Sa Ika-uunlad Ng Bayan, Hindi Si Gloria Ang Kailangan

As if Erap's clemency would finally unite our divided nation, it in fact created more divisions. Divide and conquer is what Gloria has been doing. The more divided the forces arrayed before her, the more she can hold on to power. Gloria had been bragging about her governance based on due process and the rule of law. So far, all we have seen is how she made a mockery of our constitution.

Her administration is an aberration. The lies she has been peddling and the corruption that is the highlight of her administration continues to wreak havoc on the populace. We bear witness to a never ending parade of scandals. Her "love" for everything Chinese-made has set us back and buried us deeper in muck of foreign loans.

Transactional politics has laid waste to every institution in the land. She bombards us with rhetorics that boggles our senses. She wants reconciliation while she holds a gun to our heads. Human rights is as worse as the dark years of the Marcos regime. Every crook has been accommodated by her administration. Morality is virtually nonexistent and even priests line up to kiss her hand. The men in uniform reduced to mercenaries at her disposal.

The devastation she has caused will take decades to repair. She talks of moving on when all the steps she had taken leads to regression. To wait for 2010 could be too late. Nothing will be left for us to look forward to. To effect change, we must stay focused on the issues at hand. Moral suasion will not do the job. GMA is too wily to go along with calls for a snap election. She knows too well what awaits her if she ever she decides to step down. Lacking in political will and moral fortitude, she will continue to lavish her allies with dole-outs and bribes. Bribery after all is the only language she speaks.

No way will we move forward. The elusive dream of economic wealth will always be elusive under her presidency. With her at the helm, we will sink deeper in desperation. Our children's children will bear the brunt of her corruption.

"SA IKA-UUNLAD NG BAYAN, HINDI SI GLORIA ANG KAILANGAN."

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User-Friendly

So after the Estrada pardon, forces have began realigning themselves as alliances breakup and lines are drawn. It is a time when we should rethink and reflect on the lessons we learned. No matter how sincere we, the people, would want to pursue change, there will be opportunists in the wings biding their time, waiting for the right issue and moment to pounce on our ideals.

But such things are consequences we have to bear with. We now face a steeper climb as the Arroyo and Estrada forces join in an unholy alliance. The Genuine Opposition is dead. The once great coalition that trounced the administration now cease to exist. Transactional politics has overtaken idealism and advocacies. True colors are now exposed, and the once defiant Erap reduced to Gloria's posterboy.

Are Filipinos gullible or just plain stupid? Time and again, we have been taken for a ride. The most recent of course the mockery of justice. After kicking Marcos out, we have been spiraling and the what we have is a succession of leaders who took advantage of every situation to enhance their image and fill their pockets.

Ours is a different democracy. After EDSA 1, we felt empowered. People empowerment is what democracy is all about. But our democracy is one of regression. Politics in its dirtiest form has ruled the day. Administrations are rocked by scandals and intrigues. Every scandal getting more blatant. The absence of public outcry has emboldened even the smallest criminal to pursue a life of crime. Crime in this country after all pays and it pays big.

We are victims of a vicious cycle. History keeps repeating itself in a very short span of time. Sociologists will never be able to explain this phenomenon. We readily and willingly leave our fate in the hands of leaders who always seem to lead us into a trap. I suppose the Filipino is inherently trusting. The lack of suspicion and mistrust has led to the perception that we lack discernment.

Is the Filipino stupid or gullible? I don't think so. We just never see the evil in a person until the last moment when we have actually been suckered. To sum it all up, I leave you with this, we are not stupid, we are not gullible. We are just like the Nokia phone we love using, WE ARE USER-FRIENDLY.

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We Are Hypocrites, The Tribune Says

People who went to EDSA back in 2001 are now branded as hypocrites by the Tribune's editorial. No, I am not insulted nor am I incensed by the label. The elite, they call us. Me, rich? I am another member of the working class who tries his best to feed his family. No, I don't own a newspaper like Niñez does, I'm a lowly blogger who does not even have his own domain.

The people I went to EDSA with back in 2001 were ordinary folks. I saw countless individuals who obviously were not well-off. Sure there were the rich group but I could tell that they are a very small group. I did not see dole-outs but I did see people just like me who shared the little food we brought along. There were no catering trucks that handed out mineral water and food in Styrofoam containers. Even the old balut vendor I stood beside "gave" away his balut for free.

I went to EDSA not to install Gloria but to show my disgust at how the numbers game was played in Erap's impeachment. I too am appalled by the same situation in GMA's last two impeachments were the majority relied on their numbers to dump the impeachment complaint. Aside from being one with those who denounced his way of running the country, there was a personal side to why I joined EDSA 2. I had to teach my kids that we all have to make a stand sometime in our lives. If the people who joined EDSA were rich, they wouldn't be working during the day and then going to EDSA after work. Maybe the Tribune did not notice how thin the crowds were during the day only to swell in the afternoon and into the night.

I laugh at how the Tribune's editorial pointed to different groups and lumping them into one box. Calling EDSA 3 the revolt of the masses is quite incorrect. EDSA 3 showed us how the poor can be easily manipulated by the rich. It showed us how the elite can exploit the suffering of the poor to their advantage. The Tribune should look at itself and those who see Erap as an aggrieved party and examine themselves closely.

Erap's undoing was his own. The private prosecutors found evidence to link him to the crime for which he was charged. He was acquitted of those he obviously did not commit. I too defended him against the obvious injustices this administration handed him. Maybe the Tribune has to understand what morality and justice is. The editorial was quite reckless in its opinion. I am not a member of the Black and White movement. I must agree though that certain personalities were accommodated by the UNO but that is to put some credibility to their slate. UNO cannot claim that these personalities were forced upon them. If UNO stuck to their favored candidates, I doubt if those would match up to who GMA had.

We need people with values, integrity and principles in government. Erap should be thankful that Gloria's back is against the wall or he would be rotting in jail now. Erap is fortunate to be rich unlike the numerous seventy-year-olds still languishing in jail. Erap should be thankful that he has been pardoned unlike the eight-year-old who is still detained because he stole a pair of slippers.

I do not understand what the Tribune is ranting about. Erap is free, and even his detention was unlike no other. He lived comfortably during his detention. He received the best medical care unlike the inmates who are squeezed in small cells with their bodies splattered with lesions.

So to the Tribune, think before you write. Like I have said time and again, "Hindi bobo ang Pilipino". And I really hope I am rich, then I would have more to share to the less fortunate without asking nothing in return.

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Greatest Good For The Fewest Number

Gloria's move to pardon Erap is simply precedent-ial. Its what transactional politics is all about. Now the plunderer and the plunder-ess are holding hands. To claim that its for the the common good is pure bullshit. Now the entire Estrada clan calls Gloria president.

Nothing good will come out of this. The masses were once again exploited by the powerful trapos. Erap with his usual trapo rhetorics and GMA, an even dirtier trapo has succeeded to quell the anger of the poor. I cannot blame these people as they are hanging on the promise of a better life and words to them is like gold.

