The indefatigable freedom fighter is sick. Corazon Cojuangco Aquino, the figure who inspired peoples of the world to unite against tyranny and oppression has been hit by cancer. Groups who oppose Arroyo says despite this, they will press on the fight. They will not relent until the squatter of Malacanan has been evicted. Good news.
I remember Apostle Paul was also stricken by God of a disease. Despite his affliction, the evangelization continued. Other historical personages suffered extreme illness yet recovered by the grace of God. Even the Prophets of Old (Moses, Elijah, Job, Prophet Muhammad and Jesus) were given enormous tribulations as a test of faith.
Cory is no different. There's a huge societal cancer invading the very lives of the Filipino people right now. Cory's cancer is small compared to the cancer eating away our morality. Is this God's way of telling the Filipino people that we have a savior in the person of Cory who volunteered to carry this burden so that millions may live? I remembered what Ninoy, her husband, once said, " The Filipino People is worth dying for."
Yes, Cory has cancer. This is a test of her faith and her physical will. This is just a body, a hallow physical shell that God gave us to use for the benefit of humankind. Like others, Cory will definitely survive this. She might be weakened by this, yet, her spirit remains strong or stronger even.
For those who have cancer, rejoice. God has given you the chance to exhibit your faith in God. Don't treat it as the end of the world. No. In fact, it is a start of a new beginning, a chance to heal yourself from the ravages of this empty shell.
Rejoice for your cancer is just a physical cancer, not the one that inflicts the very core of your soul.
Woe to Arroyo and her ilk. They are afflicted by a cancer far, far worst than Cory's. Greed is a cancer that infects not only the mind but the spirit. Cory will get more strength. She will be stronger. Yet, those who are stricken by this moral cancer will find themselves unable to recover.
Cory's struggle against her illness is a sign to us. Like her, we must fight this moral cancer that causes societal decay. Like Cory, we must persevere and ask God for strength. And like her, let us be burdened by this societal cancer and find a cure fast before we, ourselves, are stricken by this cancer up to the marrows of our soul.
Monday, March 31, 2008
Sunday, March 30, 2008
The Truth: Filipino Version
Truth--its everybody's buzz word today. From the halls of the Senate to the backwaters of Sulu, everybody wants everybody to seek and know the truth. And what is the truth?
Truth, as they say, is relative. One's truth maybe different from another's. For example, Neri's truth maybe coached in the simpliest terms--I heard my president say this, but I don't know if I'm at liberty of telling you about it. In JLo's case, I heard Neri lambasting the president for being an evil person but the truth is, he just wants me to moderate it. For Neri, he knows what the truth is, but he does not want to jeopardize the entire government since he probably believes that when Filipinos know the truth, will they be able to handle it properly? For Neri, the proper handling of the truth is filing charges in court. For JLo, its for the people to decide what to do next.
So, the truth depends on the perspective of people. For example, in the case of the on-going rice crisis. Government claims they're enough stocks. The problem is price, which, they say, is being influenced by global rice prices. Upon closer scrutiny, however, the people found out that the real reason why prices of rice continues to go up is that the rice cartel is manipulating it. Market prices are not dictating the price. No. It's the greediness of rice traders that is forcing rice prices to shoot up. So, its not global. Its purely local. And the fact is, government is helpless in combatting these big-time rice traders simply because they are transacting with them. Just like in Erap's time when the former president got what's due him for conniving and going to bed with jueteng lords, this government could fall under the weight of its prostitution with rice traders.
Therefore, for the Filipino, truth is what the Pinoy wants to believe. He wants to believe that he can feed himself without importing rice since he sees thousands of thousands of acres of prime, pristine and nutrient-rich lands all around. He does'nt see the fact that his government's priorities are elsewhere. Yes, there is land to cultivate. But government de-prioritized agriculture since government operators or the mafia does not see any profit from it. It prioritizes BPOs and the banks because everytime that a new foreign company sets up shop here, there's obviously protection money involved. Unlike agriculture.
There's plenty of land but you see thousands of them being turned into subdivisions. There's plenty of land but you don't see any tractors, any processing plants nor even rice mills dotting the landscape. There's no fertilizers because the monies were diverted elsewhere. There's no processing plants nor rice mills because the monies devoted to the development of agriculture have been diverted somewhere else. So rice varieties are being re-processed, NFA stocks diverted and big-time rice traders cum operators are happy. And when they are happy, the mayors, congressmen, governors and the palace are happy.
The palace announced that we will be spending 1.5 billion pesos for importation. Great. The palace just gave this 1.5 billion as free money to those traders.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
When Taipans Speak
Guys,
When rational and non-political people such as PLDT head honcho Manny V. Pangilinan talks, everybody listens. Manny exudes an authoritative air, but not of the despicable kind. A natural-born leader, Manny's one of just a few Pinoys worth emulating.
In Ricky Carandang's interview of MVP, like other Filipinos, he wants to know the truth. He had his time to ponder and what he thinks should be considered, especially by Gloria.
This interview should be read before reading Randy David's article today published in the Inquirer. David said that there should be a resolution of this issue of seeking the truth. Whatever that is, it depends on the people.
For me, the search for truth has ended. This government has categorically said that they are not interested in giving the Filipino even an inch of space to know what the real truth is. The question that we now face is--what should we do about it? Will we just let this government rule us with impunity and without giving us any dignity? Or will we unite to show the world that we condemn such acts of corruption, indecency, impunity and inhumane-ness? God, as what David hopes, should bless us.
MVP: 'Let's find out what the truth is'
(Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the board of PLDT, spoke recently with Ricky Carandang on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) show, The Big Picture. Excerpts from the interview in Hong Kong, where Pangilinan, also known as “MVP”, is the managing director of the Hong Kong-based investment firm, First Pacific Co. Ltd.)
Ricky Carandang: Millions of Filipinos have left the country to work and live abroad. Their reasons may vary, but most of them dream of earning a decent living and providing a security for their future. Manny Pangilinan left the country in the 1970s to find a job in Hong Kong. Little did he expect that he would succeed beyond the wildest dreams of many overseas Filipinos. Pangilinan’s success may be uncommon, but it is a sign of what Filipinos can achieve abroad.
ON MVP SPENDING MORE TIME WITH FIRST PACIFIC
Q. Is Manny Pangilinan looking for a new challenge?
A. Well, I guess so. It's time we looked at new things. There are two main anchors to our business, mainly Indofood and PLDT. And now emerging is Metro Pacific, which is investments in medical care, in the water system. So we’d like to create a third or fourth leg, if you may, to First Pacific.
Q. Why is that? What’s driving you to look for something new? Indofood and PLDT are both doing well. You could, very well, just coast along.
A. Well, as they say, work expands to fill the time required. So, I’m not as much needed in PLDT as much as I was when I was CEO. [He remains PLDT chairman of the board.--Ed] So, in a way, it discharges my responsibility as well as the CEO of First Pacific. The mandate has been to grow the businesses on a regional basis so I still have to fulfill that mandate.
Q. And this is where you’re going now.
A. That’s correct.
ON HIS BEING THE ‘ULTIMATE OFW’
Q. You started here in Hong Kong, some people could say, and I’ve referred to you once or twice as the ultimate OFW. You came here seeking a job and I don’t know if you even imagined being here and doing what you’re doing.
A. No. I mean, I think for me to pretend that I knew what I was going to do when I left the shores of Manila way back in 1976, Feb. 28 to be precise, with four suits and two pairs of shoes. At that time, I had no idea really where I would be headed. I knew I was going to be an executive director of Bancom International at that time, and thereafter, just progressed towards the founding of First Pacific in 1981. And we started as a banking and trading group, and now, we’re quite different from where we were 26, 27 years ago.
Q. Did you come out here thinking, you know, 'I wanna make a little bit more money, I wanna have a nice stable job. I wanna have decent growth prospects.' Or were you a little more ambitious than that at the beginning?
A. No, no. Well, I came over, well, partly to make money, as most OCWs must be motivated as well. And I had a time horizon equally. Like, I guess, most, if not all OCWs, after spending 5 years or so, I would go back to Manila and you know, that’s really your home. I had certain specific goals in mind both from a wealth perspective and a time perspective. But I spent 22 complete years in Hong Kong, so it just got into you.
Q. When did it change? When did you say, ‘Hey, maybe I don’t mind spending a significant portion of my time here’?
A. Well, age had a factor to it. Certainly, as you grow old, your desire to go back to Manila increases. And at the same time, we made our investment in PLDT in 1998, and that was a significant investment. So I felt duty-bound to manage what I decided upon to invest into. And that was the beginning of a return back to Manila .
Q. But at that point, when you were thinking of acquiring PLDT, I suppose your ambitions got a little larger as well. It’s no longer having a nice comfortable life, it was more of buying this company and making it grow, and buying this company and making it the dominant force. The ambitions, I guess, get grander as you move higher up.
A. I guess so. Although when I went into PLDT in 1998, it was really an extreme focus on the job at hand. And to a degree, my time and attention with First Pacific suffered. There were give-ups in that sense. Now that I’ve relinquished my post there and now spend more time here, I could look at precisely what you’re saying: Look at grander things for First Pacific, and even for PLDT.
ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN RP
A. It’s in many, many respects, especially if you sit back and look at the situation in the Philippines from an offshore perspective, like here in Hong Kong, it is sad. A number of people here have commented that these are self-inflicted wounds by you guys out there. In many respects, that’s true.
A number of analyses have been proffered with respect to what the situation is. And they’ve been very, very interesting. Like the analysis of Mrs. [Winnie] Monsod and Chief Justice [Art] Panganiban, their columns and a few other columnists have tried to render a very objective and sober analysis of the situation and what are the options for the country.
And yet, when we watched, was it two Fridays ago [February 29], the rally in Makati? And from our building, from the 10th floor, you’re watching the people stream to Ayala Avenue. And most of the…at least from that stream, on our part of Makati, most of the rallyists were students. And you might intellectualize about the options available to the President or the country, but when you see these young kids out there in the streets, you can’t help feel but emotionally involved with the young people. And you ask yourself: Why do they have to march to the streets? They should be out there in the schools being, sort of being more productive as students. So in a way, the older generation is burdening the younger generation with something they shouldn’t be burdened with. I’d rather we solved the problems as the older folks. Because the kids will have their own problems in their generation.
Q. You mentioned students on the streets. That’s not something we’ve seen in recent years. What does students on the streets tell you?
A. Again, I can’t speak for them. Clearly, there is unhappiness there of what the situation is gonna be. But it looks to me that my reading is, their main concern would be: What is the truth? And obviously, they deserve to know what the truth is.
Q. What do you make of that? People used to complain all the time that students don’t care, they don’t give a damn, they’re not going to go on the streets. The religious largely sought to stay away from affairs like this. The business community, I think you have friends who have been in rallies. I’ve heard you’ve been to some yourself. People who normally don’t get involved are now going on the streets. Do you think that’s a sign that something is a little different this time around? Or do you think is just no big deal?
A. Well, I think it is a sign that the people would want something explained. As I said, it’s good to know what the truth is. My impression, that’s the major, major issue. And it has taken a grip of what…well, I think of a number of important sectors of our society. I think business wants to know the truth. I think the church does, and certainly, the studentry want to know the truth as well.
Q. Do you?
A. Of course, yes.
ON HIS PRESENCE AT AN ANTI-ARROYO RALLY
Q. Enough to go on the streets? The reason I asked that is because I do remember that when Pres. Aquino recently spoke before the business community, you were there. And it was there where she called on Pres. Arroyo to step down again. You were there, and I understand you were seen at a rally.
A. Well, I’m not trying to be an apologist or apologetic about my appearance there. The occasion where Pres. Aquino spoke was…what they call… it was the second anniversary of the Pinoy ME (Micro Enterprise) Foundation which is really a….it’s an institution set up at the behest of Pres. Aquino to help raise funds principally for microfinance institutions or MFIs. And this had been organized a number of months ago, so I was supposed to be one of the two main speakers. Sonny Vistan was there. I’ve been asked to render a report on the activities of the foundation and I consented to it. Secondly, the PLDT SMART Foundation is the biggest donor to Pinoy ME, and it’s frankly uncolored by political considerations. And Pinoy ME Foundation needed an initial anchor lender-creditor to get the process started. And we arranged, together with certain trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress, to have a credit facility extended by PBSP to Pinoy ME Foundation. And that was P250 million. We donated, as PLDT SMART Foundation, P5 million.
Q. So you were there for that?
A. I was there principally for that. Although I know, I’m not naïve enough to know that in that gathering, there is the likelihood of political statements being made. So but….so be it. If that were to happen, that would happen. If that were not to happen, it wouldn’t happen.
Q. So you were really at the rally or was that just talk?
A. Well, yes and no. I was at the NGO building which is the building right behind the Cojuangco Bldg. which is right on Makati Avenue. And I had to drop by the e-PLDT, in an office in Locsin [St.], which is on the corner of Ayala and Makati. So from there, also, I was curious. I wanted to….magmimiron, susulyap ka doon muna. So when I got out of Locsin, well, I went to the corner of Ayala and Makati and your cameras caught me. Ooops. Ooops, but so be it. I wasn’t part of the rally but I was there, watching what’s going on.
Q. You said at some point, people have to take a stand, and you can’t sit on the fence forever. I don’t know if we’re misconstruing your happening to be at the rally and your happening to be at Pres. Aquino’s speech as taking a stand, but let me just ask you: have you taken a stand?
A. Not publicly.
Q. What does that mean?
A. Well, you know, you have a personal position. And to the extent that you have a public life like I do, not quite the showbiz public life, but as an officer of a public company, you have, as well, a responsibility to your company and to your shareholder and to your employees where, you know, whatever statements you make could impact their welfare. So you have to be very careful what you say publicly as well. So it’s a balance I’m trying to strike as an individual, as a private person, as a Filipino and as an officer of a public company, which is listed not only in the Philippines but as well as in the States.
Q. Albert del Rosario has been to a number of rallies, even read a speech calling on Cabinet members to resign. What was your reaction to that? He’s your friend.
A. Bless him.
ON THE NEED FOR MORE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES
Q. How serious do you think this is? I was talking to some fund managers the other day and the general thinking is that, you know, we get a lot of noise coming out of the Philippines and it never really amounts to much. So there seems to be a sense among some people outside the Philippines, fund managers, finance people that well, here we go, the usual noise in the Philippines but nothing will change, the economy will keep moving at the rate it is, in the way that it is, and sooner or later, people will get tired and we’ll all go back to normal. In other words, we’ve seen this for the last several years, it’s nothing different, it’s not more serious.
A. Well, you know, that’s the sentiment, not only reflected by non-Filipinos outside the Philippines but I think perhaps a number of Filipinos as well. For example, if the President were to step down or were to go, retire, what’s next? Will things change as a result of her say, sudden resignation? And that’s the dilemma. What happens next? Will things change or it’s just changing characters on the same stage. And people, as you rightly pointed out, even here in Hong Kong, are saying, ‘Well, okay, there’s another change, what changes have you really brought about?’ And that’s the basic issue. So the issues confronting the nation are really quite more fundamental than just simple change of presidents.
Q. It seems as if people want something more than just a change in faces, it seems, and maybe I’m misreading the public, but people want a change in the way government works, or the way it responds to the needs of the public.
A. Yes. We speak about damaged institutions, correct? And government and so forth and so on. But institutions are made of people. They’re not in anime things, we’re not invented by somebody. And they’re divorced, the running of institutions is divorced from what people are. So in a way, blaming government solely for our ills is rather unfair, right? Because…. I’ve been involved in a number of what you call NSAs, National Sports Associations, and the problems I’ve been in basketball are repeated similarly in other NSAs. So you sort of wonder what’s wrong? So in some respects, the institutions you’re dealing with, be it NSA, government or be it in schools, is merely the form. But the substance of our problem is really ourselves, isn’t it?
ON TOO MUCH DIVISION IN SOCIETY
Q. So how do you change that? What makes a society successful and another not successful?
A. Well, I was in a dinner a few nights ago, and this was Al Gore who was in Manila I think the past year or so. And somebody asked him, remember, he lost by the skin of his teeth, in Florida where, in fact, the governor was the President’s brother, right? Jed Bush. And Al Gore was asked why he didn’t bring his case all the way to the Supreme Court and make a big fuss. Cause I think if that were to happen to the Philippines, with whatever, we won’t have a President for two or three years or whatever. And his response was very simple: to paraphrase him, I don’t know, I wasn’t there when he said it: ‘Why didn’t I do it? It’s because there’s something greater than me, and that’s my country.’
Q. He felt that elevating that issue could have caused too much upheaval.
A. That’s right. And too much divisiveness to his country. So he said...Well, perhaps, he probably also felt that maybe it’s a touch-and-go, really, so rather than being part of the problem, he said, I want to be part of the solution.
Q. Are you conceding that people stop marching on the streets and just get on?
A. No, no. If they think strongly about their opinion, their conviction, they should be allowed, why not?
Q. What do you think?
A. As long as they’re quite orderly and so forth.
Q. So far they have been.
A. So what’s wrong with that?
ON THE NEED TO FIND THE TRUTH
Q. What do you think should happen next?
A. Well, I think the call of the bishops, I agree with. Let’s find out what the truth is.
Q. And finding out the truth, how is that done? Will you hazard a guess?
A. Well, everybody’s got to be honest, I suppose.
Q. What happens if we find out the truth? Then, what follows after that?
A. I guess it depends what the truth is? You have to be ready for the consequences, di ba? what the truth is. Because you know, that’s something, again, those calling for the truth must be aware of.
ON WHETHER HE PLANS TO JOIN POLITICS
Q. We’re talking about national affairs, we’re talking about politics here. When I talk to you about politics, part of me thinks you’re very uncomfortable. Part of me thinks that you actually would relish a nice long conversation about politics. What is your view of politics in general? Do you have an interest in these things?
A. Well, I’m interested in the Filipino way of life, right? So be it politics or show business or whatever it is, it’s something that…. I just feel you have to be in the stream of things effectively. You have to be part of the Filipino way of life to understand how the Filipino thinks and operates.
