A Vicious Trapo

Seeing Manny Villar's ad with smiling children really make me sick. His exploitation of the youth and the poor is legendary. Informal settlers were virtually nonexistent in Las Piñas. It was a quiet productive town and surprisingly peaceful. I remember walking home from school was safe and I was just 5 yrs. old. Everyone was courteous and you can even hitch a ride without worry. That was back in the '60s and '70s when a different family ruled the quiet municipality. Fast forward to the '80s when Villar reared his sinister head.

Bands of informal settlers started descending on Las Piñas. Every available plot of land was taken over. Soon the Villars became the powers that be thanks to informal settlements that sprouted like mushrooms. Everything went well for these settlers until Manny Villar's greed rose to new levels. Those who brought him to power are now being outed like rats. H'es a senator now. He doesn't need their votes. They're in the way of his bridge that would connect his subdivisions in Cavite to Las Piñas. If you think its just these "useless" informal settlers he molests, you are dead wrong. Even those who own lots near his palatial home in BF Resort did not escape his attention.

I've mentioned the Elizabeth Seton School in my past posts. There is more to tell. There's once was a small eatery andi store beside the school. It's owned by an old retiree. The problem is that Villar wants the entire area for himself. In his way is the school and the store. He soon went after the store. Soon the old retiree was harassed so that he would sell his property to Villar. The area was commercial. It's on the main road where hundreds of establishments line the avenue. Villar told the man he has to close his store. The reason, he violated commercial zoning laws. He then offered the man a new house and P1million to sell his property to him. To avoid further harassment, the man reluctantly sold his property. He was paid and the house he was given was in some forsaken corner of one of his developments.

Enter the Seton School which has been in Las Piñas long before Manny Villar came. They had to rent a portion of the school from a certain Mrs. Lim. The lot was used for faculty parking, Villar wanted the property as it also borders his property. Like I said, he wants the entire area for himself. But he had no way to harass the owner. So he offered her P8million for the lot, a new house and another P1million. The lady declined and instead sold the property to Seton. This infuriated Villar and started Seton's headaches.

Being related to the mayor, he blocked the permit for the construction of a dorm. When the PTA and the students signed a petition which forced the mayor to approve the school's permit. Villar lost the battle bit not the war. He then closed the other gates leading to the school citing security reasons as he is a senator. Ang kapal talaga ng mukha ano? Now the school has to settle for a lone entrance that has produced traffic nightmares for students and motorists alike. This is how Villar values education for our youth. But don't worry, your school may not be located in an area Villar is interested in. So you are safe for now.

A well-known businessman planned to open a huge mall in Las Piñas. He had purchased a foreclosed property which location is just perfect for Cavite and Las Piñas. But Villar has other plans. His mall is near the property. This would surely kill his business. His mall by the way houses stalls which sells pirated games and DVDs. So what he did was to harass the owner of a huge lot beside the competitor and built a new SM Hypermart. The businessman has yet to open his mall. Up to now, the mall has yet to open. It's "Soon to Open" sign still drapes the building's facade. Villar supports business, yes that is true. But be sure the business you put up includes him or else you'll end up bankrupt.

Villar is a vicious trapo. His strategy is one of manipulation, exploitation and the use of brute force. This is the truth behind a man who has swindled depositors of his defunct bank. This is the man who protrays himself in his ads as one who will bring you to the promise land. Beware of false prophets and wolves in sheep's clothing. Know the real Villar and you'll definitely get sick in the gut.

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The Return Of The Plague

Alan Peter Cayetano implied that Sen. Jamby Madrigal is a nuisance candidate. Then that means that his president Manny Villar is a plague. If this dork thinks that Villar is a worthy president, perhaps we shouldn't vote for any Nacionalista Party candidate (my apologies to my friend Toots Ople whom I admire). Nick Perlas is a more deserving candidate than Villar in terms of, well just about everything.

The NP exemplifies all that is traditional. Just look at its lineup and you'll see why he put such a diverse slate. No it is not about unity but opportunism. He is after votes. He is not running on a platform of principle but one which tries to get everybody in. I cannot say the same for the two leftists though. All the time I thought that Alan Peter represents change. If you think the Amapatuans are criminals, take a good long look at Manny Villar.

In terms of entrepreneurship which he says will solve our economic problems, I'll give you two glaring examples of how he values entrepreneurship. He eliminates those whose businesses outperforms his. A friend of mine once opened a business in Las Piñas. It was doing well and of course did not escape the eye of the greedy Villar. So he bought a franchise of a competitor. It did not even put a dent on my friends earnings. Despite being small and unknown, my friends business stomped the competition. Lo and behold, when my friends business permit was due for renewal, he was denied.

The same fate was dumped on a lowly internet cafe. OMG! Even a small business like this did not escape Villar's eagle eyes. The internet cafe despite its popularity soon closed down. Villar will never allow any business to outperform his. Perhaps he wants to be part of every new business. Na-momorsyento in the vernacular. This the same ploy he used against Maynilad. Of course Maynilad wouldn't allow this. Villar thrives on tubong-lugaw. This is why Villar's wealth continue to grow.

A Villar presidency will be worst that Marcos or even GMA. He will dip his soiled hands in every transaction his will administration will ever have. His presidency will be a plague that will engulf the country. He is not a philanthropist. He is one who expects something in return for anything he gives away. He will have to recover the huge expense his campaign is costing him. Madrigal is a nuisance only for Villar because she had exposed the real Villar.

Do the math and you'll wonder how he became a billionaire with no liabilities. Would you want a return of the plague? Our country has had enough. Would you dare to gamble your children's future? He chooses his battles well. This is why he chooses the forums he joins. Villar is all business. He wants it all for himself. Do not believe everything you see on TV. Go to Las Piñas and see it for yourself. Explore the hidden secrets of Villar so you'll know the plague he's carrying around.

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It's You We Don't Trust

Gloria finally breaks her silence on her declaration of martial law in Maguindanao. Now it is clear, she had to cover her tracks. She now accuses us that we do not have faith in democracy, in our security forces and the constitution. It is not the three that we don't trust, it is you we don't trust. You clearly abused your office. Do not complain if you had to make tough decisions every single day. You wnated this office. You asked for these responsibilities when you cheated to become president back in 2004.

Now you condemn the monstrosity you created by legitimizing these private armies. Do not try to use rebellion when you have been trying to sell the country to the Chinese for personal wealth. Nobody was grandstanding in defending the constitution against your mutant martial law. The climate of impunity and violence is of your own making. An executive order is not a law scrutinized by the legislative. Your hand is awash with the blood of those who died in Maguindanao. You tolerated the abuses of your allies.

Do ot put the blame on us. You armed these so-called rebels with arms bought with our money. You allowed these animals to terrorize the areas they controlled. Your twisted leadership exemplifies all that is undemocratic, all that is unconstitutional and all that is immoral. Do not blame us if we criticize you. You brought it upon yourself. If you have nothing to hide, why hide under the skirt of your cohorts in congress? How dare you accuse of things you perpetrated.

This is a case of command responsibility. You have to be held accountable for these abuses. The sad result of your actions is the total decay of our institutions. What kind of public service are you talking about. With all these transgressions, you don't even deserve to be a barangay tanod. A humble street sweeper renders more public service than you do. Your lust for power is insatiable, yet you cannot even accept responsibility for your actions.

Anything that comes out of your mouth is plain crap. You are nothing but a cheat and a liar. You are the cause of our nation's woes. You and your family deserves that the crap we throw at you. We owe you nothing but you owe us everything.

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Testing 1, 2, 3

Gloria will stop at nothing to save her neck. She tested the air if she can get away with martial law. Unfortunately for her, her team cracked under pressure. Team Gloria took a beating from those opposed to martial law. I don't think she had the numbers in congress that is why the joint session had to convene. Even after two days, I don't think Nograles was able to convince 147 members of the legislative to go along with her sinister plan. Perhaps the congressmen were afraid of the electoral backlash that could cost them their political future.

Gloria had to retreat. It was obvious that the longer the joint session convened, the weaker their chances of winning the vote grew. So last Saturday, she finally lifted her twisted version of martial law. Even after an alleged ambush of a police convoy, she had no other option but to withdraw. The coup de grace did not come during the joint session. It came after a conspiracy theory was brought up by her ally, Miriam.

There was clearly no basis for declaring martial law. And those tasked to defend it were simply slaughtered. Even if members of her paid CBCP supported her, the rest of the people did not. Gloria hasn't ran out of tricks yet but her options are certainly fewer. She had been trying everything to stay in power. With the lifting of martial law, she managed to avoid losing in the joint session and a scrutiny by the Supreme Court. I am sure her cohorts will again say that everything is moot and academic.

We really have to be vigilant with this administration. Desperation can make people do the unimaginable. So what's next, a failure of national elections? I am impressed by her team of political geniuses. If only they used their intelligence in honestly serving the people. With our institutions in ruins, Gloria may still succeed. It will be up to those in public office to still have an iota of conscience for the country to be saved. If there aren't any, we're dead meat.

