Secrets and Scandals in the 7107 Islands (Philippines)

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2012-09-29T07:31:00.000-07:00

Dear readers,

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Thanks so much.

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Krissy

Chief Justice Renato Corona Convicted Guilty

2012-08-27T05:19:00.000-07:00

kimberlyjanetan.com

In Inquirer's "Senate votes 20-3 to convict Corona," by Maila Ager May 29, 2012: (read full post here)

Only three voted to acquit Corona and they were Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr.

“The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, having tried Renato Corona, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, upon three Articles of impeachment charged against him by the House of Representatives, by a guilty vote of 20 senators representing at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate, has found him guilty of the charge under Article II of the said articles of impeachment,” said Enrile after he cast his ‘guilty’ vote for Corona.

“Now, therefore…Renato Corona is hereby convicted of the charge against him in Article II of the articles of impeachment, So ordered,” he added.

Enrile, who presides over the trial, then directed the Senate Secretary acting as clerk of court to provide a certified copy of the judgment to the respondent and his counsels, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and to President Benigno Aquino III.

Aside from Enrile, the 19 senators who rendered a ‘guilty’ verdict for Corona were the following:

Senator Edgardo Angara
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
Senator Pia Cayetano
Senator Franklin Drilon
Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
Senator Teofisto Guingona III
Senator Gregorio Honasan II
Senator Panfilo Lacson
Senator Manuel Lapid
Senator Loren Legarda
Senator Sergio Osmeña III
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
Senator Ralph Recto
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
Senate Manuel Villar

According to Inquirer' Biz Buzz "Solomonic decision," by Daxim Lucas, May 28, 2012:
Resuming the campaign

With the impeachment trial of Chief Justice Renato Corona winding down, expect the heat to be turned up again on businessman Roberto Ongpin and some former officials of the Development Bank of the Philippines over the supposed “behest” loan granted by the latter to the former.

According to our sources, the present board of DBP has made a fresh attempt at getting Malacañang to join the soon-to-resume offensive against Ongpin and former DBP officials. Their goal, we’re told, is to get President Aquino to throw his full weight behind their long-running effort to pin down the businessman.

One reason for this, we hear, is that the present bank officials have been hard-pressed to show solid results on the legal front, to date.

How do foreign investors view the verdict?
How will this affect the economy?

Share your thoughts.
Never miss the money rush!
Subscribe to MoneyLifeBlood.

Happy millions,

**********************************

The decision did not mean that he indeed stole riches from the country's coffers.

Did he really forge his statements to hide anomalies? Was he really for GMA after all? Or did the Senate convict an official who may have failed to declare his assets but was not guilty of any bribery or misuse of public funds? Was it really a trial by publicity? Did the Supreme Court ruled subjectively over issues like the Vizconde Massacre and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's TRO? What is really the truth behind the impeachment trial?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Keep asking.

Delfin Lee and Globe Asiatique Alleged Scam

2012-08-27T00:11:00.002-07:00

A repost from my flagship blog MoneyLifeBlood:

My cousin bought two condo units in one of the Globe Asiatique projects in Quezon City.
The last news I heard was RCBC would be taking over the property.
My cousin is an Overseas Filipino Worker working in Dubai as an engineer.
She bought two condo units, one for herself and one for her girlfriend (yeap, she's lesbian).
Today, no one knows if she will be able to live there ever.

article.wn.com

The issue broke out in the open when Delfin Lee allegedly swindled Pag-ibig Fund money. There were ghost borrowers reported, housing loans amounting to Php 7 billion for two property projects in Pampanga. He was charged by the Department of Justice (DOJ) with "syndicated estafa," where bailout is not possible if indicted by court.

Some quick figures:

Php 7.031 billion swindled funds

9,951 accounts

Xevera housing projects in Bacoor and Mabalacat, Pampanga

from March 2008 - August 2010

Last May 2012, warrant of arrest was handed down. Two days ago, Tribune.net.ph reported that Lee might have fled the country. Although the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cancelled Lee's passport.

In my mind, how could I blame OFWs who invested their money in GA?

First off, I recall Globe Asiatique being one of the big sponsors of the highly watched show in ABS-CBN Pinoy Big Brother in 2009. It supported other shows as well, like the iconic Wowowee, Pinoy Dream Academy and Little Big Star.

Second, everyday I pass by GA Tower along Boni and for the long time it's been standing there, with concessionaires at the ground and second floors. Seems like business as usual for select properties under Globe Asiatique.

Third, GA used to be an accredited housing developer of Pag-ibig. For what instance would investors or first time house buyers doubt that it will turn out to be a scam? (Though I heard other people believe that it's not truly a scam - some think it is politically initiated propaganda against Delfin Lee). As to the details, there are things we need to find out that can only be answered by Delfin Lee.

Fourth, even our checklist on how to detect and avoid an investment scam may not be applicable in this case.

As of this writing, about 3 hours ago there's a related Inquirer's post stating that Vice President Jejomar Binay has asked Pag-ibig to inform GA 2 Tower unit owners that the units are now owned by the government. This stemmed from receiving eviction orders saying that their names (unit owners') are not the same names listed in Pag-ibig hence the possible double selling.

So investors, I call for more vigilance. There are things we cannot predict, such as downfall of once a big name in the real estate industry.

I pray that the victims of the Globe Asiatique issue find better homes and better lives today and in the future.

Never miss the money rush!
Subscribe to MoneyLifeBlood.

***************************

Will the buyers and investors still get there money back? Will there be a repurchasing to be done on the side of Pag-ibig? Where is Delfin Lee?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.
Keep asking.

Who Murdered Nida Blanca?

2012-08-26T23:49:00.004-07:00

wagas-talaga.blogspot.com

On November 6, 2001, Nida Blanca was found stabbed to death in the parking lot of Atlanta Center in Greenhills, San Juan.

13 days later, Philip Medel confessed to the murder. He implicated Rod Strunk, Nida Blanca's husband as mastermind. A few days later, he claimed that the police tortured him and recanted his statement. Rod Strunk left for the States to visit his ailing mother and never came back.

The extradition case filed against Rod Strunk was junked by an American judge given the weak evidence by the prosecution.

In April 2010, Philip Medel succumbed to pneumonia in an intriguingly well-ventilated jail.

philstar.com

In July 2007, Rod Strunk fell from a two-storey inn in Tracy, California. Police believed it was suicide.

juicebee.blogspot.com

Still the question remains. Who killed Nida Blanca? Will this be another unsolved case?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.
Keep asking.

