A Democracy Under Siege

The government is suppose to allow democracy to evolve and mature. But the current dispensation is actually stifling democracy. The extra-judicial killings and the harassment of its critics undermines our democracy. After Dr. Alston and the Melo report pointed to the military as culprits in the killings, there are now reports of harassment of partylist members.

In a true democracy, all ideas are welcome. But what is happening here is the hypocrisy of government. Anyone who espouses social reform is met not with understanding but with outright rejection and worse, the barrel of the gun. Our constitution assures us protection from harm and allows us to do or say as we please within the bounds of law. It also allows the representation of the different sectors of society. It assures equality among its citizens.

But what do we do when the state mocks the real essence of democracy? What do we do increasingwhen the state and the supposed protector of the people are the ones perpetrating crimes against its people? This is what is happening now. Are we to allow this culture of impunity that pervades our land?

Now even the supposed to be apolitical military is dipping its dirty hands in politics. They justify their killings in the name of insurgency. Before Sec. Nonong Cruz resigned, he and Com. Abalos of the COMELEC signed a MOA regarding the responsibilities and neutrality of the military. Apparently, Esperon just waited for the the people to settle down. With the appointment of Ebdane, the military hierarchy quickly moved and seems to have redefined the MOA.

Activists are now lumped together with the NPAs, the left-leaning partylists too are now considered enemy of the state. Dr. Alston pointed to the stifling of the partylists by the government. It seems his perception was accurate after all. Military units are now in the metropolis to intimidate members of these progressive groups. Even the media is now being shadowed by military operatives.

Is this the democracy Gloria continues to brag about? As the elections draw nearer, the killings of partylist members are escalating too. The impending signing of the Human Security Act of 2007 may soon uncloak its true intention. Now, anyone can be a target for the military death squads. The killings so far are in the far-flung areas, soon, it could be at Metro Manila's doorstep.

While many still believe the government propaganda about the Reds, it maybe too late for them to realize that we are now in a semi-dictatorial state. From the "state of denial", the government is now in a "state of justification". The AFP propaganda machine will not stop at nothing to destroy these progressive groups. They recently showed a video of Joma Sision supposedly naming, Bayan, Gabriela and LFS as communist front. The video is 20 or so years old. While it may be true 20 years ago, it certainly isn't now. The Communist Party was legalized during Pres. Aquino's time. The constitution also encourages the progressive groups to join the political mainstream through sectoral representation.

So it seems that the government must try to justify the continued killings to avoid increasing international pressure. They have to link those killed to the insurgency. This is what they want the international community to believe. We no longer live in a democratic state but one which tries to make it appear that we are. When a government suppresses and oppresses its people, then its now a dictatorship. Some of you may say hat we are free, I would question that. When journalists are either sued or killed, we cannot call it freedom. When even the youth mysteriously disappear for criticizing the government, it is not freedom. When any form of public expression/assembly is met with violent force it is not freedom. What we have is a democracy on paper not a true democracy.

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The Economy In The Eyes Of Gloria

Gloria keeps bragging about how our economy is taking off. She's boasts of how her economic reforms has led to the peso's strength and the booming stock market. Fuel and LPG costs have also been dropping. As if to put icing on the cake, the NAPOCOR announced that they will be lowering their generation charge. She said that this is the start of the trickle down effect which the people will finally feel.

Either I'm stupid or Gloria is telling the truth. The dollar had been dropping in the world market. Our OFWs have also been breaking records in terms of monthly and annual remittances. The dollars which they have been sending home has propped our economy through the increased spending of their families. Based on consumerism, our economy is humming along. But while there is in an increase in spending, these are spent on mostly imported goods which does not benefit our local manufacturers.

The spark in our stock market is mostly due to bargain hunting which had resulted in the rise in stock market gains and activity. Its mostly paper trading and very few companies actually use their earnings in stocks to expand their businesses. Most use it to strengthen their portfolio or to add liquidity to their companies. Franchising is what gives some companies room to expand. Taking royalties while their "new" partners pick up the tab. Even telecom companies now expand through the use of agent outlets. The movement of the stock market does not affect the poor anyway. Its those who have excess funds who gain from it. To put it bluntly, the rich gets richer while the poor stay poor.

Oil and LPG prices have been on a steady decline since last year. Oil companies have been adjusting their prices on a weekly basis. With the drop in the dollar rate coupled with the dropping prices of oil in the world market, its but natural that it would affect our local prices as well. NAPOCOR really will have to adjust its prices too.

