Kowtow
October 3, 2007 by mlq3
Filed under Daily Dose
Late last night, the story broke: Arroyo decides ‘not to continue’ with ZTE deal–Bunye. Today, the story got to be clarified further: GMA explains ZTE fiasco to Hu (as another story put it, Arroyo ‘stops’ deal with ZTE; China prexy accepts decision).
Obviously, that was the main objective of the President, with specific, domestic political considerations on her mind. As her people put it, ‘Political instinct’ made Arroyo scrap ZTE deal — Palace.
Having achieved that, she can then attend to other things.
Contrary to speculations to the contrary, the President has a serious reason for visiting China. She’s there in support of Philippine investments overseas, a legitimate and praiseweworthy thing for any president to do, and which explains why she’d go to China when the Chinese themselves are enjoying one of the major holidays in their culture.
As the news has it, Arroyo inaugurates Razon container terminal in Shandong. After all, Razon now most powerful businessman, says De Venecia son. Those interested in the maritime ports industry might be interested in the blog Maritime Watchkeeper.
The main thing is that prior to the electrifying news arriving late in the evening from China, the Palace faithful had been mobilized to propose the party line: Palace wants Senate to stop NBN deal investigation. This was expressed by the Executive Secretary when the President left; in addition, after the President left, her husband returned: obviously well-briefed on what he, in turn, should be saying: Mike Arroyo: I never said ‘Back off’.
What I found very curious last night was that a couple of hours before the news of the President’s statement was released, the distinct possibility that the scheduled ZTE hearing for Thursday would end up being either canceled outright, or postponed, began to circulate. Obviously, coming at the heels of official Palace expressions of desire -for the hearings to end- this is what made the scuttlebutt take on the Wow factor.
Consider, first, that resuming the hearings would further add scrutiny to an already open can of worms: Probe of PDI, 4 solons sought over leak on secret meeting (for its part, the paper I write for says, PDI stands by story on Joker’s intervention in Neri’s testimony). The Senate, then, having already spent yesterday arguing its case before the Supreme Court (see No TRO on ‘Hello Garci’ probe; SC grills petitioners) and earning a minor victory (no TRO to stop the Hello Garci hearings) and faced with that probe called by an angry Joker Arroyo, and headed for a justifiable confrontation with Romulo Neri on his invocation of executive privilege, seemed poised for, well, a home run.
As the Inquirer editorial for today put it, in The battle resumes:
This returns us to the Senate, which is due to resume its joint committee hearings on the ZTE deal. There will be two issues immediately confronting the chamber. First, allegations concerning the conduct of the executive session last Thursday. This was meant to allow senators the opportunity to understand why Chair Romulo Neri of the Commission on Higher Education invoked executive privilege just as he had tantalizingly came close to revealing that the President had said more about Abalos’ bribe than just advising Neri not to accept the bribe.
Conflicting suggestions of improper behavior, either by senators or members of the Cabinet, in that executive session, have been made. One senator has asked whether these suggestions of improper, even scandalous, conduct justified the unprecedented move of some senators to reveal what took place. We say unprecedented, because the allegations of what happened during that executive session are unparalleled in the history of our Congress and perhaps any legislature in the modern era.
The second issue is whether or not to compel Neri to reveal what he knows but won’t say. Senators must decide if they will detain Neri and trigger, in turn, a case in the Supreme Court to settle, once and for all, whether the Cabinet member is right in invoking executive privilege. This is a confrontation that seems not only inevitable, but necessary. We cannot agree with Sen. Joker Arroyo that the Senate should quit while it is ahead.
It is by settling these two questions, which all hinge on Neri’s possessing information as to what the President knew, and when — and what she did or did not do, knowing what she knew — that checks and balances are asserted and the parameters of democracy are more clearly established. At stake is the ability of Congress to exercise oversight, of witnesses to use legitimate legal shields or hide behind legal barriers erected to cover up official wrongdoing. There is even the possibility that Neri’s value as a witness has been compromised, because he no longer has free will, and has been subjected to official intimidation — whether from the Senate, or the executive branch.
Except, the battle has been… well, to put it charitably, postponed. And this brings me to what got reporters scrambling back into action last night, even prior to the announcement by the Palace, that the President had ordered the ZTE deal “stopped”. Here’s the report by Malaya: Senate freezes probe into broadband deal. As their report puts it,
The freeze was a result of the decision to scrap an all-member caucus last night where a proposed hearing tomorrow was to be taken up.
The caucus was called to discuss how the Senate would pursue the inquiry after the resignation on Monday of Election Chairman Benjamin Abalos, the alleged broker of what was suspected as an overpriced supply contract with the Chinese company ZTE.
Earlier in the day, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the Senate investigation might not be relevant anymore after Abalos’ resignation.
“Ngayong wala na yung object ng kanilang investigation, ano’ng relevance noon?” he asked.
He added that President Arroyo “is very confident that things will somehow simmer down.”
Rep. Alan Peter Cayetano, chair of the Blue Ribbon, the lead committee, said the failure to hold a caucus only means that no hearing has been scheduled.
He said the inquiry will definitely continue.
He said the committee has subpoenaed the NEDA Investment Coordinating Committee for all documents relating to the ZTE contract. He said the transportation department has already submitted the documents in its hands upon receipt of a similar subpoena duces tecum.
Congress was originally scheduled to start its All Saints’ Day break on Oct. 13. On Monday, it was announced at the Senate that the recess would be advanced by a week.
As of last night, when the buzz about either a cancellation or a postponement began, Senators were contacted and immediately responded vigorously: Senate to continue with ZTE hearings–Cayetano. The rhetoric from all the chairmen was all right: we will continue, never fear, etc., etc., although the views of some colleagues, such as Francis Escudero, was noticeably temperate while other senators complained they never got the memo: Senator puzzled over lull in hearings on broadband deal:
He said no hearings were scheduled this week because his committee needed to assess the status of the investigation, which led to the resignation of Benjamin Abalos Sr. as Elections chief following allegations of bribery.
Before he took the floor, Cayetano told reporters in a press conference that the hearings would be scheduled some 10 to 14 days from now, during the four-week congressional break.
He also gave as reasons the impending absence of senators, who are about to go on a break, and the absence of resource persons willing to speak about the deal.
Actually, the whole country didn’t get the memo.
So I can’t help but wonder at the confluence of events.
A newspaper finishes layout pretty early, and there’s no indication, for example, Malaya held the presses, which makes it reasonable to consider that its story on a cancellation (outright) of the ZTE hearings was, at one point yesterday evening, in the cards. On the same day the Palace expressed the desire the whole thing should be stopped -and knowing, as we do now, that Ermita spoke knowing full well what the President would later on announce, after the formality of her meeting with the Chinese president was concluded.
The Senate had the chance to have two more weeks of hearings, but decided to knock off work early, and all the vows of pursuing the hearings after their vacation, doesn’t explain the thing that puzzles me. Politics is about timing. It requires seizing the initiative, and doggedly refusing to relinquish it. But then, with things going in its favor, the Senate decides to, well, how else can I put it?
Back off.
And just when there were more questions raised, than settled, by the President’s statement from China. As Manuel Buencamino puts it,
Once upon a time Gloria Arroyo rightly laid out clear policy guidelines for the broadband network: build, operate and transfer; no loans; no sovereign guarantees; use and pay, rather than take or pay. Then one day, suddenly and without any explanation, she reversed those guidelines.
Can she tell us why the ZTE deal was so hastily approved that her Cabinet cannot even make up its mind whether it’s a supply contract or an executive agreement?
Can Mrs. Arroyo tell us why she allowed a contract of this magnitude to be signed even if it did not follow the proper sequence of steps as dictated by laws and regulations?
Can she explain why a concessionary loan is better than no loan at all?
Can she explain why it’s better to spend billions of pesos to own and operate an exclusive network that taxpayers will pay for whether the government uses it or not, rather than a network whose services taxpayers will pay for only when the government uses it?
Can she tell us how, and why, the Department of Justice (DOJ) rendered an opinion on a contract it never even saw?
Can she tell us why the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) did not furnish a copy of the contract to the DOJ when DOTC chief Leandro Mendoza admitted to the Senate that his department had finished reconstituting the contract on May 24, weeks before the DOJ rendered its opinion?
Can she tell us why she allowed Mendoza to keep the departments of Justice, Trade, Finance, Budget, the Executive Secretary, the Palace legal counsel and the public in the dark?
Is pushing through with the deal only a legal matter to be settled by the Supreme Court, or more important, is it a taxpayer expense that must be justified?
Meanwhile, the Palace suddenly has the means (and most definitely, the motive) to then pursue its prey (just when it seemed businessmen were beginning to start showing signs of increasing uneasiness about the Palace: see Tongue In. Anew, who has an interesting take on things).
After the primary prey of the opposition, the now ex-Comelec Chairman, has quit (entrusting his fate into the hands of our deeply respected Ombudsman, which, as this report indicates, is overflowing with the milk of human kindness: Ombudsman Gutierrez logs a record of going easy on Abalos, Comelec), taking him out of the game, the Senate takes itself out of the game, too, for a month.
And there’s also wiggle room in the Supreme Court: Motion to junk NBN-ZTE deal not yet moot – Supreme Court, by which I mean, there’s time to further buttress the Palace arguments by means of filing appropriate motions…
As Uniffors puts it,
Anyway, Gloria and Mike are on the ropes, to use a boxing term… The whole nation is waiting for the Senate to go in for the knockout… But what does the Senate do?…It decides to go on its All Saints Day vacation a week early.
Gloria and Mike will now have until Nov 5, at the earliest, to gather their wits, marshall their strength, and work their way back into the fight.
To be fair, the Senate’s decision to suddenly advance their vacation and to postpone the ZTE hearings indefinitely was not entirely Alan Peter Cayetano’s to make. It was a collective decision. (Maybe everyone collected. 200 each maybe?)
But here’s why we take Alan Peter Cayetano to task.
Remember those two impeachment hearings in the House? Remember how he and Chiz Escudero, led the charge for truth and all that against overwhelming odds?
Well, where the fuck is that crusader now? He didn’t even put up a fight.
I don’t know if this is the same Alan Peter Cayetano that we elected to the Senate so we would have someone to look out for us. Maybe the man we think is Alan Pater Cayetano is really Juju Cayetano, the fake candidate who ran for senator last May. That’s the kindest thought I can have for him right now.
Come to think of it, I’ve never seen Juju and Alan Peter in a picture together. Maybe because they’re one and the same now. Peke.
With breathing room the Palace, intends to make permanent: Spare First Gentleman, Neri from future NBN hearings–Palace, it now only has to face one: a potentially bruising battle for the first time ever, over the budget. House begins plenary debates on 2008 budget.
We all know that the greatest power of the House, is the power of the purse. A House inclined to be unpleasant to a President can go over the budget with fine-toothed comb, subject cabinet officials and presidential appointees to an inquisition, and unlike the Senate, it can do so without anyone really noticing -or with everyone watching if the House tells reporters to expect fireworks.
But instead of facing a battle on two fronts, the President, knowing Senators are off to attend the Interparliamentary Union gabfest, and so she can instead focus on, well, this story tells it all: ‘I have nothing to fear,’ says De Venecia on ouster rumors.
The antidote to threats of a House with a sudden zest for taking budget-writing seriously, is to say: look, for a whole month, JDV3 is going to get hammered by the Palace. And daddy, too.
Anyway, good news: Senate approves cheaper medicines bill.
And cool news: Super jet to touch down in RP next week.
And I think Sassy Lawyer is spot on why people should cut “Desperate Housewives” some slack.
Technorati Tags: Blogging, impeachment, journalism, philippines, politics, Senate, society
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DevilsAdvc8 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 9:28 pm
I am just simply – frustrated at the senate, to say the least. can i curse here? i mean t*!g i*a nyo mga h*@!p kayo! the whole country wants too see this through, not to let up on it! amp. now i can truly say none among the senate is deserving of being the next president.
can we move now to including them on the guys to be lynched?
GMLet on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 9:39 pm
Nagsabwatan na po sila. Sayang lang ang kuryente sa panonood ng TV nung hearing. Dapat MLQ III ikaw na tumakbo sa susunod na election, tiyak hindi ka nila kayang bilhin, hehehe! Para naman hindi na masabing sayang ang kuryente sa panonood sa senado.
Di bale yung big business, pwede yang umalis, maraming pera yan. Paano naman yung ordinaryong Pinoy na gaya ko? Tsk!Tsk!Tsk! Paano na kaya yung mga nasa squatter’s area?
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 9:40 pm
(1) The CANCELLATION of the ZTE-NBN deal is the most logical way out for GMA (and those under her that are involved). The issue has gathered so much “controversy and scandal” that pushing thru with it might just be the “last straw” for GMA and her streak of successfully “escaping scandals” in the nick of time. The said move might not end all these “whispers and speculations” but it would somehow shut some doors for some opportunistic political maneuver by the Opposition.
2) Whether the Chinese received the bad news well or not remains to be seen. After all, China might have other bigger plans in line with reference to “Projects in the Philippines.” I don’t think there would be some dire diplomatic consequences. USD 329M might be USD329M but it’s peanuts for the Chinese.
(3) If a Senate Hearing would push thru, needless to say, there would be some standoff that would happen. As you’ve said: THE LEAK on what transpired during the EXECUTIVE SESSION is a matter that some Senators might not pass up. ADDING INSULT TO INJURY is the fact that the PDI (Philippine Daily Inquirer) stood by its Report. The Sotto Law would again be revisited. The question is, would the Senate Hearing be about the NBN-ZTE deal or some other matters – a possible infighting among the Senators in National TV.
(4) The move of ABALOS to resign is a SMART MOVE however we see it. Fighting out an IMPEACHMENT would have put him in a situation wherein it would better for him to DIG HIS OWN GRAVE rather than submit himself to the Impeachment Court (the Senate). Now being a Private Citizens, a lot of thorns were pulled from his neck. Although he’s not off the hook yet, we know too well who would handle his cases – the OMBUDSMAN. If the speculation is true that Abalos has the blessing of the Palace (on brokering the ZTE deal) then he’s as good as free. Let the issue die down, to thru the motions and he’ll retire RICH and COMFY.
(5) What we see in here are BREATHERS for Abalos and Neri, for Malacanang, for the Senate, and a respite for the Public from all these tv broadcasts. I have heard that some Government Offices and even Private Offices put a halt to their work just to watch Senate proceedings. This is to the advantage of the ones who are being accused in all these. A setback to the Senate perhaps.
(6) Finally, the CHEAPER MEDICINES BILL passed the Senate amidst much opposition. I have been waiting for this particular bill to be passed because it would benefit a lot of people – the Filipino people. I hope that more than the LAW itself, the IRR (Implementing Rules and Regulations) would be implemented. It would be a waste if this LAW would become another USELESS just because people doesn’t have the balls to implement it. Surely, the Pharmaceutical Companies still have some “tricks” reserved in their bags.
Nice Article MLQ3. Lots of issues that could be ramified and discussed in-depth. Interesting indeed.
