The Gang of Three at the Philippine Bureau of Customs

Why is it that these so-called smugglers use Chinese surnames just to hide their identities? The reason is simple---Filipinos believe that Chinese Filipinos dominate the markets and some of them engage in smuggling because of one, red tape in the bureaucracy and two, the Filipino culture of giving and dispensing favors.

Everyone knows that at the Bureau of Customs, things are being controlled by several gangs. There is what they call a Gang of Three. This gang is composed of this person by the name of Davidson Tan Banggayan who practically engages in rice smuggling. The other one is a lady whose name is being published as Tina Yu, but her real name is Tina Santos. The next one is a certain Manny Santos.

These people have already been identified---why is it that they continue to weave their illicit magic at the expense of local businesses and traders? 

Manny Santos engages in smuggling tons of steel products into the country from China. Imagine tons of substandard steel products coming in from abroad, without these going thru our formal channels, and depriving us of millions of pesos worth of revenues. 

Some people say that if government improves customs procedures, it may eliminate the need for these people to engage in smuggling. The key towards the agency implementing the law strictly and honestly is by changing the people there. If you read the Customs and Tariffs law, by itself, is an excellent document, a deterrent against illicit acts. Yet, the law becomes flexible or pliant because of the people given the task of implementing them.

Only a Revolution Can Cleanse Philippine society of all corruption

Revolution, a genuine people's revolt is the only solution to the worsening problem of Philippine society in graft and corruption, a military source says. 


If, and when this happens, the source says, it would not be like the two bogus EDSA revolts which resulted nothing but misery and the continued deterioration of the country's system.


A source says a segment of the organisation is willing to move right this moment to correct the ills of Philippine society. " Our dreams of a better Philippines still lives on," says the source who is one of his class most illustrious leaders.


The source thinks that the two EDSA's failure to rectify the institutional errors necessitates a more serious action.  This action involves putting behind bars, those members of the elite who continue to do acts inimitical to the interests of the Masses. 


The source also thinks that the Aquino administration is no different from its predecessors. Many people believe that Aquino even tolerated graft and corruption.

America is not yet ready for Adam Lambert

Lastly, let me get this thing out of my system. Adam Lambert is really a reincarnation of Elvis Presley and those great Fathers of Rock n' Roll. Remember that when Elvis stormed the stage, he was criticized, bullied, even castigated for the way he sang those rock songs. The Beatles also started with more boos than ahs. Yet, we saw how people around the world, worshipped their artistry. After the initial harsh reactions, true artistry emerged and eventually, the whole Humankind accepted it as their own.

Elvis, the Beatles, Kiss, The Queen are all class acts. They are the progenitors of eras, and Lambert, surely, will lead another one.

What America has shown in voting for Kris Allen is that they fear for this era. It's called a "future shock". Societies, when faced with new paradigms, show adversity at first, then, as soon as they feel accustomed to the sound and feel of the paradigm, they slowly adjust and embrace it as their own.

This is the same as revolutionary ideas. At first, we oppose it. But, when we are in the midst of it already and we feel its effects in our lives, we adjust and accept it as our own. Look at Cuba. In 1959, Fidel Castro won and seized power. Yet, it took him at least 10 years before Cubans accepted those changes the revolution wrought upon Cuban society. Now, it is the strongest model for change in America.

It is this hope that I, and all the rest of the New Patriots of the New Generation, continue to do what is necessary for change. Revolution might be too loud or too high pitched an idea for many and probably, paradigm shifts are more acceptable terms. In due time, people will warm up to it and embrace change like they do with their lovers.

This reality made me realize that there is still hope for Filipinos to come together as one and change the way we do things. It is still not hopeless.

To Adam Lambert, my man, continue doing what you're doing. Eventually, the revolution you started will engulf the whole of America and eventually your coronation will happen very soon.

The History of the Filipino People

This is the second installment of the History of the Filipino People. This is another gift which I want to share with my fellow Filipinos throughout the world.

Let us not forget that we have a rich revolutionary history and we are not a people who will let injustice and tyranny reign in our beautiful country. Onward with the struggle towards a Just and Humane Society!

