JDV to cross swords against the Gang of Pigs

Will the father follow the footsteps of his controversial son this September? That appears to be the case here as former Speaker Joe de Venecia is said to be preparing for his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the controversial ZTE deal. His testimony could potentially open a can of worms, says political kibitzers. But, for it to cause a huge issue that would lead to the downfall of Arroyo, I think not.

Arroyo remains as strong as ever. Charges of graft and corruption are starting to take centerstage again, with news on possible intervention of the lawyer of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo on the Meralco case linked to the bribery issue at the Court of Appeals and the reported pork barrel release timed for charter change. JDV's testimony could disrupt things temporarily. But if JDV fails to animate the curiosity of Filipinos on what really transpired on this botched deal, then, that could very well pose a big problem for the opposition.

This, I think, is the last card by the opposition against Arroyo. Should JDV fail to stir up the hornet's nest on this one, they have nothing more to accuse Arroyo of, leading to an uneasy impasse.

JDV's testimony could also lead to a disintegration of Lakas-CMD. This early, many of its veterans are thinking of abandoning ship with the latest pronouncement of Ray Roquero of the list of possible presidential bets. Many Lakas-CMD members think they have a shallow bench in 2010. With JDV's testimony against Arroyo and her gang of pigs, ass-lickers within this party may opt to change partylines to avoid a pork barrel shutoff.

The Blogger's Voice is Pure

I just remembered a conversation I had with Marck (The Marochim Experiment guy, great guy!). While we were having our smoking session during a lull in Janette Toral's awarding of the 2008 Influential Blogger's Night, we went into serious talk about blogging and how bloggers are becoming more and more important in shaping the information environment.

I told Marck that for me, I share Janette's view that blogging is slowly turning into a serious business. Digressing a little bit, blogging for me is a social responsibility, a serious one at that. One of my reasons why I want to remain anonymous here at the Web is I want to detach my professional life from my blogger's life. My job deals with marketing communications. I'm into PR. Yet, I don't write stuff about my client in any of my blogs simply because I consider my blog site as a hallowed place, a place where I am free to write what I want, to share what I consider to be precious and important to those whom I consider to matter most--the Filipino People

My blog is my Nirvana, my Olympus. My blog site is my new Sierra Madre.

I write politics because I can't detach myself from it. I tried to write things about my daily work, my devotion as a strat comm practitioner but I simply can't. I can't force my hand to stop typing on my Mac because I want to express what I feel about what's happening around me. Though I live a perfumed life, nonetheless, it pains me to see all my brothers and sisters wallowing in extreme poverty while Arroyo and her gang of pigs feast on what should be theirs.

The inequality I see all around me affects me the most. I just can't stop writing about these issues. Accuse me of being a political junkie, but that's reality. One comment from Mich over at FilipinoVoices says that its not only politics and problems that we need to talk about. We need to talk about other things, like cars for example. My gulay! Why would we talk about cars when all around us we see misery and poverty and injustice and plain and simple inhumanity!

We need to talk about politics and how it is being destroyed and used by unscrupulous people for their own selfish interests. I will not get tired of talking about the mismanagement of this country by these greedy bunch of pigs led by the devil infant because I believe it is the right thing to do.

The blogger's voice is the purest voice of our generation. It is the only rational voice we have in our age. It is the only one thing that keeps us sane in this extremely insane world. Hearing those voices is like listening to angels. When we talk about politics here, we do so only to expose the grievous errors that affect millions of lives. When we talk about social issues, we do so because we need to tell the world how f..ckd we are and how timely it is for us to act now rather than procrastinate and wait for 2010!

Like the trash I see going up to Mount Banahaw, I am seeing the creeping influence of PR agencies in the lives of some bloggers. Please, my colleagues, don't succumb to the honey-coated words of those who want to influence your voice. We became bloggers because we have something to say. And we do so without strings attached and without us parroting another one's voice.

We blog not for the honor nor the money. We blog because we are who we are.

Filipino Voices being hijacked?

I was'nt able to visit http://www.FilipinoVoices.com but I just did a couple of minutes ago and was stunned at the transformation of this worthy undertaking. It has a new look, a new design and gone are the bloglinks on the sites of the contributors. And, surprise! surprise! I just read something about a very expensive car in that site. Talk about social commentary and politics, Nick. I thought FilipinoVoices is all about news, politics and social commentary. If I want to read about hybrid cars, I can just google them and presto! I have all the info I need.

Yes, hybrid cars are probably news, but it's old hat. Countries around the world have them. And the reason why Filipinos don't have them is obvious--it's an expensive automobile. I respect my fellow bloggers take on this, but, I still can't see the connexion between a Toyota hybrid car and social commentary, politics or news?

Is FilipinoVoices now being hijacked by Public Relations specialists? The entry is obviously a PR release, complete with photos. I hate to say it, but I am saddened by this. I thought we started this project with the best intentions--write about things that would illuminate people and spur them to action!

I am very, very disappointed. Accuse me of being a purist, but the primal reason why I contribute to Filipino Voices is I believe in the cause of its existence. It's suppose to initiate debate, suppose to spark discussion and suppose to illuminate people.

To tell you frankly, my thinking about bloggers is simple--they are supposed to be the New Citizen Journalists. Being the New Influencers, we're supposed to be different from other media. As a blogger, I take this task to be a serious social responsibility. The Internet is not supposed to be the new ground for PR specialists. I, myself, am a StratComm practitioner yet I don't write about my clients nor do I espouse what they believe and force it to people.

If the New Media right now is being influenced by PR men or being used by PR men to promote their products, services or clients, then, what's so new about us? Are we now harping a new tune from Toyota car radio?

Extra-terrestrial terraforming

Let's digress for a little bit and discuss other issues. I've been writing about the Mindanao issue for quite sometime now, forgetting other serious issues spreading across the Internet.

Lately, I've been having thoughts on the possibility of humans populating Mars or at the minimum, making an experiment on terraforming. There are four things I love to read and research---revolutionary theories, communication research, law and astronomy. Yes, astronomy. Since my childhood, I've always been fascinated with the universe. The one book I treasure the most is Stephen Hawking's book about the universe. I've purchased one from Singapore and now, it's still there in my HDB. I've been wanting to re-read it.

Now, what I want to tell you my dear friends is this recent discovery about water and rich elements on Martian soil. You know what astrobiologists would think about this--there's a big chance we can survive in the Martian environment. We can plant kamote (probably). We can probably change the atmosphere and make it more human-friendly, that is, reduce the carbon dioxide content by just introducing oxygen into the atmosphere. Or we can analyze the rich water underground and find if we can drink it. If not, we can probably bring one water refilling station there, hehehe.

Net---these recent findings about Mars is both good and bad. Good, in the sense that it validates earlier presumptions about life. Life exists in almost anywhere in the universe. The possibility of finding intelligent life somewhere in the future remains very strong. If we found water in Mars and Titan, one of Saturn's moons, we can surely find it anywhere else.

The bad news is---what's the purpose of extra-terrestrial exploration? Is it for science and science alone? Or, we are motivated by commerce? If it's commerce, then, we are in for a disaster.

