The ABB (Andres Bonifacio Brigade)

Caloocan bishop Tobias was unfazed with news that (in)Justice Secretary sRaul O. Gonzales is thinking of filing rebellion charges against him. " Cge, tell him to do what he wants," was the only remark the good bishop told reporters when asked for his reaction. CBCP Public Affairs head Bishop Deogracias Iniguez also stood his ground. " It's time to speak out", says the bishop, who, along with a dozen others, presided the KME (Kilusan Para sa Malayang Ekonomiya) press conference yesterday.

Their call for people to go out and protest against charter change was a veritable clarion call for all civic-minded Filipinos to support the call for change. Prior to the KME press con, the Bishops-Businessmen Conference and the Makati Business Club (MBC) already called upon people to get out of their comfort zones and join the growing clamour for the removal of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

However, this expected mammoth rally will not be enough to topple this illegal usurper. There should be support coming from the uniformed forces if the forces of change want to really make Gloria accountable for all these high-crimes committed by her regime.

I would like to publish the statement of a new armed youth group calling themselves the "Andres Bonifacio Brigade" or ABB. This group is interesting because they say that they are the New Revolutionary Group composed of students, young professionals, young lieutenants, young colonels, young entrepreneurs and young scions of politicians. They sent me their statement and I am publishing it in full here.

We are in the midst of a titanic global change, where nations around the world are experiencing transitions in their political leadership. In the United States, for example, the Americans elected their first black president who promised to radically change the way things are being done in the halls of Congress and inside Washington.

In Thailand, thousands of protesters are calling for the removal of their Prime Minister, even asking that the uniformed people take part in this historic change in their political system.

Everywhere, the world is experiencing changes, sweeping ones at that,
aimed at further fuelling growth and development.

Here, in our country, we are also in the midst of change, one that is so pure, that it will eventually chart the very destinies of each and every one of us in the future. Filipinos are prepared to accept that change. Yet, the forces of traditionalism, of apathy, of antiquated ideas are also marshalling their own forces to defeat the very aspiration of the Filipino for drastic changes.

We, members of the Andres Bonifacio Brigade are determined to see the demise of these anti-change forces. We are Filipinos coming from different backgrounds and have now united to fully utilise our individual strengths and contribute to the collective force to oust Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her cabal from power.

We are ready to sacrifice our lives for the sake of the future generation. We are ready to fight the armed components of this regime in the streets and even inside the Palace.

We intend to arrest Mrs. Arroyo and her mafia gang and put them
in jail. We intend to bring Mrs. Arroyo, her husband Mike Arroyo, and their cohorts before the People's Tribunal. They will be prosecuted and put to jail.

Those who will try to defeat our forces will meet utter defeat. For we are many.

To avert bloodshed, we are asking Mrs. Arroyo to step down immediately. We are giving Mrs. Arroyo forty two hours from November 30, 2008 to tender her resignation. Otherwise, we will strike her with our full forces.

Signed,

Commandante Malaya

Wow, such brave words! Though New Philippine Revolution is for the removal of Gloria and for change, this must be done without bloodshed.

Bloody Thanksgiving

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) warned US security agencies to be on full alert for a possible Al Qaeda attack against New York. This follows a massive terrorist assault in India's biggest city Mumbai, killing more than a 100 people and injuring 400 others. As I'm writing this, Indian police are still in pitched street battles against the terrorists. Two hotels, the Taj Mahal and the Oneji have been attacked. An undetermined number of hostages are being held by the terrorists who identified themselves as the "Deccan Mujaheedins". However, Indian Intelligence points to another fundamentalist group which allegedly linked with the Deccans to create this very chaotic situation.

President-elect Barack Obama has condemned the attack. The entire United Nations also condemned it, saying that the terror attack was a cowardly one staged by fundamentalists. US intelligence agencies say, this could very be the handiwork of Al Qaeda, the dreaded group of Osama Bin Laden. An anti-terror expert told CNN that the Mumbai attacks could just be a big diversionary tactic, aimed at pulling Pakistan into a war with India, thereby insulating Osama Bin Laden's group which is hiding in the border hinderlands of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A few weeks before the Mumbai attacks, a video of Sawahiri was released lambasting US president-elect Barack Obama. That video should have been analyzed by security agencies since it could be a sign, a signal for aligned fundamentalist groups in India to start their terror campaign.

These attacks show how lax India's intelligence forces are. Even the head of the anti-terror intelligence group and his close-ins were killed by the terrorists. Possibly, there could be external help since the attacks bear the trademark of Al Qaeda. The operation was highly sophisticated and show how well financed these groups are.

Now, the question remains--what's the next targets? Aside from New York, which traditionally remains the target of fundamentalist hatred, there are indications that Al Qaeda-affiliated groups are silently organizing and in the last stages of planning their attacks. There is a big possibility that Asian countries frequented by Westerners for the holidays will be the next targets. Will there be an attack in Bali Indonesia? Possible. Will militants attack Australia? They could. Is Singapore safe from militant attacks? If New York was attacked by Al Qaeda, what would spare this tiny island from these frenzied groups? How about China? Is China a target? Hongkong, Macau and even Beijing are possible targets.

What am I saying here? Governments all over the world, especially in the Asia-Pacific region (where security and intelligence capabilities are weaker than European ones) should take extra precautions and alert themselves for possible terrorist attacks. These fundamentalist groups are determined to strike allies of US prior to the swearing in of Barack Obama. Terrorists think that Obama does not have the mettle of a Clinton or a John McCain, so they think that they should intensify both their low-intensity and high-intensity conflict plans to lure Obama into a trap and make him commit an error. It was good that Obama retained Gates as Pentagon head. The US cannot afford a new head for the Pentagon at this point since very serious security threats plague the world today.

The Battle in December

Two bishops have called upon the people to join the mammoth rally this Sunday, November 30, 2008. Heeding the clarion call, the Makati Business Club (MBC) and other civil society groups are also calling for people to go to the streets and protest the current efforts of this administration to extend Gloria's term.

A few days prior, detained Senator Antonio Trillianes called upon the people to support the impeachment complaint against Gloria. Saying it's the last legal option to oust the Pinay anti-Christ, Trillianes says it is still possible for the democratic soldiers to "intervene" into this political mess and rectify these errors wrought against the people by this evil administration.

Question that everybody is asking--will there be a realization of the People's dream for the ouster of Gloria? Rumours say, a big event will happen on the 28th of November, the day when Gloria comes back from her Latin American trip. Others say, the 30th of this month will signal a week-long "Revolution of Hope" and would culminate with Gloria's ouster.

Observing what's happening, I think that the thirtieth will just be the proverbial first shout that would culminate to Gloria's eventual ouster before January 2009. There are very auspicious signs which point to a weakening of Gloria's defenses by December 2008. The apex of the people's sentiments may be reached next month as Congress formalizes the killing of the impeachment, a symbolic act which could trigger widespread dissillusionment and cause the justification of a December affair.

Or, it could be prolonged to January of next year. If the forces against Gloria succeeds in ousting her in January or weaken her pro-cha-cha forces in the first quarter of 2009, kiss charter change goodbye. People behind Gloria will definitely not be able to implement their dastardly plot in summer, since there will not be sufficient time to effect charter change.

Unbeknownest to Gloria, the more anti-charter change proponents delay the hearing of the cha-cha proposals, the lesser the prospects for Gloria to extend her term. Surely, they cannot ram cha-cha in June of 2009 simply because Congressmen will be busy by then for their re-election campaign. So, the critical months begins in December and ends in March 2009 or the month where Congress adjourns. However, there is another card which Gloria's minions are contemplating and that is the emergency power card. These Malacanang hawks will try to implement black operations, will try to portray lawlessness in the Metro and in Mindanao and justify it. Like charter change, however, they are also pressed for time since they need to muster enough support from the AFP to do this. Surely, the defense secretary will not be a party to this, since Danding's party, if reports are to be believed, is aligning itself with the JDV-FVR faction in Lakas.

The Peru Cabal & Gloria's Triple Assault Against the Charter

Is'nt odd that Batangas Congressman Hermigildo Mandanas who surreptitiously wrote and submitted to the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments chaired by Cong. Victor Ortega Resolution No. 550 calling for the conversion of the House to a Constituent assembly is now among the 40 or so Congressmen traveling with the President somewhere in Latin America? Gloria just finished her APEC forum stint and reportedly went to a Latin American country for a side trip. No one actually knows where the president is right now simply because the Office of the Press Secretary keeps a tight lid on this.

Since there's no news about their activities in that faraway land of the Aztecs, many are actually saying that Gloria and her 40 Congressmen allies are now plotting on how to speed up the process of charter change. Since Cong. Matias Defensor and about 42 other Congressmen on the House Committee on Justice already killed the impeachment complaint, it is time for Gloria and her band of misfits to start tinkering with the Constitution and amend certain provisions to accommodate their self-serving proposals. Resolution No. 550 is particularly important to note because it calls for the mode or manner by which Congress would try to amend the Constitution.

