Is the Catholic Church in the Philippines is preparing for a political Renaissance? Seems like it when the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines elected Bishop Soc Villegas as their President. Everyone knows Soc. He's the political activist behind former Manila Archbishop Cardinal Sin. He's very active against the Marcos regime.
The bishops' group recognizes the importance of having someone who knows the dynamics of Philippine state and politics. In this day and age, it is highly necessary for the Church to involve itself in secular matters. Its rationale is simple: the very principles and beliefs of the State are being compromised and are, threatened with extinction. This church is not about to let go of its most cherished possession in the Pacific.
The CBCBP mentioned two controversial political issues: one, the Reproductive Health and two, the 2013 automated elections, both of which involved the Church. The Church says it will use all its powers to pressure the Supreme Court to strike down as unconstitutional the Reproductive Health bill. The other issue, says the CBCP, was the elections. There were many glitches and suspicious things which happened. The church wants the government to rectify those errors.
Showing posts with label cbcp. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cbcp. Show all posts
Monday, July 8, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
The Catholic Church Take on RP situation
The statement by the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines regarding the state of affairs in the Philippines is paradoxically different from the picture being presented by the Aquino administration. The Aquino team sees a bright future ahead for all, with an expected 6% rise in economic growth. The CBCP, however, sees dark clouds ahead, what with issues still unresolved by this administration, and the lack of efforts from government to take care of the concerns of the poor and sectors left behind. The Church described these issues as "storms" and present calamities that are being ignored largely by the administration.
These storms were categorized in fours: social, economic, political and even moral, to a point that the Church admits these affect the faith of believers. In the end the prescription is clear---the Church will campaign against those who do not follow Church teachings.
The Church reaction is expected. The defeat it suffered when the State passed the controversial Reproductive Health bill, is an embarrassment. Now, talks abound that in the next Congress, several groups will be gunning for the passage of a Divorce Bill, another measure diametrically opposed by the Catholic Church. Instead of just merely prescribing a spiritual solution to these problems, the Catholic Church is posed to flex its political muscles, which it did only during the last two EDSA coups.
Taking a political action pose numerous risks for the Church, considering that the Church maintains vast proprietary and economic interests. A political action against this administration might slightly affect economic performance.
Like what I said in my previous blogs, the Church will find it difficult to mobilize a big and credible force against this government because majority or most of the groups working for change are either compromised or are working for the administration. Those who traditionally oppose governmental policies are still clueless as to the best approach to take insofar as this administration is concerned. The problem is not as simple as others think.
In this situation, the choice varies from sheer apathy to extremism. The political actor is either apathetic or will resort to extremism. Both choices are ludicrous. Maintaining an apathetic stance negates the very nature of the opposition while extremism poses great risks. Who, in this stage, would be brave enough to risk everything for a venture that presents an uncertain future?
The only option left for the Church is for it to transform itself into a political movement, something which many of its patrons and clients are familiar with. The question really is---will this moral force be strong enough to counter the propaganda of a "clean government"?
Will we see a clash between the Church and the Government in this elections?
Remember that in the past three years, the Aquino administration has created a stronger state, able to withstand a constant barrage of criticisms and able to sustain the public's trust and confidence.
These storms were categorized in fours: social, economic, political and even moral, to a point that the Church admits these affect the faith of believers. In the end the prescription is clear---the Church will campaign against those who do not follow Church teachings.
The Church reaction is expected. The defeat it suffered when the State passed the controversial Reproductive Health bill, is an embarrassment. Now, talks abound that in the next Congress, several groups will be gunning for the passage of a Divorce Bill, another measure diametrically opposed by the Catholic Church. Instead of just merely prescribing a spiritual solution to these problems, the Catholic Church is posed to flex its political muscles, which it did only during the last two EDSA coups.
Taking a political action pose numerous risks for the Church, considering that the Church maintains vast proprietary and economic interests. A political action against this administration might slightly affect economic performance.