If we transpose our present system of economy and governance to other planets, we are doing E.T. a great disservice. Think about the possibility of Gloria becoming president in Mars. There'll surely be a war between humans and Martians since Gloria will promise the Martians the earth as habitation (called the Martian Juridical Entity or MJE).

Oh, I forgot. I promised not to talk about Gloria. Oh, bummer!

Oust Gloria now! Exile her on the moon, for God's sake!

A Voice of Reason

We commend Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan for being a voice of reason in these times of chaos and an impending escalation of the war in Mindanao. The good senator said government should form a new set of negotiators, and if necessary, offer a public apology to the MILF leadership.

“If the government has to publicly apologize to the MILF leadership for this terrible mistake as a means to restore confidence in the process, then so be it,” Pangilinan was quoted at the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

He said the government should offer an apology not only for the “flawed process” of arriving at the aborted agreement, but also for the “totally outrageous and unacceptable provisions” of the MOA.

Pangilinan also criticized the unclear stand of government on what to do with the MOA. “It makes us wonder if there is anyone in charge,” he said.

These statements from the good senator are truly admirable. Unlike the war-mongering and emotions-igniting statements from Senators Mar Roxas and Cheez Escudero, Kiko presents a rational means of resolving this issue. I hope that others in the Senate follow suit.

Why do Mar Roxas want to derail peace in Mindanao? Well, for obvious reasons. Many wealthy Ilonggos own huge tracts of land in Mindanao. He's just protecting them, and quite possibly others who support him. I don't blame him except that his inflammatory statements on the Mindanao conflict is unbefitting a legislator of his stature. It's okey to be "presidential", but this early, Roxas showed immaturity on the kind of decision-making a president should do. If Roxas makes it as president, I'm sure that he'll wage a terrible war in Mindanao without a second spent.

We don't want a president who promotes war in pursuit of wealthy interests.

Barack Obama and the Mindanao problem

The Internet is a-buzz of news about Senator Barack Obama's announcement of his running mate. Speculations abound on who'll be his anointed one. This early, some say, whoever Obama chose as his running mate may very well be the next vice president given the high ratings the Obama campaign has been getting lately. Analysts see Obama has just clutched the presidency.

What I'm interested is how Obama would conduct the foreign affairs of America. Early indications point to a full withdrawal of troops in 2011, which Iraqi officials say should be a full withdrawal of troops. Obama has said time and again that US troops will disengage themselves from Iraq, since it is costing the American public billions just to maintain US presence in Iraq. 

However, Obama has yet to address the increasing problems of terrorism in the Asia-Pacific region. We presume that Obama will continue the existing US policy against terror in the region, yet, up to what extent? Yes, anti-terror campaigns will definitely continue under either an Obama or a McCain presidency, but who'll be more vigilant and more vigorous in chasing after these Islamic terrorists? Given the record of Obama, will he be implementing a "softer" approach to this global menace?

Likewise, flashpoints are beginning to emerge in Georgia and possibly in Mindanao Philippines should fighting escalate between Philippine forces and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The theater of war is shifting, from the desert to the fertile plains of Southeast Asia. Should the Philippine government mishandles the situation in Mindanao, Obama will have his hands full engaging terrorism in other fronts or quite possibly, in multivariate areas. 

So, the US as represented by Ambassador Kristie Kenney should do everything in her power to prevent this conflict in Mindanao from turning into a regional one. I suspect that this war could eventually be the one serious legacy of the Bush administration which Obama would find hard finding a lasting solution. 

Remembering Bonifacio, Quezon, Aquino and Fernando Poe

A few weeks ago, I went to the place in Maragondon Cavite where Andres Bonifacio was tried. I was expecting a dinky, little house but what I saw surprised me. The place was a bahay na bato, with the Katipunan logo emblazoned on its doors and gates. 

This was the place, I said to myself, that changed the course of the 1st Katipunan revolution. This was the site where the first traitors of the revolution condemned the Supremo to satiate their lust for power. 

I told myself, what if the Supremo outlasted these traitors and he, himself, led the first Republic? Ano kayang mga polisiya ang ipatutupad ng Supremo?

I'm writing this because the same questions flashed in my mind when remembering Manuel L. Quezon, Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino and Fernando Poe Jr. We are remembering these three heroes this month--one celebrating his 130th birth anniversary, the other, his 25th year of death while FPJ celebrated his 69th birthday. These three share the same fate---they did'nt live long enough to see what had become of their beloved country. 

Quezon was instrumental in building the Commonwealth but died due to tuberculosis. He did'nt see the fruits of his labors. Ninoy could have been president. Same as Fernando Poe. The former died with a broken heart while the latter was brutally killed by the minions of a discredited dictatorship. Like Bonifacio, these three could have made monumental changes in our society had Fates gave them the chance. All of them died without seeing the light.

Come to think of it...the Fates had its reasons. If Quezon lived to become the first post-war president, would he had the strength to rebuild a war-torn country, given his frail health? If Ninoy continued on, the outcome that is EDSA would not have happened. And if FPJ lived, he would have succumbed to become a trapo, like his buddy Erap. The Fates saved them from a brutish society and even glorified them with their deaths.

Their legacy lives on though. The very same reasons why society created these glorious sons, Bonifacio, Quezon, Aquino and Poe remain the same. The same problems that beset Bonifacio's time, the trapo politics of Quezon's era, the weakness of the opposition in Ninoy's age and the apathy of Poe's milieu are still with us. 

The monumental monsters that these heroes fought against still exist and even worsened. These men watch us in the heavenly Patheon of martyrs with heavy hearts. Who will stand up and continue their revolutionary work? 

A gathering of heavyweights

It was a lovely sight--three presidents sitting in one place, albeit, far apart from each other. Former Senate President Frank Drilon described it succinctly--this is Pinoy unity for you. But, is it?

Cory, Ramos and Erap spent time talking about Ninoy yesterday during the mass in commemoration of the 25th death anniversary of the martyr. Though weakened by disease, Cory was in her element yesterday, lambasting the Arroyo regime for its apparent weakness in resolving current political and social issues. Ramos was in his old self, talking with Liberal Party stalwarts while Erap reportedly traded his orange suit for a barong tagalog.

It was a gathering of heavyweights, a fitting one. Even in death, Ninoy still has his charisma. He can still unite differing forces together to achieve one goal---the liberation of the Filipino from the claws of tyranny, oppression, ignorance and injustice.

More than the cosmetic photo-op, what the Filipino People expect from these leaders is concrete action against the devil enfant. I know they have been slowed by age, but their guidance is needed in this day and age. There are hundreds or even thousands of young, idealistic mass leaders wanting and waiting for them to repose whatever legacy they have to the youth.

Scenario of Martial Rule in Philippines

Let's presume that Oppositionist Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay is right by his postulations that this government will declare a State of Emergency in Mindanao which will eventually lead to martial rule. And let's presume that, indeed, Arroyo succeeds in making this happen. So, what now?

