NPA not behind Cris Bual's death

Let me say my apologies for believing the conclusions of several news reports relating to the death of Cris Bual. My apologies to the Patrotic elements of the NPA Far South Mindanao (Valentin Palamine Command) for tagging them as masterminds.

Statement on the death of Cris Bual 
Dencio Madrigal Commander NPA Far South Mindanao (Valentin Palamine Command) 
September 22, 2011 

The Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command categorically denies having anything to do with the death of Cristituto Bual, SMI-Xstrata, offsite land acquisition superintendent of Sagittarius Mines Inc. (SMI) who was slain by a motorcycle-riding gunman near his home in Davao City in broad daylight on September 16, 2011.

Cristituto Bual was not in the NPA’s Order of Battle nor was he in the list of those tried in the People’s Court for collusion with a multinational company in the unconscionable plunder of our natural resources and the degradation of our ecology.

He was a junior officer who facilitated the acquisition of vast tracts of land in the coastal area of Malalag in Malalag, Davao del Sur for the company’s port and power facilities. Initial reports from reliable sources have reached us that Bual was killed on orders from Xstrata-SMI for his failure to “deal properly” with certain influential people within Bual’s area of jurisdiction.

He had purportedly bungled up SMI’s bid to lord it over Malalag town in preparation for the company’s projected infrastructures along Malalag Bay. SMI has been trying to acquire at least a hundred hectares in three coastal barangays of Malalag where it plans to build its port, filter plant and its 317 megawatt coal fired power station.

While the motive of Mr Bual’s slaying has yet to be fully uncovered, and the suspected killers are apprehended (if at all), his violent death goes to show that wherever SMI- Xstrata is, dissent and discontent arise. This include not only the untimely demise of so many people, but the dislocation of entire communities to give way to the most destructive of industries — large scale open pit mining. Gold and copper is only what SMI-Xstrata truly cares about, not people. Not even their own people.

As part of our commitment to defend the land and the masses, especially the lumads, the New People’s Army —FSMR shall continue to monitor and document events related to Xstrata-SMI and will do its utmost to meet the people’s demand for revolutionary justice. For the Valentin Palamine Regional Operations Command,

Chaos at the airport

It's a shame and obviously a big black eye to Philippine tourism, what with what happened at the NAIA yesterday. First off, I don't see nothing wrong with members of the PALEA exercising their rights. It is well within their rights to protest the unfair labor practices of the Tan-led company. It is also within their rights to protest any time they like to protest, like, during a natural typhoon? Anyway, nothing wrong with protests.


What is so wrong is the cavalier way government handled the entire situation. Since the start of the PAL-PALEA dispute, government went this way and that way, without a clear policy direction. Curiously, if you look at the Labor Code, that book says that the State or the government sides with Labor---that is as clear as day. That's why we have a labor code anyway--so that workers know their rights. Now, who implements these rights? It is government.


But when government sides with Capital, that complicates things. Government must be consistent. Early on, government must have realized that it should not deviate from this role as the worker's representative. 


Why is it that government even favored the side of a Marcos crony such as Tan? What has Tan got that workers do not?


Imagine how lucky this guy is---he escaped a BIR campaign for the correct payment of his taxes and several disputes including that with his brother and now this. He brought PAL and forced it into the ground. 


Government must handle this situation very carefully because this concerns national safety and security. We are talking planes here, not just mere buses.

News alert! Danny Lim busts illegal shipment in Davao City

Mabuhay Ka Danny Lim!

At last! Deputy Customs Commissioner Danny Lim and other Patriots started debilitating rice smugglers and other unscrupulous individuals who, for the past few years, have benefitted from misdeclaring the goods they bring in to the country.


Today, Danny Lim and the Patriots over there at the Bureau apprehended 17 container vans with 13 twenty footers. Contained in these vans were grossly misdeclared goods. Four forty footers were found to contain hundreds of sacks of rice. 


Lim and the Customs Patriots also found that the importation was done illegally by a fictitious consignee. The vans also contain assorted household items instead of the items declared before Customs.


Lim and the Customs Patriots estimated the total value of those goods at 21 million pesos.


Saludo kami sa iyo sir! Whoa!


Keep up the good work!


Mabuhay si RUffy Biazon!
Mabuhay si General Danny Lim!
Mabuhay ang mga Patriyotikong Elemento ng Customs!

September 21---an era that never left

Thirty nine years ago, former strongman Ferdinand Marcos issued Proclamation 1081 placing the entire Philippines under martial law. That proclamation plunged the country into one of its darkest moments, so dark, that even my parents say, the morning after that proclamation saw the moon partially covered the rising sun. The sun must have been ashamed of what Marcos did that she refused to shine in the Philippines.


Marcos ruled this country for eighteen long years. every single thing changed. new relationships based on some person's single obsession with power were established. Military men felt the power they never had, and civilians cowed in fear as bullets rule reason and one's name became more important than one's rights.


" I have availed this power for one single purpose---to save our Republic and to reform our society", says the Strongman a day after annihilating his enemies and placing the entire country under a state of suspended animation. The strongman unleashed his dogs of war against those who love democracy. While Manilenos suddenly kept their silence, shouts of repression and violence reverberated throughout most parts of the country.