The rich and powerful will never let go of the riches they possess. Only the naive will believe these two. Erap and Gloria saved their own skins, plain and simple. One wants to enjoy what he plundered, the other is enjoying her plundering. It really sucks but that is how our system works. The poor will never have justice. Justice is reserved for those who have influence.

The pardon is the easiest way out for the two plunderers. This will now set a precedent that would embolden thieves to steal more. Erap just legitimized the illegitimate presidency of GMA. So now even cheating in the elections is legal. I guess we are not yet ready to harness the full potential of democracy. The poor still bow to the rich and the rich wield their power without mercy. Empowerment will have to wait. I suppose, the Burmese have more conviction than we do. Even without a leader, they continue to fight for democracy.

Politics is a game that we ordinary folks will never understand. The administration talks of unity and reconciliation but all we see is a consolidation of power. I am sure that the senate and lower house will welcome this with open arms. We can now see a waning of interest of the opposition in Gloria's shenanigans. They will soften up and give GMA a little space to breathe.

We the people will now have to fend for ourselves. We can no longer rely on the courage(?) of the opposition. GMA now has a new defender in Erap. Unless the young guns of the senate will hold true to their word to protect the people, then we are really fucked. The moral regeneration JDV is asking for means that we have to commit genocide to achieve it. Corruption will not just go away. To exterminate termites, you have to kill the queen.

Simply put, the event that just took place is not for the common good of the nation. It is the greatest good for the fewest number. Only Erap and GMA benefited from the pardon. Thievery and corruption will continue unabated. And the "masa" will remain poor as they have been sold out by the one they so idolize. As for Gloria, she will live another day. As for the nation, the struggle continues.

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Bombardment! Bombardment!

After Joey de Venacia dropped his bombs in the senate, Gloria conveniently pardoned Erap. During the hearing yesterday, Joey directly linked Gloria and Mike Arroyo to the kickbacks in the scandalous ZTE Broadband deal. Joey claimed that Mike Arroyo was to receive $70 million in kickbacks.

He also exposed the "talk" Gloria and Romy Neri had and how GMA reacted to Neri's report of bribery. I will not dwell so much on the senate hearings, but on how the administration seems to be dumping us with a succession of issues to further divide our attention.

Just when the palace bribery was heating up, the Glorietta blast hugged the limelight. To divert our attention from Joey's testimony, she pardons Erap. Now the ZTE controversy will be temporarily sidelined until the next controversy that the palace will throw at us. This succession of scandals maybe intentionally exposed to keep us from focusing on a specific issue.

Gloria and her gang may after all be trying to keep our attention divided. This will surely work in their favor as her critics will be prevented from uniting and kicking her out. They can pretty much take these risks as they know that they have succeeded to instill apathy in our society. I am sure that they will once again come up with another controversy to cover up the previous issues.

Gloria and her gang couldn't care less, they know they have the nation in the palm of their hand. We the people are playing right in their trap. They know we will not be able to rise as one to kick them out. More than sixty members of congress rushed to Malacañang last night in what they claimed to be a party. Perhaps this is the start of the end of JDV's speakership.

This maybe the next controversy to further cover up the ZTE scandal. Impunity, that's what we call it. The administration can pretty much get away with anything. I am sure that more and more issues will be thrown at us. And while we are too busy choking on the deluge, they will be laughing at us. We will be like headless chickens running around with nowhere to go.

Unless we can all unite and focus our energies on putting an end to this administration's arrogance, we can all kiss our asses goodbye. Gloria will put a friendly speaker in the house and bulldoze her way to her premiership. Is anybody ready to accept Gloria as ruler for life? We only have two choices to put an end to this cancer, have another street party or a full blown civil war. Which would you prefer?

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GMA Gives Erap Clemency

Its final, nothing the civil society, concerned citizens and the demoralized private prosecutors can do about it. Gloria has put to waste the honest efforts of all those who worked hard to put Erap behind bars. This just shows how politics weakens our judicial institutions.

So now, I am sure not in the spirit of reconciliation, GMA has decided that her survival is her foremost concern. Many lessons can be learned from this. Just like how FVR was cleared of the Expo and PEA-Amari scam, Erap after enjoying a resthouse arrest is now a free man with full rights restored. The forfeited properties will remain forfeited except the accounts he had before.

Granting that Erap was illegally kicked out of office due to a power grab, the court proceedings that followed were legal and proper. The prosecution worked tirelessly to dig up evidence to pin him down. The poor prosecutors were all taken for a ride. They danced with the devil and were taught a hard lesson in politics.

Gloria also bolstered the belief that people of influence are extended special treatment. So the poor will never enjoy the same privileges as Erap did. Justice in this country is indeed selective. Gloria saved her neck and that is what this pardon is all about. As for Chavit, he has served his purpose. He allowed himself to be used and it serves him right. A rat will always be a rat.

So the Erap saga ends today. Probably forced to swallow his pride for the sake of his ailing mother, GMA was only too glad to finally bring him to his knees. As for justice, it died today with Erap's pardon. Rallies anyone?

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A League Of Their Own

After admitting that the cash gifts handed to Govs. Panlilio and Mendoza came from the League of Provinces of the Philippines, Govs. Evardone and Reyes may now have to face the entire assembly of the LPP for violating their bylaws.

Nowhere in their constitution does it say that they are to disburse funds for neophyte governors. The disbursement of funds must also be approved by the entire assembly. The main source of funds of the LPP comes from contributions of the different provinces. These are collected annually from the provincial governments. These funds are public funds and does not come from the private pockets of the governors.

Investigations also revealed that the money given to Gov. Panlilio came from a bank in Pampanga. Now Gov. Reyes says that its the fault of LPP's secretary why the money was distributed in Malacañang. Wow! Now its someone else's fault. The poor secretary has become a scapegoat. A governor also said that never did the LPP hand out cash and that disbursements before had accompanying documents and receipts.

Gov. Ynares of Rizal who is the leagues treasurer does not know of the disbursements. With the admission of Evardone and Reyes, they have protected Gloria, DILG Ronaldo Puno and the palace. It seems that these two liars have a league of their own as the rest of the LPP members are not aware of what these two have been doing.

Now its clear, the two have lied to protect the true perpetrators of the bribery. The fools must have thought that we are gullible enough to take hook, line and sinker their assertions. To "contain" the issue anew, the ombudsman will now investigate the matter. I expect the ombudsman to sit on this case until the people forget the crime ever happened. Its the easiest way out of the scandal for GMA and her gang.

The senate will soon be investigating the matter. The governors are not covered by any EO or MO that could shield them from any inquiry. I would love to see Evardone and Reyes explain their side. I suppose they thought that they can simply admit and the controversy will die a natural death.

By lying, the two have signed their death warrants and could face criminal charges. The Anti-Money Laundering Council will now enter the picture and this would be disatrous for the two hoodlums. Let's see how tough these two are and if will they put their necks on the line to protect Gloria. They will also have to explain to the members of the LPP why such an action was taken without the consensus of the assembly.

