Conspiracy

The brouhaha at the Dept. of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has not died down. Intrigues and speculations add more to the confusion that has muddled the issues. Personally, I feel that opposing interest groups are jockeying for position. Sadly, former DOTC Sec. Ping De Jesus is in the midst of this brewing war. I take the Virginia Torres out of the equation. Her case is a totally different issue. I can only feel how frustrated Sec. De Jesus must be. I would also throw in the towel and let these crocs finish each other off. While this infighting continues, the safety of our flying public is at risk. Even the media hungry for anything they can sensationalize become willing or unwitting victims to rumormongers at the DOTC.

Another issue has been floated. To the common man, it would seem that an another anomaly has been unearthed. To those in the know and are not corrupt, the radar system issue can be explained. If you're not familiar with how air traffic management works, it would seem that there is duplication. Before I comment on the matter, I did some of my own research and asked a friend who is familiar with how the entire system works. I am sure that you would agree with me that redundancy is imperative when safety is concerned. Are the claims of some about the two radar systems true or a ploy to destroy Sec. De Jesus? I would like to remind you that different "syndicates" are fighting for control of lucrative projects.

There are currently two simultaneous projects in place within the CAAP regarding radar and communication. Both projects are DOTC projects not CAAP projects. This means that DOTC provided the funds and conducted the bidding on behalf of CAAP. The projects are Communications Navigation Surveillance-Air Traffic Management (CNS-ATM) project and the new Manila Air Control Center (MACC) project.

The MACC project is envisioned to upgrade the air traffic radar system used by the air traffic controllers in Manila, servicing only Terminal 1, Centennial Terminal, Terminal 3 and the old domestic terminal which share the same runway. Whereas the CNS-ATM project is to provide satellite, radar facilities, communications, surveillance and air traffic management to all airports in the Philippines. The CNS-ATM is envisioned to be a "holistic" approach in improving the air navigation system of the Philippines.

It is true that the radar component of both projects is the same. The MACC radar system can fulfill the role of the CNS-ATM radar system and vice versa. This now becomes the crux of the "in-fighting" among the different groups within the DOTC and CAAP. I do not know if those people are aware that both systems are actually needed. In the United States, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for air traffic management and the National Transportation and Safety Bureau (NTSB) is responsible for investigation. Both agencies (key word here is AGENCY) are independent of each other and have their own equipment and systems. Other countries have similar structure in place. The Philippines on the other hand, have both departments (in the Philippines both are only DEPARTMENTS) working under one organization, the CAAP. Having the operations and investigative departments under one organization using the same equipment pose a lot of concerns. It can even be construed as collusion, incestuous even, since one is not independent of the other. How can the public expect a non-partisan investigation on air traffic mishaps if both the operations and investigative department report to the same person?

Now people with their own agendas are positioning themselves in order to take out the "competition" because there are similar components/overlaps in the projects. Government projects can not have any duplication because in can be construed as waste of government funds. But for safety concerns there is a need for independent redundancy. The new MACC project is obviously a subset of the CNS-ATM project hence the MACC project in only a fraction of the cost of the later.

Rumors about corruption, obsolescence, ineligibility and duplication are rampant. The fact of the matter is both systems can be used complementing each other as long as one system is designated as to be the primary source and the latter as the investigative/audit source should any air traffic mishaps occur.

I am a firm believer of oversight and regulation. This is the only way we can stop corruption. The greed of some people are just insatiable. I do not think our institutions are capable of policing its ranks. We need an independent agency that would oversee the different government agencies. It should not be attached to any other and should operate on its own. Institutions that investigate themselves always clear themselves of any wrongdoing. How I wish that those in the DOTC who are true professionals would come out and expose these mafia groups in their office. I hope the DOTC has a Heidi Mendoza in its ranks.

There will always be people who would conspire to rid their departments of those who try to introduce change. PNoy I think, should look into these matters himself. I hope that Sec. Mar Roxas's entry to the DOTC, the agency would be cleansed of its undesirables.

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Had We Been Complacent

Had we been complacent, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo could still be sitting as president if not prime minister of the Philippines. She had laid the groundwork that could have turned her 9-year rule into another dictatorship. She had the lower house and the supreme court but fortunately for us, not the senate. Money flowed in 2007 to make sure she got the senate but despite this, the people voted otherwise. The military was not completely hers either. She had the bigwigs in her pocket but not the other officers.