Credits to Inquirer.net as source of information above.

Why Did Pepsi Paloma Commit Suicide?

2012-08-26T23:40:00.000-07:00

In GetRealPhilippines.com's Recalling Senator Tito Sotto's Pepsi Paloma Connection, by benign0 last September 5, 2011, Pepsi Paloma's tragic story was recounted.

In 1982, Pepsi Paloma (Delia Smith in real life), the Fil-American sexy actress reportedly approached Juan Ponce Enrile who then referred her to a law firm where Rene Cayetano was a senior partner. She claimed that she was molested by Vic Sotty, Joey de Leon and Richie D' Horsey.

She was only about fifteen years old that time.

Later on, it was said that the three accused issued a public apology.

Who is Pepsi Paloma?

She was one among the soft drink beauties in the 1980's. She starred in "bold" films despite being underage. Her films include the following:

Room 69
Virgin Forest
Matukso Kaya Ang Anghel
Virgin People
Naked Island
Snake Sisters
Krus sa Bawat Punglo
The Victim
Brown Emmanuelle by Celso Ad Castillo

The rape case was allegedly settled out of court.

Why did she commit suicide?
On May 31, 1985, she was found hanging in her apartment. In her diary, there were mentions about her monetary problems, her longing for a mother's love and her issues with her live-in partner. All these were based on a very good blog post (read source and see her movie pictures here):

Video48.blogspot.com

PEPSI PALOMA KILLS SELF BY HANGING
Times Journal

by Elena Rovira and Billy Balbastro

June 1, 1985

Pepsi Paloma, who crashed into the local movie scene by baring her whole body three years ago when she was just 14, killed herself by hanging yesterday afternoon in her apartment in Quezon City. Police surmised that Pepsi, Delia Smith in real life, hanged herself between 1 and 2 p.m. at the second floor of her apartment at 52-D Iriga st., Sta. Mesa Heights. But it was not until 6 pm that her limp body, clad only in a flimsy yellow night gown, was found hanging inside a closet from a three-inch thick and 36-inch long cotton sash. The people who found her were her live-in boyfriend, Jose S. Sanchez, 25, salesman; half-brother Zaldy White, 15; and her two so-called aides- George Ricaborla, 22, and Philipp Clemente, 20.

“She couldn’t have done it because of financial problems,” said Babette Corcuerra, her new manager. “She was earning well and was fully booked for dancing performances.” “She just finished the Pepsi Paloma Show at the Bughaw and 10 other beerhouses,” Corcuerra added. For the one-week stint in the beerhouses, she was supposed to get P10,000, the manager revealed. “She was even booked for a week’s show at the Jailhouse Rock club in Angeles City” Corcuerra said, “and she was to be paid P2,500 a night.” According to Corcuerra, Pepsi has three movie offers: Dormitory Girls for Ron Gallardo Pablo, Savage Girls and May Batas sa Daigdig.

Pfc. Willy Borgonia of the Quezon City police investigation division, however, said a diary he found at Pepsi’s room disproved her manager’s claim. The diary said she was so depressed for not having had any movie offers lately. “Wala akong masyadong pelikula. Maraming gastos,” she wrote in her diary. “Ako lahat ang gumagastos sa bahay, pati pang-tuition ng mga kapatid ko.” She also complained about her mother in Olongapo City: “Hindi ko alam kung itinuturing akong tunay na anak ng nanay ko.”

Pepsi’s last movie was Room 69, which was shown two weeks ago. It was bruited to be the last movie that Rey de la Cruz’ softdrink beauties would make together. It also starred Sarsi Emmanuelle, Myra Manibog, Irma Alegre, Emily Loren and Glenda Araneta. That was a follow-up film to Naked Island which Rey’s softdrink beauties made with Regal last year.

Her brother, Zaldy, in an interview with the Times Journal, said Pepsi took her lunch at about 12 and immediately proceeded to her room and told her two aides not to wake her up. She told them she will only rest and then locked her room. Her live-in boyfriend, Jose, called her up at about 3 pm, but failed to talk to Pepsi. Zaldy knocked on the door to wake her up but got no response. At about 6 pm, the boyfriend arrived. Told that Pepsi was in her room, Jose went upstairs and knocked several times but Pepsi never answered. Jose then banged and destroyed the door and found Pepsi hanging.

News of her death sent fans and other movie personalities trooping to the hospital to take a last look. Among the first to arrive was Sarsi Emmanuelle, her best friend. Sarsi broke into hysterics and collapsed on seeing Pepsi dead. In an interview later, Sarsi said it was Pepsi’s second attempt to commit suicide. Only last week she said, she foiled an attempt of Pepsi to kill herself in her apartment in Quezon City. Sarsi said Pepsi confided to her all her family problems.

Pepsi’s manager Rey dela Cruz, arrived at the morgue at 7:25 pm. Rey also broke into hysterics.

Pepsi Paloma made ripples when she made her first big movie, Brown Emmanuelle, for Celso Ad. Castillo in 1981. She was just 14 then, yet she bared everything in that movie. As Pepsi Paloma, she was just less than a year old in show business. Earlier, she carried the name Scarlet but that screen name didn’t bring any luck so manager Rey dela Cruz thought of this new name and started his own stable of softdrink beauties. But in the movie circles, Pepsi will be remembered as the complainant of a rape case filed in July 1982 against television hosts Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Ritchie D’Horsey. The case rocked show business for four months until it was dismissed on October 16 after the parties sought forgiveness from the actress.

From then on, she was in the vortex of controversy. She chose to leave manager Rey dela Cruz to live with boyfriend Roy Rustan in the boy’s Makati residence. Less than a year after the celebrated rape case, she found herself the defendant in an obscenity case filed against her in Bulacan. That time, the PC Criminal Investigation Service (CIS) people raided the Paulette theater in Baliuag and arrested Pepsi along with two other dancers for alleged indecent show.

Her liason with Rustan and Laila Dee, who acted as her manager, was short-lived. People in the know professed that she had an abortion at this time. She returned to Rey dela Cruz’s fold in 1983. She was underweight, less than 80 lbs., so Rey had her confined in a private clinic. A simple case of drug abuse, insiders claimed.

There were several suicide attempts. Sometime in 1982 when the rape case was in progress, she attempted suicide with a blade but Rey and Gil Guerrero came in time to prevent that.