That regime ended shamefully, with the strongman being carried onto a waiting airplane for Hawaii while the rest of the regime's henchmen hid in their bunkers and waited for the initial emotions to die down. A new administration was established. Yet, relationships and practices as old as Martial Law remained. 


Those who sacrificed their lives for democracy remained in the darkest cellars even of the new regime. Some were liberated while others without names remained incognito in some military camp or in Muntinlupa. Victims of the regime remained uncompensated for injuries they sustained for fighting the regime. Even the new administration ruled that those who fought a war against the Strongman would not be compensated for their bravery. 


Now, several names who figured prominently during Martial Law remain as powerful as before. Danding Cojuangco, despite charges filed against him, remains one of the richest and the most powerful men of the country. Roberto Ongpin, trade minister of the strongman, has broken his silence and is now trading once more with banks. Look at every single name in Congress and you'll find them either a stooge or a lapdog of the strongman. 


Yes, the son of the one of the martyrs of the anti-Martial law rules this country like someone holding a joy stick, yet, he remains cooperative with the people who made this country one of the sorriest states in Asia. 


The Filipino People remains in chains. Oil companies which never tried to overcharged the public in fear of Marcos, are now the new overlords. Businesses and businessmen are playing a dangerous game, trying to outplay their competitors by raising prices and never even changing or improving quality. And military and police men refused to believe that civilians rule over the military, as what the Constitution says they must do.


We are still in a state of bondage. Before, one family tried to establish a dynasty. Now, several families rule this country like overlords and big-time feudal lords, exploiting the poor and ingratiating themselves with the Strong. There is still an imbalance in the way things are and relationships remain as feudal and martial as before.


For us to break free from this debilitating condition, a new revolution must be actively pursued, a revolution that would truly liberate us from the shackles of poverty, of oppression and aggression. 


Without this revolution, the likes of the Arroyos will still emerge from a feudalist, neo-capitalist state, abusers will still make their way unto the system.


The destruction of the superstructure is needed and a new breed of Filipinos must emerge from the rut and be servants of the people; sacrifice their lives for the sake of change.


The remains of Martial law should be swept immediately by those who want true change. And it can only be done through active struggle. 

Philippine Supreme Court made a grievous error in TRO

The ALL MORO ALLIANCE FOR REFORMS or AMAR stormed the High Court's offices today to demand for the immediate uplifting of the Temporary Restraining Order or TRO issued by the court enjoining the government not to implement RA 10153 which seeks to synchronize the ARMM elections with that of the national and local midterm elections in 2013. 

The group accused the Supreme Court of being "anti-Moro". Question---was the decision really smacks of anti-Islamism? Yes.

The SC knew that a TRO would definitely place the entire peace process in jeopardy. Many Bangsamoros prefer to replace the current ARMM leadership with the ones they trust. 

Many Bangsamoros prefer Eid Kabalu, the former spokesperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front to lead them as Governor and prepare ARMM for the 2013 elections. 

What the Supreme Court did was a disservice to the people. The least that the Bangsamoro people need is an obstruction to the attainment of peace. This TRO came at the time when both the MILF and the GRP have both reached a compromise on how to solve the contentious issues of peace in that region.

A source say that it was the Arroyos who influenced the Supreme Court to issue that TRO. Now groups are frantic looking for other solutions or points to agree; and second, this could be used by other MILF groups in justifying their presumptions that the government is ill-advised and not totally honest in looking for concrete solutions to end the decades-old conflict.

Really, politics continue to monkey wrench its way against peace and development.

Aquino administration facing perilous times

Malacanang's spin doctors were quick to praise President Aquino when the new Pulse Asia and Social Weather Station surveys came out. The palace praised itself for retaining a high approval and trust ratings for the President. 


Studying the results however, shows that there is nothing to rejoice about. Both survey firms say that public approval or trust in the President did not actually rise or moved these couple of months. Meaning, the President is now being closely scrutinized by a confused public whether he is performing at par or not. (see Amado Doronila's article today at the Inquirer)


The firms also admitted that their results could actually be wrong. Meaning, the public sent wrong signals to the inforeceivers of the survey firms. 


Four challenges face the President right this moment:


First, the worsening economic situation. I'll not enumerate the index anymore.
Second, a worsening peace and order situation not just in Metro Manila but also in Mindanao and possible escalation of the conflict there with the Bangsamoro rebels.
Third, escalation of hostilities between the Communists and the Armed Forces of the Philippines and lastly;
Fourth, continuing graft and corruption in the government that worries foreign and domestic investors


Fact is, this is the most dangerous part of Aquino's administration. He is overlooking so many things that this administration does not really know what is truly happening in our country. It is in a state of suspended animation. NOthing moves out there. It is like people inside the palace is waiting for something to happen.

Forty plus one muffins

i am changing
after forty years my old skin is molting
the feeling is like drinking
brewed coffee in a nice bright morning

i am evolving
mutating, agitating, anticipating, worrying
of a future of uncertainties
seeing a lump of melted wheat
and turning into something
never real, always dreaming.

what is there for me
but shreds of torn letters
of Marlboro packs turned
into little philosophies
of spent tabs and ashes
and filters, and black soot
sticking into my lungs

no fortress in the world can keep my thoughts
penetrating into the permeable
every single thing trying to change
for the better
but finding out
that only forty muffins
are out there.