Obviously, it would exacerbate the Mindanao situation and lead to a long, drawn-out guerilla war. A guerilla war might take a longer time to quell unlike conventional warfare where regular forces are involved and positions are solid and identifiable. In a guerilla war, rebels have the advantage of terrain and opportunity. They are in strategic advantage because they can strike anywhere at anytime. Military forces will just spend time and precious funds chasing shadows while rebel forces plan debilitating strikes to marginalize and isolate their enemy from supply lines and other sources of support. 

While this is happening, anti-war forces within the capital in collusion with anti-Gloria forces will step up their propaganda attacks. This will weaken the Arroyo regime and worsen its already bad international image. The situation will come to a decisive point when news of casualties and human refugees flood the airwaves. The state will harden its position, leading to more totalitarian and repressive actions against its citizens. 

As this situation worsens, demoralization will affect the AFP organization. Tactical and strategic losses in the battlefield of war will definitely swell the ranks of demoralized troops. This will lead to pockets of dissent within the organization which will eventually weaken it, thus affecting the tenor and direction of the war against the Bangsamoro rebels.

Net--if the Mindanao situation turns nasty and forces government to assume drastic measures such as martial rule or a state of emergency--this would only worsen the situation in Mindanao. Probably, that would benefit Arroyo whose lust to extend her power remains. Yet, on the overall, war will definitely affect everybody and will further exacerbate the already hopeless economic and political situation we are in. 

Will we allow Arroyo to do this to us--lead us to further perdition?

Effects of a Full-Scale War In Mindanao

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Mindanao War

As what we have feared, war became the consequence of the apparent `failure' of the peace talks between the government and the MILF. Casualties are mounting.  Destruction of property are affecting the local economy and media is reporting human rights violations left and right. 

Government says they are not going back to the peace table. So, does the MILF. What we have right now is a very critical situation that might affect overall economic growth. The NEDA downgraded GDP growth to a mere 5%. Next year, we expect a lower than average growth for the Philippines, to as little as 3-4%

Both camps are trying to picture these situations as "isolated incidents", but news on the ground shows otherwise. These are low-level, coordinated attacks meant for escalation. An escalation may happen after Ramadhan, hence, we expect further MILF attacks this year and possibly by next year should government refuse to go back to the nego table.

A Poem for You, my loveliest

'twas in those turbulent times

when our love blossomed

those were the years of

ardent struggle

when I was still chained

in the rock of ignorance.

the moment i saw you

i knew it was quicksand

loving you was the most

grievous sin

but all sins are pure sweet

honey suckle to the point

of death.

you shattered those chains

like candy, you licked it all up

i was caught in the whirlwind

of tight embraces and cottony kisses

forgot my Marx,

forgot everything

for you, my love.

now, after fifteen years

i saw you.

you're different

felt nothing

you're like a stranger

felt nothing.

Council of State

People have started to move against Arroyo...for the ninth time. These movements are being led by new and young faces, a refreshing thing since it shows that the movement towards change is starting to mature and gaining ground and starting to widen its sphere of influence. More than this, though, the real action lies at the underground, the realm of the "shadowy players", who continue to work for the definitive ouster of Arroyo. 

In previous instances, this realm has been the source of both victory and defeat. Victory since most regime changes in the Philippines start at the underground, while defeat since it is from this very realm where deals are forged and betrayals are made. Those who demonstrate in the streets are just "bit players", soldiers in the veritable battlefield for the conquest of hearts and minds. While those who really benefit from every regime change sit comfortably in their chairs, ready to ride their Pajeros and Land Cruisers to any place where victory is.

This has got to stop.

The next government should represent all forces who rallied for change. A Council of State composed of leaders of various groups unified for the pursuit of real, meaningful change, should be the replacement of this evil and decrepit regime. This should not be compromised. 

A Council of State is the only alternative. In the interim, the Council should govern this country to prepare it for 2010. 2010 should be seen as the start of a new beginning for the Philippines. The years previous to this date should be considered as a period of rectification. 

However, movers for change should realize that the "ber" months are coming. The survival of this regime depends on how it would deftly maneuver from a defensive to an offensive stance. It is beginning to again extricate itself from this present political predicament. If it manages to survive August, the possibility of victory gets dim and it would go dimmer still should forces fail to seize the emotionally-charged situation present in the issue of charter change.

Laban ni Ninoy noon, Laban Natin Ngayon

Sa paggunita ng pagkakapaslang ng dating Senator Ninoy Aquino sa 21 Agosto, maglulunsad ng isang "cultural show" ang civil society. Ang nasabing concert, na lalakuhan ng mahigit 50 bandang Pinoy, ay isang aktibidad na dapat lamang lahukan ng lahat, sapagkat ito'y isang paraan upang maipakita natin ang ating pagka disgusto sa kasalukuyang kalagayan ng ating Inang Bayan.

Tunay nga, na ilang taon na rin ang nakalipas, (mahigit 25 na nga ba?) nang paslangin ng mga ahente ng rehimeng Marcos ang nagbabalik sanang senator Aquino. Matapos na mabasa ng kanyang dugo ang tarmac ng airport, tatlong taon ang lumipas bago tuluyang nagapi ng Sambayanang Pilipino ang diktador na si Macoy. Nanatili ang ningas ng sakripisyo ni Ninoy hanggang sa administrasyon ng kanyang asawa, ngunit, unti-unti itong nawawala sa paglipas ng panahon.

Mayroon pa bang kahulugan sa buhay ng Pinoy ang sakripisyo ni Ninoy? Naaalala pa kaya ng karamihan sa atin kung ano-ano ang mga tunay na kadahilanan bakit pinilit niyang bumalik sa Inang Bayan? Malinaw pa ba ang mga eksenang bumulaga sa atin sa kanyang pagbulagta noon sa tarmac?

Tulad ng nakagawian na, gugunitain ng mga television networks ang mga huling eksenang nilahukan ni Ninoy. Ipakikita duon ang mga kuha sa kanya ng isang batikang cameraman nang siya'y kunin ng mga AVSECOM na mag-ka-cut dun naman sa kuhang nakabulagta na siya't walang buhay sa tarmac. Kung makapagsasalita lamang si Ninoy mula sa langit, ito kaya ang nais niyang paggunita sa kanya?

Mas nanaisin siguro ni Ninoy na ipakita ang naging bunga ng kanyang sakripisyo. Mas maganda siguro kung balikan natin ang mga eksenang kung saan halos isang milyong Pinoy ang nagpunta sa EDSA pagkatapos ng tatlong taon, para kilalanin ang kanyang sakripisyo.

Maganda sigurong ipakita na umusbong ang Bagong Pinoy mula sa dugong ibinuwis ni Ninoy at iba pang mga bayaning Bayan maitaguyod lamang ang demokrasya sa ating bayan.

Sa 21 Agosto, gugunitain sa isang concert ng mga banda ang pagkamatay ni Ninoy. Siguro, liban sa pagsasayang kultural, huwag sanang kalimutan ng mga organizers ang pagpapaliwanag sa kahalagahan ng sakripisyo ni Ninoy.

Namulat tayo dahil kay Ninoy at sa mga bayani ng bayan na ibinuwis ang kanilang buhay alang-alang sa kalayaan.

