New Philippine Revolution

No saints in ZTE-NBN deal

2009-11-12T09:23:00.000+08:00

I read the voluminous Senate report on the ZTE-NBN deal and I must agree with Ramon Tulfo---it exposed the conspiracy of ALL ZTE-NBN actors, most notably the losing bidders and the deal cookers. I must agree with Senator Richard Gordon that the actors in this deal are all demons in barong.

It was a collusion meant to defraud government of billions of pesos worth of taxpayer's money. The loser in this deal was ZTE Corporation, which, says Joey de Venecia III, lost almost a billion pesos when they reportedly gave grease money to certain government officials.

Based on the report, the project was a laudable project, meant to develop the telecommunications infrastructure of the Philippines. The NEDA approved the project and the DOTC was the lead agency implementor.

The DOTC found a suitable tech partner in the person of ZTE Corporation, China's biggest supplier of telecomms equipment and gadgets. ZTE Corporation dealt with the DOTC officials. However, under the law, such projects should have been bidded out instead of a negotiated sale. On this part, the DOTC erred.

The bidding was just for show because at the onset, government intended really to give ZTE the project. Some "arrangements" were initiated, one of which was convincing Amsterdam Holdings local representative Joey de Venecia III to take part in the charade and just team up with ZTE. Or just, clam up, as what former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos told the young De Venecia. Or "back-off" as what principal government mafia head First Gentleman Mike Arroyo said.

It seems that De Venecia III disagreed because Amsterdam Holdings want the whole pie and not a portion of it. Who would agree for 500 million pesos when you can get as much as US$ 1 BILLION for this deal? So, the younger De Venecia took on a war footing and exposed the nefarious deal before the media. That strategy backfired in the end, because everyone lost the project altogether.

De Venecia III says that he prevented the deal from happening but the transcripts say otherwise. What De Venecia III actually wanted was for the government to re-bid the project, not to shelve it. There is a gulf of difference between re-bidding and "shelving". Government opted to shelve it to shield it from further political harm.

De Venecia III did not cause the shelving of the project out of genuine concern for the people's money nor did he accomplished the feat independently without commercial compunction. The expose was actually an attempt meant to harm the winning bidders, not to protect the people's money.

For that, says the report, De Venecia III deserves to be charged with graft.

On the part of Jun Lozada, he was an unwilling witness. He just went ballistic when he felt that government was abandoning him or was intending to harm him. He cannot be a saint also since he was part of those who cooked the deal from the start. He uttered the immortal line " bubukol ito" because the "commissions" went out of line already. A commission which involved billions of pesos is simply too risky and too obvious not to be noticed. As Lozada said, it was "too greasy."Hence the other immortal line, " Moderate the Greed."

What Lozada just meant to say was it is okey to be greedy but just in "moderation", never beyond the obvious. For Lozada, corruption has its limits. Now, he knows that everything corrupt is graft. If you intend to steal even a centavo out of the people's money, that's corruption and greediness already. There is no borderline for corruption. There is only corruption and no corruption, period. But for the ZTE-NBN greedy bunch, commissions totalling multi-millions are allowable.

And it was probably God's intention that the oust Gloria movement during those times did not take off simply because it was again, premised on a wrong presumption. EDSA two was a misinterpretation and a result of cono class animosity over institutional gangsterism. If the coup succeeded in ousting Gloria in 2008, the results would still be a failure of democracy. We would have gone to the streets to protect the moderates in the corruption business, which, for me, again, is not a genuine cause for revolutions.

AIM Policy Center makes a bluff

2009-11-12T08:01:00.000+08:00

The AIM Policy Center, a so-called think tank, has joined the fray of elite groups, calling for the abolition of E.O. 839. The Policy Center says that within a week, foreign investors will abandon ship and leave. Firms are losing money, the Center says, so many of them are leaving.

Crap. I say, let these foreign firms leave and see who will shed copious tears in the end.

And I pity the AIM Policy Center for allowing themselves to be used by oil giants in pressuring government to repeal or lift the Executive Order.

Cge nga, let's call the bluff of this Center. I urge Malacanang to further extend the E.O. and see if indeed, all foreign investors will leave this country.

This is one fight that deserves the support of the people. Should Malacanang finally decides to lift this, then, the People, the Masses, have to go to the streets and struggle.

Mrs. Arroyo deserves all the support of the people in this.

Senate ZTE-NBN report---a review

2009-11-11T09:51:00.000+08:00

Finally, after thirteen gruelling Senate sessions, the Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Senator Richard Gordon released its report on the ZTE-NBN deal. The deal, if you remember, was rescinded by the Arroyo administration due to some "anomalous" issues. The deal involves transforming the entire government system into an IT based, broadband system.

One of the proponents of the deal, Joey de Venecia III, came out of the woodwork and said that the deal was given to a Chinese corporation, ZTE, under scandalous circumstances. According to De Venecia III, there was no bidding, just a negotiated bid. ZTE officials reportedly colluded with DOTC officials, led by DOTC secretary Leandro Mendoza, Elmer Soneja and others to give the deal to the Chinese. Former COMELEC chairman Benjamin Abalos also dipped his fingers into the deal.

De Venecia III said it was First Gentleman Mike Arroyo who cooked the deal. Mrs. Arroyo's name was dragged into the controversy after former NEDA chief Romulo Neri revealed to her that Abalos was trying to goad him to support the project.

First Gentleman Mike Arroyo and his wife, Mrs. Arroyo played golf with ZTE officials in Shenzhen Golf Club shortly before the signing of the contract. However, in the contract signing, which Mrs. Arroyo and then Chief of Staff Michael Defensor attended, DOTC officials reportedly lost the copy of the contract.

A newspaper columnist wrote about the deal and the losing bidder, Joey de Venecia III's Amsterdam Holdings, had a press conference. After the press con, the stinking deal got worse.

Jun Lozada, a close in of former NEDA chief became involved when he was "exiled" in Hongkong to prevent him from exposing the deal. When he came back, police escorts reportedly tried to silence him. He was "saved" my La Sallian nuns.

Lozada, De Venecia and Neri appeared before the Senate. After thirteen sessions, the Senate released the report.

An Appeal to Arroyo: DECLARE A NATIONAL EMERGENCY AND TAKEOVER THESE OIL FIRMS

2009-11-10T10:59:00.001+08:00

Dear Madame Arroyo:

This is just my fifth letter to you and the first four letters, I was greatly satisfied. You, through your spokespersons, responded positively to my appeals in this site. For that, I am greatly humbled.

Now, I have just one request and proposal about this so-called OIL SHORTAGE BOGEY that these OIL companies together with their local government LACKEYS and PUBLIC SUPPORTERS want us to believe.

First, time to ask Energy secretary Angelo Reyes to retire. He's causing so much panic and fear for and on behalf of these giant oil companies that it is time for Reyes to leave public service. What he's doing is public DISSERVICE. Best for him to just sit at the board of one of these oil giants.

Second, if you can't ask for his head, ask him to take DRASTIC ACTION. Ask him to use his brain and brawn as a former GENERAL and tell these oil firms to TOE THE LINE or else. Mobilize him immediately and tell him to TAKEOVER ALL THESE OIL FIRMS.

Third, make everything legal by DECLARING A NATIONAL EMERGENCY and TAKEOVER ALL THESE OIL FIRMS. They cannot do anything about it because it is TOTALLY CONSTITUTIONAL.

What is the prime duty of the Government? Let me quote Sec. 4, Article II of the 1987 Constitution of the Philippines which states that the primary duty of the Government, " is to serve and protect the People." What else? Under Sec. 5, it is

"the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty AND PROPERTY and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy."

Right now, the people are being threatened by HIGH PRICES which UNDER A STATE OF NATIONAL CALAMITY and ECONOMIC CRISIS, we, the People cannot really cope with. I, myself, am financially distressed because of these high prices. Last night, in fact, some gas stations refused to sell diesel to me.

High prices are caused by excessive MONOPOLISTIC ACTIONS of private companies and enterprises. One of those which acts like a MONOPOLY is the OIL GIANTS, led by PETRON, SHELL and CALTEX.

Monopoly is prohibited under Sec. 19 of Article XII of the 1987 Constitution, which states, and I quote:

" The State shall regulate or prohibit monopolies when the public interest so requires. No combinatins in restraint of trade or unfair competition shall be allowed."