Like what I said in my previous blogs, the Church will find it difficult to mobilize a big and credible force against this government because majority or most of the groups working for change are either compromised or are working for the administration. Those who traditionally oppose governmental policies are still clueless as to the best approach to take insofar as this administration is concerned. The problem is not as simple as others think.
In this situation, the choice varies from sheer apathy to extremism. The political actor is either apathetic or will resort to extremism. Both choices are ludicrous. Maintaining an apathetic stance negates the very nature of the opposition while extremism poses great risks. Who, in this stage, would be brave enough to risk everything for a venture that presents an uncertain future?
The only option left for the Church is for it to transform itself into a political movement, something which many of its patrons and clients are familiar with. The question really is---will this moral force be strong enough to counter the propaganda of a "clean government"?
Will we see a clash between the Church and the Government in this elections?
Remember that in the past three years, the Aquino administration has created a stronger state, able to withstand a constant barrage of criticisms and able to sustain the public's trust and confidence.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Dark skies slowly enveloping Tuwid na Daan
The Catholic Church has consulted many sectors on the state of the Philippine economy and politics. Three major issues were tackled: the automated elections, the ongoing negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and social decay.
The Church, thru the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, is very concerned with the PCOS machines which will be used in this year's elections. One Bishop even commented that the PCOS machines used in the 2010 were "flawed" and "had some errors", suggesting that probably, the final results in that elections were probably "in error". The question really, what if, indeed, it was? What then?
There are fears that the Constitution would be tinkered with to accommodate the points of negotiation between GRP and the MILF. The MILF agrees that the Constitution needs to be reviewed and changed, while it is the opposite for the Philippine government. Several analysts actually agree---for the agreement to be valid, the Constitution of the Philippine government should be changed.
Changes in the condition of the Filipino Family, particularly the advent of technologies, are leading to the dissolution of familial ties. Social decay amidst economic growth is a deep concern of the Church, whose mission really is the upliftment of the human soul.
Are we seeing preparations for the revival of Church intervention in Philippine politics? The Church is still the most trusted Institution in the country. Will the Church use its vaulted power to position itself as this administration's main political nemesis?
I doubt it.
For one, it is in the best interest of the Church to maintain its current non-interventionist stance. Second, the Church, as a corporation, is reaping the financial rewards of a very robust economy, what with stocks attaining an all-time high. With Church monies invested in blue-chip and other investments, surely, the Church is very happy with their investments. Third, the fragmentation even of civil society or laity groups within the Church presents a real danger if the Church decides to oppose this administration. There is a very active debate going on in the Church on this issue of political intervention. Many believers see the Church more of a moral force rather than political. Besides, there is really no big issue against this administration that necessitates a more drastic action from the Church.
What is certain is that, slowly, dark skies are enveloping the Tuwid na Daan. There are now groups outside the Power Circle who are feeling aggrieved. Political interests are feeding these groups. This is expected.
The Church, thru the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, is very concerned with the PCOS machines which will be used in this year's elections. One Bishop even commented that the PCOS machines used in the 2010 were "flawed" and "had some errors", suggesting that probably, the final results in that elections were probably "in error". The question really, what if, indeed, it was? What then?
There are fears that the Constitution would be tinkered with to accommodate the points of negotiation between GRP and the MILF. The MILF agrees that the Constitution needs to be reviewed and changed, while it is the opposite for the Philippine government. Several analysts actually agree---for the agreement to be valid, the Constitution of the Philippine government should be changed.
Changes in the condition of the Filipino Family, particularly the advent of technologies, are leading to the dissolution of familial ties. Social decay amidst economic growth is a deep concern of the Church, whose mission really is the upliftment of the human soul.
Are we seeing preparations for the revival of Church intervention in Philippine politics? The Church is still the most trusted Institution in the country. Will the Church use its vaulted power to position itself as this administration's main political nemesis?
I doubt it.
