Events that shape 2012 in the Philippines

2012 was the year when President Benigno S. Aquino III tightened the screws against perceived enemies of the administration. Despite repeated protests that it will worsen the state of relationship between the Executive and the Judiciary, Aquino pushed on and completed attacks against the former Chief of the Supreme Court, Renato Corona. Corona was deposed largely by a sympathetic Senate. He was replaced by Justice Sereno, whom many thought too young for the post and too close to the palace. Until now, Sereno has not repaired her ties with fellow justices who still refuse to share the stage with her every single flag-raising ceremony at the Supreme Court.

Worse, Sereno is now embroiled in a very embarrassing situation when she allegedly "faked" a Supreme Court resolution establishing a judicial council in the Visayas. She is being made to explain by her colleagues but she always manages to forego it. Her flagging techniques are irritating members of the Court who still see her as a stooge of the administration.

It seems that this administration is trailing its guns against remnants of the political forces which supported the previous dispensation still entrenched in the Visayas, specifically Cebu. Before Christmas, the DILG implemented an order of suspension against Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, whom the government accused of abuse of powers. Garcia was suspended for ninety days, enough to prevent her from using government resources to prop up her political allies in the island. Garcia refused to toe the DILG line, asking the court for reprieve. Seems like the new year will start with a political controversy, unless of course, Garcia finds someone close to Noynoy and enters into a political compromise. Sources however say, this is unlikely to happen since Garcia is really perceived as a strong political enemy by the Liberal Party in Cebu. In all likelihood, Garcia will eventually be forced to vacate her post.

Garcia is claiming to be an administration ally but she is not. She belongs to the UNA, a party which is being run by Vice President Jejomar Binay. Binay's party has recruited the best oligarchs and political heavyweights in every province in time for his bid to the presidency by 2016. Garcia's vaulted political influence in Cebu has not escaped the eye of the former Makati mayor whose popularity continues to amuse the minds of political observers.

What is so surprising is the fact that former Arroyo men are being recruited or has jumped into the UNA bandwagon, something which has surprised many loyal UNA "survivors". It seems that the policy is not of attrition, but of "addition without principles" something which leaves a very bad taste in the mouth. This early, we see a Binay presidency without the moral backbone.

Speaking of morals in governance, we mourn the passing of Ramon Magsaysay awardee Jesse Robredo. Robredo died in a plane crash. The nation wept at his death, an untimely one since many regard Robredo as a paragon of new politics, something greatly needed by this country. In his lifetime, Robredo showed how honorable public service really is, something which boosted the feelings and trust of many behind governmental institutions. Robredo was a great example of a man whose actions were always, always imbued with principles. He lived a frugal and honest life, something which we never saw in other government officials.

With Robredo's death, the complexion of the DILG changed. Robredo's time, there was a perception that the agency was being used to serve the people. Now, under the helm of former presidentiable Mar Roxas, this agency is now being considered as a springboard for the 2016 candidacy of Roxas.

There is no doubt at all that Roxas is really hell-bent in gaining a strong political foothold before 2016. The thing is, some observers say, he lacks the political intuition of a Robredo and the political savvy-ness of a Binay. He continues to be perceived as a weak political force, something which he needs to address very early in the game. Yes, the DILG, when handled properly, could actually boast his chances. He should have put his foot down and transformed Mindanao into a mini-Marshall plan area.

Robredo Jueteng Files---where are they?

Where are Jesse Robredo's jueteng files? A former classmate who worked as Robredo's closest aide says that there is a missing file which contains a classified report about jueteng and its involved executives and private individuals close to the Aquino administration. Where are these files now?

There are reportedly two copies of these files--one which were reportedly hidden in Robredo's condominium unit and the other, reportedly secured by the Presidential Security Group? The Palace must have to account for the reported Robredo files. 

The jueteng files, according to this classmate of mine, were lists of named local executives involved in jueteng and a detailed account of monies reportedly received by these executives from known jueteng lords. 

