Oddities in Philippine politics: Truth be told

For telling us the unvarnished truth about the real relationship of the Arroyos and the Ampatuans, Lorelie Fajardo, the palace deputy spokesperson, is now being kept in a "freezer", officially off her duties as press undersecretary. The palace punished her for being "inconsistent". Fajardo should have kept telling the people about lores and lies, says Cerge Remonde.

After spending years defending Gloria, justifying her extravagant lifestyle and even working as her go-to man, Mike Defensor is now trying very hard to win the mayoral post in Quezon City. He's now a Nacionalista. And he's pitting Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista against Mayor Sonny Belmonte in the alleged 200 million fund anomaly. Mike, what is 200 million when your boss already stole billions? Why did you keep your mouth shut then?

The Comolect, err, Comelec, just recently disqualified Ang Ladlad as an accredited partylist organization. A few days ago, the Comelec en banc resolved the Motion for Reconsideration by a split vote---the First division going for Ang Ladlad while the second division defended itself. Comelec chairman Jose Melo intervened and voted against Ang Ladlad, siding with the second division's "Holy Men". Unfortunate for Ang Ladlad since their case landed on the laps of those who think "holy" of themselves. Danton, my friend, next time please.

As what the Bible says, " Curse those evil men who think themselves holy."

By the way, Susan "Toots" Ople is making a lot of headway in her bid for the Senate. Thousands are volunteering and helping her in her advocacy for the Filipino worker. She has a Cause--Pursue the Labor Agenda in the Senate. And her Cause is shared by others.

Five Great Patriots

When I was still studying at the University of the Philippines-Diliman, I had the chance to befriend five great men, and I'm not ashamed to write them all here because I believe that, given the chance, they definitely would contribute towards a better Philippines.

Let's start off with Bong Bongolan. Bong used to be our student Council Chairman. He ran and won under SAMASA, the dominant student political party during our time. I remember that it was during his term that I also ran for the CSSP vice chairmanship post and won. Bong is a very intelligent man. He's one of the best economists. He's now helping the government thru the National Home Finance Corporation (?). Bong has brilliant ideas and given the chance, he'll be a very good Congressman should he choose to run.

Alex Lacson was my "kuya" when I stayed for four years at the Narra dormitory (now closed after a great fire). He finished his law studies and I think, is now in private practice. Last time I heard, he ran and lost in the running for a local post in his hometown in Bacolod. We're supposed to be fraternity brothers but sadly, I choose to be with the masses.

One of Mike Defensor's best buddy (and frat brother) Miro Quimbo, finished his studies at UP Law and went on to become of one of this country's best lawyers. When Mike started his political career as a QC councilor, Miro has been with him since then. After EDSA dos, Miro was appointed as president of Pag-Ibig. I have'nt heard one single graft case or complaint against Miro. In fact, I think that Pag-Ibig is one of the best performers among government's companies. There are talks that Miro will be running for a local post in Marikina. Miro deserves to win.

There's another one, Ariel Nepomuceno, who also ran as one of our best student councilors in my time. Ariel helped form the Independent Student Alliance (ISA). The last time that we met was so many years ago. He was appointed as VP of the Food Terminal Incorporated (FTI). After that, no more news about him. Should he decides to run for a local post, he'll have my firm support.

Lastly, there's another one and his name is Atty. Jijil Jimenez. Jimenez was also a former student council chairman. When he finished his law studies at the UP, Jijil decided to carve a career at the labor department, serving I think as attache. Sometime ago, he was appointed as Deputy Administrator of the OWWA. Last time I heard, he ran for a congressional (?) post in his province and lost. He's now in private practice but should he decide to run, he'll have my support.

Free Jun Lozada Now!

For a while, the Filipino People enjoyed the ecstatic victory of Filipino superboxer Manny Pacquiao. Now that the fight is over, the Filipino People is back to business. And we have not forgotten the plight of ZTE whistleblower Jun Lozada who still languish in a jail in the Manila Police District. He was put to jail to answer a perjury charge filed by former Arroyo Chief of Staff Mike Defensor.

Jun Lozada's plight is just a start of a widespread shakedown. This case is a test case. The Arroyo Evil Regime wants to see if large-scale movements of disgusts and dissent would happen should a big public personality such as JLo is arrested and jailed.

The response so far has been lame. Yet, don't count us out. During the fight against a stronger Dictator like Marcos, it took years before the movement blossomed into an EDSA. A raging volcano of dissent simmers underground, waiting for the right and proper time to explode.

RIGHT NOW, the Filipino People don't need an EDSA. EDSA are just for petit demons. We face the daughter of Beelshebub herself. That merits a stronger, more determined and more painful response, like an exorcism.