Under Sec. 17, of Article XII, the state is empowered to act accordingly and takeover enterprises under a state of national emergency. Let me state it clearly:

In times of national emergency, when the public interest so requires, the State may, during the emergency and under reasonable terms prescribed by it, temporarily take over or direct the operation of any privately owned public utility or business affected with public interest.

Section 18, of the same Article, it states:

"in the interest of national welfare or defense, establish and operate vital industries, and upon payment of just compensation, transfer to public ownership utilities and other private enterprises to be operated by Government."

Act with dispatch Madame President.

If these oil companies threaten us and are creating this OIL SUPPLY SHORTAGE BOGEY, let GOVERNMENT take over. If these companies are hoping that you'll back down, DO NOT.

This is now, a matter of grave security concern. This is a direct test of the powers of the government, particularly the Executive. If you back down on this, people will start believing that you are a LAME DUCK President already---not good for your public image and definitely, not helpful if you want to run as Congressman or Vice President.

Think about it. These oil firms are causing DESTABILIZATION. Time to cut their horns.

Ka-Oil-lulan! Govt should import oil instead of these oil companies

2009-11-10T07:59:00.000+08:00

These giant oil companies should be charged, their executives hauled to jail and their operations seized by government. They think that the Filipinos are easily fooled by their PR machinery. They think that getting the headlines of the Philippine Daily Inquirer would be enough pressure for this government to back down on the fight.

And I pity the PDI for allowing themselves to be used as the main speaking platform of these oil companies. How many millions of pesos worth of advertising space did these oil giants pay you, Mr. Inquirer? I thought the PDI sides with the people? IMagine, instead of releasing Santiago's report on the monumental corruption on the Road User's Tax (which I think deserves the headline), the PDI instead bannered or headlined the alleged "only two weeks supply" of the oil firms.

Crap. Bull. Katarantaduhan!

E.O. 839 is one of those singular acts of Mrs. Arroyo that deserves praise. Curiously though, Mrs. Arroyo allows her Energy secretary Angelo Reyes to play footsie and acts as the oil industry's main spokesperson and poster boy. It seems that government is playing both sides---Reyes, mouthing platitudes and portraying the role of the doomsday boy, while Justice secretary Agnes Devenadera leading the charge for the oil companies' prosecution. Who really speaks for and on behalf of Mrs. Arroyo?

Oil companies have been using the Inquirer to scare us and make us believe that there would be a shortage. These companies claim that their supplies will only last two weeks. And they position themselves as the only ones who can import oil products.

Under the Constitution and our laws, government can very well seize the assets of these oil firms and do the importing of oil products themselves. And I dare Malacanang to do such a thing. Let's put a stop to the "ka oil lulan" (kaululan) of these oil giants and "small" players who form this cartel, smash them to smithereens, and let government do its primary job of protecting the interests of the Filipino People.

Who will believe that these oil giants are "hurting" and "losing money"? EO 839 is just two weeks old. Imagine, oil companies claim they already lost 18 billion pesos worth of income. Yun naman pala. The truth is, they earn 18 billion pesos for just a week of operation.

If these companies would not import oil for fears of losing more money, let government seize all their assets, especially their refineries under the name of the State and let the People support them. Mrs. Arroyo can designate an energy czar or czarina or be the czarina herself and run the entire oil industry. Mrs. Arroyo can very well do this because we are still under a state of calamity.

Likewise, jail this LPGMA head who violated the EO by allowing his members to raise LPG prices by as much as 30 pesos. He deserves to spend the rest of his life in jail for violating not just our laws but making a mockery out of our government.

Who do these oil players and LPG dealers think they are, more powerful than the State?

This tug of war between Malacanang and the oil players is a test of Executive Power. It is also a power struggle between unscrupulous members of Private Enterprise and the State. Who wins in the end is a matter of Leadership. Mrs. Arroyo should show her mettle in this. And she deserves the People's support.

Ebdane and Puno charged with MONUMENTAL PLUNDER

2009-11-10T07:16:00.000+08:00

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago just recommended the filing of graft and plunder charges against former DPWH secretary and now, self-proclaimed "labor and peasants" party presidential bet Hermogenes Ebdane. Included as the principal in Santiago's charge sheet is Dodie Puno, the brother of Santiago nemesis Ronnie Puno of DILG. The two sheenanigans were charged with plundering the Road Users' Tax. How much is involved? 60.5 billion pesos of our monies. Wow. "Apocalytic Corruption" indeed.

Santiago's main point is that Ebdane and Puno allowed the anomalous use of the Road User's Tax in scandalous circumstances, transferring funds collected from the tax, and using it to allegedly "fatten the wallets" of both Puno and Ebdane.

The report of Santiago is so detailed that it even includes juicy details of the ala "rich and famous" lifestyle of Dodie Puno. Santiago blamed the two for the monumental disaster called Ondoy, which killed 1,000 and left millions homeless.

“I accuse those crooks of the crime of terminal corruption. They are ghouls, they are vampires, and they should spend the rest of their lives in jail, for they have violated the laws of civilized society, the laws of nature and the laws of God"

With Santiago's charge, speculations are rife that Ebdane, who proclaimed his bid for the presidency yesterday, is just making a mockery of justice. Ebdane, who resigned as DPWH secretary might have proclaimed the bid to skirt the corruption issue and prevent it from infecting the entire Arroyo administration. Others say that Ebdane should be prevented from running in the elections since it is now highly suspicious how he got the money to spend for his electoral bid. Many believe that Ebdane is now using those anomalous billions he got from the Road User's Tax and diverted it to fund his election machinery. Remember that election funds are still unaccountable.

Dodie Puno, says Santiago, used the Road User's Tax to spend lavishly on his girlfriends and alleged paramours, despite having a family of his own. Puno reportedly owns two yatchs, purchased under suspicious circumstances, numerous expensive condominiums, expensive luxury vehicles and host lavish parties for his friends.

Leaders who want to lead

2009-11-09T10:44:00.001+08:00

Two old faces but positioning themselves as alternatives. Let's analyze these fine gentlemen, shall we?

Chiz Escudero bolted from the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) and found refuge with the progressives and reformists. Hermogenes Ebdane resigned from the Arroyo administration and proclaimed himself head of the Philippine Labor and Peasant Party, a duly accredited political party. Escudero is still trying to form his, while Ebdane found solidarity with so-called laborers and peasants headed by no less than Villegas who belonged to the propertied class and him, as formerly the voice of the Gunless society. Talk about heading the laborers and peasants which he, Ebdane, does not belong. Ebdane is neither a laborer nor a peasant.

Escudero is positioning himself as the voice of the Youth and of those who aspire for change, while Ebdane represents himself and possibly, the Ramos' group. Escudero is young. Ebdane has served for 40 years. What's the difference? And who is the true alternative candidate?

Neither one befits the title of the leader of the progressive groups. For neither one really struggled for real change.

Escudero is no Voltaire Garcia of Alpha Phi Beta (APB), nor even a David Celdran. He is a gifted speaker, but shows a lack of vision. His stands are proletarian, but for truth or convenience, we simply cannot judge for he speaks in layers of layers of innocuousness.

Ebdane is no Ramos nor even a Magsaysay. Ebdane is Ebdane. He represents the interests of a highly-entrenched organization whose mission is protect the existing way of life. There is no ideology in his every bone, Ebdane simply wants to run because he knows the system without saying that he also knows how to overthrow it. Ebdane, is, the epitome of a person whose existence counts nothing except when used for pseudo-revolutionary work.

Ebdane is an expert in networking; Escudero counts as his expertise in rah-rah sis boomba. Escudero marshalls no one, Ebdane networks no one except a few. Two faces wanting to lead but they simply don't have the masses with them.

Who deserves to lead? Is it Noynoy Aquino, the necropolitician, or the self-proclaimed champion of the masses, Erap Estrada? Is it Gibo who refuses to see the bad and always mouth the self-perceived good? Or maybe, Manny Villar, whose philosophy is simply pay off anybody who wants to hinder his way to the presidency?

It is this prospect that puts the entire Philippine democracy in jeopardy, the stark prospect of our country heading towards uncharted waters. Blame those who wants to lead but without the proper vision. And blame those who are leaders but simply refuse to take the cudgels of leadership.

