A Year of Living Dangerously

We saw 2006 not as a year of hope but a year of challenges and more uncertainty. It was a year of more killings and political persecution. Harassment and cover-ups were the norm. But it has its brilliant moments when the Supreme Court showed its credibility and independence. Makati's Judge Pozon showed what impartiality and independence is. We saw 2006 as an eye-opener for most Filipinos who had stood in the sidelines and finally realized what the Arroyo's and their allies are made of. It was a year of danger to those who oppose the evil empress and her ass-lickers.

2006 was a year that saw the administration at its weakest and boldest. The Charter Change finally saw its death and the CBCP slowly getting its act together. The forces of mother nature showed its powers and blasted the Philippines with a battery of calamities that left millions homeless and thousands dead. It showed the ineptness and callousness of the administration and its shamelessness at its peak.

The "New Heroes" as our OFWs are called saw how GMA cares for them. The debacle in Lebanon exposed how this administration silently stole the funds of the OWWA for the campaign kitty of the bogus presidency. It also highlighted the redefinition of what unemployment meant. To hide its inability to create more jobs, Arroyo went on a worldwide marketing blitz to sell our work force to other countries. These heroes expose themselves to all kinds of danger to give their families a little taste of life. The social cost of this practice will be felt for generations to come. With more than a million souls exported, GMA boasts of a booming economy courtesy of the OFWs whose remittances has propped up our ailing economy.

The education sector did not fair well as the system had been "tweaked" by GMA to conceal the enormous classroom problem that left our youth to suffer for the inadequacies of government. We have no one to blame but our corrupt leaders whose twisted view of education is nothing but mere statistics. Even the feeding program for the poor students was not spared. Scam after scam has hit the DepEd. And this is how GMA cares for the future of our nation.

Thanks to political favors extended by GMA, the military and the police's credibility is in the gutters. Dangling juicy post-retirement appointments, the AFP and PNP's top brass are falling in line to lick her ass. Gone were the principles and doctrine they were suppose to adhere to, instead they run the constitution and the rule of law to the ground to please the queen of the enchanted kingdom. Those who stood by the flag and country were whisked away to military detention facilities to face court martial proceedings.

Every institution has been infected by the virus that the fake one spreads. Even the lower courts had given in to the Arroyos, especially to the "esposo". His manner of dealing with the press has even reached distant shores. Foreign media organizations has condemned the obvious harassment and silencing tactics he has employed against his family's critics. With the help of Raul Gonzalez, he had managed to file a string of cases against their critics. To be a "legitimate" media practitioner is inviting harm. Hundreds of members of the press had been silenced permanently under this regime. Its only war-torn Iraq that bested the Philippines when it comes to danger to journalists.

Legitimate political dissent is met with brute and violent force. Anyone who displeases this regime either ends up dead or charged with trumped up charges of rebellion and sedition. Lawyers, members of religious groups, advocates, members of progressive groups and youthful students have fallen prey to the brazen disregard of due process and rule of law. To date, more than 800 extra-judicial killings have been reported since GMA stole the presidency. GMA created the Melo commission to absolve the military and the government of any connection to these killings. Amnesty International and the UNHCR has reminded the Arroyo administration time and again to respect human rights. But these fell on deaf ears as the administration is hellbent in cleaning up any opposition to its despotic rule.

Those who aided her theft of the presidency in 2004, were either cleared or have received juicy posts. The country is held hostage by withholding funds for development and social services. This administration has risked the lives of the very people its suppose to protect. Such is the life in this country, where the wicked rule with impunity and the good persecuted. The Philippines is not at war, nor is it under threat from outside. The biggest threat is from within, not the communists or the separatists, but from the government.

As we face the coming year, one would wonder what it holds for a country wanting in good and honest governance. Would lawlessness prevail once again? Or would the good Lord finally hear my prayers? I hope that He finally will hear my prayers and rid this nation of those whose only concern is to make slaves out of my countrymen and perpetuate themselves in power.

Looking back to the year that was, I pray for those who gave their lives in the fight for freedom. I pay tribute to those who rose up to fight for my rights and the rights of every Filipino. I salute the few sincere politicians and men in uniform who never wavered and stood by the people and the constitution. To the men and women of the Black and White Movement and One Voice, thank you for rising against those who wanted to make a mockery of our constitution. To the Supreme Court and the other members of the judiciary who stood by what is just and lawful, may your tribe increase. To the Filipinos, may we all unite and peacefully kick these usurpers out of office.

==> READ MORE

In The Dead of the Night

I suppose the practice of this administration to deal with issues in the dead of the night shows how despicable this regime is. We can recall how the majority in the lower house would be present and tackle the impeachment against GMA till the wee hours of the morning. While important bills are taken for granted, they would fight off sleep to save their benefactor's neck.

Like thieves in the night, they tried to ram the Cha_Cha down our throats. Thanks to media's participation and the vigilance of the Black and White Movement, they failed in their bid to install GMA as president for life. Faced with a new people power, they back-pedaled and tried to save face.

But the arrogance and impunity does not stop there. The DoJ under the rabid Gonzalez put one over the people. Taking advantage of Christmas eve and in the dead of the night, government prosecutors cleared Virgilio Garcillano, GMA's election operator of perjury and falsification of public documents. Despite the evidences presented, the DoJ found no reason to charge Garci and instead blamed the complainants for the dropping of the case.

The latest assault on the constitution and the judiciary came at a time when the country is busy with a long weekend and offices are already closed. A few hours ago, personnel from the US embassy, under the cover of darkness took custody of convicted rapist, Daniel Smith from the Makati City Jail. Responding to queries, the embassy pointed to the Philippine government for the transfer. Raul Gonzalez for the few days have been sending signals and issuing statements against Judge Pozon. Even the Court of appeals has junked Smith's bid and defered the proceedings till after the holidays.

The DoJ and the DFA has manifested and stated provisions in the VFA to get Smith. But without the order of Judge Pozon, they are helpless. The cancellation of the Balikatan turned on the pressure that placed the government at its wits end. With no other option, the administration chose to violate the laws of the land and delivered Smith on a silver platter to US embassy officials. Now, not only Nicole's rights have been trampled upon, the sovereignty of our country and the independence of the judiciary had been made a mockery. Now Nicole has been raped, not once, but twice.

So once again in the dead of the night, GMA and her minions have succeeded with impunity. So much for constitutionality and due process. This is the kind of people who want our constitution changed. Will we allow them to stay in power with the kind of abuses they have committed? They are no better than thieves and thugs. Their kind should never be given positions but put behind bars.

==> READ MORE

A Bleak Christmas: Hunger in the Philippines

I had discussed this a few blogs back, "The Hungry Filipino". It seems that a bleaker Christmas awaits our less-fortunate citizens. From 16.9 percent in September, the hunger has surged to an all-time high of 19 percent. While the administration boasts of a steady economic growth, this is not felt by majority of the people. A country rich in fertile lands should never have a problem like hunger and starvation.

The apparent lack of concern by the government has led to more desolation. The lack of government support and the continued looting of the national coffers has continued unabated. Plus the fact that the government would rather please the international community than the very people its suppose to serve. The dumping of agricultural produce by our Asian neighbors continue to tighten the noose around our farmers' necks. Only big plantations with concentrated crops are holding out against the influx of produce from other countries. The backyard raisers who supply 75% of our food supply are feeling the pinch and are closing shop at a fast rate. The low cost of imported goods has led to huge losses and doesn't make continuing their operations viable.

The entry of the Philippines to the WTO was suppose to open the country to more trade. But with very weak domestic economic foundations, even our manufacturers are hurting. Cheap products especially from China has hurt our local businesses. Unemployment was even redefined by the government to hide the true number of our unemployed. Now, they are even contemplating on liberalizing ownership of land, business and utilities to foreign entities. The administration thinks that this is the panacea for our woes, at least that's what they want the people to believe. If only they have a little patriotism left in their hearts, the Philippines will be progressive again.

How insensitive it is for the government to spend P3 billion for the ASEAN Summit which will last for only a few days. The outcome of which is still uncertain as the economies in the region are in a downtrend. We have facilities in Manila which with a little improvement would cost much less than constructing new ones in Cebu. The boastful administration would rather spend lavishly on others while its own people could barely make do with the scant finances they have. Government officials constantly travel to all parts of the world, spending precious dollars that could have been better spent on basic services. How callous it is for the government to buy expensive vehicles, build expensive resthouses and spend on nonessentials like the people's initiative and their Con-Ass. Ghost projects and fund diversion which up to now has yet to be accounted for and whose cases have been languishing in the courts, add to the woes of the ordinary Filipino.

But as long as we have leaders whose only concern is how to stay in power, social justice will never be achieved. While the those in power busy themselves with a charter change to maintain the status quo, millions of my countrymen are going hungry everyday. Children too malnourished to learn anything, will never be able reach their full potential in life. Misplaced concerns has led to the deterioration of society and degradation of humanity. Should this viciousness continue, the Philippines will be left with nothing to hope for. A nation so wealthy but yet so poor. For now, the Filipinos will have to scrounge for whatever they can get their hands on to survive.