A corner of discontent

in this little corner of my discontent
a flood of memories seamlessly float
at random, twisted
but never real
and all of a sudden I am
struck by my own reality
bites hard but it is there
arguably my History
but never my own philosophy
i am suddenly thrust into a life
guided by my own misguidance
of struggles and pains
of joys and little gains
and of a life
that is worth nothing.

i am nothing. i am never there.
i never accepted my fate.
i hated what the Fates have decided
for me,
I am, Free.

the little air that I take
the water I make when
i cry and those tears
touch the ground
where I tread,
this is my Freedom.

the little nothings I said
the small acts i make
for other people,
this is my Freedom.

i am my own planet
in a universe of multiverses
of parallel nothings
that lead to black holes
and somethings like these,
this is my freedom.

The Bangsamoro Question and its 2-fold struggle

I've been to Mindanao several times already and though I am not born there, I know what is happening there. Mindanao is not just rich in natural resources--it is also being enriched by the people who live there. 


Many of my friends live in Mindanao. They are both Christians and Muslims. For my Muslim friends, some of them consider themselves as Bangsamoros. Before, the term is exclusive for those who only believe in the Islamic faith and who reside in Mindanao. Now, even Christians consider themselves as Bangsamoros.


Seriously, there is nothing wrong in Mindanao. The entire region is blessed with so much riches, especially natural resources, that, given the chance for self-rule, Mindanao may even eclipse Metro Manila and Cebu as the most progressive and the richest place in the Philippine archipelago. I heard so many foreign investors willing to invest in the place. And I personally know that Bangsamoros will definitely do good not just in establishing strong trade relations with other countries, but also will develop their place as a modern, cosmopolitan place in no time.


I visit General Santos every month and I love the place. There is peace and tranquility there. Christians and Muslims live peacefully there. There is no rancor between the two religious groups simply because every single thing has been provided for every one, regardless of religion, for self-development. You don't see shanties there, a stark difference from the ones in Davao del Sur, Maguindanao and Lanao. Every single resident of GenSan is contented by their lives because the city itself gives equal opportunity to anyone willing to invest her or his time for self-improvement and for commerce.


I wrote here several entries ago, that, the only problem in Mindanao is peace and security. Muslims claim a part of it for themselves which is quite understandable if we are to base it in History. However, though their claims have basis in history, the very question as to who really own Mindanao is still subject of extreme debate.


Muslims have dominated the Western and Eastern hemispheres of Mindanao while the North and the South are predominantly Christian. Now, the question is-is it possible for these territories being claimed to be ceded to their original owners? Yes, it is under a legislative action. Government must change the provisions of the Constitution and refigure its territorial claims to be able to accommodate such a solution.


And who, may I ask, are the original owners of these lands? It would have to be the traditional royal families in Mindanao, most of them, warlords. So, in the event of a reconfiguration, traditional royal families will have to battle it out with both the MILF and the MNLF for political power.


The Bangsamoro question will not be resolved through a peace agreement because even if the government accedes with the demands for self-rule, the entire region will still be beset by violence. A civil war between and among different interest groups will shortly happen once government or the MILF succeeds in its independence claim.


For example, this early, the so-called Sultan of Sulu is making claims of the Jolo Group, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi---three areas within the territories being claimed by the MILF as bangsamoro territorial homeland. The possibility of a clash is very likely there, since the Sultan will not give in to the rebels once an MILF Bangsamoro homeland is recognized.


Really, the Bangsamoro struggle is two-fold: resistence against imperial Manila and once it is achieved, resistance against so-called traditional royal families who will surely claim ownership of several lands under the Bangsamoro homeland territory. 


What Mindanao needs is a hegemon---a strong and powerful force able and capable of unifying these groups under one proposition---development. When every single group in Mindanao agrees to keep it safe and simple in the name of development, and not religion, then, every thing will take care of itself, naturally, like what happened in Malaysia. 

CPP-NPA-NDF dips its fingers on mining? WTF?!

The Communist Party of the Philippines issued a statement last September 14, condemning the entry of foreign mining firms in the country. The party devoted so much time writing the statement that it took them a great deal to explain why a Socialist-Mao Zedong revolutionary force is now very interested and very keen on dipping their fingers in the exploration of this country's mineral resources. For decades, note the series of statements issued by the Party and you'll note that these statements are closely related to the 40-year struggle of the Party against the Philippine State. 


Now, the CPP-NPA-NDF is changing tack. It now wants to become an enterprise? It now wants to promote nationalist mining and probably earn millions of dollars worth of revenues from extraction of mines?


This is a far departure from the Party whose sole objective is seizure of political power in the name of the weak, the helpless and the downtrodded. I know that the Party has directed its front organisations such as Alyansa Tigil Mina to liaise with Indigenous Peoples solely to protect their ancestral domains? Don't tell me that the CPP-NPA-NDF will not ask these tribes to abandon their domains once the Party successfully convinces the National Government to call off foreign mining plans in this country and instead grant it to several Party favorites and dummies?


Teddy Casino and Luz Ilagan of Bayan Muna and Gabriela, both organisations under the National Democratic Front are very much active in calling for the repeal of the Mining Act of 1995. Instead of being consistent with the age-old partyline of protecting the Indigenous People's rights and the stand favoring environmental protection, the duo wants nothing more than nationalize mining. They want a repeal because it does not favor the Party's interest, which is dominate the local mining industry.


