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.

Our commitment: Making a stand for the fallen

On December 7, 2009, the Department of the Interior and Local
Government Press Corps (DILG) which I head up to now, led officers and
members of other Quezon
City based press organizations in commemorating the now infamous
Ampatuan Massacre through a brief candle lighting vigil on the EDSA
portion of the DILG building. National Press Club President Benny
Antiorda also came.

Journalists from various media entities, responding to our call for
swift justice, also renewed their commitment to continue on despite
seemingly favorable developments in the case. On that same occasion,
11/23 was unanimously declared as a day of INFAMY, a day when press
freedom faced its worst challenge and, more appropriately, its worst
nightmare so far.

The Ampatuan carnage on 11/23 should also be remembered as a day when
democracy itself was assaulted by members of a moneyed and powerful
clan who faultily revered themselves as gods on that piece of land
down South. The date 11/23 shall be an awful reminder that freedom of
the press and our civil liberties are under constant threat from those
whose lust for power and greed for wealth seem endless.

Therefore, it is our vow to be most vigilant especially during these
trying times. We shall not keep our guards down.

As our fallen colleagues are laid to rest one by one, we shall
continue to rise above others in pursuing their cause. That is, to
bring to fore a factual recounting of everything that occurred within
the ambit of the country’s unique democratic setting.

We shall not fail them.

Until justice has been fully served by authorities and achieved by the
beareved families of the 57 or so innocent victims, and until all
suspects are punished, we will not rest.

As professional journalists, our lives maybe taken along the way and
at any given time. But no one, not even the most evil warlord, can
kill democracy.

Testing the water

We seek justice for Ampatuan, Maguindanao massacre victims, not
martial law. Hindi maitutuwid ng isa pang pagkakamali ang isang
pagkakamali. Civil liberties are already at stake here. The ampatuans
are murderers, not rebels. Armed groups have been massing up in
maguindanao since time immemorial. These groups, except for the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front, are even mostly government-sponsored. Why
martial law now? What's cooking?
Declaring Martial rule over Maguindanao is practically a crackdown on
civilian armed multipliers that were actually created by national and
local leaders to confront Muslim secessionists. Until the monsters
that they created began to pounce and prey on the very people they
were made to protect. Their loyalty rested on that piece of land’s
most powerful clan whose members, for years, have been closest to the
heart of their queen.
What could the queen be thinking? We could only guess. Her real
intention in putting the province under full military control is known
only to her and her closest lieutenants. One thing is certain though:
They are up to something which is far beyond the November 23 Ampatuan
massacre that claimed the lives of around 60 individuals, mostly
journalists. On an early morning press conference Saturday, Press
Secretary Cerge Remonde, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and the
chiefs of the armed services and the national police announced that
Proclamation 1959, that placed Maguindanao under military control, was
the government’s response to local and foreign clamor for justice for
the victims of the massacre. Quite plainly, that is putting words into
our mouths. And I didn’t like it. We never asked for it or anything
like it. The government is vested with enough powers to ensure that
all perpetrators in the mass killing are punished.
It was not only very alarming but chilling. Let’s just hope that the
president overreacted. No more no less.
There were at least 68 journalists killed and hundreds of political
activists, lawyers and other “left-leaning” personalities summarily
executed all over the country since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
assumed the presidency. Judging from how quickly the government
placed Maguindanao under Martial rule after 60 people were killed, it
is only logical to assume that she could replicate the move for the
whole country. What’s next? Jolo? Basilan? Quezon? Or all known
election hot spots? She only has to expand the coverage of her
proclamation, seek congress’ approval and voila! Elections are
suspended. “Rebels,” (activists, journalists etc) are immediately
“invited” for a free board and lodging vacation inside military camps.
We have a lot to worry about, considering the records of the present
administration. We cannot doubt the fact that the queen, given the
feasible and palatable “excuses” such as the Maguindanao massacre,
would cling to power.
Let us not give her the reasons to do so. We should take calculated
risks, be more circumspect in our actions and be most vigilant. If
she’s testing the water, let’s make it too hot for a dip and too
freezing for a plunge.

Martyrs of Press Freedom

I tried but still couldn’t find the right words to describe the
carnage in Maguindanao where scores of people, including friends from
the media, were mercilessly slaughtered. Such pure, unadulterated
evil. To say that I was outraged will be an understatement. The
perpetrators deserve the harshest penalty but death wouldn’t be
enough. Yet, we could do nothing to bring those people back to life.
The way that government, especially the uniformed services, did
nothing to prevent the massacre from taking place. The local
politicians and their minions who snatched the group composed of
members of a rival clan and journalists should now be the subject of
swift, relentless pursuit. Only by making them pay for their gruesome
crimes will authorities be able to win back the trust and confidence
of the public they have sworn to serve and protect. The abduction and
subsequent killing of our colleagues, all 27 of them, deserve the
strongest condemnation by everyone. They were there to cover a
legitimate democratic process which is the filing of a certificate of
candidacy by a politician bold enough to challenge the tyranny of the
Ampatuans. My sympathies also go to the families of innocent motorists
whose only mistake was to be at the wrong place at the awfully wrong
time. Without remorse, they were similarly killed and buried in
shallow graves, along with the martyrs of press freedom. No one could
fathom the depth of this evil. Plainly Satanic!
The Ampatuan massacre sent shivers down the spine of democracy itself.
The brutal act could no longer just be seen as an assault on press
freedom but a genocide aimed at wiping out democracy itself. The
Ampatuans now join the ranks of history’s darkest leaders such as
Adolf Hitler, Saddam Hussein et. al. Perhaps, by shooting the
messenger, the Ampatuans and their butchers have surpassed the records
of the world’s worst dictators.
The name Ampatuan is now synonymous to evil.
But who created them? The same people who are somehow offering them a
veil of protection. The same people who allowed the occurrence of this
carnage. Shame on them. Shame on the Ampatuans’ political patrons who
sold democracy to these demons in exchange for a seat in Malacanang
and for a 12-0 sweep in the most recent elections. Together, they
should go down in the annals of history as a blood thirsty alliance.
The 27 journalists who gave up their lives on that fateful Monday
morning may now be gone but their names shall reverberate forever in
the hearts and minds of other scribes and broadcasters who would
survive Philippine media’s holocaust.
Long live the 27 martyrs of press freedom! Long live all victims of
media killings!

The MONSTERS that lurk within Angono

As published (Remate Tonight, Nov 9 issue)

The monsters that lurk within Angono

I dedicate my space today to my beloved town of Angono, Rizal where I spent most of my childhood days. Although I was born in Gapan, Nueva Ecija, I consider the erstwhile serene municipality of renowned artists as my second hometown. Erstwhile I said because like most of my friends whom I visited here over the weekend, my heart still bleeds for those twenty or so who perished during the recent typhoons and I share the grief of those whose houses are still submerged under murky and putrid floodwater. I asked around for answers and most of the people here pointed to two environmental disasters that caused the inundation of hundreds of homes in this once tranquil town by the mythical Laguna Lake. First, as my long-time friend Dario U. Orca furiously told me, the shallow Angono River that cuts the town from the North toward the Laguna Lake has overflowed at the height of typhoon Ondoy, washing away a number of houses erected along its banks and those nearby. Secondly, Dario pointed to the “reclamation” of a portion of the lake which now goes by the name Baytown as the second culprit. Other friends agreed. I, too, without a bit of doubt agreed. I studied at the Angono Private High School from 1986 to 1990 but I came to know the place much earlier. Since my childhood days, private firm Concrete Aggregates Corporation has been digging the northern hills of Angono, specifically in Barangay San Isidro. The Ortigas-owned company’s principal activity is supplying processed aggregates, ready mix concrete, bituminous concrete mix and pre-stressed/pre-cast concrete. Its other activities include the excavation of sand and gravel, production of asphalt products and construction of roads and bridges. The Group is quarrying, mixing and selling rock and limestone products to public and private sectors up to this day. The long years of quarrying by the company, according to Dario and most of my friends, made the Angono River shallow with debris and waste materials. Nobody knows when the company, more notoriously known as the “CRUSHER,” would cease operation. Nobody dared to openly criticize the powerful and influential firm until typhoon Ondoy struck in September. Residents complain that the Crusher, which maintains its own water treatment facility, dumps wastes directly into the now muddy Angono River. Local officials led by Rizal Gov. Junjun Ynares, who happens to be my childhood friend, and Angono Mayor Au Villamayor have yet to act on these complaints. Or, probably but I hope not, they just refuse to look at the deadly and vicious monster that lurks within their turf in return for huge taxation. The last I heard was that Mayor Villamayor was planning to dredge Angono River. I say now it will be a futile and inutile decision because for as long the Crusher remains, the mud will never stop flowing.
The second disaster, according to Dario, was the putting up of a dumpsite on Baytown, a reclaimed portion of Laguna De Bay at the boundary of Taytay and Angono. Thanks to the genius of former Angono Mayor Gerry Calderon his provincemates and townmates could hardly enter their houses until now that the lake has yet to subside. I wonder what came into the minds (or pockets?) of local officials and their cohorts in the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Laguna Lake Development Authority that they allow these two disasters to proliferate. Calderon, a DENR official, has a lot of explaining to do. I guess this is the best time for those affected to speak up against their official’s flawed and deadly policies. If our lawmakers need something to investigate, they need not look far. All they got to do is take a short trip to Baytown and the MONSTER in Barangay San Isidro, north of my beloved Angono.

At last! Ping and Erap spoke of the truth

President Arroyo spent millions for her trips abroad. It’s a privilege
of being the head of state. Usually, she had SIPSIP lawmakers and
other government officials in tow during these junkets. The people are
complaining.
They say the problem with GMA and her minions is not how they spend
but the fact that they kept coming back.
Alis ng alis, uwi din naman ng uwi. Whew!
oOo
Sen. Panfilo Lacson kept on dropping bombshells on former president
Estrada. The former allies continue to trade barbs on each other’s
supposed involvement in the disappearance and death of PR man Bubby
Dacer and his driver. Both accuse each other of LYING.
At last! Ping and Erap spoke of the TRUTH.
oOo
The Dacer family wants Erap included in the charge sheet, taking cue
from Lacson’s own admission that Erap had the temerity to issue
“secret” orders. Erap denied this.
Maybe he was dead drunk then that he could not remember.
oOo
Joke time. (courtesy of Mr. Jun Urbano)
Reporter: Sir, what medicines do you take when you are not feeling well?
FG: Kwartal, Peramycin Forte, and Co-coracotyn E.
oOo
Presidential son and Pampanga Rep. Mikey Arroyo stammered when asked
by veteran journalist Winnie Monsod why he failed to include in his
SALN the million-dollar house he bought in the US. The matter was kept
secret.
He will use the house when he goes in exile next year.
oOo
The other brother was said to have bought a similar property also in the US.
Under the name Jose Pidal Jr.?
oOo
Mikey explained that the money he had were given as wedding gifts and
donations by rich Godfathers.
In marriage, he really meant BUSINESS.
oOo
Lost for an explanation, Mikey challenged his critics to sue him and
bring the matter to court.
Wait till the mother has stepped down.
oOo
Some close friends in the construction business complained of
unreasonable kickbacks in almost all government projects by “Daddy,
mommy and kuya.”
Family runs first.