A former DILG undersecretary, who is reportedly close to another Puno of the previous dispensation is named there. This guy reportedly continues to receive jueteng payola and instead of sharing or giving it to his previous bosses, he shares it with the "current official involved in anti-criminality" campaign. This official, while outside the ambit of the DILG, is reportedly the one tasked by Pnoy to head an anti-crime unit, which oversees all efforts and serve as the direct liaison with the President.

Jueteng remains a big issue with this administration, due to earlier allegations, like what former Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz said, of linkages between jueteng lords and government officials. Jueteng thrives because there is no clear and specific order coming from the President that this illegal numbers game be stopped. 

Aquino regime doing ala-Gloria: Omerta during times of anomalous deals

What happened today at the Senate confirmed the fears of many---that the Executive have become the monster it accused the former administration of being. At the Senate hearing called for by Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago today, several Palace officials weren't present, an unfortunate reminder of several years past when these officials were on the other side of the fence and calling for GMA and her erring ones to attend a Senate inquiry.
And why would these palace officials attend anyway? One of them, and a close Noynoy associate pa, is being asked to "bare all" regarding a "suspected anomalous gun transaction", so expect a Mafia-style "omerta" to happen.

Four Executives of Pnoy, namely, DENR secretary Ramon Paje, DILG secretary Mar Roxas III, Executive secretary Paquito Ochoa and DOJ secretary Leila de Lima were called but snubbed the Senate hearing. 

Malacanang said, they have to get the reason why these officials are being asked to attend the hearing on the alleged gun anomaly, which several sectors say, caused the estrangement of ties between President Aquino and his erst-while gun range buddy, former DILG undersecretary Rico Puno.

I recall several years ago, how Roxas had lambasted former president Gloria Arroyo of not allowing her Cabinet members to attend a Senate inquiry on the ZTE case and of how the Palace had treated the sanctity of a Senate investigation. 

Now even though the shoe is on the other foot, the same thing happened. It is not the Aquino nor the Arroyo regimes are being affected, it is the public, who owe it to Puno and Aquino to reveal what really happened. 

Puno owes it to us, and not to Senator Santiago, an explanation of why those assault rifles were priced exorbitantly high and why, inspite of the order from the President not to pursue the deal, Puno had to sideswipe the President and gave the go-signal? What is so important about this deal that Puno had risk a good friendship just for this?

Clue---many observers believe the "kapalit" seems to be a luxurious villa estate in Tagaytay highlands?

Philippine government's most trusted bureaucracy

Why is it that, whenever we mention about Jesse Robredo's acts, it seems that we are talking about a demi-god? Was Robredo so an exemption to the general rule, that we all think of him as something as an ideal?

I still think that there are still a majority of people working in government who are as equally honest and prudent such as Robredo was. These people who work silently are those who are tasked to maintain the workings of the bureaucracy.

One of those who silently and honestly work for government are the likes of Sihan Mangundato, a Maranao. Mangundato is a tax collector of the Bureau of Internal Revenue. You might think that Mangundato and his family are enjoying the trappings of wealth? Your guess is exactly wrong.

Mangundato lives within his means. He does not entertain illicit deals from companies. He always report on time and inspite of being assigned in Pampanga, which is several miles away from his house in Quezon City, he rides the bus, every, single, day, just to report to the BIR office in Pampanga. I haven't seen him wearing expensive clothes, or wear watches, or designer shoes, no.He is as simple as a Mang Pandoy.

Another friend, Jayson, works at Malacanang. He was once a media practitioner. Inspite of his low salary, Jayson continues to write and work inside the palace, going with the President in local trips.

These two are just of the innumerable faces working and serving in government right now. Most of them are inspired to do good work, out of a feeling of "hiya".Nowadays, curse yourself if you do wrong, because people will not just write nasty things about you, they'll spread your venom all over. 

Palace interests in maintaining absolute control over the DILG

How important the DILG post is for the Aquino administration? Very, very important.

For one, this agency controls administratively, local government units. It does not have the power of the purse but surely, it exercises the police powers of the State. 