As I wrote in a previous post, Gloria actually has three Trojan Horses, a triple assault on the Charter. The first one is the proposal of Speaker Nograles, which calls for the lifting of some nationalist economic provisions in the Constitution to favor foreign investments. Second, is the Villafuerte proposal which calls for charter change and the lifting of term limits (effectively giving Gloria up to 2011) and the Mandanas Resolution which, it appears, have been created and passed by a Committee which did not even heard nor conducted anything about it (Cong. Victor Ortega was shocked when he learned that there was a Resolution 550. This was after he publicly told Atty. Colmenares that the Mandanas proposal was just a "figment of the attorney's imagination". Napahiya si Ortega. Ortega was made to look like an idiot today)

Gloria's allies want these proposals (including that of Villafuerte's) to be discussed, debated and passed before January 2009. Why the rush? Because any moves to amend the charter will be rendered useless if done 120 days prior to the May 10, 2010 elections. If Congress dilly-dallies with charter change, proposals might encounter a technical snag since the House will adjourn soon. Proposals should be made immediately in the 14th Congress so that it would not be passed over to the 15th Congress, given that members of the 15th Congress, particularly re-electionists, will all be too busy doing things for their electoral survival instead of spending time attending charter change deliberations. This explains the rush of Gloria to pass these proposals and what I heard, Gloria's cabal are really determined to railroad the proceedings and push charter change prior to 2009. The timing is most crucial and critical for Gloria because this is the only chance left for her to marshall her allies and effect a term extension.

The only option for anti-charter change groups is to do out-of-the box rebel actions to push the envelope. If they rely on availing legal options to repulse Gloria, they might encounter defeat since Gloria's gang will just neutralize these actions.

As I am writing this, I received information that Gloria's men are meeting in a secluded place in Malacanang and plotting for their next move. With the impeachment complaint squashed, the palace political operator is reportedly plotting to oust ex-Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. The ouster of JDV will be made in a political caucus by Lakas members. Former palace legal counsel Sergio Apostol is allegedly the one tasked to cut JDV's head.

I think this plot will just be a counter-plot since it will just anticipate the expected bolt of the JDV-FVR faction in Lakas to coalesce with Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party and Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco's Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). Sources say there is already an understanding between FVR and Cojuangco while FVR's group reportedly is almost close to talks with Villar's. Meaning, Lakas is just trying to mitigate the effects of a formal split, since obviously, Malacanang, for the longest time, has been trying to marginalize both JDV and FVR.

A split within Lakas will definitely affect the strength and stability of the entire "rainbow coalition" at the House. It would impact particularly on KAMPI, since majority of its members are former Lakas stalwarts. If JDV and FVR succeeds in coalescing with Danding and Villar, the possibility of another party raid within Kampi-Lakas is huge given that JDV and FVR still commands respect among the old guards of Lakas. In practical terms, with Danding and Villar united, this sends a message to Congressmen that the gravy train has shifted from Gloria to again, the JDV-FVR tandem.

JDV's marginalization will all be done immediately after the AFP attack on Camp Bushra of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Reports say, the AFP brass is preparing for an outright assault on Bushra this December. JDV's ouster from Lakas will coincide with this military assault.

By the way, Joey de Venecia the Third, who I find to be a very serious Nationalist, sent me his statement stating his opinions on the killing of his impeachment complaint. This is what he has to say:

STATEMENT OF JOEY DE VENECIA III
DISMISSAL OF IMPEACHMENT CASE
DUE TO INSUFFICIENCY OF SUBSTANCE
November 26, 2008


This is a sad day not only for us the complainants and the minority lawmakers, but more so for the Filipino people. Our right to take President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to task has again been taken away from us.
As our minority lawmakers have said repeatedly, this process is a way to let government show the transparency that the Constitution mandates.
The impeachment process is the proper and legal forum to let the people know what is happening and to allow the government and its officials to explain themselves.
It appears that the government would rather that the people take its grievances to the street than offer them a decent and legal forum.
The House Justice Committee might have stopped the impeachment complaint but I assure everyone that the Committee cannot stop us from airing our grievances and allegations in any and all other forums available to us.
We will bring this case straight to the people. We will go to them and talk to them. We will put out into the open what the government would rather keep under the cloak of darkness.
I give my utmost appreciation to all those who supported us in any way. I thank the Filipino people for their sentiments and their prayers.
We will not keep quiet. The fight in the halls of Congress may be over but the real fight for truth and justice goes on.

The Regime of the Pinay Anti-Christ

Reprinted from my entry over at FilipinoVoices

A Congressman once likened Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to that of Jesus Christ. He said that the People can’t just crucify someone out of innuendoes and false accusations. Yet, if I remember my Bible correctly, especially the Book of Matthew and that of the Book of Revelations, in the end times, false prophets and anti-Christs will appear claiming to be the saviour. And we will know them by their fruits.

We all know that Gloria is not Jesus, nay, far from him. Jesus was never greedy nor had that insatiable appetite for power. Christ even sacrificed his life so that others may live. For Gloria, as the records would show, she ordered the killing of activists, arrested change agents, destroyed thousands of farmer’s lives and promoted an immoral governance style. “We will know them by their fruits”, the good book says.

And like that proverbial story in the bible, in just three days, the cabal of Gloria killed the impeachment complaint. Voting 42 to 8, these cult followers of Gloria wearing amerikanas and barongs showed their unfledging worship to the Philippine anti-Christ. With their hossanas, they infused new life to the old fogey, albeit, literally bringing forth the resurrection of the Pinay anti-Christ. What is left right now in the House of Represent-the-Thieves is that elixir, a proposal to extend the life of the Pinay Anti-Christ up to 2011.

After that infamous voting, Gloria’s “John”, Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita treated Malacanang reporters and other “disciples” of the Anti-Christ to a sumptuous lunch. ” Triumph of justice”, so they say as they feasted on roast pig, and other gourmet foods which ordinary Pinoys just eat in their dreams. Gloria’s cult delivered in Congress, led by a man who sired a boyish looking demon who now is on a mission to flatten our mountains and mine our gold to sacrifice in the altar of the almond-eyed Mammon.

” This signals the death of truth and justice”, was the only remarked of the reformed cultist member who once feasted with the Anti-Christ and once masterminded the antics of the cabal in repulsing the truth. The reformed master of tricks now feels very threatened, knowing that his political extinction is beyond reach. ” It’s only the people who can save this country from infamy and tyranny”.

But, what of the people? We live in such evil times that the blackness has even creeped within our very souls. We live in a chaotic era where hope is non-existent. As predicted in the good book, these times try men’s souls. We will be lured to worship the anti-Christ. We will succumb to her wiles. And we have. Oil companies just lowered pump prices. Employers just gave out 13th month pays. Malls have cut their prices by 50%. Government is creating a favorable environment, giving us the crumbs while they feast on 30 billion pesos of stolen money from our pockets.

We feel nothing because the State has injected a social anesthetic. Can we ever defeat the power of this Anti-Christ who use our monies to lull us to complacency while they rape and sodomize us? Such is the power of this social anesthetic that even those who are enlightened, are themselves, helpless against this anti-Christ.

” Cha-cha is evil”, says the head of one of God’s divisions. But, yes, we know. Since last year, the people already know that Gloria is the anti-Christ. What will God’s disciples do to defeat Satan’s daughter? Place their hope in law? Hope lies not in law, but in men. In these times, we need to expunge the anti-Christ from our midst. And it should be now, not later.

Defining Moment

The Arroyo administration thrives on destabilization. When a new destabilizing situation occurs, it mechanically implements adoptive measures, re-adjusts its actions, even moves backward and strikes when the situation cools. This is the tried and tested formula against destabilization by a regime which, itself, has been the beneficiary of a political poison fruit.

This explains why presidential son Mikey Arroyo called for a press conference to assuage public outrage against their cha-cha initiatives. This explains why the palace allowed Joc-Joc to go to the Senate and fool the senators. This explains why there's no palace gag order for DA directors to testify on the fertilizer fund issue and there's no order for anybody to publicly neutralize known oppositors of the Arroyo regime.

The palace game plan is very simple--deprive its enemies of their "defining moment". In politics, a "defining moment" is described as an "emotionally charged" situation that would rouse the people to take action and transform the perception of people about the present regime from "partially trust-worthy" to " capricious, greedy and using its powers to deprive people of justice." The present hearings have the potential of transforming positive perceptions to negative and even reactive ones.

This explains Palace spokesperson's Anthony Golez "tantrum" diatribe against the minority at the House impeachment hearings, for a walkout is actually a powerful communication tool that could re-ignite passions against the present dispensation. That's why the palace is constantly monitoring and managing the information environment to prevent the rise of dissent against the present dispensation.

In the present situation, Malacanang tries to pooh-pooh the revelations of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. It tries to manage the information environment by fielding its crisis communication lieutenants, fanning themselves out among various publications to at least control the flow of poisoned news against Gloria. The goal is simple--insulate Gloria at all costs against accusations by the Opposition. There may be a grain of truth behind Joe's revelations but these are being obfuscated by news on term extensions and the like. Joe may be allowed to hug the headlines but up to a certain point. Gloria is being isolated from the controversies while her husband, Big Mike, operates silently behind the bamboo shades.

