Praising GMA for the 1st time

I heard from reliable sources that GMA heeded my challenge---she'll present two big-time rice traders before the public. Sounds very nice. I like her when she's tough and determined.

I also heard that she'll fire Morales from the Customs post and give him a wonderful kick in the ass. Sounds very nice. I like her when she's showing her political will.

I am hearing something good also from my friends in the energy sector. GMA daw will review the Oil deregulation law and would probably do something to arrest the increasing prices of petrol. Well, if that'll happen, i'll go to Malacanang and give a rousing speech praising her for standing up for the people's rights to live.

For the first time, I am seeing the GMA I once loved and supported in EDSA Dos.

Welcome news...

1. Allowing the wheels of justice to fall against Nani Perez. He's a rapacious dog. He should be jailed if he's guilty.
2. Giving 5 billion as support to poor families. Very laudable program. I hope it does'nt fall to the hands of the unscrupulous. If it does, then, GMA should order the NBI to arrest them and if they resist, shoot those bastards. Its a mortal sin to deprive food from the poorest of the poor.
3. GMA is finally reviewing the rice importation policy of NFA. Sounds very, very nice.

If GMA continues to do good and think about the interests of the people instead of her family's, then, I'll even support and vote for her come 2010.

However, I am giving GMA a few weeks to continue her governance. If she continues to act presidential, then, people like me will support her all the way to hell, if needed. Hey, that's where she belongs right, as a devil enfant, if Joma's to be believed.

Cha-cha at the Senate? Weird

The Senate just filed Resolution No. 10 calling for a change in the system of government from republican presidential to a parliamentary form of government. Malacanang in a statement said they’re surprised with the 180 degree turnaround. The Senate has been vigorously opposing cha-cha moves. Now, eleven senators have signed their own death warrants.

Why the move towards a parliamentary system of government? Note that this reso was even filed by Minority Floor Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr, a strong voice against cha-cha before under the Arroyo administration. Pimentel is known for advocating federalism, yes, but not under Arroyo’s. Why the sudden change of heart, Mr. Pimentel?

Notice that the ones who co-signed the resolution were also strong oppositors to cha-cha, especially Senate President Manuel Villar and Senators Pia Cayetano, Juan Ponce Enrile, Francis Escudero, Jinggoy Estrada, Gregorio Honasan, Panfilo Lacson, Francis Pangilinan and Ramon Revilla Jr. The voting crossed partylines, showing the urgency of the resolution.

What prompted them to file a resolution such as this one? Are they anticipating some moves from Malacanang? Is this a move to finally solve the impasse in peace talks with the Bangsamoro people?

I remember writing about cha-cha a few months ago and I said that this administration has a June deadline for it. Is the Senate pre-empting a similar undertaking from Congress? Do they have prior information that Congress will be initiating cha-cha moves this May?

Some thoughts:

1. Maybe the Senator saw the writing on the wall that they’ll lose the vote come cha-cha in Congress?
2. Maybe they are seeing the specter of a prolonged Arroyo rule under this system of government?
3. Maybe they already lost hope of ousting Gloria from the palace and they just want to slice this country apart so that they, themselves, will be able to rule at least a portion of it?

I would like to know what prompted these fine gentlemen and a lady to vote for cha-cha. And I would also like to know why major palace factotum Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago abstained herself from voting the measure?

43 billion for 2010 elections?

Opps, haven't you noticed?

In just a few days, the peso climbed to 43 pesos to a dollar. That would surely affect rice importation by government. Instead of probably losing 20 billion pesos, as what Mar Roxas correctly said, government could lose more since it aims to import 675 metric tons of rice. Current global prices of a ton of rice is pegged between 800 to 1,000 dollars per metric ton. That would surely require more money from government to be able to import enough stocks.

There's another one.

Former agriculture secretary Salvador Escudero, the last agri secretary of dictator Marcos, correctly pointed out that Mrs. Arroyo is set to implement a 43 billion pesos rice self-sufficiency program similar to Masagana 99. Escudero said that Masagana 99 gave the Philippines a self-sufficiency status for almost ten years.

With FIELDS, Escudero hopes that the same thing will happen in the Philippines. I think though that the similarities are just about that.

With 2010 just around the corner, I am quite sure that this FIELDS program will just be used to prop up the chances of KAMPI-Lakas CMD against the opposition, especially in courting votes in the countryside.

KAMPI knows that its chances against the opposition stands quite low since Estrada continues to position himself as the opposition's poster boy. To justify cheating in this election again, they could probably use FIELDS to justify victory in the countrysides.

We all know that cavans of rice translate into votes come election time. And if we are to believe economic adviser Salceda that this crisis will affect us until 2010, you now know what I mean.

OFWs as Catalysts for Change

More than 2,000 Filipinos leave the country everyday. That's 730,000 Pinoys every year, including Gloria's holidays. Foreigners, like that Israeli expert whose name escaped my mind, would see it as a disadvantage. I see the opposite.

The more Filipinos going abroad, the more the country benefits. Why?

We benefit not solely on the $ 10 billion they fork up to support their families here. We benefit because each and every one of them could be potential revolutionists.

Think about it--we are an isolated people. Our country lies strategically distant from mainland Asia. There's no steady flow of other races mixing into ours. Unlike Malaysia and Singapore where peoples integrate into their cultures and refine it, we remain terribly backward because of our location.

My Singaporean friend describe the Philippines as looking Asian but doing everything Western (or should I say eclectic Westernism). We're a melting pot of differing world cultures that contributes in the dissolution of our own culture. Reason why we're so fucked up as a people is the fact that we don't really know who we are but we sure know everything new about the West (and slowly, even the East).

That's why I'm glad that Pinoys are leaving this country. That's one way of comparing our interpretation of systems with that of other countries.

When I was in Singapore, I studied that island-state and found many things that could be applied here. My friends would say that the reason why the Singaporean model could never be replicated here is the fact that its so small and contiguous while the Philippines is many times larger. But no.

That model can be applied anywhere. That systems model can be applied even in larger constituency structures such as ours. The main idea of this model is efficiency. Period. We can apply efficiency in all areas of governance, no sweat, provided we have the political will to break the chain of inefficiency and lackluster government.

