Pinoy Idea

OVERPROTECTIVE NOYNOY

2010-04-11T20:59:00.001-07:00

“Blood Weighs More than Politics”

There is nothing superficial about the New York Times depiction of the Cojuangcos hogging politics and Hacienda Luisita. The people are not that naïve to not be able to determine just how Malacañang was used by the Cojuangcos to serve their best interest. The clan’s indifference over the distribution of their claimed Hacienda Luisita among its farm workers is as discernible as the insensitivity of the Liberal Party on letting us swallow another Cojuangco minion – Sen. Noynoy Aquino. The part where Noynoy managed to go about the affairs of his cousin –Fernando Cojuangco whom the senator claimed was aggravated by political white wash and misguided journalism is enough proof for the public to rethink LP’s offered “reform”.

The true story beneath the lavish talks of presidentiable Noynoy Aquino on Cojuangco family extending the distribution of land to make sure that the farmers get clean-slate of land titles free from debts is that the Cojuangcos have obviously exploited the land to its inutile state. Don Jose Cojuangco who bought the 6,400 hectare azucarera using loaned public fund from the Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) back in 1958 has made quite a hole on the land reform and grants system when he lied about the existence of the 100,000 azucarera residents inside the Luisita estate that should have rightfully owned the land during the 1980s. The only obvious failure of the 1986 Edsa People Power would be the continued land struggle in Hacienda Luisita. Former Pres. Cory Aquino’s administration ended dictatorship but it helped breed deafening abuses against toiling farm workers on the Cojuangcos very backyard.

Noynoy promising Hacienda Luisita in five years right about the time before he steps down the presidency once he get elected is another iconic rundown of Cojuangcos intentional deceit and misuse of authority over the Luisita farmers’ affairs. In fact, others see this as an understatement in which Noynoy is trying to bait the azucarera over votes. He is only making a fool of the Luisita farmers; again; making these farmers’ believe that their only hope of getting their piece of land is by giving Noynoy Malacañang. Just like the rotten power thug between different social classes in the country that involves the well-off and the deprived who are under their paychecks, the Cojuangcos through Noynoy will soon be able to turn the tables once and again on the rightful allocation of Luisita. That is, by taking a look back at how the Cojuangcos managed to stall the division of the azucarera through Cory’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in 1988.

Blood runs thicker than politics, and for Noynoy, blood is foremost valuable than honest and impartisan governance. Philippine politics is so prone to familial dynasty-ism that most of the time families pay interests on running for various public offices for the benefit of either business or control. This is the exact same thing that fuels Noynoy’s presidency. It had always been for the advantage of the Cojuangcos who nearly faced the people’s tribunal after the 2004 Luisita massacre and the persistent prostitution of farm workers’ rights. Furthermore, it is disgusting to see Noynoy being overprotective of his affluent cousins as he himself had not done much in the years he served in the legislature.

NOYNOY: DENY, DENY UNTIL YOU DIE

2010-04-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

There is no way around the problem but to deny ever saying such revealing statement. This was the scene that most likely transpired between Liberal Party standard bearer Noynoy Aquino and his cousin, Fernando Cojuangco, chief operating officer of the Hacienda Luisita, in their haste to neutralize the effects of the latter’s claim that their family has no plans of ever giving up their rights to the 10,000 acre land.

In Noynoy’s mind, Fernando’s slipup would most assuredly wreck his current standing in the presidential race and would only prove his duplicity on matters pertaining to agrarian reform - thus the immediate need to employ a stop-gap measure such as the much used “taken out of context” excuse our politicians often resort to and have clearly mastered.

However, the issue at hand is no longer just about the Hacienda Luisita wrongfully remaining in the hands of the landed Cojuangcos - despite past public posturing from Noynoy to do otherwise - but the fact that the unico hijo of Ninoy and Cory is ready to put the blame on another person which is in this case, his cousin. Despite his assurance that Fernando is of sound upbringing like himself, he still insinuated that his cousin was not careful enough to guard his words and has caused much damage to Noynoy’s public image.

He is not yet the president but he is already giving us a glimpse of him lording over us – his future fiefdom – with much aristocracy that is only expected and natural from a haciendero like him. It is also obvious that Noynoy can definitely lie through his teeth. We also got a peek of what was to come under Noynoy’s leadership and that is, the law is applicable to everyone, everyone but him and his family; a fact that was already practiced during his mother’s term – proven by the undistributed hacienda – and that he has long forgotten or omitted from his campaign speeches and public interviews.

To obtain the 10,000 strong votes of the very farmers whom their family have fooled into accepting the transformation of Hacienda Luisita into a corporation and contenting themselves as stock holders, Noynoy and his political backers intentionally gave lose hope and announced that the original beneficiaries will be awarded lands free and clear within five years, but only after all the debts of the HLI was settled. However, thanks to Fernando Cojuangco, the farmers now know better.

These are glorious words from a man whose only purpose is to clearly hoodwink the throng of farmers into shading his name in the upcoming elections. Is he now a peddler of lies?

Related story: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/183662/after-luisita-massacre-more-killings-linked-to-protest

MISSING THE POINT ON LUISITA CONTROVERSY?

2010-03-30T23:05:00.000-07:00

It is not strange for another Cojuangco to stand-up for the revered “familial name” against a snowball of criticism about the decades-long Hacienda Luisita controversy. Liberal Party (LP) presidential candidate – Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino is simply living up to the standards of his clan, which normally includes “turf protection” and “asset-clinging” with utter abuse of authority. They remain defensive on the accounts of Luisita division as they intend to continue their control over the 4,000 hectare sugar farm land. The way Aquino defended his cousin, Fernando Cojuangco, the chief operating officer of the holding company that owns the Luisita plantation, is reason enough for voters to think twice on his offered “reformed administration”.

Noynoy is on complete defensive mode when it comes to his clan’s entanglements with azucarera. And the way he belied and accused the New York Times of misquoting his cousin on a remark that the Cojuangcos have no intention of giving-up Luisita is one proof of his undoubtedly biased judgment over Luisita. After being elected in Congress and actually gaining the authority to help dismiss Luisita farmers’ 46-year old lamentations and grief, Noynoy surely ignored good governance and stayed quiet with tail bended down on the affairs between the Tarlac farmers and his clan. The 2004 Luisita massacre is enough proof of Noynoy’s political prejudice.

The controversial Luisita azucarera operated by the Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) and the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) was legally bounded to be distributed to its farm workers as part of the implementation of the former Department of Agrarian Reform’s (DAR) ruling. Records show from the Manila RTC that the late Don Jose Cojuangco purchased Luisita on March 31, 1958 with the help of loaned government funds from the Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). Part of the said negotiation was Don Jose’s agreement to distribute the land to his farmers pursuant to the Marcos government’s social justice program. However, Don Jose held back on his end of the bargain on claims that there were no tenants inside the azucarera. Ten years later, CBP released an inquiry that lambasted Don Jose’s earlier claims that also stunned the public. On said report, there were about 100,000 residents in the 10 barrios making-up the entire hacienda; and that this overwhelming population is under Tadeco’s payroll.

In 1980, the government almost succeeded in pushing Tadeco management to honor its 1958 agreement with CBP and GSIS. The Ministry of Agrarian Reform (now DAR) was even tasked to overlook the manner of Hacienda Luisita’s division or distribution to the azucarera farmers. But this was short-lived as Pres. Cory Aquino took office and implemented the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP). CARP actually stalled the land-distribution by turning its farm workers into stockholders or co-owners of the azucarera turned corporation – Hacienda Luisita Inc. Instead of land, Cojuangco gave them shared capita, which now faces bankruptcy as stressed by Noynoy.

The Cojuangcos practically soiled the original Hacienda Luisita agreement and exploited the land till it became entirely useless. All their farmers were duped with no peso or land to their name despite their numerous land reform agreements. That is point fact. Noynoy being overprotective of the Cojuangcos “good name” makes him no less than part of the pack of Cojuangco wolves out to protect their estates like true blue capitalist.

BUTAS NA PANGAKO NI NOYNOY

2010-03-27T23:04:00.000-07:00

Kahit ano pang pagtatanggi ang gawin ni presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino patungkol sa bagong kapalpakan sa usaping reporma sa lupa partikular na sa Hacienda Luisita ay malinaw na wala talagang balak ipamahagi ng pamilya Cojuangco-Aquino ang libo-libong ektarya ng naturang hasyenda sa 10,000 magsasakang pina-asa nito. Salamat na lamang sa pinsan mismo ni Noynoy na si Fernando Cojuangco, chief operating officer ng korporasyon at nagising ang mga magsasaka sa isang mapait na reyalidad na sila pala ay nilinlang lamang ng unico hijo ni dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino. Isa rin ba ito sa mga aral ng magulang ni Noynoy na madalas niyang sambitin sa tuwing haharap sa kamera?

Nakakalungkot na hindi naging tapat si Noynoy sa mga magsasakang nagpa-unlad ng kanilang lupain sa matagal na panahon. Kung tutuusin ay dapat silang tumanaw ng malaking utang na loob sa mga abang magsasaka dahil kung hindi dahil sa kanila ay hindi mananatiling maunlad ang pamumuhay ng mga Cojuangco-Aquino.
Kung dati-rati ay marami ang natuwa sa ginawang pagdeklara ni Noynoy na balak na nitong ipamahagi ang lupain sa mga benepisyaryong magsasaka sa kasagsagan ng kampaniya, ngayon ay marami ang naiinis dahil malinaw na binola lamang ng senador ang mga tao para sa kanyang pangangampanya. Ito ay malinaw na isang political strategy lamang upang lumabas na mabango ang pangalan ni Noynoy at upang tuluyang tumigil ang multo ng Hacienda Luisita na patuloy na ibinabato sa kaniya.

Maski na ba maglabas ng pahayag ang pinsan ni Noynoy na si Fernando na siya ay biktima ng “taken out of context” ay hindi na nila mababawi ang matagal nang sira at suportado ng mga “factual” na impormasyon. Kung iisipin, ano ang mahihita ng New York Times partikular na ng sumulat ng artikulo na si Norimitsu Onishi, na siya rin namang nagpatunay na ang binitiwang pahayag ay totoo dahil ito ay naka-record sa paglabas ng maling istorya? Kung baga, galing mismo sa bibig ni Fernando ang pagkontra sa sinabi ni Noynoy na planong pagpapamahagi ng Hacienda Luisita.

Kung ngayon pa lamang na nakikita na natin ang kabaluktutan ng pananaw ni Noynoy patungkol sa ikakabuti ng mas nakakarami ay ano ang mahihita at aasahan ng milyon-milyong Pilipino na kaniyang pinapasakay sa slogan niyang “hindi ako magnanakaw”?

DRUG MONEY TRAIL ON LACSON’S ESCAPE

2010-03-14T00:04:00.000-08:00

Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s Political Consultant - Lito Banayo is said to be managing the solon’s affair in cleaning his name on the Dacer-Corbito case. And Banayo does this with huge help coming from renowned drug lords’ deep pockets. Sources reveal that around 2 billion pesos worth of drug money has already been fueling Banayo’s campaign for Lacson’s sake. About 500 million of this money was used to court various RTC judges to actually quash the case. Another 16 million was initially used in an attempt to stall the issuance of a warrant of arrest. Though the plan to sabotage Lacson’s WOA ran futile, the millions paved the way for him to leave the country a month before the warrant was served last February 05. Obviously, Lacson was tipped-off about his looming arrest and he apparently bagged the opportunity to plot his escape.

Although at a “runaway state”, Lacson is still able to micro-manage his defense in the Dacer-Corbito case with the assistance of Banayo and of course Chinese tycoons running a drug trade under the senator’s protection. To name a few of these “financiers” is Kim Wong who owns a chain of restaurants and casinos in the country. In 2008, headlines included Lacson’s ill-gotten wealth amounting to $180 million under a hoax account in Hong Kong. The said money was part of Lacson’s pay-up after working with Wong’s drug dens. The charges, however, did not materialize as more controversial issues in mid of 2009 bumped it off the political arena. Coincidentally, Wong just happens to be an “indispensible” persona behind military and PNP officials, including Ret. PNP Chief Avelino Razon who is seeking a mayorial post this coming election.

The costly escapades of Lacson and his supposed well-financed “trick or two” to actually evade arrest by the Interpol shows how well-financed the senator is outside the country. Thus, it is likely true that the former claims of Dacer-Corbito state witnesses- Glenn Dumlao and Cesar Mancao of Lacson “manhandling” their testimonies on the murder case are accurate. The late night visits of Lacson to Dumlao and Mancao in the US with his promise of financing their families in the Philippines are nonetheless being funded by the likes of Wong.

Other than stage-managing his case, Lacson is also making use of the nearing elections in his defense. As sources further revealed, Wong is also doling out part of the said 2 billion drug fund on Sen. Noynoy Aquino’s presidential race. The idea is to actually lure Aquino to incur a huge political debt to Wong. By the time Aquino bags the presidency, Wong and other legitimate tycoons who invested on LP are entitled to ask for favors. Among these anonymous benefactors is of course Lacson. We could only guess that he would be pressuring Aquino to grant him his murder case during his administration. At a heartbeat, Lacson and Wong would ask no more than assistance to scrap the Dacer-Corbito case. This way, Lacson could reclaim his political stature and protect the drug market which Wong domineers.

The “mismanagement” inside LP and the rumored “pushover” leadership of Aquino, would undoubtedly make him an easy prey for Lacson and Wong.

IS LP TIED ON LACSON’S DRUG MONEY STRING?

2010-03-12T17:28:00.000-08:00

The loose leadership of Sen. Noynoy Aquino inside Liberal Party as reflected on his ill-managed campaigns that have been the cost of his flat lining public support also led to the supposed entry of formerly accused drug lord- Kim Wong in his political wing. Kim Wong, who had been formerly accused as Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s protected “drug trader”, is also a well-known “financing” alter ego of Lacson and Mayorial candidate former PNP Chief Avelino Razon. The tycoon who owned chains of casinos in the country is rumored to be Lacson’s “eyes and ears” within LP’s doors. Using around 2 billion pesos worth of drug money, Wong was able to sneak into LP’s political affairs.

Apparently, Wong’s entry inside Aquino’s presidential parade is masterminded nonetheless by Sen. Lacson. As expected, Lacson is planning on remotely controlling the affairs of Aquino for his advantage to include the probable dumping of his case by the time Aquino ascends to Malacañang. Furthermore, other than Wong, other Chinese tycoons are also playing a role for Lacson’s behalf, one of which is a renowned real estate investor. Intentionally, these personalities would make-up the pressuring bloc that would push Aquino off the edge in favor of “dry-cleaning” Lacson’s no-guilty defense on the Dacer-Corbito case.

Unfortunately, this drug money is trailing LP’s dealings. The 2 billion is merely the tip of the iceberg of illegal money laundering and “political deception” that would no sooner absolve Lacson of his high crimes and rectify his former clout in protecting drug lords such as Wong. Other than courting LP with billions of pesos, Lacson’s camp is also using his political consultant, Lito Banayo, to seal his ties with LP. Banayo, who had been a close-friend of the Aquinos with his former participation in the emancipation of the course against the Marcos dictatorship, is also running a good show inside Aquino’s camp. Acting like a good confidante, Banayo is “sweet whispering” LP about the entry of this huge sum of money under the names of Wong and others.

LP admitted negligence on overseeing their campaigns and even their candidates’ platform presentations. At first they blamed it on “flooding” donations that reached an overbearing point that involved LP feeling unappreciative of the support being extended to Aquino. Ironically, LP confesses their faults with a bang of showing off but there should be nothing to be proud about illegal drugs feeding Aquino’s presidential ambitions. Not unless they thought they could keep it a secret from the public.

Blind leadership is what’s causing LP’s collapse. Some say, this is something the Party has brought upon itself after choosing a “wimp” over Sen. Mar Roxas. Conflict-ridden LP keeps making absurd excuses to the next. But what does this “divisiveness” and fluidity of authority and control in LP suggest? If Aquino could not sniff out one crime committed within his backyard, how would you expect him to run a government safeguarding an archipelago with 90 million inhabitants?

Additional Years of Education, Answer to Poverty?

2010-03-11T02:44:00.000-08:00

As we draw closer to the May 2010 National and Local Elections, more and more candidates are going to the extremes for the sake of getting noticed. However, it should be underscored that the nearing elections do not give political candidates currently seated in a government position the consent to go berserk and submit the masses to half-baked ideas and proposals for the sake of having a “say” in the political arena or for plain campaign purposes.

LP’s standard bearer, Senator Noynoy Aquino pointed out how the Philippines’ 10-year education curriculum is proven incompetent as compared to the 12-year education curriculum of other countries. Noynoy says: “The Philippines has the shortest education cycle preparatory to university. Ours is 10 years; the rest of the world is 12. In short, we have a curriculum that, on paper, covers the same subject matter as the rest of the world but which we cram into 10, instead of 12, years. This means that our teachers take all kinds of short cuts to try to cover the material or just simply do not attempt to cover the entire syllabus in a given year for lack of material time. This shortchanges our children’s education.”

This, according to the presidentiable, is one of the reasons why many Filipino graduates are ineffectual and could not compete with graduates of international universities/colleges. Noynoy envisions that his proposal will help alleviate poverty in our country. But will the additional two years of intermediate schooling be enough to address these problems? To start off, the Senator’s idea will only increase the number of out-of-school youth because additional years, of course, means additional expenses for the struggling masses; thus making this proposal anti-poor. Our country is filled with public schools that are lacking teachers, proper facilities and even the basic needs such as books and classroom materials.

How can the government fund the teachers, schoolrooms, and textbooks for the added years, when it does not even have enough money for the grade levels existing today?

Our country is in the midst of grave poverty but are we too desperate to consider taking a very simplistic approach in solving a highly convoluted problem existing in our country for so long? If the times call for an immediate action on this matter, why not improve and further develop the standard of Philippine education without having to risk losing the number of enrollees for the next school year? The proposal is sound but did he even confer the possible disadvantages? If Noynoy really cares to improve our country’s education system, then he should be presenting something beyond sound ideas. More importantly, his decisions should be of great consideration to the masses which comprise the majority of our population.

Let us face the truth that in a country where there is a visible sign of struggle almost everywhere we look, there is no place for a law that will only melt the littlest hope the poor masses are hoping for—a brighter and better future for their children. Noynoy should know better.

LP BENT-DOWN ON SWS?“ Politicking Reckons TRAPOs”

2010-03-08T19:19:00.000-08:00

“Learning lessons the hard way” best fits the major blunder Sen. Noynoy Aquino committed when he wrote his apologies to the Social Weather Station (SWS) higher ups after he made bold statements about survey predictions easily bought along corners of Quiapo. But the letter came weeks late and the damage was already been done. Besides, who in their right mind would believe that Sen. Noynoy was referring to other survey outfits when he is obviously pissed about the 11% mark-down on opponent Sen. Manuel Villar’s sponsored SWS presidential tally? LP was frantic about their dropping lead against Villar that caught Noynoy squeaking “foul play” and ditching SWS altogether. These are facts but LP, especially Aquino is trying to warp it point blank.

LP kneeling on its knees to claim back SWS’ favor is a glimpse of how Aquino’s supposed administration would be like; a weakling that lip-serves. Quite frankly, some have grown to think that Noynoy finally made a man out of himself as he lambasted SWS as a “cheap” source of immaterial “numbers”. The first time Noynoy made a bold statement by himself that he yet again “regrets” with his “sorry correspondence”. Well, can we really blame him? He was clearly making a joke of himself when he brushed aside SWS as if it were an empty can on his trail. The SWS which catered all of the surveys that he topped for months surely deserved better than being whipped and criticized.

Numbers do get a good hold of the public’s attention and this sticks far from being a superficial propaganda. LP knows this quite well but was unable to brief their presidential bet. Aquino, ignorantly declared in public that surveys could easily be manipulated with the right amount of money; saving the public from proving whether LP’s lead is rather a work of yet another wealthy manipulator. Truly, a good fish is best caught by its mouth wide open. Unfortunately, this seemingly insensitive solon is boldly seeking the presidency using only his family name.

Sadly, this apologetic letter have already worn-out his welcome not on the SWS per se but the public who have already branded the survey outfit as biased and nothing less than a business enterprise making profit out of the forthcoming elections. Aquino has successfully spoiled his month-long lead and the masses would not be too naïve to give SWS a chance to redeem itself, all thanks to the doing of their major client –LP.

Others say, if only LP and SWS have played it smart and actually briefed Noynoy of the loose ties inside the deals the entire misunderstanding would have been avoided. Hopefully, their oversight was a huge help to the public who actually have faith on the standards of the SWS.

IS DRUG MONEY USED FOR LACSON’S LIBERTY?

2010-02-28T23:00:00.000-08:00

What does it take to clear a former PAOC-TF, PNP Chief and an elected senator’s name from riddling charges of multiple murders? Will 2 billion pesos make much of a difference, like stalling the Dacer-Corbito murder case and re-entering mainstream politics?

As Sen. Panfilo Lacson went into his self-exile last January 05 foreseeing the issue of his warrant of arrest for the charges of murder this February 05, his political consultant-Lito Banayo have been overseeing series of supposed “under the table” negotiations to quash the case and win Liberal Party’s presidentiable-Noynoy Aquino to act as Lacson’s political aegis. The deal is, half of the initial 2 billion pesos believed to be generated among drug lords under Lacson’s protection will be used to court justices to stage-manage the proceedings while the rest would be funneled down to Aquino’s campaign wagon in terms of “donations” from renowned Chinese tycoons.

About 2 weeks after Lacson’s “asylum” in Hongkong, Banayo was seen meeting up with him in Hong Kong discussing the splitting up of the 2 billion pesos and the entry of Lacson inside Liberal Party using Chinese tycoons as “front men”. Shortly after said meeting, formerly tagged Chinese drug lord identified as certain Kim Wong met with Lacson in Macau. Like Lacson’s former talks with Banayo, Wong was supposed to keep an eye on the so-called donations of the Chinese community on Aquino’s campaigns.

The idea is to have Aquino biting Lacson’s billion-worth bait that runs in form of “simple” donations coming from the business sector. The “face” of these generous donors would in fact include Kim Wong. Trusting the donations coming from Wong would be made easier for Aquino with the help of Banayo and renowned Lacson-loyalist Dinky Soliman, who also works for the movement - InciteGov. Taking a look back, Soliman was reported supporting a group of “mutineers” that would push for a revolutionary government ousting GMA altogether. This band of mutineers was soon discovered funded and “pre-managed” by Lacson himself. With Banayo and Soliman both working inside Liberal Party, Lacson would be assured of a smoother “shadow leadership” in Aquino’s camp.

LP would not likely know they are being played at until they have already fallen deep into Lacson’s political scheme. So as LP bags Malacañang, it would be more likely for Lacson to clean up his mess with the PR-man 2000 murder. Other than that, the country would be run “unfortunately” by a president who won with a huge help of elicited money coming from the deep pockets of sneaky drug lords who roamed free all-thanks to Sen. Lacson.

VOTERS CLAMOR TO HAVE PRE-ELECTION SURVEYS BANNED

2010-02-14T19:47:00.000-08:00

A survey result recently released by the Social Weather Station (SWS) that was prejudicially commissioned by San Juan Representative Ronaldo Zamora, an ally of the Nacionalista Party standard bearer has only led to a horrendous and immature word war between presidential candidates Noynoy Aquino and Manny Villar and has only given embarrassment to the country.

Instead of just showcasing the general feel of public opinion with regard to the presidential candidates, surveys reports published by polling organizations such as SWS and Pulse Asia have only placed the already chaotic political atmosphere in a deeper quagmire given that political stakeholders rallying behind these presidential wannabes are now employing the services of these polling firms to undertake manipulative moves against their respective candidates’ competition. Apparently, those who pay better will surely have a better placement in these pre-election polls.

Surveys are now being employed as a highly destructive method of campaign strategy by various political parties, with each attempting to condition the public into accepting a specific notion about the government such as its supposed incapability to heed the public’s basic needs and the suitability of their candidate as a replacement. Such a distorted tactic should be stopped altogether since it does not speak of reality and the qualifications of presidential candidates, for that matter are only made inconsequential which we as voters ironically needs to be made aware of.

Another candidate, despite his low ranking in the SWS survey, was able to hit the nail right on the head. According to Senator Richard Gordon, it is the people who elect presidents and not surveys, as this can and will most assuredly be manipulated by unscrupulous quarters seeking to suit their personal needs. For one, a higher rating means higher campaign funds which in turn results to a heavily indebted and beholden candidate. Do we need to see another presidential wannabe who will commit his six years of “servitude” to responding to “utang na loob”?

Regrettably, we the voters are the ones always victimized by these pre-election surveys. Innocent and gullible voters who sadly proliferates our country are the ones easily swayed to believe the fabricated figures of these presidential preference surveys being commissioned by various public relation firms tapped by the different political parties. Take the cue from the two frontrunners of these surveys. Noynoy and Manny are now at each other’s throats and are now well into mudslinging, a fact that only exacerbates our country’s already dwindling international image.

Gordon despite appearing to be merely sour-graping though has a point in saying that surveys are mind-conditioning. I personally believe that this should be banned during election period as it is not really helping anybody, especially us the ‘common’ people.

SURVEYS SALE ON QUIAPO: SEN. NOY BRAGGED

2010-02-13T21:49:00.000-08:00

The thing about Sen. Noynoy Aquino belittling the recent “paid” ratings of the Social Weather Station Survey (SWS) simply made it obvious how unreliable and “superficial” his lead was for the past months. Undoubtedly, the part where he bagged the highest public favor for the executive post is nonetheless an illusion financed by his well-off “backers”. Besides, who can tell otherwise? Who can guarantee that those numbers are consistently correct after “Sen. Noy” practically made a mock comment about the independent survey corporation being easily bought and easily manipulated.

The ratings whether we admit it or not gives an undying mark on voters’ consciousness. This reaches out to people who are just going with the wave, which is, voting with the majority. The SWS ratings that bore Sen. Aquino’s name on the top are good campaign paraphernalia, to which LP has obviously been enjoying and exploiting in past couple of months. Mind conditioning and name recall are basics of PR particularly when one speaks of gaining political heights during election. The surveys bagged both by presenting these ratings on every newsprint in the country.

But why would LP’s bet throw such an uncalled-for sarcasm? Was Sen. Noy not briefed about these surveys that helped his claimed “poorly-funded” campaigns?

It is unfair to tag Sen. Manuel Villar’s sponsored surveys as “cheap” and scheming. LP may have held their horses when Aquino stirred his comment and lightened it a bit by saying “not all” but nonetheless the one that catered Villar was the same company that gave-out public trust that apportioned his liking. The “cheap” and “quality” surveys all came from SWS. Now, doesn’t that make the survey outfit being run by whosever’s pocket is fatter?

Besides, Villar is not the only presidentiable willing to spill out millions or is he the one with the sole capability to buy himself a favorable rating. Villar is among those desperate to bite the bait of Communist fanatics like Satur Ocampo’s 2 million Bayan Muna command vote, but he is not likely the only one frantic on taking all possible means to get good voters turn-out. In fact, Both Villar and Aquino are riding on issues of ratings and even “unlikely” supporters to outwit their adversaries. They are seemingly the same band of “robbers” who stab each other’s backs.

Did LP forget to look at one of their own, who are the Aranetas and Cojuangcos behind their “apos” or “sons” in the likes of Senators Noy and Mar? It is quite ironic that these LP elites felt inferior over Villar when it is an open-secret that Villar could not beat those clans single-handedly, especially when we talk of millions of pesos. Juan dela Cruz finds it offensive that Sen. Noy’s camp actually considers themselves as “poor”. That is like adding insult to the toiling Hacienda Luisita farmers that until now are robbed of their rights to own a decent piece of land.

Acting weak and being “hoodwinked” do not fit LPs candidates pretty well. Sen. Noy’s “childish” naysay about the SWS’ ratios should make him a laughing stock and expose him for the “phony” that he is.

LP DITCHES SURVEYS

2010-02-10T19:16:00.000-08:00

Conspiracy on surveys breaks out as SWS “favorite” presidentiable tagged them as “easily bought” and more or less “unreliable”. The word-war between the Nacionalista and Liberal Party began when Sen. Manuel Villar obtained 33% of public favor that narrowed down Aquino’s lead to a mere 11% at a paid survey from December 5-10 of last year. Furthermore, said ratio proposing the first ever decline of people’s support on LP’s bet- Sen. Noynoy Aquino is enough to stir egos out in the open. These “reformers” led by Aquino who continue to brag about their supposed adherence to clean politics and good “reputation” has lost their resolve to keep-off “word war” like ordinary Traditional Politicians or TRAPOs. As their ratings continue to slide back and forth, the self-proclaimed “saint”-Sen. Aquino is beginning to look terribly anxious and overly sensitive.

Even more disturbing in this whole “I am on top debate” is that LP enjoyed the ratings for months on end. The numbers actually gave LP something to brag about; actually flaunting it as proof that the public wants reform under his would-be victory of Malacañang. It was not as highly unreliable or else irrelevant at that point as far as LP is concerned. The large leap on public favor was seemingly an “open secret” and truth that opposing camps of NP, LAKAS-CMD and others are to envy. Back then, Sen. Aquino and the surveys simply “complemented” each other. But are those jumps on ratings “factual” quoting Sen. Aquino’s statements in the Phil Daily Inquiry; “Ah may survey na matino, may survey na nabibili sa Quiapo”. What makes the former survey’s “matino” or should we say consistent? Was it because Villar’s supporters’ openly admitted funding said survey? If Villar got his boost by pumping funds on SWS, then did Aquino-Roxas allies paid the past surveys that magnified him as the public’s best choice?

If surveys can be bought, why then would LP brag about topping it for the past months? If numbers could be manipulated to fit the “wanting” of some presidentiable, isn’t it fair to say that the other surveys conducted where LP bagged the top spots were also “schemed”? If we talk about capability to dole millions, why should we discount the Aranetas who are behind LP? Or the Cojuangcos that would of course favor Noynoy? If Villar and his supporters could make shell out ratings, then what guarantees us that LP was not doing the same trick especially when they are all coming from the same survey outfit?

It is sad to admit that there are candidates who wanted to absolve themselves. Those who feel like they have the greater advantage simply because they “think” they emulate being good. Goodness is never inherited nor is it rehearsed. Being the son or brother of somebody that is famous does not necessarily mean that he is a good candidate for sainthood or state tribute. In order to be somebody, LP’s main man has got a lot of things to prove, one including that he can stand by his own shadow and can claim that he for one made something significant. Thus, I agree with Sen. Aquino that the surveys are junk and a total waste of time, I simply don’t believe that Juan dela Cruz would be that ignorant to sanctify him.

SURVEYS ARE NOT FOR REAL

2010-02-08T18:59:00.000-08:00

Oh yes! They are not true and valid at all as Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III says that there are surveys that can be brought in Quiapo. This is the reply given by the Liberal Party’s standard-bearer when asked about his declining numbers compared to the surging ratings by other presidential candidates in a forum held last January 09, 2010 at De La Salle-Zobel School in Ayala Alabang Village, Muntinlupa. He also insists that there are credible surveys where presumably he is the top choice among the presidential candidates. Along with Aquino were Nacionalista Party’s standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar, Bagumbayan Party’s presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon and former Department of Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro of LAKAS-KAMPI-CMD.

