Barako Jam

ZTE-NBN deal---another Square Off?

2009-08-30T05:54:00.000-07:00

Tuesday will go down in history as the greatest monumental square-off between former family friends, First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and ZTE-NBN whistleblower Joey de Venecia III. Senator Richard Gordon has sent word that he invited the First gentleman and the DOTC officials led by Secretary Leandro Mendoza to attend this Tuesday's Senate Blue ribbon committee hearing. Gordon believes that before he even releases his findings, there should be another hearing to "clear some cobwebs" so to speak, about the real story behind the "greatest graft scandal" ever to hit this country in so many years.

For me, the square off is clearly not necessary for one obvious reason---there are hours and hours worth of testimonies in past ZTE-NBN hearings and those are more than enough to fill a 100 page report. But, no. Senator Gordon wants to hammer out the message of the Office of the Ombusman--that the First Family is not involved in this anomalous deal.

Joey welcomes the chance to face the First Gentleman, confident that he committed no crime. In a statement, Joey said that Gordon committed a grave infraction when he inadvertently announced his initial opinion, saying that the Ombusman should have included the De Venecias in the charge sheet. If Gordon thinks that the De Venecias are guilty, then, why another hearing? Is'nt strange that the Senate blue ribbon needs another day to what? To hammer out a favorable public impression and clean the tarnished name of his amigo, the First Gentleman and his amiga, Gloria Arroyo?

Obviously, Gordon wants to do a Pontius Pilate before he runs for re-election because he knows that his handling of this case would haunt him during election time. He already whitewashed the Joc-Joc Bolante case and because of proper PR handling, there was no public outrage that came out shortly when he released the recommendations. That Joc-Joc Bolante case was a "test case" so to speak, and provided pro-administration senators like Gordon a template to manage sensitive issues like this ZTE-NBN deal.

And that is a problem for whistleblowers Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada---this administration has now perfected the art of the whitewash. If they mishandle the public relations aspect of this case, they're in for a shock of their lives because they'll be pictured as villains and false heroes instead of Patriots. Gordon and the rest of the First Gentleman's team are exploiting the lingering thought in the public sphere that this deal is about "onsehan" and these whistleblowers were motivated not by love of country but by the very thought of losing a great deal of money.

This thought has permeated even in the inner circles of power and those dinky coffee shops in hotels and places in the Metropolis. A year has passed and the public is now ready to accept new facts about this case. If Joey de Venecia and Jun Lozada mishandle this, they'll surely come out of this as pseudo-patriots and liars. And the public hates liars.

Joey is confident that he did nothing wrong and the public believes him. There are more than enough evidence to pin the First Family in this ZTE-NBN deal, more than, say the circumstantial evidence that the Office of the Ombusman has against Benjamin Abalos and Romulo Neri. The fact that photos caught the First Couple playing golf and eating oysters with ZTE officials and those text messages Gloria sent to Neri, ordering him to just accept the money and approve the deal are more than enough to include them in the graft charge sheet.

Yet, Gordon hopes that if he plays his cards right, he'll be able to convince the public that these pieces of evidence amounts to nothing, shows nothing and mean nothing. Of course, Gordon embarked on a charm offensive with his tearful outbursts in those kidnapping episodes and those guestings as presidentiable. Yet, behind those charming charades lie a dastardly plan to hide his role as the palace's self-appointed Mr. Clean. Beneath those cheesy smiles and pink-colored cheeks hides an insidious mind ready to follow the wishes and caprices of his principals.

And for what? To get that anointment from Mrs. Arroyo and be part of that 10 billion election campaign kitty? To snatch that nomination from Vice President Noli de Castro or at the least, that vice presidential post from Ronnie Puno?

Or maybe, just maybe, add some more funds for a re-election bid? Or, again chair the revival of Subic as a US military facility?

Whatever it is, expect History to again be on the side of the devil enfant. :-)

Arroyo fighting the demons of 2004

2009-07-27T22:43:00.000-07:00

Ninety one percent of Filipinos say Mrs. Arroyo failed in addressing graft and corruption, according to a Philippine Daily Inquirer report. Arroyo’s highest marks were on delivery of public services, which, according to the Inquirer, 14.4% agreed. The rest were all failing marks.