Those who go to Western countries such as Canada and the States could very well study their systems and apply it here when they come back. They can experience how democracy works and see if these things could lead to a modification of what we interpret democracy here.

Overseas Pinoys are now being exposed to differing cultures, differing governance models and differing ideologies that we can study and apply to our advantage. What we lack is a venue to be able to ventilate these thoughts and put it into an agenda for change.

Every Pinoy returning to our country should be debriefed and interviewed. That way we'll know his thoughts about systems and structures. These data should be collated and sent to a government think-tank for study.

By the way, this May, there's a gathering of Pinoys at the University of Makati. Called the Global Filipino Nation, it urges Global-minded Pinoys to gather in one place and talk about change. I think this is the call of the times. We should participate.

Revolution Redefined

A reader wants me to define revolution. This is in reaction to what I wrote previously, my dig on Cocoy's piece in Filipinovoices.com.

It is easy for someone versed in Marxism-Leninism to define revolution. Yet, in our times, it is not expedient to do so. Revolution, as defined by Marxists and neo-Marxists, do not encapsulate present conditions. Why?

Because revolution now can take various forms other than the traditional purview that it involves violence.

For example, a substantial technological change could be defined as a revolution. Or, a simple conversion of faith could be linked to a "moral revolution"

What I am saying is this term has been used and re-used in almost all writings since Karl Marx wrote his monumental dig on capitalist society in Das Kapital. De constructionists have prostituted the term for their own philosophical advantages. Others, have linked this definition of revolution in all fields of interests.

IN our time, revolution should be defined as a complete procedural change. It could be on two levels: one, internal through socio-cultural change and two, through a politico-economic change.

Why do I emphasize on the socio-cultural level?

Because that answers most of the critiques about the EDSA revolutions of 1986 and 2001. I agree that these two events are not pure revolutions. They are just coups d'etat, mirages of revolutions. Why?

1986 led to the re-establishment of the pre-Martial law era where aristocrats rule over government. 2001, meanwhile, succeeded in replacing the Erap elite faction with that of Arroyo's.

Both incidents did not lead to a substantial change in the politico-economic system. The system remained capitalist. The societal structure supported the same powers that have supported the ousted regime. State resources only changed hands--from a purely controlled and concentrated one to a dispersed patronage system. Those who militated against Marcos were given the spoils. While those on the other fence either went on exile or morphed or were "rehabilitated" in the acceptable social mold.

The reason is simple--the base of the 1986 "revolution" was not entirely ideological. They went to EDSA just to oust what they perceive as a corrupt and immoral regime. Period. The source of dissent or disgusts was personal. It was never ideological.

Revolutionary forces failed to effectively convert the EDSA adherents into ideological cadres. Those who governed under Aquino were social democrats. They were unable to translate principles into meaningful actions that would have enhanced or even changed the very structures established during the dictatorship.

2001 could have been the great opportunity to re-write history. It could have been used as a vehicle to established an ideology that would guide the change.

Clearly, the same problems reared its ugly head after the ouster of Estrada. Since the motivation for the ouster of Erap was based again on personal attacks, the same ugly cycle occurred.

Worst, the change was just from a perceived lackluster governance style into a "more efficient" style of rule. That's why the societal problems which existed even prior to the two EDSA's again emerged because, again, there was no effort to really change the very system which some EDSA veterans militated against.

Revolutions are internal affairs. Revolutions involve both the mind and the Spirit. Those who want change should start the change in themselves first, before any overt action should be undertaken.

Those who shout change should start demystifying the armchair concepts they have on revolutions. They should undergo the process of proletarianization before they go to the streets. This process involves understanding the values of the proletarian class.

I remember the story told by Jun Lozada before the Senate during the ZTE hearings. One time, he was in the mountains, talking to a farmer. He noticed that guavas just lay on the ground. He asked the farmer why he's just letting these precious fruits to rot on the ground. The answer was simple--the guavas are to feed the birds. He was struck dumb.

Lozada underwent the first stage of proletarianization, which is understanding how proletarian classes think. The second should be living with them and probably the third would be wanting how this class thinks about change.

We ask--by what means do we change society? It depends on what the People want.

Based on my studies now, the People want a swift, decisive and more substantial action against the prevailing system.

They want change immediately. Period. They want those who have the capability of bringing down this government to go all-out and fight on their behalf. They will support a military action, yes. The times are ripe for the picking.

We say the New Philippine Revolution, what do we mean?

We mean the cycle of creating Bagong Tao or the New Man. It starts with the mind, then with the Spirit. We recognize that revolutions should involve the change of the mind then a change in the Spirit of Man. The change should be based on new paradigms of thought, the destruction of old thinking and the floundering of the New Concepts. What these concepts are? Send me an email and I'll explain this concept further.

Change the Old Boy's Club of Phil Politics Now, not in 2010

Cocoy wrote a passionate piece (see it on www.filipinovoices.com) on the challenges reformists like himself, face. What to do with a problem such as Gloria?

What do we do? Where do we go from here?

He talks about change. He laments on the failure of the opposition to present an alternative. He wrote about how the old boy’s club still dominates the political scene and continues to (mis) manage our affairs.

The club (or what the Black and White movement calls the “mafia”) controls the levers of power. The embodiment of their collective will is the State.

Cocoy’s solution is pragmatic---those who want change should band together and prepare for the 2010 elections. To change the system, he writes, we, who belong to the reformist constituency, must unite and form our own political party. Cocoy still believes in the elections as the most viable means for societal change.

I hate to say it, but Cocoy, you’re day dreaming.

You can’t replace the old boy’s club with another political party. You can’t overthrow these tradpols in just one scribble of a new name in the ballot. No.

Winston Churchill says, there’s nothing wrong with change if it’s in the right direction. Is forming a new political party the right direction for us to make?

I think not.

In this country, elections are the very machines of which the Elite classes use to perpetuate themselves in power. When faced with challenges against their rule, the old boy’s club rely on the once-tested alibi that things change through elections.

Elections are just subterfuges, a mirage that the elites use to counteract legitimate means towards real, meaningful changes.

Since the inception of the Philippine Republic, no substantial change have ever emerged from elections. No new leaders have been able to institute real changes because the very concept of elections is anathema to change.