Obviously, the forums had greatly affected the voter’s perception as the survey results are still up for change. Popularity should not be part of the qualities taken into consideration in choosing a candidate. The presidency is not an heirloom that can be passed from generation to another or something that you can buy from the grocery. Knowledge and intelligence should also be considered to be able to lead the nation and its people.

The result of the surveys for the past months showed Aquino being number one consistently. Aquino’s rank was constant since his declaration to run for the presidential race. It was noted that the highest rating gained by Aquino was immediately after the death and burial of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino. He firmly believes that Filipinos would support him as much as they supported his parents. However, his ratings started to decline as the emotional support and the so-called “Cory’s magic” started to fade off, which is already expected by his campaign managers and political backers.

Noynoy’s political career is way behind other candidates. Villar and Gordon are trying to make the public see that Aquino has not done anything worthy as a legislator. Though the race is tough, each presidentiable has a tactic to achieve their goal of the presidency. They should prove themselves through their works and achievements rather than sticking with the family’s legacy or using their wealth for campaign ads.

It does not follow that the child of a former president would and should be one also. President Diosdado Macapagal as revered during his term while her daughter, President Gloria, went through public criticism all throughout hers. In the same manner, Noynoy being the son of Ninoy and Cory alone does not automatically make him a fit president. Show us what you got, good senator then maybe, we would know for ourselves whether those surveys are indeed real or not.

NOYNOY’S HYPOCRISY

2010-02-04T20:19:00.000-08:00

It is finally out of the bag. Senator and presidential wannabe Benigno Aquino III or Noynoy is a highly experienced hypocrite. His impromptu retort to a question posed during a presidential debate on January 9, 2010 at the Dela Salle Santiago Zobel School in Muntinlupa City Zobel revealed this much and only emphasizes this conclusion.

In a nutshell, Noynoy has this to say during the debate: if survey results favor his candidacy – with him leading the pack of presidentiables - then the polling organization that released the report is credible, but if survey results prove otherwise – showing a decline in his number – then the survey firm is a fly-by-night company and any report published by it should be shot down entirely by the voting public.

Is this just hypocrisy or simply self-serving politics that is being exercised and proven by Senator Noynoy? His inability to police even his own remarks, that is, even to merely appear as a likeable candidate which is normally expected from any traditional politician does prove that although he may not be lying, he lacks civility when caught unaware by the public. Worse, this also proves that he really is a neophyte politician who is not ready to take on the more tasking responsibility of leading the country.

In his speeches and political ads, we more or less often just hear Senator Noynoy exalting the achievements of his parents, using this to remind us all that without his parents there will be no democracy to speak of. We have already honored – and quite expansively – both Ninoy and President Cory Aquino for their catalyst roles, but enough is enough.

Noynoy should not insistently use the legacy of his parents’ name to gain our votes. Just like any politician who would want to prove himself to the public, he too should enumerate his political achievements, that is, if he has them.

I DON’T STEAL, ASK MOMMY?

2010-01-31T19:47:00.000-08:00

As the 2010 election nears, voters scram in search for good candidates. This is where the “early politicking” actually makes sense. This is the time where claimed “infomercials” sounds more like “vote for me”. Frankly speaking, these premature campaigning serves its purpose in giving the public just the right idea to whom they should cast their votes, which unfortunately is to the less sounding “few”.

Arguably, the public should change its standard of who is “saint” or “sinner”, because it is not as simple as looking at the candidates’ last name that either rings good or riddled with controversy. For one, parentage does not guarantee anything. Sons or daughters do not live the lives of their parents nor do they inherit morality; genes have nothing to do with it. Leadership is never a privilege in a state where democracy reigns. Luck cannot be used as an excuse to force leadership in Malacañang.

If we are concerned with presenting facts and having someone as transparent as water to manage this country, why not start with the open secret that all these presidentiables cheated the law against premature campaigning by way of making “infomercials”; the son of our beloved EDSA-I heroine included. The smiles, the reform chitchats are proof of how dishonest they could be when it comes to pursuing political goals; preserving familial integrity did not stop either of them. Change should have been started with “abiding by the law” and not exploiting it for political advantage. Where is morality or honesty when one is already cheating the law at this point in time? What else would they bend when they are given much more power?

I pity hopefuls who use their comfortable family blankets. But then I was wrong. Presidentiables who like to live on a dream of being a saint amidst his wicked gimmicks does not deserve public sympathy. It is the people he unfortunately enticed to sanctify him that deserve empathy. If they are foolish enough to believe that honesty is inherited or bought by those multi-million PR financiers, then they will soon see how it will backfire to a serious state threat. The moment we swallow their infomercials/electioneering ads we are giving away our chances to actually vote for an honest state executive. The damage has already been done and the stench of politicking is already out but we choose not to see.

What is worse is when these presidentiables try to laundry out their names and act as if they are to the point of sainthood. They are hypocrites hoping to gag us up with nothing but propaganda. This writer would like to think we, Filipinos, are better than that.

THE NEXT PRESIDENT UNDER MICROSCOPIC EYES

2010-01-31T00:13:00.000-08:00

“Who can be the worst possible plunderer among the 2010 bets?” That was the question posed by William Esposo in his Philippine Star article last January 5, 2010. For years and years, in the electoral history of Philippines, the mass has always shown different tastes in choosing their next president—exceptional educational and political experience, popularity, charisma, personal background, character, credibility, and influence are only some of the obvious criteria the people sought after our past leaders. The Filipinos are in a continuous search for an effective leader after so many disappointments in the past—Filipinos are eager to choose the best possible leader in the coming 2010 elections that could bring about genuine and positive social transformation in our country. Ironically titled, Esposo’s article simply stresses that the next president of RP should be relied on trustworthiness and honesty. Esposo’s idea is agreeable but his reasoning, at the same time, is somewhat flawed.

Esposo’s essay underscored that “…our national salvation relies not on competence, as four of the five leaders have it—but on trustworthiness and character.” True enough, good moral background and character are ideal characteristics for a president. However, reality bites that a leader chosen solely because of trustworthiness and honesty is like giving birth to a political puppet easily manipulated by the more knowledgeable and erudite government officials. The country is in dire need of a more effective, performing government and the coming 2010 election is a critical point of acquiring it, thus, our choice should not only rest on a trust or loyalty basis but also and more importantly on capabilities and competence.

In his article, Esposo also subliminally conveyed his support to Sen. Noynoy Aquino, by merely mentioning that “the sons of genuine heroes are not inclined to join organized crime” pinpointing the senator as the most suitable presidentiable without having to mention any name. This could be of an advantage on the part of Sen. Noynoy however, if we are to look at it on a different perspective, it could also be interpreted as an insult stating that the latter is not as competent as the other presidentiables are.

The Filipino masses have witnessed too many faux pas in the outcomes of our national elections—a brilliant leader turned dictator, popular and dearly loved president turned plunderer, and so on and so forth. The mass clearly would not want to have a trustworthy and loyal, yet incompetent leader turned to a political dummy in the future. If we are to set a criterion for our next president, character, experience, and competence is deemed necessary for our economy to move forward and progress.

NOYNOY PINATUNAYAN NA NAMAMANIPULA ANG SURVEYS

2010-01-29T17:40:00.000-08:00

Mismong kampo na ni Senador Noynoy Aquino ang umamin na namamanipula nga ang resulta ng mga surveys na naglilipana ngayong papalapit na ang eleksyon. Marahil ang kanilang pahayag ay bunsod ng naulinigan natin mula sa isang mapagkakatiwalaang impormante na ang partido Liberal ay minsan na ngang nagbayad o mas kilala sa tawag na nag-commission ng isang survey firm upang magpalabas ng paborableng survey result patungkol sa kandidatura ng nasabing senador.

Dahil na rin sa kapusukan nito - ang pagbibitiw ng salita bago mag-isip – ay nahuli tuloy si Senador Noynoy na sila nga ay naglulunsad ng isang tinatawag na “mind conditioning” o ang pagkondisyon ng pananaw ng publiko sa pamamagitan ng pagbabayad sa ligal na raket tulad ng SWS o Pulse Asia. Napag-alaman na ang paglalabas ng survey - sa pamamagitan ng isang public relation firm na binayaran ng kampo ng Liberal Party - ay umiikot sa isang stratehiya kung saan ito ay makakapagpalabas ng isang paborableng senaryo na direktang ma-iimpluwensiyahan ang opinion o di kaya ang magiging desisyon ng mga botante sa padating na eleksyon.

Ang sinasabing stratehiya ay ang pagpapalabas ng isang survey patungkol sa performance ng kasalukuyang administrasyon na diumano’y may mababang grado bago ang paglabas ng survey na may paborableng resulta patungkol kay Senador Noynoy. Sa ganitong paraan ay na-diktahan na ng kampo Liberal ang taong bayan na si Noynoy lamang ang gusto ng publikong maging susunod na pangulo ng bansa at ang kandidatong sinusuportahan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ay hindi makakapagdulot ng mabuti sa bayan. Hindi ba’t ilang beses na nating nasaksihan ang ganitong senaryo sa mga nagdaang lumabas na surveys kung kaya’t masasabi nating totoo nga ang nakuha nating impormasyon?

Sa ganitong paraan ay naibababa na ng LP ang posibilidad na makalikom ng sapat na boto ang karibal ng kanilang manok dahil nakondisyon na nila ang utak ng publiko na ang 90 milyong Pilipino ay pabor kay Noynoy. Hindi ba’t matatawag na isang pandaraya ang ganitong gawain dahil hindi naman repleksyon ng tunay na sitwasyon ang isang survey? Hindi ba’t mismong si dating Senador Franklin Drilon ang nagsabi na nababayaran nga ang surveys upang magbigay ng resulta na aayon sa tao o kampo na nagbayad dito? Ang nakakalungkot, marami sa ating kababayan ang talaga namang na-iimpluwensyahan ng ganitong mga palabas at nakiki-uso lamang sa pagboto ng susunod nilang lider ng bansa kung kaya’t talagang kaliwa’t-kanang surveys ang pinapalabas ngayon ng iba’t-ibang mga presidentiables. Kung sino ang may bentahe sa lumabas na survey ay paniguradong siya ang nagbayad ng survey. Ito ang masaklap na katotohonan sa ating bansa kung kaya’t marami ngayon sa ating mga kababayan ang humihingi na ipatigil ang ganitong mga gawain tuwing eleksyon dahil ito lamang ay pailalim na pagdidikta sa mga botante.

VOTERS QUESTION COMELEC PARTIALITY IN APPOINTING CITIZEN ARM

2010-01-19T19:21:00.000-08:00

The clamor for public awareness is now paying off as voters are now not only perusing the qualification of national and local candidates they plan to vote but are now also scrutinizing even church-based electoral watchdogs being blindly tapped by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC). Some quarters have recently questioned the urgency behind the poll body’s accreditation of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting or PPCRV given that only a mere twenty days have passed from the time of the organization’s filing of its petition to the COMELEC’s promulgation of a resolution granting approval to said request.

The PPCRV headed by Ambassador Henrietta De Villa suspiciously bagged the accreditation to be COMELEC’s lone citizen’s arm that would unitarily launch voter’s education on poll automation and provide assistance to voters during the actual elections. Aside from this, the PPCRV is the lone private organization that is allowed to conduct poll watching during the canvassing of votes in every precinct in the country not to mention suspiciously being furnished a soft copy of the computerized voters' list and access to the precinct count optical scan machines prior to May 10, 2010.

In a nutshell, COMELEC’s rushed accreditation of the so-called watchdog has only given the PPCRV a right to monopolize voters’ education on poll automation which some unscrupulous individuals within the organization - who almost always exist in any innocent-looking group - could possibly influence to serve the benefit of a certain presidential wannabe or even a political party. Access to voters’ list and the voting machines prior the actual election could also lead corrupt quarters within the PPCRV to possibly tamper the data in exchange for monetary remuneration from the highest bidder, a scenario that we are all aware is fairly probable to transpire in our country.

An unimpeachable source pointed out that the PPCRV suspiciously timed the filing of its petition on October 5 in the midst of a public turmoil aptly tagged as the aftermath of super typhoon Ondoy which naturally left all of us focused on relief and rescue operation for thousands of our needing Kababayans. A few days later on October 14, the COMELEC heard the petition noting the lack of oppositor – an expected result of PPRCV’s non-compliance to a COMELEC order to cause publication on three separate newspapers within a period of three successive weeks – on the organization’s petition. On October 26, or twelve days after the first and only hearing, the poll body blindly approved the request.

Curiously, the process was indeed rushed. However, the important question should be this: was it done to serve the COMELEC or the PPCRV?

2010 COMELEC CITIZEN’S ARM, CHEATED?

2010-01-17T21:24:00.000-08:00

Shortcutting the legal process is plain and simple cheating. This should not be taken out as a matter of desperate surgical steps in order for the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to look “all buckled-up” and ready for the forthcoming elections especially when it involves the accrediting of poll watchdogs that would replace NAMFREL or the National Movement for Free Elections. The 21-days given to the newly-installed election watchdog- Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) was barely enough to give the public a glimpse on just how dependable and equip they are as the election takes off. That is, as the 2010 projects the first ever computerized election in the country.

The nippy selection of COMELEC with regard to the replacement of NAMFREL is not the only thing that made PPCRV’s intents nonetheless dubious. The timing of PPCRV’s so-called application for the watchdog position is something that cannot be discounted as a major plot for a looming sham. Its application last October 5 was more or less part of the “alarming” pretense. That is, as PPCRV officials manage to side wink public interest opposite their direction. They have rather exploited the Ondoy cataclysm to out win their “pre-occupied” oppositors. The banging headlines on rescue and retrieval operations not to include the country at mourning made it easier of PPCRV to “cheat” their way on COMELEC’s mandate.

After October 5th, PPCRV was directed to publicize its filed petition simultaneously on major newspapers in the country. This is done to make their application official with the public knowing about it. Thus, opposing views to include disparate parties could argue with said petition that may lead to further hearings. But who in their right mind would be interested on PPCRV at a time of disaster? Else, how many was able to read the publication of their appeal? Camouflaging behind state perplexity such as Ondoy had been a “trick” PPCRV had used. What else would they have underneath their sleeves?

Other than the “quick count” on PPCRV’s accreditation, one of its Board of Directors- Johnny O.R. Cardinas happens to be the incumbent president of the Kapatiran sa Pangkalahatang Kabutihan (KPK), an interfaith movement that formed the Ang Kapatiran Party (AKP) that serves as official political party of 2010 presidentiable Eddie Villanueva. Obviously, PPCRV is already somebody’s guard dog.

COMELEC seemingly pushed us to trust PPCRV by riding on the said group’s “trick and treats”. PPCRV is given the “duty” to safeguard our ballots. But whose duties will it be to protect us against PPCRV; the group that downright conned the system and is apparently swarmed with presidentiables’ wingman?

PPCRV AN ELECTION COOK-UP?

2010-01-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

Election watchdog NAMFREL or National Movement for Free Elections had not likely handed the 2010 election stewardship to the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) on rightful terms. It was rather a cooked-up plot inside the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) after pronouncing the PPCRV’s accreditation in nearly 21-days. PPCRV represented by Ambassador Henrietta T. De Villa and Counsels- Attys. Howard M. Calleja and Rosalie Lapuz filed their petition before the COMELEC October 05 of last year. A week after (October 14), PPCRV’s petition was shortly discussed on a COMELEC hearing and was dubiously granted twelve days later on the 26th of October of same year. It was a decision reached after COMELEC found the lack of “oppositors” or else an opposing party that would relatively question the validity of PPCRV; could be publicly acceptable but still why is there a need for the shortcut of the process?

PPCRV clearly filed its petition on the height of a state catastrophe when issues like “election watchdog accreditation” did not sound interesting, else important. Who in their right mind would have thought of 2010 elections barely a week after Ondoy took a good hit on Metro Manila? Even the country’s papers and radio stations paid no attention on such an issue, why would the frantic public think otherwise. This was the long days of rescue and retrieval operations where huge part of Marikina and Pasig is still plummeting on deep murky flood. It is downright obvious that the mere two weeks for PPCRV’s accreditation campaigns did not reach a good length of keeping the public aware that they “exist”. Now, why or who would muster the thought to throw an argument against it over COMELEC?

So what will one get over speeding-up PPCRV’s accreditation? Else, how significant will PPCRV be in the coming elections? And just why someone go through the trouble of making sure that it will get its “YESES” in COMELEC?

Accredited election watchdogs, which had been the role of NAMFREL for the past thirty-one years since 1983, serve as elections’ neutral and else monitoring group. These groups have their own set of poll watchers on various precincts, including the conduct of voters’ assistance and information on values education on city outskirts. PPCRV upon getting COMELEC’s accreditation is mandated to independently supervise the elections. They are to maintain neutrality and impartiality during the entire course of the voting period down to the poll counting and the pronouncement of winners. On such process, they give the public updates on the partial casting of ballots or the renowned NAMFREL quick count. The public, so to speak, rely on this election watchdogs to counter-check the election results. Most of the time, they had been favored highly reliable in terms of ballot counting.

Try to imagine PPCRV putting-up his trick or two during the elections. What if their quick counts were made “literally quick”? PPCRV manage to “cheat” their way in for the accreditation. How dependable will PPCRV be in terms of releasing election results that are as important as the presidency when they have cheated their way in COMELEC?

PRESIDENTIAL FORUMS OR TANTRUMS? “The Debate that turned out to be a Read Script”

2010-01-01T17:51:00.000-08:00

What the voters need is a presidentiable who walks the talk and not just speak it. The recent forum sponsored by the largest media network in the country was all for show to simply make a good stand point for presidentiables they obviously favor. Was it not too obvious that aside from asking plausible projects that one would-be president should work on once elected, the questions were natured to drop a bomb at the administration bet DND Sec. Gilberto Teodoro? Like a sparring of anecdotes between Opposition stalwarts and an Arroyo ally, the public simply witnessed a wrestling of political affiliations. If we hate to think of the idea that Gloria takes another shot at the legislative, then what better way to downsize her clout by not speaking of her entirely. Getting her name on the headlines is simply a trick that holds no water in the public. The public is damn tired of her and the Opposition should start a new “opening act”.

Frankly speaking, the presidentiable forum was a total waste of public interest. It was a magnified Senate privileged speeches that created more doubts than answers. In fact, the topic was anchored on nothing but Gloria, which by nature gave the “forum” its fancied “hype”. Besides, it is not every day you get to watch solons to think narrower or else dumber than they all already do. Best example of which is Erap who had the guts to question Gloria’s Congressional bid while he parades his intent to run for the same post that he won and lost out of graft. If it was for the sake of delicadeza, Erap should have kept his ambition to himself and saved himself a pint of self-esteem. What makes him think a convicted plunderer has the right to bag Malacañang once again? If Gloria is daydreaming, then Erap is sleepwalking naked in the 2010 polls.

Even LP’s standard bearer who made a bursting joke of “I am incapable of lying” showed his not too appealing alter-ego. Like an elitist who praise himself, the presidentiable with the least feat in his political career whines about being a good but dormant public servant. Who would trust a senator from a long-list of influential clan members that actually bent democracy to fit their entrepreneurial interests? If issues on human rights draw cards on the table, why did the sponsors overlook the case of the Hacienda Luisita massacre that adds up on the inventory of the unsolved “politicize” deaths.

Sen. Dick Gordon to include LAKAS’ Gibo Teodoro was relatively the ones with valid answers and reasons. One could say they were among the bunch who had their talks with perceivable walks. Furthermore, Bro. Eddie Villanueva’s “messianic call” or even that of the Kapatiran’s movement for pious leadership sounded materially stupid. It was way too obvious that they rely much on their religious clout to get the position and are naïve to think that a mixture of church orthodox and political tricks could work. The executive post is not a matter of homily one addresses to a listening believer. The state is not a podium for promising or sweetened speech of salvation. Yes, God and morality should form part of a clean and effective government but this does not mean giving religious honchos an edge. They are nonetheless seen as greedy devotees who only wanted to expand their controlled sect.

The forum is not a telenovela for presidentiable to play protagonist. The network should not turn the 2010 elections into one of its income-generating melodrama.

NOYNOY NANGDADAYA SA MGA DEBATE

2009-12-28T21:52:00.000-08:00

Marahil marami sa mga kababayan natin na sumubaybay sa isang presidential forum noong Disyembre 2 ang nakapansin kung kaya’t laman ngayon ng lumalakas na “hate campaign” ang bagitong senador na si Noynoy Aquino. Mahahalata na tila may binabasa si Noynoy sa mga unang sagot nito sa naganap na “Harapan: The ANC Presidential Forum” na dinaos sa auditorium ng University of Sto Tomas sa Maynila. Ito ay live na napanood ng milyon-milyong tao sa bansa. Kabilang sa forum ay ang anim pang presidentiables tulad nila dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada, Senador Richard Gordon, dating Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, lider ng JIL na si Bro. Eddie Villanueva, dating Angeles City Councilor JC De Los Reyes at ang environmentalist na si Nicanor Perlas.

Sa nasabing debate ay kapansin-pansin ang pagbabago kay Senador Noynoy. Kung dati halatang nangangapa sa mga sasabihin tuwing natatanong sa kaniyang plataporma at tungkol sa mga kontrobersyal na isyu tulad ng ating nasaksihan sa “Isang Tanong, Isang Sagot” ng GMA7, sa forum ng ABS-CBN ay mistulang walang magagawang kamalian ang senador. Lahat ng tanong ay nasasagot niya ng maayos sa loob ng dalawang minuto na inilaan para sa bawat kandidato. Ilang araw lamang ang pagitan ng dalawang forums ngunit kapansin-pansin ang pagbabago ni Noynoy kung kaya’t marami ang nagsabi na ito ay binigyan ng talaan ng mga tanong ilang araw bago maganap ang forum kaya’t siya ay nakapaghanda ng mga sagot.

Usap-usapan na kung ang resulta ng survey ay naluluto nila para sa kanilang bentahe, sa pamamagitan ng kaniyang kamag-anak na si Rapa Lopa na may mataas na posisyon sa Pulse Asia, ay hindi malayong mangyari na naluto din ang forum dahil nabigyan din si Noynoy ng mga questions sa pamamagitan naman ng kaniyang kapatid na kilalang personalidad sa kumpanya ng ABS-CBN. Alam din ng taong bayan na masugid na taga-suporta ni Senador Noynoy ang mga liderato ng naturang network kung kaya’t mas nabibigyan ito ng mas malawak na coverage sa mga pag-iikot na ginagawa nito.

Hindi lamang sa forum ng GMA7 nagkalat si Noynoy. Minsan na niyang napatunayan na ginagamit lamang niya ang iniwan ng kaniyang mga magulang na legacy upang makuha ang simpatiya at boto ng tao sa inilunsad na forum ng Institute of Popular Democracy na tinawag na “Face to Face: 100 Local Government Champions vs. 4 Presidential Contenders”. Sa nasabing debate, paligoy-ligoy lamang ang kaniyang mga sagot sa mga katanungang binabato sa kaniya ngunit hindi nito direktang nasasagot ang mga isyu. Para sa lahat ng presidentiables lalo na kay Noynoy, ito ang mensahe ng bayan: bukod sa tinatawag na compassion para sa pagbabago ay dapat patunayan ng mga kandidato na sila ay may intelektwal na kakayahan upang mamuno sa bansa. Hindi madadala ang lahat sa karunungan sa english bagkus ay dapat malawak ang kaniyang kaalaman sa mga problemang bumabalot sa ating lipunan at kung paano ito mabibigyang solusyon. Kailangan ang taong marunong umaksyon at hindi nakasandal sa kakayahan ng ibang tao.

HATI NA BA ANG BOTO MO? “Hala I-Patrol Mo”

2009-11-25T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hindi mo minsan masikmura ang lantarang panloloko hindi lang ng mga kung sinu-sinong TRAPO, kundi na rin ng dapat sana’y malaya at mapanuring pamamahayag. Simula kasi nang mag-igting ang iringan sa mga sensitibong posisyon tulad ng pang-panguluhan sa darating ng 2010 election, halos nagpapang-abot narin ang kalokohan ng mga estasyon at gimik ng mga di magkahumayaw na pulitiko. Isa na nga riyan ang matunog na kampanyang “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” na aniya tumutulong na mabigyan ng sapat na kaalaman ang mga botante sa susunod na taon. Litanya nga ng mga ”patrollers” nito ang samut-saring kawalanghiyaan ng mga taong nailuklok sa gobyerno ngunit sa isang banda naman ay patuloy na pinagkakaperahan ng estasyon ang mga dapat sana’y banned ads ng mga “presidentiables”.

Premature campaigning o ang mahigpit na ipinagbabawal na “electioneering” ang bumubungad sa manunood ng estasyon tuwing pinalalabas nito ang mga papogi ads ng kung sinu-sinong pontso pilato. Nahahalintulad ito sa mga naglalakihang poster o banderitas ng mga opisyal sa nakakalat ngayon sa mga eskinita at makikipot na pader ng lungsod. Nakapagtataka lang, nagagawang pansinin ng estasyon ang mga nakahilerang mga “posters” na ito habang pinahihintulutan naman nilang mag ere ng mahigit sa 3 hanggang 5 minutong campaign ad ang mga “presidentiables”. Kung susumahin daan-daang milyung piso ang kinikita ng estasyon sa mga pagpapalabas ng mga political ads na ito. Kaya naman hindi mahirap sabihin na nagkukunwang maka-tao ang estasyon lalo na’t isinusulong nito ang dapat ay clean and fair elections”.

Pera-pera nga lang naman ang tahasang dahilan ng mga tila pangguguyong ito ng mga kilalang estasyon sa bansa. At ang masakit nito, may malaking bilang na din ng mga botante ang nauuto nila. Kasi naman, habang nagkukunwaring “watchdog” ang estasyon sali’t-salitan naman nilang pinagkakaperahan ang mga pulitikong pilit na nambabaluktot ng batas kontra sa maagang pamumulitika o electioneering. Mantakin mong may isang taon pa man bago ipahintulot ang pangangapanya, nagsisimula nang ibandera ng mga pulitiko ang kani-kanilang mga mukha sa tv gamit na din ng “bayarang” media.

Kung susumahin, panakip butas lang ng estasyon ang kampanya nitong “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” para naman hindi gaanong mapuna ang walang humpay nilang pangnenegosyo tuwing eleksiyon.

Ngunit maliban pa sa bulok na pangangatwiran ng estasyon sa kanilang malugod na pangangampanya ng kung sinu-sinong “presidentiable”, dahan-dahan ding hinihikayat ng estasyon na i-boycott ang eleksyion. Patunay diyan ang maya-mayang pagpapalabas ng estasyon ng anila “butas” ng darating na automated election. Minamakina ng estasyon ang publiko na maging negatibo sa eleksiyon na nag-uudyok naman upang paigtingin pa ng mga kandidato ang kanilang mga jingle ads na pinagkakwartahan naman ng estasyon.

Kaya naman, madaling sabihin na ginigisa ng kapitalistang estasyon ang mga botante at mga pulitiko sa kani-kanilang mantika.

MEDIA ON POPULAR VOTE FOR NO-EL

2009-11-17T19:34:00.000-08:00

“Oversight of Election Watchdogs”

Vote watching is nothing less than a crude excuse to actually heighten the possibility of a publicly preferred “no election”. The “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” for one that was intended to arouse voters to be vigilantly looking over the course of the nearing election was unfortunately swaying the public to amass skepticism. The truckload of “appalling” reports that these “patrollers” address on nationwide television should be a matter of concern since it generates more of pessimism other than an interest to participate on the coming election. Thus, this has been a regrettable oversight.

Unfortunately as “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” continues to “flag” in one of the country’s leading stations, “electioneering” such as premature campaign ads of various presidentiables undercuts it. The very station claiming clean and fear ballot casting is in fact condoning “electioneering” in exchange of multi-million worth of tv ads that they continually air in between their shows. Obviously, the tv station is simply making “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” a fitting façade to hide its money-making agenda. As such, the saying “pera-pera lang yan” proves true even among 2010 “reformist”.

If defined, the movement pushed by the station is nothing less than a refigured mind conditioning ingredient that generate public unease on the sought-after presidential race. It focuses more on actually making a wet blanket view on the outcome of the first ever automated elections in the country. That is, despite the stations nonstop show of support to various candidates by lending its airwaves to “premature” campaign propaganda materials.

Permitting electioneering in exchange of millions of peso is what capitalists do to make a huge profit out of the election. Undesirably, capitalist partisanship is going to haunt the viable selection of presidency by next year and a huge crowd of misled “patrollers” are going to make it possible. Worst case scenario in this media fiasco is having a handful of voters turn down the election out of riddling lack of trust. This runs appositively to what the movement “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” is trying to impart in its partakers. Instead of giving people hope and making them believe on the equal lengths of the law through exercising their rights of suffrage, the contrasting “pressure group” of the station and its outlined business ventures with supposedly “unlawful” political ads are both perplexing able voters.

Other than gathering unison perspectives on the elections, the campaign propelled by the tv station is more of “divisive” in nature. It ideally alienates the voters from the government which would be handling the smooth course of the 2010 presidential selection. Hence, majority of voters are actually prejudging the course of the elections. On one end this come close to provoking the crowd on boycotting 2010 and support a potential vote for No-Election. Moreover, what else does “Boto Mo I-Patrol Mo” promoters expect from their demoralized crowd?

COJUANGCO PHANTOMS HUNT THE PRESIDENCY

2009-11-12T20:14:00.000-08:00

The Cojuangco owned Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac costs more than a huge sum of money. It actually bartered poor farmers’ lives and a truckload of “elitist” injustice. The 6,400 hectare land that the Cojuangco’s hold on to with fangs and claws simply represent the adversity of servitude and the rich’s monopoly of influence. And this unlikely Juan dela Cruz tragic drama will persist just as another Cojuangco heir is eyeing the presidency.

No one is absolutely clean of partisanship and misuse of authority in the Philippine political arena. Unfortunately, the long list of presidents we have had to deal with their own horrors and Achilles’ heel. For one, Martial law had nailed former Pres. Ferdinand Marcos’ administration despite the grandness of the Philippine economy in the 1970s. His dictatorship and iron-fist rule lingered more on Filipinos’ consciousness other than his build-up fiscal progress. Most say, Juan preferred the “doughnut hole” other than Marcos’ offered “progress”. On the other hand, the phantoms of Hacienda Luisita haunted Pres. Corazon Aquino’s rise to power. The heroine of EDSA-1 have had her fair share of public’s disfavor when the celebrated government case against the despotic “landlordship” of the Cojuangco’s took a dubious turn in favor of the then Pres. Aquino’s kin.

In an interview of Former MAR or Ministry of Agrarian Reform (now Department of Agrarian Reform) official, Jose Santos in the alternative paper-Bulatlat, he affirmed that Don Jose Cojuangco’s deal with the government about half a decade ago binds the “azucarera” to a supposedly irrevocable deal among its tenants. In particular, the GSIS approved 5.9 million peso loan of Don Jose that was used to purchase Hacienda Luisita incorporated a condition that the estate would then be subdivided among its tenants. Around 4,000 hectares should have been legally apportioned to the Luisita’s farmers. But just as the MAR’s case take a winning toll against the Cojuangco’s, Pres. Cory ascended in Malacañang and actually had a revamp of MAR officials to include the appointment of Sedfrey Ordoñez as Solicitor General. Ordoñez served as the Cojuangco’s legal counsel in the controversial Hacienda Luisita legal thug. And as expected, when he assumed into MAR (DAR) the winnable case of the government against the Cojuangco’s littered.

