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MABUHAY PRRD!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

GLIMMERING HOPE FOR THE PHILIPPINES


AFTERMATH OF ELECTIONS 2008


There has come about a plethora of prognostications relative to the Obama election to the USA presidency as it affects, or how it will affect the future of the Philippines.

It is fallacious to link the fortunes, or misfortunes, of our country to the outcome of US politics.

We in the Philippines ought to act, or work, independently from what occurs in any foreign country, let alone the USA.

What we need is to work, and act, according to our peculiar needs. That is one meaning of political independence.

Nasa ating kasabihan: "Nasa Diyos ang awa; nasa tao ang gawa."

Ipahintulot ninyong aking idagdag: Ang tanging pag-asa ng Pilipinas -- "Ipundar, o itayong muli, ang ating kulturang wasak!"

UNA. Ibalik ang pagtuturo ng kagandahang-asal; ang mabuting pag-uugali na iniwan ng ating mga ninuno.

IKALAWA. Pagbutihin ang pagtuturo ng mga pangaral at buhay ng mga bayani ng ating lahi. Sa halip na kung mga anu-anong dayong literatura ang pag-ukulan ng panahon at salapi; napakahalagang saliksikin halimbawa, ang mga pagka-makabayang sinulat nina Rizal, Del Pilar, Bonifacio, Mabini, Jacinto, Apacible, Lopez Jaena, ang mga Luna, at iba pa.

IKATLO. Ang isang dapat sikhayin ng ating mga mananaliksik -- at pondohan ng gobyerno -- ay ang mga sinulat ni Heneral Arttemio Ricarte nung siya'y nasa Japan. Si Ricarte lamang ang hindi sumuko sa pananakop ng USA sa Pilipinas. Si Mabini (Ka Pule) sana ay hindi rin susuko, nguni't ayaw niyang mamatay sa ibayong bansa; kaya napilitan siya -- nung nakaramdam siyang mamamatay na -- sumumpa na rin sa bandila ng USA.

Minsan ay nalathala sa Inquirer ang isang mungkahi na sana ang sagisag ng ating SEAT of the Armed Forces ay Kampo Artemio Ricarte, at hindi Kampo Heneral Emilio Aguinaldo. Ang kahulugan ng Aguinaldo (symbolism) ay patuluyang umaasa sa "altruistic benevolence of the great North American nation," kung kaya pinag-lumaan ng US Army gaya nung nasawing C-130 ang ating napapala!

IKA-APAT. Kung nais nating maging tunay na malaya at maunlad na bansa, ang mga pangaral nina Rizal, Mabini, Bonifacio, Ricarte at mga katulad nila ang pag-iisip ay silang ituro sa ating mga saling-lahi.

IKALIMA. kaalinsabay ng pagtuturo ng buhay at mga pangaral ng ating mga bayani, ay bigyang diin ang kasanayan ng ating mga inanak sa heograpiya ng ating bansa. Minsa'y nag-ulat ng isang tanyag nang reporter, at ang sabi'y ang Zamboanga ay nasa dulong silangan ng Mindanao! Nakakahiya!

Kasanayan sa heograpiya ng ating mga kabataan ay malaking maitutulong sa pagka buklud-buklod ng damdaming pagdadamayan ng iba-ibang mga rehyion, pagkasambug- sambog ng ating mga inanak -- paraan sa mga paglilipat-bayan at pag-aasawahan ng ating mga inanak -- at sa katagalan ay iiral ang pagiging matatag at malakas nang lahing Pilipino.

IKA-ANIM. Unti-unting iwaksi ang pagiging tagasunod ng ating sistema ng edukasyon sa kaisipan ng ibang lahi. Ang mga ordinansa at batas ay sa wikang katutubo ipalaganap upang maunawaan ng karaniwang mga mamamayan; nang sa ganoon ay higit na patas, o timbang, para sa mga dukha at mayaman ang mga hatol sa hukuman, at pagpapatupad ng mga batas.

IKAPITO. Isa-batas ang tadhana sa ating Konstitusyon hinggil sa Pambansang Wika. Ang balangkas na batas na nakapending sa Batasang Bansa ay matutunghayan sa --

http://www.Petition Online.com/ maBIni2.

Pakisuyo, mga Kapatid at mga kalahi, na silipin lamang ninyo ito -- i-klik, o i-type sa ADDRESS Box sa itaas, at sundan na lamang ang mga prompts, para makita ang kabuuan ng Petisyon; kung ilan na ang nagsi-lagda, at kung sang-ayon kayo ay idagdag na rin ang inyong lagda sa ilalim ng Petisyon.

Maraming salamat, mga Kapatid, at kalahi.


Irineo P. Goce -- a.k.a. Ka Pule2

Lungsod ng Lipa, Pilipinas


Monday, February 23, 2009

PUNO'S MORAL FORCE DRIVE GAINS SUPPORT


By Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08:05:00 02/23/2009


MANILA, Philippines- Chief Justice Reynato Puno over the past several weeks won the support of "highly respected individuals" in his initiative for a moral force - a campaign to push people to take action against widespread corruption in government, his spokesperson said over the weekend.

"There are many (congressional) investigations (on corruption). There is also again an emerging series of extra-judicial killings. But people are not doing anything," said lawyer Jose Midas Marquez, Puno's chief of staff and spokesperson.

The remarks from the Puno's camp came after weeks of Senate and House hearings on the World Bank report on corruption in the public works projects and on allegations of millions of pesos in drug money being used bribe state prosecutors.

No less than the name of First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo was dragged into the public works mess.

"So long as they eat three square meals a day, people are unmindful," Marquez added.

Marquez, said the Chief Justice already convinced three eminent persons involved in the media, big business and the Catholic laity to be part of his anti-corruption campaign.

Marquez said an influential Catholic prelate also expressed support for the movement after talking with Puno's camp.

Puno's moral force, Marquez said, has been aiming to make the people aware of graft and corruption and spur them into action. He added that it hoped to address the problem of poverty and to ensure "clean and honest elections" in 2010.

When Puno announced his moral force campaign in a speech several weeks ago, it was met by speculation that the country's top magistrate would use the movement as his springboard for the presidential race before retiring in May 2010.

There were also reports at that time that he would be impeached by administration stalwarts in the House of Representatives.

"We are in the process of forming an advisory council that will set the parameters of the movement. It is not a political party. What we'd like to do is to inform the public what's happening and to do something about it," Marquez told reporters.

Marquez said the group would not endorse any candidate in the coming elections.

"The advisory group will be made up of highly respected individuals without political affiliations representative of the sectors," Marquez added.

Marquez said Puno personally talked to some of those being eyed by his group to become part of the moral force movement. Intermediaries close to the Chief Justice approached other potential core group members.

"It is not anti-administration. It is not pro-opposition. It is a neutral constitutional movement. It will not point an accusing finger. It aims to make people aware and make a stand," Marquez said.

He said three personalities had agreed to be part of the core group.

One is an owner of a media outfit that enjoys a wide audience; one is a business mogul with interests in various industries and one a former government functionary with ties to the Catholic leadership.

There were discussions with a Catholic prelate but Marquez said the priest was no longer invited to keep his position from being compromised.

"But he is quite supportive of the group," Marquez said.

Marquez said their group was still looking for core group members from the labor and youth sectors.

"Hopefully by end of this week, we can convene the advisory council," Marquez said.

He said the Chief Justice hoped that the moral force movement would formally be launched "before the Holy Week."

Told that Puno's initiative might be misinterpreted as his springboard for the 2010 presidential elections, Marquez said: "If it's a decision between being misconstrued and inaction, we'd rather be misconstrued."

Marquez also dismissed suggestions that initiating an anti-corruption campaign might compromise Puno's impartiality as the country's top magistrate.

"The (Supreme Court) is the ultimate defender of the constitution which is based on morals. We don't see any conflict of interest," Marquez said.

Puno in his previous pronouncements said he just wanted to be "a catalyst" of the moral force campaign. He indicated disinterest in leading the movement.

"A lot of civilizations have failed and fallen because they failed to arrest moral decadence just like the Roman Empire," Marquez said.

Marquez said many businessmen did not seem to be interested in leading the fight against corruption.

"(But) later, graft will eat up their profits. We have to put a stop to corruption," Marquez said.


Don't forget to check-out www.laonlaan.blogspot.com for more!


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Sunday, February 22, 2009

THE U.S.A. IMPERIALISTS PROBABLY LEARNED FROM RIZAL'S WRITINGS


It is highly probable that policy makers in Washington DC learned from a thorough reading of Dr. Jose Rizal's novels; and particularly the Seventh Chapter of El Filibusterismo which served as a guide for them to draft a new imperialist policy.

This thesis can be gleaned from the speech by Senator Albert J. Beveridge when the Treaty of Paris was under consideration for ratification in the US Senate.

It can be said that America's consuming desire to retain our country as a territory was expressed by Senator Albert J. Beveridge when he spoke in the U.S. Senate on January 9, 1900.

Said he: "But to hold it (the Philippines) will be no mistake. Our trade henceforth will be with Asia. The Pacific is our ocean. More and more Europe will manufacture the most it consumes. Where shall we turn for consumers of our surplus?


Geography answers the question. x x x The Philippines give us a base at the door of all the East."

What followed was the shiploads of American SOLDIER-TEACHERS, the so-called Thomasites because they were on board the US ss Thomas, who immediately taught all Filipino children of school age the English language, through memory work, parrot style, and forbade them from speaking our own languages within the school premises.

The Washington policy makers were possibly and probably influenced by the thesis of Dr. Jose Rizal concerning language, as lucidly expounded in the Seventh Chapter of El Filibusterismo, as it had been tanslated from the original Spanish by Charles B. Derbyshire.

There was the clue on how to enslave the Filipino mind!
Let it not be said that this piece is designed to foment hatred for America; for in truth, we never lacked friends in that great champion of democracy and liberty of men.

Senator William Bate, on April 2, 1900, condemned the (1898) Treaty of Paris when he declared that therein was announced and ratified the "un-American doctrine that a whole people, 10 million (Filipinos) in number, could be bought for a money consideration, in total disregard of all those rights heretofore held by all American statesmen as inalienable. "

But history has sadly shown that statesmanship, indeed, is too often overwhelmed by commercial greed!

From: Leonidas Agbayani

Saturday, February 21, 2009

BIG FISH

Updated February 19, 2009 12:00 AM

From military deputy chief for comptrollership to convict, the journey has been a long one for retired Maj. Gen. Carlos F. Garcia. The highest ranking military officer to be indicted for a criminal offense, Garcia nearly managed to retire in peace in 2004, with his colleagues in the Armed Forces of the Philippines seemingly reluctant to go after a two-star general on accusations of corruption. But the Ombudsman at the time, Simeon Marcelo, doggedly worked to pin down Garcia. In the end, Garcia was court-martialed and faced several criminal cases before the Sandiganbayan.

Yesterday, over five years after Garcia's son was apprehended by US Customs authorities at the San Francisco airport for failure to declare $100,000 in cash, the disgraced general was convicted of perjury by the anti-graft court. Though the maximum sentence of two years was less than the time Garcia has already spent in detention, the conviction for failure to declare P7 million in his account with the AFP Savings and Loan Association Inc. could strengthen the bigger case against him for forfeiture of undeclared wealth.