DevilsAdvc8 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 9:54 pm
“Finally, the CHEAPER MEDICINES BILL passed the Senate amidst much opposition.”
before we celebrate, if i remember correctly, it was the House that derailed this bill, after Teddy Locsin cried foul at the presence of pharma lobbyist in the gallery. and correct me if im wrong, this bill would again pass in the House before it is transmitted for the President to sign, right?
so what makes us think, the House will again give us small blessings?
nowadays, it’s either the House or the Senate that lets us down. and i can’t take this crap anymore but to call for everyone to pester these useless officials to death!
and we can’t wait for the catholic church to rally us with her own battlecry as its quite obvious the church has now been co-opted under the leadership of the devil. we can only pray that the true priests under this church realize this, and exorcise that demon lording over them all.
dyos na mahabagin, kelan pa, kung wala na kaming luha, tigang na ang lupa, at nangangatog na ang aming mga tuhod?
vic on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 9:57 pm
I think it’s about time the Senate introduce a resolution calling on the NBI to take over the investigations. Since the Senators are to eager to find out the “facts” of the case, I believe the NBI is the only body capable of investigating the complex tangled web of the now famous NBN mystery. And I also believe it is one of the remaining impartial and independent agencies remaining.
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:07 pm
karah, i think hu jintao has many other things on his mind. apparently, an interesting repositioning of the chinese leadership is ongoing:
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=734&Itemid=31
Manila Bay Watch on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:08 pm
Vic,
I reckon NBI will move alright if asked by Senators but getting to the bottom and bringing out what’s in that bottom, doubt it very very much.
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:08 pm
I know that you commended the La Salle Brothers in the previous thread for being ‘gutsy’ (compared to their Jesuit counterparts). However, the Brothers should realize that they also share the blame for failing to teach some of their students the right values. If they don’t want to be responsible for further transforming our society into one that is hospitable only to rich people and their thugs, they should take stronger action. They can start by abandoning use of the Enrique M. Razon Sports Center.
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:08 pm
NBI?
o_0
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:14 pm
cjv, i think most of the christian brothers are good people, and they went the extra mile when most other schools wouldn’t. and for their (and their students’) trouble, they got beaten up by a mob of angry pro gma alumni. meanwhile they’re also trying to reorient the la salle system from what i understand, towards a more mass-based approach (i.e. what the la salle schools are in other countries, schools aimed primarily at helping educate the poor) but again, they’re up against the alumni who would have to fund those endeavors so, i don’t know, my personal sympathies are still for them and their students (and to think i’m not a lasallite but my dad was).
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:23 pm
MLQ3 What does this “o_0″ mean?
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:32 pm
mlq3, i think even Mother Theresa accepted money without asking any questions for the sake of those under her care. However, the Brothers have to recognize that they are in a unique opportunity to educate their currently powerful alumnus, something they apparently failed to do when he was still enrolled in the school. They have to reflect and consider what would the God they promised to serve tell them to do at this moment in our history, in a society where selling out is becoming the norm?
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:35 pm
karah, it’s an emoticon of sorts.
there’s
and
and
and versions like:
>_<
a kinda squinty face and then
o_O
a kinda oh really now googly-eyed face….
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:36 pm
Devils It’s a case of a “partial victory.” Yes, the House version did not pass their version yet then if there are still disagreements, they will tackle it in the BICAMERAL Committee. JDV promised he would pass this bill and as far as I can say, JDV would see this through (fingers crossed). Afther all has been said and done in the Legislature, the President would sign it into LAW and there we have it.
One interesing thing to note re Cheaper Medicine Bill in the House is that this BILL is being sponsored by some Congresspeople that have “political clout” in their districts. Take for example, Rep. Janette Garin from Iloilo. The Garins are considered a political clan having a political dynasty that spans several towns in Iloilo. But then again, all we have to do is be vigilant and put pressure to pass this bill thru the different Districts of the Representatives.
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:40 pm
MLQ3 Now I get it. @_@ (too much blogging). Look at the eyebags of that emoticon.
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:42 pm
Karah, if you hang around this blog long enough (or if you back read earlier posts), you’ll eventually notice one commenter who compulsively uses smileys as a substitute for wit.
DevilsAdvc8 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:43 pm
karah, i think this will be killed again when it passes through the house. methinks even that show by Locsin was part of the plan to have the bill killed, since it was tackled at the tail end of the House’s calendar.
i’d take JDV’s word if he’d prioritize this bill to be tackled instead of some other lesser bills.
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:47 pm
cvj Will try to observe who you’re referring to .
pete on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:50 pm
cvj,
The LaSalle Sports Center was built not out of Razon’s donation but mostly out of alumni donations, named after Razon because of donations to the U’s sports programs. I suggest that LaSallians petition for a change of name. Poll alumni for suggestions on more appropriate name.
vic on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:50 pm
MBW, then call the RCMP, they always get their man, but one time they made a booboo an Arar and cost the Commissioner his job..
vic on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:51 pm
and $12 millions of our tax-dollar to compensate mr. arar..
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:53 pm
MLQ3: I would surmise that President Hu has some people that handles things maybe on a “regional basis.” A point man for each region in the globe. Besides, the Philippines is but one of the countries that China is eyeing to gain its support. (In my own inference, China sees the Philippines in terms of its TACTICAL and STRATEGIC advantage not only in Southeast Asia but Asia on the whole – just a hunch).
Although CHINA is still a Communist Country, it has gone a long way in introducing and injecting Capitalism upon itself. China is enjoying really really prosperous times. Even the Americans and Europeans are trying to outrun each other on how gains the first foothold on certain industries. After all 1.3 Billion consumers is still 1.3B consumers in terms of Business.
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:53 pm
cjv, i think that means that maybe the person the sports center was named after was a deceased alumnus and not someone still living. in which case, the name should be left alone.
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 10:56 pm
Devils PPHI (Philippine Pharmaceutical & Healthcare Industry) still has a “bag of tricks” up its sleeve. There were rumors of a 1 Billion peso “lobby kitty” just to kill this piece of Legislation.
The last time I heard JDV on National TV, I think he specifically singled out 2 pending bills that he said he would prioritize and see through – the General Appropriations Act and the Cheaper Medicines Bill. Hey, JDV might be a lot of things but he can get things done down the line.
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:02 pm
It might be a good thing that I didn’t come from La Salle or Ateneo. At least, I don’t need to take sides.
Manila Bay Watch on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:17 pm
Just read that Malacanang has asked the Desperate Housewives people to apologize. When Malacanang starts battling with TV soap opera producers at a time when there are corruption charges being levied at their doors, I become deeply suspicious.
There is to my mind something more than just reacting because Ermita felt culturally slighted. Ermita is from the military and not a lil strategist. To my mind, Ermita’s stepping in to defend the honour of our medical people is because Malacanang is trying hard to position Filipino guns away from the corruption controversy.
It’s an old, very old political technique. National leaders turn to a perceived foreign enemy to distract your people away from more pressing and extremely hot issues at home. When there is a foreign enemy, perceived or not, the tendency for people is to unite even against a most despicable leader!
Argentina did that by invading the Falklands. Argentina’s economy was so bad so their president did the only thing to do – he threw the country into a frenzy by training the nation’s guns against a foreign enemy to unite his nation behind him thus was born one of the most haphazard military adventures in modern history: the invasion of the Falklands!
It could have been a politically astute maneuver if Argentina wasn’t near economic collapse. What happened? He had a few weeks respite but in the end, his govt was brought down.
OK, we are not in the same economic situation that Argentian was faced then but you see, all of us agree that Malacanang needs a breather to maneuver without getting interrupted so are trying to focus people onto another direction – the US and against a soap opera on TV! Geez…
Filipinos mustn’t get all excited by this latest Malacanang trick!
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:21 pm
Pete, thanks for that information. I think your suggestion of changing the name of the building is a good one. The Brothers went overboard by renaming the entire building given that it was a joint effort by DLSU alumni.
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:25 pm
mlq3, sorry but i have to disagree with you on that one.
karah, in matters involving society as a whole everyone has to take sides. even not taking sides is taking sides.
mbw, that email is circulating in my high school yahoo group. you know what gets the elite crowd going.
pete on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:35 pm
cvj,
Considering mlq3’s advice that the name of beloved alumnus be left alone, maybe an option to be included in a survey among alumni is a petition to Ricky who has opened a port terminal in Shandong to change his name to its Chinese equivalent, many Chinoy Lasallians can suggest many good names, Leeky Lasong Sua Pang,
karah on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:36 pm
cvj Count me in to the side that “does not take any sides” on the La Salle-Ateneo issue.
vic on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:39 pm
MBW, The desperate housewife show may been alluding to the Medical Graduates not with Pilipino frofiles that may have fake Diplomas made in Recto…A townmate of mine, who had undergone two years engineering undergraduate, needed an Engineering Diploma to avail the program offered by his employer, the Hydro co. for training in Nuclear Engineering and he was able to procure one from Recto school of everything and now a retired consultant for his employer making $70 an hour, plus his company pension and government pension. That Recto Diploma did him good…
mlq3 on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:40 pm
cjv, here’s the distinction: you said it’s the Enrique M. Razon sports center. the businessman you mentioned and in the news these days is Enrique K. Razon Jr. So, a change in name is irrelevant to the point you’d like dlsu alumni to make. a group of alumni donating to build a sports center in EMR’s name makes sense, then, he must’ve been a famous sports figure in the school’s past.
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:51 pm
karah, point taken. it skipped my mind that “ateneo vs. la salle” does not involve society as a whole. (must be because i’m from La Salle).
pete on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:53 pm
karah,
re national security implications of China investments
necessitates the creation of the Philippine-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
To monitor, investigate, and submit to congress an annual report on the national security implications of the bilateral trade and economic relationship between the Phillippines and the People’s Republic of China, and to provide recommendations, where appropriate, to Congress for legislative and administrative action.
cvj on Wed, 3rd Oct 2007 11:58 pm
Manolo, the building was built in 1998 and originally named “Br. Athanasius Sports Complex”. The name change occured in February 2003, after Enrique K. Razon Jr’s 50 million peso donation in January 2003.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:00 am
cjv: oh! as charlie chan supposedly said, “the clot thickens.”
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:05 am
MBW I don’t watch Desperate Housewives and the only time I have heard about this was thru your comment. I took it upon myself to browse the Online News re: Desperate Housewives incident. I think this was the line that made news: “Can I check those diplomas again? Because I would just like to make sure that they are not from some med school in the Philippines.”
Tried to do some digging up some more until I arrived at the ABC Message Boards of Desperate Housewives. As usual, I saw comments mostly from Filipinos. It’s quite common that Filipinos easily band together when statements to that effect are hurled again Filipinos.
I think the right term there is DIVERSIONARY TACTICS. I imagine, Sec. Ermita talking in front of the Malacanang Press Corpts about the demand of the Gov’t that Producers of the Desperate Housewives issue an apology. Very bizaare.
The Falkland War experience was a bitter loss by Argentina. Their internal problems alone is creating civil unrest and they covered this “national dilemma” with another problem by going to war with BRITAIN. Isn’t that suicide? What’s more humiliating is the fact that Britain at that time had a Women Prime Minister.
I wonder who are the RESIDENT SPIN DOCTORS in Malacanang at the moment. I hope they didn’t get their diploma from Recto.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:10 am
Hah! I saw it probably twice in my hotel room in the UK for want of nothing else to do. Not popular I think over in mainland Eurpe.
But you are absolutely spot on, Karah! Ed Ermita’s trick is no more no less a DIVERSIONARY TACTIC.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:11 am
Fake diplomas are not possible in the United States especially for professions where practice needs the passing of the US examination.
The authorities that give the permit to test, get the original copies directly from universities and the Professional Regulation Commission for the license.
For those who wish to pursue higher education, the school requires from the local universities, the course description and if the translation of transcripts in English if they are written in the language other than English. Some requires accreditation especially those who come from new universities and they don’t have previous reords of the curricular programs.
As I have commented in my blog, the writer is the moron who thought that line was funny.
First, before you can practice in the US, you have to undergo residency. The credentials are subjected to scrutiny. Then you have also to pass their local examinations or reciprocity recognition. All these entail
hard verifiable documents.
So the issue of the diploma mill in Recto is not acceptable.
But I am not advocating for boycott of a TV series, I do not even watch.
A letter demanding for apology is just in order to inform them hey, that’s wrong.
Constructive criticism is different from a remark that is meant to insult.
My late father-in-law used to be invited by University of Sto. Tomas to lecture on pathology. He had respect and admiration for Filipino doctors. His staff in one of the SF hospital came from diverse ethnicity.
The whole family has nothing but good words for Filipino nurses.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:12 am
Yup a military general at the head of Argentinian govt given a beating by a civilian woman prime minister – love Maggie for that. (You know that she too was having political problems at home then? Her victory in the Falklands gave her much needed lease to go on…)
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:16 am
Pete It’s a good idea but a lot of things are good in paper but on paper alone. Could you give a more details on this suggestion of yours.
What will be formed is a mere Advisory Panel. Is there a need for a counterpart Congressional Oversight or Senate Oversight regarding this matter?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:17 am
Re Diversionary tactics: Edong Ermita, ever the general and no lil political strategist, is adopting same old, tired, military tactic: train national guns against a perceived FOREIGN enemy to unite nation behind leader.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:19 am
MBW I have heard of that Soap Opera but never got interested. I’d rather watch Alias and 24.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:20 am
MBW I don’t think the Spin Doctors in Malacanang are doing well their jobs. Let’s ask MLQ3 who’s the Resident Spin Doctor at the Palace at the moment, sure he’s got some ideas.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:22 am
enrique m razon also managed ports. he was a well known business figure during the marcos years. so 200 says, he could be the father or uncle of enrique k.
cvj, you can tell us about bro. athanasius and why his contributions to La Salle had less value than 50M pesos.
vic on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:24 am
Of course I know a little about Pinoy Doctors Practicing in u.s.. My youngest sis and her husband are both medical doctors in new york, but their diplomas are good, one from U.E. and one from west visayas state university (my sis had a little trouble explaining because she has in hers a “college” before the school was designated a university).
But anyways, even with all the checks and verifications, some could still go through with conspiracy from school officials. What Im reffering here is that somebody with enough backgroud to pass the evaluation exams., expecially from those that come from countries with reputable educational institutions. The college of physician and surgeon had caught a few after their lack of compentency were exposed later…
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:24 am
MBW Yeah, the British victory in the Falkland War not only bolstered Thatcher’s Political position but he gained a lot of support from the Public and Parliament after showing her mettle against those “machismo Argentinian generals.”
I think, Thatcher won another Elections because of the Falkland War victory .
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:27 am
the palace has always been so compartmentalized that just when you think you know who is doing the spinning, it turns out someone else is spinning the spin… it’s spin a win!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:29 am
Karah, yes, she did on the strength of her victory over the Falklands.
