Commission on Audit bombshell
October 18, 2007 by mlq3
Filed under Daily Dose
Today’s movie quote comes from the film, Casablanca:
Rick: How can you close me up? On what grounds?
Captain Renault: I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here!
[a croupier hands Renault a pile of money]
Croupier: Your winnings, sir.
Captain Renault: [sotto voce] Oh, thank you very much.
[aloud]
Captain Renault: Everybody out at once!
And so, shocked, shocked was she to find that bribery is going on in here! That an ‘Upset’ Arroyo orders probe of Palace ‘bribery’.
The problem is, that the Palace’s own allies are compounding the problem. If the There’s the Hamlet-like agonizing of Rep. Antonio Cuenco – Arroyo ally torn between telling truth, hurting her- isn’t bad enough, then there’s this: Arroyo present during cash distribution–Manila solon although in a major clarification to a major error, it turns out (CORRECTED) Arroyo wasn’t present, says Manila solon:
full statement of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, parent company and one of the content providers of INQUIRER.net, follows:
“The Philippine Daily Inquirer deeply regrets that it inadvertently reported in today’s issue that Rep. Bienvenido Abante said President Macapagal-Arroyo was present during the distribution of cash handouts to politicians last Thursday. Abante had actually said the President was not present.
“The Inquirer sincerely apologizes for the error.
“We are looking into the matter to ensure that no similar errors occur in the future.”
Even Ramos denies giving gifts to Atienza, solons and the Inquirer editorial says these recent revelations act as indirect confirmation of past testimony. The whole thing’s so squalid that poor Bong Austero has to point out,
I am not saying that what happened last week was justifiable. I am not saying we should condone it. All I am saying is that there is context around it. This culture of political patronage has been around for quite some time and will continue to be around for as long as voters continue to hound their elected leaders for all kinds of assistance.
What made what happened last week galling was the brazenness and shamelessness of it all. In short, bastusan at garapalan na talaga.
Which may be why up-to-now loyal allies of the President are beginning to publicly discuss whether to spill the beans or not (like Cuenco). This can only send the Speaker’s sensitive political antennae quivering. Newsstand is far more inclined to caution than I am, and yet he has begun to wonder,
Now, on dzMM’s TeleRadyo, I see Speaker de Venecia announcing that, as he had promised last night, he had written an appeal to President Arroyo, calling on her to start a “moral revolution.” She can start, he said, by firing some of her Cabinet members.
This, it seems to me, could very well be the signal to start (open) hostilities.
What does this mean? It means, just possibly, that JDV has seen the same thing as the opposition leader did, and has decided to go down fighting.
See De Venecia calls on Arroyo to set up new administration.
I can’t help but recall, as I recently recalled in Jose De Venecia’s Last Stand (essentially reprinting my August 29, 2005 Inquirer column, which, unfortunately, is no longer available on line), that the possibility, even probability, of a parting of ways between the Speaker and the President was something I saw coming even back then, and was of course trying to encourage. A paper published in 2006, Constitutional Reform in the Philippines: Out of Crisis, What? by Joel Rocamora very kindly quoted a portion of my column:
In the great division of our people that took place in recent months, it was the speaker who put foot soldiers, so to speak, at the command of former President Ramos when he decided to support the president. In truth, what Ramos possessed at the time was an impeccable sense of timing, and a residual prestige. It would depend on the speaker, however, to hold the line, and man the trenches in what has become a political battle of attrition, with loyal troops and efficient lieutenants.
But the I-told-you-so part I’d like to point out is this:
In fighting for her political life, the president nailed not hers, but Ramos’ and De Venecia’s colors to the mast, and proceeded to continue sailing the ship in the direction of enemy fire. Furthermore, she has tied both Ramos and the speaker to the mast, which means it is they who are getting shot at, while the president continues to command the show from the comfort of her cabin.
While Ramos has already done all he can do — you can only throw your support behind someone once — the speaker is still being called upon to marshal the troops in the House, and for what? Whatever their view about the president, the majority of the public wants the impeachment process to continue. The speaker might have been able to justify fighting “creeping impeachment†by “stealthily railroading†the throwing out of the impeachment, but the unpopularity both of himself and his parliamentary cause would only be worth it if the president did her part by gambling big on achieving constitutional change. She has done the opposite: She has gambled small, and it may be her real bet is on herself.
And at the end of the day, perhaps he’s taken heart from realizing (see De Venecia can only be replaced if he agrees–solon: Speakership only for Lakas, he says) that even at the age of 70, he could just possibly get a new lease on political life if he remains the party chief. At a time when his party has begun to publicly fret about its association with the President.
But this, I think, will be the story primed to hog the headlines over the next few days: Palace misused charity funds, gave loans sans records – COA. The report details the findings of a Commission on Audit annual audit of the Office of the President.
In particular, this section of this story:
In 2006, COA said the Office of the President received “from various sources” donations totaling P65,413,463.79 or P65 million, for the following purposes:
• Donation for the Southern Leyte landslide, P7.1 million
• Donation for Socio-Economic Projects of the President, P35.6 million
• Donation for Typhoon Milenyo victims, P2.7 million
• Donation for the relief and rehabilitation of affected areas in Albay province, P20 million.COA’s adverse finding follows: “We noted, however, that out of the actual expenses incurred totaling P64,079,173.40 from the donations, expenses totaling P8,807.621.75 could not be identified with any of the purposes of the donations.”
According to COA, Malacanang had reported using the donations thus:
• Burial expenses, P795,000
• Hotel Expenses, P815,380.15
• Maintenance of the Malacanang Golf Course, P900,000
• Summit Conferences/General Assembly, P2,295,241.60
• Donation to Foundation, P4,000,000These expenses “out of the purposes of the donations are contrary to Section 13 of the General Provisions of the General Appropriations Act of 2005,” which stipulates that “donations, whether in cash or kind, shall be deemed automatically appropriated for the purpose specified by the donor.”
The golf course and unnamed foundation donations in particular, are primed for heavy political play. The full report can be found online, supposedly, at the Commission on Audit website but when I tried going there, it was under construction. A source familiar with government accounting practices sent me a cautionary note, however:
Just a word of caution on interpreting the findings, it is common practice among government agencies that the findings are first discussed with management before they are actually published. These findings are therefore expected by government. Also, COA can only recommend and most of the time their recommendations are not followed.
Uniffors reports on the rumor mill.
Meanwhile, Senators revive call on Gloria to resign: a case of jumping the gun? What surprises me is that Senator Pangilinan has taken the lead in an issue. And Bypassed Cabinet members reappointed. Tick tock for the armed forces brass: High Court gives CA green light to require disclosure of Burgos report.
This article should be required reading for Filipinos in the IT sector: India’s IT Sector Needs to Reboot.
Part 1 and Part 2 of my column for this week, were on Mabini’s independence blueprint.
Technorati Tags: constitution, economy, House of Representatives, impeachment, internet, law, media, military, philippines, politics, president, Senate, society
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Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:34 am
Mlq3,
Expect Gloria to come out fighting, “Who me? Never ever dipped my hands in no donations other than to use them for what they were intended for. Panlilio is lying, the Bulacan gov is lying! All those congressmen were lying! I never lie, I necer cheat, I never steal! CoA is lying…”
Or perhaps she may do a repeat of the famous Hello Garci TV show, “I’m sorry, t’was a lapse of judgement. Let’s move on…”
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:43 am
Really no matter how one tries to be level headed about this cash in bags thinggy, there are just too many coincidences – one too many. And now the CoA report…
Anyway, if the bags of cash weren’t intended as bribes, the recipients would’ve been told what they were meant for and asked to sign receipts accordingly and recorded accordingly in the books. Simple thing to do. Just follow the rules. Why should this be too difficult to do?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:51 am
Of course, many will say “Where’s your proof that Gloria was responsible for the bribe or that she even knew that bribery was taking place under her very nose?”
Yeah, yeah! I guess Reps Cuenco and Abante and Sec Atienza and all the other nig nogs who were all pro-Arroyos suddenly became Gloria Arroyo haters and they all squealed.
To me, a bribe is a bribe is a bribe. Full stop! But that’s just me.
OK, let’s give her the benefit of the doubt… maybe Malacanang has a different way of looking at bags of cash distributed around in Malacanang following breakfast meetings. Maybe the bags came from Mike or Iggy Arroyo’s inheritance after all didn’t they say they were rich, that they owned Marikina and the lands stretching from wherever to as far as their eyes could see? Maybe they decided to be philantrophical all of a sudden.
Maybe they weren’t bribes, yeah, let’s accept that they were just gifts for those Congressmen and their families…
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:00 am
please try prefixing “www” to coadotgovdotph. a COA official website can be accessed there.
DinaPinoy on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:21 am
are these bombshells or smoke bombs?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:25 am
Dinapinoy,
Nah, they’re just stinkbombs, nothing lethal, certainly nothing Gloria can’t wiggle herself out of. (Your belief in the Pinoy inability to do anything right remains absolutely intact.)
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:30 am
nice one DinaPinoy.
again, i say, be on the lookout for something else going on. something big. because if what’s going on right now is so earth-shattering, what about the things that Empress Palpakqueen and her ilk are hiding from us?
DinaPinoy on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:31 am
MBW,
just wondering who’s holding the ‘baton’.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:33 am
Gentle Reminder from the Past…
Gloria:
“I have sat at the sumptuous tables of power, but I have not run away with the silverware.”
Diosdado Macapagal
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:35 am
MBW,
there is an amusing blog at ellen’s, go see it…
hvrds on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:45 am
Most of the owners of capital in the Philippines could not care less about what is going on. Their assets are all appreciating in terms of dollars. JDV Jr. and his Queen will have to fight this on their own. He is far far from being a Cromwellian type of guy.
The inflows and the depreciation of the dollar is proving to be a boon for them. Let the good times role. Rey ‘the magician’ Tetangco is starting to talk the Greenspanspeak.
After declaring their expertise in maintaining economic fundamentals the magician is now saying that there is too much money coming in and it has no place to go but to inflate assets (Equity and bond markets) since we do not have enough to go around. Big Mike and GMA could give him tips on how to spread the good cheer instead of tying up the country with loans from China. But that is another story altogether. Let loose that exchange rate and you could see Php 35 to $ 1 by the end of December. Keep selling dollars people.
“Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Amando M. Tetangco Jr. said the BSP would have to continue its mopping up activity until the economy grows enough to build up absorptive capacity.”
“The BSP eased its policy rates by 25 basis points earlier this month but kept its special deposit account (SDA) facility open to keep siphoning off excess liquidity in the wake of strong foreign exchange inflows.”
“There is a timing mismatch here,†Tetangco explained. “Inflows come into the country but absorption takes time. The economy would have to build up the capacity to do this.â€
“In the meantime, Tetangco said the BSP would have to manage the impact of these inflows on domestic liquidity. “That’s why we are mopping up,†he said.” The Philippine Star
DinaPinoy on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:46 am
scenario….
act I
scene 1: jdv asked arroyo to set up new admin
Sceen 2: bag-o-cash, bribery in the palace
sceen 3: palace misused funds – COA
act II
.
.
.
.
finale
new admin
alternate ending – gloria resigns, fvr group comes in.
DinaPinoy on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:57 am
food for thought……
consider this: GMA is exposing the dirty linen of her officials to create a scenario of total graft in her administration, which, again, would be used to justify extra powers. due to these bombshells comes a time when GMA would announce a “clean-up” of the Cabinet and a renewed anti-graft campaign. Such a campaign would need more powers, which, under the circumstances, justifies Congress to grant her that.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:58 am
“Trick or treat,smell my feet,Give me something to eat!”
Halloween came early in Malacanang.It was just “Trick or Treat time!
