Branding the Philippines: Smile Philippines

Several bloggers sent this white paper and I read some pages and decided it's a waste of my precious time. For one, the person who wrote the stuff does not really know what he's talking about and second, the topic is tooo stupid to even spend time about. Why?

This country has been here for the last 45,000 years and you're born here, and you still don't know this country? You finished college, read voluminous books about the history of this country and now, you're asking several people what this country is or is about?

Branding is all about perceptions. Perceptions, most of them, are based on reality. Reality is perceived based on someone's values. Values are ingrained. They are shaped by someone or the society that you're in.

Society, therefore, shapes a country’s branding.

How will a foreign PR FIRM know about the Filipino brand when it thinks along Western lines? Branding is someone's best foot forward and the only people who know this country's best front are those who lived here, not some blond haired stupid guy from Missouri.

Branding is the soul of a product. If someone has to sell this country, one must sell the most important value or asset this country has---its people. 

I have gone to different parts of the world and the reason why I always, always go back here is simply I miss the love of my fellow Filipinos.

The Pinoy is the USP of our country. Pilipinas Kay Ganda project is simply not "it”, because that’s not what we are selling here. We are not selling the beauty of our place. We are selling the beauty of our souls as a People.

Talk about beaches, and we are not the only ones who have them. Talk about resorts, islands, rivers, streams, etc and someone will say Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand all have them.

What these countries don’t have is a freedom-loving race of people, who, despite their poverty, still smiles and tells you to “live long”. Talk about Pinoy—a warm, human being who endures long struggles, who strives for the best always, and looks at life in a totally different way.

Brand the Philippines? Use the words “Smile Pinoy”. We are the only race in Asia that always smiles even in times of great personal tragedy and difficulty. We smile and love our fellow human beings. Those smiles always warm some foreigners' heart.

The Friday get-to-gethers

Friday is a most special day for several Customs men. Why? Because it's the day when they "count their blessings."


And mind you, they count in the "millions." Then, they divide the loot for the week among themselves. Of course, the biggest goes to "Tolits", their leader. 


This is not new. This has been going on since, well, the day Customs was made? Talk about a straight road, this is something as straight as a ruler. 


How about this...


Several close associates, businessmen all, are now very enthusiastic. Why? Well, government is on the verge of offering the biggest global bond sale ever. 


This bond sale is now the talk of the town. And the plan? Well, government is choosing several preferred issuers. These issuers are very close to the "powers". The "power" does not care whatever happens here---he's quite concerned if he wins in his next video gaming bout with his nephew.


And now this...


Someone drove his latest plaything like a madman along an almost deserted superhighway several days ago. And you know what? The entire highway was "cleared" just to accommodate the old Principality's wish. He drove the precious plaything like a pro, transforming the superhighway as his own personal circuit.


And why is that? Because Mr. Leader wants to experience the real rush of drag racing. Yes, and its a Playstation thing.


Imagine that---the entire superhighway cleared just for him. When I heard this, I started thinking if I am really living in a democracy or a monarchy. 


I don't know if he used public money to buy that super charged most expensive petrol, and even if he used his own money, the fact is this--he thinks he owns the entire country. 


And I'm really not shocked, oh no.


Most of our elites are Castillian bastards. Their DNA are mixed with the blood of our former oppressors. Of course they'll act like their ancestors. 


And while he drives that latest plaything like he owns the world, several men who know better, conspire behind the iron curtains. These men, all bastards, are thinking of how to apportion our country for themselves. They are thinking of selling each and every single government property. And one of them even thinks of becoming president. These conos deserve our derision.


By the way, it seems that he did'nt really buy that plaything with a supercharged engine. It was a gift.  

Who owns our country now?

The revolution that is happening right now in Egypt is a genuine people's revolution. It is not as cheesy as ours. Cheezy revolts are just a waste of time and money. 


This month, we will be celebrating the twenty fifth anniversary of EDSA I. Compare our situation then, with what we have now. Yes, we are free to do what we want, but at what costs?


Our country has slowly transformed--from a country controlled by Filipinos to a country whose government and other societal and economic structures are controlled by pseudo-leaders and their foreign backers. 


Open your eyes, my fellow Filipinos and analyze--who owns this country now? 


Most vital governmental services are now owned and controlled by Big Capitalists. We are at the mercy of these blood suckers. They get every single cent we earn from our blood and tears. 


Post-EDSA administrations have practically sold every single vital industry we have. If we audit government properties now, how much are still being controlled by government, and how much are now in the hands of Big Business. 


