Support for 2010

My Dear Brethren,

May the Peace of the Great Architect of the Universe be with you!

I have no doubt in my mind that the Lord has all the while been preparing me for public service . I was left for dead in 1989, and He allowed me to spring back to life. I have been imprisoned as a soldier, but I fully regained the honor and right to wear a soldier´s uniform after having been awarded the Medal of Valor in 2001.

As my military career was very much back on track, I was again challenged to choose between right and wrong, between honor and injustice, between good and evil. Even as we all work for a vibrant and prosperous Philippines, my dream is for every Filipino to enjoy the essence of freedom from poverty, fear, and injustice; to feel the tangible benefits of good governance, and to live comfortably in a society that fosters the unity of the family, respects human rights, and upholds the dignity of all.

I have not had an easy life. My life story has been replete with vivid encounters and painful experiences that have shaped this dream. I am fully aware that some people would insist that men in uniform should stay away from politics; that we would serve best our nation if we were fighting wars in Mindanao; that we have no business in meddling with the affairs of the state as we have been formed and trained in the rudiments of war, and not in the civil service, much less in politics.

I agree - but that assumes that the people who have been entrusted with the public trust have been sincere, honest, and have been true to their pledges. As a young soldier, armed with idealism and the fire of youth, I have offered my life to defend this country from ALL its enemies.

I have suffered long and hard for the principles that I hold dearly. Many of my loved ones have suffered with me - maybe not physically, but certainly have shared in the misery and hardships that I have endured. The fire of idealism still burns in me, but I have been wiser not to engage fire with fire.

I am running for the senate in 2010. I have no political pedigree. I have no political machinery. I have no financial resources. But I do have honor. I do have principles. I do have courage. I believe I am ready to take on this new role, with your support this dream is not too farfetched. It takes the collective effort of every member of this society to make things improve for a country in disarray... a country that has been plundered... a country whose hope is running dry... All I can do, on my end, is to make the best effort possible to make society better, stand by my principles, and fight for what is right. There is hope for this country and our people, all we have to do is believe. This I will do, if not for myself and our generation, then at least for my young children and their children.

My fraternal regards to all.

Sincerely yours and Mabuhay ang Pilipinas,

BRO ARIEL O QUERUBIN
Palawan Lodge 99

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See related post here, sunshine visit by some brethren to Bro Ariel.

Also see PCIJ Feb 2006 article: Who is Col Ariel Querubin? here.

"Sunshine Visit" to WBro Col Ariel Querubin

Photo showing Bro Ariel Querubin [in yellow t-shirt] posing with the visitors.

16 March 2009 "Sunshine Trip to Bro Col Ariel Querubin"

The first time I heard of WBro Col. Ariel Querubin was about three years ago, during a news flash on the TV with Special Forces WBro Gen. Danilo Lim, and for that incident, the Brothers are currently confined in a military jail. Subsequently now and then, I heard and read things through the media about our Brother Ariel, and mostly from our WM Arnel Querubin, a cousin.
From which my admiration and interest to learn more about him developed and intensified especially when I learned he is with the Craft.

A graduate of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA), veteran of countless wars mostly in Mindanao, seriously wounded countless times as a result, and is a recipient of many medals and awards including the most coveted and highest Medal of Valor. According to him, he might be the only active military personnel who have fought against the NPA, MNLF, MILF and the Abu Sayaf.

So on the 14th of March 2009, I jumped in for the chance with the Brethren of Ang Tipolo Lodge No. 334 to pay a visit to our Worthy Brother at Camp Aguinaldo, who has been jailed for almost three years now.


We were introduced to a pious, gentle, calm mannered man completely the opposite of my expectations to that supposedly intimidating personality of a renegade "gung ho" marine, the like of John Wayne. Rather; for five excited hours, behind his melancholic way of expressing his thought, you can feel the intelligence and charisma radiating out of his personality.

WBro Ariel captivated us with heroic stories about his military exploitations, love of God and country and lots of wisdom. To me having a chance talking and listening with an "Officer and a Gentleman", is an honor not a privilege. Also we encountered and talked with the following soldiers confined in the same building: Capt. Ervin Divinagracia [Scout Ranger, Liaison Officer, Philippine Army] and SSG Francisco Bosi Jr. [Force Recon, Philippine Marines].

Sunshine Trip Attendees were: WM Arnel Querubin and family, VWBro Rico Castor, WBro Tab Bocek and family, WBro Roger Panganiban, Bro. Marlon Castor, Bro SW Frederick Gomez, Bro JW P. Duldulao, Bro Erwin Diego (Gonzaga Lodge No. 66) and Petitioner Erwin Quintos. De Molays present were Eric Nieva, Ralph Cocjin and Hanz Bocek.

Fraternally,

Bro. P. Duldulao, Junior Warden
Ang Tipolo Lodge No.334

Emailed by WBro. Gustav Joseph O. Bocek
Ang Tipolo Lodge No.334
Batasan Lodge, U.D.
Rizal Bodies, AASR
Lope K. Santos Chapter, Order of DeMolay

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"Who is Col Ariel Querubin?" PCIJ article, click here.