Elections are cosmetic paradigms that promote lethargy and apathy among the people. It’s a concept that only works in strong, stable and unified nation-states, not in weak aristocratic frameworks such as the Philippine state.

We continue to be controlled by the Old Boy’s Club simply because we allow them to trick us with the promise of change through elections.

Elections work in the States because there is a strong citizenry who value individual freedoms and rights. Here, most of our people do not even know their rights. If you think that elections are the way to go, you’re obviously mistaken.

The old boy’s club will just use their paid hacks in the mold of Bedol to manipulate the elections. They would position their sons and daughters as “reformers” and trick you into believing that they’re the ones you’re looking for.

They would probably allow some cosmetic changes in the system, but expect none of them to really do some real, meaningful change.

Cocoy, we need a genuine revolution, not reform.

British critic Arnold Bennett writes that, “ any change, even a change for the better, is always accompanied by drawbacks and discomforts.”

We, in the reformist constituency, must recognize that violence is the precursor for change. It is not through peace that this society will change. No.

John Wallace Scott writes that those who expect moments of change to be comfortable and free of conflict have not learned their history.

Cocoy, since the time of our forebears, this debate on reform and revolution have already occupied their fertile minds. Rizal opposed revolution because for him, the times call for a deeper societal reform, not a swift and quick action as what Bonifacio wants.

Founders of that great and noble society of middle class birth, the Indios Bravos, encountered the same debate which led to its destruction.

Our times are different. Our era calls for a surgical precision for change.

We need change now, not later, no, not in 2010. If we post our hopes in 2010, we are, in effect, allowing this immorality, this canard, this monstrosity of a government to rule over the benevolents.

We need to act now and bring down the poster girl of that club.

We need the new Ilustrados to lead the people to revolt. We need new blood, yes, but not to be electoral candidates, no.

We need new cadres of a different mold, people of great integrity and of unassailable probity that would not hesitate to unsheath their swords and kill these bastards.

Lenin once said that for a revolution to succeed, it just needs at least seven professional revolutionaries.

Let’s form that group, that would kill with their pens, present fresh ideas for change and that would act in the best interest of the people, whom we want to serve.

Forget about this generation. Let’s train our sights to these young ones who went to Ayala last February. Hope rests in the youth, as what Rizal said.

Make fertile the soil that allows thousands, even millions of flowers to bloom. Start teaching the Youth now. Impart in them the flames of constructive dissent. Train them to use modern tools for fighting. Not in 2010. No. Revolution should have been done yesterday.

Brewing Revolt In Mindanao--quo vadis Gloria?

While we are so engrossed with the food crisis, a revolution is a-brewing in Mindanao.

Yesterday, a band of Islamic militants staged a rally in Sulu, one of the Southernmost islands of the Philippines (see story below). The rallyists called for independence from Manila, the seat of power. Police were unable to resist the militants, who carry long knives tucked in their waists.

Obviously, this is a mockery of the administration of Mrs. Arroyo. One, it was a defiant act of rebellion. That action was a direct contravention of existing Philippine laws. The rallyists should have been arrested for inciting to rebellion and/or secession since they are calling for independence of Sulu. Police were helpless in arresting the militants, calling the incident just a way to let off steam.

Was that just a way to let off steam? No.

That incident was plain and simple rebellion. If it happened here in Manila, the rallyists could have been arrested, even mauled by police. But no. That one occurred in Mindanao, and our cops are afraid shitless.

Second, that act shows that Islamist are preparing for something bigger than a call for independence. It's just a warning to Manila that Tausugs are again ready to go to war against them. Is Manila ready for war?

Obviously, Manila is ill prepared for another war in the South. That might cause Mrs. Arroyo's quick downfall. Imagine a scenario where hundreds if not thousands of troops being killed in Sulu. Imagine another conflagration similar to the one which happened in the 1970's where Marcos sent his troops to suicide missions in Mindanao.

Government peace panel adviser Jesus Dureza said it might take a while to implement the remaining unmet provisions of the MNLF peace pact. What Dureza meant is this--Manila is not that serious in really institutionalizing peace in Mindanao.

Talks are rife that former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari will join the MNLF panel in OIC talks in Jeddah. Will it appease the Tausugs? No. Remember that only a few weeks ago, Nur has been replaced by a government factotum in the person of Ampatuan. Ampatuan has zero credibility among his people. The entire MNLF Central Committee does not have the personality to influence the remaining MNLF fighters toe the government line.

What about the MILF? Reports say, the biggest Bangsamoro group is split into different factions, due to the inability of MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad to maintain organizational cohesion. Many young MILF fighters vowed not to follow Murad should he proceed with peace talks with Manila. Reports say as many as 3,000 young fighters will continue waging war with Manila even if both sides sign a peace pact.

A revolution in Mindanao could take its toll on this administration, both politically and economically. It could break the backbone of Mrs. Arroyo who cling to power in the barest of threads. Remember that her troops have suffered innumerable defeats in the battlefield against Muslim fighters in the South. The once-feared Marines have been decimated in that area. If war breaks out, how will government explain the expected deaths and casualties of government troops there? How will it cope with the exodus of thousands of families? Is government logistically prepared to face this eventuality?



Monday, April 21, 2008


Muslims march for freedom in Sulu

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea

By Al Jacinto, Correspondent

JOLO, Sulu: Hundreds of Muslims turned up Sunday and demanded independence for the province of Sulu, once the seat of power of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.

With clenched fists and chanting “Allahu Akbar” (God is great), the marchers clad in their traditional garb demanded independence of Sulu, an archipelago in the remote part of the Philippines.

“We want independence. We want our ancestral land back from the infidels,” Datu Ibrahim said. Others assailed the military for alleged violations of human rights of Muslims in Sulu after seven people and an off-duty soldier were killed by security forces in a raid on an Abu Sayyaf hideout in Maibung town in February.

The marchers went around the town of Jolo, many waving red flags emblazoned with kris and other traditional weapons, urging citizens to join them. Policemen guarding the town kept a close watch, but did not stop the marchers, some of them carrying long knives tucked on their waist, a long tradition still practiced in many parts of the island.

“People here are just expressing their sentiments. It is their freedom to express what they believe is rightfully theirs. As long as they don’t break any law, it is fine and police are watching them,” one police sergeant said.

