Ombudsman: Graduating from Mona Lisa's lair

Sometime in 1998, an investigative report by Cecille Balgos goes on to show that the Office of the Ombudsman has been singled out as "Mona Lisa's lair". According to Balgos, the cases filed before the Ombudsman inevitably take after a line in the 1950s ballad popularized by Nat 'King' Cole which goes: They just lie there, and they die there.

But that was in 1998. Now, the Office of the Ombudsman headed by Merceditas Gutierrez has been very active and always at the limelight. Last April, she even proudly announced that her office was able to fire "23 erring public officials and suspended 33 others from government service in the past 15 months." (Sad to note, these public officials were only tiny dilis as compared with the pating swimming lavishly in the halls of Malacanang.) Her office was even able to come up with a resolution regarding the involvement of the Comelec Officials in the Mega Pacific scam and later revoked it to clear the name of the commissioners. Just like Gloria Arroyo, the alleged Philippine president, who said she will not run for president but still filed a certificate of candidacy and won after calling a Comelec official to ensure that her votes will be higher than 1 million as against her nearest contender.

Whether or not the decision of the Office of the Ombudsman is favorable to the public, or that the Office is turning a blind eye to the truth, or that it is just wiping with a hanky the blooded hands of the murderer, however, are different stories. What is clear is that the Ombudsman is now working and that it has graduated from being a Mona Lisa's lair.

Coup or no coup?

The Palace appears complacent telling everyone that the men in uniform are intact and are within the chin of command. But many are asking: Which men in uniform? Those who are warming their butts in their comfortable and airconditioned rooms or those who are sweating it out in the field wearing their camouflage and carrying their heavy bags and rifles?

While administration allies are quick to claim that there is no coup, beans are spilling from the ranks of the armed forces saying a quiet reorganization is going on after the arrest of some suspected soldier-leaders. According to the butterflies and bees from the military camps, if their counterparts in Thailand find it successful, there is no reason why this will not be replicated in Philippines. In the very first place, questions of legitimacy still hang in the air and remain as an axe to grind Gloria Arroyo's head.

Gloria's representative from Eastern Samar, Marcelino Libanan, however, maintains that the coup plotters "tried but failed in the past and therefore has no chance to succeed in the future." Which is quite an understatement for the members of the military. Unless these people are indeed stupid and does not have the capability to learn from their past mistakes.

But a bee who was too careful to buzz said that they are being paid to die for the country. If their lives is the cost of showing that the Arroyo administration is illegitimate, they can take it, he said. At least the next generation will not be a victim of history carved from cover-ups and lies. And in so doing, they still won the battle.

He is free, he is not!

President's Corrupt and Graft Government, err... Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) Commissioner Camilo Sabio felt victorious when the Supreme Court ordered "(his) release from Senate custody and suspended the arrest warrants against four PCGG commissioners and five officials of Philconsat Holdings Corp. (PHC) pending resolution of the case revolving on PCGG officials' immunity."

But many are still in doubt that the release would be final. Not unless the high court sees that an executive order has now become more powerful than the constitution.

Of course, let us still wait for the high court for their final judgment and then we judge.

Not the form of government but the honesty of public officials

While Thailand is facing coup d' etat, and Panfilo Lacson's idol, Thaksin Shinawatra, is suffering the fate of being ousted, Hungary's prime minister, Ferenc Gyurcsany, is also in hot water. Just like Gloria Arroyo, he lied not of the elections though but of the economy.

This brings another blow to the Singaw ng Bayan who are advocating the palace-orchestrated people's initiative. Singaw ng Bayan had been advocating a change of government from presidential to parliamentary claiming it to be the solution to the Philippine government's woes. Which is quite unlikely. Both Thailand and Hungary have parliamentary forms of government and still, they are being ravaged by coups and rallies. That is because of the existing leaders that they have. And with Gloria Arroyo whose legitimacy is still being questioned to rule under the parliamentary government, how can we be so certain that things will not be as they happen in Thailand and Hungary?

Well, this only boils down to one thing: it's not only the form of government that works. It is also the sincerity, honesty and transparency of the public officials.

A blackeye on Gloria's cha-cha

Yesterday, pro-cha-cha rahrah boys and girls (some says paid by Gloria Arroyo's camp) had their hair shaved. Their advocacy: speed-up charter change and institute parliamentary form of government.

But yesterday, a coup hit Thailand. Thailand is governed by a parliamentary system. The effect, a heavy blow on the Filipino advocates of cha-cha particularly for the parliamentary form. To quote Inq7: A "BLACK EYE" to the administration's Charter change initiative was how two pro-opposition lawmakers at the House of Representatives described on Wednesday the military coup in Thailand.

Ibig sabihin, nakalbo na, na-blackeye pa.

I do not oppose charter change though. Neither do i object to parliamentary form. But i think it is better that these things transpire after Gloria step down from office. As Cavite's Remulla said: “Ang argumento ng pro-Cha-cha ay mas stable ang [The argument of pro-Cha-cha advocates is that a] parliamentary form of government [is more stable]. The Thai coup just goes to show it has nothing to do with the form of government but has everything to do with transparency, accountability, and honesty in government”.

If there will be charter change and the search for truth still gropes in the dark, its just but a useless undertaking. Worse, cha-cha might even legitimize the wounds Gloria made in Philippine democracy.

Nachura and His Statutory Construction Rules

I happened to watch last night's Cerge for Truth at RPN 9 after hours of channel surfing. The topic was about the arrest of Camilo Sabio of the Presidential Commission on Good (or Bad?) Governance and the guests include Solicitor General and former Congressman Nachura and Justice Amado Valdez of the UE-Law.

First strike: Was the arrest of Sabio legal?

In Nachura's point of view, it was illegal. His contention, Executive Order No. 1 particularly Section 4B which states that "No member or staff of the commission shall be required to testify or produce in any judicial, legislative or administrative proceeding concerning matters within its official cognizance."

But if one reviews the constitution, as Valdez correctly pointed out, Section 21 of Article VI of the 1987 Constitution is very clear: The Senate has the right to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation and in doing so may issue subpoenas or warrants of arrest to protect and enforce said right. This is being opposed by Nachura claiming that EO No. 1 is above the Constitution. WHATTTT???? Who taught him that logic?

In the first place, Nachura argued, EO 1 came before the 1987 constitution. As opposed to the latter which, by its name became effective in 1987, EO No. 1 was issued by then president Cory Aquino in 1986. Again, a BIGGGG WHAAAATTTT??? If that is the case can we claim then that the 1935 Constitution is still applicable because it was passed in 1935? Or that Republic Act No. 1 is more powerful than the 1987 constitution? It appears that the SolGen has been mislead by the "last in time doctrine" in jurisprudence? Or has he become too intelligent to notice the very elementary rule in statutory construction?

Second strike: Is EO 1 repealed?

Nachura's claim is that EO No. 1 is not repealed. Well, repealed or not, it should still bow down to the applicable constitution at the present. And considering that the applicable constitution or the constitution in effect is the 1987 constitution, the EO should be interpreted in the light and spirit of the 1987 constitution.

Third strike: Is the 1995 rules of the House applicable in 2006?