This is a classic example of how democracy functions, especially in a fragmented society such as ours. People would definitely be not satisfied with your performance as a public servant, especially if you got the presidency in the most slim of margins.

And expect that to be the foremost rates that any presidentiable would get once he wins come May 2010. A minority president would always get failing marks precisely because majority of the voters did not elect him.

Now, if you say that Fidel V. Ramos is an exception, probably you’re correct. Ramos is a performer and a visionary. He’s an effective manager, a director of sorts, on how best to govern this country. He had an experience during the administration of martial law. And he’s a West Pointer, trained on the best management technologies and skills. He’s, at best, an aberration.

If Mrs. Arroyo expects to get rousing marks for all these things she is doing now, asa pa. She will never get the praise of people, since, from the very start, she was not able to get them anyway.

Her economic adviser Governor Salceda is right---had not 2004 happened, and the Arroyo administration successfully established its integrity and political legitimacy, this government would definitely not find itself mired in the unpopularity game.

Suffice it to say that it was actually a function of the Office of the Press Secretary to do this. And expectedly, the OPS would probably fail also since it faces a formidable force--the combined strength of former Arroyo allies and the political opposition.

Now, is it too late for Gloria to gather her own constituency that would be her protectors once she leaves office in June 2010? No.

The challenge for Mrs. Arroyo is simply do the right moves. First, prosecute graft offenders like Joc-Joc Bolante. Second, sign that executive order on Cheaper Medicines Law. Third, make examples of erring government officials. Fourth, be more visible. And fifth, avoid being combative and just stick to the job at hand---ensuring that government is prepared for the next administration.

No-El in 2010

2009-07-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

Let's study and analyze these past political events, shall we?

Former defense secretary Avelino Nonong Cruz believes Mrs. Arroyo would not allow the elections to push thru. Cruz, former legal counsel of Mrs. Arroyo, knows his ex-client very well. They used to share food together. He knows how Mrs. Arroyo thinks. And he knows that these events i.e., bombings, pockets of instability, etc. are all geared for one thing--derail the 2010 elections.

Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita castigated Nonong for saying that. Ermita said Cruz's statement was uncalled for, since it has no basis. I don't agree with Ermita, a Batangueno and who loves drinking barako. You don't need concrete facts to assert a truth. You only need to connect the dots and ask yourself who'll benefit from all these instabilities. And you'll definitely come to the conclusion that, indeed, Arroyo and her ilk may have a hand in these things.

Cruz is a student of history, Ermita is not. Cruz knows how a former dictator did it, and surely, Ermita also knew about that. Ermita is playing naive when he defended his boss by saying that she already announced that elections would push thru as planned in 2010. We all know the expertise of Mrs. Arroyo---she's very effective in word plays. She did that in 2003. She repeated it in many instances, like 2004, 2005 and 2006. The boob job issue is also one classic example.

Now, what would Cruz gain from exposing the nefarious plan of his former boss? Nothing really. If Malacanang claims that Cruz is only protecting his client right now (I know who he is but I'm not saying it here), then, why say that they'll be no elections? Wala namang makukuhang benepisyo si Cruz o ang kanyang kliyenteng presidentiable kung sabihin nilang walang eleksyon sa 2010 ah?

Ito ang problema if walang kategorikal na sinasabi si Mrs. Arroyo sa mga political plans niya come 2010. And problems like these also occur when the head of state refuses to say that she'll hand power over to her duly-elected successor come June 30, 2010. Had she told us that she'll be stepping down from power, then, people, as suspicious as Nonong would not have to spread such things like these, di ba?

The Problem with Filipino Political Symantics

2009-07-21T20:59:00.001-07:00

Everybody hopes for a new administration in 2010. New governments and new administration are being understood to mean one thing.

