Filipino 20/20

Arroyo's SONA: Too late in the game?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 06:00:00 +0000

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

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

Mrs. Arroyo was elected by the slimmiest of margins. Worst, the circumstances surrounding that electoral victory were marred with controversies. Obviously, the best and I think, the most effective means of shoring up support is probably convincing the political opposition to give their share in nation-building. What happened was clearly the opposite. Mrs. Arroyo did what was expected of her by her opponents---make a garrison out of the Philippine government.

That insulated her from public sympathy. Many people did not see these vaunted economic gains that her government amassed these past nine years. They did not see that 700,000 poor Filipino families benefited from the government's anti-poverty alleviation programs. They did not hear about the stories of 1.8 million poor families who got their own homes. They did not see the economic growth in the countrysides nor did they hear about the success stories of 8 million Filipinos who got jobs through a stable economy and effective job generation projects.

All said, this is, I think, a function of the government's press relations agency. This agency failed in its mission. However, one cannot utterly blame them for this, since they face a formidable enemy composed of former Arroyo officials and a political opposition, the counter-elite.

Now, is it too late in the game for Mrs. Arroyo? I doubt it. She can still create a sizeable constituency by making the right moves. She still has lots of things to do.

A full sense of Everything

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 03:42:00 +0000

Let's sit down and talk about this.

Is Bert Gonzales suggestion of a "revolutionary transitional government" a bad idea? Thinking about it, the idea makes some sense for four (4) reasons:

1. Change can only happen in an untainted, clean and credible elections. How can that be when Arroyo and her ilk continues to stay in power? Obviously, Arroyo and her minions would try to influence this elections to help prop up their allies in power. Why? As surety that their asses would not be hauled to jail after the 2010 elections. This is attainable, given that the automation project was given by the COMELEC to the First Gentleman's ass-lickers. How can you now say that hope lies in the forthcoming electoral exercise when it's obvious that this administration is hell-bent on tainting it, just like the 2004 Hello Garci scandal.

2. Mistrust in governance would continue under Arroyo. Arroyo is the most villified and the most hated post-Marcos leader of all time, according to Pulse Asia and the SWS. That's the reason why 76% of the Philippine population continues to mistrust the entire government. Ingrity is very important in the midst of all these scandals and alleged graft cases happening before our very noses. Ousting Arroyo would definitely make a sociological difference.

3. Arroyo has lost considerable power and trust from foreign governments. The US wants to summon the Philippine head of state and that is really NOT a good thing. Relations with other Asian countries have already suffered damages caused by these commissioning imps of the First Gentleman and Gloria's own lieutenants.

4. Elite versus elite infighting has become personal. Before 2004, the fight was still in the ideological and political level. Now, because of the brazen display of power by Arroyo, the struggle has now attained a personal level. That is very discomforting since this shows how angry sectors are against her present administration.

What is nonsensical about Bertgon's wild imaginings is the inclusion of Mrs. Arroyo in this council, suggesting that this is just a ploy, a psywar, to justify the continuance of Mrs. Arroyo's regime. Quite ridiculous, since Bertgon knows for a fact that people would oppose such a move, not because the main idea is un-democratic (or perceived to be); rather, the idea is really not a very good description of change. Imagine, what change would a council do with the devil enfant still calling the shots?

True change can only happen if people, with the assistance of the military, militate against the present dispensation. Yes, a revolutionary government, as proposed within the parameters set by Chief Justice Reynato Puno, is feasible provided that a new set of leaders man the Council.

For example, a council composed of all leaders of the minority political parties, civil society and people's organizations is most feasible. It would likewise be better or more agreeable if, say Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro heads the council during the transition, with the proviso that he'll not run as president in 2010 elections.

The idea of a council should be seizure of political power for the benefit of the people. By transforming the government into a partially open to an open democratic setup would greatly aid in making the transition from a garrison-like state to an open democratic one under a new leadership in 2010.

Panlilio should go to the confessionary

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 02:32:00 +0000

What's really on the mind of Pampanga governor Ed Panlilio. He refuses to heed the sentiments and views even of his colleagues. Archbishop Oscar Cruz said that should Panlilio really run as president, he'll not vote for him. Panlilio should be sensitive about these comments.

I think Panlilio needs to do is contemplate. He should be his own man. He should not allow himself to be swayed by those sweet words from other people.

What really is the motivation of Panlilio? I really don't know. What is most important for a priest? To serve God or to serve the Mammon? Panlilio should decide. Unless of course, God already talked with him and said that he's the anointed one, in which case, i dein not to argue.