Both Gloria and her enemies want to control one element--time. For Gloria's camp, a day is equivalent to a year more of stay. The more they stay the bolo of those who want to hack her head, the better. For those who oppose her, time is at the essence. The need to create a "defining moment" at a precise time is the order of the day. And will they be able to get their "defining moment, " is a big question.

Yesterday's walkout has the potential of igniting passions. News about proposals to extend Gloria's term has the big chance of convincing people to act. Everybody is waiting for the first one to stand up and act. That first act should immediately be a show of force. This should be something similar to a walkout of young officers. Or, this could potentially be something of an institutional action where idealistic generals walk out of their Commander-in-Chief. Then the people will follow.

The present politico-social atmosphere can be likened to a tightly sealed room filled with liquified petroleum gas. Everybody's there, holding their breaths and waiting for someone to just light a match to end everyone's agony.

Shattering GMA's Myth of Invincibility

I had a pleasant conversation with Baby Yoda and one of the questions he asked is, where's the middle class? Where's the Filipino People? Where are they and what's their take on things? I saw how pained his face was. I noticed the strain in his voice. After more than a year of struggle against the evil forces of Gloria, he's now suddenly becoming pragmatic, even frustrated at how things are shaping up.

But, I tell you my friend, there is a bigger chance for change now than before! Slowly, forces are converging into one logical and rational agenda--the need to revitalize and resuscitate the ailing people's movement against Gloria.

Yes, baby Yoda, your sacrifice is not in vain. Everyday, people are slowly moving towards organizing themselves and thinking of ways on how to change society. And this, my friend, is the result of your struggle.

The forces anathema to change are cowering now in fear. They are clueless. The environment is so silent that the silence is quite deafening!

Arroyo's fears are beginning to grow that she even ordered her charter change lieutenants and generals to go slow and abandon some of the costly initiatives they're doing because this might lead to the realization of Mar Roxas' warning. And that warning is not hollow. It's a warning to those who will still trample democracy to re-think what they're doing and stop all these stupid things.

The end for all grafters is at hand! The end of this evil regime is taking concrete shape! People who are too afraid before have now regained their confidence in themselves. The need for change is upon us! We must seize it by the horns and create history!

Yes, victory for the Filipino People is at arm's length!

Gloria's invincibility is just a myth! When weak, appear strong. When strong, appear weak. People are thinking that Gloria cannot be cut down. People believe that the forces against change are strong and those change agents are weak.

But, I tell you my friends, hope is just day's away! Hope that someday we see a brighter future for our kids. Hope that the Cause of Our Misery will be meted the punishment she deserves!

We must rejoice because the forces of Gloria are doing everything in their power to coerce and lure with money all Congressmen to kill the impeachment.

Rejoice! For the death of the impeachment will bring about real change in this country.

Rejoice! Because these forces of evil are clueless and running like headless chickens, oblivious of the growing movement for their demise. You who think lowly of the Filipino, be forewarned! Your days are numbered!

It felt good

Jose de Venecia Jr. stood tall today. Inspite of what palace operators said, that all of his narrations are "rehash" and "plain old sour-graping", the fact is, they can't dispute what happened. JDV was invited, along with Gloria, her husband and their close associate, Ben Abalos. In an interview over at DZBB, Abalos admitted that the meeting really took place. But, is'nt weird that Abalos, the First Gentleman and their cohorts in bastardizing this country of ours really found nothing wrong with them and the president being there at the very turf of one of the proclaimed bidders in a government project?

What's so shocking about that, says Abalos who now spends more of his time teeing off at Wack-Wack? What's wrong with the president of the Republic playing golf with ZTE officials? There's nothing wrong except that the president represents the entire Filipino People. Is he saying that the very representative of the Filipino is plain and simple without decency and morals? I mean, are they really serious that there really is nothing wrong with that?

There's also nothing wrong for this government to award more than US$ 2 billion worth of gold mines in Mount Diwalwal. After losing the ZTE telecommunications deal, this government sold Diwalwal instead. Imagine, 90% of mined gold ore will be shipped to China, while only 10% will be enjoyed by the government of the Philippines. Talk about a sellout, this is the most onerous deal I have ever read in my entire life! And Gloria, her husband, and their cohort Mike Defensor found nothing wrong with this.

JDV stood tall today. And Joey de Venecia III is even prouder. Interviewed by my good friends Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, the elder De Venecia said he "felt good" when he finally told the Filipino People about what happened in Shenzshen. He has been fooling himself for the longest time, that Gloria will eventually repent and correct the grievous mistakes of her administration, especially in graft and corruption. He waited, says JDV and nothing happened.

Now is the time for reckoning, says JDV. It's the beginning for the baddest nightmares for Mike A, Mike D and Mikey A.

Peru for FG

Is Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo still "in love" with her husband, the controversial First Gentleman Mike Arroyo? I ask this question for one thing--what's so important in Peru that Gloria opted to proceed to that troubled nation instead of being with her sick husband? Yes, it was just a stomach ache. But, I believe it was so painful that it caused the airplane to make a momentary stop in Japan just to accommodate the First Gentleman? His doctors say it was the "hardening" of the aoerta walls that caused FG's hospitalization. FG reportedly ate a "steak", which he could'nt digest that well and caused his aorta walls to tighten, hence, the pain.

Malacanang wanted to downplay the incident. I don't want to be cruel, but many thought that it was Gloria who succumbed to illness. Remember those "talks" alleging that Gloria (like Macoy) is suffering from a serious disease (cancer of the ovary? I don't believe it). Regime critics even prayed for this. There's one government official though who heaved a sigh of relief when he learned that it was FG and not GMA who fell down his seat. That official probably thought that he's still okey since he's still just a spare tire.

But, I really believe that FG's latest hospitalization is very serious. Is'nt natural for a happy wife to stay beside his ailing husband? What's so important in Peru for Gloria? Peru is just as impoverished as the Philippines (probably even in worse shape than us) and it's not even a major trading partner. Is Gloria there to meet with some "power players"? When I think of Peru, I think of Argentina. Selling NAPOCOR assets to Peruvian businessmen?

Going back to the First Couple.The alleged estrangement of Gloria and Mike have been the stuff of legendary coffee shop talks since 2002. One of those rumours alleged that Gloria has been living separately away from her husband since the controversies exploded. We all know those purported indiscretions allegedly by the First Gentleman, one of the most controversial was his alleged tryst with his secretary Vicky Toh. Rumours say the First Gentleman even sired two kids with Vicky Toh before they split up. Now, allegedly, the First Gentleman is said to be with another woman right now. This alleged relationship started a year and a half ago. The woman, wagging tongues say, is a former flight stewardess. This newest relationship, says some Malacanang insiders, is the reason why Gloria and Mike's relationship remains very strained.

All these news are just probably rumours to besmirch the relationship of Gloria and Mike. What's important is FG's safe. But, is he?

What would happen if Gloria loses FG in her side? All of us know that FG is Gloria's "silent big operator". Will Gloria fare better without FG inside Malacanang?

Sabotage

I hate to say it but someone or some group is sabotaging my blogsite. They are trying to befuddle my site by introducing "alien" scripts. Well, guess what? I'm not that entirely innocent on languages and I'm thinking of doing it in their sites as well.

For those who want to defend this stupid and evil regime, one warning---do so at your own peril! You can never accomplish what you want by being technical. No. No. No.

You win by defeating ideas. You win by changing the people's perception of your boss, Madame Gloria. And you know for a fact that you cannot win. Why?

Read your history. How many people won a battle defending the daughter of Satan? How many evil people won against the sons of God? Not too many.

It is elementary my dear that all evil men perished by the sword. Yes. Being evil is an abhorrent aberration. Evil men are freaks of the universe. They are despised. And, some day, expunged from society.

Gloria and her husband as well as their cabal of evildoers will definitely meet the fate of those who oppress the poor, kill the widows and make orphans of healthy babies--an ignominious end. Hell has reserved a special place for those who was given the chance to help people but instead, robbed them.

Another warning--remember what happened to the first king of Israel. Saul was anointed by God but was replaced by David. And you know why? Because Saul violated God's tenets. He decided to go his own personal route. And where did it lead him? It led him to a fiery, and ignoble death.

Such is the fate of those who harken not to the pleas of an agonizing nation.

Gloria's Twin Trojan Horses

Like what we said a long time ago, this administration is hell-bent on ramming charter change down our very throats. Two resolutions are being circulated now--one for charter change as proposed by Gloria's son Rep. Mikey Arroyo and another one, the proposal for the lifting of restrictions on foreign ownership authored by Speaker Prospero Nograles. Sources at the House reveals that Mikey already got 150 signatures (157 as of I'm writing this) while on that proposal by Nograles about 163 signatures. These two proposals are expected to get between 198-210 votes.