SleePING with the enemy

September 21 is observed as an annual official holiday. Quite funny.
It only reminds us of strife and grief during the dark days of Martial
Law.
UNholiday.
oOo
A week after attacking his former boss, Joseph Estrada, Sen. Panfilo
Lacson renewed his tirades against Sen. Manny Villar. He accused
Villar of conspiring to produce a witness that would link him to the
Dacer-Corbito case.
Villar certainly has a talent of LINKING not only roads to his
subdivisions but people too.
oOo
In a recent interview, Lacson claimed he had known Estrada since 1972
when the actor was accosted for mauling the late Rudy Fernandez. Since
then they became friends until he served him loyally as police chief
during the deposed president’s short-lived term.
SleePING with the enemy.
oOo
Many are complaining that Quezon City Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista
became scarce all of a sudden after outgoing Mayor Feliciano Belmonte
reportedly “anointed” the former actor as heir to the city’s throne.
BIG MISTEK for Bistek.
oOo
Sen. Kiko Pangilinan announced that he would support the Noynoy-Mar
tandem in next year’s elections. Notably, Kris Aquino, Korina Sanchez
and Pangilinan’s wife, Sharon Cuneta, are talents of ABS-CBN.
It’s all a KAPAMILYA affair.
oOo
Vice President Noli De Castro remains unapologetic for his outburst
during a recent visit in Laguna. He said urban poor militants who
heckled while he was delivering a speech were actually those who
failed to pay their government housing dues due to “laziness.” He
called them KSP, or kulang sa pansin.
KSP nga- Kulang Sa Pambayad.
oOo
Administration party standard bearer Gilbert Teodoro said he still
favors a reproductive health bill now pending in congress despite
strong opposition by the Church. Religious beliefs should not deter
the State from enforcing such measure, he explained.
See if his stand will reproduce healthy votes for him.
oOo
The nomination of DILG Sec. Ronaldo Puno as Teodoro’s runningmate was
not in the party’s executive committee meeting agenda. Still, the two
were officially endorsed as admin bets.
Hidden agenda.
oOo
Militant lawmakers have called on Teodoro to resign his post for fear
that he might use his influence as defense chief in boosting his
chances in the race.
No worry. Former AFP chief Hermogenes Esperon is running for a
congressional seat in Pangasinan.

PINGer Pointing

In a privilege speech, Sen. Panfilo Lacson accused former President
Joseph Estrada of having a direct hand on the twin murders of
publicist Bubby Dacer and his driver, Manuel Corbito.
PINGer pointing.
oOo
Sen. Jinggoy Estrada, in defense of his father, claimed Lacson was
only trying to cover up his links in the double murder.
EscaPING.
oOo
The young Estrada warned Lacson that he would fire back if the former
police official would not refrain from vilifying and spreading lies
against his father.
“SHERAP!”
oOo
Erap vehemently denied being the “brains” behind the twin slays.
He has none.
oOo
Certainly, he could not have “masterminded” it.
Erap could only play master.
oOo
Jinggoy accused Lacson of acting like a government attack dog. First,
he attacked Sen. Manny Villar then Estrada, both of whom topped recent
surveys. Lacson denied this, saying he was dutibound to expose
anomalies of presidential wannabes.
No wonder he dropped his ambition to become president.
oOo
In an interview, Lacson said he would not spare even Sen. Noynoy
Aquino from his attacks if he finds evidence of fraud involving Cory’s
son.
PINGpointed.
oOo
Sen. Aquino came out with a staggering 50 percent in the latest SWS
survey for Luzon, leaving other presidential contenders by a mile.
Half of Luzon residents are happy the Aquino family now plans to give
up Hacienda Luisita.
oOo
90 lawmakers and local officials gathered in Quezon City yesterday to
endorse Defense Sec. Gilberto Teodoro as the administration party’s
standard bearer. For Teodoro, it’s game over. Not to be outdone, MMDA
chairman Bayani Fernando held his own press conference where he
expressed confidence that he would win his party’s nomination.
The defense chief was MOPPING UP while the MMDA chair was hoping for a SWEEP.
oOo
Leftist groups last week denounced alleged US troops’ participation in
Mindanao clashes. This week, however, communist leaders ordered the
NPA to attack US soldiers on the island.
LEFT TEASED.

NOy RETREAT, NOy SURRENDER

Sen. Noynoy Aquino announced his family might give up ownership of
Hacienda Luisita, a 6,400-ha sugarcane plantation in Tarlac.
He is no sugar daddy.
oOo
His partymates are worried the Luisita, where scores of farmers have
died over decades-old disputes, could derail Noynoy’s bid for the
presidency.
No SWEET talk.
oOo
When first asked to run for president, Aquino III went on a weeklong
retreat. He came back declaring he has accepted the challenge.
NOy RETREAT, NOy SURRENDER.
oOo
Sen. Mar Roxas gave up his presidential ambition in favor of Aquino
and would instead run for vice president. He finally came to his
senses that with more formidable presidential candidates he was
facing, the millions he poured in his political ads will just be a
waste.
Nasa huli nga naman ang pagsisisi.
oOo
Seriously, though, I think an Aquino-Roxas administration will work
wonders for the country because both are bachelors.
We will have no First Lady at least for a while.
oOo
And, more importantly, there will be no PRESIDENTIAL SONS who might
decide to run for congress and stash their own ill-gotten wealth.
Batu-bato sa langit ang tamaan ‘wag magagalit.
oOo
The only thing that bothers me is that if Aquino wins, there will be a new FG.
First Girlfriend.
oOo
Lakas-Kampi-CMD gave Vice President Noli De Castro until mid-September
to decide whether or not he would join the administration party and,
possibly, become its standard bearer.
Pagnagkataon, bigo si Gibo.

WOWOWEEEIRD!

Fourth eye
For aug 7

WOWOWEEEIRD!

TV host Willie Revillame drew flak over his refusal to simultaneously
air his program with that of the late president Cory Aquino’s funeral
procession. His tantrums were shown live on air to the distaste of
many.
Not so WILY Revillame.
oOo
The ever so arrogant host, who raked his fortune from other’s
misfortunes, may have forgotten that the Lopezes owe ABS-CBN to Tita
Cory. Had it not for the late president, his show would have carried a
different name.
WOWOWEEEIRD!
oOo
Almost instantly, the incident was posted on Youtube. There, hundreds
gave damning opinions, despising Revilla as “makapal ang mukha.”
Ok lang daw kasi MAKAPAL NAMAN ANG BULSA!
oOo
Example: “Willie Revillame is by far the most annoying, convincingly
insincere, social inbred whose skills on ‘entetaining’ people either
fall short or just plain short and downright grandstanding. His views
expressed were hands down a reflection of his real self: --- cold,
shiny,hard plastic.”
Sounds like Joey De Leon was speaking.
oOo
On live broadcast, Willie lashed at the ABS-CBN management for showing
the funeral cortege. He even asked the management to “choose” between
his show and the Cory footages.
He earns far more than his network bosses that’s why.
oOo
Many of those who were turned off by his ill attitude now call for a
boycott. Some are even asking the MTRCB to suspend the host from the
show.
Once suspended, Willie should try out as celebrity guest on Eat
Bulaga’s Pinoy Henyo.
oOo
National Press Club President Benny Antiporda was among those
infuriated by Willie’s remarks. The NPC president said ABS-CBN should
teach Willie some lessons on humility and respect.
I’d say teach him history. His network’s history.
oOo
I still wonder why many find Wowoweee appealing. Worldwide, it shows
some Pinoys’ fondness for fastbucks and dole-outs. I frown everytime I
see poor contestants narrating their sorrows in Willie’s show.
Pathetic.
That’s show BUSINESS.

"L" is for Lalaban Tayo

“L” for Lalaban tayo

With her passing, congress is expected to declare Cory Aquino a
national hero. A noble gift from the institution the former president
herself helped created.
If congressmen were only Holy, they would have declared Cory a Saint.
oOo
Direct from the US, President Arroyo went to Manila Cathedral to pay
her last respects to the woman who once asked her to resign.
Did anyone hear her say, “I am sorry.”?
oOo
Marcos kids Bongbong and Imee also attended the wake unannounced. They
were gratefully welcomed by the Aquino family.
Were they so sorry too?
oOo
Former First Lady Imelda Marcos, who held a mass for the then still
ill Cory, declared that the country will experience many miracles once
the Aquino and Marcos families are united.
It will indeed take a miracle for Arroyo to resign.
oOo
During the funeral procession from Manila to Paranaque where the
former president was finally laid to rest, presidential aspirant Mar
Roxas was inside his SUV, waving to crowds flashing the “L” sign.
“L” for “Lalaban tayo.”
oOo
In her speech, Kris Aquino hinted of plans to join politics with her
brother Noynoy. “Ipagpapatuloy natin, Noy,” she declared.
She or Noynoy could be Roxas’ runningmate.
oOo
A reunion of sorts, Cory’s funeral was reminiscent of Ninoy’s own
funeral march and the People Power Revolution combined. Politicians,
artists and church people converged once again.
Hope Cory’s spirit stays until after May 2010.
oOo
Last February, Tita Cory attended the wake for singer-actor and master
rapper Francis Magalona who died of cancer.
During Cory’s wake and interment, rains were spurred by a storm named Kiko.

No cross we can't Cory

Fourth eye
For aug. 3

There is no cross we can’t Cory


With her death, we mourn. And as loved ones carried her casket, the
heavens wept.
Even Jolina was in deep sorrow.
oOo
Indeed, she was just a housewife with no knowledge on the presidency.
But she was the only housewife who survived seven coup attempts and a
damning power crisis.
oOo
Amidst all the troubles she encountered, dealing with cancer was one
of the easiest, she declared.
It only involved herself.
oOo
By her example, people believed in life even after death.
And life after this government.
oOo
By her faith, we were moved. Her death was her resurrection.
A beacon forever shining brightly for those on the dark side.
oOo
She gave us hope and proved that despite the odds, it was still
honorable to be born a Filipino and die a Filipino.
In a country being run like hell by a Filipino.
oOo
She was an icon of morality and good governance.
She had no First Gentleman in the first place.
oOo
She was an icon of democracy who paved the way for the phenomenon
called People Power. She never lied, cheated or stole.
I grief with the fear that without her, the liars, cheaters and
thieves will rejoice.
oOo
She had great power but was never intoxicated by it. She gave the
country a new Charter to live by.
The same Charter some people are now dying to replace to suit their caprices.
oOo
A country without her is like a world without air which the people can
breathe freely.
But her humility and sacrifices taught us that no matter how heavy,
there is no cross we can’t CORY!

