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Gloria’s Fantasyland
In the news last month was the opening of a multibillion-peso amusement park in Dapitan City, Zamboanga del Norte. Called Gloria’s Fantasyland, the amusement park promises children fun and excitement with the choco-cup ride, the midi-flume ride, the carousel, the swinger, the Apollo, the minitrain, a giant roller coaster, a horror house, and interactive rides like Happy Journey, Fight Shark, World of War and Telecombat.
Gloria’s Fantasyland is owned by Romeo Jalosjos, a former congressman convicted of two counts of statutory rape and six counts of acts of lasciviousness against an 11-year-old girl.
I know…my steaming-hot morning coffee went shooting out of my nose, too.
A month before his “Disneyland in the Philippines” was opened to the public, Jalosjos told the press, “This is our way of letting less fortunate children enjoy the different rides which they have not experienced before.”
I know…I, too, had visions of Uncle Romy’s 11-year-old victim experiencing different rides she had not experienced before.
Jalosjos admitted to acts of lasciviousness, but he vehemently denies he ever raped the child.
“The victim, according to the mother, was almost 13 years old or rather more than 13 years old,” he said.
Under Republic Act 8353, the Anti-Rape Law of 1997, statutory rape applies only when the victim is less than 13 years old.
Okay, so she was 13 and he was 56 at the time. Did they hang out with her friends, or his?
I know…age does not matter where lust is concerned.
Jalosjos never apologized to his victim directly. He believed his personal transformation was proof enough of his remorse: “Hindi na kailangan ang word na ‘tawad’ ay marinig. [Ang] importante ’yung transformation na nakikita niya dahil sa pagsisisi [There’s no need to hear the word ‘sorry.’ What’s important is that she sees my transformation because of remorse].”
Two years ago, I wrote, “Maybe the aging pedophile will finally express remorse by turning his Dakak Island Resort into Uncle Romeo’s Enchanted Island Orphanage for Girls.”
It seems my quip was not too far off the mark. Jalosjos did build something for children.
I know…Jalosjos is making children happy instead of making happy with children.
I’m seriously thinking about bringing my nieces to Gloria’s Fantasyland. The only thing stopping me from doing it is the A (H1N1) virus.
I know…you, too, are worried about taking your kids to crowded places.
Gloria Arroyo graced the opening of the theme park. Some sectors did not approve of it. One columnist commented, “In other countries, heads of state are never to be seen with ex-convicts, much more a child rapist.”
I don’t know about that….
Jalosjos was convicted of raping one child. Arroyo is accused of raping 80 million people. Shouldn’t he be the one concerned about being seen with her?
But, kidding aside, Gloria Arroyo obviously has a soft spot for monsters. She pardoned Claudio Teehankee Jr., a man who shot and killed two teens in cold blood; she pardoned the soldiers who assassinated Ninoy Aquino; she hailed Gen. Jovito Palparan as a hero despite the mountain of human-rights abuse allegations against him; and she pardoned Romeo Jalosjos.
Gloria Arroyo did all of the above without consulting the families of their victims and, in the case of Jalosjos, the victim herself.
The woman Jalosjos raped sent Gloria Arroyo a letter that spoke directly to her disdain for victims.
“What is the government doing to protect victims?
“He [Jalosjos] did not listen to my cry. He ignored my tears. He raped and abused me repeatedly. He was about to buy me to be his live-in sex slave if I had not escaped. I was only 11.
“Please extend your compassion not to your political ally but to an innocent victim. Please do not condone his crime. I appeal to you. I deserve my justice. Please do not take it away from me.”
I know….
Popularity: 1% [?]
Na-stress na naman ako!
Next thing you know, Romy will do the moonwalk, have cosmetic surgery to change his complexion, and he’ll be more childlike and invite more children to his park… :((
MB,
I thought you were kidding when you cited the resort’s name. But it’s Gloria’s Fantasyland indeed!
Jalosjos must be a reader of yours :)
http://buklodsadapitan.com/attractions/glorias-fantasyland/
This Glorias fantasy land reminds me of one of the versions of pinochios story..
Every kids are encourage by a wicked magician, this magician is renowned to all kids because he promises to take them to a sort of paradise land, no studying, no chores to do other than playing.