Which leads us to this: if Gloria invades Sabah and wins, she just might get the nation to forget all about the corruption scandals besetting her. Heh! Dunno thought if her Richelieu (the original was a also general), Ed Ermita has the guts to do go and charge Badawi’s generals in Sabah.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:31 am
mlq3,
‘Political instinct’ made Arroyo scrap ZTE deal — Palace.
Isn’t it more like ’survival instinct’ that made Arroyo back off from the deal? The same instinct that also made her ‘kapit sa patalim’ to the Chinese as her ally to finance the economy’s take-off to justify her stay in office? The more the oppositionists push her to the wall
and the more vague and suspicious the US deals with her
the more she’ll rely on the Chinese. Her playing the China card is an instinctive reaction to both domestic and international political threats on her political survival.
GMA’s instinctive reaction to threats on her political survival makes her the most serious threat to national security. What poses the more serious threat the local communist insurgency or Red China’s investments in strategic infrastructure? Ka Roger roaming in the mountains or ZTE NBN controlling gov’t communications and information systems?
The Senate should summon National Security advisers and seat in an executive session on this matter.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:32 am
MLQ3: So what we have is a case of “layers of spins” with different sets of Spin Doctors as well. Don’t they get dizzy and giddy with that set-up? The outcome might be: DEAL or NO DEAL.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:34 am
MBW, even with their graft-ridden military, the list of malaysia’s armaments is enough to make esperon’s toes curl:
http://www.asiasentinel.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=720&Itemid=31
see esp. the list of hardware at the end.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:35 am
Pete,
Re: What is really almost admirable in such a lil person as Gloria is her ability to react to crisis that involves her hold on power – she’s got built in survival sensors!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:37 am
MBW The Philippines invading Sabah? Whew! The AFP can’t even do a good job in Mindanao (against only a few hundreds of ASG and MILF breakaway groups) and can’t even solve the INSURGENCY problem and, wow, the nerve to even entertain the idea of “declaring war with Malaysia” is simply “suicidal.” Hahahaha.
I wonder what would be the Military Strategy of Ermita on this. We don’t even have decent military planes and military choppers. It’s really a pity and yet funny.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:39 am
mbw,
How then do you solve a problem named Gloria?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:40 am
Right, Mlq3… Heh! When Najib approved the purchase of the Polish tanks, believe me, there was great consternation among the defence expat community in KL. The only thing they could think of was he got those in preparation over a possible skirmish against Singapore over Johor.
Najib is one of the most crooked of crooks in Malaysia – his wife I’d say is the equivalent of Mike Arroyo. When Najib comes to power, succeeds Badawi, I see the Philippines having problems with him. He has very lil respect for Philippine politics and politicians.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:42 am
MB, i’m ashamed to say that what i know of Bro. Athanasius comes only from his wikipedia entry:
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:43 am
I guess Bro. Athanasius’ contributions are worth less than 50 million pesos, maybe because there was hyperinflation towards the end of the War.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:44 am
Pete If we’re talking about conventional measures, the solution is wait until 2010. If we’re talking about drastic measures then bloodshed would be the fastest way. Another impeachment is futile given the fact that the Administration still controls the Lower House. If an Impeachment does not go past the Lower House, it’s useless. A more drastic measure is assassination.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:44 am
Pete,
Solve a problem like Gloria by having counter measures against her built-in sensors, i.e., group of think tankers who will study her every move even before she makes it and bam! Hit her with their findings?
But you can only have effective counter measures if your operators, i.e., the Senate – and the Lower House, are not following command line of sight to shoot in tandem!
Today, short of having 40 million warm bodies crying in unison and moving towards Malacanan with a perfect battle charge cry, “Attack Malacanang”, doubt she can be dislodged.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:46 am
Of course, Karah’s are the best counter measures!
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:47 am
karah,
A drinking buddy at the Nicols Airbase Club,a 15th strike wing pilot, said Malaysian jets can fly over Philippine air space at will unchallenged, the PAF jets are no match to what the Malaysians have.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:50 am
Oops, “But you can only have effective counter measures if your operators, i.e., the Senate – and the Lower House, ARE FOLLOWING command line of sight to shoot in tandem!”
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:51 am
MBW Are you referring to the PT-91 Twardy tanks? Thinking about it, what were these tanks for? I don’t think Singapore would even think about fighting with Malaysia – the city-state would be crushed like an Ant. But then again, Singapore has the bucks to buy weapons, armaments, and other hardware.
Re: Najib, does he have the support of their party or he’s a mere puppet in the scheme of things. Does Dr. M still wield political clout in Malaysia up until today? And I mean not some rumors but first hand info.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:53 am
Pete,
Reason why they are unchalleged is not only because Pinas doesn’t possess decent fighter jets, also because Pinas IS BLIND! Only radars you’ve got are in airports!
To see and detect intrusions into Philippine air space, you need to have radars, at least on Mount Salakot in Palawan.
Even if you have decent fighter aircraft, without proper seeing machines, they’d already be at your doorstep in front of Malacanan before you could get your jet fighters in space to meet the intruders.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:56 am
Karah,
One cannot undermine Singapore. True, it’s small but its military is far more professional than Malaysia not to add that their hardware are double that of Malaysia’s.
They’ve got more submarines, more missiles of all varieties, i.e., very short range, short range, medium range, etc, more battle ships, perfect state of the art weapons systems, fire control systems,command and control systems, C3I, etc. and they’ve got more fighter aircraft and helicopter gun ships than Malaysia!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:58 am
Pete I think the last breed of the PAF Jets, the F-5 were already retired. The OV-10’s look like “vintage crafts.” The SF260TP’s are I think WW2-era planes. Come to think of it, the PAF does not have any JETS. The Malaysians have MiG29’s, F/A-18 Hornets and some Su-30MK’s in the pipeline. The 15th Strike Wing is in Cavite, right?
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:01 am
I thought her flip-flopping was a sign of indecisiveness. Observing her for the past years, I can presume that it is more of a strategy so that her moves are not predictable.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:04 am
mbw, karah
re solving problem Gloria,
Let’s start with ourselves, specifically, questions we ask ourselves:
Is GMA “the president few of us like and most of us deserve.�
Do YOU deserve GMA as your president?
Oo o hindi?
Kung oo, ok, lang let’s move on. Tigilan na yang bangayan at kulitan.
Kung hindi, ano ang iyong handang gawin?
Handa ka bang bumangon at kumilos? Kung hindi, ang totoong sagot mo sa unang tanong ay oo, ok si Glo para sa taong tulad mo.
Or, your answer could be:
“I’m sick of Gloria, I’m sick over what’s happening to our country, but I just don’t know what to do.â€
Specific Suggestion:
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:05 am
MBW What you’re saying is very true but if we’re talking about “land area” here, a few missiles with warheads could wipe out Singapore in seconds. I just don’t know if Malaysia have Missiles in its Arsenal.
A highly advanced Military has its own advantages and disadvantages. Even the USA will all their hardware, software, and military experience could not put into order certain territories in Afghanistan (this with the help of NATO) much more Iraq. Not even in Baghdad alone, one could feel secure and Technology is helpless on this matter. Of course there are other considerations like Urban Guerilla Warfare, Hit and Run Tactics, IED’s et cetera. No guarantees in the end.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:05 am
MBW,
When I see people like Najib I wonder where malaysia would be without the chinese and indian businessmen.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:05 am
Karah,
Najib, does he have the support of their party or he’s a mere puppet in the scheme of things. YES! Absolutely NOT just a puppet!
Najib IS VERY POWERFUl today and if he UMNO gets its way in the next general elections, he will succeed Badawi. He has been throwing money into Sabah, building infrastructures, investing in the province because Sabah accounts for 40 seats in Parliament – by getting “Christian Sabah” on side, he could fight the fanatics in the more hardline Islamist state in the East in Parliament where UMNO is king and through UMNO he will rule!
Does Dr. M still wield political clout in Malaysia up until today? YES, not personally on the national level among Malaysian voters but through UMNO and UMNO rules. He virtually handpicked the people in the powerful committees in UMNO and his man in the treasury was his choice. This is happening because Badawi is not one to rock the status quo – Badawi is even surprised that he got to where he is. He’s a decent sort of fellow but not one to go against Mahathir even if the latter is already, in theory, in retirement.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:07 am
Manuel,
The Chinese and Indians are given so much leeway anyway! Most of the fixers and brokers in Malaysia are Chinese and Indians so why would they rock the boat? Who holds the treasury portfolio in UMNO, a Chinese?
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:08 am
Pete Simple Answer: Let Gloria finish her term. Now, can the Philippines afford another “change in power” before 2010? There are effects and consequences to certain actions.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:08 am
karah,
Malaysia has missiles in its arsenal. Not ICBMs but missiles like what Singapore has. You know those two countries try to keep up with each other, if one buys something you can be sure the other will buy one too.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:12 am
MBW,
Yup they are. And Malays because of NEP took the lazy way out and acted as fronts instead of learning the business.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:13 am
Karah,
“I just don’t know if Malaysia have Missiles in its Arsenal.” Yes they do. They have more than 50 thousand very short range line of sight missiles dispersed all over the place. The idea when they got the first bunch of them in the late 90s was not so much to defend against Singapore but against possible attack from the Philippines and Indonesia.
Agree that military victory can no longer be dependent on sophisticated military hardware but the difference between Malaysia and Singapore is that the latter is far far more professional than the generals in Malaysia.
Besides when that happens, I do believe they will call on the entire Singpore national reserve, which is basically every man male citizen to active duty.
European defence analysts here believe that there is virtually no comparisson in IQ and ability to react in time of military crisis in record time between Malaysia and Singapore.
Perhaps, in 10 years but not today. Malaysia’s military can be outgunned by a more sophisticated minded Singapore military.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:14 am
Karah,
“Let Gloria finish her term. Now, can the Philippines afford another “change in power†before 2010? ”
So tell me, which is more affordable, a change in power before 2010 or unabated plunder until 2010?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:15 am
Sorry, “idea when they got the first bunch of them in the late 80S (not 90s)…”
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:17 am
MBW I guess NAJIB plays the money game in Malaysian Politics. Does Najib have the private or public support of Dr. M? Well, Malaysia is pretty much a stable economy.
Does Dr. M still have plans to stage a comeback or he’s “retiring for good.” We can attribute the Economic Success of Malaysia to him and if what you’re saying about NAJIB is very true then Malaysia might be in for a big trouble (talking about PLUNDER not unless this Najib guy is also a good performer as a Public Official).
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:23 am
Manuel I’ll stick to my position that a “status quo” would be more beneficial rather than an Administration change before 2010. Political Instability would always be bad for business (business that give jobs, and business that feed people).
Granting, GMA would be outsted, would Noli be an “acceptable replacement” for you? How would go about with a post-GMA scenario. Enlighten me.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:23 am
Karah,
“Does Najib have the private or public support of Dr. M? ”
Najib IS Mahathir’s boy! He groomed Najib, Mahathir was Najib’s mentor! To Mahathir, Najib can’t do anything wrong!
“Does Dr. M still have plans to stage a comeback or he’s “retiring for good.†He IS retired I believe most Malaysians, although they like him for bringing Malaysia to where it is today, want him to stay away from active politics. They are happy with that I think because the power flow is good in the sense that successors to Mahathir, i.e., Badawi today and Najib tomorrow, have been groomed by him.
I think Malaysians wouldn’t like him to come back. As a friend of mine there said, “He’s had his time, time to move on” (very Gloria thing to say… heh!)
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:26 am
Najib to my knowledge, has already plundered SOOOOO much even when he was only holding defence portfolio and not yet Deputy Prime Minister.
But heck, Malaysia has a lil population, a fourth of ours, they have petrol, they are making every Malaysian happy on the economic front, and are making every Malaysian man and his dog proud because they have an excellent defence and defence industry, could pay their debts on time, so the plunder could almost go unnoticed!
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:26 am
karah,
Good idea as a starting point, “Let Gloria finish her term.”
What if by a qwirk of circumstance ‘her political instinct’ tells to resign and she did, what’s the scenario? It’s a Noli presidency, a start of her gracefulexit scenario. For Gloria it removes her from the red hot spot and gives her three years to prepare.
The point is a viable and reasonable exit scenario could be set as the agenda of a popular movement. Example:
1)a coalition gov’t – Pres Noli plus a Coalition Cabinet
other suggestions:
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:26 am
Manuel Would you know what short-range missile models that the Malaysian Armed Forces have? I’m interested to know.
Pretty much an arms race basing from what you said. It’s the same with the India-Pakistan experience. It’s the same with the China-Taiwan experience. I would think that Singapore-Malaysia arms race is more toned down unlike those countries that I have mentioned.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:29 am
What could be the NBN controversy of Malaysia in the not so distant future is their undersea cabling that involves 2.5 billion US dollars which is being fought over by the Indians, Chinese, Malay top honchos!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:33 am
Pete If GMA resigns, Noli takes over. Whether Noli would be acceptable, it remains to be seen. I will not undermine the capability of Noli and I’ll give him the chance if that situation happens.
The question is: Would bickering stop if Noli becomes President or we’ll be back to the same chaotic “political climate” much like the GMA-era.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:33 am
Karah,
Why are you interested to know about the model? But to answer you, they’re European models (from Western Eruope.)
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:34 am
karah, i think the Singapore-Malaysia arms race is toned down because it’s driven more by sibling rivalry rather than fight for territory.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:35 am
Re: “I would think that Singapore-Malaysia arms race is more toned down unlike those countries that I have mentioned.”
It’s toned down because they have only each other to depend on in case of problems from say China, Indonesia, Philippines. They share the use of Malacca straits to boot.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:35 am
or maybe a better suggestion:
2) GMA goes on leave of absence, Noli takes over appoints coalition cabinet. This is what Erap claims he did which could have spared him from the trial. It’s a very reasonable compromise to resolve the impasse, more importantly to keep GMA from undertakings with long-term negative consequences.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:36 am
MBW I wanna research on them and know how they work, their range, their load, all those details. Any particular country? Western Europe is such a general term. Since you mentioned that the MAF had I assumed you knew the models.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:36 am
I think cvj is dead on ” i think the Singapore-Malaysia arms race is toned down because it’s driven more by sibling rivalry rather than fight for territory.” not unless the Sultan of Johor starts winding up KL about the silent territorial dispute over his ‘rich’ sultanate.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:37 am
I know the models, Karah but I’d rather give their names in private that is if you cannot find them on the net.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:38 am
Pete, the other suggestion (which i’m hesitant to endorse):
3. JDV impeaches GMA in exchange for the Senate majority’s support for Charter Change to a parliamentary system. Noli becomes transitional president.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:41 am
Pete,
I’m prepared to go for a Noli presidency, succeeding Gloria if there’s a coalition cabinet. Noli will need all the help he can get to finish Gloria’s unfinished term in case Gloria does resign before 2010.
But I doubt very very much that Gloria will step down. Power is the elixir of youth! She ain’t exatcly getting young – power is her reason for continuing to live!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:43 am
MBW I guess if everything would fall in it’s place, NAJIB would be the next Premier of Malaysia when Badawi steps down. Much like Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew, his retirement was for good but you know, he still has political clout knowing that the present PM is his eldest son.