==> READ MORE

Thanks But No Thanks

Last Sunday's CBCP Rally called for a different kind of Cha-Cha, Character Change. Of course GMA as usual issued a statement to appease the bishops. We all know how the despot operates, she never mean what she says. As always, she squirms out of tight spots through lies and deceit. It has been the routine of this bogus administration. Speaking like repentant fools, spewing out promises with crossed fingers, only their relatives would believe them.

Like a cornered beast, she will do and say anything to save her hide. All these talk of her changing her values will never materialize. At least her allies were more forthcoming and said they will not have a change of heart. No sooner had the week passed, statements from the palace by the murky river said that they are still pursuing their Cha-Cha bid. The CBCP has been fooled once again. Liars will never change. They learn to believe their lies as the truth. Pichay admitted that the archived Con-Ass can be revived anytime. So the minority's suspicion is right all along.

So all the statements made by the bogus president were issued to stem the tide of public disgust after all. It seems she had won the day again and we will have to continue living in uncertainty. When will the CBCP ever learn. Repentance has no place in the hearts of these scoundrels. There is no such thing as a change of heart for people committed to perpetuating a crime. So where will this lead us to? The CBCP should have allowed the people to air their sentiments last Sunday. Now GMA is laughing at the church and the people. She had successfully fooled the bishops into believing her lies. She has averted a catastrophe that could have evicted her from Malacañang.

This should be a lesson for the church, always be wary of wily liar. The low attendace last Sunday could have been a result of some people's dismay over the CBCP. Some people I was able to talk to said that they would have gone had the CBCP been more forceful. They were expecting the church to lead the way in showing this illegitimate administration that we have had enough. But instead, the CBCP took a safe way out. Its not about politics but the threat to the morals of a nation.

The CBCP should not treat the issues piecemeal, its really one big issue that the country faces, the legitimacy of the incumbent. The parochial view of the CBCP has led to more confusion and they are sending mixed signals to the people. Instead of uniting the people, they have fragmented us and many now believe that they have no credibility. Prayers must be complemented with action. They must decide on where they stand. Lip service does not cut it. Bishops Yñiguez and Tobias are more credible and are more in touch with the people than entire CBCP.

So, there was really nothing to be thankful for. I doubt if anyone would heed the CBCP's call again. The people will be wary of any statement from the CBCP after how they handled the Sunday rally. Should they offer us another option/venue in the future, my answer would be, "Thanks but no thanks". I'm better off praying directly to God than use them as a conduit.

==> READ MORE

Lest We Forget

As the hoopla of our recent success against Charter Change reaches its crescendo, we must bear in mind the dark years under Martial Law. It must never be forgotten and worth revisiting time and again. Marcos was able to impose his brand of leadership through the people's apathy. And with the same impunity and arrogance as what we see today, Marcos ruled the country as his very own kingdom.

Just like before, mass actions ruled the days leading to the state-sponsored coup. Though a constitutional convention was underway, a group which steered the commission finalized the provisions, the rest was history. This lesson must be taken into consideration. Electing delegates to a constitutional convention is not an assurance that GMA cannot use her influence. Marcos was able to cajole the members back then by dangling promises. There is nothing to stop GMA from doing the same. Delegates will also campaign just like our politicians. Her minions whose terms would be ending next year can opt to run for the convention. She can field her allies and we might just end up with a commission no different from the lower house we have now.

We must be vigilant and watchful of the signs which emanate from Malacañang. We must not let our guards down as those in power has all the institutions under their control. The intimidation continues, so does the persecution and killings. It is imperative that the people move as one in defending the democracy we all cherish. It may cause a little inconvenience but at least there are those whom we should thank for covering our backs.

This renewed unity and collective voice must be protected. It is the only force we can muster against the arms and power the administration has. I have long shed the skepticism I have with the different entities which have risen against this administration. I have to put my trust in somebody or I will forever be blinded by GMA's lies and deceit. The wheel has turned full circle, and we are at the crossroads of a new phase in history. The signs are all there, the abductions, bombings and political assassinations. Its all reminiscent of the times before martial law. The mass actions and the awakened populace could lead to the critical mass which could shatter GMAs dream of her Enchanted Kingdom.

The only action left now after all the losses GMA received is to declare not a state of national but complete martial law. The signs are all there. She cannot afford to be kicked out of office like Marcos or Erap. Keeping the military close to her is her only insurance. Her trusted bureaucrats and political allies are all content and in powerful positions. Everything seems to be in place. The only thing lacking is how she will justify the declaration. The following days or weeks will be crucial to her survival and our quest for true democracy.

We cannot count her out with our numbers, her attack dogs have shown us what they are capable of doing. The lines have been drawn in the sand. The first to blink will certainly lose. There will be no quarters given and this could lead to a face off. I only hope and pray that should that time come, the protectors of the the constitution, the decent men in uniform will rise to the occasion and defend the country and the flag against GMA and her horde. We must not forget the lessons we learned during the '70s and '80s. The signs are there, lest we forget.

==> READ MORE

Black & White Motorcade for the December 17 Rally

General Information

1. Assembly Points

Location: Quezon City
Exact Area: Parking Lot Gate 3, Ateneo Loyola
(Note: Enter gate 3, then turn left on the first road and proceed to parking lot on the left)
Assembly Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 nn
Departure Time: 12:00 nn

Location: Makati City
Exact Area: Thailand (formerly Rada St) cor Legaspi St.
Note: Thailand St is one-way towards dela Rosa St)
Assembly Time: 11:30 am – 12:20 pm
Departure Time: 12:20 pm

Location: Alabang
Exact Area: Parking lot of SNR (formerly Price Club) along Zapote Rd. Filinvest
Assembly Time: 12:00 nn – 12:20 pm
Departure Time: 12:20 pm

2. Destination

In front of Malate Church beside Aristocrat Restaurant
Target time of convergence: 1:00 pm
March towards Luneta Park: 1:30 pm

3. Routes

Location: Quezon City
Route: Ateneo–Katipunan–Aurora–Nagtahan–Quirino–San Andres–Malate Church

Location: Makati
Route: Rada–de la Rosa–Buendia–Ayala–Metropolitan–Vito Cruz–SS Hiway–Quirino–San Andres–Malate Church

Location: Alabang
Route: SNR parking lot-Festival Mall–SS Hiway (Filinvest entrance)–Quirino–San Andres –Malate Church

4. Vehicle Dress-up

Black and white ribbons on car antennas
Black and white balloons
Flaglets – print the downloadable Black&White flaglets and attach to barbecue stick. To download, please visit this site
(Note: You will also need this as we march towards Luneta Park)

5. Dress Code

Please wear black, white, or combination black and white shirts.

6. Contact Person

Ms. Leah Navarro – 0917.8981957 for more information and coordination details.

Everyone is invited to join and be counted. Let's all watch and pray. Let's all be vigilant. Let's all declare through our presence that we will not take brazen attempts to destroy our democratic processes and institutions sitting down.

Please invite friends and relatives to join.

==> READ MORE

Why We Should Abolish The Lower House

Recent actions by the bullies in the house showed how they have abused the mandate given to them by their constituents. Being elected into office does not give them the right to turn their districts into little fiefdoms. The people had grown tired of the way things are being run. The voice of the people is supreme. No congress or president for that matter can ever do another Marcos. The people silent as they may be, is always aware of what goes on in government.

At this day and age and with media's role, the people are now more informed. No longer can the administration hoodwink the people. No amount of smokescreen can hide the fact that Cha-Cha is all about their survival. Now they call on the senate to push the Con-Con. With their parochial view, the house should stop their insanity. If there is any institution worth abolishing, its the lower house. They had never cared for their constituents, they took them as their serfs.

Being locally elected by a handful of people, congressmen are nothing but glorified barangay captains. A mayor has a bigger constituency than they have. Their position is a redundancy. They only use their pork barrels to hold hostage their constituents and sell the people out to the highest bidder. The house is better off without them. Its best that the lower house be composed of representatives from marginalized sectors of society. I'd rather be represented by a party list representative than a district one. Sectoral representation has a better grasp of national needs and a broader sense of social sentiment. They have a more nationalistic perspective than that of a district representative whose sight is too limited and parochial.

Perhaps we could push for a true constitutional amendment which will lessen the powers given to institutions. A constitution that will be simpler and clear which even the ordinary Filipino will be able to comprehend. The administration must understand that our current problem is not the form of government but good governance. Public perception stem from how the government addresses certain problems/situations. With the rampant killings and corruption scandals, the public can only blame the administration.

The arrogance of the house has no place in a democracy. Its high time we, the masters of these politicians assert our power over them. They are our servants and we, those who pay their salaries should now consider kicking them out. Maybe its time we, the people show our own brand of arrogance and put these people in their proper place. Power emanates from the people and the people is government. The house has outlived its purpose, its best we replace them or better yet abolish the house. Our country will never move forward or even be united with the regionalistic views of the lower house. Those who represent the poor districts couldn't care less as they are unaffected by the poverty that surrounds them. If ever a plebiscite should be held, the question should be: "Do you want the lower house abolished?"

