A true officer and a gentleman
As we were having dinner the other night in a Quezon City restaurant, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) chief, Director Rosendo Dial, mentioned in passing a supposed P50 million bribe attempt by members of the powerful Ampatuan clan on the former warden of the Metro Manila District Jail in Camp Bagong Diwa, where the suspects in the gruesome Ampatuan massacre are presently being held.
In my long years as a journalist, I- like other members of the media around- have developed a sense for detecting news even in casual conversations such as the one we were having then. When I heard about my good old friend general’s story about the foiled bribery, only one thing crossed my mind: That’s one helluvah news, which any ordinary journalist would itch to write about.
Then I dug for more details. Ross Dial was very accommodating, answering bluntly each of my pointblank question. So as not to make the story longer, please refer to our banner news headline.
What we agreed on was for me to write the story for The Manila Times where I rarely submit stories as senior contributor. I called up the Times’ publisher but quickly changed my mind for a couple of reasons. First, if I would write it alone, my colleagues at the National Press Club might not like it as I would be acting as if to “outscoop” them. “Scoop” in journalism jargon means in Tagalog “pinagmukha kitang tanga dahil tutulog-tulog ka sa pansitan.”
So, I just decided to relay the information to NPC President Jerry Yap and eventually we decided to reveal the supposed bribery and escape plan in a press conference yesterday, which we did.
After the usual “goodbyes” and “thank yous,” The good general made one final revelation as we were going down the stairs to the restaurant’s parking lot. He said the latest information that has reached him was that the bribe amount was actually P150 million. “I’ll quote you on this,” I told him. He curtly replied: “I will not deny it. I’ll say that we have been receiving these infos.”
Now that the story’s been told, we at the NPC are posed to send letters of commendation and appreciation for the professionalism and propriety displayed by the BJMP officials concerned. They have set an example to be followed by others who may be tempted with quick fortune in exchange for the devil’s release from hell.
The Philippine National Police should similarly make similar revelations because we know that with the enormous wealth the Ampatuan family possesses, they could even buy out Satan’s position. They were even able to buy the services of a once respected lawyer who is now being despised and puked on by many.
When the time comes for these people to go, I hope nobody would remember them in a thousand years.
However, knowing that there are still honest and straight officials like Gen. Dial and his men inspires me not to lose hope that this country, somehow, could still rise up from the ruins, from the debris wrought by hatred, divisiveness, envy and ignorance.
My hats off to Gen. Dial and his people. May your tribe increase.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
P150M for ampatuans' escape
The National Press Club of the Philippines has received verified reports from a highly-reliable jail bureau official of a plan by the prime suspects in the Ampatuan massacre to escape by bribing top officials from the bureau and the Philippine National Police.
Per our source’s info, a bribe of P150 million was being dangled by members of the Ampatuan family to interested takers. Already, one Bureau of Jail Management and Penology official was offered P50 million- a downpayment of P10 million if he would agree to the plan and the balance to be given once the suspects have escaped.
The offer was made just before the massacre’s first anniversary last month. The jail official reported this to a higher authority who then ordered his relief to avoid the temptation. A report about this offer had been sent to DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and PNP chief Raul Bacalzo.
We were informed that Justice Sec. Leila De Lima also knew about this already.
Alarmed by this plan, the jail bureau has recommended the automatic relief of the Manila District Jail warden every three months. The roofdeck of the jail facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, which can accommodate a helicopter, was filled with steel junk and mattresses to prevent a possible aerial rescue.
As such, the NPC calls on everyone concerned to follow the lead of the BJMP official and resist the temptation of a quick fortune. We commend the BJMP for its actions and we shall officially relay our gratitude to its leadership today.
Also, we call on the DILG, the PNP, the Supreme Court, the Department of JUstice and other security forces to tighten their watch on the suspects, especially during hearings, in the light of the discovery of this escape plot.
We need not emphasize how dangerous the suspects are.
We encourage others to immediately report similar incidents where cash was being dangled in exchange for the suspects’ freedom. Admittedly, the Ampatuan family’s enormous wealth and plundered money could already be changing hands, or could have already changed hands, as we speak. But let this serve as a warning to them: We shall work to ensure that each and every suspect in the massacre will remain in jail before the attainment of and until justice has been served.
The NPC is resolved not only to monitor the developments in and out of the courtroom but developments in security and the behavior of the suspects and their custodians as well, among other thngs.
Thank you.
Per our source’s info, a bribe of P150 million was being dangled by members of the Ampatuan family to interested takers. Already, one Bureau of Jail Management and Penology official was offered P50 million- a downpayment of P10 million if he would agree to the plan and the balance to be given once the suspects have escaped.
The offer was made just before the massacre’s first anniversary last month. The jail official reported this to a higher authority who then ordered his relief to avoid the temptation. A report about this offer had been sent to DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo and PNP chief Raul Bacalzo.
We were informed that Justice Sec. Leila De Lima also knew about this already.
Alarmed by this plan, the jail bureau has recommended the automatic relief of the Manila District Jail warden every three months. The roofdeck of the jail facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, which can accommodate a helicopter, was filled with steel junk and mattresses to prevent a possible aerial rescue.
As such, the NPC calls on everyone concerned to follow the lead of the BJMP official and resist the temptation of a quick fortune. We commend the BJMP for its actions and we shall officially relay our gratitude to its leadership today.
Also, we call on the DILG, the PNP, the Supreme Court, the Department of JUstice and other security forces to tighten their watch on the suspects, especially during hearings, in the light of the discovery of this escape plot.
We need not emphasize how dangerous the suspects are.
We encourage others to immediately report similar incidents where cash was being dangled in exchange for the suspects’ freedom. Admittedly, the Ampatuan family’s enormous wealth and plundered money could already be changing hands, or could have already changed hands, as we speak. But let this serve as a warning to them: We shall work to ensure that each and every suspect in the massacre will remain in jail before the attainment of and until justice has been served.
The NPC is resolved not only to monitor the developments in and out of the courtroom but developments in security and the behavior of the suspects and their custodians as well, among other thngs.
Thank you.
Webb of lies and deceit
Lauro Vizconde, I am very much sure, could hardly get to sleep these days. In one live TV interview, the Vizconde patriarch, who lost his wife and two daughters nearly 20 years ago, admitted he was worried that the suspects in the killing of his loved ones would be acquitted by the Supreme Court soon. His fears were bolstered by the release of ex-cop Gerardo Biong, who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for being an accessory to the gruesome Vizconde massacre.
The camp of principal suspect Hubert Webb, son of former actor turned senator Freddie Webb, was hopeful that the high tribunal would exonerate him, due mainly to the failure of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to produce the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples and vaginal swabs taken from one of the victims. The NBI said the samples were submitted to the Paranaque City court which tried the controversial case. But court officials claimed that what the NBI submitted during the trial were photos of the samples.
Somebody here is definitely lying.
Now, the failure to produce this vital evidence has led many in the legal arena to believe that Webb and his other co-accused could indeed be acquitted by the SC. The main point is that a criminal offense should be proven to have been committed by an offender “beyond reasonable doubt.” The absence of an evidence as vital as a DNA sample may be enough to cast the slightest of doubt as in the case against Webb, et. al.
I am not a lawyer but it doesn’t take to be one of the brightest legal minds to understand the implications of Webb et al’s possible acquittal. I do not intend to jump the gun on the SC, so to speak, and be held in contempt but in the interest of objectivity and freedom to express an opinion, I would attempt to present the pros and cons of an expected, or should we say feared, acquittal. All from a layman’s point of view.
I guess it would be easier for all to accept an affirmation by the SC of an inferior court’s decision. Emotion wise, we all tend to sympathize with Mr. Vizconde. If the SC affirms the guilty verdict on the suspects, most of us are inclined to believe and embrace it as Bible truth. A victory won for all fathers like Mr. Vizconde.
But what if the high tribunal reverses the guilty verdict and orders an acquittal? How prepared are we to accept the suspects in the mainstream of society? And what could that entail, especially in relation to our justice system?
I believe in the wisdom of our magistrates and by now I am sure that they are already carefully reviewing each and every line and each and every detail of the case. Whatever their decision will be, I was told, would be deemed final and appealable. Although I still hope not, for the benefit of both camps.
I, like Mr. Vizconde, am so worried over the possibility of the suspects being acquitted because if the failure of the NBI to present the DNA samples would be used as basis for exoneration, then this new jurisprudence could be used by other convicted rape and murder suspects to have the verdicts on them reversed and be acquitted.
It’s a dangerous ground they’re treading. During those times when DNA was virtually unheard of, many had been proven guilty of rape and murder “beyond reasonable doubt.” Will the Vizconde massacre case open the door for the acquittal of these convicts too?
That we will soon find out.
The camp of principal suspect Hubert Webb, son of former actor turned senator Freddie Webb, was hopeful that the high tribunal would exonerate him, due mainly to the failure of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to produce the DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) samples and vaginal swabs taken from one of the victims. The NBI said the samples were submitted to the Paranaque City court which tried the controversial case. But court officials claimed that what the NBI submitted during the trial were photos of the samples.
Somebody here is definitely lying.
Now, the failure to produce this vital evidence has led many in the legal arena to believe that Webb and his other co-accused could indeed be acquitted by the SC. The main point is that a criminal offense should be proven to have been committed by an offender “beyond reasonable doubt.” The absence of an evidence as vital as a DNA sample may be enough to cast the slightest of doubt as in the case against Webb, et. al.
I am not a lawyer but it doesn’t take to be one of the brightest legal minds to understand the implications of Webb et al’s possible acquittal. I do not intend to jump the gun on the SC, so to speak, and be held in contempt but in the interest of objectivity and freedom to express an opinion, I would attempt to present the pros and cons of an expected, or should we say feared, acquittal. All from a layman’s point of view.
I guess it would be easier for all to accept an affirmation by the SC of an inferior court’s decision. Emotion wise, we all tend to sympathize with Mr. Vizconde. If the SC affirms the guilty verdict on the suspects, most of us are inclined to believe and embrace it as Bible truth. A victory won for all fathers like Mr. Vizconde.
But what if the high tribunal reverses the guilty verdict and orders an acquittal? How prepared are we to accept the suspects in the mainstream of society? And what could that entail, especially in relation to our justice system?
I believe in the wisdom of our magistrates and by now I am sure that they are already carefully reviewing each and every line and each and every detail of the case. Whatever their decision will be, I was told, would be deemed final and appealable. Although I still hope not, for the benefit of both camps.
I, like Mr. Vizconde, am so worried over the possibility of the suspects being acquitted because if the failure of the NBI to present the DNA samples would be used as basis for exoneration, then this new jurisprudence could be used by other convicted rape and murder suspects to have the verdicts on them reversed and be acquitted.
It’s a dangerous ground they’re treading. During those times when DNA was virtually unheard of, many had been proven guilty of rape and murder “beyond reasonable doubt.” Will the Vizconde massacre case open the door for the acquittal of these convicts too?
That we will soon find out.
A distorted representation
As I was editing stories yesterday for today’s issue, one article caught my attention and, eventually, my discontent. It was about an announcement made by the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers Association (LPGMA) which, unfortunately (and in my utter disbelief), won a seat as a partylist group in congress.
Through the group’s representative, Arnel Ty, the LPGMA said it has jacked up prices of LPG by P3 a kilo. This price adjustment was distinct from the P3 a kilo adjustment they made last Wednesday.
Then it struck me like lightning.
How in hell did this group end up in congress supposedly to represent a marginalized sector? The margins these guys know are their profit margins, for heavens’ sake! LPGMA was among the partylist groups that were closely associated to the previous administration.
The question that kept popping out my mind since yesterday was: Who are these people really representing?
Many answers came about and none of them was “LPG consumers.” For how can LPG retailers and marketers represent LPG consumers when their interests are opposing? Businessmen tend to jack up rates to increase profit while consumers- already reeling from burgeoning prices of basic goods- tighten their belts further to make ends meet.
As Rep. Ty himself puts it, their “member companies” implemented the price adjustments that translated to an increase- again- of P33 per 11-kg LPG tank, bringing their prices to a high of P640 to P650 per tank.
Clearly, this group does not count in “consumers” among its “member companies” and I really couldn’t imagine how this group stands to protect the interest of each Juan and Juana in the House of Representatives. This shows one of the weaknesses of our partylist system. If similar groups make it to congress in the future, surely we will be in for some serious trouble.
With LPGMA in congress, lowering LPG prices will purely be wishful thinking.
*****
The Philippines has officially grabbed from India the title “call center capital of the world” as more investments are poured in continuously by business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the local scene. Latest estimates indicate that the country’s BPO industry has surpassed India’s by at least $200 million.
Malacanang was elated by this recent feat and President Aquino ordered government funds added to the already growing coffers of the industry. Hopefully, some 60,000 call center posts will be offered next year.
Thanks to Filipinos’ much vilified “colonial mentality.” Somehow, this affinity to western cultures worked to our advantage as Pinoy call center agents speak better English although paid lower than their foreign counterparts.
I have only one concern. It was reported that cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome spiked among young urban professionals, including call center agents who, according to studies, practice casual and unsafe sex.
This problem should be addressed the soonest.
Through the group’s representative, Arnel Ty, the LPGMA said it has jacked up prices of LPG by P3 a kilo. This price adjustment was distinct from the P3 a kilo adjustment they made last Wednesday.
Then it struck me like lightning.
How in hell did this group end up in congress supposedly to represent a marginalized sector? The margins these guys know are their profit margins, for heavens’ sake! LPGMA was among the partylist groups that were closely associated to the previous administration.
