The Audacity of Being Insensitive

For almost two weeks now, it’s been nothing but dark skies, endless rain, and knee-deep floods for many parts of the country. The sun has been missing, and for millions of Filipinos—especially daily wage earners and workers—so has any sense of normalcy. Commutes have turned into obstacle courses, soaked clothes are the new office uniform, and the simple act of going to work feels like a survival game.

While big businesses manage to stay afloat with backup plans and safety nets, ordinary workers aren’t so lucky. Many can’t afford to miss a day’s pay, even if it means wading through dirty floodwaters and dodging the next laglag sidewalk. With every trip to work, they're not just spending on fare—they’re sacrificing meals and risking their safety. And yet, in the face of all this, there's always that classic Filipino brand of forced cheer and so-called “resilience” that some people love to romanticize.

That’s where things get frustrating.

Recently, a social media post from Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla sparked backlash online. It was meant to be an update on class suspensions during the typhoon—but the tone, the wording, and the overall delivery came off as flippant and out of touch. Netizens didn’t hold back, and for good reason. The post lacked the empathy people expect from government leaders, especially during difficult times like this.

Taken from DILG Official Facebook Page.

You’d think by now, public officials would know that communication isn’t just about relaying information—it’s about tone, timing, and connection. In the BPO industry where I used to work, empathy was non-negotiable. If someone said they were struggling, we didn’t shrug it off or joke about it. We listened, we reassured, and we helped them find a way forward. That’s basic customer service. Why is it too much to ask the same from public servants?

"These statements do not reflect the gravity of the situation. Lives are at risk. Homes are submerged. Families are displaced. Trying to be funny in a moment like this reflects a lack of empathy and responsibility. Government communication should inform, protect, and uplift—not downplay danger or treat suffering as entertainment." - FROM BIEN Pilipinas

A Reality Check for Leadership

To Secretary Remulla—sir, with all due respect, this isn’t the time for jokes or dry wit. Filipinos are drenched, displaced, and drained. What they need is leadership that’s grounded, compassionate, and responsive. Step out of the air-conditioned office, walk a mile in wet socks like the rest of us, and maybe then the words will come out right.

At the end of the day, people can handle the rain. We’ve done it all our lives. But what we shouldn’t have to keep enduring is the disconnect from those in power.

And just a thought—next time you post an update during a typhoon, maybe skip the punchline. We already have enough water in the streets… we don’t need to add salt to the flood.

Kontesera Chronicles: Is This the Place to Be?

Anne Patricia Lorenzo turns emotional after winning the Miss International Queen Philippines 2025 title. Miss International Queen Philippines/Facebook taken from https://www.abs-cbn.com/lifestyle/2025/7/10/former-ms-q-a-winner-anne-patricia-lorenzo-to-represent-ph-in-miss-international-queen-pageant-1805

In the land of halo-halo hearts and high heels, where the barangay stage transforms into a runway under the glare of borrowed spotlights, a quiet revolution is happening—complete with sequins and sagalas. Yes, we’re talking about pageants, mga mars. But not just any pageant—trans pageants. Because when the world feels heavy, trust a kontesera to strut it out with poise, power, and a perfectly arched eyebrow.

Lately, LGBTQ+ pageants have become the heart of every fiesta, online stream, and Facebook debate. It’s no longer just about the crown—it’s about representation, resilience, and making rampa kahit ulan o baha. And with our beloved trans sisters leading the way, pageantry becomes more than entertainment. It becomes an act of resistance wrapped in rhinestones.

The Stage is Sacred

Let’s be honest—despite the ongoing kalokohan in politics and international conflicts that make us say “Bahala na si Batman,” our trans community keeps the spirit alive. With events like Miss International Queen setting global standards, these queens aren’t just walking—they’re rewriting the story. From Valenzuela to Vietnam, the dream is alive: to wear that crown, represent the Philippines in Thailand, and maybe even become the next Kevin Balot.

Photo taken from: https://outragemag.com/a-close-look-at-miss-gay/

And these aren’t just any girls. These are veterans of barangayan, the gladiators of basketball court pageants, where the only aircon is the wind from an electric fan borrowed from the tanod. Their fluency and conviction? Panalo. They answer tough questions about love, freedom, poverty, and mental health with grace—even when the emcee throws in a twist like, “What is your stand on geopolitical instability?”

Yare.

Still, these queens answer with heart. Even if the questions sometimes sound like they came from a Miss U practice sa tricycle and Miss Gay Lotto the effort is real. And once that Q&A hits Facebook, ayan na. Everyone becomes a judge, lawyer, and philosopher. Netizens dissect every syllable like it’s the bar exam.