These proposals are Gloria's Trojan Horses, meant to allow amendments to the Constitution. When Mikey and Noggie gets their assurances and signatures, nothing will prevent them from submitting it to the floor for deliberations and definitely, these two will be put to a vote.

Mikey and Noggie will win. Of course, anti-charter change activists will eventually question these two proposals before the Supreme Court. The High Tribunal will deliberate and possibly give their decision either on the last week of January or the second week of February by which time it would be sufficient for this administration to form or reconstitute Congress and pass these charter change amendments. Obviously, those anti-charter change proponents at the Supreme Court would have retired their black robes by that time, allowing Gloria's appointees to pass these proposals and give it their judicial stamp. There will just be one issue to be resolved--whether to constitute the House as one voting block or follow the widely-held belief that the voting for amendments should be done separately.

Come 2009, it will be 2003 all over again---Gloria will again use the Supreme Court to justify her illegal occupation of Malacanang. Before, a Davide Supreme Court invented the term "constructive resignation" to signify the replacement by Gloria of Erap. In 2009, a new Supreme Court will again be asked to give that judicial stamp to an illegal proposal to extend Gloria's term.

It has been the halmark of this administration to use the law to justify their immoral actions. This government has thrown morality and ethics away and use the law as a refuge for their evil and illegal intentions.

Assurances made by Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile that charter change will never go pass the Upper Chamber is whimsical, at best, deceptive. Why? Because the plan of Gloria is actually to invalidate the relevance of the Senate anyway. What Gloria and her misfits plan to do is fuse the House into one and abolish the Senate. Yes, these senators and their staff will howl themselves hoarse, but with a favorable decision from the Supreme Court, they will not be able to stem the stronger force of Gloria. They will be defeated.

With a weak civil society and opposition, I fear that Gloria and her gang of misfits will get what they want--a term extension beyond 2010. Even in previous years, that has been the plan of Gloria--remain in power until 2020. That's why most of the plans of this administration has 2020 written all over it.

Now, this all the more justifies the removal of Gloria and her gang of misfits before 2010, for two reasons: First, the people don't trust her and her gang anymore. Will Gloria ensure a clean and honest elections in 2010? Even if she succeeds in making it clean, people will still think it's not because of the country's experience in 2004. What if Gloria's bet wins in 2010 fair and square? People will still think that Gloria manipulated the elections to favor the administration bet. Second, there should be a move to make Gloria and her gang accountable for all these scandals. We can't move forward if we don't build a Truth Commission. If we don't file and punish Gloria before 2010, we will not be able to move decisively forward and our future will always be in jeopardy.

Yet, whatever I say now, it's useless. Gloria and her gang of misfits are sure to win this time. We don't have a solid and strong opposition. And most of those who want real change are themselves helpless. Mounting something big against charter change requires a bigger than usual logistics. Will those wealthy patrons of lost causes part some of their blessings for the bigger and loftier actions of the People? I doubt it.

So, if the People refuses to act now, since they're being lulled again to sleep with these news on gasoline rollbacks and cuts on the prices of tinapay, then, be ready to lose to Gloria and her minions soon.

Erap as Kingmaker and the Betrayal of the People's Cause

Villar deserves being booted out of the Senate presidency. As what he himself said, if a president already lost the confidence of his colleagues, then, he should have the courage to resign. Villar committed grave abuse of his powers as Senate president and if we base it on accusations of his colleagues, he even used his position to corner juicy government contracts in favor of his real estate companies.

Wagging tongues say, Villar's ouster shows the Erap trademark. Whether Erap really is behind this caper or not, this rumour intends to position Erap as a kingmaker. It was even timed simultaneously with the release of a survey showing Erap tied with Villar at 17%. Was it meant to show the administration that Erap intends to run again? No.

Erap forces just want to attract financiers into the opposition and wean administration allies and financial backers away from Arroyo. Erap actually benefited from the Inquirer report since it re-ignited the popular belief that the Erap magic can still cast its spell over the Philippine political scene.

However, if we look closely, Erap, like Arroyo, is a spent political force. He cannot muster enough forces to actually dislodge Arroyo or her gang from power. Yes, probably there is still a sizeable portion of the C-D class who adores him but if you look closely at the results of the surveys, you'll find out that the percentage of support now is actually smaller compared with previous surveys. Seventeen percent is very small.

Conversely, Erap is losing his magic. And they know it. Kabayan Noli de Castro is closing in and silently whittling down the advantages of the opposition. De Castro is filling up the vacuum left by both Arroyo and Erap. Despite what people think of De Castro, he's slowly eating up the traditional constituencies of Arroyo and Erap. The prospect therefore of a De Castro win at the presidency is higher than other candidates. However, De Castro lacks funds to put up a decent fight. His tactical alliance with Arroyo is the reason why businessmen shun him.

Lacson, Legarda etal should train their guns not at Villar but on De Castro. Villar, for all his supposed might and money, will not be able to sustain his lead over Legarda, etal. Villar, yes, is going around town, promoting himself prior to the elections, probably spending his own money, which obviously, Legarda etal does not have.

Actually, Legarda does not enjoy a huge campaign kitty such as what Villar has at the moment. She does not have the support of the Chinoys, since Francis Chua is already on the side of Mar Roxas. Legarda is not attracting enough financial backers to support a campaign. Lacson, meanwhile, enjoys support from the Chinoys but most are cautious to support a Lacson presidential campaign.

Bayani Fernando is just a joker, while Binay, well, would probably enjoy the support of the Yellow Brigade, the same ones who supported Fred Lim when he ran as president.

So, all of these positionings by the opposition and presidentiables are just meant to shore up financial support. Hey, its xmas time again and those who want to be re-elected or be elected are obviously scurrying up for additional funds.

What I'm worried is the fragmentation of the legitimate opposition at the Senate. Nothing holds the new majority together. They are not bound by ideology. They are just motivated by personal political interests. They can easily be crushed by the administration.

Yes, probably, the composition of the new majority is anti-chacha. Their mettle will be tested in due time. If the administration moves in the first quarter of 2009 for cha-cha, we will see another re-configuration which could possibly lead to the passage of the proposal to constitute Congress as an assembly to amend the charter. An Arroyo SC will serve its purpose by frustrating any legitimate move to question the act of Congress.

"Tis the Season of Betrayal and a Bloody War threatens MIndanao

No Mindanao-based congressmen attended the House Committee on Justice hearing on the Motion to Intervene by Manolo Quezon, myself and some other bloggers. General Santos Congresswoman Darlene Custodio and Cong. Teofisto Guingona III were a no-show, a day after defending the MOI vigorously before the Committee. Custodio decided to attend the Euro Generals hearing and skip the more important House Committee on Justice. Probably, Cong. Antonino-Custodio thought that she'll probably waste her time anyway since all odds are against Quezon etal. Same as the other Mindanao-based Congressmen.

I condemn the double-standard being shown by these legislators. A day prior to the purported signing of the MOA-AD, not a few legislators registered their howl of protest against Malacanang. Some even went as far as declaring war against the Bangsamoro People. Their absence clearly indicated that most, if not all of their Muslim constituencies favor the MOA-AD. They just don't want to alienate them.

As I wrote here, most if not all Muslims in the Philippines favor the MOA-AD. Firstly, it's the best option available for them and many think that the agreement is a halmark one. Secondly, the prospect of re-negotiations seems remote, given the stand of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the matter. Lastly, both the GRP and the MILF have taken solid stands already. The GRP wants the Bangsamoro fighters to give up their arms first before they again participate in the negotiations. While the MILF wants nothing short of the terms of reference indicated in the MOA-AD. Something gonna give.

But, this is NOT the point of the intervention. Giving independence or even recognizing a Bangsamoro Islamic state is still the purest intention of those who understand the Bangsamoro struggle.

What the motion to intervene just wants to show is that the President of the GRP committed a grave abuse of discretion in even allowing such a proposal to go past the negotiating table. The GRP President has the duty to maintain territorial integrity which, in the minds of those under her government, she has effectively sold to the other party.

The President of the GRP does not have the right to give or partition the Philippine territory. This is tantamount to treason.

Gloria committed a treasonous act. Though some legal eagles would say that the act was not consummated since both parties failed to sign the agreement. At best, this could fall under frustrated treason, which is still punishable by Philippine laws.

Soldiers and ordinary citizens know that Gloria committed a high crime. Yet, the House Committee on Justice chaired by a Gloria lackey decided otherwise. Cong. Mat Defensor himself and those who voted for the non-inclusion of the MOI clearly betrayed the Republic and should be made accountable for their crimes against the Filipino People.

Now, because of their betrayal, war in Mindanao is expected to worsen in the coming weeks. The government admitted that it already spent 1 billion pesos fighting the Bangsamoro army in Mindanao. Defense secretary Teodoro, a few weeks ago, proposed for additional budget. The AFP was ordered to do an all-out military offensive against the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.

War hangs in Mindanao, another betrayal by Gloria not only to the Muslims in Mindanao but also in the international community.