I am one in mind with your friend that Dr. M should just enjoy his retirement rather than coming back. Besides, he’s held the power for a few decades. Let the new blood run the show as they say.
I was able to talk with some Malaysian businesspeople way back and from the information I gathered, the Pension/Retirement Agency of Malaysia is filty cash-rich. That friend of mine even told me that it’s this Agency that even run afterh those Retirees and Pensioneers that don’t claim or get their money.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:43 am
CVJ: Pretty much, maybe.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:44 am
Karah,
For external defence purposes, missiles will be useless unless you have a better trained military on top of which you must have first and foremost seeing eyes to detect any invader. You need radars first.
Useless to have missiles if you don’t have the mechanism to spot intruders for which your air defence radars can only be useful.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:46 am
The Malaysians you talked to about the pension, retirement funds are absolutely dead on! So rich they have invested globally, buying 5 star hotels in Europe, America and even in Pinas.
True, they even give pensions by continuing to pay salaries to their sports coaches even after one year only in service and the coaches have retired! Heh!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:48 am
Pete Since Noli is not a hostile successor, GMA might take that into consideration. But then again, after all that’s GMA have been through, she things that there’s no “crisis” that she cannot overcome. I mean, the Hello Garci was a pretty obvious one, even more blatant that the ZTE-NBN deal. She’s having a winning streak and as most gamblers would do, they won’t quite but go on with the game.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:49 am
The Malaysians must not be undermined when it comes to finances: they invented the DAWN RAID of the stock market!
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:50 am
cvj, karah, mbw, mb
May reiterate: “The point is a viable and reasonable exit scenario could be set as the agenda of a popular movement.”
cvj, your suggestion is for JdV’s support to oust, by impeachment GMA, would take more than a year of social tension and conflict. How about a scenario worth considering by major players — GMA, allies, opposition, civil society — but could attract support of popular movement?
Would you consider supporting and pushing for a scenario where GMA foes on leave, Noli takesover including a condition that he appoints a coalition cabinet?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:53 am
Pete,
I would support such a move but knowing our politics’ crab mentality, doubt very much it is doable. Again, be worth looking into if JdV comes out and puts his neck on the chopping block literally to get Congress on side.
People I believe might back up an initiative of this kind if they are sure that there will be no balimbingan.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:53 am
MBW I’ll try to research on the models. I do think that RADARS and MISSILES go hand in hand. Yes, RADARS are a conditio sine qua non for the MISSILES to be useful. But these things are considered “military secrets” and we might know that they have the radars but where these equipment are placed is another matter.
As for the Philippines – NO RADARS, NO MISSILES.:D Just a scenario: what if a Foreign Country would have an interest in invading us, can we even defend ourselves? Lolz. The question might be somewhat naive but I just wanna see the opinion of other people and how they would respond to that question.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:56 am
Karah,
Not so much a military secret really. I, personally, know where Malaysia’s radars are. But that is another matter.
And really the Philippines will be like Belgium if Malaysia gets it into their head to invade us (but I don’t think so) – will take no more than 2 hours for Pinas to fold! Honestly!
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:57 am
karah,
Her ‘political instinct’ made her cancel the ZTE deal, instinct tells her that odds are catching up on her. I think an LOA where she retains immunity from suite and the breathing space to plan a secure exit is favorable for her. What’s important is that she’s out of that seat where she can do more long-term damage.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:01 am
Heh! Re “I think an LOA where she retains immunity from suite and the breathing space to plan a secure exit is favorable for her.”
There will be heavy looting of the treasury in that case or if and when she receives said LOA!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:04 am
Pete If we look at the constitution, the only ways that a Vice-President can take over as President if: (a) in case of death of the President; (b) permanent disability; (c) removal from office – impeachment. By your term “Noli takes over”, is it as PRESIDENT or as OIC?
As for Noli becoming President, I’ll give him a chance. A coalition Cabinet might be chaotic not unless Noli can be a good “referee” so to speak.
I’ve noticed that you’ve been asking a lot of questions.
Now, it’s my turn to ask questions. What do think would the effects and consequences of the regime change, in the widest sense of the word?
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:06 am
Pete I do hear your point. The problem with an LOA is it might have some “constitutional questions” since I don’t see any LOA provision in the Constitution. Another alternative is for GMA to go on self-exile at the country of her choice. If the allegations are true that she’s PLUNDERER then I would suppose she’s got more than enough to FEED and SUPPORT 5 generations of Arroyo’s or even more.
o_0
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:07 am
@_@ eyebags
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:08 am
mbw,
That’s why the coalition cabinet condition. Check and balance inside Malacanang. To check the looting. The sooner this is done the better. Three remaining years is an irresistable ‘window of opprtunity’ for GMA allies/cronies. An LOA can prevent this from happening, appointees can be replaced immediately.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:18 am
But there is that question that Karah raised regarding the constitutionality of an LOA?
Of course, by all means, any non violent move (coz elite and masa can’t be truly counted on to stay the course in a battlefield) between now and 2010 to make her quit is good enough for me. The earlier we get them (she and her husband) out of Malacanang is in my book the right thing to do. What you are suggesting there is very sensible.
As Karah said earlier on, the only valid alternative to a peaceful solution is revolution or assasination but these solutions are too violent and in a very unstable country like ours, the military might step in and I don’t like that (militarist as I may be). I don’t trust our current crop of military generals down to colonels and lt colonels. Those who may be different are in stockade.
Assuming that your solution is doable, we gotta do with what we have to avoid bloodbath: accept Noli if or when Gloria surprises us with a resignation due to popular demand of course on the condition that Noli accepts to be seconded by better management or political brains. Now, who do you reckon should be fielded in that coalition cabinet is the next question.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:23 am
karah,
In the context of this thead, as stated the objectives are to 1) keep Gloria from being forced by circumstances to do things with serious long-term consequences, each day she stays in power she wreaks havoc on our institutions and our patrimony, 2) a peaceful, just, constituional ( as much as possible) transistion to normalcy. These are the objectives, the hoped for consequences of ‘regime change’.
The constituionality of an LOA had been discussed by some congressmen. I’ll get the details.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:26 am
Pete, Karah, MBW, interesting discussion. About the LOA with coalition cabinet, that’s worth considering but is something i have to sleep on.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:28 am
cvj @_@ eyebags
night
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:32 am
Pete I perfectly comprehend your two objectives. Re: Objective 1, I do respect your opinion on that regard and your points are well taken by me. Re: Objective 2, it can only be two things, something voluntary and something with force (whatever form it may take). Now my question is, what would be the effects/consequences of a “regime change?” In the sphere of Business & Economy taking into consideration Market Reaction, Investor Reaction. In the sphere of Politics, how the different Politcians would play this scenario (there’s a possibility of to each his own). In the sphere of International Relations, how would the different Foreign Government would view this? There’s no denying that fact that each time a REGIME is “aborted”, there are consequences as it speaks of political stability.
Re: LOA, please give me a link on where I can find the discussions you were talking about. These mere initial discussions and if this would be passed into Law, the process would take a year or so or even longer.
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:48 am
‘SF260TP’s are I think WW2-era planes”
These are Italian made planes bought during martial law. It’s a trainer plane. Some were modified to carry weapons.
Singapore also has S211 jets that are base in Australia. It has a squadron of F-16s in the US too.
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:06 am
Malaysia can’t invade the Philippines. They have to land at least 250,000 soldiers just to secure a foothold. They don’t have the navy to transport that many soldiers.
baycas on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:11 am
we don’t watch teri hatcher’s tv series but…
my wife is always desperate to watch house. unfortunately, she has lots of things to do. it’s a good thing she has her pda (which i loaded with some house episodes i already finished watching). she’s able to steal some time to view the exciting series.
i can’t forget house’s “airborne†episode wherein the flight attendant asked a sick Asian guy: nilalagnat ka ba?. wow, talking of a Filipino Connection (as mr. nepales of pdi wrote about it some time back). it’s really great!
judging from what i heard on radio, the reaction to that particular desperate housewives episode was reason for a Filipino Disconnect…and also reason to holler foul?
well, anyway, we don’t watch that series and we don’t really care about it (even watching the link sassy cited in her blogpost) for my wife and a lot of our doctor friends take pride in their med school. no amount of sarcasm will take that pride away from them!
that show must go on…just as long as no direct invectives toward Filipinos in general are said and/or depicted. i agree, sassy is right.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:20 am
Re: “Malaysia can’t invade the Philippines. They have to land at least 250,000 soldiers just to secure a foothold. They don’t have the navy to transport that many soldiers.”
There’s no need to invade RP along the same lines of land invasion to make Pinas fold, buckle under if conflict arises between the two ‘old’ enemies.
All they have to do is to bomb us to kingdom come, wreck our ports, airports, infrastructures, naval fleet, and airports and of course, cause havoc in Mindanao.
If I were a Malaysian general asked how to maim Pinas, I would choose air strikes and naval strikes against our military bases (not that these bases have anything worthwhile saving) down south and in Western Philippines on top of which use submarines to sink every single working vessel of the Navy!
No need to land troops. Waste of time and energy.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:23 am
karah,
At this point the key is to provide a remedial answer to the “I’m sick of Gloria, I’m sick over what’s happening to our country, but I just don’t know what to do†syndrome, by presenting a specific agenda that could attract the support of the ’silent majority’ that will provide the critical mass mobilized to break the debilitating impasse.
re the consequences, 1) on the economy/market, the constituionality, democratic, non-violent/peacefull multi-sectoral participation, the formula of a constitutional/duely elected VP presiding over a coalition cabinet are bases for economic and political stability which I think in a crisis is the priority.
The means dictate or determine the ends. The consequences of the undertaking depends upon the means used to achieve the objectives.
re LOA constitutionality, Rep Crispin Remulla drafted Erap’s LOA letter. He’s a law grad from LaSalle, discussed Erap’s LOA with Teddy Locsin, Ateneo Law grad. I’ll check them out for details re provisions in the constitution and/or jurisprudence.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:23 am
Also, Supremo, don’t understimate Malaysia’s navy – their naval officers and troops might not be as gallant as ours but they have much, much better ships and weapons systems than we have on top of which they already have submarines and minesweepers.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:30 am
On the land front, agree, would be difficult but even on land battle, don’t know how our military can effectively react.
In spite of their bombastic statements that they are used to guerilla warfare, they aren’t exactly experts at assymetric warfare themselves, just look how our poor military is being bundled around by rag tag, slipper donning NPAs, Abu Sayyaff, etc.
One thing we’ve got that the Malaysians have got is perhaps the fighting spirit – Malaysians are NOT exactly the bravest of the brave.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:30 am
ooops, One thing we’ve got that the Malaysians HAVEN’T got is perhaps the fighting spirit – Malaysians are NOT exactly the bravest of the brave.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:38 am
Bet no one expected that she’s going to India after China. So who’s going to predict what’s her next move.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:41 am
Ca t,
I suspect there are companies in India who are willing to do the NBN deal with her so next stop India. India can do it – they’ve already got their own NBN in place so easy to replicate it in Pinas.
How ’bout that for a prediction? Heh!
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:41 am
mbw,
phil-malaysia bout is hypothetical, chinese invasion is real, on-going, economic agression
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:42 am
If she visits Bangalore, then could be that she is thinking India side to continue her NBN (ZTE is there so Chinese could course ZTE under the cover of an India company.)
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:43 am
Pete,
Yeah, I know. My answer to cat about the india connecting flight might have to do with NBN (ZTE’s) but through India – heh!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:46 am
Pete, almost inevitable to buckle under economic aggression by China given that even US is already invaded.
If China pulls plug, i.e., collect their more than 800 billion dollars in IOUs, US will be in a mess (and the world with them.)
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:08 am
mbw,
US pressed China to open market and join WTO, backfired. I think China’s jumping into the global capitalist decadence will accelerate the collapse of the world economic order, the world financial system is in a state of disintegration, inevitable.
China’s capitulation to capitalism is tragic for it’s people and for the rest of the world. China is underestimating the power of capitalist greed and over-estimating the residual power of Mao’s ideological indoctrination over its people. The youth in China have converted from Communism to Individualism, from Cofucianism to Western Hedonism.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:12 am
True, US is in deep fiscal mess; but messier is China’s cultural disintegration. The trade-off is consummated, irreversible. Now, collapse is inevitable.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:25 am
Pete,
Re “I think China’s jumping into the global capitalist decadence will accelerate the collapse of the world economic order, the world financial system is in a state of disintegration, inevitable.”
There is a lot of truth that our Western economists, financiers, banks, share much of the blame if western financial systems finally disintegrate but some if not lots of the blame could be heaped on lil would be dictators in the likes of Gloria, Mugabe, and other African leaders who are now succumbing to the continuing Chinese economic aggression. Not so much because they need China in that respect but because they are greedy.
Individual greed, utter greed!
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:32 am
No one can invade the Philippines without landing 250,000 troops to gain a foothold. They should also do the landings in the right places. The WWII landing of the Japanese Army is the best one so far. The landings in Aparri and Lingayen forced MacArthur to go to Bataan prematurely. The Japanese learned this north Luzon strategy from the Fil-American War. That war would have been shorter if the Americans secured Cagayan Valley right away. MacArthur’s liberation landing in Luzon is an overdone copy of the Japanese landings.
Let’s just say X country did invade the Philippines successfully. The only thing that they should do to avoid any resistance is grant independence to any baranggay who wants to form their own country.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:53 am
Supremo,
Agree – invading Pinas is not the right tack and besides Malaysia will never do that – their population too small. Difficult with a population like Pinas to invade Pinas – suicide. War between Pinas, if ever, could only be on the issue of Sabah but there would be no land invasion, or invasion for occupation purposes.
If RP declared war on Malaysia today or vice versa, the purpose of that war is not to physically invade to occupy it the country but to put it on its knees just to force the defeated party to the negotiating table.
There would be no need to go into classic warfare to defeat RP. Malaysia definitely with its small own population would find that difficult. The purpose of battle would be on another level, “maim, wreck, destroy much of the Philippines” to surrender (geez, hate typing that).
So you’re right Malaysia would never invade Pinas to OCCUPY Pinas but to put it on its knees (hope to God it would not get there because believe me, Pinas will fold, buckle under straight away with the military strikes scenario I presented earlier.)
When RP’s communications infrastructures, land infrastures, airports, military bases and its military assets shot down, Pinas cannot but ’surrender’, go to the negotiating table and sue for peace. RP has no military assets to pit against Malaysia’s assets today – but none at all!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:58 am
Wait, just to be more clear: “So you’re right Malaysia would never invade Pinas OR to OCCUPY Pinas BUT if ever Malaysia gets it into their head TO ENGAGE PINAS IN WAR, their strategy would be focused on PUTTING PINAS on its knees (hope to God it would not get there because believe me, Pinas will fold, buckle under straight away with the military strikes scenario I presented earlier.)”
