The die has been cast

If Speaker Joe thinks that a meeting with Arroyo would solve his predicament, he's mistaken. The die has been cast. These Congressmen who signed the manifesto can't back out from their commitments. Speaker Joe must understand that his fall is inevitable because Arroyo can't back out from her commitment with these congressmen.

Reports say, Arroyo and JDV entered into a truce. I don't believe that Arroyo will honor this truce. Why? Because if she backs down now, she'll lose considerable power. How would those who signed the manifesto feel? They already exposed themselves. They risk a backlash from the camp of JDV. When they signed that manifesto, they were placing themselves into the lion's den and opened themselves to attack. What about those favours dispensed and promises given to these congressmen just to support the ouster call? What will happen to them?

Also, if Arroyo gives JDV time to recover, JDV could turncoat and support initiatives for Arroyo's impeachment. Sources say, civil society groups are preparing a more solid impeachment complaint against Arroyo. Because of this maneuverings, JDV could support such a complaint and eventually lead to Arroyo's fall before the year ends.

As I've said, Arroyo is at the zenith of her power now. She's the strongest leader now. If she decides to abandon her moves of ousting JDV, she will lose the momentum and could open herself to an ouster attempt.

I can't wait for Monday.

Gloria's Grand Plan

Its mopping up time for Gloria and this administration. Neutralize political rivals is the name of the game. I just got this letter from the palace. Read it.

My dear allies,

RE: Grand Plan for the Establishment of an Arroyo Monarchy

Raid the political parties. Sow intrigues. Create divisions at the Liberal Party. Make Kiko (who's a serious supporter of Gloria) resign as party chairman. That way, Mar's hold will be questioned publicly.

Dangle the possibility of being an administration candidate come 2010 to Villar's Nacionalista Party. That way, you hold him by his neck.

Maintain cordial relations with Erap. Divide the opposition by telling Noli to go there and muddle the political pond a little bit. Lure Legarda to Lakas via the NPC route. That way, she can't really do anything else.

While the parties fight each other, plan for JDV's ouster. Since every party has been neutralized already, these people will avoid JDV like a plague. He'll lose support. JDV will use the ZTE probe as an ace. Ah, that's nothing. The ZTE controversy has died down already. With civil society divided and effectively silenced, no one will mass up support behind JDV. Let's soften JDV a little bit and whittle him down to size.

Let's tell him that we support him, yet I'll ask my sons to go on a recruitment binge for a numbers war. By this count, we are at 100 already. Tell Nograles to just sit down and wait. His time will come.

Oh, we forgot FVR. Let's invite him to attend international conferences so that he'll be busy attending all these worthless conventions. Make him feel relevant. That way, he'll forget about his beleaguered Pangalatok. Make FVR feel that he still has power. That way, we'll continue to control him.

When all of these things are over, we will be the most powerful political group in the country. And i'll be forever Queen. hahahaha!

Sincerely,

Gloria "Hello Garci" Arroyo

February Coup

A coup is in the offing. It would be as fast as lightning. And it will affect the corridors of power.

Sources within the palace are saying that JDV's days as a speaker are numbered. That's not news. We knew since last year that after the elections, Arroyo's allies will move for his ouster as speaker. This is the coup d'grace so to speak of this administration's plan to perpetually create divisions among constitutional bodies of the State, so that there is no credible and no strong force to launch any moves to unseat Gloria.

The palace factotums may have been telling JDV of their support, yet, the moves of Gloria and her Congress allies show how they are stabbing JDV in the back. No honor here among thieves. Congress is like showbiz---no permanent friends, only enemies.

As I wrote here, all these moves are geared towards implementing charter change. The goal of this administration is to push cha-cha to completion so that Gloria etal remains in power beyond 2010. JDV, through FVR, has given his thumbs down on cha-cha. Its not the ZTE probe. It's the possibility of JDV blocking any moves for Gloria's plan to be the first prime minister of a parliamentary Philippines that's causing all of these things.

If I am the speaker, I will resign now. I will publicly announce my dissatisfaction with gloria. Come to think of it, even if he does this, it will not change anything. JDV has been effectively neutralized.

New Configurations in Congress

Congress is in for war. Two camps, De Venecia's and Nograles' are gearing for a major battle possibly in the first week of February. Both camps have been saber-rattling. Both claim to have the support of Gloria Arroyo.

Reports claim that Mrs. Arroyo has given the signal for De Venecia's ouster. However, reports are connecting this order with the revival of the ZTE probe. I don't believe that Arroyo's order is directly connected with this probe. Even prior to the ZTE controversy, the camps of Arroyo and De Venecia have already been feuding. It started with Kampi raiding the ranks of Lakas in the 2007 elections and spilling over post-election period. Quarters are really after De Venecia's head because some grew tired of his "user-friendly" style of administration while others simply hate how he uses the speakership to corner juicy deals in government.

People, especially from civil society, are not massing behind JDV. There's no public outrage against these ouster moves. In fact, most welcome the possible change in the speakership post since it would give Mindanaoans (if they succeed in ousting JDV and replace him with his buddy. Rep. Nograles) a chance to prop up their voice in Congress.

The ZTE probe has nothing to do with JDV's possible ouster. Certain quarters in media close to JDV use this issue just to play up the emotions of the people and possibly get public support behind JDV. However, they are failing to mass up since people are already tired of JDV. I mean, the guy has been given five times to make his mark for Philippine development. He has failed five times.

Ominous times ahead for political parties

Arroyo allies are raiding and wrecking rival political parties way ahead of the 2010 polls. Lito Atienza, a known Arroyo lapdog, has succeeded in splitting the Liberal Party, which I believe, has the potential to be the strongest party in 2010. Reports that Sen. Kiko Pangilinan rejected calls for him to head the party further fuel talks that the party of presidentiable Mar Roxas is weakening. These reports are very bad for the party since it will discourage big-time campaign funders from giving campaign distributions to LP. If this happens, then, LP will find it very hard to launch a decent presidential campaign in 2010. No amount of palengke tours of Roxas will mask this weakening of LP.

Talks of Legarda's possible transfer to Lakas via the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) are getting louder by the minute. This shows that talks between a possible Roxas-Legarda tandem have failed. NPC is gearing for a coalition with Lakas since the FVR party has lost considerable strength with raidings from Kampi and these ouster moves against Lakas party stalwart JDV. Lakas needs all the support it could get from other parties. It has already aligned with Atienza's LP faction. However, it is planning for NPC's numbers to prop its base support.

What these means is this--political rivals of Kampi are slowly being raided and destroyed from within. Why? Because people behind Arroyo are preparing for cha-cha. I know this sounds disjointed but hear me out. Cha-cha is not yet dead. It will be revived after the ouster of JDV this February. When that happens, nothing can stop Gloria's camp from campaigning for her as prime minister.

Is Magdalo for real?

I just remembered my history. Magdalo was the name of that group of traitors that ousted Supremo Andres Bonifacio from power and backed the illustrado Emilio Aguinaldo, right? They were the first mutineers of the revolution. So why did the group of Trillianes assumed this unworthy and scandal-tainted name in the first place?

I am more supportive of the name Bagong Katipunan since this is the real essence of the on-going revolution. Yes, the Bagong Katipunan is more apt to describe the new and emerging soldier heroes of the AFP. The name was first used by the Filipino hero Macario Sakay when he was fighting the Americans. Now, I believe, the name Bagong Katipunan exemplifies the true nature of the present struggle.

Who are we fighting against?

The Bagong Katipuneros are fighting the grafters in government. BK fights for good governance, for true enlightenment. BK fights for the cause of the common Masa, those Filipinos who constitute 75% of the society.

Faeldon the lineman

I just heard In Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales asking for an investigation into allegations that Capt. Nick Faeldon served as a lineman for Meralco last November 29. Yes, the good soldier escaped allegedly posing as a lineman.

Well, I'm not surprised. With the low pay of soldiers nowadays compared with the millions being showered to their officers like Esperon, I am not surprised if Faeldon moonlights as a Meralco lineman. Or even a bill collector. Imagine, if you're a bill collector, you'll have thousands of pesos in your hands everyday. The only "threat" to your life probably comes from the dogs. Those wads of dough can probably buy a few handguns or maybe an M-16? That could be used for a coup, right Mr. Gonzales?

