Palace PR operators are at it again. They are heightening the Neri testimony to diffuse the situation. They are allowing the media to highlight the former NEDA chief's testimony as if it matters now. The SC has said that Neri could not disclose his conversation with Arroyo. What value or use will his testimony be, since that conversation is the kernel of the truth behind ZTE?
It seems that Arroyo's handlers is propping up the situation in anticipation of a major announcement from their principal. I guess Arroyo will be announcing some major changes in the Cabinet, including the "lateral transfer" of DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza from the DOTC to the newly formed Aviation Authority. Its a "demotion" which way you look at it and we don't know how Mendo would accept such an offer from the president. Surely though, it would not diminish Mendo's influence at the DOTC, since he has been there since this administration started. Some say it was a reward since Arroyo added more responsibilities to Mendo. However, by the looks of it, it seems that the ground is being prepared for his eventual transfer...
It would be very interesting how Arroyo would dislodge DENR secretary Lito Atienza from his post. Or how about PNP chief Avelino Razon Jr. whom civil society members also want to be "retired" or "resigned"? How would Arroyo handle them?
In the past, Arroyo is known to sacrifice her lieutenants and knights just to survive. Surely, Arroyo will not touch Razon. She might "relocate" not totally remove Atienza from his post. Probably Atienza would be transferred to an ambassadorial post? In Guinea I suppose? Or probably the head of the Luneta Park? Or a government corporation? Or since Atienza is fond of abducting witnesses and ordering them to make the rounds of Cavite-Laguna-Batangas, maybe he's fit to be assigned at the Calabarzon area? Arroyo's very creative, this survivor is, she'll find some inventive ways of solving a problem like Atienza. This early, I believe Atienza is a done deal. He's a goner.
Funny thing
A Pulse Asia survey showed that some of the senators who took part in the ZTE deal hearings suffered from a drop in approval ratings, most especially Joker Arroyo. Everybody's ratings dropped, including those of presidentiables Manny Villar and Mar Roxas. Perplexing, is'nt? Probably people hate Arroyo so much that this hatred is beginning to affect her allies at the Senate. Pulse Asia should probably conduct another poll to see why people reacted that way. This survey may or may not influence the Senate, especially Cayetano who also suffered a drop, to continue with the ZTE probe.
Finally, Big Mike admitted the Wack-Wack meeting
After this controversy, I bet that every influence peddler would (1) learn how to play golf and (2) would visit Wack-Wack more often. Look at Abalos, he chairs the golf club and won for himself a nice trip to the US. Wow, that's something. Maybe i'll play some rounds at WackWack and win myself a trip to the US.
By the way, Big Mike, whom Senator Madrigal referred to as "First Goon", "First Grafter" or what have you (I refer to him as "First Golfer" since, despite his reported illness, continues to play that game of the elites), admitted meeting Joey de Venecia that fateful morning at Wack Wack. Though he never admitted telling Joey to "back off", Big Mike admitted warning Joey though of dipping his hands at government contracts, being a son of the Speaker. However, if you closely examine what transpired, I believe Joey more than Big Mike. If Mike admitted admonishing Joey for having himself involved in a government deal, would it be logical to conclude that, indeed, he said that word "back off"?
On hindsight, what's so bad about Big Mike telling Joey to "back off" from the deal? Nothing. In the context of the meeting, it's not bad for the First Gentleman to tell Joey to back off since, as he said, Joey's the son of the Speaker, right? In fact, if FG admitted saying that, it could have been good for him since that shows you how "protective" he was of the national welfare, right? I think this is worth considering by his publicists.
Let's wait and see, shall we? We only have until March 14. Afterwards, if nothing happens at that time, then, we can all junk all of these things and let bygones be bygones. Anyway, 2010 is just around the corner. Pardon Arroyo again for her infraction and just junk her or charge her in court after 2010. However, I don't think people will just do this at this point. People are tired of the corruption and the hardships this administration has been doing since Day One. I think they will flood UST of warm bodies. If not, then, kalimutan na lang lahat ito and just suffer in silence, okey?
Showing posts with label Abalos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Abalos. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008
A bawang revelation
After some dramatic incidents, Lozada finally appeared before the public, confirming earlier allegations made by Joey de Venecia. As it turned out, the revelations further dug former COMELEC chairman Abalos' grave. Lozada confirmed what Joey exposed at the Senate a few months ago, which led, as some say, to the ouster of his father a few days ago. What do we have to say about the alleged revelation?
Its a bawang revelation. Nothing of the c-4 kind of stuff. Why?
There's nothing new about what Lozada said, except to say that Abalos turned greedy. The reason why this project became so controversial and eventually resulted to its cancellation was the fact that Abalos wanted to go all out by himself. He became so greedy that he sacrificed the deal and his relations with the Arroyos. I expected something like what Charisa Ocampo did at the height of the Erap ouster movement where the former Equitable bank executive testified that she saw Erap signing as Jose Velarde a few feet away from her powdered face. Or something to that effect.