Instead of a government in control, we have a government controlled by Big Business. Look at the oil industry. We made a law deregulating this industry. This industry now holds us hostage. 


Electric power is monopolized, and even water services. Look at every, single property, especially those of the military, and you'll find that it is now in the hands of Big Business. 


Look at our forest cover, there's nothing there anymore. Look at our rivers and streams, they are all severely affected by tailings from illegal mines. Our beautiful mountains have been carved and dug for ore. Indigenous groups have all been left abandoned. 


Ask government how many properties it owns, and officials will be hard put in answering you. Our government is hell-bent selling every single thing we own, because they are not competent in running these industries. 


Government always say, the reason why they intend to sell these industries is the fact that they can't run it as effectively as Big Business. Crap. Bull.


If they are incompetent, then, why are they in government? 

The Leader who plays Playstation

Who is this "leader" who spends so much time, playing Playstation with his nephew while leaving governance in the hands of a few business-minded officials?


Who is this leader who once met several generals in his home and left them without saying anything, and went back to playing Playstation?


Who is this leader who wakes up late in the afternoon, writes and signs several papers, and spends the rest of the day with his nephew, again, playing Playstation. He sleeps early in the morning.


Who is this leader who goes to his favorite hacienda by riding on his favorite plaything late in the evening, spends several hours there, and goes back early in the morning?


Who is this leader who does not mind what happens in several agencies, even if several are now raking in money, for as long as they don't mind his habit of, again playing Playstation.

Egyptian People's Revolution and the Possibility of this happening in RP

Egypt is being rocked by daily street protests which already saw 1,000 injured and scores dead. We are really not certain as to the actual number of casualties, since the government has already shut down Internet services since, about four days ago.


Sketchy reports say Egyptians have massed up to demand the ouster of Mubarak. Mubarak has been Egypt's undisputed leader for more than 30 years. At 82 years old, the former military commander refuses to heed the people's call for him to go on exile. He has sacked his government and has vowed to listen to the pleas of his people. Yet, the people do not want to listen to him. 


They want drastic changes in their society. They are demanding not just the sacking of Mubarak, but a change in the Constitution as well. Does this mean that Egyptians want a change in the policy especially regarding Israel?


Israel, according to CNN, is worried. Egypt has been a reliable ally since 1981. It is the only Arab nation that recognizes the state-hood of Israel. If the government falls, and it falls into the wrong hands, as perceived by the United States and its ally, Israel, then, this will totally change the ball game in the Middle East.


Mohamed Elbaradei is being touted as the main opposition leader. Another one, an Imam, is also being positioned to replace Mubarak. The reason why all of these things are getting out-of-hand is the fact that the US does not know what to do with it.


Obviously, the US still supports Mubarak. The US probably do not trust Elbaradei entirely. The global hegemon is looking for a middle road, a solution, that would appease the peoples of Egypt and at the same time, maintain the stability of the region. 


What worries security analysts right now is the high possibility that what happened in Tunisia and in Egypt are just "preliminaries" in a possible series of destabilizing events in the economically weakened region.


Food has become a political issue in Egypt and the rest of the Arab world. The shortage of it and the decreasing purchasing power of their currencies have lead many to political action. People's lives have been disrupted and they are all blaming their governments for mishandling the situation. 


Here in the Philippines, peoples are starting to get agitated over a series of oil price hikes, rise of criminality and reports of rampant and unabated graft and corruption. Filipinos are beginning to feel the heat caused of inflation. Masses of Filipinos are also beginning to feel that the government is quite helpless in solving their most pressing economic problems. 


Yesterday, I felt robbed when I saw diesel prices at 41 pesos per liter. This is too much. I went to the supermarket and found most, if not all, goods there at staggering prices. I went to the wet market and found myself with just two bags of seafood at 1,000 pesos. And these are the cheap ones.


A kilo of good, quality rice costs 50 pesos. If you have a family of six to feed, a kilo would only go a day's distance. Imagine how families right now are coping with this very serious economic crisis in their lives. It would just be a matter of time before things start getting real serious.


By the way, I don't know if you know but casualties in the flooding in Visayas and Mindanao have now reached an alarming 80 people dead. What is government doing? Nothing.

Anne Curtis and her Porsche

The sultry Anne

Let's have a breather for a while and let's talk about Anne Curtis.


Anne Curtis is really very popular these days not just because she has one of the most beautiful faces in Philippine cinema--she's known for her professionalism and industriousness.