Hey, I heard that aside from being a lineman, Faeldon also worked as a balut vendor, a fishball vendor and a Bayantel Wireless Landline seller. Yes, he actually was a BAYANTEL Landline seller.

I have a challenge to Raul Gonzales---Mr. Secretary, are you sure that Dana Batnag is not Faeldon in disguise?Maybe you should call Dana and have her gender checked? Maybe she's Faeldon?

Have you checked maybe priest killer Norberto Manero is the renegade rebel soldier? They seem to look alike, except maybe for the hair? Ah, with photos of him sporting a killer hairdo, the most logical for Faeldon to do is shave everything off.

I bet that Faeldon is just out there somewhere. I heard from a reliable source that he's enjoying his life as palos. Yes, Faeldon is Palos. This should give Gonzales a cause to go to ABS-CBN and look for Faeldon.

Or maybe Faeldon is healing priest Suarez in disguise. They look alike right?

Are We to Blame for Graft and Corruption?

In Europe, hundreds of Catholic churches have been abandoned and left to ruins. Why? People have grown tired of the homilies which, instead of liberating, Europeans find nauseating. Icons have been smashed to smithereens because Europeans found Catholicism preaching a quite contrary doctrine than what is written in the holy scriptures. There are a few places in Europe where you could find a sizeable Catholic population, which I found to be quite sad since Europe once served as the bastion of Christianity in olden times. In fact, many missionaries who spread Christianity came from that part of the world.

In the United States, hundreds have abandoned their churches. Americans have outgrown their fancy of this religion. People are flocking to other Christian sects, despite campaigns by the church to invigorate the faith of the laity. Priests have been arrested by the state because of sexual harassment or embezzlement of funds.

Of course in Asia, Catholicism is also on the wane. Only two countries remain locked in the tight grip of Catholicism--the Philippines and a former Indonesian territory (I forgot the name). Catholicism remain strong in this country because this religion still exerts quite a strong hold over government and property. Yes, the Catholic Church remains the second biggest haciendero in this country, second of course to the state. They also own several corporations and stocks in major Philippine corporations. That's why they are still so influential here.

Since 2001, the Catholic Church has been looking for ways to increase their relevance in the lives of the Filipino. However, despite their efforts, thousands of Filipinos change religion everyday because whatever the Church does, the people don't seem to care about them anymore.

The Philippines is an important and strategic country for Catholicism because it is the only country in Asia where they can say, for certainty, that they still exert a majority hold in its population. Many Filipinos remain slaves of this religion. However, I do believe that in a few years time, the number of Catholics will slowly dwindle here. Why?

The Catholic church here is beginning to be like the Padre Damasos of Jose Rizal's novels. Look at what the CBCP said today--they are maintaining a critical collaboration stance with the Arroyo administration. What's worst, they even blamed the people for the rampant graft and corruption happening in this country. Imagine, the prelators of the Faith blaming their own flock for the increasing moral destruction of Filipino society? I thought that they are the exemplars of the moral code? I thought that it is their responsibility to preach and lead us to the right direction?

How things have changed since the death of Cardinal Jaime Sin. If the good cardinal is alive today, he definitely would not allow the Church to go to bed with the devil. These bishops should be ashamed of this. They have allowed themselves to be prostituted for a few gold and silver coins of the temptress of power.

A Few Good Men

" In an evil regime such as ours, even a few good men are scared to testify."--Sen. Ping Lacson

What a way to tell it as it is, coming from Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. He, along with Senator Aquilino Pimentel, are the only rational voices around here. Lacson hit the nail in the head when he said that.

The regime of Arroyo is the biggest terrorist this country ever had. Arroyo has abused her powers. She's using the powers of the state to harass, oppress, threaten and even kill her political detractors. Such abuse of power have worsened our lot and convinced many people to join the increasing insurgency.

Why is Arroyo's henchmen preventing witnesses about ZTE is beyond me. The solution to this problem is not terrorism. No. That is the most idiotic thing to do. Arroyo should allow witnesses to testify before the Senate since this issue is closed already. If the First Gentleman fears criminal prosecution, he should'nt because the deed was not consummated anyway. The palace thumbed the deal down. Probably, they already thought of other ways to reward ZTE for the mess, like using a local telco to present their proposal again. Anyway, all Philippine telcos have been using ZTE equipment since ten years ago, further proof that ZTE is a reputable company.

Arroyo should initiate the closure of these issues.

War in Mindanao

Secretary Ermita just confirmed what we wrote here--Esperon's additional 90 days are to be spent in a war in Mindanao which they would conduct sometime in February 2008. After that, Esperon will be given a government post.

In an interview yesterday, Esperon admitted that his last remaining 90 days will be "bloody" since he expects the NPA rebels in 17 fronts to fight. What he is not saying is the impending war in Mindanao which the hawks at the palace are lusting to do. Why a war in Mindanao? Two things: First, a war in Mindanao will justify the push for charter change and second, it would show the US how "resolute" the Philippine government is in the fight against terror.

What government is not telling us is this---what would be the economic effects of such wars? Have they even thought of the economic consequences of these campaigns?

Gloria should seriously think about this. Why? In a time where the entire world economy is bracing for a recession, this administration wants to spend money for a war to justify cha-cha. An economic adviser already told Arroyo that the government needs 75 billion pesos to shield it from the dire effects of a US recession. What if government spends 1 billion a day for 90 days just for these wars?

Gloria should not raid the public coffers to fund these campaigns. A war would not only affect Mindanao. It will seriously affect the entire Philippines. I shudder at the thought of an Argentinian food riots happening in Manila.

Time to process that Canadian immigration application.

Effects of Hello Garci

I know this is four years late. And I am not resurrecting the dead. For me, Hello Garci has already been written in history's pages. But, its prudent to talk about it again in this blog since we are now seeing its manifestation in our society.

Look at this ABS-CBN versus GMA7 issue of ratings manipulation. Based on evidence, there really was manipulation of the ratings done by GMA7. There is overwhelming proof. What's the defense of GMA7? There's nothing wrong with their provincial promotional activities and campaigns since its legitimate. What's worst, AC Nielsen is defending them because of their perverted notion that they should since they are now in a very serious vein.

Well, GMA7 I think should desist. Obviously, these promos have directly influenced some AC Nielsen homes. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. Probably, more homes were influenced.

I remember at the height of the Hello Garci campaign, a similar alibi was used by Mrs. Arroyo (her nickname is GMA too, get the drift?). She says there's nothing wrong with calling Garci. She says she was just asking for some updates.

Both GMA's have a somewhat perverted sense of ethics and morality. Both sees nothing wrong with what they're doing since it is legally okey. They seem to gloss the fact that it is morally and ethically wrong.

Unlike GMA however, GMA7 has still time to make amends and rethink their strategies. It is not too late. While this thing stretches into infinitum, I'll bet my bottom Sing dollar that this will definitely affect their commercial load. Likewise, it will also affect investor confidence, since they are now listed.

Oh, by the way. ABS-CBN 2 should probably initiate an action of stock manipulation or something to that sort. Why? Obviously, look at the period when GMA 7 allegedly did this. It was the period where GMA 7 WAS ON THE VERGE OF ENTERING THE PHILIPPINE STOCK MARKET. It was the IPO period. Was this ratings manipulation directly linked with their IPO, especially price stock determination? ABS-CBN 2 should look at this very seriously.

We are at war? Really?

In Chief Presidential Counsel Sergio Apostol's mind, we are in the state of war. That's why the palace needs to extend Esperon's term. Ah, this is new.

Only Apostol thinks that we are at war since he works in a besieged administration. Working for Arroyo makes everybody paranoid. That's why Apostol is again, making a fool of himself.

A declaration of war can only be done by Congress. Since there is no law or resolution declaring war against the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF, technically speaking, we are not at war. For if we are, then, why the hell do we have peace talks with the insurgents. If this is the official palace line, then, its time to say to our brothers in the MILF to declare jihad. Why? Because this government is just trying to fool them, making double talk while preparing for war. Likewise, I would like to encourage the CPP-NPA-NDF to undertake full preparations since peace talks with this government will lead to nothing. The Palace is under a state of war.

Apostol is my kababayan. But, I don't admire him one bit. Like In Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales, Apostol represents the worst kind, the most humiliating figures in Philippine history. However, I thank God that we have such people as Apostol and Gonzales. It makes us realize that we indeed, need change.

