There is a looming worker's and peasants revolt. The cries of these sectors are palpable. The secessionist movement in Mindanao is gaining steam. Some sectors of the Philippine military are also complaining with the inability of the leadership to address some major structural concerns. Civil society is complaining against government's plan to further militarize the already militarized state, while big businesses are losing their incomes and markets due to a rapidly deteriorating economic situation.
We also have a looming power crisis, reason is more of relational rather than supply. Government is trying to solve it by threats but sectors, especially LPG dealers are making government a fool. A financial crisis looms in the horizon, what with banks unable to make profits and pre-need and financial institutions closing shop due to liquidity problems.
On the social front, the number of Pinoy addicts rose to six million. Despite efforts by the government to wean youngsters away from prohibitive substances, the inability of enforcement agencies to strike back or kill these drug syndicates is causing the numbers to rise. There must be some resolutions here, or a creation of a supra national agency to address the worsening drug situation.
As drug addicts roam our streets and pushers reap more profits, crimes have risen to a Guinness book All-time high. Not just kidnapping for ransom or murders or robbery, there is also a significant rise in personal crimes, like adultery, concubinage and even, sexual sadism. More and more people are forgetting their traditional ethics and resorting to pleasures which lead to destruction of the soul.
Moral decay has indeed worsened, with government officials brazenly founting the law and in pig's fashion, raiding and pillaging the public coffers with utter boldness. Thievery of the highest order has influenced even the conduct of petty officials who now openly steal and rob people's monies. Meanwhile, kids as early as 11 years old takes drugs and sleeps with their playmates. Work weary parents are a useless lot, since kids are becoming more decadent, what with the pervasive and strong influence of media and peer pressures.
In all of these challenges, we, ordinary citizens, just slunk in one corner and rage within, devoiding our precious time either blogging or knitting. The lack of an inspiring leader, someone with the guts to express what we feel and act to our best interests, seemed to further deaden us to these challenges and leads to our inaction. Weak morale, yes, we all have it. That's why many of us are intending to work abroad or live permanently in some other place, abandoning even our loved ones, as an escape to this creeping dark, decaying morass.
As Gerry Lopez I think once asked--quo vadis General? Why is this all happening?
Thursday, January 29, 2009
May Day in February?
Hundreds of Filipino workers and laborers trooped to the Department of Labor and Employment to protest the rising job cuts being done by both private and public companies nationwide. Panasonic Philippines is purportedly the latest of a string of multinational companies closing shop in the Philippines. Labor groups estimate that more than 11 million Filipinos will either be laid off or will lose their shirts before the second quarter of this year. This is alarming considering that the unemployment rate is slipping faster than expected.
Labor groups are threatening to continue their strikes and demonstrations. Government employees subjected to the "rationalization" plan is also threatening to demonstrate against the current administration. The purported "surgical strike" against employees occupying so-called "redundant" positions smacks of what labor leaders call "union busting" since 50 of these employees are top union leaders. All throughout the country, thousands are being made to cut their working times by half or advised to report longer hours of work without additional pay. Some companies are encouraging part-time work. Some firms, particularly those in the garments sector are closing shop and "resurrecting" in other places with new employees signed as contractuals.
With more and more Pinoys joining the jobless sector, this causes an extreme threat to the stability of the state. As early as now, labor groups are expecting a jack knife rise in the unemployment rate. If this happens, that will surely affect consumer confidence leading to a slump or a slowdown in consumption. A slowdown in consumption will mean lesser production, ergo, more companies to close shop.
The slide of the Philippines to a deep recession is surely inevitable. In fact, compared with other countries, the Philippine bastion is sure to fall in a steeper altitude since the country will be the last one to give up the economic ghost in the region. Singapore, Japan, Korea, China and Hongkong have all declared their economies to be technically under recession. The Philippines is the last to call it quits.
Any stimulus package should address the labor issue more than any other since these displaced workers and sectors will need bigger financial assistance than other sectors. Mrs. Arroyo and her team of economic advisers should ensure that government is more responsive to this than ever since people are quite jittery over the bigger prospects of being made victims of this deepening global recession.
The state is also being held hostage by bigger interest groups seeking amelioration from their financial ruts. Pre-need companies are joining the fray, salivating with the prospect of taking a slice in the stimulus pie. While construction firms are just waiting for the finalization of their SOAs so that they could take their commissions from those juicy low-cost housing projects worth an estimated 82 billion pesos.
What is frightening is the stark prospect of a worker's revolt. The possibility of workers storming the bastille similar to the May 1, 2002 incident is not far-fetched. The eventual slip of the Philippines into a revolutionary situation is not a joke. Trouble could strike this perfumed conjugal dictatorship sooner than expected.
Labor groups are threatening to continue their strikes and demonstrations. Government employees subjected to the "rationalization" plan is also threatening to demonstrate against the current administration. The purported "surgical strike" against employees occupying so-called "redundant" positions smacks of what labor leaders call "union busting" since 50 of these employees are top union leaders. All throughout the country, thousands are being made to cut their working times by half or advised to report longer hours of work without additional pay. Some companies are encouraging part-time work. Some firms, particularly those in the garments sector are closing shop and "resurrecting" in other places with new employees signed as contractuals.
With more and more Pinoys joining the jobless sector, this causes an extreme threat to the stability of the state. As early as now, labor groups are expecting a jack knife rise in the unemployment rate. If this happens, that will surely affect consumer confidence leading to a slump or a slowdown in consumption. A slowdown in consumption will mean lesser production, ergo, more companies to close shop.
The slide of the Philippines to a deep recession is surely inevitable. In fact, compared with other countries, the Philippine bastion is sure to fall in a steeper altitude since the country will be the last one to give up the economic ghost in the region. Singapore, Japan, Korea, China and Hongkong have all declared their economies to be technically under recession. The Philippines is the last to call it quits.
Any stimulus package should address the labor issue more than any other since these displaced workers and sectors will need bigger financial assistance than other sectors. Mrs. Arroyo and her team of economic advisers should ensure that government is more responsive to this than ever since people are quite jittery over the bigger prospects of being made victims of this deepening global recession.
The state is also being held hostage by bigger interest groups seeking amelioration from their financial ruts. Pre-need companies are joining the fray, salivating with the prospect of taking a slice in the stimulus pie. While construction firms are just waiting for the finalization of their SOAs so that they could take their commissions from those juicy low-cost housing projects worth an estimated 82 billion pesos.
What is frightening is the stark prospect of a worker's revolt. The possibility of workers storming the bastille similar to the May 1, 2002 incident is not far-fetched. The eventual slip of the Philippines into a revolutionary situation is not a joke. Trouble could strike this perfumed conjugal dictatorship sooner than expected.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
2010 Configurations--Bayani's pink slip, Loren's party, and Cheez Whiz
Sources from the administration confirmed the marriage of KAMPI, the administration political party and the Nationalist People's Coalition of former Ambassador Danding Cojuangco. This marriage, it seems, cements the political component of the Cojuangco-Arroyo-Ongpin cabal. And in all likelihood, this strong party, will field as a common candidate two names: Senators Loren Legarda and Cheez Escudero.
Yesterday, Senator Legarda already announced her willingness to run as president during her birthday party in Tondo. The birthday party has all the trappings of a campaign, with the pompoms, the free clinics, free food sans the wines and spirits that attends every Loren Legarda b-day party. When asked if she's willing to run as president, Legarda said that she's ready.
This is not all surprising considering that Loren has been going around the country, attending all these annual festivals and fiestas, even going to funerals all around the Philippines (heard that she did that in Vigan, Ilocos Sur). Loren wants to be president and her strong showing at the surveys could very well justify her intention.
However, what is NOT BEING REPORTED is the fact that Cheez Escudero topped the newest and recent surveys. Escudero is now at the number one spot, followed by Legarda, Noli, Villar, Roxas and a host of others. Expectedly, Chief Justice Puno is part of the bottom rung.
So, we have a situation here which the NPC should resolve---who between Escudero and Legarda will Cojuangco annoint as party standard bearer? Those allied with Mrs. Arroyo says that it will be Escudero who will asked to head the presidential campaign. However, what about Legarda who told a reporter yesterday that it's the presidency or nothing?
Was Legarda just bluffing? Probably not. Legarda's plan is linked with the expected candidacy of Vice President Noli de Castro. Legarda wants a second round with Kabayan. And she does'nt relish the scenario of playing second fiddle to a Kabayan presidency.
Are we seeing the first of a series of party dissension? If Legarda will not accede to Escudero, the NPC-KAMPI coalition might find themselves on the losing end come 2010.
By the way, I think in the bitter end, Escudero will just give way to Legarda since he's a few years shy of the constitutional qualification for president.
So, expect a Legarda-Escudero combination for NPC-KAMPI.
Question---what now, Kabayang Noli de Castro?
There are two options for Independent Kabayan---either give way to the courtship of Lakas as standard bearer or do it alone. Some sectors in Kabayan's camp are cold to Lakas while entertaining a merger with a slowly weakening Nacionalista camp. Since it's now evident that NPC has already went to bed with Kampi, this puts Noli in a bind.
Which party will Noli align himself with? He could probably make some overtures with NPC and KAMPI just to frustrate the ambitions of his nemesis, the Lady Legarda and try to spoil the brew there. Or he could stay independent and court some financial backers to support a new party ala what FVR did in 1992. This could prove beneficial to Noli given that in a clean elections, he stands a pretty good chance of clinching the top spot, given his strong showing at the surveys. However, for him to really get the top gun, he must play politics prior to the second half of this year. He must make some overtures to Legarda's backers and strike a deal that will probably leave Legarda in the lurch. He could still do that, given that majority thinks that Noli is winnable or at least have a fighting chance to get the presidency instead of Loren.
If all these fail, however, Noli can still align with Villar for a possible tandem. Heard that Lakas has teamed up with the Nacionalista and Villar is ready to give in to Kabayan as a compromise. So, in a Lakas-Nacionalista alliance, surely the winnable team is a Kabayan-Villar tandem.
So, this leaves Mr. Mar Roxas. What to do with him though?
Observers note that Senator Roxas could suffer the fate of his idol, the former Senate President Jovy Salonga. Yes, he has the financial muscle. Yes, he is charismatic. Yes, he has strength of organisation. However, what he is not, though, is this---he is still being lumped together with trapos like Villar, Escudero and Loren. He's not doing enough to differentiate himself from the motley crue.
Since we see a possible four presidential teamup, the winner will definitely be the one who'll successfully position himself as a maverick. Roxas still has the time to do this. His standings at the surveys are not plateau-ing, unlike Villar's. He still has a fighting chance. However, what he needs to do is continue positioning himself as a change agent rather than a rabble rouser. He needs to back up his anti-Arroyo statements with positive propositions. Meaning, the public would rather hear him talk about what to do with this mess rather than just rant.
In such a convoluted scenario, Roxas will have a hard time looking for a suitable partner. Obviously, a Roxas-Villar tandem will not work since it both pits two strong personalities together and in the realm of perceptions, a marriage of two traditional political parties.
Roxas might go the route of Roco who got a veritable unknown as tandem, only to lose and get the lowest rank in the elections. Most probably, Roxas might team up with a candidate to be fielded by the opposition camp, namely either from UNO or PMP. That candidate could either be Makati mayor Jejomar Binay or could even possibly be Gordon, should he jump ship this early and position himself more as independent rather than administration-dependent.
And there there is this joker, MMDA Bayani Fernando.
This loser of a dreamer still wants either the vice presidential post or a senator invitation. The problem is, even in the senatorial surveys, Fernando is faring VERY, VERY LOW. Inspite of his obvious tactic of gunning for the top spot and try to just run for the senate, Fernando's trust ratings are quite low. Yes, he's one---one percent vote. This one percent represents those who has dictatorial or Hitlerian mentality, those who dreams of pink, a shade of red. Clerics who try to write intellectual but does not understand even an iota of philosophy, subscribes and worships Fernando, probably finding him an iconic figure representing their repressed feelings while inside the seminary. Their pink slips are showing everytime Bayani fumbles. They try to disinfect Fernando's pseudo-Bayani antics to no avail. People are finding it simply too hard to re-imagine Bayani Fernando simply because no one could ever change a moronic and weak minded colorful chap like him.
Or, better yet, there's a solution. Bayani should fire his publicist.
Yesterday, Senator Legarda already announced her willingness to run as president during her birthday party in Tondo. The birthday party has all the trappings of a campaign, with the pompoms, the free clinics, free food sans the wines and spirits that attends every Loren Legarda b-day party. When asked if she's willing to run as president, Legarda said that she's ready.
This is not all surprising considering that Loren has been going around the country, attending all these annual festivals and fiestas, even going to funerals all around the Philippines (heard that she did that in Vigan, Ilocos Sur). Loren wants to be president and her strong showing at the surveys could very well justify her intention.
However, what is NOT BEING REPORTED is the fact that Cheez Escudero topped the newest and recent surveys. Escudero is now at the number one spot, followed by Legarda, Noli, Villar, Roxas and a host of others. Expectedly, Chief Justice Puno is part of the bottom rung.
So, we have a situation here which the NPC should resolve---who between Escudero and Legarda will Cojuangco annoint as party standard bearer? Those allied with Mrs. Arroyo says that it will be Escudero who will asked to head the presidential campaign. However, what about Legarda who told a reporter yesterday that it's the presidency or nothing?
Was Legarda just bluffing? Probably not. Legarda's plan is linked with the expected candidacy of Vice President Noli de Castro. Legarda wants a second round with Kabayan. And she does'nt relish the scenario of playing second fiddle to a Kabayan presidency.
Are we seeing the first of a series of party dissension? If Legarda will not accede to Escudero, the NPC-KAMPI coalition might find themselves on the losing end come 2010.
By the way, I think in the bitter end, Escudero will just give way to Legarda since he's a few years shy of the constitutional qualification for president.
So, expect a Legarda-Escudero combination for NPC-KAMPI.
Question---what now, Kabayang Noli de Castro?
There are two options for Independent Kabayan---either give way to the courtship of Lakas as standard bearer or do it alone. Some sectors in Kabayan's camp are cold to Lakas while entertaining a merger with a slowly weakening Nacionalista camp. Since it's now evident that NPC has already went to bed with Kampi, this puts Noli in a bind.