Here, Lozada simply narrated what Joey said before the Senate which Neri refused to reveal. Lozada actually absolved Neri and the First Gentleman of all doubt about the deal. He merely said that he met FG in a meeting and Abalos reportedly told him that the project is now okey.
So the tale shows that greediness did not pay off for Abalos and his group. The ending of this saga is very imminent. It shows how Abalos went greedy and wanted the pie all for himself.
We need more Lozadas to come out of the woodwork and expose not only the ZTE deal but other anomalous deals which this government is cooking up to the detriment of the Filipino people.
Its a bawang revelation. Nothing of the c-4 kind of stuff. Why?
There's nothing new about what Lozada said, except to say that Abalos turned greedy. The reason why this project became so controversial and eventually resulted to its cancellation was the fact that Abalos wanted to go all out by himself. He became so greedy that he sacrificed the deal and his relations with the Arroyos. I expected something like what Charisa Ocampo did at the height of the Erap ouster movement where the former Equitable bank executive testified that she saw Erap signing as Jose Velarde a few feet away from her powdered face. Or something to that effect.
Here, Lozada simply narrated what Joey said before the Senate which Neri refused to reveal. Lozada actually absolved Neri and the First Gentleman of all doubt about the deal. He merely said that he met FG in a meeting and Abalos reportedly told him that the project is now okey.
So the tale shows that greediness did not pay off for Abalos and his group. The ending of this saga is very imminent. It shows how Abalos went greedy and wanted the pie all for himself.
We need more Lozadas to come out of the woodwork and expose not only the ZTE deal but other anomalous deals which this government is cooking up to the detriment of the Filipino people.
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
AB-ZTE-FG---will FG be next in the firing line?
Abalos has just resigned. GMA was reportedly surprised. This happened in a very short period of time. The next query--who's next in the chopping block?
AB then ZTE
Will GMA's trip to China today marks the end of ZTE? This abrupt trip to China smells like an attempt at damage control on the part of the president. What will GMA say to the Chinese? She appears like one of the consorts of the Chinese emperor of old, reporting to them like they are the new masters of the Filipinos. We know from sources inside the palace that the $ 1.8 B loan package that China dangled like a carrot to Arroyo is on the verge of being written off by the Chinese because of this ZTE deal. And we heard that some ZTE officials have literally begged Arroyo to tell the truth about this shaddy deal entered by her and her husband to their principal in China. Some Chinese friends from the Communist Party told New Philippine Revolution that the stench has reached alarming proportions throughout the global business community that it threatens other ZTE deals from other countries. ZTE is a global brand. Its a major supplier of telecommunications equipment for large multinational companies around the world. With this deal going bonkers, expect a major shakedown within the company. That shakedown of political operators within ZTE will have drastic effects on the company's capabilities.
ZTE then FG
After the ZTE, will GMA then pressure her husband to "back off" from government deals, the same way she and her gang turned Abalos into a sacrificial lamb? It seems that FG has been effectively shielded from all these just by merely being away from it all. What is FG really doing there in Europe? Is he trying to protect their asses err assets? Or, as some say, FG is preparing the country of their exile in time for the next big thing? We heard that the couple does not intend to suffer the same fate as Erap so they would want to stay away from the Philippines in an event of major power grab.
Issue shifting---again
It seems that the issue has drastically changed direction. Last week, all eyes were on Abalos as he tried to parry the maliciousness of the Senate and the barrage of illicit innuendoes. Now that he resigned, the administration has a real issue in their hands. As what we wrote here, it's clear that Abalos will be sacrificed by the palace along with Neri. His resignation has now dictated the tempo of this controversy. For instead of putting an end into all of these, Abalos' resignation has put Arroyo into very dangerous situations.
Dangerous Liaisons
Think about this---Abalos will now be free to launch a vilification campaign against his former principal. Like all other EDSA 1 veterans, Abalos is obviously a fighter. He's a political survivor. He knows the game and has the skills for survival. Obviously, Abalos was stunned by the betrayal of the palace whom he has caressed and cared for during the previous two elections. I believe the confrontation of Neri and Abalos during the Senate hearings have taken Abalos aback. Obviously, the old man could not believe that he's being fed to the wolves, with nay of a support (even moral) from his principal. Grizzled veterans like Abalos knows how and when to throw that knockout punch and judging from his moves right now, Abalos is timing his actions. Will Abalos do an Ali who once flew like a butterfly and sting like a bee?
Abalos ala Ali
Reports say, Abalos vowed to fight back. He wants to clear his name. But, ex Chair, how would you do it? The entire country has taken you as an influence-peddler. The entire palace media machinery has been ordered to wreck your entire persona. You have been portrayed as a cheap political caddy. It would take Abalos years to repair that damage. It appears that Abalos will not fade away, as some palace sectors hope he would.