Pepsi Paloma could have celebrated her 18th birthday next year. “She was looking forward to that event,” Babette Corcuerra, her acting manager at present told the Times Journal. “Pinapangako niya na nga ako to throw a big party for her sa isang hotel dahil debut niya raw ito.”

Pepsi was the eldest of four children of Lydia Duenas Smith, a native of Borac,Northern Samar, and an American letter carrier, Kenneth Smith, who deserted the family when the children were still young. A talent scout, Tita Ester, brought her to Rey dela Cruz in 1980 for possible movie roles. “Ikaw ang kapalit in Rio Locsin sa Akin,” Rey told the young girl. But it was Myrna Castillo who came later than Pepsi who made it big first in the movie scene. Pepsi waited for sometime until Celso Ad. Castillo took her for Brown Emmanuelle and Virgin People.

After the celebrated rape case, a producer tried exploiting the case by making a movie, The Victim, with Pepsi in the title role. Together with Celso’s Virgin People, the movie also made a killing in the box office during the 1983 Manila International Film Festival.

Pepsi had an adopted son, Chuck, who is four months old.

*******************

Why did she end her life? Could it be because of a fall-out in her career and her relational problems with family and boyfriend, and the rape controversy? Was the rape case true? What was the public apology meant for?

This is one the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.
Keep asking.

A big thanks to GetRealPhilippines.com, Video48.blogspot.com and PCIJ.org.

The Wowowee ULTRA Stampede

2012-08-26T23:05:00.006-07:00

Kamay sa baba!

Wowowee was the television show that could match the longest running noontime show in the Philippines, Eat Bulaga! Remember making the wave sign and shout "Wowowee!"

This is the common remark about the show which gave reality to a number of dreams of our fellow countrymen. Hosted by Willie Revillame, a hitmaker of a number of mainstream songs (remember Christmas with Boom Tarat Tarat, A Doo Doo Doo, I Giling Giling, Ikaw na Nga, Sayaw Darling, Kendeng Kendeng) which little kids and grandmas sing alike, Wowowee is home to sexy dancers, young female hosts, funny and unforgettable games such as Pera o Bayong, Willie of Fortune, Hep Hep Hooray to name a few, and a number of hopeful contestants who went home millionaires.

watchpinoytv.info

But one fateful day changed the history of noontime television viewing when 78 people died and 392 people were injured in a stampede last February 4, 2006 at ULTRA. A huge mob rushed in the entrance gate causing those nearer the entrance to be crushed. It was the first anniversary of the defunct noontime show which gathered about 30,000 people.

bayanihantayo.com

In a Wikipedia summary, about 6 am in the morning the organizers began distributing tickets to the crowd, most of them were waiting and camping out for days in the venue. Out of the people's impatience, the crowd became agitated to get ahead of the queue which caused the horrifying stampede.

ABS-CBN temporarily cancelled airing Wowowee and led efforts to recover dead bodies together with Philippine Red Cross and promised to assist victims financially. The 71 Dreams Foundation was created.

After further investigation, the following findings were unraveled:

The show only offered very few tickets relative to the crowd which waited for days.
There was an announcement that triggered and excited the crowd - only the first 300 participants could join the much awaited Pera o Bayong game.
Task Force Ultra reported lack of coordination to the part of the organizers as the local police were not sought for assistance considering the huge crowd expected.

In 2008, the Supreme Court dismissed ABS-CBN's case of junking DOJ's investigation of the said incident. This means the department now has the right to indict those involved except Willie Revillame. Pope Benedict XVI expressed his sadness and offered prayers for the victims.

Guinness Book of World Records considers the event as having the most number of death toll in a game show.

What happened to the victims of the tragedy? How do we avoid such incident to happen again?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.
Keep asking.

Credits to Inquirer.net and Wikipedia.com for the related articles.

The Miracle of Agoo - Judiel Nieva's Claimed Marian Apparition

2012-05-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

On March 6, 1993, about a million people gathered together to witness what said to be a Marian apparition with Judiel Nieva. Judiel claimed to see visions of Mother Mary at Agoo, La Union hence the name of the miracle. Judiel was only 10 years old when these said visions first appeared to him. He was a 16 year old seer at the time of the Miracle of Agoo.

Host turning into actual flesh and blood, sick receiving healing, silhouette of a woman (allegedly the Virgin Mary) above a guava tree, moving and dancing sun, aroma of roses, multitude of colors in the sky and weeping statue of Mother Mary - these are supernatural events which are associated with Judiel Nieva. Government officials, spectators, reports and even a bishop witnessed the events at the Apparition Hill.

http://www.visionsofjesuschrist.com/weeping15.htm

One of the messages (please read here the listing of all the messages) "revealed" to Judiel is:

Our Lady, June 11, 1992

“If the world does not change, I will send the warning. The earth will shake the sun will spin with a big explosion and the moon will appear in the morning and the sun at night. The miraculous phenomenon will be visible all over the earth and all will happen within half an hour. Big storms, floods, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and changing weather conditions are already on their way.”

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2196/3528216162_99bdd44296_z.jpg?zz=1

In Gabe Mercado's multiply site, he mentioned about Judiel, now Angel de la Vega, now a transwoman. She did a movie "Siklo," where she fell in love with a neighbor. The Catholic Church has then condemned the claims as Constat de Non Supernaturalitate (Latin, "clearly evident to be not supernatural"). Reports told about the seer's family spending donations, and Judiel's transsexualism.

gabemercado.multiply.com

I myself thought I was believing the real thing.

I was a very young girl then, under a school run by Marian devotees and nuns, holding on to my faith.

Was I deceived?

Were the apparitions real? If it was a conspiracy, who fabricated the weeping statue, the dancing sun, etc?

What is the true message from God?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Credits to Wikipedia source.

Manila Film Center Tragedy - Myth or Memory?

2012-05-12T02:45:00.002-07:00

Housing the Las Vegas type of performance by the Amazing Philippine Theatre, the Manila Film Center near Cultural Center of the Philippines in Roxas Boulevard is one of said to be haunted places in the Philippines.

In November 17, 1981, an unknown number of construction workers were buried alive in cement when the upper floor collapsed during cement pouring. Some corpse were recovered, while some, according to stories were still there. According to rumors, Imelda Marcos ordered the contractors and laborers to continue finishing the construction to meet the deadline for the Manila International Film Festival.

fil.wikipilipinas.org

The Manila Film Center

If you read Howie Severino's investigation on the above, (read here) you'd be surprised to know that he believes that the tragedy is an urban legend. He recounts that there are no relatives or families claiming rights for the death of workers. Those who survived did not know any of the workers who were assumed to be covered by cement. While media blackout was implemented during that time, he believes that the none is left in the scary film center.