Which party will Noli align himself with? He could probably make some overtures with NPC and KAMPI just to frustrate the ambitions of his nemesis, the Lady Legarda and try to spoil the brew there. Or he could stay independent and court some financial backers to support a new party ala what FVR did in 1992. This could prove beneficial to Noli given that in a clean elections, he stands a pretty good chance of clinching the top spot, given his strong showing at the surveys. However, for him to really get the top gun, he must play politics prior to the second half of this year. He must make some overtures to Legarda's backers and strike a deal that will probably leave Legarda in the lurch. He could still do that, given that majority thinks that Noli is winnable or at least have a fighting chance to get the presidency instead of Loren.
If all these fail, however, Noli can still align with Villar for a possible tandem. Heard that Lakas has teamed up with the Nacionalista and Villar is ready to give in to Kabayan as a compromise. So, in a Lakas-Nacionalista alliance, surely the winnable team is a Kabayan-Villar tandem.
So, this leaves Mr. Mar Roxas. What to do with him though?
Observers note that Senator Roxas could suffer the fate of his idol, the former Senate President Jovy Salonga. Yes, he has the financial muscle. Yes, he is charismatic. Yes, he has strength of organisation. However, what he is not, though, is this---he is still being lumped together with trapos like Villar, Escudero and Loren. He's not doing enough to differentiate himself from the motley crue.
Since we see a possible four presidential teamup, the winner will definitely be the one who'll successfully position himself as a maverick. Roxas still has the time to do this. His standings at the surveys are not plateau-ing, unlike Villar's. He still has a fighting chance. However, what he needs to do is continue positioning himself as a change agent rather than a rabble rouser. He needs to back up his anti-Arroyo statements with positive propositions. Meaning, the public would rather hear him talk about what to do with this mess rather than just rant.
In such a convoluted scenario, Roxas will have a hard time looking for a suitable partner. Obviously, a Roxas-Villar tandem will not work since it both pits two strong personalities together and in the realm of perceptions, a marriage of two traditional political parties.
Roxas might go the route of Roco who got a veritable unknown as tandem, only to lose and get the lowest rank in the elections. Most probably, Roxas might team up with a candidate to be fielded by the opposition camp, namely either from UNO or PMP. That candidate could either be Makati mayor Jejomar Binay or could even possibly be Gordon, should he jump ship this early and position himself more as independent rather than administration-dependent.
And there there is this joker, MMDA Bayani Fernando.
This loser of a dreamer still wants either the vice presidential post or a senator invitation. The problem is, even in the senatorial surveys, Fernando is faring VERY, VERY LOW. Inspite of his obvious tactic of gunning for the top spot and try to just run for the senate, Fernando's trust ratings are quite low. Yes, he's one---one percent vote. This one percent represents those who has dictatorial or Hitlerian mentality, those who dreams of pink, a shade of red. Clerics who try to write intellectual but does not understand even an iota of philosophy, subscribes and worships Fernando, probably finding him an iconic figure representing their repressed feelings while inside the seminary. Their pink slips are showing everytime Bayani fumbles. They try to disinfect Fernando's pseudo-Bayani antics to no avail. People are finding it simply too hard to re-imagine Bayani Fernando simply because no one could ever change a moronic and weak minded colorful chap like him.
Or, better yet, there's a solution. Bayani should fire his publicist.
Arroyo cabal could get US$ 1 billion worth from RP budget
A source, who is a global financial and investment consultant, confirmed earlier reports that the Arroyo cabal lost about US$ 320-500 million worth of investments due to the sudden collapse of Lehman brothers and other global investment firms. The source, who is now hiding due to fears of possible reprisals and legal suits, wanted to give me a list of those involved in this Arroyo cabal. Reportedly, the money placed in these different global investment firms came from huge commissions and kickbacks from high government officials. The investment firm that reportedly got at least 76% of all these monies is based in Hongkong.
Now, there is a plan to salvage the loss by simply getting more from government projects. A malicious minded friend retorted that this explains why 18 billion pesos were infused to the DPWH budget and that 86 billion pesos are now being planned to be infused in low cost housing. Another one, there is a 2 billion peso allocation for fertilizers and farm inplements for the Department of Agriculture. This is about a 100 billion, from DPWH and DA alone.
If reports are true that the Arroyo cabal gets fifty percent commission, then this is roughly about 50 billion pesos or about a billion dollars worth of commissions. This amount would definitely cover the huge US$500 million they lost last year and more.
Question---why the desire to get more money this year? Speculations are rife that the Arroyos are preparing for their legal fight post-2010 and even securing their retirement years in Portugal. They even prepped their business already, with deals secured in Colombia and Hongkong.
Now, there is a plan to salvage the loss by simply getting more from government projects. A malicious minded friend retorted that this explains why 18 billion pesos were infused to the DPWH budget and that 86 billion pesos are now being planned to be infused in low cost housing. Another one, there is a 2 billion peso allocation for fertilizers and farm inplements for the Department of Agriculture. This is about a 100 billion, from DPWH and DA alone.
If reports are true that the Arroyo cabal gets fifty percent commission, then this is roughly about 50 billion pesos or about a billion dollars worth of commissions. This amount would definitely cover the huge US$500 million they lost last year and more.
Question---why the desire to get more money this year? Speculations are rife that the Arroyos are preparing for their legal fight post-2010 and even securing their retirement years in Portugal. They even prepped their business already, with deals secured in Colombia and Hongkong.
11 million Pinoys to lose their jobs in 1st Quarter 2009
Estimates made by the Ibon Foundation show that eleven million Filipino workers will probably lose their jobs this year. Add this to the 10.7million Filipinos walking like ghosts and have lost their shirts last year. That's a whooping 23 million jobless Pinoys needing government assistance.
Labor groups are now worried that this figure might probably increase due to reports that export companies are closing shop one after the other. Some banks have also reported quarter losses. Manufacturing firms, particularly garments factories have cut down on production. Many service establishments have also intimated a desire to temporarily decrease the number of their workers due to the tremendous financial stresses they are experiencing.
Question---is the economy able and strong enough to absorb this? A higher unemployment rate will simply decrease the attraction of the Philippines as an investment site since it shows how weak economic performance is. Likewise, how will these multitudes survive the onslaught of a full global recession? Singapore, for example, has already entered the worst recession in decades and they are really clueless as to how to support their citizens. Japan, China and Korea are now on the verge of economic collapse and are expected to declare recessions.
Question number 2---how strong or weak is the economy? Latest figures from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) shows that first quarter economic figures in 2009 could reach a negative or at best, one percent growth. So, contrary to government pronouncements, the Philippine economy is actually in worse shape. Arroyo has been bragging that we can survive this global recession but in truth, and in fact, we are now losing the game and at an early stage at that!
A stimulus package is being prepared but many sectors worry that this plan is just a pre-election budget meant to buttress local government and grassroots support for the administration bet come 2010. The economy really needs a stimulus plan. But the problem right now is even this stimulus plan is being politicized by the very same people we repose trust on and we elected as our government administrators.
These political maneuverings in the midst of a devastating economic crisis could really create a solid groundswell of dissent that could explode before the faces of Mrs. Arroyo and her gang of thieves this year.
Labor groups are now worried that this figure might probably increase due to reports that export companies are closing shop one after the other. Some banks have also reported quarter losses. Manufacturing firms, particularly garments factories have cut down on production. Many service establishments have also intimated a desire to temporarily decrease the number of their workers due to the tremendous financial stresses they are experiencing.
Question---is the economy able and strong enough to absorb this? A higher unemployment rate will simply decrease the attraction of the Philippines as an investment site since it shows how weak economic performance is. Likewise, how will these multitudes survive the onslaught of a full global recession? Singapore, for example, has already entered the worst recession in decades and they are really clueless as to how to support their citizens. Japan, China and Korea are now on the verge of economic collapse and are expected to declare recessions.
Question number 2---how strong or weak is the economy? Latest figures from the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) shows that first quarter economic figures in 2009 could reach a negative or at best, one percent growth. So, contrary to government pronouncements, the Philippine economy is actually in worse shape. Arroyo has been bragging that we can survive this global recession but in truth, and in fact, we are now losing the game and at an early stage at that!
A stimulus package is being prepared but many sectors worry that this plan is just a pre-election budget meant to buttress local government and grassroots support for the administration bet come 2010. The economy really needs a stimulus plan. But the problem right now is even this stimulus plan is being politicized by the very same people we repose trust on and we elected as our government administrators.
These political maneuverings in the midst of a devastating economic crisis could really create a solid groundswell of dissent that could explode before the faces of Mrs. Arroyo and her gang of thieves this year.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Puno For President---designed to fool and fail?
Chief Justice Reynato Puno's call for a moral revolution smacks of a veiled attempt by traditional forces to present an anti-thetical platform against rising public perception of systems failure. It is an attempt to re-shift the focus, from systems change to personality change. Conservative forces who are benefitting from this dysfunctional system are the primary oppositors of real systemic change through revolt, and these forces are moving to perpetuate the democratic way of change through the ballot.
There is a conscious campaign by conservative forces to disabuse the minds of the public, shifting the discourse from systems failure to personality failure, so as to stem the tide of rising dissent. This moralist call also shows how conservative forces are trying to control the developing counter-culture that threatens their very lives and power under the present dispensation. This counter-counter reflects the underbelly of dissent against the prevailing system, since people are now arriving at the conclusive presumption that the ballot is an ineffectual means for change.
The pragmatist in Puno knows that his victory as president is a long shot. Nobody has ever won in a campaign centered on a moral platform. First, people are unconvinced that it's the morals really of those in power which should be blamed for this prevailing fiasco. I know this deviates from my previous presumption and calls also for a "moral revolt", but my treatise is more on the intellectual revolt rather than a moral revolt.
Second, on whose moral code would we base Puno's moral platform? Obviously, his platform would be based on Pacheco's religious biases, which has no proven effectiveness in governance. What if this moral platform conflicts with, say, the Islamic code? How would Puno justify the use of this moral and ethical base platform in actually managing government? Surely, given the fact that morals are culturally rooted, running such a campaign attracts attribution, confusion and utter destruction of values and norms beneath or antithetical to the platform? This will surely attract opposition and worst, serious dissent which could deepen the fissures of disunity among the Filipino people.
Lastly, running under the moral platform shows a possible weaker governance style than the present one. Politics is not for the faint hearted nor the benevolent heart. Bureaucracy is full of bullshit and opportunists. What would Puno do if someone stole billions of pesos, like what Bolante reportedly did? Will he impose the death penalty? Obviously not, since, under a moralist government, it is more humane to allow one person to live and capital punishment is not considered.
Puno should not allow himself to be used by these pseudo change agents and by these conservative forces whose interests are now being threatened by the entry of New Money. The shift of wealth, from land resources to non-land and rent, are threatening the very existence of the old elites. Propping up Puno is a serious last ditch effort at finding solutions to the slowly rising influence of New Money.
There is a conscious campaign by conservative forces to disabuse the minds of the public, shifting the discourse from systems failure to personality failure, so as to stem the tide of rising dissent. This moralist call also shows how conservative forces are trying to control the developing counter-culture that threatens their very lives and power under the present dispensation. This counter-counter reflects the underbelly of dissent against the prevailing system, since people are now arriving at the conclusive presumption that the ballot is an ineffectual means for change.
The pragmatist in Puno knows that his victory as president is a long shot. Nobody has ever won in a campaign centered on a moral platform. First, people are unconvinced that it's the morals really of those in power which should be blamed for this prevailing fiasco. I know this deviates from my previous presumption and calls also for a "moral revolt", but my treatise is more on the intellectual revolt rather than a moral revolt.
Second, on whose moral code would we base Puno's moral platform? Obviously, his platform would be based on Pacheco's religious biases, which has no proven effectiveness in governance. What if this moral platform conflicts with, say, the Islamic code? How would Puno justify the use of this moral and ethical base platform in actually managing government? Surely, given the fact that morals are culturally rooted, running such a campaign attracts attribution, confusion and utter destruction of values and norms beneath or antithetical to the platform? This will surely attract opposition and worst, serious dissent which could deepen the fissures of disunity among the Filipino people.
Lastly, running under the moral platform shows a possible weaker governance style than the present one. Politics is not for the faint hearted nor the benevolent heart. Bureaucracy is full of bullshit and opportunists. What would Puno do if someone stole billions of pesos, like what Bolante reportedly did? Will he impose the death penalty? Obviously not, since, under a moralist government, it is more humane to allow one person to live and capital punishment is not considered.
Puno should not allow himself to be used by these pseudo change agents and by these conservative forces whose interests are now being threatened by the entry of New Money. The shift of wealth, from land resources to non-land and rent, are threatening the very existence of the old elites. Propping up Puno is a serious last ditch effort at finding solutions to the slowly rising influence of New Money.
Secretary Reyes next to be axed? Another rigodon?
Energy secretary Angelo Reyes said that government expects the arrival of fresh imported LPG stocks by next week. These stocks would solve the present LPG crisis not just in Metro Manila, he says, but nationwide. This departs from his earlier pronouncements, especially last December that there was no shortage of stocks.
What this shows is the lack of a STRATEGIC energy plan. A contingency plan could have prevented and saved everybody from this deplorable situation.
Another whammy is the expected rise of electricity rates. Yesterday, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) just allowed the National Power Corporation (NPC) to raise its electricity prices to about 20 cents. It translates to an increase of 10 pesos for those who consume 100 kilowatt hours worth of electricity and 20 pesos for those 200 kwt and up for residential Meralco consumers. Some sectors lambasted the NPC for doing this, saying that why pass the buck to consumers when NPC is to blame for purchasing expensive coal in the first place.
An impending whammy---oil is starting to rise up again. Production is trying to pick up in China and other places. There is a possibility of rationing oil stocks since problems of resource have been identified by the OPEC.
BY the way, I hope Energy Secretary Reyes is reading this--a source told NPR that Mrs. Arroyo is slowly losing her trust to this dependable double kara of a secretary. Reyes, next on the chopping block?
What this shows is the lack of a STRATEGIC energy plan. A contingency plan could have prevented and saved everybody from this deplorable situation.
Another whammy is the expected rise of electricity rates. Yesterday, the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) just allowed the National Power Corporation (NPC) to raise its electricity prices to about 20 cents. It translates to an increase of 10 pesos for those who consume 100 kilowatt hours worth of electricity and 20 pesos for those 200 kwt and up for residential Meralco consumers. Some sectors lambasted the NPC for doing this, saying that why pass the buck to consumers when NPC is to blame for purchasing expensive coal in the first place.
An impending whammy---oil is starting to rise up again. Production is trying to pick up in China and other places. There is a possibility of rationing oil stocks since problems of resource have been identified by the OPEC.
BY the way, I hope Energy Secretary Reyes is reading this--a source told NPR that Mrs. Arroyo is slowly losing her trust to this dependable double kara of a secretary. Reyes, next on the chopping block?
