ICRC Hostage Release Talks: Designed to fail?

Will Senator and Red Cross Philippines head Richard Gordon go out to the streets and reveal the real truth? That hawks within the palace are trying their best to derail and eventually cause the negotiations to fail re: release of the three ICRC hostages in Sulu?

Reports on the ground show that military men did not honor the order given by their Army Chief and even the alter-ego of the president, Ronnie Puno, to pullout from the area where the hostages are being kept. It was a good thing that Gordon is slowly backing out of this issue because I think he felt that forces are out to worsen the situation instead of ameliorating or resolving the increasing tensions in the area.

When Major General Sabban was effectively removed since he was not in agreement with the palabas of removing troops in the area, a charm offensive ensued with the goal of showing government sincerity on troop pullout. Yet, as reports would show, the AFP did not fully complied with the gentleman's agreement, even releasing news showing that it was the Abu Sayyaf Group whose dilly-dallying and insincere in all of these.

And why is that Lady Vice Governor from Sulu talking as if she's the spokesperson of the ASG? Puno should seriously look at the extent (if there are any) of this Lady Vice Governor's complicity in all of these. In the celebrated Ces Drilon kidnapping, this Lady Vice Governor was in the thick of things and was even photographed counting the ransom money.

What is very evident so far is this:

1. The ASG will not behead their hostages. They will not immediately release them either should they fail to get any assurances of troop pullout from the AFP.

2. The ASG wants to end negotiations. Based on the report of Arlyn dela Cruz, the ASG leadership wants to start hostilities already with the military except that they are being burdened by this kidnapping. All they would be asking is some few funds to launch an all-out offensive against the Philippine military and spark a regional jihad.

Should the government fail in its commitment to pullout troops, the ASG will not, I say again, behead these hostages. Yes, they have a history of violence. Yes, they actually beheaded their hostages during Erap's time. But, I don't believe they will do it now.

What is really disturbing is all of these is being done at the height of anti-charter change sentiments. That the pro-charter change advocates already got 185 votes seemed to me that hawks within the palace and with probably the blessing of Arroyo, are heightening tensions in Mindanao as a diversionary tactic. It's a good strategy though, given that Arroyo and her ilk are expanding and making additional options available for them should they get the shock of their lives that this 185 signatories are just illusory and not really bent on supporting a very unpopular cause.

Chinese and Filipinos: Blood brothers

Do you know that the Chinese race and the Filipino race are blood brothers. A study made some time ago (2002) showed that, if we trace the ancestry of Filipinos, our DNA points to a tribe in Taiwan. That we can't really discount the possibility of us, Filipinos, being part Chinese.

Do you know that the very first settlers in these islands were Chinese and they consider Filipinos as their blood brothers? That, throughout Philippine history, we see Chinese settlers fighting hand-in-hand with their Pinoy brothers in those anti-colonial wars. These Chinese migrants played a very significant role in Philippine nation-building and many Filipinos treat these Chinese migrants as one of their own.

So accommodating these Filipinos were that they allowed their blood brothers, the Chinese, to ascend the opportunity ladder. We now have Chinese taipans and entrepreneurs at the top of the power pole, way ahead of their fellow Filipinos. Despite this, both races treat each other as equals.

Does Chip Tsao know that Hongkong used to play host to anti-colonialists, like Filipino revolutionary firebrands. That Hongkong was a traditional R&R place of Filipinos was usual topic in almost any Hongkong history book. Maybe Tsao is totally ignorant of his own country's history.

That's why its so painful to hear such racist slurs coming from a supposed blood brother, the Chinese, Chip Tsao. Oh, I'm sooo sorry. Chip Tsao is just being consistent.

Tsao already admitted he's not Chinese, but Japanese. Or, at the very least, a Chinese lover of everything anime.

Racism is the issue and eating Cheap Chow

Some bloggers (I think that includes Manolo Quezon) wishes or recommends other bloggers to stop commenting against Chip Tsao's latest tirade against Filipinos. If you're still not familiar with this, check out what this chap wrote online. He wrote a disparaging article about Filipinos, in the context of our recent Archiepelagic Baselines Bill, which includes a part of the Spratlys Group of islands. What he said shows his racial bias.

I do understand where Manolo is coming from. Since Chip Tsao is not a popular columnist writer to begin with, he does not deserve our attention. The more we write about him, the more popular he becomes. Chip Tsao is a known instigator, a "shock jock", as what my friend and fellow blogger Ding Gagelonia said. What he did is what is called "pathological trap". He wants the issue discussed.

I know where they're coming from, although, I would probably say that our selectiveness in our attacks comes from our inate cultural biases. It's quite surprising that we threw brimstones and all against Pangandaman etal (that includes the recent social climber who made a Duty Free employee kneel down before him) who are all Filipinos, yet we are wont to attack this Cheap Chow? Are we now saying that only Filipinos are fair game online, not racist pigs such as this one? Do we now have double standards in justice?

Let us not discuss about the bill; just discuss the racial slur this lowly and pitiful writer of cheap stuff did.

Chip Tsao & Chinese Food

I love Chinese food. Ask me about it and I’ll tell you where to eat the best Chinese food and what to eat. And I know what’s a cheap chow or a good chow.

And it’s not just Chinese food that I love. I also respect and love their culture. Ever heard of the Tale of the Three Kingdoms? Or I Ching? Or Tao Te Ching? Or how about the entire biography of Chairman Mao? Read his poems, read how Chairman Mao and his Chinese Liberation Army swept the whole of China and made monumental history. That’s good chow. And I did’nt imagine myself reading such rubbish coming from a cheap journalist based in Hongkong. It’s just unthinkable reading such cheap chow coming from the eminent People’s Republic of China.

Poor Chip Tsao (pronounced “cheaap chowww”). He’s a Chinese journalist over at some indescript magazine in Hongkong and he, obviously, does not like Chinese food. What he loves are all things Japanese. When the Japanese planted their flag over at Diaoyu island, a known island of China, he was one of those who shouted “bansai”! He usually watches Japanese anime and thinks of himself as a Japanese superman.

He eats purely Japanese food, especially sashimi. And he loves being with Japanese women, the anime kind.

That’s probably the reason why BBC kicked him out. When the Japanese occupied that Chinese island, he was one of those went over the fence and declared Japanese rule over Hongkong and the mainland. Good that some magazines still want him to write for them, with some exceptions though—he cannot and is barred to write about Chinese food. He can’t write about good chow, only cheap chow.

And you know what? Chip Tsao can’t understand why Filipinos acted differently when Filipinos claimed those scattered rocks in the Spratlys island as their own. No. Chip Tsao simply can’t accept the reality that most Filipinos are still proud of their being Filipinos. Not his maid, says Chip Tsao. She’s with me for all these time, cleaning my toilets and is at my beck and call, all the time. The government of my Filipina just made an unthinkable thing—claiming some scattered rocks as their own off the South China sea.

It can’t be. Chip Tsao is not familiar with the term “national sovereignty” nor does he know about “national pride” and “nationalist spirit”. Chip Tsao does not know what’s “national territory” is all about. He just have a map in his house, with a big region which he calls “MAPHILINDO” or “ Hongkong, Republic of Japan”.

And I really can’t understand why his publishers still allow him to dish out such embarrassing articles. Maybe they don’t know what good writing or cheap writing is all about? Maybe they’re used to eating cheap chow over some hawker store in Hongkong that they consider Chip Tsao’s articles and columns “world-class”? As they say, when you eat cheap chow everyday, you’ll get to be Chip Tsao.