Fidel's boy makes a bid for the presidency & 40 years of disservice to the Motherland

2009-11-09T09:51:00.000+08:00

And so we were proven true once again---former DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane is serious after all. Ebdane is running for president. And he's courting the endorsement of former president Fidel V. Ramos.

The former poster boy and "umbrella" kid of the former AFP Chief of Staff who successfully became president, is courting Ramos' endorsement. And of all people, it is Ramos whom he wants as his backer. And will he be the one whom Ramos said would be his candidate for 2010? What's wrong with Gibo, Mr. Ramos?

Ebdane boasts of his 40 years in public service. I know somebody who dedicated fifty years of his life for public service and he died without ever changing anything. I was referring to my grandfather, who once worked as a janitor at the DPWH.

Anyway, that's not the way to convince us, Mr. Ebdane, of your eligibility for the presidency. In fact, your 40 years is a liability. Think about it. You have been in the public limelight for 40 years yet, you did not even lift a finger to arrest the further slide down of this country in terms of graft and corruption and even poverty.

You fought the insurgents, yes. But, is that what you call record? The insurgency is still here. And it's even growing. Anything worthwhile to say about how you did when you were a young lieutenant in Mindanao?

Ebdane boasts of his knowledge of the system. Well, being part of this decrepit system for more than 40 years makes him really, an expert AND part of the rotten-ness of it. Ebdane did not even lift a single finger fighting and killing those big-time gamblers, big-time jueteng lords and big-time corrupt gangs and syndicates. Ebdane did not even prosecute those big construction firms who formed the DPWH mafia.

Is Ebdane saying that he knows how to fight them because he once count himself as member of this humongous mafia? In his years as DPWH secretary, did we ever hear of a single big fish jailed or even killed? I know of some killed for spilling the beans.

And what's the relevance of Ramos in the scheme of things except leading a series of corrupt deals, of billions of pesos spent and stolen for projects which did not happen or of frustrations and spurned idealisms?

Ebdane wants Ramos' blessing and anointment, a sign that he adheres to the principles of the former general who betrayed his cousin. Good if he just wants that old cigar-thumping gang who propelled Ramos to the presidency to be his backers, but they are, as I said, old and still thumping.

Electing Ebdane as president is like expressing preference to the decrepit and humongous monster called Philippine system. Ebdane, with his forty years, is the epitome of 40 years of frustration, tears and blood. He personified the system which every single one of us wants out of our lives.

Philippines needs Smart Card Technology to catch up with regional neighbours, say ALLCARD

2009-11-09T07:59:00.001+08:00

The world is slowly migrating from close contact technology to the super convenient contactless smart technology. And the Philippines stands to lose in the ever-increasing connectivity game should it continues to use old mode technology, says a leading local card producer.

In an interview, Allcard Philippines marketing manager Franz Reyes says that countries around the world are adopting to the contactless smart card solutions to enhance services and transactions. Contactless card technology, which has been in existence for over two decades now, is being used by banks and relied upon by governments in enhancing their services. According to Reyes, most transactions around the world use secured smart card solutions technology, created for convenience and faster transactions. The technology has its own IT system, which, says Reyes, the Philippines has but is under-utilising.

“ The danger” says Reyes, who has been pioneering smart card technology for a decade now, “..is the possibility of our system not being recognized by other countries which use contactless card technology. Asia is modernizing. With the possibility of ASEAN developing as a Regional economy, how can we Filipinos transact in, say Taiwan, Japan, Singapore or even Thailand if we don’t know have or we don’t know how to use contactless smart card technology?”

Contactless smart card technology, says Reyes, empowers the user to avail of the tremendous benefits of a fully interactive world. With just a swipe of the smart card, users instantaneously connect themselves to a system which allows them to do transactions. Users can modify or add information stored in a smart card’s 32 kb memory. Using a reader, the card can be read by a system and given user-privileges.

Credit card companies and banks first began using contactless smart card technology a decade ago. The potentials of the technology are enormous that governments are beginning to use it to enhance and improve public services.

The Kuwaiti government, for example, has issued 3 million electronic multi-application ID cards to its citizens as part of its efforts to comply with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regulation designed to allow citizens of all Gulf countries to travel between member states. The card serves as the official ID of a Kuwaiti citizen. The smart card is embedded with a 32kb memory chip secured and encrypted with the card users’ information. A plan to make the card a microprocessor is underway.

China is on the verge of completing its US$ 3.5 billion national ID smart card program. The program aims to provide 900 million smart cards to be used by Chinese citizens in their government transactions. Recently, China Expert Technology has received a US$57 million order for e-government systems in Fuzhou City in the Fujian province. China wants a contactless card security system.

Ninety six percent of Taiwanese are enjoying the benefits of a healthcare program using smart card technology. Since its implementation in 2005, Taiwan’s National Health Care Program has saved close to US$ 2.8 billion in health-related expenditures alone. Twenty two million Taiwanese enjoy free medical services with just a swipe of their contactless smart cards, connecting them to 17,000 medical facilities throughout the island state.

In Korea, construction is underway for the building of New Songdo City, a fully contactless card facility. Korea is spending US$ 25 billion to equip the city with a universal contactless smart card system. The system will enable Koreans to use smart cards to pay their bills, access medical records and even, open doors.

Asia, says Reyes, is fast modernizing and the Philippines has no choice but to catch up with super-high tech, convenience technology.

'If we don’t catch up with the rest of Asia, we might be totally left behind to our disadvantage. We need to start accepting smart card technology as a way to improve our quality of life, “adds Reyes.

All Card Plastic Philippines Incorporated is the leading Filipino card production company. Established in 2001, it is the fastest growing full card printing and production facility in the Philippines. Backed by state-of-the-art equipment powered by highly skilled and experienced production team, All Card Plastic Philippines services 9 out of 10 top banks and 2 out of 3 telecommunication companies in the country.

Arroyo's Gambit & The Masonic Bid for Power

2009-11-07T07:02:00.000+08:00

The reason why Mrs. Arroyo daw is running for Congress is simple---a convenient way to protect herself and her family from possible post-2010 prosecution coming from her numerous political enemies. Others say it is to be the country's second Prime Minister, the first being the megalomaniac and dictator Ferdie Marcos. What some Congressmen planned to do is make the transition from presidential to parliamentary happen shortly after the opening of the 15th Congress in June 2010. A Constitutional review would definitely ensue since the proposal passed the plenary already and a budget has been allocated for the election of representatives to the Concon. This election will coincide with the barangay elections.

So, it seems that everything is neatly mapped out, with these "visionary" Congressmen intending really to replace the current Charter shortly after the May 2010 elections. It might be too presumptuous for them to prognosticate without of course, assurances from "higher powers" that they would be able to retain their respective seats. How would they under an automated elections, seen as an anti-thesis to cheating and fraudulent acts? Do they know something we don't?

And if it is certain that Mrs. Arroyo is ready to gamble her remaining months in office in exchange for a Congressional post, this possibility, by itself, results or may lead to certain instability.

If she files her COC by December 1, she needs to resign as president and hand over the reins of power to her Constitutional successor. She will do so in tandem with her defense secretary Gilbert Gibo Teodoro, who is expected to leave the defense portfolio before November 12. Two critical Executive positions are being sacrificed, a high price indeed, for a presumptuous idea that is fraught with uncertainties and dangers.

It seems that Mrs. Arroyo is being lured to a trap---a pathological one---her being promised the moon and the stars under a pretense of certainty. Mrs. Arroyo is playing an unnecessary gambit at a time when the state is being threatened from all sides.

Anyway, should she really decides to pursue this, Mrs. Arroyo is creating an unnecessary instability, a power vacuum , which, under its current state, the government is ill-prepared to solve by itself.

Threats come from unexpected places. Example is the sudden resignation of Ebdane, austensibly, to pursue the presidency. Ebdane, as we all know, is one of our wisest generals. He represents a secret society which counts as members, generals and colonels and those with arms. And we all know that political games are least among their expertise. Surely, Ebdane's moves and actions are suspect especially at a time when the administration is transitioning.

BY positioning himself outside the circle of power, Ebdane counts no loyalty to Mrs. Arroyo. He can definitely do what he wants, since he has, under his vast disposal, lodges and Masonic adherents who play an important role in this society. And in all likelihood, we may see a former Grand Mason assuming a transitory role as president should Mrs. Arroyo goes ahead of her plan to run. Masons ruling? That will be the day indeed!