The story of the fertilizer scam so far
Sometime in 1999, Jimmy Paule, Nessie Llarena and Maritess Aytona met in different occasions. Paule told the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he first met Nessie Llarena after being introduced by a common friend. Paule went to Llarena's office when Llarena reportedly asked their common friend if he knows of someone close to DECS official. Known in inner circles as a big-time operator, having close ties with DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno, Paule could have been introduced and passed himself on to Llarena as a "powerful lobbyist".
The trio developed a deep personal and professional relationship.
Then, sometime 2003, Mrs. Arroyo, upon the prodding of her close advisers, declared her intention to seek election. A product of EDSA Dos, Mrs. Arroyo's assumption to office was, at best, through a "coup d'etat". A source said the reason why Mrs. Arroyo chose to run is to protect herself from possible attacks from the Estrada camp, who, at that time, remained very powerful and very influential.
When Arroyo announced her intention to run, an inner circle of advisers then hatched the plan to fund the electoral campaign of Mrs. Arroyo. Reportedly, the First Gentleman tasked his closest friends, among them, former DA Undersecretary Joc-Joc Bolante. Bolante is a charismatic Rotary guy, the same organization where the First Gentleman got his closest allies.
Bolante came up with an ingenous way to deepen the political grassroots network of Arroyo. The department which he controls at that time (Cito Lorenzo just served as prop) has an extensive rural network which Arroyo's camp needed.
Bolante came up with the program on supplying fertilizers to NGO's, PO's and LGU's. This program is a regular program of the DA. Bolante identified it as a potential support booster and possible funding source. First, its budget comes from the regular allocation. But since Mrs. Arroyo needs additional electoral funds, it may be that the DA increase its allocation and make the program more extensive.
Bolante then presented his plan to the powers-that-be in Malacanang. With the blessing of the First Gentleman, Bolante took over Cito Lorenzo, who, according to sources, remain clueless and uninformed about what Bolante was doing inside a department which he reportedly heads.
(wait for the next one
The trio developed a deep personal and professional relationship.
Then, sometime 2003, Mrs. Arroyo, upon the prodding of her close advisers, declared her intention to seek election. A product of EDSA Dos, Mrs. Arroyo's assumption to office was, at best, through a "coup d'etat". A source said the reason why Mrs. Arroyo chose to run is to protect herself from possible attacks from the Estrada camp, who, at that time, remained very powerful and very influential.
When Arroyo announced her intention to run, an inner circle of advisers then hatched the plan to fund the electoral campaign of Mrs. Arroyo. Reportedly, the First Gentleman tasked his closest friends, among them, former DA Undersecretary Joc-Joc Bolante. Bolante is a charismatic Rotary guy, the same organization where the First Gentleman got his closest allies.
Bolante came up with an ingenous way to deepen the political grassroots network of Arroyo. The department which he controls at that time (Cito Lorenzo just served as prop) has an extensive rural network which Arroyo's camp needed.
Bolante came up with the program on supplying fertilizers to NGO's, PO's and LGU's. This program is a regular program of the DA. Bolante identified it as a potential support booster and possible funding source. First, its budget comes from the regular allocation. But since Mrs. Arroyo needs additional electoral funds, it may be that the DA increase its allocation and make the program more extensive.
Bolante then presented his plan to the powers-that-be in Malacanang. With the blessing of the First Gentleman, Bolante took over Cito Lorenzo, who, according to sources, remain clueless and uninformed about what Bolante was doing inside a department which he reportedly heads.
(wait for the next one
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Chief Justice Puno destroyed and compromised
Former Communist and now reformed Bishop Nilo Tayag and Ang Kapatiran Party Nandy Pacheco are doing Chief Justice Reynato Puno a great disservice. As I am writing this, Tayag has just announced that over half a million Filipinos, mostly farmers, reportedly just signed a document urging Puno to run as president. Tayag and Pacheco expects to present over 3 million signatures to Puno. They believe that Puno is the right one to head the Philippine state.
I don't want to cast aspersions to Tayag and Pacheco but I share the view of former president Fidel Ramos that their acts are ill-timed and ill-advised. In fact, they really don't know the real effects of such calls for a Puno presidency on the integrity of the Chief of the Highest Tribunal of the land.
They are putting Puno in a very compromising light. Puno still heads the highest tribunal and counts for one vote. With these antics of Tayag and Pacheco, which started last week and up today, Puno's actions will now be interpreted as political instead of judicious acts. Tayag and Pacheco are trying to destroy the credibility and integrity of Puno as an impartial dispenser of justice.
What if Puno decides to vote against charter change? Allies of this administration will use this silly plan of Tayag and Pacheco as fodder for a spirited disinformation or smear campaign against the Chief Justice. Since all acts of Puno are now suspect, and probably seen by many as decisions held hostage by populist overtones, Puno is as useful as a dead horse for those who want to hinder the nefarious plan of Arroyo to extend her term. Definitely, Tayag and Pacheco already destroyed the people's view of Puno as an uncontroversial public servant.
Puno should be left alone and just be allowed to enjoy his legacy as one of the brilliant leaders of the Supreme Court.
I don't want to cast aspersions to Tayag and Pacheco but I share the view of former president Fidel Ramos that their acts are ill-timed and ill-advised. In fact, they really don't know the real effects of such calls for a Puno presidency on the integrity of the Chief of the Highest Tribunal of the land.
They are putting Puno in a very compromising light. Puno still heads the highest tribunal and counts for one vote. With these antics of Tayag and Pacheco, which started last week and up today, Puno's actions will now be interpreted as political instead of judicious acts. Tayag and Pacheco are trying to destroy the credibility and integrity of Puno as an impartial dispenser of justice.
What if Puno decides to vote against charter change? Allies of this administration will use this silly plan of Tayag and Pacheco as fodder for a spirited disinformation or smear campaign against the Chief Justice. Since all acts of Puno are now suspect, and probably seen by many as decisions held hostage by populist overtones, Puno is as useful as a dead horse for those who want to hinder the nefarious plan of Arroyo to extend her term. Definitely, Tayag and Pacheco already destroyed the people's view of Puno as an uncontroversial public servant.
Puno should be left alone and just be allowed to enjoy his legacy as one of the brilliant leaders of the Supreme Court.
Barack Obama's 1st acts as US President
New US President Barack Obama just signed three Executive Orders, two of which concerns political lobbying and a freeze on the salaries of top White House officials. The other one is an E.O about the financial stimulus package. He also signed an order temporarily stopping the prosecution of those jailed over at Guantanamo bay.
What's the meaning of all these? What Obama is trying to say is this---he wants to clean up the government, save the people some money and send a message to the world that the Obama presidency is respectful of human rights. That's the right way to start his 100 days.
Obama expects a series of meetings with Congressional leaders on how to pass and implement the 820 billion dollar stimulus package that is expected to create 3million jobs. Though the stock markets continue to plunge, Obama and his economic advisers hope that the infusion of new money into the economy will reinvigorate the markets and production starts humming again.
Let's just hope that this works. Sectors say Obama is just being given at least 100 days by the American technocrats and power-shakers. It's unfair. Yet, in American politics, that is all the patience these tradpols allow to a sassy neophyte like Obama.
What's the meaning of all these? What Obama is trying to say is this---he wants to clean up the government, save the people some money and send a message to the world that the Obama presidency is respectful of human rights. That's the right way to start his 100 days.
Obama expects a series of meetings with Congressional leaders on how to pass and implement the 820 billion dollar stimulus package that is expected to create 3million jobs. Though the stock markets continue to plunge, Obama and his economic advisers hope that the infusion of new money into the economy will reinvigorate the markets and production starts humming again.
Let's just hope that this works. Sectors say Obama is just being given at least 100 days by the American technocrats and power-shakers. It's unfair. Yet, in American politics, that is all the patience these tradpols allow to a sassy neophyte like Obama.
RP drug problem---a national security threat
PDEA Chief General Santiago said that narcopolitics have infected the body politic and have now been deemed a national security threat.Reports say that syndicates are already talking with politicians and political parties.
What are you saying, Mr. General? That it will now be justified for your men to arrest, detail or kill politicians allegedly in bed with druglords? Or, are you saying that PDEA should be given broader and more lethal powers to defeat narcopoliticians and their financiers?
If narcopolitics is the problem, then, why is the PDEA and the DECS pushing for the implementation of random drug testing? If druglords and their local political partners are the problem, then, what's the use of subjecting students and teenagers to drug testing? Is'nt it just a waste of time?
BY THE WAY, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales has ordered the immediate re-investigation of State Prosecutor John Resado. An anonymous tipster gave Gonzales and the Anti-Money Laundering Council some bank documents alleging that someone deposited 800,000 pesos to the bank account of John Resado last December 2---the same date Resado reportedly released the DOJ resolution ordering the release of the Alabang Boys. Another deposit, again amounting to 800,000 pesos was made a few days after. Reportedly, these illegal deposits amounted to 1.6 million pesos. Resado has since dismissed these malicious allegations, saying that he and his wife have a lending business. The monies, which were deposited somewhere in Bulacan, came from what Resado called " a legitimate source."
Wagging tongues say it could be the delicious fruit coming from the poisonous reso, err, tree?
What are you saying, Mr. General? That it will now be justified for your men to arrest, detail or kill politicians allegedly in bed with druglords? Or, are you saying that PDEA should be given broader and more lethal powers to defeat narcopoliticians and their financiers?
If narcopolitics is the problem, then, why is the PDEA and the DECS pushing for the implementation of random drug testing? If druglords and their local political partners are the problem, then, what's the use of subjecting students and teenagers to drug testing? Is'nt it just a waste of time?
BY THE WAY, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales has ordered the immediate re-investigation of State Prosecutor John Resado. An anonymous tipster gave Gonzales and the Anti-Money Laundering Council some bank documents alleging that someone deposited 800,000 pesos to the bank account of John Resado last December 2---the same date Resado reportedly released the DOJ resolution ordering the release of the Alabang Boys. Another deposit, again amounting to 800,000 pesos was made a few days after. Reportedly, these illegal deposits amounted to 1.6 million pesos. Resado has since dismissed these malicious allegations, saying that he and his wife have a lending business. The monies, which were deposited somewhere in Bulacan, came from what Resado called " a legitimate source."
Wagging tongues say it could be the delicious fruit coming from the poisonous reso, err, tree?
Looming RP financial crisis
Congress just approved the 1.4 trillion peso budget for 2009. About 56 billion were allocated by the government to help ailing industries, companies and economically displaced Filipinos. Calls are, however, being made coming from the Senate and some pre-need companies, seeking for financial help, since according to SEC reports, pre-need companies have some 46 billion pesos worth of outstanding credit. Pre-need companies have just 64 billion pesos, inadequate to satisfy the financial requirements of more than 34,000 Filipino plan holders.
Bad management and bad investments are forcing some pre-need companies to close shop. However, let me warn government---should Congress and Malacanang extend a helping hand to these pre-need companies and rural banks through infusion of funds coming from the enacted 1.4 trillion peso budget, that constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution.
Any infusion of financial calamity or stimulus plan should be submitted to Congress and passed separately from the annual budget. This constitutes a special fund which should not be sourced through the General Appropriations Act.
Likewise, I believe that these reports about pre-need companies are just PR. Pre-need company owners just want to have a slice of public funds by creating this so-called financial mess that they themselves created. If government helps them, it's just like condoning their malpractices which led to the dissolution of their funds. Pre-need companies should not have encountered such a mess if they just did a prudent investment plan.
What is more alarming is the slow rise of bad car mortgages. As more and more Filipinos lose their jobs and OFW's coming home, I heard from a reliable source that bad car loans are starting to accumulate. This will surely affect the existing loan portfolio of banks. Definitely, this will affect large banks since some of their income are derived from interest payments, which are then, re-invested in either medium-term or high-risk investments. With a veritable slump in regional stock markets, how would they re-coup their daily investment losses?
Aside from this, I am quite certain that this year, we will see the rising sub-prime crisis brought by bad property mortgage loans. Last November, government failed to sell bad mortgage loans amounting to half of the 250 billion pesos. SSS is being made to assist the NHMFC, yet, its depleting funds are also a cause of concern.
Government is hiding this thing from us.
Bad management and bad investments are forcing some pre-need companies to close shop. However, let me warn government---should Congress and Malacanang extend a helping hand to these pre-need companies and rural banks through infusion of funds coming from the enacted 1.4 trillion peso budget, that constitutes a clear violation of the Constitution.
Any infusion of financial calamity or stimulus plan should be submitted to Congress and passed separately from the annual budget. This constitutes a special fund which should not be sourced through the General Appropriations Act.
Likewise, I believe that these reports about pre-need companies are just PR. Pre-need company owners just want to have a slice of public funds by creating this so-called financial mess that they themselves created. If government helps them, it's just like condoning their malpractices which led to the dissolution of their funds. Pre-need companies should not have encountered such a mess if they just did a prudent investment plan.
What is more alarming is the slow rise of bad car mortgages. As more and more Filipinos lose their jobs and OFW's coming home, I heard from a reliable source that bad car loans are starting to accumulate. This will surely affect the existing loan portfolio of banks. Definitely, this will affect large banks since some of their income are derived from interest payments, which are then, re-invested in either medium-term or high-risk investments. With a veritable slump in regional stock markets, how would they re-coup their daily investment losses?
Aside from this, I am quite certain that this year, we will see the rising sub-prime crisis brought by bad property mortgage loans. Last November, government failed to sell bad mortgage loans amounting to half of the 250 billion pesos. SSS is being made to assist the NHMFC, yet, its depleting funds are also a cause of concern.
Government is hiding this thing from us.
Friday, January 16, 2009
How to handle a true Abu Sayyaf kidnap coverage
As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and the Dos Palmas kidnapping capers by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu and survived, let me give those colleagues of mine some tips on how to handle this situation:
1. If you're assigned in Jolo, it is best to live inside the PNP camp, a few meters away from the city center or the capitol town. The camp is gated. It is safer there.
2. Now, if you don't have money to spend in the air-conditioned rooms of the PNP camp, try Helen's lounge. It's cheap. It's decent and clean. However, one tip---when you wake up in the morning and you find kids asking for alms or food, give them some money. And be consistent. Make friends everywhere, even in the Jolo public market (the public market is a place where Christians just find themselves shot in the head, especially if you're a soldier or a cop).
3. Keep your distance. There are many people who will approach you and will offer assistance or information on the whereabouts of the victims. Don't be misled. These people are scammers. If the contact is legit, you'll know by your gut.