The Fight Continues! Onward!

By the way, thanks Arlyn dela Cruz for that comment in my previous posts. It's quite encouraging. And also, as a rejoinder, the "colonel" you referred to in your event, is, I believe, retired already?

Like Ding Gagelonia over at http://midfield.wordpress.com/, I'll post our photo here. Now, to allay fears that I am now with Senator Loren Legarda, let me say that I was just invited by Arlyn in this event, along with other journalists. Legarda is not a client, nor a close friend. She's being handled by noted PR man, Willy Fernandez. Enuf said.
(photo cap: Left-to-right: Standing, Senator Loren Legarda, Arlyn de la Cruz, Patricio Mangubat. Seated, Ding Gagelonia. Event: Manila Polo Club, April 28, 2009)

All politicians and CORRUPT GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS, as what regular NPR readers already know, are all FAIR GAME. Even Mar Roxas whom I castigated in my previous posts and whom I consider as a friend, became a victim of my vicious pen.

My classmate, Mike Defensor, also received a fair share of comments, especially on the ZTE and his role in the Chinese mining firm. Another classmate, Miro Quimbo of Pag-Ibig once received a fair share of praise and derision in this site.

For those who want to invite me in their affairs, they can just send their invites thru my email address at mangubat.patricio@gmail.com. No fancy whatever, no gifts please. If you want me to write about your side, then, this site is open. I believe in the Right to Reply although this does not mean that Congress should make this unwritten ethical thing a law. Send your statements thru mangubat.patricio@gmail.com.

I don't attend blogger nights or press conferences. I seldom meet other bloggers, except when invited by Noemi, Ding, Janet, DJB, Manolo, Juned and even Jester. I share an affinity with Noemi because I feel in my heart that she's a very nice person. And of course, we have a bull frog friend (BFF), whose bite is weak and unconvincing because of hunger (hungry for attention and hungry for food). Janet is also a highly respected figure in the netsphere. Janet was the only one who convinced me to attend a blogger event. After that, I was'nt able to go to her events due to commitments. Ding, you all know, is a good friend. DJB, I consider an intellectual and Manolo, of course. I met Manolo and AWBHOLDINGS last night. Jester, well, I go to his meetings (if he calls for it) because I want to pry his mind, hehehe! Same with Marck Rimorin.

If there's a chance, I want to meet RJ Marmol, Leslie Bocobo, Manuel Buencamino, Mel Alarilla and other bloggers who want to see a New Philippines emerge from the rut. I now have close to 900(?) friends over at Facebook and most, if not all, are friends from way back who know Revo, my petname when I was a student.

And for those who want to destroy PM, just check if I have political personalities as clients. I have NONE. They can all write ad hominem attacks. But, they'll never desist me from writing the truth. No. Kiss my lovely pen.

(Everyday, the NPR continues to receive emails of support from thousands of New Patriots in every corner of the country and in the world. NPR continues to improve its Technorati rankings and hits (more than 2,500 everyday). Google has also placed a 4/10 ranking for NPR)

Only God has the power to shut me up. Death will not deter Patricio Mangubat from his advocacy. Even if I die, other Patricio Mangubats will rise to continue the New Philippine Revolution.

By the way, I'll be re-setting my timer here. Mrs. Arroyo's days are beginning to shorten. Later, I'll do that. I just need to go to the camps, hehehe! (Joke!) :-)

Why Lozada refuses to post bail

First, did Lozada committed perjury? Did he lied about former Arroyo Chief of Staff Mike Defensor's role in the ZTE scandal?

Lozada has first-hand knowledge of what really happened. He said that Defensor tried to convince him to "re-imagine" what had happened during his abduction. Lozada refused. Now, with the filing of this perjury charge, Defensor wants Lozada to again "re-imagine" his role in the controversy. Defensor said he's doing it for his children. But is he?

If Lozada accepts this perjury charge, it is as if, he admits that everything he said, everything he wrote and everything he testified before the Filipino People, are all just lies or just imagination. He's sticking to what he said---Defensor tried to coax him. If Lozada posts bail, it is as if, he recognizes the jurisdiction of the courts and dignify the case of Defensor against him.

For Lozada and the rest of the Filipino People, there is no perjury case because he just told what happened. If Lozada accepts this perjury case, it is as if all those testimonies before the Filipino People and all those he wrote that forms part of the People's case against the First Gentlemen, former COMELEC chair Ben Abalos and former NEDA chief Romulo Neri, are all just lies and "a figment of imagination."