The Sultanate of Sulu was a Muslim state that ruled over much of the islands off the Sulu Sea. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to North Borneo, now known as Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north.

The Sultanate of Sulu was founded in 1457 and is believed to have existed as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. The Sultanate of Sulu obtained Sabah from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on the Borneo Island.

Mindanao, Palawan, and the islands of the Sulu Sea were colonized by Spain, which ruled the country. Christian settlers later occupied Muslim ancestral lands.

The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of Second World War. Even after Borneo became part of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur still paid an annual rent of 5,000 ringgit to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu Ismail Kiram. At least a dozen people are claiming to be the real sultan of Sulu and North Borneo.

The MILF, the country’s largest Muslim rebel group, which is negotiating peace with Manila, is also fighting for independence in Mindanao, a region rich in natural resources, but is deep in poverty and torn by strife and terrorism.

However, many politicians whose family owns vast tracks of lands and business interests in Mindanao are opposing the MILF demand for a separate state, saying, it would displace Christians in areas covered by the Muslim ancestral domain.

Peace talks were stalled last year after government and rebel negotiators failed to agree on the scope of the ancestral domain, which is the most important issue before the rebel group can reach a political settlement.

Pinoys to clash over food?

The United Nations (UN) has just sounded an alarm over the worsening food situation in the world. Throughout the globe, millions are starving due to the high prices of food stuffs. Note: its not the lack of food--its the price that's causing this crisis. The UN says that governments might fall should they fail to manage this explosive situation.

A similar warning was published in the Philippine Daily Inquirer ("GMA job is on the line", Philippine Daily Inquirer, 19 April 2008, p.1) by a foreign economist, echoing what PinoyObserver wrote in http://pinoyobserver.wordpress.com.

Would this scenario happen? Would we see throngs of people going out in the streets, protesting for lack of food? Would we see another May 1 revolt which nearly toppled GMA from the seat of power?

Imaginative minds would say yes. Analytical minds however predict no.

Elements of dissent are clearly present. However, we should take into account the social psyche of the Filipino which is predispose to peace as a means towards conflict resolution.

Government is clearly in control of the situation. Despite what the Opposition might say, there is no noticeable change in Filipino behaviour since this food crisis broke out. Yes, GMA's approval ratings dipped to its all-time low. Surveys indicate perceptions, not emotions. What we don't see are manifestations of disgusts filling the streets.

Some would argue that, well, militant groups have staged numerous rallies and walk-outs last week. This could be a sign.

But, we are not that stupid. These rallies are staged and managed events. These are not spontaneous nor combustive incidents that would tell us what Filipinos really feel deep inside.

We do have historical references though when Filipinos broke out in insurgent fashion due to the issue on food. However, if we use this as behavioral indicators, it could be misleading, since during the 1930's when food riots broke out in Manila, the flow of information is not as rapid and as far-reaching as it is now. Read: despite its expansive and free-flowing nature, information is increasingly being controlled by the state through its propaganda machinery.

Notice how government and other groups are trying to manage the situation by not allowing it to tip precariously towards anarchy. In other countries, especially in Europe, this situation which we face could have broken out into pockets of resistance. Here, no. Why? Because information has been managed so well that you don't see an anarchist manipulating the discussion.

Another factor--the lack of a rallying point. There is now a problem of leadership in the opposition. This is pathetic since, historically, not a few stood up from the ranks of the middle class during times of crisis under the Marcos regime. Today, no figure has emerged to provide us with stellar stewardship. Notice though that the administration saw this beforehand and managed to fill in the vacuum. See how this administration positioned GMA? That explains why GMA is now being seen micro-managing the situation.

Hence, I don't believe what Darren Cooper, a senior economist with the International Grains Council said yesterday. Yes, GMA's job could possibly be on the line. She might lose many people to the opposing side. Though, I don't believe this could lead to her early downfall.

Another High-Society Scandal

She went around town cursing everybody.

A high-society matron got the ire of many newspaper and radio editors after they refused to write a malicious story written by her which tried to attack her cousins, owners of a popular brand of disinfectants.

This matron, a wife of a businessman, owns an events and entertainment agency. She was able to form her own company after a serious and scandalous rift with her brother. Her brother is known in industry circles as the one who was able to swindle another popular entertainment company owned by a wealthy and highly-influential Chinese family. The Chinese businessman sued her brother and the case is now pending before the courts.

Talk about a swindling family.

Anyway, this girl got a sizeable sum of money from her old and ailing father, and she used it to form that agency. Word gets around that she needs more money to sustain her business. The agency is fast losing money due to (as some quarters say) mismanagement. She can't keep up because her events are not earning enough money.

That's why when a case filed by her father lost in the courts, she went around media circles trying to prevent the news from spreading. Reason is simple--if their family lose the case, she loses that one chance to partake of the alleged "proceeds" from the case.

Sadly, it did lose because the evidence that their lawyers presented in court, it turned out, showed nothing irregular nor illegal. Her father reportedly signed a legal document which showed that he sold his stake in a company which he previously headed without being forced to.

So, a few days ago, this matron tried to throw her weight around some newspaper editors and even radio reporters. When she heard over the radio that the case lost, the Matron reportedly called desk editors and reporters covering the case. She tried to force them to write a story which deviates from the court decision.

After reading the story, the reporters refused to write the story. “ Hindi naman kasi tama yung pinasusulat sa amin, kaya hindi namin ginawa yung gusto niya. Kasinungalingan kasi yung nandun sa statement” says one of the reporters who covers the court hearings.

Failing to get the reporters and editors to her side, the Matron reportedly cursed them and threatened the journalists with harm. She also allegedly tried to bribe the journalists, but all refused.

“ Minura-mura kami na kala mo kung sino umasta. Di niya kami kayang pasulatin ng mga kasinungalian laban sa ibang tao. Di ba siya nahihiya na `may pinag-aralan naman siya, pagka umasta siya, akala mo kung sinong galing sa squatter”, says one editor who requested anonymity for fears of more curses and disturbing calls from the Matron.

She also reportedly went to a major radio station and asked that they embargo the story. She also talked with a publisher who granted her request not to print stories involving the case.

She also allegedly tried to force radio reporters covering the justice beat to report her libelous statement.