Nachura's claim is on the negative. According to him, today is year 2006 and there was no resolution or action adopting the applicability of the said rules. Much more, there was no publication in a newspaper or even in the Gazette. Valdez claimed, however, that even if there is no publication or resolution for the adoption of the rules, it will still take effect and this is through the actions of the members of the House. This is implied adoption.

Considering Nachura's logic, that there should be a formal adoption and publication of the rules to take effect, why then is his lady boss Gloria Arroyo utilizing the 2005 budget when in fact it is already 2006? Hello, Mr. Nachura?

Or simply put it this way. What if, for the sake of argument, somebody steals your cellphone and in the process you did not follow Vidal Querol's advice of simply giving it to the aggressor so you were eventually killed, will your family just say thank you and goodbye to your aggressor because the criminal law was passed decades ago and it is now already year 2006?

Palparan's appointment to NSC, for counter-insurgency or for inciting to insurgency?

The general tagged as "the Butcher", Gen. Jovito Palparan, is now being eyed by Malacanang as the deputy for counter-insurgency. This was confirmed by little Mike, one of Gloria Arroyo's barking dogs and presidential chief of staff. But Amnesty International and other groups are howling against the Butcher's appointment saying he has yet to answer questions regarding the murder of left-wing activists and suspected members of the New People's Army.

Whether little Mike is doing another issue ballooneering to get the sentiment of the public, we do not know. The only thing we know is that he is mishandling the job for being so greedy of becoming Arroyo's parrot -- that is, replacing toting Bunye or Ed Ermita.

Some spirits in the palace, however, are in agreement that the Philippine president with questionable legitimacy is serious of taking in Palparan. As a fact, if Bert Gonzales, the National Security Adviser (NSC), will object to the appointment of the Butcher's to the NSC, Arroyo will still take Palparan but as the chair of the Presidential Anti-Insurgency Task Force now being headed by Ermita. This is also the report of Malaya.

This makes us wonder as to the real intention of Ms. Arroyo. If she is serious in eradicating insurgency, the first thing she should do is to eradicate poverty. Studies have repeatedly shown that people rebel because they have nothing to eat. They turn insurgents because they see some individuals eating to the contentment of their greeds while they, the poor, have nothing. Not even dog food. Second, medical evidences also show that grumbling stomachs usually lead to hallucinations which might include the promises of Utopia. Consider Bert Gonzales who has forgotten his ideology because of his position in Gloria's closet, err... cabinet.

True, there may still be true ideologues even in times of plenty. Just like in Europe where communists and conservatives thrive together. But nobody takes up arms because each is contented. If one is keen on doing a battle, he does it in times of elections and during the sessions in the parliament. And fair and clean.Never bloody. Which is unlike the Philippines. Elections are only for those who know how to cheat while the parliament is only for the rich.

This brings us now to the issue of Ms. Arroyo's intent of taking in Palparan. Because of the present system, because of her greed for power, she wanted to use the issue of insurgency to quash her political enemies. And she thinks only Palparan can do this. With Palparan, she can sow the seeds of insurgency. To note, many people will again rally against Palparan's appointment. These she can call as insurgency based on the Arrovo Dictionary. And, having more insurgents, she can now declare the well-planned "emergency measures" in the "protracted crisis situations" and thereby crack the skulls of her critics. And she was able to pilot this with PP 1017 which the Supreme Court haven't really declared unconsitutional.

Otherwise, if she is keen on uprooting insurgency, she would have faced the impeachment to clear the truth. Also, she would have been serious in using the government's money not for her campaign kitty but for the upliftment of the plights of poor so that the latter will not only eat rice and noodles but also steaks and cakes.

Kapalmuks o ignoramus?

There is a suggestion that "those lawmakers who showed their faces while the Arroyos held a press conference on their expulsion case against Cayetano should inhibit themselves from the hearing at the ethics committee".

But Leyte representative Macarambon, one of the eight administration congressmen accompanied the Arroyos to show support to the First Gentleman and to their two colleagues and face the press in a conference last Wednesday, said that he is not buying the idea of inhibiting from the ethics committee hearing. His arguments: he was elected by the plenary to become a member of the committee, and "it is wrong for anyone to presume that a member won’t do his or her job fairly".

Pero teka, in the Arroyos-Cayetano controversy, fair ba ang sumuporta publicly sa Arroyo family eh ito naman ang primary involved sa controversy?Asan ang isyu of fairness diyan? Kung naluklok na lang sana itong si Macarambon at ang pito pang iba sa kanilang mga lungga noong presscon ng infamous na pamilya, puwede pa. Whic leads us to ask: Is Macarambon playing naive and ignoramus o talagang kapalmuks at walang sense of decency?

But I heard civilized naman ang mga taga-Leyte at kahit di nakapag-aral ang ilan, mas magagaling pa ang mga ito na kumilatis ng tama at mali as compared sa ibang mga noypi. Is Macarambon really a representative of his people? Or is he thinking of the coming elections?

Hmmnnnn.

She and her big mouth

Gloria Arroyo, the Philippine president with questionable legitimacy, was all heels to greet Gen. Jovito Palparan during her 2006 state of the nation address. Quoting her:

We will build a roll-on-roll-roll-off port system to link Lucena, Quezon to Boac, Marinduque, like the Batangas-Mindoro RORO.

Sa ganitong mga proyekto, palalakasin natin ang ekonomiya ng mga barangay at lalawigan. And we will end the long oppression of barangays by rebel terrorists who kill without qualms, even their own. Sa mga lalawigang sakop ng 7th Division, nakikibaka sa kalaban si Jovito Palparan. Hindi siya aatras hanggang makawala sa gabi ng kilabot ang mga pamayanan at maka-ahon sa bukang-liwayway ng hustisya at kalayaan.

But it seems Palparan is pulling her down. Aside from a number of human rights violations cases Palparan is facing, the general might soon spend his retirement inside the jail. For snubbing the fourth time the hearing in the Court of Appeals for habeas corpus, "he would be cited in contempt and an arrest warrant would be issued against him", says Associate Justice Jose Mendoza.

But what keeps Palparan from appearing before the Court of Appeals? Is he afraid of something? But Gloria was all praise for him when she said that the general never backs off fighting for justice and freedom.

Or could it be that Gloria is again comitting the never-ending mistake of too much words? Poor little girl! She and her big mouth!

Where's justice in the DOJ?

In the past several months, we have become deaf with the unsolicited statements of Mr. Raul Gonzales of the Department of Justice as he defended his lady-boss Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. But this time, shall we become blind with the mounting unresolved cases in his office?

According to reports, political killings alone from January 2005 to June this year already numbered 423 but until now, none has been heard as to whether or not these were acted upon by Mr. Gonzales and his prosecutors. Hence, opposition senator Aquilino Pimentel was quoted saying: It seems the DOJ and its prosecutors are merely sitting on these cases. They are duty-bound to act expeditiously on these cases and to file the appropriate criminal charges against the perpetrators before the courts.

Or maybe Mr. Gonzales has forgotten that delayed justice is injustice? If he has not forgotten, what then is keeping him from performing his duty? Dead bodies are piling.

Well, we do not question Mr. Gonzales's capability to do the job. But with his machine gun mouth, it appears rather that he is more fit to handle Toting Bunye's post rather than in providing the justice due the victims and their families. The duty of the justice secretary is not to be the spooky person... err, spokesperson of Gloria Arroyo, if this fact escapes his busy mouth...

