Why The People Should Not Expect An AFP Intervention

The presscon of the two Juniors

I was listening to the speeches and answers of AFP Chief Esperon and PNP Chief Razon, two "Juniors" so to speak of Gloria during their joint "spontaneous" press conference inside Camp Aguinaldo. Among those they said, Esperon's answers came as "refreshing" to me. He reiterated the AFP's support to the "Spirit of EDSA". A few minutes ago, during Ramos' media interview, Ramos reiterated the "Spirit of EDSA". Last week, JDV also told one media personality about the "Spirit of EDSA". Esperon was very categorical in saying that they support the Spirit of EDSA.

The Spirit of EDSA

During one interview, Esperon said that this time, this political crisis should be solved by civil society. The challenge, Esperon said, is for civil society to prove to the people their will to resolve the crisis. Esperon said that civil society must resolve this crisis through the constitutional processes, meaning, it should be through the democratic institutions which the AFP helped restore after the constitutional authoritarianism of the Marcos era.

I am always reading between the lines here. I always write about the motivations of people, why people actually said these things and why it was said during that time. And it strikes me that Ramos' speech (a prepared one) and Esperon's including Razon's were written in the same vein. I mean, it seems that both Ramos and Esperon have talked prior to this.

Instead of seeing the press conference as an attempt by Gloria to show the support of the AFP-PNP behind her administration, it should be seen as a DEPARTURE from the usual tactics of tower strengthening.

Gloria weaker now than before

It is now very clear to me that Gloria is actually weaker than what people perceive. Since the call is a New Brand of People Power, this new breed will not involve the security forces. This crisis will be left for the civilian authorities to resolve themselves. The AFP and PNP are solidly behind the Filipino People, that is very evident. This is a GOOD SIGN. Why?

Fence-sitting AFP and PNP more dangerous to Gloria

A fence-sitting AFP and PNP is MORE DANGEROUS to Gloria than a WITHDRAWAL OF SUPPORT. Why? Because that's a sign that she's left without defense. That she's now as vulnerable as she was in 2005.

See it in a different light

We must see all of these events in a different light. EDSA 1 and EDSA 2 happened when the military broke the chain of command and supported the Filipino People in the rallies. Now, we will see none of the announcement of withdrawal of support. We will see a purist form of EDSA where the resolution will not be through the parliament of the streets. No.

Resolve through Constitutional Means

Rather, the resolution of this crisis will be resolved in the backrooms of Malacanang. Intense pressure from civil society, religious, business groups and Youth groups will make Gloria resign or, the most logical conclusion is put forward a letter handing over the reins of power to her constitutional successor due to inability to dispense her functions.

Impeachment? Again?

Senate President Manny Villar put forward impeachment. This is a vain attempt at resolving the issue since this impeachment will just be junked by a Kampi-dominated Congress.

Resignation is more acceptable

What is more potent than this and more logical is for Gloria to resign and hand over government to Noli. Why? First, that would be the most acceptable "change" that the oligarchs and the rich could tolerate. Forget about revolution. It cannot be done in the present dispensation. Admit it---we are dominated by a non-conscientious oligarchic system.

The New Form of EDSA

The new form of EDSA is a form wherein crisis will not be influenced by a military intervention. Again, I will reiterate my prognosis that this will be resolved PEACEFULLY, no coups, no withdrawal of support, no military intervention. It will be quick and bloodless. This is the newest breed of EDSA and would be the purest expression of People Power.

Gloria will be forced to go on leave and hand over power to a care-taker government to be headed by the Vice President.

War in Mindanao

Secretary Ermita just confirmed what we wrote here--Esperon's additional 90 days are to be spent in a war in Mindanao which they would conduct sometime in February 2008. After that, Esperon will be given a government post.

In an interview yesterday, Esperon admitted that his last remaining 90 days will be "bloody" since he expects the NPA rebels in 17 fronts to fight. What he is not saying is the impending war in Mindanao which the hawks at the palace are lusting to do. Why a war in Mindanao? Two things: First, a war in Mindanao will justify the push for charter change and second, it would show the US how "resolute" the Philippine government is in the fight against terror.

