Former Congressman and now Iloilo vice governor Rolex Suplico filed an impeachment complaint against Abalos. His complaint was endorsed by two Congressmen, all belonging to the minority block of the House. Talks are flying that both the minority and the majority will support the complaint. It will be a collaborative effort, says Makati Congresswoman Abby Binay. Eighty is the magic number and if they get it, the complaint will automatically be endorsed straight to the Senate.
I think that the complainants will get the requisite number for this effort. However, Abalos will still get off the hook. Why? Because of a technicality.
Should this complaint prosper and goes to the Senate, Abalos can still save his hide by demanding that those Senators who grilled him and made a joker out of him, inhibit themselves from voting for his impeachment. Remember that this happened during the impeachment of former president Joseph Estrada and it could be Abalos way out of this mess. A considerable number of Senators could be forced to inhibit themselves. And who'll be left to decide on his fate? Majority of the administration senators who did not attend the blue ribbon committee hearings. GMA and her ilk would still have the last laugh so to speak in this parody of errors.
ZTE's appeal to the Supreme Court
I've read most of the stories by the ZTE, especially their appeal to the Supreme Court to lift the TRO on the project. Obviously, someone, possibly a PR crisis man, made that story. Its ludicrous. It's wrong timing and wrong angles. ZTE's statements still smack of being proud. The statement suggests ZTE as an arm-twister.
You know why the people still believe that there really was payment of payola in this issue? Because of the stupidity of ZTE's publicists. The PR positioning of ZTE is wrong. First, it should not be made at this time. The issue is still very, very hot. ZTE could have made the appeal in a silent manner. Second, ZTE should refrain from sounding like a goon. Look, the tone of their statement is very wrong. They sound like they want to get their "investment". It reinforces the belief in the public that ZTE did, indeed gave millions of dollars worth of payoffs to some high officials in government. Their statement sounds like they expect Philippine officials to give in to their demand.
What shitholes.
ZTE should instead, keep silent. Anyway, they have been silent for a long time, since this issue exploded in their faces. What would it do to them if they issue statements like this? None. It would only add salt to their wounds.
No PR effort could repair the damage wrought to their reputation caused by this issue. This is the time for them to just sit back, relax, wait for the dust to settle, then, cautiously and silently work for the restoration of their project. Maybe, just maybe, they could still get this project possibly in the future.
Friday, September 28, 2007
Thursday, September 27, 2007
March of a Few Good Men
Alejandro Lichauco's analysis (below) validates what I wrote here previously: that the people will definitely accept a civilian-military government provided that the following requisites exist:
(a) a totally peaceful political environment---there's a recognition of human rights yet government has a tight rein over some civil liberties
(b) an economic system that promotes a level playing field---an economic environment that promotes entrepreneurship, property rights and capitalism yet at the same time, has the mechanism to assist disfranchised economic sectors and a system that promotes spillovers of economic gains.
(c) a social system that is nationalistic and ordered.
Filipinos want a quiet life. They want to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labours. They want to live in a society that promotes social order and peace. They don't care about politics for as long as politics does not affect their individual existence.
Indeed, a civilian-military revolutionary government would be welcomed by millions of Filipinos should the enlightened barons unite together and smash the prevailing archaic and chaotic order. I lament for those men who decide not to side with the truth and freedom for the sake of their own selves. I long for a few good men who would sacrifice their own freedoms and futures just to secure the freedoms and futures of their sons and daughters.
Why do soldiers exists? Why do they fight?
They exist because of the people. They fight against those who tyrannize the people. Sadly, they fight now to protect the asses of those in power. They fight for careers. They fight for promotions.
Have the flames of "We Belong" been extinguished? I remember Trillianes saying in one interview that should he lose, that's an indication that the people do not believe in what they are fighting for. He won.
I challenge Trillianes to prove me wrong in what I wrote in http://redbluethoughts.today.com. I challenge him to be the man he said he is. I dare him to speak out in this dark night and condemn the civilian leadership for being callous of the people's welfare. I dare him to be the leader he says he is. I dare him to lead the soldiers to this fight for freedom. I ask him to show the 12 million people who voted for him that they were not misled by him into believing of this vision of freedom.
When good men opt to be silent when it's the time to shout, that's a sign that we are in for a long night.
Either military or one-man civilian rule?
By Alejandro Lichauco
ANALYSIS
09/27/2007
Anyone reflecting even in desultory fashion on the growingly chaotic political scene and the equally growing economic harshness of the times shouldn’t find it too difficult to conclude that the political system under which we have lived since the “Edsa people power revolution” of 1986 simply will have to give way to a more sustainable or at least less chaotic political order.
Like it or not, there is a rising nostalgia for the order that prevailed during the years of the dictatorship — at lest during the first three years of the dictatorship. Martial law wasn’t the rule of the military. It was a one-man civilian dictatorship who ruled with the full backing of the military establishment.
There was, of course, from Day One of the dictatorship, opposition to it. It was an opposition led by the CPP-NPA, on one hand, and courageous band of civilian opposition led by former Senators Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno and Jovito Salonga, on the other. But the opposition was really inconsequential although during that period, the NPA grew quite considerably.
The dictatorship was conspicuously supported by the business community, local and foreign, the diplomatic community led by the US government which openly supported the dictatorship militarily and economically and the IMF-WB. These were the main pillars which propped up the dictatorship and in fact, explained why and how the dictatorship endured for more than an entire decade.
What eventually broke establishment support for the dictatorship was the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. From that traumatic event began three years of street marches which would eventually culminate in Edsa. But the chain of events that may be said to have pulled the trigger against Marcos was the rebellion staged by the dictator’s secretary of Defense and vice chief of staff. Their rebellion was immediately followed by a small group of military dissidents, led by Honasan who holed up with Enrile and Ramos in Camp Aguinaldo and to whose rescue came the voice of the then influential Jaime Cardinal Sin who called on “people power” which lost no time in responding, and responding grandly. And the rest was history.
But the point to remember about the dictatorship was that for more than 10 years, the preponderance of public opinion supported a one-man civilian dictatorship. Not one year, or two years or even five years, but a good 14 years, in fact.
Even after the assassination of Ninoy, large pockets of the civilian population continued to be supportive of Marcos, or at least refrained from active opposition to it.
Now, the question: Did Edsa spell the end of a one-man civilian government which, incidentally, governed without benefit of Constitution and Congress?
Definitely not — because Marcos’ one-man civilian dictatorship was softly replaced by a one-woman government exercising extra-constitutional powers and governing as Marcos did through decrees.
Cory, in fact, ruled theoretically at least as a dictator, or least with powers unchecked and unrestrained by any Constitution or Congress and guided only by guidelines her government itself drafted. And she proceeded to appoint members of a Constitutional Commission who, without popular mandate, went on to draft the nation’s Constitution.
What did the Marcos’ and, subsequently, Cory’s one-person civilian government mean? It meant, to this writer, that the Filipino people are psychologically and politically disposed to accept a civilian dictatorship — long-term in the case of Marcos and short-term in the case of Cory. But one-person civilian rule just the same. Without Congress in the case of Marcos; and without Congress and the Constitution, in the case of Cory.
Both governments — Marcos’ and Cory’s — were, in truth and reality, governments with extra-constitutional powers. Meaning, to be blunt, a revolutionary government.
Don’t you think that’s political precedent enough, and a precedent which could well be foretelling for us a possible scenario of the future? A scenario which the people could possibly accept, as they accepted the Marcos and Cory dictatorships.
The alternative to a one-person civilian rule, of course, would be either the status quo or an outright military dictatorship.
But if you consider the status quo unsustainable at this stage, particularly a status quo under the regime of GMA, then you don’t have any practical option except to choose between a one-man civilian government or an outright military government. One would be hard put finding any other practical alternative.
At this point, unless a more practical scenario other than a one-person civilian dictatorship or a military dictatorship emerges, then we just might be forced to a choice between a civilian dictatorship or a military dictatorship. Or if you don’t find dictatorship a palatable term, then how about “authoritarianism?”
One final question: If a civilian dictatorship would be it, who will install it? Why, the military of course, as the military installed Cory.
You see how precedents can shape and even determine the future?
(a) a totally peaceful political environment---there's a recognition of human rights yet government has a tight rein over some civil liberties
(b) an economic system that promotes a level playing field---an economic environment that promotes entrepreneurship, property rights and capitalism yet at the same time, has the mechanism to assist disfranchised economic sectors and a system that promotes spillovers of economic gains.
(c) a social system that is nationalistic and ordered.
Filipinos want a quiet life. They want to work hard and enjoy the fruits of their labours. They want to live in a society that promotes social order and peace. They don't care about politics for as long as politics does not affect their individual existence.
Indeed, a civilian-military revolutionary government would be welcomed by millions of Filipinos should the enlightened barons unite together and smash the prevailing archaic and chaotic order. I lament for those men who decide not to side with the truth and freedom for the sake of their own selves. I long for a few good men who would sacrifice their own freedoms and futures just to secure the freedoms and futures of their sons and daughters.
Why do soldiers exists? Why do they fight?
They exist because of the people. They fight against those who tyrannize the people. Sadly, they fight now to protect the asses of those in power. They fight for careers. They fight for promotions.
Have the flames of "We Belong" been extinguished? I remember Trillianes saying in one interview that should he lose, that's an indication that the people do not believe in what they are fighting for. He won.
I challenge Trillianes to prove me wrong in what I wrote in http://redbluethoughts.today.com. I challenge him to be the man he said he is. I dare him to speak out in this dark night and condemn the civilian leadership for being callous of the people's welfare. I dare him to be the leader he says he is. I dare him to lead the soldiers to this fight for freedom. I ask him to show the 12 million people who voted for him that they were not misled by him into believing of this vision of freedom.
When good men opt to be silent when it's the time to shout, that's a sign that we are in for a long night.
Either military or one-man civilian rule?
By Alejandro Lichauco
ANALYSIS
09/27/2007
Anyone reflecting even in desultory fashion on the growingly chaotic political scene and the equally growing economic harshness of the times shouldn’t find it too difficult to conclude that the political system under which we have lived since the “Edsa people power revolution” of 1986 simply will have to give way to a more sustainable or at least less chaotic political order.
Like it or not, there is a rising nostalgia for the order that prevailed during the years of the dictatorship — at lest during the first three years of the dictatorship. Martial law wasn’t the rule of the military. It was a one-man civilian dictatorship who ruled with the full backing of the military establishment.
There was, of course, from Day One of the dictatorship, opposition to it. It was an opposition led by the CPP-NPA, on one hand, and courageous band of civilian opposition led by former Senators Lorenzo Tañada, Jose Diokno and Jovito Salonga, on the other. But the opposition was really inconsequential although during that period, the NPA grew quite considerably.
The dictatorship was conspicuously supported by the business community, local and foreign, the diplomatic community led by the US government which openly supported the dictatorship militarily and economically and the IMF-WB. These were the main pillars which propped up the dictatorship and in fact, explained why and how the dictatorship endured for more than an entire decade.
What eventually broke establishment support for the dictatorship was the assassination of Ninoy Aquino. From that traumatic event began three years of street marches which would eventually culminate in Edsa. But the chain of events that may be said to have pulled the trigger against Marcos was the rebellion staged by the dictator’s secretary of Defense and vice chief of staff. Their rebellion was immediately followed by a small group of military dissidents, led by Honasan who holed up with Enrile and Ramos in Camp Aguinaldo and to whose rescue came the voice of the then influential Jaime Cardinal Sin who called on “people power” which lost no time in responding, and responding grandly. And the rest was history.
But the point to remember about the dictatorship was that for more than 10 years, the preponderance of public opinion supported a one-man civilian dictatorship. Not one year, or two years or even five years, but a good 14 years, in fact.
Even after the assassination of Ninoy, large pockets of the civilian population continued to be supportive of Marcos, or at least refrained from active opposition to it.
Now, the question: Did Edsa spell the end of a one-man civilian government which, incidentally, governed without benefit of Constitution and Congress?
Definitely not — because Marcos’ one-man civilian dictatorship was softly replaced by a one-woman government exercising extra-constitutional powers and governing as Marcos did through decrees.
Cory, in fact, ruled theoretically at least as a dictator, or least with powers unchecked and unrestrained by any Constitution or Congress and guided only by guidelines her government itself drafted. And she proceeded to appoint members of a Constitutional Commission who, without popular mandate, went on to draft the nation’s Constitution.
What did the Marcos’ and, subsequently, Cory’s one-person civilian government mean? It meant, to this writer, that the Filipino people are psychologically and politically disposed to accept a civilian dictatorship — long-term in the case of Marcos and short-term in the case of Cory. But one-person civilian rule just the same. Without Congress in the case of Marcos; and without Congress and the Constitution, in the case of Cory.
Both governments — Marcos’ and Cory’s — were, in truth and reality, governments with extra-constitutional powers. Meaning, to be blunt, a revolutionary government.
Don’t you think that’s political precedent enough, and a precedent which could well be foretelling for us a possible scenario of the future? A scenario which the people could possibly accept, as they accepted the Marcos and Cory dictatorships.
The alternative to a one-person civilian rule, of course, would be either the status quo or an outright military dictatorship.
But if you consider the status quo unsustainable at this stage, particularly a status quo under the regime of GMA, then you don’t have any practical option except to choose between a one-man civilian government or an outright military government. One would be hard put finding any other practical alternative.
At this point, unless a more practical scenario other than a one-person civilian dictatorship or a military dictatorship emerges, then we just might be forced to a choice between a civilian dictatorship or a military dictatorship. Or if you don’t find dictatorship a palatable term, then how about “authoritarianism?”
One final question: If a civilian dictatorship would be it, who will install it? Why, the military of course, as the military installed Cory.
You see how precedents can shape and even determine the future?
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
I told you....
Like what I wrote here in my blog, the palace instructed its allies, even Neri, to nail Abalos. I'm listening the Senate hearings right now and obviously the palace designated Abalos as the "it" guy. Yes, the palace unleashed its "dogs", including Neri, to deviate the direction of the attacks. The tone of the hearings have changed, like I wrote. Instead of directing attacks against FG and the DOTC, it is now Abalos who's being attacked.
As I've said, Abalos has been tagged as the fall guy.
As of 5:44pm, Abalos is fighting for his life and reputation. The old guy is fighting back. The old guy does not want to be the "it" guy. He turned the tables against his accusers, at one point, even accusing Neri of having misinterpreted what he told him of the amount of 200. He even accused Joey de Venecia as the one who hounded him and tried to pressure him to assist him in closing the deal.
Puzzling
What's puzzling is the silence of Joey de Venecia. When Abalos accused him of hounding him, Joey remained silent. I think his silence now means so many things. Was he pressured by the elder de Venecia to just keep silent and let the Senators gorge Abalos? Was there already a compromise between GMA's camp and the de Venecia camp? Obviously, Joey's silence means that he has been advised to keep silence.
I'll write more after the hearing.
As I've said, Abalos has been tagged as the fall guy.
As of 5:44pm, Abalos is fighting for his life and reputation. The old guy is fighting back. The old guy does not want to be the "it" guy. He turned the tables against his accusers, at one point, even accusing Neri of having misinterpreted what he told him of the amount of 200. He even accused Joey de Venecia as the one who hounded him and tried to pressure him to assist him in closing the deal.
Puzzling
What's puzzling is the silence of Joey de Venecia. When Abalos accused him of hounding him, Joey remained silent. I think his silence now means so many things. Was he pressured by the elder de Venecia to just keep silent and let the Senators gorge Abalos? Was there already a compromise between GMA's camp and the de Venecia camp? Obviously, Joey's silence means that he has been advised to keep silence.
I'll write more after the hearing.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
ZTE mess being used to agitate troops? Aw c'mon!
