Ed Panlilio as President--Sure. Let's Get Real.

I have one question for my friend and colleague over at Filipino Voices. Cocoy wrote an entry entitled " The President Priest" which he asked Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio to go run for the presidency. He says Panlilio's "gift of discernment" could be used to solve the nation's problems. He also says that Panlilio could provide the "rallying point" for "deep thinkers and strategists" to come together and solve the people's problems. Sure.

Cocoy, if Panlilio can't even unite the fragmented political groups in Pampanga, asa pa tayo that he can do such a thing as president. Okey, so how would he lead a peace negotiation, by prayer? Would Panlilio be expected to pray over the peace negotiators from the MILF? How would Panlilio act before the atheistic members of the CPP-NPA-NDF? Would Panlilio lead them all to a prayer session before resuming peace talks?

How would Panlilio approach the Reproductive Health bill? Would he sign it? How about an abortion law? Would he sign it? Or, how about when Congress passes a law that bans prayers in Catholic schools, would Panlilio sign it?

How would he then talk with the leaders of the Iglesia Ni Kristo? Or Eli Soriano of the Dating Daan? How would he feel about the Hindus and the Buddhists living in this country? What if a Catholic institution or a Catholic corporation encounter graft charges? What then would be the position of Panlilio?

If, say, terrorists again bomb Mindanao and kidnap members of the civilian populace there and the only measure is a military strike which, obviously, would mean killing scores of people, what then? How would Panlilio decide on this? Will he wage war against the enemies of the state? Or, will he just ask everybody to just pray that we tide these things over?

Let's admit it---Panlilio's win as governor of Pampanga is, at best, an aberration. The reason is quite simple---at that time, the people faced both the devil and Beelshebub. A known big-time jueteng lord wants to be governor while a political scion of a discredited name also wants to continue his graft-filled governance. Faced with no better option, the people voted for Panlilio.

IN 2010, the people will be faced by so many options, better than Panlilio. Let me ask the handlers of Panlilio---are you friends or two-faced enemies of the governor? Why are you pushing him out of Pampanga politics where he's actually the best bet of the people there? You're pushing Panlilio to hell. Why, because you're disappointed of his performance and you want a sequel of the Macapagal-Lapid-Pineda triumvirate?

If Panlilio and his supporters really want to help the country, ask him to run again as governor. That way, he'll be able to destroy this triumvirate and continue on the reforms he already started in Pampanga.

Manong Ed---your mission is thwart the plans of the evil triumvirate of Macapagal-Lapid-Pineda. Do it. Run again as governor. Don't go for the presidency. Or maybe you're decision was made out of fear. You're afraid that the people might not vote for you anymore? Prove that your governance in that province is no fluke.

Ronnie Puno and GiboTeodoro--out of Arroyo's circle

Puno has just arrived and denied that he underwent heart surgery, contrary to reports that came from the palace. However, notice his face. It's so swollen. Did Puno lied like what his boss did when she underwent a breast reduction surgery (which palace spokesperson described as biopsys)?

Puno also denied that he already fell from presidential grace. He just brushed off speculations that he's on the way out. Puno said that he still enjoys the "trust and confidence" of Arroyo. He even showed his force---a retinue of PNP officials---whom, as I was told, were asked to attend the press conference. What was the purpose of the "show of force"? To tell the palace that he's not a sissy?

Despite his denials, there are very strong talks about a Cabinet "reshuffle" shortly after the State of the Nation Address (SONA). Puno is reportedly being "eased out" of Arroyo's inner circle, not because of his opposition to cha-cha, but his reported "closeness" with Defense secretary Gilbert Gibo Teodoro who is now (confirmed) out of the loop. Malacanang is just waiting for the "right time" to do the re-shuffle. And why is Malacanang intent on changing Cabinet members? Another jab at Hello Garci two?

No. This is a classic display of self-preservation, to avoid a Honduran solution. Unknown to many, the Honduran coup is actually a covert US operation. It has the blessing of the Obama administration. It is part of the so-called "roll-back strategy" of the Obama administration to re-assert their presence in Latin American politics.

Now, the question really is---will the same thing happen right here? Yes, it will.

By the way, former president Fidel V. Ramos again urged Mrs. Arroyo to announce her political plans by way of the SONA on July 27. But, why now when Mrs. Arroyo's absent from the political scene? Naku, idol, I think you're just positioning. Why not tell that straight to Mrs. Arroyo's face? O, dare?

Social disruptions

Mrs. Arroyo just rejected the proposal of the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) for the State to extend assistance to more than 40,000 workers displaced by the global financial crisis. The TUCP said that government just needs 2 billion pesos for this to work. However, at the same time as TUCP, one of Arroyo's allies in the business sector, Donald Dee, proposed that why not just allot the money as loan to small and medium sized companies. That way, companies will manage to stay afloat and weather the financial storm.

All are good suggestions. Yet, what Arroyo probably did not take into account is the potentialities of this growing unemployed mass of people turning into a noisy mob.

We all know how hard it is right now to survive this raging scourge. A thousand (in this case, 40,000) additional unemployed people means thousands more families are going hungry or even homeless due to this. They need immediate assistance to survive.

These people are what the TUCP are most concerned about since the unemployment numbers will definitely rise as the economy goes on the second quarter. The lackluster economic performance this first quarter shows with a dismal drop in exports, as reported by government.

As people lose their jobs, this increases the possibility of social disruptions breaking out left and right. The United Nations already warned us about this. If the Arroyo administration dismisses this scenario as a trifle, we may yet find ourselves in further dilemma prior to 2010.

China triumphs with the loss of Kalayaan

Last night, the Senate passed the modified version of the Baselines bill. This version, our sources say, is the one "approved" by the Chinese government. Essentially, the bill conveniently excluded the seas and oceans between the Kalayaan Islands and Scarborough shoals under our regime of islands, which, effectively means that we don't own those prime properties. This is the official abandonment of our claims to these islands which were discovered by a Filipino and occupied by Filipinos.

It's now up to the President to sign the bill and pass it to the UNCLOS or the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea. The UN will take note of this and put it as our answer to numerous queries on our definite position regarding this contentious issue.

If Arroyo signs this into law, this act alone would effectively demolish decades of positioning we took before regional and world bodies in relation to Kalayaan and Scarborough shoals. It laid waste millions of pesos we spent in legal research and trips abroad when we tried to convince the world that these oil-rich islands are ours.

Now, what would then happen to our "part" in the joint exploration agreement? Surely, China and Vietnam would squirm at giving us our share in the proceeds of this joint exploration since we now claim that these islands are not part of official Philippine territory.

So, do we benefit from this baselines bill? No. Who now rejoices at this one? Of course, China.

