Father Joaquin Bernas agreed with the position taken by New Philippine Revolution that only People Power can reverse the action taken by the House of Representatives on Resolution 1109(Thea Alberto, " Charter Change could spark People Power" at http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20090604-208825/Charter-change-could-spark-People-Power).
Now, I don't agree with the position taken by some bloggers that there is nothing to worry about here, since Congress has not constituted itself as an Assembly. That position is faulty and worrisome because it assumes the position of Malacanang itself. Probably, they have'nt realized the gravity of the action of the Lower House.
By intentionally leaving out the Senate in the deliberations, and passage of Resolution 1109, that provocative act by the Lower House was meant as a challenge to the Senate for a showdown of force. Actually, the Lower House already succeeded in proving the irrelevance of the Senate. By arrogating full legislative powers, the Lower House just showed how the Legislature can still function by just one House.
Without any proof that democratic processes have been impaired by the exclusion of the Senate in legislative procedure, there is nothing to prevent the Lower House from moving decisively forward, since they have shown in concrete terms, that they have the numbers, and the muscle, to force such an issue.
That said, the message that the architects of Resolution 1109 is simple---it has shown the irrelevance of the Senate. The Rasputins of the Lower House even used a mere Resolution to spite the Senate. Yes, it is unconstitutional. Yes, it is immoral and patently illegal. Yet, the issue here is not about legalities or immorality, no.
This is actually an ideological or polemical war meant to justify the eventual shift from a bicameral to a unicameral form of legislature. The architects of this Resolution are trying to show the relevance of unicameralism, that one House can pass such a monumental piece of legislation by using a mere resolution.
Now, on the issue of transmittal. Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile is confident that nothing will come about this Resolution since the Lower House will eventually transmit the same to them.
Is'nt it patently clear that the Lower House is not going to do that? Since it has succeeded in the first time, why would the Lower House go the "constitutional route" when they already accomplished what they intended through the extra-constitutional route?
The Lower House already committed a heinous crime by intentionally leaving the Senate out of the process and formalizing it through a viva voce vote. All of them are liable for the crime of treason. They all know that. Now, why the rush and the brazen show of force?
These Congressmen are banking on the support of Malacanang. The 20 million pesos "bribe money" coursed thru the PDAF is just for starters. What they eventually want is for the parliamentary elections to push thru since this will give a new lease of life to third termers and give in to the plan of Malacanang for Gloria Forever.
A patently illegal move by the Lower House justifies the use of an extra-constitutional action. Why? Because that's the only recourse left for the Senate to justify its relevance in a "bicameral" form of legislature. The Senate must show its strength by marshalling its national constituency. There is no other means to counter the action taken by the Lower House.
People power is our last resort since this will show the way for the Lower House to rectify itself and do self-censure. If they don't see the numbers in the streets, they would proceed with their dastardly plan of changing the form of government.
On the legality of Resolution 1109
For all intents and purposes, Resolution 1109 is legal, except that the wordings of the bill itself is patently illegal. The Lower House has the power to deliberate and pass a Resolution. Yet, that Resolution is half-baked. It should pass to the Senate to be able to achieve full legality.
Now, what if the Lower House decides not to transmit this resolution to the Senate? What if they succeed in their provocation and constitute themselves
The Legal Option
This is my suggestion---prevent every member of the Lower House to physically attend a special session to be announced later by Speaker Nograles. Groups should do whatever means necessary to prevent Congressmen from attending this session.
Showing posts with label speaker prospero nograles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speaker prospero nograles. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New Administration Party: LAKAS-KAMPI CMD
Next Tuesday, the Committee on Constitutional Amendments chaired by Cong. Victor Ortega will decide on the fate of Speaker Prospero Nograles' bill or House Resolution No. 1109 which pushes for a convening of Congress into an assembly to propose amendments to the 1987 Constitution. Analysts say, this is a last ditch attempt at charter change. It seeks to exclude the Senate in the voting for amendments to expedite the main motive for the bill---the change from a presidential to a parliamentary form of government to allow Mrs. Arroyo to run as Congressman and seek the Prime Ministership (see Philippine Daily Inquirer report)
One question---what is the effect of the soon-to-be political marriage of Lakas and KAMPI to this attempt at cha-cha? Yesterday, the main proponents of this merger already invented a name for themselves--LAKAS KAMPI CMD. This merger, I think, is the strongest possible political coalition for the administration. And it will be the biggest political party should it comes to fruition.