What government is not telling us is this---what would be the economic effects of such wars? Have they even thought of the economic consequences of these campaigns?

Gloria should seriously think about this. Why? In a time where the entire world economy is bracing for a recession, this administration wants to spend money for a war to justify cha-cha. An economic adviser already told Arroyo that the government needs 75 billion pesos to shield it from the dire effects of a US recession. What if government spends 1 billion a day for 90 days just for these wars?

Gloria should not raid the public coffers to fund these campaigns. A war would not only affect Mindanao. It will seriously affect the entire Philippines. I shudder at the thought of an Argentinian food riots happening in Manila.

Time to process that Canadian immigration application.

Desperate Chief of Staff

Malacanang just said that there is still no confirmation from Mrs. Arroyo that she'll extend Esperon's term. However, Philippine Star reported that Arroyo will extend Esperon's term. Their proof? An alleged meeting between Arroyo and Esperon last January 13 and statements from "sources". Probably their sources are Esperon, Gonzales, Ramos and Teodoro.

And Esperon is really very desperate. Imagine, giving some self-serving statements and alluding to the president's inner wishes of his term being extended. Imagine, the AFP Chief of Staff concluding that he'll be extended all because of one simple line, " bakit magreretire ka na ba?" (Why? Are you retiring?)

Hahahahahahahaha! What a pitiful man, Esperon is!

Kawawang Esperon. He's so desperate. He's really an embarrassing sight! He is shitting all around. He's making fun of himself, really. Why not wait for the president herself to tell the public that he's to be extended? Are you, Esperon, so afraid of what will happen to you when you retire that, again, you are hiding behind the shirt of Arroyo?

Kawawang Esperon. If I'm the son or daughter of this man, i'll hide my face. Kahiya-hiya!!

Also, the DND just reported that they threw the attack helicopter deal in the waste basket, for fear that this issue will be used against Arroyo and Esperon. Well, Secretary Teodoro, you still have two (2) more deals to unmask. You need to thumb down these two deals so you'll be able to save Esperon's hide from everybody.

Hahahaha! What a pity, this Esperon character is!

Destabilization conspirators

Gloria is set to announce Esperon's term extension when she goes back from Davos, Switzerland. Reports say, Gloria wants Esperon to continue his plan of crushing the Communists or what the military calls Bantay Laya.

What a ridiculous and funny thing to do. Katawa-tawa talaga itong si Gloria! (Gloria is really ridiculous)

What would Esperon do with a few months of extension? Is Esperon a superman that a few months he will crush a 40-year insurgency? Oh, c'mon! There must be something other than this.



I think it was Ramos who pressured Gloria to extend Esperon's term. As I wrote here a few days ago, Ramos endorsed Esperon's term extension for reasons unknown to many. I ask you Mr. President--why? What would Esperon do in a few months of extra time? Nothing! Probably, I think, you and your gang have a deal or a slew of deals to finish and you need Esperon's signature that's why he is to be extended.

I pity the former president. He has succumbed to the pseudo-leader's disease. Ramos should learn when to fade away for the sake of the future generation.



Look at this photo of Trillianes. He has allowed himself to be handcuffed. Why?

Being handcuffed is a principle. Look at what Col. Ariel Querubin and General Lim did. They resisted. Trillianes did nothing of this sort.

I am very, very suspicious of Trillianes now. I think he is a pseudo or a bogus rebel leader. His actions are definitely not consistent with his public image.

Flash report: Esperon to be extended

I now understand why Esperon suddenly said there's no more destabilization. Former president Fidel V. Ramos just endorsed him for another term. In fact, Ramos even said that he has supported Esperon since Day One. So, its final. Esperon got what he wanted, another lease of life.