A complaint is being readied against her before the National Press Club (NPC), an organization of all journalists in the Philippines.

In an interview, an NPC official said that the Matron violated the journalist’s rights of free expression. “ When she tried to dictate what she wants to be published to a journalist, she is violating the right of that journalist. It is unethical. Journalists should write fairly and judiciously. Likewise, she should not have tried to bribe them. No one will accept a bribe among us,” says the official who refused to print his name for fear of retaliation from the Matron.

This blog is open for the Matron's side.

Pressing Concerns of the Times

There's an interesting book which you, my friends, should read in the weekend. It's George Soros' book entitled, " The New Paradigm of Financial Markets". It's available on line, about 24 dollars for e-books. Soros explained why we are now facing the worst financial crisis of the century and how we will be able to avoid the effects of this.

I commend Gloria for her "tutok" policy in the Customs bureau. However, more than just a propaganda ploy, Gloria should immediately fire Morales. This will make us happier. It was obvious during the press con that there were violations of the Customs and Tariff Code made by his men. He should be fired immediately.

People should really go out in the streets now due to this food crisis. As for rice, there's an apparent attempt to really jack up the price of this cereal to an average of 25 pesos. Government propagandists are trying to justify this by further releasing statements about the crisis. I think this is the height of government apathy on the plight of the poor because they should not allow rice to break the 20 pesos per kilo barrier because as they said, the main issue is not stocks but price. If it's price, they should at least shoulder the burden of the price difference for the meantime because people nowadays lack the capacity to buy food.

Gloria should not be held hostage by these giant rice traders. By the way, 3 big-time traders were allegedly arrested in Isabela. GMA should parade them before the media. That would make my day.

Food riots in RP

Government says its moving to avert possible rice riots in the country. This is a reaction to news and rumours circulating about that people might do hoarding of the precious cereal or go out in the streets to protest.

Remember the PNP released an intelligence report warning of possible escalation of crimes involving property since news broke out of this looming rice crisis.

In Mindanao, there was a report saying that some people burned an NFA warehouse connected with this issue.

People in Haiti and some poorer countries in Africa have protested against their government for lack of attention on this issue.

The United Nations already warned of war or the rise of protests due to the global food crisis. In its report, the UN said that governments are at risk now than before.

I think that rice riots will not escalate here in this country. For as long as stocks remain in supermarkets and groceries, Arroyo does not have anything to worry about.

This is a global crisis.

However, government should show that it is concerned with addressing the issue.

Latest Buzz in RP

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

The New Sparrows

This report " AFP rebels in war vs. drugs: 20 freed Magdalo prove there's life after Oakwood" by Arlyn dela Cruz of the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI) maybe interpreted by some to be part of government propaganda efforts to dissuade a growing revolutionary movement within the AFP.

On the flipside though, it is refreshing to note that, at last, there is a New Sparrow Group to hit big-time drug dealers here in this country. PDEA Chief and ex-AFP Chief Santiago's decision to "reform" these idealistic men gets my nod. And my utmost respect. I salute you sir!

I say to these Patriots--continue the fight to reform Philippine society by smashing these drug syndicates. Kill them, our young Patriots. Mercy should never be given to these drug dealers and pushers. They are the scums of society. They profit by killing dreams and lives of so many innocent children and Filipinos.

Hit their factories. Hit their bosses. Kill their Chinese connections. But never be a John Campos.

Magdalo should also infiltrate other government agencies and serve as the People's Sparrow Group. I dare say, hit the brokers at the Bureau of Customs. Kill these smugglers who deprive us of billions of pesos worth of taxes.

Search for these big-time rice cartel. Smash their network. Seize their stocks and distribute to the needy and the poor among us. Make their trip to hell faster by the barrels of your guns (which you never fired by the way at Oakwood).

Look for these unscrupulous election officers and government officials who profit from big-time government deals whereever and whoever they are. Ferret them from their hideouts. Seek for them in these exclusive golf clubs and countryclubs. Arrest them. Jail them. If they resist, kill them. These scums know the law of the jungle. Make them pay for making our poor people suffer.

While you're doing this, other Patriots will continue reforming society in the highest levels. The Truth is--we need deeper reforms.

We need to change society through the Oakwood route.

We need to obliterate this mafia group who rules our government with ruthlessness and inhumanity. Yes, there should be Magdalos who must seize the reins of power and establish a government that shall embody the true ideals and values of the Filipino People.

From JLo to Food Crisis

I read Jun Lozada's piece in Black and White Movement's blog and believe me, I got tired. I know Jun still agonizes over the pain of being kidnapped by the police. And I know how he felt then, knowing full well that these people are out to silence him.

And I sympathize with him. I share his struggle. In fact, like millions of us, we want to see these people behind the ZTE scam imprisoned.

Jun was lucky he did'nt suffer what Joe Burgos' son experienced. Unlike JLo, hundreds of activists, labor leaders and urban poor organizers have been arrested illegally, jailed and killed. They never reached La Salle. They never even enjoyed the protection of the nuns and Cory Aquino.

Like Jun, they were heroes. And we salute them.

However, Jun and the rest of the B&M must realize that issues have their beginnings and endings. Like others before him, JLo's story have been over-stretched to its limits. Like what I wrote in my previous blogs, people already know what happened. People already believed him. People are definitely convinced that this government tried to hide the truth.

In fact, the struggle right now is not about truth. No. Truth is as clear as what we see in an LCD TV.

The truth lay before us--we have a corrupt government. Period.

We have a government being run by a strong mafia. This mafia controls almost everything. They are the new autocrats. Worst, this group does not have a figure for the people to throw stones at. They enjoy anonymity in a land of extreme poverty and chaos.

We have a government that is vindictive. They kill with impunity. They punish their enemies with severity.

We have a government that likes everything Chinese. To appease their Chinese gods, this mafia can go to extreme lengths as sell millions of hectares of our lands, prostitute our women and donate the organs of our children, just to make their Chinese gods smile.

Jun and the B&M do not need to hammer us with this. The People already know that injustices are being committed everyday. We already know that we are oppressed. We already know that government even manipulate prices to accommodate big food traders.

Jun, we know everything.

Your call right now should be a search for Justice.