While members of LAKAS and KAMPI are preparing for the elections, some of their members are still trying to pass charter change using the back door. Now, will this latest dig at cha-cha be one of the sour points of this coalition? Some politicians whom I chanced upon yesterday said that most, if not all, are against cha-cha. However, some said that the Las Vegas trip was a PR event, meant to provide the numbers for the passage of the Nograles bill.
Now, should Congress pursue their Tuesday thing and LAKAS-KAMPI CMD opposed it, it surely would lead to a fractious political marriage. Will the new LAKAS-KAMPI CMD be able to conveniently trade this off in exchange for what?
One question---what is the effect of the soon-to-be political marriage of Lakas and KAMPI to this attempt at cha-cha? Yesterday, the main proponents of this merger already invented a name for themselves--LAKAS KAMPI CMD. This merger, I think, is the strongest possible political coalition for the administration. And it will be the biggest political party should it comes to fruition.
While members of LAKAS and KAMPI are preparing for the elections, some of their members are still trying to pass charter change using the back door. Now, will this latest dig at cha-cha be one of the sour points of this coalition? Some politicians whom I chanced upon yesterday said that most, if not all, are against cha-cha. However, some said that the Las Vegas trip was a PR event, meant to provide the numbers for the passage of the Nograles bill.
Now, should Congress pursue their Tuesday thing and LAKAS-KAMPI CMD opposed it, it surely would lead to a fractious political marriage. Will the new LAKAS-KAMPI CMD be able to conveniently trade this off in exchange for what?
Friday, February 27, 2009
BSP charges Celso delos Angeles with 1 billion syndicated estafa
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) just filed a 1 billion peso syndicated estafa charge against Legacy owner Celso "Boy Sese" delos Angeles. So, are we, the People, especially those 130,000 depositors scammed by this financial artist, satisfied with this?
No. Celso should be made to account for the 14 billion pesos he reportedly got from those double your money schemes he devised to scam people out of their shirts.
The BSP should modify their charge to 14 billion pesos syndicated estafa, instead of 1 billion.
Likewise, the warrant of arrest for Celso should be accomplished in haste, so that he'll not bail himself out of this one.
Celso's accomplices should also be summarily executed, err, arrested, especially officials of Dynamic Bank, particularly those involved in the marketing of this highly anomalous double your money scheme. According to reports, Dynamic Bank had the biggest exposure and the biggest take of deposits amounting to about 2.5 billion, so the officers of this bank should be charged and jailed with Boy Sese too.
A Manila Times report says that Sese operated one of the biggest syndicates in the Philippines. He heads this ruthless syndicate with impunity and even has the capability to kill their detractors.
The State should match their firepower with more lethal force. If Celso and the rest of those who scammed the Filipino People of 14 billion pesos resist arrest, the State should very well give them what's due to them immediately.
Yet, I doubt it if we'll see Boy Sese behind bars. Will Speaker Nograles allow his bosom buddy to spend time in jail?
The next chapter of this episode is predictable---Celso delos Angeles will escape the long-arm of the law and like Joc-Joc Bolante before, will try to seek refuge in the United States or Timbuktu. He'll probably enjoy his billions there, in the comforts of a villa.
No. Celso should be made to account for the 14 billion pesos he reportedly got from those double your money schemes he devised to scam people out of their shirts.
The BSP should modify their charge to 14 billion pesos syndicated estafa, instead of 1 billion.
Likewise, the warrant of arrest for Celso should be accomplished in haste, so that he'll not bail himself out of this one.
Celso's accomplices should also be summarily executed, err, arrested, especially officials of Dynamic Bank, particularly those involved in the marketing of this highly anomalous double your money scheme. According to reports, Dynamic Bank had the biggest exposure and the biggest take of deposits amounting to about 2.5 billion, so the officers of this bank should be charged and jailed with Boy Sese too.
A Manila Times report says that Sese operated one of the biggest syndicates in the Philippines. He heads this ruthless syndicate with impunity and even has the capability to kill their detractors.
The State should match their firepower with more lethal force. If Celso and the rest of those who scammed the Filipino People of 14 billion pesos resist arrest, the State should very well give them what's due to them immediately.