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Preposterous

The Comelec first made morality an issue with the Ang Ladlad partylist. Now it veers away from its morality to hand down a staggering 12,000 page resolution that could cost Gov. Grace Padaca her governorship. Is is a case of hypocrisy or an injustice to the Isabela electorate? How can a morally upright(?) institution render such a preposterous decision. With only five days to reply, Gov. Padaca and her volunteers will not be able to comb through the voluminous paperwork. The Comelec says that one person filled out 18,000 ballots to give Gov. Padaca the gubernatorial seat. Even presidential election lawyer, Romy Macalintal found the resolution incredulous.

Perhaps the Comelec thinks that that one person can help Gov. Padaca sift through these 12,000 pages. I also find it hard to accept the Dy's claim that Gov. Padaca and he armed group terrorized the electorate into voting her in office. How stupid can these people be? A frail paraplegic going up against an entrenched powerful political clan and winning is an inspiring feat! Are we made to believe that the Dys are weak? I suppose the people of Isabela wanted change. We all know who the warlords of Luzon are.

Are we to believe the Comelec is credible? This shows how weak our institutions are. How the honest and innocent employees of the Comelec are dragged down by a handful of cheats. These "package deals" in the Comelec should stop. We cannot accept and should not tolerate this kind of injustice. It is not our local leaders who suffer, it is us their constituents. The operators in the Comelec has not lost their touch. This brazen act is no different from the gruesome massacre in Amaptuan. I believe the 2nd Division which rendered this decision should be held accountable by the next administration. They are a disgrace to the commission and to the honest employees of the Comelec.

The culture of impunity and corruption continues. There is no institution we can trust. Even those tasked to protect are votes can be bought. Even if we vote for good leaders, our will can be subverted by these crooks in the Comelec. Automation or not, it's the people who lead this commission who decides who can sit or not. At the end of the end, the Comelec can be bought. With the right price and the right "package deal", the rich influential trapos will continue to rule the land.

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Due Process and the Rule of Law

I enjoyed the second day of the joint session. I was impressed by Kiko, Miriam, Dick and especially Biazon. They showed why they deserve to be senators. The only "loser" in the senate is and will be in 2010 is Villar. He wasted valuable time for nothing. I will rank him with the dumb asses in the lower house. As in the first day, Teddyboy Locsin was his usual opportunistic self, grabbing whatever media time he could get. Excuse me Mr. Locsin, are you implying that the end justify the means? Or are we a land of vigilantes where laws can be overlooked, abused and circumvented?

To the thinking viewer, Locsin's speech is one that would irritate you coming from someone who is supposed to uphold the constitution and the laws of the land. Miriam in her rare moment of sanity was brilliant. Giving a lecture on what is constitutional and not. I appreciated her intelligence and logic, at least for the time being. Kiko laid the predicate for the rest of those who opposes Gloria's redefinition of rebellion. Dick (according to MLQ3) was aroused and did a fantastic job at exposing the "bullet holes" in the martial law justification. The big bang came from Sen. Biazon who did not mince words and gave Devenadera a piece of his mind. Ms. DoJ must have wished she was riding a "tsubibo" during Biazon's questioning.

Due process and the rule of law, that is what this issue is all about. The palace has always used this in their pursuit of harassing its critics Now I throw back these to you. From what I have heard in the two days I've followed the joint session, these processes were never followed, they were circumvented. Was the declaration a knee-jerk reaction or are there other motives or agendas being pushed? Knowing how Gloria operates, it is both. She tried to kill two birds with one stone, to address public pressure and to silence the Amaptuans. But despite this, I'm sure her ratings would not improve.

For the time being, her electoral cheating is safe. Her military can freely gather the incriminating evidences and keep them from the public's watchful eye. Voter's IDs do not prove anything, ballot boxes do. So the drama continues on Monday. I expect the oppositon to lose the vote. Martial law will stay in Maguindanao. what I'm afraid of is will it spread to the rest of Mindanao?

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The National Kennel

I sat, watched and listened to the joint session on the Maguindanao Martial Law. I missed my favorite shows and even missed most of my 23rd wedding anniversary to listen to Gloria's stray dogs try to justify her proclamation of martial law and to redefine what rebellion is. It's mind-boggling how Gloria and her advisers conjured a scenario wherein they claim there is imminent or virtual rebellion in Maguindanao.

Last time I checked, the AFP and PNP were able to secure search warrants and even manage to confiscate weapons. The whole scenario reminded me of how the US relied on a single witness and eventually wage war against Iraq. Unfortunately, Filipinos are not as scared as Americans are. We being very distrustful of our government did not take the proclamation hook, line and sinker. We raised questions and to some extent see through what Gloria and allies are trying to do.

Let me pose a question that's been bugging me after hearing how the resource persons replied to questions asked yesterday. Is there such a thing as preventive martial law? That is how I view Gloria's proclamation. I did not see public uprising nor people declaring a separatist state. I did not see widespread violence or lawlessness. What I saw was a government negotiating with an ally. What I saw Gloria's monster having arms supplied by the government. What I saw were huge palaces in the midst of poverty.

So what's there to discuss in the national kennel? Obviously, nothing. The pack of stray dogs headed by its alpha male Nogiboy, has made up its mind. They will not revoke Gloria's martial law. Perhaps they are afraid that their private armies will be the next one to be dismantled. Who wouldn't be afraid of NPA sparrows and political rivals. So dogs do have guard dogs as well. If for some miracle the congress decides to overturn GMA, it would the first time the national kennel would show independence. Perhaps some of them are afraid of the repercussions their stand could have on their re=election.

So the Zarzuela continues today. Grandstanding will be the norm and same questions will be asked and answered. I hope they cut this stupidity short and get down to voting. The senate will just be overrun by the dogs in the lower house. Let's not prolong the inevitable. We already know the outcome. If you ask me, I'd close down the national kennel and put these stray dogs to sleep. They've been running amuck since Gloria took power.

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ComSelec

The Commission on S-Election is about to kick Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga out of his office. I'm sure they will as the trend shows that those who speak against and expose the corruption in Malacañan are being ousted one by one. Gloria's rebellion continues. She has managed to put every agency and even the branches of government under her control. The first to go was Gov. Jonjon Mendoza of Bulacan, then Gov. Grace Padaca of Isabela and within the next few days, Gov. Ed Panlilio of Pampanga. These three have been outspoken and managed to defeat the candidates close to GMA.

What can we expect from the ComSelec in the coming election? Would the elections be credible under their watch. I'm beginning to believe those who say the elections can be rigged despite the automation. With the kind of hoodlums operation in the commission, I'm having reservations about putting my faith in the coming elections. They may not be able to rig the presidential election but they can certainly manipulate the local race.

I cannot imagine how Gov. Panlilio cheat his way to winning the gubernatorial race in Pampanga. I also cannot believe how Gov. Pandaca was able to cheat the money and influence of the Dys. The ComSelec sure works in ways beyond logic and imagination. Are we being led into a trap with the automation of the 2010 elections? I guess we put so much trust that automation will reduce if not eradicate electoral cheating and fraud.

Perhaps vigilance will not be enough. Perhaps we should start electing the members of the Comelec if only to reduce the chances that the appointees will not be beholden to the one who appointed them. What else can we do to prevent the Comelec from being party to massive fraud? The commission surely has some explaining to do. We must overhaul the Comelec and what they can be accountable of. I'm sure they will say that evidence shows that those they are ousting cheated. But we must also remember that evidence can be manufactured.

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GMA's Rebellion

The spin doctors are now in the process of covering Gloria's monstrosity. In the 9 years of her terroristic reign, the Amapatuans enjoyed the blessings she bestowed on the clan. Evidence of this is her EO which gave legitimacy to the Ampatuan's private army and the cache of arms found by the PNP and AFP. The Ampatuans gave her a solid hold not only in the ARMM but in Mindanao as well.

GMA's ass is on the line here. Pressed into taking action against her loyal warlord, GMA's martial law proclamation is an attempt to cover the root of this problem. Had she not given the Ampatuans free rein in Maguindanao, the culture of impunity and terror would not have gone unabated. She alone had the power to allow and disallow this situation to worsen. The way I see it, she is responsible for the lawlessness in Maguindanao. Her minions in congress are also to blame. If political dynasty-ism was disallowed, the Ampatuans would not have turned Maguindanao into their own little kingdom.

Gloria by her inaction in Maguindanao is guilty of rebellion. She armed the Amapatuans. The Dept. fo Defense, the AFP and the PNP aided the Amapatuans in building a force of their own. They are all rebels by allowing a private person to build his own army. The proliferation of these armed groups such that of the Amapatuans is to blamed on GMA. Her political debt to all warlords is the cause of all these terror. Now that the Amaptuans horns have grown too long, and with evidences pointing to Gloria, the most prudent way to cover up her crime is to declare martial law.

With martial law in place, they can now keep all evidence away from the public eye. They can hide behind the cloak of national security. How many times have we seen this during her presidency? If the Maguindanao massacre did not happen, will she exhaust all her powers to extinguish these private armies? I don't think so. She will let them roam freely and continue to terrorize their constituents into submission. Thanks to Gloria, what started as a clash of political clans has now turned into a perceived rebellion. EO 546 legitimized a monstrosity. It gave the Amaptuans the power to create an army of their own. GMA started a rebellion. She is to blame for this mess.

