mapangurirat

Mob Rule

2012-01-29T11:54:00.004+08:00

Posts from various Pro-Rule of Law pages on Facebook recently claim that on January 28, 2012, Penoy's Secretary of Social Welfare Dinky Soliman "met with members of the Black and White Movement at Unit 1110 Prestige Towers, to finalize plans of People Power starting Monday, January 30, at Supreme Court and EDSA to force CJ Corona to Resign".

If this report is accurate, then we have much to be fearful of. Penoy is using People Power as a "final solution" in his vain attempt to consolidate the powers of the Supreme Court with the Executive Department and his rubber stamp Congress. Penoy know he is losing the legal battle in the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Corona. His allies in the prosecution panel have slipped at every turn to vilify Corona before the people. They must have realized that the more they vilify Corona, the more people view the Chief Justice as the underdog.

Now desperate in his attempt to be dictator, he has solicited the help of the ingrates from the Black & White movement to launch a "people power" offensive against the Chief Justice. Sadly, Penoy fails to realize that this will backfire on him as well. For all he knows, that same people power which he and his family so frequently use as their personal talisman could be used against him if he does not let up on his offensive against the judiciary and CJ Corona.

Penoy'd better hope that Dinky doesn't lead the group into singing "If we hold on together".

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People are eagerly awaiting with bated breath if the CBCP would issue a statement with regards to the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona. The CBCP started their Three-Day Plenary Assembly last Saturday at the Pope Pius XII Center in Manila.

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I was watching the trailer video of "Manila Kingpin: The Asiong Salonga Story" on Youtube and i was inspired to write a poem about what is happening to our country today:

sa isang palasyo sa gitna ng maynila

may nakatirang isang taong tunay na balahura

nais sakupin ang lahat ng kayamana't kapangyarihan

pati karapatan ng tao'y nais na sagasaan

napapalibutan siya ng mga kaibigang ulupong

dahan dahang hinubog, ang plano nila ay umusbong

tanggalin lahat ng hadlang sa pagkamkam ng kapangyarihan

kahit na ang nais nila'y wala na sa katuwiran

dinadaan pa niya kuno sa ligal na proseso

unti unti ang mga kalaban niya ay kinalaboso

ang pumalag sa kanya, labis tiyak ay kakasuhan

ganyan ang utak ng ganid sa kapangyarihan

pati maliit na mamamayan ay kinakanti

akala nila'y malilinlang sa bawat sandali

ang mga tao, ngunit mga tao'y di paloloko

sa dilaw na pangulong anyo'y tila hunyango

naghahari-harian, nagdudunung-dunungan

pero kung titignan ninyo utak ay walang laman

puro pabida ang bigkas, puro papormang panlabas

ngunit ang takbo ng utak niya ay tunay na taliwas

sulsol ng kaibigan, kabarila't kamaganak

"nasa tama ka, huwag na huwag kang kukurap"

ngunit sigaw ng bayan 'di na pwedeng isantabi

nalalapit na ang pagbagsak ng dilaw na hari

magpakasaya ka na, dilaw na namumuno

dahil malapit na ang kaharian mo ay guguho

sa lakas ng dagundong ng sigaw ngtaong bayan

tanging lusot mo na lang, tiyak na kamatayan.

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email: mapangurirat[at]gmail[dot]com

Justice and Fair Play

2012-01-27T08:45:00.005+08:00

This Thursday, the counsel for defense in the continuing telenovela that is the Corona Impeachment Trial (or as I like to call it "The Greatest Show on Earth"), called for the inhibition of Senator-Judge Franklin Drilon. Drilon's actions in the impeachment court raises questions of his impartiality, after many observers noted that drilon's lines of questioning were somewhat prosecutorial in nature, rather than clarificatory. True to his nature, however, he has stubbornly refused to inhibit himself, declaring himself a fair senator-judge. Drilon is affiliated with the Liberal Party, the very party that Penoy Aquino admitted initiated the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona. So much for fairness.

Whether Drilon admits it or not, his bias towards the proseuction team sticks out like a sore thumb. Even the average Juan is beginning to see Drilon for his true color: Yellow (in all aspects). Just last night, while I was chatting with the driver of the taxi cab I rode in from work, he asked me about the impeachment trial, and I was surprised when he said "Dapat mag inhibit na si Drilon. halatang siya naman ay pumapanig sa prosecution". This statement coming from Mamang Taxi Driver got me thinking that maybe all is not lost in the crusade for the observance of the rule of law. There may be many more like Mamang Taxi Driver who is not fooled by the cheap tricks and gimickry adapted by the prosecution and their Senator-Judge ally Drilon.

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Out of delicadeza, Drilon should inhibit. Regardless of whether he is biased or not, the mere fact that there is already a perception among many that he is actually lawyering for the prosecution is grounds enough for him to inhibit, in the interest of justice and fair play. Corona is already on trial. This administration has managed to get their plans implemented thus far. if he is guilty, then by all means convict him, but subject him to a fair trial. There is a legal maxim: Let justice be done though the heavens fall. If in fact this administration has solid proof to convict corona, as they like to claim, then they should present these evidences in court, not to media. The house prosecutors had all the time to prepare, but what did they do? they presumed that Corona would resign, saving them the trouble of actually building a good case. This is what happens when arrogance gets in the way of levelheadedness and fair play.

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We have a long way to go before true justice and fair play comes to play in this impeachment trial. Just recently, I heard that Administration ally Neri Colmenares was quoted as saying: "Hearsay can be used as basis for removing a public official like the Chief Justice because perception is important." Whatever Colmenares is smoking, he'd better stop now, before all his brain cells wither and vanish into the ether. Is Colmenares actually suggsting that we throw away the rules on evidence and just allow hearsay to be admitted as prima facie evidence? Somehow I think our representatives in the House are not actually there to represent us but rather to represent their own vested interests.

The scary part is how these so-called Honorable gentlemen allied with the administration make things up as they go along. They seem to be laboring under the delusion that the impeachment court is their oyster, and that they can bend or interpret existing rules and procedures to tailor-fit their ill-prepared case.

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While waiting for the elevator yesterday morning, one of the office employees in our building was hotly discussing the Llamas DVD issue with her officemates. She was adamant in her conviction that Llamas should be sacked for buying two thousand pesos (P2,000.00) worth of pirated DVDs at a mall in Quezon City. "Tayong mga ordinaryong tao, laging sinasabihan na huwag i-patronize ang pirated DVDs tapos si Llamas, hindi man lang pagsabihan! Anong kalse namang pamamalakad 'yan!" Anong kalsng pamamalakad nga naman `yan, Penoy?

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email : mapangurirat@gmail.com

the Rise of the Filipino Hitler

2012-01-19T07:26:00.009+08:00

"We have the power. Now our gigantic work begins."

Those were Hitler's words on the night of January 30, 1933, as cheering crowds surged past him, for five long hours, beneath the windows of the Chancellery in Berlin.

In 2011, Noynoy Aquino rose to power. In the same vein, this was also what he, in essence, promised the Filipino People. In his inaugural address, he said:

Today marks the end of a regime indifferent to the appeals of the people. It is not Noynoy who found a way. You are the reason why the silent suffering of the nation is about to end. This is the beginning of my burden, but if many of us will bear the cross we will lift it, no matter how heavy it is. (from the official english translation)

He is now in power, and his "gigantic work" to "rebuild the nation" begins.

To consolidate power, Hitler neutralized his political Enemies. Again in the same vein, Noynoy Aquino neutralized his political enemies, most popular of which was his predecessor Gloria Arroyo, and is now on the verge of consolidating power by putting allies in congress, and more importantly, by getting rid of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, a co-equal branch of government.

We know what happened after Hitler gained absolute power. Absolute power in the hands of a man with a vision is dangerous enough, but give a foolish one absolute power and the result will be disastrous. What a fool can be capable of with such tremendous, unchecked power is something I shudder to think of.

Hitler had one Joseph Goebbels. Noynoy has an army of Goebbels, ranging from unofficial ones with positions in the executive and legislative departments, not counting his propaganda machine ABS-CBN. No one fits the role of Goebbels more than radio and TV anchorman Ted Failon (Teodoro Etong), who is blatantly the mouthpiece of Hitler-in-the-making.

When Hitler rose to power, the German people celebrated. They supported him, believed in his program of governance. Hitler was thought by many as the "Savior" of the nation. The same thing happened to Noynoy, who rose to power with the same popular support. The people were promised a Philippines of Eutopian proportions, a proverbial land of milk and honey. The sad truth, however, is that the people have been deceived into believing that the intention of Aquino is to clean the government of corruption, when in truth the intention is to protect the interests of the Cojuangco and Aquino families.

Hitler’s speeches ‘Appeal to German People’ blamed problems on weaknesses of democratic government and terrorist activities of Communists. Noynoy's speeches blamed problems on his political predecessor, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and her allies in government.

In an article from fusedthought.com, it explains the need for consolidation of power by Hitler:

Consolidation of power is to remove opposition, gain mass support and to emerge as dictator. Hitler had been invited to power by a group of right-wing politicians on January 30, 1933 since they thought that they could control Hitler if he was invited to power. Thus, Hitler was allowed to consolidate his personal and regime’s power through legal means.

Compare this to Noynoy Aquino's attempts to consolidate power (by removing the last obstruction to his ambition, the Supreme Court, via the removal of the Chief Justice) to remove opposition. He has already gained some sort of mass support in an attempt to become a dictator. While Hitler was,as the article states, invited to power by a group of right wing politicians, Noynoy was coaxed into running for President by ambitious political operators who know very well their capacity to control Aquino. Thus Noynoy was allowed by his backers to consolidate his powers through "legal" means. The article further says:

The Enabling Law of March 23, 1933, would allow Hitler to make laws and enter treaties without consulting the Reichstag for 4 years. He could ignore the constitution and enter foreign agreements. This signified that he would be a dictator, having the monopoly of legal power to make decisions, ignoring the President and rule single-handedly.

Although no law has been passed by his allies in Congress to allow Noynoy to make laws and enter into treaties, we can see how Noynoy wants the power to enter into treaties, as could be seen from his desire to enter into an official agreement with the MILF. Also, it must be stressed that there are rumors floating that Joma Sison, head of the Communist Party of the Philippines, will be coming back to the Philippines soon to enter into an agreement with the Aquino Administration (as reported by ANA Partylist Rerpesentative Alcover). And like Hitler, Noynoy has the penchant to ignore the constitution, a constitution his very mother undertook to be created. His utter lack of respect for his co-equal branches of government is proof of it.

Today, the Philippines is at a very crucial stage in its history. We are in danger of allowing a Hitler to rise up because of propaganda spewed by the Aquino administration's propaganda machine. Aquino's supporters are easily deceived by the propaganda and automatically support his administration without benefit of thought or insight. It is now the duty of every freedom-loving Filipino to be ever more vigilant against this rising threat. In the end, it is up to us to prevent such a monster from ever ruling the great nation of ours. -end-

THE FOLLY OF THE PHARISEES

2012-01-18T08:49:00.005+08:00

And so it came to pass, that in the great kingdom of the brown race, the persecution of the Pharaoh Putthakanoyh's enemies continued unbidden . Upon orders from the Phaorah's Palace, the Pharaoh's allies in the Temple of Doom, led by High Priest Nihultupazh, managed to enact a ruthless plan to destroy the Pharaoh's number two enemy, the High Magistrate of the People, Renatus Coronus. And so it was that an historic event unfolded in the great kingdom. For the first time in its history, a Pharaoh's vengeance took place in the form of a trial at the High Council of Elders.

The kingdom watched with bated breath as the pharisees of the pharaoh paraded before the people their evidence against the High Magistrate, conditioning the minds of the feeble-minded of the guilt of the accused. These pharisees strutted like wizened mages, telling anyone who would listen of the undeniable guilt of Coronus. Then the second day of the trial came.

On the second day the kingdom watched as the pharisees prepared to present their case to the High Council of elders. But Lo and Behold, the pharisees, in their haste to destroy Coronus, came woefully unprepared. High Priest Nihultupazh was reprimanded by the High Council for not making any effort to present a good case against Coronus. The pharisees, deeply and utterly embarrassed, went to the marketplace afterwards, presenting their evidence to the people, but no one in the marketplace listened. But they were not by any means discouraged, for they were, after all, allied with the Pharaoh Putthakanoyh. They shall live to fight another day, for the trial has just begun.

Sadly, even though the pharisees have made a fool of themselves and showed the kingdom their ignorance, many people still believe them, and still believe the lies they continue to spread against Coronus. As one scribe put it, all of what is happening in the Kingdom is a result of the Pharaoh and his family's desire to keep what is not theirs to keep, a land bought for by the peoples' gold, a land that should be the peasants to have. The Pharaoh's family even sought the help of a family of scribes and bards, well known throughout the kingdom for delivering news from the capital to the far raches of the kingdom.

Coronus won that day, but not without cost. The people must be reminded, he said, that now is the time for vigilance, as a creeping dictatorship threatens to tear the delicate fabric of the kingdom's democracy. The pharaoh is out to seek full control of every aspect of governance of the kingdom, unmindful that the kingdom has the High Magistrate of the People and the High Council of the People to keep his powers in check -- for if the Pharaoh had full control of the kingdom's affairs, as mages feared, six years of darkness shall descend on the kingdom.

The Tyranny of the Aquino Regime

2011-11-16T15:25:00.003+08:00

For those who do not feel it yet, we in the Philippines are now under a state far worse than martial law. At least with martial law, there was no hiding behind the veil of democracy -- Marcos said it loud and clear that he was placing the nation under martial law.

Not so with the Idiot-in-Chief now sitting in the Palace. He chooses to veil the tyranny now reigning over this hallowed land with talks of "daang matuwid" and democracy, when in truth, democracy in the Philippines is dead. It died last night, at 8.50 pm.

The constitution of the Philippines grants the right of every citizen of the Republic the right to travel. But enemies of Gloria Arroyo (particularly in the Executive branch of government) think and act like they are above the law and the constitution, hindering the former president to travel to Singapore by issuing a watch list order despite a Temporary Restraining Order by the High Court, an order that is effective immediately.

If a person like Gloria Arroyo, with her status and her money and influence could have her right to travel so blatantly taken from her by the powers that be, what about us ordinary citizens?

A person -- an official no less -- who knowingly and deliberately acts in direct violation of the Bill of Rights and the Constitution in General is tantamount to treason, and all of those involved in this travesty should be hanged.

No Let Up

2011-08-16T08:19:00.003+08:00

Despite the growing dismay of many Filipinos over the viciousness of hearings being conducted by the Senate, the senators who have an axe to grind with the former first family have stepped up their attacks with no sign of let up in the horizon.

Ping Lacson is on a warpath and wants another witch hunt conducted, this time focusing on the alleged behest loans of Roberto Ongpin witht the DBP. The only reason Ongpin and his loans ar being investigated is because Ongpin is close to the former First Gentleman.

i can only imagine what lies will be spewed on the senate floor to make Ongpin and his company appear like villains, when the truth of the matter is that Ongpin is the victim in an evil plot to discredit him. So far, the evil plot has taken the life of a young lawyer. How many more lives, i wonder, is the senate, particularly Ping, willing to sacrifice for his vengeance?

Sadly, it seems that the Senate is no longer interested in the truth but simply interested in investigating anything having to do with the former first family. The only good thing to come out of these hearings is that people are becoming more and more disgruntled with the upper house.

These vengeful trio of Senators -- Guingona, Drilon and Lacson) are clearly abusing their powers as legislators, but no one seems to be able to stop them from their grave abuse of powers. We are now at a point where the Senate can be used to vilify and falsely accuse anyone who earns the ire of these so-called "distinguished gentlemen", without the benefit of a fair and just trial -- and the Filipino nation should be fearful of this.

Time to end the witch hunt; If you have proof, take it to court

2011-08-15T08:18:00.002+08:00

The Senate has apparently deemed itself so powerful as to become both judge and jury in what they call "hearings in aid of legislation", a thinly veiled reference to the witch hunt they are conducting against the formr first ocuple Gloria and Mike Arroyo. Senator Drilon has even gone far to preempt any defense the former First Gentleman would make. In an article in the Inquirer wesbite today by Cathy Yamsuan, Drilon said:

Expect Mike Arroyo’s lawyers to produce a deed of sale bearing the name of another person to show that the husband of former President and now Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was not the owner of the two secondhand helicopters sold to the Philippine National Police, Sen. Franklin Drilon said on Sunday.

I wonder if Drilon realizes that he is a legislator and not the prosecution attorney? Come to think of it, the people constituting the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee are composed of people who have axes to grind against the Arroyos. To expect them to be fair would be impossible, but to act like Brutus and Cassius in front of Caesar, hungry for blood, is going a little bit too far.

These Senate hearings have gone on long enough, and with its supposed mountains of evidences and witnesses against Big Mike Arroyo, it is time to move from the Senate to the courts -- unless deep in their heart of hearts, these so-called Honorable (daw) Senators know that the evidence wouldn't pass muster in nay court of law. Could this be the reason why all their witnesses are being presented in the Senate and not in court?

We have jurisprudence with regards to these "hearings in aid of legislation". In Bengzon, et al vs Senate Blue Ribbon Committee (G.R. No. 89914 November 20, 1991)
, the Supreme Court said, in part:

XXX XXX XXX

The "allocation of constituional boundaries" is a task that this Court must perfomr under the Constitution. Moreowever, as held in a recent case, 12 "(t)he political question doctrine neither interposes an obstacle to judicial determination of the rival claims. The jurisdiction to delimit constitutional boundaries has been given to this Court. It cannot abdicate that obligation mandated by the 1987 Constitution, although said provision by no means does away with kthe applicability of the principle in appropriate cases." 13
The Court is thus of the considered view that it has jurisdiction over the present controversy for the purpose of determining the scope and extent of the power of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to conduct inquiries into private affirs in purported aid of legislation.
Coming to the specific issues raised in this case, petitioners contend that (1) the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee's inquiry has no valid legislative purpose, i.e., it is not done in aid of legislation; (2) the sale or disposition of hte Romualdez corporations is a "purely private transaction" which is beyond the power of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to inquire into; and (3) the inquiry violates their right to due process.
The 1987 Constition expressly recognizes the power of both houses of Congress to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. 14 Thus, Section 21, Article VI thereof provides:
The Senate or the House of Representatives or any of its respective committee may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected. 15
The power of both houses of Congress to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation is not, therefore, absolute or unlimited. Its exercise is circumscribed by the afore-quoted provision of the Constitution. Thus, as provided therein, the investigation must be "in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure" and that "the rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected." It follows then that the rights of persons under the Bill of Rights must be respected, including the right to due process and the right not to be compelled to testify against one's self.
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One of the basic rights guaranteed by the Constitution to an individual is the right against self-incrimination. 24 Thir right constured as the right to remain completely silent may be availed of by the accused in a criminal case; but kit may be invoked by other witnesses only as questions are asked of them.
This distinction was enunciated by the Court in Romeo Chavez vs. The Honorable Court of Appeals, et al. 25 thus —
Petitioner, as accused, occupies a different tier of protection from an ordinary witness. Whereas an ordinary witness may be compelled to take the witness stand and claim the privilege as each question requiring an incriminating answer is hot at him, an accused may altother refuse to take the witness stand and refuse to answer any all questions.
Moreover, this right of the accused is extended to respondents in administrative investigations but only if they partake of the nature of a criminal proceeding or analogous to a criminal proceeding. In Galman vs. Pamaran, 26the Court reiterated the doctrine in Cabal vs. Kapuanan (6 SCRA 1059) to illustrate the right of witnesses to invoke the right against self-incrimination not only in criminal proceedings but also in all other types of suit
It was held that:
We did not therein state that since he is not an accused and the case is not a criminal case, Cabal cannot refuse to take the witness stand and testify, and that he can invoke his right against self-incrimination only when a question which tends to elicit an answer that will incriminate him is propounded to him. Clearly then, it is not the characeter of the suit involved but the nature of the proceedings that controls. The privilege has consistenly been held to extend to all proceedings sanctioned by law and to all cases in which punishment is sought to be visited upon a witness, whether a party or not.
We do not here modify these doctrines. If we presently rule that petitioners may not be compelled by the respondent Committee to appear, testify and produce evidenc before it, it is only becuase we hold that the questioned inquiry is not in aid of legislation and, if pursued, would be violative of the principle of separation of powers between the legislative and the judicial departments of government, ordained by the Constitution.
WHEREFORE, the petition is GRANTED. The Court holds that, under the facts, including the circumtance that petitioners are presently impleaded as defendants in a case before the Sandiganbayan, which involves issues intimately related to the subject of contemplated inquiry before the respondet Committee, the respondent Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is hereby enjoined from compelling the petitioners and intervenor to testify before it and produce evidence at the said inquiry.
SO ORDERED.
Fernan, C.J., Melencio-Herrera, Feliciano, Bidin, Griño-Aquino, Medialdea, Regalado, Davide, Jr. and Romero, JJ., concur.
XXX XXX XXX

In my humble opinion, with my elementary understanding of the law and its workings, the Senate hearings are clearly not being done in aid of legislation but as a form of trial by publicity. Clearly, the statements made by some senators that Mike Arroyo is sure to go to jail for his involvement in the "helicopter purchase" scandal shows the true intention of the solons, for, if it is truly in aid of legislation, they have no more need to pursue these hearings, for they have enough to craft new laws or rectify existing ones to prevent such incidents from ever happening again. The only purpose left for these hearings is to continue to vilify the Arroyos and humiliate them, without giving them the chance to defend themselves in a court of law, as guaranteed by our Constitution.