Most admires Pres. Aquino’s descent to power. The widow of another Martial Law hero- Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino was elemental in putting an end to the 20-year totalitarian rule of Marcos. Sad to say, the victory of EDSA People Power was boxed on the Pres. Cory and that this was further exploited by the Cojuangco to undermine the biddings of the law. The creation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or (CARP) was the ironic tool used by the Cojuangco’s to trash out Luisita farmer’s rights. This is one cruel truth of “omnipotent power” manhandling the weak but paid much interest.

And just as CARP faces its end after a twin decade of prostituting the poor Luisita tenants’ rights, another Cojuangco claims the presidential throne. Expectedly, another injustice is cooked-up. Maybe, a resurrected CARP would again haunt the victims of Luisita. And if I may say, we are partly to blame for the discrete crimes of Cojuangcos.

Hacienda Luisita Belongs to Cojuangco Tenants, Ex-DAR Exec Says

2009-11-10T20:10:00.000-08:00

Hacienda Luisita workers
in a mass action for land,
just wages, and rights

Photo by Dabet Castañeda

Hacienda Luisita Belongs to Cojuangco Tenants, Ex-DAR Exec Says
In a deal with government funders 46 years ago, Don Jose Cojuangco pledged to distribute the land now occupied by Hacienda Luisita to tenant farmers. A former director of the Department of Agrarian Reform says a court order binds the Cojuangcos to do so.

By Dabet Castañeda
Bulatlat

http://www.bulatlat.com/news/4-42/4-42-tenants.html

The Cojuangco family, owners of the embattled Hacienda Luisita, Inc. (HLI) and the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT), is legally bound to distribute the 4,000-hectare land to the sugar farm workers of the plantation, a former Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) director said. The 4,000 hectares are what is left of the 6,400-hectare plantation estate whose 2,400-ha portion is said to have been earmarked as “homelots” for the HLI’s “shareholders.”

The former DAR official, Jose Santos, is one of government lawyers who on April 18, 1980 assisted Solicitor General Estelito Mendoza in filing Civil Case No. 131654 at the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Manila, Branch XLIII against the Tarlac Development Corporation (Tadeco), the former company name of HLI and CAT.

Santos, who is now retired, is known to his colleagues to be an expert in handling big land disputes during his tenure at the government’s agrarian agency then known as the Ministry of Agrarian Reform (MAR). He worked there as director of the Bureau of Agrarian Legal Assistance (BALA).

In an exclusive interview with Bulatlat last week, Santos said he is breaking his silence to shed light on what actually transpired since 1958 when the late Cojuangco patriarch, Don Jose, acquired the hacienda. He also recalled the conditions on why Don Jose Cojuangco was able to do so, and the court case which government won over the family that legally binds them to distribute land to the hacienda’s tillers.

Acquisition
Court records from the Manila RTC show that Don Jose was able to purchase Tadeco on March 31, 1958 using government funds from two agencies, the Central Bank of the Philippines (CBP) and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). The CBP, under Monetary Board Resolution No. 1240, granted a loan of US $2,128,480 to Don Jose on the condition that the latter would also buy the Hacienda Luisita sugar plantation. The patriarch’s original plan was to only purchase the sugar mill. As part of the condition, the hacienda is to be distributed to small farmers in line with the administration’s social justice program, Santos recalls.

But since the dollar loan was not enough to purchase both the sugar mill and the plantation, Don Jose again applied for a loan with the GSIS, court records show. The GSIS Board of Trustees, through Resolution No. 3202 approved the sum of P5.9 million in loan for the purchase of the 6,400-hectare Hacienda Luisita on the condition, among others, that the estate should be subdivided among tenants who shall pay the cost under “reasonable terms and conditions.“

Inquiry
In 1967, Conrado Estrella of the now defunct Land Authority inquired in writing with the Tadeco owner whether he has complied with the conditions set by the CBP and GSIS, citing in particular the distribution of the land among its tillers. Don Jose answered that when his group took over the hacienda, they found no tenants and that they had to begin operating the hacienda by hiring farm workers.

Ten years later, the CBP made a similar inquiry with the heirs of Don Jose, who by then had died. In March 1978, the Evening Post daily reported that about 100,000 residents of the 10 barrios comprising the hacienda filed a petition demanding the expropriation of the hacienda and its distribution to small farmers.

Consequently in May of the same year, MAR officials made their own inquiry into the case. Tadeco vice-president Demetria Cojuangco replied that the condition with regards the land distribution could not be enforced.

Case
In 1980, Santos recalls, he assisted Solicitor General Mendoza in filing a case against the owners of Tadeco before the Manila RTC. Mendoza and Santos asked the RTC to compel Tadeco to honor its pledge in the 1958 loan deal with the CBP and GSIS and transfer the 6,400-hectare hacienda to the MAR who shall then subdivide, distribute and resell the land at cost to small farmers.

Again, Tadeco insisted the CBP and GSIS conditions could not be enforced first, because there were no tenants in the hacienda and, second, sugarcane plantations were not part of the scope of the government’s land reform program. To do so, Tadeco lawyers said, would be giving in to what could be seen as a “disguised confiscation of private property.”

The case dragged on for five years until Dec. 2, 1985 when Judge Bernardo Pardo of the Manila RTC Branch XLIII decided in favor of government. The Cojuangcos immediately appealed the decision before the Court of Appeals (CA).

Dismissal
Santos recalls that the RTC decision vindicated the sugar farm workers’ cause. Before the appeal could be heard at the CA, however, one of the Cojuangco’s heirs, Corazon Cojuangco-Aquino (widow of Marcos’ arch-rival Benigno Aquino), became president of the country on the crest of a popular uprising that toppled the Marcos dictatorship in February 1986.

But since the new president was one of the owners of the hacienda, Santos said he began to lose faith that the court decision would bear fruit. His fears were proven right when in 1986, President Cojuangco-Aquino appointed Sedfrey Ordoñez, the Cojuangco family’s own legal counsel in the Hacienda Luisita case, as solicitor general. As solicitor general, Santos added, Ordoñez was also to represent government that in the first place, originally filed the case for expropriation.

As expected, the case at the CA did not move and out of frustration, Santos resigned on the same year from MAR, which had been renamed as Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR).

In 1988, the appellate court issued a dismissal resolution mainly due to the fact that President Cojuangco-Aquino had guaranteed that sugar farms would be included in her agrarian reform program known as the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

Francisco Chavez, who replaced Ordoñez as solicitor general, asked through the CA whether the CBP, DAR and the GSIS, as parties to the case, were still interested in following up the appeal, Santos said. The three parties, based on court records, answered in the negative but pointed out that Hacienda Luisita should be part of the CARP with the land distributed to small farmers. On May 18, 1988, the CA dismissed the appeal.

Santos clarifies, however, that in dismissing the appeal the CA did not actually say that it was nullifying the RTC Manila decision of 1985 which orders that Hacienda Luisita should be subdivided, distributed and resold to the hacienda’s small farmers at cost.

In fact, the CA dismissal-resolution emphasized “it is not only conditional but also without prejudice to the reopening/revival of the case if the conditions of the DAR are not met,” Santos says.

SDO
Saying that agrarian reform was the centerpiece of her administration, Mrs. Aquino instituted the CARP stating that land reform can be achieved by either actual land distribution or through a stock distribution scheme through the Stock Distribution Option (SDO). Subsequently, the Cojuangcos turned Hacienda Luisita into a corporation and is now known as Hacienda Luisita, Inc. (HLI), with the sugar farm workers classified from farm laborers to “stockholders” or “co-owners” of the said hacienda.

Ed Tadem, associate professor of Asian Studies at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, in a statement emailed to Bulatlat said that the SDO was implemented by the former president, who is part of a landlord clan, to “evade land reform.”
This scheme was inserted into the so-called CARP (R.A. 6657) by pro-landlord legislators during the term of President Aquino, he said, to allow landowners who run their farms as corporations to distribute shares of stocks to farm workers in lieu of outright land transfer.

Tadem added that serious observers and scholars of agrarian reform contend that stock distribution can never be a substitute for land transfer which is the heart and soul of any genuine land reform.
Santos, on the other hand, said that the SDO deprives the farmers’ right to the land they till which, first and foremost, is a legitimate issue.
Solution

In a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed by Tadeco, the HLI, DAR and a handful of farm beneficiaries stated that they have entered into this agreement “in the spirit of the CARP with the end view of improving the lot of farm beneficiaries of the stock distribution plan and obtaining for them greater benefits.’
“The question is: Is the purpose of the SDO achieved? Has it become successful?” Santos asks.

This question also rings in the mind of the sugar farm workers who have staged a work stoppage since Nov. 6 to, among their demands, force the DAR to review the implementation and effects of the SDO on their daily lives.

Sugar farm workers say that since the incorporation of the hacienda, they have experienced greater hardships due to, among others, diminishing mandays caused by mechanization of sugar cane production and the land use conversion.

In Tadem’s statement, the Luisita stock option plan had been denounced as "unconstitutional" by the University of the Philippines Law Center in a position paper submitted in June 1990 to the Senate Agrarian Reform Committee. The memorandum stated that the "scheme is violative not only of the social justice provisions but even more so of the specific provisions of the Constitution on agrarian reform" since it "allows the original owners to remain the controlling interest at the expense of the supposedly farmer beneficiaries."

If the SDO does not actually benefit the sugar farm workers of the HLI, Santos, said it is imperative for the DAR to nullify the implementation of the SDO at HLI and pursue the lower court decision against the Cojuangcos.

Under these circumstance, the former DAR official said, that makes the Cojuangcos legally bound to distribute the hacienda to small farmers.

Santos also scored the DAR and the administrations after President Aquino for having no political will to settle the agrarian unrest in the hacienda. It is sad that it had to take the lives of the fighting farm beneficiaries to put this issue into the government’s attention once more, he said. Bulatlat

ATTACK ON NERI ANOTHER HOAX

2009-11-10T19:47:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, the Quezon City house of Social Security System (SSS) Secretary Romulo Neri was peppered with bullets by fourteen armed men clad in fatigue uniforms. Ironically, the controversial personality who became embroiled in the multi-million dollar broadband network deal in 2007 brushed off the incident and has not even made any attempt to help the authorities in identifying the culprits. His questionable approach to the incident has then led political observers to believe that he was actually expecting the violent and daring act to be staged on his residence.

A very keen observer would even believe Neri was staging his own kidnapping. Was this what Neri was up with all the speculation that he knew and was expecting the attack? An unimpeachable source clarified that the SSS Secretary was supposed to attend a meeting at eight o’clock that very morning but unexpectedly deferred his attendance for no apparent reason. He even reduced his security detail from ten to three, only last month, leading one to believe that he was indeed preparing the stage for his so-called abduction much like what Jun Lozada also attempted and failed to do last year upon his controversial return to the country.

However, much like Lozada, Neri underestimated his security aide and did not expect himself to be defended from his attackers. The gullible secretary must have thought that the sheer number of armed men would lead his security aides to back down and allow entry of the attackers to his house, thereby succeeding in acting out his abduction. As sourced out, the armed men were equipped with a sledgehammer and were supposed to force down the main gate to “get” to Neri. However, shots from inside which the attackers apparently did not anticipate made them abandon their plan.

The source further revealed that the attackers were known experts in their so-called trade of attack being long-time paid kidnappers, proven by their move in commandeering two vans and subsequently abandoning these for two other get-away vehicles near the area of their target, all backed up by a well-off padrino as proven by the lease made on a warehouse for P105,000.00 which was paid in full and in cold cash, a full a day prior to the attack.

Information obtained from another reliable source revealed that Neri was supposed to be held “incommunicado” a few days after his abduction. He was also scheduled to do an exposé, via live feed, against the Arroyo family to intentionally re-ignite the ZTE-NBN scandal and thereby create the much-needed critical mass to finally force out President Arroyo from Malacañang, which would then be supplemented by a military takeover. As the planned alternative, a call to install a transitional revolutionary government, a plan grounded by and being peddled by Senator Ping Lacson, will also be made. Obviously with this plan SSS Secretary Romulo Neri would definitely have served as Ping Lacson’s new witness and will be paraded under Lacson’s already long drawn out exposés in Senate.

RIGODON SA KAMPO NI NOYNOY AT MAR INAABANGAN

2009-11-09T19:48:00.000-08:00

Hindi pa pala plantsado ang lahat tulad ng inaakala ng nakakarami. Malakas ang ugong-ugong na ang kampo ni Senador Noynoy Aquino at Senador Mar Roxas ay humaharap ngayon sa isang malaking intriga patungkol sa aktwal na pagpapatupad ng kanilang plano na “Noynoy-Mar” tandem para sa dadating na eleksyon sa 2010. Ayon sa isang tagapagmasid sa kampo ng Liberal Party ay posibleng magkaroon ng isang rigodon at magkapalit ng pwesto sila Noynoy at Mar kung saan si Mr Palengke ay babalik bilang standard bearer ng LP at si Noynoy ay babagsak para maging kandidato ng partido sa pagkabise presidente, ito diumano ay mangyayari bago matapos ang kasalukuyang taon.

Ang pagdeklara kay Noynoy sa labanan ng pagkapangulo at ang pagtanggap naman ni Mar bilang ka-partner nito ay hindi nangangahulugan na sila ay opisyal nang mga kandidato. Ito ay isang plano pa lamang na maaaring mapalitan lalo pa’t hindi pa nakapaghain ang dalawa ng kanila-kanilang opisyal na candidacy sa COMELEC. Hindi diumano papayagan ng grupong tinatawag na “The Firm” na maging pangalawa lamang si Mar. Ang grupong “The Firm” ang siyang nasa likod ng kandidatura ni Mr Palengke at tumutulak dito upang tumakbo sa pagkapangulo.

Ito ang isa sa mga pinanghahawakan ng grupong “The Firm” kasama na ang umiinit na intriga sa pagitan ng mga ibat-ibang grupong maka-Noynoy na ating namang natuklasan na pare-parehas palang naghihinanakit dahil sa sobrang pagkiling ng unico iho ni dating Pangulong Cory sa kanyang mga kapatid at ibang miyembro ng kaniyang pamilya sa tuwing may gagawing hakbang o di kaya ay bubuuing mga plano para sa 2010. Dahil dito ay nakakaramdam ng pagiging “out of place” ang mga kilalang miyembro ng Hyatt 10, ilang LP members at iba pang civil society groups na masugid na ipinalutang ang “Noynoy for President” sa kasagsagan ng pagluluksa kay President Cory Aquino.

Ang ganitong klaseng pagtatampo o ang pakiramdam ng pagtraydor ay pwedeng mag-udyok sa mga grupong ito na tuluyang talikuran si Noynoy at iakyat ng muli si Mar Roxas bilang kanilang kandidato sa pagkapangulo. Hindi ba’t kung sa ngayon pa lamang ay hindi na nila lubusang nahahawakan sa leeg si Noynoy ay posibleng sila naman ang ilaglag nito sa panahong ito ay magtagumpay sa 2010 at siya namang ika-uunsyami ng kani-kanilang mga personal na plano?

Ang posibleng pagririgodon ni Senador Noynoy at Senador Mar Roxas ay isang kaabang-abang na kaganapan sa bakod ng Liberal Party na una nang nag-akalang may malaking bentahe dahil sa mistulang mainit na pagtanggap ng mga tao sa Noynoy-Mar tandem. Ngunit ang ningning ng kahit ano mang bagay o tao ay lilipas din kung siya ay napapalibutan ng mga tao o grupong sisira dito.

PANGANGAMPANYA SA KALAGITNAAN NG DELUBYO

2009-11-06T21:48:00.000-08:00

Sa mga nagdaang araw, malaki ang nawala sa Pilipinas lalong-lalo na sa mga taong nabiktima ng matinding paghagupit ng bagyong Ondoy sa kalakhang Maynila pati na rin sa mga katabing lalawigan. Ito ay sinundan ng pagpasok ng isa pang bagyo na si Pepeng na hinagupit at tumama mismo sa lalawigan sa hilagang bahagi ng bansa. Sa ngayon, ang buong bansa ay nasa state of calamity dahil sa pananalasang idinulot ng dalawang bagyo.

Ang mga pangyayaring ito ay nagdulot ng pagkakaisa, pakikipagtulungan at pagkakapantay-pantay ng bawat Pilipino sa pagbibigay ng tulong sa mga kapwa Pilipino. Ang trahedya ng bagyo ay nagbigay rin daan sa ilan upang magkaroon ng mapag-kakakitaan sa gitna ng dinaranas na kahirapan ng bansa gaya na lamang ng mga maliliit na talyer at gawaan ng mga kasangkapan sa bahay. Sa kabilang banda, may mga tao rin na nagging mapagsamantala dahil ninanakawan nila ang mga bahay na nilisan ng mga may-ari. At ang masama, may mga ilang opisyal na ginamit ang kanilang kapangyarihan upang makapagbigay ng tulong para na rin sa kanilang pansariling kapakanan dahil sa nalalapit na eleksyon.

May mga ilang tatakbong opisyal ang mga nakita sa lansangan ng iba’t-ibang lugar upang maghatid ng tulong. May iilan din na puspusan ang pagtulong upang bumango ang kanilang pangalan at imahe. Marahil, palapit na ng palapit ang araw ng eleksyon kung kaya’t lahat ng maaari nilang gawin upang makatulong ay puspusan at sisikapin nilang magawa.

Subalit, nakakabahala na may ilan na inuna pa ang kanilang sarili bago ang mga taong humihingi ng saklolo. May mga litrato na nagkalat sa ngayon sa internet patungkol sa pagkakabit ng mga campaign paraphernalia ni Senador Noynoy Aquino sa ilang probinsiya pagkatapos humagupit ang bagyong Ondoy. Nagawa pa umanong makipagkita ni Aquino kay dating Pangulo Joseph Estarada upang magkaroon ng pagpupulong sa pagitan nilang dalawa sa kasagsagan ng malakas na ulan.

Ang ganitong gawain ay mariing ikinokondena dahil ang lahat ng tao ay abala sa pagtulong sa mga kakababayang nasalanta ngunit si Aquino at ang kanyang mga taga-suporta ay nagging okupado sa pagkakabit ng mga banners at posters bilang pagkampanya sa parating na eleksyon. Ito ba ang lider na gugustuhin ng lahat? Mas uunahin pa niya ang kanyang sarili bago ang mga taong bayan. Wala na ba talaga siyang respeto sa mga kahirapan na dinaranas ng kanyang mga kababayan? Kung tutuusin, ang lahat ng ito ay patunay lamang na walang pakialam ang mga Aquino sa mahihirap gaya na lamang ng nangyari sa Hacienda Luisita.

Ang mga pagtulong na ginagawa ni Aquino sa mga nasalanta ay hindi sapat dahil ang mga pera na kanyang ibinahagi ay hindi nanggaling sa sariling bulsa kundi pera na nilikom ng kanyang mga taga-suporta na nagmula rin sa taong bayan. Hindi man lang niya masuklian ang binigay na hirap at pagod na naranasan ng sambayanang Pilipino sa pakikiramay at pagdadalamhati sa kanilang pamilya ng namatay ang kanyang ina.
Ganoon na ba talaga katindi ang kanyang pagnanasa na maka-upo sa palasyo ng Malacanang? Wala na ba siyang oras na pinipili kung kaya’t ultimo oras ng kalamidad ay kanyang susugurin para lamang mangampanya at makipag-usap sa iba’t-ibang pulitiko.

Marapat munang isantabi ang pangangampanya dahil hindi pa lubusang nakakabangon ang bansa sa dalawang magkasunod na bagyo na nag-iwan ng matinding sugat sa bansa.

A NEW WITNESS IN THE MAKING BY PING

2009-11-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Filipino people have already seen different witnesses presented by Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson in the Senate hearing regarding graft and corruption pin pointing Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Mike Arroyo. While everyone is busy reaching out to the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, Ping has been busy training new witnesses for his allegations in his recent privilege speeches.

Ping’s school of thought has apparently been creating the best witnesses in town. His students undergo extensive training, practiced and molded in how to become excellent actors so they would indeed look credible in what they are saying. Starting from Rodolfo Lozada, Dante Madriaga, and Leo San Miguel testifying in the investigation of the NBN-ZTE, he welcomes his new graduate, Blanquita “Babes” Pelaez.

In 1996, Pelaez and Lacson had a misunderstanding with regard to a handcuffs contract. She claimed that Lacson blocked the payment after she refused to follow his instruction to fabricate charges against three former government officials along with a number of PNP officers whom he considered enemies. It was followed then by Pelaez looking for and finding proof that Lacson is wealthy enough to pay the damages she incurred. She was able to expose Lacson’s assets which summed up to a very sizeable amount of wealth, but may not be as questionable because he was at that time, PNP Chief after all. Read the related story http://www.newsflash.org/2003/05/hl/hl018804.htm

The credibility of exposing the truth is left under the hands of Pelaez. Yet, how can be she credible enough if she was charged with estafa and found to be guilty a few years back? Would she still be trustworthy after changing her mind towards the case she filed against Lacson? How can be she so honest to tell the truth when everything around her seems to be pure lies?

Lacson would of course allow Pelaez at any time to come out and reveal information that would help him clear things out. For what issue to be tackled, no one knows for sure. The enemies of the past becoming best of friends are surprisingly not new in politics as Lacson and Pelaez have apparently mended fences and teamed up to expose something greater than their previous altercation. Lacson had allegedly offered a huge amount to Pelaez wherein she could not resist forgiving and forgetting the issues between them and indeed the reason behind for the sudden friendship that developed. What happened here and between have been closed off to public view and we are supposed to just forget. For now, people will forget as they eagerly wait for the right time when Pelaez would expose her masterfully trained essential information… all for Lacson’s cause, of course.

RAILROADING LACSON’S DICTATORSHIP

2009-11-02T21:10:00.000-08:00

The foreboding over a possible no-election scenario by next year is as prevalent as the rumored grounding of a transitory government to be dominated by members of the Political Opposition. After the controversial 12-paged Transitory Revolutionary Government or (TRG) proposal that was handed-out among 2008 AFP generals groomed to turn-down GMA, another “legit” coup d’état is on the rise through Isabela Rep. Ed Joson’s House Bill 3194 which compels the public to swallow-in presidential hopefuls like Senators Loren Legarda and Panfilo Lacson. For a consolation, the public is believed that the “Transitory Council”, comprised of influential civil society groups and solons from the Opposition base camp to act as a collective body instituted to divide the presidential control and keep the appointed Head of State on its toes.

But can we count on this? How sure are we that TRG or HB 3194 stays on track and not be a venue for a totalitarian rule of a non-elected “Head of State”?

As explained in HB 3194, the need for an alternative government once failure of election sets will ensure that GMA would not be extending her term of office. But it falls short in guaranteeing that the Transitory Government would not be further exploited for the benefit of few presidential hopefuls who simply can’t win Malacañang over a fair and square election. This was also the same alibi used to raise the concession towards a TRG takeover in mid of 2008. However, rather than quelling one democratic threat involving the spoke-about term extension of GMA, TRG and HB 3194 are no less propelling a no-el and even worse a “dictatorship’. The people conspiring behind it are TRAPOs who are not worth trusting. They all live in the same ego-centric lifestyle where their self-serving interests subdue the welfare of the state.

Instead of putting a leash on the current administration, this actually puts fangs on the opportunistic few to destabilize the government by “financing” or “masterminding” destabilization efforts that could easily be blamed on the Arroyos. Besides, Arroyo has been a fitting scapegoat minding the twin issues of graft slammed during her administration. The public could easily accuse Arroyo of power grip. Thus, giving few TRAPOs the favorable arena where they can twitch facts with the public’s roundabout consent.

Comparing the two plots that ought to oust GMA and install a “caretaker” government, it has been interestingly noticeable that Sen. Lacson’s name predominates Legarda’s. He was clearly the 2008 TRG originator and now the fiddled Head of State under the dish-out Transition Bill in KAMARA. Considerably, Lacson may have more than what meets the eye over the transition schemes. Perhaps, this explains why he backed out of the presidential race. Else, he would not be dogging his way out on the PAOC-TF hullabaloos. Moreover, it is an open-secret that he is out to clear his name in the Dacer-Corbito murders by nailing the blames on his former Chief Erap Estrada.

Portraying the good guy amidst the fiasco over erring politicians nowadays would give him an edge over other statesmen including Sen. Legarda, who was also pointed out in HB 3194. Legitimizing a swift overturn of GMA’s presidency is not enough to make it appealing for the masses to sink their teeth into. Other than demonizing Gloria and winning the Congress’ blessing, there is of course the need to get a hold of people’s confidence. This way, Lacson could claim he won the Filipino’s favor; by putting-up dirty antics and public stunts.

In fact, out of the twelve seated 2007 senators who will be tidied up as the Transitory Council, seven have already been wooed by Lacson to favor him when HB 3194 is pushed. That is, exempting Senators Manny Villar and Cayetano who are still in “word war” with Lacson. This number gives Lacson the flattering lead when matched up to Legarda. Practically, all that he needs right now, are “agitators” that could help generate no-el. To which, DOE Sec. Angelo Reyes could be aligned. Sec. Reyes who had been corresponding with Lacson has unexpectedly dropped the bomb about a possible black-out on election D-DAY. Reyes was plainly instigating baseless rumors that could fuel qualms over a no-el. Apparently, his correspondence with Lacson is building-up a good route for a fitting plan to sabotage the nearing election.

Should we be sitting-ducks as Lacson, among others, railroads his Martial Law rule? By the time coup spoils the law of the land and disrupts the flow of the republic, there is no assurance that an ad hoc government stays “temporary”. The TRG would be calling the shots. The Council, made-up no less by Lacson minions, could lengthen the Head of State’s rule as they please.

Is this really why we battle against Gloria’s term extension? To hand Malacañang over to Lacson who would in turn use it to build his totalitarian empire?

IS LACSON VOTING FOR NO-EL? “Shadow-leading 2010”

2009-10-28T20:58:00.000-07:00

Few could probably tell the difference between the seditious Transitionary Revolutionary Government (TRG) from Rep. Ed Joson’s House Bill 3194. Aside from the fact that both suggest an ad hoc leadership which could rule in an indefinite period of time, these set of schemes are actually triggering instability especially on the rumored no-el.

The Bill suggesting the creation of a caretaker government once failure of election happens by next year is superimposing the establishment of a hoax government. In fact, the transitory ruling as explained in the Bill that includes the ascension of 2007-elected senators to an executive “Council” where the Head of State will then be selected runs similar to the TRG plot of having a shadow-led administration of its originator- Sen. Panfilo Lacson. Probably, this is the very reason why the solon is also linked in the possible take-off of said “legitimize” takeover of Malacaňang.

Obviously, Joson just laundered TRG and made it more tempting for the public to sink their teeth to. Is Lacson the incongruous voice on Joson’s head when he decided to draft a proposal that could apparently promote a scenario of no-el other than avoiding one?

The grooming of Lacson’s name in the celebrated Dacer-Corbito case which in turn involves the Estradas’ downfall is part of the arrangement to make him look good. As explained by both TRG and HB 3194, the one with the least issues of graft and steers clear from partisanship is suited to be appointed Head of State. And this was nailed best by Lacson; thanks to his privilege speeches that went against the administration and former Opposition allies. Admittedly, Juan dela Cruz would be choosing the side of the lesser “evil” which Lacson now claim to be. Being magnified as the man with guts in the Senate is just what Lacson needs to condition the masses’ mind for his inevitable domination. If by any chance the public stay gullible, the former PAOC-TF Chief who until now is riddled with cases of bloody abuses could walk-free.

Thus, Lacson’s pullout in the 2010 elections was not at all for nothing, as most of us would think. Maybe, he needed the money to finance a legit invasion of the Arroyo incumbency? Besides, I could not imagine Joson doing these huge favors without something valuable in return.

TRG and HB 3194 is an excuse for dictatorship. Lacson and others like him who has been salivating over the presidential seat would have everything to gain once the nearing election is place to a stand-off. And sadly, Lacson will be able to attain such, once we toil on good-for-nothing political bickering and gimmick that usually means ganging-up against the stale insinuations involving the Arroyo’s intention to remain in power.

There is nothing wrong with keeping our guards against the possible term extension of GMA, which nonetheless be unconstitutional. But this should not be made as pretext to condone a rerun for Martial Law under the hands of Lacson and his minions in Congress.

PAGLILINIS SA PANGALAN NI LACSON

2009-10-26T20:38:00.000-07:00

Matapos niyang isiwalat ang lahat ng kanyang nalalaman at ginawang pagdidiin sa kanyang dating boss na si dating Presidente Joseph “Erap” Estrada, hinaharap naman ngayon ni Senador Panfilo “Ping” Lacson ang subpoena na inihain sa kanya ng Department of Justice (DOJ). Sa naturang kautusan ng DOJ, muling iimbestigahan ang Dacer-Corbito case. Inatasan ng departamento na humarap sa korte si Lacson upang magbigay ng kanyang counter-affidavit hinggil sa mga akusasyon ni Cesar Mancao pati na rin sa mga kasong isinampa ng pamilyang Dacer. Ngunit ang subpoena ay tila binastos ni Lacson dahil ito ay naghain ng isang petisyon (petition for certiorari and prohibition) sa Supreme Court upang ipatigil ang nasabing imbestigasyon ng DOJ.

May ikinakatakot ba si Lacson kaya pursigido siyang ipatigil ang imbestigasyon? May mga kulang pa ba sa lahat ng impormasyong kanyang isiniwalat sa mga privilege speeches na ginawa niya sa Senado ng mga nakaraang linggo? Hindi naman kaya may mga panibagong isyu na pasasabugin si Mr Expose matapos maabswelto sa kaso? Posible na pakana lamang ito ni Lacson dahil natatakot siya na malaman ang katotohanan na mayroon nga siyang kasalanan sa pagpatay kay Dacer at sa kanyang drayber.

Kahit na anung pagmamakakaawa at pagpupumilit ni Lacson na wala siyang kinalaman sa kaso, lalabas at lalabas pa rin ang tunay na katotohanan sa bandang huli. Kung wala talaga siyang nagawang kasalanan patungkol sa kaso, kinakailangan niyang harapin ang mga magiging iimbestigasyon upang mapatunayan ang lahat ng kanyang sinasabi. Hindi na niya kailangan gamitin pa ang “parliamentary immunity” na pinagkaloob sa kanya bilang isang mataas na opisyal ng gobyerno kung malinis talaga ang kanyang konsyensya.

Ang mga ginagawang hakbangin ni Lacson ay hindi nagkakalayo sa ideya ng mga New People’s Army (NPA) sa hindi naniniwala at rumirespeto sa batas ng Pilipinas. Ngunit kapag sila ay nagigipit o na-aagrabyado, ginagamit nila ang batas upang maisalba ang kanilang sarili. Imbes na taguan o talikuran ang hustisya, marapat na matapang na harapin ito.

Dapat pag-isipan ng husto ng Supreme Court ang kanilang magiging desisyon sa apila ni Lacson. Nakasalalay sa kanila ang mga susunod na mangyayari na siguradong makakaapekto hindi lamang sa paghahanap ng katarungan para kay Dacer at Corbito, pati na rin ang kinabukasan ng bansang Pilipinas sa paghahanap ng katotohanan sa likod ng mga ibinubunyag ni Lacson.