At twenty five years old (Her birthday falls on the 17th of February 1985), this Filipina-Australian actress was recently spotted on the driver's seat of a new black Porsche. Yes, this very controversial German car, which hugged the headlines recently after President Noy got one, is the hottest big-ticket item nowadays. It's not the most expensive, mind you, there are others bigger and more expensive than a Porsche. Right now though, it's the most desired. 


ANAK TV seal hailed her as the most admired female personality. Despite her hot, sexy looks, Anne has achieved what no other actress in her age group had---a very nice public reputation.


Credit that to the fine handling of her career. 

Anne Curtis

Anne Curtis is also one of the richest actresses in her time. She's the stuff of billboards along EDSA and numerous magazine covers. She hosts the successful noontime show Showtime and has starred in hit movies.


Curtis started doing movies at a very young age. When she became a teen, she was actually the hottest. And now that she's a fine, young woman, she has blossomed into one of the most desirable creatures in Philippine showbusiness.


When news spread that she acquired a Porsche, nobody squirmed or frown. She deserves it. Anne is known as one of the most professional and the most hard-working actresses in her time and she deserves nothing less than a Porsche. 


Stars should be all glam. And an Anne Curtis deserves not just a Porsche maybe a Ferrari.


That's different when a public official is concerned. Public officials are expected to live an austere life, away from the glamourous glare of media attention. 

EDSA Bus Blast: Mindanao Politician may have planned it

Police are now closely looking at the involvement of a Mindanao-based politician behind the EDSA bomb blast which killed 5 innocent civilians and injured at least 15. 


Cops are also hot on the trails of alleged five Muslims believed responsible for setting up the improvised explosive device or IED.


Sources say, the Mindanao based politician is former Basilan Congressman Gerry Salapuddin. Salapuddin is now in hiding after being tagged as the mastermind in the November 13, 2007 blast which killed former Basilan Representative Wahab Akhar and injured scores of legislators.


Last December, the Department of Justice ordered the National BUreau of Investigation to serve a pending warrant of arrest to Salapuddin, who remains in hiding.


So, it is not a terrorist attack after all. It is uncertain why Salapuddin planned the bombing.

Egypt rocked by turmoil: Mubarak confident of survival after Obama assurance

Hosni Mubarak

Egyptians are up in arms. President Hosni Mubarak's rule is being challenged by a "people's revolt". People are up in arms over the inability of Mubarak's administration to fulfill the economic benefits he promised to his people. 


Riots and armed encounters broke out in the streets. Thousands of people marched in the streets, burned police stations and defiantly faced a phalanx of armed policemen and even soldiers with tanks and armored personnel carriers. This is the third day of violence in the economically depressed nation.


Mubarak promised to install a new government but did not indicate any intention of stepping down. After his conversation with US president Barack Obama, Mubarak called on the government to step down and install a new one. 

ElBaradei

Mubarak's call was received negatively by the people who are demanding for drastic reforms. Mubarak has been Egypt's undisputed leader for over 30 years. 


Mubarak is confident of surviving this, the most serious political challenge he faced in his 30 year rule.


His confidence stems from the continued support being given by the United States government who considers him a staunch ally. 


The question really is---will the United States let Mubarak go?


Like what happened in Tunisia, Egypt is facing the severest economic crisis in the region, fueled by high prices of commodities. Unemployment has risen exponentially since last year, and food prices have skyrocketed. Inflation is on its historic high, and investments are not coming thru. 


Opposition leader Mohamed ElBaradei is now holed up in a mosque in Cairo. Cairo is now heavily guarded by armed soldiers and tanks. The US has asked ElBaradei to "stay put" while the US reviews its policy on Egypt (actually the US is trying to "reason" with Elbaradei, or getting some "assurance" that US interests will not be harmed if they allow a change in the political leadership).


Mubarak succeeded Anwar Sadat. Sadat was assassinated in 1981. Like Sadat, Mubarak came from the Egyptian military.  


Prior to Sadat, Egypt was an active critic of the United States policy in the Middle East. The country, however, changed tack when Sadat decided to recognize the Israeli state. Mubarak continued Sadat's policy. 


The US has been aiding Egypt since then. 


Now that the US is itself facing a severe financial crisis, and affected almost all of the financial markets around the world, even countries in the Middle East are affected by the crisis.


Worse, the Middle East is being affected by a region-wide food crisis. People are hungry, unable to buy even the most basic commodities due to high prices. 


Will this happen in the Philippines? 

Sirs, where are the good men?

The corrupt

The joke that went the rounds again this week is this...from the Philippine Military Academy to the Philippine Millionaire's Army. What had happened to our cavaliers?


