Why Facebook made Mikey Arroyo "Nero"-tic

After telling the whole world that his wife fattened his bank accounts, Pampanga representative Mikey Arroyo is now embroiled in another controversy, this time, not about his penchant for million dollar homes in the States, but his Nero-tic ways.

Yep. At the height of Typhoon Ondoy, a very vigilant online Filipino, who happens to be my friend over at Facebook, posted a photo of Mikey Arroyo buying liquor. Nothing wrong with that, and actually the people don't really care if Mikey dies of liver failure. That's his life. And surely, some of those who hate his guts are probably thinking that it's great for him to drink that fiery stuff, not once in a while, but all the time.

Mikey denies ever braving the huge floods and heavy rains just to buy wine in Rustan's supermarket across La Vista in Katipunan Avenue. Mikey says he was in Malacanang last Saturday, coordinating with staffers and others for relief efforts. Mikey says the attacks against him over at Facebook are "vicious" and "uncalled for".

The photo was taken on a SUNDAY, but Mikey insists that he was in Malacanang last SATURDAY. Is Mikey feigning Alzheimer's?

Or Mikey just wants to correct the impression that he did a "Nero" last Sunday? Such weakness in the virtue department, if you ask me.

That's why, like Dr. Vicki Belo of the sex tape fame, Mikey wants to regulate Facebook, the world's most popular social networking site. Think about it---the son of the 44th Most Powerful Woman in the world, and a Congressman of a small country of 90 poor people--wants to make History by proposing to regulate Facebook.

Wow. If Mikey Arroyo becomes successful in this, he would surely be the most powerful Congressman in the whole world. I ask---how will you do it, His Excellency, Mr. Mikey Arroyo?

Will Mikey proposed laws punishing those who will post pictures of him dancing and prancing and drinking? Will Mikey ask Facebook to regulate those who will write nasty stuff about him and his family? And will Mikey propose a law criminalizing Facebook participation?

Wow. One for Guinness, the book, not that drink which the Irish loves.

Me thinks Mikey was so high the time he told Gil Cabacungan of Inquirer about regulating Facebook. And me even thinks that Mikey thinks he now lives in a dictatorship. Or, he knows something we don't?

Or probably Mikey thinks that he's being made a donkey by some people. A Nero on a donkey?

Impeachment against Ombusman Gutierrez dismissed

While we all grieve silently and feel hopeless, what with seeing huge masses of people walking like ghosts amidst a sea of chaos and destruction, the House just released their decision exonerating Ombusman Merceditas Gutierrez from accusations of violating the Constitution. The impeachment complaint against her was dismissed.

The House acted like a thief in the dead of the night, stealing our hopes and bashing completely our idea of justice, while we all stare in our television screens in catatonic state. The stealing came in perfect timing, with the country all busy helping each other out of their sorry state. No one was able to shout " injustice!" or even a joke like "lutong makaw", because everyone was busy trying to think of ways to save their kababayans from imminent death.

It was timing extraordinaire, probably concocted by those familiar with stealing voices, and killing hopes.

Gutierrez and all those who stole our very souls, laugh in the comforts of their homes, and feel more embolden to do more ass-licking to those who steal and those who corrupt our government.

We just lost out of the justice game.

Malacanang and the suffering Filipinos: Why Luli Arroyo is no match to a Kris Aquino

The group of Filipinos who lined up hoping to receive goodies from Malacanang left with nothing but some pan de sal and softdrinks. Malacanang was overwhelmed with people shortly after it declared itself as the "National Center for Disaster Relief". People thought that, at last, after eight years in power, they will now see their neighbour and now is the time to at least get something out of her billions.

Alas, goodies were just a few pieces of pan de sal and softdrinks.

It was the first time in so many years that Malacanang opened itself up for the people. The last time it did was during Cory's time when Malacanang honored the name of "people's park" by allowing people to roam around its grounds every once a week.

If Cory loved the people then, different with Mrs. Arroyo. When she saw people lining up in droves, the newly hairstyled Chief Executive just shooed them away. She hates seeing huge numbers of people, with their hands extended, trying to get some help from her.

For Cory, the people are important, always. For Gloria, the people are only important during elections and if there are attempts to oust her from power.

Now, with the human tragedy brought by Ondoy slowly unfolds, Malacanang responded to the call by transforming itself into the central coordinating body for the relief efforts. It did so with a lot of hoopla, with basketball stars seen holding a few bottles of mineral water and the presidential daughter asking photographers for photo ops.

It was a purely publicity stunt but it backfired. One Malacanang staffer, wearing a diamond earring, asked the public to please just give them their donations for victims of Ondoy.

Alack, no one did.

Probably, people feared that their donations would just not reach their intended beneficiaries, what with Malacanang coordinating everything. As Kris Aquino said, people giving and helping others thru private initiative is better than Malacanang trying to steal the limelight and doing it on its own.

That scene yesterday has shown how people have lost significant trust in their government, even in times of distress. Despite Malacanang's appeal for people to give their donations to the palace, no one really responded with the same vigour and the same feeling of citizenship as what people felt when Kris Aquino called for bayanihan. Malacanang even said that they have nothing to repack because no one is actually giving donations to them.

Net---Luli is no match to a Kris Aquino.

In fact, people felt angrier every single minute that government fails to do its duty. Let's admit it---this government has shown again its incompetence. Despite us giving them 2 billion pesos worth of our taxes for emergencies like these every year, Malacanang still blundered.

Some people told me not to attack government especially during these times, but, I said no. Why will I not write what is the truth? The truth is---this government has shown not just incompetence but irrelevance.

The heavens have shown us all how irrelevant government is in our lives. This, for me, is the final straw.

When we the people ask that the palace helps us in convincing traders to lower their prices, Malacanang responds with "no, the industry is deregulated."

When we ask it to respond quickly in convincing pharma companies to lower drug prices, the response was a lame " we will still study it and ask them."

When we ask it where are those fertilizers our farmers need, the only response was "Executive Order 324" or " no comment".

And when we ask it to at least ameliorate our deplorable economic plight, we get no response.

The reason why Luli is no match for a Kris is simple---the people hate those who exploit them.

Ondoy Update: 73 dead, 32 still missing, Half a Million affected and rising..

As of today, the casualty toll from the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy has reached 73 dead, with still 32 missing. This is not the final count. More information are pouring in from the provinces affected and authorities fear that this will still rise as the days pass.

Half a million Filipinos were also affected, with an unestimated number of establishments and properties damaged. From this number, only 204 families are staying in evacuation centers. This just says that many more are still there, in their rooftops, waiting, waiting for rescue.

The government, says Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro, is doing their level best addressing the situation. Yet, this calamity is so huge, with CNN saying that this is about three times worst than Hurricane Katrina, that government will surely lack the personnel to use for rescue and relief operations. What is not good is that another LPA (Low pressure area) named Typhoon Peping is poised to hit Luzon three days from now. Rains have not yet subsided, especially in affected areas.

Young Organizers’ Union members and I went out of our comfort zones to help our kababayans. We saw how inadequate government resources are and we are also doing our best to assist those who are still in need. There are still many families needing our assistance, especially in Pasig where almost 75% of the city are submerged in muddy water.

Fellow Filipinos, our kababayans need our help. Please lend your support. In whatever way possible, please give assistance to our fellowmen, especially those with babies who need infant formula, those who are aged and those who already lost their loved ones. Pray for them. Best, try to help by contributing even a peso or ten pesos for them. We will survive this calamity together, if we all unite.

To Young Organizers’ Union (YOU) members, your country salute you. Do not relent. Do not be wary. Do not tire. Sacrifice your life for your fellowmen and die trying.

YOU mobilized to help disaster relief operations

Calling all members of the Young Organizers' Union (YOU) in the following areas: Marikina, Tanay, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Cainta, Manila, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Las Pinas, Muntinlupa, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Angono, Pasig and the rest of the Luzon and Bicol regions.

You are directed to go to your respective balangays to help in direct disaster and relief operations. The Secretariat has already given instructions to your Maginoo leaders on what to do. If you have extra clothes, shoes, and food, please bring it in.

You are to help in packing relief goods. Extra money is needed. You are to buy baby's milk, even in cartons, because most evacuation centers, especially in Cainta and Marikina lack these.

To YOU members who are doctors and nurses, please bring your medical equipment. To able-bodied YOU members there in Batangas, please help in clearing operations.

To those YOU members living in Calamba, Los Banos, Pagsanjan and Malayjay in Laguna, please meet up your kapatids and help in restoring order and clearing operations. You must coordinate with local officials there.

YOU members living in Iba Zambales---to those who are NOT affected by this typhoon, please REORGANIZE and form RELIEF AND RESCUE TEAMS. Use your ingenuity. If you have extra boats or rubber boats, please bring it to your local government units and help in rescue operations.

YOU members in Metro Manila---to those who have extra cash and food and water, please pack them up and go to the nearest Petron stations, Red Cross and donate them. To those near Cubao, please go to the Balai ni Mar at Araneta Center and donate.

We need extra volunteers for Marikina and Cainta. DO NOT FLASH YOUR YOU IDs as we do not want the public to know that we are there, helping them. Let us be anonymous in our help.

TO Y.O.U. members in Cebu, Iloilo, Samar, Panay, Leyte, and Mindanao, especially in Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Surigao, Zamboanga, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Tawi-Tawi and Jolo---please STAY ALERT. REMAIN VIGILANT AS WE are assessing the situation on how you can help.

Coordinate and let's pray to God that we will be victorious in this efforts.

Mabuhay ang Sambayanang Pilipino!

Mabuhay ang Young Organizers' Union (YOU)!

Mabuhay ang Young Officers' Union (YOU)!