MGA PASABOG NI PING HUDYAT NG MAS MALALIM NA PLANO

2009-10-13T21:09:00.000-07:00

Sa unang tingin ay aakalain mo na ang mga rebelasyon ni Senador Ping Lacson noong nakaraang dalawang linggo ay pawang patungkol lamang sa kaniyang malalim na hidwaan kay dating Pangulong Joseph Estrada dahil sa kanilang pagkakasangkot sa mas umiinit na kaso ng pagpatay kay Salvador “Bubby” Dacer at ang kaniyang driver na si Emmanuel Corbito. Ngunit, ang mga unti-unting nahuhukay na impormasyon na mismong si Ping ang nag-siwalat ay may makikitang isang nakakatakot na katotohanan pala.

Matatandaan na minsan nang napabalita ang planong pagpapatayo ng tinatawag na isang caretaker government o Transitional Revolutionary Government (TRG) na diumano’y pagbibidahan ng walang iba kung hindi ni Senador Panfilo Lacson na balak umupo sa ilalim nito bilang Prime Minister. Ayon sa balita, ang dokumento patungkol sa TRG ay ipinakalat pa mismo sa mga liderato ng AFP upang makuha ang kanilang suporta at upang ang mga inisyal na hakbang ay unti-unti nang masimulan.

Ang nasabing “proposal” ay tugon daw upang mabago ang sitwasyong political maging ang sanga-sangang problema sa korupsiyon ng bansa sa pamamagitan ng pagtataguyod ng isang semi-dictatorial at martial law rule sa ilalim ng isang council. Ayon sa plano, si dating Pangulong Corazon Aquino ang kukuning sanang Head of State ng military junta upang ito ay mabigyan ng mukha ng demokrasya, ngunit dahil na rin sa pagkamatay nito bunsod ng cancer ay bumalik ulit sa proseso ng paghahanap para sa isang personalidad na hahalina sa pwesto ni Cory ang mga tao sa likod ng TRG.

Dahil na rin sa mga kapansin-pansing galaw at sinambit ni Ping sa kaniyang privilege speeches ay masasabi nating hindi lang talaga paglilinis ng kaniyang pangalan patungkol sa Dacer case ang kaniyang pakay kung hindi ang pag-priprisinta ng kaniyang sarili bilang isang abang api at natatanging taga-pagtanggol ng bayan laban sa korapsyon. Dahil sa kaniyang artistahing mga patutsada ay maaari niyang maloko ang taong bayan na tanggapin ang kaniyang plano na maging Prime Minister ng bansa.

Bukod sa pagpapapogi sa media ay aktibo din si Ping Lacson sa pagbulong at pagpapakalat ng isang no-election scenario upang takutin ang mga tao at palabasin ang plano bilang isang pakana ng administrasyon ni Pangulong Arroyo. Ayon sa isang source ay tuwang-tuwa si Ping sa mga awayan sa ibat-ibang piling personalidad ng gobyerno dahil ito ay tumutugma para sa kaniyang mga plano.

Dahil dito ay pinapatunayan lamang ni Ping ang kasabihan na pwede talagang mag-anyong tupa ang isang lobo.

FINGERPOINTING WON’T DO ANY GOOD!

2009-10-12T22:55:00.000-07:00

In times of crises, viewpoints change but egoes remain unscathed. Sadly, this stays true and unchangeable as politicians and even self-proclaimed “reformists” remain susceptible to such. Undeniably, typhoon Ondoy’s aftermath simply nailed this statement.

The here and there fingerpointing on who should be held accountable on the flood’s amassed fatalities is actually exacerbating the helpless cases of those still trapped around Cainta and Pasay. People who have been drenched in cold dump water for over 24 hours with limited food supplies and potable water are not interested in whoever runs the rescue and retrieval operations. All that mattered to them is that someone is willing to help. Getting an extra-hand in times when most Filipinos are slipping away from their faith and optimism.

I am not saying that we should be contended with what the government is doing at the moment. That is hardly the case. People stuck on their roofs with slim chances of getting rescued would arguably contest it but nonetheless they could never disregard the fact that seven soldiers died instead of them. It is not easy to wait for help when your life and of those that you love have been pushed to the edge. But it takes more than a sworn duty to swim across murky torrents and gamble one’s safety for another. Sadly, men in uniform who had been on the ground were never really valued. Worse, misconceptions and even politicking have undermined their sacrifices and heroism. Other than the insufficient pump boats which had been brought-up over and again on radio stations and news reports, there are about a million of men and women in government extending help. Yes, we lack the costly rescue vehicles and paraphernalia but we never come short of brave men willing to give a hand.

Natural disasters such as the drastic dent and loss of life brought by typhoon Ondoy in the country was willed by no one. It was nature taking its course. After all, it was a catastrophe we “helped” made possible. Manileños have transfigured Metro Manila into a huge dumpsite. The clogged sewers and complete disregard of the place we live in have seriously backfired on us. Manila is a fitting water basin with huge problems of waste disposal and overpopulation. Typhoon Ondoy was simply the remaining piece of a tragedy waiting to happen. If we have not been too preoccupied of thinking who to blame, we could have thought of something other than the sickening issue of pump boat shortage. We could have faced the fact that we brought this to ourselves. And if that tiny lady in Malacañang has to be blamed, we all should share her guilt. Not everything had to be about Gloria. Yes, it is easier to point fingers at her; our national “scapegoat”. But what would that make of us; ingrates or hypocrites?

Ondoy was a wake-up call. It magnifies our individual shortcomings and lack of respect to both nature and our children’s future. Most would say, God speaks in mysterious ways and I believe He sure made a statement with this calamity. This had been the end result of our complete disregard of what mother earth has offered. We should not be making the same mistake again by paying no attention to those who valiantly trudged the flood waters for us.

For our true modern day heroes, who died in aid of the helpless, the Filipino people offer you more than just sympathies but life-long gratitude.

Noynoy Aquino giving relief goods with Streamers for 2010 Election

2009-10-05T20:43:00.000-07:00

(Photo by Sun Star Pampanga)

While people were trying to help typhoon ondoy victims Noynoy Aquino was busy campaigning. Futhermore, a specific example is that in the province of Pampanga, while everybody was consolidating relief goods for flood victims, Noynoy's supporters were busier putting up Noynoy 2010 streamers along Olongapo-Gapan road. Premature politicing, or just pure aristocratic insensitivity towards those who are suffering? One incumbent was so disgusted that he ordered his people to teardown these campaign paraphernalia in broad day light.

News in Sun Star Pampanga.

Read the full story here:

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/support-noynoy-snowballing-pampanga

KORINA BINUKO NA NAPWERSA LAMANG SI SENATOR MAR ROXAS

2009-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dahil sa emosyonal na pag-iyak ni Korina Sanchez noong Setyembre 1, 2009 sa Club Filipino in Greenhills sa San Juan habang ang kaniyang katipan na si Senador Mar Roxas ay nagdedeklara ng pag-urong ng kaniyang kandidatura sa pagkapangulo sa 2010 ay napatunayan ng marami na ang nasabing kontrobersyal na “withdrawal” ay hindi talaga bukal sa loob ni Mr Palengke bagkus siya ay napwersa lamang na gawin ito.

Mali ang inaakala ng nakakarami sa ating masang mga kababayan na ang mga luhang iniiyak ni Korina noong araw na iyon ay dahil nawala sa kaniya ang pagkakataong maging unang ginang ng bansa sa panahong naging mapalad sana si Mar sa eleksyon. Kung susuriin, si Korina Sanchez ay isang kilala at tanyag na personalidad na at inirerespeto ng mga tao sa kaniyang napiling larangan kung kaya’t hindi siya desperadong makamit ang titulo bilang “first lady” ng bansa. Sa totoo lang, ang mga luha ay bunsod ng isang sikreto na pinakakaingatang huwag mabunyag sa publiko.

Ayon sa isang mapagkakatiwalaang source, ang kawawang si Mr Palengke ay kinuyug lamang ng kaniyang mga kapartido upang umatras sa laban at magbigay daan sa biglaang pagkandidato ni Noynoy sa 2010. Bukod sa pagkuyug ng kaniyang mga kasamahan sa partido, napag-alaman din na ang pag-atras ni Mar sa 2010 ay isa sa mga binigay na kondisyones ng tinatawag na civil society groups upang sila may patuloy na sumuporta kay Noynoy at sa kaniyang magiging laban sa dadating na eleksyon.

Alam ng tao na marami ng dugo, pawis, luha at pera ang ginugol ni Senador Mar Roxas - sampu ng kaniyang pamilya at mga taga-suporta - upang siya ay makalibot sa buong bansa dahil sa kagustuhan niyang ipakilala ang kaniya sarili sa ating mga ilang milyong kababayan sa ibat-ibang parte ng bansa. Bago pa nagdeklara ang ibang presidentiables ay malinaw na malinaw na sa lahat ang gustong tahakin na landas ni Mr Palengke. Ngunit dahil sa biglang pagsulpot ni Noynoy sa listahan ng mga presidentiables ay nauwi sa wala ang mga naging puhunan ng kawawang senador.

Ngayon, bukod sa paghanga sa kaniyang ginawang pagpaparaya ay dapat kaawaan din ang katipan ni Korina Sanchez dahil siya ay malinaw na napagkaisahan ng kaniyang mga kapartido at ng mga grupong malalakas sa ating lipunan sa ngayon.

NOYNOY’s CIVIL SOCIETY PATRONS TO DUMP HIM AFTER 2010

2009-09-22T20:48:00.000-07:00

Ambassador Ernesto Maceda’s take on the civil society groups’ incessant pitching of Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino as the only viable instrument of reform says it all. In his column with the Daily Tribune, Maceda claimed that former social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman and her cohorts have been strutting around as if they have a monopoly of the reform agenda and that their elitist mentality will in no way bag the presidency for their candidate, Noynoy. Maceda further pointed that they sang the same tune in 2001 when they backed then Vice President Arroyo but later admitted their so-called fault in a highly controversial en masse resignation at the Hyatt Hotel in 2005.

That scenario only proved that these civil society groups can and have been using their influence to deliberately position favored personalities in the government and unfortunately after milking the official to their hearts content would intentionally discard their pawn like a dirty piece of rag and unitarily trample in public. Will Noynoy, who is most assuredly a neophyte in the intricacies of our country’s politics, be able to handle this? Will his parents’ name and legacy be able to protect him from the clutches of these civil society groups who have been fronting as patriots but are actually backstabbers to the very sense of the word? Remember the time when Dinky Soliman was unseated from her throne at DSWD and with Vice President Noli De Castro subsequently assuming her place? Did she not approach former President Corazon Aquino and immaturely bashed President Arroyo, the very same person who gave her that position and who – as the top leader of the land - has the prerogative to appoint anyone she sees fit. Did Dinky not return to Malacañang to offer her services as an adviser to Noli after the bashing and even sang a song for GMA during a dramatic walk in the Palace grounds a year later?

They did it before so they are most likely to do it again. Mark my words, if Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino succeeds in the upcoming Presidential Election in May 2010, his so-called patrons from the civil society groups headed by Dinky Soliman will most assuredly find a way to bring him down. Maybe they will use his inexperience as a reason or maybe his elitist view on things which could result to his inability to obtain the nod of the “masa” and the militant organizations in the country.

Just like progressive personalities like Representative Satur Ocampo of Bayan Muna, these civil society groups will find a way, an issue or even a physical attribute of Noynoy just so they can boot him out of Malacañang. The reported “talk between two friends” being coordinated by United Opposition spokesperson Jejomar Binay between deposed president-still-wanting to be President Joseph Estrada and the Liberal Party’s standard bearer will already be ticked off by Dinky Soliman and her minions as Noynoy’s first mistake in their secret score board.

ERAP PUSHING GLORIA’S OUSTER FROM BEHIND

2009-09-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

Gus Lagman, Ichu Maceda,and Harry Roque
(of the Concerned Citizens Movement)

Former Pres. Joseph Estrada was said to be using his co-financed Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI), which claims to be a movement for a participatory, transparent and accountable budget system in the government, to push for Gloria’s ouster through the exploitation of the glooming inquest on the First Family’s non-declaration of assets. Liling Briones and Jose Diokno, who both worked under ERAP’s previous administration, were the lead conveners and movers of ABI. As planned, ABI would be presenting their “case” on linked-up media outfits, which could very well build up on the issue in order to generate public outrage like the scenarios in 2001 Edsa Dos.

Since ABI’s inception, Erap had been consistently funding it with not less than a Php 100,000 per month. Sources even claim that the said amount bloats as per request of Briones or Diokno. Part of ABI’s current efforts was their participation in the ongoing Social Watch Philippines that had been scrutinizing the 2009 financial budget. Thus, this explains the projected hype on Gloria’s spendings here and abroad.

Other than Estrada, names like Dulce Cepeda and Bebu Bulchan who were in close connections with another former Pres. Fidel Ramos had also been on top of the list of ABI benefactor. These two also got involved in last November 28, 2007 Peninsula Stand-off. Apart from which, they were also seen with Sen. Panfilo Lacson, Marili Osias of the Concerned Citizens’ Movement, Gus LAGMAN of Black and White (BnW) Movement, Linda Montayre of the Fortunato ABAT group (Coalition for National Salvation) and ex-ambassador Roy Señeres.

Money and lots of it are keeping this anti-Gloria phenomenon in the air. Keeping track on this administration’s finances is obligatory for concerned taxpayers. There is nothing entirely wrong with it. However, it loses track whenever politicians especially a convicted plunderer puts his hand on it.

ERAP-LED FOOD FIGHT “Trying to Wash His Hands Clean Before 2010”

2009-09-07T03:07:00.000-07:00

After the truth is out of former President Erap Estrada financing a movement called the Alternative Budget Initiative (ABI), which claims to be a movement identified with its participation on transparent and accountable budget system in the government, public cannot help but speculate on whether these current hype on Gloria’s expensive dinners were for the sake of finance lucidity or for political grooming. The Estradas who had just doled-out a huge amount to finance ABI surely expects something in return by the end of coming election. Besides, ABI conveners- Liling Briones and Jose Diokno who both served under the short-lived Estrada administration would not be giving their services for nothing. Last August 5th, Erap handed-out another split-cash worth Php 100,000 for ABI in time for ABI’s participation in the Social Watch Philippines that had been scrutinizing the 2009 financial budget.

Other than ABI, Erap was also rumored making links with various media outfits in the country with the help of certain Rick Serrano. The two were actually feeding press people with things that could generate another tension that could inevitably spark another Edsa Kwatro. With the way things are, Erap is noticeably making the bargains to stall the coming elections. This way he could probably be thinking of reliving Gloria’s ascendancy to power and maybe rule us for another decade. Philippine politics is clearly on its biggest downfall when we’re having laundered politicians coming back in.

The fiasco over the $20,000 in Le Cirque and that of the $15,000 steakhouse buffet could have been a doing of one very “fascinated” administration rival. The intent of getting a closer look at Gloria’s whereabouts and activities in the U.S could not have been for sole reasons of transparency? Besides, the hype on the Arroyo’s spendings and earnings had been hyped since ABI and Erap’s 2010 presidential ambition started sinking-in. This is obviously a well-coordinated effort which none could have prepared unless he had this strong disagreement with Gloria.

As the 2010 election nears, politics is getting dirtier than ever. Ill intentions are pouring-out like typhoon from both camps manned by the Opposition and the Leftist moralists; all for the sake of taking Pres. Gloria out of the picture. As ABI continues to take its flight, the contention on the president’s assets would surely be getting worst. Sadly, a fine movement had to be tainted with politicking purpose. No wonder that faith on the coming elections had gone down the drain. There aren’t decent presidentiables left that would be worth Malacañang.

MAR ROXAS INGGIT SA DINNER SA NEW YORK

2009-08-21T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hanggang saan kaya balak paabutin ni Senador Mar Roxas ang mga patutsada laban kay Gloria para lamang makakuha ng pogi-points mula sa mga taong bayan na pilit niyang nililinlang? Bukod sa pagmumura sa isang rally, pag-atake sa Cheaper Medicines Bills at palabasin ang kaniyang bersyon bilang mas maganda at masunog sa bandang huli, pasuot ng kwintas na bawang sa senado at pagsasawsaw sa usaping kalusugan ni GMA ay tila may bago na namang pauso si Mr Palengke - ito ay ang busisiin ang napabalitang dinner sa isang restoran sa New York at gamitin na naman ito para sa kaniyang political strategy.
Maiintindihan sana natin ang ganitong balitaktakan kung valid issues lang ang magiging palitan sa magkabilang nag-uumpugang kampo pero masyado naman yata pinababa ng senador ang usapan sa lebel ng ordinaryong tsismis lamang dahil sa kawalan ng ebidensya sa kaniyang mga paratang. Halatadong-halatado tuloy itong si “boy bawang” na pilit nitong isisiksik ang sarili sa mga maiinit na isyu mapag-usapan lamang at mabigyan lang ng pagkakataon na makilala para sa plano niyang pagtakbo sa dadating na eleksyon.
Hindi kaya ito konektado sa naging maugong na balita dati na kaya biglang umatras si Senador Ping Lacson sa kaniya planong pagkapangulo ay dahil may namamagitang alyansa sa dalawang senador? Ito ay ang nabunyag na alyansa na papanalunin ni Ping si Mar at proproteksyunan ng naman ng huli ang una sa mga kasong kriminal kapag nakapwesto na. Eto ba ang dahilan kung bakit masyadong papansin ngayon si Mr Palengke na dati-rati naman ay hindi niya ginagawa? Mukhang nahawaan na ni Mr Exposé si Mar Roxas at siya na ngayon ang ginagawang mikropono aka spokesperson ni Ping Lacson para bigyan ng kredebilidad ang kaniyang mga patutsada kay Ate Gloria.
Alam na alam kasi ni Ping na gasgas na gasgas na ang kaniyang pangalan at ano mang pasasabugin nito laban sa kasalukuyang administrasyon ay ikakataas lamang ng kilay ng sambayanang Pilipino at iisipin na pilit niya inililihis ang usapan para proteksyunan ang kaniyang sarili.
Mag-isip sana si Senador Mar Roxas na hindi sa anu pa mang gimik politikal siya maboboto sa 2010. Hindi pagsuot ng kwintas na bawang o sa pagsawsaw sa mga isyu mapapansin ang isang kandidato dahil ito ay karaniwan na natin nakikitang ginagawa ng mga ibat-ibang presidentiables na lakas loob na humaharap sa ating mga Pilipino at lumiligaw ng boto mula sa atin. Kung gusto talaga ni Mr Palengke makapwesto sa Malacañang ay mas marapat na valid na mga isyu lamang ang kaniyang gamit sa paghamon ng balitaktakan at sa ngayon pa lamang ay ilaglag na si Ping Lacson sa mahigpit na pagkakahawak nito sa kaniyang saya.

SOMA: Suppose Our Media Agrees with GLORIA

2009-08-19T19:44:00.000-07:00

Nothing could go wrong when one thinks outside the box and tries settling its own evasive affairs, like how the media make use of exploring controversies in order to make money. The negative write-ups on the current administration are hypothetically thrice the magnitude of Gloria’s claimed fandom in her ascendancy through Edsa Dos in 2001. Her administration who gagged-down a multi-million plunderer out of Malacañang is now being held at question by the very forces of the convicted-president Erap Estrada. It is bothersome how the public welcomes Erap who was neither regretful of his erring actions in 2000 nor conciliatory with the very administration that pardoned him for good. Thanks to what we could attest as “media-led distortion of accepted morals”, Erap is now our hero and Gloria, our devious archenemy.

The graft charges on GLORIA never hold ground. They were either lacking substance or worst politically motivated basing on the actions of its renowned whistleblowers who by now are testing the political waters for the nearing 2010. Compared with Erap, his plunder charges were proven factual and thereby contemptuous. During his term, the peso reached its intolerable dollar exchanges while oil prices skyrocketed. In fact, it was in Estradas’ term when peso struck its lowest buying ability in the international market. An open offensive with both the secessionist and Communist groups in the country also took a spin in the country’s stability and even destabilize the state’s budget. Erap was a sham president that People Power ousted from the presidency.

But with the kind of media ass-kissing Erap is getting, his supposed “negative pull” to the masses decreased in unexplainable heights. This same media mileage and even “grooming” led him to believe that Juan dela Cruz are naïve and stupid enough to welcome him in the presidential seat by 2010. The plunderer Erap was even remolded into a tempting delicacy for the 2010 elections; which is why, bunch of his enemies before side with him now. Like for example, the rightist moralists led by Bayan Muna Teddy Casiño and Satur Ocampo who spearheaded the Erap Resign Movement in 2001. In April of this year, both Casiño and Ocampo declared an open-alliance with the Estradas and his comrades in the political Opposition. This, by far, should have been a well-celebrated case of politicking at its “best” but the media made it look like a “decent” or worth accepting trend.

There was nothing in Gloria’s SONA that I myself had not experienced nor witnessed in front row seats. She was right with the fact that political stunts and backbiting among the Genuine Opposition was her deadliest opponent. Their accusations were cowardly done. Taking these Gloria plunder charges into public trials other than filing it in the proper courts should have been exploited by the media. However, this was ridden-on by the press to simply write stories that sell that contains nothing less than rumors or gossips.

Come to think of it, if Erap was in the seat of power as we while down the whirlwind of global recession, most would now be starving to death. The way the peso was dragging in Erap’s term; there is no denying that Juan dela Cruz would not have had the ability to feed himself a decent meal.

ERAP-LACSON TANDEM: Behind TRG’s Forceful TAKE-OVER (Even if Civilian Lives are at Stake)

2009-07-20T19:37:00.001-07:00

The controversial plan to ground the feared Transition Revolutionary Government (TRG) is out at last. Uncovered on circulating TRG proposal was the names of Sen. Panfilo Lacson and deposed Pres. Erap Estrada. The two, as enclosed on said 12-paged documentation, were the veiled authors of the proposed junta-inspired like EDSA that would likely perpetuate them in power with the use of the Transition Council. And unfortunately, this involves creating actual armed commotion that we had just witnessed recently. Specifically, this entails the bombing in the office of the Ombudsman that was shortly followed by the explosions in Cotabato, Sulu and Lanao.

Initial phases of the so-called last resolve to oust Gloria include the string of atrocious acts targeting civilian-dominated areas and key installations nationwide. That is, with the use of the active military defectors co-led by retired civilianized generals and certain former Col. Rey Cabauatan. This man was also indentified liaising with Lacson on the camps of BGEN Danilo Lim and Sen. Antonio Trillanes. Furthermore, Cabauatan was among those linked to the millions-worth of firearm and ammunition procurement in January of this year in Quezon City.

The motive behind such long shot armed campaign was to create a plausible scenario of instability that could trigger public outrage and discontent. Alienating the administration from the public by sabotaging the AFP and implying its incapacity to quell terroristic threats would serve as Erap and Ping’s mantra for the forceful take-over.

Targeting Mindanao would fit perfectly on exploiting the lapses on the GRP-MILF Peace Talks while shaking-up Metro Manila mean putting a stall on the flow of business and commerce. Visayas was spared for the reasons that Erap and Lacson believed it is impenetrable when it comes to its loyalty towards Gloria. However, the tandem plans to infiltrate the so-called little Malacañang through media-mitigated nationwide “demoralization”. The same process used to gather a handful of crowd during the EDSA Dos mobilizations.

Greed for power damnifies the soul. The Erap and Lacson tandem thought that this time around they could still get-away with murder in the process of developing their political careers. The Kuratong Baleleng and the Dacer-Corbito murders were nothing compared with their cooked-up plot against the entire nation. The TRG would not be another PAOC-TF that helps shield these two from retribution of their crimes. The people would not be too insensitive yet again to let this excuse-for-murder TRG to come into power.

IS THIS JDV’S MARTIAL LAW? (Straight from the Devil’s Mouth)

2009-07-15T23:22:00.001-07:00

Let us face it; JDV tops the list of this country’s “most distrusted”. We have seen him suck-up with the administration time and again. The former speaker would have gagged-up his own son-Joey, if it would mean redeeming his third year in the “Speakership”. He is a man “true” to his political ideals, a TRAPO to the bone. And just like the old “politicized honchos, he would ride-on every issue to get his most desired name recall.

Frankly speaking, JDV is more determined to get a nip of every hullabaloo there is with the administration to have his salivated “revenge”. Just take a look at how JDV sold himself out for the Opposition. Right after he was booted out of the Speakership, he openly bargained his service to the next best GO who can afford it. There is always a possibility that JDV would magnify just about anything to consider himself “valuable” for the opposition; meaning more less and less truths.

So why take an interest on him now? Does he have substantive evidence to support his earlier claims of GLORIA grounding her so-called Martial law? Would the president be that stupid to dig herself a burial ground? Marcos’ dictatorship is continuously detested by Filipinos in all walks of life. It is not the political line GLORIA is “fit” enough to fill; noting the apathy she receives from the public. JDV with his political adeptness knew this for a fact. That is why the old “Judas” wanted to take advantage of the current bombardments in Mindanao to stir public unease.

Without doubt, JDV is up to something. The political prostitute would not be going over the media and whistle supposed martial law resurrection for nothing. Considering JDV’s timing, one cannot help but think of the public being taken out for a ride. The public’s worries and mourns was now being explored by JDV for his best interest. He definitely knew getting GLORIA’s head would mean “revenge” and another political door opening.

Phil Star columnist Carmen Pedrosa was correct with a lot of things in her article “getting it Right”. The Plaza Miranda bombing before was elemental to Marcos’ dictatorship. But nevertheless it was also used to blind the public of what indeed happened and who should be blamed. Because of politicized opinions, the public pointed their fingers on Marcos. But to their regret, it turned-out to be Jose Maria Sison’s doing. The Communist Party wanted to breed public disfavor on Marcos and instill instability to wield the opportunity of their forceful takeover. Fortunately, Marcos was a better “tyrant”, the Philippine under the Red flag and fang was never established. But nevertheless, the Filipinos were unfortunately subjugated by one of East Asia’s vindictive dictator. Either way, the Filipino people lost.

Vigilance should be accompanied with rationality. Let us the authorities give us straightforward facts with regards to the bombing in South Central Mindanao. We should not re-write history yet again, especially not for political “prostitutes” like JDV.

MANCAO DAPAT PROTEKTAHAN

2009-06-12T22:35:00.000-07:00

Dumating na sa bansa mula sa America si S/Supt Cezar Mancao II noong June 4. Tulad ng inaasahan, ang kaniyang pagdating ay binantayan ng mahigit kumulang 200 na alagad ng National Bureau of Investigation o NBI at sinubaybayan ng buong bansa dahil na rin sa matagal na pagkabinbin ng kaso sa korte at lalo na sa pagkakasangkot ng ilang mga kilalang personalidad sa pagpatay kina Salvador “Bubby” Dacer at ang kaniyang driver na si Emmanuel Corbito noong Nobyembre 2000.
Bagamat maraming taga-NBI ang nagbantay sa pagdating ni Mancao ay marami pa rin ang nag-aalala sa kalagayan ng nasabing potential state witness lalo na patungkol sa kasiguruhan ng kaniyang buhay. Hindi kasi natin maiaalis na marami sa ating mga kababayan ang mag-alangan at makapag-isip na posibleng ipapatay si Mancao dahil sa lalim ng kaniyang mga alam sa twin murder nila Dacer at Corbito. Kung ganito ang mangyayari ay paniguradong hindi na naman uusad ang kaso at bibilang na naman ng taon bago mabigyan ng hustisya ang pagpatay kina Dacer. At dahil dito ay dapat mas maging masigasig ang gobyerno na protektahan si Mancao upang maibigay na ang katahimikan sa mga naiwang pamilya ni Bubby at ni Emmanuel na matagal na din naman nagtitiis ng kanilang pighati sa karumaldumal na pagkamatay ng kanilang mahal sa buhay.
Bukod sa paninigurado sa seguridad ng buhay ni Mancao, dapat tamang institusyon lamang ang diretsong hahawak sa nasabing kaso upang ang isyu at ang kaso ay huwag maging isang malaking circus. Dapat paigtingin din ang panawagan na huwag pahintulutan na magamit si Mancao ng kung sino-sinong pulitiko na nagnanais lamang palawigin ang kani-kanilang mga pangalan para sa 2010. Ang kasong kaniyang kinasasangkutan ay hindi isang palabas ng moriones bagkus ay isang kriminal na kaso na dapat seryosohin ng lahat ng panig. Siya ay iniuwi dito sa Pilipinas upang magbigay linaw sa kaso at magbigay testimonya sa kaniyang nalalaman at hindi upang magamit para sa ano pa mang bagay.
Ang pagdating ni Mancao ay sapat na upang muling buhayin ang kaso sa korte. Hindi na kinakailangang hintayin pa ang napipintong pag-uwi ni Glenn Dumlao – na kasalukuyang dinidinig pa ang kasong extradition nito sa America at sinasabing may malalim na kaalaman sa pagpatay - upang tuluyan nang umusad ang double murder case na hinihain ng mga anak ni Dacer na sina Emily Dacer-Hungerson, Sabina Dacer-Reyes, Carina Lim-Dacer at Ambaro Dacer laban kay Panfilo Lacson na siyang hepe ng dating PAOCTF nang naganap ang pagpatay sa dalawang sibilyan.
Malaki ang papel na ginagampanan ngayon ni dating S/Supt Cezar Mancao II sa pagbibigay linaw sa kaso at upang patunayan na ang hustisya sa bansa, bagamat kung minsan ay matagal makamtam, ay patuloy pa rin umiiral at naniningil sa mga taong nagkakautang dito.

KURATONG BALELENG’S SILENT PLEAS AGAINST LACSON

2009-05-31T22:23:00.000-07:00

Exactly fourteen years ago on May 18, eleven members of the dreaded bank robbery gang who called themselves as the Kuratong Baleleng were ruthlessly killed in a rubout operation along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City allegedly by several rogue members of the Philippine National Police. Included among those who lay dead were two minors, Meleuren Sorronda and Sherwyn Abalora, who were merely on a vacation from Dipolog City. The following day, the head of the so-called gang was also found killed together with another alleged member in Biñan in Laguna.

Sadly, up until now this classic case of extrajudicial killings remain unsolved as the Supreme Court is yet to give a decision on the pending administrative case filed by the families of the slain Kuratong Baleleng members against Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 81 Judge Ma. Theresa Dela Torre-Yadao who mysteriously dismissed the multiple murder charges against 11 police officers involved in the alleged rubout.

Up until now, the accused officers are yet to spend jail time and are yet to answer for their crimes for violating the rights of these people. Ironically, Senator Panfilo Lacson who was already directly linked to the rubout case by a living witness is still blissfully occupying a seat in the very halls of the Senate and is now even into an in-depth political warpath against his presidential nemesis in the 2010 elections – Senator Manny Villar. But how long will the families of the slain robbery gang members have to wait before the Supreme Court would finally issue an edict on the pending administrative case?

How many witnesses should come forward before the Supreme Court would realize that it can now revive the case and finally resolve the 11 multiple murder charges filed against 11 police officers? In March 2001, two witnesses - Senior Insp. Abelardo Ramos and Insp. Ysmael Yu – already braved the threats to their lives and came forward to issue affidavits stating that Senator Lacson himself assented to the rubout operation and was even quoted as saying “‘Baka may mabuhay pa diyan (make sure no one survives)” during a briefing held in Camp Crame. Aside from Yu and Ramos, nine more witnesses to the crime are now in the custody of the Justice Department’s Witness Protection Program. Four of these witnesses were among those who directly fired at the victims. And yet, the Supreme Court is mysteriously blind to their existence and to the pleas of the families of the slain victims. Since 2006, the Supreme Court after issuing an en banc resolution noting the urgent resolution filed by the private counsels of the Kuratong Baleleng members for the Court to resolve the case is yet to give out a decision. Does Senator Lacson have a hand on the seeming inaction and indecision of the Supreme Court specifically Chief Reynato Puno to finally give justice to these eleven victims who are clearly fatalities of extrajudicial killings?

