Why Filipinos hate being called heroes

Ask any Pinoy kid about what the term "hero" means, and he says that heroes are those with superhuman powers. Heroes are supermen, batmen and invisible men, they'll probably say. Diego, the popular cartoon loved by babies (like mine), is not a hero. He's cartoon.

So, what's a hero?

For Filipinos, heroes are those who went out of their comfort zones to fight for the rights of others. Andres Bonifacio was a hero. Instead of continuing his job as a clerk, he went out and organized the Katipunan and went on to lead the only revolution in our history. Aguinaldo was a hero. He was part of the privileged class but when he saw how the Kastilas tortured and killed his fellow Cavitenos, he got his horse and rode towards the revolutionary morning. Rizal was a hero. Instead of having the finest life as a mestizo, he went out and wrote those damning books that caused him his life.

IN our generation, is there really a dearth of heroes?

I think one of the things why Filipinos hate to be called heroes--heroes always die in the end, at least the true ones. Those who just poised as a hero die of old age, while those who genuinely love the country, die at a very young age. As Filipinos say, " ang bayani, atapang a tao, a patay na pagsapit ng beinte singko."

And we all remember what Mariah Carey sang in the 1980's, " and then the hero comes along, with the strength to carry on..." That's another trait why Pinoys hate being called heroes---you need to wait for sometime before you finally become one. Look at Jose Maria Sison. He's been waiting for 40 years already. Or, look at Antonio Trillianes. He's been languishing in his cell since 2004, not wanting to at least plan his escape. He's just there, waiting, waiting for what?

You'll remember how adherents of "I AM NINOY" movement are saying---that everyone has a hero trait in each of us. But, how can that be, when nobody's protesting against widespread injustice and graft. No one is even loudly protesting the wanton disregard for the general welfare of this administration or the callousness exhibited by private companies particularly in gas and food prices.

Heroes, they say, are acts done by ordinary citizens. That taxi driver or maid who reported lost items are heroes. That security guard who died while protecting that bank from robbers, was a hero. That OFW who served as maid for a sick foreigner is a hero, at least when she sends her salary over here, anyway.

How can we even think of being heroes, when we all consciously live in a consciously corrupt and dirty society? How can we be heroes when all of us violate traffic rules or has the urge to urinate or spit whenever we like it? Or, how can we be heroes when we pay our way to the top or grease the palms of passport officials just to get that passport a day early?

While those who stood up for the truth, are now being portrayed as villains. Like this ZTE-NBN deal--the one who refused a bribe has now been charged with graft. And probably, the one who blew the whistle stands to suffer the ignominy of incarceration.

In our age, heroes are jailed, humiliated and cursed. They are a vanishing breed. So, who wants to be called a hero?

Mikey Arroyo has P63.7M beachfront property in US

Mikey Arroyo, the presidential son, has a beachfront property worth P 63.7 million in California. His younger sibling, Dato, is not to be outdone--he has one P 26.7 million brought by his wife a year after he won a Congressional seat in 2007. What's sooo good about being a presidential son, Mikey even has a business interest in Beach Way Park on Beach Way Boulevard---the location of his beachfront property.

Of course, Mikey would always deny that he owns property and will definitely say that it is the property of his wife, Angela Montenegro. Angela, Mikey's second cousin, is listed as the owner of the sprawling 5 bedroom, 3-bathroom, two story house that sits on a 600 square meter property facing the beach. Mikey reportedly transfered ownership under an "inter-family" agreement. Oh, by the way, Angela serves as treasurer of the KAMPI.

The question really is---where did Mikey got the money to buy these premium properties? Did he get it when he became an action star? Was he fetching 1 million pesos per flick? If that's so, then, Mikey needs 100 films to get at least 100 million. That would have made him an FPJ.

Sabi nga nila, when it rains, it pours. Sarap talagang maging anak ng presidente!

ZTE-NBN deal and the Art of the WhiteWash

Tuesday will go down in history as the greatest monumental square-off between former family friends, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and ZTE-NBN whistleblower Joey de Venecia III. And should this square-off happens, there's only one conclusion---the possible incarceration of the whistleblower instead of the master bender.

Senator Richard Gordon has sent word that he invited the First gentleman and the DOTC officials led by Secretary Leandro Mendoza to attend this Tuesday's Senate Blue ribbon committee hearing. Gordon believes that before he even releases his findings, there should be another hearing to "clear some cobwebs" so to speak, about the real story behind the "greatest graft scandal" ever to hit this country in so many years.For me, the square off is clearly not necessary for one obvious reason---there are hours and hours worth of testimonies in past ZTE-NBN hearings and those are more than enough to fill a 100 page report. But, no. Senator Gordon wants to hammer out the message of the Office of the Ombusman--that the First Family is not involved in this anomalous deal.

And with a favorable ally sitting as chair of the Blue Ribbon, the First Gentleman does not need to find succor at St. Luke's. No. He'll probably brave it out. But, will he be able to gaze at Joey de Venecia's direction without even flinching his eyes?

Joey welcomes the chance to face the First Gentleman, confident that he committed no crime. In a statement, Joey said that Gordon committed a grave infraction when he inadvertently announced his initial opinion, saying that the Ombusman should have included the De Venecias in the charge sheet. If Gordon thinks that the De Venecias are guilty, then, why another hearing? Is'nt strange that the Senate blue ribbon needs another day to what? To hammer out a favorable public impression and clean the tarnished name of his amigo, the First Gentleman and his amiga, Gloria Arroyo?

Obviously, Gordon wants to do a Pontius Pilate before he runs for re-election because he knows that his handling of this case would haunt him during election time. He already whitewashed the Joc-Joc Bolante case and because of proper PR handling, there was no public outrage that came out shortly when he released the recommendations. That Joc-Joc Bolante case was a "test case" so to speak, and provided pro-administration senators like Gordon a template to manage sensitive issues like this ZTE-NBN deal.

And that is a problem for whistleblowers Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada---this administration has now perfected the art of the whitewash. If they mishandle the public relations aspect of this case, they're in for a shock of their lives because they'll be pictured as villains and false heroes instead of Patriots. Gordon and the rest of the First Gentleman's team are exploiting the lingering thought in the public sphere that this deal is about "onsehan" and these whistleblowers were motivated not by love of country but by the very thought of losing a great deal of money.

This thought has permeated even in the inner circles of power and those dinky coffee shops in hotels and places in the Metropolis. A year has passed and the public is now ready to accept new facts about this case. If Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada mishandle this, they'll surely come out of this as pseudo-patriots and liars. And the public hates liars.

Joey is confident that he did nothing wrong and the public believes him. There are more than enough evidence to pin the First Family in this ZTE-NBN deal, more than, say the circumstantial evidence that the Office of the Ombusman has against Benjamin Abalos and Romulo Neri. The fact that photos caught the First Couple playing golf and eating oysters with ZTE officials and those text messages Gloria sent to Neri, ordering him to just accept the money and approve the deal are more than enough to include them in the graft charge sheet.

Yet, Gordon hopes that if he plays his cards right, he'll be able to convince the public that these pieces of evidence amount to nothing, show nothing and mean nothing. Of course, Gordon embarked on a charm offensive with his tearful outbursts in those kidnapping episodes and those guestings as presidentiable. Yet, behind those charming charades lie a dastardly plan to hide his role as the palace's self-appointed Mr. Clean. Beneath those cheesy smiles and pink-colored cheeks hides an insidious mind ready to follow the wishes and caprices of his principals.
And for what? To get that anointment from Mrs. Arroyo and be part of that 10 billion election campaign kitty? To snatch that nomination from Vice President Noli de Castro or at the least, that vice presidential post from Ronnie Puno?

Or maybe, just maybe, add some more funds for a re-election bid? Or, again chair the revival of Subic as a US military facility?

Whatever it is, expect History to again be on the side of the devil enfant. :-)

Neri should come out of her shell (or what Danton says, Lumadlad ka na!)

Romulo Neri is in a quandary and he (or she?) needs to act fast. Of course, we all know that Malacanang's plan to suspend him is just part of public relations to ease or manage public outrage against the non-inclusion of the First couple in the charge sheet at the Office of the Ombusman for graft.

Yet, for Neri, that is a humiliation indeed. Imagine, your entire career is now damaged. Neri is an academic, and one damned good idealist and to be charged with graft is, for me, simply, unacceptable. Of course, Neri has been serving like Gloria's dog since the start and he's probably not an idealist anymore but a pragmatist (at best).

Anyway, if I were Neri, I'll not keep quiet about it and go out of my shell and expose what I know about the deal. I'll not go quietly in the night for this.

To hell if Malacanang threatens to expose what they know about your private life. Damn if they expose in public that you're gay. So what Mr. Neri? We, the public don't care. The point is, even if they do it, you'll have the entire nation protecting you, right? We're more powerful than your amiga, Mr. Neri.

Gender preferences has nothing to do with what you are. It's better to come out right now and expose what you know instead of waiting for that time when forces of Good already overtook these events and jail you for your crimes against the nation.

Think, Neri, Think. And do it fast before it's tooooo late. The Patriotic Forces are poised to take over the nation sooner than you think.