Nagising tayo dahil kay Ninoy at sa mga bayani ng bayan na nakibaka sa larangang giyera alang-alang sa kapayapaan.

Nag-alsa tayo dahil kay Ninoy at sa mga bayani ng bayan na isinakripisyo ang kanilang kinabukasan upang manumbalik ang katarungan.

Ngayong nagsusumidhi ang kabulukan, ang korupsyon, ang kawalang hiyaan ng ating mga tinatawag na lider ng bayan,

Ngayong binubusabos tayo ng mga mandaraya dahilan sa ating kawalang ganang kumilos.

Ngayong ninanakawan tayo ng harap-harapan ng mga nagpapakilalang lider ng bayan,

Ngayong tila pinapatay tayo dahil sa mga polisiyang maka-sarili ng mga galamay ni Gloria,
kailangan pa ba natin ng isang Ninoy para tao mamulat?

Kailangan pa ba ng ilang giyerang pamumunuan ng mga bayani ng bayan para makamit ang kapayapaan?

Kailangan pa ba ng isang Ninoy upang maharap natin ang maladambuhalang kampon ng demonyo sa pangunguna ng isang demonyitang sanggol para sa panunumbalik ng katarungan?

Hindi na. Sa kamulatan natin sa mga kaganapan, sa ating nadadanasang hirap bunsod ng katiwalian, kabastusan, at kawalang kahiyaan nina Gloria, kanyang pamilya sampu ng kanilang mga galamay, hindi natin kailangan ang isang Ninoy.

Kailangan natin ng isang milyong Ninoy na tatayo, magbubuwis ng kinabukasan at susuong sa bukid ng pakikibaka hindi alang-alang sa kanilang sarili, kundi alang-alang sa kanilang mga anak, mga apo at mga magulang.

Ang naging laban ni Ninoy noon, laban mo rin ngayon.

Ultimate Fighting Instead of Cha-Cha

Let's do Ultimate Fighting instead of dancing the cha-cha. I'll be the very first one to go and storm the Bastille of Lost Dreams if Gloria continues pursuing her wet dreams of 20-20.

Her Enchanted Kingdom has to go NOW!!!!

I don't care if I have kids. I don't mind if I'll leave my lovely wife. And I really will not mind losing my job this time.

As I've told my students, we only have ONE life, and that life has to be devoted to a higher purpose. That higher purpose is preserve what's left of our tattered democracy.

This midget has been wrecking havoc since she assumed power in 2001. She destroyed our value systems, our culture, our economy, even our territorial integrity.

No leader has done that. She and her gang of greedy dwarfs have made a fool of democracy. She's credited of inventing patronage democracy--it's okey if you violate the Constitution for as long as you're in the circle of influence.

Enough is enough!!! There's a limit to what we can tolerate! We are being pissed by this midget. We've been slapped so many times by her dwarfs...and even spit on by her Big Bad Wolf cum golfer!!!

I have a song for Gloria and her greedy bunch:

(to the tune of Spice Girls)

"Stop right now, thank you very much,

we need somebody with the human touch

Hey Glo, always robbing us

Your time is up baby

go na lang sa Portugal..."

Better go to war than dance the cha-cha

Gloria and her rapacious gang want us to dance the cha-cha. One of her rah-rah boys, former AFP Chief of Staff and now "peace" adviser Hermogenes Esperon says an amendment to the Constitution is needed to hammer out the kinks in the peace pact between the GRP and the MILF.

So, ah, many seems to think, the cat is out of the bag. So, that's it. Gloria again wants to tinker with the Constitution to make herself ruler of this tiny republic of the South China sea. Since 2001, I had a very bad feeling with this midget. She's small alright but she packs a punch. Well, I'm not surprised. Why? Big surprises come in small packages.

Well, if Gloria thinks that she can get away with this, well, she's dead wrong. Her puny mind did'nt consider that even the Bangsamoro People don't want her to use this 40-year old problem as an avenue for her dastardly and selfish plan. The Bangsamoro, though they really want their own government now, can wait. Yes, they will wait only to avoid further escalation of the problem.

Inday Santiago, the chair of the Mindanao Commission for Women thinks that it's better now to pursue the peace process, but the implementation should be undertaken by the next president. Meaning, though the Muslims in Mindanao want this war to end now, they can probably wait for another 3 years if need be.

That's how people nowadays feel about Gloria. They hate her sooo much that everybody is willing to even go to war just to prolong the peace process and prevent her from changing the charter to suit her own puny plans.

So, Gloria, I hate to say it. Though I support the development in the Mindanao peace process, I will not support your government's insidious plan to change this charter. No sirree!

You have caused us so much misery, so much hatred, so much disillusionment and so much damage to all institutions of government and even destroyed the very values of this nation that not even the prospect of a prolonged war in Mindanao can convince us to extend your evil regime.

No, Gloria, we will not dance the cha-cha.

If we do, you might step on our shoes. 

The Last Option

There is a very serious and life-threatening situation for Filipinos now. And I urge everyone who reads this to be very, very vigilant because I am sensing something very sinister that would happen either this month, August or in the coming two months.

I am talking about the worsening Mindanao conflict. This conflict is just part of a bigger scenario to create instability. I am not into this conspiracy crap, but, the way things are going right now point to this direction. 

There is a plan for the immediate ouster of Gloria by way of a coup. Reports point to two groups involved. One is a group within the palace who wants to extend their political life post-Gloria and the other, a more cohesive movement, supported by international players who aim to sacrifice Gloria's administration to preserve the so-called Philippine territory.

Both groups are antithetical to the widespread clamour for meaningful change. Both belong to the rightist side of the political spectrum, although one of them is being supported by cause-minded people in high society as well as civil society. 

It seems that people from both groups want to escalate the violence to a certain degree as to create temporary instability, without much bloodshed and without much impact to the national economy. Indications point to a heightening of tensions prior to August 15 (the date when the Supreme Court hears arguments for and against the MOA) and beyond August 18, 2008. Before the Supreme Court releases a favorable decision on the MOA, either one of these groups will act against this administration. 

A proposed deterrent is for this administration to abandon federalist talk and shift the burden of resolving the Bangsamoro Question to the next administration. Or, this government should also  institute immediate security measures to avert a possible God Save the Queen plan or another Oakwood mutiny.

There are signs that people with sinister plans will foment a revolt or mutiny within the AFP and the PNP. As casualties mount with the on-going military offensive in North Cotabato, that would be the sign that these groups will wait to launch an offensive against Gloria. 

Either way, Gloria is a sure loser in this intra-elite fighting. There's really something behind that cryptic FVR statement that Gloria's term is sure to be continued by another (possibly the SC Chief Justice) and she'll not enjoy immunity.

Reason why Kenney is involved in the GRP-MILF peace talks

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Fighting at North Cotabato

Who will win in the fighting over at North Cotabato Philippines?

Gloria and Mike's selling spree

It's very disturbing how we sell our natural resources and our patrimony as if they're just hotcakes or your lowly isaw. I mean, Gloria and her mafia gang have just sold our nickel to the Chinese. I know we need US$ 150 million, and it would provide jobs for thousands of Filipinos in that part of the world, but hey, selling hundred of prime, pristine lands to these Chinks makes one puke at the direction of those who made this very embarrassing deal!