Garcia was indicted over a year after junior military officers staged a curious mutiny in a posh Makati hotel to denounce, among other things, corruption in the AFP. Garcia's court-martial was complemented by a major overhaul of the procurement process in the AFP and Department of National Defense. Under the reform program, red tape was cut and transparency in bidding and procurement promoted. The AFP and DND must not go back on those reforms and must in fact work to strengthen them.

In December 2005, a military court found Garcia guilty of undeclared wealth. He was dishonorably dismissed from the AFP and sentenced to two years of hard labor. The Sandiganbayan, for its part, must speed up its resolution of the other cases against Garcia. The two-star general found himself in trouble after his wife Clarita, coming to the defense of their son, explained in writing to US Customs authorities that the $100,000 came from her husband's miscellaneous earnings as a comptroller. This is one of the rare cases where efficient prosecution has led to the conviction of a big fish. With more cases like this one, crooks in government may finally realize that in this country, not everyone can get away with crime.


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Friday, February 20, 2009

DEVIL'S ADVOCATE


Sir Reverend Neil, KGOR,
Western Canada Region

For a priest, something is definitely very wrong with your observations/conclusions ...

"Personally I ignore all emails coming from Zerrudo and Lazir because their KoR membership has been terminated by the Supreme Council due to their unRizalian attacks on fellow KoRs. Their verbal attacks are viciously hurtful and unchristian."


Lazir exposed/reported on Mr Esguerra's un-Rizalian arrogance, despotic act, exalting racist Mr Alcoba and refusing to admit such a grave mistake, including keeping identified plagiarist Mr Paras European Commander, RY2006-2008!

As a priest, not only were you supposedly trained to think logically but to always SEARCH FOR and UPHOLD the TRUTH, instead of quickly believing the mere say-so of someone, however high and mighty he is! Even the Pope takes command responsibility seriously and credibly, admits judgemental/communication lapses and CORRECTS THE WRONG, as had happened in the very recent Richard Williamson case!

But your statement above shows you could quickly DENY the truth, not even attempt to first find out whether IHQ was right or wrong in the Sir Jun/Moreno expulsions! If IHQ is in good hands, managed well, why this unabated criticisms from Lazir? If Mr Esguerra and his Supreme Council are good, how come KOR has a Mr Alcoba, his KGOR high up there?

In order to be taken seriously, you have to clear your mind Sir Reverend, look around you, start thinking like the national hero! Otherwise, you could end up in the same category like Messrs Alcoba and Paras, both KGORs, courtesy of Mr Quiambao!

If the Pope could bend to valid critiques and CORRECT THE WRONG, how sincere, credible, competent is Mr Esguerra who thinks he's above the law, feeling fine exalting even the undeserving Messrs Guansing, Nollas, Alcoba to KGOR!

Could you please provide Lazir info on your exemplary deed that convinced IHQ you "deserve" KGOR? Lazir isn't a doubting Thomas, but he knows the good ought to be emulated!

As man of the clothe, transparency in your dealings ought to be self-explanatory, don’t you think so? Sir Reverend, prove yourself Rizalian indeed, worthy of KGOR and do reply to a valid plea from one who believes in Dr Jose Rizal.

(The news flashed on German TV just now that Argentina is kicking British Bishop Richard Williamson out of the country!)

Haven’t you read Mr Esguerra’s Open Letter to Sir Peter Eisele, indicating he and the Supreme Council are for "non-racism"? Don’t you have the copy of Mr Esguerra’s letter last April 2007 to Sir Jun Zerrudo, expressing non-tolerance upon “indecent and vulgar words in the KOR”? In less than 3 months, same Mr Esguerra and his Supreme Council exalted Mr Alcoba, proven racist and author of indecent/vulgar words, to KGOR! Despite many e-mails, Mr Esguerra feels no need to CORRECT THE WRONG! And you, together with Mr Marasigan, Mr Virey deem it more appropriate to rather STICK TO THE HIERARCHY, than think Rizalian?

Truth does hurt! But is that reporter Lazir's fault when it was Mr Esguerra himself who penned the Open Letter to Sir Peter Eisele, aptly-titled by him “How to be un-Rizalian"? If Mr Esguerra shoots himself on the foot, should the blame go to Lazir for writing about the former’s gross incompetence? Knowing about wrongdoing, but not taking positive/concrete action happens to be INCOMPETENCE, plain and simple, especially for a Supremo, don't you think so?

Which Christian teaching says that Lazir's factual reporting is "viciously hurtful and unchristian."

Can you pls point to any hatred in Lazir's mails? Feel free to identify the hate and come back to me, when you find one…

You know too well, even Jesus' throwing out the money-lenders/merchants from the Synagogue was not out of hatred, for He is the Son of God, but understandably, normal human reaction, perhaps disappointment that His Father's house has been improperly misused/abused! The way Mr Quiambao, Mr Esguerra and a few like-minded “leaders” misuse/abuse the name of Dr Jose Rizal -- for their own self-serving and selfish needs!

Pray tell, did Lazir throw anyone out, Collantes-style, when paid guest, Sir Manny Bade was unceremoniously thrown out last Aug-Sep 2008 during the Toronto Fun! Fun! Fun! event? A true Rizalist won't simply allow such un-Rizalian deed! THAT NO ONE PREVENTED IT even as Mr Collantes announced on the microphone, REFLECTS TRULY UPON THE CROWD IN ATTENDANCE, FOREMOST AMONG THEM; SUPREME COMMANDER VIRGILIO ESGUERRA!

Mr Esguerra would have been welcomed by us to our IFKOR Conference, had he showed interest attending the 12-14 Sep 2008 truly Rizalian event! (Dr Jose Rizal would have shown more interest attending the IFKOR event, if he were still alive today!) That Mr Esguerra shied away and preferred the usual hollow Fun! Fun! Fun!, despite KOR financing his travels, shows his "IGNORANCE OF THE LAW" if you read Sections 2, 7 & 8, RA 646!

What is RIZALIAN in Mr Esguerra’s/the Supreme Council’s exalting a proven racist and fake? Granting they erred last July 2007 in Paris, France, now that they know, what is RIZALIAN in not taking concrete action to discipline Mr Alcoba? Birds of the same feather? Arrogance? Ignorance? ALL OF THE SAME?

You were trained/schooled to think logically, the same training laywers get! Current IHQ actions/inactions doubtless give the wrong, if not the opposite signal/s to the country and the whole world, it's implication/s and consequences upon a formerly illustrious KOR!

Do you admit you now belong to the DENIAL group? What is Rizalian in denying the truth? As priest and Rizalist, you know you may not lie please...!

For country and people!

:)
Lazir
Fear the Lord, no one/nothing else!

THE REVOLUTION WE NEED


Now that the 2010 election is drawing nearer we will expect hypocrisy to permeate our environments particularly our TV screens. Our problem today is not on selecting who is the best to rule but rather who is worthy of our trust regardless of his possession of any impressive abilities. This is the bitter truth about Philippine politics, and the people, being the major part of that politics, must accept that there is no great guarantee in the elitism of individuals whose personae assume the intellectual superiority described by Plato.

Perhaps in this country where eighty million people get to know their candidates only on posters and TV screens, it is hard to segregate the sincere and the hypocrite, and if there ever is a few who can be categorized with the former, it is difficult to be trustful to his not being blinded by the tremendous powers and privileges of a politician. Consistency in good leadership is elusive, and even in groups, party-lists, ideologies and people's movements whose names are analogous to "good governance" there soon arise flaws that bemire the sanctity of such names.

Corruption exists in both sides. The Right is full of it. The Left cannot even escape the truth of it. That is why in every political upheaval and transformation we can get rid of the people but we cannot get rid of the problem present in everyone. Corruption stems from a man's weakness against the temptation of wealth and power. Ambition too, is not an exemption. Over at groups who are so vocal to the grievances of the people there are those who are just using the aims of the downtrodden for the advancement of their own personal ends. Filipinos should be aware of them as for these people the misery of many is the best opportunity to rise.

That is how political campaign works. Hypocrisy makes a damning deception. We are used to traditional politics, and we are already inured to the bitterness of broken vows issued by every other candidate. The political processes we have undergone over the years did nothing to curb the problem of our age. It seems that only a Moral Revolution can bring real change to our deformed politics and society, and the task to be handled by our youth is to find out how to secularize such end.


Written by Vin d. C. Lopez at 5:43 PM
Filed under corruption, EDSA, featured post, Politics, poverty

Thursday, February 19, 2009

SHAMELESS


By Rina Jimenez-David
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:38:00 02/15/2009


HAVE we no shame as a nation? After the conviction for rape of American Lance Cpl. Daniel Smith by a lower court, and the issuance of a ruling by no less than the Supreme Court ordering the Philippine government to start negotiations for a new detention locale for the Marine, Smith remains in cozy comfort on US Embassy grounds, thumbing his nose at Filipino authorities.

Supporters of Nicole, the Filipina who went public with her complaint of rape against Smith and his comrades, thought the Supreme Court had given her an early Valentine’s gift when it ruled that confinement or detention of convicted US personnel should be done by “Philippine authorities.” On its face, this decision should have meant that Smith would be transferred soon from the American Embassy to a Philippine facility, to be decided by the Philippine government after talks with the Americans. Any agreement between the Philippine and American governments regarding Smith should cover only the issue of in which detention facility in the country Smith should be held, the decision noted. As far I know, the grounds of the US Embassy are not even considered Philippine territory. And though Philippine officials can visit the Marine to check if he is still within our borders, Filipino authorities certainly don’t exercise custodial power over him.

So why is Smith still in the US Embassy? And why aren’t Arroyo officials in no apparent hurry to start their negotiations with the Americans? In fact, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde has said Malacañang’s hands are tied, that their position is that Smith would remain where he is—inside his temporary quarters (a container van, the last I heard) on the embassy grounds until his conviction is upheld with finality by the Supreme Court. A position, we must note, that echoes faithfully those of Smith’s lawyers and representatives of the American government.

* * *

TRUE, even recently-retired Associate Justice Adolfo Azcuna, who acted as ponente in the case that has become his valedictory, concedes that since the US government is not a party to the case, it cannot be compelled to negotiate Smith’s relocation. But going by the decision, the Philippine government is certainly compelled to re-open talks with the Americans on Smith’s transfer, to drag them to the negotiating table if necessary. Any self-respecting government would have then forthwith informed the other party of the tribunal’s decision, and used this to strongly argue that Smith be turned over to its custody.

What we’ve seen and heard instead is endless hand-wringing and whining from Filipino officials, with Malacañang preempting even the Americans regarding Smith’s whereabouts, sounding even more eager to keep Smith in the bosom of Kristie Kenney, without the Americans having to ask.

Remonde even reached the pits of sycophancy when he expressed hope that under President Barack Obama, the United States would soften its stance on keeping guard over Smith. The United States, he added wistfully, “may be more considerate about issues of sovereignty” now that Obama is in the White House.

But given how Remonde* and his colleagues in Malacañang have been falling over themselves doing the Americans’ bidding without any coercion or convincing, Obama may decide to just let things be. Even before the fight has begun, even before the first salvo has been fired, our side has already cried “Uncle (Sam).” Utterly shameless.

*Cerge Remonde, KGOR (?), is a Cebuano KOR member.

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

DAILY BREAD

&Daily Bread


Motto:

The great men and women of history are remembered, not because they never made mistakes or never failed, but because they didn’t let their failures stop them. They kept on until they succeeded…….