Meaning, they are really not interested in protecting IP rights---they are now using these tribes to alienate other interests involved in mining so that they will now be the ones to dominate the industry and people it with their own dummies?


My question to Teddy is---where do we get the technology needed to extract tons and tons of copper and gold in our mountains? We buy it, they say. Ok, where do you get experts? There is still a dearth of Pinoy mining engineers and experts. Don't tell me that you'll ask China to partner with you? If you plan so, you're nothing but shameless hypocrites!


I am totally dismayed by the Party stand simply because this campaign against mining distracts the revolutionary movement from its original objective which is armed struggle against the state. Ask any NPA cadre and he'll tell you that the main reason why he joined was he wanted nothing more than change Philippine society. Is mining part of his work as a cadre?


INstead of salivating from the thought of getting millions out of ores, why not completely concentrate on intensifying the struggle against graft and corruption, the Corporatism being perpetuated by the Aquino administration, the increasing poverty of the people and others? There are so many issues more worthy of the party's attention than mining.


Or the Party wants to turn their weapons into digging forks instead of plowshares?


By the way, why is the CPP-NPA-NDF attacking only US mining firms and not Chinese mining firms? China is a foreign power, one of a few exploiting the resources of this country. I have'nt heard any single incident which the NPAs torch the mining plants of the Chinese. Don't tell me that the Party is a stooge of China?

Cris Bual does not deserve to die

Fifty three year old Cris Bual, a mining executive, was with his wife for his daily jog along Isarog road in Davao City, when a lone assailant shot him in the head. 


Bual sustained three gun shot wounds in the head and died instantly. The assailant escaped by riding a motorcycle. Police said aside from the gunman, there was another man involved in the gruesome crime. 


The incident happened 5:30 in the morning, shortly after sunrise. James, son of Bual, says that his father always jogs in the morning around their subdivision in Central Park, Barangay Bangkal. 


Two things: one, it is disturbing to note that such a crime happened right in the heart of Davao City. Davao City is supposed to be a "crime-free" city. Besides, everyone knows that there is an unwritten "agreement" between the Dutertes and rebel and crime syndicates to spare Davao City from such incidents and just make the city their "r&r".


The killing of Bual is unusual since there is a noticeable decline in the number of assassinations in Davao city since the Dutertes took office. Besides, the subdivision which Bual lives was actually the subdivision where the Dutertes formerly call home.


The son of Cris believes that the killing could be job-related since his father has no known enemies. A police investigation is currently being conducted to determine the real cause of the killing. 


Bual has been an executive of Sagitarrius Mines Incorporated, the biggest mining firm in Mindanao. Bual serves as a stakeholder engagement superintendent, an offsite job which requires him to transact with individuals to be directly affected by the company's projects. He was assigned to Malalag, a town where SMI is planning to construct a port. 


Intelligence sources say a unit of the New People's Army (NPA) is active in the area of Malalag, which is located in Davao del Sur. The NPA 71 Front Guerilla unit takes base in Malalag, a place where SMI intends to construct port facilities. 


However, Bual is not involved in the construction of the port. He is, however, involved in convincing directly affected peoples in the area and secure their approval of the project. Being assigned at the offsite land acquisition job, his work is primarily non-mining related.


Bual has been working for SMI for three years now. Prior to his employment there, Bual was a regional manager of the Peace and Equity Foundation, an NGO committed to bring peace and development in Mindanao.


Last September 14, the Communist Party of the Philippines issued a statement condemning the entry of foreign mining firms in the country. The statement directly enjoined revolutionary forces to heighten their struggle against foreign mining firms. It is not known however, if the CPP-NPA-NDF did ordered the killing of Bual. 


The NPA has not issued a statement. However, if we are to account their 2009 attack on SMI facilities in Tampakan, it is possible that this guerilla force did, indeed, committed a very shameful and gruesome act. 


If the CPP-NPA-NDF did, indeed, ordered the killing of Bual, then, it is a shameful act. Why target civilians? Why kill people who are just doing their jobs? Is it necessary to spill blood just to show to the government and to the world that the CPP-NPA-NDF is still strong and as healthy as a carabao?


My sources say that Bual owes no debt of blood with the people of Davao del Sur. He is just an ordinary employee. Likewise, no judgment from a People's Court convicted the man of any crime against the Filipino People.


An order of execution results from a process. Are we saying that the killing of Bual was instinctual and did not come from an order from the People's Court? If so, why execute?


Are these Commies weaklings that they only dare to kill an innocent man? Bual was unarmed when he was shot. It was not an execution worthy of emulation.


Why is it that the CPP-NPA-NDF is focusing its efforts against foreign mining companies when the higher task of struggle is still unfinished?


The higher and most noble level of struggle is eliminate the scourges of Philippine society, such as drug lords, gambling and jueteng lords, kainingeros, illegal loggers, abusive soldiers and policemen and grafters in government.


Are the NPAs so weak and so damn stupid that they are now targetting the very same people whom they swore to protect and to fight for?


Target abusive cops. Kill grafters in government. Kill those jueteng lords that roam the jungles of Davao del Sur and the rest of Mindanao, and you will have our sympathies. 


With this unjust killing, I am calling the NPAs cowards! You are besmirching the banner of the Revolution and the pure struggle of the Katipunan before you. You are not fit to be servants of the Filipino People!