Parang laban ni Manny Pacquiao—lahat may opinion, kahit si Tita na walang Facebook dati, may sinasabi na ngayon.

Beyond Beauty: A Real Fight for Space

More than just glitz, these pageants are lifelines. They’re safe spaces in a world that still treats trans women as punchlines or afterthoughts. In a society still dripping with machismo and pa-pogi points, the stage becomes a rare space where they are celebrated—not tolerated.

Photo from Erwin P Rodriguez from Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/deironjames.bautista

And let’s not forget the mental toll. Life outside that gown is rarely fabulous. Many face rejection, harassment, and limited opportunities. So when they stand tall in heels, answering existential questions in a borrowed gown—they’re doing more than pageantry. They're surviving, thriving, and inspiring. That, mga beshie, is no small feat.

Is This the Place to Be?

For now, yes. Pageants are the sanctuary, the arena, the outlet. But someday, we hope that our trans sisters won’t have to prove themselves in feathers and 5-inch heels just to be seen. We dream of a world where their voices matter even without a crown or a sash.

https://mb.com.ph/manilabulletin/uploads/images/2025/07/20/28077.webp

But until then, we cheer. We argue on Facebook. We raise our flags, lace our wigs, and scream “Go girl!” from the sidelines of this colorful, chaotic, and beautiful fight for dignity.

Because whether in gowns or in jeans, every kontesera deserves a stage where she can say:

“Hindi ako maganda lang. Ako ay matalino, may puso, at may laban.”

And that, mga kapitbahay, is the real pageantry of life.

The Crisis Facing BPO Workers

Taken from www.alamy.com

BPO workers make up a significant part of the Philippines’ economy—employing between 1.5 to 1.7 million people directly (and supporting millions more) and contributing 8–10 percent of GDP, or over $30 billion annually(Business World, 2025) Despite their centrality to national economic health, many face eroding wages, job instability, poor working conditions, and minimal labor rights.

Workers report shocking entry-level wages—often between ₱12,500–₱15,000 monthly, despite inflation and escalating cost of living (Philippine Star and Reddit, 2024). One Reddit user who began with ₱18,000 in 2006 was now offered just ₱13,000 as a seasoned applicant—a clear regression, not progress (Reddit, 2024)

Many agents are placed on “floating status”: retained officially but unpaid for months if client contracts shift or end, even as companies continue hiring for other accounts (Philstar, 2024) The industry remains largely non-unionized, and organizing is discouraged through managerial pressure and red‑tagging (Wikipedia). Night-shift and voice agents face physical ailments like shoulder/back pain, throat irritation, and hearing damage, alongside psychosocial stress—disrupted sleep, safety concerns, and burnout from relentless call volume and performance metrics.

The Marcos Jr. Administration’s Response—Promises and Gaps

In April 2025, the Marcos administration approved funding to upskill up to 340,000 BPO workers annually as AI reshapes the sector. The program includes near‑hire individuals and students, marking a step toward workforce transformation.

Legislative engagement but slow progress

Bills like House Bill 8189 (the proposed “Magna Carta for BPO Workers”) have been filed since 2023, aiming to enforce fair labor practices, living wages, and job security measures—but none have been enacted into law yet 

Overlooking deeper structural issues

While upskilling is welcomed, many critics argue these measures fall short if basic rights aren’t guaranteed. Under the bare-bones IRR of the CREATE MORE Act, the government's tax policies have primarily benefited corporations, providing incentives while failing to push for wage increases or worker protections (BIEN, 2025).

BPO workers—and groups like BIEN—stress that the economy has been prioritized over worker welfare. They’ve demanded a ₱36,000 national minimum wage for entry-level agents, a robust Magna Carta, and enforceable labor rights, but have largely been ignored. Labor groups also warn that without legislative protections, the rise of AI could accelerate layoffs. Despite claims of training, many workers receive no formal upskilling support—and often have to pay for it themselves (BusinessWorld, 2025).

Why the Welfare Neglect Matters

1. Economic vulnerability: BPO workers support households, pay taxes, and sustain the broader consumer economy—but live with wages that often do not meet a living standard.

2. Mental and physical toll: Night shifts, performance pressure, and lack of labor protections cause significant stress and deteriorating health.

3. Rapid AI disruption without legal cover: Automation threatens to displace big segments of the workforce unless formal rules ensure a “just transition.”

4. Inequality of bargaining power: Without union support or enforceable labor rights, BPO workers remain at the mercy of industry metrics and corporate cost-cutting.

A Call for Meaningful Action

While the Marcos administration has made gestures—such as funding for upskilling and introducing legislative reform—the reality on the ground suggests these steps are too limited or too slow. Workers continue to struggle with below‑living wages, insecure contracts, lack of labor protections, and AI-fueled job displacement without safety nets.

