Big Business interests threatened by BBL (Bangsamoro Basic Law)

The House just voted and passed the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) with most of its provisions submitted by the Palace approved. Immediately, Senators led by Miriam Santiago and Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. registered their dissent, with Santiago alleging that the BBL aims to create a "sub-state" which is entirely violative of the Constitution.

Malacanang has set a deadline--June 10--for the passage of the controversial law. Opponents of the BBL are organising an anti-BBL rally on Sunday. Some of those opposing the passage of the law includes former officials of the Ramos administration.

Giving more powers to the Bangsamoros is a given in any negotiation with them. Who will not demand for an arm and a leg? Decades of imperialist rule by Tagalogs and Visayans justify such an arrangement with them.

The MILF Central Committee has already given their decision--they will not accept a "diluted" BBL. What is the consequence? Will it be all out war?

I think war is a far-fetched idea given that the Bangsamoros follow what the Noble Qu'ran teaches them to do--  that you don't go to war if peace is possible. If the BBL fails to pass, the next step really is for both parties--the MILF which represents the Bangsamoro People and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) to go back to the negotiating table.

The problem with a re-negotiation is that the first one was actually mediated by a third party state--Malaysia. Second, Japan also came into the picture. I don't know what face will we be able to show to these two countries which gave so much of their political capital just to make this a reality.

And the MILF leadership also sacrificed a lot of political capital when they sat in that negotiating table. The risk is greater for them than the government peace panel. Losing their respective reputations means a weaker hold of grassroots groups. A weaker centralized leadership could lead to disunity or worse, creation of smaller, more mobile yet more lethal revolutionary groups. International support could reach these groups, giving them more ammunition and more sophistication in their military operationss.

A failed BBL could result to a more serious security threat against the Philippine Republic. What this issue has achieved is it led to a re-consolidation of Bangsamoro groups. IF a war does ensue, that would be more intense and more serious than past conflicts because it would probably show a stronger more resilient Bangsamoro front. Even the middle forces in Bangsamoro society would surely take part in this war. And that would seriously affect peace and order in the region.

I think it is time for the government to understand what things hinder these Big Business groups from this BBL. There is nothing wrong with talking with these Big Business Groups and the hawks outside government and understand where they are coming from, and why they militate against the BBL.

                                        

In our choice of President come 2016...

We must not think of ourselves only. Our choice of President will affect the futures of our other neighbors in Asia. Why?

A President who clings to China will do policies different or contrary to the expectations of other nations, including the United States and Japan. A President who fights China will probably be dragging everyone to a conflict which will be regrettable in the end.

This Spratlys island is a balancing act, something which a populist president will never ever understand.

How about the Bangsamoro Question? The Bangsamoro Basic Law is sure to be passed sometime next week. Implementing such a law requires a toughie of a leader at the same time, someone who knows how to tame those among the propertied classes who feels threatened by the BBL.

It may be popular to talk tough on China but doing so may affect another side of the bilateral relationship with them. It may likewise be unpopular not to engage them but doing so may affect other ties with other Asian countries as well.

We don't need a Populist president come 2016. What we need is a strategic thinker of a President, someone who knows how to detach himself from the throng and sees things at a distance.

This is not the time to consider state matters as a trifle. Our economy and our future are inevitably tied with the regional economy and it is not enough anymore to treat things in isolation. With this ASEAN integration, our hiccup at one side of the region affects the other side of the equation.

We must not be self-absorbed or be selfish to think that our decision come 2016 is ours and ours alone. The traditional borders that separate states from each other are slowly crumbling and state actions cannot be treated as impacting in one place only.

If we elect a popular candidate yet unprepared, we are doing the country, the future generations of Filipinos and even our Asian neighbours a great disservice. 

Let us stop thinking of Malacanan as just an entertainment hub. I know it's hard not to considering that it has acted as such laughable manner since the very start of this Republic.

These times are different. We may regret our actions come next year when we trade state matters over emotions or over populism or over elitist propaganda against a potential perfect candidate.

Or we might be electing someone whose allegiance in the first place is placed elsewhere. Such is the danger and the importance of 2016 that we start taking these elections very seriously.

Or, leave state matters to a Council instead of the present form of government.

Pony government entered into a deal with a ghost who maintains bank accounts

Who will save us from this stupidity? I am so ashamed not as a Filipino but as a citizen of this Republic.