Dog eat dog

Fourth eye
For july 31

DOG EAT DOG

The Senate objected to a House-approved bill allowing Greyhound races
in Mandaue City. Senators said they will block any effort to have the
measure approved.
Dog eat dog.
oOo
Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. was accused of holding “secret” public
hearings on the bill, inviting only those who would be benefited by
it. The senator said he sees nothing wrong with the measure which he
will sponsor in plenary this week.
Expect people to raise a howl.
oOo
Sen. Jamby Madrigal, one of the measure’s oppositors, even had the
luxury of showing off her pet greyhound to stress her position.
She’s not an attack dog, afterall. Right, Sen. Villar?
oOo
Sen. Loren Legarda and party-list Rep. Risa Hontiveros caught people’s
attention when they attended last Monday’s Sona donned in backless
gowns.
These feisty ladies have BACKBONES indeed.
oOo
Sen. Mar Roxas, ever the KSP (kulang sa pansin) he is, directed
traffic along Commonwealth Avenue during SONA. It was another photo
opportunity for the presidential wannabe.
And I thought he was among the eight men mauled by angry protesters on
suspicion of being government “spies.”
oOo
For “saying bad words” in public, Roxas did not escape the president’s
“aggression” during SONA.
What could be worse than Roxas’ “LALABAN TAYO!”
OOo
The Philippine National Police intensified its campaign against lose
firearms. Already, hundreds of illegal guns were turned over by the
Central Luzon police office. Officials claimed the guns were owned by
private armed groups.
Policemen by day, private army by night.
OOo
Folk legend Freddie Aguilar sneered at world-renowned artists Arnel
Pineda and Charice Pempengco for acting like “monkeys” who mimic
foreign artists.
Some Pinoys are really a rare breed. Their existence disproves Charles
Darwin’s theory.
Instead of apes, they evolved from CRABS.
oOo
Reports have it that actresses Katrina Halili and Maricar Reyes might
co-star in a movie.
The title: HAYDenSICK.

ANOS

“ANOS”

Pres. Arroyo delivered her longest SONA and the most applauded in nine years.
It’s probably the Inno Sotto gown she wore.
oOo
Quite interestingly, she thanked “congress” a number of times as if
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile was not behind her.
It’s a grim indication that congress, at least for GMA, is ONE.
oOo
Reading between the lines, PGMA bluntly referred to the Senate as her
“critics.” She told “congress” there will be “more work.”
I think one of those “works” is to try to get rid of the Senate.
oOo
The ninth SONA was also PGMA’s last. When she becomes prime minister
next year, SONA will be renamed Address the Nation on its State. Her
first.
ANOS
oOo
With Con-Ass just around the corner, ANOS is not far-fetched.
That explains the STINK!
oOo
Most in attendance are lawmakers who are supportive of Con-Ass.
Con-ass lickers!
oOo
Outside congress, leftist protesters mauled eight men suspected of
acting as military lookouts.
The left has better SPIES.
oOo
As expected, security forces outnumbered rallyists at least three to one.
The police and military appeared more threatening. Another grim
indication of what might come.
oOo
The Iglesia Ni Cristo celebrated its 95th year also on Monday. It
coincided with PGMA’s SONA.
Guess most rallyists are INC members. That explains their absence.

Bail of Rights

BAIL OF RIGHTS

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief Dir. Rosendo Dial said
some 80,000 inmates from various jail facilities units nationwide can
vote in next year’s polls. The Commission on Elections already
approved of the scheme’s implementing rules and guidelines.
In the future, inmates can run for public office and many politicians
will go to jail.
oOo
Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila De Lima claimed jailbirds
not yet convicted of their crimes still have the privilege to vote.
It’s their Constitutional right.
BAIL OF RIGHTS!
oOo
Supt. Glen Dumlao is back in the country to spill the beans on the
Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Alleged as Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s
henchman, Dumlao will unlock the mystery behind the gruesome killings.
Hope he provides the right key and combination.
oOo
Residents of Pandacan are up in arms against the city ordinance
extending the stay of the oil depots in the district.
A well-oiled campaign?
oOo
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim blamed the previous administration of Lito
Atienza for the mess. He claimed the ordinance was his predecessor’s
idea and now Atienza is now using the issue against the incumbent
mayor.
Really now, who got the GREASE?
oOo
In Nueva Ecija, the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts will be
a fight between two Umalis and two Josons. It’s all a family affair.
Sino ang dapat umalis?
oOo
PCSO Director Popoy Taruc, who ran but lost his vice gubernatorial bid
in 2007, is posed to stage a comeback. This time to save the province
from an expected clan war.
I’M POPOY THE SAVIORMAN!
Boboto kita, pare.
oOo
Singer Selina Sevilla complained of a failed butt job. She claimed the
Silicon oil injected on her was eating her flesh.
Her doctor probably got the oil from Pandacan. Now we know why many
are against it.

Bail of Rights

BAIL OF RIGHTS

Bureau of Jail Management and Penology chief Dir. Rosendo Dial said
some 80,000 inmates from various jail facilities units nationwide can
vote in next year’s polls. The Commission on Elections already
approved of the scheme’s implementing rules and guidelines.
In the future, inmates can run for public office and many politicians
will go to jail.
oOo
Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila De Lima claimed jailbirds
not yet convicted of their crimes still have the privilege to vote.
It’s their Constitutional right.
BAIL OF RIGHTS!
oOo
Supt. Glen Dumlao is back in the country to spill the beans on the
Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Alleged as Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s
henchman, Dumlao will unlock the mystery behind the gruesome killings.
Hope he provides the right key and combination.
oOo
Residents of Pandacan are up in arms against the city ordinance
extending the stay of the oil depots in the district.
A well-oiled campaign?
oOo
Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim blamed the previous administration of Lito
Atienza for the mess. He claimed the ordinance was his predecessor’s
idea and now Atienza is now using the issue against the incumbent
mayor.
Really now, who got the GREASE?
oOo
In Nueva Ecija, the gubernatorial and vice gubernatorial posts will be
a fight between two Umalis and two Josons. It’s all a family affair.
Sino ang dapat umalis?
oOo
PCSO Director Popoy Taruc, who ran but lost his vice gubernatorial bid
in 2007, is posed to stage a comeback. This time to save the province
from an expected clan war.
I’M POPOY THE SAVIORMAN!
Boboto kita, pare.
oOo
Singer Selina Sevilla complained of a failed butt job. She claimed the
Silicon oil injected on her was eating her flesh.
Her doctor probably got the oil from Pandacan. Now we know why many
are against it.

PD Ay!

Fourth eye
For Monday SONA


PD Ay!

The Inquirer reported that the daughter of an anti-drug agent was
drugged and raped.
Outraged, Malacanang and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency
declared a Mexican-style war against drug syndicates
Raise your Tequila, hombre!
oOo
The Cordillera police declared the case closed after finding that the
incident was a hoax.
PDI stood by its story and authorities mellowed down.
Philippine Drug Inquirer. PD Ay!
oOo
Anti-drug agent’s daughter drugged and raped. The story becomes
sensational. Government declares all out war on drugs.
A poor rugby-sniffing girl from a local squatter colony got raped. No one cared.
Government declares all out war on SQUATTING!
oOo
Today is the day when PGMA delivers her state of the nation address
(SONA). Her critics will frown as they try to compare today’s from the
previous years’ SONAs.
Apart from what the president wore, what else is new?
oOo
PGMA’s supporters will cut short office hours and lock their sights on
their TV set.
Also to compare today with last year’s SONA and see if her BREAST JOB
made any difference.
oOo
Sen. Manny Villar ruled the surveys!
Sen. Mar Roxas ruled the airwaves.
oOo
Administration presidential wannabes fared poorly in the same surveys
and Erap made the biggest jump to tail Villar.
Wait until Roxas comes out with AGB Nielsen’s survey. Prime time spots
pa ads niya. Talo silang lahat.
oOo
With hundreds of millions already spent on various political ads, the
only thing reaping the fruits of democracy this early are the two
giant TV stations.
oOo
Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile threatened to end sessions if the
issue of Con-Ass is discussed.
Ayaw na niyang mainip. May alam siyang mas mabilis na paraan.
oOo
Around 15,000 soldiers and policemen will be deployed to secure SONA.
Analysts estimate the number of protesters could be lesser.
Rallyists would rather stay at home and watch TV to get a clearer view
of GMA’s intriguing breast job.

SONA-VAGAN PART 2

SONA-vagan!

Days before the president’s state of the nation address, militant lawmakers have decided to boycott the opening of sessions. They allege PGMA will recite the same antics all over again.
SONA vagan!
oOo
House security officials say they are experts in ensuring the safety of SONA, having done the same preparations since time immemorial. Authorities claim GMA’s last SONA as president faces no serious threat.
They want to be sure that next year GMA will deliver her first SONA as Prime Minister.
oOo
Some fear the joint session of congress during SONA might be used to railroad the approval of the hotly-contested Constituent Assembly resolution calling for Charter change. Con-Ass proponents will push for joint voting, relegating senators to the sidelines.
SONA vabits! Gulo yan!
oOo
But congressmen pushing for the Con-Ass resolution have assured no such thing will happen.
SONA naman.
oOo
In a nutshell, PGMA is expected to recap her administration’s feats during her incumbency. A matter of pure political and economic cosmetics, say her critics.
This is a job for Dr. Vicky Belo!
oOo
No. She will not reveal her new CUP size and thank her plastic surgeon.
oOo
Sen. Richard Gordon wants amnesty given to Abu Sayyaf bandits. He explains this will finally cure the problem.
Then he will take them in as Red Cross volunteers! OMG!
oOo
They say no ransom was paid for the release of ICRC volunteers who were held captive by the Abu Sayyaf for months. Local officials say only money intended as “cigarette allowance” (panigarilyo) was sent to the group.
Hoping ASG members die of lung cancer! Nice trick.
oOo
Last week, Sec. Ronnie Puno of the DILG was hugging and kissing his pet dog, Magnus Portis, as he announced an all-out “law enforcement” campaign against the ASG.
I think the DILG secretary would have appeared more threatening if he brought in a PIG!
oOo
With this in mind, the armed forces should review its policy on the use of its K-9 units. Instead of dogs, soldiers should try releasing hordes of SWINE in the jungles of Sulu and Basilan or drop double dead meat from the air.
No harm in trying, anyway.