For one, it is in the best interest of the Church to maintain its current non-interventionist stance. Second, the Church, as a corporation, is reaping the financial rewards of a very robust economy, what with stocks attaining an all-time high. With Church monies invested in blue-chip and other investments, surely, the Church is very happy with their investments. Third, the fragmentation even of civil society or laity groups within the Church presents a real danger if the Church decides to oppose this administration. There is a very active debate going on in the Church on this issue of political intervention. Many believers see the Church more of a moral force rather than political. Besides, there is really no big issue against this administration that necessitates a more drastic action from the Church.
What is certain is that, slowly, dark skies are enveloping the Tuwid na Daan. There are now groups outside the Power Circle who are feeling aggrieved. Political interests are feeding these groups. This is expected.
Monday, July 11, 2011
CBCP to issue statement on PCSO scandal and RH Bill today
The DZMM just reported that the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines will issue a statement against the Reproductive Health Bill, mining and the PCSO scandal. According to several sources, this will also be taken as an occasion by the Church to criticize the Aquino administration.
Sources say, this will be the strongest issued condemnation of this administration by the CBCP.
Archbishop Pedro Quitorio along with Bishop Quevedo, will issue the statement.
Sources say this will be the signal for groups to take action against the administration, seeing that it will be just two weeks prior to the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino.
I can't really fathom why this administration wants a head-to-head confrontation with the Church. I mean, this is committing political suicide.
Instead of fighting the Church, why not find a "win-win" solution? Malacanang, it seems, is in a fighting mood, using the PCSO as a platform to isolate itself against established institutions.
On the other hand, this only shows that Malacanang is flexing its muscles against established traditional institutions. BUt, why?
To hide the imperfections of this administration? Or this is a honest-to-goodness effort to curb or rid graft and corruption? I hope they know what they are against.
Sources say, this will be the strongest issued condemnation of this administration by the CBCP.
Archbishop Pedro Quitorio along with Bishop Quevedo, will issue the statement.
Sources say this will be the signal for groups to take action against the administration, seeing that it will be just two weeks prior to the State of the Nation Address of President Aquino.
I can't really fathom why this administration wants a head-to-head confrontation with the Church. I mean, this is committing political suicide.
Instead of fighting the Church, why not find a "win-win" solution? Malacanang, it seems, is in a fighting mood, using the PCSO as a platform to isolate itself against established institutions.
On the other hand, this only shows that Malacanang is flexing its muscles against established traditional institutions. BUt, why?
To hide the imperfections of this administration? Or this is a honest-to-goodness effort to curb or rid graft and corruption? I hope they know what they are against.
Monday, June 8, 2009
CBCP supports No to Con-Ass
Sinuportahan na ng Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) ang mga panawagan upang tutulan ang House Resolution 1109. Ayon sa CBCP, kinakailangang gumawa ng mga hakbang ang taumbayan upang iparating sa regimeng Arroyo ang malakas at marubdob na pagtutol sa balaking baguhin ang Konstitusyon ng ating bansa. Gayundin, ipinahayag din ng CBCP ang kanilang pagtutol sa balaking itayong muli ang isang diktadurya sa ating bansa.
Bagamat sumasang-ayon ako sa mapayapang mga pagkilos laban sa HR 1109 at sa rehimeng Arroyo, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa ito napapanahon. Epektibo lamang ang Gandhian method or yung non-violent approach kung nararamdaman na ng administrasyong ito ang ating lakas at ang potensyal o epekto ng pagwawalang-bahala kung hindi mapapahinuhod ang rehimen sa boses ng masa. Anong ibig kong sabihin?
Kailangang maramdaman ng rehimeng Arroyo na mayroong malakas na puwersang sasagupa sa kanila kung hindi nila ititigil ang kanilang balaking baguhin ang Saligang Batas o ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Sa ngayon, mahina pa ang puwersang pangsagupa sa rehimeng Arroyo.
Kailangang maipakita muna ang matibay na suporta ng mga armadong grupo, tulad ng mga sundalo at mga makabayang kasapi ng mga rebolusyunaryong grupo sa LUzon, Visayas at maging sa Mindanao sa mga panawagang laban sa rehimen. Kailangang magkaroon ng sabayang pagpapakita ng pakikiisa ang mga grupong ito sa malawakang hanay ng mga Pilipinong lalaban sa bumabalot na makapal na kadilimang dulot ng demonyitang sanggol.