Villains turning into heroes?
If Abalos sings, as some civil society sectors hope he will, it might turn him into an instant hero. Look at how Chavit did it. Chavit is as guilty as Erap when he made that "revelation." Will Abalos do the same thing, this time against the EDSA 2 beneficiary?
Look at the number of articles coming out of the papers. It's like a political battlefield out there. Some reports say that JDV has a hand in a number of Chinese deals, including the North Rail and the Cyber-Education project. I believe in this. JDV probably sent his son or supported him just for them to appear clean in all these allegations. Or, even if he did'nt do it or did'nt push his son or any other sonnafabitch to spill the dirty work, there's a clear indication that these things have a deeper shit behind them.
Neri---the real villain?
It appears, as some sectors allude, that Neri is not as clean as what he was pictured out to be. ZTE pursued him even up to the ched with the Cyber-Education project, another big elephant which nearly escaped the public eye. Is it possible that Neri did received a huge sum, as what some reports say, from ZTE? Is Neri the real villain here? Note that Neri elected not to reveal anything against Arroyo at the hearings. He's a lapdog, that's as clear as day. Why? Probably the palace holds some aces in their sleeves against him. It could be that Neri is a bagman, as what others say he is.
The Final Punch
I still believe that all of these things will lead to a big incident, so big that it would topple GMA in a few months' time. Forces are slowly confluencing into one gigantic movement and nature's law dictates that such a force should (1) have direction and (2) should have an outlet of expression.
In the next few days, I believe that Abalos will find "enlightenment" and decide to fight those who betrayed him. Will he spill the beans, as some sectors hope he will against GMA? Or he'll just fire his gun specifically at his detractors, at Joey?
His decision will be based on time. Readers, this is cryptic. Read between the lines, please and you'll know the truth.
(UPDATE) Cory Aquino visits Abalos after resignation
By Kristine L. Alave
Inquirer
Last updated 07:54pm (Mla time) 10/01/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines--Former president Corazon Aquino on Monday visited Benjamin Abalos Sr. after he announced his resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying she was returning the support Abalos and his family gave her when she herself was plagued by crisis.
Aquino arrived at Abalos’ residence on Kanlaon Street in Mandaluyong City past 3 p.m. She was greeted by the ex-poll chairman and his wife, Corazon.
In a brief talk with the media, Aquino expressed support for Abalos and said she has been praying for the beleaguered government official.
When her administration was threatened by coup d’etats, Abalos was one of the first officials to arrive in Malacañang to give her support. Abalos and his wife were also there for her when she felt like an outcast and nobody wanted to associate with her during her crisis years, Aquino said.
“I’m returning his support,” Aquino explained, adding that her visit should remind Abalos that he still has friends.
"Nung nakita ko si Cora kanina, awang-awa ako [When I saw Cora earlier, I pitied her]," she added.
On the allegations that Abalos brokered the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between the Arroyo administration and the Chinese firm ZTE Corp., Aquino withheld her judgment. She added that Abalos must have prayed hard when he decided to step down from his post.
“The truth will come out,” the former president said.
“Daanin na lang natin sa dasal [Let us course it through prayers]. Trust everything to the Lord,” Aquino advised Abalos.
Aside from allegedly brokering the NBN contract, Abalos was also accused of attempted bribery by former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and businessman Jose De Venecia III.
Abalos vehemently denied the charges, saying he would file damage and perjury suits against his detractors.
Aquino gave Abalos his first break in politics when she appointed him officer-in-charge of Mandaluyong City in 1986, after the People Power revolution.
The ex-poll official even showed photographs of his oath-taking as Mandaluyong City OIC to Aquino, during their chat, which lasted for about 30 minutes.
Abalos eventually became the city mayor, a post he held until 1998, when he was replaced by his son, Benhur.
After his stint in the local government, Abalos headed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In 2002, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to chair the Commission on Elections.
Abalos said he was “encouraged” by Aquino’s visit. The former president left the Abalos residence around 3:50 p.m.
"When you are in crisis, you will really know who your real friends are," he said.
“I feel very much touched. Somehow, this strengthens you,” he said. “I never expected this,” he added.
Originally posted at 3:25pm
AB then ZTE
Will GMA's trip to China today marks the end of ZTE? This abrupt trip to China smells like an attempt at damage control on the part of the president. What will GMA say to the Chinese? She appears like one of the consorts of the Chinese emperor of old, reporting to them like they are the new masters of the Filipinos. We know from sources inside the palace that the $ 1.8 B loan package that China dangled like a carrot to Arroyo is on the verge of being written off by the Chinese because of this ZTE deal. And we heard that some ZTE officials have literally begged Arroyo to tell the truth about this shaddy deal entered by her and her husband to their principal in China. Some Chinese friends from the Communist Party told New Philippine Revolution that the stench has reached alarming proportions throughout the global business community that it threatens other ZTE deals from other countries. ZTE is a global brand. Its a major supplier of telecommunications equipment for large multinational companies around the world. With this deal going bonkers, expect a major shakedown within the company. That shakedown of political operators within ZTE will have drastic effects on the company's capabilities.
