Ronnie Puno and GiboTeodoro--out of Arroyo's circle

Puno has just arrived and denied that he underwent heart surgery, contrary to reports that came from the palace. However, notice his face. It's so swollen. Did Puno lied like what his boss did when she underwent a breast reduction surgery (which palace spokesperson described as biopsys)?

Puno also denied that he already fell from presidential grace. He just brushed off speculations that he's on the way out. Puno said that he still enjoys the "trust and confidence" of Arroyo. He even showed his force---a retinue of PNP officials---whom, as I was told, were asked to attend the press conference. What was the purpose of the "show of force"? To tell the palace that he's not a sissy?

Despite his denials, there are very strong talks about a Cabinet "reshuffle" shortly after the State of the Nation Address (SONA). Puno is reportedly being "eased out" of Arroyo's inner circle, not because of his opposition to cha-cha, but his reported "closeness" with Defense secretary Gilbert Gibo Teodoro who is now (confirmed) out of the loop. Malacanang is just waiting for the "right time" to do the re-shuffle. And why is Malacanang intent on changing Cabinet members? Another jab at Hello Garci two?

No. This is a classic display of self-preservation, to avoid a Honduran solution. Unknown to many, the Honduran coup is actually a covert US operation. It has the blessing of the Obama administration. It is part of the so-called "roll-back strategy" of the Obama administration to re-assert their presence in Latin American politics.

Now, the question really is---will the same thing happen right here? Yes, it will.

By the way, former president Fidel V. Ramos again urged Mrs. Arroyo to announce her political plans by way of the SONA on July 27. But, why now when Mrs. Arroyo's absent from the political scene? Naku, idol, I think you're just positioning. Why not tell that straight to Mrs. Arroyo's face? O, dare?