Misguided Idiots (or Anatomy of a Pinoy Troglodyte)

2011-08-13T07:11:00.009+08:00

I feel sorry for some of the people who populate the comments section of the GMA News TV Website, particularly the anti-Arroyos. For all the words these troglodytes sacrificed to the altar of commentary to make a sentence, many comments are still incoherent. Many still seem to resort to name-calling, perhaps thinking that that approach is an accepted application of civilized debate. In an article written by Mark Merueñas of GMA News on their website, a Mr. Ivan Henares was quoted as saying:

"I don't want to hear GMA [Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo] anymore. Start focusing on his term. He should already stop lambasting the previous administration," Henares said in a forum at the Miriam College in Quezon City.

"Does he have problems with the past administration? Let the courts deal with that. He should be rallying the Philippines towards a better country," he said.

And surely as the sun rises in the east, the anti-Arroyo netizens gave us their two cents (perhaps less) worth:

marilou Collapse

How can you let the courts deal with the Arroyos? E si Chief Justice appointee ni GMA. And the wheels of justice in this country turn awfully too slow if they turn at all. Ano kalimutan na? Dali magcriticize ng ginawa o di nagawa ni P-Noy pero to say thatone does not like to hear about GMA anymore is again forgetting without justice being served. Kaya nauulit ang mali, di naitatama kasi puro move on ang alam.

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Marilou seems to have forgotten that only the courts can convict Gloria. If they don't file a case against her in court, all the witnesses and evidences being paraded in the Senate will amount to nil. I wonder how Marliou plans to get her much-anticipated justice without the courts? Here's another priceless comment:

jaegeragustinCollapse

HOY IVAN HENARES, WALA KANG KARAPATAN na SABIHAN ang PANGULO ng PILIPINAS kung ano ang DAPAT gawin? MAGMASID ka na lang at PANSININ kung ano na ang TAKBO at IPINAGBAGO ng PILIPINAS sa loob ng ISANG TAON! PAREHAS na NGAYON at may LAYA na ang mga TAONG NATAKOT o TINAKOT noon para ISIGAW at ILAHAD ang kanilang NALALAMAN HINGGIL sa NANGYARING CORRUPTIONS sa IBA't IBANG SANGAY ng GOBYERNO!!

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The person who made this comment seems to be delusional. May LAYA na daw tayo. Teka. Kelan ba nawala ang kalayaan? Even during the administration of PGMA, may laya naman eh. In fact, i can recall that day after day after day, the opposition kept lambasting the former president in the media. Even the anti-Arroyo columnists kept firing their daily anti-Arroyo potshots in their columns. This wasn't like the time of Marcos where journalists were imprisoned for writing anti-government articles.

GeereGeorgeCollapse

Why should this administaration do away with the Arroyos, unless these people goes to jail, no one will respect our Law. Nothing will happen to PHL. How can we improve our image and invite tourist if the money intended for the development of tourism promotion are also put into the pocket of CORRUPT OFFICIALS.

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How can "these people" go to jail if the only venue evidences and witnesses are presented are in the Senate and not in the courts? Remember folks, for those who don't know the difference, the Senate hearings are done in AID OF LEGISLATION. The Senate cannot convict the Arroyos. Only the courts, which have JUDICIAL POWER can do that. Fortunately, there are some who know the difference, to wit:

sanjuan683

Arroyo ka ng Arroyo hindi muna ginagampanan ang trabaho mo paunlarin ang bansa. Maraming walang trabaho, mataas ang bilihin yan ang problema hindi si Arroyo. Nagsasayang ka lang ng oras, may korte para kay Arroyo. Ikaw magtrabaho ka paunlarin ang bansa. Pinepeste mo kami

Melvin Magadia

You're right there. Ang mga taong nagcocomment dito na dapat panagutin ang may kasalanan ay sarili lang iniisip at ayaw umasenso. Daig pa ang nga judge na nakaupo sa pwesto. Bakit hindi na lang hintayin ang hearing. May mas mahahalaga pang bagay na dapat gawin. Gugulong at gugulong ang hustisya at habang nakafocus ang pamahalaan sa mga kaso laban kay GMA mauubos din ng mauubos ang oras nila.

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In the end, these anti-Arroyo critics have to understand that these Senate hearings are pointless, and that the only way they can achieve justice is to give Gloria Arroyo her day in Court to answer all the allegations being hurled against her. Without that, there will only be accusations and allegations and that is all.

Let your shirt do the talking

2011-08-11T17:35:00.003+08:00

First there were silent protests, then came indignation rallies. Then the internet age came and blogs became the new venue for expressing one's opinions (fil. Kuro-Kuro). Now you can let your shirt do the talking with KuroKuroKo Shirts. their shirts are great conversation starters, great for expressing political opinion and great pang-japorms! Order your shirts by clicking here.

What's wrong with us?

2011-08-09T11:33:00.005+08:00

In Conrado de Quiros' column in the Inquirer's online edition today entitled What's Wrong with us, Conrado bemoaned the fact that we Filipinos have a forgiving nature -- that this covers all manner of sins. He cited as an example the drama that ensued as a result of Angelo Reyes' suicide. In his first two paragraphs, de Quiros wrote, and I quote:

The first time I saw it in quite a dramatic way was when Angelo Reyes shot himself in the heart before his mother’s grave. His preference for the heart rather than the head apparently held a symbolism of sorts. He had promised his mother he would never tarnish the name he carried. With his gesture, he begged her forgiveness, without necessarily admitting the things he was being accused of.

Reyes was in fact being accused of corruption. Specifically of soliciting, and receiving, millions in pabaon, or a send-off gift on his retirement. It was a grave charge that took him by surprise and embarrassed him thoroughly at a Senate hearing. This was his way of recovering from it.

What the veteran columnist missed was a very important point -- every allegation of corruption against Angelo Reyes remains just that: allegations. For in truth, in this country of ours, many people watching the ever-increasing idiocy of Senate hearings think of these investigations as trials, with evidences being piled up one after the other, failing to realize that what they are watching are not trials but hearings in aid of legislation. Even the phrase "in aid of legislation" seems to skip some of our less-than-brilliant solons.

Until all evidences presented in these so-called hearings are brought to an actual judicial venue, these evidences mean nothing, even for the sake of argument, if they are true. The Filipino people could be forgiven for not being able to discern the difference, but for people in the know, and by "in the know" I refer to people whose duty it is to know the difference, including, but not limited to, people of the fourth estate, there can be no forgiveness.

If it seems too way up there for the esteemed Mr. de Quiros, let me remind him that under our system, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and no matter how many evidences and witnesses may have been paraded before the Senate against Reyes, the Senate is not a judicial body to render decisions on one's guilt or innocence -- a simple truth that seems to escape many of our fellow citizens, and much more of our solons.

But the point is moot since General Reyes already took his own life.

De Quiros goes on to ask: Has the culture of awa so addled our brains we can no longer allow a space for justice in it? Look at how prevalent it is. Look at how malevolent it is.

Before we dismiss this culture of awa as sentimental balderdash, let me remind our readers, especially of the yellow variety (if they managd to read my blog up to this point) that the culture of awa is what elevated your venerated Cory Aquino to power. People rallied behind her in her bid for the presidency because they felt sorry for the widow of Ninoy Aquino. Make no mistake, it wasn't Cory's political cunning or her courage (remember Cebu) that got people to support her. It was, firstly, the disgust of the people over the Marcos administration and, secondly, the pity people felt for her and her family.

Can we no longer allow a space for justice in it? Of course we can, but not through columns, articles and hearings. Justice can only be meted out by the courts, and despite all evidences and witnesses people seem to have, it boggles the mind why no one bothers to file cases to bring about Mr. De Quiros' much-lusted-after justice. That's what's wrong with some of us.

What is wrong is that we as a people tend to believe the media because it is convenient. What is wrong is our love affair with the ensuing telenovela-type hearings, salivating from one juicy controversy to the next. What is wrong is that some of us tend to leave out the facts when it conveniently suits us, and print those that are sure to titillate the ignorant masses.

And aye, there's the rub!

The Vengeance-Hungry Aquino II Admin claims its Second Life

2011-08-04T15:23:00.005+08:00

First, it was the unsubstantiated accusations against former Defense Chief Angelo Reyes, now it's the new DBP Board's witch-hunt. In both cases, Reyes and Benjamin Pinpin (a brilliant lawyer for DBP) committed suicide due to stress and depression.

Benjamin Pinpin committed suicide by hanging himself inside an undisclosed hotel room a few days ago. Emil Jurado, in his column for Manila Standard Today dated August 4 wrote:

It seems that the new DBP Board is trying to discredit the old board through falsehoods and half-truths. This seems to be the trend nowadays with the Aquino II regime and its appointed henchmen. The way these people dig up old cases or invent new ones just to put the previous administration in a bad light is sorry enough, but to cause a person to sign a false affidavit that led to his suicide is pure evil.

All of these actions just to link the former first gentleman Mike Arroyo to alleged anomalies. I'm beginning to see an evil pattern woven by this administration -- and that is to come up with dirt against the past administration BY ALL MEANS AVAILABLE -- and that, it now seems, to include falsifying documents. In an article by Doris C. Dumlao that appeared on business.inquirer.net, she wrote:

Pinpin, who had worked at the documentation unit of the DBP’s legal department, was among the 20 employees who were given “show cause” letters by the DBP board. Industry sources said that as of last week, Pinpin had signed an affidavit to support allegations that the DBP’s P510 million loan to Delta Venture Resource Inc., a company led by former Trade Minister Roberto V. Ongpin, was anomalous.
Although the loan had long been settled ahead of maturity, it was widely believed within the DBP that some people in the new board were attempting to dig deeper into the transaction on suspicion that the paper trail would eventually lead to former First Gentleman Mike Arroyo. Many employees have not been happy with the way the investigation was being handled and were concerned that this was disrupting the organization, banking sources said.
Ongpin, a local partner and representative of the British banking giant Ashmore, which has over $50 billion in assets under management globally, has denied allegations of fronting for his friend Arroyo and challenged critics to show proof otherwise.
According to people familiar with the suicide notes left by Pinpin, the lawyer had thought he could absolve himself and save his family by signing an affidavit. “Signing the affidavit was the biggest mistake of my life,” based on excerpts of the notes circulating among DBP employees. “I exposed myself by going beyond the truth.” (highlighting by mapangurirat)

But DBP employees are no longer keeping silent. They are up in arms over what the new board is doing, which is in all honesty, a witch hunt. Many are aghast by the steps being taken by the new board to please their appointive powers up in the upper echelons of the executive branch. Again, in Emil Jurado's column dated 4 Agugust 2011, he mentioned a text message being circulated by employees of the DBP which reads:

It is sad that some people have to come up with lies under the pretense of truth just to make it appear that they are better than their predecessors. It now appears that far from the alleged straight path, these people are taking the crooked path in order to make themselves look good, and their enemies look bad. But i firmly believe that no amount of lies can cover the truth. All these so-called evidences being paraded about like prized shetland ponies are nothing but show pieces, eye candy with no bite. Is it any wonder why until now, no cases are being filed against their vilified enemies?

Out of sight, out of mind

2011-07-30T08:01:00.008+08:00

Call Gloria anything you want, but as Emil Jurado would say, you can never question Gloria's work ethic. After Typhoon Juaning hit Bicol, there were complaints from Albay Governor Joey Salceda about how PAGASA failed to inform them that the typhoon would be passing through their province. This is less than a week after the yellow president praised the agency for their accurate predictions and forecasts.

Now many people are asking where the president was at the height of the typhoon. Of course, we can expect his mouthpieces to say that th president was monitoring the situation, but wouldn't it have be better if the president made himself visible during the storm?

I remember in years past, PGMA, even when a typhoon was pounding Manila, would be out of Malacanang, attending the NDCC meetings or checking out evacuation areas. This is clearly not the case with Penoy, who has been out of sight, out of mind. The most visible official i have seen so far last Friday was that noisy undersecretary of PAGASA.

At a time when the people need to see leadership, the president was clearly absent, choosing to delegate authority rather than take charge. It is surprising since the yellow president and his palace have been known to micromanage anything that has anything to do with his perceived arch-enemy, Gloria Arroyo, but doesn't want to involve itself with things like disaster management. Ika nga, out of sight, out of mind. In his July 29, 2011 column, Emil Jurado had this to say:

And where, oh where was DSWD head honcho Stinky Soliman? Up to now, Albay has yet to receive much-needed relief. If i know my fellow Bicolanos, I would not be surprised if Joey Salceda is a tad bit disillusioned with his President right now.

Now, if you still have doubts, you might want to check the clippings below and see how the present leadership compares to the past when it comes to work ethics.

That's leadership you won't get with Penoy. 30

Micromanaging

2011-07-21T16:49:00.002+08:00

With too many problems facing the country that needs to be addressed, it is surprising why the president and his minions try to meddle into every little detail that should be the job of his cabinet secretaries. It is quite telling, though, why the Palace is so interested in the Amaptuan and Bedol brouhaha and everyone who has 25% of his brain working has already deduced that Bedol and Amaptuan will be used by the Palace in their Anti-Arroyo propaganda. Even the hospitalization of Ampatuan is being handled by the Palace, while people suffer from high oil prices and high commodity prices -- something that is equally, if not more important than the Palace's anti-Arroyo stance.

One wonders how the president could appear to be doing so much without doing anything at all. Yes, the media shows Penoy doing all sorts of activities, yet the supposed benefits of those activities never seem to trickle down to the most deprived segments of our society. I almost seems like there is no president at all.

Now we are seeing so many explosive revelations about alleged anomalies and election frauds, to which evidences are presented not in a court of law but in the media. It also seems that the government knows they have nothing solid against Arroyo and that they just want her to be tried in the media.

What the President needs to do is stop meddling in everything anti-Arroyo and concentrate on his campaign promises, many of which remain unfulfilled after a year in office. With the SONA just days away, I fear that Penoy will make many more promises without completing first the promises he made during the elections.

Perjury for Margie?

2011-07-20T11:01:00.003+08:00

Margie Juico swore under oath in a Senate hearing regarding the PCSO donation to the Bishops that she was not the source of the claim that the Bishops bought Pajeros using donations from the charity office. Juico, who was questioned by Senator Jinggoy Estrada regarding the source of the term "Pajero Bishops" said she never said the word Pajero and blamed the media for taking her statements out of context.

Yet it was Margie Juico herself, in an interview on TV, who said to the effect that she is bothered by the fact that the money donated to the bishops could have been put to good use kesa pinambili lang ng Pajero.

Margie perjured herself and there must be consequences to this. In fact, many people are beginning to suspect that the Pajero issue cropped up in an attempt to "put the bishops in their proper place" and to shame Gloria Arroyo (killing two birds with one stone, so to speak).

She must be held responsible for committing an act so grievous that it placed the integrity of the Catholic Bishops and the Roman Catholic Church to question.

It was indeed a lucky break that Sen. Miriam Santiago did her homework, looking into the claim by the COA that the donations were unconstitutional. In her opening statement, she said that the COA's duty was to audit and questions on constitutionality should have been referred to the DOJ. She even asked why the Senate is wasting its time investigating something so petty, when she has it from a personal source that there is a bigger issue involving the PCSO amounting to billions of pesos.

In her blog, Sen. Santiago presented the following:

Statement at the public hearing on alleged PCSO anomalies
held by the blue ribbon committee on 13 July 2011

The Facts

It appears from the 2009 report by the Commission on Audit that the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office charged to its Charity Fund the total amount ofP6.94 million for five utility vehicles granted to certain dioceses of the Catholic church.
On the face of each check, in so many words, the following explanation was typed: “Purchase of one unit 4 x 4 service vehicle to be used by the diocese in its various community and health programs.”
Each of the bishops involved used the PCSO grants to purchase the following utility vehicles: a secondhand ten-year-old Nissan Pathfinder pickup; a Mitsubishi Strada pickup; a Toyota Grandia Hi-Ace; a Mitsubishi Montero; and an Isuzu Crosswind.
The COA report said that this action was a violation of the constitutional provision that no public money should be appropriated, directly or indirectly, for the use of any church.

The Law

The Constitution contains at least three specific provisions concerning the relationship of church and state.
The first provision is found in Article 2, Declaration of Principles, which states in Section 6: “The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.”
The second provision is found in Article 3, Bill of Rights, which states in Section 5: “No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.”
And the third provision is found in Article 6, the Legislative Department, which states in Section 29 paragraph 2: “No public money or property shall be appropriated, applied, paid, or employed, directly or indirectly, for the use, benefit, or support of any sect, church, denomination, sectarian institution, or system of religion. . . .”

The Issue

The issue is whether the 2009 COA report is correct, in finding that the grant ofP6.49 million to certain dioceses of the Catholic church violates the Constitution.
I humbly submit that the COA report is wrong, and that there was no constitutional violation. Under the Constitution, the power of the COA is to audit government funds, not to settle questions of constitutional law. That power is granted only to the Supreme Court. COA should have recommended that the constitutional issue should be raised with the Department of Justice, which is the official legal adviser of the executive branch of the government.

Constitutional Analysis

Constitutional law consists, not only of the Constitution, but also of the cases decided by the Supreme Court on constitutional grounds. So far, the only case decided by the Supreme Court that has some bearing on the present issue is the 1937 case ofAglipay v. Ruiz.[1]
The post office issued postage stamps commemorating an international eucharistic congress of the Catholic church. The issue was whether the stamps used public money for religious purposes, thus violating the Constitution. The Supreme Court ruled that there was no violation:
It is obvious that while the issuance and sale of the stamps in question may be said to be inseparably linked with an event of a religious character, the resulting propaganda, if any, received by the Roman Catholic Church, was not the aim and purpose of the Government. We are of the opinion that the Government should not be embarrassed in its activities simply because of incidental results, more or less religious in character, if the purpose had in view is one which could legitimately be undertaken by appropriate legislation. The main purpose should not be frustrated by its subordination to mere incidental results not contemplated. (Emphasis added.)
Thus, the test is the basic purpose, and not the mere incidental result, of the use of public funds. The basic purpose of the grant of public funds is clearly stated on the face of the checks themselves: “purchase of service vehicles to be used by the diocese in its various community and health programs.” If there is any benefit to the bishop and the diocese, it is merely incidental.

The Threefold Test:
Purpose, Effect, Entanglement

The provision in our Bill of Rights consists of two clauses:
The Establishment Clause, prohibiting Congress from establishing a state religion; and
The Free Exercise Clause, denying to Congress the power to prohibit the free exercise of religion.
Under the Establishment Clause, the general guide is the concept of “neutrality.” This means that government should act to achieve only goals which are secular, meaning goals which are worldly; as distinguished from goals which are spiritual. Government should achieve secular goals in a religiously neutral manner.
To determine what is a religiously neutral act, the U.S. Supreme Court has adopted a threefold test called purpose, effect, entanglement. To determine whether a law that is religiously neutral on its face violates the Establishment Clause, the Court will consider three factors, which I shall now apply to the pending PCSO case:
1. Does the law have a secular purpose?
Answer: Yes, because the PCSO law (R.A. No. 1169, as amended) authorizes the PCSO “to engage in health and welfare-related investments, programs, projects, and activities,” by itself or in collaboration with others.
2. Does the law have the primary effect of advancing or inhibiting religion?
Answer: No, the PCSO law does not even mention religion.
3. Does the law create an excessive entanglement between government and religion?
Answer: No, as I shall now explain.
The threefold test was laid down in the 1971 case of Lemon v. Kurtzman[2]decided by the US Supreme Court. It is not binding, but it is authoritative in our jurisdiction. In Lemon, the Court said that in determining whether a law involves excessive entanglement between government and religion, we must conduct the following analysis:
1. Consider the nature of the institution that received the benefit from the government.
2. Consider the nature of the aid that the government gave to the bishops.
3. Consider the resulting relationship between the government and the bishops.
The donations pass the threefold legal test under jurisprudence. However, during the hearing, PCSO management apparently admitted that it has not given similar donations to any other religion. If so, then PCSO management appears to be giving preference to the Catholic religion, and that would be a violation of the Establishment Clause.

Repeal the PCSO Charter

As chair of the Senate committee on revision of laws, I shall call a public hearing this August on a new PCSO charter, as well as a new Pagcor charter. Both the PCSO and Pagcor funds constitute the President’s Social Fund, which has served as a black budget, meaning a budget insulated from public scrutiny, confined to the dark and insulated from sunshine, sneaked through the back door instead of undergoing the open process of congressional budgetary authorization.
Under existing law, PCSO generates revenues from the sale of sweepstakes and lotto tickets. The resulting revenues are allocated, as follows:
55% to the Prize Fund
30% to the Charity Fund
15% to the Operating Fund
The Charity Fund and the Operating Fund – or in other words, 45% of the revenues – are allocated by the PCSO Board, apparently with the approval of the President. According to the 2008 COA report, the total deposits to the bank’s current account for the three Funds were in the aggregate amount of P7.603 BILLION.
To give to the PCSO Board the power to allocate the galactic sum of P7.603 BILLION A YEAR is to excavate a yawning democratic deficit. The present situation is feudal and contrary to best international practice. The best practice is the one-fund concept, under which all government revenues are remitted to the Treasury, and disbursed only as authorized by Congress. There should be no President’s Social Fund, because the entire government budget is already his budget. This is why we call it the President’s Budget.
The new law will repeal not only the PCSO charter, but also all the various republic acts that seek to allocate certain PCSO funds to alphabet-soup national programs. The new law will limit the PCSO Board only to the function of regulating and supervising sweepstakes and lotto operations.
The entire revenues for the year will be remitted to the national treasury. Only the President and Congress will prioritize and allocate the fund, except that 5% of the lotto earnings shall be given to local government units, and only 10% shall be allocated for administrative expenses. The PCSO bureaucracy shall be slashed, their allowances and privileges abolished, and the public relations budget removed.
And while this process of building on the ashes takes place, I respectfully move that this blue ribbon committee should immediately recommend to the Ombudsman the criminal prosecution of all PCSO officials responsible for depositing in 2009 with a private commercial bank the sum of P1.548 BILLION without the prior approval of the Department of Finance, as required under DOF Order No. 27-05.
By the process of lateral thinking, I respectfully move to investigate the source of the false report about the so-called “Pajero bishops,” when it turns out that no Pajeros were involved. Who is this maleficent twisted genius? Was this media spin designed to cover up the crime of depositing without authorization in a private bank the sum of P1.548 BILLION? Was this media spin further designed to call public attention away from the annual sum of some P 7.6 BILLION made available to the sticky fingers of the PCSO Board?
Like the wanton world-class theft of public funds and conspicuous consumption generated by the road user’s tax, the PCSO anomaly is bodaciously corrupt. Keep the bishops out of it. #
—–
[1] 64 Phil. 206 (1937).
[2] 403 US 602 (1971).

