Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Dark clouds loom at the OIC meet in Philippines
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Rizal's death led to Elite Leadership in KKK
What's so significant about Rizal's death that we celebrate it a full thirty days after Bonifacio's birth? Does this signify anything at all?
Is Rizal's death more important than his birth in June? I understand why we celebrate Bonifacio's birth instead of his death because, by commemorating his untimely death at the hands of traitors such as Arroyo's great great ancestor Major Makapagal, we will be opening a can of worms.
Bonifacio was betrayed by the ascendant elite who want to wrestle the leadership of the revolution from the middle class represented by the Supremo. His death marked the change in the complexion not only of the revolutionary struggle, but also, marked a paradigm shift in the philosophical world view of the entire organisation. Bonifacio's death would also re-ignite passions and open old wounds and reveal the unsavory legacy of such big names now as the Paternos, the Aguinaldos, the Makapagals, the Aquinos and the like---all traitors of the True Revolution but now, enjoying some semblance of respect for their alleged roles in the revolution.
Rizal's death is significant for three reasons: one, it further add fuel to the Katipunan revolt. It served as fodder which led to the "defining moment" of decisive strategic victory in 1899. (Let me disabuse your minds: contrary to public view, Rizal's death did not trigger the Katipunan revolt. The Katipunan has already declared a revolt prior to Rizal's execution). Two, Rizal's martyrdom became a "cause" instead of just merely an "incident". His stature in society lent credence to the blossoming revolutionary struggle thereby attracting other sectors to the Katipunan. His execution showed the elite that it's existence is being threatened by the true-blooded Spaniards who did'nt even considered those half-breeds as equals. And lastly, his death was perceived as an "omen", a "fulfillment of a prophecy", which, all the more even enjoyed more publicity since it was done at the turn of a century. It was both an historic and propitious moment. Propitious in the sense that it further fueled fears of a millenarian end and the cause of a New Beginning for the country.
Yet, by celebrating his death rather than his birth, we are sending a message that his demise has been far more important to us that the legacy of his successful life. Rizal's death will not be as controversial, as monumentally important or as significantly tremorous where it not for his popular works. Culturally, we Filipinos celebrate our birthdays more than Halloween, but in this case, we put greater importance to Rizal's death rather than his birthday. What kind of paradigm are we really following here? Or what sociological viewpoint do we want to stress? Are we then dismissing Rizal's contributions to the medical field and now recognizing that, apart from Noli and Fili, Rizal's legacy in imparting new ideas in those fields which he so took part of, are miniscule compared to this contemporaries? Are we then, indirectly saying that, apart from his death, truly, Rizal is no more than a mere eye doctor who happened to have many girlfriends and wrote two novels and who came from a perfumed life but who elected to live a Spartan one because of his previous experience at the hands of two politically incorrect Spanish officers? Had he not died in Bagumbayan, will we ever even look at him as a hero?
Probably not, because at that time, the Katipunan has already succeeded the La Liga Filipina as the ascendant revolutionary organisation. Bonifacio already launched the revolt prior to Rizal's death so it is not historically accurate to say that Rizal's death led him to revolt. No. Rizal's death just crystallized the united front against colonialism. It just lead to a realization of the elite of the futility of further supporting the foreign power and the importance of seizing leadership of the blossoming revolt from a middle class millenarian believer to a Republican.
Rizal's death just signified the beginning of a leadership shift of the revolution from the masses to the "enlightened" caciques who were fighting a different cause, far, far different from the "cause" of the masses. Prior to the ascendancy of the Pinoy elite clique to the Katipunan leadership, the "cause" of the masses can be described as "agrarian" based. When leadership changed hands with the demise of the Supremo, the "cause" changed from "agrarian" to "nationalism" or even another abstract concept as "Republicanism".
The paradigm shift is premature since the previous Katipunan concept has not been distilled as yet by the masses who supported it. But since the change has been abrupt, it also affected the very nature and conduct of the revolutionary struggle. Worse, the Katipunan was infiltrated by the caciques which further weakened the entire struggle. That explains why, after nearly in victory over the Spanish, the movement was weak when the Americans came. Precisely because the support structures were absent during the arrival of the new conquerors. And what are these structures? The masses serve as the Katipunan structures. But since, there was a disjunct between "cause" and "prevailing belief", the structures crumbled. This, historically, is what Rizal's death really signified.
Is Rizal's death more important than his birth in June? I understand why we celebrate Bonifacio's birth instead of his death because, by commemorating his untimely death at the hands of traitors such as Arroyo's great great ancestor Major Makapagal, we will be opening a can of worms.
Bonifacio was betrayed by the ascendant elite who want to wrestle the leadership of the revolution from the middle class represented by the Supremo. His death marked the change in the complexion not only of the revolutionary struggle, but also, marked a paradigm shift in the philosophical world view of the entire organisation. Bonifacio's death would also re-ignite passions and open old wounds and reveal the unsavory legacy of such big names now as the Paternos, the Aguinaldos, the Makapagals, the Aquinos and the like---all traitors of the True Revolution but now, enjoying some semblance of respect for their alleged roles in the revolution.
Rizal's death is significant for three reasons: one, it further add fuel to the Katipunan revolt. It served as fodder which led to the "defining moment" of decisive strategic victory in 1899. (Let me disabuse your minds: contrary to public view, Rizal's death did not trigger the Katipunan revolt. The Katipunan has already declared a revolt prior to Rizal's execution). Two, Rizal's martyrdom became a "cause" instead of just merely an "incident". His stature in society lent credence to the blossoming revolutionary struggle thereby attracting other sectors to the Katipunan. His execution showed the elite that it's existence is being threatened by the true-blooded Spaniards who did'nt even considered those half-breeds as equals. And lastly, his death was perceived as an "omen", a "fulfillment of a prophecy", which, all the more even enjoyed more publicity since it was done at the turn of a century. It was both an historic and propitious moment. Propitious in the sense that it further fueled fears of a millenarian end and the cause of a New Beginning for the country.
Yet, by celebrating his death rather than his birth, we are sending a message that his demise has been far more important to us that the legacy of his successful life. Rizal's death will not be as controversial, as monumentally important or as significantly tremorous where it not for his popular works. Culturally, we Filipinos celebrate our birthdays more than Halloween, but in this case, we put greater importance to Rizal's death rather than his birthday. What kind of paradigm are we really following here? Or what sociological viewpoint do we want to stress? Are we then dismissing Rizal's contributions to the medical field and now recognizing that, apart from Noli and Fili, Rizal's legacy in imparting new ideas in those fields which he so took part of, are miniscule compared to this contemporaries? Are we then, indirectly saying that, apart from his death, truly, Rizal is no more than a mere eye doctor who happened to have many girlfriends and wrote two novels and who came from a perfumed life but who elected to live a Spartan one because of his previous experience at the hands of two politically incorrect Spanish officers? Had he not died in Bagumbayan, will we ever even look at him as a hero?
Probably not, because at that time, the Katipunan has already succeeded the La Liga Filipina as the ascendant revolutionary organisation. Bonifacio already launched the revolt prior to Rizal's death so it is not historically accurate to say that Rizal's death led him to revolt. No. Rizal's death just crystallized the united front against colonialism. It just lead to a realization of the elite of the futility of further supporting the foreign power and the importance of seizing leadership of the blossoming revolt from a middle class millenarian believer to a Republican.
Rizal's death just signified the beginning of a leadership shift of the revolution from the masses to the "enlightened" caciques who were fighting a different cause, far, far different from the "cause" of the masses. Prior to the ascendancy of the Pinoy elite clique to the Katipunan leadership, the "cause" of the masses can be described as "agrarian" based. When leadership changed hands with the demise of the Supremo, the "cause" changed from "agrarian" to "nationalism" or even another abstract concept as "Republicanism".
The paradigm shift is premature since the previous Katipunan concept has not been distilled as yet by the masses who supported it. But since the change has been abrupt, it also affected the very nature and conduct of the revolutionary struggle. Worse, the Katipunan was infiltrated by the caciques which further weakened the entire struggle. That explains why, after nearly in victory over the Spanish, the movement was weak when the Americans came. Precisely because the support structures were absent during the arrival of the new conquerors. And what are these structures? The masses serve as the Katipunan structures. But since, there was a disjunct between "cause" and "prevailing belief", the structures crumbled. This, historically, is what Rizal's death really signified.
MIndanao Peace Talks Bound to Fail Again!
There are current reports indicating a breakthrough in the peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The top leadership of the Bangsamoro people reportedly agreed to negotiate peace with the re-constituted peace panel of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines. Tha could be good news for some. However, upon closer analysis, this is highly improbable given the fact that the Central Committee of the MILF already took a position contrary to what government right now is announcing to the entire world.
Right after that controversial Supreme Court decision invalidating the Memorandum of Agreement-BJE, the MILF Central Committee already decided not to go back to the negotiating table if this is to be chaired by appointments of Arroyo. Philippine president Arroyo has just reconstituted the panel to be headed by Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis and includes lawyer Tomas Cabili Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, former General Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonino, and former legislator Ronald Adamat.
Note that the reconstituted panel includes people who really don't know the status of years of negotiations with the MILF and has even taken a contrari stand on the issue of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. The MILF already said that it will not return to talking peace if the GRP just wants to reconfigure the conditions and terms of reference of the MOA-BJE. It will only talk peace under the conditions pre-set by those stated in the original MOA-BJE.
Notice also that those who compose this government panel stands to debate more with the MILF leadership instead of going to constructive dialogue. Again, this peace talks, if ever it resumes, is designed to fail.
The reason why GRP is just doing this now and announcing the willingness kuno of the MILF to talk peace is very simple---Arroyo wants to project a good image before leaders of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) who will hold their conference here at the Dusit Hotel on January 9. 2009. Government wants to project an image that it is protecting the civil, economic, political and religious rights of the Bangsamoro when the contrary is happening.
Right after that controversial Supreme Court decision invalidating the Memorandum of Agreement-BJE, the MILF Central Committee already decided not to go back to the negotiating table if this is to be chaired by appointments of Arroyo. Philippine president Arroyo has just reconstituted the panel to be headed by Foreign Undersecretary Rafael Seguis and includes lawyer Tomas Cabili Jr., Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, former General Santos City Mayor Adelbert Antonino, and former legislator Ronald Adamat.
Note that the reconstituted panel includes people who really don't know the status of years of negotiations with the MILF and has even taken a contrari stand on the issue of the Bangsamoro juridical entity. The MILF already said that it will not return to talking peace if the GRP just wants to reconfigure the conditions and terms of reference of the MOA-BJE. It will only talk peace under the conditions pre-set by those stated in the original MOA-BJE.
Notice also that those who compose this government panel stands to debate more with the MILF leadership instead of going to constructive dialogue. Again, this peace talks, if ever it resumes, is designed to fail.
The reason why GRP is just doing this now and announcing the willingness kuno of the MILF to talk peace is very simple---Arroyo wants to project a good image before leaders of the Organisation of Islamic Conference (OIC) who will hold their conference here at the Dusit Hotel on January 9. 2009. Government wants to project an image that it is protecting the civil, economic, political and religious rights of the Bangsamoro when the contrary is happening.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Metal Dog's Fortune in 2009
Today, I learned that my Chinese animal sign is Metal Dog. Good. That's probably the reason why I bark a lot especially when I see that some pig try to scam another animal in the urban jungle. My bark is worse than my bite, sometimes. I have'nt tried biting someone, but, it'll be some nasty wound since probably my teeth is all metal too.
This coming year (the lunar year will start on 26 January 2009, the Year of the Cow (ox for some)), it will either be lucky or unlucky for me. I should befriend monkeys and chickens, since they're my lucky and compatible animal buddies. If you want to meet me, you should avoid doing so between 3 in the afternoon and 7 in the evening since that'll be my lucky times. And if you see me always facing West, well, it figures. West is always my lucky direction and of course, convincing me to go East is surely not for me. I already travelled in the East a lot and it's time for me to travel to Europe for a change.
It's good that I sleep in a metal bed, since that'll be lucky and I'm really facing West all the time. Good for me. I'm always facing my wife's bosom.
It'll be good if I wear white more often and adorn myself with expensive jewelry, especially gold rings. I love gold rings. It gives me something when I need cash.
Overall, the coming year seems auspicious. I'll be starting a new job which could potentially bring in my best self and could potentially help hundreds of lives out there. I'll bark more often when I see Gloria and her syndicate buddies scamming their way again. But, I'll reserve my big bite. I don't want to stain my teeth biting Gloria's dirty and slimy legs. Yuck.
Happy new year to everyone and May All be Blessed by God's bounties!
This coming year (the lunar year will start on 26 January 2009, the Year of the Cow (ox for some)), it will either be lucky or unlucky for me. I should befriend monkeys and chickens, since they're my lucky and compatible animal buddies. If you want to meet me, you should avoid doing so between 3 in the afternoon and 7 in the evening since that'll be my lucky times. And if you see me always facing West, well, it figures. West is always my lucky direction and of course, convincing me to go East is surely not for me. I already travelled in the East a lot and it's time for me to travel to Europe for a change.
It's good that I sleep in a metal bed, since that'll be lucky and I'm really facing West all the time. Good for me. I'm always facing my wife's bosom.
It'll be good if I wear white more often and adorn myself with expensive jewelry, especially gold rings. I love gold rings. It gives me something when I need cash.
Overall, the coming year seems auspicious. I'll be starting a new job which could potentially bring in my best self and could potentially help hundreds of lives out there. I'll bark more often when I see Gloria and her syndicate buddies scamming their way again. But, I'll reserve my big bite. I don't want to stain my teeth biting Gloria's dirty and slimy legs. Yuck.
Happy new year to everyone and May All be Blessed by God's bounties!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Lucky 09 and the SSS
Will 2009 be a lucky year for Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Will she finally get her wish to be able to extend her term at least, a year? Sources say Arroyo and her henchmen, especially Ronnie Puno, want the elections deferred for at least a year, meaning, make it 2011. That's their minimum desire. Why? For three reasons. One, they would want the Constitutional Convention formed by that time and they would use this argument to bolster their case before Congress re-opening on January 20. Second, that would also provide more funds for the ruling party and third, that would coincide with the formation of a bigger economic block led by Arroyo. Question---will 2009 be Arroyo's luckiest year as yet?
The country faces extreme challenges next year, especially in the export industries sector. As early as August 2008, the export industries have suffered tremendous blows due to low job orders. The US market has begun slowing down at that time and it continues to further slide. After the US meltdown, other European markets and even the Japanese market fell like dominoes.
Next will definitely be the tourism-related services industry. With more Westerners opting to save rather than splurge on a holiday, the tourism industry will likely slow down as well. I have'nt seen the World Tourism Association (WTA) projections but this will most likely be down by about 15 to 20% at the most.
Now, depending on what US President-elect Barack Obama will announce on January 20, 2009, the BPO sector will continue its robust growth. Why? Even if Obama decides to encourage US companies to just make their BPO in the mainland instead of offshore, more companies will still decide to continue their overseas operations because it is still cheaper to operate a BPO here than in the US. Obama will likely find a way to exploit other sectors in their economy instead of dipping his hands in the global BPO market.
Another critical sector would be the small and medium sized entreprises. If government, especially the BSP will hesitate to further widen the credit markets, it would put the entire economy to further risk since SME's rely on banks and government financial institutions for their capital infusions. For example, in my case, I want my own business but I lack capital. Will government extend its loan portfolio further to cover those in-between job cases like myself?
I went to SSS thru the help of its very efficient SVP Susie Bragante and found out that yes, I can get a loan but I need to land another employment to secure one. Whatthe? Its policy. Well, if I elect to continue my SSS membership, I have to pay a sum. Fine. I'll pay it. But, before I can loan, I have to wait for a month just to post that payment. Whatthef..ck! Paging SSS head Secretary Romulo Neri. You need to create another loan portfolio for the following:
1. Those SSS members who want to start their own businesses but lack capital and resigned from their jobs because they want to be entrepreneurs. And SSS should AT LEAST be able to give them the maximum loan amount equivalent to three times their former monthly pay. Look, Madame Arroyo urges everyone to be an entrepreneur and when we, citizens, do want to make our dreams come true, government fails in its obligation to at least extend us some loan.
2. OFWs. (I think government already provided 2 billion pesos worth of loanable funds for displaced OFWs. By the way, these OFWs are twice displaced--when they went abroad, they are classified as economically displaced. When they're busted from their jobs, they went displaced again.)