Typhoon Ondoy leaves psychological scars in an already devastated country

Typhoon Ondoy is expected to exit the Philippine area of responsibility tomorrow, leaving the country with 50 killed with an estimated 42 million pesos worth of damages. The storm, which, in some estimates, is just a moderate one, with winds just 100 kilometers per hour and moving just 85 kilometers per hour, left most of Luzon, particularly Metro Manila, in utter devastation. Authorities say the storm packed a powerful volume of rain water, which reached 341 millimeters, the highest since 1967.

More than the physical damages to homes and casualties, the storm left the country with more psychological scars. The people have already been affected most by high food and gasoline prices and paupered by a debilitating financial crisis. The damages wrought by this storm to as many as 280,000 people would surely affect the political future of this administration in 2010.

This storm exposed this government more than what those Joc-Joc Bolante or ZTE-NBN cases did before---it further exposed the weakness of this government especially in addressing disasters and calamities.

With billions of pesos supposedly under its disposal, this government still failed in its most basic responsibility--that of protecting its people from harm. It has reportedly prepared for contingencies like these; yet how amateurish this government exercised its responsibility.

Imagine, the NDCC was able to mobilize just 13 rubber boats. There were half a million people trapped in their homes and subdivisions, most of whom were in their rooftops. The government should have mobilized rescue choppers, not only rubber boats. What happened to those choppers? Are they only for the exclusive use of generals and high government officials?

What they don't say is that what happened to those expensive water pumps which the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) spent billions of pesos worth of our taxes. MMDA Chair Bayani Fernando once boasted that these pumps are capable of managing onrushing flood waters. MMDA should better prepare for a rational explanation what happened to those pumps.

The budget of P 500 million were also spent by the MMDA in its de-clogging operations. What happened? The people know that the volume of rain water reached 341 millimeters, yes. But, look at how high those flood waters were--most areas were submerged in at least 12 feet. The MMDA said that their projects were capable of mitigating the effects of rushing flood waters. What happened to our monies spent there?

If the MMDA chairman Bayani Fernando still has what others call delicadeza, he should have resigned today. In other countries, like Japan, officials who erred in their BASIC responsibilities, tender their resignations immediately, go straight home, get their samurais, and carve something in their stomachs. Here, we, the people, need to still convince nincompoops like Bayani to do the right thing. Kapal ng mukha!

Just the same, I also would like to ask the Honorable Defense secretary Gilbert "Gibo Teodoro, the head of the NDCC. What happened to our choppers? Why are they grounded? I would also like to ask DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane who is responsible for assisting the MMDA in declogging operations, sir, what happened?

Of course, Mrs. Gloria Arroyo---why were we like frightened kids yesterday and last night? You always prepare whenever you travel abroad. Why were you unprepared in this? Where are those billions of pesos of intelligence funds that you control?

Floods are now subsiding in most of Luzon, but the psychological damage wrought by the storm in most of residents of the Metropolis and those living in Regions 4, 4-a, 4-b and Central Luzon will definitely change the political futures of some.

The lives of 280,000 people were affected, with about 42 to 50 million pesos damaged. The huge volume of people traumatized by this storm will surely make a substantive impact on the political situation of this country.

Natural calamities are stronger than political intramurals in effecting change in other countries. In the next few weeks, the impact of Typhoon Ondoy would surely be felt by this country's leadership if they continue to do nothing.

One advice to this government----this early, make a threat to those who will capitalize on this natural calamity, especially food traders. Kill them if they think of raising food prices. I warn these traders who will use this calamity as a justification in raising market prices--be forewarned! We know who you are. If you are thinking of getting a fast buck out of this, the people will look for you and you'll be neutralized.

A Useless Government and Disaster Unpreparedness

I just witnessed with my own two eyes, how unprepared government is in handling crisis situations. When I saw how major areas of the metropolis were affected by floodwaters, I immediately took some money, food, extra clothes and other things which I can find in my cabinet, to give out to our fellow kababayans in evacuation centers.

Driving my vehicle, I was able to went pass major flooded areas and landed in one of the evacuation centers. There, I saw the devastation wrought by this natural calamity.

Old and young people were cramped in this evacuation center, dazed, confused, wet. I saw a very old woman lying in the cold floor, wet, and gasping for breath. Beside her, a group of crying girls and a small boy.

A few meters away, a young couple trying to placate their crying baby. They told me they have no money to buy baby's milk. They left all their belongings in their home. I went out of the evacuation center and tried to buy milk at a nearby store. They don't have it. I tried to go to a nearby botika, but it was closed due to high flood waters.

I cried. I felt useless. Where's the rescue here?

I just received word that many more residents of Cainta were trying to survive in the cold of the night in their rooftops. Some were crying. Many are shouting help. But, none came.

I just watched on the tele that the NDCC admitted that they were unprepared for this. They say the amount daw of rains went pass the 341 millimeters of rain, good for a month. Government is using this as an excuse for their ineptitude!

Gago pala kayo, where are those billions of our monies which we gave you to prepare for these kinds of calamities? Nasasaan na ang billions upon billions of pesos for disaster relief? I got word from my contact over at NDCC that they just deployed 13 rubber boats throughout the metro. Thirteen!!! WTF!!!

Thirteen small rubber boats to rescue a million or so people from calamities??? How many amphibian vehicles do they have? Wala bang 20. Ano ba naman ito????

We have billions of pesos in intelligence funds controlled by Malacanang. Bakit hindi gamitin para tulungan ang ating mga kabababayan?!! Don't tell me Gloria that billions of pesos that you hold are still not sufficient to address this one? Ganid na yan!!!

To all our fellow Pinoys throughout the world----we need your help and fast!!

Bayanihan na po tayo. Huwag na nating asahan ang useless nating gobyerno. Talong talo talaga tayo sa mga opisyales ng gobyerno natin. Mga walang pakinabang!

After this, I'll try to go to other evacuation centers to help. The weather is very cold here. And I'm partially wet already. And I'm coughing. But, okey lang. Tulong tayo mga kapatid!

Metro Manila submerged in flood waters as Typhoon surges towards Central Luzon

I was supposed to go to Baler in Aurora province only to find out that most of Makati were submerged in waist to neck-deep waters. If I went ahead of my plan to spend a night in Baler, my family and I would have come face-to-face with Typhoon Ondoy.

Pag-asa just spotted Ondoy 130 kilometers southeast of Baler. Just this morning, the storm touched landfall in Baler. It was about 5 am today when the storm began devastating Aurora and Quezon provinces. With winds packing just 85 kilometers per hour, Ondoy is not really a very strong typhoon. Its gustiness is just about 100 kilometers per hour. What amazed weather forecasters is the typhoon packs heavy rains that devastated most of Metro Manila.

Metro Manila, unlike La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Nueva Viscaya, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Bulacan, northern part of Quezon, Polillo Island, Camarines Norte and Rizal, was only under Signal no. 1. Yet, most areas, especially the financial district of Makati experienced, what others term as the "worst flooding ever in a century."

Signal No. 1 was raised over Isabela, Mt. Province, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Bataan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Marinduque, Mindoro provinces, Lubang Island, southern part of Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, Burias Island, and Metro Manila.

Most affected by massive flooding which reached as high as neck-deep were the areas of Marikina, Las Pinas, Taguig, CAMANAVA, Quezon City, Muntinlupa and even the Philippines’ major financial district of Makati were severely affected by rushing flood waters.

Typhoon Ondoy is expected to worsen the southwest monsoon and bring more heavy rains over Central and Southern Luzon as well as the Visayas regions. In an interview over DZMM, Nathaniel Cruz, PAGASA’s chief weather forecaster said they predict that Ondoy will make landfall in Aurora province and touch Pangasinan at night time before heading to the South China sea.

PAGASA already advised the Philippine Coast Guard to prevent fishing boats and other small seacrafts from sailing in the affected areas. The advisory has left more than 1,000 passengers stranded in southern Luzon and Bicol ports.

PAGASA has also alerted the National Disaster Coordinating Council for possible flashfloods and landslides in the affected areas, partcularly in Laguna, Quezon, Zambales, Pampanga and Bataan provinces.

Flights were suspended at the Manila International Airports. Thirteen flights of Zest Air, SeaAir and PAL express to Caticlan, Basco Batanes, San Jose in Mindoro and Romblon were cancelled due to foul weather.

Bakit kailangang may kayakap pag umuulan? At bakit masarap ang goto pag me bagyo

Habang nag fe Facebook ako, may isang friend na nagyayang matulog. Na curious ako. Tulog? Kaya nga ako nagfe Facebook para iwasang matulog. At pano kung matulog, hindi nako makakapag Facebook.

Parang kasabihan yan na masarap may kayakap pag umuulan. Ang maganda sa kasabihang ito, hindi identified kung sino o ano ang kayakap mo. Pwedeng unan, lalo na dun sa walang asawa o kabit o dyowa. O pwde ding kayakap mo ang laptop mo, hindi ka na nga lang makakapag Facebook.

Sabi nga ng Facebook friend ko nung nagtatanong ako bakit masarap ang goto pag me bagyo, mainit kasi ang goto. Bakit? Hindi ba araw-araw tayong kumakain ng mainit na ulam at kanin, lalo na marami sa atin ang me paborito ng tinola? Anong pinagkaiba nun at bakit maraming Pinoy ang kumakain ng goto pagka me bagyo?

Tingin ko, nakagawian na ang pagkain ng goto dahil, sa kasaysayan, lahat siguro tayo, napunta sa evacuation center. Hindi ba, dun, goto lang ang kinakain? Baka tumatak sa genes natin o sa kaisipan natin na pag me bagyo, goto ang dapat kainin?

Silly me, kahawig din yan ng kasabihang masarap me kayakap pag umuulan. Hindi ba sa evacuation center, tabi-tabi ang mga nasalanta at magkakayap? Baka yan ang pinagmulan ng kasabihang masarap me kayakap pag me bagyo. Wag lang sigurong kayakap ang kamukha ni Max Alvarado.