4. Never give in to the lures or demands of the kidnappers. When I covered the Sipadan hostage crisis, a known contact from the ASG demanded from us ten (10) sacks of rice as "fee" to cover the foreign hostages. I simply said no. I just reasoned that if I give 10 sacks of rice, then, the group will have food to eat and that will simply prolong the situation, ergo, I just have to stay there in Jolo longer than usual.
5. Try to understand the local culture. There are many former Christians now Muslims living in the town center. They speak Tagalog. Befriend them. Buy something from their stores. Be curious about their thoughts. Ask them the reason why all these things are happening in Jolo. Then, file your reports.
6. Live as they live. The Jolo town center teems with ASG spies and sympathizers. In fact, you'll find two kinds of people in Jolo---those legit ASG's and military spies. They mingle with the population. They pose as your friends, when they are simply spying on you. Always be attentive and mindful of your surroundings. Try to prevent from being spied on and listed as a prospective victim.
7. Never agree to go to the ASG camp. This is a very bad move. Okey if you're deeply trusted by the ASG. But, if you're not and your just there for a brief moment, don't sacrifice your life for that exclusive. It's always best to just get your news from the AFP and civilian sources. But, getting first-hand info? Nah. That's just a coverage. Not worthy to give your life to.
8. Don't get caught between crossfires. Stay clear of military operations, unless you are allowed and the military thinks that it's safe for you to cover it. Safety is your utmost concern. Don't embarrass yourself, your family and your news company if something happens to you. Publicly, they'll not reprimand you. Privately, getting injured or killed when there's actually a safer way to get the info is at most, stupid or worst, reckless.
1. If you're assigned in Jolo, it is best to live inside the PNP camp, a few meters away from the city center or the capitol town. The camp is gated. It is safer there.
2. Now, if you don't have money to spend in the air-conditioned rooms of the PNP camp, try Helen's lounge. It's cheap. It's decent and clean. However, one tip---when you wake up in the morning and you find kids asking for alms or food, give them some money. And be consistent. Make friends everywhere, even in the Jolo public market (the public market is a place where Christians just find themselves shot in the head, especially if you're a soldier or a cop).
3. Keep your distance. There are many people who will approach you and will offer assistance or information on the whereabouts of the victims. Don't be misled. These people are scammers. If the contact is legit, you'll know by your gut.
4. Never give in to the lures or demands of the kidnappers. When I covered the Sipadan hostage crisis, a known contact from the ASG demanded from us ten (10) sacks of rice as "fee" to cover the foreign hostages. I simply said no. I just reasoned that if I give 10 sacks of rice, then, the group will have food to eat and that will simply prolong the situation, ergo, I just have to stay there in Jolo longer than usual.
5. Try to understand the local culture. There are many former Christians now Muslims living in the town center. They speak Tagalog. Befriend them. Buy something from their stores. Be curious about their thoughts. Ask them the reason why all these things are happening in Jolo. Then, file your reports.
6. Live as they live. The Jolo town center teems with ASG spies and sympathizers. In fact, you'll find two kinds of people in Jolo---those legit ASG's and military spies. They mingle with the population. They pose as your friends, when they are simply spying on you. Always be attentive and mindful of your surroundings. Try to prevent from being spied on and listed as a prospective victim.
7. Never agree to go to the ASG camp. This is a very bad move. Okey if you're deeply trusted by the ASG. But, if you're not and your just there for a brief moment, don't sacrifice your life for that exclusive. It's always best to just get your news from the AFP and civilian sources. But, getting first-hand info? Nah. That's just a coverage. Not worthy to give your life to.
8. Don't get caught between crossfires. Stay clear of military operations, unless you are allowed and the military thinks that it's safe for you to cover it. Safety is your utmost concern. Don't embarrass yourself, your family and your news company if something happens to you. Publicly, they'll not reprimand you. Privately, getting injured or killed when there's actually a safer way to get the info is at most, stupid or worst, reckless.
AFP-backed ASG behind Red Cross Kidnapping?
Sulaiman Te, the notorious sub-commander of the Abu Sayyaf Group, is reportedly the one leading the group of eight men who seized three aid workers of the International Red Cross in Jolo Capital, Sulu Philippines. Sulaiman, as reports say, is also the one who masterminded the kidnapping of ABS-CBN anchorperson Ces Orena Drilon. Latest reports reveal that the victims and their kidnappers are somewhere in the hinderlands of either Patikul or Talipao, two strongholds of the dreaded terror group.
This is actually the fifth time that the so-called terrorist organisation staged a kidnapping of foreigners visiting the island of Jolo. The first time was the Sipadan hostage crisis. It was followed by the Dos Palmas kidnapping, then the Schilling kidnapping. The kidnapping of an Italian priest was also attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group. Then, this. So, all in all, there are at least five times that the ASG successfully staged a kidnapping of foreigners.
As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and Dos Palmas hostage crises and an academic interested in the resolution of the problems in Mindanao, I've noticed something very important:
1. First, all recent kidnappings after 2001 have been short-lived affairs. Why is it important to point this out? Because if the group behind the kidnapping is serious in milking every propaganda or publicity value from these events, they will prolong the kidnapping. The Sipadan crisis took months to resolve. Same as the one in Dos Palmas and the Schilling incident. Simply put, if they are serious in showing their solidarity with Al Qaeda, the ASG always squeeze every publicity out of the kidnapping and prolong the time to also lengthen their media mileage.
Second, the kidnappings in 2000 were all propaganda stunts. Unlike the previous high profile ones staged by the notorious group of supposed bandits, the Italian priest and the kidnapping of Ces Drilon lack one signature of the ASG---that of announcing their reason behind the kidnapping caper. Normally, the ASG will issue a statement, saying that this is all about jihad against Christians and "Imperial Manila". For the highly clerical-led ASG in years past, the present ASG did not issue any statement even close to the ones issued by Commander Robot or even that ASG spokesman who reportedly died off the coast of Sulu.
Third recent kidnappings staged by the ASG all involve insinuations of ransom being paid. In previous ones, there were also rumours of ransom. But, these were unfounded insinuations. The Italian priest was released after ransom has been paid. Same with the Ces Drilon kidnapping, money reportedly changed hands.
So we see a distinct difference between the kidnappings done by the ASG in 2000 and those they staged in 2008-2009: new ones are short-lived, lack ideological undertones and always involve money transfers.
What am I saying?
These things indicate or validate earlier prevalent reports from Sulu residents themselves---that the REAL ASG is no more and the group posing now as "ASG" is actually an armed group controlled by the AFP. Why do I reveal this sensitive information now? And what prompted me to reveal this now?
One, as early as 2004 or 2005, there are indications that the AFP already neutralized the core of the ASG with the killing of its spiritual, military and propaganda leaders. Second, the AFP already neutralized old core members of the ASG, including the young contact person of Arlyn dela Cruz. And third, the support base of the ASG has been effectively contained and eliminated by the special ops of the AFP. After the successful arrest of most of its top command, the ASG members simply disappeared, as reports reveal.
So, if the top command is no more and its members scattered or living normal lives in Sulu or in some other parts of Mindanao, who now is this group claiming to be "ASG"? If this group is neither ideological or religious, then, who the hell is this group of this so-called Sulaiman Te who allegedly heads the new ASG?
Just one explanation--this group is a pseudo terror group controlled and being managed by the AFP. Silly or outright illogical? In the military, there is this thing called " special ops." The ASG is one serious underground and special project of the military to flush out the real foreign terrorists making contact with the former ASG.
This is actually the fifth time that the so-called terrorist organisation staged a kidnapping of foreigners visiting the island of Jolo. The first time was the Sipadan hostage crisis. It was followed by the Dos Palmas kidnapping, then the Schilling kidnapping. The kidnapping of an Italian priest was also attributed to the Abu Sayyaf Group. Then, this. So, all in all, there are at least five times that the ASG successfully staged a kidnapping of foreigners.
As a former journalist who covered the Sipadan and Dos Palmas hostage crises and an academic interested in the resolution of the problems in Mindanao, I've noticed something very important:
1. First, all recent kidnappings after 2001 have been short-lived affairs. Why is it important to point this out? Because if the group behind the kidnapping is serious in milking every propaganda or publicity value from these events, they will prolong the kidnapping. The Sipadan crisis took months to resolve. Same as the one in Dos Palmas and the Schilling incident. Simply put, if they are serious in showing their solidarity with Al Qaeda, the ASG always squeeze every publicity out of the kidnapping and prolong the time to also lengthen their media mileage.
Second, the kidnappings in 2000 were all propaganda stunts. Unlike the previous high profile ones staged by the notorious group of supposed bandits, the Italian priest and the kidnapping of Ces Drilon lack one signature of the ASG---that of announcing their reason behind the kidnapping caper. Normally, the ASG will issue a statement, saying that this is all about jihad against Christians and "Imperial Manila". For the highly clerical-led ASG in years past, the present ASG did not issue any statement even close to the ones issued by Commander Robot or even that ASG spokesman who reportedly died off the coast of Sulu.
Third recent kidnappings staged by the ASG all involve insinuations of ransom being paid. In previous ones, there were also rumours of ransom. But, these were unfounded insinuations. The Italian priest was released after ransom has been paid. Same with the Ces Drilon kidnapping, money reportedly changed hands.
So we see a distinct difference between the kidnappings done by the ASG in 2000 and those they staged in 2008-2009: new ones are short-lived, lack ideological undertones and always involve money transfers.
What am I saying?
These things indicate or validate earlier prevalent reports from Sulu residents themselves---that the REAL ASG is no more and the group posing now as "ASG" is actually an armed group controlled by the AFP. Why do I reveal this sensitive information now? And what prompted me to reveal this now?
One, as early as 2004 or 2005, there are indications that the AFP already neutralized the core of the ASG with the killing of its spiritual, military and propaganda leaders. Second, the AFP already neutralized old core members of the ASG, including the young contact person of Arlyn dela Cruz. And third, the support base of the ASG has been effectively contained and eliminated by the special ops of the AFP. After the successful arrest of most of its top command, the ASG members simply disappeared, as reports reveal.
So, if the top command is no more and its members scattered or living normal lives in Sulu or in some other parts of Mindanao, who now is this group claiming to be "ASG"? If this group is neither ideological or religious, then, who the hell is this group of this so-called Sulaiman Te who allegedly heads the new ASG?
Just one explanation--this group is a pseudo terror group controlled and being managed by the AFP. Silly or outright illogical? In the military, there is this thing called " special ops." The ASG is one serious underground and special project of the military to flush out the real foreign terrorists making contact with the former ASG.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Breaking News--ABU SAYYAF KIDNAPS FOREIGNERS ANEW!
Shortly after the announcement of Al Qaeda spiritual leader Osama bin Laden's call for jihad against the so-called " US-Zionist" alliance, members of the Abu Sayyaf Group, led by a certain Albader Parad kidnapped two foreigners and one aide member of the International Red Cross.
The kidnapping happened right under the noses of authorities, as accounts reveal that the kidnap victims were seized at gunpoint near the Sulu capitol building in Patikul town just this morning.
Sulu police director Senior Supt. Julasirim Kasim identified the kidnapped victims as Andreas Notter, 38, the Swiss head of the ICRC Office based in Zamboanga City; 62-year old Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina engineer Jean Lacaba, 37 of Davao City. Reports say they were seized at the Area Coordinating Center (ACC), a conference hall between the provincial capitol and provincial jail.
They were taken at gunpoint along with three other ICRC staff members. Witnesses say at least eight men with high-powered firearms emerged out of nowhere and nabbed them.
The suspects then ordered the victims to board an ICRC vehicle, leaving behind Dr. Richie Sorilla, ICRC medical field officer; Ramon Catacutan, senior field officer; and Mohamad Shihata Jikiri, field officer.
Brigadier General Eugene Clemen, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade based in Patikul, said the victims were on their way out of the capitol compound when the armed men ordered them to board the ICRC vehicle.
Immediately after the kidnapping, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered for a full manhunt against the kidnappers. Sulu governor Abdulsakur Tan meanwhile vowed to retaliate against the families of those who kidnapped the foreign aid workers.
It will be remembered that the same Albader Parad led the team which kidnapped ABS-CBN News Anchor Ces Drilon and her team. After the release of Drilon, no news as to the whereabouts of Parad. However, AFP press statements said that they continued hot pursuit operations against the group of Parad.
This caps a series of insurrectionary activities in Mindanao, which has killed scores of others. Fighting rages in the hinterlands of Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and Cotabato.
Question---will this affect the ongoing efforts by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to return to the negotiating table soon? Will this also turn into a scenario similar to the Sipadan hostage crisis?
This is the most recent high profile kidnapping done by the ASG. The last time that the Abu Sayyaf Group, a known international terror organisation, held a high-profile kidnapping was in 2000, shortly prior to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada.
This kidnapping is significant for two things: First, it involves an international organization. And second, the terror group could use this as a propaganda stunt. Given the attention in the Middle East brought by the Israeli-Palestinian clash in Gaza, this kidnapping could get worldwide attention or condemnation. This could also be misinterpreted as a coordinated effort by global terrorist groups under the ambit of the Al Qaeda.
The kidnapping happened right under the noses of authorities, as accounts reveal that the kidnap victims were seized at gunpoint near the Sulu capitol building in Patikul town just this morning.
Sulu police director Senior Supt. Julasirim Kasim identified the kidnapped victims as Andreas Notter, 38, the Swiss head of the ICRC Office based in Zamboanga City; 62-year old Italian Eugenio Vagni and Filipina engineer Jean Lacaba, 37 of Davao City. Reports say they were seized at the Area Coordinating Center (ACC), a conference hall between the provincial capitol and provincial jail.
They were taken at gunpoint along with three other ICRC staff members. Witnesses say at least eight men with high-powered firearms emerged out of nowhere and nabbed them.
The suspects then ordered the victims to board an ICRC vehicle, leaving behind Dr. Richie Sorilla, ICRC medical field officer; Ramon Catacutan, senior field officer; and Mohamad Shihata Jikiri, field officer.
Brigadier General Eugene Clemen, commander of the 3rd Marine Brigade based in Patikul, said the victims were on their way out of the capitol compound when the armed men ordered them to board the ICRC vehicle.
Immediately after the kidnapping, Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ordered for a full manhunt against the kidnappers. Sulu governor Abdulsakur Tan meanwhile vowed to retaliate against the families of those who kidnapped the foreign aid workers.