As I wrote in previous entries, this government is selling prime Philippine property at break-neck speed, possibly because it's only a few months before they write finis to their evil governance. This bill is the biggest real estate sellout in history. After giving our Zambales mines to China and at least 20% of our agricultural lands for the food security requirements of the Chinese, we are now giving away precious oil resources for a measly sum of US$ 8 billion when we could have asked foreign companies to develop these resources and mine those undersea oil.

We say, we're weak and we're not in the position to negotiate or sustain our claims to these islands. That's not reason enough. This is the golden age of diplomacy. And it's far-fetched that China would go to war with us simply because of Kalayaan. We have the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States. This is a statute which protects us from future foreign invasions.

What this shows is that China is officially now the biggest shadow behind the Philippine government. China now influences policy-making in the Philippines, which is not at all surprising, given that we do have strong ties with the Bamboo Curtain long before the West arrived in our shores. We just reverted back to our pre-Spanish situation where early Filipinos give tributes to the Chinese emperor.

Now, it seems, that we have China in our back while we gnawl and snarl at Uncle Sam. How things have changed. It just shows you that we don't need a Joma Sison to turn this country into a protectorate of China. We just need an Arroyo, teaming up with an Enrile, a Santiago and a Nograles to make this a reality which Joma and the rest of the guys tried for forty years to do.

Bolante's Options

Controversial Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante arrived just past 10:30 pm at the NAIA. Looking older and slimmer, Bolante was on a wheelchair and being secured by what ABS-CBN correspondent Don Tagala said as "uniformed personnel".

It appears that Joc-Joc lost weight in jail. His hair all turned grey. He's older but it remains though to be seen, whether he also grew wiser. 

He seems stressed and appears harangue. Maybe due to the long flight. What's obvious about this is the apparent subtle "protection" he seems to be enjoying right from where he embarked to his disembarkation.

It appears that he'll ask to be transported to a hospital, feigning illness. Nonetheless, lest we be deceived again, Joc-Joc actually can stand on his own and appears in good health. His weight loss could be the result of  anxieties after losing his appeal for asylum in America and what fate really awaits him upon his return.

What's certain is this--Bolante has to account for the following sins against the People:

• Account for 728 million released to him via the fertilizer project under the GMA (Ginintuang Masaganang Ani) program
• Account for the 1.1 billion pesos released to him through the GMA livestock, etc, program
• Account for 1.54 billion pesos released to him via the agri tractors program

Right now, he's being taken cared of at St. Luke's hospital after he complained of chest pains. Bolante was taken by uniformed security personnel and rode an ambulance. It appears that there was a prior arrangement with the hospital, since reports show that there's a room waiting for Bolante.

The Senate lawyer, part of the Chamber's sergeant at arms office, says they have sent their security personnel to secure Bolante. However, it's uncertain whether they will actually succeed in arresting Bolante.

It appears that Bolante still enjoys the protection of the Powers-That-Be. It's very clear that Bolante would not do a Lozada, not in the immediate future.

Bolante has nowhere to hide. Two and a half years ago, he fled the country, thinking that he can escape the law. Yet, the law caught up with him. Now, he's like a cornered animal, abandoned by those who benefitted from his "expertise" and being pressured by the Opposition to strike the hand that once fed him and turned him into what he's now---a disgraced Rotarian and a publicly crucified alleged thief.

Now, what future awaits Bolante? Gloria and her gang of misfits already said publicly, they're "hands off". They say, he's on his own. Will his fellow Rotarians protect him from all of these? Wagging tongues say some members of the Rotary mafia might use some of their powers and influence to make Bolante toe the line.

Bolante's future depends on how he'll play his cards. He has two options. First, he might just might do a Romulo Neri. Neri's case is a glaring example of government success in placating an angry citizenry. Neri escaped public scrutiny when he found succor from a friendly Court, being a government functionary himself. That Supreme Court decision called "People vs. Neri" effectively gave immunity to government officials involved in nefarious deals. Bolante and his benefactors might just invoke this and say that Bolante's part of the fertilizer scam is part of executive privilege, since it happened during his time as a government official.

In Bolante's case, he, theoretically, enjoys none. Knowing this regime though and how it uses all of its powers to protect its publicly crucified mafia members, Arroyo's regime might pull just one final magic act to save itself from the embarrassment of a Bolante expose. It might even appoint Bolante to a government post, effectively shielding him from further public scrutiny.

If Bolante choose this path, he may only benefit from it until Arroyo relinquishes power in 2010. After that, he, like his benefactor, Arroyo, face tremendous legal problems. In the next administration, Bolante will still face prosecution, even the bleak prospect of spending his life in jail.  

Now, should Bolante turn ala Lozada, this is actually not a risk-free thing. For one, he may have to face not only physical but also legal threats from many sectors, that includes the Powerful Mafia inside the Arroyo regime. He might get a favorable public sympathy, even reprieve from his illegal acts, but it can only be a viable option if and only if Lozada's group is stronger than the present administration. As it appears right now, the group which Lozada aligned himself with, seems weaker than Arroyo's. Or, they may appear to be weak.

What baffles me is the nonchalance that Arroyo's mafia guys are showing right now. Are they expecting that nothing would amount to this outcry against Bolante? That there's already a plan to diffuse this circus surrounding the fertilizer fund scam?

CBCP condemns Arroyo for corruption

The Catholic Bishop's Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) just released a strongly worded condemnation of the Arroyo regime. CBCP head Archbishop Angel Lagdameo condemned the Arroyo regime for doing nothing to fight corruption. Lagdameo urged the people to act now and change the government.

This, by far, according to Ricky Carandang, is the strongest denunciation ever by the CBCP against Arroyo. Do we see a snowball of dissent against this regime, with Bolante's arrival as the starting point? Hopefully, yes. 

The rise of the New Patriots have begun. 

On second thought...maybe the CBCP is just muscle flexing so that Arroyo strictly followed what she promised---a veto against the Reproductive Health Bill? 

Is this another stunt to show Arroyo that CBCP has the numbers and the power of mischief to force Gloria to choose the CBCP over globalist reproductive health bill lobbyists?

Oakwood could have a part three

Defense secretary Teodoro made a categorical remark today. He said that there is no reason for the military to launch another coup or Oakwood again. If something similar happens after the SONA, then, Teodoro surmised, it could be the result of "selfish politicking."

Today marks the anniversary of the Oakwood mutiny. Five years had past and still the reasons for that rebellion exist. Nothing changed except probably the reversal of political and career fortunes of those involved in the failed putsch. Two of the five "Magdalo" leaders have decided to go carve a career out of the service, with one dedicating his life to his

 Christian beliefs while the other decided to go the NGO route. Others, like Senator Antonio Trillianes IV, continues to remain defiant.

However, Teodoro and the military establishment will definitely not admit that there are a considerable number of people who are beginning to entertain thoughts of going the extra-constitutional route. More and more people are lending their expertise and skills to create the vision of Oakwood. These people are being convinced of the viability of armed action against this government because of the government's inability (or inaction) to address the core issues that led to the mutiny. The longer this government tries to sweep the dirt under the palace rug, the more it creates a revolutionary condition.