But this wicked magician hides the fact that once they entered in this fantasy land they can never go back to their human form. Because when the sun rises they will all turn to donkeys and will be stuff for sale..
Pinochio turned out to be a donkey together with his friends but in the end blue fairy rescued them and banished the wicked magician..
I must simply monitor this post. I might be inclined to write something angry, which is not appropriate behavior for those of us assigned “guest” status.
Joe
oh common joe.. be angry and express yourself. i wanna hear the wild side of you :) lol
ahahahaha, be careful, L.
some day I’ll let it rip.
Joe
assume interest/ownership in private corporation or entity as prohibited by law. also assume immunity from this law.
Rule of law
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 3019 (ANTI-GRAFT AND CORRUPT PRACTICES ACT)
Summary:
Sec. 1. Statement of policy. – It is the policy of the Philippine Government, in line with the principle that a public office is a public trust, to repress certain acts of public officers and private persons alike which constitute graft or corrupt practices or which may lead thereto.
(d) “Person” includes natural and juridical persons, unless the context indicates otherwise.
Sec. 3. Corrupt practices of public officers. – In addition to acts or omissions of public officers already penalized by existing law, the following shall constitute corrupt practices of any public officer and are hereby declared to be unlawful:
(c) Directly or indirectly requesting or receiving any gift, present or other pecuniary or material benefit, for himself or for another, from any person for whom the public officer, in any manner or capacity, has secured or obtained, or will secure or obtain, any Government permit or license, in consideration for the help given or to be given, without prejudice to Section thirteen of this Ac
(h) Directly or indirectly having financial or pecuniary interest in any business, contract or transaction in connection with which he intervenes or takes part in his official capacity, or in which he is prohibited by the Constitution or by any law from having any interest.
Does this law apply?
If you have irrefutable evidence, it applies. Otherwise, join Lozada’s chorus.
Does this law apply : REPUBLIC ACT NO. 6713 (Conflict of Interest)
summary:
AN ACT ESTABLISHING A CODE OF CONDUCT AND ETHICAL STANDARDS FOR PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND EMPLOYEES, TO UPHOLD THE TIME-HONORED PRINCIPLE OF PUBLIC OFFICE BEING A PUBLIC TRUST, GRANTING INCENTIVES AND REWARDS FOR EXEMPLARY SERVICE, ENUMERATING PROHIBITED ACTS AND TRANSACTIONS AND PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS THEREOF AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
SECTION 1. Title. — This Act shall be known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.”
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policies. — It is the policy of the State to promote a high standard of ethics in public service. Public officials and employees shall at all times be accountable to the people and shall discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty, act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest.
SECTION 3. Definition of Terms. — As used in this Act, the term:
(b) “Public Officials” includes elective and appointive officials and employees, permanent or temporary, whether in the career or non-career service, including military and police personnel, whether or not they receive compensation, regardless of amount.
(f) “Substantial stockholder” means any person who owns, directly or indirectly, shares of stock sufficient to elect a director of a corporation. This term shall also apply to the parties to a voting trust.
(h) “Person” includes natural and juridical persons unless the context indicates otherwise.
(i) “Conflict of interest” arises when a public official or employee is a member of a board, an officer, or a substantial stockholder of a private corporation or owner or has a substantial interest in a business, and the interest of such corporation or business, or his rights or duties therein, may be opposed to or affected by the faithful performance of official duty. chan robles virtual law library
SECTION 7. Prohibited Acts and Transactions. — In addition to acts and omissions of public officials and employees now prescribed in the Constitution and existing laws, the following shall constitute prohibited acts and transactions of any public official and employee and are hereby declared to be unlawful:
(a) Financial and material interest. — Public officials and employees shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.
(b) Outside employment and other activities related thereto. — Public officials and employees during their incumbency shall not:
(1) Own, control, manage or accept employment as officer, employee, consultant, counsel, broker, agent, trustee or nominee in any private enterprise regulated, supervised or licensed by their office unless expressly allowed by law;
(2) Engage in the private practice of their profession unless authorized by the Constitution or law, provided, that such practice will not conflict or tend to conflict with their official functions; or
(3) Recommend any person to any position in a private enterprise which has a regular or pending official transaction with their office.