The begging congressmen and governors got their brown bags of moolah from Her Highness.
gibraltar on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:00 am
truly, a bribe is a bribe is a bribery. in addition, art. 211 of the revised penal code penalizes “any public officer who shall accept gifts offered to him by reason of his office.” the law cites no conditions for the acceptance.
furthermore, pd no. 46 (68 o.g. 9064-b) penalizes “any public official or employee, whether of the national or local governments, to receive, directly or indirectly, and for private persons to give, or offer to give, any gift, present or other valuable thing on any occasion, including Christmas, when such gift, present or other valuable thing is given by reason of his official position, regardless of whether or not the same is for past favor or favors or the giver hopes or expects to receive a favor or better treatment in the future from the public official or employee concerned in the discharge of his official functions.
the laws are glaringly clear – the giving of cash “gifts” to public officials in malacanang is punishable even if no conditions are attached. the acting doj secretary and gma apologists are wrong, wittingly or unwittingly.
BrianB on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:03 am
Is everybody jumping ship? Think about it, if JDV is against Gloria, then people who have been hiding their ill will to a corrupt president may be finding courage now with aother powerful personage on their side.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:08 am
Equalizer,
And a gentle reminder of what he forgot to say too: “But my daughter will run away with the china…”
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:11 am
Dinapinoy,
Re “Such a campaign would need more powers, which, under the circumstances, justifies Congress to grant her that.”
Makes sense if you add what Maj Gen Dolorfino is saying that the bribery scandal might lead to a civil war. Yeah, we just might see her implementing the supermaid cleaning program here or when the pressure becomes unbearable – super powers a.k.a. emergency rule?
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:13 am
gibraltar,
Is that so? Aha!
Makes one wonder that if there are these rules, why not simply follow the rules? Maybe Malacanang folks believe they are above the rules?
Would be so much simpler to follow the rules.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:17 am
I have little sympathy for Gloria.But I am really amazed at her propensity to open the political floodgates with wave upon wave of self-inflicted wounds like the the bribery attempt on Cong Beltran for the impeachment case,bribery of congressmen and now bribery of governors !
Can somebody tell me where this addiction to self-inflicted wounds of Gloria comes from? also,why always bribery?
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:19 am
“And a gentle reminder of what he forgot to say too: “But my daughter will run away with the china…MBWâ€
Touché
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:55 am
“According to the Speaker, whose longtime relations with the President have been severely strained, what is needed is “a new government made up of competent men with integrity.â€- By Norman Bordadora Inquirer
Tha speaker is simply telling GMA in effect,” your men are incompetent and corrupt, fire them”…
JDV, simply can’t get it, GMA cannot fire them, they know too much, they are the ones who are in the position to “fire” her, JDV, must remember that these men/women are just waiting on the wings, the moment they feel that the ship is going to sink, they will beat everyone to the punch and do a “Chavit” (a state witness).
Mr. Speaker, you don’t change the crew when the ship is sinking, you tell GMA “abandon ship”.
Well, I don’t know, the Speaker is not known to be a decisive general, he’s known to be a poker player, bluff…bluff…bluff…bluff
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:05 pm
” And a gentle reminder of what he forgot to say too: “But my daughter will run away with the china…â€-MBW
…and the table cloth too.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:17 pm
“Mr. Speaker, you don’t change the crew when the ship is sinking, you tell GMA “abandon shipâ€.QWERT”
Prediction:Faster than a crack whore pouncing on a twenty-dollar bill, the GMA rats will abandon the sinking ship. Watch Mr.Esperon,he will try to an “Angie Reyes act” to reserve a seat in the next govt.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:44 pm
GLORIA
Tandaan mo,
“ang batang swapang at sinungaling ay d tatangkad,uusli ang ngipin, at mananatiling unano!â€-Diosdado Macapagal
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:47 pm
Heh heh! No wonder cruela became cruela because of the dad’s admonition…
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:48 pm
“Bishop Bacani said that Filipinos have their own way of dismissing the President from their lives. “They just take her lightly, make her of little consequence, a laughing matter,†he said. – GMANews.TVâ€
The people will have their last laugh!
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:54 pm
“The truth is I am cute and short but I am above gossip.â€
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
President,Republic of the Phlippines
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 12:55 pm
The†Money Laundering†song:
Gloria, Gloria labandera!
Gloria, Gloria labandera!
Labandera si Gloria!
BrianB on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 1:36 pm
“Can somebody tell me where this addiction to self-inflicted wounds of Gloria comes from? also,why always bribery?”
Bribery? Cynicism. No respect for her fellow men. She surrounds herself with people without pride or integrity. Why these series of blunders. If she were a serial killer, you can interpret this as a cry for help. She wants to get caught.
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 1:44 pm
“Abante said Ms Arroyo herself was present during the distribution of cash.”- Inquirer report
“Abante confirmed receiving P500,000 but maintained that he never said that the President was present when the money was distributed during a breakfast meeting in Malacañang. The Oct. 11 meeting attended by 190 congressmen was hosted by Mrs. Arroyo.” -abs-cbnnews
Congressman Benny Abante, what happened? This is a cha-cha move, ” atras-abante, atras-abante”
A poem to ponder:
Benny, Benny, miny, moe
Catch a briber by the toe
If she hollers let her go,
Benny, Benny, miny, moe.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 1:51 pm
Then:(1986)
“AFP to stand behind the Presidentâ€
“General Ver and the other generals left General Ramas at the Fort and rushed to Malacañang to stand behind Marcos during a televised press conference at the height of the EDSA uprising. February 1986.â€
Now:(2007)
“The AFP will stand behind Presidentâ€
“Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. affirmed on Thursday, as he dismissed talk of grumblings within the ranks over bribery allegations against her.
“I can say categorically that the Armed Forces is solid and united behind the chain of command and these political issues will not affect their duties and responsibilities,†Teodoro said. INQUIRERâ€
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 1:55 pm
“Bribery? Cynicism. No respect for her fellow men. She surrounds herself with people without pride or integrity. Why these series of blunders. If she were a serial killer, you can interpret this as a cry for help. She wants to get caught.BRIAN”
Makes sense to me!
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:04 pm
Equalizer,
With the rising tide of awareness and displeasure (putting it mildly as not all of us dislike GMA) over GMA and her administration, it is to our benefit now and in the future that the military do not have a hand in this. They must at all times be shielded from being politicised, as we have to learn from the past, the military is a double edged sword, it can be used to preserve our democracy or destroy it depending on who wields it. So it is imperative that they adhere to the chain of command no matter what, if it comes to a point where they have to choose between shooting civilians or disobeying orders, we’ll cross the bridge if we get there. Even then, we’ll go after the officers who issued “shoot” orders…
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:10 pm
There was no misuse of those donations.
Gloria and Mike were about to tee off at the Malacanan golf course a day after Millenyo destroyed the golf course.
Mike saw the destruction and said, “Que calamidad!”
The rest is COA history.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:13 pm
Expected Posting in WikiPedia one day:
Palace “trick-or-treating“, is also known as Bribery at times. It’s an activity for congressmen and local officials whenever they are summoned to the Palace. They proceed like begging children from room to room in the Palace in costumes, asking for treats such as brown bags reportedly with moolah with the question, “Trick or treat?”, or the phrase “Happy Impeach Me!”.
Trick-or-treating is one of the main traditions of the palace. It has become socially expected that if one lives in the Palace by the Pasig ,a neighborhood frequented by begging congressmen, one should prepare the brown money bag as treats in preparation for the trick-or-treaters.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:18 pm
“So it is imperative that they adhere to the chain of command no matter what, if it comes to a point where they have to choose between shooting civilians or disobeying orders, we’ll cross the bridge if we get there. Even then, we’ll go after the officers who issued “shoot†orders… RAMROD”
That’s the big difference between the FILIPINO SOLDIER and those crazy MYANMAR soldiers who shot at unarmed monks and civilians in Burma.
The Filipino Soldier is FOR the PEOPLE!
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:33 pm
“They must at all times be shielded from being politicised, as we have to learn from the past, the military is a double edged sword, it can be used to preserve our democracy or destroy it depending on who wields it” – ramrod
Ram,
I want to make myself clear on this, I don’t want the military to intervene in the political affairs of our country because it will create more problems beyond GMA or any president for that matter, but there are realities that are beyond our control. Before shielding them from being politicized, we must make sure that thay are not at the moment politicized. “As we have to learn from the past” – I think that past is the present.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 2:45 pm
The ULTIMATE SPIN from The Spin Doctor!!!
Puno: Money came from JDV’s office not Malacañang
“Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Thursday absolved Malacañang from bribery allegations using as basis recent statements of some members of the House of Representatives that the money they received inside the palace compound came from the office of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
A radio dzMM report said Puno suggested that the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission’s (PAGC) investigation should focus on the congressmen and not on Malacañang officials present during President Arroyo’s breakfast meeting last October 11.
Puno however did not say why funds from the House Speaker’s office were distributed in Malacañang.ABS CBN NEWS”
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:00 pm
What about the money given to Governor Panlilio of Pampanga and Governor Mendoza of Bulacan,still from JDV’s office?
Phil Cruz on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:16 pm
Expect more spins on this COA report.
What a spectacle. All the spins the past few days. It’s breathtaking. But Puno outspins them all. The guy spins like a ballerina. On a bright sunny day the guy can spit in your face and tell you it was just the rain.
And he says Gloria got angry and was hurt with all of the accusations of bribery the past few days. I think she got mad because all her spinners couldn’t spin one coordinated web. They got themselves contradicting each other. The web got so entangled, it was impossible to unravel. Their various versions are not just getting ridiculous, it is getting funnier and funnier by the hour.
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:22 pm
“Their various versions are not just getting ridiculous, it is getting funnier and funnier by the hour.”
Not really. People are starting to believe them.
My point is we must be proactive. Seize the moment. Dont let us bask on thier mistakes. They might be able to recover. Strike while the iron is hot. Attack while the enemy is weak.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:22 pm
Okay na sana yun sinabi ni JDV but he had to add that if Gloria were to get rid of her evil minions she could become the greatest president ever.
Eh di para na din sinabi niya na if Satan would only get rid of his minions he could become an archangel.
manuelbuencamino on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:41 pm
Iggy Arroyo will admit that he gave the money to congressmen and governors. But they were not bribes or early Christmas gifts. They were dividends from the Pidal Foundation’s investments in ZTE and Nuctech.
The Ca t on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 3:43 pm
That’s government accounting for you. It takes time before all the monies that are charged to cash advances are not liquidated per books because of the flow of documents.
Even FVR had lots of unliquidated advances after his administration.
I just had a laugh reading the news article. Kahit ba naman deprection ng assets, kasalanan ni Gloria. Sus?
Don’t you know that there are assets in the balance sheet of the Republic of the Philippines which are still carried in the account that have already been discarded or kaya pinatutubuan na ng talaba.
It is the government accounting system, sir, where the per books and and the actual would not meet. We call it TIMING DIFFERENCE.
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 4:00 pm
Cat:
It’d probably be hell for the government to implement IAS, wouldn’t it?
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 4:13 pm
Some news dailies,I suspect are closet defenders of GMA. They seem to muddle the issue which actually benefits GMA. After all, didn’t those papers at the forefront of EDSA 2 forces. They are all anti-Erap so it is very hard for them to admit that they committed mistakes.
Phil Cruz on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 4:35 pm
CaT,
I’m not an accountant so could you please help me understand what the connection is between “TIMING DIFFERENCE” and “SPENDING DONATIONS FOR PURPOSES NOT INTENDED BY THE DONORS”?
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 4:37 pm
fbelow:
i think so too, because heck, these newspapers can’t ever be wrong about anything now, can they?
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 4:58 pm
The nerve of some people, I overheard Ka Totoy (on TV) last night and he was questioning Ed Panlilio’s motive, why it took him 2 days to come out in the open and not immediately in Malacanang (of course he might get mobbed if he made a raucus there) and this guy Johnny Midnight of RJ TV also had the same sentiments for Panlilio and those who admitted receiving money.
Sometimes I think we live in two realities if I listen to these people, the stench is there, people have admitted, the pattern of deceit is so obvious, what further proof do they need? I wanted to call this Johhny Midnight and ask him what planet he is broadcasting from? UR ANUS?