Q. Do you ever see yourself getting involved in politics in a more overt way?
A. I don’t think so.
ON HIS INTEREST IN SPORTS AND HIS THREE BASKETBALL TEAMS
Q. I get a sense your interest in media for PLDT is more than just strategy, more than just business sense. You know business people, you like sports. There seems to be a genuine interest in your part in content.
A. Entertainment in general. Sports can be entertainment.
Q. People tell me you’re not a guy with a lot of leisure time. So maybe that’s sort of how you wind down?
A. Yes, it’s a spigot to release your tension and everything from work. But you know, certainly, watching a basketball game, say Ateneo-La Salle, you really have to focus on the game, you have to forget about everything else. And equally, when you play badminton, I play badminton, you know you’re gonna do well in the game if your mind is not on the game. So you have to discipline yourself and force yourself to concentrate on the game. Otherwise, you won’t play well.
Q. So it’s nice that what you’re interested in to sort of unwind could also potentially make you a few billion pesos. That’s synergy.
A. It has to pay for the cost.
Q. You’re talking about Ateneo-La Salle, you’re talking about basketball. Ateneo versus San Beda, where would you be?
A. I would wear a red and blue shirt.
Q. Sort of a middle ground kind of an answer there.
A. Well, I was asked that, and this is how I rationalized it. We actually have three teams: the Talk-n-Text team, the Ateneo team, and San Beda team, lately only. If you may, you have three loves. Well, the Talk-n-Txt team is professional team so it’s a professional kind of love. The Ateneo team, Ateneo being sort of intellectual, is more of an intellectual love. But really, when you get down to the emotional love, it’s really San Beda.
Q. So everybody’s got a piece of it.
A. A piece of it. Why? Because if I may say this, probably the San Beda players are a bit more akin to the typical Filipino. They’re just that. Maybe from an income-class standpoint, I guess from a sociological make-up, they seem to be more typical Filipino.
Q. And that’s what endears them to you?
A. That’s what I like about them. They’re probably more human, if you may, than….I’m not saying that as a criticism. My relation with them resonates better purely from a human perspective. #
When rational and non-political people such as PLDT head honcho Manny V. Pangilinan talks, everybody listens. Manny exudes an authoritative air, but not of the despicable kind. A natural-born leader, Manny's one of just a few Pinoys worth emulating.
In Ricky Carandang's interview of MVP, like other Filipinos, he wants to know the truth. He had his time to ponder and what he thinks should be considered, especially by Gloria.
This interview should be read before reading Randy David's article today published in the Inquirer. David said that there should be a resolution of this issue of seeking the truth. Whatever that is, it depends on the people.
For me, the search for truth has ended. This government has categorically said that they are not interested in giving the Filipino even an inch of space to know what the real truth is. The question that we now face is--what should we do about it? Will we just let this government rule us with impunity and without giving us any dignity? Or will we unite to show the world that we condemn such acts of corruption, indecency, impunity and inhumane-ness? God, as what David hopes, should bless us.
MVP: 'Let's find out what the truth is'
(Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the board of PLDT, spoke recently with Ricky Carandang on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) show, The Big Picture. Excerpts from the interview in Hong Kong, where Pangilinan, also known as “MVP”, is the managing director of the Hong Kong-based investment firm, First Pacific Co. Ltd.)
Ricky Carandang: Millions of Filipinos have left the country to work and live abroad. Their reasons may vary, but most of them dream of earning a decent living and providing a security for their future. Manny Pangilinan left the country in the 1970s to find a job in Hong Kong. Little did he expect that he would succeed beyond the wildest dreams of many overseas Filipinos. Pangilinan’s success may be uncommon, but it is a sign of what Filipinos can achieve abroad.
ON MVP SPENDING MORE TIME WITH FIRST PACIFIC
Q. Is Manny Pangilinan looking for a new challenge?
A. Well, I guess so. It's time we looked at new things. There are two main anchors to our business, mainly Indofood and PLDT. And now emerging is Metro Pacific, which is investments in medical care, in the water system. So we’d like to create a third or fourth leg, if you may, to First Pacific.
Q. Why is that? What’s driving you to look for something new? Indofood and PLDT are both doing well. You could, very well, just coast along.
A. Well, as they say, work expands to fill the time required. So, I’m not as much needed in PLDT as much as I was when I was CEO. [He remains PLDT chairman of the board.--Ed] So, in a way, it discharges my responsibility as well as the CEO of First Pacific. The mandate has been to grow the businesses on a regional basis so I still have to fulfill that mandate.
Q. And this is where you’re going now.
A. That’s correct.
ON HIS BEING THE ‘ULTIMATE OFW’
Q. You started here in Hong Kong, some people could say, and I’ve referred to you once or twice as the ultimate OFW. You came here seeking a job and I don’t know if you even imagined being here and doing what you’re doing.
A. No. I mean, I think for me to pretend that I knew what I was going to do when I left the shores of Manila way back in 1976, Feb. 28 to be precise, with four suits and two pairs of shoes. At that time, I had no idea really where I would be headed. I knew I was going to be an executive director of Bancom International at that time, and thereafter, just progressed towards the founding of First Pacific in 1981. And we started as a banking and trading group, and now, we’re quite different from where we were 26, 27 years ago.
Q. Did you come out here thinking, you know, 'I wanna make a little bit more money, I wanna have a nice stable job. I wanna have decent growth prospects.' Or were you a little more ambitious than that at the beginning?
A. No, no. Well, I came over, well, partly to make money, as most OCWs must be motivated as well. And I had a time horizon equally. Like, I guess, most, if not all OCWs, after spending 5 years or so, I would go back to Manila and you know, that’s really your home. I had certain specific goals in mind both from a wealth perspective and a time perspective. But I spent 22 complete years in Hong Kong, so it just got into you.
Q. When did it change? When did you say, ‘Hey, maybe I don’t mind spending a significant portion of my time here’?
A. Well, age had a factor to it. Certainly, as you grow old, your desire to go back to Manila increases. And at the same time, we made our investment in PLDT in 1998, and that was a significant investment. So I felt duty-bound to manage what I decided upon to invest into. And that was the beginning of a return back to Manila .
Q. But at that point, when you were thinking of acquiring PLDT, I suppose your ambitions got a little larger as well. It’s no longer having a nice comfortable life, it was more of buying this company and making it grow, and buying this company and making it the dominant force. The ambitions, I guess, get grander as you move higher up.
A. I guess so. Although when I went into PLDT in 1998, it was really an extreme focus on the job at hand. And to a degree, my time and attention with First Pacific suffered. There were give-ups in that sense. Now that I’ve relinquished my post there and now spend more time here, I could look at precisely what you’re saying: Look at grander things for First Pacific, and even for PLDT.
ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN RP
A. It’s in many, many respects, especially if you sit back and look at the situation in the Philippines from an offshore perspective, like here in Hong Kong, it is sad. A number of people here have commented that these are self-inflicted wounds by you guys out there. In many respects, that’s true.
A number of analyses have been proffered with respect to what the situation is. And they’ve been very, very interesting. Like the analysis of Mrs. [Winnie] Monsod and Chief Justice [Art] Panganiban, their columns and a few other columnists have tried to render a very objective and sober analysis of the situation and what are the options for the country.
And yet, when we watched, was it two Fridays ago [February 29], the rally in Makati? And from our building, from the 10th floor, you’re watching the people stream to Ayala Avenue. And most of the…at least from that stream, on our part of Makati, most of the rallyists were students. And you might intellectualize about the options available to the President or the country, but when you see these young kids out there in the streets, you can’t help feel but emotionally involved with the young people. And you ask yourself: Why do they have to march to the streets? They should be out there in the schools being, sort of being more productive as students. So in a way, the older generation is burdening the younger generation with something they shouldn’t be burdened with. I’d rather we solved the problems as the older folks. Because the kids will have their own problems in their generation.
Q. You mentioned students on the streets. That’s not something we’ve seen in recent years. What does students on the streets tell you?
A. Again, I can’t speak for them. Clearly, there is unhappiness there of what the situation is gonna be. But it looks to me that my reading is, their main concern would be: What is the truth? And obviously, they deserve to know what the truth is.
Q. What do you make of that? People used to complain all the time that students don’t care, they don’t give a damn, they’re not going to go on the streets. The religious largely sought to stay away from affairs like this. The business community, I think you have friends who have been in rallies. I’ve heard you’ve been to some yourself. People who normally don’t get involved are now going on the streets. Do you think that’s a sign that something is a little different this time around? Or do you think is just no big deal?
A. Well, I think it is a sign that the people would want something explained. As I said, it’s good to know what the truth is. My impression, that’s the major, major issue. And it has taken a grip of what…well, I think of a number of important sectors of our society. I think business wants to know the truth. I think the church does, and certainly, the studentry want to know the truth as well.
Q. Do you?
A. Of course, yes.
ON HIS PRESENCE AT AN ANTI-ARROYO RALLY
Q. Enough to go on the streets? The reason I asked that is because I do remember that when Pres. Aquino recently spoke before the business community, you were there. And it was there where she called on Pres. Arroyo to step down again. You were there, and I understand you were seen at a rally.
A. Well, I’m not trying to be an apologist or apologetic about my appearance there. The occasion where Pres. Aquino spoke was…what they call… it was the second anniversary of the Pinoy ME (Micro Enterprise) Foundation which is really a….it’s an institution set up at the behest of Pres. Aquino to help raise funds principally for microfinance institutions or MFIs. And this had been organized a number of months ago, so I was supposed to be one of the two main speakers. Sonny Vistan was there. I’ve been asked to render a report on the activities of the foundation and I consented to it. Secondly, the PLDT SMART Foundation is the biggest donor to Pinoy ME, and it’s frankly uncolored by political considerations. And Pinoy ME Foundation needed an initial anchor lender-creditor to get the process started. And we arranged, together with certain trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress, to have a credit facility extended by PBSP to Pinoy ME Foundation. And that was P250 million. We donated, as PLDT SMART Foundation, P5 million.
Q. So you were there for that?
A. I was there principally for that. Although I know, I’m not naïve enough to know that in that gathering, there is the likelihood of political statements being made. So but….so be it. If that were to happen, that would happen. If that were not to happen, it wouldn’t happen.
Q. So you were really at the rally or was that just talk?
A. Well, yes and no. I was at the NGO building which is the building right behind the Cojuangco Bldg. which is right on Makati Avenue. And I had to drop by the e-PLDT, in an office in Locsin [St.], which is on the corner of Ayala and Makati. So from there, also, I was curious. I wanted to….magmimiron, susulyap ka doon muna. So when I got out of Locsin, well, I went to the corner of Ayala and Makati and your cameras caught me. Ooops. Ooops, but so be it. I wasn’t part of the rally but I was there, watching what’s going on.
Q. You said at some point, people have to take a stand, and you can’t sit on the fence forever. I don’t know if we’re misconstruing your happening to be at the rally and your happening to be at Pres. Aquino’s speech as taking a stand, but let me just ask you: have you taken a stand?
A. Not publicly.
Q. What does that mean?
A. Well, you know, you have a personal position. And to the extent that you have a public life like I do, not quite the showbiz public life, but as an officer of a public company, you have, as well, a responsibility to your company and to your shareholder and to your employees where, you know, whatever statements you make could impact their welfare. So you have to be very careful what you say publicly as well. So it’s a balance I’m trying to strike as an individual, as a private person, as a Filipino and as an officer of a public company, which is listed not only in the Philippines but as well as in the States.
Q. Albert del Rosario has been to a number of rallies, even read a speech calling on Cabinet members to resign. What was your reaction to that? He’s your friend.
A. Bless him.
ON THE NEED FOR MORE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES
Q. How serious do you think this is? I was talking to some fund managers the other day and the general thinking is that, you know, we get a lot of noise coming out of the Philippines and it never really amounts to much. So there seems to be a sense among some people outside the Philippines, fund managers, finance people that well, here we go, the usual noise in the Philippines but nothing will change, the economy will keep moving at the rate it is, in the way that it is, and sooner or later, people will get tired and we’ll all go back to normal. In other words, we’ve seen this for the last several years, it’s nothing different, it’s not more serious.
A. Well, you know, that’s the sentiment, not only reflected by non-Filipinos outside the Philippines but I think perhaps a number of Filipinos as well. For example, if the President were to step down or were to go, retire, what’s next? Will things change as a result of her say, sudden resignation? And that’s the dilemma. What happens next? Will things change or it’s just changing characters on the same stage. And people, as you rightly pointed out, even here in Hong Kong, are saying, ‘Well, okay, there’s another change, what changes have you really brought about?’ And that’s the basic issue. So the issues confronting the nation are really quite more fundamental than just simple change of presidents.
Q. It seems as if people want something more than just a change in faces, it seems, and maybe I’m misreading the public, but people want a change in the way government works, or the way it responds to the needs of the public.
A. Yes. We speak about damaged institutions, correct? And government and so forth and so on. But institutions are made of people. They’re not in anime things, we’re not invented by somebody. And they’re divorced, the running of institutions is divorced from what people are. So in a way, blaming government solely for our ills is rather unfair, right? Because…. I’ve been involved in a number of what you call NSAs, National Sports Associations, and the problems I’ve been in basketball are repeated similarly in other NSAs. So you sort of wonder what’s wrong? So in some respects, the institutions you’re dealing with, be it NSA, government or be it in schools, is merely the form. But the substance of our problem is really ourselves, isn’t it?
ON TOO MUCH DIVISION IN SOCIETY
Q. So how do you change that? What makes a society successful and another not successful?
A. Well, I was in a dinner a few nights ago, and this was Al Gore who was in Manila I think the past year or so. And somebody asked him, remember, he lost by the skin of his teeth, in Florida where, in fact, the governor was the President’s brother, right? Jed Bush. And Al Gore was asked why he didn’t bring his case all the way to the Supreme Court and make a big fuss. Cause I think if that were to happen to the Philippines, with whatever, we won’t have a President for two or three years or whatever. And his response was very simple: to paraphrase him, I don’t know, I wasn’t there when he said it: ‘Why didn’t I do it? It’s because there’s something greater than me, and that’s my country.’
Q. He felt that elevating that issue could have caused too much upheaval.
A. That’s right. And too much divisiveness to his country. So he said...Well, perhaps, he probably also felt that maybe it’s a touch-and-go, really, so rather than being part of the problem, he said, I want to be part of the solution.
Q. Are you conceding that people stop marching on the streets and just get on?
A. No, no. If they think strongly about their opinion, their conviction, they should be allowed, why not?
Q. What do you think?
A. As long as they’re quite orderly and so forth.
Q. So far they have been.
A. So what’s wrong with that?
ON THE NEED TO FIND THE TRUTH
Q. What do you think should happen next?
A. Well, I think the call of the bishops, I agree with. Let’s find out what the truth is.
Q. And finding out the truth, how is that done? Will you hazard a guess?
A. Well, everybody’s got to be honest, I suppose.
Q. What happens if we find out the truth? Then, what follows after that?
A. I guess it depends what the truth is? You have to be ready for the consequences, di ba? what the truth is. Because you know, that’s something, again, those calling for the truth must be aware of.
ON WHETHER HE PLANS TO JOIN POLITICS
Q. We’re talking about national affairs, we’re talking about politics here. When I talk to you about politics, part of me thinks you’re very uncomfortable. Part of me thinks that you actually would relish a nice long conversation about politics. What is your view of politics in general? Do you have an interest in these things?
A. Well, I’m interested in the Filipino way of life, right? So be it politics or show business or whatever it is, it’s something that…. I just feel you have to be in the stream of things effectively. You have to be part of the Filipino way of life to understand how the Filipino thinks and operates.
Q. Do you ever see yourself getting involved in politics in a more overt way?
A. I don’t think so.
ON HIS INTEREST IN SPORTS AND HIS THREE BASKETBALL TEAMS
Q. I get a sense your interest in media for PLDT is more than just strategy, more than just business sense. You know business people, you like sports. There seems to be a genuine interest in your part in content.
A. Entertainment in general. Sports can be entertainment.
Q. People tell me you’re not a guy with a lot of leisure time. So maybe that’s sort of how you wind down?
A. Yes, it’s a spigot to release your tension and everything from work. But you know, certainly, watching a basketball game, say Ateneo-La Salle, you really have to focus on the game, you have to forget about everything else. And equally, when you play badminton, I play badminton, you know you’re gonna do well in the game if your mind is not on the game. So you have to discipline yourself and force yourself to concentrate on the game. Otherwise, you won’t play well.
Q. So it’s nice that what you’re interested in to sort of unwind could also potentially make you a few billion pesos. That’s synergy.
A. It has to pay for the cost.
Q. You’re talking about Ateneo-La Salle, you’re talking about basketball. Ateneo versus San Beda, where would you be?
A. I would wear a red and blue shirt.
Q. Sort of a middle ground kind of an answer there.
A. Well, I was asked that, and this is how I rationalized it. We actually have three teams: the Talk-n-Text team, the Ateneo team, and San Beda team, lately only. If you may, you have three loves. Well, the Talk-n-Txt team is professional team so it’s a professional kind of love. The Ateneo team, Ateneo being sort of intellectual, is more of an intellectual love. But really, when you get down to the emotional love, it’s really San Beda.
Q. So everybody’s got a piece of it.
A. A piece of it. Why? Because if I may say this, probably the San Beda players are a bit more akin to the typical Filipino. They’re just that. Maybe from an income-class standpoint, I guess from a sociological make-up, they seem to be more typical Filipino.
Q. And that’s what endears them to you?
A. That’s what I like about them. They’re probably more human, if you may, than….I’m not saying that as a criticism. My relation with them resonates better purely from a human perspective. #
Worst is yet to come
HI READERS,
As I wrote here in this blog and in redbluethoughts.today.com, this report validates our economic prognosis in the Philippines. What this government should do is:
1. Institute austerity measures. Undertake fiscal discipline in all areas of governance.
2. De "cartelize" industries of basic commodities
3. Institute price controls in the name of "economic emergency". Mrs. Arroyo should declare a state of national emergency due to the expected economic crisis
4. Institute a well-thought food security plan.
If this government institutes these measures, it will ease up the expected slowdown of the Philippine economy.