The question that kept popping out my mind since yesterday was: Who are these people really representing?
Many answers came about and none of them was “LPG consumers.” For how can LPG retailers and marketers represent LPG consumers when their interests are opposing? Businessmen tend to jack up rates to increase profit while consumers- already reeling from burgeoning prices of basic goods- tighten their belts further to make ends meet.
As Rep. Ty himself puts it, their “member companies” implemented the price adjustments that translated to an increase- again- of P33 per 11-kg LPG tank, bringing their prices to a high of P640 to P650 per tank.
Clearly, this group does not count in “consumers” among its “member companies” and I really couldn’t imagine how this group stands to protect the interest of each Juan and Juana in the House of Representatives. This shows one of the weaknesses of our partylist system. If similar groups make it to congress in the future, surely we will be in for some serious trouble.
With LPGMA in congress, lowering LPG prices will purely be wishful thinking.
*****
The Philippines has officially grabbed from India the title “call center capital of the world” as more investments are poured in continuously by business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in the local scene. Latest estimates indicate that the country’s BPO industry has surpassed India’s by at least $200 million.
Malacanang was elated by this recent feat and President Aquino ordered government funds added to the already growing coffers of the industry. Hopefully, some 60,000 call center posts will be offered next year.
Thanks to Filipinos’ much vilified “colonial mentality.” Somehow, this affinity to western cultures worked to our advantage as Pinoy call center agents speak better English although paid lower than their foreign counterparts.
I have only one concern. It was reported that cases of acquired immune deficiency syndrome spiked among young urban professionals, including call center agents who, according to studies, practice casual and unsafe sex.
This problem should be addressed the soonest.
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Good riddance
Signed on Nov. 15 but released only yesterday, Executive Order No. 13 has abolished the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) as part of the Aquino government’s streamlining efforts. Regardless of the reasons behind the issuance of the order, I deem it most welcome.
I remember years ago when the PAGC was created and then headed by the very able Constancia De Guzman. It was a promising agency tasked to investigate, adjudicate and recommend sanctions for government officials and personnel involved in graft and corruption.
I visited the agency at least twice to get facts for some story I was assigned to write many years back. There, I encountered a long list of cases being handled by PAGC. The agency was serious in going after grafters. So I thought.
The problem came when its very creator, then President Arroyo, got entangled with a series of allegations of graft. As the charges grew, PAGC began to lose its luster. Its powers were no match to those of the one holding the highest post in the land. Suddenly, PAGC was rendered inutile.
From the frontline in the fight against graft, it slowly moved to the backseat until nothing was heard about it for a long while. It became incognito. In fact, the only time I heard of it again was yesterday, when the issuance of the EO formalizing its abolition was announced by Malacanang.
My only concern is for the people who make up the agency. I guess the Aquino administration has put in place enough safety nets to cushion the impact of the abolition on PAGC workers.
There are at least nine other agencies that are up for dissolution, including the equally inutile Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group whose former officials failed to curb the high incidence of smuggling but successfully enriched themselves.
Apart from PAGC and PASG, to be abolished are the following: Mindanao Development Council; Office of the North Luzon Quadrangle Area; Office of External Affairs; Minerals Development Council; Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region; Bicol River Basin Watershed Management Project; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on New Government Centers.
By abolition means the present administration find no use for these agencies which, according to critics, were created by the previous administration to accommodate those whom it was indebted.
Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa said prior to the formal dissolution of these agencies, the Palace has decided not to allocate even a single centavo for them. Clearly, these “useless” agencies have no place in the Aquino government.
Their redundant functions and powers are better off assigned to just one office such as the Office of the President. That way, P.Noy will have direct access and supervision over the doings of his people.
His Tuwid na Landas is now working and we should give it a chance. If by any chance it failed, there will be nobody else to blame but the President himself.
I remember years ago when the PAGC was created and then headed by the very able Constancia De Guzman. It was a promising agency tasked to investigate, adjudicate and recommend sanctions for government officials and personnel involved in graft and corruption.
I visited the agency at least twice to get facts for some story I was assigned to write many years back. There, I encountered a long list of cases being handled by PAGC. The agency was serious in going after grafters. So I thought.
The problem came when its very creator, then President Arroyo, got entangled with a series of allegations of graft. As the charges grew, PAGC began to lose its luster. Its powers were no match to those of the one holding the highest post in the land. Suddenly, PAGC was rendered inutile.
From the frontline in the fight against graft, it slowly moved to the backseat until nothing was heard about it for a long while. It became incognito. In fact, the only time I heard of it again was yesterday, when the issuance of the EO formalizing its abolition was announced by Malacanang.
My only concern is for the people who make up the agency. I guess the Aquino administration has put in place enough safety nets to cushion the impact of the abolition on PAGC workers.
There are at least nine other agencies that are up for dissolution, including the equally inutile Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group whose former officials failed to curb the high incidence of smuggling but successfully enriched themselves.
Apart from PAGC and PASG, to be abolished are the following: Mindanao Development Council; Office of the North Luzon Quadrangle Area; Office of External Affairs; Minerals Development Council; Luzon Urban Beltway Super Region; Bicol River Basin Watershed Management Project; Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change, and Office of the Presidential Adviser on New Government Centers.
By abolition means the present administration find no use for these agencies which, according to critics, were created by the previous administration to accommodate those whom it was indebted.
Executive Secretary Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa said prior to the formal dissolution of these agencies, the Palace has decided not to allocate even a single centavo for them. Clearly, these “useless” agencies have no place in the Aquino government.
Their redundant functions and powers are better off assigned to just one office such as the Office of the President. That way, P.Noy will have direct access and supervision over the doings of his people.
His Tuwid na Landas is now working and we should give it a chance. If by any chance it failed, there will be nobody else to blame but the President himself.
We will never forget
Exactly a year ago, me and then National Press Club of the Philippines president Benny Antiporda were casually having merienda at a Quezon City restaurant when a local official from Maguindanao called Benny up to inform him that 15 journalists were abducted by armed men in Maguindanao.
I have come to know of similar situations when a group of journalists were temporarily “hostaged” and later released by their “captors” such as when a few media friends accompanying a Marine general who visited a rebel camp in Mindanao to talk peace were held against their will and prevented from leaving camp for hours but were eventually released.
So I told Benny that it could just be some sort of a misunderstanding between the captors and the 15 journalists, confident that the mediamen would be safely released.
Worried, I took my cellphone and dialed the number of NPC member Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of the Manila Bulletin. Bong, a jolly person, had been a friend for a decade. Whenever there were issues involving journalists in the South, we always contacted him to seek clarification or to simply make queries. Being a senior correspondent in Maguindanao and member of the NPC, we had high regard for Bong. He had an impeccable record and was never involved in any controversy.
So I tried to call up Bong through my cellphone but to no avail. I thought he could just be in a meeting or somewhere where cell signal was weak. I was trying to reach him to verify if indeed there were 15 journalists abducted that day. Disgusted that I could not reach him, I resorted to sending him a text message. I recalled having sent him this: Pre, pakitawagan naman ako agad as soon as you received this. May kinidnap daw kasing mga media sa Mindanao monitor lang namin.
The message never reached him. He never had the chance to turn on his cellphone again. Bong had been dead for hours, along with 31 other journalists who were butchered by members and supporters of the Ampatuan clan in the town that bears the same name in Maguindanao.
Later that day, the gruesome fact began to unfold before everyone. Scores of individuals, including members of the Ampatuans’ rival political clan and their supporters were killed in cold blood by the demonic Andal Ampatuan Jr. and almost 200 policemen, militiamen and private bodyguards of the powerful family.
November 23, 2009 was a day of infamy. The carnage became known more aptly as the Ampatuan Massacre. Killed by an Ampatuan in Ampatuan.
Today, the first anniversary of the massacre, was declared by President Aquino as a national day of remembrance for the victims.
In an announcement yesterday, Malacanang said Aquino signed Proclamation No. 73 “for the nation to pause and reflect on one year having passed since the massacre horrified the Filipino people and the world, and that justice must be served on the perpetrators."
Fifty-seven bodies—25 civilians and 32 media practitioners—were found on a grassy hilltop in Ampatuan town. To date, however, the body of Tacurong City-based Midland Review photojournalist Reynaldo "Bebong" Momay, has yet to be found.
To get a glimpse of the horror these guys had experienced, follow these simple instructions: Close your eyes. Imagine you and your family are having a joy ride. Singing, laughing as you drive along before coming to a stop. In front of you is a long convoy of vehicles carrying total strangers. Then, imagine the Satanic figure of Andal Ampatuan Jr. coming toward you to ask you and your family to alight.
You just happened to be there. At the wrong place and at the wrong time. There would be no turning back and absolutely no chance of escape. You couldn’t just tell the devil that you are not part of the convoy.
Do you think he would listen to you and survive? This thought makes us all victims too.
I have come to know of similar situations when a group of journalists were temporarily “hostaged” and later released by their “captors” such as when a few media friends accompanying a Marine general who visited a rebel camp in Mindanao to talk peace were held against their will and prevented from leaving camp for hours but were eventually released.
So I told Benny that it could just be some sort of a misunderstanding between the captors and the 15 journalists, confident that the mediamen would be safely released.
Worried, I took my cellphone and dialed the number of NPC member Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of the Manila Bulletin. Bong, a jolly person, had been a friend for a decade. Whenever there were issues involving journalists in the South, we always contacted him to seek clarification or to simply make queries. Being a senior correspondent in Maguindanao and member of the NPC, we had high regard for Bong. He had an impeccable record and was never involved in any controversy.
So I tried to call up Bong through my cellphone but to no avail. I thought he could just be in a meeting or somewhere where cell signal was weak. I was trying to reach him to verify if indeed there were 15 journalists abducted that day. Disgusted that I could not reach him, I resorted to sending him a text message. I recalled having sent him this: Pre, pakitawagan naman ako agad as soon as you received this. May kinidnap daw kasing mga media sa Mindanao monitor lang namin.
The message never reached him. He never had the chance to turn on his cellphone again. Bong had been dead for hours, along with 31 other journalists who were butchered by members and supporters of the Ampatuan clan in the town that bears the same name in Maguindanao.
Later that day, the gruesome fact began to unfold before everyone. Scores of individuals, including members of the Ampatuans’ rival political clan and their supporters were killed in cold blood by the demonic Andal Ampatuan Jr. and almost 200 policemen, militiamen and private bodyguards of the powerful family.
November 23, 2009 was a day of infamy. The carnage became known more aptly as the Ampatuan Massacre. Killed by an Ampatuan in Ampatuan.
Today, the first anniversary of the massacre, was declared by President Aquino as a national day of remembrance for the victims.
In an announcement yesterday, Malacanang said Aquino signed Proclamation No. 73 “for the nation to pause and reflect on one year having passed since the massacre horrified the Filipino people and the world, and that justice must be served on the perpetrators."
Fifty-seven bodies—25 civilians and 32 media practitioners—were found on a grassy hilltop in Ampatuan town. To date, however, the body of Tacurong City-based Midland Review photojournalist Reynaldo "Bebong" Momay, has yet to be found.
To get a glimpse of the horror these guys had experienced, follow these simple instructions: Close your eyes. Imagine you and your family are having a joy ride. Singing, laughing as you drive along before coming to a stop. In front of you is a long convoy of vehicles carrying total strangers. Then, imagine the Satanic figure of Andal Ampatuan Jr. coming toward you to ask you and your family to alight.
You just happened to be there. At the wrong place and at the wrong time. There would be no turning back and absolutely no chance of escape. You couldn’t just tell the devil that you are not part of the convoy.
Do you think he would listen to you and survive? This thought makes us all victims too.
Punish those lying bastards!
No need for a dialogue. I say bus operators who caused agony among thousands of innocent commuters last Monday should be dealt with harshly. Anything less than this would be cowardice on the part of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). A sweet surrender to the whims and caprices of these blood-sucking bus operators.
If these bus firms don’t earn, they should fold up. Better yet, they should continue on with their bus holiday. Good riddance!
Immediately, the MMDA and LTFRB should move for the cancellation of these bus firms’ franchises and offer new franchises to new ones who are more sensitive to the needs of the riding public. Those who would put commuter convenience ahead of profit.
Claire Dela Fuente, the ex-sultry singer and president of the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association, claimed drivers and not operators should be blamed for Monday’s bus strike that stranded thousands. She further went on to say that there was no strike and that “miscommunication” among drivers caused the confusion.
Liar!
Good thing the MMDA and LTFRB are not buying De La Fuente’s “lame” excuse. Even Department of Transportation and Communications Sec. Jose "Ping" de Jesus finds the IMBOA president’s pronouncement grossly outrageous.
I, too, find it highly ridiculous for Dela Fuente and her minions to blame the mess on their lowly drivers. Clearly, these people have no heart for both their workers and the riding public they are supposed to serve.
What I consider most annoying was the fact that Ms. Dela Fuente even had the gall to declare that they lost P5 million during last Monday’s strike, err, miscommunication. If you’d ask me, it’s best if they lost their entire business if only to see a traffic jam-free EDSA.
Sometimes I ride on buses along EDSA too. And, tell you, each ride was a nightmare. To say that most of these bus drivers are undisciplined would be an understatement. Most of them, as I see it, are suicidal. Where else in the world can you find drivers who drive these six-wheeled monsters as if they were riding on a motorbike?