KICKIN' THE HABIT

Kickin’ the habit

Priest-turned-politician Ed Panlilio announces intention to run for president. Says he is ready to leave priesthood.
Kickin’ the old HABIT.
oOo
Bishops are unhappy. They say Panlilio’s plan will “confuse the faithful” and is contrary to Canon Law.
Look who’s talking.
oOo
For years, Church leaders have been meddling in State affairs but they refuse to admit it. Whatever happened to the separation of Church and State?
Priest by vocation and politician by profession. Uh-oh. Double compensation.
oOo
Among Ed’s supporters say running the affairs of the State is better off undertaken by a man of faith.
I laugh at the thought of Internal Revenue and Customs collectors running around with donation boxes and pouches. And all incomes will be tithed. Taxes will be at a uniform rate of 10 percent. Goodbye, VAT! Har-har-har!
oOo
If he wins, Among Ed as commander-in-chief of the armed forces and being a man of peace, will replace guns with crosses, bombs with roses.
The AFP and PNP will both be headed by full-fledged CARDINALS!
oOo
They say the Lord calls on Among Ed to run for president.
Is it the DRUG or GAMBLING lord?
oOo
His first move would be to EXORCISE Malacanang and transfer the seat of government from the Palace to the nearby St. Jude chapel.
oOo
Not to be outdone, the El Shaddai and Jesus is Lord Movement will field Bros. Mike Velarde and Eddie Villanueva, respectively, against Panlilio.
And ALL three will vie to win the Iglesia Ni Cristo votes!
oOo
After the bombings in Indonesia, security officials proposed that 200 more CCTVs be installed around the metropolis.
To head the project is Dr. Hayden Kho, who recently earned his doctorate in voyeurism.
oOo
DILG Sec. Ronnie Puno denies he was planning to leave PGMA. From a two-week vacation in the US, he returned with a PUPPY named Magnus Portis.
At nadagdagan ang mga TUTA sa gobyerno. Whew!
oOo
Puno is a leading contender in the race for vice president. If he wins, alongside Fr. Ed Panlilio, the country will surely reap the bounties of God’s graces.
PUNO ka ng grasya!

SUCK MY DUCK

SUCK MY DUCK

UP Prof. Randy David says he will contest the president’s rumored bid for a congressional seat in Pampanga. A published photo showed David on a Ducati motorbike- also known as the DUCK. Sadly, he was not wearing any helmet and Malacanang was quick to spot the traffic violation.

He’s got a ticket to ride?

oOo

Presidential son Mikey Arroyo immediately downplays the threat and belittles David, comparing the anticipated poll contest to that of the Biblical battle between King David and the giant Goliath who, as if none of us already knew, lost.

A Ducati is faster at full speed and definitely deadlier than a slingshot. But David should wear his helmet this time.

oOo

Commission on Human Rights chairperson Leila De Lima says they’re close to identifying the head of the dreaded Davao Death Squad (DDS). She adds there are indications pointing to the possible involvement of local government officials with the connivance of local uniformed officers in cases of summary killings.

No. She’s not running for mayor of Davao City. Trabaho lang.

oOo

House Speaker Prospero Nograles announces he will not call for an investigation into the operations of the DDS. He explains he doesn’t want to be accused of politicking. A wise move.

But he calls on the CHR, the Senate and the Ombudsman to conduct their probes.

Hands Off!?

oOo

International Red Cross Volunteer Eugenio Vagni was finally released after six months in captivity by the Abu Sayyaf. Poor Vagni suffered from HERNIA, which worsened his predicament. But now he has safely rejoined his family.

He was not in a LOSE-LOSE situation afterall.

oOo

Instead of paying ransom, government agents allegedly held the wives of Abu Sayyaf leaders for a gamble. An eye for an eye. A WIFE for a husband. A trick that worked in favor of Vagni.

What if the bandits were Christians? Still, don’t take the mother-in-law.

oOo

Political parties Lakas and Kampi have merged to form a new political party. Partido Lakas Kampi.

A.k.a. PALAKA

oOo

Erap’s Partido ng Masang Pilipino decided to join to form a much bigger party- Partido ng Masang Kampi sa Lakas.

A.k.a. PAMAKLA

oOo

The only way to effectively change the Constitution is to combine all modes of amending it- People’s Initiative, Con-Ass and Con-con.

PICON!

oOo

Reports claim the president had a breast implant. If so, I’m sure it wasn’t done by Dr. Vicky Belo who, if not for those sex videos involving her boyfriend Hayden, would have become Mrs. Vicky Kho. PGMA could never last a second under the knife of a surgeon named Vicky.

Sabagay, ibang Vicky ‘to!!!



oOo

There will be a new Cabinet revamp. So they say. With less than a year in office, PGMA’s men will surely cling to their current posts. No wonder if they, too, would embark on various projects. They’re not supposed to receive separation or retirement benefits after May 2010. They will have to scrape for whatever crumbs are left.

My advice: Borrow Randy David’s helmet, guys. Malamang mabukulan kayo!

Back With A Vengeance

After a long, deep slumber, Remate Tonight is back on the streets to fill that space on newsstands left vacant for years. Bigger, better and bolder than ever.
From its purely masa format, the paper has morphed wonderfully into something that responds to the call of the times, tailor fit for the Global Pinoy. Thanks to the genius of the paper’s new owner and publisher who once dreamt of acquiring the old Remate Tonight where he started his career in journalism as a cub- National Press Club President Benny Antiporda. Coupled with the prolific Joe Torres who is now at the helm of the publication’s editorial team, Remate Tonight is sure to soar great heights and regain its crown as one of the country’s princes of Tabloids. For one to claim kingship would be ignoble, if not totally ridiculous. Afterall, tabloids have been collectively lording it over other classes of publications, readership wise.
oOo
The team-up of Mssrs. Antiporda and Torres- both previously subjected to harsh criticisms by a few self-righteous industry peers- will definitely raise eyebrows. Who among them critics are purely legit by the way? I can count some in. The others?
Spite me.
oOo
Now, to business.
From his pathetic Boy Padyak caper to becoming a more pathetic garlic-wielding Con-Asswang warrior, Sen. Mar Roxas is once again back on the headlines for crying out against the delayed implementation of the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) for medicines, his brainchild. Doesn’t MRP sound more of a political acronym- Mar Roxas for President?
Cheaper medicines or cheap trick? Another cheap gimmick.
oOo
Presidential Anti-Smuggling Group chief Antonio Villar and Optical Media Board chairman Edu Manzano are at loggerheads over some missing DVD replicating machines. Villar claims the same replicating machines went missing after they were first seized during the time of now Sen. Bong Revilla as OMB head.
A replicated incident. A clear machination.
oOo
The machines were allegedly consigned to a wealthy Chinese businessman from North of Manila. A “king” on his own right, the businessman also belongs to a powerful clan of politicians. He is known in the underworld as “Mr. G.”
GOTCHA!!!
oOo
Quezon City is close to becoming the country’s entertainment capital with all those bright lights from strip clubs, gay bars and other night spots illuminating the city every night. Unknown to many, a group of gamblers who are mostly owners of these night spots have been secretly operating underground POKER games around the city and under the noses of city government and police officials. From POKING to POKER capital.
POKER ina na yan!
oOo
House Speaker Prospero Nograles says they are more concerned with the spread of the A H1N1 virus in congress than the influx of protesters come PGMA’s State of the Nation Address. He fails to state, however, if the president, congressmen and senators are susceptible to the disease or not.
Hope their congressional IMMUNITY works!
oOo
A faction of younger generals in the military is reportedly planning to takeover the armed forces’ leadership from their seniors through Oplan: August Moon. The scheme aims to catapult Gen. Delfin Bangit of PMA Class 1978 to the top military post, sidelining senior generals from older PMA classes.
Bad news: Pagasa predicts more typhoons will visit the country by next month with most making landfall by night. Ergo, NO moon in August.
Sorry, guys.
oOo
Atty Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for the Jimenez family members accused of masterminding the killing of Ruby Rose Barrameda presumes that the victim is still alive, judging from the lack of a DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) sample from the cadaver fished out off Navotas harbor previously.
This lawyer should be sent to Neverland and check out if Michael Jackson’s alive too.
Beat it, Topakcio!

the lozada episode: political fanaticism at its worst

Once again, Filipinos' political fanaticism is wantonly displayed in the issues surrounding the testimonies of Jun Lozada. Typical Filipino. A sinner becoming a saint in latter life. All after sharing the loots of the gluttons. It's not that I don't believe in the truth of what he says. It's just that I don't believe in all that they say anymore. All of them. The truth is they looted the country. All of them. PERIOD. And for that they should all be held liable. No saints, please. So what's with Lozada? What's with all he has been saying? The more important question is: WHERE ARE ALL THESE THINGS HEADING? DOES THIS PROMISE FILIPINOS A BETTER LIFE AHEAD? Of course not! Lozada is just a reincarnation of shrewed people in government who decided to go against the will of their patrons when put under intense pressure. With the build-up of strong opposition against government, Lozada was SOOOO DAMN AFRAID of the Senate that he tried to avoid being grilled by senators. He was so cowed by stern questioning that after he sought protection from his bosses, he cried about being abducted only TO EARN THE SYMPATHY OF HIS MUCH FEARED SENATE. That's what I believe in. I know he speaks of the truth. And the God Damn country knows everything about this truth. There is really no need for a Lozada to be nearly proclaimed a saint. HE IS DEFINITELY NOT. I don't hate him. No! I simply do not admire him because it only reminds me of his predecessors- whistleblowers like Luis Chavit Singson whose testimonies only changed the faces of people in government. And what change is Lozada talking about? For change to succeed, he must do away with his new patrons- the political opposition and all other forces that are against the Arroyo administration. And by God we know that this guy would eventually find himself a seat in congress. I bet my cheap salary on it. History repeats itself. The sad truth is the Filipino people now are more insterested in the RUMOR OR CHISMIS COMPONENT OF THE TRUTH. People are interested because they need something to talk about, to bark about. It deeply saddens me. But the most important question is: WHAT ARE WE GONNA DO ABOUT IT? The answer remains elusive. Can anyone show us the path to the light? Not even the Church can. Jun Lozada has made himself not a tool for change but a tool for the administration to fall. They could not wait til 2010 because by then, they might not stand a chance. So who do we believe now? The sinners who became saints or the saints who themselves have sinned?
As for me, Romulo Neri is the REAL hero. It was his honesty that provided the impetus for all these. The people wanted the truth and they got it. The TRUTH THAT HAS ALWAYS BEEN KNOWN TO EVERYBODY. Neri once said: "THE TRUTH IS MUCH DEEPER THAN IT MAY SEEM." He spoke of the REAL truth that the country is run by OLIGARCHS. Who knows that these oligarchs may now be funding the fracas that is now at hand. Alam naman natin lahat na ang mga malalaking negosyanteng ito ang sinasandalan din ng mga taong umuupo sa gobyerno. And why do we allow this? How are we going to correct this major democratic flaw? Neri was right all along. He spoke once and then kept silent. I see his point. he doesn't want to be used by people who espouses their own anti administration prejudices. People who may seem at one time to be the ont he side of truth and justice but in the end will be found at the other corner of the table. Jose Rizal called for change yet he refused to join the armed revolution. Neri served the spark, now it's up for the people to decide. Neri left the final judgment to the PEOPLE. The Filipino PEOPLE. He knew that people with dire political interests would feast on anything that could be used against the government. I share the people's angst. I share the people's sentiments. But these mixed emotions lead to confusion and in this confused times, the oligarchs and the brightest spindoctors are out to FOOL us again. Spindoctors from the left, the right and for heaven's sakes spindoctors from who knows where. WE FILIPINOS ARE EASILY FOOLED AND DUPED. WHEN ARE WE GOING TO CHANGE. WORSE THAN THE EVIL THAT LURKS IN GOVERNMENT, WE MUST CONFRONT THE EVIL THAT LURKS WITHIN. Wala tayong kasawa-sawa. We knew elections are tainted yet we vote and be sorry about it afterwards. We know corruption exists yet we wait for pressure to build up on people like Lozada to blow the whistle and revere them in the end. BAKIT GANUN? BAKIT GANITO?
Has anyone ever thought what could happen next? Even a wild guess? I bet that the gravest lawsuit they can slap on Abalos et al is ATTEMPTING TO BRIBE A GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL. And surely, just like how a convicted plunderer was set free, Abalos, Mike Arroyo and all those involved will never be punished for the crimes they committed. Why? Because we, as fanatical as we are, revere sinners who dressed up like saints when pushed against the wall. As for me, Lozada can never and should never be proclaimed a hero. The real hero is in each and every Filipino who was duped by Lozada and his patrons when they still enjoy good times together.
I myself is against the "evil" that lurks in Malacanang. This evil's minions, no matter how they pretend to be for the light and the good, is equally deplorable. We Filipinos never change. We allow ourselves to be amazed by this political circus. SAAN TAYO PUPUNTA? KANINO NATIN IPAGKAKATIWALA ANG BANSANG ITO? It's time that we improve our system. Not change it. lalong wala tayong pag-asa sa KALIWA. I'd been there. Done that. All the same. Kung mayroon mang bulok iyon ay ang mga taong gumagalaw sa sistema. Ang demokrasya ay hindi perpekto. Nothing is. Together we can still fix these things and plug the loopholes. What some people are proposing is absurd. A moral revolution council what? Headed by the same shrewed people, I guess. Snap elections? BULLSHIT! Whoever raised that issue is DARN STUPID. Why? Remember 2004? The problem is everybody have their own political interests and biases. PUMUPUSTA LANG SA LIYAMADO. This is among the sorriest periods in my beloved Philippines' history.
THE PEOPLE WERE DUPED IN EDSA I. WE WERE DUPED IN EDSA II. WHY SHOULD WE ALLOW A THIRD OR WORSE A FOURTH INSULT? In achieving change we must be serious. DEAD SERIOUS! The next time we go out on EDSA, we should ask ourselves if we would be willing to shed and draw blood for the change that we want so much to achieve. If not, just watch everything on cable TV and enjoy the political show.
And, lest everyone forget, try to look at each and every person around this "hero." Familiar faces, huh!