Economists: Worst is yet to come
Filipinos still need to tighten their belts for the next six months as economists predict that the worst is not yet over.
Economic experts said prices of rice and petroleum products would continue to soar in the next few months.
The average price of petroleum products this March has reportedly reached US$96 per barrel as compared to the US$90/barrel in February.
Meanwhile, the cost of rice, a staple food in the country, is also climbing because Thailand and Vietnam’s harvest weakened. The Philippines is importing rice from Thailand and Vietnam.
Experts said the price of the rice and oil will continue to increase because of the big demand in China and India.
Cause to worry
"We have on one side the picture of a very rapid growth of the Chinese and Indian economy. As they double a lot of their supply of coal, wheat, oil and rice, these things are going to be very expensive in the Philippines. We're beginning to see it in the case of rice," said Dr. Felipe Medalla, dean of the University of the Philippines, School of Economics.
"Obviously there is worry especially about prices. Prices obviously are having a strong pressure upwards because of oil prices and again this global rise in food prices is really with us," Dr. Cielito Habito said.
Medalla and Habito were former socioeconomic planning secretaries.
Long-term uncertain
Medalla said it would be hard to stop the price increase particularly since the country is facing external factors, political problems and poor governance.
"Is a government mired in all sorts of scandals to be trusted by the people? Suppose the government says I'm an honest government, I'm telling you we have to have a slight rise in price to encourage farmers to produce. Who will believe it?" Medalla said.
They however advised the public to prepare as the long-term effect to the country is still uncertain.
"Let's prepare for the worst, let's be ready to tighten up our belts because definitely the worst things are coming but then again, not to lose hope. In the end, the economy is only as good as the people who make up the economy," said Habito.
Reuters poll - RP econ to slow
Philippine economic growth will slow this year from a three-decade peak in 2007 dampened by weak exports, slowing private investment, as well as rising inflation, a Reuters quarterly poll showed.
But government spending to rehabilitate and upgrade public infrastructure after years of neglect should provide some support, analysts said.
The median forecast of economists polled was for gross domestic product (GDP) to expand 5.8 percent in 2008, slower than 7.3 percent growth in 2007.
Lower than Dec poll
The latest 2008 growth forecast is lower than the 6.1 percent estimate in a similar poll conducted in December and is lower than the government target of 6.3-7 percent growth this year.
"The expected slowdown in the Philippine economy is really externally driven," said Frederic Neumann, an economist at HSBC.
"Aside from exports, remittances will also take a hit on the chin, which means slower consumption growth."
Fears of an abrupt US downturn loom large in the Philippines, where 16.2 percent of exports are bought by Americans, and where an estimated 30 percent of overseas Filipino workers' remittances come from.
With reports from Bandila and Reuter
As I wrote here in this blog and in redbluethoughts.today.com, this report validates our economic prognosis in the Philippines. What this government should do is:
1. Institute austerity measures. Undertake fiscal discipline in all areas of governance.
2. De "cartelize" industries of basic commodities
3. Institute price controls in the name of "economic emergency". Mrs. Arroyo should declare a state of national emergency due to the expected economic crisis
4. Institute a well-thought food security plan.
If this government institutes these measures, it will ease up the expected slowdown of the Philippine economy.
Economists: Worst is yet to come
Filipinos still need to tighten their belts for the next six months as economists predict that the worst is not yet over.
Economic experts said prices of rice and petroleum products would continue to soar in the next few months.
The average price of petroleum products this March has reportedly reached US$96 per barrel as compared to the US$90/barrel in February.
Meanwhile, the cost of rice, a staple food in the country, is also climbing because Thailand and Vietnam’s harvest weakened. The Philippines is importing rice from Thailand and Vietnam.
Experts said the price of the rice and oil will continue to increase because of the big demand in China and India.
Cause to worry
"We have on one side the picture of a very rapid growth of the Chinese and Indian economy. As they double a lot of their supply of coal, wheat, oil and rice, these things are going to be very expensive in the Philippines. We're beginning to see it in the case of rice," said Dr. Felipe Medalla, dean of the University of the Philippines, School of Economics.
"Obviously there is worry especially about prices. Prices obviously are having a strong pressure upwards because of oil prices and again this global rise in food prices is really with us," Dr. Cielito Habito said.
Medalla and Habito were former socioeconomic planning secretaries.
Long-term uncertain
Medalla said it would be hard to stop the price increase particularly since the country is facing external factors, political problems and poor governance.
"Is a government mired in all sorts of scandals to be trusted by the people? Suppose the government says I'm an honest government, I'm telling you we have to have a slight rise in price to encourage farmers to produce. Who will believe it?" Medalla said.
They however advised the public to prepare as the long-term effect to the country is still uncertain.
"Let's prepare for the worst, let's be ready to tighten up our belts because definitely the worst things are coming but then again, not to lose hope. In the end, the economy is only as good as the people who make up the economy," said Habito.
Reuters poll - RP econ to slow
Philippine economic growth will slow this year from a three-decade peak in 2007 dampened by weak exports, slowing private investment, as well as rising inflation, a Reuters quarterly poll showed.
But government spending to rehabilitate and upgrade public infrastructure after years of neglect should provide some support, analysts said.
The median forecast of economists polled was for gross domestic product (GDP) to expand 5.8 percent in 2008, slower than 7.3 percent growth in 2007.
Lower than Dec poll
The latest 2008 growth forecast is lower than the 6.1 percent estimate in a similar poll conducted in December and is lower than the government target of 6.3-7 percent growth this year.
"The expected slowdown in the Philippine economy is really externally driven," said Frederic Neumann, an economist at HSBC.
"Aside from exports, remittances will also take a hit on the chin, which means slower consumption growth."
Fears of an abrupt US downturn loom large in the Philippines, where 16.2 percent of exports are bought by Americans, and where an estimated 30 percent of overseas Filipino workers' remittances come from.
With reports from Bandila and Reuter
Jueteng before, rice cartels today
Sources from the intelligence community revealed that some jueteng lords have now shifted to rice cartelization. Yes, after a massive and serious campaign against the illegal numbers game, some big-time jueteng lords have allegedly colluded with rice retailers and formed their own cartels in the provinces. For the benefit of mamang pulis, these areas are the following:
1. Pangasinan--they are using some cooperatives in buying NFA rice for "conversion"
2. Isabela--they have a big cooperative which they use for buying NFA rice again for "conversion"
3. Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya--the same modus operandi. Some even have importation permits
4. Quezon, Cavite, Davao, Cebu
These syndicates have big warehouses (not bonded) in those areas. Go to Quezon province. They have big warehouses there full of sacks and sacks of rice, converted already from NFA and imported rice. In Valenzuela, Malabon and Caloocan, there are huge warehouses there of illegally imported rice.
I dare NFA administrator Jessup Navarro to release to the media a list of all those rice retailers whose licenses were revoked. I also asked DA Secretary Art Yap to reveal the list of these big-time rice traders to the public. If, as he says, his father-in-law Jim Gaw is not involved in rice or cereals trading, then, as a gentleman, he must "clear" his father-in-law of all complicity by being transparent in his revelation of this list. Not doing so would definitely tarnish his image and credibility.
It is also quite suprising why Yap just called his father-in-law to ask if he's involved. I don't believe this. Likewise, I think it is time for Yap to resign since all the big-time rice traders are Chinese. Yes, they are Chinese. There's nothing wrong with Chinese businessmen transacting here in our country. But, if they do these things---cartelization--then, they better leave this country and don't come back.
So I say--reveal the list now!
1. Pangasinan--they are using some cooperatives in buying NFA rice for "conversion"
2. Isabela--they have a big cooperative which they use for buying NFA rice again for "conversion"
3. Nueva Ecija and Nueva Viscaya--the same modus operandi. Some even have importation permits
4. Quezon, Cavite, Davao, Cebu
These syndicates have big warehouses (not bonded) in those areas. Go to Quezon province. They have big warehouses there full of sacks and sacks of rice, converted already from NFA and imported rice. In Valenzuela, Malabon and Caloocan, there are huge warehouses there of illegally imported rice.
I dare NFA administrator Jessup Navarro to release to the media a list of all those rice retailers whose licenses were revoked. I also asked DA Secretary Art Yap to reveal the list of these big-time rice traders to the public. If, as he says, his father-in-law Jim Gaw is not involved in rice or cereals trading, then, as a gentleman, he must "clear" his father-in-law of all complicity by being transparent in his revelation of this list. Not doing so would definitely tarnish his image and credibility.
It is also quite suprising why Yap just called his father-in-law to ask if he's involved. I don't believe this. Likewise, I think it is time for Yap to resign since all the big-time rice traders are Chinese. Yes, they are Chinese. There's nothing wrong with Chinese businessmen transacting here in our country. But, if they do these things---cartelization--then, they better leave this country and don't come back.
So I say--reveal the list now!
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Destroy the Rice Cartel Now!
I have a dare to our alleged Chief Executive Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo--destroy the seven big-time rice traders comprising the country's rice cartel. Like the mafiosi bosses of jueteng, these thugs are worst. They are being used to destabilize the administration by propping up the prices of rice so that people will rise up against this administration. Their destabilizing efforts should be stopped right here, right now!
If Mrs. Arroyo's men like the honorable Mamang Pulis Gen. Avelino Razon and the chief of the NBI, Nestor Mantaring moves and dismantles this cartel, they will forever earn the praise and accolades not only from me, but from the people. I will also recognize the legitimacy of this administration and will stop calling her an illegitimate president.
I also dare Mrs. Arroyo to dismantle the oil cartel. I dare her to review the Oil Deregulation Law and order her lieutenants in Congress to amend the bill.
Lastly, I dare Mrs. Arroyo to categorically deny selling our patrimony to the Chinese. I dare her to stand up and say that these executive agreements entered into by her administration since 2003 are all for the benefit of the Filipino People and not acts of subservience to the emerging economic powerhouse that is China.
Should Mrs. Arroyo do all these things, I vow to cooperate and share with her our thoughts on how to fully strengthen and enhance her image and reputation so that people will again, love her.
If Mrs. Arroyo's men like the honorable Mamang Pulis Gen. Avelino Razon and the chief of the NBI, Nestor Mantaring moves and dismantles this cartel, they will forever earn the praise and accolades not only from me, but from the people. I will also recognize the legitimacy of this administration and will stop calling her an illegitimate president.
I also dare Mrs. Arroyo to dismantle the oil cartel. I dare her to review the Oil Deregulation Law and order her lieutenants in Congress to amend the bill.
Lastly, I dare Mrs. Arroyo to categorically deny selling our patrimony to the Chinese. I dare her to stand up and say that these executive agreements entered into by her administration since 2003 are all for the benefit of the Filipino People and not acts of subservience to the emerging economic powerhouse that is China.
Should Mrs. Arroyo do all these things, I vow to cooperate and share with her our thoughts on how to fully strengthen and enhance her image and reputation so that people will again, love her.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Dare the Patriots
I have a dare to all these groups opposing Arroyo--quo vadis?
What now, given that the Supreme Court has ruled 9-6 in favor of Neri's petition? Will these groups continue to look for the truth? The truth has already been effectively suppressed. Do you have any plans, since this ruling just shows you that there's no more legal avenues to avail of to know the truth.
I am also asking former Senate President Jovito Salonga and former president Fidel V. Ramos--what now? How about AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon? What now sir?
This ruling shows you the completeness of the Arroyo mafia. Each and every constitutional body have all been neutralized. Every one toes the palace line--the church, the media, the Ombusman, the DOJ, the Supreme Court and even, the Senate. What we have right now is the complete picture of a strong, stable constitutional dictatorship.
I also dare the Patriots--what now? Who will now stand up for the truth? This ruling sends a chilling message to all government officials--do your thing and when the Senate or anybody asks you about it, you can go there and tell them half-truths. My friend Aries Rufo of the ABS-CBN/Newsbreak team is right--it effectively emasculated the power of the Senate.
Will the Senate now continue its probe given that even if they call Neri, Neri could only say "hi" and "hello" to them?
I am not worried about this on the legal front. I have always told everybody that this issue is not a legal one but a moral one. This ruling just shows you how far the disjunct is between morals or ethics from our laws. Laws should reflect the morality of the nation. Yet, the highest court of the law does not see this.
I am worried about how to tell this to my kids. I am worried since my kids want to be government officials some day. This ruling tells them to just fuck up with your jobs, rob the country of all you want, and you can get away with it. Sell the patrimony of this nation, sell government lands to foreigners,and if the Ombusman or the Senate come knocking at your door, tell them half-truths. Or just go to the Supreme Court for protection.
This is the saddest day for Philippine democracy, but a victory to all those who want to enrich themselves using public money.
What now, given that the Supreme Court has ruled 9-6 in favor of Neri's petition? Will these groups continue to look for the truth? The truth has already been effectively suppressed. Do you have any plans, since this ruling just shows you that there's no more legal avenues to avail of to know the truth.
I am also asking former Senate President Jovito Salonga and former president Fidel V. Ramos--what now? How about AFP Chief of Staff General Hermogenes Esperon? What now sir?
This ruling shows you the completeness of the Arroyo mafia. Each and every constitutional body have all been neutralized. Every one toes the palace line--the church, the media, the Ombusman, the DOJ, the Supreme Court and even, the Senate. What we have right now is the complete picture of a strong, stable constitutional dictatorship.
I also dare the Patriots--what now? Who will now stand up for the truth? This ruling sends a chilling message to all government officials--do your thing and when the Senate or anybody asks you about it, you can go there and tell them half-truths. My friend Aries Rufo of the ABS-CBN/Newsbreak team is right--it effectively emasculated the power of the Senate.
Will the Senate now continue its probe given that even if they call Neri, Neri could only say "hi" and "hello" to them?
I am not worried about this on the legal front. I have always told everybody that this issue is not a legal one but a moral one. This ruling just shows you how far the disjunct is between morals or ethics from our laws. Laws should reflect the morality of the nation. Yet, the highest court of the law does not see this.
I am worried about how to tell this to my kids. I am worried since my kids want to be government officials some day. This ruling tells them to just fuck up with your jobs, rob the country of all you want, and you can get away with it. Sell the patrimony of this nation, sell government lands to foreigners,and if the Ombusman or the Senate come knocking at your door, tell them half-truths. Or just go to the Supreme Court for protection.
This is the saddest day for Philippine democracy, but a victory to all those who want to enrich themselves using public money.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Food shortage--why people don't believe the government
One survey answers my question here--one out of two Filipinos distrust Arroyo. That's why even if her lieutenants, such as Department of Agriculture Secretary Art Yap is telling us the truth, majority still could not believe his explanations. Why? Because government lost the people's trust and whenever they say something, people would always impute ill motives on the part of government.
But, Yap must admit something--he must admit that government has totally mismanaged the food security aspect of this country. Why? Because, they have been in power for seven years and if Yap says that the DA only needs 10 billion to make this country self-sufficient, why only NOW that he's saying all these things? I mean, Arroyo and her bunch of officials have all the time in the world to fix the problem, why only now that they're on air and almost everywhere, telling us that there's a probable crisis waiting to explode right in our faces?
This is too much already. They bungled governance and worst, we are getting the brunt of their mismanagement. Why do I say such things? Because if they have their priorities right, they should have foreseen this thing from happening years ago. Reports insinuate that agriculture experts have already told the president about this months ago. Still, nothing was done.
Yap says the farmers need support. What? Billions of billions of pesos were allocated for fertilizers and where did it go? It lined the pockets of the First Grafter, err, First Gentleman and such devils as Joc-Joc Bolante! So now, when there's this problem already, government is asking us to give them more and more money!
This is reminiscent of the Power crisis during the time of former president Ramos (pardon me sir, but I have to say this). A series of blackouts broke out in Metro Manila and throughout the country. Ramos asked us to approve the Power Bill, which essentially gave him the power to give power contracts to a select few. What did it amount to? Billions of pesos wasted and lined the pockets of big-time power players! Worst, it jacked up power rates to astronomical numbers.
Now this. I think Yap is just helping the Rice Cartel (made up of seven big-time rice traders) earn billions from us, helpless consumers. Look. The problem, as Yap says, is not about supply, its about PRICE. They are allowing the free falling of the price of rice and who will benefit from this? It's these traders! They import rice by the bulk! Arroyo says nothing to worry about the stock, worry about the price of rice because we will be allowing it to balloon to unreachable prices!
If we allow these devils to fool us again, we must be ashamed of ourselves. If we give billions of pesos for fertilizers and tractors, then, who will benefit the most? Its not the farmers. Many times no! Its the sellers of these farm equipments and the local government executives who'll benefit since these sales would definitely be padded by these unscrupulous individuals! That explains why these executives met Arroyo in Malacanan, to make sure that they have these deals made.
I am not against helping the farmers. No. I will be the last person to object to that. But, trusting this administration of the sensitive and critical job of reforming agricultural sector is what worries me the most. Yes, the agricultural sector needs help. It is ailing. Making this country self-sufficient and totally secured is commendable. But, at the expense of the poor people who'll now scrape for every bit of this precious God-given resource is just inhumane!
I say, let us all suffer from our foolishness. Let this crisis be made full blown. Let all of us hear the grunts and groans of our young. By this, I hope, we will realize that it's time for us, everyone of us, to wake up, rise up and do what is necessary to correct the mistake we made last 2001--annoint a devil as our leader. It is still not too late. We still have time to do this. This devil infant is pulling everyone, even our children, to the deepest pits. We must not let this happen.
But, Yap must admit something--he must admit that government has totally mismanaged the food security aspect of this country. Why? Because, they have been in power for seven years and if Yap says that the DA only needs 10 billion to make this country self-sufficient, why only NOW that he's saying all these things? I mean, Arroyo and her bunch of officials have all the time in the world to fix the problem, why only now that they're on air and almost everywhere, telling us that there's a probable crisis waiting to explode right in our faces?