ZTE-NBN deal--not a mom and pop ops, says Gordon

So based on the observations of Senator Richard Gordon, the ZTE-NBN deal is not a mom and pop operation. It's a father and son caper. That's how Gordon sees it.

Gordon sees nothing wrong with the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo with his wife, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal strolling down the fairways of Shenzhen golf and country club as "nothing wrong". Gordon sees nothing wrong with the First Gentleman threatening Joey de Venecia III with the now infamous words, " back-off!" as a sign that he's interested with the deal. And obviously, Gordon sees nothing wrong with Mrs. Arroyo's meeting with former NEDA chief Romulo Neri and telling him to "just accept the money and approve the deal."

I'm beginning to think that the reason why Gordon wants to be chair of the Blue Ribbon Committee is he wants to ingratiate himself with the First Family. Is he serving as the First Couple's hatchet man or he's just being himself?

I remember a few years ago when the Americans were still running Clark and Subic. When cases of abuses were filed against American servicemen, Gordon saw nothing wrong with the accused safely inside the bases facility and waited for days before the cases were dismissed. Gordon saw nothing wrong with protecting the Americans rather than those comfort girls in those Zambales honky tonks. And of course, Gordon found nothing wrong weeply unabashedly in public while his fellow Americans left our shores.

Gordon also saw nothing wrong with Americans spraying dirty water to Gordon's fellow Filipinos protesting in Subic. Gordon even saw those protestors as "monkeys", just like what those WASPs think of us.

So, I'm not really surprised that Gordon wants to crucify the whistleblowers than the masterminds.

Or Gordon is doing it because Joey de Venecia stands to get his seat in the senatorial elections? Or, probably, that was the concession Gordon got because America and his friends, Mrs. Arroyo already agreed to revive the Clark and Subic bases and Gordon wants nothing sort of getting his old post back?

Or, Gordon really saw nothing wrong with his logic.

Romulo Neri should REALLY stand on her own and RESIGN

For protecting her president, Romulo Neri now faces a humiliating graft charge before the Office of the Ombusman. Humiliating in the sense that Neri now has to explain her visits to the ZTE-NBN offices, her golf sorties with the First Gentleman and ex-Con, err, ex-COMELEC chair Benjamin Abalos and her meeting with Mrs. Arroyo at the Palace. For a former professor known for having a clean and honest mien and with a spotless record of service to the country, this graft charge is most humiliating indeed for Romulo Neri.

Worst, the palace announced that Neri is on his own. Neri has six months to answer the graft charges and during that time, all benefits for her are suspended. That is the reward for her not spilling the beans on her beloved president.

Some say that the most honorable thing for Neri to do now is resign her post as SSS president. Come to think of it, this graft charge gave Neri a reason to resign and save herself from another humiliation---that of being charged as the one who nearly bankrupted the SSS. The agency right now suffers from extreme financial difficulties.

Neri said that he's most surprised why he's now being charged with graft when all these things are "circumstantial" at best. Neri contends he was the one who actually refused the offer and now, he's being cruficied or possibly sacrificed in order to protect the hides of those who really masterminded the whole caper.

But, that's the thing. The administration wants this thing done and over with without really putting great legal pressure on their own sacrificial lamb who happens to be Neri.

Circumstantial evidence is weaker compared with direct or documentary evidence. So, expect Abalos and Neri to come out of this whole charade unscathed. They'll not be jailed. They'll just sacrifice their reputations.

Ombusman decision on ZTE-NBN: A stinking steak dinner

Pardon if I write about my carnivorous self, but I just love a beef steak, medium rare. Its tender. It's juicy. If you chew it, it's like your average salty-flavored bubble gum.

Of course, a steak would not be complete without mash potatoes and some vegetable sidings.Plus of course, a nice red wine to boot.

And you know if your steak is as tender as the one you had the last time. Steak dinners should be perfect---one that would give you a big blurp in the end.

Ask Mrs. Arroyo and her husband---they had this fine steak when they dined at Le Cirque and went to Bobby Van's steakhouse a day later. They know the difference between a French cooked steak and those of the greasy kind of American Bobby Van's.

And apparently, this recent decision by the Office of the Ombusman to file graft charges against former Comelec chair Benjamin Abalos and ex-NEDA chief Romulo Neri can be likened to a steak eaten in some carinderia. They are being charged for the moth-balled ZTE-NBN deal. Yet if you looked closely, it seemed that the Office of the Ombusman did not cook this ZTE-NBN steak the way we know steaks are cooked.

This one is like some slab of meat put in the fire without those spices and steak sauces put into it. It's bland.It's tasteless. It's immoral to eat it.

Imagine, only Abalos and Neri are being charged, showing how pitiful their states are and how lowly the power-that-be regard these comical creatures. Worst, they are being charged with just "circumstantial evidence", an obvious way out for them in the end.

This is a poor steak sideshow, meant to appease perceived public outrage while clearing the main actors who conspired to muddle a very good telecomms deal.

It's sending the message that the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his wife, Gloria Arroyo are not part of the dirty operation, despite photos of them visiting the ZTE-NBN headquarters and even played golf with ZTE officials. Of course, the Ombusman did not find anything wrong with how DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza and his undersecretaries comforted themselves nor did the Office found anything wrong with the conduct of ZTE officials led by Yu Yong.

In the end, obviously, Abalos and Neri would get court victories, not in this election period, possibly they have to wait for a few months more.

Jun Lozada and Joey de Venecia, the team up who exposed the stinking deal, have asked why the Ombusman exonerated the First Gentleman and his cohorts. They don't need to ask. And please, don't pretend to be naive. From the very start, it has already been decided---fry the small ones while fatten the already big leeches.

This decision is a stinking steak dinner.

A New Basing Treaty replacing a Very Favorable Agreement (VFA)

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago wants an abrogation of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) in the light of revelations that 500 or so US soldiers are routinely being stationed in Mindanao even without the Balikatan exercises. US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, meanwhile, said that there's no need to review the agreement since it works for the interests of both sides. Lt Senior Grade Nancy Gadian's "revelations" that the US maintains "forward bases" in the Philippines have sparked renewed public interest in the VFA. Despite the VFA, Gadian said that US troops are not observing the "proper decorum" in accordance with the Very Favorable Agreement (VFA).

Now, is Miriam Defensor-Santiago's call for the abrogation of the VFA a real honest-to-goodness attempt at protecting Philippine sovereignty from US intervention? No.

Santiago is part of a charade which aims to force a new treaty more favorable to the United States. How's that? If you analyze the arguments of Santiago, she questions the length of stay or period of "basing" by US troops, not the legal processes within the pact itself. What Santiago proposes is for the US to be "clear" on the length of stay of its troops in Philippine territory. That, by itself, is a message for the US to "renegotiate" not an executive agreement, but a TREATY that would revive the idea of stationing US troops for a long period of time here.

So, a charade is being done in full public view to justify a new basing treaty, even using Gadian both to justify the re-negotiation and divert public attention from the finer details of this new treaty being proposed.

What's happening General?

Brigadier General Danny Lim admitted that his rebel group, the Young Officer's Union (YOU) led forces in toppling former president Joseph Estrada. Now, in a weird twist of fate, Lim is reportedly running under the wing of Erap's political party.

Also, today, reports say that the Liberal Party, led by the party's chairman, Franklin Drilon visited both Lim and Senator Antonio Trillianes IV in their prison cells to ask the general to run under the Liberal Party wing. Lim's ratings are not in the top 12 but indications are very high that Lim would surely surge to the top once the formal campaign period starts, just like in Trillianes case.

Certain sectors are asking---why is the General entertaining all these invitations from trapos? Erap is surely a trapo. So does Drilon. Sectors are puzzled. Is the General really anti-trapo or what?

If General Lim wants to run as senator, he must do so by building his own political party and possibly coalesce with other traditional parties as a guest candidate, never a formal candidate. There is a strong possibility that people will accept a new political party peopled with those with strong principles and a clear revolutionist agenda.

One party that Danny Lim should consider is the Partido Lakas ng Masa or the newly established Democratic Party of the Philippines (DPP). Or, maybe, just maybe, a new Political party named Democratic People's Patriotic Party (DP3).

Let these trapos gravitate around this new party, and not the other way around. That would send a very strong signal to the traditional elites that their time has come to a definitive end.

The Yellow Umbrella

I saw a nice yellow umbrella in one dingky corner of the Redemptorist church in Baclaran. I saw people milling around the yellow umbrella, some signing a document with their names and signatures. There was a noticeable line of people, from all walks of life, patiently waiting for their turn to sign. And I saw a familiar face. It was Ed Roces, a friend and a colleague.

Like his patriot father before him, Ed is spearheading the call for Senator Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino III to heed the call of the times and lead the nation as its president. In 1985, his father, the late Alejandro Roces, went all around town to gather signatures for Cory. Now, twenty four years later, Ed is doing what his martyred father did. As what Salonga says, like father, like son.

Curiously, what motivated Ed and his group to launch a signature campaign for Noynoy? Hindi pa ba sapat sa kanila na may isang Mar Roxas na tatakbo sa ilalim ng Liberal Party? Obviously not.