The truth will come out and Malacañang cannot do anything about it. The coming days will surely be a jittery one for the palace. I cannot wait to see Gloria drop her jaws in shock. With the spate of scandals hounding her, she might as well keep a huge stack of underware beside her to keep her bottom dry.

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Mga TANGA!!

Its so obvious that Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone and Palawan Gov. Joel Reyes are lying. They know it and we all know it. The two said that the P500,000 came from the League of Provinces of the Philippines. They said that this was for capacity building for neophyte governors.

Its more than a week since the cash gift fiasco and during the days following the expose, the LPP never even bothered to answer the calls of the people to come out. Now from out of the blue, they claim responsibility. HINDI KAMI MGA TANGA! This two are obviously protecting Gloria. They do not have the credibility and they both know it. Just the same, they might as well pay their political debt to GMA.

Gloria may have benefited temporarily with the Glorietta blast but the people never forgot what happened in Malacañang. So the lying continues and the liars are the only ones who believe their lies. So what about the congressmen who admitted they too received cash gifts? MGA GAGO PALA ITONG MGA GUNGGONG NA 'TO! From whom did this money come from? Did the money the congressmen got come from them too?

C'mon, stop pulling our legs, baka humaba yan at sipain kayong dalawa. Stop making us look dumb. Will you please comeup with a more believable lie? Its so obvious what you are trying to do. Just yesterday, your organization had a full-page ad in the dailies and never was it mentioned that the money Govs. Mendoza and Panlilio came from them.

Granting that the money came from the LPP, why the lack of documents? Was the entire league aware or even consulted that funds will be disbursed? The more statements are made, the deeper the hole Gloria is in. This is crap and bullshit in its purest form. They have only made the people more convinced that bribery and corruption is an accepted practice in this administration.

Let's keep our focus on this one. Let's not allow these "BOBOS" to get away with murder. To let them go without a good spanking is to accept that we too are morally bankrupt as GMA and her ilk.

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The Brown Bag Diaries

Amid the blast controversy that hit Makati, Bulacan Governor Jonjon Mendoza held a press conference today to shed light on the "brown bag" scandal. The governor identified several personalities during the meeting wherein cash in brown bags were handed out to him.

Gov. Mendoza also revealed that the DILG is set to serve him a suspension order in connection with the bribery It is now him who is being accused of bribery since he was the one who handed the bag containing P500,000 to Pampanga Governor, Among Ed Panlilio. Talk about absurdity.

Medoza named DILG undersecretary Austere Panadero, also present were Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone, former Agusan del Sur Governor Eddie Plaza, and some staff of the LPP (League of Provinces of the Philippines). Forty-two other governors were also present during the meeting.

Mendoza claimed that he was approached by a female staff of the LPP and inquired if he knew Gov. Panlilio. Medoza asked who wants to know and the female pointed to Gov. Evardone. Mendoza then approached Evardone to ask about the woman's query. Evardone replied that funds for barangay community projects were to be distributed. True enough, he was given two bags after the meeting, one for him and the other for Panlilio.

Since the Oct. 11 meeting, Malacañang has denied giving out cash to members of congress and governors. This was later debunked by Manila Rep. Benny Abante and Rep. Domogan. DENR Sec. Lito Atienza also calimed that he too received cash from Malacañang during his term as mayor of Manila.

Assertions and denials have been flying around since this controversy was exposed. The administration's damage control has backfired. Even the dormant CBCP has joined the fray. Administration defenders lack the integrity to lay credence to palace statements. Even the attempt to put the blame on JDV and the opposition did not work.

Now more questions have come up. The attempt to muddle the issue and despite the recent blast in Makati failed to douse the fires of the scandal. No amount of diversion will take away the public's search for the truth. The absurdity of some explanations offered by palace officials were so incredible that they now look more stupid than ever before. Even the announcement by the palace that it will conduct an investigation has been laughed at by the people.

So the latest statements of Gov. Mendoza has added another entry on the Brown Bag Diary. This will not die down, it will not be forgotten by the people as it proves that Malacañang is directly involved in bribery. I wonder who will be the next one to come out and reveal more. Only self-preservation can tell. Its time to jump ship and try to distance one's self from the dirty hands of Malacañang. Who will heed the call, your guess is as good as mine.

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Wag The Dog?

This is what we call a creation of a scenario to justify certain future actions or to divert attention regarding certain issues. This is usually carried out to create an atmosphere wherein certain interests can be protected. I may sound speculative but it is in the realm of high probability that I view this issue.

More than a year ago, Senator Rodolfo Biazon exposed a plan of sector of the military to conduct bombings in Metro Manila. Two persons approached him to ask for protection after conscience prevented them from following orders of their superiors. Before they came out, a cache of explosives was discovered by the police.

The Philippines is an archipelago and to move logistics to conduct bombings is very hard. Seaports and airports are tightly guarded after the Super Ferry bombing. Its is very easy to put the blame on extremists since we have such a current problem. Because of the reason I pointed out, bombings are contained in Mindanao.

With the successive scandals that has hit the administration, these are bigger "bombs" than the one the hit Makati. ISAPF in the past has displayed what they are capable of. They even act independently and with total disregard of the chain of command. Experiences in the past can has taught as that the state can and will use terrorism to protect its interests.

With the way the AFP has been lording it over the institutions of government, I will not be surprised that in the end, certain military units or individuals will be implicated in this. The very late claim of Sheik Omar, the spokesman of the Rajah Sulayman Movement runs contrary to the style of terrorists. We all know the minutes or right after a bombing, terrorists immediately claim responsibility. A successful bombing like the Makati bombing will be a great victory for their cause. Terrorists will waste no time to announce their success.

I am sure that most officials will not even have any knowledge of such a sensitive operation. It will be limited to a small group in government to avoid any leak or any whistle blowing afterwards. Remember how even Sen. Enrile faked his ambush that led to the justification of the declaration of martial law? Even NSA secretary Norberto Gonzales is not convinced of the RSM claim.

Was the bombing really a legitimate terrorist act or a ploy by a rogue group in the government to create a diversion to protect Gloria from the issues besetting her. In fairness to GMA, she might not even know about this operation. Just this once, I am willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. Is a certain group in the executive out to protect their interests? Who is behind this dastardly and cowardly act?

I hope that the real perpetrators of this senseless crime be brought to justice. My prayers go out to the families of those who lost their loved ones in this act of cowrdice and greed.

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A Bastard Command

Esperon has obliterated whatever discipline, integrity and principles a professional army embodies. His assertions and demeanor is not how a professional soldier should be. Boy scouts are a far better lot than him and those who follow him blindly. Obviously he is one very corrupt individual who has sold his command to an illegitimate presidency.

When a soldier thinks that military law is far greater than the constitution, then he no longer is a uniformed man of honor but a mere bandit in disguise. Gloria has managed to bastardize the office of the president and the entire chain of command of the AFP. Illegitimacy breeds illegality. This is now the norm in the military. When Esperon and the Garci generals chose to be tools of thievery during the presidential elections, they ceased to be soldiers and became mercenaries instead.