Chip Tsao as Chi-Tae

Chip Tsao (a Hongkong based journalist writing on some unknown publication) seems to be losing sleep nowadays over some scattered rocks on the disputed Spratlys islands. He was able to sleep soundly when the Japanese put their flag over at Diaoyu Island. That, to him, is okey. Chip Tsao is a Japanese spy, a lover of Japanese anime and a veritable lover even of Japanese slapstick and Japanese porno. For a Chinese like him, Japanese are superior race. He would probably even appreciate if his mother would change partners and partner with a Japanese fisherman. That's why BBC probably kicked his butt. He's Chinese yet he wants to change his race. Chip Tsao is a racial cross-dresser.

That's why Chip Tsao became incest when Filipinos raised their flag over what has been their islands and possessions since the days when Tsao was still house tsa'a. For one who has been with a Filipina assistant for quite some time, whom he treats as his veritable slave, Tsao must have thought that the race of his Filipina assistant will forever be subservient to foreign tastes. He is. He's a lover of everything Japanese, yet he's Chinese. And he wants even his assistants to be like him, a racial cross-dresser.

For Chip Tsao, a slave is a slave forever, just like him, a slave of everything Japanese. He would like Japan to even pin their flag on Hongkong soil or possibly pierce his behind with that Japanese stick. That's why BBC love to can his reports since most of them are rubbish and fit only for octogenarians to see.

It's inconceivable for Chip Tsao to think that his government, a known bully in the South China seas and an exporter of everything dangerous to humans, to have been humiliated by this slave race. He can't seem to buy that idea that Filipinos now, as he describes as those who clean his toilets, to now tell him, straight in his pimpled face " Up Yours!"

Maybe Chip Tsao fears that Filipinos would stop patronizing cheap Chinese products. Maybe Chip Tsao fears of becoming Chi-Tae, a classic comedic character every Filipino loves.

Chip Tsao is losing sleep nowadays. He's in a fit of envious frenzy. He's even near neurotic. For someone who can't do what he pleases under a pseudo-socialist regime, Chip Tsao should probably worry. When the Chinese government learns that he's a cross-dresser and a war-monger, he'll probably be tasked to clean those toilets in the Kalayaan islands.

Panlilio vs. Teodoro

Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio says he'll prosecute Mrs. Arroyo for crimes against the people should he be elected as her successor. While another "presidentiable", Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, true to his designation, will obviously "defend" her. In fact, he's not going against the grain of popular perception. He's staking everything just to get that "precious" anointment.

Two very different personalities that aims to change Philippine politics. One bravely told the people how he intends to deal with a devil enfant while another says much about patron-client relationship. One wants to serve what the people want; while the other wants to frustrate the ends of justice and perpetually perpetuate the cycle of injustice by allowing the postergirl of corruption go scot-free.

Panlilio is feeding into the hatred and pessimism being felt by the people in relation to Mrs. Arroyo. While the other, Teodoro, seems to promote a Gandhian way in dealing with the devil.

In dark times, using the sword is better than just releasing a dove. This Panlilio vs. Teodoro thing is a stark display of how Filipinos view justice. One perceives justice as the Justice of the People; while the other, Justice for the Powerful. What a way to go---two "Northerners" (Panlilio hails from Pampanga; while the other, Tarlac) almost pulling Mrs. Arroyo into half.

Maginoo Movement

Malacanang's Dirty Tricks & Plans for Term Extension

Cerge Remonde, the palace Press secretary is quick to quell news about the involvement of the palace in moves to amend the charter. Speaking before DZMM "Dos por Dos" program of Gerry Baja and Anthony Taberna, Remonde said that opposition groups are behind rumours linking Mrs. Arroyo to cha-cha. Remonde's quick denial says much about the veracity of these so-called "rumours".

For Remonde and the rest of Malacanang, it was just rumours that presidential son Mikey Arroyo and his factotum, Cong. Romualdez went to former Speaker Joe de Venecia's office to offer him the speakership back in exchange for support to the cha-cha gravy train.

It was all rumours that the Budget department is stalling release of pork barrel funds for Congressmen unwilling to be part of the palace insidious plan.

And again, it was all rumours that the official palace ally at the House, Speaker Prospero Nograles, is now leading the charge for the passage of the controversial cha-cha measure.

Without the blessing of the palace, Mr. Remonde? Bull. This is as crappy as anyone can get.

Who ordered the marshalling of government resources during the Congress break to support vacation packages for Congressmen?

Who gave the blessing for Mikey to abandon Nograles and go to JDV?

Let me reveal this:

Plan A (charter change) is still very much active.
Plan B (Martial law) is an option which is still being cooked up by the hawks in Malacanang.
Plan C is relegated.

Revolt Triggers, Questions

The average Filipino right now is a laborer, either working in the construction industry or in agriculture. He just finished elementary and has worked early to provide for his family. If he's living in the urban areas, he's probably engaged as a unskilled worker or sweating it out in some service company, either as a janitor, or waiter or hired hand.

The average Filipino is NOT a college graduate. Only a few, about 4 percent of the entire adult population, are college graduates. With that figure, only about 5 million work legally or illegally abroad either as domestics, laborers, construction workers or medical staff.

Now, why do I write these things here?

Two reasons: I'm currently studying the best tactics on how to trigger aggressive reaction from the masses and two, what's the best language to apply for them to realize that they need politics to change their current State of Affairs.

This urge to study this stemmed from one question---why is there no successful mass-based revolt in the Philippines? Apart from the first EDSA, nothing has come out of attempts to rouse the masses to revolt. What would frustrate people enough to justify aggressive action?

Revolt Triggers

So, basing on my studies, what would trigger a mass upheaval that would seriously threaten the very existence and even cause the definitive downfall of this evil regime?

Two things---hopelessness due to extreme poverty in the provinces and mass exodus of people from the rural areas to the metropolitan areas.

Take a hard look at the numbers of Mrs. Arroyo's trust ratings. According to Pulse Asia, Mrs. Arroyo just lost the Visayas and the Mindanao areas. In the Visayas, Mrs. Arroyo lost 5 percentage points, a significant drop in trust. Mindanao, she lost 1 percentage points. Overall, PulseAsia observes, no significant difference. But, per regional grouping, that shows a very serious problem to Mrs. Arroyo and for the entire government as well.

Why so? Because these trust ratings indicate not just Mrs. Arroyo's numbers but the overall perception of the people about their government. From March 2008 to February 2009, the comparative trust rating of Mrs. Arroyo dived to 18 percentage points and 10 points in the Visayas and Mindanao, respectively, two areas which are previously considered as bailiwicks of Mrs. Arroyo.

Now, what are the reasons behind the drop? If you look at the poverty incidences and hunger prevalence in these areas, there were considerable and alarming rates of increase (NSCB stats March 2009). Hunger due to poverty is spreading like wildfire in many portions of the population. That recent survey allegedly showing hunger prevalence dropping to 19% is deceptive to say the least since it was conducted at the height of OFW remittances.

Yet, if we are to observe the perceptions of people now, we'll find that poverty and hunger do count as the most serious societal problems now. Obviously, government knows this and is trying to solve the problem. However, everyone knows in the business community especially ,that government does not have enough resources to support a ballooning number of unemployed and recent victims of job cuts. Jess Aranza is simply doing a morale-boasting effort when he said that government is capable of providing between 5-10,000 pesos of subsidies per month per displaced worker. He knows pretty well that the money has been allocated to the trillion peso budget which government thinks would re-energize an overly depressed economic environment.