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:02 pm
The last time i felt like this was January 2001. A journalist-friend told me that a certain General Espinosa will defy the order of General Angelo reyes if worst comes to worst. I was eating lunch then when he told me that. A few days later, Espinosa need not defy Reyes as the latter joined him in ousting Erap.
Now I have the same feeling. Very strong. The center cannot hold. It will break.
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:04 pm
The long wait is over. The tipping point has been reached. what is born cannot return to womb.
mlq3 on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:04 pm
re: amante story, this is one case where bencard can say the inquirer really has egg all over its face.
re: rjtv, well, it’s good to keep tabs of rjtv to find out what the palace talking points are at any given time.
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:06 pm
Johnny Midnight is still alive?
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:08 pm
ramrod:
johhny midnight? isn’t he the guy who asked people to put bottles of water in front of their radios?
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:10 pm
Brave and honorable bloggers. Rejoice for freedom from evil governance will soon be attained.The people owe you one. I salute you warrior-bloggers.
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:12 pm
I am now preparing for a celebration once those evil occupants in Malacanang are gone. Free beer plus pulutan.
qwert on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:26 pm
frombelow,
I am keeping my fingers crossed, I hope you would not only speak as someone from below but also as someone from above.
goodah on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:31 pm
tsk tsk tsk… she is still mumming on this issue. Palagay ko she’s hallucinating…”rewind pleaseeee!”, hindi ko gusto tong nangyayari, nagtatanong “why it leaked?” “It should not leak, it has been a customary practice, why it leaked? “siguro kulang? Sana same amount na lang ang binigay ko”. “If I gave them 1M (gaya nong kay Garci) I could have zipped their mouths”……wishful thinking.
goodah on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:40 pm
frombelow….free beer and pulutan? Ready na rin yung videoke ko. Celebrate tayo! with fingers crossed.
The Ca t on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:47 pm
You see in Government Accounting, there are so called Advances made to certain agencies or units from the appropriations.
Then the liquidation is made once these advances were spent and corresponding back-up documents are submitted.
While these papers are still with the agencies and the cut off period requires a preparation for report. These advances remain unliquidated because the corresponding entries in the books have not been made.
This is not only true for government, even in private entities, closing and adjusting the books go beyond the end of the calendar year that we have to so-called prior-year’s adjustments in our adjusting entries.
If they like to malverse the funds, they could provide all the necessary documentations and the public may not be even aware that the supporting papers are bogus. Just take a look at the paper trail made by Marcos. It is so intricate that it takes years before they could trace the ownerhips of ill-gotten properties. Up to now, the cases are still in court. The word is Lucio Tan.
If there are cases like unexplainable donations like 4,000,000 all they do it is ask for explanation and supporting papers.
Do you think the President with a discretionary fund amounting to billions and is not subject to scrutiny will be interested in loose change?
The Ca t on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:54 pm
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:54 pm
“why it leaked?†“It should not leak, it has been a customary practice, why it leaked? “siguro kulang? Sana same amount na lang ang binigay koâ€. “If I gave them 1M (gaya nong kay Garci) I could have zipped their mouthsâ€â€¦â€¦wishful thinking.” – goodah
Talagang wishful thinking. Knowing her repressed arrogance and apparent underestimation for Filipino intelligence, this is the more likely reaction when cornered.
“So you think you can do a better job huh?”,”Of course there is bribery, of course there are payoffs!” You heard JDV!” “Whats a President to do to get things done around here?” “Are you really that naive to think all that infrastructure roadmap will magically appear in mid air without me doing something extrajudicial?”
You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth you gullible pushovers!”
goodah on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:55 pm
The cat: Is 4,000,000 loose change? Kaya pala mukhang keep d change na lang ang 500,000. Wow, bongga ha! 7 digits is regarded as loose change. How many landslide victims can benefit from that? Ilang sakong bigas na yan.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 5:56 pm
Add “I’m sorry…”
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 6:02 pm
The cat,
Thats why we’re blogging our hearts out, we’re full of doubt. We question authority when we notice any irregularity, what we need is transparency, let her explain. Unfortunately, she’d rather hide than face the people squarely. Why the need for so many people to speak in her behalf.
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 6:07 pm
Expect the same coming from our very own Benny Midnight, due any moment, especially now that the PDI has given him some ammo to work with.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 6:15 pm
“Do you think the President with a discretionary fund amounting to billions and is not subject to scrutiny will be interested in loose change?”
What? Did you say billions? She’s free to do what she wants with it and doesn’t have to bother with approval or liquidation? and all this is legal? Well, it okay then…
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 6:23 pm
The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people so full of doubts.
REJOICE FOR THEIR DAYS ARE NUMBERED. Am I a fool or fanatic?
But how can we clean this government of corrupt people? Am I wise now?
The Ca t on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:10 pm
It had been there already, my friend even before GMA.
Wondering why people spend millions just to receive a measly amount for salary?
The Ca t on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:17 pm
And since did we have zero corruption?
TO have perfect and clean government, some advocate for dictatorial government. A leader who has the will power to fight corruption.
To have a dictatorial government, you have to lose many for your rights including freedom of expression.
There is still corruption like China, only it isn’t much publicized and discussed in forums like this.
You ask me if you are wiser just asking how to remove corrupt people.
Honestly, I don’t.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:21 pm
The Cat,
How do you make quotes like that? I tried highlighting, copy, and paste but it doesn’t have the same effect.
broadbandido on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:25 pm
JdV’s opportunity to redeem himself from his past ignominous acts against the Filipino people is now.
Forget your ambition to be Prime Minister. It won’t happen because it’s just not meant to be.
Ilaglag mo na ang unanong usli ang ngipin para naman medyo bumango ang pangalan ng pamilya mo. Or alang-alang sa memory ng nasunog mong anak.
broadbandido on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:26 pm
Puno is just being himslf, the “operator”.
Hindi kaya nahihiya sina Dong sa pinaggagagawa ng isang ito? Punong-puno na ang tao sa mga kagaguhan nyo. Alis na diyan, tsupiiii!
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:29 pm
“And since did we have zero corruption?”
I don’t think frombelow is saying we should have zero corruption, like most of us we desire that the present state of things improve. Since we have a figurehead, she is the most likely target of you-know-what, it comes with the territory.
I don’t think you mean to say “corruption is everywhere, its normal, accept it, you can’t do anything about it, what did you expect a perfect government? Go on with your lives you pushovers!”
broadbandido on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:40 pm
Why should we accept corruption as being a normal part of our daily lives?
Kaya tayo ganito kasi nga ganyan ang attitude natin sa katiwalian.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:40 pm
“It had been there already, my friend even before GMA.
Wondering why people spend millions just to receive a measly amount for salary?” – the cat
“MANILA, Philippines — Former president Fidel V. Ramos said Wednesday he distributed paper bags with Christmas goodies for indigents but never paper bags with cash gifts to congressmen “for whatever purposes whatsoever” during his term from 1992-1998.
The former chief executive issued the statement in reaction to a claim by Environment Secretary Jose “Lito†Atienza that giving cash gifts was a “usual practice” even during the term of Ramos and his successor, ousted president Joseph Estrada.
Ramos said during his term, fund releases were made only through the Department of Budget and Management and were always in line with rules and regulations in accounting and audit.
“At no time in my administration did we ever get into the practice of distributing cash gifts to congressmen for whatever purpose whatsoever,” Ramos’ statement”
By Fe Zamora
Inquirer
Last updated 06:36pm (Mla time) 10/17/2007
The cat, you mean to say Ramos is lying?
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:41 pm
Ronnie Puno:The Spin Doctor EXPOSED!
Ronaldo Puno is arguably one of the most successful campaign managers in Philippine politics. He supported the presidential bids of eventual winners,Ferdinand Marcos, Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada, and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
He was a former interior secretary of the Philippines, and was a representative in Congress. He is also the leader of Kampi, the chief administration party of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
Yes, the same rascal who ordered the bashing of the Iloilo City Kapitolyo to remove Governor Tupas and the kidnapping of Satur Ocampo to face trumped-up charges in Leyte; the same congressman who gave up representing his Antipolo district to become Gloria’s conductor to orchestrate EO 464, CPR, Con-Ass etc as Secretary of Interior and Local Governments and effective head of the Philippine National Police; the same cheat who masterminded the 2004 rape of the presidential ballot frustrating the election of Fernando Poe, Jr.
He also fixed the 2007 senatorial elections but miserably failed; this same butcher who, together with Bert Gonzales, may be responsible for most of the extrajudicial killings in the countryside; the same mechanic who stole Miriam Santiago’s presidency; the same real estate magnate who has not properly declared his fat ranch in West Virginia and his mansion in McLean, (Virginia), almost beside the CIA headquarters, is now staging a capture of the Embassy of the Philippines in Washington, DC.
This chameleon par excellence has fleeced every administration except Cory Aquino’s.
Actually, Ronnie started early. Pushed by his father who was then one of Marcos’s justices, his career took off like a rocket ship, and in no time he was undersecretary of local governments and one of dictatorship’s fastest rising stars.
After that infamous debate preparatory to the 1986 snap elections where his namesake Ronnie Nathanielz and he arrogantly insulted Joe Concepcion and Ting Jayme on TV in front of Comelec Commissioner Opinion, however, he escaped to the United States right after EDSA revolution, leaving manila in a huff together with his wife Pinky Mendoza and their children and hibernated in Northern Virginia.
Having taken a few deep breaths after visiting Marcos who was then exiled in Hawaii, he launched a career in wheeling and dealing power with former US senator Melcher as partner, starting with his successful defense of Imelda Marcos in her New York trials after the dictator died.
broadbandido on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:44 pm
We should expect our government officials to be honest and true to their word.
Don’t tell me that we cannot do what Singapore has done, i.e., pay their government employees well to attract the best and brightest who will have enough money left at the end of the month to live comfortably.
Punishing those caught, both bribe-giver and bribe-taker, is not a bad idea either.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 7:54 pm
broadbandido,
The problem with bribes is that its hard to prove, especially if you deal in cash, no vouchers, no acknowledgement of receipt, untraceable. You can’t build a case based on “talk.” Of course, either the briber or the bribee can squeel but it can easily be dismissed as hearsay by any lawyer worth his salt. One way is “sting” operation using marked money so you catch these people in the act.
Now you understand why there are “vigilantes?”
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:01 pm
I’m thinking of a career change to “Spin Doctor” like Ronnie Puno, the pay is great, people believe you, and you can do what normal people can’t do – create your own reality and persuade people to believe it, along the way, convince people to accept corruption as the norm and integrity is an aberration, its a dream job! No sales targets, no expense liquidations, no more monthly progress reports, no annual reports, no strategic plan, just golf in Wack-Wack, wow!
Bencard on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:05 pm
same pattern.
first step: an obscure, disgruntled/crusading do-gooder in bureaucracy contacts a hip-shooter in the media/political opposition concerning some perceived anomaly;
second step: feeding frenzy in the media with all sorts of “experts” making the rounds of tv talk shows proclaiming a “tipping point”; while hysterical-sounding news readers (e.g., failon, sanchez, hontiveros of abs-cbn, etc.) present a one-sided anti-gma “reports”;
third step: hate-gloria bloggers celebrate, high-fiving each other, making plans for a “new” government, telling everybody else “i told you so”;
fourth step: government explains the issue, proving the perceived anomaly as more apparent than real;
fifth step: irresponsible print and broadcast media (journalists cum columnists), in tandem with hate-gloria bloggers, cry in unison: spin!, lies!, spin!, lies!”.
sixth step: senate investigation (in aid of legislation/destabilization);
seventh step: anti-gma media, politicians and bloggers wiping their face of you-know-what.
then, on to the next “scandal/tipping point”.
third step:
Bencard on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:08 pm
error: last line hereby deleted.
rego on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:11 pm
The Cat,
How do you make quotes like that? I tried highlighting, copy, and paste but it doesn’t have the same effect.
