Filipino Observer

Joey de Venecia 3 ready to face Blue Ribbon

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 12:38:00 +0000

It's strange that Senator Richard Gordon, chair of the powerful Senate Blue Ribbon committee thinks that former speaker Jose de Venecia and his son, Joey de Venecia III should be included in the graft sheet before the Office of the Ombusman. He thinks the ZTE-NBN deal is more of a father and son caper instead of a mom and pop operation. After hours and hours worth of testimonies and incriminating photos of the First Couple posing with ZTE officials, Gordon thinks there's nothing wrong with all of that and blames Joey and his father for causing this mess themselves.

For his part, Joey is ready for another face-off again, and I hope this time, the accused has the wherewithal to face his main accuser. Gordon has invited the First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and DOTC officials led by Secretary Leandro Mendoza for Tuesday's Blue ribbon committee and that would be one hell of a face-off.

And why would the First Gentleman not be gentleman enough to face Joey? Is he afraid to look Joey straight in his eyes and say that he did not curse nor tried to bully Joey to submission? What kind of alibi will handlers of the First Gentleman concoct this time around? Is St. Luke's ready again for their high-profile client?

Joey says he's ready to even be jailed for a crime that he did not commit. That would be the day, I guess. If someone like Joey, who spilled the beans for the biggest graft case ever in the history of this country, is jailed, then, that's proof enough that justice has now eluded us. And when a country loses justice, it's time for the New Patriots to again go out of their comfort zones and do the right thing----act now, and don't wait for that stupid elections.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Arroyo's SONA color choice

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:17:00 +0000

Mrs. Arroyo wore a fushcia colored dress, described a radio reporter who covered the State of the Nation address (SONA) yesterday. There were instances where Mrs. Arroyo wore shades of red or a simple fiery red dress--when she gave that SONA that condemned rebel soldiers who trooped to a posh hotel just to make a statement.

Now, many people, especially those who criticize her, see this as an expression of her fighting stance. Yes, many would definitely give some "color" into this. Though Mrs. Arroyo's color selection is simply out of touch and definitely NOT the fashion color of this year (yellow is 'IN'), observers believe this highlights her main message---fight for the Filipino People.

Arroyo believes that she's fighting a good fight---improving the economy, giving houses to the poor and enhancing the investor environment. For some though, she failed, and failed miserably.

She's fighting to stay in power, some say. Her speech yesterday was not what we expect her to say--that she'll step down from that perch come June 2010. But, we're not that naive. Her greedy husband and son just told us the truth---she intends to leave Malacanang and we must believe them. Why?

They know the implications of such a thing. If they renege on this, they know that they'll be courting disaster. It's really their fault. Arroyo made a mistake when she announced her political plans on Rizal day in Baguio. And they love giving double-talks. If Arroyo lied, then, let her be. She knows her accountabilities.

This is something which I observed. Instead of relaying the right message, Mrs. Arroyo actually showed her tendency to be really out of touch of reality. That summarizes her entire administration.

For example, she gave us a glowing rundown of economic policies, which, are really excellent. Yet, what she probably failed to say is there is still a growing segment of our population that did not see or even felt this. GDP and GNP are two indicators of economic progress. Yet, for those in the lowest rungs of society, these terms mean nothing.

She talked about the vastly improving ICT sector but what she failed to say is, those who belonged to the 600,000 or so people who got jobs from this sector, all belonged to the educated (at least) segment of the society. Of course, there is some spillover effects, like in the construction business. And indirectly, some segments of the poorest classes benefited by working as masons and construction workers. Yet, as I said, this is still a work in progress.

Now, if we ask then, should we then conclude that she failed in her performance as president? Not entirely. She was able to weather all these storms that came in her way---political and economic instabilities. It takes a strong willed leader to survive all that. And for that, let's give her credit.

It takes a very strong political will to be able to realize the dreams of 1.8 million Filipino families to own their own house and lots. It takes a strong political desire to keep the economy afloat despite the strong surges of the global financial tsunami. Strong leadership is also needed in a patron-client kind of political system, where people's loyalties are based on "what is in store for me?" instead of "what do you offer as a vision so that my performance as a public servant is enhanced?" And surely, it takes more than patience to deal with rapacious business suit-wearing ass-lickers and opportunists who lurk in the shadows inside the palace.

What is important is, Mrs. Arroyo's administration just proved one glaring fact---we need a change in the system. Honestly, our choices to succeed her lack one or two very important leadership qualities. Of course, these people have their own management styles and concepts of governance. But, these are, at best, unproven. They are all abstractions.

In a culture such as ours, weak leadership means one thing---an unstable and weak government, susceptible to attacks against all political forces, be it beneficent or malevolent. In a state of transition, weaker political players wait in the wings for the opportunity to strike. To her credit, Mrs. Arroyo successfully handled the government despite charges of corruption, power monopoly, and interventionist actions by her husband.

Mrs. Arroyo's actions are good studies in state dynamics and public administration. It is a classic case of balancing power.

Enrile and Nonong Cruz: Elite In-fighting

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 07:08:00 +0000

I like Senate president Juan Ponce-Enrile. However, is he just being naive or playing the part of a disinterested political observer when he believes Mrs. Arroyo's words that the elections will definitely push thru solely on the basis of it being the Constitutional imperative? I mean, Mr. Senator, come on!

You of all people know that presidents of decades past violate the Constitution they were sworn to protect just to perpetuate themselves in power.