Institution after institution fell to her onslaught. Everyone submitted to her as she clearly micromanaged everything to ensure her absolute control. Pres. Cory Aquino may have saved our country again when she passed away. Noynoy Aquino was elevated to the presidency because of this. Had it not been for the late president, a Villaroyo could have ascended to the presidency. Guns, goons and gold did not work its magic in the 2010 elections. Even Erap fell by the wayside.

Despite Gloria's stepping down, remnants of her influence are still there to protect her. The SC shot down anything that could harm Arroyo. But the peole were beginning to realize that Gloria's unseen hand was still controlling the SC. The people's ire now trained on the SC. To save their necks, the justices had to have a scapegoat. They would not go down with Gloria's ship. They had to give somebody's head to the irate public. Omb. Merciditas Gutierrez was the anointed one. She is the sacrificial lamb. Her impeachment can still delay the Aquino administration. Arroyo's behind would be protected even for just awhile.

Rep. Fariñas is set to impeach 7 of the justices of the SC. They now cry foul and insinuates that the administration wants an Aquino Supreme Court. What's wrong with that? If that's the only way for reforms to be achieved then so be it. Impeachment is the only way we can make the SC accountable for whatever wrongs they have done. Nothing to be afraid of that if the SC is indeed clean. Nothing to worry about if indeed the current SC is not an Arroyo SC. Rep. Fariñas is right, it is only through impeachment that the SC can answer the accusation hurled against them.

Gloria Arroyo's henchmen are falling one by one. At least Angie Reyes got off easy. That rest of her gang will get their asses whooped. Thank God we're not a country of fence-sitters. We were not complacent and watched intently the goings on during Arroyo's reign. We may not have all gone out in the streets but we surely concerned ourselves with what Gloria was up to. In the end, evil did not triumph. With the new presidency, at least our small voices are heard.

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Show No Mercy!

Embattled Ombudsman, Merceditas Gutierrez has nowhere to hide as congressmen tighten the noose around her neck. She will definitely have to face the music, finally. Not even her allies in the lower house's Justice Committee was able to derail her impeachment. Not even GMA's Supreme Court helped her. The SC has image problems of its own to contend with.

The last congress showed us how futile any attempt to bring Gloria to account failed time and again. She had almost everyone in her pocket. The shoe is on the other foot now. Her once formidable allies is the minority now. Public sentiment is also against Gutierrez. Gloria cannot save her now. Weather weather lang yan. Mercy's fighting this battle alone. The last congress's "zarzuela" of due process will not work here. If only she did her work, she wouldn't be in this situation now. That's what you get for sitting on the "bad eggs" too long.

Her no-show made matters worst for her. She doesn't seem invincible now. When her case is brought to the plenary, the usual numbers game is now on the other side. Tsk, tsk....she may end up facing the senate very soon. Arrogance will not win her any sympathies. The people are asking for accountability. We've been deprived of justice for almost a decade. She was supposed to prosecute not lawyer for Gloria's corrupt henchmen.

A new challenge faces the lower house. They too must save face. They have to redeem themselves. The lower house is also a tainted institution thanks to GMA. With all the exposes especially the Garcia plea-bargain, she should fry. I hope the congress shows her no mercy.

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Tele-babad Queen

The Godmother of institutionalized corruption loves her telephone. For the second time in her life, she used it to ensure that she is in the clear. In '04, she called the godfather of electoral fraud to make she'll win the presidential race by one million votes. This time around, she called her favorite general to make sure that that buck stops with the general. I wonder how many times she had used her phone to make sure that she will never be implicated in any corruption case? Her knack for calling personalities to cover up her shenanigans is onve very bad habit.

The general did not take this lightly and succumbed to the pressure. El Generalismo once said that "hindi siya nang-lalaglag and yet back in '01, at the height of the calls for a disgraced but popular president to step down, he withdrew his support for the constitutionally elected president. Di ba pan-lalaglag yon? Now El Generalismo is gone and with his demise brought scandalous secrets to his grave. Godmother must be laughing her heart out. She has dodged the bullet yet again. Unfortunately for her, she is no longer in power. I do not think that he gang of military REMFs will follow what El Generalismo did. Someone will surely sing his heart out and save his neck. Nothing can escape the eyes of Godmother especially when it come to MONEY. Her micromanaging skills in the realm of corruption is legendary.

So what happens now with the corruption investigations in congress and the senate? It will continue for sure. Wives and mistresses might even get to socialize with each other when they appear before the committees investigating these scandalous thievery in the AFP. When the smoke of these investigations clears, ghosts of corruptions will begin to haunt Godmother. And for the last time she may again use her phone. . Who you gonna call Godmother, the Ghost Busters?