These prohibitions shall continue to apply for a period of one (1) year after resignation, retirement, or separation from public office, except in the case of subparagraph (b) (2) above, but the professional concerned cannot practice his profession in connection with any matter before the office he used to be with, in which case the one-year prohibition shall likewise apply.
(c) Disclosure and/or misuse of confidential information. —
Public officials and employees shall not use or divulge, confidential or classified information officially known to them by reason of their office and not made available to the public, either:
(1) To further their private interests, or give undue advantage to anyone; or
(2) To prejudice the public interest.
By the way, leytenian, has anything been said yet if GMA is part owner of that newly-built amusement park for children?
And for manuel, I just think that perhaps, to any given degree of malice, the ‘impressions’ of Romeo Jalosjos may be rather harsh, unverified, or uncalled for. It is just my take.
yeah, there’s room for arguments. that was one of it. but it won’t matter to BongV, he may ask and say: “who voted who in the first place? ” :)
exactly! how did the perpetrator get into a position of authority? surely he wasn’t appointed, was he? oh, he was voted into the position? by who again? must be syokoy and serena in :lol:
Primer,
To consult this business in term of its legality, this is my serious take of this issue. In every business, there is always a start up plan that includes: the potential name of the business, the foot traffic or potential customers ( populations stat), the overall achitectural plan of the business and the overal time involve in planning including financial estimates and projections. I don’t think this park was planned in 3 years and be built in one year. Jalosjos was still in jail.
Connect the dot, I could be wrong.
Historically enough, it was luminously impossible for Romeo Jalosjos to have won his legal battles at a time when a women’s movement of sort has just been awakened. Thus, RJ is literally one swimming against this tide.
Even the lawyer of the alleged victim is topnotch, maybe more equipped to that of RJ’s own.
There ought to be something most people don’t really know about RJ. I just don’t quite believe wholesale all that had been thrown on him. Media hypnosis took its tool upon poor RJ.
Primer,
I think in most civilized societies people would feel uneasy about a 56-year-old man fucking an 11-year-old girl. Pedophilia is simply unacceptable. That’s all it is.
Don’t blame the women’s movement. Don’t blame his lawyers. Cmon man…there’s some lines that one simply does not cross.
Granted the girl was 13 and not 11. He still admitted sex with her. Granted he was in love with her and wanted to marry her. The law doesn’t allow an 11-year-old to get married!
There is something very wrong about a convicted child-rapist owning and operating an amusement park for kids. It’s like a pardoned serial killer owning a gun store or a firing range, a drug addict or a pusher with a pharmacy, or an alcoholic tending tending bar.
In many states in the US there are laws against convicted child molesters owning and operating businesses whose main clientele are kids. Child molesters are not even allowed, in some places within 2000 feet, near schools. children’s parks etc.
Would you allow RJ to babysit?
Amen, and amen.
Have RJ babysit Primer’s daugher!
Joe,
Aren’t we all mere ‘guests’ of Nick – with no privileges.
Makes me wonder why, at least a soul here wants me out of FV, forgetting all about his co-equal status with other bloggers or commenters.
Part of growing up, Joe.
Primer,
we have the privilege of expressing our selves with a reasonable amount of decorum. Nick has the task of seeking high standards for the site, active participation, and freedom of expression within prudent guidelines. They are sometimes not compatible forces.
Bencard is simply grouchy at times. I dunno, its hemorrhoids maybe. I, too, seem to have a knack for drawing out putdowns from him for every thing I write.
You will know when you should leave — when people stop commenting on your blogs. If you stir up a little trouble now and then, it is not a bad thing.
Joe
You’ll soon be in trouble too, Joe and I suspect you’ll find it hard to also pull your keel.
It is so because we know those lost souls who fire from a rusty barrel without an intellectual groove – all of the time.
leytenian,
I guess the same business partner of RJ who may have funded his Dakak Resort – does it have to be from state funds?
I am inconvenienced why Gloria authorized her label to be CLOSELY connected with the molester’s entity, Gloria’s Fantasyland. The label of the park could suggest foul play. She should detach her name from the entity. It doesn’t sound morally right.
I also agree with Manuel, but we don’t have a statute that will hinder any person who has prior conviction to not be allowed to do business/commerce with the State. As for the money, I have no confirmation to support any speculation. However, licensing and authorizing organization possibly will point private eye to the right direction.