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:12 am
It’s more on the issue why the bill on cheap medicines are not yet enacted. So it seems.
BrianB on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:19 am
MBW, Don’t fear the Malaysians. They are at least civilized. Fear the Indonesians. heard of “Posoo”? Go to YouTube and search the word. Warning: footage only for sociopaths.
BrianB on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:20 am
that’s “Poso.”
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:21 am
Aha! Ca t, that’s a very very good angle.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:23 am
Brian,
Don’t like You Tube, they are exasperating. But thanks anyway, might check it one of these days.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:25 am
Oh and Brian, don’t fear Malaysians at all – as I said, they are not, as a people, exactly the bravest of the brave… geez, I hope I won’t be hit here for racist slur. Just saying the truth. OK Basta!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:27 am
And agree, Indonesians could be terribly irrational when they want to. Especially those who don’t like Christians.
watchful eye on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:18 am
Wow! The senate investigation of the ZTE deal postponed without any satisfactory explanation?
It does look like a sudden “brownout†during a Manny Pacquiao title fight! That makes those senators complicit in the scandal, doesn’t it?
Senator, may 200 ka dito.
AbbaG on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:23 am
The writer of controversial Desperate Housewives episode is none other than the creator himself, Marc Cherry.
http://mindy-tv.blogspot.com/2007/10/second-class-citizens.html
http://www.tvseriesfinale.com/2007/02/desperate_housewives_creator_sets_abc_series_end_d.php
http://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/marc-cherry/bio/194259
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:57 am
mbw,
“PUTTING PINAS on its knees”
The Philippines is about 1850 km from north to south and 1100 km from east to west. The combat radius of the F/A-18 is only 500 km. The Malaysians have to move it to Kota Kinabalu from Butterworth to bomb (after air refueling) Jolo or Puerto Princesa. The Mig-29 (600 km) might reach the same cities without air refueling. The Su-30 (800 km) might be able to reach Bacolod and Zamboanga cities without air refueling. How many sorties do you think is needed to demolished these cities? China can’t even reach Laoag from Hainan using the Su-30. We are safe for now from any invasion or air raids.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 8:19 am
cAt: re India, it’s long been planned, heard about the state visit even before august, i think, and someone from the south asia division of the dfa emailed me requesting background info on rp-india relations and ties (i’d had a show on rp and india and written about it) on 9/24/07, so i complied and sent info (regardless of political stands when asked, you help out any which way you can for a state occassion).
rego on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 8:26 am
This has always been my concern . People open up or raise an issue but nobody is driving it to proper closure.
Kung titingnan natin, andami na talagang scandal o exposes na lumabas simula ng umupo is Gloria. Unang una yung Jose Pidal, then Hello Garci, tapos etong NBN-ZTE at sangkatutak pang iba. Pero wala talagang closure na maayos.
Asan ba talaga ang problem dito. OK given na na si Gloria ay talgang tuso. Pero dito sa NBN ZTE Deal, malaki talaga ang pwedeng gawin ng Senado para masupalpal ang mga balak at hakbang ni Gloria .
Pakiramdam ko toluy parang pinaglalaruan at pinaglalaway lang ang publiko…
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 8:54 am
Impressive Supremo!
There will be no need to launch air strikes against the entire Phil archipelago to put Pinas “on its knees.” Just enough to create havoc and destroy enough assets will already put militarily impoverished Pinas on its knees.
By creating such havoc on major infrastructure routes, bridges (Mactan), airports (Cebu, Palawan, Davao, Zamboanga, Gen Santos, main ports (there goes the Aboitiz hold on ports), communications platforms (there goes Globe and Smart) in the Visayas and Mindanao regions will already make Pinas wobbly. Typically, the main strikes could be launched air and naval against the main bases in Western (Palawan) and Visayas Commands (Cebu) as well as in Mindano (Zamboanga, Jolo, incl Tawi Tawi) while submarine attacks could launch torpedoe assault on our own fleet and could go up to Phil Fleet in Sangley Point.
True that combat range of Hornet is limited but with air to air refuelling that should be not a difficult problem to solve. How? Easy. If needed, Malaysia can rent/lease air tankers right away from any nation in Europe (even US) that even France can readily lease them one since they’ve already ordered Airbus 400s to use as air tankers.
Of course, this is purely hypothetical. If things go hot over the Spratleys where there’s a rich reserve of gaz and petrol, the military strike scenario jsut might be different.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 8:54 am
“Wait, just to be more clear: “So you’re right Malaysia would never invade Pinas OR to OCCUPY Pinas BUT if ever Malaysia gets it into their head TO ENGAGE PINAS IN WAR, their strategy would be focused on PUTTING PINAS on its knees (hope to God it would not get there because believe me, Pinas will fold, buckle under straight away with the military strikes scenario I presented earlier.)â€
This hurts. Pound for pound I’m willing to bet GMA’s life on it, Filipino soldiers could still rank among the best in the world. Looks can be deceiving, they may talk, sound, and even look extremely humble (or humbled) but I’ve seen our soldiers “beat the crap” out of delegates from other military schools (in hand-to-hand combat). The will to fight and the propensity to fight to the last breath is inherent in the Filipino soldier. Although at the moment I will understand why most people will think otherwise. For one, the “morale” is down due to a crises in leadership which is polluting the chain of command, two, they are not properly equipped, three, they are underpaid, and four, in the war of propaganda – the left can run circles around them hence the public’s perception that they are human rights violators all of them.
It seems apparent that most “civilized” countries with the exception of the U.S. and a few others do not look at military agression as a sound foreign policy, an invasion from our neighboring countries will always be “fictional.” If there ever was, superior military hardware will only be a short lived advantage because you always have to deploy an occupational force and unless you use nukes to annihilate all the people, burn all reasources, even to the last cockroach (scorched earth) – this occupational force will take some lessons in “protracted guerilla warfare” which will be very costly on their side. If there ever was a “foreign invasion” it would only serve to end this political bickerings and finally unite this country towards a common goal…
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:01 am
Agree Ramrod – but pound for pound in terms of assault or defence assets, we have a bit of a problem.
The hypothetical scenario is not an all out war, which I’m confident Malaysia will never even try going into. They say theirs is deterrence doctrine but the realistic scenario is really in case things go hot either over Sabah or the Spratleys, Malaysia, again, IF THEY GET IT IN THEIR HEAD TO engage Pinas in warfare will be just to make Pinas buckle under so peace can be neogtiated and claims ironed out.
Don’t ever believe Malaysia will attack Pinas out of the blue. Much to laid back for them to do that. (Geez, I hope I don’t eat my words one day!)
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:05 am
Re: “For one, the “morale†is down due to a crises in leadership which is polluting the chain of command, two, they are not properly equipped, three, they are underpaid, and four, in the war of propaganda – the left can run circles around them hence the public’s perception that they are human rights violators all of them.”
I am so appalled by how bad down the drain our military has become! I would like them to be a proud outfit again one day. You have a proud military, then you have a proud people. As is today, we are reduced to “begging” for respect from our neighbours military.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:16 am
Good idea as a starting point, “Let Gloria finish her term.â€
Although I may not be happy about it, I have no regrets, I have supported all our presidents, from Marcos’ “Filipino Ideology”, Cory Aquino, Fidel Ramos, yes even Erap, and now GMA. I didn’t necessarily vote for them all but I considered it my duty to serve the leaders chosen by our people regardless of my personal biases. Yes, I also supported the EDSA 1, 2, but not 3 because of “patriotic” reasons which really sounded like good ideas at the time. In hindsight, I only have regrets for I don’t see any changes which for me would justify throwing away the constitution by forcefully removing duly constituted authority. To me it just opened a “Pandora’s box” now every president/administration is fair game, the next pres will find himself/herself in the same situation. Presently, I am not happy with GMA but I’m still secretly (though now its not) rooting for her to become the leader that she was meant to be, the leader that we deserve – be it she resigns for the good of the country or miraculously she can satisfactorily justify everything thats been happening lately.
Beancurd on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:20 am
Manila Bay Watch, should it not be a proud people making a proud military?
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:21 am
GMA can be on terminal leave like Abalos.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:27 am
“I am so appalled by how bad down the drain our military has become! I would like them to be a proud outfit again one day. You have a proud military, then you have a proud people. As is today, we are reduced to “begging†for respect from our neighbours military.”
Very true. Look at how we treated what to me would be our “best” combat officers, put them behind bars, those that cried “fowl” against corruption in logistics we let go in oblivion, those that finally have voices in government (senate) are silent, so now we are left with corrupt, incompetent, “prostitutes” who get their men killed.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:30 am
Mlq3,
I believed that it has been planned because of the cheap medicines that she’s pushing.
It is the timing which is what makes people keep on guessing.
frombelow on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:37 am
pete
I AM SICK OF GLORIA AND SICK OVER WHAT IS HAPPENING.
but i konw what to do which is i am doing now.
i am striving to earn more so that my family will live in comfort.
why waste my time doing the bids of politicians and political analysts in my midst.
we, as a political nation is done already and we failed miserably.
but as individual, we stiull have long way to go.
to hell with this slogan of transparency in government, decency of public officils and other sound bites which are only designed to obfuscate reality.
trabaho na lang tayo. may pag-asa pa pinoy.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:41 am
“I AM SICK OF GLORIA AND SICK OVER WHAT IS HAPPENING.
but i konw what to do which is i am doing now.
i am striving to earn more so that my family will live in comfort.
why waste my time doing the bids of politicians and political analysts in my midst.
we, as a political nation is done already and we failed miserably.
but as individual, we stiull have long way to go.
to hell with this slogan of transparency in government, decency of public officils and other sound bites which are only designed to obfuscate reality.
trabaho na lang tayo. may pag-asa pa pinoy.”
frombelow, thats probably the most “proactive” suggestion, I echo your sentiment. Spoken like an OFW…
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:45 am
Re: “logistics we let go in oblivion, those that finally have voices in government (senate) are silent, so now we are left with corrupt, incompetent, “prostitutes†who get their men killed.”
Exactly my feeling. I read today that 4 of the Navy Special Operations Warfare Group people got killed down South. They are my favourite unit in the AFP. Tiny group but a class of one of the best fightingest troops all on their own. Wonderful, brave, tough, all-around warfarers these guys are. So very sad to know that 4 of them have just been killed.
frombelow on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:53 am
tnx ramrod
but i am not an OFW.
gold is here. we just have to devote our enegies finding them instead of wasting our time on those shameless politicians, from barangay kagawad up to the top.
indoro ni emilie on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:54 am
“Pakiramdam ko toluy parang pinaglalaruan at pinaglalaway lang ang publiko…”
matagal na, rego, matagal na. naglabas-pasok na ulit si imelda, and we have not seen resolution of cases– especially those which involve the elite and the mighty. the irony of it all, it’s the whistleblowers who get blown up in the process.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:12 am
Sana nga kung may trabaho na makukuha ang lahat ng tao sa Pinas, puwede pa na sabihing, sige trabaho na lang!
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:25 am
“we are reduced to “begging†for respect from our neighbours military.”
If only politicians can get there hands off military procurement. I have a former high school classmate who is now a Colonel in the air force. He regularly pilots for GMA. He was part of the team that evaluated fighter jets. They recommended the new Saab Gripen because it’s affordable. The only hindrance to final approval is the lobby from politicians. One politician was pushing for refurbished F5s. Another one for used F16s. Those politicians should just BACK OFF!
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:26 am
“Sana nga kung may trabaho na makukuha ang lahat ng tao sa Pinas, puwede pa na sabihing, sige trabaho na lang!”
Right you are MBW, but at the moment thats the best some of us can do to help out, work pay taxes, give your children a good education and hopefully good values.
…and pray that this government will not pass on too much debt foreign debt to them in the future.
hvrds on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:46 am
Why senators are careful with Pork Barrel projects. The entire China financed Pork Barrel projects for the Philippines are and have been a big part of the total infrastructure project plans of the government.
The total Php 2 trillion+ projected expenditure plans by Big Mike and GMA has been planned to be financed by budget appropriations, GOCC contributions and loans and ODA funding.
China is not part of the OECD countries who have strict rules about transparency and accountabilities in vendor financed projects.
Let us call it China Pork. The Chinese do not care as they do not loose anything anyway as it is the vendee that pays for everything including kickbacks. Former Congressman Joey Salceda himself said that in infrastructure projects funded domestically there is about 30% built in into the price for kickbacks.
This is a plain simple fact about the Speaker and GMA fighting over who gets the Pork. It is a fight over pork. Chinese pork.
The other part of this is the privatization program. The first big privatization program under Cory was the MICP. The container port in Manila. ICTSI won that bid with help from the IFC and some other multinational groups. That bidding was done by the DOTC. The guy who was appointed head of PSALM by Big Mike and GMA is Razons man Ibazeta.
This is really about the big game between the big families that run this country. Cojuangco, Ayala, Lopez, the Chinese Taipans and off course up and coming Razon/GMA and Big Mike combination. The senators have their capo de tutti capi’s to report to. Danding, the Lopezes and their Chinese Taipans. Their fund contributors to their campaigns. They do not want to disturb the present status quo. Their foreign funders will get nervous as the risk premiums will go up if there be political instability right at the top of the food chain.
Off course these groups have their foreign funders behind them . This about the major infrastructure of the country. Utilities, ports, major roadways that will have to be built.
There is a global glut in savings and a serious lack of investible assets in the world. The Philippines naturally is doing its part to help solve that lack of investible assets. Secretary of Agriculture Yap wanted to lease 2M hectares to the Chinese. He should resign and start his own realty brokerage company.
Crisis in global capitalism can only be solved by pumping up valuations by releasing more liquidity into the future which will be paid for by the unborn.
Donald Trump recently unveiled a condo project in NYC that starts at $3,000 a sq foot. Almost double prevailing rates) In the middle of a subprime crisis he will sell out. There are enough rich people who need to park their money somewhere instead of leaving it in cash form. By the end of this year the Phisix would possibly gain over 50%+ in market value.
Central Bankers have a 25-30 year time frame since they know their decisions will affect long term events. We will all be dead anyway.
However perky Luli Arroyo and her kids when and if she has them will be well looked after.
Don’t you love this system wherein greed and selfishness are beneficial for society.
supremo on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:54 am
Part of the money intended for the NBN might be used to buy Z-9 helicopters from China.
gibraltar on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:01 am
mlq3, read your column today re senate cop out.
what is this now, are there offers (or thereats?) that cant be refused? or dark secrets maybe?
reminds me of an old novel i once read about an upright US supreme court justice that cant be bought. but his imaginative enemies found out a dark secret – he had a negro/black blood (a grandmother?) which was a most embarrassing if not fatal “defect” at that time. lots of things were imperiled, career, social standing and the coming marriage of a favorite daughter.
the good justice found a solution – he killed himself.
thus his secret and everything else remained safe. including his beloved principles.
but then a man that cant be bought might be the best thing after all – you can have him for free!
end of story.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:12 am
Mlq3,
Before I knock off, just want to tell you read through the list you linked carefully – very detailed but is not very complete, missile arsenal not included and some other naval hardware; also there are lots more on order, already signed, sealed and being manufactured, i.e., UAVs, other aircraft, air tankers, etc.