———
This has been my problem. too I have been trying for sevral months now but to no avail.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:11 pm
RAM:I’m afraid you can’t be a spin doctor!You are an honest
Cavalier.
To be a spin doctor like ronnie puno,you have to start very early in life as a CHEAT .
I vividly remember him as a young student leader who cheated his way to the National Union of Students’ presidency in Naga by intimidating and MAULING his young rivals from other schools with the help of Marcos’goons.
Marcos wanted to penetrate all legitimate moderate student organizations preparatory to his martial law plans.
Creating Spins has been Ronnie ’s way of life since then!
Geo on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:14 pm
“Human Rights #11: We’re always innocent till proven guilty.”
— ANC-aired public service announcement
Dr. D. on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:21 pm
ramrod and rego:
I think you have to use ‘blockquote’ tags, like so:
Which should appear as:
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:24 pm
Dr. D,
Where can you find “blockquote” tags?
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:26 pm
“The President should speed up the investigation on just who was stupid enough to hand out those paper bags containing cash to the two governors, and perhaps also to others.
The timing was bad, very bad, coming as it did when talks of bribery prompted the President to scrap the $329 deal for the national broadband network with ZTE Corp., and immediately after talks also of bribery were heard in the halls of the House of Representatives to support that impeachment case against her. Emil Jurado,Manial Standard
Ay naku!Talk about the standard of morality of Emil Jurado!All he can say about the the bribery scandal:â€the timing was bad, very bad…â€
Dr. D. on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:27 pm
Oops.. it should’ve been:
This text is inside blockquote tags.
Just remove the extra spaces.
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:30 pm
8th Step : First couple hold hands on the beach,
walking towards the sunset…”whew, better
luck next time you amateurs!”
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:32 pm
‘Oops.. it should’ve been:’
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:33 pm
‘ Oops.. it should’ve been: ‘
Dr. D. on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:34 pm
Arrrgh!! I’m so sorry. The HTML just rendered again my attempts to put the text in code.
Here it is again. Just put a “” tag before your text; and after your text, put an ending “” tag.
Again, remove the extra spaces, and the quotation marks. (I hope this works na.)
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:35 pm
“8th Step : First couple hold hands on the beach,
walking towards the sunset…â€whew, better
luck next time you amateurs! ramrodâ€
Are you creating a SPIN? lol
Dr. D. on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:37 pm
Here ramrod, I think it would be better if I refer you to a website na lang, and see for yourself how it’s done. It’s really easy.
Check this out: http://www.w3schools.com/tags/tag_blockquote.asp
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:38 pm
equalizer,
Just trying it out.
“”Again, remove the extra spaces, and the quotation marks. (I hope this works na.)”"
rego on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:39 pm
bencard,
been reading this thread yesterday and can’t really compose something interesting. Im almost tempted to join the frenzy when I read the inquirer headline about abante. Then the title of this is “bomb”. But still manage to put it on hold becuase I feel something is wrong.
Then reading your “steps”, I realized that people desperately wanted Gloria out. (Before Christmas?)
Unfotunately, the same peopel are not giving the people even just a little glimpse on how the country will be ran if that scenario happened. And that scarce me.
Ok lang naman sa akin yung mga exposes, if theres wrong doing by all mean expose it. But the way it is being presented to the public and the “automatic” reaction of the anti GMA in this forum. Grabe!!!!.
Kahapon ko pa gustong sabihin na ” hinay hinay naman tayo”
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:41 pm
How callous!
“Even I have missed one meal in the last three months,†quipped Gloria Arroyo in an obvious dig at the question used by the SWS to solicit responses from survey respondents about going hungry or missing a meal in the last three months.
The Philippine version of Marie Antionette’s infamous quote “Let them eat cake”, while the whole country was starving …
goodah on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:43 pm
Thistextisinsideblockquotetags. just testing
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:46 pm
Pinnochio Test on spins:
Puno: Money came from JDV’s office not Malacañang!
“Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno on Thursday absolved Malacañang from bribery allegations using as basis recent statements of some members of the House of Representatives that the money they received inside the palace compound came from the office of Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.
Geo on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:48 pm
It’s “closure” when it’s closed the way I want it to be closed.
The “truth” is what I believe…or what I want you to believe.
“I’m innocent” is claimed by the pure and the corrupt.
“You are guilty” is shouted by the sinful hypocrite.
Which of the following does not practice “spin”?:
A businessman
A newsman
A politician
As always, My own advocacy is that we need to have f-a-c-t-s and we need to follow the laws, processes and procedures. The rest is bias and BS.
rego on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:48 pm
Thanks Dr D.
I poste dteh same question several montsh ago pero walng nag respond eh.
Hayaan ko na mna si ramrod mag practice.dahil baka mapuno ang thread na eto ng mga testing.
Need to go now
ramrod on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:53 pm
hey guys,
I have to attend to “quality time” with the Mrs., enjoy the rest of the night…
Bencard, nice to hear from you again
justice in waiting on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:55 pm
“It is the government accounting system, sir, where the per books and and the actual would not meet. We call it TIMING DIFFERENCE”.
Goddamn COA auditors, don’t know anything about Government accounting.. following the reasoning that the COA reports were the results of their lack of knowledge of Government Accounting Procedures that it takes another decade for the per Books and the Actual to meet, then Gloria could now use this line, and fire all the Auditors…But then the Philippine’s Government has some kind of Unique Accounting System, giving cash like the way Underworld figures(now, that is Government acct.) I give up…
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 8:58 pm
“Which of the following does not practice “spinâ€?:
A businessman
A newsman
A politician
As always, My own advocacy is that we need to have f-a-c-t-s and we need to follow the laws, processes and procedures. The rest is bias and BS.geo”
Geo:Agree 100%!
Which of these are NOT spins?
1) The Philippines is the most democratic country in our region. We have no tolerance for human rights violations at home or abroad.†GMA Speech in the UN General
2)”The Days of plunder are over!” GMA
3)”I’m sorry, it was lapse of judgment”GMA
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:01 pm
you can type a blockquote tag thusly:
your text
remove the spaces in between the characters and you’ll see it.
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:10 pm
oops. let’s try that again (apologies to all)
your text
remove the asterisks to place text in a block quote
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:18 pm
” your text ”
just use the word ‘blockquote’ between the brackets.
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:20 pm
oops, this is fun, sorry mlq3.
> your text >
tonio on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:20 pm
there we go, thanks cvj! so hard to figure out how wordpress will react.
frombelow on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:21 pm
“As broadcast journalists and columnists have continuously discussed the issues, it appears the general public has not reacted vigorously to the recent events,” Bishop Bacani said.” GMA-7 News
Well, well well. We lost the fight again.
“Lets move on” will be the slogan again. What will enrage this nation. Filipinos are the dumbest people on Earth. We deserve our faTE.
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:22 pm
(blockquote) your text (/blockquote)
use the ‘lesser than’ sign in place of the ‘(‘
and use the ‘greater than’ sign in place of the ‘)’
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:25 pm
i agree tonio, that’s why i chose blogger. i thought benign0 was a genius until i learned to do those smileys myself.
Equalizer on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:28 pm
“What will enrage this nation?.from below”
“Desperate housewives”
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:36 pm
Just like algebra…
Let ( be …
(blockquote)My comment.(/blockquote) will appear like this:
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:40 pm
cvj, hahaha…
Let ( be the “lesser than” sign
and ) be the “greater than” sign…
(blockquote)My comment.(/blockquote) will appear like this:
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:44 pm
exactly baycas, thanks! that’s what i was trying to say.
watchful eye on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:49 pm
NEWS: Palace wants dialogue with bishops on bribery scandal -”to explain what’s going on.”
(Invitation says: Bring extra paper bags.) hehe
watchful eye on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:56 pm
Why can’t the Palace issue this statement: Those who return the bribe within 5 days will be offered presidential amnesty.
That would be a good start.
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 9:57 pm
cvj,
that was tricky…hope rego and ramrod got it…
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:03 pm
<blockquote> one more try </blockquote>
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:03 pm
ayan!
cvj on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:06 pm
Rego, Ramrod, if you want to do this:
then type your text like this:
<blockquote> insert text here </blockquote>
Bencard on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:54 pm
geo, thanks. that’s also my simple advocacy. facts, facts, facts before conclusions, proof of guilt, before condemnation. it’s not about pgma, it’s about me, because some troll could accuse me of having an ongoing illicit affair with his wife in the philippines who has never been to the u.s., where i live and have never left before being arrested at the airport in the course of a balikbayan trip.
Manila Bay Watch on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 10:58 pm
Bencard,
“before being arrested at the airport in the course of a balikbayan trip.”
Question of facts: What on earth happened? You were arrested for not having an illicit affair or because you were found out?
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:32 pm
tried cvj did
and…he did succeed!
—–
In the “COA CIRCULARS DOCUMENT SEARCH FORM†(search query: “discretionary fundsâ€) I found this:
…but that was a Marcos-era COA Circular. I wonder if the term discretionary fund was resurrected after the genuine EDSA revolt. I also wonder how the term is defined now. It’s possible the recent dole-outs from Malacañang were covered and justified by their definition.
—–
How about the dole-outs, a.k.a. bribes, coming from the Office of the President’s intelligence funds?
Could be. By the way some of our elected officials are behaving and thinking…they sure could use some funds from Malacañang to buy human intelligence.
—–
Now that COA has revealed it…calamity or charity funds earmarked, of course!, for calamity or charity could be the source of the Malacañang dole-outs. But come to think of it, some elected officials really need charity for their calamitous conscience.
baycas on Thu, 18th Oct 2007 11:38 pm
correction…search query for the above “discretionary fund,” minus the “s.”
watchful eye on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:10 am
Those crisp bills, and paper bag are not facts, facts but the evil work of camera tricks.
And Ate Glue dropped the ZTE deal because of speculations going around.
Know what, that’s her voice but it’s not her talking on the Garci tapes. Facts you, man.
watchful eye on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:16 am
The bishops branded the Arroyo administration as “morally bankrupt.â€
Let’s not be too diplomatic at this stage. Say it straight: Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is “morally bankrupt.â€
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:20 am
Watchful eye, just as a guide to Bencard’s terminology, when he says facts, he does not mean just any kind of facts but one that is certified by a judge and therefore achieves the status of legal truth. After all, who are we supposed to believe, the word of a judge, or our own lying eyes?
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:37 am
mbw, none of the above,but i was just illustrating how one could be put to shame, annoyance and expense, if not jail, for mere unsupported speculations or bare allegations, if we dispense with the requirement of proof. i think you are smart to appreciate that, aren’t you?
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:49 am
cvj, i notice that you appointed yourself “the explainer” for this blog,huh? i think mbw and others have their own comprehension of things. you are too condescending and presumptuous. wait till you get arrested on a trumped up charge of terrorism, and see if you don’t demand proof and just meekly enter the prison cell with head bowed in shame.
watchful eye on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:52 am
Didn’t GMA dispense with the requirement of proof in cancelling the ZTE deal? She was smart enough to appreciate that?
justice in waiting on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:54 am
Just having a little fun here: The Malacanang Version of the “Desperate Housewifeâ€
The COA chief after submitting her report to the President of his audit and telling the President that he found many irregularities of her Office Accounting of Public Funds (ala Arthur Andersen on Enron), PGMA abruptly told him to stop and ala Term Hatcher said:
“Before you go any further, can I check those diplomas? I would just like to make sure that they’re not from some Accounting schools in the U.S.A..
You know our government accounting system is not similar to that of U.S.A or for that matter any country at all. My Accountants once worked for Arthur Andersen, the fifth largest in the U.S. and they know exactly that you are following the U.S. systemâ€.
lta on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:05 am
“having an ongoing illicit affair with his wife in the philippines who has never been to the u.s., where i live and have never left before being arrested at the airport in the course of a balikbayan trip.bencard”
hope you are ok now!