Epiphany

Senator Ping Lacson and Senator Aquilino Pimentel, the true voices of the real opposition, nailed it in the head. They criticized how the palace defended the alleged decision of Arroyo to extend Esperon's term. They say that we are now living in an imperial presidency, where the Chief Executive is being hostaged by a group of generals, both active and retired.

Frankly, these statements resonated in me. Why? Because my ideal of a government to be run in this country for a certain period of time postulates the same kind of arrangement to be undertaken prior to the institution of a more democratic model.

For a long time, I've been advocating for a civilian-military governance model, the kind where military generals rule the country in tandem with members of the academe, civil society and non-government organisations. I believe that this setup is the one we need to replace the present decrepit governance model that we have.

My observations jibe with Lacson's and Pimentel's in the sense that at present, we already have this model in place, albeit, unofficially. That's why the state, though perceived weak, is actually strong to repel external pressures and counter forces.

If this is the setup we have today, where Arroyo serves as just a ceremonial head, without exercising real powers of her own, then, it confirms that a silent revolution is now before us. We don't need a coup because forces have already neutralized Arroyo in the sense that she does not dispense decisions of her own. She dispenses them ceremoniously.

However, this imperial presidency, as Pimentel describes the present governance paradigm is, I think, the extreme interpretation of the New Philippine Revolution (NPR). Why? Because only the military sector wields true power. In my model, it envisions the unity and synthesis of three dominant forces in Philippine society: the civil society, military and the people's organisations.

I've explained this model in previous blogs. The only component that this present model lacks is the active participation of people's organisations in policy-making in all government agencies. Likewise, there is no latent council of senior advisers who contributes towards crafting policies based on their collective experience and skills sets.

This is the only thing lacking in this model. If these generals would eliminate the causes of disapproval, namely Esperon and Arroyo's group, then the people will accept this model and embrace it as their own without shedding blood. Only those in the ideological groups would balk at such a model because it does not conform with their beliefs. Since they are weakening, they don't matter.

Now, I know why FVR etal are silent. They are working for us to neutralize Arroyo, though, in a silent mode. They are building up the model not from ground up but from the present structure and its resources. This supports Ramos' statements saying that we don't need another EDSA because it's easy to neutralize Arroyo without her knowing that she already lost power.

And she already lost power since Day One. She's perceived to be strong yet, the true powers are those behind her.

Public acceptance remains a problem. However, there's a rationale why these true powers want her to continue being there at the helm. They want her to receive all the flak. For if they surface, they'll be exposed and receive direct attacks, leading to civil war.

Hence, going back to Esperon's term extension, this is the test whether Arroyo truly wields real power or not. Should she really announce her alleged decision to extend Esperon, then, this confirms what Ping and Pimentel are saying to us all along--we indeed have a besieged presidency.

Why OFWs balk at Arroyo's stay in world's costliest hotel

The Department of Foreign Affairs say their president, Gloria Arroyo is slated to stay at Dubai's costliest hotel. Some OFW groups balk. Why? These modern-day heroes sweat it out there in the desert sun, living in subhuman conditions just to send dollars which buoy up the Philippine economy. And here is their so-called leader spending their money just for luxury. Just like that.

Well, the poster girl of the Philippine imperial presidency deserves some time to indulge, right? She's been receiving the brunt of criticisms against how government is being run now. So, she needs that comfy bed to rest her puny head.

This shows how indifferent this government is in the plight of the People. The People deserve a better government.

Desperate Chief of Staff

Malacanang just said that there is still no confirmation from Mrs. Arroyo that she'll extend Esperon's term. However, Philippine Star reported that Arroyo will extend Esperon's term. Their proof? An alleged meeting between Arroyo and Esperon last January 13 and statements from "sources". Probably their sources are Esperon, Gonzales, Ramos and Teodoro.

And Esperon is really very desperate. Imagine, giving some self-serving statements and alluding to the president's inner wishes of his term being extended. Imagine, the AFP Chief of Staff concluding that he'll be extended all because of one simple line, " bakit magreretire ka na ba?" (Why? Are you retiring?)

Hahahahahahahaha! What a pitiful man, Esperon is!

Kawawang Esperon. He's so desperate. He's really an embarrassing sight! He is shitting all around. He's making fun of himself, really. Why not wait for the president herself to tell the public that he's to be extended? Are you, Esperon, so afraid of what will happen to you when you retire that, again, you are hiding behind the shirt of Arroyo?

Kawawang Esperon. If I'm the son or daughter of this man, i'll hide my face. Kahiya-hiya!!

Also, the DND just reported that they threw the attack helicopter deal in the waste basket, for fear that this issue will be used against Arroyo and Esperon. Well, Secretary Teodoro, you still have two (2) more deals to unmask. You need to thumb down these two deals so you'll be able to save Esperon's hide from everybody.

Hahahaha! What a pity, this Esperon character is!

Destabilization conspirators

Gloria is set to announce Esperon's term extension when she goes back from Davos, Switzerland. Reports say, Gloria wants Esperon to continue his plan of crushing the Communists or what the military calls Bantay Laya.

What a ridiculous and funny thing to do. Katawa-tawa talaga itong si Gloria! (Gloria is really ridiculous)

What would Esperon do with a few months of extension? Is Esperon a superman that a few months he will crush a 40-year insurgency? Oh, c'mon! There must be something other than this.



I think it was Ramos who pressured Gloria to extend Esperon's term. As I wrote here a few days ago, Ramos endorsed Esperon's term extension for reasons unknown to many. I ask you Mr. President--why? What would Esperon do in a few months of extra time? Nothing! Probably, I think, you and your gang have a deal or a slew of deals to finish and you need Esperon's signature that's why he is to be extended.

I pity the former president. He has succumbed to the pseudo-leader's disease. Ramos should learn when to fade away for the sake of the future generation.



Look at this photo of Trillianes. He has allowed himself to be handcuffed. Why?

Being handcuffed is a principle. Look at what Col. Ariel Querubin and General Lim did. They resisted. Trillianes did nothing of this sort.

I am very, very suspicious of Trillianes now. I think he is a pseudo or a bogus rebel leader. His actions are definitely not consistent with his public image.

Fuzzy foot

Now the truth has been revealed--PNP just sensationalized this media witchhunt to justify its oppressive actions. Before, I used to admire PNP Chief Avelino Razon. Now, my admiration to this gentleman has waned considerably. I am very disappointed.

Razon should not be a party to these ridiculous things. Imagine, saying that a reporter helped Faeldon escaped when the RPN 9 footage shows no such proof. You know what the police did? One day after the Peninsula siege, police confiscated footages of all government TV stations, including RPN 9. When reviewing the tapes of RPN 9, IBC 13 and NBN 4, police discovered the footage taken by Ino Salvador, the assigned cameraman at that time. That's when police postulated that reporter Dana Batnag was giving a press ID to Faeldon. But, look closely at the footage. Dana was NOT giving any press ID. She was interviewing Faeldon.

Tsk,tsk,tsk. Sir, you and your men should be very, very careful. You have lost considerable credibility because of this issue. I recommend that you and the rest of the police institution should apologize to the Philippine media immediately. Your fuzzy foot has been in your mouth for so long.

My take on the PNP-Phil Media War

As a journalist myself, let me express my take on the current imbroglio involving the government and the media. I've been immersing myself to the issue and it seems that media is on a higher moral ground in this struggle.

Let me say that media should first unite and fight this creeping attempt by government institutions to control the flow of information. Why? If journalists would not do this, everybody will wake up one morning in an atmosphere of proto martial rule. Media is the only group who is fighting this government above ground. If groups will not unite now, this fight will all be lost.

One of the things that media should reconcile is its internal struggle. This is a good occasion to really determine who are legitimate media and who are government agents.

I wonder why the opposition seems to be so silent about the issue. They are NOT supporting the cause of Philippine journalists. Well, that goes to show how callous and how indifferent the opposition is. Now is the time for cause-oriented groups and like minded organisations to militate against this administration and prevent a repeat of martial rule. If all of us would just be fence sitters this time around, Arroyo's ravenous lapdogs will be more brazen and bold and do other more oppressive actions against all of us.

Flash report: Esperon to be extended

I now understand why Esperon suddenly said there's no more destabilization. Former president Fidel V. Ramos just endorsed him for another term. In fact, Ramos even said that he has supported Esperon since Day One. So, its final. Esperon got what he wanted, another lease of life.

