Pinoy Politiking

P-Noy's Official Statement on the IIRC-Hostage Taking Report

2010-10-11T01:35:00.000-07:00

From GMA News TV:
STATEMENT
of
His Excellency BENIGNO S. AQUINO III
President of the Philippines
On the recommended actions to be taken after reviewing the report of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee on the August 23rd Quirino Grandstand hostage-taking incident
[October 11, 2010]

The Executive Secretary (ES) and the Chief Presidential Legal Council (CPLC) have completed their review of the recommendations of the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC).

The review was undertaken within three basic parameters:

First, the facts enumerated in the IIRC report; second, the possible criminal, and administrative sanctions that could be imposed under the law; third, whether the cases to be filed will prosper.

The Review also defines concepts such as reckless imprudence, simple imprudence, criminal negligence, neglect of duty, simple neglect of duty, gross incompetence, mistake in judgment, that are offenses under the law and punishable, if proven.

This having been done, I am ordering that the following actions be taken:

Refer to the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) the filing of appropriate charges against P/Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay for gross incompetence and serious neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against Police Director Leocadio Santiago Jr. for less grave neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against P/Supt. Orlando Yebra for neglect of duty (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
Refer to the NAPOLCOM the filing of appropriate charges against Police Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III for gross incompetence (under Sec. 2, Rule 21 of the PNP Uniform Rules);
The initiation of administrative proceedings against Manila Mayor Alfreo Lim for misconduct in office and simple neglect (under Sec. 60 of the Local Government Code). His case will be referred to the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) for appropriate proceedings;
The initiation of administrative proceedings and investigation of Deputy Ombudsman Emilio Gonzales III by the Office of the President for neglect of duty and/or inefficiency in the performance of official duty (under Rule XIV, Sec. 22 of the Omnibus Rules Implementing Book V of E.O. 292 and other pertinent civil service laws, rules and regulations) and gross misconduct (under Sec. 3 of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act);
Refer the IIRC Report to the House of Representatives for appropriate action in the case of Ombudsman Merceditas Guttierez;
Instruct the Department of Justice to expedite the resolution of the serious disobedience and conspiracy in illegal detention cases currently lodged against SPO2 Gregorio Mendoza and to instruct the Manila Police District to file appropriate complaints for illegal possession of firearms and serious illegal detention as an accomplice of his brother Rolando Mendoza;
In the case of media, we view media as an effective partner in providing checks and balances, and to this end, allies in our goal of good governance. We will continue to champion freedom of the press as guaranteed in our Constitution. However, in this case, freedom was not tempered with appropriate responsibility in the behavior of Michael Rogas and Erwin Tulfo of RMN. Rogas interfered in the negotiations and effectively aided and supported the hostage taker by giving him a platform to air his demands. Tulfo, by his own admission, violated police instructions. Their behavior was irresponsible bordering on the criminal.

We understand that the major networks have taken action to discipline errant reporters and are reviewing and revising guidelines for coverage in emergency situations. These are encouraging signs that media is taking responsibility for its actions.

We expect this kind of unprofessional behavior not to be repeated again, or we could be compelled to ask Congress for appropriate regulations to protect the safety of the public, our security forces and media itself.

I have also admonished Secretary Robredo and Undersecretary Puno for failing to uphold the high standards of performance that I demand from them. I sat them down last night. The outcome was a commitment for more professionalism, starting with their acting as one.

I pledged from the very start that there would be accountability. The purpose of the Review was to find the viable legal actions which can be taken against the concerned parties.

In addition, as you know, we are taking steps to enhance our ability to respond to future crises.

We are redrafting the ten-year old Malacañang crisis manual written in the year 2000 to make it more responsive to not only hostage situations but other crises we may face in the future. We have also established a presidential situation room so that actions by the government in crisis situations can be more coordinated and swift. We’re also in the process of reviewing the capabilities of our security forces to see what may be done with regard to training and procurement of equipment.

I have also instructed that the recommendations of the IIRC and the review by the ES and CPLC be posted on the Official Gazette website, as promised.