Former Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes is set to be investigated further on allegations of former Colonel Rabusa that he received 50 million pesos from the AFP boy's club shortly after his retirement. Rabusa said, this is already a "tradition" in the AFP--that monies from major service units are re-aligned and amassed into what Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile said was the AFP's "slush fund"and given to high-ranking military officers. 


The "slush fund", which amounts to 40 million every month, is sourced through different means. The fund is supposed to fund the Chief of Staff's activities, pay off media and several people and given to the C-S (Chief of Staff) after his retirement. 


Several sources say, the AFP as an institution is so corrupt that it is now the main stumbling block to progress of the Filipino People. I believe them.


Soldiers have lost hope that the institution will ever be changed. The oft-repeated line right now is "don't grumble now. wait for your turn."


It seems that all institutions of governance have turned from bad to worst. Graft and corruption have seeped into all levers of governance. And why is this so?


Is it because of low pay? Is it because soldiers and high-ranking officers receive no benefits? I doubt it. 


I think one of the reasons is the lack of sustaining indoctrination among the soldiers. Soldiers have to be properly indoctrinated.


They have to be asked why they want to be soldiers. Many of them would definitely answer that the reason is poverty--they want to escape the vicious claws of poverty that afflicted them and their families, and the only means is to go to the PMA and study.


Okey, that's fine, but there's something terribly wrong with this. They see the AFP, the establishment, as an economic body, not a service unit of the government.


Soldiers become soldiers not to become rich or wealthy, but to be defenders of the people. Soldiers want to become soldiers because they have this desire to serve the People. 


I think this all started when Ferdinand Marcos, transformed the AFP into his personal army. Cronyism replaced professionalism. High-ranking military officials were given perks, treated like petty millionaires and petty kings, and pampered by the dictator. For over fifteen years, this became institutionalized. 


Yet, look at the flipside, we were given twenty five years to reform the AFP and this was the slogan of the Reform the Armed Forces of the Philippines who became RAM before---reform. What had happened?

Reformers all...but where are those reforms?

RAM founder Senator Gregorio "Gringo" Honasan even became a legislator--and was given the powers to reform the very institution he so fought for all his life. Honasan became a legend within the change agents in the AFP, but what happened? 


Several laws and life-altering orders were made specifically to change the very organization, but the culture of impunity and the values remained the same. The soldier remained committed to a desire to live a life of plenty out of the dire poverty of the people.


Honasan's classmate, Major General Carlos Garcia (member of PMA Class 1971) is now even tagged as the main or chief promoter of graft and corruption. 

Where are these good men in the background?

Deep-seated are the problems of the institution and it even worsened after the dictatorship. What needs to be done?


Where are the good men who defended the country with their selfless love? 


Where are the good men who became soldiers out of their patriotism?


Where are the good men who would risk their lives for the people and expect nothing in return? Are these men relegated to the barracks?


Some would say---we produce good cavaliers but the corrupt system made them lose their focus.


Crap.


The soldier has the responsibility of correcting the wrongs of the system. The soldier has the right to change the system. If that very system is the institution they belong to, these soldiers, true soldiers of the Filipino People, have every right in them to unite and storm the barracks with their righteous cries.


Like any other institution, the Armed Forces of the Philippines needs a shot in the arm. The AFP needs drastic reforms, particularly in values. 


What the Filipino People need are people who would sacrifice their lives out of love of country, not of money.


What the Filipino People need are soldiers who would stay true to what they promised to live by---COURAGE, INTEGRITY AND LOYALTY. Where's patriotism, sir?


Is it courage to strike a deal and amass monies from the public coffers and have the courage not to talk about it?


Is it integrity to abide by the rules and traditions that mold evil men than good men?


Is it loyalty to the powers-that-be that live off from the monies of an ever-suffering people? Let me publish here what Jose M. Crisol, a PMA'er from Class 42 wrote and published in the PMA website.

Courage ! Integrity ! Loyalty !

By JOSE M. CRISOL, PMA '42

There are three words that are deeply entrenched in a cadet's heart, three words that he zealously guards against defilement and pollution.

These three are: COURAGE, INTEGRITY, and LOYALTY. They are not cold and meaningless abstractions. They are not merely words. They are beacon lights that illumine the way as the cadet journeys toward the goal of his ambitions.

They form the vertices of the triangle that bind the limits of the sphere of his conduct. This triumvirate of manly virtues is the basic pillar of a cadet's character.