Is there really no one left in the Manila Film Center? Are there really no ghosts or souls seeking justice?
What could have happened on that tragic day? Were victims shunned from speaking the truth?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.

The Scarborough Shoal Standoff

2012-05-12T01:48:00.001-07:00

We cannot leave things hanging forever. We cannot let issues stand in indecision.

I remember when I was in elementary I asked my History teacher what will be the resolution over the disputed territory. My History teached said she didn't know the answer. Only time will tell.

Years passed and the issue resurfaced. Whether it was a blessing in disguise that the Chinese fishermen reminded us of the historic claims that the Philippine government needs to address, only time can truly tell when this will end.

Let us the read the position of the Philippines on its claims over the land:
(source: http://www.gov.ph/2012/04/18/philippine-position-on-bajo-de-masinloc-and-the-waters-within-its-vicinity/)

Department of Foreign Affairs
April 18, 2012

Background on the Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag) incident

Bajo de Masinloc is an integral part of the Philippine territory. It is part of the Municipality of Masinloc, Province of Zambales. It is located 124 nautical miles west of Zambales and is within the 200 nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Philippine Continental Shelf.

A Philippine Navy Surveillance aircraft monitored eight Chinese fishing vessels anchored inside the Bajo de Masinloc (Panatag Shoal) on Sunday, April 8, 2012, in the conduct of its maritime patrols and its enforcement of the Philippine Fisheries Code and marine environment laws. On April 10, 2012, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, in accordance with the established Rules of Engagement, dispatched an inspection team that reported that large amounts of illegally collected corals, giant clams, and live sharks were found in the compartments of these fishing vessels.

The actions of the Chinese fishing vessels are a serious violation of the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction. The poaching of endangered marine resources is in violation of the Fisheries Code and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).

Basis of Philippine sovereignty over Bajo de Masinloc and the waters within its vicinity

Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is not an island. Bajo de Masinloc is also not part of the Spratlys.

Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) is a ring-shaped coral reef, which has several rocks encircling a lagoon. About five of these rocks are above water during high tide. Of these five rocks, some are about 3 meters high above water. The rest of the rocks and reefs are below water during high tide.

Bajo de Masinloc’s (Scarborough Shoal) chain of reefs and rocks is about 124 NM from the nearest coast of Luzon and approximately 472 NM from the nearest coast of China. Bajo de Masinloc is located approximately along latitude 15°08′N and longitude 117°45′E. The rocks of Bajo de Masinloc are situated north of the Spratlys.

Obviously, therefore, the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc is also within the 200-NM EEZ and 200-NM continental shelf (CS) of the Philippines.

A distinction has to be made between the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc and the larger body of water and continental shelf where the said geological features are situated. The rights or nature of rights of the Philippines over the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are different from that which it exercises over the larger body of water and continental shelf.

The Philippines exercises full sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc, and sovereign rights over the waters and continental shelf where the said rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are situated.

The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is distinct from that of its sovereign rights over the larger body of water and continental shelf.

A. The rock features of Bajo de Masinloc: Basis of Philippine sovereignty under Public International Law

The rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are Philippine territories.

The basis of Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc is not premised on the cession by Spain of the Philippine archipelago to the United States under the Treaty of Paris. The matter that the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are not included or within the limits of the Treaty of Paris as alleged by China is therefore immaterial and of no consequence.

Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction over the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc is likewise not premised on proximity or the fact that the rocks are within its 200-NM EEZ or CS under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Although the Philippines necessarily exercise sovereign rights over its EEZ and CS, nonetheless, the reason why the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are Philippine territories is anchored on other principles of public international law.

As decided in a number of cases by international courts or tribunals, most notably the Palmas Island Case, a modality for acquiring territorial ownership over a piece of real estate is effective exercise of jurisdiction. Indeed, in that particular case, sovereignty over the Palmas Island was adjudged in favor of the Netherlands on the basis of “effective exercise of jurisdiction,” although the said island may have been historically discovered by Spain and historically ceded to the U.S. in the Treaty of Paris.

In the case of Bajo de Masinloc, the Philippines has exercised both effective occupation and effective jurisdiction over Bajo de Masinloc since its independence.

The name Bajo de Masinloc (translated as “under Masinloc”) itself identifies the shoal as a particular political subdivision of the Philippine province of Zambales, known as Masinloc.

One of the earliest known and most accurate maps of the area, named Carta Hydrographical y Chorographica De Las Yslas Filipinas by Fr. Pedro Murillo Velarde, SJ, and published in 1734, included Bajo de Masinloc as part of Zambales.

The name Bajo de Masinloc was a name given to the shoal by the Spanish colonizers. In 1792, another map drawn by the Alejandro Malaspina expedition and published in 1808 in Madrid, Spain, also showed Bajo de Masinloc as part of Philippine territory. This map showed the route of the Malaspina expedition to and around the shoal. It was reproduced in the Atlas of the 1939 Philippine Census.

The Mapa General, Islas Filipinas, Observatorio de Manila, published in 1990 by the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey, also included Bajo de Masinloc as part of the Philippines.

Philippine flags have been erected on some of the islets of the shoal, including a flag raised on an 8.3-meter high flagpole in 1965 and another Philippine flag raised by Congressmen Roque Ablan and Jose Yap in 1997. In 1965, the Philippines also built and operated a small lighthouse in one of the islets in the shoal. In 1992, the Philippine Navy rehabilitated the lighthouse and reported it to the International Maritime Organization for publication in the List of Lights (currently, this lighthouse is not operational).

Bajo de Masinloc was also used as an impact range by Philippine and U.S. Naval Forces stationed in Subic Bay in Zambales for defense purposes. The Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources, together with the University of the Philippines, has also been conducting scientific, topographic, and marine studies in the shoal. Filipino fishermen have always considered it as their fishing grounds, owing to their proximity to the coastal towns and areas of Southwest Luzon.

In 2009, when the Philippines passed an amended Archipelagic Baselines Law that is fully consistent with the Law of the Sea, Bajo de Masinloc’s was classified under the “Regime of Islands” consistent with the Law of the Sea.