True reform would require:

Prompt passage of a BPO Workers Welfare law guaranteeing fair wages, job security, benefits, and union rights.

A living wage floor—such as the proposed ₱36,000 entry-level salary—to replace sub‑minimum offers.

Government-mandated employer support for training and transition programs—not optional or out-of-pocket.

Enforcement against employers who discourage unions or harass organizing workers.

Health and safety standards tailored to shift work, and psychosocial support for mental wellness.

Until these are in place, BPO workers remain the backbone of the industry whose productivity powers the economy—without receiving the dignity, security, or care they deserve.

References: 

BIEN Philippines. (2025, February 21). No more sellout: Filipino BPO workers unite against CREATE MORE exploitation. BIEN Philippines. https://bienphilippines.wordpress.com/2025/02/21/no-more-sellout-filipino-bpo-workers-unite-against-create-more-exploitation/

BWorld Online. (2025, January 1). Reluctance to integrate AI leaves BPO workers even more vulnerable. https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2025/01/01/644216/reluctance-to-integrate-ai-leaves-bpo-workers-even-more-vulnerable/

BWorld Online. (2025, March 26). The end of BPO as we know it. https://www.bworldonline.com/opinion/2025/03/26/661670/the-end-of-bpo-as-we-know-it/

Philstar.com. (2023, May 21). Bill seeking fair labor practices, job security for BPO workers filed. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/05/21/2267487/bill-seeking-fair-labor-practices-job-security-bpo-workers-filed/

Philstar.com. (2025, April 27). Marcos OKs funding upskilling BPO workers. https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/04/27/2438658/marcos-oks-funding-upskilling-bpo-workers

Reddit. (2024–2025). BPO workers discuss wages and conditions [Online forum thread]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/BPOinPH/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Business process outsourcing in the Philippines. Wikipedia. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Business_process_outsourcing_in_the_Philippines

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Labor policy in the Philippines. Wikipedia. Retrieved July 20, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labor_policy_in_the_Philippines

Bakit hinahayaan ng Diyos ang kasamaan at pagdurusa?

Bakit hinahayaan ng Diyos ang kasamaan at pagdurusa?

Photo taken from Rappler.

Sa pilosopiya ng relihiyon, ang kabalintunaang ito ay kilala bilang Suliranin ng Kasamaan (Problem of Evil), na kadalasang itinuturing na "pangwakas na dagok" sa Diyos ng mga Hudyo, Kristiyano, at Muslim.

Ipinaliwanag ni Russell:

“Ayon sa atin, ang mundo ay nilikha ng isang Diyos na parehong omnibenevolent (lubos na mapagmahal) at omnipotent (makapangyarihan sa lahat). Bago Niya likhain ang mundo, nakita na Niya ang lahat ng sakit at paghihirap na mangyayari dito; kaya't Siya ay responsable sa lahat ng iyon.

Walang saysay ang pagsasabing ang pagdurusa sa mundo ay dulot ng kasalanan. Una sa lahat, hindi ito totoo; hindi kasalanan ang dahilan kung bakit umaapaw ang mga ilog o pumuputok ang mga bulkan. Ngunit kahit na ito'y totoo, walang magiging kaibahan. 

Kung ako ay magpapalahi ng anak na alam kong magiging isang mamamatay-tao, ako ang mananagot sa kanyang mga krimen. Kung alam ng Diyos mula pa noong una ang mga kasalanang gagawin ng tao, malinaw na Siya ang responsable sa lahat ng mga bunga ng mga kasalanang iyon nang piliin Niyang likhain ang tao.

Ang karaniwang argumento ng mga Kristiyano ay ang pagdurusa sa mundo ay paglilinis para sa kasalanan at kaya't ito ay isang mabuting bagay.

Ang argumentong ito, siyempre, ay isang katwiran lamang para sa sadismo; at sa anumang kaso, isa itong mahina at mababaw na argumento. Inaanyayahan ko ang sinumang Kristiyano na samahan ako sa ward ng ospital para sa mga bata, upang masaksihan ang pagdurusang dinaranas doon, at pagkatapos ay igiit pa rin na ang mga batang iyon ay napakasama upang marapatin ang kanilang pagdurusa.

Upang masabi ito, kailangang sirain ng isang tao sa kanyang sarili ang lahat ng damdamin ng awa at malasakit. Sa madaling salita, kailangan niyang gawin ang sarili na kasinglupit ng Diyos na kanyang pinaniniwalaan.