Tordersillas is right--Esperon etal just used the destab bogey for their own selfish ends. They are making Gloria hostage with these pronouncements. I bet my bottom dollar that during the time when these destabilization issues are being floated or being sensationalized by media, a deal or a slew of projects were pushed down the throat of GMA. I still don't have any inkling what they are but I'm sure it involves AFP modernization.

The question that I always wanted to ask but were afraid to know the answer is this--how will Esperon's enemies take this? Will they do something? Or they would just sit in one corner and cry?

Ramos still needs Esperon in government. For whatever reason, only the Fates know.

GMA as destabilizer? Threat of Terrorism

After GMA left for Switzerland yesterday, AFP Chief of Staff Esperon, PNP Chief Razon, DOJ Secretary cRaul(o) Gonzales, Defense Secretary Danding Cojuangco, err Secretary pamangkin of the biggest Marcos crony and even InSecurity Adviser Gonzales immediately downgraded the threat alert they have announced a few days ago. The lapdogs said, there's no more threat, no more destabilization.

Hehehe. So, GMA is the destabilizer? For these people, you need to read between the lines.

What these idiots want us to believe--if GMA is here, there's always a threat of destabilization. If GMA is out, there's none. What a way to send a message to their boss.

Seriously, my media colleagues should NOT, I say again, should NOT be a party to the pronouncements of this group of lapdogs. I mean, doing so, we make ourselves a party to their foolishness. These people have no hiya anymore. I mean, if they have at least some semblance of hiya, they would not spread these rumours around like they're gospel truth.

This is what I am saying.

IF THE PHILIPPINES HAVE THESE KINDS OF MILITARY AND SECURITY OFFICIALS, IT SHOWS YOU HOW INEPT THIS GOVERNMENT IS IN THE FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM.

FOR THE US, THIS IS MY MESSAGE: YOU SHOULD URGE THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO REPLACE THESE PEOPLE. WHY? BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO CREDIBILITY ANYMORE. WHAT WILL HAPPEN NOW? THE PEOPLE DO NOT BELIEVE THIS GOVERNMENT ANYMORE. WHAT IF A LEGITIMATE AND SERIOUS TERRORIST ACTIVITY HAPPENS IN THE PHILIPPINES AND THEY ANNOUNCE IT, THE PEOPLE WILL THINK TWICE OR EVEN THRICE IN BELIEVING THEM. AND IT WOULD AFFECT INTELLIGENCE-GATHERING SINCE INTEL AGENTS WILL HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING CREDIBLE AND A-1 INFORMATION REGARDING THE INCIDENT.

This is what I am saying. If the US government wants to solve the global terrorist problem and prevent it from spreading and infecting their own country, they should have a strong ally against terror here in the Philippines. Obviously, this is NOT the case here.

Esperon's fate--DOTC Chief

Its confirmed. GMA will NOT, I say, WILL NOT EXTEND ESPERON'S TERM. This was confirmed by one of my sources at the palace. There's a twist however. Esperon is said to be replacing former PNP chief and now DOTC Secretary Mendoza. Yes, some of the palace hawks are giving the gauntlet to Mendo. The loyal DOTC secretary who has done a good job cleaning house, is said to be on his way out.

Yano is the new AFP Chief of Staff, one of Arroyo's closest advisers said. Arroyo reportedly gave Esperon a verbal dressing down just recently. Esperon reportedly shouted at Arroyo for not extending his term. The incident happened last Friday when Arroyo called Esperon to her office at the palace. Esperon allegedly threatened the president that he'll side with the anti-Arroyo groups. Arroyo was unfazed, knowing fully well that no group will ever get Esperon in their side.

So, its final--Esperon out, Yano in.

Spooks

Its not Halloween but we are continuously being fed with creepy reports. And these reports are on high gear. Just this morning, AFP Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon is at it again, telling the nation that another destabilization attempt is imminent. He said that they are monitoring some unusual movements on the ground. And those movements are coming from the camp of detained Senator Trillianes.