Jun, you should call upon the people to act in the struggle for Justice. We were wronged. You were wronged. This is now the time to call upon the Patriots of this land and fight for Justice.

Justice for Jun Lozada. Justice for Jonas Burgos. Justice for Juan delaCruz.

Tantanan na ang panawagan para sa Katotohanan. Dalhin na natin ang laban sa panawagan para sa Katarungan.

Katarungan laban sa mapang-aping pamahalaan.

Katarungan laban sa korupsyon at paniniil sa mga karapatan ng sambayanan.

Katarungan para sa patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng mga bilihin.

Ito ang dapat ipanawagan. Ito ang dapat ipaglaban, ngayon na!

Implications of RP Food Crisis

Government announced it has allocated P 43 billion to solve the food crisis. Economic adviser Joey Salceda warns that this food crisis is "worse than political" and it may last until 2010. His boss, Mrs. Arroyo quickly corrected Joey's statement to say that it's not a "food" crisis; rather, it's just a "rice price" crisis. Former NEDA secretary Diokno rebuked Mrs. Arroyo by saying that this crisis has put an enormous strain on the economy, which Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) attributed to a "governance crisis".

What has been gleaned so far, based on my readings on the issue is this:

1. There's really a global food crisis. Prices of commodities have risen to unaffordable levels. Peoples of non-industrialized countries are finding it extremely hard to buy their staple commodities. Explanations were given by various government and research institutions. There's an increase in demand which can't be solved by production. Global warming is said to have caused massive infrastructural and production damages. Rising prices of agricultural feeds & fertilizers, lack of irrigation systems and shortage of farmlands impact on production.

2. Personal incomes cannot support food prices. People line up at NFA warehouses because they can't afford buying commercial rice which has risen to astronomical proportions since government announced a rice shortage. Prior to this though, suppliers and traders of flour, cooking oil, lpg and meats already told government that they can't avoid raising their prices.

3. It is really a food crisis, not only a rice crisis. Mrs. Arroyo's claim that what's happening is not a food crisis is outright baloney. Bull. There's a food crisis, not because there's a lack of stocks. No. It's a crisis because people can't buy food. Simple. You don't need to be an economist to know that. You have a quarter of 90 million who are, right now, slowly dying because they can't eat enough food.

Prognosis

From that 90 million people, only 25 million have jobs. Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries president Sergio Ortiz says 70 percent of that figure belong to the informal sectors, meaning those who work menial jobs and are contractual. This sector are the ones being severely hit by this food crisis and should be given emergency assistance.

The remaining 30 percent endure the brunt of high prices. They have the capacity to buy but this is slowly being affected by high inflation.

Solution

On a short-term basis, government should immediately force food traders to take out their stocks from their warehouses. Based on reports, there are enough stocks to feed people, but unscrupulous traders are actually hiding them to force price increases. Government should arrest all of them and charge them and confiscate their stocks.

These stocks should be distributed in the market under controlled conditions. Meaning, DTI should effect price monitoring and regulate. Arrest and prosecute government officials who will be caught selling these stocks back to commercial traders and retailers.

New Filipino Voices: The Power of the Megabytes

Friends and foe alike,

This blog can also be seen at http://www.filipinovoices.com. This new site features all the political commentators of our times. Read it and be illuminated.

It is time for consolidation, a time for every voice to be heard. It is time for us to enrich people's knowledge of what's happening around us. It is even time to influence or effect change through the power of megabytes.

Government policies should be reflective of the will of the people. That's the fundamental principle in policy-making. Departing from the usual base of the law, policy-makers should not rely entirely on quantitative data. Qualitative data is more relevant.

Filipinovoices.com aims to do just that--give its piece to the most relevant news of the time. This is history in the making. And we, the people, should be a part of that.

I always tell my friends and my former students this--instead of going to the mountains to fight a regime, struggle should be within the regime's boundaries. Fight it in its terms. Fight it where it manifests itself the most--in the center of power.

The blogsphere is the new Sierra Madre, the new Red Square, the new site of the Revolution. Let's start a new revolution by changing people's perceptions of things around them. Engage people to debate, to think and to take action. A rational act is more substantive than an emotional one.

I sense that, in the near future, another EDSA will be forthcoming. Yes, beyond the conspiracy theories, beyond the controlled news, beyond everything superficial that appears in our society, there's a brewing undercurrent of dissent waiting, wanting to explode. Yes, the people have matured. Yes, the people are ready. Yes, the New Philippine Revolution has started.

Dangerous Times Ahead

People are starting to suffer due to the worsening food crisis. It would not be long before another May 1 situation breaks out and finally gore this administration out.

Yesterday, a group of personalities have also risen against the creeping dictatorship. Kadamay, an urban poor organisation, spray painted MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando's "pangit" posters along EDSA. Calling him "berdugo", Kadamay members engaged BF to a debate over national radio over the program of Ted Failon and Korina Sanchez.

Fernando was stunned. He was no matched to the wits of the poor. BF claims to be that intelligent but pitted against a poor guy like that spokesperson of Kadamay, BF is a weakling, a nobody. BF is an insecure guy wanting to project power but in truth, has no power at all. And he's gay.

Now, let's see if BF can stand against Makati mayor Jejomar Binay. Binay has just ordered the tearing down of BF's illegal "pangit" posters in Makati. Binay said those posters are signs of BF's arrogance. That's true. Who in his right mind would do such a thing except an arrogant person?

Go ahead Jojo! Fight this scoundrel, this anti-democracy scum. BF is the symbol of this regime's arrogance. Let all the democratic forces go against BF. Tear him down!

The people should make BF the symbol of anti-democracy and autocracy here in this country. This pseudo-leader should be punished by the people now!

I encourage Jojo and all the rest of those who hate autocracy, especially the Black and White Movement. Rally behind Jojo in his fight against this character BF. Call for BF's resignation. Call for BF's head.

This is a very good way to regain the momentum lost in the fight against Gloria.

If MMDA launches their forces against the poor and tries to break our ranks, let them do so! That would be the one that would break the camel's back.

Useless Pursuit of Nothing

Some senators just did a Walk for Truth. They did it yesterday, Araw ng Kagitingan. The Senate just filed an appeal before the Supreme Court after the Highest Tribunal castrated their powers on the issue of executive privilege. Reports say its an attempt to regain whatever image the Senate has after that disastrous and highly-political decision.