Why? Why is it that Mar Roxas does not satisfy the ideals of some people and supporters of the Liberal Party? Let's be frank.

1. People are saying that Mar Roxas belongs to an aristocratic family and that family allegedly robbed some people of their properties. Yet, for me, Mar is somewhat like his father, the late Gerry Roxas, who once dominated the Philippine political scene. What Mar lacks however, is the same tenacity, the same leadership prowess and the same inspiring aura that Gerry had when he was still alive.

Is NoyNoy different? No.

Noynoy is a Cojuangco, the family who used the treasures of the Katipunan to expand their estate and establish businesses that makes them one of the richest families in the Philippines. Yes, he is an Aquino, but that bloodline includes a Benigno Aquino who conspired with the Japanese during the occupation. The Aquino bloodline is politics at its best, and the Cojuangco bloodline links him to the best cacique class.

2. People are saying that Mar lacks the leadership abilities unlike his father who commands respect from his partymates. Many see the same thing in Noynoy. Noynoy is different from his father, Ninoy, since Ninoy commands utter respect from his partymates. Noynoy is more of a Butch Aquino rather than a Ninoy.

3. People are saying that Mar does not inspire allegiance. Ah, that's the difference between Mar and Noynoy. Noynoy inspires not just respect but allegiance simply because he does not show desire for the post, unlike Mar, who is perceived to be like Villar, who will do everything and spend every penny, just to get that desired post.

Yes, both belong to the same landed class that for millennia, has been enslaving the Filipino farmers. Yes, both belong to the same big bourgeouis class which has been enslaving the toiling worker class for centuries. And yes, both are unlike their fathers who carved their names in the annals of History by being different, by not being blue-blooded members of their class.

Noynoy, honestly, is still not the best leader to lead us away from the immorality of this regime. Neither is Mar.

Yet, if we compare him with Mar Roxas, Noynoy stands out because he does not desire for the post and he's not salivating to sit in that wicked chair in Malacanang. People say that Noynoy does not represent his landlord class, but in some instances, he did. For the record, Noynoy did not sign the Genuine Land Reform law, an obvious act which shows that he's more of a Cojuangco than an Aquino. Or, like I said, he is more of a Butch rather than a Ninoy.

But, I understand my friend, Ed Roces. Like the rest of us, Ed is looking for someone who'll inspire us, who'll lead us to the right path and who'll represent not the interest of their class but the interests of the toiling masses.

Better a Noynoy than a Mar. At least that would awaken those in the middle forces who are leaderless now. Better a Noynoy who can probably stand out against an Erap. And better a Noynoy who might just prevent a restoration of immorality in a Villar administration or illegal activities under an Erap.

Gloria's stepping down and a failure of elections

Now, it can be revealed. US President Barack Obama categorically asked and demanded from Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to adhere to the democratic process by allowing the elections to push thru as scheduled and "step down gracefully". Arroyo answered by saying that she will step down on June 30,2010.

As I wrote here in this space many entries ago, Mrs. Arroyo's promise to step down is not entirely re-assuring. For one, there is still the possibility of a failure of elections. This early, IT experts have noted certain inconsistencies and possible anomalies in the SMARTMATIC-TIM automated elections plan with the COMELEC.

Second, there is that conscious effort to place close associates of the First Family in sensitive posts in the AFP and the PNP. Just recently, Gloria's fair-haired boy, Supt. Roberto Rosales (PMA Class 1978) just received his two-star rank. Other members of the class have already occupied sensitive posts in the PNP, particularly in regional and provincial directorships.

Lastly, Congressional allies of Mrs. Arroyo revived the mouth-balled charter change thru the constitutional convention route. Ortega's Committee just passed the Con-Con resolution, 6-1 yesterday. If this passes in the Congress, then, the election of CON-CON delegates will coincide with the election of elective posts in May 2010. Sources say even the minority agreed to pass this resolution.

So, expect this 2010 elections to be very noisy, very chaotic and very dangerous. Dangerous because the more participants in the elections, the more chances that this create violence.

And the more chances of a failure of elections.

Jinggoy tops senatorial bets

In the latest Pulse Asia survey, Senator Jinggoy Estrada got 50.2 placing him first preference of the people followed by Liberal Party president Mar Roxas. Pia Cayetano placed third while Senator Bong Revilla Jr. is fourth and Senator Franklin Drilon in fifth place with 48.3%.

If you look at the PulseAsia survey, you'll find very familiar names in the top 12 slots: Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago (2-6), Sen. Jamby Madrigal (7-11), Sen. Ralph Recto (7-11), Sen. Jojo Binay (7-11), and Sen. Aquilino Pimentel's son, Koko (7-13) and Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile (10-14). The only "new" name there is Sen. Edu Manzano (7-14).

BY the way, Edu is not a neophyte in the political world having served as Makati Vice Mayor for one term. He lost when he ran in the mayoral post, the exclusive turf of the Binays (of course).

One surprising name, Atty. Alex Lacson, figured prominently in the list, placing between 19 to 24 places, even better than veteran politicos Ruffy Biazon (19-24), Robert Ace Barbers (25-29), Mike Defensor and even Jun Lozada.

Who's Alex Lacson? Well, he's a nice guy who happened to be my room mate for many years at the University of the Philippines-Diliman. He's a practising lawyer and never hold a government office. He's a principled guy and I would love to see him at the Senate soon.

Danny Lim is at the 30th to 44th place, a tad higher than Roilo Golez (31-49). But of course, these would change as the polls near.

Interestingly, however, these names are either scions of political dynasties or those occupying former sensitive posts in the government, who, one way or another, was involved in serious allegations of graft and corruption.

Estrada-Escudero teamup spells victory?

Philippine Star reports that former President Joseph Estrada favors Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) strongest presidential bet Chiz Escudero as his running mate, dousing earlier speculations of an Erap-Loren or Erap-Binay teamup.

Base on the latest information, there are now three bets all claiming to be genuine opposition---Mar Roxas of the Liberal Party, Manny Villar of the Nacionalista Party and former president Joseph Estrada of the UNO.

An Estrada-Escudero tandem might overturn any administration bet since Chiz registers a consistent ratings of base between 16-18%. Now the question is---will this 18% maximum support base of Chiz transfers to Erap? Let's analyze.

Chiz is strong in the ABC class with 30% approval ratings. The question is---will this 30% or at least half of it, transfer their support to Erap? There is a possibility that this 30% will transfer either to Villar or Roxas, most probably to Villar who has a 28% base support in the ABC class.

Villar and Erap shares the same 23% support in the E class while Villar registered a 25% support base compared with Erap's at 19%. This could be the sector where transference of 12% of Chiz Escudero's could benefit Erap. And the bulk of this class is concentrated at the NCR and the Visayas and Mindanao.

Very critical for Villar right now is the choice of a running mate. Villar should choose someone who (1) appeals to the ABC class to break or divide the constituency of Roxas and Escudero and (2) strong in the North. Villar's choice could make or break his campaign.

Now, would a Villar-de Castro teamup counteract an Erap-Escudero tandem? Possibly, since De Castro registers a strong 16% support in Luzon.

Danger signals for Mar Roxas, Chiz and Villar

In the latest Pulse Asia survey conducted during the period July-August, Mar Roxas placed fifth with 11 percent, 4 percentage points lower than Chiz and about 14 percentage points behind Nacionalista Party's standard bearer Manny Villar. What this suggest is that Roxas' ratings already plateaued and there's no room for Roxas anymore to maneuver to the top. This is the same case with Chiz Escudero, whose ratings continue to hover between 16-19%, while what's surprising is Villar's ratings continue to rise, yet, I believe that statistically, he has already attained his highest ratings. However, if Villar sustains his ratings of 25 to 27%, he may yet be the next president.

This survey also shows that despite the enormous efforts by Mar Roxas to improve his ratings through advertisement, he's not getting the high favorability ratings commensurate with the value that he's paying for those ads. Remember that Mar Roxas and Villar spend almost the same in terms of radio and TV ads. Villar is getting favorable reactions while Roxas does not.

Likewise, Roxas is not getting favorable ratings either from that highly publicized wedding with ABS-CBN broadcaster Korina Sanchez. In fact, his ratings got worst when he announced his engagement with Sanchez. Roxas ratings suffered a 2 percentage point cut despite his very aggressive propaganda campaign.

And don't count former president Joseph Estrada out. Estrada continues to sustain a very comfortable ratings. This is reminiscent of his ratings in 1998, when he registers a very high ratings in the third quarter of 1997 before finally getting the highest ever public approval ratings in the first quarter of 1998. Estrada's ratings validate info I am getting from grassroots organizers that the public is enthusiastically accepting Erap's candidacy if ever.

And look closely at the survey, Mar Roxas registers poorly in the National Capital Region and Mindanao, with just 8 percent and mind you, even in his natural constituency, the ABC class, he registered a mere 9 percent! That sends you a message that even intellectuals and the middle class don't seem to favor him as their president.