The secret so that we all would survive the global economic crisis in 2009 would be the following:
1. Expansion of credit facilities
2. Lowering of BSP interest rates
3. Lowering of BSP credit rates
4. Expansion of government assistance to SME's
The country faces extreme challenges next year, especially in the export industries sector. As early as August 2008, the export industries have suffered tremendous blows due to low job orders. The US market has begun slowing down at that time and it continues to further slide. After the US meltdown, other European markets and even the Japanese market fell like dominoes.
Next will definitely be the tourism-related services industry. With more Westerners opting to save rather than splurge on a holiday, the tourism industry will likely slow down as well. I have'nt seen the World Tourism Association (WTA) projections but this will most likely be down by about 15 to 20% at the most.
Now, depending on what US President-elect Barack Obama will announce on January 20, 2009, the BPO sector will continue its robust growth. Why? Even if Obama decides to encourage US companies to just make their BPO in the mainland instead of offshore, more companies will still decide to continue their overseas operations because it is still cheaper to operate a BPO here than in the US. Obama will likely find a way to exploit other sectors in their economy instead of dipping his hands in the global BPO market.
Another critical sector would be the small and medium sized entreprises. If government, especially the BSP will hesitate to further widen the credit markets, it would put the entire economy to further risk since SME's rely on banks and government financial institutions for their capital infusions. For example, in my case, I want my own business but I lack capital. Will government extend its loan portfolio further to cover those in-between job cases like myself?
I went to SSS thru the help of its very efficient SVP Susie Bragante and found out that yes, I can get a loan but I need to land another employment to secure one. Whatthe? Its policy. Well, if I elect to continue my SSS membership, I have to pay a sum. Fine. I'll pay it. But, before I can loan, I have to wait for a month just to post that payment. Whatthef..ck! Paging SSS head Secretary Romulo Neri. You need to create another loan portfolio for the following:
1. Those SSS members who want to start their own businesses but lack capital and resigned from their jobs because they want to be entrepreneurs. And SSS should AT LEAST be able to give them the maximum loan amount equivalent to three times their former monthly pay. Look, Madame Arroyo urges everyone to be an entrepreneur and when we, citizens, do want to make our dreams come true, government fails in its obligation to at least extend us some loan.
2. OFWs. (I think government already provided 2 billion pesos worth of loanable funds for displaced OFWs. By the way, these OFWs are twice displaced--when they went abroad, they are classified as economically displaced. When they're busted from their jobs, they went displaced again.)
The secret so that we all would survive the global economic crisis in 2009 would be the following:
1. Expansion of credit facilities
2. Lowering of BSP interest rates
3. Lowering of BSP credit rates
4. Expansion of government assistance to SME's
Moronic Holidays in RP
Whoever came up with that stupid suggestion to extend the looong holidays in the Philippines is a moron. If that moronic adviser of Philippine ill president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave as a reason that oft-repeated line of "holiday economics", he or she failed in his economics class.
For an economy to avoid getting into the recession groove, it needs to always charge and heat up. In our case, our government want this economy to really slow down. With a very long holiday, the economy is in trouble. If government intends to actually increase consumer spending, this is a wrong way to do it because people are not going to spend a ton of money during this long holiday. Many especially working in both the informal and formal sectors are daily wage workers. Other companies also have a policy of "no work, no pay". So, these people stand to lose about 11 days of pay or about 5 to 6,000 pesos. Besides, many companies failed to give holiday pay and even struggled to find 13th month pays. So, how would people spend more these holidays?
Since government is also on a holiday mode, many people stand to lose a lot of opportunity. For example, those who want to renew their passports, or those who is expecting to sign a new employment contract (like moi)---they all have to do it only on January 5, 2009. By that time, they would have lost considerable opportunities. This also applies to those who need to transact with local government units or the POEA or other government agencies, like the SEC.
I hate to be a killjoy, but I propose the following:
1. Government should at least form a working service unit in every government department during this long holiday. Okey, just allow workers from private companies to have their own long holidays, but it would be best if government opens up starting on the 29th of December, even if on that day only. That would give the best impression to the people that this government is not tamad.
2. Government should make 31 a half-day and January 2, 2009 a working day. Why? If government declares even 2 January 2009 a holiday, we have lost already at least 4 days worth of production which, under the current economic crisis, means millions of pesos worth of productive time lost!
It is time for government to realize that to save us from an impending economic crisis, we need to work harder and by that means more time to produce, more time to spend working not more time to procrastinate and take a vacation. Only morons take long holidays.
For an economy to avoid getting into the recession groove, it needs to always charge and heat up. In our case, our government want this economy to really slow down. With a very long holiday, the economy is in trouble. If government intends to actually increase consumer spending, this is a wrong way to do it because people are not going to spend a ton of money during this long holiday. Many especially working in both the informal and formal sectors are daily wage workers. Other companies also have a policy of "no work, no pay". So, these people stand to lose about 11 days of pay or about 5 to 6,000 pesos. Besides, many companies failed to give holiday pay and even struggled to find 13th month pays. So, how would people spend more these holidays?
Since government is also on a holiday mode, many people stand to lose a lot of opportunity. For example, those who want to renew their passports, or those who is expecting to sign a new employment contract (like moi)---they all have to do it only on January 5, 2009. By that time, they would have lost considerable opportunities. This also applies to those who need to transact with local government units or the POEA or other government agencies, like the SEC.
I hate to be a killjoy, but I propose the following:
1. Government should at least form a working service unit in every government department during this long holiday. Okey, just allow workers from private companies to have their own long holidays, but it would be best if government opens up starting on the 29th of December, even if on that day only. That would give the best impression to the people that this government is not tamad.
2. Government should make 31 a half-day and January 2, 2009 a working day. Why? If government declares even 2 January 2009 a holiday, we have lost already at least 4 days worth of production which, under the current economic crisis, means millions of pesos worth of productive time lost!
It is time for government to realize that to save us from an impending economic crisis, we need to work harder and by that means more time to produce, more time to spend working not more time to procrastinate and take a vacation. Only morons take long holidays.
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Lucky fireworks
By the way....
I'm selling Jen Cc Tan's Starmaker fireworks. If you want to liven your Xmas and New Year cvelebrations, order some from me. I'll give you discounts my friend.
Starmaker fireworks are Filipino-made fireworks, renowned all over the world. It's safe. It's high quality. Jen CC Tan is a very good friend and she gave me this opportunity to at least earn something during these holidays.
Check out some events made special by Starmaker fireworks.
SM Megamall- every Saturday of DecemberSM Bacoor-
December 13, 21 and 28SM Molino-
December 13, 14 and 20SM Dasmarinas- December 7, 21, 28 and 30
SM Marikina- December 5, 6 , 13, 20 and 27SM Sta. Mesa- December 13 and 20
SM Mall of Asia- Every Friday and Saturday of December
Alabang Town Center- every Sunday of December
Discovery Shores- New Year countdown
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel- New Year countdown
Riviera Golf and Country Club- New Year countdown
Camp John Hay- New Year countdown
Amanpulo Resort- New Year countdown
If you have orders, text me thru my handphone number at 9063286207. If you want a brochure, text me or email me thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com.
I'm selling Jen Cc Tan's Starmaker fireworks. If you want to liven your Xmas and New Year cvelebrations, order some from me. I'll give you discounts my friend.
Starmaker fireworks are Filipino-made fireworks, renowned all over the world. It's safe. It's high quality. Jen CC Tan is a very good friend and she gave me this opportunity to at least earn something during these holidays.
Check out some events made special by Starmaker fireworks.
SM Megamall- every Saturday of DecemberSM Bacoor-
December 13, 21 and 28SM Molino-
December 13, 14 and 20SM Dasmarinas- December 7, 21, 28 and 30
SM Marikina- December 5, 6 , 13, 20 and 27SM Sta. Mesa- December 13 and 20
SM Mall of Asia- Every Friday and Saturday of December
Alabang Town Center- every Sunday of December
Discovery Shores- New Year countdown
EDSA Shangri-la Hotel- New Year countdown
Riviera Golf and Country Club- New Year countdown
Camp John Hay- New Year countdown
Amanpulo Resort- New Year countdown
If you have orders, text me thru my handphone number at 9063286207. If you want a brochure, text me or email me thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com.
Chinese stopped the MOA-BJE signing?
This summary is not available. Please
click here to view the post.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Villar-Escudero Tandem in 2010?
Now, it can be told.
Supposed opposition Senator Cheez Escudero is being groomed by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Noli's "heir apparent". Shocking, is'nt? But, this is true.
Escudero is reportedly being egged to run under the administration banner, with the blessing of his "big boss", the main man himself, Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco. Sources say, Cojuangco and Arroyo both agreed to field Cheez as the common vice presidential candidate of both Lakas and NPC in the presidential elections in 2010.
Question 1--what happens to Loren, who, sources say, salivates to run as a presidentiable? Since Loren joined the NPC, she has been the sort of link between the Lakas bloc of FVR and Cojuangco. Reportedly, she is now being dropped as a candidate and being replaced by, surprise surprise, Mr. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party. A source said she's too busy resolving an alleged personal problem.
Question 2---will the real Cheez please stand up? Will you now reveal your true skin before the Filipino People?Will my good Facebook friend stand up and declare that, indeed, he's really Arroyo's boy thru and thru?
I have my doubts on Cheez since the opposition adopted him. And my doubts are starting to surface again.
Also...there are rumours that Mr. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party have agreed to be the administration's presidential bet. So, will it be a Villar-Escudero in 2010?
That will definitely mess up the political configuration in 2009 since both Villar and Escudero have created their niches as "oppositionists". Well, for Villar, I don't doubt his "secret" alliance with Gloria since, his businesses depend on how strong his government connections are.
But, woe to Cheez! Will he now assume the role as Gloria's golden haired boy, since her previous spokesperson, Mike Defensor, has now exhausted whatever goodwill he had with the people? By the way, Mike Defensor is allegedly campaigning against his friend Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista for the top executive plum of QC. So, the fight will definitely be among Congresswoman Susano, Defensor and Bautista.
Going back to Cheez, he's a chameleon. I noticed that eversince he became the official spokesperson for the opposition. Is he really Gloria's man? I don't exactly know but definitely, he and his father, Congressman Escudero are all Cojuangco's friends. And friends always, always do what their friends advised them to do.
This confirms the uneasy tactical political alliance between Arroyo and the Cojuangco bloc, an extension of an earlier business partnership which started when their operators formed the Ashmore Group.
This group is reportedly made up of the Cojuangcos, the Arroyos and some Chinese taipans. This group is composed of new money. They are poised to defeat the old rich.
What we are seeing is a blossoming of a dictatorship, bigger than Macoy's and more lethal than what the former strongman from the Ilocos formed some twenty years ago.
What's dangerous about this Arroyo-Cojuangco partnership is its not latent; it's a hidden, shadowy alliance that tries to create a modern plutocratic regime controlled by a poster girl.
Question 3---what happens to the Ayalas, the Lopezes and the traditional rich? Truly, the prospect of a clash between the "new money" and the "old rich" is there and threatens to engulf the entire society with fire and chaos.
Right now, there are attempts at marginalizing the economic power of the traditional landed gentry who depend on old sources of wealth, thru the CARP. The reason why people, especially those who belong to the New Wealth group does'nt want to extend the CARP is simple--so that this will allow the marriage of the "new rich" with that of the "old ones" through the purchase or transformation of the land from agricultural to industrial uses.
This inevitable clash of the Modern Cacique (New Money) with that of the Old Caciques (landed gentry) will eventually plunge this country into greater political instability come 2009. The only way for the Old Caciques to maintain status quo is simple---create a revolution that aims to dislodge the patron of the Modern Cacique from power.
Will they succeed? Obviously, each group will not dare start the conflagration since both have firepower.
IN 2009, the battle in the boardrooms will definitely spill over the real battlefield once the Modern Caciques start lapping up properties left and right again thru the help of laundered public money and smuggling funds.
Supposed opposition Senator Cheez Escudero is being groomed by Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo as Noli's "heir apparent". Shocking, is'nt? But, this is true.
Escudero is reportedly being egged to run under the administration banner, with the blessing of his "big boss", the main man himself, Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco. Sources say, Cojuangco and Arroyo both agreed to field Cheez as the common vice presidential candidate of both Lakas and NPC in the presidential elections in 2010.
Question 1--what happens to Loren, who, sources say, salivates to run as a presidentiable? Since Loren joined the NPC, she has been the sort of link between the Lakas bloc of FVR and Cojuangco. Reportedly, she is now being dropped as a candidate and being replaced by, surprise surprise, Mr. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party. A source said she's too busy resolving an alleged personal problem.
Question 2---will the real Cheez please stand up? Will you now reveal your true skin before the Filipino People?Will my good Facebook friend stand up and declare that, indeed, he's really Arroyo's boy thru and thru?
I have my doubts on Cheez since the opposition adopted him. And my doubts are starting to surface again.
Also...there are rumours that Mr. Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party have agreed to be the administration's presidential bet. So, will it be a Villar-Escudero in 2010?
That will definitely mess up the political configuration in 2009 since both Villar and Escudero have created their niches as "oppositionists". Well, for Villar, I don't doubt his "secret" alliance with Gloria since, his businesses depend on how strong his government connections are.
But, woe to Cheez! Will he now assume the role as Gloria's golden haired boy, since her previous spokesperson, Mike Defensor, has now exhausted whatever goodwill he had with the people? By the way, Mike Defensor is allegedly campaigning against his friend Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista for the top executive plum of QC. So, the fight will definitely be among Congresswoman Susano, Defensor and Bautista.
Going back to Cheez, he's a chameleon. I noticed that eversince he became the official spokesperson for the opposition. Is he really Gloria's man? I don't exactly know but definitely, he and his father, Congressman Escudero are all Cojuangco's friends. And friends always, always do what their friends advised them to do.
This confirms the uneasy tactical political alliance between Arroyo and the Cojuangco bloc, an extension of an earlier business partnership which started when their operators formed the Ashmore Group.
This group is reportedly made up of the Cojuangcos, the Arroyos and some Chinese taipans. This group is composed of new money. They are poised to defeat the old rich.
What we are seeing is a blossoming of a dictatorship, bigger than Macoy's and more lethal than what the former strongman from the Ilocos formed some twenty years ago.
What's dangerous about this Arroyo-Cojuangco partnership is its not latent; it's a hidden, shadowy alliance that tries to create a modern plutocratic regime controlled by a poster girl.
Question 3---what happens to the Ayalas, the Lopezes and the traditional rich? Truly, the prospect of a clash between the "new money" and the "old rich" is there and threatens to engulf the entire society with fire and chaos.
Right now, there are attempts at marginalizing the economic power of the traditional landed gentry who depend on old sources of wealth, thru the CARP. The reason why people, especially those who belong to the New Wealth group does'nt want to extend the CARP is simple--so that this will allow the marriage of the "new rich" with that of the "old ones" through the purchase or transformation of the land from agricultural to industrial uses.
This inevitable clash of the Modern Cacique (New Money) with that of the Old Caciques (landed gentry) will eventually plunge this country into greater political instability come 2009. The only way for the Old Caciques to maintain status quo is simple---create a revolution that aims to dislodge the patron of the Modern Cacique from power.
Will they succeed? Obviously, each group will not dare start the conflagration since both have firepower.
IN 2009, the battle in the boardrooms will definitely spill over the real battlefield once the Modern Caciques start lapping up properties left and right again thru the help of laundered public money and smuggling funds.
Pontificating Dick Gordon
Much fuzz have been generated by Senator Mar Roxas' outburst during the interfaith rally. A colleague, Senator Richard Gordon, was one of the first one who "castigated" Mar when the Iloilo solon uttered such "bad words". After Gordon's self-moralizing tirade, Malacanang followed suit.
I don't know about you but I remember that incident before the establishment of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Area (SBMA). Gordon was then mayor of, I think, Olongapo Zambales. He was campaigning for the retention of the military bases since, he said, his entire province of Zambales and possibly, of Bataan, would not be able to cope with the withdrawal of US troops.
When Gordon was lambasted publicly by anti-bases groups, he cussed and threatened everyone. His cursing was worst than Mar Roxas. He even accused those who oppose the extension of the military bases as "ingrates", "fools" and "Communists". Had I decided to write in Tagalog, these words would definitely offend the sensibilities of many.
Yet, unlike Mar, Gordon cursed the people, not the people's oppressor, as what the good senator from Iloilo did.
I hope Mr. Gordon would not be that too a moralist and a pseudo good doer. Like Mar, Gordon is just human.
What would Gordon say if PGMA declares, say, Mr. Manny Villar as the administration's standard bearer and colleague Cheez Escudero as the administration's vice presidential timber, leaving him, Bayani Fernando and Noli de Castro in the lurch?Will he blurt the classic Tagalog cuss word against Gloria?
