Ebdane is dangerous

DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane wants the presidency. He says 15 governors want him to run and contest Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro as the administration bet. Everyone knows, and that includes Ebdane, that the chances of winning even the nomination of the administration party is practically nil.

That only shows that Ebdane's alleged desire to run is just a trial balloon or worse, a direct affront against the Kampi dominated LAKAS-KAMPI merged party.

We must, however, be extremely cautious because Ebdane is a dangerous man. Dangerous in the sense that he represents a group of very powerful generals. He represents the faction that brought Mrs. Arroyo to power and that means, former generals Mendoza and Reyes.

These generals belong to PMA classes 1969, 1970, 1971, which stand to lose considerable power in a post-Arroyo world. These classes do not loom large in any of the political parties of the strongest contenders.

For example, in Manny Villar's camp, PMA Class 1976 dominates most of his supporters. In Noynoy's camp, there are members of PMA Classes 1980 and 90's classes. In Chiz Escudero's camp, members of some PMA Classes are also within the NPC structure.

Ebdane is one of the most favored officers of former president Fidel V. Ramos. Most people would probably consider his pronouncement as a shallow one, but it means something more sinister.

The message that Ebdane's group wants to say is this---the merged party, PALAKA, has to find other sources of campaign funds.

It also shows that the possibility of violence in next year's elections is a certainty.

FVR warns of coup plot & failure of elections

Former president Fidel V. Ramos yesterday virtually accused members of PMA Class 1978 of fomenting dissent and creating scenarios for a palace coup d'etat. Ramos made a speech yesterday at the gathering in Antipolo City.

Ramos warned the Arroyo administration and its hawks on going ahead of their plans, because PMA Class 1978 does not have a strong mass support in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He says, and NPR quotes, " PMA Class 1978 does not command support from the majority of the AFP"

Should they continue ahead of their plans, Ramos said this palace coup will fail. Ramos made the speech before US ambassador Kristie Kenney, who attended the MediaNation event.

Sources at the military says the PMA "Makatarungan" Class is planning to create a destabilizing scenario this September to justify the replacement of current AFP Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado that will culminate in a palace coup in October of this year.

Yesterday, businessman Joey de Venecia III forewarned about a failure of elections when he said that the poll automation plan of SMARTMATIC-TIM is not fool proof and could result to a failure of elections.

Cha-cha Top Agenda in Coming Congress

Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr. today said charter change is still the top priority in the legislative agenda this coming Congress. Nograles Jr.

By the way, Mrs. Arroyo just arrived from Egypt and assured that elections would push thru, although it is still unclear what kind of elections would that be--would it be only a parliamentary one, sans presidential? Former president Fidel V. Ramos already asked Mrs. Arroyo to disclose her true political plans to erase apprehensions and anxiety.

So, ganon pala--ipipilit talaga nitong si Noggie the doggie ang Constituent Assembly. We should call on the People to stand up and fight Noggie the Doggie and the Arroyos. There is no other way for these people but down. They must be made to realize their mistakes.

Legacy: How do you want to be remembered?

In the not too distant future, expect to see some of those prominent names in the gallery of Congress in the obituary page of your favorite newspaper. Most of Philippine democracy's veteran fighters are ageing. Some have faded into oblivion, while others continue to serve us, albeit, without us really appreciating their work. Others, well, they all went away, either due to sickness (most Senators die of cancer) or old age.

Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile is now 85 years old. Senator Joker Arroyo turned 82 last January 5. While last termer Senator Aquilino Pimentel is turning 76 by December.

Former president Fidel Valdes Ramos just turned 82, a tad younger than Enrile last March 18. These men figured prominently in our history for the last twenty years, all ran and won the confidence of the Filipino People after EDSA Uno.

Enrile and Ramos both launched the coup that changed Filipino history. Arroyo and Pimentel served under the revolutionary government after sacrificing their very futures just to uphold democracy. Most of their contemporaries have either faded to retirement (former Vice President Teofisto Guingona is one) while others, well, already died.