Tordersillas is right--Esperon etal just used the destab bogey for their own selfish ends. They are making Gloria hostage with these pronouncements. I bet my bottom dollar that during the time when these destabilization issues are being floated or being sensationalized by media, a deal or a slew of projects were pushed down the throat of GMA. I still don't have any inkling what they are but I'm sure it involves AFP modernization.

The question that I always wanted to ask but were afraid to know the answer is this--how will Esperon's enemies take this? Will they do something? Or they would just sit in one corner and cry?

Ramos still needs Esperon in government. For whatever reason, only the Fates know.

A layman's guide to the US recession

Analysts say the fed cut on rates will not totally save the US from a recession. Markets today recovered but most investors believe this is not enough to arrest the slow slide of the US economy.

How to explain the US recession

Its like this. Millions of Americans can't pay their mortages to the banks. Why? Because people don't have enough money to pay those mortgages. Why? Millions of them don't have work. Those who do have jobs scrimp for money to pay high interest rates.

Those millions who don't work are victims of globalization. Why? US companies don't need their services because most have outsourced their labour requirements elsewhere, like China, India and the Philippines where labour is cheap.

Those who have work, well, because of their low salaries, can't pay the high interest rates that the banks charge. Blame the Fed. They're the ones who charge high interest rates. Why do they need to charge interest rates? Because that's where banks earn. And when banks earn, they pay higher taxes. Those taxes keep the US economy afloat and prevent bankruptcy.

Since many are not paying their mortgages, banks can't pay taxes. And when banks can't pay taxes, the US economy loses valuable revenue. And when it has low revenues, government can't fund its projects. And when that happens, treasury suffers and even government can't pay for its commitments to creditors and companies. Why is the US treasury nearly bankrupted itself?

Because the US is spending heavily on the global war on terror. The US spends billions of dollars everyday just to sustain the fight against Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq. Americans are suffering because Bush decided to spend their dollars allegedly fighting terrorists.

So, they need more dollars. Some would say, why not make them? Well, the treasury can do that but it would lead to deflation which is also dangerous. Americans can't flood their economy with billions of dollars more because it would further dilute the value of their currency. Remember that currencies, by nature, should be traded. If they are not traded heavily, they lose or dilute their values. For currencies to be traded, they need to be exchanged. And the only reason for them to be exchanged is if companies buy stuff from other countries. This can only happen if there's a robust economy and companies are trading heavily with other companies around the world.

And the US economy is not performing well. It can't keep itself afloat. That's why some analysts predict that anytime now, the Federal Reserve would announce an recession.

What's the effects of recession?

A recession would send the signal that the US will momentarily stop paying its commitments to creditors and banks. It also means a slower economic pace. When an economy slows down activity, it affects markets since companies will have to lower their growth forecasts to keep pace with a slower economy.

Slower activity means decrease consumer spending

Capitalist economies such as the US rely heavily on consumer spending. In a recession, companies produce less since they expect that fewer people will buy their products and services. Why produce more when lesser people will buy? When there's lesser people buying stuff, (its postulated in economics that during hard times, people tend to save more than buy)it affects hundreds or thousands of companies. Profits are lower. When profits are lower, company performance is also affected. When companies perform less, their stocks are affected. Fewer investors will buy stocks from companies' which profits less. That's why stock markets crash when trading slows especially when investors sell instead of buy stocks.

Markets affect people's lives

When stock markets slow down, companies get a lesser amount of capital to use for their manufacturing and production. So, its a cycle.

Who will be hit the hardest?

Globalization has effectively linked regional and global economies to one. The US economy is the mother of all capitalist economies. Economies such as ours depend on the US economy. In fact, our economy will be one of the most affected since many companies here export their stuff there. BPO's and call centers will also be affected since most of their clients are US-based companies.

I expect call centers to bear the brunt of the recession. Fewer US companies will hire call centers since US companies will try to think of ways to save money by cutting down costs. Customer services will definitely have to go. When that happens, thousands of Filipinos working in call centers will have to be retrenched.

Philippine export companies will also be affected since the US is one of their primary markets. A recession would mean a smaller market to sell their products.

Is the solution looking elsewhere, like China?

No. China is still a paper tiger. Its economy is still heavily dependent on the US. If the strategy of the Arroyo government is to decrease US trade and concentrate on Chinese trade, they're mistaken. The yuan is still an unstable currency. It is pegged to the US dollar. Fluctuations in the US dollar due to uncertainty will definitely affect the Chinese economy.

Faulty Economic Vision

So its official---the Philippines will increase its economic ties with China, instead of the US. This is to cushion the impact of an impending US recession. Officials say this is to mitigate the effects of the recession, since, according to the IMF, the region where the recession will most likely hit hard would be Southeast Asia.

What fools.

China is totally reliant on the US for its own economic survival. Increasing our ties with the Yuan currency will not, I say again, will not insulate us from the US recession. The yuan is pegged to the US dollar, like our peso. If we help increase Chinese trade in our country, we are actually deprising our own businessmen compatriots of a sizeable market for our own local products.

Prescription

The secret to surviving this threatening economic crisis is NOT, I say, NOT to spend so much. Arroyo's perverted direction encouraging that all projects should be continued to innoculate us from the crisis is not a very good idea. The only way for us to survive this is to limit spending on frivolous projects, concentrate on strengthening local industries and insulate the export industries by creating safety nets. Also, we need to assist the ailing agricultural sector by opening external markets while enhancing production capacities. That what we can ease the pressure of the recession to our economy

I Know where Faeldon is

There's Faeldon there in the picture. He just attended the rally and was last seen taking oath as a cop.

I've heard General Razon over television announcing a one-million peso reward for those who will give information on the whereabouts of alleged Magdalo leader Faeldon. Well, I don't need one million pesos. But, since I am a "concerned" citizen of the Philippines, I will now reveal where Capt. Faeldon is.

1. Capt. Faeldon attended the Black Nazarene day of feast last January 9.
2. He then went to Tondo to attend the Feast of the Santo Nino. Afterwards,
3. He went to the Sinulog festival to ask for a girlfriend. He then
4. went to Antipolo to ask for a sign from the healing priest. He
5. then masqueraded as a farmer yesterday and went to Recto to commemorate
6. the Mendiola Massacre. After the peaceful rally, he went for a snack
7. in Chinatown since Chinese New Year is just around the corner. He then
8. went in Luneta to pee. He then saw many couples copulating in the
9. Mehan gardens.
10. He is now in the office of Vicky Belo, trying to have a sex change operation to
11. justify Razon's pronouncements that he was helped by a girl to escape.


I also would like to confirm that the reporter and Faeldon are long-time soul mates. They met at the Manila Peninsula.They're supposed to get married but its sukob since there's a wedding going on at that time.

When the reporter gave Faeldon a paper to wipe his sweat away, the CCTV cameras caught them. That's what the paranoid officials saw in that video clip. It was even not a media ID. It was a love letter since it was love at first sight.

GMA as destabilizer? Threat of Terrorism

After GMA left for Switzerland yesterday, AFP Chief of Staff Esperon, PNP Chief Razon, DOJ Secretary cRaul(o) Gonzales, Defense Secretary Danding Cojuangco, err Secretary pamangkin of the biggest Marcos crony and even InSecurity Adviser Gonzales immediately downgraded the threat alert they have announced a few days ago. The lapdogs said, there's no more threat, no more destabilization.

Hehehe. So, GMA is the destabilizer? For these people, you need to read between the lines.

What these idiots want us to believe--if GMA is here, there's always a threat of destabilization. If GMA is out, there's none. What a way to send a message to their boss.

Seriously, my media colleagues should NOT, I say again, should NOT be a party to the pronouncements of this group of lapdogs. I mean, doing so, we make ourselves a party to their foolishness. These people have no hiya anymore. I mean, if they have at least some semblance of hiya, they would not spread these rumours around like they're gospel truth.

This is what I am saying.

IF THE PHILIPPINES HAVE THESE KINDS OF MILITARY AND SECURITY OFFICIALS, IT SHOWS YOU HOW INEPT THIS GOVERNMENT IS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM.