12,000 cops at the SONA--are they kidding me?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:22:00 +0000

I really can't understand the logic behind the PNP's decision to field 12,000 cops come SONA day. I mean, are they afraid of the thousands of nuns, students, workers and ordinary citizens who'll troop to Congress to hear Mrs. Arroyo's last speech? What is so serious about her speech that government needs to protect her from thousands of her own people? Are they afraid that these people would throw thousands of rotten tomatoes and eggs and these probably might reach Mrs. Arroyo inside Batasang Pambansa?

Seriously, that's an overkill. When bombers threw hand grenades at churches in Mindanao, there were no 12,000 cops to protect the people there. When people like Anne Curtis needs cops to protect her house from robbers, where were the cops?

NCRPO Roberto Rosales should seriously re-consider this. What's the overkill? Or, these officials are really after the humonguous budget that government forks out whenever there's a mobilization of this magnitude? Who are benefitting from this charade? Or, this is a plain and simple case of "sipsip" politics?

Hayden Kho Sex Scandal Update

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 04:12:00 +0000

Hayden Kho, the controversial doctor involved in the Katrina Halili sex tape scandal, is confident that nothing will ever result from the "expose" or "leakage" of a CD of his conversations with his girlfriend, Vicki Belo and publicists Lolit Solis and Reli German.

In the CD, Kho was heard asking Solis how to behave during media interviews. Kho also revealed that the son of socialite Baby Arenas is extorting money from him to the tune of 20 million pesos.

Kho is waiting for the DOJ resolution on the filing of civil and criminal charges against him. The controversial doctor is being charged with leaking the sex tapes involving him and sexy star Katrina Halili. He admitted filming those sex scenes but denied that he was involved in the distribution of the sex tapes online.

Reportedly Vicki Belo forked out millions of pesos just to neutralize negative publicity against her and Kho.

Alert Up in Metro Manila after twin bombings in Jakarta

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 12:12:00 +0000

These twin bombings that killed 9 people and injured scores of others in Jakarta Indonesia happened shortly after the presidential elections were held which affirmed the administration of former Indonesian general Susilo Bambang Yudyohono. Reports say suicide bombers attacked the Ritz-Carlton and the JW Marriott hotels, two of the most highly secured 5-star hotels in Indonesia. No one has claimed responsibility although analysts point to the Jemaah Islamiya as the ones responsible for these blasts.

At least one New Zealander was confirmed to have died and scores of Americans, French and Australians were reported injured. Fortunately, there was no Filipino casualty.

In response, our government placed all hotels in Metro Manila under tight watch. Historically, when bombs go off either in the Philippines or in Indonesia, a series of bombs also go off somewhere. Hence, security and intelligence agencies should guard and double their time on intelligence gathering since these terrorist criminals are so crazy, they don't mind whether they blow themselves up or their relatives. We Filipinos, must therefore be always alert and on guard since these people are committed to their foolish and devilish ideology.

INter-country intelligence sharing should be pursue more vigorously than before to avert possible escalation of regional terrorism.

A Maginoo President for 2010?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:00 +0000

Who's your ideal president? Or, let me re-phrase my question---what are the qualities of an ideal Philippine president? What kind of leader are we looking for?

Obviously, what we're looking for is someone who exemplifies the best of the Filipino. Someone who treasures his commitments and his promises. Someone who values collective welfare instead of his own. And someone who genuinely love Filipinos.

As I was watching the PPCRV and COMELEC sponsored presidential forum at Plaza Miranda, all of these candidates have a genuine love for the Filipino. They really want to serve. However, unfortunately, no one stood out among them. No one, even the youthful looking Chiz Escudero holds the promise of an inspiring leader. Why do I say that?

Because all of them thinks the way a trapo thinks. All of them proposed solutions that we already heard before in previous fora. Meaning, no one really shocked us, no one really made us jump for joy and no one really inspired us.

What we are looking for is a Maginoo, a Filipino who would speak like a Marcos, love the masses like how Magsaysay did it, has the intelligence and wit of a Salonga, the patriotism of a Ninoy, the youthful vigour of a Lean Alejandro, and the sophistication of a Carlos P. Romulo. It's also a beneficial thing if we could find someone with the electrifying persona of an Erap and the fortitude of a Bonifacio. These qualities we desperately need in these times.

2010 is most critical because it's a great time for us to start anew. We already have laws that work and what's lacking is direct and impartial implementation. If we could only find one that would think of the country's welfare first instead of his own; if we could only find someone who'll consider his compatriots hardships first instead of his political interests, how lucky we would be.

Plaza Miranda and the 2010 Presidentiables Forum

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 13:34:00 +0000

Despite torrential rains, the Plaza Miranda candidates forum organized by the PPCRV and the COMELEC went extremely well. Six presidentiables, namely Loren Legarda, Chiz Escudero, Richard Gordon, former president Joseph Estrada, Ed Panlilio and Mar Roxas were there. They signed a covenant for clean elections and also one that stated their opposition against charter change.