==> READ MORE

Human Rights Rally in Brussels

Brussels, December 11, 2006, 6:30pm: More than 1,000 people from different sectors converged at the Philippine Embassy in Brussels to urge the Philippine government to stop the spate of extra-judicial killings. The rally organizers' goal was to have 750 participants to represent the 750 victims of the killings.

Human rights has been one of the problems the European Union urged Macapagal-Arroyo addressed. To date, the killings have not stopped and more victims are being added to the list. The latest count was almost 770. The continued killings has hampered European investments from coming in.

More and more nations are taking notice of these killings and are outraged by the impunity by which these are committed. In a bid to stem the tide of growing international concern, the Melo Commission was created. To date, the Melo Commission has not found any member of the military culpable of any crime. Even with a handful of witnesses who point to the military as the perpetrators of the murders, The commission absolved the suspects.

Its the government's duty to protect the people regardless of ideology. Whether some were killed by the Leftists is no longer the question. Its imperative that the government do its duty and prevent the killings.

==> READ MORE

Terrorizing The Terrorists

The administration has been in panic mode since their house-only Con-Ass hit a brick wall. Terror does beget terror, now the terrorist administration is backtracking. The once "proud" majority reduced to bullied bullies. Their ranks decimated by defecting congressmen who has accepted the fact that the Filipinos cannot be fooled. Faced with the prospect of losing their "heads", they now have to turn to their Plan C.

Their Plan C is to blackmail the senate to join them in their madness. They intend to shift the blame on the senate as has been their practice to divert the people's ire. By issuing a 72-hour ultimatum to the senate, they intend to pressure the senate to join their immoral act. A rejection will definitely be given a negative spin by the administration. The senate has shot down JDV's call and says that their Cha-Cha is good as dead. The palace denies giving the house its marching orders but we all know that GMA is the biggest beneficiary of Cha-Cha.

The house has miscalculated the people's reaction. All sectors of society are now up in arms and had unleashed its fury. The "terrorists" are now being terrorized by the very people whose rights they trampled upon. RC Constantino could not have said it better, JDV and his terror cell are indeed shameless and serial rapists. The combined outrage of religious groups is just too much to handle. GMA and her cohorts have nowhere to run. They have dug their own hole and the wrath of the people threatens to bury them. The patience of the Filipino has grown thin, no more quarters will be given. Damage control and diversion will not cut it. The terror-stricken palace terrorists are in for the fight of their lives. The people called their bluff and the tables had turned. Everything is out in the open, the people has grown to recognize the administration tactics.

Will this be the last straw that will break the camel's back? I suppose the game has just been cut short. No more statements will be taken lightly. The lies and deceit will no longer work as the people has had enough. The apathy has been overtaken by disgust, The house has awaken the people and their arrogance had done them in. The fight is now on and the administration couldn't do anything but run.

In her moment of fear, GMA had no option but to cancel the ASEAN Summit. She has recalled the thousands of military personnel to Manila. Her survival is her only concern. She needs to consolidate her forces. The only question now, will the military finally realize that Arroyo is not the country, the government or the constitution?

==> READ MORE

Black and White Movement Release

For Immediate Release
The Black & White Movement
Contact: Vicente R. Romano III
Media Liaison: Leah Navarro


THE “CON” IN CON-ASS IS STILL ON

They blinked. After realizing that a great number of our people were angered by their show of arrogance and hubris, the House Majority is literally dancing the “cha-cha”. Like the seasoned grifters (con artists) that they are, the House Majority has once again tried to bamboozle the people into believing that they have abandoned their dreams of a Constituent Assembly without the Senate in exchange for a Constitutional Convention (Con-Con). During their press conference, they shocked the nation by issuing a “challenge” to the Senate to reply within 72 hours or the House shall revert to Con-ass as usual.

What gall! Do they think we will meekly accept this “back step” and follow their lead? The Black and White Movement is not at all inclined to dance to this tune. We see right through their deception. They hope to pin the blame for all this trouble on a recalcitrant Senate but the truth is that they alone are truly responsible for the myriad missteps and miscalculations brought on by their greed for power, hope of No-El, and the dream for an end to term limits.

If the House Majority were so sincere in their claims of “accommodating” an irate republic, they would not have imposed conditions and should have abandoned their illegal Con-Ass dreams altogether. It is clear they do not have the people’s interests at heart.

“Rats on a sinking ship have no right to demand which side of the ship should sink first”, declares co-convenor Atty. Edwin Lacierda.

“To restore what’s left of their credibility, these Congressmen should apologize to the Filipino people for the wrongs they have committed against them and the valiant House Minority. They should return the House Rules to status quo and rethink their choice of leadership”, says co-convenor Leah Navarro, “They should explain why they found it so easy to trifle with our Constitution”.

Enteng Romano, Black & White Movement lead convenor says, “We call on our people to be vigilant and not be deceived by a House Majority that seeks to perpetuate itself in power. Together with our people, we will continue with our planned week long activities in the Batasan, and around the country, culminating in the inter-faith prayer rally at the Quirino Grandstand in Luneta on Sunday, 17 December”.

==> READ MORE

Whorehouse

The sessions in the house in the last two days should be an eye-opener for the Filipinos. We are not yet a parliament but the house thinks we are. The "Neanderthals"(as Purple Phoenix describes them) in the house decided to take on Cha-Cha all by their lonesome. While the people slept soundly, the majority in the whorehouse impressed upon itself a constitutional undertaking which calls for both chambers of congress to tackle as one. Like psycho talking to itself, the majority in the house discarded all forms of decency and silenced the minority. In the dead of the night, they have crowned themselves absolute rulers of the land. Even the death and suffering in Bicol and Marinduque, did not deter the scoundrels from achieving their sinister goal.

The pimp in the palace must be in cloud nine as her whores in the brothel was able to give her what she wants. Her glee could be short-lived as the gallant minority succeeded in bringing out the flaws in their unconstitutional actions. The minority was able to lay the groundwork for a fight in the Supreme Court. The only hurdle these whores have to face is the legal battle that looms in the horizon. Its now up to the Supreme Court to show the nation its impartiality.

Its now time for the people to show their disgust. The whores intend to take away our right to vote. We consider the elections personal as its is the great equalizer. We cannot let these thugs take away the only means to voice our will. The fight is now a personal matter as our basic right is being taken away from us. We cannot allow a handful of nitwits take over our lives so they can do as they please. Its time for the people to step up to plate. We are the majority and not them. We must put a stop to this hooliganism by a few whose lust for power is insatiable. We must help the few who try to protect our future. Its high time we join this fight against tyranny.

"Tyranny only prevails when the people do nothing."

==> READ MORE

Human Decency , Compassion and Ethics

Nicole was given by the court a pseudonym. This is to protect her privacy and to avoid selective ridicule from parties with vested motives. The live coverage of the court's resolution however has exposed her true identity and has compromised her privacy. While a live coverage cannot be edited, subsequent reports such as news files and written reports by the media should have used her alias. But it seems that media had been remiss in its duty to isolate Nicole. Ethical standards were disregarded and ratings and saleability became the priority. Responsible media practitioners had refrained from using Nicole's real name. Even foreign news has used her court-appointed pseudonym in their reports. Our local media should take notice of this and apply ethical standards in their reporting. How can we defend press freedom if we are careless and do not adhere to proper standards in reporting the news?

The blogsphere too has its share of irresponsible individuals. At least those I was able to give suggestions to, quickly edited out Nicole's real name. For that, they have shown that unlike some vultures in the media and blogsphere, they showed decency and compassion. Nicole has since manifested that she would like to keep her identity a secret and just move on. To continue posting her name would add to the stigma and pain that she has to face her entire like. Its criminal and contemptuous to continue using her real name in reports and postings.

Some had averred that in the name of accurate reporting, its imperative to give the details and facts. Fine, let's discuss the case but the court has ordered that privacy of the victim is always the priority. What behooves me is the insistence of some to add to the misery of the victim. A much publicized case does not make the victim a public figure. Rape is a private crime and therefore must be addressed as what it is, private.

Some may have other motives aside from accurate reporting to expose fully the victim to more ridicule and public humiliation. Some justify the revelation to drive a point or support their advocacy. But an educated, sensitive human being will never cross the line of ethics and human decency. We can drive our points without using and abusing the victim. It is never justified to use an individual for one's personal gains.

Nicole has been raped, to continue exposing her is raping her many times over. I scoff at those who try to screen their motives by exposing Nicole's identity. I consider them criminals just like Smith. To be tools to further add to the trauma is unforgivable. We must at all times be sensitive to those around us. This is what makes us different from beasts as we humans have common sense and compassion.

==> READ MORE

The Cha-Cha Tragedy

The house continues to assert that a parliamentary form of government is the only way to save the country. While surveys say otherwise, public perception of the move by the house is: first, to save GMA, second, to keep themselves in power. With their sheer numbers, the majority bloc will surely succeed on changing the present rules to pave the way for convening congress into a constituent assembly. Many believe that the present constitution has flaws and needs upgrading, but to do it haphazardly is bordering on the insane to purely criminal. While expenses would be less than a that of a constitutional convention, the process would be highly suspect as the 'lawmakers' would be the beneficiaries of such an undertaking.