Chief Justice as Interim President?

2009-11-07T05:51:00.000+08:00

Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is running, some say as Congressman of Pampanga, others say, as Vice President. In the event that she does, sectors are asking her to resign her position as President. It's the most prudent thing to do, they say. And under the Constitution, Vice President Noli de Castro is expected to serve her remaining months in office as the country's president.

Was this the trade-off that De Castro accepted just to become the transition president? It just might be since there are no more news about De Castro's future political plans. Mrs. Arroyo's candidacy could also be the reason why DILG secretary Ronnie Puno is staying put.

What if, say, De Castro also files his certificate of candidacy, who will then be the Constitutional successor? Let's leave out the Senate president and the Speaker who are definitely filing their COCs on or before December 1. That leaves us with the Chief Justice.

This is the first time in Philippine political history that the Chief Justice will briefly assume Executive Powers. Chief Justice Reynato Puno is the most qualified non-political person in government.

RP suffering from lack of poultry supply?

2009-11-05T09:48:00.000+08:00

My friends, let me admit one thing about what I'm doing right now---I am setting up a chicken rotisserie business. Yes, and my brand name, you guessed it---Manok King (my Facebook friends already know this). Revolutionists should have their own businesses. We need to survive, right? I thought that setting such a business is worth while. Kumbaga, pinapakain mo ng mga ideya ang taumbayan, samahan mo naman ng masarap na manok, hehehe!

Anyway, while me and my wife are searching for a dressed chicken supplier, I found out that the major chicken suppliers have problems in supply. Yes, and they are very concerned about this. Nagkawalaan na ng suplay ng mga manok sa buong Pilipinas!

I called up San Miguel Foods, Magnolia, Bounty Fresh and other big suppliers (because I need between 280-300 dressed chickens a week), and they all said that wala na silang supply. I called up a chicken supplier based in Malabon and the person said that they have for 110/kilo but you need to clean the chicken up. And they don't deliver. I'm thinking of just getting those chickens from their place and have it cleaned by my helpers.

I searched the INternet and found suppliers but they are all based in China. My gulay! Kukunin ko pa sa China yung supply ko ng manok? Nasasaan na ang mga native nating manok? Native chicken suppliers are a-plenty but they cost 220 per kilo.

Government, especially the Department of Agriculture and the DTI should take note of this. How will I start my business if there are no supplier of fresh and dressed chickens? Nasaan na ang mga manok? Nagkaroon ba ng massacre ng mga Magnolia chickens? Or, there exists a cartel that controls the local poultry industry?

Help me naman find a suitable suppliers of dressed chickens. The Filipino People deserve better and more delicious roasted chickens than what Andok's offer, hehehe! :-)

Malacanang should not give up EO 839

2009-11-05T09:25:00.000+08:00

Giant oil companies advertised full page appeals today in major newspapers, asking President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to lift Executive Order 839. This "controversial" E.O. has been opposed by these companies because they have reportedly incurred losses by up to 18 billion pesos already. Economic adviser Joey Salceda sided with these companies, saying that the E.O. benefitted the middle and elite classes instead of the masses. While Senator Joker Arroyo says that Mrs. Arroyo is just doing her job to protect public interest.

Is Salceda right in saying that only the middle classes benefitted from the E.O.?

By freezing oil prices to its October 15 levels, Malacanang just averted possible social unrests. Why so? A further rise in oil pump prices would have led to protests from transport and consumer groups. Transport groups would have called for a fare hike. While consumer groups would have given them additional fuel for protests for price hikes in certain commodities.

I believe what Joker said---Malacanang is just protecting public interest. And I am solidly behind them. The Palace should not give way to these pressures coming from oil companies. Time for the government to show these companies that enough is enough. If they persist in pressuring government to give them more profits, Mrs. Arroyo should order their arrests and deportation. These oil companies are committing economic sabotage. Time to show them the boot.

Gloria, magpakatibay ka. Isulong mo ang interest ng bayan!

Shalani Soledad---single mother?

2009-11-04T09:15:00.001+08:00

We got a lot of buzz from residents of Valenzuela and other people when I posted this entry about Shalani Soledad, the fiance of Senator Noynoy Aquino over at Filipino News Network (see the entry at http://filipinonewsnetwork.com/2009/08/13/whos-noynoys-girl-a-closer-look-at-shalani-soledad/). I never thought that entries about Shalani would actually get 182 (http://filipinonewsnetwork.com/2009/09/12/shalani-soledad-noynoy-aquino-and-the-people-of-valenzuela-politics-and-intriques/) comments. This is even bigger than FilipinoVoices.com.

Initially, I wrote a very nice entry about Shalani. Yet, when responses and comments were pouring in, information suddenly appeared denying most of the facts about Shalani. For example, an alleged close family friend of the Soledads said that Shalani's real surname is not Soledad but the surname of her mother. There were malicious insinuations from commenters that Shalani had a Saudi for a father and so on. Likewise, there was information about Carlo, the brother of Shalani, having a spat with her and the alleged manipulations done by her uncle to Shalani, and so on and so forth.

What was damning however, was the information that some residents gave us---that Shalani Soledad reportedly sired a child out of wedlock.

Yes, and people say the father is Atty. Jimboy (some call him Jiboy) Cabochan, now connected with the Bureau of Customs

I know Jimboy, he's a fraternity brother of mine and he's a kababayan. His family hails from the same hometown--San Miguel Bulacan. And the Cabochans are political heavyweights in that side of Bulacan. (QC Councilor Atty. Bong Suntay and Jiboy Cabochan are cousins.) The Cabochans even founded a fraternity at the San Beda College of Law, purportedly the biggest there---Lambda Rho Beta.

I don't know, however, if this out of wedlock thing is true. I lost Jiboy's number. Jiboy graduated from his law studies at San Beda College of Law sometime in the late 1990's. He's a certified ladies' man but I don't exactly know if he has a son with Shalani.

If this is true, then, these information are damaging not just to Shalani, but to Noynoy Aquino. Anyway, nothing wrong if Shalani has a child out of wedlock, since she and Jiboy are not married anyway. So, there's no legal impediment for a marriage between her and Noynoy.

Now that Shalani Soledad is now a public figure, due to her association with Noynoy, it is in the best interest of Shalani to explain these things. These malicious rumours could ruin not just Shalani's, but also Noynoy's career.

Another accusation against Shalani---the Valenzuela councilor reportedly LIED about her academic and personal information record.

Ms. Soledad---could you please explain all of these things para maliwanagan ang taumbayan?
.

Ang Ideyolohikal na modelo Para sa Kaisang Diwa

2009-11-04T08:25:00.000+08:00

Pagpapakita ng Kaisang Diwa sa Kasaysayan

Natalakay ko sa ibang blog entry ang kahalagahan ng Kaisang Diwa at ang pag-usbong nito sa iba't-ibang bahagi ng ating kasaysayan. Nuong nasasa ilalim tayo ng dayuhang pamamahala, naging liwanag para sa lahat ang Kaisang Diwa sa tunguhin ng rebolusyon. Nang maging indipiendente tayo sa katawagan ngunit hindi sa katotohanan, umuusbong ang Kaisang Diwa sa sandaling may krisis ang bayan. Noong batas militar, nagkaroon ng Kaisang Diwang patalsikin ang nakaupong diktador. Piniling moda ay yaong tinatawag na "peaceful revolution". Pulitikal ang layunin ngunit panlipunan ang adhikain sa pagbabago.

Mula sa rebolusyon tungo sa Meloto Model

Nang unti-unting nalusaw ang mga pangakong at pag-asang dulot ng dalawang EDSA, umuusbong na lamang ang Kaisang Diwa sa panahon ng trahedya. Napapangalagaan na lamang ito sa maliitang estahe sa pamamagitan ng mga tinatawag na "civic works", tulad ng ginagawa nina Tony Meloto at iba pa. Napapanatili rin ito sa mga gawaing pulitikal ng mga cause-oriented groups gaya ng BayanMuna, Sanlakas at Partido ng Lakas ng Masa. Napanatili sa maliitang proyekto ang Kaisang Diwa.