Nothing wrong with this, I imagine Gloria's fair-haired boy Mike Defensor telling us. Everything is above-board. We have'nt violated any law. Besides, what's so special about a nickel plantation anyway?

Well, I think Mike's mind has already been deadened anyway, so no amount of convincing would turn this former student leader-turned congressman-turned technocrat-turned turncoat to a different tack. Mike, the issue is not about if this is above-board or not. It's about this thing called "hiya", which apparently you lost all the way to the bank with this one.

I've been reviewing your credentials and nowhere do I find an expertise about mining, about mineral resources and all those stuff which would qualify you to be a director of this Geograce (Disgrace?) or Nihao company. How would you answer allegations that this deal was given to you as a reward for being Gloria's only remaining spice boy-operator-influence peddler? I mean, hey, have you seen a medium-sized company anywhere in the world who can bag such a lucrative and exploitative deal like yours? Only in this country Mike, only in this country.

Net--you bagged this deal because you maintained very close relations with Gloria, period. Where's the track record of your company? Besides, don't we have that technology to exploit our very own resources? I mean, come on! The Philippines used to be the prime exporter of nickel in the world, and we did that without Chinese help. So, nihao Mike, nihao!

I don't blame you classmate. Your benefactor's days are numbered. But, please, do limit that greed. I mean, you and your gang of operators are selling our patrimony and our freedoms left and right. Yeah, nothing wrong with earning some dough there, right? Try not to sell every river, every stream, every island, every mountain, every valley or even, every Filipino Mike.

Look...you've nearly sold our communications network...every airport...every sea port...even the waters and vast agricultural lands...all in the name of Gloria's Enchanted Kingdom. You and Gloria are even trying to sell to the MILF. For all we know, we'll just wake up one morning and we're either a Chinese colony or entirely Malaysian.

Mahiya ka naman bro, kahit konti lang.

Anyway, sige, sell what you want to sell. Do what you want to do. Sell everything to the foreigners. You can get away with it now. But, try to wait for a little while classmate. Maybe you need to go someplace else if this thing boils over. 

Time to sharpen those shears, Alex. The time is ripe for the harvest.

How Muslim Youths in Mindanao think

There's an interesting dig at a conversation made by a journalist with a young Tausug over at rebelpen (http://rebelpen.wordpress.com). That entry shows you why young Tausugs turn into rebels overnight. Analysts would always blame poverty for this. Yes, probably. But, gut issues just concretize their prevailing beliefs. It is not the sole reason why Muslim youth rebel against the system.

Its their interpretation of history. It's their prevailing belief that they have been subjugated by Christians. It is how they view the world.

Look, Islamic culture is different from Christian beliefs. That much we need to admit. We believe there's a thin barrier separating these religious philosophies together but this is more illusory than fact. That barrier is as thick as a building.

The more Christian settlers in that part of the world hammer their own laws, their own beliefs and their own system of doing things, the more radicalize these Muslim youths become. Why?

Because their history is one of subjugation. There's no co-existence happening in Mindanao. What exists is an uneasy tolerance between both cultures that would definitely lead to conflict. Its just a matter of time before this explodes in our faces.

That leads us to one question--what's the cause of this? The obvious answer is weak government. Government is supposed to be the equalizer, the neutralizer. The neutralizing or equalizing force is the enforcement of law, which, to my memory, is non-existent. When governments are weak, the more conflict a society gets because there's no force that enforces the laws. When people feel aggrieved and when laws are perceived to be unequal, favoring a certain culture or system of beliefs over the other, war is inevitable.

IN the case of Mindanao, how do you expect the Bangsamoro to follow Philippine laws when these laws have been predicated from Graeco-Roman precepts, totally antithetical with Shariah or Islamic law? Would you expect a devout Muslim to follow a law based on Christian beliefs? No.

In our case, it would be very hard to find a "middle ground". Religious tolerance cannot be done with a weak government. Now, if government continues to be weak, then, it's time for us to consider giving the Bangsamoro a shot at governance.

Let them govern themselves. Those lands which they claim as theirs is indisputable.

The Unity of Opposites

My eyes feasted on the explosion of colors and the sheer symmetry of human forms paying homage to the majesty of nature. Truly, the Beijing Olympics is the most beautiful of all the past Olympics games opening of all time.

What made it extremely beautiful and distinctly the most memorable, is its message–all of humanity are one. And China is the truest living testament of that unity.

For thousands of years, China was a fragmented country composed of differing tribes and kingdoms. It was only when the Chin dynasty in 221 BC subjugated its last adversarial state that China was formed. What we see as China today is the result of centuries of state evolution. That process involved civil wars, revolutions and subjugations in the name of Unity.

Now, China is one of the world’s emerging economic powerhouses. It is poised to assume its destiny–that of being the anti-thesis of America. China is on its way of realizing its dream of being the “center of the earth”.

And China knows that that dream is just an arm’s length away. Its foremost adversary, the United States, is facing economic stagnation. Its paradigm of subjugation is also wasting away. China also realized that it is not the use of "isms" that world dominion can be achieved. It is the spread of Chinese culture that enables them to conquer the world stage.

China is telling us that unity can be achieved without bloodshed. That tolerance of one’s culture is the way to go. And that unity can be achieved with harmony with nature, as what the Tai Chi symbolizes. The Unity of Opposites can be the harmony that we want to achieve.

And China is celebrating because it is leading a global cultural revolution. That opening salvo is their Baccalian way of celebrating their triumph in the world stage. They are in the midst of conquering the world with harmony, not of war.

Well, tell that to the Tibetans.

AWBHoldings.com, Janet Torral

By the way, thanks for my colleague AWBHoldings.com. Your blog is awesome man! Would want to meet you hopefully in the future.

I had a talk with Ding, my colleague over at Filipinovoices.com. I want to shout at Carlo Ople, the publicist of Mar. I want to participate in the next meeting with him. If he's dead serious in replacing Gloria, well, Mar should be ready for the political arrows that other contenders for the post will definitely shoot at him. I'm curious about the other bloggers whom I read online. I want to meet my fellow comrades in the blogosphere.

I also wrote to Janette Toral and expressed my intention to participate in the blogger's meeting on August 11, 2008 at 6pm. Do you have a sister named Cristine Toral? Or she's the sister of your husband?

As it stands, 45% of my readers want Roxas as the next president. I'm waiting for others to express their thoughts. If Mar wins in this one, then, I know who to support come 2010.

Do we have Islam-phobia?

The hawks in Malacanang are laughing themselves all the way to the bank. Their scheme of creating chaos in an otherwise peaceful country has affected almost everybody in this tiny yet disenfranchised Republic of Southeast Asia. Everybody, I mean, just everybody has something to say about this imbroglio in Mindanao. Filipinos are passionately discussing things, as if it's a matter of life and death.