If you really analyze things, you'll come to the conclusion that "governments" and "administrations" are two separate political concepts. Government means the entire machinery that is used to realize the aspirations of the citizens of a definitive territory; while administration is the set of people behind that machinery.

When we say "new government", we meant a change in the political system. When we say we need "new administration, " we just meant a change in the personalities behind the government machinery, which, for all intents and purpose, is cosmetic change at best.

What we need in 2010 is a newer and fuller lease of life. I mean, we need a " new governmental leadership". meaning a new leadership that would pursue the creation of a New Government. Under our present circumstances, that means a new charter. What I'm suggesting are two stages: one, the institution of a new government under a transitional council and the other one, the entry of newer blood under the new leadership.

This suggests a forcible seizure of political power either through radical changes in the Constitution ahead of the elections or the possible declaration of a abolition of all governance. These two options require the strongest political will, since the present administration is fully determined to fight forces against it.

The idea of transitory governments is nothing new in our history. In 1899, our forefathers created one shortly after they defeated the Spanish forces. Manuel Quezon broached the idea prior to the war and it also happened when the entire Philippine government migrated to Australia during the Japanese occupation. When the Huks threatened the Philippine republic during, I think, Quirino's time, the former president mulled on the idea of declaring a transitory government. While, we all know what Cory did shortly after EDSA uno.

Chief Justice Reynato Puno knew this personally since he was the architect of the 1986 Freedom Constitution. However, what that charter contemplated was the legal actions by the government shortly after a big political event---a revolution. In our present case, there's no such thing, unless of course, Norberto Gonzales and his military generals instigate one.

The chief question is---can we do this in a peaceful manner? No. This one, I think, requires some people to sacrifice their very lives for the cause. Obviously, the military backers of this regime would fight it out, as what Joe de Venecia Jr. said.

What we actually need is not a coup d'etat but a Latin American version of what others call a "golpe de gulat". That, however, would require a stronger effort at uniting various interests of numerous groups. Is it attainable? Of course.

Cheaper Medicines Law and Mrs. Arroyo's E.O.

2009-07-20T19:17:00.000-07:00

I just read my newspaper and was shocked that giant pharma companies just submitted 14 out of the 21 or 22 drugs that the government wants to slash prices by 50%. Whatta? Thought that this government believes or espouses strong governance? Why did they allowed this to happen?

Mrs. Arroyo should be very strict in implementing the Cheaper Medicines Law. If the law says that government needs to slash 50% off on prices of certain drugs, then Malacanang does not have any choice but to do it. Tomorrow, Mrs. Arroyo is expected to sign the Executive Order (E.O.) that would impose a maximum retail price ceiling on 22 medicines which the DOH submitted to Malacanang.

And I think after Mrs. Arroyo signs this E.O., she needs to order prosecutors to prosecute Mr. Albert Mateo of Pfizer Philippines. That act alone would definitely erase all doubts about the so-called "strong lobbying" and "under-handed tactics" being waged by these pharma companies.

By the way, Senator Mar Roxas has formally asked the U.S. State department to investigate Pfizer Philippines for alleged "unethical practices" in lobbying for the non-implementation of the Cheaper Medicines Law. Roxas said that the July 8 meeting between Pfizer representatives and Mrs. Arroyo belies the fact that Pfizer is violating the Code of Ethical Practices by pharma companies.

Mr. Senator, please investigate Wyeth Philippines also and Sanofi.

Charter Change still on

2009-07-17T05:07:00.000-07:00

Do you remember the time when Macoy and his generals ruled this country with an iron hand?

Do you want the same thing to happen under Gloria?

Today, Gloria said that the elections would push thru but questions abound---what kind? Is she referring to a parliamentary elections, given that her lieutenant, Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr. said that charter change remains in the top of the list in the legislative agenda.

Is Madame Gloria again doing double speak? I hope not coz General Danny Lim was emphatic when he said that charter change would not be acceptable to the Filipino People and definitely, the military will "follow the Filipino People". The question is---where kaya sila papunta?

