Stupid is as stupid does

What stupidity!

Malacanang reporters received an email from the Palace. And what the email contains is very stupid indeed.

It tells of a story of a Filipino businessman hacked to death by Chinese criminals a few years ago. And the email goes that Noynoy apologized for the August 23 hostage crisis while the Chinese government did not.

How stupid.

First, the issue here is not that hostage taking or any other crime even homicide does not happen anywhere in the world. Shit happens. And the issue is not if shit does not or does happen here in the Philippines. The fact is simple--how a particular government handles such a situation.

Let me tell it as it is---the reason why Filipinos hate this administration so much right now is the way it handled the crisis situation, period.

They so mishandled it that it is now both a diplomatic and an embarrasing international situation.

The situation was badly handled that it has now taken a life of its own. It has stirred a hornet's nest in Hongkong and China and has now taken the China-RP relationship into a very tense situation.

It has taken a very bad and serious turn that Malacanang is even trying to stir up more trouble by asserting sovereignty over the post-mortem investigation. What? What is sovereignty got to do with a request from China of a parallel probe? Is Malacanang trying to stage a whitewash, that's why it does not want Chinese forensic experts to really know who really killed those eight Chinese nationals?

We can tolerate neophytes, but bumbling idiots? We don't deserve such a government in our midst.

By the way....

I am soft launching my book today, " The Black Book on Crisis Management: How to Diffuse a PR Crisis in Just 3 Days".

It sells at US$ 9.95 in e-book form. Those who want to buy a copy, please email me at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. Calling Malacanang! Maybe you want a copy of the book?

Be proud of our country. Share the good things about the Philippines

Lacson's Appeal Resonates Today

While Hongkong rages, this is the opportune time for us, Filipinos, to unite as one.

While we rage within and really are angry against our present administration, let us not forget that these Hongkongers are getting to be unreasonable.

Yes, there should be justice for their fellow Hongkongers killed last August 23 hostage crisis. Yes, our government bungled the job. And yes, the Philippine government has already apologized for the incident.

What more can anyone do at this point?

Eight Hongkongers are dead. There is an ongoing probe. The Philippine government has already agreed on a parallel investigation. The government promised to come up with a result by two weeks. What more can these people demand from us?

Let us all wait for the results of the probe.

I appeal to our government to sack high government officials involved in the mishandled crisis situation.

I also want to appeal to our fellow Filipinos---despite this incident, all the more that we unite and show our solidarity as a people.

Let us be proud of our race. Let us do what Atty. Alex Lacson suggested in his 12 Little Things Every Filipino Can do for our country.

Let us continue to share the beautiful things about our country to foreigners. Let us not forget that we continue to live in a country blessed by God by a bounty of natural splendour.

Be proud of this. Forget about what happened last August 23.

Senator Estrada humiliated and 3 OFW maids killed by their HK employers due to Aug 23 HOstage Crisis

While I respect the outpouring of outrage from Hongkongers due to the August 23 botched hostage taking in Manila, their current demands are turning to be unreasonable.

First, yes, demand justice. Yes, demand an independent probe. And yes, go to the streets and show your unity against what happened.

But, humiliating one of our legislators is bordering beyond the insane.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada just got the brunt of Chinese racism when his passport was thrown at him by an angry Hongkong immigration man. Estrada was on an official trip to the island state when this incident happened.

Had our country been as strong as the United States, this would have merited a very strong diplomatic protest.

But, sadly, our government right now is in the pits. This government cannot even save itself from universal damnation, what more can it do to help regain the honor of any person, even its own legislator, and the Philippine senate's second highest official?

There are also reports that three (3) Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) working as maids were killed by their Hongkong employers shortly after outrage broke out in the island state.

This is too much. And Hongkong legislators, all politicians, are trying to fuel the anger by leading 80,000 Hongkong residents in a rally.

Is Hongkong trying to exacerbate the pain everyone is suffering by transforming this incident into a racist one?

I mean, we already gave our apologies, as a people. We already said, we're sorry. We already said that like them, we, the Filipino People, are appalled by what our government failed to do.

This is getting to be unwieldy.

When Singapore executed one of our own, which we felt was an injustice, we, as a people, united as one and expressed our disgusts against the Singaporean government. Yet, we never killed anyone. We never disrespected any Singaporean. 

When reports about maltreatment of our compatriots came from Hongkong, we never threw any Hongkonger's passport, no. We never even cursed any Hongkong national. 

When Hongkongers expressed their disgusts over the Tiananmen square massacre which killed thousands of Chinese, we, as a Filipino Nation, expressed our solidarity by protesting in the streets. We, however, did nothing as despicable as killing another Chinese nor throwing their passports in their faces. 

Lao Tsu is right---the true nature of men reveals itself during stressful times. Hongkongers, despite their wealthy status, are acting like brutes and uncivilized people.

Manila Hostage Crisis Update: Mendoza deserves a flag draped over his coffin

Insp Rolando Mendoza deserves the Philippine Flag

Are we so weak as a Nation and government that we readily accede to the demands of a very small island state such as Hongkong?

So what if the Hongkong government felt more enraged when they saw the Philippine flag draped over the coffin of slain former Inspector Rolando Mendoza, the hostage taker in the botched Manila hostage crisis last Monday?

Why did the government ordered for the removal of the Philippine flag draped over Mendoza's coffin? Why? Are we so weak that a mere criticism would spur us to violate this honor given to public servants like cops and soldiers?

Mendoza was a decorated officer. He served this country for over twenty years. He deserved the honor of being considered as one of our country's heroes. His seventeen medals show his competency.

Now, his action last Monday which led to the deaths of nine Hongkong tourists does not automatically erase those twenty years of dedicated service to the Motherland.

Yes, he did something wrong which he already paid for by his life. Yet, that wrong does not justify another wrong.

Are we so weak as a government that we cannot explain to these Hongkongers and their government that Mendoza deserves the flag usually given to public servants like Mendoza?

Are we so stupid and weak as a government that this mere fact we cannot communicate to our counterparts right there in Hongkong?

This is too much humiliation already for us as a People. That we have a government that relents to every whim and caprice of another country.

Why do we allow such outrage?! Have we no more honor as a people?!!!

Villaroman, charged with Kidnapping Hongkong Nationals before, is now OIC of Manila Police

What is this? Another erroneous decision committed "innocently" by the Aquino administration?

Senior Superintendent Francisco Villaroman, the one who replaced Director Rodolfo Magtibay as head of the Manila Police District, is involved in several high profile kidnapping cases involving Hongkong nationals.

A source said Villaroman has pending cases before the Sandiganbayan. And these cases, mind you, are not petty cases but controversial ones.

Families of the victims of the gruesome crime involving the kidnapping of two Chinese nationals have filed charges before the Hongkong courts against Villaroman and his police accomplices.

What a direct insult to injury.

IMagine, the Aquino administration has been trying to appease the enraged citizens of Hongkong for the gruesome Monday hostage taking in Manila with this???

What a way to really humiliate and embarrass Filipinos living and working in Hongkong.

President Aquino should look for others more competent than Villaroman to head the MPD or face another international controversy.