Tulad ng mga naisulat ko na sa nakaraan, iisang wika lamang ang alam ng rehimeng ito at iyan ay karahasan. Isang bully itong si Mrs. Arroyo at hindi non-violence ang panlaban sa kanya.
Upang mapaluhod mo ang isang bully, kailangang kausapin mo siya ng mahinahon habang hawak mo ang isang baril sa iyong likuran. Ito ang pinaka matibay na stratehiya laban kay Arroyo. Ito ang nararapat na taktika laban kay Arroyo.
Bagamat sumasang-ayon ako sa mapayapang mga pagkilos laban sa HR 1109 at sa rehimeng Arroyo, sa tingin ko ay hindi pa ito napapanahon. Epektibo lamang ang Gandhian method or yung non-violent approach kung nararamdaman na ng administrasyong ito ang ating lakas at ang potensyal o epekto ng pagwawalang-bahala kung hindi mapapahinuhod ang rehimen sa boses ng masa. Anong ibig kong sabihin?
Kailangang maramdaman ng rehimeng Arroyo na mayroong malakas na puwersang sasagupa sa kanila kung hindi nila ititigil ang kanilang balaking baguhin ang Saligang Batas o ang pagpapatupad ng batas militar. Sa ngayon, mahina pa ang puwersang pangsagupa sa rehimeng Arroyo.
Kailangang maipakita muna ang matibay na suporta ng mga armadong grupo, tulad ng mga sundalo at mga makabayang kasapi ng mga rebolusyunaryong grupo sa LUzon, Visayas at maging sa Mindanao sa mga panawagang laban sa rehimen. Kailangang magkaroon ng sabayang pagpapakita ng pakikiisa ang mga grupong ito sa malawakang hanay ng mga Pilipinong lalaban sa bumabalot na makapal na kadilimang dulot ng demonyitang sanggol.
Tulad ng mga naisulat ko na sa nakaraan, iisang wika lamang ang alam ng rehimeng ito at iyan ay karahasan. Isang bully itong si Mrs. Arroyo at hindi non-violence ang panlaban sa kanya.
Upang mapaluhod mo ang isang bully, kailangang kausapin mo siya ng mahinahon habang hawak mo ang isang baril sa iyong likuran. Ito ang pinaka matibay na stratehiya laban kay Arroyo. Ito ang nararapat na taktika laban kay Arroyo.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
A Trap
The hands of de-escalation experts are now being felt in the light of the ZTE deal. A concerted effort to de-escalate the continuing and increasing momentum of groups opposing and asking for Arroyo's head through the media, mass organisations and established institutions is being implemented involving the highest down to the lowest rungs of the regime. Millions of pesos are being spent ostensibly to control and take charge of the situation. Some media personalities have been compromised. Traps are being laid out to diffuse the boiling situation.
One such trap is the highly publicized CBCP emergency meeting. Operators of the palace allowed the media to heighten public expectation for a stronger CBCP statement, knowing fully well that the CBCP is a traditional institution and will not issue a stronger political statement other than the call for communal action. Historically, the CBCP has been known to be conservative, even as far back as the time of Marcos. That's the reason why Manila's Cardinal Sin stood up in the first place because the CBCP can't commit itself to oppose Marcos.
So, those groups who still peg their support for an ouster call through a Church leadership should not be dismayed. Rather, read Aries Rufo's article at NewsBreak which tells you why the CBCP can't really issue a denouncement of Arroyo's regime.
Groups should highlight instead the growing mass movement for enlightenment among the citizenry. That, in the absence of a strong singular leadership, groups should still express their sentiments against this creeping conjugal greed. I believe it would take a while for this thing to blossom into "people power" but, like I said in my previous blogs, time is not on the side of those who favor Arroyo's head. 2009 is just around the corner and if groups fail to maintain momentum and gain sufficient numbers of persuasion, then, it would be all over.