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Not One, Not Two......But Twenty-two

I can see that presidential aspirant, Manny Villar is a bad poker player. He tried to bluff Ted Failon and Failon called his bluff. Now the truth behind Daang Hari can be told. Perhaps he knew that his cover had been blown so that he was a no-show at the Harapan Presidential Forum. We all know how Villar operates. He would seek a forum that he can control. The truth is that he develop lands which are secluded because they are the cheapest. Using his influence,power and position, he would then recommend that roads be built in this areas because they would be beneficial to the people. What he does not mention is that these people are those who live in his subdivisions.

Of course we all know that an access road improves the chances that his developments would not only command a higher price but would be more marketable. Villar could look you in the eye and lie through his teeth. Of course that is possible if you're not in front of him holding documents that would prove otherwise. Is this the kind of president we want? Is this the kind of president we can trust? Is this the kind of president who would inspire the people? The way I see it, he will inspire more corrupt people to enter politics because that is where the money is.

So how can you now disprove what the ABS-CBN people found out when they took your challenge? You spokesman, Gilbert Remulla even had the temerity to say that the government hasn't even paid for the right of way. The right of way you speak of doesn't benefit us but you. It's mainly used by your customers and not us, the majority of the taxpaying Filipinos. Isn't it your responsibility to provide the residents of your subdivisions an access road? Isn't the funding for this access road supposed to come from your own pocket? So how can you disprove the fact that your company benefited from these road projects?

You have twenty-two subdivisions all along Daang Hari. You claimed to have only two. One can forget a couple, perhaps you forgot because they were too many to remember. Ay naku, ulyanin ka na rin ba? Perhaps your lapdogs in the senate can explain for you as well. They seem to have the answers in the scandalous C-5 Ext. project. So the man from Wack Wack (he lives there, not in Tondo) has a lot of explaining to do. I spit on those who signed the resolution absolving you of any wrongdoing in the C-5 scam. Is there any other skeletons in your closet? I'm sure there are more. Don't worry Mr. Villar, I'll expose them at the right time.

I leave you with this video. Watch and find out what kind of person the real Manny Villar is.

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Overcooked

As I got back, I was greeted by the news that Maguindanao is under martial law. Whoa! What for? Are the Ampatuans that powerful that Gloria had to declare martial law? What I interpreted as a case of crime has been turned into a national security situation. The AFP and the PNP had enough resources to arrest the perpetrators of the Ampatuan Massacre. So on the 13th day since the horrendous crime where 57 innocent lives were snuffed out, Gloria made an adlib to make the script more palatable for public consumption.

The security forces with their immense firepower and armor could have arrested the entire Amaptuan clan from the get go without the palace's theatrics. Sure the added dramatics have convinced the majority of the populace that what Gloria did was justified. That was after the AFP unearthed a weapon's cache that could lead to the doorstep of Malacañan. Gloria's EO which gave the Ampatuans the authority to create their private army have blown up in Gloria's face. The Magdalos were right all along. Gloria has been coddling terrorists.

So Gloria Bin Laden had no option but to cut the Ampatuans head. They had to do damage control now than wait for more evidence that this administration is nothing but a terrorist organization. Is Gloria trying out an experiment that Marcos failed to successfully complete? This latest action of the government could well be a sign of things to come. If congress allows this declaration to continue, this could be done elsewhere in the guise of private army neutralization.

I do not buy the claim that the courts have seized to function as the Ampatuans were able to secure a Writ of Amparo. Does this mean that the Ampatuans are more powerful than the government? The chef of this very bad tasting dish may have overcooked it. You see, in Gloria's kitchen, some very exotic foods have been rolled out before. Her allies may cry foul again. They may even call it a case of "damn if you do, damn if you don't". But one thing is obvious here. They want us to believe that she is tough even to her allies. She wants us to believe that justice will be served. What I see is that Gloria is to contain the damage the massacre has done to her already tarnished image. She needs to improve her approval ratings.

Yeah I'm glad the Ampatuans will finally face the music. What disappoints me is that the bigger fish, the evil behind the culture of impunity and violence is free and is seeking a lower office. Warlord-ism my ass. It's a gang whose leader sits in the highest office of the land.

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PALAKA's Monster

It seems that the ruling party is no different from its idol, Gloria. Its embroiled in a shocking scandal called the Maguindanao Massacre. Reports say that as early as mid this year, the party has been tackilng the issue of the Ampatuans and Mangudadatus. Just like Gloria, the party leadership had offered the Mangudadatus different government position just so they will not field a gubernatorial candidate whot will challenge the Ampatuans. It would not have come to this despicable act of savagery if only GMA and PALAKA are not coddling Neanderthals and did not practice transactional politics.

Gibo Teodoro is now on a PR blitz to salvage whatever is left of PALAKA and try and improve his image as well. He too knew of the internal squabble and yet was too slow to react or even prevent this crime from happening. This is just an example of how local politics interacts with national politics. Warlords are nurtured and fed for the political ambitions of a greedy few. Gloria sure has created a monster of a clan. Despite Gibo's efforts, it's too late. The damage has been done. He is party to a brand of politics which he says he despises.

Blood is on GMA's hands because she had showered these warlords with arms to terrorize their constituents into submissin. Maguindanao is but an example of the kind of politics this evil administration has been nurturing for the past 8 years. No matter what her equally incompetent spin doctors will say, this cultural of political terrorism will be very hard to distance this administration itself from.

PALAKA is a party of criminals, plain and simple. There is no other way to describe this monstrosity of a political party. Expelling the Ampatuans likens them to Pontius Pilate. To Gibo, you should have been more decisive back when this squabble started. You should have told Gloria that there is no such thing as concessions on the name of public service. The massacre awakened the people to the reality of dirty politics and the culture of impunity this country is in.

I hope the Ampatuans fry. They know they are guilty. I'd like to see them a twenty-one gun salute with all the guns pointed at them. We live in a civilized world and there is no room for Neanderthals to roam freely among us,

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What Jamby Should Have Done

Manny Villar would be hanging out to dry if only Jamby did her homework well. Instead of focusing on the overpricing and insertion angle, she should have concentrated on conflict of interest. Even if she presented a hundred witnesses, the case against Agent Orange would not hold. You see, all of them were in collusion. They will cover each other's ass. It's but logical that she will not get anything from any of them.
What she should have done is to show how Villar benefited from the C-5 extension. It has been Villar's modus operandi is to cloak his operation in the guise of road projects that as he claims would benefit the residents of a certain area.The diversion of the C-5 extension passes thru his properties and developments. This not only increases the value of his projects but gives access to his buyers making their travel more convenient.

If you are familiar with the area, Villar diverted the C-5 to Zapote.You will see how narrow the exit point would be. The most logical way the C-5 should have gone is through Kabihasnan which exits to the Coastal Road. To pass it through Las Piñas is simp[ly impractical. Thise passing through the C-5 extension now has to pass through Zapote. If you're going to Las Piñas by way of the Coastal Rd., you will be surprised by counter flowing vehicles. You'll have to contend with huge trailers, buses, jeeps, cars and tricycles. This could lead to accidents and horrendous traffic. During nighttime, it becomes even more dangerous.

Villar sure knows how to take advantage of road projects to benefit his business. Just imagine the billions he had saved in developments by using public funds. Had Madrigal focused on this, Villar's political career could have ended. This is much simpler and easier to prove. Another road in question is the Daang-hari which was developed in the guise of connecting Alabang with Cavite. Along this road and to the area it exits lies several subdivisions owned by Villar. This is another case the senate should look at. Sen. Biazon is familiar with this as the residents of Alabang and Las Piñas were protesting against this.

Villar is a calculating, exploitative and opportunistic politician. He is not a public servant but a wise businessman. He uses his position for his personal gain. This is the person who can look you in the eye and tell you he is squeaky clean. If a person can lie through his teeth, he doesn't deserve anyboby's vote. Don't be fooled by this person. All he is after is how much money he can earn.

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Villar's Secret To Success

The Land Registration Commission is the secret to Manny Villar's success. This is where he got the idea of what business he should go into. Working there opened the doors of riches for this opportunistic animal. This is where the generations of residents of Las Piñas the hard reality that your ancestors may have lived in these lands but a piece of paper can destroy your lives. This is how Villar got to where he is now. Technically, he did nothing wrong, but morally, this is where it all goes downhill. How many residents woke up one morning landless? They are definitely not just few. Ask those who were displaced by Villar's diabolical intelligence and they will point you right to Villar. If I remember right, several individuals sued him for this. I'm not sure though if these cases have been resolved. I don't think they are.

If the land he's interested in is owned by someone else, he'll buy all the lands around it leaving the owner with a useless land. What good would it be if the owner has no way in or out of his property? The only solution is to sell it to no other than but Villar. In fact, this is the very same strategy he using against the sisters of Elizabeth Seton. The school is a prime property which is located beside Villar's compound in BF Resort. He has managed to buy most of the properties in the area with Seton being a tough nut to crack. He's been harassing the school to get them to sell but to no avail. This billionaire sure knows his way arounmd. This is the person who now wants to be the next president of the country. If you think he had concentrated his ownership only in Las Piñas, you are dead wrong. He's doing this in different parts of the Luzon. From Cavite to Antipolo, you will see his hand grabbing whatever he can. Ganya kasipag at katiyaga si Manny Villar.

Recently, SM opened a hypermart in Las Piñas. This is the second in this small crowded city. Las Piñas has no drainage system. The numerous subdivisions have to construct their own sewerage system. SM wanted to connect theirs to Philam Life but the residents rejected their offer and brought their case to the incumbent mayor. Despite Villar's efforts to give SM what it wants, the city government ruled against it. They were able to tap the system of a very small village right across SM. This village's sewer is connected to Manuela Subdivision. This has led to flooding in the area.