Miriam's presentation was quite revealing, to say the least.

The best part of the hearing was when Juico' plans backfired, and people were shocked with the revelation that the PCSO donations to the Bishops was blown out of proportion by Juico and the present board, with Juico being booed by the audience during the hearing.

Now that the truth has been revealed, it is time Margie Juico faced justice for wasting the Senate's and the peoples' time and money in a wild-goose chase that now appears to be a smoke screen for an even bigger scandal -- a scandal which might put Juico in a bad light, perhaps?

The ball is now in the Seante's court. They should find Margie Juico guilty of perjury if only to send a message to others that the Senate will not be used to destroy other people's credibility.

Aha!

2011-07-19T18:58:00.002+08:00

In his show on DZBB last week, Arnold Clavio shared this blind item.

Sino itong mataas na opisyal na opisyal ng gobyerno na niregaluhan ng isang negosyante ng BMW X6M na tinest drive nga niya sa kanyang bahay/opisina?

Clavio, while giving out clues, and with Mike Enriquez joining in the guessing, received a text message from Malacanang via Ed Lacirda saying that they deny that the President bought a BMW X6M, to which Clavio replied:

Oo nga. hindi nga bumili. Bigay nga eh.

---

It is funny how Malacanang became so defensive about this issue. Guilty ba?

The Yellow Fever symptom of paranoia

2011-07-19T18:49:00.002+08:00

Paranoid. That is the best word to describe the current government. Everywhre they look, they see Gloria plotting against them. And with good reason, since they did the same to Gloria when she was president. They know full well that now that Penoy is in power, they are at the receiving end of what they used to do to the past administration.

Penoy's paranoia stems from the fact that he has done nothing in his one year in office, and now that the SONA is drawing near, he has to do something to make the people think that he is. And so, he uses his secret weapon: Blame Gloria.

Blaming Gloria is this administration's favorite past time, but i contend that Penoy could take a page from Gloria's book. Ask anyone who worked for Malacanang during Gloria's term and they will tell you that Gloria is a workaholic -- something Penoy will never be accused of.

Let FPJ Rest

2011-07-19T18:41:00.002+08:00

Here comes Susan Roces and her daughter again, demanding justice for FPJ who they claim was robbed of the presidency. This comes in the wake of Lintang Bedol's statements that there was indeed cheating in the national elections in Mindanao in 2004.

Here is a person who says something unsubstantiated yet immediately believed by people who want so much to believe that their camp won the elections. Totoo nga, sa Pilipnas, walang natatalo, lahat dinadaya. I pity these people whose egos are so big as to believe that they alone have the monopoly on honesty and deserving of the peoples' trust. I pity FPJ whose soul cannot rest because the people he left behind are still holding him back by not letting things go.

Col. Mariano's Message: "It is our right to replace the government"

2011-07-19T18:17:00.002+08:00

In a video being circulated on the worldwide web, the deputy commander for naval reserves, Col. Generoso Mariano, called on the people to stop believing the lies being fed to us (by the government about the economy. Generoso is being supported by the Solidarity For Sovereignty (S4S).

Meanwhile, the S4S denounced the statements claimed by Col. Ariel Querubin that Col. Mariano's video was fake. The S4S said:

Kami po, ang SOLIDARITY 4 SOVEREIGNTY (S4S) ang nagpalabas ng video tape na ito. Kami po ang unang naglabas ng pangungurakot ni Gloria. Kahit ang kanyang pagka-imoral sa mga relasyon ay inilabas namin. Nagkampanya po kami sa buong bansa upang ilantad ang kanyang katiwalian at imoralidad. Kami rin po ang unang una nag-file sa Kongreso ng kasong impeachment kay Gloria ngunit kahit isang Kongresista ay walang nagendorso. Kasama po kami sa lahat ng mga pagkilos laban kay Gloria. Ano ang dahilan bakit ngayon ito inilabas? May mga nagsasabi na bigyan ng pagkakataon si Noynoy sapagkat isang taon pa lang. Bakit masyado tayong mapagbigay sa pinuno ngunit hindi naaawa sa kapwa Pilipinong nagdurusa araw-araw, sa mga nagugutom, sa mga hindi nakakaeskwela, sa mga walang trabaho, sa mga namamatay dahil sa sakit at walang gamot, sa mga biktima ng karahasan at krimen, atbp. Ilang libo pa ang mamamatay habang binibigyan natin ng dagdag na panahon si Noynoy na ipakita ang kanyang kakayanan. Milyun-milyon na ang naghihirap. Dapat sa unang araw pa lang ng pagupo ni Noynoy kung siya at talagang handa, dapat nagutos na siya sa kanyang mga tauhan na sagutin ang mga problemang ito. Kung hindi pala siya handa at hindi niya kaya, hindi dapat siya tumakbo. Sa pagbibigay sa kanya ng dagdag na palugit, lumalabas "trial and error" o "hit and miss" lang ang kanyang liderato. Husto ba ito o makatarungan sa mamamayang Pilipino? Hindi! Nagtatamasa na siya ng katakut-takot na kapangyarihan, ngunit hindi niya ito magamit kaagad-agad para sa nakararami na naghihirap? Maawa naman po tayo sa ating sambayanan. Mukhang pinaglalaruan lang tayong lahat.

Ayon kay Ariel Querubin hindi totoo ang video tape. Sumakay na naman sa isyu. Maliwanag na sinabi ni Col. Mariano sa Ch 5 na 33 taon na siyang nakipagtagisan sa kamatayan at hanggang ngayon buhay pa siya. Hindi niya tatalikuran itong deklarasyon niya, paninindigan niya ito. Ngunit tulad ng fake na awards ni Ariel na nilakad niya kay Erap ayon sa kanyang mga kasamahan - ang gold cross, medal of valor (hindi siya ang lumaban, batalyon ng Bikolanong si Col. Asidao ang nakipagencuentro) at pagpatay sa isang kumander daw (ang napatay ay ang "muse" na kinidnap hindi kumander) gusto na naman niyang magpasikat. Dapat respetuhin na lang niya si Col. Mariano, huwag na niyang pilitin na tabunan ito. Alam niyang bayani sa mata ng mga makabayang tao si Col. Generoso Mariano.

Ang mga sumusunod na "land mines" ay dapat nalutas na ni Noynoy. Ito ay ang unconstitutionality ng May 10 elections, ang "aspergers disorder" na kapansanan n Noynoy, ang pagkawala ng direksyon ng pamahalaan, ang hindi mapigtas na pagtaas ng mga presyo ng bilihin, isang taon na hindi pa nakukulong si Gloria, ang nagbabantang takeover ng coalition government pinangungunahan ng kaliwa, ang isyu sa Spratlys at RH Bill. Dito nakabase ang mga aksyon o hakbang ng S4S.

S4S, 7.19.11

Col. Mariano is currently being investigated by the Armed Forces because of his controversial video.

It is sad when people like Col. Mariano risk everything to air their sentiments, while some quarters who support the Yellow President simply dismiss it as a "propaganda". The many criticisms hounding this administration come from all factions of society, but still the Palace is suffering under the delusion that these criticisms are merely works of his enemies and not the true sentiments of the people. The people running this government are no longer in touch with the true sentiments of the people. They live in their protective bubble, happily test-driving Porsches and BMWs, attending concerts, going out on dates while the people go hungry. It is no different from Nero playing the fiddle while Rome burned.

The government should look at Mariano's video as a wake-up call that there is indeed a problem, but they refuse to do so, wanting so much to believe that everything is alright in their quit little world. They will never accept their faults, nor accept that they too are human and capable of being blinded by their own biases. Having observed politics in out little nation for nearly a decade, i fear that Mariano is not the last Filipino who will call for a rejection of this do-nothing government.

Let no one say that the president has not been warned. It will be his own fault when he wakes up ousted one day.

The Hands-Off Presidency

2011-02-28T07:51:00.002+08:00

Since Penoy became president, he has not shown any inclination to be a hands-on, can-do president. In fact, to this day, he continues to be a fence-sitter president, not having a proper or firm stand on anything (except for that wang-wang thing).

In the heat of the August 23 hostage fiasco, he was nowhere to be seen, later justifying his absence as not wanting to micromanage the situation. His hands-off attitude ended up with the death of many Hong Kong tourists. (Later on, it was found out that Penoy and Mayor Lim were having a delicious dinner at Emerald Restaurant along Roxas Blvd. at the time of the crisis).

In his campaign speech prior to the elections last year, he promised that he would support the Reproductive Health Bill. When he assumed the presidency, his stand became less clear, not wanting to be seen as pro- or anti- RH. (His wishy-washy stand is beginning to irritate some civil society leaders who supported his campaign primarily because of his promise to support the RH Bill).

Now, when there are calls for Ferdinand Marcos to be finally buried in the Libingan ng mga Bayani, he shows his hands-off attitude by passing the decision to VP Binay. Penoy fails to realize that whatever Binay decides, he would still have to approve, which makes me wonder how he's going to a squirm out of that predicament.

Yes, we have a president with no hair and no balls, who doesn't even have the chutzpah to make definitive decisions. We have a president who doesn't want to make controversial decisions because he enjoys being popular and loved. What we have is a hands-off president who can't be bothered with details.

God save the Philippines from this creature.

EDSA 1: The Bogus Revolution

2011-02-11T13:51:00.007+08:00

There is once again much fanfare about the commemoraiton of the 1986 EDSA revolt which catapulted Cory Aquino into power and sending the nation into another dark chapter of history known as the First Aquino Regime.

Many stories and articles have been written about how the EDSA revolt heralded the dawning of freedom and democracy after 20 years of darkness under the Marcos dictatorship. Much of what have been written were written by authors wearing yellow-tinted glasses. After all, hisotry is written by the victors, and boy, were they victorious! (I say "they" because "we", the people, never really won anything substantial in EDSA 1). Many will argue that we won back our freedom. Wake up. We did not win our freedom back simply because we never lost our freedom. Freedom is in each and every one of us, regardless of whether the current leadership is a tyrant or a dictator. It cannot be taken away by anyone by force. However, it takes real courage to exercise that freedom in times of tyranny and oppression. What we won back in 1986 was not our freedom but the COURAGE to exercise that freedom.

What many fail to realize is that when we ousted the Marcos dictatorship, a new form of dictatorship immediately took over. After Marcos left, the power-hungry backers of Cory Aquino quickly went into overdirve. What could have been a true era for the Philippine became nothing more than a sham which continues to fool the people of the Philippines to this day.

For the record, Cory never should have opted for sequestration. Sequestration has the effect of permanently removing from the debtor any liability to pay any of the debts accumulated up to the date of sequestration. Once discharged from bankruptcy (usually after 3 years) they can benefit from a fresh start entirely free of debt (source: http://www.insolvencyhelpline.co.uk) . That is the reason why so many of the cronies of Marcos continue to enjoy the good life. As for the few good businesses left by Marcos, these were taken over by the Aquino government, whichr eulsted in mismanagement. The other assets of the Marcoses recovered abroad were sold cheaply instead of being utilized by the government. Those that were not sold were left to rot, so to speak.

After the so-called revolution, those who supported Cory and her presidency were rewarded with juicy posts (much like the present Aquino Regime). Meralco was given back to the Lopezes without much opposition, plus other assets and businesses of the Lopezes and other oligarchs who went into exile after martial law was declared. As a result, the so-called free media, led by ABS-CBN, is beholden to the Aquinos, paving the way for Kris, who has no talent in acting

whatsoever, to become one of the network's "top stars". Even Cory's own son Noynoy was allegedly involved in in juicy contracts for the placement of security guards in various government establishments under his BSA Security & Investigation Agency.

So what really was the difference between the Marcos Regime and the first Aquino Regime? Nothing. Sure, the old posts now have new faces, but they still function the same. Those close to the President enjoy the benefits that come with it. In fact, the Cory appointees and OICs

continue to enjoy power and privilege up to this day.

What happened in 1986 was not a revolution but a changing of the guards, so to speak. Nothing really changed. The term crony was removed, but those close to the Aquinos still enjoy the privileges of being a crony, minus the title, of course.

EDSA 1 was an exercise in futility. It was an event, to be sure, much like the much talked about love-a-palooza every Valentines Day, nothing more. EDSA 1 was a bogus revolution, and we were duped into believing that we were ousting a dictator, when in fact we were just replacing the old crooks with new ones. Out with the old, in with the new, ika nga.

Fast forward to yesterday: The second Aquino regime ordered all government offices to display EDSA 1-themed decors to "commemorate" the 1986 event. What the Palace fails to realize is that you don't need decorations to remind people of the importance of the event. When people no longer remember EDSA 1, it is because no one believes in its significance anymore.

On the Reyes Suicide

2011-02-10T08:56:00.003+08:00

Many have written on the circumstances surrounding Angelo Reyes' suicide, and many lament the fact that Angelo Reyes, with his death, lost the opportunity to prove his innocence. Such statement takes me aback, since I have been brought up thinking that one is presumed innocent until proven guilty through due process of law.

I decry the fact that Angelo Reyes has been presumed (rightly or wrongly) guilty without having been given the chance to defend himself in the proper forum. He has been stripped of his dignity before the probing eyes of the nation without being given the chance to defend himself.

For the record, Reyes was called to the Senate as a resource person on the investigation being conducted on the plea-bargain agreement between Carlos Garcia and the Government. He was not the focus of the investigation "in aid of legislation". Yet he was put on the spot and made the focus of the investigation -- an investigation which hurled unfounded accusations against his person and his honor, affecting not just him but his family.

He was disgraced even before he was tried, an suffering irreversible disgrace, he sought the only available option left to him. For me, what he did was total liberation from the clutches of the vultures in elected office.

Statement of the Reyes Children

2011-02-09T19:15:00.002+08:00

(source: newinfo.inquirer.net)

For the past few years, many different people have spoken and written about our father, Angelo T. Reyes, in newspapers, television, radio and public gatherings. Unfortunately, some of these accounts have been grossly inaccurate, terribly unfair and downright vicious. We suppose that's part of the price a public servant has to pay. But it pains us greatly that a good and kind-hearted man like our Papa can be maligned so casually.

Allow us to set the record straight on the real Angie Reyes:

He was a dedicated soldier for 39 years, putting God and Country above self, but not once did he forget to call his wife and children every single day--whenever and wherever he was assigned in the country or the world.

He was known to demand the best from his subordinates, striving for excellence in any endeavor, but would find contentment in eating corned beef, monggo and sardines.

He was an outstanding alumnus of Harvard University and the Asian Institute of Management but could easily strike up a sincere conversation even with the lowest ranking soldier, policeman, or barangay tanod.

He was the nemesis of kidnappers, drug dealers, smugglers, and terrorists but was helpless as his granddaughter put lipstick on him.

He was a four-star general, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the conqueror of Camp Abubakr, but not once had he thought twice about kissing and embracing his wife and sons in public.

He was instrumental in EDSA 2 where he had to withdraw support from President Estrada for the higher interest of the nation but was man enough to go to Malacañang and face the beleaguered president to perform his final duty.

He was a political appointee but never participated in unproductive political bickering. He had never spoken ill of anyone in public--not even those who openly or secretly attacked him.

He was one of the busiest and hardest-working Cabinet members but always found time to visit his 95-year-old mother almost everyday and would take her out to dinner on weekends when she was still alive.

To us, his children, he was and will forever be, our idol--and no amount of ridiculous rumors, intrigues and accusations from the ignorant, the envious, and those who have nothing better to do than to cowardly criticize him, will ever change that.

Bogie, Jett, Marc, Carlo and Judd Reyes

Angelo Reyes and the Kangaroo 'Court'

2011-02-09T15:06:00.007+08:00

I feel for the family of the late General Angelo Reyes. Angelo, and to some extent his family, has been portrayed unfairly by the Senate and the media. He was a victim of a vindictive Senator who cannot get over the fact that their stay in Malacañang was short lived.

I say Angelo Reyes was a victim because even without the benefit of a fair and just trial, he was put on the spot by the Senate whose sole purpose for conducting investigations are supposed to be in aid of legislation. The Senate has no prosecutorial power, but it has the power to destroy a person, his reputation and his dignity.

What transpired in the Senate the past two weeks was not an investigation but a lynching. Angelo Reyes was lured to the lion's den under the guise of being a resource person in the investigation of the plea bargain agreement between the government and General Carlos Garcia. Instead, he became the focus of the investigation, with Jinggoy Estrada presenting no less than Reyes' kumpadre standing as a "witness" against him. What baffles my mind is why no one in the committee bothered to point out that the focus of the investigation has deviated from its original purpose.

With media playing the witting accomplice, Reyes' dignity was shred to pieces before the eyes of the nation and the world. He became the instant kontrabida in the unfolding real-life telenovela, without having been given the right to defend himself. In the words of Mr. Oakwood, "No, no, no. You have no reputation to protect". What an arrogant little prick Mr. Oakwood is.

The senate investigation, for all intents and purposes, violated the basic rights of Angelo Reyes under the Bill of Rights of the Constitution, to wit:

Section 14. (1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process of law.
(2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused: Provided, that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is unjustifiable.

Sadly, our very own Senate, using the power of investigation in aid of legislation as its personal tool of vendetta, acted as judge, jury, and in the end, executioner. The senate, particularly Jinggoy Estrada and Mister Oakwood Trillanes, have the blood of Angelo Reyes on their hands. They used and abused their powers as senators to get even with the man that is Angie Reyes.

To those who believe in their heart of hearts that Angelo Reyes is guilty of the accusations hurled against him, I tell you that guilty or not, he should have been given his day in court, a real court, and not the kangaroo court that many of our fellow citizens watched lustily in their idiot boxes within the safety of their homes, not realizing that with the deprivation of Angelo Reyes' rights (which the viewers in their hearts allowed), they have signed their own death warrants, for in truth, if a man like Angelo Reyes can be deprived of his basic rights as guaranteed under the constitution, then the same can be done to them as well.

The only consolation is that he died with the presumption of innocence, albeit a paltry one, compared to his life. And to those who still managed to cheer upon hearing of his death, cheer while you can, for when it is your turn at the receiving end of injustice, I hope that you will then realize the importance of your rights.

Criminals unafraid of cops

2011-01-21T08:47:00.002+08:00

It clearly seems that criminal elements no longer fear the police. The spate of crime, including carnappings, carjackings and yes, even bikejackings, is a clear indication that criminals, not the police, have the upper hand.

This is exactly what i was afraid of. When yellow president Penoy divided the work of the DILG Secretary so that his BFF Puno could hava a piece, he unwittingly weakened the DILG and the PNP. Puno, who knows nothing about running the PNP, was given control over it by presidente Penoy, while the more qualified Robredo was sidelined.

The president doesn't seem to care that crime is on the rise. His reason big boy toy, a Porsche, seems to be his only concern nowadays. It's funny when you watch the nightly news and see

Penoy buying expensive cars, attending fiestas, and being late for his first cabinet meeting of the year. I don't know about him, but being president isn't about only the fun stuff.

I have some acquaintances who are afraid to leave their homes now. If they take the MRT, they fear they will get mugged. If they drive their own car, they are afraid it would be carnapped or worse, carjacked. These fears are valid, since the police has been less that efficient since this administration took over.

So here's an appeal to that tenant in the Palace: Dump the car. Focus on the real issue. It's not the noisy minority. It's the lack of authority that makes criminal elements bold. When criminals see that the president and his men aren't competent, they know they've already won.

Curses! Foiled Again!

2010-12-10T07:40:00.005+08:00

Wily Coyote vs. the Road Runner

If life were a cartoon show, I'd be laughing my ass off. The clever plot of the wily coyote to capture the dastardly road runner backfired for the nth time. This is how I tend to look at the plot of the present administration to push it's Truth Commission geared towards Penoy's imagined arch-nemesis, Gloria Arroyo. Sadly, life isn't a cartoon, and the infantile efforts of Penoy and his legal team to push the Truth Commission down Juan dela Cruz's throat isn't funny anymore.

Penoy is living the life of her mother all over again, copying everything she has done -- so logically, if Cory had Marcos, Penoy must have a Gloria. In a press conference the other night, i heard the Yellow Leader say in essence that the Truth Commission was meant to put some sort of closure on a "dark chapter" of our history (naks! feeling superhero si gago!) And guess what? I'm not the only one who thinks the same thing (well, not so much the gago part). Bobby Tiglao wrote the same thing in his column in the Inquirer yesterday! Yan ang tunay na Hindi ka nagiisa.