The EVAT which was imposed last year has greatly increased the government's spending purse. Its additional cost for the people but an added funding for government. Of course, with higher taxes, its but natural for the government to have a deeper pocket. The additional taxes have somehow increased the cost of living of the ordinary Filipino.

So what is Gloria really bragging about? All these gains were brought about by outside forces which she does not control. She has this nasty habit of claiming credit for things she has nothing to do with. What if things were reversed? Can she still boast about an improving economy? The flight of our labor force is the best indicator that there is nothing the government can offer. It shows a people's desperation to make their lives worth living. This is Gloria's biggest contribution, the slavery of the Filipino, a shameless way to address the unemployment.

The cycle became more vicious under her regime. The former OFWs are forced once more to take that familiar path of seeking work abroad. The twist is that now, the children they are sending to school are aiming for the very same path their parents are taking, the road to a distant promise land.

Until such time when Filipinos are no longer traded as commodities, until such time when children can attend school, until such time when every Filipino has access to quality health service, and until such time when families eat three times a day, Gloria and her ilk can shove it. I'd like to hear what what her Team Unity has to say when they debate on the economy. I'd like to hear how they will convince the ordinary Filipino that their lives are improving.

Gloria, oh Gloria... when will you ever learn? Honesty, integrity and genuine love for country makes a good president. "Bogus ka na nga, sinungaling ka pa."

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The Bully Bullied

Well the new kid on the block did not back down from Mike Arroyo. I'm talking about Jake Macasaet's lawyer, Atty. Paul Arias. He really showed what he is made of by accepting Mike's challenge.

The challenge took place during Mike's cross examination on the libel case he filed against Jake. Apparently irked by Arias telling him to answer his question and not debate with him, Mike rose and said, "If you want, let's settle this outside." Arias did not back down and retorted, "Alright, let's settle this outside." This was in a courtroom and in a judge's presence. He should have been charged with contempt for such behavior. His chief of staff, Juris Soliman did not escape the judge's attention as she was sent out for uttering remarks after Atty. Arias complained.

He may have thought that he is still in the Congress Committee on Ethics where his lapdogs are around to protect him. The arrogance of this guy precedes him. He probably thought he can scare Arias but he obviously met his match. Time and again, Mike showed us how uncouth he is. He definitely does not deserve to be called a gentleman.

Even if in the end he apologized for losing his cool, he had already showed what he is made of. He's all gas and bullies his way about. His actions and foul mouth reflect the kind of breeding he has and such a person should not warrant any respect. He has exhibited his roughness and has no qualms about using expletives even in the presence of media or the general public for that matter.

Its justifiable to protect one's person but to push your weight around is another thing. He maybe Gloria's husband, but he ain't Gloria. He should know how to conduct himself properly. Its no wonder why some quarters see him as excess baggage for Gloria. Now Mike, how does it feel to be on the receiving end this time? Atty. Arias sure showed you he's got the balls to face you.

*More details from NEWSBREAK.

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21 Years And We're Back Where We Were

As Feb. 25 dawns on us, what have we have to show for after twenty one years? Nada,zilch, zero, nothing. We're back to square one and much even worse. We kicked a dictator out 21 years ago only to allow ourselves to be "ruled" by a more ruthless despot. It seems that the lesson we learned and those who gave up their lives have all been forgotten. Those who survived is scarred for life and could only ask themselves their sacrifices were worthless.

I am a martial law baby and was soon consumed by the call of freedom during the 80s. Youthful bravado, the adventure and reckless idealism is what we had back then. We all knew that Marcos will fall if only we united. That's what actually happened, the rich, the middle class and impoverished joined hands to kick the dictator out. Enrile, Ramos and the RAM boys may have accounted for something but the people are the true heroes of EDSA I. We protected their asses from Marcos. If the people did not heed Cardinal Sin's call, they would have been toast.

But the people where fed up with the Marcoses and it was just a matter of time before the polarized Filipinos moved as one. Cory was the sole figure that united the people. It was not Enrile or Gringo or even Ramos for that matter. They simply rode the rushing tide of the country's disgust. They ended up being protected by the people. The true People Power was a sight to see. A sea of people from all walks of life uniting and ending a dictatorship.

The EDSA Dos was not a genuine people power. It was muddled with self interests and a greed for power. It showed how a handful of people hungry for power was able to hoodwink a nation. It all but prostituted the sacred People Power. After the truth came out, the nation lost interest and entered an apathetic slumber.