Now, what has prevented people so far from going to the streets and ousting this regime is the fact that there is still some margins present for hope. Yes, pessimism has seeped into the collective consciousness but it has'nt ripen yet into collective angst. People feel that there is still some hope there, even if reality shows there's really none. Government has been quite successful in managing this crisis simply with the use of its resources in media. News programs have been providing coping mechanisms or "tips to survive the economic crisis" in their news lineups for people to remain hopeful of their state.

At some point, people affected by this economic crisis would reach a near-end conclusion of hopelessness. The evident sign would be mass exodus of people from the rural areas to the urban centers. When that happens, things would get extremely worse especially when these displaced workers realize that the situation in the urban areas are worse than in their provinces.

It is but natural for hopeless people to get out of their depressed zones and search for an outlet to express their dissent. This would definitely show up in the incidence rates of petty crimes, increase in domestic violence, rise in disputes between neighbors and increase in rebelliousness. It would be most prevalent in the hot months ("summer") when both economic stresses and societal problems come to a definitive sociological synthesis.

Obviously, food demands increase in summer because of the additional nutrient requirements of people. Couple this with pressures to pay an increased rate of electricity, water and LPG and you have a very explosive situation that demands State security counter-measures.

In these "hot" months, people would be open to suggestions of dissent and open rebellion. If this passes, opportunities for revolt would again present itself in the periods of June-July, October going to December, though, I'm in the opinion that should no open revolt happens in the hot months and this revolutionary itch passes onto November, there may never be another chance to replace Arroyo.

Charter Change will not lead to EDSA

After browsing through all those voluminous data from the National Statistics Office, the NSCB (National Statistical Coordination Board), and NEDA, I have arrived at a conclusion---there will be no mass uprising against charter change. Senator Kiko Pangilinan's threat against cha-cha, of a mass movement of people rushing towards EDSA to oppose the current cha-cha measure, is just a figment of his imagination, or at the very least, a desire, a longing short of a concrete basis in reality.

Pangilinan might be alluding to those who are members of the middle class or those whose economic interests might be affected or have felt threatened or have thoughts of being displaced by charter change. They are, expected to go to EDSA and rant, and chant, and holler and huff and puff until 6pm. Expecting their numbers to reach critical mass is something of a day dream. The masses will not rise up all because of cha-cha. No. They'll be no uprising in the streets; or even a whimper will be heard from the suffering and toiling masses due to cha-cha. Those who'll rush headlong at EDSA comprise a tiny fraction of the population, the Thinking and Educated class, which is just 4% of the entire adult population. This 4% is sparsely distributed, not living in one contiguous area and most, if not all, are expats and OFWs.

Why do I say this? Because based on current surveys, people are fed up of government. They hate politics, even talking about it. What concerns people is simply how to survive. Most Filipinos remain pessimistic. Most have withdrawn from societal concerns and simply want to "get things over with" and " work for food" instead of going to EDSA and pay homage to that icon of twisted democracy.

The people will not even fight for liberal democracy nor socialism. They will not show anger over some provisions in the Constitution giving land to foreigners. They don't care if Gloria continues on her despicable reign for as long as they manage to eat today and do so again tomorrow.

This is not apathy nor a lack of anger. What this shows is the lack of a connection between the cha-cha cause and what the zeitgeist is. There is a disconnection between what the Intellectuals want and what the people want. The people want nothing of cha-cha; that is obvious, what with a 67% disapproval rate. However, a mass action is surely not expected from this collective negation since this is definitely not the topmost concern in the minds of many.

What we are right now is a very dangerous situation for democracy. We are in a state of institutional bullying where the bully maintains complete control of his victim. The victim has accepted his lot, has recognized his helplessness to fight the oppression and has given up on his condition. That explains why no amount of exposes or scandals could ever bring back the spring in the legs of those amongst us in the masses who want change.

Yet, what should be done is simply expose the oppression and make people realize that nothing would ever be gained from not withdrawing oneself from a position of weakness. This institutional and State-sponsored condition of acceptance can only be erased by a naked display of a scandal that shows the main political actors directly involved in making life hard for the Filipino.

Malacanang knows this full well; that explains why they are moving right now. Armed with this knowledge, Malacanang can now do whatever it wills itself to do. They can exploit this situation to their advantage. They can rule for as long as they want and they can rob this country dry. No one will ever dare fight them. This is simply a fact of life right now. Charter change will not lead to another EDSA.

Boyet Fajardo Scandal--The Real Score

First, let me put everything in perspective.

The Facts
This so-called “scandalous” incident started when an unknown fashion designer name Boyet Fajardo went to Duty-Free Philippines to buy chocolates. He just came from China and reportedly wanted to buy pasalubong for his staff.

According to him, he was tired and stressed out. After disembarkation, he went straight to Duty-Free. In an interview with the now-controversial Fajardo, Alex Santos of TV Patrol found out that Fajardo managed to buy at least three items in three counters. On all those purchases, he presented his Philippine passport.

On the last counter, Counter 5, this is where Fajardo encountered some problems. Based on his interview with some TV reporters whom I know, Fajardo claimed to have seen Susan Gonzales, the duty cashier nudge Marvin Fernandez, the new assistant. Fajardo claims that Gonzales nudged Fernandez when they saw his disabled left arm (according to an editor friend, Fajardo has a limp. He can’t use his left arm since its shorter than his right and he can’t move it).
Fajardo approached Counter 5 and presented his unsigned Equitable Mastercard gold card (This is according to reporters who interviewed Fajardo).

Fernandez, who’s new in the job, asked Fajardo if he can show any form of identification. As the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) at DFP, Fernandez was just doing his job. He’s still three months on the job yet, according to reports, Fernandez is known for his honesty and a stickler to the rules. In fact, Fernandez is a member of a religious group known for their honesty and integrity.

Anyway, as what is expected from him, Fajardo showed his passport. Fernandez noticed that the passport did not bear Fajardo’s signature. In old passports, your signature just happens to be at the back flap. In Fajardo’s case, a US Visa was plastered on the old flap.

Since both the passport and the credit card which Fajardo presented bore no signature, as what the SOP is, Fernandez asked for other forms of ID.

Fajardo, at this point, went ballistic. The gay fashion designer claimed that the other counters found nothing wrong with his passport. Why is he now suddenly being asked for it?

Fernandez calmly told him that it is Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for him to ask the customer some form of identification. Yet, according to reports, Fajardo just berated the poor guy.

It was at that point that Susan Gonzales supported her colleague against Fajardo. When Fajardo was castigating the two employees, the duty sales manager approached them. Fajardo requested that he be given the chance to explain his side. He asked for a place where they can sort things out.

Yet, instead of asking the parties to cool down and go to another place to calm the situation, the manager just asked Fernandez to kneel down before Fajardo, ” to end this thing once and for all, just do what the customer (Fajardo) wants”.

Now, you’ll ask—was it not Fajardo who asked (or ordered Fernandez) to kneel before him? Again, basing on reports, Fajardo claims that it was the manager who actually told Fernandez to do the unthinkable.

For me, whoever ordered this despicable thing is irrelevant. If, Fajardo’s claims are true, that it was not him, then probably the reason why the manager suggested such a thing to Fernandez is because Fajardo was bullying them.

Fajardo, as what witnesses say, was shouting invectives and asserting himself. He was dropping off names of influential people left and right, just like that scene involving an ABS-CBN reporter who was mauled by a Congressional staff member.