Section 2. The baseline in the following areas over which the Philippines likewise exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction shall be determined as “Regime of Islands” under the Republic of the Philippines consistent with Article 121 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS):

a) The Kalayaan Island Group as constituted under Presidential Decree No. 1596; and

b) Bajo de Masinloc, also known as Scarborough Shoal.

Comments on Chinese claims

Question:

But what about the historical claim of China over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal)? Does China have a much superior right over Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) on the basis of its so-called historical claim? China is claiming Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) based on historical arguments, claiming it to have been discovered by the Yuan Dynasty? China is also claiming that Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal) has been reflected on various official Chinese Maps and has been named by China in various official documents?

Answer:

Chinese assertion based on historical claims must be substantiated by a clear historic title. It should be noted that under public international law, historical claims are not historical titles. A claim by itself, including historical claim, could not be a basis for acquiring a territory.

Under international law, the modes of acquiring a territory are: discovery, effective occupation, prescription, cession, and accretion. Also, under public international law, for a historical claim to mature into a historical title, a mere showing of long usage is not enough.

Other criteria have to be satisfied such as that the usage must be open, continuous, adverse or, in the concept of an owner, peaceful and acquiesced by other states. Mere silence by other states to one’s claim is not acquiescence under international law. Acquiescence must be affirmative such that other states recognize such claim as a right on the part of the claimant that other states ought to respect as a matter of duty. There is no indication that the international community have acquiesced to China’s so-called historical claim.

In relation to name-giving and maps, name-giving (or names in general), and placing of land features on maps, these are also not bases in determining sovereignty. In international case law relating to questions of sovereignty and ownership of land features, names and maps are not significant factors in the determination of international tribunals’ determination of sovereignty.

Question:

What about China claiming Bajo de Masinloc as traditional fishing waters of Chinese fishermen?

Answer:

Under international law, fishing rights is not a mode of acquiring sovereignty (or even sovereign rights) over an area. Neither could it be construed that the act of fishing by Chinese fishermen is a sovereign act of a state nor can be considered as a display of state authority. Fishing is an economic activity done by private individuals. For occupation to be effective, there has to be clear demonstration of the intention and will of a state to act as sovereign, and there has to be a peaceful and continuous display of state authority, which the Philippines has consistently demonstrated.

Besides, when UNCLOS took effect, it has precisely appropriated various maritime zones to coastal states, thus eliminating so-called historical waters and justly appropriating the resources of the seas to coastal states to which said seas are appurtenant. “Traditional fishing rights” is in fact mentioned only in Article 51 of UNCLOS, which calls for archipelagic states to respect such rights, if such exist, in its archipelagic waters.

It should also be noted that, in this particular case, the activities of these so-called fishermen can be hardly described as fishing. The evidence culled by the Philippine Navy showed clearly that these are poaching activities involving the harvesting of endangered marine species, which is illegal in the Philippines and illegal under international law, specifically the CITES.

B. Waters outside and around Bajo de Masinloc: Basis of Philippine sovereign rights under UNCLOS

As earlier indicated, there is a distinction between the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc and the waters within its vicinity. The question of who owns the rocks is a matter governed by the principles of public international law relating to modalities for acquiring territories. On the other hand, the extent of its adjacent waters is governed by UNCLOS. Likewise, the waters outside of the maritime area of Bajo de Masinloc are also governed by UNCLOS.

As noted, there are only about five rocks in Bajo de Masinloc that are above water during high tide. The rest are below water during high tide. Accordingly, these rocks have only 12 NM maximum territorial waters under Article 121 of UNCLOS. Because the Philippines has sovereignty over the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc, it follows that it has also sovereignty over their 12-NM territorial waters.

Question:

But what about the waters outside of the 12-NM territorial waters of the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc? What is the nature of these waters including the continental shelves? Which state has sovereign rights over them?

Answer:

As noted, Bajo de Masinloc is located approximately at latitude 15°08′N and longitude 117°45′E. It is approximately 124 NM off the nearest coast of the Philippine province of Zambales. Clearly, the rock features of Bajo de Masinloc are within the 200-NM EEZ and CS of the Philippine archipelago.

Therefore, the waters and continental shelves outside of the 12-NM territorial waters of the rocks of Bajo de Masinloc appropriately belong to the 200-NM EEZ and CS of the Philippine archipelago. As such, the Philippines exercises exclusive sovereign rights to explore and exploit the resources within the said areas to the exclusion of other countries under UNCLOS. Part V of UNCLOS specifically provides that the Philippines exercises exclusive sovereign rights to explore, exploit, conserve, and manage resources, whether living or nonliving, in this area.

Although, other states have the right of freedom of navigation over the said areas, such rights could not be exercised to the detriment of the internationally recognized sovereign rights of the Philippines to explore and exploit the resources in its 200-NM EEZ and CS. To do otherwise would be in violation of international law specifically UNCLOS.

Therefore, the current action of the Chinese surveillance vessels in the said 200-NM EEZ of the Philippines that are law enforcement in nature is obviously inconsistent with its right of freedom of navigation and in violation of the sovereign rights of the Philippines under UNCLOS.

It must also be noted that the Chinese fisherman earlier apprehended by Philippine law enforcement agents may have poached not on Bajo de Masinloc per se, but likely on the EEZ of the Philippines. Therefore, these poachers have likewise violated the sovereign rights of the Philippines under UNCLOS.

Presence of the Philippine-registered archeological vessel

The Philippine National Museum has been undertaking an official marine archaeological survey in the vicinity of Bajo de Masinloc.

The archaeological survey is being conducted by the Philippine National Museum, which is on board the Philippine motor yacht M/Y Saranggani.

Chinese maritime surveillance vessels have been harassing the M/Y Saranggani. The Philippines has strongly protested these harassments by the Chinese side. Said actions by the Chinese vessels are in violation of the sovereign right and jurisdiction of the Philippines to conduct marine research or studies in its EEZ.

Endangered species found in Chinese fishing vessels

The Philippine Navy, during a routine sovereignty patrol, saw eight fishing vessels moored at the Bajo de Masinloc on April 10. The Philippine Navy inspected these vessels and discovered that they were Chinese fishing vessels and on board were illegally obtained endangered corals and giant clams in violation of the Philippine Fisheries Code.

The Philippines is a staunch advocate in protecting its marine environment from any form of illegal fishing and poaching. It is a state party to the CITES and Convention on Biological Diversity.

