Not few, however frustrated, would rather think GMA be let to finish her term up until 2010 – the more peace-loving of the pack. But that worldview assumes what is yet to be proved which is, on whether or not, GMA really won in 2004 – had elections been clean, honest, and reflective of the true voice. But against the backdrop of the ‘Hello Garci’ scandal, it is of doubtful validity whether the supposed-to-be president elected by the Filipino voters would have been a GMA. It can only be accepted as a social reality absent any kind of embargo mechanism. Nor will GMA allow herself to be booted out of office knowing she has control over the whole AFP and PNP, that have been largely instrumental in rigging election results. Or what have that LtCol Achilles Segumalian told us in the Fort
Bonifacio stand off?
The canvassing of votes alone in that 2004 elections held at the House of Representatives sends tell-tale signs of massive election fraud having been undertaken in nearly all places in the country especially those far-flung barangays where power resides in the barrel of the gun. And everything
that the board of canvassers can do – each and every time questions are being raised on the election returns being opened – is for the presiding officers to mark them as “noted” with no final disposition on what action have been truly taken on the accumulated questioned documents. We will never forget these two individuals in the persons of now Secretary Raul Gonzales and Sen. Francis Pangilinan. Their acts then are indicatively bound by instruction than by conscience.
To go down memory lane, Erap got ousted from Malacanang in what may be considered as a conspiracy designed to put GMA into power. Future scholars of law can still argue against what has been decided upon on the legitimacy of the new GMA presidency then basing as it did – in Angara’s diary – as having supplied that so-called ‘authoritative window of the state of mind of Erap’ in that very crucial moment in history. The camp of GMA through then chief of staff, now Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, did possibly bluff of the existence of a resignation letter of Erap when there was none. Without as much as an empirical check, the then Chief Justice proceeded to swear in GMA as the ‘acting’ president until everybody has to forget all about the rigid requirements of the Constitution. It was what Justice Artemio Panganiban calls as a form of judicial activism, if there is such a thing. More copies of his book have been banned due to a not too good a revelation incriminatory of Chief Justice Davide.
And with only 15 months before her last term finishes, GMA is dead set to tinker with the Constitution in the quickest way possible provided it can be justified within the bounds of law. Brother Mike Velarde has not more aptly said that this attempt to “ram through the people’s throats” charter change is immoral. And apparently, they took heed only to resurrect again charter change. What seems to be part of the main menu is the economic provisions that would open the doors for foreign ownership of lands which ought to be violative of our sovereignty. In any case, they are making a last ditch effort to have the constitutional order changed so GMA can stay in power and rule over us in perpetuity. And so are his rabid political allies share that grand fatale. Except that President Obama can peep through her window and against any such plan.
Ranged against the rather long list of involvement of the First Gentleman in alleged corrupt activities, it is not far fetched that this over-fixation with charter change is in fact, a defense mechanism intended to obviate the immediate possibility that GMA and his closest allies will go to jail or be made to account for all their unlawful acts during their watch – that on the assumption that GMA will not be booted out of power before 2010. Some serious observers of trends think that they see it coming, what with President Obama not wanting ever to be seen with GMA in any forum or meeting. Snubbing GMA, if we call it that, is itself a political statement – one of clear rejection of the Arroyo regime of
corruption.
It is really funny to hear former Congressman Pichay dismissed the WB report as mere rumor – tsismis daw. And then he wants all the World Bank people to go away from this land. Who can believe that well-meaning senior executives of the World Bank will in-dignify their position and office by resorting to rumor-mongering? Surely, systems are at work in a viable corporate organization as the WB and if they have been rather knowledgeable about the WB report, they will be honest enough to believe that indeed, the data are not arrived at haphazardly. We have heard GMA’s spokesperson tell us that the WB did not give the respondents good enough opportunity to be heard when in fact, Notices of Sanctions have been sent to them detailing their level of participation and their acts themselves that warranted their blacklisting except that they chose to disregard the WB by not giving a reply or response.