Now they exact their own brand of justice. Those who uphold the constitution are the ones being condemned. Those who stand beside Esperon are handsomely rewarded. The once professional army does not exists. The army has immersed itself in politics and now sells itself to the highest bidder. The deterioration started during Marcos's reign is now institutionalized with GMA's illegitimate presidency.

Gloria has polished the rough edges and it is now a well-oiled system that can quickly adjust to protect its interests. The once proud and thinking soldier has been reduced to automatons. GMA and Esperon has bastardized the doctrine of the chain of command. Soldiers now follow without question, even the most unconstitutional and unlawful orders.

When a bastard takes over the helm, everything is bastardized, literally and figuratively. Security guards are paid to protect "private" interests. The military is now doing the same. The oath they took has long been forgotten. From protector of the people, country and constitution, they are now protectors of Gloria, her family and her gang of thieves. This is the system the present military revolves around.

But I know that there are those who still love our country. Its sad that they have yet to rise and rid the armed forces of soldiers of fortune. I hope they soon wake up and redeem the pride and integrity the AFP once had. They shouldn't cower at the threat of incarceration. They should uphold the constitution and disobey a bastard command. Time can only tell which side they will be on, the side of the people or the side of greed.

To the men who in the past rose and sacrificed their future in the name of principle, I salute you. You maybe few in number but you have shown us what a few good men stand for and what you are willing to give up. I admire your sacrifice. You are truly soldiers of the people. I don't care what Esperon and Gloria prefer to call you. Whether it be destabilizers, mutineers or even coup plotters. Unlike Esperon and his gang, you chose to fight and make a stand.

Now if only more soldiers have the same conviction, Esperon and Gloria will never succeed in further destroying the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

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Today In Blogging History

Today, October 19, 2007 is the 29th birthday of my good friend and blogger extraordinaire, anak(?), Arbet Bernardo of AWBHoldings.

Aside from a Lonely Vampire who chronicles his fortunes and misfortunes, the Geeky Guide has transformed into a hard-hitting, socio-political blogger.

A toast to you my dear friend. Kudos and may the Lord, (including the jueteng lords ha) shower you with more blessings.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!

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Its All Monkey Business In The Palace

As if bribery isn't enough, Malou Mangahas of GMA News has an exclusive report on the palace misuse of its funds. The COA (Commission on Audit) had discovered so many anomalies in the financial books of the presidential funds. Even calamity donations were not spared by the palace.

Imagine, donations for calamity areas were diverted to spruce up the Malacanang Golf Course. Huge amounts of cash advances were left unliquidated and even loans were given out without the necessary documentation.

The COA listed ten adverse observations and this is what they found out about the president's office:

• Failed to settle cash advances worth P615 million made to officers and employees, local government units and government corporations;
• Granted P269 million in loans out of the President’s Social Fund “without supporting documents and disbursement vouchers;"
• Diverted P8.8 million in donations for calamity areas, including P900,000 to spruce up the Malacanang Golf Course, P3 million for hotel and conference expenses, and P4 million as “donation" to an unnamed foundation;
• “Improperly recorded" P112 million in fund transfers to local government units, government corporations and nongovernmental organizations;
• “Erroneously recorded in the books of the Office of the President" the P48.9 million balance of a trust account under the name “President’s Social Fund-Livelihood Assistance Program" deposited with the Land Bank of the Philippines;
• Failed to reconcile booked and physical inventory office supplies, property, plant and equipment, worth P70 million in all;
• Understated the accumulated depreciation and depreciation expense accounts of property, plant and equipment worth P950 million

This is not all as COA has found discrepancies as far back as 2003. Cash advances alone amounts to nearly to P107 million and with receivables which total to PP508 million. Unrecorded loans under the Presidential Social Fund totaled nearly P270 million were not recorded, and that is for 2003 to January 2004 only.

As if this was not enough, even donations intended for calamity victims were diverted. Of the total P65 million donations, almost P9 million had been diverted. These donations were intended for the following:

• Donation for the Southern Leyte landslide, P7.1 million
• Donation for Socio-Economic Projects of the President, P35.6 million
• Donation for Typhoon Milenyo victims, P2.7 million
• Donation for the relief and rehabilitation of affected areas in Albay province, P20 million

Malacanang however diverted part of these to fund the following:

• Burial expenses, P795,000
• Hotel Expenses, P815,380.15
• Maintenance of the Malacanang Golf Course, P900,000
• Summit Conferences/General Assembly, P2,295,241.60
• Donation to Foundation, P4,000,000

Inventories were also audited by the COA. Malacanang reported:

• Merchandise inventory worth P726,339.39
• Drugs and Medicines Inventory, P264,155.15
• Medical, Dental & Laboratory Supplies Inventory, P152,286.56
• Gasoline, Oil and Lubricants Inventory, P3,511,843.18
• Other Supplies Inventory, P8,788,899.79
• Livestock Inventory, P52,474.00

The COA however determined otherwise.

• “There was no physical count of the Merchandise Inventory and Livestock Inventory since the balances of these were carried in the book s of accounts and non-moving since 2000."
• “Drugs and Medicines Inventory have been immediately issued upon receipt."
• “Gasoline, Oil, and Lubricants Inventory had never been inventoried semi-annually or annually."
• “In the absence of the physical count, the reliability of the balance of inventories are doubtful," COA said.

So it seems there is really much money going around in the palace. The amount is huge enough for the OP to disregard protocol and do as it pleases with the funds at hand. While victims of calamities suffer, they spend millions for conferences, hotel and even to beautify a golf course.

The OP has an intelligence fund of P3.8 billion, this does not include the PSF and even the donations the office may receive. This shows the insensitivity of Gloria. She can throw away money as she pleases while more and more Filipinos go hungry. She can give away "gifts" to her loyal subjects while our poor soldiers are deprived of their combat pay. She can travel around the world while there are Filipinos who could not even afford to ride a jeep.

Its monkey business as usual in the palace. They say Gloria is a hardworking president, all I see is wanton misuse of government funds and resources. If only every Filipino knew what goes on in Malacanang, millions would have stormed the palace and dragged her out. Her lust for power and riches is just insatiable. Writing this entry struck deep in my heart. I thought I knew all the shenanigans the administration had been doing. I was wrong, there are more hiding in the woodwork.

I am aghast and even angrier with this report. Never have I seen a more callous and insensitive person in my life. Now she has this new anti-poverty program, if only the people knew how lavish her lifestyle is. From junkets to kickbacks, it knocks out my sensibilities.

If she is finally kicked out of office, by whatever means I don't really care anymore, we must make her accountable. She, her husband, Esperon and the rest of her gang should suffer an end so severe that anyone will not dare take the path she had taken. Maybe Gen. Dolofino is right, the latest bribery scandal could lead to a civil war. With these kind of people running the country to the ground, it might just be the only solution.