This illicit activity has also undermined the work of the Philippine government as a member of the Coral Triangle Initiative.

The coral colonies in Bajo de Masinloc have been in existence for centuries.

Current situation

The Philippines is committed to the process of consultations with China toward a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the situation.

As the DFA works toward a diplomatic solution, the Philippine Coast Guard is present in the area and is continuing to enforce relevant Philippine laws.

In Inquirer's timeline, we would see how events progress on the rift between the Philippines and China on the much coveted Scarborough shoal.

When will this dispute end? How will the countries address the issue?

Who owns the Scarborough Shoal?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Kulo Art Exhibit - Blasphemous or Expression of Freedom?

2012-04-15T03:49:00.001-07:00

online-ako.blogspot.com

Mideo Cruz and his art piece that infuriated the anger of many Filipinos in the Philippines.

When I was young my Art teacher told me that I was supposed to join an art contest. Since it was nearing Christmas season, the theme of the art contest in school was Nativity. With limited crayons and just one piece of Oslo paper, I drew a simple shot of the Nativity, with little baby Jesus in the center, Mary and Joseph, the three kings, animals and angels staring at him. The baby Jesus was attractively smiling in the middle, sure to catch your attention. I won the contest and received a grand prize of Php300.

Years later, we heard about the controversial art exhibit last June 17. KULO is a compilation of 32 artists that is meant to be CCP's commemorative tribute to Jose Rizal's 150th death anniversary. According to the Manila Paper "CCP Closes 'Kulo' Art Exhibit Described as 'Blasphemous' " last August 9, 2011 (click here to read full article), the art pieces are based on the artists' proposals and background qualifications. The exhibit was curated by J. Pacena II while the CCP Visual Arts Division was headed by Karen Ocampo-Flores.

The rage of the people, circulating over social media sites and networking sites, focused on Politeismo, an art work by Mideo Cruz which was exhibited in 2002 in Ateneo de Manila University, UP Vargas Museum and Kulay Diwa Galleries.

CBCP ralllied to CCP to express their strong protest against the exhibit. Some congressmen have threatened to cut funding of the CCP if the installations will not be removed. Imelda Marcos, responsible for the Cultural Center of the Philippines, had called for the exhibit's closure.

What do we actually see in Politeismo?

You'd see image of Christ ridiculed as red-nosed, mouse-like creature. You'd see a male organ on His face, eyes of Jesus Christ with exaggerated overflow of tears reminiscent of how bystanders vandalize street posters.

Why did the Kulo exhibit raise protests?

Is't because religion still holds our minds? Were there protests from other religious groups?

Is't because we are not used to seeing phallic items? That condoms, sex are taboo words. Is this a cultural divide?

Is't because visually, it is not appealing?

Or is't because a religious image is ironically put to shame with figures associated with lust, desire, or sin?

Is't a form of expressioin, or desecration?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals, in the 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Keep asking.

Imeldific! The Imelda Marcos Shoe Collection

2012-04-15T01:27:00.000-07:00

msnbc.msn.com

Imelda Marcos and her imeldific shoe collection.

If you can't get enough of her quotable quotes (here are some quotes for our amusement taken from the thewilyfilipino.com):

"I'm like Robin Hood. I rob the rich to make these projects come alive... not really rob. It's done with a smile." -- in Fortune, 1979

"People say I'm extravagant because I want to be surrounded by beauty. But tell me, who wants to be surrounded by garbage? Beauty is love made real and the spirit of love is God. Only a crazy man wants to be surrounded by garbage, and I'm not crazy just yet."

"I hate ugliness. You know I'm allergic to ugliness." -- quoted in the Philippine Daily Inquirer, August 1999

"God is love. I have loved. Therefore, I will go to heaven." - to Pope Paul VI, who responded, "Oh, how wonderful, how childlike."

"I am my little people's star and slave. When I go out into the barrios, I get dressed because I know my little people want to see a star. Other presidents' wives have gone to the barrios wearing house dresses and slippers. That's not what people want to see. People want someone they can love, someone to set an example." -- from the Los Angeles Times, October 1980

According to the PCIJ Blog "Imelda and Her Shoes," posted last November 8, 2006 (click here to read more) there are about 1,220 pairs of shoes in Malacanang which were found out after the Marcoses fled the country in 1986. 200 pairs are now housed in Marikina's shoe museum. Her size? Eight and a half. Brands ranging from Ferragamo, Givenchy, Chanel and Christian Dior. I know most female yuppies buy pairs of shoes, would go to Singapore or send in money to get hold of these branded pairs.

In the interview are two of unforgettable quotes again:

“When they went to my closet, they found no skeletons, only shoes. The more they dig, the more beauty they will discover, beautiful jewels of the world.”

“Mass follows class, class never follows mass.”

According to Wiktionary, Imelda Marcos herself coined the term "imeldific," which means ostentatiously extravagant.

With 1,220 pairs of shoes, who would not say that this is not imeldific?

How much does the cost of all these shoes? How did she get it? Did she ever make use of public funds to acquire these expensive shoes?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in once 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Take It! Take It! The Metro Manila Film Fest Scandal in 1994

2012-04-08T23:40:00.001-07:00

en.wikipedia.org

The MMFF scandal shocked the whole showbiz-loving nation in 1994.

I have been wanting to feature the MMFF 1994 scandal here in Secrets and Scandals Philippines. Why? Because I was watching it when it happened - I was young then, fan of chismis and showbiz events. Anything that is Filipino showbiz is fun, entertaining and touching - it's close to the heart because it's what people talk about and what you see in local tabloids and most online local blogs.

How could I forget the look of Gretchen Barretto, the co-presenter, when former Miss Mauritius and Miss Universe pageant representative Viveka Babajee exclaimed "Take it! Take it!" to Rocky, Ruffa's younger brother who received the envelope. When the name of Ruffa Gutierrez was announced instead of Aiko Melendez as Best Actress, you'd see the eyes of Gretchen Barretto in shock . Who could forget the controversy, when it was not supposed to be Gabby Concepcion who won but Edu Manzano as Best Actor. Behind all this controversial night was allegedly Lolit Solis, who was managing Rocky, Viveka, Gabby and Ruffa during those times (according to http://no-benta.blogspot.com blog).