IN a critical mid-term elections this 2013, where the outcome would definitely determine the fate of the administration party come 2016, controlling the DILG is a political imperative. 

With the death of former DILG secretary Jesse Robredo, Malacanang has appointed Executive secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.

Unknown to Pnoy (or he knows about it?), Ochoa maintains a strong connection with a Ronnie Puno trusted lieutenant whom I'll name here as "B.Y".

"B.Y." is widely known within circles as Puno's "go-to"guy. He/she is the official conduit or link of the DILG with several big time jueteng lords. The "tariff" that comes from this illegal numbers game does directly to B.Y. who reports this to his principals.

Now, B.Y. also reports, according to sources, to E-S.

Since E-S now is the  interim OIC of the DILG, the link now is direct. B.Y. maintains his influence at the DILG.

Several sources say, Malacanang is on the look out for funding sources, and jueteng money is no exception. 

There are speculations to the effect that E-S will remain in OIC status until the end of Aquino's term.

However, there are other theories one of which is the appointment of a certain DILG "veteran" who goes by the name of " Mamba"

Is this "Mamba", Manuel Mamba, currently the President's liaison with Congress?

5 Pnoy Officials sabit sa Jueteng--Archbishop Oscar Cruz

There are at least five high-ranking officials of the Aquino administration involved in the illegal numbers game, says former Dagupan archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Cruz says as much as 2 million pesos per month were given each to these officials. Wow.

And what response did Cruz get from this administration? As usual, the oft-repeated refrain of come up with the list and prove it.

Wow again.

This reminds us of how the former Arroyo administration answers each and every issue hurled against it.

I distinctly remember the promise made by President Noynoy Aquino when he appointed Jesse Robredo to head the Department of Interior and Local Government--ran after big-time jueteng lords.

Shortly after a few days, the DILG and the palace both went eerily silent. Robredo stopped answering questions about jueteng. Fact is, suggestions cropped up. Many suggested that governments allow the continued operation of STL or Small Town Lottery.

The bigger question is---what will Aquino do? Will he cut off the heads of these officials and file charges against them?

Like what I said, ang daang matuwid ay unti-unting babaluktot kapagka walang ruler ang mga gumagawa ng daan.

President Aquino's Harapan did him more harm than good: Aquino Coverup

Yesterday's Harapan segment pitted President Noynoy Aquino with three anchors from three different TV stations. Based on Facebook and Twitter reactions during the broadcast of the interview, said to be a "no-holds barred" one, that interview gave Aquino more harm than good. Fact is, since it was broadcasted shortly after the conclusion of the fact-finding probe of Justice secretary De Lima, some, including this writer, thinks that it was what we call a "broadcast exoneration".

I really don't know why the Palace decided to pit Aquino, their principal, "to the wolves". I mean, the President did not look nor appeared "presidential" in that interview. He looked harangue, stressed out and clearly, in some instances, lying and trying to hide some facts from us.

For example, the president said "he does not want to pre-empt" the findings of the De Lima commission and promised that "heads will roll."

Yet, thrice did the President cleared the names of his bosom buddy, DILG Undersecretary Rico Puno and that of DILG secretary Jesse Robredo. Puno was questioned by the De Lima panel and admitted before the world, how incompetent he was and still is.

Adding insult to injury, the President again reiterated that Robredo is still "in acting capacity" and therefore, he is spared from all of these despite the very clear signs that Robredo and Puno failed in their duties to provide leadership during the hostage fiasco.

Worse, Aquino continually defended his incompetent communications group. Inspite of the fact that this communications group failed in its objective of shepherding the media during those critical moments, Aquino still defended the incompetency and the ineptitude of the group.

These images stuck in the minds of many yesterday and reminded them of one person who haunted us for nine years---Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Aquino sounded and appeared like Mrs. Arroyo yesterday. And quite frankly, I am not amused.

It is also very sad that Aquino said that he did not mind losing his enormous political capital, something which actually pertains to what we know as "people's trust". Aquino said he is not aspiring to be popular, he just wants things done.