Anyway, there is reason to believe that Fajardo’s suggestions (” I will never forgive you if you’ll not kneel down before me”–paraphrased already in English) were misinterpreted because Fajardo himself continued on bullying these poor employees. Though the suggestion was rightly viewed by Mr. Fajardo’s spokesperson as ” creative outburst”, yet, it led to this highly contemptuous act which we now saw on the video clip.

The Fault
What’s now the fault of Fajardo? Though I believe Fajardo did’nt mean to commit a crime, yet, he can be sued for oral defamation since the two victims claimed that he cussed and made names (” you pig! or something to that effect).

Will Fajardo be jailed for it? Yes. In the Revised Penal Code, oral defamation carries a penalty of imprisonment.

Now, who’s fault is it?

Obviously, if you look at all angles, it was plain and simple bullying. Fajardo bullied the poor DFP employee Marvin Fernandez. Fajardo tried to harass, bull and he wanted to really humiliate Fernandez. Fernandez, for those who don’t know, is a homosexual.

Being new in the job (he’s not a regular member of the union of Duty-Free Philippines and just started three months ago), Fernandez is as vulnerable as anybody in that situation. The fact that Fajardo was name dropping (according to accounts, Fajardo even name dropped the name of the head of DFP, Formoso) caused Fernandez to quake in fear. Fajardo exploited the situation by bullying the duty manager, who, probably thought that “customers are always right” and ordered her staff to do the horrific act.

The Lesson
The lesson here is simple—some customers are NOT always right. Customers who think of themselves as members of the elite think they deserve special or extra special treatment. They don’t.

In fact, those who are celebrities or they think they’re popular (like what this Fajardo thinks of himself) is expected to behave more civilly than others. Public celebrities are expected by the people to be role models. They are NOT expected to behave like savages or “lords”.

Boyet Fajardo should always be reminded of his roots. Fajardo claims that he was once a cashier. That’s the reason, says one reporter friend, why he claims to empathize with Fernandez (apart from of course, the most obvious–they’re both gays).

Mr. Fajardo should also be reminded that all the riches in the world can’t buy you humanity. You can’t buy decency and right conduct. You obviously cannot buy respect. You simply don’t.

Respect, like any other thing in this world, is earned. And you earn it, not because you’re rich or you’re a “celebrated fashion designer” as you so claim, but because people genuinely love you.

When you’re truly loved, you’re truly respected. And when you’re respected, that’s the time that you become popular. And when you’re now popular, that’s the time that you should be more responsible. And when you’re more responsible, that’s the time that people think highly of you as a celebrity.

IN this case, Mr. Fajardo, you’re not loved. You’re hated. Because you failed to earn respect. When you lack respect, you’re simply unpopular. And when you’re unpopular, you simply are not responsible. And when you’re not responsible for anything, reality strikes you like a thunderbolt.

You are not a celebrity, Mr. Fajardo. You’re simply a flash in the pan. Some people call you now a douchebag. Yet, what I can say is, you’re simply a cause celebre. Or probably a monstrosity.
Solution?

For Mr. Fajardo, leave this place. Go to a place where passports are simply recognized as an important document.

For Mr. Fernandez, continue the fight. You are a very good employee. Continue to be honest. Yet, I also suggest that you forgive Boyet. Afterwards, sue him.

For union president Dennis Mallari—I just got this information that you’re just using this incident as your political vehicle. Don’t. People, especially reporters and journalists, are hot on your trail. Don’t exploit Mr. Fernandez.

And for all customers of Duty Free Philippines—-next time, try to behave properly. Think that no one sees you but God? Look again. There’s a camera out there. And YouTube is just a click of a finger.

Scandals and Scandalous Free Riders

If you look at Google Trends today, you'll find that the most searched item in the net seems to be about calorie restriction diet plan. Interesting is'nt? Despite the recession in the United States, people are still conscious of their diets.



It would obviously, not be true in the Philippines, where 2.1 million Filipino families are experiencing hunger. If they have their own PCs, maybe, they're be looking for "jobs", "work" or simply " how to get food the easy way."



I looked and saw that it's "scandals" and "cabal" that remains as some of the top search words that Filipinos look for. Of course, Marian Rivera seems to be the top female celebrity and Rihanna is going on second place. Paris Hilton remains a hot Pinoy sexual fantasy as Radnarok games.



However, in the blog sphere, people are quick to ride the crest of popular discussion. For example, I know of a blogger who'll jump right straight to the fire of irrationality just to increase hits on his site. He'll write entries without even a batt of an eyelash, again, just to get those hits.



Scandals are staple food for those intellects rotting in those coffeeshops. Worst, there are free riders who will just join the melee and the popular ride just to gain hits.



As what my friend used to say, they are the legitimate scums who try to bully their way into national (un)consciousness just by the click of their cheap laptops.

Boyet Fajardo Scandal & Dela Paz-Pangandaman

Two things---the ongoing online lynching of a Filipino Fashion designer Boyet Fajardo and the Dela Paz-Pangandaman golf melee.

The first one is being discussed animately in both online and offline circles with the main issue--the people's disgust against the action of a man who thinks he is above everything. Same goes to the DelaPaz-Pangandaman incident. People got angry when a Cabinet member did'nt intervene to resolve a simple misunderstanding.

Use of power. Use of influence. Perceptions of being "strong" and championing the perceived "weak". That's the story.

Looking at this, I ask myself---I would love to see such outrage happen against government officials. I would love my fellow bloggers to rant, holler and shout invectives against erring government officials.

But, nay, the Wisdom of the Mob is a hard thing to understand.

What's the Wisdom of boycotting somebody's products just because he blew his top? What's the Wisdom of asking someone to resign when he's not even a party in the bugbugan (mauling)?

Such is the Wisdom of the Crowd.

Maybe people identified with this despicable situation and realized that they are as worst as those who were "victimized". That the outburst were all knee-jerk reactions, the kind that most probably, people would repent later on.

People judge based on initial observation. Look at this Boyet Fajardo scandal. People already judged him based on the video circulated on YouTube. Without even hearing what transpired and without even considering the side of Boyet Fajardo, people already judged him.

Can you judge a person's acts simply by looking at the video? No. Those acts can be interpreted and misinterpreted in so many ways. Boyet Fajardo may have been animately discussing things with the cashier, and not castigating him as what the aggrieved "victims" accused him of doing.

Did Boyet Fajardo ordered the employee to kneel down before him? No. According to reports, it was the Duty-Free sales manager who ordered him to kneel down. But, as what bloggers and online kibitzers believe, it was Boyet Fajardo who ordered him to do so.

Maybe, what Boyet Fajardo did mirrored the acts done in secret by these people who already judged him? Maybe they saw themselves in Boyet Fajardo and they want to divert attention from themselves?

Did the bloggers even considered why these cashiers tried to accost Boyet Fajardo because he's a physically handicapped guy? No. Did they ever considered that one of the reasons why those cashiers did not allow him to buy those chocolates was because they had this animosity against physically handicapped people?

That, based on reports, these cashiers saw that Boyet Fajardo was disabled and they thought of making a big joke out of him? That they did'nt believe that he's capable of having a credit card because he's handicapped and a gay?

Those who got the worst end of the rope when it comes to public service went ballistic when they heard of how a Mayor of an unknown municipality alleged mauled a fellow golfer.

Without even considering that this guy Dela Paz is known as a golf course "brawler" and a "hard-head" and a " difficult guy to begin with" and he instigated the incident.

That both Dela Paz and the Pangandamans tried to use their "power" and "influence" and they tried to "bully" each other up were never considered.