An open letter to Noynoy - HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose | The Philippine Star Lifestyle Features Sunday Life

2010-05-26T17:42:00.000-07:00

Interesting letter of National Artist F. Sionil Jose to President-Apparent Noynoy Aquino

An open letter to Noynoy - HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose | The Philippine Star Lifestyle Features Sunday Life

An open letter to Noynoy
HINDSIGHT By F Sionil Jose (The Philippine Star) Updated May 23, 2010 12:00 AM

Illusttration by IGAN D’ BAYAN

Dear Noynoy,
You are now swamped with suggestions and advice, but just the same, I hope you’ll have time to read what this octogenarian has to say.
You were not my choice in the last election but since our people have spoken, we must now support you and pray that you prevail. But first, I must remind you of the stern reality that your drumbeaters ignore: you have no noble legacy from your forbears. It is now your arduous job to create one yourself in the six years that you will be the single most powerful Filipino. Six years is too short a time — the experience in our part of the world is that it takes at least one generation — 25 years — for a sick nation to recover and prosper. But you can begin that happy process of healing.
Bear in mind that the past weighs heavily on all of us because of the many contradictions in it that we have not resolved, whose resolutions would strengthen us as a nation. This past is now your burden, too. Let us start with the fact that your grandfather collaborated with the Japanese. Your father was deeply aware of this, its stigma, its possibilities. He did not leave any legacy because he did not become president. He was a brilliant and courageous politician. He was an enterprising journalist; he had friends in journalism who can attest to his effulgent vision, who did not profit from his friendship, among them Nestor Mata, Gregorio Brillantes — you may consult them. I cannot say I did not profit — he bought many books from my shop and when he was in Marcos’s prison, your mother brought books from my shop to him.
Forgive me for giving you this unsolicited advice. First, beware of hubris; you are surrounded by panderers who will tell you what is nice to hear. You need to be humble always and heed your conscience. When Caesar was paraded in ancient Rome before the cheering multitudes, there was always a man chanting behind him: “Remember, you are mortal.”
I say to you, remember, the poor — some of them in your own hacienda — will be your ultimate judge.
From your comfortable and privileged cocoon, you know so little of our country and people. Seek the help of the best — and the best do not normally want to work in government and neither will they approach you. You have to seek them.
Be the revolutionary your father wanted to be and don’t be scared or wary of the word “revolution.” It need not be always bloody. EDSA I was not. Your father wanted to destroy the most formidable obstacle to our progress — the Oligarchy to which you and your family belong. To succeed, you have to betray your class. If you cannot smash the oligarchy, at least strive to have their wealth develop this country, that they bring back the billions they stashed abroad. You cannot do this in six years, but you can begin.
Prosecute the crooks. It is difficult, thankless and even dangerous to do this. Your mother did not do it — she did not jail Imelda who was the partner in that conjugal dictatorship that plundered this nation. Watch her children — they were much too young to have participated in that looting but they are heirs to the billions which their parents stashed abroad. Now the Marcoses are on the high road to power, gloating, snickering at our credulity and despicable amnesia.
You know the biggest crooks in and out of government, those powerful smugglers, thieves, tax cheats — all you really need is guts to clobber them. Your father had lots of it — I hope he passed on to you most of it.
And most of all, now that you have the muscle to do it, go after your father’s killers. Blood and duty compel you to do so. Cory was only his wife — you are the anointed and only son. Your regime will be measured by how you resolve this most blatant crime that robbed us of a true leader.
And, finally, your mother. We loved her — she united us in ousting an abominable dictator. But she, too, did not leave a shining legacy for her presidency was a disaster. She announced a revolutionary government but did nothing revolutionary. She promised land reform but did not do it. And most grievous of all — she transformed the EDSA I revolution into a restoration of the oligarchy.
She became president only because her husband was murdered and you became president elect only because your mother died. Still, you are your father’s son and may you now — for the good of this country and people — scale the heights he and your mother never reached.
I am 85 and how I despair over how three generations of our leaders failed! Before I go, please let me see this unhappy country begin to be a much better place than the garbage dump our leaders and people have made it. You can be this long awaited messiah but only if you are brave enough and wise enough to redeem your father’s aborted promise.
Hopefully yours,
F. Sionil Jose

Rep. Locsin flings expletives in House hearing on alleged irregularity in May 10 elections - Video - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

2010-05-20T03:15:00.000-07:00

Rep. Locsin flings expletives in House hearing on alleged irregularity in May 10 elections - Video - GMANews.TV - Official Website of GMA News and Public Affairs - Latest Philippine News

Congressman Teddy Boy Locsin lost his cool during the latest congressional hearing on the alleged election fraud last May 10, 2010.