At special effort kung kakain ka ng goto. Kailangan mong bumili ng malagkit, pati yung budbod na ang tawag ay ewan, nakalimutan ko. Special effort din ang maghanap ng makakayakap pag me bagyo, lalo na dun sa walang appeal at laging basted.

Ayokong sabihin yan kay Ginang Arroyo--na masarap may kayakap pag me bagyo o okey na kumain ng goto pag umuulan. Tiyak hindi niya magugustuhan.

Sa Disyembre, maghahanap ng kayakap si Ginang Arroyo dahil lahat ng gabinete niya, tatakbo. At malamang, ayokong marinig niya ang salitang goto dahil sanay siya sa French soup. Pagka binanggit ko sa kanya ang goto, maaalala niyang yun ang mga pagkain ng mga preso. Baka, ma paranoid yun at magdeklara ng kung ano ano.

Tutulan ang RFID--legal na kotong ng Stradcom-LTO

Ang salitang “kolorum” ay unang ginamit noong panahon ng Kastila bilang tukoy sa mga Pilipinong rebelde. Ngayon, maririnig mo ang salitang ito bilang tukoy naman sa mga iligal na pribadong sasakyang kumukuha ng mga pasahero. Isa ito sa mga problemang nais umanong solusyunan ng LTO. At ginagamit itong dahilan ngayon para sa isang 2 bilyong pisong proyektong tinaguriang RFID or Radio Frequency Identification.

Mula na rin mismo sa bibig ng LTO, mayroong 340,000 kolorum na sasakyan. Alam naman pala nila kung ilan, bakit hindi isa-isahing hulihin? Walang saysay kung gayon ang RFID dahil ngayon pa lamang batid na ng pamahalaan kung ilan talaga ang mga tropang kolorum. Ang kailangan ng LTO mga taong huhuli, hindi RFID.

Kolorum din sa paningin ang mga naglipanang mga sasakyang nagbubuga ng masamang usok. At ito rin ang dahilan bakit kinakailangan daw ng LTO ang RFID. Ang kasamaan nito, hindi naman kailangan na ang RFID dahil biswal naman ang gamit ng mga anti-pollution teams sa paghuli ng mga sasakyan. Mata lamang, maa identify mo na ang violator.Hindi na kailangan pang may RFID.

Kolorum din siguro sa paningin ng LTO ang mga humaharurot na sasakyan, kaya naman kailangan ang RFID para sa paghuli ng mga ito. Pero nga, limitado rin ang range o layo na maaaring ma detect ng RFID at sa pag amin mismo ng LTO at Stradcom, ang ahensyang nagpanukala at kikita ng mahigit P 600 milyong piso para dito, sampung metro lamang ang kapasidad sa deteksyon ng RFID.

Kolorum din naman sa paningin ng marami na tanging Stradcom lamang ang ahensyang makapagpapanukala ng mga proyektong ganito sa LTO. Talaga yatang anak ng Dios ang Stradcom at wala nang ibang matalino sa Pilipinas, gayong aminado din ang Stradcom sa commercial nila na hiram na ideya lamang ang RFID sa Singapore. Wala namang inobasyong dala ang Stradcom at ang tanging katangiang dala-dala nito ay ang pagiging kaututang dila ng mga taga-LTO at DOTC. Napaka sangsang na pagnenegosyo kung wala kang ibang lakas kundi ang pagiging sipsip.

Kolorum din ang pagpipilit ng LTO na mangulekta ng 350 pesos kada istiker na may RFID sa mga motorista, kasama na pati nag momotorsiklo, gayong sa halagang 80 pesos lamang sa Singapore, mayroon ka nang similar na istiker na RFID. Sabi ng Stradcom-LTO, mayroon daw ispesyal na katangian ang RFID, gayung sa bibig na nila nagmula na ang tanging laman lamang ng microchip ay vehicle information at wala nang iba.

Tanga na lamang tayo kung papayag tayong magbayad ng 350 sa isang istiker na halagang 80 pesos lamang. Malinaw na malinaw na isa itong kagaguhan.

At talaga yatang gusto ng pamahalaang ito, sa pamumuno ng LTO, na muling lumaki ang rango ng mga kolorum dahil tiyak kong alsa at isang nakapangyayaring rebolusyon ang magaganap sa sandaling ipilit ng STRADCOM-LTO ang proyektong ito.

Malaking sampal sa katalinuhan ng Pinoy kung pipilitin ng pamahalaan na tanggapin ng madla ang legal na kotong na ito. Hindi na nga katanggap tanggap na tumataas ang presyo ng gasolina ng walang kaabug-abug. Hindi na rin katanggap-tanggap ang ilang mga buwis tulad ng VAT na ipinapataw sa bawat mong galaw sa bansang ito. At hindi na rin talaga matatanggap, at alalaong baga’y kasula-sulasok na ang napakataas na presyo ng mga bilihin at mga ispare parts ng mga awto, heto, at pipilitin tayong tanggapin ang isang proyektong malinaw na PANDARAYA at LEGAL NA PANGONGOTONG.

Handa ang taumbayan na mag-alsa laban sa pamahalaang ito sakaling ituloy nila ang RFID. Tama na ang pagiging anak ng karnal at demonyong dios ang Stradcom, na palagian tayong dinadaya at inuulol. Tama na rin ang pangongotong sa atin ng mga opisyales de gobyerno. Panahon na para kitlin ang kotong mentality sa mga ahensya de gobyerno.

Senator Manny Villar magpaka totoo ka at harap ka na sa Senado

Mayroon akong challenge kay Nacionalista Party presidentiable and billionaire Senator Manny "Sipag at Taga" Villar.

Kung ala ka talagang tinatago, pare ko, tungkol diyan sa C-5 road controversy, puwede bang pagbigyan mo kami at humarap ka sa Senate ethics hearing mo? Binabastos mo kami, Manny dahil ibinoto ka namin (ako binoto kita at frat brother ko ang kapatid mo) at may accountability ka sa mga bumoto sa iyo na ipaliwanag ng mabuti ang side mo sa Senado.

Huwag kang magtago sa saya ng BIR, dahil, sa palagay mo, maniniwala kami sa pagdepensa sa iyo ng BIR? Syempre, sa ganyang kalaking anomalya, me sabwatan na sa pagitan ng BIR pati na mga taong sangkot dito.

We're not born yesterday Manny. Hindi ganun kadaling maloko ang taumbayan. Kung sa Las Pinas ay nagagawa mo ang gusto mo, dito, sa larangang sinuungan mo, hindi ganun kadali ito, pare ko.

Pareho tayong taga-Tondo. Laking Tondo din ako. At alam kong alam mo na me batas tayong sinusunod sa Tondo---magpaka totoo ka. At huwag na huwag mong pagnanakawan ang kapitbahay mo.

Huwag mo ring gamitin ang alibi na ang lahat ng ito ay pulitika. Hindi pulitika ang tanungin sa iyo bakit 10 beses mas mataas ang ari-arian mo dun. Hindi rin pulitika ang tanungin ka bakit sa kabila ng pagbabawal ng batas sa mga senador na tulad mo na mag endorso ng mga proyektong may direkta kang pakinabang.

Manny, hindi yan pulitika kundi ethics yan at pagtatanong kung bakit ka lumabag sa saligang-batas. Ibig sabihin ng ethics, Manny, eh, delicadeza.

Pera namin yung napunta pambayad dun. At me karapatan kaming tanungin bakit overpriced ang proyekto mo.

Gumagamit ka na ng impluwensya dyan, Manny. Hindi na tama yan. Humarap ka sa Senado, wag lang sa midya. Kundi, tiyak matatakot kami kung maiboto ka at nandun ka na sa palasyo. At alam mo naman, sa ating mga taga-Tondo, pag takot tayo, iba ang nagagawa natin.

Ebdane is dangerous

DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane wants the presidency. He says 15 governors want him to run and contest Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro as the administration bet. Everyone knows, and that includes Ebdane, that the chances of winning even the nomination of the administration party is practically nil.

That only shows that Ebdane's alleged desire to run is just a trial balloon or worse, a direct affront against the Kampi dominated LAKAS-KAMPI merged party.

We must, however, be extremely cautious because Ebdane is a dangerous man. Dangerous in the sense that he represents a group of very powerful generals. He represents the faction that brought Mrs. Arroyo to power and that means, former generals Mendoza and Reyes.

These generals belong to PMA classes 1969, 1970, 1971, which stand to lose considerable power in a post-Arroyo world. These classes do not loom large in any of the political parties of the strongest contenders.

For example, in Manny Villar's camp, PMA Class 1976 dominates most of his supporters. In Noynoy's camp, there are members of PMA Classes 1980 and 90's classes. In Chiz Escudero's camp, members of some PMA Classes are also within the NPC structure.

Ebdane is one of the most favored officers of former president Fidel V. Ramos. Most people would probably consider his pronouncement as a shallow one, but it means something more sinister.

The message that Ebdane's group wants to say is this---the merged party, PALAKA, has to find other sources of campaign funds.

It also shows that the possibility of violence in next year's elections is a certainty.

Of bitter-sweet smiles and betting your life as an OFW

When I saw those pictures yesterday of half-smiling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) descending from the escalator with Mrs. Arroyo, who was also smiling, I told myself, what was really on the minds of my fellow brothers and sisters with her? Were they smiling because, at long last, they're home? Or, they're smiling because they were asked to?

Those smiles, as what my psychology professor taught me, hide real emotions, probably of hate, of frustration, of sadness. Those were bitter-sweet smiles. Imagine, you go to great lengths, leaving your loved ones behind here to seek a better life abroad then you find that the country you found yourself in is worse than the one you left behind. Such is the irony and even the tragedy of life.

The irony of yesterday's photo of Mrs. Arroyo and the OFWs was that the greatest recruiter of OFWs probably felt totally responsible and did the right thing--haul 100 of these distressed OFWs home. And for what? To help them renew their lives here? Or prepare them and send them abroad again?