Independence soon

I hope certain people out there will not get angry with me when I reveal this very serious and very sensitive topic. This concerns June 12, the day when we celebrate Philippine independence.

I just came from a bar last night. There was a storm. I had nothing to do last night so I went out straight to a coffee shop in Makati (I will not mention the name here).

I happen to bump with familiar faces. I went to one table and noticed that familiar people are also there. They were talking--hush-hush.

They were busy talking about what's happening to our country, how this administration deliberately mess up things just to get what it wants and how deep corruption has become in this country, etc., etc. People, they say, are in a deep moral and ideological morass and what the people need is an Iskra---a spark---that would restore Filipino confidence in themselves.

I took part in the conversation, trying to discern what these people want and it's clear---they want change.

They want nothing of the traditional, old, antiquated ideas that has impoverished our people. They want nothing of the same, destructive and corruptive concepts that has enslaved our people for generations.

They want a revolution. These people wearing expensive clothes want change--real change--to happen in this country. They can't wait anymore. They want to take action now.

They also told me about a group of "young revolutionary designers" planning a revolt against societal conventions. This group of "Iluminators" want nothing but victory in their "struggle". They envision a Filipino society proud of its heritage, its history and the people's ingenuity and strength.

They reportedly want people to be proud again as Filipinos. And they hope to shine come June 12, 2009. They have a weapon, a secret tool, that would make every one converge and will make every Filipino proud.

Will they succeed?

Talks are rife that their idea of change has already "leaked out" to some people in the mainstream. Will these people keep a secret? Some of those who discovered their secret longings threaten to release a video showing them with their tool.

Will these people tell tales via video?

These young illuminators, should they succeed, want to conquer the world. They want nothing short of revolutionary victory against these gargantuan forces enslaving the Filipino race. The Filipino Nation will shine, will once again, be proud of their race.

Will they be victorious in their illuminous designs?

Let's wait for June 12.

Triggers for the Defining Moment

In previous entries, I have explained what the "defining moment" is (or what I personally call the dramatis causa or others term as casus belli). In our situation right now, the goal of the administration is to deny its enemies of this event. Malacanang is known to adapt itself from any destabilizing situation. In fact, the possibility of Malacanang backtracking, even going to the extent of Mrs. Arroyo being made to announce a televised presscon of her desire to step down in 2010 just to quelch any and all big demonstrations against her administration. She did it before. However, everytime she does this, and after the situation cools, her administration actually hits back at critics, squeezing them and institutes certain measures against them. So, learning from this, this time though, many people hope that those who really want her out before 2010 should do their thing with extreme force. They should deal Arroyo a decisive defeat, and not allow her to recover. Otherwise, they may yet see themselves getting the brunt of the state power in case of another failed try.

As you see in my previous entries, forces are converging very fast against Gloria. There is a systematic destruction of state defenses via two modes: political re-alignments and neutralization of possible military opposition against the emerging movement. Now, what would trigger a situation which would possibly lead to Gloria's ouster? First, I believe that the anti-charter change interfaith rally will lead to Gloria's downfall if managed properly. If groups pull their punches and fein on lambasting her and not really throw everything at her administration before, during and after the rally, nothing will come out of it.

Remember--this rally is a barometer for both the pro-Arroyo and the anti-Arroyo. It is crucial for both groups. If this fails, expect a backlash against all anti-Arroyo groups. Expect political and economic futures to change for those who support this. Expect also a totalitarian regime of Arroyo. Arroyo will be able to use this as an occasion to immediately sweep all opposition and declare authoritarian rule. If this succeeds though, the political and even professional futures of those who stuck it out with Arroyo would also change dramatically. What we see now as our present political leaders may suffer a humiliating retirement once an attempt at the seat of power fails again.

What is also crucial for both groups is how they manage the information flow. Again, this will lead to a situation where he who holds media will be able to control time. What do I mean by this? If a group controls the information environment, he will now have the power to direct what path this would take. Will it go and influence the "swing forces"--those groups who will fence sit and will wait and observe who's winning? Or, will it be totally controlled by the state which, in this case, deprives the other side of their momentum and allows state security forces to move in and quell dissent.