Thus said, it is highly important that groups work for the massing up of at least 100,000 people come Friday. Why? Because it would show that despite these concerted efforts at derailing their initiatives, the people still went there to express their anger against Arroyo.
Tomorrow's Friday mass rally should be a shining moment for Philippine history. It should be the fullest expression of collective action by a people fed up with the lies, with the corruption, with graft and the filth of the human soul.
One such trap is the highly publicized CBCP emergency meeting. Operators of the palace allowed the media to heighten public expectation for a stronger CBCP statement, knowing fully well that the CBCP is a traditional institution and will not issue a stronger political statement other than the call for communal action. Historically, the CBCP has been known to be conservative, even as far back as the time of Marcos. That's the reason why Manila's Cardinal Sin stood up in the first place because the CBCP can't commit itself to oppose Marcos.
So, those groups who still peg their support for an ouster call through a Church leadership should not be dismayed. Rather, read Aries Rufo's article at NewsBreak which tells you why the CBCP can't really issue a denouncement of Arroyo's regime.
Groups should highlight instead the growing mass movement for enlightenment among the citizenry. That, in the absence of a strong singular leadership, groups should still express their sentiments against this creeping conjugal greed. I believe it would take a while for this thing to blossom into "people power" but, like I said in my previous blogs, time is not on the side of those who favor Arroyo's head. 2009 is just around the corner and if groups fail to maintain momentum and gain sufficient numbers of persuasion, then, it would be all over.
Thus said, it is highly important that groups work for the massing up of at least 100,000 people come Friday. Why? Because it would show that despite these concerted efforts at derailing their initiatives, the people still went there to express their anger against Arroyo.
Tomorrow's Friday mass rally should be a shining moment for Philippine history. It should be the fullest expression of collective action by a people fed up with the lies, with the corruption, with graft and the filth of the human soul.
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Reflections
Snafus marked the 22nd year celebration of EDSA. One most significant was the snag in unfurling the Filipino flag. Alex Magno cynically remarked that snafus happen, those can't be avoided and we must not get too superstitious about it.
Well, I think Magno is well aware of how the Chinese view things political. They said that if God does'nt favor government anymore, signs in heaven are to be seen. In the last three weeks, we saw devastating natural disasters happening in areas where allies of Gloria reside. Are these the signs that we expect?
The military and police brass put forward a challenge to civil society. The challenge, they say, is for civil society to prove to them that, indeed, their commander-in-chief has lost the battle. Okey. Fair enough. What will they do then if 1 million people burst into the streets in the first week of March (the ides of March) and tell Gloria straight in her face that she has lost all moral authority to govern? Will they abandon her? I think not. They are too entrenched and too jaded. They too have lost the ability to see things in a different tack.
The CBCP will meet today to tackle the political issues of our era. Will they issue a stronger statement? Maybe. They saw how priests in their dioceses militate against the greed. Will, they too, join the calls for bigger demonstrations?
El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde said that he's in a period of reflection, obviously, studying the situation very keenly and thoroughly, as if his life depends on it. And it does really. Velarde is an opportunist. When he sees that the situation has changed quickly on the side of Gloria's enemies, he will issue the necessary statement. Or, he's just waiting for the CBCP to issue that statement?
Solita Monsod, that discredited economist who still support Gloria said she's not ready to go to the EDSA route again. Okey. So what? Media should not interview her again.
Well, I think Magno is well aware of how the Chinese view things political. They said that if God does'nt favor government anymore, signs in heaven are to be seen. In the last three weeks, we saw devastating natural disasters happening in areas where allies of Gloria reside. Are these the signs that we expect?
The military and police brass put forward a challenge to civil society. The challenge, they say, is for civil society to prove to them that, indeed, their commander-in-chief has lost the battle. Okey. Fair enough. What will they do then if 1 million people burst into the streets in the first week of March (the ides of March) and tell Gloria straight in her face that she has lost all moral authority to govern? Will they abandon her? I think not. They are too entrenched and too jaded. They too have lost the ability to see things in a different tack.