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The Fight Against Moral Bankruptcy

What we are witnessing now is the moral bankruptcy of our officials. Since the leak of payoffs last week, congressmen, mayors, governors and palace officials have been issuing different and contradictory statements. From pabaons, allowances and to social assistance, anything and everything has been used to justify the gifts they received.

The worst part of it all is that they, not even for a moment thought of it as a bribe. I thought that only members of congress received these gifts but recent reports also point to governors. So now the total amount is just too staggering to the senses of the hard-up Filipino.

Now palace officials are mum about the issue they are embroiled in, some claim they were not even present. For the most secure place in the entire country, its bewildering to learn that a crime was committed under their very noses. Its numbing to the senses as how this crime was undertaken without the knowledge of not even a single official.

What is utterly disturbing is how the recipients themselves never even questioned the propriety of such handouts? The moral decay in institutions of government shows where our entire country is heading to. If officials can accept without question, cash gifts from supposedly unknown persons, then we're definitely morally bankrupt. Whether it was for gasoline or to motivate our officials, its bribery in every sense of the word.

This would definitely move down to the people and soon almost everyone would readily accept corruption as a norm. I am not about to let moral bankruptcy take its toll on the Filipino as a person and as a nation. Its is high time we rebuild our nation from the ground up. Let us show these so-called leaders that we as a people will not allow this society to rot to the ground because of reception to corruption.

They may or may not be receptive to such a revolution. But it is imperative that we let them know we want change, change that will be our legacy for the generations to come. Let us not let our social status be the defining line for change. We us a people should unite. Whether its must come from a peaceful revolution or in a confrontational one, we must set the standard of how our leaders conduct themselves.

Democracy can be very taxing. It can take eons to perfect. And even that is uncertain. But we must keep the fire burning. Unless you want our people to be ridiculed and maligned because of how our leaders conduct themselves, we must make a move now.

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Simply Criminal

Slowly, pay-offs by Malacañang are coming out. It has become administration policy to "bribe" each and every person in the name of GMA's protection. I am very sure that Gloria will never part with her loot. So this is where our taxes go. The presidential pork cannot be scrutinized by any individual or institution. It is not even subject to scrutiny by the Commission on Audit. I wonder how big the presidential pork is for 2008?

I don't care how the palace would call the "gifts" it distributed last week to the 190 congressmen who attended the breakfast hosted by Gloria. Its plain and simple bribery. Whether it was gas money or for travel expenses, one thing is clear, its simply criminal. Its our money not hers. And she has no right to give it to already rich congressmen and deprive us of services. These monies could have been put to better use.

At a time when 21.5% of the country experiences hunger, its simply callous and insensitive not only for the palace but for the congressmen themselves. How can we, the people even sit by while this bribery is done before our very eyes? The total amount given out last week totals P95 million. No amount of denial or justification can explain why such a staggering amount should be given out to people who don't do their jobs.

While ordinary folks wonder when their next meal would be, congressmen simply dine with Gloria and they receive a wonderful gift. When students try to reach their dreams studying under the shade of trees, local officials are handed out loads of cash. Just imagine how many classrooms can be built with these gifts Gloria is handing out to her visitors.

Never has corruption been more blatant and evident than with this administration. The administration is the biggest crook and Gloria should be held responsible. She is the biggest criminal today and the whole world knows it. The propaganda that there is no alternative to Gloria should not be even considered. If we continue to allow this kind of criminality in the highest office of the land, then we deserve it.

To those who still think Gloria is an angel, think again, Lucifer was an angel once. You can claim that she has done so much for the country, think again, we have yet to find out how big a mess she is going to leave behind. Three years is an eternity in politics. It can drive a country to its knees.

Will you simply sit idly by in the face of such criminality? Will you sacrifice the future not only of the country but your descendants as well? Our time has passed, let us not be victims of this vicious cycle where we fall victims to our past mistakes.

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A Disaster In Waiting...

With the initiation of the laughable Pulido-San Luis complaint, not only was GMA immunized, Mike Arroyo is also shielded from the ZTE investigation. Now NEDA could keeps its dark secrets to its self. The senate must now stop its investigation on the NBN deal. In one fell swoop, the administration has gotten away with its most successful coup since the power-grab of 2001.

Gloria's two pairs of lips must be sporting orgasmic grins. She had once again outwitted the opposition and her critics. The despot is always as step ahead of her enemies very much like a slippery thief. But thieves fall because of their complacency and arrogance. I am sure that one of these days, Gloria's overconfidence might just do her in.

As more scandals of corruptions are exposed, the people might just lose their patience with her. With another scripted impeachment, she might just be pushing her luck too far. With a restive military and an impatient citizenry, she might be courting disaster. The judiciary is independent as well and could be a headache for her. The SC is slowly putting the executive in its proper place.

With the Writ of Amparo, the military's back will be pushed against the wall. Esperon will soon be having nightmares of his own. The military should now be as professional as it can be. The regular loyalty checks the AFP hierarchy only shows that Esperon is not in full control of the troops.

This impeachment may just be the spark that could ignite the beginning of the end. Gloria maybe smiling now but would she have the last laugh? Erap was too confident and he was kicked out. GMA might have forgotten that. But the complaint must reach the senate for this scenario to materialize. I am sure that her allies in the house will kill the impeachment when it reaches the plenary. They cannot allow it to reach the obviously hostile senate.

But all is not lost, the opposition congressmen must make sure that it does not lend credence to this Impeach Me ploy. They must do their best to expose the truth behind this circus. They must not let this opportunity pass or all will be lost. If they choose to participate, they must pull all the tricks in their bag. I hope they turn this into a real circus that would leave the administration embarrassed. Or they could just boycott this show or do a dramatic walkout like what the prosecution did during Erap's impeachment.

Did the administration cover all the bases this time or have they been too emboldened by their past victories to try this. All we can now do is sit wait how this unfolds. I hope this blows up in their faces. I love seeing Gloria throw tantrums. I have my best laughs when she blows her top.

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Shaken And Stirred

So the house has once again rented itself out to GMA. For the third time in as many years, the lower house toed the palace line but this time JDV's ass was on the line. An obviously weak and unsubstantiated impeachment complaint has been referred to the committee on justice. The Lozano-Marcoleta tandem has been replaced by Trojan horses, Pulido and San Luis.

In the midst of bribery by known KAMPI operator, Francis Ver, a visibly distraught JDV announced the referral of the complaint citing his constitutional duty. Now the impeachment is deemed initiated and inoculates Gloria from impeachment for another year. JDV has also inhibited himself from the impeachment deliberations as he might be accused of being biased.

One hundred eighty-nine congressmen bused to Malacañang for a breakfast meeting with GMA. It was meant to show JDV that he can lose the speakership right there and then (and of course, collect their money). Malacañang has to keep JDV in check and as the speaker as well to keep the other aspirants at bay. To take JDV out now would create a chaotic situation that could blow up in the administration's face. Who knows how many other congressmen are out there waiting to announce their bid.