According to Mayor Alfredo Lim, the city mayor of Manila during the MMFF 1994 scandal in his interview with PEP.ph last March 31, 2008 (Mayor Lim To Check if 1994 Filmfest Scam Case in Manila Has Been Dropped):

"But not in my time ha," paglilinaw ni Mayor Lim. "In my time, si Lolit Solis, nag-plead guilty at nabigyan siya ng sentensiya under the probation law. Aba'y nung time na ni [former Manila Mayor] Atienza, parang na-dismissed."

What happened to the personalities involved in the scandal?

Gabby Concepcion moved to the US and started his real estate career.

Ruffa Gutierrez tried her luck in Hollywood showbiz and married Ylmaz Bektas of Turkey.

Gretchen Barretto remained as loving partner to her longtime partner Tony Boy Cojuangco, and now appeared in some television series.

Lolit Solis still managed young and veteran stars.

Viveka Babajee was reportedly committed suicide last June 25, 2010. She was said to move to India as top model.

Would a manager be able to rig such a prestigious award-giving body? Did the presenters know about the scam? Did this not ever happen again?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in once 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Keep asking.

Who Killed Ramgen Revilla?

2012-04-08T23:00:00.000-07:00

pep.ph

Ramgen Revilla will always be remembered.

If you have been searching for Ramgen Revilla, your top searches in the internet might have been the sex scandal between Ramgen and his girlfriend Janelle Manahan. I think this is not a good way to give justice to a person who has served in Cavite as a potential public servant, a brother to his siblings (maybe not that perfect, but who is) and a young man who acted in some movies and TV series. Why not give justice to a man who could have been Ramon Bong Revilla, Sr.'s protege. He is the son of former senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Sr. and Genelyn Magsaysay.

Ramgen, commonly called as Ram, was murdered at his house in BF Homes Paranaque City last October 28, 2011. He suffered a gunshot and multiply stab wounds in his body, securing him dead. His sister Ramona Revilla and his girlfriend (some would think to be his live-in partner) were in the same house when he was killed. Janelle Manahan was shot in her face and was brought to the hospital. Luckily, she survived.

I was watching the television news during that time when Ramona was interviewed, with a piece of clothing covering her head and her face unexposed to the camera, said that there were some men who entered into the house and killed his brother. She claimed to be kidnapped and was forced to ride a certain vehicle but was dropped after some time. Her half brother Senator Bong Revilla was listening to her and was delighted to see her safe.

In the news at GMA last January 24, 2012 (Suspect in Ramgen Revilla murder Surrenders to NBI), a certain Ryan Pastera surrendered to NBI and was the middleman who looked for hired killers to kill Ramgen. Facing charges of murder are Ramon Joseph “RJ” Bautista, Roy Francis Tolisora and Michael Jay Nartea. Ramona, or Mara fled to Turkey. Police claims that the case is closed, and that the motive for the murder is sibling rivalry. News say that it may be due to financial disputes, or Ram's strict treatment to his siblings. But are these enough reasons to kill?

Why would Mara leave the country is she is innocent? What does she know about the incident? Why would RJ think of ending the life of his brother? Who killed Ramgen Revilla?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Did GMA Cheat in the 2004 Elections? The Hello Garci Scandal

2012-04-08T22:32:00.002-07:00

http://rightonthemark.files.wordpress.com

Former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo stunned the nation in 3 words: I am sorry.

For our third instalment of the Secrets and Scandals in the 7107 Islands Philippines, we bring you the Hello Garci scandal which was the onset of the disturbing truth about the 2004 elections.

If you happen to listen to GMA's video "I am sorry," and Susan Roces' strong words that the president not only cheated once but twice, you know that the scandal behind the presidential elections did not end at that.

It started with the Hello Garci wiretapped conversations involving a woman instructing a man to rig the elections predominantly in the Mindanao locations. The woman was said to be the voice of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, and the man was then COMELEC commissioner Virgilio Garcillano, hence the name of the tape, Hello Garci. The former deputy director of NBI Samuel Ong that he has the original recordings of the said conversation.

In Shiela Coronel's blog (Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism, July 13, 2005), she said:
"The conversations, after all, provide damning proof that Garcillano was, in the words of a Comelec official, “the plotter for electoral fraud, the overall supervisor and commander in chief” of the manipulation of the count in favor of the administration. The recording points to systemic and institutional fraud perpetrated by the Comelec. Does this mean that the President, by confirming her phone calls to the commissioner, also provided, albeit indirectly, a virtual confirmation of the fraud?"

The scandal nearly toppled the Arroyo administration, with protests left and right and calls from schools and private organizations for the president to resign. Still, GMA held firm on her presidency and reluctant to be ousted, even when people gathered again at EDSA to oust the president.

There were investigations done by the Senate, and Garci resurfaced to clear his name. However, despite all these hearings, the presidency of GMA was not toppled, thanks to Manny Pacquiao's boxing victories and other news that replaced the newspaper headlines.

Years later, there was an initiative to replace history books proclaiming Fernando Poe, Jr. as the president instead of GMA. And today, GMA is under arrest for the allegations of electoral fraud.

What was she sorry about? Did she really cheat in the presidential elections? What was the true elections results?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in once 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Who Distributed the Sex Scandal Videos of Hayden Kho?

2012-01-21T19:46:00.000-08:00

chikkadora.com

Hayden Kho and Katrina Halili in a Belo billboard advertisement.

The whole nation was disturbed in 2009 with the sex scandal video "outbreak" of Hayden Kho Jr., cosmetic surgeon and boyfriend of Dra. Vicki Belo, the renowned "doctors to the stars" of Philippine showbiz. The videos were so viral that it was transferred from one mobile phone to another, spread to emails and even to Youtube and other social media networks.

The videos involved Starstruck discovery Katrina Halili who played villain roles in some of GMA7's soap operas, Maricar Reyes who is once Modess endorser (some people would think that Angel Locsin became the Modess endorser right after the controversial news broke out) and some other women.

Despite such hearsay, Maricar Reyes proves that there is indeed life after the controvery, as she is seen in some ABS-CBN shows like "May Bukas Pa," "Your Song Presents: Gaano Kita Kamahal," Lovers in Paris", "I Love Betty La Fea", "Imortal" and others. Kho and Reyes dated each other when they were in medical school. She now endorses several brands such as METhathione, Contractubex, etc. Most comments I received from people is that she is packaged as an elegant, sophisticated lady and she carries the role very well as it goes so well too with her natural beauty.