Why people think the hostage taking incident was a crisis in leadership

The Manila hostage-taking incident, says Catholic Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, was a trial which new President Benigno Aquino failed, and failed miserably. Bagaforo said, Aquino's failure lies in his mishandling of the situation, leading to what others now call, a crisis in leadership. There seems to be, says Rep. Carlos Padilla, an absence of leadership in government.

I beg to disagree.

The assault on the bus was an action only a strong Leader can implement. That assault came only after the confirmation that the hostage taker has taken the lives of some of the captives. That assault was necessary to save more lives.

Despite the lack of equipment, the SWAT team did their jobs. They assaulted the bus with nary protective cover to their bodies. They implemented their mission to the letter. They trapped the hostage taker at the front of the bus, as their planned to do, and hit him eight times with sniper fire. His death save the lives of seven other hostages. Under such extreme and unusual circumstances, the action of the SWAT was justified.

The only thing that really marred the entire hostage-taking drama was the order to arrest the brother of the hostage taker. That incident, according to the ongoing investigation being conducted by the Philippine Senate, changed the entire scenario, from an optimistic one to a gruesome tragedy.

And it turned out that Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, a half-Chinese, half-Filipino, was the one responsible for the fiasco. Lim, says former Manila Police District Chief Director Rodolfo Magtibay, ordered the untimely arrest of SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza, brother of the hostage taker. Shortly after the controversial order came bursts of fire from the bus, which instantaneously killed two to three hostages. The realization that the hostage taker had already taken the lives of his hostages necessitated the assault.

Was the order invalid? No. Lim, upon getting the info from the ground, did what he had to do--arrest the accomplice of the hostage taker.

The core of the issue is the proper time for the arrest. And this lay on the lap of the ground commander, which happened to be Magtibay. Magtibay should have exercised his discretion as a commander. That despite an active order which came from the Manila Mayor, Magtibay should have exercised his discretion, stayed his hand and arrested the accomplice after the incident. Sadly, Magtibay was more of a field trooper than a general.

Magtibay and Lim are some of the people responsible for this incident. And you guess it right, only Magtibay will surely get the gautlet this time. Lim is a strong political ally of the President, and despite what Noynoy said that those held responsible will surely pay, I doubt it if Noynoy has the gall to even order the suspension of Lim.

And I also doubt it if Noynoy would even suspend or cause the resignation of two of his communication managers, who, unfortunately, have not exhibited executive crisis management at all in their 50 plus days in office.

The current brouhaha has not only caused unrest and distress here in our country, but also caused an international scandal. Hongkong officials have warned the RP consulate in Hongkong to brace for more rallies as more and more Hongkongers feel angry and rage over the incident.

These things, should have been handled deftly by a professional communications man, someone with managerial expertise.

Carandang, unfortunately, is all style and no substance. Coloma, meanwhile, is just an eloquent speaker of the vernacular, but shows no other capability than the ability to deflect, and deflect in a wrong manner.

If Aquino continues this way, I would not be surprised that his administration would just last for a few more months or years. The actions of Aquino and his Cabinet members are weakening government insitutions, instead of strengthening the bureaucracy. This weakness, would surely be exploited by the enemies of the state.

This perception of Aquino as a weak leader, incapable of doing his job as the country's chief executive, would affect the entire government bureaucracy. This is the job of the communications team. Their lack of managerial experience, and their continued mishandling of the bureaucracy's enormous communications infrastructure would surely and definitely cause more harm than goodwill for government.

It is time for Aquino to make the ultimate sacrifice and fire his cabinet members who are inept and continues to mishandle his communications.

Latest Update on the Hostage Taking in Rizal Park: Sabotage seen in hostage-taking tragedy in Manila

Sabotage seen at hostage negotiations?

A source who refused to identify himself, insinuated the possibility of an "internal sabotage" of the negotiations between police and the slain hostage taker Chief Inspector Rolando Mendoza that led to the deaths of eight hostages, five Hongkongers, and three Canadians.

If you remember, the negotiations bogged down when Mendoza saw or heard on television his brother Gregorio being arrested by the police.

The source, a police official, said that it was Manila Police chief General Rodolfo Magtibay who ordered the end of the negotiations and the arrest of the brother of the hostage taker.

Magtibay, a member of Philippine Military Academy class 1978, reportedly gave the order which resulted to the deaths of nine people, including the hostage taker.

PNP Chief Jesus Verzosa has relieved Magtibay for the bolched negotiations. Magtibay, however said he already filed a leave of absence to give the investigation a free hand.

The arrest was a violation of the standard operating procedure being followed by the Philippine National Police.

Is it possible that Magtibay was part of what others say was a sabotage that led to this unfortunate incident?

Magtibay is a member of PMA Class 1978 which also included Rear admiral Feliciano Angue who was "demoted" a few days ago.

The source said that Magtibay knew that the negotiations would turn entirely nasty if the police arrest the brother of the hostage taker.

Malacanang, meanwhile, is implying such when DILG secretary Jesse Robredo is insinuating that the cops who handled the situation were actually "hold-backs" from the previous administration.

Magtibay should be allowed to explain himself. An investigation should be conducted to clear the name of Magtibay, who is now being demeaned and is being besmirched because of this incident.

Noynoy Aquino's smile and sorry seems to be an empty word

The controversial "smile" of RP President Noy Aquino

Had an expert communications guy accompanied President Noynoy Aquino when he first visited the "crime scene" a few hours after the clearing operations at the Quirino Grandstand, Aquino would not have "smiled". That "smile" earned the ire of thousands, even millions of Hongkongers who were closely watching the story unfold in Manila. 

Aquino, the head of state of our government, would not have issued an apology later on. 

Compare Aquino's demeanor with that of Hongkong Chief Executive Donald Tsang. Tsang acts were presidential. Ours, well, is definitely wanting.

What is so humiliating are the acts of our government shortly after the incident. Our Communication secretary Ricky Carandang tried to justify the absence of his principal by saying that the President deemed it wise not to communicate with his Hongkong counterpart and just do it shortly afterwards.

Carandang said, a Malacanang aide failed to give Aquino the phone when Tsang called. Imagine that. The entire country was in the state of shock and in agitation, and the President is nowhere to be found. Fact is, during the crisis, Carandang issued a statement saying that Malacanang deemed it wise not to take part in the resolution of the issue, saying that it was just a "local matter". Wow.

What is also a letdown is this smile by the president. Some people were reminded of the vicious psychiatric reports which appeared during the elections, insinuating that Noynoy Aquino suffered from certain mental problems before. That "smile", as reports say, provoked those memories.

And again, that "smile" elicited another sorry statement. How many sorries do we expect to get from this administration? That each and every time this government says sorry, we will just shrug it off and continue on with our lives?

When presidential spokesperson Ed Lacierda said "sorry" for misintepreting the first official act of this administration, everyone forgave him. When Education secretary Luistro said sorry, everybody says it was just a neophyte blunder.

But when you're two months already in the job, and things remain the same, and a serious incident like this happen, sorry, it seems, is definitely not enough anymore.

Is this government sorry for still allowing smugglers and corrupt Customs men to do their illicit acts, as admitted by Finance secretary Cesar Purisima. Purisima admitted in national radio (DZMM) that there are still smugglers doing their thing at Customs. What is Customs chief Alvarez doing? And why is Purisima allowing Alvarez to still keep his job?