I don't believe that destabilizers are that foolish in using the ZTE deal as a propaganda tool for another shot at freedom. The ZTE deal is obviously, a very weak issue for anti-GMA groups to use against the administration. Indeed, there is an on-going recruitment among various troops, as stated in news reports and confirmed even by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Esperon. But, I don't think the soldiers will be convinced to join the destabilizers just because Malacanan is enmessed with the business deal of two big-time groups.
What I do know is this---if and when groups do spill into the streets against this administration, it will do so because things have reached boiling point. Yes, I believe there is now a revolutionary situation. However, this situation has not been brought up by the ZTE deal. No. This situation arose due to the following factors:
1. The July Basilan incident which led to the deaths of more than 50 soldiers.
2. Extra-judicial killings perpetuated by the state against its perceived enemies. This issue has resonated to the international community, making it very viable for anti-GMA groups to solicit support from foreign entities.
3. Uneven playing field in the business arena. This ZTE deal reflects the propensity of this administration to favor its cronies. Hence, local businessmen feel threatened especially the entry of Chinese products into the market. This further bolsters the ranks of anti-GMA groups.
Warning to this administration: the perceived silence of the middle class does not mean acquisence. It only means three things: (a) there is an undercurrent of dissent against the prevailing elite but has not managed to manifest itself into concrete action (b) disorganization and division on the part of anti-GMA groups and (c) lack of resources for mobilization. If these things are met and there is a right condition, then, the possibility of a power grab is high.
Possible Scenarios
1. Withdrawal of support from key officials allied with JDV-FVR-JoAL
2. Withdrawal of support from key military personnel, both active and retired
3. Possible clash between loyalist and anti-GMA forces
4. Possible flight in a foreign country by GMA and her clique.
5. Establishment of a revolutionary government (transitional)
ZTE mess being used to agitate troops’
By PERSEUS ECHEMINADA
The Philippine Star
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza said Saturday groups out to destabilize the Arroyo administration are using the controversy on the national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. to “agitate” government troops.
“The issue has become highly politicized that it’s now being circulated in the military camps to agitate the troops,” he said in a chance interview with The STAR in a restaurant at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Mendoza said no less than Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has confirmed that there are indeed recruitment activities in military camps.
However, he said this move is doomed as the people are already fed up with moves to destabilize the government.
“Any attempt to oust President Arroyo at this point in time will not get support from the people. We advise these groups to wait for the 2010 elections,” he said.
He said personalities linked to the oust-GMA movement are the same people who are now trying to ride on the NBN controversy to trigger unrest on the streets.
He said the allegations of bribery and graft and corruption are now pending before the Office of the Ombudsman, while the issue on the validity of the contract is also pending before the Supreme Court.
“Let us uphold the rule of law, instead of getting out of the legal process,” he said.
Mrs. Arroyo suspended the NBN project indefinitely Saturday upon Mendoza’s recommendation. Also suspended was the Cyber Education program of the Department of Education.
The military and the police also see the NBN controversy as part of a move to undermine the Arroyo administration.
Sources in the military and police intelligence communities bared this following their threat assessment meeting held somewhere in Makati City Friday night.
“What started as a plain and casual quarrel among two business rivals had already transformed into a political controversy that now tends to undermine the security of the state,” one source said.
Meanwhile, talk of destabilization sent military and police officials jumping from their sleep Friday night following supposed disturbances at the Fort Bonifacio residence of former Army and AFP chief, retired Gen. Lisandro Abadia.
However, military and police intelligence operatives dispatched to Abadia’s place found nothing unusual in the area.
“It’s all disinformation,” an intelligence officer later told his superiors.
However, the AFP, not wanting to get caught with its pants down, called in two more battalions of troops to Metro Manila while the Philippine National Police deployed the Special Action Force (SAF) supported by several tanks in Camp Crame.
Army safe from recruitment
Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, commanding officer of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, gave assurance that his men would not entertain any recruitment offers to destabilize the government.
Barbieto said his men are busy on counter-insurgency operations and vigilant against Abu Sayyaf terrorists that they can no longer entertain such illicit offers.
The 4th ID recently inked a pact with the PNP’s Northern Mindanao regional office for the police to have a more active role in counter-insurgency operations.
Barbieto said he does not need any loyalty checks on his troops. “My soldiers have always followed the Constitution and the chain of command,” he said.
Marines ‘vulnerable’
However, Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said institutional cracks continue to put the Marine Corps as a vulnerable target for recruitment in any destabilization plot.
Dolorfino cited past events where Marines were involved in coup attempts.
“That is contrary to what our forefathers in the Marines have taught us… to be the cutting edge in the military organization,” he said.
Dolorfino, who stayed overnight in Basilan last Tuesday and in Sulu on Thursday, his first out-of-town visit since he was appointed as Marine commandant, wasted no time in weaving the cracks affecting the organization.
In an apparent confirmation of misbehavior, some of the Marine ground personnel commented behind his back that their commandant should have brought canned goods and other food supplies rather than notes and papers.
Dolorfino said that since the guilty verdict on former President Joseph Estrada for plunder, text messages of destabilization and recruitment have been circulating. – With Jaime Laude, Mark Francisco and Roel Pareño
What I do know is this---if and when groups do spill into the streets against this administration, it will do so because things have reached boiling point. Yes, I believe there is now a revolutionary situation. However, this situation has not been brought up by the ZTE deal. No. This situation arose due to the following factors:
1. The July Basilan incident which led to the deaths of more than 50 soldiers.
2. Extra-judicial killings perpetuated by the state against its perceived enemies. This issue has resonated to the international community, making it very viable for anti-GMA groups to solicit support from foreign entities.
3. Uneven playing field in the business arena. This ZTE deal reflects the propensity of this administration to favor its cronies. Hence, local businessmen feel threatened especially the entry of Chinese products into the market. This further bolsters the ranks of anti-GMA groups.
Warning to this administration: the perceived silence of the middle class does not mean acquisence. It only means three things: (a) there is an undercurrent of dissent against the prevailing elite but has not managed to manifest itself into concrete action (b) disorganization and division on the part of anti-GMA groups and (c) lack of resources for mobilization. If these things are met and there is a right condition, then, the possibility of a power grab is high.
Possible Scenarios
1. Withdrawal of support from key officials allied with JDV-FVR-JoAL
2. Withdrawal of support from key military personnel, both active and retired
3. Possible clash between loyalist and anti-GMA forces
4. Possible flight in a foreign country by GMA and her clique.
5. Establishment of a revolutionary government (transitional)
ZTE mess being used to agitate troops’
By PERSEUS ECHEMINADA
The Philippine Star
Transportation and Communications Secretary Leandro Mendoza said Saturday groups out to destabilize the Arroyo administration are using the controversy on the national broadband network (NBN) deal with China’s ZTE Corp. to “agitate” government troops.
“The issue has become highly politicized that it’s now being circulated in the military camps to agitate the troops,” he said in a chance interview with The STAR in a restaurant at the Quezon Memorial Circle.
Mendoza said no less than Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon Jr. has confirmed that there are indeed recruitment activities in military camps.
However, he said this move is doomed as the people are already fed up with moves to destabilize the government.
“Any attempt to oust President Arroyo at this point in time will not get support from the people. We advise these groups to wait for the 2010 elections,” he said.
He said personalities linked to the oust-GMA movement are the same people who are now trying to ride on the NBN controversy to trigger unrest on the streets.
He said the allegations of bribery and graft and corruption are now pending before the Office of the Ombudsman, while the issue on the validity of the contract is also pending before the Supreme Court.
“Let us uphold the rule of law, instead of getting out of the legal process,” he said.
Mrs. Arroyo suspended the NBN project indefinitely Saturday upon Mendoza’s recommendation. Also suspended was the Cyber Education program of the Department of Education.
The military and the police also see the NBN controversy as part of a move to undermine the Arroyo administration.
Sources in the military and police intelligence communities bared this following their threat assessment meeting held somewhere in Makati City Friday night.
“What started as a plain and casual quarrel among two business rivals had already transformed into a political controversy that now tends to undermine the security of the state,” one source said.
Meanwhile, talk of destabilization sent military and police officials jumping from their sleep Friday night following supposed disturbances at the Fort Bonifacio residence of former Army and AFP chief, retired Gen. Lisandro Abadia.
However, military and police intelligence operatives dispatched to Abadia’s place found nothing unusual in the area.
“It’s all disinformation,” an intelligence officer later told his superiors.
However, the AFP, not wanting to get caught with its pants down, called in two more battalions of troops to Metro Manila while the Philippine National Police deployed the Special Action Force (SAF) supported by several tanks in Camp Crame.
Army safe from recruitment
Maj. Gen. Jose Barbieto, commanding officer of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City, gave assurance that his men would not entertain any recruitment offers to destabilize the government.
Barbieto said his men are busy on counter-insurgency operations and vigilant against Abu Sayyaf terrorists that they can no longer entertain such illicit offers.
The 4th ID recently inked a pact with the PNP’s Northern Mindanao regional office for the police to have a more active role in counter-insurgency operations.
Barbieto said he does not need any loyalty checks on his troops. “My soldiers have always followed the Constitution and the chain of command,” he said.
Marines ‘vulnerable’
However, Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Mohammad Ben Dolorfino said institutional cracks continue to put the Marine Corps as a vulnerable target for recruitment in any destabilization plot.
Dolorfino cited past events where Marines were involved in coup attempts.
“That is contrary to what our forefathers in the Marines have taught us… to be the cutting edge in the military organization,” he said.
Dolorfino, who stayed overnight in Basilan last Tuesday and in Sulu on Thursday, his first out-of-town visit since he was appointed as Marine commandant, wasted no time in weaving the cracks affecting the organization.
In an apparent confirmation of misbehavior, some of the Marine ground personnel commented behind his back that their commandant should have brought canned goods and other food supplies rather than notes and papers.
Dolorfino said that since the guilty verdict on former President Joseph Estrada for plunder, text messages of destabilization and recruitment have been circulating. – With Jaime Laude, Mark Francisco and Roel Pareño
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Malacanang's exit strategy
Romulo Neri is a very important man nowadays. He's expected to show up at the Senate hearings to shed light on the ZTE deal. ANC's Ricky Carandang had a chat with him a few days ago and he seems unaffected by it all. Remember that Neri told Carandang and the Inquirer that he received an indecent proposal from ZTE officials via Chairman Abalos involving millions of dollars. Neri was previously the head of the government's economic planning portfolio. That department was responsible in approving such deals because its the one who gives the justification for government to undertake of such a project. If Neri tells the unvarnished truth, that he was bribed or that an attempt to bribe him did happen, then, this issue is finished. What government must do is just pressure the Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional, throw the deal to the waste basket and get on with running the government. The SC decision is the most convenient way out of this mess. The government will not lose face to the Chinese. Likewise, the Chinese will definitely understand it if this deal does not push thru.
However, this issue will continue in another front. Neri's revelation will change the direction of this controversy. Right now, all attention seems to be directed at the gang of FG and Abalos. The attacks seem to be pointing to the palace, specifically at the presidency.
Issue Shifting
Neri's testimony is important because it would prove whether there really was a bribery. A mere attempt could easily persuade the public that the deal was tainted with corruption. The onus of proving otherwise, remains with Abalos. However, Abalos will find it very hard to convince the body politic that he did'nt receive a single cent from the Chinese.
If I were Mrs. Arroyo, i'll allow Neri to nail Abalos and the ZTE guys. Judging from the amount of publicity this controversy has generated, Neri's controversy will condemn Abalos to perdition, conveniently allowing FG and Mendoza to distance themselves from the payoff scandal. If this happens, the issue has been effectively contained because it'll be limited to just what the public or government anti-graft prosecutors must do to Abalos. Reports say that Mendoza is clean. I believe them. News articles say that FG was just used by Abalos to put pressure on ZTE's rivals, which, in this case, Joey de Venecia's group.
Malacanang's spinsters should (1) allow Neri's testimony to point to Abalos as the "it" guy. They should write stories that'll say that Abalos actually used his influence and pressured the First Gentleman to accede to this deal. That way, all blame will be directed at Abalos.
Impeachment
Let Abalos sacrifice himself for the sake of the palace. Abalos will definitely be allowed to retire in peace, because he can't be impeached anyway. It'll be a wasteful use of public funds if Congress files an impeachment case against him. The old man is retiring from the Comelec anyway. Common sense dictates that, for the sake of peace, Abalos should be allowed to end his term with "dignity" eventhough he does'nt deserve it.
The Exit Strategy
The main question is this---will Abalos be party to this strategy? Will Abalos allow himself to be further maligned by this scandal? There are precedents anyway. Perez' s case is one. Joc-joc's case is another. Perez is now enjoying the fruits of his indecency somewhere in Batangas while Joc-Joc remains comfortable in his high security cell in the United States. After all of his helter-skelter thing, Abalos has the chance to "wither away", so to speak, a few months from now, when all things simmer down. If I were Abalos, i'll accept this exit strategy. Anyway, if all reports are true, he already received the monies from the Chinese. He can retire in peace. ZTE already paid him. If the SC decides that government should not push for this deal, then, ZTE cannot really demand Abalos to return the money, right? It'll be convenient to all parties to just allow another body to give them the way out. And the SC is the one such body.
Joey's fate
This NBN project will still be given to Joey's group. I don't know if you noticed, but all of these Chinese deals have been bagged by JDV's group. They just raised this thing because one project was not given to them. Civil society groups should scrutinize all Chinese deals and they'll find that JDV's group got all these projects (i.e., Northrail, etc.). Surely, Malacanan will give Joey some projects just to silence him. Its just a question of when. I think we will see Joey in the next few years.
However, this issue will continue in another front. Neri's revelation will change the direction of this controversy. Right now, all attention seems to be directed at the gang of FG and Abalos. The attacks seem to be pointing to the palace, specifically at the presidency.
Issue Shifting
Neri's testimony is important because it would prove whether there really was a bribery. A mere attempt could easily persuade the public that the deal was tainted with corruption. The onus of proving otherwise, remains with Abalos. However, Abalos will find it very hard to convince the body politic that he did'nt receive a single cent from the Chinese.
If I were Mrs. Arroyo, i'll allow Neri to nail Abalos and the ZTE guys. Judging from the amount of publicity this controversy has generated, Neri's controversy will condemn Abalos to perdition, conveniently allowing FG and Mendoza to distance themselves from the payoff scandal. If this happens, the issue has been effectively contained because it'll be limited to just what the public or government anti-graft prosecutors must do to Abalos. Reports say that Mendoza is clean. I believe them. News articles say that FG was just used by Abalos to put pressure on ZTE's rivals, which, in this case, Joey de Venecia's group.
Malacanang's spinsters should (1) allow Neri's testimony to point to Abalos as the "it" guy. They should write stories that'll say that Abalos actually used his influence and pressured the First Gentleman to accede to this deal. That way, all blame will be directed at Abalos.
Impeachment
Let Abalos sacrifice himself for the sake of the palace. Abalos will definitely be allowed to retire in peace, because he can't be impeached anyway. It'll be a wasteful use of public funds if Congress files an impeachment case against him. The old man is retiring from the Comelec anyway. Common sense dictates that, for the sake of peace, Abalos should be allowed to end his term with "dignity" eventhough he does'nt deserve it.
The Exit Strategy
The main question is this---will Abalos be party to this strategy? Will Abalos allow himself to be further maligned by this scandal? There are precedents anyway. Perez' s case is one. Joc-joc's case is another. Perez is now enjoying the fruits of his indecency somewhere in Batangas while Joc-Joc remains comfortable in his high security cell in the United States. After all of his helter-skelter thing, Abalos has the chance to "wither away", so to speak, a few months from now, when all things simmer down. If I were Abalos, i'll accept this exit strategy. Anyway, if all reports are true, he already received the monies from the Chinese. He can retire in peace. ZTE already paid him. If the SC decides that government should not push for this deal, then, ZTE cannot really demand Abalos to return the money, right? It'll be convenient to all parties to just allow another body to give them the way out. And the SC is the one such body.