Leadership Lesson:

Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal…….


“My protection and success come from GOD alone. He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.…….”

Psalms 62:7


KAYA NATIN


Speech of Gov Grace Padaca in the PMAAA Convention at AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo, QC

PMAAA
AFP THEATER, CAMP AGUINALDO
JANUARY 24, 2009

GOOD MORNING, EVERYONE. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE HONOR OF SPEAKING BEFORE YOU TODAY.

I KNOW HOW SPECIAL PMAERS ARE. WHEN I WAS STILL A RADIO BROADCASTER, I INTERVIEWED A LOT OF YOU, FROM THE AFP, THE PNP, THE AIR FORCE – FROM LIEUTENANTS TO GENERALS, FROM SCOUT RANGERS TO REBEL SOLDIERS. I COVERED THE VISITS TO THE 5TH ID IN CAMP UPI , GAMU, ISABELA OF MANY CHIEFS OF STAFF AND ARMY CHIEFS.

I CONCEPTUALIZED AND HOSTED A PROGRAM CALLED HINDI TRABAHO ITO, PERSONALAN LANG, THAT FEATURED THE OTHER SIDE OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, MILITARY AND CIVILIAN, PARA MALAMAN DIN NG MGA LISTENERS NAMIN ANG PERSONAL SIDE NG MGA OPISYAL, SO THAT THEIR MORE HUMANE AND SOFT SIDE ARE DISCOVERED.

I ONCE SANG ON THE AIR WITH GEN ANGELO REYES WHEN I INTERVIEWED HIM WHILE HE WAS 5TH ID CHIEF IN CAMP UPI, GAMU, ISABELA. ANG KINANTA NAMIN PAINT MY LOVE BY THE GROUP MICHAEL LEARNS TO ROCK.

I COVERED A LOT OF TURN OVER CEREMONIES OF GENERALS RETIRING FROM THE SERVICE TO AT LAST, DO APOSTOLIC WORK AS I REMEMBER GENERAL REY ALCASID SAYING – APOSTOLIC WORK MAG-ALAGA NG APO. THE LATEST RETIREMENT OR TURN OVER CEREMONY I WITNESSED WAS THAT OF GENERAL MELCHOR DILODILO ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO BEFORE HE WAS REPLACED BY GEN OCHOA IN THE 5TH ID.

THE DIFFERENCE NOW IS I WITNESS SUCH EVENTS AND COMMAND CONFERENCES NO LONGER AS A MEDIA PERSON BUT AS GOVERNOR OF THE LARGEST PROVINCE IN THEIR AOR.

PERHAPS MANY OF THOSE WHO WERE ASSIGNED TO CAGAYAN VALLEY AND THE CORDILLERAS FROM THE MID-80’S UNTIL THE YEAR 2000 WHO I INTERVIEWED AS BOMBO GRACE NEVER HAD THE INKLING THAT THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED RADIO BROADCASTER WOULD ONE DAY REPLACE THE VERY POWERFUL MEN OF THE DY-NASTY IN ISABELA.

I NEVER HAD ANY INKLING EITHER. MY VISIONS OR DREAMS DID NOT REACH THAT FAR. AS SOMEONE WHO GREW UP WITH POLIO SINCE THE AGE OF THREE , I CONSCIOUSLY LIMITED MY DREAMS TO WHAT I THOUGHT I COULD AT LEAST ACHIEVE AND THERE WERE NOT MANY OF THEM, AND CERTAINLY NOT BEING GOVERNOR OF ONE OF THE LARGEST PROVINCES IN THE COUNTRY. IF I HAD A DREAM IT WAS SIMPLY TO BE A RADIO ANNOUNCER BECAUSE IT WAS A JOB WHERE I COULD BE HEARD BUT NOT SEEN. I WAS VERY SHY, YOU SEE, AS A RESULT OF MY PHYSICAL HANDICAP.

IN THE YEAR 2001, I DID SHOCK THE PEOPLE OF ISABELA WHEN I DARED RUN FOR THE ELECTIONS. YES, TUMAKBO AKO SA ELEKSYON KAHIT HINDI AKO MAKALAKAD. AND WORSE, I WAS RUNNING TO FIGHT THE ONE FAMILY THAT RULED OUR PROVINCE FOR MORE THAN 40 YEARS.

I COME FROM AN ORDINARY FILIPINO FAMILY. MY PARENTS WERE BOTH PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO TAUGHT US, THEIR SIX CHILDREN, TO LIVE SIMPLY SO THAT WE COULD MAKE BOTH ENDS MEET.

I FINISHED SCHOOL AND BECAME A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT BUT THE LORD HAS A WAY OF GRANTING OUR DEEPEST WISHES… MY FIRST MAJOR JOB WAS YES, AS A BROADCASTER IN THE LOCAL RADIO STATION IN OUR PROVINCE, BOMBO RADIO CAUAYAN, SO I BECAME A CERTIFIED PUBLIC ANNOUNCER INSTEAD.

FOR FOURTEEN YEARS AS A BROADCAST JOURNALIST, ANCHORING A RADIO PROGRAM CALLED “SA TOTOO LANG” THAT WENT ON THE AIR FOR THREE HOURS EVERY SINGLE DAY, NEWS AND ISSUES CAME THROUGH ME - GIVING ME OFTEN A CLOSE UP VIEW OF THE ABUSIVE WAY BY WHICH THE RESOURCES OF OUR GOVERNMENT WERE BEING SQUANDERED WHILE OUR POOR PEOPLE KEPT GETTING POORER BY THE DAY.

THE POLITICAL “DY-NASTY” IN ISABELA BEGAN ITS RULE IN OUR PROVINCE AS EARLY AS THE YEAR 1963, FROM THE FATHER, TO THE SONS AND…. HE HAD MANY SONS BECAUSE WELL, HE HAD MANY WIVES. THAT WAS PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE. THEY DID NOT MAKE ANY EFFORT TO HIDE IT FROM THE PUBLIC. I FEARED THE EXAMPLE THEY WERE GIVING TO OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND EVEN THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS UNDER THEM. ASIDE FROM THE FATHER AND THE SONS WERE THE GENERATION OF THE EVEN MORE NUMEROUS GRANDSONS AUTOMATICALLY WAITING NEXT IN LINE. PADAMI SILA NANG PADAMI, PARANG GREMLINS. THEY HAVE BECOME SO USED TO BEING IN POWER THAT MANY TIMES, THEY DID NOT CARE ANYMORE ABOUT WHAT THE PEOPLE THOUGHT OR FELT. THEY FORGOT THAT POWER IS NOT THEIRS AS A BIRTHRIGHT. IT IS THE PEOPLE’S!

YOU WHO HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED TO ISABELA OR THE 5TH ID WHO CAME IN WITH THE PMA VALUES, SPECIALLY INTEGRITY, ALSO MUST HAVE FELT DISGUSTED WITH HOW POWER WAS BEING USED IN ISABELA – THAT IS, NOT TO SERVE THE PEOPLE BUT TO ENRICH AND EMPOWER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CRONIES.

I TOLD MYSELF, I CANNOT JUST SIT HERE LOOKING AT THESE THINGS HAPPENING. THIS IS NOT WHAT I HAVE BEEN TAUGHT DEMOCRACY SHOULD BE. HENCE, IN THE ELECTIONS IN THE YEAR 2001, I FILED MY CANDIDACY AGAINST FAUSTINO “BOJIE” DY III FOR WHOSE SAKE EVERY EFFORT WAS MADE SO THAT HE WOULD RUN UNOPPOSED.

MY CHANCES OF WINNING WERE ALMOST NIL BUT I SAID, AT LEAST, EVEN IF I LOSE, I WOULD HAVE PEACE OF MIND. I WILL NOT BE ONE OF THOSE COMPLAINING WHY EVIL THINGS WERE BEING DONE TO US AS A PEOPLE, FEELING MAD AND FRUSTRATED, BUT NOT LIFTING A FINGER ANYWAY TO STOP THEM.

AS A CANDIDATE, I WAS TAUNTED. THEY SAID I WAS CRAZY. THE POWERFUL MEN OF THE DYNASTY LAUGHED ME OFF AND DID NOT TAKE ME SERIOUSLY, WELL, UNTIL IT WAS TIME TO COUNT THE VOTES.

THIS WOMAN WHO COULD NOT WALK, RAN! FOR THE ELECTIONS AND TROUNCED THE MACHOS IN ISABELA.

AND GRACE LIVED HAPPILY EVER AFTER? OF COURSE NOT… IT TURNED OUT WINNING THE ELECTIONS WAS THE EASIEST PART. GOVERNING IS A TOTALLY DIFFERENT STORY. HUMANDA SI OBAMA.

THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF MY BEING GOVERNOR WERE VERY DIFFICULT. IF THEY CANNOT KILL YOUR BODY, EVERYDAY THEY WILL TRY TO KILL YOUR SPIRIT. .. I HAD TO LIVE WITH ALL THE BLOWS FROM EVERYWHERE THAT CAME MY WAY, ALL THE DYNASTY’S PEOPLE IN THE CAPITOL THAT I WAS SURROUNDED WITH..

I INHERITED ALMOST ONE BILLION PESOS IN DEBT WHEN I TOOK OVER AS GOVERNOR, MOSTLY FOR PROJECTS CONTRACTED JUST BEFORE THE ELECTIONS OF 2004. ONE AFTER THE OTHER, WE WERE ABLE TO PAY THEM.

I AM NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF PREPARING MY STATE OF THE PROVINCE ADDRESS. THE LAST TIME I DELIVERED ONE IN JANUARY OF 2007, I REPORTED TO OUR APO ISABELINOS THAT FOR EVERY THREE PESOS OF THE CAPITOL’S OBLIGATIONS TO CONTRACTORS AND SUPPLIERS, WE HAVE BY THEN ALREADY PAID TWO OR ALMOST 70%. WHEN I REPORT TO THEM AGAIN IN A COUPLE OF WEEKS, I’LL UPDATE THEM THAT OUR OBLIGATIONS TO OUR SUPPLIERS IS DOWN TO 15%. WE COULD HAVE PAID IT ALL, IF NOT FOR THE MANY IRREGULARITIES IN THE TRANSACTIONS THAT’S KEEPING ME FROM PAYING.

WE WERE ABLE TO SETTLE THESE OBLIGATIONS, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME NOT FAILING IN PAYING THE 700 MILLION PESO-LOANS BORROWED FROM THE BANKS BY MY PREDECESSORS. WE HAVE SO FAR PAID 400 MILLION OF THE PRINCIPAL AND 200 MILLION OF THE INTEREST. IMAGINE PAYING ALMOST 50% INTEREST. IN MY ADMINISTRATION, WE NO LONGER CONTRACTED ANY NEW LOANS FROM THE BANKS.

STILL, WE WERE ABLE TO ENROLL 100,000 OF OUR INDIGENT ISABELINOS TO THE PHILHEALTH PROGRAM WITHOUT THEM HAVING TO PAY A SINGLE CENT.

THE CHANGE IN LEADERSHIP IN ISABELA ALSO RESULTED TO MANY BIG CHANGES THAT WE ALL HAVE BEEN LONGING FOR AS A PEOPLE.