A failing or a weakening of one eventuates in the collapse of the moral make-up of a cadet. Each in conjunction with the other two acts as a moral fortress to safeguard the cadet against the onslaughts of the vicious and corruptive influences of the world.

Dr. Gerry Ortega: A Man of Virtue

Dr. Gerry Ortega--a friend, a good man

I cannot go to his funeral. I don't have the means right now. I am comforted though by the fact that Dr. Gerry Ortega's killer and the eventual arrests of those who masterminded his death are just days from now. 


We are losing good men. Good men right now are very hard to find. What we have are evil men stealing our monies, killing our loved ones, marauding our forests, carving our mountains for ore, or just plain and simply living by hiking the prices of goods they sell. 


These men live by the day. They don't know any law. They flaunt the law because they have money to buy off authorities. 


When he was still alive, Gerry exposed some of the men who wanted to destroy the pristine beauty of Palawan. These men were motivated by the desire to destroy for money. 


What is money but a means to do good? These men, however, think of wealth. They want to be wealthy at the expense of other people.


I could have helped him, but I was struck by so much grief, I fell sick. My friends from the Kalikasan network is also mourning his death. I am so weak right now.


Gerry, kabayan, rest easy my friend. Let my tears cleanse the blood off your face, my friend.


God, Holy Father, accept your Most Humble Servant into your warm bosom. Amen.

Guess who this is

Every week, I'll expose some of the illegal activities of some of the government officials still working for the Aquino administration.


Why? Para mahiya naman sila! Noynoy and the rest of the gang are trying their best keeping themselves "clean" while these people or individual still robs the country of the people's monies.


What's good about this "Guess Who?" segment is this--you can find their names cryptically embedded in the entire post. 


Okey, here goes.


A young director of a governmental agency recently went to one of the real estate agents I personally know. 


This director, who, prior to government service, moonlights as a media operator, a close friend of some justices.


Anyway, he was appointed to this post. Again, prior to government service, this guy does not have enough money to even buy his own car.


Now, after seven months, he has one--a nice Ford Explorer--for a monthly take of more or less 40,000.00 pesosess...He brags that he bought the car CASH.


What's more....this guy now intends to buy a house and lot to the tune of.....5 million pesosess. Wow. 


And the real estate agent told me that the guy intends again to pay for the property IN CASH. Who is this government official who rah-rah-rahed during the elections and for his rah-rah, he is now enjoying the perks of a petty millionaire, all for getting 40,000 pesosses per month.


HIs name is encrypted in the entire post. 

Major General Carlos Garcia case update: Ex-Colonel accused Former Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes of receiving money from AFP Boy's Club `slush fund'

The Senate probe into the Carlos Garcia case is getting interesting every single minute. Apart from the former AFP comptroller, other personalities have been exposed. 


Former general Ligot, who also worked as a comptroller, was called, together with former AFP Chief of Staff Angelo Reyes. 


According to the testimony of former Colonel Rabonsa, who acted as a budget officer during the term of Reyes, Rabonsa and his boss, Ligot, prepared something for then C-S Reyes, to the tune of 40 million pesos. 


Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile described this as the AFP Boy's Club "slush fund". This fund is collected from the budgets of service units, or from savings of the organisation.


Rabonza said that every month, they visit the "white house", the traditional mansion given to the Chief of Staff, as his quarters.


There, Rabonza narrated how he, together with Ligot, brought money to Reyes. Reyes, in turn, accepted these.


When Reyes retired, the AFP gave the outgoing C-S a gift to the tune of 40 million pesos. Wow. 


Enrile said that this has become a tradition at the AFP. High ranking military officials receive a monthly take from the slush fund. 


Illegal and immoral? Oh yes. Imagine those patriotic soldiers in the field, without proper uniforms and without boots, while their generals pig themselves out in the white house.


I remember one rumour which circulated during the post EDSA dos. The rumour say that the reason why Erap was ousted from power was his intention to deeply investigate Fidel Valdez Ramos and his associates about the alleged anomalous deals that Ramos' entered during his incumbency.


Now that the new administration is really hell bent on knowing the truth behind the Carlos Garcia case, will the malevolent gang of AFP high ranking misfits plan another destab?

Aquino and Defense secretary Gazmin on EDSA bus blast

Defense secretary Gazmin: " Sir!" (knocking at door three times, as custom of a PMAer)


Noynoy Aquino: (out came Mr. President in his pajama) " Yes..." sheepishly.


Gazmin: " Sir, the terrorists have attacked!"


Aquino: " What? Who?"


Gazmin: " We don't know sir. Should I prepare the bed sir?"