Hayden Kho Scandal

2009-07-16T04:29:00.000-07:00

Like what PinoyObserver wrote a few weeks ago, Hayden Kho and his handlers are on a pr campaign. And it is of no surprise that he'll do that. Who, in his right mind, would allow his image to be smeared and put to ridicule? No one of course.

That's why, it's of no consequence that TV Patrol World exposed the alleged meeting which involved PR man Reli German, Hayden Kho, Vicki Belo and celebrity publicist Lolit Solis. It is but natural that these "co-conspirators", as what Atty. Raymund Palad, lead counsel of Katrina Halili, described them, would actually meet to discuss ways on how to repair the damaged or tarnished image of Hayden Kho and Vicki Belo.

What is condemnable or contemptible in all of these is the way they tried to mislead the public. These people probably think that, by undertaking a sympathy campaign, they would be able to neutralize public outrage against them.

It's an elementary principle in PR crisis that you don't solve a lie with another lie. Because if you do that, people will definitely get wind of it and you'll be in a worse situation than before.

And what's more---these people probably believe the lie that criminal liability can be extinguished by influencing the sway of public opinion. They probably thought that if they manage to lessen public anger, that would make the DOJ panel pliable and force a settlement between them and Halili's camp.

That is an untested principle and it only applies to certain cases. I'll tell you about that in my other blog at http://net20media.blogspot.com

Touching Fire

2009-07-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

Some say, the closer you are in the fire, the better it is for you to say if it's dangerous or not. For me, it's foolish to even go near the fire. Just look at it. It's enough for you to say that you'll get injured once you touch it.

What am I saying here? Well, people are asking themselves what's the whole point of blogging and trying to tell people what's happening when people want to "see it first" before they'll believe you. I mean, that's the whole point of some people castigating the opposition and some observers of raising hell when martial rule has'nt even happened yet. People are like doubting Thomases. They want to see things first before they would even say anything for or against it.

This creature called martial rule is different. How can you even fight it when it's there right infront of you already. It thrives on deceit, stealth and surprise. Government will deceive you and say that they're not even thinking about it, while stealthily, they're preparing their forces for it. And they can't do it if you're aware. Everyone must open their eyes more and be vigilant because things are happening very fast and people are being lulled to complacency.

Look at how skepticism affected those who lived under martial rule. Macoy tricked them into believing that he's just after those who took arms, not those who just prate and shout. When he finally declared martial rule, everyone, including hippies, were hauled to the camps and detained. That's how crafty Macoy was, and he shamed all those who fought him. He outclassed them all.

Are we going to do the same thing and wait for martial law or even a State of Emergency to be declared first before we act?

Joseph Erap Estrada---a sequel

2009-07-14T06:21:00.001-07:00

Will we live to see the Joseph Estrada restoration?

Joseph "Erap" Estrada is really gunning for the top post. And his supporters are fast organizing their old machinery, the one that made history in 1998 getting 40% of the votes--a record for any post-World War II presidential bet.

Celso delos Angeles not in jail? Why?

2009-07-13T19:38:00.000-07:00

Legacy owner Celso delos Angeles has been arrested for syndicated estafa, a charge which appends a very long jail term. However, I was shocked to my wits when I learned that he's still not in jail yet and for what cause? Well, he's reportedly stricken with cancer. Wow! Talk about an alibi.

I wanted to compare Celso's situation with that of Fertilizer scam architect Joc-Joc Bolante, since their cases are very similar---they both scammed their way to wealth and influence. And one hospital seems to be the oft-familiar refuge of those involved in large scale and billion peso scams, and you guessed right--St Luke's.

Bolante, if you remember, went and stayed there for many days, reportedly stricken with stomach aches while Celso, well, his attorney says, he has stomach cancer.

What seems to be the lesson here is this---Celso is expecting jail time very, very soon while Bolante is now freely roaming around and probably thinking of another way to make a comeback. Why is Bolante free, while Celso faces the prospect of spending his remaining life in jail?

Simple---Bolante enjoys the support of higher-ups, as high as the First Gentleman while Celso's, well, he enjoys only as far as the Vice President's office. That's one.