For years, government reportedly knew his "real name", and so claims this person known as Mohaqher Icbal. However, the military admits they simply don't know. Who knows? Prof. Sheila Coronel-Ferrer and Teresita Deles only? How about the rest of the damned republic?

Icbal says it's a matter of security. For forty years, says OPAPP propaganda, Icbal has been in the thick of things. Eh, yun naman pala eh. He has been in the struggle for years, sacrificing his life for the sake of the "cause". Ano pang katatakutan niya?

I don't agree with Senator Teofisto Guingona's argument that this use of an alias is a trivial matter. It is not as what they (meaning, government) wants us to think.

And what senators failed to ask "Mr. Iqbal" today during Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos hearing was his true nationality. Iqbal says, he will be willing to reveal his true name shortly after the signing of the BBL. There is a deeper reason for this and which this writer knows but will let this "person who claims to be Mohaqher Iqbal" reveal for himself.

Worse, Iqbal says he has numerous bank accounts under his name. So there. That means that government tolerated this person for so long and probably, even gave him a legitimate government ID to use for his transactions.

Is this the price for peace, that we will allow such travesty of our laws, just to get the support of a rebel group and the passage of an ambiguous law?

Hindi ba pwedeng makuha ang kapayapaan sa Mindanao nang walang kalokohan at pagkapahiya natin bilang pamahalaan? Na kailangang hiyain pa lahat ng miyembro ng pamahalaan kapalit ng isang batas na hindi naman natin siguradong magtatagumpay?

MILF chief negotiator Iqbal refuses to reveal true name--is it mocking Congress?

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Pnoy's Nobel peace prize at what costs?

The iconic Manila Bay sunset

Some people including this writer are trying to understand where President Benigno s. Aquino and his bunch of advisers, who includes Teresita Deles and Sheila Coronel are coming from. These people are risking so much political capital and even risking the very security of this state just to push for a proposed bill that is full of holes. Why? Why are these people so afraid of the wrath of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front? Or there are other reasons?

Some say its because the MILF is politically allied with Akbayan, a strong administration ally. Akbayan has been advocating for something like this for the Bangsamoro. Yet, pushing the envelope at this point runs the risk of a political suicide because of the unpopularity this BBL got not just because of the Mamasapano incident but of the unconstitutional provisions which were laid bare before the public by the very same legislators tasked to review it. Forcing this issue upon Congress puts the political future of Akbayan at a very high risks. So does the president's.

Others say, probably it is part of the administration's plan for President Aquino to step down with a Nobel peace prize tucked in his belt. But, is it really worth it considering that the palace knows for a fact that the fruits of their labors will not be immediately felt and really, this is more of a suntok sa buwan thing? As admitted by government and even by the MILF, this BBL is an experiment. Anything can happen including a derailment in its implementation. If implemented, the BBL may either create perpetual peace or perpetual destabilization. Besides, how sure are they that Pnoy would really get a nomination or even win the prize ? These are all in the realm of speculation, even an infantile infatuation.

Most believe that this administration is being forced by third parties, countries whose security are inevitably linked with Mindanao's. One, Malaysia. Mindanao is a very serious foreign policy issue for this Muslim confederation, not just in terms of security but in terms of trade. Notice that in the BBL, there is no mention of Sabah, a state being claimed by the Philippines. What happens now if sulu becomes a part of the Bangsamoro territory? Remember that the sultanate of sulu is the one pushing for the retaking or reclaiming of Sabah. What happens if sulu becomes just a province or a political subdivision of the bangsamoro republic ? Surely, it will affect the claims of the sultanate of sulu.  Why is it that we don't include sabah in the equation? Does this mean that the government is formally  abandoning its claims over that state?

By the very action of Pnoy during the Sabah siege by members of the sultanate says much of how we now regard our position in relation to sabah. Will the bangsamoro republic continue the claim or will they eventually abandon it?

With the tremendous financial assistance the government will pour in the proposed bangsamoro republic, there is a big possibility that it will even be the center of trade and commerce in the  BIMB-EAGA economic region. Having more resources than Malaysia, the chance of the bangsamoro developing even faster than Luzon and visayas is bigger than usual. Middle eastern countries are interested in mindanao and so do western countries, such as the United States, Europe and first world countries in asia, like japan. China is likewise a very keen observer in mindanao affairs.

Seriously, there are bigger geopolitical interests involved in the bangsamoro question and resolving this impacts on all of these interests.