Congratulations to my classmate, Jaime Ascalon

Jaime Ascalon, one of my best friends at the Political Science class in the University of the Philippines in Diliman and a colleague when I served as head of the economic diplomacy unit of the CIRSS at the FSI, is now a Consul. He is to serve at the DFA consulate General in San Francisco, California. Let the Inquirer describe my dear friend:

Prior to his posting in San Francisco, Ascalon was detailed from the Department of Foreign Affairs to the Office of the President as Deputy Chief of Presidential Protocol.
At the Department of Foreign Affairs, he served as Special Assistant at the Office of the Undersecretary for Policy and later as Principal Assistant.  He then became the Acting Director, at the Office of ASEAN Affairs from 1998 to 2002.
Before joining the DFA, Ascalon was a foreign affairs research specialist at the Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies of the Foreign Service Institute.
His first foreign assignment was in Brunei Darussalam, where he served from 2002 to 2008 as Third Secretary and Vice Consul and subsequently as Second Secretary and Consul.
Ascalon earned his B.A. Political Science degree at the University of the Philippines, Diliman. He is married to Maria Cecilia Gregorio-Ascalon and they have two children, Jaime Martin, 13, and Andre Luis, 8

I congratulate my dear friend and hope that even though we don't see each other as frequently as before, I expect him to really push for the welfare of the People first, and his personal, second. 

President Aquino should order a review of the Oil Industry Deregulation Law

PISTON's George San Mateo says they will push thru with their nationwide strike this Monday. San Mateo announced the plan shortly after meeting with President Benigno Aquino III. PISTON says the "meeting" was just a "courtesy call" and nothing happened with the so-called "dialogue".


Demands for a review and repeal of the Oil Price deregulation law, and filing of charges against giant oil companies are some of the appeals of the transport group. Oil companies have been jacking up their prices in wanton fashion since a month ago. Several groups accuse these companies of abusing the "liberality" given to them by the law. Many sectors of Philippine society are demanding for a review of the law while others say, government should at least impose price controls to stem the rising prices of goods, services and products. These are the effects of oil price hikes.


Oil prices are indeed exorbitant. We have the highest pump oil prices in the region, and to think that we are a struggling Third World country. People are really finding it extremely hard to cope up with these price hikes, what with the rising inflation, unemployment and underemployment.


President Aquino should side with the masses. There is nothing wrong with giving in to the demands of the people directly affected by these oil price hikes. Why protect the asses of these oil companies? They report to their mother companies abroad, and they report profits, at the expense of the riding public. 


This is also one thing that the DOTC needs to look into. Mar Roxas, department secretary, has to strengthen his relationship with the transport sector to be able to directly address their concerns. If he has plans come 2013 or 2016, this is the time to shine. The public will remember this day when those who claim to love the people, sided with the mobsters in corporate attire.

Ruffy Biazon will battle the forces of evil at the Bureau of Customs

Ruffy Biazon is the man

As I wrote several entries ago, Ruffy Biazon is Pnoy's best bet for the Bureau of Customs post. Biazon has accepted it and will take his oath tomorrow, while former detained Scout Rangers General Danny Lim will take his oath today as Deputy Commissioner on Intelligence. The two will try to get rid of graft and corruption at the Bureau.


While many welcome the entry of Biazon into the bureau, rumors are now starting to circulate. Some say they give Ruffy only five to six months stay in the bureau. Another rumor says that the barangay captain of Putatan Muntinlupa has talked with Ruffy's mom on the possibility of making a quick buck with Ruffy's appointment. That Barangay captain, rumor mongers say, is positioning himself as Ruffy's right hand man. 


Personally, I don't believe what I'm hearing. Since the very first time I met Ruffy during one coffee session during the elections, I knew him to be a GOd-fearing man. He is a member of Victory, a Christian denomination, and with God on his side, Ruffy will not err on the side of Right.


Now, news reports say that Lito Alvarez was still clueless about his fate yesterday. That is not true. 


Lito Alvarez will be going back to Fedex by Friday, that is tomorrow, to assume his old post. He already talked with Bert Lina and Lina, that ever wonderful boss, took him in. Now, what Alvarez is still pinning his hopes are the oppointment of Suansing as the bureau's enforcement bureau chief.


While Suansing may be okey, it is now up to Biazon to appoint Suansing to the post. By the way, Suansing is a certified man of the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo.

Coup against Aquino in the works?

A very deep source revealed that a group of former government officials with strong linkages with the military is cooking a sinister plan. Actually, the plan is now in high gear and the objective is simple: oust the Aquino administration from power.

These officials have linked with a big coalition of anti-Aquino organisations who severed their ties with the administration several months ago. 

These groups have heightened their mass actions against the government and is waiting for a failure of government talks with transport groups and the eventual disintegration of peace and order in Mindanao to move against Aquino.

Groups are out to blame Aquino for mismanaging not just the economy but state affairs as well, including diplomatic blunders in the MILF-GRP Japan talks, the Manila Hostage crisis, economic downturns and slowdowns which affect the domestic economy, mining, and foreign direct intervention of the affairs of the state.

The trigger will be the big transport strike to have very soon.

Tweet on Shamcey Supsup's Miss Universe try

Shamcey Supsup

Parang angolang ng mga 


judges, noh?