Another is, Bolante gave millions of pesos worth of gifts to syndicate members inside the DA while Celso, well, he scammed even his closest friends. And for how many billions? Based on PDIC estimates, Celso got about 14 billion pesos. Bolante, of course, should be protected, while Celso, well, what about him?

That's why Celso tried to repair his image and reputation through public relations. He wants to soften public anger against him. He and his legal team probably thinks that if they diffuse public disgusts against de los Angeles, the authorities might probably ease up on him. He failed though. That's why he's now being hounded even inside St. Luke's.

Maybe he's waiting for his 70th birthday so that he'll be pardoned? That's probably why he's under hospital arrest? Is that the concession he made with his political benefactors?

Panetta's Visit to RP--Punyeta?

2009-07-12T20:55:00.001-07:00

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief Leon Panetta met Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for 20 minutes yesterday. The statement from the palace says they discussed on how to strengthen cooperation on counter-terrorism. But, is that the only thing they discussed? That's what I'm trying to figure out since I started drinking my morning barako coffee.

Malacanang has kept the details of the visit secret. That's a matter of national security. Yet, this courtesy call means nothing, actually. What is important were those briefings Panetta attended with defense and intelligence officials of the Philippine government and of course, the unbiased assessment of Panetta's men working inside the US embassy.

For sure, Panetta's visit is a message to Mrs. Arroyo. This is the same tactic employed by the US in dealing with Mexican president Felipe Calderon. Prior to Barack Obama's 12-hour visit, US defense and security officials visited the Mexican government first, voicing their concerns over Calderon's inability to address drugs and arms smuggling.

Surprisingly, the timed release of Eugenio Vagni during Panetta's visit shows that those "terrorists" in Jolo are nothing but government agents. If these are really terrorists, then, they should have beheaded Vagni to humiliate the Philippine government and send a strong message to the US. But, they did'nt do it. This validates earlier news that these so-called Al-qaeda terrorists are nothing but military agents.

Normal day in Makati

2009-07-10T04:18:00.000-07:00

It's a rainy Friday. I stayed inside my house for the whole day. And when I had the urging to drive up and catch some fresh air, I saw how heavy the traffic was. Talk about a Friday night.

My maid just told me how deep the floods are downstairs. I just shrugged. What's new? De la Rosa Street always flood when there's heavy rains. I had pictures taken last year when these floods reached chest-deep. I wanted to feature it here, but, I checked if I still have a copy. None. Oh, well.

Makati City is a nice place to live but it always flood here. Mayor Binay should do something. For about fifteen years of Binay rule, seems they have'nt really found a way to ease up flooding. And the traffic here is such a classic. Even if there's no rain, there's always some congestion somewhere here.

But, I love Makati. I've lived here for about six years already. Free movies for the old people, free medical checkups for all and nice climate. Except for the flooding and the traffic, Makati is an ideal place to brew barako coffee and smoke all day.

Martial Law Part II?

2009-07-09T23:18:00.000-07:00

I saw this picture of former strongman Ferdinand Marcos when he declared martial rule on September 1971.

Amidst these talks of a restoration of martial rule under now, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, would this plan pushes thru?

Joe de Venecia Jr., former ally of Mrs. Arroyo, reveals that as early as 2005, hawks within Mrs. Arroyo's cabinet toyed with the idea of declaring martial rule.

The real question is---anong gagawin natin?

Paranoia

2009-07-09T02:27:00.000-07:00

Something's wrong with my coffee. It tastes like choco. Ah, I get it. I asked my lovely wife to give me choco instead of barako.

Anyway, just saw the breaking news---the PNP just lowered the alert level from full to heightened alert. Meaning, 25% of their cops can still enjoy some leisurely pursuits with their families over the weekend. Good.

But, what's this? They plan to deploy 12,000 cops and soldiers to secure Congress for Mrs. Arroyo's last and final State of the Nation Address (SONA)? I summed up the numbers of rallyists who attended past anti cha-cha rallies and the average number is just a pitiful 5-6,000 rallyists. So, if things do come to a head this July 27, we're just be seeing at best, 10 to 15,000 protesters there. So, mas marami pa ang lespu sa Kongreso come SONA?

