts of Filipino psychologists and other mental health professionals to address the psychological well-being of Filipinos. In this regard, the PAP would like to respond to and clarify some of the issues raised as a result of these political events.

First, the PAP denounces the release of the results of psychological tests or assessment to media and the public at large. In accordance with the PAP Code of Ethics, the results of psychological tests or assessment cannot be released to the media or the public or to any person other than the client. Any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures the practice of confidentiality and that the results of psychological tests or assessment are only shared with the client. Psychologists take reasonable steps to ensure that information to be disclosed will not be misused, misunderstood or misinterpreted to infringe on human rights, whether intentionally or unintentionally.

Second, the PAP denounces the suggestions made by politicians, media practitioners, and others to force political candidates to take psychological tests or assessment. In accordance with the PAP Code of Ethics, individuals cannot be subjected to psychological tests or assessment without their informed consent. Any reputable individual psychologist or psychological organization ensures that informed consent is acquired from the client before conducting psychological tests.

Third, the PAP denounces the insinuation that people who see a psychologist or any mental health professional is “abnormal” or “permanently debilitated”. The PAP condemns the insinuation that depression is a permanent disability; and the use of words like “abnoy” , ‘sira ang ulo’and “may diperensiya sa utak” to label individuals. These irresponsible statements and similar acts perpetuate a profound lack of understanding of psychological concepts, of the nature of psychological problems and dysfunctions, and of the nature of psychological health and wellbeing.

The PAP would like to stress to politicians, to media practitioners, and to the public at large that seeing a psychologist or any mental health professional does not make a person “abnormal”. Seeing a psychologist means ensuring our mental health and psychological wellbeing.

Board of Directors
Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP)
1 May 2010

*Note: The Psychological Association of the Philippines (PAP), a professional organization of psychologists founded in 1962, is committed to the promotion of excellence in the teaching, research, and practice of psychology. It is a non-stock, non-profit corporation whose national membership includes teachers, researchers, and practitioners of psychology. Its members adhere to the Universal Declaration of Ethical Principles for Psychologists which recognizes that “ethics is at the core of every discipline”.

(emphasis placed by the blog owner)

Statement #1: Sikolohiyang Pampulitika (Psychology of Politics)

by Al Borja

Nakakalungkot na sa ganitong kritikal na panahon may mga taong ginagamit ang kawalan nila ng kaalaman sa isang disiplina, partikular ang sikolohiya, para desperadong makausad ang kanilang makasariling agenda.

Ang kumakalat na balita tungkol sa diumano’y depression ni Noynoy Aquino noon at ang paggamit nito sa kampanya ay kasuka suka. May ilang bagay akong gustong ipunto.

1. Hindi alam ng mga taong nagpapakalat ng balitang ito na halos lahat, kung hindi man lahat ng tao ay nadedepress minsan sa kanilang buhay. Nang mamatay ang kapatid ng isang kandidato dahil wala daw silang pampagamot dito ay natitiyak kong nadepress din siya. Nasaan ang pagkakaiba?

2. Mangamba tayo kung manalo ang mga taong nagpapakalat ng ganitong propaganda. Nakakatakot magkaroon ng lider na walang modong nanghihimasok sa mga pribado at sensitibong personal na isyu ng ibang tao.

3. Maliwanag pa sa sikat ng araw na paglapastangan ito sa integridad ng isang tao, ng isang kapwa tao, at hindi ito pinapayagan ng Pilipino na malaki ang pagpapahalaga sa kapwa.

4. Maaaring magsalita ang mga kinauukulan sa disiplina ng sikolohiya hinggil sa pangyayaring ito. Napagandang oportunidad ang inihahain sa ating disiplina upang turuan ang publiko hinggil sa ating propesyon.

5. Mas madalas akong tumahimik at hindi patulan ang ganitong isyu dahil alam kong pulitika lang. Pero ngayon ginusto kong magsalita dahil nakakapika na. Naiinsulto ako bilang bahagi ng disiplinang tila pinaglalaruan, naiinsulto ako bilang taong pinahahalagan ang respeto ng at pagrespeto sa iba, nagagalit ako dahil pinagmumukhang mangmang at hungkag ang sambayang Pilipino.

Pakikalat. Maraming salamat!

English translation:

It’s disheartening that, in this crucial moment, there are people who use their lack of knowledge in one discipline, particularly Psychology, to desperately push their own selfish agenda.

The news about the alleged depression of Noynoy Aquino in the past and the use of this in campaigns are downright digusting. There are a few points I would like to make:

1. What those who propagate the news don’t know that almost all, if not ALL people suffer depression at least once in their lives. I’m sure that when the sibling of one candidate died because they didn’t have enough money for his medicines, he also felt depressed. What’s the difference?

2. We should be afraid if people who spread these types of propaganda are elected into their desired positions. It’s frightening to have a leader who rudely interfere into the private and sensitive issues of other people.

3. It’s clear that this is meant to demolish the integrity of a person, of a fellow man, and this should not be allowed by Filipinos who have deep respect for their peers.

4. May the authorities in Psychology speak of this incident. This is a good opportunity for Psychology practitioners to educate the public about our profession.

5. I usually keep silent and refuse to involve myself in these issues because I know that it is just politics. But now I want to speak because it’s already past the point of tolerance. I am insulted as a practitioner of a discipline that is being exploited. I am insulted as a person who value respect and respect for others, and I am furious because Filipinos are taken for fools.

Please pass. Thank you.

It is difficult for me to write about this issue without resorting to crude words. It’s one thing to downright fabricate papers to make news, and an entirely different thing to use Psychology to one’s malevolent ends.

