A colleague in the blogger community commented on my proposition on the caretaker government. He says that this proposition poses more questions than answers. How will this caretaker government come about? If the forces at work conduct an extra-constitutional exercise, will the people accept it? If its through peaceful means, will it bring the expected results, that of meaningful change?
Legitimate questions demand legitimate answers.
Why Caretaker Government?
First, the damage wrought by the Arroyo administration on government institutions will require years of repair. The people's trust and confidence in the state's vital institutions has been destroyed. Surveys upon surveys reflect the people's collective disdain and mistrust on their leaders. This "virus" of distrust has infected the entire political machinery, from the barangay level to the highest post of the land.
For the State to survive a growing movement towards its abolition, the status quo needs a fresh set of faces to replace the old idiots. No one among our present set of civilian leaders show capability of leading the changes needed in our present times. Arroyo's time has come. She bungled the golden opportunity to be our shining hope. Instead of providing us guidance and vision, she led us to perdition. Obviously, we need her replacement immediately before our country turn from worse to worst.
Arroyo's replacement
Why a council instead of going to the constitutional route of succession? The reasons are obvious: no one is willing to take the reins of governance. The constitutional successor, Vice President de Castro risks a coup d'etat if he takes on the role of president. The elite disdain him despite having endeared himself to the masses. He has a big, booming voice but no vision to offer the people. His record as a corrupt mediaman still resonates among the people, despite years of being in the civil service.
Senate President Manny Villar is perceived by many as a compromiser and big businessman with obvious corporate goals than governance. Speaker Joe de Venecia's image as a compromiser and traditional politician still rings true, what with his public pronouncements of loyalty to the people's enemy Gloria.
Chief Justice Reynato Puno just rejected calls for him to lead the caretaker government. So, obviously, there is no other constitutional leader than can succeed Arroyo in the event of an ouster campaign. This leads us to answer the second question posed by Ronin.
Extra-Constitutional means
Since there is no other option left, those who thirst for changes in governance should accept the possibility of an extra-constitutional means for change. Why? Because given the circumstances and the present state of affairs, this option is clearly justified. Should these forces fail in their mission again of ousting Arroyo, we see the prospect of a prolonged conjugal dictatorship that would paralyze government for another three to five years. I will not mention anymore the effects of this in terms of national security, business and the like since I wrote about these things in this blog some weeks ago.
Composition of the Caretaker government
Political reality shows that no civilian leader is willing to take the enormous task of nation-building. This is a tacit admission by the civilian sector of failure to govern. Hence, this leads us to presume that the most logical set of leaders must come from the idealistic sector of the military. There must be a group of idealistic officers who will stand up and fight. They must be led by a charismatic leader who will manage the affairs of the state while the government is in its formative stage.
A senior council of national elders must be formed to provide direction to this set of military leaders. This council must be composed of previous presidents, like FVR. FVR, despite what people think of him, is the most fitting leader to lead this country again. Joe de Venecia is wrong when he said that Arroyo must do a Lee Kuan Yew and lead the cleansing of government. Arroyo does not have the competency nor the political mettle to lead a moral revolt. Among our set of leaders and elders, only FVR has the vision, the experience and the knowledge to lead this country with the idealistic military.
Another important component of this government must come from the academic community. The Philippines has hundreds of experts, specialists and technical people to lead this country to greatness. These technocrats and academics must bond together and assume responsible posts in government. The first mission of these academics should be the creation of a national ideology that would govern the country in the next decades.
The next important component of a caretaker government must emanate from legitimate civil society leaders and non-government organisations. These people must provide the government of their knowledge about the people's real needs so that policies are tempered and suits the masses. They provide the needed mass base for a caretaker government to survive any attempts by counter-revolutionaries.
Time frame
The caretaker government should lead this country for three years. Its mission should be the repair of the state's damaged institutions. Should forces fail again in their mission of ousting Arroyo, the ruling clique will again be emboldened and strengthened to think that they can rule this nation into infinitum, to the detriment of all.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
The Crumbling Bastille
I wrote here two nights ago that the political situation has been muddled by the pardon of Erap. My presumption is we cannot really say where Erap's loyalties are. However, his statement below says much about his present stand--he's backing away from calls for Arroyo to quit. This is expected of him, since, Estrada is really not much of a strategist. If we are to review his credentials, he's (1) a media creation and (2) he does'nt have the vision. Likewise, Estrada, like Arroyo, are flanked by bumbling idiots. Obviously, this statement says much of the quality of people he likes to be surrounded with.
If I am Erap, I would distance myself from all these people and just keep silent. He does'nt know the real situation. He does'nt realize the impact of his statements, one for those who allied with him during his incarceration and two for the millions who still idolize him. Releasing these kinds of statements harm him because SHOULD THE ANTI-GMA FORCES SUCCEED, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN JAIL AGAIN.
I think Erap was advised to issue these kinds of statement in reaction to the statement by former FVR that his release was a "calamity". Erap considers FVR his enemy and by siding with Arroyo, he thinks that he can save himself from the clutches of FVR. He's wrong.
My proposal to Erap is this--quit now while you're still free. Do not frustrate or serve as a stumbling block in all these efforts at ousting Arroyo. You don't have a full grasp of political reality.
Net of discussion--do not side with the crumbling Bastille. You might find yourself incarceration yet again. And this time, you might find yourself sharing a cell with his benefactor.
Estrada backs away from Arroyo-quit call
Rejects bid to set up transition government
By Jocelyn Uy
Inquirer
Last updated 02:52am (Mla time) 10/29/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Joseph Estrada Sunday distanced himself from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sparked by the pardon she had granted the disgraced leader convicted of plunder.
“It’s the people -- the poor sector which is the largest part of our society who should choose and decide who they want to run or replace the government, not the few elitists and the churchmen,” Estrada told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net, by phone.
On Friday, the ousted leader was given a new lease on life and walked out of his sprawling Tanay, Rizal, vacation house, where he had spent most of the six years he had been under house arrest, a free man after accepting executive clemency.
The pardon, which both the Estrada and Arroyo camps cited as a step toward national reconciliation, has triggered calls among civil society groups and political and church leaders for the removal of the President and the setting up of a junta to be headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
A Puno-led transition government also does not appeal to Estrada, who said that the nation would only tumble into the same pitfalls of the military-backed uprising in 2001 that “unconstitutionally” removed him from power.
Estrada noted that it was Puno who “invented” his constructive resignation, an act that violated his constitutional rights as the then President.
“Haven’t they learned from their mistakes during the Edsa Dos? Our country has gone from bad to worse [since then]. I don’t believe that these elitists and church leaders should decide the fate of our country. It’s the majority who should have a say now,” he stressed, strongly indicating his aversion to another people power.
No deal
But he reiterated that there were no strings attached or an agreement forged between him and the administration in his acceptance of executive clemency.
“There was no deal. I thanked her last Friday because it is the right thing to do as our Filipino values dictate,” he explained.
Speaking like the true “father of the masses” his supporters hold him up to be, Estrada pointed out that the elite should never dictate to the poor Filipinos who have been helping sustain the government through their dollar remittances from abroad.
‘Hello Garci’
Estrada himself had called for the resignation of Ms Arroyo at the height of last year’s “Hello Garci” controversy which suggested that she rigged the 2004 presidential elections. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Like former President Corazon Aquino, Estrada had clamored for a transition government to replace the Arroyo administration and establish a system of governance designed for systematic changes and radical reforms to ensure lasting solutions to poverty and corruption that have tormented the nation.
He had even expressed a willingness to lead the transition government while it was looking for a permanent replacement.
Not seeking public office
The 70-year-old Estrada Sunday repeated his earlier statement that he would no longer run for any government office and would rather spend his remaining years in the “full service” of the poor.
But when asked if he would entertain thoughts of entering politics again in the future, he replied, “It’s up to the people to decide.”
He also expressed no inclination in joining the National Anti-Poverty Commission, saying that his attention was more focused on linking up with nongovernment organizations to pursue his pro-poor programs.
Among the projects he cited was the “white revolution,” which he had initiated as then senator by authoring the Philippine Carabao Act to propagate the animal to ensure more production of quality milk for farmers and poor schoolchildren.
He mentioned visiting the first carabao center in the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija province, which he planned to replicate in the Visayas and Mindanao with the help of former Sen. Leticia Shahani.
“The government now has competent people in the antipoverty commission. Now, I would like more to work with the private sector,” said Estrada, who had spent his first Sunday as a free man with his grandchildren.
If I am Erap, I would distance myself from all these people and just keep silent. He does'nt know the real situation. He does'nt realize the impact of his statements, one for those who allied with him during his incarceration and two for the millions who still idolize him. Releasing these kinds of statements harm him because SHOULD THE ANTI-GMA FORCES SUCCEED, HE MIGHT FIND HIMSELF IN JAIL AGAIN.
I think Erap was advised to issue these kinds of statement in reaction to the statement by former FVR that his release was a "calamity". Erap considers FVR his enemy and by siding with Arroyo, he thinks that he can save himself from the clutches of FVR. He's wrong.
My proposal to Erap is this--quit now while you're still free. Do not frustrate or serve as a stumbling block in all these efforts at ousting Arroyo. You don't have a full grasp of political reality.
Net of discussion--do not side with the crumbling Bastille. You might find yourself incarceration yet again. And this time, you might find yourself sharing a cell with his benefactor.
Estrada backs away from Arroyo-quit call
Rejects bid to set up transition government
By Jocelyn Uy
Inquirer
Last updated 02:52am (Mla time) 10/29/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Joseph Estrada Sunday distanced himself from fresh calls for the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sparked by the pardon she had granted the disgraced leader convicted of plunder.
“It’s the people -- the poor sector which is the largest part of our society who should choose and decide who they want to run or replace the government, not the few elitists and the churchmen,” Estrada told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net, by phone.
On Friday, the ousted leader was given a new lease on life and walked out of his sprawling Tanay, Rizal, vacation house, where he had spent most of the six years he had been under house arrest, a free man after accepting executive clemency.
The pardon, which both the Estrada and Arroyo camps cited as a step toward national reconciliation, has triggered calls among civil society groups and political and church leaders for the removal of the President and the setting up of a junta to be headed by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
A Puno-led transition government also does not appeal to Estrada, who said that the nation would only tumble into the same pitfalls of the military-backed uprising in 2001 that “unconstitutionally” removed him from power.
Estrada noted that it was Puno who “invented” his constructive resignation, an act that violated his constitutional rights as the then President.
“Haven’t they learned from their mistakes during the Edsa Dos? Our country has gone from bad to worse [since then]. I don’t believe that these elitists and church leaders should decide the fate of our country. It’s the majority who should have a say now,” he stressed, strongly indicating his aversion to another people power.
No deal
But he reiterated that there were no strings attached or an agreement forged between him and the administration in his acceptance of executive clemency.
“There was no deal. I thanked her last Friday because it is the right thing to do as our Filipino values dictate,” he explained.
Speaking like the true “father of the masses” his supporters hold him up to be, Estrada pointed out that the elite should never dictate to the poor Filipinos who have been helping sustain the government through their dollar remittances from abroad.
‘Hello Garci’
Estrada himself had called for the resignation of Ms Arroyo at the height of last year’s “Hello Garci” controversy which suggested that she rigged the 2004 presidential elections. She has denied any wrongdoing.
Like former President Corazon Aquino, Estrada had clamored for a transition government to replace the Arroyo administration and establish a system of governance designed for systematic changes and radical reforms to ensure lasting solutions to poverty and corruption that have tormented the nation.
He had even expressed a willingness to lead the transition government while it was looking for a permanent replacement.
Not seeking public office
The 70-year-old Estrada Sunday repeated his earlier statement that he would no longer run for any government office and would rather spend his remaining years in the “full service” of the poor.
But when asked if he would entertain thoughts of entering politics again in the future, he replied, “It’s up to the people to decide.”
He also expressed no inclination in joining the National Anti-Poverty Commission, saying that his attention was more focused on linking up with nongovernment organizations to pursue his pro-poor programs.
Among the projects he cited was the “white revolution,” which he had initiated as then senator by authoring the Philippine Carabao Act to propagate the animal to ensure more production of quality milk for farmers and poor schoolchildren.
He mentioned visiting the first carabao center in the Science City of Muñoz in Nueva Ecija province, which he planned to replicate in the Visayas and Mindanao with the help of former Sen. Leticia Shahani.
“The government now has competent people in the antipoverty commission. Now, I would like more to work with the private sector,” said Estrada, who had spent his first Sunday as a free man with his grandchildren.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
Strategic Masterstroke
Arroyo made a masterstroke when she pardoned Erap--it removed a major force in their ranks and effectively divided them. However, the situation is not hopeless. Erap can still undermine Arroyo. I mean, Erap can still regain whatever credibility he has with the people by just one strong statement of withdrawal of support from her. That would be sweet justice should Erap do this. Anyway, the papers have been signed and there's nothing really that Arroyo can do at this time about it. She can't file another case against Erap. The question that everybody is asking is--why is Erap seem so fearful of Arroyo?
Could it be that he was threatened by Arroyo of perdition should he not sign the pardon? Could it be that Erap is really not interested with politics anymore? Could it be that Erap has "learned his lesson" and that he knows for a fact that his force is just a "mirage"?
The political situation is still fuzzy at the moment. Nobody can really say where all of these things are headed. One thing is sure though--Erap and Arroyo have cancelled themselves out. They have one common enemy=FVR. It remains to be seen whether FVR still have the force to ram against them. I believe at this time, the accounting of forces have already been made and both camps know their true strength. The question is--will we see a change of government this November?
Observation on the online petition
Based on a reading of the People's Pulse, this online petition will amount to nothing. The people does'nt want a snap elections. Its a waste of time and money. What they support though, is a caretaker government. The concept of a caretaker government seems to resonate loudly among the people and I believe that should this happen, it will be supported by the people.
The caretaker government should rule this country until 2010. By that time, everything would have calmed down and a new constitution would have been in place. That's the way to go. The only question is--are these forces really determined to go all out against Arroyo? We will see in the coming weeks.
Could it be that he was threatened by Arroyo of perdition should he not sign the pardon? Could it be that Erap is really not interested with politics anymore? Could it be that Erap has "learned his lesson" and that he knows for a fact that his force is just a "mirage"?
The political situation is still fuzzy at the moment. Nobody can really say where all of these things are headed. One thing is sure though--Erap and Arroyo have cancelled themselves out. They have one common enemy=FVR. It remains to be seen whether FVR still have the force to ram against them. I believe at this time, the accounting of forces have already been made and both camps know their true strength. The question is--will we see a change of government this November?
Observation on the online petition
Based on a reading of the People's Pulse, this online petition will amount to nothing. The people does'nt want a snap elections. Its a waste of time and money. What they support though, is a caretaker government. The concept of a caretaker government seems to resonate loudly among the people and I believe that should this happen, it will be supported by the people.
The caretaker government should rule this country until 2010. By that time, everything would have calmed down and a new constitution would have been in place. That's the way to go. The only question is--are these forces really determined to go all out against Arroyo? We will see in the coming weeks.
Coopted: Nasindak na ba talaga si Erap?
An interview over Korina Sanchez's show of Speaker Joe de Venecia and his wife tells it all--there's something really wrong with his relationship with the president. He verified the testimony of his son of the "shouting match". And in classic de Venecia fashion, he merely shrugged and said that "they're still friends" despite what Gina described as their "cordial relationship" with Arroyo.
What can be gleaned from all these are:
1. JDV admitted that their relationship with the president has been totally strained, bolstering the credibility of Joey as a witness.
2. There's really a campaign to oust him from the Speakership, as what Majority Floor Leader Nograles intimated during his own interview.
3. JDV is not clueless of what's happening but he tries to hide his animosity with the president for reasons unknown.
4. Administration party is divided over the issue of Erap's pardon.
5. JDV is really not fit to be a leader because his nature is that of a soft, cowardly person.
Is Erap really been coopted?
JDV also intimated that Erap Estrada has been coopted by the administration. He says that "Erap will issue strong statements" in the next couple of days. What are those strong statements? Is it against the president or for the president? There's a feeling among allies of the opposition that Erap has been effectively gagged by Arroyo. But, is it really the case?
Nasindak na ba talaga si Erap?
As I wrote here some months ago, Erap's family is not really that determined to go on an all-out war against Arroyo. This has been evident since 2002. They're just interested in freeing Erap. They just want to spend money to create the conditions to justify the release of Erap (i.e. those surveys, etc.).
A PDI report today says that Arroyo is mulling the possibility of offering the poverty commission job for Erap. Is this the result of negotiations between them? That Erap will now be working with Arroyo in government? So now, are we seeing the unification of both administration and the Erap opposition? If this is the case, do we now see Lakas-NUCD being sidelined and marginalized? Are we looking at an ERap-ARROYO alliance thru the Kampi?