Former strongman Ferdie Marcos, your bosom friend, did just that---defy the 1935 Constitution when he instituted martial rule. That act was solely for term extension. Are you saying Mr. Enrile that you fully trust somebody who has had consistently lied before the people on highly sensitive issues such as elections?

Nonong Cruz, former Arroyo defense secretary, is not without basis in saying that they'll be no elections in 2010. Cruz, who was very close to Mrs. Arroyo's family, knows her former client well. He knows how Gloria and her greedy husband think. Cruz and all the rest of the people were not born yesterday. The trend really right now is highly similar with what Macoy did in his time.

Gloria and her ilk fear the final day of reckoning. These people have caused so much damage to us that the prospect of losing their only protection--which is power--seemed very frightening.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Open Letter of Tito Guingona To Gloria Arroyo

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:38:00 +0000

This is the open letter of former Vice President Tito Guingona Jr. before the Philippine media today at Club Filipino, Greenhills, San Juan Metro Manila.

JULY 23, 2009

OPEN LETTER
I ASK – THE PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW !

PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL ARROYO
MALACANANG, MANILA

MRS. PRESIDENT,

ON MONDAY, JULY 27 YOU DELIVER YOUR STATE OF THE NATION MESSAGE TO THE FILIPINO PEOPLE.

BEFORE YOU MAKE YOUR VALEDICTORY TO SAY GOOD-BYE TO THE NATION – PERMIT ME TO ASK SOME VITAL QUESTIONS RELATIVE TO THE PERIOD OF GOVERNANCE SINCE YOU ASSUMED THE PRESIDENCY OF THE LAND.

1.) WE ALREADY HAVE A DEFICIT OF 154 BILLION PESOS FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR….

HOW DO YOU INTEND TO COVER THIS? WILL YOU BORROW OR IMPOSE NEW TAXES?

2.) THERE ARE OFWS WHO URGENTLY NEED TO BE REPATRIATED FROM THE MIDDLE EAST.

THERE EXISTS 2.7 BILLION PESOS WHICH THE PCGG HAS REPORTEDLY TURNED OVER TO THE PRESIDENT’S SOCIAL FUND COMING FROM THE MERALCO DIVIDENDS.

THE REPATRIATION WILL ONLY COST THREE MILLION PESOS.

WHY CAN YOU NOT BRING THEM HOME?

YOU CLAIM TO BE CREATING JOBS HERE, AND YET YOU ARE MARKETING OUR PEOPLE TO WORK OVERSEAS.

ISN’T THIS A POLICY IN CONTRADICTION?

AND EVERYDAY…YOU ARE SENDING THREE THOUSAND OF OUR CITIZENS ABROAD TO TOIL THERE, JUST TO FEED THEIR FAMILIES.

SEVERAL DAYS AGO, TEN FILIPINOS DIED IN A HELICOPTER CRASH IN AFGHANISTAN…

DOES NOT THAT TRAGEDY SHOW THE IRONY THAT SOME FILIPINOS, IN DESPERATION, HAVE TO GO TO A WAR-TORN COUNTRY LIKE AFGHANISTAN BECAUSE THEY CANNOT FIND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT IN OUR OWN LAND?

3.) IN THE NATIONAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2009 THERE EXISTS AN ALLOCATION OF 1.2 BILLION PESOS FOR TWO PRESIDENTIAL HELICOPTERS…

YET LAST YEAR, YOU REFUSED TO RELEASE 400 MILLION PESOS FOR AN ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS PROGRAM; A KILLER DISEASE THAT IS RETURNING WITH A VENGEANCE AND IS EXTREMELY DRUG-RESISTANT.

IS THIS AN EQUITABLE WAY TO DISBURSE PUBLIC FUNDS?

4.) IN 2006, YOU ALLOWED PNOC TO ENTER INTO A JOINT VENTURE TO CONDUCT SEISMIC STUDIES WITHIN THE 200-MILE EXCLUSIVE MARITIME ECONOMIC ZONE.

MAY WE KNOW THE RESULTS OF THAT VITAL BUT SECRETIVE AGREEMENT?

IN THE MEANTIME, NOTHING SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN DONE WITHIN THAT ZONE TO BENEFIT THE NATION.

YET THE PEOPLE’S NEED FOR FISH AND OTHER AQUATIC RESOURCES REMAINS UNFULFILLED.

SHOULD GOVERNMENT NOT THEREFORE GALVANIZE CAPITAL AND TECHNOLOGY TO HELP DOMESTIC FIRMS AND FILIPINO FISHERMEN TO DEVELOP MARINE RESOURCES WITHIN THAT VITAL ZONE FOR THE GOOD OF GENERATIONS TO COME?

5.) IN 2007, YOU PROMISED ONE MILLION JOBS EVERY YEAR…

AND YET, OUR UNEMPLOYED SOARED TO 2.9 MILLION IN APRIL 2008, AND THE UNDER-EMPLOYED TO 6.6 MILLION.

WHERE ARE THE JOBS PROMISED?

WHY ARE THE UNEMPLOYED AND THE UNDER-EMPLOYED INCREASING IN NUMBERS?

6.) IN YOUR SONA OF 2006, YOU SAID “HINDI AKO HIHINTO HANGGANG MAGTAGUMPAY ANG ATING LABAN SA KAHIRAPAN…”

YET YOUR RHETORIC SEEMS CONTRARY TO REALITY BECAUSE THE HUNGRY HAVE INCREASED FROM 24 MILLION TO 28 MILLION.

WHY ARE OUR PEOPLE GOING HUNGRY?