Psycho?

Penoy's actions remind me of the movie Psycho (with a pinoy touch), with Penoy playing Norman Bates. I could actually picture Penoy sitting in the presidential chair, wearing a curly wig and yellow duster, looking out the window of Malacanang. I can see him obsessing over La Gloria, while his alter-ego (the mother) tells him he must destroy the woman. The pinoy touch is that every plot he hatches backfires...

Curses, Foiled Again!

The Palace's recent setback, the EO No. 1 fiasco, has shown Penoy spiraling on the very brink of insanity when he implied that his allies will begin impeachment proceedings versus the current Chief Justice. One can simply surmise that this is because the First Brat did not get his way again. Good for us that none of his allies are biting (at least for now).

Even the Senate is playing it cool and not jumping into the issue like rabid attacks dogs of their master -- and with good reason. They know what would happen if all branches of government start warring with each other. I guess this is why many were surprised when Penoy went on the offensive again, hurling accusations and insinuations against the High Court. My God, is he that stupid to realize that he setting his yellow zombies up for a people power vs. the SC?

King of Lala Land

Penoy is living in a Quixotic delusion, a dream world of sorts. He thinks that he is a revolutionary president, having recently just toppled the past administration. He thinks that he is king of the Filipinos, and that his word is law. He thinks that Executive Orders are actually Royal declarations, where the king's orders must be carried out forcefully and without delay. He lives in a fantasy where he is adored by each and every one of his constituents, and that those who dare go against him are agents of evil. Someone really has to douse him with cold water and wake him from this dream.

***

Glorietta 2 blast revisited

2010-10-21T08:40:00.002+08:00

I was shocked to read this morning in gmanews.tv that the Palace wants the Glorietta 2 incident re-investigated (by the Truth Commission, no less). The news item said that the Palace hinted that the investigation was "whitewashed". Apparently, the Palace stooges are experts in whitewashing investigation results.

Why, oh why, would the GMA administration cover-up the truth if it indeed was a bomb that caused the explosion? Wouldn't it be favorable to the then Gloria administration to claim it was a bomb rather than a gas leak? It could have been a good reason for her administration to crack down on her critics, but they did not do that.

But I think I know the reason behind this so-called "re-investigation". The Ayalas, who own Glorietta 2, are liable and subject to lawsuits for the explosion if it had been a gas leak, and they wouldn't want that to happen. Hey! They supported Penoy's campaign, so why can't they just have it re-investigated by their "boy" Penoy and have the new results "tweaked" to show that it was really a bomb and not a gas leak? I mean, the Palace go-boys have proven their skill in tweaking investigation reports.

I see no logic in the need for the past administration to cover up what happened in Glorietta 2... But hey, it's Penoy's Truth Commission, and they've been given a blank check.

Whitewash

2010-10-11T18:26:00.003+08:00

For the life of me, i cannot understand why Usec. Rico Puno, of all people, would be spared from any responsibility for the botched hostage rescue attempt last August 23 which killed 8 Hong Kong nationals. Penoy himself made it clear that he assigned Puno to the DILG specifically to handle the Philippine National Police. What does Puno have on Penoy to make the President bow to this low-life scum?

But hey, it's Penoy's funeral. Somehow, former National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales' statement that Penoy is on a self-destruct mode seems to hold water. Even some of my firends who are staunch supporters of Penoy are starting to question his decision to spare his BFF from prosecution, despite the result of the IIRC investigation.

Why in hell did Penoy even create the IIRC when he knew from the start that he will have the last say on the matter? He only made a fool of Laila De Lima who performed an exemplary job, only to be sidelined in the end.

What we are seeing from the Palkace is a clear sign of a whitewash. The Palace has no intention of finding out the truth but is more itnerested in saving the Presidential friends from taking responsibility.

What a sham.

Damaso

2010-10-01T21:16:00.010+08:00

The catholic hierarchy today said that Celdran was jailed not because he exercised his right to free speech but because he "committed a sin against the church". First off, in my humble opinion, having such a law as Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code is in itself a violation of one's basic human rights.

Art. 133. Offending the religious feelings. — The penalty of arresto mayor in its maximum period to prision correccional in its minimum period shall be imposed upon anyone who, in a place devoted to religious worship or during the celebration of any religious ceremony shall perform acts notoriously offensive to the feelings of the faithful. source: www.chanrobles.com

In a nutshell, Article 133 means that the Church or any religious organization can have you imprisoned if they feel you performed an act offensive to the "faithful", but not vice versa.

In the United Staes Bill of Rights, it says:

Amendment I-- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Freedom of Expression must include being able to express one's feelings inside the church. If the church pulpit can be used to demonize, accuse without evidence and lambast the government (like what they did during GMA's administration), then i say with conviction that it is also the right of every catholic to speak out against its church and its hierarchy INSIDE that church.

Remember history, my friends. Many of these old churches, including the Manila Cathedral, were built by our fellow Filipinos, some working for free in exchange for what the Frailes call "salvation". It is the people, the Filipino people under the oppressive Spanish regime who built these churches, not the bishops, not the priests and not the Pope. It is our Church, and if priests can call a person evil using the pulpit, then we, the people, can certainly use this church built by our forefathers' blood, sweat and tears to call the church hierarchy whatever we want.

What is good for the gander should be good for the goose. The church cannot have double-standards and say "we can speak against anyone inside the church but the people cannot". This goes against the teachings of Christ where He is the Head and we, the people, The church, is the body. Christ never mentioned anything about Popes, Bishops, Cardinals and excommunication.

Then, of course, there is that argument made by Carlos Celdran which I agree with -- the Church cannot, according to our Constitution, involve itself in matters of State, to wit:

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

I commend Carlos Celdran for having the balls to speak out against the Catholic Church, a taboo though it may be to some, but judging from the reactions of many people in the world wide web, I'm sure many share Carlos' sentiments about the separation of Church and State.

Celdran: Bagong Bayani

2010-10-01T08:14:00.003+08:00

Dressed as Jose Rizal, Manila's famous tour guide Carlos Celdran walked into the Manila Cathedral, went to the altar, raised a sign that says DAMASO (in reference to Jose Rizal's antagonist in Noli me Tangere) and shouted "Stop meddling in politics!". Now that's what I call guts. For all the hot air and bluster I've been hearing from the Palace about supporting the Reproductive Health Bill, what Celdran did was a breath of fresh air. Celdran was later arrested and charged with violation of Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code.

What the priests and bishops failed to realize that they played right into Celdran's hands. This is exactly why he was garbed as Jose Rizal. What the church demonstrated when they had Celdran arrested was that they were in fact the modern day Damasos ordering the arrest of a modern day Rizal and putting him behind bars. But what Celdran did was merely an exercise in freedom of expression, something the church cannot fully understand since it is anchored in dogma written in the middle ages.

If the church continues with its threats against the government's plan to push for Reproductive Health, then we are seeing the end of days of the church's holier-than-thou meddling in politics and I would not be the least bit surprised if activists replicate this action by Celdran. Let's see if the church can take a dose of civil disobedience.

As for Celdran, I say stay strong. We are behind you 100%.

One year after Ondoy

2010-09-28T11:02:00.005+08:00

As the flood waters rose steadily on that fateful morning of September 26, 2009, my sister and i decided to go to the Zen Center (zendo) where i work (which was three houses away). After securing our stuff and shutting off our main switch, we locked our house and went to the zendo. There, we were met by the center's treasurer, Juju Tan, who was in the zendo moving the important items of the zendo to the second floor. Juju then waded through chest high waters to meet his driver near the gate of Provident.

My sister and i made ourselves at home on the zendo's 2nd floor, where the dormitory is situated. We were later joined by the de Guzmn and Pineda families who live next door to the zendo. Luckily for us, the de Guzmans had a ladder and a big roll of insulation foam, while the Pinedas brought their lunch with them.

By noon, we were on the roof, waiting to be rescued. An hour later we were joined by Dominic and his wife, along with Nero, their german shepherd. The men in our group spent the night taking turns holding up our makeshift tent which kept the women and children dry. Early next morning, Atty. de Guzman arrived with a rubber dinghy which rescued our neighbors. My sister and i chose to stay behind. We waited for the water to recede up to the waist, then waded the flood waters to reach the gate of Provident Village.

One year after Ondoy, i still live in Provident Village, quite aware that the drainage systems have not been thoroughly dredged and cleaned, and knowing full well that the Marikina River has become shallow. Armed with this "knowledge", i made my own version of a grab bag. My friend gave me a dry bag which i can use to store a small AM Radio, flashlight, waterproof matches, a couple of shirts, some cigarettes, easy-to-open canned goods and a whistle.

One year after Ondoy, i still keep hearing government officials claim they are ready for another Ondoy. But really, who can ever be ready for another Ondoy? Honestly, i'm not putting much faith in local government to resuce me from another disaster. The Zendo today is being renovated, and an escape hatch to the roof is being added to ensure a quick exit in case of another flood.

One year after Ondoy, our neighbors are still here, a little wary but still suriving. I am still in awe that despite the disaster, we managed to stay calm and composed during the entire ordeal.

One year after Ondoy, i am still in awe of the inviolability of the human spirit.

Banayo's Problem

2010-09-28T10:32:00.007+08:00

Lito Banayo has recently been seen on TV and heard on radio saying that there is a looming rice shortage if Malacanang fails to release the agency's P6 billion budget. I find this statement by

Banayo funny since it was he who told Penoy that there was an "over importation of rice". The claim was so "shocking" that it even landed in Penoy's first State of the Nation address, meant to embarrass the previous administration of PGMA.

Banayo even went as far as to call for an investigation of the previous administration to demonstrate the veracity of his claim. His claim got so much media mileage, with him claiming that the agency even had to stop the arrival of rice shipments from abroad due to "over supply". He even claimed, in an article on CBS Network's website, that we were "swimming in rice".

And because of this pompous claim, Malacanang decided not to release the P6 billion budget alloted for the agency, something which i believe Banayo never expected to happen.

Now Banayo is once again doing media rounds, but claiming that we might come to a rice shortage due to the non-release of his agency's budget. From swimming in rice, Banayo now claims that the cupboard is bare.

And here you can probably guess why he made a u-turn from his earlier claims: P6 billion is too big a money to pass up. Even a small percentage could make Banayo's Christmas merry indeed.

In the end, Banayo's claims really were about "the money" and not about rice.

Penoy's Insecurity and the four-way test

2010-09-23T07:58:00.008+08:00

Penoy and his administration is insecure, this much i can say with certainty. His and his cohorts' need to constantly compare their actions, spendings and the like with that of the previous administration of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Ph.D. seems so jejune that it makes them look like school boys who constantly need to assure themselves that they have the biggest penis in school to the point of constantly going to the bathroom and checking on their classmates' dongs just to convince themselves of their "greatness".

Let's take a look at how the (mis)communications group of Malacanang play up this "My penis is bigger than yours" bit: In his US trip, Penoy and the boys continually emphasize the "frugality" of Penoy's US trip, pointing out that there will be no repeat of the Le Cirque Restaurant incident that became an issue for the GMA administration. The Malcanang dog-waggers played up Penoy's eating at In-and-Out Burgers and their use of a commercial flight.

While it is commendable to be frugal at a time when most filipinos are hard strapped for cash, one must use the Roatary Club's Four Way Test to see if what we are hearing from Malacanang is accurate.

IS IT THE TRUTH?

is the government really spending only P25 million pesos? Does the P25M include the pay for the PR firm they hired to "promote" Penoy's visit? If it is the truth, why can't Carandang and his pals come up with the exact cost of the PR firm deal? Coming from the media, Carandang must have known that once you admit that you hired a PR Firm to promote your boss' trip, the next question your former colleagues in media would ask is "How much did it cost?" If it is true that this administration is for truth and transparency, Carandang and his pals should have had that data ready and at hand during his admission.

IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?

Is it fair for Malacanang to constantly compare itself to the previous administration? Is it fair to the Filipino people to be kept in the dark as to the exact and actual cost of Penoy's trip? Is it fair for Pinoy taxpayers to be misled by sweeping statements like "The PR Firm deal is much cheaper, even by Philippine standards"? Is it fair for former President Arroyo who has yet to be charged for alleged crimes against the people (In any civil society, one cannot be presumed guilty without the benefit of a fair and just trial)? The answer to these questions is a resounding No.

WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

First off, constantly comparing Penoy's administration to that of Gloria Arroyo isn't going to build goodwill. In fact, it is causing much division in our society, and we really need division like a hole in the head. Secondly, you don't need a PR Group to build goodwill and better friendships among your fellow world leaders. Goodwill and better friendships come from being a true statesman, with or without the need for a promotional gimmick. It is all about political will, charisma and true leadership qualities. You only need a PR firm if you lack these 3 qualifications. Enough said.

WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED?

Will hiring a PR firm be beneficial to us filipinos? Not to all. But it will certainly be beneficial to Penoy, who has lost much face because of the August 23 hostage incident, having been played out on international news networks like CNN (courtesy of Penoy's ally ABiaS-CBN).

Is it worth spending P44 million for? Maybe not. In his first SONA, Penoy practically said we had no money left, and here they are trying to appear frugal and yet hiding the fact that we hired a PR firm to drum up the Penoy's image. Mind you, this isn't about promoting the Philippines' image, as much as the (mis)communications group would like to claim that it is. It is, to be candid, to promote Penoy whose bumblings in his first 100 days make him look like, in the words of Senator Joker Arroyo, "a student council president" in the eyes of many world leaders.

Because of his massive insecurity and his and his administration's failure to pass the four-way test, Penoy needs to go full blast to convince the Filipino people that he really is qualified to be president of this nation. No amount of PR will cover up his incompetence. More to the point, if he keeps up with his constant comparison of the past administration, the people may end up thinking the past administration is actually better than his. But that's just my opinion.

Punong Puno na kami, Puno

2010-09-22T19:09:00.002+08:00

Puno is clinging to power like the bayawak that he is (i would have said tarsier but tarsiers are cute, cuddly and lovable). He seems to be working under the impression that the Filipino people would forgive him if he announced that he will submit a courtesy resignation the moment Penoy arrives from the US.

What he doesn't seem to understand is that a courtesy resignation is not enough. What he should tender is an irrevocable resignation. Delicadeza demands it. He, however, seems to be ignorant of the word and continues to believe that he is "untouchable", what with Tony Boy himself telling Bishop Cruz to take it easy on Puno.

A piece of unsolicited advice, Usec. Puno: Cut and cut clean. Show a little honor, even if it's just for show. We know it's difficult for you to show honor when there isn't an iota of it in your body.

As your namesake once crooned, "Ang tao'y marupok..."

Teach Penoy to Count

2010-09-22T18:50:00.002+08:00

Penoy has been busy the past few weeks comparing the budget for his US Trip with that of his predecessor GMA. His (mis)communications group said that Penoy's trip would only cost about P25 million, staying at a Sofitel Hotel and eating at a Jollibee in Queens.

What he and his cohorts in Malacanang failed to say was that Penoy's trip would also entail hiring a US-based PR firm which some say would cost about P45 million. Carandang quickly denied that the PR Firm would pe paid that much money, but refused to say how much the Philippines is actually paying for it. So much for transparency.

What i think is likely to happen is that the real cost of the PR Firm will not be revelaed to the public and that some hocus-PCOS will take place to make it appear that the PR Firm was "a too good a deal to pass".

What is as clear as day is the fact that Penoy's trip will cost a whole lot more than just the P25 million "propaganda amount" that they have been trying to sell the public. Tough noogies, Ricky. No one seems to be buying it.

At the end of the day, Penoy and his (mis)communications group should learn to count because even the lowly taxi driver I talked to this afternoon doesn't believe that Penoy's US trip would cost only P25 million INCLUDING the PR firm job.

Another Complaint versus Homesonic

2010-09-17T18:12:00.002+08:00

I recently saw in the comments section of my blog dated 2009 that several individuals were victimized by Homesonic. If you are a victim of Homesonic or Arysta, please email me or write your complaint on the comment box below.

Let me share with you two incidents:

Anonymous said...

Homesonic did the same thing to me, now they already have 54,900 pesos from my credit card.im so sad to find out that Homesonic is a Scam, I hope somebody can help me regarding this.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Anonymous said...

FOOH___22------} last 23rd of July my mom and i went to TUTUBAN CENTER MALL 2, den suddenly two fucking staff (CARMIE CAALAM) approached us telling that we have a free bag coz its their co. anniv....we refused to accept that fucking free bag, unfortunately there was no way out from that place coz the escalator wasnt working dat tym...we didnt have any choice but to look for the other way ...so badtrip!!!! coz the other escalator was near on their place (HOMESONIC)...they were very accomodating even if my face wasnt dat ryt....they used that situation telling us " don din naman kau dadaan mam kc sira yang escalator kya daanan nio nlang mam libre nman po yan dhil anniv po namen...) since taung pilipino has dis attitude na "sige n nga, and2 n rin lng naman.." kya aun, we entered the HELL........den they started to massage my mom and i wid their chair massager and beauty matte massager, that's BULLSHIT!!!...hahha! i was wondering dat tym...so d scam issue of kyowa entered my mind...so i asked them what was that all about.......and the DEMON CARMIE answered "this is to advertise our products!!!!..while we are waiting for the fucking bag!then suddenly the pregnant women entered and let me sign the paper,,,den i started giving my false information...my god, they hav no right to know how much savings i have....CRaZy deMons!!! this pathetic staff(pregnant women)started their strategy..telling us that we have won 10 umbrellas!!! so wat?!!!hahah...and den suddenly after confirmation from their so called head office they said that although we didnt qualify to that fucking thing.. we still have the privilege to pick one of their certicate.....den sbi pa ng isang staff pag blue daw ang nabunot q try again.......den i picked one envelope, and its blue!! but hnd try again ang nkasulat...discounted 2000 ang nakaindicate...and at the back of that voucher , it is indicated that we have a free energy cooker and the x in game chair...i asked pano namn nangyari un!!! Sb ng mga kumag ang swerte q daw dhil aq daw ung 5 n naqualify pra d2...then i keep on asking na pano nangyari until they showed us some more free fucking appliances that we'v qualified to get habang nagssigawan cla ng mga staff at masayang masayang n pinagagagawa nila.....sabay at the end of their makukuha q lng un free if i avail one of their products...sbi q ala aqng pera pra mag avail..but then they told me na if papipiliin anong product daw ung pipiliin namin..and then i said ung magagamit s business ung BIO ENERGY WATER SYSTEM...and then this FUCKING CARMIE persuaded us to withdraw kc magagamit nman daw namin un s business...she computed how much the profits i can get if i avail the BIO ENERGY WATER SYSTEM...then after the long conversation 5x qng sinabi na cancelled nlang...okei lng n di mauwi yan mga free n yan...mkikita mo tuloi s mga muka nila na nawalan ng energy!!!!hahahha....but the problem is my mom really wants the energy cooker kya nkita 2loi ung interest nia...sb q babalik kme tom coz i really want to do research first, pero ang dinahilan q kelangan q muna makausap ung husband q...den carmie told me na d daw possible un,,valid until dat day lng daw,, and den sb eh d cancelled m na....den sb if u want u can give 5000 for reservation...then i asked her is dat refundable sb nia off setted to items...so tumagal nnman ang discussion dahil sb q bket ganon...but then i cash out 5000 due to my mom's interest to get the energy cooker and the bio energy water system...When i went home, i did a research and found out that HOMESONIC is a SCAM!!!!!! i called the DTI, telling that there are cases filed against them,, then i called SEC, telling that HOMESONIC doesnt appear on their database and HOMESONIC doesnt have a licencse at all...My god!!! and after a day, i went back to TUTUBAN to get my money back....but they refused to give it...nkakatawa..ung isang staff, pinakilala sken ung supervisor nila,,,and den sb q last tym manager ang pakilala sken s taong yan ngaun supervisor nlang...gRabe!!! den i talked to thje so called manager/supervisor....trying to tell him to please coordinate it to their head office..and then d p xa nkikipagcoordinate may response n agad xa..patawa tlg!!!! dameng excuses!!! sb q asan ang head office nila, pupuntahan q...tapos hnd maisulat ng manager kung wat specific address...den suddenly ung isang staff lumabas form the rum giving the business card...grabe...ung business card ang nakalagay customer service,,sb q asan ang head office d2?? un daw ang head office nila.....at ittransfer din nman daw aq s knila khit pumunta daw aq don....anong klaseng head office un....hahah..at lahat nman daw ng company may negative feedbacks....nandamay p! kapal ng muka!!! hnd cla kinaya ng nerves q kya i did a scandal..i even tried to talk to one of their customer giving the handouts i have...and nagsisigaw aq s loob at labas ng office nila informing people that HOMESONIC is scam!!!!!!!!!!.....now, i want to file a complaint against them,,, that is only a small amount pero wat i want to is give that fucking company together with its demon staff a lesson.....

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Penoy's Foot-in-Mouth disease

2010-09-17T16:57:00.002+08:00

It seems that the President of our country is suffering from what journalists call "Footh-in-Mouth Disease". Issue after issue, Penoy and his miscommunications people manage to find their feet in their mouth the minute they open their mouths to defend themselves. I remember reading in an online news site that Penoy said during a wake that in two years time, people will look back on (the hostage incident) and just laugh. Oooops. Did he just say that out loud?

Then there's the comedy duo of Carandang and Coloma (sounds like a comedy act to me). Their statements regarding the missed phone call of HK Chief Executive Donald Tsang during "The Crisis" were too way off the mark that I am tempted to write a new book about them: Carandang is from Mars, Coloma is from Uranus.