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Meron Nga Bang Nagbago?

PNoy promised change. So far, there had been many changes. I laud the changes in the GOCCs and the GFIs. The exposes on how grossly abused these offices were by their boards. These are major changes that created a huge impact on public perception. But there changes that show na "walang pagbabago".

In the Bureau of Customs, "areglo" is still rampant. Before, it was P80,000-P125,000 per container. Now, it's between P165,000-P185,000. Only the faces changed but the same corrupt practices remained. Importers complained that despite their desire to pay the right taxes, officials come up with charges so that the importer would use the "areglo" just so they can bring their goods out. No wonder manufacturing costs are so high.

The new Metro Manila Development Authority administration has also done nothing. In fact, traffic has become terrible. Colorum buses continue to ply their routes with impunity. Of course the LTFRB shares the blame. The "Kabit system" is tolerated. There is a very simple solution to this problem, simple conduct an audit of franchises of these bus companies. EDSA looks like a huge parking lot even on weekends. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to fix this problem.

The revised IIRC report will be released on Monday. This will prove if things really has changed or wala talagang pagbabago. Will justice be blind or would it favor those close to PNoy? I hope there wouldn't be scapegoats.

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The Illusion of Jueteng

I don't buy that jueteng gives employment to the poor. In fact, it enslaves them. A kubrador gets a measly 10% of his entire daily collections. It looks big until you see how many they are. A kubrador is lucky to earn P 200 for his efforts. Additional income can be had if one of his patrons win. And that very rarely happens. The biggest benefactor of jueteng is non other than the jueteng operator. The lowly kubrador slaves day in and day out to earn his keep while the operators sits idly by and rakes in hundreds of millions.

Like a slave, the lowly kubrador has no benefits. He has only himself to rely on when he gets sick. Is this how jueteng benefits the poor? Jueteng would be acceptable to those who are too naive to understand how jueteng really works. Jueteng's benefits is just an illusion to justify its existence. It's nothing but a means to exploit the poor and desperate. It's no wonder the Small Town Lottery (STL) will never succeed. No corrupt official will allow it. To legalize jueteng will take a big chunk of their earnings. Just imagine the tax they have to pay? They will have to raise the pay of the kubrador. Of course these people will have to pay their SSS contribution and medicare. No jueteng operator in his right mind will part ways with his millions. He would pay any amount to continue his exploitation.

*Jueteng operations in my area were temporarily stopped. A new chief of the PNP has just been appointed. People in the know will tell you this is the SOP every time a new chief is named. Negotiations will soon follow when everything settles down.

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Ruthless

Manny Villar may have circumvented the law, but the people of Norzagaray, Bualacan has something to say to him. This is how ruthless, Manny Villar is. How can we trust him when he can do this to the poor farmers and Dumagats? Villar obviously knows what he's doing. He knows the tricks of the trade. He knows who to deal with to legitimize his land grabbing. Come Monday, May 10, you know who not to vote for. Unless of course you want someone who can turn the country into one big subdivision.

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Accountability and Moving Forward

If we believe that going after crooks in government is mere vengeance, then we'll never get out of the rut we're in. If moving forward is turning a blind eye to the transgressions of outgoing officials, then let's just open the gates of corruption. Gibo Teodoro maybe intelligent but certainly not an agent of change. It utter stupidity not to go after the criminals who brought our institutions down. Gloria may have given him the break in his career but as president, he must uphold the law. To leave it to the people to go after these grafters says much about what kind of public servant he really is.

Look at how the current commissioners of the PCCG are treating the Marcoses. They've literally given them a "pat" on the hand. These bungling buffoons are mere 15/30 employees satisfied with getting paid doing nothing. How can we ever move forward when history keeps repeating itself because we let these hoodlums get away with their loot? There simply is no justice to be had. Erap may have been convicted but look at where he is now?

It's high time we teach these scoundrels a lesson. The elections will decide where this country will head to. We need a leader who will not only inspire us but one who will give us justice. He needs to be committed to the mission of getting back all the monies these thieves stole from our country's coffers. We've already heard them speak. Only a few speaks from the heart. Only a few are willing to end corruption. Only a few are sincere.

We've already lost billions because of these looters. We don't need someone who will let those who brought this country to the brink of destruction go free. Come May 10, vote for someone who you believe will prove that crime does not pay.

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Where Is The Black Propaganda?