ANOTHER YEAR GONE

2007. I turned 34 on March 20. By next year, I'll be 35 and that means that based on the current mortality rate of 60-65, I have only 25 to 30 years remaining before I pass on. But it all depends on a lot of factors still. I could go earlier or probably (which I hope I won't) later. Who wants to live forever? Or who wants to outlive one's loved ones? people might find it repugnant that when I reached 30 years ago, I started counting back. Yes. back to the future. I am counting back to the future. The countdown was my own idea. And I have never felt so satisfied than being prepared to face my own demise- natural or man-made. And that thought alone pushes me to the limits. It's like I want to do more with less. More things to do with very little and continuously dwindling time. Who's afraid to die anyway? You? Well, I always thought living was more cruel than dying. Life maybe fun. Life maybe exciting. Life maybe precious. But have you ever accepted that all these would die out? Eventually they will. But no matter how happy or sad one's life was, IT SHOULD NOT MATTER FOR AS LONG AS YOU ENJOYED THE RIDE. Life's a journey remember? And journeys have endings. Happy or sad.
As for me, I have done enough. and if my Creator would call me anytime, I would gladly go with Him. As I have said before, Life Must Go On. And I know deep inside me that there is life after this life and hence.
Oh No! THis is not a farewell message ok. But it's somehow fulfilling to conquer the fear of death. By being NOT afraid of death, nothing can scare you, right?
And so, have you asked yourself what your greatest fear is? Find out and try counting back to the future.
HAVE A MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE. I'LL BE BACK NEXT YEAR (and that's next week!)

I'm Proud of My NPC

Despite the wrong accusations hurled at us by those Angono fools, the National Press Club has risen up and answered the call of duty to protect its brethren some of whom were unduly detained in the aftermath of the Peninsula Manila siege. I was supposed to be there. My friend and kumpare Atty Argee Guevarra called me up that day and asked me to join them at the PEN. I yielded, thinking that being with the core group would allow me to access the freshest of news that I could deliver to the people. I sought the permission of my president Roy Mabasa who warned me against making political statements once there. As he said, sedition is not a journalist's "province." And I assured him yes, I will join the group not as a participant but as a mere observer. But before I left my computer, Argee asked me to clarify to all people that the movement was spontaneous. It was never prepared (and look at what happened after!). So I pounded my keyboard and started writing a statement for Argee. It wasn't me who was talking but him. As a friend, he dictated to me everything and I just wrote it and sent it to other people.
But I didn't condone their acts. As a journalist, I should not. However, who would not be drawn into such an interesting opportunity? REAL journalists know how and when to get relevant stories. Stories that are BOLD. Stories that happens once in a blue moon.
To me, the Manila Pen incident was among those rarest of moments. I regret that I failed to arrive sooner there. I was late because of the statement of Argee which I had to write for him.
On the way, I heard on radio that the place had been cordoned off. I called Argee up and said I was sorry. That story was not for me.

On Monday we filed a case against officials who arrested our colleagues. I posted the story that I submitted to my newspaper that day below. Please refer to it.

Media Arrests

Before I make my own points about the arrests f my fellow journalists, I would like to share the story that I submitted to the Manila Standard on Monday. Just after we filed the case against Puno, Razon etc. before the Commission on Human Rights.



MST
By joel m. sy egco
Dec. 3, 2007 for Tuesday
#1

The Commission on Human Rights (NPC) will hear en banc on Thursday the
case filed by the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) against
Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Ronaldo Puno
and top Philippine National Police (PNP) officials who allegedly
ordered the "arrest" and "detention" of journalists who covered the
Manila Peninsula siege on November 29.

Acting on the complaint filed by the NPC through its president, Roy
Mabasa, a group of three CHR commissioners- Wilhelm Soriano, Dominador
Clamba and Eligio Mallare- said they will summon Puno, PNP chief
Avelino Razon and National Capital Region POLice Office (NCRPO) chief
Dir. Geary Barias and "those who effected the handcuffing of mediamen"
before bringing them to Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan.

Mabasa, assisted by NPC Vice pres. Benny Antiporda and Dirs. Joel Sy
Egco and Samuel Julian trooped to the CHR main office yesterday to
formally file the Club's three-page complaint.

"This complaint is filed on behalf of the 50 or so print and broadcast
reporters and cameramen/photographers who were handcuffed, tied,
loaded into a bus and detained for no legal and valid reason at the
(NCRPO) in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on the evening of the date
aforementioned," the complaint which Mabasa signed said.

The NPC cited six glaring violations committed by the police, namely:
arbitrary arrest and detention; abusive and inhumane manner in which
the arrests were carried out; violation of Republic Act 7438
concernign the Miranda rights; violation of press freedom under
Article 32 of the Civil Code and Sec. 4 of Article II, or the bills of
rights, of the Constitution: illegal confiscation of videotapes and
cameras in violation of the right against unreasonable searches and
seizures; and grave misconduct and grave abuse of authority and
discretion.

A team of lawyers provided by the NPC headed by its legal counsel
Berteni Causing were expected to meet with the "victims" to secure
their affidavits.

Commissioners Soriano, Calamba and Mallare welcomed the filing of the
charges and vowed to act promptly on it. They said they will wait for
the submission of the affidavits from the so-called Manila Pen media.

"We just hope that they can identify the policemen who tied them up
and hauled them onto the bus. That will make our job easier. All they
have to do is to remember the nameplates of the policemen," Calamba
told newsmen.

Even CHR chairman Purificacion Quisimbing, who is abroad, agreed that
the incident was "embarrassing" for the journalists.

Mabasa and the other NPC officers likewise assured that no political
color will be added to the move, stressing that the Club's only
concern is that "such thing should not happen again."

"It is the hope of the NPC that the resolution of this matter shall
help avoid similar incidents in the future and protect not only
journalists but all citizens against abuse and violation of their
rights," the complaint added.

The CHR officials said they would recommend the filing of charges
against those who would be found to have committed abuse.

"If they would be found to have violated human rights, these policemen
will have a hard time dealing with their promotion or retirement
because they will have to secure clearance from us. If they have a
pending case, how can they be cleared?" one of the CHR commissioners
explained.
END

Strength in Weakness

Felicitas Unidad Roan, Mami Fely, or simply, Mami, is the epitome of real strength. Downed by a serious illness, she fought and struggled to rise up again and to remain standing. She never faltered. Never surrendered. Though not my biological mother, my umbilical cord stretched out to her womb during my younger days. Daddy Jim died in my arms as I, as a young teenager, tried to keep the life in him when he had a heart attack in 1992. I guess that was the time when I was officially "adopted" by Mami. As my best friend Jasper's elder (but younger in terms of looks) brother. The Roan Reyes household survived the ordeal. We survived the ordeal and as Mami repeatedly reminded me during those dark hours, "Life MUst Go On." And her words seemed to have a strong impact on me. Upon hearing the words, it kinda got absorbed in my bloodstream and got stuck in my mind forever. IN times of sorrow and deep regret, indeed, LIFE MUST GO ON!
No so long after the death of Dadi JIm, Mam Fely was diagnosed with the BIG C. Yes, she underwent a series of operation in the mid-90s. They said hers was a terminal case but her illness or weakness somehow mutated into an energy that gave birth to another strong-willed person. She, again, survived. Life Must Go On.
Just recently, however, she contracted another dreaded disease. Still related to the BIG C. IN fact, I guess, the Big Brother of the BIG C.
Despite her ordeal, Mami remains a picture of strength. Never heard her feeling sorry for the test she is now into. There was a bad news in December last year. That she would not survive another three months. The doctor who diagnosed her, however, was felled by a liver ailment. That was the only time she told me she was sorry. Not for herself but for her doctor. More serious than hers I guess her doctor's illness was. Eleven months after, Mami still enjoys the gift of life. Still going out with friends. Enjoying the fruits of seniorhood. Last time we met, she gained weight. And gained wisdom as the days moved along. LIFE MUST GO ON.
Indeed, LIFE MUST GO ON. When she first uttered those words to me, I never really realized the true meaning of it. It just sank in to me that LIFE continues even after DEATH. She died when Dady died. She died when first diagnosed with cancer. She died when she was dignosed again with yet another case of cancer. Yet she stood up and lived again, and again, and again. For LIFE MUST GO ON, AND ON, AND ON, AND ON... And even as we reached that place of ETERNAL BLISS. I believe we would continue to live in the hearts and minds of people we loved and those who loved us when we were still AT THE FIRST PHASE OF LIFE HERE ON EARTH.
Years from now, all of us must pass to the next level of life. And then to the next level again. But it is quite helpful to share with you that very powerful phrase that made Joel Egco what he is now. Let us share the same words to people we love and cherish. People who we want to find STRENGTH in WEAKNESS.

LIFE MUST GO ON ;)

PINABILI LANG NG SUKA YOUR ASS!

NEWSFLASH!!!