While my colleagues debate and write articles damning this Memorandum of Agreement to high heavens, we forget the plan of government to audit the books of the oil companies. That laudable plan has been put in the backburner, though, a few days back, that's the hottest coffee shop talk. Since things stand as it is, oil companies are sneakingly getting their way out of calls for a rollback. One big oil company says, it can only give a 50 cents rollback on diesel since it still has some "under recoveries". While, in its global headquarters, it reported a 7 billion peso profit (and still going up).

When the talk shifted to Mindanao, there seems to be an increase in impassioned talk. Why? Compared with the talk about higher fuel and food prices, this issue on Mindanao has been discussed more thoroughly as if everyone thinks that it's more important than the economy.

When its religious strife, Filipinos always strongly feel something about it. Why? Do we have a nationwide Islam-phobia? We always write that these Muslims deserve our attention, but when it comes to granting them independence, we take whatever views we have and say, we don't support it and it's better for them to just have autonomy?

When can we possibly transcend this Islam-phobia thing? That's what I was saying all along--Filipinos must be consistent. If we really consider these Muslims as Filipinos, we must assimilate them into the prevailing culture. Or rather, we must accommodate their Islamic way into ours and co-exist. For if we fail to do this, we risk having all these calls of independence.

And, if we do care for them, why is Mindanao still a backward, underdeveloped and impoverished region? For decades, it has been left desolate by this government. It is rich in natural and human resources but remains as the poorest region among Philippine regions? Sometimes I feel that they deserve a better government, a government run by them, instead of those in Imperial Manila.

Implications of the North Cotabato attack

" If you have it, flaunt it."--Anne Curtis, Philippine actress

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) did exactly that today. They have arms, and lots of it, and they flaunted it by attacking barangays in North Cotabato. Former Congressman Lavina said, the MILF attacked them as early as 18 July, long before the expected signing of the MOA. So this incident, he says, is not a reaction to the botched signing last Tuesday. So, what was it?

What it is is muscle flexing. The MILF wants Filipinos to know that they are worthy of having a belligerent status. Under International law, belligerency means having the means and the power to fight an opposing force. The MILF was granted by this government a status of belligerency. That explains why the MILF was accorded equal status on the negotiating table. To sustain this status, the MILF needs to prove to the world that it has the armed capability to repulse any attack or conduct tactical maneuverings such as this one in North Cotabato. So, they flaunted it.

What the MILF does'nt realize is, they fell into a pathological trap set by this government. By allowing them to neutralize opposition, they are now being pictured as brutes or bullies. Or, more appropriately, bullies deprived of lollipops. That's their image right now.

So now, this attack puts them into a very dangerous and untenable situation. Should they push back, they'll be portrayed by the international community as having weaker or lesser force. If they can't claim what was allegedly theirs now, how can they do so when they sign the pact? Surely, the international community expects them to have enough force or firepower to neutralize those who'll threaten their new state. If they can't flaunt their powers now, they can't do so even if they have their own government.

If they indeed stay, they risk meeting a tremendous force coming from the sponsored armed civilian groups by those politicians, caciques and landowners not only of North Cotabato but even as far as Negros (as what Sen. Mar Roxas reported in the Manila Times). North Cotabato will become a war magnet, attracting anti-Muslim forces from all over the country. Surely, if that happens, that would risk a national war of such magnitude as to ultimately cripple the entire country.

This is the situation that Gloria and the peace panel obviously did not anticipate. For them, it's simple. When push comes to shove, they may need to declare Mindanao under a State of National Emergency, or worst, even suspend the writ of habeas corpus and ultimately martial rule. If that happens, that'll be too late because by that time, the conflict has reached alarming proportions that no amount of state action is enough to regain peace and order.

(as of presstime, the MILF has decided to "reposition" its forces in North Cotabato. Whatever that term means, it means capitulation. They decided to choose a better option.)

War

Philippine security services are on high alert after the Philippine Supreme Court issued a TRO on the signing of the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are preparing troops to protect areas covered by the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) since elections are just days away.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato vice governor Manny Pinol engaged peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon to a "word war", alleging that the former AFP Chief-of-Staff bullied him into agreeing with the government on the ancestral domain issue. Esperon denied the charge and despite calls from various sectors, that includes a call by Senator Mar Roxas for Esperon to step down, the retired general refused and said that he owns his post to Gloria, not to everybody else. Ho-hum. 

Reports say, the MILF is also readying its troops for a possible showdown with civilian armed groups (CAFGUs) financed by wealthy caciques in the affected areas. Analysts say that these two groups might create violence during the ARMM elections and that's not a far-fetched idea. Apart from this, an electoral group watchdog called Marangal na Eleksyon says that those automated counting machines might bog down during the polls. 

Rumours are circulating now that former generals have activated their so-called "golfing club" sessions in Camp Aguinaldo. This came about after a meeting was held by the AGFO, an association of generals and flag officers of the AFP. We are not privy to what was discussed but surely, our snoops say, it's all about Gloria and the situation in Mindanao.

Another rumor is that Gloria and her family already purchased a "vacation home" in Portugal. Wagging tongues say, it's for their eventual exile, should the situation gets worst. Gloria is slated to go to the Beijing Olympics, along with superstar boxer Manny Pacquiao. Will Gloria again make a sidetrack and go to Shenshen for a golf game?

While hawks are enjoying all of these, common people are engaged in a daily war against high food and fuel prices. Electricity rates are expected to go up next week. And despite lower global oil prices, most oil companies say they'll not lower their pump prices since they still need to recover so-called "losses". Well, if an oil company reported a P 7 billion profit, that, for them, is still a "loss".

Friends, we are encountering a period of instability leading to a "transformative event". Things are getting worst and history has shown us that there's a rupture when these things happen. That social rupture will be upon us very, very soon. We don't need to wait for a singular "casus belli". These events are more reason for us to prepare for an engaged fight for survival. 

As what Senator Rodolfo Biazon commented, these events have been transformed into serious "security issues". And nearly 70 percent of us Filipinos agree.

On the Bangsamoro Question

If you notice the main issue opposing the GRP-MILF deal, you'll notice one oft-repeating word: "dismemberment". Most analysts, unfortunately including United Opposition Spokesman Atty. Adel Tamano (a born Muslim by the way), say they oppose the deal because it would cause the division of the country, which, they say, contradicts the Constitution.

I dare say, what dismemberment? What is to be dismembered when there's no integration in the first place?

Beyond the legalities or the definition of a territory within the constitutional purview, did we, the Filipino People, really considered the Bangsamoro people as Filipinos? Are these people from Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo, Zamboanga and all the rest of Moroland even considered themselves Filipino?

Did these people inhabiting Moroland act, live and breathe like Filipinos? Do we really integrate or assimilate their culture with our prevailing one?

When ask how do we describe our country, most of us would say "we're the only Christian nation in Asia", right? That statement alone shows you how isolated, how disjointed, how clear the distinction is in the minds of most Filipinos. Yes, it could be a factual statement, but it is not accurate. That statement already excluded 3 million born Muslims and millions more of reverted Muslims (or what we call "Balik-Islam").