Joey's fate
This NBN project will still be given to Joey's group. I don't know if you noticed, but all of these Chinese deals have been bagged by JDV's group. They just raised this thing because one project was not given to them. Civil society groups should scrutinize all Chinese deals and they'll find that JDV's group got all these projects (i.e., Northrail, etc.). Surely, Malacanan will give Joey some projects just to silence him. Its just a question of when. I think we will see Joey in the next few years.
Bungled Opportunity to be Great; JDV an Idiot
Read the Inquirer headline today. It says that JDV went to Malacanan to have an audience with Arroyo. After that 45 minute meeting, which JDV described as a "constructive" one, he says that their relationship remains stable and strong despite the ZTE deal.
This action by the Speaker is precisely why JDV will never become president nor a prime minister. He does not deserve it. He's the type of guy who will compromise when push comes to shove. Great leaders are not compromisers. Great leaders know when to stand their ground and when to relent. In this case, JDV will always remain a second-rate politician, and some say, even of the worst kind.
If JDV feels that he's strong and has the numbers, he should not have gone to the palace for that meeting. This meeting shows the true nature of JDV. He is ambition-driven. He does not have the "balls" so to speak, to stand up against his enemies. He will even sell his family if needs be. What he wants is just power, not the welfare of the majority of our people.
As I previously wrote here, this ZTE controversy is an opportunity for him to be great. And this chance only comes once in a lifetime. However, that meeting with GMA shows that JDV will tolerate any form of corruption for as long as he's not involved in it, or his friends did it, or that it does not impact on his political standing. Such a stand says much about the character of the Speaker. He's the nation's worst example of being a leader. He does not lead; he simply cannot be a true leader because he's a compromiser. He compromises only for himself.
By meeting the president, the Speaker is condoning whatever actions the First Gentleman and his gang did against the nation. That ZTE deal is an illegal one. It is quite obvious that it will burden 80 million Filipinos with a 25 billion peso debt. For the Speaker, the issue is just a misunderstanding between him and GMA. The Speaker thinks along the lines of politics, but does not think about the welfare of the Filipino People who stands to lose their shirts if this deal pushes through.
Call me pragmatic or what-have-you, but the Speaker bungled the opportunity to be great. He should have stood behind his son. He should have praised him for standing up against the "bakal boys" of the palace and condemned it. But no. The fourth highest official of the land decided to side with the bakal boys.
Great men are risk-takers. They don't consider grey areas. For the Speaker, he always see a rainbow.
Speaker: If there's oust threat, will crush it
'I am torn between my love for my son and GMA'
By Norman Bordadora, Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 00:21am (Mla time) 09/22/2007
Most Read
Full coverage: The NBN Deal
View liveblog of Senate hearing at Inquirer Current
View the NBN contract and related documents
MANILA, Philippines -- His post may be at risk because of his son's testimony at the Senate implicating President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, but Speaker Jose de Venecia says he is confident of weathering the political storm.
In fact, the man said, he did not need Malacañang's guarantee to complete his unprecedented fifth term until 2010. "I feel strong in my own right," he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview at his Makati residence Friday.
Asked in a separate interview to assess his hold on the House leadership, De Venecia declared: "There is no threat. And if there is a threat, we'll crush it."
The Speaker said he was "bewitched and bewildered" in the wake of his son Jose "Joey" de Venecia's testimony implicating Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo in the $329-million National Broadband Network deal.
"I am torn between my love for my son and my love for the President," he said. But he added that he would not reach the point of having to make the ultimate choice, and neither would administration allies in the House.
"That will not arise because the relationship is stable; the coalition is impregnable," the Speaker said, referring to the administration coalition composed largely of Arroyo's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) and his Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"I don't need to make a choice because I am for my son and I am for the President," he said.
'A little delicate'
Joey de Venecia told the Senate on Tuesday that Mike Arroyo had thrust a finger at his face and told him to "back off" from the NBN deal.
The Speaker admitted Friday that his son's testimony had had some effect on his relationship with Arroyo, his running mate in his failed bid for the presidency in 1998.
"There's a little effect, but she knows in her heart that I had nothing to do with it," he said, acknowledging that the current political scene was "a little delicate."
"To clear the air" between the two of them, he said, they had a 45-minute meeting in Malacañang at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
The meeting, which was arranged by Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, took place shortly after administration congressmen had dinner at the Palace, purportedly to express support for Arroyo in the wake of the NBN scandal.
At the meeting, De Venecia told Arroyo that his son had not accused her husband of any wrongdoing in connection with the NBN deal.
Asked if Arroyo had assured him of Malacañang's continued support, the Speaker said: "I don't need to ask that from her ... The same way that when I support her, she doesn't have to beg or ask me.
"I just do it because we're allies. We know what to do. The mere fact that she invited me [to Malacañang] was enough. We discussed things objectively."
Earlier in the week, De Venecia acknowledged that a crisis was brewing as a result of his son's testimony at the Senate.
But he pointed out that his son had "continuously defended" the President, referring to Joey de Venecia's statement that she was never involved in the brokering of the NBN deal.
Asked then how he was doing, the Speaker said: "As usual, managing even in crisis.
"I am torn between my loyalty to the President and my love for my son. But actually, there really is no problem.
"It is only the media that is making all these allegations [of a rift]."
Threat from a few
The Speaker dismissed the threat to unseat him as coming from a few House members loyal to Arroyo but who had dissociated themselves from him.
"As early as the battle for the speakership [against Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia in July], it has always been the President's allies, like [Sorsogon Rep. Jose] Solis, the likes of [Camarines Sur Rep. Luis] Villafuerte. That's all, period. There's no more," he said.
Garcia told the Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) Friday that there was "no move" to oust De Venecia, at least for now.
He said his group was leaving the matter to other members of the bloc and the President herself. "We will meet in the coming days and get a consensus," he said.
The so-called Garcia group was formed initially as a "conscience" bloc soon after the Cebu congressman lost in the speakership race.
Even Kampi chairman and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Kampi had no plan to work for De Venecia's ouster.
Anyway, Puno told reporters, there was "not enough of a vote in the House" that could unseat De Venecia now.
"For the record, there is no attempt to unseat the Speaker. For the record, I think Congress will remain in its present form and continue to work under its present organization," Puno said.
He also said it was not a good time for the House to change leadership because its members had been assigned their committees and were buckling down to work.
He added that it was too late now for Congress "to start from scratch."
Asked whether Arroyo still supported De Venecia, Puno said: "I don't think there has been any change in the attitude of the President toward Lakas as a party, the coalition in general, and the congressional leadership."
'We will overcome'
De Venecia expressed confidence that he still enjoyed the "overwhelming" support of members of the House. He apparently arrived at this conclusion after a series of meetings with coalition members that began on Wednesday and went on until Thursday night.
"We're going through a period of political turbulence," he said. "[But] I think that by and large, we will overcome it. We have no major differences within the majority coalition."
De Venecia pointed out that his meeting with Arroyo was arranged by Deputy Speaker Villarosa, a member of Kampi.
"I can't just go meet the President without any invitation. We don't want to impose on her hospitality even if we're very close friends," he said.
De Venecia said Arroyo continued to back him as Speaker and as her top ally in the House because he continued to support her as President.
Proof of Arroyo's support, he said, was his retaining his post despite the serious challenge posed by Garcia in July.
Counting the ways
De Venecia ticked off the occasions when, he said, he showed Arroyo that he would support her "come hell or high water."
"I have supported her in the impeachment battle, in the Cabinet revolt against her," he said.
The first referred to the two failed efforts to impeach Arroyo as a result of the "Hello Garci" wiretapping scandal, and the second, to the mass resignation of members of her Cabinet--collectively known as the "Hyatt 10"--who called on her to step down amid allegations that she had manipulated the 2004 presidential election.
De Venecia also cited the time when he and former president Fidel Ramos went to Malacañang to throw their support behind Arroyo at the height of calls for her ouster.
"Many [people] were saying that [we came to her rescue," he said. "But I don't even give importance to that. I just do things for her in the same way that she does things for me."
He also said he staked whatever little popularity he had in supporting the unpopular Expanded Value-Added Tax Law that the Arroyo administration pushed in the 13th Congress.
Exercise in futility
House Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said lawmakers numbering not more than 10 had been "agitating [other lawmakers] for the ouster of the Speaker."
"It's an exercise in futility," Defensor told the Inquirer. "Even Pablo (Garcia) is not up to it. It's just the people around him."
Agusan del Norte Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, a senior member of the House opposition, told reporters that he would support De Venecia if push came to shove.
"He could have asked his son not to testify against the First Gentleman, but he did not," Plaza said of the Speaker. "Somebody like that deserves support."
With a report from Christine O. Avendaño
This action by the Speaker is precisely why JDV will never become president nor a prime minister. He does not deserve it. He's the type of guy who will compromise when push comes to shove. Great leaders are not compromisers. Great leaders know when to stand their ground and when to relent. In this case, JDV will always remain a second-rate politician, and some say, even of the worst kind.
If JDV feels that he's strong and has the numbers, he should not have gone to the palace for that meeting. This meeting shows the true nature of JDV. He is ambition-driven. He does not have the "balls" so to speak, to stand up against his enemies. He will even sell his family if needs be. What he wants is just power, not the welfare of the majority of our people.
As I previously wrote here, this ZTE controversy is an opportunity for him to be great. And this chance only comes once in a lifetime. However, that meeting with GMA shows that JDV will tolerate any form of corruption for as long as he's not involved in it, or his friends did it, or that it does not impact on his political standing. Such a stand says much about the character of the Speaker. He's the nation's worst example of being a leader. He does not lead; he simply cannot be a true leader because he's a compromiser. He compromises only for himself.
By meeting the president, the Speaker is condoning whatever actions the First Gentleman and his gang did against the nation. That ZTE deal is an illegal one. It is quite obvious that it will burden 80 million Filipinos with a 25 billion peso debt. For the Speaker, the issue is just a misunderstanding between him and GMA. The Speaker thinks along the lines of politics, but does not think about the welfare of the Filipino People who stands to lose their shirts if this deal pushes through.
Call me pragmatic or what-have-you, but the Speaker bungled the opportunity to be great. He should have stood behind his son. He should have praised him for standing up against the "bakal boys" of the palace and condemned it. But no. The fourth highest official of the land decided to side with the bakal boys.
Great men are risk-takers. They don't consider grey areas. For the Speaker, he always see a rainbow.
Speaker: If there's oust threat, will crush it
'I am torn between my love for my son and GMA'
By Norman Bordadora, Christian V. Esguerra
Inquirer
Last updated 00:21am (Mla time) 09/22/2007
Most Read
Full coverage: The NBN Deal
View liveblog of Senate hearing at Inquirer Current
View the NBN contract and related documents
MANILA, Philippines -- His post may be at risk because of his son's testimony at the Senate implicating President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, but Speaker Jose de Venecia says he is confident of weathering the political storm.
In fact, the man said, he did not need Malacañang's guarantee to complete his unprecedented fifth term until 2010. "I feel strong in my own right," he told the Philippine Daily Inquirer in an interview at his Makati residence Friday.
Asked in a separate interview to assess his hold on the House leadership, De Venecia declared: "There is no threat. And if there is a threat, we'll crush it."
The Speaker said he was "bewitched and bewildered" in the wake of his son Jose "Joey" de Venecia's testimony implicating Jose Miguel "Mike" Arroyo in the $329-million National Broadband Network deal.
"I am torn between my love for my son and my love for the President," he said. But he added that he would not reach the point of having to make the ultimate choice, and neither would administration allies in the House.
"That will not arise because the relationship is stable; the coalition is impregnable," the Speaker said, referring to the administration coalition composed largely of Arroyo's Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) and his Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats.
"I don't need to make a choice because I am for my son and I am for the President," he said.
'A little delicate'
Joey de Venecia told the Senate on Tuesday that Mike Arroyo had thrust a finger at his face and told him to "back off" from the NBN deal.
The Speaker admitted Friday that his son's testimony had had some effect on his relationship with Arroyo, his running mate in his failed bid for the presidency in 1998.
"There's a little effect, but she knows in her heart that I had nothing to do with it," he said, acknowledging that the current political scene was "a little delicate."
"To clear the air" between the two of them, he said, they had a 45-minute meeting in Malacañang at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
The meeting, which was arranged by Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, took place shortly after administration congressmen had dinner at the Palace, purportedly to express support for Arroyo in the wake of the NBN scandal.
At the meeting, De Venecia told Arroyo that his son had not accused her husband of any wrongdoing in connection with the NBN deal.
Asked if Arroyo had assured him of Malacañang's continued support, the Speaker said: "I don't need to ask that from her ... The same way that when I support her, she doesn't have to beg or ask me.
"I just do it because we're allies. We know what to do. The mere fact that she invited me [to Malacañang] was enough. We discussed things objectively."
Earlier in the week, De Venecia acknowledged that a crisis was brewing as a result of his son's testimony at the Senate.
But he pointed out that his son had "continuously defended" the President, referring to Joey de Venecia's statement that she was never involved in the brokering of the NBN deal.
Asked then how he was doing, the Speaker said: "As usual, managing even in crisis.
"I am torn between my loyalty to the President and my love for my son. But actually, there really is no problem.
"It is only the media that is making all these allegations [of a rift]."
Threat from a few
The Speaker dismissed the threat to unseat him as coming from a few House members loyal to Arroyo but who had dissociated themselves from him.
"As early as the battle for the speakership [against Cebu Rep. Pablo Garcia in July], it has always been the President's allies, like [Sorsogon Rep. Jose] Solis, the likes of [Camarines Sur Rep. Luis] Villafuerte. That's all, period. There's no more," he said.
Garcia told the Inquirer (parent company of INQUIRER.net) Friday that there was "no move" to oust De Venecia, at least for now.
He said his group was leaving the matter to other members of the bloc and the President herself. "We will meet in the coming days and get a consensus," he said.
The so-called Garcia group was formed initially as a "conscience" bloc soon after the Cebu congressman lost in the speakership race.
Even Kampi chairman and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said Kampi had no plan to work for De Venecia's ouster.
Anyway, Puno told reporters, there was "not enough of a vote in the House" that could unseat De Venecia now.
"For the record, there is no attempt to unseat the Speaker. For the record, I think Congress will remain in its present form and continue to work under its present organization," Puno said.
He also said it was not a good time for the House to change leadership because its members had been assigned their committees and were buckling down to work.
He added that it was too late now for Congress "to start from scratch."
Asked whether Arroyo still supported De Venecia, Puno said: "I don't think there has been any change in the attitude of the President toward Lakas as a party, the coalition in general, and the congressional leadership."
'We will overcome'
De Venecia expressed confidence that he still enjoyed the "overwhelming" support of members of the House. He apparently arrived at this conclusion after a series of meetings with coalition members that began on Wednesday and went on until Thursday night.
"We're going through a period of political turbulence," he said. "[But] I think that by and large, we will overcome it. We have no major differences within the majority coalition."
De Venecia pointed out that his meeting with Arroyo was arranged by Deputy Speaker Villarosa, a member of Kampi.
"I can't just go meet the President without any invitation. We don't want to impose on her hospitality even if we're very close friends," he said.
De Venecia said Arroyo continued to back him as Speaker and as her top ally in the House because he continued to support her as President.
Proof of Arroyo's support, he said, was his retaining his post despite the serious challenge posed by Garcia in July.
Counting the ways
De Venecia ticked off the occasions when, he said, he showed Arroyo that he would support her "come hell or high water."
"I have supported her in the impeachment battle, in the Cabinet revolt against her," he said.
The first referred to the two failed efforts to impeach Arroyo as a result of the "Hello Garci" wiretapping scandal, and the second, to the mass resignation of members of her Cabinet--collectively known as the "Hyatt 10"--who called on her to step down amid allegations that she had manipulated the 2004 presidential election.