Now comes the Juetengate issue being hurled against the president's top honchos. Instead of saying that he believes in the trustworthiness and honesty of his men, Penoy starts off his defense by saying that P2 million was "too cheap" to be true, a statement which makes some wonder if Penoy knows the going rate of jueteng payolas. Then his follow through about jueteng not being a priority of his government just shoved his foot deep into his throat. I wouldn't be surprised if, by this time tomorrow, the trio would have swallowed their feet with all their bumblings.

Yessiree, at every turn, issue after issue, the comedy trio of Penoy, Coloma and Carandang manage to put themselves into compromising positions, yet they still hang on to Penoy like the cute little tarsiers that they are. Truth be told, Penoy and his men don't need detractors -- they can do that all on their own.

Hello, Jueteng

2010-09-17T10:22:00.004+08:00

The recent appointment of PNP Dir. General Raul Bacalzo as PNP Chief replacing Jesus Versoza, has been met with criticism from some junior officers of the National Police. Many claim that the new PNP Chief is involved in Jueteng and receives, along with some Malacanang official/s, payola in exchange for protection from jueteng. Mind you, these are all allegations, but persistent ones, nonetheless.

Then comes Usec. Puno of the DILG claiming he was offered by Jueteng Lords P2 million a month (an amount Penoy said was "cheap", as if he knows very well the going rate for jueteng payolas. hmmmm). Puno claims he declined the offer, but refuses to identify these people who offered him money. He claims no law was broken, although i doubt if attempting to bribe a government official isn't a crime in itself. These two officials of the Penoy administration both have a lot to explain since the rumors, stories and whispers involving them in jueteng are growing loudereach day.

Could it be that these two are not in position by accident? Could it be that Bacalzo and Puno were put there through the insistence of the powerful bulong brigade? And if the powerful bulong birgade pushed Penoy to appoint Bacalzo and Puno to the 2 top posts that are responsible for eradicating jueteng, then it logically follows that some members of the bulong brigade might have vested interests in jueteng and would want the police and the DILG to be "in good hands".

Then comes the question everyone wants to ask: Could Penoy have received payola during his legislative term of office, and could he have received campaign contributions from Jueteng Lords? Is this the reason he was hesitant to say who his contributors were? Is this the real reason why Penoy is trying his best to ease out Sec. Robredo (a staunch anti-jueteng advocate) without making it look like a political maneuver?

Let's face it. Penoy's announcement that jueteng is not in his list of priorities, plus the fact that he refuses to investigate allegations by retired Bishop Cruz that his top ranking officials are involved in jueteng or are receiving jueteng payolas, raises many eyebrows.

No matter which way you look at it, the situation is highly suspect, and the president has a lot to explain with regards to his seeming refusal to investigate his own men. With his actions, many cannot be faulted into thinking that the jueteng payola has reached the top of the political heap.

Command Responsibility

2010-08-25T14:48:00.004+08:00

Having read and re-read all the reports coming out from last Monday's botched rescue attempt of Hong Kong tourists held hostage by a disgruntled police officer, one question pops to mind: Where was our president and what has he been doing throughout the whole ordeal?

A presidential spokesperson said that the president was monitoring the situation but left it to "concerned police authorities the handling of the matter."

At a time like this, especially when foreign nationals are involved, the president should, and must be visible. The hostage taker's demands were simple. The president could have gone on live TV to appeal to the gunman's sense of justice. He could have said he would personally guarantee to review his case, or even promise to reinstate him if only to appease the man. But no. He was out of the public eye, hiding inside the Palace rather than taking control of the situation -- something which his predecessor Gloria Arroyo would have done.

But no, Noynoy refuses to be compared to his predecessor and even went as far as to say that he was not going to divulge where he was during the entire ordeal. So much for his vow of transparency. At a time when the nation looked for leadership, there was none. This was evident in how the police handled the situation. It was as if no leadership existed and each police unit went their own way in trying to put an end to the situation. BBC even came up with their observation regarding our police's actions.

President Aquino must be held responsible for this failure, under the principle of command responsibility. His words to General Angue came to mind as i was writing this blog: "I am your Commander-in-Chief". This was no longer a local issue to be handled by local police. This was an international incident involving foreign nationals, and it was the job of the president not only to inform the government of the hostages of the situation but to give his personal assurance to the governments concerned that everything is being done for the safe release of their nationals. Sadly, this was not the case with our president. Donald Tsang, Hong Kong's chief executive, said in a statement that he kept calling President Aquino but the president was unavailable. It was his responsibility as Commander-in-Chief to be on top of the situation -- not just leaving everything to the police. Look where that got us.

He cannot hide from his responsibility, and he cannot point the finger at others for the failure of the police to rescue the hostages. He should have been on top of the situation, he should have ordered a media blackout (another thing his predecessor did during the height of the Manila Penn Siege) and he should have done everything in his power to make sure the hostages were released safe and sound.

This was his first major test as a leader, and he failed badly. Not only the Philippines witnessed this epic failure but also the rest of the world. To make matters worse, he did arrive much, much later at the scene, even captured on film smiling for the cameras.

Not even his explanations the next day as to what he did during the hostage drama could wash away the stink his non-appearance left in the wake of the previous night's events.

In a country where we look up to our leaders to be on top of every situation, it appears that "The President you dialed cannot be reached".

Bloody End to Hostage Drama shows poor strategy on part of the Police

2010-08-24T08:48:00.002+08:00

Maybe i've just been watching too many action movies, or maybe common sense just kicked in on my part --- whatever the reason, it was obvious, watching from local news coverage of the hostage drama at the Quirino Grandstand, that something was wrong with what the police did in trying to recuse the hostages inside the bus that was hijacked by Police Inspector Rolando Mendoza.

As far as i know, once negotiations break down, the use of rapid, deadly force is essential. What happened in Manila yesterday was the exact opposite. The police were slow, hesitant and indecisive. Their technique of trying to break the bus door using a mallet failed big time, and so with heir tactic of trying to pull the door away using a police car and a rope. These moves gave the hostage taker not just warning but time to set up a defensive position.

I remember a hostage drama in France a couple of years back. The rapid response force covered all sides of the vehicle and rushed in as the flash bangs went off. This took less than a minute. The one in the grandstand took about 30 minutes.

I also heard on the news last night that the reason the police decided to assault the vehicle was because of the statement of the driver who escaped from the bus that the hostages were dead. According to Judge Jimmy Santiago, former head of the SWAT team of MPD, this was erroneous since the report was unconfirmed. Santiago said that assaulting the bus without knowledge of the situation inside the bus was dangerous.

It was also reported last night that the arrest of the brother of the hostage taker on live television further angered him, prompting him to become violent. The police should not have done the arrest live on television, knowing that the hostage taker was monitoring the news inside the bus.

With this tragedy, the police should seriously re-think their rapid response tactics to ensure that such a tragedy will not happen again.

Estudyante blues for Noy (by AMCR)

2010-07-01T11:15:00.002+08:00

mapangurirat's note: I am reposting this from KAD. The new words to the song Estudyante Blues of Ka Freddie Aguilar was written by the witty AMCR. Cheers!

------------------------------------------------------------------

ESTUDYANTE BLUES FOR NOY

Si Gloria ang nakikita
Si Gloria ang nasisisi
Si Gloria ang laging may kasalanan

Paggising sa tanghali
Yosi ang almusal
Bago pumasok sa malacanang

Balukto't ang katwiran
Pag pinagsasabihan
Hindi alam ang gagawin

Siya'y sunud-sunuran
Ang daming pina pakinggan
Litong lito ang damdamin

REFRAIN
Si noy ay walang alam
Sunod sa utos lamang

II
Paggaling sa malacanang
Diretso na ng bahay
PSP ang aabutan

Wala na si Nanay
Wala na ren si Tatay
Si Tetay ang naghihintay

Tatawag ang barkada
Sa kanila'y hindi sasama
Yosi na lang ang kasama

At 'pag nangangatwiran
Baluktot ang katwiran
Hindi alam ang gagawin

Epic Fail

2010-06-30T18:48:00.002+08:00

A big disappointment -- that's what I call the inauguration of the 15th President of the Yellow Brigade. The backdrop was tacky, to say the least, and their desire to make the event simple but elegant in the Obama Inauguration style ultimately ended up as a cross between Madam Auring's psychic shop and a Goldilocks display cabinet.

I heard Mike Enriquez this morning talking about how the inaugural event was proceeding like clockwork. Apparently the organziers' watches were 30 minutes advanced, leaving the diplomatic corps and the rest of the country unsure of what to do. To make up for the huge time gap, singer Noel Cabangon sang impromptu, which didn't really make things classier for the event.

What a rip off for those who got tickets, I tell you. It was as if the inauguration was a dry run for this Sunday's edition of Party Pilipinas. It was funny, in a way, because it could have been given a classy undertone had the inaugural people stuck with just the Philharmonic Orchestra as musical backdrop for the event. Instead, what we saw was the unfortunate demise of the people's respect for APO Hiking Society as a singing group, the mediocre performance of our "most talented artists", and the annoying way we keep crowding and hogging the stage.

Even his inaugural speech was a big disappointment. It was, to say the least, an effort to sound presidential without much brain activity going into the speech writing, which leads me to believe it was the president himself who wrote it. Come on, I could have written a better speech than that! My Educational Reform Speech for Erap was better than that, for crying out loud! And what was that? He actually showed the world (on live TV no less) what a big vindictive ass he is by announcing on his inauguration the creation of a truth commission to investigate his predecessor. What he could have at least done is call a press conference tomorrow to announce that his first executive order was the creation of a truth commission. That would have been presidential. Oh, and the environmentalists aren't happy with his speech, either. Apparently, Noy forgot about the environment in his list of priorities.

Now everyone knows the deal they got when they voted for Penoy, and they have no one to blame but themselves. Already, Penoy is making excuses by blaming the previous administration for everything, and laying the foundation for his failure to keep his campaign promises.

And so, at the end of the day, the 'big moment', that earth-shattering speech everyone was waiting for didn't materialize. the inauguration, which was dubbed the People's Inauguration, was a big disappointment. Many hopes pinned on this man are beginning to fade, and this is just day one of his term as president. The inauguration was an Epic Fail.

the Aquino Coronation

2010-06-29T17:52:00.010+08:00

Permission is granted to repost, but please include R.C. Banares as the artist of the artwork.

The Kris-James Brouhaha

2010-06-29T09:22:00.004+08:00

Like those never-ending stories of mananaggals in Tondo come election time, the news of Kris and James' breakup appeared again in the different tabloids and even in some major dailies. the news articles more often than not include a video-grab of a teary-eyed Kris in an interview in her show "The Buzz".

What i found amusing was this: In her statement on her Sunday Gossip show, she said "Kung anuman ang dahilan why this marriage, on my part, I'm saying, is over, the only person I will owe an explanation to, and the only person who can demand from me na bakit kayo naghiwalay, is my son". It's funny because if she owes and explanation to no one except her son, why did she even bother coming out at all about their breakup on National TV? But like my good friend said, that's Kris. Even when she wants to be real quiet about something, she still manages to blab about it, one way or another.

Then, she further added: "The worst thing I can do for Baby James is, when he's 7 or 8 years old, ang mahanap niya sa YouTube yung explanation kung bakit naghiwalay ang nanay at tatay niya. He deserves much more than that. He deserves to hear it only from me and only from James. Because in any separation, there are two sides to the story. And we owe it to him, James will owe it to him, that I will owe it to him to explain to him."

I think what Baby James would say when he's 7 or 8 years old is this: "Mommy, why did you have to announce to the world you are breaking up with Daddy?" But again, my friend would justify it with two simple words-- that's Kris.

According to an article written by Ricky Lo dated June 28, he wrote: “They always clash because of Kris’ tendency to control James,” said somebody privy to the couple’s life. “Their differences are irreconcilable. Every time they fought, Kris would threaten to separate from James, saying, ‘Ayoko na talaga; sawa na ako. Hiwalay na tayo!’ This time around, James retaliated by saying, ‘Hiwalay kung hiwalay!’ I think they have reached a point of no return, no reconciliation.”

If this is indeed the case, then I think it is only right for James to call it quits. I can just imagine what life must have been like for James, living under the shadow of Kris and her family, and the eternal nagging that might (or might not) have happened on a daily basis.

To Kris, I only have this to say: Whatever misery you are in right now, you deserve every drop of it. if what i have been observing on TV reflects your true persona, then it is not surprising that your relationships with men always end up this way. There is a lot of self-realization you need to do, and you must acknowledge your faults (not just by saying them on TV but actually trying your best to change them) if you do not want to end up a bitter person.

And to James, i only have three words for you: HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!

Wear Black on June 30

2010-06-28T10:57:00.005+08:00

To show the world that the remaining 60% of the Philippine Population did not vote for Penoy, we would like to encourage everyone to wear black on June 30, on the day of his inauguration as President.

Let us show the Aquinos that not all of us are blinded by their so-called "yellow mystique". Wearing black will also symbolize our disgust over the rise of Kamag-Anak and Friends, Inc.

On June 30, let us mourn for our nation as Noynoy Aquino is elevated to the throne of the presidency -- a presidency which his family feels is their rightful inheritance.

Aquino Ass-Kissing World Cup

2010-06-25T09:33:00.006+08:00

While the World Cup is being held in South Africa, we in the Philippines are hosting the 2nd Aquino Ass-Kissing World Cup (The first AAK World Cup was held in 1986 and was then called the Cory Rump-Kiss Cup).

Vying for first place is Team Manila led by Mayor Fred Lim who scored a whopping 50 points with his "Outstanding Manileno" Maneuver. Yes, sports fans, Mayor Lim gave Noy Aquino, a known resident of Times Street, West Triangle, Quezon City, an award for Outstanding Manileno! What nerves of steel! Beat that, ABiaS-CBN!

But wait! Team ABiaS-CBN (also known as Team Dos) isn't about to let Team Manila go for gold. Team Dos is going for the "All Aquino, All the Time" News Program ploy! Wow! What a big kiss-in-the-ass performance, ladies and gentlemen! this earned Team Dos an additional 45 points!

Team Kamag-Anak Inc. simply won't be outdone and has employed the "backstabbers" move. Team Captain Peping is leading the charge with his patented "don't listen to them... listen to Me" stance doubled with the "blood is thicker than water" ploy. Man, that chin has got to be aerodynamic! We are not certain how effective his ploy will be versus Team Bulong Brigade though, who has employed the Magsulsol sa Pangulo technique to counter Team Kamag-anak Inc.'s advances!

Hold on, folks! it seems another team is vying for the AAK Cup, and this team's ploy may just land them first place! Team Penk led by their team Captain Penk Chink has let lose their secret weapon-- The "Inaugural Cake" Move which is supposed to be a Wolrd Cup first! Wow!! And wait! They are also employing the "It's Absolutely Free" coupled with the "It's Banana Walnut Flavor" maneuver. What a move! It seems for now that Team Penk has the nod of referees Ballsy, Pinky, Viel and Kris!

It's going to be a hot fight for Aquino Ass-Kissing World Cup, folks! Who will win the World Cup this year? We will know on June 30! Abangan!

Tangible Proofs of Development

2010-06-24T12:18:00.004+08:00

Everywhere we go nowadays, we see proof of PGMA's legacy to the Filipino people. NLEX, SLEX, SCTEX are only some of the infrastructures people today enjoy as part of the Arroyo administration's programs. The Strong Republic Nautical Highway or Ro-Ro now connects the entire archipelago via roll-on, roll-off ports. The long mothballed NAIA 3 terminal was opened during her term and the linking of SLEX and NLEX is now near completion.

The linking of the LRT and MRT lines, the rehabilitation of the PNR and the creation of the NorthRail lines from Caloocan to Subic, the modern interchanges along SLEX and the Batangas Star Expressway are also clear evidence of the Arroyo Administration's legacy of development.

Economic programs under her administration managed to spare the nation from effects of the global financial crunch, a fact not many seem to realize. Also under her term, we came to participate in the first ever automated elections. Despite many rumors that she will hold on to her position beyond 2010, we see a peaceful transition of power from the Arroyo administration to the incoming Aquino administration.

It is a fact that the incoming president will reap much of what the Arroyo government has sown, and many may criticize her for many things, but these tangible proofs of her administration will remain with us for many decades to come.

Transcript of PGMA's Farewell Speech

2010-06-24T08:20:00.004+08:00

On 23 June 2010, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, 14th President of the Republic of the Philippines, delivered her farewell speech -- her valedictory, if you will. Here is the transcript in full.

-------------------------

My fellow Filipinos,

We come together tonight as we approach a hallmark of democracy for our great nation – the smooth transition of power to a new leader.

We have just come through a historic election. It was open and it was modern.

As a result, we were able to declare winners in hours and days rather than weeks and months. The face of politics in our nation has changed forever.

Tonight, I once again congratulate president-elect Aquino and vice president-elect Binay.

Nine years ago, I came to the presidency at a time of great turmoil in our nation. I accepted the challenge of the office when it was thrust upon me.

At that time, our country was reeling from political intrigue and a distressed economy.

We set to work to reform our economy and invest in our people. Along the way, we had to make unpopular choices such as raising taxes but we did so against the odds for a very simple reason: we had to have new money for more and better healthcare, education, and job creation.

We needed new and better roads, bridges, ports and a technology backbone to attract new businesses and investors to create new jobs.

Through hard work, determination and a clear plan of action, we helped achieve many of these objectives.

As a result, we have had 37 quarters of uninterrupted economic growth even against the headwinds of a major global recession.

Look around you in our cities as you drive by the office towers that have changed the skyline.

Look around you in our provinces as you drive along the roads, bridges and Ro-Ro ports where we have made massive investments.

This is the face of change.

Eighty-five percent of our people now have access to Philhealth insurance, over a hundred thousand classrooms have been built and nine-million jobs have been created.

We developed the call-center industry almost from scratch. Today there are 500,000 call-center and BPO jobs when only 5,000 existed when I took office.

Yet, these accomplishments are merely part of the continuum of history.

The gains I made were built on the efforts of previous leaders. Each successive government must build on the successes and progress of the previous one.

Advance the programs that work and leave behind those that don’t.

I feel confident that we are leaving this nation much stronger than I came to office but I leave that for history to judge.

Tonight, I call on everyone to unite behind our new leaders. I am optimistic and I am hopeful about our future yet until every Filipino child is born to a family free of poverty, we cannot rest.

We must always set our sights on the future and keep an eye on improving our economy, investing in people and building bridges, not just bridges of iron and steel but bridges between people, generations and governments.

The bridges we must build to the future rest on the hard work, grace and compassion of our people.

The people of our nation are our greatest asset.

You are the backbone that drives our nation forward everyday.

From the fisherman to the farmer, to the taxi driver and the teacher, we are a nation of industrious, hardworking people.

I thank each and everyone for your contribution to help the Philippines achieve our potential.

This time next week I will be moving into new phase of life leading a quieter public role.

We’re all on a journey together. As our nation moves forward let us all join hands in unity and walk confidently towards a better tomorrow.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving me the honor and privilege of serving you.

Malaking karangalan ang makapag-lingkod sa sambayanan bilang Pangulo.

Sa inyong lahat na napag-silbihan ko sa mahirap ngunit makasaysayang landas, maraming maraming salamat.

PGMA's Farewell Address

2010-06-23T19:14:00.001+08:00

As recently as January 2010, many critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo have been saying that she will not step down from the presidency. Well, she is, and here's her farewell message. Eat your heart out, Teddy Casiño.

It's All in the (Aquino) Family

2010-06-22T07:33:00.007+08:00

It appears that the 40% of the Filipino people who voted for Penoy are not just getting 1, but 5 presidents! Yes, indeed, folks. What a deal they are getting. In an interview with Ted Failon on June 19, Ballsy admitted that Noynoy might have a difficult time deciding on important matters so Ballsy said she will be watching him like a hawk and, if he still cannot make up his mind, would give him a "final push" into making the "right" decision. And if i guess right, the other 3 sisters will be doing that, too.

Yessiree, ladies and gentlemen. You have elected to the highest office in the land one Penoy and 4 sisters. What a Deal! Kris, from what we have been reading in the papers recently, might be the one tasked to select and lobby for the Senate leadership while sister Ballsy might be in-charge of policy and decision-making, if i am reading the Failon interview correctly. That leaves Ate Viel and Ate Pinky, whose roles in the presidency of five is unclear, for now. So technically, Noynoy's role will be strictly ceremonial with not much brain activity involved.

(But that's not all, folks! When you elected the 5-in-one President, you also got not just their friends, but also the entire Cojuangco-Aquino Clan! That's right! The Kamag-Anak Inc. of yesteryears has evolved into a hybrid group more aptly called Kamag-Anak and Friends, Inc. Look at what you're getting -- Peping Cojuangco, Jim Paredes, Boy Abunda, Ogie Alcasid, Dingdong Dantes... and the list goes on and on!)

It seems clear that the Aquino siblings are taking the Office of the President to a whole new level. It is as if the Presidency, much like their claim on EDSA 1, People Power and the Yellow Ribbon are their God-given birthright and that they, as anointed members of the Philippine Holy Family, are allowed by virtue to share in the power vested in the president by the constitution.

The Office of the President has now become a family business, and many are beginning to realize what the next six years will be like, and it ain't good.

Jim Paredes eyed as Tourism Secretary

2010-06-19T11:33:00.002+08:00

I really cannot understand the insistence of the incoming administration in appointing celebrities for the Tourism Department. First it was Boy Abunda, now it's Jim Paredes. I cannot help but think that this is some sort of payback for their support for Noynoy during the campaign period. There are a lot of more deserving career officials who have risen from the ranks in the Tourism Department.