FOR THE US, THIS IS MY MESSAGE: YOU SHOULD URGE THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO REPLACE THESE PEOPLE. WHY? BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CREDIBILITY ANYMORE. WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW? THE PEOPLE DO NOT BELIEVE THIS GOVERNMENT ANYMORE. WHAT IF A LEGITIMATE AND SERIOUS TERRORIST ACTIVITY HAPPENS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THEY ANNOUNCE IT, THE PEOPLE WILL THINK TWICE OR EVEN THRICE IN BELIEVING THEM. AND IT WOULD AFFECT INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING SINCE INTEL AGENTS WILL HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING CREDIBLE AND A-1 INFORMATION REGARDING THE INCIDENT.

This is what I am saying. If the US government wants to solve the global terrorist problem and prevent it from spreading and infecting their own country, they should have a strong ally against terror here in the Philippines. Obviously, this is NOT the case here.

The Sumilao Model

Just like what we wrote here, the Sumilao model remains as the most viable form of struggle that would eventually lead to a revolution. Yes, I said it first here. Versions of Sumilao appears in almost all of the forms of struggle right now. Marches left and right are happening now. At this writing, thousands of farmers are marching towards the seat of power.

And the Powers-That-Be quake in fear.

Will these mass actions lead to something wonderful? Will it eventually prelude the downfall of Gloria.

No.

Without the support of the enlightened military and the traditional political groupings like the Liberal Party, the Nacionalista and others, the rate of success is nearly zero. These mass actions should be supported by civil society, religious and proto-religious groups. Why? To attract middle class attention and animate the minds and hearts of the fence-sitting majority.

Why the rural masses as lead?

The continuing US recession will greatly impact the rural areas this year. Most of RP's agricultural products are being exported in the United States, Europe and Asia. With these markets under great stress and depression, the agricultural sector will definitely find it very difficult to expand and grow. Yes, agricultural production was high last year, as attested by Agri Secretary Arthur Yap. But, we are not talking about production here. We are talking markets. Even if we increase production ten-fold if these products cannot find a market, its useless. The internal demands for our agri products will never exceed external demands.

Expect thousands of insurgencies to explode in various parts of the country this year. And it is not because of globalization. It is due to a decreasing market size that is behind this.

Will ousting Arroyo solve the problem?

Yes. A new government will rejuvenate every sector of Philippine society. It will boost investments. It will likewise improve the economy, make it grow. Foreign governments will again look with kindness at this country and consider it as a viable investment and production site.

It will eliminate the persistent problem of legitimacy and would open the country to acclaim since finally, the Filipino People have wrested their freedom from dictatorship.

GMA apologists and pseudo-activists

I've read the blog angtagalnaman.blogspot.com. Media reported that the blog has a countdown for Gloria's descent to power in 2010. I've checked it, expecting something different. Yes, it was different. It was a parody, a joke of a blog. What's worst, it was portrayed as an anti-gloria blog but sadly, it was'nt.

I know Roby Alampay and possibly Ruben C or Ruben Carranza. Like Alex Magno, they are Gloria apologists masquerading as legitimate activists. They have sold their souls when they accepted positions of power under this despicable regime. They are still writing stuff, criticizing the opposition and making Gloria look good.

This blog want us to be complacent and just wait for 2010. Yeah, Alampay can say that. He can wait. He's rich. And he's far, far away. He now works in Thailand, sitting comfortably in his glitzy apartment, and trying to beautify Gloria. What a waste of talent!

Alampay belongs to Defensor's generation in UP-Diliman. Those who we can say as the last activists who took part in EDSA 1 includes: David Celdran (I salute this guy. He has'nt changed. He still has the fire in him despite reporting about business in ANC), Bong Bongolan (Mike Defensor's trusted general and strategist and previously headed the Home Mortgage agency), Ruben Carranza (our Collegian Editor-In-Chief who humiliated former UP head Jose Abueva in STF discussions and working now with the PCGG?), Amor Datinguinoo (bar top-notcher and fiery thinker during her time), Miro Quimbo (heads the Pag-Ibig Fund. Very funny person. And very efficient), Angelo Jijil Jimenez (now works as Deputy Administrator of OWWA) and of course, me.

Among the lists of people, only Amante Jimenez (former USC Chairman, 1990-1991) remained within the activist mold. The rest have all been eaten by the system. That includes Alampay. Reason? Their "proletarianization" was never completed. These people belonged to the middle class. They became activists because of the times. They never really felt the pulse of the masses.

Hence, do not be misled by this blog. This is a concoction of Gloria's apologists.

The EDSA recipe

Many writers have analyzed EDSA Uno and Dos and they came up with so many recipes. They forgot however, that both events have one thing in common--a major dramatis causa. People were moved to action by one or a series of dramatic events that unfolded prior to the main attraction, that of going to EDSA.

In EDSA Uno, it was the walkout of computer encoders, then, the arrest of soldiers-coup plotters. In EDSA Dos, it was, again, a walkout, this time by senators.

People behind the creation of another EDSA tried vainly to recreate another dramatis causa. They fail. They fail to recognize that revolutions are not film with a script. No. Revolutions are spontaneous acts of emotion by the people. There can never be a replication of dramatis causas. For these things depend on the current situation for success.

If in those times, non-violence was picked as the mode of struggle, maybe this time, it would not be the case. Maybe, we need a shocker. Or worst, a major dramatis causa.

By the way, I would like to say these things to the Patriots: never waiver in your resolve to restore the honor, the dignity and the respect of the Filipino to themselves. No.

Patriots should forget about their cookbooks. They should act based on their reading of the current situation and on their instincts. I remember my mentor telling me that before they made the coup that is EDSA one, one of their compatriots looked at the ceiling and shouted " Let's go. We have the chance to win."

It is that remark that sparked a revolution. Yes, your predecessors have only their guts and their unshakable resolve to right the wrongs that made them heroes, yes, heroes of the New Philippine Revolution.

Do not be afraid. Even when our enemies show us the specter of martial law and death right before our very faces, do not think twice of abandoning the struggle. We are lights under an era of darkness. We shine so that others may live. Darkness is short. We fight because we bear the torch of truth and justice which only God give to those who are true to the Cause of the People.

March on, young soldiers. March for the freedom that your people oh so long to regain from the clutches of evil.

The Misinterpretation of EDSA

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita sums it all up for us--forget EDSA two. " The least we talk about it, the better" says one of the foremost beneficiary of the revolution which swept his boss to power. Ermita says Estrada has been pardoned and it would be best for everyone to forget all about the revolution that made Estrada lose his legitimate position.


It may be a good suggestion, but it shows how these people, especially Mrs. Arroyo misinterpreted EDSA Dos. It was not about Erap. No. It was'nt about his misgovernance, nor his penchant for beautiful, young paramours. No.

EDSA Dos was about regaining the dignity and the respect of the Filipino to themselves. It was about the restoration of our Hiya. The people did not go to the streets to install Mrs. Arroyo. No. We went to EDSA because we felt that something was terribly wrong with the way our leaders behave and how our leaders govern our beloved country.

Yes, partly we were aghast at the graft and corruption of Erap and his gang. Yes, we forgot what would happen to us and our families because we felt that Erap was slowly becoming an Imelda, not a Macoy. He was ostentatious. He was a non-performer. It was all glitz and glamour when the times require serious work. And he was portrayed as an underperformer, worst, without any vision when we need one.

EDSA Dos, for whatever it is worth, is not a revolt against personalities. It was an attempt by the Filipino People to again redefine their future. It was a conscious act to build a society on their own terms, on their own ideas.

EDSA Dos was an attempt to rediscover the essence of being a Filipino. We lost it when we forgot how it is to feel hiya. It was in essence, a rediscovery of our moral values, our ethical foundation.

So, when Mrs. Arroyo and her bunch of lapdogs prevent us from remembering EDSA, they were actually telling us to forget how it is to be Filipinos. They are afraid that if we rediscover our strengths again and regain the will to unite for decency, order, justice and truth, not one second longer will they stay in power.

For those who still feel hiya. For those who still feel decency, never, ever, forget EDSA. Damn those who want us to forget EDSA Dos. We went to EDSA not because of Gloria.

We went to EDSA because we are Filipinos. And we will go to EDSA once again, damn the trucks, the tanks, the truncheons, the water cannons, the arrests, the bullets, even death, because we need to feel being Filipinos, true Pinoys, once again.

Conspiracy of silence

Esperon says there’s a coup and he should be believed. In fact, says the teary-eyed Esperon, five ex-soldiers were arrested. Unknown to Esperon, three have been released. It was funny that Esperon should use these ex-soldiers. Imagine, accusing them of planning a coup when all the arresting officers can show are three rusty rifles. Yeah, three rifles for a coup? Come on Espy!