The CBCP will meet today to tackle the political issues of our era. Will they issue a stronger statement? Maybe. They saw how priests in their dioceses militate against the greed. Will, they too, join the calls for bigger demonstrations?
El Shaddai leader Mike Velarde said that he's in a period of reflection, obviously, studying the situation very keenly and thoroughly, as if his life depends on it. And it does really. Velarde is an opportunist. When he sees that the situation has changed quickly on the side of Gloria's enemies, he will issue the necessary statement. Or, he's just waiting for the CBCP to issue that statement?
Solita Monsod, that discredited economist who still support Gloria said she's not ready to go to the EDSA route again. Okey. So what? Media should not interview her again.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Church to lead the search for Truth
"Their public confession[s] may be considered a providential event that may yet save our country from being hostage to scandalous and shady government deals that offend the common good and serve only personal, family and group interests,"--Archbishop Oscar Lagdameo, President, Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines(CBCP)
In a monumental act, the CBCP finally took a stand against the prevailing order. Archbishop Lagdameo yesterday articulated what the Church wanted to say for so long--the truth shall set us free. So now, the struggle against Arroyo has assumed a higher and deeper stage--that of struggling for the Truth.
If you look at it, however, it is not the Truth that would set us free. It is the struggle for Justice. We, the People now know how corrupt our system has become. We have realized that this corrupt and decrepit system is being perpetuated by those in power. And we already know that these people are just motivated by self-gain.
Now, we await the pronouncements of other religious groups, such as the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the influential El Shaddai and the protestant groups. They must also take the stand and announce their disgusts against Arroyo. Not doing so would mean complicity to these acts of the Palace mafia. Taking a silent stance would mean they accede to what is happening.
Former president Cory Aquino has just visited Lozada, signalling the formal start of active engagement against Arroyo. The president is hurt, says her close aide Merly Poblador who, by the way, is also involved in this controversy. While all of these are going on, we find Lakas slowly disintegrating, with Lakas stalwart and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita encouraging former Speaker Jose de Venecia to relinquish his post as Lakas president to QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte. JDV's meeting with Erap, Ermita says, is a sign that JDV has totally burned his bridges with Malacanang. What it means though is JDV is now a persona non grata at the palace.
The only one left not protesting the callousness of the palace is former president and Lakas founder Fidel V. Ramos. I am sure that FVR will not tolerate this latest caper of the palace. Surely, FVR is not in cahoots with FG's group. However, it is perplexing to say the least, why FVR remains silent to all of these. There are some explanations:
1. FVR is assessing the entire situation. He knows that Lozada's appearance may provide the missing element in moves to oust Arroyo. Being the head of the CIA here in Asia, FVR is in the best position to assess the current standing of Arroyo vis-a-vis this war. What are the elements that would probably lead FVR to conclude that, indeed, Arroyo is in a losing or lost proposition:
a. Military support---This is crucial in any move against the palace. How many elements in the higher echelon of the military does Arroyo have and how many does not support her. Obviously, the scale right now is even, to say the least. Generals are divided. Arroyo does not have the entire loyalty of the military.
Esperon is a crucial element in all of these. His participation is very important to this struggle against immorality and corruption. If Esperon wants to save his ass or retire honorably, he must take a definitive stand against the creeping dictatorship and announce to the Filipino People his disgusts over this corruption. If Esperon remains silent, he is, in effect, condoning this blatant immorality and should be ousted from his post too.
b. Civilian support--It is quite obvious that Arroyo has lost a considerable segment of civil society, which includes the Church. This announcement of CBCP is a signal to Arroyo to take some definitive actions to appease the church. However, this I think is too late in the game. Whatever Arroyo would do now would be USELESS because its the responsibility of the church to assume a stand against immorality.