Are we just to accept the sorry of DPWH secretary Babes Singson for allowing corrupt DPWH men to still get hefty commissions from poor road construction of their preferred contractors?

There is a limit in saying sorry.

Fact is, we Filipinos believe that the more you say "sorry", the more you really do not mean that you're truly sorry.

We are in a very sorry state. Fact is, our government right now just issues sorries and then still do the same thing. How much harm do we have to take from this government before we really tell ourselves that we are really sorry for supporting it?

Hostage-Taking in Manila: Heads must roll and the "Sorry" Administration

Instead of believing what he said, I just shook my head after what Communications secretary Sonny Coloma told Anthony Taberna this morning at Umagang Kay Ganda.

Coloma is trying to put the blame to the former government. He is, in Public Relations, deflecting the issue. He is putting all the blame to the Arroyo administration, starting with saying that those who managed the hostage-taking situation in Manila were all former Arroyo generals.

Oh, come on. What a very flimsy and very stupid way of deflecting the issue.

We, the People, are all tired of the usual alibi of this administration. It has been more than two months already and people are tired of hearing this administration blaming the last one for the maladies of the present.

Why not ADMIT the following:

1. The Aquino administration should admit that, like the Philippine National Police, it also erred in judgment. The fact that Communications secretary Ricky Carandang said at that time that Malacanang is letting the local authorities resolve the situation clearly shows that the national government, despite the involvement of foreign tourists, considered the situation so "local", they just shrugged it all off.

Carandang should be fired from his job, pronto. He does not know what he is doing and I put the blood of those who died in his hands.

He should not do a Pontius Pilate and say that he does not have a part in this. He, like the rest of the Cabinet members who under-reacted, should tender their resignation for ineptitude.

Same goes to Coloma. Coloma should not try to deflect. Just admit that even the palace erred and assure the people that all is well and is trying to remedy the procedures.

Hostage-taking in Manila, not a racist incident

First off, that hostage taking incident in Manila yesterday, was admittedly, an isolated incident.

It could have happened to anyone. It was just unfortunate that most of those tourists were Hongkong citizens.

The hostage taker was not a terrorist. He did not ask political demands. He only wanted authorities to hear him out.

He was neither Sinophobic nor a political activist. Those victims were just at the wrong place at the wrong time. The hostage taking was never directed against Chinese, nor any other nationality. It was just coincidental that most of those victimized by this gruesome crime were Chinese Hongkong citizens.

So, it was quite a shock when the Hongkong government released that black travel advisory.

That advisory was more of a political statement than anything else.

It was also a shock to read nasty racist remarks against Filipinos over the net, mainly written by racist Chinese bloggers and Twitter lovers.

These self-righteous Chinese accused Filipinos of being monkeys and other things unrelated to the incident.

Let me tell these racist pig-eaters that the incident was an isolated one. It was not an attack against Hongkong nor was it an attack against its citizens. Again, let me say that the victims were victims of circumstance. They were at the wrong place and at the wrong time.

And let me remind these self-righteous Chinese that their police force had a nasty record of foibles and mishaps related to hostage taking and other gruesome crimes in the past. Let me remind them of Tiananmen, let me remind them of 1997 incident, and others so many to write here, I need another blog to narrate them one by one.

This is not about race, nor of uncivilised conduct.

This is an isolated crime committed against a group of tourists, period. This is about an incident which was mishandled by some police authorities.

Those victims were not chosen by the hostage taker just because they are Chinese. No. It just unfortunate for them to be at the wrong bus at a wrong time.

Those who presume that this incident was an attack against China or its citizens is stupid.

Lastly, let me also urge fellow Filipinos to refrain from issuing nasty remarks against their fellow filipino, Senior Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

Mendoza did not cause this embarrassment. Fact is, at the early stages of the hostage drama, there were signs that Mendoza was acceding to the demands of the negotiators and was probably, himself, hoping for a peaceful outcome, similar to the one which happened several years ago, in the case of Tondo resident Ducut.

Mendoza, it seemed, wanted to dramatize his plight, similar to the one made by Ducut and another who took the airport observation tower a few years ago, only to again, be mowed down by the police.

Mendoza was apparently, a victim of the system. He was a decorated officer. He served his country with zeal for twenty years. He was just fed up with the system.

Mendoza is not, as described by Tourism secretary Bertie Lim, as a crazed man. This remark by Lim is unbecoming of a Cabinet-rank official.

There are many out who suffered or are suffering like Mendoza. They're just looking for the right bus to hold hostage.

President Noynoy Aquino promised a more responsive government, a government that tries to listen to the people. Yet, his action in this hostage taking is proof enough that he lied.  

He lied because he considered Mendoza's hostage-taking incident as a "local" matter, not fit for his executive attention. Is Mendoza so small a concern that our President refused to lend his executive time just to resolve the problem? How about that promise that every single Pinoy is Pnoy's "boss"?

Is our President so busy solving other problems that he forgot that there is someone out there desperate for his attention and help? This brutal incident could have been avoided had he, the President, intervened and assured the hostage taker that he will look into his case?

But no. Mendoza is just a citizen, not a bigtime businessman nor a politician. He was just a formerly decorated officer not fit for Noynoy's time.

Remember that this incident was just a few kilometers away from Malacanang. Malacanang could have sent someone to negotiate after the ten hour limit for hostage crisis situations lapsed.

Who caused this embarrassment? Obviously, the authorities running this government.

First, this government failed to exercise foresight. They treated this incident as a local one, therefore, not a cause of national concern, despite, again, the involvement of tourists. Had government treated this as a national concern and deployed experts in negotiations, the outcome could have been different.

Second, this government failed to mobilize the right people for the job. They presumed that those deployed on the ground were most qualified to deal with hostage situations. It turned out they were incompetent.

Third, this government procrastinated, and as admitted by NCRPO Chief Leo Santiago, even became overconfident since a fellow cop was involved. The police underestimated the hostage taker. Or, let me say it forthright---the police even caused the instigation which led to this gruesome outcome.

As always, it is our government that had caused this international embarrassment. We are paying them good taxes, but what do they do with it? They steal it to enrich themselves. They fail to provide good materiel to our police force.

And what do we always say when serious incidents such as these happen? Let this be a lesson blah-blah-blah. I am sick and tired of hearing this from our authorities.

For those out there, especially Hongkong citizens, please, be objective.

Don't blame us Filipinos, blame our authorities. It is our government who is the cause of our own embarrassment. Fact is, sympathize with us, while we suffer from the ignominy of having an inept government that is more concerned with style and porma and propaganda than anything else.

RP Black listing by Hongkong should have been avoided

The travel advisory issued by the Hongkong government is, at best, a blunder. It was a knee-jerk reaction, more of a political statement than a factual and unbiased assessment of the incident and its effects to their citizens.

And I really don't blame the Hongkong government for issuing such a black warning travel advisory. It could have been avoided if the Philippine government managed to communicate with their counterpart in Hongkong during the hostage crisis.

Tourism secretary Bertie Lim correctly said that the advisory was more of a political statement than anything else. And you know what prompted the Hongkong government to do just that?