The presidential candidate of the Nacionalista Party claims to be swamped by black propaganda. So far, all I've seen or heard being hurled against him has been proven to be true. Careful and diligent research has been undertaken by those like me who have reported on his very unethical and highly criminal dealings. Let me breakdown the issues so far brought forth against him. So far, he has not shown any document to debunk or refute the issues we raised.

In the first place, he chose to answer allegations that he benefited on the C-5 project in the media. He refused to answer in the proper venue that is the senate. So there is nothing wrong if media also airs the reports of his "sins". The issue here is if all these are simply black propaganda? Mr. Villar may have been used to faking and fabricating documents that is why he failed to recognize truth from lies. Colluding with the right officials may have made his claims to be true. But other documents and investigations brought out have proven otherwise.

He said that all his developments were legal. Why are there cases filed against him because of land grabbing and illegal land conversions? Just because you present land titles issued during the Japanese occupation doesn't prove ownership of these lands. Just because government agency officials say it is so, laws on the other hand say they are not. So how do you account for the farmers of San Jose and the Dumagats of Norzagarayclaim that you stole their land? Documents and laws have confirmed the wrongs you have done. Can you also explain how a sequestered piece of land can be acquired by your company? Perhaps the PCGG can do the explaining for you.

Is the illegal conversion of prime, irrigated agricultural land in Iloilo a figment of our imagination as well? I don't think so as those who used to farm there have spoken out to recount how they were forced to sell their lands to you. With another 600 hectares awaiting your development in the area, how many more farmers will succumb to your pressure? I suppose the DAR or the local executives there have some explaining to do as well. I am sure that there are many more similar cases hidden from public knowledge. Don't worry, we have a way of getting the information out.

The Vista Land issue being hurled against you by Erap and Enrile was one that eluded us. Fortunately, Enrile got hold of the document to pin you down with impropriety and unethical practice of a public official. Of course the PSE had exonerated you. Let me borrow Guido Delgado's ploy, a simple denial does not prove the document to be fake. Unless you see nothing wrong with being a businessman and politician at the same time, then you really must really think we are dumb and stupid.

Your lies have been exposed. You even lied about your status in life. When you can lie about your past, how then can you convince us that your entire existence is based on truth? At least this election has exposed the real Manny Villar, the Villar who abused his political position to enrich himself. What was a picture of inspiration in reality was a career mired in oppression and corruption.

Where then is the black propaganda you accuse us of? All I know is that we worked hard to prove tha issues against you. What have your supporters and your camp come up with? Nothing but a bunch of lies that have proven nothing but your desperation. Despite the billions you have already spent, despite the drama, despite the exploitation of children, women, the dead and the dying, you continue to slip in the ratings. Even a disgraced former president has more credibility than you. It's insulting to our intelligence that you call the truth as black propaganda.

Even if we take all these issues out of the equation, only one question sticks out like a sore thumb. How will you recover your billions? Ah yes, I have forgotten that you are a very good businessman. You have already proven your brilliance, after all, you have made yourself from a simple multi-millionaire into a multi-billionaire in just over a decade. What the Ayala's and Lopez's and even Lucio Tan took almost a lifetime, you have managed to do in a fraction of that.

Black propaganda? So far the only one using this in all forms and mediums is you and you camp. What is funny is that it keeps backfiring on you. No one is buying the lies you've been peddling but losers like you. It really is tough running a campaign based on lies and deception. Black propaganda my ass!

Find out the truth about the real Manny Villar HERE, HERE and HERE.

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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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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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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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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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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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AO 261

Our globetrotting illegitimate president has issued another administrative order. AO 261 reiterates her call to government agencies to tighten their belts. How nice of her to remind our agencies to save. Just recently, I saw a government vehicle going into a parking lot of a mall on a Saturday. Yes, a weekend and I'm sure it's not an official business.

Alright, so government offices have been turning off their lights and air condition to save on their electrical bills. At least some government vehicles remain parked in their lots instead of being used for private affairs by its employees. I just wonder how much we will save if Gloria would stop chartering flights and taking dozens of her allies on her trips abroad? I'm sure she'll say that its for her security and that those with her are on official business.

If only she is well loved by the people, she wouldn't be scared of taking a regular flight. If only she doesn't have any political debts to pay, she wouldn't be dragging with her every Tom, Dick and Harriet with their spouses in tow, to her trips abroad. Or does she have other businesses to attend to in the guise of trying to secure jobs and investments? Only she can answer that.

But speculating aside, Gloria should set an example for our public servants to follow. The fact of the matter is that she is all rhetoric. Let the others conserve, after all, she is president. I wonder how much the government would have saved if she did not take so many trips to Dubai? Maybe I should ask Ellen Tordesillas, she might have a ballpark figure.