It will be remembered that the same Albader Parad led the team which kidnapped ABS-CBN News Anchor Ces Drilon and her team. After the release of Drilon, no news as to the whereabouts of Parad. However, AFP press statements said that they continued hot pursuit operations against the group of Parad.
This caps a series of insurrectionary activities in Mindanao, which has killed scores of others. Fighting rages in the hinterlands of Sulu, Basilan, Lanao del Norte, Maguindanao and Cotabato.
Question---will this affect the ongoing efforts by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to return to the negotiating table soon? Will this also turn into a scenario similar to the Sipadan hostage crisis?
This is the most recent high profile kidnapping done by the ASG. The last time that the Abu Sayyaf Group, a known international terror organisation, held a high-profile kidnapping was in 2000, shortly prior to the ouster of former President Joseph Estrada.
This kidnapping is significant for two things: First, it involves an international organization. And second, the terror group could use this as a propaganda stunt. Given the attention in the Middle East brought by the Israeli-Palestinian clash in Gaza, this kidnapping could get worldwide attention or condemnation. This could also be misinterpreted as a coordinated effort by global terrorist groups under the ambit of the Al Qaeda.
Breaking news--NORTHRAIL PROJECT TO GO AHEAD!
After all the hoopla and the drama, the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is pushing thru with the very controversial and very overpriced Northrail project. Yes, Noemi, it is definitely pushing thru. And the people must be made to understand that they must be ready to pay more than US$700 million for this huge monstrosity.
Imagine, this project and that of the ZTE cost the head of former Speaker (and alleged “Global Filipino”) Joe de Venecia Jr. No, I stand corrected—this controversy actually put an end to the decades-old political ascendancy of JDV. It has lead, providentially in fact, to a succession, which we will see in 2010.
So, if the Northrail project is pushing thru, are we then seeing the revival of the mothballed ZTE project? Or, the project is actually now on-going in a different name? We will never know.
Ultimately, it was only the activists who got hoarse shouting to high heavens how fucked things are. Eventually, those close to the Palace got their millions, plain and simple.
What can you say to this, Joey de Venecia? After all your revelations in the Senate, you failed to prevent these grafters from getting what they want.
Imagine, this project and that of the ZTE cost the head of former Speaker (and alleged “Global Filipino”) Joe de Venecia Jr. No, I stand corrected—this controversy actually put an end to the decades-old political ascendancy of JDV. It has lead, providentially in fact, to a succession, which we will see in 2010.
So, if the Northrail project is pushing thru, are we then seeing the revival of the mothballed ZTE project? Or, the project is actually now on-going in a different name? We will never know.
Ultimately, it was only the activists who got hoarse shouting to high heavens how fucked things are. Eventually, those close to the Palace got their millions, plain and simple.
What can you say to this, Joey de Venecia? After all your revelations in the Senate, you failed to prevent these grafters from getting what they want.
RP Chief Justice Puno calls on the moral force against Gloria
Former Sandiganbayan justice Diosdado Peralta is now a member of the Philippine Supreme Court. This validates earlier opposition statements saying that both justices who found former Philippine president Joseph Estrada guilty of plunder will be appointed by Mrs. Arroyo to the Supreme Court, as a reward for their obedience to the current occupants of Malacanang. Congratulations, Mr. Peralta! You deserve it. Or, do you?
While this is on-going, Chief Justice Reynato Puno has called upon all Patriotic forces to launch or spearhead a moral revolt. In his interview yesterday, Puno said that what we need is a moral revolution. Very true! What would be the scenario should Puno finally agree to head the caretaker government that is poised to replace Mrs. Arroyo's graft ridden one? Remember that anti-Gloria forces were toying with the idea of Puno heading the replacement government should the revolt succeeds? Some sectors favor Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio.
Will Puno succeed against the nefarious forces of Arroyo? Only time and God will tell.
While this is on-going, Chief Justice Reynato Puno has called upon all Patriotic forces to launch or spearhead a moral revolt. In his interview yesterday, Puno said that what we need is a moral revolution. Very true! What would be the scenario should Puno finally agree to head the caretaker government that is poised to replace Mrs. Arroyo's graft ridden one? Remember that anti-Gloria forces were toying with the idea of Puno heading the replacement government should the revolt succeeds? Some sectors favor Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio.
Will Puno succeed against the nefarious forces of Arroyo? Only time and God will tell.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Breaking News--Joey de Venecia harassed in Cebu!
As I'm writing my earlier entry, I received numerous frantic texts from my bosom buddy Joey de Venecia 3, the son of former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr who's in Cebu right now for some speaking engagements.
It appears that some officials of Malacanang have prevented Joey de Venecia from entering and speaking in a school inside an airbase in Cebu. It appears that Joey's security is compromised and there are reports that airforce officials want him arrested right there and there!
Joey texted me, and I'll write this in entirety now:
"...jst wud like to infrom u that i am in cebu right now to attend a students forum with student leaders and faculty of the philippine state college of aeronautics on mactan airbase. unfortunately, i was informed that the forum was cancelled after some Malacanang officials called up the school...
According to Prof. JM Sarselejo, Mactan airbase officials and security approved the school forum but "higher authorities" in Manila ordered them to refrain me from entering (the school)"
This is a flagrant violation of Joey de Venecia's right to freely express himself. This shows how arrogant and how high and mighty these Palace occupants think of themselves.
Hang on my friend and fellow Patriot! Continue the fight! Though we are under the vilest and the darkest of hour, the Shining Sun of Salvation will definitely arrive.
Chief Justice Puno to lead New People's Revolt?
Seems like we are, indeed, under a revolutionary situation. Think about this, my friends.
We have been deprived of knowing the Truth. Justice has been elusive, examples are efforts at subverting the Supreme Court and recent debacles encountered by the Justice Department. And peace, oh, it's as elusive as those comets in the sky.
Truth has been stripped and raped. Lady Justice is not just blindfolded, but bound by sinister forces. And peace torn into smithereens.
Justice has now grounded to an indefinite halt. Is this cleansing process a move to prepare a favorable justice system post-Gloria? Is Gloria and her minions too paranoid that they are using this occasion to populate the Department of Justice with their favorable yes-men? Is that the reason why the President called on all prosecutors to take a hike?
Amidst this frenzy and noise, the President has just appointed her man to the Supreme Court. Bantay Korte Suprema was taken by surprise. Will the Supreme Court Chief Justice be the next to be sidelined? Maybe. Yet, the attempt could backfire since Puno enjoys the support of many sectors, including the Makati Business Club (MBC).
Or, maybe, just maybe, these underhanded tactics would force the Chief Justice to throw his hand in the presidential derby? Or lead the revolt which he so shunned before?
The Philippine judiciary is being attacked. And the defenders of democracy are preparing themselves for a showdown with the hawks and Machivellis hiding behind the puny dress of Mrs. Arroyo.
We have been deprived of knowing the Truth. Justice has been elusive, examples are efforts at subverting the Supreme Court and recent debacles encountered by the Justice Department. And peace, oh, it's as elusive as those comets in the sky.
Truth has been stripped and raped. Lady Justice is not just blindfolded, but bound by sinister forces. And peace torn into smithereens.
Justice has now grounded to an indefinite halt. Is this cleansing process a move to prepare a favorable justice system post-Gloria? Is Gloria and her minions too paranoid that they are using this occasion to populate the Department of Justice with their favorable yes-men? Is that the reason why the President called on all prosecutors to take a hike?
Amidst this frenzy and noise, the President has just appointed her man to the Supreme Court. Bantay Korte Suprema was taken by surprise. Will the Supreme Court Chief Justice be the next to be sidelined? Maybe. Yet, the attempt could backfire since Puno enjoys the support of many sectors, including the Makati Business Club (MBC).
Or, maybe, just maybe, these underhanded tactics would force the Chief Justice to throw his hand in the presidential derby? Or lead the revolt which he so shunned before?
The Philippine judiciary is being attacked. And the defenders of democracy are preparing themselves for a showdown with the hawks and Machivellis hiding behind the puny dress of Mrs. Arroyo.
Arroyo's sinister plan
Philippine pseudo president Arroyo just announced that she'll be leading the charge against drug syndicates. Fine. Laudable. My observations.
This is uncanny, given that this is the first time that Mrs. Arroyo will be dabbling her puny hands on crime prevention. Since she started her checkered political career, she took part either in economic policy making (as DTI usec) or in social welfare. Even in the time of the deceased Senator Robert Barbers making overtures to be the state's foremost drug czar, never did Mrs. Arroyo agree on making herself the anti-drug czar.
So, the question everybody is asking--why just now?
One answer is, this validates a previous observation that Mrs. Arroyo and her evil minions are toying with the possibility of having an armed force that they can personally command in the event that they declare emergency rule. Bear in mind that Mrs. Arroyo has her own private anti-coup army, recruits from Pampanga that they formed as counter-force against the forces of Senator Antonio Trillianes. Maintaining such a force is financially draining, even if Mrs. Arroyo controls billions of pesos worth of intelligence funds.
It's obvious that Mrs. Arroyo has now shifted strategy by forming her own legal counter-force in the person of the PDEA. By strengthening the PDEA, Mrs. Arroyo is actually preparing for the formation of an organisation similar to the dreaded MISG of Col. Abadilla.
The grand plan? This government will be using the PDEA not just in defeating those drug syndicates. PDEA's role will be expanded and will include close surveillance and intelligence against enemies of the state. Will this include active Magdalo soldiers now incarcerated and remains defiant against Mrs. Arroyo? Probably. Will this include powers to pry open the financial records and personal circumstances of known critics of this regime? Quite strongly, yes.
Now, if that is the case, do we see Malacanang's hand in efforts at perpetuating itself beyond 2010?
This is uncanny, given that this is the first time that Mrs. Arroyo will be dabbling her puny hands on crime prevention. Since she started her checkered political career, she took part either in economic policy making (as DTI usec) or in social welfare. Even in the time of the deceased Senator Robert Barbers making overtures to be the state's foremost drug czar, never did Mrs. Arroyo agree on making herself the anti-drug czar.
So, the question everybody is asking--why just now?
One answer is, this validates a previous observation that Mrs. Arroyo and her evil minions are toying with the possibility of having an armed force that they can personally command in the event that they declare emergency rule. Bear in mind that Mrs. Arroyo has her own private anti-coup army, recruits from Pampanga that they formed as counter-force against the forces of Senator Antonio Trillianes. Maintaining such a force is financially draining, even if Mrs. Arroyo controls billions of pesos worth of intelligence funds.
It's obvious that Mrs. Arroyo has now shifted strategy by forming her own legal counter-force in the person of the PDEA. By strengthening the PDEA, Mrs. Arroyo is actually preparing for the formation of an organisation similar to the dreaded MISG of Col. Abadilla.
The grand plan? This government will be using the PDEA not just in defeating those drug syndicates. PDEA's role will be expanded and will include close surveillance and intelligence against enemies of the state. Will this include active Magdalo soldiers now incarcerated and remains defiant against Mrs. Arroyo? Probably. Will this include powers to pry open the financial records and personal circumstances of known critics of this regime? Quite strongly, yes.
Now, if that is the case, do we see Malacanang's hand in efforts at perpetuating itself beyond 2010?
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Pangandaman Libel Case Could Turn Bloody
Last Friday, what the public seemed to miss was the alleged filing of a libel charge against Bambee dela Paz, the kid involved in that golf melee at Valley Golf and Country Club. A GMA 7 report said that the Pangandamans reportedly filed a case against Bambee due to the kid's account of what had happened in that fateful December day. According to reports, the Pangandamans want to punish Bambee for publishing what happened. It says that those entries were "malicious" and with "intention to cause malice" on the Pangandaman.
I say, for this charge to stick, the Pangandamans have to prove two things: first, that the entry was written with the intent to impute a crime in a malicious manner and second, they also would have to prove that the internet or that blog is a "publication."
Strictly, in our jurisdiction, if you want to charge someone with a crime, you have to look at the Revised Penal Code first before you even say that someone actually committed a felony against you. If the act is not listed in the RPC as a "crime", then, you can't charge him.
In this case, there is still no settled jurisprudence on internet libel. You can say what you want to say, write what you want to write, and still, you'll not be charged with libel. Simply put, act falls not under any crime in the RPC and other laws, then, it is not criminal. It could be tortuous, meaning, you can probably get recompense through a civil suit.
If the Pangandamans want to regain their honor and dignity, as what they charged they actually intend to accomplish by this inane libel charge, they will not get it. In fact, I believe they will probably incur the ire of everyone in the blogosphere and possibly cause a revolution. I am not joking.
If the State wants to use the Pangandaman case as a test case to be able to lodge complaints against Filipino bloggers, please be forewarned.
The internet is the last bastion of democracy, freedom and liberty in this country. Many people write and lambast the government via this democratic channel simply because they can't go to the streets everyday. This is the only venue left to express dissent. If the Arroyo administration intends to use this case to cause a chilling effect to us, bloggers, again, let me very candid---it will never work. Instead, the opposite would happen. People will rise up. People will militate. People will go to the mountains and show their anger there. It was good that we have the internet to express our anger, our angst and other disgusts with what is happening in this country. Should government go ahead with its devilish plan of controlling even the cyberspace, then, we have a war in the offing.
MR. SECRETARY PANGANDAMAN YOU NEED TO PUT A STOP TO THIS DASTARDLY PLAN OF YOURS. YOU WILL NEVER WIN. AND EVEN IF YOU DO WIN IN A PHILIPPINE COURT OF LAW, PEOPLE LIKE ME WILL WAGE BATTLE AGAINST YOU EVEN BEYOND THE BLOGOSPHERE. WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL WE GET OUR FREEDOMS BACK.
BAMBEE HAS ALL THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS WHAT HE WANTED TO EXPRESS WHEN THAT UNFORTUNATE GOLF INCIDENT HAPPENED. WHY PUNISH HIM FOR HIS THOUGHTS? WHY PUNISH EXPRESSION?
MR. PANGANDAMAN, THERE IS A LIMIT TO EVERYTHING. YOU ARROGANT SCUM SHOULD TEACH YOURSELF TO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S VIEWS AND TRY NOT TO BE ARROGANT. WITH THIS, YOU LOST ONE WHO FROM DAY ONE, WROTE AN OBJECTIVE VIEW ON THIS INCIDENT.
I say, for this charge to stick, the Pangandamans have to prove two things: first, that the entry was written with the intent to impute a crime in a malicious manner and second, they also would have to prove that the internet or that blog is a "publication."
Strictly, in our jurisdiction, if you want to charge someone with a crime, you have to look at the Revised Penal Code first before you even say that someone actually committed a felony against you. If the act is not listed in the RPC as a "crime", then, you can't charge him.