Also, noticed the writer is called “Mat Salleh” not real name. Very funny!
Here’s the story behind “Mat Salleh”
“Mat Salleh” is a derogatory term for a Caucasian that sprung from the words “Mad Sailor” referring to British sailors who would go around being drunk around town during the Malaysia-UK heydays. People would scream, “Go away mad sailor” or screech, “Mad Sailor”, and since Malays couldn’t then effectively pronounce English words well, the term ended being pronounced into “Mat Salleh.” It has since become a “derogatory term” against Caucasians.
frombelow on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:16 am
what a feeling. i feel very vindicated. although want pacjk the Senate with opposotionists in the last elections. i refused to vote. me thinks they are all the same.
ha ha ha. how true.
frombelow on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:17 am
trbaho na lang tayo. kalimutan na natn yAng mga pulitkong yan.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:18 am
Pete Your objective mainly resolves around the concept of “GMA being out of the picture in Philippine Governance.” As to how, well, that’s why were here to discuss on those details. Playing the devils advocate, do you think that the whole country dislikes GMA or just some territories surrounding Imperial Manila and some places in Mindanao? This is one fact we have to agree on. The term “I’m sick of GMA and her Administration” is, yes, valid for some but might not be the sentiments of other people. Remember, we are a country of 40 Million or so. It’s one of the pains of DEMOCRACY, we have to know the pulse of the “majority” – both the vocal and the silent ones.
The consequences and effects you are referring to is a post-GMA scenario. What I am concerned about is the “transition period.” Would the advantages outweigh the disadvantages? Let focus not on the ANTE and POST, rather on what would happen during the “stretch of the transition” if and when GMA would be out of the picture before 2010.
Please give me the link, article re this discussion among Congressmen. Correct me if I am wrong but LA SALLE doesn’t have a Law School, right? I mean in the Philippines. So which La Salle Law School did Crispin Remulla go to. Yes, I think Teddy Boy got his Bachelor of Laws from the Ateneo. Yes please, would be very interested in reading discussing this issue on LOA because as far as I know, the prevailing doctrine (with reference to vacancy in the Presidency) does not mention anything about LOA (leave of absence).
DevilsAdvc8 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:19 am
MBW, actually if you read through the comments section, you’d realize that a lot on the list are just “ordered” and not yet “delivered.” also, some of the commenters (apparently malaysians) have noted that most of the jets are not “armed” and only one is, and have raised issues just like the non exploding cannons in our military. etc.
watchful eye on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:22 am
This is really about the big game between the big families that run this country. Cojuangco, Ayala, Lopez, the Chinese Taipans and of course up and coming Razon/GMA and Big Mike combination. The senators have their capo de tutti capi’s to report to. Danding, the Lopezes and their Chinese Taipans. Their fund contributors to their campaigns. They do not want to disturb the present status quo. Their foreign funders will get nervous as the risk premiums will go up if there be political instability right at the top of the food chain. hvrds
In other words, some foreign funders and businessmen, the Taipans, the Tisoys, Big Mike and Ate Glue, and their political stooges are screwing the Filipinos big time.
watchful eye on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:29 am
I also read mlq3’s column. We seem to be on the same wavelength.
Bencard on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:32 am
“so tell me, which is more affordable, a change in power before 2010, or unabated plunder until 2010?” manuelbuencamino.
this presumptuous question presupposes that there is “unabated plunder” going on that necessitate an unconstitutional “change in power”. i don’t know what kind of supernatural power you have to discern continuing plunder but why is there no real proof being put forward by forces more desperate than you are to pin down the president? are they a bunch of nincompoops and inutile who can use a smart mind like yours?
change in power? how many times are you gonna try that and fail miserably each time? good things happen to those who wait. didn’t your mother teach you that?
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:35 am
MBW I remember something and maybe of the basis we can jump off from talking about all these Military Arsenals and Hardware of Singapore, Malaysia, and sadly the Philippines, I thought of researching about Military Expenditures. Here are some of the information I got:
(a) Singapore: USD 4,470,000,000.00 or USD 0.42 per USD 10 of GDP.
(b) Malaysia: USD 1,690,000,000.00 or USD 0.14 per USD 10 of GDP.
(c) Philippines: 995,000,000.00 or USD 0.12 per USD 10 of GDP.
Singapore is far ahead in terms of their “defense kitty.” Malaysia and the Philippines are not far behind but we must consider that a bulk of Philippine Military Expenditure goes to Personnel and not to the Procurement of Hardware unlike that of Malaysia.
In terms of total Military Expenditure, Singapore is ranked No. 22, Malaysia is ranked No. 41, and the Philippines is ranked No. 52. Also I found other interesting information.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:38 am
frombelow, i believe that’s what John Marzan calls ‘mobyism’.
http://politicaljunkie.blogspot.com/2005/12/mobyism.html
under the circumstances, i understand where you’re coming from though.
frombelow on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:50 am
The Senate stood pat on the desire of GMA… to postpone barangay polls. Proceed with the elections, brave and honorable Senators chorused.
Ang gagaling. Ang tatapang. Di sumunod sa wish ni GMA.
Pero SA ZTE invewitigation? Hinto muna tayo, said senators. “Ang gagaling, ang tatapang”. Ha ha ha ha
Bencard on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:57 am
“The term “I’m sick of GMA and her Administration” is, yes, valid for some but might not be the sentiment of other people.”
yes, karah, i’m one of the “other people” you are referring to. i recall the first time i joined this blog. not only was i judged to be on the payroll of malacanang, i was treated a virtual non-entity for espousing pro-gma sentiments and for being “legalistic”. thanks to mlq3, his open-mindedness made me stay and become a lonely voice along with rego and a few others who dare swim against the current. you may not be one of us but i think you are on the side of reason and fairness, and you speak with wisdom.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:02 pm
“Philippines are not far behind but we must consider that a bulk of Philippine Military Expenditure goes to Personnel and not to the Procurement of Hardware unlike that of Malaysia.”
Where did all this go? Our soldiers’ families are having a hard time coping up? The common “foot soldier” still cooks his own meal on stones and firewood, subsisting mostly of a very nutritious diet of rice and dried fish, perhaps occasional sardines. Can you blame them if occasionally a pig (chicken, cow, dog) disappears from a farmer’s backyard? With this money they should be feasting on K rations and drinking water through portable filtration systems and not take risks that their intestinal fortitude will ward off diarrhea, e coli, or amoebiasis…
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:06 pm
hrvds If only PORK BARREL FUNDS are utilized well with transparency (open bidding and open books which is quite impossible to be put in place in both Houses), it can help a lot of people. Since Pork Barrel funds of the Congresspeople directly benefit their constituents but what happening is that the Pork Barrel funds cirectly benefit their pockets. Re: Pork Barrel Funds by the Senators, they may do as they please since they don’t have a particular district to look after (maybe the will prioritize their home province for the honest ones but will prioritize their bank accounts for majority of them).
The proposed budget for 2008 is I think around 1.2 Trillion or 1.3 Trillion, unprecedented. Lots of money alright but I don’t know of this amount, how much really would benefit the citizens. Do they conduct studies on this? Expenditureirect Direct Benefit Rations. How much money does every Filipino benefit from the National Budget.
Since China has a lot of MONEY at the moment, they are “planting rice” to what Filipinos call “debt of gratitude.” Besides, these so-called LOANS at a lower rates have SOVEREIGN GUARANTEES plus the bonus of China looking good to the countries that they give loans.
EDSA 1 and EDSA 2, even the quite amusing EDSA 3 happened and did it change anything aside from the ideals that were shouted on these events? After these EDSA’s, what happened? Things are getting worst if not worst. I don’t want to think that these EDSA’s are mere theater plays that the ELITE play but down the road, it’s the ELITE that dictates who things work in Government no the citizens (a very sad reality).
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:07 pm
“yes, karah, i’m one of the “other people†you are referring to. i recall the first time i joined this blog. not only was i judged to be on the payroll of malacanang, i was treated a virtual non-entity for espousing pro-gma sentiments and for being “legalisticâ€. ”
We all have our day jobs, at least we “agree to disagree” as empowered citizens of this “virtual community.”
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:19 pm
Bencard I don’t wanna consider myself LUKEWARN on the issue of pro-gma or anti-gma but I would say, I go where my convictions lead me. GMA Administration has excesses, yes YET this same Administration also had some good things under it’s resume. Even the Opposition could curse GMA to high heavens but when it gets down to “working relationship” for the country, I think this is one thing the Opposition lacks.
I’m not Pro-GMA neither am I Pro-Erap. I am not Pro-Tabako either. Much more, I am not Pro-Marcos because the time Marcos was booted out from RP ,I was only 5 years old.
I don’t think that more than taking sides, we should help each other in nation-building not destroying each other. In our case, nation-building in our own little way.
Just stand your ground and you’ll be fine. Don’t mind these hecklers (as Joker blurted out at Lacson).
I do think that MLQ3 welcomes everybody in here – whatever their political affiliations and beliefs are and it’s a good thing because this Blog came to be one of the most interesting Blog . Im sure others share this observation of mine.
hvrds on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:27 pm
The Philippines is strategically dependent on foreign capital economically. That means when you buy gas from a Shell station in the Philippines you are buying imported fuel from a foreign company in the domestic market. The country will have to earn the dollars to pay not only for the imported oil but for the profits that Shell makes on its sale in the domestic market. Hence the Philippines is stuck with the export orientation since the time of the Spaniards. The natural law of supply and demand and division of labor in this country is inverted economically due to the accidents of history.
Should the Philippines save money by abolishing Congress the BSP and the national government and simply become a neo-colony/protectorate of the U.S. and or Europe? Or if you wish of the PRC. I am sure Pinoys would not like the idea of the Chinese. By simply changing our currency to the dollar we would save billions on the nonsense of the magician in the BSP pretending he is practicing his craft.They blew off almost $50 b in paper loses.
The awesome power of global funds without regulatory oversight. See below.
The Philippines GDP is worth $120B+. Domestic market capitalization in the PSE excluding PLDT which is foreign controlled is between $20-$30 B.
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/71d05460-71d7-11dc-8960-0000779fd2ac.html
Capital markets face shift to opaque investors
By Joanna Chung in London F.T.
Published: October 3 2007 18:54 | Last updated: October 3 2007 18:54
Global financial markets face a permanent shift in power from traditional money managers to opaque groups such as petro-dollar investors, Asian central banks, hedge funds and private equity groups, according to a study out Thursday.
These power brokers had amassed $8,400bn in assets by the end of 2006, three times what they held in 2000 when they were “little more than fringe players†in the capital markets, says the report, published by McKinsey Global Institute.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:43 pm
if i ever make it to boston, i fully intend to at least have a drink with bencard. and if to nyc, ditto with rego. one day, gma will be out of the picture and i know we will find a hell of a lot to work together on for the country.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:44 pm
Ram The answer to your question is “how does the AFP Finance Department disburse its funds” to the soldiers. The amount that each “foot soldier” should receive, do they receive it intact and on time? These are the questions that need some answering by the AFP higher echelons.
My heart goes to the soldiers in the field. They are ill-equipped, underpaid, and even lack the most basic supplies that should be given to them when they are doing “field operations.” Their usual viand would be dried fish and sardines as you’ve said. It’s one of those sad stories. And come to think of it, nobody was made accountable why with the budget, the soldiers are suffering whilst the Generals are playing golf and/or having vacations somewhere. (I remember the rest house for AFP Officers that was put up on Boracay).
Maybe these soldiers also have as their diet, Pythons and other snakes.
Would serve as “finger food” for them or maybe even would serve as viand. You know how it is in the jungle.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:48 pm
karah,
i dunno, but to me, a lot of things are a heck of a lot better. there have been a lot of incremental achievements, and while some things are quite worse, there are many things that are better. everything we’ve gone through has made us more democratic and at the very least, changed us, as a people. there’s much more change going on than perhaps at any other time in our history, not necessarily in ways some of us will like, but still, change is better than stagnation.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 12:59 pm
MLQ3 We are a young and growing Democracy. Other countries might have overcome us yet we are as a Nation, unique. Some of the more concrete improvements over that years that benefit the public are (a) The RORO (Nautical Highway) – I was able to see the benefits first hand of island-hopping from one island to the next rather than riding a plane or even transporting your vehicle on a boat – which is by the way so expensive; the transportation of goods got cheaper. (b) The NLEX and SLEX is also very beneficial to at least cut the used to be “bottleneck” exits in the North and South of Metro Manila. (c) Though mired with a lot of controversy, if the project would be a success, the Northrail and Southrail would be another alternative for the riding public and the movement of goods.
Along the way, there would always be some “growing pains” but I do think that it’s better to live in the Philippines rather than North Korea, rather than Yemen, rather than Afghanistan and Iraq. Come to think of it, if a person has some money, it is much much more comfortable to live in PI rather than live in the US where there are no Helpers, Drivers, and other Housestaff to rely on.
“The only thing that endures is change.” (Heraclitus).
Beancurd on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:27 pm
I agree with you mlq3 and karah, on the matter of change and improvement and I think this is due mainly to the present administration. From my observations of some of the people I know (within the period of 2000-to present), they have become better in the sense that they some of them had no regular jobs before or low paying jobs or struggling small businesses and they now have better paying jobs. Most of them are now working abroad.
Almost half of the members of my highschool class are already out of the country while the other half are too poor to leave. Compared to the generation of my parents where only a few in their class have left and are now enjoying the good fruits of their labor, the “jump” from the few to half of the class is really an improvement.
Infrastructures aside, you think our society as a society has become better (or even safe) in the 7 years under Gloria? That I think should be a better gauge for the words change in relation to improvement.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:29 pm
The Ca t How’s the performance of India’s own version of the NBN (National Broadband Network) to date? I’m not familiar with the system but is their NBN a DSL-type (cable) or it’s WiMax-capable (wireless).
The Cheaper Medicines Bill: 1 strike, 2 more to go. The Senate passed it. Now it’s time the House pass it. I do think that GMA is for this Cheaper Medicines Act. Once it passes both Houses, she will sign it into Law. Hope the implementation would be closely monitored by the public. You know how these things work, same old “ningas-kugon” mentality.
Beancurd on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:34 pm
Better or at least safer, that would be easy to gauge. I used to commute and sleep in the PUVs without fear of anyone taking my belongings but now, I do not even feel safe anymore even inside my own car. Have you guys been out int he streets lately? And how do you compare your present experience to your experience about 7 years ago?