How in the world will his administration accomplish all these things in the proper manner, when Aquino refuses to acknowledge the incompetence of his men and even show tolerance for their foibles.

Why is Aquino so stubborn to admit that his men erred? Why is he covering them up?

Noynoy Aquino administration is still in "acting capacity mode"

Okey, so this government is officially in an "acting capacity", if DILG secretary Jesse Robredo is to be asked. Robredo's name has been bruited about as the former Naga mayor who now serves in an acting capacity because President Noy is still unconvinced of his capability in handling the police. Why? Because Robredo is formerly the darling of the Left?

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda however clarified that Baldoz, a career official of the Labor department and Paje of the Environment department are also acting secretaries. Paje is there to represent a senatorial candidate while it is still unexplainable why Baldoz holds an acting capacity status. Lacierda is there to clarify things for us. Even now, Lacierda remains unclear of his pronouncements.

Meanwhile, RICKY Carandang and Herminio Coloma who are reportedly fighting for the same candy, are neither holdovers nor acting secretaries, their documents were just not submitted on time by the Executive secretary, explains Lacierda.

The people don't care if they are on hold overs or acting as secretaries. Frankly, they seem only to be acting like secretaries. Their conduct over the past few weeks is disappointing. The people really believe that they are just acting like secretaries and not secretaries at all.

And Lacierda's tone is quite re-assuring to the point of saying that Coloma's and Carandang's papers were not submitted because of a technical glitch. What is so new about that? With an alcoholic for an Executive secretary, expect something as simple as submission of documents of executive line agency officials to always be delayed.

And Lacierda is confident of Coloma and Carandang's appointments? I really doubt it. Even Liberal party members would think twice of formerly agreeing to these two as regular press secretaries, at the point of incuring the ire of most people.

The Aquino administration needs a cabinet revamp soon. Cut the crap. Cut this bullshit of picturing this government still in acting capacity mode. What are you, actors? This government is just acting like a new one when in all certainty, it is practically like the former dispensation.

But, don't give me that joke of calling for Gloria to once head the government. Better to have actors in government than a certified expert thief.

Noynoy Aquino orders crackdown on Jueteng Operations: Robredo appointed DILG Secretary

President Noynoy Aquino has ordered new DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo to go after big-time jueteng operators.

And, this is, I should say, the most admirable decision the president ever took in his young administration.

And I am very happy that he appointed Robredo as the local governments secretary. At long last, there is one person that will really buckle down to work and provide the necessary political muscle to go after these operators of the illegal numbers game.

Robredo, I sincerely believe, is the most qualified Cabinet member in Aquino's administration. He's young. He is a visionary. He is an iconoclast.

Robredo's appointment is a welcome thing, unlike those made in the Customs, BIR and DPWH departments. Even at the Energy department. Imagine, appointing long-time industry players in those departments, how would we expect them to go after their own kind?

For nine long years, jueteng persisted and remained unabated. Now, it is time for it to end. I believe that this is the one fight where ordinary Filipinos like me, would love to engage ourselves in.

People should report where these illegal numbers game operators do their operations and from there, try to crack them down.

Robredo should be supported by the People. I urge the people to support Robredo all the way.

For starters, as a Citizen of this Republic, I will give Robredo some names he can definitely go after.

• Tony "Boy" Santos (Bolok to some) operates in the area of Rizal and Marikina.
• Atong Ang has regained his territories in Central Luzon and the Bicol region.
• Charing Magbuhos--already controls half of Luzon
• Willy Cimanis Mayor
• Chavit Singson---Ilocos and regions 1-2
• Caddie Putong
• Jesse Regalado
• M2 and M1---said to be the code names of former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and Mikey Arroyo.
• Rodolfo Pineda---said to control Pampanga, Bulacan and tried to enter Metro Manila, now controlled by Boy Santos and Charing Magbuhos.

I ask all New Patriots and the Bagong Katipuneros to rally behind Robredo and finally, through the strength and Power of the Filipino People, crush this menace which has been a plague to our lives since the Spanish regime.