In this case, there is still no settled jurisprudence on internet libel. You can say what you want to say, write what you want to write, and still, you'll not be charged with libel. Simply put, act falls not under any crime in the RPC and other laws, then, it is not criminal. It could be tortuous, meaning, you can probably get recompense through a civil suit.
If the Pangandamans want to regain their honor and dignity, as what they charged they actually intend to accomplish by this inane libel charge, they will not get it. In fact, I believe they will probably incur the ire of everyone in the blogosphere and possibly cause a revolution. I am not joking.
If the State wants to use the Pangandaman case as a test case to be able to lodge complaints against Filipino bloggers, please be forewarned.
The internet is the last bastion of democracy, freedom and liberty in this country. Many people write and lambast the government via this democratic channel simply because they can't go to the streets everyday. This is the only venue left to express dissent. If the Arroyo administration intends to use this case to cause a chilling effect to us, bloggers, again, let me very candid---it will never work. Instead, the opposite would happen. People will rise up. People will militate. People will go to the mountains and show their anger there. It was good that we have the internet to express our anger, our angst and other disgusts with what is happening in this country. Should government go ahead with its devilish plan of controlling even the cyberspace, then, we have a war in the offing.
MR. SECRETARY PANGANDAMAN YOU NEED TO PUT A STOP TO THIS DASTARDLY PLAN OF YOURS. YOU WILL NEVER WIN. AND EVEN IF YOU DO WIN IN A PHILIPPINE COURT OF LAW, PEOPLE LIKE ME WILL WAGE BATTLE AGAINST YOU EVEN BEYOND THE BLOGOSPHERE. WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL WE GET OUR FREEDOMS BACK.
BAMBEE HAS ALL THE RIGHT TO EXPRESS WHAT HE WANTED TO EXPRESS WHEN THAT UNFORTUNATE GOLF INCIDENT HAPPENED. WHY PUNISH HIM FOR HIS THOUGHTS? WHY PUNISH EXPRESSION?
MR. PANGANDAMAN, THERE IS A LIMIT TO EVERYTHING. YOU ARROGANT SCUM SHOULD TEACH YOURSELF TO RESPECT OTHER PEOPLE'S VIEWS AND TRY NOT TO BE ARROGANT. WITH THIS, YOU LOST ONE WHO FROM DAY ONE, WROTE AN OBJECTIVE VIEW ON THIS INCIDENT.
Mar Roxas and the Search for the Maginoo
I admit--I was a vocal critic of Senator Mar Roxas. Eversince he debased himself with that Mr. Palengke campaign, my high regard for the good senator fell. Among the bevy of senatoriables in his generation, Mar, for me, was the best of the best. Being an academic, for me, it's utterly senseless for someone as brilliant as Mar to undertake a campaign that was too baduy and too cutesy for comfort. Yes, he landed Number One on the first try. Why? Because people wanted to give him a chance to show that beneath those Mr. Palengke suit lies a true, blue, brilliant leader wanting to spearhead the campaign for true change.
In his first years, Mar Roxas did'nt disappoint the people. He spearheaded the Young Turks in Congress. Exhibiting integrity, Mar was the epitome of a fine leader we never had before. In my mind, he was the prime example of a maginoo, a true patriot.
However, in the last few months, especially when he announced his desire for the presidency, Mar turned out to be a letdown. His stand on issues sometimes ran counter to what the people feel. There was this disconnect from Mar Roxas' thoughts and political philosophy with that of the people's. As one observer noted, Mar is showing his true colors as a brilliant technocrat instead of showing his populist robe. To win, you need to be a populist. And most of those who support him, wants him to be a populist.
That was my expectation last Friday, January 9. Along with fellow bloggers DJB, Ding, Jester, Flowell, Marck, CaffeineSparks, and a host of others, I was expecting to talk to a veteran politico. I was expecting that Mar Roxas will mouth platitudes, and a ton of generalities on questions about the economy, etc. the way politicos do.
I was proven wrong.
Mar Roxas showed exactly the opposite. He was frank. He showed brilliance in his answers, especially that animated debate with DJB on the Bangsamoro question, on the issue of lingua franca and the Reproductive Health bill. I was expecting a politico, but I met a professor.
I also expected someone without any ideological platform. Again, I was wrong. Analyzing him and observing his demeanor when he was talking with us, showed me that this person has strong principles and strong opinions. He knows what he's talking about and he can defend it to high heavens.
I liked what he said when Ding asked him about his relationship with Korina. Mar told us straight and without battling an eyelash---that's (marriage) a personal decision between Korina and him. Ergo, whatever people think about his thing with Korina, he does'nt care. He loves Korina, period. And he does'nt give a damn whatever people think about it. A true maginoo.
Very presidential, don't you think? It shows that Mar cannot and will not be influenced by any outside view. Mar is his own man. He has his own take on things and simply, his views is as rock-solid as steel. Yet, beneath that veneer, I also sensed that Mar is also a man who can take the blows, and accepts countrary views. He can take a punch. Yet, he's magnanimous enough to accept comments and synthesize good views with his views.
Mar Roxas exhibited the finest character of a statesman, an academic, an ideologue and a doer--traits which I expect for my future president to have come 2010.
More than this though, I find him to be a gentleman. When asked about his future intentions on marriage, he said that he must be excused this time since his personal relationship with Korina should be best left to him and Korina. Good answer.
In my entire life, I voted just once---in the presidential elections of 1992 when Liberal Party and former Senate President Jovito Salonga ran. I'm not a Liberal by the way. I just thought that Salonga is better than Fidel V. Ramos.
Now, I definitely see the prospect of a good president in the likes of Mr. Mar Roxas. Mar is a work in progress and truly, Bobby Capco and the rest of the nationalistic staff of the good senator will definitely have their hands full in the coming weeks and months.
In his first years, Mar Roxas did'nt disappoint the people. He spearheaded the Young Turks in Congress. Exhibiting integrity, Mar was the epitome of a fine leader we never had before. In my mind, he was the prime example of a maginoo, a true patriot.
However, in the last few months, especially when he announced his desire for the presidency, Mar turned out to be a letdown. His stand on issues sometimes ran counter to what the people feel. There was this disconnect from Mar Roxas' thoughts and political philosophy with that of the people's. As one observer noted, Mar is showing his true colors as a brilliant technocrat instead of showing his populist robe. To win, you need to be a populist. And most of those who support him, wants him to be a populist.
That was my expectation last Friday, January 9. Along with fellow bloggers DJB, Ding, Jester, Flowell, Marck, CaffeineSparks, and a host of others, I was expecting to talk to a veteran politico. I was expecting that Mar Roxas will mouth platitudes, and a ton of generalities on questions about the economy, etc. the way politicos do.
I was proven wrong.
Mar Roxas showed exactly the opposite. He was frank. He showed brilliance in his answers, especially that animated debate with DJB on the Bangsamoro question, on the issue of lingua franca and the Reproductive Health bill. I was expecting a politico, but I met a professor.
I also expected someone without any ideological platform. Again, I was wrong. Analyzing him and observing his demeanor when he was talking with us, showed me that this person has strong principles and strong opinions. He knows what he's talking about and he can defend it to high heavens.
I liked what he said when Ding asked him about his relationship with Korina. Mar told us straight and without battling an eyelash---that's (marriage) a personal decision between Korina and him. Ergo, whatever people think about his thing with Korina, he does'nt care. He loves Korina, period. And he does'nt give a damn whatever people think about it. A true maginoo.
Very presidential, don't you think? It shows that Mar cannot and will not be influenced by any outside view. Mar is his own man. He has his own take on things and simply, his views is as rock-solid as steel. Yet, beneath that veneer, I also sensed that Mar is also a man who can take the blows, and accepts countrary views. He can take a punch. Yet, he's magnanimous enough to accept comments and synthesize good views with his views.
Mar Roxas exhibited the finest character of a statesman, an academic, an ideologue and a doer--traits which I expect for my future president to have come 2010.
More than this though, I find him to be a gentleman. When asked about his future intentions on marriage, he said that he must be excused this time since his personal relationship with Korina should be best left to him and Korina. Good answer.
In my entire life, I voted just once---in the presidential elections of 1992 when Liberal Party and former Senate President Jovito Salonga ran. I'm not a Liberal by the way. I just thought that Salonga is better than Fidel V. Ramos.
Now, I definitely see the prospect of a good president in the likes of Mr. Mar Roxas. Mar is a work in progress and truly, Bobby Capco and the rest of the nationalistic staff of the good senator will definitely have their hands full in the coming weeks and months.
Mr. Senator, you have my vote. And I'll try to convince others to follow you. You have the potential of becoming the best president of this generation.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
What's so wrong with the Filipino Youth Today?
Disturbing figures coming from drug enforcement agencies: 9 million drug addicts, ninety percent between the ages of 16 years old and 30. Another report this time from an intelligence unit of the government revealed that the usual profile of Filipino drug users are those belonging to the 14-25 age group. Imagine, very young men and women engaging in a vicious habit that threatens their very futures.
An ABS-CBN report by Korina Sanchez tonight showed that drug peddling in schools and universities is as frenetic an activity as enrolment. Drug agents have identified Centro Escolar University (CEU) and San Beda College (SBC) as two of at least a dozen other universities and colleges whose students are buying and selling illegal drugs. Teenagers buy and sell illegal drugs just like they swap or load their cellphones. Known teen hangout bars like Embassy and Warehouse in Makati were also identified. These shows you a totally drug-crazed landscape. We seem to have reverted back to the heady days of hippie counter-culture where drug use is one habit that's sure hard to break.
What has happened to our youth? Is this worsening drug situation just an aberration or its a really, and truly serious problem that needs drastic measures? Some groups are calling for a re-institution of the death penalty. But, is this really the solution we need?
What's wrong with the Filipino youth of today? Why is the Youth seemingly misdirected? Are we seeing the obvious social effects of neglect by many parents who are too busy earning money abroad? What's the core of this social malaise?
Who's to blame for this societal mess? Is it the church? Is it the parents? Is it government? Who in our society should we blame for this? Or this is the way the Youth is expressing their anger against the dysfunctionalism they're experiencing?
Lives, families and futures are being destroyed. The Filipino Family is being destroyed. The Youth is being victimized. Directionless, the Youth is indulging in dangerous passions that threatens their future. We, all of us, are victims here. These young ones will be our leaders, entrepreneurs and workers in a few years time.
An ABS-CBN report by Korina Sanchez tonight showed that drug peddling in schools and universities is as frenetic an activity as enrolment. Drug agents have identified Centro Escolar University (CEU) and San Beda College (SBC) as two of at least a dozen other universities and colleges whose students are buying and selling illegal drugs. Teenagers buy and sell illegal drugs just like they swap or load their cellphones. Known teen hangout bars like Embassy and Warehouse in Makati were also identified. These shows you a totally drug-crazed landscape. We seem to have reverted back to the heady days of hippie counter-culture where drug use is one habit that's sure hard to break.
What has happened to our youth? Is this worsening drug situation just an aberration or its a really, and truly serious problem that needs drastic measures? Some groups are calling for a re-institution of the death penalty. But, is this really the solution we need?
What's wrong with the Filipino youth of today? Why is the Youth seemingly misdirected? Are we seeing the obvious social effects of neglect by many parents who are too busy earning money abroad? What's the core of this social malaise?
Who's to blame for this societal mess? Is it the church? Is it the parents? Is it government? Who in our society should we blame for this? Or this is the way the Youth is expressing their anger against the dysfunctionalism they're experiencing?
Lives, families and futures are being destroyed. The Filipino Family is being destroyed. The Youth is being victimized. Directionless, the Youth is indulging in dangerous passions that threatens their future. We, all of us, are victims here. These young ones will be our leaders, entrepreneurs and workers in a few years time.
38 and going strong
I almost forgot---it's my birthday today. Yes, I'm born the same day as Elvis Presley's. Or like Ariel Borlongan. I'm now 38 year old, officially today. Weird--add 3 and 8 and you get 11, right? Add 2009 and you get 11, right? Is that auspicious or not?
Just two more years and i'll be forty. I'm thinking how it is to reach that age. Imagine, some years ago, I was just a college student at UP. I always remember all those marches, all those RTD's even at a ripe age of 38.
Well, I went pass Rizal's age when he died. I also went pass Bonifacio's age. I hope to God that before I reach the age of forty, I'll be able to make that extreme sacrifice for the poor, the orphans and the widows in affliction. The more I age, the stronger my conviction is to offer this one life for that ultimate new revolution. Sadly, I am just one. And those who really aspire for a True, Just and Humane Philippine society are either aging like myself in the wild or aging inside rotting cells, like my friend, General Ariel Querubin. Sir, I'm praying for all of you there. I am sorry I was not there when you made history. I was away. But I promise that, if it indeed happens again, I'll be one with you til death.
Some of my colleagues have now, either is working for a multinational or went multinational themselves. The more I age, the more committed I am in seeing this country reformed.
Let me offer you a prayer today:
Just two more years and i'll be forty. I'm thinking how it is to reach that age. Imagine, some years ago, I was just a college student at UP. I always remember all those marches, all those RTD's even at a ripe age of 38.
Well, I went pass Rizal's age when he died. I also went pass Bonifacio's age. I hope to God that before I reach the age of forty, I'll be able to make that extreme sacrifice for the poor, the orphans and the widows in affliction. The more I age, the stronger my conviction is to offer this one life for that ultimate new revolution. Sadly, I am just one. And those who really aspire for a True, Just and Humane Philippine society are either aging like myself in the wild or aging inside rotting cells, like my friend, General Ariel Querubin. Sir, I'm praying for all of you there. I am sorry I was not there when you made history. I was away. But I promise that, if it indeed happens again, I'll be one with you til death.
Some of my colleagues have now, either is working for a multinational or went multinational themselves. The more I age, the more committed I am in seeing this country reformed.
Let me offer you a prayer today:
" O God, I worship and glorify your most holy name. You are the Creator of
Everything, the Father of all creation, the Maker of the Heavens and the
Earth.
Bless us o Father, forgive us our sins. Make every act of ours be worthy of
your Will. Imbue us with the Spirit of Justice, of Truth, of Freedom. May we always live according to your Will. May we always be mindful of your teachings.
Give us o Father the chance to do good things to our fellowmen. Make us a
part of your blessing to others, especially the poor, the orphans and the
widows. Give us the strength to be a blessing to all those in need. And make our sacrifice be worthy of your Will. Ameen. "
Alabang Boys case---high-class sona?