WHY IS GOVERNMENT NOT ABLE TO FEED OUR PEOPLE AND BE SELF-SUFFICIENT IN RICE?

NASAAN ANG PAGKAIN SA BAWAT LAMESA?

YOU SAY THAT OUR ECONOMY HAS BEEN GROWING…

AND YET OVER THE PAST 29 QUARTERS….IT IS POVERTY THAT IS GROWING.

WE NOW HAVE AT LEAST 28 MILLION POOR PEOPLE WITH ABOUT TWO MILLION OF THEM WHO CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY THE MINIMUM AMOUNT OF FOOD NEEDED FOR SURVIVAL.

NASAAN ANG PAGKAIN SA BAWAT LAMESA?

WHERE IS THE ECONOMIC GROWTH YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT?

SINO ANG NAKARARAMDAM?

TITO GUINGONA, JR.

Norberto Gonzales' dreams--Oplan August Moon

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:25:00 +0000

A bishop yesterday exposed the alleged meeting between National Security adviser Norberto Gonzales and Bishop Tobias. Tobias, a member of the Kilusang Makabayang Ekonomiya (KME) met BertGon, along with a brother of AFP Chief of Staff General Victor Ibrado (PMA Class 1976) and Fr. Archie Intengan, said to be Mrs. Arroyo's "ideologue".

Anyway the meeting was about suggestions to install a "revolutionary transition council" shortly after the SONA. The plan, says the bishop, involves establishing a "transitory government" composed of Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, Speaker Prospero Nograles Jr., and Chief Justice Reynato Puno.

Bertgon reportedly asked for the support of the bishops. He said that the plan involves a forceful seizure of power yet he did not describe how. Anyway, what is so contemptious about it is the involvement of the main problem of the country and that is, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

As "commander-in-chief", Bertgon said that Mrs. Arroyo would still be involved in this council. Meaning, this council is just a subterfuge to extend Mrs. Arroyo's illegitimate rule. That prospect really turned the bishops off. What on earth is BertGon thinking? The problem is actually Mrs. Arroyo and he wants her to still be in that council?

The idea of a transition government would only fly if Mrs. Arroyo is out of it. If such a plan exists, it would enjoy the support of the people. They should sacrifice Mrs. Arroyo. Mrs. Arroyo should be ousted from power.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

RP Militants part of Jakarta attacks? RP on Heightened Alert

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 03:52:00 +0000

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudyohono condemned the twin bombings yesterday and vowed to step up police efforts in arresting the terrorist masterminds behind the attacks. Nine people were killed while at least 50 people injured. Most of the casualties died when bombs exploded inside the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott hotels. Some of those who died were Westerners.

No one has claimed responsibility for the bombings yet intelligence agencies think the regional terror group Jemaah Islamiya was the one responsible for the terror attack.

What puzzled security observers is the sophistication of the attack. Since the 2005 bombing attack at the JW Marriott hotel, elaborate security measures have been undertaken to prevent a similar bombing incident. Indonesian police has been successful in neutralizing members of the JI, yet, some observers believe that these bombing attacks could have been staged by so-called "sleeper cells" of the terror network.

These twin bombing attacks shattered the four year lull on terror attacks in the moderate Muslim country. Most of those who masterminded the Bali and JW Marriott hotel terror attacks years ago have been neutralized. Only two JI leaders, namely Dulmatin and Omar Patek, are still at large. These JI operatives are believed to be hiding somewhere in Mindanao or Malaysia.

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed the entire country, particularly Metro Manila under a heightened state of readiness. PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Leonardo Espina said the PNP leadership decided on this course of action to deter possible "copycats" among the country's local insurgent groups. The PNP is wary that these groups might try to do bombing raids themselves in Metro Manila following the Jakarta twin blasts. Checkpoints are to be setup within Metro Manila and Mindanao. Intelligence agencies are also on 24-hour alert and investigating the possible complicity of Abu Sayyaf or JI elements in Mindanao in the Indonesian attacks.

Maria Resa, the Philippines top anti-terror expert says that JI and local Muslim insurgents in Southern Mindanao have a history of cooperative endeavours. JI reportedly provides war materiel and training to ASG elements in war-torn Mindanao.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

12 Days Before the SONA

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 15:49:00 +0000

It's just 12 days before the SONA, and instead of finding huge rallies out there in the streets, there seems to be none or a few. Good. That's a good sign.

It just means that people are giving this government the benefit of the doubt. But, what if all of the rumours all these past few weeks come into play a few days before the SONA and we're caught flat-footed? Those who lived in the seventies know this. They were caught unaware. They were all deceived by Marcos into thinking that he just intended to do some whacking of "rebels" and "terrorists" and talks about martial rule were just that, talks. Literally, all those who oppose Macoy were caught with their pants down. They thought Macoy was just hunting hippies; they did'nt consider that the strongman considered them as hippies.

These days, the public sphere is being peppered with good news, some scandals and some issues, mostly instigated by political candidates. Slowly, news about people protesting against charter change and HR 1109 are beginning to occupy the inside pages. Even the rallies themselves are starting to lose their spunk and their shouts are slowly, slowly, becoming thin and possibly, in the next few days, will be silenced.