Many analysts say that if the Oakwood mutiny happened now, it could have succeeded in toppling the government.  Such a revolutionary situation exists more than ever now than before. You have a dissatisfied constituency. Hunger and poverty are widespread and even affecting the lives of the middle class. You have a more militant civil society led by youth groups and you have a church which is starting to get active again in anti-government initiatives.

What's more--you have potential groups that could finance such an enterprise. You have wealthy cacique and landlord families who risk losing their lands if government implements a BJE (Bangsamoro Juridical Entity).

 You have very powerful lobby groups whose fortunes will be affected should an entity administer these Bangsamoro lands. And finally, you have foreign governments that could lend support for a coup given the already strained international relations and image of the Arroyo administration. 

Such a situation exists now and with a weak state being administered now by Arroyo, hawks could exploit this and create a Thai-type of action. A Thai-type action could lead to Arroyo going on exile or worst, incarcerated.

However, what's lacking is an explosive event that would trigger such an uprising. The times are very interesting given that Arroyo is facing a very hostile citizenry. Even if Arroyo and her ilk consider imposing martial rule, such a scenario will just worsen the situation and definitely will fail because both local and international support will definitely be absent. 

Two scenarios--a coup could be launched by forces within the palace or outside of it. If this group within Arroyo moves against her, that could potentially spark violence. However, if an outside group moves against her and neutralize the other group, it could result to a normalization of the situation since this group is much stronger and enjoys a wider base of support.

The Meralco Gambit

Let's set aside our partisan thoughts about the Lopezes and pause for a while and think about the repercussions of today's Meralco stockholder's meeting.

True enough, as what we wrote in the Filipinovoices.com, Garcia's ploy of using proxies backfired. The Lopezes mustered more than the number of proxies that Garcia was able to generate. Realizing this a day earlier, Garcia filed a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It was, however, too late in the game. Garcia was distracted by numerous media inquiries that he failed to do his assignment.

Those scenes we saw on TV Patrol and over at ANC shows you graphically how government interference could backfire and lead to a real mess. That scene showing Garcia standing up and shouting at all those stockholders show you how a member of Gloria's mafia gang thinks about himself as an overlord of this country.

Surely, the ruckus created by the government in a private entreprise such as Meralco could dampen investor confidence in the independence and integrity of the local business community. Those scenes of confusion, of chaos, and of disorder shows one how messy a situation would become if government interferes in a legitimate business operation. True, the Lopezes could be profitting more than it can legally chew. True, the Lopezes could be mismanaging Meralco and charging us exorbitant fees. And true, the Lopezes could be entering into those sweetheart deals that impacts on the rates they're charging us.

Yet, the cost of dislodging this aristocrat from their crown jewel is more expensive than its intended result. The intended result is a lowered electricity rate, right? But, if done in an expensive gambit like this could do more harm than good. Imagine these scenes being repeated in other countries' television, what would foreign investors think about us? How many billions of dollars' worth of investment did we lose? How many billions more did we lose in tourism? Quite considerable if I may be asked.

Government's continued harassment and intimidation tactics against the Lopezes set a very dangerous precedent. It shows how this government is slowly turning into a rapacious corporate raider and destroyer of enterprise. It shows that government is using the people's money for corporate raids which will not in any way, benefit the suffering Filipino People.

This gambit of Gloria backfired. First, it showed how powerful the Lopezes are compared with the Garcias, the Aboitizes, the Alcantaras, and the Arroyos of this land. Second, it showed how teethless the SEC is. And third, it shows how inept and foolish government becomes when the people allow it to continually perpetuate its proto-dictatorial powers especially on businesses.

I hate to say it, but this gambit of Garcia could further erode the people's confidence and could be used to justify extra-constitutional means to dislodge this evil regime from the face of the Motherland.

Business and civil society should unite and show Gloria the true source of power. Let everyone unite behind the movement for change and throw this evil regime out. Then, after throwing them out and exiling them to China, then, let's resume this fight against the Lopezes. By then, the entire nation would probably rally behind us.

Breakdown of Law and Order

Eleven innocent people killed in the bloodiest bank robbery in Philippine history. Caught with their pants down, PNP Chief General Avelino Razon Jr. ordered the formation of a police crack team to hunt the perpetuators down. In one fell swoop, the team went to Tanauan Batangas, killing four men believed to be members of the dreaded robbery gang. Good. Swift justice?

Well, the head of the Task Force just told media that they're not entirely certain if those four killed in Batangas were indeed, members of the gang. Whatta??So, Mr. General sir, you killed four men just to show that you're men are "on top of the situation"? That all these corpses are just for show? All for photops sir?

Our cops are like those wild cowboys from days past, shooting even the innocents, in blind fashion, just to show how tough they are.

So, Mr General sir, the body count is now 15 innocents killed. Are we expecting more?

It seems that we are. Last night, four men believed to be members of the New People's Army torched five buses of Victory Liner in Cubao, Quezon City Philippines. Police denied that these men were NPA's. It took the AFP to really admit that the perpetuators were NPA rebels out to get a fast buck from the Victory Liner owner.

A few days ago, two cops who responded to a robbery were brutally gunned down by criminal elements in Manila. Manila mayor Alfredo Lim and Manila Police District Director Rosales ordered a massive hunt. Rosales said that their mandate is get the cop killers--dead or alive.

Are we expecting corpses again to show up in Pasig river? Quite possibly, yes. Expect a crackdown in Tondo and in some depressed areas in Manila just to show the people that our cops are "on top of the situation."

In such an economic crisis like these, expect a breakdown of law and order. People nowadays are desperate. Worst, most of the people are seething in silent anger, waiting just for the right time to express their angsts against Arroyo. Is the state ready for a showdown with the people? I am noticing a growing undercurrent of dissent just waiting for the right and proper time to explode.

Double Talk Amidst Societal Chaos

Peace double talk

Former AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon is now Gloria's chief peace negotiator, a few days after his retirement. I don't know what came over Gloria but why did she retain Esperon? His tenure as AFP C-S is quite turbulent. Was he retained solely for his knack at creating destabilization or for his prowess in electioneering? Probably both.

Esperon's appointment speaks volumes on the true peace plan of GMA. Esperon is the least person to be given the powers to talk peace on behalf of government. Everyone knows his true nature--that of a lapdog. He's largely credited for plunging this country into total chaos because of the caper he did in Mindanao during the 2004 elections.

Power play

Amado Doronilla says nothing will come out of Malacanang's power play against the Lopezes. Over at ABS-CBN, the Lopezes are still defiant, vowing to survive this latest onslaught while sending their president to tomorrow's Cabinet meeting over at Panglao Island in Bohol. Will there be a blood compact in the name of big bucks there? Or will these two camps lunge at each other's throats 7 days from now? Knowing how haughty the Lopezes are, chances are they will not bulge against the Arroyos. Or would they?