Because Philippine president Noynoy Aquino or his Cabinet members failed to answer the call of Hongkong chief executive Donald Tsang.

Tsang wanted to get an assurance from us, but did not get it because our President was doing something else. The first impulse should have been the President calling Tsang and assuring him that everything is under control.

Instead of us calling Tsang, Tsang was calling us. And why is that?

Because this government treated this hostage taking incident as a local affair, despite the involvement of several tourists as hostages.

That is a major blunder. This I believe is unforgiveable. It showed government's lack of appreciation and foresight.

Press secretary Ricky Carandang's response was utterly stupid. He told the media today that Noynoy gave Tsang a call shortly after the incident was contained---when tourists were already dead and the police already blundered the entire thing.

How will you defend yourself then against fellow Asians calling us stupid when the very government is, itself, stupid?

Look at how Local Government secretary Jesse Robredo answered Ted Failon this morning. Robredo was clueless and did not know all the facts of the hostage taking when he claims to have been there and managing the situation. Robredo did not even know the names of the police authorities managing the scene.

Latest Update on Hostage-Taking at Rizal Park: Hostage Victims bore bullet wounds in the back

Initial investigation conducted by both the Philippine National Police and the Hongkong Police show that eight of the victims bore mortal wounds at the back. What does this prove? It seems that the victims were probably KILLED by the SWAT team which assaulted the tourist bus at the back.

If you look at the video, the hostage-taker was actually at the front side of the bus, waiting for the assault of the SWAT team at the back. Most of the hostage victims were facing him, meaning their backs are against the bus seats. He was shot by a sniper when he went near the driver's seat. The SWAT team meanwhile, entered the bus through the back.

This is a very, very unfortunate incident. If this is correct, then, the SWAT team was actually the one who shot, and killed those hostage victims, mostly Hongkong tourists.

Hongkong police should conduct a parallel and thorough investigation about this.

Hostage-taking at Rizal Park: Classic Example of a Bungled Crisis Management

Hostake-taker Chief Insp. Rolando Mendoza

Three things. First, it was unfortunate that Malacanang was not able to participate in the hostage taking. The hostage taker, Chief Inspector Rolando Mendoza was asking for someone to hear his case. Malacanang could have used the occasion and send someone representing the palace to hear Mendoza's side. Is it'nt the policy of the new administration to be the listening board of the People? Is'nt obvious that the hostage taking has taken a national character, not just a local incident? Foreign tourists were involved and this could have prompted the Palace to send a very professional negotiating team to address the situation. But, what did Malacanang announced? Secretary Ricky Carandang said, Malacanang is not taking part in the negotiations.

IT was a very wrong decision.

Second, DILG secretary Robredo was there on the scene. He could have taken over the lead since the negotiations has taken a very dangerous turn. Robredo could have lent himself and negotiated with the hostage taker. He heads the police. His presence could have given some assurance to the hostage taker that government has heard him and has already taken cognizance of his case.

Robredo's adamance turned the hostage taking from promising to dangerously alarming.

Lastly, why did the police violently arrested the hostage taker's brother during the most crucial period of negotiations? Okey, granting for the sake of argument that the brother had a hand in the entire thing and they suspect him of being an accomplice, nonetheless, the police could have stayed their hand, used the suspect to gain further goodwill with the hostage taker and probably, arrest him AFTER the hostake taking incident.

Yes, the negotiations fell after the hostake taker heard his brother being arrested.The police is blaming the media for this. But, why blame the media when journalists were just covering the entire incident?

It seemed that the police orchestrated the arrest to further enrage the hostage taker. Why? Because they want to assault the bus and show the world how competent cops are in hostage situations?

Seven tourists got killed and we will never know if they were shot by the cops or by the hostage taker himself. Why? Because shortly after the incident, there was no attempt at cordoning the area and conducting a thorough post-mortem investigation.

Clearly, the entire thing was a classic case of a crisis management which went entirely wrong. I am contributing my book, " The Black Book on Crisis Management: How to Diffuse a PR Crisis in Just 3 Days" to the Philippine National Police. Send me an email for a copy of the book.

Rizal Park Hostage Taking: A Black Eye for the PNP and Phil. Tourism

Two black eyes in just one month. First, a ghastly video showing a Police Inspector torturing a robbery suspect. That video went the rounds of all international news agencies. That showed how cops now routinely torture alleged criminals and petty thieves. It was so gruesome, it created a buzz which now replaced the word "torture" with " Binayug". People are now using the word "nabayug" in place of the English word "torture".

And now this. And this one is a classic example of how to bungle a hostage negotiation.

Seven Hongkong nationals died after a dismissed cop went amuck and held hostage a bus-load of tourists yesterday. The almost 12-hour saga began when Police Inspector Rolando Mendoza took as his hostage around 25 Hongkong tourists shortly after 10 in the morning. A former decorated police officer, Mendoza wanted to use the bus as a platform to air his grievances. According to his last recorded message, he claims to have been unjustly dismissed from the service.

With his M-16 rifle, and a couple of rounds of ammo, Mendoza hitched a ride in Intramuros and then announced the hostage before a terrified crowd of tourists. He then ordered the bus driver to proceed to Luneta, infront of Quirino Grandstand. There, he positioned the bus and called on the police to refrain from entering the bus.

Mendoza aired his side before the media. He claims that the Office of the Ombusman summarily dismissed him from the service without proper procedures. He claims to have been a victim of an injustice. He was reportedly accused of a crime he did not commit. A chef of a hotel accused him of extortion. The chef never pursued the case, yet the Ombusman did and despite a lack of evidence against him, Mendoza was dismissed, forfeiting all his 20 years of service to the police force. Mendoza became a cop in 1981, shortly after finishing a B.S. Criminology course.

Police authorities tried to reason with him, but the negotiations fell, after a letter hand carried by the vice mayor Isko Moreno of Manila, purportedly from the Office of the Ombusman further incensed Mendoza. Mendoza claims that the letter was a fake, a ruse meant just to appease him.

Shortly after nightfall, the entire scenario changed, from promising to harrowing, as cops tried to arrest Mendoza's brother, another cop, Gregorio. Mendoza reportedly heard the commotion inside the bus and went about shooting the hostages. That prompted the SWAT team to encircle the bus.

Just under an hour, SWAT members moved in. A sniper shot Mendoza in the head. Five of the hostages were saved. Seven got killed.

Jobs for Filipinos

I am reading a lot of materials right now and one of the bright things that I see for Filipinos are these news on job availability. There are about 15 million jobs available for Filipinos in the hospitality arts industry.

Five-star hotels and restaurants are on the hunt for qualified Filipinos who are house keepers, chefs, baristas and bartenders. Filipinos are sought-after employees, says Asian School of Hospitality Arts Director Angie Blanco. Filipinos are generally genial, genteel and hospitable. We just need to hone our technical skills.

What hotels hire are qualified Filipinos. When we say qualified, we mean those who have certificates and diplomas.

For those who want to be baristas, the only barista course being offered right now for Filipinos are those conducted by the Asian School of Hospitality Arts. See their link here http://www.asha.edu.ph/. This is just 3 months.

For those who want to be professional housekeepers, there is a Certificate for Professional Housekeeping course, also a 3 month course. Visit their website at http://www.asha.edu.ph/.