Remember that in her speech before the inter-faith forum at the United Nations, Gloria promised to re-negotiate for peace. Gloria reported before the world that her efforts at peace are bearing fruit in war-torn Mindanao. If it is, then, why the beefing up of the AFP?

Truly, it is the season of betrayal. The cost? Millions of futures lost and lives destroyed.

Where's Maritess Aytona?

Bolante's runner, Maritess Aytona is now being tagged as the one who offered Congressmen the fertilizer funds. The Senate wants to get her. But, where is she? She's reportedly the manager and owner of Feshan Philippines Incorporated, a company built just to be the legit front for Bolante's operation. Feshan was given the exclusive contract to supply diluted fertilizers.

With her over at Feshan was one Jimmy Paule, allegedly an official at the Provincial government of Antipolo and reportedly an uncle of DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno. Paule was the designated "snitch" of Malacanang to reportedly monitor the movements of Aytona and Bolante. While fertilizer scam whistleblower Jose Barredo Jr. worked as Bolante's courier. It was Barredo's testimony before the Senate (which was confirmed by Rebecca Aquino, a board member of the Provincial government of Sorsogon) that blew open Bolante's illicit trade.

Where is Aytona? Why is the Senate not ordering her immediate arrest? Aytona should be made to appear before the Senate and asked to reveal the truth. Otherwise, the DA syndicate might just get hold of her and murder her, like what happened to Esperat and another DA employee whose entire family was massacred by this syndicate.

Some insights about Aytona. Maritess "Tess" Aytona hails from Marikina. She formerly dabbled in the medicine business and met Bolante through some acquiantances. Aytona is said to have very strong connections with Bulacan-based mayors.

Gloria: Oh My God! (Buko na kami!)

Was it Freudian slip or meant to ass lick some more? Press secretary Jesus Dureza today reportedly embarrassed his boss when he prayed for Gloria to have the forebearance to survive 2010 and even rule beyond it. Realizing the implications, Gloria asked journalists that they strike off Dureza's dog prayer. But, you know, stories such as these are obviously head line material.

It's plain and simple dog prayer, the one probably uttered by former Justice Secretary Hernando Perez, COMELEC Commissioner Garcillano, former COMELEC Chairman Abalos, former NEDA and now SSS Chief Romulo Neri and now, being prayed by fertilizer scam architect Joc-Joc Bolante. Bolante prays like that each and every time he goes to a forum such as the Senate (and just today, at the Congress) because deep in his heart, he knows he's lying. Of course, he'll evade jail time since it's still Gloria at the top. He pulled so many legs today, fooled so many people, including Congressmen and for that, he even managed to make a smile out of all the bola-bola. Like what Cebu Congressman Tony Cuenco accused him off, he'll probably be a very good poker player.

And you know why they have this dogged and cultist belief for Gloria? Because these people have nowhere to go in a post-Gloria era. If the Opposition wins in 2010, all of them will be history. Bolante would probably go to a neutral country and stay there permanently. But, that's just a dream.

With a messed up Senate, who would dare cross Gloria and her mafia gang's way, except maybe those who want to commit suicide? Enrile may profess independence but he's an avowed and firm believer of charter change. He can maneuver and exploit the tenuous hold of the majority to power at the Upper Chamber and re-configure the composition of the Majority. At this stage, we have an opposition hao-shiao ruling as a majority. The present majority is weak. They are composed of strong willed and independent-minded individuals who never voted as a block and would probably go their own ways based on their individual political ambitions.

When the time comes for this Senate to vote on an important matter such as the proposal to constitute Congress as a constituent assembly (or call for a Constitutional Convention), there is a strong possibility that another configuration would rise, with those in favor equal in number with those opposed. A divided Senate is the consequence of this latest caper.

A weak and divided Senate will not stand a Chinaman's chance against the administration-strong coalition at the House.

Live another day

The House Committee on Justice chaired by Cong. Matias Defensor has just decided to discuss the merits of the Motion to Intervene by a group of citizen journalists led by Inquirer columnist and friend Manolo Quezon. The MOI is the first time that citizen journalists have shown that they are also a force to reckon with. They set up a blogsite of their own (it's called "Oust the Imp" at http://ousttheimp.wordpress.com/ and "Suya Ka na Ba?" at http://suyakana.blogspot.com/) just for the impeachment updates. This is a welcome development since it is time for these Congressmen to know that citizens of note are taking a great interest in the politics of this country.

I was invited to participate in this undertaking and I knowingly registered by support. Despite my present status, I believe that it is to the best interest of the entire Filipino blogosphere that I take part in this. Though I'm somewhat financially depressed at this point, I deemed it wise to sacrifice my personal interests and put the country's welfare first. I have a sick baby to take care of today, but I decided to make a definite stand and continue meeting people of different walks of life and make them aware that this is the time for action, not of retrospection.

I texted Inquirer.net reporter Lira Fernandez that we, in the blogsphere are watching very carefully the deliberations on this impeachment complaint. Though many say that it's a lost cause, nonetheless, I feel and told my media friends (Anthony Taberna of DZMM and Weng Salvacion of DZBB) that the Committee should do its ministerial duty to receive, review and pass the MOI and the main impeachment complaint and let Congressmen debate on the substance of the complaint. Yes, it is a number's game and obviously, Gloria enjoys the tyranny of numbers. Nonetheless, what I want is for people to hear the crimes committed by Gloria and her ilk and let the People decide what course of action to take in the future.

I remember my friend Brian Q telling me that it's very hard to fight these traditional and entrenched powers in our society. They have been ruling this small and impoverished state for so long and it's foolhardy for anyone with the purest intention of reform to presume that a flash revolt would just suddenly change all of these things. Our societal problems have deep roots and uprooting them would take a very long time to do. Having said that, awareness is one step towards the right direction and being a pragmatist, I told myself that this MOI and impeachment are two steps toward that direction.

Congress should be made aware that we will not tolerate them railroading this thing. And I mean, we will NOT allow that. Congress should recognize that hundreds if not thousands of people are watching their every move. There are so many groups that I know would burst asunder and would abandon all legal hopes should Malacanang and their factotums in Congress make a fool of Joey de Venecia's main impeachment complaint and our Motion for Intervention.

Let Congress allow Joey de Venecia, the complainants and the Intervenors to say their piece before the Filipino People. Let Congress give Joey, Manolo and all the rest of those who want Gloria be made accountable of these high crimes their moment to present their case before this august chamber. It would be better if the Committee even pass the buck of responsibility to the assembly since, Gloria enjoys a sizeable number of supporters anyway and like the palace and the Speaker Nograles says, the impeachment will not even reach second reading because it does'nt enjoy the numbers.

I was also texting Manolo and we both agree that the minority congressmen did their constituencies proud today (special mention goes to Gen San beauty Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Cagayan de Oro Congressman Guingona and BAYAN Muna Representative Teddy Casino). They fought for the inclusion of the MOI, which is uncanny since some of them disputed its inclusion at the onset due to party stands.

I have many classmates and students in Congress who would probably change their stand if I decide to approach them, among them, Henry Teves and Cong. Tupas. Laguna rep. Dan Fernandez is also a good prospect though he's an avowed administration ally and also Cong. Jon Villanueva. I have a handful of other Congressmen whom we can probably approach and explain why we intend to impeach Gloria.

I had a meeting with some friends who recommended that I do an entirely "out of the box" thing to highlight the struggle. Well, my friends, I would like to do just that but I don't want to be like that noble friend of mine who went to that airport tower and was shot and killed without achieving anything. Revolutions are not brash affairs.

Yes, this struggle is, I think, doomed to fail, if Nograles and Dureza are to be believed. Nonetheless, as one anecdote says, one door closes, another one opens. Impeachment is a very political act. It will not solve the very core problems of this country of ours. However, with its death rise hopes that other options is better and more potent that mere pen and paper.

There are other options other than impeachment. That's why I put a time counter in my site now. There's a New Kind of Revolution that would shake the very foundations of this decrepit society. And it will happen very, very soon. Check my clock.

A joc on Villar

Was there a compromise between the minority Senators and Malacanang with respect to the ouster of Senate President Manny Villar which is tied to the on-going Joc-Joc Bolante fertilizer fund probe? And was it a compromise for senators to "free Bolante" in exchange for Villar's head?

We all know that the minority has been gunning for Villar's ouster since a year ago. The Opposition would have been the new majority had some "oppositionists", in the likes of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano not went over the fence and sided with the Villar camp, who, obviously is linked in some ways with the palace. It seems that the compromise involves senators treating Bolante like a kid and allow him to go home (and possibly scot-free?) in exchange for 3 additional votes from the administration block.

That explains why during the Joc-Joc Bolante probe, there were some administration senators who abstained from the hearings. Are Senators, especially from the minority, agreeable to just go thru the motions and eventually drop the prospect of a deeper Bolante probe in exchange for Villar's ouster? Last hearing, there were suggestions that personalities connected with Bolante, like former DA Secretary Cito Lorenzo be asked to appear at the Senate. Will the minority senators still pursue this matter as vigorously as what they promised before? How about those suggestions that former Senate President Franklin Drilon be made to appear at the Senate as a witness? Will this be sacrificed as well?