And I would not be surprised if June 2 repeats itself on July 27. Credit that to a slowly disintegrating mass movement who seems concerned with the impending elections instead of bonding together and giving Arroyo her just deserts. A lull before the storm? Possibly since this is actually the right strategy to employ against this dying regime. Is that what I think it is? Sirens calling on Mrs. Arroyo?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Joseph Estrada to run as president again

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:48:00 +0000

August is just around the corner and those with presidential ambitions are really getting ready for the big fight. Gilbert Gibo Teodoro just made his intention to be the Filipino version of Obama by starting his campaign online. It's not that Teodoro does not have any campaign funds. It just shows that despite what he's saying, he's really still keeping his options open. What if rumours are true that some of the Arroyo sons and even the presidential husband are not entirely warm to the idea of him being annointed as Gloria's heir. That would surely ruin his day.

Vice president Noli de Castro's "magbayad ng utang" radio ads through the PAG-IBIG are being broadcasted every day and every four hours. Of course, Manny Villar's ads are still there, but surprisingly, Mar's television commercials are now, nowhere to be found. Changing the ads again after that disastrous padyak commercial?

Loren has her ads but not enough to make a dent. Chiz, meanwhile, is suspiciously silent. Why? Probably thinking of innovative packaging strategies?

The loudest I think is still Erap's "Pagtakbo". Last night, TV Patrol World interviewed the former president. Snipnets of his TV ad were shown with a very witty dig on the padyak ad of Mar Roxas. One scene shows Erap running in a race, at nilamangan pa ang isang trisikad driver, an obvious jab of Roxas.

Roxas' handlers have to do something different this time, since it's pretty certain that Erap's advertising and PR campaign would surely clobber them. If they are hedging on the "free publicity" that Mar's wedding with Korina would generate, they're dreaming. Obviously, their political enemies already have plans of blocking whatever free publicity they'll be able to squeeze out of that wedding.

What's sure is the increasing support behind the Erap campaign. Para ngang isang ipinaiinit na race car itong kampanya ni Erap. Kung ako ke Mar, dapat tapatan nila yung commercial na yun ng isang scene na race car driver si Mar. That would work perfectly well with the masses. Otherwise, baka nga talagang maungusan siya ni Erap pag nagkataon sa 2010.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Act Now, not only probe

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Before, the Senate questioned the improprieties of the telecomm companies. Now, the Senate is asking pharmaceutical companies?

That's a good tack, if you think about it. Yet, it seems that the probe of the telecomms is still unfinished. Why jump to another issue?

I just think the Senate is just playing our emotions and toying with our concerns. Drugs and cellphone loads and high oil prices are really the concrete concerns of Filipinos. Yet, the Senate should first probe these oil companies again and force them, as in force them, to open their books. Same with these telecomm companies, particularly SMART and Globe. Imagine, they get at least 500 pesos per person per month and they steal these loads almost everyday! I know, I was once a victim of their nefarious schemes!

I'm not a sick person but medicines are really priced very, very high by these scrupulous drug companies.

I therefore challenge Senators Enrile and Roxas to make good their promises by taking action against these companies. It's not enough that the Senate do these "probes"---better for them to really do the Filipino People a great service by acting now. Craft laws that would help us.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

95 years of God's work in the Philippines

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:10:00 +0000

On July 27, 1914, Austrian ambassador to Britain Count Mensdorff handed a letter to Sir Edward Grey, then, the British Foreign Minister. As expected, the letter was in response to an earlier one sent to Austria's rival country, Serbia, expressing dismay over Serbia's refusal to stand down and cease offensive actions against the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.

Austria has decided to take extreme action against Serbia. That letter was an ultimatum for Serbia and since Britain was a very important power player in European politics back then, Austria wanted them to convey their displeasure against Serbia.Britain gave Serbia the letter, and wanted to mediate between the two countries. Serbia, however, refused.

While the Serbs and the Austrians prepare for war, another kind of war was raging in an archipelago, a few hundred thousand kilometers away from the European continent. On that very same day, fourteen Filipinos were baptized under Christ's name in the Pasig River.

A few days before July 27, a young preacher decided that it was time for him to preach the true message of God. With nothing in his pocket and only the bible with him, 27-year old Felix Y. Manalo convinced his young wife to pack their things and head off to Punta, a small barangay in Santa Ana Manila. Honorata, the young wife, remembered that her husband deliberately told her not to bring any money, even a centavo, because he wanted God to perform a miracle in their life. They left their house in Pasay.

When they reached the old Franciscan church of Santa Ana, they have to cross the Pasig river to reach Punta, which is on the other side. A boatman ferried them across. When they reached the terminal, the young preacher promised to pay the two centavo fare later.

The couple went to the Atlantic Gulf and Pacific Company where their friends, Apolinario Ramos and his wife, Engracia stayed. Ramos worked as an employee in the construction firm and the company provided them with a small room inside the AG&P compound. When they met, the young preacher sent someone to pay for the boat fare.

That night, Felix started to preach before a small throng of people who gathered in the house of his friends.As Felix continued to hold nightly bible meetings, more and more people began to flock in his friend's house. Word had spread how this young man, all of 27 years of age, could preach about God's message with so much passion, conviction and authority.

No one was like him. The young preacher always spice his preachings with quotes directly lifted from the Bible. He was preaching about the Oneness of God and the promise of salvation thru God's true church, the Iglesia ni Kristo. Before he started these nightly bible studies, Felix was quite known already as a very eloquent preacher of God's message. Everyone calls him as "Ka Vernakulo" because he was the only one who always refer to the bible to answer questions about Christ and the real message of God.

After a few days of teaching the bible before his enthused audience, some of them decided to give their lives to the faith. They decided to accept the True Message of God through baptism.