Some bloggers were quick on their feet judging the incident as if they were there and witnessed the entire thing with their eyes open and wrote passionately on the "first-hand" basis.

Such is the Wisdom of the mob.

Alex Magno, columnist of Philippine Star maybe right. There are some bloggers out there who are irresponsible. We need to write as responsible opinion writers, not someone who writes with an armalite pen in hand.

Deconstructing DJB

One of my friends and I consider to be one of the top minds in this country, just celebrated his brithday yesterday. I failed to greet him a happy birthday. Nonetheless, I deemed it wise to write this entry as an analysis of DJB or some know as Dean Jorge Bocobo.

For those in the know, DJB is not actually a dean of some law school. He just, well, was blessed by his parents by being anointed as a "dean". At first, I was one of those who thought he was truly a dean, seeing that in the academe, a dean is a honorary title.

Yet, the more I read of him, the more convinced am I that, indeed, he's a dean of the philosophical or even of the academic kind.

DJB writes with passion. He's passionate on almost everything particularly on (1) God/religion (2) Politics (3) Constitutionality and (4) idiocracy. He's a rational thinker, the kind that will debate you endlessly on logic, being versed on the rudiments of Hegelian, Kantian and in some ways, pratatorian logic.

DJB is a Nationalist. He's heart is in the right place. He defends the weak, fights the Strong and admires the Strongest. Briefly, I categorize him as a Modern Anarchist, albeit, grey hairs and all.

DJB is a Rightist. Though this category has all been erased from the modern political spectrum analysis, I believe that he's one of the nicest Rightist guy I have ever crossed swords with.

DJB is a Democrat. What he loves or probably understands so clearly is democracy. He's the promoter of the Wisdom of the Crowd, the way Nick of tingog.com thinks of it.

For all these tags, the most apt description of DJB is simply a man who loves life. He tries to deconstruct life and reality seeing that the main solution lies in fully understanding it.

Ah, cut all these crap. Happy birthday, DJB. May your tribe increase!

Dacer-Corbito Murder Case: Lacson--Mancao was forced to sign affidavit

When he was still Inquirer columnist, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court and former legal counsel for Mrs. Arroyo Antonio Carpio wrote a column about the Dacer-Corbito murder case. Basing his column on the hand-written testimony of former PAOCTF operative Dumlao, Carpio wrote extensively about the alleged document which purportedly show the link between former president Joseph "Erap" Estrada and the BW scam.

Carpio just validated my earlier entry as to the real reason behind the murder of Publicist Bubby Dacer. That explains one of the key statements made by former PAOCTF head Michael Ray Aquino, when Aquino reportedly asked Dumlao to case Dacer and get whatever documents he can get from his Manila Hotel office.

Before he was murdered, Dacer was privy to some documents that prove the business interest of Erap to the BW stock scam, which, at that time, was reportedly designed by Dante Tan.

Tan hired Dacer to contain the damage caused by media's intrusion on the stock scandal. Days before he was abducted, Dacer met Estrada. Estrada, as some sources say, tried to prevail upon Dacer. Dacer refused and dropped Tan as client.

Tan is now based in Canada and until now, refuses to testify about this alleged abduction and murder of Bubby Dacer.

I will now modify my earlier entry in light of the recent publication of the affidavit of former PAOCTF Task Force Luzon Head Cezar Mancao.

It seems that Lacson knew of the abduction but tried to contain it because PAOCTF men were involved in the murder. Based on knowledgeable sources, PAOCTF men were tapped to execute the special operations NOT upon orders of Lacson but of someone who was being hit by a scandal at that time. It was a special ops alright, but it was a contract killing, not in the name of national security as what is being peddled in the media right now. But, a purely special ops enterprise by some PAOCTF personnel.

By the way, who financed Dumlao's US$ 100,000 bail or surety bond in his extradition case in the United States?

TGIF: Thank God I'm Filipino!

Marami man ang magsabing

corrupt ang Bansa ko

Marami man ang kumutya

sa brown na balat ko

Proud pa rin ako bilang Pilipino.

Sabihin man nilang

walang hustisya dito

Sabihin man nilang

pati mga rapists

nakakatakas dito

Thank God, Pinoy pa din ako.

Wala mang karapatan

ang mga kababaihan dito

Kinukutya man lahat

ng whistleblowers dito

alam ko namang

sa malaon't madali

Magproprotesta mga Pilipino.

Mga terorista daw mga tao dito

Mga corrupt daw pati negosyo dito

Lahat daw pipi at bingi dito

ang mahalaga

Pinoy pa din ako.

Darating din naman ang araw

na mawawala lahat ng bakulaw

may kabayaran lahat ng kasamaan

pati pagnanakaw sa pamahalaan

huwag lang kalilimutan

Pilipinas pa din ang sinilangan.

Dito, hindi papayag manakawan

Dito, hindi papayag ang masunugan

Dito, hindi papayag sa katiwalian

Hintay lang at panahon din

ng kawakasan.

Lalabas din ang Katotohanan

Sisikat din ang Katarungan

Mananauli din ang Kapayapaan

Dahil lahat dito, Pilipino.

Women's Month & Nicole's Recantation

It's just too unfortunate that two incidents involving the abuse and violation of some women's honor and integrity happened this month, which, incidentally, is Women's Month.

One, who reported that she was raped by an American serviceman, recanted and went abroad. Many people went terribly incensed by what she did. It's non-sensical they say and obviously dilutes the hard-fought struggles by the Philippine women's movement against abuses such as these.

Her recantation, if you look at it, is her right. GABRIELA said in the statement that instead of militating against the recantation, we must look at it on the point of view of the victim. They must be a reason for such an action. Maybe she was coerced. Maybe she was forced to do it. Whatever the reason behind such an action, one thing is certain---her recantation will obviously enrich the literature of defense attorneys. It will embolden some to parrot the legal tactic employed reportedly by Smith's defense counsel.

A hard and closer scrutiny however, would reveal to us that women's struggle in the Philippines will remain strong. And stronger, it will be. Nicole manifested the real situation of women. She just validated the situation happening here---that women victims are still helpless. That the system remains resistant to the pleas for the respect of women's rights.

The mark of a liberal democratic society is respect for individual rights. Our colleagues in the women's liberation movement is getting some headway but I think we still need more years for us to fully mature as a society respectful of each and every one's rights.

Wanted: A New Face of Philippine Justice

The Paradise That is Filipinas!

Surprised why more than US$100 billion worth of investments flew out of the country last month?

Surprised that foreigners, especially Middle Easterners abuse Filipinas and Filipinos working for them?

Surprised of the reactions of fellow Asians when they realized that you are "Pinoy" and not an Indonesian?

Don't be.

I remember one reaction made by a beautiful Singaporean Malay friend of mine about the Philippines. She said that we have our own way here. And, the world is simply going on a different direction.

Yes, there's a "Pinoy Way" in every thing.

Look at how traffic enforcers conduct traffic in the corner of South Super and Buendia avenue. The traffic light is red, yet, traffic enforcers urge you to go. When it's green, they want you to stop. Do they understand traffic signals? Or they're just too stupid to know the right thing?

Yes, there is a "Pinoy Way" of doing things.

Look at how we view "democracy". Democracy for us, is a license to do almost anything for as long as you're a member of the elite. Or, you're a White Man or a person with almond eyes.

You can rape a child and walk away with it. You can shoot teenagers at will inside posh subdivisions.

You can shoot someone in the head when they politely ask you why you parked the wrong way.