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:08 am
watchful, i don’t have the details but i thought pgma canceled the deal because of hullabaloo raised by the “gullible, pushover” crowd. as chief executive, she has that power without need for an order from a co-equal branch, the judiciary, unless a justiciable case on the matter is actually pending before it and which implicates a constitutional issue.
watchful eye on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:43 am
If GMA has solid basis (facts) to assume the ZTE deal was good for the country and would benefit the Filipino people, and as President she’s made of the right stuff, no amount of hullaballoo from anyone should have made her ever to cancel the deal and risk the displeasure of a regional power.
So, it’s either that she is a pushover leader or the deal was too hot to handle. Which one of these is the fact?
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:54 am
“Sarkozy, wife divorce, lawyer says
French president and his elegant but enigmatic wife, Cecilia, have divorced after months of questions about their relationship.”
If divorce is allowed in the Philippines, FG Arroyo would have been kick out of Malacanang a long time ago. Nani Perez would have been the new FG.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:55 am
Bencard,
Just so we get your facts straight — if I understand correctly, you’re saying you were neither having an illicit affair nor was found out before you were caught at the airport. ‘Smartly’ factual enough?
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:03 am
Supremo,
Speaking of ‘Bencardian’ facts, the Sarkozy’s have NOT yet divorced.
They signed a legal separation before a judge. It’s some kind of ‘reflection period’ or ’settling down to the idea’ period are therefore legally married still — with all corresponding marital and moral responsibilities that marriage entails except living together.
If they go back to the judge in 6 weeks time to say, “Yeah, Mr Judge, we’ve decided to do it and want a divorce”, then divorce proceedings will take place. There will be hearings, etc., and normally, one year from date of legal separation, divorce will be pronounced (don’t know if the time period will be shortened for president…)
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:09 am
mbw,
I understand. My point is GMA’s life could have been easier if she has the option to divorce FG Arroyo.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:13 am
Supremo,
Divorce is not allowed in RP laws but it’s hell easy to get a marriage annulment so I hear… Imagine a marriage annulment would mean that she would free to marry — as free as if she never married Mike Arroyo and so could easily marry again, i.e., get Nani Perez or Bencard or Bunye, for a prince consort.
Who can or will stop her, certainly not Mike Toh, er I mean Arroyo?
Anyway, what has ever stopped Gloria from obtaining something that isn’t allowed by law in RP?
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:17 am
Also Supremo, to me, Gloria and Mike make a very good pair…like Bonnie and Clyde.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:17 am
mbw,
Imagine a long line suitors at the gate of Malacanang bearing gifts for the little one. China might even send one of their guys.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:20 am
Supremo,
Absolutely! Think of the dowry that these suitors will be offering her — wait, the Chinese culture has a different take on dowries, right? I mean, it’s the women who offer dowries or am I wrong? Shit, if that’s the case, we’re in for bigger trouble. She might offer Pampanga for a dowry if she chooses a Chinese suitor!
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:22 am
Supremo,
But I hear she’s got a crush on Bill Clinton. She might court Bill instead. (Heh – future US Prez Hillary will make minced meat of her.)
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:24 am
Anyway, I don’t think she’ll go for the imported suitor – for all you know she might have Chavit Singson or JdV.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:30 am
mbw,
It’s the Indians who has a different take on the dowry. So no Indian suitor.
It would be hard for GMA to kneel before Bill C.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:37 am
mbw,
Or maybe Palparan, Esperon, Angeles.
I think she would go for some very rich guy like the Sultan of Brunei or a Colombian drug dealer.
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:48 am
MBW,
One little question, what could be a valid ground to obtain an annulment. Usually, one reason I remember years ago is the failure to consummate the marriage. Irreconcilable difference maybe? But it seems there is not a single “fault” between the two. They seem to be made for one another. A perfect couple, when it comes to you know what…
Dirk Pitt on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:50 am
same pattern.
first step: an obscure, lawyer files an impeachme complaint, citing his patriotism as the reason for doing so;
second step: feeding frenzy in the trough with all sorts of allies trooping to the palace for fattening and then making the rounds of tv talk shows proclaiming briberies never happened; while hysterical-sounding columnists (e.g., magno,cunanan, etc.) present a one-sided pro-gma
opinions and gossips;
third step: love-gloria bloggers spring into their acts , telling everybody to let’s move on;
fourth step: government distances itself from the impeachme complaint, proclaiming innocence to high heavens;
fifth step: irresponsible print and broadcast media (journalists cum columnists), in tandem with love-gloria bloggers, cry in unison: fabrications!, lies!, fabrications!, lies!â€.
sixth step: house commitee junks impeachme complaint, giving gloria one year reprieve from true impeachment complaints;
seventh step: pro-gma politicians and allies starting to count crisp thousand peso bills.
then, on to the next garci, fertilizer,ZTE,cybered,etc… anomalies.
The Ca t on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:55 am
It is not lack of knowledge, sir, it is the accounting system. Like in the private accounting system, the cash in bank in the balance sheet is not the real balance as of the cut off date because there might have been transactions in the bank that were not yet taken up in the books. So the bank reconciliation is done the following month when all bank charges, cashed checks,bank debits and credits are fully accounted for.
The difference in the balance does not necessarily mean there is a theft or fraud. The work of an auditor is to reconcile what is expected and what was observed.
So the auditor and the auditee sit down to thresh the differences.
Explaining everything to you will require more than one semester. But when there are questionable expenses, the auditor still have to ask for the supporting documents.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:56 am
Vic,
That’s what I told Supremo — Gloria and Mike match so perfectly well like Bonnie and Clyde.
The Ca t on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:00 am
Every agency has a discretionary fund. Not only the President.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:00 am
mbw/vic,
A match made in hell.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:00 am
Supremo,
Sultan of Brunei with Gloria? Don’t think he’ll like her — not pretty enough and she’s so taray, best would be to pair her off with either Hugo Chavez or as you say, a Columbian drug lord.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:07 am
Supremo,
What do you mean by “It would be hard for GMA to kneel before Bill C.”
Is it because she’s the Queen of an Enchanted Kingdom?
The Ca t on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:08 am
When he calls it by another name i.e not cash gifts then he’s not lying.
After his administration, there were also unliquidated advances in the Palace account.
I also explained the same thing.
And the people in charge of funds that need to be liquidated can not get clearance from the government not unless they are cleared of advances.
justice in waiting on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:08 am
“The difference in the balance does not necessarily mean there is a theft or fraud. The work of an auditor is to reconcile what is expected and what was observed.
So the auditor and the auditee sit down to thresh the differences”
Just like the COA auditors, may not know much about accounting, but I also believe that when the Auditors submitted the results of their audit, they fully undergone all the processes and procedures and even had sat down with the Auditee to thresh out the differences and the reports is the culminations of their job.
Well, there’s no need to lecture a semester-long to a person who is not interested to join the firm like the Arthur Andersen and a lot others, who like any other profession, has too many undesirables.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:09 am
Sorry for the question Supremo, but you see am trying hard to get ‘facts’, ‘facts’ and ‘facts’ here so asking questions here before I make any assertion…
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:18 am
MBW, yes the daring do couple, but at least they were tough and fearless and did their crime without trying to hide them. Unlike the other two, trying very hard to get ready for anointment for sainthood at the same time..
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:19 am
“Manila Bay Watch :
Supremo,
What do you mean by “It would be hard for GMA to kneel before Bill C.â€
Is it because she’s the Queen of an Enchanted Kingdom?”
I mean ‘kneel’ in the tri-X world. Bill is almost 6′2″. GMA will not be able to do a Lewinsky even if Bill is sitting down. The ’stain’ would be all over her head.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:27 am
Supremo,
I see what you mean. No wonder Manuel Buencamino reckoned that when she was boasting of being ‘eyed’ by Clinton in Georgetown, it was probably to use her head as a coaster platter.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:30 am
Vic,
But hang on, didn’t the Arroyo brothers say they were related to St Theresa of Avila? Maybe that’s the reason why, if ever, the two are ” trying very hard to get ready for anointment for sainthood at the same time..”
Imagine — RP can be soooo proud, St Gloria and San Miguel, two saints in one go (wonder if they will be required to bribe the Vatican to get the sainthood.)
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:33 am
But since she’s knee-high to a grasshopper, she should be called Santita Gloria (didn’t say ‘maldita, ok?), cuter than just the crude San Gloria.
supremo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:37 am
vic,
St. Gloria, patron saint of what?
maliitTITIKo on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:41 am
signed: small letter o
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 5:33 am
vic:
the annulment ground most commonly used is “psychological incapacity”, roughly defined as the couple is psychologically incapable of living together.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 6:50 am
Supremo asks, “St. Gloria, patron saint of what?” Well, what about patron saint of bribers and grafters?
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 7:41 am
wow, it’s incredible how some grown-up people in this blog could spend time in childish heckling. talaga yatang walang magawa sa buhay nila kaya puro misirable at kabulastugan ang nasa isip. kung ganyan ba naman ang kalibre ng mga kalaban ni gma ay talagang wala siyang problema o dapa’t ikabahala. mga utak-hanip.
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:01 am
mlq3, it looks like your “bombshell” has turned into a stink bomb (courtesy of your hate-gloria gang) and the putrid smell reaches as far as here on the other side of the world.
goodah on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:30 am
Quoting the Cat:
>When he (Ramos) calls it by another name i.e not cash gifts then he’s not lying.
After his administration, there were also unliquidated advances in the Palace account
goodah on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:31 am
(continuation)…The Cat, how did you know? Were you the accountant? And were (or are) you working in Malacanang?
DinaPinoy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 8:55 am
tama yata si binign0. ano ba ang sabi niya? smart people talk about issues?
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:19 am
aquilino pimentel, the black-haired septuagenarian, grabs center stage in reviving the much-ignored call for pgma to resign, obviously seeing an opportunity in what seems to be an orchestrated “bribery” melodrama. in a breakfast meeting “honoring” the spurned influence peddler who wastes no time making the same call (like he is someone that the president would listen to), aquilino (who had never addressed pgma president, calling her contemptuously by her first name) imperiously extolls noli as puede ng pagtiagaan in lieu of “gloria”. what a low-down, unmitigated s.o.b!
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:31 am
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:35 am
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:37 am
The Ca t on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:42 am
(continuation)…The Cat, how did you know? Were you the accountant? And were (or are) you working in Malacanang?
It was also in the news at that time. And the forum where I was active in politics had the same argument about government accounting.
It pays to keep yourself posted with the events, past and current so you do not have ask silly question.
Even I if I were not an accountant of Malacanan but I am an accountant who knows Government accounting, then I know what’s going on in the books of a government agency.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:46 am
The cat,
So GMA and company gets away with this because its allowed by law. I believe this unique accounting procedure needs to be revisited, liquidations need to have deadlines, they don’t need to be done months or years after cash is being spent. Isn’t it possible to liquidate immediately after an event/use? I know we do.
The Ca t on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:50 am
COA auditors are supposed to be CPAs and therefore they know Accounting. Gone are the days when
anybody can just become auditor.
You do not want to hear a lecture about accounting but you have been blurting out something that makes you ridiculous to people who know what accounting business is.
One word of advice, if it is not your turf, don’t even try to discuss the topic. More talk more errors.
Like I do not try being legalese because I am not a lawyer.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:53 am
Anyway, in my experience(s), everytime cases of unliquidated expenses (delayed even) are brought to my attention there’s really some underlying issues like lost receipts, no receipts, and worse – malversation (technical or otherwise).
I have terminated or asked to resign many a salesman for the same issues, proven or not proven. Fot me, there are positions that carry responsibility to a degree that not even a hint of impropriety is tolerated.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:09 am
bencard
This is democracy at its best. Anyway, you’ll probably notice that its mainly just a ventilation of our frustrations to the administration’s performance, but you need to experience the corruption in customs, businesss licensing departments, BIR, garbage-eating-species of man, street children, generals playing golf during office hours, politicians playing golf durign office hours, unliquidated billions, etc. You need to see it to believe it, you may have been out of the country for too long.