Melo Commission: Melong conclusion?

She and her big mouth?

The Melo Commission, a commission suffering from lack of credibility tasked to investigate the killings of journalists and political activists, got an additional burden on its head when Gloria Arroyo fired her words absolving the military and blaming her political foes. Tribune noted, however, that the "presidential absolution of the military and police was given to coincide with the first day of work by the Melo Commission".

Her unsolicited comment simply means three things:

1. There is actually no use for the Melo Commission considering that there is already a conclusion from the person who initiated the organizing of the said commission. By the term "use" we mean "generating the unbiased results and coming up with impartial recommendations on how to solve the culture of impunity, if ever".



2. The creation of the commission is just another theatrical device to show that the dubious president is actually working and that she really cares for the people. But she really cares... she cares for her ego and her greed to stay in power.



3. The creation of the commission is just another waste of people's money.

***

A question from the professor: What is the difference between a 'conclusion' and an 'opinion'?
An answer from a student: kungklosyun, sarado yun. openyun, bukas yun.

Sore throat

It's hard having a sore throat. Add canker sores and what have you...

But sore throat is now the problem of the Sigaw ng Bayan ni Gloria. Their cry to amend the charter the Gloria way is now going to be a whisper after the Comelec en banc said that it cannot "turn a blind eye to the pronouncement of the high court that in the absence of a valid enabling law, this right of the people remains nothing but an 'empty right'" Whether the change of heart of Abalos and cohorts... err, commissioners is a part of the pangigisa of the senate yesterday, nobody knows. But there is a hirit from the Commisioners when they said that the Sigaw ng Bayan "seemed to have met the required signatures" despite claims that not all the signatures were validly generated.

The Sigaw ng Bayan ni Gloria, however, is trying to pull theirselves to bring the matter to the high court. Whether Panganiban will become apologetic once again by claiming this time that the rulings in Santiago versus Comelec is wrong, nobody knows. But the point is, there is a questionable delay which could lead the cha-cha opposition a time to relax and see a movie and wake on may 2007 to find the plebiscite included in the ballot for local and national elections.

But at least there is a time to sit back. And there is a time for relaxation. Hopefully, the cha-cha oppositors will not lean on their comfortable chairs and find themselves in cool slumber.

Senator Lito Lapid for Mayor

Who is more powerful, the barangay chairman or the president of the Philippines?

Well, the president cannot become a president without being a resident first of the barangay. And being a resident, he/she should follow the rules of the barangay especially those being implemented by the chairman. Second, if the president has a dispute against fellow residents, the first resort should be the barangay especially the Lupon. Again, this implies that the barangay chairman has apower over the president.

In reality, though, the barangay chairmen in the Philippines are not aware of this. Which gives Senator Lito Lapid an edge. Lapid believes that the barangay chairmen are under the authority of the mayor so, without exhausting his term as a senator, he is now planning to run as mayor.

But Lapid has more reasons to run as mayor than govern barangay chairmen. First and foremost, the medium in the Senate is English. And this is a disadvantage to him coz he has to pay for an interpreter just to take part in the deliberations. Unless he plans to be the head of the Committee on Silence for ever and ever, amen?

Second, Lapid cannot go back to Pampanga as a governor. Unless he wants to steal the lollipop, err, turf, of his son Mark.

Third, Lapid has to follow the dictates of his lady-boss, Gloria. Just to enjoy the glory. Makati, where Lapid plans to run as mayor, is the kingdom of Binay, the president with questionable legitmacy's staunch dissenter. Gloria, based on the bees and spirits in the halls of Malacanang, has said to have mandated Lapid to go and multiply, err, occupy Makati thereby clip Binay's power.

Lastly, Lapid cannot perform his duties as a senator. Whether he likes it or not, he must go or be the laughingstock of the upper house. For the record, he was able to draft only sixteen bills since he took his oath as a SENATOR and not an AUDIENCE. The number and the names of bills together with their corresponding dates are as follows courtesy of the legislative tracking system of the Senate:

Bill Number Subject Date Passed
SBN 2258 ARNIS AS NATIONAL SPORT OF THE PHILIPPINES 6/5/2006
SBN 2253 OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (BUREAUCRACY STREAMLINING) 5/29/2006
SBN 2239 STAPLE WIRES ON FOOD ITEMS PROHIBITION ACT OF 2006 4/3/2006
SBN 2230 FRANKING PRIVILEGE TO THE IMMEDIATE FAMILY MEMBERS OF OVERSEAS CONTRACT WORKERS 3/15/2006
SBN 2229 ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS ACT OF 2006 3/15/2006
SBN 2225 ELECTRIC POWER INDUSTRY REFORM ACT (AMENDMENTS) 3/13/2006
SBN 1727 AGOSTO - BUWAN NG WIKANG PAMBANSA 8/17/2004
SBN 1470 WORLD CUP FILIPINO ATHLETES INCLUSION IN RA 9064 COVERAGE 7/26/2004
SBN 1469 TEACHING OF DISASTER AWARENESS/MITIGATION IN PRIMARY/SECOND. 7/26/2004
SBN 1468 NATIONAL PROTECTION AND PRESERVATION OF MANGROVE FORESTS 7/26/2004
SBN 1466 SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE POOR ACT OF 2004 7/26/2004
SBN 1465 SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAM ACT OF 2004 7/26/2004
SBN 1464 MAXIMIZED FUNDING OF MASS-BASED SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS 7/26/2004
SBN 1463 MIGRANT WORKERS INSURANCE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS 7/26/2004
SBN 1462 PROVIDING FOR A CALAMITY RESERVE FUND 7/26/2004

Why is Dong Gonzales mum?

The oil spill is now reaching the waters of Luzon. Based on satellite images, it already started kissing the shores of Masbate in Region 5.

To curtail this, Arroyo's questionable government is trying to squeeze the coffers to clean the mess. A drive to shave our prisoners and collect feathers as oil sludge absorvents is also being undertaken.

But, should we shoulder the mess? Should our taxes be used to finance these things when in fact, while the oil companies are enjoying the profit we are also doing our part suffering from sky-high cost of fuel? Now that something is wrong we are being forced to help?

Instead of this happening, why don't we just slap the oil company with a generation suit for damaging the environment and for taking away the opportunity of the next generation to enjoy bathing and diving in clear blue waters? I am sure this is possible. Why don't Raul Gonzales look into this matter? Mr. Gonzales have been too cocky to discuss other things and lambast opposition members but is mum on the oil company that caused the oil spill. Is this because the company, according to rumors, has also contributed to the campaign kitty or Gloria Arroyo during the previous elections? Just asking.

Bolante is human

As Malaya reported, Agriculture Undersecretary Jocelyn "Jocjoc" Bolante is asking the Philippine Embassyin Washington for "humanitarian assistance" due to his failing health.

Human din pala si Bolante? I thought he is a demigod or something.

But anyway, to forgive is divine. Let's forgive Bolante. But unlike GMA's concept of forgiveness which is equivalent to forgetfulness or amnesia, what Bolante should do is as follows:

1. Reveal the truth. Did he or didn't he work for GMA? Working for GMA is not working for the people, it should be stressed.
   