I have nothing personal against city drivers but I guess their buses should be dedicated mostly for provincial travels. I suggest that we keep only the most ideal number of buses in the metropolis and keep the extras away from civilized streets. In so saying, I am of the opinion that by decongesting Metro Manila’s traffic, we all would save millions worth of economic opportunities.
We have the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit loop that will eventually traverse the capital region’s biggest thoroughfares non-stop. Think about this: A bus ride is comparatively slower than all other existing modes of mass transport in Metro Manila.
Yet we have to pay more of our hard-earned money for such an inconvenience. That’s Insane.
For your comments, suggestions or death threats, kindly send them through text message to 09299953944 or email me at joel.syegco@gmail.com
If these bus firms don’t earn, they should fold up. Better yet, they should continue on with their bus holiday. Good riddance!
Immediately, the MMDA and LTFRB should move for the cancellation of these bus firms’ franchises and offer new franchises to new ones who are more sensitive to the needs of the riding public. Those who would put commuter convenience ahead of profit.
Claire Dela Fuente, the ex-sultry singer and president of the Integrated Metro Bus Operators Association, claimed drivers and not operators should be blamed for Monday’s bus strike that stranded thousands. She further went on to say that there was no strike and that “miscommunication” among drivers caused the confusion.
Liar!
Good thing the MMDA and LTFRB are not buying De La Fuente’s “lame” excuse. Even Department of Transportation and Communications Sec. Jose "Ping" de Jesus finds the IMBOA president’s pronouncement grossly outrageous.
I, too, find it highly ridiculous for Dela Fuente and her minions to blame the mess on their lowly drivers. Clearly, these people have no heart for both their workers and the riding public they are supposed to serve.
What I consider most annoying was the fact that Ms. Dela Fuente even had the gall to declare that they lost P5 million during last Monday’s strike, err, miscommunication. If you’d ask me, it’s best if they lost their entire business if only to see a traffic jam-free EDSA.
Sometimes I ride on buses along EDSA too. And, tell you, each ride was a nightmare. To say that most of these bus drivers are undisciplined would be an understatement. Most of them, as I see it, are suicidal. Where else in the world can you find drivers who drive these six-wheeled monsters as if they were riding on a motorbike?
I have nothing personal against city drivers but I guess their buses should be dedicated mostly for provincial travels. I suggest that we keep only the most ideal number of buses in the metropolis and keep the extras away from civilized streets. In so saying, I am of the opinion that by decongesting Metro Manila’s traffic, we all would save millions worth of economic opportunities.
We have the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit loop that will eventually traverse the capital region’s biggest thoroughfares non-stop. Think about this: A bus ride is comparatively slower than all other existing modes of mass transport in Metro Manila.
Yet we have to pay more of our hard-earned money for such an inconvenience. That’s Insane.
For your comments, suggestions or death threats, kindly send them through text message to 09299953944 or email me at joel.syegco@gmail.com
Like what the Bible says
We’re in for some serious trouble over this pestering reproductive health (RH) issue.
Over the weekend, officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) claimed their members are willing to “go to jail” for their cause, which is actually to see the “abortion” of the RH Bill in the 15th congress. For God’s sake! Whose gonna deliver the sermons on Sundays? Would anyone bother to attend church services inside jails?
Well, this is only among the issues arising from the unfolding RH drama. Nevertheless, I am morally obliged to believe that “willing to go to jail” threat. Lest, I’d be excommunicated if I laugh over it. Ha-ha-ha!
Did anyone know that US and London-based foundations had put up a $100 billion warchest for the global RH campaign? American Brian Clowes, who is a director of Human Life International and one of the organizers of the recently-held 17th Asia-Pacific Congress on Faith and Family, disclosed that foreign groups had been bankrolling efforts to “to sideline the church.” You mean, the Church has many sidelines? Just kidding.
According to Clowes, and this I also wrote today in my two Tagalog columns, The RH campaign is funded and written by groups such as the Center for Reproductive Rights, from Wall Street in New York City, and by groups like the International Planned Parenthood Federation based in London.
With this in mind, our priests have one determined and powerful enemy. The tithes and donations they receive are just a speck of RH proponents’ warchest.
Clowes even added that the US government had allotted $100 billion for population control 20 years ago. Surely, I’m not taking the information hook, line and sinker. But it did raise my eyebrows somehow.
Not to be outdone, the CBCP came up with a genius idea. To personally convince each congressman to vote against the RH bill. “Man to man, one on one, one priest per congressman.”
My hats off to CBCP president and Surigao Bishop Nereo Odchimar. Between these congressmen and you, father, I believe you’re closer to God. And I’m not kidding this time.
With a determined church battling an equally determined RH advocates, I think we’re about to witness what the Bible describes as the “ultimate battle between good and evil.”
Cool.
Over the weekend, officials of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) claimed their members are willing to “go to jail” for their cause, which is actually to see the “abortion” of the RH Bill in the 15th congress. For God’s sake! Whose gonna deliver the sermons on Sundays? Would anyone bother to attend church services inside jails?
Well, this is only among the issues arising from the unfolding RH drama. Nevertheless, I am morally obliged to believe that “willing to go to jail” threat. Lest, I’d be excommunicated if I laugh over it. Ha-ha-ha!
Did anyone know that US and London-based foundations had put up a $100 billion warchest for the global RH campaign? American Brian Clowes, who is a director of Human Life International and one of the organizers of the recently-held 17th Asia-Pacific Congress on Faith and Family, disclosed that foreign groups had been bankrolling efforts to “to sideline the church.” You mean, the Church has many sidelines? Just kidding.
According to Clowes, and this I also wrote today in my two Tagalog columns, The RH campaign is funded and written by groups such as the Center for Reproductive Rights, from Wall Street in New York City, and by groups like the International Planned Parenthood Federation based in London.
With this in mind, our priests have one determined and powerful enemy. The tithes and donations they receive are just a speck of RH proponents’ warchest.
Clowes even added that the US government had allotted $100 billion for population control 20 years ago. Surely, I’m not taking the information hook, line and sinker. But it did raise my eyebrows somehow.
Not to be outdone, the CBCP came up with a genius idea. To personally convince each congressman to vote against the RH bill. “Man to man, one on one, one priest per congressman.”
My hats off to CBCP president and Surigao Bishop Nereo Odchimar. Between these congressmen and you, father, I believe you’re closer to God. And I’m not kidding this time.
With a determined church battling an equally determined RH advocates, I think we’re about to witness what the Bible describes as the “ultimate battle between good and evil.”
Cool.
A speechwriter’s gaffe
I always thought Facebook, Twitter and other social network communities are sort of “democracy walls” where you can write whatever you want and shout out loud what you keep deeply within. Then, I was proven wrong.
Like all other forms of communication, the net is not an absolute avenue to air grievances or even simple and oftentimes worthless thoughts or ideas, for the heck of it. Somehow, there seem to be unwritten rules. Regulations that border between the official and the personal, both of which are distinctively indistinct in cyber space.
The other day, I visited the hate page for Presidential speechwriter, Carmen “Mai” Mislang and found several snide comments that were actually worse than her infamous Twitter lines such as “the wine sucks” and “there are no good looking men in Vietnam.”
Indeed, Mislang “sucked” at it and is now bearing the brunt from the barrage of flak she has been receiving since she posted- and eventually deleted- her “anti-Viet” comments. Had she been drinking? Well, she wouldn’t know what sucked or not if she hadn’t.
Of course, leftist ideologues and remnants of the pre-Martial Law communist movement, were the first to set the issue on fire that grew wildly out of proportions. For her “arrogance,” many wanted Mislang fired. Who wouldn’t? She became an instant celebrity. Congratulations!
But who’s talking? I sneered at some people’s personal comments about how “ugly” Mislang looked like and how “mayabang” the writer was. To me, those comments “SUCKED” and they’re actually worse than the worst wine in the world. I told my FB friends how badly I felt about how many self-righteous people, including some in the media, ganged up on Mislang for her follies. Feeling nila kasi sila lang ang magaling. Crabby. Ito namang isa, nagpakita ng butas.
I came to realize that, probably, there is a Mai Mislang hiding in each one of us. Tactless, careless and snooty at times. Judging from how violently- and rudely-people reacted to her tweets, I am inclined to believe that Mislang was just being Filipino when she posted those unwelcome remarks. But wait! I don’t intend to create the impression that I condone such rude remarks on a foreign land. Hell no!
Her audacity was misplaced. She picked the wrong words AND the wrong time.
But why would Mai Mislang, who is at the prime of her career and who works in the highest office in the land, behave in such a way? The answer is simple. It could be that the wine really “sucked” and that at the time of their visit “there were no handsome men” around and, maybe, her observation about how dangerous the streets of Vietnam are could be true.
So what’s the big deal?
None. It’s just that ang mayabang ay galit sa kapuwa mayabang.
I scoffed when some media personalities would ride on the issue, pretend they’re better people than the speechwriter, and attack the entire government for the gaffe.
One thing I’m very glad about is that I wrongly assumed that Mislang was actually preparing the arrival speech of President Aquino and had accidentally posted them on Twitter. That would have been the real disaster.
As far as I’m concerned, the lady has already apologized and is now suffering the dire consequences of her irresponsibility. Let’s leave it at that and move on. I dare not cast the first stone.
Would you?
Like all other forms of communication, the net is not an absolute avenue to air grievances or even simple and oftentimes worthless thoughts or ideas, for the heck of it. Somehow, there seem to be unwritten rules. Regulations that border between the official and the personal, both of which are distinctively indistinct in cyber space.
The other day, I visited the hate page for Presidential speechwriter, Carmen “Mai” Mislang and found several snide comments that were actually worse than her infamous Twitter lines such as “the wine sucks” and “there are no good looking men in Vietnam.”
Indeed, Mislang “sucked” at it and is now bearing the brunt from the barrage of flak she has been receiving since she posted- and eventually deleted- her “anti-Viet” comments. Had she been drinking? Well, she wouldn’t know what sucked or not if she hadn’t.
Of course, leftist ideologues and remnants of the pre-Martial Law communist movement, were the first to set the issue on fire that grew wildly out of proportions. For her “arrogance,” many wanted Mislang fired. Who wouldn’t? She became an instant celebrity. Congratulations!
But who’s talking? I sneered at some people’s personal comments about how “ugly” Mislang looked like and how “mayabang” the writer was. To me, those comments “SUCKED” and they’re actually worse than the worst wine in the world. I told my FB friends how badly I felt about how many self-righteous people, including some in the media, ganged up on Mislang for her follies. Feeling nila kasi sila lang ang magaling. Crabby. Ito namang isa, nagpakita ng butas.
I came to realize that, probably, there is a Mai Mislang hiding in each one of us. Tactless, careless and snooty at times. Judging from how violently- and rudely-people reacted to her tweets, I am inclined to believe that Mislang was just being Filipino when she posted those unwelcome remarks. But wait! I don’t intend to create the impression that I condone such rude remarks on a foreign land. Hell no!
Her audacity was misplaced. She picked the wrong words AND the wrong time.
But why would Mai Mislang, who is at the prime of her career and who works in the highest office in the land, behave in such a way? The answer is simple. It could be that the wine really “sucked” and that at the time of their visit “there were no handsome men” around and, maybe, her observation about how dangerous the streets of Vietnam are could be true.
So what’s the big deal?
None. It’s just that ang mayabang ay galit sa kapuwa mayabang.
I scoffed when some media personalities would ride on the issue, pretend they’re better people than the speechwriter, and attack the entire government for the gaffe.
One thing I’m very glad about is that I wrongly assumed that Mislang was actually preparing the arrival speech of President Aquino and had accidentally posted them on Twitter. That would have been the real disaster.
As far as I’m concerned, the lady has already apologized and is now suffering the dire consequences of her irresponsibility. Let’s leave it at that and move on. I dare not cast the first stone.
Would you?
A city secretary’s dirty little secrets?
Over a hundred businessmen occupying a parcel of government land in Quezon City are now up in arms against a plan by secretary to the mayor Taddy Palma to demolish existing business structures there to give way to a supposed plan to improve the road and drainage systems.
But here’s the catch: Members of the National Government Center Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Association Inc. claim that the area where they operate was never flood-prone. In several letters sent to QC Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, the officers of the group had repeatedly protested the plan, explaining that they were already in the thick of discussions with the National Housing Authority when Palma butted in.
The group, whose members occupy a piece of land along IBP Road, contended that Palma’s real intention was not to improve the road and drainage systems but to occupy the same land allegedly for his personal gain.
During a recent meeting held at Palma’s own office, the group claimed the official uttered the words alangan namang kayo lang ang kikita. Dapat ako din kumita. The meeting that transpired on Oct. 8 yielded unfavorable results. According to the businessmen, Palma told them that what he wanted was to raise funds to maintain Task Force Commo (Commonwealth Avenue) amounting to P600,000. It was not clear if the amount would be on a monthly basis or not. So why don’t we ask Mr. Palma himself? We are ready to accommodate his side of the story.
Chit Umali, leader of the group, claimed former Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had allowed their stay in the compound in question which was being eyed for auction. Umali said Belmote took the cudgels for them and simply advised to group to coordinate with the national government and the NHA for them to “obtain the lands they are occupying.”
The businessmen followed the mayor’s directive and were actually “in the process of getting things done” when Palma suddenly entered the picture and told them to vacate the land today.
Business owners were given a warning that they should “voluntarily demolish” their structures by Nov. 2 through a notice dated Nov. 13, 2010. That’s funny.
Last August, the group claimed Palma himself wrote them a letter that said the questioned lot is a property of the national government and not of the city government. The issuance of the notices to vacate the property was a complete turnaround from Palma’s own claims, according to Umali’s group.