Yet, I doubt it if we'll see Boy Sese behind bars. Will Speaker Nograles allow his bosom buddy to spend time in jail?
The next chapter of this episode is predictable---Celso delos Angeles will escape the long-arm of the law and like Joc-Joc Bolante before, will try to seek refuge in the United States or Timbuktu. He'll probably enjoy his billions there, in the comforts of a villa.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Congress Just Sold our Kalayaan
While we worry about the next meal and bow our heads in shame over so many scandals involving government, now comes Congress with another sellout. The Bicameral Conference committee has just approved a version of the Baselines Bill that effectively excluded the Kalayaan Islands and Scarborough isles from Philippine territory.
This version, which Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile termed as the “best” that these legislators can come up so far, is slated to be approved by both Houses and submitted for signature to the President. Former Philippine Representative to the United Nations Lauro Baja was shocked to learn that this 14th Congress has just sold out the claim of the Philippines in a nonchalant fashion. This bill effectively erased decades of debates and studies undertaken by our country’s diplomats just to defend our claims to these oil-rich islands. And what was the reason of these “distinguished” traitors, err, legislators?
” The Chinese and the Vietnamese will go to war against us if we continue our claims, ” says Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile. Enrile must have probably thought that we’re in the 19th century where gunboat diplomacy was the norm rather than the exception in international diplomacy. Or, probably he thinks that all Filipinos are octogenarians, weak and unable to defend their own lands against foreign intrusions. Enrile must have been asleep. For, ever octogenarians among us, who fought those global wars and survived, will fight on for their country, unlike this prodigal son from the North who shake with fear just by the very prospect of hearing a whimper of protest by these wealthy Chinese Communists.
This bogey, it seems, was created just to justify the obvious sellout of these islands. And for what cost, you ask? China reportedly offered US$ 8 billion in loans just for the Philippines to drop its claim in the Kalayaan islands.
Why are we so obsessed with selling our islands, our mountains, our lands, our rivers and streams? Have we no love for our beloved country? Have we forgotten that our heroes and forebears fought with their lives and their blood just to create this Nation of 82 million souls living in 7,100 islands? Maybe, it’s our perverse understanding of the concepts of a borderless world? Or maybe, just maybe, some of us, particularly those who we elected as leaders, are so obsessed and hungry to get hold of that US$ 8 billion bonanza that they don’t think about the disastrous effects of such a sellout to future generations?
We are so unfortunate to have a Senate President that thinks he owes his post to the Chinese and the Vietnamese Communists. We are so unlucky to have a Speaker who wants to sell every parcel of prime property to foreigners by lifting Constitutional provisions. These former bar top-notchers are the country’s foremost real estate agents who think they owe their lives to their patron, under the ignominious name of Gloria Arroyo.
Such a waste of talent, these two men of traitorous natures. It is a shame that we now live in a generation where graduates of AIM, in the likes of Celso delos Angeles Jr. use their talents to scam people out of their lifesavings. It is a shame that brilliant legal minds, such as these two men from the North and the South, conspiring to offer the Philippines as a tribute to their Chinese masters in Beijing. Shame that these so-called “brave men” who fought the dictatorship, are now the ones carving these beautiful country into little fiefdoms and selling those islands to the Chinese, an obvious admission of the frailities of our crooked souls.
” RP is for sale.” We have sold our morals already. We gave up our brothers and sisters to Middle Eastern masters due to poverty. We sold our organs, our bodies, to the highest bidder from Europe and the United States. Now, we are selling the very land, the very soil, we tread and we owe our very lives.
What’s so sad is that we don’t mind giving these islands to foreigners. When we were presented with the prospect of peace with our fellow Muslim kin last year, with the MOA-AD, we screamed and threatened to unleash the dogs of war against our blood brothers. Yet, when we now see the prospect of losing our claims to these islands and also face the prospect of losing yet another, this time, Sabah, silence.
We deserve our slavery.
This version, which Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile termed as the “best” that these legislators can come up so far, is slated to be approved by both Houses and submitted for signature to the President. Former Philippine Representative to the United Nations Lauro Baja was shocked to learn that this 14th Congress has just sold out the claim of the Philippines in a nonchalant fashion. This bill effectively erased decades of debates and studies undertaken by our country’s diplomats just to defend our claims to these oil-rich islands. And what was the reason of these “distinguished” traitors, err, legislators?