I would advise those who dreams to become president to just shut up, just do your own thing and not pontificate like they're saints when obviously, they're not.
And since I was one of those who suffered the brute force of state security forces during the struggle against the military bases agreement in the 1990's, I still remember that angry face of Mr. Dick Gordon and how he fought for the "right" of foreigners, especially foreign troops with the same color of his skin, to occupy a piece of his own country.
On a similar vein....
I came across a blog maintained by a supposed "queen". My blogger colleague is right. You'll just land there and will not dare come back.
She's one of the worst writers I have ever seen, a prostitute of the English language and of the most brutal kind. She cusses. She curses. And she even sells her mother online.
It's a shame. She speaks like a jolog, yet pretends to be a member of the elite. Shame. And, as I look at her face, her face is as crispy as lechon. Ah, now I understand.
She has flaws and flabs to hide that's why she cusses so that people will look the other way.
IN DEFENSE OF FELLOW BLOGGERS.
I vehemently condemn those who castigated some of the personalities I mentioned in my earlier blog entry. If you're a blogger, you need to respect my views on Noemi Dado and all the rest of the guys I met as I respect your views.
Dado and her husband are right. They are not after cleaning the blogosphere. However, I perceive them to be good people and I really think that they are really doing a great job as bloggers. And it is a shame for those people who hit them just because some blogger who happens to be me, perceive them as good folks. What's wrong with saying that Noemi is a great person? Or that Butch Dado, a great guy? I just met Noemi I think twice and I just like her tenacity. I just saw Butch once during the PhilippineBlogawards and I think that he's also a nice guy. Same as with what I know about Jayvee Fernandez and Juned Sunido. Totoong tao sila and I admire them for the sacrifices they are making for fellow bloggers who want the world to know that, the Pinoy blogosphere exists and it is making huge waves.
Monday, December 15, 2008
Creeping Authoritarianism, InterElite Wars
Now, let's discuss what's happening to our country now.
As it stands, there are three contending forces in Philippine society and politics right now. All these forces have backing from veritable plutocrats who grew big in the post-authoritarian regime. Let me cite them now:
1. The Cojuangco Bloc
After his exile in the United States shortly after EDSA One, Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco was avoided by his friends like a plague. Yet, one persevered. His name--Ramon Ang. It was Ang's role in Cojuangco's life that put the former Marcos man back into the corporate limelight.
Ang is Cojuangco's right hand man. An intelligent and highly gifted visionary, Ang helped Cojuangco regained his San Miguel empire. It's an open secret how they managed to do it.
Cojuangco, according to friends, is a savvy businessman with a vicious gut. He plays by the rules yet dishes out decisions that are based on his gut feel. Almost always, he's right.
When the duo turned San Miguel Corporation into a regional beverage powerhouse, that turned Cojuangco's future from just a big man in the Philippines to the most powerful man in the entire region. Before Cojuangco went back as SMC chairman, the Philippine company was stripped of cash. A few years of pivoting the company from dangerous water made it one of the most powerful and the most influential Asian company nowadays.
Now awash with cash, San Miguel Corporation is now diversifying. It is now into energy, infrastructure, real estate, superhighways, mining and telecommunications. It will not be too far off to see it cornering all components of the Philippine state superstructure. Eventually, Danding will be the foremost kingmaker in this country even after Arroyo.
How did SMC do it? Their strategy is very simple--synthesize both the political and corporate world. Danding holds the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) like a fiefdom. He's the recognized power behind the throne. The NPC is just there to protect the interests of San Miguel Corporation from all contending powers. And that includes the Arroyo bloc.
2. The Arroyo Bloc
Rumours about this bloc are stuff of coffee shop talk. Yet, if you look at it, this bloc is the biggest syndicated operation ever to hit the Philippines. They control practically every government transaction, every department of government and even, some legitimate businesses. Now, they are trying to legitimize their setup by forming a huge off-shore investment firm. Based in Hongkong, this investment firm aims to attract foreign partners in their plan to buy Philippine lands. What this firm will do is just serve as conduit of foreign companies and earn from all sides. They will be the ones who'll represent these foreign firms in buying property and will also sell these properties to these foreigners using another dummy, a real estate firm owned reportedly by a close associate of the Arroyos.
Its a fact that this bloc is lapping up properties in Makati left and right. It is no secret that the new building along Ayala Avenue has been sold to this Chinese associate of Arroyo, who owns one of the 4-star hotels in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. There are plans, according to a source who's privy inside this bloc, to buy up more properties since the bloc anticipates the victory of lifting the economic provisions of the Constitution in 2009.
On my next entries...
3. The Ayala-Pangilinan Bloc
4. The Lopez etal bloc
My wife already called for me. We need to buy groceries.
As it stands, there are three contending forces in Philippine society and politics right now. All these forces have backing from veritable plutocrats who grew big in the post-authoritarian regime. Let me cite them now:
1. The Cojuangco Bloc
After his exile in the United States shortly after EDSA One, Eduardo "Danding" Cojuangco was avoided by his friends like a plague. Yet, one persevered. His name--Ramon Ang. It was Ang's role in Cojuangco's life that put the former Marcos man back into the corporate limelight.
Ang is Cojuangco's right hand man. An intelligent and highly gifted visionary, Ang helped Cojuangco regained his San Miguel empire. It's an open secret how they managed to do it.
Cojuangco, according to friends, is a savvy businessman with a vicious gut. He plays by the rules yet dishes out decisions that are based on his gut feel. Almost always, he's right.
When the duo turned San Miguel Corporation into a regional beverage powerhouse, that turned Cojuangco's future from just a big man in the Philippines to the most powerful man in the entire region. Before Cojuangco went back as SMC chairman, the Philippine company was stripped of cash. A few years of pivoting the company from dangerous water made it one of the most powerful and the most influential Asian company nowadays.
Now awash with cash, San Miguel Corporation is now diversifying. It is now into energy, infrastructure, real estate, superhighways, mining and telecommunications. It will not be too far off to see it cornering all components of the Philippine state superstructure. Eventually, Danding will be the foremost kingmaker in this country even after Arroyo.
How did SMC do it? Their strategy is very simple--synthesize both the political and corporate world. Danding holds the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) like a fiefdom. He's the recognized power behind the throne. The NPC is just there to protect the interests of San Miguel Corporation from all contending powers. And that includes the Arroyo bloc.
2. The Arroyo Bloc
Rumours about this bloc are stuff of coffee shop talk. Yet, if you look at it, this bloc is the biggest syndicated operation ever to hit the Philippines. They control practically every government transaction, every department of government and even, some legitimate businesses. Now, they are trying to legitimize their setup by forming a huge off-shore investment firm. Based in Hongkong, this investment firm aims to attract foreign partners in their plan to buy Philippine lands. What this firm will do is just serve as conduit of foreign companies and earn from all sides. They will be the ones who'll represent these foreign firms in buying property and will also sell these properties to these foreigners using another dummy, a real estate firm owned reportedly by a close associate of the Arroyos.
Its a fact that this bloc is lapping up properties in Makati left and right. It is no secret that the new building along Ayala Avenue has been sold to this Chinese associate of Arroyo, who owns one of the 4-star hotels in Ortigas Center, Pasig City. There are plans, according to a source who's privy inside this bloc, to buy up more properties since the bloc anticipates the victory of lifting the economic provisions of the Constitution in 2009.
On my next entries...
3. The Ayala-Pangilinan Bloc
4. The Lopez etal bloc
My wife already called for me. We need to buy groceries.
What the Issue Behind Genesis?
Let me write it very plainly---the issue is a blogger reportedly sold a list containing names of fellow bloggers to a known politico. Now, that list contains names of bloggers whom this blogger did not know personally nor did he asked permission to write something good about this politico.
Simply this---this blogger in question SOLD the reputation and integrity of other bloggers just to get money. Do you understand this now? This is an issue of online graft and corruption. This only happens in mainstream media. Sadly, it is now creeping in the Pinoy blogosphere. And the reason for the post " The Genesis of Every Blogger Byte" and all other entries relating to this is very simple--cut this crap once and for all before this blogger institutionalizes this illegal and highly immoral activity.
Some would argue, what's wrong with having a living as a blogger? Nothing. If you are a member of ADSENSE, NUFFNANG, BLOGBANK, REVIEWME, you don't have to worry. There's nothing wrong, intrinsically, of what you're doing.
As what I discussed with a fellow blogger today, what's wrong is that if this guy sold you to another when you don't even know that he already sold and collected money using your name and reputation. Gets nio?
I also heard that a blogger also tried to allegedly scam his way in a popular blogger event. He reportedly made a shell company so that ad money is to be directed to this made up company instead of the organizing body. He was nearly slapped with a case but cooler heads prevailed.
Again, let me emphasize this:
1. If you want to earn money from your site, you may, for Heaven's sake! It's your life. It's your site. Do what you want with it for all I care. But, just don't use other bloggers' names for you to earn dough.
2. If you think compromising your principles is the way to go, go ahead. I'll not stop you. Who am I in the first place? It's your life. If you want to live like Joc-Joc Bolante or some other high profiled personality as a paid hack, go ahead. I'll not stop you. Think of my post as something to think about when you're probably old and withered.
Simply this---this blogger in question SOLD the reputation and integrity of other bloggers just to get money. Do you understand this now? This is an issue of online graft and corruption. This only happens in mainstream media. Sadly, it is now creeping in the Pinoy blogosphere. And the reason for the post " The Genesis of Every Blogger Byte" and all other entries relating to this is very simple--cut this crap once and for all before this blogger institutionalizes this illegal and highly immoral activity.
Some would argue, what's wrong with having a living as a blogger? Nothing. If you are a member of ADSENSE, NUFFNANG, BLOGBANK, REVIEWME, you don't have to worry. There's nothing wrong, intrinsically, of what you're doing.
As what I discussed with a fellow blogger today, what's wrong is that if this guy sold you to another when you don't even know that he already sold and collected money using your name and reputation. Gets nio?
I also heard that a blogger also tried to allegedly scam his way in a popular blogger event. He reportedly made a shell company so that ad money is to be directed to this made up company instead of the organizing body. He was nearly slapped with a case but cooler heads prevailed.
Again, let me emphasize this:
1. If you want to earn money from your site, you may, for Heaven's sake! It's your life. It's your site. Do what you want with it for all I care. But, just don't use other bloggers' names for you to earn dough.
2. If you think compromising your principles is the way to go, go ahead. I'll not stop you. Who am I in the first place? It's your life. If you want to live like Joc-Joc Bolante or some other high profiled personality as a paid hack, go ahead. I'll not stop you. Think of my post as something to think about when you're probably old and withered.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The fiefdom of A
Why is Speaker Prospero Nograles defending the proposal to change the economic provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution? Why is he acting like its counsel, when, in the words of Bertie Lim of the Makati Business Club, we don't need foreigners owning lands. We need capital.
I propose one question to Mr. Nograles--do we have a study coming from a reputable institution that lifting these economic provisions, or what Alex Magno said, committing constitutional appendectomy, would really benefit everybody?
Who stands to benefit from a change in the economic provisions of the Constitution?
Sources within the palace told me that the real reason behind the lifting of these economic provisions is not to really grow the economy. No. In fact, if we think about it, the reverse would happen. If we allow foreign ownership of land and property in the Philippines, the profit that they will be getting from using these lands would definitely be taken outside the country anyway. The local economy would not benefit from it. It would just be like what Mike Defensor did when his Chinese-owned mining company bagged that multi-billion contract to mine a mountain full of gold in Zambales.
The real story is the purpose of the establishment of a Hongkong-based holding company. Allegedly, this holding company which is named after a reputable historical figure "Ashmore" is owned by the First Golfer and his associates. Ashmore is an off-shore investment firm which was built solely to be the conduit between foreign companies wanting to own lands in the Philippines and a real estate firm called "Alphaland", which, again, is owned by a hotelier associate of the First Golfer.
The insider said that what the First Golfer and his associates intend to do is, make profit selling Philippine property to these foreigners using Ashmore and that Alphaland will be the authorized seller of these properties. They intend to get billions out of this.
What the First Golfer and his associates intend to do is monopolize the selling of prime Philippine property (including agricultural lands) and make a quick buck from it. Bad? Not entirely except that this smucks of bad odor and immoral since most of those behind this scheme are living inside the palace.
And you know who is helping the First Golfer and his associates build a veritable fiefdom in the Philippines? Reportedly, that person is Roberto Ongpin. (Ongpin used to be an associate of the late Ferdinand Marcos. His brother, that Ongpin during Cory's term, reportedly committed suicide because he's ashamed of what his brother did).
By the way....
The First Golfer allegedly is not facing anti-money laundering cases in the US. Let me correct my earlier entry. He is though, facing multi-million dollar suits relating to tax disputes.
Likewise, the First Golfer did suffer a stomach ache while in the air. He was found slumped and gasping for air inside the toilet cubicle of that PAL plane. Why Tokyo? Well, it's a full 3 hour plane ride instead of the Marshall islands. Beside, even if some people say it was better for PAL to have landed in Hawaii instead, it would have been disaster for the First Gentleman if the pilot did that.
Other news...
You know what's the plan of San Miguel Corporation? After reportedly buying the owner of Liberty Telecommunications for a huge sum of 50 million pesos, Ramon Ang is reportedly eyeing Bayan Telecommunications.
Ang is said to be offering the Lopezes 200 million for Bayantel. And the Lopez seems to be biting it. Reportedly, the Lopezes has about 400 million dollars worth of bad loans. Ergo, they need the money...quick and badly.
Will we see the emergence of a super, mega telecommunications company in the Philippines? Yes, we will.
This telecommunications company will be the biggest competitor of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) in the industry. Qatar Telecommunications reportedly is the main force behind this. The merger of Q Telecommunications and SMC is a done deal already. With the acquisition of Bayantel, this merger will become the biggest player in the telecommunications industry.
This is the reason why Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went to Qatar, to oversee this historic merger.
Question--what will happen to the Ayala controlled Globe Telecommunications? Surely, the Zobels and the Ayalas will be hard pressed neutralizing this big deal being cooked up by the San Miguel people. Reportedly, SMART and PLDT top honcho Manny Pangilinan is not worried at all. Why? He's cooking up his own and the New Philippine Revolution is privy about it.
I propose one question to Mr. Nograles--do we have a study coming from a reputable institution that lifting these economic provisions, or what Alex Magno said, committing constitutional appendectomy, would really benefit everybody?
Who stands to benefit from a change in the economic provisions of the Constitution?
Sources within the palace told me that the real reason behind the lifting of these economic provisions is not to really grow the economy. No. In fact, if we think about it, the reverse would happen. If we allow foreign ownership of land and property in the Philippines, the profit that they will be getting from using these lands would definitely be taken outside the country anyway. The local economy would not benefit from it. It would just be like what Mike Defensor did when his Chinese-owned mining company bagged that multi-billion contract to mine a mountain full of gold in Zambales.
The real story is the purpose of the establishment of a Hongkong-based holding company. Allegedly, this holding company which is named after a reputable historical figure "Ashmore" is owned by the First Golfer and his associates. Ashmore is an off-shore investment firm which was built solely to be the conduit between foreign companies wanting to own lands in the Philippines and a real estate firm called "Alphaland", which, again, is owned by a hotelier associate of the First Golfer.
The insider said that what the First Golfer and his associates intend to do is, make profit selling Philippine property to these foreigners using Ashmore and that Alphaland will be the authorized seller of these properties. They intend to get billions out of this.
What the First Golfer and his associates intend to do is monopolize the selling of prime Philippine property (including agricultural lands) and make a quick buck from it. Bad? Not entirely except that this smucks of bad odor and immoral since most of those behind this scheme are living inside the palace.
And you know who is helping the First Golfer and his associates build a veritable fiefdom in the Philippines? Reportedly, that person is Roberto Ongpin. (Ongpin used to be an associate of the late Ferdinand Marcos. His brother, that Ongpin during Cory's term, reportedly committed suicide because he's ashamed of what his brother did).
By the way....
The First Golfer allegedly is not facing anti-money laundering cases in the US. Let me correct my earlier entry. He is though, facing multi-million dollar suits relating to tax disputes.
Likewise, the First Golfer did suffer a stomach ache while in the air. He was found slumped and gasping for air inside the toilet cubicle of that PAL plane. Why Tokyo? Well, it's a full 3 hour plane ride instead of the Marshall islands. Beside, even if some people say it was better for PAL to have landed in Hawaii instead, it would have been disaster for the First Gentleman if the pilot did that.
Other news...
You know what's the plan of San Miguel Corporation? After reportedly buying the owner of Liberty Telecommunications for a huge sum of 50 million pesos, Ramon Ang is reportedly eyeing Bayan Telecommunications.