ONE IS THE UPLIFTMENT OF THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF OUR FARMERS WHICH MAKE UP MORE THAN 60% OF OUR POPULATION. WITH OUR ONE MILLION HECTARE LAND AREA, WE ARE THE COUNTRYS SECOND LARGEST PROVINCE NEXT TO PALAWAN . WE ARE THE BIGGEST CORN PRODUCERS IN THE ENTIRE PHILIPPINES AND THE SECOND BIGGEST PALAY PRODUCER, NEXT TO NUEVA ECIJA. IN ORDER FOR OUR FARMERS TO ENJOY BETTER PRICES FOR THEIR CORN AND PALAY PRODUCE, WE ARE USING PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT FUNDS// TO ADD UP TO P3 PER KILO// OF THEIR HARVESTS. WE DO THIS THROUGH OUR PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NATIONAL FOOD AUTHORITY. I REMEMBER THAT WHEN I WAS STILL A BROADCASTER, JUST A DIFFERENCE OF 25 CENTAVOS OR 50 CENTAVOS IN THE PRICE PER KILO OF RICE AND CORN WAS ALREADY A MAJOR THING WITH OUR FARMERS. NOW, WE ARE GIVING THEM SUBSIDY OF THREE PESOS PER KILO. WE CAN EVEN GO AS HIGH AS FIVE PESOS IF WE FIND IT NECESSARY. BECAUSE OF THIS, WE ARE ABLE TO INFLUENCE UPWARDS THE TREND OF PRICES IN THE MARKET SIMPLY BECAUSE WE GIVE OUR FARMERS AN OPTION THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE ALL THE PAST YEARS OF THE DYNASTY IN ISABELA. FOR THIS PRICE SUBSIDY PROGRAM, WE WON A GAWAD GALING POOK AWARD LAST YEAR.

UNLIKE MY OPPONENTS, WHEN I CAMPAIGNED I DID NOT DEMAND FROM THE RICE TRADERS AND OTHER BUSINESSMEN MONEY FOR THE ELECTIONS, THAT’S WHY WHEN I WON, I HAD NOT THE BURDEN OF BEING INDEBTED TO THEM THAT’S WHY I CAN FREELY DO WHAT IS NEEDED FOR OUR POOR FARMERS. I ALWAYS HASTEN TO EMPHASIZE THOUGH THAT I AM NOT AGAINST BUSINESSMEN. DURING THE CAMPAIGN, I TOLD THEM AS LONG AS YOU DO THINGS FAIR AND SQUARE, I WILL LET YOU BE. MAKAKATIPID KAYO SA AKIN DAHIL HINDI KO KAYO HUHUTHUTAN. WALA KAYONG KAILANGANG BAWIIN SA MGA MAGSASAKA DAHIL WALA AKONG HIHINGIN SA INYO NA PARA BANG MAYROON AKONG IPINATAGO.

I HAVE ALWAYS TOLD OUR PEOPLE THAT AFTER FREEING OURSELVES FROM THE 40-YEAR DYNASTY THAT LORDED OVER US THAT THE BATTLE IS NOT YET OVER. WE MAY HAVE DEFEATED THE DYNASTY BUT THERE ARE OTHER THINGS THAT WE HAVE TO CONTINUE TO FIGHT. WE ALSO HAVE TO FREE OURSELVES FROM OUR OWN WRONG ATTITUDES, FROM OUR MISPLACED VALUES, OUR BAD HABITS. THAT WE SHOULD NOT JUST RELY ON OTHERS TO DO THE THINKING FOR US. I REPEAT TO THEM OVER AND OVER AGAIN, MAS MASARAP TULUNGAN MGA TAONG MARUNONG TUMULONG SA KANILANG MGA SARILI. THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ONLY EXPECT TO RECEIVE HELP, 100%, THEY SHOULD ALSO DO THEIR SHARE IN MAKING THEIR LIVES BETTER FOR THE FUTURE. I TELL THEM, USE ME AS YOUR VISUAL AID. IT IS EASY TO SEE THAT WITH MY PHYSICAL CONDITION, I ALSO NEED A LOT OF HELP BUT I HAVE NOT USED THIS AS AN EXCUSE TO BE JUST A BURDEN TO OTHERS.

WITH THE POWER AND RESOURCES THAT I HAVE IN MY HANDS, WE WERE ABLE TO RE-FOCUS THE PRIORITY OF THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT TO THE TRULY MOST NEEDY OF BARANGAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER OF POTENTIAL VOTERS LIVING THERE OR WHETHER OR NOT THE MAYOR IS AN ALLY OF THE GOVERNOR. WE HAVE INSTITUTED AN UGNAYANG BAYAN OR OUR PEOPLE’S DAY EVERY WEDNESDAY WHEN PEOPLE FROM THE BARANGAYS CAN DIRECTLY TALK WITH ME. AFTER ONLY ONE YEAR OF IMPLEMENTATION, ABOUT 90% OF THE PROVINCE’S 1018 BARANGAYS RECEIVED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR PROJECTS DIRECTLY FROM MY OFFICE, WITHOUT THE BARANGAY CAPTAINS NEEDING TO GO THROUGH THE MAYORS. I ALWAYS REMIND BARANGAY OFFICIALS THAT IF THEY DO NOT DO WELL IN THEIR JOINT PROJECTS WITH ME OR DO ANY HANKY PANKY, I WILL IGNORE THEM AND TURN TO NGO’S OR PEOPLE’S ORGANIZATIONS IN THEIR BARANGAYS WHO WILL BE MY PARTNERS IN GIVING SERVICES TO THEIR CONSTITUENTS. THAT BECOMES DETERRENT ENOUGH.

I ALSO HAD MY EXPERIENCE OF BEING PERSECUTED OR WANTED TO BE RECALLED BY MOST OF THE MAYORS OF ISABELA BUT EVENTUALLY WHEN THEY SAW THAT I WAS EFFECTIVELY COOPERATING WITH MORE AND MORE BARANGAY OFFICIALS, THEY STARTED TO COOPERATE, TOO! EVEN SOME OF THE MOST RABID SUPPORTERS OF THE OLD ADMINISTRATION STARTED TESTING THE WATERS.

WHEN I CAME IN, ONLY ONE OR TWO OF THE 36 MAYORS OF THE PROVINCE OF ISABELA WERE SUPPORTIVE OF ME. BUT AFTER FOUR YEARS, THE SITUATION IS REVERSED. I AM FRIENDLY ENOUGH WITH MOST OF THEM THAT I HAVE INVITED 33 OF THE 36 MAYORS TO THE PRESENTATION CEREMONIES OF THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDS LAST AUGUST. AND THEY CAME, YUNG IBA NGA NAGPA-AUTOGRAPH PA SA AKIN.

FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS OF MY BEING GOVERNOR, IT HAS BEEN CLEARLY PROVEN THAT IT IS NOT TRUE THAT I AM AN NPA— A CHARGE HURLED AGAINST ME BY MY OPPONENTS IN THEIR DESPERATE ATTEMPT TO FIND A REASON WHY THIS PERSON, WHO THEY DISMISSED AS A NUISANCE, DEFEATED THEM. WHEN THEY TRIED TO BLOCK MY PROCLAMATION IN 2004 BY CHARGING ME OF TERRORIZING VOTERS THROUGH THE NPA’S, IT WAS MILITARY OFFICIALS WHO VOLUNTEERED TO EXECUTE AFFIDAVITS IN MY FAVOR = GEN ORLY SORIANO, GEN HOMER CAPULONG OF THE 502ND BRIGADE AND MY FRIEND, THE LATE CPT JOSE RENE JARQUE – THEY WHO KNEW HOW I DID MY JOB WITH OBJECTIVITY AND FAIRNESS.

EVEN IF SOME PEOPLE BECAME QUITE CURIOUS ABOUT THE NPA BRANDING OF ME, I DID NOT ALLOW IT TO LIMIT MY ACTIONS. I CONTINUED REACHING OUT TO EVERYONE, ESPECIALLY THOSE IN THE REMOTEST BARANGAYS, THE SO-CALLED NPA AREAS. AREN’T THEY THE ONES WHO FEEL MOST NEGLECTED BY GOVERNMENT HENCE THEY GO UP THE MOUNTAINS AND TAKE UP ARMS? NOW WHEN THEY COME TO THE CAPITOL, WE ATTEND TO THEIR CONCERNS PROMPTLY SO THAT THEY DON’T FIND THE NEED TO TAKE TO THE STREETS OR THE MOUNTAINS ANYMORE. THE PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT ARE LISTENING TO THEM AND ATTENDING TO THEM. LAGI KONG SINASABI SA KANILA…. SANA MAKABAWAS MAN LAMANG AKO SA MGA DAHILAN NG INYONG PAGHIHIMAGSIK

LET ME JUST SHARE WITH YOU ONE VERY SPECIAL MOMENT IN MY LIFE AS GOVERNOR. THIS IS ABOUT AN NPA COMMANDER AND A BRIGADE COMMANDER WHO I ALWAYS INTERVIEWED WHEN I WAS STILL A BROADCASTER. WALA PANG CELLPHONES NOON, MAYROON LANG MGA TWO WAY RADIO OR SINGLE SIDE BANDS WHATEVER, I DO NOT KNOW. BUT I WENT THROUGH GREAT PAINS JUST TO BE ABLE TO BRING THE TWO MEN TO DIALOUGE IN MY RADIO PROGRAMS BEFORE. SABAY SILANG NARIRINIG. THAT WAS MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE I’D LIKE TO THINK THEY HAD SOME KIND OF A MUTUAL RESPECT FOR EACH OTHER. PERHAPS IN THE WAY THEY CONDUCTED THEMSELVES IN BATTLE OR MAYBE EVEN IN THE FACT THAT THEY WERE WILLING TO TALK TO EACH OTHER. IN 1992 THE NPA COMMANDER SURRENDERED TO THEN GOVERNOR BENJAMIN DY AND WHO TOOK HIM IN AND IS NOW A CAPITOL EMPLOYEE. HIS NAME IS ROLANDO LEE OR KA ILYAN. THE BRIGADE COMMANDER WAS GENERAL HOMER CAPULONG. COLONEL PA LANG SIYA NOON. HANGGANG NGAYON TEXT MATES PA RIN KAMI. LAST YEAR, HE CAME TO ISABELA TO INVITE ME AS GRADUATION SPEAKER IN THE WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA ECIJA WHERE HE IS ONE OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES. I ASKED HIM, GENERAL, GUSTO MONG MAKITA NANG PERSONAL SI KA ILYAN? SO HERE THEY ARE. ONE OF THE NICEST MOMENTS OF MY LIFE AS A BROADCASTER AND GOVERNOR.

ANOTHER STEP THAT I INITIATED IS TO MEET WITH THE POOR MEN’S LAWYERS, THE PAO’S (PUBLIC ATTORNEYS OFFICE)—TO LEARN FROM THEM THEIR PREDICAMENTS AND THOSE OF THEIR INDIGENT CLIENTS. EVEN BEFORE THE ENACTMENT OF RA 9406 LAST MARCH 2007 WHICH AUTHORIZES LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS TO GIVE FINANCIAL AND OTHER SUPPORT TO OUR PAO’S, I ALREADY WORKED FOR THE INCLUSION OF ALLOWANCES FOR THE PUBLIC ATTORNEYS IN ISABELA’S 2006 ANNUAL BUGET AND FROM THEN ON THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVING REGULAR ALLOWANCES AND ASSISTANCE FROM THE PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT. WITH REGARD TO JUDGES, PROSECUTORS AND CLERKS OF COURT, I HAVE EMPHASIZED THAT I HAVE AGREED TO CONTINUE WHAT THE PREVIOUS LEADERS OF ISABELA WERE GIVING THEM FOR THEIR ALLOWANCES BUT ONLY AS AN AUGMENTATION TO THE INSUFFICIENT AMOUNT THAT THEY ARE RECEIVING FROM THE NATIONAL GOVERNMENT, NOT TO SOLICIT ASSURANCE THAT THEY WILL SPARE MY PEOPLE IF THEY EVER GET INTO TROUBLE. AS A MATTER OF FACT, AS IN THE CASE OF PDEA’S MAJOR MARCELINO, I HAVE SOME ISSUES TOO WITH PROSECUTORS IN ISABELA WHO LET PEOPLE GO SCOT FREE EVEN IF THEY ARE ALREADY CAUGHT RED HANDED.