So now, there is no way out of this mess. As what happened last year, the only saving grace for Arroyo is DIVERSION. She will definitely order a special operations team to create another scenario of destabilization. What would be this:
1. Another bombing which this administration will attribute to terrorism. This is an effective diversionary tactic which they did last year with the Glorietta and Congress bombing.
2. An explosive battle in Mindanao, against using Jolo as a pretext.
3. A coup d'etat launched by Arroyo's own force. This is the most logical tactic. Arroyo will preempt these moves with her own moves. Either she'll use the Magdalo for this, or use another force.
SO ITS GOD SAVE THE QUEEN once more.
In a monumental act, the CBCP finally took a stand against the prevailing order. Archbishop Lagdameo yesterday articulated what the Church wanted to say for so long--the truth shall set us free. So now, the struggle against Arroyo has assumed a higher and deeper stage--that of struggling for the Truth.
If you look at it, however, it is not the Truth that would set us free. It is the struggle for Justice. We, the People now know how corrupt our system has become. We have realized that this corrupt and decrepit system is being perpetuated by those in power. And we already know that these people are just motivated by self-gain.
Now, we await the pronouncements of other religious groups, such as the Iglesia Ni Cristo, the influential El Shaddai and the protestant groups. They must also take the stand and announce their disgusts against Arroyo. Not doing so would mean complicity to these acts of the Palace mafia. Taking a silent stance would mean they accede to what is happening.
Former president Cory Aquino has just visited Lozada, signalling the formal start of active engagement against Arroyo. The president is hurt, says her close aide Merly Poblador who, by the way, is also involved in this controversy. While all of these are going on, we find Lakas slowly disintegrating, with Lakas stalwart and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita encouraging former Speaker Jose de Venecia to relinquish his post as Lakas president to QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte. JDV's meeting with Erap, Ermita says, is a sign that JDV has totally burned his bridges with Malacanang. What it means though is JDV is now a persona non grata at the palace.
The only one left not protesting the callousness of the palace is former president and Lakas founder Fidel V. Ramos. I am sure that FVR will not tolerate this latest caper of the palace. Surely, FVR is not in cahoots with FG's group. However, it is perplexing to say the least, why FVR remains silent to all of these. There are some explanations:
1. FVR is assessing the entire situation. He knows that Lozada's appearance may provide the missing element in moves to oust Arroyo. Being the head of the CIA here in Asia, FVR is in the best position to assess the current standing of Arroyo vis-a-vis this war. What are the elements that would probably lead FVR to conclude that, indeed, Arroyo is in a losing or lost proposition:
a. Military support---This is crucial in any move against the palace. How many elements in the higher echelon of the military does Arroyo have and how many does not support her. Obviously, the scale right now is even, to say the least. Generals are divided. Arroyo does not have the entire loyalty of the military.
Esperon is a crucial element in all of these. His participation is very important to this struggle against immorality and corruption. If Esperon wants to save his ass or retire honorably, he must take a definitive stand against the creeping dictatorship and announce to the Filipino People his disgusts over this corruption. If Esperon remains silent, he is, in effect, condoning this blatant immorality and should be ousted from his post too.
b. Civilian support--It is quite obvious that Arroyo has lost a considerable segment of civil society, which includes the Church. This announcement of CBCP is a signal to Arroyo to take some definitive actions to appease the church. However, this I think is too late in the game. Whatever Arroyo would do now would be USELESS because its the responsibility of the church to assume a stand against immorality.
So now, there is no way out of this mess. As what happened last year, the only saving grace for Arroyo is DIVERSION. She will definitely order a special operations team to create another scenario of destabilization. What would be this:
1. Another bombing which this administration will attribute to terrorism. This is an effective diversionary tactic which they did last year with the Glorietta and Congress bombing.
2. An explosive battle in Mindanao, against using Jolo as a pretext.
3. A coup d'etat launched by Arroyo's own force. This is the most logical tactic. Arroyo will preempt these moves with her own moves. Either she'll use the Magdalo for this, or use another force.
SO ITS GOD SAVE THE QUEEN once more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)