Actually, I felt that the Miss 


Universe pageant was a 


sham, c? 


Despite our all-0ut raj-raj, 


and the answer naman was 


major-major okey, the judges 


chose another pa rin. 


Anyway, (t)sup-(t)sup to our 


Miss UNiverse!




Ikaw pa rin ang aming Miss Universe!

Shamcey Supsup is one gem of a woman

Sexy Shamcey

Shamcey Supsup landed third in the 2011 Miss Universe, a spectacular feat for the Philippines. This is actually a two-peat already since last year, it was Venus Raj who landed in the top five. Miss Angola bagged the crown.


Supsup answered the question pointblank and in honesty. Her father raised her to be a God-fearing woman. And at twenty five, at the peak of her personal career, Shamcey is one ideal woman.


She graduated magna cum laude in Architecture at the University of the Philippines in Diliman. She also topped the archi examinations. 


Gloria Diaz, the 1969 Philippine bet who won the Miss Universe crown was satisfied. She says that there is a strong possibility that next year would probably be our year. I believe her.


We are fielding very strong candidates and it is not surprising. There are many undiscovered gems of beauty here in this country. We just have to re-orient ourselves in our standards or values of beauty.


I must say that this is an era of re-discovery, when every single Filipino out there is re-discovering his roots and his identity. Look at the swimsuit of Shamcey. It's designed based on indigenous designs. 


What's good about Shamcey is her beauty really sparkles. She is indeed, a true Filipina beauty.


By the way, for those out there who grew up without their mother, despair not! Shamcey was raised soley by her father, while her mother works abroad.  Her dire personal circumstances did not affect her strong will to succeed.


This will not be the last that we will see Shamcey. 

Prosecute those behind LBC Bank closure

LBC Bank, a bank owned by the Aranetas, is the third bank to have closed during the administration of President Aquino. The Bangko Sentral says they decided to close the bank since its obligations have exceeded its assets. Despite efforts to save the bank from insolvency, the Central Bank (CB) says the bank continued hemorrhaging. There's no other recourse but to close it.


The Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC) meanwhile, assured the 500,000 depositors of the bank that there is sufficient funds to cover their deposits. PDIC claims that it would use its 61 billion peso fund to cover their deposits.

Data from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas showed that as of June 30, 2011, LBC Bank had estimated total deposit liabilities of P6.09 billion, comprising one tenth of one percent of the total deposits of the Philippine banking system.

Insured deposits amounted to P3.73 billion.

Total number of accounts reached 321,516, of which 99.4 percent were fully covered by deposit insurance.

Juan Gregorio Araneta reportedly owns LBC bank, including Manuel Allende. The question that remains--will the Bangko Sentral investigate these bank executives? 


Obviously, there will be no such probe and no liabilities. This is the problem.


Government should look deeper and investigate reasons behind the bank's closure. Who is the one responsible for the bank's humongous responsibilities? The Bangko Sentral and LBC bank owe the public an explanation. 


Who has a big loan obligation with the bank? How many secured loans prior to its receivership? It is time to really investigate the actions of bank executives behind ailing banks so that this will not happen again. 

Biazon as Customs chief with General Lim as deputy commissioner for intelligence

A source told me that the President just signed the appointment papers of General Danny Lim as deputy commissioner for the Bureau of Customs. Lim is to head the agency's intelligence division. He is to take his oath on September 15.


Meanwhile, former Muntinlupa Congressman Ruffy Biazon's papers were also signed. He is expected to assume the Bureau of Custom's post by September 16, 2011, in time for the celebration of his wedding with his lovely wife.


Congratulations for both Patriots!


Let this be a warning to grafters in the Bureau of Customs--your time is up!


By the way, is'nt weird? The son of a former general who repulsed the YOU or the Young Officers Union in 1989, is now partnering with the same general who led those patriotic forces against---you know who. 


Ruffy is the son of former AFP chief Rodolfo Biazon who protected Cory Aquino from  Lim's forces during the bloody coups of the late 80's. 


Now, the son of Cory is appointing Lim and Lim is partnering with Ruffy, son of the former general nemesis.


That shows you that this administration can really do miracles. That's reconciliation for you.

Graft and Corruption still worry businessmen

Businessmen, especially Americans still worry about rampant graft and corruption and rising prices of commodities in the Philippines. This is the latest report by AMCHAM or the American Chamber of Commerce. see link: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/09/08/11/rising-costs-corruption-ph-worry-us-firms


Though 77% sees growth and onyl 2% predict contraction of the economy caused by a weak US economy, the primary concerns remain the same---graft and corruption. Whew, I thought this administration is addressing the issue of graft and corruption? Many businessmen are still encountering these same problems which bedevilled previous administrations. 


Why is corruption still there? ONE WORD--PALAKASAN. When you're near Noynoy, you're protected.


This is now the effect of President Aquino's stubbornness of sparing his boys from administrative charges. A probe found many of Aquino's men responsible for certain acts, but they remained free, thanks to the President's blanket of protection. Look at what happened in the "independent probe" of the Manila hostage crisis. It sent a wrong signal to everybody in the bureaucracy, that this administration is pliable and will protect you if you're a Kabarilan, Kaklase or Kamaganak. 


We really cannot eradicate graft and corruption if our leaders still think that they are above the law. Wangwang mentality? Tell it to Aquino and his "boys".