ZTE then FG
After the ZTE, will GMA then pressure her husband to "back off" from government deals, the same way she and her gang turned Abalos into a sacrificial lamb? It seems that FG has been effectively shielded from all these just by merely being away from it all. What is FG really doing there in Europe? Is he trying to protect their asses err assets? Or, as some say, FG is preparing the country of their exile in time for the next big thing? We heard that the couple does not intend to suffer the same fate as Erap so they would want to stay away from the Philippines in an event of major power grab.
Issue shifting---again
It seems that the issue has drastically changed direction. Last week, all eyes were on Abalos as he tried to parry the maliciousness of the Senate and the barrage of illicit innuendoes. Now that he resigned, the administration has a real issue in their hands. As what we wrote here, it's clear that Abalos will be sacrificed by the palace along with Neri. His resignation has now dictated the tempo of this controversy. For instead of putting an end into all of these, Abalos' resignation has put Arroyo into very dangerous situations.
Dangerous Liaisons
Think about this---Abalos will now be free to launch a vilification campaign against his former principal. Like all other EDSA 1 veterans, Abalos is obviously a fighter. He's a political survivor. He knows the game and has the skills for survival. Obviously, Abalos was stunned by the betrayal of the palace whom he has caressed and cared for during the previous two elections. I believe the confrontation of Neri and Abalos during the Senate hearings have taken Abalos aback. Obviously, the old man could not believe that he's being fed to the wolves, with nay of a support (even moral) from his principal. Grizzled veterans like Abalos knows how and when to throw that knockout punch and judging from his moves right now, Abalos is timing his actions. Will Abalos do an Ali who once flew like a butterfly and sting like a bee?
Abalos ala Ali
Reports say, Abalos vowed to fight back. He wants to clear his name. But, ex Chair, how would you do it? The entire country has taken you as an influence-peddler. The entire palace media machinery has been ordered to wreck your entire persona. You have been portrayed as a cheap political caddy. It would take Abalos years to repair that damage. It appears that Abalos will not fade away, as some palace sectors hope he would.
Villains turning into heroes?
If Abalos sings, as some civil society sectors hope he will, it might turn him into an instant hero. Look at how Chavit did it. Chavit is as guilty as Erap when he made that "revelation." Will Abalos do the same thing, this time against the EDSA 2 beneficiary?
Look at the number of articles coming out of the papers. It's like a political battlefield out there. Some reports say that JDV has a hand in a number of Chinese deals, including the North Rail and the Cyber-Education project. I believe in this. JDV probably sent his son or supported him just for them to appear clean in all these allegations. Or, even if he did'nt do it or did'nt push his son or any other sonnafabitch to spill the dirty work, there's a clear indication that these things have a deeper shit behind them.
Neri---the real villain?
It appears, as some sectors allude, that Neri is not as clean as what he was pictured out to be. ZTE pursued him even up to the ched with the Cyber-Education project, another big elephant which nearly escaped the public eye. Is it possible that Neri did received a huge sum, as what some reports say, from ZTE? Is Neri the real villain here? Note that Neri elected not to reveal anything against Arroyo at the hearings. He's a lapdog, that's as clear as day. Why? Probably the palace holds some aces in their sleeves against him. It could be that Neri is a bagman, as what others say he is.
The Final Punch
I still believe that all of these things will lead to a big incident, so big that it would topple GMA in a few months' time. Forces are slowly confluencing into one gigantic movement and nature's law dictates that such a force should (1) have direction and (2) should have an outlet of expression.
In the next few days, I believe that Abalos will find "enlightenment" and decide to fight those who betrayed him. Will he spill the beans, as some sectors hope he will against GMA? Or he'll just fire his gun specifically at his detractors, at Joey?
His decision will be based on time. Readers, this is cryptic. Read between the lines, please and you'll know the truth.
(UPDATE) Cory Aquino visits Abalos after resignation
By Kristine L. Alave
Inquirer
Last updated 07:54pm (Mla time) 10/01/2007
Most Read
MANILA, Philippines--Former president Corazon Aquino on Monday visited Benjamin Abalos Sr. after he announced his resignation as chairman of the Commission on Elections (Comelec), saying she was returning the support Abalos and his family gave her when she herself was plagued by crisis.
Aquino arrived at Abalos’ residence on Kanlaon Street in Mandaluyong City past 3 p.m. She was greeted by the ex-poll chairman and his wife, Corazon.
In a brief talk with the media, Aquino expressed support for Abalos and said she has been praying for the beleaguered government official.