Ngayong mayroong pangangailangan sa malakihan at kolektibong paggalaw ang masa, papaano pauusbungin ang Kaisang Diwa at bigyang laya ito sa conong pananaw na "boluntarismo" at ang "Meloto model"? Papaano magiging pinakamalakas na puwersang pampulitikal ang Kaisang Diwa upang maging daan tungo sa pagbabagong panlipunan?

Kaisang Diwa: sintesis ng "lalawigan" at "Bayan"

Una, sa kanyang kalikasan, ang Kaisang Diwa ay nangangailangan ng pagdurog ng mga konsepto ng "panlalawigan" at "pang syudad". Batid natin na ang dalawang konseptong ito ay mayroong kanya-kanyang dalahing "socio-cultural" realms of thought na magkaiba. Krusyal kung gayon ang gampanin ng makabagong teknolohiya sa paglusaw ng dalawang konseptong ito, sapagkat ang sintesis ng dalawa ay depende sa bilis ng pagdating ng teknolohiya mula sa syudad patungo sa lalawigan.

Gampanin ng makabagong teknolohiya sa Kaisang Diwa

Pangunahing gampanin o adhikain ng isang rebolusyunista ay ang gamitin ang makabagong teknolohiya upang maabot ang masang nasasa lalawigan at durugin ang kanilang piyudad na paniniwala. Hindi maaaring tuluyang magupo ng puwersang syudad ang lalawigan; kundi ang maaaring gawin ay ang isang sintesis mula sa iisang karanasang pambayan. Ano ang karanasang ito na siyang magiging daan tungo sa Kaisang Diwa?

Panlipunang karanasan tungo sa Kaisang Diwa

Ang karanasang trahedya. May halagang mabatid ng bawat isang Pilipino na sadlak siya sa trahedya ng kapabayaan ng kanyang pamahalaan. Sa sandaling mapagtanto ng Masa na mas malalang trahedya ang pampulitikang sistema, unti-unting magkakaroon ng sistesis o Kaisang Diwa ang lahat. Ano naman ang tunguhin sa sandaling may Kaisang Diwa?

Kilusan tungo sa rekonstruksyon ng bayan bunga ng mga sakit ng lipunan tulad ng korupsyon, kapabayaan, tradisyunal na paniniwalang pampulitika, at iba pa. Kung sino man ang manguna sa rekonstruksyon ng lipunan, siya ang tiyak na mananalo sa darating na halalan. Kung sino man ang mamuno sa kilusang ito, siya ang tatanghaling pinuno ng rebolusyon tungo sa malawakang pagbabago.

Kolektibong karanasan, iisang Katipunan

Ikalawa, ang damdaming pangKatipunan. Mahalagang malaman ng mga Kaisang Diwa na pumapaloob sila sa isang Katipunan. Ang Bagong Katipunang ito ay may tunguhing rebolusyunista---ang rekonstruksyon ng mga sinirang institusyong pambayan. Sasalaminin ng Bagong Katipunang ito ang isang Kilusan na may iisang adhikain.

Iisang Katipunan, isahang galaw ng Bansa

Ikatlo, at ito ay hindi mapapasubalian, ay ang kahalagahan ng pagiging Kaisang Diwa tungo sa pagkilos pambayan. Hindi lamang sa lebel ng maliitang pagkilos nararapat kundi sa isahang paggalaw. Ito ay isang mahalagang aspeto ng modelo sapagkat tunguhin nito ang paglikha ng isang Bansa.

Bansa=Kaisang Diwa

Hindi pa ganap na bansa ang Pilipinas sapagkat hindi pa tumutuntong sa panlipunang lebel ang Kaisang Diwa. Sa sandaling ang bawat isa ay sumanib na sa Bagong Katipunan, at pangatawanan ang paglusaw ng mga konseptong "akin" tungo sa "atin"; "ako" tungo sa "tayo", lilitaw ang Bagong Bansa.

Kaisang Diwa at si Chiz Escudero

2009-11-04T07:45:00.000+08:00

Habang abala ako sa pakikinig ng mga salita ng Dios nitong Sabado, tumino sa aking isipan at puso ang mga katagang “Kaisang diwa”. Bilang Historyador, batid ko ang kahalagahan nito sa sikolohiya at kasaysayan ng bansang ito. Ngunit, sa panibagong pagkakataon, batid ko sa aking puso’t isipan ang kahalagahan nito lalo na sa muling pagbabago ng ating bansa.

Ang katagang “kaisang diwa” ay ginagamit lamang ng mga matatas mag-Filipino. Ibig sabihin nito, ang laya ng pagkakaloob ng sarili, kapwa ng isipan at puso, sa iisang adhikain. Maaring ang adhikain ay ang pagpapalaganap ng isang paniniwalang pang-relihiyon. O dili kaya’y ang paggamit nito sa paglikha ng isang matatag na lipunan.

Mayroong katawagan ang mga Aleman sa terminong “kaisang diwa” at ito ay ang zeitgeist. Ang salitang ito ay nangangahulugan ng kolektibong kamalayan. Kadalasan, umuusbong ang kolektibong kamalayan sa laya ng pakikipag-usap o pakikipagtalastasan. Sa sintesis ng magkakaibang pananaw, lumulutang ang kamalayan.

Sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, naganap ang kaisang diwa noong 1898 nang magtipon-tipon ang mga Pilipino upang pabagsakin ang dayuhang pamamahala. Noong 1898, iba-iba ang naisin ng mga Pilipino tungo sa pagbabago. Mayroong pabor na gawin na lamang probinsya ang Pilipinas; samantalang kalayaan naman ang nais ng mga Indio. Naging konkreto na lamang ang adhikain sa paglikida kay Dr. Jose Rizal, na siyang naging hudyat maging sa mga Ilustrado na talikdan ang kampanyang Propaganda at lumusong na lamang sa daang rebolusyunaryo.

Sa daan ng Kaisang Diwa, nalusaw ang sosyo-ekonomikong kategoryang Indio at Ilustrado. Naging konkretong kamalayan sa bawat isa ang konseptong Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan. Lumipas pa ang mga karanasan at naging Diwa ang pagiging Pilipino. Ang katagang “Pilipino” ay sumalamin sa kamalayang bunga ng pagkawala o pagkalusaw ng kalagayang Indio at Ilustrado.

Taliwas sa akala ng ilang historyador, nagpatuloy ang kaisang diwa noong panahon ng mga Amerikano, ng hapon at maging sa kasalukuyang panahon. Umuusbong ito sa mga panahong sadlak sa suliranin ang bayan.

Ang magandang halimbawang ipinakita ni Senador Richard Gordon nang pamunuan niya ang rekonstruksyon ng Clark at Subic ay sulyap sa malaking potensyal ng kaisang diwa. Bagamat ipinakahulugan ni Gordon ang salitang ito sa "boluntarismo", o kaya'y "bayanihan", hindi mapasubaliang kaisang diwa ang nagbunsod sa mga Pilipino sa iba't-ibang lupalop na tugunin ang panawagan ni Gordon na tumulong sa pagtatayong muli ng mga iniwanang base ng mga kaso.

Huli nating nasulyapan ang pag-usbong ng kaisang diwa noong panahong lubog sa baha ang buong Kamaynilaan dulot ng Bagyong Ondoy. Isa-isang nagbigay ng kanilang tulong o abuloy ang mga Pinoy. Kung susumahin, lampas isang bilyong piso ang nalikom ng mga organisasyon bilang tulong sa mga Pilipinong nasalanta ng bagyo. Nagpapatuloy ito sa kasalukuyan bilang tanda na ang Kaisang Diwa ay hindi isang penomenang panandalian; kundi isa itong katangiang nakatatak na sa bawat isa, na handang umusbong sa tawag ng pangangailangan.

Muli, midya ang naging kasangkapan ng pagpapalaganap ng kaisang diwa. Kung noong unang panahon, mismong mga kaganapang nakita o nasulyapan o dili baga’y narinig lamang ng mga Pilipino ang naguudyok sa kanila upang maki isang Diwa, makabagong teknolohiya naman ngayon ang ginagamit upang makalikha ng adhikain tungo sa kaisang Diwa.