De Venecia also cited the time when he and former president Fidel Ramos went to Malacañang to throw their support behind Arroyo at the height of calls for her ouster.
"Many [people] were saying that [we came to her rescue," he said. "But I don't even give importance to that. I just do things for her in the same way that she does things for me."
He also said he staked whatever little popularity he had in supporting the unpopular Expanded Value-Added Tax Law that the Arroyo administration pushed in the 13th Congress.
Exercise in futility
House Majority Leader Arthur Defensor said lawmakers numbering not more than 10 had been "agitating [other lawmakers] for the ouster of the Speaker."
"It's an exercise in futility," Defensor told the Inquirer. "Even Pablo (Garcia) is not up to it. It's just the people around him."
Agusan del Norte Rep. Rodolfo Plaza, a senior member of the House opposition, told reporters that he would support De Venecia if push came to shove.
"He could have asked his son not to testify against the First Gentleman, but he did not," Plaza said of the Speaker. "Somebody like that deserves support."
With a report from Christine O. Avendaño
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Abalos and Formoso--sacrificial lambs
Joey de Venecia was a picture of frustration at today's Senate hearings. After Mendoza admitted meeting Mr. Arroyo and Comelec chairman Abalos, Joey sensed something wrong. Mendoza told Senators that he did meet the First Gentleman and Chairman Abalos at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, but there was nothing anomalous about it. It was a simple chat, that's all and it has nothing to do with the ZTE deal.
Bull.
Don't tell me that the First Gentleman did not "pressure" Mendoza to agree about the deal. Don't tell me that Chair Abalos did'nt caddy for the Chinese. Abalos already admitted knowing the ZTE officials and they have discussed the ZTE deal at length prior to the April 21 signing of the agreement in China. Mendoza is simply lying for saying that he knows nothing rotten about the deal. What's more, Mendoza simply allowed an underling to defend the contract, deftly distancing himself from the issue. Is this the kind of secretary we deserve? Someone who heads the department but does'nt know or simply feign innocence whenever something like this happens?
I do believe, however, that Mendoza did not earn a single cent from this deal. I believe that Mendoza is clean. I can't say about the First Gentleman and Abalos. Maybe this deal was just to accommodate the wishes of the "old man" who's set to retire four months from now. Its quite possible that Abalos was expecting this deal to be his swan song. I do believe Joey's revelation though about Abalos. It seems that Joey was really pressured by Abalos to back off because this project was a project of the First Gentleman and Abalos.
I do emphathize with Mendoza though. He owes the First Gentleman his position. And generals like him are admired most for their capacity to keep secrets. It seems that Mendoza was just doing his job, while Abalos appears to be the one who wants a quick buck. It could be that this deal was the First Gentleman's gift to Abalos.
Obviously, in this political vaudeville (as described by GMA), the die has already been cast. Sacrifice Abalos and Formoso. Abalos is retiring from government service anyway while Formoso, well, he's dispensible. From the looks of it, GMA and her gang has decided to let Abalos go. The question though is, is this a wise decision?
The cabbie sings
Abalos knows a lot of secrets. He knows the real score especially on the 2004 elections. If he sings....that's another "fresh" destabilization plot. Abalos said that he'll attend the Senate hearings on Wednesday to clear his name. Sadly, this might be a foregone conclusion. The reputation of Abalos has been destroyed by Joey's pronouncements that it would be very hard for Abalos to cleanse his name.
A warning though to the good Chairman---the Chinese intelligence service is closely observing what's happening here. The Chinese Communist Party, obviously, would not let this issue sitting down. Abalos could face a very dangerous situation here.
If Abalos is let go, what's the possibility of him singing like a canary? There's a chance that he will.
Postscript
A "sick" First Gentleman left for Germany in the eve of the Senate hearings. What prompted him to leave? Could it be because of the Senate hearings? I think not.
I think the First Gentleman needs to check on his deposits in Switzerland. He went there with his banker. What would prod a sick man to leave in haste if it not for money? The only possibility is one of his banks need his signature. For what, you may ask? There are three possibilities: (1) FG needs to sign a bank transfer (2) He needs to withdraw a huge sum of money which he cannot do online and (3) it could be he's preparing the country of exile?
These things don't happen without a purpose. I stand by my observation that negotiations between GMA's camp and the counter-elite has reached an impasse. There could be another stab at ousting the president and the palace probably knows that the counter-elite has a stronger force than theirs. Are we seeing a repeat of EDSA very soon? I think yes. But, it may not happen this month or the next. It could probably happen either by January or February of next year. I think the nation is expecting yet another scandal which could precipitate a power grab.
Bull.
Don't tell me that the First Gentleman did not "pressure" Mendoza to agree about the deal. Don't tell me that Chair Abalos did'nt caddy for the Chinese. Abalos already admitted knowing the ZTE officials and they have discussed the ZTE deal at length prior to the April 21 signing of the agreement in China. Mendoza is simply lying for saying that he knows nothing rotten about the deal. What's more, Mendoza simply allowed an underling to defend the contract, deftly distancing himself from the issue. Is this the kind of secretary we deserve? Someone who heads the department but does'nt know or simply feign innocence whenever something like this happens?
I do believe, however, that Mendoza did not earn a single cent from this deal. I believe that Mendoza is clean. I can't say about the First Gentleman and Abalos. Maybe this deal was just to accommodate the wishes of the "old man" who's set to retire four months from now. Its quite possible that Abalos was expecting this deal to be his swan song. I do believe Joey's revelation though about Abalos. It seems that Joey was really pressured by Abalos to back off because this project was a project of the First Gentleman and Abalos.
I do emphathize with Mendoza though. He owes the First Gentleman his position. And generals like him are admired most for their capacity to keep secrets. It seems that Mendoza was just doing his job, while Abalos appears to be the one who wants a quick buck. It could be that this deal was the First Gentleman's gift to Abalos.
Obviously, in this political vaudeville (as described by GMA), the die has already been cast. Sacrifice Abalos and Formoso. Abalos is retiring from government service anyway while Formoso, well, he's dispensible. From the looks of it, GMA and her gang has decided to let Abalos go. The question though is, is this a wise decision?
The cabbie sings
Abalos knows a lot of secrets. He knows the real score especially on the 2004 elections. If he sings....that's another "fresh" destabilization plot. Abalos said that he'll attend the Senate hearings on Wednesday to clear his name. Sadly, this might be a foregone conclusion. The reputation of Abalos has been destroyed by Joey's pronouncements that it would be very hard for Abalos to cleanse his name.
A warning though to the good Chairman---the Chinese intelligence service is closely observing what's happening here. The Chinese Communist Party, obviously, would not let this issue sitting down. Abalos could face a very dangerous situation here.
If Abalos is let go, what's the possibility of him singing like a canary? There's a chance that he will.
Postscript
A "sick" First Gentleman left for Germany in the eve of the Senate hearings. What prompted him to leave? Could it be because of the Senate hearings? I think not.
I think the First Gentleman needs to check on his deposits in Switzerland. He went there with his banker. What would prod a sick man to leave in haste if it not for money? The only possibility is one of his banks need his signature. For what, you may ask? There are three possibilities: (1) FG needs to sign a bank transfer (2) He needs to withdraw a huge sum of money which he cannot do online and (3) it could be he's preparing the country of exile?
These things don't happen without a purpose. I stand by my observation that negotiations between GMA's camp and the counter-elite has reached an impasse. There could be another stab at ousting the president and the palace probably knows that the counter-elite has a stronger force than theirs. Are we seeing a repeat of EDSA very soon? I think yes. But, it may not happen this month or the next. It could probably happen either by January or February of next year. I think the nation is expecting yet another scandal which could precipitate a power grab.
Point Totally Missed
DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza said there's nothing final yet. In his appearance before the Senate today, Mendoza said that the ZTE deal is still a way off. First, there's only a supplier contract. Second, there is still that loan agreement between the Philippines and Exim Bank and they still need a letter from the Department of Finance specifically appropriating an amount to finance the deal.
I would just to remind the good secretary that on the eve of his senate testimony, he already assured Chinese officials that the Philippines is pushing thru with the ZTE deal. Now, Mendoza is trying to extricate the government from the mess by saying that its still not final? Come on. You're just pulling our leg.
The fact of the matter is, its already a done supplier agreement. Period. Its just documentary requirements that are pending, right, Mr. Secretary? That's also the reason why Abalos, your golf buddy and co-gang member, called up Teves, right?
The Palace is totally missing the point.
This controversy is about the alleged giving of grease money by a foreign company to a big government official. This deal is a murky deal which should be cleanse of all filth.
I would just to remind the good secretary that on the eve of his senate testimony, he already assured Chinese officials that the Philippines is pushing thru with the ZTE deal. Now, Mendoza is trying to extricate the government from the mess by saying that its still not final? Come on. You're just pulling our leg.
The fact of the matter is, its already a done supplier agreement. Period. Its just documentary requirements that are pending, right, Mr. Secretary? That's also the reason why Abalos, your golf buddy and co-gang member, called up Teves, right?
The Palace is totally missing the point.
This controversy is about the alleged giving of grease money by a foreign company to a big government official. This deal is a murky deal which should be cleanse of all filth.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Joey's revelation ala Chavit--GMA must stand down
The ZTE deal is becoming a family squabble. You have the son of the Speaker talking against the spouse of the most powerful official of the land. You have both the wife and their children ganging up against the Speaker's son. Lines are slowly being drawn. I agree with some analysts--the relationship of both the Speaker and the President is now strained. But if you analyze it more closely, this controversy did not precipitate the strain. This relationship has been strained before the elections. Last elections, the Speaker nearly lost his congressional fight when administration allies ganged up on him. When he wrested that one in Pangasinan, another close ally of the president tried, yet failed, to dislodge him from the speakership. So, there is really nothing to lose at this point because their political relationship has since been severed by all of these attempts at destroying JDV's political career.
What we're now seeing is a purely public display of that strained relations. The question that needs to be answered is whether or not the Speaker is behind all of these. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked that question two days ago, when she verbalized her disgusts against the Speakers' son, Joey. Santiago asked that there must be some sinister hands behind the revelation of Joey. Her paranoia has basis. You see, in Philippine politics, nothing happens without the expressed consent of the elite. I'm sure that JDV camp has given Joey their tacit approval of the expose. However, we need to contextualize this issue and look at it as an important component of a bigger political game.
What's at stake for both camps?
There's an uncanny resemblance between what Chavit did in 2000 with that of today's revelation of Joey's. First, Chavit came out of the woodwork entering the last quarter of 2000, when he accused former president Erap as the one behind plans for him to be assassinated. Chavit bravely exposed Erap's alleged corruption also in the Senate.
Joey's revelation also has that kind of tenor. Joey said that he's been receiving death threats from government officials. He fingered DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza as the one behind those threats he's been receiving after he came out of his expose. Joey's fears has basis. Mendoza is the head of the generals' "mafia" in government, and Mendoza's group is known for doing "special operations" against their enemies.
In 2000, Chavit went to the media and used the Fourth estate in his fight against Erap. He also gamely went to Congress and Senate and exposed Erap's "indiscretions". Joey also used this tactic. He first went to his father's media friend, columnist Jarius Bondoc, and revealed what happened. As early as last year, Bondoc has been writing about the ZTE story, but no one really took notice. ZTE officials ignored Bondoc's allegations and did not even tried to counter them. That was their mistake because ZTE allowed their enemies to "work the ground", so to speak, allowing Amsterdam Holdings Incorporated to gain time in getting the media at their side. Now, AHI and the powers behind it, are now in a very powerful position. They have dictated the tempo eversince and no amount of crisis management can ever be done to sway public opinion now.
When Chavit lambasted the palace, everybody gravitated towards him, including the counter-elite. Chavit became the focal point of the anti-Erap movement. Now, with Joey's revelations, the question remains--will the counter-elite gravitate to him? That remains to be seen.
As I wrote here, the failure of anti-GMA groups to court middle class support is the main reason why all of their attempts failed. The middle class remains unconvinced that now is the right time to oust Gloria. With this controversy becoming nastier and more sinister, will this be the one which will finally convince the middle forces to stand up against Gloria? Will the Philippine business community stand up against Gloria or will they just stay silent and wait for this controversy to simmer down?
I am sure that there are furious negotiations between the camps of GMA and JDV specifically on how to effectively manage this situation and avoid a spillage. I fear though that maybe, just maybe, the two camps have already ended negotiations. What prodded JDV to cancel his trip to the Netherlands? Reports say that the First Gentleman went there on the eve of Joey's revelation. Wagging tongues reveal that FG went there purposely to meet with the Speaker and discuss this brouhaha. If JDV cancelled his trip, does this mean that both camps have reached an impasse or a settlement? Or JDV's forces have now assessed the situation and finally said that now is the time to move against Gloria?
We don't know what's happening behind the scenes but one thing is for sure--Gloria is using her enormous influence now to pressure the Supreme Court to grant an indefinite suspension of the ZTE deal. Gloria's camp is known to capitulate whenever it smells something sinister in the air. When its threatened, Gloria is known to back off. Unlike Erap who stubbornly resisted Chavit, Gloria's camp are veteran political operators who knows when to call it quits. This issue is easy to solve. Let the Supreme Court decide on the constitutionality of the deal, drop it, and let the heat off. For one, the ZTE deal does not have an appropriation in the first place and it's just a supplier contract. The best solution to this is for Gloria to face this squarely, decide for the suspension of the deal, and let agencies of government review it. It will take some time, yes, but, this is precisely the point why Gloria should back off now. If she does what Erap did in 2000, she may yet find herself and her spouse on the same boat as Erap. Gloria must stand down.
What we're now seeing is a purely public display of that strained relations. The question that needs to be answered is whether or not the Speaker is behind all of these. Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago asked that question two days ago, when she verbalized her disgusts against the Speakers' son, Joey. Santiago asked that there must be some sinister hands behind the revelation of Joey. Her paranoia has basis. You see, in Philippine politics, nothing happens without the expressed consent of the elite. I'm sure that JDV camp has given Joey their tacit approval of the expose. However, we need to contextualize this issue and look at it as an important component of a bigger political game.
What's at stake for both camps?
There's an uncanny resemblance between what Chavit did in 2000 with that of today's revelation of Joey's. First, Chavit came out of the woodwork entering the last quarter of 2000, when he accused former president Erap as the one behind plans for him to be assassinated. Chavit bravely exposed Erap's alleged corruption also in the Senate.
Joey's revelation also has that kind of tenor. Joey said that he's been receiving death threats from government officials. He fingered DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza as the one behind those threats he's been receiving after he came out of his expose. Joey's fears has basis. Mendoza is the head of the generals' "mafia" in government, and Mendoza's group is known for doing "special operations" against their enemies.
In 2000, Chavit went to the media and used the Fourth estate in his fight against Erap. He also gamely went to Congress and Senate and exposed Erap's "indiscretions". Joey also used this tactic. He first went to his father's media friend, columnist Jarius Bondoc, and revealed what happened. As early as last year, Bondoc has been writing about the ZTE story, but no one really took notice. ZTE officials ignored Bondoc's allegations and did not even tried to counter them. That was their mistake because ZTE allowed their enemies to "work the ground", so to speak, allowing Amsterdam Holdings Incorporated to gain time in getting the media at their side. Now, AHI and the powers behind it, are now in a very powerful position. They have dictated the tempo eversince and no amount of crisis management can ever be done to sway public opinion now.
When Chavit lambasted the palace, everybody gravitated towards him, including the counter-elite. Chavit became the focal point of the anti-Erap movement. Now, with Joey's revelations, the question remains--will the counter-elite gravitate to him? That remains to be seen.