Walang taong naniniwalang ang lahat ng bagay sa mundong ito ay para sa ikabubuti, kahit pa ito'y puno ng pagdurusa, ang makapananatili ng buo ang kanyang mga pagpapahalagang moral, sapagkat lagi niyang kailangang maghanap ng palusot para sa sakit at dalamhati.”

English Translations;

 "Why does God allow evil and suffering? In the philosophy of religion, this paradox is known as the Problem of Evil, often regarded as the "death-blow" to the Judeo-Christian-Islamic deity. 

Russell explains:

“The world, we are told, was created by a God who is both omnibenevolent (all-loving) and omnipotent (all-powerful). Before He created the world He foresaw all the pain and misery that it would contain; He is therefore responsible for all of it. It is useless to argue that the pain in the world is due to sin. In the first place, this is not true; it is not sin that causes rivers to overflow their banks or volcanoes to erupt. But even if it were true, it would make no difference. 

If I were going to beget a child knowing that the child was going to be a homicidal maniac, I should be responsible for his crimes. If God knew in advance the sins of which man would be guilty, He was clearly responsible for all the consequences of those sins when He decided to create man. The usual Christian argument is that the suffering in the world is a purification for sin and is therefore a good thing. 

This argument is, of course, only a rationalization of sadism; but in any case it is a very poor argument. I would invite any Christian to accompany me to the children's ward of a hospital, to watch the suffering that is there being endured, and then to persist in the assertion that those children are so morally abandoned as to deserve what they are suffering. In order to bring himself to say this, a man must destroy in himself all feelings of mercy and compassion. He must, in short, make himself as cruel as the God in whom he believes. No man who believes that all is for the best in this suffering world can keep his ethical values unimpaired, since he is always having to find excuses for pain and misery.”

— Bertrand Russell, Has Religion Made Useful Contributions to Civilization? (1930)

Reference: Photo taken from Rappler Website https://www.rappler.com/.../25015-poor-filipinos-not.../

Bertrand Russell,  Has Religion Made Useful Contributions to Civilization?

Translated in Filipino using Chatgtp and Gemini AI

₱50.00 Is Not Pride: Where is the Gold at the End of the Rainbow?

BE GLAD Statement on the False Promise of Inclusivity and the Betrayal of Filipino Workers

They wave the rainbow.

They speak of inclusivity.

They march in Pride.

And yet—after all the colors, sweat, and struggle, what lies at the end of the rainbow?

₱50.00.

That is the government's answer to the decades-long cry for justice from workers, including LGBTQIA+ Filipinos. A meager, humiliating ₱50 wage increase—as if that is enough to buy food, medicine, shelter, dignity, or a future.

"Pride is not a party. It began as a riot. And in this country, it must remain a protest." – BeGlad

While companies boast about diversity and inclusion, queer workers in private schools are forced to hide their identities. In service sectors, they are bullied into silence. In manufacturing, they are told they’re not “fit” to lead. And in the BPO industry—often branded as "LGBTQIA+ friendly"—we are used for productivity but abandoned when we speak of fairness.

Inclusivity is a lie if it does not put food on our tables.

Inclusivity is an illusion if it does not raise our wages.

Inclusivity is an insult if it demands our labor but denies our lives.

IBON Foundation reports that the current ₱645/day minimum wage in NCR is a cruel joke, falling short of the ₱1,221/day family living wage by ₱576. In the provinces, it’s worse. The “increase” doesn’t even scratch the surface of what working families—queer or not—actually need.

“They tell us to be grateful for scraps, while our bodies break and our spirits bend. No amount of rainbow-colored capitalism can disguise economic oppression.” – A queer factory worker, Laguna

They promised change. The elections came and went. The banners are down, but the hunger remains. Politicians used our struggles as stepping stones—and gave us crumbs in return. Token increases and empty praise are not progress. They are distractions. Delays. Deceptions.

And yet—we continue to rise.

Because Pride is not only about identity. It is a demand for justice, dignity, and survival.

“You can’t be proud if you’re not paid. You can’t be free if you’re hungry.” – BeGlad

We demand to this current leadership:

A living wage that meets the real cost of living.

Safe, secure, and affirming workplaces for all, including LGBTQIA+.

Laws that protect, not tokenize, our existence.

Real intersectional inclusivity—economic, political, and cultural.

This is our call:

To the LGBTQIA+ community, to the workers, to the youth, to the poor: organize, mobilize, resist.

Let us not settle for decorative acceptance. Let us not bow to token reforms.

Our liberation is tied together.

Our lives are worth more than ₱50.

At the end of the rainbow is not a coin—it must be justice.

And we will not stop and fight until we get it.

FIGHT FOR GENUINE LIVING WAGE!

LGBT BPO WORKERS, UNITE FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS!