A source says that Maria Elena Horn got the idea of the so-called "Oplan Put the Little Girl to Sleep" was when the former president got colitis or inflammation of the large intestines. Gloria Arroyo reportedly woke up one time and blamed the administration for her colitis. Gloria suspects that she is being "poisoned".
Another source, very close to the family, says that paranoia has indeed set in at the Arroyo camp. This, after several of their very close political and military allies have abandoned the Arroyo camp. Even their links with criminal syndicates have been severed, sources say.
First off, former defense secretary and once intel chief, Norberto Gonzales, has already left the Arroyo camp. Gonzales, several sources say, is now allied with the Estrada camp and is preparing for the 2013 elections.
Several Chinoy businessmen very close to the First Gentlemen (most of them smugglers) have shifted allegiance and had reportedly abandoned the former first Couple.
Even jueteng lords who were once close to B1 and B2, the alleged monickers or codes of the First Gentleman and his son, Mikey, have since abandoned the Arroyos. A very close Aquino associate, codenamed " PJ", is now the handler or conduit of these jueteng lords with the present administration. Monies from STL and jueteng regularly flow to PJ, DA and WT. WT is using the money to build himself something of a media outlet.
Only Merlie Poblador remains at the side of the Arroyos. All the rest of the close Arroyo associates have since been "neutralized". Several others who became rich during the Arroyo administration have since decided to stay low.
With their finances running low, the Arroyos cannot launch any counter-moves to shield them from government prosecution.
Worst, with the ongoing election rigging case being discussed publicly, and the election syndicate now exposed, the Arroyos and their associates are now under threat, not from government but by the armed men who protects this syndicate.
The Arroyos,sources again told this writer, fear for a backlash from this syndicate, whose operations are now being monitored and surveilled very closely by government agents. Why? Because this is the first time that activities of the syndicate have been exposed.
Or, for all we know, the very same allies of the former First Couple are behind this so-called operation to silence the ex-leader.
Showing posts with label First Gentleman. Show all posts
Showing posts with label First Gentleman. Show all posts
Friday, December 2, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Who's the Boss Now?
The cleansing process began when President Aquino proclaimed the very core philosophy of his administration: the eradication of the wang-wang mentality among the powerful. This is a deft political move. This, in effect, is an attempt to consolidate power by eliminating other "centres of power". Let me explain further.
During the 9-year reign of former president Arroyo, power was dispersed among the close associates of the First Family. Petty "chieftains" and Fief Lords were created mainly on the blessing of the First Couple and placed in the periphery to protect the center of power.Though control was still exercised by the First Couple, their associates do the work for them, controlling every lever of government and influencing the conduct of how the government do business.
It is erroneous to presume that the First Couple did all those dirty things. It was their associates who used the law to protect their illicit activities and it was their associates who flaunted the power when the use of the law has already expired.
For example, in yesterday's Senate probe on the alleged involvement of the First Gentleman in the sale of two second-hand helicopters to the PNP, we see no names or tracks of the First Gentleman in all the documents submitted by the so-called whistleblowers. Yes, their testimonies point to the First Gentleman but it was a "he said, he said" thing, an issue to be as yet determined by the Courts.
The First Gentleman knew how the law works, and he skirted it by paying and receiving cash. What he probably did was exercise his influence, which, under our laws, is not punishable.
There is a possibility that indeed, the First Gentleman did not even know what really transpired during the deal making for these helicopters. Definitely, these things were undertaken through the use of thick layers which protect the principal from any damage or law suits.
This is the exact problem that now bedevils our bureaucracy. Since power has been dispersed so thinly and so expertly that every petty official cultivated the idea of every illicit deal getting the blessing of the "HIgher up", when all it was was just thin air.
When you give every associate the status of a KNight, you give them the right to exercise your power, along with it, the cultivation of a mind set called "wang-wang".
The Executive is now sending a message to every single one in the bureaucracy that it is ready to get back this "power" and consolidate it once more in a singular source, meaning the President. This is a very deft political move, a requisite to the attainment of good and clean governance.
During the 9-year reign of former president Arroyo, power was dispersed among the close associates of the First Family. Petty "chieftains" and Fief Lords were created mainly on the blessing of the First Couple and placed in the periphery to protect the center of power.Though control was still exercised by the First Couple, their associates do the work for them, controlling every lever of government and influencing the conduct of how the government do business.
It is erroneous to presume that the First Couple did all those dirty things. It was their associates who used the law to protect their illicit activities and it was their associates who flaunted the power when the use of the law has already expired.
For example, in yesterday's Senate probe on the alleged involvement of the First Gentleman in the sale of two second-hand helicopters to the PNP, we see no names or tracks of the First Gentleman in all the documents submitted by the so-called whistleblowers. Yes, their testimonies point to the First Gentleman but it was a "he said, he said" thing, an issue to be as yet determined by the Courts.
The First Gentleman knew how the law works, and he skirted it by paying and receiving cash. What he probably did was exercise his influence, which, under our laws, is not punishable.
There is a possibility that indeed, the First Gentleman did not even know what really transpired during the deal making for these helicopters. Definitely, these things were undertaken through the use of thick layers which protect the principal from any damage or law suits.
This is the exact problem that now bedevils our bureaucracy. Since power has been dispersed so thinly and so expertly that every petty official cultivated the idea of every illicit deal getting the blessing of the "HIgher up", when all it was was just thin air.
When you give every associate the status of a KNight, you give them the right to exercise your power, along with it, the cultivation of a mind set called "wang-wang".
The Executive is now sending a message to every single one in the bureaucracy that it is ready to get back this "power" and consolidate it once more in a singular source, meaning the President. This is a very deft political move, a requisite to the attainment of good and clean governance.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Supreme Court says Truth Commission Unconstitutional: Quo Vadis, Filipino People?
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| The Dark Lords are still around |
The vote? 10-5. Chief Justice Corona, whose midnight appointment was initially opposed by President Benigno Aquino III sided with those who concurred with the decision. Five dissented including: Associate Justices: Antonio Nachura, Antonio Carpio, Conchita Carpio Morales, Maria Lourdes Sereno and Roberto Abad.
All of those who favored were appointed by former President Gloria Arroyo. Arroyo is the subject of the Truth Commission.
So, now, this is the second legal defeat of Noynoy, the first one when the Supreme Court defended Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez from impeachment attempts.
Besides, there were actually no real attempts by this administration to seriously communicate their desire to the members of the Highest Tribunal. Before, factotums of the palace regularly communicate and maintain close relations with members of the Supreme Court.
Or, this is actually part of the "script" showing the alleged collusion between the present and former administration? There were rumours before that the Aquino and the Arroyo administration have already signed an informal peace pact.
What now, Mr. President?
What about the people's thirst for justice? What about those who suffered under the tyrannical Arroyo regime, what would happen to them?
How about those who lost their shirts when the Arroyo misfits ruled the government? What happens to the billions and billions of pesos stolen from us by the Arroyos and their henchmen?
With this defeat in the Supreme Court, the obvious remedy is really convince the Office of the Ombudsman to lead in the investigation and file appropriate charges against the Arroyo administration.
The thing is this---Gutierrez happens to be the head of the Office and she's highly respected by her colleagues and staff in that office, despite perceived "negative" news about her and about her alleged links with the First Gentleman.
If this administration again tries to impeach her, that, I think, will just fall by the wayside. Gutierrez has shown her mettle as both an administrator and a highly respected and impartial Ombudsman, according to what her staff say.
This ruling is unprecedented in its effects. It just means that every government can actually do what it wants, steal as many as a billion or two during their incumbency since no one would actually try them after their term of thievery has ended.
This is a very sad day for all those seeking for justice.
This is a very sad day for Philippine democracy.
This justifies that if the Filipino People want true justice, the People may have to take matters in their own hands.
This justifies a revolution of sorts, a revolution overhauling the very system in order to really get justice for the people.
This is the only solution if we really want those who stole billions from our treasury jailed.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Draft Arroyo farewell speech today
Here is the draft of Mrs. Arroyo's farewell speech...
Mga mahal kong kababayan,
Mahaba haba rin ang panahon ng ating pagsasama. Siyam na taon na ang nakalipas matapos nating kunin ang kapangyarihan mula sa may-ari nito. Mahaba para sa karamihan ang siyam na taon. Para sa akin at sa aking asawa, maikli ang siyam na taon. Dapat sana, siyamnapung taon.
Kung siyamnapung taon, marami pa sana akong napagawang kalsada, tulay, paliparan at mga daungan.Marami pa sana akong mag re-reclaim na lupain, maidevelop ang Manila Bay at naipasemento ko pa sana lahat ng bukirin.
Ang paggawa ng mga imprastraktura ang pinakamabilis kumita ng pera, este, ang pinakamabuting tungkulin ng isang pangulo. Dahilan sa kalsada, uunlad ang ekonomiya. Isang halimbawa na lamang si Senador Manny Villar. Nang magkaroon ng C-5 na dumaan sa kanyang mga sabdibisyon, mabilis niyang naibenta ang mga maliliit na bahay sa halagang tatlong milyon.
Sabi nila, marami daw naghirap sa ilalim ng aking administrasyon. Ito po'y isang kasinungalingan! Pano dadami ang mahirap, eh, nung tinignan ko ang aking bank account sa Hongkong at Portugal, lumobo pa ito sa mahigit 80 milyong piso.
Noong dating nangungupahan lamang sa isang maliit na apartment ang aking anak na si Mikey, wala pa siyang pambayad sa renta. Kita mo ngayon, may mansyon na rin siya sa California.
Hindi ba kami ang First Family o unang pamilya? Kung yumaman ang First Family, tanda yan na marami rin sa ating mga Pilipino ang yumaman ng ako ay nanunungkulan.
Peace and order improved in our country. Kung noong panahon ni Cory, talamak ang mga rebelde, ngayon, imbes na nasasa bundok sila, naririto na silang lahat sa Maynila. Patunay yan na nasugpo ko ang Komunismo dahil pinalitan ko lang yan ng Pasismo at nepotismo.
Ang sabi nila, nangurakot daw ako ng katakut-takot nitong siyam na taon. Wala pong katotohanan yan. Kung may nakuha man akong pera, sino ba ang nakinabang? Ang akin bang pamilya? Hindi po.
Bilangin na lamang ninyo kung ilang tao ang napakain ko ng steak at binusog ko ng marangyang pagkain sa mamahaling restawran? Hindi ba mahigit 200 daang katao ang laging kasama at buntot buntot sa akin? Mga kababayan, sila po ang nararapat ninyong siningilin dahil sa kanila, napunta ang pera ko.
At ngayon ko lang din po aamining, oo, tumawag nga ako kay Garci pero ito'y sa pagaalalang baka walang makain ang mga tao ko sa Mindanao. Oo, dinayal ko ang number ni Garci pero ito'y sa paghahangad na hindi siya tumalon ng bakod noong halalan.
Hindi rin po totoo na lumaganap ang smuggling nang nakaupo ako. Human smuggling po at hindi smuggling ng bigas ang lumaganap. Smuggling po ng kuryente at gasolina po ang tumaas, hindi po ang smuggling ng mga produktong gawa sa China.
Paano po magkakaroon ng smuggling eh pinababayaan naman namin ang mga produkto ng mga Intsik na pumasok dito ng walang taxes? And honestly, sino ba ang nakikinabang sa mga smuggled goods, hindi ba tayo ring mga Pilipino? Nakakabili na tayo ng mga murang damit, murang sapatos na de tatak, dahil sa smuggling. Dati, walang nakakabili ng C-K o kaya ng Michael Kors na damit. Ngayon, dahil sa smuggling, pati Abercrombie, naisusuot mo na.
Kung pakikinggan niyo lang po si Enrile, na ako na ang pinakamasipag na pangulo sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, hindi siguro marami ang nagalit sa akin.
Kailangan ko pong magsipag dahil ang aking bank account noong 2001 ay 20 milyong piso lang. Kailangan kong mag catch up sa mga kaklase ko sa Miriam na multi-milyonaryo na ngayon.
Pero, huwag po kayong mag-alala, magkikita-kita pa rin tayo.
Bilang kongresista ng Pampanga, hindi pa mawawala sa eksena ang inyong Tita Gloria. Sa susunod na tatlong taon, media blitz ang gagawin namin para by 2013, ako na ang inyong Prime Minister.
Maraming salamat po and see you soon.
Mga mahal kong kababayan,
Mahaba haba rin ang panahon ng ating pagsasama. Siyam na taon na ang nakalipas matapos nating kunin ang kapangyarihan mula sa may-ari nito. Mahaba para sa karamihan ang siyam na taon. Para sa akin at sa aking asawa, maikli ang siyam na taon. Dapat sana, siyamnapung taon.
Kung siyamnapung taon, marami pa sana akong napagawang kalsada, tulay, paliparan at mga daungan.Marami pa sana akong mag re-reclaim na lupain, maidevelop ang Manila Bay at naipasemento ko pa sana lahat ng bukirin.
Ang paggawa ng mga imprastraktura ang pinakamabilis kumita ng pera, este, ang pinakamabuting tungkulin ng isang pangulo. Dahilan sa kalsada, uunlad ang ekonomiya. Isang halimbawa na lamang si Senador Manny Villar. Nang magkaroon ng C-5 na dumaan sa kanyang mga sabdibisyon, mabilis niyang naibenta ang mga maliliit na bahay sa halagang tatlong milyon.
Sabi nila, marami daw naghirap sa ilalim ng aking administrasyon. Ito po'y isang kasinungalingan! Pano dadami ang mahirap, eh, nung tinignan ko ang aking bank account sa Hongkong at Portugal, lumobo pa ito sa mahigit 80 milyong piso.
Noong dating nangungupahan lamang sa isang maliit na apartment ang aking anak na si Mikey, wala pa siyang pambayad sa renta. Kita mo ngayon, may mansyon na rin siya sa California.
Hindi ba kami ang First Family o unang pamilya? Kung yumaman ang First Family, tanda yan na marami rin sa ating mga Pilipino ang yumaman ng ako ay nanunungkulan.
Peace and order improved in our country. Kung noong panahon ni Cory, talamak ang mga rebelde, ngayon, imbes na nasasa bundok sila, naririto na silang lahat sa Maynila. Patunay yan na nasugpo ko ang Komunismo dahil pinalitan ko lang yan ng Pasismo at nepotismo.
Ang sabi nila, nangurakot daw ako ng katakut-takot nitong siyam na taon. Wala pong katotohanan yan. Kung may nakuha man akong pera, sino ba ang nakinabang? Ang akin bang pamilya? Hindi po.
Bilangin na lamang ninyo kung ilang tao ang napakain ko ng steak at binusog ko ng marangyang pagkain sa mamahaling restawran? Hindi ba mahigit 200 daang katao ang laging kasama at buntot buntot sa akin? Mga kababayan, sila po ang nararapat ninyong siningilin dahil sa kanila, napunta ang pera ko.
At ngayon ko lang din po aamining, oo, tumawag nga ako kay Garci pero ito'y sa pagaalalang baka walang makain ang mga tao ko sa Mindanao. Oo, dinayal ko ang number ni Garci pero ito'y sa paghahangad na hindi siya tumalon ng bakod noong halalan.
Hindi rin po totoo na lumaganap ang smuggling nang nakaupo ako. Human smuggling po at hindi smuggling ng bigas ang lumaganap. Smuggling po ng kuryente at gasolina po ang tumaas, hindi po ang smuggling ng mga produktong gawa sa China.
Paano po magkakaroon ng smuggling eh pinababayaan naman namin ang mga produkto ng mga Intsik na pumasok dito ng walang taxes? And honestly, sino ba ang nakikinabang sa mga smuggled goods, hindi ba tayo ring mga Pilipino? Nakakabili na tayo ng mga murang damit, murang sapatos na de tatak, dahil sa smuggling. Dati, walang nakakabili ng C-K o kaya ng Michael Kors na damit. Ngayon, dahil sa smuggling, pati Abercrombie, naisusuot mo na.
Kung pakikinggan niyo lang po si Enrile, na ako na ang pinakamasipag na pangulo sa kasaysayan ng ating bansa, hindi siguro marami ang nagalit sa akin.
Kailangan ko pong magsipag dahil ang aking bank account noong 2001 ay 20 milyong piso lang. Kailangan kong mag catch up sa mga kaklase ko sa Miriam na multi-milyonaryo na ngayon.
Pero, huwag po kayong mag-alala, magkikita-kita pa rin tayo.
Bilang kongresista ng Pampanga, hindi pa mawawala sa eksena ang inyong Tita Gloria. Sa susunod na tatlong taon, media blitz ang gagawin namin para by 2013, ako na ang inyong Prime Minister.
Maraming salamat po and see you soon.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Of Pseudo-Nationalists and Senator Dick Gordon: Prelude to an EXPOSE against Gordon
Senator Dick Gordon is in a quandary. He wants to pander to his political benefactors namely the First Gentleman and Mrs. Arroyo but he does not want to sacrifice his political ambitions. He already made a successful campaign to erase the graft-ridden Joc-Joc Bolante case out of the public's mind, and he has one more case to go---the ZTE-NBN deal. This is a stinking deal which goes, way, way up there, in the stratosphere that is Malacanang.
Former Senate blue ribbon committee chair Alan Peter Cayetano already said before that this deal reaches up to Malacanang. Dick does not agree. For a man who benefitted largely from public trust (I will have a very explosive expose in the next few days about Honorable Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon. Abangan!), the least that Gordon has to do is render fairness.
If you watched the last senate hearing, Gordon was not fair. Yes, before I laud Gordon for his deft handling of the blue ribbon committee hearings but the last hearing, well, it left a very bad taste in the mouth. Gordon showed how he takes his job very seriously to satisfy his friends over at Malacanang.
What is the reason for Gordon's behavior? I will explain that in my next entries.
And to mask his moves, Gordon fooled the people, especially his friends, to think that he's running for president so that people will think that the main reason why Gordon is attacking the political enemies of his friends over at the Pasig is political. Ladies and gentleman, Gordon is not doing that for politics. What are his motivations? I will expose that in my later entries here. And this expose will surely rock Mr. Gordon. Abangan!
I am saddened by the favorable entries written by a blogger about Gordon. That entry was a very discomforting and definitely partial take on the ZTE-NBN deal. The blogger wanted to reinforce into the public mind that those whistleblowers are the ones guilty, NOT, the First Gentleman nor his wife, Gloria Arroyo and her devil gang, the officials of DOTC and others.
And to think that I was the one who endorsed that site to my friends online, thinking that he will only write nationalist entries. I am mistaken. I will correct my mistake in the next few days by presenting here an EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE against the "idol" of this writer.
The blog community is full of pseudo-nationalists, pro-Arroyo and pro-graft and corruption writers who masquerade as for the people, when they are for the perpetuation of the traditional elite mindsets.
Imagine, Gordon wants to file a case against the whistleblowers, namely, Mr. Joey de Venecia III and Jun Lozada, when they were the ones who opened up this case and sacrifice their lives to show the public that this deal will definitely affect them.
Today marks the second year that Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada went out of the woodwork to expose this stinking deal which Gordon wants to deodorize. They will not succeed. For, we the people, are not fools.
For us not to forget this, I took the liberty of downloading here the famous ZTE Alphabet. Filipinos around the world, don't forget this.
Former Senate blue ribbon committee chair Alan Peter Cayetano already said before that this deal reaches up to Malacanang. Dick does not agree. For a man who benefitted largely from public trust (I will have a very explosive expose in the next few days about Honorable Senator Richard "Dick" Gordon. Abangan!), the least that Gordon has to do is render fairness.
If you watched the last senate hearing, Gordon was not fair. Yes, before I laud Gordon for his deft handling of the blue ribbon committee hearings but the last hearing, well, it left a very bad taste in the mouth. Gordon showed how he takes his job very seriously to satisfy his friends over at Malacanang.
What is the reason for Gordon's behavior? I will explain that in my next entries.
And to mask his moves, Gordon fooled the people, especially his friends, to think that he's running for president so that people will think that the main reason why Gordon is attacking the political enemies of his friends over at the Pasig is political. Ladies and gentleman, Gordon is not doing that for politics. What are his motivations? I will expose that in my later entries here. And this expose will surely rock Mr. Gordon. Abangan!
I am saddened by the favorable entries written by a blogger about Gordon. That entry was a very discomforting and definitely partial take on the ZTE-NBN deal. The blogger wanted to reinforce into the public mind that those whistleblowers are the ones guilty, NOT, the First Gentleman nor his wife, Gloria Arroyo and her devil gang, the officials of DOTC and others.
And to think that I was the one who endorsed that site to my friends online, thinking that he will only write nationalist entries. I am mistaken. I will correct my mistake in the next few days by presenting here an EXPLOSIVE EXPOSE against the "idol" of this writer.
The blog community is full of pseudo-nationalists, pro-Arroyo and pro-graft and corruption writers who masquerade as for the people, when they are for the perpetuation of the traditional elite mindsets.
Imagine, Gordon wants to file a case against the whistleblowers, namely, Mr. Joey de Venecia III and Jun Lozada, when they were the ones who opened up this case and sacrifice their lives to show the public that this deal will definitely affect them.
Today marks the second year that Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada went out of the woodwork to expose this stinking deal which Gordon wants to deodorize. They will not succeed. For, we the people, are not fools.
For us not to forget this, I took the liberty of downloading here the famous ZTE Alphabet. Filipinos around the world, don't forget this.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
FG makes double security checks
What a lovely sight. Or is it?
Checking if the news are true? Seeing it for himself? He does'nt know?
Or, maybe, he's out to make a clean breasts of things?"
Friday, January 23, 2009
The story of the fertilizer scam so far
Sometime in 1999, Jimmy Paule, Nessie Llarena and Maritess Aytona met in different occasions. Paule told the Senate Blue Ribbon committee that he first met Nessie Llarena after being introduced by a common friend. Paule went to Llarena's office when Llarena reportedly asked their common friend if he knows of someone close to DECS official. Known in inner circles as a big-time operator, having close ties with DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno, Paule could have been introduced and passed himself on to Llarena as a "powerful lobbyist".
The trio developed a deep personal and professional relationship.
Then, sometime 2003, Mrs. Arroyo, upon the prodding of her close advisers, declared her intention to seek election. A product of EDSA Dos, Mrs. Arroyo's assumption to office was, at best, through a "coup d'etat". A source said the reason why Mrs. Arroyo chose to run is to protect herself from possible attacks from the Estrada camp, who, at that time, remained very powerful and very influential.
When Arroyo announced her intention to run, an inner circle of advisers then hatched the plan to fund the electoral campaign of Mrs. Arroyo. Reportedly, the First Gentleman tasked his closest friends, among them, former DA Undersecretary Joc-Joc Bolante. Bolante is a charismatic Rotary guy, the same organization where the First Gentleman got his closest allies.
Bolante came up with an ingenous way to deepen the political grassroots network of Arroyo. The department which he controls at that time (Cito Lorenzo just served as prop) has an extensive rural network which Arroyo's camp needed.
Bolante came up with the program on supplying fertilizers to NGO's, PO's and LGU's. This program is a regular program of the DA. Bolante identified it as a potential support booster and possible funding source. First, its budget comes from the regular allocation. But since Mrs. Arroyo needs additional electoral funds, it may be that the DA increase its allocation and make the program more extensive.
Bolante then presented his plan to the powers-that-be in Malacanang. With the blessing of the First Gentleman, Bolante took over Cito Lorenzo, who, according to sources, remain clueless and uninformed about what Bolante was doing inside a department which he reportedly heads.
(wait for the next one
The trio developed a deep personal and professional relationship.
Then, sometime 2003, Mrs. Arroyo, upon the prodding of her close advisers, declared her intention to seek election. A product of EDSA Dos, Mrs. Arroyo's assumption to office was, at best, through a "coup d'etat". A source said the reason why Mrs. Arroyo chose to run is to protect herself from possible attacks from the Estrada camp, who, at that time, remained very powerful and very influential.
When Arroyo announced her intention to run, an inner circle of advisers then hatched the plan to fund the electoral campaign of Mrs. Arroyo. Reportedly, the First Gentleman tasked his closest friends, among them, former DA Undersecretary Joc-Joc Bolante. Bolante is a charismatic Rotary guy, the same organization where the First Gentleman got his closest allies.
Bolante came up with an ingenous way to deepen the political grassroots network of Arroyo. The department which he controls at that time (Cito Lorenzo just served as prop) has an extensive rural network which Arroyo's camp needed.
Bolante came up with the program on supplying fertilizers to NGO's, PO's and LGU's. This program is a regular program of the DA. Bolante identified it as a potential support booster and possible funding source. First, its budget comes from the regular allocation. But since Mrs. Arroyo needs additional electoral funds, it may be that the DA increase its allocation and make the program more extensive.
Bolante then presented his plan to the powers-that-be in Malacanang. With the blessing of the First Gentleman, Bolante took over Cito Lorenzo, who, according to sources, remain clueless and uninformed about what Bolante was doing inside a department which he reportedly heads.
(wait for the next one
Monday, November 24, 2008
It felt good
Jose de Venecia Jr. stood tall today. Inspite of what palace operators said, that all of his narrations are "rehash" and "plain old sour-graping", the fact is, they can't dispute what happened. JDV was invited, along with Gloria, her husband and their close associate, Ben Abalos. In an interview over at DZBB, Abalos admitted that the meeting really took place. But, is'nt weird that Abalos, the First Gentleman and their cohorts in bastardizing this country of ours really found nothing wrong with them and the president being there at the very turf of one of the proclaimed bidders in a government project?
What's so shocking about that, says Abalos who now spends more of his time teeing off at Wack-Wack? What's wrong with the president of the Republic playing golf with ZTE officials? There's nothing wrong except that the president represents the entire Filipino People. Is he saying that the very representative of the Filipino is plain and simple without decency and morals? I mean, are they really serious that there really is nothing wrong with that?
There's also nothing wrong for this government to award more than US$ 2 billion worth of gold mines in Mount Diwalwal. After losing the ZTE telecommunications deal, this government sold Diwalwal instead. Imagine, 90% of mined gold ore will be shipped to China, while only 10% will be enjoyed by the government of the Philippines. Talk about a sellout, this is the most onerous deal I have ever read in my entire life! And Gloria, her husband, and their cohort Mike Defensor found nothing wrong with this.
JDV stood tall today. And Joey de Venecia III is even prouder. Interviewed by my good friends Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, the elder De Venecia said he "felt good" when he finally told the Filipino People about what happened in Shenzshen. He has been fooling himself for the longest time, that Gloria will eventually repent and correct the grievous mistakes of her administration, especially in graft and corruption. He waited, says JDV and nothing happened.
Now is the time for reckoning, says JDV. It's the beginning for the baddest nightmares for Mike A, Mike D and Mikey A.
What's so shocking about that, says Abalos who now spends more of his time teeing off at Wack-Wack? What's wrong with the president of the Republic playing golf with ZTE officials? There's nothing wrong except that the president represents the entire Filipino People. Is he saying that the very representative of the Filipino is plain and simple without decency and morals? I mean, are they really serious that there really is nothing wrong with that?
There's also nothing wrong for this government to award more than US$ 2 billion worth of gold mines in Mount Diwalwal. After losing the ZTE telecommunications deal, this government sold Diwalwal instead. Imagine, 90% of mined gold ore will be shipped to China, while only 10% will be enjoyed by the government of the Philippines. Talk about a sellout, this is the most onerous deal I have ever read in my entire life! And Gloria, her husband, and their cohort Mike Defensor found nothing wrong with this.
JDV stood tall today. And Joey de Venecia III is even prouder. Interviewed by my good friends Anthony Taberna and Gerry Baja, the elder De Venecia said he "felt good" when he finally told the Filipino People about what happened in Shenzshen. He has been fooling himself for the longest time, that Gloria will eventually repent and correct the grievous mistakes of her administration, especially in graft and corruption. He waited, says JDV and nothing happened.
Now is the time for reckoning, says JDV. It's the beginning for the baddest nightmares for Mike A, Mike D and Mikey A.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Joc-Joc Bolante must tell all; Gloria visibly bothered
Lest we forget, now that Joc-Joc's back and intimated his willingness to "tell everything" about the fertilizer scam, the People wants him to answer these questions:
- Who are his principals?
- Who assisted him in distributing the funds?
- How much money did he kept for himself?
- Who did he called when he exiled himself in the US?
- Who visited him in jail? How many times?
- Who are those who supposedly are out to kill him or silence him?
- What things will he reveal that he thinks might cause him his life?
- Did he ever called the president during the time he's operating the scam?
- Did he felt some remorse when he was spending those years in jail?
- Any regrets on serving government?
- Senator Jinggoy Estrada asked the Senate to immediately send Joc-Joc to the Senate holding area to be examined by the Senate physician. He believes that Joc-Joc is just faking it.
- The Ombusman just asked Joc-Joc to submit his counter-affidavit in response to the government's graft case against him.
- Senator Ed Angara said he will not re-open the fertilizer scam case. He still believes that the warrant for Joc-Joc's arrest by Villar is invalid. His former ACCRA partner, ex-Senator Franklin Drilon thinks otherwise.
- Gloria is seen visibly tired and disturbed during the Global Forum on Migration and asked media not to ask questions about the Bolante case.
- The palace just issued a statement that it welcomes Bolante's return.
BY THE WAY, heard from my source inside St. Luke's Medical Center that allegedly the First Gentleman uses the resident cardiologist as "courier" between him and Bolante. We have yet to confirm this.
Also, Bolante reportedly received numerous calls (both cellular and landline) from unknown callers.
As of the moment, Bolante is being guarded at the hospital by the Senate security personnel, the hospital's security and even the Quezon City Police.
Meanwhile, some spotted former Vice President Teofisto Guingona entering the St. Luke's Medical Center.
New Philippine Revolution and PinoyObserver will remain vigilant. Let's continue our vigil for the Truth.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
JDV to cross swords against the Gang of Pigs
Will the father follow the footsteps of his controversial son this September? That appears to be the case here as former Speaker Joe de Venecia is said to be preparing for his testimony before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee on the controversial ZTE deal. His testimony could potentially open a can of worms, says political kibitzers. But, for it to cause a huge issue that would lead to the downfall of Arroyo, I think not.
Arroyo remains as strong as ever. Charges of graft and corruption are starting to take centerstage again, with news on possible intervention of the lawyer of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo on the Meralco case linked to the bribery issue at the Court of Appeals and the reported pork barrel release timed for charter change. JDV's testimony could disrupt things temporarily. But if JDV fails to animate the curiosity of Filipinos on what really transpired on this botched deal, then, that could very well pose a big problem for the opposition.
This, I think, is the last card by the opposition against Arroyo. Should JDV fail to stir up the hornet's nest on this one, they have nothing more to accuse Arroyo of, leading to an uneasy impasse.
JDV's testimony could also lead to a disintegration of Lakas-CMD. This early, many of its veterans are thinking of abandoning ship with the latest pronouncement of Ray Roquero of the list of possible presidential bets. Many Lakas-CMD members think they have a shallow bench in 2010. With JDV's testimony against Arroyo and her gang of pigs, ass-lickers within this party may opt to change partylines to avoid a pork barrel shutoff.
Arroyo remains as strong as ever. Charges of graft and corruption are starting to take centerstage again, with news on possible intervention of the lawyer of First Gentleman Mike Arroyo on the Meralco case linked to the bribery issue at the Court of Appeals and the reported pork barrel release timed for charter change. JDV's testimony could disrupt things temporarily. But if JDV fails to animate the curiosity of Filipinos on what really transpired on this botched deal, then, that could very well pose a big problem for the opposition.
This, I think, is the last card by the opposition against Arroyo. Should JDV fail to stir up the hornet's nest on this one, they have nothing more to accuse Arroyo of, leading to an uneasy impasse.
JDV's testimony could also lead to a disintegration of Lakas-CMD. This early, many of its veterans are thinking of abandoning ship with the latest pronouncement of Ray Roquero of the list of possible presidential bets. Many Lakas-CMD members think they have a shallow bench in 2010. With JDV's testimony against Arroyo and her gang of pigs, ass-lickers within this party may opt to change partylines to avoid a pork barrel shutoff.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
FG is at it again
Read the story below. There's another anomaly involving the First Gentleman. Again, FG got himself involved in another overpriced deal, which, according to Senator Jamby Madrigal, might run between US$ 18 million and US$ 90 million. It was allegedly brokered by Francis Chua, whom I remember meeting sometime in 2000 in an interview. Chua is allegedly very close to the First Family since he lead this group's founding sometime before 2000. This group is supposedly a counter-force to the PCCCIII of Lucio Tan, which, at that time, was very close to the Erap administration.
Another anomaly--Southrail documents are missing. Documents about this anomalous deal are again missing, just like what happened to the ZTE deal which Undersecretary Formoso lost right after the Boao forum.
And another--the Department of Education (DepEd) ruled that Jun Lozada should not be allowed to enter public schools to talk about the ZTE deal. What if, in some instance, Jun finds himself needing a toilet and it happens that he's near the Ramon Magsaysay High school along Espana, would he be allowed to enter the premises of that public school? Obviously, according to the DepEd, he's not allowed.
Such attempts at destroying documents and preventing people from knowing the truth, I believe, is more than enough evidence for the CBCP, former Senator Salonga and all the rest who are not convinced to call for Arroyo's resignation to reconsider their decision. These attempts at suppressing the truth are as clear as daylight. We must not blind ourselves.
If we want to know the truth, we must be ready to sacrifice everything for the Truth to come out. But if government agencies are being used by just one family to protect itself against further acrimonious accusations, then, what use are these calls for Arroyo to allow the truth to come out when it is very, very clear that she's not really willing to do so?
FG linked to another alleged overprice
By AUREA CALICA
The Philippine Star
Sen. Jamby Madrigal is seeking an investigation into the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s purchase of allegedly overpriced x-ray scanning machines from a Chinese company without public bidding, reportedly upon the intervention of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Madrigal said the alleged deal was brokered by a certain Francis Chua who is believed to be the former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), a group supportive of the administration.
Madrigal’s call for an investigation is contained in Senate Resolution 317.
"It is estimated that the alleged overprice of the NICIS project may run between $18 million and $90 million for both project phases," Madrigal said.
The purchase of the x-ray machines is part of the administration’s so-called Non-Intrusive Container Inspection System (NICIS), which involves the installation of mobile or truck-mounted x-ray machines to scan container vans in the different ports of the country to prevent smuggling, facilitate trade and prevent tariff evasion. The NICIS project was implemented based on Executive Order 592 signed by President Arroyo on Dec. 15, 2006.
In her resolution, Madrigal said the Arroyo government, through the Department of Finance and the BOC, signed a concessional loan agreement with China on May 11, 2006 and on Jan. 15, 2007 to finance Phase 1 and 2 of the NCIS, respectively.
The loan for Phase 1 involves $50 million for 10 units of the x-ray machines and $100 million for 20 more units for Phase 2. The Export-Import Bank of China was assigned to process the loan while the Beijing-based Nuctech Co. Ltd. was China’s supplier for the project.
According to Madrigal, the NICIS project is part of the $1.109-billion loan agreement between the government and China covering the Northrail and Southrail projects. The amount is way above the usual pledges of development aid from a single country. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Japan collectively promised $11.4 billion, with $1 billion more still being negotiated.
During the Nov. 2, 2007 budget hearing, BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said each unit of the x-ray machines cost $2.5 million.
But according to comparative international prices of x-ray machines based on results of public biddings for the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the Iceland State Trading Center, each unit of the x-ray scanning machines from Nuctech costs only $1.9 million on the average, the resolution read.
Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. mentioned during a hearing on the national broadband network deal controversy that the First Gentleman joined Customs and other officials in inspecting the x-ray scanning machines in China along with Chua.
"Why is the First Gentleman part of the visit to China to see the x-ray machines? Are we going to follow everything that China wants because the loan will come from it?" she asked.
Madrigal said some of the machines were reportedly defective and became non-operational a few months after their delivery.
She also questioned why the government had to purchase 30 machines when one would have been enough, based on the practice in other countries. Madrigal added that with the huge number of units purchased, the government should have negotiated a discount.
"The anomalies in the NICIS project may have arisen because of the lack of transparency in this government-to-government transaction, when it could have been done through public bidding," Madrigal said.
The president of Nuctech, Hu Haifeng, is a son of Chinese President Hu Jintao. Nuctech is the same supplier of the now suspended Cyber-Education project.
So far, Madrigal said BOC has accounted for only 16 units in different ports in the country.
She further noted that the BOC personnel who were trained in China in 2006 to operate the machines were all allegedly removed from their posts. "Why?" Madrigal asked.
Madrigal said she could not accept the argument of the BOC that it purchased a different model to justify the high unit cost, considering that more progressive countries were able to get x-ray machines from the same company for lower prices.
Chua reacts
In a text message to The STAR, Chua said the allegations might scare away potential Chinese direct investors.
"My role as investment envoy is to bridge China relations with the Philippines," he said in his text message.
"My primary concern is foreign direct investments such as Cosco’s proposed central shipping hub totaling $5 billion of private investment," he said.
"I will never interest myself in government-to-government projects since (they are) purely a matter between two states," Chua pointed out.
"Since my stint as federation president to this day, I have spent all of my time encouraging Chinese to do private business in the Philippines and ultimately generate more jobs.
"I lament that these allegations have deterred the investments of these multinational Chinese companies which could have generated thousands more jobs and infused billions more capital into the Philippines," he pointed out.
Another anomaly--Southrail documents are missing. Documents about this anomalous deal are again missing, just like what happened to the ZTE deal which Undersecretary Formoso lost right after the Boao forum.
And another--the Department of Education (DepEd) ruled that Jun Lozada should not be allowed to enter public schools to talk about the ZTE deal. What if, in some instance, Jun finds himself needing a toilet and it happens that he's near the Ramon Magsaysay High school along Espana, would he be allowed to enter the premises of that public school? Obviously, according to the DepEd, he's not allowed.
Such attempts at destroying documents and preventing people from knowing the truth, I believe, is more than enough evidence for the CBCP, former Senator Salonga and all the rest who are not convinced to call for Arroyo's resignation to reconsider their decision. These attempts at suppressing the truth are as clear as daylight. We must not blind ourselves.
If we want to know the truth, we must be ready to sacrifice everything for the Truth to come out. But if government agencies are being used by just one family to protect itself against further acrimonious accusations, then, what use are these calls for Arroyo to allow the truth to come out when it is very, very clear that she's not really willing to do so?
FG linked to another alleged overprice
By AUREA CALICA
The Philippine Star
Sen. Jamby Madrigal is seeking an investigation into the Bureau of Customs (BOC)’s purchase of allegedly overpriced x-ray scanning machines from a Chinese company without public bidding, reportedly upon the intervention of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.
Madrigal said the alleged deal was brokered by a certain Francis Chua who is believed to be the former president of the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc. (FFCCCII), a group supportive of the administration.
Madrigal’s call for an investigation is contained in Senate Resolution 317.
"It is estimated that the alleged overprice of the NICIS project may run between $18 million and $90 million for both project phases," Madrigal said.
The purchase of the x-ray machines is part of the administration’s so-called Non-Intrusive Container Inspection System (NICIS), which involves the installation of mobile or truck-mounted x-ray machines to scan container vans in the different ports of the country to prevent smuggling, facilitate trade and prevent tariff evasion. The NICIS project was implemented based on Executive Order 592 signed by President Arroyo on Dec. 15, 2006.
In her resolution, Madrigal said the Arroyo government, through the Department of Finance and the BOC, signed a concessional loan agreement with China on May 11, 2006 and on Jan. 15, 2007 to finance Phase 1 and 2 of the NCIS, respectively.
The loan for Phase 1 involves $50 million for 10 units of the x-ray machines and $100 million for 20 more units for Phase 2. The Export-Import Bank of China was assigned to process the loan while the Beijing-based Nuctech Co. Ltd. was China’s supplier for the project.
According to Madrigal, the NICIS project is part of the $1.109-billion loan agreement between the government and China covering the Northrail and Southrail projects. The amount is way above the usual pledges of development aid from a single country. The International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and Japan collectively promised $11.4 billion, with $1 billion more still being negotiated.
During the Nov. 2, 2007 budget hearing, BOC Commissioner Napoleon Morales said each unit of the x-ray machines cost $2.5 million.
But according to comparative international prices of x-ray machines based on results of public biddings for the Los Angeles Harbor Department and the Iceland State Trading Center, each unit of the x-ray scanning machines from Nuctech costs only $1.9 million on the average, the resolution read.
Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. mentioned during a hearing on the national broadband network deal controversy that the First Gentleman joined Customs and other officials in inspecting the x-ray scanning machines in China along with Chua.
"Why is the First Gentleman part of the visit to China to see the x-ray machines? Are we going to follow everything that China wants because the loan will come from it?" she asked.
Madrigal said some of the machines were reportedly defective and became non-operational a few months after their delivery.
She also questioned why the government had to purchase 30 machines when one would have been enough, based on the practice in other countries. Madrigal added that with the huge number of units purchased, the government should have negotiated a discount.
"The anomalies in the NICIS project may have arisen because of the lack of transparency in this government-to-government transaction, when it could have been done through public bidding," Madrigal said.
The president of Nuctech, Hu Haifeng, is a son of Chinese President Hu Jintao. Nuctech is the same supplier of the now suspended Cyber-Education project.
So far, Madrigal said BOC has accounted for only 16 units in different ports in the country.
She further noted that the BOC personnel who were trained in China in 2006 to operate the machines were all allegedly removed from their posts. "Why?" Madrigal asked.
Madrigal said she could not accept the argument of the BOC that it purchased a different model to justify the high unit cost, considering that more progressive countries were able to get x-ray machines from the same company for lower prices.
Chua reacts
In a text message to The STAR, Chua said the allegations might scare away potential Chinese direct investors.
"My role as investment envoy is to bridge China relations with the Philippines," he said in his text message.
"My primary concern is foreign direct investments such as Cosco’s proposed central shipping hub totaling $5 billion of private investment," he said.
"I will never interest myself in government-to-government projects since (they are) purely a matter between two states," Chua pointed out.
"Since my stint as federation president to this day, I have spent all of my time encouraging Chinese to do private business in the Philippines and ultimately generate more jobs.
"I lament that these allegations have deterred the investments of these multinational Chinese companies which could have generated thousands more jobs and infused billions more capital into the Philippines," he pointed out.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Pathological Traps
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?
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?
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.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Measuring Economic Success
Gloria Arroyo just boasted before the European royals that "shes an excellent economist but the worst politician". She claimed that she's the one responsible for the strong economic showing of the Philippines.
Bull. And a lot of horse shit.
In a way, she IS responsible for the "phenomenal growth" of the economy. By really messing up here, making life intolerable and unbearable to millions of Filipinos, Arroyo prompted an exodus of workers and intelligent Filipinos. Their monies help stabilize the economy. It is no secret that the only thing that keeps this economy alive are billions of dollars worth of overseas remittances every month.
Also, she just happened to be president when the REGIONAL ECONOMY is having a blast. The emergence of China as an economic powerhouse, the excellent showing of other ASEAN countries and the influx of investments are natural occurrences of globalization. Investors have no choice but to go to the Philippines because it's one of the largest markets around--85 million people. Whether it's Arroyo or Erap or whoever, no investor will gloss the importance of the Philippines as a consumer market.
What then is the measure of economic success?
Arroyo can only claim to be an economist if the standard of living has improved. If the average salaried employee can own a house or if the amount of savings put by at least a fraction of Filipinos have increased, we can say that, indeed Arroyo has succeeded. If her government manages to lower the price of oil despite its increasing price in the global marketplace. If she manages to lower inflation and keeps the GDP in its strongest levels, then, we can say that indeed, the Philippines has achieved economic stability. And oh, by the way, if majority of Filipinos can say for sure that they are eating at least three times a day, everyday for a month, and not just noodles and tuyo mind you, but quality, healthy, nutritious food, that'll be the time that I can truly say, with certainty, that Arroyo is a consummate economist.