By Malou Guanzon-Apalisok
Cebu Daily News
Last updated 12:17pm (Mla time) 11/08/2007
The controversy stemming from the National Press Club’s decision to alter the Neo Angono artists’ Press Freedom mural has unleashed one of the most ferocious attacks against a group of supposed media practitioners. I say “supposed” because the working media in general are not familiar with personalities identified with the Manila-based NPC. Whether Roy Mabasa and Joel Sy Egco, NPC president and director, respectively, belong to the print or broadcast media is not clear. Tagalogs have a funny way of describing how pseudo-journalists are made: “Pinabili lang ng suka, pagbalik peryodista na.”

+++++++++

This was among the many intriguing stories written about my involvement in the MURAL issue. Intriguing and funny. I find it intriguing because up to now, I still don't know who the hell this writer is. I tried to look her up on GOOGLE but found almost nil information about her. IMagine the GALL! Roy Mabasa and Joel Sy Egco “Pinabili lang ng suka, pagbalik peryodista na.” Tickle me more! Hahahahaha! I find this statement very, very funny! Who is she, anyway!? PINABILI LANG NG DANGIT SA CEBU PORT, PAGBALIK COLUMNIST NA?

I would advice her to search for Roy's or my name on google before she speaks. For everyone's information, Roy Mabasa was Manila Bulletin chief of reporters. He came from a family of journalists too. Me, on the other hand, well, just GOOGLE me. Whew!

In April 2000, I, as then president of the Defense Press Corps, experienced what war was really like. For hours, we got caught in the crossfire between the MILF and the 1st Marine Company in Munai, Lanao Del Sur. We were the first batch of journalists (with me were Raffy Tima, Badet Tamayo and several other TV crews) who tripped on that near-death predicament. I experienced being bombed at, shot at, rolled under the dirt as bullets, rockets and bombs horrifyingly zoomed over us. ALL FOR THE LOVE OF JOURNALISM. Then, there was the Abu Sayyaf coverage and when the Sipadan hostage crisis erupted, Sulu was declared NO MAN'S LAND for journalists by the government.
In my hotel room in Zamboanga City that night, I wrote a strongly-worded statement against the media blackout in Sulu. The following morning, during a press conference arranged by the DND chief (Orlando Mercado) and AFP chief (Angelo Reyes), I RUDELY interrupted the briefing and read the protest letter that was signed by 80 foreign and local journalists covering the Sipadan hostage crisis. Jessica Soho was there. Dindo Amparo and Howie Severino, among other respected names in the industry supported the move I initiated. That same day, we were allowed to travel to Sulu aboard a Navy boat. Doon sa SULU ako "Pinabili lang ng suka."

When everybody was silent on the cases of journalist killed in action, I was the first to stand up and declare that we should fight back! That was after Philip Agustin in Aurora was killed. Thenafter, the Association of Responsible Media (ARMED) was formed. Thousands of journalists followed my lead and began practicing their shooting skills from Batanes to JOLO. That's still on record. June 2005. Simultaneous nationwide gun safety and training seminar for mediamen. "Pinabili lang nga suka!"

When Arroyo issued Proclamation 1017 last year, ARMED, Alyansa ng Filipinong Mamamahayag and NUJP gathered at the NPC grounds one morning and SHAVED OUR HEADS in dire protest of the proclamation. Sa totoo lang ayaw na tumubo ng buhok ko dahil dun. We did that when the previous NPC leadership was silent on the issue of PP1017. And when everybody felt the chill of an imminent declaration of Martial Law, the people whom this HOLIER THAN THOU columnist tagged as "Pinabili lang ng suka," rose up and declared PP 1017 their enemy!

The question is: NASAN KAYA ANG PINABILI NG DANGIT NG MGA PANAHONG YON?

As my former editor-in-chief Jullie Yap Daza puts it:

"CHECK YOUR FACTS AND STUDY YOUR BACKGROUND... READ! READ! READ!" DAMNIT!

FOUL LANGUAGE

My bestfriend, Jas, asked me why I had to use FOUL language on this blog. Told him that as a genuine Novo Ecijano, (http://www.anaknggapan.blogspot.com/), I usually have PUTANG INA for breakfast, TANG INA NIYO for lunch and for dinner, PUTANG INA also. I don't want to pretend. What you see is what you will get. When Joel Egco says PUTANG INA, that means I'm excited (or mad). It depends on my mood. And when I say good things about some issues or people, that means I really feel good about them. No pretensions. THis is my goddamn world and this is the only place on this god damn planet where I can be who I really am. Where I can speak my mind. Where I can say what I want to say to my heart's delight.
If you have a problem with that (use of foul language), you should grow up! Or better yet, get out of this blog and visit others that are only being used to display the authors' grammatical prowess or their silly views about silly subjects. Pa-cute lang. Me, on the other hand, I don't care about what my visitors think. I don't give a damn about what others may think. That's freedom. In this free market of ideas, some are fresh while some are stale... It depends on one's unique perceptions.. Whatever the case, whatever the language used (or unused), it's getting the message across great lenghts that matters the most..
TANG INA NIYO :)

THEN SILENCE FELL...

The silence is deafening... I miss the noise, especially when the sorry artists from Angono trained their sights on me last week. They created damning issues against me. Even conspired with a PDI columnist (babaeng wala naman epekto kung magsulat) in putting the heat on me. The lady reporter, or should I say correspondent (whatever!) thought I didn't know where she was trying to put me. Sorry, iha. journalist opisina ka lang. YOu wanna see REAL journalists? Nandun hinahabol ng bala. Kinakasuhan ng libel. Binabaril at kung anu ano pang dangers ang hinaharap. Di tulad mo, SYOTA ka lang yata kasi ng isang artist. Ikaw kaya ang tirahin namin? Hehehe. But you're lucky I'm not like you. I've been a journalist for so many years. And Im glad I did not earn my reputation the way you sadly did. As journalists, we are not in
the business of dragging other private individuals in any controversy, unless your motives are driven by malice. So hard you tried to put words into my mouth, So sorry you got nothing. Because we, as REAL journalists, (not you paid hack!) know our limitations. We know how to respect other people's rights. We may have our own biases and all that, but we never put that in writing, especially if it would serve our own interest. And you, whose name I will never mention because you lack dignity, should remind yourself always that in every issue, there are things that should never be dignified.
Anyway, I was informed that the artists, five days after I came out and exposed them, went to UP and distributed copies of my supposed text messages to them to defend themselves. I never really knew the contents of the SANITIZED text messages they had printed and I never really had the interest to know. Number one, they lost the moral argument. NUmber two, they ran out of issues to debate on. Number three, personal attacks are the worst in debate. Pathetic.
Ito naman kasing tarantadong si Gappi, kung anu ano na naisip para makaganti.
Kupal, hindi mo ba alam na maraming nakasave sa inbox ko na text messages ng chairman of the board niyo?
Wire Tuazon and I had exchanged a lot of messages before I awarded the contract to you. The oldest on my cellphone were those he sent on JUly 14, where he assured the NPC of a lot of things, including "expected and revisions along the way. Manganganak pa ang concept...." We chose not to reveal the damning contents of the text messages because I didn't want wire to be humiliated! Kung si Gappi at Chitoy lang kahit ipakulong puwede sana e. But not Wire. He's a friend. The last text messages I saved were those that say: "BUUIN MO MUNA PERA BAGO TAYO MAG-USAP." O, naalala niyo na? Saved it last week of September. But of course, we decided not to do what you did because MAGMUMUKHA KAMI TANGA! Ayaw naman naming magmukhang desperado sa atensiyon. The saved messages were photographed, transcribed and analyzed. NPC officials and our lawyers have copies of those. Saan man gamitin, up to them.

Unfortunately, ayaw na namin pahabain ito. As Roy puts it, everything has been ventilated. Sabi nga ng kumpare kong si Arnold Clavio, bakit naman sa media ninyo pa ipinaraan? Oo nga naman. Halata tuloy e. Napasikat na sana namin kayo ngayon. Glory giveth, glory taketh away...

Only the obscure and exploited painters of the group deserve to be honored. There's time to leave the group. Wake up, men. You are being used and manipulated to the hilt! Di niyo ba napansin walang ibang Angono group ang sumuporta sa inyo? Because the local folks there know about your leaders...

They're damned.

RAISE YOUR AXES!!

Picked from Louie Logarta's Column, Blurbal Thrusts, NOv. 8, 2007 issue



...In 1932, Abby Aldrich Rockefeller convinced her husband to commission the famous left-wing Mexican artist Diego Rivera to do a mural for the lobby of the soon-to-be-completed Rockefeller Center in midtown Manhattan in New York City.

Unfortunately, Rivera made the fatal mistake of placing at the center of the 63’ x 17’ mural that depicted “workers at the crossroads of industry, science, socialism and capitalism” the portrait of Soviet leader Lenin without first consulting his patrons. It turned out to be his undoing.

After being severely bashed by the New York media for sponsoring a great piece of art espousing the anti-capitalist ideology, Rockefeller politely asked Rivera to erase the face of Lenin and replace it with someone less controversial.

Rivera suggested Abraham Lincoln, but refused to expunge Lenin.

The story goes that Rivera was then summoned by Rockefeller building people while he was still working on his unfinished mural, handed a check for $14,000 representing the balance of his talent fee, informed that his services were no longer needed and unceremoniously barred him from the site. Shortly after, Rivera’s mural was covered with a drape and a wooden screen to keep it out of public view.

Because he had formally accepted full payment for his services, Rivera was unable to pressure the Rockefellers to exhibit or at least keep his work. The episode ended on a tragic note, because despite efforts by art conservationists to have it transferred to the Museum of Modern Art and furious demonstrations by Rivera supporters, Rockefeller’s workers literally destroyed the valuable artwork using axes and machetes on the night of Feb. 10, 1934.

FREEDOM ABOVE ALL

Thursday morning, a group of activists trooped to the NPC Building in Intramuros to air their grievances. We opened up our gates, welcomed them with open arms and hearts. As the bastion of press freedom and freedom of expression, the NPC encourages all who may have more grievances to air to please come over and do so.
For decades, the NPC had been ignored by the free masses it sworn to protect and whose rights the Club swore to uphold. We longed for you. We have long dreamt of the time when your voices will again resonate around and on every corner of the NPC. The NPC was made for that purpose and with the issues at hand, we can declare that democracy is alive!
For so long, the NPC has been an empty space reserved only for journalists. Help us fulfill our dream of making it serve its rightful purpose. To be the voice of the people and sanctuary of history’s talekeepers. We welcome you and beg you to please come over and express your rights for it would be a dream come true for the NPC. With open arms and brotherly love, we will join you.
For the NPC to serve its noble purpose, we must unite and share our ideals about freedom. Let us preserve the NPC as a venue where we can all express ourselves, regardless of our leanings or inclinations. And for God’s sake help us preserve its hallowed grounds. Let us stand fast and declare that no one, nothing, not even the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) could take away this revered venue of freedom of expression. We can never afford to lose this God-given possession that our forefathers fought for. We cannot let their dreams and aspirations die out once the NPC is taken away from its real owner- the Filipino people and all freedom-loving citizens of the world.
We hungered for your return, our dear fellow Filipinos. We craved to hear your minds and read your hearts once again. Help us fight for this bastion of freedom. Help us in the fight against those who eagered to take and break it and those who threaten to evict the very souls of press freedom fighters whose names are written with their own sweat and blood in the four walls of the NPC.
Help us bring back the NPC’s long lost glory. Help us save the NPC.