CDQ don’t pay no taxes:
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20090617-210855/Writer-ka-lang-pala
A way of protest at the immoral government. Sadly though, there is still the 12 percent VAT which all consumers – of shampoos, sardines or ballpens – must fork and which goes directly to the cookie bag of Glueria.
I guess his income is too small to make it unethical and making a statement is more valuable than what he’s going to contribute on government programs.
Romeo Jalosjos is a convicted Child Molester. Gloria Arroyo’s
Fantasyland maybe a place where the Child Molester Jalosjos may
have again be going to spot his probable victims. I will
not let my child play there.
It’s Jalosjos’ version of Wacko Jacko’s Neverland Ranch?!
The following image best suits the first few paragraphs — http://bit.ly/1zy8I
My heart sank when I learned that this wasn’t some joke you guys were pulling.
Maybe it’s all just satire, yes? It’s not funny, that’s for sure. :-&
Brilliant post, MB. But you forgot Gloria also pardoned the priest-killer, the mastermind of my friend Cochise and his gf Beebom’s kidnap-murder, and soon, the murderer of teenager Eldon Maguan.
I believe these guys will be operating the shooting gallery in Gloria’s Fantasyland. They might as well turn the whole place into one big horror house.
We have always rallied behind lost causes.
History is replete with this sad happenstance. EDSA 1 and EDSA 2 could be given as classic examples. Lately, the Nicole vs. Smith already magnified this fact.
It is beyond us what RJ did to the girl whom we know were accompanied by a known pimp. If only a reinvestigation can be done, perhaps new facts might surface.
So if a person has reformed, we cannot even allow room for sanity?
This is the irony.
If you put RJ on one side of the weighing scale and the girl on the other side, you will realize that in terms of overarching ‘social relevance’, otherwise quantified, RJ weighs far much more than the girl.
The lopsidedness means something to me.
Yup in Primer’s world CONVICTED PEDOPHILES have overarching social relevance.
Imagine a Philippines with 40 million people behving like Primer, giving more social relevance to convicted pedophiles. How about that?
And you wonder why the Philippines is f*cked up.
One way ticket – out of the Philippines, anywhere but here… please…
Well, Primer, you will catch hell for your stand, and on another day, I would join the pack. But I do believe your point about “overarching ‘social relevance’” is something worth thinking about. How events get twisted beyond their rightful weight by publicly determined social relevance. It certainly entered into the Smith case, and is still affecting how the VFA is viewed. I’m not sure who determines the relevance, the media or the people. Or both. Or legislators seeking hot buttons for re-election. Or all three.
But things do get blown out of proportion. (Happens in the US, too.)
Joe
The irony of it all – the PI is one Gloria’s Fantasyland – where nitwits abound, waiting for Gloria’s anointment, let the nitwits enjoy the circus, while we run away with their money. And the nitwits will be so in…. la la la la land. :lol:
Lalong lumala, to borrow Rom’s statement, just when you thought things have hit rockbottom, out comes a sledgehammer :lol:
Primer,
Pedophilia is something to be cured not reformed. It’s a mental sickness.
So she was accompanied by a known pimp. So that means your friend RJ was a regular customer. Do you think he supplied her with 13 year olds on a regular basis or was this one just a treat, a one time thing?
And what exactly is RJ’s social relevance?
And where do you get off dismissing the relevance of that courageous 13 year old who stood up to a sicko millionaire congressman and sent him to jail? There is no social relevance to that?
Primer there are some things in this world that are spin proof. Pedophilia is one of them.
Ding,
You’re gentleman enough not to play foul on me. Please don’t mention any member of my family. Please?
We all pretend to be very conversant of the facts of the case.
It all was media-hyped as if there is no other way to come at a more balanced understanding of the real situation.
I am not sure, but there will always be future historians.
Primer,
Why don’t you read the case?
The simple test is this:
Will you allow Romeo Jalosjos to babysit your daughter.
If not, then you can kiss overarching social relevance to the high heavens when RJ molests your daughter.
The same advise to bong on ding, if you may please refrain from having to involve any member of my family?
Let us stick to the knitting. Or why indeed this ‘resistance game’?
Primer:
I am talking about a member of my family, will I allow RJ to babysit my daughter? Hell, No.
Got it?