When her administration was threatened by coup d’etats, Abalos was one of the first officials to arrive in Malacañang to give her support. Abalos and his wife were also there for her when she felt like an outcast and nobody wanted to associate with her during her crisis years, Aquino said.
“I’m returning his support,” Aquino explained, adding that her visit should remind Abalos that he still has friends.
"Nung nakita ko si Cora kanina, awang-awa ako [When I saw Cora earlier, I pitied her]," she added.
On the allegations that Abalos brokered the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between the Arroyo administration and the Chinese firm ZTE Corp., Aquino withheld her judgment. She added that Abalos must have prayed hard when he decided to step down from his post.
“The truth will come out,” the former president said.
“Daanin na lang natin sa dasal [Let us course it through prayers]. Trust everything to the Lord,” Aquino advised Abalos.
Aside from allegedly brokering the NBN contract, Abalos was also accused of attempted bribery by former Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri and businessman Jose De Venecia III.
Abalos vehemently denied the charges, saying he would file damage and perjury suits against his detractors.
Aquino gave Abalos his first break in politics when she appointed him officer-in-charge of Mandaluyong City in 1986, after the People Power revolution.
The ex-poll official even showed photographs of his oath-taking as Mandaluyong City OIC to Aquino, during their chat, which lasted for about 30 minutes.
Abalos eventually became the city mayor, a post he held until 1998, when he was replaced by his son, Benhur.
After his stint in the local government, Abalos headed the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In 2002, he was appointed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to chair the Commission on Elections.
Abalos said he was “encouraged” by Aquino’s visit. The former president left the Abalos residence around 3:50 p.m.
"When you are in crisis, you will really know who your real friends are," he said.
“I feel very much touched. Somehow, this strengthens you,” he said. “I never expected this,” he added.
Originally posted at 3:25pm
Friday, September 28, 2007
The problem that is Abalos
Former Congressman and now Iloilo vice governor Rolex Suplico filed an impeachment complaint against Abalos. His complaint was endorsed by two Congressmen, all belonging to the minority block of the House. Talks are flying that both the minority and the majority will support the complaint. It will be a collaborative effort, says Makati Congresswoman Abby Binay. Eighty is the magic number and if they get it, the complaint will automatically be endorsed straight to the Senate.
I think that the complainants will get the requisite number for this effort. However, Abalos will still get off the hook. Why? Because of a technicality.
Should this complaint prosper and goes to the Senate, Abalos can still save his hide by demanding that those Senators who grilled him and made a joker out of him, inhibit themselves from voting for his impeachment. Remember that this happened during the impeachment of former president Joseph Estrada and it could be Abalos way out of this mess. A considerable number of Senators could be forced to inhibit themselves. And who'll be left to decide on his fate? Majority of the administration senators who did not attend the blue ribbon committee hearings. GMA and her ilk would still have the last laugh so to speak in this parody of errors.
ZTE's appeal to the Supreme Court
I've read most of the stories by the ZTE, especially their appeal to the Supreme Court to lift the TRO on the project. Obviously, someone, possibly a PR crisis man, made that story. Its ludicrous. It's wrong timing and wrong angles. ZTE's statements still smack of being proud. The statement suggests ZTE as an arm-twister.
You know why the people still believe that there really was payment of payola in this issue? Because of the stupidity of ZTE's publicists. The PR positioning of ZTE is wrong. First, it should not be made at this time. The issue is still very, very hot. ZTE could have made the appeal in a silent manner. Second, ZTE should refrain from sounding like a goon. Look, the tone of their statement is very wrong. They sound like they want to get their "investment". It reinforces the belief in the public that ZTE did, indeed gave millions of dollars worth of payoffs to some high officials in government. Their statement sounds like they expect Philippine officials to give in to their demand.
What shitholes.
ZTE should instead, keep silent. Anyway, they have been silent for a long time, since this issue exploded in their faces. What would it do to them if they issue statements like this? None. It would only add salt to their wounds.
No PR effort could repair the damage wrought to their reputation caused by this issue. This is the time for them to just sit back, relax, wait for the dust to settle, then, cautiously and silently work for the restoration of their project. Maybe, just maybe, they could still get this project possibly in the future.
I think that the complainants will get the requisite number for this effort. However, Abalos will still get off the hook. Why? Because of a technicality.
Should this complaint prosper and goes to the Senate, Abalos can still save his hide by demanding that those Senators who grilled him and made a joker out of him, inhibit themselves from voting for his impeachment. Remember that this happened during the impeachment of former president Joseph Estrada and it could be Abalos way out of this mess. A considerable number of Senators could be forced to inhibit themselves. And who'll be left to decide on his fate? Majority of the administration senators who did not attend the blue ribbon committee hearings. GMA and her ilk would still have the last laugh so to speak in this parody of errors.