Now this is where we are now, stuck in this quagmire of desperation. Leaderless, the people has no one to turn to. In essence, we are a people in limbo. We were stung by the Arroyo's corruption of the People Power and ended up apathetic. Anyone who tries to step up, is viewed with suspicion. This has allowed the Pidal's to do as they please that led to a culture of impunity which prevails now.

So where are we now? We are back where we started, our journey has led us back to the dark ages of our history. We are once again facing a monster from our past. Marcos knew how to play the people. He kept the people distracted long enough to allow him to commit his crimes. It is happening again today. GMA and her cohorts were able to carve the mindset of the Filipinos. She and her political tacticians were able to keep the majority of the nation disconnected with reality. They succeeded in making the people think of survival while they drive the country to the ground.

Looking back, I am saddened by how greed destroyed the spirit of EDSA I. Those who laid down their lives for a people who never cherished what they gave will long be forgotten. Will we allow their sacrifices to go to waste? Will the Filipinos ever wake up from their apathetic slumber? I hope they do before its too late. "Tyranny prevails, when the people do nothing"

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Two Rocks and A Sore Head

Now that the Melo Report is out, the AFP now assails its credibility. After UNHRC rapporteur Philip Alston said the the AFP is in a state of denial, it seems that the AFP is in such as state. How can the two investigations be untrue? With the government backed Oplan Bantay Laya, the numbers of killings and forced disappearances increased. But both the Melo Report and Mr. Alston's may have missed the mark by a mile. They both declared that GMA does not have a hand in this and its solely the military who is to be blamed.

Wasn't it GMA who declared an all-out war on the insurgency? Did she not give additional funding to the military? I could understand Mr. Alton's remarks. Being a rapporteur of the UN, its but diplomatic and courteous for him to refrain from implicating GMA outright. And his final report on what he gathered from his 10-day investigation is yet to be finished. He could end up blaming GMA in the end.

The Melo Commission on the other hand had enough time to conduct an earnest investigation despite uncooperative witnesses. The AFP and the administration has ganged up on Alston, with the rabid DoJ Secretary having a mouthful for the rapporteur. Esperon meanwhile denies being in the "state of denial". Malacañang too has expressed its disapproval and dismay of the two investigations. Wasn't it GMA who praised Palparan during her SONA last year. So what are they crying about?

Isn't it ironic that the person who formed the Melo Commission and "invited" the UNHRC rapporteur now finds herself in hot water? The New York court found Marcos liable for extra-judicial killings during his reign. The court used the doctrine of command responsibility, he being the commander-in-chief. This could be used against GMA in a court case. The insistence of Esperon that the Communists are guilty too is total stupidity. Esperon should be reminded that the NPAs are working outside the framework of the law and are in fact branded as terrorists. Its the state's duty to protect the people, stupid!

I suppose that the belief that activists are "considered" enemies of the administration has cultivated a "Let Them Kill Each Other" mindset which to the military is just fine. So the purges that Esperon and the administration say are NPA initiated should be addressed by the government after all. They are still the legal defenders of human rights. These are still killings that warrant justice for the aggrieved parties, mga bobo!

I can only laugh at how GMA had picked up two rocks to bash her head with. She thought that the Melo Commission can be dictated upon and go along with her Moro-moro. Well, it proved to be independent after all despite the public's apprehension. And even her "hospitality" did not deter Mr. Alston from pointing to her dogs as culprits and willing bystanders. The truth has many ways of exposing its head, in this case, GMA's head.

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KABATAAN: The Youth Now Has A Voice

Finally, the youth has a voice to represent their ideals. Its about time we old folks stand back and listen to what our kids have to say. The trapos had been using the old cliche that our children are our future, well folks, here they are. For the second time in Philippine politics would the youth attempt step into the lion's den or should I say the den of thieves.

The trapos should be wary as the youth packs a mean punch. With a representation in congress, the youth will no longer watch from the sidelines as adults play poker with their future. They can now actively participate in shaping their very own destiny. Let me introduce the KABATAAN to you, here is a backgrounder.

KABATAAN Partylist is the largest youth party in the country that will represent the youth sector in the 2007 elections.

This will be the second time for the party to run in the partylist elections. In 2004, it was the sole youth party that participated in the elections under its previous name Ang Nagkakaisang Kabataan Para sa Sambayanan or Anak ng Bayan Youth Partylist.

Anak ng Bayan was among the top choices for partylist based on pre-election surveys (Pulse Asia, SWS). However, the partylist fell prey to massive vote shaving. A significant number of its votes were anomalously counted in favor of another partylist group. It was just 35,000 votes short of clinching one seat in the Lower House.