Paranoia, that's what this is. And to think that the government is the one panicking, not Arroyo's critics. Lame.

What Gloria Thinks, Gloria gets

2009-07-08T21:11:00.000-07:00

I'm on my second cup of barako coffee when I suddenly thought---what's really on the mind of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Maybe she's afraid. Understandable, since her enemies are breathing down her neck almost every day. If you're being hit left and right, surely, you will do something, even things as sinister as martial law, just to protect yourself. Look how paranoid she and her officials have become---planning to deploy 9,000 cops and 2,000 soldiers---just to secure her SONA. They're so afraid that even Palace press secretary Cerge Remonde are just as confused as his bosses--telling people we're just on heightened alert when the AFP and the PNP say we're on red. Ano ba talaga, ha Cerge?

Cerge, drink tea, not coffee. You're beginning to sound like a frightened cat. Are you afraid that your boss would discover that you're on the other side already and would cross over anytime soon? You're an Ayala man. Of course you know where the Ayalas are now, right? How about your associates over at Aboitiz? And you know where exactly the Aboitizes are, right?

And some of those who know how she thinks are now on the other side, particularly former speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. If they really know Gloria, and knows how she thinks and processes information, then, why the hell is she still there in the palace? Why is Gloria still in Malacanang?

That shows that no one really knows what Gloria is thinking. Usually, what Gloria thinks, Gloria gets. And I bet my Winston lights that she'll go ahead with her evil plan just to protect herself.

Filipino Cops and Terrorists playing games

2009-07-08T18:46:00.000-07:00

Ah, heavenly, I say, as I smell the aroma coming from my freshly brewed barako. I lighted my cigarette and inhaled the heavenly smoke. As I was about to open my Inquirer, my eyes gazed upon the headline: " AFP: Next Target Metro; Security Forces on Alert." Wow. Talk about a headline.

Thoughts suddenly raced inside my mind. If they already know that these stupid terrorists are roaming the metropolis a few weeks back, why the hell did they even allow them to (1) launch their bombing attacks in both Metro Manila and Mindanao and (2) even let them sleep and rest in their safehouses. NCR Command Major General Jogy Leo Fojas (PMA Class 1976) said they already know where these terrorists are hiding. Okey. So, what will you be doing about that, Mr. General? Are you just going to watch them on CCTV, hoping to get them urinating somewhere or committing a crime before you even arrest them? What's the use of the anti-terror or Human Security Act?

Then, my eyes saw the very words of NCRPO chief Roberto Rosales (PMA Class 1978). He says that he beat Fojas to the punch by declaring red alert ahead of Fojas. What? Is this a race to impress Madame?

Then, I read the next page. Ah, so that's it. Fojas is not preparing against real terrorists. No. If what his mistah, PNP Chief Director Jesus Verzosa is to be believed, they will be doing some "sona" work, that is special clearing operations, "one or two days prior to SONA (State of the Nation Address)" in places near Congress and others where rallyists traditionally converge or come from.

So, what these esteemed gentlemen plan to do is use the law against anti charter change rallyists. That belies the real plan of Malacanang---prevent rallyists from getting their critical numbers come July 27. Why? If there's so much people chanting and shouting together in unison against cha-cha, that'll be sending the strongest possible message of condemnation against this regime.

But, no, those hawks inside the palace will not allow that. Joe de Venecia Jr. said that as early as 2007, his former friend, Mrs. Arroyo has been toying around the martial law card. Hawks who share her bed, err, mind, would fight tooth and nail, "patay kung patay", should groups move against the regime. Now, would they do the same thing now? Of course, JDV say.

Yet, look at this thing very closely. Two officials, both heads of our security agencies in all of NCR, are somewhat both breast beating. They, Fojas, a member of PMA Class 1976 and Rosales of PMA Class 1978, are both trying to impress Madame that they're capable of defending her against her enemies. Talk about doggish loyalty.