Or, this is just all part of the charade? Yes, those people who work abroad are heroes, for were it not for them, our economy and that bitch in Malacanang would have been ousted years ago.

That photo of Mrs. Arroyo with the OFWs yesterday shows you the real "gains" of those expensive trips abroad. Mrs. Arroyo goes on these trips like a head hunter, a recruiter, trying to secure jobs for Filipinos abroad, while making no effort at improving the state of affairs here to generate those jobs here.

That's the sorry state of our affairs that most of my countrymen think of finishing their college courses just to land that job in the States or elsewhere. Most young people only think of finishing a nursing course to get that US visa. Others well, settle for demeaning work elsewhere.

I bet you half or even most of those brought home yesterday will again, try to get another jab at it (meaning go abroad) sometime soon. They will just cool off for a while, visit friends and relatives and again buy a Bulletin to scour for jobs abroad. These people will never tire until they get that dream job in another country. As they say, swertehan lang yan. So what if its Malaysia? So what if its Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Lebanon, Brazil or even Peru, or Iran, Iraq or conflict-torn Afghanistan, countries worse than ours? For as long as the job is not here in the Philippines.

The life of an OFW is like betting on lotto. Or a life like betting in a horse race. You lose some, you win some. A few gets the jackpot, while the rest bet their lives in a daily fashion, always exposed to 100% risks, just to get that comfortable life.

When I left for Singapore to work as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW), I experienced first hand how it is to be uprooted from your beloved land and settle in another place. You get to live in a two storey, five room house all by yourself. You get to explore other countries all by yourself. You get to cook, laundry and buy your own stuff by walking to a store, all by yourself. And you get to roam around big shopping malls and buy nothing, just kill time, all by yourself. And you always walk, use public transpo and felt joy when someone, a friend, offers you a ride.

You were a celebrity in your own country and you suddenly realize that you're just a speck in this alien world. That's a shocker. There were moments of denial, of frustration, of sadness, of joy (especially when I see a bargain book or a 70% off sale of Puma shoes or TOPMEN shirts and polos).

I love going to Indonesia on a weekend because that reminds me of home. When I get there and find that Indonesia looks like any other Philippine province, I comfort myself and think that I am home, only to wake up and realize that these people I meet can't speak Tagalog or English.

Those long holidays especially when its Chinese New Year found me wandering in the vast rice fields of Vietnam, or Laos, or Thailand and Cambodia and I told myself, I am home. But, those golden Buddhist temples, those majestic ruins of a proud civilization and those long stretches of honky tonk bars in Phuket, Bangkok and Geylang in Singapore, reminded me that I am still not home.

For years, I was a citizen without a country. A vagabond wandering Asia, wondering what the hell am I doing here when I can go back to my own country, launch a revolution and change everything so that people like me will not ever think of working abroad again.

That convinced me to leave that lovely job in Singapore and go back here. I told myself, I will not, nor ever leave my country. I will try to stay here.

I tried working for companies here, only to find some fellow Pinoys still afflicted with that crab mentality. Working abroad really changed your perspective, especially when you learned of new managerial skills or new workplace attitudes and when you try to apply it here, people look at you with utter disbelief and show you those stupid wolfish smiles. Sometimes you think, was I wrong in going back?

I had a chance of talking with OFW advocate Susan Toots Ople. And during those chats, I found that many Filipinos are really suffering abroad. If we can only re-create our society and improve our economic situation so that the gains of democracy would spill over to the rest of us, that would surely be the day when fellow Filipinos would think of becoming a lawyer or a doctor or again, an engineer just to work in San Miguel or Universal Robina Corporation.

It starts with us, says Ople. We have the power to change things. That power can be harnessed for change.

Let's improve the local employment scenario by creating a full sub-department in DOLE, says Ople. Time for government to prioritize local employment instead of encouraging Filipinos to leave.

Let's craft legislation that would improve the domestic economy.

Let's heal the rifts that separates us Filipinos so that peace would reign here and deter people from leaving conflict areas and cross the Sulu seas to live in Borneo. Let's maximize our fertile lands to create food so that prices would be lower and people will feel blessed living here instead of cursing themselves for staying here.

We have the choice whether to allow this endless cycle of a lotto-like life or not. Let's cut that life out and create a society that improves lives, not a society that condemns everyone to ignominy.

That starts by exercising our power of choice. We have a choice---to reject this pitiful state of existence or re-create? That, says Ople, should be exercised judiciously.

Cut the crap of choosing people who spend billions just to be elected. End that shit of electing popular people without brains. Tell those people who run for office just to get power to talk to the hand. And tell those people who wants to inspire but does not have a vision, to stop wasting our time.

We need someone who leads, who has a vision, and who really has the will to effect change. Do we have him now in our midst?

Joey de Venecia III dares Dick G---show us the ZTE-NBN Report Now!

Joey de Venecia III asks why Senator Richard Gordon is still fidgeting on releasing the final Senate blue ribbon report on the ZTE-NBN deal. More than two weeks after vowing to release the Blue Ribbon committee report on the ZTE-NBN scandal, Senator Richard Gordon has yet to deliver on his promise.

“Is he seeking approval of the final draft from his superiors in Malacanang?” businessman Joey de Venecia III asked yesterday.

Gordon concluded the Blue Ribbon hearings on the P16-billion scandal earlier this month with a promise to release the final report shortly thereafter. But only after the senator engaged the IT businessman in a heated exchange owing to what the latter said was Gordon’s prejudging the case.

While the Ombudsman had cleared de Venecia and his father, former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., of wrongdoing, Gordon had told a leading national broadsheet two days before the last hearing that he wanted the father and son charged. The Ombudsman is filing charges against former Comelec chief Ben Abalos and former National Economic and Development Authority head Romulo Neri for their culpability in the case, but excluded First Gentleman Mike Arroyo to the strong protests of various sectors.

The young de Venecia had accused Gordon of taking orders from Malacanang to implicate him and his father in exchange for “special favors.”

A failed presidential contender under the administration’s Lakas-Kampi, Gordon is expected to seek reelection in next year’s elections.

“Before he devotes all his time to politics, Senator Dick Gordon should take care of more important matters first. The Blue Ribbon report on ZTE-NBN should be a top priority for him,” said de Venecia.

De Venecia said he wanted to remind Gordon to think carefully about his version of the final report. “As a lawyer, he should know better. I was the whistleblower and my proposal was aboveboard. More importantly, I am a private citizen, not a government official like himself. The Ombudsman can only run after government officials.”

De Venecia added that Gordon has had prior experience on being charged before the Ombudsman. During Gordon’s term as head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, he was charged with malversation of public funds in excess of P800 million after the Commission on Audit disallowed with finality his various cash advances.

Ate Vi to frustrate ambitions of Puno and Roxas?

Certain sectors want Batangas Governor Vilma ” Ate Vi” Santos to run as vice president of PALAKA presidential bet Gilbert Gibo Teodoro, leaving Ronnie Puno, who was proclaimed veepee bet , in a quandary.

With a very shallow bench, it's natural for Lakas-KAMPI CMD to think or choose other people to prop up the sagging popularity of the administration party. This party would even dare field a Willie Revillame just to improve their numbers.

The question is---what is happening within PALAKA? Who is fuelling these talks of ousting Puno from the scene? Where is this thing called party loyalty?

That’s why Ronnie Puno called for a hasty press con late afternoon yesterday at Annabel's restaurant. That press con was a defensive gesture on the part of Puno, fueling even more speculations that there are, indeed, Lakas-Kampi partymembers critical of his political ambitions.

Ate Vi has said time and again, that she is not running. However, the political situation is still very fluid. Anything can happen. If Vilma throws her hat unto the political ring, that would surely muddle the political pond.

Was it just coincidental that Gibo and FVR were seen together in one sortie in Southern Luzon, without Puno? Vilma is very strong in that corner of the Philippines. A Vilma Santos run would cut short the political ambitions not just of Puno but more so, of Mar Roxas.

Liberal Party (LP) Vice presidential bet Mar Roxas, is, by far, the strongest VP candidate. A Vilma Santos run could wreck the Roxas train. And most probably, that is what Lakas-KAMPI CMD members are thinking—throw Vilma Santos unto the game and let Roxas scrump the scraps.

Sources say, Ronnie is also thinking of his political options, possibly going to the camp of former president Joseph Estrada. Puno’s statement yesterday saying that Erap is eligible to run ran counter to official Palace statements.

Is Puno thinking of deserting the very party he founded? Abangan!

Teodoro is No. 1--FVR

Yesterday's affair saw former president Fidel V. Ramos giving Defense secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro his trademark thumb up sign. In FVR's mind, Teodoro is truly qualified to run for the presidency, but cut short of endorsing him, saying that he reserves that right until November 15, the day when political configurations are clearer.

Honestly, I share FVR's belief about Gibo. Among all the candidates, Gibo is, I think, the most intelligent, the most idealistic and the most straight-forward of all of them. What's best about him is he knows the system very, very well, and knows how to actually cure its infirmities. And he has this fire in his belly and the glitter in his eyes that tells you this person has the qualities of a great Leader.

What Teodoro however does not have is the right moral compass.

Teodoro thinks like an American. Look at how he views things. He says he will continue what Mrs. Arroyo accomplished and more.

If he opens his eyes a little bit, Teodoro would have seen how devastated the people are when Mrs. Arroyo's government fails to do its mandate of somewhat regulating markets. Teodoro is a typical technocrat who mouths vision without going to the market or the grocery first to see first-hand the problems.

Teodoro failed to see how Mrs. Arroyo's war policies have put the lives of thousands of Bangsamoro families in jeopardy. Teodoro only knows the language of war.