As I wrote here, the failure of anti-GMA groups to court middle class support is the main reason why all of their attempts failed. The middle class remains unconvinced that now is the right time to oust Gloria. With this controversy becoming nastier and more sinister, will this be the one which will finally convince the middle forces to stand up against Gloria? Will the Philippine business community stand up against Gloria or will they just stay silent and wait for this controversy to simmer down?
I am sure that there are furious negotiations between the camps of GMA and JDV specifically on how to effectively manage this situation and avoid a spillage. I fear though that maybe, just maybe, the two camps have already ended negotiations. What prodded JDV to cancel his trip to the Netherlands? Reports say that the First Gentleman went there on the eve of Joey's revelation. Wagging tongues reveal that FG went there purposely to meet with the Speaker and discuss this brouhaha. If JDV cancelled his trip, does this mean that both camps have reached an impasse or a settlement? Or JDV's forces have now assessed the situation and finally said that now is the time to move against Gloria?
We don't know what's happening behind the scenes but one thing is for sure--Gloria is using her enormous influence now to pressure the Supreme Court to grant an indefinite suspension of the ZTE deal. Gloria's camp is known to capitulate whenever it smells something sinister in the air. When its threatened, Gloria is known to back off. Unlike Erap who stubbornly resisted Chavit, Gloria's camp are veteran political operators who knows when to call it quits. This issue is easy to solve. Let the Supreme Court decide on the constitutionality of the deal, drop it, and let the heat off. For one, the ZTE deal does not have an appropriation in the first place and it's just a supplier contract. The best solution to this is for Gloria to face this squarely, decide for the suspension of the deal, and let agencies of government review it. It will take some time, yes, but, this is precisely the point why Gloria should back off now. If she does what Erap did in 2000, she may yet find herself and her spouse on the same boat as Erap. Gloria must stand down.
Monday, September 17, 2007
Why the coup never materialized
12 September 2007. Notice the numeral configuration: 12+09+2007. If you add 1+2 in 12, its 3. If you add 2+0+0=7, its 9, divisible by 3. The charade started at 9 and ended in 10am. All odds. Truly, an oddity of an event, is'nt?
At the eve of the Erap verdict, I received information from my deepthroats that Camp Aguinaldo was closely monitoring the movements of a group who were planning for a coup. Composed of active military-men and some retired officials, this group has been in the radar since the issue started. They never moved nor were they even close to their objective. Why?
Like I said in my previous blogs, this Erap conviction will not create the desired effects, which is a revolutionary situation. Erap, despite his popularity, is a spent force. People will not go to the streets just to protest his innocence. First, the masa is a disorganized and disparate lot. They don't have credible mass leaders. They don't have the money to mobilize themselves. And why is that?
My deep throat says that Erap and his family were really expecting a not guilty verdict. That's why they really did'nt pour money to the Erap mass groups because they are expecting an acquittal. Analysts say that when Erap heard of the pronouncement of guilt, he was crest-fallen. There must have been a negotiated compromise between Erap and GMA. But, it did not materialize because, as expected, Erap exposed his weak armor again and allowed GMA and his minions to bastardize him again.
Erap will really not pour his millions to support a coup against GMA because (a) his wealth has been dissipated due to these trials and (b) he's too dumb and afraid of GMA. Yes, Dorothy, your favorite Asiong Salonga is really like that in real life.
The coup will never materialize now because they are fast losing their benefactors. However, I bet my bottom dollar that: (1) this coup, if this happens, will be in October. This will be triggered by the Senate investigations coupled with an Erap appeal; and (2) Erap will be transferred to Muntinlupa by this time. These two events will eventuall create an upswing of support for a move to change the GMA administration
At the eve of the Erap verdict, I received information from my deepthroats that Camp Aguinaldo was closely monitoring the movements of a group who were planning for a coup. Composed of active military-men and some retired officials, this group has been in the radar since the issue started. They never moved nor were they even close to their objective. Why?
Like I said in my previous blogs, this Erap conviction will not create the desired effects, which is a revolutionary situation. Erap, despite his popularity, is a spent force. People will not go to the streets just to protest his innocence. First, the masa is a disorganized and disparate lot. They don't have credible mass leaders. They don't have the money to mobilize themselves. And why is that?
My deep throat says that Erap and his family were really expecting a not guilty verdict. That's why they really did'nt pour money to the Erap mass groups because they are expecting an acquittal. Analysts say that when Erap heard of the pronouncement of guilt, he was crest-fallen. There must have been a negotiated compromise between Erap and GMA. But, it did not materialize because, as expected, Erap exposed his weak armor again and allowed GMA and his minions to bastardize him again.
Erap will really not pour his millions to support a coup against GMA because (a) his wealth has been dissipated due to these trials and (b) he's too dumb and afraid of GMA. Yes, Dorothy, your favorite Asiong Salonga is really like that in real life.
The coup will never materialize now because they are fast losing their benefactors. However, I bet my bottom dollar that: (1) this coup, if this happens, will be in October. This will be triggered by the Senate investigations coupled with an Erap appeal; and (2) Erap will be transferred to Muntinlupa by this time. These two events will eventuall create an upswing of support for a move to change the GMA administration
Friday, September 14, 2007
Gloria, the Demon Infant
A jubilant Joma Sison called Gloria the "demon infant". Joma took a dig against Gloria after being freed by the Dutch government due to lack of evidence. "This demon infant", says the ideological head of the longest-running insurgency in the world, "..made all these trumped up charges against me, making my life a living hell." Hehehe. Now you know.
The last time I saw Joma seethed with anger was in 1990. That year saw the open confrontation between RJs and RAs. As a young activist at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, I also experienced being caught in the middle of the raging ideological debates. Some of us were tagged military informants, military adventurists, deviants and what-have-you. The mere mention of the 1959 Cuban revolution caused discomfort among the young cadres.
These clashes between the Politburo members and ex-Politburo members caused great calamity to the party. Many of my friends dropped out of the scene, never to be seen again. Others stayed but after a few years, dropped out. Some, like me, went on our lives, still struggling against a disordered society. We struggle yes. We are still socialists. But my method is now totally different. Its still a revolution. But it is closer to the 1959 Cuban coup and the Thai model than the 1949 Chinese revolution. It is more of Trotsky than Stalin.
Many of my comrades are still true-blue socialists but we don't want to be dragged into the debate that split the party. We are men of action. And what we aspire for is the creation of a military-civilian government with socialist bent. That is what I am fighting for.
Joma represents the old guards. Some of the new party members still see him as an idol, while many see him as just an icon. When demon infant smiled broadly with Joma's arrest, many actually laughed, not because of what happened, but because GMA could be a great fan of Joma. With this arrest, she has revived the shagging career of the man from Ilokos.
Gloria should let the CPP-NPA be. Whatever she says in public, the CPP-NPA-NDF will survive the ravages of time. It will survive even beyond Joma. It will not wither away. It will not be destroyed. Many regimes have tried, yet failed to even break its backbone. Why? Because those who believe in its cause remains in the party. It may probably evolve into something different a few years from now, after probably the demise of the party's ideologue, yet, still, it will espouse the Chinese model. The party will kill itself. No one can defeat it. It will either assume a different form to conform with modernization, but its soul will remain the same. Old dogs are hard to change. This is the same as the party.
Even a demon infant cannot defeat the party of the people
The last time I saw Joma seethed with anger was in 1990. That year saw the open confrontation between RJs and RAs. As a young activist at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, I also experienced being caught in the middle of the raging ideological debates. Some of us were tagged military informants, military adventurists, deviants and what-have-you. The mere mention of the 1959 Cuban revolution caused discomfort among the young cadres.
These clashes between the Politburo members and ex-Politburo members caused great calamity to the party. Many of my friends dropped out of the scene, never to be seen again. Others stayed but after a few years, dropped out. Some, like me, went on our lives, still struggling against a disordered society. We struggle yes. We are still socialists. But my method is now totally different. Its still a revolution. But it is closer to the 1959 Cuban coup and the Thai model than the 1949 Chinese revolution. It is more of Trotsky than Stalin.
Many of my comrades are still true-blue socialists but we don't want to be dragged into the debate that split the party. We are men of action. And what we aspire for is the creation of a military-civilian government with socialist bent. That is what I am fighting for.
Joma represents the old guards. Some of the new party members still see him as an idol, while many see him as just an icon. When demon infant smiled broadly with Joma's arrest, many actually laughed, not because of what happened, but because GMA could be a great fan of Joma. With this arrest, she has revived the shagging career of the man from Ilokos.
Gloria should let the CPP-NPA be. Whatever she says in public, the CPP-NPA-NDF will survive the ravages of time. It will survive even beyond Joma. It will not wither away. It will not be destroyed. Many regimes have tried, yet failed to even break its backbone. Why? Because those who believe in its cause remains in the party. It may probably evolve into something different a few years from now, after probably the demise of the party's ideologue, yet, still, it will espouse the Chinese model. The party will kill itself. No one can defeat it. It will either assume a different form to conform with modernization, but its soul will remain the same. Old dogs are hard to change. This is the same as the party.
Even a demon infant cannot defeat the party of the people
Beyond Erap
What's the reason why civil society groups decided not to support mass actions protesting the Erap's decision? The reason is, they want to move forward and push the anti-GMA initiatives to a higher stage, which is what we call strategic offensive. These groups does not want a comeback scenario; they want a different set of leaders to replace GMA. That's why the call was "You're Next" instead of "Let's protest Erap's conviction."
Come to think of it, this is more dangerous than protesting against Erap's conviction.
For one, this call encapsulates the overall theme that "our campaign is for change; not to protect the hide of one." Obviously, the ones behind civil society right now are what we call "third force". Let these two camps fight each other--we'll annihilate both of them anyway. So, slowly, the third force is showing its strength. However, what I see is a calibrated and measured movement. Meaning, there is really something cooking. And this bodes ill to the One In the Seat of Murky Pasig.
Will Gloria survive this? Maybe. Or maybe not. Let's just see. Let's just see when all of these things start to unravel itself in the coming days.
Come to think of it, this is more dangerous than protesting against Erap's conviction.
For one, this call encapsulates the overall theme that "our campaign is for change; not to protect the hide of one." Obviously, the ones behind civil society right now are what we call "third force". Let these two camps fight each other--we'll annihilate both of them anyway. So, slowly, the third force is showing its strength. However, what I see is a calibrated and measured movement. Meaning, there is really something cooking. And this bodes ill to the One In the Seat of Murky Pasig.
Will Gloria survive this? Maybe. Or maybe not. Let's just see. Let's just see when all of these things start to unravel itself in the coming days.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Clear Gambit
The Erap camp launched a series of rallies yesterday after the Sandiganbayan found the former president guilty of the charge of plunder. The defense team said that the battle is not lost; they would appeal to the special division for a recon. So, they have 15 days to do so starting yesterday.
As we wrote here in this blog, the Erap camp does not have the capability to launch full mass actions against the established administration. This shows one thing: they failed to have solid alliances with legitimate mass groups. Mass groups have not participated in the rallies, nor have they given any statement about Erap's conviction. This proves that despite the popularity of Erap, it remains to be seen whether he still has the charisma to call the people to go to the streets. Obviously, Erap has lost his magic.
Likewise, it shows cracks within the Erap camp. It shows that: Erap does not want to gamble more money to support mass actions; two, Erap is ill-advised and three, there is no solid movement in support of the Free Erap movement.
However, GMA must not rest her laurels, as yet. There is still some threats against her continued stay in power.
What these things mean is that groups against her want Erap's case to end so that they'll start direct actions for her ouster. It shows that there is a silent campaign for her ouster. These groups think that they don't need a dramatis causa to make the ultimate "go".
They are wrong.
Based on data they received from SWS, 66 percent believes that Erap should have been found innocent. If you look closely though, the middle class is divided. Historically, the middle class is the leading force behind any movement for change. Whoever advised Erap to put his complete trust with the C-D or the masa is an idiot. The masa is still disorganized and does not have the means to move. That's an idiotic gambit.
The Middle Class should be organized. They are the missing link.
Groups out to oust Gloria should (1) not wait until 2010 to make a move against GMA. Based on objective assessment of the situation, its time to move now; (2) they should target the emotions of the middle class against GMA and exploit this for their own means; and (3) they should move resolutely and with haste.
I do not believe that Gloria would allow herself to experience the same ones being experienced now with Erap. Bilog ang mundo, that's right. However, how sure are anti-GMA groups that the illegal occupant of Malacanan would really descend from power in 2010? She'll fight tooth and nail to stay in power until 2010. And that's a fact.
So, lest of being accused of sadism, these groups should organize for the final push. Otherwise, they'll remain losers and history judges losers harshly.
A Message for Erap:
For political observers, the one lesson we learned from Erap is this: Leaders must stay strong. If they act weak and idiotic (like Erap), they'll get what weaklings always get---jail time and continuous batterings from their stronger opponents.
As we wrote here in this blog, the Erap camp does not have the capability to launch full mass actions against the established administration. This shows one thing: they failed to have solid alliances with legitimate mass groups. Mass groups have not participated in the rallies, nor have they given any statement about Erap's conviction. This proves that despite the popularity of Erap, it remains to be seen whether he still has the charisma to call the people to go to the streets. Obviously, Erap has lost his magic.
Likewise, it shows cracks within the Erap camp. It shows that: Erap does not want to gamble more money to support mass actions; two, Erap is ill-advised and three, there is no solid movement in support of the Free Erap movement.
However, GMA must not rest her laurels, as yet. There is still some threats against her continued stay in power.
What these things mean is that groups against her want Erap's case to end so that they'll start direct actions for her ouster. It shows that there is a silent campaign for her ouster. These groups think that they don't need a dramatis causa to make the ultimate "go".
They are wrong.
Based on data they received from SWS, 66 percent believes that Erap should have been found innocent. If you look closely though, the middle class is divided. Historically, the middle class is the leading force behind any movement for change. Whoever advised Erap to put his complete trust with the C-D or the masa is an idiot. The masa is still disorganized and does not have the means to move. That's an idiotic gambit.
The Middle Class should be organized. They are the missing link.
Groups out to oust Gloria should (1) not wait until 2010 to make a move against GMA. Based on objective assessment of the situation, its time to move now; (2) they should target the emotions of the middle class against GMA and exploit this for their own means; and (3) they should move resolutely and with haste.
I do not believe that Gloria would allow herself to experience the same ones being experienced now with Erap. Bilog ang mundo, that's right. However, how sure are anti-GMA groups that the illegal occupant of Malacanan would really descend from power in 2010? She'll fight tooth and nail to stay in power until 2010. And that's a fact.
So, lest of being accused of sadism, these groups should organize for the final push. Otherwise, they'll remain losers and history judges losers harshly.
A Message for Erap:
For political observers, the one lesson we learned from Erap is this: Leaders must stay strong. If they act weak and idiotic (like Erap), they'll get what weaklings always get---jail time and continuous batterings from their stronger opponents.
Monday, September 10, 2007
The Perfect Storm
A Philippine newspaper reported of an alleged assassination plot against former President Estrada. Obviously, the PNP denied this. I personally feel its hogwash, although I must admit that there are certain things about that report that should be closely studied.
First, its obvious that the Arroyo administration will do everything in its power to thwart any attempts at unseating GMA. This "Perfect Storm" scenario is quite feasible, but I believe it does not include an assassination attempt. Quite possibly, the hawks in the Cabinet would prefer a scenario of continuous destabilization, because, like I wrote in previous blogs here, destabilization further strengthens this regime rather than weaken it. Any group who'll attempt to oust GMA must do it in a blitzkrieg fashion rather than opt for a protracted struggle. A protracted struggle only makes GMA stronger.
Actually, those who want GMA ousted should consider three factors: One, Erap's conviction will not generate an EDSA 3. Erap's throng is not than strong unlike the ones seen in May 2002. Second, the middle class remains divided over the issue. I feel that there is no strong moral reason for the middle class to support Erap. And third, there remains no dramatis causa to speak of, only some noise coming from the media.