The question is--so what? Why do quarters insist on this issue when everybody knows that GMA was behind the deal? Why do they need a Neri when everybody knows that he does not have the balls to go against Gloria? For most Filipinos, this probe is finished. The truth has come out. GMA and her ilk are so full of themselves and so into graft and corruption now that even the very stocks of rice are now being manipulated to satiate their greed.

I say to everybody who wants change---move forward. Fight against greed. Fight Gloria in the battlefield where she claims to have succeeded--economic front.

Former US federal reserve chief Alan Greenspan just declared that the US is under recession. And everybody knows what this recession will do to us. This would further worsen our already lamentable economic state.

Food shortages will mark the remainder of GMA's term, as what Joey Salceda announced before the media a few days ago. These artificial shortages will continue because government is still helpless against these big-time rice traders.

However, I would like to commend the National Bureau of Investigation for "inviting" 3 big-time rice traders for questioning in their office. This is a bold move. This is a commendable one. I praise the NBI for making such a move. However, I would want sana to see at least one or two big-time rice trader JAILED immediately since these ones are the real anay of society that we, the people, want punished.

Rice hoarding: Why Us?

Government just warned us, ordinary citizens, against rice hoarding. Huh? Government under Arroyo is really messed up. Why target us, ordinary law-abiding citizens, when the real culprits behind all these smuggling and hoarding are those big-time rice traders?

What's a few kilos of rice kept in our little rice containers compared to the thousands and thousands of cavans of rice kept in those big warehouses of these rice traders in QC, Quezon Province, Caloocan, Laguna, Isabela, Pangasinan, etc? Go after the big fishes, not us!

Gloria, why are you soooo helpless in fighting out these big-time rice cartels? Are you afraid of them?

Are you really that stupid and so coward that you can't seem to go against these people? They are threatening you. They are even mocking your so-called "presidential" powers.

My offer still stands--should you put an end to this big-time rice cartel, me and my family will praise you to high heavens and will support you and recognize you as a legitimate president of this country. I will even help you with all my resources should you present at least two (2) big time rice cartel members, with their heads bowed and their tentacles killed.

Its a challenge that still stands.

Gun for the Gold

Coup d'etat, as defined by our Revised Penal Code, is clear--it punishes those who will forcefully overthrow duly constituted government through a swift stroke. For one to be punished, there must be use of arms.

Today, nine junior officers were meted sentences by a Makati Court for their participation in the July 2002 Oakwood Mutiny. Two of the alleged ringleaders, Capt. Gambala and Maestrecampo, both pleaded guilty for the crime of coup d'etat. They were sentenced to life imprisonment. Seven of their colleagues were given lighter sentences.

Malacanang immediately released a statement saying that they respected the court decision. Of course, they respect a favorable decision.

If this government of Arroyo believes that Patriotic soldiers will be cowed into submission, it is definitely mistaken. Capts. Gambala and Maestrecampo deserved their sentences not because we believe that they did, indeed committed a crime. No. The crime of coup d'etat was not committed by the Oakwood soldiers. Far from it. They deserve their sentences as punishment for their treason not against Gloria, but against the Filipino People.

By pleading guilty and saying "sorry" to Gloria, Gambala and Maestrecampo committed the greatest blunder in their young lives. They repost trust to a person not worthy of it.

If government thinks that the people will be cowed into submission, think again. Fighting hearts continue to see a bright future ahead of them.

The enlightened soldiers of the New Generation will continue fighting a corrupt and evil regime such as Gloria's.

What this incident taught them is this---next time, gun for the gold. Fight until victory is achieved. History is harsh against losers. History treats losers with disdain.

The next time will be the last time that these soldiers will fight for true freedom.

High Society Grime Part 2

Now, it can be told.

Since that scandalous tell-all blog of Brian Gorrell, there's a sudden surge of interests in high-society filth and grime. What I am about to tell you in this blog are all confirmed news. These are the information I gathered as a journalist. For the sake of my personal safety, I will hide the identities of these people involved in these slimy world and you just email me for further information.

So, here goes...

1. Where do they get their stuff?

Druggies among the rich and famous have two sources of drugs. One source belongs to the Pasig drug cartel being operated by the son of a retired general. This group gives their stuff to drug addicts from Valle Verde and reaches as far as Alabang. Proceeds from their illegal activities are laundered through their lucrative luxury vehicle business. One of their drug pushers got killed in early 2002 when he wanted to get out of the business but the group never wanted him to.

Sources from the underground revealed that this cartel sells shabu, marijuana, cocaine and ecstacy. It was said that this cartel also supplies drugs to showbiz personalities. The drugs that one showbiz person took cost him his life during the time of Erap. Another young showbiz personality got hooked on drugs that he threw himself down a high-rise building in Metro Manila. All their sources belong to this cartel.

2. Bora as drug haven

Why did Bora suddenly became a drug haven for these rich and famous? Since the PNP launched its active and aggressive campaign to rid Metro Manila of drug addicts and scumbags way back in 2000, many of society's rich and famous got caught with their pants down. I remember an incident where a group of young socialites got caught in a drug bust operation in a palatial house in an exclusive village in Katipunan. They were not charged though after their influential parents interceded for their behalf. One of them, a good friend of mine, admitted that it is better to just go to Bora to have his hit since its becoming so dangerous and so expensive to do his thing in Manila. His family reportedly paid 2 million pesos to the raiding team just to escape jail.

There was also a very controversial sad story of a beautiful socialite who gave herself as a gift for one cop just to escape jail time. That socialite is quite known in the circles of power. When she got caught in one of the drug sessions in Valle Verde 2, she reportedly offered herself before the police officer. Still high on drugs, the socialite reportedly spent a hour with the cop inside one of the rooms of her friend. Charges were dropped. In fact, it was not even reported in the operations log.

The heat became so unbearable to these rich druggies that they "migrated" to Bora just to have their fix. Reportedly, there are three sources of drugs there. In Station 1, at least two big-time drug pushers operate the illegal trade there. In Station 2, you can get your stuff in at least three bars there, one of the pushers is a Westerner.