Worst, in the Visayas, his natural stronghold, he places third, with 16%---a far cry from the 30% of Villar and the 22% of Noli de Castro. Now, should Chiz runs, they'll be sharing or breaking the oppositionist class, the D socio-economic class, since they share the same 12% percentage points.

Mar Roxas' eight percent ratings in Mindanao validates earlier information that he enjoys little or no support from Muslim communities due to his warlike stance regarding the MOA-AD. I heard highly reliable info from grassroots organizers in Mindanao that they'll ensure that Mar gets zero votes in Mindanao.

Some suggestions for Mar Roxas

1. Please abandon the padyak theme. It's really not working for you.

2. Be different and rise above the rest by highlighting what you did for the poor and the middle class during his term.

3. Be different, otherwise, you'll lose.

On Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro

Despite his commercials and PR efforts, Gilbert Gibo Teodoro registered a poor 0.2percent rating, just 1 percent higher than relative unknown presidential candidate JC Delos Reyes. Imagine this delos Reyes does not even have television ads but he's just a tad lower than Teodoro's ratings.

This is a laughable situation. I think Gibo is just mishandled. He should change tack soon.

Suspicious Timing of Survey Releases

Pulse Asia released its latest survey that shows Senator Manny Villar at the top of the heap. Villar got top spot despite being criticized for getting billions out of a government road project.

Today, the Senate ethics trial continued, with Senator Jamby Madrigal exposing how Villar used his position as legislator to jack up real property prices of his land in Sauyo Las Pinas. Villar, according to Madrigal, sold land at 13,500 pesos per square meter, when property prices were just at 1,300 per square meter around the area. Madrigal postulated that government agencies could have colluded with Villar to make those properties far higher in prices than current market prices.

What is most suspicious, however, is the timing of the release of these survey results. For example, Pulse Asia released the results the same day the Senate hears Villar's ethics case. This is most suspicious, to say the least.

Was there a conscious rider to Pulse Asia and SWS to release their results on the same week as these hearings? Twice this happened already and it seems that these survey agencies are creating the impression that Villar's image is like teflon--indestructible despite successive potshots and negative criticisms.

Pulse Asia and SWS should answer this. Are they providing fodder for Villar's defense? Is there a conscious effort to use these surveys to neutralize the negative effects of the Senate ethics trial.

My dear Gloria letter

Dear Madame Gloria,

Hello. Tagal na din akong hindi sumusulat sa iyo. Dahil sa tagal, hindi ko na nga alam kung anong sasabihin ko sa daming problemang ginawa mo sa bansa ko. At alam kong dapat maikli lang ito dahil tiyak kong nag-aayos ka na naman ng mga bagahe mo dahil sa London at Saudi Arabia na trip mo.

Sana naman natuto ka na na dapat magtipid pag me byahe ka abroad. Maging sensitibo ka naman, kami nga dito, wala nang makain tapos magpipiyesta kayo sa abroad, gamit pa ang pera namin. Sana naman pagtungtong mo sa London, huwag mo nang gamiting pang shopping at pangkain sa restaurant yung pera namin. Mahiya ka naman kahit pano. Hindi mo naman pinaghirapan yan. Alam kong maraming designer and branded shops dyan. Wag mo sanang lustayin sa pagbili ng Mango o Ferregamo ang bawat pisong dala mo. Wala ka na ngang binabalik kahit singkong duling sa gobyerno, gagastahin mo pa perang hindi sa iyo.

Kumpiyansa ako pag tumuntong ka na sa Saudi okey yun dahil dun walang Le Cirque, o Bobby Van's steakhouse or Bouley's. Lalo na ngayon, Ramadhan. Ewan ko nga kung pakakainin kayo dun. At least nakatitiyak akong gugutumin ka ng Sheikh dun. Sana kahit pano, pag nagutom ka dun, maalala mong araw-araw kaming ganyan ngayon.

At pagbalik mo rito, sana alalahanin mong sa kakarimpot na panahong nandyan ka sa palasyo, makaisip ka na ng kaunting pagbabago sa istayl mo. Huwag mo nang itusan yang mga galamay mo na dayain ang eleksyon. Tama na yung nandaya ka noong 2004. 2009 naman ngayon, baka pag ginawa mo pa the second time, mag-alsa na talaga kaming mga tao.

Tama na rin siguro yang pangarap mong maging number 1 most powerful woman in the world. Okey na rin sana sa iyo na ranked 44 ka na lang. Kahit naman ikaw ang pinaka powerful, hindi mo naman magagamit yan pag humarap ka na kay Satanas dun sa impiyerno.

Sabi nga ni Jesus, the most powerful among you should also be the first servant. Sana maisip mong may responsibilidad ang bawat taong inatangan ng kapangyarihan. At hindi dapat gamitin yan para sa pansariling interes. Baka wala na talagang taong pupunta sa lamay mo at magpaparty na lang lahat kami sa burol mo.

Okey, yun lang. Sana naman natuto ka na. Dahil kung hindi, pasensiyahan na lang tayo. Hindi mo naman kami mababayaran tulad ng ginawa mo nuon sa mga kasamahan namin.

Warm regards,

Pat Mangubat
("Pat" means People's Action against Tyranny)

Robotic Garci, part 1

Like what we voiced out many months ago, the declaration of Mrs. Arroyo to push thru with the elections is not a guarantee that a smooth and peaceful transition would occur. As early as February, this site already revealed that the goal of this administration is simple---ensure that its candidates win the elections. The administration knows that victory is a remote possibility due to the high disapproval ratings it gets everytime a survey is conducted. That's why they'll be implementing a rigged elections sans the obvious cheating that occured in 2004.

Arroyo's men already perfected a Hello Garci operation.

Three reasons why this administration already succeeded in its objective:

1. The First Gentleman's men led by Cezar Quiambao already got the automation contract thru Smartmatic-TIM. If you look at the contract, SMARTMATIC-TIM controls all of the processes and functions for automation, particularly the source codes. According to a computer expert, the entire system is vulnerable not just from physical attacks but also weak in its source codes. More on this in later entries.

2. Highly sensitive posts particularly those in the provinces are now being controlled by Mrs. Arroyo's favorite PMA Class. Mrs. Arroyo can forego replacing the top honchos of the PNP and the AFP to avoid brickbats (since the plan has already been exposed thru the Oplan August Moon revelations). What is crucial is filling provincial directorship posts to ensure that these vote-rich provinces will go the way of the administration.

3. The permanent disunity of the political opposition. This seals the victory and makes it rather sweet. This early, the public sphere is being prepped up to accept the reason why an opposition slate would lose to a weak administration bet. Opposition mouthpieces are giving this administration more fodder by saying that they'll lose if they don't unify. Unification, at this point, is a impossibility since candidates already spent so much in their campaigns.

Unifying the Opposition: An Impossible Mission?

A five to six-man field of presidential candidates will most likely seal the victory for the administration, be it a de Castro or a Teodoro led slate. If De Castro runs and gets at least 25-28% of the votes, then, that would spell the end of all opposition aspirations to establish a New Order post-Gloria in 2010.

It is imperative for opposition groups to unify and field a common candidate or at least level the field to two major opposition parties. For example, a party being led by Joseph Erap Estrada combined with Mar Roxas could neutralize the strength of a De Castro led campaign since they have a common constituency. A Chiz Escudero led party could easily puncture the constituency of a Mar Roxas or a Legarda led campaign since they have the same constituencies. While Manny Villar's major support groups criss-cross those of Roxas', Erap's and Escudero's.

The problem is there is no singular candidate that unifies the major sectors of the Philippine electorate. Some would argue that that candidate could be Noynoy but the good senator's political strength is still untested. He is the ideal common candidate yet the realities of 21st century Philippine politics is different from the political circumstances which attended Cory or Ninoy's time. It is a fact that the Aquino political clout has considerably diminished over time and attempts at reviving it could only do so much. Yet, it is not enough to really ensure electoral victory.

There is a strong possibility that Erap is really intent on running and is only looking for his running mate. Now, will Erap be able to use his magic or influence and convince others to just slide down to a senatorial post.

PGMA paid 3 million pesos to 3 leaders to sign Y.O.U. death bill?

Yesterday, I got a chance to talk with a retired Marine major. He's now working for a Makati-based company. He went out of the service because he was disillusioned with the leaders of the reform movement.


I asked why? What was wrong?


The major said he's disappointed with the recent claim of leadership in the Young Officer's Union (YOU) by General Danny Lim.



" Carlos is right. Danny Lim is not the founding chair of the YOU. There's another who I will not name now."

The ex-major says it is totally uncalled for for Brig. General Danny Lim to call himself the founding chair of an organization, which in 2002, he reportedly declared as "dead."

"It was sometime in January 2002 that General Lim, Ariel Querubin and Abe Purungganan declared the Y.O.U. dead without even consulting other members of our organization. The YOU is not dead. It is still alive."

The marine major was privy to the negotiations between Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and three alleged YOU leaders namely Abraham Purungganan, Danny Lim and Ariel Querubin. The three, says the young major, agreed to "kill" the Y.O.U. in a so-called Statement called "Manifesto of Support".