Face it--these people constituting the Bangsamoro People--have a different system of beliefs, have a different tradition, have a different culture that totally opposes or contradicts the prevailing culture. What most Filipinos consider as legal, most are contradictory to Bangsamoro beliefs. The Bangsamoro is different. The Bangsamoro is unique. The Bangsamoro is not Filipino.

People opposing this deal do so because they're afraid they'll lose their powers. More than property rights, these people got wealthy enslaving the Bangsamoro. For decades, they enjoyed the fruits of the land, exploiting the natural and human resources of Mindanao, for their own. And what happened to those whom they enslaved?

Extreme and widespread poverty leading to widespread dissent and a long-standing war that has threatened the lives and futures of the Bangsamoro people. In all provinces of this country, Mindanao is the most impoverished, especially Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo and Zamboanga.

Those claiming "royal blood" oppose this deal because they'll lose whatever "divine claims" they have over the Bangsamoro. I dare say, what right do they have to claim proprietary property claims to these Muslim lands when it is illegal to claim ownership of land under Islamic law in the first place? Besides, what "divine right" do they have when they have'nt done anything to uplift the lives of their fellow Bangsamoro in those lands which they claim to be theirs?

And those in the United Opposition who oppose this deal do so because, face it, Gloria can claim credence to this as the only president who successfully resolved the Bangsamoro Question. I oppose Gloria and want her out immediately, but, in this issue, I fully support her and the peace panel. The Opposition reject this deal because the deal is a landmark deal that Gloria can claim as her perpetual legacy to the peace issue. 

The Opposition says government is entering into the deal with an insincere intention. They say government can't deliver its promise. How do they know? Are these "oppositionists" now claiming to be psychics? I mean, how do they know that government can't deliver? And besides, that's the problem of the MILF right? If government can't deliver its promises, then, government is liable to the MILF and the international community.

Opposition says they reject this deal because it would lead to charter change. I don't believe that. MILF peace panel member Atty. Michael Mastura says that the deal only recognizes the right of the Bangsamoro to have their own state. And even if Gloria do want charter change, I don't think she'll succeed in it because people would definitely oppose any change other than resolving the Bangsamoro question. 

We all need to give peace a chance. Those who want war, like North Cotabato Vice Governor Ed Pinol and the Lobregats of Zamboanga, let them be damned. Peace adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. is right--if the MILF imposes its rights under the deal in the future, the AFP does'nt have any right to intervene on their behalf. Let the MILF resolve these problems. It's their territory anyway. 

Let me say one thing--we need to consider this deal as a necessary small step towards the ultimate solution to the Bangsamoro question. For after this deal, there's no more we can expect from this but a long debilitating war. And a war at this point, would affect everybody, Filipinos and Bangsamoros. 

On the Liberation of the Bangsamoro People

On Tuesday, members of the government peace panel and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will sign a historic deal. This deal will lead to the establishment of a Bangsamoro Juridical Entity (BJE), an entity which would grant sovereign rights to the MILF on "ancestral domain". The ancestral domain, in this case, covers parts of Zamboanga, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. The GRP peace panel agreed to give the Bangsamoro political, economic and even police powers to the MILF under this deal.

This early, some hailed this as a landmark deal which could probably end the Moro secessionist struggle in Mindanao. Others, like traditional Moro families and wealthy Christian landowners, have registered their protests. They see the landmark deal as property encroachments which could potentially lead to more violence at the onset.

As PinoyObserver wrote some entries ago, this is just a start of the Bangsamoro struggle. After this, expect an escalation of violence among various groups with differing interests in Mindanao. Expect traditional wealthy caciques and traders like the Lobregats and the Pinons who have large tracts of arable and industrial lands, to protest. Expect a veritable civil war to erupt between "Moro royal families" and those belonging to the MILF because lands claimed by these royalties are to be included in the BJE territory.

Those claiming sovereignty under the Sultanate of Sulu will also rally against this deal. Under this deal, the present administrator of "Sultanate", which, to be honest, does not exist anymore due to the death of the legitimate heirs of the Sultan of Sulu, will definitely register his protest. He, along with numerous others who claim "royal blood", will protest against the deal because the pact will write finis to all these spurious claims. 

It will also affect the present claim of the Philippines in Sabah, because the deal will recognize that those lands under the "Sultanate" are actually, part of the BJE. 

There will be a period of great instability and turmoil, but this should not hinder nor discourage Arroyo from signing this deal. After the signing, the MILF will now bear the costs of such turmoil, not the government. As BJF administrator, the MILF through the Bangsamoro Islamic Liberation Army Front (BILAF) will have to contend with these anti-revolutionary forces.  The MILF will have a greater struggle ahead of it, owning to the firepower that these groups have ranged against it. The MILF should persevere and should not deter from the reason of its formation---the creation of an Independent Bangsamoro State.

In general, the deal will greatly benefit not only those under the BJE but also the entire nation. The potential of foreign investments from both China, the Middle East, India, the United States and Europe is there. Mindanao is underdeveloped. With a new government to be administered by the Bangsamoro themselves, anything is possible there.

Now, the Bangsamoro can build its own megacities, create jobs, create opportunities for everyone. The Bangsamoro can build investment sites. The territory to be given to them has enormous potential for development and growth. The area is rich in mineral and oil resources which, if developed, could potentially increase investment and further grow and modernize the Bangsamoro state.

However, this is just a small step. The growth and development of the BJE will take years before we finally enjoy its fruits. For now, the Bangsamoro People will have to prepare themselves against those who don't want progress. These groups have enslaved the Bangsamoro people for centuries. The enslavement have kept Mindanao underdeveloped and poor. For the Bangsamoro People to end it, it would need the Help of God to shackle those chains that have impoverished its people.

Knowing the "presidentiables": Mar Roxas

Just read At Midfield of my good friend and colleague Ding Gagelonia. They had this dinner with Liberal Party "probable" presidential bet Mar Roxas and the anecdotes point to a rather cozy and excellent meeting with him. He answered most of the questions I posted at FilipinoVoices.com and my other blogs (one of the emerging ones, PinoyObserver which has a very loyal following throughout the globe) and calling Kevin Ray. You don't have to respond anymore coz I now have an inkling on what Mar would do should he get the top plum.

However, what I want our readers to know is, there's something in Abe Margallo's post (read the redherring blogsite) that seems rather disturbing to say the least, about Mar. He wrote about his previous actions and that is not very comforting. Nonetheless, from today up to May 2010, that's a lot of time for a man such as Mar to change perspective. If only the Patriots of the New Generation would actually go speak to him, the way they did with Jamby, then, I believe we will have a probable Obama.

In the next entries of this blog, we will feature the life-stories of these presidentiables. One, to give our people a peek into their lives. And two, to probably help them decide who to vote for come 2010. So, stick around and read!

An Independent Bangsamoro State

The Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) just reported a draft Memorandum of Agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP). What it says there is very clear--the Bangsamoro will have their own government or state. The supposed draft will be signed by Tuesday. If this is true, I believe this is the right prescription to end the ages-old conflict in Mindanao.