QC has been touted as a business-friendly city and preparations are on the way for the establishment of the biggest business center- the QC central Business District. I wonder why businessmen are unhappy, for cryin’ out loud.
Mayor Bistek should look deeper into this matter and find out if there are officials around him who stand to profit from the “informal income” or butaw that would be derived from this venture. Rumors in the grapevine indicated that the same had occurred at Litex and IBP Road before where vendors had to shell out P45,000 for the rights to occupy a stall inside a flea market and pay a daily butaw of P180-P200.
I see. These small businessmen are being exterminated because there’s a new flea market rising on IBP Road. New flea market, new butaw.
But here’s the catch: Members of the National Government Center Small and Medium Entrepreneurs Association Inc. claim that the area where they operate was never flood-prone. In several letters sent to QC Mayor Herbert “Bistek” Bautista, the officers of the group had repeatedly protested the plan, explaining that they were already in the thick of discussions with the National Housing Authority when Palma butted in.
The group, whose members occupy a piece of land along IBP Road, contended that Palma’s real intention was not to improve the road and drainage systems but to occupy the same land allegedly for his personal gain.
During a recent meeting held at Palma’s own office, the group claimed the official uttered the words alangan namang kayo lang ang kikita. Dapat ako din kumita. The meeting that transpired on Oct. 8 yielded unfavorable results. According to the businessmen, Palma told them that what he wanted was to raise funds to maintain Task Force Commo (Commonwealth Avenue) amounting to P600,000. It was not clear if the amount would be on a monthly basis or not. So why don’t we ask Mr. Palma himself? We are ready to accommodate his side of the story.
Chit Umali, leader of the group, claimed former Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. had allowed their stay in the compound in question which was being eyed for auction. Umali said Belmote took the cudgels for them and simply advised to group to coordinate with the national government and the NHA for them to “obtain the lands they are occupying.”
The businessmen followed the mayor’s directive and were actually “in the process of getting things done” when Palma suddenly entered the picture and told them to vacate the land today.
Business owners were given a warning that they should “voluntarily demolish” their structures by Nov. 2 through a notice dated Nov. 13, 2010. That’s funny.
Last August, the group claimed Palma himself wrote them a letter that said the questioned lot is a property of the national government and not of the city government. The issuance of the notices to vacate the property was a complete turnaround from Palma’s own claims, according to Umali’s group.
QC has been touted as a business-friendly city and preparations are on the way for the establishment of the biggest business center- the QC central Business District. I wonder why businessmen are unhappy, for cryin’ out loud.
Mayor Bistek should look deeper into this matter and find out if there are officials around him who stand to profit from the “informal income” or butaw that would be derived from this venture. Rumors in the grapevine indicated that the same had occurred at Litex and IBP Road before where vendors had to shell out P45,000 for the rights to occupy a stall inside a flea market and pay a daily butaw of P180-P200.
I see. These small businessmen are being exterminated because there’s a new flea market rising on IBP Road. New flea market, new butaw.
Binay’s my guy
Vice president Jejomar Binay never ceases to amaze me.
His “mediation” in the case of the Bar examinations blast last September has led his fraternity “brods” in Alpha Phi Omega (APO) to give up the alleged perpetrator who happens to be a member of the group. This saved time and resources for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies who were running after Anthony Leal Nepomuceno.
Nepomuceno, a call center worker, was accused of lobbing the grenade that maimed some 40 people during the traditional “salubong” rites for Bar examinees. Witnesses claimed he wore a facemask which eventually fell off when he was mobbed by Alpha Kappa Rho fratmen.
No less than Justice Sec. Leila De Lima disclosed that upon identifying Nepomuceno as an APO member, he immediately reached the vice president to arrange the suspect’s “surrender.” In no time, Binay was able to convince the fraternity’s council of coddlers, I mean elders, to bring out Nepomuceno who maintained innocence in the crime. Who wouldn’t.
Facing charges of frustrated murder and serious physical injuries, no man in his right mind would admit to a crime he committed. But no man in his right mind would do such a dastardly act like blasting away limbs- and future- of innocent students and merrymakers. If Nepomuceno would be proven guilty, he should suffer the consequences of his actions.
The good vice president, pending the filing of formal charges against his “brod,” naturally supported claims of innocence by the suspect and his coddlers, err, elders. But I doubt strongly if Binay would intervene in the case and influence it to favor the accused on the basis of mere affiliation.
The best Binay could do for Nepomuceno is to ensure that all his rights under the Constitution are strictly observed. No torture, no ‘good cop, bad cop’ performances, no intimidation and no parading yet in front of the media. I said not yet. But I really hope that once charges are filed against the perpetrators, whoever they maybe, their faces should be shown all over so that we may be able to take a good look at the ugly face of “frat wars.”
I believe Nepomuceno is innocent, for now. The two others who aided him in escaping the brunt of the victims should be held equally liable and I encourage the NBI to go after them at all costs. Brod or no brod.
Remember, I am a barbarian and I despised the mere thought of putting my safety in college- and my future- in the hands of people I hardly knew. My loyalty rests on the much larger brethren that is the Filipino people.
Surrendering, no matter how much the amount of semantics one puts into the word, was good for Nepomuceno. Like a real APO fratman, he should be man enough to face the law. As Sec. De Lima said, there are enough evidence- written and otherwise- to pin him down. Now, no man is above the law.
Not even fratmen.
His “mediation” in the case of the Bar examinations blast last September has led his fraternity “brods” in Alpha Phi Omega (APO) to give up the alleged perpetrator who happens to be a member of the group. This saved time and resources for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and other law enforcement agencies who were running after Anthony Leal Nepomuceno.
Nepomuceno, a call center worker, was accused of lobbing the grenade that maimed some 40 people during the traditional “salubong” rites for Bar examinees. Witnesses claimed he wore a facemask which eventually fell off when he was mobbed by Alpha Kappa Rho fratmen.
No less than Justice Sec. Leila De Lima disclosed that upon identifying Nepomuceno as an APO member, he immediately reached the vice president to arrange the suspect’s “surrender.” In no time, Binay was able to convince the fraternity’s council of coddlers, I mean elders, to bring out Nepomuceno who maintained innocence in the crime. Who wouldn’t.
Facing charges of frustrated murder and serious physical injuries, no man in his right mind would admit to a crime he committed. But no man in his right mind would do such a dastardly act like blasting away limbs- and future- of innocent students and merrymakers. If Nepomuceno would be proven guilty, he should suffer the consequences of his actions.
The good vice president, pending the filing of formal charges against his “brod,” naturally supported claims of innocence by the suspect and his coddlers, err, elders. But I doubt strongly if Binay would intervene in the case and influence it to favor the accused on the basis of mere affiliation.
The best Binay could do for Nepomuceno is to ensure that all his rights under the Constitution are strictly observed. No torture, no ‘good cop, bad cop’ performances, no intimidation and no parading yet in front of the media. I said not yet. But I really hope that once charges are filed against the perpetrators, whoever they maybe, their faces should be shown all over so that we may be able to take a good look at the ugly face of “frat wars.”
I believe Nepomuceno is innocent, for now. The two others who aided him in escaping the brunt of the victims should be held equally liable and I encourage the NBI to go after them at all costs. Brod or no brod.
Remember, I am a barbarian and I despised the mere thought of putting my safety in college- and my future- in the hands of people I hardly knew. My loyalty rests on the much larger brethren that is the Filipino people.
Surrendering, no matter how much the amount of semantics one puts into the word, was good for Nepomuceno. Like a real APO fratman, he should be man enough to face the law. As Sec. De Lima said, there are enough evidence- written and otherwise- to pin him down. Now, no man is above the law.
Not even fratmen.
Information is power
Yesterday, I was at the joint hearing of the Senate committee on public information and mass media chaired by Sen. Gregorio Honasan and the committee on government reorganization chaired by Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV on the revived freedom of information (FOI) bill in congress.
From what I observed, the FOI bill enjoys strong backing by majority of senators, at least 12 of whom have filed their respective versions of the measure. I went there on instructions from National Press Club (NPC) president Jerry Yap and my mission was to relay the Club’s concerns on the FOI bill.
Honasan was very amiable. At one point during the hearing, the rebel soldier-turned-rebel senator took potshots at my seeming “favoritism” for the “more good-looking” Trillanes after I informed the good senator about the NPC’s meeting with the Magdalo officer. Of course, Honasan was only joking.
But passing the FOI bill is no joking matter. In fact, Honasan and the other senators present agreed that while the measure faces “smooth sailing” in the Senate, its fate in the House of Representatives remains uncertain. For this, the NPC is grateful for the senators’ quick action on the proposal.
An FOI law is indispensable to the exercise of press freedom. The right to information as the Constitution provides has been inoperative because of the lack of an enabling law. Curse those lawmakers who “killed” the measure at the end of the 14th Congress, effectively sending it to the archives.
But thanks to the wisdom of Honasan, Trillanes, Sen. Tito Sotto, Alan Peter Cayetano and others who resuscitated the FOI bill and gave it a new chance at life.
We previously appealed to President Aquino to certify the bill as urgent to signify his administration's resolve to have the measure passed during his watch. It is our desire to cooperate with the present administration to achieve its promise to Filipinos to end corruption. But success cannot be expected if the cooperation is hampered by the lack of a law that will break the chains that lock the secrets of corrupt public officials.
It is necessary to make the media effective in the duty to inform the public on matters of their interest. A success of a journalist depends on how much facts he can write or speak about. Deprive him of the opportunity to look at the sources of information and his report is disappointing that he will fail in his legal, social and moral duty to inform his readers or listeners constituting the public.
To make the proposal fair, a few exemptions are proposed. By exemption means there are instances where a government official or agency can refuse to release requested documents and data. These include the following: records that when exposed may hurt the State or
its position in international negotiations, records that may jeopardize actual
work of the government with respect to rebellion or invasion, records that may
derail ongoing police operations or expose police agents to harm to their
persons and their families, records that are trade and business secrets of
private entities, and records pertaining to private persons.
With all safety nets in place, I strongly believe that there is no more reason to junk or even delay its passage. The framers of the 1987 Constitution have waited long enough for this. The people have long been denied of their constitutional right to pry into government records to find out who steals from our coffers.
People empowerment depends on how informed the people are.
From what I observed, the FOI bill enjoys strong backing by majority of senators, at least 12 of whom have filed their respective versions of the measure. I went there on instructions from National Press Club (NPC) president Jerry Yap and my mission was to relay the Club’s concerns on the FOI bill.
Honasan was very amiable. At one point during the hearing, the rebel soldier-turned-rebel senator took potshots at my seeming “favoritism” for the “more good-looking” Trillanes after I informed the good senator about the NPC’s meeting with the Magdalo officer. Of course, Honasan was only joking.
But passing the FOI bill is no joking matter. In fact, Honasan and the other senators present agreed that while the measure faces “smooth sailing” in the Senate, its fate in the House of Representatives remains uncertain. For this, the NPC is grateful for the senators’ quick action on the proposal.
An FOI law is indispensable to the exercise of press freedom. The right to information as the Constitution provides has been inoperative because of the lack of an enabling law. Curse those lawmakers who “killed” the measure at the end of the 14th Congress, effectively sending it to the archives.
But thanks to the wisdom of Honasan, Trillanes, Sen. Tito Sotto, Alan Peter Cayetano and others who resuscitated the FOI bill and gave it a new chance at life.
We previously appealed to President Aquino to certify the bill as urgent to signify his administration's resolve to have the measure passed during his watch. It is our desire to cooperate with the present administration to achieve its promise to Filipinos to end corruption. But success cannot be expected if the cooperation is hampered by the lack of a law that will break the chains that lock the secrets of corrupt public officials.
It is necessary to make the media effective in the duty to inform the public on matters of their interest. A success of a journalist depends on how much facts he can write or speak about. Deprive him of the opportunity to look at the sources of information and his report is disappointing that he will fail in his legal, social and moral duty to inform his readers or listeners constituting the public.
To make the proposal fair, a few exemptions are proposed. By exemption means there are instances where a government official or agency can refuse to release requested documents and data. These include the following: records that when exposed may hurt the State or
its position in international negotiations, records that may jeopardize actual
work of the government with respect to rebellion or invasion, records that may
derail ongoing police operations or expose police agents to harm to their
persons and their families, records that are trade and business secrets of
private entities, and records pertaining to private persons.
With all safety nets in place, I strongly believe that there is no more reason to junk or even delay its passage. The framers of the 1987 Constitution have waited long enough for this. The people have long been denied of their constitutional right to pry into government records to find out who steals from our coffers.
People empowerment depends on how informed the people are.
A strong president
I was surprised to learn that President Aquino’s rating remained high despite the challenges he faced early on in his presidency. This proves one thing: our president is strong. And ,despite some misgivings about his ability to lead the nation, the people remain confidently on his side.
Interestingly, PNoy has beaten his mom’s record. He earned a +60 percent rating, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS), weeks before he wrapped up his first 100 days in office. Tita Cory, in the same period decades ago, got only 53 percent.
From all indications, PNoy must be on the right track. He better be.
I eagerly waited for the release of the latest SWS surveys and find out if his popularity rating has waned amid a series of debilitating setbacks such as the row in Philippine Airlines and the bloody massacre of eight Hong Kong tourists by a demented cop.
On Monday, PNoy himself announced the recommendations of a legal panel that made a comprehensive review of the Incident Investigation Review Committee (IIRC) report. As expected, administrative cases of misconduct in office and simple neglect under Section 60 of the Local Government Code was recommended to be filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and a number of police officials involved in the botched hostage taking-crisis.