In terms of the global fight on terror, mindanao is one place which is most critical. As early as the eighties, mindanao has already been identified as a possible flashpoint in the terror fight. It is an important component in the fight because a radicalization of mindanao will impact on the security of other countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, and singapore. Mindanao may become a battlefield of sorts, Asia's version of Iraq or Syria. It may even be the source of Islamic fighters who will pursue the globalist agenda of Isis in this part of the world.

Now, going back to our original question--- at what price is that Nobel peace prize worth?

A BBL that is as incomplete as it is unconstitutional would create more trouble than peace. One, an unconstitutional law is sure to be challenged before the Supreme Court, which is one cause of delay. Another one, such delays might cause distrust even from one of the parties involved and that is surely, one serious reason for another delay.

President Aquino should be extremely careful not to sacrifice his last remaining political and moral capital in an issue where the outcome is not entirely sure.

Peace is symbiotic. Peace entails sacrifices

President Aquino, in his speech, tries to say that those who oppose the passage of the BBL into law are enemies of peace. In the mind of the president, there are only two kinds of people---those who support the BBL in its entirety and those who oppose it in its entirety.

Excuse me, Mr. President, but please recognise that there is another group of people out there--those who love peace and want a more improved and more acceptable Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Like I said in my previous entries, the BBL is being pictured as the panacea to end the Bangsamoro Question. My take is--it is not. First off, the proposed BBL is not in synchronicity with the present system of governance being implemented in the Philippines and thus, is expected to clash with it in the future. And secondly, like the ARMM, political forces with interests in Mindanao, will surely destabilize it.

The best solution to the Bangsamoro Question is its inclusion as a state in a federated Philippine governmental system. If we want it to succeed, the Bangsamoro Republic must never be considered as such, as a semi-state, but a full state under a federated system. In that way, the full resources of the federation will be utilised to help it succeed.

Under a Federal system, the National Government still holds political power and control yet recognises the unique processes of the state. There is a symbiosis between the majority and the minority states based on equal treatment.

In the present unitary government, fragmentation thru autonomy is not the way towards penultimate peace in Mindanao. There must be a whole-sale acceptance of the Bangsamoro as a unique Nation, a nation distinct from the majority, yet has the potentialities of benefiting even the national government.

If this Republic would give up something, our fellow Muslim brothers and sisters must likewise give us something in exchange.

Senate probe on the Mamasapano Massacre: Play of words and technicalities to hide the truth

Basing on the two days worth of hearings, we, the People, find the following as a confirmation of earlier assumptions.

First, there was a problem in command and control. What is the problem? No one in government wants to assume responsibility. President Aquino blames the SAF commander while the commander himself points to a suspended PNP chief for giving him the "order" which Purisima terms as "advice".

It also shows that the MILF, which is supposed to be partners of government already given the signed peace agreement, also lost command and control. For seven long hours, the MILF leadership failed to control their 105th brigade, the same unit where Marwan spent his last days and where Basit Usman was hiding and reportedly training some MILF members some are women fighters.

Second, there are attempts at lessening the "impact of the incident" by raising "technicalities" and most government officials are resorting to "play of words". Such terms as " close to mission objective", " tactical coordination" were all raised to muddle the issue and are attempts at literally obfuscating the real issues.

Lastly, it is obvious that the very same government peace panel are mouthing the official alibi of the rebels, even in many aspects, defending their actions by again, resorting to technicalities. Prof. Sheila Coronel and Peace adviser Teresita Deles are supposed to be pursuing the people's interests. However, Coronel is even re-stating the claim of the MILF as a revolutionary organisation and re-iterating the MILF's "belligerency status".

Now I understand why the MILF managed to get many concessions from the government--we have a very weak government panel, always ready to sacrifice the national interests for the sake of the MILF. 

Why is our government so afraid of the MILF when, during the time of former president Estrada, our military has proven its effectiveness of defeating this rebel group? The AFP has defeated the MILF before--even decimating their camps. 

Now, with government monies (President Aquino gave 5 million pesos to Mohaqher Iqbal, remember last year?), the MILF is buying arms and strengthening itself. 

Let's admit that our government's fault is we granted the MILF a "belligerency status". That explains why this rebel group is now issuing bold statements against the very republic who seeks peace with them.

I have stated it long before--prior to government entering into an agreement with the MILF, the OPAPP should have assessed if the ones negotiating with them, particularly the MILF leadership, still has command and control of most of their forces in Mindanao. 