” The Chinese and the Vietnamese will go to war against us if we continue our claims, ” says Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile. Enrile must have probably thought that we’re in the 19th century where gunboat diplomacy was the norm rather than the exception in international diplomacy. Or, probably he thinks that all Filipinos are octogenarians, weak and unable to defend their own lands against foreign intrusions. Enrile must have been asleep. For, ever octogenarians among us, who fought those global wars and survived, will fight on for their country, unlike this prodigal son from the North who shake with fear just by the very prospect of hearing a whimper of protest by these wealthy Chinese Communists.
This bogey, it seems, was created just to justify the obvious sellout of these islands. And for what cost, you ask? China reportedly offered US$ 8 billion in loans just for the Philippines to drop its claim in the Kalayaan islands.
Why are we so obsessed with selling our islands, our mountains, our lands, our rivers and streams? Have we no love for our beloved country? Have we forgotten that our heroes and forebears fought with their lives and their blood just to create this Nation of 82 million souls living in 7,100 islands? Maybe, it’s our perverse understanding of the concepts of a borderless world? Or maybe, just maybe, some of us, particularly those who we elected as leaders, are so obsessed and hungry to get hold of that US$ 8 billion bonanza that they don’t think about the disastrous effects of such a sellout to future generations?
We are so unfortunate to have a Senate President that thinks he owes his post to the Chinese and the Vietnamese Communists. We are so unlucky to have a Speaker who wants to sell every parcel of prime property to foreigners by lifting Constitutional provisions. These former bar top-notchers are the country’s foremost real estate agents who think they owe their lives to their patron, under the ignominious name of Gloria Arroyo.
Such a waste of talent, these two men of traitorous natures. It is a shame that we now live in a generation where graduates of AIM, in the likes of Celso delos Angeles Jr. use their talents to scam people out of their lifesavings. It is a shame that brilliant legal minds, such as these two men from the North and the South, conspiring to offer the Philippines as a tribute to their Chinese masters in Beijing. Shame that these so-called “brave men” who fought the dictatorship, are now the ones carving these beautiful country into little fiefdoms and selling those islands to the Chinese, an obvious admission of the frailities of our crooked souls.
” RP is for sale.” We have sold our morals already. We gave up our brothers and sisters to Middle Eastern masters due to poverty. We sold our organs, our bodies, to the highest bidder from Europe and the United States. Now, we are selling the very land, the very soil, we tread and we owe our very lives.
What’s so sad is that we don’t mind giving these islands to foreigners. When we were presented with the prospect of peace with our fellow Muslim kin last year, with the MOA-AD, we screamed and threatened to unleash the dogs of war against our blood brothers. Yet, when we now see the prospect of losing our claims to these islands and also face the prospect of losing yet another, this time, Sabah, silence.
We deserve our slavery.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Pacquiao As Anti-Democracy Prop
I don't know about you but it's quite disturbing seeing a government official and a department secretary at that, acting as the publicity and PR manager of Manny Pacquiao. I'm talking about Environment Secretary Lito Atienza. At the regular Malacanang press conference today, Atienza was seen revealing the itinerary of legendary Pinoy boxing icon, Manny Pacquiao.
If Atienza serves as our sports czar, that's quite understandable. But, Atienza is supposed to trumpet the accomplishments of his department. There are quite a number of explosive issues bedevilling the state of the Philippine environment, among which, are the Mount Diwalwal exploitation, the thinning tropical forests, the decreasing numbers of fish catch, etal.
And here, we see our very own environment secretary doubling up as Manny Pacquiao's publicist. Mr. Atienza, are you Manny's designated PR man? Have'nt you forgotten your mandate? Or, this is one of your rackets? Have'nt you forgotten Mr. Atienza that you're not, oh no, not a PR man of Manila City hall?
Obviously, Malacanang want to exploit the "goodwill" generated by Pacman's victory. They want to use the boxing hero as their counterpoint against a big rally tomorrow. My good friend, Leah Navarro informed me that the rally against Charter Change will be led by the CEAP and MAPSA, the country's largest associations of schools parochial, Code NGO, C4CC, Laban ng Masa & Akbayan, the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Rosales and farmers from all over the country . Rallyists will be converging at St. Peter's Basilica at 10 in the morning to march towards Batasan.