Tsk,tsk,tsk. Esperon is spooking us again. Indeed there are unusual movements on the ground, Sir. Every minute, little quakes happen and its not coming from Trillianes. Its coming from those mines. Or those volcanoes sir. Or whenever you go to the john sir.

Major Spooks

Whatever Esperon says right now, people will think that the reason why he's saying these things is to force GMA to renew his term of service. Hey, February is just around the corner. If he still wants to be relevant, then, he's sure to do something foolish before February 9; otherwise, he'll be allowed to fade away, just like Calderon. Oh, by the way, Calderon was recycled. Yes, he's now the chief jailer.

Before Esperon, there's National unsecurity adviser Gonzales who told the world how vulnerable the Philippines is against terrorism. That's why two senior military officials from the US state department visited him. Maybe he knows something we don't, says the Americans. Well boys, Gonzales is as clueless as you are Generals. You don't know it but Gonzales is just pulling your hairy legs, sirs.

Another spook, this time, In Justice Secretary Gonzales. This septuagenarian always imagine things in his mind. He's as paranoid as Hitler. He's imagining things and infecting us with his foolishness.


Paranoid as hell

I can understand these people. They're thieves. So, they're afraid to finally face the People's Justice.

All I know is this---these groups are trying to consolidate their forces. Esperon is out to do a palace coup. And he does'nt want the other group to beat him to it.

Snipnets: Clashes

Clashes of NPA and government troops

Two rebels died while scores of soldiers were injured in a running battle between government troops and NPA rebels in Pila Laguna. The AFP said that the CPP-NPA-NDF is slowly weakening. How will they explain this? It seems that the rebels are closing in Metro Manila? Previous to this, NPA rebels attacked a convoy of soldiers in Aurora Quezon which led to the death of some soldiers. Are they really being weakened? Or this pronouncement is just braggadocio on the part of government?

Esperon finding his relevance

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said that he expects the CPP-NPA-NDF to become "irrelevant" by 2010. Basing on what he's been doing and his boss fucking up the economy, this prediction will again, fail. Remember, last 2002, they said that they'll succeed in decimating the "enemy" by 2008. Its already 2008 and still the insurgents are becoming stronger and more relevant. Is this Esperon's way of actually justifying his relevance and possible extension of term of service? Yup. You guess right.

Two camps, Two Coups

This noise is deafening. Reports are highly reliable. Two groups within the AFP are trying to neutralize each other. One group is reportedly composed of Esperon's men; the others, the Patriots. Who will win the hearts and minds of the soldiers? Last December, a survey was conducted which showed that the Patriots have the support of at least 30 percent of the AFP. This is an improvement of a previous survey where it says that only 10% support the Patriots and 10% support the administration. Now, the configuration has changed.

The question is--who will launch the first one? I believe that groups aligned with Esperon and Gonzales will try to launch a coup and point to the Magdalo as a culprit. Obviously, Esperon will crush them and earn the extension which he wants. This is dangerous. And only Arroyo is to be blamed for this.

Bhutto style

Ellen Tordesillas wrote about an alleged plan to assassinate former president Joseph Estrada. Some would brush this off. I dare say that this report should not be glossed over. The AFP and the PNP should investigate this. Why? Because if these evil men succeed in their plan, it will plunge the country into a state of perpetual destabilization, leading to a civil war. If ever some hawks in the Cabinet has this plan in their nimble brains, they better abandon this. They are digging their own graves.

Esperon is sure to be extended

Reports are being published about the possible extension of Esperon's term. The AFP Chief of Staff will retire from service on February and there are persistent reports of him being extended by the president. On the ground, people including his wife are campaigning for his extension. Other generals are waiting in the wings, but I believe that they are bound to wait much longer since there are indications that GMA will extend the general's term of service.

Surely, since politics is involved in this, there are some things that will happen to justify an Esperon extension. First, people close to him will test the ground so to speak and launch a PR campaign for him. This is happening now with the sudden increase of news articles about his impending retirement. Second, incidents concerning peace and order will occur possibly in January and extending up to the 1st week of February "necessitating" an extension of the AFP Chief of Staff's term. And third, these incidents would probably involve destabilization to force GMA to decide on Esperon's fate sooner than later.