Eight hundred rallyists were prevented from going to the EDSA Shrine. Farmers are also barred from Mendiola, the traditional gathering place of those who want change. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim rejected earlier requests for militants to go to Mendiola on January 22 to commemorate the Mendiola massacre. Militants are dreaming. How would they be able to convince the one who actually headed the team which mowed the farmers down in the first place?


FVR, JDV and Kenney were conspicuously absent today in Malacanan. A palace factotum says, Kenney is in Zamboanga, playing tourist guide with two US legislators. I just don't buy it why a Malacanan functionary would assume the role of a US spokesman for a diplomat. It makes no sense. There was no explanation nor alibi given on behalf of FVR and JDV.

Civil society groups are keeping their mouths shut about these destabilization. However, its odd why the confirmation of a coup came from an unlikely source, Joma. Joma said that Arroyo would not finish her term because groups are out to get her head.

If I base my observations on what's going on, it points to just one thing: there's a revolutionary situation. Though there's a conspiracy right now of these groups on what their motivation really lies, it seems that their actions point to a confirmation of earlier reports. I remember of a similar strategy used against Erap in 2001. Erap was also saying how strong and how stable his position was until the forces of civil society overwhelmed him, forcing him out of power.

COPA is silent now. Even other groups known to oppose Arroyo. Groups seem to be keeping their aces close to their chests. This means that they're dead serious and fully capable of toppling this regime.

Do We Really Need Democracy?

Mrs. Arroyo made a speech before the Chinese-Filipino Business Club yesterday. She lambasted her detractors and told the crowd that the government is now, stronger than ever. It was a speech directed against those who want to throw her out of office. It was a good speech but made in a wrong venue.

Why do the speech infront of businessmen? Was it for fund-raising? Surely, it was not made to further increase investor confidence. For if it did, then, it was such a foolish thing to do. One, it confirmed the fears of everybody that there's a threat to national security and two, why would businessmen care?

I don't really know if we need to be stronger or if we do need to be more independent. Arroyo said she's stronger now. Why say that? Who is she really fighting against? Is she telling the people that she's stronger and she can't be ousted from power? Probably, that's the motivation.

That speech confirmed the fact that she's now the enemy of the people. Because the people really want her out. By saying that she's stronger shows how weak is really is. If you're strong, you don't say it. You show it. And being strong does'nt mean being impertinent nor being hawak tuko to power. No.

Being strong, as a leader, should mean strong in pursuing the people's interest. A leader must always think of the national welfare. Strength should mean humility and magnanimity. Strength means letting go when the time comes for one to go. That is strong leadership.

But do we need to be stronger now? Yes, for the right reasons. We need to be strong against increasing foreign intrusions into the economy. We need to be strong against terrorism. And we need to be strong against grafters and corrupt men.

Yet, being strong against those who oppose you is not strength. Its being lusty in power.


The People does'nt need to be a strong men. We need to be more free, more democratic. Why? Being democratic affords us to further develop and compete with foreign economic powers who constantly encroach at our economic gains.

A freer and more democratic society leads to a more creative and more satisfied people. Arroyo is denying this right to us. She wants everyone to toe her line. Its fine if she's leading us to the promise land. But, she's leading us blindly into uncertain dark skies. And its time for us to desist from having her as our leader.

Esperon's fate--DOTC Chief

Its confirmed. GMA will NOT, I say, WILL NOT EXTEND ESPERON'S TERM. This was confirmed by one of my sources at the palace. There's a twist however. Esperon is said to be replacing former PNP chief and now DOTC Secretary Mendoza. Yes, some of the palace hawks are giving the gauntlet to Mendo. The loyal DOTC secretary who has done a good job cleaning house, is said to be on his way out.

Yano is the new AFP Chief of Staff, one of Arroyo's closest advisers said. Arroyo reportedly gave Esperon a verbal dressing down just recently. Esperon reportedly shouted at Arroyo for not extending his term. The incident happened last Friday when Arroyo called Esperon to her office at the palace. Esperon allegedly threatened the president that he'll side with the anti-Arroyo groups. Arroyo was unfazed, knowing fully well that no group will ever get Esperon in their side.

So, its final--Esperon out, Yano in.

Arroyo's ghosts of destabilization

They're supposed to celebrate the day when they were given the power to legally rob us of our monies and liberties. But yesterday, it was totally different.

In dramatic fashion, the gang of Arroyo made the sign of the cross before convening their security meeting. I really don't know what they're afraid of here. At first, they said that there's a brewing destabilization plot from the camp of Trillianes. Now, they're saying that its the CPP-NPA-NDF. Yesterday's news said they identified 15 businessmen allegedly supporting the destabilization plot. So, it means that big business is now supporting the reds? Its quite confusing.

This charade is beginning to be quite tiresome. Every year, this administration spooks itself to death for no apparent reason. And it affects the local bourses and the markets. To think that last year, only 350 billion pesos worth of foreign investments or roughly 10 billion dollars were infused in the economy, a bad sign. What's the objective of scaring the public? What's the goal of Malacanan in floating these kinds of rumors? They are really chasing ghosts here. Surely, they must have a plot.

I don't know if you agree but I see just one goal---charter change. Since Rep. Ortega will be convening the Congressional committee at the end of this month, probably Malacanan is scheming something to scare us of our wits.

Malacanang should stop destabilizing itself. This strategy of self-destabilization is backfiring.

Are they doing it for chacha?
Are they doing it to disable their political enemies and make them toe the palace line?
Are they doing it to justify a lower than expected economic growth forecast?
Are they doing it to force the peso down against other regional currencies?
Or they're really, simply afraid of the ghosts they themselves invented in the first place?

Whatever it is, their paranoia is infecting the nation. Not because we are afraid of destabilizers. No. This game of spooking the nation is affecting the way we live simply because it is affecting the economy.

And to think that in the next few days, they are supposed to celebrate the day when they assumed illegal power.

Why does Arroyo fear January 19 and 22?

Two dates--January 19 and 22-- are being floated right now by top Arroyo spook InJustice Secretary Raul Gonzales as possible dates for alleged destabilizers to move in against Arroyo. Gonzales says there's a highly reliable report suggesting a power grab by that day. Another spook, this time, National Security Adviser Gonzales belied his tukayo's claim, saying they have'nt monitored anything suspicious.

Why are they afraid of these two dates?

First, January 19.

For one, they're afraid of their former compatriots now out of the kulambo civil society who vowed to go to the EDSA Shrine to celebrate EDSA 2. Remember that it was this infamous day when they ousted Erap and installed tiny, weeny Gloria to the throne of shame. Now, seven years later, things changed. They want her out, possibly either due to ideological reasons or they failed to get the rewards they want. Whatever the reason, this was the deadline set by COPA last year to GMA.

How about January 22?

Well, this commemorates the massacre of 19 farmers infront of Mendiola during the time of Cory. Until now, justice has not been served at all. The killer cops (not cop killers) are still at large. Families of the slain farmers are still grieving.

This government is afraid of the farmers' wrath. They continue to fail the rural masses. They have not been forthright with the Sumilao farmers and surely, they still don't know what to do with declining agricultural production. Net, farmers are one of the most depressing and the poorest sector of our society.

Will these dates finally lead to Arroyo's ouster from power?

I doubt it. I doubt if Trillianes' etal would move in these dates. Possibly, I think, if there's anything untoward that might happen, it could happen in February not January. Why? I just feel that groups are not ready yet. Or, probably they know something which I don't, which, in any case, if they feel like doing it, then, like in that Nike commercial, just do it.

Last thoughts

You know why Gonzales etal released that memo forbidding the media from covering a possible destabilization incident? For the destabilizers not to use the media as shields. Why again. Because these men are out to kill Trillianes.

Spooks

Its not Halloween but we are continuously being fed with creepy reports. And these reports are on high gear. Just this morning, AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon is at it again, telling the nation that another destabilization attempt is imminent. He said that they are monitoring some unusual movements on the ground. And those movements are coming from the camp of detained Senator Trillianes.

Tsk,tsk,tsk. Esperon is spooking us again. Indeed there are unusual movements on the ground, Sir. Every minute, little quakes happen and its not coming from Trillianes. Its coming from those mines. Or those volcanoes sir. Or whenever you go to the john sir.