Many in the majority bloc are in their last term in office and those who are running for reelection know that the electorate will run them down come election day. This is due to their immoral decision to kill the two previous impeachments. They have nowhere to run and Cha-Cha is the only way for them to keep their positions and powers intact. They will not rest until they get their Cha-Cha. Even the recent tragedy in Bicol will not deter their plan to subvert the constitution.

Such arrogance and insensitivity on the part of the majority in the house. While the numbers of dead and missing continue to rise, they would rather waste their energy and taxpayers money on the Con-Ass. They say that they are the representatives of the people and yet put the people's welfare in the least of their concerns. The tragedy in Bicol and the apparent lack of sensitivity of the lower house only shows the true nature of these (mis)representatives. They never cared for the people. They ran for a seat to enrich themselves. These people are only good when they need the people's help. Only in during elections do they show their 'affection' for the people. They forget their constituents when their positions are at stake.

Despite the calls of some sectors and their colleagues for them to prioritize on the rehabilitation of the Bicol region, the majority is still pushing to amend Sec. 105 of the house rules. The call of GMA for unity is nothing but lip service. How can the country unite when her idiots in congress seem to be oblivious to the plight of the people. Her declaration of a state of calamity is somehow delayed. The reality is that the country has been in a state of calamity since she took over. The Arroyo regime has suffered two calamities, the tragedy in Quezon and the Bicol tragedy. The third would do the us in, its called the Cha-Cha Tragedy.

==> READ MORE

A Half-baked Decision

This afternoon saw the promulgation of the Subic Rape Case. Judge Pozon of the Makati courts found L/Cpl. Daniel Smith guilty of raping 23 yr. old Nicole. He however acquitted Silkwood, Duplantis and Carpentier. I am not a lawyer but my simple appreciation of the case is that a crime of one is the crime of all. The rape was committed in a confined space where all of the occupants knew what was happening. The fact that they allowed and a abetted a commission of the crime in their presence alone has made the other three accomplices in the crime. To isolate one could raise doubts if and when an appeal is made.

Clearly, the public prosecutors were remiss in proving beyond reasonable doubt the existence of a conspiracy. I cannot blame Judge Pozon for coming up short. He certainly based his decision on the facts presented by both sides. I know he appreciated each and every piece of evidence. The public prosecutors should have strengthened the conspiracy theory. I laud Judge Pozon's decision to detain Smith in the Makati City Jail at least for the meantime.

In the end, justice has been served. Though our expectations were not fully met, we can be content that somehow, there is closure. The overwhelming support by the people and Nicole's courage to see the case to its finality is a victory for justice. The legislators must now restudy the VFA and plug the loopholes in the treaty. Unlike in Japan and Korea were the treaties are somehow level, we must insist an equal dispensation of justice. Indictment alone in these countries leads to the arrest and detainment of the accused. The host country gets the custody of the accused serviceman during the entire judicial process. The US cannot dictate its will on these nations.

We must, as a sovereign nation enjoy equal footing with other countries regardless of their perceived power. The US is not above us and we must assert our right as a coequal. They need us more than we need them. The VFA has not offered anything substantial and had made our country into America's little playground. Either they recognize our sovereignty or let us do away with the VFA.

==> READ MORE

A Subversive Administration

We rarely see this in modern democracies, but the Philippines whose democracy is down in the gutter is held hostage by a subversive administration. No, the communists have not taken the seat of power but coo coos in politicians clothing are scheming their way to perpetual power. In a way, you may call it a state-sponsored coup. The administration allies in the lower house of congress is trying to subvert the law by interpreting the law as they see fit. The old farts in congress think that they can change the constitution on their own. They intend to exclude both the senate and the minority bloc of the lower house in their bid to prevent a midterm election debacle and save their skins and that of their master.

Since the elections could spell disaster for the incumbent, her allies have cooked up a plan to ram through their Cha-Cha. They are now proposing a plebiscite in place of the elections. The generals and election officials implicated in the election fraud of '04 have all been promoted. The administration's cheating machinery is therefore intact and even stronger. A plebiscite is easier to cheat than the national and local elections. This is what the opposition and people are wary of.

Clearly, its the administration who is mounting a revolution. Its flexing its muscles to impose its will on the people. The stage is being set for a showdown. The remaining stumbling block and the only legal defense of the people is the Supreme Court. But even this is now in peril. The administration will stop at nothing to achieve its goal. By hook or most often than not, by crook, they must have what they want.

Subversives and rebels often belong to groups fighting the government. Only in the Philippines will you see the government trying to overthrow the people they swore to serve. What is unfolding before our very eyes is state-sponsored rebellion. A rebellion which has divided the nation and has bastardized institutions. Only here will you see terrorists, rebels and bandits in government institutions. No Jomas or Bin Ladens here, just Gloria and her minions.

==> READ MORE

The PIG and Her Piglets

The lower house is dead set to ram Cha-Cha down our throats. A technical working group created by the illegitimate president. The team is composed of Nograles, Lagman, Jaraula, Pichay, Datumanong and Villafuerte. The team will be setting the stage for a cancellation of the May elections to pave the way for an interim parliament come November. They will transmitting a resolution to the COMELEC to set a date for the plebiscite. The majority bloc in the lower house is set to file a resolution to convene both houses of congress into a constituent assembly.

While they claim that questions in the recent survey were 'loaded', we must bear in mind that it was GMA who introduced the Cha-Cha in her SONA. It is also her allies in the lower house who is pushing for this. Her active participation in creating this technical working group makes her the primary sponsor of the Cha_Cha. To say that the survey questions were misleading is utter stupidity. Its clearly Gloria's Cha-Cha with her being the biggest beneficiary. Seeing how slow her 'piglets' are pushing the Cha-Cha train, she has decided to take the reins instead. She has finally shown that indeed, the Cha-Cha is her baby. Her only goal is to create a Gloria parliament.

The swines in congress are poised to feed on the nation. Their insatiable lust for power and their fear of the electorate's wrath has given them no other option to save their asses. Immoral and unconstitutional as it may be, the administration will not hesitate to employ the dirtiest tactics to get their Cha-Cha approved. Their succeess will be the demise not only of our institutions but the entire nation as well. It is up to us and nobody else. With or without the support of the military, we must stop this threat on democracy.

To postpone(?) a constitutional process such as the elections to benefit these scoundrels is an insult to the people's intelligence. We have seen the devastation this kind of greed has brought upon the nation back in 1972. To allow this rape to once again succeed is like signing our own death warrant. Its high time we the people assert our sovereign right and once and for all put an end to this hooliganism. Gloria and her gang has gone to far. The Filipino has been very patient and merciful but they should not push us to the hilt. The next people power may not be peaceful anymore. This they should consider before pushing their agenda. Mercy and forgiveness has no room for thieves of their kind.

==> READ MORE

Pure Hypocrisy

As I listened to Lito Atienza discuss Charter Change, I cannot help but be sick to the gut at the hypocrisy I'm hearing. He mentioned the divisiveness of our country and how Cha-Cha could unite the nation. Pointing to the opposition, he also discussed the way partisan politics has hurt our country and how the political gridlock has hampered economic growth. He said how being a member of the 1985 Batasan has opened his eyes to the wonders of a parliamentary system. He accused those opposing Cha-Cha as lacking of love for country. He also mentioned that he is not for the extension of the tenure of any official and does not approve of canceling next year's elections. He reiterated that he and ULAP will continue to push for Cha-Cha whether it be through Con-Ass or Con-Con. He added that the sovereign will of the people must be heard.

Firstly, the divisiveness was caused by a fraudulent people power. This was admitted by no less than Mike Arroyo himself. A true democracy has checks and balances to prevent abuse. The Batasan was not a genuine parliament but a rubber stamp parliament of a dictator. I am against Cha-Cha but that doesn't mean I have lost my love for this country. I wouldn't be blogging about the social and political ailment of this country if I hate the Philippines, what I abhor is the likes of this Atienza who brands himself a patriot but a traditional politician in every sense of the word. Who is this guy fooling? Their 'grand deceptive PI' would not have been junked if they followed due process and if the true sentiments of the populace is what they were fighting for.

While he avers that he is not for the extension of the terms of those in power, why on earth would he push his son to run for mayor next year? Isn't this a kind of political dynasty thereby extending his role in politics? He is a trapo just like the rest. He is for the status quo and not for genuine change. Party politics subverted the will of the people to get to bottom of things. And my biggest question is why try to steal the Liberal Party with GMA's boys helping him? Its all for the sake of covering up the fraud that his queen, the bogus one has committed? Remember, he is an active participant of Oplan God Save the Queen. He is also a participant of state repression. Before the SC junked the CPR, he refused and openly supported the dispersal of rallies. And he wants us to believe that he is for democracy?