2. Reveal the truth. Where did the money that is supposed to reach the farmers go?
3. Reveal the truth. How much really was spent for what?

See? That's easy as one, two, three.

And for this purpose, I am starting the donation of 1 cent for his health. Nothing is free, you know. And take note, I am earning my money with blood and sweat and such did not come from the farmers and bogus agri-projects and fertilizers.

cellphone snatching in RP up by 53%?

According to a report, cellphone snatching is up by 53%. Which is not surprising. When Vidal Querol was still the NCRPO chief, his advice over a nationwide television to the would-be victims was to give their cellphones to snatchers and robbers than risk lives. Intentionally or not, Querol's statement served as a go-signal to snatchers and robbers to go on with their occupation.

And the result? Tan-ta-da-dan.... (drum rolls)... an increase of 53% in cellphone snatching.

Galing di ba?

Winning Jueteng Numbers: 36-6 in Rizal, 11-32 in Batangas

Gloria Arroyo keeps on saying: the economy is improving, there is a budget.

BUDGET???? Dahil may jueteng na kaya may budget na? Aminin......

***

But wait! What is this headline from Tribune: GMA’s OK for OWWA funds for poll campaign bared ?

A portion reads of the story:

Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, chair of the committee on labor, employment and human resource development that is currently investigating the OWWA fund mess, managed to squeeze information from the two officials when he questioned the P530 million workers’ trust fund transferred to Philhealth and another P500 million Mrs. Arroyo supposedly ordered released, charged to OWWA funds during the time of the late Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas Ople.

He confronted Duque on some documents he got hold of containing information related to these matters.

“I am in possession of your letter to Mrs. Arroyo dated Nov. 20, 2002 when you were still president and CEO of Philhealth and in the last paragraph, you said, ‘PHIC will need a reasonable lead time to ensure a smooth turnover of OWWA Medicare to PHIC and manage some assistance from certain quarters which will be affected by the change. It is respectfully requested that the proposed EO be approved by Her Excellency before the year ends.’

“And this is the most controversial line here...’the proposed transfer will have significant bearing on the 2004 elections and on the President’s desire to provide health insurance to eight million indigents by the end of 2003.’ My question is, what do you mean by ‘the proposed transfer will have significant bearing on the 2004 elections?” Estrada asked.

Duque quick in assuming responsibility over the fuss created by the fund transfer said it was his fault that such a “sloppy-written” memo came out.

Galing naman. So, totoo ang balita. bakit kasi me sloppy-written memo pa? Ayan tuloy, nabisto kayo.

***

Pero dahil nagamit na ang OWWA funds, medyo problematique talaga ngayon evacuation ng OFWs from Lebanon. That means, tama talaga si Al Bichara, the Philippine Ambassador to Lebanon. At tama rin ang Philippine Navy na pinipilit pumunta sa Lebanon na wala naman palang gasolina.

Naks naman. At padeny-deny pa ang Malacañang at ang OWWA? Grabe namang pagtatakip yan. O baka naman meron kayong nasisilip kaya ganyan?

***

Pero todo na raw talaga ang jueteng. Malapit na kasi ang eleksiyon. Sabi ng ilang espiritu santong gumagala sa palasyo, may bendisyon daw ito. Kasi kulang na raw ang budget at mainit ngayon ang senado kaya may "go! go! jueteng" na chant. Isa pa, indispensable naman kasi ang 2007 election sa validation "kuno" ng legitimacy ni Arroyo. Kaya kailangan ang pondo.

Well?

Abangan natin ang susunod na kabanata. Ang alam ko kasi si Erap natanggal dahil sa jueteng eh. hmnnnnn.......

A touching article from a Korean

After several days' sleep, nabuhay ulit. Sorry fans, medyo busy. But thanks a lot to those who keep coming back kahit walang bagong article.

Below is a touching piece written by a Korean named Jaeyon Kim. The essay had been circulating in e-mails and e-groups. How about considering these, folks? And the members of the Catholic Church, baka naman puwedeng pag-isipan niyo rin.

MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
Jaeyoun Kim

Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines.

Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.

Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.

Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism.

40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience.

In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundred of Koreans in Germany came to the

airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea, and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.

Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.

My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live. They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.

However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines.

Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood. The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees couldbuy what they needed and saved money for the future and their children.

When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.

My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids. When we went to Pasangjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.

My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off.

I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a s mall scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes.

I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.

Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.

That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.

Bakit nga ba?

Ara Mina is launching another single entitled "To Love Again". Mukha kasing naka-move-on na ang ale. Pero ang Pilipinas, naka-move-on na rin sabi ng Malakanyang ..... sa drawing nga lang.

The single is a revival, actually. I have been hearing that since I was a kid. Ang ipinagtataka ko lang, ba't parang wala atang originality? Ba't parang walang initiative to create new ones?

Sabagay, si Gloria Arroyo nga, revival din -- revival ng economic program ni Tabako Ramos, revival ng Cha-cha, revival ng false hopes na okay na ang ekonomiya, na ayos na ang pulitika. Pero ang uusapin sa mga tunay na pangyayari, ayaw i-revive. Ang kasagutan sa mga tanong ng marami, ayaw buklatin. Ang katotohanan, nakatago pa rin. Tulad nito, headline ng Malaya: Esperon vows to detain former Marines chief.

Sabi naman ng lead paragraph: ARMED Forces chief Lt. Gen. Hermogenes Esperon the other day vowed to detain all Marine officers, including former commandant Maj. Gen. Renato Miranda, who continue to be in the custody of the Navy chief in connection with the alleged failed coup in February.

Pero tanong ng mga marines:

Why am I being investigated?

Why not investigate those officers who have been accused of taking part in the cheating that happened during the last elections?

Why not investigate those officers who are causing demoralization of their troops because they allowed themselves to be misused by those in power?

Why not investigate those officers who remain silent, rather than defend our troops and the Marine Corps itself when we are accused unfairly?

What happened to our values and virtues enshrined in our Marine motto of KARANGALAN, KATUNGKULAN AT KABAYANIHAN?

We have sworn a solemn oath to defend our democracy. What should we do when corrupt politicians undermine the credibility of our electoral system and worse, misuse the military to win at all cost?

Bakit nga ba? Tanungin natin ang Mongols. Baka alam nila ang sagot.

Goodbye, Bichara?

Maribeth's brother, Albay's former governor and current ambassador plenipotentiary to Lebanon, Mr. Al Francis Bichara, is now in hot water. Paano ba naman kasi, amining wala ng pera para sa mga OFWs na niipit sa Lebanon? Di niya ba naiisip na ayaw ni Gloria ng ganun? Di ba siya natuto kay Hidalgo who was shamed for telling the truth?

Sabagay, sabi nga ni Erap, weder-weder lang iyan. When he was still Albay's governor, he also hates bad news. Now, he is having the experience of the employees and mediamen he lambasted when these people told him the the truth. Also, when he was the Albay governor, tulad din siya ni Gloria -- utang dito, utang doon; gastos dito, gastos doon. Now he is working on a very meager budget. At sabi di pa nga daw nagli-liquidate ng gastos?