Despite being cheated of electoral victory, the party went on with its advocacies and continued to carry on with the partylist’s principles and general program of action.

Together with some of its founding organizations such as the National Union of Students, College Editors Guild, the League of Filipino Students, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, Anakbayan and Kabataang Artisa para sa Tunay na Kalayaan (KARATULA), it vigorously campaigned for youth and students’ interests and demands concerning education and employment.

Kabataan partylist remains at the forefront of youth and students’ campaigns against unabated tuition and miscellaneous fee increases, for higher state subsidy for education, adequate jobs for new graduates, the defense and recognition of human rights and civil liberties which include consumer rights and the right to health, and the protection and conservation of national patrimony. It continues to give primacy to the promotion of holistic development and genuine youth empowerment through volunteer work, leadership and skills training and other activities that cater to the needs and interests of young Filipinos.

Drawing inspiration from great youth leaders and the first youth party in the Philippines, Young Philippines, KABATAAN Partylist is determined to place the first youth sectoral representative in Congress and reaffirm the youth’s vanguard role and leadership in social transformation and nation building.

In this time of corrupt governance and political unrest/instability, the nation needs young, vibrant and innovative minds that will restore integrity and morality in governance and lead the nation to genuine progress and social change.

With its new brand of politics – politics of hope, struggle and change - KABATAAN Partylist ushers in a new era for Philippine politics, away from the kind of leadership that traditional politicians and dynasties have for the longest time instilled in government.

This coming elections, we vote for honest officials, for principled leadership and for change. Now more than ever is the time for the youth to be involved

Our future IS our choice. Kabataan, pag-asa ng bayan. Tayo naman sa kongreso!

To get a better grasp of what KABATAAN can offer, you can find it HERE.

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Pepito Cayetano's Other Lawyers

Oliver Lozano first introduced a Joselito Pepito "Peter" Cayetano a few weeks ago. He said that Peter will be running under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) for senator. This sent Alan Peter Cayetano, a senatorial candidate of the opposition crying foul. Alan has questioned the candidacy of Pepito with the COMELEC. What behooves me is how quickly COMELEC resolved the protest.

Sources say that people close to this Pepito calls him Jo or Jojo. I myself would tend to agree with Alan that this Pepito actually is is a fraud. He is obviously being used by someone to ruin his candidacy. The nickname Peter obiously is quite far from Joselito or even Pepito. Has the COMELEC lost all its logic or is Abalos part of a conspiracy to take Alan Peter out? Common sense tends to point to the latter.

Another mystery is why this Pepito would only face the media in the presence of a lawyer. If he is a capable candidate, there is no need for a "coach" by his side. Another intriguing aspect of this idiotic affair is Rep. Imee Marcos's denial that this Pepito is a member of the KBL. Now obviously someone is lying here. I wouldn't take Lozano's word outright if I were the COMELEC. Imee's statement carries more weight as she is the daughter of the founder of the KBL.

Lozano has been criticized for being an alleged political mercenary of the administration. His zealousness led to the junking of GMA's first impeachment. Alan has every right to protest as some unseen hand seems to be orchestrating the move to take him out of the senatorial race. We would recall how Alan had earned the ire of El Esposo Pidal. Since he failed to get Alan expelled from congress, the next logical thing to do is to try to derail his candidacy.

Now enters Abalos in the picture. Looking piqued by Alan assertions, Abalos was heard uttering, "siya kaya ang imbestigahan ko?" Now, I wouldn't want to be in Atty. James Jimenez's shoes, this latest statement of Abalos really leaves a bad taste in the mouth. Atty. Jimenez has to defend Abalo's unethical threat. He shouldn't dismiss Alan's protest just like that with a threat to boot. Since Imee had already declared that Pepito is not a KBL member, Abalos should now start his investigation in earnest. To disregard evidences presented by Alan and the statement of Imee will show that he should step down as he had compromised the COMELEC's impartiality.

Alan's woes does not end there as the third lawyer for Pepito has surface. This case is turning into a comedy which isn't funny. Dept. of Justice secretary now has opened a new page in this novel. He intends to investigate Alan for being an American citizen. Alan is on his third term in the lower house, isn't it stupid to investigate his citizenship now? The administration had used this gimmick against Fernando Poe, Jr. in the 2004 presidential elections. The ploy blew up in their faces as it was proven that their witnessed tampered Poe's records. I could very well be the same for Alan.

I'd love to see how this story unfolds. It could spell disaster for the COMELEC and the administration. The way I see it, there seems to be a real conspiracy to take Alan Peter Cayetano out.

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