NASAAN ANG HUSTISYA PAGKATAPOS NG 14 TAON?

2009-05-26T01:16:00.000-07:00

Nasaan na ang matagal nang hinihintay na hustisya para sa 11 miyembro ng kilalang Kuratong Baleleng gang na pinaslang noon Mayo 18, 1995 sa kahabaan ng Commonwealth Avenue sa Quezon City? Pagkaraan ng 14 na taon ay patuloy pa rin nakabinbin ang kaso sa Korte Suprema. Ang isa sa mga sinasabing direktang nag-utos ng pagpatay ay naging senador na ngunit tila ang mga kaluluwa ng 11 miyembro ay patuloy pa din nananaghoy para sa katarungan at hustisya.

Malinaw na ang nasabing pagpatay ay kongkretong halimbawa ng isang hindi makaturan na pagsupil sa mga kriminal. Ito rin ay malinaw na nagpapakita ng isang paglabag sa karapatang pantao. At dahil sa nabanggit na dalawang rason ay dapat maparusahan ang lahat ng nasasangkot sa nasabing kaso, maging sya pa man ay kilalang personahe sa ating bansa.

Hanggang kailan magiging mailap ang hustisya para sa mga pamilyang naiwan ng mga Kuratong Baleleng members? Hindi pa ba sapat ang apat na testigo tulad nila SPO4 Ed Delos Reyes, SPO4 Corazon Dela Cruz, P/INSP Ysmael Uy at Leonora Sorondra upang tuluyang tuldukan ang pighati ng mga naiwang pamilya ng mga napatay na Kuratong Baleleng members? Ano pa ang kinakailangan na mga ebidensya upang umusad nang tuluyan ang kaso at mahatulan ang mga sangkot? Nakakalungkot na ang pagtestigo ng apat na nabanggit na personalidad ay nauwi sa wala dahil sila ngayon ay mga kapwa umurong sa pagbibigay testimoniya dahil na rin sa mga pananakot, sa kanilang buhay.
Sa 2010, tatakbo sa pagkapresidente si Senador Panfilo Lacson. Kung sakaling siya ay manalo at maging pangulo ng Pilipinas ay mas magiging malabo pa ang hustisya para sa mga pinatay at lalong mabibinbin ang kaso sa Korte Suprema. Hindi ba’t dahil sa tinatawag na “time element” dahil sa nalalapit na 2010 election ay mas dapat bigyan ng atensiyon ngayon ng mga huwes ng Korte Suprema ang nasabing kaso at iresolba ito sa lalong madaling panahon?

Maski sila pa ang pinakamasamang mga kriminal sa ating bansa, ang mga napatay na Kuratong Baleleng members ay dapat binigyan ng pagkakataon na harapin ang kani-kanilang kaso sa korte at pagdusahan ang mga katumbas na kaparusahan sa mga ito. Ngunit sa isang iglap, ang kanilang karapatan ay nawala kasama ng pagkitil sa kanilang buhay.

Marami silang nabiktima sa mga krimen na kanilang ginawa laban sa kanilang mga kapwa Pinoy pero sila din ay naging biktima noong May 18, 1995 o labing apat na taon nang nakakalipas. Hanggang kailan sila hihingi ng hustisya?

ERAP PRESIDENT

2009-05-20T23:53:00.000-07:00

The Erap-Jeepneys are back. The old “for the interest of the poor” tunes are at it again. The Kuratong Baleleng rub-out case celebrated well before is now getting its fourteenth year anniversary for nothing. A gang got killed in May 18, 1995 with handcuffs and implanted guns in the crime scene. Witnesses in the likes of Armando Capili, a reporter of Remate as well as SPO2 Eduardo delos Reyes who both gambled their safeties may not be the next presidentiables or senatorial bets but they Erap and Ping could never be half the man these witnesses have been.

Justice failed when the Kuratong victims’ relatives desisted from their testimonies. It failed again when Lacson and Erap both have their tickets into mainstream politics despite the fact that they were both “at question” with Kuratong Baleleng and Dacer Corbito cases. Unfortunately, it will fail over and again for the fourteenth year as the politicking sets in for the forthcoming 2010 elections. This is one concrete example of justice that was not only delayed but altogether denied.

Have we forgotten the fact that Erap plundered millions of tax payers’ money where he was convicted but was later let loose? If the PACC or the PAOC-TF were both criminals shrugged under the rug is the Malacañang or the presidency worth a trash by 2010? By now, Erap is practically rejoicing over the fact that Juan dela Cruz is stubborn enough to take him back. People who might be opposed to the idea are long dead; like the Kuratong, Dacer or Corbito for a case.

The presidency for Erap is made possible by the fact that he had got out of a murder case in flying colors. He was not alone; in fact, he is carrying his best “army” and confidant with him-Lacson. Politicking and gimmickries were both their tickets to a future bearing another stab at graft and corruption. They all have their tempting facades to wave at unwitting voters. Lacson proved he was amazing at nipping the bud out of every malpractice he sniffs under his nose; but for one. He made the PACC and PAOC-TF get away with murders with subordinates paying for his own ill-doing. Erap on the other hand, brush his plunder case aside and is now working at another hocus pocus for the presidency. Eventually by the time we begin holding these people accountable of the crimes they committed it will apparently be too late. They are either untouchable or rallying behind their immunity status.

Erap and Lacson vying for the presidency is nevertheless disgusting after fourteen years of their well-taken cared off high crimes. If fourteen years are still not enough to wake our consciousness then there will be more. Not another gang used and then dismissed for the obvious “turf” covering but maybe 90 million Filipinos exploited to get into absolute power.

JUDGE LORREDO, DAPAT I-DISBAR

2009-05-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

Siya ang nag-apruba ng warrant of arrest para kay Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada sa kasong perjury na sinampa ni Mike Defensor ngunit siya ngayon ang naghihimok sa mismong naghain ng kaso na makipag-areglo na lamang kay Jun at iurong ang sinabing kaso. Hindi ba’t nakakapagtaka ang biglang pagbaligtad ni Judge Jorge Emmanuel Lorredo ng Manila Metropolitan Trial Court? Hindi lamang nakakapagtaka ngunit ito ay isang nakakagimbal na balita lalo na ang kaniyang mga binitawang mga salita na hindi dapat marinig mula sa kahit kaninong hukom sa bansa.

Sa isang limang pahinang desisyon ni Judge Lorredo noong May 4, 2009 ay nasaksihan natin ang ilan sa mga pagkakamali ng nasabing judge. Imbes na isang legal na desisyon, ang mababasa ay nagmistulang isang sermon na may halong pruweba ng pagiging biased ng hukom. Sinabi ni Judge Lorredo na mas mainam para kay Mike Defensor na makipag-ayos na lamang kay Lozada dahil ito ay makakasira lamang sa kaniyang political career at kalusugan tulad ng nangyari sa unang ginoo na si Mike Arroyo. Hindi ba’t bilang hukom ay hindi dapat siya nagbibitiw ng kahit ano mang komento hinggil sa kasalukuyang kasong kaniyang hinahawakan? Ito ay upang maprotektahan ang kaniyang magiging judgement na inaasahan ng sambayan na mamaging patas at walang kinikilingan.

Bukod dito, ang kaniyang kontrobersyal na order ay nagmistulang isang pag-uudyok lamang sa kampo ng depensa dahil siya ay nagsambit na ang perjury case ay pwedeng maging daan upang ma-aresto at ipatawag ang mag-asawang Arroyo upang magbigay testimoniya hinggil sa kaso. Dahil kay Judge Lorredo ay nagkakagulo ngayon ang ilang grupo mula sa oposisyon dahil sa kagustuhan nilang maka-isa sa tinatawag na executive privilege. Hindi ba’t malinaw na pagkakamali ang kaniyang mga naging hakbang? Pati mga kapwa hukom at abogado ay napapa-iling sa ginawa ni Judge Lorredo.

Tulad ng paratang niya kay Mike Defensor, hindi kaya siya ay nabayaran na din upang magbigay siya ng isang order na malinaw na may kinikilingang grupo. Dahil dito, dapat siyang magbitiw at ibigay na lamang sa ibang hukom ang nasabing kaso.

Bukod sa paghingi ng tawad tulad ng una nang hiniling ng mga miyembro ng National Association of Lawyers for Justice and Peace ay dapat din kastiguhin ng Supreme Court, Integrated Bar of the Philippines o IBP at ng DOJ pati na ang mga kilalang lawyers’ group sa bansa tulad ng CODAL at NUPL ang kaduda-dudang payo ni Judge Lorredo dahil ito ay nagpapahiwatig lamang na ang perjury case laban kay Lozada ay nahusgahan na bago pa man ito ay opisyal na maisalang. Ang isang hukom ay dapat patas sa lahat ng kaso ngunit dahil sa kaniyang order noong May 4 ay napatunayan natin na galit si Judge Lorredo kay Mike Defensor upang ito ay kaniyang bastusin at apakan ang karapatan ni Defensor na maghain at ipaglaban ang kaniyang karapatan ayon sa kaniyang ninanais. Ito ba ang gusto nating hahawak at hahatol sa mga ligal na kaso natin?

CHANGE WHO, DINKY? “Forcing to hold the next administration at its neck”

2009-05-19T00:31:00.000-07:00

Former President Arroyo Cabinet Secretary Dinky Soliman had just launched ChangePolitics, a movement seeking renewed and responsible voting for 2010 and beyond. But is the public overlooking a salient but alarming statement taken on Soliman’s very mouth? In particular when she insists that the people behind ChangePolitics to include her ofcourse would have to be forcing their way-in on executive decisions and policies by 2011. Try to imagine a crowd of “politicize” honchos who merely wanted to get through power by making the so-called movement as a façade. To which, political egoist like Soliman belonged. The one who had disclosed her plans for the 2010 senate seat fairly early this year but was taken aback after her stumpy confidence ratings.

A former lapdog like Soliman who had been trying to find ways to absolve herself to get into the mainstream politics can’t and should not be trusted. The word “insisting” to quote her so-called stamen on the role of ChangePolitics involves “her” and “company” to dictate no less than the elected president in 2010. That would be her worst role other than being a legendary lapdog. Soliman is practically making gimmicks to get to her most coveted “position”. She walked away with her closest ally teary-eyed when she signed-up for the Hyatt 10. She secretly made a pact with Opposition TRAPOs she once opposed in the likes of Panfilo Lacson and even Erap Estrada. This was the same pact that involves multi-million financial aids, which up until today had been used for her pre-election campaigns. She wanted to test the waters and unfortunately the one who gave her the much needed assistance were her former adversaries.

Soliman is nonetheless planning to resuscitate her dying “career” in government as she first tried it out with INCITEGOV along with other HYATT 10 members. But just as her plans to run for the senate was out in the open, INCITEGOV got thrown-out the window. People simply would not give her the chance to deceive them over and again. Obviously, ChangePolitics was another “nome de plum” that was set to hide Soliman’s true identity. Like a fictional writer, Soliman wanted to create a scenario where she would ofcourse be hailed a hero. Sad to say, the “stinky” fish with her tactlessness ruined the entire drama. It was worse when she was “siding” with GLORIA before in exchange for a handful of powerful positions. It would be far terrible when she gets to dictate the voting public on who to vote and later on the president with what to do.

Are we up for a Soliman shadow-led government? Is it not evident enough that she is unfit to take any position when her fallibility to politicking is about 100%? That when things turn upside-down, Soliman jettisons to another camp and suck-up her former stand just to “cleanse” herself?

Other than changing “politics” we should be annihilating “politicking” where Soliman and other TRAPOs belong. It is not our suffrage that has to be scrutinized. In fact, it should be these “posing” morally right groups, who like false prophets, deceive us in exchange for “votes”.

LOZADA SICK IN CUSTODY BUT HEALTHY WITH POLITICAL JOURNEY

2009-05-15T21:24:00.000-07:00

Jun Lozada is a second-rate Trillanes. He was more than just a “whistleblower” who blew-out his welcome in the public by practically portraying an overly-rated actor with his perjury case martyrdom. At first, he denied himself of freedom after he snob the six thousand bail bond. Lozada wanted to play it hard so that he would eventually looked hard-up and victimized behind bars ofcourse. But should he drag the word “hospital arrest” over and again? Juan dela Cruz have had enough of these “I am sick excuses”.

Is it not true that Lozada flies from city to the next during his so-called campaign for reform and the truth that centered in Central Visayas and NCR and Baguio? These were recent engagements Lozada had participated with quite a healthy note and presence. Printed pictures of him about months ago in closed-fists and braced-arms with other anti-GLORIA loyalists give as an idea about Lozada was practically hale and hearty. This is apparently the reason why he chose the chilly bars over six thousand pesos right?

But about two days after having been detained in a cozy room in the Manila Police district and just as the public cared less for his so-called battled “oppression” he ram the signal of high blood pressure and nausea. Lozada threw the white towel and screamed “let me out”. Well, can we really blame the guy? He thought the Filipinos are that anxious to have a Jose Rizal copycat. Maybe one thing that made the whole “I need help” drama was its “perfection”. The histrionic Rizal t-shirt with his sad and almost worn-out face spread on the early dailies was a give-away. It was too perfect to be true.

The only way to draw attention and ultimately to make a name recall for Lozada’s nearing senatorial plight is this perjury thug with Defensor. The arrest was supposed to portray him helpless and in dire need of public sympathy but I think the people leave it up to midnight soap operas. Fictional characters are worth the masses’ outrage other than Lozada who by the end of 2008 had generated about millions of peso for his supposed “well-being”. The plain Tagalog lingo “ginagatasan” is ideal to explain how Lozada and company had dealt with Church goers and youths in their invented “truth campaign”. Where did the millions go at this point when basically the campaign vanished in thin air as soon as Lozada decided to test drive his “support base” in 2010? Was that “hard-earned” cash turned into a political trash?

People aren’t stupid and they do know when to stop idolizing “Baals”. Lozada should have kept that in mind before he trapped himself in a detention cell. As they say, red hand convicts with political hold always get nauseated when confronted with handcuffs and police warrants. Getting sick had been an overused understatement for red hands to find their way-out; making Estrada as a fitting example ofcourse. Ironically, it worked for Erap since he got absolved with plunder, but it never went well as an alibi for Lozada who simply is nothing less but a politicking neophyte.

LOZADA Copycat of TRILLANES

2009-05-07T20:14:00.000-07:00

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada accepted elements of the Manila Police District who were serving a warrant of arrest for a perjury case filed against him by Philippine National Railroad Chairman Mike Defensor with open arms at the La Salle Greenhills on April 29, 2009. Aside from publicly preparing for the controversial arrest by wearing a Jose Rizal imprinted t-shirt, the broadband deal whistleblower upon his arrest and subsequent incarceration at the MPD station had also adamantly resisted paying the measly P6,000.00 bail bond which is accorded to any person facing a perjury case.

And why would Jun Lozada do that when he could have easily asked his nun supporters under the Association of Major Religious and Superior of the Philippines or AMRSP to dole out the petty cash collected from the “Piso Para kay Lozada” which the sisters launched specifically to finance Jun’s criminal and any other legal fights? The perjury case is a very valid legal case, that is unless Lozada is merely using his incarceration as a pretense and really has every intention of copying the propaganda and political tactic employed by Antonio Trillanes in 2007 and which had successfully positioned him in the Senate.

Like Senator Antonio Trillanes, Lozada wants to fully maximize his current legal battle – thanks to Mike Defensor who was only trying to clear his name but who unwittingly gave Jun a deadly yet very potent political weapon – so that he would be seen as an underdog. Of course, taking on this role would play best for his future plan to run as a senator particularly when a legitimate political party such as the Nacionalista Party has offered a place under their senatorial slate for 2010.

That being the case, can we now regard Jun Lozada as a true-to-the-bone liar that he is instead of being a beacon of truth like what he has been trying to let us believe? He is after all facing a legal case which questions his credibility because of a lie that was apparently uttered under oath and in front of judges belonging to an age-old legal institution such as the Court of Appeals. If he is really innocent just like what he has been trying to claim all along, then wouldn’t it be better for him to pay the measly P6,000.00 bail bond and present himself during hearings instead of doing his “image cleaning” publicly and inside a well airconditioned room at the MPD station which unfortunately and sadly only consume taxpayers’ money.

Just like Trillanes, Jun Lozada seemed to have learned quite early that several public appearances with a raised clenched fist behind imaginary bars can greatly help a person’s political ambition and maybe even contribute to the subsequent fulfillment of his aborted move to undertake fraudulent projects once he is already a government official of which he was said to have already manifested during his PhilForest day when he apparently obtained a 15 million worth of life insurance for his wife which the institution paid for. Aside from this, PhilForest employees also claimed that Lozada purchased lands and subsequently gave these to his brothers and also padded the purchase cost of 70 goats from Australia which was questionably priced at P100,000.00.

Now, would we want that in our Senate halls?

SATUR OCAMPO DEFACING CPP-NPA-NDF “Division over Political or Armed Struggle”

2009-05-05T02:56:00.000-07:00

BAYAN Muna solon Saturnino “Satur” Ocampo defaced CPP-NPA-NDF’s stand against “politicalization” as he vied for 2010 senate seats. Part of which was the forged alliance with the camp of deposed President Joseph “Erap” Estrada last April 16th in Balai ng Alumni, UP-Diliman that later culminated to the launching of the political pool-MAKABAYAN. And as sourced, MAKABAYAN would comprise UNO bets and established partylist groups such as the above, GABRIELA, and ANAKPAWIS. Undoubtedly, this forms part of militant groups and GLORIA oppositionists’ political maneuvering shadow-led by CPP-NPA-NDF Chairman in absentia- Jose Maria “JOMA” Sison and UNO honchos-Sen. Panfilo Lacson and Erap Estrada.

This ofcourse nailed the rumors true; particularly the one involving the CPP-NPA zeroing in on a far subtler approach- the electoral struggle. The idea behind the favoring of electoral struggle over armed resistance is the mimicking of Nepalese Communist’s victorious political revolt that by now mandates its parliament. Subsequently, Philippine democracy under said Reds’ tactic would undergo gradual annihilation through direct implantations of aboveground cadres (such as Ocampo and Teddy Casiño) in mainstream politics.

As speculated, about 168 NPA guerilla fronts would be used to sabotage electoral votes and ballot turn-outs nationwide in order to make sure that Ocampo and Casiño wins the senatorial slate. That is, other than the extended support to UNO banners particularly Nacionalista (NPC) bet Sen. Manny Villar and Liberal Party- Sen. Mar Roxas III. Apparently, Erap settled for the backing-down of BAYAN Muna, ANAKPAWIS and GABRIELA in the partylist elections to give way for his financed and managed Union of the Masses for Democracy and Justice or (UMDJ).

However, more than a handful of cadres in the CPP-NPA-NDF remain appositive with the idea. The Communist Party making its way again in politics would inevitably lead to chaotic rifts and leadership huddle between those loyal to CPP Acting-Chair Benito Tiamzon and JOMA Sison. Furthermore, the debatable aligning of Party-members such as Ocampo and Casiño with infamous TRAPOs sure placed the CPP-NPA-NDF under criticism. This then would advent the battle between the politicize cadres with minimal guerilla experience and those who went fulltime underground lobbying for incessant warfare. And Ocampo being elemental to the pursuit of Sison’s plans had created a formidable nemesis in the likes of Tiamzon.

NPA Served Sacrificial Lambs

The one fighting underground (NPA) represented no less by the Tiamzon couples would have no place in the now grounded electoral struggle. In fact, to gain international recognition and even potential electorates Sison together with Ocampo would have to sacrifice NPA’s cost. This meant riddling surrenderees that would sure downsize Tiamzon’s command. And far worse, a nationwide sell-out of Red fighter’s whereabouts and the pin-down of cadres with standing WOA (Warrants of Arrest) in order to build public trust and recognition. This is a wittingly crafted move by Sison to dismember Tiamzon’s hold specifically his sympathetic guerilla fronts and ultimately regain control of the Communist Party.

Tiamzon Anticipating Sison’s Treachery

However with the progressing of Tiamzon-orchestrated OPLAN LINIS DEMONYO (OLD) in his identified stronghold in Mindanao, it seems clear that Tiamzon had already anticipated traitors in his backyard. He is simply making it hard for Sison to penetrate his loyalists and alongside consolidates the entire NPA to stand against Sison’s electoral struggle.

Accordingly, NPA-Southern Mindanao Command based in Davao had already initiated OLD’s fang against the fallible Leoncio Pitao alias Commander Parago who was sanctioned by Tiamzon’s court for fund malverzation and sexual opportunism. As rumored, Pitao is trying to seek Sison’s support in the “down the rag” resolve of his charges in trade of his loyalty and about two other provincial fronts under his mandate. And just to straighten the erring comrade, Tiamzon had purportedly ordered a team led by Commander Ricardo Moreno under SMRC (husband of one of Pitao’s victims). And as means of justifying grudge, Moreno ordered for the rape and murder of Pitao’s daughter-Rebelyn last March 4. Furthermore, Ocampo and others with him involve in MAKABAYAN are OLD’s next set of targets.

By 2010, the NPA and the CPP Central Committee would be going head-to-head as they both compete for survival.

Ocampo Betraying JOMA

In taking Sison’s orders, Ocampo swallowed angst and mockery from among his BAYAN Muna adherents and CPP-NPA-NDF mainstream leaders. There is neither going back nor “switching of loyalties” left for Ocampo other than an outright jettisoning to Erap’s mercy once Sison’s electoral struggle proved futile. Besides, under Erap’s wing a far higher position awaits for him. As an Erap crony, he sure would have a place beyond 2010. At that time, BAYAN and even the CPP would have no use for him. In fact, Sison would have to settle to his demands.

Satur would not be settling for less, not when it means being a mere Sison “phony” like how Benito Tiamzon remained CPP’s figure head for almost two decades. Besides, betraying a comrade at point blank is far easier than making him “suffer”. That is, as we track back on Ocampo’s orchestrated purging operations under the formerly established AHOS tribunal. AHOS administered the verdicts of killed CPP-NPA traitors in between 1980’s and late 90s under OPLAN Cadena de Amor and Zombie that drove hundreds of fatalities in Leyte and Bukidnon. Remnants of said carnage were the unearthed grave sites that also served as AHOS’ killing fields in Inopacan, Leyte last 2006 and those in Central Visayas.

MAKABAYAN will eventually turn into MAKA-OCAMPO by the end of this year, just as early political campaigning sets-in. By then, Ocampo would have to settle as an Erap lapdog and Sison’s stringed puppet while the CPP-NPA divides because of power thug. And worse, the 2010 elections unfortunately polluted with alarming political ambitions.

SABWATAN SA PAGITAN NG MAKABAYAN AT MGA TRAPO

2009-05-02T22:53:00.000-07:00

Dating magkakaaway ngayon ay nagkampi-kampi para sa 2010. Ito ang tuwirang nakita noong Abril 16, 2009 sa mismong founding assembly ng kabubuong koalisyon ni Bayan Muna Representative Satur Ocampo para sa kaniyang balak na pagtakbo bilang senador, ang Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan o ang MAKABAYAN. Napag-alaman na ang nabanggit na pagtitipon ay inilunsad upang makakuha ng inaasam-asam na suporta mula sa mga bigating presidential aspirants na tulad nila Senador Manny Villar, Mar Roxas III, Francis Pangilinan and Jamby Madrigal.

Dahil bukod kay Satur Ocampo, ang kaniyang mga kakampi na si Teddy Casiño, Liza Masa at Rafael Mariano ay pare-parehong naghahangad ng mas mataas na pwesto at planong kakandidato sa pagkasenador sa susunod na eleksyon. Sa kasalukuyan, si Teddy ay matagumpay na nakakuha ng matamis na oo mula kay Erap na siya naman agarang isinapubliko na kasama nga ang militanteng mambabatas sa mahiwagang senatorial slate ng UNO. Ang pagkakasama ni Teddy sa line-up ng UNO ay napag-alamang kapalit sa bibigay na suporta ng Bayan Muna sa planong pagpapatakbo sa Union of Masses for Democracy and Justice o UMDJ na kilalang grupo ni ERAP bilang party list group.

Samantala, si Satur at Liza ay matagumpay na napapayag ang mga kasama ni Senador Manny Villar sa kaniyang Nacionalista Party na sila ay suportahan sa dadating na eleksyon at punan ang kanilang pinansyal na pangangailangan sa pagkampanya. Dagdag pa nito, si Rafael Mariano ay panalong-panalo sa matagumpay na pagkakakuha ng suporta ng Liberal Party sa pamumuno ni Senador Mar Roxas III.

Patunay ng nasabing alyansa sa pagitan ng dating magkakaaway, partikular na sa pagitan ni ERAP at mga militante ay ang pagbibigay ng dating pangulo ng P100,000.00 sa mismong aktuwal na assembly. Bukod kay ERAP ay nagbigay din ng tig-iisang daang libong piso (P100,000.00) sina Villar, Pangilinan, Roxas at Madrigal at P50,000.00 naman mula sa bulsa ni Congressman Jose De Venecia Jr para sa MAKABAYAN.

JIMENEZ SEEKS U.S HELP "Militants Equates Balingbings"

2009-04-28T01:24:00.000-07:00

One of the CPP-NPA led protest rally against the US.

Anti Imperialist-Capitalist honcho bails out with little help from “Uncle Sam”. Militants turning into flip-flopping “mutants”?

Dr. Oliver Jimenez, criminally charged and arrested for funding NPA-led harassments and riddling multiple murder cases victimizing civilians in Negros Oriental seeks “refuge” to the U.S Congress.

On February 17 of this year, the Philippine Embassy based in Washington DC received quite an alarming notice emanating from the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs and Democratic Staff Director of the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission regarding an inquest on suppose danger faced by above mentioned activist in the hands of the AFP. As stipulated by Jimenez on his letter appealing so far for a US-intervention on his case, he presumes that “agents” under the AFP are out to silence him for good. That is, after he had been implicated as an active member of the Communist Party and is in fact heading legitimate NGOs that finances the NPA-Central Visayas Regional Party Committee. And with the current intrusion of an appeal to re-examine the charges against Jimenez, the trial on progress are sure facing a stall while likewise “manipulated” by unnecessary international attention.

And ironically, Jimenez who should know better after having been a renowned militant activist is actually exploiting the US-Phil International relations for his benefit. If this is the case, is it not right that those rallyists who stood behind Jimenez for years clamoring against the US supposed imperialist hold on the country are at a question of “integrity”? These butt fired militants who easily change their resolves once their neck lie on the line are nothing less than our disgusting political butterflies. They could turn backs easily on their so-called belief for nothing less than having freed from persecution or trial.

Apparently, Jimenez who once hated US policy on Philippine soil is himself enjoying it to no avail.

Unfortunately, the U.S Congress was either idiotic to even back him up on this one. Or, should we just say the said foreign country was simply expressing “democratic freedom” in its entirety even if it means extending it to those who wish for its downfall?

Militants like Jimenez are indeed a sight for sore eyes. This is the very reason why the Communist chauvinists in the country are at question. They have fallible ideologies other than their known impulse to abuse Filipinos in the countryside. So who’s the Imperialist controlling the Philippines at this point?

Jimenez was practically dragging international relations on his case in the intent that he’d get acquitted. Selfish and alarmingly abusive.

Lacson Backed by PSB to Head Transition Government

2009-04-21T02:09:00.000-07:00

The surfaced Para sa Bayan (PSB) was said to unseat GLORIA and position Senator-elect Panfilo Lacson for a transitionary government at a timeline of six months. PSB was said to be composed of active and retired military officials who were sympathizers of both Trillanes-led Magdalo and Brig Gen Danilo Lim’s 2010 senatorial candidacy. And at present, part of the group’s political agenda is the creation of a constitutional convention that is set-out to abolish Congress to pave way for the creation of a civilian-led transitionary government headed by Lacson as both president and commander-in-chief. According to a reliable source, PSB is led by Ret. Gen. Renato De Villa, Ret. Col. Rey Cabauatan and Ret. Col. Billy Bibit. That is, apart from the identified ten Army officers, whose names were still withheld, ranking from lieutenants all the way up to colonels.

For the record, Ret. Col. Cabauatan was the rumored shadow head of Ayaw Sa Trapo Movement (ASTM) dictating the public-known Bishop Nilo Tayag who acts as its “figure-head”. Cabauatan, as financed by Lacson purportedly led the signature campaign boosting SC Chief Reynato Puno’s 2010 presidential candidacy. ASTM was to be utilized as front of PSB as it caters neutral sectors particularly the middle class, academe and proletariats. Their support for Puno would serve as a facade underneath the intents of linking Lacson with the SC Justice.

It seems Lacson is also utilizing PSB particularly its active members who were still in the AFP to win support for a cooked-up coup plot against GLORIA. Ofcourse, elemental to gain grounds against the current administration is to divide the AFP and hold a strong support among both the religious sectors and the middle classes. That is, as compared with the successes of both EDSA revolts. Reasons behind the push of Lacson towards his orchestrated transitionary government is his beaten confidence surveys alongside co-presidentiables VP De Castro, Sen Escudero and even deposed President Estrada. Besides, this would be the easiest and swiftest way to Malacañang and to acquit himself of the Dacer-Corbito double slay case.

RISKY HUSKY “MILF’s AL-KHOBAR RESURRECTING THREAT”

2009-04-14T02:10:00.000-07:00

North Cotabato is rocked with riddling IED explosions obviously orchestrated against the management of Husky Bus Company. Last March 24 at about 2:45 early morning, another IED exploded in one of said company’s stations in national highway of Brgy Mother Tamontaka, Cotabato City where two bus units were slightly damaged. Initial investigations on said incident found that the used explosive device was command detonated using a still unknown cellular phone. Synthesizing the manner and weapons used were a signature of the renowned threat-group Al-Khobar who served as a special unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) concentrating on explosive-component use and extortion scheme across Cotabato area. This is what behind the table peace talks is serving for the MILF. The Moro group is counting on the resumption of negotiations while strengthening armed contingents by buying ammunitions through extorted money from various local and foreign companies in their threatened populace.

Prior to said blast about a day before, a fragmentation grenade was recovered near the residence of Dr Emilio Escobillo, owner of the Husky Bus Company in General Santos City. This was in consonance to the series of alleged abortive extort negotiations between the Al-Khobar and the Husky Management. As sourced, extreme measures to be conducted by said terror group would include broad daylight bombings which the blast in Kidapawan City last March 22 that wounded 7 civilians served as a potent example.

Tracing back, bus lines operating within Cotabato and Davao area admitted a Php 30,000.00 pay-off every month to AL-KHOBAR. But often than not as extort schemes plunged, the said group resort to bloody bombings that at present claimed almost (11) lives and wounded more than (80) others. Accounts of said incidents include the May 18 2007 bombing of the Weena Bus Line terminal in Cotabato City along Don Rufino Alonzo Avenue which killed (3) and wounded (20) more. Following that were the series of attacks in a span of June 08 2007 till early August of same year. The explosions were directed at specific transport companies such as the Weena and Yellow Bus lines operating in Regions 11 and 12. And just recently, the said MILF wing-group is targeting Husky Bus Lines that is based in General Santos.