Just look at how he uses the popularity of Manny Pacquiao for his political gain. Even Rep. Miles Roces is guilty of this. Atienza and his ilk should not be looked up to. Their kind is one factor why the Philippines is in such a bad shape. He is not an advocate but an opportunist who toys around with his constituents' lives. Changes in Manila is nothing but aesthetic. Crime is still rampant, corruption abounds and lives of Manileños is still the same. Political dinosaurs like him has nothing in mind but staying in power. They try to circumvent the law by pushing their wives and children to run in their place. Public service is an advocacy not an enterprise. Until these people change their view on what politics is, we will never get out of this mess we are in.

==> READ MORE

Anybody But Them

The recent Pulse Asia showed how the administration bets would fare in next years midterm elections. Palace officials shrugs off the survey asserting that they have the 'machinery' and the support of the local execs. Of course, they are at their wits end when they said this. The survey clearly showed how disgusted the people are of the arrogance and immorality of the current dispensation. Indeed, the elections will be a referendum for the squatter in the palace.

Issues against the queen continue to mount while old ones remain unresolved. The people are so desperate that they would vote anybody into office as long as they do not belong to the administration. While most local execs continue to support GMA, clearly the electorate thinks otherwise. Its payback time for the people. All the administration can muster is its arrogance.

Even their pet project, the Cha-Cha will face a stiff battle. The Social Weather Station survey reported that 2 out of 3 Filipinos would dump the Cha-Cha if a plebiscite would be held now. This should put to rest the dreams of the administration to hold onto power. A vengeful electorate is lying in wait, ready to pounce on the administration's overconfidence. The palace could not rely on its numbers in the house and the LGUs. They no longer have the overwhelming support of the people.

Even with their machinery, cheating will not be that easy with a vigilant electorate. Advocacy groups and concerned organizations have been working tirelessly to educate the voters. Clearly, the administration has lost grasp of reality and will ultimately be punished by the people. Gold and goons will not be that effective anymore. Defecting to the opposition may or may not get the desired results. The only way for administration bets to even come close to winning is by dropping their queen and distancing themselves from her party. But this is not an assurance, people are aware of how they 'performed' and will be wary of them.

Ah yes, the desperate Filipino. Desperate times caused by the administration will lead to its defeat. I can just imagine the administration bets wishing they had been more independent. Sometimes party politics is not such a wise move. Now they regret this. And the people are more than willing to relieve them of their woes.

==> READ MORE

Not MEDIA Again!

A recent survey conducted by Pulse Asia showed that one out of two Filipinos distrust Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. With the claims of the palace that they have been making a steady headway towards improving the lives of the Filipinos, why would the people see it otherwise?

As if Malacañang has not had enough, it once again points to media as the culprit behind to the negative ratings of the pretender in the palace. From killing journalist to filing libel cases, media once again is made into the 'spittoon' of an inept, callous and bumbling administration. Is media really to blame for GMA's spiraling 'popularity'?

The palace has a vast array of media outfits at its beck and call. This does not count those who are sympathetic to GMA. So with this in mind, I cannot comprehend what Malacañang is whining about. Doesn't the government control three major television networks? NBN 4 actually airs nothing but how 'great' the queen of the Enchanted Kingdom is. They also have their own radio station and has a 'working' relationship with several broadsheets. It even has an office solely dedicated to addressing the media needs of GMA.

Maybe, Malacañang should berate its own media officials instead of pointing to other outfits whose funding and resources are quite limited. With a huge propaganda machine at its disposal, she should be enjoying a humongous support. But the truth is hard to hide. Good governance is actually public perception and personal experience. This is what the people have to live through everyday. So to blame others for their lackluster performance and dismal popularity is the height of arrogance and total stupidity. Point a finger and the rest points back at you.

==> READ MORE

KICK CON-ASS! I WANNA VOTE!

After the people's triumph over the deceitful people's initiative, the STOP Cha-Cha Movement, Black and White Movement, C4CC, Code NGO, Akbayan Youth, First Time Voters Project, SCAP and Teresa Makabayan has come up with a novel way to inform the people of what the Con-Ass is all about and what first time voters should know and expect.

There will be a Street fair which will feature foods, local products and items donated by celebrities and famous personalities. There will also be a 'Kapihan' where you can engage resource persons who will be more than happy to answer your queries regarding the Con-Ass. A team from First Time Voters Project will be on hand to give you, especially the new voters, of your rights and registration.

There will also be a mini concert, Music Jam where everyone can dance to the music. (but they insists that there will be no Cha-Cha tunes to dance to). This will be held at the strip of Paseo de Roxas, from the Ninoy Aquino monument all the way to Makati Avenue, Makati City. This is will be on Saturday, November 25, from 2:00pm onwards. Everybody is invited.

==> READ MORE

Black-eyed PI

The Supreme Court with the same vote of 8-7, junked with finality, the motion for reconsideration filed by Singaw ng Bayad and the Solicitor General's Office on the dismissal of the People's Initiative. The SC however pointed out that Republic Act no. 6735 is sufficient enough to "AMEND" a specific provision of the constitution through a people's initiative.

Citing that there were no new arguments that were presented, the SC did not see any merit in the motion. SC spokesperson Atty. Ismael Khan however clarified that Singaw cannot use RA 6735 to "REVISE" the entire constitution as the people's initiative can only be used for "a" specific subject. The SC also junked the petition of Sulongbayan Movement Foundation for Chief Justice Panagniban and Justice Carpio to inhibit themselves from ruling on the motion. The SC unanimously found their petition utterly lacking in merit.

The SnB/ULAP PI was first shot down by the Commission on Elections due to the lack of an enabling law. On Oct. 25, the SC dismissed their petition citing it as a "GRAND DECEPTION and GIGANTIC FRAUD". Yesterday, the SC finally gave the knock-out punch that finally floored the PI. After millions have been wasted for this PI, SnB has not given up and vowed that the clarification on RA6735 gives them more reason to give it another go. Either the PI's proponents did not understand the ruling or perhaps, they found their kickbacks too small.

These people should put it to rest. The court gave a clear explanation of what a people's initiative can do and cannot do. With the PI dead and buried, the fight now shifts to the "stinking holes" of congress. Will the Con-Ass suffer the same fate or would its proponents in the lower house push its luck to the hilt? We will all find out soon if the house still has its numbers, with Lakas and Kampi at each others throats, they can both knock themselves out of the game in no time. That will will be a sight to see. They could both go down kicking each others balls!

==> READ MORE

A Regime Born From The Blood Of The People

The government's inability to address the increasing labor force has led to the policy of sending our people to work abroad. The private sector investment cannot support the influx either. The economic slowdown that we have been experiencing for the past five years has aggravated the problem. Even with the mushroom-like sprouting of call centers, we still have a huge surplus of manpower. The education sector churns out about 300,000 new graduates a year which further makes the situation more unsettling. With the precarious position the administration is in, the people had been driven to a life of desperation.

The government has no option but to make it a policy to export not our goods but our countrymen. This has somehow stemmed the tide of unemployment. The OFWs have contributed immensely to propping up the economy. They send more than $1 billion in remittances a month. Why would the government worry about the unemployment when they can simply fly around the world with their junkets and sell our people. They make continue to make money from the shattered lives of the people.

Despite the hazards our OFWs face, whether it be abuse or war, more Filipinos follow suit. Totally disregarding their wellbeing to somehow uplift the lives of their loved ones. The desperation that prevails on the hapless society has led to a brain-drain of sorts. The recent nursing exam scandal only mirrors the desperation of the ordinary Filipino. Never mind integrity and honesty, what we need are high paying jobs to meet the increasing cost of living here.

Seemingly unaffected, the administration as of late would like to turn our country into the organ sales capital of the world. They now intend to lure more dollars into the Philippines by way of selling our people's internal organs. The Department of Health in cooperation with the Department of Tourism would like to enter the realm of medical tourism. They are even pushing for the increase in organ "donation". This move would further exploit the poor whose desperate lives will be the source of the organs. I just cannot imagine how callous these people are. The Filipinos are human beings, not some butchered beast whose entrails are readily available in any market.

The reality that government has nothing to offer the people but lies and deceit, mocking the people while they enrich themselves. This regime was borne out of the exploitation of the Filipino and will continue to do so until the Filipino can give no more. Much blood had been shed to give these people the positions they enjoy now yet they abuse the very people who fought for them. The killings had begun again, curtailment of basic rights and repression is the norm. Their hands awash in the blood of those who rose and voiced their disgust. A climate of fear and intimidation now prevails, media and progressive groups bear the brunt of the administration's anger. The principled few had been whisked to isolation. Our democracy is in tatters and our "leaders" couldn't care less. Like the parasites that they are, they will continue to feed on the blood and guts of the people.

==> READ MORE

A Bully and the Gang

GMA had mastered the art of saying one thing but doing another. After being lambasted by the JFC for the alarming number of forced abductions and assassinations. She coyly stated that she also would like these killings to stop. She even told the Melo commission to speed up its investigation. Time and again, she had said that she welcomes the international community's concern and even offered to open the Philippines to those interested to send fact-finding teams and investigate the spate of extra-judicial killings.