Ang is said to be offering the Lopezes 200 million for Bayantel. And the Lopez seems to be biting it. Reportedly, the Lopezes has about 400 million dollars worth of bad loans. Ergo, they need the money...quick and badly.
Will we see the emergence of a super, mega telecommunications company in the Philippines? Yes, we will.
This telecommunications company will be the biggest competitor of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) in the industry. Qatar Telecommunications reportedly is the main force behind this. The merger of Q Telecommunications and SMC is a done deal already. With the acquisition of Bayantel, this merger will become the biggest player in the telecommunications industry.
This is the reason why Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo went to Qatar, to oversee this historic merger.
Question--what will happen to the Ayala controlled Globe Telecommunications? Surely, the Zobels and the Ayalas will be hard pressed neutralizing this big deal being cooked up by the San Miguel people. Reportedly, SMART and PLDT top honcho Manny Pangilinan is not worried at all. Why? He's cooking up his own and the New Philippine Revolution is privy about it.
Naming the UnNamed
Brian Brotarlo made a very interesting point--perhaps I'm becoming too idealistic, that the blogosphere here cannot be or probably nearly impossible to police, given the fact that the Internet is nobody's property and it's too "rascal-istic" to have a body that would police our ranks.
I agree. And what I said was "policing" was writen metaphorically. Police our own ranks, means exercising self-regulation, self-editing and self-analyzing. The "our" here and the "us" here refers to individuals who consider themselves bloggers. If you're a blogger, you'll self-regulate, you'll self-edit yourself.
Also, I have nothing against corporate bloggers. They may write whatever they want to write for as long as it is TRUTHFUL. That's my point. Like in advertising, there must be self-realization that the thing they are writing about are really the attributes or the real brand equity of the product they are carrying. Period. Now, if they are writing falsely, Rom is right, they'll eventually disappear from the face of the earth. Look at what happened to the breast-beating TheHighPriestofSmokes, for one.
For those who misread what I said, the simple appeal is SELF-POLICING.
Now, on the real issue....
Let me tell you a side story. Before I wrote this piece " The Genesis of Every Blogger Byte", I consulted a lot of friends whether I'll write about it or not. Coming from the traditional media field myself (I started working as a journalist some 14 years ago), it pains me to realize that the Pinoy blogosphere is slowly turning traditional. I mean, the only thing "new" about "New Media" is the medium.
For a young blogger like me, New Media embodies everything "new", even in practising online journalism. We all know what happened to practitioners of MSM. And some colleagues of mine is making it their personal crusade to cleanse the MSM ranks.
Before writing the post, I poured my heart out to Juned and the Jester-In-Exile. Hey, we must alert everyone that this is happening. We need to so that we caution them that we need to stamp out this conscious profit-making activity at the root before it engulfs the entire blogsophere and corrupts it. This is my take---I hate to see the blogosphere corrupted by the wrongful (even tortuous act) of just one blogger. Naming him will not do anything good. He knows what he did and he must be given the time and the chance to reform.
How many bloggers wrote posts lambasting MSM? How many bloggers wrote that the mainstream media is dirty, being influenced and outright compromised? Some bloggers even wrote that we must not believe in what MSM writes because most of their articles were paid by politicos?
Question---do we want to go to that direction? Obviously, that's foolish. The only thing going for bloggers happens to be their integrity. If, say, you exchange your integrity for a few thousands, are you saying that you are still different from those who practise journalism as a living?
Like other bloggers, I don't care if you make blogging a living. No one, especially me, would try to convince you otherwise. I am also NOT an Indie. My view that blogging is pure is mine and mine alone. My concept of blogging is as a pure expression of writing (as Marck said) or expanding the Idea, the expression of "Self". Now, if you will accept that this expression of "Self" can be a profit-making enterprise, you are free to do so. Just one request though--make the writing truthful. The problem right now is we don't have a PANA or a KBP who'll probably advise us that what we wrote was plain and simple stupid or outright lie.
I read some comments about this post over at Filipinovoices.com, and they are asking me to name names. Why would I? Will it benefit us here at the blogosphere? No.
Now, if you think that you are being alluded to, the point is simple--REFORM. Here's my suggested guidelines, if you may:
1. If you're a corporate blogger, say so. Tell your readers that you are made to blog about this and that and you are making a living out of it. Period.
2. If you're a blogger who is being paid by a politico, be forthwith about it. Tell it to the world. It's best that way so that your readers will know that what you are writing is about this politico and whether they agree or not is entirely different.
3. If you're a blogger who wants to foray into the world of online PR, again, be forthwith about it. Tell it straight in your blog. Don't go around town convincing everyone that you're influential with this and that blogger and use their names to earn money. That's the most stupid thing to do. Make online PR a "clean" industry. In a time where people are calling for change, we, in the blogosphere must spearhead the movement and try to change the ways things are being done.
I agree. And what I said was "policing" was writen metaphorically. Police our own ranks, means exercising self-regulation, self-editing and self-analyzing. The "our" here and the "us" here refers to individuals who consider themselves bloggers. If you're a blogger, you'll self-regulate, you'll self-edit yourself.
Also, I have nothing against corporate bloggers. They may write whatever they want to write for as long as it is TRUTHFUL. That's my point. Like in advertising, there must be self-realization that the thing they are writing about are really the attributes or the real brand equity of the product they are carrying. Period. Now, if they are writing falsely, Rom is right, they'll eventually disappear from the face of the earth. Look at what happened to the breast-beating TheHighPriestofSmokes, for one.
For those who misread what I said, the simple appeal is SELF-POLICING.
Now, on the real issue....
Let me tell you a side story. Before I wrote this piece " The Genesis of Every Blogger Byte", I consulted a lot of friends whether I'll write about it or not. Coming from the traditional media field myself (I started working as a journalist some 14 years ago), it pains me to realize that the Pinoy blogosphere is slowly turning traditional. I mean, the only thing "new" about "New Media" is the medium.
For a young blogger like me, New Media embodies everything "new", even in practising online journalism. We all know what happened to practitioners of MSM. And some colleagues of mine is making it their personal crusade to cleanse the MSM ranks.
Before writing the post, I poured my heart out to Juned and the Jester-In-Exile. Hey, we must alert everyone that this is happening. We need to so that we caution them that we need to stamp out this conscious profit-making activity at the root before it engulfs the entire blogsophere and corrupts it. This is my take---I hate to see the blogosphere corrupted by the wrongful (even tortuous act) of just one blogger. Naming him will not do anything good. He knows what he did and he must be given the time and the chance to reform.
How many bloggers wrote posts lambasting MSM? How many bloggers wrote that the mainstream media is dirty, being influenced and outright compromised? Some bloggers even wrote that we must not believe in what MSM writes because most of their articles were paid by politicos?
Question---do we want to go to that direction? Obviously, that's foolish. The only thing going for bloggers happens to be their integrity. If, say, you exchange your integrity for a few thousands, are you saying that you are still different from those who practise journalism as a living?
Like other bloggers, I don't care if you make blogging a living. No one, especially me, would try to convince you otherwise. I am also NOT an Indie. My view that blogging is pure is mine and mine alone. My concept of blogging is as a pure expression of writing (as Marck said) or expanding the Idea, the expression of "Self". Now, if you will accept that this expression of "Self" can be a profit-making enterprise, you are free to do so. Just one request though--make the writing truthful. The problem right now is we don't have a PANA or a KBP who'll probably advise us that what we wrote was plain and simple stupid or outright lie.
I read some comments about this post over at Filipinovoices.com, and they are asking me to name names. Why would I? Will it benefit us here at the blogosphere? No.
Now, if you think that you are being alluded to, the point is simple--REFORM. Here's my suggested guidelines, if you may:
1. If you're a corporate blogger, say so. Tell your readers that you are made to blog about this and that and you are making a living out of it. Period.
2. If you're a blogger who is being paid by a politico, be forthwith about it. Tell it to the world. It's best that way so that your readers will know that what you are writing is about this politico and whether they agree or not is entirely different.
3. If you're a blogger who wants to foray into the world of online PR, again, be forthwith about it. Tell it straight in your blog. Don't go around town convincing everyone that you're influential with this and that blogger and use their names to earn money. That's the most stupid thing to do. Make online PR a "clean" industry. In a time where people are calling for change, we, in the blogosphere must spearhead the movement and try to change the ways things are being done.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Fears allayed
For those who want to get a clearer understanding of things happening right now, these are just some of the things you must expect in the coming weeks.
1. WE WILL HAVE A PRESIDENTIAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IN 2010. CHARTER CHANGE IS BOUND TO FAIL THIS YEAR AND EVEN IN 2009.
2. WHETHER GLORIA GETS BOOTED OUT THIS WEEK OR THE NEXT OR EVEN NEXT YEAR, WE EXPECT TO HAVE THE SAME CONSTITUTION AND THE SAME EXPECTATION OF GOOD THINGS IN 2010.
3. EXPECT 2009 TO BE A BETTER YEAR THAN 2008. DESPITE THOSE ECONOMIC FORECASTS AND PROGNOSTINATIONS AND DOOMSDAY SCENARIO, THE PHILIPPINES WILL REMAIN STRONG. IT WILL, HOWEVER, BE STRONGER WITHOUT GLORIA AT THE HELM. DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE THINK, THAT THINGS WILL GET NASTIER AND CHAOTIC, A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT THE GLORIA GANG IS BETTER THAN A GLORIA LED GOVERNMENT IN 2009. EXPECT SWEEPING CHANGES WITH LASTING REPERCUSSIONS. EXPECT A CLEANER GOVERNMENT. AND DEFINITELY, EXPECT PERSONALITIES LIKE BAYANI FERNANDO FADING INTO OBLIVION AND EARLY RETIREMENT. THOSE WITH PULBURA MENTALITY AND ABUSIVE TACTICS WILL BE FORCED TO GET THEIR THINGS PACKED AND READY TO GO. BECAUSE THE WAVES OF CHANGE ARE NOW CAUSING A TSUNAMI AND SENDING HEARTS IN PANIC MODE IN MALACANANG.
1. WE WILL HAVE A PRESIDENTIAL AND LOCAL ELECTIONS IN 2010. CHARTER CHANGE IS BOUND TO FAIL THIS YEAR AND EVEN IN 2009.
2. WHETHER GLORIA GETS BOOTED OUT THIS WEEK OR THE NEXT OR EVEN NEXT YEAR, WE EXPECT TO HAVE THE SAME CONSTITUTION AND THE SAME EXPECTATION OF GOOD THINGS IN 2010.
3. EXPECT 2009 TO BE A BETTER YEAR THAN 2008. DESPITE THOSE ECONOMIC FORECASTS AND PROGNOSTINATIONS AND DOOMSDAY SCENARIO, THE PHILIPPINES WILL REMAIN STRONG. IT WILL, HOWEVER, BE STRONGER WITHOUT GLORIA AT THE HELM. DESPITE WHAT PEOPLE THINK, THAT THINGS WILL GET NASTIER AND CHAOTIC, A GOVERNMENT WITHOUT THE GLORIA GANG IS BETTER THAN A GLORIA LED GOVERNMENT IN 2009. EXPECT SWEEPING CHANGES WITH LASTING REPERCUSSIONS. EXPECT A CLEANER GOVERNMENT. AND DEFINITELY, EXPECT PERSONALITIES LIKE BAYANI FERNANDO FADING INTO OBLIVION AND EARLY RETIREMENT. THOSE WITH PULBURA MENTALITY AND ABUSIVE TACTICS WILL BE FORCED TO GET THEIR THINGS PACKED AND READY TO GO. BECAUSE THE WAVES OF CHANGE ARE NOW CAUSING A TSUNAMI AND SENDING HEARTS IN PANIC MODE IN MALACANANG.
The New Bonifacio
Last night, me and my wife was fortunate to witness the promise of a change maker. Senator Mar Roxas treated his friends, colleagues and supporters to a sumptuous feast. Hundreds of friends and people joined him last night, everybody expected him to make a thunderous condemnation of what's happening and people were not spurned. Roxas spoke like a true Nationalist. He livened up the spirits of those who were there with his wit and we also felt his nationalism. His nationalism touched every heart and his longing for change was shared by everybody who were with him last night.
I saw old government officials, those who served Erap and even those who served Gloria. I saw generals, socialites and even media colleagues. Is Mar Roxas the new hope? Is he the anointed one who will change the ways things are or will he be the political flash in the pan, promising many things yet, eventually delivering nothing? Will he be like Gloria whom the gods of this country pandered and idolized only to be disappointed later on when Gloria allowed herself to be taken prisoner by forces intend on making life miserable for many and comfy to them and their mafia members.
What made my day was when former Senate President Jovy Salonga arrived. I supported Salonga when he ran for the presidency. Even in defeat, I was with him. Salonga was the ideal president who never stepped in the palace glory. As they say, the presidency is a fate reserved for those whom the Gods favor. Will Mar be the one?
Sometimes, I shudder at the thought of Mar becoming president. It was unfortunate for me to have worked with one of his supposed nieces and if Mar is like his niece, then, I fear for the worst for this country.
Having said that, what would make me vote for Mar and what would even spur me to talk about him and share his vision to my friends? These are the requisites:
1. Mar should present his agenda for governance this early so that people will either approve or disapprove of it.
2. Mar should campaign hard against graft and corruption. He should demonstrate his strong will to fight grafters in government and even in the private sector.
3. Mar should, early on, remove those usual suspects in political funding whose interest lies in getting back their ROI's instead of truly helping him due to his nationalism. I saw some of them last night and if Mar sticks with them, he better do so for the right reasons.
4. Mar should marry Korina. Though many family members hate Korina's guts, she'll probably not turn into a First Gentleman. Unlike FG, Korina has the heart.
5. Mar should be very consistent in his desire for change.
By the way, Mar Roxas and four other presidentiables, will be joining more than 20,000 people in today's rally at Ayala Avenue. Show our solidarity by being there. Rain or no rain, we must show Gloria that we want change and we want her puny face out of the palace. Same goes to her rascal Cabinet.
I saw old government officials, those who served Erap and even those who served Gloria. I saw generals, socialites and even media colleagues. Is Mar Roxas the new hope? Is he the anointed one who will change the ways things are or will he be the political flash in the pan, promising many things yet, eventually delivering nothing? Will he be like Gloria whom the gods of this country pandered and idolized only to be disappointed later on when Gloria allowed herself to be taken prisoner by forces intend on making life miserable for many and comfy to them and their mafia members.
What made my day was when former Senate President Jovy Salonga arrived. I supported Salonga when he ran for the presidency. Even in defeat, I was with him. Salonga was the ideal president who never stepped in the palace glory. As they say, the presidency is a fate reserved for those whom the Gods favor. Will Mar be the one?
Sometimes, I shudder at the thought of Mar becoming president. It was unfortunate for me to have worked with one of his supposed nieces and if Mar is like his niece, then, I fear for the worst for this country.
Having said that, what would make me vote for Mar and what would even spur me to talk about him and share his vision to my friends? These are the requisites:
1. Mar should present his agenda for governance this early so that people will either approve or disapprove of it.
2. Mar should campaign hard against graft and corruption. He should demonstrate his strong will to fight grafters in government and even in the private sector.
3. Mar should, early on, remove those usual suspects in political funding whose interest lies in getting back their ROI's instead of truly helping him due to his nationalism. I saw some of them last night and if Mar sticks with them, he better do so for the right reasons.
4. Mar should marry Korina. Though many family members hate Korina's guts, she'll probably not turn into a First Gentleman. Unlike FG, Korina has the heart.
5. Mar should be very consistent in his desire for change.
By the way, Mar Roxas and four other presidentiables, will be joining more than 20,000 people in today's rally at Ayala Avenue. Show our solidarity by being there. Rain or no rain, we must show Gloria that we want change and we want her puny face out of the palace. Same goes to her rascal Cabinet.
The Genesis of Every Blogger Byte
I started blogging two years ago, with my maiden site http://redbluethoughts.today.com/. Like everybody else, it was a personal blog. It then blossomed into a socio-political commentary. I blog every so often; then this turned into a passion, then an obsession. The "tipping point" so to speak, was when Philippine Star columnist Carmen Pedrosa picked up one of my entries (it's about Soros) and got it published in its entirety in her column. It dawned on me that blogging is a serious activity; a tool to at least do my share in nation-building. Some other entries found their way in Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin and even foreign newspapers. Right now, this site is also making its rounds in coffee shops, OFW centers and of course, in that dark room called Kalayaan Hall.
Thus, New Philippine Revolution was born. NPR was my Sierra Madre, my Olympus, the apex of things I consider very important--the formation of the Filipino Nation. Thru this site, one is enabling people to empower themselves, not thru arms but through the lethal strength and power of Ideas.