Kawawa naman. Ba't kasi di lumingon sa pinanggalingan. Ang roots ni Al, sabi from Palestine, knew how to live on a meager budget. Kaya nga umasenso sa Bicol Region. Nagkaroon ng mga sinehan, business establishments, etc. Pero ang Al, mukha atang di natuto sa roots niya.

But worse, Al's career as an ambassador is looking bleak already. Kaya ba nagpa-plano ng bumalik sa Albay as governor? Kapal naman. Dahil ba medyo naaayos na ngayon ang finances ng probinsiya? O dahil nahihirapan siyang maging bossing si Gloria?

Well? Sabagay, sabi ni Erap, weder-weder lang yan.

Pero may puwang pa nga ba siya sa Albay bilang gobernador? Hmmnnn.... Hindi kasi siya marunong mag-alaga ng mga tao. Hayop, oo. Dami nga sa Albay Parks and Wildlife. Ba't kaya di na lang siya sa Albay Parks and Wildlife bilang isang administrator tulad nong isa na tinapon niya sa dun dahil ito'y Salalima baby?

Pero ang masama, tanggapin pa ba siya ng mga Albayano? Medyo kasi napahiya siya ng kanyang "he and his big mouth" for telling na di na tutuloy ang evacuation ng OFWs sa Lebanon. At nabanatan din siya ng OWWA at DFA.

Hmmnnn. Magtago na lang kay siya sa Syria? Maganda kaya dun?

Starstrucked by Gloria

Her smiles, her two fronth teeth, and the dimples she is forcing to come out strucked me as she started her speech. Good news ba? Kasi kung good news, that means bad news. That's the Gloria doubletalk. Remember her words that she's not running? And her pronouncement of the classroom sufficiency?

I waited.

Until sweet words flowered her mouth. Para akong nasa alapaap. Ang saya. May pera na. May economic growth na. Pero teka, Arrovonomics ba? Ba't si Mang Pedring parang lalong naghirap pa rin? At si Aling Conching, lalong naging bugnutin. Ang asawa kasing si Tiyago, wala pa ring trabaho.

Am I dreaming? But the words, those music, di ba maganda na ang ekonomiya? Di ba lagpas nang unos?

Parang soundtrack sa sinehan, biglang dumagundong. Kasama ang kidlat at lakas ng ulan. Bagyo. Glenda ang pangalan. Dati Gloria pero pinalitan. Buti hindi tinamaan ang Batasan.

So I listened. Ala na ngang death penalty. Papogi ba sa Italy? At kay Benedict na walang paki sa paghihirap ng marami? Eh pano ang mga taga media? Goodbye na nga ba talaga? At eto namang si Palparan na upo-tayo sa upuan ng tinawag ang pangalan. Congrats!???

And I listened. Pero ba't parang di nasabi ang mga nangyayari? Asan ang solusyon sa problema ng marami? Pangako? Promise? Hallucination?

Pero sa tototoo lang cute siya sa dress niyang pula. Lalo na siguro kung magpapakatotoo na.

Missing in action

Former Albay governor and now ambassador to Lebanon, Al Francis Bichara, has been missing in action since the war broke out the pst several days. Even the DFA office in Roxas Boulevard, according to reports, is not aware of Bichara's whereabouts.

Kaya pala si Cimatu ang laging nakikita sa teevee. Where AL you?

In a follow-up report by 24 Oras last night, Bichara admitted to be in Syria alleging that he is doing the preparations for the evacuation of the hundreds of OFWs stranded in the war-torn country.

Syria? Si Bichara? Akala ko ambassador siya sa Lebanon? Why is he in Syria? And to note, he went ahead of the Filipinos he is supposed to protect? And to note, he is already staying safe in Syria when in fact Cimatu, the ambassador to East Timor, is trying to get in to Lebanon to help the Filipinos? Ano ba yan.

O baka takot si Bichara? Reports have it that Bichara is of Palestinian descent. His father came to the Bicol Region to own the chain of movie theaters both in Camarines Sur and Albay. Palestinians, by the way, are among the enemies of Israel.

It's payback time, dear bishops!

After the lavish dinner and the cash in envelopes, Malacanang is now hitting back at the bishops for “coddling the criminals” involved in the coup plot. Included in the list of Catholic Church personalities to be questioned and later, to be charged, are:

• Novaliches Bishop Antonio Tobias who admitted allowing four Magdalo officers who escaped detention in January, to stay in his house for three days and three nights;
• Lingayen-Dagupan Oscar Cruz who is known for his anti-jueteng crusade that sideswiped the first family;
• Novaliches Bishop Emeritus Teodoro Bacani
• Infanta Bishop Julio Labayen
• Caloocan Bishop Deogracias Iniguez
• Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines president and Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo

Mukhang malakas ang tama ng Malacanang, ah. Dahil ba sa binusog na mga bibig at bulsa nila kaya it's time for payback?

Sabagay, di nga pala kinuha ng ibang bishops ang pera. At di rin ata sumabay sa hapag ang ilan sa kanila.

Pero.....

Bakit nga ba malakas na ang loob ng Malacanang eh datin ngatog-tuhod ang mga ito? Dahil ba sa encyclical ni Benedict? At dahil rin b sa pastoral letter ng CBCP against impeachment?

Hmmmnnn....

Pero kawawa naman mga obispo. Ayan kasi, pamora-morality issue pa kayo eh nakabukas naman pala palad ng iba sa inyo. Damay tuloy “(feeling) straight guys” sa team ninyo.

Etta Rosales' Statement on the alleged bribery of bishops

On reported bribery of CBCP
14 July 2006

The reported bribery of bishops, followed by a dinner reward by Malacañang that took place before, during and after the two-day conference of the bishops is not only an embarassment to ourselves as a people but equally so to the international community.

It reflects how far we have deteriorated in our moral values and how we have internalized bribery as a way of ife, a way by which Malacañang and others form government relate tot he people in the exercise of authority. Without a grasp of the essence of public trust as a basic Constitutional tenet for public leadership, a morally bankrupt leader will not hesitate to bribe because she has lost public respect, and therefore moral credentials, to exercise authority over the people. She has lost respect for herself and for the ones she bribes. The only thing that matters is to retain her seat as President until 2010 no matter the means.

In exercising authority by a discredited leader, bribery is used as one method. The use of force is another. The late Mr. Marcos became a master of both and lasted fourteen years.

But both are anathema to democracy. Sadly, Malacañang has not learned the lesson of democracy deprived us those fourteen years under marcos. What it is fast becoming a master of are hte insturments Marcos imposed for self-rule. This is the current state of affairs in our so-called restored democratic system of rule. It explains how the use of force, through extra-judicial killings, complement rampant bribery and election fraud to help Malacañang's leaders keep power.

These are the very same reasons the campaign for impeachment should reach every nook and corner of the 42,000 barangays and hte thousands of parishes all over the country. The people deserve to know the truth. The people deserve to make their decision freely and take collective action without the use of force and money. We did it then to get rid of a dictator. We can do it again.

Rep. Etta P. Rosales
AKBAYAN

Blood bath for Bolante?

Raul Gonzales strikes again. “We went to great lengths in saving these OFWs who are in trouble. In some instances, the government helped in putting up blood money. So we owe also Joc-Joc Bolante the same kind of treatment without giving political color to that," he said.