This is too much already. They bungled governance and worst, we are getting the brunt of their mismanagement. Why do I say such things? Because if they have their priorities right, they should have foreseen this thing from happening years ago. Reports insinuate that agriculture experts have already told the president about this months ago. Still, nothing was done.
Yap says the farmers need support. What? Billions of billions of pesos were allocated for fertilizers and where did it go? It lined the pockets of the First Grafter, err, First Gentleman and such devils as Joc-Joc Bolante! So now, when there's this problem already, government is asking us to give them more and more money!
This is reminiscent of the Power crisis during the time of former president Ramos (pardon me sir, but I have to say this). A series of blackouts broke out in Metro Manila and throughout the country. Ramos asked us to approve the Power Bill, which essentially gave him the power to give power contracts to a select few. What did it amount to? Billions of pesos wasted and lined the pockets of big-time power players! Worst, it jacked up power rates to astronomical numbers.
Now this. I think Yap is just helping the Rice Cartel (made up of seven big-time rice traders) earn billions from us, helpless consumers. Look. The problem, as Yap says, is not about supply, its about PRICE. They are allowing the free falling of the price of rice and who will benefit from this? It's these traders! They import rice by the bulk! Arroyo says nothing to worry about the stock, worry about the price of rice because we will be allowing it to balloon to unreachable prices!
If we allow these devils to fool us again, we must be ashamed of ourselves. If we give billions of pesos for fertilizers and tractors, then, who will benefit the most? Its not the farmers. Many times no! Its the sellers of these farm equipments and the local government executives who'll benefit since these sales would definitely be padded by these unscrupulous individuals! That explains why these executives met Arroyo in Malacanan, to make sure that they have these deals made.
I am not against helping the farmers. No. I will be the last person to object to that. But, trusting this administration of the sensitive and critical job of reforming agricultural sector is what worries me the most. Yes, the agricultural sector needs help. It is ailing. Making this country self-sufficient and totally secured is commendable. But, at the expense of the poor people who'll now scrape for every bit of this precious God-given resource is just inhumane!
I say, let us all suffer from our foolishness. Let this crisis be made full blown. Let all of us hear the grunts and groans of our young. By this, I hope, we will realize that it's time for us, everyone of us, to wake up, rise up and do what is necessary to correct the mistake we made last 2001--annoint a devil as our leader. It is still not too late. We still have time to do this. This devil infant is pulling everyone, even our children, to the deepest pits. We must not let this happen.
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Restlessness
A looming rice crisis...a slowdown in economic growth...a fucked up political system and a growing apathy among the people. These things are affecting one's nerves, myself included.
I am beginning to think of migration. Yes, going to another country to live. The increasing uncertainties might affect the future of my family and this is not a laughing matter. Like thousands of parents like me, these things add up to fears about what would happen in the future. The future is starting to be less favorable, especially to simpletons like me.
Some years ago, I left this country because I thought that the future is totally uncertain here. I found stability in Singapore. I would not have left that tiny island-state where it not for loneliness. Yes, I was lonely there because I don't have a family. Now that I found my spouse and kids, I am thinking of going to another country and stay there...permanently.
This is a beautiful country. Yet, it is being ruled by people whose sole intention is to rob other people's money just to survive. I hate the system. And it is beginning to become helpless.
Parents like me only want three things---a stable, high-paying and totally satisfying job, a nice house you can call your own and a car. That's it. I have those three things but some issues in the office are beginning to affect my nerves. You can say that I'm losing faith. And yesterday, I begun doing things to protect my family in case I risk everything again.
I am a risk-taker, a calculated one at that. It would be good if the situation improves a little bit, just to renew hopes within us. Without hope, this will all be lost. And we are totally losing hope.
I am beginning to think of migration. Yes, going to another country to live. The increasing uncertainties might affect the future of my family and this is not a laughing matter. Like thousands of parents like me, these things add up to fears about what would happen in the future. The future is starting to be less favorable, especially to simpletons like me.
Some years ago, I left this country because I thought that the future is totally uncertain here. I found stability in Singapore. I would not have left that tiny island-state where it not for loneliness. Yes, I was lonely there because I don't have a family. Now that I found my spouse and kids, I am thinking of going to another country and stay there...permanently.
This is a beautiful country. Yet, it is being ruled by people whose sole intention is to rob other people's money just to survive. I hate the system. And it is beginning to become helpless.
Parents like me only want three things---a stable, high-paying and totally satisfying job, a nice house you can call your own and a car. That's it. I have those three things but some issues in the office are beginning to affect my nerves. You can say that I'm losing faith. And yesterday, I begun doing things to protect my family in case I risk everything again.
I am a risk-taker, a calculated one at that. It would be good if the situation improves a little bit, just to renew hopes within us. Without hope, this will all be lost. And we are totally losing hope.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
No Letup
We are seeing the specter of a New Youth Revolution. Its spreading like wild-fire like what happened in the 1970's. And we are truly fortunate to be here witnessing all of these things.
Today, a grenade exploded near the gates of Malacanan. A group of youngsters were arrested. In Baguio, PMA Valedictorian Ariel Rallos called on his fellow Mistahs to "protect the people and the Constitution" by "doing the PMA way". A few meters away from his podium, a group of young students battled it out with police. These youngsters were calling on Arroyo to resign and resign immediately. They got near the president.
These scenes remind us of the people's struggles during the time of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Scenes like these remind us that there are still many of us who struggle to restore true democracy.
Continue doing what you're doing my young Padwahs. You are writing history. This New Youth Revolution will blossom into something beautiful in the near future. Be patient and continue your duty to the Fatherland.
Onward with the struggle!
Today, a grenade exploded near the gates of Malacanan. A group of youngsters were arrested. In Baguio, PMA Valedictorian Ariel Rallos called on his fellow Mistahs to "protect the people and the Constitution" by "doing the PMA way". A few meters away from his podium, a group of young students battled it out with police. These youngsters were calling on Arroyo to resign and resign immediately. They got near the president.
These scenes remind us of the people's struggles during the time of dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Scenes like these remind us that there are still many of us who struggle to restore true democracy.
Continue doing what you're doing my young Padwahs. You are writing history. This New Youth Revolution will blossom into something beautiful in the near future. Be patient and continue your duty to the Fatherland.
Onward with the struggle!
Contemplation
Yesterday, OFW groups commemorated the death anniversary of Flor Contemplacion. Some years ago, Flor was made a symbol of the OFW struggle. Her life was shown in full color before the eyes of her suffering people. She died in the gallows but remains as a living spirit in all of us.
I myself, was an OFW. I worked for many years in Singapore. And being there, I saw none of the hardships of Flor. In fact, I found Singapore a true haven of good opportunities for those with a stout heart and will to see oneself rise above everything. Singapore gave me a new lease of life. The lessons I learned from Singapore, I will keep in my heart forever.
In the next few days while we celebrate the passion of Christ, let us take a rest for a while and contemplate. Be it be in Boracay or in your own home, it's time for us, everyone, to discover God. God does now dwell in man-made structures, like Churches. The Bible says that the Spirit of God does not live in temples because one cannot contain the Spirit of God.
God exists everywhere. And for us to really know God, we must discover God within us. How do we do that?
Prayer. Don't pray if you only want to ask for something. Use prayer like a personal wireless communication device. Pray to communicate with God each and every facet of your life now. Pray even when you feel high spirited. It's your own small way of thanking God for all the blessings God has given you.
Meditate. Go to a silent corner. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Imagine that you're in a comfortable place. Imagine that you are in the presence of God. While you're in that state, seek for the Light. You'll find that in that state of meditation, there's a tunnel of Light before you. Go to that Light.
Do good. Keep the Commandments. Go beyond what is expected of you by God. Just remember the original message of God--help the poor, the orphans and the widows in their time of affliction. By following this, you'll surely not be swayed in the wrong direction.
Spread the message of God. The message of God is simple--Worship the One True God. Salvation comes from the One True God. There is No God but One God. And that God exists in proto-reality. I know. I have experienced it. I was an Atheist for eight years. I broke my Atheism because of my personal experience. Share your experience with God and do so without being "spiritual". Tell your friends about your personal story. And they, like you, will definitely experience God.
For the next few days and weeks, take part in the movement for contemplation. Together, let us re-discover our hiya, our morality, our decency as a people. We lost this valuable treasure due to our materialism. Do away with this. Do away with greed. Show the world how it is to be Filipinos, not a Macabebe.
I myself, was an OFW. I worked for many years in Singapore. And being there, I saw none of the hardships of Flor. In fact, I found Singapore a true haven of good opportunities for those with a stout heart and will to see oneself rise above everything. Singapore gave me a new lease of life. The lessons I learned from Singapore, I will keep in my heart forever.
In the next few days while we celebrate the passion of Christ, let us take a rest for a while and contemplate. Be it be in Boracay or in your own home, it's time for us, everyone, to discover God. God does now dwell in man-made structures, like Churches. The Bible says that the Spirit of God does not live in temples because one cannot contain the Spirit of God.
God exists everywhere. And for us to really know God, we must discover God within us. How do we do that?
Prayer. Don't pray if you only want to ask for something. Use prayer like a personal wireless communication device. Pray to communicate with God each and every facet of your life now. Pray even when you feel high spirited. It's your own small way of thanking God for all the blessings God has given you.
Meditate. Go to a silent corner. Close your eyes. Breathe slowly. Imagine that you're in a comfortable place. Imagine that you are in the presence of God. While you're in that state, seek for the Light. You'll find that in that state of meditation, there's a tunnel of Light before you. Go to that Light.
Do good. Keep the Commandments. Go beyond what is expected of you by God. Just remember the original message of God--help the poor, the orphans and the widows in their time of affliction. By following this, you'll surely not be swayed in the wrong direction.
Spread the message of God. The message of God is simple--Worship the One True God. Salvation comes from the One True God. There is No God but One God. And that God exists in proto-reality. I know. I have experienced it. I was an Atheist for eight years. I broke my Atheism because of my personal experience. Share your experience with God and do so without being "spiritual". Tell your friends about your personal story. And they, like you, will definitely experience God.
For the next few days and weeks, take part in the movement for contemplation. Together, let us re-discover our hiya, our morality, our decency as a people. We lost this valuable treasure due to our materialism. Do away with this. Do away with greed. Show the world how it is to be Filipinos, not a Macabebe.
Monday, March 17, 2008
One Point for Pacman
Pacman won in the slightest of margins--one point. Mexican fighter Juan Marquez performed very well against our Southpaw. He went to the canvas, right, but this Mexican came back. Not for money. Not for power. But for his nation's pride. Sadly, the judges saw it differently.
Had Marquez been slightly younger, he could have boxed Pacman out. I mean, Marquez is pretty strong. Even our Southpaw admitted it. Pacman, I think, prevailed because he's younger and more popular than Marquez. I likened Marquez to the great Marvin Haggler, who dominated the welterweight division during his prime. He's a no-nonsense guy, just like Marquez. No frills, just doing the thing he likes most--punishing his opponents.
I would love seeing a Marquez-Pacquiao III. That would be the ultimate slugfest. Yesterday's match was a classic case of methodological boxing. Pacman's camp knows that should Marquez slug it out with Pacman, their boy would fall. Marquez' punch is quite strong. However, I think Pacman has developed his new defensive arsenals which made him now a compleat boxer (not complete but a sophisticated one). When interviewed, Pacquiao said that he might move up to the 135 weight division.
I suggest to Pacman that before doing so, he must do a rematch with Marquez. Not for money. Not for power nor even the title. But for his nation's pride. Because, most of us who watched the fight is not convinced of his win. Did I see Garci among the throng, near the judges seats?
Had Marquez been slightly younger, he could have boxed Pacman out. I mean, Marquez is pretty strong. Even our Southpaw admitted it. Pacman, I think, prevailed because he's younger and more popular than Marquez. I likened Marquez to the great Marvin Haggler, who dominated the welterweight division during his prime. He's a no-nonsense guy, just like Marquez. No frills, just doing the thing he likes most--punishing his opponents.
I would love seeing a Marquez-Pacquiao III. That would be the ultimate slugfest. Yesterday's match was a classic case of methodological boxing. Pacman's camp knows that should Marquez slug it out with Pacman, their boy would fall. Marquez' punch is quite strong. However, I think Pacman has developed his new defensive arsenals which made him now a compleat boxer (not complete but a sophisticated one). When interviewed, Pacquiao said that he might move up to the 135 weight division.
I suggest to Pacman that before doing so, he must do a rematch with Marquez. Not for money. Not for power nor even the title. But for his nation's pride. Because, most of us who watched the fight is not convinced of his win. Did I see Garci among the throng, near the judges seats?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Beyond Gloria Resign
First, I want to take back what I wrote previously--that protests will wane after Holy Week. I am now very confident that events will escalate to boiling point at the last few weeks of this month lasting to April. The triggering event would probably happen when the Supreme Court releases an unfavorable decision regarding Neri's supposed appearance at the Senate. That could be the thing which could break the camel's back.
Issues right now goes beyond Gloria resign. The emergence of the Spratlys deal and all other executive agreements entered by GRP with China including the purported "lease" of prime RP agricultural lands, thousands of hectares, to feed some of the billions of China. Amidst poverty in this country, with millions of families unable to eat three decent meals a day, this news is quite disturbing.
The sudden shift of foreign policy directions of this administration was hinged not on national interests but on personal greed. China came at a time when Arroyo and her mafia guys were relishing triumph against previous attempts at ousting her. This shift is very dangerous since it threatens our other relations with other nations, especially of the United States and Europe.
Like I wrote previously, these deals which Arroyo entered with China are all sellout agreements entered into a period of weakness. China is slowly being seen as the next new Colonial Master of the Filipinos. Less I be accused of being sinophobic, I don't make a big fuss out of this simply because governments like ours have rights to entered into equitable transactions with other countries. Reviewing these agreements, these are lopsided deals which compromises not only our national security but the very patrimony of our nation.
In the next few days, I would have completed my research. I hope you're still here, my dear readers. This is a very serious time, a time of collective reflection and action. I am looking at the horizon and I am certain that we are entering a more darker, sinister time when the hands of foreigners looms in all areas of policy-making. We, Filipinos, are slowly losing our democracy, in exchange for this regime's survival. This is not rhetoric. This is not propaganda. This is very serious, my brothers and sisters. In the next few days, calls will be beyond Gloria resign. Gloria's head is not enough to rectify this situation. What we need is a total overhaul of the system and a re-examination of our foreign and security policy directions.
Issues right now goes beyond Gloria resign. The emergence of the Spratlys deal and all other executive agreements entered by GRP with China including the purported "lease" of prime RP agricultural lands, thousands of hectares, to feed some of the billions of China. Amidst poverty in this country, with millions of families unable to eat three decent meals a day, this news is quite disturbing.
The sudden shift of foreign policy directions of this administration was hinged not on national interests but on personal greed. China came at a time when Arroyo and her mafia guys were relishing triumph against previous attempts at ousting her. This shift is very dangerous since it threatens our other relations with other nations, especially of the United States and Europe.
Like I wrote previously, these deals which Arroyo entered with China are all sellout agreements entered into a period of weakness. China is slowly being seen as the next new Colonial Master of the Filipinos. Less I be accused of being sinophobic, I don't make a big fuss out of this simply because governments like ours have rights to entered into equitable transactions with other countries. Reviewing these agreements, these are lopsided deals which compromises not only our national security but the very patrimony of our nation.
In the next few days, I would have completed my research. I hope you're still here, my dear readers. This is a very serious time, a time of collective reflection and action. I am looking at the horizon and I am certain that we are entering a more darker, sinister time when the hands of foreigners looms in all areas of policy-making. We, Filipinos, are slowly losing our democracy, in exchange for this regime's survival. This is not rhetoric. This is not propaganda. This is very serious, my brothers and sisters. In the next few days, calls will be beyond Gloria resign. Gloria's head is not enough to rectify this situation. What we need is a total overhaul of the system and a re-examination of our foreign and security policy directions.
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Arroyo government--China's Puppet Regime
In the next few years, Filipinos will be asking the Chinese for permission to mine their own mountains, permit to plant their own rice seedlings in their own fat soil and permissions to fish their own bangus in their own waters. You may think that I'm exaggerating. I'm not. Right now, as things stand, I am studying the executive agreements we entered with China and these deals are alarming to say the least.
A few weeks from now, Lakas Christian-Muslim democrats and Kampi stalwart Puno will be visiting China. One of the goals of the visit is to explore the possibility of a tieup of Lakas-Kampi with the Chinese Communist Party. I thought Arroyo is fighting the Filipino Communists? I thought there's a campaign to eradicate Communists in this country? What's all these?
Are we now telling the world that we want to be Communists? That we don't want alliances with the free world and those Christian democrats and we want to align ourselves with Mao's party? That the reason why Arroyo ousted JDV from Lakas is she has this malicious intention to become a member of the Chinese Communist Party?
Are we now selling democratic ideals in lieu of Communism? Is Arroyo telling us that (1) the reason why she wants to eradicate Joma is she wants to be the Philippine premier of the CCP version here? That this whole charade is just to make our country a puppet of China, a protectorate?
Well, well, well! Arroyo's really a very skilful politician! What Joma failed to achieve in almost 40 years, Arroyo just did in less than 10 years, what a revolutionary! Kahanga-hanga!
So now, we have effectively ousted the Americans as our foreign protector some 17 years ago. I never thought in my whole adult life that I'll be seeing them replaced by the Chinese.
Is it time to learn Mandarin?
A few weeks from now, Lakas Christian-Muslim democrats and Kampi stalwart Puno will be visiting China. One of the goals of the visit is to explore the possibility of a tieup of Lakas-Kampi with the Chinese Communist Party. I thought Arroyo is fighting the Filipino Communists? I thought there's a campaign to eradicate Communists in this country? What's all these?