The statement, which was published as a full-page ad in January 2002, was signed by 71 officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). That manifesto, says the major, was a fake.

" I talked with the officers who allegedly signed the manifesto and they denied it. I later learned that the three---Abe Purungganic 'The Messianic", Danny Lim and Ariel Querubin just lifted their signatures and pasted it in the statement."

What's worst, says the major, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo reportedly gave 3 million pesos to the three officers. The sum, reveals the major, is for the three to sign the "death bill" against the Y.O.U.

" That's the problem with Mrs. Arroyo. Sinusupalpal niya ng pera ang mga kumakalaban sa kanyang administrasyon. Ang hindi ko maintindihan, bakit naman tinanggap nina ser ang pera?" I was not able to answer back because I really don't know if they really did receive the money.

Later after the publication of the Manifesto of Support, Mrs. Arroyo promoted Lim to Brigadier-general. In 2006, Lim, together with some officers of the AFP, withdrew their support from Arroyo. He's since been incarcerated for alleged mutiny charges.

The major believes that Lim etal is not really true revolutionaries.

" If it is true that they're revolutionaries, why go to the trapo route? Kung ako sa kanila, I'll continue the fight against the Arroyo regime. Malala na nga ang sitwasyon tapos politika ang nasasa isip nina Lim at Querubin? Para nilang sinabi na mali ang ginawa nila at pagtakbo na lang sa pulitika ang dapat."

The major says that he'll only salute Lim and Querubin back if they'll withdrew their plans for politics and continue the struggle to change Philippine society the right way---thru a New Philippine Revolution.

The struggle continues! More on this in next entries...

Its OFFICIAL--MAR ROXAS is LIBERAL PARTY STANDARD BEARER

In an interview today, Liberal Party Chairman and former Senate President Franklin Drilon revealed that their party already nominated Senator Mar Roxas as their official standard bearer for the 2010 elections.

Drilon made the announcement in an interview by Ted Failon and Ina Reformina over at DZMM, 530 khz.

Drilon said the National Committee of the Liberal Party already decided that Mar Roxas will bear the party colors come the elections and that should, Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III decides to run, Drilon said that he'll be running as vice president.

Drilon also lambasted Gary Olivar, one of Mrs. Arroyo's spokesperson, for meddling in party affairs. Olivar is one of Mike Defensor's, a former Liberal, dogs.

So, there's no more dispute then. Some of the names which the Liberal Party is fielding includes:

1. Franklin Drilon
2. Ruffy Biazon
3. Risa Hontiveros
4. Leah Navarro
5. Cory Quirino
6. Neri Acosta

Mar Roxas redeemed himself

I just received an email from Amado Fores from the Marroxas2010 movement and he says that Gary and Lorelie Fernandez, parents of the quintuplets who went to the radio program of Raffy Tulfo (always listen to "Wanted sa Radyo" over DZXL, 2-4pm. Tulfo's program is really great! I commend Raffy Tulfo for fighting for the causes of the oppressed. Continue your advocacy Mr. Tulfo!) to ask for help.

The couple alleged that Mar Roxas reportedly abandoned them and just gave 20,000 pesos as financial assistance. Two of the five babies died. Two of the remaining three babies are reportedly sick and being assisted right now by the Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital, courtesy of Raffy Tulfo.

Last week, the couple wrote to Mar Roxas and apologized. Fores sent me a press release and I will publish this in full here. Finally, Roxas redeemed himself in this one.

And that's the way t go---help the couple stand on their own two feet by training them to have their own livelihood project. Also, I think it's pertinent for Mar Roxas to establish a FOUNDATION for those similarly situated couples so that they'll not suffer the same way this couple did.

Posted: 21 Aug 2009 08:57 AM PDTGary and Lorita Fernandez, parents of the
three remaining quintuplets born in April this year who received help from
Senator Mar Roxas and his girlfriend Korina Sanchez, last night apologized to
Roxas and Ms. Sanchez for criticisms labeled at them by some sectors after the
Fernandez couple sought financial help for further medical treatment of one of
the babies in a radio station last Tuesday.

In a letter to Roxas signed by Lorita Fernandez, the couple said they never criticized the senator and Ms. Sanchez but rather sought help from an anchor of a radio station because one of their children could be suffering from hydrocephalus.

"Kami pong mag-asawa ay humihingi ng paumanhin sa nangyaring kontrobersiya laban po sa inyo ngayon. Wala po kaming intensyon na siraan kayo (We apologize for the controversy we generated. We have no intention to besmirch your name)," said the couple in their letter to Roxas.In response, Roxas said the couple had nothing to apologize for, saying he understood the impatience that couples like them undergo because of the extreme poverty they live in.

"Nalulungkot ako na talagang sa hirap ng buhay ngayon, maraming pamilya gaya ni Gary at Lorita ang kailangang bigyan ng tulong pinansyal (I feel sad that there are couples like Gary and Lorita who really need financial assistance because of their poverty)," Roxas said.

"Nakausap ko na sila Gary at Lori at nainitindihan nilang mas mabuting maturuan silang magtayo ng sariling kabuhayan kesa sa umasa na lang sa tulong ng iba (I have talked to Gary and Lori and they understood that our approach which is to help them gain their own livelihood is better than relying on help from others)," he added.In their letter, the couple admitted they felt bad towards the social welfare officer assigned to assist them, thus they resorted to seeking help from a radio anchor, who in turn misinterpreted it as abandonment of the couple and their children despite all the assistance they already received.
"Kami po’y humingi ng tulong dahil kailangan po ng suporta ng mga bata … lalo na po sa pagpapagamot ni Marie Loralaine at Wenna Mavinia (We sought help for further support for our children .. especially for medication for Marie Loralaine and Wenna Mavinia)," the couple said.
"Wala po kaming masamang sinabi laban po sa inyo. Ang lahat ng negatibo ay pawang mga kumento (We did not say anything against you. All the negatives were just commentaries)” of the radio anchor, they added. “Alam po naming na sa lahat ng nilapitan naming nu’ng nanganak ako ay walang unang tumulong at nakinig kundi kayo. Kaya’t gusto pos ana naming kayo pasalamatan ng personal (We know that you were the only one who helped us immediately when I gave birth. That’s why we wanted to thank you personally)," Lorita said.Roxas’ chief-of- staff, Atty. Blas Viterbo, said the senator assigned a social welfare officer to assist the couple after taking care of the hospitalization and medical care for the quintuplets, two of who died from sepsis despite extra medical attention and medication paid for by Roxas and Ms. Sanchez. Until now, sepsis is a common cause of death among Filipino babies
born under similar circumstances of poor parents and multiple baby births.
The social welfare officer, Ms. Menchie Silvestre, had advised Roxas and Ms. Sanchez that it would be best to spare the Fernandez couple from more cash gifts and recommended that the couple be given livelihood training instead so they can raise their children without relying on financial help from others.
Roxas said he supports Ms. Silvestre’s advice in the handling of the couple, but assured them he continues to monitor their situation and will help them gain their own means of livelihood.
"Hindi ko sila pababayaan (I will take care of them)," he said.

Mar-Noynoy, Noynoy-Mar Tandem---winnable?

Which is a formidable tandem---a Roxas-Aquino or an Aquino-Roxas? This is the problem right now of the Liberal Party. Before August 5, discussions were centered on either a Roxas-Lacson or a Roxas-Pangilinan tandem. Interestingly, discussions are even focused on Senator Noynoy Aquino snatching the presidential nomination from Roxas.

And this for me, shows how weak Mar Roxas' hold in his own party is. If Mar really controls his party, then, there should never be any talks whatsoever of replacing him with Noynoy, only talks about the possibility of Noynoy as his running mate.

There is a palpable public demand for Noynoy to run for public office. It remains to be seen, however, if this demand is strong enough to lift the sagging popularity ratings of the Liberal Party. The last presidential survey shows Mar again slipping to 8 percent after registering a high of about 18 percent a few weeks prior. Mar needs a boost. Despite the public announcement of his wedding with Korina Sanchez, Mar's ratings have not really shown "resiliency" yet. Roxas' ratings are inconsistently average--hovering between 8 to 18%---not enough to really assure poll victory.

One thing though---there is a noticeable attempt by certain sectors to claim "EDSA" as theirs. No one owns EDSA. It is only the Filipino people who can claim EDSA and this phenomenon is not the sole domain of the Liberal Party.

One criticism that I think Mar knows himself---he has not distinguished himself above the rest. People want somebody who would rise above the occasion, somebody who will astound them and inspire them. Inspiring the people through non-traditional means, meaning, not thru TV ads.

You can't inspire people to believe in you in ads because it's common knowledge that 86% of Filipinos believe in word-of-mouth marketing more than advertisements (only 17% of Filipinos do based on a Nielsen survey 2008).

People, according to a private poll survey, are expecting someone who can speak the language of the masses, like how Erap does it. He should be of youthful exuberance, like Chiz Escudero and having a quick wit, like Loren Legarda.

Now, let's also wait for the next survey results. If there is really a huge "demand" for Noynoy to run as president, then, it should reflect in the next survey results.