What is not being revealed here is the fact that most MILF units are now recognising the chain of command of the BIFF leadership specifically of Umbra Kato. That explains why the head of the 105th brigade of the MILF also acts as the BIFF leader in the area. 

This explains why a study conducted early on reveals that in the event of a peace agreement, there is no certainty of implementing such measures because of the very fact that the MILF leadership is not entirely sure if it can issue commands to its troops and if those troops would actually respect or even follow the MILF chain of command.

Former MNLF chairman Nur Misuari has already publicly announced that most MILF fighters are now BIFF. So, even if this government enters into peace with the MILF leadership, violence and conflicts will still break out in Mindanao precisely because most MILF fighters do not hold faith in the "promises" of the Central Government, and thus, are conditioned to fight for INDEPENDENCE rather than "autonomy."

Meaning, whatever the government says right now, even giving us false assurances of success of the peace pact, the fact of the matter is--WE ARE STILL IN THE STATE OF WAR BECAUSE THE OTHER SIDE THINKS THEY ARE.

President Aquino's speech last February 6, 2015: Analysis and Effects

President Benigno S. Aquino III admitted that he is responsible for the deaths of the forty four troopers of the Special Action Force (SAF). He claims victory since the main target of the operation is to neutralise Zulkifli al hit alias "Marwan". A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) report confirms  that, indeed, the DNA material gathered through the finger reportedly severed from Marwan's hand is of the terrorist's.

Aquino terms the operation as a "success" although with much sacrifice from the paratroopers who conducted it.

Mabigat ang naging kapalit ng tagumpay na ito. 44 na bayani ng Special Action Force ang nagbuwis ng buhay. Sa mga pamilya ng nasawi: Noong nakaraang Biyernes po, nakiusap akong makapanayam kayo, at salamat naman at pinagbigyan ninyo ako, sa panahong puwede ko na kayong makausap nang may dalang sapat na kaalaman sa nangyari, at mga mungkahi para sa inyong kinabukasan. At gaya po ng responsibilidad ko sa inyong mga mahal sa buhay, responsibilidad ko rin kayo; tungkulin kong siguruhing masusuklian nang tama ang sakripisyo ng inyong mga kaanak. Iyon pa rin po ang panata ko sa inyo: Sa nalalabi kong labimpitong buwan sa puwesto, ginagawa ko na at gagawin ko pa ang lahat ng nararapat para tiyaking nasa maayos ang inyong kalagayan.
Ako ang Ama ng Bayan, at 44 sa aking mga anak ang nasawi. Hindi na sila maibabalik; nangyari ang trahedya sa ilalim ng aking panunungkulan; dadalhin ko po hanggang sa huling mga araw ko ang pangyayaring ito. Responsibilidad ko po sila, kasama ang buong puwersa ng SAF sa operasyong ito, pati na ang mga nagligtas sa kanila na nalagay din sa panganib ang buhay.

I agree. Yes, SAF troopers are ready to die for their country, but really the central issue here, and which everyone I think shares this with me is this: in every operation, the goal is to accomplish it without or at least minimum casualty. In this case, the entire operations team was killed by the enemy.

And this is NOT without anomaly--the President himself admitted in his speech that the situation has changed several times from the original plan.

2002 pa po wanted sina Marwan at Usman. Marami nang operasyon para tugisin sila, bago pa tayo maging Pangulo. Itong pinakahuling bersiyon ng plano ay makailang ulit na rin pong in-abort. Tulad ninyo, gusto ko ring malaman ang buong nangyari sa pagkakataong ito, at buo ang tiwala kong lilitaw ito sa isang masusi at walang-kinikilingang imbestigasyon ng Board of Inquiry. Inaabangan po natin ang resulta nito. Pero bilang Pangulo, kasama po sa aking responsibilidad ang matukoy, ngayon na, ang mga nangyaring mali, upang maitama agad ito. Tungkulin kong mahanap ang katarungan sa lalong madaling panahon.
Dahil nga po dito, nagsagawa ako ng sariling pagsisiyasat at panayam sa mga kasama sa operasyong ito. Malinaw pong lumalabas: Malayo na ang sitwasyong dinatnan ng mga tropa, sa inasahan sa plano.

The question really is---the President accuses the former SAF commander of a wrong assessment. Aquino surely knew this from the start.