Are we now telling the world that we want to be Communists? That we don't want alliances with the free world and those Christian democrats and we want to align ourselves with Mao's party? That the reason why Arroyo ousted JDV from Lakas is she has this malicious intention to become a member of the Chinese Communist Party?
Are we now selling democratic ideals in lieu of Communism? Is Arroyo telling us that (1) the reason why she wants to eradicate Joma is she wants to be the Philippine premier of the CCP version here? That this whole charade is just to make our country a puppet of China, a protectorate?
Well, well, well! Arroyo's really a very skilful politician! What Joma failed to achieve in almost 40 years, Arroyo just did in less than 10 years, what a revolutionary! Kahanga-hanga!
So now, we have effectively ousted the Americans as our foreign protector some 17 years ago. I never thought in my whole adult life that I'll be seeing them replaced by the Chinese.
Is it time to learn Mandarin?
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Piece-meal sale of RP: PART 2
In the next decade, analysts predict China overturning the US as the world's foremost superpower. However, for China to supplant the US in that enviable position, it would have to address one basic problem: energy.
China needs to satisfy its energy requirements to power those turbines, those sweat factories and those facilities which comprise the entire Chinese economy. As things stand now, China is unable to adequately supply power to these critical sectors. With rising crude prices and increasing population, China needs to find two things: build alternative energy sources or rely on traditional sources to sustain the momentum of its economic growth. Relying on Middle Eastern countries might work, but, as energy analysts know, its non-sustaining. Oil mines are drying up in some parts of the world, hence, the rising prices of world crude. Oil companies are on the lookout for other areas to mine. The steady depletion of coal and oil presents a very scary scenario for world governments. And China is not spared from all these.
So, on the doctrine of economic specialization, it is to the best interest of China to not only explore but CONTROL potential oil mines. In order to control these mines, they need to control governments, especially weak ones like ours. Chinese strategy is very simple--control the economy, you control the government. That's why China is an ardent supporter of globalization because it affords them access to hitherto closed economies. China needs energy resources that they can buy cheap or even get for free.
Unexplored areas such as those of the Philippines present a viable, if not, a very rich resource for the Chinese. As I study some executive agreements entered by this government with China, I was shocked to learn that the Spratlys deal is not only the deal that effectively surrendered national patrimony over not only natural resources, but there are some other executive agreements involving thousands of hectares of prime agricultural lands. And we already negotiated not only our lands, but our aquamarine and forest resources!
I am not at liberty to expose these agreements now because I am still studying them. At this early stage though, I am telling you, my dear readers, that these agreements are very, very disturbing. These agreements are all in the guise of commercial tieups but the effects are totally jarring to us and compromises not only our patrimony, our freedom, but also our rights as a people.
These agreements are very, very deceptive and very partial to Chinese interests. For example, there is an agreement which effectively surrendered 3 million hectares of prime Philippine agricultural lands to the Chinese in the name of "economic cooperation"! I would agree with UP Prof. Carlos on the concept of de-nationalization of nation-states, and deep within me, I am an advocate of the destruction of the concept of nation-state and the propagation of open economies or what we now call regional or sub-regional supra-states (conglomeration of states into one). Yet, I am still not prepared to accept the merging of Chinese and Philippine interests since at this point when the Philippine nation-state is very weak and fragile, the Philippines is in no position to negotiate. We are in a position of weakness (wracked by internal politics and unstable economy) and therefore, instead of negotiating for more foreign intervention in our affairs, we should instead, fortify our economic foundations and political structures so that we can effectively enter into deals that promote our interests instead of subverting them for foreign interests, like China's.
What we are seeing right now is the slow and effective conquest of this country in the name of globalization and economic cooperation. Economic cooperation, don't get me wrong, is best when both countries are equal. However, if we negotiate with the purview of getting more loans, these are not equitable negotiations. These are lopsided ones which calls for closer scrutiny by the People.
In the next few days, I will be exposing these agreements. Read them please. Judge for yourself how this administration sold our patrimony for a few billions of dollars. And decide if these sales are worth it.
But, I assure you, if you love this country, if you treasure your Motherland and take pride in your roots as a Filipino, you will rise up and call for the sacking of this administration. Being a Filipino is not just a name. Its just not the one you write in a space devoted to "citizenship". It means more than that. I pray to my God that, in the near foreseeable future, everyone living in this country would realize how valuable being called a Filipino is.
China needs to satisfy its energy requirements to power those turbines, those sweat factories and those facilities which comprise the entire Chinese economy. As things stand now, China is unable to adequately supply power to these critical sectors. With rising crude prices and increasing population, China needs to find two things: build alternative energy sources or rely on traditional sources to sustain the momentum of its economic growth. Relying on Middle Eastern countries might work, but, as energy analysts know, its non-sustaining. Oil mines are drying up in some parts of the world, hence, the rising prices of world crude. Oil companies are on the lookout for other areas to mine. The steady depletion of coal and oil presents a very scary scenario for world governments. And China is not spared from all these.
So, on the doctrine of economic specialization, it is to the best interest of China to not only explore but CONTROL potential oil mines. In order to control these mines, they need to control governments, especially weak ones like ours. Chinese strategy is very simple--control the economy, you control the government. That's why China is an ardent supporter of globalization because it affords them access to hitherto closed economies. China needs energy resources that they can buy cheap or even get for free.
Unexplored areas such as those of the Philippines present a viable, if not, a very rich resource for the Chinese. As I study some executive agreements entered by this government with China, I was shocked to learn that the Spratlys deal is not only the deal that effectively surrendered national patrimony over not only natural resources, but there are some other executive agreements involving thousands of hectares of prime agricultural lands. And we already negotiated not only our lands, but our aquamarine and forest resources!
I am not at liberty to expose these agreements now because I am still studying them. At this early stage though, I am telling you, my dear readers, that these agreements are very, very disturbing. These agreements are all in the guise of commercial tieups but the effects are totally jarring to us and compromises not only our patrimony, our freedom, but also our rights as a people.
These agreements are very, very deceptive and very partial to Chinese interests. For example, there is an agreement which effectively surrendered 3 million hectares of prime Philippine agricultural lands to the Chinese in the name of "economic cooperation"! I would agree with UP Prof. Carlos on the concept of de-nationalization of nation-states, and deep within me, I am an advocate of the destruction of the concept of nation-state and the propagation of open economies or what we now call regional or sub-regional supra-states (conglomeration of states into one). Yet, I am still not prepared to accept the merging of Chinese and Philippine interests since at this point when the Philippine nation-state is very weak and fragile, the Philippines is in no position to negotiate. We are in a position of weakness (wracked by internal politics and unstable economy) and therefore, instead of negotiating for more foreign intervention in our affairs, we should instead, fortify our economic foundations and political structures so that we can effectively enter into deals that promote our interests instead of subverting them for foreign interests, like China's.
What we are seeing right now is the slow and effective conquest of this country in the name of globalization and economic cooperation. Economic cooperation, don't get me wrong, is best when both countries are equal. However, if we negotiate with the purview of getting more loans, these are not equitable negotiations. These are lopsided ones which calls for closer scrutiny by the People.
In the next few days, I will be exposing these agreements. Read them please. Judge for yourself how this administration sold our patrimony for a few billions of dollars. And decide if these sales are worth it.
But, I assure you, if you love this country, if you treasure your Motherland and take pride in your roots as a Filipino, you will rise up and call for the sacking of this administration. Being a Filipino is not just a name. Its just not the one you write in a space devoted to "citizenship". It means more than that. I pray to my God that, in the near foreseeable future, everyone living in this country would realize how valuable being called a Filipino is.
Piece-meal sale of the Philippines
Chinese officials are here in the Philippines today to allegedly investigate on the issues surrounding the ZTE deal. However, I believe they are here not just for the ZTE deal, but also to pressure the Philippine government on other agreements, one of which, involves the Spratlys deal.
Congress was supposed to pass a bill effectively delineating the baselines that comprise Philippine territory. The august chamber was unable to pass the bill reportedly due to pressures coming from the Chinese. ABS-CBN released a copy of an alleged document titled, "Talking Points" which reportedly threatened the Philippine government of "adverse actions" should it proceed with its intention of defining the country's baselines. The Philippine government balked, which just shows you how weak we are as a nation-state.
I was researching on other agreements entered into by the Philippine government and was shocked to learn that there are similar agreements entered by Malacanang that even effectively surrendered Philippine patrimony over thousands of hectares of prime agricultural land just to satisfy the increasing demands for food of the Chinese. In the next few blogs, I will write these documents down and please read my friends. THIS IS VERY, VERY SERIOUS.These documents will prove that, indeed, the Arroyo administration has surrendered and even sold our patrimony over our very own lands to foreign interests.
So, we are now in a very delicate situation where our government is selling not only the Spratlys but also huge tracts of land for the benefit of the Chinese. I am not imputing ill motives on the part of our government officials in entering into these deals. What concerns me is the obvious secrecy that these agreements were made. Legal eagles know that these agreements violate the 1987 Constitution. Yet, they proceeded despite warnings from different sectors of society.
The brazenness of this administration and the obvious callousness in the name of multi-billion dollar loans disturbs me. I don't know what to say anymore. Indeed, these neo-Macabebes or traitors of this country populate that palace beside the murky waters of the Pasig. What is more disturbing is the fact that Filipinos show nonchalance, no protests are being seen in the streets.
My fellow Filipinos, we are being sold piecemeal by this administration and we are seemed to be unaffected by all of these! Could it be that we are so helpless or we feel powerless that we allow another invader in the name of commerce?
Where are the Patriots who vowed to protect the Filipino People? Where are the freedom fighters who profess love of the Motherland yet sulk in their seats, and look at the passing darkness that envelops the land? Where are you, fighters of a free Philippines?
Congress was supposed to pass a bill effectively delineating the baselines that comprise Philippine territory. The august chamber was unable to pass the bill reportedly due to pressures coming from the Chinese. ABS-CBN released a copy of an alleged document titled, "Talking Points" which reportedly threatened the Philippine government of "adverse actions" should it proceed with its intention of defining the country's baselines. The Philippine government balked, which just shows you how weak we are as a nation-state.
I was researching on other agreements entered into by the Philippine government and was shocked to learn that there are similar agreements entered by Malacanang that even effectively surrendered Philippine patrimony over thousands of hectares of prime agricultural land just to satisfy the increasing demands for food of the Chinese. In the next few blogs, I will write these documents down and please read my friends. THIS IS VERY, VERY SERIOUS.These documents will prove that, indeed, the Arroyo administration has surrendered and even sold our patrimony over our very own lands to foreign interests.
So, we are now in a very delicate situation where our government is selling not only the Spratlys but also huge tracts of land for the benefit of the Chinese. I am not imputing ill motives on the part of our government officials in entering into these deals. What concerns me is the obvious secrecy that these agreements were made. Legal eagles know that these agreements violate the 1987 Constitution. Yet, they proceeded despite warnings from different sectors of society.
The brazenness of this administration and the obvious callousness in the name of multi-billion dollar loans disturbs me. I don't know what to say anymore. Indeed, these neo-Macabebes or traitors of this country populate that palace beside the murky waters of the Pasig. What is more disturbing is the fact that Filipinos show nonchalance, no protests are being seen in the streets.
My fellow Filipinos, we are being sold piecemeal by this administration and we are seemed to be unaffected by all of these! Could it be that we are so helpless or we feel powerless that we allow another invader in the name of commerce?
Where are the Patriots who vowed to protect the Filipino People? Where are the freedom fighters who profess love of the Motherland yet sulk in their seats, and look at the passing darkness that envelops the land? Where are you, fighters of a free Philippines?
Graftology and Our New Colonial Master
* Graftology--the study of kickbacks"
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales says the worst is over. I think not. There's always calm before a storm. And the absence of events prior to March 14 could be that calm.
Or, I could be wrong.
However, even though I'm wrong, it's totally surprising why anti-GMA groups suddenly ceased all actions and activities in preparation for that big March 14 rally (as being touted in the media). Why the cessation of all activities?
Could it be that groups have exhausted their resources? Maybe. Could it be that they heeded the call of Malacanan for a Lenten truce? Could be. Or maybe, just maybe, groups are so disunited right now that actions can't be coordinated properly? Possibly.
The deadline for Mrs. Arroyo to scrap EO 464 has been met by Arroyo. Could this be the reason? I doubt it. Because if this is the reason, then, groups are so trusting, so easy to guile by the wiles of the evil woman. Despite the scrapping of EO 464, truth continues to be muzzled by Malacanang. Wala namang nabago (nothing has changed). Officials continue to snub the Senate hearings. And the hearings are being discredited with the appearance of witnesses like Leo San Miguel who continues to mock us with their snobbery and high-handiness.
Businessmen like Leo San Miguel should not be allowed by the People to do business here. We don't need big-time operators like Leo San Miguel to further mock us with their so-called "expertise". He mocked the Filipino People. And that's the greatest sin ever to be done by just one person.
One thing is for sure--China remains a looming shadow in all our policy-making, as if we are now a protectorate of this emerging giant. China says its investments or commercial agreements here amounts to US$ 30 Billion, about US$ 21 billion in smuggled cheap goods.
We have a new colonial master---China.
More about this new colonial era in my other blog http://redbluethoughts.today.com
By the way, my dear readers, I will be out for a couple of days to research about Philippine-China relations. After this "sabbatical", expect some explosive stories coming out of this blog.
National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales says the worst is over. I think not. There's always calm before a storm. And the absence of events prior to March 14 could be that calm.
Or, I could be wrong.
However, even though I'm wrong, it's totally surprising why anti-GMA groups suddenly ceased all actions and activities in preparation for that big March 14 rally (as being touted in the media). Why the cessation of all activities?
Could it be that groups have exhausted their resources? Maybe. Could it be that they heeded the call of Malacanan for a Lenten truce? Could be. Or maybe, just maybe, groups are so disunited right now that actions can't be coordinated properly? Possibly.
The deadline for Mrs. Arroyo to scrap EO 464 has been met by Arroyo. Could this be the reason? I doubt it. Because if this is the reason, then, groups are so trusting, so easy to guile by the wiles of the evil woman. Despite the scrapping of EO 464, truth continues to be muzzled by Malacanang. Wala namang nabago (nothing has changed). Officials continue to snub the Senate hearings. And the hearings are being discredited with the appearance of witnesses like Leo San Miguel who continues to mock us with their snobbery and high-handiness.
Businessmen like Leo San Miguel should not be allowed by the People to do business here. We don't need big-time operators like Leo San Miguel to further mock us with their so-called "expertise". He mocked the Filipino People. And that's the greatest sin ever to be done by just one person.
One thing is for sure--China remains a looming shadow in all our policy-making, as if we are now a protectorate of this emerging giant. China says its investments or commercial agreements here amounts to US$ 30 Billion, about US$ 21 billion in smuggled cheap goods.
We have a new colonial master---China.
More about this new colonial era in my other blog http://redbluethoughts.today.com
By the way, my dear readers, I will be out for a couple of days to research about Philippine-China relations. After this "sabbatical", expect some explosive stories coming out of this blog.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Call for Justice
Read the Inquirer editorial today. It says much about the current situation--how lucky Arroyo is as a president. Scandals after scandals rocked this administration, yet, Arroyo remains in power. It exposes the weakness of these movements against her. Why are they essentially weak?
First, no support or less support coming from traditional political parties. These trapos, especially those gunning for the presidency in 2010, are busy beautifying themselves before the eyes of the public, concerned more with their approval ratings than anything. They don't believe Arroyo will ever be ousted from power and they believe her statements that she'll not resign.
Second, no military intervention seems to be in sight. There are rumours of dissent among the ranks but these remain just that, rumours. Effective pyswar operations have been launched to insulate the military from the political imbroglio. From all indications, it's effective.
Third, this administration seems very methodological in its approach of the crisis. It employs both tactical and strategic problem-solving methods that seem to work every time. Kudos to the palace henchmen who remains solid amidst the public outcry for their principal's head.
Lastly, there seems to be a dearth of funds in support of these mobilizations. Rally organizers for the March 14 says that the reason why they transfered the rally site from Ayala to Espana was for practicality (read: we lack funds to sustain these rallies) Since the bulk of the protesters come from the Youth sector (as what we prescribed in this blog), it's best to organize the rally in their "turf" so to speak.
From all indications, there seems to be a waning of interest for this rally. From my monitors of the situation, it seems that organizers are somewhat "silent", not telegraphing their moves, which is good, to some extent, yet, could affect the outcomes of the rally somewhat.
This could change with the appearance of a new ZTE witness in the Senate probe today. This witness could be the last trump card prior to the eventual ouster of Arroyo. However, I think the effect of this new witness would only last a few days, not weeks, as what the opposition hopes to achieve. Think of it--it just reinforces the existing public perception of rampant graft and corruption. Its just a reinforcement.
Surveys upon surveys reveal that the public's perception of corruption of this administration has reached fruition. Meaning, the opposition does not need to cry or demand for the truth because the closure of this issue (ZTE deal), to the minds of the people, have now been achieved.
1. The people are now convinced that Arroyo and her men are corrupt
2. They benefitted from this ZTE deal
3. This deal was done as a concession for the eventual transfer of the Spratlys claim to the Chinese.
This is the story that was formed in the minds of the people. Opposition groups does not need to reinforce this further. The People already know the Truth. It is time for these groups to demand for Justice. How will they punish Arroyo? Some sectors propound resignation. Others, resignation of all members of the Arroyo administration. Whatever it is, groups should not be concerned about the form of government that would be established in the event of Arroyo's ouster. Talking about this affects the movement's unity.
As I wrote here, these groups should push decisively for Arroyo's ouster, then, sit down and talk about what form of government will we assume afterwards.
First, no support or less support coming from traditional political parties. These trapos, especially those gunning for the presidency in 2010, are busy beautifying themselves before the eyes of the public, concerned more with their approval ratings than anything. They don't believe Arroyo will ever be ousted from power and they believe her statements that she'll not resign.