The first to heed her call was a fact-finding team from Canada. A few months back, a former MP of the Canadian Parliament had shown her intent to get to the bottom of things. She had assembled the team to be sent here to investigate and offer psycho-social aid to those families who have been victimized by these abuses.

The Canadian team had the opportunity to experience firsthand, how our military and police forces "operates". Along with the Southern Tagalog Chapter of Karapatan, they were blocked by an army detachment. The contingent was threatened with an obstruction of justice charge.

I guess the show had ended even before it started. The Canadian team would definitely have a lot to say about her "invitation" and the military's unconventional hospitality. She better be prepared to face the international backlash this arrogance will cause or would she just brush this aside? But I doubt if GMA can castigate the military at this point in time. She owes the AFP and PNP her existence and they know this. From ensuring her victory in the '04 presidential elections to propping up her bogus presidency, she wouldn't dare lift a finger against them.

At the rate she had been appointing retired military and police generals, one would think that there are no other competent civilian career officers in the different posts in government. While the upper echelon basks in the "graces" of GMA, the sad reality is that the lowly foot soldier is used and abused by its very own officers. The poor soldier who continues to serve his country by putting his life on the line continues to be exploited by its leaders. So much for the chain of command doctrine.

GMA and her dogs in uniform know that this will not continue for long. Soon, just like their predecessors, the lowly soldier will emerge from its hibernation and confront the people behind their exploitation. Until that time, the lame bully in the palace will have to play by the military's rules. She will continue to block any form of credible investigation against her "loyal" guards. The Canadian contingent's experience sends a strong message to those who intend to send their teams to investigate the killings here. The Philippines is her playground, her turf. She is the "bully" here and no amount of pressure can dislodge her. Her gang will force upon their will on the Filipino with impunity.

==> READ MORE

Preferential Treatment

Atong Ang who has been implicated in a plunder case with former president Erap Estrada was today transferred to Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig from the Quezon City jail. His motion to remain in the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation was denied by the Sandigangbayan. He was not able to prove that he has been getting threats to his life.

The Quezon City Jail whose inmate population more than 3,500 can only accommodate 900 at a time. It is so congested that inmates are forced to sleep in stairwells and the corridors. The warden denied that Ang will be given preferential treatment. He proved this by showing just how congested the jail is.

Okay fine, its congested, but without even waiting for any court order for the transfer, he was brought to his new cell in Taguig. The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology justified the transfer by stating that it can do so without any order from the court.

Ang is perceived by many to be a pawn of this administration to demolish the opposition. He is definitely a VIP for the administration and could be given a little leeway in the name of comfort. He is now holed in an 18 square meter cell all by his lonesome. This is a welcome treat for him considering that the QCJ is a rat hole by human standards. But plunder is a heinous crime and the courts has specifically stated where he is supposed to be detained. If the BJMP can move inmates at will, then they should be fair about it and stick to the process.

Detained in the same compound is a Muslim couple charged with selling illegal drugs. The husband just recently tried to commit suicide by taking a kind of disinfectant. He did this out of grief and depression. A few months ago, their four kids died in a fire which engulfed their home. Its Muslim custom to bury their dead within 24 hours. The unfortunate couple waited for the courts to allow them to see their kids even in death. They waited for the order that never came and the prison personnel could only lament and grieve with the couple.

The BJMP said it can move any inmate at any time they so choose. Then why did they not just give this Muslim couple the chance to spend even just a few minutes with their departed kids? Why make it an excuse to wait for the court order when they can do so on their own? Peddling drugs is a crime but this couple are human beings too. They are not proven guilty yet just like Ang. A little compassion goes a long way. If the courts want credibility, then they must place the BJMP where they should be.

One thing is obvious and glaring in this situation, a poor Muslim couple has nothing to offer this administration, Ang on the other hand has the world to give to the bogus presidency of GMA. His continuing comfort will make him a very good "PARROT".

==> READ MORE

A Jittery Palace

With Gringo Honasan's capture, the palace is jittery as ever. They are now monitoring the military camps knowing too well how influential Honasan is with the military. The AFP's hierarchy is well aware of how unstable the situation is. No amount of loyalty check would conclude that the men in uniform are loyal to the commander-in-cheat.

Esperon and his lot have caused the restiveness in the military. Allegations that the military was used in cheating in the 2004 elections continue to hound Esperon. Officer's who have decried the military's participation are now languishing in military stockades. Critics and legitimate opposition branded as destabilizers are harassed and intimidated, and most often than not, liquidated. Journalists are threatened with libel suits and death.

The administration has painted itself into a corner with its hare-brained moves. They continue to bide time and delay the inevitable. They employ tactics often used by authoritarian regimes to stay in power. But the administration has nobody to blame but themselves. They dug the hole they now find themselves in. The tide is turning and soon it will swallow this abusive regime.

This had made them more jittery. With the international community now taking notice of the happenings in our tiny country, the world this administration moves in is getting smaller by the day. Faced with this dilemma, GMA can only issue statements which she knows cannot hide the truth. She had created the ghosts that haunt her and these will lead to her demise.

The people too are biding their time. They continue to watch the events unfolding before their eyes. The simmering cauldron of disgust is about to burst. This is what the administration is closely watching. They know how unpredictable the Filipino is. Time and again, we have shown abusive leaders that our patience has its limits and GMA is no exception. No amount of smokescreen can hide the issues GMA faces. The people just don't buy their lies anymore. We cannot be cowed by their harassment and intimidation anymore.

Want to know how jittery the palace is? I can almost see them wetting their pants.

==> READ MORE

Gringo Honasan: Captured!

I just finished preparing my kids clothes when I overheard the news that Gringo has been caught. He was cornered at The Enclave Townhomes located in the Green Meadows Subdivision in Quezon City. Honasan suffered wounds to his right foot and a sprained left foot during the capture. His lawyer Atty. Gutierrez clarified that he did not jump from the second floor of a unit. He further added that Honasan tried to elude his captors by jumping several fences. He apparently felt being tailed by another vehicle which prompted him to jump from the vehicle he was in. This caused his injuries. Due to his injuries, he finally gave up and did not resist his captors. He was captured at around 2:45 am.

He was brought to the PNP-CIDG office in Camp Crame for processing.

==> READ MORE

The Fight For Press Freedom

Its going to be a very busy week for media. Ellen Tordesillas of Malaya has officially reported the threat she received the other day. She today asked the NBI to look into the matter. The authorities had asked for the cooperation of media and the public to aid them in solving the 42 cases of media killings. Now that Ellen has stepped up, I hope the authorities will make good on their promise to support the media practitioners. The International Federation of Journalists also challenged GMA to live up to her promise and prevent another death in the media community.

News also of the issuance of an arrest warrant for Business Mirror's and Newsbreak's contributor Romina "Mia" Gonzalez broke out. The warrant stemmed from a libel case filed against her by Mike Arroyo. The arresting team trooped to Malacañang but failed to locate her. Her colleagues at the Malacañang Press Corps denounced the PNP while The NUJP was also dismayed by the the botched arrest. The PNP and the NPC has a Memorandum of Agreement regarding arrests of journalists.

Libel has been used by Mike Arroyo to get back at the journalists who have written items against him. Tordesillas and Gonzalez are just 2 of 43 journalists who face libel cases in court filed by Arroyo. Intimidation, harassment, only Mike Arroyo knows for sure the reason behind the libel cases. Obviously he cannot claim that he is a private entity, being the husband of GMA makes him a public figure. Libel cases rarely prosper and are usually used to cow critics to silence them. No matter how he and his lawyers justify these cases, one thing is obvious, he is a very powerful man.

The manner by which warrants are issued belies his claim that he does not enjoy preferential treatment from the courts. The DoJ too continues to make statements against defendants to the brink of giving guilty verdicts even before the cases are heard. The assault on press freedom continues and Mike continues to flex his muscles. Often, he portrays himself as the oppressed and abused party. But we all know the real personality behind the theatrical man.

If these were not meant to intimidate or harass the press, I will let you decide by leaving you with the statement of his "good" lawyer. “If anybody is to be blamed for whatever inconvenience she may have had, it’s Miss Gonzalez herself. She wrote the libelous (article) and maligned the reputation of the First Gentleman. So she should be brave enough to face the consequences.” So let this be a warning to our journalists, write only good things and not criticisms lest you want to face a death threat or a libel suit. The reality: They won't be cowed into silence hence be embolden.

==> READ MORE

Threats To A Friend

Ellen Tordesillas, one of the more fearless critics of the administration has received a veiled threat from a certain Daniel Perez who emailed the threat through danie11aperez80@yahoo.com. The email address and name obviously is an alias to cover the identity of the sender. The threat said,

"What kind of death do you prefer? To die of cancer? To die of accident? To die of ambush? To die of heart attack due to your libel suit? Masyado kang matapang ha? Puro banat mo sa Pangulo dahil hindi ka napartehan ng gracia kahit kaunti. Your days are numbered."

Ellen's integrity and credibility is without question. She had stuck to facts and was never known to fabricate her stories. Ellen is only one of 42 other jounalists who have been charged criminally with libel. All of these were filed by Mike Arroyo. The National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP), has condemned the said threat and has asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to track down the sender.