Las Piñas used to be a salt producing municipality due to its prximity to Manila Bay. Since Villar has bought many of these areas, the natural spillway was covered up. Now the residents of Tramo, Pulang-lupa and Zapote experiences flood levels never before experienced in Las Piñas. In fact, the Jollibee branch in Zapote was submerged nearly to its roof during typhoon Milenyo's onslaught. Houses in the areas mentioned have also been damaged by floods especially during Ondoy. This is how environmentally concerned Villar is. Check out the waterways of the city which has been converted to sewers.

Cynthia's family isn't that rich. The Basa's actually owned most of the lands in Las Piñas. Things were good back then when Villar wasn't married yet to Cynthia. Only when Villar entered the city did things go haywire. Informal settlers came in and nature wreaked havoc on the city thanks to his Golden Haven Cemetery and his subdivisions. Speaking of his subdivisions, these developments target, you guessed it, the OFWs. What a way to sell not only himself but his developments by making it appear that he cares for the OFWs. I don't think Villar would like to see an end to labor migration, who else would buy his projects? That is the reason why he's been very "ma-C5 at taga" for so many years. These OFWs are his bread and butter.

Manny Villar can be the worst president the Philippines would ever have. That is of course people would believe this Agent Orange of a politician. He epitomizes what is ugly in politics. No he will not kill you outright but will drive you to the ground for every drop of blood that flows in your veins. He's not a leech but a parasite that feeds on the weak and the ignorant.

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The So-called Agents of Change

The so-called agents of change has all come out from their cocoons. They offer themselves to the electorate who is tired of almost a decade of a corrupt administration. Yet as we see their faces on television, hear their calculated answers in forums and claim that they will solve all our problems, I cannot take their words as truth. The fact of the matter is that they are more of the same system we've all been trying to get out of.

One of the most glaring signs or common factor these agents have is that they belong to political dynasties. I wonder how these politicians can look straight into our eyes and claim they all want change. Yet you see members of their families holding elective positions. Of course they'll say that there is no law prohibiting political dynasties or any law that prevents anyone wanting to serve the people. How can I then put my faith in them when they embrace traditional politics?

Sen. Dick Gordon's wife is the mayor of Olongapo. Erap's son Jinggoy is a senator while JV is the mayor of San Juan. Manny Villar's wife is a congresswoman and his son a councilor of Las Piñas. Chiz Escudero's father replaced him as congressman when he ran for the senate. Aren't these examples of traditional politics? So they would claim that they want continuity in the programs they have started. The way I see it, good programs will be supported and continued by whoever would replace them regardless of political affiliation. It need not be another family member to see these programs through.

So then how will these so-called agents of change convince me that they are sincere? I don't think they will ever be able to do that. They are all trapos in every sense of the word. They can claim all they want but the fact of the matter is that they can never shed the skin of traditional politics. Unless they denounce political dynasty ism they can never be agents of change. Spare us the hype, walk the talk so that you will be credible enough for our votes. You don't have a monopoly of public service.

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All Roads Lead to Las Piñas

Why is the C-5 Ext. so important to Manny Villar?How much benefit would he and his family get from it? Villar has many developments in the area. He had been acquiring lands both legally and with brute force from small people who had seen generations of their families live in the city. U[ to the boundaries of Parañaque, you will see small villages and subdivisions owned by the Villars. This also extends up to Cavite. No wonder he has very close ties with the Remullas. Anyway, let's see how all these connect with the controversial C-5 Ext.

From Sucat, the CAA Rd. has been widened. Informal settlers, the public market and several privately owned lots have been removed and expropriated. The CAA Rd. leads to the main road of BF Resort where Villar has bought several lots and have turned them into small villages. All along CAA Rd., Villar has small subdivisions. This then leads to a dike which borders Las Piñas and Cavite. Villar has been expanding his developments to Cavite. He in fact has constructed, of course not with his money, Daang-Hari which traverses Cavite all the way to Muntinlupa. Yes you guessed right, all along Daang-Hari, Villar has several subdivisions. I've used this road several times. Very few people pass through here. Most of course are those who live in his subdivisions.

Going back to the CAA Rd., he intends to build a bridge to cross the dike going to Cavite. Flooding was virtually nonexistent before they decided to build this dike. Now residents of BF Resort, Philam and smaller villages leading to Zapote all experience flooding. In all these, he has managed to convince subdivisions to open their roads to the public. He calls this the "Friendship Route". Stickers are provided to the residents for FREE. But of course the villages had to hire additional guards to man the newly opened gates. Association were forced to increase their fees because of this. Why you may ask I question the motive? The intention seemed noble at first until I found out that his developments are located in the interior areas. Viola! He doesn't have to pay for right-of-way to the other subdivisions, and road maintenance is shouldered by the local government. WALANG GASTOS si Villar. See how he uses public funds to benefit him? Paging Sen. Madrigal, the C-5 scandal is just the tip of the iceberg.

I think he really pushed for the diversion of the C-5 Ext. so he can link all his developments and of course increase their worth. Kaya pala bilyonaryo ka! He has invited his friend SM (remember, kasama niya ito sa C-5 Ext.) to open a second mall in Las Piñas. I couldn't understand this as the other SM is just a few kilometers away and Las Piñas is a very small city. I wonder what connection Villar and SM have.

Villar is a very "good" businessman. He contnues to amass wealth thanks to his position. He sure knows how to get around things. Nga nama, why spend your own money when the government will spend for you? Yan ang "Sipag at Tiyaga" ni Manny Villar. Now I know why he is a millionaire. Ano Mr. Villar, buking na kita. Magaling ka talaga sa RIGHT-OF-WAY. In just a matter of years, you were able to amass such wealth because you have managed to disguise your motives very well. Iba ka talagang kumurakot. Just imagine how much you were able to save because you never had to pay for roads and right-of-way.

This is the kind of person this Manny Villar is. We help fund his developments. No wonder you have no liabilities. Unlike other developers, you don't have to borrow to fund your access roads. Even the drainage systems are paid for by the government. All you have to do is tap into the system. Remember how you did this for your Camella Homes which did not have a drainage system? Remember how homeowners complained that their bathrooms drained to the kitchen? Kaya pala mura ang mga bahay sa'yo. kulang-kulang. Other subdivisions have small treatment plants for their waste water, yung sa'yo ba meron?

Elections are still in May. I'll have more time to dig up dirt on you. I'll expose how rotten you really are. The people deserve to know what kind of president you will be. I'm very sure that you will definitely surpass Gloria's notoriety.

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Kung Mangarap Ka't Magising

Erap claims his presidential bid is all about redemption. He wants to show the Philippines that he is still loved by the masses. Yes, the masses. The masses whose despair he continues to exploit. It's the very masses who were coerced by the likes of Miriam Santiago and Juan Ponce Enrile to lay their lives on the line in that fateful day in May. Yes the masses who only shows up because they were promised to be paid to attend rallies. I've attended several rallies which Erap attended. The masses he claim to love him so dearly came by the handful.

Yes Erap dreams to redeem himself still believing that the crowds he draws are genuinely supporting him. Erap dreams that he will once again walk the halls of Malacañan as a president. Growing old sure is a sad phase of life wherein you believe and see things that are no longer there. He claims to be imprisoned but never spent a day in a cell with common criminals. He spent his incarceration in the comforts of his resthouse complete with all the amenities five-star hotels offer to their guests.

Erap the dreamer is desperately trying to get the people's sympathy. Yes his a victim, a victim of his arrogance and stupidity. I suppose the years of debauchery has drained whatever sense of reality his brain still had. So why do you think Erap is running for president? Is it about redemption or is he following the statutes of his pardon? The latter I believe is more likely considering the disinterest of GMA and her cohorts. Erap's charisma is gone. Gone with the minute common sense his pea-sized brain that has gone to the dogs.

For whatever reason Erap might have, he is in for a rude awakening. Libre ang mangarap, what is hard is what you see when you finally wake up. The people already know what he is. Regardless of whatever he says or claims to be, Erap will always be the gambler, drunkard and womanizer we all know him to be. He is not genuine opposition, he's in the league with trapos like Villar. His running for the presidency is one that I welcome. Let him embarrass himself. Let him make a fool of himself once again. Sige Erap, mangarap ka pa. Walang masama sa pangarap. Tama yan, ubusin mo ang yaman mo.

I'm sure the COMELEC and the Supreme Court will let him run. They think that he'll be able to split the votes. After all the vote have been counted, the only thing he'll be splitting is his head.

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Villar's Golden Water

Subdivisions in Las Piñas not owned by the Villars are celebrating. The reason, they are now freed from Villar's water company with the entry of Maynilad. Unfortunately for the people who live in Camella, they will have to continue paying for high water rates. Villar refused to allow Maynilad to service his subdivisions. Maynilad's rates are way below what Villar's water company charges its subscribers. He clearly does know how to put his interests above that of the public.