It was a very comforting and totally re-assuring scene. It shows how patriotic these people are. Nobody stood out. It is as if, God is pointing to us the solution to our problems---we must elect a council, not just one person.

By the way, that forum also signified the desire of Erap to really run as president in 2010. He is bolder now than before. Are we facing an Erap restoration? You bet.

swc73vrdx6

Pat Evangelista

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 17:03:00 +0000

I find Pat Evangelista simply beautiful. I even told my friend, Manolo Quezon III to have her as his co-host on the Explainer. Pat for me, is one hell of a lady. She writes with passion and with a whole lot of sense and wit that I always marvel at how she phrases her words; or how she composes those excellent opinion pieces. There's simply no way that you'll ever figure out what goes on in that beautiful mind of hers.

What's more, she's simply not your hell raiser. She was'nt molded like the others before her. I mean, she's not your usual activist born from the loins of struggle. No. She belongs to "their" world; yet simply despises it. What's good is that she emerged from the woodwork, simply by induction. Meaning, she formed those opinions straight from physical observation and she put analytical tools to good use by mere inductive logic. That shows you that even if you're not versed with Marxism or you're not familiar with dialectical materialism, logic would just open your eyes and you'll end up concluding that this world where we live in is simply too fractured, too crazy, too abrasive and too discomfited that it's simply too idiotic not to militate against it.

That makes me happy. She is the validation of my analysis.

Joseph Estrada---ang pagbabalik!

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 13:14:00 +0000

Eight years ago, this was the photo of Erap. (see left pic)

A defeated man. A condemned man. A most villified man.

He fell from power through what other's call a "revolution." Some of his friends who benefitted during his administration left him. His closest friends deserted him.

Now, he's coming back. Will we see an Estrada restoration?

Panetta's Punyeta Trip

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 03:38:00 +0000

Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) chief Leon Panetta met Mrs. Arroyo for about 20 minutes. What were the things they discussed during that closed door meeting? Malacanang maintained its silence. Did Panetta asked Mrs. Arroyo on the status of military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Jolo, Sulu? Is that the reason why those military agents who posed as terrorists in Jolo, Sulu immediately released Vagni just to score some points with the US?

Panetta's meeting with Arroyo is of no particular consequence. More important, the briefing which Panetta had with his counterparts in the Philippine defense and intelligence community and that of his men working at the US embassry. Those were the most important things.

Maybe Panetta is interested to know why Arroyo has chosen to talk with the MILF and the CPP-NPA-NDF, organizations deemed "terror groups" by Washington. If that's the only concern, then, why the visit?

There's more to this than a mere courtesy call. Panetta may have been alarmed that Jemaah Islamiyah members are reportedly causing so much havoc in Mindanao. Or, are they?

Barack Obama to meet Arroyo? Why?

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 14:21:00 +0000

I seriously don't understand why US President Barack Obama invited Philippine president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a state visit. The White House said Obama invited Mrs. Arroyo to be the first Southeast Asian leader to have an audience with the US President. The visit is scheduled on July 30, three days after her last State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The White House statement that announced the invitation said the two leaders will be “an opportunity to discuss ways to enhance US-Philippine cooperation on critical global issues including counter-terrorism and climate change, as well as further the traditionally strong alliance and bond between our nations.”

This is most perplexing since the US president actually scuttled a trip to Kenya, the country of his father, because of its government's increasing human rights violations record. Obama even gave a rousing speech entitled " A New Moment of Promise", a veritable condemnation of repressive regimes and lays the predicate for America's role in African political life. Now, Obama wants to be visited by Southeast Asia's most vilified and most hated head of state?

I once admired Obama for his staunch beliefs in human dignity and human rights. I am really doubting his true intention with this invitation to Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

First, after the SONA, Mrs. Arroyo will become a veritable lame duck, since that would formally start the countdown leading to the end of her administration. What is so important for the US to call on the Philippine president for a personal audience? Is Obama interested on knowing the real human rights situation in the Philippines first hand from the very promoter of repression and HRV?

Second, what is so important that Obama decided to see Mrs. Arroyo? Is it because Obama wants to hear from Mrs. Arroyo straight that she'll honor her commitment to push ahead with the 2010 elections?

That's so lame a concern for the busiest Chief Executive of the world. What really is the intention of the White House for the hurried scheduling of the visit?

Remember that last week, during the July 4 celebrations at the US embassy, US Ambassador Kristie Kenny hinted of a state visit but declined to give any specific date since " nothing concrete has been settled." Now, after Panetta's visit, there's a schedule already?

I see this as a visit to repair strained relations, like what Obama did last April 17 when he visited Mexico. Obama met Mexican president Felipe Calderon at a time when Mexico was beset with violence, security issues, drug trafficking and arms trafficking. Previous to Obama's 12 hour visit in Mexico, the US has communicated and voiced its concern with Mexico's worsening peace and order situation.