FOREST PROTECTION RIGHT NOW, IN ISABELA, I AM IN THE MIDDLE OF A VERY DIFFICULT MISSION THAT I DECIDED TO TAKE HEAD ON – THE FIGHT AGAINST THE BIG SYNDICATES IN ISABELA WHO HAVE BEEN RAMPANTLY DESTROYING THE SIERRA MADRE MOUNTAINS WHICH IS LOCATED IN 9 OF OUR 36 MUNICIPALITIES . IT IS IN ISABELA WHERE 30% TO 40% OF THE COUNTRY’S LAST REMAINING FOREST COVER REMAINS.

SO MANY TIMES A DAY, FOR TOO LONG NOW, TRUCKS FULL OF ILLEGALLY CUT LOGS PASS THROUGH OUR HIGHWAYS UNDETERRED BY THE DENR, WHILE WE LOSE BILLIONS OF PESOS IN CROP AND INFRASTRUCTURE DAMAGES WHEN TYPHOONS AND FLOODS HIT US DUE TO DENUDED FORESTS.

NATURAL DISASTERS HIT US SO MANY TIMES A YEAR. IF ITS NOT THE WATERS, IT IS LACK OF THEM THAT CAUSE UNTOLD SUFFERING TO OUR FARMERS AND POOR FAMILIES, LIKE WHEN THE DROUGHT IN 2007 DAMAGED THE EQUIVALENT OF OUR WHOLE PROVINCIAL BUDGET FOR THE YEAR.

I WORKED WITH OUR SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN AND THEY APPROVED MY REQUEST OF APPROPRIATING P8M OF OUR OWN MONEY IN ORDER TO HELP PUT A STOP TO THE UNABATED CUTTING OF TREES IN OUR PART OF THE SIERRA MADRES. OF THE ONE MILLION BOARD FEET WAITING TO BE BROUGHT DOWN FROM THE SIERRA MADRES WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN CUT BY PEOPLE CALLED BOGADORS, WE HAVE CONFISCATED ABOUT 60% OR 600,000 BOARD FEET. WE ARE SET TO AUCTION THIS OFF AND DENR SEC LITO ATIENZA AGREED TO OUR REQUEST THAT WE WILL USE THE PROCEEDS TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE ISABELA FOREST PROTECTION TASK FORCE. IT’S NO JOKE PROVIDING FOR THE MEALS OF OUR TASK FORCE MEMBERS MORNING NOON AND NIGHT AS WELL AS THOSE OF PLATOONS OF SOLDIERS, WHO ARE HELPING US A LOT IN THIS ANTI-ILLEGAL LOGGING FIGHT.

THIS REMINDS ME OF THE TIME OF RETIRED GENERAL ORLANDO SORIANO AS COMMANDING GENERAL OF THE 5TH ID WHEN HIS TASK FORCE LUNTIAN AND THE DENR’S OPLAN JERICHO CONFISCATED TRUCKS UPON TRUCKS OF ILLEGALLY CUT LOGS IN ISABELA. I REMEMBER NA GALIT NA GALIT SA KANIYA NOON ANG DY-NASTY.

LAST SEPTEMBER, IN COOPERATION WITH THE 45TH IB AND THE CASF ASSIGNED IN ISABELA, WE FLEW OVER THE SIERRA MADRES AND PROVED MY WORST FEARS, THE ONE MILLION BOARD FEET OF ILLEGALY CUT LOGS THAT WE HAVE BLOCKED IN THE TOWN OF ILAGAN IS NOTHING COMPARED TO THE ESTIMATED TEN MILLION BOARD FEET THAT WE SAW IN THE TOWN OF SAN MARIANO, STILL A PART OF THE SIERRA MADRE NATURAL PARK .

TEN MILLION BOARD FEET … ONLY FOR THIS YEAR 2008?

HOW ABOUT ALL THESE PAST YEARS? HOW CAN I NOT TAKE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THIS FIGHT TO PROTECT OUR FORESTS?

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS IN PHILIPPINE SOCIETY THAT WE HAVE TO FIGHT … CORRUPTION, POLITICS OF PATRONAGE, JUETENG, ILLEGAL LOGGING.

MANY TIMES I HAVE TALKED WITH MAYORS IN ISABELA ABOUT THIS ISSUES AND THEY’D ALWAYS TELL ME, GOVERNOR, WE HAVE NO CHOICE, BECAUSE SO MANY POOR PEOPLE COME TO US FOR THEIR URGENT NEEDS. THEY USE PEOPLE’S POVERTY AS A CONVENIENT EXCUSE TO RECEIVE BRIBE OR PROTECTION MONEY. MANY OFTEN REFUSE TO DO THE COURAGEOUS THING BECAUSE ARE AFRAID THEY WILL LOSE THEIR SOURCES OF FUNDS AND THE VOTES FOR THE NEXT ELECTIONS .

I HAVE SEEN MANY GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS STOP SHORT AT DOING THE RIGHT THING. THEY JUST LOOK THE OTHER WAY, NO MATTER HOW STRONG THEIR FEELINGS ARE TOO ABOUT WHAT SHOULD BE. THEY DO NOT ACT. THEY ARE IMMOBILIZED BY THEIR FEAR OF LOSING VOTES. SABI KO TULOY SUCH OBSESSION WITH RE-ELECTION IS EVEN MORE PARALYZING THAN POLIO.

SABI KO SA KANILA, KAYO NAMAN PALA ANG PILAY EH. HINDI AKO. DAHIL GANITO LANG AKO, KUMIKILOS AKO LABAN SA ILLEGAL LOGGING, SA JUETENG, SA MGA GUMAGAWA NG HINDI TAMA.

I REFUSE TO WASTE THE POWER THAT MY POSITION GIVES ME NOT TO DO WHAT ONLY GOVERNORS OR GOVERNMENT EXECUTIVES LIKE ME HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OR THE POWER TO DO.

LET ME PLEASE TELL YOU ONE OF MY BIGGEST REALIZATIONS AS GOVERNOR.

AFTER HAVING BEEN IN THIS POSITION FOR 4 YEARS, I HAVE CONFIRMED FOR MYSELF THAT TRULY, PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT POSITIONS HAVE ENOURMOUS POWERS. ONE SIGNATURE OF MINE CAN CAUSE THE RELEASE OF MILLIONS OF PESOS. ONE YES OR NO THAT I SAY AFFECTS THE LIVE OF SO MANY PEOPLE. IF USED WELL, POWER CAN BE A GOOD THING. IT CAN MAKE YOU DO SO MANY THINGS TO UPLIFT THE CONDITIONS OF MANY POOR PEOPLE. IT CAN MAKE YOU GIVE STRENGTH TO THE WEAK. IT CAN MAKE YOU EMPOWER THE COMMON MAN.

BUT IF YOU ARE NOT GROUNDED, IF YOU HAVE NOT THE RIGHT VALUES, YOU CAN GET EASILY GET TEMPTED. LALONG NAGING MALINAW SA AKIN NA NAKAKATAKOT MAPUNTA ANG KAPANGYARIHAN NG PAMAHALAAN SA KAMAY NG MGA HINDI KARAPAT-DAPAT.

I AM WELL AWARE OF DISAPPOINTMENTS AMONG MANY PMAERS WHO VERY WELL KNOW WHAT SHOULD BE BUT DO NOT SEE IT IN SOCIETY, MORE SO IN GOVERNMENT.

MUKHANG PAGOD NA RIN ANG MGA TAO SA PEOPLE POWER AS WE KNOW IT AND OF COURSE COUP D’ETAT IS NOT ACCEPTABLE TO MANY.

BUT WE SHOULD NOT STOP FEELING DISGUSTED WITH WHATS HAPPENING. WE SHOULD UNITE AND DECIDE WHAT TO DO WITH OUR ANGER, WITH OUR FRUSTRATION. AS I HAVE SAID, WE WILL NOT HAVE PEACE OF MIND IF WE JUST ALLOW WRONG TO PREVAIL IN OUR DEAR COUNTRY WITHOUT LIFTING A FINGER TO HELP CHANGE THINGS.

FOR ONE, LET US NOT PUT ALL OUR HOPES AND EXPECTATIONS ON ONE PERSON ALONE. OUR COUNTRY’S ISSUES CANNOT BE SOLVED BY ASKING JUST ONE PERSON TO RESIGN OR REFORM. WE WILL ONLY BE FRUSTRATED. LET US INSTEAD WORK FOR THE ELECTION INTO OFFICE OF GOOD GOVERNORS, GOOD MAYORS AND EVEN GOOD BARANGAY CAPTAINS AND KAGAWADS SO THAT IF WE ARE NOT SATISFIED WITH THE PEOPLE AT THE TOP, THERE ARE STILL THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO RELY ON.

THAT IS WHAT OUR GROUP “KAYA NATIN” IS ADVOCATING. KAMI PO NINA AMONG GOV EDDIE PANLILIO OF PAMPANGA, MAYOR JESSE ROBREDO OF NAGA CITY, GOVERNOR TEDDY BAGUILAT OF IFUGAO, MAYOR SONIA LORENZO OF SAN ISIDRO, NUEVA ECIJA AND HARVEY KEH OF THE ATENEO SCHOOL OF GOVERNMET . KAYA NATIN IS A MOVEMENT FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ETHICAL LEADERSHIP.

WE HAVE BEEN GOING AROUND, ESPECIALLY IN SCHOOLS TRYING TO ENGAGE THEYOUNG AND EXPLAINING TO THEM THE NEED OF REGISTERING TO VOTE, BEING WELL-INFORMED OF ISSUES, AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, MAKING THEMSELVES AVAILABLE AND READY WHEN VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED TO ENSURE BETTER ELECTIONS IN THE COUNTRY.

I AM QUITE OBSESSIVE ON THE MATTER OF ELECTORAL REFORMS

BECAUSE EVER SINCE MY RE-ELECTION AS GOVERNOR LAST YEAR AND SEEING ONCE AGAIN HOW THE ELECTORAL PROCESS HAS GOTTEN EVEN DIRTIER, HOW VOTE BUYING HAS BECOME EVEN WORSE, I WOULD TELL ANYONE WHO’D CARE TO LISTEN THAT WE SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL JUST THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE ELECTIONS TO CRAM AND DO OUR VOTER’S EDUCATION, TO ENCOURAGE VOLUNTEERS AND NOT JUST LEAVE THE POLLWATCHING TO A HANDFUL OF SACRIFICING CWL OR LEGION OF MARY MEMBERS OR MOTHER BUTLERS AND LET ELECTIONS BE DOMINATED BY THE WELL PAID MACHINERY OF TRADITIONAL POLITICIANS.