On July 27, a portion of the Pasig river fronting a construction firm was closed off for that occasion. A makeshift enclosure composed only of some bamboo poles and a white cloth was constructed. Inside what they called the baptistery stood a young preacher.The young preacher called the believers by name, one by one. Before him in that bright morning, in waist deep waters, the preacher urged each of them to raise their hands, state their allegiance to God, Christ and the Bible and reaffirm their loyalty to their new faith. He then immersed them one by one in the clear river water, “ in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.”

Those first believers became the nucleus of what is now popularly known as the Iglesia Ni Kristo, the first Filipino religious organization with a global presence. Who is Felix Y. Manalo? Why are countless and millions of people believe in his teachings?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

INC celebrates 95th founding anniversary

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:34:00 +0000

Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) will be celebrating its 95th year founding anniversary this coming July 27. Thousands of INC members are expected to converge infront of the INC church along Congressional avenue in Quezon City. Organizers expect no less than a million INC religious members to attend the anniversary celebrations.

INC is one of the biggest religious denominations in the Philippines. Founded by Felix Manalo, the INC is one of the most influential groups in Filipino society. It struggled during its early years but continues to grow by leaps and bounds due to the grace and mercy of God.

It is the only Philippine-based religious group who believes in the oneness of God and has numerous churches throughout the modern world.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

What Gloria thinks

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:23:00 +0000

What's really on the mind of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo? Will she declare martial law? Or will she just allow things to flow naturally and step down from her lofty perch come June 30, 2010.

Maybe she's just 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.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Metro Bombings as subterfuge against Anti-Chacha

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 01:08:00 +0000

"Nakakabilib naman ang AFP," says my friend, Mang Tonyo. " Imagine, in today's Inquirer headline, they predicted that the next target for the bombings would be Metro Manila. How ingenious. It's either they're manghuhulas or they're friends of the terrorists."

NCRCommand Chief Fojas and NCRPO Chief Rosales are one in placing the entire Metro Manila under full alert, as a "precautionary measure" against possible spillover bomb attacks. They even pinpointed the Congress and military camps as the next targets. Quite admirable, since, they already knew that terrorists walk the metropolis but they, as yet, found it quite difficult to arrest them. What's the purpose of the anti-terror or Human Security Act?

Ah, I know. The act will be used against anti charter change rallyists. PNP Chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said that one or two days prior to the SONA, they will be conducting their own "sonas" or special clearing operations in areas near Congress and places where you'll traditionally find rallyists coming from.

So, these bombings are really being used afterall as a ruse to justify a crackdown on anti charter change rallyists, not on those so-called terrorists roaming the Metro. For the Arroyo regime, the real terrorists are anti-charter change Filipinos who want nothing more than to prevent Congress from convening itself into a Constituent Assembly.

Ah, so then, this regime is using every trick in the martial law rulebook (as described by Makati mayor Jejomar Binay) just so that they can ram charter change down our throats. Ingenious. They're preparing really for a showdown.

Are they also prepared to fight thousands of INCs who'll populate the entire Congressional avenue against cha-cha? Are they willing to fight God's people?

Is Gloria really ready to face thousands upon thousands of people who'll march against her despotic regime should she continue her evil plan?

This administration is determined to use every trick possible, legal or unconstitutional, just so that charter change pushes thru. They'll be using the military, once described by Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro as a professional institution, into a personal fighting machine of this regime. They'll use their power to force the people to accept something which they already expressed their opposition.

Patay kung patay, as what Jose de Venecia Jr. described the demeanor and thinking of palace hawks in 2007. Arroyo's minions are determined to fight it out once the people move against the regime. They're just afraid, says JDV, because their time of reckoning is fast approaching and they fear for the worst. So, predicted JDV and Binay, they'll use state power to further repress and oppress the people.

Now that we know that these instabilities and peace and order problems are just part of the overall scheme to justify the use of state power, the question is--what are we going to do about it? Will we just sit on idly by and watch as these things unfold?

YES.

Let them do their thing. Let them plunge this country into total chaos. Let them plunder still our coffers. Let them intensify the oppression, the hunger, the repressive things and just push the envelope a little bit further.

I urge the Patriots--let them do their thing. In fact, come the SONA, let no one come near Congress or Malacanang to protest the convening of Congress into a Constituent Assembly.

WHY?

God is not blind. God is a God of Justice. Let them further humiliate themselves before the eyes of the world. And let them alone, bear the consequences of their illegal actions.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Metro Manila placed on Full Alert

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:25:00 +0000

Metro Manila is now placed on full alert. The AFP, through National Capital Regional Command Major. General Jogy Leo Fojas (PMA Class 1976) said that the leadership has decided to change the alert status from white to full alert as a "precautionary" measure. They have received reports supposedly pointing to terrorist elements now in the Metro.

For those who don't know, Maj. Gen. Fojas was appointed only last February as the head of the anti-coup military force. He serves as president of the military tribunal who conducts the hearing of the coup charges against the Magdalo mutineers.

Earlier, the rest of Luzon and the Visayas were also placed under alert.

What does full alert mean? It means that all soldiers are to be constricted to their barracks. No one would be allowed to go on leave.

Question---is the presence of supposed terrorists the real reason for the full alert status? Or the government is anticipating military movements?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

PNP garrisoning Metro Manila

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:07:00 +0000

NCRPO Chief Director Roberto Rosales says he expects the installation of all CCTV cameras in all parts of Metro Manila. Rosales says that the project will strengthen the crime fighting capability of the national police.

Question---what about beefing up the police force to shorten the response time? These cameras are useless without complementing it with more response teams and cars and helicopters. CCTV cameras are only useful if there's a quick response team ready anytime to respond to threats against peace and order.