Ito ang punu’t-dulo ng panawagan ni Senador Chiz Escudero nang siya ay mangusap sa mga Pilipino noong Oktubre 27 sa Club Pilipino. Akala ng iba, ang pagbibitiw niya sa Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) ay tanda ng kanyang naivete o kamangmangan sa galaw ng pulitika sa bansa, ngunit, kung titignan, isa itong taktikal na galaw na may layuning kakaiba.

Batid ni Escudero ang konsepto ng kaisang diwa. Isa itong puwersang maaaring makapagpabago sa sistemang pampulitika sa bansa, kung ito lamang ay maaalagaan at maoorganisa ng maayos. Alam din ito ng mga tao sa likod ni Senador Noynoy Aquino. Nakita ito maging noong idinadala sa huling hantungan ang kanyang inang si Cory Aquino, at patuloy itong buhay maging sa kasalukuyan.

Ang galaw ni Escudero sa ngayon ay sa tunguhing ma-organisa ang Kaisang Diwang ito. Kumbaga, kung umuusbong lamang ito sa panahon ng trahedya, maaaring ma-idirekta ang galaw nito sa tunguhing pampulitika. Papaano magiging ganap ang gayong layunin?

Una, kailangang maipamukha ni Escudero sa mga Pilipino ang esensya ng kolektibang paggalaw sa panahon ng rekonstruksyon. Kailangang ipamukha ni Escudero na hindi lamang trahedyang dulot ng kalikasan ang nararapat na bigyang atensyon sa rekonstruksyon kundi ang matagalang trahedyang dulot ng masamang pulitika.

Ikalawa, kailangang kumbinsihin ni Escudero ang taumbayan na siya ang karapat-dapat mamuno sa kilusan ng rekonstruksyon. Batid ng lahat ang kahalagahan ng pagpusisyon ni Escudero bilang isang social engineer---inhinyerong ang layunin ay ang pagbuong muli ng mga nawasak na institusyong pampamahalaan sa ilalim ng administrasyong Arroyo. Magiging epektibo si Escudero kung kanyang maisasa-damdamin sa mga Pinoy na sa pamamagitan ng kaisang diwa ito matutupad.

Ang katuparan tungo sa Kaisang Diwa ay mangangahulugan ng paglusaw ng iba’t-ibang pananaw pulitika (mga “ismo”) at paglikom nito sa iisang Ideya o tunguhin. Kumbaga, nasasa estahe ng paglalang ang Kaisang Diwa kung mapapamunuan ni Escudero ang uusbong na kilusan. Batid ni Escudero na epektibong mga organisador ang iba’t-ibang NGO at People’s Organizations, tulad ng Bayan, Sanlakas, Akbayan, CODE NGO, PRRM, Partido ng Lakas ng Masa (PLM) at iba pa. Kung mapapagsanib ni Escudero ang kanilang mga lakas at sa kalauna’y makapagbuo ng iisang kilusan, may malaking tsansa itong magtagumpay. Bakit kamo?

Higit kailan man, napapanahon ang pag-usbong ng isang ikatlong puwersang pampulitikal. Ngayon magtatagumpay ang isang third force bunga na rin ng paghina ng mga tradisyunal na partido pulitikal (ang unti-unting paglusaw ng mga kaanib sa Lakas-KAMPI-NUCD, lipatang umaatikabo sa Nationalist People’s Coalition at paghina rin ng UNO). Sa kalaunan, iisa lamang ang matitirang matatag na tradisyunal na partido pulitikal at iyan ay ang Nacionalista Party sa ilalim ni Manny Villar. Sa pagsasanib lakas nina Villar at Legarda, maaaring ito ang maging major political party to beat sa darating na halalan. NGUNIT, maaari pa ring magupo ito kung isa-isang iiwanan ng mga grassroots organizers ang mga trapong pulitiko at magkaisang sumanib kay Escudero.

Papaano ang Partido Liberal kung gayon? Sa pag-usbong ng kilusang pamumunuan ni Escudero, maaaring malusaw din ang pang-ibabang lakas nito at tuluyang magupo sa halalan. Kung makukuha ni Chiz ang panggitnang puwersang pang-ekonomiko, mauubusan ng arsenal sina Noynoy Aquino sapagkat aminado maging ang mga Liberal na sandal haligi nila ang middle class. Kaiba ngayon ang katangian ng middle class---agresibo, may naisin sa pagbabago at progresibo. May malaking tsansa ang uring ito na makipag Kaisang Diwa, kung matatanto nila ang marubdob at malinis na layunin ni Escudero.

Magaganap lamang ito kung madodominahan ni Escudero ang tradisyunal at makabagong midya. Higit kailan pa man, importante kay Escudero na ipagtalastas sa sambayanang Pilipino ang kanyang malinis na hangarin sa pagbabago AT tuloy-tuloy na makipag-usap sa mga grupong progresibo at repormista sa tunguhing paglikha ng iisang kilusan. Kakailanganin niya ang panahon at sanlaksang milyong pisong pondo upang matupad ito sa kakapiranggot na oras na nalalabi para sa kanya bago ang a-treinta ng Nobyembre. Sa kalaunan naman, sa pakikibakang kanyang susuungan at sinusuungan, makakamit niya ang layunin kung kanyang isusulong at ipaglalandakan ang kanyang progresibong plataporma. Ito ang susi ng kanyang tagumpay. Ang paghahayag din ng kanyang plataporma ang maghahatid sa kanya sa rurok ng liderato ng kilusan ng pagbabago.

Government selling assets like selling turon

2009-11-04T07:34:00.001+08:00

Malacanang, says Senator Aquilino Pimentel Jr., is selling its assets. Dubbed "midnight sale", Pimentel accused the palace of compromising state security and patrimony by trying to sell "national treasures" such as the Fujimi property in Japan and "military camps and reservations" regardless of its strategic value. He adds, and I quote him from an Inquirer report, that government all kinds of assets to "offset its deficiency in tax collections without due regard to the strategic importance of maintaining a stake in these enterprises."

There are talks that the 250 billion pesos to be generated from these sale are election-related. Pimentel says
these are part of the administration's campaign kitty. The palace quickly defended the sale, saying that all these are part of the 2001 commitment of Mrs. Arroyo to privatized non-performing assets. I agree with the palace spokesperson yet it is quite amusing why government chose the Fujimi property for sale when it is a protected national treasure.

True to form, government just converted its SMC stake to preferred, sold its Petron and Meralco stocks and is trying to negotiate a sale of the sprawling National Food Terminal property. There are insinuations that government is also trying to sell the National Mental Hospital and the Home for the Aged. Last year, government sold its assets for 80 billion. Now, it wants to triple its gains by selling even military camps and reservations.

With all these frantic sale, we might just end up being governed by private entreprise. Good. At least we get rid of government.

NPC as political prostitute

2009-11-03T11:58:00.000+08:00

We're seeing the diminution of traditional political party setups and the slow disintegration of original trapo political parties. As confirmed by this site a few days ago, Lakas is teaming up with NPC, not to push for a Teodoro-Legarda tandem, which, as some sources say, is in the realm of Akira Kurusawa (Dreams); but to enhance their respective ranks. Lakas has been plagued by desertions, same case with NPC. It is but natural for both parties to merge for self-preservation.

Some say, this is the major reason why Escudero and Legarda decided to bolt their parties. Both candidates do not want their names associated with an NPC-Lakas merger. Natural for Escudero to form his own movement since he is being supported by progressives and reformist groups. While Legarda has to butterfly to other parties not entirely critical against the administration, but positioning themselves also as "oppositionist" by name or association.

On the part of Legarda, natural for her to gravitate towards Villar because the Nacionalista is not under the administration list of possible targets for demolition. Under a Villar-Legarda tandem, Loren will remain an NPC member, indicating that this is purely for 2010 reasons.

With Legarda under the Villar wing, she will eventually enjoy the strength of Villar's machinery and preserve her strong ties both with NPC and Lakas. She will definitely be endorsed by NPC as their vice presidential candidate and of course, by the Nacionalista.

The merger between NPC and Lakas will benefit Loren Legarda. There is that possibility that the NPC will only support Teodoro as president in deference to Lakas , and Legarda as vice. The Villar-Legarda tandem does not necessarily mean that the entire NPC will support Villar. What NPC will do is open itself up for the possibility of supporting Teodoro only as president and not supporting a vice presidential candidate. If this happens, this benefits Loren.

By the way, why Villar for Legarda in the first place?