Aquino: "(closing the door) nah....wait...okey."


Gazmin: " Sir, did I not remind you of this threat last year and you said its manageable?"


Aquino: " Ah, yes, yes, I remember. There was this group alright, but you said they were short of funds. Nangungutang pa nga kamo, di ba and alang datung? O, are they the ones?


Gazmin: " Yup, sir, it seems like it."


Aquino: " Okey, okey. Let's see. Okey. Let's just tell the truth. We did'nt neutralize this group coz they don't have money to do what they planned to do. Besides, the reports say "malls" ,not "buses." So, I think Secretary, they are not the ones here."


Gazmin: " Ngek!"


_____________________________


Press Con


Government Official: " I believe that these series of carjacking incidents and this bus blast is part of a destabilization plot."


Reporter: " Why do you say that, sir?"


Govt Official: " Well, I noticed that the series of carjacking incidents happened shortly after Pnoy bought that Porsche car of his. Maybe those destabilizers tried to make a joke out of the President's purchase or the President's penchant for luxury cars. Imagine what will happen if carjackers steal that Porsche. The President will really be angry!


And the reason why they blew the bus is that they want people to ride all the MRT's and the LRTs. Look, after the LRT and the MRT's jacked up their rates, people started riding buses again. With this incident, people will again troop to the MRT despite its higher rates than buses."


Reporter: " Ngek."

Who masterminded the EDSA Bus Blast? Second Angle: Extortion

Several cop investigators are now looking at the possibility that remnants of the Al-Khobar extortion group are behind yesterday's bomb blast at EDSA.


Investigators say, the type of bomb used, an 81 millimeter M1 mortar, is similar to the ones used by this Mindanao-based extortion group. 


What is most surprising in this bomb blast, is the alleged "sophistication" of the design and manufacture of the improvised explosive device or IED. The bomb might have been made and placed inside a bag which was triggered externally.


However, such IEDs have been identified by cop probers in several bomb blast incidents in Mindanao. So, the possibility that this could have been an extortion attempt is entirely feasible. 


Police should investigate the owner of the Newman Goldline bus and ask if he has been receiving several threats from extortionist groups prior to the bomb blast.


No one has claimed responsibility of the bomb blast. This proves that this is no terrorist handiwork. Terrorists want maximum "media exposure", right, and the reason why they do such things is really seek attention. Kumbaga, kulang lang sa pansin.


If this is a terrorist handiwork, then, groups would have claimed responsibility for this.


The possibility that this is the handiwork of several groups within the military or police establishment is bigger than a handiwork of international terrorist groups.  

Who masterminded the EDSA Bus blast? First Angle: Prelude to a Coup

Former PNP Intelligence chief retired cop Rodulfo "Boogie" Mendoza, in an interview over TV Patrol, accused the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Special Operations Group and the New People's Army (NPA) as the ones behind the bomb blast which killed 5 people and injured several others.


According to Mendoza, who now heads the Philippine Institute for Peace, says that they got an information that a group has been formed with members of the MILF SOG and the New People's Army. Mendoza said the group is called Moro Army Committee or MAC.


Crap. Bull. 


First off, it is unthinkable for both groups to form a revolutionary group. Why? Because it is anathema for a pious Muslim to even think of becoming a Socialist or a Communist. Islam is, by itself, an ideology, and it cannot be that a Muslim would actually join a "God-less" ideology such as Communism.


There is no Muslim "Communist". There is only a Muslim, period. 


Second, the name mentioned by Mendoza is obviously, a crude name. How would a Communist, like an NPA, agree on calling their group "Moro Army" Committee when the word "Moro" by itself, has pejorative connotation? Besides, why use the word "committee" to describe a hit squad? Is it too funny?


Third, there is no special operations group within the MILF structure. Besides, why would the MILF sabotage the peace talks with the GRP? Why would a rebel group sabotage such negotiations which are still in the preliminary stage.


There are several angles being pursued by analysts, one of which is the possibility that this is part of the "scare tactics" employed by several generals whose names are now being dragged into the General Carlos Garcia case.


First, the timing. The bomb blast happened at the time when Garcia's case is being heard at the Sandiganbayan. The blast effectively snuffed out any news about the Garcia case.


Congress has taken an active interest in the Garcia case. Yesterday, Tuesday, the Committee of Justice of the Lower House has subpoenaed several people, including AFP chief of Staff Ricardo David. David failed to attend the hearing.


Was this bomb blast a sign from those who protect Garcia's hide against the administration to "go slow" with the investigation of the former AFP Comptroller?