If you recall, Katrina Halili was once the face of Belo, with a billboard in EDSA together with Hayden Kho in almost naked image. She also starred in one of Celebrity Duets (a celebrity singing contest of GMA7 hosted by Ogie Alcasid and Regine Velasquez) where Hayden Kho Jr. joined. There they sang the famous "Careless Whisper."

Katrina Halili, on the other hand, filed a case against Hayden Kho. With the support of Senator Ramon Revilla, she won over the disqualification of Hayden Kho Jr.'s license to practice as permitted by PMA (Philippine Medical Association). Atty. Gozon of GMA7 believes that despite the looming news about the sex scandal, Katrina Halili deserves a spot in "kontrabida" (villain) roles for she is a good actress.

But the question remains: Who distributed the sex scandal videos of Hayden Kho?

Speculators are saying that the video footage was distributed by Dra. Vicki Belo, out of her hatred towards Hayden's exes and to humiliate them. Some say it was him who distributed the files as proof to his machismo image.

According to news in Pep.ph (read entire news report at here), it was Hayden's college friends Dr. Bistek Rosario and Erik Johnston Chua who revealed to Dra. Vicki Belo about Hayden's collection of sex videos which Erik retrieved from Hayden in his condo unit and forwarded to Vicki.These two guys learned about the videos when Princess Velasco, Hayden's longtime girlfriend confessed to them.

PEP.ph

Dr. Bistek Rosario in an interview about the controversial issue.

Hayden Kho lost his license but still got some endorsements like his exclusive perfume line and as male model endorser of Maldita's line for men. Katrina Halili moves on with life. Maricar Reyes continues to shine. Dra. Vicki Belo gets over the issues through her business dealings and professional practise. Videos and respects gone. Question remains: Who distributed the sex scandal videos of the actor?

This is one of the open-ended questions asked in Secrets and Scandals in the 7107 Islands, Philippines.

Do You Believe that Emilio Aguinaldo Killed Andres Bonifacio?

2011-10-28T20:31:00.000-07:00

Andres Bonifacio is one of the Philippines' known heroes.

http://www.hawaii.edu

For the first feature of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands, we bring you the open-ended question about heroism of two controversial personalities of Philippine History under the regime of Spain, the life and suffering of Andres Bonifacio, and the untold secrets of the administration of Emilio Aguinaldo.

Emilio Aguinaldo is the face of our 5 peso coin. A hero proclaimed by History books as the first president of the Philippine government, who waived the first Philippine flag at Kawit, Cavite and proclaimed independence of the nation against the abusive Spaniards. As kids, we never failed to visit his house at Kawit, Cavite during field trips. There we saw the balcony, the old furniture, the wishing well or fountain as I hardly remember, and a long standing tree.

In one of News TV Channel 11 shows Case Unclosed, it featured a show which deep-dived into the untold truths of the lives of heroes. One of its unforgettable offerings was the truth behind Gregorio del Pilar being a berdugo (executioner) who was loyal to Emilio Aguinaldo. Another sensational case was the intrigue whether it was President Emilio Aguinaldo who instructed some close soldiers to kill General Antonio Luna who was suspected to launch a coup d' etat against him.

Still, one of the most intriguing issues of all time is the death of Andres Bonifacio and his brother Procopio on May 10, 1987 at Mount Buntis, in Maragondon, Cavite. Some say it was Emilio Aguinaldo who ordered the death of the two. With this clamor, there are some people saying that the heroism of Emilio Aguinaldo, as falsely depicted in History books as some say, should be retracted.

Taken from a writing by Ed Aurelio Reyes, (see whole post at http://www.tribo.org/history/bonifacio.html) the memoirs written by Aguinaldo himself:

"By virtue of my power as head of the revolutionary movement, I ordered Colonel Pedro Lipana, the presiding judge, to ask the military court to relax the penalty on the brothers. My reasons were pity, my desire to preserve the unity of the Filipinos, and above all, because I did not want to shed the blood of other revolutionists. I therefore suggested that the brothers be banished to Pico de Loro, a mountain quite far but still within Cavite.

"Upon learning of my wish, Generals Pio del Pilar and Mariano Noriel rushed back to me.

"'Our dear general,' General Pio del Pilar began, 'the crimes committed by the two brothers, Andres and Procopio, are of common knowledge. If you want to live a little longer and continue the task that you have so nobly begun, and if you wnat peace and order in our Revolutionary Government, do not show them any mercy. (etcetera, etcetera).'

"Besides these two generals, many people, most of them former followers of Andres Bonifacio, came to me to dissuade me from my decision of relaxing the sentence on them. Because of their explanations and requests, plus the strong evidence to prove their criminal acts (sic), I rescinded my order. Thereupon, General Mariano Noriel ordered Major Lazaro Macapagal to bring with him a squad of soldiers to fetch the prisonores and carry out the orders originally imposed by the military court.

"Very early on the morning of May 10, 1897, Major Macapagal and his men took the prisoners to Mount Tala where they were shot."

As Ed Aurelio Reyes continues:

Bonifacio is said to have been buried in a shallow grave by one of his executioners who must have been conscience-stricken. His bones, later exhumed, eventually wound up being displayed as an exhibit in the Philippine Library and Museum where the Legislative Building cum Executive House cum National Museum now stands at the heart of Manila. That building was completely leveled by boms during World War II, and Bonifacio's remains were lost, remaining unrecovered to this day.

The nation still owes the Great Plebeian a formal funeral ceremony as a human being and as one of two national heroes officially declared by the Philippine government. Almost nobody knows that we have not accorded him the basic honor of an interment ceremony. And almost nobody cares.

Most Pinoys would compare Rizal as someone who fought using words, while Andres Bonifacio fought using his bolo. Some would think that Andres Bonifacio came from a poor family, illiterate and uneducated. However his line of readings from Les Miserables to The French Revolution proved it wrong.

But reading closely the memoirs, Andres Bonifacio mentioned about the crimes committed by the two brothers. What could those crimes be? We hope history officials would be able to unravel the mystery.

If the above memoirs are true and indeed came from Aguinaldo, then it can be said that the case is closed. However, the generation of then and today may have forgotten to pay respect to a great hero like Bonifacio, unkilled by foreigners but by kindred of same nation.

Should we believe that the President Emilio Aguinaldo killed Andres Bonifacio? And if he did, for a reason acceptable?

This is one of the Secrets and Scandals in 7107 Islands.

Credits to Ed Aurelio Reyes whose original issue printed in Health Alert Issue 158, May 1994