You can rape someone, anybody, even with a university degree and tell everybody you're an American. You can spend jail time in the comforts of your embassy and with some moolah, you can even be acquitted of the crime.

You can sell drugs here, all 76 Ecstacy pills and some cocaine and get away with it IF you're somebody who lives in Ayala Alabang. You can even cry "Foul!" or "I was mauled!" or question the conduct of those who arrested you and possibly get an acquital or release from prison.

You can even build banks here, though you're blacklisted and a person with a "criminal mind". Just support the candidacies of some highly ranked government official and enter into deals with them and presto! You are now licensed to steal 14 billion pesos worth of taxpayer's money.

You can sell government diluted fertilizers and get away with 800 million pesos. Just endure the brickbats and the insults during a Senate hearing, anyway, what's a fistful of curses when you're richer by 800 million pesos anyway?

You can riddle a suspected felon with bullets and simply say you want to make sure they're dead. They're the scums of the earth anyway and killing them simply won't matter.

You can steal someone's money with the promise of selling them some land in Boracay and simply, get away with it because you're a member of the Alta Sociedad and you just happen to own one of the surnames that control Meralco or San Miguel.

You can use someone else pension here and his contributions to social security and simply say that you're giving it to the businessmen and not you, a lowly peon who wants to loan some money just to survive.

You can even run an oil company here, buy oil abroad for just US$20 and sell it here double or triple. No one will check on your books, since you paid your contribution to the lobby fund for that general who runs the energy department. Such a cancer!

You can set up a company here, ask for some loan from government, use the loan to setup shop, get those profits, deposit it to some bank abroad, get more profits, then mismanage your company and then close shop, without even paying the loan that government gave you.

You can point any mountain, river, ricefield, valley or even a lowly hill here and ask the DENR secretary to give you a permit to exploit those ores in there. Those you managed to find, you can sell it abroad, get some profits and after a while, leave those barren hills, let those mercury seep into the river, cut down those virgin forests and let those valleys rot without paying any cent.

You can mock, bribe, steal, sell drugs, hostage someone, kill and rape, for as many times, and for as long as you want if you have the money to build gyms, houses, or bribe some jail officer. Anyway, it's democracy here and you have the license to do whatever you want for as long as you have the money to cover all those stupid, evil, nasty, brutish, devilish things you do.

You can even rape Lady Justice, that statue infront of the Department of Justice and someone out there would simply advice Lady Justice to " just endure and enjoy it!"

Ah, paradise. This country is a paradise for those with criminal minds and evil hearts. Ah, what paradise

What's Wrong With Us?

Take a hard look at Philippine Justice and tell me what's wrong.

A convicted rapist who happens to be American, freely walking the grounds of his embassy, defying the order of the Highest Tribunal of the land for him to spend his sentence inside a Philippine penal facility.

He ravished a Filipina and now enjoys the comforts of an air-conditioned room, waiting for his final acquittal by a Court peopled with men of the canine kind.

Take a hard look at Philippine Justice and tell me what's wrong.

An unrepentant child rapist, convicted of double life sentences, now a free man, after spending sixteen years in jail.

He walks free, proud of his accomplishments while in jail while the entire nation looks shocked.

Take a closer look at Philippine Justice and tell me what's wrong.

A son of a former Chief Justice now whereabouts unknown, freed after reportedly spending time in jail.

He remained defiant, even, unrepentant, for gunning down two teenagers who happened to be at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

Take an extreme and hard look at Philippine Justice and tell me what's wrong.

Ten convicted men, who took part in a conspiracy to kill a martyr, now, free after reportedly spending twenty years in jail. Defiant and unrepentant, they are accusing othe people in the crime when they, in fact, squeezed the trigger that killed that man wearing white. For them, nothing's wrong with killing the man. They're just following orders.

But, the most flagrant of it all...

Take a hard look at Lady Justice and if you can't find anything wrong with her, you have been part of the rising Conspiracy of Silence.

DILG Role in Nicole Recantation

What's the role played by DILG Undersecretary Marius Corpus in securing a compromised agreement between the parties of Suzette (Nicole) Nicolas, the alleged Subic rape victim, and convicted rapist Lance Corporal Daniel Smith?

Remember that last year, Corpus was sent to the US embassy to look after Smith. There were reports last year of an attempt by the US government to send Smith home.

Was Corpus visit to the US embassy one of many meetings that led to the eventual recantation of Nicole? Are those visits official negotiations between the US and Philippine governments in relation to the eventual reversal of the conviction of Smith?

In an interview late last year, Corpus was heard over ABS-CBN 2 telling us that there are indications that "this issue would be resolved soon." Was that a slip of the tongue?

If Corpus had a hand in the negotiations that led to Nicole's trip abroad last January, then, this provides introvertible proof that there was a government-to-government involvement in Nicole's case. And for what?

To secure the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

New SEC Policy

New policy over at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) what with the recent appointment of long-time bureaucrat and big-time operator Manuel Gaite as Commissioner, replacing the controversial SEC official Martinez.

FOR BUSINESSMEN, here's the new sign:

SECURE your business by
EXCHANGING some
COMMISSION to us.

500,000 pesos and you'll be okey.

This recent appointment shows you how government regard business and corporate affairs--another money making venture.

On the flipside, maybe Gaite was appointed to this post for another purpose---that of securing the future takeover of Meralco and as a threat to businessmen opposed to Mrs. Arroyo to toe the line or else...

Nicole should not be blamed

Twenty five year old Suzette Nicolas, the alleged rape victim of Lance Corporal Daniel Smith left the country for America two months ago. Nicolas decided to go the States to be with her beau, another American serviceman based in America.

Her mom, Susan Nicolas said, it's time for her daughter to move on with her life. " There's no justice here," Susan said, citing reports that Smith continues to defy the Supreme Court decision ordering the US government to hand over Smith and make him serve his sentence in a Philippine facility while awaiting judgment in his appeal filed at the Court of Appeals.

Question---will we fault her? Will we now say that she made the right decision? Or, her decision to leave this country and settle abroad is, again, a wrong one?

No one has the right to judge Nicole. I mean, those who now militate against her action, are not rape victims. They are spectators. Like Smith, they used Nicole to further their own personal interests. Those who judge Nicole are worst than those four servicemen who cheered Smith while he violated Nicole inside that van parked in Neptune Club some years ago.

Nicole just wanted to end the cycle of abuse that she and her family were experiencing since she filed that complaint against Smith. That rape was just the beginning. When she exposed what had happened to her before the prying eyes of the public, she was being violated, and raped, and abused, millions of times.

The media used her to highlight the obvious effects of such an incident relative to US-Philippine relations. Civil society, especially those who have traditional hatred against America, used her and propped her as a symbol. They squeezed every single publicity drop out of her. And the government, this morally decrepit regime, used her as leverage in its game with the newly installed leadership.

Obviously, certain forces and powers were at play in this drama. Late last year, this parody was conceived in those dark corners of the palace and inside the hallways of the US embassy. Remember that this government played the Smith card when it sent that DILG undersecretary to check on Smith. Undersecretary Santos might have been ordered by the palace to squeeze a compromise. Or maybe, just maybe, Santos might have conspired with the legal team of Smith and the family of Nicole to put an end to this affair that has shamed both countries.

Eventually, this recantation will be used to justify the release of Smith and finally end the debate on whether to abrogate the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) or not. Probably, the US realized that they need the VFA given the increasing security threats they are facing in the Pacific.

Boldly, Smith will be released and immediately sent to the States. While Nicole, well, she was sent there, hoping to find that happiness in the arms of that guy, who professed to love her inspite of what happened.