The killings of journalists and members of progressive groups had been steadily increasing. The international community has called on the administration to look into the matter. So far, Task Force USIG and the Melo Commission, both created by GMA has come up empty or present credible findings.

Another case of intimidation, perhaps. This is just one of the risks our journalists must face everyday in their service to the people. This is a facet of a journalist's life here in the Philippines, where one is condemned for telling the truth and lying rewards you with praises.

==> READ MORE

Best Of The Best ?

I almost swallowed my tongue after hearing Prospero Pichay state that the congress is best people to change the constitution because they are the best. Being elected into office does not mean you're the best. The best in making promises maybe but not the best public servants. And the best in what? So far, the lower house can only claim bragging rights to naming and renaming thousands of streets, buildings and bridges. The important laws they have passed are either to the detriment of the people or in support of the queen. And yes, they are indeed the best, the best lawyers of the illegitimate incumbent.

The claim that Con-Ass is the most efficient way to amend or revise the constitution is highly questionable. With the manner the house spends even for simple meetings is enough to feed a hungry mob. Simplicity is not in the congress's dictionary. Their continuing hunger for "pork" alone shows how greedy these people are. How on earth can they assure us that their proposals are not self-serving? Just like Singaw ng Bayad and Alapaap sa ULAP, what they espouse reeks of fraud and deceit. Its better to spend more and get the right results than spend less and get shit in return.

And how will the country reconcile the fact that there are so many political dynasties in congress. Can they assure the people that their wives, sons and daughters and even their "dummies" are the brightest in the land? Pichay must be dreaming when he uttered those words. The arrogance of the incumbents leaves a bad taste in the mouth and a terrible bum stomach. I'm not discounting the fact that there are some brilliant men and women in congress, sad to say, they are not with the administration. Let's take Lito Lapid as an example, he may, as his fans may say, a good actor but as a senator, my goodness! Boxers and other athletes can use interpreters but never a senator. I wonder how he'll do if interviewed by CNN or BBC?
How then will he contribute anything sensible to serious undertaking?

Do you think that these people entered politics to serve? Hell no, one can easily see through these people that personal interest is what drove them to run. Why is there massive poverty if these people's districts if they spend their pork properly? I can understand why opposition bailiwicks suffer, their pork is being withheld by the palace. These people in the administration is only good at lip service and during campaigns. Humility and magnanimity are virtues these people lack. Morals and values are thrown out the window once they are elected.

Are they the best? To their minds and to those who benefit from them maybe, but to the common Filipino who has to deal with desperation everyday, I don't think so. Changing the constitution is best left to people in the know, people whose integrity is without doubt, whose love for country and people can never be challenged. To leave the constitutional amendments in the hands of these people is like putting a gun to one's head. The best of the the best? Dream on, dreams are free anyway. But please, don't drag, us the hapless Filipinos in the nightmare you intend to create!

==> READ MORE

Pointing Fingers

Is Ermita out to take everybody out? With his latest statements in the senate, how deep is the loyalty in the palace? For a former soldier, I'm glad he was never captured by the enemy. He could have easily squealed on anybody to save his own skin.

So the saga continues on the imploding administration. Bert Gonzales might be shitting in his pants and I could almost see his blood pressure rising from what Ermita divulged in the budget hearings. This latest fiasco will have serious repercussions in the cabinet. Not only did Ermita implicate a colleague, he also exposed the ineptness of the bogus queen. This only shows how massive corruption is in the palace.

How can we as a people support a government such as this? We toil and pay astronomical taxes all to be stolen by some "crook" in public servant's clothing. Imagine how many more offices in this government are stealing from the nation's coffers. It has been reported time and again that billions are lost to corruption. Its no wonder why this continues, the palace itself has its own share of looting.

How easy it is for the Malacañang to suspend some local official who's guilt is yet to be proven when crimes are being committed in its own backyard. I wonder what other secrets the palace holds? The Ombudsman has a lot of answering to do. Cases against people close to the palace have yet to move. The Philippines has continued to ascend the ladder of infamy for corruption. Since GMA took over the helm of government, we have steadily fallen in the fight against corruption. The administration continues to lavishly spend while forcing the people to bear the brunt of its actions.

They continue to blame the opposition for the lackluster performance of our of our economy. They continue to point to political instability for our economy's takeoff when in fact it is the prevalence of corruption that dissuades investors. Now that the palace is forced to kneel to the senate for its budget, I expect more anomalies to surface.

There will be more finger pointing on the part of the cabinet and more scams will be exposed. Now the truth of looting is being proven and more officials will save their necks and rat on each other. Now it will be everyman for himself and loyalties discarded. These people has a lot of explaining to do to the taxpaying Filipino. There is really no honor among thieves. What a way to go.

==> READ MORE

The Hungry Filipino

After the latest SWS survey regarding hunger came out, I'm not surprised by the numbers posted. 16.9 percent is a huge number. It might not be big in some sub-Saharan country where the climates are extreme, but in an Asian country rich in resources, its a catastrophe. The National Anti-Poverty Commission however refutes this numbers, saying that the data collected came from highly impoverished areas.

How stupid can this people be! Where else will you get the data, from some affluent subdivision? Of course the survey was conducted in the many depressed areas all over the country. The countryside where there are vasts areas to plant have remained idle. Tracts of land are left uncultivated due to the lack of agricultural knowhow and honest government support has pushed the people deeper in the quagmire of poverty. Only big "haciendas" controlled by landlords continue to churn out produce. The lowly farmer is left to his own devices.

How ironic it is that Mindanao who's produce feeds most of the country is the poorest region in the country. How can this be? We can sum it all up in the way the agriculture sector is handled. In this modern age, land ownership has been the lowly Filipino's elusive dream. Feudalism which has been dead in most parts of the world still thrives in this country. Although cooperatives are encouraged by the government, support and infrastructure is almost non-existent. Farmers are deprived of much needed aid, aid that is often times lost to corruption. The Dept. of Agrarian Reform tasked to distribute land is also highly inefficient as landlords are politicians as well. Landlords have continued to circumvent the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform law.

The rate of malnutrition has been steadily going up due to the high cost of, believe it or not, food. Families are forced to feed their children "junk food" to somehow lessen their hunger. This is evident in my barangay were families content themselves with fried corn kernels and instant noodles. Even government-sponsored feeding programs are using "junk" to feed the kids in school. But even this program suffers from mismanagement and corruption. Government agencies tasked to manage these programs end up siphoning the funds. The Fertilizer Fund Scam and the NFA Rice Importation Scam are just some of the many unresolved cases facing the administration today.

Many would ask why put the blame on government for this, its up to the individual to fend for himself. This may be true if government for its part is implementing programs and policies which will afford the people some sort of opportunity to earn. This is where the real problem lies. Government priorities do not point to this direction. Investment in agriculture is few and far between. The government's focus is more on exploiting the natural resources through mining and speculating.

Micro-financing has also been mishandled as small farmers are forced to borrow at high interest rates. Productivity is very limited and cost far outweighs the output. Fund diversion has also hurt efforts to alleviate poverty. The government forces the people to subsist on P36 a day. With the high utility rates alone, the ordinary family is forced to cut down on food.

While the economy as the government claims is growing, it relies mainly on OFW remittances, stock market and currency speculation. Although heavy taxation has somehow improved the national deficit, this is countered by heavy government borrowing. Despite increasing international aid, this is not enough. The continuing lack of opportunity continues to prevail further increasing the rate of poverty. The government clearly does not have a firm grasp of what is really happening in the countryside. Far-flung areas are never reached by the government.

The trickle-down effects which the administration had been promising for years are still not felt by the lowly Filipino. While the administration busies itself with changing the constitution, the poor Filipino becomes poorer and hungrier. While government heads earn millions, the lowly Filipino has to tighten his belt some more.
Unless government address this pestering problem in earnest, the Filipino will sink deeper in desperation.

==> READ MORE

The Santiago Option: 8-7 In The SC

The lower house continues to wag their tails in preparation for the upcoming caucus called by JDV this coming Monday. They still dream of convening congress as a constituent assembly. The administration has also denied the "rift" in its ranks. The "Whip" Pichay has also denied rumors about the split in the lower house. But the question is why is the rumor persisting.

Where there's smoke there is fire and the sudden gag order on the contending parties in the cabinet is surely damage control. It has been the administration's practice to blame everything on the opposition. We are all aware of JDV's ambition to be a prime minister, and this definitely strikes fear in the Arroyos hearts. We know JDV is gifted with the political talent of reinventing himself. He will not bat an eyelash to kick GMA out just to gain political points. This also goes with GMA as she has mastered the art of double talk. Both contenders are wary of each other and therefore is watching its every move.

Now they intend to force their plan B. Hoping against hope, the lower house intends to once again circumvent the law. This is the reason why they are biding their time and wait for a "friendly" chief justice. This is strengthened by the recent inclusion of Miriam Santiago in the list of candidates for CJ. Santiago being a senator and a stakeholder is against the abolition of the senate. Her being appointed to the Supreme Court would be like hitting two birds with one stone. With her out of the way and given a more secure position, she will definitely be more friendly with the lower house.