SADLY, SOMETIMES, IT IS ALSO DURING ELECTION SEASONS WHEN POLICE AND MILITARY OFFICIALS ARE RELIEVED AND REASSIGNED IN A WAY THAT GOVERNMENT NEOPHYTES LIKE US CAN ONLY LOOK IN HOPELESSNESS AND SHOCK.

FORTUNATELY, THERE ARE NOW GROUPS LIKE THE MGG OR THE MOVEMENT FOR GOOD GOVERNMENT COMPOSED OF DIFFERENT ORGANIZATIONS WHICH AS EARLY AS NOW ARE WORKING FOR BETTER ELECTIONS IN 2010. IT IS GOOD THAT THEY ARE NON-PARTISAN, THAT THEY ARE INVOLVING THEMSELVES NOT FOR THE BENEFIT OF ANY CANDIDATE BUT THE OVER-ALL ORDERLY AND CREDIBLE CONDUCT OF THE COMING ELECTIONS.

YESTERDAY, CITO BELTRAN WROTE ABOUT A PMA ALUMNI ASSOCIATION CHAPTER IN MALACANANG, SAYING THAT THE PALACE HAS BEEN OVERRUN BY RETIRED MILITARY AND POLICE OFFICIALS WHO ARE ALL GRADUATES OF THE PMA. I DO NOT KNOW THE REASONS OF THE PRESIDENT FOR MAKING THIS SO BUT PERSONALLY, I DO NOT MIND GRADUATES FROM THE PMA JOINING THE GOVERNMENT, PERHAPS NOT BY SHEER APPOINTMENT BUT VICTORY THROUGH ELECTIONS . SAYANG NAMAN PO ANG GALING NIYO, AT ANG BABATA NIYO PA NAMAN KUNG NAGRE-RETIRE. MAS MAY “K” NAMAN KAYO SA IBA. NATURUAN NAMAN KAYO TODO-TODO SA ACADEMY TUNGKOL SA COURAGE, INTEGRITY, LOYALTY, NOT TO MENTION EXCELLENCE IN THE THINGS THAT YOU DO. I TAKE EXCEPTION THOUGH ON THOSE WHO, DESPITE BEING PMAERS, DID NOT OR ARE NOT DOING ANYTHING TO FIGHT JUETENG. SOMETIMES, THE MORE JUNIOR OFFICERS SERIOUSLY WANT TO ACT BUT THOSE IN THE HIGHER POSITIONS ARE THE ONES THWARTING THEIR EFFORTS. I HOPE ITS NOT TRUE WHAT I HEAR ABOUT THE “WAIT TILL YOU BECOME” SYNDROME. IF NOT JUETENG, IT IS TAKING PROTECTION MONEY FROM ILLEGAL LOGGERS OR DRUG LORDS. WHAT A WASTE OF THE GREAT POWER OF OUR DEAR SOLDIERS AND POLICEMEN IF THESE ARE USED TO PERPETUATE RATHER THAN STOP THE EVILS OF SOCIETY. THE DIRTY MONEY FROM JUETENG, DRUGS AND ILLEGAL LOGGING, ALL THESE YEARS, HAVE BEEN PUTTING SO MANY OF THE WRONG AND UNWORTHY PEOPLE IN WHAT I CONSIDER AS SACRED POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT.

LET US PLEASE CHANGE THE SITUATION. I KNOW THAT YOU FROM THE PMA CAN DO SO MUCH TOWARDS THIS END. WHENEVER I TALK TO OUR PEOPLE ABOUT POLITICAL DYNASTIES, I TELL THEM HINDI LANG NAMAN DITO SA ISABELA MAYROONG DYNASTY. MARAMI DIN NAMAN SA IBANG LALAWIGAN. PERO AT LEAST, SA IBA, PINAG-AARAL MUNA NILA MGA ANAK, PINAGDADALUBHASA, PINAPAARAL NG ABOGASYA O PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION KASI ALAM NILANG SILA ANG PAPALIT. DITO KASI SA ISABELA, SABI KO, YUNG MGA MYEMBRO NG PAMILYA HINDI NA NAG-AARAL KASI MANANALO LANG DIN SILA. MAGPAPAKASAWA MUNANG MAGING BUM, PAG AYAW NA MAKAISIP MAGING MAYOR, CONGRESSMAN AT NANALO. AT LEAST MAN LANG SANA, PAGHANDAAN DIN NAMAN NILA ANG MAGLINGKOD SA TAO AT SA BANSA.

WHAT I AM TRYING TO SAY IS THAT PMAERS HAVE BEEN TAUGHT SO MUCH ABOUT LOVE OF COUNTRY AND ITS PEOPLE AND MANY OF YOU HAVE EXPERIENCED RELATING WITH THE POOREST OF OUR POOR IN OUR REMOTEST BARANGAYS. THAT CAN BE PUT TO GOOD USE, WELL, IF NOT IN DIRECT MEANS AS THRU ELECTIVE POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT THEN IN MANY OTHER AREAS WHERE YOU CAN CONTINUE USING THE KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM AND EXPERIENCES THAT YOU AS PMAERS HAVE BEEN UNIQUELY PROVIDED.

IF SOMEBODY SO DISADVANTAGED LIKE ME CAN MAKE IT DESPITE THE FACT THAT I DO NOT HAVE THE MONEY, POLITICAL MACHINERY AND SOPHISTICATION WITH ELECTORAL CHEATING THAT TRADITIONAL CANDIDATES HAVE, IT MEANS THAT THERE IS STILL HOPE IN THE PHILIPPINES , THAT FILIPINOS CAN LOOK BEYOND WHAT IS WRONG AND USUAL, AS LONG AS WE GUIDE THEM, EDUCATE THEM, MAKE THEM SEE THE DIFFERENCE. WE HAVE TO BUILD ON THIS HOPE AND NOT LET IT SLIP FROM OUR HANDS.

IF I HAVE TO SAY SO MYSELF PLEASE LOOK AT ME, THIS HANDICAPPED PERSON WHO IS NOW THE GOVERNOR OF MY PEOPLE. LOOK AT ME AS THE EMBODIMENT OF THE POWER OF THE PEOPLE THROUGH THE BALLOT. WHAT ELSE CAN EXPLAIN MY BEING GOVERNOR THAN THE DECISION OF THE ISABELINOS TO USE THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE DIFFERENTLY. MINE WAS ONLY ONE VOTE. WHAT MADE ME WIN WAS THE VOTE OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSAND OF OTHERS. THEY WHO MADE THE CHOICE AND BECAUSE OF THIS, THEY HAVE A DIFFERENT ISABELA NOW. LET US THEN WORK FOR THE WISE USE OF THE PEOPLE TO VOTE AND PROTECT AND RESPECT THEIR CHOICES.

LASTLY, PLEASE REALIZE THAT THE VERY FEW AMONG US WHO ARE SAID TO GIVE OUR PEOPLE HOPE, ALSO NEED TO BE ENCOURAGED, ALSO NEED TO BE UPLIFTED.

WE CANNOT FAIL. PLEASE HELP US NOT FAIL. WHEN I DELIVERED MY RESPONSE DURING THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARDS PRESENTATION CEREMONIES, I MENTIONED ABOUT BARACK OBAMA TALKING ABOUT THE AUDACITY OF HOPE, BUT MANY OF US, ASIANS, WHO HAVE SUFFERED SO MUCH MORE - AND HAVE ALREADY SUCCEEDED IN RISING ABOVE OUR MANY CHALLENGES, NEED NOW TO TALK ABOUT THE BURDEN OF THE BRAVE - THE NEED TO CONTINUE SUCCEEDING AFTER RAISING THE HOPES OF OUR PEOPLE. BECAUSE IF WE OURSELVES FALL SHORT OF EXPECTATIONS, THE LOWER STILL THAT WE HAVE SANKED THE FAITH OF OUR PEOPLE.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS I KNOW WELL ENOUGH THAT SO MANY OF OUR FELLOW FILIPINOS SUPPORT THOSE WHO FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.

I KNOW IT FROM ALL THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND CHEERS THAT I GET WHEN I MEET ORDINARY FILIPINOS - SALESLADIES IN DEPARTMENT STORES, SECURITY GUARDS, WAITERS AND WAITRESSES, AS WELL AS PROFESSIONALS, BUSINESS EXECUTIVES AND EVEN AMONG OUR SOLDIERS AND POLICEMEN. AS LONG AS OUR KABABAYANS STILL FEEL OFFENDED AND DISGUSTED WITH THE WRONG THINGS HAPPENING IN OUR COUNTRY AND AT THE SAME TIME CLAMOR FOR CHANGE WE WILL HAVE A BETTER PHILIPPINES .

LET ME END MY SHARING WITH YOU TODAY BY RELATING TO YOU ONE INCIDENT IN THE YEAR 2001, WHEN I FIRST DARED RUN AGAINST THE POWERS-THAT- DY IN ISABELA.

THERE WAS A CANDIDATES FORUM CALLED BY THE COMELEC AND THE PPCRV NAMFREL WHERE WE CANDIDATES WERE ASKED TO PRESENT OUR PLATFORMS OF GOVERNMENT. WE WERE GIVEN ONLY 5 MINUTES EACH .

SABI KO SA SARILI KO, NAKU, PAANO YAN, SA BAGAL KONG MAGLAKAD, BAKA UBOS NA IYONG FIVE MINUTES KO PAGDATING KO SA PODIUM.

WHEN I SHARED THIS STORY TO ONE OF THOSE WHO ATTENDED THE CANDIDATES FORUM, HE SAID, YOU DID NOT EVEN HAVE TO TALK, GRACE. YOU YOURSELF WERE THE MESSAGE.

THAT HERE IS SOMEONE WHO PEOPLE PERCEIVE AS SOMEONE WEAK, SOMEONE HELPLESS, BUT STILL CARES ENOUGH FOR HER COUNTRY TO HELP MAKE IT CHANGE.

THAT IS STILL MY MESSAGE. I HAVE BEEN GIVEN SO MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE MY THOUGHTS ABOUT NATIONBUILDING. AND MY MESSAGE CONTINUES TO BE …. NO ONE IS EXEMPTED FROM THE DUTY OF DOING OUR SHARE SO THAT WE FILIPINOS CAN START TAKING CONTROL OF OUR OWN FUTURE AND WORKING TOGETHER FOR THAT GENUINE AND LASTING CHANGE THAT WE ALL WANT TO SEE IN OUR COUNTRY. HOW MUCH MORE IF YOU ARE A PMAER? I KNOW YOU KNOW THAT. I KNOW TOO THAT MANY OF YOU WANT TO DO THAT. BUT BY THIS TIME, WE SHOULD KNOW WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOES NOT. WHAT WILL LAST AND WHAT WILL NOT. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO SHARE WITH YOU MY HUMBLE EXPERIENCE. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT IF LITTLE ME CAN DO SOMETHING, OUR BIG PMAERS YOU CAN DO A LOT MORE FOR OUR COUNTRY - BUT ONLY IN THE RIGHT WAY AND FOR THE RIGHT REASONS.

MARAMING SALAMAT PO .
GRACE PADACA

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

RIZALISTS DON'T LIE!