Let me show you how expensive water coming from Villar's company can be. Maynilad's basic charge is P106.77 while Manuela 4A-4H charges P 190.00. The difference doesn't end there. Maynilad's rates gradually increases and plateaus at P45.28 at 200/cum and over. Villar's is P47.50 for 51 cum and over. Spot the difference? The poor residents have no other alternative. If they want cheaper water, they should live elsewhere. "Iiyak talaga ang lahat kay Manny!"

I don't think Manny Villar invested as much money as Maynilad did. If he really cares for the people, he will help them lessen the burden by allowing Maynilad to enter his subdivions. We all know how high the cost of living is. Without competition, those residing in his developments will not have any option but to pay what he charges them. And I thought that monopolies are illegal in this country? This is the kind of businessman Manny Villar is. This is the kind of person who presents himself as coming from the poor or even pro-poor. This is the kind of person who would like to become our president.

If you cannot even help alleviate the burden of those living in you area, you constituents,then why should we believe your advertisements? Here is how he makes money, he sucks the life out of those who buy from him with exorbitant charges. Sure he develops low-cost housing but here's the catch. Take the case of Camella Homes which did not have its own drainage system. It was the government who spent for its drainage. Can you imagine living in a house witjout drainage? Every time you took a bath, it drains into some other part of the house, usually the kitchen. No wonder Villar is rich, he doesn't complete the job, he let's others spend for his projects' completion.

This is just one example of how "good" a businessman Villar is. Don't believe him when he says he spends his own money. I'm quite sure that you and I spend for his programs in one way or another. No trapo or businessman will spend his own money, that is why they find donors and investors. This is just one example of how Villar cares for the public. You'll be surprised at why Las Piñas now experiences floods. But that's another story. Stay tuned and I will share it with you soon.

*Elizabeth Seton School's PTA has been actively distributing relief goods to typhoon victims in Las Piñas. In one barangay, the barangay captain told them to leave the goods with him. The PTA protested, they want to be the ones to distribute the packs to the victims. The captain refused and told them that they will still have to repack the goods in Villar's bags. Wow! Makapal talaga. Villar will never spend his own money for his projects. Ano siya, hilo? That is why he is a billionaire. Why should he spend his ill-gotten riches when there are caring people that will spend for him? I'm sure this is not an isolated case. That's only in Las Piñas, what about the other places?

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Bayad Muna....Manny

I was surprised to see Satur Ocampo praising Manny Villar on The Probe Profiles last night. My jaw nearly fell off as he spoke. Is this the kind of supposed to be principled people seeking change. As the program went on, Villar was candid enough to admit that everything can be done through "magandang usapan". He also said that every problem can be worked around. You don't have to meet it head on but circumvent it. I suppose this is what he did with his various projects. Case in point, the lack of drainage with one of his subdivisions. He simple let the government solve that problem for him.

Politics is indeed a business in the Philippines. As I dug around to find more about Bayan Muna and Villar, It seems that Bayan Muna is talking to everyone. Is this the partylist who pictures itself pro=poor or even socialist? The party is making sure that every base is covered. It's spreading its ranks so make sure they'll be elected. No wonder folks in the "barrio" are unhappy. The political fronts are keepign all the "goodies" for themselves.

I once admired what Satur stood for. I wanted social justice.But if you cavort with a transactional politician like Villar, then you are no different from any trapo. You therefore have betrayed the very constituents you represent. I'm glad Bayan Muna has exposed its true color this early in the game. Divide and conquer is their strategy all along. With numerous other parties affiliated with them, they're making a killing. They have no right to claim to be agents of change. Mere acceptance of a corrupt individual for the sake or election is totally unacceptable by my stamdards.

I suggest they change their party's name. They do not deserve to called Bayan Muna but Bayad Muna. Villar has promised to bankroll Satur's bid for the senate. Isn't that enough proof that he has betrayed the people? We are all aware how Villar exploits the poor. He feeds on their weaknesses and despair. He is no different than Gloria. He will buy the loyalty of others as Gloria is doing now. Villar sure knows how to exploit the situation and Bayan Muna is has taken the bait. I will no longer super this partylist or its affiliates. When you can sell your sould to the devil for personal gain, then you have no right to be elected.

Principles and values are very important nowadays. It is a must have for anyone who wants to be elected. We are looking for change not a morph of the current political situation. Villar will be seeking more weak people to exploit. I'm sure that it would cost him and he will surely looking for payback should he get elected. Buying people and parties isn't cheap. Bayad Muna Manny bago suporta! I wouldn't be surprised if he would be worst than Gloria. We really should allow these people to reach the halls of the senate and of Malacañan.

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Job Well Done

Gloria praised the ineptitude of he stooges for their handling of Ondoy. In fairness to those on the ground and despite their lack of resources, they really tried their best. But for those on the top, what job did they do well. For starters, funds were definitely misused. How many rubber boats could have been bought with the infomercials of Teodoro, Puno and Fernando. These three spent millions to promote their "accomplishments" kuno. Gibo even had a commercial for disaster preparedness which didn't amount to anything.

As donations continue to pour in, they even had the time to play politics which added to the suffering of those affected by Ondoy. What did Gloria do, she sent an emissary to Ateneo to ask for relief goods much to the dismay of the teachers and students who volunteered. Are the presidential funds so depleted that they had to source their relief goods from private relief centers? How many dopller radars could PAGASA have acquired if only they scrimped a little from Gloria's lavish trips abroad? How much has Gloria poured into Pampanga that she forgot that there is a country called the Republic of the Philippines and there is no Republic of Pampanga in existence? Perhaps Pampanga should secede from the rest of the country since it seems their local leaders love her so much.

The only job this government does so well is to spend money like its their own. Kung sabagay, what are they in power for? As Gloria's popularity plummets more, her mouthpiece once again blames their favorite punching bag, the media. What's wrong with calling it as they see it? Just imagine if the media closed its eyes to what the government has been doing, kawawa na tayo talaga. If only I will be allowed, I wouldn't give this officials a pat on the back and praise them for a job well done. I'd probably whack them on the back with a baseball bat for allowing such a catastrophe to happen.

Now Glorai and her cohorts wants to extend the state of calamity. For what, so they can get more kickbacks from projects without public bidding? The country entered a state of calamity the day Gloria stepped into office. That was the start of a disaster that would go on for 8 disastrous years. How I wish the elections were now so we can finally rid ourselves of a catastrophe she brought upon us. What she brought with her was not only environmental but moral disaster as well. The sooner she leaves office, the faster we can rebuild the nation. Job well done Gloria, you've brought the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse sooner than God planned.

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Dick and Manny: The Dynamic Dodos

So now Dick blames organizers for the "rumors(?)" about his abuse of the Red Cross. The poor fellow who wrote about this, his peers and even the hapless victims now appear as liars. Pardon me Mr. Gordon, kanino bang mukha ang lumalabas sa TV ads ng Red Cross? 'Di ba sa'yo? So please spare us from your "palusot", di kami mga tanga. Organizers wouldn't act without your orders. Since you showed interest in the presidency, you've been trying to get as much media exposure as you possibly can. You're a fake and nothing else. If you're not, then let the PRC do its work without your face being there. I'm sure the PRC has beautiful faces other than yours.

Ikaw naman Mr. Villar, how can you even "account for every centavo" the government will use during calamities when you can't even make yourself account for the C-5 scandal? Why target the tax collection when you are one of those who's been inserting billions in the national budget which we taxpayers are funding. Get real, be a man and face your accuser in the senate. Where were you when OFWs were camping outside the Saudi consulate waiting to go home? Ayan, naunahan ka tuloy ni Gloria. I thought you cared for these people? At least that's what your infomercial shows, thankful, sobbing OFWs you helped to go home. How many were they again, seven? Las Pinas doesn't flood before you created that dike. I used to fish there and now it's a filthy canal which you plan to erect a bridge over.

Do I also need to remind you about the Daang-Hari road which I think will be another charge that would be raised against you? Talk about accountability. How about the school which was planning to build a dorm for their teachers which you've been blocking the building permit? The school lost so many good teachers because of this. Is this what we expect for your education program? What about SM's attempt to tap the drainage system of Philam Life Village which the homeowners opposed? Come to think of it, you and SM benefited from the C-5 extension. Hmmmm...I smell something fishy again. Mag-partner ba kayo?

I wish these two would stop hammering us with lies. Buking na kayo humihirit pa. What else is new, it's the same traditional antics these two are using.

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Appeal for Tahanang Walang Hagdanan

Dear Family and Friends,

In the midst of all this anguish, there are those that are suffering more than able bodied folk. Our brothers and sisters with special needs like the tenants of Tahanang Walang Hagdanan are more uncomfortable than most. They need at least 300 foam beds, they're beginning to get bed sores from lying on mats.

I'm reaching out to all of you, hoping that you may know the owners of Uratex Foam Beds or any similar company that may be willing to donate or at least give us a big discount. BnW is part of Operation Tulong Bayan, along with Noynoy and Mar volunteer groups, and partner organizations like Operation Compassion, Caritas and GK, but Tulong Bayan is mainly into relief goods packing and distribution, so this is a special case for us. If we're lucky enough to get the beds, we'll be more than happy to pack them and send them off with relief goods!

As always, we are in great need of the essentials - water, rice, sugar, salt, canned goods, sardines, candles, matches, clothes, blankets, slippers, soap, and anything you can spare. Tulong Bayan will continue operations through the weekend at our hubs from 8am to 9pm - Balay Expo Centro, Araneta Center, across Farmer's Market, and at White Space, 2314 Pasong Tamo Extension, Makati. You can drop off your donations at either place. As of today, we have packed and distributed over 55,000 relief bags. We're ecstatic, but we all know that we need to provide even more to so many, so we'll save the jumping for joy for another time.