Tomorrow, Congressmen will resume discussions on pending charter change proposals. Sources told me that tomorrow, Congressmen will attempt to dislodge Speaker Prospero Nograles from his seat. KAMPI will try to force Nograles into a corner by pressing him to categorically state his position regarding charter change. The fear of most everybody in KAMPI right now is Nograles' wishy-washy stance. Nograles is afraid to be caught at the wrong side of history. He is now facing tremendous pressures from his former colleagues at LAKAS-NUCD led by his mentor, JDV and FVR.
With the numbers stacked against him, there is a gvery strong possibility that Cong. Luis Villafuerte will be anointed as the new Speaker replacing Nograles.
So, it will be a media fight tomorrow as both groups, the administration and the anti-charter change groups will try to get over the other tomorrow. And Manny Pacquiao will be at the center of a media maelstrom.
I suggest for Manny---for the sake of your flowering career, desist from taking part in Malacanang's plan to make you their poster boy for tomorrow. Remember what happened to Nora Aunor? She was used by former president Estrada as a counter force in the rising movement for change prior to the outbreak of EDSA 2. Look at what happened to her?
Don't tempt fate and don't put yourself in a very difficult and dangerous situation. You're a boxer. Don't be deluded by promises of more grandeur and the sparkle of politics. Politics is not a boxing ring. No.
Pacman, politics is chess, not boxing. Baka ma-mate ka.
By the way, the second big one is on Friday, 12 December, 4:00pm, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, Makati. It will be led by UNO and Bayan. The Liberal Party and Jesus is Lord Movement are going also. Expect fireworks that would surely make everyone smile this coming holidays.
If Atienza serves as our sports czar, that's quite understandable. But, Atienza is supposed to trumpet the accomplishments of his department. There are quite a number of explosive issues bedevilling the state of the Philippine environment, among which, are the Mount Diwalwal exploitation, the thinning tropical forests, the decreasing numbers of fish catch, etal.
And here, we see our very own environment secretary doubling up as Manny Pacquiao's publicist. Mr. Atienza, are you Manny's designated PR man? Have'nt you forgotten your mandate? Or, this is one of your rackets? Have'nt you forgotten Mr. Atienza that you're not, oh no, not a PR man of Manila City hall?
Obviously, Malacanang want to exploit the "goodwill" generated by Pacman's victory. They want to use the boxing hero as their counterpoint against a big rally tomorrow. My good friend, Leah Navarro informed me that the rally against Charter Change will be led by the CEAP and MAPSA, the country's largest associations of schools parochial, Code NGO, C4CC, Laban ng Masa & Akbayan, the Catholic Church led by Cardinal Rosales and farmers from all over the country . Rallyists will be converging at St. Peter's Basilica at 10 in the morning to march towards Batasan.
Tomorrow, Congressmen will resume discussions on pending charter change proposals. Sources told me that tomorrow, Congressmen will attempt to dislodge Speaker Prospero Nograles from his seat. KAMPI will try to force Nograles into a corner by pressing him to categorically state his position regarding charter change. The fear of most everybody in KAMPI right now is Nograles' wishy-washy stance. Nograles is afraid to be caught at the wrong side of history. He is now facing tremendous pressures from his former colleagues at LAKAS-NUCD led by his mentor, JDV and FVR.
With the numbers stacked against him, there is a gvery strong possibility that Cong. Luis Villafuerte will be anointed as the new Speaker replacing Nograles.
So, it will be a media fight tomorrow as both groups, the administration and the anti-charter change groups will try to get over the other tomorrow. And Manny Pacquiao will be at the center of a media maelstrom.
I suggest for Manny---for the sake of your flowering career, desist from taking part in Malacanang's plan to make you their poster boy for tomorrow. Remember what happened to Nora Aunor? She was used by former president Estrada as a counter force in the rising movement for change prior to the outbreak of EDSA 2. Look at what happened to her?
Don't tempt fate and don't put yourself in a very difficult and dangerous situation. You're a boxer. Don't be deluded by promises of more grandeur and the sparkle of politics. Politics is not a boxing ring. No.
Pacman, politics is chess, not boxing. Baka ma-mate ka.
By the way, the second big one is on Friday, 12 December, 4:00pm, at the corner of Ayala Avenue and Paseo de Roxas, Makati. It will be led by UNO and Bayan. The Liberal Party and Jesus is Lord Movement are going also. Expect fireworks that would surely make everyone smile this coming holidays.
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