Unknown to many, Villar already entered in an agreement with Mrs. Arroyo. Villar will not prosecute Mrs. Arroyo for high crimes against the people should he win the elections. Villar is also open to the possibility of shifting to a parliamentary setup post-2010. What we are now seeing is an alliance of pro-Arroyo groups austensibly to prevent a Noynoy Aquino win or an Erap win.

Eventually, these trapos (Noynoy's Liberal and Erap's UNO are traditional oppositionists on the left-of-right side of the political spectrum same as the Nacionalista and NPC positioned on the middle-of-right) will negate themselves and pave the way for a victory of a third force.

Escudero-Madrigal? or Escudero-Lacson?

2009-11-03T09:21:00.000+08:00

What would prevent a Chiz Escudero-Jamby Madrigal teamup? Nothing. Is it viable? Yes.

First, Madrigal claims to have solicited the support of cause-oriented groups. Those groups would bolster Escudero's grassroots machinery. Second, will the People support such a tandem? Yes, because both have positioned themselves as issues-based legislators.

Would a tandem such as this rate high in the surveys? Not so sure about it, since this is a new and latest political development.

The question really is---will Madrigal abandon her senatorial campaign in exchange for this? Nobody knows for sure. Should they decide to run, it is best for progressives to support them. That would be the start of something great and beautiful.

How about Escudero-Lacson? Palaban. Yet, this will court administration ire. Is it viable? Yes, it is. Lacson is a serious change agent. Both of them compliment each other.

Villar-Legarda---Sure Na!

2009-11-03T08:59:00.000+08:00

What's happening to the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC)? Like Lakas-Kampi, their members are deserting them one after the other. Seems like the NPC has turned from an influential political force to a mere shell.

News have reached me from Singapore that Nacionalista party president Manuel "Manny" Villar has just successfully concluded his talks with NPC senator Loren Legarda. Like what NPR wrote a few days ago, Senator Edgardo Angara, Loren's "idol" since she first started in this political games, has ended all negotiations for and on behalf of Loren. Legarda has finally agreed with Villar's proposal, and that is, fund her vice presidential run. Aside from the 200 million propaganda fund given by Danding Cojuangco, Villar has committed to give the good senator at least 700 million pesos more for her political machinery.

With at least 900 million as campaign funds, Loren Legarda has a fighting chance against the Liberal Party's bet Mar Roxas. Talks are swirling that DILG secretary Ronnie Puno will work for Legarda's win (albeit in secret---don't tell anyone, dear readers).

Legarda is a sure winner, if these factors are considered. One, Loren has enough funds to manage a well-oiled campaign. Two, Loren will be able to utilise Villar's widespread grassroots network to compliment her own. And three, with her vaulted local government support, Loren will also provide Villar more muscle in organizing the D-E sectors.

What is now, the effect of a Manny Villar-Loren Legarda tandem in other political configurations? Let us analyze:

1. Loren is a serious threat to Mar Roxas. Mar Roxas does not have enough local government support behind him. It seems that Loren is being pitted by trapos against Mar Roxas, who remains anti-administration.

2. Loren will boost Manny Villar's stock that it would be very surprising if Noynoy Aquino's ratings remain the same in the few weeks prior to the November 30 deadline of filing of candidacy.

3. Loren will eat up some of Estrada's constituency and make them shift towards Manny Villar.

4. With these major desertions, the NPC will just concentrate on strengthening their Congressional and local government machinery instead of gunning for the national posts. The strategy will pay off in time. Why? If plans push thru, Congress will be transformed into a parliamentary setup after 2010. With more NPC Congressmen, Danding retains his stature as a kingmaker. Instead of gambling his money and resources for the "big-ticket", Danding would have to contend with bolstering his stock down under.

5. This spells the end of the Gilbert Teodoro candidacy. Without a strong running mate, Teodoro will have a hard time winning.

Jamby Madrigal out to save Chiz Escudero?

2009-10-30T12:31:00.000+08:00

Don't count Chiz Escudero out----he still has ONE option left and that is, convince Senator Jamby Madrigal to support his candidacy.

Everyone knows that Madrigal is a billionaire, just like Villar. Possible that Chiz Escudero already courted and convinced Madrigal to support him? Is this the reason why the young presidentiable resigned?

Curiously, Chiz chose Lito Banayo, a close Lacson associate, as his campaign manager. Signs that Madrigal and Lacson are already bank-rolling ChizNation, with the Tans and Cojuangcos serving as "shadows"? We will know by next week. I just got info on who really spent for the Chiz ads now being played over the radio.

For now, let's all have a nice weekend.

The Chiz Escudero Gambit

2009-10-30T12:24:00.000+08:00

A friend and colleague in this political analysis ek-ek, Pedestrian Observer has a pretty good analysis about Chiz Escudero. Read it, as well as Leslie Bocobo's piece.

Yep. Chiz is neither a haciendero nor a bilyonaryo, but he's surely a beneficiary of the Marcos regime. His father, Salvador, was a staunch pro-Marcos. And by Chiz association with Danding, yep, he probably benefited from the coconut levy fund which Danding is still using to prop his hold over as SMC.

It does not necessarily conclude that Chiz would be all-out Marcosian. I mean, the sins of the Father should not be blamed on the son. If Salvador Escudero erred on the side of dogged allegiance to a false prophet, he was simply, and probably did it out of fear or trepidation. And we don't expect the son to follow suit right?

Chiz's gambit, as what Senator Aquilino Pimentel described his "bold move" was, for me, a test of how far and how strong the progressives are in pursuing their cause. Chiz just lost a sizeable base of support coming from the traditionals, but the prospect of carving something out of the progressives or the middle class is higher than when he was with the NPC.

The question really is---are the progressives, or some term, reformist groups really ready to flex its muscles come May 2010? People are hoping that Chiz replicates the "miracle win" of Trillianes. Trillianes was losing in the survey game months prior to the 2004 elections when his stock suddenly climbed to the magic 12.

Political analysts were caught with their feet in their mouths. Many predicted defeat; but the contrary happened. Trillianes won, as some believe, without machinery.

That observation is surely not correct. Trillianes had his electoral machine which came from reformist groups within traditional political parties. Trapos also assisted Trillianes to win and some say, his victory also got the go-ahead from inside the palace. But, that's another story.

Now, let me go back to this gambit which Chiz took.

If Chiz pushes through, he needs the backing of the reformists and the progressives. Let me just clump them in one political creature---the middle forces. Right now, majority of the middle forces are aligned with Noynoy Aquino under the mistaken notion that Ninoy's son deserves to lead them. These middle forces constitute the bulk of Noynoy's mass base support. They are educated, idealists and really want changes in Philippine society.

Based on a very confidential poll survey research which I have, they comprise 78% of the total electorate. They are a cross-section of the economic classes. They are well informed and politically aware. They classify politicians in simple trapo and non-trapo terms. Obviously, they disdain trapos and want non-trapos to ascend to power.

What is going on right now (and which the Liberals surely know) is that even they cannot seem to get the full backing of the middle forces. Yes, majority are behind them but there is a sizeable chunk, which I call the "ideologically astute" and "political organizers" who command respect in the urban poor and middle class constituencies that reserve their support. These organizers are spread among different political parties, ready to be tapped when an ideal non-trapo enters the political fray.

This is what Chiz and his handlers want to tap. Doing so means weakening Noynoy's base, damaging the grassroots base of Erap's and slowing down organizing efforts of the Manny Villar camp. When this happens, the possibility of garnering at least 23-25% of the electorate votes is high. A candidate who gets 25% of the votes come May 2010 is a sure winner, particularly in a four or five corner fight.

Chiz has just positioned himself as a non-trapo candidate and poised to assume leadership of this category. All he needs to do is convince those belonging to Noynoy's camp, those ideologically astute and political organizers to shift and form an independent movement.

This is possible since Chiz now has the FPJM, the Samahang Magdalo, Ping Lacson's group and his own ChizNation organizations. If he gets the support of the Partido Lakas ng Masa (PLM), Sanlakas, BayanMuna (now aligned with Villar's), unions, people's organizations such as the PRRM, Code NGO and the People's Primaries, he stands on firmer ground. Now, should Eddie Villanueva's group align with him and Grace Padaca's group suddenly bolts out of the Liberal Party, then Chiz has his independent third force movement.