Sir Lino,


"As these mass mails spread untrue and unproven alligations, the receipt of these mails is the more disgusting." - Peter Plueckebaum, Deputy European Regional Commander, 02 Feb 2009

I forgot to tell you please that this KOR case isn't comparable to anyone's!

Mr Plueckebaum's letter is no simple e-mail. Didn't we have a Code of Ethics, Rizalists don't lie? His poor spelling is forgiven, but no true Rizalist may simply IGNORE such a blatant lie, THE MESSAGE, moreso if DISHONESTY is committed by a high KOR official!

Knights cannot expect good governance from scalawags and fakes! True Rizalists must fight, not condone such despotic beginnings! If a high KOR official could lie one sentence today, how many more official lies in the future must we tolerate, before we STOP them? (Germans lost WWI and WWII. When they march for Peace, they banner, "Beware or Fight the Beginnings!" or "NEVER AGAIN!")

Like GMA, IHQ and it's several appointed officials are in DENIAL of reality! Even if you point an elephant to them, they might describe it as a mouse! Plueckebaum's e-mail, similar to Bishop Williamson, denies even the existence/proof/evidence pointing to the Esguerra dishonesty on "non-racism" (Open Letter to Sir Peter Eisele appropriately titled "How to be un-Rizalian"), non-tolerance of indecent words (Letter to Sir Jun Zerrudo), and existence of many Alcoba e-mails, racistic as well as vulgar/indecent, in the hands of several European Knights, notably, Sir Lucien Spittael!

Any KOR defense will be shattered, just by the weight of one person's documentary evidence! Lazir put many names in order to prove to all, he has nothing personal against anyone, Mr Plueckebaum included!

Note please the name Lady Beatrice Agudo-Breuer, number 1 on Lazir's proposed witnesses list, a Filipina lawyer in Germany, married to a German Psychologist/Psychiatrist! Lady Beatrice is, as far as Lazir knows, the only Filipino lawyer in Germany accredited with the German Court, in Bonn! To top all that, Lady Beatrice is a member of the Bonn Ladies Chapter, where erring Mr Plueckebaum is the Knights' Chapter Commander! Will KOR/Mr Plueckebaum present an adverse witness for Lazir, let's say, Sir Medardo Cadiente, Davao Chapter or Lady Baby Pulumbarit? The willingness to present Lady Beatrice is Lazir's PROOF he fights FAIR, although Mr Plueckebaum "stabbed him from the back", violating the Rizalian Code of Ethics! Most imporatnt, Lazir won't dictate what others should say in court! Do you think Lazir, a non-lawyer, will dictate to Lady Attorney Beatrice?

Sir Lino and Sir Manny, there lies the difference between a Rizalian Knight and a fake: talking and observing the Code of Ethics!

Lazir's 30+ witnesses could be overkill, but he thought you wish to join the Fun! Fun! Fun! (applying reverse Psychology!) get-together, if time permits, after the hard work of presenting Rizalism before the German court! As Lazir has stated, every individual is free to testify for Justice, Truth, Integrity, Credibility, Fairness!

A "no" from you, Sir Lino, is most welcome, coming from the dictates of your conscience!

Tree-planting is one thing we both love to do and should continue doing!

For country and people!

:)
Lazir

Monday, February 16, 2009

PRESIDENT ARROYO EXPERIENCES QUADRUPLE BYPASS

Written by Bobby Reyes - Feb 15, 2009 at 10:31 AM


No, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo (PGMA) does not have any coronary disease necessitating a bypass surgery. But Barack Hussein Obama has found a way to avoid meeting with her when he was a presidential candidate, a President-elect and as President. Yes, three times the American President has played a hide-and-seek game with PGMA. Now, she gets a fourth bypass when President Obama's new Secretary of State undertakes an official first overseas trip to China, Japan, South Korea and Indonesia. Once again, the top envoy of the United States skirts the Arroyo Administration. In fact by going to Indonesia, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton may be traveling across part of the Philippines' air space but she sidesteps the leader of what is supposedly America's most-trusted ally in Asia. This means that insofar as the United States is concerned, PGMA is on the way out. The Filipino lame duck of a leader is now history.


And the irony of it all, PGMA's rah-rah boys and her Rasputins trumpeted that she supposedly met with Secretary of State Clinton during the National Prayer Breakfast (NPB) at the Washington Hilton on Feb. 5, 2009. As this writer reported two days before the event, President Obama would not give PGMA her time of day. He did not even acknowledge in his speech the Filipino leader's presence at the NPB and much more consented to a cursory photo-op at the back of the stage, which President Obama could have done had he wished to be photographed with Mrs. Arroyo.

To read our reports on the diplomatic snub of President Arroyo at the NPB, please click on these links:

President Arroyo Invites Herself Again to Washington, DC, and Once More Will Embarrass Filipinos

President Obama Ignores President Gloria Arroyo at the National Prayer Breakfast

As this column has written before, PGMA must use the remaining days of her Administration to do some things positive, so as to achieve redemption of her presidency. She cannot force the extension of her tenure under the guise of Charter Change because even American policy-and-decision makers treat her as an overstaying and unwelcome guest. Here is that article again that repeated Max V. Soliven's own unsolicited advice for "President Arroyo to save her from herself" - President Arroyo Is in a State of Denial that She Is Not Only a Lame Duck But Also She Is History


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Sunday, February 15, 2009

Dr. Jose Rizal will NOT want a corrupt KOR in the Philippines or elsewhere!


YES, CORRUPTION CAUSES HUNGER


Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:03:00 02/06/2009

European Union Ambassador Alistair MacDonald affirmed, during a forum, that corruption is a manifestation of poor governance as well as of the lack of transparent, accountable management and control systems. These symptoms are very visible in the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

MacDonald also said, "Corruption helps to promote hunger and fear and is a direct assault on human rights." [Read story]

A tourist need not stroll along Ayala Avenue, he can go near the Baclaran church and watch Badjao children with their "tambol" [drums] singing, "Ilabas niyo ang wallet n'yo, Ate, Kuya, kahit magkano basta galing sa puso n'yo." [Brother, sister, bring out your wallets, any amount will do as long as it comes from your heart.) Will Ms Arroyo's heart melt if she hears this plaintive song, begging for a few pesos more for food?

And what about the endless killings of media people, the countless enforced disappearances like the one that victimized the son of the late publisher-turned-farmer Joe Burgos, leaders of the Bayan Muna party-list group, and suspected operatives of the New People's Army?

And what about the billions of pesos stashed in the bank accounts of Arroyo cronies and allies? Thirty percent of the national budget of more than a trillion pesos for 2009 will go to their pockets. Think about it, this 30 percent in kickbacks can be spent instead for Badjao scholarships, relocation sites for displaced squatters, livelihood programs for laid-off overseas Filipino workers, and loans for small farmers so they can buy farm inputs and cushion the effect of the economic crisis.

I hope MacDonald's technical people will tell us Filipinos that we need a law punishing the corrupt with "death by firing squad."

ISIDRO C. VALENCIA,
Building 33, Room 022,
Bagong Lipunan Condominium,
Taguig City

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Saturday, February 14, 2009

RP FACES FOREIGN AID CUT DUE TO CORRUPTION


By Pia Lee-Brago
Updated February 10, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines is facing a big cut in foreign aid because corruption in government is “deeply entrenched” and the World Bank report is “worrying” a big donor country, a diplomat disclosed yesterday.

The diplomat from the major donor country, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their government is closely following the WB report and the investigation into the anomalous road projects funded by the foreign financial institution and the extent of government corruption that has identified First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo as the alleged patron of colluding contractors in a $33-million road project in 2003.

Diplomatic sources have told The STAR that corruption is also of concern to the Millennium Challenge Corp., a US government-backed foreign aid arm, and that the Philippines is unlikely to get promoted from “threshold” to “compact” aid status, which would have secured more funding for the country’s development efforts.

“It’s worrying us because it’s so serious. The World Bank report showed that corruption here is deeply entrenched,” the diplomat said.

The diplomat admitted that assistance to the Philippines will be reviewed by their government but a significant reduction is seen.

“We’re following this. This kind of experience can bring down governments in some countries,” the envoy said, urging the media to use its influence to bring out the truth and expose corruption in government that “should lead to prosecution whoever the people involved are.”

According to the WB report, one Japanese and two Filipino contractors revealed the First Gentleman’s role in the collusion to favor some contractors.

Earlier, Ambassador Alistair MacDonald said the Philippines had to be “attentive” to its negative image that has been projected because of allegations of corruption in government.

MacDonald, head of delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, said the country’s image has been projected negatively because of anomalous transactions and the corruption in road projects detailed in the WB report. 

When asked if the corruption will lead to a reduction in EU assistance to the Philippines, MacDonald said the EU is always attentive to issues and developments in countries.

MacDonald emphasized that the EU has a robust control system in place to make sure that their assistance goes to where it is intended.

Washington also said the government should ensure transparency in biddings and awarding of contracts for government projects.

The World Bank had uncovered a major cartel involving local and international firms bidding on a Philippine road project and it had barred seven companies – three from the Philippines and four from China – from bidding on its projects due to alleged corruption.

The World Bank’s corruption-fighting unit said the firms were blacklisted for “engaging in collusive practices” during the bidding of the project financed by the Washington global development lender.

Investigation by the bank’s Integrity Vice Presidency (INT) “uncovered evidence of a major cartel involving local and international firms bidding on contracts under phase one of the Philippines’ National Roads Improvement and Management Program, known as NRIMP 1.”

Companies blacklisted by WB were Philippines-based E.C. de Luna Construction Corp., Cavite Ideal International Construction and Development Corp., and CM Pancho Construction, Inc.; China Road and Bridge Corp., China State Construction Corp. and China Wu Yi Co. Ltd., China Geo-Engineering Corp.; and Korean firm Dongsung Construction Co. Ltd.


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Friday, February 13, 2009

KNIGHTS OF RIZAL


Mr. Zerrudo,


I had been following the Lazir case and all the issues around it. BTW, it has been a while since my last email to you which up to today remains unanswered. Your response is eagerly awaited.

As things seems to people who are interested in the KOR Manila issue, it is obvious that when there is smoke, there must be fire.

My unsolicited observation for whatever it is worth:

1. "You" are trying to shame people who are shameless so logically the objective will not be realized;
2. Again "you" are fighting people with no
conscience (seems like), so conscience is not the best tool to use;
3. "You"
are fighting an adversary who is also your police, judge and jury. Outcome is obvious.

Many comments put forward regarding this issue (coming from both outside and in the Philippines) and here they are (truth hurts sometimes) solicited by me:

1. They do not like the piano player for reasons of their own (justified or not. I do not want to elaborate on this but each of "you" knows "your" weaknesses and should look inwards);
2. They do not like the way it is being
handled e.g. long harangues, disjointed arguments, etc etc.;
3. KOR and the
Philippine issue in general are 2 distinct separate issues and should be handled as such;
4. The MAJORITY of KOR members are IGNORANT of the issues;
5. This is old issue and we should move forward;
6. This email campaign is a
nuisance to many and do not even open them.. Most mark them as spam mail;
7.
Demands from "you" are too confrontational e.g. public apologies, time limits on replies, ab infinitum;

Many more comments but perhaps these are most relevant.

Mr Ver Amante, Scarborough Chapter, came up with one of the best solutions to the problem. His own words "I am calling all the membership specially members who resides in the Philippines, to evaluate the situation of their own local chapters.and decide what to do either

* withhold membership fee.