The supposed MOA extends present ARMM territory and gives complete autonomy to the MILF in governing Bangsamoro lands. They will have complete sovereignty. What this means is that they will be given full control over their taxation, bureaucracy and even given police powers. However, though this is quite evident from the MOA (i have a copy myself), both parties coached the terms "shared responsibility" to mean that the territory is still within the purview of the GRP, albeit, limited to some aspects, for example, the use and "enjoyment" of natural resources, etc.

Many people, especially NPR's Bangsamoro friends, hail this as a "landmark deal". NPR thinks so too. For years, we've been disturbed by conflicts in Mindanao when the solution is actually within reach--just grant and secure the identity of the Bangsamoro.

Should this be approved, expect an exodus of Tausugs and Maranaos back to their homeland. Expect Middle Eastern support as well as those from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. Also, expect Chinese Muslims to invest in the BJE. We might see a more prosperous Mindanao in the years to come, which could probably, even surpass that of Imperial Manila.

The Fate of the Nora wannabe

The only superstar Nora Aunor is reportedly living in a dingy apartment somewhere in the United States. After having been charged with drug possession, the Filipina superstar is allegedly living off thru the kindness of friends and die-hard fans. What happened?

Nora, they say, has lost her luster as a star because of her own doing. Nora amassed so much wealth during her heyday that showbiz people emulated her. I think bad luck began when she (1) associated herself with known personalities addicted to substances and (b) when she dipped her fingers in the murky political pond. During the Erap administration, Nora was perceived to be very close to the disgraced leader and was disgraced herself by both pro-Erap and anti-Erap forces.

Now, Nora is out of the entertainment business and enjoying little or no love from the people who once loved her exceedingly. The younger generation does'nt know her and she, like the kundiman stars of old, risk obliteration from the pages of history.

Such is the fate of stars, whose luster brightens the night skies one night and fade the next.

Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (there's a very good commentary by Abe Margallo in his site, the redherring. Check it out!), like Nora, seems to have suffered the same fate. She's president alright but enjoys the reputation of being the most unpopular among them. EDSA two thrust her into national prominence and acclaim but in the end, crucified her as one of the traitors of the Cause. (What Cause is it, I really don't know. The cause of the elite?)

Her luck started to ran out when Gloria (a) associated herself with big-time operators her husband brought to her administration, a corrupt gang of misfits and loafers and influence peddlers whose leeching powers are beyond satisfaction and (b) when she reportedly dipped her fingers into lucrative deals such as the ZTE deal, Northrail and even orchestrated the infamous Hello Garci operations.

Now, two years from now, Gloria will be out of the political scene with the prospect of being the most villified, the most hated and the most condemned Philippine political leader of all time. (Or if FVR is to be believed, someone will finish her term and she'll enjoy no immunity from the law).

Gloria, like Nora, will suffer the same fate. She'll be in the company of those whose mouths she fed during her time as president. And what a company that is! God gave her the chance to choose between good and evil, but, like Dinky Soliman said, she chose the dark side. Gloria chose to be in the wrong side of the universe and I think she already thought how she'll live out her last days on earth---with more money than her father, yet having the most infamous tag of all--a traitor, a corruptor and the Cause of the destruction of lives of millions of Filipinos.

This generation and the next will remember Gloria as the one who:

a. Propagated the notion that cheating is okey if it involves getting what you want.(case in point: Hello Garci)
b. Propounded the strategy that silence is best when faced with anomalies.(case in point: ZTE deal)
c. Gave money to the poor to appease them and hide the years of neglecting one's duties as president. (case in point: subsidy plan)
d. Blame others for a crisis which you yourself orchestrated so that you'll get a next shot at governance (case in point: ongoing economic crisis)
e. Punish those who meant meaningful change.

I am a historian and I now know how I will write those pages referring to Gloria's days and here's a probable headline:

"9 years without God" (Siyam na Taong Walang Diyos)

Oh, is this a Nora-Christopher de Leon movie? Weird coincidence, is'nt?

A Few Questions to Mar Roxas

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

GSIS winning fight against Meralco

Whatever people say about Winston Garcia (that he's a slob, a big-time operator, a company raider, etc.), there's now a big chance for him to win this fight against Meralco. Why?

First, Meralco just won the case against GSIS yet the victory seems more pyrrhic than anything. Charges of corruption and high-stakes bribery have tainted the victory. In fact, it seems too obvious that Meralco is falling into a pathological trap.

ABS-CBN is reporting about the row between CA Justice Jose Sabio and his friend, De Vera. In the end, all suspicions will definitely lead to Meralco's doorsteps because the conversation is favoring government who maintains its silence while Sabio and his friend fight it out for space to be heard. Eventually, GSIS will enter into the picture to demand another chance to appeal the case. And, by that, I believe, GSIS will win this war of attrition.

The Lopez Group is also starting to employ an old PR crisis tactic--shifting the blame to another. Read Geny Lopez speech. He's blaming ABS-CBN for its woes. He alleges that politics is behind government's attempts at destroying the Lopez crown jewel. He points to another of their assets--ABS-CBN 2--as the one to be blamed since the network reportedly maintain an advertorial stance against Arroyo.

This is obviously a tactic for the public to forget that the main issue is its monopoly of the power distribution sector. That monopoly, obviously, is hurting millions of families because Meralco charges exorbitant power rates. Meralco wants the people to forget that it's charging so much and all of these are mainly due to ABS-CBN versus Malacanan.

Such is NOT the case because, as we know, Meralco is really charging so much against the people. And government should definitely do something about it. It is government's job to safeguard the people's welfare. By going after Meralco, government hopes to lower at least, these high electricity rates.

Going back, public sympathy is actually shifting in favor of the GSIS. In the next few days, when this Sabio-De Vera verbal fight simmers down, we expect GSIS to file a reconsideration. When that happens, expect the Court of Appeals to issue a favorable ruling for GSIS. And Winston Garcia will have the last laugh going to the bank.

GSIS winning fight against Meralco

Gloria The Savior and the Strategy Beyond 2010

Why is the government bent on collecting more VAT when suspending it for a few months seems a plausible solution to the people's dilemma on high food and oil prices? And why is government persistent in its subsidy plan when all indications show that i'll not ease inflation nor the pressure of high prices?

Answer: creating more destabilizing factors favor or justify an extension of Gloria's term BEYOND 2010.

A destabilized environment is always favorable to Gloria. She and her gang of misfits have thrived under a state of destabilization. In the past, Gloria survived and even grew stronger when wave after wave of political protests rocked her administration. Now, creating a more destabilized economic situation could serve as  a springboard for Gloria's term extension.

Continuing VAT collections will enable government to stay financially afloat. VAT collections enable government to continue projects that feed Gloria's gang of misfits and operators. That P80 billion collections don't necessarily go to the poor through subsidies. Government only allotted 8 billion for subsidies.

This 8 billion pesos will benefit 3 million poor families. If government continues this dole-out strategy in a consistent manner, it will create dependence which in a transactional political atmosphere such as ours, could favor Gloria.

Believe me, Gloria will use this subsidy plan to justify that there's actually a public clamor for her to extend her term. If the economic situation worsens, as what experts expect, this could be used by Gloria for a State of Emergency declaration which could justify her term extension and the cancellation of the 2010 presidential elections.