ZTE's appeal to the Supreme Court
I've read most of the stories by the ZTE, especially their appeal to the Supreme Court to lift the TRO on the project. Obviously, someone, possibly a PR crisis man, made that story. Its ludicrous. It's wrong timing and wrong angles. ZTE's statements still smack of being proud. The statement suggests ZTE as an arm-twister.
You know why the people still believe that there really was payment of payola in this issue? Because of the stupidity of ZTE's publicists. The PR positioning of ZTE is wrong. First, it should not be made at this time. The issue is still very, very hot. ZTE could have made the appeal in a silent manner. Second, ZTE should refrain from sounding like a goon. Look, the tone of their statement is very wrong. They sound like they want to get their "investment". It reinforces the belief in the public that ZTE did, indeed gave millions of dollars worth of payoffs to some high officials in government. Their statement sounds like they expect Philippine officials to give in to their demand.
What shitholes.
ZTE should instead, keep silent. Anyway, they have been silent for a long time, since this issue exploded in their faces. What would it do to them if they issue statements like this? None. It would only add salt to their wounds.
No PR effort could repair the damage wrought to their reputation caused by this issue. This is the time for them to just sit back, relax, wait for the dust to settle, then, cautiously and silently work for the restoration of their project. Maybe, just maybe, they could still get this project possibly in the future.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Malacanang's exit strategy
Romulo Neri is a very important man nowadays. He's expected to show up at the Senate hearings to shed light on the ZTE deal. ANC's Ricky Carandang had a chat with him a few days ago and he seems unaffected by it all. Remember that Neri told Carandang and the Inquirer that he received an indecent proposal from ZTE officials via Chairman Abalos involving millions of dollars. Neri was previously the head of the government's economic planning portfolio. That department was responsible in approving such deals because its the one who gives the justification for government to undertake of such a project. If Neri tells the unvarnished truth, that he was bribed or that an attempt to bribe him did happen, then, this issue is finished. What government must do is just pressure the Supreme Court to declare it unconstitutional, throw the deal to the waste basket and get on with running the government. The SC decision is the most convenient way out of this mess. The government will not lose face to the Chinese. Likewise, the Chinese will definitely understand it if this deal does not push thru.
However, this issue will continue in another front. Neri's revelation will change the direction of this controversy. Right now, all attention seems to be directed at the gang of FG and Abalos. The attacks seem to be pointing to the palace, specifically at the presidency.
Issue Shifting
Neri's testimony is important because it would prove whether there really was a bribery. A mere attempt could easily persuade the public that the deal was tainted with corruption. The onus of proving otherwise, remains with Abalos. However, Abalos will find it very hard to convince the body politic that he did'nt receive a single cent from the Chinese.
If I were Mrs. Arroyo, i'll allow Neri to nail Abalos and the ZTE guys. Judging from the amount of publicity this controversy has generated, Neri's controversy will condemn Abalos to perdition, conveniently allowing FG and Mendoza to distance themselves from the payoff scandal. If this happens, the issue has been effectively contained because it'll be limited to just what the public or government anti-graft prosecutors must do to Abalos. Reports say that Mendoza is clean. I believe them. News articles say that FG was just used by Abalos to put pressure on ZTE's rivals, which, in this case, Joey de Venecia's group.
Malacanang's spinsters should (1) allow Neri's testimony to point to Abalos as the "it" guy. They should write stories that'll say that Abalos actually used his influence and pressured the First Gentleman to accede to this deal. That way, all blame will be directed at Abalos.
Impeachment
Let Abalos sacrifice himself for the sake of the palace. Abalos will definitely be allowed to retire in peace, because he can't be impeached anyway. It'll be a wasteful use of public funds if Congress files an impeachment case against him. The old man is retiring from the Comelec anyway. Common sense dictates that, for the sake of peace, Abalos should be allowed to end his term with "dignity" eventhough he does'nt deserve it.
The Exit Strategy
The main question is this---will Abalos be party to this strategy? Will Abalos allow himself to be further maligned by this scandal? There are precedents anyway. Perez' s case is one. Joc-joc's case is another. Perez is now enjoying the fruits of his indecency somewhere in Batangas while Joc-Joc remains comfortable in his high security cell in the United States. After all of his helter-skelter thing, Abalos has the chance to "wither away", so to speak, a few months from now, when all things simmer down. If I were Abalos, i'll accept this exit strategy. Anyway, if all reports are true, he already received the monies from the Chinese. He can retire in peace. ZTE already paid him. If the SC decides that government should not push for this deal, then, ZTE cannot really demand Abalos to return the money, right? It'll be convenient to all parties to just allow another body to give them the way out. And the SC is the one such body.
Joey's fate
This NBN project will still be given to Joey's group. I don't know if you noticed, but all of these Chinese deals have been bagged by JDV's group. They just raised this thing because one project was not given to them. Civil society groups should scrutinize all Chinese deals and they'll find that JDV's group got all these projects (i.e., Northrail, etc.). Surely, Malacanan will give Joey some projects just to silence him. Its just a question of when. I think we will see Joey in the next few years.