Wish you were here…:)
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:12 am
i have terminated or asked to resign many a salesman for the same issues, proven or not proven. ramrod.
live by the sword, perish by the sword (unless you own the entire business).
DinaPinoy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:21 am
ramrod, i guess bencard’s just frustrated when he sees posts hitting GMA with childish remarks. it’s not you.
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:24 am
ramrod, that’s why i say the problem are these people you mentioned, not gma. make her a dictator (with all the power to summarily put these people in jail, proof or no proof of actual wrongdoing, as you do in your company). then we hold her liable for everything under “command responsibility”.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:26 am
bencard
Losing a job for violating the same principles you believe in, so be it, you keep your integrity intact and you retain the respect of people who know you. Even in the event that you were not even guilty, the truth has an uncanny way of coming out, and like sin, good deeds do not go unrewarded/unpunished.
I wish I owned the entire business, then I can afford to hire you, you make a good corporate lawyer, you stick to the law no matter what, disregarding controversy. I must admit there was a time I was mired in controversy but some people hated me too much I had to leave. Two years later they found out the truth, now the owner is a good friend of mine. It is my belief that you can’t function effectively anymore if the people you serve do not trust you, why force the issue?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:01 am
To be fair to GMA, I actually voted for her. To me she is probably the “managerial type” not trapo, very well versed in economics, very intelligent, hardworking, sticks to her beliefs (regardless of being unpopular), she represents the country extremely well in the international community (Erap will never do), and she knows how to take care of her staff. To top it off, we have good report card grades on our economy.
But then again, leadership, expecially the presidency is a very heavy responsibility and as we can see, very demanding. Perception plays a major part, perhaps more than achievement (or equal to). Whether she will be vindicated in her term or later remains to be seen, but for now its pretty obvious that she will find it very hard to function. Everything she does will be viewed through a microscope and shown for all the country to see, professional or personal. The good works will be ignored, the controversy magnified. Even her family will not be spared. We can’t help it, this is reality, this is how the world works.
Inspite of her strengths, she has some weaknesses, to start with is her stature, a leader should look the part, strong, tall, unwavering (figuratively speaking). Second, power, she cannot control the people around her, so she is viewed as a lameduck by some, third, she lost the battle for perception. It will be extremely difficult for her to lead at this point. In effect, she will not be a good president, we have no use for her and the likes of her.
Bencard, you’re right to stick to what you believe in, uphold the law/rules, unfortunately, the world does not work that way, especially politics.
Beancurd on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:03 am
“what a low-down, unmitigated s.o.b!”
same thing can be said of some old timers
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:06 am
ramrod, thanks for the compliment, albeit coming from left field.
i don’t doubt your sincerity in doing the right thing. i know you, like me, hate injustice in whatever shape or form and whoever is committing it. i guess our difference is in deciding who is the victim and who is the culprit, and how we make that decision. i say we follow the rule of law and you say, forget the law, our intuition is good enough. am i wrong?
Beancurd on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:07 am
ramrod,
stop making excuses for gloria. she is the president and the most powerful person in the country and she is supposed to control her people. is it not her fault that she cannot control her own people? i doubt you will make that justification if the president is a man.
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:23 am
“watchful, i don’t have the details but i thought pgma canceled the deal because of hullabaloo raised by the ‘gullible, pushover’ crowd.” Bencard
Who is the “pushover” here? Who buckled down? Gloria or the “crowd”?
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:29 am
To the CBCP:You are as guilty as Gloria for tolerating all her excesses all these years.Your “critical colloboartion†with her gave her the confidence to commit all her excesses.
‘Depart from me, accursed ones, into the everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry, and you did not give me to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take me in; naked, and you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me.’ Then they also will answer and say, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to you?’ Then he will answer them saying, ‘Amen I say to you, as long as you did not do it for one of these least ones, you did not do it for me.’ And these will go into everlasting punishment, but the just into everlasting life.â€
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:33 am
ramrod, i find it very amusing for you to consider pgma’s height as a “weakness”. napoleon bonaparte was not that tall but he almost ruled the world by conquest. c.p. romulo did not become president but i never heard that his small stature was a weakness. so was churchill’s.
do we always have to change presidents through “people power”? we might as well abolish presidential elections, it’s never respected and accepted by the losers, anyway. in a unique system where the losers, collectively, has the support of more people than the winner, the losers will always “have no use for her(/him)”.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:37 am
Bencard,
I’m just speaking from my experience, its peobably the only topic I know best. I am for following the law, in fact I am a stickler to it and enforce it without prejudice. But the law is not everything, to me there are other considerations, like trust for instance. Why would I continue to defend myself even if I’m innocent? (granted). My point is, the presidency, whether in government or corporate, is just a job, if you don’t have the trust of the people you serve, unfounded or not, why stay? Life is more than that…
Beancurd,
I’m not actually making excuses for GMA, I’m just trying to look at it from a disinterested person’s point of view, without my biases, based on function, not personality. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not above the “oust GMA slogans,” sometimes my training gets in the way and I have to see other perspectives just to get a clearer picture.
Of course, you and I have to admit, the Filipino psyche is still “machismo.” Whether we are willing to admit it or not, the military will (although secretly) not take kindly to being led by a woman, the “macho” senate or congressmen included, even the electorate. If we look at our history, the coups that happened during Cory’s time were the worst.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:37 am
“To be fair to GMA, I actually voted for her. To me she is probably the “managerial type†not trapo”
RAMROD:”Not very trapo”.The understatement of the year!
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:42 am
Instead of investigating the source of the bribe money (for we know who the real bribe-giver is), they should investigate the food served during breakfast last October 11. What could be in the food that so many congressmen, governors, and mayors were suddenly afflicted with extreme amnesia, failing to remember what happened that day? This is the height of sabotage! Imagine, causing damage to the brains of those honorable congressmen, governors, and mayors! It was fortunate that Among Ed must have partaken just a little of the food, or must have developed some kind of immunity from whatever malevolent substance they put in the food, so that he was still able to remember clearly what really happened.
So, as a citizen who dutifully pays his taxes, I call on the Senate and the House to investigate the chefs, kitchen assistants, and waiters who were in Malacanang on that fateful day.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:49 am
“So, as a citizen who dutifully pays his taxes, I call on the Senate and the House to investigate the chefs, kitchen assistants, and waiters who were in Malacanang on that fateful day.Shaman”
That’s really funny!LOL
SHAMAN:Trick-or-treating is one of the main traditions of the palace. It has become socially expected that if one lives in the Palace by the Pasig ,a neighborhood frequented by begging congressmen, one should prepare the brown money bag as treats in preparation for the trick-or-treaters.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:54 am
Bencard,
I don’t think many people here are into people power anymore, its more of a popular disapproval although vigorously expressed. Thats democracy for you. This is the same democracy GMA fought for when she opposed Erap, she should also expect the same.
Stature, you know what I mean, he/she has to be a figure of strength (MLQ1, Marcos,Bush?).
Jeg on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:54 am
Bencard: do we always have to change presidents through “people power�
No of course not. Impeachment will do nicely, thank you very much. Although I see the impeachment proceedings going to a detour via the Supreme Court on whether or not Pulido’s lame complaint can be withdrawn.
The Christmas wish is for resignation of course, to save us from an impeachment trial. In a perfect Philippines, bribery occurring right under the very nose of the President, assuming — assuming — she had nothing to do with it, would cause her to resign as this is a sign not that she has lost control of her own house. Not in this Philippines, though.
Jeg on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:56 am
“…that this is a sign that she has lost control of her own house”, I meant.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:57 am
“RAMROD:â€Not very trapoâ€.The understatement of the year!”
Equalizer, I was talking to Bencard, sometimes we have to be sensitive to other people’s beliefs even if you disagree entirely.
Beancurd on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:02 pm
ramrod,
the machismo culture works to her advantage than disadvantage so much so that she has generals willing to engage in extrajudicial encounters and even do illegal wiretapping just to keep her in power thinking she is damsel in distress. you may also want to look at all those men surrounding her. the thing is, she cannot order her general and men to follow the law because they know something about her that completely repudiates such dictum. on the other hand, if she has no skeletons in her closet and orders the arrest of a general for disobedience even before such a general’s men, her being a woman notwithstanding, the general will be arrested. it is as simple as that.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:04 pm
Jeg
Precisely, what I’ve been saying. Even if she is innocent of all these wrongdoing, it happened under her watch.
Beancurd on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:07 pm
Bencard: do we always have to change presidents through “people power�
Well, that assumes a duly elected, not a cheating sitting one. of course, the rule of law makes (all the better for the cheater) people deaf, dumb and blind, isn’t it?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:09 pm
Beancurd,
The generals surrounding her have so much to lose if she falls, they have given up integrity, courage, and loyalty – things they used to regard as the reason for their existence. Its basically survival now, if push really comes to shove, its easy for them to turn around and say “we chose to support the people!” As you may have witnessed earlier…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:14 pm
RAM: are these generals PMA graduates?
“WE, THE CADETS DO NOT LIE, CHEAT, STEAL NOR TOLERATE THOSE WHO DO.”
1. A cadet does not lie. In his dealing with others, a cadet tells the truth, regardless of the consequences. He does not quibble. He does not make evasive statements.
2. A cadet does not cheat. A cadet does not defraud others nor does he take undue advantage of them.
3. A cadet does not steal. A cadet does not take any personal property of another without the latter’s consent. He does not keep for himself anything that he finds which does not belong to him.
4. A cadet does not tolerate any violation of the Code. A cadet is bound to report any breach of the Code that comes to his attention. He does not countenance by inaction honor violations; if he does, he becomes party to such a violation and he himself is as guilty as the violator.
5. A cadet does not squeal on his mistahs, no matter what crime they do so long as they share the loot. only through this code will we remain above the law.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:15 pm
“What could be in the food that so many congressmen, governors, and mayors were suddenly afflicted with extreme amnesia, failing to remember what happened that day?” – shaman
Its called “selective amnesia.” It occurs mostly when exposed to traumatic experience that the brain inorder to protect itself pushes these traumatic experiences’ memory into the subconscious, burying it so to speak. But what could be this “trigger” this extremely traumatic experience – the sight of too much cash, cold cash, just for the taking! Mama mia!
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:21 pm
Equalizer,
These generals are holding on to power or to GMA because they have lost everything else. They’ve lost the respect of their peers, their class, and if you go to the barracks right now you won’t hear the soldiers singing praises for them, you should hear the expletives they have for GMA.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:25 pm
“No of course not. Impeachment will do nicely, thank you very much. ” Jeg
My christmas wish exactly. No storming the palace gates, too messy, I have a business to run.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:27 pm
RAM:I agree with you!the brave marines are not even getting the “promised” combat pay increases!And yet it is so easy to give P500K in brown money bags to begging congressmen and governors.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:28 pm
“5. A cadet does not squeal on his mistahs, no matter what crime they do so long as they share the loot. only through this code will we remain above the law.”
Equalizer, this violates the “toleration” clause earlier.
Squeeling is a word best used in military secrets, you don’t squeel even under torture. But any breach to the code is not tolerated.
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:29 pm
“Precisely, what I’ve been saying. Even if she is innocent of all these wrongdoing, it happened under her watch.” – ramrod
For the sake of argument:
Malfeasance – we don’t have the proof/evidence/facts as somebody pointed out.
Misfeasance – the same as the above.
Nonfeasance – herein lies the problem, our eyes cannot lie to us
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:30 pm
Beancurd,
It seems to me she’s more of a “damsel who’s distressing us.”
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:30 pm
RAM::how is Mr.Esperon viewed in the barracks?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:38 pm
Equalizer,
Esperon has lost it. Its like a powder keg, if some junior officers will care to light it, it will explode. Fortunately (unfortunately) for us, most of them have learned their lesson (Honasan, Oakwood, etc.) and the old guards are teling everybody to stand down, stick to the chain of command, which is only sensible. We the people can handle this, and whether successful or not, its still “we the people” whos going to clean up the mess. What else is new? Its not like we’re all migrating somewhere else…
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:42 pm
RAM:thanks for views CAVALIER!