For now, all I can say is that Arroyo is a dreamy economist. I remember one of her speeches when she told the people to build an "enchanted kingdom" Well, Arroyo probably has dreamt of being queen. Yes, we do have an "enhanted kingdom" right now, with her as queen and FG as king. The only problem is, it only exists in the minds of the First Couple.
Bull. And a lot of horse shit.
In a way, she IS responsible for the "phenomenal growth" of the economy. By really messing up here, making life intolerable and unbearable to millions of Filipinos, Arroyo prompted an exodus of workers and intelligent Filipinos. Their monies help stabilize the economy. It is no secret that the only thing that keeps this economy alive are billions of dollars worth of overseas remittances every month.
Also, she just happened to be president when the REGIONAL ECONOMY is having a blast. The emergence of China as an economic powerhouse, the excellent showing of other ASEAN countries and the influx of investments are natural occurrences of globalization. Investors have no choice but to go to the Philippines because it's one of the largest markets around--85 million people. Whether it's Arroyo or Erap or whoever, no investor will gloss the importance of the Philippines as a consumer market.
What then is the measure of economic success?
Arroyo can only claim to be an economist if the standard of living has improved. If the average salaried employee can own a house or if the amount of savings put by at least a fraction of Filipinos have increased, we can say that, indeed Arroyo has succeeded. If her government manages to lower the price of oil despite its increasing price in the global marketplace. If she manages to lower inflation and keeps the GDP in its strongest levels, then, we can say that indeed, the Philippines has achieved economic stability. And oh, by the way, if majority of Filipinos can say for sure that they are eating at least three times a day, everyday for a month, and not just noodles and tuyo mind you, but quality, healthy, nutritious food, that'll be the time that I can truly say, with certainty, that Arroyo is a consummate economist.
For now, all I can say is that Arroyo is a dreamy economist. I remember one of her speeches when she told the people to build an "enchanted kingdom" Well, Arroyo probably has dreamt of being queen. Yes, we do have an "enhanted kingdom" right now, with her as queen and FG as king. The only problem is, it only exists in the minds of the First Couple.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Jueteng Money to innoculate GMA--Money Trail
A source from Malacanang said that the monies given to governors and congressmen (more than 500 million) came from jueteng money. I could'nt believe it at first but after Department of Budget and Management Secretary Andaya denied that these monies came from the government treasury, I thought that this thing could be possible. Remember that classic video grab where these government officials came out of the palace flanking Manny Pacquiao, who was at the back of Manny and trailing both GMA and JDV? You guessed right--its Chavit Singson. And you know that Singson would say that the reason why he was there was he's Manny's link to the palace right? Well, there's more to that Singson visit to the palace than welcoming a boxer.
Who would give such a huge amount that palace factotums like Tonypet Albano and Poblador can just give "just like that."? Well, it could be jueteng money. It could have been given by a losing Kapampangan for governor, or a big-time Batangas jueteng lord cum kingpin or a Bicol-based silent operator?
Another wagging tongue shared this view--probably the monies came from the secret bank accounts of the Arroyos in the Swiss Alps. Remember that the First Golfer, err, First Gentleman went to Zurich during the height of the ZTE probe, right? If FG can go on a trip, ride an airplane, then he's as healthy as a bull to attend the ZTE Senate probe, yes? No, says his doctor. The stress might kill FG. But, he can ride an airplane, go to the banks with his alleged girl friend for what? FG's trip to Germany should be investigated thoroughly.
Or, it could be ZTE money, withdrawn by FG from abroad? Remember that ZTE allegedly gave 50 Million US dollars as "advanced money" to Abalos and his gang. That's 2.2 billion pesos! That's just a fraction of the spoils given to these rapacious government officials.
Those monies cannot be government money, because if it is, it should have a paper trail, right? Wrong. The president, says another source, can get 500 million from her intelligence funds, which are discretionary funds. Well, the Senate should check on this enormous power of the purse by the president. Because if she can do that, with just a verbal order, she can dispense half a billion pesos, then, she's the wealthiest single banker this country ever had.
There's more to this than meets the eye
If we have that big an amount to just give to our government officials "recklessly and apparently in wanton fashion", then, we should investigate this. I am appalled by the reaction our distinguished Senators and government officials showed lately. They seemed to be disaffected by all of this, as if this thing is not to be despised nor to be thought as illegal.
Where's our morals? It could be that we have lost it altogether and we're ripe for the reaping.
Who would give such a huge amount that palace factotums like Tonypet Albano and Poblador can just give "just like that."? Well, it could be jueteng money. It could have been given by a losing Kapampangan for governor, or a big-time Batangas jueteng lord cum kingpin or a Bicol-based silent operator?
Another wagging tongue shared this view--probably the monies came from the secret bank accounts of the Arroyos in the Swiss Alps. Remember that the First Golfer, err, First Gentleman went to Zurich during the height of the ZTE probe, right? If FG can go on a trip, ride an airplane, then he's as healthy as a bull to attend the ZTE Senate probe, yes? No, says his doctor. The stress might kill FG. But, he can ride an airplane, go to the banks with his alleged girl friend for what? FG's trip to Germany should be investigated thoroughly.
Or, it could be ZTE money, withdrawn by FG from abroad? Remember that ZTE allegedly gave 50 Million US dollars as "advanced money" to Abalos and his gang. That's 2.2 billion pesos! That's just a fraction of the spoils given to these rapacious government officials.
Those monies cannot be government money, because if it is, it should have a paper trail, right? Wrong. The president, says another source, can get 500 million from her intelligence funds, which are discretionary funds. Well, the Senate should check on this enormous power of the purse by the president. Because if she can do that, with just a verbal order, she can dispense half a billion pesos, then, she's the wealthiest single banker this country ever had.
There's more to this than meets the eye
If we have that big an amount to just give to our government officials "recklessly and apparently in wanton fashion", then, we should investigate this. I am appalled by the reaction our distinguished Senators and government officials showed lately. They seemed to be disaffected by all of this, as if this thing is not to be despised nor to be thought as illegal.
Where's our morals? It could be that we have lost it altogether and we're ripe for the reaping.
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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