What is certain is that, whether or not August 5 happened, Noynoy is one of the best alternatives for the people. Like his martyred father, Ninoy, Noynoy has the best qualities of a leader. He is nonassuming. He does not crave for the position, nor lust for its perks and privileges. He's quite humble and shows it always. And he recognizes the power of the people as the supreme one.

2002: YOU is dead, says Gen. Danny Lim (updated)

"It's so strange", Carlos told me once when I chanced upon him a few days ago when I visited a sari-sari store, " that those who were not there, with us at EDSA, when we decided to fight it out with Macoy, are now the very ones shouting "hallelujahs!", praising its name. How in the name of God that this happened!"

I was not ready to answer back. Carlos, who was with the original group of the Reform the Armed Forces or RAM, was somewhat amused by the way things are unfolding, what with different people saying this and that about the EDSA revolt. When they went out and decided to stand their ground against Macoy, Carlos was then a young and idealistic officer. He was the one who told me how they decided to really just fight it out.

When Jake Malajacan and some RAM members were arrested, the rest of the RAM members were hold up in the safehouse (Ministry of National Defense). Macoy and Ver were playing it all up in the TV broadcast. Macoy threatened to blow these rebels to smithereens if they don't stop their "adventurism". Carlos and the rest of the RAM leadership saw the telecast.

Some of them wanted to just do their thing some other time. Yet, Carlos saw then the late Col. Rudy Aguinaldo who looked at the ceiling and counted. What on earth was Rudy up to! After counting, Aguinaldo just told the group that they have the upper hand and they must fight it out. That made the day for Col. Vic Batac, Red Kapunan, Tito Legaspi and Col. Gringo Honasan. They went out of their safehouse (security group at the Ministry of National Defense building) and marched straight to History.

" I never saw General Danilo Lim there," says Carlos. " Danny Lim was with Marcos at that time. And later on, when we decided to fight Cory, Danny just joined us because he wanted the old regime back. Lim was with Jimmy Zumel at the PMA academy teaching. Lim was never an original member of the Young Officer's Union (YOU). "

Ah, the Young Officer's Union (YOU), the organization that nearly brought the Cory Aquino administration to its knees. YOU was the lead during those tumultuous years under Cory. They made nine attempts, one nearly succeeded in that week-long war in 1989. Querubin was shot and left for dead only to resurrect a few minutes after being declared KIA.

" I was one of those who established the YOU and I remember that time, very vividly." says Carlos while sipping his favorite barako. " And I never saw Danny Lim there."

Eventually, most of those affiliated with the YOU got caught and was imprisoned. During Ramos' time, they, along with the RAM-SFP, forged a peace agreement with the government. Most of the officers went back to their barracks. Some, including Carlos, decided to serve the country as cops.

In 2001, the YOU leadership again spearheaded the revolt, this time, against former president Joseph Estrada. It successfully installed Mrs. Arroyo, who now rule this land with impunity and immorality. In December of 2002, Danny Lim and Ariel Querubin declared the YOU dead. Shortly thereafter, the original leadership of the YOU was prosecuted, and charged with ridiculous crimes. One of them was even shot and killed and the crime was blamed to an innocent organizer and co-founder of the YOU.

In 2005, Lim even said that YOU members were living ordinary and peaceful lives and that "any group could use the name "Young Officers' Union" for their own ends.

" Now, Danny and Ariel claim to be members of the YOU and that they use the very name of the organization to further their political careers. How ironic, right? They claim membership to an organization which they said already died in 2002. What on earth is that for!"

I understand where Carlos is coming from. Carlos, who sacrificed his life for his country, is now silently re-organizing and fortifying the organization which still struggles towards a True and Just Filipino society.

Lito Atienza's dreams and Wrong nnnnnnnnnnnn

Lito Atienza wants to be known as the last survivor of the August 21 Plaza Miranda bombing. Apart from that, he wants to steal the thunder from Mar Roxas, the President of the Liberal Party by publishing ads that says that the Kabataang Liberal ng Pilipinas or KALIPI (uncannily similar or sounds similar to "MAKAPILI") recognizes Lito Atienza as the "true" leader of the Liberal Party.

Whatever Mar Roxas says that Atienza's actions were "shameful" and "indecent", the fact of the matter is, those ads cast aspersions to the party. It has attained its purpose, and that is, create "intrigue" and sow dissension among the Liberal Party ranks. Even if the Supreme Court and the COMELEC already recognized the Roxas-led party, these ads were never really intended to question the legality of the issue. Those ads were meant to show the public that leadership in the Liberal is fractured, and by being fractured, it shows weakness. Whatever Mar says, he must address this as quickly as possible because it sends a wrong message to non-card carrying supporters of his party.

Atienza is doing us a great disservice by sowing intrigue and disinformation. Those ads should have never been allowed published by those newspapers, simply because it is un-TRUTHFUL ADVERTISEMENT.

Leap-frogging thru The Ninoy-Cory Phenomenon

When Jose Maria Sison, the founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines broke away from the PKP after debating on revolutionaty strategy, the concept of "leap-frogging" came into the realm of public discourse. What this leap frogging idea means is creating the necessary conditions for a revolutionary situation. It is mixing numerous actions together to create a "broth" that is, a situation of adverse consequences. Actions are undertaken to achieve a particular result or condition instead of allowing events to naturally ascend the higher stage.

This has been the widely accepted idea during the Marcos dictatorship. And this, my friends, is what characterized the length and breadth of the EDSA revolution. However, current historical interpretation of EDSA seems to just center on the twin legacies of Senator Ninoy Aquino and his wife, Cory, and consciously eradicated, albeit, isolated the big contributions of revolutionary groups, such as BAYAN, CPP-NPA-NDF, MNLF, MILF and the RAM-SFP-YOU.

It seems that people behind this are deliberately creating a somewhat "cultist" interpretation of History, by ascribing the success of the EDSA revolution only to the efforts of LABAN-UNIDO and center its success on the sacrifices of Ninoy. That there is a deliberate attribution only to those in the legal opposition seemed contrary to the events that shaped this revolution.

This revolution is part of the ongoing process which started way back in 1898 when the First Sons of the Morning united together and formed the Katipunan. The Katipunan legacy is what shaped the consciousness of Ninoy and his fellow Laban-UNIDO.

The part that Ninoy played cannot be over-ly emphasized. Everyone knows that his death emboldened 2 million people to go to the streets and rally. Yet, how about those in the provinces? How about those events in the rural areas where the deaths of people's organizers' sparked mini-revolts? And how about those thousands who died fighting with their lives that former menace to democracy?

Neither August 21, 1971 nor that of August 21, 1983 were crucial milestones in viewing this EDSA revolution. Those were the milestones accepted by politicians.

Right now, there is a conscious attempt to replay the same emotions and the same perspective we had back then in the period 1983-1986. That period was never the length and breadth of this revolution, no. That period started way, way, way back. Events just tapped the underlying current of dissent within the Filipino soul, which just burst asunder when the right conditions were created.

Those millions who trooped to EDSA in 1986 were there not as a disorganized lot, no. People's organizations played a big part in the entire revolt. What is now being devoured as staple public idea is that only the LABAN-UNIDO led this massive outpouring of anger. This is not the correct interpretation of what had transpired. EDSA was a conscious collaboration of disparate forces joined together in a fight against a strongman.

Ninoy's legacy is that he sacrificed his life so that middle forces are made fully aware of their bondage. Those middle forces were key to the EDSA formula. With their participation, the paradigm of struggle that is EDSA was completed.

We all know that we cannot really re-create the conditions that led to EDSA. We exist in a totally different political environment where we don't have the formal structures of a dictatorship, only a pseudo-dictatorship. A totally different strategy is needed to defeat the current Arroyo regime. If we are to say that we need another Ninoy, that is a wrongful interpretation. We need a new breed of Ninoys and Corys, of Jomas and Saturs, of Nur Misuaris and of Dado Valerosos, who will sacrifice their lives so that others may truly live decent lives. Theirs are incomplete legacies of revolts, not revolutions. The true revolution is still upon us. The True Filipino Revolution is still being nursed from the loins of the Filipino masses, waiting for the right time to show itself once again, like a Bernardo Carpio. And this time, there is no leap frogging.

Balabac Massacre---Gloria's Version of Jabidah

A visually enraged Nur Misuari, chairman emeritus of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) blasted the military for the alleged “massacre” of seven MNLF members during a reported encounter in Balabac Island a few days ago in Palawan.

Misuari, who formed the MNLF in 1972 after the alleged Jabidah massacre perpetuated by military forces in Corregidor Island, said that the deaths of these seven MNLF members, including their leader and his two sons, are suspicious and reminds one of the infamous Jabidah massacre during the Marcos regime.

For those lived during those tumultuous times, Jabidah was the codename of a military project by Marcos. Several Muslims were tapped and trained in the island of Corregidor for the sole mission of invading Borneo and claim the island as Philippine territory. When the plan was discovered, Marcos immediately ordered the massacre of the Muslim volunteers by the military.