Effects
Admit it or not, the anti-GMA forces are now in a quandary. They lost a major player. However, what's good about this is the possibility of these forces gaining the camp of FVR-JDV. Yes, I believe there is really a unification of all former EDSA 2 forces. The question is --do they still have the strength to oust Arroyo?
What can be gleaned from all these are:
1. JDV admitted that their relationship with the president has been totally strained, bolstering the credibility of Joey as a witness.
2. There's really a campaign to oust him from the Speakership, as what Majority Floor Leader Nograles intimated during his own interview.
3. JDV is not clueless of what's happening but he tries to hide his animosity with the president for reasons unknown.
4. Administration party is divided over the issue of Erap's pardon.
5. JDV is really not fit to be a leader because his nature is that of a soft, cowardly person.
Is Erap really been coopted?
JDV also intimated that Erap Estrada has been coopted by the administration. He says that "Erap will issue strong statements" in the next couple of days. What are those strong statements? Is it against the president or for the president? There's a feeling among allies of the opposition that Erap has been effectively gagged by Arroyo. But, is it really the case?
Nasindak na ba talaga si Erap?
As I wrote here some months ago, Erap's family is not really that determined to go on an all-out war against Arroyo. This has been evident since 2002. They're just interested in freeing Erap. They just want to spend money to create the conditions to justify the release of Erap (i.e. those surveys, etc.).
A PDI report today says that Arroyo is mulling the possibility of offering the poverty commission job for Erap. Is this the result of negotiations between them? That Erap will now be working with Arroyo in government? So now, are we seeing the unification of both administration and the Erap opposition? If this is the case, do we now see Lakas-NUCD being sidelined and marginalized? Are we looking at an ERap-ARROYO alliance thru the Kampi?
Effects
Admit it or not, the anti-GMA forces are now in a quandary. They lost a major player. However, what's good about this is the possibility of these forces gaining the camp of FVR-JDV. Yes, I believe there is really a unification of all former EDSA 2 forces. The question is --do they still have the strength to oust Arroyo?
Friday, October 26, 2007
Cancelling each other Out
The symbolic meaning of Arroyo's pardon is this--it solidified the struggle against both Arroyo and Estrada. This pardon just shows that there's no difference between Arroyo and Estrada; that they all remain the same and belong to the same kind--that of the most despicable kind. It tells a lot about the dynamics of politics and how numbers matter in realpolitik. More importantly, whether the math is imagined or not, the point of every political exercise is to shock and awe the other side so that their defenses cave in. In this case, Estrada emerged triumphant against Arroyo because Estrada managed to shock Arroyo into believing that he still has the numbers to move against Arroyo.
The onus of changing our present state and moving towards a more credible, honest government lies in all of us. Those who were disgusted with what Arroyo did should stand up now and be counted. Those who think that she did the right thing should also stand up. Let's fight it out. Let's just do it. Threatening each other with hell does'nt serve us any better and it only worsens our situation. If its time to fight, we must fight. If its time to be silent, then, find our comfy nook and stay there. We fear civil war. Everybody wants peace. But if peace cannot be attained by peaceful means, then, there is no other way out of this mess but to just fight. Let's fight. Let's just lay it out.
De Venecia was mentioning Singapore as a model for us to follow. Yes, Singapore should be our model. And if that tiny island-state is our model, then, we must be ready to fight it out amongst ourselves. We must be ready for civil war. For Singapore did not attain its first world status without people shedding blood. No. Singapore underwent extreme social strife before it calmed down and before everybody sat down to work it out.
Its quite obvious that we are truly divided. We are divided on the way to solve a problem like Arroyo. Some think that a petition would work. Others believe that a military solution is the way to go. Personally, I believe that the military should really intervene in this and impose a civilian-military government to save the republic from total destruction.
I now dare the soldiers who criticize this administration: it is time to make history.
The onus of changing our present state and moving towards a more credible, honest government lies in all of us. Those who were disgusted with what Arroyo did should stand up now and be counted. Those who think that she did the right thing should also stand up. Let's fight it out. Let's just do it. Threatening each other with hell does'nt serve us any better and it only worsens our situation. If its time to fight, we must fight. If its time to be silent, then, find our comfy nook and stay there. We fear civil war. Everybody wants peace. But if peace cannot be attained by peaceful means, then, there is no other way out of this mess but to just fight. Let's fight. Let's just lay it out.
De Venecia was mentioning Singapore as a model for us to follow. Yes, Singapore should be our model. And if that tiny island-state is our model, then, we must be ready to fight it out amongst ourselves. We must be ready for civil war. For Singapore did not attain its first world status without people shedding blood. No. Singapore underwent extreme social strife before it calmed down and before everybody sat down to work it out.
Its quite obvious that we are truly divided. We are divided on the way to solve a problem like Arroyo. Some think that a petition would work. Others believe that a military solution is the way to go. Personally, I believe that the military should really intervene in this and impose a civilian-military government to save the republic from total destruction.
I now dare the soldiers who criticize this administration: it is time to make history.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
On the Eve of Civil War
Mrs. Arroyo has just sealed her fate. By pardoning Erap today, she just made a big blunder. She just allowed all her enemies to band together against her. Arroyo, in effect, signed her death warrant.
Definitely, it will not be long before the camp of FVR, the Speaker, civil society, pseudo-civil society, revolutionaries, common people, businessmen, workers and middle classes will now have a rally point. And that rallying point will definitely revolve around the search for justice. Arroyo has just allowed the campaign against her to assume a new character, a new stage--that of being a fight against injustice. Its quite obvious that the ZTE probe, charges of corruption are all campaigns for the search for truth. Now, due to this granting of pardon, people will definitely campaign for justice. The next level will just be the struggle for peace.
I shudder at the thought of another revolt, this time, bloodier and more vicious than the previous EDSAs. It will not be long before forces wanting to overthrow this administration will unite and together call for the ouster of Gloria.
Who would now prevent collective resignation among her cabinet? This early, there are signs of another Hyatt 10 incident. I am not in the habit of betraying the trust of my sources, but definitely, some of GMA's cabinet are intending to resign. Obviously, the Ramos' camp will definitely resign from this administration. Ramos' interview before he left for Guandong China tells you that something is terribly wrong about what's happening now.
Danger signals
There's a serious rift in Philippine society now. The military is split in the middle. PMA classes are in serious struggles against each other. The ranks of generals have been seriously affected by the succession of bribery allegations. My source in the palace told me that some generals actually told the president that they will not receive the "cash gifts" they were being offered during their recent meeting at the Palace. Some even left the room after meeting with the president.
The Lower House is also split, with those who side with the Speaker and those with Arroyo. The Senate is likewise disunited with some for the administration and some in the opposition.
We have a disunited business community, most undecided on what to do with GMA and whether to continue supporting her. We have a police establishment that is likewise torn apart due to the mess left by the ex-PNP chief.
So, Dolorfino is right---we are in the eve of a civil war. It will not be long before these forces converge against Gloria.
Will we see Gloria occupying the place of Erap in the future? This eventuality is not remote.
Definitely, it will not be long before the camp of FVR, the Speaker, civil society, pseudo-civil society, revolutionaries, common people, businessmen, workers and middle classes will now have a rally point. And that rallying point will definitely revolve around the search for justice. Arroyo has just allowed the campaign against her to assume a new character, a new stage--that of being a fight against injustice. Its quite obvious that the ZTE probe, charges of corruption are all campaigns for the search for truth. Now, due to this granting of pardon, people will definitely campaign for justice. The next level will just be the struggle for peace.
I shudder at the thought of another revolt, this time, bloodier and more vicious than the previous EDSAs. It will not be long before forces wanting to overthrow this administration will unite and together call for the ouster of Gloria.
Who would now prevent collective resignation among her cabinet? This early, there are signs of another Hyatt 10 incident. I am not in the habit of betraying the trust of my sources, but definitely, some of GMA's cabinet are intending to resign. Obviously, the Ramos' camp will definitely resign from this administration. Ramos' interview before he left for Guandong China tells you that something is terribly wrong about what's happening now.
Danger signals
There's a serious rift in Philippine society now. The military is split in the middle. PMA classes are in serious struggles against each other. The ranks of generals have been seriously affected by the succession of bribery allegations. My source in the palace told me that some generals actually told the president that they will not receive the "cash gifts" they were being offered during their recent meeting at the Palace. Some even left the room after meeting with the president.
The Lower House is also split, with those who side with the Speaker and those with Arroyo. The Senate is likewise disunited with some for the administration and some in the opposition.
We have a disunited business community, most undecided on what to do with GMA and whether to continue supporting her. We have a police establishment that is likewise torn apart due to the mess left by the ex-PNP chief.
So, Dolorfino is right---we are in the eve of a civil war. It will not be long before these forces converge against Gloria.
Will we see Gloria occupying the place of Erap in the future? This eventuality is not remote.
In search of the Truth
"In search of the truth" This is normally what people always say whenever some controversy or issue arises. People are always searching for the truth. What is the truth?
Truth is relative. In our case, truth is something that one person says and the other corroborates. The right to know is inherent in every person. However, the search for truth should always be predicated on the proposition that it should lead to something more substantive, like regime change. I hope the ZTE senate probe would lead to this.
Truth is relative. In our case, truth is something that one person says and the other corroborates. The right to know is inherent in every person. However, the search for truth should always be predicated on the proposition that it should lead to something more substantive, like regime change. I hope the ZTE senate probe would lead to this.
Revolutionary Situation
In the past days, I've conducted a mini-survey of how people feel about the present state of affairs of our country. And its unanimous--people want Gloria out. Yes, they want her and her entire government out. Arroyo does'nt need 100 days to reform because the people feel that it's now time for her and her official family to resign collectively.
Ask any taxi driver around and they'll tell you what they feel about the bribery at the palace, the callousness of their local officials, especially the governors and how they felt when some congressmen said that 500,000 is a small sum to pay for supporting the president. Such statements have taken its effect on people and the masses are really pissed. In fact, and in truth, they are just waiting for the military to move.
There's also an explanation why we don't see large rallies such as the ones we saw in EDSA some years back because people think that the police and the military will just move against them and arrest them. For the people, its just a waste of time. What they want is for the military to move and they'll follow. This situation is a repeat of EDSA 1 where a group of generals withdrew support from Marcos and staged a coup.
I am in agreement with what Alejandro Lichauco wrote a few weeks back--the people want men of action, not men who launch propaganda wars. These idealistic soldiers should realize that there's a season for propaganda and there's a season for war. The propaganda stage is now over and what we have is a situation that needs resolution. There's a social cauldron piping hot and this administration needs to do the right thing and fast. Otherwise, we would see a breakdown of the system and meltdown of law and order. Businessmen would'nt want that, right? The US would'nt want that also, right?
Ranking of Issues
These are the issues that the people find truly despicable:
1. Pay-off at the palace. Whatever the government says about this, the people will not believe anymore. Government has lost the trust of the people.
2. ZTE deal. The people find government officials involved in this, kapalmuks and they want them punished.
3. 3-4 peso increase in fuel prices. The people are pissed, really pissed about this. Because, they think that there's injustice. Look, congressmen can go to Malacanan and ask for gas money to the tune of 500,000 pesos when they, the lowly people, can't even afford a 500 peso gasoline.
4. Whitewash of the Glorietta blast. Despite overwhelming evidence that it was a chemical explosion (i support the PNP findings that it was a big fart, get it, methane, hehehe), the people does'nt believe the official palace line. I advise the palace to just distance itself from this thing. The more they talk about it, the less trust the people repose on them.
Proposed resolution
Public Relations cannot really solve these things which the people find truly horrendous and despicable. However, what is going for the palace is TIME. More time, more chance for Arroyo to save her ass. Palace should keep silent. They should not stroke the fires by issuing idiotic statements as they're not responsible about it, blah,blah,blah. They'll be talking to a blank wall because the people does'nt buy their statements anymore.
The most logical solution to save the republic is not SAVE THE QUEEN, but RESIGNATION of all government officials and the institution of a COUNCIL OF CARETAKERS who'll make policies and govern the Republic until 2010. THIS IS THE RESOLUTION.
Ask any taxi driver around and they'll tell you what they feel about the bribery at the palace, the callousness of their local officials, especially the governors and how they felt when some congressmen said that 500,000 is a small sum to pay for supporting the president. Such statements have taken its effect on people and the masses are really pissed. In fact, and in truth, they are just waiting for the military to move.
There's also an explanation why we don't see large rallies such as the ones we saw in EDSA some years back because people think that the police and the military will just move against them and arrest them. For the people, its just a waste of time. What they want is for the military to move and they'll follow. This situation is a repeat of EDSA 1 where a group of generals withdrew support from Marcos and staged a coup.
I am in agreement with what Alejandro Lichauco wrote a few weeks back--the people want men of action, not men who launch propaganda wars. These idealistic soldiers should realize that there's a season for propaganda and there's a season for war. The propaganda stage is now over and what we have is a situation that needs resolution. There's a social cauldron piping hot and this administration needs to do the right thing and fast. Otherwise, we would see a breakdown of the system and meltdown of law and order. Businessmen would'nt want that, right? The US would'nt want that also, right?
Ranking of Issues
These are the issues that the people find truly despicable:
1. Pay-off at the palace. Whatever the government says about this, the people will not believe anymore. Government has lost the trust of the people.
2. ZTE deal. The people find government officials involved in this, kapalmuks and they want them punished.
3. 3-4 peso increase in fuel prices. The people are pissed, really pissed about this. Because, they think that there's injustice. Look, congressmen can go to Malacanan and ask for gas money to the tune of 500,000 pesos when they, the lowly people, can't even afford a 500 peso gasoline.
4. Whitewash of the Glorietta blast. Despite overwhelming evidence that it was a chemical explosion (i support the PNP findings that it was a big fart, get it, methane, hehehe), the people does'nt believe the official palace line. I advise the palace to just distance itself from this thing. The more they talk about it, the less trust the people repose on them.
Proposed resolution
Public Relations cannot really solve these things which the people find truly horrendous and despicable. However, what is going for the palace is TIME. More time, more chance for Arroyo to save her ass. Palace should keep silent. They should not stroke the fires by issuing idiotic statements as they're not responsible about it, blah,blah,blah. They'll be talking to a blank wall because the people does'nt buy their statements anymore.
The most logical solution to save the republic is not SAVE THE QUEEN, but RESIGNATION of all government officials and the institution of a COUNCIL OF CARETAKERS who'll make policies and govern the Republic until 2010. THIS IS THE RESOLUTION.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Commendation
I commend PNP Chief Director General Avelino Razon. What he did last Friday was commendable. It seems that our PNP chief could do no wrong, except probably shooting his mouth sometimes(when he told everybody that it was a bomb when the investigation has not been completed yet). However, his swift action after the blast or big fart in Glorietta shows that Razon is beginning to be the ideal PNP chief everybody is wanting to have for some time. Razon's behavior and actions are really impressive. Congratulations po, General Razon. I salute you sir! You have earned the respect of the people.
I also commend Ayala Land for being pro-active and being there during the disaster. Their spokesman is very good. He's well trained. He's articulate and he conducts himself very well during interviews. I also salute you sir.
Who's the idiot who advised Gloria to go to Makati Medical Center wearing black? I saw the video grab of the president inside Makati Medical Center. She was an ominous black presence there in a sea of white. She looked like an the angel of death. Whoever advised her to wear black should be fired from her job.
And who advised her to go to airports to check on security? It's also a total kagaguhan. When a president goes to airports to check on security, it shows lack of trust in her security officials. She must remain in Malacanan, period. She must not go out and check how the people are doing because the masses don't care and don't believe her anymore. She has already lost the trust and confidence of the people. It is time to retire or resign.
I also commend Ayala Land for being pro-active and being there during the disaster. Their spokesman is very good. He's well trained. He's articulate and he conducts himself very well during interviews. I also salute you sir.
Who's the idiot who advised Gloria to go to Makati Medical Center wearing black? I saw the video grab of the president inside Makati Medical Center. She was an ominous black presence there in a sea of white. She looked like an the angel of death. Whoever advised her to wear black should be fired from her job.
And who advised her to go to airports to check on security? It's also a total kagaguhan. When a president goes to airports to check on security, it shows lack of trust in her security officials. She must remain in Malacanan, period. She must not go out and check how the people are doing because the masses don't care and don't believe her anymore. She has already lost the trust and confidence of the people. It is time to retire or resign.
The Effects of the Big Glorietta Fart
Before it was C4. Now, its methane mixed with diesel. Police says that the Glorietta blast was a big fat fart. Quite funny.