Major Spooks

Whatever Esperon says right now, people will think that the reason why he's saying these things is to force GMA to renew his term of service. Hey, February is just around the corner. If he still wants to be relevant, then, he's sure to do something foolish before February 9; otherwise, he'll be allowed to fade away, just like Calderon. Oh, by the way, Calderon was recycled. Yes, he's now the chief jailer.

Before Esperon, there's National unsecurity adviser Gonzales who told the world how vulnerable the Philippines is against terrorism. That's why two senior military officials from the US state department visited him. Maybe he knows something we don't, says the Americans. Well boys, Gonzales is as clueless as you are Generals. You don't know it but Gonzales is just pulling your hairy legs, sirs.

Another spook, this time, In Justice Secretary Gonzales. This septuagenarian always imagine things in his mind. He's as paranoid as Hitler. He's imagining things and infecting us with his foolishness.


Paranoid as hell

I can understand these people. They're thieves. So, they're afraid to finally face the People's Justice.

All I know is this---these groups are trying to consolidate their forces. Esperon is out to do a palace coup. And he does'nt want the other group to beat him to it.

14.50 per kilowatt hours

In Korina Today, Oil Price Watch head Raul Concepcion said that an additional 9.50 per kilowatt hour will be charged by Meralco. The new rate will happen starting February. Expect also another round of price increases by as much as 6 pesos per liter. Concepcion said, they expect this due to the rising price of crude in the world market.

Wake up Mr. Concepcion. Look at the indexes today. The price of oil is decreasing. Yes, it reached 100/barrel. And some say it is the new base. However, don't help the big oil companies by saying that we should expect a 6 peso increase. You are unwittingly taking part in this nefarious scheme of conditioning the minds of the people.

Again, I repeat my previous plea to Arroyo---convene an economic summit now. Prepare for the impending economic crisis which will hit us as soon as the US economy plunges into deep recession. Convene it now. Plan for safety nets especially for OFW families who will be the first casualties. If you will not prepare now, you'll find yourself in the midst of a crisis which you will find hard to get out from.

Snipnets: Clashes

Clashes of NPA and government troops

Two rebels died while scores of soldiers were injured in a running battle between government troops and NPA rebels in Pila Laguna. The AFP said that the CPP-NPA-NDF is slowly weakening. How will they explain this? It seems that the rebels are closing in Metro Manila? Previous to this, NPA rebels attacked a convoy of soldiers in Aurora Quezon which led to the death of some soldiers. Are they really being weakened? Or this pronouncement is just braggadocio on the part of government?

Esperon finding his relevance

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said that he expects the CPP-NPA-NDF to become "irrelevant" by 2010. Basing on what he's been doing and his boss fucking up the economy, this prediction will again, fail. Remember, last 2002, they said that they'll succeed in decimating the "enemy" by 2008. Its already 2008 and still the insurgents are becoming stronger and more relevant. Is this Esperon's way of actually justifying his relevance and possible extension of term of service? Yup. You guess right.

Two camps, Two Coups

This noise is deafening. Reports are highly reliable. Two groups within the AFP are trying to neutralize each other. One group is reportedly composed of Esperon's men; the others, the Patriots. Who will win the hearts and minds of the soldiers? Last December, a survey was conducted which showed that the Patriots have the support of at least 30 percent of the AFP. This is an improvement of a previous survey where it says that only 10% support the Patriots and 10% support the administration. Now, the configuration has changed.

The question is--who will launch the first one? I believe that groups aligned with Esperon and Gonzales will try to launch a coup and point to the Magdalo as a culprit. Obviously, Esperon will crush them and earn the extension which he wants. This is dangerous. And only Arroyo is to be blamed for this.

Bhutto style

Ellen Tordesillas wrote about an alleged plan to assassinate former president Joseph Estrada. Some would brush this off. I dare say that this report should not be glossed over. The AFP and the PNP should investigate this. Why? Because if these evil men succeed in their plan, it will plunge the country into a state of perpetual destabilization, leading to a civil war. If ever some hawks in the Cabinet has this plan in their nimble brains, they better abandon this. They are digging their own graves.

History repeating itself: cha-cha again

In 1967, Marcos suffered one of four failures in his political career--he failed to amend the 1935 Constitution through constitutional means. The attempt at changing the charter would have fast-tracked his path to glory without shedding any blood. However, the people failed him. It was only in 1972 when he achieved what he wanted--absolute power through a constitutional dictatorship.

Forty years past and now we see another attempt at charter change. Arroyo, the beneficiary of an illegitimate power grab, wants to change the charter, ostensibly to address one major issue--the increasing Bangsamoro insurgency. Spokesmen of Arroyo are now going the rounds, convincing the people of the necessity of changing the charter to honor the commitment of the government in granting ancestral domain to the Bangsamoro people. Peace adviser Jesus Dureza revealed that the administration decided to again revive the Cha-cha train to honor its commitment last November 2007 to the MILF on the granting of ancestral domain.

I studied the Constitution and found that, yes, the GRP needs to amend the Charter to accommodate the ancestral domain issue. However noble the intention is, unfortunately, this cha-cha thing came at the worst time. It came at a time when Arroyo is nearing the end of her term. Obviously, people will suspect the real intention of the government in reviving cha-cha. It likewise verified earlier reports and suspicions that Arroyo and her gang of thieves want to use the Bangsamoro Question to justify a change in the structure of government. And we know who will benefit from such a change--Arroyo.

Marcos used the Communist bogey in justifying martial law. Now, Arroyo is using the Bangsamoro for her own nefarious scheme. It is quite obvious that Arroyo will use all means to justify a change in the charter.

This early, there are reports that government will use its barangay network to again, muster enough signatures for cha-cha. Late January, Congress thru Cong. Ortega (an Arroyo stooge) will revive cha-cha talks on the committee level.

Reports reaching NPR revealed that government is preparing its security forces to provoke the MILF for another round of war. Expect bombings in the name of cha-cha to again hug the headlines. Expect a "rise" in "terrorist" activities, ostensibly to prove to the Filipino people on the necessity of charter-change.

Opposition groups know about this Arroyo scheme. That's why these camps floated the issue about certain personalities running for 2010. What will these groups do in the event that Arroyo, indeed, force her way for cha-cha? Apparently, Arroyo does not want elections in 2010.

What would Roxas and the Liberal Party do? How about the Nationalista Party of Senator Villar? And more so, Lakas?

It seems that 2008 will be quite an interesting year for all political forces because this early, this administration has shown that it will do everything in its power to perpetuate itself beyond 2010.

The Security Situation in the Philippines:2008

In the midst of reports on a coup and the threat of terrorism, the US State Department has invited Philippine secretary Teodoro for a visit to Washington. The invitation came in the heels of the breakdown of talks between the MILF-GRP, possible rise of terror activities, the increased activities of the CPP-NPA-NDF and the purported shot-down of a Philippine trainer plane in the Spratlys. These events are alarming to say the least, but for Philippine defense officials, these events are considered "manageable".

Obviously, the Philippines is an important component of the US homeland and external defense plan. However, reports of a shot-down is quite alarming, especially to the US. The Spratlys area is a critical flash point in the past and such an incident, if it ever happened, expose the weakness of the Philippines in responding to such matters. It shows how weak this country is against foreign threats.

One of the interest of the US is the establishment or building of a forward base in Mindanao, which, according to intel reports, have been established already. This forward base aims to counter any possible Chinese attacks in the mainland. For the US, China remains as a major and serious threat to US national security. Despite its reversion to capitalism, China is still controlled by the Communist Party which, traditionally, has been waging an ideological war against the US.

Likewise, Mindanao continues to harbor terror groups, like the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Reports on Dulmatin going in and out of Philippine territory shows how fragile Philippine immigration defenses are. Remember that the Al-Queda just issued a threatening statement against the US, vowing to conduct a more serious one, more lethal that 9/11. There are indications that the Philippines is being used by JI and other regional terrorists as a training ground and these are evident with the increase of bombing activities in the country.

With such serious breaches of both external and internal security of the Philippines, its quite prudent for the US to invite our defense secretary over there. A weakening US economy needs a stringent and more effective defense plan to protect US interests globally. Without the active participation of the Philippines, US interests in Southeast Asia remains vulnerable and weak.