It’s not even about the authenticity of the document that’s appalling to me. What’s disgusting is the general ignorance of Psychology and its tenets, the strong-arming of a respected field to suit one’s needs.

Yet, I try to look at silver linings. I think, at least I get to gauge how knowledgeable the public is about Psychology. At least I get to see the attitudes of people towards mental health. This will surely help me build the foundation of my future advocacy: mental health awareness.

It should first be clear that feeling depression, or even being diagnosed with depression, should neither be a cause for shame nor a tool to destroy a person. Depression is a very serious issue because of the toll it takes on one’s life. It’s bad enough that any person is suffering from psychological torture from his or her feelings of low self-esteem — the last thing s/he needs is an attitude of condescension and even discrimination.

Second, the release of psychiatric reports has a deeper, more ignorant and therefore more sinister implication: the fact that a person went to a psychologist to have him or herself assessed is already a ground for doubt. I must thoroughly disabuse people of this notion: going to a psychiatrist or psychologist for assessment is no different from going to a doctor because you have stomachaches or migraines.

In fact, in light of this extremely prejudicial view to psychotherapy clients, they should even be PROUD that they sought help. This shows their courage to face who they are and the willingness to look for solutions.

Third, psychological assessment results are STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL because of the wealth of sensitive issues they contain. To push for the publicizing of a person’s personality assessment is TANTAMOUNT TO GANG-RAPE. Any person is entitled to the secrecy of his or her issues, and as such may guard it with more than his or her body. To break a person’s soul is to break a person’s mind, thus breaking the person’s ability.

We, as psychologists, hold the tenet of CONFIDENTIALITY close to our hearts. You may argue, perhaps, that many job applications require personality and intelligence testing, and isn’t it the same? NO, it is not the same. As I have previously discussed, a psychological assessment report contains a wealth of sensitive information. Psychological assessment at jobs, at best, only gives a picture of a candidate — a real psychological assessment report can dive deep into the candidate’s psyche because it is needed for successful resolution of issues.

Confidentiality matters here because you hold a person’s trust. To us aspiring and practicing psychologists, it really is a great achievement to successfully establish enough rapport for the client to trust you with his or her innermost secrets. The trust extends to the client’s willingness to trust the psychologist as a guide to change.

To be trusted with one’s whole person is of the highest honor that any person, in any profession, can appreciate.

Psychology in the Philippines is a very young field. All the more should it be protected and nurtured. Through these statements, and others after it, we try to elevate the discussion of Psychology beyond apathy, beyond ignorance, beyond malevolence.

(funny how i chose to tackle this first before i enumerate my reasons for not voting for Estrada. patience. everything in its own time.)

perhaps the condom issue did it. early on i knew that i wouldn’t be voting for these two because of my irrational fear of the church meddling with state affairs. while it may have produced some significant good results (point: EDSA I, so they say. i’m not in the position to judge – at that time, i was probably just an 8-cell thing clinging to my mother’s womb), i still believe that the overall effect is not healthy for a developing nation anymore.

for example, i believe that the prevailing religion plays a part in why people stay poor. those who are materially unfortunate can avail of riches once they reach heaven, as if poverty itself was a backstage pass to divine wealth and happiness. i believe the tenets of the church caused a ‘martyr’ ideology in the devout, so much so that when opportunity knocks, they ignore it in favor of gyrating girls on wowowee.

these two candidates are devout – frighteningly so. one has even established a ‘flock,’ the other is – as i see it – a naive, idealistic man firmly entrenched in the church’s outdated dogma. i still say religion and politics should stay about an ocean apart. the government does not dictate what religion one should enter and how one should practice his/her religion. thus, religion should not dictate how the government runs.

i write this in the light of the condom issue. despite my initial wariness (understatement) of Dr. Cabral when she was DSWD head, she is absolutely shining as a DOH head. here’s a woman who is not afraid to go against the sutana. here’s a woman who is doing her job, risking the wrath of the rcc.

and they were indeed wrathful. i was on tenterhooks waiting for the rcc’s move. will they excommunicate her? burn her at the stake?

the condom issue inevitably leads to the RH bill issue. it is still languishing in the annals of congress because very powerful lobbyists are, in the name of God, striking it down at every opportunity. they say it will lead to abortion. they say it will lead to promiscuity. heck, de los reyes even said he finds it ‘pornographic’ – the thought of teaching children how to insert condoms on bananas.

that statement just said a whole lot more about de los reyes than it says about the issue.

anyway, what i’m trying to point out is: let’s all be practical. our resources are mined by foreign companies. we import even the most basic of commodities. prices are high, children suffer because their definition of a good meal is noodles. yet, their parents continue pumping and grinding, producing even more children, dooming them to poverty.

no matter what anyone says, given all the factors, our growing population is not an asset. there is a need to curb population growth. remember that the resources we use weren’t inherited from our ancestors – they are borrowed from our grandchildren (proverb of unknown origin).

and yet, the catholic church insists that artificial contraceptives are not the way to go. what the youth should do is to come back to the fold of the church, practice abstinence, or at the very least, natural family planning methods. it is thus the church’s duty to educate people on this, because it would be highly irresponsible to enforce an edict without explaining it.

the church failed. now the government is stepping in, and the church is behaving like a spoiled brat.

i’m guessing that if the two people i mentioned heads the government, the separation will be virtually nil and even more misguided policies will be established. i’ve already reached 630 words, but that was just discussing one issue. how about homosexuality then? will they be outlawed as well?

we are not in the old testament anymore. we do not elect our presidents because they were anointed with holy oil. we must elect a president who has a clear view of what is happening, and is willing to step up to respond to it without being hindered by outdated edicts.