But not as funny if we account for the eleven people dead. Government should take Ayala Land into account. The Ayala People should extend all assistance to the victims.
Who benefitted from all these?
If people think that Arroyo benefitted from all these, they're wrong. Conversely, Arroyo's reputation right now is in its all-high low. Despite what the police are saying, that this blast was probably a chemical explosion, people still blame Arroyo for the mess and wants her to resign.
I always ask taxi drivers what they think about what's happening and based on one-on-one surveys which I conduct everyday, they're all in unison--there's no other way out for Gloria but resignation. The issue of pay-offs or giving gifts to government officials really pissed a lot of people. People that I asked are not laughing nor are they treating these issues lightly. They're really pissed. And when people, especially the masa are pissed, then Gloria should take heed and resign.
With all these issues hounding her, Gloria should reconsider her position of staying on. Doronila is right. If Gloria resigns right now, she'll preserve whatever legacy she has and emerge a patriot. If she persists, then, expect an escalation of this conflict never seen before in the history of this country.
What are the possible scenarios we expect from all these?
1. After tomorrow's Senate probe, expect a revival of street protests and rallies. These protests will escalate to heights never before seen in both EDSA 1 and 2. The situation, based on objective analysis of existing conditions, is tantamount to the 1986 scenario. People are raring to protests now and it is just a matter of time. Groups should serve as the trigger.
People are saying that the military should move for the kill first before the people support them. I think this is feasible under present circumstances. A repeat of EDSA 1 is in order. I concur with this observation.
But not as funny if we account for the eleven people dead. Government should take Ayala Land into account. The Ayala People should extend all assistance to the victims.
Who benefitted from all these?
If people think that Arroyo benefitted from all these, they're wrong. Conversely, Arroyo's reputation right now is in its all-high low. Despite what the police are saying, that this blast was probably a chemical explosion, people still blame Arroyo for the mess and wants her to resign.
I always ask taxi drivers what they think about what's happening and based on one-on-one surveys which I conduct everyday, they're all in unison--there's no other way out for Gloria but resignation. The issue of pay-offs or giving gifts to government officials really pissed a lot of people. People that I asked are not laughing nor are they treating these issues lightly. They're really pissed. And when people, especially the masa are pissed, then Gloria should take heed and resign.
With all these issues hounding her, Gloria should reconsider her position of staying on. Doronila is right. If Gloria resigns right now, she'll preserve whatever legacy she has and emerge a patriot. If she persists, then, expect an escalation of this conflict never seen before in the history of this country.
What are the possible scenarios we expect from all these?
1. After tomorrow's Senate probe, expect a revival of street protests and rallies. These protests will escalate to heights never before seen in both EDSA 1 and 2. The situation, based on objective analysis of existing conditions, is tantamount to the 1986 scenario. People are raring to protests now and it is just a matter of time. Groups should serve as the trigger.
People are saying that the military should move for the kill first before the people support them. I think this is feasible under present circumstances. A repeat of EDSA 1 is in order. I concur with this observation.
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Its all in the bomb
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales told DZMM this morning that for them to determine who among their enemies (and their enemies are many) did this Glorietta blast. He's right in saying that they should analyze the bomb. Yes, that's the way to do it. By analyzing the bomb which killed nine people and injured hundreds, they need to determine what kind of bomb material was used. As a veteran police beat reporter, I came across such investigations before and this administration needs the expertise of the Federal Bureau of Investigation of the United States to do this job properly.
Let's look at some scenarios, shall we?
If the bomb is C4, which reports say, could be the material used, then, it would be easy for forensic investigators to trace where it came from and how it ended in the hands of the bomb makers. This early, I am in the opinion that a dirty tricks group within the military did this blast. Let me support this by facts:
1. The manufacture and distribution of C4 is limited only to the military. Such a blast like what happened in Glorietta could only come from C4. HOWEVER, I saw a video on YouTube that the US has already developed a bomb material that a pinhead could blast a watermelon to smithereens. The video grab of ABS-CBN inside ground zero yesterday shows a fairly large amount of smoke emanating from the blast site. This US invention does not produce a large amount of smoke. So, it could not have been this kind of bomb material. It could possibly be C4.
2. If this is C4 and there's a timing device, then, police investigators could have immediately located it already and studied it for possible signatures. By studying it, they would determine who made it. If the signature shows that the skill or knowledge of making it came from the AFP, then, it will further bolster the postulate that a military group was behind the blasts.
3. If there's a timing device, then the time is also important in determining who did it. Why was it set-off in the afternoon and not in the morning? Observe that the bomb took off at the time when some bishops were having a press conference somewhere in Quezon City. Uncanny coincidence? If this was the handiwork of international terrorists, then, it could have happened anytime, but not EXACTLY during such a period of instability such as this. Don't tell me that these psychotics know when the bishops will be having their pressconferences? Don't tell me that they know exactly when groups will be having their open declaration of war against Arroyo?
Analyzing the bomb, the time it took off, and the antecedents show a fairly distinctive signature--it is a bomb intended for politics, not for international terrorism.
But, what if it was indeed the handiwork of terrorists?
Then, this blast is a denunciation of this administration. This shows how weak this administration is in combatting terrorism. It all the more justifies US intervention in the politics of this country.
I appeal to the international community to convince this administration to admit failure and immediately resign. The US and the Open Democracy alliance should intervene in this and save our country from these inept government officials. Our economy is on the right track and we can't afford to have a government like this. This administration continues to demonstrate weak leadership. It also shows a tendency to capitulate to any pressure group just to preserve itself. If this government just wants to extend its rule and create an environment of fear to justify a state of emergency, then, democratic forces should act NOW and move towards freedom. Tama na, sobra na. The state has turned into full militarization. It has turned into the country's biggest threat against democracy and the biggest idiot in the fight against terror.
Let's look at some scenarios, shall we?
If the bomb is C4, which reports say, could be the material used, then, it would be easy for forensic investigators to trace where it came from and how it ended in the hands of the bomb makers. This early, I am in the opinion that a dirty tricks group within the military did this blast. Let me support this by facts:
1. The manufacture and distribution of C4 is limited only to the military. Such a blast like what happened in Glorietta could only come from C4. HOWEVER, I saw a video on YouTube that the US has already developed a bomb material that a pinhead could blast a watermelon to smithereens. The video grab of ABS-CBN inside ground zero yesterday shows a fairly large amount of smoke emanating from the blast site. This US invention does not produce a large amount of smoke. So, it could not have been this kind of bomb material. It could possibly be C4.
2. If this is C4 and there's a timing device, then, police investigators could have immediately located it already and studied it for possible signatures. By studying it, they would determine who made it. If the signature shows that the skill or knowledge of making it came from the AFP, then, it will further bolster the postulate that a military group was behind the blasts.
3. If there's a timing device, then the time is also important in determining who did it. Why was it set-off in the afternoon and not in the morning? Observe that the bomb took off at the time when some bishops were having a press conference somewhere in Quezon City. Uncanny coincidence? If this was the handiwork of international terrorists, then, it could have happened anytime, but not EXACTLY during such a period of instability such as this. Don't tell me that these psychotics know when the bishops will be having their pressconferences? Don't tell me that they know exactly when groups will be having their open declaration of war against Arroyo?
Analyzing the bomb, the time it took off, and the antecedents show a fairly distinctive signature--it is a bomb intended for politics, not for international terrorism.
But, what if it was indeed the handiwork of terrorists?
Then, this blast is a denunciation of this administration. This shows how weak this administration is in combatting terrorism. It all the more justifies US intervention in the politics of this country.
I appeal to the international community to convince this administration to admit failure and immediately resign. The US and the Open Democracy alliance should intervene in this and save our country from these inept government officials. Our economy is on the right track and we can't afford to have a government like this. This administration continues to demonstrate weak leadership. It also shows a tendency to capitulate to any pressure group just to preserve itself. If this government just wants to extend its rule and create an environment of fear to justify a state of emergency, then, democratic forces should act NOW and move towards freedom. Tama na, sobra na. The state has turned into full militarization. It has turned into the country's biggest threat against democracy and the biggest idiot in the fight against terror.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Analyzing the Glorietta Blast
Expect the worst. This is what I gleaned from the radio interview made with PNP Chief Avelino Razon Jr. The PNP chief says that they are anticipating other incidents which may happen. So, expect other incidents.
My gut tells me that this is not over. My years of training as a police-beat reporter, covering wars, hostages and strifes as a TV reporter tells me that this blast is a handiwork of a group of madmen, but which group, let's find out in this entry.
Who's who in the list of madmen?
For us to determine who among the list below of groups of madmen who probably did this psychotic thing, let's look at the precedents or events that happened prior to this bombing.
1. Jemaah Islamiya-ASG. Rate of possibility: 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Prior to this blast, reports say that the AFP nearly cornered Dulmatin, the vicious master terrorist who instigated the Bali blasts. Reports say he's still here in the Philippines. However, what I believe, based on studying this issue is, he's not here anymore. He could be living or hiding somewhere in Malaysia. Nonetheless, we can't discount the possibility that he ordered somebody or a group of like-minded psychotics to do this kind of thing.
One the other hand, I am wont to believe that this group is responsible for this blast. One, reports say the group is looking out for funds. They are on the run, says the AFP. So, being on the run, they could not possibly do this thing. Besides, if we are to believe AFP intel reports, their support infrastructure has been destroyed with the dissolution of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM). Likewise, I don't think that a Filipino Muslim, convert or not, would turn into a bombing dummy. Intelligence organisations have studied the psychological profiles of would-be Islamists here in this country and there's no indication that anyone of them is so capable of sacrificing their bodies for Allah SWT.
But, I think, Malacanang will use them to explain this for want of a better suspect. If they, indeed do this, the implication is so obvious--the Philippines can never claim to be the strongest ally of the US against terrorism. It would spell the doom for Arroyo and could justify US support for her speedy ouster.
2. CPP-NPA. Rate of possibility: 2 out of 5 stars
News reports say CPP Spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal is dead. The CPP-NPA immediately issued a statement denying this. However, the AFP stood by its earlier statement. It is suprising though why the AFP wants Ka Roger to surface. Maybe they sense that Ka Roger is up to something? However, the rate of possibility of them doing this kind of thing is ludicrous.
3. Magdalo soldiers. Rate of possibility: 1 out of 5 stars
Yes, they are young and idealistic. Yes, they have the arms and the solid determination to pursue their mission of ousting GMA. However, they are not that psychotic. If this blast is politically-motivated, it could have been done in a sparsely populated area, not in Glorietta. Who in his right mind would set off a bomb in a shopping mall where there's a high density of people in any one time? If the aim is to make a political statement, it could have been made with minimal casualties. Look at how these Magdalo soldiers launched their coup in 2002. It was held in a hotel. They are cono rebels. No one died in that incident. So, they are not in the habit of setting off bombs just to make a point.
4. CIA. Rate of possibility: 4 out of 5 stars
We know for a fact, that there is an active CIA cell here in the Philippines. Some say they have a permanent headquarter in Magsaysay center, the one in Roxas Boulevard. But, why would the CIA do such a special operations? I think because they are one with other anti-GMA forces in ousting GMA. If this is true, then, GMA is in serious trouble.
5. AFP dirty tricks group. Rate of possibility: 5 out of 5 stars
It is entirely possible that a group of loyalist generals ordered this bombing. One, the blast occurred right after a Malacanang meeting with the generals. A palace snoop told me that the palace gave sums of money to the generals and some actually, honorably, told Malacanang that they will not accept the "bribe" money. After this meeting came the pronouncement of Marine Commandant Dolorfino that we could be headed towards civil war.
This blast could preclude a declaration of a state of emergency. Why do I believe that these loyalists generals have a hand in this? First, these band of corrupt generals have a history already. They were the brains behind the series of blasts to force Erap out. They are vicious. They are corrupt. They don't mind sacrificing lives for the sake of preserving the status quo. Remember what Trillianes and a group of idealistic officers disclosed about the Davao blasts? They pointed to then Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes as the man behind those blasts. They are our modern-day Rolex generals who will do everything to protect their principal from eventual ouster.
They will initiate these bombing raids to create a scenario of chaos and confusion. It is a brilliant idea because (a) it could divert or deflect the attention of the people to the bribery issue (b) force out the resignation calls from the headlines and (c) to justify the imposition of a state of emergency.
What they don't realize is this---this will not work this time. This traditional strategy had been used during Marcos time before and will never work now. There's an impending social revolution, just waiting to explode anytime. Groups are fed up with GMA and there's no other option left for her except resignation. Otherwise, Dolorfino might be right in saying that we could be really headed towards direct, bloody confrontation.
We are in the dying hours of a corrupt, inept and immoral regime. This Hitlerian tactics will never work.
Message to those dark forces
Hours ago, Arroyo convened the National Security Council (NSC). We don't know what was discussed but one thing is definitely sure--they are preparing for war. They know their enemies and they will do everything to save this regime from total annihilation. I am definitely sure both camps are busy finding or looking for a compromise. They will not find any.
In times when people are fed up with the lies and immorality of their leaders, some men are expected to stand up and sacrifice their futures for the sake of the next generation. This regime thinks highly of itself, that they are invincible. However, it will not be long before they collapse from their own weight.
I am very sure that a coup is forthcoming and I will revise what I wrote here earlier that this could probably stretch until January. It could be that regime change will happen earlier than expected.
My gut tells me that this is not over. My years of training as a police-beat reporter, covering wars, hostages and strifes as a TV reporter tells me that this blast is a handiwork of a group of madmen, but which group, let's find out in this entry.
Who's who in the list of madmen?
For us to determine who among the list below of groups of madmen who probably did this psychotic thing, let's look at the precedents or events that happened prior to this bombing.
1. Jemaah Islamiya-ASG. Rate of possibility: 3 stars out of 5 stars.
Prior to this blast, reports say that the AFP nearly cornered Dulmatin, the vicious master terrorist who instigated the Bali blasts. Reports say he's still here in the Philippines. However, what I believe, based on studying this issue is, he's not here anymore. He could be living or hiding somewhere in Malaysia. Nonetheless, we can't discount the possibility that he ordered somebody or a group of like-minded psychotics to do this kind of thing.
One the other hand, I am wont to believe that this group is responsible for this blast. One, reports say the group is looking out for funds. They are on the run, says the AFP. So, being on the run, they could not possibly do this thing. Besides, if we are to believe AFP intel reports, their support infrastructure has been destroyed with the dissolution of the Rajah Solaiman Movement (RSM). Likewise, I don't think that a Filipino Muslim, convert or not, would turn into a bombing dummy. Intelligence organisations have studied the psychological profiles of would-be Islamists here in this country and there's no indication that anyone of them is so capable of sacrificing their bodies for Allah SWT.
But, I think, Malacanang will use them to explain this for want of a better suspect. If they, indeed do this, the implication is so obvious--the Philippines can never claim to be the strongest ally of the US against terrorism. It would spell the doom for Arroyo and could justify US support for her speedy ouster.
2. CPP-NPA. Rate of possibility: 2 out of 5 stars
News reports say CPP Spokesman Gregorio "Ka Roger" Rosal is dead. The CPP-NPA immediately issued a statement denying this. However, the AFP stood by its earlier statement. It is suprising though why the AFP wants Ka Roger to surface. Maybe they sense that Ka Roger is up to something? However, the rate of possibility of them doing this kind of thing is ludicrous.
3. Magdalo soldiers. Rate of possibility: 1 out of 5 stars
Yes, they are young and idealistic. Yes, they have the arms and the solid determination to pursue their mission of ousting GMA. However, they are not that psychotic. If this blast is politically-motivated, it could have been done in a sparsely populated area, not in Glorietta. Who in his right mind would set off a bomb in a shopping mall where there's a high density of people in any one time? If the aim is to make a political statement, it could have been made with minimal casualties. Look at how these Magdalo soldiers launched their coup in 2002. It was held in a hotel. They are cono rebels. No one died in that incident. So, they are not in the habit of setting off bombs just to make a point.
4. CIA. Rate of possibility: 4 out of 5 stars
We know for a fact, that there is an active CIA cell here in the Philippines. Some say they have a permanent headquarter in Magsaysay center, the one in Roxas Boulevard. But, why would the CIA do such a special operations? I think because they are one with other anti-GMA forces in ousting GMA. If this is true, then, GMA is in serious trouble.
5. AFP dirty tricks group. Rate of possibility: 5 out of 5 stars
It is entirely possible that a group of loyalist generals ordered this bombing. One, the blast occurred right after a Malacanang meeting with the generals. A palace snoop told me that the palace gave sums of money to the generals and some actually, honorably, told Malacanang that they will not accept the "bribe" money. After this meeting came the pronouncement of Marine Commandant Dolorfino that we could be headed towards civil war.