Hence, there is a need for an armed event, but this one should be done quickly and decisively. There should be no repeat of the Oakwood incident. If these groups who want change really desire to complete their mission, they must not dilly-dally. These groups must pour everything right there and then. Otherwise, they would surely lose.
Analyzing the present state of forces, those who want to remove GMA from power will definitely lose in this fight. I still believe that GMA is stronger than her enemies and would not be removed even after 2010.
Therefore, I see Erap being convicted and detained in Tanay. I see his supporters offering token resistance, but eventually, will fade away. Yes, Erap is still popular among the masses but this popularity cannot be translated into blind naked action, like what some people manifested for Marcos. Many people, including myself, believe in his innocence. But, it remains to be seen if people would really go out in the streets to rally behind him. I do not see this happening. The Sandiganbayan will convict him but will allow him to post an appeal, which would prolong Erap's agony.
What's wrong with Erap's strategy
Everything. First, he has amateur strategists in his inner circle of advisers. His pr man, Ferdie Ramos, is a total idiot when planning these kinds of actions. Ramos does not know how to create a scenario. He's an exposurist. He's not a strategic pr thinker.
Second, Erap's stance of just waiting for the verdict and telling the people that he's ready to accept whatever fate he'll get from the courts is total kagaguhan. This shows Erap's weak armor. Erap revels in drama. He's still living in fantasy land. Or he still sees himself as portraying the role of the people's champion. Erap, you're playing a really dangerous game. This stance of yours is precisely what led to your ouster. Its good to be popular but its better to be a winner than continue to be a perennial loser.
What Erap should do is lead the people to protest the verdict. If he will not do this, he'll lose very, very badly. Erap should do it not for himself, but for his mother and the millions who continue to see him as their leader. Should Erap do otherwise, he'll again squander the opportunity to be great again.
First, its obvious that the Arroyo administration will do everything in its power to thwart any attempts at unseating GMA. This "Perfect Storm" scenario is quite feasible, but I believe it does not include an assassination attempt. Quite possibly, the hawks in the Cabinet would prefer a scenario of continuous destabilization, because, like I wrote in previous blogs here, destabilization further strengthens this regime rather than weaken it. Any group who'll attempt to oust GMA must do it in a blitzkrieg fashion rather than opt for a protracted struggle. A protracted struggle only makes GMA stronger.
Actually, those who want GMA ousted should consider three factors: One, Erap's conviction will not generate an EDSA 3. Erap's throng is not than strong unlike the ones seen in May 2002. Second, the middle class remains divided over the issue. I feel that there is no strong moral reason for the middle class to support Erap. And third, there remains no dramatis causa to speak of, only some noise coming from the media.
Hence, there is a need for an armed event, but this one should be done quickly and decisively. There should be no repeat of the Oakwood incident. If these groups who want change really desire to complete their mission, they must not dilly-dally. These groups must pour everything right there and then. Otherwise, they would surely lose.
Analyzing the present state of forces, those who want to remove GMA from power will definitely lose in this fight. I still believe that GMA is stronger than her enemies and would not be removed even after 2010.
Therefore, I see Erap being convicted and detained in Tanay. I see his supporters offering token resistance, but eventually, will fade away. Yes, Erap is still popular among the masses but this popularity cannot be translated into blind naked action, like what some people manifested for Marcos. Many people, including myself, believe in his innocence. But, it remains to be seen if people would really go out in the streets to rally behind him. I do not see this happening. The Sandiganbayan will convict him but will allow him to post an appeal, which would prolong Erap's agony.
What's wrong with Erap's strategy
Everything. First, he has amateur strategists in his inner circle of advisers. His pr man, Ferdie Ramos, is a total idiot when planning these kinds of actions. Ramos does not know how to create a scenario. He's an exposurist. He's not a strategic pr thinker.
Second, Erap's stance of just waiting for the verdict and telling the people that he's ready to accept whatever fate he'll get from the courts is total kagaguhan. This shows Erap's weak armor. Erap revels in drama. He's still living in fantasy land. Or he still sees himself as portraying the role of the people's champion. Erap, you're playing a really dangerous game. This stance of yours is precisely what led to your ouster. Its good to be popular but its better to be a winner than continue to be a perennial loser.
What Erap should do is lead the people to protest the verdict. If he will not do this, he'll lose very, very badly. Erap should do it not for himself, but for his mother and the millions who continue to see him as their leader. Should Erap do otherwise, he'll again squander the opportunity to be great again.
2 days from D-Day
When former vice president Tito Guingona was asked why he's now defending the man whom he ousted six years ago, Tito said that Erap is now "a changed man." Detention has dissipated every hate, every ill-thinking from the once powerful president. I share what Tito thinks about Erap. His conversion is now completed.
That's why when photos of Erap kissing his ailing mother came out of the papers today, I felt that this man deserves another chance for the presidency again. Should the Fates give him another opportunity, surely, his term would be punctuated by streaks of brilliance.
Two days from now, we will know Erap's fate. Erap says he is confident of 100-percent acquittal. I believe him. I think he will be acquitted. I think both camps know that Wednesday would be the day not of reckoning but of acquittal.
For many, this will be a day of justice. This will be a triumph of justice. Wagging tongues say it will bode ill will to Arroyo should Erap be acquitted.I think it would be total hogwash for some camps to move to oust Arroyo in an Erap acquittal. It would be best to oust Arroyo in a guilty verdict than an acquittal.
Whom would the Sandiganbayan choose? If Erap is convicted, we suffer from the threat of continuous destabilization from his supporters. If he's acquitted, we suffer from a system's breakdown. Why? Because that's an acknowledgement that we are being administered by a bogus president.
For me, it would be best for the country to just acquit the man. To hell if they are saying that GMA is bogus.
That's why when photos of Erap kissing his ailing mother came out of the papers today, I felt that this man deserves another chance for the presidency again. Should the Fates give him another opportunity, surely, his term would be punctuated by streaks of brilliance.
Two days from now, we will know Erap's fate. Erap says he is confident of 100-percent acquittal. I believe him. I think he will be acquitted. I think both camps know that Wednesday would be the day not of reckoning but of acquittal.
For many, this will be a day of justice. This will be a triumph of justice. Wagging tongues say it will bode ill will to Arroyo should Erap be acquitted.I think it would be total hogwash for some camps to move to oust Arroyo in an Erap acquittal. It would be best to oust Arroyo in a guilty verdict than an acquittal.
Whom would the Sandiganbayan choose? If Erap is convicted, we suffer from the threat of continuous destabilization from his supporters. If he's acquitted, we suffer from a system's breakdown. Why? Because that's an acknowledgement that we are being administered by a bogus president.
For me, it would be best for the country to just acquit the man. To hell if they are saying that GMA is bogus.
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Rosales bastardized Sin's legacy
Read the story below. It tells about Manila Archbishop Gaudencio Rosales' appeal to Erap supporters to "just calmly accept the verdict" should Erap be found guilty. Rosales said that "Its about time we obeyed laws, and it is only proper that we have laws to follow". What crap!
Did Rosales' friends in high places followed the law when they ousted Erap from power? Did Rosales's lieutenant former EDSA shrine now Bataan bishop Villegas followed the law when he spirited Vidal Doble from his safe haven to Fort Aguinaldo at the height of the Hello Garci scandal? And did Rosales' own flock, the renewed Catholics who founded CFC followed the law when they turned Gawad Kalinga into a "cash cow"?
I miss former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Sin. The man from Iloilo is braver than Rosales. Rosales is GMA's version of the archbishop in Macoy's time. I think Rosales thinks himself as doing the nation a great service when he, unwittingly, is allowing himself to become the administration's tuta. Yes, Rosales is a tuta. Why? Because he's allowing himself to be a tool in GMA's pacification attempts.
Let the masses express themselves. It is more civilized for the people to protest than allow this travesty of justice. Being meek and humble are two admirable traits of the Filipino. However, Filipinos also have a heritage of fighting their enemies in the name of justice. Not allowing them to do so would deprive them of their own natures.
Archbishop, maybe you're becoming just like your friends in Malacanan. You also lived in a fantasy world where people are robots and slaves. You're acting like you're Padre Damaso of the new generation.
_______
Prelate to Erap fans: Accept verdict
AN ARCHBISHOP yesterday urged the followers of deposed President Joseph Estrada to accept the verdict in his plunder trial this month and to reject street protests if the decision goes against him.
“A law may be harsh but it is a law,” Manila Archbishop Gauden-cio Cardinal Rosales said, noting that the rule of law must prevail or there would be chaos. He added that laws punishing corruption must be respected.
Rosales said he believed those who handled the plunder investigation and those who prosecuted the case followed the proper procedures, and that Estrada had been given a fair trial.
Calling for calm, the archbishop said taking to the streets in protest would do no good.
“It’s about time we obeyed laws, and it is only proper that we have laws to follow,” he said.
In the Palace, chief presidential legal counsel Sergio Apostol chided Estrada’s son, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito, for saying the deposed president would reject a pardon.
“Why is he saying that? Does he know that he would be found guilty?” Apostol said. “Maybe the right thing for us [to do] is to keep quiet and await the verdict of the Sandiganbayan.”
Apostol said Malacañang would not issue any statements about a presidential pardon, because doing so would be interpreted as interfering with the court.
A survey conducted from July 18 to 20 and commissioned by the opposition said about 48 percent of Filipinos preferred that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardon Estrada immediately if the anti-graft court found him guilty of plunder.
Covering 600 respondents from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, the survey by Social Weather Stations also showed that 38 percent wanted Estrada pardoned “after some time” and 13 percent rejected any grant of pardon.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales declined to comment on the survey results, but said the government was ready to quell any trouble that might arise from a guilty verdict.
An administration lawmaker said the opposition-funded survey was aimed at influencing the anti-graft court.
“This clearly formed part of the opposition’s damage control effort to deflect the crippling effects of a guilty verdict against its leader,” Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco said.
He said the timing of the survey’s release—just before the verdict is issued—was suspect.
The Sandiganbayan is expected to release a verdict on or before Sept. 15. Arlie Calalo, Roy Pelovello, Romie A. Evangelista
Did Rosales' friends in high places followed the law when they ousted Erap from power? Did Rosales's lieutenant former EDSA shrine now Bataan bishop Villegas followed the law when he spirited Vidal Doble from his safe haven to Fort Aguinaldo at the height of the Hello Garci scandal? And did Rosales' own flock, the renewed Catholics who founded CFC followed the law when they turned Gawad Kalinga into a "cash cow"?
I miss former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Sin. The man from Iloilo is braver than Rosales. Rosales is GMA's version of the archbishop in Macoy's time. I think Rosales thinks himself as doing the nation a great service when he, unwittingly, is allowing himself to become the administration's tuta. Yes, Rosales is a tuta. Why? Because he's allowing himself to be a tool in GMA's pacification attempts.
Let the masses express themselves. It is more civilized for the people to protest than allow this travesty of justice. Being meek and humble are two admirable traits of the Filipino. However, Filipinos also have a heritage of fighting their enemies in the name of justice. Not allowing them to do so would deprive them of their own natures.
Archbishop, maybe you're becoming just like your friends in Malacanan. You also lived in a fantasy world where people are robots and slaves. You're acting like you're Padre Damaso of the new generation.
_______
Prelate to Erap fans: Accept verdict
AN ARCHBISHOP yesterday urged the followers of deposed President Joseph Estrada to accept the verdict in his plunder trial this month and to reject street protests if the decision goes against him.
“A law may be harsh but it is a law,” Manila Archbishop Gauden-cio Cardinal Rosales said, noting that the rule of law must prevail or there would be chaos. He added that laws punishing corruption must be respected.
Rosales said he believed those who handled the plunder investigation and those who prosecuted the case followed the proper procedures, and that Estrada had been given a fair trial.
Calling for calm, the archbishop said taking to the streets in protest would do no good.
“It’s about time we obeyed laws, and it is only proper that we have laws to follow,” he said.
In the Palace, chief presidential legal counsel Sergio Apostol chided Estrada’s son, San Juan Mayor Joseph Victor Ejercito, for saying the deposed president would reject a pardon.
“Why is he saying that? Does he know that he would be found guilty?” Apostol said. “Maybe the right thing for us [to do] is to keep quiet and await the verdict of the Sandiganbayan.”
Apostol said Malacañang would not issue any statements about a presidential pardon, because doing so would be interpreted as interfering with the court.
A survey conducted from July 18 to 20 and commissioned by the opposition said about 48 percent of Filipinos preferred that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo pardon Estrada immediately if the anti-graft court found him guilty of plunder.
Covering 600 respondents from Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal, the survey by Social Weather Stations also showed that 38 percent wanted Estrada pardoned “after some time” and 13 percent rejected any grant of pardon.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales declined to comment on the survey results, but said the government was ready to quell any trouble that might arise from a guilty verdict.
An administration lawmaker said the opposition-funded survey was aimed at influencing the anti-graft court.
“This clearly formed part of the opposition’s damage control effort to deflect the crippling effects of a guilty verdict against its leader,” Cebu Rep. Antonio Cuenco said.
He said the timing of the survey’s release—just before the verdict is issued—was suspect.
The Sandiganbayan is expected to release a verdict on or before Sept. 15. Arlie Calalo, Roy Pelovello, Romie A. Evangelista
Monday, September 3, 2007
The Inept Poker Player in a Deceptive Democracy
Doronila's analysis of the current situation in the Philippines is entirely valid (see story below). Its an affirmation of what we wrote here earlier--that the show of force is not directed at possible mass groups supporting Estrada. It was directed at those within the security establishment who have an axe to grind against Arroyo.
However, come to think of it, that's a useless exercise. It was an overreaction and an austentatious display of power, akin to the ones being done by North Korea and other totalitarian states. When Iran was being threatened by the US with armed force, Iran's President ordered his military to display its war machines. Such flexing of muscles connote fear. The main question however, is--to whom was this show of force directed?
To the layman, this flexing of muscles indicate two things: First, there is really a threat against the prevailing order. And second, this state has been totally militarized that the civilian authority relies heavily on armed force to perpetuate itself in power.
If this administration is really secured in power, it does not need to show it. In democratic societies, the state uses negotiations and diplomacy to maintain peace. Obviously the policy of this administration is not peace--its annihilation of their perceived enemies. If you'll not toe the line, you'll be shot, or maimed or at least, arrested without charges. Such is the experience of legitimate advocacy groups. Human rights violations are getting worse because that's the policy of this administration--follow or be killed.
Truly, this administration has transformed the state into a garrison state. This is expected from an illegitimate government. Conversely, this is a good indication for other groups to continue their destabilizing activities because they now know that the people will definitely tolerate any form of government, be it revolutionary, illegitimate or what-have-you, for as long as they are kept in line.
This also shows that democracy is not the form of government the Philippines have today. It's a deceptive democracy, the kind of phenomenon that manifested itself in South American governments.
Curiously though, the United States remain totally neutral and seems unable to show its disgusts over such a government. Historically, we know that the US has traditionally issued comments and negative pronouncements against these types of government. In the case of the Philippines though, the US maintains a supporting stance which contradicts its global "brand" positioning as the champion of democratic ideals.
Useless Exercise
Going back to what Dolorfino did last Friday. If Dolorfino expects the Marines to toe his line, he's totally mistaken. Junior and even senior officers of the elite corps know that he's one of those who fed the Marines to the dogs last July. Also--hindi ba si Dolorfino yung na-kidnap ng mga rebelde at pinakawalan? Why would they obey his orders? Definitely, the Marines would not want to be kidnapped also just like their commandant?
GMA was gravely ill-advised on this move. Probably, GMA lacks enough names in her list who'll doggedly obey the political authority. And if this is correct, then, it bodes ill to her.