What the minority had not realized is that this new configuration at the Senate imperils the chances of the anti-charter change movement. With Enrile at the helm of the Upper Chamber, and the possibility of the Cayetano siblings staying with the administration block, the chances of Malacanang railroading the proceedings at the Senate is not a remote possibility. Enrile is known to champion the legal rationale of the palace. It was evident during the Bolante probe.

Enrile is obviously an administration lackey and with the votes with him, what would prevent Malacanang from forcefully pressing cha-cha down our throats this time? The Minority may have sacrificed the very welfare of the Filipino people just because of their political vendetta against Villar.

Countdown for a New Revolution

I am officially counting down the days for this New Revolution. I am very excited about this. Why? Because I believe that this New Revolution would definitely put us on First World status. Today, European and Asian economies quietly slipped into what I already predicted here as a financial ice age. Analysts say it would take at least 18 months before this ice age thaws. By this time, the Philippines would have slipped to its own version of a recession, according to Palace economic adviser Joey Salceda.

This slip of the country into recession is inevitable. We don't have a very strong and self-reliant economy. We are vulnerable to attacks. If the region is slowly contracting, ours will contract as well regardless of who's in charge of government. What we can do is ensure that we have a government that will not rob our taxes and line the pockets of those close to the Powers-That-Be.

And that my friends, should be the order of the day. The survival of our economy wrests on how high (or how low) consumer confidence is, right? If we have a market that fears what would happen next, we will definitely slide to the financial dark ages. But, if we have a revitalized market and confidence in the capability of our local industries is high, then, there is no reason for us not to be optimistic. However, at this time, there is no reason for us to be hopeful.

BUT, I TELL YOU MY FRIENDS, THERE IS ONE REASON TO BE HOPEFUL. THERE IS A QUIET REVOLUTION GOING ON AND THIS IS BEING LED BY IDEALISTIC AND NATIONALISTIC YOUTH.

YES, THIS REVOLUTION, I SHARE WITH YOU. THESE NEW PATRIOTS ARE UNVEILING SOMETHING VERY, VERY SOON THAT WOULD CHANGE THE PATH OF THIS COUNTRY.

YES, THIS GROUP OF YOUNG, IDEALISTIC AND PATRIOTIC INDIVIDUALS HAVE CREATED A REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCT THAT WOULD PUT THE PHILIPPINES IN THE WORLD MAP.

FOR YEARS, OUR NEIGHBOURS THINK OF US AS A TALENTED YET UNFORTUNATE PEOPLE. WE HAVE THE TALENT, YES, BUT WE HAVE A GOVERNMENT THAT HATE TALENTS.

NOW, WITH THIS REVOLUTION, WE WILL BE ABLE TO WREST POWER FROM THOSE WHO OPPRESS US. WE WILL BE ABLE TO DESIGN A NEW PHILIPPINES THAT WOULD LIGHT EVERY ONE'S HOPES ALIVE!

YES, THIS REVOLUTION IS BEING DONE INSPITE OF GOVERNMENT! IT WOULD BRING BACK THE OLD GLORY OF THIS COUNTRY AND RESTORE THE FAITH OF THE FILIPINO IN HIMSELF.


ONWARD TOWARDS A NEW PHILIPPINE REVOLUTION!

Miriam and the Class Goat

It’s a pity that a professional police officer like former Director Eliseo dela Paz allowed himself to be put under the limelight of shame. I mean, he served for so many years and because of this Euro general scam, he’ll go down as a disgraced officer. Dela Paz was probably asked by his mistahs in PMA Class 76 to take the fall. Poor man.

What was substantial about this Euro General investigation today is the expose if you will, of Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago. The good senator said that the PNP reportedly has about 650 million pesos in “secret funds” from their PNP Training program. According to Santiago, the allocated salaries of PNP trainees (about 3,500 per annum) are not being given to these trainees and kept by the PNP. By law, the PNP is supposed to take in about 3,500 trainees by January. Yet, they train these cop aspirants without pay for six months before they’re given pay. Ingenious, is’nt?

I commend Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago for this. In the past, I'm not exactly an admirer of the good senator from Iloilo. But, because of her conduct during the past two controversial probes, she regained my respect and I think, most of the people.

She asked relevant questions. She accorded respect to all witnesses and even while receiving none, you maintained exquisite composure. Your acts are presidential material.

To former Director Eliseo dela Paz, I respect you for sacrificing yourself and taking the fall. You are now PMA Class 76’s officially designated goat.

To Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago, I take my hat off to you. You have showed that there are still Senators like you who possess tremendous wit, intellectual stamina and bravery. I hate to admit it, but, Madame Senator, you have turned me into one of your admirers. If you plan to take on the presidency, I would surely give my pen for you.

On another dig....

Government, it seems, has been transformed into a big mafia. I mean, syndicates are having their field day in almost all departments of government.

You have a syndicate at the Department of Agriculture, another one reportedly at the DOTC (Department of Transportation and Communication, the LTO), Department of Education (those involved in the book scam), Department of Interior and Local Governments (especially within the bureau of the PNP), Department of Finance (Customs), and the BIR (of course).

Syndicates are amassing more than 30 billion pesos a year. That's the estimate of the World Bank and the Commission on Audit. That's the amount lost due to graft and corruption. Just imagine that.

Question---will we still allow this to happen? I remember the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) admonishing motorists from giving alms to these street vagrants. They say, they're part of a syndicate.

Well, with organized syndicates operating within government, which is better--give taxes and at least 30% of it will go to these syndicates inside government? Or those vagrants? I'll chose the poor anytime.

DA Syndicate

I'm gathering some explosive stuff on the entrenched syndicate embedded at the Department of Agriculture. It seems that this syndicate is really the ones behind that infamous fertilizer scam. This syndicate, composed of retired military men, corrupt former Leftist rebels, dealers and operators from the Bicol region are the ones who operated on the disbursement of fertilizer funds. There may be truth to the testimony by Joc-Joc Bolante today that he does'nt know what happened to the funds right after they released it on February 2004. It seems that this syndicate manipulated all of the operations and succeeded in amassing more than 315 million from the original 728 million.

The DA Syndicate operates like a mafia inside the Department of Agriculture. Sources say those close to DA Secretary Arthur Yap are allegedly the ones maintaining the syndicate (I'm still verifying this). The syndicate controls not just the DA but also the National Food Authority (NFA).

However, there are some former comrades of mine who told me that disgraced leftist rebels who now degenerated as syndicates are manipulating or controlling the DA. To those who are now operating this syndicate, let this serve as a warning to all of you--your days are numbered. You are like leeches. You suck the very life blood of the farmers. You deserve the People's Justice.

Calling the Sparrows, the Patriots and the YOUng. Make some samples out of these men. Kawawa naman mga magsasaka natin if they'll continue to control the DA.

As for you, Mr.Joc-Joc Bolante...I Know you know who threatens your life and your family's. You think you're safe against this syndicate? I doubt it.When all of these probes and investigations are over, whether you escape jail time or not, this syndicate will just let the issue die down and eventually they will hunt you down.

Joc-Joc, help the Senate uncover the truth. Help the people. We have degenerated so much from the heavy weight of corruption and graft now. It's time for us to really push for change.

Regain This Nation's Glory

Have you been asked by your mom to go to the store and buy some suka? I’m sure every one experienced that. You’re given 10 pesos and suka is just 5 pesos a jigger and you give back the sukli, yes? I know everyone experience that.

In government, the people repose trust and confidence to their leader. Elections are the surest guarantee of that trust. Elections give these officials the chance to serve and it serves as a covenant. The laws, meanwhile, serve as terms of reference, a kind of Code that guides everyone on the right conduct in society.

This simple experience of going to the store and buy something and giving back the sukli is what we call “accountability”. When you’re a government official, you need to think that every action that you take requires accountability. You are not doing it for your own benefit. You are doing it for your parents, your grandparents, your wife, your kids and your friends.

A government post is not just a position of responsibility; it is a position of accountability.
IN this administration of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, she and the rest of her gang were given the chance to serve this country. Through taxes, the people express the belief that Mrs. Arroyo would uphold the very pillars by which this country was founded:

Independence
Territorial Integrity
Justice

In a span of eight years, Mrs. Arroyo has nearly destroyed all of these pillars and for what? To make the Filipino life better? Tell that to the Philippine Marines, Mrs. Arroyo. The very sons and wives of the Marines are suffering. They can’t even get their allowances. They can’t even get loans.

Is the life of the soldier better now than 2001? No. The same old boots. The same tattered clothes. The same old bullets. The same old soggy socks.

How about the worker? Is life better now than 2001? Wage increase, is there any? How about the ability to get loans? Nothing much either there.

What future awaits the Filipino farmer who were deprived of more than 3 billion pesos by a group of greedy and hungry devils masquerading as government officials?