Its a happy ending for GMA. She's untouchable for another year. As for JDV, he gets to keep the speakership for now. GMA showed him how deep her pockets are. He was no match for her in terms of money. I hope that JDV emulates his son regardless of the latter's motives. I hope he someday makes a stand and redeem himself. He has to get out of Gloria's shadow and hold his own if he wants the people to respect him. Diplomacy and statesmanship is one thing, subservience and making an ass of one's self is another.

Who knows he might just make a 180 degree turn. Maybe next year he can make Gloria kneel before him and conduct an honest to goodness impeachment. As for the 189 congressmen for rent, we might as well line them up against the wall and shoot them one at a time.

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Cyber Me, Gloria

Gloria is hellbent in pushing for the Cyber-Education Program of the Department of Education. She claims that this will reduce dropout rate which has been plaguing the country. She said that students will now receive quality education in real-time conducted by master educators.

Stupida, tonta (add whatever you want)! Up to now, some 20% of the country is without electricity. Only 10% of the needed classrooms can be constructed. Of the classrooms available, many are in desperate need of repairs and do not even have chairs for the students. Classes in some schools are held in sheds and even under the mango tree. The classrooms needed for this year alone is 40,000 while the DepEd has budget for only 4,000.

Gloria should set aside this CEP not because its not beneficial but because what we really need to address is the shortage of facilities for the CEP to work. At $465 million, this project is not cheap. We do have other systems we can use and would cost less. Other factors such as typhoons, local holidays and other calamities should be factored in.

The government has three TV stations that are in its control, Channels NBN 4, RPN 9 and IBC 13. While 9 and 13 are used commercially, NBN 4 airs purely propaganda materials to make the government feel good about itself. I wonder why Gloria should insist on the CEP instead of putting these three stations to good use.

Broadcasting in real-time is also absurd considering that typhoons cause cancellation of classes, power outages and damage to facilities. These affected areas will now be left behind in the scheduled lessons. Local holidays will also affect schedules making real-time inapplicable.

A cheaper and more practical alternative would be to record lessons and lectures in DVD, VCD or even VHS formats and distribute this to the different schools all over the country. This would allow teachers to playback lessons for further discussions. This would lead to better learning and comprehension for the students. Typhoons and other factors which could lead to some schools being left behind would be inconsequential.

Equipment for this is readily available and very cheap. Like I always say, we don't need complicated solutions to simple problems. Its as simple as 123 but definitely not complicated as ABZTEFG. The CEP is clearly another ploy to fatten the pockets of those in power. Don't take us for fools Gloria, we are more intelligent than you may think. And this intelligence we got through old-school education and not some space age technology.

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Where Do Our Church Donations Go?

I know that Catholics donate money to the church. We do this every time we hear mass during the offertory. Some even go beyond this and donate more. When calamities strike, the church even conducts a second collection before the end of the mass to add to the collections for the day.

We as Catholics donate to the church because we know only too well that the church conducts missions to help the poor. The church is suppose to help the needy, educate the uneducated and spread the teachings of the Lord. Foundations are even put up to supplement the church in their missions and advocacies.

Prominent members of the faith use their influence to gather more funding for the Catholic faith. Some even cozy up to politicians to get more funds. Parish priests spend most of their collections to help their community and even the rich help them in their work. The Filipinos by far are the most generous people I have ever met. Despite meager earnings, we shell out a few bucks to help the church do its mission.

I had a chance to speak with someone who has devoted his remaining years to serve the church. I have never met someone so devoted that despite his age volunteered his time, effort and even resources all for the glory of God. He did all this without anything in return. But events forced him to now question his faith. He saw for himself how greed had polluted men of the faith.

Oh yes we have all been hearing rumors about the corruption in the church. Lo and behold, it is all true. I used to defend the church against some who question why they never pay taxes. I used to defend the church against accusations of corruption. Well, from now on, I will keep an eye on these corrupt and bogus priests.

It seems that now, the leaders of the Catholic faith would like to take control of all funds the different parishes raise. They would like to take away from the parishes, the funds they use for their civic projects like, education, trainings and simple assistance. They would like to consolidate this for the main purpose of investing them for profit. Yup, you heard me right, PROFIT.

This goes against the principles and teachings of the Lord. The church is not a business, its supposed to spread the teachings of Christ. I was so shocked when I heard this from the person I talked with. He confirmed that certain priests even conduct weekly meetings with the palace (why the palace, hmmm?). My oh my, not only did it come as a surprise but it dropped my jaw. The church investing? For profit?

Now I join the many in asking questions. My source was so shocked when he was offered a sizable amount just to manage the investments. My source also confirmed that quite a big percentage of priests and nuns is against this plan. Certain bishops denounce this plan as the church is not an income-generating institution. They are supposed to be a non-profit entity. Its no wonder why some priests possess things only the affluent can afford. There's even a priest who celebrated his birthday with different bands playing and beer flowing. Oh, and did I mention that he drives a Ford Expedition with "BLING-BLINGS'.

From now on, I will choose who I donate to. I would rather give my money to worthy institutions than give it to these wolves in sheep's clothing. I am not sure if this plan of the church did push through. I hope not as this cuts the very essence of charity and a simple life. I wish my source stayed on to keep me updated on the shenanigans of the church. He was so disillusioned that he would rather just stay away. Now I join those who clamor for the church to pay taxes. If we want transparency from the government, I suppose we should also ask the church where our donations go. The church has become a mafia. Now I understand why some priests warns us against the anti-Christ. The devil can really take different forms, they even take the form of priests.

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A Few Good Men And A Malignant Tumor

The 28 detained officers headed by Generals Miranda and Lim called on Esperon to tell the truth about the military's participation in the fraudulent presidential election of 2004. The palace in turn called on the 28 officers to quit the service.

Chief illegal counsel Sergio Apostol said, “The fact that this officers were obviously engaging in partisan politics, it’s high time that they should quit and get out from the military service because their statement against Esperon shows that they’re no longer loyal to the Constitution. There’s already a loss of military discipline on them. That breed of soldiers has no room within our AFP.” Apostol even had the gall to add that the military must remain apolitical.

The sh*thead even said that with their behavior could lead to GMA denying them general amnesty. What a twerp this Apostol must be. Principled men never beg, they fight to the the end. Men with conviction never take the easy way out. Martyrdom is the reward for their strength.

Apostol even reminded them that they should be grateful for the government's treatment. Holy shit, this guy sure is way over his head. Gen. Miranda almost died because of the government's disregard for their basic right to medical attention. Thanks to pressure from Sen. Pong Biazon, Gen. Miranda finally was extended medical attention.

I don't know how these few good men could respect the chain of command who is clearly violating every law of the land. The way Gloria and Esperon destroyed the military institution because of politics and greed will take decades to rectify. These multi-decorated men has more integrity than Gloria's entire administration combined.

A few good men sought to right the wrongs this administration has done, and for that, they are now incarcerated. They stand before a kangaroo court which continues to chisel away at their resolve. I am sure that GMA and Esperon will never break these men. They will stand by their principles and would show the people what true love for country is.