These cameras are just useful for those who are interested in scandals.

Metro Manila is turning to be a garrison state, both figuratively and realistically.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

CPP-NPA-NDF not behind bombings

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 04:54:00 +0000

National security adviser Norberto Gonzales says the series of bomb attacks in Mindanao and the twin bombings in Metro Manila are unrelated. Gonzales says the group responsible for the Metro Manila bombings differ from the group responsible for the Mindanao attacks. The security adviser says the ones in Metro Manila are "politically-related" while those in Mindanao are probably connected with the peace talks. One is meant to punctuate a political point while the other was a terrorist attack.

Gonzales and Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro discounted the involvement of opposition groups and the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA-NDF). So, if the Metro Manila bombings were the handiwork of "destabilizers", what about those in Mindanao? Gonzales refused to say who except that he hinted that it could affect on-going peace talks between the government and the MILF. Meaning, probably some elements within the MILF were involved?

Gonzales statement contracted or refuted his earlier ones blaming the political opposition for the series of bombing attacks and bomb threats in the Metropolis. However, note that this jibed with the statement of former Speaker Jose de Venecia, who opined that those bombs which blew off Metro Manila were the handiwork of nonterrorists or amateurs.

Study Gonzales' statements very closely. He says that the Mindanao bombings were meant to sow terror. For what? To undermine the peace talks? It seems like it since these acts were done haphazardly, says some military reports.

He also hinted that two groups were behind the Metro Manila blasts, corroborating what AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said last week.

By the way, PNP NCRPO chief Director Roberto Rosales says that they are speeding the complete installation of surveillance videos in all parts of Metro Manila. Why are they speeding this up? In preparation for martial rule?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Hello Cerge Remonde Scandal

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:42:00 +0000

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?”

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Analysis: Groups responsible for Mindanao bombings

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 02:31:00 +0000

Mrs. Arroyo is leaving for Egypt, not to see those pyramids, but for an official visit. Malacanang is expected to convene the National Security Council to assess the peace and order situation. It's evident, Malacanang wants to project a happy face.

Yet, we all feel how government seems to be clueless about all of these things. Or, they're just faking it, like what they did recently on Mrs. Arroyo's alleged boob job?

It's easy to say that these Mindanao bombings are part of efforts made by people out to destabilize peace talks. The MILF and the government just agreed to go back to the negotiating table starting this month.

Easy to piece these things together, if we are to believe what the AFP is saying. Maybe, it's muscle flexing on the part of Bangsamoro rebels. Maybe, it's government instigated since it's quite clear that some people within government hate the prospect of peace in that region. Or, maybe these are all third party sponsored acts meant to impress upon government not to give in to suggestions to enter into agreements similarly worded like the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

We all know the forces that want to block peace efforts in that region. One group falls under the category of big landlords who'll lose their lands under an expanded ARMM territory. Another group, big comprador capitalists, who'll surely lose millions if government agrees on giving self-autonomy to the Bangsamoro. Lastly, arms contractors who'll definitely lose millions if war stops there.

We should also not discount the possibility that MILF rebels who oppose peace talks are doing these things. It is clear that the MILF is not really united behind the leadership of MILF Chair Al Haj Murad. And these bombings were meant to express that opposition?

There are also third party interests involved here. We have officials inside the military now jockeying for posts ahead of the polls. Mindanao is a hot spot and the historic place where cheating happens. Mindanao posts are juicy ones. And of course, we have some elements within government who wants to justify a revolutionary government.

Lastly, the possibility of foreign intervention is also high, given that Mindanao is not just a training ground but a hotbed of regional terror groups. Possibly these bombings are meant as "test missions" to prepare jihadists for bigger missions abroad?

All these are just speculations. Clearly, government should mobilize its task forces and investigate. The faster they do so, the better. People want answers.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Defense Secretary Teodoro denies plan for Martial Law

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:39:00 +0000

Defense secretary Gilbert "Gibo" Teodoro says that government does not plan to declare martial law for one obvious reason---it is legally unjustified.

First, he says that there's no insurrection or rebellion. And second, public safety, at this point, is simply not compromised, as yet. He also indicated that Malacanang does not plan to even declare a State of Emergency, since, he considers these as counter-productive.

While I'm writing this, a bomb exploded in Jolo, injuring one policeman. This is the 39th time a bomb exploded in Mindanao.

Now, Teodoro said that if these bombing incidents are being perpetuated even by one single member of the government, he'll prosecute them. Teodoro likewise said that he'll disassociate himself with those who want to further confuse and sow terror. For Teodoro, these acts are counter-productive.

The AFP has blamed a certain Baja Usman, an alleged member of the MILF special ops group as the mastermind behind the bombings. The military even connected the regional terror group to the MILF, which the MILF immediately condemned in a statement.

What Teodoro, however, failed to say is what if government, particularly those hawks within Arroyo's inner circle plan a self-coup, similar to previous God Save the Queen plans? Will he stand up and condemn it when it happens? That's obviously the plan of some ideologues within the regime---to launch a coup and institute a "revolutionary government". This is what National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales suggested a few weeks ago. Shortly after Bertgon's statement, bombs subsequently went off in successive fashion in Mindanao and Metro Manila.

Will Teodoro also disassociate himself and condemn this coup if it ever happens?