Instead of just giving this juicy post as a sort of thank you to his loyal followers, Noynoy should instead review the performance of career officials in the Tourism Department and appoint from within. These career officials know the ins and outs of the government department and would serve the department best. The post of Department Secretary is not some juicy steak that can be handed out to favored friends as gifts.

Many people already find these type of appointments by the incoming chief executive a big turn off and far from the 'daang matuwid' he has been bragging about during the past presidential campaign.

It's Only a Car Ride, P-Noy

2010-06-18T08:05:00.003+08:00

Fetching the outgoing President by the President-Elect is a long standing Philippine presidential inaugural tradition dating back to the time of Os-Rox (Osmena-Roxas). It symbolizes continuity of government and shows camaraderie between the outgoing and incoming President. It is short of saying to the world "Walang personalan, trabaho lang". It shows the Filipino people and the world that there is unity in governance.

Imagine this writer's surprise when i read in www.gmanews.tv that P-Noy is anxious about the traditional ride with outgoing President Arroyo. In the news report, Noynoy said "To be honest, I'm wondering whether I should open the door for her as a sign of respect. It might turn out that I'm violating protocol. There's also been discussion about whether I should fetch her." As i finished reading the line, it made me think that Noynoy might try and wriggle his way out of this tradition as well. (Remember that he tried to wriggle his way out of holding his inauguration and oathtaking at the Quirino Grandstand, only to backtrack and say he'll do what tradition dictates). I wasn't surprised when he added that he cannot remember if Cory practiced the tradition with FVR.

I now see that P-Noy has trouble with traditions. I cannot believe that a grown man is afraid of spending a few minutes inside a car with the outgoing president and according her some amount (or at least some semblance) of respect. Santa Maria! Even opening the door for the outgoing president seems to be a task too heavy for P-Noy. I ask you, why would opening the door for a lady be too much of a task, if one were a gentleman? But then again, P-Noy is not a gentleman. His stand on President Gloria show the world what kind of man he is.

If he is anxious with his car ride with PGMA, then it wouldn't surprise me now if he faints upon meeting Obama. Meeting the most powerful man in the world would be too daunting for P-Noy, i think, that the ride with Gloria would seem like child's play. I suddenly remembered the inauguration and oathtaking of Obama. Although he and Bush were from different parties and Obama was critical of the Bush Administration, every ounce of respect was accorded Bush by the incoming President. In his speech he even thanked outgoing president Bush. That is statemanship.

Sadly, I cannot say the same thing about P-Noy, who, instead of following tradition chooses to try and do it his way, instead of being magnanimous in his victory he chose to be a gloating ass, and instead of healing the wounds caused by political rifts, he has instead chosen to divide this nation.

Meddlesome Kris

2010-06-18T00:50:00.001+08:00

Kris backing Kiko as Senate head | The Philippine Star >> News >> Headlines

Heaven Help Us All!

Kris Aquino is obviously a glutton for punishment. It seems she is not content with all the flak she is getting for involving herself with his brother P-Noy's affairs and has decided to involve herself once more, this time with the race for the Senate Presidency (see above link). I'm sure that later this morning, the blogsphere will be abuzz with blogs about this juicy tidbit.

Kris is already in too much hot water with bloggers for her less than tactful role in "helping" her brother appoint "loyal supporters" to juicy positions in government. She has gotten too many criticisms for suggesting that her brother P-Noy appoint her BFF Boy Abunda as Tourism Secretary. She and Noy defended the planned appointment, saying Boy was more than qualified for the job. But at least several opinion makers and dozens of bloggers have counter-argued that there are others far more qualified than Boy. Luckily for Kris, the issue did not grow into a brouhaha following her BFF's decision to decline the offer. Then there is her offer to Mother Lily to head Optical Media Board, Dingdong Dantes to the National Youth Commission,and God knows who else.

It will be remembered that Kris also got herself (i mean her mouth got her) into a heap of trouble when she said in one of her many TV interviews during the campaign period that she would leave the country if Noynoy is elected (there is the "if" argument by Krizombies: they claim she said she'll leave IF she becomes a problem for Noy). Many counter that she has been a problem not just of Noy but of her mother and other siblings long before Noy ran for office, so the "if" argument, they claim, is moot and academic. But i digress. This statement led to the creation of a Facebook Page called "Kris Aquino's Despedida" or simply known as KAD. Since it was created, over 28,000 people want Kris to keep her word and leave the Country.

You think she'd learn, but no. In an article in philstar.com, it seems that Kris is again in meddle mode. If sources of Philstar.com are to be believed, Kris herself called up some senators to back Pangilinan's bid for the Senate Presidency. Now I don't know where Kris derives her authority from, but i hope it isn't from his brother. I mean, if she does have the go-ahead of P-Noy, it is a clear violation of the ineendence of a co-equal branch of government. The reason the Executive Department is prevented from meddling into its co-equal branhes of government is simple: check and balance. If the executive has control of the legislative and judicial branches, there is no check and balance. But more importantly, a presidential sister has no right to meddle in political affairs, much less choose who to appoint or put into which department or position.

I pray i am wrong, but if this is a trend we are seeing, we can expect more of Kris' meddling into his brother's affairs in the future. As of now, everyone is keeping a guarded eye on the Presidential Sister and waiting for the the shoe to drop.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on the death of Phillip Pestano

2010-06-17T08:38:00.001+08:00

I opened my inbox this morning to find a message with a link to the copy of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on the death of Phillip Pestano.

To give you a background on Phillip Pestano, i will post the introduction from www.phillippestano.com:

On September 27, 1995 , BRP BACOLOD CITY , or LC550, a Philippine Navy ship, was on it’s way from Sangley, Cavite to the Philippines Navy Headquarters ( HPN) at Roxas Boulevard , Manila.

With a ship complement of 8 Officers and 42 Enlisted men, LC550 was considered to be the Flag Ship of the Philippine Navy. As the ship was about to dock at the HPN Pier at around 8:10 A.M., one of the ship’s key officers, ENS PHILLIP A PESTANO, PN, their Deck

and Cargo Officer, was not at his designated station.

His fellow officer, Ens Joselito Colico ( Mess Officer) was tasked by the ship’s EX-O Lt Ruben Roque, to call on Ens Pestaño. There was no answer. With the use of a master key, Ens Colico opened the door of the cabin. There, he found Ens Pestaño, lying motionless, with his body perpendicular to the bed, both his feet on the ground, and both arms outstretched. 24 inches away from his body, located between his two feet was a .45 caliber gun. On the table was a torn lined paper, previously folded, and what appeared to be suicide note.

At 9:43 A.M., police investigators from the WPD, led by SPO Dennis Javier, arrived at the scene to conduct its investigation. They reported a case of suicide.

This website invites you to get to know Phillip and his tragic fate. It will walk you through the crime scene, how the different agencies of the Philippine government rendered their findings and reported the case as suicide; how local and international experts concluded that it was in fact, murder.

It will show you how, in 1997, the Philippine Senate deliberated, and thru the pro bono legal representation of then Ex Senator, Senator Aquilino Pimentel (re-elected anew in 2002 ), concluded that it was indeed murder.

It directed the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) to conduct a deeper investigation on Ens Pestaño’s murder case.And finally, it will show you that the Office of the Ombudsman, thru the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ), despite conclusive findings that Ens Phillip Pestaño’s death was a murder case, resolved it closed and terminated in 2000, asserting that “the conduct of further investigation in order to find out the identity of the perpetrator and his accomplices, if any, will only be a waste of time considering that the physical evidence has already been tampered with not to mention the lapse of time.”

To date, one can find in the annals and official records of the Philippine Navy, that one Ens. Phillip Andrew A. Pestaño, SN 0-11193, committed suicide on September 27,1995.

We know it was not a suicide. You know it was not a suicide.

We invite you to look at the facts of the case. Revisit the crime scene. Recount the events.

Then, let us speak up, and break the culture of silence.

--------

It has been all of 15 years and the family of Phillip Pestano is eager for justice to be meted out to the people responsible for his death. Numerous investigations have been done, including a Senate investigation led by then Senator Aquilino Pimentel, to no avail.

It is not just the issue of finding out who are the people behind the brutal killing and brining them to the light of justice, , but it is also an issue of corruption in the Philippine Navy. It is the belief of many that Phillip may have stumbled upon illegal activities by the Philippine Navy. It may be that the PN is using its ships for more than just routine patrols.

I hope that the incoming administration of Noynoy Aquino will finally be able to create a competent commission to investigate and finally put the people behind Phillip's death to justice. It will be a feather on the cap of the incoming Aquino administration if the case of Phillip will finally be given closure, and the family and friends of Phillip Pestano shall not rest until justice is served.

For those who wish to read the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Report, click here.

Noynoy: Fastest Mouth in the Land

2010-06-16T10:17:00.000+08:00

The months leading up to May 10 were so eventful that it was like watching an addicting TV series. The sad part is that this is the real thing and we're stuck with it... for now. During the campaign, we've witnessed the fastest mouth in the west in action. Whether it be on TV, Radio or the print Media, there would always be a Noynoy sound bite or quotable quote.

I was eagerly monitoring the news media for updates on the campaign during those days and whenever i would here a sound bite from Noynoy, it makes me wonder if he actually thinks before he speaks. He easily gives promises left and right to news reporters who may or may not be baiting him into making those promises in the first place. One such promise is quitting smoking.

On February 19, noynoy guested on Mike Enriquez's radio program on DZBB. In that interview, Noynoy said:

"Malamang [ititigil ko na ang paninigarilyo]. Ngayon pa lang, magsisindi tayo marami na ang picture taking, 'di naisip, nasasanay tayo".

That promise was made 3 months before the elections. Later, after the elections, he was again quoted regarding smoking, but the message was entirely different.

Kung kaya akong tulakin sa maliit na bagay yan [smoking], kaya akong tulakin sa mas malaki. At pag ganun papatulan mo, wala akong desisyon, mahiya naman ako sa mga sumuporta sa akin.

So in a short span of a few months, Noynoy has changed his tune, giving the phrase Hindsight is always 20-20 vision a new meaning.

Much more recently, we've had this hulabaloo about where Noynoy will be holding his oathtaking. In my previous post i said that if Noynoy just followed tradition, there would have been no problem. Well, lo and behold! After so much talk about his oathtaking being held at the Quezon Memorial Circle, he finally changes his mind and says he will take the oath of office at the Quirino Grandstand.

You've got to wonder how his brain works. It seems his mouth answers on a kind of reflex action, followed hours later by some sort of brain activity. And it appears that at least two children of Cory suffer from the "talk-first, think later" syndrome. Kris, Noy's little sister, is also prone to talking first without thinking only to find herself embroiled in so much brouhaha afterwards. Because of this, an entire Facebook Page was created just for her (Kris Aquino's Despedida now has 28,000 members as of this writing).

Yep, we're stuck with Mister Foot-in-the-Mouth and his family, and it's going to a long six years for all of us. And with so many problems facing our nation today, one has to wonder if Noynoy and his fast-talking mouth is really suited for the job of President.

Noy, Urong Sulong ka ha....

2010-06-15T09:59:00.000+08:00

When everyone thought that Noynoy's oathtaking and inaugral speech will take place in Quezon Memorial Circle, he again backtracked and said that he would hold the oath-taking at Quirino Grandstand but deliver his speech at Quezon Circle. WTF???

I know people who are fickle-minded, but this is ridiculous! Make up your mind, man! Or better yet, just stick with tradition. With tradition, you'll never go wrong.

I don't know if Noy even thought about how his decisions (or more to the point, indecisions) would be perceived by the public. After all, the public wants a decisive leader who can make decisions not just with wisdom but with expediency, too.

His recent actions regarding the venues for his oath-taking and inaugural speech are so unimportant in the grander scheme of things that one has to wonder why he even bothers to make this an issue in the first place.

This country is wrought with problems ranging from poverty to corruption, and here we see our president-elect running left and right in no apparent direction like a headless chicken, worrying about something that doesn't need worrying.

Noy, keep it together. You haven't even started your term of office and here you are acting all scatterbrain for the whole world to see.

Bakit nga ba P-Noy?

2010-06-13T15:30:00.000+08:00

Sa isang interview kamakailan sa telebisyon, aking napanood na sinabi ni noynoy na hindi pa siya handang matawag na Pangulong Noynoy Aquino, kaya't nais niyang matawag na P-Noy

Noong panahon, ang media ang nagbabansag ng mga palayaw sa mga pangulo at sikat na politiko. Halimbawa: Si Mayor Arseno Lacson ay nabansagang Arsenic dahil sa kanyang mala-acidong mga artikulo sa diyaro, si Pangulong Marcos ay tinawag ng mga reporters na FM, Si Corazon Aquino ay binansagang Cory or Tita Cory, si Pangulong Ramos ay FVR, si Joseph Estrada ay binansagan sa kanyang screen name na Erap, at si Gloria Arroyo ay binansagang PGMA. Sa lahat ng pagkakataon sa nabanggit kong ehemplo, mga mamamahayag o taumbayan ang siyang nagbansag ng mga palayaw na ito.

Ang aking katanungan ay ganito: Bakit sa pagkakataong ito, si Noynoy Aquino ang pumipili ng dapat ibansag sa kanya? Itong tanong ko po ay walang halong malisya... ako po lamang ay nagtatanong, kasi nga, hindi na naman ayon sa tradisyon ang nagaganap.

...at isa pang drawing....

2010-06-13T15:28:00.001+08:00

eto pa ang isa.... kundisyon sa paggamit ay nasa isang post ko po na nauna dito sa post na ito.

Walang magawa kaya heto, nag drawing...

2010-06-13T15:22:00.000+08:00

habang mino-monitor ko ang iba't ibang forums na may kinalaman sa pulitika at showbiz (yes, i monitor showbiz forums, so sue me), naalala ko na kung bakit matumal ngayon ang mga nagpo-post ng comments... Linggo nga pala ngayon. So habang ako ay naghihintay sa pagdating ng mga posts, binuksan ko ang aking powerpoint at ako ay nag-doodle ng isang mukha na kakatawan sa aking pagkakakilala kay Noynoy... at heto ang mga kinalabasan...

Ako ay pumapayag na gamiting ninyong avatar or profile pic or ipasa ang larawan sa itaas. Tanging hiling ko lang ay huwag buburahin ang credit sa baba ng larawan. Salamt po.

Juana Change wants change

2010-05-29T10:28:00.000+08:00

Juana Change, that yellow-haired character that was prominent in many of Noynoy Aquino's campaign sorties has been seen on television recently, saying that some Noynoy insiders really don't want change.

A disappointed Mae Paner, Juana Change's real-life persona, went on television to say that she felt betrayed because she really thought that the Aquino campaign could bring about real change-- only to see traditional politicians fighting out for juicy positions in government.

According to Paner in an interview with gmanews.tv, "I did not invest my blood, sweat and tears para trapo ang ma-appoint. Those surrounding Noynoy, most of them are sipsip".

Paner resigned from the Aquino campaign mid-March, after realizing that the people surrounding Aquino are exactly the people she was advocating against. Paner realized she was sadly mistaken in believing that the Aquino campaign was treading the moral high ground.

From this blogger's standpoint, it seems that Paner might not be the only person who seems disappointed with the lackluster performance of the daang matuwid campaign. Many, however, choose to remain silent and remain in the sidelines as more and more trapos make their way towards the Aquino anthill.

Recently in the news, Aquino supporters are openly claiming their rightful positions in government, saying that it was only right for them to get positions in government for supporting Aquino. Also recently, Tthe Aquino camp is getting flack over the president-apparent's sister's offer to make actor Joey de Leon an appointee to the Optical Media Board. Kris, in her non-chalant manner, claimed it was a non-issue and that it is only right to offer de Leon the job since he openly supported Noynoy throughout the campaign.

These actions are precisely what Juana change and her group are against. Sadly, it seems that Juana Change's voice will be drowned out by the louder voices that are singing the new administration praises.

The Kris Appointment

2010-05-28T20:13:00.000+08:00

in what can only be described as inappropriate and downright 'Imeldific', Kris Aquino proudly defended her offer to Joey de Leon to become the head of the optical media board. The blogsphere is abuzz with rumors that Kris Aquino went and offered the position of OMB head as reward for his support for President-apparent Noynoy Aquino.

In an interview with Pillar Mateo of Pinoy-Parazzi, Kris defended her offer to Joey de Leon to head the OMB. “Yes, Tita Pilar, it’s true! I asked him if he wanted OMB since he was openly supportive of Noy (Benigno Aquino III). When I called to say thank you for our family, I asked if he was interested in an appointed position like OMB", Kris was quoted as saying.

Kris, known for her tactless persona, was further quoted in the interview as saying "Matters relating to government appointments are always sensitive and of course when related to our industry, my opinion is asked.”

It seems to this blogger that it's payback time for those who openly supported the Aquino campaign. Juicy government positions are being given left and right to those who showed 'extreme loyalty' to the president-apparent. In this particular issue, Kris did not deny that she made the offer herself, a move many are questioning.

In the Facebook Page "Kris Aquino's Despedida", many are aghast.

-Who is Kris to offer Joey de Leon that position? She has gone mad! Who the f**k does she think she is?!?

-Is it not "corruption" that we are all against? If this woman can offer sensitive positions in gov't to those who "openly" supported his kuya noy..then we are all fucked! the Filipinos are really.. really fucked!

-Kris did that? She has no business meddling with her brother's job! Somebody, please ... put some sense into this woman's head!

These are just some of the reactions that may vary in tone but not in message: They are not happy. And they have every right to be. Many people are asking what authority she has to make the offer in the first place. And still many are fearful that if this is how things will be in an Aquino administration, then we are seeing a glimpse of what to expect in the next 6 years, and it does not look good.

A Poem from my Upcoming Collection

2010-05-27T09:53:00.000+08:00

Ako at aking awit

Tama na ang masulyapan ka lamang
Higit na ligaya ang siya nitong katumbas
Makita man lang ang ngiti sa iyong mga labi
Langit na ang aking madarama

Kahit man lang sa malayo’y mamasdan
ang buong halina ng iyong kagandahan
ito lamang ang aking tanging kaligayahan
masulyapan ka, kahit sa malayo man lang

Hindi ko man makayang magtapat sayo
Ng nilalaman nitong aking abang puso
Dadaanin ko na lang sa awitin kong ito
At sa pasulyap-sulyap kahit malay
o

Ito ang aking natatanging paraan
upang mapunan ang pagibig na nararamdaman
Ako ma’y torpe sa paninigin ng mga iba
Sa aki’y labis na ang dulot na saya

Naghihintay ako ng pagkakataong magka-lakas loob
upang sabihin sa iyo ang aking sinasaloob
na pagibig na tanging alay lamang ay para sa’yo
ito at ang aking awit nilalaan sa iyo

Glimpse in Zen

2010-05-27T09:44:00.000+08:00

The next Glimpse into Zen is scheduled on May 30, 2010. Please invite your loved ones, relatives, friends and colleagues who want to know more about Zen. This will be from 1:30 to 3:30 pm to be held at the Zen Center for Oriental Spirituality, 31 St. Claire corner St. Catherine, Provident Village, Marikina, Metro Manila. For further details, visit our website: www.zencenterphil.org and go to the Learning Zen page.

The Glimpse is an introductory which precedes a six - session orientation workshop. It includes a question and answer forum and actual practice periods.

Wear comfortable sitting clothes. Admission is free, although donation is welcomed which go to the upkeep and maintenance of the zen center.

For more information, please contact Lisa M. Pilapil – Facilitator at Mobile No. 0920.570.9709 or email: lisa_pilapil@yahoo.com

A Changing of the Guards

2010-05-26T08:53:00.000+08:00

Meralco CEO Manuel "Manolo" Lopez, fondly called MML by company insiders, officially stepped down as the power distribution company's Chief Executive Officer after 24 years. To replace him as CEO will be business mogul Manny V. Pangilinan. Lopez will remain as chairman of the board of Meralco, and Jose "Ping" de Jesus also retains his position as Chief Operations Officer. The changing of the guards, as it is so called, happened yesterday, May 25, 2010, at the annual Meralco stockholders Meeting which was held at the Meralco Theater.

To Manny Pangilinan, congratulations. May you continue to preserve the ideals of corporate leadership and integrity Meralco is known for.

Zambales -- a food Trip

2010-05-24T14:43:00.000+08:00

I spent Saturday and Sunday in Candelaria, Zambales, with my siblings and their families, just soaking up the sun (just the heat, really), swimming and trying out the different delicacies. Candelaria is popular not just for its sweet mangoes but also for its pastillas which is made from carabao's milk and sugar. The one made in Candelaria is a bit more white in color than the ones sold in Iba. I was told it is because some use brown sugar and condensed milk, unlike the ones sold in Candelaria which is made only with pure carabao's milk and white sugar.

When we arrived, i took the time to visit their public market, since i am a fan of Frank's Burgers. I got distracted and got a chance to try some of their fish balls instead. Unlike the ones sold in Manila, their fish balls are made from real fish and carrots in batter, scooped and deep fried to crunchy perfection. It was so good i ate 30 pieces! I also got to try their melon milk which was a good way to wash down the fish balls.

Since my family loves to eat, my sister's expert cook Manang Gaya prepared some belly busters when we arrived in time for lunch. Steaming hot sinigang na baboy and grilled Bangus with fresh seaweeds on the side for lunch on our first day and homemade fried chicken and gravy, picadillo and enseladang talon on our first night. (ooops, i forgot to mention the fresh mangoes!)