For those who want to be professional chefs and cooks, get a 6-month Certificate on Professional Cooking (Commercial Cooking). Visit their website at http://www.asha.edu.ph/.

Angue's Re-assignment is not a demotion

When a group of heavily armed soldiers marched towards Oakwood Residences and secured the area for possible attack from their perceived enemies, several of them then went on and denounced on national television, the current administration, which, was then the Arroyo regime. Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillianes IV (now a Senator of the Land) led the group which called themselves Bagong Katipunan and exposed the irregularities and "gripes" of most AFP officers against the AFP leadership.

Trillianes' move was met with public approbation. Millions of people quietly supported Trillianes and his fight for good governance. Had the Oakwood incident probably lasted for another day, it could have changed Philippine society forever. An extra day would have marshalled other forces of change behind them.

Now, another officer is appearing before the media, citing the alleged politicking behind the promotions and appointments of several other officers close to the new administration. Rear admiral Feliciano Angue is accusing several AFP officers of alleged politicking. Angue claims to be a victim of political intrigue caused by him, being a member of controversial class PMA 1978. Angue, who was appointed as the National Capital Regional Command chief, a position for a 3-star general, last March, felt that he was demoted when the AFP leadership decided to send him to Western Mindanao to head the Naval Forces there. The Western Mindanao post is fit for a 2-star general like him.

Angue vowed not to just quietly fade into oblivion. He felt that he was humiliated by the new administration.

Okey. Was his re-appointment a humiliating act? No. It was a correction to the earlier juicy appointment made by his backer, former president Arroyo. Was injustice committed against Angue? No. His non-promotion is a discretion of the leadership. As a professional soldier, Angue should abide by the decision of the leadership.

Angue is acting like a warlord. And warlords have no place in a democratic society such as ours.

October Challenge to the Pnoy Administration

Several uniformed officers in the know says, some military officers are preparing for a showdown. What is it is not defined. The scenario, they say, is several or even one or two months away. They described it as an October beer challenge. I described it as stupidity.

For one, there is no rationality behind these alleged grumblings in the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Those who probably grumble are those feeling that the "glory days are over", or those who have enjoyed the trappings of power before, only to lose it just because their backer has left the building, so to speak.

If you closely analyze things though, there is, however, a pattern that you can discern.

First, Pampanga Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, the backer of a particular AFP class, has filed another bill, seeking to amend the Constitution of the Philippines purposely to allow the partition of Mindanao. MIndanao, as you know, is a flashpoint. Several rebel groups have been operating in the area for several decades now, fighting for an independent republic. The former government has acceded and in fact, was on the verge of signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the MILF for the recognition of their lands as ancestral domains. THis MOA-AD could have officially ended the internecine strife.Several groups, including those from the Ilonggo block of former Senator Mar Roxas blocked the MOA-AD signing.

The bill exploits this issue. The bill, as several observers say, is actually charter change. Arroyo is still hell bent in her desire to change the constitution to allow her to ascend the post of Prime Minister.

With the PR-initiated "military grumblings" now slowly transforming itself from an inside page story to headline, it pays to analyze that these grumblings and legal maneuverings are part of a bigger conspiracy to probably topple this administration. The only question is---is the times ripe for a challenge to the prevailing order?

No.

The political capital enjoyed by the present administration is still very much felt by all. There is no legal reason for a coup. First off, the new administration has not erred in most of its decisions. Second, there is no legitimate group within the military establishment credible enough to stand up and say that there is merit to a coup. Lastly, there will be widespread opposition to a coup. The People have spoken and have recognized the legitimacy of this administration.

IF, and I say IF these anti-Pnoy plotters are really hell-bent on what they want to do, and they are really determined to act and move, then, what they are planning to do is something of a naked lust for power. Even if they succeed in this weakest point for this administration, they will not be able to sustain their administration since many will definitely oppose it in a mistaken belief that they only did so out of personal interests, not of the wider and more credible, public interest.

And those who plan to change the charter, has one thing going against them--the widespread support of the people behind the legitimate government. If this government succeeds in its mandate of improving services for the people, then, there is no just cause for a chater change. There is no ideological leg for a regime change to stand on.

By the way, where in hell is former defense secretary Norberto Gonzales?

Rear Admiral Angue's Paranoia and the Unrest in the Military

It seems that members of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 are feeling the heat. A source within the class has now refused to share with me details on what really happened with their classmate, Rear Admiral Feliciano Angue.

Angue, a two star general, was placed as head of the National Capital Regional Command, a post for a 3-star general. To correct this, the AFP leadership ordered him to vacate his post and head the Western Mindanao Naval Forces, a position fit for a 2-star general like Angue.

Because of this, Angue felt slighted and thought that the action was a demotion. Angue expected to be promoted to 3-star rank. The Defense department and the AFP leadership did not promote him. Since he was not promoted to a higher rank, the leadership decided to place him in a post fit for his rank.

So, you ask me, what's so wrong with that? Nothing, except maybe Angue felt harangued by other military officers close to Defense secretary Voltaire Gazmin. Angue wanted the public to believe that he is a professional soldier now being ganged up by politicians in soldiers' uniforms. He is probably feeling the heat, since their class lost one valuable backer in the person of former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Angue's paranoia has failed him. Angue pictured something sinister and issued veiled threats of a possible unrest or coup d'etat. He also described the promotion system right now being instituted in the AFP as a "pointer system" instead of a merit based one.

The "pointer system", according to Angue, is based on someone's closeness with the powers-that -be. If you're close to the center of power, you'll be "pointed" to the next post.

What is so new about Angue's paranoia? Nothing, except that he and his fellow classmates are now not the beneficiaries of this "pointer system." Maybe Angue is not used to being left outside the circle of power and desires to once again, enjoy the trappings of power which their class enjoyed during the time of former president Arroyo.

And Angue, mind you, has a conspiracy theory of his own---the political actions made by some generals during the May 10, 2010 elections. Angue said that some generals supported several politicians during the last elections. Is this new? Obviously not. Remember that during the 2004 elections, several of Angue's classmates supported former president Gloria Arroyo and were even involved in that controversy, now popularly known as Hello Garci.

So now, is Angue a professional soldier par excellence? No. Angue is like a spoiled brat denied of his candy. He probably thinks that we are still living under the Arroyo administration, a weak and illegitimate government that is always victimized by several pressure groups, including the military. Angue is so used to instituting strong arm tactics, that he now finds it extremely difficult to pressue the new administration to "toe his line" instead of him, toeing the official line. That even puts his entire record in question.

Yet, imagine the humiliation Angue got from his Commander in Chief. Yesterday, President Aquino berated Angue and told him to shut his mouth and obey his orders. A soldier who does not obey his orders can be cited with insubordination.

Angue has two options---fight it out with the current system by showing his true merit and grit, or resign his post and opt for early retirement. As a veteran, he can now indulge in his favorite pastime which is politics.

Or, as several people say, Angue has another option---do a Trillianes and go to a hotel and announced a coup. By that, Angue's eyes will definitely be opened and his mouth shut forever. And that probably will cure his paranoia.