Now, the possibility of this being a failure is still very high. One scenario that I'm praying not to happen is when Malacanang convinces Arroyo to publicly announce her intention not to run in 2010. If this happens, they'll be a split among the ranks of these groups behind the interfaith rally. Given the tenuous nature of this group, those who oppose Arroyo just because of the possibility of term extension would probably abandon the cause. This could dilute the qualitative character of the movement but could not possibly affect the outcome of things if, say, other events come into the picture. What are these elements and where will they emerge will again, be the subject of another post.

Rise of the Filipino Caudillos

History is replete with instances where men of extraordinary character rise whenever their country experience great challenges. In Asian countries, for example, Mao Tsetung rose from the ruins of China after World War 2. It just took a few years before the Red Army marched towards the fabled Forbidden City and smashed the Bamboo Curtains. Malaysia has its Tung, while Singapore rose from being a Third World, dirt-poor, vice-ridden country into Asia's finest and most advanced society, courtesy of Lee Kuan Yew.

Yes, God is great. He sees everything with an All-Seeing Eye.

Now, will God abandon this piece of paradise called Filipinas and allow these evil men to perpetuate themselves in power.

No.

The people's misery will soon be over. Just now, I've talked with a lot of people, mostly taxi drivers, common people, middle class and even some elites and they are all in unison--everyone must act to solve these problems, not in 2010, but NOW.

Now is the time for enlightened Filipinos to rise above personal interests and unite for the national welfare. We are not talking here of just ousting Gloria because of political differences nor graft and corruption. No.

We are talking here of a campaign, a movement, for National Salvation. We are talking here of a revolution to oust these pseudo-leaders who want to drag us all down to hell. These pseudo leaders did not do their homework for 8 years. They did'nt prepare. Because of this, we are now suffering.

Let those who have ears and eyes and the will to fight rise to the occasion and save the Motherland from destruction.

Revolution Redefined

A reader wants me to define revolution. This is in reaction to what I wrote previously, my dig on Cocoy's piece in Filipinovoices.com.

It is easy for someone versed in Marxism-Leninism to define revolution. Yet, in our times, it is not expedient to do so. Revolution, as defined by Marxists and neo-Marxists, do not encapsulate present conditions. Why?

Because revolution now can take various forms other than the traditional purview that it involves violence.

For example, a substantial technological change could be defined as a revolution. Or, a simple conversion of faith could be linked to a "moral revolution"

What I am saying is this term has been used and re-used in almost all writings since Karl Marx wrote his monumental dig on capitalist society in Das Kapital. De constructionists have prostituted the term for their own philosophical advantages. Others, have linked this definition of revolution in all fields of interests.

IN our time, revolution should be defined as a complete procedural change. It could be on two levels: one, internal through socio-cultural change and two, through a politico-economic change.

Why do I emphasize on the socio-cultural level?

Because that answers most of the critiques about the EDSA revolutions of 1986 and 2001. I agree that these two events are not pure revolutions. They are just coups d'etat, mirages of revolutions. Why?

1986 led to the re-establishment of the pre-Martial law era where aristocrats rule over government. 2001, meanwhile, succeeded in replacing the Erap elite faction with that of Arroyo's.

Both incidents did not lead to a substantial change in the politico-economic system. The system remained capitalist. The societal structure supported the same powers that have supported the ousted regime. State resources only changed hands--from a purely controlled and concentrated one to a dispersed patronage system. Those who militated against Marcos were given the spoils. While those on the other fence either went on exile or morphed or were "rehabilitated" in the acceptable social mold.

The reason is simple--the base of the 1986 "revolution" was not entirely ideological. They went to EDSA just to oust what they perceive as a corrupt and immoral regime. Period. The source of dissent or disgusts was personal. It was never ideological.

Revolutionary forces failed to effectively convert the EDSA adherents into ideological cadres. Those who governed under Aquino were social democrats. They were unable to translate principles into meaningful actions that would have enhanced or even changed the very structures established during the dictatorship.

2001 could have been the great opportunity to re-write history. It could have been used as a vehicle to established an ideology that would guide the change.

Clearly, the same problems reared its ugly head after the ouster of Estrada. Since the motivation for the ouster of Erap was based again on personal attacks, the same ugly cycle occurred.