The Special Operations Group (SOG) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in connivance with the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI)/Foreign Militant Jihadist (FMJ) is what created AL-KHOBAR. In the first quarter of 2007, bombing orchestrated within Davao-Cotabato areas all pinpointed to AL KHOBAR. This advented the escalation of threat against said group.

As sourced-out, MILF ranking officials head the AL-KHOBAR. As such, identified among them were Arman Ronda alias Abdul Jabar, Chief SOG, National Guard Base Command (NGBC), BIAF-MILF. More so, MILF Chief of Staff Sammy Gambar was known to be putting a hand on the group thru middleman Ali Mohammad alias ALCOBAR. Weaponry such as the Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) used by AL-KHOBAR were deliberately funded by the MILF through SOG Commander Mukasid DELNA. All of these MILF officials were trained by foreign terror cells to include AL Qaeda.

The Husky bus lines are now being used to resuscitate MILF’s dying logistics. The secessionist group think it is easiest way of getting even with Christian-run companies and ofcourse threat escalation in Mindanao. They have no remorse for either a Christian dying alongside ten unwary Muslims with their indiscriminate bomb blast. They are not fighting for Moro rights nor are they soldiers of Allah.

The MILF and its AL-KHOBAR unit are taking lives in exchange for a pile truck of cash. They are driven with money and they shed blood for the same.

NAIL ERAP ON THE DACER-CORBITO MURDERS- LACSON

2009-04-11T20:29:00.001-07:00

Jay Lacson (son of senator-elect Ping Lacson) supposedly spilled the beans on his father’s attempt to nail “bigote”-Berroya tandem on publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer murder. Part of the so-called Ping engineered IED was setting it to blow detrimental on Erap in time of the 2010 presidential campaigns.

How are they doing it?

As of this day, Lacson was said to have financed a three-manned team in the US to work on Cesar Mancao’s affidavit for a possible recantation. The said team was headed by Harry Roque, Mon Casiple and certain Mr. De Mesa (Lacson’s money-man). As planned, the group would also be visiting Glenn Dumlao who just bailed himself out of extradition to also recant his former statements and weaken Mancao’s altogether. Part of the Lacson-scripted “courtings” was the $100,000 bail bond lend to Dumlao.

Other than a supposed double-retraction topping the Dacer-Corbito case, the duo (Dumlao and Mancao) are to implicate Erap Estrada in a stretch. Lacson was to use the long-standing public knowledge of Erap wanting to silence Dacer for good in 2000 in line with his plunder cases. The motive for the slay lies greatly on the ousted president. And, the fact that Erap funded and founded PAOC-TF it is a possibility that he could exploit the task force and its men for his use. Ping on the other end, could live with the ultimate alibi- “Erap, who was in higher position than him could have ordered PAOC’s main men behind my back”. Erap could do everything; he is the president for goodness sake.

Funds flowing for the said plan were pouring from a so-called Chinese bunch of tycoons, all under Ping’s custody. Other than that, there was also “chip-ins” coming from the Makati Business Club particularly a certain Johnny Chan. Question entangled in this scenario, is whether Makati Mayor and Erap-ally Jejomar Binay who also planned for 2010 presidency is ganging up on “bigote”. But if that seem true then Erap, long known for his idiosyncrasy, is going in for a trap. Besides, backbiting within the GO bloc had gone for years. And certainly the legendary Ping Lacson advented it with his stunt against FPJ last 2004 when he competed for the presidential bid. Lacson went over Erap’s rules and in fact showed his true colors to the thinking masses-“he’d rid of anyone if it mean better electoral post”.

The cooked-up plot that is out to demonize Erap begun as early as 2007 when Lacson had been in close contacts with both Mancao and Dumlao in the Americas. Part of this so-called communication exchanges were Lacson’s disclosed Jan 4, 2008 text message of Mancao swearing his allegiance to him. The message had more to it than what meets the eye. This includes Lacson knowing beforehand that a whistle is to blow before 2010 and a part of which would drag him and Erap. However, he was simply making sure that he gets a pint of the blames and Erap on tracks for ridicule.

Lacson with son and a little help from GO turncoats are obviously out to bury Erap for good.

MANCAO, FORCED TO EXECUTE AFFIDAVIT

2009-04-10T23:11:00.000-07:00

It has now been uncovered. Cesar Mancao II was forced to issue a second affidavit to finally clear the cobwebs on the sleeping Dacer-Corbito double murder case. The ex-police officer was forced by his own conscience to finally make right all the wrong he has done with regard to the abduction and execution of a publicist and his driver and most importantly to finally shed light on the identity of the real mastermind.
“Ur ryt, Sir! Maricar said it too. I was hoping I can contribute something 2 propel u at d end. Rest assured of my loyalty. I will desist d tempttn. Sleep soundly sir”.
This was the alleged text message received by Senator Lacson from Mancao supposedly on January 4, 2008 which the lawmaker decided to hide from the public. This was the text message that Lacson is now using to absolve himself from the double murder case and which is now aiding him in his quest to project himself as the underdog. But if we scrutinize this so-called message and the circumstances surrounding such a text we can conclude this scenario:
Mancao indeed sent the text message to reassure Lacson of his loyalty since the latter was already having panic attacks given that authorities are just a few steps away from uncovering his role in the twin slay. However, the message was sent immediately following – not on January 4, 2008 as claimed by Lacson - Mancao’s first affidavit which was issued on March 1, 2007. Contrary to Lacson’s claims that Mancao was planning to mislead the government, his former aide was merely assuring his boss that he is determined not to give in to the temptation to tell the truth no matter what the cost may be. Lacson who was not planning to be caught unaware, on the other hand, had other intentions for the text message. The Senator is now using the text in an entirely different context to protect his back and to destroy the credibility of Mancao as a possible state witness.
Also, if Lacson’s account of outside pressure was indeed true then how was Mancao able to execute a “forced” affidavit with four United States officials looking on? It was learned that aside from Honorary Consul General Angelo Macatangay, the affidavit signing was also witnessed by Esquire Bernardo Lopez of the Office of Public Defender, Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Keene of the US Attorney General Office and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent Matthews on February 14, 2009 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Mancao could have just as easily called the attention of one of these witnesses if he was really being “forced” to sign an affidavit against his own volition. There was not even one government official from the Philippines to execute “pressure” on Mancao.
In our culture, our conscience… most especially if we have done others wrong serves to be our worst primary enemy. It may either drive us to be extremely remorseful and make us want to seek redemption. Other times, just like what happened to Judas, extreme guilt can lead us to take drastic measures which sometimes can actually make people take their own lives at its expense. But in this case, issuing the correct affidavit on the Dacer-Corbito murder case was enough to alleviate Mancao’s guilt.

PING MET WITH MRS DUMLAO BEHIND GLENN’S?

2009-04-07T02:00:00.000-07:00

Last March 21, Ping Lacson held secret meetings with Juliet Dumlao (wife of Glenn Dumlao) during his short provincial visits around Isabela. As scooped-out, Lacson and Mrs Dumlao met inside Amity Hotel in Cauayan early morning of said day right before the scheduled radio interview of Mrs Dumlao involving her clamor for having Glenn home. This then sparked alarming rumors. Was Lacson really checking on how the Dumlaos weather the impending extradition and trial of Glenn? Or was he making sure Mrs. Dumlao’s interview would not end-up detrimental to his political career?

It is public knowledge that Glenn Dumlao former PAOC-TF Luzon Task Group Chief of Operations first spilled the beans on “higher-ups” orchestrating the murder. These higher-ups involved Michael Ray Aquino and Cesar Mancao. The allegations made by Glenn led us now to Mancao’s affidavit that enclose admission to the actuality of the murder and then Lacson-ordered cover-up. The sworn statements of Mancao and Dumlao at this point are hard evidences that vividly illustrate the entire actuation of the murder. And, these were enough to create a clearer involvement of both Erap and Ping to the murders.

It took about four days after the Mancao affidavits disclosure here in the country that Dumlao had unexplainably bailed himself out of extradition. As expected, someone is trying to bar his extradition. Apparently these were all part of delaying tactics. Obviously, someone among the 21-list of suspects divulged in Mancao’s affidavit is trying to ease-out public speculations over the Dacer-Corbito case. He (someone influential enough that does everything in his power to manipulate the evidences) knows quite well that with Dumlao seconding the statements of Mancao, the Dacer-Corbito case could already be considered “case-close”. No more debates but a guilty verdict for all 21 to include ofcourse the solons-Erap and Ping. Just for a thought, why would known Lacson finance officer to include his son-Jay and business partner-Lerma Facto were all in the US by the time Dumlaos $100,000 bail bond was sourced out from a so-called anonymous donor.

Among Mancao’s (21) list of suspects, Lacson was undeniably the one visibly trying to spoil the progress on the Dacer-Corbito murder wrap. He was the only one defensive and anxious enough that even before the list was disclosed he paraded press releases and claimed his being sold-out. Lacson readily divulged a supposed text message enclosing Mancao’s loyalty to him in the daily tabloids and papers, a move destructively countering the affidavit.

For the benefit of those who chose to ignore what the controversial Mancao text message was, it involves the exoneration of Lacson in the Dacer case. As Lacson claimed, his man (Mancao) was assuring him of his loyalty. What Lacson don’t get is the fact that loyalty to him does not mean loyalty to the truth. Mancao staying loyal and promising to rid Lacson of the case could mean making alibis and taking the fall for the good senator. The text message meant nothing else than Mancao doing Lacson a favor.
And, that includes being part of the PAOC-TF’s sacrificial lambs.

This favor-asking is inevitably the reason why Lacson met with Juliet Dumlao in the first place. The good senator could be sucking-up on Dumlao’s wife like what Juan dela Cruz commonly refers to as “pakitang-tao”. Or else, Lacson could be buying Dumlao out through his wife. He could be courting him to recant his previous statements and ofcourse weaken Mancao’s affidavits.

Just imagine, if you were Mrs. Dumlao would you really want Glenn home despite the fact that he sure is going straight to jail? She misses him that much that she would rather have him in jail to face a trial that could drag years more?

Or, would Mrs Dumlao be smart enough to act as directed by (let say) Lacson in exchange for a $100,000 worth bail bond that could buy Glenn time to stay in the US?

Ironically, this mean time long enough for Lacson and lawyer Alex Ovisado to battle their claims that there were no bodies to start in inquest in the first place. Thus there would be no case to file and charges to face. No need for the extradition and ofcourse no persecution for her beloved Glenn Dumlao?

REBELYN'S DEATH - A CRIME OF PASSION

2009-04-02T00:57:00.000-07:00

Rebelyn's body when discovered by a local farmer in a ditch in Barangay San Isidro in Carmen, Davao Del Norte.

The New People's Army has tagged the military as the killer of Rebelyn Pitao to supposedly hurt her father. This allegation sounds a bit absurd since the military is not anything like the Italian mafia we've learned from movies which is known to carry out such acts against someone who erred against their leader. The military can sometimes make mistakes - like misencounters and miscalculating the location of their targets - or a few of its mercenary members may commit out-of-the-box operations like the so-called extrajudicial kilings but I don't think it will not go down to the nefarious level of the infamous mafia since logic dictates that it is better to capture the real target rather than his family member which would only be time consuming and has very dire consequences for the AFP.

Don't get me wrong. I am not a defender of the military but was merely assessing the facts as I've heard it. The police authorities are looking at only two posible suspects, the military and the NPA themselves. If this goes on, the case will not be solved since the death of Commander Parago's daughter could very well be a classic case of what we call "crime of passion".

Rebelyn's body when discovered by a local farmer in a ditch in Barangay San Isidro in Carmen, Davao Del Norte bore five stab wounds apparently caused by a thin sharp object, was gagged, partially naked and showed signs that her genitals also had cuts "possibly caused by a hard object". The state of her body, with the three stab wounds directly aimed at her left breast, clearly showed that her killer personally knew her and wanted to really hurt her. It was not out of hatred for her father that she was killed. It was because of very intense jealousy that Rebelyn suffered such a gruesome fate in the hands of her killer.

If Rebelyn was killed because of her father, her killers would not have stabbed her five times nor would they have wasted their time in dramatics such as first abducting her and leaving her in a ditch to be later found. It was planned crime as evidenced by the white van bearing an inexistent plate number. It was not intended at hurting Commander Parago since he has been notorious rebel ever since 1987 and if there really was an effort or order to kill him then the military would have carried it out before when he was incarcerated for more than a year- easily within reach and something that is easier to implement and that would have been less problematic for the AFP leadership. Police authorities then should look at this angle to give justice to Rebelyn. Looking at the incident either as military-initiated or as a NPA directed killing, in all probability, will only slim down Rebelyn's chances of getting a well deserve justice.

MANCAO AFFIDAVIT-INGREDIENT FOR POLITICAL GAIN “Lacson: Not much of SC-Chief Puno's Disciple After all”

2009-03-27T20:41:00.000-07:00

Bet no one saw it coming. None was deviously witty enough to think that ex-Senior Supt. Cesar Mancao II was staging an act with his Dacer-Corbito affidavit except for Senator-elect Ping Lacson of course. Sad to say, it was not because the Filipinos elected a “logical analyst” but because he was by far Mancao's scriptwriter and worse the impending “mistrial” producer.

Lacson knew as early as last year that Mancao was to come clean and that he would be implicating him along with 21-list of suspects under the 2000 double-murder slay. At first, it was not a cause for alarm. Besides, Mancao had pledge loyalty to him and was in fact assuring him that his “stunt” would blow-out beneficial to boost Ping's presidential candidacy. In contrast to that however, Lacson sold his own man out discretely orchestrating the whole decoy. The bait of course was setting a plot against Estrada-Lacson lie-up but all along a “recanting” scenario where Mancao was to scream- “They forced me to it”. That was by far a huge deathblow to the Arroyos commonly known to all as ganging-up against the GO, all thanks to the Lacson exposes. People with their irate would of course buy the idea of a Mancao's affidavit sell-out ang “bam!”, riddling mock and publicity trials where Ping pioneered for years in Senate floor.

What bugs the most with Lacson claiming Mancao guaranteeing him a “sound sleep” despite the criminal insuations was that the good Senator knew the affidavit would be scrapped like “junk” and hail him a hero. Ping condoned the looming “mistrial” of the Dacer-Corbito murders and he was giving him a “go-signal” that goes with his silence over the said plot for over a year. Meaning, Lacson was condoning a mock tribunal to partake making him not much of an avid defender of justice system as he so claimed.

Lacson helping-out on the Dacer case's backlash was a clear sign that he wanted it scrapped for fitting cover-up. Opposite to what the senator claims as his suppose innocence, why then would he be in cahoots with former PAOC-TF officials the evaded the trial since 2001? Are they on turf protection mission now? Are they on scripted locked-lips before as they cook-up just the right alibis that would later exonerate them from the crime? And part of this dished-out is riding with the ironic onset of political gimmickries where Ping and Erap are supposed to outwit?

The Mancao affidavit was tagged “mother of all lies” not that the 21-names were makeshift truth but the intents were twisted for the controversial 21 to get acquitted. It spurred more questions and relentless doubts. It was clearly not for judicial proceedings but for media exploitations and political drag. It bears greater political color than truth, and Lacson with his recent “Mancao-lalaruin” exposure is strong evidence.

Ping knew and kept silent because by far Mancao promised him a trial turned tribute. He was not overreacting weeks ago when the affidavit was kept from public eye, it was just part of the “acting”.

LACSON'S CONSISTENT LIE: I DID NOT DO IT

2009-03-27T20:11:00.000-07:00

I did not do it. I had nothing to do with it. I was not involved. I had no knowledge of what they are saying. Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson's denials have already been uttered in various forms and phrases. He has stood firm in his conviction that he was innocent of the infamous Kuratong Baleleng rubout case and the now much talked about revival of the Dacer-Corbito double murder case to which his name is being linked to. He was right when he claimed that he didn't do it because we can be a hundred percent sure that he was not the trigger man in two unsolved cases. His hands literally never got tainted by his victims' bloods since he was not the one who pulled the trigger on them since being former Head of Philippine National Police – if witnesses' accounts of his directives o kill these people for him. Minions whos loyalty and silence were already tested and proven in past “jobs” and who are even willing to take the fall in behalf of a big time “boss” but of course in exchange for a very significant amount of remuneration for their “troubles.”

The Senator's tail is now being hunted by his purported past crimes as his former followers are now executing affidavits linking him to the Dacer-Corbito. Two twin slay. No amount of denials in whatever form can change the fact that there are live and existing – not imaginary – witnesses who are willing to shed light on the murder. Of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver Emmanuel Corbito.

However, the constant denials we have been hearing from Senator Lacson even before his name was linked to the case and even before Mancao's affidavit is made public only makes him look guilty and evidently more anxious of the would-be outcome of the revived case. It would be better for him stay out of media lights, for now, so he can at least retain even a modicum of respect from the people. Also, letting the justice system run its course would be to his advantage since his acquittal from the crime would give him an official court ruling to back his claim of so-called innocence.

Meanwhile, the rumored Transition Revolutionary Council that is being worked out by some quarters – set to be implemented this march 2009 and wherein Ping will be a member – could be taken as a desparate move from Senator Lacson. Being one of its precursors and one of the direct beneficiaries, he would have a very powerful position in said council after he is relegated as its Head of Government. If this pushes through, Lacson can have all of his existing criminal cases erased together with the planned replacement of all Supreme Court Associate Justices and reorganization of all trial courts from the Regional down to the municipal levels. If that happens, the families of Dacer, Corbito and even those belonging to the Kuratong Baleleng can kiss justice for their loved ones goodbye.

At least Lacson can rest assured the no “Mr Expose” will use his current problem as part of a privilege speech in Congress or in Senate.

DESPERASYON MAKIKITA SA MATA NI SENADOR LACSON

2009-03-25T02:18:00.001-07:00

Maingay ang pangalan ngayon ni Senador Panfilo Lacson bunsod ng pagkakadawit sa kaniyang pangalan sa kilalang Dacer-Corbito murder case na dahan-dahang binubuhay ngayon sa korte. Ito ay nangyari matapos magbigay ng salaysay ang isang dating pulis na si Cezar Mancao na kilalang malapit sa senador at siya ngayong nagpapatunay na mismo ang senador ang nagbigay utos na dukutin at patayin ang kilalang media personality noong Nobyembre 24, 2000.

Dahil sa pagkalat ng tinatawag na affidavit ni Mancao sa media ay mababasa ngayon sa mga mata ni Ping ang desperasyon na linisin ang kaniyang pangalan at mapanatili itong mabango hanggang sa susunod na 2010 eleksyon. Ngunit, dahil na rin sa mga bulalas nito sa media ay unti-unti siyang nalulubog sa nasabing kaso. Una, nakapagtataka na hindi niya sinambulat agad sa publiko ang natuklasan niyang ginawang paghimok umano ng gobyerno kay Mancao na idawit nito ang senador sa kasong pagpatay kay Dacer-Corbito na ang kapalit lamang ay ang reinstatement at promotion ni Mancao. Napakliit na alok ito para kalabanin ang isang malaking taong tulad ni Lacson na kilalang matinik na pulis at senador. Hindi ba't mas magiging pabor sana sa senador kung siya ang naunang naglabas ng pasabog laban kay Gloria at hindi na siya naghintay pa na lumabas ang affidavit ni Mancao?

Pangalawa, bakit isang taon niyang tinago ang isang text message na diumano'y galing kay Mancao? Hindi ba't mas makakatulong sa paglilinis niya nang kaniyang pangalan kung sa umpisa pa lang ay napatunayan nang gawa-gawa lang ito ni Mancao? Hindi tuloy natin maiwasang mag-isip na talagang wala namang message na nangyari sa pagitan ng senador at ni Mancao. Mas makakatulong din kay Ping kung inilabas niya ito bilang isang matinding expose noong 2008 pa lamang gayung nasa kamay na pala niya ang diumano'y pruweba laban sa Malacanang. Pero paano mo nga naman ilalabas ang isang bagay na hindi mo pa din naman ito hawak?

Pero sa isang banda, mapupuri din natin si Lacson sa mga nangyayari ngayon sa kanilang buhay. Buong ningning kasi niya ngayong nagagampanan ang role ng isang biktima. Gustong-gusto kasi niyang kinakaawaan siya ng publiko at palabasin na siya ay ginagantihan ng kanyang mga kaaway sa pulitika kaugnay ng kaniyang pagtakbo sa 2010. Pero ang ganitong uri ng patutsada ay kilalang-kilala na ng publiko at bihasang-bihasa na ang mga pilipino sa ganitong uri ng pag-iwas sa isang isyu. Marami na tayong nababasa na ganyang uri ng palitan sa pagitan ng kung sino-sinong pulitiko sa ating bansa. Alam na natin kung sino ang dapat paniwalaan at kung sino ang mahusay magsinungaling.

Ngayon, mas mainam para sa senador na ibuhos ang oras nito sa paghahanap ng mga kakailanganin niyang ebidensya na makapagpapatunay na wala nga siyang kinalaman sa pagdukot at pagpatay kina Decer at Corbito. Nararapat lamang na ihinto muna niya ang paglabas sa media dahil mas pinaiigting lamang nito ang hinala ng mga tao na siya nga ay talagang sangkot sa nasabing krimen.

Sen. Lacson Should Resign Voluntarily as Chairman of Ethics Committee.

2009-03-20T20:54:00.000-07:00

Lacson can’t just deny ‘part of Mancao’s affidavit . He has to prove now that it was physically impossible for him to be in the place by Mancao where he allegedly made those incriminating statements. He was identified by Mancao as the one who uttered those words-tirahin si Berroya and ipagsabay na kung sino ang mauuna-. In People of the Philippines vs Correa, Jan 30, 1998, The Supreme Court that positive identification should prevail against mere denial of having committed a crime. As between positive declaration of a credible witness and the negative statement of the accused, the former deserves more credence.

Mukhang nakakabingi ang katahimikan ng oposisyon in connection with the real and urgent need to have Dumlao and Mancao back to the Philippines. For sure, Mancao and Dumlao uncover the truth of Dacer and Corbito. While opposition was very loud and persistent in their demand to bring home Bolante for their political needs, we only heard a THUNDEROUS SILENCE from them to have Dumlao and Mancao back to the Philippines to resolve the murders of Dacer and Corbito. Ganoon na lang ba ang pagwawalang halaga nila sa buhay ng isang tunay na journalist?

Opposition must be very proud that they walk side by side with a plunderer and a murderer. Senators should ask their fellow senator to resign the chairman of ethics committee. How unethical for Ping not to resign voluntarily.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT AND UNFAIR FOR RICKY ROMAN

2009-03-19T05:11:00.001-07:00

Ricky Roman was only 15 years old and was a 3rd year high school student, too young to die at this stage of life as he is just starting to explore the world. Life had been unfair for him since he was not given a chance to live a full life because it was ended tragically by members of the BHB Celso Minguez Command Sorsogon based on their own admission via official press release.

The young boy is allegedly involved in snatching and robbery. His father is a member of a progressive group called BAYAN. Based from said press release, Roman had been used as a military asset which made him a target of the local NPA command group.

The ones who carried out the killing did not even blinked when they pulled the trigger and unceremoniously took the life of Roman mainly because they could not believe that the has finally turned his back on his comrades. Using the asset allegation to justify their atrocity against Ricky, they left him for dead in a narrow street in Sorsogon, like merciless butchers in slaughter houses.

If these rebels can take the life of a minor like Ricky Roman then it is safe to say that NPA rebels give no value to the gift of life God has given every man and that their stand as human rights protectors which often see in video uploading websites such as the youtube after every successful operation they conduct are only a ruse when they are in fact killers in every sense of the world. They have no conscience after all.

Another point to ponder is the surprising decision of the Roman family to keep mum on the death of their son. Why are they not seeking justice? Is Ricky not important to them? Where is KARAPATAN who is always ready to render its service to so-called victims of human rights violations? Are they threatened of the BHB Celso Minguez Command Sorsogon who claimed the crime? Their silence on Ricky’s death can already be considered as a proof that the military is right all along in saying that KARAPATAN is really allied – even a front – of the CPP and the NPA.

It is important for the government to look into the killing of Ricky Roman and capture his assailant despite the decision of his family to cower in fear and let Ricky’s fate be left unanswered.

CJ REYNATO PUNO TO LEAD ANTI-TRAPO SENATORIAL LINE-UP

2009-03-14T23:31:00.000-07:00

Leave it to Senator Panfilo Lacson of knowing exactly how to create a stir in the already highly-dynamic political scene. In January 15, he shocked the nation where he declared that he would no longer run in deference to Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno who rumors have it is being wooed to run for the top position. It seems that Ping's pronouncement is true. A signature campaign that is supposedly aimed at gathering two million signatures is currently underway in the different parts of the nation but with majority of the signatures targeted to be culled in Metro Manila.

Group behind Signature Campaign

A group calling itself the “Ayaw sa Trapo Movement” or ASTM has been persuading CJ Puno to enter Philippine politics via the 2010 elections. The campaign which has already accumulated half a million signatures in various Luzon provinces and in Metro Manila would be used by the group to compel the Chief Justice to lead their already created senatorial line-up which will bank on the “non-traditional senatoriables” as its tag-line.

The ASTM which is purportedly led by Bishop Nilo Tayag who acts as its “figure-head” has been taking advantage of the clamor for a “third force” and “moral force” to gain adherents for their cause and has now successfully gained the thumbs up sign from 22 organizations who have all committed to support the “anti-TRAPO electoral slate in 2010” of said group. These groups which are composed of so-called progressive lefts, cause-oriented, civil society and religious groups and identified followers of former President Joseph Estrada are willingly lining themselves up under the anti-trapo agenda of the ASTM in an obvious attempt to belong and avoid being left out and thus tagged as a supporter of the current administration.

Said senatorial lineup is apparently made up of two incarcerated high-ranking AFP officials, a religious leader, a military officer turned lawyer turned 2007 senatorial loser, a senior state prosecutor and an incumbent representative of a province in Visayas. However, as early as now the inclusion of the two military officials in one lineup is causing a rift between the supporters of the younger officer and that of the more senior one. The rift supposedly stems from the fact that the Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is supporting the older one and is running under his political banner – the Magdalo Party.

Senatorial Slate Bared

Mainly because they do not belong to so-called traditional politicians, or so they claimed, the following personalities were considered and subsequently included in the ASTM-backed list of senatorial wannbes, hopefully with CJ Puno as its presidential candidate to lead them in 2010: Army Brigadier General Danilo Lim, Marine Colonel Ariel Querubin, Aglipayan Bishop Nilo Tayag, Kapatiran Party Head Zossimo Jesus Paredes, State Prosecutor Emmanuel Velasco and Iloilo 5th District Congressman Rolex Suplico.

Reaching Out to Grassroots

In an apparent haste to put their plans into motion, the Ayaw sa Trapo Movement is now well into their resource gathering activities among foreign international non-governmental organizations that have once supported anti-Gloria moves in the past and is also taking advantage of the ongoing signature campaign to ask those who signed to give voluntary contributions to their cause.

Manifestations of Early Campaign Activities

As early as February 23, the plans of General Lim has been proven by the statement of support issued by organizations such as the Bagong Katipunan, the Nationalist Army of the Philippines; Magdalo; Yes, Arms: YOU; Samahang Magdalo; Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan and Guardians.

On the part of CJ Reynato Puno, it was learned that Retired Col Renaldo Cabauatan who is actually the real leader of the ASTM is the one personally seeing to the signature campaign or a euphemism for campaign activities for the chief justice. Both being members of the Masonry, Colonel Cabauatan plans to use his apparently-innate influence among retired and active military and police personnel to gain signatures for the petition letter for CJ Puno to heed the alleged clamor for his candidacy in May 2010.

TRAPO's POLITICAL JUNTA “Lacson-Estrada Led System Overhaul”

2009-03-13T22:20:00.000-07:00

TRAPO's POLITICAL JUNTA
“Lacson-Estrada Led System Overhaul”

The supposed “third force” or the so-called “alternative leadership” is slowly unmasking itself as the 2010 polls near. And distinctively, the GLORIA resign-movement no longer form part of the said group's agenda.

Instead, it is gearing a political “ junta” to be led by former military officials and religious advocates in the likes of Iglesia Catolica Independiente Bishop Nilo Tayag, Manila Pen Siege personality-BGen. Danilo Lim, 2006 Marine Stand-off – Col. Ariel Qyerubin together with “at-large” Magdalo mutineers under Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon. Wittingly working behind them was retired Col. Reynaldo Cabauatan alias “HERMANO” who was said to have convened the Ayaw sa Trapo Movement (ASTM) that does the legwork on Chief Justice Puno for Precidency (CJPP) signature campaign. That is, under the supposed dictates of the GO bloc led by former president ERAP Estrada and wing-man Sen. Ping Lacson.

Rumor has it, that the said political junta would involve launching of 2010 senatorial candidates to form part of SC Chief Justice Reynaldo Puno's presidential candidacy alongside the alleged finance work and campaign assistance coming from the Estradas thru Lacson. Ideally, Puno along with Lim, Faeldon and Querubin would act as Estradas political puppets once elected in office. That is, exploiting the former's anti-GLORIA stands and relentless enmity with graft and corrupt acts which would surely generate formidable number of votes excluding the speculated imposition of “command vote” within the Rebolusyunaryong Alyansang Makabayan (RAM) where Bgen. Lim was projected to win the organization's chairmanship.

As pre-figured, GO presidentiables who by now are courted t desist from their 2010 presidential intentions are bargained to settle for valuable presidential cabinet positions and even a “shadow” hand or influence or supposed Puno administration.

When worse comes to worst

However, the “junta” would go farther than presidency if the stakes on the 2010 poll go against their tide. As early as January of this year, an alleged Transition Revolutionary Government (TRG) is gradually embarking on its initial phases of implementation. This would serve as Plan B which largely entails a haphazard takeover of the GLORIA presidency advented by the AFP's withdrawal of support and then actuation of the complete military takeover whose hierarchy would then promulgate the establishment of Transition Government Council (TRC). The TRC will comprise six members, with one designated by the consensus to become the Chief Implementor of the policies set forth by the council. Thus, he will embody the so-called “Head of State” under the said revolutionary government.

Thus, this explains the supposed “courting” of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Yano and the strengthening or recruiting of disfavored military officials and enlistees by certain alias “CABU”- name apparently depicting retired Col. Cabauatan.

Within the controversial TRC proposal are names of its supposed members that include former President Corazon Aquino, whose integrity and moral ascendancy shall be the key to her public acceptance and international recognition. However, her frail health was presupposed in the proposal that it also include “Head of the Government”- a silhouette ruler in the likes of Sen. Ping Lacson.

Other named members of the TRC are former SND, ES and CS AFP Renato De Villa, Journalist and UP Professor Randolf “Randy” David, Bgen. Danilo Lim and CS AFP Alexander Yano – who shall both resign from their military Commissionship upon TRC's establishment.

Immediate TRC Task-Alarm in Code Red

The “third force” new government will impose temporary curfew from 1-4 pm except military and police vehicles. Aside from which, there will be a suspension of political reportage in the tri-media other than official press statements. This would also involve cancellation of all passports given to all government officials and employees of the deposed administration including hold-departure orders. Moreover, statements of the government will be delegated to an interim official spokesman whose reports are filtered and duly approved by the TRC. Statement coming out of the TRC and so as reports involving the same are solely centered on accomplishment magnification and continued exploits of the deposed government's former official.