Second, the bomb blast happened two weeks after the alleged "grumblings" within the AFP. The grumblings, says several sources, were instigated by several people. 


Who is instigating these rumours, and why is Boogie Mendoza again re-surfacing and alleging that the blast is a conspiracy between the rebels and the MILF insurgents? 


Boogie Mendoza, according to this site, was once commissioned by several generals to instigate chaos during a most critical juncture in Philippine history. 

In 1997, when President Ramos was promoting the Charter Change, BOOGIE MENDOZA was commissioned by JOSE T. ALMONTE to frighten the public by planting bombs in Sto. Domingo church and other parts of Metro Manila. He also supervised the burnings of buses in Laguna, Batangas and Quezon by his people who introduced themselves as members of the CPP/NPA.

To learn more about Mendoza, see this link.


Is Mendoza out to sabotage the peace talks?

Aquino Administration Under Serious Threats

Three weeks ago, journalists stumbled upon a most distressing news---they heard some grumblings from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). These grumblings came from the ranks, not just from the junior officers' ranks, but from the privates and those from the NCOs.


Apparently, the soldiers are militating against the current policies of the Department of National Defense. Allegations of corruption and graft persist within the organization, and certain groups are out to expose such deals.


Likewise, there are perceptions from certain quarters that Aquino is slowly siding with alleged "communists". Although this is quite controversial and untrue, yet, these "propaganda" are now being widely circulated by a handful of officers and soldiers whose links are still being verified.


There are also talks that a high government official, along with his group, has already talked with several generals on the possibility of replacing the current administration. This group has a fall-out with the group now in power. The group is very powerful.


If this group moves right now, chances of success are high. The Aquino administration is at its weakest and most vulnerable point. Groups are fast consolidating amidst an atmosphere of chaos, and uncertainty. People are angry over the series of oil price hikes, fare hikes, toll fee hikes, food prices going sky-high and government intervention almost nil. 


Look at what happened during a demolition yesterday at San Juan. People are fighting back. There is a high possibility that people will eventually take to the streets, armed with sticks and stones, and militating against the worsening economic situation. 


The security situation is beginning to deteriorate. 


The question really is---whose side will the idealistic soldiers and true Socialists go to when the time comes?


Those who have ears, listen. Those who have eyes, keenly watch as the State of deterioration comes to a definitive conclusion.

Aquino: Terrorists behind bus explosion at EDSA

A twenty one year old call center agent became the fifth casualty in yesterday's bus explosion at Makati City. Thirteen others were injured when an IED or an improvised explosive device exploded at sixth row seat of the bus. Police said the IED was made out of an 80 mm mortar.


Who has access to 80mm mortars? There are only three groups which have access to 80 mm M1 mortar. Such kinds of mortar, according to my research, expels smoke and an explosive sound. Its range is about 3,000 meters and weighs 3.1 kilograms.


The AFP uses this against the CPP-NPA-NDF. The rebels also has their own mortars, seized from the military and quite possibly, even the MILF and the MNLF. 


Can an ordinary citizen purchase an 81 mm mortar? No, except of course if this malevolent person bought it from the black market. 


There are still World War two vintage mortars out there, dugged by several people and confiscated by police. 


President Noynoy Aquino immediately dispelled speculations that groups are out to destabilize the government. Terrorists are behind this, says the President. 


What was so stupid about the President's statement was when he told the media that a particular group was monitored by the intelligence community last year, trying to figure out how to terrorize Metro Manila. This group, says the President, failed due to financial constraints. 


Now, this group is being eyed as the ones responsible for the blast. 


Crap.


Naispatan na pala, bakit hindi pa nai neutralize ng pamahalaan ang mga teroristang ito noon pang isang taon?

Who ordered the killing of RMN Commentator Gerardo Ortega?

I know Gerardo Ortega since way back in the early 90's as one of those who'll fight for his principles and beliefs until death. We met in Puerto Princesa and during those rare times between friends, he told me about certain things about his beloved province, and how big business interests are slowly destroying the environment.


Yesterday, Ortega was shot by a hired assassin from Taguig. The gun used in killing the lone voice against nickel mining operations in Palawan was reportedly under the name of a government official who supports illegal mining operations in Palawan. 


What's good about this is that the assassin was arrested. Will he reveal who paid for his services? 


Ortega's case should be solved as quickly as possible. Who are the probable suspects? Of course, certain officials of the DENR as well as owners of mining firms and their protectors. 