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:50 pm
ram:how do they view “the few brave men” in jail?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:53 pm
Just out in Abante today,
Combat pay ng sundalo inilabas na
P73million combat incentive pay for soldiers who fought the Abu Sayaf and MILF in Basilan (August).
P240/month per soldier during combat assignment
P150/day incentive during actual combat operations
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 12:56 pm
GREAT news.they deserve it !
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:03 pm
Do the soldiers have to grumble before they get what is due them? These scoundrels of generals won’t move unless they are threatened
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:07 pm
Shaman,
Yes, I noticed. If these were different times, the combat incentive pay would have been buried. I believe its part of the “firefighting” they are frantically doing right now.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:12 pm
Squeeky wheel gets the oil
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:16 pm
I saw on the news last night re the palace’s expenses, there was a liquidation but it looked funny, I couldn’t copy it, it went too fast, some money went to paying the golf course, some donations (no mention to where), I’ll check if its in the papers.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:23 pm
Got to go guys, I have a meeting to attend to. I have to make my boss’ millions.
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:25 pm
“I saw on the news last night re the palace’s expenses, there was a liquidation but it looked funny, I couldn’t copy it, it went too fast, some money went to paying the golf course, some donations (no mention to where), I’ll check if its in the papers.” – ram
Ram,
It’s in the article of MLQ3 above this thread.
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:29 pm
Oh, I see.
Qwert, MBW, if you need to learn a European language in preparation for european posting what language would that be? My boss says French, is this okay?
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:34 pm
Ram,
I think MBW can better help you on this matter, she’s based in France (I’m not so sure), she probably knows the business environment in Europe.
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 1:43 pm
I’m withdrawing my call for an investigation of the breakfast food served in Malacanang last October 11.
Turned out, they have, in fact, investigated the kitchen staff. The report I received said that a neophyte chef poured the entire contents of the box of conscience on Among Ed’s omelette. Realizing his mistake, he grabbed a bag of greed and sprinkled the contents liberally on the rest of the omelettes.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:02 pm
bomb expolsion in ayala glorietta mall;start of diversionary and scare tactics?
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:05 pm
Shaman,
Very funny!I also recieved a report that the chef apologized to GMA for cooking so many omelettes that there are many left overs, but GMA never reprimanded the chef and told him to make sure that the omelettes be freezed inside the ref, the chef asked: Why Ma’am? GMA answered: ” You moron,you’ll be serving it again on November 5, there will be another breakfast.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:10 pm
nov5 trick or treat again?
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:14 pm
qwert, you’re right. You got the follow-up report.
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:16 pm
glorietta explosion:
apparently an LPG tank from a restaurant.
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:19 pm
By the way, qwert, just to be sure, they ordered a container van full of greed. They were quite happy with the culinary discovery of the neophyte chef.
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:39 pm
Is that so? Shaman. That’s quite a large number of visitors. I hope the bishops are not included. I heard their courting them again.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 2:48 pm
GMA, herself ,is the great destablizer of the government
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:08 pm
“Hinamon ni Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ronaldo Puno si Speaker Jose de Venecia na magpakatotoo.
Kailangan na raw sagutin ni de Venecia ang mga balitang siya ang nasa likod sa alegasyong “suhulan” para sirain ang imahe ni Pangulong Arroyo.DZMM”
Beleive it or not from spin doctor Ronnie puno
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:09 pm
the radio is saying bomb. 4 dead, 45 injured.
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:12 pm
martial law all over again?
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:27 pm
PNP chief: ‘It was a bomb’
Equalizer on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:30 pm
i can smell something fishy;diversionary tactics?preparatory to emergency rule?
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:38 pm
explosion upward direction typical of antitank claymore, antipersonnel is sidewards
cvj on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:44 pm
Wasn’t the HSA supposed to prevent these things from happening?
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:44 pm
sir, wouldn’t a shaped charge have the same effect?
Willy on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 3:49 pm
Got a tip – Grabe traffic, avoid area…roads leading there..lpg tank explosion..1:20pm, Luk Yuen resto area of Glorietta2/Landmark
ramrod on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:02 pm
cvj, hsa is terror friendly, impossible to implement
qwert on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:04 pm
Hey guys,
Manolo has posted a new thread and posted links to blogsites with pictures and eyewitness account of what happened.
tonio on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 4:04 pm
am getting conflicting reports about the damage. people are saying that almost an entire block is gone.
Manila Bay Watch on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:37 pm
Get a life Bencard… what’s your problem? People here say the things they say here because they don’t like Gloria and this is because there are reasons for their/our not liking her. It’s not because you like, nay, adore her that people should feel the way you do toward her and be allowed to be bullied by you into accepting your one-track minded opinion of Gloria, i.e., that she’s wonderful, marvelous, glorious or whatever because they AREN’T TRUE.
(You say you don’t know her, well, that is an advantage I have over you — I know her, have known her since 1992, have met her on a more than one occassion since then up close and far; even her best friend and former classmate who happened to be one of my close friends as well, and who served under her at the beginning in 2001 didn’t like what she and her husband were doing with some government money and died not liking her at all.)
If Gloria is not happy with what people say of her here at Mlq3’s, then let her come and say so herself — she’s got many people in Malacanang who can do that but until then, I say let people say what they want about her and her putrid governance.
If you aren’t happy with that either, sue me, sue us, sue those who say things against her. But for heavens sake, don’t for one moment believe that your opinion is THE ONLY right opinion in this forum. Get a grip!
Frankly, you are beginning to really sound and seem like a boring old fart.
(Anyway, what is hanip? If it’s bad then I send it back to you with my compliments.)
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 9:47 pm
ramrod, et al., asking pgma to resign for the vague excuse that she has “lost control” is, with due respect, ludicrous. if half the people of the philippines decide to commit acts that may, eventually, be adjudged a crime, should the president, any president, resign? have you ever heard of any president in history (other than erap, who denies he did, and nixon in the u.s.who was said to be DIRECTLY involved in a crime), under a republican, presidential form of government such as ours and the united states’, who resigned from office because he/she is alleged to have “lost control”?
resignation is a voluntary act, not forced. it’s a private decision. a president is not supposed to abandon office just because a situation is “too hot”. losers, and haters without a cause, can always find a means to make it too hot for a president to continue in office. he/she can be a weakling and just cower to submission. or he/she can be strong and resist the onslaught. pgma has proven, time and again, that she is strong. i cheer for her and pray that she would remain steadfast in her mission to make the country great.
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:07 pm
mbw, better an “old fart” than a foul-mouthed, abrasive old hag. i don’t know about you, but i have a life and it’s great. re your friends, i smell ing-git – that most vicious and self-destructive filipino trait.
btw, i don’t exactly know what “hanip” is but its sounds good, isn’t it? seriously it means “flea” in our dialect.
justice in waiting on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:29 pm
MBW,
Bencard claims to be a lawyer, or solicitor or barrister or all of the above, and like every trained lawyer, he is very well-versed in bending the facts to fit their own case, but the problem is he forgets that this is not a “trial” where he can argue about the “rule of law” and the admissibility of evidence but a Political Forum where participants express their political opinions as they interpret the events according to each and everyone interpretations…He will support his “clients” until the Jury hand down its verdict of the trial judge for that matter.
But if we choose a jury to moderate this forum and let the readers decide the winner, I would not bet my Peso on Bencard’s arguments..just so flawed that he just became one of Gloria’s apologists at about every issue that hounds her and her administration. seems that he already made up his mind, before another scandal or allegation ever hit the Blogosphere..In court, his arguments of sticking to his client’s innocence is admirable, even after a verdict of “lethal injection” was handed down, but that lawyer’s duties to his client and it seemed that Ms Arroyo has now become one of his clients…
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:49 pm
Ram,
Reading your comments about Ms Arroyos stature, at first i thought you were referring to her “physical stature”. but going thru the whole context, I understood you are referring to strength, unwavering belief in righteousness and sticking to her principles, and may change her ideologies to accomplish her goals that is about every great leader’s dream, the welfare of her people and how to bring them about.
If I were bring to my always referring to great Canadians, the Greatest of them all was a small man, not even taller than me, but a Giant among men, Tommy Douglas.
He made mistakes, but always a humble man to correct them and exceeded every one’s expectations, and was privileged to be able to see and hear the Man towards the later years of his political career and you will never see such a humble man in this Ego inflating time of ours..
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 10:57 pm
Bravo MBW!!!!
“i don’t know about you, but i have a life and it’s great. re your friends, i smell ing-git – that most vicious and self-destructive filipino trait.” – Bencard
Bencard, you’re an arrogant boor. You think your material wealth makes you stand above the rest? You smell ing-git? You think you’re the only one with millions in the bank and a great life? Envy you? You may have dollars oozing out of your ears, but you’re as morally bankrupt as your fake President. Remember this, material wealth does not automatically endows a person with respectability.
Shaman of Malilipot on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:18 pm
Sorry, “…does not automatically endow…”
vic on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:25 pm
“COA auditors are supposed to be CPAs and therefore they know Accounting. Gone are the days when
anybody can just become auditor”.
Then what was wrong with COA reports, and its Qualified opinion expressed on the Executive Accounts. If the CPAs of the Malacanang knew what they were doing, then how come the CPAs of COA still found a lot of “holes” in their Accounts.
And how come you so ASSUMMING, that this blogger didn’t have any “little knowledge” of accounting. For your info miss C at this one and only was once a CPA, now a CGA and retired. But this is no place to BRAG about it…
Bencard on Fri, 19th Oct 2007 11:27 pm
shaman, wrong again. i’m not referring to myself. i have more than what i need and my needs are simple, but i’m not oozing wealth by any means. you may be wealthier than i am, you self-confessed “landed” aristocrat, posing as a masses-loving ideologue.
i was actually referring to mwb’s “friend” when i say i smell ing-git in what she (mwb) related to us about that friend of her’s.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:00 am
justice in waiting, if you are a lawyer as your sn implies, why don’t you debate me on Law and the Constitution. afterall, you cannot have a blanket entitlement to “truth” by labeling an issue “political”. who determines whether it’s political or not anyway, you? as i said before, the main problem in the philippines is that there’s just too many wise guys/gals and not enough wise men/women.
it’s really a cultural thing. the bad influence of the spanish colonizers, especially the rapacious friars, had inculcated in the filipino psyche the indelible arrogant attitude, ” a basta, yan and gusto ko, yan ang masusunod” or ” sinasabi ko na na yan ang tutuo, bakit hindi ka maniwala, gago ka?”
look around, watch the contemptible omnipotent-sounding, mentally-challenged b.s. declaring ” dapat mag-resign si gloria, si noli puede na nating pagtiagaan”; or asking a guest in a senate “inquisition”, “do you have a son with so and so?” (a lady apparently not the guest’s wife); and so forth and so on.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:11 am
btw, a jury can only act or decide according to the parameters as set out by Law and instructed by the Judge. it’s not a whimsical body that finds facts according to their personal beliefs or emotions. of course, such a jury composed of bloggers here, answerable to no rules, would always find against me and my “client”.
justice in waiting on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 12:52 am
Bencard,
I’m no lawyer or any professional like you are and here in the forum, most can claim of who they are even when they are not. But it is you, who always insist on your point of view and regards others as “childish” or even resort to calling names, when they are just trying to do the same as you, pushing their own opinions and express their own view that may not in total agreement with yours.
now if you insist that this forum is not political in nature, then why are we discussing politics here, instead of our career? Of course, bloggers here sometimes make comments of their background to reinforce their arguments, but it does not make this forum unpolitical.