Sleepiness cause vehicular accidents

Senator TG's son, Peter Norman, figured in an early morning vehicular accident. HIs vehicle rammed the center island unto the Katipunan flyover. He was not drunk. He was just sleepy.


Good thing that Peter Norman is now out of danger and no one was killed. 


I understand what Peter went thru. I, myself, nearly got myself killed in several instances, driving while so sleepy. Sleepiness behind the wheel is a cause of several accidents here in the Philippines and even in the United States. According to a study, its prevalent among college students and one-fifth of all vehicular accidents are caused by sleepiness behind the wheel.


Brake and Direct Line found 74 per cent of British drivers have felt tired while behind the wheel in the past 12 months. While the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute (VTI) did a study on the effects of sleepiness on drivers. 


Sometime last year, I nearly figured in an accident along South Superhighway. I just came from Laguna and was travelling along the highway when I noticed that I was veering towards the center island. And my SUV is going to the left and to the right. Then I suddenly woke up finding myself still driving. Since I was so sleepy, I decided to go to the nearby gas station and give myself several minutes of rest. 


It also happened to me driving along the NOrth Express way. When I was young, I can drive up to Baguio in 3 or 4 hours flat, without stopping. I also remembered the time when I can just go up to Ilocos and drive straight and just stop in Vigan. Now, I can't do it any longer.


I admit--I suffer from a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea deprives you of precious oxygen when you sleep. That's why I'm always lacking of sleep. 


Three tips for drivers who feel sleepy when behind the wheel.


1. Don't drive. Stop, and go to a nearby gas station. Sleep. Don't fight it, you'll lose.
2. Drink coffee. It will give you a 15 minute boost. Afterwards, find or look for a nice place to rest.
3. Stretch. The trick is you have to get more oxygen into your system especially your brain. Lack of air or oxygen causes sleepiness. When you suffer from erratic breathing patterns, that's a great sign that you need to consult a sleep therapist. 

Storm a-brewin

Malacanang is only monitoring things

Malacanang says its helpless, no power to stop over-eager oil giants from raising their pump prices. Fact is, Shell even raised theirs twice and others followed suit. This oil deregulation law is a joke. 


So, what's the purpose of government? Just to monitor everything, says Edwin Lacierda, presidential spokesperson. So Malacanang is not governing, only monitoring.


Had these things happened during the time of Arroyo, groups would have militated and raised howl. Lacierda would have probably proposed to Arroyo to scrap that joke of a law and replaced it with something else while Leah Navarro of Black and White Movement and Manolo Quezon III would have mobilized their small force in the streets.


No. This is an Aquino administration, a political ally. 


Instead of saying the State has the power, Lacierda says the best option available for everybody is "follow market forces". Wow, Lacierda just parroted what previous Gloria Arroyo spokespersons always say. 


Arroyo apologists say that with a grin, and the only difference now with Lacierda is, Aquino's spokesperson tells it with a grim, sly smile to boot, as if he really meant it. 


Lacierda and the rest of the people behind the Aquino administration probably believed in that propaganda song, " Global Pinoy"---that the Pinoy has the skills to be the best in the world. They must have interpreted it even to mean that even our oil prices must follow the dictates of world crude prices.


The United Nations already alerted the nations of the world way back last January---that oil prices and spiralling prices of food and unemployment would spark violence and riots in several countries, including the Philippines. That probably explains why Malacanang is only monitoring, not governing. The people behind Aquino are monitoring and expecting people to militate against oil prices. 


Worse, those who vowed to fight to their death the welfare of the Filipino People are now coopted by government. Those who have risked their futures and fought various dictatorships and forms of misfeasance  are now in government, bending their principles and being swallowed by the system, not in parts but in wholes.


The only ones militating are those without agreements with governments. Time to form a true-blue movement that will not compromise its principles over empty and shallow promises of straight roads.

Nationalist addiction

jackin my style
covering my swagger
down on a wager
sleepin' in the gutter.

and, I, alone, am.
in this boom town.
no one recognizes me
i'm just a flash.

wearing my tie
my pants with the stash
gettin along, am, I.
cruising as fast as

a fox chasing the rabbit.

trying hard not to do that habit
praying that i'll lock it
sealed in the deepest pit

can't seem to figure
why I'm suddenly in a seizure
conjuring images in my mind
flash scenes of violence
and men in a bind

big tropicale, sweet ham
filled with spice
big coca-cola with a Pepsi
in mind.

frittin, floppin, lightin, smokin.
trash going down my lung in
and out of the closin
credits of a silent film.

smoke fills my brain
as I type it down the drain
words fillin the gap
can't see the fuckin map
tryin hard to see where
I'm going
i'm only tryin to make
things flowing
the nude garden lurks
making me totally puke
greased thin bodies
awoke in the sunshine
another day,
another firefight.

Noynoy Aquino finally defines what Tuwid na Daan Truly means

After months of just propagandizing what his administration is all about, President Noynoy Aquino yesterday finally gave what he really meant when he say "tuwid na daan". 


In his speech before Chinese investors in Shanghai, the President said that what his administration is doing right now is reviewing all the previous deals entered into by the former dispensation. 


Aquino wants to level the playing field. 