One, MacroAsia Corporation and Ipilan Nickel Corporation are raring to go to full-scale mining at Barangay Mambalot, Brooke's Point in Palawan, aided by officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. 


Here is a news blog report written by Cheryl Galili.

THE CALATEGAS Irrigators Services Association or CISA has filed graft and corruption charges against Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes, members of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD), municipal council of Narra, the two House representatives and several others to the Office of the Ombudsman.

CISA said Reyes and many others violated sections 3 (e) and (j) of Republic Act 3019 and section (e) of Republic Act 6713 or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Those who were charged are Mayor Lucena Demaala, municipal council members Bayani M. Agapito, Janeth E. Goh, Sunny G. Batul, Randolf S. Pe, Lila P. Almarez, Arlie M. Deles, Tomas A. Tabinga and Ceferino M Genovea. The charges also include House representatives Abraham Kahlil V. Mitra and Antonio Alvarez and Sec. Alfredo E. Abueg Jr., Vice Governor David Ponce de Leon, Romeo B. Dorado of PCSD and other members and former Narra mayor Lucena Demaala.

The members of the Palawan Board (PB) being accused are Joselito A. Cadlaon, Ernesto A. Llacuna, Gil P. Acosta, Modesto Rodriguez II, Edmundo F. Balerite, Derrick R. Pablico, Vicky T. De Guzman, Alice F. Fabellon at and former Sangguniang Kabataan Federation president and ex-officio member Mark Dior S. Madamba.

In the complaint affidavit of Teofilo Tredez and other farmers in Barangay Calategas, Narra, it is stated that the PCSD intended and maliciously taken for granted the fact that the areas applied for by Patricia Louise Mining and Development Corporation (PLMDC), Narra Nickel Development Corporation (NNDMC) and Palawan Alpha South Resources Development Corporation (PASRDC) are within the “core zone” of the municipality that should not have any activity.

The CISA said the mining companies allegedly filed for applications to get Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) clearances in Narra however, it is clear in an evaluation report of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development Staff (PCSDS) in February 2006 that the areas are within a core zone because of the existence of trees that compose a critical watershed area.

Core zones are areas in Palawan that need protection and where activities detrimental to their health are not allowed.

Dorado was sued apparently because he refused to give a copy of the evaluation report to the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC). “Dorado violated Article III, Section 7 of our Constitution and Republic Act 6713 regarding the right of an individual to obtain public documents,” the complaint said.

The Narra officials were included in the case, the complaint stated, for altering the Environmental Critical Areas Network (ECAN) map of their municipality by approving the passage of Resolution 2006-936 on February 17, 2006 that voided Resolution No. 2005-881 that was passed on September 28, 2005.

From being a core zone, the municipal councilors changed the classification and made it into a controlled-use zone without conducting consultation with the people of Narra, the affidavit said.

Even if the areas have been reclassified into a controlled-use zone, small scale or large scale mining should not be done because according to PCSD Resolution 05-250, the use of a controlled-zone should not be any activity that profits.

The affidavit cited “Section 10 (b) buffer zone a. restricted use Area b. Controlled use Area: Strictly controlled mining and logging which is nor for profit (i.e. communal forest, CBFM, etc. almaciga tapping, tourism development, research grazing and gathering of honey, rattan and other minor forest products maybe allowed).”

Alvarez and Mitra, former House representative Alfredo Abueg Jr. and the rest are being charged too for approving the mining applications for SEP clearances despite knowing the possible violations.

Aside from altering the ECAN map, the mining companies were also given SEP clearances on April 21, 2006 despite their protest.

The members of the PB, the affidavit further stated, plotted together in speeding up the endorsements of the mining companies in spite of obvious protest from CISA.

In response to the charges, all the parties involved said they are ready to face CISA in court to prove their innocence. Provincial Information Office Rolando E. Bonoan, Jr. said a counter affidavit is already being prepared by the office of Reyes to be submitted to the Office of the Ombudsman before the 10-day deadline.

“Governor Reyes and the other officials charged are already preparing their response to the charges,” Bonoan said. He denied that the provincial government is not taking the case for granted but it “has no basis.”

Ponce de Leon, on the other hand, said they have asked the Ombudsman for a 15-day extension to make a reply. “We have received the subpoena already and we are finalizing our answers. Of course, ours is complete and absolute reputation of the charge. We have adequate factual and legal basis for our action,” he strongly stated.

Aside from miners, who are destroying the Palawan biosphere?

Loggers, of course, big-time loggers like Don Pepito Alvarez. Don Pepito, a former Marcos crony, has substantial interests in Palawan, among them, denuding its forest cover.