Embassy, that very controversial bar for the rich and famous at the Fort, was again in the limelight. PDEA Head General Santiago mentioned Embassy during the House Committee on Drugs as the alleged place where drug dealing reportedly happened among socialites. Santiago said that ecstacy tablets exchanged hands inside the dark and shadowy corners of the bar.
Question---if this is true, then, why is it that Embassy continues to operate? If Embassy is really a drug haven, as what PDEA is saying, why is it that it continues to operate up to this day? If PDEA insinuates that "Ecstacy" is quite synonymous with "Embassy", then why is it that PDEA and even the Taguig City government fail to even arrest just one confirmed drug peddler there? General Santiago, if you have proof sir, then, make these arrest happen and not give those sweeping statements about an establishment.
Having said that, let me pose a question to PDEA---ARE YOU DOING THIS NOW BECAUSE YOU ARE CONDUCTING A HIGH-CLASS SONA? For those who don't know what "sona" is, it is a police operation where they cased a particular place, arrest everybody and herd them to the police station for verification.
It seems that the PDEA and the entire government is doing this to:
1. Send a chilling effect to all scions of politicians, media personalities, showbiz personalities and businessmen that they are now fair game. That everybody involved in drug use should stop now or face the ignominy of arrest.
2. Test how the public will react if widespread arrest of "certain personalities" occur in exclusive villages and subdivisions. It seems that government plan to mold the PDEA as a version of Macoy's dreaded MIG-7. Remember that during Macoy's time, there's this agency headed by former Col. Abadilla. It's an intelligence unit tasked by the strongman to arrest dissidents and known criminal characters of that age.
Question--is this the real intention behind PDEA's "coming out in the open". Ask yourself--why is PDEA even willing to dissolve itself? Maybe in preparation for its assumption of a bigger enforcement role? Something like what Abadilla did for Marcos?
Another question--if this is true, then, could it be that the Arroyo regime is now preparing for a longer administration, since it has now created a unit that would use the issue of illegal drugs to arrest, prosecute and detain even known enemies of the state? What's their first target? Korina's report last night already told us the State's next targets: scions of politicians, media personalities, showbiz and high society/socialites.
Last question---is it possible that this Arroyo regime would use the PDEA to prosecute known high society enemies all in the name of illegal drugs? That PDEA is just using this Alabang boys case as a psywar operation to hide its new role under this regime--Arroyo's own dreaded MIG.
Question---if this is true, then, why is it that Embassy continues to operate? If Embassy is really a drug haven, as what PDEA is saying, why is it that it continues to operate up to this day? If PDEA insinuates that "Ecstacy" is quite synonymous with "Embassy", then why is it that PDEA and even the Taguig City government fail to even arrest just one confirmed drug peddler there? General Santiago, if you have proof sir, then, make these arrest happen and not give those sweeping statements about an establishment.
Having said that, let me pose a question to PDEA---ARE YOU DOING THIS NOW BECAUSE YOU ARE CONDUCTING A HIGH-CLASS SONA? For those who don't know what "sona" is, it is a police operation where they cased a particular place, arrest everybody and herd them to the police station for verification.
It seems that the PDEA and the entire government is doing this to:
1. Send a chilling effect to all scions of politicians, media personalities, showbiz personalities and businessmen that they are now fair game. That everybody involved in drug use should stop now or face the ignominy of arrest.
2. Test how the public will react if widespread arrest of "certain personalities" occur in exclusive villages and subdivisions. It seems that government plan to mold the PDEA as a version of Macoy's dreaded MIG-7. Remember that during Macoy's time, there's this agency headed by former Col. Abadilla. It's an intelligence unit tasked by the strongman to arrest dissidents and known criminal characters of that age.
Question--is this the real intention behind PDEA's "coming out in the open". Ask yourself--why is PDEA even willing to dissolve itself? Maybe in preparation for its assumption of a bigger enforcement role? Something like what Abadilla did for Marcos?
Another question--if this is true, then, could it be that the Arroyo regime is now preparing for a longer administration, since it has now created a unit that would use the issue of illegal drugs to arrest, prosecute and detain even known enemies of the state? What's their first target? Korina's report last night already told us the State's next targets: scions of politicians, media personalities, showbiz and high society/socialites.
Last question---is it possible that this Arroyo regime would use the PDEA to prosecute known high society enemies all in the name of illegal drugs? That PDEA is just using this Alabang boys case as a psywar operation to hide its new role under this regime--Arroyo's own dreaded MIG.
Dave Brodett spilled the beans against Alabang Boy
Celebrated basketballer Dave Brodett, who's now in the golf business, was in tears when he faced the House Committee on Drugs yesterday. Along with his wife Marissa and two adult kids, he blamed his sister in law, Myra Brodett, the mother of drug suspect Richard Brodett, for tolerating the alleged illegal acts of her kid. In an emotionally charged appeal, Dave asked for the public's understanding. He said that he came before the Committee on his own volition. He was not coerced nor pressured by PDEA.
He came out because he loved his father---the elder Brodett, who built the family name and brought honor to it. Now, Dave said, the same surname which he has carried proudly, is now being tarnished by the acts of his nephew. Dave went there to regain his family's honor.
As a parent myself, I felt the pain of Dave Brodett. It's hard really to go anywhere carrying that baggage of being tagged as a relative of an alleged "high-society drug pusher". Yet, some things had to be done. Maybe Dave thought that this is the right time to go out in the open and expose the nefarious activities of his nephew. Come clean, maybe he thought. At least that would put his family out of this heat for the meantime.
And I don't believe that obvious PR slant that Dave Brodett was just motivated by anger against his own brother Butch Brodett and his anger against his nephew, Richard Brodett. Atty. Verano, counsel of the accused, said that the family of Dave had a spat, a "family feud", against the family of his brother.
Probably, there was really a feud between the two families. Why? Dave provided the answer. Because allegedly his sister-in-law, Myra Brodett, tolerated the drug use and illegal peddling of his son simply because she, herself, is a drug addict. Worst, Anton Brodett, his son, was once lured into drug addiction by his cousin, Richard Brodett.
Is that a legitimate cause to feud with your sister-in-law? Obviously yes. When you see your kid being dragged into drugs by his cousin and you see your sister-in-law even tolerating it, would you not seethe in anger as well?
He came out because he loved his father---the elder Brodett, who built the family name and brought honor to it. Now, Dave said, the same surname which he has carried proudly, is now being tarnished by the acts of his nephew. Dave went there to regain his family's honor.
As a parent myself, I felt the pain of Dave Brodett. It's hard really to go anywhere carrying that baggage of being tagged as a relative of an alleged "high-society drug pusher". Yet, some things had to be done. Maybe Dave thought that this is the right time to go out in the open and expose the nefarious activities of his nephew. Come clean, maybe he thought. At least that would put his family out of this heat for the meantime.
And I don't believe that obvious PR slant that Dave Brodett was just motivated by anger against his own brother Butch Brodett and his anger against his nephew, Richard Brodett. Atty. Verano, counsel of the accused, said that the family of Dave had a spat, a "family feud", against the family of his brother.
Probably, there was really a feud between the two families. Why? Dave provided the answer. Because allegedly his sister-in-law, Myra Brodett, tolerated the drug use and illegal peddling of his son simply because she, herself, is a drug addict. Worst, Anton Brodett, his son, was once lured into drug addiction by his cousin, Richard Brodett.
Is that a legitimate cause to feud with your sister-in-law? Obviously yes. When you see your kid being dragged into drugs by his cousin and you see your sister-in-law even tolerating it, would you not seethe in anger as well?
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Double standards in the blogosphere re: Alabang Druggie Men?
ARE WE INSTITUTING DOUBLE STANDARDS IN THE BLOGOSPHERE? I'm addressing this question to the politically-aware and sensitive bloggers of my age. I noticed that we talked a lot about the golf melee, which to me, is just an away bata. But, we dein talk about this more serious issue of the Alabang Druggie Boys. Why? Because we know some or most of them? Why? Because, at this one, Gloria Arroyo and her men did an obviously honorable thing?
DJB, a colleague of mine over at FilipinoVoices.com says that I must reserve my salute to Gloria. Why would I, when I saw how she acted in this case. She did'nt use her powers to give a favor to a friend, Philip Brodett. There are reports that the Brodetts and the Tecsons reportedly called up so many friends in Malacanang, including very very close advisers of Arroyo. In the end, Gloria did the right thing--let them rot in jail! If the courts prove these boys guilty, then, let them hang. They are not teenagers. They are adults. They know what they are doing. And definitely, they know the punishment of such evil and horrendous acts. If the law says they should hang, let Gloria hang them! But if the Courts prove that they're innocent, then, let them be given their freedom. I'll even be the first one who will heap praises to them and will damn to hell government for putting them thru all of these ordeal.
The point is--let us in the blogosphere see things objectively. Let's praise where praise is worthy to be given and let us damn those whose acts are really worthy of damnation.
Again, I commend Gloria for supporting the PDEA in their decision not to release these so-called Alabang Boys, err, Alabang ADULTS. Bulbulin na itong mga ito, yet they are being called "boys"?
Also, I NOTICE THE OBVIOUS PUBLIC RELATIONS STUNT BEING DONE OVER THE BLOGOSPHERE AND EVEN IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA RIGHT NOW, PORTRAYING THESE DRUG PUSHERS OF ALABANG AS ACADEMICALLY BRILLIANT KIDS! HAHAHA! THIS IS THE MOST STUPID AND THE MOST LAUGHABLE THING I HAVE EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! WORST, A UP STUDENT ALLEGEDLY WROTE THIS LIE OVER AT FILIPINOVOICES!
WHO WOULD BELIEVE SUCH A LIE? SOME OF MY FRIENDS KNOW THESE ALABANG DRUGLORDS AND THEY ARE FAR FROM BEING ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT! IN FACT, HOW MANY SANCTIONS DID THEY RECEIVE FROM THEIR SCHOOLS? A LOT!
AND TO MAJOR MARCELINO, I ALREADY FORMED A MAJOR MARCELINO BRIGADE! For those who want to join this brigade, just send me an email confirming your membership thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com
DJB, a colleague of mine over at FilipinoVoices.com says that I must reserve my salute to Gloria. Why would I, when I saw how she acted in this case. She did'nt use her powers to give a favor to a friend, Philip Brodett. There are reports that the Brodetts and the Tecsons reportedly called up so many friends in Malacanang, including very very close advisers of Arroyo. In the end, Gloria did the right thing--let them rot in jail! If the courts prove these boys guilty, then, let them hang. They are not teenagers. They are adults. They know what they are doing. And definitely, they know the punishment of such evil and horrendous acts. If the law says they should hang, let Gloria hang them! But if the Courts prove that they're innocent, then, let them be given their freedom. I'll even be the first one who will heap praises to them and will damn to hell government for putting them thru all of these ordeal.
The point is--let us in the blogosphere see things objectively. Let's praise where praise is worthy to be given and let us damn those whose acts are really worthy of damnation.
Again, I commend Gloria for supporting the PDEA in their decision not to release these so-called Alabang Boys, err, Alabang ADULTS. Bulbulin na itong mga ito, yet they are being called "boys"?
Also, I NOTICE THE OBVIOUS PUBLIC RELATIONS STUNT BEING DONE OVER THE BLOGOSPHERE AND EVEN IN THE MAINSTREAM MEDIA RIGHT NOW, PORTRAYING THESE DRUG PUSHERS OF ALABANG AS ACADEMICALLY BRILLIANT KIDS! HAHAHA! THIS IS THE MOST STUPID AND THE MOST LAUGHABLE THING I HAVE EVER READ IN MY ENTIRE LIFE! WORST, A UP STUDENT ALLEGEDLY WROTE THIS LIE OVER AT FILIPINOVOICES!
WHO WOULD BELIEVE SUCH A LIE? SOME OF MY FRIENDS KNOW THESE ALABANG DRUGLORDS AND THEY ARE FAR FROM BEING ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT! IN FACT, HOW MANY SANCTIONS DID THEY RECEIVE FROM THEIR SCHOOLS? A LOT!
AND TO MAJOR MARCELINO, I ALREADY FORMED A MAJOR MARCELINO BRIGADE! For those who want to join this brigade, just send me an email confirming your membership thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Arroyo-Danding Honeymoon over?
What is this? There's an apparent breakdown of the "uneasy" alliance between Danding Cojuangco and the Arroyos? After their celebrated alliance late last year, it seems that the honeymoon phase is finally over?
Reports say that government is trying to revive the mouthballed coco levy case. It seems that government is trying to revive one of eight coco levy cases already dismissed by the Sandiganbayan last November. Is this for real?
Or maybe Malacanang heard of the Lakas effort at creating the NPC desk within the party? Nacionalista Party to follow suit to create a stronger Lakas party enroute to 2010? What will happen to Kampi?
Or, maybe, just maybe, this alleged government effort is just for show?
Reports say that government is trying to revive the mouthballed coco levy case. It seems that government is trying to revive one of eight coco levy cases already dismissed by the Sandiganbayan last November. Is this for real?
Or maybe Malacanang heard of the Lakas effort at creating the NPC desk within the party? Nacionalista Party to follow suit to create a stronger Lakas party enroute to 2010? What will happen to Kampi?
Or, maybe, just maybe, this alleged government effort is just for show?
Alabang Drug Lords--too hot to handle?
(I first wrote this over at http://www.filipinovoices.com/
In the widely televised House Committee on Drugs hearing today, three things were established. First, the PDEA led by the courageous Marine Mayor Ferdinand Marcelino conducted the Ayala Alabang buy-bust operation according to plan. They conducted a pre-arrest investigation. They cased the suspects. Eventually, they were able to entrap them thru a buy-bust operation.
Based on the report, Richard Brodett, son of popular golf icon, "Butch" Brodett was the head of the group composed of Joseph Ramirez Tecson and Jorge Jordana, son of Johnny "Midnight" Joseph Jordana. When these drug pushers were interrogated, PDEA found how Brodett got his illegal drugs from abroad. They followed procedures.
Surprisingly though, the prosecutors who handled the case, Senior State Prosecutor Philip Kimpo and the one who penned the resolution, ProsecutorJoseph Resado did not see it that way, and it was affirmed by Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno who even defended the DOJ position before the media. (Previous to this celebrated case, there were reportedly some cases involving Zuno. One of the reasons reportedly given why Zuno was not chosen for the Associate Justice post is allegations of reported bribery. However, Zuno, I think, is not that gullible.)
By the way, the ponente , Prosecutor Resado, admitted having been a student of the Alabang boy's lead counsel, Atty. Felisberto Verano Jr. who is now under water for allegedly trying to wiesel his way out of a rejection to release his clients by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales.