Pero bakit kay Michael Ray Aquino, porke nakulayan na taga-oposisyon, eh hindi tinulungan? Bakit si Jocjoc?

Hmmnnnn......

*****

For having a canceled visa, Bolante is asked to bail US $100 thousand or PhP 5.2 million ($1 = P52)! Grabe naman. Ganun ba kamahal ang visa?

Pero teka, according to Gonzales we should raise that amount for Bolante? Sino si Bolante? Ano siya? Where was he when we needed him most – that is, when we need light for our dark truth? Di ba nagtatago siya? Ba't ngayon na kailangan niya ng tulong saka siya lumabas? At, po-protektahan pa ng gobyerno ni Gloria?

Hmmnnn......

Which way to find the truth?

Inquirer's Headline: CBCP shuns impeachment.
Philippine Star: CBCP: No to impeachment
Malaya: Bishops doubt impeach drive is way to truth
Manila Bulletin: CBCP not inclined to favor impeachment

This being the case, which then is the way to find the truth? Aber nga, aber?

*****

With the CBCP's decision, many are starting to think that the bishops are indeed receiving manna from Malacanang. Paano ba naman, karamihan sa mga obispo ay shy magsalita. Is it because their mouths are full?

Why offer the money to the bishops?

Headline from Inquirer: CBCP told to beware of Arroyo gifts.
Sagot naman ng Malacanang: There is nothing wrong with donations to Catholic Bishops.

Haaaaaa????????

Explanation ni Mike Defensor: No bishop was bought or bribed or was given personal favor. Whatever help was offered, was for the people, to alleviate poverty and to solve the problems that they are facing in their respective areas.

Assuming, arguendo, that it is true:

1. Why offer the money to the bishops? In the very first place, the government is facing budgetary deficits. So why offer money to the bishops?
2. Why offer the money to the bishops? Poverty alleviation and problem solving at the grassroots is the duty of the government and its extension agencies.
3. Why offer money to the bishops? Are the bishops the extension of the government?
4. Why offer money to the bishops? How can the people know huch much is spent to what?
5. Why offer money to the bishops? Now that the bishops are starting to talk against Arroyo?

The Jamby-NDF talks

After being a crybaby in her feud with Senator Juan Ponce Enrile, Senator Jamby Madrigal now turned into a lady when she made a stand: this time, with Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) leader Jose Maria Sison. In a joint communique with Sison, Jamby said:

• that the Arroyo administration was responsible for the urgent problems in the country;
  
• that there was a need to unite the Filipino people and solve the armed conflicts;
  
• that formal talks between the government and the NDF must resume;
  
• that the all-out-war policy of the administration was wrong; and,
• that the issue of the terror tag on Sison and the CPP’s armed wing, the New People’s Army, must be addressed by the communist group and the opposition.

Of course, Gloria's rahrah boys howled. They accused Madrigal of treason,and gross ignorance of the socio-political reality of burgeouis-NDF relations. Toting Bunye also called Madrigal's act as a desperate move to advance personal interests.

With the howls from the yards of Malacanang, iiyak pa kaya si Jamby?

*****

Drilon, though, defended Madrigal and called Raul Gonzales as over-reacting. He said: Legally speaking, Sen. Madrigal cannot commit the crime of treason because the Philippines is presently not at war with another country, which is an essential element of treason under Article 137 of the Revised Penal Code".

Indeed, one of the elements of treason is a 'war levied against the Philippines by another country'. (See Article 114 of the RPC.) And Gonzales seems misled. Bakang iniisip niya ay "war against terrorism" which is nothing but a concept paper considering that the law against terrorism is not yet approved?

Hmmnnn.

Buti pa si Sen. Pong Biazon, nag-iisip. As Biazon said: As legislators, we should be allowed to talk to any of the segments of our society because remember our job is all about legislation and definitely, addressing the root causes of an insurgency is a legitimate function of all in government including the legislators.

Kaya siguro palpak ang mga programa ng bosing Gloria niyo kasi one-sided kayo mag-isip. Praise release lang lagi. Ayan tuloy, baka mag-back fire pa yan sa inyo.

A fall guy named Resurreccion Borra

Many are wondering why elections commissioner Ressureccion Borra was singled out in a Mega Pacific Scandal when in fact what happened was a colegial decision of all the Comelec commissioners. Kailangan bang si Borra lang ang burahin?

Reports have it that there was a resolution submitted to Deputy Ombudsman Victor Fernandez showing that a panel of investigators found probable cause to indict all Comelec officials for graft and corruption and betrayal of public trust. However, Meceditas Gutierrez ignored the findings of its panel and instead submitted a report that only Borra was guilty. This, despite her statement that "when anybody violates the law, it is our (the Ombudsman's) duty to enforce its sanctions".

Asan na ngayon ang statement niya? Nalimutan?

Senator Aquilino Pimentel said, however, that the watered-down report of the Ombudsman was aimed at two things: Borra is expendable, and that he is a peace offering to groups moving to impeach Arroyo.

Borra, it is said, has no big political padrino. Which simply stresses the fact that the career growth in the Arroyo government is dependent on MBA -- that is, May Backer Ako. Second, Borra's lips sometimes slips as what happened during the investigation on the 2004 elections. And slipping lips has no room in the government. Is it primarily because some things need to be hidden?

Kaya ba si Benjamin Abalos di nakasama sa culprits ng Mega-Pacific Scam dahil may big MBA siya plus a sealed lips? If so, then talagang may itinatago nga talaga with regards Gloria's victory.

But Borra, the poor Borra, must he be the fall guy? At this point,medyo pumalpak ata ang mga spinmeisters ni Gloria. Knowing Borra with the slipping lips, baka lalong sumabog ang kanilang mga itinatago especially if Borra is pressed to the wall. Dapat siguro si Abalos na lang kasi magaling din naman palang magtago ng sikreto itong si Chairman, di ba?

Not unless Borra's mouth is full. He might not talk when his mouth is full. Pero ang mga tanong: Magkano ba? Three times the figures involved in the scam? Four times? If so, sino ang magbibigay? And is Borra willing to put his name as a stake? And his family's reputation also?

Hmmnnnn.....

*****

PCIJ's take on the mega-Pacific Scam: Senate adds voice to clamor for Comelec official's resignation

Football and basketball in the Philippines compared

While the worldis dying with the World Cup fever, parang walang paki naman ang mga Pinoy sa football. Here are some of the reasons why:

1. Mas tutok ang mga Pinoy sa basketball. Ang mga basketbll players kasi, either puwedeng mag-artista (Benjie Paras, Joey Marquez, et. al.) o kaya puwedeng magkaroon ng GF na artista (Ethel Booba's Alex) o kaya GF na artistahin (Kyla's BF).
2. Sa basketball, puwede ka ring maging pulitiko (Jawo).
3. Feeling kasi ng mga Pinoy, matatangkad sila kaya bagay sa kanila ang basketball.
4. Sa basketball, matataas ang score di tulad sa football na minsan 1-0 lang ang score. Gusto ng Pinoy matataas na figures kaya nga si Gloria ipinagpilitan na di dapat bumaba sa one million ang lamang kay FPJ last 2004.
   