Lim did not take the recommendation lightly and again publicly vented his ire on the IIRC panel headed by Justice Sec. Leila De Lima. One thing good about Lim, a former police general, is that he acts as if to defend not only himself but the other police officials who “are being paid to be shot at and die.”
I understand where he is coming from and I sympathize with the good mayor. He was right when he ordered the rowdy Gregorio Mendoza handcuffed minutes before the bloody ending of the crisis. The only mistake was the timing. Lim’s order came at that particular hour for primetime news. The cameras were rolling and airing live the events that were unfolding. If the handcuffing happened an hour earlier or an hour later, things would have ended differently.
Recommending administrative or even criminal sanctions against certain government officials involved in the tragic hostage drama is not a job fit for a weak president. Causing some generals’ heads to roll is a task far from being easy. But PNoy did it.
Former Manila police director Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, Dir. Leocadio Santiago of NCRPO, Supt. Orlando Yebra, Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III and other police officers were cited for gross incompetence.
They now bear the brunt of the problem caused by one of their own- a policeman who was once among Manila’s finest cops.
Interestingly, PNoy has beaten his mom’s record. He earned a +60 percent rating, according to the Social Weather Stations (SWS), weeks before he wrapped up his first 100 days in office. Tita Cory, in the same period decades ago, got only 53 percent.
From all indications, PNoy must be on the right track. He better be.
I eagerly waited for the release of the latest SWS surveys and find out if his popularity rating has waned amid a series of debilitating setbacks such as the row in Philippine Airlines and the bloody massacre of eight Hong Kong tourists by a demented cop.
On Monday, PNoy himself announced the recommendations of a legal panel that made a comprehensive review of the Incident Investigation Review Committee (IIRC) report. As expected, administrative cases of misconduct in office and simple neglect under Section 60 of the Local Government Code was recommended to be filed against Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim and a number of police officials involved in the botched hostage taking-crisis.
Lim did not take the recommendation lightly and again publicly vented his ire on the IIRC panel headed by Justice Sec. Leila De Lima. One thing good about Lim, a former police general, is that he acts as if to defend not only himself but the other police officials who “are being paid to be shot at and die.”
I understand where he is coming from and I sympathize with the good mayor. He was right when he ordered the rowdy Gregorio Mendoza handcuffed minutes before the bloody ending of the crisis. The only mistake was the timing. Lim’s order came at that particular hour for primetime news. The cameras were rolling and airing live the events that were unfolding. If the handcuffing happened an hour earlier or an hour later, things would have ended differently.
Recommending administrative or even criminal sanctions against certain government officials involved in the tragic hostage drama is not a job fit for a weak president. Causing some generals’ heads to roll is a task far from being easy. But PNoy did it.
Former Manila police director Supt. Rodolfo Magtibay, Dir. Leocadio Santiago of NCRPO, Supt. Orlando Yebra, Chief Inspector Santiago Pascual III and other police officers were cited for gross incompetence.
They now bear the brunt of the problem caused by one of their own- a policeman who was once among Manila’s finest cops.
100 days
The countdown ends today as President Benigno Simeon Aquino III finally gives his first 100 days in office report and just like everyone else, I am so eager to hear what the chief executive has to say. For now, we can only guess.
But talks were rife, and I fully agree, that the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) recommendations on the August 23 hostage incident will be the highlight of PNoy’s report. Today, after a long wait, it will be known who among the 12 personalities who were recommended by the IIRC to be sanctioned will be hailed to court.
So, there are two significant events that will unfold today- PNoy’s talk on his first 100 days and the much awaited announcement of Malacanang’s review of the De Lima panel’s investigation report.
After that, we can all buckle down to work and start another countdown. Christmas countdown, that is.
As of this writing, the Palace was still finalizing the details of the president’s report which comes 99 days after he was formally sworn into office. Officials said the president has “several engagements” on Friday, the REAL 100th day.
It is no doubt that the August 23 hostage crisis was the biggest problem Aquino faced during his first 100 days. I wonder what other problems would plague him in his LAST 100 days in office six years from now.
His administration had a considerably bad start. The end of his first 100 days should offer a fresh start. A new beginning. So let us all keep our fingers crossed and keep hoping for change because so far the only change we have seen was from bad to worse.
Let the end of this honeymoon period serve as an impetus for the president to rethink his previous positions on several issues and to immediately correct the perceived defects of his administration. For one, PNoy should find a middle ground where the “Samar” and “Balay” factions in Malacanang could meet and patch up their differences.These evolving power blocks, if unchecked, could destabilize the present government in the long run.
Without the support of local government units for cracking the whip on jueteng and for losing the confidence of the Church over his pro-choice position on reproductive health, I seriously wonder who would remain with the president to see him through up to his last days in office.
And with an ugly infighting among his own people, PNoy must be very careful.
But talks were rife, and I fully agree, that the Incident Investigation and Review Committee (IIRC) recommendations on the August 23 hostage incident will be the highlight of PNoy’s report. Today, after a long wait, it will be known who among the 12 personalities who were recommended by the IIRC to be sanctioned will be hailed to court.
So, there are two significant events that will unfold today- PNoy’s talk on his first 100 days and the much awaited announcement of Malacanang’s review of the De Lima panel’s investigation report.
After that, we can all buckle down to work and start another countdown. Christmas countdown, that is.
As of this writing, the Palace was still finalizing the details of the president’s report which comes 99 days after he was formally sworn into office. Officials said the president has “several engagements” on Friday, the REAL 100th day.
It is no doubt that the August 23 hostage crisis was the biggest problem Aquino faced during his first 100 days. I wonder what other problems would plague him in his LAST 100 days in office six years from now.
His administration had a considerably bad start. The end of his first 100 days should offer a fresh start. A new beginning. So let us all keep our fingers crossed and keep hoping for change because so far the only change we have seen was from bad to worse.
Let the end of this honeymoon period serve as an impetus for the president to rethink his previous positions on several issues and to immediately correct the perceived defects of his administration. For one, PNoy should find a middle ground where the “Samar” and “Balay” factions in Malacanang could meet and patch up their differences.These evolving power blocks, if unchecked, could destabilize the present government in the long run.
Without the support of local government units for cracking the whip on jueteng and for losing the confidence of the Church over his pro-choice position on reproductive health, I seriously wonder who would remain with the president to see him through up to his last days in office.
And with an ugly infighting among his own people, PNoy must be very careful.
Barbaric
It ended with a bang, literally.
The bloody aftermath of the Bar Exams showed the ugly head of misplaced brotherhood. Fraternities and sororities, historically, have been known to inspire their members to aim for success whether in or after school. Many prominent politicians, businessmen and those from other fields of endeavor are members of these groups with Greek-sounding names.
Those who refuse to join any of these fraternities or who simply shrug their existence off are tagged as Barbarians. I was, and still is, a barbarian. I never belonged to any of these clans. In college, I was by myself. But I plead guilty to the fact that a great number of my closest friends are fratmen.
Up to this age when I am about to reach 40, some of them would entice me to join their ranks, sans the cruel initiation rites. They thought that for having endured the cruelties of life, I may be exempted from the wrath of the paddle and that ever ferocious Indian run.
No thanks!
As a Barbarian, I enjoyed college just like everyone else. I once espoused the belief that fraternities are for the weak and that by joining them, you will have to surrender many of your liberties and entrust your future to the brotherhood. I maybe wrong and I beg your pardon. But for me that was lame.
The Dela Salle bombing only bolstered my concern that by joining a fraternity, you automatically earn enemies. And nobody could dispute that. Not even the fact that most people who joined these brotherhoods have gained entry to a world of fierce rivalry and competition, instead of love for fellowmen. They have embraced a life not of their own but of their brods and sisses and a code that they are constrained to abide by for the rest of their lives.
There are a lot to be learned from the tragic conclusion of the Bar Exams. And for those who were maimed, a lot to be sorry about. We should resolve to end this abhorrence.
So now, who are the real barbarians?
The bloody aftermath of the Bar Exams showed the ugly head of misplaced brotherhood. Fraternities and sororities, historically, have been known to inspire their members to aim for success whether in or after school. Many prominent politicians, businessmen and those from other fields of endeavor are members of these groups with Greek-sounding names.
Those who refuse to join any of these fraternities or who simply shrug their existence off are tagged as Barbarians. I was, and still is, a barbarian. I never belonged to any of these clans. In college, I was by myself. But I plead guilty to the fact that a great number of my closest friends are fratmen.
Up to this age when I am about to reach 40, some of them would entice me to join their ranks, sans the cruel initiation rites. They thought that for having endured the cruelties of life, I may be exempted from the wrath of the paddle and that ever ferocious Indian run.
No thanks!
As a Barbarian, I enjoyed college just like everyone else. I once espoused the belief that fraternities are for the weak and that by joining them, you will have to surrender many of your liberties and entrust your future to the brotherhood. I maybe wrong and I beg your pardon. But for me that was lame.
The Dela Salle bombing only bolstered my concern that by joining a fraternity, you automatically earn enemies. And nobody could dispute that. Not even the fact that most people who joined these brotherhoods have gained entry to a world of fierce rivalry and competition, instead of love for fellowmen. They have embraced a life not of their own but of their brods and sisses and a code that they are constrained to abide by for the rest of their lives.
There are a lot to be learned from the tragic conclusion of the Bar Exams. And for those who were maimed, a lot to be sorry about. We should resolve to end this abhorrence.
So now, who are the real barbarians?
Barbaric
It ended with a bang, literally.
The bloody aftermath of the Bar Exams showed the ugly head of misplaced brotherhood. Fraternities and sororities, historically, have been known to inspire their members to aim for success whether in or after school. Many prominent politicians, businessmen and those from other fields of endeavor are members of these groups with Greek-sounding names.
Those who refuse to join any of these fraternities or who simply shrug their existence off are tagged as Barbarians. I was, and still is, a barbarian. I never belonged to any of these clans. In college, I was by myself. But I plead guilty to the fact that a great number of my closest friends are fratmen.
Up to this age when I am about to reach 40, some of them would entice me to join their ranks, sans the cruel initiation rites. They thought that for having endured the cruelties of life, I may be exempted from the wrath of the paddle and that ever ferocious Indian run.
No thanks!
As a Barbarian, I enjoyed college just like everyone else. I once espoused the belief that fraternities are for the weak and that by joining them, you will have to surrender many of your liberties and entrust your future to the brotherhood. I maybe wrong and I beg your pardon. But for me that was lame.
The Dela Salle bombing only bolstered my concern that by joining a fraternity, you automatically earn enemies. And nobody could dispute that. Not even the fact that most people who joined these brotherhoods have gained entry to a world of fierce rivalry and competition, instead of love for fellowmen. They have embraced a life not of their own but of their brods and sisses and a code that they are constrained to abide by for the rest of their lives.
There are a lot to be learned from the tragic conclusion of the Bar Exams. And for those who were maimed, a lot to be sorry about. We should resolve to end this abhorrence.
So now, who are the real barbarians?
The bloody aftermath of the Bar Exams showed the ugly head of misplaced brotherhood. Fraternities and sororities, historically, have been known to inspire their members to aim for success whether in or after school. Many prominent politicians, businessmen and those from other fields of endeavor are members of these groups with Greek-sounding names.
Those who refuse to join any of these fraternities or who simply shrug their existence off are tagged as Barbarians. I was, and still is, a barbarian. I never belonged to any of these clans. In college, I was by myself. But I plead guilty to the fact that a great number of my closest friends are fratmen.
Up to this age when I am about to reach 40, some of them would entice me to join their ranks, sans the cruel initiation rites. They thought that for having endured the cruelties of life, I may be exempted from the wrath of the paddle and that ever ferocious Indian run.
No thanks!
As a Barbarian, I enjoyed college just like everyone else. I once espoused the belief that fraternities are for the weak and that by joining them, you will have to surrender many of your liberties and entrust your future to the brotherhood. I maybe wrong and I beg your pardon. But for me that was lame.
The Dela Salle bombing only bolstered my concern that by joining a fraternity, you automatically earn enemies. And nobody could dispute that. Not even the fact that most people who joined these brotherhoods have gained entry to a world of fierce rivalry and competition, instead of love for fellowmen. They have embraced a life not of their own but of their brods and sisses and a code that they are constrained to abide by for the rest of their lives.
There are a lot to be learned from the tragic conclusion of the Bar Exams. And for those who were maimed, a lot to be sorry about. We should resolve to end this abhorrence.
So now, who are the real barbarians?
The lessons of Ondoy
It was a catastrophe of Biblical proportions. If it took 40 days of rain to set Noah’s Ark afloat, Typhoon Ondoy did the same job of floating fleets of luxury vehicles for less than a day. Houses were inundated. Homes wrecked. People were left wretched.
A year after Ondoy, which killed over 400 people and cost more than P20 billion in damages, many are still striving to bring back what the tragedy had taken from them- normalcy. People’s lives are never the same, especially those whose loved ones were swept away without a chance of returning.
For the destruction of expensive cars and houses could never compare to a single loss of life.
I find it outrageous though that a lot of people made elaborate preparations for the first anniversary of Ondoy. Some planted trees as others cleaned up clogged esteros and river banks to commemorate the worst flood ever to hit posh urban villages. So what’s the point?
Tree planing, clean-up drives and other “earth saving” activities should all be regular endeavors- Ondoy or no Ondoy. Such nearsightedness could lead to more tragedies in the future.