Breakfast was no exception-- tortang talong, garlic sausage na hubad, english breakfast sausages with cheese, fresh oranges, daing na bangus and sinangag were served, and for lunch we were served by my sister Ruby and brother-in-law Mario with the freshest and sweetest giant prawns and crabs. We had such a good time eating that it took us a good 2 hours to finally put down our plates and end our lunch.

Another sea food i love in Candelaria is the Barellete (which looks a lot like yellow fin tuna). Whenever i am in Candelaria, i make it a point to request some grilled barellete (if it is available -- i was told it is hard to come by). Luckily for us, my sister and the cook Manang Gaya managed to buy some in Santa Cruz' public market.

On our way home from our weekend getaway, my sister Ruth said we would have dinner at Xtremely Xpresso. We ordered their big pesto chicken pizza (and another pizza flavor which i don't remember), some spicy oriental shrimp pasta and an order of Ben's Burger -- a tasty hamburger grilled to perfection the size of a dinner plate. I washed the food down with some ice cold coffee (and a stick of Marlboro Ultra-Menthol). I wanted to order one for take out but decided against it in the end. Big mistake on my part. Tsk. Tsk.

I guess every time we go on a weekend getaway, it turns into a food trip -- but hey, who's complaining?

musings

2010-05-21T21:59:00.000+08:00

i apologize for the structure of this blog. i am merely rambling... i ask for your indulgence...

Not very often do i encounter people online who not only share a common belief such as mine, but also enjoy a certain rapport reserved only to the most intimate of acquaintances. I have encountered such people online and it is something i would cherish not because we share one belief, but because even if we do not agree on issues, we can engage the issues with civility and respect. The past few days, i have involved myself in a cause that may seem insignificant to many, but to my mind reflects all that is wrong with our society today.

I will not discuss the issue in particular, mainly because i want to keep that part of my participation limited only to the people i trust, which is to say my college friends, a handful of relatives, and my most trusted online friends. It is enough to say, however, that this particular cause has given me the chance to know many people, their opinions and their passion.

In this particular cause, i have witnessed individuals who possess the literary prowess to engage you in a battle of wits, some who resort to name-calling to weaken your resolve -- and then there are others who talk just for the sake of being able to talk. I have learned to respect them all -- but i must admit that in many instances i find it difficult and a true test of my zen practice to be able to just sit and listen to attacks on my persona. In many instances, i have been called a dumbass, an idiot and a paid hack. But such is life.

Suffice to say, it is my belief that you can find friends everywhere if you look hard enough, and my recent experience has strengthened that belief. I have come to know at least 4 people who have shown me that there is hope for the Philippines, and that hope lies within the passion of these individuals. I am proud to know them, and to be known by them. They are not mere acquiantances, but friends.

BOYCOTT OF ABS-CBN ON SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2010

2010-05-20T19:21:00.000+08:00

I join the call for a nationwide boycott of ABS-CBN shows on May 23, Sunday. The boycott, initiated by K.A.D. is to show the network that the people have the right to demand intelligent, unbiased programming.

Here is the K.A.D. Message now spreading like wildfire on Facebook:

On May 23, 2010. we enjoin everyone to boycott ABS-CBN shows from sign on to sign off. We demand intelligent, balanced and unbiased programming, a station free from political agenda and irresponsible artists (the likes of Kris Aquino). Please urge everyone to join our cause.

Will Kris leave?

2010-05-18T21:06:00.000+08:00

A facebook group called the Kris Aquino's Despedida party is now the talk, if not the toast, of the town. The group has about 22,690 members, and it is growing exponentially day by day. The group's aim is to collect on a promise made by celebrity Kris Aquino to leave the country if Noynoy wins and she becomes the cause of stress for him.

The promise has been the cause of much heated debate between Kris fans and members of the group. The fans of Kris insist that Kris made the promise with a condition, i.e. "if she becomes a source of stress for Noy". Group members, however, that Kris has been the cause of stress not just of Noynoy but of her entire family and that the stipulated "if" condition is no longer valid.

Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: The right to expression and to air grievances is alive and well. But for many group members, the only happy ending would be a Kris-less Philippines.

Another M.O. similar to Homesonic -- in Baguio!

2010-03-10T15:14:00.000+08:00

I recently received an email from a resident of Baguio City regarding a Modus Operandi similar to Homersonic, this time in Baguio City. The "establishment" is called Arysta. Baguio residents should be careful when receiving a call from them.

----------------

Dear Mr. Bañares,

On March 5, 2010, I have had the misfortune of falling for Arysta's marketing scheme and until now, am still waiting for the call from their customer service in order to reach an agreement regarding a settlement.

It all started with a phone call to my PLDT landline telling me that due to a random selection, I am one of the fortunate few to receive a free gift from their company. They gave me a code so I could claim the gift at their location at the 3rd Floor of Abanao Square, Baguio City. They asked me if I received a phone call yesterday telling me about this prize, when I told them no, they said that I only have three days to claim the prize, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., that since this is the second day, I have only until tomorrow to claim it and to claim it as soon as possible since they would have to generate another code by tomorrow. Since I was swamped with work until that evening, I was not able to go there and claim my prize.

The next day, at around the same time of 2 p.m. or so, I received another call from them telling me that I only have today to claim my prize. I told them that I wasn't able to go the other day because of work and that today, I was waiting for them to call to present me with a new daily code. They assured me that the code remains the same and I could claim it until 7 p.m. So, later on in the afternoon, I went ahead and hied myself there to claim my prize.

After giving me the gift of an eye massager, a sales representative came forward and presented me with enveloped coupons to choose from that I would be eligible with more prizes depending on the coupon I selected. Lo and behold, I got one with a gift certificate worth P 2,000.00 and it didn't end with just that, the other side of the coupon qualifies me to receive more gifts if I were to purchase one of their items. They asked me which I liked and I told them I was interested in the water purifier. They told me I was lucky since they can deduct the gift certificate from the original price and came up with P 51,900.00. They also went on to tell me that if I am subscribed to one of their tie-in partners as they called it, I would be gaining more points. Among their partners, PDT, Smart, Globe, VISA, and others I can't recall were also mentioned. Since I got those points, I'm qualified to receive more. By that time, I was surrounded by their agents with one using a hand-held massager on me and also letting me sit on the chair massager. They showed me the fax that qualifies me to all those items and handing me a cell phone with a lady on the other end congratulating me and that all I had to do was follow the guidelines on the other side of the coupon so I could start claiming the items.

It was annoying at some point because at the time when I was on the phone talking to the lady, the agents around me kept on talking to me, heaping compliments on compliments, congratulating me, so on and so forth, it came to the point that I was straining to hear what was being said on the other side of the line and I wanted to tell them to keep quiet so I could hear what she was trying to say.

It all boiled down to me not having the money to provide to pay for the P51,900 (due to priorities such as the payment of the majority of the bills at home) and since I don't issue checks and don't own a credit card (thank God), they would be willing to accept whatever amount I can offer them as down payment. I should have known by then that it was too good to be true. I told them as of that moment, I am only able to give them a deposit of P2, 500 in cash and I was thus duly escorted to the ATM machine to withdraw.

Dear Mr. Bañares,

This is a continuation of my previous email regarding the Arysta Scam. I inadvertently pressed the sent button instead of the save draft on my email.

After handing over the cash of P 2,500.00 as down payment, I was made to sign two documents. One is a deposit slip with the items I will be receiving listed on it with the remaining amount left to be paid (P 49,400.00) and the second document is an agreement (which they did NOT give me a copy of) stating that if due to priorities, I decided not to push through with the agreement, I will not be entitled to a cash refund but instead will be compensated with offset of an item equivalent to the deposited amount.

(part 2l)

When I got home, that was the only time I got to think clearly without their constant sales talk and platitudes. Not only do I get to come home with lesser money in my account but I get to come home with nothing...not even the so called give-away small ticket items. Oh, but I did get to come home with the gift item of they eye massager. Doubts as to the legitimacy of their actions started to assail me and I was only able to search about Arysta after I finished work for that day. What I found out literally chilled me to the bone.

1. Most of the people they scammed received a phone call via random selection. I'm basically a new subscriber to PLDT, so how come they were able to acquire my number? They did claim at first they PLDT was their partner, but from what I know, PLDT isn't allowed to divulge that unless it's listed in the phone book.

2. No matter which item you choose, they always end up with the amount of P 51,900.00. Check Google search with Arysta and it will autopopulate with arysta scam. You might be asking by now why I didn't check that before. Of course I checked it right after the first call, but the weird thing is, it did not give me anything. Either I left out a letter or something else so it didn't autopopulate. But after I got home after the scam and tried to search for the specs and amount of the item I chose and typed in Aysta, that's when it came out.

3. A part of their scheme is that they won't let you think long enough to doubt their claims. They constantly distract you with their sales talk by making you feel like you're the luckiest person in the world and that by letting it go, it's akin to letting go of a million dollars (you get my drift). They'll drown you with their sales talk, compliments, and platitudes.

4. Misrepresentation. Remember the part where they told me that PLDT is their partner? It lulled me into thinking that it was safe for me to trust them. Why would PLDT ally themselves with a company that was scum of the earth, right? That was one of the questions I posed to them when I came back two days later, March 7, 2010. I will be discussing what happened later on.

I was told that I could settle the remaining amount of P 49, 400.00 over the next months or years for that matter and that the amount that I give each month would depend entirely up to me, even if it is just a thousand pesos. But if I were to pay at least P5,000.00 next month, I would be able to at least take home some of the give away items. At this point in time, you've already become a 'Yes Man' to whatever they say to you. After I got home and finally free of distractions, I was like, what the heck was I thinking agreeing to that? If I'm only able to give P2,500.00 each month, it would take me almost TWO years to pay it off before I could get the item i paid for. Then it got me thinking, wait a minute, if those were give-away items, how come, they didn't give even just one to me? That it would have to reach an amount of P7,500 before I could take home a single give-away item? Then it hit me, the P51,900.00 practically paid for all the items! Give-away items my foot.

After finding out their scheme and reading the testimonials on the net, I went back there on March 7, 2010 asking them to give me back my deposit. I didn't come alone though, I brought along a no-nonsense, level-headed friend of mine to keep an eye on things and to avoid any more scheming. I told them that I didn't want to have anything to do with them or their products and that I didn't want to offset the amount by them giving me an item of equivalent value or me giving them any more money. They immediately brought out the agreement that I didn't have a copy of and reminded me that I signed an agreement that should a change of mind on my part occur, an offset of an item of equivalent amount will be given and not a cash refund. They told me that the item closes to the deposited amount was a multicooker worth P2,999.00. They assured me that I didn't have to pay the remaining P499.00. Come on, a multicooker worth P2,999.00?! A little overpriced, don't you think? But for me, that wasn't the point. I wasn't going to let them get away with scheming people out of their hard-earned money. To confirm the prices, we asked the representative for a price list and sure enough, the prices of the give-away, so-called small ticket items were listed there. They retrieved the price list telling us that we weren't allowed to get it out because it was company property. Now, why would they keep their prices to themselves when there's such a thing as transparency in the market?

Speaking further with the agent, I told her that it wasn't practical to make a monthly payment for an item that I will only be receiving after two years and for something that I didn't really need. She said that aside from the main item, I will be receiving the give-away items and that by making an initial deposit, I will be able to take home a give-away item. So, I asked the representative, how come I gave an initial payment of P2,500.00 already and yet I didn't get to take home a give-away item? What she told me blew my mind away, "Ma'am, it's because you didn't ask." That's because that wasn't what your representative told me before and that your representative didn't tell me that all I had to do was ask. I was even told that I had to give at least P5,000.00 next month before I could take home a give-away item. I told them that what they were doing was wrong because their statements were misleading. And I asked her how I was selected randomly and that when I asked them the last time, their answer was evasive. How were you able to select me randomly when my number isn't even listed in the phonebook since I am a relatively new subscriber to PLDT and from what I know, PLDT is not obligated to divulge subscribers' phone numbers unless it's already published in the phonebook. The representative went on to tell me that PLDT used to be one of their partners. If that's the case, why are you still telling your customers that you're still partners with them and even printed it on their catalog? That's when my friend dropped a bomb by saying that they're committing misrepresentation by luring the customers into a false sense of security. That immediately shut up the representative and promptly told us that she had a lot to do (we were the only customers there) and that no more could be done until either I accept the rice cooker as an offset item or file a customer complaint. Since I wasn't willing to accept the cooker, they suggested that I file a complaint to their customer service and will be receiving a call from them in three days. When I told the representative that I wanted to get this over and done with, she told me that all I had to do was accept the multicooker and it will be over. No way am I going to let them get away with just that.

It's already the third day and still no call. Tomorrow, I'll be going to DTI to file a complaint and even make an ABS-CBN Citizen patrol to stop this scheme.

The point for me is not because the multicooker is overpriced, it's because they lured me and countless others into parting with our hard-earned money by using their slick charm, platitudes, misleading statements, and evencommitting misrepresentation to buy and obtain items that are not really needed.

I wrote you an email in the hopes of facilitating an action that will put a stop to their devious ways. Will you, and other people, please help me stop them from scamming more people in the future? If you know people who could make this happen, please contact them and let them know of this company's scheme.

This is a link to a well-documented account from a person who had a similar experience to mine: http://www.tipidpc.com/viewtopic.php?tid=204472

Blood Donors Needed

2010-03-04T18:23:00.001+08:00

From Tom Sepulveda: I need blood donors Type
O bec. my son's platelet is very very low. He is bleeding. Pls send
donor to UERM blood bank and tell them for Julio Alfonso Sepulveda. I
badly need your help. (Tom is the father of Huey Sepulveda, a
grade 4 Ateneo student and a leukemia patient). or at least forward this message to your friends>

Are We at the Height of Stupidity?

2010-02-18T18:23:00.000+08:00

I was watching ABS-CBN's self-proclaimed top-rating show TV Patrol World's report on the Comelec Road Show where some seemingly intelligent people tried out the new automated TCOS Machines which will be used in the upcoming May elections.

Everyone was shown voting and then after the votes were counted, the much-awaited interview. I asked myself what spin Channel 2 will put into this report. I soon found out, to my detriment.

People who have voted more than 3 times know by now that you only vote for 12 senators. Count 'em, twelve. Not 11, not 13. Twelve. Her comes stupid, who complains on television how he made a mistake and voted for 13 senators. He was so agitated that his vote won't be counted, saying further that he found it unfair that he was not allowed to vote again to correct his mistake in voting for 13 senators. aba'y isang lintik at kalahati rin naman pala ang anak ng tipaklong! Watching television, we are reminded time and time again to take our time to vote to ensure that no mistakes are made so that our votes will be counted. Kasalanan ba ng gobyerno na bobo ka't hindi nakakaintindi sa numerong dose? .

The problem is that this media network actually makes it sound like it was a legitimate concern. It is not a legitimate concern. What is a legitimate concern is how and why people like mister stupid could be allowed to vote in the first place. Simpleng pag-shade sa bilog na hugis itlog hindi pa magawa!

This, plus the discussion opened up by my friend Bheejay in his FB account has gotten me to thinking that we pinoys, through the aid of these media networks, are at the height of stupidity. We are at a point where we no longer take cognizance of our actions and instead look for someone to blame it on. This is how that particular media network works. They make their viewers examine their lot in life and then point at the government as the root of all their problems. We are, in effect, like the man who prays daily to win the lottery but never buys a ticket.

Sad truth is, we are being kept stupid by media because it is easy to manipulate stupid people. When they say jump, we jump. They can tell us who should be our president (which is the agenda of one network who is obviously indebted to the family of one candidate for returning the network to them). Sad truth, media doesn't want us to be an intelligent viewer because intelligent viewers ask intelligent questions... questions which these networks, especially this one network, might not be able to answer.

Ondoy Heroes

2009-09-29T17:39:00.000+08:00

The past weekend, as Typhoon Ondoy ravaged Metro Manila and nearby provinces ,stories of heroism, courage, hope and faith circulated through the grapevine. These stories may seem too incredible to be true, but the fact remains that true heroism arise in times of crises.

In Provident Village alone, i personally witnessed the courage and bravery of many men, average by social standards, destitute by others, putting the safety of others before themselves.

When we opened the gates of the zendo to our neighbours, i saw from my vantage point in waist-high water our village sweepers helping families with their things, escorting them to areas of safety. I saw feuding neighbors assist each other. I saw mansions opening up their homes to poor families seeking higher ground.

Shortly before water engulfed the zen center's second floor, our next door neighbors who sought refuge in the zendo came to us like long lost relatives. The warmth that this group exuded made me believe that we will get through this disaster in one piece.

Young men i never knew before that day consulted with us regarding the best strategy to get to higher ground. Maybe it was divine providence or sheer luck, but our little clique, at least to my mind, was the best equipped to face the challenges of Ondoy. The De Guzman family brought thermal foam and a ladder, the Pinedas brought food. It was as if the universe was consipring to help us get through this experience.

When we were in need of drinking water, rain poured. When we were cold, the rains stopped. Even the little toddler who was with us showed no signs of being affected by nature's wrath. He was laughing and smiling through most of the ordeal. I think that the only time i heard him cry was in the morning when they were minutes away from being resuced by his grandfather.

This experience made me believe that the flood was an equalizer. Rich and poor huddled together on rooftops sharing whatever they had, or braving hunger together. If there was one thing Ondoy taught me, it is that the human spirit is hard to kill, and that filipinos, if they really really set their minds and hearts to it, can break ranks and work hand in hand with one another.

Everyone on the rooftops that day was not a victim: they were - still are - heroes. Their rescillience and resolve to survive made them their own saviors.

Yesterday when i met with the officers of the Zen Center in Katipunan, one of them remarked that i was a hero who saved 21 souls. I don't believe that. There were 21 heroes on our roof alone, and countless others on distant rooftops.

Heroism is just another word to describe a survivor. We managed to survive because we knew that death, a least for that particular moment, was not an option. That is not to say that those who perished are not heroes too. In their effort to fight for their survival, they tried their best, and though they perished as a result, they too are heroes.

Heores abound in times of adversity, trials and tribulations. We are all heroes.

Death of a Friend

2009-08-20T15:50:00.000+08:00

For the past couple of months, i have been searching Multiply and Facebook for my childhood friend and neighbor. She was one of my close friends when we were still in Project 4. We last saw each other when i was in first year high school when we were still residing in Cubao. We lost contact after that. Today i received a message on Facebook from our other Project 4 neighbor and family friend who told me that my firend Maricar Alcala passed away recently. I did some investigating and confirmed that that she indeed passed away.

Maricar was born in 1975, the year i was born. Her death made me think of my own mortality. It seems i've been losing friends and family members who are younger and healthier than me. But the more i think about it, a circle has no beginning or end. She, and the rest of my loved ones who have gone to their rest will always remain in my heart of hearts.

The Homesonic M.O.

2009-06-09T17:21:00.000+08:00

I have been receiving many messages on my Multiply account regarding the Modus Operandi of Homesonic. They have elevated their operations from rigged scratch cards to telephone campaigns. Months back, i got a call from INEX Corporation, supposedly a call center for Homesonic, informing me that i was selected by computer raffle to qualify for a free gift and that i have to visit Homesonic in Robinsons East Mall to claim my prize. Little did these idiots know that my father, the late Atty. Onesimo Banares told me of thier M.O. before he died. This company would lure you in with their rigged scratch cards and enticing you to purchase items you don't really need. My mother was almost duped into buying 40k pesos worth of items had my father not intervened and nerely caused a scene.

Now i've been receiving messages of people getting phone calls from made-up companies supposedly representing Homesonic. If you receive a call like this, ignore it. This is a scheme designed to lure you into spending money on items you don't need. Add to that the fact that the items they sell can be bought elsewhere for less price.

I call on all victims of Homesonic to email me at rodel.banares@gmail.com. This kind of modus operandi should be put to a halt. I encourage all to step up shame campaigns versus this company. LET THE BUYER BEWARE OF HOMESONIC!!

lacson drops presidential bid

2009-06-06T20:08:00.003+08:00

It's about time! I'm sure by mow Ping knows he has no chance of winning the presidential race. His announcement came a day after former police officer Mancao said he will re-affirm the contents of his affidavit submitted to the Department of Justice earlier this year. Ping has been linked by Mancao to the twin murders of PR Man Bubby Dacer and his driver Manuel Corbito,

Lacson is not the type to give up his ambitions just like that. Ny take is that Lacson is spooked out of his wits with the reopening of the Dacer-Corbito double murders. After all, Glen Dumlao will soon be returning home, presumably to do another Mancao. And he has reason to be nervous. Mancao and Dumlao where once members of Lacson's inner circle.

So that's one down, many more to go in the bid for the presidency in 2010. God help us all.

Tamano's move to Villar camp a welcome development

2009-06-06T20:05:00.000+08:00

The move of Atty. Adel Tamano from Erap to Villar's camp is indeed a welcome development. Tamano's wit and intelligence is wasted with the opposition. Erap himself said that Tamano was not with the executive committee of the opposition and is "no loss" to their camp. This shows wishful thinking on Erap's part. Tamano is a big loss to the opposition. They have lost not just a spokesperson but great legal mind. I doubt if Erap can find a suitable replacement.

It seems that many people are jumping from Erap's jeep and jumping onto Villar's horse, which has a better-than-average chance of snagging the top post. Erap is hell bent on returning to Malacanang, although many are saying that he no longer has the power or even the clout to do so.

Tamano will be an asset to Villar's camp, if only the good senator has the foresight to put Tamano to good use. Kudos Villar, Sorry na lang Erap.