Callousness

The Arroyo administration admitted meeting the ZTE officials over at Shenzhen. For meeting Arroyos, the gods punished the Chinese with a devastating earthquake, killing more than 20,000 people. Even abroad, Gloria is creating chaos.

Transport Groups double talked

Lastly, transport groups raised a howl after the DOTC withdrew an order from the LTFRB to raise transport fees. This is double talk, says these groups and threatened the government of another transport holiday. Well, I hope they do it this time. Otherwise, will just laugh at them.

Arroyo's Power Play in Meralco--worst than the cure

Some would probably laud Mrs. Arroyo for bringing it on with the Lopezes. In the case of Meralco, Arroyo's "crusade" against Meralco was predicated on (as her propagandists want us to believe) protecting the consumer against high costs of electricity. This time, however, it's different. Mrs. Arroyo and her gang of misfits are flirting with the media to justify a possible corporate takeover come May 27.

Some of my media colleagues, which include Manila times columnist Julius Fortuna, agrees with what Arroyo is doing right now. She's reportedly fighting what others say, is a megalith. The Lopez family has been in control of Meralco since 1986 and what Arroyo is doing is breaking the hold this aristocrat. This could be the start of a campaign to get rid of aristocrats such as the Lopezes.

Though I may laud government for doing this, I suspect this to be part of a greater, more sinister plot connected with charter change. Why?

First, the timing. It's just a month away from June, the possible month where government is expected to push real hard on charter change. Government needs millions, if not billions of lobby money just to see this thru. Question--why attack Meralco now when Arroyo has been in power for 7 years? Why now, when its just 2 years away from 2010 and just a month before chacha?

Second, the intention. Why attack Meralco now when there's a food crisis and a continuing probe on the ZTE and the Spratlys issue. Look, the public has already forgotten the Spratlys issue when its one of the most important legislation the Philippines should pass this year since the UN already gave us a deadline in 2009.

Third, the chosen mode of attack. Government wants a takeover. They're not resolving the issue of high prices through the Energy Regulatory Board (ERB). No. Government is using the issue as a justification for a takeover. Macapagal and Marcos failed to takeover Meralco during their terms. Arroyo is hopeful that she'll accomplish what his father failed to do during his time as president. Why?

Because a takeover of Meralco means billions of pesos to the Arroyos. Government propagandists say the high prices is directly a result of the "mismanagement" of the Lopezes. Maybe its true. Or maybe its not. But, will government control of Meralco solve this "management issue"? No.

Government is the worst administrator, the worst possible alternative to the Lopezes. What's government's plan for Meralco after ousting the Lopezes? Probably they'll sell the electricity distribution firm to the Chinese, as what they tried to do with our telecommunications and IT industries? Or maybe, just maybe, they'll use it as a milking cow, just like they did with RPN 9 and IBC 13?

TRUE, forcing Meralco to lower electricity charges is the most logical thing to do, given the high inflation of 8.6% and the other attendant problems being faced by the Pinoy right now.

BUT, if the solution of government is worst than the problem, then, maybe those who agreed on this plan should rethink their position and revisit history. History has shown that this administration is the most corrupt, the most greedy, the most brazen, the foremost violator of human rights and the most vindictive. If government takes hold of Meralco, they will not only have electricity but a REAL POWER TO COERCE OTHER COMPANIES to kowtow to their wishes.

Let me make myself VERY CLEAR--I am not a stooge of Meralco. In fact, I was among those who rallied last 2003 against the power firm. It's just that a government takeover of Arroyo's gang is a DANGEROUS PRECEDENT which could cost this country billions of pesos more than the 24 billion that the Lopezes reportedly earned from us since 2003.

The Marginalization of FVR

In the military, there's this thing called "mopping operations." It's usually done after the police or military has defeated or annihilated their enemies.

Talks are rife that this looming Cabinet revamp aims to do just that--a mopping up operation to erase the last vestiges or memory of former president and self-proclaimed statesman Fidel V. Ramos from governance.

Yes, the once feared and the most respected Philippine president in the post-Marcos regime has been whittled down to size by his protege, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Before, FVR's words rang perfectly loud in the halls of Malacanang. In the 7 years of Gloria's rule, FVR's presence was not symbolic. Some quarters believe that he ran a shadow government, since many of Gloria's appointees and close-in advisers were either FVR's former officials or close to the former president. Despite being out of government and into retirement, many value the counsel of the cigar-chomping former leader who reigned in an era of prosperity prior to Erap's disastrous administration.

Now, FVR is just a mere shadow of his once influential self. Before, he commands respect among the military and the political elite. Today, he can't even unite his fragmented and weakened political baby. The reason is too obvious--FVR has lost considerable clout and power.

It began when Gloria's political machine, KAMPI started raiding LAKAS constituency in the 2004 elections. Puno's first attempt went pfft since most of the political titans of the country are unconvinced of Gloria's staying power then. The usurper was just not strong enough like FVR. Hence, the plan to marginalize Lakas went awry and momentarily ceased.

However, as Gloria weathers political storms one from another, it gave her the chance to consolidate her mass base. As she wins her political battles, Gloria grew stronger in Lakas while FVR's clout decreased. After 3 years, LAKAS went from being the most dominant party to a messed up, confused and discordant organization of old, worn-out politicians.

FVR vainly hold on to power by positioning himself as a kingmaker. Every destabilization event was exploited for his own interests. The last public show of affection was during the height of the ZTE scandal where FVR was heard shouting hosanna while thousands march at Ayala against Gloria. FVR tried to position himself as a kingmaker once more, since the last two destabilization attempts showed him as Gloria's Knight in Shining Armor.

That last one did not go the way FVR wanted it to be. Despite that PDA (public display of affection), FVR failed to parry the blows of KAMPI against Lakas. Gloria and her gang continued their recruitment efforts, part of an insidious plan to marginalize LAKAS before Gloria and her KAMPI allies start the cha-cha train.

When Gloria's men succeeded in destroying LAKAS party base, they then turned their sights on Jose de Venecia Jr. Weak as a baby, JDV went from the 4th most powerful man to relative obscurity. His propensity for politicking and compromise-building was exposed as genetic weakness and led to his humiliating defeat. Now, we don't hear anything from the man from Pangasinan, a victim of Gloria's ultimate quest to be the only strong leader in the country.

It's now the turn of Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, perceived as one of FVR's closest, to get the hatchet. Gloria and her gang are planning for his immediate exile to Washington. The last of the Bushido gang, Ermita's departure from the halls of power is widely viewed as a direct assault against the once formidable FVR group.

After Ermita, there's no other major FVR general in Arroyo's Cabinet. Yes, there were talks of retiring general Hermogenes Esperon Jr. being "promoted" to replace Teodoro. However, Arroyo is not about to do that. She's a shrewd one. She knows that Esperon is FVR's hidden weapon and she'll not allow FVR's group to again take a step inside the palace.

With Ermita's departure almost certain, no other group holds Gloria hostage. Its now complete. Finished.

Gloria has complete command of the State--from the senior and junior military elites to the political, economic and judicial elites. Her clout has even extended to the barangays, mayors, and governors.

Her alliance with Cojuangco remained strong, suggesting a possible common presidential candidate in the person of either Loren Legarda or Noli de Castro. KAMPI has become the strongest and the most influential political party in the Philippines. It has now, the capability and the strength to dictate the terms of political battle come 2010. In fact, I am not surprised why the Senate suddenly turned 180 degrees for cha-cha. Most of those who signed Resolution 10 are pragmatists. They know that this is not the time to go against the existing political reality.

And what is that reality? That Gloria's gang has a very strong possibility of clinching an extended power trip beyond 2010. Mark my word. Gloria is now in the position to dictate the terms of engagement simply due to her purported strong survival instincts.

What now, my General? Do you still have an ace in your sleeves?

43 billion for 2010 elections?

Opps, haven't you noticed?

In just a few days, the peso climbed to 43 pesos to a dollar. That would surely affect rice importation by government. Instead of probably losing 20 billion pesos, as what Mar Roxas correctly said, government could lose more since it aims to import 675 metric tons of rice. Current global prices of a ton of rice is pegged between 800 to 1,000 dollars per metric ton. That would surely require more money from government to be able to import enough stocks.

There's another one.

Former agriculture secretary Salvador Escudero, the last agri secretary of dictator Marcos, correctly pointed out that Mrs. Arroyo is set to implement a 43 billion pesos rice self-sufficiency program similar to Masagana 99. Escudero said that Masagana 99 gave the Philippines a self-sufficiency status for almost ten years.

With FIELDS, Escudero hopes that the same thing will happen in the Philippines. I think though that the similarities are just about that.

With 2010 just around the corner, I am quite sure that this FIELDS program will just be used to prop up the chances of KAMPI-Lakas CMD against the opposition, especially in courting votes in the countryside.

KAMPI knows that its chances against the opposition stands quite low since Estrada continues to position himself as the opposition's poster boy. To justify cheating in this election again, they could probably use FIELDS to justify victory in the countrysides.

We all know that cavans of rice translate into votes come election time. And if we are to believe economic adviser Salceda that this crisis will affect us until 2010, you now know what I mean.

Food riots in RP

Government says its moving to avert possible rice riots in the country. This is a reaction to news and rumours circulating about that people might do hoarding of the precious cereal or go out in the streets to protest.

Remember the PNP released an intelligence report warning of possible escalation of crimes involving property since news broke out of this looming rice crisis.

In Mindanao, there was a report saying that some people burned an NFA warehouse connected with this issue.

People in Haiti and some poorer countries in Africa have protested against their government for lack of attention on this issue.

The United Nations already warned of war or the rise of protests due to the global food crisis. In its report, the UN said that governments are at risk now than before.

I think that rice riots will not escalate here in this country. For as long as stocks remain in supermarkets and groceries, Arroyo does not have anything to worry about.

This is a global crisis.

However, government should show that it is concerned with addressing the issue.

Useless Pursuit of Nothing

Some senators just did a Walk for Truth. They did it yesterday, Araw ng Kagitingan. The Senate just filed an appeal before the Supreme Court after the Highest Tribunal castrated their powers on the issue of executive privilege. Reports say its an attempt to regain whatever image the Senate has after that disastrous and highly-political decision.

The question is--so what? Why do quarters insist on this issue when everybody knows that GMA was behind the deal? Why do they need a Neri when everybody knows that he does not have the balls to go against Gloria? For most Filipinos, this probe is finished. The truth has come out. GMA and her ilk are so full of themselves and so into graft and corruption now that even the very stocks of rice are now being manipulated to satiate their greed.

I say to everybody who wants change---move forward. Fight against greed. Fight Gloria in the battlefield where she claims to have succeeded--economic front.

Former US federal reserve chief Alan Greenspan just declared that the US is under recession. And everybody knows what this recession will do to us. This would further worsen our already lamentable economic state.

Food shortages will mark the remainder of GMA's term, as what Joey Salceda announced before the media a few days ago. These artificial shortages will continue because government is still helpless against these big-time rice traders.

However, I would like to commend the National Bureau of Investigation for "inviting" 3 big-time rice traders for questioning in their office. This is a bold move. This is a commendable one. I praise the NBI for making such a move. However, I would want sana to see at least one or two big-time rice trader JAILED immediately since these ones are the real anay of society that we, the people, want punished.

Gun for the Gold

Coup d'etat, as defined by our Revised Penal Code, is clear--it punishes those who will forcefully overthrow duly constituted government through a swift stroke. For one to be punished, there must be use of arms.

Today, nine junior officers were meted sentences by a Makati Court for their participation in the July 2002 Oakwood Mutiny. Two of the alleged ringleaders, Capt. Gambala and Maestrecampo, both pleaded guilty for the crime of coup d'etat. They were sentenced to life imprisonment. Seven of their colleagues were given lighter sentences.

Malacanang immediately released a statement saying that they respected the court decision. Of course, they respect a favorable decision.

If this government of Arroyo believes that Patriotic soldiers will be cowed into submission, it is definitely mistaken. Capts. Gambala and Maestrecampo deserved their sentences not because we believe that they did, indeed committed a crime. No. The crime of coup d'etat was not committed by the Oakwood soldiers. Far from it. They deserve their sentences as punishment for their treason not against Gloria, but against the Filipino People.

By pleading guilty and saying "sorry" to Gloria, Gambala and Maestrecampo committed the greatest blunder in their young lives. They repost trust to a person not worthy of it.

If government thinks that the people will be cowed into submission, think again. Fighting hearts continue to see a bright future ahead of them.

The enlightened soldiers of the New Generation will continue fighting a corrupt and evil regime such as Gloria's.

What this incident taught them is this---next time, gun for the gold. Fight until victory is achieved. History is harsh against losers. History treats losers with disdain.

The next time will be the last time that these soldiers will fight for true freedom.

RP Food and Power Crisis

I bought a new car last February. It's a diesel-powered vehicle. When I got it out from the casa, diesel prices were at 34 pesos per liter.

Now, look at the prices of diesel--4o pesos per liter. For a two month span, the price increased by about 5-6 pesos. Last night, I saw the price of unleaded gasoline--47 pesos per liter. I don't know how people are coping up with these injustices.

This unabated rise in fuel prices might have sparked a riot or something near to it if it happened in other countries. Here, nothing. Not even a whimper. None. Nada. Zilch.

I also did my grocery and the prices of vegetables remain very high, unusual since vegetable prices go up only in two (2) occasions--Christmas and Holy week. Now, vegetable prices are really very prohibitive.

Meat prices are also a revelation. Beef, my favorite ulam, is very high. Its between the price ranges of 250-350 pesos per kilo. Fish is also high.

You know, this is a direct assault to Mr. Palengke, who positioned himself as the penultimate consumer advocate. I remember an interview with Mr. Palengke and he knows the problem. He says the reason why prices of commodities remain very high is the machinations of middle-men. They are charging so much "bukol" to us that we, the consumers, can't buy a decent meal with our small income.

Mr. Palengke, be part of the solution.

But, you know who really should we blame for this mess? Its our weak government. This government is helpless. Why? Because it has a policy of pleasing everybody. Since it's always on survival mode, it can't really fight these middlemen for fears of them going to the other fence. There's really something wrong with our politics and we need to address this and fast!

The Truth: Filipino Version

Truth--its everybody's buzz word today. From the halls of the Senate to the backwaters of Sulu, everybody wants everybody to seek and know the truth. And what is the truth?

Truth, as they say, is relative. One's truth maybe different from another's. For example, Neri's truth maybe coached in the simpliest terms--I heard my president say this, but I don't know if I'm at liberty of telling you about it. In JLo's case, I heard Neri lambasting the president for being an evil person but the truth is, he just wants me to moderate it. For Neri, he knows what the truth is, but he does not want to jeopardize the entire government since he probably believes that when Filipinos know the truth, will they be able to handle it properly? For Neri, the proper handling of the truth is filing charges in court. For JLo, its for the people to decide what to do next.

So, the truth depends on the perspective of people. For example, in the case of the on-going rice crisis. Government claims they're enough stocks. The problem is price, which, they say, is being influenced by global rice prices. Upon closer scrutiny, however, the people found out that the real reason why prices of rice continues to go up is that the rice cartel is manipulating it. Market prices are not dictating the price. No. It's the greediness of rice traders that is forcing rice prices to shoot up. So, its not global. Its purely local. And the fact is, government is helpless in combatting these big-time rice traders simply because they are transacting with them. Just like in Erap's time when the former president got what's due him for conniving and going to bed with jueteng lords, this government could fall under the weight of its prostitution with rice traders.

Therefore, for the Filipino, truth is what the Pinoy wants to believe. He wants to believe that he can feed himself without importing rice since he sees thousands of thousands of acres of prime, pristine and nutrient-rich lands all around. He does'nt see the fact that his government's priorities are elsewhere. Yes, there is land to cultivate. But government de-prioritized agriculture since government operators or the mafia does not see any profit from it. It prioritizes BPOs and the banks because everytime that a new foreign company sets up shop here, there's obviously protection money involved. Unlike agriculture.

There's plenty of land but you see thousands of them being turned into subdivisions. There's plenty of land but you don't see any tractors, any processing plants nor even rice mills dotting the landscape. There's no fertilizers because the monies were diverted elsewhere. There's no processing plants nor rice mills because the monies devoted to the development of agriculture have been diverted somewhere else. So rice varieties are being re-processed, NFA stocks diverted and big-time rice traders cum operators are happy. And when they are happy, the mayors, congressmen, governors and the palace are happy.

The palace announced that we will be spending 1.5 billion pesos for importation. Great. The palace just gave this 1.5 billion as free money to those traders.

When Taipans Speak

Guys,

When rational and non-political people such as PLDT head honcho Manny V. Pangilinan talks, everybody listens. Manny exudes an authoritative air, but not of the despicable kind. A natural-born leader, Manny's one of just a few Pinoys worth emulating.

In Ricky Carandang's interview of MVP, like other Filipinos, he wants to know the truth. He had his time to ponder and what he thinks should be considered, especially by Gloria.

This interview should be read before reading Randy David's article today published in the Inquirer. David said that there should be a resolution of this issue of seeking the truth. Whatever that is, it depends on the people.

For me, the search for truth has ended. This government has categorically said that they are not interested in giving the Filipino even an inch of space to know what the real truth is. The question that we now face is--what should we do about it? Will we just let this government rule us with impunity and without giving us any dignity? Or will we unite to show the world that we condemn such acts of corruption, indecency, impunity and inhumane-ness? God, as what David hopes, should bless us.

MVP: 'Let's find out what the truth is'

(Manuel V. Pangilinan, chairman of the board of PLDT, spoke recently with Ricky Carandang on the ABS-CBN News Channel (ANC) show, The Big Picture. Excerpts from the interview in Hong Kong, where Pangilinan, also known as “MVP”, is the managing director of the Hong Kong-based investment firm, First Pacific Co. Ltd.)

Ricky Carandang: Millions of Filipinos have left the country to work and live abroad. Their reasons may vary, but most of them dream of earning a decent living and providing a security for their future. Manny Pangilinan left the country in the 1970s to find a job in Hong Kong. Little did he expect that he would succeed beyond the wildest dreams of many overseas Filipinos. Pangilinan’s success may be uncommon, but it is a sign of what Filipinos can achieve abroad.

ON MVP SPENDING MORE TIME WITH FIRST PACIFIC

Q. Is Manny Pangilinan looking for a new challenge?

A. Well, I guess so. It's time we looked at new things. There are two main anchors to our business, mainly Indofood and PLDT. And now emerging is Metro Pacific, which is investments in medical care, in the water system. So we’d like to create a third or fourth leg, if you may, to First Pacific.

Q. Why is that? What’s driving you to look for something new? Indofood and PLDT are both doing well. You could, very well, just coast along.

A. Well, as they say, work expands to fill the time required. So, I’m not as much needed in PLDT as much as I was when I was CEO. [He remains PLDT chairman of the board.--Ed] So, in a way, it discharges my responsibility as well as the CEO of First Pacific. The mandate has been to grow the businesses on a regional basis so I still have to fulfill that mandate.

Q. And this is where you’re going now.

A. That’s correct.

ON HIS BEING THE ‘ULTIMATE OFW’

Q. You started here in Hong Kong, some people could say, and I’ve referred to you once or twice as the ultimate OFW. You came here seeking a job and I don’t know if you even imagined being here and doing what you’re doing.

A. No. I mean, I think for me to pretend that I knew what I was going to do when I left the shores of Manila way back in 1976, Feb. 28 to be precise, with four suits and two pairs of shoes. At that time, I had no idea really where I would be headed. I knew I was going to be an executive director of Bancom International at that time, and thereafter, just progressed towards the founding of First Pacific in 1981. And we started as a banking and trading group, and now, we’re quite different from where we were 26, 27 years ago.

Q. Did you come out here thinking, you know, 'I wanna make a little bit more money, I wanna have a nice stable job. I wanna have decent growth prospects.' Or were you a little more ambitious than that at the beginning?

A. No, no. Well, I came over, well, partly to make money, as most OCWs must be motivated as well. And I had a time horizon equally. Like, I guess, most, if not all OCWs, after spending 5 years or so, I would go back to Manila and you know, that’s really your home. I had certain specific goals in mind both from a wealth perspective and a time perspective. But I spent 22 complete years in Hong Kong, so it just got into you.

Q. When did it change? When did you say, ‘Hey, maybe I don’t mind spending a significant portion of my time here’?

A. Well, age had a factor to it. Certainly, as you grow old, your desire to go back to Manila increases. And at the same time, we made our investment in PLDT in 1998, and that was a significant investment. So I felt duty-bound to manage what I decided upon to invest into. And that was the beginning of a return back to Manila .

Q. But at that point, when you were thinking of acquiring PLDT, I suppose your ambitions got a little larger as well. It’s no longer having a nice comfortable life, it was more of buying this company and making it grow, and buying this company and making it the dominant force. The ambitions, I guess, get grander as you move higher up.

A. I guess so. Although when I went into PLDT in 1998, it was really an extreme focus on the job at hand. And to a degree, my time and attention with First Pacific suffered. There were give-ups in that sense. Now that I’ve relinquished my post there and now spend more time here, I could look at precisely what you’re saying: Look at grander things for First Pacific, and even for PLDT.

ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN RP

A. It’s in many, many respects, especially if you sit back and look at the situation in the Philippines from an offshore perspective, like here in Hong Kong, it is sad. A number of people here have commented that these are self-inflicted wounds by you guys out there. In many respects, that’s true.

A number of analyses have been proffered with respect to what the situation is. And they’ve been very, very interesting. Like the analysis of Mrs. [Winnie] Monsod and Chief Justice [Art] Panganiban, their columns and a few other columnists have tried to render a very objective and sober analysis of the situation and what are the options for the country.

And yet, when we watched, was it two Fridays ago [February 29], the rally in Makati? And from our building, from the 10th floor, you’re watching the people stream to Ayala Avenue. And most of the…at least from that stream, on our part of Makati, most of the rallyists were students. And you might intellectualize about the options available to the President or the country, but when you see these young kids out there in the streets, you can’t help feel but emotionally involved with the young people. And you ask yourself: Why do they have to march to the streets? They should be out there in the schools being, sort of being more productive as students. So in a way, the older generation is burdening the younger generation with something they shouldn’t be burdened with. I’d rather we solved the problems as the older folks. Because the kids will have their own problems in their generation.

Q. You mentioned students on the streets. That’s not something we’ve seen in recent years. What does students on the streets tell you?

A. Again, I can’t speak for them. Clearly, there is unhappiness there of what the situation is gonna be. But it looks to me that my reading is, their main concern would be: What is the truth? And obviously, they deserve to know what the truth is.

Q. What do you make of that? People used to complain all the time that students don’t care, they don’t give a damn, they’re not going to go on the streets. The religious largely sought to stay away from affairs like this. The business community, I think you have friends who have been in rallies. I’ve heard you’ve been to some yourself. People who normally don’t get involved are now going on the streets. Do you think that’s a sign that something is a little different this time around? Or do you think is just no big deal?

A. Well, I think it is a sign that the people would want something explained. As I said, it’s good to know what the truth is. My impression, that’s the major, major issue. And it has taken a grip of what…well, I think of a number of important sectors of our society. I think business wants to know the truth. I think the church does, and certainly, the studentry want to know the truth as well.

Q. Do you?

A. Of course, yes.

ON HIS PRESENCE AT AN ANTI-ARROYO RALLY

Q. Enough to go on the streets? The reason I asked that is because I do remember that when Pres. Aquino recently spoke before the business community, you were there. And it was there where she called on Pres. Arroyo to step down again. You were there, and I understand you were seen at a rally.

A. Well, I’m not trying to be an apologist or apologetic about my appearance there. The occasion where Pres. Aquino spoke was…what they call… it was the second anniversary of the Pinoy ME (Micro Enterprise) Foundation which is really a….it’s an institution set up at the behest of Pres. Aquino to help raise funds principally for microfinance institutions or MFIs. And this had been organized a number of months ago, so I was supposed to be one of the two main speakers. Sonny Vistan was there. I’ve been asked to render a report on the activities of the foundation and I consented to it. Secondly, the PLDT SMART Foundation is the biggest donor to Pinoy ME, and it’s frankly uncolored by political considerations. And Pinoy ME Foundation needed an initial anchor lender-creditor to get the process started. And we arranged, together with certain trustees of Philippine Business for Social Progress, to have a credit facility extended by PBSP to Pinoy ME Foundation. And that was P250 million. We donated, as PLDT SMART Foundation, P5 million.

Q. So you were there for that?

A. I was there principally for that. Although I know, I’m not naïve enough to know that in that gathering, there is the likelihood of political statements being made. So but….so be it. If that were to happen, that would happen. If that were not to happen, it wouldn’t happen.

Q. So you were really at the rally or was that just talk?

A. Well, yes and no. I was at the NGO building which is the building right behind the Cojuangco Bldg. which is right on Makati Avenue. And I had to drop by the e-PLDT, in an office in Locsin [St.], which is on the corner of Ayala and Makati. So from there, also, I was curious. I wanted to….magmimiron, susulyap ka doon muna. So when I got out of Locsin, well, I went to the corner of Ayala and Makati and your cameras caught me. Ooops. Ooops, but so be it. I wasn’t part of the rally but I was there, watching what’s going on.

Q. You said at some point, people have to take a stand, and you can’t sit on the fence forever. I don’t know if we’re misconstruing your happening to be at the rally and your happening to be at Pres. Aquino’s speech as taking a stand, but let me just ask you: have you taken a stand?

A. Not publicly.

Q. What does that mean?

A. Well, you know, you have a personal position. And to the extent that you have a public life like I do, not quite the showbiz public life, but as an officer of a public company, you have, as well, a responsibility to your company and to your shareholder and to your employees where, you know, whatever statements you make could impact their welfare. So you have to be very careful what you say publicly as well. So it’s a balance I’m trying to strike as an individual, as a private person, as a Filipino and as an officer of a public company, which is listed not only in the Philippines but as well as in the States.

Q. Albert del Rosario has been to a number of rallies, even read a speech calling on Cabinet members to resign. What was your reaction to that? He’s your friend.

A. Bless him.

ON THE NEED FOR MORE FUNDAMENTAL CHANGES

Q. How serious do you think this is? I was talking to some fund managers the other day and the general thinking is that, you know, we get a lot of noise coming out of the Philippines and it never really amounts to much. So there seems to be a sense among some people outside the Philippines, fund managers, finance people that well, here we go, the usual noise in the Philippines but nothing will change, the economy will keep moving at the rate it is, in the way that it is, and sooner or later, people will get tired and we’ll all go back to normal. In other words, we’ve seen this for the last several years, it’s nothing different, it’s not more serious.