This blast could preclude a declaration of a state of emergency. Why do I believe that these loyalists generals have a hand in this? First, these band of corrupt generals have a history already. They were the brains behind the series of blasts to force Erap out. They are vicious. They are corrupt. They don't mind sacrificing lives for the sake of preserving the status quo. Remember what Trillianes and a group of idealistic officers disclosed about the Davao blasts? They pointed to then Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes as the man behind those blasts. They are our modern-day Rolex generals who will do everything to protect their principal from eventual ouster.
They will initiate these bombing raids to create a scenario of chaos and confusion. It is a brilliant idea because (a) it could divert or deflect the attention of the people to the bribery issue (b) force out the resignation calls from the headlines and (c) to justify the imposition of a state of emergency.
What they don't realize is this---this will not work this time. This traditional strategy had been used during Marcos time before and will never work now. There's an impending social revolution, just waiting to explode anytime. Groups are fed up with GMA and there's no other option left for her except resignation. Otherwise, Dolorfino might be right in saying that we could be really headed towards direct, bloody confrontation.
We are in the dying hours of a corrupt, inept and immoral regime. This Hitlerian tactics will never work.
Message to those dark forces
Hours ago, Arroyo convened the National Security Council (NSC). We don't know what was discussed but one thing is definitely sure--they are preparing for war. They know their enemies and they will do everything to save this regime from total annihilation. I am definitely sure both camps are busy finding or looking for a compromise. They will not find any.
In times when people are fed up with the lies and immorality of their leaders, some men are expected to stand up and sacrifice their futures for the sake of the next generation. This regime thinks highly of itself, that they are invincible. However, it will not be long before they collapse from their own weight.
I am very sure that a coup is forthcoming and I will revise what I wrote here earlier that this could probably stretch until January. It could be that regime change will happen earlier than expected.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Shock Treatment
A major confrontation is expected between the forces of Good (anti-GMA, anti-bribery probe) versus the forces of Evil (pro-bribery and pro-GMA) in the first week of November. November may be the darkest days of this administration because at that time (a) the Senate probe would have ended and (b) Congress is expected to reconvene after the holidays. Some say the long holiday (from 29 October to 2 November 2007) would be used by the enemies of Mrs. Arroyo to launch something against her.
It is also evident that both forces (GMA and anti-GMA) have finished an accounting of forces and both parties know their individual strengths and weaknesses. The lines have been drawn and expect a full confrontation starting November. There are certain questions that need to be answered, which I will lay down one by one:
1. Is a civil war possible? Under the circumstances, yes. A civil war is definitely possible if GMA clings to power tenaciously. If the current talks between the GMA and anti-GMA forces fail, chances are GMA might be the first president who brought us civil strife. Should it happen, it would only take about a week.
2. Is ouster of GMA likely? Yes. This bribery issue already broke the camel's back. The effects is irreversible. There is no solution viable enough to appease the soldiers nor the masses. It is a dead end. JDV's call for Mrs. Arroyo to overhaul the administration is a futile call. The only solution is the total eradication of this administration. No amount of damage control can be done to arrest this.
3. Will we have another EDSA? Maybe not this time. This time I think, will be totally different. It would be a purely military coup. The model is Thailand.
4. Will we have democracy after this? Yes. It is the strategic interests of the US and other countries to maintain democracy in the Philippines. A civilian-military revolutionary government is viable under a democratic setup. Businesses will not be touched. Civil liberties will not be violated. However, measures against counter-revolutionaries and the forces of the First Family will be the first to go under this government.
5. Will exile be the preferred exit of the 1st Family? Should the first family decline the offer of an emissary of the anti-GMA forces which will be delivered personally to the palace before November, GMA and the First Gentleman will spend their xmas in jail.
It is also evident that both forces (GMA and anti-GMA) have finished an accounting of forces and both parties know their individual strengths and weaknesses. The lines have been drawn and expect a full confrontation starting November. There are certain questions that need to be answered, which I will lay down one by one:
1. Is a civil war possible? Under the circumstances, yes. A civil war is definitely possible if GMA clings to power tenaciously. If the current talks between the GMA and anti-GMA forces fail, chances are GMA might be the first president who brought us civil strife. Should it happen, it would only take about a week.
2. Is ouster of GMA likely? Yes. This bribery issue already broke the camel's back. The effects is irreversible. There is no solution viable enough to appease the soldiers nor the masses. It is a dead end. JDV's call for Mrs. Arroyo to overhaul the administration is a futile call. The only solution is the total eradication of this administration. No amount of damage control can be done to arrest this.
3. Will we have another EDSA? Maybe not this time. This time I think, will be totally different. It would be a purely military coup. The model is Thailand.
4. Will we have democracy after this? Yes. It is the strategic interests of the US and other countries to maintain democracy in the Philippines. A civilian-military revolutionary government is viable under a democratic setup. Businesses will not be touched. Civil liberties will not be violated. However, measures against counter-revolutionaries and the forces of the First Family will be the first to go under this government.
5. Will exile be the preferred exit of the 1st Family? Should the first family decline the offer of an emissary of the anti-GMA forces which will be delivered personally to the palace before November, GMA and the First Gentleman will spend their xmas in jail.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Jueteng Money to innoculate GMA--Money Trail
A source from Malacanang said that the monies given to governors and congressmen (more than 500 million) came from jueteng money. I could'nt believe it at first but after Department of Budget and Management Secretary Andaya denied that these monies came from the government treasury, I thought that this thing could be possible. Remember that classic video grab where these government officials came out of the palace flanking Manny Pacquiao, who was at the back of Manny and trailing both GMA and JDV? You guessed right--its Chavit Singson. And you know that Singson would say that the reason why he was there was he's Manny's link to the palace right? Well, there's more to that Singson visit to the palace than welcoming a boxer.
Who would give such a huge amount that palace factotums like Tonypet Albano and Poblador can just give "just like that."? Well, it could be jueteng money. It could have been given by a losing Kapampangan for governor, or a big-time Batangas jueteng lord cum kingpin or a Bicol-based silent operator?
Another wagging tongue shared this view--probably the monies came from the secret bank accounts of the Arroyos in the Swiss Alps. Remember that the First Golfer, err, First Gentleman went to Zurich during the height of the ZTE probe, right? If FG can go on a trip, ride an airplane, then he's as healthy as a bull to attend the ZTE Senate probe, yes? No, says his doctor. The stress might kill FG. But, he can ride an airplane, go to the banks with his alleged girl friend for what? FG's trip to Germany should be investigated thoroughly.
Or, it could be ZTE money, withdrawn by FG from abroad? Remember that ZTE allegedly gave 50 Million US dollars as "advanced money" to Abalos and his gang. That's 2.2 billion pesos! That's just a fraction of the spoils given to these rapacious government officials.
Those monies cannot be government money, because if it is, it should have a paper trail, right? Wrong. The president, says another source, can get 500 million from her intelligence funds, which are discretionary funds. Well, the Senate should check on this enormous power of the purse by the president. Because if she can do that, with just a verbal order, she can dispense half a billion pesos, then, she's the wealthiest single banker this country ever had.
There's more to this than meets the eye
If we have that big an amount to just give to our government officials "recklessly and apparently in wanton fashion", then, we should investigate this. I am appalled by the reaction our distinguished Senators and government officials showed lately. They seemed to be disaffected by all of this, as if this thing is not to be despised nor to be thought as illegal.
Where's our morals? It could be that we have lost it altogether and we're ripe for the reaping.
Who would give such a huge amount that palace factotums like Tonypet Albano and Poblador can just give "just like that."? Well, it could be jueteng money. It could have been given by a losing Kapampangan for governor, or a big-time Batangas jueteng lord cum kingpin or a Bicol-based silent operator?
Another wagging tongue shared this view--probably the monies came from the secret bank accounts of the Arroyos in the Swiss Alps. Remember that the First Golfer, err, First Gentleman went to Zurich during the height of the ZTE probe, right? If FG can go on a trip, ride an airplane, then he's as healthy as a bull to attend the ZTE Senate probe, yes? No, says his doctor. The stress might kill FG. But, he can ride an airplane, go to the banks with his alleged girl friend for what? FG's trip to Germany should be investigated thoroughly.
Or, it could be ZTE money, withdrawn by FG from abroad? Remember that ZTE allegedly gave 50 Million US dollars as "advanced money" to Abalos and his gang. That's 2.2 billion pesos! That's just a fraction of the spoils given to these rapacious government officials.
Those monies cannot be government money, because if it is, it should have a paper trail, right? Wrong. The president, says another source, can get 500 million from her intelligence funds, which are discretionary funds. Well, the Senate should check on this enormous power of the purse by the president. Because if she can do that, with just a verbal order, she can dispense half a billion pesos, then, she's the wealthiest single banker this country ever had.
There's more to this than meets the eye
If we have that big an amount to just give to our government officials "recklessly and apparently in wanton fashion", then, we should investigate this. I am appalled by the reaction our distinguished Senators and government officials showed lately. They seemed to be disaffected by all of this, as if this thing is not to be despised nor to be thought as illegal.
Where's our morals? It could be that we have lost it altogether and we're ripe for the reaping.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Disgusted over Congressmen
I'm appalled by the story below, that this administration gave monies to congressmen just to railroad this impeachment complaint. I am equally disgusted with the reason why these congressmen were given the monies. The Inquirer source said, it was a gift from the president because congressmen..worked hard and slept a little working on the budget. This is the most idiotic statement I have heard from years! These fat, pot-bellied government officials are supposed to work hard. We, the people, are paying them to work for us. They don't need to be given bonuses just because they slept a little.
And I am much disappointed with the first paragraph of this article. Imagine, this article tries to insulate the Speaker from this huge charade by saying that JDV was forced to "back off from an impeachment move" because the president showered these congressmen with money. How low can you get?
What's worst, the Inquirer source said that these amounts of 200,000 and 500,000 are "small" as "bribes" to back off from an impeachment complaint. They're really thick skinned people. These congressmen should be the first to get God's justice in due time.
__________
Pro-Arroyo lawmakers given gifts, pork pledge
By Christian V. Esguerra, Norman Bordadora, Michael Lim Ubac
Inquirer
Last updated 01:36am (Mla time) 10/12/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines -- Battling for political survival for the third time in as many years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday summoned loyal congressmen to Malacañang and, in a show of strength using “sendoff gifts,” forced Speaker Jose de Venecia to back off from an impeachment move.
Envelopes containing cash amounting to between P200,000 and P500,000 were handed out to congressmen at the meeting, along with promises of pork barrel amounting to millions of pesos, hours before administration lawmakers took action in the House of Representatives to protect Ms Arroyo from being impeached, several lawmakers present at the meeting told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.
Ms Arroyo herself called the unscheduled breakfast meeting with around 190 congressmen but some of the Inquirer informants said she was not around when the envelopes were supposedly distributed.
Malacañang dismissed the report as part of “political intrigue” and said that congressmen were “not for sale.”
The congressmen who confirmed the incident described the handouts variously as “a remembrance,” a “sendoff gift,” and “tulong” (help).
“All of them received P500,000,” a ranking member of the staff of one administration congressman said. “Some were floating P200,000 just so they can save when barangay officials start asking them for assistance.”
“The President was not there when the money was distributed, but congressmen got the message. They have to toe what Malacañang wants to happen as far as the impeachment is concerned,” he added.
Hard and soft
The source said that another matter relayed to the House members during the meeting was the distribution of their pork barrel worth P70 million.
“Before, it was 50 hard and 20 soft (P50 million for infrastructure and P20 million for funds assistance to local government units). Now, it’s 35 and 35,” the congressional source said. “Now, there’s more flexibility.”
In an interview with the Inquirer hours after the distribution of money, an administration lawmaker said the largesse came inside envelopes containing at least P200,000 in cash.
The amounts were distributed at the end of a breakfast meeting, the congressman said on condition of anonymity.
“They were distributed by the door as the congressmen were leaving,” he said.
Too small
But the source made it clear that the money was not meant to influence lawmakers on their decision in the impeachment complaint.
“You don’t kill an impeachment with that meager amount,” he said.
“It’s normal at the end of the session days for congressmen to be given tokens of remembrance,” the other lawmaker said.
“In this case, congressmen worked extended hours for the national budget. They slept very little. So it’s but natural for the party to make members feel that they are remembered.”
Help in the elections
Asked to comment on reports that the congressmen received promises of “pork barrel” before or after the Oct. 29 barangay elections, the source said the congressmen got no other pledge from the party leadership.
Another majority congressman confirmed the cash distribution, but said it was intended as “tulong” (help) for lawmakers for the upcoming barangay elections.
Asked about the reported “pork barrel” promise, a senior member of the ruling coalition gave different figures of the amounts promised: “The P15 million are for soft projects. The P20 million are for hard projects. We’ve been working for those since August. These are all for 2008.”
The senior congressman, like the other Inquirer sources, asked not to be identified given the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Soft projects are financial assistance to local government units and public institutions such as hospitals. Hard projects are those for infrastructure such as roads, bridges and classrooms.
Another meeting
The senior congressman denied receiving P200,000 to P500,000 to help barangay election candidates in the coming elections, saying he left the breakfast early.
“I don’t know anything about that,” the three-term lawmaker said.
“There was no need to tell anybody to support the referral of the impeachment complaint against the President because it was already agreed that it will no longer be the Speaker who will transmit the complaint,” the senior congressman said.
Malacañang summoned administration lawmakers to breakfast at 8 a.m.
Ms Arroyo showed up around 30 minutes later, but delivered no speech, according to one Inquirer informant.
Another lawmaker also from the majority said another gathering was scheduled last night in Malacañang “for those who failed to attend the breakfast.”
“I got an invitation,” he told the Inquirer.
Just a social
Another administration lawmaker, who was also present during the breakfast, said the occasion was largely a “social gathering” for legislators before they took their semestral break.
But the source said his colleagues repeatedly harped on the idea that the elections were near and they needed money.
“Maraming nagpaparinig,” the source said. “Magastos daw.”
One of the Inquirer sources said a congressman needed at least P3 million to help finance youth and barangay candidates in the coming polls. In his district alone, he said he needed at least P1 million on the premise that each of his candidates was to be given P1,000.
One congressman admitted by phone that envelopes were passed during the meeting but said it contained only “a token (amount).”
He explained that the money would go to barangay officials who would have to run for reelection in the barangay polls this month.
No SAROs released
But the lawmaker, who belongs to the inner circle of the House leadership, denied that special allotment release orders (SAROs) were released.
“I don’t think so,” the congressman said, stressing that he himself was surprised that pork barrel allocations were not distributed by Malacañang.
“This is the first time in six years that they did not give anything on the last day of the session of Congress,” the lawmaker said. “Usually, SAROs are handed out during this time.”
The congressman suspected that Ms Arroyo was stopping the scheduled release of SAROs as a leverage against House members on the issue of the impeachment complaint.
Pulling the strings
“It’s coming,” the lawmaker said, stressing that Malacañang had the penchant for using the pork barrel entitlements to keep lawmakers toeing the administration line.
The lawmaker sees Malacañang’s hands “pulling the strings to oust” the Speaker.
“Let’s see who will win in the end. They can’t just unseat Speaker De Venecia,” the congressman said.
Former House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles neither confirmed nor denied the reported release of SAROs when reached by phone late Thursday.
“Releases, if any, of our legislative and our district entitlements for our people are not in any way impeachment-connected. Fact is that they are long overdue for our priority projects listed by congressmen,” said Nograles.
Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde said he was not present during the breakfast meeting, “but I don’t think that the Palace will go down to that level.”
He said the unfounded reports were part of the “political intrigues that are no longer news.”
Not for sale
Remonde said: “The congressmen are not for sale, and for that matter the entire Congress of the Philippines.”
“The President is confident that any impeachment attempt will collapse under its own lack of weight,” Remonde said.
And I am much disappointed with the first paragraph of this article. Imagine, this article tries to insulate the Speaker from this huge charade by saying that JDV was forced to "back off from an impeachment move" because the president showered these congressmen with money. How low can you get?
What's worst, the Inquirer source said that these amounts of 200,000 and 500,000 are "small" as "bribes" to back off from an impeachment complaint. They're really thick skinned people. These congressmen should be the first to get God's justice in due time.
__________
Pro-Arroyo lawmakers given gifts, pork pledge
By Christian V. Esguerra, Norman Bordadora, Michael Lim Ubac
Inquirer
Last updated 01:36am (Mla time) 10/12/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines -- Battling for political survival for the third time in as many years, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Thursday summoned loyal congressmen to Malacañang and, in a show of strength using “sendoff gifts,” forced Speaker Jose de Venecia to back off from an impeachment move.