As Commander-in-Chief, and admittedly, the next one other than resigned PNP chief Alan Purisima who knew about Oplan Wolverine, the onus of responsibility actually lies with HIM. In every operation, it is the President as the highest man in the chain of command who can order the go signal.

The question is--why did the President allowed a subordinate to proceed as planned, knowing fully well that the operation has been compromised? The president failed to explain what was the difference between the first and the last plan.

We all know that the President is not a military man; hence, his knowledge of strategies and tactics are all basic. Surely, there is another person beside him who probably gave him counsel during those times.

In no straight terms, Aquino then shifted his speech to that of the purported resignation of Purisima. In this part of his speech, Aquino in no certain terms pointed to Purisima. Aquino says in very straight terms that Purisima is leaving "under these circumstances".

Kaya nga po, siguro naman ay maiintindihan ninyo kung bakit masakit para sa akin na aalis siya sa serbisyo sa ilalim ng ganitong pagkakataon. Tinatanggap ko po, effective immediately, ang resignation ni General Purisima. At nagpapasalamat ako sa mahabang panahon ng kanyang paglilingkod bago mangyari ang trahedyang ito.

This phrase is deceptive to say the least. It is now clear---Purisima resigned due to this issue. This is the president's admission--that Purisima was indeed, involved in this operation and because of this, he is resigning.

This admission opens a floodgate of questions.

1. Purisima was ordered suspended by the Courts prior to this operation. Who gave Purisima the power to command and control? Surely, it is the President. 
2. Purisima resigned because of this issue. That is an admission that he took part in this operation, since his resignation was not about his current legal predicament but on this issue, as claimed by the President. So, then, that shows us that Purisima assumed a major role in this botched operation. 
3. Since Purisima did, indeed took part, then, here comes the great question--who gave him the power while he was under suspension? Did he managed the operation alone? Of course not! The President admitted in the clearest tone that he is responsible. So, who gave him faulty counsel which led to the deaths of the SAF troopers?
4. Did the President broke the law when he took Purisima under his bosom to direct this operation? Yes. The president once more, disrespected the order of a co-equal constitutional body--the Office of the Ombudsman. Imagine, Aquino did not even consider that Purisima was suspended, and therefore, cannot mobilise augmentation troops that easily knowing full well that he is not fully in control of the organisation. 
5. What happens now with Purisima? He remains a member of the police force until his retirement. His resignation only affects his position as chief PNP, not his rank and surely, not his status. What about his case before the Ombudsman? It will definitely continue since he is being accused of something which he did while chief of the police force. That is settled.

Now, here comes the scandalous part. 

In his speech, the President called on the MILF to surrender those who are responsible for the carnage.

Sa mga kasapi at liderato ng MILF: Mula pa noong umpisa, tinuturing ko kayo bilang mga kapatid sa paghahangad ng kapayapaan. At hanggang ngayon, umaasa ako na tutulong kayo na hanapin ang hustisya; kailangang panagutin ang lahat ng may sala, lalo na kung totoong may mga sugatan at hindi makalaban na tuluyan pa ring pinatay. Magandang unang hakbang ang pagkilos ninyo upang limitahan ang kilos ng BIFF.
Ukol naman kay Usman, nais kong ipahayag: Kung nasa loob siya ng inyong teritoryo o nasa ilalim siya ng pangangalaga ng sinuman sa inyo, inaasahan kong isusuko ninyo siya sa mga awtoridad. Kung hindi, ay gawin ang lahat upang tumulong sa pagdakip sa kanya. At kung hindi pa rin maaari ito, ay huwag makialam sa aming pag-uusig kay Usman.
Magsilbi sana itong babala at paalala: Huhulihin namin si Usman, anuman ang maging desisyon ninyo, sino man ang kumukupkop sa kanya, at saan man siya nagtatago. Walang dapat magduda: Magkatuwang ang adhikain natin para sa kapayapaan at katarungan. Sa mga naliligaw naman ng landas, na magtatangka pang humadlang sa pagtugis namin kay Usman, tandaan  na ninyo: Estado ang kalaban ninyo, at sasagasaan namin kayo.

Notice in his speech, that the President already acknowledged one violation of the Articles of War committed by the MILF-- the killing of those probably unarmed or unable to fire back. Aquino should have issued as stronger speech given that the main goal of the speech is to establish him as Commander-in-Chief. This paragraph is more of an appeal rather than a quest for justice. It is more prudent to say the least for the president to strongly demand that the MILF turn over their men who committed these atrocities. 