We are not rape victims and we are not in the position to judge her.

BB GandangHari and The Right to Self-Expression

I missed that Saturday encounter with BB Gandanghari. I was invited in that affair. It was to be an intimate affair, a unique interview with one of Philippine showbiz most colorful personalities.

It was my fault. I was so engrossed with what I'm doing with this Quad Media organization that I totally forgot the invitation of my good friend, Noemi. I would just ask her a transcript of their interviews.

Since my childhood days, I've always been with gay friends. I'm not a homosexual. I'm straight. Yet, I find these friends of mine articulate, intelligent and fun to be with. That's why I have lots of friends from way back who chose to live like that.

When I reached college, I also have many gay friends in the university. They even helped me win council elections, both in my undergraduate and in law school. Until now, they are still communicating with me, albeit, most of them now living abroad.

When the gay rights bill was being debated upon a couple of years ago, I was one of those hundreds of souls who rushed to Congress and defended their rights. I believe in human rights, and every individual deserves respect. More than this though, homosexuals have the right to choose the life they want for themselves.

That's why when BB GandangHari announced her beautiful transformation, from that Rustom Padilla guy to this lovely lady, I was not surprised. That "movement" of transformation started way back, with that first UP student who went to Bangkok for a sex change. And he's a dear friend.

BB Gandanghari did'nt go all out. Yet, her courage to face her detractors and inspite of those damning and hurtful things her family hurled against her, BB Gandanghari symbolized a Cause. And that Cause is very simple---de gustibus non disputandum est (for likes and dislikes, there should be no disputing. Live and let live).

Some homosexual celebrity writers, especially Ricky Reyes, lambasted BB Gandanghari for what she did. Reyes said that it's not the way to assert your homosexuality. Maybe Reyes has a point. Or maybe, he's wrong. What BB Gandanghari symbolizes is again, very simple---the right to live and the right to be accepted for what you think, believe and feel.

Job losses and job cuts in Philippines

The Philippine unemployment rate jumped to 7.7% this January, up from 6.8% in October. That's substantial. More than 40,000 people lost their jobs at the start of the year, mainly from the manufacturing sector.

Government's official line is---job mismatch.

Government is blaming the education sector for not producing enough graduates to fill in current manpower or pooling requirements of companies. So, government has now found a very convenient excuse to put or redirect the blame for its inability to create a nice job environment.

Blame it to the schools. And, in all honesty, government might be right.

Majority of courses being offered right now are in the health sector. Thousands apply to become nurses or medical therapists instead of practical skills courses. For example, many companies need plummers, miners and welders. There's a scarcity of these people because everyone's either jumping to the mariner's job or trying to become nurses.

Yet, government must at least admit one thing---our economic performance is turning dismal. Our business environment is losing its bullishness. Many foreign companies are thinking twice of investing here due to bureaucratic red tape and graft and corruption. Imagine, you're a foreign investor and one Cabinet secretary approaches you and tells you straight in your face that you can't do business here without giving him 2 million pesos?! Philippine star Jarius Bondoc just wrote about it a few days ago.

An Appeal to Release the Red Cross Volunteers

Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah!

Bismillahi Rahmanir Raheem

It has been months since the Al Harakatul Al Islamiyah or what we popularly know as the Abu Sayyaf Group kidnapped the three Red Cross aid workers in Jolo, Sulu.

There are reports that the military has engaged the ASG members in a gunbattle. An alleged wire report says that newly designated ASG spokesperson Al Bader Parad has been wounded.

I appeal to our Muslim brothers holding these three aid workers, especially to Ustadz Yasser Igasan, the new Amir of the Al Harakatul Al Islamiya to release them immediately.

You are placing innocent lives in danger. If you want to engage the military into open confrontation in the name of the Banner of Islam, then, do so without compunction.

However, not at the expense of these Red Cross aid workers who simply were there in Jolo, Sulu to take care of the welfare of our fellow Muslim brothers and Muslimah.

It does not bode well for the Banner of Islam to be associated with such activities. Better if the Slaves of Allah kidnap combatants; not those involved in humanitarian work.

If any one of you could point to me any Surah in the Noble Qu'ran or even in the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that justifies these, then, let him come forward and say it openly.

The Banner of Islam is pure. It is a struggle against evil. It does not justify any action taken against innocents.

Demolition jobs

A highly placed source at the palace just confirmed this story---there is now, an order to demolish the reputations of certain presidentiables. And the list contains the following names:

1. Liberal Party presidentiable Mar Roxas. His "Araneta" links will be exposed.
2. Vice President Noli de Castro. His name will be connected with the Legacy fund mess.
3. Loren Legarda. Her personal problems highlighted and her lack of experience in the executive.
4. Ping Lacson (on-going). Dacer-Corbito. Kidnappings of Chinese. Chinoy links. Underworld links.
5. Joseph Estrada. Underworld links.

The Truth Behind the Dacer-Corbito Case

The daughter of Bubby Dacer last night confirmed that, indeed, Senator Ping Lacson's name appeared in one of the two affidavits executed by former Police Superintendent Cezar Mancao on the Dacer-Corbito case.

Carina Dacer said she saw Mancao executing the affidavit in 2007 and he reportedly mentioned the name of Ping Lacson.

The question that everybody is asking is this--is Ping really involved in the Dacer-Corbito case? If, he, indeed, was involved, up to what extent? How deep is the involvement? And how strong will the case be? Will it be sufficient to book a case against Lacson, frustrating his political ambitions for higher office?

Those in the know say that Ping is NOT involved in the case. He is NOT the mastermind and never ordered the killing of Dacer.

Probably, Ping just ordered the surveillance of the former PR man, but that's about it. Surveillance in the name of national security is a duty of the PNP chief.

Here is what we gathered so far, based on narrations of people close to Dacer a few days or a day before the abduction of the publicist and his driver.

According to numerous sources in the media industry, Dacer met former President Joseph Estrada a few days before he was cased and abducted in Manila.

Dacer just had to meet Erap to relay to him a message---that he wants nothing of Dante Tan. He's toying with the idea of dropping Tan as a client due to alleged documents which came into his possession, which proves, the alleged massive stock manipulation undertaken by Tan's group in relation to the Belle Resources.

Erap reportedly asked Dacer if he could withdraw his decision. Dacer respectfully said no. After that brief chat in Malacanang, Dacer reportedly went his way. And Erap did nothing.

Sources now say that Dante Tan reportedly called up Cezar Mancao. He wanted to know the extent of Dacer's knowledge about the Belle resources case. Being in PAOCTF at that time, Mancao handles surveillance and the entire operations.

Mancao allegedly agreed to provide Dante Tan of what he needed at that time. He formed a task force and cased Dacer.Now, part of the operations was the plan of abducting the publicist to know more about the details of his knowledge on the Belle resources stock manipulation scam. Dacer was allegedly privy of certain confidential information about the scam and there were reports that the publicist planned to give these information to the opposition.

The team that was formed, led by Glenn Dumlao, then, abducted the publicist. They then interrogated him.

Afterwards, when Dumlao thought that nothing substantial came out of the interrogation, decided to abandon him in the hands of some PAOCTF men, led by Supt. Arnado. Dumlao went back to Camp Crame.

Was Mancao there when Dacer was killed?

Apparently, based on testimonies of some sources, he was not there. Now, sources within Camp Crame say that the team executed Dacer at that very day for some obvious reason---they fear that if they release him, he would tell everybody about what happened to him. So, they decided to execute him---gangland style.