Envelopes containing cash amounting to between P200,000 and P500,000 were handed out to congressmen at the meeting, along with promises of pork barrel amounting to millions of pesos, hours before administration lawmakers took action in the House of Representatives to protect Ms Arroyo from being impeached, several lawmakers present at the meeting told the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company of INQUIRER.net.
Ms Arroyo herself called the unscheduled breakfast meeting with around 190 congressmen but some of the Inquirer informants said she was not around when the envelopes were supposedly distributed.
Malacañang dismissed the report as part of “political intrigue” and said that congressmen were “not for sale.”
The congressmen who confirmed the incident described the handouts variously as “a remembrance,” a “sendoff gift,” and “tulong” (help).
“All of them received P500,000,” a ranking member of the staff of one administration congressman said. “Some were floating P200,000 just so they can save when barangay officials start asking them for assistance.”
“The President was not there when the money was distributed, but congressmen got the message. They have to toe what Malacañang wants to happen as far as the impeachment is concerned,” he added.
Hard and soft
The source said that another matter relayed to the House members during the meeting was the distribution of their pork barrel worth P70 million.
“Before, it was 50 hard and 20 soft (P50 million for infrastructure and P20 million for funds assistance to local government units). Now, it’s 35 and 35,” the congressional source said. “Now, there’s more flexibility.”
In an interview with the Inquirer hours after the distribution of money, an administration lawmaker said the largesse came inside envelopes containing at least P200,000 in cash.
The amounts were distributed at the end of a breakfast meeting, the congressman said on condition of anonymity.
“They were distributed by the door as the congressmen were leaving,” he said.
Too small
But the source made it clear that the money was not meant to influence lawmakers on their decision in the impeachment complaint.
“You don’t kill an impeachment with that meager amount,” he said.
“It’s normal at the end of the session days for congressmen to be given tokens of remembrance,” the other lawmaker said.
“In this case, congressmen worked extended hours for the national budget. They slept very little. So it’s but natural for the party to make members feel that they are remembered.”
Help in the elections
Asked to comment on reports that the congressmen received promises of “pork barrel” before or after the Oct. 29 barangay elections, the source said the congressmen got no other pledge from the party leadership.
Another majority congressman confirmed the cash distribution, but said it was intended as “tulong” (help) for lawmakers for the upcoming barangay elections.
Asked about the reported “pork barrel” promise, a senior member of the ruling coalition gave different figures of the amounts promised: “The P15 million are for soft projects. The P20 million are for hard projects. We’ve been working for those since August. These are all for 2008.”
The senior congressman, like the other Inquirer sources, asked not to be identified given the sensitivity of the subject matter.
Soft projects are financial assistance to local government units and public institutions such as hospitals. Hard projects are those for infrastructure such as roads, bridges and classrooms.
Another meeting
The senior congressman denied receiving P200,000 to P500,000 to help barangay election candidates in the coming elections, saying he left the breakfast early.
“I don’t know anything about that,” the three-term lawmaker said.
“There was no need to tell anybody to support the referral of the impeachment complaint against the President because it was already agreed that it will no longer be the Speaker who will transmit the complaint,” the senior congressman said.
Malacañang summoned administration lawmakers to breakfast at 8 a.m.
Ms Arroyo showed up around 30 minutes later, but delivered no speech, according to one Inquirer informant.
Another lawmaker also from the majority said another gathering was scheduled last night in Malacañang “for those who failed to attend the breakfast.”
“I got an invitation,” he told the Inquirer.
Just a social
Another administration lawmaker, who was also present during the breakfast, said the occasion was largely a “social gathering” for legislators before they took their semestral break.
But the source said his colleagues repeatedly harped on the idea that the elections were near and they needed money.
“Maraming nagpaparinig,” the source said. “Magastos daw.”
One of the Inquirer sources said a congressman needed at least P3 million to help finance youth and barangay candidates in the coming polls. In his district alone, he said he needed at least P1 million on the premise that each of his candidates was to be given P1,000.
One congressman admitted by phone that envelopes were passed during the meeting but said it contained only “a token (amount).”
He explained that the money would go to barangay officials who would have to run for reelection in the barangay polls this month.
No SAROs released
But the lawmaker, who belongs to the inner circle of the House leadership, denied that special allotment release orders (SAROs) were released.
“I don’t think so,” the congressman said, stressing that he himself was surprised that pork barrel allocations were not distributed by Malacañang.
“This is the first time in six years that they did not give anything on the last day of the session of Congress,” the lawmaker said. “Usually, SAROs are handed out during this time.”
The congressman suspected that Ms Arroyo was stopping the scheduled release of SAROs as a leverage against House members on the issue of the impeachment complaint.
Pulling the strings
“It’s coming,” the lawmaker said, stressing that Malacañang had the penchant for using the pork barrel entitlements to keep lawmakers toeing the administration line.
The lawmaker sees Malacañang’s hands “pulling the strings to oust” the Speaker.
“Let’s see who will win in the end. They can’t just unseat Speaker De Venecia,” the congressman said.
Former House Majority Leader Prospero Nograles neither confirmed nor denied the reported release of SAROs when reached by phone late Thursday.
“Releases, if any, of our legislative and our district entitlements for our people are not in any way impeachment-connected. Fact is that they are long overdue for our priority projects listed by congressmen,” said Nograles.
Presidential Management Staff Chief Cerge Remonde said he was not present during the breakfast meeting, “but I don’t think that the Palace will go down to that level.”
He said the unfounded reports were part of the “political intrigues that are no longer news.”
Not for sale
Remonde said: “The congressmen are not for sale, and for that matter the entire Congress of the Philippines.”
“The President is confident that any impeachment attempt will collapse under its own lack of weight,” Remonde said.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Who'll win the high-stakes war?
Talks are rife that Malacanang is really campaigning for the ouster of JDV. Despite very public pronouncements from both sides that they love each other, privately, they hate each other's guts. Quite simply, this struggle between cliques inside the ruling administration party reflects the "nervousness" of the party since 2010 is just around the corner. The absence of any worthy presidentiable among their ranks are beginning to worry party leaders. A news report says Lakas has been conducting a search for a party standard-bearer, and talks are again rife that most of Lakas solons have'nt really found somebody yet worthy of fielding against the De Castros, the Lacsons, the Roxases and Villars of other parties. The prospect of defeat looms in the horizon.
The possibility of Lakas again being marginalized and out of power in a post-Arroyo regime looms large, as the party is still struggling hard to maintain its current stature. Raids conducted by Kampi, the president's own party, caused a dent in the Lakas organizational structure. Though results from the elections seemed to indicate that Lakas managed to pull a fast one from Kampi, nonetheless, threats still remain, ironically coming from their allies instead of their perceived traditional enemies.
Most of these reports about the "impeachment" complaint filed by a nondescript lawyer and the current "war" between JDV and GMA shows a classic war between trapos. Obviously, both sides know that they are headed towards a confrontation. JDV is using this impeachment complaint as his ace against the president while the president used a traitor in the person of Pulido to oust the speaker in another route. Caught in middle are their respective allies. Right now, its a numbers game. Both cliques are counting on their political mass bases for survival.
The question is---why is Malacanang moving against JDV? Is it because of the ZTE?
No. ZTE is just a peripheral issue here. The revelation of Joey is a small matter.
The main contention here is the prime ministership. The plan is to initiate a constitutional change from a presidential to parliamentary before 2010 and both Arroyo and De Venecia want the post. This is the prime driver causing a wedge between both cliques.
On the ground, proxy wars are being initiated by both camps. There's an appearance that JDV and GMA are still allie but in reality, they are just preparing for war. With this situation, both the executive and the lower house have been rendered ineffective and debilitated. Ravenous parties lusting for wealth and power are exploiting this issue to court favours from both parties. What we now have is a serious intra-elite struggle that needs something to get full-blown. The law of nature dictates that for every flow, there should be an outlet to release the energy. This needs an outlet. And their pawns and generals should create one and fast.
The possibility of Lakas again being marginalized and out of power in a post-Arroyo regime looms large, as the party is still struggling hard to maintain its current stature. Raids conducted by Kampi, the president's own party, caused a dent in the Lakas organizational structure. Though results from the elections seemed to indicate that Lakas managed to pull a fast one from Kampi, nonetheless, threats still remain, ironically coming from their allies instead of their perceived traditional enemies.
Most of these reports about the "impeachment" complaint filed by a nondescript lawyer and the current "war" between JDV and GMA shows a classic war between trapos. Obviously, both sides know that they are headed towards a confrontation. JDV is using this impeachment complaint as his ace against the president while the president used a traitor in the person of Pulido to oust the speaker in another route. Caught in middle are their respective allies. Right now, its a numbers game. Both cliques are counting on their political mass bases for survival.
The question is---why is Malacanang moving against JDV? Is it because of the ZTE?
No. ZTE is just a peripheral issue here. The revelation of Joey is a small matter.
The main contention here is the prime ministership. The plan is to initiate a constitutional change from a presidential to parliamentary before 2010 and both Arroyo and De Venecia want the post. This is the prime driver causing a wedge between both cliques.
On the ground, proxy wars are being initiated by both camps. There's an appearance that JDV and GMA are still allie but in reality, they are just preparing for war. With this situation, both the executive and the lower house have been rendered ineffective and debilitated. Ravenous parties lusting for wealth and power are exploiting this issue to court favours from both parties. What we now have is a serious intra-elite struggle that needs something to get full-blown. The law of nature dictates that for every flow, there should be an outlet to release the energy. This needs an outlet. And their pawns and generals should create one and fast.
Monday, October 8, 2007
Nasugbu Coasts
Yesterday, I saw how beautiful Nasugbu really is. I devoted my weekends exploring the Southern part of Luzon and I was amazed. The potential of creating something beautiful is there already. Truly, the Provincial government of Batangas must be doing something really fantastic in that province because the place has been transformed into a very good investment site.
I just can't write all the things i've seen but I see the enormous potential of Batangas as either the next Singapore or even the next Brazil, albeit, more beautiful. Every town that I've visited, namely, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal have infrastructures already which I believe, is first-class. Some suggestions:
(1) Government must fast-track the building of a modern rail system going to Batangas. It should be a must. The potential of that province is really enormous! A modern rail system will definitely lessen travel time to and fro the province.
(2) Government must continue developing the Nasugbu port. It is strategically located and can boost inter-country trade. Razon should be building another ICTSP there instead of concentrating in other countries. With the internal local economy boosted by entrepreneurial power, it should be logical for government to support it by building port structures there, a modern one at that.
(3) The Batangas provincial government should allocate land for a Central Business District. Let Ayala Land build it. We should allow foreign businesses to setup shop in Batangas. There should be high-rise buildings there.
(4) The DOT should invigorate tourism efforts in the province. DOT should tie up with the DPWH to develop not only farm to market roads, but also more expansive national roads to accommodate more tourists.
(5) Private companies should build more hotels, more leisure and recreational facilities. I think government should build a casino there to entice jetsetters and high-stakes rollers.
We must veer away from thinking Batangas as just a site for second homes to foreigners and rich locals. We must expand our thinking to include it as one of the Philippines' next generation modern cities.
For those who are disillusioned with the squalor of Metro Manila, there is still hope. For those who have the money, the vision , the grit and the will to see changes in our country, it's time to pour your resources together and transform Batangas.
I just can't write all the things i've seen but I see the enormous potential of Batangas as either the next Singapore or even the next Brazil, albeit, more beautiful. Every town that I've visited, namely, Lemery, Lian, Nasugbu, Taal have infrastructures already which I believe, is first-class. Some suggestions:
(1) Government must fast-track the building of a modern rail system going to Batangas. It should be a must. The potential of that province is really enormous! A modern rail system will definitely lessen travel time to and fro the province.
(2) Government must continue developing the Nasugbu port. It is strategically located and can boost inter-country trade. Razon should be building another ICTSP there instead of concentrating in other countries. With the internal local economy boosted by entrepreneurial power, it should be logical for government to support it by building port structures there, a modern one at that.
(3) The Batangas provincial government should allocate land for a Central Business District. Let Ayala Land build it. We should allow foreign businesses to setup shop in Batangas. There should be high-rise buildings there.
(4) The DOT should invigorate tourism efforts in the province. DOT should tie up with the DPWH to develop not only farm to market roads, but also more expansive national roads to accommodate more tourists.
(5) Private companies should build more hotels, more leisure and recreational facilities. I think government should build a casino there to entice jetsetters and high-stakes rollers.
We must veer away from thinking Batangas as just a site for second homes to foreigners and rich locals. We must expand our thinking to include it as one of the Philippines' next generation modern cities.
For those who are disillusioned with the squalor of Metro Manila, there is still hope. For those who have the money, the vision , the grit and the will to see changes in our country, it's time to pour your resources together and transform Batangas.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Omerta under the Arroyo administration
Madame Arroyo just signed a proclamation which effectively bars anybody from reading and probably, revealing military secrets. If I remember my law (Ateneo de Manila), there are existing penal provisions regarding this. Military secrets are part of state secrets and I think the president does not need to reiterate this fact. Such files in the US can only be declassified after 50 years.
The question is---what prompted Mrs. Arroyo to again "remind" us of this existing prohibitory provision in the RPC?
Two instances: one, the Tirso Danga incident and the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon. Just recently, Mrs. Arroyo went and reportedly pleaded with Danga not to reveal what happened during the controversial 2004 presidential elections. Danga belonged to the disgraced few who allegedly helped Mrs. Arroyo clinch the presidency. Wagging tongues say Mrs. Arroyo pleaded for her life in exchange for a position to Danga, who, for all intents and purposes, cannot be physically capable of doing any good for government due to his sickness.
Another instance--the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon, another personality linked to the scandal. Esperon's role during that election sealed his appointment to the highest military post. Esperon was instrumental in ensuring the victory of GMA against all odds. He reportedly used his military connections to gag the mouths of those involved in the massive cheating ops. Four months from now, he'll retire. Others like him were given government posts afterwards and this will also be the same fate for Esperon to buy his silence. The question that remains--will Esperon be gentleman enough to tell the truth about what happened?
Playing Gods
These people are playing gods. Drunk with power, they can swallow their integrity and honor for the sake of money. Graduates of the PMA, they were, but they act like the people owe them something. Being PMA plebes, they were taught to defer their own selves for the sake of the people who gave their hand-earned money for their education. But no. These people, especially those who now conspire with Arroyo to bastardize democracy in the Philippines, are shameful, spineless puppet idiots who act like they are mighty and high, but in truth, they are as shallow, ignorant, foolish and dumb as their principal.
Sick gods
Some still hope that lurking deep inside these gods' thick hides lies some goodness left. That the system has not entirely corrupted them. I notice that those who have been totally stripped of any good in their bodies and minds suffer serious diseases, like heart attacks, cancers, and any debilitating disease. Some suffer from delusions and stress-related illnesses. In truth, those who partake of GMA's regime all have this disease, and some hope, for the sake of the country, that this is still a curable one.
Lessons of History
Eventually, history teaches us that everytime man thinks of himself as a god, that's a sign that its time for him to fade away. History is always harsh against pseudo-omnicients. When a state behaves like a damned god, the True God suddenly appears to wipe it in the face of the earth. Such eventuality is not far-fetched in this regime. The True God is a paragon of truth and Filipinos deserve the truth. There will definitely come a time when God will forcefully open their mouths and wipe the word omerta from their bodies. Afterwards, they will be cast as shameful mistahs into the fiery fires of hell to suffer eternal punishment for making the lives of 86 million miserable.
The question is---what prompted Mrs. Arroyo to again "remind" us of this existing prohibitory provision in the RPC?
Two instances: one, the Tirso Danga incident and the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon. Just recently, Mrs. Arroyo went and reportedly pleaded with Danga not to reveal what happened during the controversial 2004 presidential elections. Danga belonged to the disgraced few who allegedly helped Mrs. Arroyo clinch the presidency. Wagging tongues say Mrs. Arroyo pleaded for her life in exchange for a position to Danga, who, for all intents and purposes, cannot be physically capable of doing any good for government due to his sickness.
Another instance--the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon, another personality linked to the scandal. Esperon's role during that election sealed his appointment to the highest military post. Esperon was instrumental in ensuring the victory of GMA against all odds. He reportedly used his military connections to gag the mouths of those involved in the massive cheating ops. Four months from now, he'll retire. Others like him were given government posts afterwards and this will also be the same fate for Esperon to buy his silence. The question that remains--will Esperon be gentleman enough to tell the truth about what happened?