May God bless all of us. Please, please help!

Best always,
Leah

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The Real Side Of Presidentiables

At a time when the people are reeling from the devastation of Ondoy, three presidential aspirants have taken advantage of the situation. All for the glory of being elected, these three are what we call as "MGA BUWITRE". Manny Villar and Joseph Estrada has shown what they are really made of. Dick Gordon on the other hand think he owns the Philippine Red Cross. Is this the kind of leaders we want in office?

Manny Villar and Erap did donate. What a noble gesture if only they chose to be anonymous like the other politicians. Villar's relief bags bore his and his wife's name while Erap's claim stub even had his picture printed on it. Gordon took another path. This fake had volunteers and victims alike waiting for hours so he can be the one to distribute relief goods. Hoy Dick, hindi sa'yo ang PRC! What kind of asses are these people? Using the suffering of the people to further their political ambitions.

So what should we do to these villains? The best is to spread the word. They are no better than the looters who take advantage of the helplessness of the victims of Ondoy. They are no better than Gloria and her cohorts who spend billions on lavish trips. They have shown us that they have no morals or conscience. To those who support these three, think again. Only fools and those who stand to benefit from them would continue to support them. Aren't their actions enough reason for you to dump them?

This is the real side of these bozos. They are exploiters. They are liars and fakes. Their candidacy is not of service but of personal gain. How much more of their antics can we take? I will make it my crusade to expose the true colors of these so-called servants. When you are so insensitive to exploit the suffering of the people, you have no right to be elected. Let us not allow these three to fool more people. Let us make sure that their kind never gets elected ever again.

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What Supplemental Budget?

So both houses of congress has pledged a P10billion supplemental budget to augment the NDCC's dwindling funds. I'd like to believe that this is a purely humanitarian gesture. But where have all the contingency funds gone to? No it's not a time to be skeptical but hey, the way this administration works is always suspect. Case in point, Gloria's use of her office's contingency fund for her foreign trips. So why shouldn't I have second thoughts about this supplemental budget?

How transparent would the agencies be? We all know that "SOPs" is the norm in our institutions. Congress may think this will go to where the funds should be but how sure are they that this would not be going into some one's campaign kitty? It seems odd that it's been several days now and Gloria hasn't released any emergency funds. Instead, she's been relying on the people's "bayanihan" spirit to help those victimized by Ondoy. Where are the funds supposed set aside for calamities? Perhaps Gloria wants to keep her funds intact, after all, she needs money for her trips.

I'm also wary of how foreign aid would be spent or distributed. Remember how aid for the Leyte landslide was switched? With money pouring in from all over the world, I wonder whose pocket most of it would end up. If Pichay's LWUA can spend for a lavish party at a time when thousands are hungry and cold, what more about the office of the president? No I'm not being cynical, it's just how this administration works.

So now let's go back to this proposed supplemental budget. Some members of congress may have a pure motive, but who can say that it will be used for purposes other than intended? Another example of the point I'm trying to drive home is how relief bags distributed by Manny Villar bear his name. My daughter has volunteered for relief operations being undertaken by another politician but his relief bags do not bear any sign that it came from him. Why you may ask, because it's not the time to campaign.

The people affected by Ondoy really needs a lot of help to rebuild their lives. I just hope that the government will truly help them this time around. Now is the time to help our people, but government should not take the backseat and rely on the Filipino's kind heart. If only we exercised our "bayanihan" spirit when the "Hello Garci" scandal came out, our coffers may still have enough funds to help our people. Oh well, May 2010 will definitely be a date awaited by our tired, exploited people.

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An URGENT Call and Many Thanks

Operation TULONG BAYAN Priority Message
Monday, 28 September 2009

Heartfelt thanks to those who have so far volunteered their time and muscle! Our work is far from over, we hope you will continue to volunteer in the coming days as most drives like this lose their 'pull' quickly.

We also profusely thank the individuals and companies that have donated so much to our relief drive and pray that they and many others will continue to keep the donations coming in.

WHERE WE ARE:

CUBAO - Cubao Expo Centro, EDSA corner Gen. MacArthur, Araneta Center (the old Seafood Market)
MAKATI - White Space, Pasong Tamo Extension (close to Cantinetta Resto and BMW showroom)

HOTLINES:
Cubao - 913-7122; 913-6254; 913-3306; 0908-657-9998
Makati - 710-8804; Rosanna 0917-830-5053

HOURS OF OPERATION: 8:00AM - 9:00PM Daily

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

* As of Saturday, 26 September, all Piso Piso Para kay Noynoy and Mar donations have been earmarked for Tulong Bayan relief operations
* On Sunday, 27 September, we distributed over 2100 relief packages to three communities within Metro Manila and today, 28 September, are in the process of loading our trucks with over 3000 packs to be distributed to prioritized communities.

We are in need of the following items that can be delivered to Cubao Expo or White Space as soon as possible:

* Rice
* Sardines in tetra packs
* mongo beans
* sugar
* dried fish
* salt
* cooking oil in sachets
* bottled water
* candles
* matches
* detergent soap
* tarpaulin sheets 5-10meters per sheet (for shelter)
* used cardboard or cartons (for bedding)
* slippers
* clothing
* blankets

We will be accepting these donations, hopefully in bulk, throughout the week, and thank you in advance. Our brothers and sisters are in desperate need, please help as much as you can!

Those that wish to donate money can please deposit to the following accounts specially earmarked for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy:

Payable to CORPORATE NETWORK FOR DISASTER RESPONSE

* BDO Galleria Branch, ADB Avenue, Ortigas Center, Savings Account 004640030358
* BPI Ayala Paseo Branch, Current Account 0031065402

Once again, thank you for your help, we look forward to seeing you and accepting your donations very soon!

Operation Tulong Bayan Volunteers!

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Typhoon Kurakot

The worst is not yet over as two more low pressure areas are heading for the Philippines. As if the country has not suffered enough, the two LPAs are stronger than typhoon Ondoy. As I watched the reports on TV, I cannot help but ask why was help so slow? But I guess I should have expected this. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) does not have the resources to respond to a calamity of this magnitude. For the National Capital Region (NCR), the NDCC has only 14 rubber boats at its disposal. Only 14 for an area so big. I do not know how prepared the NDCC is, but judging from their very slow reaction, preparedness is not in their vocabulary.

At a press conference yesterday, NDCC Gibo Teodoro promised to rescue "all" victims before nightfall. Today, thousands are still on the roofs of their submerged houses. If there is one thing that this disaster showed, it's the resilience of the Filipino. Left to fend for themselves, the victims and their loved ones found ways to rescue themselves while the officials thumbed their noses. As the casualities continue to rise, questions need to be answered. But how can something like this happen? I thought the NDCC is prepared. Why did it all have to come to this? There are factors that could explain why all these happened.

I can't believe that after the typhoons Reming and Milenyo battered our country, the NDCC obviously has not learned their lessons. 14 rubber boats for the entire NCR? If Gloria can spend an average of P6 million/day on her foreign trips,why can't we spend for rescue equipments? Our local governments too were slow to react. My mother's house was turned into an evacuation center. She was feeding families until late last night. The city officials did not even bother sending her any help. Her driver rescued their neighbors and brought them all to her place. It's a good thing that she has a habit of stocking up on canned goods and noodles. How do local governments spend their funds?

It all boils down to corruption. Typhoon Kurakot has settled down in the Philippines. It has hit every institution in our country. Billions of pesos end up into the pockets of our officials. The lessons learned from this latest calamity should be another reason why we must choose our next leaders wisely. The officials who acted too slow should not be reelected again. Where are those officials who claim to care now? If only those officials who spent millions in their infomercials put their offices funds to good use, maybe the NDCC would be better equipped. I heard Gloria congratulate her cohorts for a job well done. I wonder what she was referring to. As day 2 passes into history, thousands are cold and hungry. Waiting for government help that is yet to reach them.

We are all alone on this one. The government relies not from its funds but from the donations you and I shell out. We are the ones who are responding. We who volunteer our services for free. We who devise ways for help to reach our fellowmen. It's all our efforts that are saving lives. I just hope that come 2010, Typhoon Kurakot would finally leave our area of responsibility.

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Wowow.....What?

Manny Villar, the survey-topping trapo was recently dethroned by Noynoy Aquino. Villar who's been in the limelight no thanks to the C-5 controversy is now hunting for a vice president. While Aquino has already a running mate, the pretending oppositionist has yet to find one. Noli has already said "Hing nga eh!" and Pia Cayetano's simply interested in jogging, rumors were floated that he's considering Williw Revillame. The trapo and the tado? What a fantastic combination.

Revillame is equally popular as notorios because of his arrogance and ill manners is contemplating a political career. Perhaps he thinks he's popular enough to be elected. Even if he decides not to run for VP or as a senator, I wonder how he'll perform. Will he bring along his scantily clad dancers or ask those in the gallery for dole outs? If Villar is considering including Revillame in his ticket, it only shows how low Villar's values are. Kung sabagay, he doesn't think that benefiting from government projects is bad. Hmmmm, parang narinig ko na yata yan.