STRAIGHT FROM THE HORSE'S MOUTH: THE REAL STORY BEHIND THE NPC MURAL

The brouhaha where my beloved organization, the National Press Club, is now neck-deep into would have been avoided had my FORMER friends in Angono, Rizal to whom I gave the rarest opportunity of painting two major artworks- the Armed Forces of the Philippines Mural and the now world-renowned NPC mural- only followed what was agreed on.

Among all the people whose names were dragged into this mess, I can say that I am the only person and the one in the best position to talk about the TRUTH on what really happened on October 25, the day before the unveiling of my "BABY."

The problem started when facts got mixed up due to the pressures of the day. My mind that day became a virtual freeway, a major highway to a traffic jam of words. Despite that, I was so careful in choosing the words I passed from Roy Mabasa and others at the NPC to Neo Angono Artists and vice versa. I became a virtual cable that transmitted valuable information from one line to the other.

Now the facts: First, I NEVER said that the any Palace rep ordered the alterations. What I told the artists was that I WAS TOLD that the president's men are coming over AGAIN to inspect the mural. BY president's men, I clarified that people from the Protocol and some security inspectors were included. NOT ONLY THE PSG. I said "AGAIN" because for your information I was the CHAIRMAN OF THE SECURITY COMMITTEE FOR THE ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION. Mr. Mabasa and I already met with "THE PRESIDENT'S MEN" to discuss security matters and the anniversary program as early as October 22. In that meeting, which transpired inside the NPC Board Room, I showed the PSG officers and protocol staff photos of the mural to be unveiled. I possessed complete photos of the artwork because I AM THE PROJECT DIRECTOR.
And to set the record straight. And I swear this to the high heavens . I bet my family's name on this in the name of TRUTH: THOSE WHO SAW THE PICTURES LIKED THE ARTWORK! Shock and awe! Roy instructed me to place my laptop on top of the table and showed the photos of the mural to each person present. I assure you, NAGUSTUHAN NILA ANG MURAL. Just that. Hindi na pinagusapan ulit.
After that security meeting, I immediately called up Neo Artists to push through with the scheduled delivery the following day, October 23. At one point, I guess I even happily informed them that the president's staff liked the mural. I could not recall if it was them or if I told other people about it.
If you wanna know what happened between that meeting and until the mural has been delivered, JUST READ MY EARLIER POST BELOW.
Let's jump: October 25, 10:00 a.m.
I just woke up after a night's drink at NPC when I received a call from Roy. Although we inspected the mural the night before, Roy was not there. Naturally, all officers who were not present during the delivery wuld make a separate inspection the next day. Eh pambihira naman kasi ang mga DATI kong kaibigan. Dalawang buwan nila kasama ang mural samantalang kami ay dalawang oras lang yata nung gabing iyon. We set October 23 as the original delivery date to allow for enough room for possible changes or improvments. That fateful day. DAY OF INFAMY FOR THOSE ARTISTS, nagsilayas sila dahil kulang pa daw ang Isandaanlibong pisong hawak ko. kUMPLETUHIN DAW BEFORE NOON OR AALIS SILA. But they took off 10:30 a.m... well, just read the post below. Anyway, so Roy called and said he found some disturbing marks on the mural (the triangle enclosed ALIBATA "K" which may be perceived as the symbol of the NDF, the alibata on red and white background which may be perceived as rightist, the INVERTED FLAG on the newspaper at the centerpiece, the AWKWARD Npc Digest that carried a political matter instead of an internal issue being an internal publication, among other things. Please take note that the Headline PRESS FREEDOM FIGHTER'S SON ABDUCTED originally appeared on the newspaper held by Rizal entitled THE PHILIPPINES TODAY. The night of the delivery. Jerry Yap requested that the name of the paper be changed to NPC DIGEST. Since the artists were all tired, they went home a little past 8. It was only when they left that we realized the NPC Digest should not carry a political issue since it is just an internal publication. But seeing the NPC Digest carrying such a story would be awkward. Far from reality. So we decided to have it corrected. And to avoid major damage, we opted to have only a few letters deleted. Thus came the planned headline PRESS FREEDOM FIGHT IS ON. This title on the NPC DIGEST? Nothing fits better!
On the deletion of the International Federation of Journalists' statement about the HUman Security Act, there was no offense meant against the group. IN FACT, THE IFJ BANNER IS STILL UP TO NOW INCLUDED AMONG THE STREAMERS OF RALLYISTS IN THE RALLY SCENE ON THE MURAL. The reason for the planned change in the IFJ statement was that we have to place there a statement instead of the Confederation of Asean JOurnalist where the NPC is affiliated. It was sad that the CAJ was not placed anywhere there.
Roy said, and I quote: "BAKA MAPAHIYA TAYO AT YONG MGA ARTISTS KASI MAY LEFT AND RIGHT POLITICAL SYMBOLS KAMING NAKITA." I never knew what he meant by KAMI. But he continued, "A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE COMING OVER, DIRECTOR. WE NEED TO CALL THE ARTISTS AND MAKE A FEW MORE IMPROVEMENTS. AYAW NATING MAY LEFT OR RIGHT DITO KASI MAGSASUFFER ANG INTEGRITY NG MURAL NATIN BEING A NEUTRAL ARTWORK. PLEASE TELL THEM TO PLACE ALL ALIBATA INSIDE A SUN FIGURE."
Then it struck me: THE NPC SEAL ITSELF HAS AN ALIBATA INSIDE AN 8-RAY SUN. So, enclosing all alibatas on the mural in 8-rayed suns would put the NPC everywhere on the mural. What an intelligent idea, I thought. The mix up occurred when he told me that even the PSG are making a final security inspection at the NPC (Just that). So I told the artists that. Iba na pala ang impression at dating. At first I had a negative impression about the final security inspection too. But the mural was not at all a security issue. Napansin man ang mga symbols, LAHAT NAMAN NG TAO DUN NAPANSIN ANG MGA IYON. Kung mayroong ayaw mapahiya si Roy, it's the artists, the NPC and the mural.
Upon his instructions, I called up the artists and HUMBLY requested for them to come back or just send a couple of artists to do the MINOR ALTERATIONS. Ang magaling na si Richard Gappi, na siyang may pakana ng pulitika sa grupo nila pero hindi naman pintor ay tinanong ako: Bakit daw? So I relayed Roy's message: "Natatakot si Roy na baka sa unveiling pa lang may masama ng critique. Ayaw ng may political symbols. Maraming taong pupunta at DADATING DIN ANG PSG at iba pa. Baka DAW mapansin ayusin na natin. Then goes gappi's usual response: "ITATANONG KO SA GRUPO!" I begged him to come over. Or just send two artists at the most. "Huwag mo ng itanong. Kung kailangang sunduin ko kayo gagawin ko or mag rent na lang diyan. Well pay here for everything."
"Magtatawagan daw sila."
Then another call from Roy came in: "Egco asan na mga artists mo?" Sabi ko: "Hahanap pa ng pupunta." He said "Ok" then hang up.
Then I received a text message from Mr. Gappi ( Di ba sa English Gapi means TALO? Just asking). Malabo daw at wala mga tao! Despite the LAME excuse, I tried to contact the other leaders of the group and finally got connected with Carlos Totong Francisco II (I admire this fellow). I told him "TOTONG PLEASE NAMAN O. TAPUSIN NA NATIN LAHAT NG PROBLEMA SA MURAL. MAY KAUNTING CORRECTIONS LANG. KASI NATATAKOT SI ROY NA BAKA PANGIT NGA ANG MAGING KRITIKO SA MURAL. MADAMI DADATING NA TAO. SI PRESIDENTE, MAYOR LIM ETC. MAY NAKAPANSIN DAW NUNG MGA SIMBOLO. ITATAYA KO NA PAGKAKAIBIGAN NATIN DITO PLEASE. NAKIKIUSAP AKO. AYOKO KAUSAP ANG IBANG KAGRUPO MO. MAGUGULO SILA. IN FACT, KUNDI DAHIL SA YO AT KAY WIRE DI KO IBIBIGAY SA INYO YAN PROJECT. SI GAPPI AND CHITOY I DONT TRUST THEM. AYAW NA NILA MAGPAPUNTA NG TAO. KUNG PWEDE SANA IKAW AT SI EBOK OR KAHIT SINO"
Totong asured me: "Sige pare. Punta ko kina wire ngayon. Sabihin ko lahat ng concerns niyo. Text kita gaad."
Then Roy called me up again: "EGCO, NASAN NA SILA? ANO SABI?" I replied: "PARA SIGURADO PUPUNTAHAN KO NA LANG. SUSUNDUIN KO SA ANGONO." hE SAID: "GOOD. PUNTAHAN MO NA. KAMI NA BAHAL DITO NI JERRY (YAP)."
So, even without taking a bath. I got my car keys and went straight to my car in my shortpants. Started the van and went off. A kilometer away, I received a text mesasge from TOTONG FRANCISCO. "PARE, PASENCYA KA NA TALAGA. DI RAW MAKAKAPUNTA GRUPO. YON ANG NAGING DESISYON. GUSTUHIN KO MAN SUMAMA, SUMUSUNOD LANG KAMI SA DESISYON NG GRUPO." He offered no other explanation. I turned the car back toward the house.
Once there, I told Roy about the bad news. "PARE AYAW NA PUMUNTA." He said: "pilitin mo, direktor. Sila din mapupulaan dito. Mahirap na. ALLOWED NAMAN TAYO TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS E."
So for the last time, I tried to call up the artists again. I told them: "Ayoko rin munang galawin ang mural. Im just following orders. Ayoko naman parang may ipiplease kaming tao. Mahirap namang parang ipiplease namin si presidente. Pag ganun di maganda yon para kay GMA at sa lahat sa ating involved. Nagaaway na kami ni Roy. Nabubwisit na ko." I also told Roy that.
Kako: "PARE. PARA NAMANG IPIPLEASE LANG NATIN SI GMA NIYAN E. MAPUPULAAN TAYO. HINDI KAYA?" He retorted: "HINDI SA GANON DIREKTOR. DI LANG SI PRESIDENTE PUPUNTA DITO. THERE WILL ALSO BE ART CRITICS, ART CONNOSIEURS, LOCAL POLITICIANS AND MEMBERS OF THE DIPLOMATIC COMUNITY. AYAW NATING MAGMUKANG KAHIYA HIYA LAHAT TAYO DAHIL BAKA MAKITA YONG SYMBOLS. AYAW NATIN NG MAY KALIWA O KANAN O KAHIT ANONG MAY BAHID PULITIKA. NPC LANG."
And I believed him. He sounded really, really sincere. He was.
At that moment, a lot of things have been going inside my mind. A call, text message from Roy etc. A call, text message fromt he artists. What a predicament! I know it was somewhere along that way that the facts got mixed up. OR DID SOMEONE FROM THE OTHER LINE DELIBERATELY MIX IT UP. NOW, IM LED TO BELIEVE THAT THE ARTISTS WANTED THE SYMBOLS TO REMAIN. TO BE SEEN. FOR WHATEVER REASON, ONLY THEY (AND PROBABLY ROY MABASA) KNEW.
Nonetheless, a heated argument ensued between me and the then panicking poor Roy. I was also having an argument with the great Gapi (English: LOSER?). I asked him why they are refusing to come over and do the REQUESTED IMPROVEMENTS. He said again. And this I tell you has been his classic line: "NAGDESISYON NA ANG GRUPO." Paano naman ang desisyon namin?
Then since, I knew they were cooking up something. They saw an opportunity to fan a flame for it to burst out into a fiery furnace. COLLECTIVE. GRUPO. COLLECTIVE. I remember my days as a young activist also fooled into believing the falsehearted principles of a passe ideology.
When the Inquirer story came out with the following quotes: "NPC director Joel Sy Egco said members of the Presidential Security Group had inspected the mural and noted certain “leftist marks.” Twas right because everybody did notice those marks. We noticed.. Other visitors noticed. Other journalists did- everyone.
AND NEVER DID I SAY TO ANYONE THAT THE PSG ORDERED THE ALTERATIONS. THEY NEVER DID! JUST AN UNFORTUNATE MIXING UP OF A LOT OF DETAILS THAT ENDED UP INTO A CRUCIAL (OR DELIBERATE) MISUNDERSTANDING- THAT THE PSG INFLUENCED US INTO CHANGING PORTIONS OF THE MURAL. WALA SILANG IBANG SINABI KUNDI MAGANDA ANG MURAL. I JUST WOULD LIKE TO SET THAT RECORD STRAIGHT.
IT WAS MY PRESIDENT, ROY, WHO JUST GOT WORRIED OVER WHAT CRITICS MIGHT SAY ABOUT THE MURAL. AND BY GOD, HE HAD JUST BEEN HONEST AND CAREFUL. THERE WAS ENOUGH TIME FOR THE ARTISTS TO RESPECT HIS SUGGESTIONS. I DONT KNOW UNTIL NOW WHY THE ARTISTS SEEMED SO AFRAID WHENEVER THEY WERE INSIDE THE NPC. PARANG SINISILABAN ANG MGA PUWET.
So when I realized the artists will no longer make the corrections, I told Roy it was hopeless. NAGMAMATIGAS SILA PARE. I could feel his disappointment and rage. 'ATIN NAMAN ANG MURAL. WE CAN DO ANYTHING. WALANG KUWENTANG KAUSAP MGA ARTISTS NA YAN. SIMPLENG PAKIUSAP HINDI MAGAWA. PAMBIHIRA SILA."
That night, I was informed that an unknown artist was making very few and minor changes on the artwork. So I rushed to the NPC and when I got there late in the evening, I saw the changes. To my dismay. I called Roy for an explanation. "PARE BAKIT GANITO ITO? PARANG PINTOR NG NITSO GUMAWA!" He replied: "ANO BA NANGYARI? UMALIS NA KASI AKO DI KO NA NAKITA GINAWA." I answered: 'NAGLAGAY NG IBONG ADARNA NA WALANG BALAHIBO AT NAKAKULONG SA HAWLA TAPOS MAY MGA BIGOTE NA SI POPOY LAGMAN AT JOHN LLOYD CRUZ." (Said this in jest)
That time we never really knew to whom the images belonged. I was informed later by the artists that it was Jose Lacaba "NA PWEDE DING MAGING SI ARMANDO MALAY" according to Gapi. (HA? Richard, ikaw nagsabi sa kin nun! Mas malala pala interprestasyon niyo. Nagiiba ang identity. Parang Dr. Jekyl and Mr Hyde! Whew!) Then he said the guy near the truck wearing what appears to be a hardhat was Randy David. I said "Ok."
Nonetheless, I was enraged by the changes. Roy wasnt there when it was done. I arrived late. I even told the waiters in the restaurant: "NASAN BA UNG GUMAWA NITO? PAKIKUHA YONG BARIL KO SA VAN AT BABARILIN KO LANG!" Many witnessed how infuriated I was. Yet Roy told me: "OK LANG YAN BROD. NEO CAN COME IN ANYTIME TO MAKE THE CORRECTIONS. DI NAMAN SADYA E. THOSE ARE ONLY TEMPORARY. IN GOOD FAITH NAMAN. IPAAAYOS NATIN SA ARTISTS."
I told him: "PUTANG INA NAMAN EH. ALAM MO NAMAN MAHIRAP KAUSAP MGA YUN. MASAYADONG BANGUNGOT NA INABOT KO SA MGA YON."
Later, I informed the NPC Board that I was boycotting the unveiling NOT BECUASE THE PRESIDENT WAS ATTENDING but because "EH PUTANG INA NAMAN NANGYARI DUN SA BABY KO (MURAL) NAGKAROON NG IBONG HUBAD. AYOKO UMATEND NABUBUWISIT AKO."
So, although I was voted CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON SECURITY, I did not attend. Upon Roy's instructions, I called up the artists again to make the necessary corrections in the morning of the day of unveiling. AYAW LALO NILA! So, I told them WAG NA TAYO PUMUNTA. I decided not to attend the rites because I wanted to prevent a disaster. Working with the artists for a long time familiarized me with their behaviors. I knew something bad (or worse) would happen if they were there.
Nevertheless, I proposed to the Board that we arrange a night of thanksgiving and celebration with the artists. We scheduled it for the following Wednesday. I told Roy to prepare a bash! Night of music! Beer, food and liquor. A party! I told Jerry Yap to prepare somekind of a "BONUS" for the artists. And as we celebrate, I suggested that the final touches be made at the same time. Roy and Jerry immediately approved of my proposal, which include presenting the artists with an NPC resolution expressing its PROFOUND GRATITUDE and to give each participatign artist a PLAQUE OF APPRECIATION. Shit! Ganyan Pala Kasama ang NPC!
"KAYANG KAYA NG NEO AYUSIN YAN BAGO PA TAYO MALASING," I told Roy. I even told Mr. Gappi about the planned celebration for them. Alam niyo ba ang sagot niya? He uttered his INFAMOUS line again: "DISCUSS NAMIN YAN SA GRUPO. PAG-UUSAPAN NG GRUPO."
The nightmare happened three days later, Monday. While I was in Nueva Ecija, Roy called me: "PINAPUNTA MO BA ANG NEO SA NPC?" I answered: "BAKIT KO NAMAN SILA PAPUNTAHIN E MIYERKULES ANG USAPAN?" "EH, NANDUN DAW NAGKUKUHA PICTURES," he replied.
I even assured him: "DON'T WORRY. SIGURO SINILIP LANG YUNG MGA AAYUSIN NILA."
"oK." Roy hang up.
On Tuesday evening, while I was driving back to Manila and upon reaching the Bocaue exit, I received a message from the LOSER. It read: "BINABOY NIYO ANG MURAL NAMIN! MGA BERDUGO KAYO NG SINING! ETC. ETC. ETC."
I asked him: "Bakit pare" What happened ba?"
Gappi sent this reply: "Joel, binaboy niyo ang mural namin. Tangina niyo. Mga berdugo kayo." At ito na ang mga sumunod: "binaboy ng mga berdugo ng sining ang mural namin na nasa 4th floor, headline restaurant, sa loob ng npc building sa intramuros." OH MY! THEY FORGOT THE ZIP CODE!
Was that a press release?
Then I told Richard Gapi: "Pare wag kayo ganiyan. Kung galit kayo sa isang tao, wag naman idadamay ang buong institution. UnfaIr sa aming mga inosenteng members yan. Tulad ko. I fought for you to win the contract. I fought for you til the end. I even fought with Roy last time. The NPC officers sided with me. Id like to assure you, HINDI NPC ANG KALABAN."

