It appears that the launching of Playboy magazine, Philippine version, is again being diligently blamed on the present administration, with one bishop talking in media of the “declining moral values among the current generation. . . ,” calling this generation “a lost generation.”

I don’t know exactly to what extent “declining moral values,” is being referred to or even a “lost generation,” as this speaks somewhat of hopelessness, of a directionless mass of people that seems to have lost its sense of direction. What I know is that a magazine is part of the media and, therefore, strongly protected by the Constitution, as what some members of the opposition noisily decry because they probably feel they are the sole champions of free press. As long as the publication stays within the boundaries of the law, then the reputation of the foreign Playboy version has nothing to do with the issue. As long as it stays within the framework of the law against obscenity, then there is no problem. In all fairness, nobody can prejudge the issue, except perhaps the doomsayers. What we would like to see is the good bishop spearheading a drive to stop the publication of Playboy,Philippine version, for good. This is something we need the least.

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This generation is far from lost. I am most impressed with the young IT workers in call centers who are turning night into day and injecting vibrancy into our economy. I am most impressed with the young workers in various industrial parks throughout the periphery of Metro Manila who provide the frontlines of our sterling offerings to foreign investors. Ah, the young—so dynamic and so unmindful of the hang-ups of their elders and mindful only of their productivity and of being useful members of our society. They are neither “morally corrupt” nor “lost” and they are the country’s best chance to achieve greater economic success than all the irresponsible talk about morality combined.

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A funny thing happened to Jun Lozada on his way to Pangasinan, the hometown of a Lozada crony. Streamers and tarpaulin greetings announced his coming, together with questions Lozada was asked to answer truthfully, like, “Jun Lozada, tell us the truth: Who are Marissa de la Cruz, Katkat and Aaron in your life?” In some parts of Iloilo they call it “second cropping” and it has nothing to do with agriculture, either.

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Good news! A first in Philippine medical history: a Filipino, Dr. Christopher Guerrero, was awarded the prestigious leadership award for excellence by the American Medical Association in partnership with Pfizer Medical Humanities Initiative. This is the first such award given to an Asian and is equivalent to the US medical- excellence award given to medical practitioners worldwide. This is the “most sought-after award” for medical professionals in the United States who “exemplify the highest values of altruism, compassion, leadership and dedication to patient care.”

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Let’s look at the other day’s headlines: “BI runs after [Chinese] rice hoarders.” “SC upholds DOJ resolution on Chinese pusher.” “Chinese traders charged with illegal possession of firearm.” It appears that we are getting the wrong end of a modernized Chinese cultural revolution. I am sure the Chinese have more socially acceptable contributions to our evolving societies. We have many Chinese and Chinese-Filipino friends who are epitome of good behavior, and I am certain that what I am seeing is an exception rather than the rule.

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Another good news: Ms Reinabelle Co Reyes, Filipina, received the “Chambliss Astronomy Achievement Student Award for her contributions to the discovery of the largest number of obscured quasars. The award was given by the American Astronomical Society in the United States. Obscured quasars “are massive black holes in the centers of galaxies cloaked in gas and dust,” and its discovery was the culmination of a five-year study, supervised by quasar hunters. Sounds like Star Wars. Congratulations Ms. Reyes!

THERE is a world of difference between a “foreign investment” originated by foreign business but actually funded by Filipinos, and a genuine investment by a global entity putting its money where its mouth is—meaning, it will pour in capital, technology and generate jobs for Filipinos.

The Hang Seng Property Index, which represents six of Hong Kong’s biggest builders by market value, is down 19 percent this year.

As it inevitably happens with every new “crisis,” suddenly every pundit (including me) and politician is now an agricultural authority, with rice being the extra special area of expertise.

Alálaong bagá: The authentic leader

What are we to do?

Peter’s standard kerygma of the Christian faith about the ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus, as we saw it last week, has for its final component the call to repentance. Peter spelled out unmistakably to his Jewish listeners the significance of their deed: “God has made Him both Lord and Messiah, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

About Town: Booster shot for agriculture

Trust the usual skeptics to sneer at government efforts to stave off a food crisis, the most recent one the unveiling of a P43.7-billion package for agriculture at the recent National Food Summit.

Tax Law for Business: Basic guidelines in tax filing

April 15, 2008, Tuesday, is the last day for filing and payment of income-tax liabilities. Although taxpayers still have a few more days left, it is prudent to file income-tax returns well before the deadline to avoid incurring penalties and other inconveniences.

Reflections from the Mirror: No, not a lost generation!

It appears that the launching of Playboy magazine, Philippine version, is again being diligently blamed on the present administration, with one bishop talking in media of the “declining moral values among the current generation. . . ,” calling this generation “a lost generation.”