Yes, NPR stands for new ideas. It stands for change and recommends new ideas to build this Nation and regain its former glory. Its ideals are being shared by a lot of Patricios; a brand name; a monopoly that is taking some root in the consciousness of regular commenters over at ANC Teleradyo. A lot of Patricios are springing in other places left and right. From the hinderlands of Ilocos to the breakwaters of Davao, people are becoming Patricios. And they are taking it seriously and raising their voices in newspapers and television shows. Credit goes to these new change agents who are creating history in their own backyards.
That prompted me, a writer named Patricio Mangubat, to expose myself in some blogger activity. Janet Toralba, that bundle of boundless energy, invited me to the 2008 MOst Influential Blog. I met Marck Rimorin (http://www.marocharimexperiment.com/) and Arbet (http://www.awbholdings.com/ ). Talking with Marck convinced me that there are still young minds out there who are concerned about what's happening to their country.
This led to my meeting Juned Sunido of baratillo.net, then Jen, then Flow, then JV Fernandez, then Markku Fernandez, then the other bloggers in this little planet called Pinoy Blogosphere. It was a delight meeting the Jester-in-Exile, a brilliant kid with a rock-solid nationalism. Talking with the Jester makes me all the more optimistic that things will become better in due time.
Jester and Marck are two wonderful young ones whose legacy online will be lasting way up to old age. I also admired the entrepreneurial nationalism of Jon Linjap, the wit of Cocoy, the sexy words of Caffeine Sparks and the in-your-face kind of blogging by Pau (a new blogger). It was also refreshing to discuss things with DJB.
I was surprised to even meet my former DZBB boss, Ding Gagelonia of http://midfield.wordpress.com/. It turned out that he was reading my pieces over here and at http://www.filipinovoices.com/ and he was unaware that his former protege was the guy behind PM. That started a relationship, a journey of partnership to rediscover life (we're not lovers, okey?). Ding is a passionate guy. Initially, I was asking myself what was Ding's personal "tipping point". I know Ding to be a MSM insider; what prompted this guy with a humongous intelligence to spend his time blogging and plurking? Why he so suddenly turned into a nationalist? Was it because he saw how dirty the system was when he worked for Erap as his Radyo Ng Bayan station manager? Was it when he saw those midnight meals, those high-stakes gambling being done in a supposed to be hallowed place called Malacanang? Or, was it because he's seeing filth turning into an institutionalized sticker under this present regime? Who knows. What's important, Ding is one sonafabitch (pardon my French) who will risk life and limb just to see a brighter and better future not only for his kids but for everybody's sake.
But, the one thing which Ding likes to share with me is his passion to make Smokes (Rom to many and blogs at http://smoketalk.blogspot.com/) appear. For Ding, Marck and Jester, seeing Rom in the flesh is a wonderful xmas gift.
So, the online revolution is reaping its fruits. People are slowly rising up. People are arming themselves with knowledge. Filipinos are proving to the world that we are not the people being described by this blogger calling himself BenigNo.
BenigNo is a poor anthithesis of Manolo Quezon III (http://www.quezon.com/) , a true-blue nationalist with royal blood running thru his veins. BenigNo promotes himself and lectures us with a poorly constructed paradigm that harms the intellect more than it nurtures new ideas. Manolo, meanwhile, analyzes using newer paradigms that cuts across a swath of smoking mirrors to reveal the hidden and naked reasons behind every historical action. As a historiographer myself, I relate to what Manolo is trying to say and find it juvenile to even give BenigNo a precious attention. Those who self-promote themselves obviously lack intelligence and self-confidence.
Having said that, I found it rather revolting to learn that some bloggers (I would not mention names here since I exercise ethics in this site) are selling themselves to the highest bidder. Yes, they are selling their very souls to corporate Public Relations practitioners (and Malacanang press operators). Worst, some blogger even sold their own colleagues to these reputation agents for reportedly a huge fee. A list supposedly exist, with the names of political and non-political bloggers and given to a politico who reportedly paid this blogger a huge sum.
Everybody who considers himself a member of the Pinoy blogosphere expected this to happen. Like any other field, there will be rotten ones who would corrupt and would offer the poisoned fruit. But, no one, expected it to happen so soon. People like Butch Dado and his lovely wife Noemi, Dang, Janet, JV and all others are trying their darnest best to keep the Pinoy Blogosphere clean as a whistle but this stupid ingrate tried to spoil everything.
YOU--YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID--SHAME ON YOU! Shame that you sold your very soul to the highest bidder. Shame that you even sold your friends, telling politicos and marketing managers that you own them when you know in your heart that you don't own anyone. Bloggers are not commodities. We are not for sale!
To my fellow bloggers, hear my plea---MAKE THE PHILIPPINE BLOGOSPHERE CLEAN. DON'T ALLOW THIS HALLOWED PLACE OF FREE EXPRESSION BE CORRUPTED BY CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS, POLITICAL OPERATORS AND WHAT HAVE YOU. WE MUST POLICE OUR RANKS. WE MUST STAY CLEAR OF PEOPLE WHO USE US JUST TO PROMOTE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, DEFEND A DIRTY POLITICIAN OR DESTROY REPUTATIONS.
BLOGGERS ARE PURE SOULS. BLOGGING IS SACRED. BLOGGING IS THE TRUEST EXPRESSION OF THE SELF. BLOGGING IS OUR "I".
THOSE WHO SOLD THEIR SOULS SHOULD EXPECT THEIR DEATHS VERY SOON. AND I MEAN SOON. (THAT'S FIGURATIVE, FOOL!)
Thus, New Philippine Revolution was born. NPR was my Sierra Madre, my Olympus, the apex of things I consider very important--the formation of the Filipino Nation. Thru this site, one is enabling people to empower themselves, not thru arms but through the lethal strength and power of Ideas.
Yes, NPR stands for new ideas. It stands for change and recommends new ideas to build this Nation and regain its former glory. Its ideals are being shared by a lot of Patricios; a brand name; a monopoly that is taking some root in the consciousness of regular commenters over at ANC Teleradyo. A lot of Patricios are springing in other places left and right. From the hinderlands of Ilocos to the breakwaters of Davao, people are becoming Patricios. And they are taking it seriously and raising their voices in newspapers and television shows. Credit goes to these new change agents who are creating history in their own backyards.
That prompted me, a writer named Patricio Mangubat, to expose myself in some blogger activity. Janet Toralba, that bundle of boundless energy, invited me to the 2008 MOst Influential Blog. I met Marck Rimorin (http://www.marocharimexperiment.com/) and Arbet (http://www.awbholdings.com/ ). Talking with Marck convinced me that there are still young minds out there who are concerned about what's happening to their country.
This led to my meeting Juned Sunido of baratillo.net, then Jen, then Flow, then JV Fernandez, then Markku Fernandez, then the other bloggers in this little planet called Pinoy Blogosphere. It was a delight meeting the Jester-in-Exile, a brilliant kid with a rock-solid nationalism. Talking with the Jester makes me all the more optimistic that things will become better in due time.
Jester and Marck are two wonderful young ones whose legacy online will be lasting way up to old age. I also admired the entrepreneurial nationalism of Jon Linjap, the wit of Cocoy, the sexy words of Caffeine Sparks and the in-your-face kind of blogging by Pau (a new blogger). It was also refreshing to discuss things with DJB.
I was surprised to even meet my former DZBB boss, Ding Gagelonia of http://midfield.wordpress.com/. It turned out that he was reading my pieces over here and at http://www.filipinovoices.com/ and he was unaware that his former protege was the guy behind PM. That started a relationship, a journey of partnership to rediscover life (we're not lovers, okey?). Ding is a passionate guy. Initially, I was asking myself what was Ding's personal "tipping point". I know Ding to be a MSM insider; what prompted this guy with a humongous intelligence to spend his time blogging and plurking? Why he so suddenly turned into a nationalist? Was it because he saw how dirty the system was when he worked for Erap as his Radyo Ng Bayan station manager? Was it when he saw those midnight meals, those high-stakes gambling being done in a supposed to be hallowed place called Malacanang? Or, was it because he's seeing filth turning into an institutionalized sticker under this present regime? Who knows. What's important, Ding is one sonafabitch (pardon my French) who will risk life and limb just to see a brighter and better future not only for his kids but for everybody's sake.
But, the one thing which Ding likes to share with me is his passion to make Smokes (Rom to many and blogs at http://smoketalk.blogspot.com/) appear. For Ding, Marck and Jester, seeing Rom in the flesh is a wonderful xmas gift.
So, the online revolution is reaping its fruits. People are slowly rising up. People are arming themselves with knowledge. Filipinos are proving to the world that we are not the people being described by this blogger calling himself BenigNo.
BenigNo is a poor anthithesis of Manolo Quezon III (http://www.quezon.com/) , a true-blue nationalist with royal blood running thru his veins. BenigNo promotes himself and lectures us with a poorly constructed paradigm that harms the intellect more than it nurtures new ideas. Manolo, meanwhile, analyzes using newer paradigms that cuts across a swath of smoking mirrors to reveal the hidden and naked reasons behind every historical action. As a historiographer myself, I relate to what Manolo is trying to say and find it juvenile to even give BenigNo a precious attention. Those who self-promote themselves obviously lack intelligence and self-confidence.
Having said that, I found it rather revolting to learn that some bloggers (I would not mention names here since I exercise ethics in this site) are selling themselves to the highest bidder. Yes, they are selling their very souls to corporate Public Relations practitioners (and Malacanang press operators). Worst, some blogger even sold their own colleagues to these reputation agents for reportedly a huge fee. A list supposedly exist, with the names of political and non-political bloggers and given to a politico who reportedly paid this blogger a huge sum.
Everybody who considers himself a member of the Pinoy blogosphere expected this to happen. Like any other field, there will be rotten ones who would corrupt and would offer the poisoned fruit. But, no one, expected it to happen so soon. People like Butch Dado and his lovely wife Noemi, Dang, Janet, JV and all others are trying their darnest best to keep the Pinoy Blogosphere clean as a whistle but this stupid ingrate tried to spoil everything.
YOU--YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DID--SHAME ON YOU! Shame that you sold your very soul to the highest bidder. Shame that you even sold your friends, telling politicos and marketing managers that you own them when you know in your heart that you don't own anyone. Bloggers are not commodities. We are not for sale!
To my fellow bloggers, hear my plea---MAKE THE PHILIPPINE BLOGOSPHERE CLEAN. DON'T ALLOW THIS HALLOWED PLACE OF FREE EXPRESSION BE CORRUPTED BY CORPORATE SPONSORSHIPS, POLITICAL OPERATORS AND WHAT HAVE YOU. WE MUST POLICE OUR RANKS. WE MUST STAY CLEAR OF PEOPLE WHO USE US JUST TO PROMOTE A DEFECTIVE PRODUCT, DEFEND A DIRTY POLITICIAN OR DESTROY REPUTATIONS.
BLOGGERS ARE PURE SOULS. BLOGGING IS SACRED. BLOGGING IS THE TRUEST EXPRESSION OF THE SELF. BLOGGING IS OUR "I".
THOSE WHO SOLD THEIR SOULS SHOULD EXPECT THEIR DEATHS VERY SOON. AND I MEAN SOON. (THAT'S FIGURATIVE, FOOL!)
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Silent rumblings, monumental changes
I'm waiting for Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to do just two things for the Filipino People:
1. Declare her position on charter change and equivocally tell everybody that she's not interested in another term extension. Aside from this, she must execute a document and sign it.
2. Direct the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to inspect the books of food companies. There is a prevailing belief that firms are shortchanging the people. Oil prices have dropped. But no food company ever readjusted their prices. When the oil prices were very high, firms used it to justify food hikes. Now, where's the justification?
On other matters....
Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile said those who'll march on Ayala this Friday will just be wasting their time. Like what I wrote a few entries ago, there is really no time left for charter change proponents to push for charter change due to lack of time. Congress will be adjourning very soon and it would leave a very bad taste in the mouth if legislators would try to rush things. Some KAMPI members asked the Speaker to expedite cha-cha discussions since everybody knows how pressed everybody is on time, but, really everything is going against Gloria as far as constitutional means of extending her reign is concerned.
Now, if Enrile is correct (because until now there's no specific schedule on charter change), then, there is only one way left for Gloria if she and her minions really want to over extend her illegal stay in Malacanang, and that is, emergency rule. That would be a long shot but indications are already existing and probabilities are also high (see my earlier entries on the Analysis of Philippine Situation re: Military). However, Gloria cannot just bang the gavel and announce it. There should be something monumental that needs to happen before she goes on the authoritarian route.
IN TRUTH, I really don't believe that Gloria and her minions would ever attempt to do the extra constitutional route NOR will Gloria ready to court extreme public indignation if she leads the charter change campaign. Gloria is facing extraordinary challenges and though the current atmosphere is really not that hot (everyone even feels that nothing is really happening), some people with sensitive political nose would definitely tell you that things are not what they really appear at this point.
I'll let you on a little secret---negotiations are underway between Gloria's group and those who want her removed now. These negotiations are like those during Erap's time--it concerns a post-Gloria era. Many believe an ouster attempt will not amount to anything, given that the administration already controls the media and that, on surface, things are not "heating" up like what happened prior to EDSA dos. Yet, at some point, things would start to break down and these so-called "influenced" media channels would definitely be forced to accede to the demands of covering events and eventually, the strong character of the anti-Arroyo movement would have been exposed and would have already lead to a snow balling effect.
What am I saying here? The possibility of ending this regime is at hand. I won't say more.
By the way, my favorite guy, Senator Mar Roxas is expected to lead some change agents in Ayala come Friday. Roxas is beginning to amaze us.
Senator Richard Gordon (tukayo) is doing an extremely great job as Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. His demeanour as chairman is impeccable. The job fits him like a glove. Kudos to Senator Gordon. And you know, whenever I watch the Blue ribbon committee hearings, I feel proud because of his wit, his candor, his calm posture and his way of conducting the hearings. Gordon should run for vice president.
I heard the interview of my good friend, Cheez Escudero. Like a courted lover, he laughed mischievously when asked by Karen Davila of the possibility of him gunning for president in 2010. Hate to say it, but Cheez sounded like a true-blue trapo that time. He may sound very different because he uses elegant Tagalog; but he can't hide his true intentions from us. Besides, some people know him and he's like her father.
Also, cut the crap of comparing Cheez to Barack Obama. Cheez has been in politics since his birth while Obama is a relative new comer. Cheez is NOT, I say, NOT the guy who will lead this nation towards true change. The country needs new blood, not those whose roots came from the pool of traditionalist politics.
1. Declare her position on charter change and equivocally tell everybody that she's not interested in another term extension. Aside from this, she must execute a document and sign it.
2. Direct the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to inspect the books of food companies. There is a prevailing belief that firms are shortchanging the people. Oil prices have dropped. But no food company ever readjusted their prices. When the oil prices were very high, firms used it to justify food hikes. Now, where's the justification?
On other matters....
Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile said those who'll march on Ayala this Friday will just be wasting their time. Like what I wrote a few entries ago, there is really no time left for charter change proponents to push for charter change due to lack of time. Congress will be adjourning very soon and it would leave a very bad taste in the mouth if legislators would try to rush things. Some KAMPI members asked the Speaker to expedite cha-cha discussions since everybody knows how pressed everybody is on time, but, really everything is going against Gloria as far as constitutional means of extending her reign is concerned.
Now, if Enrile is correct (because until now there's no specific schedule on charter change), then, there is only one way left for Gloria if she and her minions really want to over extend her illegal stay in Malacanang, and that is, emergency rule. That would be a long shot but indications are already existing and probabilities are also high (see my earlier entries on the Analysis of Philippine Situation re: Military). However, Gloria cannot just bang the gavel and announce it. There should be something monumental that needs to happen before she goes on the authoritarian route.
IN TRUTH, I really don't believe that Gloria and her minions would ever attempt to do the extra constitutional route NOR will Gloria ready to court extreme public indignation if she leads the charter change campaign. Gloria is facing extraordinary challenges and though the current atmosphere is really not that hot (everyone even feels that nothing is really happening), some people with sensitive political nose would definitely tell you that things are not what they really appear at this point.
I'll let you on a little secret---negotiations are underway between Gloria's group and those who want her removed now. These negotiations are like those during Erap's time--it concerns a post-Gloria era. Many believe an ouster attempt will not amount to anything, given that the administration already controls the media and that, on surface, things are not "heating" up like what happened prior to EDSA dos. Yet, at some point, things would start to break down and these so-called "influenced" media channels would definitely be forced to accede to the demands of covering events and eventually, the strong character of the anti-Arroyo movement would have been exposed and would have already lead to a snow balling effect.