AT HETO NA! ALAM NINYO BA ANG SAGOT NI GAPI? ANO PA? (TO THIS EFFECT)
"Joel NAPAGDESISYUNAN NG GRUPO (!) na irekalmo ang ginawa ninyo. Kausap na namin ngayoN si Adrian Cristobal ng IPO. Ikinalat na namin sa lahat ng mga kaibigan namin sa media at artist community ang ginawa ninyo. naemail na namin sa lahat."
At one point, I received probably a missent message from Gapi that reads "Ate Weng (Paraan of NUJP?), binaboy ng NPC ang mural namin. blah! blah! blah!..."
Then It came to me: THESE MONSTERS WANTED TO CREATE A SCENE. IMAGINE MONDAY THEY WENT TO TAKE PICTURES OF THE PORTIONS THAT NEEDED TO BE CORRECTED. THE NEXT DAY IBA NA. ANAK NG TOKWA! THEY WERE HURLING INVECTIVES AT US. CURSING US. ACCUSING US OF DEFILING "THEIR" MURAL.
I suspected that a bright boy, the head of the COLLECTIVE, could have seen an opening. "THE MURAL WAS BASTARDIZED TO PLEASE GMA! THE NPC DEFILED THE MURAL UPON PSG'S ORDERS!" instead of "I-PERFECT NA NATIN YUNG MURAL THEN LET'S HAVE A PARTY." Unfortunate.
MINURA PA KAMI NG MGA TARANTADO! MATAGAL NA MAY NAGSABI SA AMIN NA ANG NAAC AY HINDI NEO ANGONO ARTISTS COLLECTIVE KUNDI... NAAC- NARCISO ANTAZO ARAMIL COMMAND. WHATEVER AND WHOEVER THAT NARCISO IS, i dont give a damn.
But we refused to believe they are leftists. I myself refused to believe until now out of respect and admiration.

OUR EXPERIENCE SHOULD SERVE AS A WARNING TO OTHERS. I feel bad about what happened. Kung hindi sana inuna ang pagiging arogante ng mga lider ng grupong ito, hindi sana umabot sa ganito. Gappi and Zapata, I never really trusted them. My concern goes for the other members of the group who, up to now, I still admire. YOU SHOULD BETTER CONSIDER A CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP MY FRIENDS. And if you happen to get close to Mayor Au Villamayor, warn her, tell her her administration's been I-N-F-I-L-T-R-A-T-E-D.

CONCLUSION: The NPC mural we commissioned does not reflect the interests of the Club. It veered away from what was agreed upon. There was a clear-cut policy against putting living persons on it or at least they should have given us due courtesy to introduce us to their friends on the mural. The sons of bitches who lead (and exploit!) the sorry group of painters wanted a mural that would please the Philippine Daily Inquirer because this group is so HUNGRY for publicity. TAKAW NA TAKAW AT UHAW NA UHAW SA KATANYAGAN. Sa bandang huli ang bagsak ay sa KAHIHIYAN! What we wanted was an INDEPENDENT mural. Timeless. NEUTRAL.

WE DO NOT LIKE IT.