Atty. Verano, incidentally, is a fraternity brother of DOJ Undersecretary Ric Blancaflor, whose name was dragged into this case after allegedly calling up Major Marcelino of PDEA for a followup.Their fraternity is the Order of Utopia, a law frat based at the Ateneo de Manila School of Law.
The House committee decided to call Atty. Verano after they found out that Atty. Verano reportedly tried to do a fast one when he allegedly gave an envelope containing a draft release order to the secretary of his frat brother, Undersecretary Ric Blancaflor who, in turn, immediately went to the office of the DOJ secretary Gonzales for him to sign the draft release order.
Second, the bribery attempts did take place, according to Major Marcelino. He was reportedly pressured by JoTec, a relative of one of the suspects and even his own PMA Class 1994 mistah. Marcelino made us all proud when he resisted all attempts at releasing these high-society drug peddlers.
Lastly, it seemed that, based on the hearing, there are certain procedural aspects that both the DOJ and the PDEA should resolve. That's why the Dangerous Drug Board, headed by former Senator Tito Sotto recommended that a prosecutory unit be created within PDEA that will try all these drug cases.
IN all these, let the wheels of justice grind against these scums of the earth. PR operators are moving right now in the media to mitigate the effects of these revelations, but, their attempts will be put to naught. The truth will come out. These devils who sell these illegal drugs should be put to death, whoever they may be.
And, for the first time, I would like to commend Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for standing her ground on this one. It is highly commendable, even heart-warming, to hear Mrs. Arroyo even calling Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and ordering him not to release the Brodett-Tecson-Jordana drug trio, pending review of the resolution. For all our differences in opinion before, this one, I salute President Gloria Arroyo.
To Major Marcelino and General Santiago--sirs, the Filipino People salute you. May your tribe increase. May you continue your fine work. For our idealistic brothers in PDEA, sirs, continue to do the good work for and on behalf of the Filipino People. We salute you sirs.
If all the mistahs will work for the betterment of the system and work against those who create evil in this country, we will have a better country and we will not need a Patricio Mangubat anymore.
In the widely televised House Committee on Drugs hearing today, three things were established. First, the PDEA led by the courageous Marine Mayor Ferdinand Marcelino conducted the Ayala Alabang buy-bust operation according to plan. They conducted a pre-arrest investigation. They cased the suspects. Eventually, they were able to entrap them thru a buy-bust operation.
Based on the report, Richard Brodett, son of popular golf icon, "Butch" Brodett was the head of the group composed of Joseph Ramirez Tecson and Jorge Jordana, son of Johnny "Midnight" Joseph Jordana. When these drug pushers were interrogated, PDEA found how Brodett got his illegal drugs from abroad. They followed procedures.
Surprisingly though, the prosecutors who handled the case, Senior State Prosecutor Philip Kimpo and the one who penned the resolution, ProsecutorJoseph Resado did not see it that way, and it was affirmed by Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuno who even defended the DOJ position before the media. (Previous to this celebrated case, there were reportedly some cases involving Zuno. One of the reasons reportedly given why Zuno was not chosen for the Associate Justice post is allegations of reported bribery. However, Zuno, I think, is not that gullible.)
By the way, the ponente , Prosecutor Resado, admitted having been a student of the Alabang boy's lead counsel, Atty. Felisberto Verano Jr. who is now under water for allegedly trying to wiesel his way out of a rejection to release his clients by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales.
Atty. Verano, incidentally, is a fraternity brother of DOJ Undersecretary Ric Blancaflor, whose name was dragged into this case after allegedly calling up Major Marcelino of PDEA for a followup.Their fraternity is the Order of Utopia, a law frat based at the Ateneo de Manila School of Law.
The House committee decided to call Atty. Verano after they found out that Atty. Verano reportedly tried to do a fast one when he allegedly gave an envelope containing a draft release order to the secretary of his frat brother, Undersecretary Ric Blancaflor who, in turn, immediately went to the office of the DOJ secretary Gonzales for him to sign the draft release order.
Second, the bribery attempts did take place, according to Major Marcelino. He was reportedly pressured by JoTec, a relative of one of the suspects and even his own PMA Class 1994 mistah. Marcelino made us all proud when he resisted all attempts at releasing these high-society drug peddlers.
Lastly, it seemed that, based on the hearing, there are certain procedural aspects that both the DOJ and the PDEA should resolve. That's why the Dangerous Drug Board, headed by former Senator Tito Sotto recommended that a prosecutory unit be created within PDEA that will try all these drug cases.
IN all these, let the wheels of justice grind against these scums of the earth. PR operators are moving right now in the media to mitigate the effects of these revelations, but, their attempts will be put to naught. The truth will come out. These devils who sell these illegal drugs should be put to death, whoever they may be.
And, for the first time, I would like to commend Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for standing her ground on this one. It is highly commendable, even heart-warming, to hear Mrs. Arroyo even calling Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales and ordering him not to release the Brodett-Tecson-Jordana drug trio, pending review of the resolution. For all our differences in opinion before, this one, I salute President Gloria Arroyo.
To Major Marcelino and General Santiago--sirs, the Filipino People salute you. May your tribe increase. May you continue your fine work. For our idealistic brothers in PDEA, sirs, continue to do the good work for and on behalf of the Filipino People. We salute you sirs.
If all the mistahs will work for the betterment of the system and work against those who create evil in this country, we will have a better country and we will not need a Patricio Mangubat anymore.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Pangandaman-Dela Paz golf melee turned national
As most peoples of the world militate against Israeli intrusions on Palestinian territory at Gaza, Filipinos are talking about who did it first---Secretary Pangandaman or Dela Paz. Both camps have been doing the rounds, explaining their side. What's so uncanny about it is that both these grown up guys tug their daughters and sons along. Both want sympathy. And both are desperate on getting it.
Again, the blog has been used especially by the Dela Paz family in courting public support. But, no one asked why? Why are they going around town scandalizing the nation with a supposed scandalizing incident? If you look closely, there are more serious scandals and abuses of power that members of the official family did in the past. Yet, this is the first time that someone is actually calling our attention about it. Why now? Because, they were victimized by it. If this incident did'nt happen, would the Dela Paz family be this vigilant about this?
Yeah, some blogger say, this is an issue of arrogance. What? My dear Ding, this government, especially this administration has been arrogant since Day One. Why harp on this now? Everyone knows that Arroyo and her gang of thugs are arrogant shitheads. I would understand if, say DAR Secretary Pangandaman's arrogance was directly related to his being the head of the government agency supposedly handling those agrarian reform cases, but the fact is, this golf incident is NOT it.
Are we that desperate to use this incident just to pin a member or any member of Arroyo's official family just because of our hatred? Or just because Pangandaman happened to have a Muslim-sounding name and since we hate everything Muslim, we feel aggrieved too since a Christian was supposedly victimized by Muslim aggression? How did it happen, that a mere golf incident would turn into a Muslim-Christian thing or a anti-Gloria issue? That is too parochial. Too trashy. And too tabloid-ly.
This is a sad week for Filipino blogosphere. We, Pinoy bloggers, have stooped very low on this one. That golf incident is just away bata.
It is not a case of arrogance, nor was it a case of somebody using public funds to oppress somebody. Besides, that "somebody" happens to be some of the chosen few who benefitted from the Marcos regime. Sources told me that the Dela Paz Family benefitted reportedly from the Marcos wealth. And they brag about it with other members of Valley Golf and Country Club.
The highest punishment for the Pangandamans would be prison time and perpetual ban from the golf course. Same as the Dela Paz family who showed discourtesy and barbarism in the golf course.
Bloggers just became ordinary. It's like we're the more stylish writers of showbiz tabloids. Enuf said.
Again, the blog has been used especially by the Dela Paz family in courting public support. But, no one asked why? Why are they going around town scandalizing the nation with a supposed scandalizing incident? If you look closely, there are more serious scandals and abuses of power that members of the official family did in the past. Yet, this is the first time that someone is actually calling our attention about it. Why now? Because, they were victimized by it. If this incident did'nt happen, would the Dela Paz family be this vigilant about this?
Yeah, some blogger say, this is an issue of arrogance. What? My dear Ding, this government, especially this administration has been arrogant since Day One. Why harp on this now? Everyone knows that Arroyo and her gang of thugs are arrogant shitheads. I would understand if, say DAR Secretary Pangandaman's arrogance was directly related to his being the head of the government agency supposedly handling those agrarian reform cases, but the fact is, this golf incident is NOT it.
Are we that desperate to use this incident just to pin a member or any member of Arroyo's official family just because of our hatred? Or just because Pangandaman happened to have a Muslim-sounding name and since we hate everything Muslim, we feel aggrieved too since a Christian was supposedly victimized by Muslim aggression? How did it happen, that a mere golf incident would turn into a Muslim-Christian thing or a anti-Gloria issue? That is too parochial. Too trashy. And too tabloid-ly.
This is a sad week for Filipino blogosphere. We, Pinoy bloggers, have stooped very low on this one. That golf incident is just away bata.
It is not a case of arrogance, nor was it a case of somebody using public funds to oppress somebody. Besides, that "somebody" happens to be some of the chosen few who benefitted from the Marcos regime. Sources told me that the Dela Paz Family benefitted reportedly from the Marcos wealth. And they brag about it with other members of Valley Golf and Country Club.
The highest punishment for the Pangandamans would be prison time and perpetual ban from the golf course. Same as the Dela Paz family who showed discourtesy and barbarism in the golf course.
Bloggers just became ordinary. It's like we're the more stylish writers of showbiz tabloids. Enuf said.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Arroyo regime to be ousted by popular revolt?
I have always been fascinated with the uncanny accuracy of the IChing in giving critical advice on almost everything. IChing, that centuries old divination system used by the Chinese, is not an occult science. It's an oracle. Like the famous Oracle at Delphi, I-Ching represents hidden knowledge and wisdom culled from centuries of life experiences of its chroniclers. Chinese traders use the 64 trigrams in decisions on investments.
I learned IChing when I was studying Chinese civilizations in college. At the University of the Philippines in Diliman, I dedicated my 5 years studying ancient Chinese texts, including the IChing, Tao Te Ching and all the other works read by Mao Tze Tung. I still read Chinese books, most especially the three great novels, most notably the Three Kingdoms.
Anyway, as I was conducting my IChing sessions to determine what fate awaits me this 2009 (and also conducting my sessions for my friend, RG Cruz who wants to know something about his relationship), I asked the IChing what awaits the Arroyo administration this 2009.
I know most of Arroyo's actions are "divined", meaning, those significant events follow traditional Chinese astrological advices, some of them believe in the IChing. One of course, Arroyo's closest friend, SSS Head Romulo Neri.
Here's what the IChing answered:
Question: What awaits the Arroyo administration this 2009, or the Year of the Ox?
Answer: Trigram 49 (Change/Revolution)
I learned IChing when I was studying Chinese civilizations in college. At the University of the Philippines in Diliman, I dedicated my 5 years studying ancient Chinese texts, including the IChing, Tao Te Ching and all the other works read by Mao Tze Tung. I still read Chinese books, most especially the three great novels, most notably the Three Kingdoms.
Anyway, as I was conducting my IChing sessions to determine what fate awaits me this 2009 (and also conducting my sessions for my friend, RG Cruz who wants to know something about his relationship), I asked the IChing what awaits the Arroyo administration this 2009.
I know most of Arroyo's actions are "divined", meaning, those significant events follow traditional Chinese astrological advices, some of them believe in the IChing. One of course, Arroyo's closest friend, SSS Head Romulo Neri.
Here's what the IChing answered:
Question: What awaits the Arroyo administration this 2009, or the Year of the Ox?
Answer: Trigram 49 (Change/Revolution)
Hexagram 49 is named 革 (gé), "Skinning". Other variations including "revolution (molting)" and "the bridle". Its inner trigram is ☲ (離 lí) radiance = (火) fire, and its outer trigram is ☱ (兌 duì) open = (澤) swamp.
The skeletal form of hexagram 49 is described by analogy to the under-exaggerated properties of hexagram 33 where we have a generic focus on enticement (competitive form), trickary, a 'structured' retreat (spring a trap, draw the enemy 'in'). In 49 there is a focus on revelation, showing what is 'behind' the mask, unmasking - and so the focus on revolution etc.
Ancient description of Trigram 49 is as follows:
"(What takes place as indicated by) Ko is believed in only after it has been
accomplished. There will be great progress and success. Advantage will come
from being firm and correct. (In that case) occasion for repentance will
disappear."
What's the meaning of Trigram 49?
There will be a sweeping and drastic change that would happen in the Arroyo regime. This change will occur through the revelation of a very serious issue in the Cabinet. An existing or former member of the Cabinet will emerge and will connect Mrs. Arroyo to the very serious allegation concerning graft and corruption. He will do it three times before the public will believe him. This man (born of the Year of the Tiger), will make some changes in his testimony three times; yet, the public will repose great trust in him.
Mrs. Arroyo and her minions will try to make some cosmetic changes in the way things are being run. If Mrs. Arroyo remains firm and correct, she will avert disaster and will survive until 2010. However, if she fails to change like a leopard changes his spots, then, she will not survive the revolution. Great caution is advised. If Mrs. Arroyo changes her administration in 2009, she may yet survive the oncoming revolt against her. Small men, meaning local executives, will still be by her side.
There is another thing that the IChing wants to say: there will also be great inroads in attempts at changing the charter. Come 2009, those who favor chacha will have their way.
So, for those who believe in the IChing, this is what it says about Arroyo.
There will be a sweeping and drastic change that would happen in the Arroyo regime. This change will occur through the revelation of a very serious issue in the Cabinet. An existing or former member of the Cabinet will emerge and will connect Mrs. Arroyo to the very serious allegation concerning graft and corruption. He will do it three times before the public will believe him. This man (born of the Year of the Tiger), will make some changes in his testimony three times; yet, the public will repose great trust in him.
Mrs. Arroyo and her minions will try to make some cosmetic changes in the way things are being run. If Mrs. Arroyo remains firm and correct, she will avert disaster and will survive until 2010. However, if she fails to change like a leopard changes his spots, then, she will not survive the revolution. Great caution is advised. If Mrs. Arroyo changes her administration in 2009, she may yet survive the oncoming revolt against her. Small men, meaning local executives, will still be by her side.
There is another thing that the IChing wants to say: there will also be great inroads in attempts at changing the charter. Come 2009, those who favor chacha will have their way.
So, for those who believe in the IChing, this is what it says about Arroyo.
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