What future awaits the more than 350,000 new graduates next year? How about the more than 7 million able-bodied Pinoys all walking like Zombies along the stretch of Ayala and all other places in the country, finding, desperately looking for jobs?

And what would happen to the more than 2 million people affected by the war in Mindanao?

This war which has been raging since the 19th century, has now affected more than 250,000 families. Prior to this year, peace has relatively reigned in that part of the world. But because of higher realpolitik, peace and order has now degenerated.

Who, then, is accountable for all these societal mess?

If this government cannot give us justice, then, let the People show everyone that this Country is still proud of its race.

That the People is not just a bunch of individuals; but a Nation. A proud Nation of People who do not tolerate shady deals, government corruption and immorality of the highest order.

Let those who stole from us be accountable for their actions.

Act now. Stand Up now. Move now. Or it would be too late for us, for our kids, for our future.

Oust the Imp(ostor) and Suya Ka Na Ba?

I stumbled upon two very new and interesting sites. One of them "Oust the Imp" (http://ousttheimp.wordpress.com/) is very entertaining. It's political alright but the way the writer treats her material is great. The other one is http://suyakana.blogspot.com. Talks about why some bloggers filed that intervention to the main impeachment complaint of Joey de Venecia.

If you want to know the real score behind Manolo etal visit to Congress today, check out those two sites and you'll know why. Maybe most of them felt "suya"? They're not happy with the way things are going so they are feeling suya and want the "imp" (impostor and I think it's Gloria) out.

There are so many interesting things going on right now. Truly, I don't know where to start. Let me compose my thoughts for a while and digest what Marocharim is saying in his blog (http://www.marocharim. com/).

In the next few days, I will be writing serious stuff here. Bear with me. I need to expose the excesses of this regime. That is my mission as a blogger--to expose the Truth and let it hang dry.

Reality bites like a rabid dog

Many years ago, I stumbled upon a case that would change my life forever. At that time, I was a journalist. After years of being an activist, I shed my revolutionary robe and donned on a new one. Despite the protestations of my deceased dad (who wanted me to become a lawyer), I pushed on as a journalist since writing remains a burning passion within me. Being a journalist though, I needed to shed every ism within my soul, hoping that I'll look at every scene, every spectacle and every presscon without my red-colored lenses.

Yet, the more I look at reality, the more I realized that those years I spent pouring over books written by economists, historiographers, sociologists and philosophers were spent wisely. I came face-to-face with the miseries of the people. Those who were victimized by crime. Those who were held hostage by a patronage-laden system. And those who were rendered orphan by the daily struggles against poverty--all of them--became my bedfellows.

The centuries-old struggle of our heroes came flashing back, as if we did not really progress as what government wants us to believe. That the very same problems which confronted our forefathers remain deeply rooted in Filipino society.

The more I observe, the more I became convinced that change should happen. Not for me. I'm a damned soul already. I need to act for the benefit of future generations.

Against the will of my family, I decided to help. And help I did. I gave my precious time, helping a woman who saw how brutal and corrupt the cops were. She went into high gear and became a prominent national figure while I stood behind the shadows, content that I accomplished what's supposed to be done.

Eight years past, and all those sacrifices which nearly cost me my life and the future of my family, all went to naught. We managed to install a more corrupt government. No one thought that this would happen although I remember my former desk editor cautioning me about this woman. She said that this woman would bring chaos back into our lives. Well, she said it right. But, she left out one important thing--it's not just chaos--its monumental which has caused thousands of lives and more than 4 million families hungry.

What is to be done?

I'm 37 years old right now, with a 6 month old baby. I also have two kindergarten kids with me and a lovely wife. I have bills to pay, including a car amortization. I have credit card bills piling up. I just have a few thousands in my bank account and I fear that I'll lose them altogether within a month.

I need to weigh my options, and I have a very limited one. Will I respond to the challenge put forth by those junior officers yesterday, calling for a general uprising against this evil, corrupt and decrepit administration?

Is their method the surest way for me to secure the future of my baby, my kids and my wife? A chap like me just needs a more equal, more stable and more graft-less government. Will their call benefit me and my family? Is a revolution the solution for those who have less to have at least a fair chance for a better life? Or will it further worsen the already bad situation me and my family are in?

For some, revolution is just a fancy concept invented by those men who struggled against tyrants and oppressors many centuries back. It's good to write. It's easy to pronounce. It's even fancy to wear.

Yet, in this very moment, revolution is not just an armchair revolutionary's idea. No. It is as real and as needed by us, especially.

We need a revolution. We need something to pull us out of this rut. We need an event that would re-install our "hiya". We need a life-altering change that would rouse us from apathy, disillusionment and hopelessness so that we unite for the advancement of our nation.

We had that before. EDSA Uno was one event that made us smile and made us proud. We can still do the same in our generation now. We can make Filipinos smile again. We can make them proud again, but on a different level.

Weighing between personal and the nation's, I chose the nation's. I was born in this country. The very soil that I stand on needs me. I owe the Motherland whatever I possess now. And the Motherland is grieving because she sees her sons and daughters scrapping the very bottom of the barrel all because of the ineptitude of the usurper in power.

For those Patriots of the New Generation, the Filipino People need you to restore order and make all those who robbed us, stole our monies and corrupted us pay for their sins. We are accepting your challenge. It is time for us to stand against immorality, graft, corruption and utter mismanagement.

Now, our generation needs to shine once more in its duty for the Motherland. Let those who want a cleaner and more effective government rise from their seats and unite behind those who struggle for freedom.

Speaker Nograles will endorse impeachment; cha-cha train pushes thru

There are reports that Speaker Prospero Nograles will endorse the impeachment complaint against his benefactor Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. After publicly saying that it's doomed, Nograles probably realized that it would not do him any good if he uses his power to block the complaint. I think what the Lakas-Kampi gang wants to do is let it go thru the process. It'll not get any votes anyway.

What I'm concerned about now is the charter change campaign. Many Congressmen have been reportedly talking with the administration on this. In fact, there was allegedly a meeting between Gloria and some Congressmen on the night of Saturday in Makati City, precisely discussing charter change. Apparently, talks abound that Gloria and her allies want to pass the charter change proposal on second reading.

Well, I don't know about you, but this is as sneaky as they can get. They would probably sacrifice Bolante and have him roasted at the Senate. They would probably allow the impeachment to pass the committee level. But, they'll never, ever, give up on this stupid cha-cha gravy train.

Gloria has been forewarned already both by her allies and foes that going the cha-cha route would plunge this country into total chaos, anarchy and civil war. Being a risk taker, Gloria is willing to risk it all and probably test the mettle of this "chaos theory". She'll marshall her forces and give cha-cha opponents a run for their monies.

Gloria has a surprise for all of us. Will it really surprise us? Let's see.

Thrice Spurned

To Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo,

Please discontinue embarrassing us. You called President-elect Barack Obama thrice, yet, the good president of the United States of America, an important ally, rejected your calls. I can even hear the voice from the other line, " your call cannot be completed as dialed...please check the number and dial again.." Hehehe!

Other world leaders have already called Obama and he already accepted their thanks. But you, oh, Obama will never spend his precious time with you.

Obama hates human rights violators.
Obama hates those who are greedy for power.
Obama hates oppressors.

And you know what? I'm very, very close to Obama through the Internet, you see. In fact, since 2003, I've known him thru email and web correspondences. He's a very nice and enviable guy. And he responds thru chat.

And you know why he prefers to talk to a guy like me, and millions of us?

Because we're not power-hungry.
Because we're not greedy.
Because we respect the rights of our fellow men.

The moment Gloria realizes that she's actually not running our country the way it should be run, she'll know why Obama hates her so much.

Will we have a new History come November 10?

Those who hope for a better life may find the first quarter of 2009 very challenging. My friends told me that the full impact of the global recession may hit us on the third week of January 2009. Yes, and at this point, there seems to be no other plan except maybe a bailout proposal in the minds of Gloria's economists.

Gloria's honchos are busy preparing for charter change that they are forgetting one thing--Gloria has to move house by 2010. The Bishops-Businessmen Conference has already spoken. They don't want cha-cha. They want a peaceful and smooth transition in 2010.

However, I got this information that these bastards are planning something come November 10. I already wrote about this earlier and I warn those who'll help Gloria and her nincoompoops escape the long-arm of Justice come 2010---your plans will fail.

Like what I felt before EDSA Dos, things are starting to get better. People are slowly being mobilized. People are aware and very certain about their feelings against charter change. Yes, Gloria may have her Congress, her Senate, her Supreme Court, her PNP and AFP. Gloria may have all members of this country's elite.

But, if she does'nt have the People by her side, she and her gang of misfits will get what they deserve eventually.

A watery future

Do you plurk? I do. Click on this link and we'll be friends forever.

I'm heading on a new experience. I've been working hard trying to make other people rich. Now, it is time for me to head on a new direction and become an entrepreneur.