We need to go back and call to mind the lessons of Ondoy. It is quite sad that people tend to remember their misfortunes but not their causes. For it is not the rains that caused Ondoy’s floods but people’s apathy to calls for environmental protection.
If by commemorating Ondoy people tend to do the right thing, maybe we should commemorate it daily. It is only by correcting a previous mistake that we could prevent a tragedy from reoccuring. If we failed to do this, then we must brace for more disasters of the same proportion.
And make grand preparations to commemorate them as well.
A year after Ondoy, which killed over 400 people and cost more than P20 billion in damages, many are still striving to bring back what the tragedy had taken from them- normalcy. People’s lives are never the same, especially those whose loved ones were swept away without a chance of returning.
For the destruction of expensive cars and houses could never compare to a single loss of life.
I find it outrageous though that a lot of people made elaborate preparations for the first anniversary of Ondoy. Some planted trees as others cleaned up clogged esteros and river banks to commemorate the worst flood ever to hit posh urban villages. So what’s the point?
Tree planing, clean-up drives and other “earth saving” activities should all be regular endeavors- Ondoy or no Ondoy. Such nearsightedness could lead to more tragedies in the future.
We need to go back and call to mind the lessons of Ondoy. It is quite sad that people tend to remember their misfortunes but not their causes. For it is not the rains that caused Ondoy’s floods but people’s apathy to calls for environmental protection.
If by commemorating Ondoy people tend to do the right thing, maybe we should commemorate it daily. It is only by correcting a previous mistake that we could prevent a tragedy from reoccuring. If we failed to do this, then we must brace for more disasters of the same proportion.
And make grand preparations to commemorate them as well.
Spare the media
Being chairman of the National Press Club’s press freedom committee, I am of the position that no member of the press should be held liable for the tragic August 23 hostage-taking at the Quirino Grandstand.
On the eve of the 38th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, Malacanang has announced that some members of the media who covered the incident may also face charges, along with government officials whose ineptness led to the tragedy.
We at NPC strongly believes that not one member of the media who covered the hostage drama can be held criminally just because the crisis ended in tragedy.
First, it is very clear that not one of these media men, all from broadcast sector, connived with the hostage-taker. It is also very clear that the journalists merely covered and reported the events as these transpired during the drama. Part of that coverage was the interview of Erwin Tulfo and Mike Rogas to Mendoza.
Of course, there is no criminal law that punishes the act of interviewing a hostage-taker. There is also no criminal law that punishes the act of covering all incidents in a hostage crisis as these events unfold.
Neither can the journalists who interviewed the hostage-taker be held liable for criminal negligence. It cannot be stretched beyond imagination how the interviews of Tulfo and Rogas could proximately cause the deaths of the eight Hong Kong tourists. Proximate cause means that even if there was presence or absence of other interferences, the said interview will surely end in a killing frenzy. For sure, it must have been things other than the interview that drove the hostage-taker to go into an uncontrollable rage.
Tulfo and Rogas were even helping to calm down the hostage-taker. It showed more that the one that triggered Mendoza into a killing frenzy was the arrest of his brother policeman and relatives, which arrests were seen by him through the television inside the star-crossed bus. There are sufficient clear and convincing proofs to show that the hostage-taker saw his brother policeman, SPO2 Greg Mendoza, and other relatives being dragged out of the scene and that this pushed Mendoza’s mind beyond its limits.
The testimonies and the tape records of the broadcasts of Tulfo and Rogas would show that they convinced Mendoza to give them five minutes to tell the hostage negotiators to stop the arrests. However, the effort was in vain.
Now, there can also be no criminal liability on the part of the television crewmen and anchormen and radio reporters who broadcast live the arrest of the relatives of the hostage-taker. Their only intention was to deliver to the world the news scenes as they happened.
If this is a crime, then all journalists are guilty.
--
On the eve of the 38th anniversary of the declaration of Martial Law, Malacanang has announced that some members of the media who covered the incident may also face charges, along with government officials whose ineptness led to the tragedy.
We at NPC strongly believes that not one member of the media who covered the hostage drama can be held criminally just because the crisis ended in tragedy.
First, it is very clear that not one of these media men, all from broadcast sector, connived with the hostage-taker. It is also very clear that the journalists merely covered and reported the events as these transpired during the drama. Part of that coverage was the interview of Erwin Tulfo and Mike Rogas to Mendoza.
Of course, there is no criminal law that punishes the act of interviewing a hostage-taker. There is also no criminal law that punishes the act of covering all incidents in a hostage crisis as these events unfold.
Neither can the journalists who interviewed the hostage-taker be held liable for criminal negligence. It cannot be stretched beyond imagination how the interviews of Tulfo and Rogas could proximately cause the deaths of the eight Hong Kong tourists. Proximate cause means that even if there was presence or absence of other interferences, the said interview will surely end in a killing frenzy. For sure, it must have been things other than the interview that drove the hostage-taker to go into an uncontrollable rage.
Tulfo and Rogas were even helping to calm down the hostage-taker. It showed more that the one that triggered Mendoza into a killing frenzy was the arrest of his brother policeman and relatives, which arrests were seen by him through the television inside the star-crossed bus. There are sufficient clear and convincing proofs to show that the hostage-taker saw his brother policeman, SPO2 Greg Mendoza, and other relatives being dragged out of the scene and that this pushed Mendoza’s mind beyond its limits.
The testimonies and the tape records of the broadcasts of Tulfo and Rogas would show that they convinced Mendoza to give them five minutes to tell the hostage negotiators to stop the arrests. However, the effort was in vain.
Now, there can also be no criminal liability on the part of the television crewmen and anchormen and radio reporters who broadcast live the arrest of the relatives of the hostage-taker. Their only intention was to deliver to the world the news scenes as they happened.
If this is a crime, then all journalists are guilty.
--
A huge gamble
It ended a presidency. And it seems to have no end.
Since the downfall of Joseph Estrada, operations of the illegal numbers game, jueteng, became even more blatant. Erap was attempting to replace jueteng with his ill-conceived Bingo 2-ball when jueteng operators connived and stopped him on his track. This is lesson number one for incumbent President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
The tentacles of this multibillion peso industry are gripped tightly on every government agency tasked to lick it. Jueteng payolas flow in millions monthly from the hands of lowly bettors to the pockets of unscrupulous officials.
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz was right when he said that while government plays blind on the existence of jueteng, people in public markets, carinderia (eateries), barber shops and even on church grounds and government offices, know very well that numbers game is alive and kicking. Bet collectors or cubradors have never been so bold.
In many provinces, jueteng operates behind the cover of Small Town Lottery (STL) which is sanctioned by government. Bet collectors pretend they collect for STL but the truth of the matter is that they are not. Legitimate STL bet collectors are moonlighting as jueteng cubradors.
In the Visayas, the common forms of illegal gambling are the “daily double,” video karera, “first two” and “last two,” which are based on the STL results while in Mindanao, there is “Swertres” Lotto betting thrice a day.
Suffice it to say that jueteng is actually an underground kingdom ruled by a notorious kapampangan whose minions include people in high places. Funny that when Bong Pineda was grilled by Senators years ago, he vehemently denied invlvement in jueteng. He swore it was the first time in his darn life that he came to know abut it.
This is the second lesson for PNoy. Jueteng operators and protectors in government are inveterate liars. So, the president must watch his back.
Ending jueteng, indeed, is a huge gamble. If PNoy is sincere in going after the bad guys behind jueteng, he should start in his own backyard. Words are rife that emissaries from the underground kingdom continue to deliver thick envelopes containing jueteng payolas to various government offices, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government and agencies under it such as the Philippine National Police.
This is the third lesson for PNoy. The people tasked to curb the problem are those who actually stand to protect it. Mr. President, please find out who among your most trusted men are NOT on the take. Chances are you’ll be surprised that there are only a few of them.
Wanna bet?
Since the downfall of Joseph Estrada, operations of the illegal numbers game, jueteng, became even more blatant. Erap was attempting to replace jueteng with his ill-conceived Bingo 2-ball when jueteng operators connived and stopped him on his track. This is lesson number one for incumbent President Benigno Simeon Aquino III.
The tentacles of this multibillion peso industry are gripped tightly on every government agency tasked to lick it. Jueteng payolas flow in millions monthly from the hands of lowly bettors to the pockets of unscrupulous officials.
Retired Archbishop Oscar Cruz was right when he said that while government plays blind on the existence of jueteng, people in public markets, carinderia (eateries), barber shops and even on church grounds and government offices, know very well that numbers game is alive and kicking. Bet collectors or cubradors have never been so bold.
In many provinces, jueteng operates behind the cover of Small Town Lottery (STL) which is sanctioned by government. Bet collectors pretend they collect for STL but the truth of the matter is that they are not. Legitimate STL bet collectors are moonlighting as jueteng cubradors.
In the Visayas, the common forms of illegal gambling are the “daily double,” video karera, “first two” and “last two,” which are based on the STL results while in Mindanao, there is “Swertres” Lotto betting thrice a day.
Suffice it to say that jueteng is actually an underground kingdom ruled by a notorious kapampangan whose minions include people in high places. Funny that when Bong Pineda was grilled by Senators years ago, he vehemently denied invlvement in jueteng. He swore it was the first time in his darn life that he came to know abut it.
This is the second lesson for PNoy. Jueteng operators and protectors in government are inveterate liars. So, the president must watch his back.
Ending jueteng, indeed, is a huge gamble. If PNoy is sincere in going after the bad guys behind jueteng, he should start in his own backyard. Words are rife that emissaries from the underground kingdom continue to deliver thick envelopes containing jueteng payolas to various government offices, including the Department of the Interior and Local Government and agencies under it such as the Philippine National Police.
This is the third lesson for PNoy. The people tasked to curb the problem are those who actually stand to protect it. Mr. President, please find out who among your most trusted men are NOT on the take. Chances are you’ll be surprised that there are only a few of them.
Wanna bet?
Unintelligent funds
The Senate has 1.4 billion reasons to reclassify the entire government’s intelligence funds to make these expenditures compliant with auditing laws. As Sen. Franklin Drilon aptly puts it, these funds are prone to abuse and its usage has been under a permanent cloud of doubt.
Interestingly, the proposed intelligence fund for 2011 is more than three percent higher at P1.425 billion than this year’s, which was approved when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was president. To me, if the new government really wants to stamp out corruption, it should do away with these unintelligent expenditures and begin scrutinizing where these funds actually go.
Apart from the Office of the President, almost all departments including the uniformed services have their respective intelligence funds. The Commission on Audit (COA) has no power to scrutinize these monies. At the most, agencies merely “liquidate” expenditures that used the subject funds.
This is the root of the problem. Agency heads have nearly absolute control over these funds and not even any Juan dela Cruz can make the former account for these expenses. Poor boy.
I agree with Sen. Drilon when he broached the idea of “disintegrating” the bulk of these intelligence funds. An intelligent choice.
By doing so, funds which are not really used for intelligence purposes can be realigned to more intelligent endeavors such as building of more classrooms perhaps. If transparency is indeed the predominant tenet in this administration, then Drilon and his allies in congress are on the right track. That is, along President Noynoy Aquino’s “landas na matuwid.”
Malacanang’s pronouncements on the matter were quite reassuring. Officials there claimed the president was willing to forego his annual intelligence fund to save resources.
Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office was quick to dismiss the funds as something they only “inherited” from the previous administration and that the system was already being reviewed.
Deemed not only as a source of corruption, most of the government’s intelligence funds are considered waste of public money.
Prior to Drilon’s outcry against these funds, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had urged the president to give up his and allocate the money to other agencies. Enrile argued only government agencies involved in security should receive intelligence funds.
Take that from an intelligent former defense minister.
Interestingly, the proposed intelligence fund for 2011 is more than three percent higher at P1.425 billion than this year’s, which was approved when Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was president. To me, if the new government really wants to stamp out corruption, it should do away with these unintelligent expenditures and begin scrutinizing where these funds actually go.
Apart from the Office of the President, almost all departments including the uniformed services have their respective intelligence funds. The Commission on Audit (COA) has no power to scrutinize these monies. At the most, agencies merely “liquidate” expenditures that used the subject funds.
This is the root of the problem. Agency heads have nearly absolute control over these funds and not even any Juan dela Cruz can make the former account for these expenses. Poor boy.
I agree with Sen. Drilon when he broached the idea of “disintegrating” the bulk of these intelligence funds. An intelligent choice.
By doing so, funds which are not really used for intelligence purposes can be realigned to more intelligent endeavors such as building of more classrooms perhaps. If transparency is indeed the predominant tenet in this administration, then Drilon and his allies in congress are on the right track. That is, along President Noynoy Aquino’s “landas na matuwid.”
Malacanang’s pronouncements on the matter were quite reassuring. Officials there claimed the president was willing to forego his annual intelligence fund to save resources.
Secretary Herminio Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office was quick to dismiss the funds as something they only “inherited” from the previous administration and that the system was already being reviewed.
Deemed not only as a source of corruption, most of the government’s intelligence funds are considered waste of public money.
Prior to Drilon’s outcry against these funds, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile had urged the president to give up his and allocate the money to other agencies. Enrile argued only government agencies involved in security should receive intelligence funds.
Take that from an intelligent former defense minister.
Sickening, literally.
Office solutions firm Regus recently released a study indicating that many commuters, especially in third world countries like the Philippines, suffer from traffic-induced stress responsible for hypertension, muscuskeletal diseases and worse, work frustration that usually lasts the whole day.