However, this issue will continue in another front. Neri's revelation will change the direction of this controversy. Right now, all attention seems to be directed at the gang of FG and Abalos. The attacks seem to be pointing to the palace, specifically at the presidency.
Issue Shifting
Neri's testimony is important because it would prove whether there really was a bribery. A mere attempt could easily persuade the public that the deal was tainted with corruption. The onus of proving otherwise, remains with Abalos. However, Abalos will find it very hard to convince the body politic that he did'nt receive a single cent from the Chinese.
If I were Mrs. Arroyo, i'll allow Neri to nail Abalos and the ZTE guys. Judging from the amount of publicity this controversy has generated, Neri's controversy will condemn Abalos to perdition, conveniently allowing FG and Mendoza to distance themselves from the payoff scandal. If this happens, the issue has been effectively contained because it'll be limited to just what the public or government anti-graft prosecutors must do to Abalos. Reports say that Mendoza is clean. I believe them. News articles say that FG was just used by Abalos to put pressure on ZTE's rivals, which, in this case, Joey de Venecia's group.
Malacanang's spinsters should (1) allow Neri's testimony to point to Abalos as the "it" guy. They should write stories that'll say that Abalos actually used his influence and pressured the First Gentleman to accede to this deal. That way, all blame will be directed at Abalos.
Impeachment
Let Abalos sacrifice himself for the sake of the palace. Abalos will definitely be allowed to retire in peace, because he can't be impeached anyway. It'll be a wasteful use of public funds if Congress files an impeachment case against him. The old man is retiring from the Comelec anyway. Common sense dictates that, for the sake of peace, Abalos should be allowed to end his term with "dignity" eventhough he does'nt deserve it.
The Exit Strategy
The main question is this---will Abalos be party to this strategy? Will Abalos allow himself to be further maligned by this scandal? There are precedents anyway. Perez' s case is one. Joc-joc's case is another. Perez is now enjoying the fruits of his indecency somewhere in Batangas while Joc-Joc remains comfortable in his high security cell in the United States. After all of his helter-skelter thing, Abalos has the chance to "wither away", so to speak, a few months from now, when all things simmer down. If I were Abalos, i'll accept this exit strategy. Anyway, if all reports are true, he already received the monies from the Chinese. He can retire in peace. ZTE already paid him. If the SC decides that government should not push for this deal, then, ZTE cannot really demand Abalos to return the money, right? It'll be convenient to all parties to just allow another body to give them the way out. And the SC is the one such body.
Joey's fate
This NBN project will still be given to Joey's group. I don't know if you noticed, but all of these Chinese deals have been bagged by JDV's group. They just raised this thing because one project was not given to them. Civil society groups should scrutinize all Chinese deals and they'll find that JDV's group got all these projects (i.e., Northrail, etc.). Surely, Malacanan will give Joey some projects just to silence him. Its just a question of when. I think we will see Joey in the next few years.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Abalos and Formoso--sacrificial lambs
Joey de Venecia was a picture of frustration at today's Senate hearings. After Mendoza admitted meeting Mr. Arroyo and Comelec chairman Abalos, Joey sensed something wrong. Mendoza told Senators that he did meet the First Gentleman and Chairman Abalos at Wack Wack Golf and Country Club, but there was nothing anomalous about it. It was a simple chat, that's all and it has nothing to do with the ZTE deal.
Bull.
Don't tell me that the First Gentleman did not "pressure" Mendoza to agree about the deal. Don't tell me that Chair Abalos did'nt caddy for the Chinese. Abalos already admitted knowing the ZTE officials and they have discussed the ZTE deal at length prior to the April 21 signing of the agreement in China. Mendoza is simply lying for saying that he knows nothing rotten about the deal. What's more, Mendoza simply allowed an underling to defend the contract, deftly distancing himself from the issue. Is this the kind of secretary we deserve? Someone who heads the department but does'nt know or simply feign innocence whenever something like this happens?
I do believe, however, that Mendoza did not earn a single cent from this deal. I believe that Mendoza is clean. I can't say about the First Gentleman and Abalos. Maybe this deal was just to accommodate the wishes of the "old man" who's set to retire four months from now. Its quite possible that Abalos was expecting this deal to be his swan song. I do believe Joey's revelation though about Abalos. It seems that Joey was really pressured by Abalos to back off because this project was a project of the First Gentleman and Abalos.
I do emphathize with Mendoza though. He owes the First Gentleman his position. And generals like him are admired most for their capacity to keep secrets. It seems that Mendoza was just doing his job, while Abalos appears to be the one who wants a quick buck. It could be that this deal was the First Gentleman's gift to Abalos.
Obviously, in this political vaudeville (as described by GMA), the die has already been cast. Sacrifice Abalos and Formoso. Abalos is retiring from government service anyway while Formoso, well, he's dispensible. From the looks of it, GMA and her gang has decided to let Abalos go. The question though is, is this a wise decision?