Yes, I'm trying to raise money for a water refilling business. Sounds weird right? After spending most of my life on communications-related jobs, I, now, am looking forward to a business which some might think as unfamiliar territory.

Well, for me, it's not anymore. I've researched all about it and found that, a water refilling station can very well sustain somebody's family. My family ( I have a 6 month old baby) needs at least 60k per month to sustain ourselves. That's huge. Yes. I just entered the army of the "PMAers" and despite what people say that I love, in fact, I love to hate actually.

Anyway, I hope some of my friends would understand that I'll not be selling just water. I'll be selling something very clean, very refreshing, lovely, pure and absolutely thirst-quenching. Yes. Thirst-quenching.

But, I am thinking of not just selling those 5-gallon types. No. I want to puncture the beverage category (eventually). For now, I'll appreciate my friends to give me some contact numbers of companies who may need 5-gallons. Or maybe 1-liter, 500ml or 250ml types.

Eventually, I may venture into the iced tea category and find more revenues there.

For now, these are just dreams. My loan application has not been approved as yet. And I'm waiting for some money from my previous engagement.

That's a problem here. In other countries, banks and loan agencies are very lenient in giving out loans, especially those for businesses. The credit market here is very tight. How can you help in reviving the local economy if banks and loan agencies will not help you out?

Like those Americans who are very lucky to have a Change Agent as their New Leader, I want to follow what Obama urged people to do---make a change, help the economy, be an entrepreneur.

I'm planning to do just that, to prove to myself if this paradigm would really,really work.

I hope Jon Limjap is reading this--do we still have hope that people like me who wants to be an entrepreneur be helped by government or banks for that startup funds?

Barack Obama and Asia

Now that the elections are over and we now have a "change agent" as President of the United States, the question that everybody is asking right now, especially in Asia is--how would President Barack Obama tackle issues affecting the Asia-Pacific region?

Let's discuss the economy, a turf which President-elect Barack Obama claims to have the necessary prescription. What will be the overall economic paradigm that Obama will use to help ailing Asian economies? Obama's speeches reflect his leaning towards strengthening the internal economic engines of his country. His focus would be more on job-generation, lifting taxes through tax holidays and breaks and stressing more on enhancing the local economy than globalization.

Will that mean more emphasis on US economic interests than external ones? Will this means more U.S. exports dumping into Asian markets than imports? Will President Obama enter into more regional trade agreements? Or will Obama give more emphasis on foreign economic aid?

How will the US address the recession in Singapore, a main U.S. ally in Asia? How will Obama engage China, who now admits to be in a recessionary mode as well? Will an Obama administration be a "friendlier" trade partner with China? Or, will Obama change tack and try to equalize the unequal trade relationship between the two countries by force of negotiations?

On security. How will Obama tackle North Korea? Will Obama engage the North Korean government and ask them to permanently dismantle their nuclear programs? What would be Obama's answer to the growing Islamism in Asia, especially in SouthEast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines)? Will Obama continue the Bush anti-terror campaign which is using armed force or will Obama go the other route, which is engagement? If we are to gauge on Obama's first speech as President in Chicago, he tends to favor on using armed force (or war diplomacy) than pursuing the peace route. If that will be the case, what would be Obama's response to an escalated terrorist situation?

President-elect Barack Obama faces tremendous challenges, comparable to the one faced by former US President Theodore Roosevelt. In Obama's mind, there are just two wars that he needs to address--an economic war and an anti-terror menace. These wars not only threaten the survival of the world's self-proclaimed democratic power--it also threatens the entire human civilization. Now, Americans have spoken. They want change. Change can either be for the better or for the worst. Will the world enter into a hippie's golden age of change or will we slide to that dark, unchartered and uncertain future?

We will know in the next few weeks and months how Obama will try to change the world. Political rhetorics are now, over. As Obama said, it's time for Americans to climb themselves up to the ladder of change. And the world will follow.

By the way, my friends, join me in an international organisation called Asian Observers. Since President-elect Barack Obama says he'll listen to all stakeholders, let's join hands in writing our concerns to the New U.S. President. You can register at http://asianobservers.newsvine.com. For my political writings about global concerns, check out http://thenewobserver.newsvine.com

Brim with Hope

Democratic candidate Barack Obama has just been elected the 44th U.S. President. I just finished watching Obama deliver his acceptance speech. It was a speech that I think would be the subject of study and talk for years. It’s a speech that encapsulated what Americans really hope their government would do for them–unite them and rebuild their nation from the damages wrought by years of excesses.

Truly, that speech was more than presidential. It was the most ideal speech ever to be made by a U.S. president. Faced with crises and threats of monumental proportions, Barack Obama said the right things at the right time–change can only happen, if Americans unite behind government.

” Two hundred twenty one years ago,” says Obama, “…we Americans build this country, brick by brick with out callous hands….Let us build it again.”

For those words alone, Obama earned the respect and admiration of those who still doubt whether all those honey-coated words could really turn reality. For a brief moment, Americans felt hope, that, things would really turn from worst to something really good.

Hope is what Americans really need at this point. Hope that their lives would turn around.

As I was listening to Obama, I was thinking of our own situation. If Obama succeeds in uniting and shepherding his country towards economic relief, what about us? If America can produce such a fine young leader with the integrity and vision, why can’t we?

Maybe we’re looking in the wrong places. Maybe we are hoping for something which does’nt suit us. Nine years ago, we hoped that an economist could do a miracle and save us from a inept administration, only to be frustrated when the new government provided not leadership nor hope, but utter dismay and disillusionment.

We succeeded in launching two revolts, hoping that things would change, only to realize later that massing all those millions is not enough to put our house in order. Maybe popular revolts is not the way for us. Maybe we just need someone who’ll provide us the vision, the direction, and the map to do it. And maybe, just maybe what we need is someone who’ll distill all these disparate voices we hear from different groups among us and put it as one voice. One voice, One Agenda, One United nation.

Obama’s message is as clear as the summer’s day–hope and change rest in every American. It’s a message of hope, I think, not just for Americans, but also for Filipinos.

Those who hope for a better life under a better government–despair not. Evermore, Filipinos should hope that someone in the present generation would stand up and provide what we truly need–a rallying cry and a true leader who’ll put our house in order.

More than the money

Heard that former PNP Comptroller Director Eliseo dela Paz and six other Euro generals just returned the money entrusted to them yesterday. This came after two weeks. If they give back all the money, it would amount to about 2 million pesos. Question--where's the rest of the dough?

And how about that questionable 6 million in Russia? Any followups? Is the PNP leadership waiting for the public's interest to die down or wane before they finally do something to recover the money?

There must be some closure on this issue. Why?

It has eroded the trust and confidence of the people. Institutions of authority should at least enjoy a measure or two of trust before people can finally say that they're safe. How would you feel safe in a country where the very Institutions that are supposed to protect you and your property are themselves, looting it and partaking of the illegal stuff? 

Truly, we are now in a situation where we are being administered by a Bantay-Salakay gang. We pay our taxes. We satisfy our dues to society and the State. Yet, those who act and serve as our supposed "vanguards", are themselves, looting and abusing public trust.

More than the money, what they destroyed is the very fabric of our morality, ethics and the most important pillar of nation-building--public trust. If these officials in government already destroyed public trust, what's the use of having a public office?

Bolante's Logic

Before he touched down at NAIA, Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante told the public (via his prepared statement) that he's eager to clear himself of all charges and accusations against him. He says he's innocent. He says that the charges are baseless. He even hinted that his life is in danger "from all fronts".

Now, he's back and comfortably resting in a suite at St. Luke's hospital. Aside from minor ulcers (expected since he's very stressed and definitely under tremendous pressure to tell all), Bolante is as strong as any ordinary individual, except of course, he's being "weakened" by all these travails, which, he, himself, caused.

I really don't know how long Bolante would keep this up, but, I think, eventually, he'll, at one point, break. Everyone has a breaking point. And knowing him, who's such a coward (flight in this case is not only an admission of guilt; it's the inability to really clam up), he'll sooner or later blurt out the Truth.

If Joc-Joc really wants to clear himself, any forum would do. Is he waiting for a movie offer? A big commission? A man-of-his word compromise? Is Joc-Joc still waiting who'll win between the anti-Gloria and the pro-Gloria camps before telling everything?

Let me just say that, sooner or later, Joc-Joc Bolante will have to tell everything he knows--either in a Truth Commission after a revolt or prior to the revolt if he's intelligent. The more he clams up, the more he's fueling speculations. The more speculations, the sooner this evil regime ends. If he expects that the public's anger at this fertilizer scam has abated, he's wrong. 

The more he keeps silent, the sooner the demise of this administration. Why? People are just seething inside. If they think the public's interest would wane, they better prepare something good coz it's going to be nasty, real nasty in the next few days.

That's why, it's okey if Joc-Joc stays longer at St. Luke's. Even if he spend his entire retirement funds, (who'll foot the bill for Joc-Joc?) he'll not escape the long arm of Justice. Maybe not in the immediate future (days from now).