This is the same thing with the Philippines. Washington has been voicing its desire to see the Philippines toe the democratic line, first from US Defense secretary Robert Gates, then from the US ambassador and lastly from the CIA Chief. Obama, as some very close observers say, is a hands-on executive. He wants to hear the problem and assurances straight from the source. Is this the same case, Obama wants to hear from Mrs. Arroyo what's happening and what she intends to do about it?

Aside from this, the visit is very suspicious given that it comes at a time when both the MILF and the government are going back to the peace table. Remember that since 2000, the US wants to play a bigger role in brokering peace in the troubled Mindanao region. The US knows that Mrs. Arroyo is at her most vulnerable, what with her administration on its last few months in office and there's a brewing peace and order situation that she needs to attend to. The timing is perfect for the US to probably get concessions, possibly to secure commitments that the Philippine government would honor the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) or that the government allows the continuation of the US military facility inside the Western Mindanao command. If this is the case, then, what is the concession? For Obama to do a Richard Nixon and give a blessing to Mrs. Arroyo to go ahead with martial rule?

The Work of God 95 years later

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 10:27:00 +0000

On July 27, 1914, Austrian ambassador to Britain Count Mensdorff handed a letter to Sir Edward Grey, then, the British Foreign Minister. As expected, the letter was in response to an earlier one sent to Austria's rival country, Serbia, expressing dismay over Serbia's refusal to stand down and cease offensive actions against the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Austria has decided to take extreme action against Serbia. That letter was an ultimatum for Serbia and since Britain was a very important power player in European politics back then, Austria wanted them to convey their displeasure against Serbia.

Britain gave Serbia the letter, and wanted to mediate between the two countries. Serbia, however, refused.

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

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

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

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

That night, Felix started to preach before a small throng of people who gathered in the house of his friends.

As Felix continued to hold nightly bible meetings, more and more people began to flock in his friend's house. Word had spread how this young man, all of 27 years of age, could preach about God's message with so much passion, conviction and authority. No one was like him. The young preacher always spice his preachings with quotes directly lifted from the Bible. He was preaching about the Oneness of God and the promise of salvation thru God's true church, the Iglesia ni Kristo. Before he started these nightly bible studies, Felix was quite known already as a very eloquent preacher of God's message. Everyone calls him as "Ka Vernakulo" because he was the only one who always refer to the bible to answer questions about Christ and the real message of God.

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

On July 27, a portion of the Pasig river fronting a construction firm was closed off for that occasion. A makeshift enclosure composed only of some bamboo poles and a white cloth was constructed. Inside what they called the baptistery stood a young preacher.

The young preacher called the believers by name, one by one. Before him in that bright morning, in waist deep waters, the preacher urged each of them to raise their hands, state their allegiance to God, Christ and the Bible and reaffirm their loyalty to their new faith. He then immersed them one by one in the clear river water, “ in the name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.”

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

Plaza Miranda Bombing

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:29:00 +0000

Amidst talks of bombings and plans to again declare martial law in the Philippines, let me remind everyone of one of the incidents that reportedly triggered former strongman Ferdinand Marcos to declare martial rule.

It was August 21, 1971 when members of the Liberal Party of the Philippines were at Plaza Miranda in Quiapo Manila. The political rally was held to proclaim the senatorial bets of the party.

Senators Jovito Salonga, Liberal party president Gerardo Roxas, and Sergio Osmena Jr. were there. More than 4,000 people witnessed the rally.

Shortly after one of the speeches, a bomb went off, killing nine people and injuring scores of others. Salonga was among those injured while Manila mayor Ramon Bagatsing lost a leg.

Will history repeat itself, this time, under Mrs. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo?

Vigan, Ilocos Sur

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 05:02:00 +0000

Vigan is one of the most beautiful places in the Philippines. The capital of Ilocos Sur, Vigan boasts of old Spanish-style houses and spectacular beaches.

My family and I went there a few months ago. I drove for about seven hours I think. From Makati, where I live, we traversed the long yet very nice North Expressway, and used the SCTEX. After Tarlac, you need to traverse the long road going to La Union. After passing those wonderful La Union stretch of beach, you'll get to Ilocos Sur.

Ilocos sur is part of the fabled Ilocos region. An arch welcomes you with a photo of I think, a Filipino cardinal or archbishop, signifying that the people of this region are truly Catholic adherents.

We stayed at one of my friend's resorts, the Santiago cove resort located at Santiago, Ilocos Sur. If you intend to go there, you need at least about 5,000 pesos. You need to load at least 2 full tanks. Food are a-plenty. And it's very reasonable and delicious!

FG checks the Truth

noreply@blogger.com (CadreManila) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 04:07:00 +0000

Is he really ready to know the Truth?