What am I saying here? The possibility of ending this regime is at hand. I won't say more.
By the way, my favorite guy, Senator Mar Roxas is expected to lead some change agents in Ayala come Friday. Roxas is beginning to amaze us.
Senator Richard Gordon (tukayo) is doing an extremely great job as Senate Blue Ribbon Committee. His demeanour as chairman is impeccable. The job fits him like a glove. Kudos to Senator Gordon. And you know, whenever I watch the Blue ribbon committee hearings, I feel proud because of his wit, his candor, his calm posture and his way of conducting the hearings. Gordon should run for vice president.
I heard the interview of my good friend, Cheez Escudero. Like a courted lover, he laughed mischievously when asked by Karen Davila of the possibility of him gunning for president in 2010. Hate to say it, but Cheez sounded like a true-blue trapo that time. He may sound very different because he uses elegant Tagalog; but he can't hide his true intentions from us. Besides, some people know him and he's like her father.
Also, cut the crap of comparing Cheez to Barack Obama. Cheez has been in politics since his birth while Obama is a relative new comer. Cheez is NOT, I say, NOT the guy who will lead this nation towards true change. The country needs new blood, not those whose roots came from the pool of traditionalist politics.
FBI tried to arrest First Gentleman Mike Arroyo?
Sometime August, a group of Federal Bureau of Investigation agents purportedly belonging to the anti-terror division visited the Philippines. Their mission is simple--trace the flow of"hot money". Their plan? Investigate the flow of hot or laundered money from known terrorists to their fronts in the Philippines. Since 2000, the Philippines has been the easy conduit of terrorist funds. Global funds go thru the Philippines and into other countries in the Asia-Pacific region. IN fact, there are some talks that funding for the Mumbai attacks actually emanated from the Philippines. How true? We don't exactly know. Possible? Yes, highly likely.
Now, reportedly during their probe, they included top officials of the Arroyo administration. Allegedly, they probed one suspicious account of a very close associate of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, Mike Arroyo. This very close associate is known as a hot-shot big-time operator. When they investigated his account, the group eventually found a supposed "link" to the First Gentleman.
Things unfolded and reportedly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) established a very strong case of anti-money laundering against First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Now, if you ask, is it legal for the US government to file charges of money laundering against Mike Arroyo? Yes, they can do that. They did it with the dictator General Noriega. The crime of money laundering is not only local or parochial--it is also deemed an international crime, given that it is being used as a way for terrorists to fund their illegal activities.
As Manila Standard Today columnist Tony Abaya and Daily Tribune's Lito Banayo wrote a few days ago, this is the reason why the plane carrying the Presidential entourage going to Peru suddenly U-turned, purportedly due to diarrhea suffered by the First Gentleman. Under normal circumstances, the plane could have landed in Hawaii, the nearest place for that PAL flight no. 001 to have landed, according to the standard operating procedure for emergency cases. Since Hawaii or the Marshall Islands belong to the US territory, Abaya and Banayo said that reportedly the First Couple requested that the plane go in the opposite direction--Japan--a full 3 hours extra.
Going back to the First Gentleman's alleged FBI case--is it plausible? Yes, a crime, if committed, could be prosecuted by the US if, for example, some funds were "parked" in US banks. FBI sources say, this is the case.
Talks also indicated that some FBI and CIA probe teams have allegedly talked with the former wife of Iggy Arroyo who fled the country after her bitter fight with the Congressman. Reportedly, Iggy's wife brought billions of pesos in the Jose Pidal account away from the Philippines. How true? Well, circumstantial evidence points to a "hurried" flight to Europe by the estranged wife who reportedly took revenge against Iggy because the Congressman allegedly maul his wife to near death. How true? Well, politicians get intrigues left and right.
What's so significant about this? Well, this presents a very strong evidence of corruption against the First Family, if this is true. Second, this shows a very weak spot in the First Family's armor of defense. This case, I believe, shows how vulnerable the First Couple is right now that this regime could be on the verge of collapse. Remember that before the Marcos regime crumbled, the Marcos family was first subjected to subtle yet strong attacks from the US government. If this is true, then, this bolsters talks about the obviously very weak or softening support of the US State department in the Arroyo regime.
Now, as I said, to defeat the Arroyo regime, groups must first slowly attack its armour of invincibility. This case is, I believe, if proved true, could be the one that would lead to the eventual collapse and disintegration of this regime. No amount of publicity from the return of Pacquiao would prevent or deter forces from finally ousting Gloria Arroyo.
Now, reportedly during their probe, they included top officials of the Arroyo administration. Allegedly, they probed one suspicious account of a very close associate of Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's husband, Mike Arroyo. This very close associate is known as a hot-shot big-time operator. When they investigated his account, the group eventually found a supposed "link" to the First Gentleman.
Things unfolded and reportedly, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) established a very strong case of anti-money laundering against First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Now, if you ask, is it legal for the US government to file charges of money laundering against Mike Arroyo? Yes, they can do that. They did it with the dictator General Noriega. The crime of money laundering is not only local or parochial--it is also deemed an international crime, given that it is being used as a way for terrorists to fund their illegal activities.
As Manila Standard Today columnist Tony Abaya and Daily Tribune's Lito Banayo wrote a few days ago, this is the reason why the plane carrying the Presidential entourage going to Peru suddenly U-turned, purportedly due to diarrhea suffered by the First Gentleman. Under normal circumstances, the plane could have landed in Hawaii, the nearest place for that PAL flight no. 001 to have landed, according to the standard operating procedure for emergency cases. Since Hawaii or the Marshall Islands belong to the US territory, Abaya and Banayo said that reportedly the First Couple requested that the plane go in the opposite direction--Japan--a full 3 hours extra.
Going back to the First Gentleman's alleged FBI case--is it plausible? Yes, a crime, if committed, could be prosecuted by the US if, for example, some funds were "parked" in US banks. FBI sources say, this is the case.
Talks also indicated that some FBI and CIA probe teams have allegedly talked with the former wife of Iggy Arroyo who fled the country after her bitter fight with the Congressman. Reportedly, Iggy's wife brought billions of pesos in the Jose Pidal account away from the Philippines. How true? Well, circumstantial evidence points to a "hurried" flight to Europe by the estranged wife who reportedly took revenge against Iggy because the Congressman allegedly maul his wife to near death. How true? Well, politicians get intrigues left and right.
What's so significant about this? Well, this presents a very strong evidence of corruption against the First Family, if this is true. Second, this shows a very weak spot in the First Family's armor of defense. This case, I believe, shows how vulnerable the First Couple is right now that this regime could be on the verge of collapse. Remember that before the Marcos regime crumbled, the Marcos family was first subjected to subtle yet strong attacks from the US government. If this is true, then, this bolsters talks about the obviously very weak or softening support of the US State department in the Arroyo regime.
Now, as I said, to defeat the Arroyo regime, groups must first slowly attack its armour of invincibility. This case is, I believe, if proved true, could be the one that would lead to the eventual collapse and disintegration of this regime. No amount of publicity from the return of Pacquiao would prevent or deter forces from finally ousting Gloria Arroyo.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
www.OhMyGas.com a fraud?
As you know, I'm thinking of cutting down costs. One of the most problematic money depleting assets of mine is, obviously my car. It's a Mitsubishi Adventure which gulps 55 liters (yet one of the most fuel efficient vehicles today---18 kilometers per liter). And you know the pump price of diesel right? Every week, I spend close to 2,000 pesos for fuel costs.
While writing my recent post at Facebook, I stumbled upon an invitation from www.ohmygas.com. As I learned later on, this is a site maintained by Streetedge Media, a local below-the-line advertising agency based in Makati City, specializing in this niche market of car advertising. They promised to give car owners 10,000 pesos every month in exchange for giving them advertising space. If you allow them to stick advertisements in your car, they'll initially give you 5,000 pesos and when you complete 1,000 kilometers, they will then honor their end of the bargain by giving you the rest of the 5,000. Not bad, given that this could possibly save me easily 10,000 pesos worth of fuel and car maintenance costs.
Me and my wife went to their Streetedge Media booth in Makati and registered our vehicle. We were made to pay 40 pesos as registration fee. Our vehicle was photographed. The speedometer was read and registered. And they posted a www.ohmygas.com sticker at the back of my car. The guy from Streetedge Media told me that the last week of November, they'll be a campaign and someone from their company will visit me and post the ad.
It's already December and no StreetEdge Media member in sight. And I'm beginning to think that I just paid 40 pesos for them to post their sticker in my car. No hi, no hello. Nothing. And I'm starting to think that I've been had.
I'm starting to consider complaining but I am giving the Streetedge Media people the space they need to explain their side. A promise is a promise. I promise to compromise myself and my car for you; you better honor your side of the bargain. Otherwise, I'm also giving you the chance not to honor your word. Overpromising is best kept outside the advertising industry.
While writing my recent post at Facebook, I stumbled upon an invitation from www.ohmygas.com. As I learned later on, this is a site maintained by Streetedge Media, a local below-the-line advertising agency based in Makati City, specializing in this niche market of car advertising. They promised to give car owners 10,000 pesos every month in exchange for giving them advertising space. If you allow them to stick advertisements in your car, they'll initially give you 5,000 pesos and when you complete 1,000 kilometers, they will then honor their end of the bargain by giving you the rest of the 5,000. Not bad, given that this could possibly save me easily 10,000 pesos worth of fuel and car maintenance costs.
Me and my wife went to their Streetedge Media booth in Makati and registered our vehicle. We were made to pay 40 pesos as registration fee. Our vehicle was photographed. The speedometer was read and registered. And they posted a www.ohmygas.com sticker at the back of my car. The guy from Streetedge Media told me that the last week of November, they'll be a campaign and someone from their company will visit me and post the ad.
It's already December and no StreetEdge Media member in sight. And I'm beginning to think that I just paid 40 pesos for them to post their sticker in my car. No hi, no hello. Nothing. And I'm starting to think that I've been had.
I'm starting to consider complaining but I am giving the Streetedge Media people the space they need to explain their side. A promise is a promise. I promise to compromise myself and my car for you; you better honor your side of the bargain. Otherwise, I'm also giving you the chance not to honor your word. Overpromising is best kept outside the advertising industry.
Philippine banks to declare bank holidays?
Two banks, the Philippine Countryside Development Bank and the Philippine Rural Banks all based in Cebu have collapsed and declared a bank holiday today. Sources inside the banking industry says, expect other small and medium-sized banks especially those based in Southern Luzon and some parts of the North to collapse as well. Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) reportedly had an advance information about this that's why yesterday, the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation decided to raise the insurance of bank deposits to as high as 500,000 pesos.
As I wrote some months ago, the weakest link in the Philippine banking industry is the rural banks. As the economy slows, with weak demands from both Metro Manila and foreign countries, expect the death of export industries based in the provinces. Local demands cannot support huge production of export and agri industrial products from the rural areas. Low demands lead to low production. With slower economic activity, definitely companies and entrepreneurs will find it very hard to pay off debts and loans.
Another bad news---the government failed to "liquify" or "monetize" 30 billion pesos worth of bad housing mortgages. Sources say, government has absorbed more than 66 billion pesos worth of bad housing mortgages and last November, has failed to attract bidders or buyers. Apparently, what we are seeing is the first embers of a smoldering Philippine sub-prime mortgage crisis. And government, it seems, is quite helpless.
Does this concern us? Yes, because the National Housing MOrtgage Finance Corporation will need to get more money from Pag-Ibig, GSIS and SSS to plug the financial hemorrhage. Since funds from these governing financial institutions will be redirected to support NHMFC, this means longer loan processing times and possibly disapproval for loan applications from SSS, GSIS and PAGIBIG members.
If this government agency collapses, this will affect all real estate projects in the country. A collapse will mean a domino effect on almost all critical sectors in the economy, leading to a very abrupt recession. Market analysts have not factored this issue in, obviously because they are afraid to create panic. But, I tell you now, this issue is really very very serious to warrant immediate planning and plugging holes by Malacanang. Otherwise, our financial and economic situation might worsen leading to negative growth.
Another issue---sources say the BSP is injecting more and more dollars into the Forex market to stabilize the peso. The local currency is under extreme attack from speculators. Sources say the peso-dollar exchange will reach 56 by 2009.
Net of discussion--there seems to be no government plan to at least mitigate the full effects of a bank run or bank holidays in the coming months. Analysts say, it's expected, since government cannot really insulate the banking sector from the creeping global financial crisis. The question I pose is--will government reserves be enough to pump prime the banking sector? The World Bank advised the BSP to at least expand its credit facilities and lower interest rates. Will the BSP follow suit? Latest talk says BSP's Tetangco is adverse to the idea. So, my friends, expect a further tightening of credit markets and veritable bank runs and holidays in the coming weeks.
As I wrote some months ago, the weakest link in the Philippine banking industry is the rural banks. As the economy slows, with weak demands from both Metro Manila and foreign countries, expect the death of export industries based in the provinces. Local demands cannot support huge production of export and agri industrial products from the rural areas. Low demands lead to low production. With slower economic activity, definitely companies and entrepreneurs will find it very hard to pay off debts and loans.
Another bad news---the government failed to "liquify" or "monetize" 30 billion pesos worth of bad housing mortgages. Sources say, government has absorbed more than 66 billion pesos worth of bad housing mortgages and last November, has failed to attract bidders or buyers. Apparently, what we are seeing is the first embers of a smoldering Philippine sub-prime mortgage crisis. And government, it seems, is quite helpless.
Does this concern us? Yes, because the National Housing MOrtgage Finance Corporation will need to get more money from Pag-Ibig, GSIS and SSS to plug the financial hemorrhage. Since funds from these governing financial institutions will be redirected to support NHMFC, this means longer loan processing times and possibly disapproval for loan applications from SSS, GSIS and PAGIBIG members.
If this government agency collapses, this will affect all real estate projects in the country. A collapse will mean a domino effect on almost all critical sectors in the economy, leading to a very abrupt recession. Market analysts have not factored this issue in, obviously because they are afraid to create panic. But, I tell you now, this issue is really very very serious to warrant immediate planning and plugging holes by Malacanang. Otherwise, our financial and economic situation might worsen leading to negative growth.
Another issue---sources say the BSP is injecting more and more dollars into the Forex market to stabilize the peso. The local currency is under extreme attack from speculators. Sources say the peso-dollar exchange will reach 56 by 2009.
Net of discussion--there seems to be no government plan to at least mitigate the full effects of a bank run or bank holidays in the coming months. Analysts say, it's expected, since government cannot really insulate the banking sector from the creeping global financial crisis. The question I pose is--will government reserves be enough to pump prime the banking sector? The World Bank advised the BSP to at least expand its credit facilities and lower interest rates. Will the BSP follow suit? Latest talk says BSP's Tetangco is adverse to the idea. So, my friends, expect a further tightening of credit markets and veritable bank runs and holidays in the coming weeks.
Pacquiao As Anti-Democracy Prop
I don't know about you but it's quite disturbing seeing a government official and a department secretary at that, acting as the publicity and PR manager of Manny Pacquiao. I'm talking about Environment Secretary Lito Atienza. At the regular Malacanang press conference today, Atienza was seen revealing the itinerary of legendary Pinoy boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao.
If Atienza serves as our sports czar, that's quite understandable. But, Atienza is supposed to trumpet the accomplishments of his department. There are quite a number of explosive issues bedevilling the state of the Philippine environment, among which, are the Mount Diwalwal exploitation, the thinning tropical forests, the decreasing numbers of fish catch, etal.
And here, we see our very own environment secretary doubling up as Manny Pacquiao's publicist. Mr. Atienza, are you Manny's designated PR man? Have'nt you forgotten your mandate? Or, this is one of your rackets? Have'nt you forgotten Mr. Atienza that you're not, oh no, not a PR man of Manila City hall?
Obviously, Malacanang want to exploit the "goodwill" generated by Pacman's victory. They want to use the boxing hero as their counterpoint against a big rally tomorrow. My good friend, Leah Navarro informed me that the rally against Charter Change will be led by the CEAP and MAPSA, the country's largest associations of schools parochial, Code NGO, C4CC, Laban ng Masa & Akbayan, the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Rosales and farmers from all over the country . Rallyists will be converging at St. Peter's Basilica at 10 in the morning to march towards Batasan.
Tomorrow, Congressmen will resume discussions on pending charter change proposals. Sources told me that tomorrow, Congressmen will attempt to dislodge Speaker Prospero Nograles from his seat. KAMPI will try to force Nograles into a corner by pressing him to categorically state his position regarding charter change. The fear of most everybody in KAMPI right now is Nograles' wishy-washy stance. Nograles is afraid to be caught at the wrong side of history. He is now facing tremendous pressures from his former colleagues at LAKAS-NUCD led by his mentor, JDV and FVR.