All of them are heroes. They continually hold the trust and confidence of the people simply because of their sterling record of public service. They all mouth the same desire for change. Yet, in all of those twenty years after EDSA uno, nothing has ever changed.

I wonder if these people ever think of going to a beach or a mountain and contemplate on what people would say as eulogies.

Will Enrile be remembered for his role as the defense secretary who defected to the other side at the last minute or will he be remembered for his staunch campaign against telecommunications companies?

How about Joker? Will people remember him as that fiery human rights lawyer of old who defended the defenseless and weak or his present role as an apologist of Mrs. Arroyo?

And speaking about Pimentel, how would he like to be remembered? As that strong-willed mayor of a town in faraway Mindanao or that senator who defended Senator Manny Villar against attacks by another colleague?

Lastly, how does FVR want to be remembered? As the general who jumped for joy after seeing his cousin leave office or the former head of state who nearly brought back the old glory of the Motherland? Or that ex-president who enjoys the tag as the most travelled one or a former head of state who stood his ground against forces critical of Mrs. Arroyo and even condoned the sins of this administration?

These men are, as they say, in their last days on earth. Will people be sad or happy? Will people curse them for promising much yet delivering so little? Or, will the People mourn their passing?

For Filipinos, Legacy is such a brutal word. Since the Legacy scandal broke out, Filipinos now see this word in a very bad light. What are the legacies of our present leaders? Are their legacies like those broken promises of Celso de los Angeles? It seems like it.

Lakas-KAMPI CMD--the devil's flock

A New political party will be unveiled today. This party, the elite's answer to the yearning clamour of the masses for change, will not be the one that would save us. It'll not be the one who'll save us from the rot,the mess that the Arroyo regime did for some nine years. No.

This party aims to perpetuate the existing clique's rule, a rule so base that it does not deserve even a page in this country's History.

That party---the merger of KAMPI, Mrs. Arroyo's political baby, and LAKAS-CMD, the creature invented by former president Fidel V. Ramos---is sure to create strong ripples in the political pond.

Admit it or not, this party is a powerhouse. It counts most of the local executives of this country as members and is powered by 40 billion pesos.

LAKAS-KAMPI CMD is a marriage of convenience, a desperate attempt by the ruling elitist clique to perpetuate its illegal rule. A legitimizing move, meant to justify an illegal administration, and an attempt to preserve the way of life that they so lavishly enjoyed these nine years.

Those who took part in the Hello Garci scandal, those who funded and earned from the most expensive highway in the world, those who continuously scam millions of farmers out of their harvests, those who import rice fit for pigs from Vietnam, those who benefitted from billion peso worth of DPWH projects, those who got billions from defense and telecomms projects, and those who took part in the scandalous and murderous Joc-Joc Bolante fertilizer scam, are now at it again.

These people will again, scam their way into power, the same method they used to illegally usurp power from an incumbent and the only way they know how to get money from public coffers.

This time though, the name itself betrays the very philosophy of this flock of vultures---Lakas (means strength) and Kampi (illegal association) merged together to subliminally tell us that they are more powerful than before.

That, in acting like a mafia, there's strength. Instead of unity, they opted to perpetuate a scheme of continual elite rule through KAMPIHAN, a belief so base and so immoral that it makes one puke even hearing it mentioned.

Tonight, LAKAS-KAMPI CMD will invite prospective recruits into their fold. How many and how influential those persons are, take a quick look at who heads this devil's marriage:

DILG Secretary Ronnie Puno, the architect of numerous electoral scams and scamlets.
Speaker Prospero Nograles, Davao's alleged land grabber and main proponent of sipsip politics in the Philippines
Cong. Villafuerte, the strong man of Bicol, the very reason why that region continues to wallow in extreme poverty.

Let the true Party of the Masses rise up and defeat this evil monster come 2010.

Erap to be jailed again?

How true are these reports percolating within groups and coffee shops in Manila about the impending re-arrest and possible re-detention of former president Joseph Estrada? Estrada is reportedly to be arrested and jailed again for possible complicity in the BW scandal, involving one of his closest friends, Dante Tan.