Worst, the change was just from a perceived lackluster governance style into a "more efficient" style of rule. That's why the societal problems which existed even prior to the two EDSA's again emerged because, again, there was no effort to really change the very system which some EDSA veterans militated against.

Revolutions are internal affairs. Revolutions involve both the mind and the Spirit. Those who want change should start the change in themselves first, before any overt action should be undertaken.

Those who shout change should start demystifying the armchair concepts they have on revolutions. They should undergo the process of proletarianization before they go to the streets. This process involves understanding the values of the proletarian class.

I remember the story told by Jun Lozada before the Senate during the ZTE hearings. One time, he was in the mountains, talking to a farmer. He noticed that guavas just lay on the ground. He asked the farmer why he's just letting these precious fruits to rot on the ground. The answer was simple--the guavas are to feed the birds. He was struck dumb.

Lozada underwent the first stage of proletarianization, which is understanding how proletarian classes think. The second should be living with them and probably the third would be wanting how this class thinks about change.

We ask--by what means do we change society? It depends on what the People want.

Based on my studies now, the People want a swift, decisive and more substantial action against the prevailing system.

They want change immediately. Period. They want those who have the capability of bringing down this government to go all-out and fight on their behalf. They will support a military action, yes. The times are ripe for the picking.

We say the New Philippine Revolution, what do we mean?

We mean the cycle of creating Bagong Tao or the New Man. It starts with the mind, then with the Spirit. We recognize that revolutions should involve the change of the mind then a change in the Spirit of Man. The change should be based on new paradigms of thought, the destruction of old thinking and the floundering of the New Concepts. What these concepts are? Send me an email and I'll explain this concept further.

Call for Justice

Read the Inquirer editorial today. It says much about the current situation--how lucky Arroyo is as a president. Scandals after scandals rocked this administration, yet, Arroyo remains in power. It exposes the weakness of these movements against her. Why are they essentially weak?

First, no support or less support coming from traditional political parties. These trapos, especially those gunning for the presidency in 2010, are busy beautifying themselves before the eyes of the public, concerned more with their approval ratings than anything. They don't believe Arroyo will ever be ousted from power and they believe her statements that she'll not resign.

Second, no military intervention seems to be in sight. There are rumours of dissent among the ranks but these remain just that, rumours. Effective pyswar operations have been launched to insulate the military from the political imbroglio. From all indications, it's effective.

Third, this administration seems very methodological in its approach of the crisis. It employs both tactical and strategic problem-solving methods that seem to work every time. Kudos to the palace henchmen who remains solid amidst the public outcry for their principal's head.

Lastly, there seems to be a dearth of funds in support of these mobilizations. Rally organizers for the March 14 says that the reason why they transfered the rally site from Ayala to Espana was for practicality (read: we lack funds to sustain these rallies) Since the bulk of the protesters come from the Youth sector (as what we prescribed in this blog), it's best to organize the rally in their "turf" so to speak.

From all indications, there seems to be a waning of interest for this rally. From my monitors of the situation, it seems that organizers are somewhat "silent", not telegraphing their moves, which is good, to some extent, yet, could affect the outcomes of the rally somewhat.

This could change with the appearance of a new ZTE witness in the Senate probe today. This witness could be the last trump card prior to the eventual ouster of Arroyo. However, I think the effect of this new witness would only last a few days, not weeks, as what the opposition hopes to achieve. Think of it--it just reinforces the existing public perception of rampant graft and corruption. Its just a reinforcement.

Surveys upon surveys reveal that the public's perception of corruption of this administration has reached fruition. Meaning, the opposition does not need to cry or demand for the truth because the closure of this issue (ZTE deal), to the minds of the people, have now been achieved.

1. The people are now convinced that Arroyo and her men are corrupt
2. They benefitted from this ZTE deal
3. This deal was done as a concession for the eventual transfer of the Spratlys claim to the Chinese.

This is the story that was formed in the minds of the people. Opposition groups does not need to reinforce this further. The People already know the Truth. It is time for these groups to demand for Justice. How will they punish Arroyo? Some sectors propound resignation. Others, resignation of all members of the Arroyo administration. Whatever it is, groups should not be concerned about the form of government that would be established in the event of Arroyo's ouster. Talking about this affects the movement's unity.