Playing Gods
These people are playing gods. Drunk with power, they can swallow their integrity and honor for the sake of money. Graduates of the PMA, they were, but they act like the people owe them something. Being PMA plebes, they were taught to defer their own selves for the sake of the people who gave their hand-earned money for their education. But no. These people, especially those who now conspire with Arroyo to bastardize democracy in the Philippines, are shameful, spineless puppet idiots who act like they are mighty and high, but in truth, they are as shallow, ignorant, foolish and dumb as their principal.
Sick gods
Some still hope that lurking deep inside these gods' thick hides lies some goodness left. That the system has not entirely corrupted them. I notice that those who have been totally stripped of any good in their bodies and minds suffer serious diseases, like heart attacks, cancers, and any debilitating disease. Some suffer from delusions and stress-related illnesses. In truth, those who partake of GMA's regime all have this disease, and some hope, for the sake of the country, that this is still a curable one.
Lessons of History
Eventually, history teaches us that everytime man thinks of himself as a god, that's a sign that its time for him to fade away. History is always harsh against pseudo-omnicients. When a state behaves like a damned god, the True God suddenly appears to wipe it in the face of the earth. Such eventuality is not far-fetched in this regime. The True God is a paragon of truth and Filipinos deserve the truth. There will definitely come a time when God will forcefully open their mouths and wipe the word omerta from their bodies. Afterwards, they will be cast as shameful mistahs into the fiery fires of hell to suffer eternal punishment for making the lives of 86 million miserable.
Friday, October 5, 2007
Why are we so sensitive? My take on Filipino doctors and Cory as Slut
Why are we suddenly so sensitive on other people's views about us? Look at the reaction of Filipinos when Teri Hatcher said something about the "competency" of our doctors. She was just telling the truth. Do we really think of ourselves as "geniuses" or really "experts" in the medical profession that we can't be told of such things, like a joke? Or, we just don't want the world to know that we have been producing doctors or medical practitioners from diploma mills?
Let's be reasonable, shall we?
How many doctors, nurses or caretakers do we "produce" every year? Close to a hundred thousand? How many of those are quality doctors, nurses or caretakers? I know that we really have very, very good doctors. But, do we have a monopoly of quality doctors? Can we really claim that every year we churn out quality medical practitioners? Or most of those whom we grant nursing licenses are half-baked ones?
How many review centers do we have? How many colleges who previously don't give nursing courses or medical courses now suddenly claim to be "expert" schools in medicine? Examples are IT schools such as AMA and STI. They now have their own "medical" schools. Just go around Metro Manila and you'll see that every school, every review center of every Tom, Dick and Harry have their "specialists", "experts" in medicine.
Admit it---we are now one big medical school diploma mill. Since everybody wants to go abroad and the surest way to do that is to become either a nurse or a caregiver, we have treated medicine as a cheap profession. Yes, we have made the medical profession like a skills or technical course.
And, its like, we are hypocrites. We made a big fuss out of this and this latest dig against Former President Cory (whom by the way, its really below the belt, that American show calling Cory a "slut". Former First Lady Hillary Clinton is a legitimate slut, compared with Cory. Bush is also a man-slut. How about Bill Clinton? He's also a man slut (remember that sucking episode?)
We are hypocrites because we protest about these things but we don't protest the things being thrown at us by the Arroyo regime. We protest against these things but we don't go to the streets to protest about the shitty things being done to us by our leaders.
I blame the government for the low regard of other nationalities to Pinoys. How will one be proud of being Pinoy when our leaders show dishonesty? Our leaders are spineless thieves. They not only rob us of our hard-earned money, they also rob us of our voices. GMA is the biggest thief. We have the worst model citizen--GMA. What values do we attach to GMA? The value of dishonesty, robbery, immorality. So, why are we so sensitive? How can we counteract such views on us when we have a president like that?
Let's be reasonable, shall we?
How many doctors, nurses or caretakers do we "produce" every year? Close to a hundred thousand? How many of those are quality doctors, nurses or caretakers? I know that we really have very, very good doctors. But, do we have a monopoly of quality doctors? Can we really claim that every year we churn out quality medical practitioners? Or most of those whom we grant nursing licenses are half-baked ones?
How many review centers do we have? How many colleges who previously don't give nursing courses or medical courses now suddenly claim to be "expert" schools in medicine? Examples are IT schools such as AMA and STI. They now have their own "medical" schools. Just go around Metro Manila and you'll see that every school, every review center of every Tom, Dick and Harry have their "specialists", "experts" in medicine.
Admit it---we are now one big medical school diploma mill. Since everybody wants to go abroad and the surest way to do that is to become either a nurse or a caregiver, we have treated medicine as a cheap profession. Yes, we have made the medical profession like a skills or technical course.
And, its like, we are hypocrites. We made a big fuss out of this and this latest dig against Former President Cory (whom by the way, its really below the belt, that American show calling Cory a "slut". Former First Lady Hillary Clinton is a legitimate slut, compared with Cory. Bush is also a man-slut. How about Bill Clinton? He's also a man slut (remember that sucking episode?)
We are hypocrites because we protest about these things but we don't protest the things being thrown at us by the Arroyo regime. We protest against these things but we don't go to the streets to protest about the shitty things being done to us by our leaders.
I blame the government for the low regard of other nationalities to Pinoys. How will one be proud of being Pinoy when our leaders show dishonesty? Our leaders are spineless thieves. They not only rob us of our hard-earned money, they also rob us of our voices. GMA is the biggest thief. We have the worst model citizen--GMA. What values do we attach to GMA? The value of dishonesty, robbery, immorality. So, why are we so sensitive? How can we counteract such views on us when we have a president like that?
Thursday, October 4, 2007
They're compromising democracy
Senators Cayetano and Arroyo said they lost interest in the ZTE deal probe because "it has already been overtaken by events" (read: GMA declaring that the deal is dead). What events are these two gentlemen talking about?
Have they investigated the extent of corruption behind this deal? Have they heard the side of the Chinese ZTE officials who may have been victimized by government officials like Abalos? Have they even investigated the alleged complicity of other officials in the Arroyo administration? Up to what extent do government officials interfere with the affairs of foreign companies, especially in the granting of permits, projects, etc.?
Cayetano and Arroyo are missing the point of it all---the question that should be answered is this--the issue of morality and graft and corruption.
How many other foreign companies who set up shop here in the Philippines experienced the same kind of "treatment" some government officials accorded to ZTE? How many cases of extortion activities involving foreign companies and government officials went thru unnoticed? Is'nt interesting to know how many companies set up shop in the Philippines using the influence so to speak of the former Comelec head?
The reason why we need to know is the lingering perception by the business community that the business environment especially involving government transactions are not above board. That the environment itself is really not ready for business.
Maybe Cayetano and Arroyo forgot that they're there to know the truth. That the reason why people voted for them is the trust and confidence of the people in their abilities to dig deeper to protect the interests of the masses?
I know Cayetano. During our university days, we fought in different sides of the fence. He's a known social democratic leader. He was'nt admirable then, compared with Mike Defensor or even Bong Bongolan. However, my admiration with him slowly took shape when he bravely went against his ninong (FG) and exposed the anomalies of this administration. Now, I felt used. Cayetano, like all other trapos in there at the Senate, just used the people for their political ambition. If a guy like Cayetano can be influenced by Razon, the Palace and their factotums, then, whom do we place our hopes from here?
Even the alleged idealist senator Trillianes was silent all throughout the hearings. What are they doing?
The hearings should push through for three reasons: First, we need to know what measures are still needed to further cleanse government processes. Second, we need to know if we need a law that would penalize such personalities as FG who uses a meta-position to court favours and third, we need to know if a law should be made to protect foreign companies from government predators who use their posts to pressure and bribe them for the grant of projects.
In this era of globalization, perceptions of corruption lessens the attractiveness of an economy in the eyes of a potential foreign investor. We should level the playing field. Senators should not be afraid of touching a raw nerve of any body, even a bigtime shipping tycoon like Razon. They are not accountable to him, nor the palace nor any Pontius Pilate. They owe whatever status they have to the people whom they vowed to serve with all honesty and integrity.
Otherwise, whatever independence they have will always be in question and compromises like these compromise democracy.
NBN deal probe in limbo?
Tycoon said to be meddling in investigation
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan, Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 02:34am (Mla time) 10/04/2007
Most Read
View the NBN contract and related documents
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate probe of the $329-million contract for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project is in limbo amid allegations that Malacañang and a “powerful businessman” have allegedly “co-opted” the blue ribbon committee chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Since the Senate wrapped up the fourth hearing on the deal on Thursday, Cayetano has not set a definite date for the next hearing.
The Senate is set to go on a month-long recess this month and many senators are going on vacation.
In a privilege speech Wednesday, Sen. Jamby Madrigal said: “We find it odd and disturbing that no hearings are scheduled this week when we have been previously advised that the hearings will be conducted before the Senate goes on a break.”
Madrigal said she received information that “the blue ribbon committee agreed to suspend indefinitely the conduct of the hearings upon the request of a powerful businessman and through the intervention of the Senate President himself.”
Madrigal said she came out with this information “rather than engage in political biting” to ask Cayetano “to explain the sudden impasse.”
At a press conference, Cayetano denied that he suspended the hearings.
Questions exhausted
Cayetano claimed that the Senate had “exhausted all questions” in the past hearings and that the hearings had become long-winded.
But asked how soon the public would see another hearing, Cayetano could not give a specific date.
Aside from admitting that he knew as early as last week that there would be no hearings this week, Cayetano said there would also be no hearings for the next 10 to 14 days after the Senate goes into recess and the technical working group (TWG) takes over the investigation.
Cayetano said that it would still depend on the TWG whether there would be a need for a hearing during the break.
Villar: Probe to continue
But Senate President Manuel Villar and heads of key committees are determined to see the investigation through.
“I will still push for a closure on this controversy. The investigation should be concluded with legislation that will make transactions of this nature transparent and open for public scrutiny,” Villar said.
But some senators said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to cancel the NBN deal with China’s ZTE Corp. had rendered the inquiry moot.
Ms Arroyo, who met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Shanghai on Tuesday, said he had expressed understanding after she explained that the deal had to be canceled.
Culprits who nearly got away
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan insisted on continuing the inquiry into the deal, which has been marred by allegations of overpricing and tainted with bribery offers.
“We have succeeded in preventing what appeared to be another billion-peso white elephant in the making. Still we need to shed light on who the real culprits are, who nearly got away with this anomalous transaction,” Pangilinan said.
He said there was a need for the public to know what Ms Arroyo did, if any, when she was informed of the P200-million bribe offered early this year to Romulo Neri, then director general of the National Economic and Development Authority.
But it doesn’t seem likely that Malacañang will allow its officials, including Neri, to appear again at the Senate inquiry now that the ZTE deal has been scrapped.
Sidestepped
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he personally did not see why the Senate should continue its inquiry.
Noting what his lawyer-friends had told him, Ermita said the purpose of the hearing had been “sidestepped” by the cancellation of the ZTE deal and by the resignation of Benjamin Abalos Jr. as chair of the Commission on Elections.
Abalos has been accused of brokering the deal in exchange for commissions.
“If the contract is canceled, then I don’t see what else … would the committee on trade wish to look into,” Ermita said.
Arroyo’s political instinct
Ermita said the President’s “political instinct” could have driven her to decide to scrap the ZTE deal.
House Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., who introduced the resolution calling for an inquiry into the NBN deal, believed Ms Arroyo canceled the contract to deflect public dissatisfaction and to persuade the Senate to end its probe.
“There is no closure on questionable deals until the questions are answered and the truth is out,” Pimentel said.
It was during the Senate hearings on the deal that Abalos, then Comelec chair, was accused of offering bribes to Neri and Jose “Joey” de Venecia III.
De Venecia said Abalos had offered him $10 million so his company would withdraw its unsolicited proposal to undertake the NBN project.
Abalos has denied Neri and De Venecia’s allegations.
He resigned his Comelec post on Monday in the wake of an impeachment complaint filed against him.
There were also allegations that Ms Arroyo’s husband tried to bully De Venecia to “back off” from the project.
Tighten procurement law
One of the co-chairs of the inquiry, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, said the inquiry would also zero in on ways to tighten the procurement law so that all government projects have to go through public bidding and check and balance.
“This project should never have been started nor approved in the first place,” said Roxas, trade and commerce committee chair.
“We need to tighten the approval process for foreign-aided and -funded projects to protect the people’s money, and prevent this politico-diplomatic fiasco from ever happening again,” Roxas said.
Overtaken by events
Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Joker Arroyo, who belong to the administration bloc, said the cancellation of the ZTE contract rendered the Senate inquiry “moot.”
Enrile said the Senate could let public prosecutors handle the investigation of the bribery and corruption charges.
Senator Arroyo said the investigation had been overtaken by events. “I think we should wrap this up already so the committee report can be prepared … I’ve lost interest in this because it’s been overtaken by events,” he said.
But Arroyo said he would pursue his ethics complaints against certain senators who leaked the details of the Sept. 26 closed-door executive session to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. [The Inquirer report did not say that its four sources were senators. There were other people inside the room where the senators held their executive session on Sept. 27.]
Multi-sectoral groups
Outside the Senate, lawyer Harry Roque and members of multi-sectoral groups vowed to pursue charges against government officials whom they believe must be held culpable for violations of the code of conduct for public servants and for plunder despite the shelving of the NBN deal.
“This is far from having a closure,” Roque told the Inquirer.
He said there were violations committed even if the deal had been shelved. With reports from Christian V. Esguerra and Jeannette I. Andrade
Have they investigated the extent of corruption behind this deal? Have they heard the side of the Chinese ZTE officials who may have been victimized by government officials like Abalos? Have they even investigated the alleged complicity of other officials in the Arroyo administration? Up to what extent do government officials interfere with the affairs of foreign companies, especially in the granting of permits, projects, etc.?
Cayetano and Arroyo are missing the point of it all---the question that should be answered is this--the issue of morality and graft and corruption.
How many other foreign companies who set up shop here in the Philippines experienced the same kind of "treatment" some government officials accorded to ZTE? How many cases of extortion activities involving foreign companies and government officials went thru unnoticed? Is'nt interesting to know how many companies set up shop in the Philippines using the influence so to speak of the former Comelec head?
The reason why we need to know is the lingering perception by the business community that the business environment especially involving government transactions are not above board. That the environment itself is really not ready for business.
Maybe Cayetano and Arroyo forgot that they're there to know the truth. That the reason why people voted for them is the trust and confidence of the people in their abilities to dig deeper to protect the interests of the masses?
I know Cayetano. During our university days, we fought in different sides of the fence. He's a known social democratic leader. He was'nt admirable then, compared with Mike Defensor or even Bong Bongolan. However, my admiration with him slowly took shape when he bravely went against his ninong (FG) and exposed the anomalies of this administration. Now, I felt used. Cayetano, like all other trapos in there at the Senate, just used the people for their political ambition. If a guy like Cayetano can be influenced by Razon, the Palace and their factotums, then, whom do we place our hopes from here?
Even the alleged idealist senator Trillianes was silent all throughout the hearings. What are they doing?
The hearings should push through for three reasons: First, we need to know what measures are still needed to further cleanse government processes. Second, we need to know if we need a law that would penalize such personalities as FG who uses a meta-position to court favours and third, we need to know if a law should be made to protect foreign companies from government predators who use their posts to pressure and bribe them for the grant of projects.
In this era of globalization, perceptions of corruption lessens the attractiveness of an economy in the eyes of a potential foreign investor. We should level the playing field. Senators should not be afraid of touching a raw nerve of any body, even a bigtime shipping tycoon like Razon. They are not accountable to him, nor the palace nor any Pontius Pilate. They owe whatever status they have to the people whom they vowed to serve with all honesty and integrity.
Otherwise, whatever independence they have will always be in question and compromises like these compromise democracy.
NBN deal probe in limbo?
Tycoon said to be meddling in investigation
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Dona Pazzibugan, Christine Avendaño
Inquirer
Last updated 02:34am (Mla time) 10/04/2007
Most Read
View the NBN contract and related documents
MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate probe of the $329-million contract for the National Broadband Network (NBN) project is in limbo amid allegations that Malacañang and a “powerful businessman” have allegedly “co-opted” the blue ribbon committee chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Since the Senate wrapped up the fourth hearing on the deal on Thursday, Cayetano has not set a definite date for the next hearing.
The Senate is set to go on a month-long recess this month and many senators are going on vacation.
In a privilege speech Wednesday, Sen. Jamby Madrigal said: “We find it odd and disturbing that no hearings are scheduled this week when we have been previously advised that the hearings will be conducted before the Senate goes on a break.”