While it's unbecoming of a Congressman, it's understandable why Rep. Locsin got so frustrated with Smartmatic's nonchalant explanation that the wrong dates on the PCOS machine print-outs are irrelevant to the poll results.

Click on the link to see the actual clip.

House to look into alleged poll fraud on Wednesday - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

2010-05-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

House to look into alleged poll fraud on Wednesday - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

On Wednesday, the House of Representatives will hold its own investigation of alleged irregularities that occurred during the county’s first nationwide automated polls last May 10.

The House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reform will hold a hearing on the automated elections a week after polls were held, House Speaker Prospero Nograles said in an interview aired over GMA News’ 24 Oras.

Noynoy has double-digit lead in new SWS election survey - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

2010-04-26T01:44:00.000-07:00

http://noynoy-aquino-tayo.blogspot.com/2009

Noynoy has double-digit lead in new SWS election survey - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

"With the race to Malacañang nearing the homestretch, presidential bet Sen. Benigno Simeon “Noynoy" C. Aquino III has gained a double-digit lead over his colleague and main rival, Sen. Manuel “Manny" B. Villar Jr., in the latest BusinessWorld-Social Weather Stations (SWS) Pre-Election Survey.

The April 16 to 19 nationwide poll, conducted three weeks before the May 10 elections, saw Aquino — the Liberal Party bet — gaining a point to 38 percent compared to a two-point drop to 26 percent for the Nacionalista Party’s Villar."

Battle for the ballots: Party-lists play name game - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

2010-04-26T01:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/secretlondon

Battle for the ballots: Party-lists play name game - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

Villar’s Tondo roots were ‘definitely middle class’ - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

2010-04-26T00:19:00.000-07:00

Villar’s Tondo roots were ‘definitely middle class’ - Eleksyon 2010 - GMANews.TV

Very interesting article.

Why do candidates want to be pro-poor anyway? They should be campaigning all their might towards the working class since we make up more of the population than the poor, plus we pay their wages through taxes.

Earth Day 2010, according to Twitter

2010-04-22T01:38:00.000-07:00

http://www.flickr.com/photos/wwworks/

Happy Earth Day! Just checked on my twitter, after a gazillion years and the hot topic today is Earth Day:

RT: @TechRepublic: Earth Day 2010: save the planet, save the world http://tek.io/cDOlmK

iKlimt "^_^ RT @meerataryam: It's Earth Day! Celebrate & circulate.http://twitpic.com/1hge51

CLIFF714 Just 'Avatar'ed my avatar for Earth Day. Take a moment to enjoy what's left while it's still here. Industry will end it before you know it.

omizzz @dubaimallnews earth day to me, means, today i can be mean to all the other planets :P go out and eat mars, look at venus and grin.. :P.etc.

sweetysweetsufi 10 Ways to Mark Earth Day at Your Company -http://newzfor.me/?1pql

So what have you done today to do your part in saving the planet?

Post pictures of Polticians Mansions here for Transparency!

2010-03-24T00:44:00.000-07:00

Are you tired of politicians saying they are pro-poor and yet live in mansions that may well be featured in the Lifestyle of the Rich and Famous (I know it's so 80s!)? Do you ever wonder how your local politician can afford such lavish lifestyles when he was never a successful businessman nor had pedigree before he was elected/ appointed? Are you sick of these guys posting their names in each and every infrastructure and public works project of your baranggay, poblacion, town or city when we all know it's taxpayers' money spending for such? Then be responsible and make these politicians accountable!

The Philippine Public Transparency Reporting Project (PPTRP) launched their website as reported in Inquirer.net "The PPTRP website—www.transparencyreporting.net, subtitled “Pera Natin ’To (This is our Money)!”—will feature pictures of alleged ill-gotten wealth. Plans are underway to make the Statements of Assets and Liabilities and Net Worth (SALNs) of government officials available online."

The Project is supported by USAID in cooperation with the Rule of Law Initiative.