Second, no military intervention seems to be in sight. There are rumours of dissent among the ranks but these remain just that, rumours. Effective pyswar operations have been launched to insulate the military from the political imbroglio. From all indications, it's effective.
Third, this administration seems very methodological in its approach of the crisis. It employs both tactical and strategic problem-solving methods that seem to work every time. Kudos to the palace henchmen who remains solid amidst the public outcry for their principal's head.
Lastly, there seems to be a dearth of funds in support of these mobilizations. Rally organizers for the March 14 says that the reason why they transfered the rally site from Ayala to Espana was for practicality (read: we lack funds to sustain these rallies) Since the bulk of the protesters come from the Youth sector (as what we prescribed in this blog), it's best to organize the rally in their "turf" so to speak.
From all indications, there seems to be a waning of interest for this rally. From my monitors of the situation, it seems that organizers are somewhat "silent", not telegraphing their moves, which is good, to some extent, yet, could affect the outcomes of the rally somewhat.
This could change with the appearance of a new ZTE witness in the Senate probe today. This witness could be the last trump card prior to the eventual ouster of Arroyo. However, I think the effect of this new witness would only last a few days, not weeks, as what the opposition hopes to achieve. Think of it--it just reinforces the existing public perception of rampant graft and corruption. Its just a reinforcement.
Surveys upon surveys reveal that the public's perception of corruption of this administration has reached fruition. Meaning, the opposition does not need to cry or demand for the truth because the closure of this issue (ZTE deal), to the minds of the people, have now been achieved.
1. The people are now convinced that Arroyo and her men are corrupt
2. They benefitted from this ZTE deal
3. This deal was done as a concession for the eventual transfer of the Spratlys claim to the Chinese.
This is the story that was formed in the minds of the people. Opposition groups does not need to reinforce this further. The People already know the Truth. It is time for these groups to demand for Justice. How will they punish Arroyo? Some sectors propound resignation. Others, resignation of all members of the Arroyo administration. Whatever it is, groups should not be concerned about the form of government that would be established in the event of Arroyo's ouster. Talking about this affects the movement's unity.
As I wrote here, these groups should push decisively for Arroyo's ouster, then, sit down and talk about what form of government will we assume afterwards.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Dime a dozen analyst
Tomorrow, March 11, transport groups will try to paralyze the entire country. Various transport groups have joined forces to demand for the end of corruption in the streets. They are fighting for the revocation of the OVR or the Official Violation Receipt. Leaders say its a source of corruption. And, like other groups calling for the resignation of Gloria, they are also after the eradication of graft and corruption. I will be praying for their success.
Dime a dozen analyst
What I would like to write today is not about this rally. I would like to ask the people not to believe so-called security analysts like "Prof." Rommel Banlaoi who continues to defend the anomalous Spratlys deal.
I read the document and clearly, it is violative of the 1987 Constitution. Under the Constitution, it is only the Philippine government that can exploit the natural resources of this country. Government may allow private companies to explore these resources but the use of these resources, particularly oil, should be for the benefit of the People.
Under this agreement, no such provisions exist. Banlaoi says what's the big fuss about this agreement--it's a deal likened to the Military Bases Agreement (MBA) where China will act as a "renter" "occupier" or "lessor" while the Philippines will act as "lessee". How stupid!
This deal is different my former comrade because it involves the exploitation of our resources. We cannot allow a foreign government to "study, explore and exploit" natural resources there. It's like telling them to go rent our land and if you find a treasure there, keep it. Under our Civil Code, treasures or resources found in one's property is its own (of course, giving a portion to the government). So, we cannot allow another foreign occupier to have an "MBA-like" agreement.
Banlaoi does not know what he's talking about. Like his other erroneous prognoses and researches about terrorism and security issues in this country, Banlaoi is not fit to be called "security analyst". I have been part of a government think tank before, and I fully understand the security implications of this deal, which, unfortunately, "security analysts" like Banlaoi deems "unimportant". Banlaoi just wants to courtsey to the powers-that-be in the palace, while doing a great disservice to the Filipino People in turn.
Dime a dozen analyst
What I would like to write today is not about this rally. I would like to ask the people not to believe so-called security analysts like "Prof." Rommel Banlaoi who continues to defend the anomalous Spratlys deal.
I read the document and clearly, it is violative of the 1987 Constitution. Under the Constitution, it is only the Philippine government that can exploit the natural resources of this country. Government may allow private companies to explore these resources but the use of these resources, particularly oil, should be for the benefit of the People.
Under this agreement, no such provisions exist. Banlaoi says what's the big fuss about this agreement--it's a deal likened to the Military Bases Agreement (MBA) where China will act as a "renter" "occupier" or "lessor" while the Philippines will act as "lessee". How stupid!
This deal is different my former comrade because it involves the exploitation of our resources. We cannot allow a foreign government to "study, explore and exploit" natural resources there. It's like telling them to go rent our land and if you find a treasure there, keep it. Under our Civil Code, treasures or resources found in one's property is its own (of course, giving a portion to the government). So, we cannot allow another foreign occupier to have an "MBA-like" agreement.
Banlaoi does not know what he's talking about. Like his other erroneous prognoses and researches about terrorism and security issues in this country, Banlaoi is not fit to be called "security analyst". I have been part of a government think tank before, and I fully understand the security implications of this deal, which, unfortunately, "security analysts" like Banlaoi deems "unimportant". Banlaoi just wants to courtsey to the powers-that-be in the palace, while doing a great disservice to the Filipino People in turn.
Friday, March 7, 2008
Stupid Script
Look how stupid and idiotic our Philippine National Police is. They should improve their scripts.
Read the article below. It says that the police got an info about a terror plot to destabilize the rallies to be conducted by anti-Arroyo groups. PNP Spokesperson Nick Bartolome (a good friend, but nonetheless, sorry, I will not tolerate stupidity) said that the recovered document written in Arabic tells of a terror plot which includes rally dates etal. It also, says Bartolome, contains sensitive info as the schedule of the president.
Wow. That sounds pretty impressive. I bet that whoever wrote that document must have pretty good connections in the palace since even the routes and schedules of the very head of state (though a bogus one) were allegedly stated there. You know sir Bartolome, you must be very very concerned at this point and even the Presidential Security Group (PSG). Why, imagine, a state secret such as the president's schedule is now being leaked out of Malacanang for the benefit of terrorists? Why, that calls for not only the attention of local security agencies and intel groups; it calls for the help of the CIA, the M1 and all the rest of the intel community. There's a mole right at the palace! A thorough probe should be called by the PNP!
Calling for the State Department! Calling for the Institute of Strategic Studies in Singapore! We have a very serious problem in the Philippines and we need help! Terrorists have infiltrated the palace!
More than this though--that document, which Bartolome said was recovered from Luneta park, contained even dates of rallies to be launched by the militant anti-Arroyo. A double wow!!
That document is like something out of the movie "Back to the Future". Or it may be part of the lost writings of Nostradamus. Why? Well, that document was able to predict when and where these rally leaders intend to launch those mass actions. Having been an activist myself, dates of rallies are arbitrarily set by rally leaders. If Bartolome and the rest of the PNP are really intel experts, they know this for a fact! You can't predict what will happen in the future right? And all these things are compartamentalized. So, whoever says that one can actually predict a rally date is something out of the extraordinary.
So, I'm impressed, totally.
There's a Filipino saying that if you have something to defend, defend it at the Luneta. Well, Bartolome and his organization should probably tell it to the Marines there, protecting Rizal.
Mr. Bartolome, please don't waste your illustrious career trying to hide the flaws of this administration. You're a decorated and honorable officer. I know you since Erap's time to be honest and easy to work with. Don't be stupid to harp a very stupid script. People are not idiots. They know that you're just being used and its unfair to you.
Concern on the global fight against terror
I am very concerned about the anti-terror campaign here in the Philippines. Because of this political crisis and the continuing level of mistrust and distrust by the people about this government, it is affecting the way we fight these terrorists. Nobody believes that this government is doing good in the global terror fight. It is therefore, to the best interest of the Philippines to allow the fall of this regime because this government is like the boy who cried wolf. They are using the terror bogey to oppress legitimate political opposition which is not good. Its stupidity and very dangerous.
Terror threat ‘real’, rallies are possible targets - PNP
03/07/2008 | 01:17 PM
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MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said protest rallies in the metropolis are also target of the suspected foreign terrorists who were nabbed in the country in the last few weeks.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome told radio dzMM that the schedule of rallies were also found in a recovered document. The documents, which were recovered from a Manila park, was earlier described to contain only information on the routes taken by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and surveillance review of certain foreign embassies.
"Pati yung schedule ng ating Pangulo ay naapektuhan because of this information. At nakalagay din dun yung ibang mga listahan ng mga embahada at pati yung mga schedule ng ibang rallies ay nandun din. Kaya ipinapalagay ng ating mga operatiba na merong mga plano talaga itong mga grupo na ito na maghasik nga ng kaguluhan," Bartolome said.
At the same time, Bartolome said there were actually two foreign nationals who were apprehended, and not only one as earlier disclosed by PNP chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.
"Na-i-announce na nga ito nung February 29 pa (na) may dalawang foreign nationals na nakuha. At na-link nga ito dun sa previous plans as stated dun sa mga dokumentong nakuha prior to their arrest," he said.
Bartolome, however, refused to give further details, including the nationality of the two foreigners, citing ongoing follow up operations.
Fending off allegations from militant groups and the opposition that the supposed "terror threat" was merely a scare tactic, Bartolome said: "Hindi ito isang form ng pananakot or warning. Ang sa amin ay ginagamit din namin ito upang sa ganun ay mapaganda pa namin yung preparasyon namin, yung mga security arrangements ma-improve pa namin, madagdagan at nang sa ganun ay lahat magkaroon ng seguridad."
Various groups have conducted and still plan to hold more mass demonstrations against the government after ZTE witness Rodolfo Lozada, Jr came out and linked First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the controversial $329-million national broadband network project. - GMANews.TV
Read the article below. It says that the police got an info about a terror plot to destabilize the rallies to be conducted by anti-Arroyo groups. PNP Spokesperson Nick Bartolome (a good friend, but nonetheless, sorry, I will not tolerate stupidity) said that the recovered document written in Arabic tells of a terror plot which includes rally dates etal. It also, says Bartolome, contains sensitive info as the schedule of the president.
Wow. That sounds pretty impressive. I bet that whoever wrote that document must have pretty good connections in the palace since even the routes and schedules of the very head of state (though a bogus one) were allegedly stated there. You know sir Bartolome, you must be very very concerned at this point and even the Presidential Security Group (PSG). Why, imagine, a state secret such as the president's schedule is now being leaked out of Malacanang for the benefit of terrorists? Why, that calls for not only the attention of local security agencies and intel groups; it calls for the help of the CIA, the M1 and all the rest of the intel community. There's a mole right at the palace! A thorough probe should be called by the PNP!
Calling for the State Department! Calling for the Institute of Strategic Studies in Singapore! We have a very serious problem in the Philippines and we need help! Terrorists have infiltrated the palace!
More than this though--that document, which Bartolome said was recovered from Luneta park, contained even dates of rallies to be launched by the militant anti-Arroyo. A double wow!!
That document is like something out of the movie "Back to the Future". Or it may be part of the lost writings of Nostradamus. Why? Well, that document was able to predict when and where these rally leaders intend to launch those mass actions. Having been an activist myself, dates of rallies are arbitrarily set by rally leaders. If Bartolome and the rest of the PNP are really intel experts, they know this for a fact! You can't predict what will happen in the future right? And all these things are compartamentalized. So, whoever says that one can actually predict a rally date is something out of the extraordinary.
So, I'm impressed, totally.
There's a Filipino saying that if you have something to defend, defend it at the Luneta. Well, Bartolome and his organization should probably tell it to the Marines there, protecting Rizal.
Mr. Bartolome, please don't waste your illustrious career trying to hide the flaws of this administration. You're a decorated and honorable officer. I know you since Erap's time to be honest and easy to work with. Don't be stupid to harp a very stupid script. People are not idiots. They know that you're just being used and its unfair to you.
Concern on the global fight against terror
I am very concerned about the anti-terror campaign here in the Philippines. Because of this political crisis and the continuing level of mistrust and distrust by the people about this government, it is affecting the way we fight these terrorists. Nobody believes that this government is doing good in the global terror fight. It is therefore, to the best interest of the Philippines to allow the fall of this regime because this government is like the boy who cried wolf. They are using the terror bogey to oppress legitimate political opposition which is not good. Its stupidity and very dangerous.
Terror threat ‘real’, rallies are possible targets - PNP
03/07/2008 | 01:17 PM
Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us
MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said protest rallies in the metropolis are also target of the suspected foreign terrorists who were nabbed in the country in the last few weeks.
PNP spokesman Sr. Supt. Nicanor Bartolome told radio dzMM that the schedule of rallies were also found in a recovered document. The documents, which were recovered from a Manila park, was earlier described to contain only information on the routes taken by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and surveillance review of certain foreign embassies.
"Pati yung schedule ng ating Pangulo ay naapektuhan because of this information. At nakalagay din dun yung ibang mga listahan ng mga embahada at pati yung mga schedule ng ibang rallies ay nandun din. Kaya ipinapalagay ng ating mga operatiba na merong mga plano talaga itong mga grupo na ito na maghasik nga ng kaguluhan," Bartolome said.
At the same time, Bartolome said there were actually two foreign nationals who were apprehended, and not only one as earlier disclosed by PNP chief Dir. Gen. Avelino Razon, Jr.
"Na-i-announce na nga ito nung February 29 pa (na) may dalawang foreign nationals na nakuha. At na-link nga ito dun sa previous plans as stated dun sa mga dokumentong nakuha prior to their arrest," he said.
Bartolome, however, refused to give further details, including the nationality of the two foreigners, citing ongoing follow up operations.
Fending off allegations from militant groups and the opposition that the supposed "terror threat" was merely a scare tactic, Bartolome said: "Hindi ito isang form ng pananakot or warning. Ang sa amin ay ginagamit din namin ito upang sa ganun ay mapaganda pa namin yung preparasyon namin, yung mga security arrangements ma-improve pa namin, madagdagan at nang sa ganun ay lahat magkaroon ng seguridad."
Various groups have conducted and still plan to hold more mass demonstrations against the government after ZTE witness Rodolfo Lozada, Jr came out and linked First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo in the controversial $329-million national broadband network project. - GMANews.TV
That piece of land called Spratlys
As I wrote here and in my other blog redbluethoughts.today.com, Arroyo has indeed committed a grave travesty of justice when she entered into an agreement for joint exploration of the Spratlys with China. Everybody knows that China is suffering from a power crunch. The demands for power increases as one's economy expands and grows. That's why demands for crude on a global scale has reached 100 dollars a barrel because of China and other economies.
JDV defended this agreement, saying that it was a "political solution" to prevent a further escalation of hostilities in the region. If, as JDV says, that agreement is indeed a political solution, why was it not crafted in accordance with the ASEAN solution? It should have been submitted for consultation with other claimant nations, given the sensitivities of the issue. But, no. The Philippines, being a weak state, was forced into a situation where it can't really extricate itself from a very dangerous situation.
Also, the agreement called for exploration of a place within Philippine territory where claimant nations cannot lay claim on. That place, which is near the Malampaya oil exploration site, is not, I say, not within the purview of claims. So, indeed, that agreement infringed on the territorial integrity of the Philippines and should be closely scrutinized by the Senate and other bodies.
Effects of such investigation
The Senate, under the Constitution, has the power to review executive agreements such as these. However, the Senate should tread so lightly as to not affect the sensitivities of other nations.
In the case of China, the Senate should not be cowed by light threats from Arroyo that it could affect relations with the emerging giant. China needs us more than we need them. We have a huge market, one of the biggest in the region. If Chinese traders lose this market, they would lose billions and billions of dollars worth of investment. So, we have an ace in our sleeves. Likewise, our strategic location affords them an easy access to the US mainland.
In these two reasons alone, that is enough for us to gain concessions from China, instead of China, asking for concessions from us. Why is this administration so subservient to China?
Because of pressure coming from business groups close to this administration. They have businesses in the mainland which could be affected by these inquiries.
Solution
Groups should sacrifice Arroyo. All these things are being forced into the open because of the graft and corruption of her administration. It would be very expedient to all these groups to cut Arroyo's head now before all these other agreements are revealed for all the world to see.
They must act now before its too late.
These things convince me further that Arroyo's numbers are up.
JDV defended this agreement, saying that it was a "political solution" to prevent a further escalation of hostilities in the region. If, as JDV says, that agreement is indeed a political solution, why was it not crafted in accordance with the ASEAN solution? It should have been submitted for consultation with other claimant nations, given the sensitivities of the issue. But, no. The Philippines, being a weak state, was forced into a situation where it can't really extricate itself from a very dangerous situation.
Also, the agreement called for exploration of a place within Philippine territory where claimant nations cannot lay claim on. That place, which is near the Malampaya oil exploration site, is not, I say, not within the purview of claims. So, indeed, that agreement infringed on the territorial integrity of the Philippines and should be closely scrutinized by the Senate and other bodies.
Effects of such investigation
The Senate, under the Constitution, has the power to review executive agreements such as these. However, the Senate should tread so lightly as to not affect the sensitivities of other nations.
In the case of China, the Senate should not be cowed by light threats from Arroyo that it could affect relations with the emerging giant. China needs us more than we need them. We have a huge market, one of the biggest in the region. If Chinese traders lose this market, they would lose billions and billions of dollars worth of investment. So, we have an ace in our sleeves. Likewise, our strategic location affords them an easy access to the US mainland.
In these two reasons alone, that is enough for us to gain concessions from China, instead of China, asking for concessions from us. Why is this administration so subservient to China?
Because of pressure coming from business groups close to this administration. They have businesses in the mainland which could be affected by these inquiries.
Solution
Groups should sacrifice Arroyo. All these things are being forced into the open because of the graft and corruption of her administration. It would be very expedient to all these groups to cut Arroyo's head now before all these other agreements are revealed for all the world to see.
They must act now before its too late.
