Metro Manila---a haven of corruption, says Senator Santiago

Senator Miriam Santiago was in her element yesterday or was it two days ago, when she described Metro Manila as a center or haven of corruption. She described what everybody already know--that, inspite of this administration's attempts, graft and corruption remains. She has one prescription--the eradication of the system.

Seems like Santiago is reprising the role of Senator Jose Diokno before the declaration of Martial law. Diokno has denounced the rise of plutocracy and how the nation's elites have conspired to deprive most of the people their rights to enjoy the blessings of democracy. His voice thundered in the halls of the Senate, as things went from worse to worst, rising poverty, graft and corruption, avarice, crime, etal.

Martial law was supposed to be a logical solution to a crumbling State, yet, as History tells us, the solution was itself corrupted by those who implemented it. Instead of allowing democracy to breathe, it was effectively killed, when the so-called implementor took it upon himself to transform the entire country into his own fiefdom. Such a thing is unacceptable to some segments of the elite who had a similar view about themselves and about this country. These elites think that they own the country and its people.

Such a situation exists today, as these elites continue their wanton disregard to the rule of law and the imposition of justice. These semi-gods continue their defecation of true democracy, imposing their own misguided interpretation of democracy, albeit, implementing their own plutocratic policies.

This is a generational problem. Unfortunately for us, we were under a whole generation of misfits and  power-hungry and wannabe Machivellis who think that they own a piece of this country. This generation of underachievers have corrupted this country from its very core.

Worse, our country has gone into the path of degeneration that it would take two generations of honest leaders to repair the damage wrought by these old guards of the devil.

The people have contented themselves with the thought that, inspite of this, there are several good servants who continually hold the torch of Change. Yes, change can happen, but it entails the very act of good people peopling the centers of power. There are still good people in government, honest men and women who think of public service as an honor and a privilege, not a right.

There will come a time, says the Lord God, that He will impose his own justice in this blighted land. God is just staying his hand because some good people still serve this country.

However, be advised--like what had happened to Sodom and Gomorrah, the wrath of God will descend upon this land if the people will continue walking in sin.

By the way, going back to Santiago--is she the prophet or a Cassandra?

Transport strike cancels classes in Manila

Transport groups today began their transport caravan. Transport groups are asking a one peso to two peso fee hike following the subsequent oil price hikes that oil companies did over the past few days. Diesel prices are nearing the 50 peso mark and analysts say, gasoline prices will break the 60 peso mark in the next few days. LPG prices are now at the 1,000-1,100 peso mark.


PISTON is leading the charge, accusing the Aquino administration of ignoring the public's pleas for a momentary lifting of VAT collections in pump prices. Senator Ralph Recto, the main proponent of VAT law, has asked government to at least make VAT charges in oil at ten percent to mitigate the effects. Malacanang thru Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda flatly denied Recto's request, saying that Malacanang is using the monies collected from oil VAT in government's Pantawid Pamilyang Pinoy program, or government's version of a dole out program.


Transport groups have no recourse but to use the streets as platform for grievance. PISTON members and other sympathetic groups will join today's Nationwide strike.


Because of this, schools in Manila have suspended their classes. Schools within and around Manila decided not to inconvenience their students and promptly decided to suspend their operations today.


If this will not be adequately managed by government, this will worsen over the next few days and weeks. 


Let me tell these transport groups---Malacanang will definitely not listen to you because their interests lie diametrically opposed to yours. Their interests is simple--provide higher revenues to their clients, that is, Big Business. Even if the proof of hyperhiking of prices is fairly evident, Malacanang will not lift a single finger because of its existing policy not to intervene with what Big Business is doing. So, we will continue to suffer as a people for as long as this administration remains apathetic to our monumental concerns.

Oplan Sagip Bansa: A Plot Against the Aquino Administration

"Save the Queen part xxxx?"

Several texts have circulated about an alleged plot by several military men to oust the Aquino administration. The plot, according to these texts, is backed by several big businessmen. The plan? Disrupt the impeachment trial thru a military action.


Several sources have neither confirmed nor denied this plot codenamed Oplan Sagip Bansa. What is certain is that the planners behind this plot want a reprise of the so-called "EDSA Dos" which catapulted Mrs. Arroyo to power. Now, the plot, again according to other sources, is to save Arroyo from her current political plight.


A cabal of military officers, according to some sources in the underground, are behind this plot. A series of meetings were held outside Metro Manila during the holidays with these military officers. Four things were discussed:


1. The alleged Leftist links of the Aquino administration
2. The alleged demoralisation among the ranks caused by the filing of criminal charges against former general Jovito Palparan
3. The alleged mismanagement of the economy of the Aquino administration
4. The alleged fear of the military of  a possible Leftist takeover of government before 2016


No leader has been identified. No specifics as of this time, has yet been determined. What is certain is that the plot has been discovered already by the Aquino administration. Several operators of this administration have been mobilised to determine the extent of support the group got.


Likewise, several police officers have reportedly placed their support behind the so-called plot. A rumor has been circulating that the reported replacement for PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome has been scratched from the list of President Aquino for being a known and very close associate of former Arroyo general, Hermogenes Ebdane. 


Ebdane, according to several sources, is still supportive of Arroyo. Fact is, he is allegedly behind efforts to protect Commissioner Garcillano from turning state witness. Efforts at reaching and getting the reaction of the Zambales governor about this have failed. 


If true, this plot will be the first try of anti-Aquino forces against this administration whose sole  objective is to cleanse the bureaucracy of misfits and grafters.