As I wrote here, these groups should push decisively for Arroyo's ouster, then, sit down and talk about what form of government will we assume afterwards.

Revolutionary Philippines Movement Analysis of Society 1

On December 30, the birthday of Jose Rizal, I plan to launch the Revolutionary Philippines Movement or RPM. It is high time for individuals like me to stand up and be counted.

What is the objective of this movement?

This movement aims to build and create an open democratic Filipino society. An Open Democratic Filipino society is defined as a society which respects individual rights under a just regime. It fosters beneficial capitalism which encourages free enterprise for the benefit of the collective whole.

Analysis of Filipino Society

The current state of Filipino society is that of a semi-capitalist, semi-colonial system where there are pockets of development scattered throughout the archipelago. It is semi-colonial because the economic system is still dependent on foreign capital to survive. Foreign interests from the United States and China continues to influence much of Filipino policies.

State of Politics

The state of politics is that of patronage politics where leaders are elected based not on qualifications but based on wealth and force. This antiquated system is the root cause of collective misery due to its nature. Those elected to high positions of power are not true representatives of the people.

State of Economy

Despite the 7 percent growth of the economy, majority of the people continue to live in dire poverty. This owes to the very nature of the economic system, which is pure capitalism. Economic gains do not redound to the benefit of the collective because there is no spillover mechanism that ensures the steady flow of these gains from the upper to the lower echelons.

The State

Filipino society is under siege by an illegitimate regime composed of aristocrats and plutocrats. The state uses aggression as a weapon against its enemies. Due to its desire for self-preservation, it launches armed attacks against its citizens while parlaying criticisms through legal weapons.

The state does not respect human rights. It kidnaps citizens, tears whole families apart and changes laws to benefit itself. It has assumed a garrison-like existence where the administration surrounds itself with voracious and corrupt allies to survive day-to-day. The state is not responsive to the people's needs. It is being hostaged by various interests for the sake of its own survival

Gloria, the Demon Infant

A jubilant Joma Sison called Gloria the "demon infant". Joma took a dig against Gloria after being freed by the Dutch government due to lack of evidence. "This demon infant", says the ideological head of the longest-running insurgency in the world, "..made all these trumped up charges against me, making my life a living hell." Hehehe. Now you know.

The last time I saw Joma seethed with anger was in 1990. That year saw the open confrontation between RJs and RAs. As a young activist at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, I also experienced being caught in the middle of the raging ideological debates. Some of us were tagged military informants, military adventurists, deviants and what-have-you. The mere mention of the 1959 Cuban revolution caused discomfort among the young cadres.

These clashes between the Politburo members and ex-Politburo members caused great calamity to the party. Many of my friends dropped out of the scene, never to be seen again. Others stayed but after a few years, dropped out. Some, like me, went on our lives, still struggling against a disordered society. We struggle yes. We are still socialists. But my method is now totally different. Its still a revolution. But it is closer to the 1959 Cuban coup and the Thai model than the 1949 Chinese revolution. It is more of Trotsky than Stalin.

Many of my comrades are still true-blue socialists but we don't want to be dragged into the debate that split the party. We are men of action. And what we aspire for is the creation of a military-civilian government with socialist bent. That is what I am fighting for.

Joma represents the old guards. Some of the new party members still see him as an idol, while many see him as just an icon. When demon infant smiled broadly with Joma's arrest, many actually laughed, not because of what happened, but because GMA could be a great fan of Joma. With this arrest, she has revived the shagging career of the man from Ilokos.

Gloria should let the CPP-NPA be. Whatever she says in public, the CPP-NPA-NDF will survive the ravages of time. It will survive even beyond Joma. It will not wither away. It will not be destroyed. Many regimes have tried, yet failed to even break its backbone. Why? Because those who believe in its cause remains in the party. It may probably evolve into something different a few years from now, after probably the demise of the party's ideologue, yet, still, it will espouse the Chinese model. The party will kill itself. No one can defeat it. It will either assume a different form to conform with modernization, but its soul will remain the same. Old dogs are hard to change. This is the same as the party.

Even a demon infant cannot defeat the party of the people