* organise a protest group to make sure that they are being heard by the supremo and cohurts.

* start a new chapter and join IFKOR where being a member makes a difference you do not have to be KGCR/KGOR to be heard."

Mr. Barcelona also suggests "We will love to hear more from the rank and file - more on how we can "shake the legs" of those concerned in Manila. Waiting.... Sinned"

But all these cries, as far as I know, is only being heard in the "home court" of the adversary.

May I suggest:

1. Gather all pertinent documentary evidence regarding the accusations;
2.
Consult a lawyer where ever "you" or in the Philippines as to the legal ramifications and what legal actions can be taken on each accusation;
3. Get
out of the "home" court and go public e.g. Philippine press, more exposure to other chapters abroad and in the Philippines, publish the accusations and supporting documents in the Laong laan forum or anywhere willing.
4. Manny Pacquiao does not "telegraph" his punch.


Most important, as Rizal advocated, is EDUCATE the masses.

Only then will "you" have a fair chance of achieving what "you" are fighting for.

Tall order it is, but necessary or you will be just spinning "your" wheels. When the general public sees "your" seriousness and the logical coherent way "you" are handling the issues, as Mr Barcelona says "they will come out of the woodwork" and join you openly. Otherwise, they will remain silent.

But they first HAVE to be EDUCATED about the issues.

Unwelcome comments, but here they are.

I will gladly share my experience in conflict "resolution" and my 2 cents worth.

Gerry


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

THE LOVE OF OTHERS


German Joys Review: Das Leben der Anderen



The former East Germany, a relatively small country of 16 million people, was controlled by the most sophisticated, cunning, and thorough secret police the world has ever seen, the East German Ministerium für Staatsicherheit, or "Stasi." The Stasi had about 90,000 employees -- a staggering number for such a small population -- but even more importantly, recruited a network of hundreds of thousands of "unofficial employees," who submitted secret reports on their co-workers, bosses, friends, neighbors, and even family members. Some did so voluntarily, but many were bribed or blackmailed into collaboration.

In a totalitarian country plagued by shortages, the State lavished funds and training on Stasi agents. They did sometimes resort to physical violence and torture, especially in the basement of the infamous Hohenschönhausen prison in Berlin. However, such drastic measures were rarely necessary -- the Stasi could usually get the information it obsessively sought from a meek and terrorized population by doling out (or withholding) State favors: university slots for parents of teenage children, painkillers for closet addicts, or perhaps a visa to visit relatives in the West.

Das Leben der Anderen, ("The Life of Others") German director Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck's debut, builds this painful legacy into a fascinating, moving film. In its moral seriousness, artistic refinement, and depth, Das Leben der Anderen simply towers over other recent German movies, and urgently deserves a wide international release. The fulcrum of the movie (but probably not its most important character) is Georg Dreyman, an up-and-coming East German playwright in his late 30s. Played by the square-jawed Sebastian Koch, Dreyman is an (apparently) convinced socialist who's made his peace with the regime. His plays are either ideologically neutral or acceptable, and he's even received State honors.

Although he is a collaborator, he is also a Mensch. He uses his ideological "cleanliness" to intervene on behalf of dissidents such as his journalist friend Paul Hauser (Hans-Uwe Bauer). These unfortunates must contend with every humiliation a totalitarian state can invent: their apartments are bugged, friends and family are recuited to inform on them, and chances to publish or perform can be extinguished by one stray comment from a Central Committee member. The most recalcitrant can be kicked out of the country and stripped of their citizenship, like the singer songwriter Wolf Biermann.

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Thursday, February 12, 2009

WHO'S AFRAID OF THE BIG BAD WOLF?

Sir Zane,

Correction please Sir Zane! You are barking at the wrong tree!

It's alright for Sir Henry Kissinger to speak about the Watergate wrongdoing, in public or on TV!

Being here in Germany the last 26 years, Lazir observed it NEVER hurt Germany to be up front, holding the moral high ground, stating the facts the way it was/is historically!

On the contrary, Germany is reaping praises worldwide, year in and year out, for not forgetting, being honest, even leading PUBLIC commemorative rites about their past!

Japan (like IHQ) is wrong, being criticized, for being SILENT about their war atrocities, even re-writing their history books!

Ergo, it is very wrong to STOP Lazir! Equally, it is inappropriate of some to criticize what he does! Even the simple suggestion that Lazir STOP is morally wrong, un-Rizalian!

Even worse were the congratulatory letters like Al Taguiang's, London; expulsion moves against Moreno/Sir Jun Zerrudo initiated by the Supreme Council/signed by Samuela; latest e-mail from Plueckebaum; denying/attempts to deny the Esguerra dishonesty or Quiambao's reported push for Paras, in lieu of Sir Lucien Spittael in 2006; promotion of racist Alcoba, Paris July 2007, etc.!

The Catholic church positively responded to the critics, even those coming from Chancellor Merkel, which others falsely pictured as a personal Papal attack from a protestant's daughter!

The Holy Father Pope Benedikt XVI asked Williamson to retract, the Pius Brotherhood replaced Williamson with another in the priesthood training he held prior to the scandal!

The right thing, Sir Zane, is to STOP the corrupt and those that deny corruption/dishonesty and their supporters!

No one may ask Lazir nor Chancellor Merkel, who merely got involved BECAUSE there are those who need to be REMINDED of their functions/mandated duties!

To toe your reasoning Sir Zane, is to give-in to Holocaust deniers/corruption and give them more strength, if not respite!

Chancellor Merkel stayed in Berlin and addressed her straight-forward words at the direction of the Vatican, which eventually CORRECTED THE WRONG! She didn't have to fly to Rome!

Vatican corrected their mistake QUICKLY, though losing many members who left the church! Admission saved their face! (And to think that the Pope acted in a divine way, forgiving a wrong-doer!)

On the other hand, IHQ dragged this SCANDAL for too long, clearly Esguerra's INCOMPETENCE! Is he held at the neck by Quiambao?

Lazir has nothing personal against Quiambao, Paras, Samuela, Alcoba nor Esguerra. It is hoped that Paras doesn't get the KGCR this month in Manila, replacing Mushake! Future trips of Esguerra using KOR funds for airfare/hotel, must be paid for from his own pockets, if the foreign assembly is like what transpired in Paris, 2007 and Toronto, 2008!

But Lazir is right, Quiambao is corrupt and Esguerra is dishonest!

At the very beginning, IHQ should have done the appropriate, correct, proper thing if they have credibility and integrity, like Pope Benedikt XVI!

For country and people!

:)
Lazir
Fear the Lord, no one/nothing else!

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Sirs,

All of these emails are hurting the name of OKOR.

Can we please stop. If anyone has a problem with the IHQ, go there in person and solve the matter. We are washing our dirty cloths in public, its not right, the group goes by the name of JPR, we are not a simple group, we have a respectful name and must maintain such.

Think about how OKOR is looking in the eyes of others when all these emails are flying all over the world. Stop please.

Sir Zane

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Sir Zane,

Does it also mean that the incompetence of Manila in solving the problems does not hurt the KOR? In the same manner, your advice to go Manila and air your complaints there - it might be a good idea for you to go to Manila, like you planned sometime ago, and advise them to resolve the problems (that hurt the KOR) immediately and thoroughly so that the emails "that hurt the KOR" may subside.

Have you ever ask yourself, "why is the emailing 'hurting KOR' never stopping?" There must be a reason. Cause and Effect? Do you think writers against Manila's behavior do their crusade to remove corruption, endemic both in the KOR and in Philippine society, with savor? Do you think they enjoy it? They do not - but they will not stop the crusade.

Remember - evil will succeed - when we begin to accept it. In 1939 Neville Chamberlain left Munich satisfied he had pacified Hitler. How about asking Manila (furnish us a copy) yourself? Ask it to answer the legitimate questions/accusations being thrown against it? For a change, I would recommend you to do it. It is not a time to be a softy and a pacifist. Even demand from it - answers, not wild claims and prosecution (of reform-minded knights). After you have succeeded, in getting answers from Manila - I will be the first to join you repair the battered KOR.

In all these exchanges I have come to classify addressees, as such:

1. Those who are openly voicing their minds about the ills in the KOR.

2. Those who use foul language (this genre has diminished now - retired, with their KGOR medals and sashes)while defending the corrupt.

3. The silent majority who do not ask that their names be removed from the listing - they do not fear the truth.

4. Those who are openly defending Manila bosses (not the KOR) a. for personal reasons; b. naivity???

5. A few who play prosecutors, judges and hangmen at the same time.

I know where I belong; readers - where do you belong?

SInned


"The arrogant one is he who wants to be worshipped, who misleads others, and who wants his will to prevail over reason and justice." - Dr Jose P. Rizal - Message to the women of Malolos, February 1889

"My ambition is not to win honors or hold positions, but to see what is just, exact and suitable, is done in political matters." - Dr Jose P. Rizal

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


Sir Steef,

Good observation/s!

In the Noli, Dr Jose Rizal's message is VERY CLEAR: take out the (social) CANCER!

Who is arrogant and wants to be worshipped, misleading others, and who wants his will to PREVAIL over reason? Isn't it Quiambao? Isn't it Esguerra, Samuela, Paras, Guansing, Nollas, Alcoba, and their "boys"?

Dr Rizal wants us to rid society of such persons/characters! RA 646, Sec 4, is very clear on MEMBERSHIP!

When the KOR takes the moral high ground, we can expect a take off, we will get QUALITY members, who are noble, righteous, upright! In other words, persons with good moral character, with INTEGRITY!

On the other hand, when we keep the corrupt, the dishonest, the incompetent, GOOD members will shy away, ASHAMED!

Dr Rizal's MESSAGE is written all over! Hence we have to read his novels, letters, works!

Lazir won't STOP, even if Moreno is expelled! ...for as long as corruption keeps going on in the KOR!

If Lazir is wrong, Mr Quiambao, a lawyer, can go sue Lazir in court!

The mere fact that Quiambao is silent, not going to court, is because Lazir is right and the evidence will overwhelm and cover Quiambao, Esguerra, Samuela, Paras, Guansing, Alcoba, Nollas, and their "supporters"?

As Sir Zane observed, "we are not a simple group, we have a respectful name and must maintain such." The MORE we have to rid the KOR of those bad eggs! That's the only way to MAINTAIN a good KOR! (Who wants a BAD KOR?)

For country and people!

:)
Lazir
Fear the Lord, no one/nothing else!

======================


"To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history;..." - Pres Barack Obama, 20 Jan 09

"No one will be corrupt if we don't let them." - Tony Meloto in his speech before Davao University graduates, 2007

"...Dare to cross boundaries in your minds and hearts! In your strength and courage! In the space inside and around you! Dare to be different! Dare what you never dared before! The highest thing that obliges you is your conscience. Act whatever good forces dictate! Then you are closer to Rizal's ideals than any policy or philosophy could ever be. What he can teach you, you will not understand without Kant's lessons..." - An excerpt of the speech Christoph S. Eberle delivered on Rizal Day in Hamburg, Dec. 2006.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

Sirs,

This is the first mail I did read completely. It says what is worth full. If the order shows only struggle and discussions there will never restart a chapter in The Netherlands.

We lost our members in the past, because our order doesn't show what's the massage. Make clear wherefore The OKOR exist!

I'm sure, this was not the right way!

Sir Steef Klarenbeek
(former The Hague Chapter)