Tighten your belts she says. She has also asked every Filipino to do that at the beginning of the financial crisis. At present, Filipinos are becoming anorexic from tightening our belts while she and her family looks like plump turkeys ready to be slaughtered. Sure I'd tighten my belt , if only it's around her neck. Such hypocrisy!

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Why I Should Stop Paying Taxes

With the way the SONS OF BITCHES in the congress has been running the show in the impeachment and their desire to amend the constitution, I will stop paying my taxes. Why should I continue feeding the families of these charlatans while they clearly do not represent me nor their constituents? Despite the glaring abuses, excesses and mounting evidences of the scandals besetting the gnome in the palace, these salivating, greedy thieves in Barong Tagalog help in covering up the shit their overlord has been dumping on the nation.

To continue to pay my income tax is a sign of surrender. It would only show that I condone the immoral and unethical acts these hyenas are doing. They should be making accountable those who commit and continue to commit injustices against the Filipino people. I will stop paying my taxes and hold them in escrow instead of feeding these maggots in congress. I'm making this as a statement against a government who never really served my interest.

We cannot allow these hoodlums to continue to wreak havoc on our society and senses. We work our butts off so that Gloria can hand out P500,000 to her henchmen whenever her illegal presidency is threatened. Any right-minded Filipino should stop and think if we should continue to give our hard earned money to the syndicate in congress. Now they are cooking up a recipe to perpetuate themselves to power. We been in hell under the current dispensation, to allow her and her minions to continue enriching themselves is the height of stupidity.

This government has given us scandal after scandal. They protect plunderers like Nani Perez. The Ombudsman purposely sits on cases involving Gloria's lieutenants while petty criminals haven't been arraigned yet. Why should I continue to finance the operation of a mafia when I could put my money into better use. Why should I give my money to police generals who gallivant with their wives in Europe while I cannot even travel around the country? Our soldiers who put their lives on the line had to rely on their themselves while their leaders sit in airconditioned rooms spending tens of thousands of pesos on snacks. Our students have to squeeze like sardines in classrooms and try to learn as much as they can from underpaid educators.

Joj-joc Bolante showed us how our hapless farmers can be exploited so that the campaign kitty of the troll can be padded. Nani Perez showed us how crime does pay and how the law is only for the rich.This is where our taxes go, in the pockets of politicians who bleed our families dry so they and their families can go on junkets at our expense. This is how our REPRESENTA-THIEVES work. It's high time we take back what is truly ours and show these villains who their bosses are. I will have to make my stand sometime and I couldn't wait for the next impeachment or 2010. So I will no longer pay my taxes and instead spend it all on my family and my charities than give it to these scums of the earth. Civil disobedience is a protest that sheds no blood and forces governments to heed the people's call. Without any funds to steal, the government will be forced to step down. It's all about conviction and a collective move to bring these gangsters to their knees. Unless you have other means in mind, civil disobedience is always better than an all out civil war.

(I've been given a clean bill of health and I'm more feisty than ever. Thanks to all who prayed for my recovery.)

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Gloria's Popularity

Gloria once again stuck to her old line that she doesn't mind being unpopular as long as she can deliver the goods. This is the reason why she is sticking to her EVAT as the funds would be used for her pro-poor programs. But in reality, EVAT is the most convenient of all forms of taxation. No need for any king of legwork to collect it. In more simpler terms, is a lazy governments way of stealing from the people. The EVAT is a tax on tax on tax. What the people should realize is that everything from the raw material to the finished product is heavily taxed every step of the way.

DepEd's Jesli Lapus defended GMA's Pantawid program saying that this is a proactive move by the administration. Instead of waiting for the trickle down effect of Gloria's economic programs, this now brings the supposed trickle down effect directly to the people. As one beneficiary pointed out, P500 will not go far. What they really need are opportunities and not one-time dole outs. Sustainability is the key. After the P500 is gone, beneficiaries will go back to their miserable lives.

Gloria doesn't mind being unpopular to most Filipinos, what she is concerned about is being popular to the right people. The Bureau of Customs (BoC) and the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) loses an estimated P142bilion a year because of smuggling and evasion. Yet the BOC leadership has the temerity to reward itself with millions because according to them, they performed well. Performance or dereliction of duty? I suppose the latter as smuggling still reigns supreme in the ports around the country.