That Malacanang spokesperson Golez must be giving public information work – be it in Malacanang or a lowly municipality elsewhere – a bad name. Did he as much as think he is expected to be able to defend a defenseless position by begging the question and a token refusal to acknowledge certain
other information that have already the subject of so much public discourse? And that Press Secretary Cerge Remonde also dismissed as black propaganda the alleged cartel in public works projects that are funded from the World Bank. Who can embrace that kind of worldview, pray tell?
GMA’s media bureau are really on their toes as even the other lady spokesperson is trying to say that GMA’s coming to the National Prayer Breakfast in the US is not so much as to meet with Obama for a photo opportunity when the truth is to the contrary. They probably have to do a reality check or survey so as to vet on whether or not the larger public or society writ large ever do believe them. They sound like they have lost track of reality if only to save the face of their president.
Where signs indicate, GMA appears to have fallen out of grace with bosom America disowning an old and close ally in the person of whoever sits as the Philippine president. And with that famous line in Obama’s inaugural speech now turning crystal clear that the reference is to GMA and her regime, that shall serve fair notice that when one finds herself on the wrong side of history, she better takes heed.
Since women presidents are said to be “trophies” of the ruling elites in the military establishment, GMA is rather assured that no part of this rather monolithic organization will defect to the other side of the Great Political Divide and betray her. With that serious allegation of a cartel perpetuated by those in power and close to GMA herself, it should have been expected of her to have broken her silence and clear her husband out of the noose – but none she did as to be uncharacteristically callous.
Contributing Writer: PRIMER C. PAGUNURAN
UP Diliman, Quezon City Email: nielsky_2003@yahoo.com
Popularity: 1% [?]
Among all the national leaders that stood with George W. Bush it would seem that Gloria is the last one still standing or sitting in office, in spite of having decamped the Coalition of the Willing in the Angelo de la Cruz affair. Talk about being the Last of the Mohicans. She’s got a big problem considering how “brown and white” she will increasingly seem to be, in an era of Living Color. It’s as if the former President forgot to bring the Poodle when he left the White House, and it’s trying to get adopted by the new tenants, who are, however, allergic to bushy, corrupt girl doggies.
Of course the US has permanent interests in the Philippines, both geopolitical and sentimental as it is increasingly congruent with the interests of Filipino-Americans in their millions. This could complicate any attempt to sneak back into the kulambo because the word has really gotten out about Gloria the Corruption Queen, thanks to the World Bank. She can count on a gauntlet of more than mosquito bites and I hope she will not find safe haven in America when she is ready to leave the Philippines in disgrace and a fugitive of the Law.
I agree how the World Bank made it crystal clear that the Arroyo regime is corrupt – even has to siphon off WB-funds intended for road development projects.
Paradoxically enough, everyone is asking for evidence as would satisfy the requirements of a court of law such as a sworn affidavits from the World Bank, no less than their court appearance, no less than all evidence they have with them.
How funny indeed to see how Senate begins work in legislative inquiry only to end up asking what courts of law require.
Our leaders are in the State of Delusion and
State of Denial. It seems hard for us to understand how these so called “highly educated” people, from military to civilian professionals can fall into helping a Leader cheat the election.
People must not forget the Nuremberg Trials of
the Nazis in Germany. These Nazi Criminals had
their defense of:”they are just following orders”.
Or the Japanese War criminals defenses during the
war crimes trial in Tokyo. Japanese war criminals
claimed:”they just worked there and are following
orders. They dont even know about the Geneva Convention”.
So, to those who had sold their Souls for the highest bidder. Following your conscience is
better than following orders that are not
right.
History and future generations of Filipinos will
judge you.
Time to test the limits of the moral forces – if they exist beyond our imagination.
Or something else.
I ( think) am sure that after the rule of GMA, people will easily forget all of the contoversies that are hounding her today.
Pilipino pa. Eh yun ngang harap-harapan na tayong binabalahura nitong sina GMA eh silent pa rin eh. Di lalo na pag wala na siya.
Duwag mga pinoy. Puro kuwento, wala wenta.
Wanna bet? Let us see in 2011. Nakalimutan na lahat atraso ni GMA.