Madrigal said she received information that “the blue ribbon committee agreed to suspend indefinitely the conduct of the hearings upon the request of a powerful businessman and through the intervention of the Senate President himself.”
Madrigal said she came out with this information “rather than engage in political biting” to ask Cayetano “to explain the sudden impasse.”
At a press conference, Cayetano denied that he suspended the hearings.
Questions exhausted
Cayetano claimed that the Senate had “exhausted all questions” in the past hearings and that the hearings had become long-winded.
But asked how soon the public would see another hearing, Cayetano could not give a specific date.
Aside from admitting that he knew as early as last week that there would be no hearings this week, Cayetano said there would also be no hearings for the next 10 to 14 days after the Senate goes into recess and the technical working group (TWG) takes over the investigation.
Cayetano said that it would still depend on the TWG whether there would be a need for a hearing during the break.
Villar: Probe to continue
But Senate President Manuel Villar and heads of key committees are determined to see the investigation through.
“I will still push for a closure on this controversy. The investigation should be concluded with legislation that will make transactions of this nature transparent and open for public scrutiny,” Villar said.
But some senators said President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s decision to cancel the NBN deal with China’s ZTE Corp. had rendered the inquiry moot.
Ms Arroyo, who met Chinese President Hu Jintao in Shanghai on Tuesday, said he had expressed understanding after she explained that the deal had to be canceled.
Culprits who nearly got away
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan insisted on continuing the inquiry into the deal, which has been marred by allegations of overpricing and tainted with bribery offers.
“We have succeeded in preventing what appeared to be another billion-peso white elephant in the making. Still we need to shed light on who the real culprits are, who nearly got away with this anomalous transaction,” Pangilinan said.
He said there was a need for the public to know what Ms Arroyo did, if any, when she was informed of the P200-million bribe offered early this year to Romulo Neri, then director general of the National Economic and Development Authority.
But it doesn’t seem likely that Malacañang will allow its officials, including Neri, to appear again at the Senate inquiry now that the ZTE deal has been scrapped.
Sidestepped
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said he personally did not see why the Senate should continue its inquiry.
Noting what his lawyer-friends had told him, Ermita said the purpose of the hearing had been “sidestepped” by the cancellation of the ZTE deal and by the resignation of Benjamin Abalos Jr. as chair of the Commission on Elections.
Abalos has been accused of brokering the deal in exchange for commissions.
“If the contract is canceled, then I don’t see what else … would the committee on trade wish to look into,” Ermita said.
Arroyo’s political instinct
Ermita said the President’s “political instinct” could have driven her to decide to scrap the ZTE deal.
House Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr., who introduced the resolution calling for an inquiry into the NBN deal, believed Ms Arroyo canceled the contract to deflect public dissatisfaction and to persuade the Senate to end its probe.
“There is no closure on questionable deals until the questions are answered and the truth is out,” Pimentel said.
It was during the Senate hearings on the deal that Abalos, then Comelec chair, was accused of offering bribes to Neri and Jose “Joey” de Venecia III.
De Venecia said Abalos had offered him $10 million so his company would withdraw its unsolicited proposal to undertake the NBN project.
Abalos has denied Neri and De Venecia’s allegations.
He resigned his Comelec post on Monday in the wake of an impeachment complaint filed against him.
There were also allegations that Ms Arroyo’s husband tried to bully De Venecia to “back off” from the project.
Tighten procurement law
One of the co-chairs of the inquiry, Sen. Manuel Roxas II, said the inquiry would also zero in on ways to tighten the procurement law so that all government projects have to go through public bidding and check and balance.
“This project should never have been started nor approved in the first place,” said Roxas, trade and commerce committee chair.
“We need to tighten the approval process for foreign-aided and -funded projects to protect the people’s money, and prevent this politico-diplomatic fiasco from ever happening again,” Roxas said.
Overtaken by events
Senators Juan Ponce Enrile and Joker Arroyo, who belong to the administration bloc, said the cancellation of the ZTE contract rendered the Senate inquiry “moot.”
Enrile said the Senate could let public prosecutors handle the investigation of the bribery and corruption charges.
Senator Arroyo said the investigation had been overtaken by events. “I think we should wrap this up already so the committee report can be prepared … I’ve lost interest in this because it’s been overtaken by events,” he said.
But Arroyo said he would pursue his ethics complaints against certain senators who leaked the details of the Sept. 26 closed-door executive session to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. [The Inquirer report did not say that its four sources were senators. There were other people inside the room where the senators held their executive session on Sept. 27.]
Multi-sectoral groups
Outside the Senate, lawyer Harry Roque and members of multi-sectoral groups vowed to pursue charges against government officials whom they believe must be held culpable for violations of the code of conduct for public servants and for plunder despite the shelving of the NBN deal.
“This is far from having a closure,” Roque told the Inquirer.
He said there were violations committed even if the deal had been shelved. With reports from Christian V. Esguerra and Jeannette I. Andrade
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Soros hand in recent Philippine events
There was a surprising revelation that escaped everybody's attention during the ZTE hearings. I remember one senator (I think its Senator Enrile---just review the transcripts) asking Joey de Venecia who'll back him up financially in the NBN deal. Without batting an eyelash, Joey retorted the magic word: “Soros”.
Ah, Soros.
We all know who George Soros is. For those who don’t, three words to remember about him---Open Democracy (which I espouse), Asian Financial Crisis and Billionaire. He’s the Richard Branson of the financial world. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once blamed him for the Asian financial crisis. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad once accused him of manipulating world markets for his own ends. I remembered FVR telling everybody that George Soros' hand was behind the spate of coups during the Cory Aquino regime.
Who's Soros?
Soros heads the Soros Management Fund, a global operation which essentially promotes open societies. You can check Google or the website http://www.soros.org or www.opendemocracy.net for more details.
Various sources describe him as a Financial speculator, a political activist and even a philosopher. He was once a student of Karl Popper, the philosopher credited of having created the concept of Open Democracy.
Actually, Soros pushes for Open Democracy. However, some sectors attribute sinister political motives behind every Soros' action. Soros hates despots. He was once a victim of fascism. He experienced it first hand when, as a young Hungarian Jew, he suffered first-hand atrocities under Hitler’s regime.
Soros’ stake in the Philippines
Soros is known to finance revolutions. He did it at EDSA. He did it for the Rose Revolution in Europe. For some societies, his participation proved to be crucial. Others, like his part in the repudiation of Bush re-election campaign, was a failure. His 80 billion dollar empire stretches “ in the farthest reaches, in the ends of the earth”, so to speak.
Why finance a revolution in the Philippines?
Obviously, current political reality dictates that changes in the present political structure is in order. The Arroyo administration is slowly becoming despotic. Former US President Bill Clinton’s remark about his former classmate as being “the most feared woman in the Philippines” tells you a lot about how Americans perceive Arroyo’s regime. Analyzing the Philippine situation, there are five (5) things that justifies a regime change.
1. The Arroyo administration’s militarization of the state. The Philippine state is a garrison state, ruled by a chosen few, chosen more for their subservience to the Arroyo clique than anything else. Just looking at the Cabinet and their underlings says much about this administration. Retired generals populate sensitive posts, appointed more on their capabilities at producing financial results to the Arroyo clique than anything. Undersecretaries are mostly business associates of the First Gentleman. Other posts, like the Supreme Court, the Ombusman and even the COMELEC have been given to puppets of the clique.
2. Tendencies in centralizing economic gains. The “improving” economic condition of the Philippines is not a miracle. Globalization has opened the doors of free trade to Asia-Pacific economies. Philippine economic fundamentals remain strong, buoyed by overseas remittances and strong foreign portfolio investments. However, the vertical growth of the economy has not resulted to horizontal development because economic gains failed to redound or spill over to sectors at the middle and bottom rungs of the economy. The reason is simple---a chosen few, the elites, have cornered most of the economic gains. The middle class—the prime motor of economic growth in other countries— remained stagnant. There is limited social movement in this class because of the concentration of wealth. Worst, large chunks of this class have fallen to the lower rungs of the economic strata. Pitifully, the proletarian class has likewise stagnated and remained slave consumers, powerless, and unable to progress to the higher stage of development. This concentration of wealth to a few breeds dissent from disfranchised sectors, creating an inevitable revolutionary situation.
3. Increasing human rights violations. Critics of this administration have suffered most of the brunt of human rights violations, perpetuated by state security agencies. As expected, the ruling oligarchs and their political allies will protect their economic wealth against the counter-elite. Those outside of the politico-economic circle of influence, will, undoubtedly, move to grab this concentrated wealth for themselves. Quite expectedly, force from the counter-elite (dubbed “destabilization” by the ruling elite) will also be met with equal or stronger force as a form of self-preservation or self-defense by the state’s ruling clique. Violations of basic rights are therefore, expected from this power struggle, with underlings suffering the most.
4. Contracting, instead of expanding. With continued destabilization, the state slowly closes its doors to counter-elites, forcing it to isolation. Isolation dictates that trust should only be given to subservient interest groups. Favors, will therefore be dispensed to those who pledge allegiance to the clique. The state in this situation contracts, and this contraction will also affect not only the political realm but also in the economic realm. This is quite evident in the ZTE deal. The administration gave the deal to the Chinese because it was supported by a strong financial ally (Razon) and a political wheeler-dealer (Abalos). Such situations can never be avoided under the current state of affairs. The weakness of this administration is exploitable because it is being forced to give in to economic favours to maintain status quo. The continued destabilization coming from a disfranchised counter-elite forces slowly weakens the state and thus, as a natural reaction, the state tries to gain strength by expanding its support bases, which, in this case, can only come from members of the economic community and the political operators.
5. Weakening state security. GMA’s decision to scrap the ZTE deal due to political noise tells you a lot about this administration. It has been decisively weakened. It has exposed its weakness by bowing to political pressure. Yes, this blogger encouraged GMA to stand down, because, following political strategy, that’s the most logical survival tactic available to her. The explosive nature of the controversy could force her ouster. However, her decision actually resulted to prolong her rule only for a few weeks or months, not years. The state’s weak state will affect not only her administration, but will definitely affect even the economy.
Indications of an impending regime change
1. Strengthening of the peso. Reports say that the peso will hit 40 or even 37 by year’s end. Is this good or is this bad? Obviously, it’s very bad. The peso’s comfortable exchange rate is around 40-41 pesos for a dollar. Some sectors are spreading the rumour that it could hit 37 or even 30 by 2008. This is bad because a strong peso will undoubtedly affect the export sector. You will have a situation where hundreds of small and medium sized export enterprises will be forced to close down because of this. You’ll have a situation where families relying on remittances will receive lesser amount of money than before. When you have a strong peso, you’ll be lessening the purchasing power of the middle class and the remittance-dependent lower classes, resulting to increased poverty. And, you’ll also find thousands of Filipinos out of work because hundreds of export companies will be forced to close shop. When you have that kind of situation, you are creating a replica of what happened in Argentina many years ago.
2. Demoralization among the soldiers’ ranks. The AFP admits this. Reports say, Esperon will file coup d’etat charges against six lieutenants. Note that those involved here are lieutenants, not colonels and definitely, not generals. This indicates a massive number of demoralized soldiers and when you have that kind of situation, you definitely have a serious issue at hand. Defeats in the Southern arena of war continues and GMA’s trusty military puppets will definitely have a hard time convincing troops to remain loyal.
3. Increasing dissent in the disfranchised sectors of society. The ZTE deal exposed a raw nerve in the Filipino psyche. It fueled hate. It fanned the flames of paninibugho (for a lack of an English translation, I wrote the Filipino term here---my apologies), a feeling more serious than the Western concept of hatred.
4. Losing political base. There’s a split in the ruling clique brought by the ZTE deal. Concessions were granted to other members of the clique to the consternation of other loyal subjects of the clique. This sprawn a division which could lead to ouster of the head of the clique. Far worst, this shows a permanent crack in the relationship, which obviously, was a patron-client one. The lost of a stable political base further led to a weakening, which, in this case, puts the regime in a serious state.
Soros knows this. Expect a heightening of tensions between inter-elites which could lead to an implosion. This implosion will fuel destabilization which will lead to disintegration of existing relationships and possible ouster from power possibly in the first quarter of next year. Or even earlier.
Ah, Soros.
We all know who George Soros is. For those who don’t, three words to remember about him---Open Democracy (which I espouse), Asian Financial Crisis and Billionaire. He’s the Richard Branson of the financial world. Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew once blamed him for the Asian financial crisis. Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad once accused him of manipulating world markets for his own ends. I remembered FVR telling everybody that George Soros' hand was behind the spate of coups during the Cory Aquino regime.
Who's Soros?
Soros heads the Soros Management Fund, a global operation which essentially promotes open societies. You can check Google or the website http://www.soros.org or www.opendemocracy.net for more details.
Various sources describe him as a Financial speculator, a political activist and even a philosopher. He was once a student of Karl Popper, the philosopher credited of having created the concept of Open Democracy.
Actually, Soros pushes for Open Democracy. However, some sectors attribute sinister political motives behind every Soros' action. Soros hates despots. He was once a victim of fascism. He experienced it first hand when, as a young Hungarian Jew, he suffered first-hand atrocities under Hitler’s regime.
Soros’ stake in the Philippines
Soros is known to finance revolutions. He did it at EDSA. He did it for the Rose Revolution in Europe. For some societies, his participation proved to be crucial. Others, like his part in the repudiation of Bush re-election campaign, was a failure. His 80 billion dollar empire stretches “ in the farthest reaches, in the ends of the earth”, so to speak.
Why finance a revolution in the Philippines?
Obviously, current political reality dictates that changes in the present political structure is in order. The Arroyo administration is slowly becoming despotic. Former US President Bill Clinton’s remark about his former classmate as being “the most feared woman in the Philippines” tells you a lot about how Americans perceive Arroyo’s regime. Analyzing the Philippine situation, there are five (5) things that justifies a regime change.
1. The Arroyo administration’s militarization of the state. The Philippine state is a garrison state, ruled by a chosen few, chosen more for their subservience to the Arroyo clique than anything else. Just looking at the Cabinet and their underlings says much about this administration. Retired generals populate sensitive posts, appointed more on their capabilities at producing financial results to the Arroyo clique than anything. Undersecretaries are mostly business associates of the First Gentleman. Other posts, like the Supreme Court, the Ombusman and even the COMELEC have been given to puppets of the clique.
2. Tendencies in centralizing economic gains. The “improving” economic condition of the Philippines is not a miracle. Globalization has opened the doors of free trade to Asia-Pacific economies. Philippine economic fundamentals remain strong, buoyed by overseas remittances and strong foreign portfolio investments. However, the vertical growth of the economy has not resulted to horizontal development because economic gains failed to redound or spill over to sectors at the middle and bottom rungs of the economy. The reason is simple---a chosen few, the elites, have cornered most of the economic gains. The middle class—the prime motor of economic growth in other countries— remained stagnant. There is limited social movement in this class because of the concentration of wealth. Worst, large chunks of this class have fallen to the lower rungs of the economic strata. Pitifully, the proletarian class has likewise stagnated and remained slave consumers, powerless, and unable to progress to the higher stage of development. This concentration of wealth to a few breeds dissent from disfranchised sectors, creating an inevitable revolutionary situation.
3. Increasing human rights violations. Critics of this administration have suffered most of the brunt of human rights violations, perpetuated by state security agencies. As expected, the ruling oligarchs and their political allies will protect their economic wealth against the counter-elite. Those outside of the politico-economic circle of influence, will, undoubtedly, move to grab this concentrated wealth for themselves. Quite expectedly, force from the counter-elite (dubbed “destabilization” by the ruling elite) will also be met with equal or stronger force as a form of self-preservation or self-defense by the state’s ruling clique. Violations of basic rights are therefore, expected from this power struggle, with underlings suffering the most.
4. Contracting, instead of expanding. With continued destabilization, the state slowly closes its doors to counter-elites, forcing it to isolation. Isolation dictates that trust should only be given to subservient interest groups. Favors, will therefore be dispensed to those who pledge allegiance to the clique. The state in this situation contracts, and this contraction will also affect not only the political realm but also in the economic realm. This is quite evident in the ZTE deal. The administration gave the deal to the Chinese because it was supported by a strong financial ally (Razon) and a political wheeler-dealer (Abalos). Such situations can never be avoided under the current state of affairs. The weakness of this administration is exploitable because it is being forced to give in to economic favours to maintain status quo. The continued destabilization coming from a disfranchised counter-elite forces slowly weakens the state and thus, as a natural reaction, the state tries to gain strength by expanding its support bases, which, in this case, can only come from members of the economic community and the political operators.