Complete Accounting of Forces
Lastly, the show of force only exposed the weakness, not the strength of GMA's military forces. If the Leadership expects its enemies to cower in fear over this, they are gravely mistaken. GMA's enemies would even be thankful to Dolorfino for showing them GMA's forces or the lack of it. This knee-jerk reaction also showed the weakness in Dolorfino's character. You don't show the enemy all your wares early in the game. Dolorfino, obviously, is not a poker player.
And GMA right now needs one.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ANALYSIS
AFP exaggerating threat of Estrada supporters
By Amando Doronila
Inquirer
Last updated 03:17am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The military is displaying nervousness over the imminent promulgation sometime this month of the Sandiganbayan decision on the plunder case of deposed President Joseph Estrada. It is also trying to rattle the nation by inflating the specter of unrest over a guilty verdict.
From most indications, the nation is not on edge.
But the Armed Forces of the Philippines staged a show of force on Friday in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo and Fort Bonifacio to demonstrate the military is ready to cope with any political disturbances that they fear Estrada supporters may mount in reaction to the decision, either conviction or acquittal.
The AFP and the Philippine National Police have been put on alert ahead of the Sandiganbayan decision.
At Camp Aguinaldo, Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, the new Marine commandant, made an ostentatious inspection of close to 1,000 troops of the National Capital Region Command, including helicopters, armored personnel carriers and troop carrier trucks.
At Fort Bonifacio, headquarters of the Marines and hotbed of military unrest since the aborted coup attempt implicating Marine units on Feb. 24-26, 2006, Dolorfino inspected the troops, their armor, as well as their ambulances.
He also tried to crank up the public mood to the state of nervousness of the security forces. He told reporters: “We are now ready for any contingency that may happen. The objective is to maintain peace, order and stability in the NCR.”
Dolorfino said the worst-case scenario could happen, including a repeat of the May 1, 2001, attack on Malacañang by Estrada partisans after he was arrested to stand trial on plunder charges. Estrada is the first Filipino President to be charged with criminal offenses in the courts of justice.
Inflated threat
The arrest enraged Estrada’s supporters, who found it too excessive after he was forced out of office following the collapse of his administration when the AFP withdrew its support.
The military deployments in anticipation of disturbances appear to be out of proportion to the threat of public disorder, and did not reflect public concern over the inflated threat.
They succeeded only in revealing the military high command’s lack of confidence in the solidarity of the security forces and, by implication, the uncertain loyalty of the entire AFP to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Garci tapes scandal
The deployments coincided with the reopening of the Garci tapes scandal in the Senate.
The Senate on Wednesday voted to revive the investigation of the tapes by referring the case to three committees -- the committee on national defense, the blue ribbon committee and the committee on constitutional amendments.
The vote came after Sen. Panfilo Lacson introduced a new testimony by a former military intelligence agent that he and a team of agents of the military intelligence service wiretapped a telephone conversation between Ms Arroyo and former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano purporting to show that she allegedly attempted to tamper with the canvassing of the 2004 election returns.
Reopening old wound
The new investigation will reopen the legitimacy issue that has damaged the Arroyo presidency since 2005.
The reference of the case to the Senate committee on national defense is bound to reopen the sensitive issue of security breaches involving a presidency being spied upon by intelligence agents who are alleged to have eavesdropped not only on presidential telephone conversations but also on those of opposition figures during the 2004 elections.
No signs of unrest
There is no sign that Estrada supporters are restive in anticipation of the Sandiganbayan’s decision, or that they are as outraged as they were when he was arrested.
There is no visible sign that his followers are being mobilized to take street action to protest a guilty decision.
Such a disruption is not expected, but there are fears that the decision could be used by disgruntled groups inside the security forces as a galvanizing issue to foment military unrest over the legitimacy issue on the Arroyo presidency.
Disgruntled groups
Since the collapse of his administration in 2001, Estrada has lost much of his support among former loyalists in the AFP.
The concern lies in that disgruntled groups in the AFP, especially those facing trial on charges related to recent mutinies, would use the Sandiganbayan’s decision to foment further dissatisfaction inside the security forces.
The public appears prepared to take a decision calmly, whatever it is.
SWS survey
A confidential survey conducted by Social Weather Stations in July found that almost half of Filipinos in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces think Ms Arroyo should pardon Estrada if he is found guilty.
Forty-eight percent said “in case the Sandiganbayan declares Erap guilty,” Ms Arroyo should pardon him “immediately.”
Thirty-eight percent said Estrada should be pardoned “after some time,” and 13 percent said no pardon.
According to socioeconomic classes, the survey showed that 47 percent and 58 percent of respondents from classes D and E (the lower classes) wanted Estrada pardoned immediately. This sentiment was shared by 31 percent from classes ABC.
The highest number of respondents who didn’t want Estrada pardoned came from classes ABC, with 17 percent.
However, come to think of it, that's a useless exercise. It was an overreaction and an austentatious display of power, akin to the ones being done by North Korea and other totalitarian states. When Iran was being threatened by the US with armed force, Iran's President ordered his military to display its war machines. Such flexing of muscles connote fear. The main question however, is--to whom was this show of force directed?
To the layman, this flexing of muscles indicate two things: First, there is really a threat against the prevailing order. And second, this state has been totally militarized that the civilian authority relies heavily on armed force to perpetuate itself in power.
If this administration is really secured in power, it does not need to show it. In democratic societies, the state uses negotiations and diplomacy to maintain peace. Obviously the policy of this administration is not peace--its annihilation of their perceived enemies. If you'll not toe the line, you'll be shot, or maimed or at least, arrested without charges. Such is the experience of legitimate advocacy groups. Human rights violations are getting worse because that's the policy of this administration--follow or be killed.
Truly, this administration has transformed the state into a garrison state. This is expected from an illegitimate government. Conversely, this is a good indication for other groups to continue their destabilizing activities because they now know that the people will definitely tolerate any form of government, be it revolutionary, illegitimate or what-have-you, for as long as they are kept in line.
This also shows that democracy is not the form of government the Philippines have today. It's a deceptive democracy, the kind of phenomenon that manifested itself in South American governments.
Curiously though, the United States remain totally neutral and seems unable to show its disgusts over such a government. Historically, we know that the US has traditionally issued comments and negative pronouncements against these types of government. In the case of the Philippines though, the US maintains a supporting stance which contradicts its global "brand" positioning as the champion of democratic ideals.
Useless Exercise
Going back to what Dolorfino did last Friday. If Dolorfino expects the Marines to toe his line, he's totally mistaken. Junior and even senior officers of the elite corps know that he's one of those who fed the Marines to the dogs last July. Also--hindi ba si Dolorfino yung na-kidnap ng mga rebelde at pinakawalan? Why would they obey his orders? Definitely, the Marines would not want to be kidnapped also just like their commandant?
GMA was gravely ill-advised on this move. Probably, GMA lacks enough names in her list who'll doggedly obey the political authority. And if this is correct, then, it bodes ill to her.
Complete Accounting of Forces
Lastly, the show of force only exposed the weakness, not the strength of GMA's military forces. If the Leadership expects its enemies to cower in fear over this, they are gravely mistaken. GMA's enemies would even be thankful to Dolorfino for showing them GMA's forces or the lack of it. This knee-jerk reaction also showed the weakness in Dolorfino's character. You don't show the enemy all your wares early in the game. Dolorfino, obviously, is not a poker player.
And GMA right now needs one.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
ANALYSIS
AFP exaggerating threat of Estrada supporters
By Amando Doronila
Inquirer
Last updated 03:17am (Mla time) 09/03/2007
MANILA, Philippines -- The military is displaying nervousness over the imminent promulgation sometime this month of the Sandiganbayan decision on the plunder case of deposed President Joseph Estrada. It is also trying to rattle the nation by inflating the specter of unrest over a guilty verdict.
From most indications, the nation is not on edge.
But the Armed Forces of the Philippines staged a show of force on Friday in ceremonies at Camp Aguinaldo and Fort Bonifacio to demonstrate the military is ready to cope with any political disturbances that they fear Estrada supporters may mount in reaction to the decision, either conviction or acquittal.
The AFP and the Philippine National Police have been put on alert ahead of the Sandiganbayan decision.
At Camp Aguinaldo, Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, the new Marine commandant, made an ostentatious inspection of close to 1,000 troops of the National Capital Region Command, including helicopters, armored personnel carriers and troop carrier trucks.
At Fort Bonifacio, headquarters of the Marines and hotbed of military unrest since the aborted coup attempt implicating Marine units on Feb. 24-26, 2006, Dolorfino inspected the troops, their armor, as well as their ambulances.
He also tried to crank up the public mood to the state of nervousness of the security forces. He told reporters: “We are now ready for any contingency that may happen. The objective is to maintain peace, order and stability in the NCR.”
Dolorfino said the worst-case scenario could happen, including a repeat of the May 1, 2001, attack on Malacañang by Estrada partisans after he was arrested to stand trial on plunder charges. Estrada is the first Filipino President to be charged with criminal offenses in the courts of justice.
Inflated threat
The arrest enraged Estrada’s supporters, who found it too excessive after he was forced out of office following the collapse of his administration when the AFP withdrew its support.
The military deployments in anticipation of disturbances appear to be out of proportion to the threat of public disorder, and did not reflect public concern over the inflated threat.
They succeeded only in revealing the military high command’s lack of confidence in the solidarity of the security forces and, by implication, the uncertain loyalty of the entire AFP to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
Garci tapes scandal
The deployments coincided with the reopening of the Garci tapes scandal in the Senate.
The Senate on Wednesday voted to revive the investigation of the tapes by referring the case to three committees -- the committee on national defense, the blue ribbon committee and the committee on constitutional amendments.
The vote came after Sen. Panfilo Lacson introduced a new testimony by a former military intelligence agent that he and a team of agents of the military intelligence service wiretapped a telephone conversation between Ms Arroyo and former Election Commissioner Virgilio Garcillano purporting to show that she allegedly attempted to tamper with the canvassing of the 2004 election returns.
Reopening old wound
The new investigation will reopen the legitimacy issue that has damaged the Arroyo presidency since 2005.
The reference of the case to the Senate committee on national defense is bound to reopen the sensitive issue of security breaches involving a presidency being spied upon by intelligence agents who are alleged to have eavesdropped not only on presidential telephone conversations but also on those of opposition figures during the 2004 elections.
No signs of unrest
There is no sign that Estrada supporters are restive in anticipation of the Sandiganbayan’s decision, or that they are as outraged as they were when he was arrested.
There is no visible sign that his followers are being mobilized to take street action to protest a guilty decision.
Such a disruption is not expected, but there are fears that the decision could be used by disgruntled groups inside the security forces as a galvanizing issue to foment military unrest over the legitimacy issue on the Arroyo presidency.
Disgruntled groups
Since the collapse of his administration in 2001, Estrada has lost much of his support among former loyalists in the AFP.
The concern lies in that disgruntled groups in the AFP, especially those facing trial on charges related to recent mutinies, would use the Sandiganbayan’s decision to foment further dissatisfaction inside the security forces.
The public appears prepared to take a decision calmly, whatever it is.
SWS survey
A confidential survey conducted by Social Weather Stations in July found that almost half of Filipinos in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces think Ms Arroyo should pardon Estrada if he is found guilty.
Forty-eight percent said “in case the Sandiganbayan declares Erap guilty,” Ms Arroyo should pardon him “immediately.”
Thirty-eight percent said Estrada should be pardoned “after some time,” and 13 percent said no pardon.
According to socioeconomic classes, the survey showed that 47 percent and 58 percent of respondents from classes D and E (the lower classes) wanted Estrada pardoned immediately. This sentiment was shared by 31 percent from classes ABC.
The highest number of respondents who didn’t want Estrada pardoned came from classes ABC, with 17 percent.
Sunday, September 2, 2007
GMA destabilizing herself
Who ordered the massacre of Marines in Basilan? If the article of Ellen Tordesillas is to be believed, it was the officers of the Marines themselves and the bungling decision-making of then interim defense secretary Gonzales and other officials, including, tadah! Dolorfino. Dolorfino now heads the Marines. While Gonzales is poised to become the Executive Secretary.
FVR calls on the opposition not to unearth the Garci scandal. Why? Because the probe is proving to be a much deeper inquiry into the scandal. Reports say, they already know who ordered the wiretapping of government officials and tadah again, its Ermita. We know Ermita to be a Ramos loyalist, so who's the hair-brained mastermind of all of these? You guessed right, its FVR.
Coffee shops are abuzz with talks about God Save The Queen part 3. Sectors say its Ebdane who's doing the rounds. Ebdane enjoyed the trust of FVR. And like what I wrote in my other blog http://redbluethoughts.today.com, GMA was doomed from the start when she hired Ebdane as Defense secretary and Esperon as Chief of Staff. These two officers have one thing in common--they owe FVR a lot more than they owe GMA. So, who'll benefit from all of these? Obviously, your guess is as good as mine.
So, why would Ermita ordered such a wire-tapping? Because, tongues wag, the Tabako group obviously does not like GMA to win in the first place. The Group has a bigger chance of success in an FPJ administration, rather than a GMA. And second, GMA at that time, is slowly amassing much more power and influence than FVR. And the self-confessed savior of Philippine democracy does not like that.
Some say, GMA is deliberately destabilizing herself. Why? Because doing so gives her more power. By putting the entire nation under suspended destabilization, she avoids being a lame duck president. Look at what's happening.
a. Media is reporting more crimes, creating the scenario that the Philippines has a serious peace and order problem. This has been compounded by the war in Mindanao.
b. GMA and her minions tried to use even the weather to justify the use of emergency powers. When the rains failed to come on time, GMA said that there's a looming water crisis which needs emergency powers. Such pleadings show that GMA wants more powers because she knows she's losing some.
c. GMA is playing with presidentiables so that they're be perpetually under "wanderlust" and avoid participating in destab moves. Surely, these people and I would identify all of them, De Castro, Escudero, Lacson, Villar and Legarda would refrain their people from participating in such an exercise because it might ruin their chances in 2010. That's why none of them deserve to be president for the simple reason that they already exposed their trapo hides these early.
d. Lastly, GMA is exposing the dirty linen of her officials to create a scenario of total graft in her administration, which, again, would be used to justify extra powers. I bet my Singdollars that they'll come a time when GMA would announce a "clean-up" of the Cabinet and a renewed anti-graft campaign. Such a campaign would need more powers, which, under the circumstances, justifies Congress to grant her that.
The real crux of the matter is this: people are in the state of calm, ease and comfort because they are thinking that why remove her right now when it'll just be 3 more excruciating years left? We suffered for six years. What's 3 more years?
Net of discussion, the state of the nation remains just like 2000, the times smell, look and feel like it. And when such a situation exists, expect another explosion of the EDSA 2 magnitude.
This, however, will be totally different, some sectors say.
These things are happening because GMA needs justification for a reimposition of martial rule. Yes, GMA wants to rule beyond 2010. She's setting her sights on 2020. GMA and her gang have a plan.
First, from 2001 up to 2010, they want to solve the insurgency problem. That's why GMA ordered the AFP to destroy the Mindanao and Communist insurgency within 3 years. After these have been accomplished, GMA wants to further strengthen the economy until 2020. That's the strategic plan of this administration.
On the surface, this is good. That's the way to go really. However, its good if other people would implement such a plan, not GMA's group. First, the plan to destroy the insurgency would definitely not work. For it to work, it needs a credible government, which, obviously, we don't have at the moment. Do you expect the Moros and the Communists to deal with Arroyo when she's destroying them? Obviously not. So, the nation needs a new administration to undertake such peace negotiations to work.
That's why there's God Save The Queen part 3. Its an attempt by forces within the government to isolate GMA and oust her from power. She has become a liability to the strategic plan and needs immediate replacement. To make this a reality, GMA must be seen as destabilizing herself. And that's what's happening at this moment.