These things convince me further that Arroyo's numbers are up.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
FG is at it again
Read the story below. There's another anomaly involving the First Gentleman. Again, FG got himself involved in another overpriced deal, which, according to Senator Jamby Madrigal, might run between US$ 18 million and US$ 90 million. It was allegedly brokered by Francis Chua, whom I remember meeting sometime in 2000 in an interview. Chua is allegedly very close to the First Family since he lead this group's founding sometime before 2000. This group is supposedly a counter-force to the PCCCIII of Lucio Tan, which, at that time, was very close to the Erap administration.
Another anomaly--Southrail documents are missing. Documents about this anomalous deal are again missing, just like what happened to the ZTE deal which Undersecretary Formoso lost right after the Boao forum.
And another--the Department of Education (DepEd) ruled that Jun Lozada should not be allowed to enter public schools to talk about the ZTE deal. What if, in some instance, Jun finds himself needing a toilet and it happens that he's near the Ramon Magsaysay High school along Espana, would he be allowed to enter the premises of that public school? Obviously, according to the DepEd, he's not allowed.
Such attempts at destroying documents and preventing people from knowing the truth, I believe, is more than enough evidence for the CBCP, former Senator Salonga and all the rest who are not convinced to call for Arroyo's resignation to reconsider their decision. These attempts at suppressing the truth are as clear as daylight. We must not blind ourselves.
If we want to know the truth, we must be ready to sacrifice everything for the Truth to come out. But if government agencies are being used by just one family to protect itself against further acrimonious accusations, then, what use are these calls for Arroyo to allow the truth to come out when it is very, very clear that she's not really willing to do so?
FG linked to another alleged overprice
By AUREA CALICA
The Philippine Star
Sen. Jamby Madrigal is seeking an investigation into the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s purchase of allegedly overpriced x-ray scanning machines from a Chinese company without public bidding, reportedly upon the intervention of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Madrigal said the alleged deal was brokered by a certain Francis Chua who is believed to be the former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), a group supportive of the administration.
Madrigal’s call for an investigation is contained in Senate Resolution 317.
"It is estimated that the alleged overprice of the NICIS project may run between $18 million and $90 million for both project phases," Madrigal said.
The purchase of the x-ray machines is part of the administration’s so-called Non-Intrusive Container Inspection System (NICIS), which involves the installation of mobile or truck-mounted x-ray machines to scan container vans in the different ports of the country to prevent smuggling, facilitate trade and prevent tariff evasion. The NICIS project was implemented based on Executive Order 592 signed by President Arroyo on Dec. 15, 2006.
In her resolution, Madrigal said the Arroyo government, through the Department of Finance and the BOC, signed a concessional loan agreement with China on May 11, 2006 and on Jan. 15, 2007 to finance Phase 1 and 2 of the NCIS, respectively.
The loan for Phase 1 involves $50 million for 10 units of the x-ray machines and $100 million for 20 more units for Phase 2. The Export-Import Bank of China was assigned to process the loan while the Beijing-based Nuctech Co. Ltd. was China’s supplier for the project.
According to Madrigal, the NICIS project is part of the $1.109-billion loan agreement between the government and China covering the Northrail and Southrail projects. The amount is way above the usual pledges of development aid from a single country. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Japan collectively promised $11.4 billion, with $1 billion more still being negotiated.
During the Nov. 2, 2007 budget hearing, BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said each unit of the x-ray machines cost $2.5 million.
But according to comparative international prices of x-ray machines based on results of public biddings for the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the Iceland State Trading Center, each unit of the x-ray scanning machines from Nuctech costs only $1.9 million on the average, the resolution read.
Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. mentioned during a hearing on the national broadband network deal controversy that the First Gentleman joined Customs and other officials in inspecting the x-ray scanning machines in China along with Chua.
"Why is the First Gentleman part of the visit to China to see the x-ray machines? Are we going to follow everything that China wants because the loan will come from it?" she asked.
Madrigal said some of the machines were reportedly defective and became non-operational a few months after their delivery.
She also questioned why the government had to purchase 30 machines when one would have been enough, based on the practice in other countries. Madrigal added that with the huge number of units purchased, the government should have negotiated a discount.
"The anomalies in the NICIS project may have arisen because of the lack of transparency in this government-to-government transaction, when it could have been done through public bidding," Madrigal said.
The president of Nuctech, Hu Haifeng, is a son of Chinese President Hu Jintao. Nuctech is the same supplier of the now suspended Cyber-Education project.
So far, Madrigal said BOC has accounted for only 16 units in different ports in the country.
She further noted that the BOC personnel who were trained in China in 2006 to operate the machines were all allegedly removed from their posts. "Why?" Madrigal asked.
Madrigal said she could not accept the argument of the BOC that it purchased a different model to justify the high unit cost, considering that more progressive countries were able to get x-ray machines from the same company for lower prices.
Chua reacts
In a text message to The STAR, Chua said the allegations might scare away potential Chinese direct investors.
"My role as investment envoy is to bridge China relations with the Philippines," he said in his text message.
"My primary concern is foreign direct investments such as Cosco’s proposed central shipping hub totaling $5 billion of private investment," he said.
"I will never interest myself in government-to-government projects since (they are) purely a matter between two states," Chua pointed out.
"Since my stint as federation president to this day, I have spent all of my time encouraging Chinese to do private business in the Philippines and ultimately generate more jobs.
"I lament that these allegations have deterred the investments of these multinational Chinese companies which could have generated thousands more jobs and infused billions more capital into the Philippines," he pointed out.
Another anomaly--Southrail documents are missing. Documents about this anomalous deal are again missing, just like what happened to the ZTE deal which Undersecretary Formoso lost right after the Boao forum.
And another--the Department of Education (DepEd) ruled that Jun Lozada should not be allowed to enter public schools to talk about the ZTE deal. What if, in some instance, Jun finds himself needing a toilet and it happens that he's near the Ramon Magsaysay High school along Espana, would he be allowed to enter the premises of that public school? Obviously, according to the DepEd, he's not allowed.
Such attempts at destroying documents and preventing people from knowing the truth, I believe, is more than enough evidence for the CBCP, former Senator Salonga and all the rest who are not convinced to call for Arroyo's resignation to reconsider their decision. These attempts at suppressing the truth are as clear as daylight. We must not blind ourselves.
If we want to know the truth, we must be ready to sacrifice everything for the Truth to come out. But if government agencies are being used by just one family to protect itself against further acrimonious accusations, then, what use are these calls for Arroyo to allow the truth to come out when it is very, very clear that she's not really willing to do so?
FG linked to another alleged overprice
By AUREA CALICA
The Philippine Star
Sen. Jamby Madrigal is seeking an investigation into the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s purchase of allegedly overpriced x-ray scanning machines from a Chinese company without public bidding, reportedly upon the intervention of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Madrigal said the alleged deal was brokered by a certain Francis Chua who is believed to be the former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), a group supportive of the administration.
Madrigal’s call for an investigation is contained in Senate Resolution 317.
"It is estimated that the alleged overprice of the NICIS project may run between $18 million and $90 million for both project phases," Madrigal said.
The purchase of the x-ray machines is part of the administration’s so-called Non-Intrusive Container Inspection System (NICIS), which involves the installation of mobile or truck-mounted x-ray machines to scan container vans in the different ports of the country to prevent smuggling, facilitate trade and prevent tariff evasion. The NICIS project was implemented based on Executive Order 592 signed by President Arroyo on Dec. 15, 2006.
In her resolution, Madrigal said the Arroyo government, through the Department of Finance and the BOC, signed a concessional loan agreement with China on May 11, 2006 and on Jan. 15, 2007 to finance Phase 1 and 2 of the NCIS, respectively.
The loan for Phase 1 involves $50 million for 10 units of the x-ray machines and $100 million for 20 more units for Phase 2. The Export-Import Bank of China was assigned to process the loan while the Beijing-based Nuctech Co. Ltd. was China’s supplier for the project.
According to Madrigal, the NICIS project is part of the $1.109-billion loan agreement between the government and China covering the Northrail and Southrail projects. The amount is way above the usual pledges of development aid from a single country. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Japan collectively promised $11.4 billion, with $1 billion more still being negotiated.
During the Nov. 2, 2007 budget hearing, BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said each unit of the x-ray machines cost $2.5 million.
But according to comparative international prices of x-ray machines based on results of public biddings for the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the Iceland State Trading Center, each unit of the x-ray scanning machines from Nuctech costs only $1.9 million on the average, the resolution read.
Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. mentioned during a hearing on the national broadband network deal controversy that the First Gentleman joined Customs and other officials in inspecting the x-ray scanning machines in China along with Chua.
"Why is the First Gentleman part of the visit to China to see the x-ray machines? Are we going to follow everything that China wants because the loan will come from it?" she asked.
Madrigal said some of the machines were reportedly defective and became non-operational a few months after their delivery.
She also questioned why the government had to purchase 30 machines when one would have been enough, based on the practice in other countries. Madrigal added that with the huge number of units purchased, the government should have negotiated a discount.
"The anomalies in the NICIS project may have arisen because of the lack of transparency in this government-to-government transaction, when it could have been done through public bidding," Madrigal said.
The president of Nuctech, Hu Haifeng, is a son of Chinese President Hu Jintao. Nuctech is the same supplier of the now suspended Cyber-Education project.
So far, Madrigal said BOC has accounted for only 16 units in different ports in the country.
She further noted that the BOC personnel who were trained in China in 2006 to operate the machines were all allegedly removed from their posts. "Why?" Madrigal asked.
Madrigal said she could not accept the argument of the BOC that it purchased a different model to justify the high unit cost, considering that more progressive countries were able to get x-ray machines from the same company for lower prices.
Chua reacts
In a text message to The STAR, Chua said the allegations might scare away potential Chinese direct investors.
"My role as investment envoy is to bridge China relations with the Philippines," he said in his text message.
"My primary concern is foreign direct investments such as Cosco’s proposed central shipping hub totaling $5 billion of private investment," he said.
"I will never interest myself in government-to-government projects since (they are) purely a matter between two states," Chua pointed out.
"Since my stint as federation president to this day, I have spent all of my time encouraging Chinese to do private business in the Philippines and ultimately generate more jobs.
"I lament that these allegations have deterred the investments of these multinational Chinese companies which could have generated thousands more jobs and infused billions more capital into the Philippines," he pointed out.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pathological Traps
Palace PR operators are at it again. They are heightening the Neri testimony to diffuse the situation. They are allowing the media to highlight the former NEDA chief's testimony as if it matters now. The SC has said that Neri could not disclose his conversation with Arroyo. What value or use will his testimony be, since that conversation is the kernel of the truth behind ZTE?
It seems that Arroyo's handlers is propping up the situation in anticipation of a major announcement from their principal. I guess Arroyo will be announcing some major changes in the Cabinet, including the "lateral transfer" of DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza from the DOTC to the newly formed Aviation Authority. Its a "demotion" which way you look at it and we don't know how Mendo would accept such an offer from the president. Surely though, it would not diminish Mendo's influence at the DOTC, since he has been there since this administration started. Some say it was a reward since Arroyo added more responsibilities to Mendo. However, by the looks of it, it seems that the ground is being prepared for his eventual transfer...
It would be very interesting how Arroyo would dislodge DENR secretary Lito Atienza from his post. Or how about PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr. whom civil society members also want to be "retired" or "resigned"? How would Arroyo handle them?
In the past, Arroyo is known to sacrifice her lieutenants and knights just to survive. Surely, Arroyo will not touch Razon. She might "relocate" not totally remove Atienza from his post. Probably Atienza would be transferred to an ambassadorial post? In Guinea I suppose? Or probably the head of the Luneta Park? Or a government corporation? Or since Atienza is fond of abducting witnesses and ordering them to make the rounds of Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, maybe he's fit to be assigned at the Calabarzon area? Arroyo's very creative, this survivor is, she'll find some inventive ways of solving a problem like Atienza. This early, I believe Atienza is a done deal. He's a goner.
Funny thing
A Pulse Asia survey showed that some of the senators who took part in the ZTE deal hearings suffered from a drop in approval ratings, most especially Joker Arroyo. Everybody's ratings dropped, including those of presidentiables Manny Villar and Mar Roxas. Perplexing, is'nt? Probably people hate Arroyo so much that this hatred is beginning to affect her allies at the Senate. Pulse Asia should probably conduct another poll to see why people reacted that way. This survey may or may not influence the Senate, especially Cayetano who also suffered a drop, to continue with the ZTE probe.
Finally, Big Mike admitted the Wack-Wack meeting
After this controversy, I bet that every influence peddler would (1) learn how to play golf and (2) would visit Wack-Wack more often. Look at Abalos, he chairs the golf club and won for himself a nice trip to the US. Wow, that's something. Maybe i'll play some rounds at WackWack and win myself a trip to the US.
By the way, Big Mike, whom Senator Madrigal referred to as "First Goon", "First Grafter" or what have you (I refer to him as "First Golfer" since, despite his reported illness, continues to play that game of the elites), admitted meeting Joey de Venecia that fateful morning at Wack Wack. Though he never admitted telling Joey to "back off", Big Mike admitted warning Joey though of dipping his hands at government contracts, being a son of the Speaker. However, if you closely examine what transpired, I believe Joey more than Big Mike. If Mike admitted admonishing Joey for having himself involved in a government deal, would it be logical to conclude that, indeed, he said that word "back off"?
On hindsight, what's so bad about Big Mike telling Joey to "back off" from the deal? Nothing. In the context of the meeting, it's not bad for the First Gentleman to tell Joey to back off since, as he said, Joey's the son of the Speaker, right? In fact, if FG admitted saying that, it could have been good for him since that shows you how "protective" he was of the national welfare, right? I think this is worth considering by his publicists.
Let's wait and see, shall we? We only have until March 14. Afterwards, if nothing happens at that time, then, we can all junk all of these things and let bygones be bygones. Anyway, 2010 is just around the corner. Pardon Arroyo again for her infraction and just junk her or charge her in court after 2010. However, I don't think people will just do this at this point. People are tired of the corruption and the hardships this administration has been doing since Day One. I think they will flood UST of warm bodies. If not, then, kalimutan na lang lahat ito and just suffer in silence, okey?
It seems that Arroyo's handlers is propping up the situation in anticipation of a major announcement from their principal. I guess Arroyo will be announcing some major changes in the Cabinet, including the "lateral transfer" of DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza from the DOTC to the newly formed Aviation Authority. Its a "demotion" which way you look at it and we don't know how Mendo would accept such an offer from the president. Surely though, it would not diminish Mendo's influence at the DOTC, since he has been there since this administration started. Some say it was a reward since Arroyo added more responsibilities to Mendo. However, by the looks of it, it seems that the ground is being prepared for his eventual transfer...
It would be very interesting how Arroyo would dislodge DENR secretary Lito Atienza from his post. Or how about PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr. whom civil society members also want to be "retired" or "resigned"? How would Arroyo handle them?
In the past, Arroyo is known to sacrifice her lieutenants and knights just to survive. Surely, Arroyo will not touch Razon. She might "relocate" not totally remove Atienza from his post. Probably Atienza would be transferred to an ambassadorial post? In Guinea I suppose? Or probably the head of the Luneta Park? Or a government corporation? Or since Atienza is fond of abducting witnesses and ordering them to make the rounds of Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, maybe he's fit to be assigned at the Calabarzon area? Arroyo's very creative, this survivor is, she'll find some inventive ways of solving a problem like Atienza. This early, I believe Atienza is a done deal. He's a goner.
Funny thing
A Pulse Asia survey showed that some of the senators who took part in the ZTE deal hearings suffered from a drop in approval ratings, most especially Joker Arroyo. Everybody's ratings dropped, including those of presidentiables Manny Villar and Mar Roxas. Perplexing, is'nt? Probably people hate Arroyo so much that this hatred is beginning to affect her allies at the Senate. Pulse Asia should probably conduct another poll to see why people reacted that way. This survey may or may not influence the Senate, especially Cayetano who also suffered a drop, to continue with the ZTE probe.
Finally, Big Mike admitted the Wack-Wack meeting
After this controversy, I bet that every influence peddler would (1) learn how to play golf and (2) would visit Wack-Wack more often. Look at Abalos, he chairs the golf club and won for himself a nice trip to the US. Wow, that's something. Maybe i'll play some rounds at WackWack and win myself a trip to the US.
By the way, Big Mike, whom Senator Madrigal referred to as "First Goon", "First Grafter" or what have you (I refer to him as "First Golfer" since, despite his reported illness, continues to play that game of the elites), admitted meeting Joey de Venecia that fateful morning at Wack Wack. Though he never admitted telling Joey to "back off", Big Mike admitted warning Joey though of dipping his hands at government contracts, being a son of the Speaker. However, if you closely examine what transpired, I believe Joey more than Big Mike. If Mike admitted admonishing Joey for having himself involved in a government deal, would it be logical to conclude that, indeed, he said that word "back off"?
On hindsight, what's so bad about Big Mike telling Joey to "back off" from the deal? Nothing. In the context of the meeting, it's not bad for the First Gentleman to tell Joey to back off since, as he said, Joey's the son of the Speaker, right? In fact, if FG admitted saying that, it could have been good for him since that shows you how "protective" he was of the national welfare, right? I think this is worth considering by his publicists.
Let's wait and see, shall we? We only have until March 14. Afterwards, if nothing happens at that time, then, we can all junk all of these things and let bygones be bygones. Anyway, 2010 is just around the corner. Pardon Arroyo again for her infraction and just junk her or charge her in court after 2010. However, I don't think people will just do this at this point. People are tired of the corruption and the hardships this administration has been doing since Day One. I think they will flood UST of warm bodies. If not, then, kalimutan na lang lahat ito and just suffer in silence, okey?
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Traders should be charged with high crimes
Traders say they are raising prices. Well, when I went to the supermarkets last Sunday, they already did. And these traders are really profiteers.
They are raising their prices at the time when a political crisis is brewing. These heartless thugs should be charged with profiteering or worst, economic sabotage. They are like thieves robbing the hapless fire victims. These people should be shot immediately.