5. Sa basketball, madaling dumami ang populasyon ..... ng mga players. Sa football kasi marami ang kailangan, konti lang ang puwede.
6. Mas madaling maka-goal sa basketball di tulad sa football. At gusto ng mga Pinoy, goal agad. Kaya nga kahit hindi swak, pinipilit. Tulad ng sufficient number of classrooms ni Gloria Arroyo. Para masabing me accomplishments, pilit binabago ang rules.

Ano pa kaya?.... hmmnnnn

Naughty

Press Secretary Ed Ermita on the write-ups regarding Gloria Arroyo's visit to the Vatican: It’s just too bad that we are getting some feedbacks from other quarters, especially those critical of the President and the administration, that rather than appreciating what has been said by Pope Benedict XVI, there are a few of them who are trying to link some political issues in the Philippines with the President’s visit to the Pope.

Too sad the press secretary don't clearly understand. What is Gloria, anyway? Isn't she a political leader? And what is her visit about? A religious visit? If so, why use the taxpayers' money? And her statements, weren't those political statements?

But Ermita, commenting on the write-ups, said: To say the least, (these reports were done) in bad taste.

Bad or good taste, the point is: Be careful with what you say.

Pero me mga espiritu sa Malacanang na ngsasabing kaya daw nakapasa ang Anti-Death Penalty law ay dahil sa panliligaw ni Gloria sa Simbahan. (See also Gloria to dance cha-cha on commutation of death sentences). Kasama na ba itong pagbisita sa Vatican?

Una, ni hindi pa nga naa-address ang isyu ng policy of impunity dito sa Pilipinas. Teka, ilan na ba ang mga namatay na journalist? In addition to Batul meron pa daw dalawang sumunod. At ilan na ba ang nabigyan ng solusyon? Sabi ni Toting Bunye solved na lahat? Nakakatawa siya.

Pangalawa, gaano ba kabilis ang pagresolba sa iba pang krimen maliban sa patayan? Singbilis ng punerarya? O ibibigay na lang namin ang mga cellphones namin courtesy of Vidal Querol?

Ok lang magsalita pero caution galing sa Good Ol' Book: The measure that you used for others will be the same measure that will be used with you.

At last, Recto speaks up!

In connection with the impeachment complaints filed before the lower House, Senator Ralph Recto opened his mouth after months of silence. His words: He believes that the second impeachment bid would not prosper.

"I could even speculate that I don’t believe the opposition could have the same number of votes they had last year. I expect lower," Recto said.

Are these words for the sake of re-election, Mr. Senator?

*****

Anyway, for everbody's consumption, Recto was able to produce 94 bills from July 1, 2004 to May 29, 2006 based on the Senate's Legislative Information System. Those he filed from January 1 last year to May 29 are as follows:

Bill/Res. No.	Short Title		Date Filed	Author
SBN-2255	OFFICE OF THE SOLICITOR GENERAL (BUREAUCRACY STREAMLINING)		5/29/2006	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2233	PERSONAL EQUITY AND RETIREMENT ACCOUNT (PERA)		3/21/2006	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2213	SULTAN KUDARAT LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS (REAPPORTIONING)		2/23/2006	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2210	SIMPLIFIED NET INCOME TAX REFORM ACT OF 2006		2/20/2006	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2196	COMPENSATION ADJUSTMENT FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES		1/23/2006	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2159	NATIONAL BIOFUELS DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 2005		11/15/2005	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-2133	SAMAL ISLAND SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONE AND FREE PORT ACT OF 2005		9/22/2005	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-1956	RENTAL REFORM ACT OF 2005		3/9/2005	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-1950	VALUE-ADDED TAX LAW AMENDMENTS		3/7/2005	RECTO, RALPH G.
SBN-1917	30% REDUCTION ON INCOME TAX RATES OF INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS		2/15/2005	RECTO, RALPH G.

Well Done or Welcome?

Pope Benedict's "well done" statement to Gloria Arroyo was interpreted by our little genius s a pat on the back. She was thinking that Benedict was thinking of the "reforms" she initiated.

Bishop Cruz stated, however, that Benedict was only referring to the lifting of the death penalty and not to eveything she had done or is doing. Cruz said the Pope knows the Hello Garci scandal, the cheating, the relentless killings and everything.

Mukhang may punto naman si Cruz. Pero ano nga ba talaga ang ibig sabihin ni Benedict? Let us count the ways:

1. If Benedict really means "well done for everything", then he could be ignorant of the things happening in the Philippines. Something like a shepherd who doesn't know his flock tulad ng sinasabi ni Cristo. But if he is ignorant, then sayang ang intelligence funds ng mga Katoliko. At sayang din ang mga "pastoral statements" na pinadala ng mga obispong Pinoy dahil di naman binabasa.
2. If Benedict really means "well done for everything" but he is not ignorant of the things happening in the Philippines, then he is a hypocrite. He is not a good moral leader. He is not an authority on morality. Even if he is just trying to be "pa-cute" for the sake of internation relations, still, he is not a person who is willed enough to call wrong a wrong. And he is unlike Jesus Christ who has the guts to drive away the sellers in the temple and risk his life. Paano kung bugbugin siya?
3. If Benedict only said well done for knowing nothing to say, he is not a good leader either. He is no different from Gloria who said "I am sorry" just to appease the restless crowd.
4. If Benedict said "well done" to refer to only to the lifting of the death penalty, his words are not well said. It was interpreted to a number of things.
   
5. Or Benedict was only saying "Welcome!" and Gloria interpreted it to mean "Well done"?

Hmmnnn......

Psst, puwede pahingi ng transcript ng statement ng Papa? Mukha kasing kailangang me maglinis ng tenga...

Definitions 101: Isolated Case

Bunye hits!

A couple of days ago, Marine Col. Orlando de Leon resigned with a bash saying the military is heavily politicized. The AFP strikes back saying it might file raps against De Leon.

Meanwhile, Bunye makes another hit: De Leon's case is just an isolated case. "Officers come and go in the corps but the essential imperatives of soldiery – loyalty, professionalism, morale and strict adherence to the chain of command – are undiminished. They are in fact getting stronger everyday as a result of strong internal reforms and modernization programs," he said.

But De Leon's grievances is not an isolated case. Isolated means "Separated from others; solitary or singular". If De Leon's case is just an isolated case, that what can be said of the grievances of the Magdalo Boys? General Gudani and his aide? And the military official shot at the ATO tower? What about the Garci recording? And what about the ramblings of the lower-ranking personnel of the AFP and the PNP who were not heard because of the theatrical fora of Gloria Arroyo?

Hmmmnnn....

For Bunye, it looks like "isolated case" means "a series of cases happening one at a time".

Tsk! tsk! tsk!

Why winning the battle against NPAs is almost impossible

A few days ago, Gloria Arroyo commanded the AFP and the PNP to quash the New People's Army (NPA), an underground armed group of a communist wing in the Philippines. Her timeframe: two to five years.

In response to Arroyo's order, the AFP immediately mobilized troops. Bees from the ground says there are already troop movements in Southern and Central Luzon areas. But along with the movements are the grumbles that the timeframe is unrealistic.

Sabagay, totoo nga naman: several decades-old battle to be fought in two years?

But progressives from the military ranks are not after the length of battle. They are after the cooperation of the top brass in the military and the people in the communities.