Likewise, what is the possibility of Senator Jamby Madrigal throwing her billions out for Chiz? High, if you ask me.

Now, what is the possibility of forming a broad coalition of progressives and reformist groups under one candidacy? Grace Padaca would surely stick with Mar. JIL is one open window. BayanMuna has their own political aggrupation, but probably open to talks, same goes to PLM-Sanlakas. Code NGO has been fractured already but many of them are aligned with the Liberals.

What would happen really is that Chiz will split this group in half, further diluting the chances of progressives ascending the top of the power structure post-May 2010. Chiz is doing what Ping Lacson did in 2004---splitting the progressives by positioning as the best alternative candidate. Chiz is like a monkey wrench thrown in the political pond to confuse and befuddle the political forces.

And the target seems to be Noynoy Aquino. Wittingly or unwittingly, Chiz just played sweetly in the hands of the administration.

Trouble in Noynoy fever?

2009-10-30T11:04:00.000+08:00

Yesterday, Senator Noynoy Aquino said that he and his party are talking with the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC). Aquino was quoted to have said that since Chiz Escudero is now out of the picture, the Liberal party can now proceed with talks with Danding Cojuangco, Aquino's uncle ,on the possibility of a coalition.

WTF????

Mr. Senator, I thought we are pursuing New Politics here, why talk with traditional political parties? I thought that you have faith in the Power of the People to propel you to victory?

Are you now saying Mr. Aquino that you are ready to compromise the People's Agenda in exchange for 200 million pesos or 5 billion pesos worth of campaign funds which obviously, your uncle would give you without blinking his eye?

Mr. Aquino, I thought you have full faith in us, the Filipino People, that without money, you will win? You even told us during that pompous affair at the Club Filipino that you will engage in a non-traditional campaign?

Now, why do you need Danding Cojuangco? Are you saying that you now believe in what Manny Villar said that "money (Manny) politics win every single time in this country"?

Are you ready to use the coconut farmers' monies just to win the presidency? If that is the case, then, are you Mr. Noynoy Aquino, saying that you'll give your uncle the entire 130 billion pesos coconut levy fund in exchange for electoral support?

You are talking with different political parties Mr. Aquino and behaving like a true-blue TRAPO---totally different from what your father, Ninoy, used to be.

Noynoy, your slip is showing. It just shows that your organization is crumbling and teethering to the blink of financial woes, just like what Chiz Escudero encountered. For if not, you would not even entertain the thought of talking with Danding and his NPC.

I thank God that this early, the Almighty is opening the People's eyes to the reality that no one among the current crop of leaders deserve to lead this 90 million souls towards true change.

Danding Cojuangco's Balancing Act

2009-10-29T13:13:00.000+08:00

Let me explore further one analysis which I gave in my earlier entry about Chiz Escudero's resignation---the strategy of Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC) chairman emeritus Danding Cojuangco to just concentrate on funding his political grassroots base and allow the national slate open. Reason is simple---insulate Danding Cojuangco from " the messy national politics" and maintain his stature as this country's "top King-maker."

Danding has one thing haunting him now---the release of a court decision on his "ownership" of the coconut levy fund shares. This is NOT the right time for him to express his political preference. One, if Danding goes all out for the NPC presidential, vice presidential and senatorial bets, he will alienate his political ally, Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the Lakas-KAMPI administration party. This coco levy fund issue is like a Damocles' sword hanging above Danding's head.

To avoid possible prosecution, Danding has to maintain his "king-maker" status by "spreading the gravy", so to speak. He needs to open his party up for talks with Lakas, explore possibilities with Noynoy, keep Escudero and Legarda both at bay with promises of 200 million pesos each, keep talking with Villar's camp and that of Estrada's. Danding's situation is very delicate, like balancing oneself in a political tightrope. Or, another allusion, many knives poised at his neck.

Danding's best bet is really Chiz Escudero. First, Escudero's political stock remains as clean as a whistle. Second, Escudero owe NPC and Danding his career and third, Danding has taken cared of Escudero from the very start.

However, Escudero's critical stance against Arroyo, whether for show or not, has marked him for demolition by the administration. Many Lakas stalwarts hate Escudero for his anti-administration posturings, some even commenting that Escudero used them, and parodied Arroyo, just to gain political mileage. This validates what Mikey Arroyo once said that Escudero was the so-called "oppositionist" who continues to open his camp for talks while throwing rotten tomatoes against his mother.

With Lakas not really "gung-ho" on Escudero, Danding has no choice but to free Escudero from NPC so that the "merger" or the "marriage of convenience" between NPC and Lakas-Kampi pushes thru. This coalition is most critical for both parties since both camps are suffering from early desertions. Many Lakas members have shifted to the NP, after Mrs. Arroyo and Villar formalized their agreements. While some NPC members have either shifted to NP or the Liberal Party. The Osmenas are examples.

With Escudero out of the way, there is no stumbling block for this marriage of convenience anymore. The NPC can proceed with the merger with Lakas-Kampi (just formalizing it since Lakas-KAMPI and NPC are aligned under the so-called "rainbow coalition") and field a slate totally composed of Lakas-Kampi members.

An NPC-Lakas-Kampi merger is actually, just for show since Danding will concentrate more on strengthening his local political base. By giving his "blessing", Danding just gave the administration what they wanted and invariably, preserved his business interests and made it intact.

The question really is---is Chiz Escudero really freed from Danding Cojuangco's ambit? Some analysts say no, while others who believe in fantasies say yes. Based on my talks with sources, Danding KNEW Chiz Escudero's decision to leave the party. DANDING EVEN GAVE CHIZ HIS BLESSING AND "GO-SIGNAL".

Chiz posturings are basically directed at enticing progressive groups comprising the Noynoy train, weakening the Liberal party base and while also eating up Erap's constituency. That leaves Manny Villar's machinery fully intact and functioning.

Possibility of a Villar-Escudero teamup

There are talks that the Nacionalista is interested on Escudero. Congressman Zamora revealed that their camps started negotiations some months ago. What will be the result should Escudero goes to the Villar camp?

First, Escudero will lose his "personal mass base" composed of Samahang Magdalo, FPJPM and even Lacson's groups. He will probably enter into the devil's gambit alone. He'll surely lose since he does not have the political muscle to fight against Loren Legarda nor even against Mar Roxass. He will totally be discredited and ruin his promising political career.

Best for Escudero to form a truly independent political movement (not party) and like Lacson, go all out as an independent in 2010. Chances of winning are slim but best for him since this will just be consistent of what he told the public yesterday at Club Filipino.

Net---the young turk who postured himself as the Pinoy Obama needs serious self-searching sessions before he embarks on a new enterprise. Chiz Escudero, if I may describe him now, is a trapped and confused political creature. Best for him to drop his bid this early and avoid defeat or at the least, a loss of face.

OIL COMPANIES SHOULD MAKE GOOD THEIR THREAT TO SHUT THEMSELVES DOWN

2009-10-29T09:26:00.000+08:00

I wholeheartedly support Palace moves to punish oil companies which continually try to sabotage and terrorize us, Filipino consumers with threats of either rationing their supplies or shutting their operations totally.

I CHALLENGE THESE OIL COMPANIES TO MAKE GOOD THEIR THREAT OF SHUTTING DOWN THEIR OPERATIONS. LET THEM. EVEN THESE LPG DEALERS WHO CONTINUES TO MAKE THREATS THAT THEY WILL NOT SUPPLY US WITH ENOUGH LPG STOCKS, PLEASE SHUT YOUR OPERATIONS DOWN.

LET THESE OIL FIRMS AND LPG COMPANIES TOTALLY SHUT THEMSELVES DOWN TO ALLOW GOVERNMENT TO FINALLY, FINALLY TAKE THEIR OPERATIONS OVER UNDER THE PRETEXT OF A STATE OF EMERGENCY AND CALAMITY.

HIGH TIME FOR GOVERNMENT TO TAKE OVER THESE OIL FIRMS AND JAIL THESE ABUSIVE AND UNSCRUPULOUS OIL EXECUTIVES.

LIKEWISE, I URGE JUSTICE SECRETARY AGNES DEVENADERA AND PRESIDENT GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO---WE ARE BEHIND YOU, MADAME.

DO NOT BE AFRAID. THE PEOPLE ARE SOLIDLY BEHIND YOU.