So there are two competing forces for power today: one the inner sanctum of GMA administration and other forces with ideological persuasions. Again, this shows the scenario way back in 2000, when the revolution so to speak was being cooked by two forces. Analyzing the situation, it is more likely that FVR's group will win this battle because it has the resources, the influence and the right connexions to do it. The other motley crew, well, they really don't have any force except having the right ideological viewpoint. I am optimistic that, should FVR's group wins, they might do the right thing--share power with the other group.
FVR calls on the opposition not to unearth the Garci scandal. Why? Because the probe is proving to be a much deeper inquiry into the scandal. Reports say, they already know who ordered the wiretapping of government officials and tadah again, its Ermita. We know Ermita to be a Ramos loyalist, so who's the hair-brained mastermind of all of these? You guessed right, its FVR.
Coffee shops are abuzz with talks about God Save The Queen part 3. Sectors say its Ebdane who's doing the rounds. Ebdane enjoyed the trust of FVR. And like what I wrote in my other blog http://redbluethoughts.today.com, GMA was doomed from the start when she hired Ebdane as Defense secretary and Esperon as Chief of Staff. These two officers have one thing in common--they owe FVR a lot more than they owe GMA. So, who'll benefit from all of these? Obviously, your guess is as good as mine.
So, why would Ermita ordered such a wire-tapping? Because, tongues wag, the Tabako group obviously does not like GMA to win in the first place. The Group has a bigger chance of success in an FPJ administration, rather than a GMA. And second, GMA at that time, is slowly amassing much more power and influence than FVR. And the self-confessed savior of Philippine democracy does not like that.
Some say, GMA is deliberately destabilizing herself. Why? Because doing so gives her more power. By putting the entire nation under suspended destabilization, she avoids being a lame duck president. Look at what's happening.
a. Media is reporting more crimes, creating the scenario that the Philippines has a serious peace and order problem. This has been compounded by the war in Mindanao.
b. GMA and her minions tried to use even the weather to justify the use of emergency powers. When the rains failed to come on time, GMA said that there's a looming water crisis which needs emergency powers. Such pleadings show that GMA wants more powers because she knows she's losing some.
c. GMA is playing with presidentiables so that they're be perpetually under "wanderlust" and avoid participating in destab moves. Surely, these people and I would identify all of them, De Castro, Escudero, Lacson, Villar and Legarda would refrain their people from participating in such an exercise because it might ruin their chances in 2010. That's why none of them deserve to be president for the simple reason that they already exposed their trapo hides these early.
d. Lastly, GMA is exposing the dirty linen of her officials to create a scenario of total graft in her administration, which, again, would be used to justify extra powers. I bet my Singdollars that they'll come a time when GMA would announce a "clean-up" of the Cabinet and a renewed anti-graft campaign. Such a campaign would need more powers, which, under the circumstances, justifies Congress to grant her that.
The real crux of the matter is this: people are in the state of calm, ease and comfort because they are thinking that why remove her right now when it'll just be 3 more excruciating years left? We suffered for six years. What's 3 more years?
Net of discussion, the state of the nation remains just like 2000, the times smell, look and feel like it. And when such a situation exists, expect another explosion of the EDSA 2 magnitude.
This, however, will be totally different, some sectors say.
These things are happening because GMA needs justification for a reimposition of martial rule. Yes, GMA wants to rule beyond 2010. She's setting her sights on 2020. GMA and her gang have a plan.
First, from 2001 up to 2010, they want to solve the insurgency problem. That's why GMA ordered the AFP to destroy the Mindanao and Communist insurgency within 3 years. After these have been accomplished, GMA wants to further strengthen the economy until 2020. That's the strategic plan of this administration.
On the surface, this is good. That's the way to go really. However, its good if other people would implement such a plan, not GMA's group. First, the plan to destroy the insurgency would definitely not work. For it to work, it needs a credible government, which, obviously, we don't have at the moment. Do you expect the Moros and the Communists to deal with Arroyo when she's destroying them? Obviously not. So, the nation needs a new administration to undertake such peace negotiations to work.
That's why there's God Save The Queen part 3. Its an attempt by forces within the government to isolate GMA and oust her from power. She has become a liability to the strategic plan and needs immediate replacement. To make this a reality, GMA must be seen as destabilizing herself. And that's what's happening at this moment.
So there are two competing forces for power today: one the inner sanctum of GMA administration and other forces with ideological persuasions. Again, this shows the scenario way back in 2000, when the revolution so to speak was being cooked by two forces. Analyzing the situation, it is more likely that FVR's group will win this battle because it has the resources, the influence and the right connexions to do it. The other motley crew, well, they really don't have any force except having the right ideological viewpoint. I am optimistic that, should FVR's group wins, they might do the right thing--share power with the other group.
Saturday, September 1, 2007
The Dark Night of Our Souls, part 2
Two alleged Magdalo soldiers were seen in Bicol, recruiting soldiers for another shot at freedom. Dolorfino took over as head of the restive Marines. Tanks and APCs were seen rolling towards Camp Aguinaldo. The Air Force commander recently had an inventory of helicopters and planes. And the Army chief is as silent as ever.
What about the Navy?
Obviously, the Navy has been recruited already. Remember that the Marines are supposed to be under the operational command and supervision of the Navy. However, GMA opted to hire the services of Dolorfino who's not a Marine and definitely not from the Navy. The Navy is supposed to solve this problem. I think they're busy trying to get the smuggled goods out from our ports.
The Spark
Times have really changed complexion since the debacle last July. Recent setbacks in the Southern theater of war have been traced to the ineffectiveness and unreliability of civilian leaders. Its not defective weapons or the lack of it that causes the deep problems of the AFP. Its the ones whose running the show that are to blame for the deaths of these brave patriots.
The tears seen flowing from the faces of young cadets and equally young PMA graduates reflect the sentiments of the nation. The People are angry not to the Abus whose mission is to destroy their enemies anyway. The People want justice for their dead soldiers. And the obvious culprits seems to be GMA and her ilk.
Resolution
There seems to be two main competing forces for power. On one side, the lapdogs of GMA. On the other side, the forces of Ramos. The third force is just a mirage. I don't really believe that there's really a "revolutionary" armed forces. Probably, there is. But their capabilities remain in question.
There are reports that Ebdane is recruiting soldiers for a power grab. Ebdane is very influential among the ranks. And he's obviously a Ramos lapdog.
Esperon seems to be caught in the middle of things. He's the AFP Chief of Staff and his loyalty should remain with GMA. However, his strategic blunders in the past are being analyzed as (a) inherent (b) as planned to destabilize or (c) undermined by his own commanders below. Analyzing the face of the Chief of Staff, Esperon seems to be really incapable of being the Chief. He's head should really be placed on the chopping board.
What about the Navy?
Obviously, the Navy has been recruited already. Remember that the Marines are supposed to be under the operational command and supervision of the Navy. However, GMA opted to hire the services of Dolorfino who's not a Marine and definitely not from the Navy. The Navy is supposed to solve this problem. I think they're busy trying to get the smuggled goods out from our ports.
The Spark
Times have really changed complexion since the debacle last July. Recent setbacks in the Southern theater of war have been traced to the ineffectiveness and unreliability of civilian leaders. Its not defective weapons or the lack of it that causes the deep problems of the AFP. Its the ones whose running the show that are to blame for the deaths of these brave patriots.
The tears seen flowing from the faces of young cadets and equally young PMA graduates reflect the sentiments of the nation. The People are angry not to the Abus whose mission is to destroy their enemies anyway. The People want justice for their dead soldiers. And the obvious culprits seems to be GMA and her ilk.
Resolution
There seems to be two main competing forces for power. On one side, the lapdogs of GMA. On the other side, the forces of Ramos. The third force is just a mirage. I don't really believe that there's really a "revolutionary" armed forces. Probably, there is. But their capabilities remain in question.
There are reports that Ebdane is recruiting soldiers for a power grab. Ebdane is very influential among the ranks. And he's obviously a Ramos lapdog.
Esperon seems to be caught in the middle of things. He's the AFP Chief of Staff and his loyalty should remain with GMA. However, his strategic blunders in the past are being analyzed as (a) inherent (b) as planned to destabilize or (c) undermined by his own commanders below. Analyzing the face of the Chief of Staff, Esperon seems to be really incapable of being the Chief. He's head should really be placed on the chopping board.
Madame, its too late
Despite repeated denials from many government officials that there's no coup, its recent actions took on a totally different tenor. Security at the palace was enhanced, thousands of troops were called from different regions to tighten Camp Aguinaldo, police and security forces were sent to known Erap bailiwicks in Tondo and Payatas and thousands more intel agents were spread into different groups and sections of society to gather information.
And now this.
Dolorfino took over as Marines head, replacing the nincompoop Allaga. Releases say, this is a "promotion" for Allaga and for Dolorfino, who once headed AFP-NCR.
Obviously, GMA hopes to neutralize any moves to recruit the Marines to any destab effort. She sent her trusted general Dolorfino, hoping to counteract anything.
But, its too late.
The Marines have been totally politicized, not by Erap, nor by any group. They were politicized because their gut feel says so. They have been exposed to the realities of Filipino society. They realized that they are being used as pawns in a high game of realpolitik.
And recent events have totally demoralized the ranks.
And it is not the Marines whom GMA should seriously take a second look. Its the entire soldiery. Dissent have seeped into the very core of the organization. She cannot solve the problem by increasing combat pay or by dangling other juicy carrots. For the soldiers, these are just palliatives without any concrete effects on their lives. Besides, soldiers don't believe her anyway. Their experience taking out a loan from the RSBS or any AFP loan institution remains totally horrendous. Their families remain impoverished. They wallow in extreme poverty while their generals and their families enjoy the pamperings of GMA.
Madame Arroyo, its tooo late. Even Dolorfino cannot solve the Marine problem.
Dolorfino takes over as chief of Marines
By James Mananghaya
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino took command of the Philippine Marine Corps in a formal ceremony yesterday, replacing Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga, who was named Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief.
In his speech, Dolorfino said the alleged involvement of Marines in two failed coups had created cracks on the institutional strength and integrity of the Corps.
“If there are still wayward minds out there, I enjoin you my brothers to come home and be true Marines once again,” he said.
“Let us be unified by the ideals enshrined in the Marine oath. Let us be one solid organization, proud of its rich traditions and discipline, bound by strong camaraderie and brotherhood, ever faithful and dedicated in the pursuit of its mission.”
Dolorfino said the Marines should remain apolitical at all times to be able to carry out their mandate.
“Changes in the system can only be made by the people or their duly elected representatives through constitutionally established democratic processes,” he said.
“We are the guardians of our democratic institutions, and shall never be an instrument of its desecration.”
The Marines were put in the middle of controversy after Col. Ariel Querubin, 1st Marine Brigade commander, led troops in a stand-off at their headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig to protest the relief of Maj. Gen. Renato Mirand as Marine commandant.
The two officers, along with Lt. Cols. Custodio Parcon, Achilles Segumalian, Colonels Januario Caringal, Orlando de Leon, Armando Bañez, and Lt. Belinda Ferrer, are now detained.
They and 19 Scout Ranger officers are facing trial for their alleged involvement in destabilization plots against President Arroyo.
Dolorfino also led the mustering of troops at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City yesterday morning.
He and Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero inspected the preparedness of troops in Metro Manila to react to any eventuality, particularly the upcoming verdict on ousted President Joseph Estrada and the arrest of communist rebel leader Jose Ma. Sison in the Netherlands.
Dolorfino also inspected the Marine Ready Force and various disaster response units of the Philippine Navy in Fort Bonifacio.
Dolorfino said his command of the Marine Corps would focus on the vigorous pursuit of the “frontline first policy” to allow the prompt delivery of logistical, administrative and other requirements to frontline troops.
“The individual Marine is the most important resource that makes up our units,” he said. “We will make sure that he is properly trained and equipped to enhance his effectiveness and survivability in battle.”
Dolorfino said the retraining and refurbishing program must be carried out under close supervision of Marine headquarters to ensure that battalions are properly trained and equipped for battle.
“I would like also to see decisiveness in the conduct of our operations,” he said. “In every battle, the enemy is meant to be hammered down and annihilated.”
And now this.
Dolorfino took over as Marines head, replacing the nincompoop Allaga. Releases say, this is a "promotion" for Allaga and for Dolorfino, who once headed AFP-NCR.
Obviously, GMA hopes to neutralize any moves to recruit the Marines to any destab effort. She sent her trusted general Dolorfino, hoping to counteract anything.
But, its too late.
The Marines have been totally politicized, not by Erap, nor by any group. They were politicized because their gut feel says so. They have been exposed to the realities of Filipino society. They realized that they are being used as pawns in a high game of realpolitik.
And recent events have totally demoralized the ranks.
And it is not the Marines whom GMA should seriously take a second look. Its the entire soldiery. Dissent have seeped into the very core of the organization. She cannot solve the problem by increasing combat pay or by dangling other juicy carrots. For the soldiers, these are just palliatives without any concrete effects on their lives. Besides, soldiers don't believe her anyway. Their experience taking out a loan from the RSBS or any AFP loan institution remains totally horrendous. Their families remain impoverished. They wallow in extreme poverty while their generals and their families enjoy the pamperings of GMA.
Madame Arroyo, its tooo late. Even Dolorfino cannot solve the Marine problem.
Dolorfino takes over as chief of Marines
By James Mananghaya
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Maj. Gen. Benjamin Dolorfino took command of the Philippine Marine Corps in a formal ceremony yesterday, replacing Maj. Gen. Nelson Allaga, who was named Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief.
In his speech, Dolorfino said the alleged involvement of Marines in two failed coups had created cracks on the institutional strength and integrity of the Corps.
“If there are still wayward minds out there, I enjoin you my brothers to come home and be true Marines once again,” he said.
“Let us be unified by the ideals enshrined in the Marine oath. Let us be one solid organization, proud of its rich traditions and discipline, bound by strong camaraderie and brotherhood, ever faithful and dedicated in the pursuit of its mission.”
Dolorfino said the Marines should remain apolitical at all times to be able to carry out their mandate.
“Changes in the system can only be made by the people or their duly elected representatives through constitutionally established democratic processes,” he said.
“We are the guardians of our democratic institutions, and shall never be an instrument of its desecration.”
The Marines were put in the middle of controversy after Col. Ariel Querubin, 1st Marine Brigade commander, led troops in a stand-off at their headquarters in Fort Bonifacio in Taguig to protest the relief of Maj. Gen. Renato Mirand as Marine commandant.
The two officers, along with Lt. Cols. Custodio Parcon, Achilles Segumalian, Colonels Januario Caringal, Orlando de Leon, Armando Bañez, and Lt. Belinda Ferrer, are now detained.
They and 19 Scout Ranger officers are facing trial for their alleged involvement in destabilization plots against President Arroyo.
Dolorfino also led the mustering of troops at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City yesterday morning.
He and Armed Forces vice chief Lt. Gen. Antonio Romero inspected the preparedness of troops in Metro Manila to react to any eventuality, particularly the upcoming verdict on ousted President Joseph Estrada and the arrest of communist rebel leader Jose Ma. Sison in the Netherlands.
Dolorfino also inspected the Marine Ready Force and various disaster response units of the Philippine Navy in Fort Bonifacio.
Dolorfino said his command of the Marine Corps would focus on the vigorous pursuit of the “frontline first policy” to allow the prompt delivery of logistical, administrative and other requirements to frontline troops.
“The individual Marine is the most important resource that makes up our units,” he said. “We will make sure that he is properly trained and equipped to enhance his effectiveness and survivability in battle.”
Dolorfino said the retraining and refurbishing program must be carried out under close supervision of Marine headquarters to ensure that battalions are properly trained and equipped for battle.
“I would like also to see decisiveness in the conduct of our operations,” he said. “In every battle, the enemy is meant to be hammered down and annihilated.”
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