A better society should at the very least be a safer one.
rego on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:50 pm
if i ever make it to boston, i fully intend to at least have a drink with bencard. and if to nyc, ditto with rego. one day, gma will be out of the picture and i know we will find a hell of a lot to work together on for the country…
———————-
No problemo, Manolo. Email ka lang at bigay ko ang cell number ko…
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 1:50 pm
hvrds In 2006, although the trade deficit was lower than 2005, it’s still a staggering USD 4.364. At the onset of 2007 wherein the value of the peso went up against the dollar, any idea on the trend on IMPORT vis a vis EXPORT? The first hand info I can share is that a lot of Furniture Companies closed shop or are in the red due to the rapid appreciation of the PESO. In Cebu, take for example, from 40-50 Medium-Large scale Producers, now it’s down to 12 Medium-Large scale Producers. Thousands lost their jobs because of this.
Re: I think the Philippines import 70% of its Oil consumption. Though the appreciation of the peso might be beneficial, the OIL CARTEL still call the shots. I don’t know about the supposed REGULATORS because I don’t find them visible. It’s funny when these Oil Companies say they would rollback Php 0.40/liter but when they increase, it’s Php 1.00 or Php 1.50 or even more per liter. Fantastic.
The OFW Remittances is a big help. Talking about them. They are pushing for a SPECIAL RATE on OFW foreign-exchange. What’s your idea on this matter?
The idea of the Philippines being a colony/protectorate what have you is quite a tempting idea but a surrender of Sovereignity might make erupt into a full blown war. More than abolishing the Congress, streamlining Line Agencies, revisiting the profitability of GOCC’s and GFI’s is in order.
So I heard that PRIVATE EQUITY FUNDS are gobbling up company after company. And they have the funds to do so. These are the new breed of Corporate Decision Makers. True, there’s a lot of Petrol Dollars from KSA, UAE, Qatar, and even Russian that’s lying around.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 2:10 pm
Bencard We cannot deny the fact that there were a lot of “scandals” during the term of GMA – the Diosdado Macapagal Highway, the Northrail Project, now the NBN. Whether these allegations were true or whether GMA was really involved in these projects, it’s for the Courts decide. What people didn’t and pretend not to see are the “progress” and “milestones” that the Philippines had since 2001. I think let’s also give credit where credit is due.
Was looking at the POEA Statistics, in 2006 alone, 1,221,417 Filipinos were deployed. Mind you these are the DOCUMENTED ONES and there’s also a good number of UNDOCUMENTED ONES. I hope the Gov’t would do more to avoid the increase of UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS. The problem with the latter is that is he/she runs into trouble, it would be hard to identify him/her because the Embassy in that country does not have records of him/her. Another thing too is that the dependents of this undocumented worker won’t be able to get some benefits come what may.
There’s a certain REAL-ESTATE BOOM mainly due to OFW’s, Pensioners/Retirees who have Filipino roots, and even Balikbayans. This means that the PURCHASING POWER of a good number of Pinoys is increasing. A lot of these people buy Lots, House and Lots (Residential), and Condo Units. Some are for their family, some are for investment purposes.
I don’t know what’s the feel on the streets with reference to Safety and Security. I do hear a lot of news about crime and all. What I can say maybe is that it depends on what City in the Philippines you are in. Some cities are fairly safer than the others. Due to poverty, there are some people who resort to petty crimes and some serious crimes like armed robbery and hold-up.
I’ll rest my eyes first. I’ll place 1 slice of cucumber on each side of my eyes. I think my eyebags are getting bigger.
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:18 pm
beancurd, i hear of my rapes, more snatchings, more vandalism, than in the past. fewer high profile kidnappings but more thuggery involving ordinary people and children. smuggling seems not only worse, but positively encouraged; businessmen complain that customs has been truly shocking in its mulcting. in the area where i live, even telephone cables have been stolen for their copper wires.
but in many government offices, petty fixing seems to have decreased, in others, release of paperwork seems to have improved, petty government crime seems to have been reduced but well, you have zte.
value meals are now luxury meals for many.
yet there’s still a certain optimism at least in urban areas esp. outside metro manila, part of dealing with all these problems due to basically, an absence of effective governance is, people are more independent.
but not since the 80s maybe, have the haves been so hated by the have-nots.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:25 pm
manolo, i take it that you meant ‘many rapes’ above.
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:30 pm
karah:
hi there. i’ll craft my own blog. can i invite you?
harry
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:31 pm
From personal experience, i think in terms of renewing licenses (LTO), getting birth certificates (NSO) and NBI clearances (forgot the agency), government efficiency has improved because of computerization and, unless i’m wrong, outsourcing to third parties. It’s not like Singapore but there it’s more systematic.
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:32 pm
sorry, i meant it’s not like Singapore but at least it’s more systematic than before.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:38 pm
cvj
I was able to renew my license in 1 hour
cvj on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:42 pm
ramrod, me too (drug test and all).
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:46 pm
Harry, what’s with this “craft thing?” The only craft I know is “Kraft Cheese.”
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 3:56 pm
karah:
i sense that you’re not philosophizing me, are you?
harry
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:02 pm
I’m not trying to philosophize you. Think whatever you wanna think of me.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:07 pm
Are you on drugs?
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:13 pm
karah:
you’re a baddie. what made you say that?
harry
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:16 pm
You might be under medication or maybe you’ve got a headache and you got overdosed with the medicine you’re taking. I’ll leave you here coz I don’t have the time to talk with you.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:17 pm
Expelliarmus!
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:23 pm
ramrod:
who are you trying to disarm?
harry
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:25 pm
They are still in the broadband ADSL and a negiligible percentage on DSL not because there is no demand but the private operators need to get additional spectrum from the regulatory agencies that conctorl telecommunications in terms of granting radio spectrum,
They are also working on the development of the BWA/WIMAX phase 1.
And guess what, ZTE lost to Sterlite Optical Technologies Ltd. to design, develop, and implement a broadband and metro Ethernet network. The network will provide coverage in the cities of Mumbai and New Delhi, with capacity for 500,000 subscribers by 2009. Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. (MTNL) agovernment run carrier has awarded the project for $41.64.
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:34 pm
ramrod:
i thought you’re dr. evil because you’re trying to imitate the way he laughs. it should be me using expelliarmus because i’m harry clay and you’re dr. evil. where’s mini me?
harry
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:51 pm
Hi Harry, just kidding. I can’t help myself everytime I see your name pop up. No, Dr. Evil is supposed to be GMA (notice the mole) and her sidekick “Mini Me” is Luli. hahahahahah
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:53 pm
MLQ3,
As I have said before and saying it again, these opposition senators are doing GMA a favor by their laziness and unpreparedness in pursuing an investigation.
Lahat gusto lang makita sa TV.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:54 pm
the Cat,
Are you familiar with the “we roam” of PLDT, I believe its very slow, is Globe’s “visibility” really better?
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:56 pm
“As I have said before and saying it again, these opposition senators are doing GMA a favor by their laziness and unpreparedness in pursuing an investigation.
Lahat gusto lang makita sa TV.”
My sentiments exactly!!!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 4:57 pm
The Ca t How’s the regulatory environment on Telecommunications in India? Is it that strict or just full of red tape? I understand that INDIA’s Telecom Backbone remains to underutilized and untapped amidst India being the Outsouring Capital of the World. I forgot the details but I’ve read about this in the book: “A World is Flat.” Have you read that book?
WiMax and all its variants are considered to be technologies in their SUNRISE stages. And in terms of Technology, India’s one of those emerging “regional superpowers” that wants to get ahead. Although extreme poverty is still rampant given their population, there was a rapid increase in the number of “middle-class” families (mostly beneficiaries of the Outsourcing and IT boom).
Just wanna clarify the price tag, is it USD 41.64 Million?
mlq3 on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:00 pm
cAt, Jun Magsaysay was the only guy who managed a complete, thorough, damning investigation. I miss having him in the Senate. And he turned away all the President’s efforts to use him. So in return, the President ignored the RM Centennial. Sigh. I miss Serge, too, he always did his homework. There’s a way to be on TV and still do a good job.
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:04 pm
ramrod:
or shall we say, mrs. evil? and mini-me? how about making an anime or a cartoon entitled: mrs. evil vs. the band (aka wrist band) (i suppose who this guy is, the one having his vacation in tanay).
harry
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:05 pm
karah:
*wink*
harry
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:09 pm
mlq3:
with your permission, is it okay to serenade someone in here?
harry
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:23 pm
ramrod:
chanced upon your question. here’s my answer. globe visility claims it can have a downstream speed of 1.4Mbps plus you’re talking of 3.5G here. i don’t know how much speed does weroam give downstream. are you a we roam user?
harry
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:25 pm
“or shall we say, mrs. evil? and mini-me? how about making an anime or a cartoon entitled: mrs. evil vs. the band (aka wrist band) (i suppose who this guy is, the one having his vacation in tanay).”
I thought about it before since the senator son is the exact but small version of the original, hair, mustache and all but decided against it due to humanitarian reasons.
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:29 pm
harry,
Yes, for more than a year now and it gets lousier everytime, dial up is better but I need to have internet access wherever I go. We roam is edge/gprs whatever that is, the salesperson said that visibility is edge/gprs and 3g but I haven’t met a visibility user yet so I can ask if its worth the expense of switching.
Harry on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 5:30 pm
ramrod:
that would be a sight – a tag team championship. in the red corner: mrs. evil & mini me. in the blue corner: wrist band & wrist band jr. let’s get ready to rumble…!
harry
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:03 pm
GMorning folks, Karah,
Browsing through comments here, wow! – I found you already have figures plus some pertinent info which you haven’t disclosed (yet?).
Re:
(a) Singapore: USD 4,470,000,000.00 or USD 0.42 per USD 10 of GDP.
(b) Malaysia: USD 1,690,000,000.00 or USD 0.14 per USD 10 of GDP.
(c) Philippines: 995,000,000.00 or USD 0.12 per USD 10 of GDP.
In 2003 Europa World Year Book already published Malaysia military spending at more than 3 billion dollars US for 2002. So am a lil surprised that your Malaysia figures are only half of what was already published then.
Am curious but where did you get those figures because my figures are slightly different (w/c, btw, I got from the net):
(A) SINGAPORE:
2007 Population: 4.5 m U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 116.8 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 4.7% UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
(B) MALAYSIA:
2007 Population: 26.4 million U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 130.3 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 2.3 % UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
(C) PHILIPPINES:
2007 Population: 86.7 million U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 99 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 0.9% UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
Malaysia’s 15th plan ups their military budget by some 1 billion US dollars (perhaps intended to catch up with Singapore.)
By the way, ranking in military parlance is not so much how much a nation spends but what it buys that determines military reach or influence.
For example, Britain and France spend far far less than US but are still global powers because a) they have conventional expeditionary navies and b) their nuclear powered and armed sumbarines can hit any target anywhere on the globe as and when they see fit.
Britain and France’s reach extends as far as the US’s, granted the US has greater reach and weight of punch in conventional terms, but nuclear reach is the same nonetheless.
The US exceeds both superpowers in terms of conventional strike because France and Britain can only attack with conventional cruise missile that is much less than US capability.
Malaysia and Singapore in those terms (not nuke), have both missile (sea to sea and air defence) and submarine attack capabilities so have greater reach and if you like, influence than Philippines (maybe that’s why RP ranks 52?)
I don’t honestly know the ranking in terms of miliraty reach or influence of the three countries. Your info up there is a good enough reference for me. Do you know what year the ranking was done?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:06 pm
GMorning folks, Karah,
Browsing through comments here, wow! – I found you already have figures plus some pertinent info which you haven’t disclosed (yet?).
Re:
(a) Singapore: USD 4,470,000,000.00 or USD 0.42 per USD 10 of GDP.
(b) Malaysia: USD 1,690,000,000.00 or USD 0.14 per USD 10 of GDP.
(c) Philippines: 995,000,000.00 or USD 0.12 per USD 10 of GDP.
In 2003 Europa World Year Book already published Malaysia military spending at more than 3 billion dollars US for 2002. So am a lil surprised that your Malaysia figures are only half of what was already published then.
Am curious but where did you get those figures because my figures are slightly different (w/c, btw, I got from the net):
(A) SINGAPORE:
2007 Population: 4.5 m U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 116.8 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 4.7% UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
(B) MALAYSIA:
2007 Population: 26.4 million U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 130.3 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 2.3 % UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
(C) PHILIPPINES:
2007 Population: 86.7 million U.N. Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) Population Division (2006)
GDP 2005: 99 current US$ billions World Bank Data Profile Tables 2007
Percentage of GDP spent on military 2004: 0.9% UNDP – Human Development Report 2006
Malaysia’s 15th plan ups their military budget by some 1 billion US dollars (perhaps intended to catch up with Singapore.)
By the way, ranking in military parlance is not so much how much a nation spends but what it buys that determines military reach or influence.
For example, Britain and France spend far far less than US but are still global powers because a) they have conventional expeditionary navies and b) their nuclear powered and armed sumbarines can hit any target anywhere on the globe as and when they see fit.
Britain and France’s reach extends as far as the US’s, granted the US has greater reach and weight of punch in conventional terms, but nuclear reach is the same nonetheless.
The US exceeds both superpowers in terms of conventional strike because France and Britain can only attack with conventional cruise missile that is much less than US capability.
Malaysia and Singapore in those terms (not nuke), have both missile (sea to sea and air defence) and submarine attack capabilities so have greater reach and if you like, influence than Philippines (maybe that’s why RP ranks 52?)
I don’t honestly know the formal ranking in terms of miliraty reach or influence of the three countries except if I were make deduction based on the list of their assets (Jane’s would be a good source but haven’t got the world index book). Your info up there is a good enough reference for me. Do you know what year the ranking was done?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:08 pm
Geez, sorry for the double entry Mlq3!
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:19 pm
MBW I’ll reply to your comment later. I’m on my way home.
Bencard on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 6:33 pm
mlq3, just woke up, it’s 6 am (edt) here. sure, i’ll look forward to that drink with you and rego in either boston or ny. as rego said, just e-mail me and i’ll give you my number. i’m sure we’ll have a thing or two to chat about.
karah, thanks for the advice. i’ll take it to heart and add it to my coping mechanisms when emotions are running high; which is not infrequent, by any means.
ramrod, i love the clash of ideas and hate the heckling but… it goes with the territory, i guess.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:36 pm
I understand that INDIA’s Telecom Backbone remains to underutilized and untapped amidst India being the Outsouring Capital of the World.
Thank you for the question.
And here is something different with their regulatory agency, TRAI. They have consultation paper on how to manage the need for broadband growth.
Here is the pdf of the consultation paper dated September 2007.
http://www.trai.gov.in/trai/upload/PressReleases/495/pr17sep07no80.pdf
You’re right. It is underutilized. The government run
BSNL / MTNL together own more than 40 million copper loops in India, which are not open to private operators.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:41 pm
Correct to the last millions.
You’re right again and if this Broadband/Wimax is developed full blast, by 2010, India can boast that they are one of those with this latest technology when it is at its peak.
Are we drinking the same tea?
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:49 pm
I am not in the Philippines so I have no way of comparing the services.
YOu can say that I am even a texting idiot ‘ cause i do not know how to text and i didn’t activate that feature in my cellponecumwalkietalkie.