With the numbers stacked against him, there is a gvery strong possibility that Cong. Luis Villafuerte will be anointed as the new Speaker replacing Nograles.
So, it will be a media fight tomorrow as both groups, the administration and the anti-charter change groups will try to get over the other tomorrow. And Manny Pacquiao will be at the center of a media maelstrom.
I suggest for Manny---for the sake of your flowering career, desist from taking part in Malacanang's plan to make you their poster boy for tomorrow. Remember what happened to Nora Aunor? She was used by former president Estrada as a counter force in the rising movement for change prior to the outbreak of EDSA 2. Look at what happened to her?
Don't tempt fate and don't put yourself in a very difficult and dangerous situation. You're a boxer. Don't be deluded by promises of more grandeur and the sparkle of politics. Politics is not a boxing ring. No.
Pacman, politics is chess, not boxing. Baka ma-mate ka.
By the way, the second big one is on Friday, 12 December, 4:00pm, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, Makati. It will be led by UNO and Bayan. The Liberal Party and Jesus is Lord Movement are going also. Expect fireworks that would surely make everyone smile this coming holidays.
If Atienza serves as our sports czar, that's quite understandable. But, Atienza is supposed to trumpet the accomplishments of his department. There are quite a number of explosive issues bedevilling the state of the Philippine environment, among which, are the Mount Diwalwal exploitation, the thinning tropical forests, the decreasing numbers of fish catch, etal.
And here, we see our very own environment secretary doubling up as Manny Pacquiao's publicist. Mr. Atienza, are you Manny's designated PR man? Have'nt you forgotten your mandate? Or, this is one of your rackets? Have'nt you forgotten Mr. Atienza that you're not, oh no, not a PR man of Manila City hall?
Obviously, Malacanang want to exploit the "goodwill" generated by Pacman's victory. They want to use the boxing hero as their counterpoint against a big rally tomorrow. My good friend, Leah Navarro informed me that the rally against Charter Change will be led by the CEAP and MAPSA, the country's largest associations of schools parochial, Code NGO, C4CC, Laban ng Masa & Akbayan, the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Rosales and farmers from all over the country . Rallyists will be converging at St. Peter's Basilica at 10 in the morning to march towards Batasan.
Tomorrow, Congressmen will resume discussions on pending charter change proposals. Sources told me that tomorrow, Congressmen will attempt to dislodge Speaker Prospero Nograles from his seat. KAMPI will try to force Nograles into a corner by pressing him to categorically state his position regarding charter change. The fear of most everybody in KAMPI right now is Nograles' wishy-washy stance. Nograles is afraid to be caught at the wrong side of history. He is now facing tremendous pressures from his former colleagues at LAKAS-NUCD led by his mentor, JDV and FVR.
With the numbers stacked against him, there is a gvery strong possibility that Cong. Luis Villafuerte will be anointed as the new Speaker replacing Nograles.
So, it will be a media fight tomorrow as both groups, the administration and the anti-charter change groups will try to get over the other tomorrow. And Manny Pacquiao will be at the center of a media maelstrom.
I suggest for Manny---for the sake of your flowering career, desist from taking part in Malacanang's plan to make you their poster boy for tomorrow. Remember what happened to Nora Aunor? She was used by former president Estrada as a counter force in the rising movement for change prior to the outbreak of EDSA 2. Look at what happened to her?
Don't tempt fate and don't put yourself in a very difficult and dangerous situation. You're a boxer. Don't be deluded by promises of more grandeur and the sparkle of politics. Politics is not a boxing ring. No.
Pacman, politics is chess, not boxing. Baka ma-mate ka.
By the way, the second big one is on Friday, 12 December, 4:00pm, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, Makati. It will be led by UNO and Bayan. The Liberal Party and Jesus is Lord Movement are going also. Expect fireworks that would surely make everyone smile this coming holidays.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Triggers for the Defining Moment
In previous entries, I have explained what the "defining moment" is (or what I personally call the dramatis causa or others term as casus belli). In our situation right now, the goal of the administration is to deny its enemies of this event. Malacanang is known to adapt itself from any destabilizing situation. In fact, the possibility of Malacanang backtracking, even going to the extent of Mrs. Arroyo being made to announce a televised presscon of her desire to step down in 2010 just to quelch any and all big demonstrations against her administration. She did it before. However, everytime she does this, and after the situation cools, her administration actually hits back at critics, squeezing them and institutes certain measures against them. So, learning from this, this time though, many people hope that those who really want her out before 2010 should do their thing with extreme force. They should deal Arroyo a decisive defeat, and not allow her to recover. Otherwise, they may yet see themselves getting the brunt of the state power in case of another failed try.
As you see in my previous entries, forces are converging very fast against Gloria. There is a systematic destruction of state defenses via two modes: political re-alignments and neutralization of possible military opposition against the emerging movement. Now, what would trigger a situation which would possibly lead to Gloria's ouster? First, I believe that the anti-charter change interfaith rally will lead to Gloria's downfall if managed properly. If groups pull their punches and fein on lambasting her and not really throw everything at her administration before, during and after the rally, nothing will come out of it.
Remember--this rally is a barometer for both the pro-Arroyo and the anti-Arroyo. It is crucial for both groups. If this fails, expect a backlash against all anti-Arroyo groups. Expect political and economic futures to change for those who support this. Expect also a totalitarian regime of Arroyo. Arroyo will be able to use this as an occasion to immediately sweep all opposition and declare authoritarian rule. If this succeeds though, the political and even professional futures of those who stuck it out with Arroyo would also change dramatically. What we see now as our present political leaders may suffer a humiliating retirement once an attempt at the seat of power fails again.
What is also crucial for both groups is how they manage the information flow. Again, this will lead to a situation where he who holds media will be able to control time. What do I mean by this? If a group controls the information environment, he will now have the power to direct what path this would take. Will it go and influence the "swing forces"--those groups who will fence sit and will wait and observe who's winning? Or, will it be totally controlled by the state which, in this case, deprives the other side of their momentum and allows state security forces to move in and quell dissent.
Now, the possibility of this being a failure is still very high. One scenario that I'm praying not to happen is when Malacanang convinces Arroyo to publicly announce her intention not to run in 2010. If this happens, they'll be a split among the ranks of these groups behind the interfaith rally. Given the tenuous nature of this group, those who oppose Arroyo just because of the possibility of term extension would probably abandon the cause. This could dilute the qualitative character of the movement but could not possibly affect the outcome of things if, say, other events come into the picture. What are these elements and where will they emerge will again, be the subject of another post.
As you see in my previous entries, forces are converging very fast against Gloria. There is a systematic destruction of state defenses via two modes: political re-alignments and neutralization of possible military opposition against the emerging movement. Now, what would trigger a situation which would possibly lead to Gloria's ouster? First, I believe that the anti-charter change interfaith rally will lead to Gloria's downfall if managed properly. If groups pull their punches and fein on lambasting her and not really throw everything at her administration before, during and after the rally, nothing will come out of it.
Remember--this rally is a barometer for both the pro-Arroyo and the anti-Arroyo. It is crucial for both groups. If this fails, expect a backlash against all anti-Arroyo groups. Expect political and economic futures to change for those who support this. Expect also a totalitarian regime of Arroyo. Arroyo will be able to use this as an occasion to immediately sweep all opposition and declare authoritarian rule. If this succeeds though, the political and even professional futures of those who stuck it out with Arroyo would also change dramatically. What we see now as our present political leaders may suffer a humiliating retirement once an attempt at the seat of power fails again.
What is also crucial for both groups is how they manage the information flow. Again, this will lead to a situation where he who holds media will be able to control time. What do I mean by this? If a group controls the information environment, he will now have the power to direct what path this would take. Will it go and influence the "swing forces"--those groups who will fence sit and will wait and observe who's winning? Or, will it be totally controlled by the state which, in this case, deprives the other side of their momentum and allows state security forces to move in and quell dissent.
Now, the possibility of this being a failure is still very high. One scenario that I'm praying not to happen is when Malacanang convinces Arroyo to publicly announce her intention not to run in 2010. If this happens, they'll be a split among the ranks of these groups behind the interfaith rally. Given the tenuous nature of this group, those who oppose Arroyo just because of the possibility of term extension would probably abandon the cause. This could dilute the qualitative character of the movement but could not possibly affect the outcome of things if, say, other events come into the picture. What are these elements and where will they emerge will again, be the subject of another post.
Analysis of the Phil Situation 4: The Military
AFP Chief of Staff General Alex Yano has, time and again, said that the military organisation will not participate in the political intramurals. Yano said the loyalty of the military wrests in the sovereign power. Now, who is the sovereign power? It is the Filipino People, not one person.
Now, in the military organisation, the ruling class is PMA Class 1976, composed of Yano, PNP Chief of Staff Jesus Verzosa and his command officers. Now, the penultimate question--will Yano move against those who will try to unseat Mrs. Arroyo? Last year's November caper of Trillianes showed Yano sending his troops against the Magdalos. Will he do this again if challenged by younger PMA officers?
Posing to challenge the PMA Class 1976 is the officer corps of PMA Class 1978. Sources say this Class is actually behind the smear campaign of PNP Chief Verzosa and is allegedly maneuvering to get the AFP and PNP plum posts in 2009. This class is wont on smearing the integrity of Yano since most of them, allegedly, are afraid of their upperclassman.
What political observers fail to realize is that if attempts to unseat Arroyo fail this year, the possibility of an extended, even a totalitarian regime under Arroyo exists in 2009 and beyond, what with the PMA Class 1978 serving as Arroyo's praetorian guards. This is entirely possible given that Arroyo's henchmen are solidifying almost all institutions of government behind Arroyo's. There are talks that PMA Class 1978 will hold the distinction of being Arroyo's version of the Rolex generals (since Arroyo is an honorary member of this PMA class. Many members of the class are loyal and very close to the First Couple).
Question---will other classes stand up and oppose this from happening? We already sacrificed our lives to oust a dictator in 1986. Let's do it again to prevent an aspiring one from getting her way.
Now, in the military organisation, the ruling class is PMA Class 1976, composed of Yano, PNP Chief of Staff Jesus Verzosa and his command officers. Now, the penultimate question--will Yano move against those who will try to unseat Mrs. Arroyo? Last year's November caper of Trillianes showed Yano sending his troops against the Magdalos. Will he do this again if challenged by younger PMA officers?
Posing to challenge the PMA Class 1976 is the officer corps of PMA Class 1978. Sources say this Class is actually behind the smear campaign of PNP Chief Verzosa and is allegedly maneuvering to get the AFP and PNP plum posts in 2009. This class is wont on smearing the integrity of Yano since most of them, allegedly, are afraid of their upperclassman.
What political observers fail to realize is that if attempts to unseat Arroyo fail this year, the possibility of an extended, even a totalitarian regime under Arroyo exists in 2009 and beyond, what with the PMA Class 1978 serving as Arroyo's praetorian guards. This is entirely possible given that Arroyo's henchmen are solidifying almost all institutions of government behind Arroyo's. There are talks that PMA Class 1978 will hold the distinction of being Arroyo's version of the Rolex generals (since Arroyo is an honorary member of this PMA class. Many members of the class are loyal and very close to the First Couple).
Question---will other classes stand up and oppose this from happening? We already sacrificed our lives to oust a dictator in 1986. Let's do it again to prevent an aspiring one from getting her way.
Analysis of the Phil. Situation 3: The Political Bigwigs
There are talks that Speaker Prospero Nograles is under extreme pressure. His political party, Kampi, is pressuring him to change his stand against term extension. Kampi even threatens to oust him as Speaker via a coup d'etat. And the one allegedly orchestrating this, is none other than his friend, Ronnie Puno.
It's well known that DILG secretary Ronnie Puno (the chief architect of Kampi's expansion) belongs to the small group of Palace secretaries who favor Gloria's 2020 overtime plan. Puno is allegedly confident that the strength of the anti charter change movement is weak, therefore, this is the time to really go for blood and push charter change down the people's throat. Obviously, a consummate politician like Nograles sees differently and that explains why he's opposing Puno's group. For all his allegedly strong personality facade, Nograles is afraid to go against his former boss, Jose de Venecia Jr. Talks are afloat within the House that JDV is getting more and more support not only from civil society but also in the political scene that there are very strong perceptions that JDV is re-invigorating his political clout. Now, aside from Nograles, Albay Congressman Edcel Lagman already called it quits and already announced his readiness not to participate in the charter change push.
Now, I think that other charter change proponents will fall one by one prior and after December 12. Luis Villafuerte will definitely accede, so do Cebu Congressman Pablo Garcia. Even La Union Congressman Victor Ortega will succumb to public pressure once this accelerates a week before December 12. If these Congressmen fall, the rest will definitely follow. Unlike the Big Yoda (Jose de Venecia Jr.), these Congressmen are not made of sterner stuff. They, surely, will enter into compromises or deals if they see that the winds are changing and blowing in the other way.
At the Senate, almost everybody there are opposed to term extensions. However, it is important to note how Enrile will maneuver to neutralize future opposition to his post as Senate President. Enrile is neither opposition nor administration. He is his own man. He may act independently on his own to solidify forces against Gloria come decision time.
Meanwhile, traditional political parties are positioning themselves away from the ruling coalition and this will definitely show come December 12. Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party has just forged a tactical alliance with the JDV-FVR faction in Lakas. Danding has also given his blessing for NPC to join JDV-FVR. Will there be a formal announcement of the breakout of this Lakas faction from the Lakas-KAMPI ruling coalition? Quite expectedly, yes. Will there be a new dominant party prior to 2010? Yes. It will be the strong political front of Lakas-NPC-Nacionalista. Will this impact on the political future of other political parties? Yes. Who is the most immediate victim? It will be Gloria's KAMPI party who will definitely be marginalized once FVR announces a tactical alliance.
Now, this announcement will definitely be timed after a strong showing against charter change in December 12. Obviously, FVR has already wrote finis his relationship with Gloria and he knows how to counter the expected backlash from Lakas-KAMPI. It would be better if FVR's faction does this after the overthrow of Gloria.
In fact, many are saying that the reason for these sudden political re-alignments is to protect the status quo once a coup succeeds in toppling Gloria. At the surface, it may appear that the December 12 interfaith rally is just your normal rally but in the backstages, things are moving very fast against Gloria. The rally is just a facade to hide the backroom negotiations being done to effect a bloodless transition of power! More on this in the summary of these posts.
It's well known that DILG secretary Ronnie Puno (the chief architect of Kampi's expansion) belongs to the small group of Palace secretaries who favor Gloria's 2020 overtime plan. Puno is allegedly confident that the strength of the anti charter change movement is weak, therefore, this is the time to really go for blood and push charter change down the people's throat. Obviously, a consummate politician like Nograles sees differently and that explains why he's opposing Puno's group. For all his allegedly strong personality facade, Nograles is afraid to go against his former boss, Jose de Venecia Jr. Talks are afloat within the House that JDV is getting more and more support not only from civil society but also in the political scene that there are very strong perceptions that JDV is re-invigorating his political clout. Now, aside from Nograles, Albay Congressman Edcel Lagman already called it quits and already announced his readiness not to participate in the charter change push.
Now, I think that other charter change proponents will fall one by one prior and after December 12. Luis Villafuerte will definitely accede, so do Cebu Congressman Pablo Garcia. Even La Union Congressman Victor Ortega will succumb to public pressure once this accelerates a week before December 12. If these Congressmen fall, the rest will definitely follow. Unlike the Big Yoda (Jose de Venecia Jr.), these Congressmen are not made of sterner stuff. They, surely, will enter into compromises or deals if they see that the winds are changing and blowing in the other way.
At the Senate, almost everybody there are opposed to term extensions. However, it is important to note how Enrile will maneuver to neutralize future opposition to his post as Senate President. Enrile is neither opposition nor administration. He is his own man. He may act independently on his own to solidify forces against Gloria come decision time.
Meanwhile, traditional political parties are positioning themselves away from the ruling coalition and this will definitely show come December 12. Manny Villar's Nacionalista Party has just forged a tactical alliance with the JDV-FVR faction in Lakas. Danding has also given his blessing for NPC to join JDV-FVR. Will there be a formal announcement of the breakout of this Lakas faction from the Lakas-KAMPI ruling coalition? Quite expectedly, yes. Will there be a new dominant party prior to 2010? Yes. It will be the strong political front of Lakas-NPC-Nacionalista. Will this impact on the political future of other political parties? Yes. Who is the most immediate victim? It will be Gloria's KAMPI party who will definitely be marginalized once FVR announces a tactical alliance.