Yes, Gloria is popular. Popular to the big-time smugglers and tax evaders who support her. A good president will be very popular even if he makes some unpopular decisions, while a bad president is unpopular because he is simply bad. This is the true reason behind Gloria's unpopularity. She simply is a bad president and not because of her unpopular decisions. The corruption in her administration is just too ominous for people to change their perception. Bad leadership leads to bad governance. The unity Gloria seeks will never come as good and evil will never mix. It's either we roll over and expose our asses to her evil ways or we can finally choke up enough courage to just kick her out of office.

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A Distressing SONA

Gloria's "I care" speech was a futile attempt to caress us into believing in her. It was so callous of her to say that she cares when her economic programs directly affect the lives of the poor. The EVAT clearly hits the poor and the struggling middle class than those in the higher echelons of society. The rich can easily make ends meet despite the inflation while the common man has to struggle more. The EVAT is the only gains this government can boast of but the more pressing need to increase actual collection has not been addressed.

Her SONA showed GMA's weakness. She clearly cannot inspire the people to agree with her. With her dismal ratings, she is now moving to the realm of fighting for her popularity more than ever. I believe that cha-cha is now inevitable as her future becomes more uncertain. Her "Pantawid Porgrams" is a clear indication that she is out to buy the support of the masses. One-time dole outs without clear and solid sustainable plans is vote-buying in its purest form. Could it be in preparation for 2010? I don't think that with her situation now, stepping down is option.

This I think is one of the most expensive SONAs to date. With a face lift budget of P200million to refurbish the Batasan's stinking toilets, the funds could have been used for other socio-economic programs. The congress stinks anyway and no amount of makeover will deodorize the institution. Gloria passed the blame on international crisis to cloak the gravity of the situation we are in. As usual, she took credit for programs long laid out by previous administrations. She did not present any concrete legislative and economic programs that would lead to improving our lives.

I will not be expecting any changes with her administration. Still in a state of denial, Gloria chose to close her eyes to the realities on the ground. Corruption in her administration is widespread. All they have netted are the small fries with the Bolante case still unresolved. It was a feel-good SONA and nothing more. She is after all entitled to her opinion no matter how unrealistic it is. She has to live her lies so she can believe it and what better way to do it than through her SONA.

"Anything is better than nothing", Gloria says. Are we this low to just accept scraps and cultivate a culture of mendicancy? I hope we are not this desperate to just swallow whatever GMA throws at us. Gloria spoke to her minions and not to the people. She after all is a master of speech and not of deeds. She practically made a goddess of herself in the midst of despair.

2010 is still a distant future and I am sure she and her battalion of corrupt "chefs" are busy cooking up something to save their skins. There is simply too much at stake not to consider their options this early. So I think that the dead shall rise again to push for charter change. The congress was given their marching orders and will now buckle down to "addressing" political reforms through legislation. We all better watch out as this may bite us in the ass. She has a knack for going back on her words. I can still remember clearly how she promised never to run only to announce her presidential bid.

*I'm back in fighting form with my health issues done away with. Sorry for the sudden silence. Thanks to those who showed their concern.

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A Stinking Hellhole

School is suppose to educate and energize the youth. It's the least we can do to give our kids a brighter future. But the government's lack of foresight and penchant for kickbacks have caused serious harm to our once great education system. With life getting harder by the day, migration from private schools to the public has been rising every year. As more and more transfer, it overcrowds our public schools. Lack of classrooms, tables and chairs to the very latest shortage, comfort rooms!

To address the shortage of classrooms, public schools have three shifts a day to be able to accommodate the students. Up to 80 students are packed into classrooms built for only for 45. Construction of classrooms is overtaken by the huge population of every school. Teachers are overworked as well as more and more of their ranks are forced to seek employment elsewhere.

But schools have learned to adopt to the changing times. To address the growing numbers of enrollees, no space is wasted. Every square inch of school grounds are used just to accommodate the kids. The quality of education is dropping fast. With it is the lessening proficiency of our students. Teachers are swamped with too much work and with very little pay. They are left to their own devises just to be able to remain true to their unholy vows. The sufferings do not end there, with the lack of rooms comes the lack of comfort rooms as well. Certain schools have make do with 600 persons for every comfort room. This is simply unimaginable with many more unusable.

The school is our children's second home. It is a place where our children should learn. The government both local and national is duty bound to see to it that the needs of the students are met. Despite the numerous taxes we pay, the government is unable to construct the needed facilities for our students. Already cramped like sardines, the last thing they need is a stinking CR. Because of our governments ineptness, our public schools have become stinking hellhole!

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