So the games of the generals are on and the play against so-called terrorists continues. And who'll suffer the most should this regime ram charter change down---you guessed it right---the people.

Where to buy nice baraco beans at the Metro

2009-07-08T05:10:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats Batangas coffee. Yep. Just the aroma of freshly brewed baraco makes one ask for more. Drink that brew with some cigarettes and you're on your way to Nirvana.

There are just two places in the Philippines where you'll find good coffee---Batangas and Benguet provinces. Benguet coffee has its distinct flavor and aroma. It's cheaper than Batangas Barako (if you buy it in Baguio City markets: just 150 per kilo). However, Barako has a full and rich flavour with a very nice aroma.

Tried sivet's cat coffee and it's no different from the baraco. By the way, where to buy good baraco beans but in Waltermart in Makati?

Waltermart grocery sells baraco beans for 52 pesos per 250 grams. Nice huh? If you have some more money, try to mix barako with pure arabica and robusta. That'll give you a boost.

But if you're on a budget, just settle for Cafe Puro. Cafe Puro just sells for under 100 pesos. Great din naman, yet nothing beats the original of course.

Metro Manila on Full Alert

2009-07-08T03:11:00.000-07:00

I was having my last sip of my late afternoon Barako when I nearly fell off my seat again. The AFP just placed the entire Metro Manila on full alert.

What? So fast naman. National Capital Region Command Major General Fojas revealed that the military has reportedly monitored elements of the Jemaah Islamiya, Abu Sayyaf and the MILF a few weeks prior to the Metro and Mindanao bombing attacks which so far killed twenty or so people already.

If Fojas statement is true, then, why the hell did they allowed these people to roam around the Metropolis? Why did they not arrest these terrorists? Fojas even said that three to four people, all members of this regional terror group J.I. were spotted shortly before these bombing attacks.

Fojas should be castigated by the military leadership for saying such hogwash. He knows very well that such an opportunity to spot terrorists comes once in a lifetime. Fojas knows that he can very well arrest these people under the Anti-Terror or Human Security Act.

Maybe these full alert are part of the grand scheme to condition the minds of the public for a full declaration of martial law.

I need to light my other cigarettes. This thing is getting pretty serious ah.

Indonesian elections tomorrow; Yudhoyono expected to gain 2nd term

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

Indonesians are going to the polls tomorrow to elect their new president. Three familiar faces are vying for the top spot: incumbent Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (Democratic Party); his vice president, Yusuf Kalla (an entrepreneur and close to Yudhoyono); and former President Megawati Sukarnoputri (Democratic Party of Struggle).

This is just the second direct presidential elections for Indonesia, a few years after Indonesian strongman Suharto fell from power in 1998. Incumbent president Yudhoyono, a former military general, enjoys extreme popularity. Analysts see him winning again over Kalla and Sukarnoputri.

Yudhoyono defeated Megawarti in 2004 after a string of graft and corruption charges. Megawarti has since made a re-appearance in Indonesian politics; yet, has failed repeatedly to reconsolidate her mass bases.

Let's toast this one for Yudhoyono. I'll brew a very special barako coffee tomorrow. Exciting and interesting to watch how Indonesians would do this.

Overpriced rice and Agriculture secretary Yap

2009-07-07T22:52:00.001-07:00

Overpriced rice? That totally spoiled my coffee break. Agriculture secretary Art Yap is under scrutiny again. If you remember, Yap has been embroiled in such a situation before. Now, Yap and his close advisers reportedly got 15 billion pesos as "kickbats". As usual, Yap denied it.

Yap says everything daw is above board. Those rice imports from Vietnam were reportedly procured based on international standards. The palace today backed Yap and said that there's nothing irregular about the procurement. Everything daw is above board.

Of course naman, Malacanang would defend Yap. Imagine what would happen should another scandal of this magnitude hits them again.

Kaya lang, mga barako, what Malacanang should have done is create an independent probe, kahit na the probe would place Yap in a very embarasssing situation. Dapat, Malacanang disassociates itself from Yap at least for the moment while they'll resolving the issue. Not a good move na Malacanang has immediately issued a clean bill of health for and on behalf of Yap. It does not augur well for Yap's image.