Crazy Birthday bash

I would like to digress a little bit today and ask you to view this video. It's quite interesting. Once in a while, its better for us to laugh our knockers off.

By the way, It's my special day today. Enjoy!

The US recession and its Impact on US

Arroyo has just called an emergency energy summit. She needs to. The threat of high oil prices will impact greatly on the country's economy. One of the things which this summit achieved is lower the tariffs imposed on oil prices. It was a decision which sectors have been wanting for Arroyo to do since last year when oil players jacked up petrol prices.

But what Arroyo must actually do instead of calling for an energy summit is an economic summit. Why? There is a strong possibility that the slide of the US economy into recession will affect Philippine economic growth this year. The high 5% unemployment rate and the sluggish pace of the economy will surely affect the flow of net foreign portfolio and foreign direct investments. Investors, both local and foreign, have shown nervousness and apprehension, not because of political talks, as what "eminent" stock analyst Astro del Castillo said yesterday. The Philippine stock market will perform poorly in the next couple of weeks or even months until this US recession boils over.

Surely, those companies involved in the call center, export and those closely linked with retail or consumer goods will find it extremely hard to compete in the US due to this recession. There will be less demand for locally-based call centers because companies in the US will surely slash their customer service budget. When things turn worse, companies look at their books and erase those which they consider to be dispensable expenses.

What I fear is the fate of fellow Filipinos in the US. Surely, with unemployment high, the first sector to be affected by it would be the minorities. There will be less jobs available for them. When this happens, some or many of them would be unable to send dollars into the country or worst, entertain thoughts of going back. The exodus of incoming expats would surely strain our own economy.

This early, questions about the resiliency of our economy are animating every boardroom and every coffee shops. People are edgy. And when people are uncertain about things, they are bound to do the inevitable--strategic retreat. I, myself, am thinking of pulling out certain investments linked with the stock market, for fears that the value of my money will be diluted due to this impending recession. I am not encouraging others to do so. But, if they assess the situation, they would empathize with me when I say this: When the sky is littered with dark clouds, it's time to rush to the nearest shelter for rain.

Esperon's Bogey

Boo! Trillianes is on You!

This is what Esperon is telling the whole nation--there's another round of coups coming from, guess! Trillianes etal. While saying that the group is small, nonetheless, Esperon wants to again impress his boss. We know the good general is just talking bull but he wants to be relevant still, so, just forgive the poor guy.

What the danger of Esperon again raising the coup bogey? Well, well-meaning officers could use this to actually launch something serious, dead serious, after February 9, 2008. Since his extension is already in the bag, people from the Armed Forces would probably use this to again attack GMA. To be honest, I don't see anything that would imply a revolutionary situation. Whoever would think of launching something against Arroyo at this point would be extremely foolish. Why? All the elements of a successful coup are absent.

Another thing--is the Magdalo group so small and so insignificant that their enemies are using them for propaganda purposes? It seems to be like that. Imagine, your own enemy telling the world that you're actually launching something by the first half of January. It's like telling the world how weak and insignificant you are.

For Esperon, this is what the people want you to do--retire and fade like a soldier.

Top 10 Pinoys

Who do you think best represents the best of the best Pinoy around? Well, here's my Top 10.

1. Illegitimate leader Gloria Macapagal Arroyo--She's my number 1 Top 10 Pinoy. Because of her, we have 10 million Filipinos slaving themselves abroad, while she and her minions feast upon billions of hard-earned monies which these Pinoys sent. She's also credited for being the most unpopular and the most corrupt president we ever had. She created deep divisions among us so that we can't unite and oust her. And she instigated the worst on us that now, we can accept even worse situations because we have accepted that we are in deep shit anyway and it will not matter if we go even deeper into shit.

2. Former detainee Joseph Erap Estrada--Because of him, hundreds of artists now see themselves as potential leaders of this country. Thousands more go the showbiz route after abandoning their studies. Why complete college when you can't get a job? And when you do get one, its not enough to feed you. But, if you're a popular artist with political clout, chances are, you'll never get jailed. Or if you do get a decision to go to jail, you'll stay in a mansion and after six years, you'll get pardoned. What's so good about is, you'll get to run again after being deposed.

3. Former president Fidel V. Ramos--He's a nice guy. But the Constitution barred him from continuing to be a nice guy. Forget about PIA-AMARI. Forget about the centennial celebrations. Forget about those hundreds of millions of corrupt power deals. The nice things should be remembered, not the bad ones. Overall, the Ramos administration gave us that long peace and stability that we all want.

4. JocJoc Bolante--He reminds us that if you're crafty enough, you play your cards right and you get close to the power-that-be (mean: First Gentleman), you'll earn your stripes and your billions.

5. First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo--The archangel's name is Michael. And I know many people bearing that name who's good and nice and not corrupt. FG redefined the name. As in nature, there's always an antithesis. There's always, always false angels.

6. Boxer Manny Pacquiao--He made movies that suck. He reminds us that if you get your millions, you need to waste it with a liaison with actresses and fighting cocks. You'll survive every shit they throw at you because you have rich friends around who'll give you a hole in Manila, tax-free, and you'll get around almost everything. Hey, you've rubbed shoulders with the president, yes?

7. TV Host Willie Revillame--He's a nice guy who lies. What's good about it, he does it everyday on national television, with children around. He peddles cheap tricks in a cheap show, reminding us that there'll never be a worst show that his.

8. Former COMELEC chair Ben Abalos--Abalos got away with US$ 50 million. Last word, he's now golfing almost everyday in Wack-Wack, with two different caddies in tow. Expecting another gullible foreign investor to get millions? Well, probably. The lesson we got from him is this--you'll be spared the rod, if you're dancing with the powers-that-be and if you know many secrets which these powers-that-be are willing to give you millions more just to keep you in retirement with your mouth shut.

9. Speaker Jose De Venecia--He's the most gullible person I have ever seen. He does'nt know if he's being bullshitted because he's been used to bullshitting others himself. In fact, he has perfected the science of bullshitting.

10. AFP Chief of Staff Esperon--Poor guy. He just want to be a professional soldier but ended up as a professional ass licker. He's due to retire on February 9 but I sensed that Arroyo wants him to lick her ass a little bit longer. So, come hell or high water, he'll be around to swat those little insects he call destabilizers. Hey, he needs to spend for the wife, right? He has'nt collected his due as yet.

Raising puppies

When I was a small child, I used to have a litter of puppies. Some of them died. Some of them lived. Those who lived were eventually eaten by my uncle, who used to savor the fresh flesh of dogs. Pardon me for writing the truth.

There's a population explosion I heard of puppies in Camp Capinpin where the Patriots are momentarily staying. If Arroyo is keeping at least 54 lapdogs in her care, the Patriots are also keeping dogs, real dogs at least, in their care. Who will live longer? Who will be eaten? I guess History will be the judge for that.

For those newly born litter in that hallowed ground where the Patriots tread, they'll assured of at least 25 years of existence. How about those who run amuck in the Palace grounds? Well, they only have 2 and a half years to go. Or even less. When puppies go political, they shorten their lives.

As I said, lapdogs don't fade away. They are just recycled. When they lose their masters, they find new masters to lick. And they get recycled.

As for the real dogs of the patriots, they know who their real masters are, the Filipino People. And they'll die with them, if Fate dictates them to.

Why groups are talking about 2010 this early

ABS-CBN anchor Korina Sanchez and a Catholic cardinal commented that it's too early to talk about the 2010 Presidential elections. Unknown to Korina, 2008 is the best time to talk about this. Why? Three things.

First, talks about 2010 is an indirect attempt at dissuading Arroyo and her underlings in their cha-cha campaign. These are subtle campaigns to condition the minds of Arroyo and her lapdogs that they should discontinue their dastardly plan of changing the charter now. Otherwise, they would court widespread public protests.

Second, these are attempts at persuading perennial destabilizers not to lose hope for a civilian-backed government. Surveys upon surveys have noted a sharp rise of the number of Filipinos supporting a coup against Arroyo. Elites disdain revolutions. A coup cum revolution which would disrupt and change the present power structure would run against elite interests.

Lastly, 2008 is a preparatory year for serious contenders. Political operators know that 2009 is already late for those who seriously want to win in 2010. This year, political parties know that this is the year for them to establish their mass bases so to speak and know the areas where they have weaknesses or strengths.

State-sponsored terrorism to increase due to cha-cha

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