Shortly after the Jabidah massacre, Misuari, who was a professor of the University of the Philippines in Diliman at that time, formed the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the precursor of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). After a bloody war which left 150,000 dead, the MNLF and the government went to the peace table. Former First Lady Imelda Marcos used her links with Libya to talk peace with the MNLF but it was only after a few years, in the 1990s, that the MNLF agreed to lay down their arms and enter into an agreement with government.

Misuari said he could not believe those claims by the military that those killed in Balabac resisted arrest. The AFP said the firefight started when army troops tried to serve a warrant of arrest against one of the MNLF members, allegedly for extortion. That’s unbelievable, says Misuari, since those who were living in Balabac Island are all Tausugs and relatives, so they can’t be an extortionist among them. Besides, says Misuari, they have been there since several decades ago.

Misuari vows to meet Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro to discuss this, but the former Bangsamoro leader said, ” The MNLF will never forget this. For every blood spilt, there would be accountability,” says Misuari who once led the Bangsamoro revolutionaries in a bloody war that left 150,000 killed in Mindanao.

Randy David bilang Pangulo at Noynoy bilang VP

Maari ba tayong mangarap ng sandali at isulat ko ang mga pangarap na iyon dito sa New Philippine Revolution?

Kung posible nga sana, sino-sino ba sa pananaw ko ang kakatawanin ng isang dream team sa eleksyon sa 2010? Suriin natin at paka ngimiin.



Para sa Pagkapangulo



Nais ko sana ng isang Pangulong may alam hindi sa pangungurakot o kung papaano babawiin ang kanyang campaign funds, kundi sa papaanong maiging patakbuhin ang isang pamahalaang may dambuhalang burukrasya. Maganda sana ang isang Pangulo na may magandang bisyon o pangarap sa pagpapaunlad ng bansa, na maglalatag ng isang agenda na istratehiko, hindi taktikal. Napansin ko sa mga nakaraang mga pangulo, puro taktikal na kampanya lamang ang kanilang mga ipinatupad, mga stop gap measures na lumulutas ng panandalian sa mga problema ng bayan ngunit iniiwanan ang pagpapasya sa paglutas sa mga tunay at ugat ng problem sa susunod na administrasyon.



Nais ko sana ang isang kandidatong walang utang na loob sa mga dambuhalang mga kumpanya at mga lokal na panginoong maylupa.



Sino ba sa palagay ko ang maaaring lider sa panguluhan na tumutugon sa mga kwalipikasyong ito?



Sa ganang akin, ito'y si Professor Randy David.



Opo, ang tanyag na propesor Randy David. Una, may talino siya't may marubdob na pagmamahal sa Inang Bayan. Ikalawa, mayroon siyang pag-asang maging isang tunay na alternatibong kandidato laban sa mga pumapalaot na mga trapong nais maging pangulo. At ikatlo, wala siyang pangarap na maging pangulo, alalaong baga'y para siyang isang Corazon Aquino.



Sa Pangalawang Pangulo



Maganda sana kung si Senator Benigno "NoyNoy" Aquino ay siyang magpahayag ng kahandaang tumakbo bilang ikalwang pangulo o kung hindi man, suportahan na lamang ang kandidatura ni Senator Kiko Pangilinan. Sa ganang akin, tunay ang abilidad at kakayanan ng dalawang ito upang pamunuan ang pamahalaan. Magagamit natin ang kanilang karanasan bilang mga mambabatas para magkasanib puwersa nilang tulungan ang Pangulong Randy David sa pagpapatakbo ng pamahalaan.



Sa mga Senatoriables



1. General Danilo Lim---para sa tunay na reporma ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas at pagpapatatag ng sekyuridad ng ating bansa.



2. Susan Toots Ople---pagpapalakas ng hanay ng lakas paggawa at pagsulong pa ng mga batas na magpapa-igi sa kapakanan ng mga Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).



3. Joey de Venecia III---pagpapakinis sa business environment upang maging lebel ang playing field at sa gayun, ma-attract ang foreign investments sa bansa.



4. Ariel Querubin--tungo sa pagpapakinis ng relasyong pangtanggulan ng Pilipinas sa iba't-ibang bansa at pagpapatatag din sa pagbigay benepisyo sa mga bayani ng bayan.



5. Risa Hontiveros---pagbalangkas ng isang matatag na batas tungo sa proteksyon ng mga karapatan ng mga kababaihan at iba pang batas na siyang magpapa-igi sa kalagayan ng mga urban poor.



6. Ruffy Biazon---mga batas na magpapalakas sa hanay ng mga kabataan at magbibigay ng libreng edukasyon sa mga kabataang napagkaitan ng gayung oportunidad.



7. Teddy Casino---magkakatawan sa mga middle class gayundin sa mga propesyunal at magiging kasangkapan upang makapagpanday ng mga batas na siyang magsusulong ng isang Pambansa Demokratikong lipunan.



8. Satur Ocampo----magpapatatag sa mga batas tungo sa proteksyon ng karapatang pantao at karapatan ng hanay ng mga manggagawang Pilipino, gayondin ng midya.



9. Teofisto Guingona III---magpapanday ng mga batas upang patatagin ang ugnayang Kristiyano at Muslim sa Mindanao gayundin ang paglikha ng mga batas tungo sa pagpapaunlad ng mga kanayunan.



10. Lisa Masa----tunay na kinatawan ng mga kababaihan sa Senado at magiging malakas na tagapagsulong ng mga rebolusyunaryong inisyatiba.



11. Atty. Adel Tamano---pagsusulong ng mga interes ng Bangsamoro sa Senado.

12. Jamby Madrigal



Dream Team



Prof. Randy David---Pangulo

Noynoy Aquino------Ikalwang Pangulo



Senatorial Slate



1. Gen. Danilo Lim

2. Susan Toots Ople

3. Joey de Venecia III

4. Ariel Querubin

5. Risa Hontiveros

6. Ruffy Biazon

7. Teddy Casino

8. Satur Ocampo

9. Teofisto Guingona III

10. Lisa Masa

11. Adel Tamano

12. Jamby Madrigal

Velarde's Presidential Candidacy: The Real McCoy

Newspapers today headlined the inauguration of El Shaddai leader's latest project---a P 1 billion peso church in his lot in Paranaque. The church, which is billed as the "biggest place of worship and prayers in Asia" can accommodate 15 to 25,000 worshippers, still not enough to accommodate the weekly 300,000 devotees that usually attend El Shaddai worship services.

Now the shocking part---El Shaddai's leader Bro. Mike Velarde intimated his desire to run for the presidency in 2010. Quite a dream he says since as a kid, he always dreamt of becoming president. Many political observers doubt the sincerity of Velarde, since he knows for a fact that he does not have the numbers to back his campaign.

The dead giveaway was Velarde's statement saying that should he become president, he'll merge the church and the state---an obvious joke. Velarde is no fool, yet he's quite a joker. He knows that that's impossible.

Velarde's pronouncement is obviously a bait meant to increase his waning political stock. Velarde is an astute politician. He knows that when he announces his candidacy, many political leaders would obviously try to negotiate his way out of it.

One such politician is Joseph Estrada who said that he'll talk with Velarde today to convince him to give way. Of course, Velarde will try to appear coy and will try to prolong negotiations, of course in exchange of something.

Everyone knows that Senator Manny Villar already got Velarde's support, way ahead of the others. They teamed up together in that C-5 road controversy. Remember that Velarde's company, Amvel Properties, got a 1 billion peso payment for the right-of-way and the one who masterminded that was no other than Senator Manny Villar.

So, what's the game plan for Velarde? First, that pronouncement was meant as a bait, a lure for other political parties to negotiate terms with him. Second, Velarde's campaign machinery would just be deemed as a "wrecking crew" meant to dilute the opposition ranks. We know that Velarde's constituency is the same as those of Erap's and Velarde's entry into the race would surely affect on-going organizing efforts.

Danny Lim at Ariel Querubin--huwag mahulog sa patibong ng mga trapo

May mga haka-haka na tatakbo sa ilalim ng partido Nacionalista si Col. Ariel Querubin na nagpahayag na ng kanyang kahandaang tumakbo bilang senador. Samantalang, iniisip naman ni General Danny Lim kung sa Liberal Party siya tataya o sa Nacionalist People's Coalition (NPC) na sigurado nang pangungunahan ni Chiz Escudero. Ayon sa ilang tagamasid, kailangang sumanib muna sa mga tradisyunal na partido ang dalawang repormistang opisyales upang matiyak ang kanilang panalo sa darating na eleksyon.

Kunsabagay, lohikal nga para sa kanila ang sumailalim sa mga partidong may malalaking makinarya, ngunit kung ako ang tatanungin, mas maganda sanang sumanib na lamang sa isang tunay na repormistang partido ang dalawa, lalo na si Danny Lim at maging adopted o guest candidate na lamang sila ng mga tradisyunal na partido. Mas malakas ang mensahe nun. Ipinapahiwatig na may matatag at nananatili silang matatag sa kanilang prinsipyo.