The case of Kris Aquino-James Yap annulment

Okey. Some people asked me to comment about the annulment case filed by Kris Aquino against former hubby, James Yap. The latest development is Kris wants Baby James surname changed from Yap to Cojuangco-Aquino. Is this possible?

When Baby James was born, there was a presumption of legitimacy, that since Kris and James got married, and Baby James was the product of such a union, his birth status was presumed legitimate. The very fact that the alleged father, James Yap, signed his birth certificate shows that Baby James earned the right to bear his father's surname, which is customary in Philippine civil law. (Legitimate children bear the surname of their legitimate father).

Baby James' status rests in the legitimacy of the marriage between Kris and James Yap. The question now is---is the marriage of Kris and James legal? Kris claims that it was not. James countered and said it is. Let us review both sides' argument.

Kris claims that their first marriage certificate states that they were married in Quezon City and the civil ceremony was officiated by Mayor Sonny Belmonte. However, it turned out, it was not Belmonte who officiated the marriage, but a Protestant minister.

Under our Family Code, for a marriage to be legitimate, it has to follow certain requisites, namely:

1. The people involved in the marriage are legally permitted to enter into contractual obligations, since a marriage is a contract.
2. The marriage was solemnized by someone authorized by law or by custom
3. The marriage took place within the period allowed by law, as stated in a marriage license procured prior to the marriage ceremony.
4. The people involved in the marriage are not barred by law to enter into it. Meaning, they are not married to some one else prior to the marriage.

Kris alleged that the solemnizing officer was not authorized by law to marry them, since the alleged pastor was actually a Protestant preacher. Under the law, in order for a minister to be allowed to marry someone, he has to be the head of the religious group or sect where the couple belonged. Kris and James are Catholics. Therefore, the preacher has no authority over them.

Some civil law professors say, this is not a very strong case to grant an annulment since this is a mere irregularity. Others, however, say, it is material and could affect the outcome of the marriage, since the marriage should be solemnized by someone cloaked with authority.

Granting, however, that this civil ceremony was a sham, then, says James Yap, it was actually cured by the second marriage contracted between him and Kris shortly afterwards. Now, it remains to be seen if that second marriage was contracted with a valid marriage license. The first marriage license for the first marriage does not apply to the second marriage ceremony, since under the law, a license applies only to one marriage. If both did not secure a marriage license for the second marriage ceremony, it is deemed void ab initio or void from the very beginning.

Now, what if the marriage between Kris and James was indeed, void from the beginning, what is the effect of such a marriage to the birth status of Baby James?

Of course, Baby James is deemed illegitimate and must bear the surname of the mother, until the age of 18 years old, where he is then asked if he wants to bear the surname of his father. Under the law authored by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, illegitimate children now enjoy the same rights as legitimate children, and one of them, the right to bear the surname of his biological father. The father should consent to it by affixing his signature in the birth certificate of the child. If there is no consent, then, the child bears the surname of his legal custodian, which, in this case, is his biological mother until he reaches maturity. When he reaches maturity, it is all up to him if he chooses to retain using his mother's surname or elect to change it and bear the surname of his father.

Now, how about the regime of property governing the relationship of Kris and James? Does the absolute conjugal property exists in their case or that of the regime of property gains?

Under our Civil Code, the right property regime that governs the marriage of Kris and James is that of co-ownership property regime realized under Article 147 of the Family Code. Under such a property regime, all the fruits of their labor during the time of their marriage shall be presumed to have been jointly contributed.

If reports are true that during the marriage between Kris and Yap, more than 200 million pesos were generated from the said relationship, then, the amount will actually be partitioned in equal shares, 50% or 100 million to Kris and 100 million to James Yap. The partition of the said property shall commence shortly after the grant of a court decision annulling their marriage. That is, if there is no pre-nuptial agreement between the two.

GRanting, for the sake of argument, that there was a pre-nup, will this govern the property relations of the two during the marriage? No. A pre-nup takes effect only if there is a consummation of a marriage. Since there was no consummation, and the presumption of law is that there was cohabitation without the benefit of marriage, then, Article 147 of the Family Code applies. Kris has to agree to partition the property regime between her and James Yap.

Video of Cops Torturing criminal in Tondo Manila: A slice of reality

I watched the alleged video showing a cop torturing a notorious criminal snatcher. The alleged video was shared by a concerned citizen with TV Patrol. The citizen says he also got it from another source, and the source had already gone into hiding, for fears of reprisals from cops in the Tondo Manila who took part in the alleged torture.

See the video here.

This video comes at the time when people are still discussing about the death of a young carnapper by the name of Ivan Padilla. Padilla, as some alleged, was killed by cops.

Torture, really, has no place in civilised society. Cops, especially, should not get involved in such a thing. Sometimes, however, you can't really blame cops for doing these things. I covered the police beat for years and I know how cops get frustrated every single time they catch somebody stealing someone's items and they see these thieves again on the streets.

Habitual delinquents should be taught a lesson. For example, in India, cops are known for being brutal especially to habitual social deviants. Cops curb crimes in a particular area by "sampling", meaning, they get some notorious criminal out there and make a sample of him either by killing him or torturing him. That significantly lower crime rate by 80%.

Cops assigned in highly urbanized poor communities such as Tondo Manila, try to cope with the culture of the place. And the culture is rooted in dominance. You need to dominate the people to earn their respect, that's what Tondo sub-culture is. You can't effectively curb crimes in the area without sending a clear message to the habitual delinquents in the area.

Such practices are tolerated in the police establishment because it is an effective deterrent against crimes. When a series of reports showing bodies of notorious criminals floating along the Pasig during General Alfredo Lim and General Robert Barber's time in Manila, crimes significantly eased back then. The strategy is simple--violence is the only language notorious criminals know, and to earn their respect, cops should speak their language.

I am not rationalizing what these cops did. I am just presenting an alternate viewpoint. Most people would definitely agree with me, especially those living in dangerous areas in Manila. Some, however, would not. 

That criminal, notorious or not, enjoys some rights in a democratic society. Those rights are enshrined in the Constitution. Sometimes, however, people themselves negate the very exercise of these rights for one simple reason--their very acts. When they habitually harm the populace with their illegal acts, and get away with it, they negate these rights. Rights, as defined, have an attached responsibility in them. When people act in an illegal manner, they negate this responsibility and sometimes, society, through its instrumentalities, has equal right to withdraw these rights from the perpetual social deviant.

Quezon Province to be divided again by the Tanadas and Suarez

Who is this Congressman who made 54 million pesos out of the generosity of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office? This Congressman, now a Liberal, reportedly spent the amount buying pieces of property for his paramour(s).

The Congressman fielded his son in the last elections and used PCSO money to back his son's gubernatorial campaign.

What is the name of this big-time drug lord and gun-runner who happens to be the brother of a high government official in the Noynoy Aquino administration? This drug lord is involved in the high-stakes drug smuggling game in one of the provinces down South. He was also involved in the kidnapping of two Chinese businessmen, yet he evaded the law because his brother is reportedly very close to President Noynoy Aquino. Fact is, his brother is now a Cabinet official. 

This brother of a quiet Cabinet official is now the subject of a deep investigation by the PDEA due to his involvement in smuggling cocaine, shabu and marijuana. This brother is untouchable because of his involvement in high stakes gun smuggling. Reportedly, the brother managed to sell weapons and ammunition to the NPA and the MILF. The MILF reportedly bought war materiel from this person to the tune of 20 million.