With the permission of the Philippine Star, let me wholly quote what their reporter wrote when the President gave that speech: see link: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=723277&publicationSubCategoryId=63

“Let me clarify that ensuring a level playing field today requires undoing the mistakes of the past. In some instances, this means reviewing contracts entered into without particular care for due process,” Aquino told participants and delegates to the Philippine Eastern China Business Forum here.

“We have already stopped a number of such projects after discovering that necessary processes were not followed and that laws had been broken,” he said. “We are holding accountable errant public officials who encouraged anomalous business deals: because we want to send the message that our government will neither tolerate nor take part in these kinds of practices,” the President added.
He said he hopes his decision will not discourage foreign investors from exploring the country’s business potentials.

“It is my hope that these reforms do not raise doubts among some who are contemplating investing in the Philippines. Let me assure you that we must do these things now in order to create a more equitable business environment, where each contract signed and each project completed will stand firmly on the bedrock of integrity,” he said.

“In other words, where every contract represents the Four ‘R’s’ we envision: Right Project, Right Cost, Right Quality, and Right on Time. This is the only way to ensure that your projects will not be questioned by the public, or by succeeding administrations,” he said.

“I trust that the businessmen of the world know that no one can afford to be near-sighted in these times. We must take the long view in order to achieve lasting, mutual gains. I am sure that the Chinese, known for always thinking many steps ahead and for appreciating the long-term aspects of business and governance, are with me in this regard,” he said.

The President continued his business meetings here after leaving Beijing where he met with Chinese President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Chinese National People’s Congress standing committee chairman Wu Bangguo as well as with businessmen and investors.

He said he embarked on his state visit to China upon the invitation of the Chinese president to boost bilateral relations and attract more investments.

Vision for Phl

“Our vision is of a nation of renewed vitality, which embraces competition, and thereby spurs growth. When I speak of growth, I mean the kind that is inclusive and equitable. That many of my countrymen still remain mired in poverty is no secret; and neither is my government’s strategy to raise them from such a situation,” the President said.

“As I said in my campaign for the presidency: ‘Kung walang corrupt, walang mahirap.’ Mei you tan wu, jiu mei you qiong kun. An end to corruption means an end to poverty,” Aquino said.

The President said ending corruption would mean ending transactions made for the benefit of those in power.

“By holding the corrupt accountable, we are sending a signal to the whole world: in the Philippines, the rules are followed. In the Philippines, we have a level playing field. In the Philippines, we are open for business: the clean, fair, and honest kind,” he said.

“The kind of nation, simply put, where anyone who is willing to work will earn the fruits of his labor, and will be able to achieve his dreams. This includes welcoming investors from abroad,” Aquino said.

He said new investments spawn new jobs as well as funds for government’s infrastructure projects and social services, including public health and education.

“All these create an environment where people are empowered with skills and capabilities to participate in society; where jobs give our people the chance to improve their lot in life; and where businesses thrive because there is ample infrastructure, and because consumers have disposable incomes,” he said.

“This plan is already unfolding. The results are encouraging. Our stock markets have hit all-time highs seven times since my administration took office. My country has received four credit ratings upgrades in a little more than a year – this compared to only one upgrade and six downgrades in the previous nine years,” he pointed out.

“We are also well on target with our social service commitments, and were able to fund even more projects without raising taxes in the past year. We are confident that the positive trend will be carried forward and onwards through our Public-Private Partnership Programs, increase in foreign direct investments, and improved industry competitiveness,” he added.

In order to achieve stronger growth amid global uncertainties, policy reforms have been carried out and a prudent fiscal management program put in place.
“Despite the problems that global economies are facing today, the medium - to long-term prospects for growth in Philippines-China economic relations remain positively strong, and the benefits to the Philippines and China from these prospects are potentially huge,” he said.

Aquino said many Chinese companies have already seen the country’s potentials and have chosen to work with the Department of Public Works and Highways on various key projects. Just recently, he said, the China International Water and Electric Corp. began a 58-kilometer road improvement project worth more than $21 million in Cotabato in Mindanao.

The same firm began last year a $33-million diversion channel project in the Gumain River in Pampanga.

“Consider this. In the past, our commercial relations have been more beneficial to you than to us: Filipino foreign direct investments in China totals $2.8 billion, while Chinese investments in the Philippines totals $500 million. Now, we have come here to potentially balance the equation. China has the financial and technological capability to be among the major foreign direct investors in the Philippines,” Aquino said.

The President said with Chinese technology and cost-efficient machinery and equipment, China could very well be an even larger source of investments for the Philippines to boost the country’s agri-food production and processing capabilities, energy sourcing and infrastructure projects.

“We welcome, as well, your exploring investments in the sectors of manufacturing, garments and textiles, and motor vehicles and automotives, as well as in tourism. The opportunities are there; let us partner together to turn opportunities into reality,” he said.

He also cited “incentives that make investing in our country an even more viable option, given my government’s commitment to providing a level playing field to all investors.”

“Today we can open a new chapter in the long, enduring ties between our peoples. The ballast brought by the sampans, junks, and galleons of centuries past, besides being known as ‘piedra China,’ also acquired a name in the Tagalog language. We know it as batong buhay, or living rock. Our ties of mutual interest and partnerships are unshakably firm; let us build on this to create, together, opportunities for a better life for both our peoples in the 21st century,” Aquino said.