The President also reiterated his firm commitment to the attainment of peace in Mindanao.

Sa lahat po ng nakikisanib sa atin sa paghahangad ng kapayapaan: Desidido kaming ituloy ang laban. At gusto ko rin naman pong sabihin sa mga humaharang sa ating adhikain, lalo na ang mga gumagamit ng dahas: Itaga ninyo sa bato, lalo pa ninyong madarama ang pinatalas at pinatinding lakas ng nagkakaisang sambayanang Pilipino.
Manatili sana tayong nakatutok sa ating pangunahing layunin: Ang malawakan at pangmatagalang kapayapaan. Ito ang ipinaglaban ng Special Action Force sa Mamasapano. Ito ang patuloy na ipinaglalaban ng bawat disenteng Pilipinong gustong mag-iwan ng mas magandang kinabukasan para sa mga susunod na henerasyon. Sa pamamagitan ng pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan, matatamo natin ang katarungan, masusuklian natin ang sakripisyo ng ating kapulisan, at matutupad natin ang ating kolektibong mga pangarap.

This is entirely problematic. For one, it is certain that the President wants the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law under no uncertain terms. The issue nga is the BBL was subjected to uncertainty because of the absence of a mechanism which would prevent such operational things from happening ever again. Admittedly, the BBL is still a very raw draft. It even needs surgical operation, says one legislator.

Why push for the passage of an incomplete law? The prospect of success is dim. Just because the government had committed itself with the MILF leadership that this law is to be passed this March, the government will run roughshod any attempts at further fine-tuning such a measure? Is this the right way? This is NOT a legacy worth giving to future generations, Mr. President. If this very raw and uncertain bill is passed, it will create more destabilisation and worse, wars and conflicts that would surely be worst ever.

Prudence dictates that this bill be studied more carefully and passed when all issues are settled.

Peace talks and BBL--dead in the water

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Is peace elusive in restive South? A look into the Bangsamoro Question

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Political implications of jailing three incumbent Senators--linked to the passage of the Bangsamoro basic law and Cha-Cha?

The Department of Justice has recommended the filing of graft charges against three incumbent senators. The Ombudsman is expected to follow suit. In the first of three expected "filing surges", three senators have been charged---Senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. These people are being accused of using their PDAF that funded bogus NGOs established by pork barrel scam queen Janet Lim-Napoles.

Senator Chiz Escudero and his colleague, Bong Bong Marcos expressed contrasting views on this, symptomatic of how divided the middle and upper middle class forces are when it comes to this issue.

Marcos, a political ally of Enrile and Estrada, called for sobriety. Marcos used the presumption of innocence card, saying that these senators ought to be given their day in court and should be treated not as criminals, but as "innocents." They haven't been adjudged guilty yet of the crime charged and therefore, as "innocent" as any other citizen out there.

Well, this is partially true. For one, a governmental agency has already found sufficient evidence to support the previous charges of graft. It will be now up to the courts, meaning the Sandiganbayan, to determine if these charges do satisfy the requisites of the crime as charged.

Escudero has expressed a view far away from the "adjudged innocent until proven guilty" view by saying that these senators deserve "common jail cells" instead of special ones. I simply dont know what Escudero means about "common cells", but if his class is to be asked, the "common cell" probably describes a nice room complete with airconditioning.

Both gentlemen missed the bus so to speak when it comes to this issue. For one, these fine gentlemen may never be jailed at all, because of the political implications of such a move by the State.

Everyone knows that in the next few months in Congress, one critical issue remains before legislators to resolve---the Bangsamoro Law.

Aquino and the MILF have signed the Bangsamoro agreement, the first legal step towards the creation of the Bangsamoro Law. Aquino is very persistent in this. He wants to leave a legacy, since he already failed on curbing graft and corruption and poverty.

The Chief Executive has done his thing. It is now up to Congress to verify what the Chief Executive had accomplished in so short a time.

In such constitutional issues, both Houses are expectedly to vote separately. With three anti-administration senators out of the picture, it would now very easy for the palace to push for their agenda since they already "politically neuthered" the House. Fact is, any administration backed measure is sure to pass the "scrunity" of the House.

Is this part of the ultimate strategy--to prevent those who are at the other side of the political fence to make their moves and oppose this Aquino legacy from being implemented?

I hope in the future, anti-graft campaigns are used to really prosecute the sinners and not those whose sin is they believe otherwise.