Esperon may conduct his loyalty checks every minute of the day but I am sure that in the deep recesses of the hearts of true patriots in the military, someone else would rise up again to defend the constitution. I am sure that even as I write, some men out there are watching and waiting to rise and crush this malignant tumor called Gloria.

Sleep tight Esperon, don't let the bedbugs bite. This maybe your last night of bliss. Who knows what tomorrow brings for you and your master? Never underestimate a thinking man. They maybe silent for now but could wake up from their hibernation and Kick your sorry asses.

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If Only We Have The Same Vigor......

Every time someone comes out with remarks against Filipinos, we unite and rise as one in indignation. Petitions and even boycotts are used to bring the respondents to bear. The latest issue to hit us is the slur in the hit series, Desperate Housewives. If we can unite and condemn others, the lack of outcry on the issues that beset our country today has much to say.

Tongue-twisted shared a piece of his mind: ...I’d rather that I, and all other patriotic Filipinos whether here or abroad, focus their energies in the fight for truth and justice, and not play right into the dirty spins of this deadly criminal syndicate calling itself government, which by its cheating ways brought upon us this shameful prejudice we now reap.

I vomit at the temerity to use the issue to further camouflage and muddle probably the biggest scandal we will ever see in our lives, just so this mini-dictator survives for another day.

Teri Hatcher is not the enemy, Gloria is. She is one eff-ing Desperate Housewife!

I must admit that I share his view. It seems that Filipinos are inconsistent in more ways than one. The culture of impunity which pervades our country is the result of apathy. The lack of calls for accountability has allowed the administration to go its merry way of raiding our coffers.

Gloria and her cohorts can pretty much steal under our very noses. If only we can be united against corruption, the Philippines will not be in this hole we ourselves have dug. I have always stated that I look beyond the personalities and focus on issues. Regardless of our political leanings, it is our duty to push for good governance and transparency.

Democracy is a dynamic system. We have to actively participate to ensure that our leaders be made aware that we are watching. We must know how our taxes are used and how government loans benefit us. What is happening now is the complete opposite. Information is denied and officials ordered to shut up. We the people should be the dictators, not the other way around.

These officials are supposed to be our servants. If only we have the same vigor when we address issues against Filipinos. If only we unite against bad governance and corruption. We cannot let a few fight our fights, we should do it collectively. We should not turn a blind eye to what confronts our nation. If we want change, we must move as one.If we channel our energies on racist slurs, just imagine if we unite to cure the ills of our country. We will have a better chance of effecting change.

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Desperately Seeking "I Am Sorry" UPDATED

As I visited my links a few days ago, I came across an entry of Touched By An Angel on a racial slur involving Filipino doctors in the popular series, Desperate Housewives. Reading through her comments box, Moms...check nyo calls the writer and actress both desperate. The infamous line: "Before we go any further, can I check those diplomas? ‘Coz I just want to make sure they’re not from some med school in the Philippines."

Filipinos rose in indignation. Fil-Ams have even put up an online petition demanding ABC network for a public apology. So far, ABC, the producers, director, writer or even Teri Hatcher (who delivered the irritating line) have yet to comment on the issue.

There are different angles to this Malu-istic remark. Our doctors are some of the best in the world. They practice in the best hospitals the world over. They teach in the best medical schools and some ranks high in the realm medical practice. Our medical schools have even attracted foreign students who take up their pre and post-med courses here. Our medical workers are highly valued and well sought after all over the world. Heart and dedication are our best traits and good education backs it up. I'd like to hear what Dr. Martin Bautista has to say about this.

So the joke was not well-received and it shows how irresponsible ABC is. While the US boasts of equality, there seems to be a resurgence of racism and discrimination in their society. Probably its borne out of professional threats as more and more Asians not only Filipinos are besting them in different fields.

The writer of the show should be reprimanded for his acerbic wit. Actors must also be aware of the lines they deliver. Hatcher should have questioned the use of the insulting joke. It was too glaring and to say that it shouldn't be taken out of context does not cut it. I do hope that networks be more responsible of the scripts they use in their shows. Maybe time will tell on how this thing plays out. Who knows if charges will be filed against ABC in the future.

Will ABC finally do a Gloria and say, "I am sorry" or would they hold their shitty ground? For now I will sit and wait of what the network will do to arrest the situation. Use of jokes to get a few laughs(?) at the expense of another human being should never be allowed. I wonder how the MTRCB will take this? In a world where different races coexist, respect is mandatory and sensitivity a must.

UPDATE: ABC has issued an apology for the inappropriate remark against the Filipino medical community.

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Lie, Lies And More Lies

Mike keeps insisting that he does not know Joey de Venecia yet he advised him against joining the NBN tussle due to his affiliation with the speaker. He also said that he does know anything about the ZTE deal and yet he advised Joey to stay away from the deal. Before he left, Mike denied ever meeting JDV III only to confirm that they indeed had a chance encounter.

A fish is caught by its mouth and the latest statements of Mike Arroyo debunks his claims of innocence. Ok, fine, he never told Joey to back off, but why give unsolicited advice to a total stranger? Why try to dissuade the fellow from cornering a government project? So it seems that the chance encounter was not by coincidence but was planned all the while. And he definitely knew something about the ZTE deal. Perhaps even played a vital part in the deal.

Mike must take us for fools. Sorry big guy, only paid hacks believe you. I believe it was a ploy by Malacanang to leak what transpired during the executive session to cast doubt on the senate and finally close the investigation on the ZTE deal. This will justify the non-attendance of cabinet members in future hearings. This will shield Gloria from further embarrassment.

To complete the scenario, GMA now announced the cancellation of the NBN project. But the senate should not be deterred. It is apparent that all parties involved new about the kickbacks. It should continue the investigations and call Ricky Razon and Mike Arroyo to the senate. I am sure Mike will show his true self and prove to us that his vocabulary has more words than the Webster's Dictionary when put under pressure.

Forget about Enrile, Joey can easily muzzle the toothless attack dog. Forget about Joker who chaired the blue ribbon committee that protected Jose Pidal. Forget about Miriam, she's good at shooting herself in the foot. Come November, its time for the senate to buckle down and nail the culprits behind the ZTE scandal.

This administration has nothing to offer but lies, lies and more lies. No one is listening anymore. We have grown tired of your lies. The only destabilizers in our midst are from the palace. The only ones creating political noise are Gloria's rah-rah boys. And the only one who's jittery is GMA.

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Back Off!

Malaya reported that Mike Arroyo denies that he told Joey de Venecia to back off. He said that it is not in his vocabulary and its not his habit of pointing fingers at strangers. But he reminded Joey that he should not be engaging in such projects as he is the son of the speaker.

Yeah sure, eat my shorts, Mike. We all know too well how you conduct yourself even in the hallowed halls of the court and hearings in the senate. Yeah, back off is not in your vocabulary. Maybe you never said back off but your favorite phrase, PUTANG INA! For someone who claims he does not know Joey, then he has no business reminding him of his affiliation with JDV.