There have been a number of studies confirming these findings and so workers who struggle through rough bus or jeepney rides daily should be made aware of this. What should be a ten-minute drive normally becomes an hour long agony for most motorists sho snake through Metro Manila’s hellish traffic.
Simlar studies revelaed that regular commuters experience frustration at work and sufer usually unexplained bad moods throughout the day. Apart from this, a gruelling travel induces bad temper and the wife usually has to bear the brunt.
Regus found out that as much as a fifth of company employees worldwide lose productive hours for being stuck in traffic. The problem is more alarming in the Philippines, where about 60 percent of the population reside in urban areas. Getting through daily traffic jams is in itself a tough challenge.
About 90 minutes are spent daily in going to and coming from the workplace. This is greatly reduced if one would take the LRT or MRT. Cars along EDSA travel at an average of 15 kph especially during rush hour.
Regus vice president for Southeast Asia and the Australia-New Zealand regions William Willems said combined productive hours lost due to traffic and the health risks it posed are unquantifiable.
So, when driving or commuting, don’t forget to bring your medicines.
There have been a number of studies confirming these findings and so workers who struggle through rough bus or jeepney rides daily should be made aware of this. What should be a ten-minute drive normally becomes an hour long agony for most motorists sho snake through Metro Manila’s hellish traffic.
Simlar studies revelaed that regular commuters experience frustration at work and sufer usually unexplained bad moods throughout the day. Apart from this, a gruelling travel induces bad temper and the wife usually has to bear the brunt.
Regus found out that as much as a fifth of company employees worldwide lose productive hours for being stuck in traffic. The problem is more alarming in the Philippines, where about 60 percent of the population reside in urban areas. Getting through daily traffic jams is in itself a tough challenge.
About 90 minutes are spent daily in going to and coming from the workplace. This is greatly reduced if one would take the LRT or MRT. Cars along EDSA travel at an average of 15 kph especially during rush hour.
Regus vice president for Southeast Asia and the Australia-New Zealand regions William Willems said combined productive hours lost due to traffic and the health risks it posed are unquantifiable.
So, when driving or commuting, don’t forget to bring your medicines.
Command (ir)responsibility
More than a week after that tragic hostage-taking incident in Manila, one detail is still wanting: who was really in charge?
In the US, when an emergency involves national interest, the federal government comes in and local authorities are immediately stripped of their powers of jurisdiction. The hostage-taking of scores of Hongkong tourists last Monday not only involved national interest but that of the whole world.
The national government, with all its might and power, should have come in and took over from local authorities. The Philippine National Police has an elite Special Action Force (SAF)- a well-equipped, battle-ready unit- that was relegated to the sidelines. Also joining the ranks of spectators were soldiers belonging to the elite light reaction company of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The LRC is an elite commando unit composed of military specialists. Name it, they have it. It is a US-funded and trained unit formed to confront the Abu Sayyaf and other Muslim extremist groups in the South. These soldiers, too, weren’t tapped.
The PNP-SAF alone could have done better and could have ended the crisis much earlier than the fumbling Manila SWAT. But the PNP chief was somewhere else attending a pre-arranged meeting down South. Sad to say, the man in charge during the crisis was the hostage-taker, Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza, himself.
Mendoza was in full control in and out of the ill-fated Hong Thai Travel bus. Verzosa, who is retiring soon, claimed he was closely monitoring the events from wherever he was that time. Management by remote control. Lame.
To me it was the height of command (ir)responsibility.
In the US, when an emergency involves national interest, the federal government comes in and local authorities are immediately stripped of their powers of jurisdiction. The hostage-taking of scores of Hongkong tourists last Monday not only involved national interest but that of the whole world.
The national government, with all its might and power, should have come in and took over from local authorities. The Philippine National Police has an elite Special Action Force (SAF)- a well-equipped, battle-ready unit- that was relegated to the sidelines. Also joining the ranks of spectators were soldiers belonging to the elite light reaction company of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The LRC is an elite commando unit composed of military specialists. Name it, they have it. It is a US-funded and trained unit formed to confront the Abu Sayyaf and other Muslim extremist groups in the South. These soldiers, too, weren’t tapped.
The PNP-SAF alone could have done better and could have ended the crisis much earlier than the fumbling Manila SWAT. But the PNP chief was somewhere else attending a pre-arranged meeting down South. Sad to say, the man in charge during the crisis was the hostage-taker, Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza, himself.
Mendoza was in full control in and out of the ill-fated Hong Thai Travel bus. Verzosa, who is retiring soon, claimed he was closely monitoring the events from wherever he was that time. Management by remote control. Lame.
To me it was the height of command (ir)responsibility.
A deadly mix
I was trying to figure out what went wrong in last week’s hostage drama that ended with a number of foreign tourists and the hostage-taker dead when I stumbled upon some parallelisms between the infamous Mendiola Massacre 23 years ago and this recent tragedy.
I shivered and had goose bumps all over when I realized that on January 22, 1987 when 13 peasant marchers were shot dead on Mendiola bridge, the man in charge was Gen. Alfredo Lim, then chief of the Western Police District. The officer would become Manila’s chief executive.
The president then was an Aquino.
Last week, no less than the Manila police director admitted that he was taking orders from Mayor Lim as head of the supposed crisis management committee that supervised the hostage-taking of a busload of tourists by demented cop, Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza.
At the massacre in Mendiola, Lim called the shots but he vehemently denied giving the orders to shoot down the unarmed peasants. History would prove that the shootings were a fatal mistake.
History would repeat itself 23 years later when Lim, being the man in charge of the August 23 hostage crisis, gave orders that eventually caused the deaths of tourists from Hongkong. These orders include the arrest of Mendoza’s brother, Gregorio, that drew the ire of the hostage taker.
The president now is an Aquino.
Judging from these separate events, I have strong reason to believe that Aquino and Lim are quite a deadly mix. Don’t you think? I just hope that the buck stops here.
We simply cannot afford to see more deadly mistakes in the future.
I shivered and had goose bumps all over when I realized that on January 22, 1987 when 13 peasant marchers were shot dead on Mendiola bridge, the man in charge was Gen. Alfredo Lim, then chief of the Western Police District. The officer would become Manila’s chief executive.
The president then was an Aquino.
Last week, no less than the Manila police director admitted that he was taking orders from Mayor Lim as head of the supposed crisis management committee that supervised the hostage-taking of a busload of tourists by demented cop, Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza.
At the massacre in Mendiola, Lim called the shots but he vehemently denied giving the orders to shoot down the unarmed peasants. History would prove that the shootings were a fatal mistake.
History would repeat itself 23 years later when Lim, being the man in charge of the August 23 hostage crisis, gave orders that eventually caused the deaths of tourists from Hongkong. These orders include the arrest of Mendoza’s brother, Gregorio, that drew the ire of the hostage taker.
The president now is an Aquino.
Judging from these separate events, I have strong reason to believe that Aquino and Lim are quite a deadly mix. Don’t you think? I just hope that the buck stops here.
We simply cannot afford to see more deadly mistakes in the future.
A “major, major” humiliation
An unprepared police force, an ill-equipped “elite” unit, a rescue mission gone awry.
I’d take the liberty of borrowing the words of Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj in describing the hostage drama on Tuesday in Manila that ended in a bloodbath: It was a “major, major” humiliation.
For a capital city, it was shameful for the all the world to see how incompetent Manila’s police force was in handling an initially peaceful hostage-taking incident. Shameful, in fact, would be an understatement because we all saw how unprepared the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team was in storming the Hong Thai Transport bus in an attempt to rescue the hostages, or whoever was left of them. But they came too late.
There was nothing special about the SWAT team, especially when they lobbed the tear gas canister without anyone of the strom troopers wearing a gas mask. The attack was hasty. In fact, we even saw how difficult it was for them to hammer down the bus windows and windshield. The hostage-taker was the one on top of the situation. Authorities should have taken him down much earlier.
Also, it was shameful to see how a uniformed police officer took hostage people from a foreign land who had nothing in mind but to savor the beauty of our dear country and experience Filipino hospitality. What could have been their most memorable trip turned out to be their last bus ride alive. Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza served as their tour guide to death.
No one but the police should be blamed for what happened. Obviously, the authorities were not prepared to handle such a situation. Imagine if it was a major terrorist attack. Oh! Dear.
The police failed to control the crowd, nobody was in charge to manage the crisis. There was no expert negotiator to deal with the suspect. Adding fuel to the fire was the brother of the suspect, policeman Gregorio Mendoza, who stole the scene by acting as if he was being arrested for being an “accessory” to the crime. He had no business being there. The police was right in trying to keep him away from the scene because blood, certainly, is thicker than water. To my eyes, Gregorio’s “performance” infuriated his brother. Gregorio’s 15 minutes of fame resulted to a lifelong nightmare for the country’s tourism industry and caused another big blot in the already hideous image of the PNP.
I’d take the liberty of borrowing the words of Miss Universe 4th runner-up Venus Raj in describing the hostage drama on Tuesday in Manila that ended in a bloodbath: It was a “major, major” humiliation.
For a capital city, it was shameful for the all the world to see how incompetent Manila’s police force was in handling an initially peaceful hostage-taking incident. Shameful, in fact, would be an understatement because we all saw how unprepared the special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team was in storming the Hong Thai Transport bus in an attempt to rescue the hostages, or whoever was left of them. But they came too late.
There was nothing special about the SWAT team, especially when they lobbed the tear gas canister without anyone of the strom troopers wearing a gas mask. The attack was hasty. In fact, we even saw how difficult it was for them to hammer down the bus windows and windshield. The hostage-taker was the one on top of the situation. Authorities should have taken him down much earlier.
Also, it was shameful to see how a uniformed police officer took hostage people from a foreign land who had nothing in mind but to savor the beauty of our dear country and experience Filipino hospitality. What could have been their most memorable trip turned out to be their last bus ride alive. Sr. Insp. Rolando Mendoza served as their tour guide to death.
No one but the police should be blamed for what happened. Obviously, the authorities were not prepared to handle such a situation. Imagine if it was a major terrorist attack. Oh! Dear.
The police failed to control the crowd, nobody was in charge to manage the crisis. There was no expert negotiator to deal with the suspect. Adding fuel to the fire was the brother of the suspect, policeman Gregorio Mendoza, who stole the scene by acting as if he was being arrested for being an “accessory” to the crime. He had no business being there. The police was right in trying to keep him away from the scene because blood, certainly, is thicker than water. To my eyes, Gregorio’s “performance” infuriated his brother. Gregorio’s 15 minutes of fame resulted to a lifelong nightmare for the country’s tourism industry and caused another big blot in the already hideous image of the PNP.
Coco loco
Outrageous. I was among those who watched disdainfully footages of human rights Commissioner Coco Quisumbing as she delivered her tirades against some members of the press who, for still unknown reasons, caused the former broadcaster to go berserk. She was totally nuts.
Members of the media were at her office to gather updates on the torture case against a Manila cop. She became instant news when, without provocation, she gave journalists a crash course on holding press conferences, albeit, insultingly. She went loco.
Ms. Quisumbing suddenly took on the job of a lecturer who verbally assaulted the unwary reporters. One radio reporter from DZMM, Dennis Datu, even received shabby treatment from the all too knowing Quisumbing who, by the way, was a miserable news anchor. She wanted to be interviewed inside the ladies room as she put on make-up. Datu, the gentleman that he is, naturally refused to follow the CHR official and that drew the latter’s ire.
I really could not fathom the depth of Ms. Quisumbing’s logic. To me, she was just insane. The stresses of the job maybe. Or, she simply despises it. I also don’t know how she landed on that position. The one who recommended her could be suffering from the same mind problem.
They both should see a shrink.
*****
Abolish SK
President Noynoy Aquino is inclined to veto a bill that proposes the postponement of the Sanguniang Barangay and Sanggunang Kabataan elections in October. Better yet, PNoy should ask his congress colleagues to craft a measure abolishing SK and refining the local government code.
I don’t see any reason why we should allow our kids to plunge into that murky world of politics. If the youth wants representation, they could easily vote for a youth slot in the barangay council. The SK system has failed miserably. Kids run for office upon the prodding of their parents who, most often than not, are themselves local politicos.
SK officials are instant scholars. This could probably be the only reason left why many are supportive of it. What in hell do kids know about public service and government management? Thy’re still kids you know. They should be in school.
The SK system is already polluted. In some cases, it served as the breeding ground for future corrupt politicians.
For your comments, suggestions, complaints or death threats, please feel free to send them through text to 09299953944 or email me at jsyegco20@yahoo.com.
Members of the media were at her office to gather updates on the torture case against a Manila cop. She became instant news when, without provocation, she gave journalists a crash course on holding press conferences, albeit, insultingly. She went loco.
Ms. Quisumbing suddenly took on the job of a lecturer who verbally assaulted the unwary reporters. One radio reporter from DZMM, Dennis Datu, even received shabby treatment from the all too knowing Quisumbing who, by the way, was a miserable news anchor. She wanted to be interviewed inside the ladies room as she put on make-up. Datu, the gentleman that he is, naturally refused to follow the CHR official and that drew the latter’s ire.
I really could not fathom the depth of Ms. Quisumbing’s logic. To me, she was just insane. The stresses of the job maybe. Or, she simply despises it. I also don’t know how she landed on that position. The one who recommended her could be suffering from the same mind problem.
They both should see a shrink.
*****
Abolish SK
President Noynoy Aquino is inclined to veto a bill that proposes the postponement of the Sanguniang Barangay and Sanggunang Kabataan elections in October. Better yet, PNoy should ask his congress colleagues to craft a measure abolishing SK and refining the local government code.