Esperon is the longest serving general under the Arroyo administration. His administration has been the most violent so far, punctuated by numerous human rights violations.

Possible scenarios

People close to him will definitely use the "Magdalo threat" bogey to force GMA to decide for an extension. This early, there are signs that the AFP is quietly containing the threat by the release of 53 Magdalo soldiers. Obviously, the AFP knows already that there are new recruits from the military due to the Peninsula incident and its only a matter of time before another bigger incident occurs.

What is certain

Certainly, expect some fireworks to happen before the New Year extending up to the first week of January. First in the agenda would possibly be the PMA homecoming celebration which is sure to happen before the year ends? Second, reports will increase about this growing dissent from civil society groups due to the increasing corrupt practices under this administration. A struggle between two groups are happening and it will just be a matter of time before this blows over.

For now, let's celebrate Christmas and look forward to a new order by 2008.

Omerta under the Arroyo administration

Madame Arroyo just signed a proclamation which effectively bars anybody from reading and probably, revealing military secrets. If I remember my law (Ateneo de Manila), there are existing penal provisions regarding this. Military secrets are part of state secrets and I think the president does not need to reiterate this fact. Such files in the US can only be declassified after 50 years.

The question is---what prompted Mrs. Arroyo to again "remind" us of this existing prohibitory provision in the RPC?

Two instances: one, the Tirso Danga incident and the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon. Just recently, Mrs. Arroyo went and reportedly pleaded with Danga not to reveal what happened during the controversial 2004 presidential elections. Danga belonged to the disgraced few who allegedly helped Mrs. Arroyo clinch the presidency. Wagging tongues say Mrs. Arroyo pleaded for her life in exchange for a position to Danga, who, for all intents and purposes, cannot be physically capable of doing any good for government due to his sickness.

Another instance--the impending retirement of Mr. Esperon, another personality linked to the scandal. Esperon's role during that election sealed his appointment to the highest military post. Esperon was instrumental in ensuring the victory of GMA against all odds. He reportedly used his military connections to gag the mouths of those involved in the massive cheating ops. Four months from now, he'll retire. Others like him were given government posts afterwards and this will also be the same fate for Esperon to buy his silence. The question that remains--will Esperon be gentleman enough to tell the truth about what happened?

Playing Gods

These people are playing gods. Drunk with power, they can swallow their integrity and honor for the sake of money. Graduates of the PMA, they were, but they act like the people owe them something. Being PMA plebes, they were taught to defer their own selves for the sake of the people who gave their hand-earned money for their education. But no. These people, especially those who now conspire with Arroyo to bastardize democracy in the Philippines, are shameful, spineless puppet idiots who act like they are mighty and high, but in truth, they are as shallow, ignorant, foolish and dumb as their principal.

Sick gods

Some still hope that lurking deep inside these gods' thick hides lies some goodness left. That the system has not entirely corrupted them. I notice that those who have been totally stripped of any good in their bodies and minds suffer serious diseases, like heart attacks, cancers, and any debilitating disease. Some suffer from delusions and stress-related illnesses. In truth, those who partake of GMA's regime all have this disease, and some hope, for the sake of the country, that this is still a curable one.

Lessons of History

Eventually, history teaches us that everytime man thinks of himself as a god, that's a sign that its time for him to fade away. History is always harsh against pseudo-omnicients. When a state behaves like a damned god, the True God suddenly appears to wipe it in the face of the earth. Such eventuality is not far-fetched in this regime. The True God is a paragon of truth and Filipinos deserve the truth. There will definitely come a time when God will forcefully open their mouths and wipe the word omerta from their bodies. Afterwards, they will be cast as shameful mistahs into the fiery fires of hell to suffer eternal punishment for making the lives of 86 million miserable.