Important also to note that Teodoro's statement now contradicts the statement made earlier by Executive secretary Eduardo Ermita. Ermita said that Malacanang will not tarry a minute longer in declaring a State of Emergency if violence breaks out in the SONA. Is this indicative that Teodoro no longer enjoys exclusive privilege as a member of Arroyo's inner circle?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Mrs. Arroyo's False Boobs and National Security

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 01:15:00 +0000

Deputy palace spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo castigated the Philippine media for writing about Mrs. Arroyo's alleged boob job. Fajardo said that those articles regarding Mrs. Arroyo's breast reduction surgery at the Asian Hospital were "below the belt" and "personal attacks".

Question--what's so wrong with publishing the true reason why Mrs. Arroyo checked herself in the first place? What's so wrong with mammoplasty? What's so wrong with Mrs. Arroyo undergoing such an operation? None.

Fajardo said that if people, especially journalists do not like the president as a person, then, at least, people should respect the office she holds. Why, Mrs. Fajardo, who are the people who actually do not respect the Office of the President?

Who issued that patent lie that Mrs. Arroyo underwent quarantine procedures instead of a biopsy? Was it not the palace? How then will people respect the very Office that Mrs. Arroyo holds when they're peddling lies?

Is a boob job a matter of national security? Is the operation on Mrs. Arroyo's groin to detect the cause of the lump a matter of extreme national security?

In fact, this morning, Press secretary Cerge Remonde admitted yet again that Mrs. Arroyo underwent a "biopsy" to replace a "leaking silicone breast implant." and another biopsy in her groin. So, there, Mrs. Fajardo. So what if Mrs. Arroyo got those operations?

Respect is earned. How can people respect the president if people like you Mrs. Fajardo are peddling lies and hiding the truth?

Transparency is the real issue here. Ano ba naman? Ilang buwan na lang kayo dyan sa palasyo, nagsisinungaling pa rin kayo.

And so what if Mrs. Arroyo had a mammoplasty in 1980 to enhance her looks? She's entitled to it, like every other woman.

Reporting about Mrs. Arroyo's health is not personal--it's strictly professional. It's the job of Filipino journalists to report the Truth. If the Truth hurts, so what?

That's the reason why the people distrust the Office of the President. Now, would we now believe that Mrs. Arroyo really intends to push thru with the elections or that she really intend to step down come June 30, 2010?

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Laying the Groundwork for Hello Garci 2

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 22:34:00 +0000

Is the Arroyo administration scared of its own lies? Is the regime believing the very lies it peddled before the public? Or, the show of force last Saturday was meant to actually assuage the fears of the occupants of the palace that it already lost the initiative?

That "show of force" by the Philippine military inside Camp Aguinaldo was meant to prepare for any eventuality ahead of the last SONA of Mrs. Arroyo, says AFP Spokesman Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. Troops, tanks and armored personnel carriers were paraded on the grounds, a sure sign, says Brawner, that the AFP is solidly behind the Constitution and is ready to be an "augmentation force" should violence breaks out at the SONA.

Yet, for all the denials regarding Oplan August Moon and telling all that such talks are infantile imagination of some to cast a cloud of destabilization ahead of the SONA, Malacanang made a faux pas by blaming "destabilizers" for the blast that killed 5 people in Cotabato City. Deputy palace spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo pointed to "destabilizers" as the ones behind the blast, which contradicted the military version that the blast was the handiwork of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Fajardo's statement only shows that Malacanang is anticipating something within the military. Was there prior or advance intelligence of such a bombing? If there was, who was behind it? Or, was Fajardo's statement a false front, meaning, it was meant to deceive and part of the overall script of the administration?

What is clear though is that Fajardo's statement confirms a destabilized situation and where is the destabilization coming from? It comes from on-going power struggle among the big guns in the AFP and the PNP.

For the Opposition, the "show of force" was meant to scare them ahead of the expected big rallies against charter change. Opposition spokesman Jejomar Binay says that the administration wants to send a message to them that they're ready to use the military to repulse the expected big rallies ahead of the State of the Nation address (SONA) by Mrs. Arroyo.

Since June 2, when the Lower House passed House Resolution 1109, there has been consistent organizing work done by members of civil society and even traditional political parties. The organizing work has so far generated enough buzz in the internet and considerable attention in mainstream media. It also spurred big companies and media firms to intensify unification efforts meant to show the present administration the people's desire to push thru with the elections.

There is now, a convergence of forces, similar to the ones seen at EDSA 1. Today's convergence, however, is more extensive and far-reaching. With the use of the internet as a "recruiting" platform, more people are now engaged. Noli Benavent and Susan "Toots" Ople's efforts on Facebook through the "Stop Con-Ass" campaign has so far generated 90,000 plus people, a tad closer to their target of 100,000 on or before July 27.

It is clear that the administration knows that (1) dissent in all fronts is rising (2) it has now lost the initiative to derail the elections after Washington clearly stated its intention to intervene should the Arroyo administration fail to supervise it; and (3) it clearly lost the fight for cha-cha since again, Washington through US Ambassador Kristie Kenney has made it doubly clear that it believes in term limits. These signals are meant to dilute the power of the Arroyo regime.

With a verbal commitment to ensure the holding of the polls, the next thing that Arroyo wants to ensure is control over the elections. How to do just that? Simple---by appointing their close military and police associates in sensitive areas particularly in the provinces. They want to lay the groundwork for a repeat of Hello Garci. That's why it is most critical for the regime for its generals to assume sensitive posts ahead of the elections since this will assure them of control over the elections.