One spokesman from Baguio Oil said that global prices of mantika or cooking oil has risen and they have no choice but to pass the increase to consumers. We understand their predicament but they should not time the increase at this time, since everybody is really suffering from high prices and inflation. OFW families are suffering due to low purchasing power of their dollars while employees are also bearing the brunt of high prices. Government must put a definitive stop at these illegal acts. Otherwise, this further justifies the ouster of this government. It is helpless in stemming the increases because it is now besieged or threatened by extinction by various groups. And you know what happens if this is the case? Obviously, government needs all the support it can get from all sectors of society, that includes these thugs. Government should subsidize these products, since, anyway, it says that we are in a very good economic standing and the economy can take care of itself. Why not institute price controls and subsidize basic commodities to arrest the increases? Or, why not stop these oil companies from increasing pump prices and again regulate the oil industry which is contributing to the hardship of the people? These are acts which could regain the goodwill of the people to government.
Arroyo should act now before the situation worsens and we see huge segments of the population demonstrating, or worst, revolting in the streets ala Argentina.
They are raising their prices at the time when a political crisis is brewing. These heartless thugs should be charged with profiteering or worst, economic sabotage. They are like thieves robbing the hapless fire victims. These people should be shot immediately.
One spokesman from Baguio Oil said that global prices of mantika or cooking oil has risen and they have no choice but to pass the increase to consumers. We understand their predicament but they should not time the increase at this time, since everybody is really suffering from high prices and inflation. OFW families are suffering due to low purchasing power of their dollars while employees are also bearing the brunt of high prices. Government must put a definitive stop at these illegal acts. Otherwise, this further justifies the ouster of this government. It is helpless in stemming the increases because it is now besieged or threatened by extinction by various groups. And you know what happens if this is the case? Obviously, government needs all the support it can get from all sectors of society, that includes these thugs. Government should subsidize these products, since, anyway, it says that we are in a very good economic standing and the economy can take care of itself. Why not institute price controls and subsidize basic commodities to arrest the increases? Or, why not stop these oil companies from increasing pump prices and again regulate the oil industry which is contributing to the hardship of the people? These are acts which could regain the goodwill of the people to government.
Arroyo should act now before the situation worsens and we see huge segments of the population demonstrating, or worst, revolting in the streets ala Argentina.
One and a half weeks to go
Its a good thing that groups are just giving Arroyo a week to answer all these allegations. Today, arguments were heard over the SC on what to do with the petition of former NEDA secretary Romulo Neri. It was a deliberation on the issue of lifting EO 464, which quarters, including the Vice President, has said that Gloria should lift for the public to hear the truth about the ZTE deal. I don't know what's the big deal about Neri's testimony since I believe, Neri already told everything there is before the Senate when he went there. But, considering how the palace and even the entire country is reacting, maybe, there's really something about what transpired between Neri and Arroyo that Neri's counsel even said that its "part of a state secret"
Bull.
A state secret involves national security. What's so serious about what Neri told Arroyo that they're both afraid on the possibility that the people will know about it. Everybody is urging Arroyo to allow Neri to testify. Malacanang, it seems, is starting to harden its position which is a BAD THING to do. Doing so at this point only worsens their situation. They are like creating a quick sand to sink themselves in.
In the next few days, I believe that Gloria will, definitely do the following things:
1. She will announce the lifting of EO 464 to prevent the CBCP from further joining the growing protest movement. That will give her administration a few more days to survive.
2. She will announce the suspension of controversial government officials involved in the ZTE scandal. That would contradict what the Palace announced today and yesterday, but, nonetheless, that would give her enough breathing space to prevent herself from totally being besieged.
3. She will announce new appointments in the Comelec, foremost of which, members of civil society, or one belonging to the Muslim sector.
I think the environment is being prepared for these pronouncements. Palace operators have allowed the people to hinge the search for truth with Neri, which is a tactical way of solving this issue. By concentrating all attention at Neri's probable testimony, the palace is effectively leading the public's attention away from Lozada and concentrate on Neri. I bet my bottom dollar that Neri's testimony will not amount to anything since it has been months since the controversy first began. I am sure that palace operators have already cleaned every filth there is about this deal.
On, by the way, groups should ask for the original copy of the ZTE deal. Since this time, no copy of the supposed controversial deal has been presented to the media. Why? The people have the right to know since its their money who'll finance the shebang anyway. There should be an active call from people for the palace to reveal the deal.
So, my friends, you just have to wait for one and a half weeks before we can finally put these things to rest. The big rally in UST might just be the last hurrah for Gloria. Or, it might also be the last say of all these groups opposing Arroyo. Let's wait and see.
Rejoinder:
By the way, that statement by Loren that she'll not support calls for the resignation of Arroyo because of the prospect of Noli assuming the presidency is pure idiocracy. It says so much about Loren. She, like Gloria, is hungry for power. Be cautious about the likes of Loren. She's a potential Gloria just waiting in the wings. I hope that she'll be marginalized so that no such breed would ascend the position of power.
Bull.
A state secret involves national security. What's so serious about what Neri told Arroyo that they're both afraid on the possibility that the people will know about it. Everybody is urging Arroyo to allow Neri to testify. Malacanang, it seems, is starting to harden its position which is a BAD THING to do. Doing so at this point only worsens their situation. They are like creating a quick sand to sink themselves in.
In the next few days, I believe that Gloria will, definitely do the following things:
1. She will announce the lifting of EO 464 to prevent the CBCP from further joining the growing protest movement. That will give her administration a few more days to survive.
2. She will announce the suspension of controversial government officials involved in the ZTE scandal. That would contradict what the Palace announced today and yesterday, but, nonetheless, that would give her enough breathing space to prevent herself from totally being besieged.
3. She will announce new appointments in the Comelec, foremost of which, members of civil society, or one belonging to the Muslim sector.
I think the environment is being prepared for these pronouncements. Palace operators have allowed the people to hinge the search for truth with Neri, which is a tactical way of solving this issue. By concentrating all attention at Neri's probable testimony, the palace is effectively leading the public's attention away from Lozada and concentrate on Neri. I bet my bottom dollar that Neri's testimony will not amount to anything since it has been months since the controversy first began. I am sure that palace operators have already cleaned every filth there is about this deal.
On, by the way, groups should ask for the original copy of the ZTE deal. Since this time, no copy of the supposed controversial deal has been presented to the media. Why? The people have the right to know since its their money who'll finance the shebang anyway. There should be an active call from people for the palace to reveal the deal.
So, my friends, you just have to wait for one and a half weeks before we can finally put these things to rest. The big rally in UST might just be the last hurrah for Gloria. Or, it might also be the last say of all these groups opposing Arroyo. Let's wait and see.
Rejoinder:
By the way, that statement by Loren that she'll not support calls for the resignation of Arroyo because of the prospect of Noli assuming the presidency is pure idiocracy. It says so much about Loren. She, like Gloria, is hungry for power. Be cautious about the likes of Loren. She's a potential Gloria just waiting in the wings. I hope that she'll be marginalized so that no such breed would ascend the position of power.
VP Noli takes a stand
Who will you choose to succeed Gloria? You have two choices:
Candidate Number 1: Kabayan Noli de Castro
Catapulted to the vice presidency due to his popularity, De Castro has been undergoing OJT with Gloria since 2004. He knows legislative works, being a former Senator. And he has experience in executive works, being the head of the HLURB and taking care of the OFWs. He recently announced his readiness to assume the presidency which is under his mandate under the Constitution.
Candidate Number 2: Ousted president Joseph "Erap" Estrada
Estrada was ousted in 2001 after a successful people power revolt. He was charged with corruption but was released after six years of incarceration. He's now touring the provinces to "thank" his numerous fans for their loyal support through the years. Initially, he told the press that he's not running. Now, he's positioning himself as the rightful heir to the palace throne in the event that the people oust Gloria.
I am calling on the people behind these two idiots--stop posturing your principals in this fight. You are allowing yourself, wittingly or unwittingly, to be used by Gloria's de-escalation experts in muddling the issue. Do not, I say again, allow yourselves to be used by Gloria to offend people's sensibilities by portraying yourselves as rightful successors.
The issue here is the search for Truth. The people behind these campaigns are not supportive of Erap or Noli. No. The people want genuine change. And the only way for this to be achieved is for the people to install a corporation. Yes, a public corporation known as a Council for National Unity (CNU).
VP Noli has taken a stand
After calls for him to be "presidential", VP Noli de Castro announced that Gloria should scrap E0 464 to help democratic institutions like the Senate to investigate the ZTE deal with free rein. The question that I would like to ask my colleague Noli is this--until when do you intend Gloria to keep EO 464? Until 2009?
The CBCP and Noli should put forward a deadline for Gloria--until this week, I suggest. They must tell Gloria that it is only up to this week that she and her legal team must decide whether to scrap EO 464 or not. After that, they must join the budding movement for change. Why?
Because not scrapping EO 464 would tell everybody that Gloria intends to be the dictator of this country and would do everything possible to keep herself and her family in power.
Candidate Number 1: Kabayan Noli de Castro
Catapulted to the vice presidency due to his popularity, De Castro has been undergoing OJT with Gloria since 2004. He knows legislative works, being a former Senator. And he has experience in executive works, being the head of the HLURB and taking care of the OFWs. He recently announced his readiness to assume the presidency which is under his mandate under the Constitution.
Candidate Number 2: Ousted president Joseph "Erap" Estrada
Estrada was ousted in 2001 after a successful people power revolt. He was charged with corruption but was released after six years of incarceration. He's now touring the provinces to "thank" his numerous fans for their loyal support through the years. Initially, he told the press that he's not running. Now, he's positioning himself as the rightful heir to the palace throne in the event that the people oust Gloria.
I am calling on the people behind these two idiots--stop posturing your principals in this fight. You are allowing yourself, wittingly or unwittingly, to be used by Gloria's de-escalation experts in muddling the issue. Do not, I say again, allow yourselves to be used by Gloria to offend people's sensibilities by portraying yourselves as rightful successors.
The issue here is the search for Truth. The people behind these campaigns are not supportive of Erap or Noli. No. The people want genuine change. And the only way for this to be achieved is for the people to install a corporation. Yes, a public corporation known as a Council for National Unity (CNU).
VP Noli has taken a stand
After calls for him to be "presidential", VP Noli de Castro announced that Gloria should scrap E0 464 to help democratic institutions like the Senate to investigate the ZTE deal with free rein. The question that I would like to ask my colleague Noli is this--until when do you intend Gloria to keep EO 464? Until 2009?
The CBCP and Noli should put forward a deadline for Gloria--until this week, I suggest. They must tell Gloria that it is only up to this week that she and her legal team must decide whether to scrap EO 464 or not. After that, they must join the budding movement for change. Why?
Because not scrapping EO 464 would tell everybody that Gloria intends to be the dictator of this country and would do everything possible to keep herself and her family in power.
Monday, March 3, 2008
Vatican influence over CBCP and the China question
It was revealing to me what Jun Lozada told reporters about his conversation with a priest who's a member of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines. He said that the reason why the CBCP refuses to issue a firmer political condemnation of the Arroyo administration is the perception that this could be used by other countries in the region to "oppress" or "delimit" the works of evangelization by Catholic churches in those countries.
I immediately remembered the news which says that China is now locked into a veritable cold war with the Vatican. China has its own self-appointed Church head in their country, much like what they did in Tibet where they appointed their own Dalai Lama while allowing the real Dalai Lama to go on exile. Did the Vatican influenced the CBCP not to "rock the boat", so to speak, in deference to what's happening in China?
Some quarters are speculating that this could be the real reason why the CBCP refuses to condemn the Arroyo administration. Of course, we can't discount the possibility that some bishops were given some favours. However, I am sure that this is the real reason why our church leaders are not issuing a stronger statement.
There are indications, I believe, that the CBCP will issue such a statement. The Church has said that if Malacanang still refused to revoke EO 464, then, they will definitely call for a resignation.
I immediately remembered the news which says that China is now locked into a veritable cold war with the Vatican. China has its own self-appointed Church head in their country, much like what they did in Tibet where they appointed their own Dalai Lama while allowing the real Dalai Lama to go on exile. Did the Vatican influenced the CBCP not to "rock the boat", so to speak, in deference to what's happening in China?
Some quarters are speculating that this could be the real reason why the CBCP refuses to condemn the Arroyo administration. Of course, we can't discount the possibility that some bishops were given some favours. However, I am sure that this is the real reason why our church leaders are not issuing a stronger statement.
There are indications, I believe, that the CBCP will issue such a statement. The Church has said that if Malacanang still refused to revoke EO 464, then, they will definitely call for a resignation.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Post-Arroyo scenario--what happens next
The Malaya editorial as well as the Inquirer's says it all--the palace should look at the writing in the wall. Makati Business Club spokeman Lim says it all--its just a sample of how groups intend to depose Arroyo--through people power. Exiled NDF consultant Jose Maria Sison said that 100,000 or half a million is the magic number. The inter-faith rally shows that groups can muster 75,000-80,000. That's a good sign. However, these groups are forgetting something--time is not on their side.
Its only a few weeks before the semester comes to a close. These teenagers and college students who comprise the bulk of the rallyists are going home. Most of them live in the provinces. Yes, that's actually a good thing since these students will be telling their parents about what's happening in Manila. Yet, that would dissipate the numbers here in Metro Manila. I think the Movement only has until the third or worst, the second week of this month to actually do their thing against Arroyo.
Yet, the fall of Arroyo is quite ominous at this juncture. I believe transactional politics is again, rearing its ugly head at this time. I am sure groups close to Cory and Erap are talking with their "counterparts" at the Palace on how to resolve things in a post-Gloria scenario. If this is happening, then, it shows what Maria Resa of ABS-CBN is saying--political power plays are again rearing its ugly head. And this is NOT what people want.
The people want real change. The people want these basic things:
1. A strong government that is not held by the neck by foreign interests.
2. A strong and people-oriented military and police that would not be subservient to the interests of those occupying Malacanan; rather, an armed forces that serves the people in a genuine sense, instead of just lip service.
3. A unified nation which rallies behind a unified ideology, devoid of Western nor Asian influence.
4. A government responsive to the needs of a tired people who just want to work and eat three full square meals a day.
5. A government who administers well-oiled democratic institutions not for self-interests but for the sake of the country.
Surveys show that people are aspiring for the real EDSA--the kind that does not involve political power plays. It is attainable since countries like Singapore, who was once wrecked by political dissension, have been able to rise above all these things and progress. Filipinos love to see their country rise above all its problems.
And we can't do it with just giving every responsibility to one person. No. Noli is not the solution to our problem. There should be a collective effort to solve all these things. And, like I wrote in this blog previously and in redbluethoughts.today.com, only through a Council of National Restoration will we be able to achieve all these things.
Gloria was wrong when she said that the international community will not tolerate an EDSA 3 in 2008. I can tell Gloria straight in her puny face that what the international community can't tolerate is you selling a part of this paradise to the Chinese. Foreigners can't also tolerate the graft and corruption happening in your administration.
An EDSA 3 or an Ayala One, as some would put it, can be tolerated because it shows how Filipinos value their democracy. Hey, US Ambassador Kenney is right---these rallies show the vibrancy of Philippine democracy. Foreigners will understand Gloria. What they can't is if Filipinos allow you to continue what you're doing--cheating, lying and stealing. Every decent individual can't tolerate that, especially those who still value decency.
So, onward with the struggle. Let's show the world how we as a people will not tolerate graft and corruption and the loss of our souls.
Its only a few weeks before the semester comes to a close. These teenagers and college students who comprise the bulk of the rallyists are going home. Most of them live in the provinces. Yes, that's actually a good thing since these students will be telling their parents about what's happening in Manila. Yet, that would dissipate the numbers here in Metro Manila. I think the Movement only has until the third or worst, the second week of this month to actually do their thing against Arroyo.
Yet, the fall of Arroyo is quite ominous at this juncture. I believe transactional politics is again, rearing its ugly head at this time. I am sure groups close to Cory and Erap are talking with their "counterparts" at the Palace on how to resolve things in a post-Gloria scenario. If this is happening, then, it shows what Maria Resa of ABS-CBN is saying--political power plays are again rearing its ugly head. And this is NOT what people want.
The people want real change. The people want these basic things:
1. A strong government that is not held by the neck by foreign interests.
2. A strong and people-oriented military and police that would not be subservient to the interests of those occupying Malacanan; rather, an armed forces that serves the people in a genuine sense, instead of just lip service.
3. A unified nation which rallies behind a unified ideology, devoid of Western nor Asian influence.
4. A government responsive to the needs of a tired people who just want to work and eat three full square meals a day.
5. A government who administers well-oiled democratic institutions not for self-interests but for the sake of the country.
Surveys show that people are aspiring for the real EDSA--the kind that does not involve political power plays. It is attainable since countries like Singapore, who was once wrecked by political dissension, have been able to rise above all these things and progress. Filipinos love to see their country rise above all its problems.
And we can't do it with just giving every responsibility to one person. No. Noli is not the solution to our problem. There should be a collective effort to solve all these things. And, like I wrote in this blog previously and in redbluethoughts.today.com, only through a Council of National Restoration will we be able to achieve all these things.
Gloria was wrong when she said that the international community will not tolerate an EDSA 3 in 2008. I can tell Gloria straight in her puny face that what the international community can't tolerate is you selling a part of this paradise to the Chinese. Foreigners can't also tolerate the graft and corruption happening in your administration.
An EDSA 3 or an Ayala One, as some would put it, can be tolerated because it shows how Filipinos value their democracy. Hey, US Ambassador Kenney is right---these rallies show the vibrancy of Philippine democracy. Foreigners will understand Gloria. What they can't is if Filipinos allow you to continue what you're doing--cheating, lying and stealing. Every decent individual can't tolerate that, especially those who still value decency.
So, onward with the struggle. Let's show the world how we as a people will not tolerate graft and corruption and the loss of our souls.
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