For sure, opponents of the Cha-Cha will bring this matter to the high court. Santiago's appointment will insure the lower house's plan B will not face any opposition in the SC thus paving the way for their version of Cha-Cha. The caucus on Monday will just be a mending of ties in the administration. They have a month to iron things out as CJ Panganiban is set to retire on the 6th of December. A political blitzkrieg is in the offing.

So Cha-Cha is not finished after all, its just in hibernation. Now this scenario will definitely be something to watch out for. This is going to be a tough battle for democracy. The tyrants are covering all bases. Now arrogance has taken a backseat and real strategy is being set in motion. The people must now brace themselves for the coming assault on democracy and the constitution. The administration's stormtroopers will soon descend upon us armed with a twisted interpretation of the constitution. I hope the opposition is prepared for the onslaught.

==> READ MORE

Justice Is Somewhere Else

What do you do when justice cannot be attained in your very own country, you seek it elsewhere. In apparent exasperation, Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Teddy Casino filed before the Permanent People's Tribunal in the Hague, charges of human rights violations and economic plunder against Gloria Arroyo.

This is the very same court which found former President Marcos guilty of human rights violations and other crimes against the Filipino people. For the second time in its existence, the PPT has reconvened to hear the case against a Philippine president(?). The pretender recently made a round of the EU countries and so far, we have not heard anything good regarding the trip. The news we got were all about the increasing concern of the EU regarding the extra-judicial killings which had proliferated under GMA's regime.

Even groups associated with the United Nations Human Rights Council have not been entertained by the palace. This is despite her promise to the EU leadership that she is willing to accommodate any investigation from the EU or the UN. Before she left for her European trip, she created the Melo Commission to "investigate" the alleged political killings. Public perception for the said commission was that it is created to whitewash the role of the military in the spate of political killings and to show the EU that she is doing something to address the murders. The central figure which was Gen. Jovito Palparan has since retired and was absolved by the AFP investigation panel of any wrongdoing.

Reports say that before the EU would discuss any trade treaty with the Philippine government, the current leadership must first sign the Rome Statute which would place the country under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

The opposition and the people have twice tried to make GMA answer the allegations twice but the efforts were crushed by the pretender's allies in the Lower House. Even the agencies tasked to handle these cases had sat on it. Instead, the Dept. of Justice and the JAGO had been filing cases left and right against members of the legitimate opposition, progressive groups and officers perceived to be sympathetic to the opposition.

The bogus president continues to wield power and control over the institutions which should handle these cases. Time and again, GMA had issued unconstitutional executive orders to prevent any congressional inquiry into the allegations and scandals she is linked to. She continues to undermine every constitutional and judicial process to shield her and her cohorts from the inquiring eyes of the public. She had even tried to tinker with the current system of government to give her perpetual protection.

When all avenues had been exhausted, where would the Filipinos go to? It is good that the international community particularly the EU had taken notice of the plight of the Filipino people. The US in response to Pres. Bush's Anti-Kleptocracy policy had arrested a known henchman of the president and has been detained for several months now.

It seems justice and accountability will forever be "selective" in this country as long as the current dispensation is in power. How ironic it is that justice can be found in a distant land than our very own soil. Now the Filipinos have someone to bring their grievances to than just bite the bullet and yield to an unlawful regime.

==> READ MORE

Cracks In The Wall

Reports of infighting in the cabinet has shown cracks in the erstwhile formidable coalition of the greedy. The palace and the lower house are now at odds due to the inclusion of an "impeachment clause" in the PI. The Arroyos tried to have this excluded but failed. It seems JDV has other things in mind than just help GMA survive. The sly trapo has outwitted the bogus one.

Now the shoe is on the other foot. The once fragmented opposition is showing signs of consolidation and unity. The Cha-Cha virtually dead, the only hope for GMA is a strong slate for the May elections. The squabblings in the palace and the seeming distrust for JDV, further weakens the administration coalition.

DND Sec. Avelino Cruz is in the center of this developing rift as he had expressed his opposition to the PI. Now the cabinet is in a bind as its members are taking sides. Gabi Claudio for his part tried to prevent the gap from widening even if he is perceived as a Cruz ally. The usually outspoken Gonzalez has joined the fray.

The administration once again is in panic mode. To show a semblnace of unity, Claudio stated that the opposition will be trashed come election day as the ULAP will campaign hard against them. He also revealed that a "strong" senatorial slate is now being formed. Claudio must be dreaming, they know very well that they are in for a big upset in May. The administration's members have all been implicated in so many scandals that the electorate is wary of them. Without even mentioning the names of probable candidates, The administration slate is doomed to lose.

Even the government's vast resources will not be enough to reverse the tide of discontent among the electorate. Even members of the ULAP will be unable to do anything. Remember these local officials jumped on the Cha-Cha train to be able to hold on to power to avoid facing the wrath of their constituents. This move only shows that even local officials identified with GMA are in for a trouncing. Political survival was all these officials were after.

Now we see the coalition at each other's throats. The panic-striken pretender will now have to face a coup, not from the military but from her own allies. The power-play that is boiling within their ranks could soon fragment the administration. The biggest loser in this ensuing spat are the Arroyos who have been on the defensive since the "Hello Garci" tapes were exposed. Whether they like it or not, they are already finished. No amount of intrigue or bluffing can hide the fact that coalition has reached the end of the line. It not invincible as the players are now after their own ambitions.

No matter how we look at it, they are finished. The different factions are now in survival mode after their Cha-Cha bid has been exposed. The strong indications that the political landscape is once again changing and will lead to the coalition's destruction. One Voice is correct, the elections is a referendum for the bogus presidency of GMA. This is one fight she will definitely lose.

With the elections now forthcoming, the Arroyos must now find a way to keep the coalition from breaking up. They are neck-deep in this political turmoil they created. Their survival rests on the coalition. Money is no longer an alternetive. The players in the different factions now want something more solid. They all pinned their hopes in the Cha-Cha, and this blew up in their faces. This is what happens when a coalition is made up of people with different goals in mind. Many were praying for divine intervention, could this be the start? Let's hope it is.

==> READ MORE

GI Joe De V and The GI Shift

Gloria's Imp (GI), Joe De V is at it again. Irked by the recent Supreme Court decision branding the Sigaw/ULAP People's Initiative a grand deception, expressed his disappointment of how the magistrates handled the petition.

He pointed out that how can there be a grand deception when local offials from governors to baragay officials conducted discussions on the matter. I don't know where GI JDV got his info but in my barangay, no such discussions ever took place. Like what I've said before, what was presented to me was a survey form and not a petition. We all know how the lower house under his leadership also engineered a grand deception during the last two impeachments.

He also pointed out how unfair the SC was when it concentrated on technicalities and bludgeoning the initiative. Didn't the lower house Committee on (in)Justice do the same with the impeachments? Granting that the SC is not a trier of facts, but the arguments of the contending parties included facts and constitutionality. GI JDV must have had a lapse in memory when he uttered this observations.

A Motion for Reconsideration is in the works and would be filed within the next two weeks. The decision was hand-delivered to the petitioners in just a matter of hours. These raised a howl from the other GI, Raul Gonzalez. He now accuses Panganiban of ensuring the defeat of the PI. We all know that the sooner the MR is filed, the sooner it will be resolved. What's nice about it, the administration's plan to wait for the retirement of CJ Panganiban and wait for a more friendly chief justice has been derailed. It seems that the SC had seen this coming and has now prevented it. With a full month still as chief justice, Panganiban will still be there when the MR is to be decided.

The administration thought they are always a step ahead of everybody, not this time. I have never seen such swift application of justice. I'm glad, no one can now say that justice delayed is justice denied. Nobody can claim that the SC dillydallied on the PI. As far as I'm concerned, Lambino and Aumentado can kiss their PI goodbye.

The Gloria Initiated (the other GI) Shift has been delayed. The majority bloc of the lower house must now iron out its differences to be able to make their push. But still, an anti-Cha-Cha senate is a force to reckon with. Soon it will once again fall on the SC's lap to decide on the fate of their Con-Ass. This would further delay their plans. To postpone or to cancel the elections in May could be the tipping point the opposition is waiting for. We all know that despite the allegations of election-rigging, the people would still participate. Their cover blown, JDV and his gang must now act swiftly. The people now know what is at stake and will now be more determined to safeguard the elections.

The administration will have a difficult time conducting its "operation" with a vigilant electorate. The battle lines have been drawn. Plan B could suffer the same fate as the PI. Its now the state versus the people. With support fading fast for the embattled pretender, I expect trapos to salvage whatever remaining influence they have and jump ship. Her handful of generals cannot save her neck. The military's silent majority could rise and finally topple her illegitimate regime.

We've witnessed bizarre events turn this country upside down. These are all part of a maturing country and politics. The coming days will be crucial for both the opposition and the administration. How they both react to developing events will ultimately decide the fate of the bogus presidency.

==> READ MORE