It is martial law over and again with a bunch of TRAPO's undecided to share the dictatorship. The whole curfew and superimposed junta that mainly covers the exploitation of the AFP is what this country needed last.

Not to mention that the TRC would also entails the founding of the Policy Reform and Oversight Board (PRO Board), that as sourced-out, would only comprise candidates coming from the GO led by the Estradas. Aside fro the Lacson's presumed “silhouette dictatorship”, the PROBoard would act as the sole source of policy, program and advocacy. It is conceptualize as a board composed of various key personalities that represent sectors in the country where the Estradas are said to signify for the marginalize and the “poor” under its Union of the Masses for Democracy and Justice (UMDJ) and the Partido ng Masang Pilipino. Another is 2010 presidential contender Sen. Loren Legarda, who is casted to voice either the women or the media sector.

Obviously, the PROBoard and the TRC share the same umbilical cord. Variations however evolves on the fact that the PROBoard is a bargaining agreement for much bigger TRAPO's in the likes of the Estradas and Legarda as they promise allegiance to both the establishment of the TRC and even that of giving-way for Puno's presidency.

TRAPO and Defunct Coup Plotters Equate Absolute HR Denial

The “third force” or the “liberators” which Iloilo Archbishop Angel Lagdameo boastfully spoke-off last August was nothing but “despots” finding their way in. The idea of having Puno run for presidency after which the gradual enforcement of the TRC or that of going through Plan B involving military takeover are more than alarming. They are by far horrendous and a perfect mirroring or plan and simple “political strategy” gone wrong.

We persecute GLORIA for what we claim as her power-gripping CHACHA but we turn deaf ears and blind eyes on outright Ferdinand Marcoses “wannabe” in the shoes of Lacson and the Estradas. Nothing is acceptable in a revolutionary government orchestrated by convicted plunderer who never served a day in jail or a law-breaker who had evaded persecution after the Kuratong Baleleng rub out and Dacer Corbito slay.

HUSTISYA PARA KAY RICKY

2009-03-12T02:07:00.000-07:00

Tahasang inamin ng New People's Army na sila ang responsible sa pagpatay sa isang kinse anyos na lalaki na si Ricky Roman sa Barangay San Roque sa bayan ng Bacon sa Sorsogon ilang araw bago sumapit ang pasko noong Disyembre 2008. Ang pahayag na nagmula sa isang Ka Samuel Guerero ay makokonsiderang isang patunay na ang mga rebelde ay nagpapataw ng summary executions sa kanilang hanay tulad ng kanilang pilitang ibinibintang sa mga militar at pulis sa ilang mga kilalang lugar dito sa ating bansa.

Ang mas nakakalungkot sa nangyari ay natatakot ang mga magulang at kamag-anak ni Ricky na magsampa ng kaso laban sa mga rebeldeng gumawa ng krimen laban sa kanilang menor de edad na anak. Mas gusto nilang manahimik marahil dahil sa takot na baka sila ang susunod na tatambangan ng mga NPA kung sakaling magsampa sila ng kaso laban sa una. Hindi lang pala ang pamilya ng mga nabiktima ng mga militar at pulis sa kanilang diuman'y political killings ang nangingimi sa pagsasampa ng kaso upang makakuha ng hustisya para sa kanilang mahal sa buhay kundi pati na din ang mga naging biktima ng NPA. Kung ganito na lang ang nangyayari sa ating paligid ay saan na pupulutin ang mga kawawang biktima kung wala silang papupuntahan?

Ano ba ang meron si Ricky at mistulang natakot ang mga NPA sa menor de edad upang sila ay magdesisyon na patayin siya? May nalalaman bang mahalagang sekreto ang bata na ikasisira ng samahan kung kaya't siya ay tuluyan ng pinatahimik?

Dapat siguro ay pabalikin natin sa bansa ang representante ng United Nations na si Philip Alston upang direktang imbestigahan ang pagpaslang kay Ricky Roman. Malinaw na ito ay isang paglabag sa karapatang pangtao ni Ricky at siya namang inamin ng mismong may sala. Nararapat din lamang na isang fact-finding mission ang ilunsad sa bayan ng Bacon upang makakuha ng opisyal na testimonya mula sa mga lokal na mga residente tungkol sa nagyari sa kanilang bayan gayung ayaw makipag-ugnayan ng mga magulang ni Ricky at mas gustong manahimik lamang

Bakit nga ba nararapat na gawin ang lahat ng ito gayung mga rebelde ang pumatay sa isang kapwa nila rebelde? Bukod sa pag-agaw ng karapatang pantao ni Ricky – maski siya rebelde o di kaya ay isang kriminal – malinaw na siya ay isang menor de edad at walang awang pinatay ng kaniyang mga kasama sa kilusan. Bukod kay Philip Alston, dapat din imbestigahan ni Radhika Coomraswamy, ang Special Representative to the UN Secretary General (SRSG) on Children and Armed Conflict, upang opisyal din nitong imbestigahan ang pagpatay sa isang kinse anyos na lalaki na naging miyembro ng NPA. Ang ganitong mga hakbang ay pwedeng pangunahan ng mga tao o grupo ng mga kilalang tagapaglaban ng human rights sa ating bansa.

Bukod dito, nararapat din lamang na asahan natin na mapapansin ng mga tinatawag na international human rights groups tulad ng Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch at ng Asian Human Rights Commission na naging masigasig sa pagkondena sa mga human rights violations sa bansa noong nakaraang taon, ang mga ganitong klase ng krimen. Higit lalo na sa pagkakataong ito na tahasang inamin ng mga NPA ang walang awang pagpatay kay Ricky.

Isa lamang siyang kinse anyos na lalaki na pitong ulit pinagbabaril sa katawan at iniwang nakabulagta sa kalsada na naliligo sa dugo – karapatan ni Ricky na mabigyan ng hustisya at atensyon ang kaniyang kaso maski ayaw ng kaniyang mga magulang.

Rebolusyonaryong Buwis Para sa Karahasan at Paghihirap

2009-03-02T22:33:00.000-08:00

Sa mga nagdaang taon, ilang beses na rin tayong nakarinig ng mga balita tungkol sa pananabotahe, pananakot, pagmamaltrato at mga di makataong paraan ng paniningil ng rebulosyonaryong buwis ng New People’s Army. Marahil ay ilan na sa atin ang nakaramdam ng ngit-ngit at galit sa mga pagkakataong ang mga simpleng negosyante ay pinipiga ng mga rebelde upang magbayad ng buwis na hindi naman napupunta para sa kapakanan ng nakararami, bagkus, ay ginagamit lamang upang labanan ang gobyerno… rebolusyonaryong buwis – buwis na inilaan para sa karahasan.

Noong Enero 28, 2009, isang yunit ng bus na pag-aari ng Raymond Transportation Company ang sinunog ng diumanoy mga miyembro ng NPA sa Barangay Manguiring, Calabanga, Camarines Sur. Ang naturang pangyayari ay inako ng ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan James Balaquiao Command sa pamamagitan ng lider nitong si Maria Lorena Mendoza. Inamin ng grupo na ang dahilan sa karahasang ito ay ang hindi pagbabayad ng naturang kumpanya ng rebolusyonaryong buwis. Ayon sa ilang mga nakasaksi, walang nagawa ang mga biktima upang pigilan ang mga rebelde dahil sa takot na pati sila ay masaktan.

Ang ganitong gawain ay malinaw na taliwas sa sinasabing prinsipyo ng NPA na sila ay may tungkulin na tumulong sa bayan at nagsisilbing proteksyon ng masa, ng mga inaapi at inaabuso. Napag-alaman na simula pa 2005 ay napu-pwersa nang magbayad ang Raymond Transport sa mga rebelde ngunit ito ay dahil sa iba pang naunang insidente ng panununog ng yunit ng bus. Napilitan ang kumpanya na magbigay dahil sa takot na bumagsak nang tuluyan ang kanilang negosyo kung magpapatuloy ang ganitong mga pangyayari. Dahil dito, hindi ninuman masisisi ang may-ari ng kumpanya na magbayad sa mga rebelde. Sa isang banda, hindi malayong mangyari na dahil sa regular na pangingikil ng mga rebelde ay mapwersang magsara at maging dahilan upang mawalan ng trabaho ang ilan nating kababayan sa Bikol. Kailanman ay wala sa pag-iisip ng mga rebelde ang pamilya ng mga mawawalan ng trabaho.

Marahil ay maihahantulad ang mga NPA sa Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) dahil sa kagahaman sa pera na ginagamit lang nila para sa karahasan. Hindi naman parte ng militar, masasamang pulis o tiwaling pulitiko ang Raymond Transport ngunit ito ay walang kalaban-laban na pineperwisyo ng mga rebelde. Ang may-ari ng Raymond Bus Transportation ay walang pinagkaiba sa mga ordinaryong negosyante na nag-aalala din kung malalagpasan nila ang pinansyal na krisis na bumabalot sa buong mundo ngayon. Bukod sa kanilang mga pamilya ay umaasa din sa kumpanya ang pamilya ng mga trabahador nito. Sa mga pananabotaheng ginagawa ng NPA, sila ang pangunahing dahilan sa pagsasara ng mga kumpanya at sa nadadagdagan na bilang ng mga tiyan na kumakalam.

HUSTISYANG KOMUNISMO

2009-02-23T23:28:00.000-08:00

Noong ika-16 ng Disyembre 2008, alas 9:45 ng gabi, isang kinse anyos na 3rd year high school student ng Barcelona National High School na si Ricky B. Roman ang pinagbabaril ng pitong ulit ng mga di kilalang lalaki sa Sorsogon City. Kasunod ng pangyayari ay nagpalabas ng opisyal na pahayag ang Celso Minguez Command ng NPA noong Enero 29, 2009 na umaamin sa kanilang pagpatay sa menor de edad na si Roman.

Ayon sa militar, si Roman ay miyembro ng New Peoples Army sa Bikol na siya din mismong kinumpirma ni Ka Samuel Guerero na nagpalabas ng naturang pahayag. Ayon dito, si Ricky ay pinaslang bilang parusa sa kaniyang pagiging diumano’y asset ng militar sa kontra-insurhensya ng huli. Ang anak ng tricycle driver na miyembro ng BAYAN MUNA ay pinagbintangan din ng mga rebelde na isang magnanakaw at agaw-cellphone sa lugar.

Malinaw ang balita. Si Ricky Roman na isang menor de edad ay naging miyembro ng NPA bago ito pinatay sa kamay ng kaniyang mga “kasama” dahil sa pagiging asset diumano ng mga militar. Malinaw na naging maikli ang buhay ng bata dahil sa pagpasok niya sa kilusan. Nakakalungkot na bunsod ng kaniyang pagbabagong isip ay kinitil ang kaniyang buhay. Di ba’t hindi ito makatwiran at nagpapakita lamang na may baluktot na sistema na umiiral? Malinaw na may paglabag sa batas dahil isang 15 anyos na lalaki ang ni-recruit ng mga rebelde upang humawak ng armas. Hindi ba’t kakadalaw lang ng isang representate ng United Nation sa bansa upang imbestigahan ang mga tinatawag na “child soldiers” ng mga NPA, MILF pati na din ng gobyerno? Kailan sila matututo na ang lugar ng kabataan ay hindi sa giyera kundi sa piling ng kanilang mga mahal sa buhay at hindi baril ang kaniyang dapat tangan-tangan kundi lapis at papel?

Ang pagbintang ng NPA sa pagiging magnanakaw ni Ricky ay hindi rin maganda. Hindi ba nila iniisip ang pighati na dinudulot nila sa pamilya ng bata? Nangyari na ang nangyari..., naging NPA siya, kinuha diumano na asset ng militar at pinatay ng mga rebelde pero sukdulan na kung pati ang imahe ng kaniyang pamilya sa kaniyang pagkatao ay yuyurakan pa nila ng ilang ulit, pinatay na nga, siniraan pa ang kanyang dangal. Kahit kailan ay hindi na makapaglalahad si Ricky ng kanyang panig kung siya nga ay magnanakaw, dahil tuluyan na siyang pinatahimik ng mga rebelde.

Madaling magbintang, ngunit mahirap magpatunay ng mga ito. Madaling magsabi na siya ay asset ng militar o kaya siya ay isang rebelde, ngunit mahirap itong patunayan ninuman. Dahil sa bangayan na ginagawa nila pati walang kamuang-muang na mga kabataan ay nabibiktima at napapasama sa ilang dekadang away sa pagitan ng mga rebelde at gobyerno.

Dapat managot sa batas ang gumawa ng krimen – ito ay malinaw. Isang buhay ang kinitil. Militar man o rebelde ang gumawa ay malinaw na paglabag ito sa karapatang pantao lalo na isang menor de edad ang biktima ng kasamaan.

LACSON’S IMAGINARY WITNESSES

2009-02-12T21:33:00.001-08:00

We’ve heard and seen it all before. Senator Panfilo Lacson while brandishing his fist during a privilege speech at the very halls of the Senate is telling everybody that he has a number of witnesses to corroborate what he has just recently exposed. And just like a re-run of an old movie, his so-called witnesses will recant their respective statements in a few weeks saying that they were paid to do so by the very subject of Lacson’s tirade which is in this case and is no surprise at all, is Mike Arroyo.

Corruption allegation is a serious matter that should be looked into and which should be stopped. However, ordinary citizens like me can’t help but gag once we see who the so-called “whistle blower” is. The fact that he is doing this because of his convoluted political scheme for 2010 is the main reason why we find the “exposés” on corruption something much like a bitter pill to swallow.

Another thing that irks us is how it all seems to be too convenient for Ping Lacson to find his witnesses. Maybe he should share his tricks among his other presidential opponents so that they too would have a shot at the limelight and not just be his unwilling targets during his free time. But just like Ping, they should also prepare bags of “protection” money for their would-be witnesses since the upkeep of the same means throwing away a lot of money – maybe running into hundreds of thousands – as they would have to be practiced in lying with a straight face during senate investigations.

The imaginary witnesses of Senator Lacson are quite lucky since they get to enjoy the limelight too together with their “padrino” However, they should be forewarned that the public is no longer that easily swayed nor are they that ignorant. Grand talks during privileged speeches can no longer persuade us to believe that Ping is doing this out of his concern for the public. We all know that he is doing his for his own personal interest – no more, no less.

The public will never take what Lacson is feeding us – hook line and sinker. It would be better if an investigation takes place and his so-called witnesses do surface. But we are still prepared to say “I told you so” as we once again would see his imaginary witness turning their backs on their temporary padrino.

BOGUS CARTEL (LACSON’S APPARITION OF EVIDENCE)

2009-02-11T23:45:00.000-08:00

Nothing hurts like hell when Juan dela Cruz is again dumbfounded by Senator Lacson’s another pre-orchestrated “I know all” speech.

First, it was FG with Eduardo de Luna, owner of EC de Luna Cons (EDLC) blacklisted by the WB for supposed collusion. Prime evidence supporting this claim is the 200 “liesblower” – Eugenio “Udong” Mahusay.

Mahusay was supposed to spill the beans about Jose Pidal but what the Filipinos got was a mockery trial. The supposed Senate inquest proceedings on Pidal led nowhere.

And now, another debacle heading the same direction; as Ping tries to link FG and de Luna using the “bible truth” utterly recanted and refuted by its very author- Mahusay. This bible comes in the form of a personal appointment book of the still faceless Jose Pidal

So for augment sake let’s say Jose Pidal met with de Luna. How would that link with FG? The 4-year drag of Pidal investigations were nowhere near the truth, in fact it was solely remembered as the Hulk speech of Lacson which controversy and hype got him in the 2007 Senatorial ballots.

To use the same evidence on FG-de Luna link and to the suppose graft of the Arroyos is “like fishing on dead creek”. Lacson is using immaterial proof to rekindle the friction between him and Arroyos.

And “danrada!”, another set of haunting witnesses that would support FG-de Luna “twosome” collusion. These are composed of 10 ghost eyewitnesses whom Lacson is unable to drag in the open.

Aside from being faceless, these other set of live evidence Ping has are utterly nameless and almost inexistent.

And as predicted, if these supposed witnesses come to light, they would only be available in the Senate floor where of course Lacson does his tango in front of live television feeds.

Not in the Philippine courts of tribunals but on pure prank of trial by publicity.

How many inquests are there in the Upper House? To name a few, they are the Pidal, Bolante, Lozada, Euro gens, and now ECDLC collusion. All but one is incriminating FG and “advented” by Lacson’s hour-long privilege.

These floor proceedings gave more than favourable air time for honchos to throw media mileage to themselves...A free-campaign for 2010 presidential contenders that got tired of the going-to-the-drain CHA-CHA appeal.

Appealing for what is fair and tangible should first and foremost involve the query on why the WB had been withholding their supposed inquest and evidence against the ECDLC collusion.

Just for a thought, ECDLC was deprived of the WB-NRIMP-1 projects package in 2002-2003 of its cited high bid price. But records show that WB projects subjected for bidding over the same period is of same and else higher bid prices?

There is nothing but ”gray area” with the WB-ECDLC arena than supposed black-and-white.

And ironically, this huge space of doubt in WB’s inquest and decision of denying the ECDLC in its bids was further exploited by honking solons who have wanted to inflict just the right havoc for the state to panic and the presidency to turn vulnerable for a power-grab.

Nothing in this world is certain. No one is infallible even the WB.

What if there were no presentations of facts because there is nothing material and substantive enough to present?

What if this FG-de Luna partnership in crime is another set of Lacson’s bogus cartel brought by personal gripe?

Facts point that Lacson had long wanted the presidency but was denied of it more than once. And that as early as last year, his out racing amongst presidential wannabees for popularity surveys.

Truth is, Sen Ping Lacson was the right-hand-man of convicted plundered Joseph “Erap” Estrada- the one who had not serve a day behind bars after the ruling of an irrevocable “guilty” verdict.

Evidence leads Lacson had not come clean with the cases of in human practices he had supposedly committed. Tracing back, he was the PNP Chief and Commander of the police officials who escaped trial on the Dacer-Corbito case but washed his hands clean by saying “I had no idea”.

Lacson was too eager denying allegiance or even knowledge of the Dacer slay or to ERAP’s multi-million plunder then, so what makes his accusations and evidence worthy of people’ interest now?

PING was blind of the true-blue crimes that were done right under his nose.

Who could tell if the Senate “fault-dog” (Lacson) is not merely sniffing his own stench? Are we going to fall for his politicking over and again?

OBVIOUS NA SI FG MIKE ARROYO NGA!

2009-02-11T23:34:00.000-08:00

Malinaw na si First Gentleman Mike Arroyo ay nasasangkot sa isyu ng korapsyon ngayon. Malinaw din na si Senador Panfilo “Mr. Expose” Lacson ang siyang nag-iisang may hawak, ulit, ng mga diumano’y ebidensya na magpapatunay at tuluyang magpalubog sa asawa ni Gloria. Malinaw din sa mga pangyayari na may nagrereklamo at may inaakusahan ng pagmamanipula ng “bidding” upang makakuha ng proyekto na pipinansahan sana ng World Bank ng limpak-limpak na salapi at siyang ginagamit ngayon upang paglabu-labuin ang eksena sa pulitika.

Ang hindi ko maintindihan ay kung bakit gigil na gigil si Ping kay Mike. Ano ba meron ang asawa ni Gloria at kahit saan siyang lupalop pumunta ay sinusundan pa rin siya ng senador? Sobra naman yatang minamalas si Mike at sobra din naman yatang sinuswerte si Ping dahil lahat ng diumano’y iskandalo sa Pilipinas ay kaniyang natutuklasan at ang mga testigo na kailangan para dito ay kanya ring nahahawakan. Hindi ba malaking pera ang kinakailangan upang “protektahan” ang mga testigo dahil kailangan silang itago, pakainin at ibahay upang di makuha ng kaaway? Saan kaya kumukuha si Lacson gayung di naman niya ginagalaw ang kaniyang pork barrel?

Kung ating susuriin ang mga paratang at mga alibi ng mga inakusahan ay may makikita tayong mga bagay na hindi nagtutugma. Una, ang contractor na si Tomatu Suzuka ay nagpahayag ng isang paratang na hindi niya direktang naranasan at napatunayan na nangyayari ngunit nakakalungkot na siya namang pinagbasihan ng World Bank. Pangalawa, halatang hindi patas dahil ang inaakusahan ay hindi nabigyan ng pagkakataong ipagtanggol ang sarili sa tamang korte. Hindi natin masasabi na mali ang WB pero kung sa tamang proseso ang nangyari at naipako na sa krus ang mga kumpanya at taong nabanggit na diumano’y may kaugnayan sa suhulan bago pa man magkaroon ng lehitimong imbestigasyon.

Ang nakapagtataka ay bakit mistulang napaka-convenient yata ng mga eksena at saktong-sakto sa kilalang misyon ni Ping Lacson laban kay Mike Arroyo – ang kaniyang pagbagsak kasama si Gloria? Hindi kaya’t nagkaroon talaga ng bayaran o suhulan? Ngunit kung ito ay sa pagitan ni Mike at mga contractors o sa pagitan ni Lacson at ng kanyang mga “paid-witnesses” para sa “bidding scandal” ay isang malaking katanungan.

Mas makikinabang tayo sa istorya kung gawing patas ang labanan. Wala muna dapat bumibida. Patas na labanan.

NPA FINDS “GOLD MINE” IN RP’S MINING INDUSTRY

2009-02-09T22:01:00.000-08:00

As a member of an NGO working for the protection of the environment, I have learned so much about the adverse effects on the environment of the reckless exploitation of the country’s mineral resources. Our fears have been further exacerbated by the implementation of RA 7942 liberalizing the mining industry in the country and the recent adopted government policy that encourages both local and foreign investors to engage in the mining industry. We know for a fact that indiscriminate mining exploration and its accompanying destruction of the environment will trigger environmental disasters including deforestation, soil erosion, massive floods, landslides, pollution and other destructive effects of the disruption of ecological balance.

Thus, when we learned that the CPP/NPA is also opposing the exploration of the country’s mineral resources by mining firms, we found in the NPAs strange bedfellows in our campaign to protect the environment. They claimed that they had been given orders to stop the plundering of the country’s mineral resources detrimental to environment and to the economic interest of the nation. They pledged to do their utmost to stop especially foreign mining companies and their cahoots in the government from plundering our natural resources. We were somewhat elated to hear from them such unusual concern to the preservation of environmental integrity.

It did not, however, happen that way. Our group was greatly disappointed to learn later on that the NPAs have turned their anti-mining drive into a lucrative protection racket. Through threats, coercion and intimidation, they extort protection money in staggering amounts form mining firms and operators. Even small time mining operators including the poor gold fanners in the hinterlands have been obliged to give to the NPAs protection money euphemistically called “revolutionary tax”. Sometimes they call it for “payment for social obligations” to the host communities and the indigenous people affected by the mining operations. But just the same, those who give in to their extortionist demands are allowed to continue their mining operations, no matter how destructive these are to the environment. Those who refuse to pay are severely punished by destroying their mining equipment and facilities and confiscating their other belongings.

According to the PNP records, last year the NPA raided/attacked a number of both local and foreign mining companies operating in different parts of the country mainly for failure to meet the rebels’ extortionist demands. Millions of pesos worth of heavy equipment, facilities and other assets were destroyed. Security details who resisted the attacks were disarmed by the marauders who carted away their firearms together with other items worth carrying. A number of people including security guards and company personnel were injured during the raid; some were abducted or held hostage and used as human shields or leverage for demanding ransom money.

Among the recent victims of such dastardly act was the Sagittarius Mines, Inc. which the NPAs burned down on January 1, 2008 in Tampakan, South Cotabato. They destroyed mining equipment and disarmed the eight security guards and carted away their firearms. One SMI employee was held hostage and later on killed by the NPAs. Five days later, the insurgents burned a bulldozer owned by the said company in Brgy Kimlawis, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur. The rebels demanded P1M from the company as protection money.

In ComVal Province, the NPAs raided the Apex Mining Company in Masara, Maco on March 6, 2008, disarmed the security guards and burned 1 pay loader, 1 jumbo drill and 1 low profile truck. They carted away assorted firearms. No casualty as reported but damage to property was placed at P15M.

On April 8, the NPAs attacked the Platinum Gold Mining Corporation in Dinapigue, Isabela for refusing to give protection money. Outnumbered and outgunned, the security details could do nothing but to surrender their firearms as demanded by the raiders. The attacking forces held hostage the company personnel for three hours.

In Bulacan, another group of NPAs attacked/raided the Oro Metal Mining Corporation in Brgy Camachin, Dona Remedios Trinidad on July 21. One security guard was killed during the exchange of fire. Earlier, on July 14, a big number of NPAs attacked the El Dore Mining Corporation in Brgy Dumagmang, Labo, Camarines Norte. Defending government security forces suffered 1 killed and 2 wounded. The rebels carted away 16 assorted firearms. On July 23, around 20 NPAs raided the Philex Mining Company in Sipalay City, Negros occidental and destroyed P1.5M worth of equipment and facilities for refusing to give in the NPA extortionist demands. The raiders carted away several assorted firearms, office supplies and communication equipment.

A large group of NPAs ransacked the DMC Mining Co. on August 23 in Brgy Calapagan, Lupon, Davao Oriental and carted away assorted firearms and communications equipment. No casualty was reported. On October 28, the NPAs raided the Philco Mining and Batoto Resource Corporation in Brgy Camanlangan, New Bataan, ComVal Povince and burned 1 bulldozer. Shortly before the end of the year, on December 22, some 50 NPAs attacked the San Roque Mining Industry in Brgy La Fraternidad, tubay, Agusan del Norte. The raiders burned down 1 volvo mining equipment and carted away 14 assorted firearms.

These are only some selected samples of the way the NPAs exploit for their own advantage the mining industry. There are more in the official police records. Whatever, it clearly shows that the movement is just using its pro-environmental advocacy to give a semblance of legitimacy to its coercive fund raising activities among mining operators. The desire for material gains, specifically for fast money in the name of revolution, has indeed, completely obliterated the movement’s pretensions to the worthy cause of environmental conservation.

TERRORIST’S DIARY “Journal of ABDUL-ASG”

2009-02-09T21:59:00.000-08:00

Most say “Abdul” who was born in dearth will eventually die like one as he lazes around all-day doing nothing. But that is, since they knew too little about the seventeen-year old high school drop-out. Even more intriguing in Abduls’ skyrocketing future is that it had nothing to do with finishing school or even lifting a bone in the farm or labouring in the wet markets of Pagadian. All he needed to do was get a good trip on a gun he can’t even name and pull the trigger at a tin can a feet away while watching over a distance is certain Dr. Abu Pula. That time, Abdul’s “testosterone” was running high with a grip of the cold barrel but he had no intentions of actually getting into the Abu Sayaff (ASG). Not unit he laid his eyes on a bag-load of cash. “It was pretty easy”, a long- haired guy muttered from behind him. “If you’re man enough”, the man then tested.

Abdul was no dumb nor was he too innocent. He has heard of the ASG. They were no threat to him but he knew it was not the case with the Christians in Pagadian-Zamboanga del Sur’s city-district. The teenager has nothing against the Christians, but it had been common for Muslims including him to think otherwise, It would be too bad gaining easy money while blending it with grudge. That’s what drove Abdul in joining the terror group and it still does up until today.

He had been with the ASG since April of 2007 and he never once felt remorse to those they chose to behead for an unpaid ransom. Abdul added that downsizing his guilt is done simply by keeping a safe distance from among their captives. Think no less of them than another bag-full of money. But that was easier said than done when the group of Abdul went from rich magnates to mere public teachers whom Abdul knew is proper than him. And that is why this journal is about.

Abdul was introduced to the group of Albader Parad, who led him and eight others in the kidnapping of Lidio Castro and Sherwin Caraeg in Tawi-Tawi last Nov 09 & 29, 2001. Abdul were among those who held the two at gun-point as they trek to Languyan with four other ASG. The hide and seek with the pursuing government troops led Abdul and the two captives from Kabingaan Island to Pala Island till they joined with Commander Dingdong Unad in Sulu. But it sure was not easy as the military zeroed them in Jolo. This then pushed Abdul and the others to trail back to Tawi-Tawi. On their way back to Tawi-Tawi at about 8:30 of June 24, 2002, Abdul recalled meeting 70 other Sulu-based ASG in Mt Tukay, Parang, Sulu where he again met with his “recruiter” Dr Abu Pula who he later named as Jumail Gumbahali.

The “No-to-Negotiation” stand of the authorities then alarmed the group, Abdul added. Others then, particularly Albader Parad ordered Sherwin’s head cut-off to show the government they mean business. But Dullah, one of the Parad’s cohorts insisted that a finger would do. From late June till early July of that year, Parad and Abu have been threatening Sherwin. The former wanted to starve the captive to death. But as Abdul recalled, no one isn’t starving during the three months trek. They hardly eat and if they do the captives usually get the smallest share. Abdul then laughed as he recalled how Parad made fool of himself when he gave that order.

“Parad would always give us a speech about what we would be getting with Sherwin and Lidio. He said we could eat anything we want and sleep with whoever we want to after we disperse in Jolo. But by then, we were starting to doubt. We were walking zombies as we try avoiding the army day-in day-out.” Abdul sighed. The teenager even admitted having planned of gouging-out Sherwin’s left eye whenever he gets a good glance at the captive.

But seemingly Abdul claimed that his suffering paid-off when last September 15, 2002 Dr Abu got the PNP to negotiate. He never get to count how much money Dr Abu got with the exchange for Sherwin’s life but he said the whole group were laughing when Parad exclaimed that he asked for almost 25,000 worth for Sherwin’s so-called “board and lodging”. As Abdul remembered, he rarely feed their captives, and if they get to, it would be five emptied can of sardines which could last for the whole month. He could not recall a day where any of those they kidnapped had the chance of getting a three full meal or for that matter a decent and clean one. He said the grandest meal he could offer these captives were biscuits, bread and a feast for a fish dish which was served only among famous and supposed rich captives.

Abdul was amazed on how the other released captives could even swallow the strength to tell the media they were treated well. Aside from the intentional starving, long walks and that of the beating; Abdul utterly said they were treated nowhere human but mere baggage good for barter. This supposed “they treated as well” is a script forcibly taught by Parad amongst those released while threatening of having them killed whenever and wherever he wants to. Truth is their released captives would always live under Parad’s and Abdul’s shadow. Most would live denying their tortures to themselves and would even swear to bury those secrets to their graves. Abdul counted on that and continually believes so.

That ransom exchange with Caraeg served as the fuelling agent of Abdul and the whole group. He even claimed that this group was running a so-called “holiday trip with a unique apartelle”. The only thing illegal about it is that they forced their clients to sleep on cold dirt, dragged them on foot while trekking rock terrains and routinely giving them a good beating before the group decides to while the night. The beating made me sleep, Abdul uttered. When the captive is unconscious and practically when both its arms and legs are pretty swollen Abdul won’t have much to worry about an escape. They usually do it among not too prominent victims who were ordinary villagers unfortunate enough of meeting Parad and his crew along shallow brook or Narrow Mountain passes.