"Hindi pa nga naa-address iyong mga alegasyon nina Trillanes na korapsyon sa AFP ngayon inaasahan nila agad na mananalo kami? Eh paano kung totoo nga na mga taga-loob (AFP) din ang supplier ng mga armas ng mga kalaban?" a lieutenant who do not wish to be identified said.

"Tingnan niyo ang mga boots ng mga lowerclassmen namin", he continued. "Paano mo ba isasabak yan sa lakaran at takbuhan?"

"With the supplies we are getting and the salary we are receiving, pinapatay na nga nila kami, paano mo pa kami mai-expect sa laban?"

Earlier, Arroyo had been visiting military camps to conduct fora with the military regarding the latter's concerns. The fora, however, were just for a show. The military weren't really able to voice out their concerns for fear of being shamed by their superiors. And Arroyo to answer questions relating to reality? That would be a dream.

Another reason why the government will find it hard to win the battle against the NPAs are the intelligent people holding Arroyo's skirts. It appears that their mouths are larger than their brains. Consider Toting Bunye's words: We are aware of the root causes of this problem and the intensified campaign against the CPP-NPA is actually a part of this government’s overall approach to addressing poverty, especially in the countryside.

And Ed Ermita's words: We are allocating so much fund to neutralize those who are creating trouble for government which affects our economy, pagkatapos sila naman ay nakakatulong pa sa kabila. Kaya mag-ingat lang sila dahil hindi na dapat silang tumulong sa mga kaaway ng gobyerno.

If the government is aware of the root causes of insurgency, why not clearly address the same? The locales are sick with poverty: will rice and noodle be enough? And they have no jobs but will the "Kalsada natin" program of Arroyo enough to answer these? And the call centers?

Second, the people are tired with injustice. With Arroyo trying her best to elude even a simple investigation, and in proper fora, how can her government expect the locales to believe in her? If Arroyo does not even want to settle the issues of legitimacy, how can she expect the locales to submit to the laws of the country and not join the NPAs and the settle the matters with their own hands?

Third, Ermita claims that some businessmen are paying revolutionary taxes. And he even warned them saying they should beware because "anyone who abets insurgency, who gives comfort to the enemy would be within the ambit of counter-insurgency operations." Yet Ermita's government cannot even give protection to these businessmen. Worse, some of the government's people extort money from these businessmen before they are allowed to operate.

These are but a few of the reasons why it is impossible to win the battle against the NPA's. If Arroyo is really serious, the best thing she can do is to wake up and face the reality. And this should sink clearly in her head: AFP counts NPA members to be less than 8,000 and still, the government forces cannot beat them?

Gloria does Mac Arthur and later, McCarthy

"I shall return."

So goes the promise of American General, Douglas Mac Arthur to the Filipinos during the second world war. And, living with the promise, Mac Arthur returned with the famous Leyte Landing.

As if Americans are a very good idols, the Philippine president with questionable legitimacy, Gloria Arroyo, also promised to return her wrath against her critics. Last Friday, she ordered the release of one billion pesos to fund intensified operations against the NPA's calling the money as “an investment that will yield peace dividends to the economy.”

For sometime now, Arroyo had been claiming that the economy cannot take off because of the political forces criticizing her administration. Hence, to accomplish her dream of economic reforms generally characterized by heavy borrowing and large budget deficits, she intended to crush her enemies.

And the NPAs are among these forces.

But the problem, she mistook the NPAs as the left and the left as NPAs. Along with her order to release the one billion fund are the words: The fight against the left remains the glue that binds.

Which reveals her McCarthyist attitude. As Randy David, in his June 18 column clearly put it:

Though the likes of Gen. Jovito Palparan pretend not to know it, there is a
huge difference between being Left and taking up arms against the
government. To be Left is to be constantly concerned with the basic issues
of justice and human freedom. It is to question the existing social order,
to assail its assumptions, and denounce its oppressive outcomes. To be a
leftist is to be committed to the long-term goal of structural change. In
contrast, to be a rightist is to find nothing fundamentally wrong with the
structure of society; it is to justify and defend its rules.

To take up arms in the pursuit of one’s political beliefs is an altogether
different matter. The armed option is employed not only by leftists and
rightists, but also by religious rebels and some millenarian cults. Not all
leftists advocate the violent overthrow of the State, and not all armed
groups are leftist. To be Left is to think and speak radically about social
problems; to be an armed rebel is to participate in the forcible overthrow
of government. Our Constitution outlaws armed rebellion, but it resolutely
protects freedom of thought and of speech.

But more than the idea of crushing her once-allies-now-turned enemies, spirits from Malacanang said that Arroyo's objective to quash the left is to renew the waning support of America and George Bush to her administration. It should be noted that the Arroyo government drew criticisms from the United States and other members of the Coalition of the Willing when she ordered the Philippine troops to withdrew from Iraq in exchange for the release of a Filipino worker, Angelo de la Cruz, who was kidnapped by Iraqui militants. And to add, Arroyo also drew flak from the Americans when New York Times published an editorial criticizing her administration for reviving bad memories of crony corruption, presidential vote-rigging and intimidation of critical journalists (see also: Let's take over NY Times, Toting!).


In simple terms, crushing her former allies is hitting two birds with one stone.

*****

But local allies of Arroyo are now having second thoughts. According to some mayors I happened to talk with a few days ago, the sitting president does not seem to recognize loyalty and thus they fear of getting dumped this coming 2007 elections. It should be noted that the left are among the major forces that helped toppled Estrada and installed Arroyo in 2001; and, that there are also allies that Arroyo ditched at the height of the Gloriagate scandal.

Gloria's assets

From PCIJ's blog:

Below is a table of Gloria Arroyo’s net worth, 1992-2005.

YEAR	ASSETS (in pesos)	LIABILITIES (in pesos)	NET WORTH (in pesos)	NET WORTH INCREASE/ DECREASE (in pesos)	NET WORTH INCREASE/ DECREASE (in %)
2005	80,784,608.64	1,500,000.00	79,284,608.64	-1,857,704,56	-2%
2004	81,142,313.20	-	81,142,313.20	9,093,753.32	13%
2002	77,548,559.88	3,500,000.00	72,048,559.88	5,263,619.52	8%
2001	70,284,940.36	3,500,000.00	66,784,940.36	8,409,701.33	14%
2000	58,375,239.03	-	58,375,239.03	18,835,055.05	48%
1999	41,540,183.98	2,000,000.00	39,540,183.98	2,513,661.98	7%
1998	38,116,336.00	1,089,814.00	37,026,522.00	10,871,566.00	42%
1997	26,496,390.00	341,434.00	26,154,956.00	10,833,424.00	71%
1996	15,321,532.00	-	15,321,532.00	2,708,862.00	21%
1995	12,783,880.00	171,210.00	12,612,670.00	3,081,696.00	32%
1994	9,940,194.00	409,220.00	9,530,974.00	1,150,575.00	14%
1993	9,323,410.00	943,011.00	8,380,399.00	1,650,206.00	25%
1992*	6,974,120.00	243,936.00	6,730,193.00	-	-

Source: Arroyo’s Statements of Assets and Liabilities

Based on Gloria's arithmetic, can this be trusted? How about the assets in US and the foreign shore? Are they all declared?

And, why are her assets mostly in cash? Hmmmnnn.....