Today, the Court of Appeals just overturned the 2007 decision by the RTC of Pasig dismissing the case against Tan, etal. Many view this as the start of an aggressive campaign by the administration to create the necessary conditions for a State of Emergency. It seems that hawks within the palace are hell-bent on extending the "benevolent" term of Mrs. Arroyo. They are lifting all stops.

Will Estrada and his forces allow this to happen? Surely, what the administration expects to happen is the heightening of political noise. Lately, there has been a dearth of political news, except of course, news about charter change.

Lakas and KAMPI have just decided to merge in preparation for the 2010 elections. Prospero Nograles and Luis Villafuerte just resigned their posts as party presidents. Nograles said it is now up to the president to marshall her men and her resources to resolve contentious party matters. Sources say Arroyo is sure to succumb to the temptation, even instructing her closest advisers to control the release of congressional funds.

Now, going back to Erap....it seems that his declaration to lead the charter change movement is a subterfuge meant as a countermeasure against the possible administration-led attack against him. Palace allies are determined not to allow Erap to re-establish his political machinery for a possible political comeback in 2010. Reports that one of Erap's trusted grassroots adviser and ideologue have been touring the country to again revive the successful JEEP IN ERAP has been deemed a "security matter" by the palace. These reports have sent chills down the spine of the Arroyo group, even some members of the Lakas faction of FVR. Note that Erap and Ramos have not reconciled since the latter ousted him from power in 2001. Erap once used his presidential powers to prosecute Ramos for the many controversial scandals in his time.

Some members of Lakas are determined to prevent a repeat of the Estrada presidency. They learned their lesson in 1997 when they allowed Erap to do his thing. Now, they are in the same position, albeit a better one since Ramos and his men already learned their bitter lesson in late 1992 when Ramos gave the anti-crime post to Erap.

Will Erap's re-arrest spark an Edsa tres? Will people go to the streets to defend Erap from his prosecutors?

Though I am in the opposition, my prognosis is categorical---there will be no Edsa tres. No protests will be seen in the streets. No armed encounters will happen between state and dissident forces. Mrs. Arroyo and her minions will get what they want. If it's cha-cha they want, they'll surely get it. If it's martial rule that they want, they'll will surely implement it. And if the people within Erap's camp hope to make a comeback in Malacanang, they will surely be frustrated.

A gathering of heavyweights

It was a lovely sight--three presidents sitting in one place, albeit, far apart from each other. Former Senate President Frank Drilon described it succinctly--this is Pinoy unity for you. But, is it?

Cory, Ramos and Erap spent time talking about Ninoy yesterday during the mass in commemoration of the 25th death anniversary of the martyr. Though weakened by disease, Cory was in her element yesterday, lambasting the Arroyo regime for its apparent weakness in resolving current political and social issues. Ramos was in his old self, talking with Liberal Party stalwarts while Erap reportedly traded his orange suit for a barong tagalog.

It was a gathering of heavyweights, a fitting one. Even in death, Ninoy still has his charisma. He can still unite differing forces together to achieve one goal---the liberation of the Filipino from the claws of tyranny, oppression, ignorance and injustice.

More than the cosmetic photo-op, what the Filipino People expect from these leaders is concrete action against the devil enfant. I know they have been slowed by age, but their guidance is needed in this day and age. There are hundreds or even thousands of young, idealistic mass leaders wanting and waiting for them to repose whatever legacy they have to the youth.

Wanted: A New Covenant

Whether we like it or not, our government will always find itself unable to satisfy the needs of a large majority of our people. Face it--despite the growth of GDP, huge numbers of people still wallow in extreme poverty. The reality is the existing socio-economic structures are unresponsive to the needs of the masses and it would take a long time before an alternative system can be created. A deeper analysis is that the superstructure which makes up the Philippine State is not tailored to spur spillovers from the top to the bottom rungs of society. That answers the question posed by former Socio-economic head Solita Monsod, when she said that despite the GDP growth, an increasing number of Filipinos still remain poor.

