I have and will always be proud that I am a faithful advocate of the “center<D>” and moderate Democrats such as former Virginia governor Mark Warner, former President Bill Clinton and Timothy Kaine, the newly elected governor of Virginia. Although, I am not a fanatic but my values and beliefs have always been identified with them. Let me be specific with what I meant by moderate Democratic values, which I am strongly and passionately in love.

I believe that abortion is morally wrong but exceptions have to be made such as when the life of the mother is at stake. I am convinced that religion is fundamental to human existence but I cannot accept that only one religion is legitimate and that salvation is only possible through religion. Religion is not the way to salvation but only one among the means to an end.  Respect for one’s religion should be absolute. The atheists have the right to their own beliefs but someone Supreme and Higher than human existence cannot be ignored in the law of order and beauty within the world. . I believe in the sanctity of marriage but the right of homosexual group to be married should not be curtailed. Tax cuts is in essence good for the people but few cuts from our pocket should be reasonable enough if it means more roads and good service from the government. Tax cut should not be extended to the wealthy because they have more in life. Those who have more in life should make the supreme duty and honor to sacrifice for the sake of the less privilege. I think that the government has the obligation to help the poor but it should be exercised with control and moderation least it will encourage dependency and laziness. People who receive something from the government as subsidy should render civil and government service. The idea of equal distribution is heavenly but those who have worked  more should be given more in return. Equality is not absolute least it will contrast the idea of fairness. But he who has in life should exercise restraint and humility otherwise he may fall into the trap of what are purely externals and worldly affairs. The issue of environment should be treated vis-à-vis population. I am extremely oppose to the destruction and cutting of trees for corporate profits but would favor a housing development within a forested area if it will cater the needs of the homeless. But again, homelessness and poverty can be better addressed if there is an effective implementation of population control. Hence I favor the use of artificial contraceptives over the Catholic Church’s natural or rhythm method. Stem cell research should be given the chance to work. Scientific research should not be constrained and measured within the context of Thomistic and Catholic philosophy and teachings.

With the Democrats in control of both chambers of Congress, i.e., the Senate and House of Representatives, I can see some “light<D>” in immigration reform. Although it is not the top priority but certainly there got to be something before the 2008 Presidential election. I have personally campaigned for Democratic Party especially among my classmates at Georgetown University during the recent election because of immigration issues. I do not believe that the Philippines or GMA’s administration is better off with a Republican House and Senate. It does not matter whether it is Republican or Democratic Congress because the voting record would still be the same in terms of foreign aid and policy. All American lawmakers will always be looking after the security of his/her nation. A Democrat or Republican lawmaker will always be advancing U.S. interests before that of others.

The Philippine problem on Muslim insurgency in Mindanao area has been a “speck in the eye<D>” to the Philippine government years before the September 11, 2001 attack on the U.S. soil. Any comparison for that matter is a complete fallacy and to my judgment, does not fall within the line of good argument. The problem of the Philippine government is not terrorism but corruption and exploitation of the Mindanao crisis. While the U.S. effort is a big factor is the resolution of that crisis but the total success is a matter of political will rather international dependence.