I don’t see any reason why we should allow our kids to plunge into that murky world of politics. If the youth wants representation, they could easily vote for a youth slot in the barangay council. The SK system has failed miserably. Kids run for office upon the prodding of their parents who, most often than not, are themselves local politicos.
SK officials are instant scholars. This could probably be the only reason left why many are supportive of it. What in hell do kids know about public service and government management? Thy’re still kids you know. They should be in school.
The SK system is already polluted. In some cases, it served as the breeding ground for future corrupt politicians.
For your comments, suggestions, complaints or death threats, please feel free to send them through text to 09299953944 or email me at jsyegco20@yahoo.com.
We never learn
Yesterday, around 40 people died when a passenger bus plunged into a deep ravine in Benguet. Another wayward bus, more innocent lives gone, another headline. Worse is the fact that we have become so familiar with stories of the same genre and learned to shrug them off as just another one for the news.
To remind you: fifteen people were killed last month when a bus slammed into a concrete wall in Cebu City. A month earlier, twenty-one people, most of them Iranian medical students, were killed also in a freak vehicular accident.
“ACCIDENT,” that’s how most people, especially those in government who are tasked to ensure passenger safety, put it. Interestingly, we have seen a lot of “accidents” in the past- at sea, in the air or on our roads. Slowly, we are earning this ill reputation of being a hotbed for fatal accidents, most of which are actually avoidable.
Debates on toll fee hikes, oil price adjustments and other issues pertaining to road usage and safety such as the mandatory use of seatbelts, among others, have overshadowed that single, most basic concern that has gone unaddressed for ages- to rid our seas, air and roads of so-called floating, flying and rolling coffins.
Our government is armed with enough laws to prevent these transportation hazards from plying their routes. Our laws have clearly lined up guidelines for safe travel and the only thing that law enforcers must do is to strictly enforce them. Not for any other reason, especially Hu-money-tarian reasons.
When such accidents occur, people who are responsible have a common escape route. That is, to blame them on “human error.” Suffice it to say, the rubber wheels are controlled by the steering wheel which is controlled by the hands of the driver. One small mistake could lead to a potentially fatal one. So, I will not debate anyone on that.
So what's the safest way to travel? Anyway you like as long as it's not in a coffin.
To remind you: fifteen people were killed last month when a bus slammed into a concrete wall in Cebu City. A month earlier, twenty-one people, most of them Iranian medical students, were killed also in a freak vehicular accident.
“ACCIDENT,” that’s how most people, especially those in government who are tasked to ensure passenger safety, put it. Interestingly, we have seen a lot of “accidents” in the past- at sea, in the air or on our roads. Slowly, we are earning this ill reputation of being a hotbed for fatal accidents, most of which are actually avoidable.
Debates on toll fee hikes, oil price adjustments and other issues pertaining to road usage and safety such as the mandatory use of seatbelts, among others, have overshadowed that single, most basic concern that has gone unaddressed for ages- to rid our seas, air and roads of so-called floating, flying and rolling coffins.
Our government is armed with enough laws to prevent these transportation hazards from plying their routes. Our laws have clearly lined up guidelines for safe travel and the only thing that law enforcers must do is to strictly enforce them. Not for any other reason, especially Hu-money-tarian reasons.
When such accidents occur, people who are responsible have a common escape route. That is, to blame them on “human error.” Suffice it to say, the rubber wheels are controlled by the steering wheel which is controlled by the hands of the driver. One small mistake could lead to a potentially fatal one. So, I will not debate anyone on that.
So what's the safest way to travel? Anyway you like as long as it's not in a coffin.
The devil’s favorite sin
When Al Pacino played the role of the devil in one of his movies which I’d rather not name lest I’ll be accused of promoting this old theater flick, his famed line was “vanity, definitely, is my favorite sin.”
Though far from being my most favorite, I loved that movie which I was reminded of when I read in the news that President Noynoy Aquino’s Public Works Secretary had ordered a ban on politicians who are predisposed in putting up their huge (literally) names and faces on billboards of infrastructure projects.
If it’s not vanity, to me, it’s definitely a sin.
Sec. Rogelio Singson issued Deartment Order 37 37 directing the Regional, District Engineering and Project Management offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to follow the revised Standard Project Billboard format that bans the display of the name or image of any personality, including the president himself, in project billboards and even ambulances.
Kudos to you, sirs!
PNoy himself does not want his name or face to appear in those silly billboards which are placed there primarily for the people to know the name and location of project, name of contractor, the date the project started, contract completion date, contract cost, construction consultant, implementing office of the DPWH, and source of fund, among others.
But some ingenous politicians saw these billboards as a venue to advertise themselves with their names and faces loudly displayed therein. In case they forget, it’s the people’s money that was used in these projects, not theirs. Maybe they pocketed some but that’s a different story that I’m definitely going to write about in the future.
In the Senate, a bill seeking to criminalize the naming of government projects after public officials and persons associated with them was filed by Senator Francis “Chiz" Escudero.
Senate Bill No. 2187, said naming projects such as waiting sheds, ambulances and even trash bins after politicians “falsely gives an inflated sense of accomplishment to public officials to their constituency."
The feisty Miriam Defensor Santiago also refiled Senate Bill No. 1967, which seeks to penalize the act of affixing the name or image of any public official to a signage announcing a proposed or ongoing public works project.
Vanity comes in many forms and has many faces. The worst case, however, is the one that uses people’s money for political cosmetics.
That, definitely, is the work of the devil.
Though far from being my most favorite, I loved that movie which I was reminded of when I read in the news that President Noynoy Aquino’s Public Works Secretary had ordered a ban on politicians who are predisposed in putting up their huge (literally) names and faces on billboards of infrastructure projects.
If it’s not vanity, to me, it’s definitely a sin.
Sec. Rogelio Singson issued Deartment Order 37 37 directing the Regional, District Engineering and Project Management offices of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to follow the revised Standard Project Billboard format that bans the display of the name or image of any personality, including the president himself, in project billboards and even ambulances.
Kudos to you, sirs!
PNoy himself does not want his name or face to appear in those silly billboards which are placed there primarily for the people to know the name and location of project, name of contractor, the date the project started, contract completion date, contract cost, construction consultant, implementing office of the DPWH, and source of fund, among others.
But some ingenous politicians saw these billboards as a venue to advertise themselves with their names and faces loudly displayed therein. In case they forget, it’s the people’s money that was used in these projects, not theirs. Maybe they pocketed some but that’s a different story that I’m definitely going to write about in the future.
In the Senate, a bill seeking to criminalize the naming of government projects after public officials and persons associated with them was filed by Senator Francis “Chiz" Escudero.
Senate Bill No. 2187, said naming projects such as waiting sheds, ambulances and even trash bins after politicians “falsely gives an inflated sense of accomplishment to public officials to their constituency."
The feisty Miriam Defensor Santiago also refiled Senate Bill No. 1967, which seeks to penalize the act of affixing the name or image of any public official to a signage announcing a proposed or ongoing public works project.
Vanity comes in many forms and has many faces. The worst case, however, is the one that uses people’s money for political cosmetics.
That, definitely, is the work of the devil.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
GUN BANe
For jan 7
GUN BANe
On January 10, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-imposed gun ban will be in effect. That means, lest I get an exemption, I will no longer be allowed to move around (except where I live) with at least my pistol for protection. Defenseless is what I’m going to be. Same is true with other journalists who, in one time or another, had active threats on their lives. Self-preservation is an inherent right. As a matter of fact, it is enshrined in our constitution. That is because the police and military personnel who have sworn to serve and protect the public from lawless elements cannot be at anyone’s beck and call 24/7.
In the face of recent events, including the gruesome Ampatuan massacre and the spate of media killings that has claimed the lives of many, I have a lot to worry about in the next six months or so. Number one, I don’t have enough resources to pay for an armed police escort. Pity me. And number two, I always move places, rendering myself an easy target, especially when my enemies (people whom I have criticized in the past and have since had an ax to grind) know very well that my only protection now is my laptop which could hardly fend off a bullet and which is too heavy to be hurled in the face of an aiming asassin.
A few months ago, four armed men on board a van paid me a “visit.” Quite an unpleasant surprise because they were at first unexpected guests. I recognized the vehicle as that which belonged to someone in my hometown in Nueva Ecija who had a grudge on me. To give you a background, this person thought he was more powerful than any politician in the area. I will no longer glorify this idiot by naming him. Truly, his name was feared as it became synonymous to corruption, abuse of discretion and other sort of spitefulness.
One night in April, I received a call from an informant that the group was planning to “attack.” I took the warning seriously that when I arrived home, I gathered up a few friends from the police and fortified my house. I was armed to the teeth and so were my co-defenders. Shortly before midnight and when other friends had left, the “visitors” came. The vehicle inched its way up to my front lawn where the armed men were supposed to alight and storm my house. But before they could act, we went out of the house locked and loaded and took defensive positions. Wife and kids in the bedroom, I closed all entry to the house. Asked to give the signal to open fire, I ordered my men to wait until anyone from the van had alighted and that I would fire the first salvo. The element of surprise worked in our favor. The “ninjas” probably realized the very bad situation they were into that before I could even release the safety button of my rifle, the car moved away. We managed to get the license number and reported the incident the next morning to the authorities. The policemen stood as my witnesses.
I was sure the men were carrying three rifles and four pistols. Why? Because two days after the “visit,” the leader of the group surrendered to me. He admitted they made a mistake when they were made to believe that I was the BAD GUY.
A few months after, me and the wife received separate death threats on our cellphones. “Ilang araw ka na lang mabubuhay,” mine read. The wife’s message went: “Kawawa mo naman mamamatay na si itlog.”
And now here comes the Comelec gun ban, which is a bane to most people, especially those who complied with the stringent requirements of law for one to own or carry a weapon. Can the Comelec assure everyone that hired goons and illegal gun owners would abide by it’s stupid gun ban? Can you, Chairman Jose Melo? Can you promise that no woman will be widowed and any child orphaned because of your gun ban? Politicians kill each other, not journalists. I submit to the idea of a TOTAL gun ban even whole year round for as long as it serves its real purpose. That is to prevent lawless elements from carrying guns and ply their routes.
Arming is a choice between raising your hands in submission and applying survival techniques in the face of an assassin. I shall always go for the second option, gun ban or no gun ban.
GUN BANe
On January 10, the Commission on Elections (Comelec)-imposed gun ban will be in effect. That means, lest I get an exemption, I will no longer be allowed to move around (except where I live) with at least my pistol for protection. Defenseless is what I’m going to be. Same is true with other journalists who, in one time or another, had active threats on their lives. Self-preservation is an inherent right. As a matter of fact, it is enshrined in our constitution. That is because the police and military personnel who have sworn to serve and protect the public from lawless elements cannot be at anyone’s beck and call 24/7.
In the face of recent events, including the gruesome Ampatuan massacre and the spate of media killings that has claimed the lives of many, I have a lot to worry about in the next six months or so. Number one, I don’t have enough resources to pay for an armed police escort. Pity me. And number two, I always move places, rendering myself an easy target, especially when my enemies (people whom I have criticized in the past and have since had an ax to grind) know very well that my only protection now is my laptop which could hardly fend off a bullet and which is too heavy to be hurled in the face of an aiming asassin.
A few months ago, four armed men on board a van paid me a “visit.” Quite an unpleasant surprise because they were at first unexpected guests. I recognized the vehicle as that which belonged to someone in my hometown in Nueva Ecija who had a grudge on me. To give you a background, this person thought he was more powerful than any politician in the area. I will no longer glorify this idiot by naming him. Truly, his name was feared as it became synonymous to corruption, abuse of discretion and other sort of spitefulness.
One night in April, I received a call from an informant that the group was planning to “attack.” I took the warning seriously that when I arrived home, I gathered up a few friends from the police and fortified my house. I was armed to the teeth and so were my co-defenders. Shortly before midnight and when other friends had left, the “visitors” came. The vehicle inched its way up to my front lawn where the armed men were supposed to alight and storm my house. But before they could act, we went out of the house locked and loaded and took defensive positions. Wife and kids in the bedroom, I closed all entry to the house. Asked to give the signal to open fire, I ordered my men to wait until anyone from the van had alighted and that I would fire the first salvo. The element of surprise worked in our favor. The “ninjas” probably realized the very bad situation they were into that before I could even release the safety button of my rifle, the car moved away. We managed to get the license number and reported the incident the next morning to the authorities. The policemen stood as my witnesses.
I was sure the men were carrying three rifles and four pistols. Why? Because two days after the “visit,” the leader of the group surrendered to me. He admitted they made a mistake when they were made to believe that I was the BAD GUY.
A few months after, me and the wife received separate death threats on our cellphones. “Ilang araw ka na lang mabubuhay,” mine read. The wife’s message went: “Kawawa mo naman mamamatay na si itlog.”
And now here comes the Comelec gun ban, which is a bane to most people, especially those who complied with the stringent requirements of law for one to own or carry a weapon. Can the Comelec assure everyone that hired goons and illegal gun owners would abide by it’s stupid gun ban? Can you, Chairman Jose Melo? Can you promise that no woman will be widowed and any child orphaned because of your gun ban? Politicians kill each other, not journalists. I submit to the idea of a TOTAL gun ban even whole year round for as long as it serves its real purpose. That is to prevent lawless elements from carrying guns and ply their routes.
Arming is a choice between raising your hands in submission and applying survival techniques in the face of an assassin. I shall always go for the second option, gun ban or no gun ban.
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