We as a people have no stomach for lnyching our past leaders, and tormentors,.
Study how we treated the Americans after decimating 1/10 of the population of Luzon duing the Pil-Am war.
Or how we sentimentally embraced our Spanish conquerors?
The Japanese masters spawning the joke of “dapa may Hapon” during the war days and now’ ‘tihaya may Hapon”.
If we have the capacity to forgive them, e di lalo na pwede kay Gloria.
Baka gawin pa nating hero si GMA. Malamang.
“gloria falls out of grace”, … ho hum.
when are we going to hear the last of this hollow-headed hypothesis.
unlike philippines, which loves to shoot itself on the foot (through self-serving politicians and self-loathing citizenry), america acts according to what is in its best interest, and obama and his current admirers are not america. america would deal with the likes of bin laden, ahmedinajab, castro, kim jong il, hugo chavez, and, not too long ago, the filipino’s own, fardinand marcos, etc., as appropriate, if they thought it would ensure peace, safety and continued prosperity for the american people. america’s foreign policy is not determined by whether a country is led by a saint or an ordinary mortal. neither is america influenced by the perceptions of ideologically-tainted “world” entities such as u.n. or w.b.
so, djb, put your thinking hat on and shed that partisan, emotionally- driven paranoia of yours. think like an “american” that you are, for a change, and be guided accordingly.
America will dance with the Devil, if it is for
its interest. Filipinos will accept anything,
having the patience of a Carabao.
We dont learn our lessons, from Marcos, to Erap
To Gloria…repeating the same mistakes. Believing
campaign promises that will after all be broken
and forgotten after the election.
If they promise the moon and stars. Filipinos will
believe it…hook, line and sinkers, they will
swallow.
The Justice system in this country do not have the stomach to prosecute anyone in office who have broken the law. The next administration will always get away with their petty crimes from a simple intent of committing bribery, accepting gifts during election and corruption from almost every public projects. It’s always who is who and who can afford. The filipinos should stop comparing apples to banana.
The IMF and World Bank have been empowered by the government-controlled by the G7 countries. Led by the U.S., the U.K., Japan, Germany, France, Canada, and Italy — the “Group of 7,” which holds over 40% of the votes on their board.
There’s a high degree of direct influence by US led G7 in terms of financial borrowing to recipient countries like Philippines. There’s a word buzz that one is on the list of “gifts receiver” prior to bidding as payment of insiders information (public contracts finance by the world bank or the IMF). Conflict of interest exist and the so called gifts were invested heavily in US markets. If such gift receiver cannot justify the origin of money which is higher than income and previous assets,this could mean that the money invested overseas are people’s money and may become an ODIOUS debt. Once debts become odious, the world bank will lose money from extending credits.
The World Bank and the IMF are holders (lenders, servicers or mortgagee) of the majority of our debts. Both can influence our policy making. Since the WB report, officialdom may be worried of liquidity. As I said before, mag-ingat sa SSS niyo.
Haha, Bencard. You may yet get a chance to offer the arroyo couple the Spare Room…just keep the Walmart heirlooms and nicer B.B. stuff under lock and key. I think until they are actually convicted for plunder and put in Bilibid Prison you will insist it is all “partisanship” or “emotion-driven paranoia” on the part of the Rest of the World that they think GMA the Corruption Queen of Asia. But the World Bank can hardly be accused of that.
There were some people too back in the Bad Old Days who simply refused to believe that Ferdie and Imelda were corrupt. Well Gloria and Mike are just as corrupt but more hypocritical, subterranean in their methods, and just as ruthless. These are really Worse New Days under them.
I think my sense of Future History is better’n yourn. They will go down in disgrace and she in failure and culpability worse even than Marcos. As for First Gent he may yet exceed the former First Lady in craveness without the slightest touch of class, just the squeaky voice of a sneakier Imelda with not even her noblesse oblige.
I am not sure but each and every time America or Obama is mentioned, there is one commenter who comes bigger than himself critiquing and presenting his view of America and its state of affairs as the one and true point of view.