Defensor is a shrewed politician. He used his kids to counteract Lozada in the emotional and sympathy department while knowing that this perjury charge would destroy the entire ZTE case altogether. The game plan of Defensor etal is make the public and the courts believe that the ZTE scandal is just, a lie, or best, hearsay.

Defensor and his associates over at ZTE wants to make a second dig at us. If they succeed, the First Gentleman etal would go scot-free and the corrupt and graft practices they so promoted with zeal all these years, would continue.

The fight of Lozada is a fight for the Truth. The ZTE scandal did happen. Lozada was there. He saw the corruption. He saw the greed. And Lozada is fighting so that people like Defensor would not succeed in their intention to re-write History.

For those who still believe in the purity of Truth, who still want real Justice to prevail and just want Peace for all of us----go to Lozada's aid. Go, go to the MPD headquarters.

This is NOT the time for all of us to procrastinate. NO.

This is NOT the time for all to all just be fence-sitters. NO.

We must unite now. We must fight this enveloping darkness that eventually tries to eat our very souls as a People.

We must rescue Lozada, a symbol of our collective thirst for Truth, from the clutches of a totalitarian regime.

Now, more than ever, the Motherland needs everyone.

**Last night, I went to the MPD to assess the situation. Nuns and common folk were there with Jun. I also saw a steady stream of people pouring. Gut feel tells me that this is something extraordinary, something which will eventually lead to a bigger assembly. Am I expecting an EDSA? No.

Mrs. Arroyo and her demons do not deserve an EDSA. No.

They deserve an exorcism of historical proportions.***

Lozada stays in jail

As I write this, ZTE whistleblower Jun Lozada is still in a small and cramped room inside the Manila Police District headquarters. Yesterday, MPD officers arrested him after he refused to post bail shortly after being made to answer to a perjury charge filed by former Arroyo Chief of Staff Mike Defensor. Defensor, a known staunch ally of Mrs. Arroyo, filed the perjury case after Lozada allegedly lied about his true participation in the ZTE controversy.

Defensor said, he's willing to go to the Supreme Court just to prove his case. He is doing it for his children which he presented before the media in his press conference yesterday.

Defensor said it is not about politics this time--it's about honor. He wants to protect his name which he said remains "unsullied" yet was "smeared" when Lozada told everyone how Defensor tried to coax him to lie about his alleged abduction.

Defensor may have his reasons but are those reasons really non-political or not just for show? Defensor said he wants to protect his children, but if he really intended that, why go to such lengths as present all of his five kids before the prying eyes of the media? Surely, Defensor's dramatics are counter-measures to dilute the possible emotional outbursts that a Lozada arrest is expected to generate.

Lozada remains in jail, a victim, says former presidents Cory Aquino and Joseph Estrada, of government injustice. People ask why he continues to reject pleas for him to post bail. Senators Richard Gordon, Ping Lacson and Mar Roxas, even Manila mayor Alfredo Lim, all gave 6,000 pesos for Lozada to use in his bail. Lozada said thanks but respectfully gave all their monies back.

Why?

What this case says is this---you, Lozada, should rot in jail because you sided with the "wrong crowd" (opposition), hindi ka kasangga or KAKAMPI, and you should suffer". That's what Congressmen Dado and Mikey Arroyo said in their respective statements yesterday. In fact, they all wished him to suffer the fate of condemned criminals in Saudi Arabia.

What this government is trying to tell us is simply---shut your mouths up. If you see injustice, don't speak. Just close your eyes and toe the line. Just do your business.

So what if we want to get a US$ 300 million commission from a sorely defective telecomms project? So, what the hell if we decide to give millions to the First Gentleman and Chairman Abalos? So what if we tried to protect all our hides and file charges against those who chose to stray? And so what if we pour millions of pesos just to kill the story in the media?

With all their millions and billions, these devils failed to gag a person like Lozada. Why? Because Lozada chose to be on the "wrong side", that is, on the side of Light, of Truth, of Real Justice.

In the eyes of these corrupt and evil men, the right side is graft and corrupt practices. And the wrong side is morality, Truth and justice.

Lozada continues to reject the help being extended by well-meaning friends simply because 6,000 pesos is really not the right price for Truth. No.

If Lozada posts bail, it is as if he admitted that he told a lie. Defensor and his ilk wanted Lozada to re-write history to suit their personal interests. Defensor wants Lozada to "re-imagine" what happened and strike him out of the picture and eventually a new version of the ZTE scandal would emerge from a Lozada statement.