But good manners dictate, that we refrain from calling other bloggers names, like asking “gago ka” yet we can hurl expletives to the subjects mostly discuss in this blog, the dirty politicians, and assume responsibilities for them, even under all kinds of sn…that my fellow commenter is expected from all, not just from MLQ and a few…
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 3:24 am
now, now, jiw, i never called any blogger here “gago ka”. i was describing a cultural attitude of many pinoys. ordinarily, i only call people names in self-defense, or in defense of my “client”, when provoked. i don’t believe in ad hominems as a tool for debate. i equate that with a moronic husband who beats his wife because he has no capacity to reason with her. i think name-calling weakens an argument and reflects more on the callers bankruptcy of ideas than on his/her adversary.
i leave it up to manolo to define the nature of this blog. i believe, though, that this is a free-wheeling medium for all kinds of opinion other than libelous or inimical to the security of the state. i don’t think it is limited to “political” issues, no matter how partisan the commenter is.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:05 am
i was just wondering, this tragic makati bombing occurred right on the heels of the “gloria-resign movement”’s largely-ignored motorcade. the t.v. reporter specifically says that the reason for the “quiet” motorcade was that the movement could not muster enough “warm bodies” for a decent demo. somebody here made a comment about “right timing”. there you go!
Manila Bay Watch on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 4:44 am
Bencard,
(Been trying to post a message in reply to your previous ’smelly’ post but seems Manolo’s minesweeper is at work so trying this again before I sign off.)
Firstly, with regard to my friend’s “inggit”, suit yourself, you can smell it again and again, that’s your prerogative, but afraid you will have to do it where she lies burried. (I suggest however you smell your own inggit first before anything). As I pointed out earlier — and don’t tell me you missed it, I said that said friend of mine who left Gloria’s services in 2001 after she discovered financial hooliganism involving Gloria’s husband and Gloria, never to speak to the couple again, is dead; she died some three years ago.
I don’t give a hoot whether you believe this or not but my friend was NEVER the inggit type – she was upright, a good person, not an inggit bone in her person, she herself was the daughter of one of the nation’s most respected legislators with nary a taint of corruption to their family name.
Secondly, am glad you liked the nickname “Old Fart”; also, you say “i don’t know about you” and that’s all in your honour that you finally admit you “don’t know about me”…
Thirdly, re your ‘foul-mouthed old hag’ name calling, someone said you were 69 years old or older (?), well, you’re almost decades older than me (you’re almost the same age as my Mom who’s 70) so that term should apply to you (or perhaps ‘foul-mouthed hog’ for a man if you are a man?); if you re-read your posts, you will see that you are as foul-mouthed and as abbrasive as anyone here — the term foul-mouthed absolutely applies to you too so plussss, stop being conceited! Stop sounding so self-righteous Mr Old Fart, and maybe, just maybe, you will be credible.
Lastly, thanks for the translation of “hanip”. Am returning it to you with my compliments, “Anak ka ng hanip”.
Cheerio, boring old fart!
The Ca t on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 5:49 am
If he is a CPA, then he would understand how timing difference works whether in the private and government accounting systems.
A CPA may just be a CPA in title but do not necessarily
have experience in the different specialized accounting system like government accounting system.
I for one should keep myself updated in Property Management Accounting.
Bakit nanggalaiti ka na naman, ikaw ba yong blogger na iyon in another alternick.
Dami kasing pangalan, pag nacriticize, panay naman ang aray. Hohum.
Is there such title as CGA? MEron bang board yon?
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 7:42 am
mbw, i think we’ve gone this road before and i don’t like it. i try to dish out what is given me, and i never start a slugfest in name-calling or the trading of insults. i’m sorry about your deceased friend, may she rest in peace and i hope she had an opportunity to overcome her “hate” before she pass away. you see, we catholics have a belief that hate is the greater sin and that unless one is able to eliminate it before the last breath, he/she cannot expect forgiveness in heaven.
your source is wrong about my age. but who cares if you’re younger than me? again, i didn’t say i like being called an “old fart” – where did you get that idea? i just said better an old fart (which was the epithet you called me)than “a foul-mouthed, abrasive old hag”. if the shoe fits, then wear it.
about hanip, now you can add that to your collection of nice compliments. you learn something everyday.
Shaman of Malilipot on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:18 am
No, Bencard, I no longer own even a square inch of farm land. As I’ve said, I firmly believe that farm land should belong to the tiller, even going against my own mother. I have excellent relations with my mother’s former tenants. I won’t own a farm unless I can work it myself. And I don’t intend to.
I’m sorry if I misunderstood you. I was going within the context of your statement that I quoted.
vic on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:20 am
“Is there such title as CGA? MEron bang board yon?”
To Answer your question, CGA stands for Certified General Accountant and there is one more RIA, Registered Industrial Accountant, regulated each by its own Body.
The CPA as you might have known by now is equivalent to CA (Chartered Accountant).
Both the other accounting designations are for employment purposes and training where candidates apply for membership (no post university degree required, just basic knowledge of reading and writing and courses are taken in any colleges and conducted by the bodies own instructors (could be the same as college instructors and professors) and progress is match by progress in employment. As soon as courses are done and progress in employment (promotion and position) is deemed sufficient, designation is granted…lenght of completion depends on individual’s input and progress at work..
Both can not practice public accounting which is only reserves for CAs, but usually enough to hold the top position in any business or governmental agencies.
For CA one needs a university degre…
Shaman of Malilipot on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 9:36 am
“it’s really a cultural thing. the bad influence of the spanish colonizers, especially the rapacious friars, had inculcated in the filipino psyche the indelible arrogant attitude, ‘a basta, yan an(g) gusto ko, yan ang masusunod’” – Bencard
Do you ever realize, Bencard, that it’s exactly the attitude of your “client”? That she violates laws, the Constitution, and even the rights of others and covers up her crimes with executive privilege, EO 464, Memorandum 108, all under the guise of the “rule of law”? Of course, with your assiduous encouragement and approbation.
Bencard on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:18 am
shaman, she happens to be the president, the highest official of the land. as such she has some prerogatives. if her action is questioned, it has to be in a proper forum specified by law. if the forum decides against her, she abides (i have not heard her violate a single lawful court order).
i was referring to the “cultural” attitude of the average pinoy, regardless of position, education or wealth – in poor imitation of their former masters, and handed down from one generation to another.
Shaman of Malilipot on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 11:50 am
Bencard,
I didn’t know that a President has the prerogative to violate the law. The only reason why evidence of her violations of the law cannot be exposed is because of her cover-up through executive privilege, EO 464, Memorandum 108, bribery of congressmen to frustrate an impeachment case – in short, through obstruction of justice.
I really cannot understand how a self-professed champion of the rule of law like you can countenance such behavior, unless, of course, you have a vested self-interest in her staying in power, unless you represent her interests in the US. Tell me it ain’t so. Truthfully now. Just among us girls.
ramrod on Sat, 20th Oct 2007 10:16 pm
“ramrod, et al., asking pgma to resign for the vague excuse that she has “lost control†is, with due respect, ludicrous.” – bencard
I will understand your inability to grasp the concept of LEADERSHIP, it appears to me that you work alone. If you have ever experienced small unit leadership (leading 6 people) or company size, or battalion size, to corporate size…then you will begin to understand. But then again, you serve a function in this world, in this blog in particular, the moderation “cap.” Without people like you, all of us will deteriorate into narrowminded members of a hate group. Its because of you that we are sharpened, well practiced, and better prepared to face dissenting arguments in other venues.
Continue you good service…
Bencard on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:31 am
shaman, see what i mean? why should everything to you have a price? why do you automatically assume that anything anyone does has a quid pro quo? i can ask the same question to you. do you get paid for spewing anti-gma diatribe? ’cause if you do you must be really “wealthy” now.
i told you before, and i’m telling you again. pgma’s actions according to her interpretation of the constitution are valid and lawful until declared to the contrary by the sc in a proper case brought before it. it appears to me that many a time, she has tested the law to its limits, but i think she has never intentionally violated an ESTABLISHED rule of law. if you still don’t get it, i suggest you consult with your attorney and if he/she is interested, debate the matter with me.
ramrod, a government is not a business, profit-driven corporation. the president of our country cannot be lawfully replaced at a drop of a hat. there is a process, albeit a long one. leadership is relative and subjective. this is why we differ in our appreciation of pgma’s. a few posts ago, i have commented on the different paradigms of the business of government, on the one hand, and that of a private enterprise, on the other. you’re welcome to review it.
The Ca t on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 12:58 am
There you are I am talking about the Philippines and you’re talking about Canada.
Canada’s accounting is patterned after UK which debits and credits are interchanged.
Shaman of Malilipot on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 10:04 am
No, Bencard, I’m not for sale.
Is it the job of a President to test the law to its limits? Last I looked, it’s his/her job to execute the spirit of the law. When you push the law to its limits, chances are you’ll overstep the line. And that’s what Gloria has been doing to serve not the people’s interests but her own selfish ones. Gloria has violated established rules of law. For one, she violated the electoral laws by calling a Comelec commissioner during the election period, a fact that she admitted on national television. Then she took several actions that were ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Isn’t something declared unconstitutional a violation of the Constitution? But, of course, you just choose to sweep these things under the rug and claim you’re strictly for the rule of law.
You seem to say that everything in life must end up in court. Bencard, we don’t eat legalities for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Many of the things in the ordinary course of daily life are decided and accepted without going to court. I’m sure you take actions in your personal life based on subjective judgment, not because the court has ordered them.
In more decent and truly democratic societies, public opinion is enough to drive political leaders out of office. Real leaders, that is.
Shaman of Malilipot on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 10:15 am
As a layman, I often wonder why there’s no sanction of any kind for an act expressly ruled by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
vic on Sun, 21st Oct 2007 6:23 pm
“As a layman, I often wonder why there’s no sanction of any kind for an act expressly ruled by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.”
Shaman, There is, in other country that is. When the law prohibiting marriage between same sex was Declared or ruled Unconstitutional as violation of the Equality Rights, by the Lower Courts and not contested by the Crown, which denied benefits accorded marriage between man and woman at the exclusion of all other, The Government passed the law to recognize same sex marriage and Pay Benefits to same sex couples (like widow pensions) retro-active to l985 when the Charter took effect in recognition that the law violated its own Charter..that is the consequence for violating the Charter, whichever party does the violation
Bencard on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 7:41 am
shaman, so why do you assume i’m paid for my pro-gma views? i’m a professional and i get paid for my professional services, just like doctors, dentists, nurses, accountants,etc., and skilled laborers like carpenters, plumbers, masons, etc. for their’s. if you have the same thinking as cvj, who equates lawyering, or getting paid for services, with prostitution, then you are in “good” company. but then, aren’t we all get paid for what we do for a living, one way or the other?
what’s wrong with a chief executive “testing the law to its limits”? why should she pre-judge, or second-guess the courts? the point is she is not violating the law. testing and violating are two different things. if she cannot second-guess the highest court, you cannot either, even if you were the greatest constitutional jurist in the world.
no, i’m not saying “everything in life must end in court”. what i am saying is that every unresolved controversy between two parties would, and should, end in court. would you rather have it end on a smoking barrel of a gun, with the “losing party” lying in a pool of blood dead as death?
as to sanction, i believe it is limited to invalidating the action in question. however a subsequent violation of the court’s ruling (in a subsequent case involving the same issue) would probably constitute an impeachable offense.
Shaman of Malilipot on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 1:36 pm
Okay, Bencard, you’re just pro-GMA, period. Fine.
Still, you haven’t explained GMA’s publicly-admitted talking to Garcillano during the 2004 election period. Was it a violation of the law or not?
Bencard on Mon, 22nd Oct 2007 9:13 pm
shaman, she “admitted” on tv that she had talked with a “comelec official”. if talking to a comelec official was a violation of law, i don’t believe it’s a “high crime” constituting an impeachable offense.
Shaman of Malilipot on Wed, 24th Oct 2007 11:51 pm
So, Bencard, you cannot claim that GMA never violated the law.
No more questions, your Honor.