Teodoro does not see anything wrong with those scandals involving Mrs. Arroyo and her husband. He finds nothing wrong with the ZTE-NBN deal, nor does he sees anything immoral with the Joc-Joc Bolante fertilizer scam. And surely, Teodoro thinks that Hello Garci is as normal as any other telephone call.

Teodoro fails to get it when people always thumb Mrs. Arroyo's policies down. For him, okey if Mrs. Arroyo's government allows cartelization of services. Okey if families such as the Aboitizes go scot-free despite their ships killing scores of Filipinos. Okey if businessmen such as Danding Cojuangco controls most of the economy or people like Ricky Razon or Cesar Quiambao corner most government contracts.

For Teodoro, it is okey to allow Mrs. Arroyo to just fade away, allow her to enjoy retirement with monies amassed during her term.

Teodoro may have the brains. The defense secretary may have the right war strategems to use against his own people. And Teodoro may have the fire in his belly to do the right things.

But, what he does not have is the right appreciation of Philippine reality.

Palace plans to install tracking devices on cars

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) today announced that starting October, those who will renew their vehicle registrations will have to purchase tracking devices for their vehicles. The plan includes not just sedans, but all types of vehicles.

The cost? 350 pesos per tracking device.

You ask---why? What's the use of these tracking devices?

Are we living in an uber paranoid society that we need tracking devices? Why is government planning to implement such a plan, when we simply don't need it?

I think this is just a very ingenious plan to extort money from us. And, again, this hair-brained idea came from Stradcom, yes, the agency of Cesar Quiambao.

Is this a sort of midnight deal?

This is not only a violation of our Constitutional rights. This is as stupid as the national id system before.

What if I'm a vocal opponent of this government? Will I allow myself to be tracked by these evil government? Of course not!

Tutulan ang paglalagay ng tracking devices sa ating mga sasakyan!

Probe Collusion between Hospitals and Pharma Firms

Health secretary Francisco Duque is really doing a great job. His fight against big pharmas has successfully lowered some of the most expensive drugs in the country. And he's not backing down, not even this shameless threat from the Philippine Hospital Association of the Philippines (PHAP) that they will increase their service fees due to the implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Law.

I urge Secretary Duque not to lose courage. In fact, the entire government should support Duque in his fight against these big hospitals which are colluding with the big pharma companies to prevent government from implementing the Cheaper Medicines Law.

Mr. Duque, you are doing a great job. Ask these complaining hospitals to open their books. These hospitals should prove that they are really losing money because of the implementation of this law.

I got word that this so-called PHAP call is a big public relations effort initiated by the Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), the same organization chaired by Reinier Gloor who was involved in the shameless meeting of pharma companies with Mrs. Arroyo prior to the signing of the Cheaper Medicines Law.

Gloor is a former company executive.

By the way, what happened to the call of Senator Mar Roxas to investigate these pharma companies? Tsk,tsk,tsk!

Mar Roxas should learn a thing or two from Secretary Francisco Duque.

The Edgar Bentain case is still unresolved crime in 21st century Phils

Before the Erap regime went caput, a Pagcor video operator was reported to have been kidnapped by unknown persons. The victim was never found and believed to have been killed.That victim was Edgar Bentain.

I personally covered the Bentain case since this is a case closest to my heart. Edgar is one of my frat brothers. And it pains me that one of the former head of our organization got caught in this unfortunate tragedy.

Before he disappeared, Edgar was working for the Pagcor as a video operator. According to accounts at that time, Edgar took a video of former president Joseph Estrada playing baccarat with known gambling lord Atong Ang.

That video clip caused a sensation because first, it is illegal for a president to be seen with a known criminal vice lord and second, it was at the height of calls for the abolition of jueteng, an illegal numbers game.

It was former PCSO chairman Manoling Morato who exposed the video to the public. That video reinforced public suspicions that Erap was actually involved or hob-nobbing with illegal gambling royalties.

The masses understood and probably did not take a special notice about Erap’s “indiscretions”. Yet, the issue became big because of elite protestations and middle class led protest actions.

Days before Morato’s expose, armed men snatched Edgar Bentain in Manila. Bentain was allegedly with his girlfriend when he was taken away. Bentain was last scene being mauled by these armed men and put in a white van. The van sped towards the direction of Cavite.
After that, nothing was heard from the victim. No ransom demand note was given to his relatives, especially his brother, Edcel Bentain, who became the most active among the Bentains in the pursuit of truth.

Today, Panfilo Ping Lacson rose from the rostrum and hinted that Erap may have been the mastermind behind the abduction and possible murder of Bentain. Lacson said Bentain was ordered kidnapped by Erap and taken to Laguna where he was brutally killed.

After Lacson’s expose, Edgar Bentain’s brothers felt that Lacson’s revelations were a dud. That still did not answer their questions. Where’s the body of their brother? Who really ordered him killed? Was it an operation led by cops? And were these cops directly ordered by Erap?

That crime is just one of many which happened under the Erap regime. Don't just gloss over it. Erap's regime was similar with that of the present regime, though the present is probably worse.

Mar Roxas acceptance speech in Club Filipino

This is the complete speech of Mar Roxas, sent to me by friend Rose Romero of Repormar. I took the liberty of publishing this in full.

Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. Magandang tanghali po. Happy Holidays to our Muslim brothers.

Salamat, Noynoy, sa tiwalang ipinagkaloob mo sa akin. Salamat sa karangalang maging kasama mo sa paglilingkod sa bayan. Thank you for this opportunity to work with you as we raise the banner of reform. Thank you for the privilege of joining you and all our kababayans in the fight for decency and integrity in public service, and for a government that puts the people’s interest first.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang hamon na isulong ang tunay na reporma sa ating bansa.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang responsibilidad na maging kabalikat ni Noynoy sa kanyang laban para sa pagbabago.

Taos-puso ko pong tinatanggap ang maging katambal ni Noynoy Aquino.

But this fight is not just about Noynoy and me. It’s bigger than the two of us, it is bigger than the Liberal Party. It is about our collective thirst for change.

It is about our thirst for change finally overcoming those who want to continue the tayu-tayo system, the horse-trading, the greed, the self-interest, the transactional politics that has been the biggest roadblock to progress and prosperity for all.

Tungkol ito sa matuwid laban sa baluktot. Tungkol ito sa tapat laban sa tiwali. Tungkol ito sa tama laban sa mali.

Noy, you have raised the banner. Ito ang bandila ng reporma at pag-asa. Ito ang maglalagay ng pagkain sa mesa, dahil hindi na nanakawin ang pondo ng mga magsasaka. Ito ang magbibigay ng trabaho sa taumbayan, dahil hindi na kokotangan ang mga namumuhunan. Ito ang magpapaabot-kaya sa presyo ng gamot, dahil hindi na makikipagsabwatan sa mga abusadong pharmaceutical companies.

My friends, this is going to be a tough battle. We should not be lulled into complacency. We are up against forces who will fight tooth and nail, fair and unfair, legal and illegal, against us. Sa kanila yata, tuloy ang ligaya; sa atin naman, tuloy ang laban.

Kailangan nating isulong ang bandila ni Noy at ng reporma. Mahirap ang laban na ito, pero nasa kamay natin ang ating kapalaran.

Kung bawat araw, ang bawat isa sa atin ay makahimok ng isa pang kasangga natin, tiyak ang ating tagumpay.

Our opponents will exhaust all avenues in order to win. They have been robbing us for so long, and they want to continue robbing us. Pero hindi tayo papayag na manakaw din nila ang ating pag-asa.

Taglay ni Noynoy ang susi ng pagbabago: matapat na puso, malasakit sa kapwa, at pinakamahalaga, pagmamahal sa bayan. Buong-loob kong isinusulong si Noynoy Aquino. I am honored to join him in this field of battle.

To all of us here in this hall and all across this great nation, who are fighting alongside him, make no mistake about it: We will not back down from this fight, not now, not ever.

The fog of cynicism has already lifted from our hearts. Ngayon, puwede na muling mangarap.
Sama-sama tayo. Hindi namin kayo pababayaan. Lalaban tayo!

YOU conducts organizational trainings throughout the country

Recently, the Young Organizers' Union (YOU), the civilian arm of the Young Officers' Union (YOU) has just conducted various discussion group (DG) sessions with its members nationwide. DG sessions were conducted in Santiago Ilocos Sur, Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac, Barangay San Jose in Antipolo Rizal, Davao City, Zamboanga, Roxas City in Mindoro and Jolo Sulu. Affiliate organizers also conducted food assistance programs in Manila, Taguig, Caloocan City, Paranaque and Muntinlupa, as part of its regular " Programa Para sa Tao" (PPT).

YOU has numerous partner organizer's groups nationwide. It has about 650,000 organizers and an estimated 1.2 to 1.3 million members. It is silently organizing and is in fact, looking for the day when the majestic sun will rise in the East.

YOU has not waivered in its principles and has, in fact, strengthened its ranks ever more. YOU acknowledged its historical roots---the Katipunan. The Bagong Katipunan has shown resiliency in the face of trapo politics.

Now, it is waiting for the day when it will fully realize its political aims---that of making laws for the sake of the majority of our people. It will be the day when slowly we see the emergence of a New Democratic Filipinism--an ideology for the People and by the People--in action.

Mabuhay YOU!

People Power Coalition to power Noynoy-Mar tandem

Revival of People's Power Coalition (PPC)

Will there be a revival of the People Power Coalition (PPC), the organization that powered the Yellow Army to power? Now that Mar Roxas, president of the Liberal Party already accepted the vice presidential candidacy, the LP has just completed its slate. A recent survey shows that a Noynoy-Mar tandem would definitely corner 51% of the votes, a formidable pairing if compared with a Chiz Escudero-Loren Legarda tandem.

It seems that the Noynoy-Mar tandem would break out of the LP organization and lead what others term as a "People Power Coalition". In the past, this coalition includes the Lakas-CMD party of former speaker Joe de Venecia Jr. With the problems being encountered by the administration party, the Partido Lakas-KAMPI CMD, will this lead to a breakaway and formally dissolve PALAKA?