Going back to Revillame, what exactly is he going to do as VP or senator? We have enough jesters in public office already, we surely do not need another one. Villar is running a traditional campaign, and he's banking on who will give the votes he need. Now if you you have someone who relies of this, then he's not worth voting for. I shudder at the thought of having Villar as president. With the billions, yes billions he had already poured into his campaign, how on earth will he get his billions back? Of course, he'll tap the presidential fund.

The only people who'll be shouting Wowowee is Villar's cronies. As for the Filipino, Wawawahhhh!

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Who's Afraid Of Noynoy?

So now that it's clear that Noynoy Aquino is running, this certainly changes the whole political landscape and the dynamics of Philippine politics. Every presidential aspirant's back is against the wall. Regardless of whether Noynoy is ripe or not, or whether he has accomplished anyt>hing is now out of the question. The only ones crying are the traditional politicians whose parties lack the principles in stirring the sleeping giant called as the electorate.

So what does the other contenders have to offer? Let's try and dissect each one of the so-called oppositionists. Erap may have the charisma but has too many ghosts in the past that could easily take away the thunder of his candidacy. Filipinos do not have the taste for "reformed" individuals like Erap. It would be better for him to give way if only to prove that he is the man he claims to be.

Loren Legarda we are all aware that relies solely on her media accomplishments that really doesn't amount anything because we are all aware that she readily exploits situations to get what she wants. She's another trapo and nothing else. Even her performance in any investigation is dismal to my standards.

Excuse me to my friends who adore Chiz, but he is one calculating trapo as well. I wouldn't vote for anyone who lacks conviction. A wolf in sheep's clothing is how I'll describe him. Why you might ask? Because he just rode on what's popular and sat like a chicken in the background. He pretended to go for GMA's jugular and left everybody hanging. In the end, he had the temerity to invite the aggrieved parties to a cup of coffee and a smoking session.

Now for the mighty meaty named Manny Villar whose family treats Las Pinas as their own little kingdom. Embroiled in one of the biggest scandals our public works have ever had. He also has a bad habit of harassing a certain school because he thinks the students are too noisy. Eh kung hindi ka ba naman tanga, why live beside a school where you know hundreds of kids go to? The school has been there long before you decided you old house in your subdivision was too small for your stature. And how about your latest caper Mr. Senator? Another bridge so that your land would once again benefit from it?

Now for the administration's three stooges. Noli DeCastro is but a news reader with nothing to show for but his popularity. Remember Legacy? It's a legacy that would be felt by thousands of investors. How about Gibo Teodoro who unfortunately did not get any of his father's good traits. A bar topnotcher yes, but he doesn't match up to Nonong Cruz. And then there's Bayani Fernando who thinks he's loved by many. Thanks to his wild experiments and policies, had alienated himself from the realities on the ground. It's funny how he thinks there's nothing wrong with getting million-peso birthday gifts that were supposed to go to the struggling employees of the movie industry.

So who's afraid of Noynoy? I suppose only those who are eager beavers. Those who paint themselves as reformists who in the end will protect the status quo. Those who believe that the Philippines will never change. You know what? I don't care about qualifications anymore. I couldn't care less who is "HILAW" or "HINOG". The elections will not be about what you accomplished in your life. Less give it a religious color. You will not be judged by what you have but how you lived your life. I'd like to believe that at last, the Filipinos now know right from wrong. Where traditional politics takes a backseat and integrity is what we look for in the leaders we elect.

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Yellow Fever

Since Pres. Cory Aquino passed away, the people seemed to have been afflicted by the Yellow Fever. Is this an awakening or simply a passing fancy? I'm well aware of how we have very short attention spans. I'm surprised by how many fell by the wayside and have forgotten the true essence of People Power and how we should never forget it. I suppose those only used People Power to achieve their political goals and realized their personal ambitions.

So what have we done in the last two decades? We squandered our gains and allowed those with agendas to bastardize the essence of People Power. As my good friend Leah Navarro said, We are in search of a Camelot, in search of heroes that will fight the battles for us. If Ninoy and Cory were alive today, they'd be frustrated as I am. People Power is not about heroes, it's about empowering ourselves. People Power is about us.

So I see blogs and other social networks bearing yellow ribbons and bloating members reaching in the thousands. But when the time came to show the current dispensation our warm bodies, our numbers, these thousands are nowhere to be found. We have fence sitters watching in the sidelines while others fight the battles. When the smoke clears and the fighters are winning, these fence sitters suddenly appear out of nowhere and claim victory for themselves.

How I wish the this Yellow Fever sweeping our populace is real and true. I wish that those who seems to understand what Ninoy, Cory and those who unselfishly gave up their lives for freedom and democracy really take to heart what these heroes represented. Noynoy Aquino is right, we don't need an Aquino to lead us into battle. We are all heroes. It is all up to us to carry on the legacy of those who went before us. We should stop waiting for someone to come along tp inspire us. Ourselves and our future are enough to inspire us to commit ourselves in the fight for change, freedom and democracy.

Today is Ninoy's death anniversary. Let us not insult his memory with a passing fancy called as Yellow Fever. Let us show the world that we do not have short attention spans. I hope this fever is genuine this time around. There's still time to redeem ourselves. It's funny how death can start sparks and stir a people to its senses. I just hope that this time around, we truly understand the meaning of People Power.

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Fine Dining 101

Gloria's recent exploits has left a sour taste in the palate of Filipinos worldwide. As more reports of her extravagant trips abroad comes flowing in, I hope the cynics and fence-sitters would now realize how insincere and callous she and her rabid allies are. While millions go hungry everyday and several millions more tighten their belts to survive, these so-called representatives of the people wine and dine to their heart's content. Regardless of where their money came from, this lavish exhibition rubs salt to the Filipinos' already gaping wound.

Her spokespersons in defending the indefensible try to redirect the issue somewhere else to appease the enraged populace. While some would say that it's but proper to shower Gloria with such expensive dinners, they have totally disregarded the prevailing poverty the Filipino people live in. Her personal lawyer even had the gall to throw in morality in the issue. It is wise to remind Mr. Makalintal that media is not all about news, it's a business that relies on advertisements to survive. The government however is not a business. It's sole responsibility is to address the people's needs.

Perhaps it would be wise for her defenders to simply shut up. The more they open their mouths, the more Gloria becomes the villain. Maybe even those who try to take the blame should also shut up. The more they try to suck up to Gloria, the more their constituents are outraged. It would be wiser for these congressmen to feed those who are hungry than feed those who can buy whatever they wish to eat. Perhaps they are trying to show us that we do not deserve their attention. Perhaps they are trying to tell us that they couldn't care less how hungry we are. Perhaps it is time for the people to end their political ambitions.

So we must bear in mind that we hold our elected leaders fate in our hands. Without us and even with their money, they are worthless unless we give them worth. As elections draw near, let the lessons of their fine dining and luxurious lifestyles be the reason not to elect them into office. When fine dining to some is a bowl of rice with seasoned with fish sauce, engorging one's self with caviar and slabs of stake or even lobster especially on foreign trips is simply criminal. The likes of these junkets at the expense of an impoverished nation is downright criminal. A $15,000 or $20,000 dinner is a perfect example of what fine dining is not.

So to those who were insensitive enough to feed those who can feed themselves, we thank you. We thank you because of your fine dining, you nor your families will ever enter the halls of congress. If you think that Filipinos are dumb, think again. You just taught us a lesson in fine ass-kicking.

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Rude Awakening Of An Orphaned Nation

Memories of '83 and '86 came flooding back to me as Pres. Corazon Aquino was laid to rest yesterday. The outpouring of support since the news broke out of her passing signaled the awakening of a nation in darkness and confusion. Cory has united the nation once again which also sparked the sleeping interest of a generation clueless of what we experienced more than two decades ago. Cory left a legacy which now inspires those too young to understand.

The reluctant president who stepped up to plate because the country needed a leader will be sorely missed by those whose lives she touched but most especially those who will have to now carry the baton she passed. Maybe now the Filipinos will cherish and protect the liberty Cory helped us regain. Maybe now the apathy will cease and empathy will set in. Maybe now the youth will understand why my generation fought long and hard side by side with Ninoy and Cory. Maybe now. the people will finally use their heads in electing the people we put in office.

Some had tossed Cory aside in the last few years of her life. Some even mocked her and said she had lost her magic touch. The people who came out during her wake and funeral showed that even in death, she is a force to reckon with. As the nation celebrates her life, pretenders will now be wary of an intelligent and vigilant electorate. The current dispensation cannot be too rash nor brazen this time around for fear of ouster. The moral leadership Cory exhibited will be a tough act to follow. No one in the current crop of aspirants comes near to her exploits.

I'm in a state of Zen now. Her death has made me less angry. It has ignited in me a certain spark that patience really works wonders. But of course she also taught us that we should empower ourselves. If we need to get things done, we should do the hard work ourselves. The icon may have gone but the flames remain lit and we should see to it that it stays lit. It's the least we can do to show our gratitude to a martyr and his selfless wife. It's now up to you, the youth who should protect the gains of EDSA 1. Death does have its rewards. For Cory, she is now at peace with her martyred husband while we, the orphaned nation is awakened.