I am not a techie but my exposure is in preparation and evaluation of feasibility study and implementation of the project. So I do my homework.
The Ca t on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 7:55 pm
Mlq3,
I share your observation.
karah on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 9:44 pm
MBW I got the info from NationMaster(dot)com. I was trying to locate what year the Statistics were collated but didn’t find any date. Anyhow, I found another source – I think a more credible source. This time its’ globalsecurity(dot)org. Let me give the details below taking into consideration Defense Spending by Singapore, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
Singapore (2005 estimates): USD 5.6 Billion.
Malaysia (2005 estimates): USD 2.5 Billion.
Philippines (2005 estimates) USD 837 Million.
According to GlobalSecurity, Singapore ranks No. 21. Malaysia ranks No. 39. The Philippines ranks No. 59. Most of these expenditures are estimates. I would have liked to go to the library and see some recent Journals on Strategic and Defense Studies but don’t have the time yet.
There are different ranking among different schools of thought. Some base the rankings on total expeditures, some based on GDP percentage, some even on GDP per capita. I would concur with your assertion that more than the spending, the HARDWARE should be considered but since there are thousands if not tens of thousands of HARDWARES, there must be a set of criteria to arrive at some scientific calculations – in terms of military might, military expenditure, military experience, military personnel, and so on and so forth.
Just basing from GlobalSecurity, the USA spends some USD 623 Billion dollars for Defense. Their spending is growing by the year due to Afghanistan and Iraq (mainly because of the latter). A far far second is China which only spent USD 65 Billion (2004 estimates). Its a measly 10.4% of what the USA spends. China, Russia, France, and the UK are considered Military powers in their own regions yet the USA is the “sole superpower.” Japan spends a lot, I wonder where they spend their money? Since they aren’t allowed to have a standing Armed Forces, right? The agreement after WW2?
I reckon there are a lot of types of Missiles – from small ones to mediam ones to what they call ICBM’s. There’s Surface-to-Air (SAM), Air-to-Air, Air-to-Sea, Sea-to-Air, Sea-to-Surface (Tomhawk Missiles?) Air-to-Suface (ACLS types), et cetera, et cetera.
MLQ3 who might have access to General Appropriations document might give us an idea on what are the “items” that is spent by the AFP with reference to the yearly Budget. I think there are details except for the INTELLIGENCE FUNDS which I think does not need any scrutiny due to the nature of the item itself.
vic on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:06 pm
“If only PORK BARREL FUNDS are utilized well with transparency (open bidding and open books which is quite impossible to be put in place in both Houses), it can help a lot of people.”
karah, Slush funds or discretionary funds 0r Pork Barrel invite irregularities and partisan disbursement and they are not intended as campaign funds or personal funds for elected officials. But even here where transparency and corruptions are not much of an issue, a few months ago the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration had step out in Disgrace when it was revealed that He used the funds for Partisan purposes and without proper paperwork. The funds is intended for groups of identifiable immigrants not connected to the party or not for vote buying but the Auditor discovered that most beneficiaries of the funds are groups sympathetic to the party in government or even party members.. One group the Cricket Club (south asians) asked for 150 thousands for their facilities and handed a Cheque for 1 million and the balance is still sitting in their bank account for their own Pork Barrel.
So my point is, you give a politician public money and give him discretion to spend it anyway he wish, chances and he’ll use it for his own benefits and his friends instead of the whole constituents.. and it is possible anywhere, only in our case it got caught in time and the “bad guys” pay for it dearly….
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:48 pm
Aha, pretty soon you will be an expert on military hardware!
Look, if you really want to take this defence study seriously, some of the best reference books on defence all around are those published by Jane’s, very, very serious. For example, their Jane’s Fighting Ships is one of their long standing publications, of course updated regularly, it is THE bible of navies all over the world.
Another one is Europa World Year Book, a must for anyone interested in geopolitics to have.
There are 4 or 5 serious monthly and bi-monthly Asian defence journals published out of Malaysia and a couple in Singapore that are more or less tackles region’s defence and military. There’s one, owned by a friend of mine isn’t published on the web. There are hundreds of defence magazines, especialised military and hardware journals, newspapers in the English language alone.
Best way to start familiarising yourself with hardware is by obtaining brochures and presentation manuals from defence companies (Not sure if they can send you brochures, literatures, etc. if you are not military defence or govt related or unless you are one of the industry agents.) (If you come my part of the world, I can get you some but can’t do it by mail to an unknown.)
But I think, it’s a good idea to start with one type of hardware first and “master” it, just like what you are doing (very systematic approach, I’m impressed, really I am…), eg, missiles types, makes, makers, end users, then you can go into the general technicalities, speed, weight, other tech performance. If you are doing it as well as you are doing it now, you will be very very good at it.
My turn to tell you the missiles in Malaysia’s arsenal:
STARBURST (VSHORAD stands for very short range air defence) ground to air British made originally manufactured by Short Bros but company was bought by a French defence conglomerate in 1994; command line of sight as opposed to infra-red heat seaking missiles, i.e, US Stinger 6 km range (Stinger 5 km range)
RAPIER(SHORAD stands for Short Range air defence) 23 km range ground to air British made through and through company now is known as BAe
EXOCET 39 Long Range (39km range normally but has since been upgraded to 50km range) sea skimming, anti ship, anti surface long range, French made, originally by MBDA, a French company now incorporated into European defence and aviation conglomerate EADS
General tech specs of these missiles and their upgraded versions are usually posted on the net (am surprised that tech missile specs are ACTUALLY POSTED on the net, unbelievable!) but price of missiles are usually well kept industry info and not normally found on the net!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 10:59 pm
Karah, I’m amazed by your diligence… am actually wowed that a woman would be interested in serious aggressive military hardwared! Heh! Pretty soon you will be an expert on military hardware!
Re numnbers: Our figures don’t vary a lot.
Seems you are planning to seriously control modernization procurement by AFP? Hope so, they could do with some serious help there!
Look, if you really want to take this defence study seriously (some of the best reference books on defence all around are those published by Jane’s, very, very serious, not only on listing of hardware, but on various defence issues, they compile serious analyses related defence, security and peripherals. Their highly qualified consultants on their staff and are called in by armed forces the world over to advise them.
On their publications, to give you an example, their Jane’s Fighting Ships is one of their long standing publications, of course updated regularly, it is THE bible of navies all over the world.
Another one is Europa World Year Book, a must for anyone interested in geopolitics to have.
There are 4 or 5 serious monthly and bi-monthly Asian defence journals published out of Malaysia and a couple in Singapore that are more or less tackles region’s defence and military. There’s one, owned by a friend of mine but isn’t published on the web. There are hundreds of defence magazines, especialised military and hardware journals, newspapers in the English language alone.
If I could give you advice, best to start familiarising yourself with hardware is by obtaining brochures and presentation manuals from defence companies. Not sure though if they can send you brochures, literatures, etc. unless you are military, defence or govt related or you are one of a particular industry local agents. (If you come my part of the world, I can get you some but can’t do it by mail to an unknown.)
But I think, it’s a good idea to start with one type of hardware first and “master†it, just like what you are doing (very systematic approach, must say am impressed by how you approach this familiarization tack), eg, missiles types, makes, makers, end users, then you can go into the general technicalities, speed, weight, other tech performance. If you are doing it as well as you are doing it now, you will be very very good at it.
My turn to tell you the missiles in Malaysia’s arsenal:
STARBURST (VSHORAD stands for very short range air defence) ground to air British made originally manufactured by Short Bros but company was bought by a French defence conglomerate in 1994; command line of sight as opposed to infra-red heat seaking missiles, i.e, US Stinger 6 km range (Stinger 5 km range)
RAPIER(SHORAD stands for Short Range air defence) 23 km range ground to air British made through and through company now is known as BAe
EXOCET 39 Long Range (39km range normally but has since been upgraded to 50km range) sea skimming, anti ship, anti surface long range, French made, originally by MBDA, a French company now incorporated into European defence and aviation conglomerate EADS
General tech specs of these missiles and their upgraded versions are usually posted on the net (am surprised that tech missile specs are ACTUALLY POSTED on the net!) but price of missiles are usually well kept industry info and not normally found on the net!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:01 pm
Karah, sorry but comment awaiting moderation, wouldn’t budge even if I changed some of the text… we gotta wait till Mlq3’s minesweeper has done it’s job!
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:04 pm
Karah,
“MLQ3 who might have access to General Appropriations document might give us an idea on what are the “items†that is spent by the AFP with reference to the yearly Budget. I think there are details except for the INTELLIGENCE FUNDS which I think does not need any scrutiny due to the nature of the item itself.”
You can get a copy if you have friends from Congress – a couple of thousand pages thick and usually titled:
General Appropriations Bill
January 1 – December 31, 2006 or whatever.
You’ve got a line by line, item by item enumeration of the appropriations.
On defence appropriations, you will find the number of soldiers, lts, captains, etc, etc.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:07 pm
Don’t know why Congress doesn’t permit public access to it – should be in public domain.
I get one copy automatically every year through a friend even if I don’t need it anymore.
pete on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:30 pm
karah,
re LOA
“Remulla said that at the height of the political crisis that gripped Malacañang from Jan. 19 to 20, 2001, he proposed to Puno and Angara that Estrada could go on leave, citing Article 7, Section 11 of the Constitution as the basis.
“The Vice President could take over as acting president when the President is unable to discharge his functions,” Remulla said
http://www.newsflash.org/2004/02/hl/hl102989.htm
(google: remulla letter erap)
Section 11. Whenever the President transmits to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice-President as Acting President.
(my mistake, Crispin is UP Law grad, HS @ Ateneo, elem @ LaSalle)
ramrod on Thu, 4th Oct 2007 11:46 pm
Mdm. Karah, a certain Mr. Potter is inquiring your whereabouts?
karah on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:06 am
Vic The wisdom behind the Pork Barrel I think is for Representatives to have access to funds that could be spent in their district. Since line agencies does not have the manpower and logistics to perform its duties like infra, livelihood, classrooms, the Pork Barrel funds could come in handy.
The experience though is that Representatives use Public Money for purposes other than what they are intended for.
ramrod on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:16 am
We are all Burmese!
karah on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:25 am
MBW I’ve been in this Blog for only 3 days now. I find the Blog interesting and I sleep late just to respond to comments or post comments. Due to lack of sleep, it’s like I’ve got blackeyes with my eyebags. So, I rest my eyes from time to time. @_@
The AFP’s and PNP’s Procurement and BAC (Bids and Acquisitions) should be monitored closely. The budget might be meager but if spent well, the money could go a long way.
If time permits, I’ll allot some of my free time to do some in-depth research and readings pertaining to Military and Defense matters. I just find the subject-matter very interesting.
Books and journals, they are primary sources wherein facts were verified. The Net is also a good place to start. Will take note and check out Jane’s and Europa World Year Book.
I’ll try to see if I can obtain some Defence/Military Journals. I think I can ask someone to obtain for me these stuff. Maybe some brochures and pamphlets – printed materials.
Starburst (VSHORAD) and RAPIER (SHORAD) are considered SAM’s (Surface to Air Missiles), right?
Obtained some info from Global Security(dot)org and this EXOCET AM.39/ MM.40 has a maximum range of 65 kilometers. What are the launch sites for these types of missiles? Ground, can these be deployed from the sea? (Submarine or Frigate/Destroyer/Carrier).
Thanks for all the info. This is getting interesting for me.
karah on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:35 am
Pete Picking up from what we talked about in the past, there were exploratory talks on how GMA could be out of the picture. A post-GMA scenario. From how I understand it, an LOA (leave of absence) is merely a “temporary transfer of power.”
As what is said on Section 11: “POWERS and DUTIES shall be discharged by the Vice-President as ACTING PRESIDENT.” This means that being an “acting president” (Noli if this scenario happens), there is still the possibility that GMA can RE-CLAIM her Presidency.
This LOA (as we may call it) is something temporary NOT UNLESS: (a) A majority of the Members of the Cabinet transmit to the President of the Senate and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President. This is a case of WITHDRAWAL of SUPPORT. (b) A mere written declaration by the President that no inability exists, he/she automatically gets the power back.
Now, there’s still a lot of process to follow after that. What I am saying is: Can we contend ourselves with a TEMPORARY SCENARIO or a more PERMANENT SCENARIO with reference to the idea of a “post-gma” Philippines?
ramrod on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:40 am
“Obtained some info from Global Security(dot)org and this EXOCET AM.39/ MM.40 has a maximum range of 65 kilometers. What are the launch sites for these types of missiles? Ground, can these be deployed from the sea? (Submarine or Frigate/Destroyer/Carrier).”
I believe so, these are French made are they not? If I’m not mistaken these saw action in the Faulklands a few years back.
Personally, I prefer the US cruise missiles and smart bombs for surgical precision, not to mention the Mother of All Bombs (MOAB) if your into this shock and awe thing.
karah on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 12:46 am
Have to go to the office early tomorrow so I better have my forty winks early as well. See you guys again tomorrow.
Ram So that you won’t complain no more with your present “we roam” service woes, you might as well stop using the Internet. (kidding). Try scouting for other services and maybe try it.
DevilsAdvc8 on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 4:43 am
Manolo, Naga is a great city to live in (these times) not only is crime rate low, but man oh man, city govt services? i tell you, we don’t even have snaking lines at city hall! the only hell Naguenos experience are when social services are still held by the national govt. you may have noticed the number of complainants from Naga abt GSIS Naga branch. SSS Naga is no different. and so is LTO, DTI, etc, etc. if they are not covered by city hall powers, they remain virtually corrupt.
and you should visit sometimes. Naga is really a different place to see from 5 years ago. a lot of exciting developments (and that’s an understatement) If Robredo would only run for president, I’ll be his fanatic supporter for life. never mind if he’s known outside Naga or not. Filipinos only have to look at how he changed Naga to be convinced of his ability.
as I’ve maintained ever since, what we need is a managerial president (successful mayors), not one culled from senators or congressmen, who are virtually formed into hagglers and compromisers in their stay at congress. nothing wrong with that really. except you can’t expect visionary leadership from that kind of people.
so who are respectable presidentiables for me aside from Robredo? Bayani Fernando fits the bill. So does Gordon, no matter what other people say abt him (he’s transformed Subic, isn’t that a glowing accomplishment in itself?) and that other mayor who’s an enemy of the Garcias in Cebu. forgot her name.
mlq3 on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 2:15 pm
devils, i’ve been to naga. was there during the campaign with a group to express support for robredo (who was being targeted by the palace), and also for sulpicio roco and from there, on to participate in the miting de avance and final campaign sortie of sabas mabulo vs. dato arroyo.
photos here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41996503@N00/sets/72157600208831099/
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 5th Oct 2007 4:53 pm
Pete,
Have been thinking about your LOA, I believe it can be done if there’s enough resolve by both politicans and public to push for it, i.e., short of a revolt.
But again, Gloria is so enamoured with power that it would take Lucifer to unhinge her from her seat.