PALAKA dissected

A source in the COMELEC says that Commissioners are decided not to formally recognize PALAKA. That opens the possibility of Lakas party members going all out for a PPC with the Liberal Party and its aligned organizations. An LP-Lakas coalition, with the support of various civil society members and people's organizations is undauntedly a strong electoral machine.

PPC is definitely a monkeywrench thrown in the political alignments. A Lakas-CMD less PALAKA will cut the administration party in half. If that happens, that will definitely frustrate the campaign of Defense secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro. Will Kampi stay with its decision to field Teodoro or will it just coalesce with another party?

Lakas-less administration party to coalesce with NPC?

Sources say, a Lakas-CMD less administration party intends to coalesce with the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). Teodoro, some analysts say, would just slide down to senator, to keep the NPC sanctioned tandem, Chiz Escudero-Loren Legarda pairing. Others say, Teodoro would just launch his own campaign, independent of the administration.

That would render Palaka power-less.

UNO to break up; Villar still scouting for a running mate

That leaves us with the so-called "united" opposition. For the past few surveys, Erap's surveys have shown inconsistencies. The last survey shows him at third place, not a formidable number since he will be facing such formidable opponents like Noynoy and Villar. Erap also faces the same problems as Villar's---they lack strong choices for running mates.

Erap's camp is floating an Erap-Binay tandem, not a very strong pairing. This pairing is still up in the air since talks are rife that Binay is slated to join the People's Power Coalition (PPC) as possibly either its campaign manager or one of its senatoriables. If that happens, that leaves Erap without a vice presidential bet, and open to the possibility of a coalition.

Villar is floating a Villar-de Castro or a Villar-Cayetano or a Villar-Estrada tandems. De Castro has already said he will not pair with Villar while Cayetano said that she was unaware of any talks about it.

If Villar fails to get a suitable partner for him, he will probably entertain merger talks with UNO. That will be a graceful exit for Erap. Hence, a Villar-Estrada tandem.

Of Pseudo-Nationalists and Senator Dick Gordon: Prelude to an EXPOSE against Gordon

Senator Dick Gordon is in a quandary. He wants to pander to his political benefactors namely the First Gentleman and Mrs. Arroyo but he does not want to sacrifice his political ambitions. He already made a successful campaign to erase the graft-ridden Joc-Joc Bolante case out of the public's mind, and he has one more case to go---the ZTE-NBN deal. This is a stinking deal which goes, way, way up there, in the stratosphere that is Malacanang.

Former Senate blue ribbon committee chair Alan Peter Cayetano already said before that this deal reaches up to Malacanang. Dick does not agree. For a man who benefitted largely from public trust (I will have a very explosive expose in the next few days about Honorable Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon. Abangan!), the least that Gordon has to do is render fairness.

If you watched the last senate hearing, Gordon was not fair. Yes, before I laud Gordon for his deft handling of the blue ribbon committee hearings but the last hearing, well, it left a very bad taste in the mouth. Gordon showed how he takes his job very seriously to satisfy his friends over at Malacanang.

What is the reason for Gordon's behavior? I will explain that in my next entries.

And to mask his moves, Gordon fooled the people, especially his friends, to think that he's running for president so that people will think that the main reason why Gordon is attacking the political enemies of his friends over at the Pasig is political. Ladies and gentleman, Gordon is not doing that for politics. What are his motivations? I will expose that in my later entries here. And this expose will surely rock Mr. Gordon. Abangan!

I am saddened by the favorable entries written by a blogger about Gordon. That entry was a very discomforting and definitely partial take on the ZTE-NBN deal. The blogger wanted to reinforce into the public mind that those whistleblowers are the ones guilty, NOT, the First Gentleman nor his wife, Gloria Arroyo and her devil gang, the officials of DOTC and others.

And to think that I was the one who endorsed that site to my friends online, thinking that he will only write nationalist entries. I am mistaken. I will correct my mistake in the next few days by presenting here an EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE against the "idol" of this writer.

The blog community is full of pseudo-nationalists, pro-Arroyo and pro-graft and corruption writers who masquerade as for the people, when they are for the perpetuation of the traditional elite mindsets.

Imagine, Gordon wants to file a case against the whistleblowers, namely, Mr. Joey de Venecia III and Jun Lozada, when they were the ones who opened up this case and sacrifice their lives to show the public that this deal will definitely affect them.

Today marks the second year that Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada went out of the woodwork to expose this stinking deal which Gordon wants to deodorize. They will not succeed. For, we the people, are not fools.

For us not to forget this, I took the liberty of downloading here the famous ZTE Alphabet. Filipinos around the world, don't forget this.

Gordon---whitewasher of ZTE-NBN and Joc-Joc Bolante cases?

I was wrong when I recommended a particular blog here. Obviously, this blog is very partial especially to those who defend the palace, and I'm talking about Senator Richard Gordon.

I was not surprised when this blog claims that Gordon was a saint during both the ZTE-NBN and Joc-Joc Bolante cases. And I'm not entirely surprised that he writes for, err, does political work stuff for him.

When I checked the writer behind this blog, he is actually a PR staff of Senator Richard Gordon. And he writes for other politicos as well. I, along with other readers, should be wary about this. There are obviously, pro-administration people out there masquerading as opposition.

Am I talking about Chiz?

The blogsphere is really a messy place.

Chiz Escudero's Frat brothers behind favorable mock elections

Whoever made a big fuss out of a mock elections in UP-diliman which favored Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) bet Chiz Escudero and fed it to the media is an idiot. He or she is damaging the campaign of Chiz.

Of course, Chiz would emerge winner in that mock elections because the ones who conducted the event happened to be his fraternity brothers from the Alpha Sigma fraternity. Chiz, you better admonish or caution your supporters from doing these kinds of things because it is not helping you in any way. In fact, it's destroying your reputation as a non-trapo candidate. Surveys and mock elections are trapo publicity stunts. And you don't want to be categorized as such, right?

Besides, that election reflects the sentiments of the young intelligentsia over at UP. Imagine, Bayani Fernando got 7% over there! Meaning, it's the intelligent bunch who are talking not the masa. The masa comprises the biggest voting block and you better speak their language and fast before you lose this.

For you to win, don't do trapo stuff.

By the way, go over my Facebook account and vote on my quiz there about the wives of presidentiables. Know who wins the vote.

YOU Original Founder Running for President

This is verified information.

If things will not improve, the original founder of the Young Officers' Union (YOU) will run for president in the May 10, 2010 elections.

Superintendent Diosdado Valeroso, class president of Class 1982 of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) intimated his desire to seek the highest post of the land to Patricio Mangubat, secretary general of the Young Organizers' Union before he left for China.

Valeroso, one of the original members of the Reform the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the predecessor of the Rebolusyunaryong Alyansang Makabansa, said that the present circumstances of our country is most depressing and ordinary people should go out of their comfort zones to fight for what is right, just and moral.

Valeroso who led the forces that ousted former dictator and president Ferdinand Marcos said that the situation in the Philippines is reminiscent of the days before Edsa Uno, where people started going out of their homes to look for solutions to the pressing problems of the country. Valeroso said that the only solution to the core problems of the Philippines is for Filipinos to unite behind a candidate who has the will to effect changes in society.

Ethno-Linguistic and Religious Block Voting critical in 2010 elections

Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile was just being his political analyst self when he says that Gibo might just snatch the Solid North vote come election time. Gibo is the only candidate who can speak in Ilokano. And Enrile is right when he says that Ilokanos vote along ethno-linguistic lines, same as other "regional" groups like Maranaos, Cebuanos or Bicolanos.

Solid North is now a myth

Ilokanos comprise more or less 7-8 million votes. In the Philippines, ethicity is the first determining factor of voters. Historically, this is a proven fact. When Marcos ran for the presidency, he won thru the sheer power of the Ilokano votes. That also worked when Fidel V. Ramos ran in 1992. He got most of the votes simply because of his Ilokano and Panggalatok roots.

Now, given that all these political parties have the same platforms and they all lack a defining ideology, the best way to win is simply court large ethno-linguistic groups and "speak their language". I don't mean you'll actually talk like an Iloko or a Cebuano. No.

I mean, you need to identify the causes or issues that most Ilokanos consider close to their hearts. KNow their values. Know their aspirations. Know what they believe in. And you'll surely get some of their votes.

However, the behavior of Ilocano voting is predictable since from Independence, Ilokanos vote based on command. The Solid North has a huge command vote. For example, the Singsons still command respectability in Ilocos Norte, same as in Ilocos Sur. These two areas alone could overturn the tide against the highest rater in the surveys.

I disagree with Enrile though when he said that Gibo could possibly unite the entire North behind his candidacy, since we all know that the "Solid NOrth" is divided into two clear family lines---the North controlled by Chavit and the South by Eric Singson of the LIberal Party. Political kingpins in Cagayan and Isabela have already been defeated by Padaca and it is most critical for her to continue serving as governor there to prevent or deter the consolidation of the Solid North votes behind the administration bet.

Despite administration attempts, Pangasinan, which commands 1.3 million votes, is still under the De Venecia spell. It remains to be seen whether the De Venecias throw their support behind Gibo. It is expected though that the De Venecias would either support Noynoy or Villar.

However, what can definitely affect the so-called Solid North vote is the entry of the Marcoses in the political scene. The Marcos family is the only credible force that can unite the entire North. If the Marcoses throw their support behind Erap or Noynoy, then, that would throw a monkey wrench in the already muddled political pot.