At least now the people know how proud we can be and how powerful we are. Those who have evil thoughts of destroying the democracy we enjoy can no longer go on with their shenanigans with impunity. Now the people are watching and listening. Cory's death is truely a rude awakening on an orphaned nation.

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The Lame Duck Toughie

What we saw yesterday was the unmasking of the nation's toughie. Gloria showed how feisty she can be and tried to persuade the people that she's no lame duck. While she took jabs at her critics, the more her showed what a big bully she really is. I remember a frat mate who was a little taller than Gloria. He acted tough and bullied almost everyone. That's because he was surrounded by big brods. Gloria is no different, she bullies the weak and defenseless. But to her allies, she's soft and even goes as far as taking extrajudicial actions just to cover their asses.

She claims that she works hard and does her job well. It all depends I suppose if the price is right. She put the blame on her predecessors for the rut we're in, she's been in office for almost a decade and all her hard work(?) had made a living hell out of the lives of the marginalized. She's claims to be a strong leader yet she cannot even kick Angelo Reyes out of his job. She surrounds herself with her generals both active and retired. This toughie is a fluke. She can't even face her detractors even in the proper forums. She hides behind her immunity and her position.

Want to know how tough this Gloria is? Just ask the pharmaceutical companies. Instead of signing the Cheaper Medicines Act, she seeks the advice of these companies. That's how tough she really is. She's fact to use her emergency powers yet order the BOC or the BIR to clean their acts. Afraid she might step on the toes of her supporters? So what makes Gloria tough? She's not in Pres. Cory's league. How many coups has Gloria faced? She thrives on transactional politics and has too many political debts to pay. The price to pay for her stay in power.

The toughie can't even explicitly say that she will step down. She can't even tell her two idiotic sons to stop fooling around with the constitution. As she leaves to meet Pres. Obama of the US, I wonder what Obama will say to her. How I wish he'll tell her to stand in a corner. She's no toughie, she's a lame duck.

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True Lies: The SONA

No its not a fantasy game though I wished it was, but Gloria outdid herself again. She portrayed herself the leader she never was and never will be. The way she boasted about her achievements almost made my ears and eyes bleed in utter disbelief. I'm a bit exaggerating but I was cursing all the way. After two terms, she could have done a perf3ect job. But no, not Gloria. She ran again in 2004 to escape the allegations she and her husband were involved in corruption.

Getting back to the SONA, as expected, she gave herself a perfect score. She went on citing programs and data that did not match the realities on the ground. Her redefinition of employed allowed her administration to boast the unemployment is low and that she created 8 million jobs. Her frequent junkets bore only promises that have yet to materialize as another company is set to close shop.

She also boasted of the CARP despite the throngs of farmers hiking their way to Manila for the agrarian reforms they have long fought for. Despite her promise to modernize the agriculture sector, you will still see palay being dried on the streets of Central Luzon. She may have irrigated thousands of hectares but a price that added to the woes of our farmers. She also boasted about how thousands of new classrooms were built and how many new teachers were hired. Yet the ratio of student to classroom and teacher is 70:1. Shifts had to be made to accomodate the thousands of students in public schools. Tjhe kids of our househelp were asked to choke up P100 each to cover the cost of new faucets installed in their school. This is Gloria's claim that public schooling is free.

The Cheaper Medicines Act was not implemented the way it should be. Gloria made concessions with pharmaceutical companies and only selected medicines were dropped by 50%. The economy did not grow, it shrunk in the last two years. The proof is how small businesses lsot from 50% to 80% in their gross sales. This is the reason why the BIR failed to reach its collection quota. Inflation is really high despite her claims. The cost of living shot up and more and more families are feeling the pinch. I wouldn't rely on surveys, what I rely on are what I see on the streets and my personal experience. Only a fool would say that their life improved.

The true state of the nation is far from the lies she peddled. Without the OFWs, our country would have sank. This is the problem with Gloria, the lies have become truth. Instead of being sincere and transparent, she threw the blame at her critics. I dare her and her henchmen to live in my neighborhood even just for a day, then say that everything in her SONA is true. If there's anyone who is afraid, it's Gloria and not her critics. She and her family has a lot of answering to do. The numerous unanswered scandals will surely haunt her long after 2010.

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Dimwit

Rallyists are getting to be more innovative in showing their disgust with those who voted for HR 1109. They now bring the forum to the very doorstep of these congressmen. The dimwit who wants to protect these hoodlums is none other than Dato Arroyo. He's proposing that these indignation rallies be banned. Under Gloria's administration, even rallies in freedom parks are most often than not, not allowed. With all the laws governing rallies in place, Dato wants to add another one. With important bills waiting on the floor of the lower house, this dimwit would rather prioritize something that only hooligans like him would benefit from.

I don't know how his constituents voted this dimwit into office. I tend to believe that he got elected through goons, guns and gold. So far, the Arroyos have nothing to show for during their tenure in the house. All I've seen them accomplish is to corner the power sector and of course the Con-Ass. Maybe Dato thinks that just because he is a lawmaker, he can formulate just about any law he wants. Well, think again Mr. Dimwit, even Matt Defensor thinks your proposal is just too much.

So if were to give Dato an advice, I'd tell him to just stick to his seat and keep his mouth shut. The more he opens it, the more he exposes his stupidity. Public interest is still higher than a public servant's right to privacy. I suppose he doesn't know that because he doesn't serve the public, he serves the interest of his dynasty.

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Windows 2009 - A Glimpse Of Things To Come

The rally against the rogue congress's Con-Ass is today. I'm sure this is just the start of many which I hope will awaken the people and give them the courage to stand up and be counted. How I wish I could join, sadly I'm recovering from the flu (it's not the dreaded AH1N1 which I pray the congressmen catches). Judging by the way the lower house is trying to ram this down our throats, it's evident that Gloria is running out of time and options.

There are several scenarios that I can think of of how Gloria will try to perpetuate herself to power which would shield her from the accusations leveled against her. She is calculating and manages to stay a step ahead of her opponents. She controls the purse, thus controls the puppets.

When news broke out that Kampi and Lakas is finally merging, first thing that came to my mind is that this is the start of the big push. Sure enough, just a few days later, the lower house passed HR 1109. Con-Ass has arrived! So what scenarios can I think of? How can they succeed? Several scenarios cropped up.


Scenario 1: The senate takes the lower house's bluff and brings the case to the Supreme Court. At this time, the senate cannot file any as the lower has not yet convened itself into a constiuent assembly. I think the lower house will move when Gloria has appointed "her" justices to pave the way for the Con-Ass. There are two vacant slots in the SC

Scenario 2: She'll do an Enrile and fake some kind of lawless act to justify a declaration of state of emergency. She could declare martial law and would be supported by none other than her gorillas in congress.

Scenario 3: The people gets too enraged, falls into her trap. Commits acts of violence. This will really be a basis for her to declare martial law. Remember, only a majority vote of congress is enough to legalize her declaration.

Scenario 4: Should the Con-Ass fail, she can run for congress then for speakership. This will buy her some time to try and pursue her desired Cha-Cha.

Scenario 5: Following scenario 1, Con-Ass is declared legal. We have parliamentary elections and of course, she'll be the prime minister.

These are just some of the scenarios I can think of. The best way to prevent her from succeeding is to be vigilant and be strong. It's not a time for complacency and cynicism. The future of the nation is at stake. Should she succeed, she will be more ruthless than Marcos. She has tasted power and would not dare reliquish it for fear that she will be prosecuted for her crimes. It's up to us to unite against this mockery of democracy and show the world that Filipinos are decent people.

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Mockery Of Democracy

As if Gloria hasn't done enough damage to the nation, her dogs are running wild in the halls of congress. I've been writing about this Con-Ass for the past two years. Many even thought I was just too creative to think that this regime will never try it. Well folks, the Con-Ass is here and it's bearing down our sorry butts. The signs were painted in bold letters and thanks to the Filipinos love for scandals, the House of Representa-thieves passed HB 1109 without the nation knowing it.

The major players acted their roles well. Even Luis Villafuerte tried to deceive the people with his antics. But when Ronaldo Puno threw his body into the fray, I knew we're in deep shit. As rumors of another sellout circulated, the last phase of the rape of the nation had began. Congress is now a Constituent Assembly. Gloria's allies had the numbers, coming out in full force thanks to our taxes, they steamrolled the minority.

What now reformists? Those of you who would rather pin all hopes of change in the election dream must be experiencing nightmares. It's crunch time and the name of the game is putting numbers in the streets. So who said that rallies is traditional politics? It's time to put your voices into good use. What is happening now is a mockery of democracy. Imagine the audacity and impunity of these thieves in the lower house. I don't know how the advocates of reform will take this. I doubt if the youth will have a united stand.

The merger of PaLaKa was a decoy. Puno had a very good strategy to duck under the radar. They managed to momentarily distract the people. This is no longer a drill, it's the real macoy. Gloria knows how the people will react. Life is too hard to put politics over survival. Create a culture of impunity to turn the populace into cynics. Make them believe that elections will lead to change. She's ruthless and calculating. She's got us by the nuts. The final push is coming and we are still in disarray. Gloria still has aces up her sleeve to put us away. There are still two vacant seats in the Supreme Court. This will be the coup de grace.

No doubt they'll go for it. Gloria has nowhere to go. The world is not too accommodating to launderers. Cha-Cha is here to stay. It will now be up to us if we'll let the forces of evil win.

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