Hello Cerge Scandal

2009-07-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

There's a new controversy involving Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and its called Hello Garci. Here's the transcript written by Manuel Buencamino...

That thing about the breast implant, that’s already foul. That’s a bit too much already. – Sen. Loren Legarda.
I agree with the good Senator Legarda. It’s not the public’s business whether or not Gloria Arroyo underwent breast augmentation 20 years ago. The only operation allowed public discourse is the augmentation Dr. Garci performed in 2004.
Anyway, I support the right of any adult—male, female, and every sex in between—to enhance his appearance by whatever means necessary. Now, let’s move on.
Allow me to share with you the contents of a CD delivered to my house by an anonymous person. The CD contains phone conversations between a woman and her boob.
Below is the transcript of that conversation:
“Hello Cerge? I just read a news item that said I checked into Asian Hospital for mammoplastic repair of leaking breast implants done in the ’80s, have you read it yet?”
“Yes, ma’am. I took care of it already.”
“Ahm… good. What did you tell the press?”
“Ma’am? I told them, res ipsa loquitur. Just look if the President had a breast implant. It’s obvious if women have breast implants. The sexy actresses with big boobs, they’re the ones who have breast implants. We can’t say the same thing of the President.”
“You told them res ipsa loquitor?”
“Yes ma’am, I said the things speak for themselves. It’s obvious you don’t have implants.”
“Ahm…”
“I also said, si Presidente ba mukha na iyong tipo ng babae na magpapaganun (Is the President the type of woman who would do that [get a boob job])?”
“You told them what!?!”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Why, what type of woman gets a boob job?”
“Pardon?”
“I asked you what you thought of a woman with a boob job!“
“Ma’am? You want me to spell it out for you?”
“Yes, spell it out! I got implants twenty years ago and I want to know what type of woman you think I am!”
Silence.
“Hello…hello…haller…Cerge, are you still there?”
“Yes ma’am, I’m still here. Sori poh…”
“Forget it. Let’s move on. What do I tell the press when they ask me about my side-trip to Cartagena ?”
“I took care of that already, ma’am.”
“You took care of it already, again?”
“Yes, poh. While we were still in South America I told the press it’s not actually a side-trip, it’s more like a stopover. Brazil is so far away non-stop flight was not possible so we stopped-over in Cartegena and spent the weekend there.”
“Don’t you realize people can figure out the range of our chartered Airbus?”
“Ma’am?”
“Why didn’t you just tell them I was not expected in Brazil until Monday so I dropped in on the Filipino community in Cartagena ?”
“Poh?”
“Yes, I know.”
“Ma’am, the people might wonder why we didn’t just spend the weekend in San Franciso, to touch base with the larger Filipino community there.”
“Why didn’t we do that?”
“Ma’am? Some people in your party expressed apprehension about the welcome awaiting them if they enter the US .”
“Uhm…I forgot about that. Ask Ambassador Willy to check on that. Anyway, did the press ask you about our flight from Rio to Hong Kong ?”
“No, ma’am.”
“Good. But if they do, don’t claim the flight from Rio to Hong Kong is shorter than the flight from San Francisco to Recife so we were able to fly non-stop.”
“No. ma’am, I won’t say that. If they ask, I’ll just tell them we re-fuelled in mid-air.”
“How did you explain our stop-over in Hong Kong ?”
“I told them you were tired and in need of a pause that refreshes.”
“A pause that refreshes? That’s an old Coke slogan. What does Coke have to do with my stop-over in Hongkong?”
“Kasi poh you met with Robert Kuok of Shangri-la and Tony Kwok the anti-corruption consultant…(giggles)”
“Huh?”
“You paused for two koks, get it?”
“Aaargh…somebody, anybody, please, just shoot me.”
“Ma’am? Hello…hello?”

Welcome to Barako Jam

2009-07-07T17:27:00.000-07:00

Hey barakos, how ya doin? This is Barako Jam, your daily fix for what's happening around.