Now, this announcement will definitely be timed after a strong showing against charter change in December 12. Obviously, FVR has already wrote finis his relationship with Gloria and he knows how to counter the expected backlash from Lakas-KAMPI. It would be better if FVR's faction does this after the overthrow of Gloria.
In fact, many are saying that the reason for these sudden political re-alignments is to protect the status quo once a coup succeeds in toppling Gloria. At the surface, it may appear that the December 12 interfaith rally is just your normal rally but in the backstages, things are moving very fast against Gloria. The rally is just a facade to hide the backroom negotiations being done to effect a bloodless transition of power! More on this in the summary of these posts.
Analysis of the Political Situation: The Businessmen
The influential Makati Business Club (MBC) already announced that they are also taking part in the December 12 interfaith rally. MBC spokesman Bertie Lim said that businessmen are sick and tired of what's happening and they'll go "all out" come December 12. Of course, if it's the MBC already talking, then, by deduction, the big Ayala-Zobel group is already there. And you know how things turn when this group is already in the picture. We saw the Ayalas on stage when Gloria the Pretender was being sworn into office by former Chief Justice Hilarion Davide. Now, if the MBC is there, surely the Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) will not be very far behind.
Now, we have'nt heard of the Philippine Chinese-Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) which is being influenced by Chinese tycoon Lucio Tan. We all know where Tan stands politically. Tan is a close friend of this administration and there's no way for him to go to the other side. Likewise, the Concepcions, Yulos and garments tycoon Dee are known Arroyo allies. Even the Filipino-Chinese Business Club would dare not to oppose Arroyo. In fact, the very head of this Club revels of his enormous connection with the First Couple, being "allegedly" instrumental in ousting Estrada.
What about the Lopezes and Manny Pangilinan of PLDT? Obviously, some would say that the Lopezes would oppose Gloria and would probably take part, albeit, in the backroom. Yet, there are some insinuations that a deal was forged between Gabby Lopez and the first Couple in Hongkong. It involves the Lopez crown jewel, Meralco. Now, we are not privy to their talks and again, I don't want to speculate. But, there are deafening buzz about the Lopezes allegedly selling themselves out.
Pangilinan, meanwhile, is really not a political guy, but if push comes to shove, we may yet see him, again within the inner circle of the business powers in the likes of the Ayalas and the Cojuangcos. Oh, speaking about Danding Cojuangco. Danding's political machine, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) has now merged with the Lakas faction of JDV-FVR and you know where that faction stands at this point. So, count Danding in.
Like in previous socio-political upheavals, the likes of SM's Henry Sy, Jollibee Group's Tankathiongs and others would just be fence-sitters. Having no big stake in government transactions, these groups are well entrenched already and it does'nt concern them if this government falls or not. Regardless of who heads this big syndicate called government, these tycoons would not dare rock the boat for fear of future reprisals. This, usually, is the attitude of Chinese businessmen in the Philippines. Politics, for them, is not within the business agenda.
Now, if you see, it seems that there's a stronger force against Gloria at this point. Eventhough Gloria has her Tan, Concepcion, Yulos and Dees, these will not be enough to counter the formidable business alliance ranged against her. Tan is actually a weak component in Gloria's corporate group. Tan is known to have a pragmatic approach to politics. If one or some of these businessmen see that the winds are changing and it's not going the way to Gloria, we may yet see a silent entourage of businessmen going to the other side and striking deals left and right with the Anti-Arroyo group.
Now, we have'nt heard of the Philippine Chinese-Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCCI) which is being influenced by Chinese tycoon Lucio Tan. We all know where Tan stands politically. Tan is a close friend of this administration and there's no way for him to go to the other side. Likewise, the Concepcions, Yulos and garments tycoon Dee are known Arroyo allies. Even the Filipino-Chinese Business Club would dare not to oppose Arroyo. In fact, the very head of this Club revels of his enormous connection with the First Couple, being "allegedly" instrumental in ousting Estrada.
What about the Lopezes and Manny Pangilinan of PLDT? Obviously, some would say that the Lopezes would oppose Gloria and would probably take part, albeit, in the backroom. Yet, there are some insinuations that a deal was forged between Gabby Lopez and the first Couple in Hongkong. It involves the Lopez crown jewel, Meralco. Now, we are not privy to their talks and again, I don't want to speculate. But, there are deafening buzz about the Lopezes allegedly selling themselves out.
Pangilinan, meanwhile, is really not a political guy, but if push comes to shove, we may yet see him, again within the inner circle of the business powers in the likes of the Ayalas and the Cojuangcos. Oh, speaking about Danding Cojuangco. Danding's political machine, the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) has now merged with the Lakas faction of JDV-FVR and you know where that faction stands at this point. So, count Danding in.
Like in previous socio-political upheavals, the likes of SM's Henry Sy, Jollibee Group's Tankathiongs and others would just be fence-sitters. Having no big stake in government transactions, these groups are well entrenched already and it does'nt concern them if this government falls or not. Regardless of who heads this big syndicate called government, these tycoons would not dare rock the boat for fear of future reprisals. This, usually, is the attitude of Chinese businessmen in the Philippines. Politics, for them, is not within the business agenda.
Now, if you see, it seems that there's a stronger force against Gloria at this point. Eventhough Gloria has her Tan, Concepcion, Yulos and Dees, these will not be enough to counter the formidable business alliance ranged against her. Tan is actually a weak component in Gloria's corporate group. Tan is known to have a pragmatic approach to politics. If one or some of these businessmen see that the winds are changing and it's not going the way to Gloria, we may yet see a silent entourage of businessmen going to the other side and striking deals left and right with the Anti-Arroyo group.
Analysis of the Phil. Situation: The Religious Groups
As I write this, there are now more than 70 people's organisations who already intimated their desire to participate in the December 12 interfaith rally. Rally organisers are expecting more groups and more people to join. As it stands, Manila Archbishop Cardinal Rosales has issued a statement in support of the rally. El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde already threw his hat into the derby, so does Jesus Is Lord Movement leader Ed Villanueva. Wagging tongues say, Velarde was urged by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP). The question is--will the big Iglesia Ni Cristo group take active part as well? It's significant since the INC enjoys a wider constituency than El Shaddai and the Church is known for really delivering warm bodies (reminiscent of what they did in EDSA 1 and EDSA 2). As of the moment, there are some influential political leaders who are talking with some high INC officials. We still don't know if these talks will prosper.
I hate to say it but, I'll say it anyway--I shudder at the thought of a "spy" within the ranks of the anti-charter change and anti-Arroyo movement subverting this interfaith rally. I don't want to cast aspersions to the intentions of some of the religious groups, but, there is a possibility that one of them would, at the last minute, betray this. What would prevent, say El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde calling his flock not to attend the rally anymore since he and some Malacanang officials already made a "deal"? Remember that Presidential Political Adviser Gabby Claudio and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita suggested a "clarificatory" meeting with Velarde anytime soon. The possibility of a Velarde/El Shaddai pullout is big. Think of this scenario:
This administration is known to subvert any big gathering such as this one. Everyone knows at the palace that if they fail to manage this huge anti-Gloria rally, this is bound to lead to something big, similar to the one in Thailand.
But, first things first---rally organisers should be able to gather as many people as possible to make this happen. To do just that, people should be psychologically prep up to go there. For people to go, they must think that this rally would lead to something wonderful afterwards. Meaning, it should be backed by the strongest and the most credible political and religious personalities. That's the psychology of the Filipino--he sides with whoever is the stronger force.
As of now, people think that this rally is REALLY big, because the political and religious personages are coming--former President Joseph Estrada, Velarde, Villanueva, Rosales, former government officials etc. Now, what if Malacanang maneuvers to destroy this formidable group? What if they enter into a compromise, say with the Catholic Church on the issue of Reproductive Health bill and Arroyo dangles her veto powers? Will we see Rosales (who has a niece inside the Palace) and Velarde (a brother, Mel, manages a government agency and you know the other interests) taking a back slide and instead of encouraging their people to go, they let them counter it instead? Again, I'm not casting aspersions against these people, but hey, this is politics. And in politics, anything can happen.
Backsliding has happened in the past. Velarde has backslided so many times already that I don't remember these incidences anymore. Remember, more than a religious preacher, Velarde is a savvy political operator. He's a survivor of many administrations. I just hope that Velarde knows where he really stands and has the balls to really take his commitments on this seriously. Otherwise, if Velarde will just use this as a negotiating tool, then, rally organisers should prepare for a Plan B to counter a possible backsliding.
Now, who actually controls Velarde and Rosales? Are they their own man? Velarde, as you know, is a consummate businessman. While, Rosales (who is sickly) is not someone with a solid political belief. This is the thing. More influential leaders, say Ramos, JDV and Estrada should exert their influence over these two leaders and assure them that something is really going to happen that would change the political landscape and affect the very political futures of the present status quo.
IN the case of the INC, there should be a wide
I hate to say it but, I'll say it anyway--I shudder at the thought of a "spy" within the ranks of the anti-charter change and anti-Arroyo movement subverting this interfaith rally. I don't want to cast aspersions to the intentions of some of the religious groups, but, there is a possibility that one of them would, at the last minute, betray this. What would prevent, say El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde calling his flock not to attend the rally anymore since he and some Malacanang officials already made a "deal"? Remember that Presidential Political Adviser Gabby Claudio and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita suggested a "clarificatory" meeting with Velarde anytime soon. The possibility of a Velarde/El Shaddai pullout is big. Think of this scenario:
This administration is known to subvert any big gathering such as this one. Everyone knows at the palace that if they fail to manage this huge anti-Gloria rally, this is bound to lead to something big, similar to the one in Thailand.
But, first things first---rally organisers should be able to gather as many people as possible to make this happen. To do just that, people should be psychologically prep up to go there. For people to go, they must think that this rally would lead to something wonderful afterwards. Meaning, it should be backed by the strongest and the most credible political and religious personalities. That's the psychology of the Filipino--he sides with whoever is the stronger force.
As of now, people think that this rally is REALLY big, because the political and religious personages are coming--former President Joseph Estrada, Velarde, Villanueva, Rosales, former government officials etc. Now, what if Malacanang maneuvers to destroy this formidable group? What if they enter into a compromise, say with the Catholic Church on the issue of Reproductive Health bill and Arroyo dangles her veto powers? Will we see Rosales (who has a niece inside the Palace) and Velarde (a brother, Mel, manages a government agency and you know the other interests) taking a back slide and instead of encouraging their people to go, they let them counter it instead? Again, I'm not casting aspersions against these people, but hey, this is politics. And in politics, anything can happen.
Backsliding has happened in the past. Velarde has backslided so many times already that I don't remember these incidences anymore. Remember, more than a religious preacher, Velarde is a savvy political operator. He's a survivor of many administrations. I just hope that Velarde knows where he really stands and has the balls to really take his commitments on this seriously. Otherwise, if Velarde will just use this as a negotiating tool, then, rally organisers should prepare for a Plan B to counter a possible backsliding.
Now, who actually controls Velarde and Rosales? Are they their own man? Velarde, as you know, is a consummate businessman. While, Rosales (who is sickly) is not someone with a solid political belief. This is the thing. More influential leaders, say Ramos, JDV and Estrada should exert their influence over these two leaders and assure them that something is really going to happen that would change the political landscape and affect the very political futures of the present status quo.
IN the case of the INC, there should be a wide
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Interfaith Rally should lead to something concrete
What's so significant with December 12 that rally organizers against cha-cha decided to hold this huge inter-faith rally? First, the date falls on a Friday, an obvious influence by the Black and White Movement (who normally held rallies on Fridays at Ayala Avenue). Second, I think this marks the anniversary of last year's oust Gloria rally which was the biggest to date, coming from public indignation on the ZTE controversy. And third, it's just a few days before the adjournment of Congress, which, for some, marks the penultimate campaign for charter change.
I think that the date is enough for groups to muster enough funds to launch such an enterprise. What I'm concerned about is the events or incidents after the rally. After December 12, what else? There should be a definitive plan by anti-Arroyo and Oust Arroyo forces beyond the interfaith rally. People expect that. If this would be just a normal, over-the-hill thing, and will just be a spurt, then, it's useless going there.
The Filipino People want something to happen. The people are tired of seeing rallies amounting to nothing. It would be better if, after the rally, some armed elements from the New Patriots emerge and attempt to unseat the pretender. That would be nice. But, if the prospect is very low for this, then, just wait for the catastrophe of a Gloria 2020 to really happen and let's just see what the People will do.
Most of the people want to oust Gloria. What is lacking is the military component. Will we see it this time?
I think that the date is enough for groups to muster enough funds to launch such an enterprise. What I'm concerned about is the events or incidents after the rally. After December 12, what else? There should be a definitive plan by anti-Arroyo and Oust Arroyo forces beyond the interfaith rally. People expect that. If this would be just a normal, over-the-hill thing, and will just be a spurt, then, it's useless going there.
The Filipino People want something to happen. The people are tired of seeing rallies amounting to nothing. It would be better if, after the rally, some armed elements from the New Patriots emerge and attempt to unseat the pretender. That would be nice. But, if the prospect is very low for this, then, just wait for the catastrophe of a Gloria 2020 to really happen and let's just see what the People will do.
Most of the people want to oust Gloria. What is lacking is the military component. Will we see it this time?
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Sabbatical Leave from FilipinoVoices
Starting today, I resolved to put a decisive end to the pseudo-intellectualism being propounded upon by this man, Benigno. I read his recent entry over at FilipinoVoices and it's sheer kagaguhan. Illogical. Nonsensical. A product of a confused brain. Unhistorical. No basis in philosophy. Juvenile allulations.
I'll not put up with it anymore.
Hence, I will momentarily take a leave of absence in FilipinoVoices. Why, you may ask?
First, if I continue to be a part of FilipinoVoices, it's like I'm lending credence to his hyper inflated and nonsensical rhetorics. Like what Atty. Trixie Angeles said, if you put up with it, you're a part of this shit.
I'm full of these wild, crazy and totally juvenile self-advertisements and philological inventions coached in so-called "intellectual" discourses. Benigno is just using the site to promote his crazy ideas to the detriment of the entire FilipinoVoices collective. He's polluting the entire blogosphere with his egotistical conservatism. There's nothing new with what he's saying and the reason why people comment about what he's saying is simple really---its totally ridiculous really and the issue sooo simple that its unimaginable for an adult man not to comprehend what's soo obvious. I want to answer him but it would take a loong entry to write that,and since you realize that you need to explain certain things that you presume Benigno already know since its all too elementary and too highschoolish, you feel that it's useless talking to a man who invented his own world out of philological trash thrown by previous thinkers.
Honestly, a part of me wants to devote some time deconstructing all of these Benigno-isms but if I do just that, I'll just be feeding his ego and probably be an unwitting endorser of his fallacies. That's a tip for Mlq3--huwag mo nang patulan ang sarado nang isipan ng isang walang muwang. If you do, you'll be worse than him.
Like before, I will devote my time here at New Philippine Revolution and will again write insightful articles to expose the weaknesses and strengths of this regime and possibly contribute towards its eventual downfall.
I'll not put up with it anymore.
Hence, I will momentarily take a leave of absence in FilipinoVoices. Why, you may ask?
First, if I continue to be a part of FilipinoVoices, it's like I'm lending credence to his hyper inflated and nonsensical rhetorics. Like what Atty. Trixie Angeles said, if you put up with it, you're a part of this shit.
I'm full of these wild, crazy and totally juvenile self-advertisements and philological inventions coached in so-called "intellectual" discourses. Benigno is just using the site to promote his crazy ideas to the detriment of the entire FilipinoVoices collective. He's polluting the entire blogosphere with his egotistical conservatism. There's nothing new with what he's saying and the reason why people comment about what he's saying is simple really---its totally ridiculous really and the issue sooo simple that its unimaginable for an adult man not to comprehend what's soo obvious. I want to answer him but it would take a loong entry to write that,and since you realize that you need to explain certain things that you presume Benigno already know since its all too elementary and too highschoolish, you feel that it's useless talking to a man who invented his own world out of philological trash thrown by previous thinkers.
Honestly, a part of me wants to devote some time deconstructing all of these Benigno-isms but if I do just that, I'll just be feeding his ego and probably be an unwitting endorser of his fallacies. That's a tip for Mlq3--huwag mo nang patulan ang sarado nang isipan ng isang walang muwang. If you do, you'll be worse than him.
Like before, I will devote my time here at New Philippine Revolution and will again write insightful articles to expose the weaknesses and strengths of this regime and possibly contribute towards its eventual downfall.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)