A Filipino 'foreigner' in Manila

2009-03-26T20:25:00.000+08:00

My Dear Friend Jake Aguilar's Article on Philstar.com
-------------------------------

Outside Looking In By Jerick Aguilar Updated March 25, 2009 12:12 AM

When I called one of my closest friends upon arrival in the Philippines last month, he suggested -- soon after we scheduled a rendezvous to catch up on each other's lives-- that I sign up for one of Carlos Celdran’s “Walk This Way” tours. He said he has joined the “If These Walls Could Talk” tour (a walking tour of historic Intramuros) and he just loved it. Carlos, he said, is an animated tour guide with an unconventional and, oftentimes, comical way of narrating historical and other anecdotal information.

My friend’s father is a Professor of History at the University of the Philippines and he is into history himself, yet he also mentioned to me how he learned new things from Carlos during the tour (and enjoyed other things as well).

At first, I wasn’t interested at all. Whenever I travel outside the Philippines, I am usually on a budget and would rather spend the money on souvenirs and postcards. I oftentimes bring good guidebooks as well as bits and pieces of tourist information printed from websites.

Sometimes, I pretend to be part of a tour group and listen in to what the tour guide is saying. So I don’t normally want to spend money on something that I can avoid paying or things I can have for free. Also, I have been to Intramuros a couple of times already (to watch a play and attend a friends’ wedding).

But a week before leaving the Philippines for Egypt, the same friend called again to ask me if I'd like to join him in Carlos’ “Downtown Express” tour (a stroll through Binondo and Quiapo). Choosing between saving money and spending more time with him, I chose the latter. Before this tour, I believe I had only been to Binondo twice or thrice as a child, so I surmised it would be good to see our Chinatown again at the age of 33.

As for Quiapo, it induces childhood memories of going to Quiapo Church with my parents (with me standing on top of the pew during the Mass). So I told myself why not visit this place once more. Given my initial refusal (or make that, stinginess), these three reasons justified my signing up for the tour.

The walking tour started at exactly 3 p.m. and, as usual, I was late. For some reason, I thought it was “Filipino time” that is always at work anywhere (i.e. an extra 30 minutes or more) but I realized this is not true. While in a taxi going to the meeting place, I saw a group of tourists pass by with my friend among them. I immediately asked the driver to drop me right there and then, paid my exact fare (I said I am stingy), and tried to catch up with them. They just came from Plaza Ruiz, and sure enough, they were following Carlos inside an old building. Here, Carlos recounted how some of the Chinese people at that time “hispanized” themselves to become integrated in the Spanish-colonized Manila.

True enough again, my friend was right about Carlos. He is not your typical tour guide. Maybe it's because of his theater background, but I think it was his enthusiasm, sense of humor, and pizzazz when talking about our history that really attracted me to his tour and gave my full attention to it. He even had props to add more authenticity to his words -- a plate of china hidden in his sling bag that he showed us during his pitch on Chinese merchandise and trade, as well as old photos and various illustrations in a binder that he flipped back and forth during the course of the tour.

Not to give the whole tour away, I found myself taking a lot of pictures in every corner that we visited (which I didn’t realize until I started uploading the photos the day after). This is actually what I always do whenever I'm on vacation – in a new country, that is. I remember how travel mates would just leave me behind because I stay in a place longer than usual – a third of the time enjoying the sights and two-thirds of it using up my digital camera’s memory and battery. And so my friend and I were left behind by the group but Carlos patiently waited for us to catch up with them before he started his next spiel.

If I'm traveling, I usually spend a significant amount of time in local shops, splurging money I saved up by not paying for an organized tour. Since I already paid for the "Downtown Express" tour, I told myself that I should not go shopping instead. That's what I thought because I wasn't able to resist buying several flavors of “hopia” (Chinese pastry) in Ongpin Street; sampaguita essence at the Evangelista Herbalist Market to use as massage oil in lieu of the usual lotion or powder (and I was even thinking of buying “gayuma” or love potion); and candles of different colors representing different wishes beside Quiapo Church. I even spent some money to have my tarot read! (And one of the cards said I'm going to find true love soon – so there's really no need to buy that potion!) In short, I never expected do the "touristy" stuff in my own country.

Overall, I really enjoyed the tour. I had three reasons signing up, and another three for appreciating it – my friend, Carlos, and a new appreciation for Manila. At the end of the tour, Carlos said, “If you cannot change the way Manila looks, you can always change the way you look at Manila.” And of course I did.

I used to hate Manila, especially after coming home to the Philippines after my first overseas trip to Australia when I was 19. I didn’t like the chaos, the noise, and the pollution. But after this tour, I see “life” instead of chaos and hear “survival” instead of noise. (Sorry but I still see the city as very polluted.) By life, I refer to the busy activity in Manila’s streets where it is never boring as there is always something happening; and by survival, I mean jeepney drivers beeping their horns and vendors shouting their wares to passersby struggling to make a living.

My only concern is that my friend and I were the only Filipinos in the group. The rest of them were of other nationalities. Our Social Science teachers have always told us in grade school: “Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan (Don’t be a foreigner in your own country).” I guess, on one hand, most of us are since we don’t know a lot about our history, culture, and heritage. On the other hand, most of us should be "foreigners" in our own country, joining tours, being curious about people and places, and changing our view of a city and gaining a better perspective of the place and of life than the last time we visited it.

Paranoia

2009-03-09T04:34:00.000+08:00

This word would make a great title for a movie (meron na ba?). Just a few days ago i was reading in gmanews.tv the news report that Mancao is willing to be extradited back to the Philippines to shed light on the death of PR Man Bubby Dacer. Mancao, mind you, has not mentioned any name yet when lo and behold, Panfilo Lacson called a press conference saying he is afraid that the present government will use Mancao to pin him as the mastermind in the
Dacer-Corbito double slay. Wow! Talk about paranoia! Ping, who was mum about the entire slay case for so many years suddenly speaks his mind. Could it be that there is another reason why he is suddenly reacting to Mancao's exteadition? Could there be a deeper reason behind this paranoia OTHER THAN an allevged plot by the GMA government to pin him to the crime? Hmmm.... fishy-fishy.... I am suddenly reminded of Bart Simpson: "I didn't do it... nobody saw me do it.. you can't prove anything". The last sentence and the rest of the bolg are not necesarily related ha. :D

Farewell, Francis M.

2009-03-06T13:48:00.000+08:00

An inspiration to many, Francis M. bade his fans goodbye around twelve noon today. Francis led a very colorful life and he will sorely be missed by the many people who have been inspired by him. I usually watch Eat Bulaga every day with my sister but i failed to watch it today for some reason. When i got the text message that he passed away, i thought it was just a hoax but it was confirmed by a radio report over DZBB this afternoon. Goodbye, Francis. Though your passing will surely leave many with cold summer nights, we will never forget you as a true blue Pinoy who has served the Filipino people well through your music.

Lakas ng kabataan
inspirasyon sa karamihan
pumanaw man ang katawan
di ka mawawala sa aming isipan.
Paalam.

An unexpected visit

2009-02-17T04:47:00.000+08:00

I was sifting through my email inbox yesterd morning when i found an email from my best friend Jerick (Jake) dated February 13. He said he wanted to surprise me and so did not inform me in advance that he is arriving in the country. He went to our house to spring his surprise but ended up the one being surprised since we weren't home when he came. So i gave Jake a call yesterday morning and we ended up having dinner wth my sister Rose at Big Buddha in Greenbelt 3. After talking for about two hours we decided to head to Harbor Square for some spirits and coffee. We went to Dencio's which offers a good view of Manila Bay and the city lights that line the bay. Jake is planning to return to the Philippines more often. For those who don;t remember, Jerick (or Jake) Aguilar is the author of the wonderful articles i have been posting on Filipino Migrants oversees. He has another surprise not just for me but for all of us who enjoy his writing, but that's another blog.

Glimpse of Zen 2009

2009-01-27T10:13:00.000+08:00

Hello!

Hi guys. We will be having the first Glimpse of Zen for 2009 at the Marikina
Zendo of the Zen Center Philippines. The Glimpse is Free and will be
held on February 1, 2009 at 2:00 pm at 31 Saint Claire Street (corner
St. Catherine) Provident Village, Marikina City.

For those who want to know more about zen, you may call me at 4968913
or text me at 09154317097 or you may visit www.zencenterphil.org for
more details.
__________________________

Have you ever wondered if there is more to life than what we see
happening around you? Do you wish there was a less stressful way of
doing things? Are you looking for a way to achieve more harmony in
your home and workplace?

The practice of zen may provide the answers to these questions. Zen is
a way of life that provides a completely fresh approach to our
day-to-day experiences.

Zen is a journey within that leads to total harmony with one’s self,
society and the universe. Its foundation is zazen, a breath-centered
discipline that helps one silence the mind and the body Zen is a way
of life that helps one to realize the true self.

More info? visit www.zencenterphil.org

A different Lupang Hinirang Video

2009-01-11T20:40:00.000+08:00

I came across this touching video of our beloved National Anthe while surfing through YouTube. According to the source (http://www.youtube.com/user/TotoongTV):
* This rendition of Lupang Hinirang is intended for reflection. It is not meant to replace the official anthem normally played as a march.Recently a talented and nationally known film director, Mae Paner, crafted a new and moving version of our national anthem. This unusual audio visual presentation of "Lupang Hinirang"* has been shown many times in various events and has consistently touched the hearts and minds of viewers to the point of tears of awakening and gratefulness. Because of its consistent positive impact, PAGASA and Ehem! have decided to make this version of "Lupang Hinirang" available nationwide as a reflection piece to trigger a deeper awareness of oneself in relation to the country and encourage the emergence of positive images of the Philippine future. This new partnership of Ehem! with PAGASA is an addition to the existing anti-corruption initiatives of the Society of Jesus. For PAGASA it is a profound convergence with a "like-hearted"initiative grounded in authentic integrity, towards a massive ripple effect of truth-living towards nation building.We are writing to invite you and all the teachers and students of your school to participate in a timely and unprecedented nationwide effort to constructively reflect, through the medium of "Lupang Hinirang," on the present conditions of the Philippines and envision the Philippines of our hopes and dreams. The process we envision is simple and straightforward: *Download the video or email us if you need a copy in DVD format. *Teachers play this version of Lupang Hinirang in their high school and college classes. *They then ask their students two questions: 1) What feelings and thoughts did you experience from viewing the newversion of "Lupang Hinirang?" 2) What positive vision of the Philippines do you now have from this experience? *Teachers then instruct students to form small groups of 5 to share their experiences. *Then the teachers reassemble the whole class and have a conversation with their students regarding their answers. Deep mutual learning and engagement is sure to emerge from this process. *In addition, you and your teachers will choose the best expressions that will arise out of this exercise and these results, combined with results from other schools, will be showcased as the bestreflections and positive visions of the country, as articulated by our youth in the Karangalan Festival in September, which celebrates Filipino excellence.
Details and mechanics of this endeavor will be posted at the PAGASA website by June 15, 2008: www.pagasa.net.ph.

Noche Buena

2008-12-25T05:20:00.000+08:00

I was busy the whole day yesterday preparing for the traditional december 24dinner and noche buena. By 7:00 am i was already in SaveMore Supermarket to buy all the ingredients i needed. Lucky me found a beautiful pork roast which i cooked for hours just to make it tender. I also bought crab meat and cooked that with some coconut milk (gata), squash and beans. Then there's the 3 mushrooms soup, dinuguan and roast chicken. By 7:30 pm i was done cooking. My brother Ben arrived (my sister Ruby is in Zambales and my sister Ruth is in Macau for Christmas with her family).

We ate til we were full then packed some of the food left over to Cogeo in Antipolo. We arrived at my Uncle Jessie's place around 11:00 pm. We brought a case of ice cold beer and Ed, our cousin Marites' husband brought out a gallon of brandy. We had as pulutan what was left of the pork roast, and Ricky brought out a batch of his freshly-fried chicken. Their neighbors sent over a bowlful of delicious pancit canton. We talked and drank until 3 in the morning. Tes gave us an overview of life in Canada, and we joked about how some Canadians think of the Philippines as a country full of nipa huts.

By then we were already too stuffed and drunk so we decided to call it da night --er -- day.

Maligayang Pasko

2008-12-24T19:06:00.000+08:00

Ang pasko ay sumapit na naman at sa loob ng mahiwagang panahong ito ay magkakaisa ang sambayanan... mga magkaka-away ay magbabati... mga ligaw na tupa ay babalik sa kanilang mga pamilya.. ang mga kuripot magiging mapag kawang-gawa. Ngunit kung ating papansinin ay makalipas ang kapaskuhan ay balik nanaman tayo sa ating dating gawi.

Ganito ba talaga ang mensahe ng kapaskuhan sa atin? Ang pasko ba ay isang mapagkunwari at kosmetikong pamamaraan upang kahit sa isang saglit ay mapatawad natin ang ating mga sarili sa ating mga ginawa sa buong taon?

Christmas is not about gift giving or receiving nor is it about prancing about town in new get-ups that are sure to make a few heads turn. Christmas is not about new gadgets that will surely earn the envy of officemates and colleagues.

In many ways, having stepped back from the doorway of Christianity and its traditions has made me realize its moral value more than when i was deeply steeped in dogma. But what i have learned is just for me. In the end, we will all come to a realization of what Christmas is, and when it hits us like a ton of bricks falling from Empire State, we will have a deeper realization and appreciation of Christmas.

May your Christmas be as meaningful - and personal. Maligayang Pasko Po.

__________________________________________

Do Buddhists celebrate Christmas?

In the West most of the monastery residents have come from a basically Christian culture, so Christmas has some meaning for us. We don't have Christian rituals, but the spirit of Christmas - giving gifts, kindness, love, peace to all mankind - is something we enjoy and is a reason to celebrate. We send and receive a lot of cards. This year we decorated the temple with holly and evergreens, lit a lot of candles, did some special chanting in the temple, listened to a tape of some Christian monastic chanting and held a late night meditation vigil. When you look at different religions it is not difficult to find similarities so at this time we focus on those.

Zendo Anniversary

2008-11-18T02:39:00.000+08:00

Louie, EJ, Jade and I spent Monday at the Zendo in preparation for this coming Sunday's Zendo Anniversary. Louie found some old photos dating back to the construction of the "new" wing of the zendo (which includes the dormitory and the zendo hall itself).

We managed to put up 3 photo exhibits: a history of the zendo in pictures, the Leyte Memorial Sesshin (which was attended by Fr. Willigis Jaeger,Fr. Hugo Enome La Salle and Sister Elaine MacInnes), and The Zendo images (shots of the zendo done in black and white).

We also took out from the closet some rare memorabilia of the zendo. Rollie senei and I will be exhibiting some of our buddhas from our collection as well.

Road Trip Update

2008-11-03T05:27:00.000+08:00

Baguio City -- We left Candelaria, Zambales at 9:30 am of November 1 for the second leg of our Road Trip. We headed next to Aringay, LA Union to visit our relatives from our mother's side. We took the back road from Zambales via Santa Cruz then into Pangasinan, passing by counteless cemeteries along the way, and arriving in Aringay at 1:30 in the afternoon. After a hearty lunch of talaba, shrimps, igado and pinakbet, we visited some of our other relatives in the area. By 4:30 we were on the road again, via the Aspiras Highway that connects to Marcos Highway. It took us about a little more than an hour to get to Baguio City, but it was worth it. We checked in at Prince Plaza and then headed to Jay-J's Inasal for dinner then to Giligan's for some "nightcap".

The next day we went to SM and Session Road where we met up with my niece Lolski. We had a simple dinner at Dencio's in CJH and then headed to Kaffeklatsche for some coffee. After coffee, we headed to Gili's to watch the bad Backtrack, plus have a little booze on the side.

We took Lolski to her dorm around 11:00 pm and had a couple of more beers at our hotel room before retiring for the night.

We decided to exted our stay in Baguio for another day. Today we will meet up with Loklski and visit our Lolo Sergio at the Naval Base, then go to Mines View Park for some shopping and Bulalo.

updates to follow, pics posted under Road Trip 3

Road Trip: Candelaria, Zambales

2008-10-30T10:48:00.000+08:00

The first leg of our road trip is Candelaria, Zambales. We left Marikina around 6:00 am. My ssiter Rose and I proceeded to my brother Ruben's place in Valenzuela, and from there took the NLEX to Dau, then to the Subic, Clark, Tarlac Expressway. What should have been a harrowing trip via Pampanga, then Olongapo was a mere 30 minute drive through the SCTEX. We passed by Subic to buy some supplies and arrived here in Candelaria around 1 pm. We were served a delicious lunch of rabs and shrimp and sinigang na baboy by my sister Ruby and brother-in-law Ayo. We will be staying in Candelaria until Nov.1, then move on to the second part of our road trip -- Aringay, La Union. Pictures to follow.

Tsubasa Wo Kudasai

2008-10-24T10:15:00.000+08:00

Sometime in 1997, when i was still working for Angelicum College, we had the pelasure of hosting 4 japanese students from the Tokyo YMCA. During one of our trips, they taught us a song called Tsubaa wo Kudasai (Give me wings). I recenly found on YouTube (tm) a version of the song and i would like to share it with you.

Greenhills

2008-10-22T10:34:00.000+08:00

It has been a long time since i visited the Greenhills shopping complex. Truth be told, after my father passed away in 2004, i have been to that area a total of 5 times, including my visit yesterday. I miss the old Greenhills area with the open fountain area, the long pond, Unimart and Choo-Choo Junction. When i was a little kid, my parents used to bring me along to Greenhills when they went crocery shopping at Unimart. While my mother took care of the buying, my father would take me to the open parking area near Choo-Choo Junction (yes, the spaghetti place inside a real train). We would watch RC owners race their cars around the hastily-made track.

After that we would meet my mother at the cafe inside Unimart for some chicken mami and softdrinks. As the years progressed, we graduated from mami at the cafe to Luk Yuen fronting the pond area. My father loved their radish cake. We would then walk to Virra Mall where we would buy squid balls (during that time squid balls was virtually unknown to most filipinos). When you cooked the squid balls, it grew to the size of a golf ball, and my father served it as "pulutan" when hi "compadres" come to visit.

It was also in Greenhills where i first got to taste Orange Juilius' orange juice and hotdog sandwhich. It was also in greenhills where i first tasted sugar cane juice, and where i lusted over the imported toys in the shoppersville area. I remember my parents buying me this train set from Tita Oning Banadera's shop. I still have pieces of the train set though i doubt if it still works.

When i went to Greenhills a couple of weeks with my fellow zen members after a meeting at ADB, i was surprised how much greehills has changed -- inside and out. I love what they did to Virra Mall, but can't get over my disappointment at how much the fountain area has changed. What used to be a mini-carnival for kids is now a tiangge. I have to admit i even got lost trying to find my way back to the Virra Mall area.

I decided to go again yesterday to familiarize myself with the place. Still i couldn't get over the fact that my favorite place to visit in Greenhills is now full of people selling everything from old coins to big stone buddha statues. Oh well. They say the only thing constant in life is change. So hey, i'll get used to it.

Gotta go. I'm going to Greenhills.

mapangurirat

Mob Rule

Justice and Fair Play

the Rise of the Filipino Hitler

THE FOLLY OF THE PHARISEES

The Tyranny of the Aquino Regime

No Let Up

Time to end the witch hunt; If you have proof, take it to court

Misguided Idiots (or Anatomy of a Pinoy Troglodyte)

Let your shirt do the talking

What's wrong with us?

The Vengeance-Hungry Aquino II Admin claims its Second Life

Out of sight, out of mind

Micromanaging

Perjury for Margie?

Aha!

The Yellow Fever symptom of paranoia

Let FPJ Rest

Col. Mariano's Message: "It is our right to replace the government"

The Hands-Off Presidency

EDSA 1: The Bogus Revolution

On the Reyes Suicide

Statement of the Reyes Children

Angelo Reyes and the Kangaroo 'Court'

Criminals unafraid of cops

Curses! Foiled Again!

Glorietta 2 blast revisited

Whitewash

Damaso

Amendment I-- Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

ARTICLE IIDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIESSection 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIESSection 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

Celdran: Bagong Bayani

One year after Ondoy

Banayo's Problem

Penoy's Insecurity and the four-way test

Punong Puno na kami, Puno

Teach Penoy to Count

Another Complaint versus Homesonic

Penoy's Foot-in-Mouth disease

Hello, Jueteng

Command Responsibility

Bloody End to Hostage Drama shows poor strategy on part of the Police

Estudyante blues for Noy (by AMCR)

Epic Fail

the Aquino Coronation

The Kris-James Brouhaha

Wear Black on June 30

Aquino Ass-Kissing World Cup

Tangible Proofs of Development

Transcript of PGMA's Farewell Speech

PGMA's Farewell Address

It's All in the (Aquino) Family

Jim Paredes eyed as Tourism Secretary

It's Only a Car Ride, P-Noy

Meddlesome Kris

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Report on the death of Phillip Pestano

Noynoy: Fastest Mouth in the Land

Noy, Urong Sulong ka ha....

Bakit nga ba P-Noy?

...at isa pang drawing....

Walang magawa kaya heto, nag drawing...

Juana Change wants change

The Kris Appointment

A Poem from my Upcoming Collection

Glimpse in Zen

A Changing of the Guards

Zambales -- a food Trip

musings

BOYCOTT OF ABS-CBN ON SUNDAY, MAY 23, 2010

Will Kris leave?

Another M.O. similar to Homesonic -- in Baguio!

Blood Donors Needed

Are We at the Height of Stupidity?

Ondoy Heroes

Death of a Friend

The Homesonic M.O.

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
Section 6. The separation of Church and State shall be inviolable.