Propositions are many. Some say, we need a revolution. Others say, we just need a leadership change. Upon introspection and studying history, we find that the solution is not that difficult or radical as it may seem.

Let me simplify the solution--a government with a Vision.

Regardless of who's on top, or which political party or personality heads the government, what Filipinos need is a focused, trained and skilled leadership, the kind that former President Fidel V. Ramos created during his administration. We don't need to change the governance model, meaning from presidential or parliamentary. The change is insignificant.

What we need is a unified effort or initiative from all sectors of society to gather into one place and plan for the future of this country. We lack a unified vision. We lack a strategic plan that would at least make this country survive future global crises. A summit of all the brilliant minds of this generation is in order.

Let's face it--an armed revolution at this point would further worsen the situation, given that 2010 is just around the corner. Establishing a Council of State at this juncture would probably be detrimental to the health of this country than allowing Gloria to finish her term. Since no one knows who will compose of this Council and the vision it wants to pursue, allowing the elections in 2010 would be fitting than moving towards the ouster of Gloria.

However, groups who really want change should, by now, again gather and discuss on the agenda they want the new dispensation to pursue. Meaning, these groups should spearhead efforts to craft a Vision and the corresponding Short, Medium and Long-term plans for this country starting on 2010.

The new government, regardless of who will head it, should be forced by these groups to adopt this agenda. This agenda should be comprehensive enough to cover all areas of governance for one goal--improve the system so that there's an efficient and effective spill-over mechanism of economic gains from the top to the bottom. Quite frankly, this mechanism can exist side by side with a defective system.

Likewise, the new government should devote its first six (6) months into short-term strategic planning. A three-year strategic plan should be implemented by the new government, followed by a five-year, then 10-year, then 20-year, then 50 year plans. This strategic plan should be implemented and sworn to by any one (whether a president or a prime minister) who should head the government.

Some would say that it's already in the Constitution. However, our charter has been written to reflect aspirations and goals; not specific implementing rules which government is expected to provide.

In order to do this, the new government should launch a New Revolution which, at its core, would aim to change the people's mindset of things and concomitantly, show these strategic plans before the people.

These strategic plans should be presented as a Covenant to the People, who will swear by it so that every Filipino walks, talks and goes in the same direction.

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.

A Clarion Call

Seven years of continuous state tyranny and repression have numbed most of us to apathy. Some of those who hold the torch for democracy and freedom have either relegated themselves to the desks of everyday mundane existence. Some pushed on, with only a glimmer of hope left in their hearts. Others succumbed along the way, either to survive by going to bed with the enemy or worst, suffered the end of every revolutionary--death in the hands of evil.

For those who still hope for the best in this country. For those who still harbour even an iota of hiya in themselves. For those who want to see a clean government, devoid of self-serving policies and interests, only serving the people, this is a clarion call for you.

Stand up and be counted. Rise up oh You Patriots of the New Generation and create history.

Our futures are not in the hands of the church. No.

Our children's futures are not to be played with by the Military. No.

Our children's children are not to be manipulated by the wiles of the rich and the middle class. No.

We rise up as one because it is the most decent thing to do. We stand against tyranny and corruption because it is the most rational thing to do. We will march because that's our responsibility, not only as citizens of this country, but it is the responsibility of every human.

We feel our humanity by being with others who have laid down their lives for the sake of the future. We can only say we are human if we oppose the animalistic acts of those who lead us. We are human because we oppose every Machievellian interests, every barbaric violations of our decency and sensitivities.

We rise as a People because some of us mocked what we did at EDSA twenty two years ago. We need to show these people that we, as a race, are not barbarians. We respect law, truth and justice. We are not their kind. We are not thieves. We are not robbers of futures. We are creators.

For those who still seek the truth, stop.

The Truth has been shown. We have discovered the Truth already. And the truth is:

This regime does not respect us as a People. They respect only themselves.
This Regime does not respect our rights. They trample them everyday.
This Regime only respects money and worship the Mammon. They are devoid of God.
This Regime needs cleansing.