Maybe Mike forgot how he challenged a lawyer to a fistfight during a hearing. So this man who claims to be immaculate and well-mannered has more words to offer than a harmless back off. Maybe his bypass had given him selective amnesia. Being forgetful is one of the side effects of undergoing such a procedure.

Ask Sen. Alan Cayetano and he will tell you that Mike Arroyo can be very creative with his vocabulary. His past behavior will tell you how boorish he can be. With his power and influence, he can very well say anything he wants. Hell, he can even piss anywhere he wants.

Last thing, how convenient it is for him to return knowing only too well that the senate is on vacation. I am very sure that before the senate resumes its session, he will once again take a "planned trip" abroad. Just shut up Mike, don't bother denying anything. You just might get carried away and make a monkey out of yourself. Who knows, you might just suddenly add BACK OFF in your vocabulary.

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Myanmar, A Hostaged Nation

Oppression and repression, these are what our neighbor, Myanmar is experiencing. This is what military rule is all about. Burma is a country held hostage for almost two decades. A member of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the military junta continues to wield power. It rules with an iron fist and will not hesitate to kill its own people.

The ASEAN has never gone past rhetorics in blasting Burma's leaders. Members countries are just too busy with its own affairs. Asia is a budding democracy and some live under authoritarian rule. They have an twisted view of freedom. Sanctions were never employed by the ASEAN to address rampant human rights abuse, some members are themselves guilty of the same crime.

ASEAN is inutile if you ask me. Its nothing but a group of countries who sit and talk and talk is all they do. If the ASEAN cannot go at it alone, I would like to see a more international participation in the near future. Although its been getting the attention it deserves because of the recent strife, it would be nice to go beyond mere condemnation.

This is when I would turn to the super cop of the world, America. If the US can bring down despots in other parts of the world, so can it in Burma. I never agree with violence but it seems that this is the only language the junta in Burma understands. I wouldn't mind a few "snake-eyes" (smart bombs) here and there. If the US can bomb the hell out of Iraq, it can certainly turn the tide in Burma in favor of the people.

Of course we know only too well that the US will not lift a finger. Burma has nothing to offer the great nation. It has no oil to warrant interest. Outside help has ceased to exist. The Karen rebels go at it alone. It received a few aid before but the Thai border has been closed for quite sometime now. Everything has to be smuggled in.

I hope the American people will pressure its government to save the Burmese people. It should militarily intervene and stop the suffering in Burma. Only then will it prove to the world that it really is a protector of freedom and democracy. The world should not sit idly by while a nation suffers. We should stop talking and start acting.

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Two Faces Of Hunger

In a country riddled with strife, two faces of hunger continues to take a heavy toll on its people. There is hunger for power and plain hunger. The former has been so entrenched that its result is hunger for more than 21% of the nations people. Just imagine the impact on a struggling country such as the Philippines.

Hunger for power has never been more evident than in this administration. While past governments had some degree of discreetness, this administration flaunts it. With barely three years to go, it seems the current dispensation is wasting no time to enrich its members. Delicadeza is virtually nonexistent and our leaders jockey for the biggest loots at stake.

Instead of busying themselves with how to serve the people, they are busy looking for ways to enrich themselves. Planning for a lavish retirement is what they occupy themselves with. Kickbacks is the name of the game. Unneeded projects are pushed and negotiated deals are used to mask the worsening corruption.

Families out of desperation are forced to part ways and the administration is only too happy to help them out. Human trafficking is espoused by the state to gain more much needed dollars. Dollars which are used to prevent the economy from sinking. But while our OFWs toil, the government continues its policy of indiscriminate borrowing. This has led to the deterioration of badly needed basic services.

Education and health continues to suffer. While the DepEd wants to go hi-tech, the lack of classrooms is yet to be addressed. I don't think any cyber-education project will work without the necessary facilities to house them. Grossly overpriced infrastructure drain the national coffers at an alarming rate. Dormant reserves are not utilized augment badly human and infrastructural investment.

In a country where agriculture should thrive, farmers are the hardest hit. Poverty and hunger pervades the countryside due to corruption and unimplemented land reform. Even subsidies are pocketed by erring officials who remain free due to close ties with those in power. Selective justice is used to address the growing corruption. Those who criticize the administration are quickly charged while those who conspire to steal for the palace enjoy freedom.

The full force of the military is used to repress any form of dissent while safeguarding the corrupt. Hunger for power, that is the cause of increasing hunger. The dwindling number of the middle class and increasing number of those living below the poverty line has much to tell. Claims of growth are limited to the elite and never will the poor enjoy this.

GMA and her gang of thieves continue to sow terror. They are the ones who destabilize the nation with their paranoia. The best men of the military are branded mutineers because of their idealism. We have a military full of corrupt leaders all jockeying for Gloria's attention. Ass-lickers are handsomely rewarded with promotions and juicy posts await those who retire.

Hunger, it is all about hunger. Hunger has brought the people to its knees and hunger drives the administration to steal more. Hunger has two faces in my country, one of power and the other for food. Those in power couldn't care less if we all die of hunger as long as their pockets are lined with gold. Hunger, it is what drives men to desperation and it is what drives our leaders to steal.

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Will Abalos Suffer Alone?

Abalos may just suffer alone. A poor sacrificial lamb of a highly organized syndicate. It has become apparent that this gang had made it their mission to leave out to dry. With Neri corroborating Joey de Venecia's claim of bribery, the senate should Abalos's impeachment reach the upper house can dispense with his case swiftly.

Majority of the senate including some Malacañang lackeys have an ax to grind with Abalos. Clearly, there seems to be an palace-orchestrated move to do him in. The lower could send the impeachment to the senate just to appease the people hungry for a big fish. This will clearly shield GMA from any attack from the opposition.

I do hope that Abalos will not go quietly into oblivion. I want to see him go out with guns blazing. I don't want him to squirm alone. I would rather see him take everyone down with him. GMA and her gang have not seen the end of Abalos. Even if they nail Abalos, I am sure our presidentiables will squeeze every ounce of media mileage that could eventually lead to Malacañang's doorstep.

We might have expected too much for Neri. Who knows, Abalos may just be GMA's Chavit. I am sure that I would not be the only one cheering Abalos on. Neri may have disappointed us but Abalos just might be the unintentional hero we have been waiting for.

A cornered rat will fight to defend himself and for the first time, I am rooting for Abalos. I hope he can somehow redeem himself. I may be alone in this but I am sure that many wil follow as soon as Abalos starts singing. If we prayed for Neri before, we can do it with Abalos. C'mon Benjie, do your stuff. If your gang has turned their back on you, there is sense in sticking your neck out for them.

Let that baritone voice of yours sing. Sing to us, the people who has had enough of corruption. Just look at Chavit who despite his criminal background can speak proudly of his exploits. You can do the same, I know you can. I hope you keep this in mind, there is and never will be honor among thieves!

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