Tarlak and Pampanga split along religious lines

Tarlak and Pampanga, meanwhile are split along religious lines. These areas are dictated by religious influence by big churches. In Tarlak, the strongest religious group there is the Iglesia ni Kristo. The INC is a large voting force. While in Pampanga, the Catholic Church exerts a very strong influence. This is based largely because of migration over the past few years. With the emergence of subdivisions and villages, many non-Tarlaquenos and Kapampangans have resided in these areas, unlike in the North where there were few instances of migrations. So, to get the majority votes of these areas, grassroots work should be undertaken, particularly that of courting the INC and bishops and cardinals of the Catholic church.

NCR is open country

NCR has been traditionally oppositionist. With a 5 million voting constituency, NCR is a traditional source of 20% or so share of the votes. Now, how do we view NCR. Let's go from city to city.

Manila
Definitely majority of Manila would go for Noynoy Aquino. Erap will land a far second. Chiz Escudero could also get some of the Manila vote and Manny Villar. Gibo will surely get a small percentage of the pie.

Quezon City
Mayor Sonny Belmonte is Lakas but is openly sympathetic with Noynoy. Belmonte would surely bring in the votes for Noynoy. However, the next big thing in Quezon City is Rep. Annie Susano who is obviously another Lakas member. If Susano throws her weight around and campaigns hard for Gibo, that would probably affect Noynoy's chances there.

Paranaque
Paranaque is middle class territory and whoever appeals the most, wins. IN the recent survey, middle class votes seem to favor Noynoy, Chiz and Villar. So, expect Paranaque to be split.

Taguig
Taguig is a small oppositionist city and it could go either Chiz or Noynoy.

Mandaluyong
Mandaluyong is for Gibo, since the Abalos family exerts great influence over there. However, what is significant to note that the city has a huge urban poor community, which, if organized, can go the way of Noynoy or Villar.

CAMANAVA
CAMANAVA is also an open territory. However, they went for Erap in 1998 and FPJ in 2004. It remains to be seen if they will still go for the UNO.

Muntinlupa-Las Pinas
Possibly going either to Noynoy, Villar or Erap.

(other areas sa susunod. Need to go to a meeting. Abangan!)

Villar-de Castro, Erap-Binay, Chiz-Loren, Noynoy-Mar, Gibo-Puno

As what we wrote a couple of weeks (or months?) ago, Vice President Noli de Castro really intends to run for re-election under the Nacionalista Party of Senator Manny Villar. Choosing Pia Cayetano or Loren are just bogeys meant to confuse the enemy.

Choosing the right running mate is most critical for Villar because this might pull his ratings down OR help him improve it. Villar is running second to Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino in the ratings game and I believe that, like Mar, his ratings have already plateau-ed. If Villar does not do anything to arrest the possible slide of his ratings, he will lose the game.

With De Castro, Villar could improve his ratings in the D class---but that is still uncertain because Erap's grassroots organizers are busy re-consolidating their forces. Erap is really busy campaigning and certainly, he'll run with Binay as his running mate.

Some sources however, say that Binay could actually end up not running AT ALL and just serve as Noynoy Aquino's campaign manager. Binay can still run for mayor of Makati or possibly given a Cabinet post should Noynoy win. It is most certain that Mar Roxas would run as Noynoy's running mate and this will be announced shortly after the Korina-Mar wedding.

(Speaking of Korina, this controversy involving her and RG cruz is not doing Mar any good. She and RG should just sit down and together resolve the problem. Don't involve management anymore since they're both guilty anyway. RG is wrong in not moderating his Facebook comments while Korina is wrong in using her influence to demand management to take a serious look on RG's after-office activities. Enuf said.)

If Binay does not run under UNO, that leaves Erap with no one. He certainly cannot get Loren off from the NPC since the Chiz Escudero-Loren Legarda tandem has already been arranged. However, this tandem is still OPEN to the possibility of merging with other "oppositionist" parties.

Emergency Powers for Arroyo

Energy secretary Angelo Reyes has a very interesting proposition. Since we're now suffering from power shortages in the Visayas and Mindanao, Reyes said that probably by next year, Luzon will also have power shortages. Reyes even made a threat that blackouts would surely affect the conduct of the May 10, 2010 elections.

This, says Reyes, justifies giving emergency powers to Arroyo to solve the potential energy crisis.

What Reyes did not know was that reporters also interviewed the one responsible for distributing electricity and that agency said that we still have excess capacity to avert an energy crisis. Reyes' call was uncalled for.

Obviously, Reyes is praying for something to happen to extend his madame Arroyo's term. Or, maybe, just maybe, Reyes is thinking of the "profits", quick ones at that, from "emergency projects"? Silly me.

Reyes, like the rest of Mrs. Arroyo's gang, is praying for a term extension. Or, Reyes is just cautioning the public of an administration plan to sabotage the forthcoming 2010 elections?

Whatever his motives are, Reyes' call for emergency powers to Mrs. Arroyo is uncalled for. We don't need to give emergency powers to somebody we know would just abuse it.

These administration men are fearing for their lives. They know for a fact that the administration does not have a winnable candidate. They fear of losing their juicy positions and its attendant perks.

This is a concern because these pro-Arroyo men might do something drastic just to stay in power.

Warning to Mr. Puno---Do Not Engineer an Admin Win in 2010

DILG secretary Ronnie Puno's was very confident when he told Vic de Leon-Lima and Karen Davila (of Pasada Sais Treinta, DZMM, 4:30-5:30pm, Mon-Friday. Kudos to Vic and Karen for improving their program. I always listen to them.) that Defense secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro could still catch up. He likened Gibo to Tabako when the latter ran and won in 1992. Puno said that Tabako was at the bottom rung of the surveys (12%?). After a few months, Tabako surged way ahead and eventually got the presidency.

Puno's voice was very confident. He even made sure that we're all convinced, stating his "experience" in the elections. Ah, yes. Flashback to 1992 and I just remembered that Vic and Karen were talking with the architect of the country's first "dagdag bawas" scheme (if Miriam is to be believed).

Puno was sharing his experience, peppering his statements with " I saw this before.." " FVR is also like this.." and " even Gloria was like that.." and bolstering his arguments with " elections are eight months away.", " surveys are not reflective of public sentiments", " the Lakas-KAMPI machinery is strong.." yadiyadiyakyak!

When Puno was saying all these things, I told myself---meron bang alam si Puno na hindi pa natin alam? Maybe Puno already know how to automate the "cheating machine"?

Think about it. Who will operate the automated elections? Hindi ba SMARTMATIC-TIM? Who are the people behind this company? Hindi ba mga business associates of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo?

We must be very vigilant, my friends for these elite forces, are again masterminding the fraud of the new century.

What "strong machinery" is Puno talking about, eh, Lakas party members are deserting the merged group and crossing over to the Nacionalista party of Senator Manny Villar?

Even the Liberal Party is accepting Lakas and Kampi party members, especially those government officials once aligned with former president Cory Aquino. There are many "dilawans" in Lakas and Kampi. One example is Quezon City mayor Sonny Belmonte (a Lakas party member). Do you think he'll go for Teodoro instead of Noynoy? The answer is very obvious--he'll support Noynoy. And that means votes close to a million for Noynoy.

And the merged party is not even legit. There is still a pending case before the COMELEC, filed by former speaker Joe de Venecia, questioning the legality of the merger and praying that the poll body dissolve and declare the merger as "illegal".

Should COMELEC decides to legitimize the merger, the possibility of the entire Lakas party shifting their allegiance to the Liberal or Nacionalista party, is a possibility. That would dissipate Kampi ranks. Instead of Kampi raiding Lakas, Lakas will raid Kampi. And that's what this is all about.

So, if this happens, where's the vaunted strength of Kampi? Puno will find it extremely hard to justify a Teodoro win because it will just be a matter of time before the entire Lakas-KAMPI merged group shifts their entire machinery from the administration to the opposition.

Without a justifying circumstance, what will Puno use to justify both his win and that of Gibo?

Admit it---Gibo, for all his promise, is a sure loser. Probably, he'll get most of the Ilokano votes, but the Solid North will probably not deliver ALL votes to the administration. For example, Pangasinan is still solidly a De Venecia territory. A survey says that more than half of Pangalatoks will vote for Noynoy. Ilocos Sur is still Cong. Eric Singson's turf and surely, he's aligned with the Liberal Party. He'll deliver the votes for Noynoy. Maybe Tarlac will be a split vote, but Pampanga will not vote entirely for Gibo. Pampanga will go for Noynoy.

NCR is disputed territory. Erap has majority of the votes here, but should he sacrifice his bid for Noynoy, that would surely be a problem for Gibo. The CALABARZON area will probably be split between Noynoy and Gibo (and to some extent, Villar's). Bicol region is controlled by the Villafuertes and Cong. Luis Villafuerte is working very hard to slidify the votes behind Chiz Escudero. The Visayas region will probably go to Villar (most of the votes).

It will, again, boil down to the Mindanao and ARMM areas where administration Congressmen (mostly Lakas) have a firm hold. That will change if Lakas members decide to cross the rubicon (I will not be surprised if they do it before October).

So, you see, Puno will have a hard time justifying his win and that of Gibo's because of the fact that, unlike 1992, vote-rich regions as well as other areas of the country, have a changed voter landscape. More voters are aware of what's happening, most desire for change and majority want a new leader who will not continue the legacy of Mrs. Arroyo. That is the most apparent sentiment reflected in NSCB and SWS surveys.

Now, if Puno and Arroyo's gang are thinking of cheating their way to victory and are confident because majority of the AFP and PNP leadership will be peopled by their own men (PMA Class 1978), they better re-think what they'll be doing this time.

We now have a revolutionary situation. The only reason why people are still silent is because of the absence of what I call " a dramatis causa". This elections are very sensitive to a lot of people. If this administration thinks that they can get away with murder the fourth time around, they're extremely mistaken.

If they cheat, they better prepare their forces. They better be very, very prepared. Because the masses will not allow their voices to be stifled once again. And surely, that would justify New Patriots spilling over the streets with their arms.

Never cheat. Never steal our voices again. If you try, be very ready to die.