The cabbie sings
Abalos knows a lot of secrets. He knows the real score especially on the 2004 elections. If he sings....that's another "fresh" destabilization plot. Abalos said that he'll attend the Senate hearings on Wednesday to clear his name. Sadly, this might be a foregone conclusion. The reputation of Abalos has been destroyed by Joey's pronouncements that it would be very hard for Abalos to cleanse his name.
A warning though to the good Chairman---the Chinese intelligence service is closely observing what's happening here. The Chinese Communist Party, obviously, would not let this issue sitting down. Abalos could face a very dangerous situation here.
If Abalos is let go, what's the possibility of him singing like a canary? There's a chance that he will.
Postscript
A "sick" First Gentleman left for Germany in the eve of the Senate hearings. What prompted him to leave? Could it be because of the Senate hearings? I think not.
I think the First Gentleman needs to check on his deposits in Switzerland. He went there with his banker. What would prod a sick man to leave in haste if it not for money? The only possibility is one of his banks need his signature. For what, you may ask? There are three possibilities: (1) FG needs to sign a bank transfer (2) He needs to withdraw a huge sum of money which he cannot do online and (3) it could be he's preparing the country of exile?
These things don't happen without a purpose. I stand by my observation that negotiations between GMA's camp and the counter-elite has reached an impasse. There could be another stab at ousting the president and the palace probably knows that the counter-elite has a stronger force than theirs. Are we seeing a repeat of EDSA very soon? I think yes. But, it may not happen this month or the next. It could probably happen either by January or February of next year. I think the nation is expecting yet another scandal which could precipitate a power grab.
Bull.
Don't tell me that the First Gentleman did not "pressure" Mendoza to agree about the deal. Don't tell me that Chair Abalos did'nt caddy for the Chinese. Abalos already admitted knowing the ZTE officials and they have discussed the ZTE deal at length prior to the April 21 signing of the agreement in China. Mendoza is simply lying for saying that he knows nothing rotten about the deal. What's more, Mendoza simply allowed an underling to defend the contract, deftly distancing himself from the issue. Is this the kind of secretary we deserve? Someone who heads the department but does'nt know or simply feign innocence whenever something like this happens?
I do believe, however, that Mendoza did not earn a single cent from this deal. I believe that Mendoza is clean. I can't say about the First Gentleman and Abalos. Maybe this deal was just to accommodate the wishes of the "old man" who's set to retire four months from now. Its quite possible that Abalos was expecting this deal to be his swan song. I do believe Joey's revelation though about Abalos. It seems that Joey was really pressured by Abalos to back off because this project was a project of the First Gentleman and Abalos.
I do emphathize with Mendoza though. He owes the First Gentleman his position. And generals like him are admired most for their capacity to keep secrets. It seems that Mendoza was just doing his job, while Abalos appears to be the one who wants a quick buck. It could be that this deal was the First Gentleman's gift to Abalos.
Obviously, in this political vaudeville (as described by GMA), the die has already been cast. Sacrifice Abalos and Formoso. Abalos is retiring from government service anyway while Formoso, well, he's dispensible. From the looks of it, GMA and her gang has decided to let Abalos go. The question though is, is this a wise decision?
The cabbie sings
Abalos knows a lot of secrets. He knows the real score especially on the 2004 elections. If he sings....that's another "fresh" destabilization plot. Abalos said that he'll attend the Senate hearings on Wednesday to clear his name. Sadly, this might be a foregone conclusion. The reputation of Abalos has been destroyed by Joey's pronouncements that it would be very hard for Abalos to cleanse his name.
A warning though to the good Chairman---the Chinese intelligence service is closely observing what's happening here. The Chinese Communist Party, obviously, would not let this issue sitting down. Abalos could face a very dangerous situation here.
If Abalos is let go, what's the possibility of him singing like a canary? There's a chance that he will.
Postscript
A "sick" First Gentleman left for Germany in the eve of the Senate hearings. What prompted him to leave? Could it be because of the Senate hearings? I think not.
I think the First Gentleman needs to check on his deposits in Switzerland. He went there with his banker. What would prod a sick man to leave in haste if it not for money? The only possibility is one of his banks need his signature. For what, you may ask? There are three possibilities: (1) FG needs to sign a bank transfer (2) He needs to withdraw a huge sum of money which he cannot do online and (3) it could be he's preparing the country of exile?
These things don't happen without a purpose. I stand by my observation that negotiations between GMA's camp and the counter-elite has reached an impasse. There could be another stab at ousting the president and the palace probably knows that the counter-elite has a stronger force than theirs. Are we seeing a repeat of EDSA very soon? I think yes. But, it may not happen this month or the next. It could probably happen either by January or February of next year. I think the nation is expecting yet another scandal which could precipitate a power grab.
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