Gloria and Mike's selling spree

It's very disturbing how we sell our natural resources and our patrimony as if they're just hotcakes or your lowly isaw. I mean, Gloria and her mafia gang have just sold our nickel to the Chinese. I know we need US$ 150 million, and it would provide jobs for thousands of Filipinos in that part of the world, but hey, selling hundred of prime, pristine lands to these Chinks makes one puke at the direction of those who made this very embarrassing deal!

Nothing wrong with this, I imagine Gloria's fair-haired boy Mike Defensor telling us. Everything is above-board. We have'nt violated any law. Besides, what's so special about a nickel plantation anyway?

Well, I think Mike's mind has already been deadened anyway, so no amount of convincing would turn this former student leader-turned congressman-turned technocrat-turned turncoat to a different tack. Mike, the issue is not about if this is above-board or not. It's about this thing called "hiya", which apparently you lost all the way to the bank with this one.

I've been reviewing your credentials and nowhere do I find an expertise about mining, about mineral resources and all those stuff which would qualify you to be a director of this Geograce (Disgrace?) or Nihao company. How would you answer allegations that this deal was given to you as a reward for being Gloria's only remaining spice boy-operator-influence peddler? I mean, hey, have you seen a medium-sized company anywhere in the world who can bag such a lucrative and exploitative deal like yours? Only in this country Mike, only in this country.

Net--you bagged this deal because you maintained very close relations with Gloria, period. Where's the track record of your company? Besides, don't we have that technology to exploit our very own resources? I mean, come on! The Philippines used to be the prime exporter of nickel in the world, and we did that without Chinese help. So, nihao Mike, nihao!

I don't blame you classmate. Your benefactor's days are numbered. But, please, do limit that greed. I mean, you and your gang of operators are selling our patrimony and our freedoms left and right. Yeah, nothing wrong with earning some dough there, right? Try not to sell every river, every stream, every island, every mountain, every valley or even, every Filipino Mike.

Look...you've nearly sold our communications network...every airport...every sea port...even the waters and vast agricultural lands...all in the name of Gloria's Enchanted Kingdom. You and Gloria are even trying to sell to the MILF. For all we know, we'll just wake up one morning and we're either a Chinese colony or entirely Malaysian.

Mahiya ka naman bro, kahit konti lang.

Anyway, sige, sell what you want to sell. Do what you want to do. Sell everything to the foreigners. You can get away with it now. But, try to wait for a little while classmate. Maybe you need to go someplace else if this thing boils over. 

Time to sharpen those shears, Alex. The time is ripe for the harvest.

Lozada's story

This is what we have gleaned from the senate investigations so far:

1. Jun Lozada or "J-lo" as what some sectors refer to him, was tasked by his bosom buddy NEDA Secretary Neri to mediate in the NBN deal. Lozada was tapped since he is an IT engineer.
2. Lozada entered the picture during the time that NEDA was reviewing the project. The DOTC needs the NEDA recommendation since it is the procedure dictated by law.
3. Lozada met both parties--the ZTE people who won the bid and Amsterdam Holdings. ZTE people wants a government loan while Amsterdam Holdings want to build NGN through a BOT (Build and Operate Transfer). Both groups have very strong backers--Amsterdam Holdings have Joey de Venecia, the son and namesake of the Speaker of the House--and ZTE has Abalos, who was then COMELEC chairman.
4. Between these two titans is Lozada. Lozada was the middle man so to speak. He was the mediator whom Neri tasked to "moderate their greed". For Neri, moderating means about 20-30% of the contract price.
5. Chairman Abalos, the person who orchestrated the anomalous win of Arroyo in the 2004 elections, felt powerful. He holds an ace against the president since he knows how government operators acted during the 2004 elections. Since he is also very close to the First Gentleman, being his "padrino" behind his appointment to the Comelec is near retirement. He wants something. He needs some money for his retirement.
6. Chairman Abalos brokered a deal with the ZTE. He also told FG that he'll have at least 70 million dollars from this deal. There are others who will "earn" from the expected 130million dollars commission which Abalos wants from this deal.
7. Lozada, meanwhile, reported to Neri. Neri told Lozada to moderate the greed of Abalos. When Lozada told Abalos about this, he then called FG. FG called back and assured Abalos that the palace will do everything possible for the deal to continue.
8. Neri then came to Arroyo. Neri told Arroyo of what Abalos is doing, even offering him bribe money amounting to 200 million pesos. Arroyo reportedly told him not to accept the money but approve the project anyway. Neri did what was asked of him and approved the ZTE deal, under the guise that it should be done under the BOT scheme, not a government loan. This is also the recommendation of Lozada.
9. Upon knowing this, Abalos went ballistic and called Lozada. He threatened Lozada with death and cursed him. Lozada became fearful for his life since that time.
10. When Arroyo went to Boao and signed the agreement, the deal suddenly turned from BOT to government loan. Before Arroyo planed to China, a press conference was held by the losing bidder, protesting about the project.
11. JDV's friend and columnist Jarius Bondoc then wrote the ZTE deal in his columns. The Inquirer also wrote a special report about the ZTE deal. Slowly, media learned about the deal and some TV shows did some reports. ZTE people became frantic yet they were so confident that the deal will be honored by the government, since, using their words, "this is a government to government transaction covered by an executive agreement."
12. By this time, Lozada has been receiving numerous death threats thru texting. Lozada presumed that these texts were emanating from Abalos group, since in one of their conversations, Abalos boasted that he's so influential with the military. Lozada confided this to his friend, Neri.
13. Then came Joey de Venecia opening the lid so to speak, against the deal. Media caught up with him including civil society. His father tried to dissuade him from testifying since he was receiving numerous death threats himself. One friend, former PNP Supt. Jaime delos santos further fanned the flames by going to JDV and reporting that these threats were real. The Speaker, fearful of his son's life, tried to talk Joey out of this. Joey refused. In his statement, Joey said that it was his responsibility as a citizen to report this anomalous deal.
14. The DOTC officials then went on an offensive, criticizing Joey publicly. The First Family also did their own smear campaign, portrating Joey to be a drug addict and a perjured witness. This issue would have been settled there since I believe, the palace succeeded in neutralizing Joey. The Senate Blue Ribbon then decided to suspend the hearings. Joey went on a vacation, first to Japan and then to the US. Sources say, the reason why he went to the US was to consult with his financier, George Soros and a big-time filipino businessman.
15. Christmas came and went. Relations between the Speaker and the palace soured which led to the ouster of the Speaker. Speaker went ballistic, and threatened to expose the anomalies of the palace during his valedictory. But since the palace assessed that he's now a spent force, they let him be. Ramos threatened the palace lightly, obviously desirous to still salvage the relationship of Arroyo and JDV.
16. The tipping point came when the camp of JDV leaked an information about Lozada's role in the ZTE mess. Learning of this, Lozada confessed to his boss, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza. Atienza then cautioned Lozada in testifying to the Senate.
17. Lozada, being a still small-time operator, panicked. The Senate, learning of this, issued a subpoena for him to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon.
18. To avoid the Senate, Lozada then consulted with Deputy Executive Secretary Gaite. Gaite, in his testimony, advised Lozada to cool off. Gaite did this upon the instigation of Atienza who called him about the case of Lozada. The palace factotums then arranged all travel arrangements for Lozada, ostensibly to avoid the Senate hearings.
19. Atienza then ordered Lozada to go to Hongkong. Lozada obliged. In Hongkong, Lozada called Neri and Atienza.
20. Since Lozada was fast losing money to support himself there, Lozada asked Atienza that he return to the Philippines. He also was worried about leaving his family here. Meanwhile, members of civil society were actively persuading Lozada to testify against the palace.
21. Lozada then planed in on February 5th. Atienza, knowing Lozada's itinerary, called up PNP Chief Razon. Razon immediately ordered a team to fetch Lozada. The PSPO team then went to the airport and coordinated with the airport officials. What the public does not know is that Atienza and Gaite also called up Cusi to arrange for Lozada's "safekeeping".
22. Lozada arrived. At the airport, he was frisked away by a team of "military men", as what Lozada described them. He tried to tell his family, specifically his brother of what happened to him. The team kidnapped Lozada. They went to Calamba, then to Los Banos and back. When his captors already know that he's deathly afraid of them, they then went to Outback. There, Lozada was made to sign a security request upon the prodding of one Atty Bautista. Bautista was tapped by Gaite to prepare the affidavits.
23. Afraid for his life, Lozada signed the affidavits and requested that he be returned to his family. The team then went to La Salle Greenhills where his sister, Carmen and others were waiting. The team then requested to Carmen that she sign a security request. Desirous to end her brother's ordeal, she signed the document. At this juncture, the team relaxed their hold of Lozada.
24. With this, nuns and priests entered into the picture. They secured Lozada. The team panicked and asked for backup. It was then that the palace fair haired boy, Mike Defensor entered the picture. Defensor went to La Salle and talked with Lozada. This is the time when the palace wants to regain control of Lozada. After talking with him, Defensor asked Lozada that he deny everything about his abduction. Lozada told Defensor that he think about it.
25. After confering with the priests and nuns, Lozada decided to surrender his fate to God.