US troops fired upon civilians after Jolo Blast?

An improvised explosive device (or some believe to be a grenade) exploded at the Jolo wharf today, while US troops were reportedly unloading equipment from a boat. Major Ramon David Hontiveros, spokesman for the Philippine military's Western Mindanao command said the blast occurred late Monday.

Hontiveros denied reports that the blast was caused by a powerful EID since no bomb fragments were found. The explosion happened near a military detachment adjacent to a building where stalls are selling electronic appliances and textiles. No one was hurt in the explosion.

What was worrisome were some accounts alleging that US troops reportedly fired upon civilians shortly after the bomb went off. Automatic gunfire hit a nearby mosque and small buildings. Civilian sources say, US troops indeed opened fire and bullet holes are still seen in the area.

This was denied by the military. The US embassy has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.

US troops have been stationed in Jolo for many years now. They have a base inside the Jolo Military camp, but is off-limits to Filipino soldiers.

The AFP has since denied US troop involvement in the fight against the renegade terror group, the Abu Sayyaf. However, the Philippine defense department admitted that US troops have provided valuable intelligence information about the whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf Group members.

The Philippine Constitution prohibits the interference of foreign troops in local interacine or insurgency wars in its territory.

Korina Sanchez demands for head of ABS-CBN rep. RG Cruz over Facebook

A true Dona Victorina. That is how I describe Korina Sanchez. And to think that I was one of a few who defends her from tragic remarks against her by some of Mar Roxas' relatives and other media colleagues.

Korina Sanchez, erstwhile fiance of Senator Mar Roxas, is again on the warpath. After Mar lost the Liberal Party nomination, Korina went on a rampage. She first engaged Inquirer columnist Conrad de Quiros, accusing him of disparaging Mar thru his daily column. Then, she trained her guns against Senator Kiko Pangilinan, practically accusing the senator of kawalang utang na loob.

I thought that that was the last of Korina’s outburst. However, today, I chanced upon Atty. Marichu Lambino’s blog, with a glaring scoop on Korina Sanchez’ letter to the ABS-CBN management, asking for RG Cruz’s head.

RG Cruz, one of the most active traditional journalist in the web and a colleague here at FilipinoVoices, is being accused by Korina of writing negative remarks against her in his Facebook account. Read the letter over at Lambino’s blog and you’ll sense how bitter and acerbic Korina is.

She virtually described RG Cruz as a relative unknown, a guy with dubious fashion taste and with a cloak and dagger personality. To my mind, Korina is entitled to comment on RG Cruz’s fashion sense. That’s her right.

But, to ask for that poor guy’s head over some personal remarks over Facebook reflects the true nature of Korina as a domineering mayordoma in that household called Kapamilya channel.

RG Cruz is entitled to his own opinions and views. For Korina to stifle his right to free expression shows you how stupid Korina is. Let me rephrase this—it shows how fake Korina is.

She demands that government respects every right of each and every citizen, when deep down inside her lurks a dictator ready to pounce on hapless journalists like RG Cruz and Conrad de Quiros. It’s downright okey if Korina just wrote a letter to RG Cruz asking him why he thinks about her that way. But, for her to use her “enormous powers and influence” and breath down on this guy just because of what he believes in, that’s too much.

I really thank God that He allowed Noynoy to snatch the Liberal Party nomination away from Mar. Kung hindi, baka naging accessory pa tayo in bringing to the palace, another Imelda Marcos.

Oh...I just forgot....Mar wants to run as vice president. For heaven's sake, Korina still has the chance of being the dona of Malakanyang!

If Korina will not reform, I'll campaign against her boyfriend, Mar. I am sorry but Korina does not deserve to set foot in Malacanang.

Mar, me pagkakataon ka pa, hindi ka pa naman kasal sa kanya eh. Patagalin ninyo pa ng five more years.

Noynoy Aquino is new Philippine President (if Noynoy continues what he's doing)

Let me be the first one to declare this, and I sincerely believe it---Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III will become the 15th Philippine president on June 2010. Is this based on some mumbo jumbo, gut feel or pure research? This is based on research.

First, I think that Noynoy's team is on the right track. I saw the TV ad made by Troman Productions and compared with other infomercials by other candidates, that sends the right message. Messaging by the way, is most critical for all candidates this coming elections. Why?

Based on COMELEC voter stats and those of the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB), 48% of Filipino voters belong to the 21-34 year old bracket. This sector behaves as one block. If you reach this voting sector with the right messaging and thru the right channels, you'll be able to win the elections.

Majority of the votes will come from regions 1, 2,3, 4-a, 4-b, 6, 8, and 11, regions which are fully cognizant of the Cory legacy. GMA or Lakas-Kampi influence is very weak in these areas and you should exploit that.

What is the right messaging for Noynoy?

First, his vision. What direction does he want the country to take? Noynoy must be very clear on this.

What direction would he take us to secure ample food stocks? How would he improve the economic situation so that majority of Filipinos are not left in the lurch while a few enjoy the blessings of capitalism?

What specific things will he do to improve the political situation? Will he change the charter like what PALAKA candidate Gilbert Gibo Teodoro wants? Or will he form a unitary, coalition government and people himself with members of civil society and the academe to craft a 2020 vision for this country?

Second, he should hammer out the message that he has the strong political will to make those changes. Noynoy should demonstrate this graphically so that most voters would believe that he is capable. Remember that people remember images more than text (that's why it's very effective for Noynoy to always, always been seen in TV and internet).

Third, he should coalesce with other people's organizations, civil society groups and labor unions and do it OUTSIDE the Liberal Party. Noypi is a great movement. He should strengthen it and tell people that he's running under this movement, not the Liberal, para maalis yung stigma ng pagka-trapo.

Fourth, he should condemn traditional politics. Noynoy should be above other candidates in terms of having the cleanest record. He should expose himself more online, by encouraging people to chat with him, etc. He should also conduct more town hall meetings, instead of the usual barn storming or rally sessions.

Lastly, please ask your uncle, Butch Aquino and the rest of the Kamaganak Incorporated and even businessman Ramon del Rosario not to speak for and on your behalf. Nakasisira sila ng diskarte sa totoo lang. Parang hayok na hayok silang makaupo ka na because parang they're saying na "happy days are here again!".

And promise us Noynoy that if you win, you will not appoint these people in sensitive posts in government. Dapat iba naman. They should not also do business during your presidency. In fact, do the impossible (for other people, especially Mrs. Aquino)---exile your immediate family members to other countries while you govern.

Likewise, those who help you now in your campaign, dapat wala kang i-appoint sa mga yan sa gobyerno mo.

Otherwise, I and the rest of the New Patriots will struggle for your removal from office. Mark this. Baka isang coup ka lang.

Automated failure? ---Joey de Venecia III

Is the automation plan designed to fail? It seems like it, says IT businessman Joey de Venecia III. For Joey, who exposed the rotten ZTE-NBN deal, the Commission on Elections must resolve some "very serious issues" before proceeding with full automation for the May 2010 polls.

Joey pointed some very serious issues relating to full automation, one of which is the time it takes a voter to cast his ballot. If we automate fully, that would take a great amount of time (8 minutes per voter) than we normally do in previous elections.

Joey de Venecia III says COMELEC must conduct a time and motion study.

“The Comelec should conduct a time and motion study first before taking such a gung ho attitude to automation,” he said. “I’ve conducted informal studies on this matter alone and they indicate that it may take up to ten times longer for every voter to complete the voting process.”

Since the number of voting precincts will be reduced, there will be more voters massing in them next year, he said.From more than 200,000 voting precincts in the past – usually the nation’s public schools – the number will be reduced to 80,000. This means that the number per precinct will increase threefold.

Then there is the new ballot. De Venecia said that the Comelec’s newly-designed ballot is double sided and will have some 300 names of candidates to choose from unlike in the past wherein the voter only had to fill in the names of his choice of president, vice president and 12 senators.“The time it will take to fill in the ballot will likewise increase substantially,” according to de Venecia.“If it took a minute to complete one’s ballot before, it will now take three or even four minutes, given the new form that the electorate is not used to.”

Under an informal time and motion study conducted by de Venecia, the typical voter will have to look for his new precinct, join a much longer queue, then fill in a type of ballot that he has never seen before.“Everything points to a chaotic May 2010 election,” said the son and namesake of former Speaker Jose de Venecia.

“I don’t want to seem like some kind of prophet of doom, but the chaotic voting day scenario could lead to a failure of elections. What this can lead to is anybody’s guess.”

De Venecia is pushing for full automation to be applied only in the National Capital Region. He said if voting goes smoothly enough in Metro Manila, then full nationwide automation can be applied in the barangay elections in the latter part of 2010.

“There are so many things that can go wrong, not just the extra long hours it will take for every voter to finally cast his ballot,” said de Venecia.The voting machines need to be manned by 47,000 trained technicians, he said.

Smartmatic, the foreign company which won the bid to automate the elections, “is an IT firm and not a recruitment agency,” he said. “Where will they find 47,000 qualified technicians?”De Venecia also said he was concerned that the results would be forwarded to the Comelec headquarters in Manila electronically, meaning through Smart, Globe and possibly Sun, the country’s three major telcos.

In far-flung areas, or in areas where the three companies have insufficient signals, the results would have to be forwarded through satellite bounce. Systems loss could alter the results of the presidential elections in a tight race.

The same would be true for the senators fighting it out for the ninth to 12th slots.“A two percent systems loss for the country’s 40 million voters translates to 800,000 votes not being properly counted,” said de Venecia.At worst, chaos on election day could be used as an excuse by the Arroyo administration to declare emergency rule, even martial law, warned de Venecia.

Meanwhile, a failure of elections in May 2010 would result to a power vacuum, says Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile in the regular Kapihan sa Manila hotel yesterday. I was there when Enrile said that a possible failure declaration could result from a faulty automation plan.