Models, socialites, socialite wannabes, lifestyle writers, lifestyle editors and showbiz personalities are get their high in Bora. Sex orgies are a dime a dozen in Bora. You can even get one for free.

3. Swingers lairs

Swingers allegedly get their high in the following hotels: Hyatt, Manila Galleria Suites, Rembrandt Hotel and Pan-Pacific hotel. Reportedly, you can get drugs by just calling the pimp in the lobby. Intel reports reveal though that socialites go to these places with their stuff already.

4. Binondo drug cartel and sex

In Binondo, anything goes. Drug addicts from prominent clans go to Chinatown to get their fix. Numerous opium and shabu lairs and dens dot the shady landscape. One infamous place there is a hotel near the Sta. Cruz church where criminal characters do their thing--repacking ecstacy, shabu and cocaine.

Sex dens being operated by drug syndicates can also be seen there. One prosti den is right above the building where you'll find jewelry stores. Another is the eskinita beside the fire station.

If you want high-class China girls, go to the hotel along the main road. For 4,000, you can get a girl. Russian and Brazilian girls are also available.

More on the filthy lives of the rich and famous in the next blogs!

RP Food and Power Crisis

I bought a new car last February. It's a diesel-powered vehicle. When I got it out from the casa, diesel prices were at 34 pesos per liter.

Now, look at the prices of diesel--4o pesos per liter. For a two month span, the price increased by about 5-6 pesos. Last night, I saw the price of unleaded gasoline--47 pesos per liter. I don't know how people are coping up with these injustices.

This unabated rise in fuel prices might have sparked a riot or something near to it if it happened in other countries. Here, nothing. Not even a whimper. None. Nada. Zilch.

I also did my grocery and the prices of vegetables remain very high, unusual since vegetable prices go up only in two (2) occasions--Christmas and Holy week. Now, vegetable prices are really very prohibitive.

Meat prices are also a revelation. Beef, my favorite ulam, is very high. Its between the price ranges of 250-350 pesos per kilo. Fish is also high.

You know, this is a direct assault to Mr. Palengke, who positioned himself as the penultimate consumer advocate. I remember an interview with Mr. Palengke and he knows the problem. He says the reason why prices of commodities remain very high is the machinations of middle-men. They are charging so much "bukol" to us that we, the consumers, can't buy a decent meal with our small income.

Mr. Palengke, be part of the solution.

But, you know who really should we blame for this mess? Its our weak government. This government is helpless. Why? Because it has a policy of pleasing everybody. Since it's always on survival mode, it can't really fight these middlemen for fears of them going to the other fence. There's really something wrong with our politics and we need to address this and fast!

High Society Scam

Before that scandalous declaration of martial law in the 70's, people in high society were partying like crazy. Some of those who survived that era remember that time when the Lopezes were hosting parties left and right, in their palaces of pleasure, with wines flowing out of their fountains.

If Brian Gorrell is to be believed, Manila's jet-setting, high rollers are also doing the same shit their parents did in their prime. And I don't blame them. They're totally dysfunctional. Being rich is dysfunctional. Too much money in their hands. Too much coke in their heads (if this Australian gay guy is to be believed though).

When I was teaching history to a bunch of rich kids in one of Manila's top universities, I was exposed to this. I admit being friends with a lot of society people. They do party. They do kid around. They do use drugs. But they don't do what these "Gucci" group allegedly did--deprive this poor HIV-positive gay guy of his life's savings.

Drugs are crackers to these people. They have so much money to spend that they use this to buy happiness.

I remember so many incidents of socialites being raided because of drugs. When I was a beat reporter then, I used to cover so many instances of arrests of these druggies belonging to rich and known families. They were eventually freed and did not even spend a single month in jail. Maybe their parents put them in rehab. Some probably were exiled somewhere in the States.

People know Bora as a druggie's paradise. The reason why its so popular is its liberal drug-oriented culture. I know of some rich guys and gals going to Bora just to get their high. The police is sooo lax there that these rich guys don't give a damn. Bora is RP's version of Phuket or Bangkok. You can do whatever you want for as long as you have money and you have a short surname.

Everybody knows Tim Yap's a fraud. That's why he was kicked out of Inquirer. His articles suck. Its not even near the quality of Patricia Evangelista's writings. I was surprised though to learn that some of PhilStar's editors are junkies. It pains me to even read stuff about this because I know a lot of PhilStar editors and reporters and really, they are NOT junkies.

People in my industry treat lifestyle writers and editors with respect. The buzz is, the main section editors are the ones dirty. With Brian's tell-all blog, I have lost all respect to these so-called writers, especially from the lifestyle section of the Star. I heard PhilStar has fired two of their reporters and editors. Good riddance. With this scandal flying off the pan so to speak, its time for the PhilStar to make those changes. And fast!

Compared with these lifestyle wannabe writers, my section editor and reporter friends are angels. Yet, one glaring fact should be done.

Purge the industry with these scumbags and scammers. Cleanse the filth they caused.

Baboy Scam

baboy dito, baboy dun
big baboy sa palasyo
small baboy sa kanto.

me baboy sa kongreso
me baboy sa senado,
me baboy sa korte
more baboy na muerte!

me baboy sa hotels
jackpot sa casino
me baboy sa kolehiyo
big baboy sa gobyerno.

me baboy sa martsa
kaharap baboy sa pulisya
me baboy sa sundalo
palaging nasa palasyo.

grease and slime
filth and grime
duming dumi na si Motherland!
nasan ang mga taga Zonrox?

Ghost Pork

Those slimy bastards did it again. Wala na talagang patawad ang mga kawatan na maski mga baboy, minamadjik nila!

I'm not talking about pests...am talking about top officials of the Department of Agriculture, specifically of QUEDANCOR. Yes. Imagine, 5 billion pesos worth of pigs went up in smoke! Woah, that's a lot! And the COA (Commission on Audit) is clueless as to what happened.

This Nelson character who heads QUEDANCOR, is really a criminal. To all magbababoys UNITE! Lead a hunt against all officials of QUEDANCOR who orchestrated this behest and pagkakatayin ang mga yan!

We know of funds being diverted or just lining the pockets of Congressmen...but this one is different. Pati pagkain natin, kinakawatan na ng mga tiwali.

Callling all Sparrows of the New Generation! Where are you? There's so much work to be done, my friends.