A. Well, you know, that’s the sentiment, not only reflected by non-Filipinos outside the Philippines but I think perhaps a number of Filipinos as well. For example, if the President were to step down or were to go, retire, what’s next? Will things change as a result of her say, sudden resignation? And that’s the dilemma. What happens next? Will things change or it’s just changing characters on the same stage. And people, as you rightly pointed out, even here in Hong Kong, are saying, ‘Well, okay, there’s another change, what changes have you really brought about?’ And that’s the basic issue. So the issues confronting the nation are really quite more fundamental than just simple change of presidents.

Q. It seems as if people want something more than just a change in faces, it seems, and maybe I’m misreading the public, but people want a change in the way government works, or the way it responds to the needs of the public.

A. Yes. We speak about damaged institutions, correct? And government and so forth and so on. But institutions are made of people. They’re not in anime things, we’re not invented by somebody. And they’re divorced, the running of institutions is divorced from what people are. So in a way, blaming government solely for our ills is rather unfair, right? Because…. I’ve been involved in a number of what you call NSAs, National Sports Associations, and the problems I’ve been in basketball are repeated similarly in other NSAs. So you sort of wonder what’s wrong? So in some respects, the institutions you’re dealing with, be it NSA, government or be it in schools, is merely the form. But the substance of our problem is really ourselves, isn’t it?

ON TOO MUCH DIVISION IN SOCIETY

Q. So how do you change that? What makes a society successful and another not successful?

A. Well, I was in a dinner a few nights ago, and this was Al Gore who was in Manila I think the past year or so. And somebody asked him, remember, he lost by the skin of his teeth, in Florida where, in fact, the governor was the President’s brother, right? Jed Bush. And Al Gore was asked why he didn’t bring his case all the way to the Supreme Court and make a big fuss. Cause I think if that were to happen to the Philippines, with whatever, we won’t have a President for two or three years or whatever. And his response was very simple: to paraphrase him, I don’t know, I wasn’t there when he said it: ‘Why didn’t I do it? It’s because there’s something greater than me, and that’s my country.’

Q. He felt that elevating that issue could have caused too much upheaval.

A. That’s right. And too much divisiveness to his country. So he said...Well, perhaps, he probably also felt that maybe it’s a touch-and-go, really, so rather than being part of the problem, he said, I want to be part of the solution.

Q. Are you conceding that people stop marching on the streets and just get on?

A. No, no. If they think strongly about their opinion, their conviction, they should be allowed, why not?

Q. What do you think?

A. As long as they’re quite orderly and so forth.

Q. So far they have been.

A. So what’s wrong with that?

ON THE NEED TO FIND THE TRUTH

Q. What do you think should happen next?

A. Well, I think the call of the bishops, I agree with. Let’s find out what the truth is.

Q. And finding out the truth, how is that done? Will you hazard a guess?

A. Well, everybody’s got to be honest, I suppose.

Q. What happens if we find out the truth? Then, what follows after that?

A. I guess it depends what the truth is? You have to be ready for the consequences, di ba? what the truth is. Because you know, that’s something, again, those calling for the truth must be aware of.

ON WHETHER HE PLANS TO JOIN POLITICS

Q. We’re talking about national affairs, we’re talking about politics here. When I talk to you about politics, part of me thinks you’re very uncomfortable. Part of me thinks that you actually would relish a nice long conversation about politics. What is your view of politics in general? Do you have an interest in these things?

A. Well, I’m interested in the Filipino way of life, right? So be it politics or show business or whatever it is, it’s something that…. I just feel you have to be in the stream of things effectively. You have to be part of the Filipino way of life to understand how the Filipino thinks and operates.

Q. Do you ever see yourself getting involved in politics in a more overt way?

A. I don’t think so.

ON HIS INTEREST IN SPORTS AND HIS THREE BASKETBALL TEAMS

Q. I get a sense your interest in media for PLDT is more than just strategy, more than just business sense. You know business people, you like sports. There seems to be a genuine interest in your part in content.

A. Entertainment in general. Sports can be entertainment.

Q. People tell me you’re not a guy with a lot of leisure time. So maybe that’s sort of how you wind down?

A. Yes, it’s a spigot to release your tension and everything from work. But you know, certainly, watching a basketball game, say Ateneo-La Salle, you really have to focus on the game, you have to forget about everything else. And equally, when you play badminton, I play badminton, you know you’re gonna do well in the game if your mind is not on the game. So you have to discipline yourself and force yourself to concentrate on the game. Otherwise, you won’t play well.

Q. So it’s nice that what you’re interested in to sort of unwind could also potentially make you a few billion pesos. That’s synergy.

A. It has to pay for the cost.

Q. You’re talking about Ateneo-La Salle, you’re talking about basketball. Ateneo versus San Beda, where would you be?

A. I would wear a red and blue shirt.

Q. Sort of a middle ground kind of an answer there.

A. Well, I was asked that, and this is how I rationalized it. We actually have three teams: the Talk-n-Text team, the Ateneo team, and San Beda team, lately only. If you may, you have three loves. Well, the Talk-n-Txt team is professional team so it’s a professional kind of love. The Ateneo team, Ateneo being sort of intellectual, is more of an intellectual love. But really, when you get down to the emotional love, it’s really San Beda.

Q. So everybody’s got a piece of it.

A. A piece of it. Why? Because if I may say this, probably the San Beda players are a bit more akin to the typical Filipino. They’re just that. Maybe from an income-class standpoint, I guess from a sociological make-up, they seem to be more typical Filipino.

Q. And that’s what endears them to you?

A. That’s what I like about them. They’re probably more human, if you may, than….I’m not saying that as a criticism. My relation with them resonates better purely from a human perspective. #

Destroy the Rice Cartel Now!

I have a dare to our alleged Chief Executive Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo--destroy the seven big-time rice traders comprising the country's rice cartel. Like the mafiosi bosses of jueteng, these thugs are worst. They are being used to destabilize the administration by propping up the prices of rice so that people will rise up against this administration. Their destabilizing efforts should be stopped right here, right now!

If Mrs. Arroyo's men like the honorable Mamang Pulis Gen. Avelino Razon and the chief of the NBI, Nestor Mantaring moves and dismantles this cartel, they will forever earn the praise and accolades not only from me, but from the people. I will also recognize the legitimacy of this administration and will stop calling her an illegitimate president.

I also dare Mrs. Arroyo to dismantle the oil cartel. I dare her to review the Oil Deregulation Law and order her lieutenants in Congress to amend the bill.

Lastly, I dare Mrs. Arroyo to categorically deny selling our patrimony to the Chinese. I dare her to stand up and say that these executive agreements entered into by her administration since 2003 are all for the benefit of the Filipino People and not acts of subservience to the emerging economic powerhouse that is China.

Should Mrs. Arroyo do all these things, I vow to cooperate and share with her our thoughts on how to fully strengthen and enhance her image and reputation so that people will again, love her.