5. Weakening state security. GMA’s decision to scrap the ZTE deal due to political noise tells you a lot about this administration. It has been decisively weakened. It has exposed its weakness by bowing to political pressure. Yes, this blogger encouraged GMA to stand down, because, following political strategy, that’s the most logical survival tactic available to her. The explosive nature of the controversy could force her ouster. However, her decision actually resulted to prolong her rule only for a few weeks or months, not years. The state’s weak state will affect not only her administration, but will definitely affect even the economy.
Indications of an impending regime change
1. Strengthening of the peso. Reports say that the peso will hit 40 or even 37 by year’s end. Is this good or is this bad? Obviously, it’s very bad. The peso’s comfortable exchange rate is around 40-41 pesos for a dollar. Some sectors are spreading the rumour that it could hit 37 or even 30 by 2008. This is bad because a strong peso will undoubtedly affect the export sector. You will have a situation where hundreds of small and medium sized export enterprises will be forced to close down because of this. You’ll have a situation where families relying on remittances will receive lesser amount of money than before. When you have a strong peso, you’ll be lessening the purchasing power of the middle class and the remittance-dependent lower classes, resulting to increased poverty. And, you’ll also find thousands of Filipinos out of work because hundreds of export companies will be forced to close shop. When you have that kind of situation, you are creating a replica of what happened in Argentina many years ago.
2. Demoralization among the soldiers’ ranks. The AFP admits this. Reports say, Esperon will file coup d’etat charges against six lieutenants. Note that those involved here are lieutenants, not colonels and definitely, not generals. This indicates a massive number of demoralized soldiers and when you have that kind of situation, you definitely have a serious issue at hand. Defeats in the Southern arena of war continues and GMA’s trusty military puppets will definitely have a hard time convincing troops to remain loyal.
3. Increasing dissent in the disfranchised sectors of society. The ZTE deal exposed a raw nerve in the Filipino psyche. It fueled hate. It fanned the flames of paninibugho (for a lack of an English translation, I wrote the Filipino term here---my apologies), a feeling more serious than the Western concept of hatred.
4. Losing political base. There’s a split in the ruling clique brought by the ZTE deal. Concessions were granted to other members of the clique to the consternation of other loyal subjects of the clique. This sprawn a division which could lead to ouster of the head of the clique. Far worst, this shows a permanent crack in the relationship, which obviously, was a patron-client one. The lost of a stable political base further led to a weakening, which, in this case, puts the regime in a serious state.
Soros knows this. Expect a heightening of tensions between inter-elites which could lead to an implosion. This implosion will fuel destabilization which will lead to disintegration of existing relationships and possible ouster from power possibly in the first quarter of next year. Or even earlier.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
AB-ZTE-FG---will FG be next in the firing line?
Abalos has just resigned. GMA was reportedly surprised. This happened in a very short period of time. The next query--who's next in the chopping block?
AB then ZTE
Will GMA's trip to China today marks the end of ZTE? This abrupt trip to China smells like an attempt at damage control on the part of the president. What will GMA say to the Chinese? She appears like one of the consorts of the Chinese emperor of old, reporting to them like they are the new masters of the Filipinos. We know from sources inside the palace that the $ 1.8 B loan package that China dangled like a carrot to Arroyo is on the verge of being written off by the Chinese because of this ZTE deal. And we heard that some ZTE officials have literally begged Arroyo to tell the truth about this shaddy deal entered by her and her husband to their principal in China. Some Chinese friends from the Communist Party told New Philippine Revolution that the stench has reached alarming proportions throughout the global business community that it threatens other ZTE deals from other countries. ZTE is a global brand. Its a major supplier of telecommunications equipment for large multinational companies around the world. With this deal going bonkers, expect a major shakedown within the company. That shakedown of political operators within ZTE will have drastic effects on the company's capabilities.
ZTE then FG
After the ZTE, will GMA then pressure her husband to "back off" from government deals, the same way she and her gang turned Abalos into a sacrificial lamb? It seems that FG has been effectively shielded from all these just by merely being away from it all. What is FG really doing there in Europe? Is he trying to protect their asses err assets? Or, as some say, FG is preparing the country of their exile in time for the next big thing? We heard that the couple does not intend to suffer the same fate as Erap so they would want to stay away from the Philippines in an event of major power grab.
Issue shifting---again
It seems that the issue has drastically changed direction. Last week, all eyes were on Abalos as he tried to parry the maliciousness of the Senate and the barrage of illicit innuendoes. Now that he resigned, the administration has a real issue in their hands. As what we wrote here, it's clear that Abalos will be sacrificed by the palace along with Neri. His resignation has now dictated the tempo of this controversy. For instead of putting an end into all of these, Abalos' resignation has put Arroyo into very dangerous situations.
Dangerous Liaisons
Think about this---Abalos will now be free to launch a vilification campaign against his former principal. Like all other EDSA 1 veterans, Abalos is obviously a fighter. He's a political survivor. He knows the game and has the skills for survival. Obviously, Abalos was stunned by the betrayal of the palace whom he has caressed and cared for during the previous two elections. I believe the confrontation of Neri and Abalos during the Senate hearings have taken Abalos aback. Obviously, the old man could not believe that he's being fed to the wolves, with nay of a support (even moral) from his principal. Grizzled veterans like Abalos knows how and when to throw that knockout punch and judging from his moves right now, Abalos is timing his actions. Will Abalos do an Ali who once flew like a butterfly and sting like a bee?
Abalos ala Ali
Reports say, Abalos vowed to fight back. He wants to clear his name. But, ex Chair, how would you do it? The entire country has taken you as an influence-peddler. The entire palace media machinery has been ordered to wreck your entire persona. You have been portrayed as a cheap political caddy. It would take Abalos years to repair that damage. It appears that Abalos will not fade away, as some palace sectors hope he would.
Villains turning into heroes?
If Abalos sings, as some civil society sectors hope he will, it might turn him into an instant hero. Look at how Chavit did it. Chavit is as guilty as Erap when he made that "revelation." Will Abalos do the same thing, this time against the EDSA 2 beneficiary?
Look at the number of articles coming out of the papers. It's like a political battlefield out there. Some reports say that JDV has a hand in a number of Chinese deals, including the North Rail and the Cyber-Education project. I believe in this. JDV probably sent his son or supported him just for them to appear clean in all these allegations. Or, even if he did'nt do it or did'nt push his son or any other sonnafabitch to spill the dirty work, there's a clear indication that these things have a deeper shit behind them.
Neri---the real villain?
It appears, as some sectors allude, that Neri is not as clean as what he was pictured out to be. ZTE pursued him even up to the ched with the Cyber-Education project, another big elephant which nearly escaped the public eye. Is it possible that Neri did received a huge sum, as what some reports say, from ZTE? Is Neri the real villain here? Note that Neri elected not to reveal anything against Arroyo at the hearings. He's a lapdog, that's as clear as day. Why? Probably the palace holds some aces in their sleeves against him. It could be that Neri is a bagman, as what others say he is.
The Final Punch
I still believe that all of these things will lead to a big incident, so big that it would topple GMA in a few months' time. Forces are slowly confluencing into one gigantic movement and nature's law dictates that such a force should (1) have direction and (2) should have an outlet of expression.
In the next few days, I believe that Abalos will find "enlightenment" and decide to fight those who betrayed him. Will he spill the beans, as some sectors hope he will against GMA? Or he'll just fire his gun specifically at his detractors, at Joey?
His decision will be based on time. Readers, this is cryptic. Read between the lines, please and you'll know the truth.
(UPDATE) Cory Aquino visits Abalos after resignation
By Kristine L. Alave
Inquirer
Last updated 07:54pm (Mla time) 10/01/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines--Former president Corazon Aquino on Monday visited Benjamin Abalos Sr. after he announced his resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying she was returning the support Abalos and his family gave her when she herself was plagued by crisis.
Aquino arrived at Abalos’ residence on Kanlaon Street in Mandaluyong City past 3 p.m. She was greeted by the ex-poll chairman and his wife, Corazon.
In a brief talk with the media, Aquino expressed support for Abalos and said she has been praying for the beleaguered government official.
When her administration was threatened by coup d’etats, Abalos was one of the first officials to arrive in Malacañang to give her support. Abalos and his wife were also there for her when she felt like an outcast and nobody wanted to associate with her during her crisis years, Aquino said.
“I’m returning his support,” Aquino explained, adding that her visit should remind Abalos that he still has friends.
"Nung nakita ko si Cora kanina, awang-awa ako [When I saw Cora earlier, I pitied her]," she added.
On the allegations that Abalos brokered the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between the Arroyo administration and the Chinese firm ZTE Corp., Aquino withheld her judgment. She added that Abalos must have prayed hard when he decided to step down from his post.
“The truth will come out,” the former president said.
“Daanin na lang natin sa dasal [Let us course it through prayers]. Trust everything to the Lord,” Aquino advised Abalos.
Aside from allegedly brokering the NBN contract, Abalos was also accused of attempted bribery by former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and businessman Jose De Venecia III.
Abalos vehemently denied the charges, saying he would file damage and perjury suits against his detractors.
Aquino gave Abalos his first break in politics when she appointed him officer-in-charge of Mandaluyong City in 1986, after the People Power revolution.
The ex-poll official even showed photographs of his oath-taking as Mandaluyong City OIC to Aquino, during their chat, which lasted for about 30 minutes.
Abalos eventually became the city mayor, a post he held until 1998, when he was replaced by his son, Benhur.
After his stint in the local government, Abalos headed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In 2002, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to chair the Commission on Elections.
Abalos said he was “encouraged” by Aquino’s visit. The former president left the Abalos residence around 3:50 p.m.
"When you are in crisis, you will really know who your real friends are," he said.
“I feel very much touched. Somehow, this strengthens you,” he said. “I never expected this,” he added.
Originally posted at 3:25pm
AB then ZTE
Will GMA's trip to China today marks the end of ZTE? This abrupt trip to China smells like an attempt at damage control on the part of the president. What will GMA say to the Chinese? She appears like one of the consorts of the Chinese emperor of old, reporting to them like they are the new masters of the Filipinos. We know from sources inside the palace that the $ 1.8 B loan package that China dangled like a carrot to Arroyo is on the verge of being written off by the Chinese because of this ZTE deal. And we heard that some ZTE officials have literally begged Arroyo to tell the truth about this shaddy deal entered by her and her husband to their principal in China. Some Chinese friends from the Communist Party told New Philippine Revolution that the stench has reached alarming proportions throughout the global business community that it threatens other ZTE deals from other countries. ZTE is a global brand. Its a major supplier of telecommunications equipment for large multinational companies around the world. With this deal going bonkers, expect a major shakedown within the company. That shakedown of political operators within ZTE will have drastic effects on the company's capabilities.
ZTE then FG
After the ZTE, will GMA then pressure her husband to "back off" from government deals, the same way she and her gang turned Abalos into a sacrificial lamb? It seems that FG has been effectively shielded from all these just by merely being away from it all. What is FG really doing there in Europe? Is he trying to protect their asses err assets? Or, as some say, FG is preparing the country of their exile in time for the next big thing? We heard that the couple does not intend to suffer the same fate as Erap so they would want to stay away from the Philippines in an event of major power grab.
Issue shifting---again
It seems that the issue has drastically changed direction. Last week, all eyes were on Abalos as he tried to parry the maliciousness of the Senate and the barrage of illicit innuendoes. Now that he resigned, the administration has a real issue in their hands. As what we wrote here, it's clear that Abalos will be sacrificed by the palace along with Neri. His resignation has now dictated the tempo of this controversy. For instead of putting an end into all of these, Abalos' resignation has put Arroyo into very dangerous situations.
Dangerous Liaisons
Think about this---Abalos will now be free to launch a vilification campaign against his former principal. Like all other EDSA 1 veterans, Abalos is obviously a fighter. He's a political survivor. He knows the game and has the skills for survival. Obviously, Abalos was stunned by the betrayal of the palace whom he has caressed and cared for during the previous two elections. I believe the confrontation of Neri and Abalos during the Senate hearings have taken Abalos aback. Obviously, the old man could not believe that he's being fed to the wolves, with nay of a support (even moral) from his principal. Grizzled veterans like Abalos knows how and when to throw that knockout punch and judging from his moves right now, Abalos is timing his actions. Will Abalos do an Ali who once flew like a butterfly and sting like a bee?
Abalos ala Ali
Reports say, Abalos vowed to fight back. He wants to clear his name. But, ex Chair, how would you do it? The entire country has taken you as an influence-peddler. The entire palace media machinery has been ordered to wreck your entire persona. You have been portrayed as a cheap political caddy. It would take Abalos years to repair that damage. It appears that Abalos will not fade away, as some palace sectors hope he would.
Villains turning into heroes?
If Abalos sings, as some civil society sectors hope he will, it might turn him into an instant hero. Look at how Chavit did it. Chavit is as guilty as Erap when he made that "revelation." Will Abalos do the same thing, this time against the EDSA 2 beneficiary?
Look at the number of articles coming out of the papers. It's like a political battlefield out there. Some reports say that JDV has a hand in a number of Chinese deals, including the North Rail and the Cyber-Education project. I believe in this. JDV probably sent his son or supported him just for them to appear clean in all these allegations. Or, even if he did'nt do it or did'nt push his son or any other sonnafabitch to spill the dirty work, there's a clear indication that these things have a deeper shit behind them.
Neri---the real villain?
It appears, as some sectors allude, that Neri is not as clean as what he was pictured out to be. ZTE pursued him even up to the ched with the Cyber-Education project, another big elephant which nearly escaped the public eye. Is it possible that Neri did received a huge sum, as what some reports say, from ZTE? Is Neri the real villain here? Note that Neri elected not to reveal anything against Arroyo at the hearings. He's a lapdog, that's as clear as day. Why? Probably the palace holds some aces in their sleeves against him. It could be that Neri is a bagman, as what others say he is.
The Final Punch
I still believe that all of these things will lead to a big incident, so big that it would topple GMA in a few months' time. Forces are slowly confluencing into one gigantic movement and nature's law dictates that such a force should (1) have direction and (2) should have an outlet of expression.
In the next few days, I believe that Abalos will find "enlightenment" and decide to fight those who betrayed him. Will he spill the beans, as some sectors hope he will against GMA? Or he'll just fire his gun specifically at his detractors, at Joey?
His decision will be based on time. Readers, this is cryptic. Read between the lines, please and you'll know the truth.
(UPDATE) Cory Aquino visits Abalos after resignation
By Kristine L. Alave
Inquirer
Last updated 07:54pm (Mla time) 10/01/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines--Former president Corazon Aquino on Monday visited Benjamin Abalos Sr. after he announced his resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying she was returning the support Abalos and his family gave her when she herself was plagued by crisis.
Aquino arrived at Abalos’ residence on Kanlaon Street in Mandaluyong City past 3 p.m. She was greeted by the ex-poll chairman and his wife, Corazon.
In a brief talk with the media, Aquino expressed support for Abalos and said she has been praying for the beleaguered government official.
When her administration was threatened by coup d’etats, Abalos was one of the first officials to arrive in Malacañang to give her support. Abalos and his wife were also there for her when she felt like an outcast and nobody wanted to associate with her during her crisis years, Aquino said.
“I’m returning his support,” Aquino explained, adding that her visit should remind Abalos that he still has friends.
"Nung nakita ko si Cora kanina, awang-awa ako [When I saw Cora earlier, I pitied her]," she added.
On the allegations that Abalos brokered the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between the Arroyo administration and the Chinese firm ZTE Corp., Aquino withheld her judgment. She added that Abalos must have prayed hard when he decided to step down from his post.
“The truth will come out,” the former president said.
“Daanin na lang natin sa dasal [Let us course it through prayers]. Trust everything to the Lord,” Aquino advised Abalos.
Aside from allegedly brokering the NBN contract, Abalos was also accused of attempted bribery by former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and businessman Jose De Venecia III.
Abalos vehemently denied the charges, saying he would file damage and perjury suits against his detractors.
Aquino gave Abalos his first break in politics when she appointed him officer-in-charge of Mandaluyong City in 1986, after the People Power revolution.
The ex-poll official even showed photographs of his oath-taking as Mandaluyong City OIC to Aquino, during their chat, which lasted for about 30 minutes.
Abalos eventually became the city mayor, a post he held until 1998, when he was replaced by his son, Benhur.
After his stint in the local government, Abalos headed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In 2002, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to chair the Commission on Elections.
Abalos said he was “encouraged” by Aquino’s visit. The former president left the Abalos residence around 3:50 p.m.
"When you are in crisis, you will really know who your real friends are," he said.
“I feel very much touched. Somehow, this strengthens you,” he said. “I never expected this,” he added.
Originally posted at 3:25pm
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