There were even times when Parad ordered Abdul and the others to take a shot of their captives from waist up, avoiding the legs and ofcourse parts that would eventually kill them, which make the captives and their effort totally worthless. From time to time, cutting a part of these victims was an exhilarating game for Abdul and his other comrade-Usman. Seeing how the victims fear and would do entirely everything of what Abdul and Usman asked of them was a form of ecstasy.

Abdul recalled having threatened a woman as old as her sister to stand naked in front of him and Usman. Abdul was practically smiling recalling the incidence where he won over Usman. Drastically, the two were on a race of who gets to “do it” (includes rapes and molestations) with their other girl captives. Abdul recalled it was something he had to do to get some respect in the group. He added how sorry he was for the girl then but he doesn’t want to go against Parad’s rules. Abdul claimed, Parad thinks everyone of us is dispensable. “He (Parad) could and would kill anyone of us if he wants to, Abdul ended.

Within the span of 2 hours and almost 25 minutes, the interview with Abdul ended with the far gruesome story. He claimed that being part of the ASG made him untouchable. The people in Sulu and across Zamboanga could attest to that. Abdul was no longer a 17-year old boy who lazed around. He was a murderer and a loose canon who admitted the vilest crime the country has yet to hear. He admitted having raped several women and have witnessed how they were passed-on from one ASG to the next. He confessed having beaten four civilian residents to death just because he wanted Parad and others to know he is no “sissy”. Inflicting pain to others and seeing the fear in their eyes made Abdul think he was playing God. Abdul could not even spell-put the word terrorism. But when he held his rifle and pointed it, one could see he embodies the “almost” perfect terrorism.

Abdul and the rest of the ASG were the worst among world’s terrorists. They were not driven by any chauvinistic or distorted ideology like those in the Middle East who turn themselves into human detonators. Instead, they were literal bandits and cold-blooded criminals who simply employ terror to gain cash. They were neither Muslim nor human. Religion and even that of Abdul’s so-called Muslim grudge against the Christians were immaterial to their dreadful acts. In fact there isn’t a word that would define who or what they even were. Moreover, there are no humanly-acceptable reason for the ASG’s brutality and zeal for terror. From the Commanders Robot, Janjalani and now to Sahiron and Parad, there is a huge possibility that Abdul and others like him would aim at the so-called amir league of brutal felons.

There was nothing to admire in the long list of story Abdul had for this article. But there were everything to be disgusted of. Maybe this honestly of Abdul is the only thing left of his humanity. Or maybe just like how Parad paraded himself in the press, the young Abdul wanted a taste of fame himself. Fame that would ironically placed him in every Filipinos wrath and ultimately the much-needed revulsion hat would lead to the ASG’s annihilation.

STREET JUSTICE (RISE of “PARTISAN” TRIBUNALS)

2009-02-06T21:26:00.001-08:00

The plot on the life of MMDA Chief Roberto “Bobby” Esquivel almost cost his fourteen year old son but it did not spare the poor family driver Jonny Agbay. Agbay died bearing six bullet holes including a clean-slate to the head. Was it a darn incident of “mistaken identity” gone extreme? An intel glitch within the
PARTISANO” or the Partido Marxista Leninista ng Plipinas (PMLP) that caused innocent flag? Where in it just?

“PARTISANO” IN A NUT SHELL

Pocketed liquidations usually done along crowded streets and cities nationwide to include greater Manila by so-called “PARTISANO” or the Rejectionist's armed component swarming Luzon could be traced back in the middle of 1999. The “Rejectionist” faction came into existence when Felimon “Popoy” Lagman, former Secretary of CPP's Metro-Rizal Regional Committee (MRRC) rejected the nature to empower and aggravate the countryside encircling major cities as an actuation of takeover. However, the Rejectionists such as the “PARTISANO” wanted the revolt to start among cities particularly in Metro Manila were the seat of state power rest.

Moreover, the PARTISANO title projects two differing statements. One, a partisan or follower of the PMLP's “codex” of what is right and second a detriment against their targets which are eighter abusive lapdogs or cronies. Ironically, these Rejectionists who were suppose to zero-in on the “big fishes” taking control in the districts the group was subsequently beset with riddling money-heist. Instead of so-called “liberation of the people” they turned into money making where they ended-up as a political private armed groups for familial empires in the province and worst crime syndicates to include gun-running.

HARD TO SWALLOW

Rights groups in the country to include justice enthusiast like myself have continuously clamored for the precedence of the country's courts and law enforcement in pinning-down culprits. However, looking at a distant mirror made me realize that none among my “rights” mates give a damn when police officers, politicians or worst suspected military informants were murdered in broad daylight while way home or else while on their last bowl of noodles along foodhouses nationwide. Worst in this , unexplained disinterest is that the common people like primary targets' staffs and mostly their private drivers gets the deadly bullets and draw the first blood strain. No one would remember the Esquivel's driver-Johnny Agbay. The case would center on the successful plot on the MMDA exec but not on the needless death of Agbay along with the torn lives of his widower and orphaned children.

Where there ever a difference between a single police's life and that of a journalist or activist? Is the rights group lead by the honorable Leila de Lima “partisano” in nature? These death squads whether it be by the so-called Rejectionist faction or the CPP-NPA are by fact nothing else that coward criminals who stabs and snatch unwary adversaries. As de Lima accentuated, the streets were never a battleground. The cities, market places and even the police stations and jails across the country should have been treated the same. There was never a battle in someone else's “liquidation” or assassination but plain and simple murder. Whatever misdemeanor those victims have indulge on or bear it by their mere identification as men in uniforms or authority figures, the CPP-NPA and so as its defunct groups never earned the right to rob them of their rights for a day in court or a day where he could fight for himself. Nothing is right in intentional act of back-bite that cause human lives, whether it be an impulse of ideology or by mere fact that they are opponents by virtue of warfare.

By the end of year 2007, almost a hundred among suspected military informants and roughly a routine figure of 10 PNP or AFP personnel were liquidated in the country. The former other than death endured further tortures among Communist tribunals and latter gets nothing but a flag to commemorate their demise. The red army even poses these figures in cyberspace as triumphant operations against AFP. It was horribly showcased as a notch of success towards the Sison's conceptualized guerrilla warfare.

This so-called Communist's way of gaining justice at gunpoint is as illusive and absurd like begging mercy from a tyrant. If the “Partisano” group have ditched and buried every fiber of human conscience and guilt while they pulled the trigger at Agbay, the people who knew better never would. Or should I say with the obvious selective clamor for justice of KARAPATAN together with the CHR that they already did the opposite?

ARE YOU AFRAID OF ASG?

2009-02-06T21:22:00.000-08:00

Is Philippines that economically struggling now that kidnapping becomes a way of living? How many government officials go to work without the proper uniform since the news on small time kidnapping broke out?! Just recently, we have heard of numbers of teachers and other government officials being kidnapped and got released for twenty or ten thousand pesos...alarming!

You can be the next victim.

It has been months since the issue on the MOA-AD conquered the society. What happened to the BJE anyway? Why don't people get talk about it that much now?” Have you ever thought of this? Have you ever doubted that all these issues now plus the BJE thing fit in the puzzle? Yes! The accumulation of ten and twenty thousand pesos can already provide foods, medicine and clothing for a large group of people for one month. In fact, if the number of kidnapping from 2008 until January 2009 be accounted, there can be atleast 14 M saved! Are we saying here that the kidnapping is intended to support a group of people? EXACATLY But we don't mean poor families. We mean lawless group of people who will only want to create endless chaos for aim they themselves are not fully aware of.

News report tells the socety that MILF has nothing to do with the kidnapping around. Did you immediately believe that? Kidnappers will continually conceal this truth. Of course, that's part of the game. Didn't military officers say that a certain Usman Lidjal is behind it? He used the ASG group in Basilan headed byPurudji Indama and a certain Jamiri for this small time kidnapping.

Everything fits in the puzzle. The MOA-AD is now silent...sooner or later it will make a name again. Soon... when amount is enough to support the activities- bombing and other forms of terrors like what happened in Lanao del Sur just months ago.

Shall we, as long as we live, just submit to these deceptions? Filipinos should be more vigilant now and aggressive. If you have been a victim, will you just remain silent since you are already released? What about the welfare of your fellowmen? Aren't we called to be accountable?

The government is doing more than its share in the seizure of this riddling lawlessness. People have witnessed 14 marines beheaded in cold-blood while ten others ambushed in the broad daylight during the rescue of Italian priest Giancarlo Bossi. The truth is presented in black and white. There is nothing to be confused of. In the ongoing battle against these terrorist; soldiers and civilians alike are shedding their blood.

It is high time to examine our conscience and know where our support and loyalty should lie. The MILF and ASG are our enemies. Mindanaons know that by now, but unfortunately they are too afraid to voice it out.

Our teachers, plain workers and even those who can't afford a meager kilo of rice in a week are used by the MILF thru Lidjal like living bargains for a barter of a bag-load of cash. No one is apparently safe; not an Iranon, Tausug or Visayan.

Else we should unite, disregard tribal indifference and support the total annihilation of both the MILF and its cahoots. A mere show of support would go along way for government soldiers whose willing to trade their lives for ours. They cannot do it alone. They need the people whom they die for appreciate their efforts.

TRILLANES NAKALAYA NA!

2009-01-30T21:23:00.001-08:00

Si Senador Antonio Trillanes IV ay nakakalabas ng kanyang selda sa Custodial Center ng Camp Crame. Ito ang natural an maiisip ng kahit sinong nakabasa ng report sa Philippine Star noong Enero 17. Nakasaad sa report na mahigit kumulang P500,000 ang ginugol ng senador para sa pagbyahe sa loob ng Pilinas noong nakalipas na anim na buwan lamang. Base sa ulat, isa sa dalawang bagay lamang ang maiisip natin: una, nakakalabas nga si Trillanes mula sa Crame at nakakagala sa buong Pilipinas; pangalawa, ang pera na idineklarang ginamit sa pagbyahe ay na “divert” o intensyonal na inilihis upang tustusan ang ibang bagay.

Kung iisipin natin, nakakapagtakang ganun na lang kalaki ang nagastos sa pondo ng senador. May mga bagay na maaaring maglalaro sa isip ng taong bayan. Una, hindi kaila sa lahat na madaming sundalo at kasamahan niya na sumali sa OAKWOOD incident ang nawalan ng hanapbuhay at nasira ang buhay dahil sa pakikiisa sa kanynang interes na ngayon ay tila siya lang ang nakikinabang...Kaya naman hindi malayong mapaisip ang taongbayan... hindi kaya ginagamit na pangtustos at pambayad ng Senador ang pera ng taong bayan para sa mga kasamahan niya na marahil ay pinagkakautangan niya ng loob sa pagsama sa kanya sa Oakwood? Nakakakonsensiya nga naman na habang siya ay patuloy na sumasahod (P43,000 na buwanang sweldo maliban pa sa ibang benefits tulad ng staff allowance at ang pamosong pork barrel) sa gobyernong kanyang kinamuhian (na ngayon ay sinalihan din naman nya) ang iba namang sundalo ay naghihirap at walang hanapbuhay – Ilang sundalo ba ang kasalukuyang nakapiit ngayon at nagtitiis na walang mapakain sa kanilang pamilya? Pangalawa, maaaring ang pera ay itinago lamang at inilalaan sa planong pagtakbo ni General Danilo LIM sa 2010. Hindi ito malayong mangyari dahil sanggang dikit ang dalawa.

Nakakapagtaka din na ang dating maingay na senador ay biglang nananahimik ngayon. Kung dati ay madalas tayo makarinig ng mga plano ni Trillanes, ngayon ay walang kaimik-imik ang mambabatas lalo na kung ito ay patungkol sa mga nabitiwan niyang mga pangako. Ang binibida niyang 155 senate house bills na kaniyang inilagda ay hindi nararamdaman ng mga taong bayan kaya sa ngayon ay wala itong saysay para sa nakakarami. Mas marami sana ang makikinabang kung ang nagastos na malaking halaga sa pagbya-byahe ay nailaan na lamang sa mga proyekto para sa tao.

Nakakalungkot na mukhang tinalikuran na ng dating nanggagalaiti na senador ang kanyang mga pangako sa taong bayan at nasilaw na sa marangyang buhay.

THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY, SENATOR TRILLANES

2009-01-30T21:07:00.000-08:00

How can a detained senator actually spend P500,000 in travel expenses in a span of six months? This is something that we should judiciously wonder about since taxpayers’ money was certainly used to finance this so-called “travels” of the neophyte lawmaker. I have nothing against Senator Trillanes since he was voted into office by the people and from what I’ve read and heard was still able to author 155 bills despite his incarceration at Camp Crame. However, one can’t help but be surprised by the difference of his travel costs and that of an old-timer senator like Joker Arroyo whom we all know is as hard-working in terms of making laws and who has been very humble about his past accomplishments unlike some of his colleagues.
The January 17 Philippine Star report regarding Trillanes’ expenses as officially cited by the Commission on Audit comes as a surprise since the detained lawmaker has been very tenacious in his anti-corruption crusade particularly against the Arroyo administration. As such, five hundred thousand pesos was really a lot of money wasted on local travels by someone who was not even allowed to travel or even step outside his cell at the Custodial Center of Camp Crame in Quezon City. Would it then be too much to assume that part of the solon’s allotted money were used as remuneration for some of his “comrade-in-arms” during 2003 Oakwoad mutiny who were unfortunate not to be elected as a senator and receive monthly salary of forty-three thousand pesos(P43,000.00) a month? This could happen and is not entirely implausible.
Ironically, I was one of the people who voted for Trillanes in 2007 and even applauded his golden promise prior his sweet victory which is to waive his pork barrel. But like any other sad story, it was the promise that was waived and not the pork barrel. Being a campaigner against corruption, we all expected Trillanes to be the most frugal among the other senators, but by the looks of the COA report we can now safely assume that the solon has long forgotten the value we Filipinos place on “palabra de honor”. The filed 155 bills will not erase the fact that P500,000 of taxpayers’ money was wasted on travels while another more or less P300,000 was needlessly wasted to finance meetings and conferences and extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses of Senator Trillanes and his throng of staff members. And, what is sad about the story is the fact that this happened in a span of only six months. I shudder to think what the expenses of the detained lawmaker would be in another six months.

The Project SNAP

2008-12-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Credits: Filipino White Blogger Group

"A destabilization plot dubbed Project "SNAP" is now on track...Be warned that it intend to create chaos in the business community by passing around false information..."

Hey guys watch this movie, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuS1c1YI4SU

Because we do not support any actions that create CHAOS, we will pass this message to the public not only to the business community.
Lets help build a peaceful community.

The Filipino White Blogger Group.

The Blogger copied and paste it here!

Are the CPP and NPA Out on a Senseless Rampage?

2008-10-08T23:54:00.000-07:00

“Uncovering the Non-Principled Army (NPA)”

There is such a thing as “perfect murder”, and it is re-lived over and again in the Philippine soil. These culprits roam not with hands cuffed or jail bars walled around them. Instead, they walk amongst us even in broad daylight holding us against our will. Their victims scream in deafening silence among shallow graves, yearning for justice to dig them out.

Malicious taints of alleged extrajudicial killings and forced disappearances all pin-pointed to the AFP have been flooding the frontpages and airwaves nationwide. But was there ever an open contention about the CPP and NPA’s staging of summary executions by virtue of their bereave kangaroo court proceeding and even tactical purging intended to purportedly cleanse the Party of inutile members?

Of course, there would always be a charade of denial to top all these but there are hard to rid-off evidences that would prove otherwise. Among these are instances of military civic volunteers and other individuals identified supportive to the government forcefully rubbed out of their homes; tortured and brutally murdered.

Unfortunately, the Party would simply be insinuating that under their rulings these victims were just a bunch of abusive locals and/or were carried out as a tactical operation to counter military operations by ripping-out sources of intelligence information used to best craft their offensives.

Criminals under the constitution are granted with their rights to face an impartial and neutral court. Rapists and murderers alike are not stripped of their basic rights, such as in defence of themselves within the rule of court. Nor do the worse crimes of incest and multiple murders face the end-fate of death. But the revolutionary government instilled by the CPP and NPA track the opposite. Their sole means of punishment is to rob their victims of their very right to exist.

There also include several hours of cross-examinations (interrogations) done through abduction and torture of any individual such as those suffered by Litoy Leguarda, a suspected military informant in Brgy Solong, Can-avid, E/Samar. Last April 5 2008, Leguarda was abducted while attending a benefit dance. A day after he was found hog-tied in Solong Elementary School lifeless and bettered to death.

Another case in point of their involvement in summary executions was that of Ryan Samonte who was first castrated before being put to death last August 10, 2008 in Bicol. Theresa Magtanggol, spokeswoman of the NPA Nerissa San Juan Command, directly admitted in a television interview that their forces did kill the government militiaman who is clearly not taking part of an armed hostility at the time of his capture. Isn’t her admission enough proof that the NPA is only doing lip service when they adamantly state that they adhere to the Comprehensive Agreement for the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) and teh Geneva Convention?

These insatiable killings were carried out decades ago, that is to include the recently unearthed remains of the Anugot family in the island province of Cebu. The joint team from the 78^th Infantry Battalion and the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) dug out the remains of reported summary execution victims of the New People’s Army (NPA) last October 9, 1985.

Mario Anugot the lone survivor of said massacre witnessed how his father Mauricio, mother Sari, siblings Peng, Titing, Marlyn and three others were mercilessly stabbed and strafed in their sleep in Sitio Mayana, Baranagy Gaas, Balamban.

Farmers whom the NPA are professing to protect from landlords have also been victims of their dastardly acts. Mark Anthony “Butchoy” Vale, a duly elected Barangay Captain and a farmer, was killed in broad daylight on December 22, 2007 in Masbate whose body was first defiled by his NPA assailants and subsequently left to be discovered by his grieving wife.

A string of this violence also notes the discovered grave sites last March 10, 2008 where suspected victims of New People’s Army summary executions were exhumed by army personnel under 61^st IB, 3ID, PA in Brgy Camindangan, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental.

The said remains were of suspected military informants based on Jesumar Tabano’s statements. Tabano is the son of one of the victims identified as Kagawad Proferio Tabano who was abducted in 1989 in Sitio Bangco-Bangco, Brgy Camindanang, Sipalay City.

Kagawad Tabano’s remains were identified by his son (Jesumar) based on exhumed clothing wrapped around the carnage buried over 50 feet deep. The uncovered skulls were tied with cloth possibly blinding the victims while fractures found on their skeletal remains were proof that they were viciously tortured after having been killed.

This year alone, there have been numerous accounts of liquidations perpetrated by the NPA’s SPARU unit all across the country. Most of which were done in broad daylight endangering a handful of civilians and when unfortunate targets are unarmed and unsuspecting. Aren’t these blatant displays of murder? Fired guns should stay in the battlefield. Gunning-down a man with nothing but his shirt and pants is a cowardly act altogether.

However, much the NPA tries to mask their dastardly acts with claims of defending the masses and their rights, the fact remains that they deny justice to their victims, commit cold-blood murders and what they do in the countryside, day in and day out, does not give security to the people whom they averred to be oppressed.

Ang mga tagong yaman ni Sen. Lacson

2008-09-17T23:16:00.000-07:00

Ang ibang pinagkukunan ng yaman ni Sen. Panfilo "Ping" Lacson. Itinatago sa ibang account.

Click image to enlarge.

The Road to Nowhere Project of Senator Lacson

2008-09-12T21:23:00.000-07:00

Another splat of graft and corruption… another matter to be scrutinized… another impending Senate investigation… Perhaps Senator Panfilo Lacson came out handsomely when he claimed to have unearthed an alleged anomaly over a duplicated fund allocation for an infrastructure project in Paranaque City. The funding was supposedly intended for the extension of the C-5 road from the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) to Sucat, Paranaque. Lacson said that said irregularity was discovered during the Development Budget Coordinating Council (DBCC) hearing at the Senate. The project was allocated with a P200M budget for this year and another P200M for next year, thereby making it redundant. Obviously, opposition lawmakers are trying to zero in at Malacanang as the culprit behind the irregularity. As such, Resolution No. 622 was filed by minority members for proper investigation of the issue.
As things transpired, Lacson made a decisive strategy by pointing his finger to Senate President Manuel Villar as the one primarily involved in the alleged anomaly. What strategy? As everybody knows, the 2010 election is coming in fast and every presidential wannabe should be quick enough in exploiting and using current issues against their probable opponents so as to damage their credibility, pull them down, and eventually divert the people’s support to them. This time, Lacson is making the headway while Villar is thinking how to regain his “pogi-points.” Very smart indeed on Lacson’s part… but that’s not all. Lacson also knew how to use his future opponents for his gains. As we all know, Senator Mar Roxas II is also a presidential wannabe and his loving sweetheart, Korina Sanchez, in a well-known and well-respected TV/Radio journalist. It was just a matter of talk (plus cash maybe) that Lacson persuaded Sanchez to put the matter in the limelight since it will also help scratching out Villar in favor of Roxas in 2010. However, said sweethearts don’t know that Lacson is aiming for his “pogi-points” and not willing to allot anything for Roxas. Too bad for these showbiz lovers… it will be too late before they knew that they are being used.
While the on-going frenzy over the new issue reached its toll, other Senate members joined in to be a part of the limelight. Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimente Jr. and Senators Manuel Roxas II, Benigno Aquino, Rodolfo Biazon, Loren Legarda… and guess who? Senator Jamby Madrigal… well, the public really appreciate her as a comic relief… Anyway, the impending investigation regarding “the Road to Nowhere Project” is expected not to help the lawmakers “in aid of legislation” as what have happened to past hearings. However, it did serve Lacson for gaining “pogi-points” and in pushing down Villar – his no.1 opponent in 2010.

Inililihis na naman ang issue para sa pang sariling interes.

Ang Ibang Pinagkakakitaan ni Sen. Panfilo 'Ping" Lacson

2008-08-23T00:57:00.000-07:00

Marami sa atin ang madaling maniwala at humanga sa mga sinasabi ng ibang tao. Halimbawa yung pagsabi ni Sen. Panfilo Ping Lacson na di siya kumukuha ng Pork Barrel, marami ang humanga sa kanya. Saan naman kaya siya kumukuha ng panggastos niya sa maluho niyang pamumuhay? Buti na lang napansin na ng Ombudsman ang luho na ito.

Sen Manny Villar

2008-08-08T22:56:00.000-07:00

Ang Pilipinas ay matagal ng naghihintay ng isang mamumuno na matapat. Si Sen Manny Villar na kaya ang hinihintay nating mga Filipino?

Ang Pangloloko ng MERALCO!

2008-08-02T22:11:00.000-07:00

Sampung milyong piso para sa tangkang katiwalian… Mahigit walumpung milyong Pilipino, tinangka na namang lokohin ng harapan. Ang MERALCO, na ang hatid dapat ay serbisyo-publiko, ay isang ganid na kumpanya na handang manuhol kahit sa korte.

Ilang buwan pa lang ang nakalilipas nang magulantang ang publiko sa sinasabing iregularidad sa paraan ng paniningil ng Meralco sa mga mamayan, nagkaroon ng pagkakataong ilaan ang pamamahala nito sa Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) upang maprotektahan na rin ang publiko.

Ngunit sa pagnanais ng Meralco na hadlangan ang nakaambang pagkawala ng kontrol sa kumpanya, tinangka nitong suhulan si JUSTICE JOSE SABIO JR. ng Court of Appeals (CA), kasabwat ang isang personalidad na malapit sa Meralco, ng sampung milyong piso kapalit ang pagtalikod niya sa paghawak ng kaso. Bilang isang matapat ng kawani ng gobyerno, pinili ni Sabio na iparating ito sa nakatataas at sa mga mamamayan.

Napakalaking halaga ng P10M para pangsuhol. Ngunit para sa isang kumpanya na sinisingil sa mga kostumer ang kanilang “system loss,” ito ay napakaliit lamang. Ang tangkang panunuhol sa isang kawani ng gobyerno ay isang malinaw na halimbawa ng kurapsyon. Sa pangyayaring ito, hindi maitatatwa na ang Meralco ay isa sa mga kumpanyang kinukunsinte ang “graft and corruption” na matagal ng sakit ng ating bansa.

Sa kabila nang lahat, nasaan na ang mga miyembro ng Senado na nangunguna sa pag-iimbestiga ng mga katiwalian? Malamang hindi sila interesado sa pangyayaring ito dahil hindi ito makakatulong sa kanilang popularidad. Nasaan na ang mga aktibista at militante na handang magprotesta kapag may iragularidad? Malamang wala din silang ganang pakialaman ang isyu dahil hindi ito makakatulong sa pagpapabagsak ng gobyerno. At higit sa lahat, nasaan na ang oposisyon na laging sumisigaw ng “labanan ang kurapsyon!?” Malamang dahil sa malaki ang nahihita nila sa mga pribadong ahensya, ayaw na din nilang makialam sa isyu.

Tutukan ang katotohanan at huwag hayaang mawala ang mga seryosong isyu na tulad nito! Ang isang katulad ni Justice Sabio ay higit na may kredibilidad kumpara sa mga “Senate witnesses” na pinaniwalaan ng ilan sa atin. Ito na ang pagkakataon upang simulang puksain ang totoong uri ng kurapsyon dahil ito ay hindi kathang –isip o gawa-gawa lamang!

Papanagutin ang Meralco!

Panfilo "Ping" Lacson

2008-07-25T22:15:00.000-07:00

Bukas na Liham Para sa mga Magulang at Kabataan

2008-07-23T21:23:00.000-07:00

Mga minamahal naming magulang at kabataan;

Sa maikling panulat na ito, sana ay mamulat tayo sa mga pagkakataong maaring masira ang kinabukasan ng ating mga anak, kabarkada, kaibigan at kapatid. Hatid ng liham na ito ang babala ukol sa mga nangyayari na lingid sa ating mga kaalaman.

Si Rose Anne Gumanoy ay isa sa mga kabataang nahikayat na sumapi sa New People’s Army o NPA. Siya ay isang biktima ng mga mapanlinlang na makakaliwa. Isa siya sa mga kabataan na dapat sana ay kabilang na ngayon sa mga produktibong mamamayan.

Si Rose Anne ay anak ni Eddie Gumanoy, isang militante na sinasabing pinaslang ng militar. Nagtamo si Rose Anne ng sugat matapos makaenwentro ang mga sundalo sa probinsya ng Quezon. Nagpagaling siya sa AFP Medical Center sa pangangalaga ng gobyerno, ngunit sa kabila nito ay ang pagsampa kasong rebelyon laban sa kanya. Sa pagkakataong ito, nagprisinta ang grupong Karapatan na tulungan siya para sa kanyang proteksyon at depensa sa korte. Taliwas sa kanyang inaasahan, pinabayaan siya ng grupo at hindi na natutukan ang kaso niya. Dahil dito, napilitan and korte na maglabas ng “arrest warrant” sanhi ng hindi pagtugon sa mga “court hearing” at dahil na din sa kapabayaan ng grupong Karapatan.

Ang grupong Karapatan ay isa lamang sa mga “legal fronts” ng CPP/NPA na ginagamit ang mga kasong tulad ng kay Rose Anne. Sinusunggaban nila ang mga kasong pwedeng palabasin na pagmamalupit ng militar upang mabiggyang dahilan na kalabanin at siraan ang gobyerno. Kailanman, hindi para sa intesest ng umanoy mga biktima ng karahasan ang kanilang adhikain, ngunit para itaguyod ang CPP/NPA at palaganapin ang rebelyon.

Isa si Rose Anne sa mga kabataang nahimok na sumali sa NPA. Kadalasan, ang pag-uudyok ay nagsisimula sa panghihikayat na makilahok sa mga kilos-protesta at mga gawaing laban sa gobyerno. Dahil sa murang pag-iisip ng mga kabataan, madaling nakukumbinsi ng mga “militant leaders” ang mga ito na makibahagi sa kanilang mga aktibidades. Kapag hinog na sa kaalaman at buo na ang loob na lumaban sa gobyerno, karamihan sa kanila ay umaanib na sa armadong pakikibaka. Dito nasasayang ang kinabukasan ng ibang kabataang nalululong sa aktibismo.

Ikaw, bilang magulang, kapatid, kaibigan o kakilala, hahayaan mo na lang ba ang iyong mga mahal sa buhay na sirain ang kinabukasan nila sa pagsisimulang makilahok sa mga kilos-protesta? Hahayaan mo na lang bang madagdagan pa ang mga kaso at pangyayaring katulad ng kay Rose Anne? Maging mapagmatyag at alerto. Alamin ang kinabibilangan na grupo ng mga minamahal nating kabataan …

A Hoodlum in Senate

2008-07-22T00:20:00.000-07:00

Human rights violations relative to summary executions has been top issues in forums, lectures, debates and most especially, during protest actions. The matter has reached a certain degree that even the international community took notice of them prompting special envoys to make studies and evaluation on how the government is addressing the problem. However, incidents of alleged human rights violations were obviously being exploited by leftist militants and anti-administration groups. They almost always focus only on violations that were allegedly perpetrated by government agents, leaving serious cases neglected, and worst, forgotten.

Such contentious cases were those that involved Sen. Panfilo Lacson which includes the Kuratong Baleleng gang rub out case and the double murder of publicist Salvador “Bubby” Dacer and his driver, Emmanuel Corbito. The glaring fact that Lacson is still off the hook have sent a strong message that he can put himself above the law, using his position to be immune from being implicated. It is noteworthy that Sabina Reyes, one of Dacer’s daughters, has recently testified at the Manila Regional Trial Court. Reyes claimed that her father told the family on two occasions that if anything happened to him, it would be Lacson’s doing. Reyes said that Lacson was irked when Dacer supported former Gen. Roberto Lastimoso’s bid for the top post at the Philippine National Police (PNP). Since Dacer is an influential individual, this prompted Lacson to eliminate him.

Lacson by fact is a dangerous man. Nobody can argue with this since the man is still out there, dodging murder cases against him and even landing as a senator. With his resources, connections and influence, he can practically do whatever he wants against his enemies, just like what he did to Bobby Dacer. The loyalty of his cohorts is unquestionable such as the likes of Glenn Dumlao, Cesar Mancao and Michael Ray Aquino. They and some others are willing to give up their life for the senator.

The big question is why did the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) missed Lacson’s vicious activities considering that the family of the victims are still crying and asking for justice? Perhaps the CHR is just too busy handling juicy issues such as manhandling incidents that are only seen on TV, leaving and/or intentionally neglecting those who are really in dire need of their assistance. Aside from such, the media is not fair enough in updating old issues such as the Kuratong Baleleng rub-out case and the Dacer-Corbito murder. The media always play a major role in pressing authorities and bringing out issues but they do not intend to make follow ups unless it is a sought after story. They evidently only use their capabilities to earn extra ratings. On the other hand, militants and activists who cries foul whenever someone got killed sets aside old issues since they are not anymore exploitable.

Now that Dacer’s children revived their search for justice, it is high time that those who were implicated in the Dacer murder should face due process. When Lason told that it was “unfair” of Dacer’s daughter to accuse him of being the mastermind of their father’s murder eight years ago, it is quite more unfair that Lacson did not underwent due process and stepped out of the case just like that. Questioning the timing of Reyes’ revelations, the answer is because Dacer’s kin know that they cannot face Lacson during the height of the controversy due to lack of resources which was drained by the long process of seeking justice. On the other hand, they know that Lacson has everything at his disposal to avoid the case. Now that the case has been re-opened, is the time for Lacson to answer the accusations against him. He should face what every accused have faced and make a point that no one is above or below the law…