If he can espouse the American life, maybe he is even able to make every kind of keen and enlightened view of RP but not to chronic if vicious tendency to dismiss other commenter’s view as a hollow-headed hypothesis.
Is there such a ‘hollow-headed hypothesis’? Can the good commenter give two examples to demonstrate that kind of point?
Self-admittedly, that bencard ought to be a right-thinking thorough bred American that he claims to be and yet, seems bound to practice his self-serving if self-loathing tricks in this site. He always throws stones on glass windows but when his own glass gets broken, he whines. He is a whiner.
When FBI investigation may lead to some money coming from a third world country, the connection will always trace back to the lenders or loan servicer such as the WB, IMF or other financial institutions. When a dishonest regime cannot prove its defense , the people will suffer to pay illegitimate debts. Increase taxation, sending more pinoys overseas, SSS , beg for Aids and new Casinos will become the standard financial strategy for this country. It’s a lip service type of management sacrificing better strategies for local employment.
When business partners, networks or allies are turned off by bad reputations, slowly they will stay away. Their support may no longer be there because trust has been broken and may never be re-established. World Bank reports were intended to support its claim. The report may guide other investors on where they can invest their money.
Do we have the transparency? NO then it’s a turn-off. This will also connect to why Hillary will not personally visit the most corrupt in ASIA.
It’s like a small community, you will never like to see a bad cousin or hang out with bad friends.
When the Truth all comes out about Gloria and Mike, it will be like a volcanic eruption of Mount Malabanan. You will stand with us in disgust, Bencard, shake your head in chagrin. Of this, I have no doubt!
karlpops, i don’t whine when my views or opinions are criticized. i defend them to the best of my ability.
i complain (or whine, if you prefer) when i’m attacked personally without any personal provocation. not that i can’t fight back. i have nothing to hide (some know my identity and have, without prior authorization, revealed my full name in this blog). i just don’t want you and the likes of you to confuse a debate of ideas with blatant and malicious character assassination of the person who have a contrary point of view.
“When business partners, networks or allies are turned off by bad reputations, slowly they will stay away. Their support may no longer be there because trust has been broken and may never be re-established. World Bank reports were intended to support its claim. The report may guide other investors on where they can invest their money.”-leytenian
A very grim prospect indeed. I just hope and pray, really and sincerely pray (even if I don’t believe in prayer), that the route our government is threading is not the road to ‘Somalia’.
Are you talking to yourself, bencard. Aren’t you the one who – without provocation – personally attack me than the issues in the debate?
Why don’t you go over how you started it off? In any case, my take on this FV is that we are all associates in research, if we can call it that. Better still, we embrace different positions on burning issues of the day and what are incumbent upon us is to be able to shape opinions that are based on already existing data or information that we can weave together in a work in analysis.
We blog as we would – out of a sense of duty, if there be such a thing.
We can actually accept another who embraces a contrary view to our own, why not? Like you said, character assassination is not the good way to start if we really want to lay the predicate.
Automatic dismissal as hollow-point hypothesis what clearly constitutes the contrary is of course clearly plain ad hominem. At the very least, you have to explain and issue a convincing discussion why you state what you do.
In any event, I don’t normally do what you accused me of. Good day, Mister!
karlpooper, i attacked your “hypothesis” as hollow headed, not you personally. do you understand what a hypothesis is? it’s a proposition, a point of view, an opinion. are you a hypothesis?
sorry for the misspelling of your handle, karlpopper. i apologize for that.
Redundant, beancard. sorry, i mispelled your name, not that you are a bean but ben. Are you a point of view?
When you state a thesis, what logically follows is an explanation to support it.
Not another easy enough to state inanities.
the “explanation” is still a point of view. hence, can be assailed as “hollow-headed”. it’s up to you to argue otherwise, but don’t attack the critic personally. i think, therefore, i am (a person, not a point of view).
btw, don’t confuse me with beancurd, another commenter who i don’t hear from much nowadays. i don’t want him to think i’m appropriating his/her persona.
Isn’t “I think, therefore, I am” etymologically mean Cogito ergo sum but does not mean what you enclosed in parenthesis – (a person, not a point of view)?