This is actually fuelling the power struggle inside the military. These officials are now jockeying for positions simply because everyone knows how "lucrative" those posts are especially come election time.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Cotabato Blasts--part of Oplan August Moon?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 13:29:00 +0000

After just a few days before details of the so-called Oplan August Moon were released, a series of bomb blasts and threats hit Metro Manila. Unknown to many, explosions also rocked Mindanao, the latest was this morning's blast that killed five people and wounded 35 others in Cotabato. This incident was actually the fifth bombing incident to hit the troubled region.

AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. was quick to implicate the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the incident. Malacanang also issued a statement, condemning the incident as part of moves to destabilize the government. But, the question that everybody's asking is---is this a part of something terribly big to precede the State of the Nation Address of the President on July 27?

The Opposition thinks it is. And there's a pattern to be discerned from all these. For example, only military operatives have access to bomb components, like C-4. With this big blast, surely, authorities can trace the "signature" of the bomb and point it to someone. In the past, whenever there's a destabilization perpetuated by some group or someone from Malacanang, Mindanao was the chosen place since the region is really very hard to secure. People are anxious and afraid that this recent blast may be part of this self-coup termed Oplan August Moon.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.5eqt8kxaw9

Cotabato Blast Kills 5, wounds 35 others

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:20:00 +0000

Cotabato Archbishop Oscar Quevedo was just about to read this week's homily when a bomb exploded in an eatery near the Cotabato Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral. The blast tore a roadside eatery apart, killing five and wounding 35 others. The blast occured at 8:40 this morning.

The AFP immediately blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the blast. For its part, the MILF denied any wrongdoing and also condemned the dastardly act. A man carrying a backpack was arrested. Malacanang, meanwhile, ordered the military and the police to arrest the suspects behind the blast. Deputy spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo blamed "destabilizers" for the incident and vowed that they will not go unpunished.

News quickly spread across the Philippines, as most of those injured were reportedly students of a nearby school. They were at the cathedral when the bomb exploded.

Malacanang should immediately calm the public as this news came a few days after a series of bombings and bomb threats hit Metro Manila. Rumours of a self-coup code named Oplan August Moon has been circulating and with this blast, not many people would probably think that this incident is just part of the on-going self-destabilization effort by the government.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

AFP--afraid of Cha-Cha Protests?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 10:44:00 +0000

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) said that they're preparing for unrests and destabilization threats as the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo nears.

July 27 is the scheduled date of Mrs. Arroyo's ninth and final report to the Congress. She's expected to tell the Filipino People on her accomplishments in the area of infrastructure projects. She already received the first draft of her speech and insiders say, she's actively editing the material.

Many Filipino pundits say that this maybe the last speech to be delivered by Mrs. Arroyo, since her term would expire on June 30, 2010. With the automation of the polls in place, many see this as the very last time that Filipinos will ever see of Mrs. Arroyo.

However, many in the opposition believe that Mrs. Arroyo will not really go down that easy. Talks of a self-coup, code named Oplan August Moon and speculations about Mrs. Arroyo's allies convening Congress into a Constituent Assembly to amend the 1987 Constitution have since populated the public sphere. Despite public assurances from Mrs. Arroyo that she will ensure the holding of the 2010 elections, more than 76% of Filipinos still believe that she'll do whatever is necessary to at least prolong her stay in power.

Why are people distrustful of Arroyo? There are legitimate reasons not to believe in Mrs. Arroyo's words. In 2002, Mrs. Arroyo told the Filipino People that she decided not to run in the 2004 elections, only to eat her words when she filed her certificate of candidacy. She also lied when she refused to admit talking with an election commissioner during the counting of the 2004 presidential elections, only to admit later on that she, indeed, called COMELEC Commissioner Garcillano. These, and a whole lot more, indicate that Mrs. Arroyo has the propensity to issue white lies for her benefit.

To allay people's fears of a term extension for Mrs. Arroyo, former Philippine president Fidel V. Ramos urged her to issue a public statement on her political plans. She refused. Days before FVR's statement, Mrs. Arroyo was seen hobnobbing with her kabalens in Betis, Pampanga, an obvious sign that she's planning to run as a Congressman in her district.

Political pundits say, Mrs. Arroyo is surely making some actions to at least prevent her from becoming a lame duck president. Why? Because billions of pesos worth of government projects are still in the pipeline.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.

Interesting Story: Ark of Covenant Unveiled soon?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:46:00 +0000

There's an interesting story being brandied about over at the web. And it is about one of Christendom 's (and even Islam's) most sacred relics.

World Net Daily (http://www.wnd.com/) tells of a press statement reportedly given by the patriarch of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church. WND quoted an Italian news agency which says that Patriarch Abune Pauolos told the news agency that by June 26, that he will show to the world the fabled "Ark of Covenant" which he claims to have been hidden in their church for millennia.

He says that he'll be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta. Pauolos reportedly had an audience with Pope Benedict in Rome when he made the announcement.

The supposed unveiling was expected at 2pm last June 26. It was to have been unveiled at Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. However, the unveiling did not push thru as planned.

Later, however, as reported by the Examiner, Pauolos denied that he intended to unveil the ark saying that he was actually "misquoted" by the Italian press. He did not deny however, that the ark is really inside one of the churches in Northern Ethiopia.

The ark of the covenant, the most sacred piece of biblical artifact, has been rumoured to be in a secret hiding place guarded by Ethiopian priests at the St. Mary's of Zion's Church in Axum. The entire laity there has already built a whole new set of worship rites centered on the ark. There are about 50,000 replicas of the ark in Ethiopia.

*News and commentaries are verified by CadreManila before posting.