Here's the rub---did anybody ordered Dacer's killing? Did someone phoned
the team that it's better that they execute Dacer than let him live? Yes. Indications point to this as a contract killing.

Mancao refused to admit this because by admitting that certain police officers like him accept "projects" like this.

Who phoned the team on the eve of eve of Dacer's execution? The answer is simple---whoever thought that Dacer remained a threat to their business interests at that time.

Now, of course, when Dumlao arrives either tomorrow, Wednesday and Mancao on Thursday, definitely, they will try to pin down Ping and possibly some members of the opposition camp close to Erap.

That has been the game plan of those who want Ping Lacson destroyed---prevent him from further causing damage to the First Golfer Gang.

Unknown to all, Ping has been thoroughly investigating on the extent of the First Golfer Gang's involvement in the World Bank road mess. Results of that investigation is so deep and so thorough that it would again cause extreme stress to the First Gentleman and his cohorts.

Writing Two Books Now

I'm writing two books now. The first one talks about the application of Guerilla/Cause Marketing tactics in Political Brand positioning and the other, setting up a Grassroots Organization From Ground Up (" Developing CADREs")

I've been involved in strategic marketing communications since 1996. I started my career in journalism in 1992 and has covered Philippine politics and society since then. Previous to this, I've been involved in grassroots organizing since my college days as a Student Leader in UP-Diliman and continued onwards, both in the context of professional engagement and personal advocacy.

My skills in strategic marketing communications came from my years of engagement both here and abroad. I've worked with the best and got excellent lessons from them. Crafting and implementing plans are two of my greatest assets.

During my stint in Singapore, I've been involved in Brand Management, Market Research and Public Relations. I've continued this here, hoping to apply what I learned from there here. Though I'm reputedly a great image restoration and crisis manager (managing the Starmaker explosion crisis), my strong hold in the principles of Cause Marketing has worked very well for other companies, such as Greencross, Outdoor Advertisers Association of the Philippines (OAAP), Hudson Trident and other global brands which I'm not at liberty to say here.

Sufficient to say, if you want a copy, just email me at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com or cadre888@live.com and cadre888@gmail.com. I'll be happy to give you transcripts.

If you happen to know of any publisher who'll be willing to finance the publication of these books, I'll be most grateful.

By the way, kudos to Janet Toral who encouraged me to write about these topics.

Meralco is safe...for now.

The obvious question everybody is asking now is--until when will PLDT's Manny Pangilinan be able to fend off San Miguel's ambitious yet dastardly plan for Meralco? PLDT got a tiny advantage with 30% compared with 27% now currently held by SMC.

Talks abound that SMC has marshalled its allies and they're buying into Meralco. With the Lopezes finding an ally in the person of Pangilinan, Meralco is safe....for now.

Why is it so crucial for SMC to acquire Meralco? Aside from the obvious, Meralco is a key component in SMC's strategic monopoly plan. With its entry into the telecomms business and energy sector, Meralco actually completes the SMC plan of finally dominating Philippine business. Ang's idea of providing cheaper broadband services through electric powerlines jibes with PLDT's. Meralco is crucial because if SMC acquires it, PLDT's gargantuan domination in the telecomms business is threatened.

With PLDT's entry into Lopez territory, it now grew its share in the telecomms business with a possible acquisition also of Bayantel. Bayantel is a Lopez owned company which has successfully eaten up PLDT's market in the wireless landline services and even in broadband. With the Pangilinan-Lopez alliance, PLDT would be able to whittle Bayantel down to miniscule size in no time.

Or, quite possibly, Bayantel will be positioned to assist PLDT in thwarting the plans of SMC to dominate the telecomms sector with its new Qatar-Liberty Telecommunications. PLDT needs all the help it could marshall against this big competitor.

Yet, the question now is this---where's the Ayalas in all of these? Ayala controls Globe and its also into energy, which is another sector that SMC already dipped its hands on. Ayala and the Lopezes were beneficiaries of EDSA; while the Cojuangcos, well, they just were able to resurrect themselves after staying too long with the Marcoses.

The Ayalas are known allies of Pangilinan and indirectly, the Lopezes. Will it remain in the sidelines like what the Chinoy taipans are doing? Or will they also engage SMC in a battle by aligning themselves with the Pangilinan-Lopez? Such titanic battles, as history shows, always spill over to change the political configurations.

Will this battle stay in the boardrooms or will we see it spillover into the political arena as well? Remember that prior to EDSA dos, the same situation was present.

Obama took the VFA bait

Finally, after several attempts and even a costly visit to the United States early this year, US President Barack Obama called Philippine president Mrs. Arroyo up yesterday, allegedly affirming the US commitment to the Visiting Forces Agreemet (VFA).

It was so obvious that the reason why this government allowed media to feast on the Daniel Smith affair is basically as a bait for Obama to finally give Mrs. Arroyo an audience.

It's surprising though, why even cause-oriented groups and legislators took part in this obvious papansin gesture and why they allowed themselves to be used by Mrs. Arroyo to bait Obama.

Obviously, Obama can't go against established agreements like the VFA, since, as the State Department earlier reiterated, the VFA is an important cog in the overall US mainland security plan.

And with China's weakening economic power and the increasing presence of international terrorists in Mindanao, Obama has no choice but to call Mrs. Arroyo.

Does this mean that this administration would now be abandoning its position relative to the Smith affair? And that it will now allow the convicted rapist to just be expatriated to the US and serve his sentence there?

More than this, this incident showed how our government really view external affairs---it's definitely personal. It's neither based on solidly founded Constitutional principles nor on properly researched positions. It's simply personal when we conduct our affairs.

And Obama was made a sucker.

Legacy owner--campaign contributor of Gloria Arroyo?

In the recent Senate hearing on the Legacy scam issue, Senator Mar Roxas thundered why the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) and the SEC failed to prosecute Legacy owner Celso delos Angeles.

The good senator seems to insinuate that delos Angeles enjoys the protection of the high and mighty.

Since 1985, Delos Angeles was already blacklisted by the BSP yet managed to return to the banking sector.

Some say, the closeness between Delos Angeles and Speaker Prospero Nograles explains it, since even the brother of the Speaker was appointed as PDIC President.

Some even surmised that this Legacy thing is really a big syndicated racket, really designed to fail, so that Delos Angeles and his associates in the syndicate would be able to get 14 billion pesos of public money.

Imagine, Delos Angeles just invested a few millions to acquire certain banks and put it under the Legacy bank network. He then, crafted this double your money scheme to entice more depositors. When they collected these deposits, they then maneuvered to spread these deposits to other banks under the Legacy bank network, cutting them down into comfortable 250,000 peso accounts.

The PDIC meanwhile, said that 6.5 billion worth of Legacy bank deposits are questionable ones, suggesting that most probably these are just proxy deposits meant to defraud government of money.

Yet, despite these, PDIC is still willing to finance 14 billion of the people's money to finance the deposits of some 140,000 depositors.

Quite questionable, is'nt?

Why is it that delos Angeles remains a freeman until now? Why is government still adamant or refuses to arrest him and throw him in jail?

A lawyer friend of mine provided me an answer---Celso delos Angeles is a big contributor to the campaign kitties of certain officials, including.....Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

What Malacanang officials fear is the potential expose of certain receipts and documents showing campaign contributions of Mr. delos Angeles to certain personalities.

What if there's a pandora's box of statements which bear the code names of certain government officials, including Arroyo's?

This is starting to get really interesting. More on this in later entries.