Paging the Magdalos over there at PDEA--sirs, maybe you could give the People of the Philippines an excellent gift? Arrest this drug and gun smuggler. I have information that he spends his time in the capitolyo. This drug and gun smuggler is also deep into the use of cocaine and shabu. He's a certified drug addict and big-time pusher and druglord. He is the one causing all the problems of teenagers in his province down South. He uses the bay for his smuggling activities.  

Who is this brother of a high Cabinet official of the New administration that is involved in big-time drug and gun smuggling activities? Hint--his surname sounds like the Tagalog term for speculation.

Heard that Liberal party spokesperson Erin Tanada and their political ally, the Suarez are thinking of again filing a bill that will split or divide the province of Quezon into two.

The Tanadas spent their political capital banking on this proposal a few years ago. Quezonians, in a referendum, unanimously rejected the plan.

Why are the Tanadas and the Suarezes interested on this? Simple. The Tanada-Suarez wants to effectively control the entire province. They want the gubernatorship for themselves. And since they cannot occupy the post singly, they want to divide the province so that the Tanadas can govern as governor on one side, and the Suarez family on the other. Coool, is'nt?

What happened to the plan of the Quezon Provincial government to extend the Marcos highway up to Real and down to the plan to establish a port there? Former Quezon province Governor Raffy Nantes had this brilliant idea before. With his death, what now? Will the new governor continue this plan of Nantes?

Noy's website says "some characters are not allowed."

I visited the new President's website at http://www.president.gov.ph/government/default.aspx and when I was giving a comment and sending it, it was not working.

Instead, it showed this:

" * Some characters are not allowed."

And this is my comment:

"Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda says the government is ready to stake your political capital on the VAT on the tollways controversy. The question really is--Mr. President, are you ready to sacrifice your political capital just to pursue what many believe is a violation of the law on taxation?"

Can you guess which characters are not allowed in the above comment which I tried to post at the new Office of the President website? Is it the word Lacierda? Or probably "VAT"? Or the word "controversy" shortly after the word "Tollways"?

Oh, well. I guess those who are well-intentioned and are critiques are practically disallowed to comment on the New President's website.

Fasting and Ramadhan

Muslims around the world are observing Ramadhan. Ramadhan is a most sacred month. It is when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) observed the holiest practice which is fasting and trying to discern the Voice of God. It was in this period that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was given the task of writing down the laws of the One True God.

Fasting distills the noise around you and enables one to sharpen one's senses. When one's senses are sharpened, one can actually hear God's voice, soothing one's soul and enriching one's Spirit.

Muslims fast before the break of dawn and after the last rays of the run has set in the West. Fasting starts and ends with a prayer. Prayer, for a Muslim, is everything. It sets in motion his day. It energizes him. It enables him to do all the tasks for him that day. Fact is, even work is considered a form of worship.

Muslims pray five times a day. Before he starts his day, he prays. When he reaches midday, he prays. Before he sips his coffee at the afternoon coffee break, he prays. When he sees the sun setting in the West, he prays. And when he retires for the day, he prays and asks God for mercy and for forgiveness.

That's why it is important for government to give Muslims a place where he can pray. During the time of Arroyo, there was a representative, a Muslim Youth, who asked Arroyo to pass an Executive Order, requesting schools and work places (factories, etc.) to provide prayer rooms for Muslim employees. If schools have their chapels, then, why not provide for prayer rooms? If factories have a place where Catholics are able to pray, then, why not assign a room where a Muslim can pray?

Some Muslims I know would want to ask President Noynoy Aquino to do what Arroyo failed in her term. Filipino Muslims are not second class Pinoys. They enjoy the same equal rights as other Pnoys. Their religious rights should be respected.

VAT on Toll: A crooked road paved with good intentions?

Promises, promises

Remember these words?

"Kayo ba ay minsan ring nalimutan ng pamahalaang inyong iniluklok sa puwesto? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay nagtiis na sa trapiko para lamang masingitan ng isang naghahari-hariang de-wangwang sa kalsada? Ako rin. Kayo ba ay sawang-sawa na sa pamahalaang sa halip na magsilbi sa taumbayan ay kailangan pa nila itong pagpasensiyahan at tiisin? Ako rin.



Katulad ninyo ako. Marami na sa atin ang bumoto gamit ang kanilang paa – nilisan na nila ang ating bansa sa kanilang paghahanap ng pagbabago at katahimikan. Tiniis nila ang hirap, sinugod ang panganib sa ibang bansa dahil doon may pag-asa kahit kaunti na dito sa atin ay hindi nila nakikita. Sa iilang sandali na sarili ko lang ang aking inaalala, pati ako ay napag-isip din – talaga bang hindi na mababago ang pamamahala natin dito? Hindi kaya nasa ibang bansa ang katahimikang hinahanap ko? Saan ba nakasulat na kailangang puro pagtitiis ang tadhana ng Pilipino?


Ngayon, sa araw na ito – dito magwawakas ang pamumunong manhid sa mga daing ng taumbayan. Hindi si Noynoy ang gumawa ng paraan, kayo ang dahilan kung bakit ngayon, magtatapos na ang pagtitiis ng sambayanan. Ito naman ang umpisa ng kalbaryo ko, ngunit kung marami tayong magpapasan ng krus ay kakayanin natin ito, gaano man kabigat."

Being fooled this early?

These are serious words and promises which we heard during President Noynoy Aquino's inauguration. He talked about his experience in an unresponsive government. He also promised to uplift our lives and build a government that, as he says in the vernacular, would end an administration that does not listen and does not respond to the voice of the Filipino People.

And now this..

Atty. Ed Lacierda, the alter-ego of the President and his official spokesperson, refuses to heed the views and opinions of several legislators, including VAT advocate Senator Ralph Recto, and Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile, on the illegality of what Malacanang intends to do come August 16, that is tomorrow, about the imposition of the Value Added Tax on toll ways throughout the country.

Enrile, Recto and even former Cong, Diaz, author of the Revised VAT law, opposes the imposition of the VAT on tollways, saying that it constitutes a tax levied on a tax, which is a violation of the tax policy and Constitution of this Country.

VAT on Toll: A crooked road paved with good intentions?

But no. Lacierda refuses to heed the People and even proudly says that the administration is determined to lose its "popularity" for the sake of the people. Lacierda said that, in the long run, the VAT imposition would fund social services programs of the government and ease the rising poverty incidence in the country.

Malacanang expects to collect 1 billion pesos from VAT.

Lacierda is stupid. He does not realize the social implications of such a move. GRanting, for the sake of argument that these VAT collections would be used to alleviate poverty, it would, IN THE LONG RUN, lead to further increases in poverty incidence.

Consider even a five centavo per kilo rise in commodities would surely have an impact on the domestic retail market. A five centavo rise is not as measly as what Lacierda wants us to think. It would surely impact on the profit-loss statements of companies and these would unduly affect the bottomline of most, especially small and medium sized enterprises. Prices would surely go up.

Aquino administration wants the easy way out.
Instead of going the straight path, they want
the crooked but easy avenues to solve our
problems.