Hindi ko maubos isiping kasapi ng Liberal ang isang Danny Lim sapagkat mas malawak pa kaysa dagat ang pagitan ng kanilang paniniwala. Hindi ko rin mailagay ng tama sa isip ko ang isang Ariel Querubin na tatakbo sa ilalim ng isang taong batid ng taumbayan na isang land speculator at tagawasak ng mga buhay ng mga magsasaka sa kanayunan.

Maaari sanang tumakbo na lamang sila sa isang partido, gaya siguro ng Partido ng Lakas ng Masa o PLM na isang lehitimong partido pulitikal. Hindi ito gaya ng mga tradisyunal na organisasyon sapagkat ang mga kasanib nito'y mga nagbuwis na ng buhay at kinabukasan para sa pakikibaka. Maganda kung ito ang patatatagin nina Danny Lim at Querubin. Huwag silang matakot na kakaunti ang resources nito o papausbong pa lamang ang network nito sa ating bansa. Magandang simulan na ngayon pa lamang ang pagpapalaki sa isang tunay na Partidong kakatawanin ang kapakanan at adhikain ng masang Pilipino.

Ano na lamang ang sasabihin ng madla sa dalawang ito, na hilig nilang makipaglaro o makipagdaupang palad sa mga trapo? Kapwa mga trapo ang Liberal, NPC at Nacionalista at wala ni isa sa kanila ang may tunay na puso para sa Sambayanang Pilipino.

Kung totoo ang sinasabi nina Danny Lim at Ariel Querubin na para sila sa tunay na pagbabago ng lipunang Pilipino, maging consistent sila at iwasan o talikdan ang pagsanib puwersa sa mga trapo. Huwag nilang bigyan ng legitimacy ang mga partido ng mga trapo sa pamamagitan ng tuluyang pagsanib sa kanila. Yan ay malinaw na patibong na nararapat iwasan.

Ang balik sa atin ng mga multi-million peso dinners

Ang depensa ng Malakanyang sa multi-milyong pisong gastos sa dinners ni Mrs. Arroyo sa New York at Washington eh ang balik daw nito sa atin sa pamamagitan ng foreign investments.

Meron bang balik sa atin yung kinain nilang steaks, oysters at ininom na wine sa David Bouleys, Le Cirque at Bobby Van's steakhouse kundi dumi? Sila-sila ang kumain sa mga expensive restaurants na ito at wala namang kausap na foreign investors si Mrs. Arroyo nang gumastos siya ng milyong piso sa Le Cirque at Bobby Van's? Kumbaga, pumasok lang sa bunganga nila yung pagkain at pagka uwi nila dito, inilabas lamang nila sa toilet.

Gamitin na natin ang wikang kanto, pero ito ang totoo. Tignan din natin yung website ng National Statistics Coordination Board gayundin ang sa Bangko Sentral. Makikita duon ang pababang antas ng pamumuhunan sa bansa. Halos mumo na nga lamang ang pumapasok na dayuhang kapital sa bansa at hindi ito dahil sa Konstitusyon, kundi ang kawalang piyansa ng mga dayuhang kapitalista sa katatagan ng ating ekonomiya.

Gayundin naman, ang umiiral na hindi patas na investor environment at ang talamak na katiwalian sa gobyerno ang mga bagay na siyang direktang kadahilanan ng mahinang pasok ng puhunan.

Walang balik sa atin ang mga multi-milyong hapunan na ito kundi kahihiyan. Sa kabila ng pagtitipid ng pinaka makapangyarihang ehekutibo sa daigdig, yaong siya pang pinaka mahirap sa Asya ang magarbo pang namumuhay. Kaya naman, nakakawalang gana talagang mapakinggan ang mga depensa ng mga spokesperson ni Mrs. Arroyo. Talagang mahirap depensahan ang kawalang kahihiyan.

Quintuplets left to die by Mar Roxas

It seems that even Liberal Party president and aspirant for the top post, Mar Roxas has been afflicted with the trapo way of ngako politics. And this my friends, is truly disapppointing. Read on...

A few months ago, Mrs. Lorie Fernandez gave birth to quintuplets at a Manila hospital. The babies were put under intensive care since they were born premature. They asked for the media's help since the family is so poor, they can't afford the 25,000 pesos worth of medicines that the babies need to save them from death.

Out came Senator and presidentiable Mar Roxas like a knight in shining armor. He went to the hospital with his fiance ABS-CBN news anchor Korina Sanchez. The couple gave the family baby's clothes, some cans of baby's milk and 20,000 pesos as financial assistance. But, not after taking some photos with the quintuplets and plastering the news all over town in tabloids, newspapers, radio and television. Roxas reportedly told the family that help is on the way and he'll continue to support the financial needs of the impoverished family.

A few days or weeks later, two of the babies, Korina Ysabel and Marie Loralaine, died due to complications and lack of medical support. Only three babies---Sara, Erika and Wenna Mavinia--continue to stay alive due to help from private individuals. Still, expenses remain very high.

Mr. Gary Fernandez, father of the quintuplets, said that they called Senator Roxas and the senator was always, always cannot be reached. They waited for his help but nothing came. Sa yaman at karangyaan ni Mar Roxas, ang nagawa lamang na tulong ng kagalang-galang na senador ay magbigay ng 20,000 pesos sa isang pamilyang kailangang-kailangan ang kanilang tulong.

The remaining three kids are under serious condition in a Manila hospital because two of the babies were diagnosed with hernia. They need immediate medical attention, particularly a cranial scan.

Gary Fernandez, the babie's father said he was truly disappointed with Mar Roxas, who sought his family and expressed desire to help them. After a full media conference with them, and taking their photos with the Senator which were plastered as banner stories in newspapers and television, Gary said they were just given 20,000 pesos and some clothes and baby's milk by the Senator. Roxas reportedly assured them of his help but, until now, nothing came out of that promise of assistance.

Gary said his two babies could have been saved from death, had Roxas fulfilled his promise of at least helping them raise funds for the medical expenses. Medicines for the babies cost 25,000 each per vial, and they were not able to raise the amount.

Yesterday, help continues to pour in for the Fernandez family from callers and fans of Raffy Tulfo in the radio show Wanted over DZXL (558 khz, 2-4pm). Callers from as far as Saudi Arabia heard of the family's pleas and OFWs pitched in and gave funds. The show generated more than 35,000 pesos in just one day, more than the 20,000 pesos given to the family by a billionaire politician.

Yan na nga ba ang sinasabi ko eh. Ngayon pa lang, hindi na makatulong. Pano mo pa aasahan yan pagka nakapuwesto na sa Malakanyang. Milyon-milyon ang ginagastos ni Senator Mar Roxas sa mga TV at radio ads niya, hindi man lang siya makapagbigay ng kahit kakarimpot lamang para sa mga tunay na nangangailangan.

Maramdamin ang TV commercial ni Mar at i-engganyo pa ang madla na lumaban. Pero, heto ngang pamilya na pilit lumalaban para mabuhay ang kanilang mga anak ay hindi nga natulungan ni Mar, isa lang pamilya sa milyon-milyong iba pang nagdurusa, pano niya sasabihing karapat-dapat siyang maging pangulo ng bansang ito?

Mr. Roxas, sa bilyong pisong kayamanan ng iyong pamilya, sana man lang nagdamot ka ng kaunting pantulong sa pamilyang Fernandez. Halagang 20,000 pesos lang ba ang kaya mo para sa tunay na nangangailangan na buhay ng kanilang mga sanggol ang nakataya?

For Filipinos abroad and friends of Filipinos who want to help these quintuplets, please, I ask of you, please help them. Listen to the radio program of Raffy Tulfo today at 2-2:30pm over at DZXL 558 Khz " Wanted sa Radyo" and take down the details of how you could help this family. The moral lesson in this case is simply don't trust politicians who want to be president.

Partylist process--that's democracy

Over 270 organizations filed their Petitions for accreditation yesterday, beating the deadline set by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). The offices of the COMELEC were jampacked with people from all walks of life, desirous to take part in the democratic process. As one kibitzer said, " this shows you how vibrant our democracy is."

I don't necessarily agree with my friend Ted Failon in his commentaries this morning over at DZMM. Yes, in the past, certain groups, like those affiliated with the First Family, really bastardized the Partylist process. In fact, a known billionaire sits as a representative of balut vendors right now in Congress. Or, there are groups affiliated with a known religious organization with a brutish attitude competing and winning the elections just because of the sheer number of its religious demagogues.

And yes, yesterday, there are groups like the Alyansa ng mga Sabungero, filing their petitions for accreditation. I see nothing wrong with that. It's their right to do so. Its premature for anybody to register protests since the Comelec has not yet approved their petition. If, for some quirk of fate, this organization gets accreditation, then, that would probably be the time to go to the streets and protest against it.

Whatever we say about it, democracy is still the most ideal of all theorems. Whether it works or not is another matter but if it's quirky or not, that's irrelevant. Democracy thrives when people accept another person's quirkiness or idiosyncracies. That's the main dictum of this ideal---to live and let live.

Now, limiting the right of a group of persons is not in tune with democratic principles. In fact, that is contrary to what democracy represents. However, it is best to say that, groups like the Alyansa ng mga Sabungero should go thru the legal processes.