The Filipino can

I wonder why some Filipinos are allowing themselves to be used as dummies in going after the guy, our own countryman, who created the "ILOVEYOU" virus that shook and shocked the world of computers. Instead of condemning him, or threatening him with civil suits or life imprisonment, or conniving with foreign agents from the First World to land him in jail, we Filipinos should take a second look at this guy. Hey, here is a Filipino genius who has put the Philippines in the world map. And who has proven that the Filipino has the creativity and ingenuity to turn, for better or for worse, the world upside down.

Instead of pouncing on this talented, computer-literate Filipino, we should run after the manufacturers of these cyberspace technologies, for their stupidity and for not using their brains. Why, for instance did they come out with technologies that are not fool-proof? Why did they foist upon the world technologies that can easily be hacked? It is these cyberspace experts who did not use their heads and came out with flawed designs, who should be prosecuted.

Yes, the Filipino can! This is the slogan that can catch the attention of the world, that can make Filipinos proud of being Filipinos, that can make foreigners look at Filipinos with hidden envy. If Jollibee can come up with an ad saying Kay sarap ng Pilipino! we as Filipinos can come up with an even more inspiring slogan like Kay galing ng Filipino!

Now, as to that failed and foiled effort to prosecute a Filipino for his hacking genius, through the prodding of American government agents, let me emphasize: There is no existing Philippine law on cyberspace. Yes, there is no law that can be the basis for criminal or civil prosecution. And I surmise that even in the United States, there are yet no new, adequate laws on cyberspace technology.

I understand that House Speaker Manuel "Manny" Villar is going to prod his colleagues in Congress to give priority to information technology bills now pending in the Bigger House. This is a wise move, considering that we are now in an age where IT has become a dominant factor in our day-to-day lives. Manny Villar, I hope, will ram these bills through the House, considering that there are not too many days left before this present Congress adjourns.

While at the Greenhills Shopping Center, I decided to drop by the photo exhibit of what could be the oldest photographs of Old Manila. Gosh, those photographs should be seen by today's generation of Filipinos, so that they can appreciate our country's historic past. Senior citizens, too, should grab the opportunity to visit the photo exhibit at Greenhills, a project of the Ortigas Group of Companies led by lawyer Rafael "Rafa" Ortigas. As I looked at the historic photos, I wondered who took the photographs, and kept the photo collections. The Ortigases should be commended, for their sense of history and for their kindness in sharing history with today's generation of Filipinos.

Here are excerpts of letters I received during the past several days:

ANN KINTANAR, Cebu City: "A wondrous Easter! You were in my prayers during Holy Week. I prayed both for your dreams and your health. And I prayed that marvelous things would keep on happening to you. One marvelous thing that happened to me was spending Holy Thursday at Our Lady's shrine in Lindogon, Sibonga, an hour's drive south. Several times in the past year, the statue of the Blessed Virgin was said to have wept tears. The tear stains are still visible. I don't blame her. With all the terrible things happening around us, we all should be weeping. But then, one only has to think of people like you who are doing their best to bring good and to help make this world better, brighter. And then, suddenly, one doesn't feel like weeping. One feels like celebrating!"

EVANGELINE S. BOTONES, college librarian, Apolinario R. Apacible School of Fisheries, R. Martinez St., Nasugbu, Batangas: "I read about author E.S. del Rosario of Maryland, USA, who wishes to donate 176 copies of her book, Teaching is Living, to schools and libraries. Our school is very interested in being a beneficiary of her book."

Mrs. JOJO MOLINA, 2066 Camden St., Brookside Hills, Cainta, Rizal: "I was in the healing session of Fr. Corsie here at Brookside. Like you, I was healed by God's mercy through Fr. Corsie. Even before he could lay his hands on me, during the prayer, I already felt pain and something hot on the left side of my face, from my head down to my neck. Then, my left ear just popped and my hearing became normal again. I'm hard of hearing on my left ear because of chronic infection. I wrote you because I didn't have the chance to thank Fr. Corsie and to make a testimony of my instant healing. Please relay this good news to him."

Art A. Borjal's e-mail address: <[email protected]>