What Lacierda wants us to believe is that the Aquino administration is now determined to go to the crooked road because it is paved with good intentions?

Bull. Crap.

The straight road, as what I wrote several entries ago, is littered with mines. It is not as easy as what Aquino and his supporters believed during the elections, that, solving the monumental problems of this country is as easy as mouthing slogans and propaganda of change.

The straight road is an ardous struggle, full of travails and sufferings, yet, in the end, the right, legal and moral end to problems.

Instead of correcting these things, instead of refocusing their efforts on improving the economy, the Aquino administration is bent on implementing the easiest way out of a fiscal dilemma--tax the people.

President Aquino, in his inagural speech, says that the solution to the budget deficit is not to raise nor to introduce new taxes. Let me give you what he said then:

"Hindi kami magiging sanhi ng inyong pasakit at perwisyo. Palalakasin natin ang koleksyon at pupuksain natin ang korapsyon sa Kawanihan ng Rentas Internas at Bureau of Customs para mapondohan natin ang ating mga hinahangad para sa lahat..."

See? It's very clear to the mind of the President that his government would not be a source of burden and suffering of the people. He vowed to strengthen and improve collection and rid out graft and corruption at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

What they intend to do tomorrow is simply the opposite of what President Aquino told us during his inauguration. It is the complete opposite.

Instead of BIR Chief Kim Henares going after the big time tax evaders and corrupt BIR men, she wants Noynoy Aquino to support her drive of raising taxes and imposing new ones to achieve her fiscal targets.

I thought that the panacea to all our problems lies in effective anti-graft and corruption drives?  This administration is now saying that it is not.

Imposing VAT on tollways is not about political capital nor popularity, as what Lacierda used as an alibi in defending an indefensible proposition.

This is about logic and respect of our laws.

Lacierda is also spending the political capital of the President in his usual wanton style, blaming the previous administration for not imposing this earlier and putting the onus of implementation to the new administration.

Stupid guy.

Stop blaming Arroyo, Atty. Lacierda since she and her minions are not in power anymore. As what former Presidential Management Staff Chief Elena Bautista-Horn said, Mrs. Arroyo refused to implement the measure because she believed that it has no legal legs to stand on and it would greatly affect the lives of the people.

Horn said Arroyo exercised her executive decision-making powers and was, at that time, prudent.

So what if these BIR circulars and memos were not implemented during Arroyo's time? It is now up to the present administration not to implement them if they so chose.

What is so illogical and mind bogging is when Lacierda said that they are ready to lose their popularity due to this.

Stupid.

There are still too many issues that deserves a sacrifice on political capital, not this. This is too small to risk Aquino's political capital on.

This administration is acting like a spoiled cono. When they saw that the cookie jar is completely empty, instead of saving up some money to fill it, they want other people to fill it up.

The problem with this administration is simple---they are not what they profess to be. They are liars. They are pretending to be cause agents when all they are are elites of the same mold as those of Arroyo's.

Pnoy's Concept of Social Justice: Who won in the election of Aquino?

Pnoy's concept of social justice is beginning to slowly rear its evil and ugly head. Social justice, for this new administration, is starkly similar with the former dispensation. It is a neo-liberal and bourgeois concept, which institutionalizes evil and anti-People acts.

For Pnoy, it is not right to defend the rights of the farmers whose rights were violated clearly by the very same people who bears his own DNA. I am talking about those people who run Hacienda Luisita.

For Pnoy, it is not right for government to interfere with the worsening labor row between the Philippine Airlines management and PAL employees who have been suffering from unjust labor standards by the flag carrier, just because the airline happens to be owned by Lucio Tan, who supports a popular Senator closely allied with the new administration.

For Pnoy, it is not right for the Department of Energy to intervene or interfere with the acts of the WholeSale Energy Spot Market despite imposing illegal, immoral and unjust electricity rates to distributors like Meralco, which has no choice but to burden consumers with higher rates of electricity.

For Pnoy, it is not right to fire Customs Chief Alvarez despite an evident conflict of interest and lack of performance. Pnoy says he'll fire Alvarez if he underperforms or does not perform at all, especially in the anti-corruption drive. Alvarez has not presented any single big fish involved in smuggling for the past two months and still he is still there.

For Pnoy, it is right to defend DPWH secretary Babes Singson despite his conflicts of interests and his former company involved right now in the bidding for Angat Dam and his lack of interest in fighting the big-time contractors involved in graft and corruption.

For Pnoy, it is right to defend the imposition of VAT on toll ways because of the worsening budget deficit and lack of funds to sustain social programs. For Pnoy, justice is this---since the former regime stole money, the public should be asked to shoulder the costs of corruption by imposing new taxes and imposing VAT on taxes.

For Pnoy, it is better to give back those millions invested by a Malaysian than obey the very stated state policy on taxation by his fellow Filipinos.

Pnoy told us in his State of the Nation address that the former Arroyo administration has used sixty or seventy percent of the 2010 budget and they don't have money anymore.

Instead of what he told us during his campaign that he will not impose taxes and will just mobilize the entire government to go run after tax cheats and smugglers and big time thieves in government, Pnoy right now is staking his 88% political capital to push for something which is patently evil and immoral.

Pnoy is definitely acting like his former professor and one-time political ally, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. This is the reason why some people during the inauguration rites, do not want both Aquino and Arroyo riding under one limo.

The evil spirit which inhabited the small body of that charmed lady in these nine years have definitely transfered to the new President.

Even this new administration is using the dictum of what is definitely immoral is definitely legal and what is legal is definitely not moral. Or something as stupid as this.

Evil still lurks in this day and age, and people should remain vigilant. The Big Bosses of Pnoy is definitely not us.

The real bosses of Pnoy are those who have interests in energy, in water, in toll ways, in markets, in groceries, in factories, in hotels, in restaurants, in rice importation, in jueteng, in smuggling, in drugs and in haciendas.

We, the Filipino People, are not "bosses" but just "boses" or "voices". Our sounds of please and pleas, those moans from our sufferings, our aching stomachs and our pleas for a better society for our sons and daughters are just "boses", never to be listened to and suffers the inevitable fate of not being realized.

The only difference I see now is Arroyo morphing into an Aquino. The six letter word which has bastardized our democracy and left us with nothing but shame has morphed into another political name with a higher political capital.

The task of re-building this country is, evidently, not a top priority.

Lastly, take a look at our landscape right now. People's rights are being violated every single day, the promise of Truth and Justice sidelined.

It's business as usual, echoes the words of DPWH secretary Babes Singson, a delicious declaration especially to those who continually rape and pillage this country of its riches and its dignity.

There is no more hope for change, no more avenue for real growth, no more space for democracy, real democracy, to thrive in a so-called "new government" which promises nothing but continued slavery perpetuated by the elites.

This administration is masquerading as a new one, beguiling those young minds whose hopes rest in change for the better, only to be given crumbs and frustrations. The future continues to be bleak, the road to change littered with broken promises.

What is new in our current situation, but new promises being given by new promise breakers and pseudo agents of real change?

This is why social change should not be given to amateurs or petty conos whose concepts differ with that of the people. Let the People transform itself into a motive and potent force and conduct a revolt that will surely eradicate the elites from the face of this earth.