We need Justice Now. The Truth has been laid bare for all of us to see. Now, what do we do about it?

We rise as a Nation, create another spectacle and lay down the foundations of a New Philippine Revolution!

Onward the Youth. Rise up oh Patriots of the Bagong Katipunan. Rise up the downtrodded and the toothless. Rise up and show the world how it is to be a Filipino.

An Open Letter to Tabako, part 2

Dear Tabako,

I read that you're intending to go to the EDSA Shrine because, like Ed Malay told the media, "you're for the status quo for lack of a better alternative."

So, you believe that Arroyo is the best and only person to lead this country? You believe that given the thousands of intellectuals this country has, the thousands of excellent economists, the thousands of able-bodied and youthful and promising politicians around, you still believe that "there's no better alternative" and " Ramos is still for the status quo"?

So, all this vision of yours--Lakas Tao--is merely for propaganda, for positioning. You, who inspired millions of us to work hard, to work honestly and to work only for the benefit of the country during your administration, are still not convinced that there's no better alternative and its best to stick to Gloria? Despite what Gloria did against Lakas? Despite the political machinations that her allies did, wrecking your rainbow coalition and nearly transforming your once-dominant party into an insignificant shell?

So, there's no better alternative to what? Is there no alternative to a lying, stealing, cursing and killing administration? What is the alternative to this? Are you saying that you favor the cheating, the lying, the kidnapping, the chaos this administration has promoted all these years? Are you saying that we're still okey despite thousands being killed, millions more being violated of their basic rights and millions more being robbed of their hard-earned monies by ravenous and rapacious forces of Arroyo? Is this the vision of Ramos? Is this type of governance your standard, your vision?

I've admired you since you became president. You, Cory and Estrada are just three of the personalities whom I consider legitimate presidents and leaders after Marcos. It was under your administration that we achieved peace and economic stability. It was under your able stewardship that we, the people, felt safe. Yes, you had your share of intrigues. Yes, people accuse you of some graft cases. Yet, people can't deny that you had the vision, you are legit, and you worked hard to stabilize our situation.

I really shudder at the thought that you still tolerate the excesses of this administration. Have you now relegated yourself to that state during Marcos time when you kept your silence and exploded only at the last minute, when all things seemed to be ending? I hope you do that. I hope that you do the right thing sir and preserve your legacy for posterity. I still hold faith that you will.

Gloria's Grand Plan

Its mopping up time for Gloria and this administration. Neutralize political rivals is the name of the game. I just got this letter from the palace. Read it.

My dear allies,

RE: Grand Plan for the Establishment of an Arroyo Monarchy

Raid the political parties. Sow intrigues. Create divisions at the Liberal Party. Make Kiko (who's a serious supporter of Gloria) resign as party chairman. That way, Mar's hold will be questioned publicly.

Dangle the possibility of being an administration candidate come 2010 to Villar's Nacionalista Party. That way, you hold him by his neck.

Maintain cordial relations with Erap. Divide the opposition by telling Noli to go there and muddle the political pond a little bit. Lure Legarda to Lakas via the NPC route. That way, she can't really do anything else.

While the parties fight each other, plan for JDV's ouster. Since every party has been neutralized already, these people will avoid JDV like a plague. He'll lose support. JDV will use the ZTE probe as an ace. Ah, that's nothing. The ZTE controversy has died down already. With civil society divided and effectively silenced, no one will mass up support behind JDV. Let's soften JDV a little bit and whittle him down to size.

Let's tell him that we support him, yet I'll ask my sons to go on a recruitment binge for a numbers war. By this count, we are at 100 already. Tell Nograles to just sit down and wait. His time will come.

Oh, we forgot FVR. Let's invite him to attend international conferences so that he'll be busy attending all these worthless conventions. Make him feel relevant. That way, he'll forget about his beleaguered Pangalatok. Make FVR feel that he still has power. That way, we'll continue to control him.

When all of these things are over, we will be the most powerful political group in the country. And i'll be forever Queen. hahahaha!

Sincerely,

Gloria "Hello Garci" Arroyo

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.